bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scope and Focus of the 2017 Review of the Standards and Codes Initiative
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The standards and codes (S&C) initiative was launched in 1999 as part of efforts to strengthen the international financial architecture. The initiative aims at promoting international best practices to improve economic and financial resilience through three intermediate objectives: assist countries in strengthening their economic institutions, inform World Bank and IMF work, and inform market participants. The four previous reviews confirmed a fairly high appreciation of the overall initiative. However, the related comprehensive surveys and engagement with stakeholders raised questions about the initiative’s link to surveillance and capacity-building efforts, as well traction with market participants and policy makers. This paper is designed to engage with the Executive Board on the overall scope and focus of the 2017 review of the S&C initiative.

The continuous evolution of the S&C and work under the initiative has accelerated in several policy areas since the financial crisis. Several areas of the S&C have been substantially reformed (fiscal and financial codes) or updated (corporate governance and insolvency and creditor rights) to reflect evolving international best practices, while potential changes in some others are still under consideration (data and monetary and financial policy transparency). The overall level of assessment activity under the initiative has fallen moderately, with a sharp drop in formal Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSCs) partly offset by an increase in other types of S&C based outputs, such as evaluations. Since the 2011 review, most of the changes to individual S&C policy areas under the initiative have involved direct Board engagement, and have aimed at improving operational effectiveness to promote international best practice in the specific area.

The review is an opportunity to discuss how the initiative may be adapted to maintain its relevance, and to capitalize on its achievements. The review will look at changes to the S&C and their applications—across and within the individual policy areas—and make recommendations on the overall initiative. This informal session to engage provides a factual update of the S&C initiative since the last review in 2011, and proposes a strategic approach to address gaps and weaknesses, coordinate reviews of individual policy areas and the overall initiative, and continue to strengthen the relationship with external standard setters and assessors.
Guidance Note on Post Program Monitoring
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

operational guidance to staff on the implementation of post-program monitoring (PPM). It is based on the policy paper Strengthening the Framework for Post-Program Monitoring and the related Board discussion and summing-up, and supersedes the guidance note issued in March 2010.
The impact of recent changes in Asian anthropogenic emissions of SO2 on sulfate loading in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere and the associated radiative changes
Authors: Fadnavis Suvarna , Müller Rolf , Kalita Gayatry , Rowlinson Matthew , Rap Alexandru , Li Jui-Lin Frank , Gasparini Blaž , Laakso Anton
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Convective transport plays a key role in aerosol enhancement in the upper
troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) over the Asian monsoon region
where low-level convective instability persists throughout the year. We use
the state-of-the-art ECHAM6–HAMMOZ global chemistry–climate model to
investigate the seasonal transport of anthropogenic Asian sulfate aerosols
and their impact on the UTLS. Sensitivity simulations for SO2 emission
perturbation over India (48 % increase) and China (70 % decrease) are
performed based on the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite-observed
trend, rising over India by ∼4.8 % per year and decreasing
over China by ∼7.0 % per year during 2006–2017. The
enhanced Indian emissions result in an increase in aerosol optical depth
(AOD) loading in the UTLS by 0.61 to 4.17 % over India. These aerosols
are transported to the Arctic during all seasons by the lower branch of the
Brewer–Dobson circulation enhancing AOD by 0.017 % to 4.8 %.
Interestingly, a reduction in SO2 emission over China inhibits the
transport of Indian sulfate aerosols to the Arctic in summer-monsoon and
post-monsoon seasons due to subsidence over northern India. The region of
sulfate aerosol enhancement shows significant warming in the UTLS over northern India, south China (0.2±0.15 to 0.8±0.72 K) and the Arctic
(∼1±0.62 to 1.6±1.07 K). The estimated seasonal
mean direct radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) induced by
the increase in Indian SO2 emission is −0.2 to −1.5 W m−2 over northern India. The Chinese SO2 emission reduction
leads to a positive radiative forcing of ∼0.6 to 6 W m−2 over China. The decrease in vertical velocity and
the associated enhanced stability of the upper troposphere in response to
increased Indian SO2 emissions will likely decrease rainfall over
India.
Large contributions of biogenic and anthropogenic sources to fine organic aerosols in Tianjin, North China
Authors: Fan Yanbing , Liu Cong-Qiang , Li Linjie , Ren Lujie , Ren Hong , Zhang Zhimin , Li Qinkai , Wang Shuang , Hu Wei , Deng Junjun , Wu Libin , Zhong Shujun , Zhao Yue , Pavuluri Chandra Mouli , Li Xiaodong , Pan Xiaole , Sun Yele , Wang Zifa , Kawamura Kimitaka , Shi Zongbo , Fu Pingqing
Published: August 2019

