bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas flaring activity and black carbon emissions in 2017 derived from Sentinel-3A SLSTR
Authors: Caseiro Alexandre , Gehrke Berit , Rücker Gernot , Leimbach David , Kaiser Johannes W.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Gas flares are a regionally and globally significant source of atmospheric pollutants. They can be detected by satellite remote sensing. We calculate the global flared gas volume and black carbon emissions in 2017 by (1) applying a previously developed hot spot detection and characterisation algorithm to all observations of the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) instrument on-board the Copernicus satellite Sentinel-3A in 2017 and (2) applying newly developed filters for identifying gas flares and corrections for calculating flared gas volumes (Billion Cubic Meters, BCM) and black carbon emission estimates. The filter to discriminate gas flares from other hot spots combines the unique flaring characteristics in terms of persistence and temperature. The comparison of our results with those of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) nightfire data set indicates a good fit between the two methods. The calculation of black carbon emissions using our gas flaring data set and published emission factors show good agreement with recently published black carbon inventories. The data presented here can therefore be used e.g. in atmospheric dispersion simulations. The advantage of using our algorithm with Sentinel-3A data lies in the previously demonstrated ability to detect and quantify small flares and the foreseen long term data availability from the Copernicus program. Our data (GFlaringS3, flaring activity and the related black carbon emissions) are available on the Emissions of atmospheric Compounds and Compilation of Ancillary Data (ECCAD) web site (https://eccad3.sedoo.fr/#GFlaringS3, DOI https://doi.org/10.25326/19 (Caseiro and Kaiser, 2019)) for use in, e.g., atmospheric composition modelling studies.
Are hydrological pathways and variability in groundwater chemistry linked in the riparian boreal forest?
Authors: Ploum Stefan W. , Laudon Hjalmar , Peralta-Tapia Andrés , Kuglerová Lenka
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The riparian zone, or near-stream area, plays an important role for the biogeochemistry of headwaters. Here groundwater undergoes a chemical transformation before it enters the stream. However, the riparian zone is not uniform and spatial variability of groundwater chemistry can be large. Terrestrial topographic depressions create hydrological pathways towards focal points in the riparian zone, which we refer to as Discrete Riparian Inflow Points (DRIPs). Given the important chemical function of the riparian zone, we therefore ask the question: are hydrological pathways and chemical variability linked in the riparian boreal forest? To answer this question, we sampled riparian groundwater during six campaigns across three boreal headwaters in Sweden. The groundwater wells were distributed in DRIP and non-DRIP pairs (60 wells), following transects from upland (20 meters lateral distance) to near stream area (
Los menores víctimas de violencia familiar no física: tres visiones complementarias
Authors: Sánchez-Morago Hernánz Sara , Becerril Ruiz Diego
Published: July 2019

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo el análisis de las situaciones de violencia familiar no física en los menores. Durante los últimos años es una realidad que está adquiriendo significación en el estudio de la violencia familiar, y en la que los profesionales tienen un papel especial en su detección. La investigación combina la visión de tres grupos distintos de experiencias, atendiendo las diversas perspectivas de un fenómeno complejo. Se han realizado 32 entrevistas en profundidad a personas víctimas de esta violencia, a personas que no se consideran víctimas y a profesionales que han tratado estas situaciones. Como resultado, se constatan claros factores de riesgo, especialmente las relaciones violentas con la madre o el padre, violencia entre la pareja o adicciones. Destaca, asimismo, que el proceso de violencia tiene una alta probabilidad de repetición por las propias víctimas. Para el resto de grupos, destaca la infravaloración de esta violencia y la falta de formación en profesionales.
DESAFIOS DA ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL EM TERRITÓRIO INSULAR: PROPOSIÇÃO DE PLANEJAMENTO PARA GESTÃO DE RECURSOS HÍDRICOS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DOS MORADORES DA ILHA DO COMBU, BELÉM, PARÁ
Authors: Carvalho Salma Saráty de , Pimentel Márcia Aparecida da Silva , Lima Aline M. Meiguins de
Published: July 2019

O propósito das Unidades de Conservação (UCs) consiste em garantir odesenvolvimento sustentável de uma área que apresenta diversidadebiológica e conhecimento tradicional, contribuindo para a redução davulnerabilidade socioambiental. O trabalho evidencia os aspectos inerentesao conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável, Área de Proteção Ambiental(APA) e recursos hídricos, direcionando esse contexto para a realidade dosmoradores da APA da Ilha do Combu no município de Belém, Pará. O objetivodesta investigação foi analisar os desafios da APA insular sob a percepçãodos moradores locais, propondo um planejamento para gestão de recursohídrico que colaborasse com o desenvolvimento sustentável nessa área.Houve a caracterização das principais problemáticas vinculada a referida UCe, posteriormente, avaliou-se a efetividade do uso da água e sustentabilidadesugerindo um planejamento de gestão hídrica. Os resultados apontaramalgumas complexidades típicas de APA de uma ilha, fato que refletiu nadefinição das metas prioritárias sugeridas no planejamento.
Histopathological findings in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy specimens
Authors: Al Saady Rafif , Ejeckam Gershon
Published: July 2019

