bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the concentrations of PCDDs/Fs in contaminated bottom sediments and their sources and ecological risk
Authors: Baran Agnieszka , Mierzwa-Hersztek Monika , Urbaniak Magdalena , Gondek Krzysztof , Tarnawski Marek , Szara Magdalena , Zieliński Marek 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F), two types of persistent organic pollutant (POP), in an urban retention reservoir located in an industrial zone within a coal-mining region. It also assesses the potential ecological risk of the PCDDs/Fs present in bottom sediments and the relationship between their content and the fraction of organic matter.

Materials and methods
The sediment samples were collected from Rybnik Reservoir, located in the centre of the Rybnik Coal Region, Silesia, one of Poland’s major industrial centres. Seventeen PCDD/F congeners in the surface of the sediments were analysed using high-resolution gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS).

Results and discussion
The toxic equivalency (TEQ) of the PCDDs/Fs in the sediments ranged from 1.65 to 32.68 pg TEQ g−1. PCDDs constituted 59–78% of the total PCDDs/Fs, while the PCDFs accounted for 22–41%. The pattern of PCDD/F congeners in the sediments was dominated by OCDD. However, the second-most prevalent constituents were OCDF and ∑HpCDFs in the low TOC sediment (< 10 g TOC kg−1), but HpCDD in the rich TOC samples (> 10 g TOC kg−1). PCDD/F concentrations in the sediment samples were 2- to 38-fold higher than the sediment quality guidelines limit, indicating high ecological risk potential. Although a considerable proportion of PCDDs/Fs in the bottom sediments from the Rybnik Reservoir were derived from combustion processes, they were also obtained via transport, wastewater discharge, high-temperature processes and thermal electricity generation. The PCDD/F concentrations were significantly correlated with all fractions of organic matter; however, the strongest correlation coefficients were found between PCDDs/Fs and humic substances. Besides organic matter, the proportions of silt/clay fractions within sediments played an important role in the transport of PCDDs/Fs in bottom sediments.

Conclusions
The silt/clay fraction of the bottom sediments plays a dominant role in the movement of PCDDs/Fs, while the organic matter fraction affects their sorption. The results indicate that the environmental behaviour of PCDDs/Fs is affected by the quantity and quality of organic matter and the texture of sediments.
Accuracy assessment of target tracking using two 5-degrees-of-freedom wireless transponders
Authors: Eppenga Roeland , Kuhlmann Koert , Ruers Theo , Nijkamp Jasper 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Surgical navigation systems are generally only applied for targets in rigid areas. For non-rigid areas, real-time tumor tracking can be included to compensate for anatomical changes. The only clinically cleared system using a wireless electromagnetic tracking technique is the Calypso® System (Varian Medical Systems Inc., USA), designed for radiotherapy. It is limited to tracking maximally three wireless 5-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) transponders, all used for tumor tracking. For surgical navigation, a surgical tool has to be tracked as well. In this study, we evaluated whether accurate 6DOF tumor tracking is possible using only two 5DOF transponders, leaving one transponder to track a tool.

Methods
Two methods were defined to derive 6DOF information out of two 5DOF transponders. The first method uses the vector information of both transponders (TTV), and the second method combines the vector information of one transponder with the distance vector between the transponders (OTV). The accuracy of tracking a rotating object was assessed for each method mimicking clinically relevant and worst-case configurations. Accuracy was compared to using all three transponders to derive 6DOF (Default method). An optical tracking system was used as a reference for accuracy.

Results
The TTV method performed best and was as accurate as the Default method for almost all transponder configurations (median errors < 0.5°, 95% confidence interval < 3°). Only when the angle between the transponders was less than 2°, the TTV method was inaccurate and the OTV method may be preferred. The accuracy of both methods was independent of the angle of rotation, and only the OTV method was sensitive to the plane of rotation.

