bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THM applied to the investigation of explosive astrophysical scenarios
Authors: La Cognata M. , Cherubini S. , Gulino M. , Lamia L. , Pizzone R.G. , Romano S. , Spitaleri C. , Tumino A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The Trojan Horse Method (THM) makes use of quasi-free reactions to deduce the cross section of nuclear reactions relevant for astrophysics at the energies of interest. Thanks to the suppression of the Coulomb barrier, the THM cross section does not exponentially vanishes at astrophysical energies. Here we will briefly summarise the fundamentals of the method, then we will discuss two applications of the method to reactions that have a pivotal role in the latest stages of stellar evolution, leading to explosive scenarios. In particular, we will focus on the indirect investigation of the 18F(p,α)15O reaction, which is the most important 18F destruction channel in novae, and the 12C + 12C reaction, which plays a critical role in astrophysics to understand stellar burning scenarios in carbon-rich environments, including supernovae.
19F(p, α)16O and 19F(α,p)22Ne Reaction Rate Measured via THM and Fluorine Nucleosynthesis in AGB stars
Authors: Palmerini S. , D’Agata G. , La Cognata M. , Indelicato I. , Pizzone R. G. , Trippella O. , Vescovi D. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars have been proven to be sites of F production through spectroscopy observations by several authors, but it is not clear whether these stars might account for the total fluorine abundance of the Galaxy. Recently the two main channels for 19F destruction in AGB stars, namely the 19F(α,p)22Ne and 19F(p,α)16O reactions, have been studied via the Trojan Horse Method in the energy range of interest for astrophysics. In both cases experimental results have shown the presence of resonant structures below 500 keV, hinting to an enhancements in efficiency of fluorine destruction by stellar H- and He- burning. In particular the 19F(p, α)16O reaction rate at T
9
≤ 0.2K turns out to be increased up to a factor of 1.7 while the 19F(p, α)16O is enhanced more than a factor of 4 at 0.1 ≤ T
9
≤ 0.25. We present here a re-analysis of the role of AGB stars as fluorine galactic source by comparing stellar observations with predictions of AGB nucleosynthesis (for stellar masses from 1.5 to 5M⊙) computed by employing in state-of-the-art models the THM reaction rates for 19F destruction.
First measurements of capture reactions for the γ-process using HECTOR
Authors: Simon A , Kelmar R , Olivas-Gomez O , Churchman E , Millican P , Reingold C S , Anderson T , Clark A M , Cooper N , Dombos A C , Frentz B , Henderson S L , Kelly S , Robertson D , Skulski M , Stech E , Strauss S Y , Tan W P , Vande Kolk B 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The first measurements of the capture reactions for the astrophysical γ-process using HECTOR, a total absorption spectrometer are presented. Two reactions: 102Pd(p,γ)103Ag and 90Zr(α,γ)94Mo were measured using the γ-summing technique. The results are compared with the previous measurements found in the literature and with the NON-SMOKER predictions. The results from the current work are in a good agreement with the data found in the literature and serve as a test of the newly developed detector.
Mathematical simulation of stability of steady-state conditions for a road train
Authors: Sakno O , Moisia D , Kolesnikova T , Ollo V 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The article is devoted to the application of the parameter continuation method for solving the problem of maneuverability of a three-trailer road train. The mathematical model of a three-trailer road train with a wheelless intermediate link is worked out. The analysis of the equilibrium conditions of the system is performed. The structural instability of the model of the road train in the neighbourhood of the linear motion is presented. The presence of stable circular steady-state conditions is proved when moving along circles of a sufficiently small radius. It is established that for a given longitudinal velocity there is a certain range of changes in the rotation angle of the steering wheels of the tractor unit, within which stable steady-state conditions may be. The analysis of the stability of the steady-state conditions at θ = 0.38 rad. For the steady-state conditions, the configuration of the road train is drawn, where it can be seen that the without bearing link can only be oriented to the outer side of the turn. Also in the process of numerical integration, it is found that the resulting steady-state conditions are asymptotically stable.