Objective: To study the demographic data and histopathological specimen findings of patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Design: A retrospective descriptive study. Setting: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Al-Ahli Hospital, Doha, Qatar. Methods: Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016 were retrospectively collected from the laboratory information system of Al-Ahli Hospital. Results: A total of 342 patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Among these patients, 294 (86%) were Qatari and 241 (70%) were female. The patient age ranged from 13 to 72 years, and most patients were in the 31–40-year age group. Histological examination of specimens showed that lymphocytic aggregates in the lamina propria were the most frequent histopathological finding (171, 50%), followed by no remarkable pathological finding (98, 28.6%). The other pathological findings were follicular gastritis, fundic gland polyps, and acute and chronic gastritis. Conclusion: Our findings clearly indicate the need for routinely performing histopathological examination of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy specimens. The study also highlights lymphocytic aggregates as the most common histopathological finding.
Entre una ética metafísica y una ética práctica
Authors: López David Ernesto
Published: July 2019

Este escrito plantea un resumen del libro de mi autoría Entre una ética metafísica y una ética práctica. Estudio sobre el pensamiento ético tradicional y sobre las teorías morales modernas y posmodernas, de próxima aparición, donde se expone y se debate aquella ética considerada metafísica, y la otra que apela a la experiencia, a lo concreto, a la práctica como su fundamento. Al final del texto se nos plantea un dilema: ¿qué fundamentación es más adecuada? ¿Debe fundamentarse la ética en la metafísica? ¿No será esto un planteamiento obsoleto y debemos volver a lo práctico, a lo histórico concreto, al carácter cambiante de la realidad, lo que invalidaría las pretensiones universales de una ética metafísica?
Uso off-label de medicamentos en la población pediátrica: aplicación del modelo de regresión logística binaria
Authors: Hernández Svendblad Pilar
Published: July 2019

En el universo de los medicamentos existe el concepto de uso off-label, o uso de medicamentos fuera de ficha técnica/etiqueta. Esto es el uso de medicamentos bajo condiciones no autorizadas por la agencia reguladora de medicamentos para su comercialización, lo cual se debe a que estas aplicaciones no han sido sometidas a ensayos clínicos de seguridad y eficacia. Por cuestiones éticas, entre las poblaciones que no son sometidas a ensayos clínicos está la pediátrica, por tanto, de las más vulnerables al prescribir medicamentos. Con la aplicación del modelo de regresión logística binaria se pretende identificar aquellas variables, que de manera significativa abonan la probabilidad de prescribir de manera off-label los medicamentos en esta población. Para llevar a cabo este estudio se pasó una encuesta a médicos que atienden a niños: pediatras, médicos de familia y médicos generales. Como hipótesis se planteó que en su mayoría el peso de la probabilidad de hacer un uso off-label de medicamentos se debe al desconocimiento de la ficha técnica del medicamento, sin embargo, gracias a la aplicación de la regresión logística binaria se ha dilucidado cuáles son las principales variables predictoras de la prescripción off-label.
Agricultura orgánica, maíz criollo y extensión rural: percepciones de profesionales salvadoreños
Authors: Ayala Durán Carlos , Dabdab Waquil Paulo
Published: July 2019

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis exploratorio y cualitativo sobre las percepciones de extensionistas rurales públicos salvadoreños en relación a la agricultura orgánica y a la producción de maíz utilizando semilla criolla. Para tal fin, fueron encuestados todos los extensionistas públicos del  Centro Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria y Forestal (CENTA) laborando en los departamentos de La Libertad y Sonsonate (N=28). Los resultados muestran que los extensionistas encuestados consideran a la agricultura convencional como más lucrativa y menos amigable con el medio ambiente, en contraposición a la agricultura orgánica. De la misma forma, estos profesionales del sector público consideran al maíz criollo en términos generales como menos productivo y lucrativo que el maíz híbrido, pese a que el primero es visto como mejor adaptado a las condiciones ambientales y climáticas del país.
Outcomes and prognosticators of stage 4 renal cell carcinoma with pathological T4 primary lesion using a large Canadian multi-institutional database
Authors: Oake Justin D. , Patel Premal , Lavallée Luke T. , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Saarela Olli , Klotz Laurence , Moore Ronald B. , Kapoor Anil , Finelli Antonio , Rendon Ricardo A. , Kawakami Jun , So Alan , Drachenberg Darrel E.
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes and prognosticators in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) or cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN), depending on the clinical stage of disease preoperatively, with a pathological T4 (pT4) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) outcome. There is little data on the outcome of this specific subset of patients.

Methods: From 2009‒2016, we identified patients in the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis) who underwent RN or CN and were found to have pT4 RCC. Clinical, operative, and pathological variables were analyzed with univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to identify factors associated with overall survival (OS). Survival curves were created using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using the log-rank test.