Abstract. In order to better understand the molecular composition and sources of organic aerosols in Tianjin, a coastal megacity in North China, ambient fine aerosol (PM2.5) samples were collected on a day/night basis during November–December 2016 and May–June 2017. Organic molecular compositions in PM2.5, including aliphatic lipids (n-alkanes, fatty acids and fatty alcohols), sugar compounds and photooxidation products from isoprene, monoterpene, β-caryophyllene, naphthalene and toluene, were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids, fatty alcohols and saccharides were identified as the most abundant organic compound classes among all the tracers during both seasons. High concentrations of most organics at night in winter may be attributed to intensive residential activities such as house heating and the low boundary layer height. Based on the tracer methods, the contributions of the sum of primary and secondary organic carbon (POC and SOC) to aerosol organic carbon (OC) were 24.8 % (daytime) versus 27.6 % (nighttime) in winter and 38.9 % (daytime) versus 32.5 % (nighttime) in summer. In detail, POC derived from fungal spores, plant debris, and biomass burning accounted for 2.78–31.6 % (12.4 %) of OC in the daytime versus 4.72–45.9 % (16.3 %) at night in winter, and 1.28–9.89 % (5.24 %) versus 2.08–47.2 % (10.6 %) in summer. Biomass burning derived OC was the predominant source of POC in this study, especially at night (16.0 ± 6.88 % in winter and 9.62 ± 8.73 % in summer). Biogenic SOC from isoprene, α/β-pinene and β-caryophyllene exhibited obvious seasonal and diurnal variations, contributing 2.23 ± 1.27 % (2.30 ± 1.35 % in the daytime and 2.18 ± 1.19 % at night) and 8.60 ± 4.02 % (8.98 ± 3.67 % and 8.21 ± 4.39 %) to OC in winter and summer, respectively. Isoprene and α/β-pinene SOC were obviously elevated in summer, especially in the daytime, mainly due to strong photooxidation. Anthropogenic SOC from toluene and naphthalene oxidation contributed higher to OC in summer (21.0 ± 18.5 %) than in winter (9.58 ± 3.68 %). In summer, toluene SOC was the dominant contributor to aerosol OC, and biomass burning OC also accounted for a large portion to OC, especially in the nighttime, which indicate that land/sea breezes also play an important role in aerosol chemistry at the coastal city of Tianjin in North China.
Evaluating model outputs using integrated global speleothem records of climate change since the last glacial
Authors: Comas-Bru Laia , Harrison Sandy P. , Werner Martin , Rehfeld Kira , Scroxton Nick , Veiga-Pires Cristina ,   SISAL working group members
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Although quantitative isotope data from speleothems has been used
to evaluate isotope-enabled model simulations, currently no consensus exists
regarding the most appropriate methodology through which to achieve this. A
number of modelling groups will be running isotope-enabled palaeoclimate
simulations in the framework of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project
Phase 6, so it is timely to evaluate different approaches to using the
speleothem data for data–model comparisons. Here, we illustrate this using
456 globally distributed speleothem δ18O records from an
updated version of the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis and Analysis (SISAL)
database and palaeoclimate simulations generated using the ECHAM5-wiso
isotope-enabled atmospheric circulation model. We show that the SISAL
records reproduce the first-order spatial patterns of isotopic variability
in the modern day, strongly supporting the application of this dataset for
evaluating model-derived isotope variability into the past. However, the
discontinuous nature of many speleothem records complicates the process of procuring large
numbers of records if data–model comparisons are made using the traditional
approach of comparing anomalies between a control period and a given
palaeoclimate experiment. To circumvent this issue, we illustrate techniques
through which the absolute isotope values during any time period could be
used for model evaluation. Specifically, we show that speleothem isotope
records allow an assessment of a model's ability to simulate spatial
isotopic trends. Our analyses provide a protocol for using speleothem
isotope data for model evaluation, including screening the observations to
take into account the impact of speleothem mineralogy on δ18O
values, the optimum period for the modern observational baseline and the
selection of an appropriate time window for creating means of the isotope
data for palaeo-time-slices.
Impact Assessment of RAMed Medical Health Insurance on Access to Healthcare Using Instrumental TechniqueImpact Assessment of RAMed Medical Health Insurance on Access to Healthcare Using Instrumental Approach
Authors: Hicham Ouakil , Houda Lechheb , Youness Jouilil
Published: August 2019

The generalization of the RAMed social project on 2012 is one of the key achievements that reflects the commitment of the Moroccan State to strengthen social cohesion and the fight against vulnerability. This article proposes to study the issue of the accessibility of RAMed’s to Basic Health care in Morocco and in particular, to examine, empirically, the causal effect of the coverage by health care. RAMed health insurance on access to health care in public hospitals. In this respect and throughout this research paper, we will try to highlight the barriers limiting the accessibility of these to appropriate health care structures, particularly those of a geographical, socio-economic, socio-demographic and cultural nature. The quantitative analysis conducted in this manuscript highlights a differential care recourse between people covered by basic medical coverage and those not covered by any type of medical insurance. In detail, and taking into account social and economic variables, the use of care varies greatly depending on the coverage scheme. Indeed, members of RAMed (all types) and their descendants are those who consult medicine more than the uncovered. Thus, from the results obtained in this investigation, it is possible to identify two main lessons from which it is conceivable to sketch avenues for government action. Hence, thanks to the extension of RAMed sanitary coverage, the population has been able to access medical care, especially for the poorer classes. The promotion of health culture through awareness campaigns remain a great challenge for public action.
Influence of Dehydration in the Physical-Chemical Quality of Commercial Sunflower Almonds
Authors: Barros Sâmela Leal , Santos Newton Carlos , Nascimento Amanda Priscila da Silva , Melo Mylena Olga Pessoa , Ribeiro Victor Herbert de Alcântara , Silva Vírginia Mirtes de Alcântara
Published: August 2019