Conclusion
These results indicate that accurate 6DOF tumor tracking is possible using only two 5DOF transponders. This encourages further development of a wireless EM surgical navigation approach using a readily available clinical system.
Thomas Manlevelt: God in Logic
Authors: van der Helm Alfred 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper was presented at the Second World Congress on Logic and Religion on the sub-topic of logics vis-à-vis illogicalities in religion. It deals with fourteenth-century-logician Thomas Manlevelt’s Ockhamist approach to logic (the ars vetus, strictly speaking) and its ontological outcome: rejection of the existence of substance. Although God, the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, the Antichrist and the consecrated host keep popping up within the domain of logic, it is argued that Manlevelt kept clear water between logic and theology. Things divine, and especially the transubstantiation of the consecrated host, do however play a crucial role in the development of his idea of the non-existence of substance. It is suggested that this might imply the miraculous nature of the whole universe.
Genome-wide characterization and analysis of microsatellite sequences in camelid species
Authors: Manee Manee M. , Algarni Abdulmalek T. , Alharbi Sultan N. , Al-Shomrani Badr M. , Ibrahim Mohanad A. , Binghadir Sarah A. , Al-Fageeh Mohamed B. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMicrosatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are among the genetic markers most widely utilized in research. This includes applications in numerous fields such as genetic conservation, paternity testing, and molecular breeding. Though ordered draft genome assemblies of camels have been announced, including for the Arabian camel, systemic analysis of camel SSRs is still limited. The identification and development of informative and robust molecular SSR markers are essential for marker assisted breeding programs and paternity testing. Here we searched and compared perfect SSRs with 1–6 bp nucleotide motifs to characterize microsatellites for draft genome sequences of the Camelidae. We analyzed and compared the occurrence, relative abundance, relative density, and guanine-cytosine (GC) content in four taxonomically different camelid species:Camelus dromedarius,C. bactrianus,C. ferus, andVicugna pacos. A total of 546762, 544494, 547974, and 437815 SSRs were mined, respectively. Mononucleotide SSRs were the most frequent in the four genomes, followed in descending order by di-, tetra-, tri-, penta-, and hexanucleotide SSRs. GC content was highest in dinucleotide SSRs and lowest in mononucleotide SSRs. Our results provide further evidence that SSRs are more abundant in noncoding regions than in coding regions. Similar distributions of microsatellites were found in all four species, which indicates that the pattern of microsatellites is conserved in family Camelidae.
The Impact of Educational Attainment on Black Women’s Obesity Rate in the United States
Authors: Curry Gwenetta Denise 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOver the last two decades, Black women have been disproportionately impacted by the obesity epidemic in the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56.6% of Black women are overweight or obese compared with 44.4% Hispanic and 32.8% of white women. Social scientists and public health researchers have argued that increasing educational attainment would lead to overall improvements in health outcomes. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, Cycles 1999–2010, I examined how educational attainment impacts Black women’s rate of obesity and C-reactive protein levels (N= 2685). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and educational attainment. C-reactive protein, inflammation response, was used to measure the body’s reaction to being exposed to stress. The results demonstrated that educational attainment among Black women does not decrease their risk of being obese or levels of C-reactive protein. This article provides evidence to support a need to increase awareness of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black women.
Training High-Order Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems Using Batch Least Squares and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wiktorowicz Krzysztof , Krzeszowski Tomasz 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper proposes two methods for training Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems using batch least squares (BLS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The T-S system is considered with triangular and Gaussian membership functions in the antecedents and higher-order polynomials in the consequents of fuzzy rules. In the first method, the BLS determines the polynomials in a system in which the fuzzy sets are known. In the second method, the PSO algorithm determines the fuzzy sets, whereas the BLS determines the polynomials. In this paper, the ridge regression is used to stabilize the solution when the problem is close to the singularity. Thanks to this, the proposed methods can be applied when the number of observations is less than the number of predictors. Moreover, the leave-one-out cross-validation is used to avoid overfitting and this way to choose the structure of a fuzzy model. A method of obtaining piecewise linear regression by means of the zero-order T-S system is also presented.