Results: A total of 82 patients were included in the study cohort. Median patient age was 62 years (interquartile range [IQR] 55, 70). The majority of patients had clear-cell histology, 50 (61%), and 14 (17%) had sarcomatoid characteristics. Median followup was 12 months (IQR 3, 24). At last followup, eight (10%) patients are alive with no evidence of disease, 27 (33%) are alive with disease, four (5%) were lost to followup, 36 (44%) died of disease, and seven (8%) died of other causes. Tumor histologic subtype (clear-cell vs. non-clear-cell) (p=0.0032), larger tumor size (cm) (p=0.012), and Fuhrman grade (G4 vs. G2‒G3) (p=0.045) were significantly associated with mortality in a multivariable Cox regression model.

Conclusions: For patients with pT4 RCC after RN or CN, survival is poor. Sarcomatoid features, non-clear-cell histology, and presence of systemic symptoms were associated with worse OS.
Analysis and Design of a Project Portfolio Management System
Authors: HANNACH Driss EL , MARGHOUBI Rabia , AKKAOUI Zineb EL , DAHCHOUR Mohamed
Published: July 2019

The paramount importance of project portfolios for business drives managers to search for highly efficient support tools to overcome complex challenges of their management. A major tradeoff is to acquire tools able to produce a convenient portfolio project prioritization process, on which business investments are decided. However, by using existing Project Portfolio Management Systems (PPMS), many concurrent projects in a portfolio are usually prioritized and planned in the upstream life-cycle phases according to financial criteria, and overlooking the portfolio alignment to enterprise strategies and the availability of resources, although their importance. In this paper, we propose a conceptual formalization of PPMS with respect to a double portfolio prioritization process that performs two levels of selections according to both: i.) Strategy alignment, including returns on investment, size, and total cost; and ii.) Execution capability, as the organization should be able to manage and deliver the selected projects' outcomes. The advantage of our PPMS framework is twofold. First, it is useful to be customized by designers to fit organization needs. Second it is built with respect to the double prioritization phase process, as an end-to-end process that guarantees optimal portfolios generation. Further, the proposed PPMS system and its identified functionalities are validated through an implementation of a prototype tool.
Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Konjac Seeds Germination: Evidence from Data Analytics
Authors: Dwiyono Kisroh , Djauhari Maman Abdurachman , Matondang Ikhsan , Ronald Repi Viktor Vekky
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to find an optimal combination of gibberellic acid concentration (C) and soaking duration time (T) in order to speed up and to improve the productivity of konjac (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) germination process. For this purpose, a laboratory experiment was carried out with five levels of C and four levels of T. For each combination of C and T, 300 seeds were planted in three germination trays. And by using completely randomized design, in each tray, 100 seeds were planted. On the day right after a number of days after planting (D) which consists of seven levels, the germination rate is then recorded. By using data analytics method, we conclude that the optimal combination of C, D and T is C = 200 ppm, D = 7 days and T = 6 jam. Meanwhile, for a given T and D, concentration has no effect on germination rate. It is worth noting that (i) the experiment was conducted at room temperature under controlled humidity level, and (ii) according to the knowledge of the authors, this is an unprecedented study where Gibberellic acid is applied on konjac. 
Origin of the piezoresistance effects in p-type silicon at high temperature
Authors: Matsuda Kazunori , Nagaoka Shiro , Kajiyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

It is shown that not only the hole transfer between the decoupled two valence bands but also the stress-dependent hole effective mass is critical to the explanation of the origin of piezoresistance effects in p-type silicon. The difference between the density-of-state effective masses of heavy hole and light hole bands, which have been assumed equivalent in the decoupled two-band model reported previously, is shown to play an important role in the piezoresistance effects of p-type silicon at room temperature.
Visualization of the grain structure in the filament cross sections
of uniaxially textured high J
c Bi-2223
tapes
Authors: Kametani Fumitake , Oloye T. Abiola , Jiang Jianyi , Osabe Goro , Kobayashi Shinichi
Published: July 2019

In this study, we extensively used electron backscatter diffraction orientation
imaging microscopy to visualize the grain structure in the flat-rolled
(Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O
x

(Bi-2223) tapes. The thermomechanical process made the grains’
c-axes oriented normal to the tape surface. The 24%
difference in critical current density J
c was caused
by the ∼5° difference in the degree of out-of-plane texture. Although
the in-plane orientations are not controlled, the Bi-2223 grains can form the
domains, each of which consists of the grains with similar in-plane orientation.
Controlling the domain formation could be the next protocol to raise the
J
c of Bi-2223 tapes.
Monensin may inhibit melanoma by regulating the selection between differentiation and stemness of melanoma stem cells
Authors: Xin Haoran , Li Jie , Zhang Hao , Li Yuhong , Zeng Shuo , Wang Zhi , Zhang Zhihui , Deng Fang
Published: July 2019