Modeling and investigation of a diesel engine with ethanol additives
Authors: Iliev S , Mitev E 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Ethanol is a promising alternative fuel, due to its renewable origin based on biomass. Also, it has a lower carbon content than the diesel fuel, which contains oxygen. For this reason, ethanol provides a remarkable potential for particulate reduction in diesel engines. One-dimensional simulation of a single-cylinder diesel engine with the help of the GT-Power software has been done. The simulation is designed to test the characteristics of the ethanol-filled diesel engine at full load. The obtained results were compared with pure diesel fuel.
Flue Gas Desulfurization by Using Calcined Dolomite
Authors: Baslayici S , Bugdayci M , Turan A , Oncel L , Acma E 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
SO2 emissions has begun to cause serious problems in industrialized countries. Today, various methods are used for removal of SO2 gas. SO2 gas is an important raw material for production of sulfuric acid. However, SO2 content of flue gas must be over 6% to produce sulfuric acid commercially. Flue gases, which don’t have enough amount of SO2 to produce sulfuric acid commercially are harmful to the environment and human health and they must be filtered. In this study, calcined dolomite was used to remove SO2 in flue gas which doesn’t have enough SO2 to produce sulfuric acid but have high emission values. Pyrite was used as SO2 source and SO2 removal efficiency of dolomite was determined for different experimental parameters. SO2 capturing system was thermodynamically modeled and SO2 capturing efficiency was determined as 77.81% in the experiments.
Low-energy optical phonons induce glassy-like vibrational and thermal anomalies in ordered crystals
Authors: Baggioli Matteo , Zaccone Alessio 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
It is widely accepted that structural glasses and disordered crystals exhibit anomalies in their thermal, mechanical and acoustic properties as manifestations of the breakdown of the long-wavelength approximation in a disordered dissipative environment. However, the same type of glassy-like anomalies (i.e. boson peak in the vibrational density of states (VDOS) above the Debye level, peak in the normalized specific heat at T ≃ 10 K etc) have been recently observed also in perfectly ordered crystals, including thermoelectric compounds. Here we present a theory that predicts these surprising effects in perfectly ordered crystals as a result of low-lying (soft) optical phonons. In particular, it is seen that a strong boson peak anomaly (low-energy excess of modes) in the VDOS can be due almost entirely to the presence of low-energy optical phonons, provided that their energy is comparable to that of the acoustic modes at the Brillouin zone boundary. The boson peak is predicted also to occur in the heat capacity at low T. In presence of strong damping (which might be due to anharmonicities in the ordered crystals), these optical phonons contribute to the low-T deviation from Debye’s T
3 law, producing a linear-in-T behavior which is typical of glasses, even though no assumptions of disorder whatsoever are made in the model. These findings are relevant for understanding and tuning thermal transport properties of thermoelectric compounds, and possibly for the enhancement of electron–phonon superconductivity.
Left anterior descending coronary artery compressed by a giant coronary fistula aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Bertolín Boronat Javier , Faga Valentina , Aguar Carrascosa Pablo , Mora Llabata Vicente 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Ischaemic chest pain can be originated by different causes. Among all, coronary fistulas are rarely the reason. Such entities are usually asymptomatic and can be diagnosed by echocardiography or coronary angiography. In an even rarer scenario, coronary fistulas might dilate and form an aneurysm.