Sunflower almonds are widely marketed and have numerous technological applications. Through the drying process occurs the reduction of the water content of the product, a factor that contributes to increase its useful life. However, nutritional losses and physical damage can also occur. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperatures applied in the drying process on the physical-chemical characteristics of commercial sunflower almonds. Convective drying was performed using temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 80 °C. Afterwards, the samples before and after the drying process were analyzed with respect to the following parameters: moisture, water activity, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and energetic value to observe the influence of different drying temperatures on these attributes. It was verified that the increase of the temperature of the drying air causes an increase in the ash content, total solids, lipids, carbohydrates and energetic value. However, the reduction of moisture content, water activity and proteins was observed. There was no significant difference between the samples in relation to pH.
Application of Machine Learning for Partial Discharge Classification under DC Voltage
Authors: Schober Bernhard , Schichler Uwe
Published: August 2019

Partial discharge measurement is one of the most important diagnosis methods and well investigated under AC voltage. Furthermore, machine learning is established and has been used successfully already many years for automated recognition of PD defects. For AC voltage, there are several diagnosis methods and interpretation tools. In the field of DC voltage this is not the case, so it needs significant tools to interpret the results. In this contribution typical PD defects of HVDC GIS/GIL are investigated, but the methods can be adopted to other HV equipment as well. The machine learning techniques were realized with MATLAB and WEKA. Statistical parameters, derived from the PD pulse sequences, were used as features. A hierarchical clustering of the features was performed to analyse the separability between the PD defects. Classification was done with three popular algorithms (SVM, k-NN, ANN). The parameters of these algorithms were varied and compared to each other’s. SVM clearly outperformed the other classifiers.
Influence of Field Grading in Setup for Electric Breakdown Testing of Polyethylene Films
Authors: Andersson Johan , Nilsson Ulf H. , Nilsson Susanne , Pollak Hedvig , Nilsson Nilena
Published: August 2019

High dielectric strength of solid electrical insulation materials for high voltage applications is essential for high reliability and long-term performance.The IEC 60243 and ASTM D149 both describe very similar test methods to determine the short-term electric strength of solid insulation materials. A test sample, usually thin plaque, is placed in an electrode system with surrounding insulating oil. The voltage is then steadily increased until an electric breakdown occurs. Despite the relatively simple test setup, testing materials with high electric strength can be difficult. The breakdown channel is often located outside the active testing area of the electrodes and found at the electrode edge at the triple point between the electrode, test object, and surrounding oil.In this study, we have investigated different possibilities to control the electrical field enhancement in the vicinity of the electrode edges using silicone rubber, field grading silicone rubber, and a high permittivity oil. The testing was performed with semi-spherical electrodes and electrodes as recommended in IEC 60243 on polyethylene films. Electrodes covered with the field grading rubber increased the short-term breakdown strength compared to standard testing without modification. The high permittivity oil and silicone rubber seemed to have limited effect on the breakdown strength.
Effective surface functionalization of fumed silica with NBR telechelic oligomer for high-voltage polyolefin-based dielectric composites
Authors: Anyszka Rafal , He Xiaozhen , Mahtabani Amirhossein , Dierkes Wilma K , Blume Anke
Published: August 2019

In this study an effective surface functionalization of fumed nano-silica for dielectric insulation composites is developed. A three step modification procedure was applied: 1. Silanization of the silica surface with (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GOPTMS); 2. Grafting of an acrylonitrile-butadiene telechelic oligomer terminated with two carboxylic acid groups (o-NBR); 3. Hydrogenation of the unsaturated polybutadiene segments for better compatibilization with the saturated polyolefin matrices and for higher dielectric performance.The deposition of the coupling system was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealing 6.4 wt. % of GOPTMS and 13.6 wt. % of o-NBR bond to the silica, resulting in an exceptionally high total deposition (20.0 wt. %). The o-NBR grafting was analyzed qualitatively by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showing successful deposition of o-NBR and effective hydrogenation.The silica modified according to this procedure is a promising functional nano-filler for high-voltage insulation composites allowing improved dispersion and distribution in polyolefine matrices and therefore enhancing their electrical properties.
Silica-Polypropylene Nanocomposites for Film Capacitors: Structure–Property Studies and the Role of Biaxial Stretching Conditions
Authors: Rytöluoto Ilkka , Niittymäki Minna , Lahti Kari , Saarimäki Eetta , Flyktman Timo , Paajanen Mika , Karttunen Mikko
Published: August 2019

Biaxial-stretching-induced morphology development anddielectric properties of hydrophobic fumed silica-BOPPnanocomposite films were investigated. The precursor (cast)film morphology, pre-heating as well as biaxial stretchingtemperature and stretch ratio were found to profoundly affect thesilica-BOPP film bulk morphology, surface texture and theformation of particle/agglomerate-induced cavitation uponbiaxial stretching. Isothermal high-field conductivity andthermally stimulated depolarization current measurementsindicated decreasing high-field/high-temperature conductivityand modification of trap density of states upon incorporation ofnanosilica in comparison to neat BOPP. Large-area DCdielectric strength is, however, sensitive to thermal/mechanicalstresses upon biaxial stretching, hence necessitating carefuloptimization of the nanocomposite formulation and processing.
El Cancionero de romances (Amberes: Martín Nucio, 1550) de la Hispanic Society of America: Confluencia de prácticas impresas y manuscritasThe Cancionero de romances (Antwerp: Martin Nucio, 1550) of the Hispanic Society of America: Confluence of Printing and Scribal Practices
Authors: Altamirano Magdalena
Published: August 2019

