bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric Analysis of Coronary Arteries: An Autopsy Study from a Tertiary Hospital at Kolar, Karnataka, India
Authors: Chaudhary Nikhil , Raju Kalyani , Reddy Srinivas YP
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The incidence and prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are rising worldwide, particularly in India. CAD can be asymptomatic in the general population. Aim: To analyse the significance of morphometric measurements of the coronary arteries in autopsy cases of unnatural deaths. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional autopsy study conducted from January to December 2020 in the Department of Pathology in collaboration with the Department of Forensic Medicine at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India. Cases of deaths due to unnatural causes were considered. Morphometric parameters such as Luminal Area (LA), Internal Elastic Lamina Area (IELA), External Elastic Lamina Area (EELA), width of the intima at maximal thickness, width of the media at maximal thickness, intimal area, medial area, percentage of luminal narrowing, Intimal Thickness Index (ITI), and Intima to Media Ratio (IMR) were estimated using a Zeiss microscope on Verhoeff-Van-Gieson (VVG) stained tissue sections and analysed with ZEN software. All data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: A total of 80 autopsy cases were considered for the current research, of which 62 were males and 18 were females. The mean age of the cases was 37.6 years. Two cases (11.1%) among females and nine cases (14.5%) among males had asymptomatic atherosclerotic lesions in their coronary arteries. With increasing age, the percentage of asymptomatic atherosclerotic cases also increased. The p-values for the width of the intima at maximal intimal thickness and IMR were 0.005 and 0.027, respectively, between the non atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic groups. Conclusion: The morphometric parameters, such as the width of the intima at maximal intimal thickness and IMR, predict the presence of atherosclerotic lesions/CAD in the asymptomatic general population. This information can be used to implement preventive measures and inform health policy by the medical community
Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India
Authors: Kharat D. P. , Kshirsagar P. J. , Bhutale S. M. , Gawas O. M. , Bhosale S. S. , Borate H.V.
Published: October 2024

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.
Effect of Water Regime and Organic Amendment on Agromorphological Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grown in the Open Field on Gleysol in Diabo Department, Central Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: René N’GANZOUA Kouamé , Jacob KOUASSI N’Dri , Jean-Jaurès YAO , Cyrille ANGOUA Kouamé , Ferdinand ZRO Bi Gohi , Sidiky BAKAYOKO
Published: October 2024

The aim of the study was to improve the productivity of the PADMA 108 F1 tomato grown in the field on gleysol in the off-season by the combined application of a water regime and an organic amendment. The study took place in the off-season (July-August) in 2022 at Yomian-Kouadiokro (7°49N, 5°9W) in the Gbêkê region and Diabo department of central Côte d'Ivoire. The methodology consisted in clearing a hydromorphic fallow (a gleysol) of about 10 years and delimiting microplots in randomized Fisher blocks of 3 replicates. In each replication, 12 microplots of 5m2 were distributed in 3 blocks, each comprising 4 treatments (poultry manure and sawdust composts, NPK12-22-22 fertilizer and the no-fertilizer control). In each microplot, tomato seedlings were transplanted into 10 pots. At transplanting, fertilizers were applied as a basal fertilizer at a rate of 0.5Kg/pack (poultry droppings and sawdust) and 85g/pack of NPK at the foot of the tomato compared with the control. After planting, a regular watering of 60 liters of water was applied to each block using a watering can (10L), subjecting the seedlings to a specific watering regime of 7 waterings/week, 4 waterings/week and 2 waterings/week. The results showed a highly significant specific effect of watering 7 times/week and of the organic amendment (poultry droppings) on the agromorphological parameters with the highest values compared with the other treatments. On the other hand, the best values for tomato agromorphological parameters were obtained with the combined effect of watering 2 times/week with organic amendments (poultry manure compost), NPK 12-22-22 mineral fertilizer and sawdust compost to some extent. In conclusion, this study shows that to improve the productivity of the PADMA 108 F1 tomato in the ecosystem studied in the off-season, a watering regime of 2 waterings per week is appropriate, regardless of the type of treatment applied (organic or mineral fertilizers).
Integrating Livestock with Crops and Forestry for Sustainability
Authors: Godara A. S. , N.V. Saresh , Bijarnia A. L. , Godara R. S. , Kumar Dileep , Meena Dharmendra , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2024