Case summary
We report the case of a 62-year-old patient who was initially referred to the emergency department for stable angina. Coronary angiography and computed tomography scan showed a giant aneurysm relating to a coronary fistula with a course from the circumflex coronary artery to the superior vena cava. The aneurysm was critically compressing the left anterior descending coronary artery. It was confirmed and resolved by surgery.

Discussion
Giant aneurysms of a coronary fistula are very uncommon entities. We describe a rare case of angina caused by extrinsic compression of the left anterior descending artery from a giant aneurysm of a coronary fistula.
Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein for Bacterial Infection Diagnosis in Elderly Patients After Traumatic Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Villain Cédric , Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Cohen-Bittan Judith , Ray Patrick , Epelboin Loïc , Verny Marc , Riou Bruno , Khiami Frédéric , Vallet Hélène , Boddaert Jacques 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Biomarkers prove valuable for diagnosing postoperative bacterial infection, but data in elderly patients are scarce. Here we analyze how procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP) perform for bacterial infection diagnosis after traumatic orthopedic surgery in elderly patients.

Methods
We included all patients admitted to our perioperative geriatrics unit after traumatic orthopedic surgery. Patients on antibiotics, presenting preoperative bacterial infection, or without procalcitonin measurement were excluded. Clinical and biological data were collected prospectively. Medical charts were reviewed by three experts blinded to biomarker results to assess bacterial infection diagnosis. Areas under the curve and 90%-specificity thresholds were analyzed for baseline procalcitonin and CRP levels and relative variations.

Results
Analysis included 229 patients (median age 86 years, hip fracture 83%), of which 40 had bacterial infection (pneumonia [n = 23], urinary tract infection [n = 8]; median delay to onset: 2 days post-admission). For bacterial infection diagnosis, the computed areas under the curve were not significantly different (procalcitonin–baseline 0.64 [95% confidence interval: 0.57–0.70]; procalcitonin–relative variation 0.65 [0.59–0.71]; CRP–baseline 0.68 [0.61–0.74]; CRP–relative variation 0.70 [0.64–0.76]). The 90%-specificity thresholds were 0.75 µg/L for procalcitonin–baseline, +62% for procalcitonin–variation, 222 mg/L for CRP–baseline, +111% for CRP–variation.

Conclusions
Diagnostic performances of procalcitonin and CRP were not significantly different. Baseline levels and relative variations of these biomarkers showed little diagnostic value after traumatic orthopedic surgery in elderly patients.
Volcanic earthquake foreshocks during the 2018 collapse of Kīlauea Caldera
Authors: Butler Rhett 
Published: September 2019

SUMMARYThe summit collapse of the Kīlauea Caldera—due to magma chamber drainage being directed to the Volcano's lower east rift zone—was accompanied by 50 large, nearly identical magnitude Mw 5 earthquakes between 29 May and 2 August 2 2018. I have examined the seismicity associated with these 50 primary earthquakes, and find that the typical pattern of earthquake aftershocks decaying in number and magnitude is not evident. Rather, immediately after the primary shock there is a hiatus of one-to-several hours before the associated earthquakes grow in number and magnitude up to the next primary shock. In essence, the associated seismicity consists of thousands of foreshocks. The magnitude of completeness is estimated at ML = 2.5. The trend of foreshocks does not fit an Omori power-law model. Rather, the pattern of foreshocks (number per hour) is fit well by a semi-Gaussian curve, which initially grows rapidly and slows hours prior to the primary earthquakes. The Gaussian fits (${r^2} > 0.98$) for three different magnitude thresholds are self-similar with a common half-width, $\sigma \sim 13$ hr. The pattern of foreshock seismic moments aligned with and stacked for the 50 primary events is fit by an exponential trend, growing at the mean (stacked intervals) rate of 17 per cent per hour. The power of foreshocks measured within each interval also grows with time—the total foreshock power per interval (J hr–1) increases by a factor of 18 through the first half of the sequence (May 29 through June 26), and then declines by half through to the end.
Quinine Enhances Photo-Inactivation of Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Leanse Leon G , Dong Pu-Ting , Goh Xueping S , Lu Min , Cheng Ji-Xin , Hooper David C , Dai Tianhong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance is a significant concern to public health, and there is a pressing need to develop novel antimicrobial therapeutic modalities.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the capacity for quinine hydrochloride (Q-HCL) to enhance the antimicrobial effects of antimicrobial blue light ([aBL] 405 nm wavelength) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo.