Melanoma is the most lethal cutaneous malignancy that threatens human lives. Poor sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and the high rate of resistance are the bottlenecks of melanoma treatment. Thus, new chemotherapy drugs are needed. Drug repurposing is a safe, economical and timesaving way to explore new chemotherapy for diseases. Here, we investigated the possibility of repurposing the antibiotic monensin as an anti-melanoma agent. Using three human melanoma cells and two nomal human cell lines as cell models, we found that monensin is obviously toxic to human melanoma cells while safe to nomal human cells. It effectively inhibited cell proliferation and viability, while promoted apoptosis and differentiation of human melanoma cells in vitro. By establishment of an animal model of transplanted human melanoma in nude mice, we demonstrated that monensin suppressed the growth of xenografts in vivo. At the same time, we found that melanogenesis increased and the ability of sphere and cloning forming of melanoma decreased under the treatment of monensin. Further detection about differentiation and pluripotent regulations were executed. Our results suggest that monensin is a potent inhibitor of melanoma, and its anti-tumor mechanism may be through promoting the final differentiation of melanoma stem cells and inhibiting their stemness maintenance.
A Brief Review: Lectins, Protease Inhibitors and Saponins in Cereals and Legumes
Authors: Sandarani M. D. J. C. , Kulathunga K. A. A. V.
Published: July 2019

Cereals and legumes are substantial in the human diet of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Anti-nutrient factors in cereals and legumes are secondary metabolites which can interfere with nutrient digestion and absorption after ingestion. This review will focus on the different content factors found in cereals and legumes including lectins, protease inhibitors, and saponins. It is important to show the treatments which are used to reduce the anti-nutrient factors in cereals and legumes. Therefore, this review sought to summarise the available literature on different techniques that have been used to reduce the concentration of anti-nutrient factors in foods.
Benzyl alcohol – Method for the determination of benzyl alcohol in workplace air using gas chromatography after thermal desorption [Air Monitoring Methods, 2018]
Authors: Tschickardt M. , Krämer W. , Schmitt R. , Hebisch R. , Brock T.H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2019

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of benzyl alcohol [
100‐51‐6
] in workplace air in a concentration range of one tenth up to twice the currently valid MAK value of 22 mg/m
3
. With this method simultaneously airborne benzyl alcohol in the gaseous state as well as particles are collected. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a quartz fibre filter located in the sampling head with an adsorption tube filled with Tenax TA® connected downstream using a suitable pump. The flow rate is set to 0.066 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 4 litres. The collected benzyl alcohol is thermally desorbed and then analysed by means of gas chromatography using two detectors, a FID for quantification and a MSD to recognise potential interferences. The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a multi‐point calibration. The limit of quantification is 0.24 mg/m
3
based on an air sample of approx. 4 litres.
Magnetoresistance and Spinterface of Organic Spin Valves Based on Diketopyrrolopyrrole Polymers
Authors: Zheng Yuanhui , Feng Yaqing , Gao Dong , Zheng Naihang , Li Dong , Jiang Litong , Wang Xiang , Jin Kuijuan , Yu Gui
Published: July 2019

Organic materials are proposed to be excellent spin transport layers due to their weak hyperfine and spin–orbit coupling interaction. Donor−acceptor‐type polymers PTDCNTVT‐420 and PTDCNTVT‐320 with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) units are employed as the spacers in the organic spin valves, which have more advantages such as solution processing, higher mobility, and large area fabrication. The performance of polymers spin valves based on DPP units with different alkyl side chain lengths are studied. The different top ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes Co and Ni80Fe20 are used for spin detection resulting in obvious distinct magnetoresistance (MR) values. The MR ratio of approaching 30% at 10 K is achieved with the Ni80Fe20 electrodes using PTDCNTVT‐420 with longer alkyl side chain lengths. Moreover, the MR behaviors are observed depending on various temperatures, which are related with the FM electrodes spin injection efficiency. The direct spinterface are also investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, the series of results indicate that the PTDCNTVT polymers can be used as good spin transport model materials and give clues for future polymers spintronic studies.
With a Spirit that Understands: Reflections on a Long‐term Community Science Initiative to End Suicide in Alaska
Authors: Rasmus Stacy M. , Charles Billy , John Simeon , Allen James
Published: July 2019