Global per capita consumption of animal protein is set to rise, particularly in developing economies, leading to a dramatic increase in meat consumption from 133 million tons in 1980 to 452 million tons by 2050. Notably, 86% of this increase, or 279 million tons, is expected to occur in developing countries. The expansion of animal-based agricultural systems, which cover 45% of the Earth's land area, presents significant challenges. These systems contribute substantially to agricultural emissions, including greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), and account for 8% of global water usage. The livestock sector is largely comprised of resource-constrained smallholders in developing nations. Environmental impacts arise from the lack of integration with other agricultural and forestry practices, disrupting the natural cycles of carbon, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This disruption leads to increased emissions of N2O and CH4, water contamination, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. To address these challenges and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction (SDG #1), hunger alleviation (SDG #2), clean water and sanitation (SDG #6), and climate action (SDG #13), it is essential to integrate livestock with crop and tree farming. Strategies to improve sustainability include incorporating pastures into crop rotations, using controlled grazing techniques, practicing agro-forestry such as alley cropping, and implementing systems like ley farming. Additional measures include precision feeding and protein matching to reduce enteric fermentation, repurposing emissions of CH4 and N2O, and effective manure management. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through diverse approaches, reducing product wastage, minimizing antibiotic use, and restoring rangelands to enhance soil carbon storage are also critical for achieving sustainable livestock practices.
Resource Use Efficiency and Constraints Faced by Potato Growers in Kannauj District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Kamlesh , Kushwaha R. R. , Kushwaha Srishti , Singh Shambhu Nath , Singh Vinay Kumar , Gautam Sandeep , Pratap Avinash
Published: October 2024

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to examine Potato cultivation in different categories of farmers in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data was collect through personal interview by pre-structured and pre-tested schedule; the data was collect for the agricultural year 2022-23. A sample size of 100 farmers, marginal (61) Small (29) Medium (10) were interviewed form 5 village of Kannauj block in Kannauj district select the farmers by using the proportionate allocation method, with the data analysis, the result found that average holding size 0.84, 1.84 and 3.91 ha. in respect of marginal small and medium farm, respectively. In the case of potato, returns to scale of marginal, small and medium size group of farms were 0.8989, 0.8525 and 0.8280, respectively. Returns to scale in all three categories of the farms were found less than unity. It indicates the production of potato is characterized by decreasing returns to scale on each farm situation. Another factor of production i.e. manure and fertilizer was found significantly associated with dependent variable at 1% level probability in all farm situation. The problem related with hired human labour and technical knowledge was notice at I and II rank by the sample farmers (i.e. Unavailability of machines and tractor and Lack of improved varieties).
Impact of Rainfall and Soil Infiltration on Groundwater Dynamics of Yerekoppi-1 Micro-watershed, Haveri District, Karnataka, India
Authors: M V Manjunatha , Malappanavar Nagaraj , S B Manjunatha , Hebbara Manjunatha , V B Kuligod , M S Shirahatti , F H Mehaboobatabasum , Hiremath Jyoti
Published: October 2024

The amount of water infiltrating the soil surface directly affects the quantity of surface runoff and erosion, and the recharge of both soil and groundwater. Groundwater recharge is an informative indicator of the water located beneath the ground surface. It has a direct impact on renewable supplies of groundwater. In the present study on Impact of rainfall and soil infiltration rate was used for effect on the groundwater level of the Yerekoppi-1 micro watershed (Manakur sub-watershed) in Haveri district of Karnataka state. Average annual rainfall is 700.7 mm and mean potential evapotranspiration is 1541.8 mm. An area of about 888 ha (94.32 %) has clay texture at the surface and 53 ha (5.68%) area has contributing settlement. In Yerekoppi-1 micro- watershed, 38 borewells are there in the vicinity of major stream of the micro- watershed. The mean depth of groundwater levels in the micro- watershed were monitored at a monthly frequency during January-2023 to March-2024. It was found that the maximum average depth of bore wells are about 17.6 mbgl and lowest average depth of borewell about 8.8 mbgl. Soil infiltration rate was measured at upper, middle and lower reaches of the watershed area in the year 2023 and 2024. The majority of the area contributed clay soil. In all the areas of micro-watershed, infiltration rate for clay soil is less than 5 mm/hr. Infiltration rates for all the areas was 1.72- 4.78 mm/hr. Soil infiltration during a rainstorm is closely related to a number of factors such as the intensity and kinetic energy of the rainfall, soil surface conditions and soil properties such as those related to aggregate stability. The groundwater recharge may be improved by growing plantation crop for increasing infiltration rate, construction of percolation tanks and farm ponds in the lower most of the agricultural land.
Aplicabilidade De Tecnologias Na Saúde: Perspectivas Sobre O Uso De Inteligência Artificial (Ia)
Authors: Marques Francisco Roldineli Varela , Silva Policena Vieira De Lucena , Filho Abel Martins , Silva Avelar Alves Da , Faria Isadora Teixeira De
Published: October 2024