The fly-leaves of the Cancionero de romances (Antwerp: Martin Nucio, 1550), held in the Hispanic Society of America, were inscribed with poetic marginalia. Practices from manuscript culture, adopted by the printing press, facilitated the conversion of the volume into a space of collaboration among authors, printers, readers, bookbinders, and, perhaps, also forgers. This collaboration and the volume's complex history speak to the ways of reading of a person who was very different from the majority of Nucio's typical readers.
Natural Entomophages of Brevicoryne Brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Uzbekistan
Authors: Razzakov Kahramon B. , Abdullaev Ikram. I. , Saparboev Ko’pal O. , Allaberganova Mavluda M.
Published: August 2019

In our studies phenological phases of cabbage aphids Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) were studied. The influence of external factors (humidity and temperature) was studied under laboratory conditions. The maximum reproductive ability of cabbage aphids was noted in spring and autumn. Some of the parthenogenetic aphids gave about 82 larvae. The daily reproductive ability of aphids was 3-5, and the maximum 5-11. When studying the reproductive ability of parthenogenetic aphids, this indicator was slightly lower than that of the wingless aphids (average 28, maximum 51). The overall development of cabbage aphid seeds averaged 7–9 days in summer and 12–21 days in early spring and autumn. The importance and bioecological features of Metamorphus corollae (F.), Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer, 1776), Syrphus vitripennis (Meigen, 1822), Scaeva pyrastri (L.) Coccinella septempunctata (L.) and Adonia variegata (G.), Chrysopa carnea Steph. with natural control of the cabbage aphid were studied.

Studying the biological effectiveness of a simple golden-eyed fly in relation to the cabbage bug, efficiencies were observed at a ratio of II-year-old larvae of simple golden-eyed and cabbage bug in a ratio of 1:5 and 1:10. For 4 day old gold-eyed eggs, this efficiency was observed when the ratio with cabbage bug was 1:1 on the 17th day of the experiment.
Indicting a President
Authors: Perry Clifton ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2019

Although it is clear that the Chief Executive may be impeached while in office, it is generally thought that a sitting President cannot suffer criminal indictment while in office. There are two general arguments in support of this position. The first argument notes that criminal indictment of the President would so interfere with the duties of the office as to constitute a violation of the Constitution. The second argument simply refers to the express language of the Constitution providing that the remedy for intolerable occupation of the office is impeachment and conviction. While the Constitution does not expressly preclude indictment and prosecution, it is argued that the Constitution only so allows upon impeachment and conviction. This essay aspires to more fully explore the two alleged constitutional prohibitions against the criminal indictment of the occupant of the Office of the President and to argue that each suffers sufficiently to render each doubtful as a ground for guaranteeing Presidential immunity.
WHCLS: Academic libraries: An unrecognized national strength?
Authors: Chambers Joan
Published: August 2019

WHCLS: Academic libraries: An unrecognized national strength?
Potential benefits from global warming to the thermal biology and locomotor performance of an endangered Patagonian lizard
Authors: Cabezas-Cartes Facundo , Fernández Jimena B. , Duran Fernando , Kubisch Erika L.
Published: August 2019

Global warming can significantly affect many aspects of the biology of animal species, including their thermal physiology and physiological performance. Thermal performance curves provide a heuristic model to evaluate the impacts of temperature on the ecophysiology of ectotherms. When integrated with other thermal biology parameters, they can be used to predict the impacts of climate change on individual fitness and population viability. In this study, we combine holistic measures of thermal physiology and the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance with environmental temperatures measured at fine scale to estimate the vulnerability to global warming of the endangered Patagonian lizard Phymaturus tenebrosus. Our results indicate that this lizard exhibits its preferred temperatures and maximum locomotor performance at higher temperatures than the mean temperature it currently experiences in its habitat. In addition, it exhibits a low effectiveness of thermoregulation, being a poor thermoregulator. In view of the results obtained, we suggest that the climatic conditions of Patagonia may be advantageous for P. tenebrosus to survive future global warming, since its thermal physiology and locomotor performance may improve under increasing in environmental temperatures in its habitat.
Camel Feed Characterization of Ethiopian Somali Region Rangelands through Traditional Knowledge
Authors: Madalcho Aklilu Bajigo , Tadesse Bosenu Abera , Gebeyew Kefyalew , Gebresilassie Gebremedhin
Published: August 2019

The study was conducted in five administrative zones of the Ethiopian Somali Regional State, with the objectives of characterizing the major camel browse and grazed plant species and their seasonal availability in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. A semi-structured questionnaire, group discussions, field observations, and key informant interviews were used as the primary data collection tools, while different secondary data sources were also used. A total of 150 household heads were selected purposively for formal interview. The results showed that most (90.7%) of the respondents were male and 85.3% of the sampled households were illiterate. It was revealed that browsing trees and shrubs were the major camel feed resources in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. Although the quality and quantity of camel feed vary in dry (66%) and wet (88%) seasons; trees and shrubs were the major feed resources at all seasons, while the herbaceous species cover only 34% in both pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. The identified camel feed species in the study districts comprise 38 tree species, 20 herbaceous species, 12 shrub, 7 bush, and 17 grass species. The study revealed that there is a need to raise awareness among the pastoralist and agro-pastoral communities on the importance of browse plant species management and sustainable utilization.
Body Mass Index and Age Correlation with Prostate-specific Antigen Density as Prostate Cancer Risk Indicators in a Screened Male University Population in Nigeria: A Pilot Study
Authors: Eyam Eyam Sunday , Bassey Ima-Abasi E. , Isiwele Edoise M. , Eberechukwu Eyam Lilian
Published: August 2019

