bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detectability of various cannabinoids in plasma samples of cannabis users: Indicators of recent cannabis use?
Authors: Kraemer Michael , Madea Burkhard , Hess Cornelius 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDespite many studies on cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, the proposals of marker cannabinoids for recent cannabis use, and the introduction of mathematical models estimating the time frame between consumption and blood sampling, it is still challenging for forensic toxicologists to estimate the last time of cannabis exposure. To assess the informative value of determining (minor) cannabinoids in plasma of cannabis users, detection rates of 14 cannabinoids next to Δ9‐THC and THC‐COOH (11‐OH‐THC, CBC, CBD, CBN, CBDV, THCV, CBG, CBL, Δ8‐THC, THCA, CBDA, CBGA, THCV‐COOH, CBN‐COOH) were determined. Three hundred fifty‐five plasma samples, previously tested positive for cannabinoids (Δ9‐THC: approximately 0.4 ng/mL – 125 ng/mL (range), mean: 10.1 ng/mL; THC‐COOH: approximately 3.8 ng/mL – 457 ng/mL (range), mean: 71.6 ng/mL) were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). All analyzed cannabinoids could be detected in plasma samples with varying incidence. 11‐OH‐THC, THCA, CBC, CBN, and CBD were the most frequent detectable cannabinoids (next to Δ9‐THC and THC‐COOH). The dependency of cannabinoid detectability on the plasma Δ9‐THC concentration and on the probable time of consumption (estimated by a model of Huestis and coworkers) was examined. Detection incidences (eg, 11‐OH‐THC, CBC) often increased with increasing Δ9‐THC concentration but not for all cannabinoids (eg, CBD, THCA). The presented data for minor cannabinoid findings in plasma can be helpful for a comprehensive interpretation of cannabinoid findings in plasma samples of cannabis users.
Impact of demography on linked selection in two outcrossing Brassicaceae species
Authors: Mattila Tiina M. , Laenen Benjamin , Horvath Robert , Hämälä Tuomas , Savolainen Outi , Slotte Tanja 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGenetic diversity is shaped by mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, recombination, and selection. The dynamics and interactions of these forces shape genetic diversity across different parts of the genome, between populations and species. Here, we have studied the effects of linked selection on nucleotide diversity in outcrossing populations of two Brassicaceae species, Arabidopsis lyrata and Capsella grandiflora, with contrasting demographic history. In agreement with previous estimates, we found evidence for a modest population size expansion thousands of generations ago, as well as efficient purifying selection in C. grandiflora. In contrast, the A. lyrata population exhibited evidence for very recent strong population size decline and weaker efficacy of purifying selection. Using multiple regression analyses with recombination rate and other genomic covariates as explanatory variables, we can explain 47% of the variance in neutral diversity in the C. grandiflora population, while in the A. lyrata population, only 11% of the variance was explained by the model. Recombination rate had a significant positive effect on neutral diversity in both species, suggesting that selection at linked sites has an effect on patterns of neutral variation. In line with this finding, we also found reduced neutral diversity in the vicinity of genes in the C. grandiflora population. However, in A. lyrata no such reduction in diversity was evident, a finding that is consistent with expectations of the impact of a recent bottleneck on patterns of neutral diversity near genes. This study thus empirically demonstrates how differences in demographic history modulate the impact of selection at linked sites in natural populations.