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a aplicabilidade das tecnologias na saúde, com foco na Inteligência Artificial (IA). Utilizando uma metodologia de revisão bibliográfica, a pesquisa explorou artigos e estudos de bases como SciELO, Scopus e Google Acadêmico, além de repositórios brasileiros, para entender as tendências e inovações recentes. Os resultados mostraram que a IA está transformando a saúde ao melhorar diagnósticos, personalizar tratamentos e otimizar a gestão de doenças. Tecnologias como algoritmos de aprendizado profundo têm aprimorado a detecção precoce de doenças e a personalização dos cuidados médicos, enquanto assistentes virtuais e sistemas preditivos estão facilitando o acesso e monitoramento contínuo. No entanto, a implementação da IA enfrenta desafios como a privacidade dos dados, a responsabilidade pelos erros de diagnóstico e a necessidade de garantir a equidade no acesso às tecnologias. A pesquisa conclui que, apesar dos desafios, a IA oferece um potencial transformador significativo para a saúde, prometendo avanços contínuos na qualidade dos cuidados e na eficiência dos sistemas de saúde, desde que sejam abordadas questões éticas e de inclusão.
Effect of Deficiency of Vitamin D on Depression and Premenstrual Syndrome.
Authors: Khanna Akriti
Published: October 2024

Vitamin D, otherwise called the daylight vitamin, is critical for the control of calcium and phosphorus assimilation. Defienceny of it is also associated with many medical problems like multiple sclerosis, cancer,cardiovascular disease and can also lead to psycho somatic issues. The study was conducted on 80 subjects who were further divided into 2 groups of 40 each. Group A with normal Vitamin D levels and group B was formed of people suffering from hypovitaminosis D, 20 females were tested on Premenstrual Syndrome as well. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to measure level of depression. It was hypothesized that hypovitaminosis D would be positively related to depression, and premenstruation syndrome
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dramatic Approaches in Improving Oral Communication Skills among Arabic Language Students of Colleges of Education in North Central Zone Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad Usman , Yusuf Kabiru , Achiba Abubakar Abdullahi
Published: October 2024

Recent literature highlights a widespread issue of poor oral competence and communication skills among Arabic language students in Nigerian institutions of higher learning. Contributing factors, including the use of inappropriate teaching methods, have been identified. This study explores the impact of using drama techniques to enhance Arabic oral communication skills among students in Colleges of Education across North Central Nigeria. A pre-experimental design was utilized, with one group serving as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The intervention took place during the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, involving 51 students in their 200 level. The sample was divided into 26 students for the experimental group and 25 for the control group. To measure outcomes, a test and evaluation scale for oral expression skills was developed. Statistical analysis, including means, standard deviations, and independent sample t-tests, were applied. The findings indicated a statistically significant difference in favour of the experimental group, suggesting that drama techniques can be an effective approach for improving spoken Arabic, particularly within the Nigerian educational context
Personal Data Collection In Business As Seen By The Brazillian Data Protection Law (LGPD)
Authors: Lima Mateus Ribeiro
Published: October 2024

The collection and analysis of large volumes of data -Big Data- in the most diverse formats, from Internet browsing patterns to postings on social networks, allows stakeholders to make better-oriented decisions, solidifying the data-driven business standard. Nowadays, there is an explosion of information, whether through the internet and its social networks, or through corporate applications, as well as cell phones and smartphones, RFID reader tools and video control cameras for traffic, security, etc. culminate in a large mass of highly complex, structured and unstructured data. Such data are extremely relevant if it is taken into account that they can collaborate to indicate the type of purchase behavior of a certain customer until identifying a crisis in a sector of the economy, migration of consumers to the competition and outbreaks of infectious epidemics, such as the Zika Virus and the H1N1 flu. Turning attention to what is called Big Data is becoming more and more essential, for investing in new technologies, analysis methodologies and adequate software tools. Certainly, we currently have great strength in the information technology scenario, which mobilizes many individuals who research, talk about and seek to understand what it is, how it can be used and how this phenomenon called Big Data is formed. In this scenario, the debate on the right to privacy and intimacy becomes relevant in the face of the use of this information by companies and organizations, analyzing the vulnerability of the internet user in the face of Big Data and the national and international legislation on the subject, as well as aiming to explore and to describe how companies try to get to know their consumers better, through the analysis of data that are posted on virtual media.
Social Exclusion: A Framework For Conceptualizing And Identifying Excluded Groups In India
Authors: Thirukkani Dr. V.
Published: October 2024

Exclusion is an institutionalised and socially, sometime, religiously sanctioned attempt to exclude, segregate or cast out a segment of the population due to their identity such as caste, race, class, gender, religion, age, etc; it is that much more difficult to change. Though the term ‘Social exclusion’ is recently introduced in India, the term offers a unique, multiple and holistic framework to study the exclusive characteristic features of Indian society under which the majority of population were excluded over the centuries. In terms of usefulness, the term social exclusion tries to contribute to our understanding and identifying of the nature, causes of social exclusion practices which will eventually enrich the thinking on policy level solution and social action in mitigating social exclusion. At this backdrop, conceptualizing the usefulness of term ‘social exclusion’ in Indian context and to identifying socially excluded groups acquires imperative and vital as far as the social sciences researches in India are concerned. This paper attempts to framework the conceptualizing term social exclusion and to identifying socially excluded groups in India
The Historical Sustainable Cities In India: A Survey Of Sustainable Practices Followed In Cities Of India In Ancient And Medieval Times
Authors: Bhardwaj Kartikeya
Published: October 2024