Background: Prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) is one of the means of improving PSA sensitivity as a marker of a prostate cancer diagnosis. However, this ability is perceived to be obscured by certain factors such as high body mass index and age in Caucasian and western populations, which tends to reduce its sensitivity and lead to misclassification of at-risk patients for prostate cancer.

Aim: We studied the correlation of body mass index (BMI) and age with prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) as indicators of prostate cancer risk in a screened male population(40 years and above) in the University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study with consecutive participant recruitment.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the University of Calabar Medical centre during a medical outreach.

Materials and Methods: The study involved sixty-one (61) healthy male participants. BMI was mathematically determined from the weight and height and was categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity based on the WHO classification with values of <18.5, 18.5-24.9, 25.0-29.9, and ≥30 (Kg/m2) respectively. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for PSA and transrectal ultrasound scan was done to estimate the prostate volume and was used to calculate the prostate-specific antigen density.

Results: Over 67% of participants had PSA values below 4.0 ng/ml, 14.8% between 4.0-10.0 ng/ml, and 18% above 10.0 ng/ml. Body mass index (BMI) assessment revealed that 1.6% of the sampled population had BMI <18.5 Kg/m2, 32.8% had BMI between 18.5 Kg/m2 and 24.9 Kg/m2, while 50.8% were noticed to have a BMI of between 25.0 Kg/m2 and 29.9 Kg/m2, and 14.8% had BMI of 30 Kg/m2 and above.

Conclusion: There was an inverse correlation of BMI with prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) and a direct correlation of age with PSAD in this study of Nigerian men.
Relaxant Activities of Extracts from Uvaria rufa Blume and Caesalpinia sappan L. on Excised Rat’s Prostate Strips
Authors: Buncharoen Wararut , Saenphet Supap , Saenphet Kanokporn
Published: August 2019

Aims: To determine the relaxant activity of various extracts from the stems of Uraria rufa Blume and Caesalpinia sappan L. on rats’ prostate strips in vitro.

Study Design:  The relaxant efficacies of ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts from the stems of U. rufa (UEA and UEOH) and C. sappan (CEA and CEOH) were tested on isolated rats’ prostate tissue pre-contracted by adrenaline.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, between February and September 2018.

Methodology: A prostate strip was isolated, mounted in an organ bath filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution and induced to contract by adrenaline. The contracted strip was then exposed to each extract at 250 µg/mL for 30 minutes. The tension was recorded. Relaxant efficacies of various extracts were determined in prostate strips pre-contracted by adrenaline at 10 µM. All extracts were also determined for their bioactive components and the contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids.

Results: The results showed that all of the extracts, as well as tamsulosin, a synthetic drug, exhibited relaxant effects (P < 0.001) on prostate smooth muscles. The UEA exhibited the most potency in relaxing the prostate smooth muscle with a maximal effect of 72.09 ± 2.15 %. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of the UEA, CEOH, UEOH and CEA were 140.23 ± 9.74, 226.35 ± 7.16, 235.35 ± 24.96 and 236.24 ± 5.05 µg/ml respectively, while tamsulosin was 86.83 ± 8.96 µg/ml. All extracts contained flavonoids, phenolics, sterols, tannins, phlobatannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids and reducing sugars. The highest contents of phenolics and flavonoids were found in CEOH and CEA respectively.

Conclusion: We concluded that the ethyl acetate from the stems of U. rufa was the most potent in relaxing the prostate smooth muscles, and it may be useful to relieve the urological symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Benign-Appearing Thyroid Follicles in Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Report of 3 Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ren Peiyou , Dong Su , Jin Meishan , Chen Guang , Liu Jia
Published: August 2019

Thyroid carcinoma tissue is frequently found in cervical lymph nodes following metastasis of thyroid, and particularly, thyroid papillary carcinoma. However, thyroid follicles without any malignant characteristics also are frequently detected in cervical lymph nodes. The reasons for the existence of “benign thyroid tissue” in lymph nodes are presently not understood. We present 3 cases of benign-appearing thyroid follicles in cervical lymph nodes. All patients underwent thyroidectomy and a central neck dissection after discovery of thyroid nodules by ultrasonography. The intraoperative frozen pathology and postoperative pathology of the 3 cases demonstrated that the lymph nodes contained thyroid follicles without any malignant features, and that the thyroid glands only displayed benign diseases, such as nodular goiter and thyroiditis. The patients remained disease-free for 1 to 6 months without evidence of abnormal cervical lymph nodes at the latest follow-up. The incidence of benign-appearing thyroid follicles in cervical lymph nodes is high.
Ileal Duplication Cyst Presenting With Acute Abdomen at Adult Age: Report of a Rare Case and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gunay Emre , Abuoglu Hasan , Akyuz Cebrail , Aker Fugen
Published: August 2019

Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are rare lesions that typically present with acute abdomen in childhood. They are rare in adults, with only a few adult cases having been reported thus far. Adults with these lesions are usually asymptomatic or manifest with subtle abdominal symptoms. They may, however, also present with obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or malignancy. Herein, we aimed to report a case of ileal duplication cyst at adult age that presenting with symptoms of acute abdomen and reviewed the reported cases of adult age duplication cysts.
Supporting Survival of Transplanted Stem‐Cell‐Derived Insulin‐Producing Cells in an Encapsulation Device Augmented with Controlled Release of Amino Acids
Authors: Chendke Gauree S. , Faleo Gaetano , Juang Charity , Parent Audrey V. , Bernards Daniel A. , Hebrok Matthias , Tang Qizhi , Desai Tejal A.
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type I diabetes, which is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the host immune cells attack insulin‐producing beta cells. The impact of this therapy is limited due to tissue availability and dependence on immunosuppressive drugs that prevent immune rejection of the transplanted cells. These issues can be solved by encapsulating stem cell‐derived insulin‐producing cells in an immunoprotective device. However, encapsulation exacerbates ischemia, and the lack of vasculature at the implantation site post‐transplantation worsens graft survival. Here, an encapsulation device that supplements nutrients to the cells is developed to improve the survival of encapsulated stem cell‐derived insulin‐producing cells in the poorly vascularized subcutaneous space. An internal compartment in the device is fabricated to provide zero‐order release of alanine and glutamine for several weeks. The amino acid reservoir sustains viability of insulin‐producing cells in nutrient limiting conditions in vitro. Moreover, the reservoir also increases cell survival by 30% after transplanting the graft in the subcutaneous space.
The Biaxial Strain Dependence of Magnetic Order in Spin Frustrated Mn3NiN Thin Films
Authors: Boldrin David , Johnson Freya , Thompson Ryan , Mihai Andrei P. , Zou Bin , Zemen Jan , Griffiths Jack , Gubeljak Patrik , Ormandy Kristian L. , Manuel Pascal , Khalyavin Dmitry D. , Ouladdiaf Bachir , Qureshi Navid , Petrov Peter , Branford Will , Cohen Lesley F.
Published: August 2019

Multicomponent magnetic phase diagrams are a key property of functional materials for a variety of uses, such as manipulation of magnetization for energy efficient memory, data storage, and cooling applications. Strong spin‐lattice coupling extends this functionality further by allowing electric‐field‐control of magnetization via strain coupling with a piezoelectric. Here this work explores the magnetic phase diagram of piezomagnetic Mn3NiN thin films, with a frustrated noncollinear antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure, as a function of the growth induced biaxial strain. Under compressive strain, the films support a canted AFM state with large coercivity of the transverse anomalous Hall resistivity, ρxy, at low temperature, that transforms at a well‐defined Néel transition temperature (TN) into a soft ferrimagnetic‐like (FIM) state at high temperatures. In stark contrast, under tensile strain, the low temperature canted AFM phase transitions to a state where ρxy is an order of magnitude smaller and therefore consistent with a low magnetization phase. Neutron scattering confirms that the high temperature FIM‐like phase of compressively strained films is magnetically ordered and the transition at TN is first‐order. The results open the field toward future exploration of electric‐field‐driven piezospintronic and thin film caloric cooling applications in both Mn3NiN itself and the broader Mn3AN family.
Luminescence Thermometry on the Route of the Mobile‐Based Internet of Things (IoT): How Smart QR Codes Make It Real
Authors: Ramalho João F. C. B. , Correia Sandra F. H. , Fu Lianshe , António Lara L. F. , Brites Carlos D. S. , André Paulo S. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: August 2019

Quick Response (QR) codes are a gateway to the Internet of things (IoT) due to the growing use of smartphones/mobile devices and its properties like fast and easy reading, capacity to store more information than that found in conventional codes, and versatility associated to the rapid and simplified access to information. Challenges encompass the enhancement of storage capacity limits and the evolution to a smart label for mobile devices decryption applications. Organic–inorganic hybrids with europium (Eu3+) and terbium (Tb3+) ions are processed as luminescent QR codes that are able to simultaneously double the storage capacity and sense temperature in real time using a photo taken with the charge‐coupled device of a smartphone. The methodology based on the intensity of the red and green pixels of the photo yields a maximum relative sensitivity and minimum temperature uncertainty of the QR code sensor (293 K) of 5.14% · K−1 and 0.194 K, respectively. As an added benefit, the intriguing performance results from energy transfer involving the thermal coupling between the Tb3+‐excited level (5D4) and the low‐lying triplet states of organic ligands, being the first example of an intramolecular primary thermometer. A mobile app is developed to materialize the concept of temperature reading through luminescent QR codes.
Reporting focused lung ultrasound studies in critical care. Recommendations from the College of Intensive Care Medicine Ultrasound Special Interest Group
Authors: Rudas Máté , Orde Sam , Yang Yang , Nalos Marek
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe the recommended procedure and common ultrasonographic findings and present a framework for labelling, recording and reporting of images obtained during a focused lung ultrasound study.