This retrospective analysis of a long‐term community‐based participatory research (CBPR) process spans over two decades of work with Alaska Native communities. A call to action from Alaska Native leadership to create more effective strategies to prevent and treat youth suicide and alcohol misuse risk initiated a response from university researchers. This CBPR process transformed into a collaborative effort to indigenously drive and develop solutions through research. The People Awakening project started our team on this translational and transformational pathway through community intervention science in the Central Yup'ik region of Alaska. We examine more deeply the major episodes and their successes and struggles in maintaining a long‐term research relationship between university researchers and members of Yup'ik Alaska Native communities. We explore ways that our CBPR relationship has involved negotiation and engagement with power and praxis, to deepen and focus attention to knowledge systems and relational elements. This paper examines these deeper, transformative elements of our CBPR relationship that spans histories, cultures, and systems. Our discussion shares vignettes from academic and community perspectives to describe process in a unique collaboration, reaching to sometimes touch upon rare ground in emotions, tensions, and triumphs over the course of a dozen grants and twice as many years. We conclude by noting how there are points where, in a long‐term CBPR relationship, transition out of emergence into coalescing and transformation can occur.
Extent of maxillary sinus surgery and its effect on instrument access, irrigation penetration, and disease clearance
Authors: Govindaraju Revadi , Cherian Lisa , Macias‐Valle Luis , Murphy Jae , Gouzos Michael , Vreugde Sarah , Wormald Peter John , Bassiouni Ahmed , Psaltis Alkis James
Published: July 2019

Background

Middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) provides limited access to the anteromedial and inferior aspect of the maxillary sinus (MS) often resulting in residual disease and inflammatory burden. Newer extended procedures, such as mega‐antrostomy (Mega‐A) and extended modified mega‐antrostomy (EMMA), have been developed to address this limitation. This study assesses the effect of varying extent of MS surgery on irrigation penetration and access of instrumentation.

Methods

The MS of 5 fresh‐frozen cadavers were sequentially dissected. Irrigation was evaluated with a squeeze bottle (SB) in different head positions and using different volumes of fluid. Surgical reach and visualization were examined using common sinus instruments and different angled endoscopes. A disease simulation was also performed to check for residual debris after instrumentation and irrigations.

Results

Irrigation penetration improved as antrostomy size increased (p< 0.0001), with a significant difference observed between the extended procedures and MMA. The effect of the volume was significant for SB (p< 0.0001) but head positions appeared irrelevant (p= 0.613). Overall visualization improved for Mega‐A and EMMA. A similar trend was seen for the reach of the instruments to all sinus wall subsites. EMMA facilitated the most removal of “sinus disease” in the disease simulation model when compared with both MMA and Mega‐A, due to its reach of the anteroinferior aspects of the maxillary sinus.

Conclusions

High‐volume irrigation using SB achieved good sinus penetration, irrespective of head position. Extended MS procedures appear to further increase irrigation penetration as well as surgical access.
ONO pincer palladium (II) complexes featuring furoylhydrazone ligands: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity towards Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Qian Hengyu , Yu Shuyan , Song Liping , Zhang Tongyan , Yin Zhigang , Zhao Feng , Yang Jiale , Wang Caihong
Published: July 2019

Four new palladium pincer complexes incorporating ONO type furoylhydrazone ligands have been prepared in good yields. These palladium complexes were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectra. X‐ray single crystal analyses of Pd1–Pd4 revealed that the metal center adopted a slightly distorted square planar geometry in which the hydrazone bound the metal ion via the phenolic‐O, azomethine‐N and imidolate‐O atoms. Using these ONO pincer complexes as catalyst, excellent yields of biaryls could be obtained for coupling of arylboronic acids with aryl bromides at a low catalyst loading (0.01 mol%).
Experimental study of falling film flow characteristics outside shaped tubes related to a spiral‐wound heat exchanger
Authors: Liu Liang , Sun Chongzheng , Li Yuxing , Han Hui , Gu Xingyuan , Wang Guocong , Zhou Hui
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the falling film flow and the effects of the marine inclination on the shell‐side flow pattern outside the sinusoidal corrugated tube and the square‐corrugated tube related to a spiral‐wound heat exchanger are experimentally studied using n‐pentane as the testing fluid. The flow field phenomenon and the film thickness are investigated with the utilization of high‐speed camera technology. The results show that the critical Re of the flow regime transition of the falling film outside the square‐corrugated and sinusoidal corrugated tubes is quite different from the critical Re of the flow regime transition of the falling film outside the horizontal circular tube. The tube shape has a certain impact on the falling film flow characteristics. Moreover, under the inclination conditions, the liquid column and liquid film will move toward the inclined side. The resistance ability of the inclination of the square‐corrugated tube is better than the resistance ability of the sinusoidal corrugated tube due to the dragging effect.
Analytical Resolution of the Dark Night Sky (Olbers') Paradox
Authors: Harari Zaki
Published: July 2019