The role played by India in achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030 is extremely crucial owning to its large but impoverished population. It is necessary for India to achieve these goals so that the world can achieve them. India is currently lagging in many of the goals, targets and sub-targets. But there was a time when India was the centre of sustainable lifestyle. Indian cities were well planned with remarkable sanitation and cleanliness. The excellent drainage system of Harappan cities is well known to everyone. The cities were divided into various layers with the most important structures located on citadel. The great bath of Mohenjodaro, the great granary of Harappa, the water conservation tank of Dholavira and the dockyard of Lothal are living examples of sustainable practices in those sustainable cities. The imperial city of Pataliputra is another example of a sustainable city. The city administration comprised of thirty members which was divided into six committees. There was a separate committee for registration of births and deaths. Similarly, the life of Kanyakubja as described by Hiuen Tsang reflects the sustainable lifestyle of the ruler as well as the people of the city. The early medieval age was categorized as dark age by many historians. But these ages have also produced remarkable cities. Anhilwada (present day Patan, Gujarat) was capital of Solanki dynasty of Gujarat in which we can find Rani-ki-Vaav which is an excellent water conservation tank accessible to the population of the city. Similarly, Bhoj of Parmar dynasty constructed several lakes, tanks and ponds in his capital city Dhar. It was the imperial city of Vijayanagar that can be described as textbook example of a sustainable city. The city was surrounded by seven walls. The agricultural farms in the vicinity which fed the city were fortified. The city was well planned into residential, commercial and military areas. This paper analyses the sustainable structures, practices and lifestyle that existed in the prominent cities of ancient and medieval India.
A Comparative Study On Two English Versions Of Shen Congwen’s ‘Biancheng’ From The Perspective Of Ecofeminism
Authors: Qian Yan , Tingting Xiong
Published: October 2024

The struggle to create a life-affirming society intensifies as globalization expands, which can be seen from the 1970s, women all over the world were formulating ecological feminist response to environmental influence of “modernization” through the intersection between gender, feminism and environmental issues. Ecofeminism is at the intersection of women’s rights, environmental issues and the various forms of oppression, such as those affecting marginalized and colonial people, as well as the Third World nations by the Western industrialized countries. One of the major propositions of ecofeminism is to build a harmonious planet and to abolish sexism and patriarchy, rather than subject to dominance of men and hierarchy. It, therefore, advocates to deconstruct the patriarchal perspective and reconstruct a community based on ecology and feminism, in a way to cease the exploitation of nature and promote the liberation of women. “Biancheng” is a representative work of renowned modern Chinese writer, Mr. Shen Congwen, who adhered to his contemplation on humanity’s existence and tried to communicate the essence of honoring nature and life. He transformed “Biancheng” from a conventional geographical term into a profound exploration of the intrinsic significance of human existence and spirit, with a particular emphasis on a woman’s existence and her connection with nature. Such focus led me to approach “Biancheng” through the lens of ecofeminism. In light of the ecofeminism theory, this paper selects the two prominent English translations of Biancheng by renowned translators Gladys Yang and American sinologist Jeffrey C. Kinkley for a comparative analysis. It is divided into five parts: the first deals with delineating the main ecofeminist theories, the second probes into the previous researches on ecofeminism and translated versions of Biancheng, the third refers to the work analysis, the fourth parts explores how ecofeminism is translated and demonstrated in the two versions through comparative analysis and the last part comes to a conclusion.
Cooperativa De Crédito, Impacto Social Para Melhorias No Transporte Urbano Como Promoção Da Igualdade De Gênero
Authors: Costa Ilton Garcia , Gimenez Ana Clara Vasques , Freitas Paulo Henrique
Published: October 2024

O artigo analisa o impacto normativo nas cooperativas de crédito em comunidades para reduzir vulnerabilidades de gênero na mobilidade urbana. Aborda a interseccionalidade da violência de gênero e a função social da economia, destacando o papel dos grupos vulneráveis e a responsabilidade do poder público. Baseado na pesquisa elaborada pelo Comitê Jovem do Sicredi identificou a insegurança e o tempo perdido por mulheres no transporte público. A falta de políticas eficazes, como ônibus adicionais nos horários de pico, afeta diretamente os usuários, ignorando necessidades específicas. Propõe-se intervenções através de projetos sociais e legislações para melhorar a mobilidade urbana e reduzir vulnerabilidades de gênero
The Digital Desert: The Spiritual Struggle In Virtual Reality
Authors: Karatzas Andreas
Published: October 2024