Background

Lung ultrasound is a widely utilised point‐of‐care investigation in acute care, providing valuable diagnostic information in patients with dyspnoea or haemodynamic instability. It has a number of recognised advantages and has been incorporated into a variety of clinical algorithms. Recommendations for performing lung ultrasound and description of common artefacts are readily available; however, there is a lack of a recognised framework for labelling and reporting a lung ultrasound study. Standardised recording, labelling and reporting are important clinically, while promoting consistency, quality assurance, teaching and research opportunities. Documenting lung ultrasound also has potential medico‐legal implications.

Results

For focused lung ultrasound, an extended bilateral four‐quadrant approach is recommended. Acquired images and loops should be clearly labelled identifying left or right, anterior or lateral and inferior, superior or posterior locations. 2D loops should be of sufficient length to clearly demonstrate pleural sliding, complemented by M‐mode stills if required. Reports should provide information regarding the presence or absence of an intact pleural interface, the presence or absence and the size and nature of pleural collections as well as any parenchymal artefacts or consolidation, in all examined locations. It is important to use internationally accepted terminology to describe findings, and it is also recommended to conclude the report with a clear summary that can be interpreted by healthcare providers without specific training in lung ultrasound.
Clinical Variability in P102L Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker Syndrome
Authors: Tesar Adam , Matej Radoslav , Kukal Jaromir , Johanidesova Silvie , Rektorova Irena , Vyhnalek Martin , Keller Jiri , Eliasova Ilona , Parobkova Eva , Smetakova Magdalena , Musova Zuzana , Rusina Robert
Published: August 2019

Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome (GSS) with the P102L mutation is a rare genetic prion disease caused by a pathogenic mutation at codon 102 in the prion protein gene. Cluster analysis encompassing data from 7 Czech patients and 87 published cases suggests the existence of 4 clinical phenotypes (typical GSS, GSS with areflexia and paresthesia, pure dementia GSS, and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease–like GSS); GSS may be more common than previously estimated. In making a clinical diagnosis or progression estimates of GSS, magnetic resonance imaging and real‐time quaking‐induced conversion may be helpful, but the results should be evaluated with respect to the overall clinical context. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:643–652
Amphiphile Polymer‐Lipidkonjugate zur potenten lymphatischen Anreicherung von TLR7/8‐Agonisten ermöglichen eine örtlich begrenzte Aktivierung des angeborenen Immunsystems
Authors: De Vrieze Jana , Louage Benoit , Deswarte Kim , Zhong Zifu , De Coen Ruben , Van Herck Simon , Nuhn Lutz , Kaas Frich Camilla , Zelikin Alexander N. , Lienenklaus Stefan , Sanders Niek N. , Lambrecht Bart N. , David Sunil A. , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: August 2019

Die Induktion unkontrollierter systemischer Entzündungsprozesse blockiert derzeit die unmittelbare klinische Anwendung verschiedener Klassen von nierdermolekularen Immunmodulatoren. Darunter fallen zum Beispiel auch die Imidazochinolin‐basierten TLR7/8‐Agonisten, die eine erfolgversprechende Anwendung beim Impfen oder in der Krebsimmuntherapie finden könnten. Hierbei würden Lipidmotive eine Abhilfe schaffen, da sie sich an Serumproteine anlagern und so zu einer Akkumulation im lymphatischen Gewebe beitragen. Aus diesem Grund haben wir amphiphile Polymer‐Lipidkonjugate als Transporter entwickelt, die die systemischen Entzündungserscheinungen der niedermolekularen Wirkstoffe unterdrücken und stattdessen eine potente Immunaktivierung allein in den Lymphknoten ermöglichen. In dieser Arbeit legen wir erste systematische Struktur‐Wirkstoffbeziehungen für eine optimale lymphatische Anreicherung dar.
Fast and Quantitative NMR Metabolite Analysis Afforded by a Paramagnetic Co‐Solute
Authors: Mulder Frans A. A. , Tenori Leonardo , Luchinat Claudio
Published: August 2019

NMR spectroscopy is an indispensable technique for the determination of the chemical identity and structure of small molecules. The method is especially recognized for its robustness and intrinsically quantitative nature, and has manifested itself as a key analytical platform for diverse fields of application, ranging from chemical synthesis to metabolomics. Unfortunately, the slow recovery of nuclear spin polarization by spin‐lattice (T1) relaxation causes most experimental time to be lost on idle waiting. Furthermore, truly quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy requires waiting times of 5‐times the longest T1 in the sample, making qNMR spectroscopy slow and inefficient. We demonstrate here that co‐solute paramagnetic relaxation can mitigate these two problems simultaneously. The addition of a small amount of paramagnetic gadolinium chelate, available in the form of commercial contrast‐agent solutions, enables cheap, quantitative, and efficient high‐throughput mixture analysis.
Vanadium supported on spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as an efficient and magnetically recoverable catalyst for oxidative degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Salami Rasoul , Amini Mojtaba , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Hosseini Hadighehsadat
Published: August 2019

Vanadium supported on spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. For the first time, the prepared material was used for the catalytic degradation of methylene blue as an organic dye in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant and NaHCO3 as a co‐reagent at room temperature. The dependency of removal percentage on various parameters such as amount of catalyst, pH, reaction time and temperature and the effect of radical scavenging agents were studied. Finally, recoverability and reusability of the vanadium supported on spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were investigated.
Co‐catalyst effects on the thermal stability/activity of N,N,N‐Co ethylene polymerization Catalysts Bearing Fluoro‐Substituted N‐2,6‐dibenzhydrylphenyl groups
Authors: Zhang Qiuyue , Ma Yanping , Suo Hongyi , Solan Gregory A. , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: August 2019