The Basic Physics of Waves, Soundwaves, and Shockwaves for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Katz Jonathan Elliott , Clavijo Raul Ivan , Rizk Paul , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionOver the past decade, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has emerged as a treatment modality for erectile dysfunction (ED). To better appreciate the differences between the various devices for the treatment of ED, it is imperative for physicians to understand the underlying physics of the different shockwave generators.AimIn this article, we explain the physics of shockwaves by establishing a foundation regarding the basics of waves, specifically soundwaves. We also describe the different shockwave generators available and assess their potential clinical utility.MethodsWe reviewed basic principles of wave propagation, randomized controlled trials investigating Li-ESWT for ED and other medical diseases, and individual industry shockwave generator websites, in order to describe the basic physics underlying Li-ESWT.Main Outcome MeasureWe primarily aimed to describe the physics underlying shockwave generators and to provide a framework for understanding the relevant subtypes and adjustable parameters.ResultsA wave is a disturbance in a medium that transports energy without permanently transporting matter. In shockwaves, a soundwave is generated with a speed faster than the local speed of sound. Shockwaves are classically generated by three different types of energy sources: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric, which all create a shockwave through the conversion of electric potential energy to mechanical energy. Importantly, radial pressure waves do not behave the same as conventional shockwaves and are more like “ordinary” sound waves in that they achieve a significantly lower peak pressure, a slower rise time, and propagate outwards without a focal point.Clinical ImplicationsLi-ESWT is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is considered investigational in the United States. However, it is currently available to patients under clinical trial protocols and it is important to understand the basic physics of shockwaves to understand the differences between the different shockwave devices.Strength & LimitationsThis is a comprehensive review of the physics underlying Li-ESWT but only tangentially explores the biological impact of shockwaves.ConclusionPhysicians currently using or those contemplating purchasing a Li-ESWT device should understand the basic physics underlying the device, as well as which treatment protocols were used to demonstrate clinical efficacy in treating ED.
Crustal growth as revealed by integrated U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons from the Ganjiang River, southeastern China
Authors: Wang Andong , Li Xiaocong , Luo Xianwen , Santosh M. , Cui Yurong , Li Quanzhong , Lai Dongrong , Wan Jianjun , Zhang Xuefen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe Ganjiang River, one of eight major tributaries of the Yangtze River, located in the western hinterland of the Cathaysia Block, SE China, has a length of 823 km and a drainage area of 82 809 km2, whose detrital zircons provide a valuable means to trace sediment provenances of the river and explore the crustal growth and evolution of the Cathaysia Block. In the current study, 389 concordia zircon U–Pb age spots and rare earth element (REE) contents, in combination with 201 Lu–Hf isotope analyses, have been determined. Oscillatory zoning, high Th/U ratios and REE distribution patterns indicate that most detrital zircon grains are of magmatic origin. The age can be further divided into seven groups: 130–185 Ma with a peak at 153 Ma (7 %); 217–379 Ma with a peak at 224 Ma (16 %); 390–494 Ma with a peak at 424 Ma (37 %); 500–698 Ma with a peak at 624 Ma (5 %); 716–897 Ma with a peak at 812 Ma (10 %); 902–1191 Ma with a peak at 976 Ma (13 %); and 2232–2614 Ma with a peak at 2471 Ma (5 %). The sources of almost all the zircon age groups can be found from the exposed rocks. In particular, Yanshanian, Hercynian to Indosinian, Pan-African, Grenvillian and Palaeoproterozoic–Archaean zircons can be mainly sourced from the northern Guangdong – southern Jiangxi – western Fujian region, while Caledonian zircons come from southern and central Jiangxi, and Jinningian zircons are from central and northern Jiangxi. Most determined zircon grains exhibit negativeεHf(t) values and TDM2ages of 797 to 4016 Ma with a wide peak at 1500–2100 Ma and a keen peak at 1824 Ma, suggesting that most zircons are sourced from the reworked ancient crustal materials or crust–mantle mixing. The zircon Hf model age cumulative probability diagram shows that rapid crustal growth took place at the Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic and that about 90 % of the crust of the Cathaysia Block was formed before 1.5 Ga.