This article explores the spiritual challenges faced by individuals in virtual reality, drawing parallels to the temptations experienced by Jesus in the desert. In Orthodox theology, the desert symbolizes a place of testing and spiritual purification, a notion that is transferred to the modern "desert" of virtual environments. The essay examines how humans today, much like Christ in the desert, face temptations in the digital world—temptations that promise immediate gratification, power, and control but ultimately divert them from their spiritual journey and union with God. Central to this struggle is the concept of prospatheia, the passionate attachment to the material and digital world, which is countered by the cultivation of aprospatheia, or spiritual freedom from such attachments. The article emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and highlights the dangers of becoming overly immersed in the illusory experiences of virtual reality, urging a return to spiritual focus and self-restraint
Exploring Reasons For Self-Harm Among Teenagers: A Phenomenological Study Of Selected Public Secondary School Students In Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Tabu Anthony
Published: October 2024

Self-harm involves a person injuring themselves deliberately. This may take any form. This study aimed at deepening understanding of the phenomenon of self-harm through a qualitative research approach based on phenomenological research design. The research was conducted in Embakasi Girls High School and Our Lady of Mercy Girls High School in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives of the research were to know the reasons for self-harm, and the possible mitigation measures. A population of seven respondents were interviewed. The theories of dual harm model and Cognitive Behavioral Theory were used. Data was collected through semistructured interview questions developed by the researcher. This allowed for transparency and enabled extraction of subjective details on the topic. The study employed purposive; typical case and convenient sampling approaches. Descriptive data was then analyzed through thematic content analysis where the researcher identified repeated patterns guided by the research objectives. The results identified cutting, burning, scratching, and medication overdose as the types of prevalent self-harm. Loss and grief, bullying, relationship strains, distressing emotions, and academic pressures were some of the reported reasons for self-harm. Results suggested counseling and being listened to as mitigation measures. Some did not know the kind of help they needed while others stated that they did not need help. The findings are likely to help psychologists, parents, learning institutions, and society; to understand some basic psychological needs of adolescents who engage in self-harm and devise ways of helping them
Comment on “An Assessment of the ICE‐6G_C (VM5a) Glacial Isostatic Adjustment Model” by Purcell et al.
Authors: Richard Peltier W. , Argus Donald F. , Drummond Rosemarie
Published: November 2017

The most recently published model of the glacial isostatic adjustment process in the ICE‐NG (VMX) sequence from the University of Toronto, denoted ICE‐6G_C (VM5a), was originally developed to degree and order 256 in spherical harmonics and has been shown to provide accurate fits to a voluminous database of GPS observations from North America, Eurasia, and Antarctica, to time dependent gravity data being provided by the GRACE satellites, and to radiocarbon‐dated relative sea level histories through the Holocene epoch. The authors of the Purcell et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012742) paper have suggested this model to be flawed. We have produced a further version of our model, denoted ICE‐6G_D (VM5a), by employing the same BEDMAP2 bathymetry for the Southern Ocean as employed in their analysis which has somewhat reduced the differences between our results. However, significant physically important differences remain, including the magnitude of present‐day vertical crustal motion in the embayments and in the spectrum of Stokes coefficients for present‐day geoid height time dependence which continues to “flatten” at high spherical harmonic degree. We explore the reasons for these differences and trace them to the use by Purcell et al. of a loading history for the embayments that differs significantly from that tabulated for both the original and modified versions of our model.
Topography of the Mantle Transition Zone Discontinuities Beneath Alaska and Its Geodynamic Implications: Constraints From Receiver Function Stacking
Authors: Dahm Haider H. , Gao Stephen S. , Kong Fansheng , Liu Kelly H.
Published: November 2017

The 410 and 660 km discontinuities (d410 and d660, respectively) beneath Alaska and adjacent areas are imaged by stacking 75,296 radial receiver functions recorded by 438 broadband seismic stations with up to 30 years of recording period. When the 1‐D IASP91 Earth model is used for moveout correction and time depth conversion, significant and spatially systematic variations in the apparent depths of the d410 and d660 are observed. The mean apparent depth of the d410 and d660 for the entire study area is 417 ± 12 km and 665 ± 12 km, respectively, and the mean mantle transition zone (MTZ) thickness is 248 ± 8 km which is statistically identical to the global average. For most of the areas, the undulations of the apparent depths of the d410 and d660 are highly correlated, indicating that lateral velocity variations in the upper mantle above the d410 contribute to the bulk of the observed apparent depth variations by affecting the traveltimes of the P‐to‐S converted phases from both discontinuities. Beneath central Alaska, a broad zone with greater than normal MTZ thicknesses and shallower than normal d410 is imaged, implying that the subducting Pacific slab has reached the MTZ and is fragmented or significantly thickened. Within the proposed Northern Cordilleran slab window, an overall thinner than normal MTZ is observed and is most likely the result of a depressed d410. This observation, when combined with results from seismic tomography investigations, may indicate advective thermal upwelling from the upper MTZ through the slab window.
The Role of Texture, Cracks, and Fractures in Highly Anisotropic Shales
Authors: Baird Alan F. , Kendall J. Michael , Fisher Quentin J. , Budge Jessica
Published: November 2017