The unsymmetrical bis (arylimino)pyridines, 2‐[CMeN{2,6‐{(4‐FC6H4)2CH}2–4‐t‐BuC6H2}]‐6‐(CMeNAr)C5H3N (Ar = 2,6‐Me2C6H3 L1, 2,6‐Et2C6H3 L2, 2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3 L3, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2 L4, 2,6‐Et2–4‐MeC6H2 L5), each containing one N‐aryl group bedecked with ortho‐substituted fluorobenzhydryl groups, have been employed in the preparation of the corresponding five‐coordinate cobalt (II) chelates, LCoCl2 (Co1 – Co5); the symmetrical comparator [2,6‐{CMeN(2,6‐(4‐FC6H4)2CH)2–4‐t‐BuC6H2}2C5H3N]CoCl2 (Co6) is also reported. All cobaltous complexes are paramagnetic and have been characterized by 1H/19F NMR spectroscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of Co3 and Co6 highlight the different degrees of steric protection given to the metal center by the particular N‐aryl group combination. Depending on the aluminoxane co‐catalyst employed to activate the cobalt precatalyst, distinct variations in thermal stability and activity of the catalyst towards ethylene polymerization were exhibited. In particular with MAO, the resultant catalysts reached their optimal performance at 70 °C delivering high activities of up to 10.1 × 106 g PE (mol of Co)−1 h−1 with Co1 > Co4 > Co2 > Co5 > Co3 >> Co6. On the other hand, using MMAO, the catalysts operate most effectively at 30 °C but are by comparison less productive. In general, the polyethylenes were highly linear, narrowly disperse and displayed a wide range of molecular weights [Mw range: 18.5–58.7 kg mol−1 (MAO); 206.1–352.5 kg mol−1 (MMAO)].
A Series of Ti6 Oxo Clusters Anchored with Arylamine Dyes: Effect of Dye Structures on Photocurrent Responses
Authors: Cui Li‐Na , Liu Pei‐Yi , Yang Lei , Shu Xian‐Ping , Zhu Qin‐Yu , Dai Jie
Published: August 2019

Dye molecules pre‐anchored on titanium oxo clusters (dye‐TOCs) are attractive as model compounds of dye‐sensitized titanium oxide. To investigate the effects of the dye ligand structures of the dye‐TOCs on photocurrent conversion, a series of dye‐TOCs with the same Ti6 core structure and different antenna ligands (L) was synthesized and characterized crystallographically. The TOCs have the same structural formula of [Ti6O4L2(O3PPh)2(OiPr)10]. Two types of dyes with para‐ or meta‐substituted structures were designed and used as the ligands. The results show that charge transfer from the donor group to the TiO core of the TOCs with the para‐substituted ligands is stronger than those with the meta‐substituted ligands. The steric effect of the ligands also greatly influences the photocurrent density. Larger branched structures of the dye ligands reduce the coverage density of the dye‐TOCs on TiO2 electrodes and also weaken the effective covalent bonding of the dye‐TOCs on the electrode, and consequently, the photocurrent is decreased.
Anatomical Model Uncertainty for RF Safety Evaluation of Metallic Implants Under MRI Exposure
Authors: Yao Aiping , Zastrow Earl , Cabot Eugenia , Lloyd Bryn , Schneider Beatrice , Kainz Wolfgang , Kuster Niels
Published: August 2019

The Virtual Population (ViP) phantoms have been used in many dosimetry studies, yet, to date, anatomical phantom uncertainty in radiofrequency (RF) research has largely been neglected. The objective of this study is to gain insight, for the first time, regarding the uncertainty in RF‐induced fields during magnetic resonance imaging associated with tissue assignment and segmentation quality and consistency in anatomical phantoms by evaluating the differences between two generations of ViP phantoms, ViP1.x and ViP3.0. The RF‐induced 10g‐average electric (E‐) fields, tangential E‐fields distribution along active implantable medical devices (AIMD) routings, and estimated AIMD heating were compared for five phantoms that are part of both ViP1.x and ViP3.0. The results demonstrated that differences exceeded 3 dB (−29%, +41%) for local quantities and 1 dB (±12% for field, ±25% for power) for integrated and volume‐averaged quantities (e.g., estimated AIMD‐heating and 10 g‐average E‐fields), while the variation across different ViP phantoms of the same generation can exceed 10 dB (−68% and +217% for field, −90% and +900% for power). In conclusion, the anatomical phantom uncertainty associated with tissue assignment and segmentation quality/consistency is larger than previously assumed, i.e., 0.6 dB or ±15% (k = 1) for AIMD heating. Further, multiple phantoms based on different volunteers covering the target population are required for quantitative analysis of dosimetric endpoints, e.g., AIMD heating, which depend on patient anatomy. Phantoms with the highest fidelity in tissue assignment and segmentation should be used, as these ensure the lowest uncertainty and possible underestimation of exposure. To verify that the uncertainty decreases monotonically with improved phantom quality, the evaluation of differences between phantom generations should be repeated for any improvement in segmentation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:458–471. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society