We derive a spatiotemporal analytical resolution of the dark night sky, or Olbers' paradox, first showing that in an infinitely large universe the cumulative solid angle of the light that is projected upon the celestial sphere by an infinite population of directly observable stars is indeed finite. Using the GAIA DR2 data, we show that the number radial density of the stars that are directly visible has a radial distribution that is quasi‐unimodal, and that such a radial distribution is constrained by the inverse square law, which asymptotically limits the magnitude of the cumulative solid angle of the light that is projected upon the celestial sphere. Second, we show that the temporal summation parameter of the imaging device that samples the celestial sphere projection further limits the cumulative apparent brightness of the image formed on the detector surface of the imaging device. The unaided human eye is a biological imaging device, which in the mode of achromatic dim light sensing known as scotopic vision, has a short temporal summation window of approximately 650 ms, which is determined by retinal photochemistry (Holmes et al., Vision Res., 2017, 140, 33–43; Lamb & Pugh Jr, Prog. Retin. Eye Res., 2004, 23(3), 307–380). This short temporal summation window makes the eye act as a high‐pass power filter, making it incapable of rendering visible those stars that project an apparent brightness below a certain threshold. We show analytically that astronomical objects that individually have an apparent brightness mG > 8 will not contribute to the cumulative apparent brightness of the night sky as seen with the fully dark‐adapted unaided eye under ideal seeing conditions, even when the celestial sphere is tiled completely with an infinite number of such faint objects. Using numerical simulations, we also show that a large‐scale homogeneous star field and a Galactic‐scale inhomogeneous field project collectively a cumulative apparent brightness upon the human retina that is approximately 100 million times fainter than the apparent brightness of the Sun. We show that the cumulative solid angle projected by all the unaided eye visible stars is approximately 5.95×10−13 sr, and the asymptotic cumulative solid angle limiting distance is approximately 2 kpc, which is the radial distance beyond which no significant increase in the cumulative apparent brightness of the night sky can be detected with the unaided eye, even in a large‐scale homogeneous and infinitely large universe with an infinite number of stars.
A right atrial fat ball: Rare case of cardiac lipoma
Authors: Bath Anandbir Singh , Gupta Vishal , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K.
Published: July 2019

Due to varied presentation, a high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis of cardiac lipoma. Treatment should only be reserved for symptomatic patients. This case acknowledges the importance of cardiac MRI in making the diagnosis of cardiac lipoma and further delineating the management options available.
Influence of Reaction Conditions on the Conversion of Methane‐Rich Gases to Fischer‐Tropsch Products
Authors: Schulz Linus Andreas , Selinsek Manuel , Wild Cornelia , Pfeifer Peter , Böltken Tim
Published: July 2019

Evidence is provided that stable operation of a microstructured reactor for steam‐assisted catalytic partial oxidation (sCPOX) and its subsequent coupling with a Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reactor is possible at pressures up to 25 bar. The product composition of the sCPOX was determined and subsequently used as feed composition for a downstream FTS reactor to prove the possibility of coupling with syngas generation. After stable operation was proven in both setups, they were coupled and operated together, feeding the product gas stream of the sCPOX to the FTS. In addition, the negative influence of sulfur in the sCPOX‐gas feed was evaluated.
Differences in beliefs about mood between people with and without bipolar disorder
Authors: Robinson Heather , Jones Steven , Fanshawe Thomas , Lobban Fiona
Published: July 2019

Psychological models of bipolar disorder (BD), such as the self‐regulation model (SRM; Leventhal, Nerenz, & Steele, 1984), highlight the crucial role of beliefs about mood in relapse vulnerability. To date, no studies have directly compared these beliefs between people with and without BD. Based on the SRM, the current research examined beliefs about mood in people with and without BD and explored the impact of current affect on these beliefs. Fifty euthymic people with a diagnosis of BD and 50 controls were recruited through an online screening study, clinical services, and support organizations. Experience sampling methodology (ESM) was used to assess beliefs (according to the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire; Broadbent, Petrie, Main, & Weinman, 2006) across a typical week of everyday life. Data were analysed using multilevel modelling. Forty‐two people with a diagnosis of BD and 50 controls were included in the analyses. Results indicated that the BD group reported less control over mood, a shorter duration of mood, and less understanding of mood and were more likely to report the cause of depressive symptoms as something internal, compared with controls. When controlling for current affect, the BD group also reported more positive consequences, made more internal attributions for hypomanic symptoms, and reported less concern about mood, compared with controls. Findings suggest important differences in beliefs about mood between people with and without BD that are not the result of current affect. These beliefs may be particularly important in understanding underlying vulnerability to future relapse into depression and/or mania.
Bayesian estimation and prediction for Burr‐Rayleigh mixture model using censored data
Authors: Noor Farzana , Sajid Ahthasham , Shah Syed Bilal Hussain , Zaman Mehwish , Gheisari Mehdi , Mariappan Vinayagam
Published: July 2019

In this study, Burr‐XII and Rayleigh distributions are combined to form a new mixture model that is considered to model heterogeneous data. Our objective is to estimate parameters of the proposed mixture model using Bayesian technique under type‐I censoring. Bayesian parameter estimation for the said mixture model is conducted by using informative priors, ie, gamma and squared root inverted gamma (SRIG) as well as noninformative prior, ie, Jeffrey's prior. Squared error loss function (SELF) and quadratic loss function (QLF) are employed to obtain and Bayes estimators. Properties of the proposed Bayes estimators are highlighted through a simulation study. When prior distributions and loss functions utilized in the study are compared in terms of posterior risks, informative prior found to be more suitable and decision turns out to be in favor of QLF. Prediction limits for the single sample case and two sample case are obtained to provide an insight into future sample data. Application of the proposed model is also elaborated using a real‐life example.
Comparative analysis of cumulative distribution function for TCP congestion window size and triple‐duplicate period
Authors: Patel Sanjeev
Published: July 2019