Organic shales generally have low permeability unless fractures are present. However, how gas, oil, and water flows into these fractures remains enigmatic. The alignment of clay minerals and the alignment of fractures and cracks are effective means to produce seismic anisotropy. Thus, the detection and characterization of this anisotropy can be used to infer details about lithology, rock fabric, and fracture and crack properties within the subsurface. We present a study characterizing anisotropy using S wave splitting from microseismic sources in a highly anisotropic shale. We observe very strong anisotropy (up to 30%) with predominantly VTI (vertical transverse isotropy) symmetry, but with evidence of an HTI (horizontal transverse isotropy) overprint due to a NE striking vertical fracture set parallel to the maximum horizontal compressive stress. We observe clear evidence of a shear wave triplication due to anisotropy, which to our knowledge is one of only a very few observations of such triplications in field‐scale data. We use modal proportions of minerals derived from X‐ray fluorescence data combined with realistic textures to estimate the contribution of intrinsic anisotropy as well as possible contributions of horizontally aligned cracks. We find that aligned clays can explain much of the observed anisotropy and that any cracks contributing to the vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) must have a low ratio of normal to tangential compliance (ZN/ZT), typical of isolated cracks with low hydraulic connectivity. Subhorizontal cracks have also been observed in the reservoir, and we propose that their reactivation during hydraulic fracturing may be an important mechanism to facilitate gas flow.
Evaluating the Resolution of Deep Mantle Plumes in Teleseismic Traveltime Tomography
Authors: Maguire Ross , Ritsema Jeroen , Bonnin Mickaël , van Keken Peter E. , Goes Saskia
Published: November 2017

The strongest evidence to support the classical plume hypothesis comes from seismic imaging of the mantle beneath hot spots. However, imaging results are often ambiguous and it is questionable whether narrow plume tails can be detected by present‐day seismological techniques. Here we carry out synthetic tomography experiments based on spectral element method simulations of seismic waves with period T > 10 s propagating through geodynamically derived plume structures. We vary the source‐receiver geometry in order to explore the conditions under which lower mantle plume tails may be detected seismically. We determine that wide‐aperture (4,000–6,000 km) networks with dense station coverage (<100–200 km station spacing) are necessary to image narrow (<500 km wide) thermal plume tails. We find that if uncertainties on traveltime measurements exceed delay times imparted by plume tails (typically <1 s), the plume tails are concealed in seismic images. Vertically propagating SKS waves enhance plume tail recovery but lack vertical resolution in regions that are not independently constrained by direct S paths. We demonstrate how vertical smearing of an upper mantle low‐velocity anomaly can appear as a plume originating in the deep mantle. Our results are useful for interpreting previous plume imaging experiments and guide the design of future experiments.
Black‐Phosphorus‐Based Orientation‐Induced Diodes
Authors: Xin Wei , Li Xiao‐Kuan , He Xin‐Ling , Su Bao‐Wang , Jiang Xiao‐Qiang , Huang Kai‐Xuan , Zhou Xiang‐Feng , Liu Zhi‐Bo , Tian Jian‐Guo
Published: November 2017

Despite many decades of research of diodes, which are fundamental components of electronic and photoelectronic devices with p–n or Schottky junctions using bulk or 2D materials, stereotyped architectures and complex technological processing (doping and multiple material operations) have limited future development. Here, a novel rectification device, an orientation‐induced diode, assembled using only few‐layered black phosphorus (BP) is investigated. The key to its realization is to utilize the remarkable anisotropy of BP in low dimensions and change the charge‐transport conditions abruptly along the different crystal orientations. Rectification ratios of 6.8, 22, and 115 can be achieved in cruciform BP, cross‐stacked BP junctions, and BP junctions stacked with vertical orientations, respectively. The underlying physical processes and mechanisms can be explained using “orientation barrier” band theory. The theoretical results are experimentally confirmed using localized scanning photocurrent imaging. These orientation‐induced optoelectronic devices open possibilities for 2D anisotropic materials with a new degree of freedom to improve modulation in diodes.
Bendamustine plus rituximab for indolent B‐cell lymphoma of renal significance
Authors: Ribes David , Hachem Hélène E. L. , Oberic Lucie , Vergez François , Delas Audrey , Belliere Julie , Protin Caroline , Kamar Nassim , Ferrandiz Inès , Tavitian Suzanne , Laurent Camille , Huart Antoine , Chauveau Dominique , Ysebaert Loïc , Faguer Stanislas
Published: November 2017