Results
Our findings demonstrated the significant improvement in the inactivation of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii (planktonic cells and biofilms) when aBL was illuminated during Q-HCL exposure. Furthermore, the addition of Q-HCL significantly potentiated the antimicrobial effects of aBL in a mouse skin abrasion infection model. In addition, combined exposure of aBL and Q-HCL did not result in any significant apoptosis when exposed to uninfected mouse skin.

Conclusions
In conclusion, aBL in combination with Q-HCL may offer a novel approach for the treatment of infections caused by MDR bacteria.
Understanding UCEs: A Comprehensive Primer on Using Ultraconserved Elements for Arthropod Phylogenomics
Authors: Zhang Y Miles , Williams Jason L , Lucky Andrea 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Targeted enrichment of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) has emerged as a promising tool for inferring evolutionary history in many taxa, with utility ranging from phylogenetic and biogeographic questions at deep time scales to population level studies at shallow time scales. However, the methodology can be daunting for beginners. Our goal is to introduce UCE phylogenomics to a wider audience by summarizing recent advances in arthropod research, and to familiarize readers with background theory and steps involved. We define terminology used in association with the UCE approach, evaluate current laboratory and bioinformatic methods and limitations, and, finally, provide a roadmap of steps in the UCE pipeline to assist phylogeneticists in making informed decisions as they employ this powerful tool. By facilitating increased adoption of UCEs in phylogenomics studies that deepen our comprehension of the function of these markers across widely divergent taxa, we aim to ultimately improve understanding of the arthropod tree of life.
Overwintering of West Nile Virus in the United States
Authors: Reisen William K , Wheeler Sarah S 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe establishment of a tropical virus such as West Nile (WNV; Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) within the temperate latitudes of the continental United States was unexpected and perhaps contingent, in part, upon the ability of this invasive virus to persist during winter when temperatures become too cold for replication and vector mosquito gonotrophic activity. Our Forum article reviews research examining possible overwintering mechanisms that include consistent reintroduction and local persistence in vector mosquitoes and avian hosts, mostly using examples from research conducted in California. We conclude that the transmission of WNV involves so many vectors and hosts within different landscapes that multiple overwintering pathways are possible and collectively may be necessary to allow this virus to overwinter consistently within the United States.
Galaxies and clusters of galaxies as peak patches of the density field
Authors: Fukugita Masataka , Böhringer Hans 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
The mass function of galaxies and clusters of galaxies can be derived observationally based on different types of observations. In this study we test if these observations can be combined to a consistent picture which is also in accord with structure formation theory. The galaxy data comprise the optical galaxy luminosity function and the gravitational lensing signature of the galaxies, while the galaxy cluster mass function is derived from the X-ray luminosity distribution of the clusters. We show the results of the comparison in the form of the mass density fraction that is contained in collapsed objects relative to the mean matter density in the Universe. The mass density fraction in groups and clusters of galaxies extrapolated to low masses agrees very well with that of the galaxies: both converge at the low mass limit to a mass fraction of about 28 per cent if the outer radii of the objects are taken to be r200. Most of the matter contained in collapsed objects is found in the mass range $M_{200} \sim 10^{12}\!-\!10^{14}\, h^{-1}_{70} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$, while a larger amount of the cosmic matter resides outside of r200 of collapsed objects.
Ultrastructure and intercellular contact-mediated communication in cultured human early stage follicles exposed to mTORC1 inhibitor