Tree rings: A key ecological indicator for reconstruction of groundwater depth in the lower Tarim River, Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Honghua , Chen Yaning , Hao Xingming , Zhao Ying , Fang Gonghuan , Yang Yuhai 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGroundwater is becoming increasingly important in extremely arid areas due to climate change and human activities. Little is known, however, regarding the long‐term dynamics of groundwater due to the lack of long‐term historical records of groundwater depth data. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hydrometeorology and tree rings of Populus euphratica (P. euphratica) and the feasibility of reconstructing historical groundwater depths from these tree rings in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, an extremely arid area in China. Tree‐ring growth of P. euphratica mainly reflected historical changes in regional water environments (including runoff and shallow groundwater), rather than climatic variables (including temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and sunshine hours). Groundwater depth constituted the key environmental factor for directly controlling P. euphratica growth. Linear regression models using tree rings were developed to reconstruct historical changes of groundwater depths in the calendar year (January–December) and the growing season (April–August) from 1950 to 2015. Results tracked well with the main hydrological events in the study area. Our findings demonstrate that tree rings of P. euphratica are a key and effective ecological indicator for quantitatively reconstructing and elucidating historical changes of groundwater depth in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. Additionally, the suitable sampling range for establishing tree‐ring chronologies of P. euphratica and reconstructing groundwater depth is 0–300 m from the river channel in the lower Tarim River. Taking into consideration the lagged effect between runoff of the Ecological Water Conveyance Project (EWCP), decrease in groundwater and tree growth, we recommend that the optimal implementation time of ecological water conveyance is between the previous September and November in the lower Tarim River. This application will effectively improve the groundwater environment in the current year and ensure the growth of riparian trees.
Effects of injection strategies on low‐speed marine engines using the dual fuel of high‐pressure direct‐injection natural gas and diesel
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Li Jingrui , Wang Jietuo , Wu Chaohui , Liu Bo , Dong Jingjin , Liu Teng , Ye Ying , Wang Hu , Yao Mingfa 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPilot‐ignited high‐pressure direct‐injection (HPDI) natural gas engines have drawn much attention since being proposed, as these engines can maintain high performance and lead to clean combustion compared with conventional diesel engines. This prospective concept is not only used in vehicle engines but also used in large‐scale marine engines. In this study, the effects of injection strategies of dual fuels on combustion characteristics and emissions were investigated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code CONVERGE coupled with a reduced n‐heptane/methane mechanism. The results showed that the effects of absolute injection timing (AIT) on the combustion characteristics and emissions are similar to those of traditional diesel engines. As the AIT varies from advanced by 4°CA to retarded by 4°CA, the peak values of the in‐cylinder pressure and temperature decrease gradually. However, a conventional trade‐off between NOx and soot/CO/HC/ISFC emissions can also be observed as the AIT is retarded. In contrast, relative injection timing (RIT) has more complicated impacts on the combustion and emissions characteristics. The in‐cylinder temperature distribution and concentration stratification change as the gas jet initially interacts with the pilot flame. The effects of the gas injection timing on the combustion characteristics and indicated specific fuel consumption are also similar to those of the AIT, but the emissions are quite different. The pilot injection timing shows minimal influence on the main combustion process. Better performance can be obtained with partially premixed combustion with a slightly late injection timing compared with that of the original (ORG) base case.
Pressure pulse wave attenuation model coupling waveform distortion and viscous dissipation for blockage detection in pipeline
Authors: Chu Jiawei , Yang Lei , Liu Yu , Song Yongchen , Yu Tianbo , Lv Xin , Li Qingping , Zhao Jiafei 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSafety issues are always a major concern in the oil and gas transportation facilities. Equipment damages are frequently encountered due to solid deposition such as gas hydrate deposition. A fast and efficient detection of the location, length, and rate of the accumulating blockage will significantly help relieve the potential risk. Most existing pressure wave‐based models suffer the difficulty to properly predict the blockage percentage arising from the ignorance of the wave attenuation. In the present work, an attenuation model to describe the transportation of the pressure pulse wave in gas is developed; the effects of waveform distortion and absorption as a result of the nonlinear effect and viscous dissipation are collectively considered for the first time. A simplified procedure to couple the wave attenuation in the model is proposed. The results show that the model can remarkably improve the prediction accuracy of blockage percentage by reducing the errors from −9.0% to −4.2%. Moreover, the attenuation process of the pressure pulse wave is determined to consist of three stages. The effect of waveform distortion on amplitude mainly occurs in the second stage, when our proposed model shows an improved prediction. The performance of the proposed model will help the early warning of the blockage in the pipelines and effectively avoid the potential injury and financial loss.