Various version of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) congestion window model are available in the literature. TCP congestion control is handled in two phases: (a) slow start and (b) congestion avoidance. This paper deals with congestion avoidance phase that is based on additive increase multiplicative decrease (AIMD) mechanism in which window size either increase by one or cuts to half of the previous window size. For distribution of window sizes, a model developed by Yan et al has been presented for two loss indications: (a) triple duplicate (TD) and (b) time‐outs (TOs) only while it does not deal with the window size limitation. It does not allow to cap over the TCP congestion window size if the buffer size is restricted to a fixed value though window size could not move beyond that. The unconstrained window size moves on in the presence of low loss probability. In this paper, we propose a model for the case where the window size is bounded by a maximum value that makes applicable to window size limitation as well. Further, the work has been extended to develop a new model that obtains a cumulative distribution function for TD periods (TDPs). The proposed model is validated on ns‐2, and we conclude that observed results for distribution function are very closed to our proposed model.
The remission phase in type 1 diabetes: Changing epidemiology, definitions, and emerging immuno‐metabolic mechanisms
Authors: Zhong Ting , Tang Rong , Gong Siyuan , Li Juan , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: July 2019

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by irreversible islet β cell destruction. During the progression of this disease, some patients with T1DM experience a phase of remission known as honeymoon or partial remission (PR) that is mainly characterized by satisfactory glycemic control and the transient recovery of islet β cell function. This special phase is a good model for studying the mechanism of β cell protection, might serve as a proper intervention period for immunotherapy, and may be related to disease prognosis. This special stage is highly valuable for studies aiming to identify possible targets that may be used to cure T1DM. An in‐depth understanding of the diagnosis, epidemiology, and possible mechanisms of the PR phase is highly needed. In general, patients enter the PR phase approximately 3 months after starting insulin therapy, and this phase could be sustained for 6 to 9 months. Current research increasingly focuses on the metabolic and immunological aspects to constantly update our understanding of this phase. This review concentrates on the PR phase of T1DM to provide a comprehensive outlook of its epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and underlying immune metabolic mechanisms.
Low frataxin mRNA expression is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tatsch Etiane , De Carvalho José A.M. , Bollick Yãnaí S. , Duarte Thiago , Duarte Marta M.M.F. , Vaucher Rodrigo A. , Premaor Melissa O. , Comim Fabio V. , Moresco Rafael N.
Published: July 2019

Background

The mitochondrial protein frataxin is involved in iron metabolism, as well as regulation of oxidative stress. To elucidate the association of frataxin with the pathophysiology of diabetes, we evaluated the mRNA levels of frataxin in leukocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, we investigated the relation between frataxin mRNA levels, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Methods

A study including 150 subjects (115 patients with T2D and 35 healthy subjects) was performed to evaluate the frataxin mRNA levels in leukocytes. We assessed the relation between frataxin and interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), total oxidation status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum iron.

Results

The frataxin mRNA levels in the T2D group were significantly lower than those in healthy subjects. It was also demonstrated that T2D patients with frataxin mRNA levels in the lowest quartile had significantly elevated levels of serum iron, TOS, and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α, IL‐1, and IL‐6, while TAC levels were significantly lower in this quartile when compared with the upper quartile.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that T2D patients with low frataxin mRNA levels showed a high degree of inflammation and oxidative stress. It is speculated that frataxin deficiency in T2D patients can contribute to the imbalance in mitochondrial iron homeostasis leading to the acceleration of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Investigating the Impact of Manufacturing Processes on the Ecotoxicity of Carbon Nanofibers: A Multi–Aquatic Species Comparison
Authors: Barrick Andrew , Châtel Amélie , Manier Nicolas , Kalman Judit , Navas José M. , Mouneyrac Catherine
Published: July 2019

Manufactured nanomaterial production is outpacing the ability to investigate environmental hazard using current regulatory paradigms, causing a backlog of materials requiring testing. To ameliorate this issue, regulatory bodies have proposed integrating safety into the production of novel nanomaterials, allowing for hazards to be identified early in development rather than aftermarket release. In addition, there is a growing interest in short-term ecotoxicity testing to rapidly identify environmental hazards. In this sense, the present study investigated 3 carbon nanofibers (CNFs), created with different production methods, using short-term in vitro and in vivo exposures on fish cell lines, mussel hemocytes, crustacea, and algae. The present study investigated if differences in ecotoxicity hazard between the CNFs could be identified and, if so, which product could be considered less hazardous. A major challenge in assessing the potential hazards posed by manufactured nanomaterials is standardizing the preparation for testing. Standardized operating protocols have been proposed using protein to facilitate the preparation of stable stock suspension, which is not environmentally representative. As such, the study also assessed the potential impacts these standardized protocols (with or without the use of protein) could have on the interpretation of environmental hazard. The results demonstrated that there were clear differences between the 3 CNFs and that the dispersion protocol influenced the interpretation of hazard, demonstrating a need for caution when interpreting ecotoxicity in a regulatory context. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2314–2325. © 2019 SETAC.
Uptake and Effects of the Beta-Adrenergic Agonist Salbutamol in Fish: Supporting Evidence for the Fish Plasma Model
Authors: Weil Mirco , Falkenhain Anna-Maria , Scheurer Marco , Ryan Jim J. , Coors Anja
Published: July 2019