Screening candidate microR-15a- IRAK2 regulatory pairs for predicting the response to Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in dairy cows
Authors: Chen Zhi , Zhou Jingpeng , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Yang , Lu Xubin , Fan Yongliang , Mao Yongjiang , Loor Juan J. , Yang Zhangping 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe established a mastitis model using exogenous infection of the mammary gland of Chinese Holstein cows with Staphylococcus aureus and extracted total RNA from S. aureus-infected and healthy mammary quarters. Differential expression of genes due to mastitis was evaluated using Affymetrix technology and results revealed a total of 1230 differentially expressed mRNAs. A subset of affected genes was verified via Q-PCR and pathway analysis. In addition, Solexa high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze profiles of miRNA in infected and healthy quarters. These analyses revealed a total of 52 differentially expressed miRNAs. A subset of those results was verified via Q-PCR. Bioinformatics techniques were used to predict and analyze the correlations among differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA. Results revealed a total of 329 pairs of negatively associated miRNA/mRNA, with 31 upregulated pairs of mRNA and 298 downregulated pairs of mRNA. Differential expression of miR-15a and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2 (IRAK2), were evaluated by western blot and luciferase reporter assays. We conclude that miR-15a and miR-15a target genes (IRAK2) constitute potential miRNA–mRNA regulatory pairs for use as biomarkers to predict a mastitis response.
Observer-Based Consensus of Higher-Order Nonlinear Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems with Unmatched Uncertainties: Application on Robotic Systems
Authors: Rahimi N. , Binazadeh T. , Shasadeghi M. 
Published: November 2019

SUMMARYThe consensus of higher-order nonlinear heterogeneous multiagent systems with matched and unmatched uncertainties is studied in this paper. The distributed observer-based controllers for multiagent systems are achieved using a fixed-time sliding mode controller based on the disturbance observer. For this purpose, the disturbance observers are designed for finite-time estimation of matched and unmatched uncertainties. Using the estimated values, the fixed-time distributed sliding mode controllers are designed and the consensus protocol is achieved. In this regard, a theorem is proved, which guarantees the fixed-time convergence of consensus errors. The effectiveness of the proposed distributed controllers has been validated through simulations for two robotic multiagent systems and a numerical example.
User validation in ontology alignment: functional assessment and impact
Authors: Li Huanyu , Dragisic Zlatan , Faria Daniel , Ivanova Valentina , Jiménez-Ruiz Ernesto , Lambrix Patrick , Pesquita Catia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
User validation is one of the challenges facing the ontology alignment community, as there are limits to the quality of the alignments produced by automated alignment algorithms. In this paper, we present a broad study on user validation of ontology alignments that encompasses three distinct but inter-related aspects: the profile of the user, the services of the alignment system, and its user interface. We discuss key issues pertaining to the alignment validation process under each of these aspects and provide an overview of how current systems address them. Finally, we use experiments from the Interactive Matching track of the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative 2015–2018 to assess the impact of errors in alignment validation, and how systems cope with them as function of their services.