Plant Uptake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Acids under a Maximum Bioavailability Scenario
Authors: Lasee Steven , Subbiah Seenivasan , Thompson William A. , Karnjanapiboonwong Adcharee , Jordan Juliette , Payton Paxton , Anderson Todd A. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Although many studies have evaluated the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in aquatic environments, few have observed their fate in terrestrial environments. It has been proposed that ingestion could be a major PFAA exposure route for humans. We determined PFAA uptake in radish, carrot, and alfalfa under a maximum bioavailability scenario. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were determined in the edible tissue of radish (perfluorobutanesulfonate [PFBS] = 72; perfluorohexanesulfonate [PFHxS] = 13; perfluoroheptanoate [PFHpA] = 65; perfluorooctanoate [PFOA] = 18; perfluorooctanesulfonate [PFOS] = 2.9; and perfluorononanoate [PFNA] = 9.6), carrot (PFBS = 5.9; PFHxS = 1.1; PFHpA = 29; PFOA = 3.1; PFOS = 1; and PFNA = 1.4), and alfalfa (PFBS = 107; PFHxS = 12; PFHpA = 91; PFOA = 10; PFOS = 1.4; and PFNA = 1.7). Some of these PFAA BCFs are as much as 2 orders of magnitude higher than those measured previously in plants grown in biosolid-amended soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2497–2502. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
What is the potential for bioconcentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in plant tissue under maximum availability? PFBS = perfluorobutanesulfonate; PFHxS = perfluorohexanesulfonate; PFHpA = perfluoroheptanoate; PFOA = perfluorooctanoate; PFOS = perfluorooctanesulfonate; PFNA = perfluorononanoate.
On the performance of dual‐branch selection diversity combining in α−κ−μ fading environments
Authors: Kapucu Nuri 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the performance of a dual‐branch selection combining (SC) system is analyzed over α−κ−μ fading channels. First, an outage probability (OP) expression is presented for a dual‐branch diversity with the SC scheme in α−κ−μ fading channels by using cumulative distribution function (CDF). By using the probability density function (PDF) and CDF of α−κ−μ distribution, the PDF of total output instantaneous signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is obtained which is subsequently utilized for the analysis of the considered system. Based on this PDF expression, bit error probability (BEP) expressions are derived with the use of a simple and tight upper bound approximation of Gaussian Q‐function. In addition to these, we propose analytical effective capacity (EC) expressions for a dual‐branch SC system under α−κ−μ fading conditions. Then, we present simplified expressions for the OP, BEP, and EC at high SNR. Finally, we illustrate the OP, BEP (for binary phase shift keying and quadrature phase shift keying modulation formats), and EC performances for different configurations of α, κ, and μ parameters. In order to validate our analytical results, comparisons between the exact simulations and analytical results are also provided.
SDN‐based failure detection and recovery mechanism for 5G core networks
Authors: Panev Strahil , Latkoski Pero 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn today's Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) implementations, there is no guarantee for a given latency in the network. Furthermore, the LTE architecture does not distinguish between services that require a certain level of latency performance, from the services that do not have stringent latency requirements. The upcoming fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks is currently still being standardized to accommodate many services and applications, which have very diverse requirements. There is a plethora of already defined use cases that require very small latency, in the region of 1 ms to 20 ms. The fault recovery mechanisms in the 5G core network must support and enable the services for reaching the low latency values. In this paper, we present an optimized protocol for fast failure detection and recovery that is implemented directly in the user plane and is suitable for the 5G Evolved Packet Core. We present a protocol that uses the OpenFlow's fast‐failure mechanism for local faults and a more advanced mechanism with stateful user plane recovery protocol that is activated only in the case of remote faults. The designed algorithm was validated by simulations performed in Mininet. The simulation results prove that the proposed solution can achieve fast fault recovery times and can be implemented in the future 5G core networks.