Treatment of indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (iNHL) of renal significance is challenging given the need for deep and prolonged hematological response to restore and control renal function overtime, yet to be balanced with the risk of adverse drug‐related events. This prospective single‐center study included 20 patients with iNHL of renal significance (tubulointerstitial presentation [n = 8], glomerulopathy with or without monoclonal Ig deposits [n = 12]) who received a steroid‐sparing regimen of rituximab plus bendamustine (BR), with either no or <1 month of steroid intake (as a first line therapy in 80%). Seventeen patients (85%) achieved a complete (CHR, n = 12) or a partial (PHR, n = 5) hematological response. Nine out of the 12 patients (75%) with iNHL‐related glomerulopathy had a complete (CRR) or a partial (PRR) renal response. Among the six patients with glomerulopathy and CHR, five had a CRR (83%) compared to 1/6 (17%) that did not reach CHR. eGFR increased from 38 to 58 mL/min/1.73 m2, and returned to baseline in five patients. Among the eight patients with a tubulointerstitial presentation, six (75%) had a renal response (5 CRR), and eGFR increased from 29 to 48 mL/min/1.73 m2. One patient with a PHR had a renal relapse. Mortality rate was 10% at 12 months. The BR regimen was well tolerated overall. Thus, despite severe renal disease at presentation, a relapsing iNHL in 20% of patients and several comorbidities, the BR regimen was efficient and safe in our series. It should be further assessed as a first line therapy for patients with iNHL of renal significance.
Seven‐Coordinate MoII−Diiodo Complexes with Benzothiazole−N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene Ligands and Their Mo0 Precursors: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalytic Application in the Epoxidation of cis‐Cyclooctene
Authors: Wang Zhe , Song Xiaolu , Jiang Lu , Lin Ting Ting , Schreyer Martin Karl , Zhao Jin , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: November 2017

The oxidative addition of I2 to molybdenum(0) complexes [Mo(CO)4(LNC)] (1–3; LNC1=1‐(benzothiazolin‐2‐yl)‐3‐allyl‐2‐ylidene; LNC2=1‐(benzothiazolin‐2‐yl)‐3‐benzylimidazol‐2‐ylidene; LNC3=1‐(benzothiazolin‐2‐yl)‐3‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) afforded the first isolable and crystallographically elucidated seven‐coordinate MoII−diiodo complexes, [Mo(CO)3I2(LNC)] (4–6), with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. The application of complexes 1–6 as precatalysts for the epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant has also been studied. Complexes 1–3 performed better than previously reported Mo0−carbonyl−NHC complexes, thereby producing the epoxide in 80–90 % yield after 24 h. Complexes 4–6 were superior to complexes 1–3. Complex 5 was the most‐active MoII−NHC complex, thereby achieving the epoxide in quantitative yield after 6 h.
Synthesis and characterization of bio‐based PA/EP interpenetrating network polymer as coating material for controlled release fertilizers
Authors: Jia Cong , Zhang Xiao , Li Yufeng , Jiang Yanghui , Zhang Min , Lu Panfang , Chen Hongkun
Published: November 2017

A novel controlled release fertilizer was developed using interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) as the coating material. The IPN was successfully sprayed on the surface of the urea particles to form IPN‐coated fertilizers (IPNCU) for controlled nitrogen release. The IPN was synthesized by bio‐based polyamide (PA) from d‐glucaric acid and epoxy (EP) through network interpenetrating. The chemical structure and microscopic morphology characteristics of IPN were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy. The property of IPN with the different PA/EP mass ratios were investigated and compared with that of EP‐coated fertilizers (EPCU). The nutrient release behaviors of IPNCU in water and soil were detected. The results showed that the IPNCU with 5% PA content increased the nitrogen release longevity by 41 days, raised the water contact angle of surface by 23.9°, and then significantly slowed the nitrogen release rate of the IPNCU. The nutrient release mechanism of IPNCU was discussed in detail. This work indicated that the environment‐friendly IPN with superior controlled release properties could be especially useful in horticultural and agricultural applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46052.
After Papua New Guinea's Resource Boom: Is the Kina Overvalued?
Authors: Fox Rohan , Schröder Marcel
Published: November 2017

Papua New Guinea's (PNG) resource boom has come to an end. Theory suggests that the real exchange rate (RER) should subsequently depreciate in order to restore internal and external balance. In practice, however, the imposition of foreign exchange controls has led to a large backlog in foreign currency orders suggesting that the RER is significantly overvalued. The purpose of this paper is to inform the ongoing policy debate surrounding this issue by estimating the extent to which PNG's RER is currently misaligned. Our results suggest that the kina should depreciate by about 20% to close the gap between the actual and equilibrium value of the RER. Otherwise PNG is likely to pay high economic costs as real overvaluation sustained through foreign exchange restrictions led to resource misallocation, lower economic growth, black markets, and ultimately a balance of payments crisis in many other developing countries in the past.
Predictions of the pseudo‐complex general relativity
Authors: Hess P. O.
Published: November 2017