The fish plasma model (FPM) predicts the fish blood plasma concentration of a pharmaceutical from the water concentration to which the fish is exposed and compares it with the human therapeutic plasma concentration (HtherPC) with the postulate that no adverse toxic effects occur below the HtherPC. The present study provides several lines of evidence supporting the FPM for the beta-adrenergic agonist salbutamol, a small cationic molecule at ambient pH. Salbutamol exhibited very low acute toxicity to early and adult life stages of fish. Biomass reduction in fish early life stages was the most sensitive apical endpoint, with no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) in the low mg/L range after continuous exposure for up to 120 d. Given that predicted and measured environmental concentrations are at least 1000-fold lower, the risk of salbutamol in freshwater is deemed very low. Increase in heart beat rate and decrease in total triglyceride content in fish also occurred at the low mg/L range and resembled effects known from humans. This finding supports the FPM assumption of conserved targets in fish with similar functionality. Plasma concentrations measured in adult and juvenile fish exposed to water concentrations at approximately the NOECs exceeded HtherPC and even approached plasma concentrations toxic to humans. This result confirms for salbutamol the FPM hypothesis that no adverse (i.e., population-relevant) toxic effects occur in fish below the HtherPC. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2509–2519. © 2019 SETAC
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Asah‐Opoku Kwaku , Oppong Samuel A. , Ameme Donne K. , Nuamah Mercy A. , Mumuni Kareem , Yeboah Alexander O. , Ndanu Tom A. , Nkyekyer Kobinah
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

Methods

In an unmatched case–control study from September to November 2015, 104 women with ectopic pregnancy (cases) were compared with 208 women with intrauterine pregnancy (controls). Data were collected by interviewer‐administered questionnaire and record review. Bivariable analysis was used to compare characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between risk factors and ectopic pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were reported.

Results

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy were being single (aOR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.15–14.65), sexual debut at younger than 15 years (aOR, 36.4; 95% CI, 2.49–532.49), multiple sexual partners (aOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.76–13.36), previous instrumental evacuation of uterus (aOR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.20–27.99); previous diagnosis of infertility (aOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.36–27.28), being uninsured (aOR, 11.8; 95% CI, 4.23–32.74), and condom use (aOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.36–27.28).

Conclusion

Women who were single with early sexual intercourse, multiple partners, instrumental evacuation of the uterus, and diagnosis of infertility were at risk of ectopic pregnancy. Identification of these factors should facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
Quadrature demodulation in line‐scan focal modulation microscopy for imaging three‐dimensional zebrafish neural structure
Authors: Shen Shuhao , Wu Jian , Chen Nanguang
Published: July 2019

Visualizing biological processes in neuroscience requires in vivo functional imaging at single‐neuron resolution, high image acquisition speed and strong optical sectioning ability. However, due to light scattering of in tissue, very often conventional wide‐field fluorescence microscopes are unable to resolve cells in the presence of a strong out‐of‐focus background. Line‐scan focal modulation microscopy enables high temporal resolution and good optical sectioning ability at the same time. Here we demonstrate a quadrature demodulation method to extract the focal information with an extended frequency bandwidth and therefore higher spatial resolution. The performance of the demodulation scheme in line‐scan focal modulation microscope has been evaluated by performing imaging experiments with fluorescence beads and zebrafish neural structure. Reduced background, reduced artifacts and more detailed morphological information are evident in the obtained images.
Integral equation‐based nonoverlapping domain decomposition method for electromagnetic scattering analysis of PEC targets in half‐space environment
Authors: Gu Zongjing , Zhang Yu , Zhao Xunwang , Lin Zhongchao
Published: July 2019

An integral equation‐based nonoverlapping domain decomposition method (IE‐NDDM) is proposed for efficient and accurate scattering analysis of electrically large PEC targets in a half‐space environment. Taking the condition that there are null fields as well as current inside PEC objects in the original problem, a novel explicit transmission condition is proposed to ensure continuity of electric currents between adjacent subdomains. Moreover, to deal with this situation that targets located in half‐space environment, the stratified‐medium dyadic Green's function is adopted. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the correctness and the performance of the proposed method. In detail, an analysis about electromagnetic scattering respect to the altitude of the target away from half‐space interface, the incident direction of plane wave, and the material parameters of the lower half‐space is presented; furthermore, the convergence behavior of the proposed method is studied.