Fire suppression performance of a new type of composite superfine dry powder
Authors: Li Hangchen , Feng Li , Du Dexu , Guo Xinxin , Hua Min , Pan Xuhai 
Published: August 2019

SummaryTo enhance the performance of existing dry powders and ensure process security, a new type of dry powder based on ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4) was prepared. The prepared composite superfine dry powder was denoted as NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite in this paper. The effectiveness of commercial ABC dry powder, superfine dry powder, and the NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite in fire suppression were compared in a small‐sized fire‐extinguishing chamber. Laboratory‐scale tests showed that the NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite had considerably superior fire‐extinguishing efficiency to that of commercial ABC dry powder and superfine dry powder, along with shorter average extinguishing time and less average mass of powders consumed. In addition, the NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite also displayed much improved toxic gas suppression ability. The physical and chemical characteristics of commercial ABC dry powder, superfine dry powder, and the NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite were characterized using a range of techniques of laser particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Based on the analysis results, the improved fire suppression performance of the NH4H2PO4/zeolite composite can be ascribed to smaller particle size, larger surface area, and a special chemical decomposition process.
Predicting exchange rates in Asia: New insights on the accuracy of survey forecasts
Authors: Kunze Frederik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBy linking measures of forecast accuracy as well as testing procedures with regard to forecast rationality this paper investigates aggregated survey forecasts with forecast horizons of 3, 12, and 24 months for the exchange rates of the Chinese yuan, the Hong Kong dollar, the Japanese yen, and the Singapore dollar vis‐à‐vis the US dollar and, hence, for four different currency regimes. The rationality of the exchange rate predictions is initially assessed utilizing tests for unbiasedness and efficiency which indicate that the investigated forecasts are irrational in the sense that the predictions are biased. As one major contribution of this paper, it is subsequently shown that these results are not consistent with an alternative, less restrictive, measure of rationality. Investigating the order of integration of the time series as well as cointegrating relationships, this empirical evidence supports the conclusion that the majority of forecasts are in fact rational. Regarding forerunning properties of the predictions, the results are rather mediocre, with shorter term forecasts for the tightly managed USD/CNY FX regime being one exception. As one additional important and novel evaluation result, it can be concluded, that the currency regime matters for the quality of exchange rate forecasts.
Determinants of Nikkei futures mispricing in international markets: Dividend clustering, currency risk, and transaction costs
Authors: Qin Jieye , Green Christopher J. , Sirichand Kavita 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper develops a comprehensive modified cost‐of‐carry model to study the mispricing of Nikkei 225 index futures contracts traded in Osaka, Singapore, and Chicago based on a new 19‐year data set. Using this improved model, we find that dividend clustering, currency risk, and transaction costs all play an essential role in the estimation of Nikkei mispricing. An exponential smooth transition autoregressive‐GARCH model is used to describe the international dynamics of Nikkei mispricing. The results indicate that generally mean reversion in mispricing and limits to arbitrage are driven more by transaction costs than by heterogeneous investors.
Insertional oncogenesis by HPV70 revealed by multiple genomic analyses in a clinically HPV‐negative cervical cancer
Authors: Van Arsdale Anne , Patterson Nicole E. , Maggi Elaine C. , Agoni Lorenzo , Van Doorslaer Koenraad , Harmon Bryan , Nevadunsky Nicole , Kuo Dennis Y.S. , Einstein Mark H. , Lenz Jack , Montagna Cristina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCervical carcinogenesis, the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, is caused by multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs). To investigate a possible role for HPV in a cervical carcinoma that was HPV‐negative by PCR testing, we performed HPV DNA hybridization capture plus massively parallel sequencing. This detected a subgenomic, URR‐E6‐E7‐E1 segment of HPV70 DNA, a type not generally associated with cervical cancer, inserted in an intron of the B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B (BCL11B) gene in the human genome. Long range DNA sequencing confirmed the virus and flanking BCL11B DNA structures including both insertion junctions. Global transcriptomic analysis detected multiple, alternatively spliced, HPV70‐BCL11B, fusion transcripts with fused open reading frames. The insertion and fusion transcripts were present in an intraepithelial precursor phase of tumorigenesis. These results suggest oncogenicity of HPV70, identify novel BCL11B variants with potential oncogenic implications, and underscore the advantages of thorough genomic analyses to elucidate insights into HPV‐associated tumorigenesis.