Authors: Grosbois J , Vermeersch M , Devos M , Clarke H J , Demeestere I 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe reproductive lifespan of a woman is determined by the gradual recruitment of quiescent follicles into the growing pool. In humans, ovarian tissue removal from its in vivo environment induces spontaneous activation of resting follicles. Similarly, pharmacological activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway leads to accelerated follicle recruitment, but has been associated with follicular damage. Recent findings demonstrate that everolimus (EVE), an mTORC1 inhibitor, limits primordial follicle activation. However, its potential benefit regarding growing follicle integrity remains unexplored. Ovarian cortical fragments were exposed to ± EVE for 24 h and cultured for an additional 5 days. After 0, 1 and 6 days of culture, fragments were either processed for ultrastructural analysis or subjected to follicular isolation for gene expression and immunofluorescence assessments. Data from transmission electron microscopy showed that growing follicles displayed similar ultrastructural features irrespective of the conditions and maintained close contacts between germinal and stromal compartments. Establishment of intra-follicular communication was confirmed by detection of a gap junction component, Cx43, in both groups throughout culture, whereas transzonal projections, which physically link granulosa cells to oocyte, formed later in EVE-treated follicles. Importantly, levels of GJA1 mRNA, encoding for the Cx43 protein, significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 1 in the EVE group, but not in the control group. Given that EVE-treated follicles were smaller than controls, these findings suggest that EVE might facilitate the establishment of appropriate intercellular communications without impairing follicle ultrastructure. Therefore, mTORC1 inhibitors might represent an attractive tool to delay the culture-induced primordial follicle activation while maintaining follicles in a functionally integrated state.
Early Postnatal Manganese Exposure Reduces Rat Cortical and Striatal Biogenic Amine Activity in Adulthood
Authors: Lasley Stephen M , Fornal Casimir A , Mandal Shyamali , Strupp Barbara J , Beaudin Stephane A , Smith Donald R 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGrowing evidence from studies with children and animal models suggests that elevated levels of manganese during early development lead to lasting cognitive and fine motor deficits. This study was performed to assess presynaptic biogenic amine function in forebrain of adult Long-Evans rats exposed orally to 0, 25, or 50 mg Mn/kg/day over postnatal day 1–21 or continuously from birth to the end of the study (approximately postnatal day 500). Intracerebral microdialysis in awake rats quantified evoked outflow of biogenic amines in the right medial prefrontal cortex and left striatum. Results indicated that brain manganese levels in the early life exposed groups (postnatal day 24) largely returned to control levels by postnatal day 66, whereas levels in the lifelong exposed groups remained elevated 10%–20% compared with controls at the same ages. Manganese exposure restricted to the early postnatal period caused lasting reductions in cortical potassium-stimulated extracellular norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, and reductions in striatal extracellular dopamine. Lifelong manganese exposure produced similar effects with the addition of significant decreases in cortical dopamine that were not evident in the early postnatal exposed groups. These results indicate that early postnatal manganese exposure produces persistent deficits in cortical and striatal biogenic amine function. Given that these same animals exhibited lasting impairments in attention and fine motor function, these findings suggest that reductions in catecholaminergic activity are a primary factor underlying the behavioral effects caused by manganese, and indicate that children exposed to elevated levels of manganese during early development are at the greatest risk for neuronal deficiencies that persist into adulthood.
Benefits of Activity-Based Interventions Among Female Adolescents Who Are Overweight and Obese
Authors: Bonney Emmanuel , Ferguson Gillian , Burgess Theresa , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien 
Published: September 2019

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 activity-based motor interventions among female adolescents who are overweight and obese.

Methods:
This study was conducted in a low-income community of Cape Town, South Africa. The study involved 52 participants classified as overweight and obese. Participants were randomly assigned to task-oriented functional training or Wii Fit intervention. Both interventions were 45 minutes of active training once a week for 14 weeks. Outcome measures included aerobic fitness, motor coordination, and self-efficacy. Data were collected before and after the interventions.

Results:
Participants in both groups demonstrated significant improvement in aerobic fitness and motor coordination but not self-efficacy. However, no between-group differences were observed on any of the outcomes.

Conclusions:
Activity-based interventions may improve aerobic fitness and motor coordination in female adolescents who are overweight and obese and may also help prevent declines in physical fitness and coordination in this population.