Within the pseudo‐complex general relativity (GR), a simulation of accretion disks for SgrA* is performed at the frequency of 250 GHz as used by the Event Horizon Telescope. Differences from the standard theory of GR are pointed out, such as the presence of a dark ring followed by an inner bright ring. In the second part, the interpretation of the source of the gravitational wave event GW150914, observed a year ago, is reanalyzed. Further comments are made on the observation of pulsations in NGC7793 P13.
Epigenetics as a Driver of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: Did We Forget the Fathers?
Authors: Soubry Adelheid
Published: November 2017

What are the effects of our environment on human development and the next generation? Numerous studies have provided ample evidence that a healthy environment and lifestyle of the mother is important for her offspring. Biological mechanisms underlying these environmental influences have been proposed to involve alterations in the epigenome. Is there enough evidence to suggest a similar contribution from the part of the father? Animal models provide proof of a transgenerational epigenetic effect through the paternal germ line, but can this be translated to humans? To date, literature on fathers is scarce. Human studies do not always incorporate appropriate tools to evaluate paternal influences or epigenetic effects. In reviewing the literature, I stress the need to explore and recognize paternal contributions to offspring's health within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis, and coin this new concept the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease paradigm (POHaD). A better understanding of preconceptional origins of disease through the totality of paternal exposures, or the paternal exposome, will provide evidence‐based public health recommendations for future fathers.
Genomic risk prediction of aromatase inhibitor‐related arthralgia in patients with breast cancer using a novel machine‐learning algorithm
Authors: Reinbolt Raquel E. , Sonis Stephen , Timmers Cynthia D. , Fernández‐Martínez Juan Luis , Cernea Ana , de Andrés‐Galiana Enrique J. , Hashemi Sepehr , Miller Karin , Pilarski Robert , Lustberg Maryam B.
Published: November 2017

Many breast cancer (BC) patients treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) develop aromatase inhibitor‐related arthralgia (AIA). Candidate gene studies to identify AIA risk are limited in scope. We evaluated the potential of a novel analytic algorithm (NAA) to predict AIA using germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data obtained before treatment initiation. Systematic chart review of 700 AI‐treated patients with stage I‐III BC identified asymptomatic patients (n = 39) and those with clinically significant AIA resulting in AI termination or therapy switch (n = 123). Germline DNA was obtained and SNP genotyping performed using the Affymetrix UK BioBank Axiom Array to yield 695,277 SNPs. SNP clusters that most closely defined AIA risk were discovered using an NAA that sequentially combined statistical filtering and a machine‐learning algorithm. NCBI PhenGenI and Ensemble databases defined gene attribution of the most discriminating SNPs. Phenotype, pathway, and ontologic analyses assessed functional and mechanistic validity. Demographics were similar in cases and controls. A cluster of 70 SNPs, correlating to 57 genes, was identified. This SNP group predicted AIA occurrence with a maximum accuracy of 75.93%. Strong associations with arthralgia, breast cancer, and estrogen phenotypes were seen in 19/57 genes (33%) and were functionally consistent. Using a NAA, we identified a 70 SNP cluster that predicted AIA risk with fair accuracy. Phenotype, functional, and pathway analysis of attributed genes was consistent with clinical phenotypes. This study is the first to link a specific SNP/gene cluster to AIA risk independent of candidate gene bias.
Bioactive Pimarane Diterpenes from the Arctic Fungus Eutypella sp. D‐1
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Sun Kunlai , Wang Bin
Published: November 2017

Two new pimarane diterpenes, libertellenone M (1) and libertellenone N (2), together with five known compounds were isolated from the culture extract of Eutypella sp. D‐1 derived from high‐latitude soil of the Arctic. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic data as well as experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Compound 3 exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio vulnificus, each with MIC values of 16 μg/mL. Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against K562 and MCF‐7 cell lines with IC50 values of 7.67 and 9.57 μm, respectively.
Morphological Changes in Electrografted Aryl‐Based Thin Films Induced by using Diazonium Salts or Aryl Iodides
Authors: González Miriam C. Rodríguez , Carro Pilar , Hernández Creus Alberto
Published: November 2017

A comparative study of the growth of electrografted films on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) when using aryl iodides and aryl diazonium salts is reported. Films were generated under potentiostatic control by using 1‐iodo‐4‐nitrobenzene (INB) and 4‐nitrobenzene diazonium (NBD). To check the charge‐transfer properties of the modified electrodes, ferrocyanide/ferricyanide and dopamine were used as electrochemical redox probes. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of both systems at the nanoscale. Our results show that, despite the electrografting reaction for both molecules being based on the formation of an aryl radical and its subsequent anchorage on the HOPG surface, the required electrochemical conditions and the sub‐product generated for each species determine the properties and morphology of the films at the nanoscale. Theoretical results obtained through DFT calculations show the role of the adsorption of different products when an aryl iodide is used, which determines the morphology of the electrografted films.