Physical activities attenuate the negative cognitive impact from white matter hyperintensities in stroke and TIA patients with low education
Authors: Wong Adrian , Yiu Stanley , Lam Bonnie Yin Ka , Leung Kam Tat , Shi Lin , Lo Eugene , Abrigo Jill , Au Lisa Wc , Lau Alexander , Mok Vincent 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to examine the effects of recent regular participation leisure activities upon cognitive functions between 3 and 6 months after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We also explored whether the cognitive effects interacted with the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a marker of cerebral white matter disease, in patients with low or high education.MethodsTwo‐hundred and ninety‐two subjects with mean age of 66.1 (11.0) years were recruited at median 161(131‐180) days post index event. WMH volume was evaluated using a semi‐automated method on MRI brain. Cognitive functions were measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the associations between leisure activity participation with WMH and the moderating effects of leisure activities upon relationship between WMH and MoCA. Analyses were further stratified by low (<6 years) or high education (≥6 years). All models were adjusted with age, sex, and years of education.ResultsPhysical activity (PA), but not intellectual activity (IA), was negatively related to WMH volume (P < .05). IA exerted a main effect on MoCA performance (b = 3.21, P < .001). PA, but not IA, significantly interacted with WMH volume (b = −0.18, P < .01) on MoCA performance, but the interaction was only significant in the lower education group (b = 0.28, P < .01) but not in the higher education group.ConclusionsIn patients with stroke/TIA, IA confers general cognitive benefits. Regular participation in PA negatively correlated with WMH volume. In patients with low education, PA increases resilience against vascular cognitive impairment.
Surgical approaches for infratemporal fossa tumor resection: Fifteen years' experience of a single center
Authors: Yafit Daniel , Duek Irit , Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Ungar Omer J. , Wengier Anat , Moshe‐Levyn Helena , Yanko‐Arzi Ravit , Zaretski Arik , Margalit Nevo , Abergel Avraham , Muhanna Nidal , Fliss Dan M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to report our center's experience with infratemporal fossa (ITF) tumors, to review the treatment modalities and outcomes.MethodsData of patients that underwent resection of ITF tumors in a single tertiary referral medical center were collected and analyzed.ResultsSixty‐three patients were included. Sarcoma was the most common pathology (18; 29%). The most common surgical approach was the preauricular‐orbitozygomatic approach (24; 38%), followed by endoscopic, craniofacial resection, and combined approaches. Forty‐seven patients (75%) required reconstruction, 23 (49%) involving free tissue transfer. Thirty‐five patients (76%) with malignant lesions required adjuvant therapy consisting of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both. Thirty‐three patients suffered from complications related to surgery or adjuvant therapy. The three‐ and five‐years survival rates for malignancy were 82% and 66%, respectively.ConclusionComplete surgical resection of ITF involving tumors is feasible, providing good long‐term survival. Multidisciplinary approach is the key for success.
Aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma triggered by a parvovirus B19 infection in a previously healthy child
Authors: Olivier‐Gougenheim Laura , Dijoud Frederique , Traverse‐Glehen Alexandra , Benezech Sarah , Bertrand Yves , Latour Sylvain , Frobert Emilie , Domenech Carine 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn absence of red blood cells disease or immune defect, parvovirus B19 (PVB‐19) is usually considered as a benign condition. Here, we report the case of a 10‐year‐old boy, previously healthy, presenting with a PVB‐19 infection revealed by a bicytopenia and a voluminous axillary adenopathy. Pathophysiology examination showed reactional lymphoid population. Nine months later and in the absence of remission, a new biopsy of the same adenopathy revealed a Hodgkin lymphoma with area of T‐cell rich aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma. This case suggests PVB‐19 as potential trigger of this malignant childhood hemopathy. Although no definitive conclusion can be drawn, our clinical case questions the role of PVB‐19 in lymphomagenesis.