Insights on the environmental impacts associated with visible disturbance of ice-free ground in Antarctica
Authors: Brooks Shaun T. , Tejedo Pablo , O'Neill Tanya A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe small ice-free areas of Antarctica provide an essential habitat for most evident terrestrial biodiversity, as well as being disproportionately targeted by human activity. Visual detection of disturbance within these environments has become a useful tool for measuring areas affected by human impact, but questions remain as to what environmental consequences such disturbance actually has. To answer such questions, several factors must be considered, including the climate and biotic and abiotic characteristics. Although a body of research has established the consequences of disturbance at given locations, this paper was conceived in order to assess whether their findings could be generalized as a statement across the Antarctic continent. From a review of 31 studies within the Maritime Antarctic, Continental Antarctic and McMurdo Dry Valleys regions, we found that 83% confirmed impacts in areas of visible disturbance. Disturbance was found to modify the physical environment, consequently reducing habitat suitability as well as directly damaging biota. Visible disturbance was also associated with hydrocarbon and heavy metal contamination and non-native species establishment, reflecting the pressures from human activity in these sites. The results add significance to existing footprint measurements based on visual analysis, should aid on-the-ground appreciation of probable impacts in sites of disturbance and benefit environmental assessment processes.
Left coronary artery atresia in the young: long-term follow-up without exercise restriction
Authors: Molossi Silvana , Doan Tam 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn 11-year-old male was presented with exertional chest pain and was diagnosed with atresia of the left main coronary artery. A stress nuclear perfusion imaging was negative at initial presentation, and a vasodilator stress cardiac MRI was again negative 5 years later. The patient has fully participated in competitive sports for 6 years with no occurrence of cardiac events.
The dosimetric comparison between tomotherapy and RapidArc in normal tissue sparing for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kaewpruk Pubade , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Wanwilairat Somsak , Nobnop Wannapha 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurpose:To compare the dosimetric results regarding the sparing effect on normal tissue between RapidArc (RA) and helical tomotherapy (HT) plans for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in cases of the equal target dose controls utilising two techniques.Materials and Methods:Thirteen NPC patients treated with HT were replanned using the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) for the RA plan. The target dose of the RA plan was optimised equally to the HT plan in terms of target coverage, dose conformity (CI) and dose homogeneity (HI) for assessing the normal tissue sparing between two techniques. All dose–volume parameters monitor units (MUs) and delivery time were also investigated.Results:All dosimetric parameter comparisons of organs-at-risk (OARs) between the RA and HT plans were not significantly different for brain stem, spinal cord and cochlea. However, the RA plan showed a significantly lower dose to the left parotid gland. The mean and median dose were significantly lower in the RA plan versus the HT plan by p-value 0·005 and 0·039, respectively. The MUs and delivery time were also significantly lower in the RA plan with a p-value of 0·00.Conclusions:With the same planning target volume coverage, homogeneity and conformity, almost all of RA and HT treatment planning met the planning goal for normal tissue sparing. There were no significant differences between the two techniques except in the left parotid gland. The RA plans were superior to HT plans by effectively reducing the MUs and treatment time.
The long run influence of pension systems on the current account
Authors: Davoine Thomas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractExplaining cross-country differences in current accounts is difficult. While pay-as-you-go pensions reduce the need to save for retirement, contributions to capital-funded pensions are saved for future consumption. An overlapping-generations analysis shows that capital-funded pensions increase net foreign assets holdings. With a multi-pillar system whose capital-funded part accounts for 18% of pensions, the Austrian current account balance would be 1 percentage point of gross domestic product (GDP) higher than with pure pay-as-you-go pensions in 20 years. By comparison, the Austrian current account surplus averages 1.8% of GDP. Empirically, I find that the current account of high-income countries increases with the coverage and replacement rates of capital-funded pensions.
Trust and financial advice
Authors: Burke Jeremy , Hung Angela A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe explore the relationships between financial trust and behaviors, attitudes, knowledge, and preferences related to utilizing professional financial advice. Using survey data from the RAND American Life Panel, we find that financial trust is correlated with advice usage and likelihood of seeking advisory services. Leveraging an experiment that randomized provision of and access to advice, we find that trust is an important predictor of who chooses to receive advice, even after controlling for demographic characteristics and financial literacy. However, providing unsolicited advice has little impact on behavior, even for individuals with high levels of trust.