The paper presents the current status of the Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN), which has been developed as a component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). MAN deploys Microtops handheld Sun ...photometers and utilizes the calibration procedure and data processing (Version 2) traceable to AERONET. A web site dedicated to the MAN activity is described. A brief historical perspective is given to aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements over the oceans. A short summary of the existing data, collected on board ships of opportunity during the NASA Sensor Intercomparison and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies (SIMBIOS) Project is presented. Globally averaged oceanic aerosol optical depth (derived from island-based AERONET measurements) at 500 nm is similar to 0.11 and Angstrom parameter (computed within spectral range 440-870 nm) is calculated to be similar to 0.6. First results from the cruises contributing to the Maritime Aerosol Network are shown. MAN ship-based aerosol optical depth compares well to simultaneous island and near-coastal AERONET site AOD.
Abstract
Studies show that a subset of transgender men desire children; however, there is a paucity of literature on the effect of gender-affirming testosterone therapy on reproductive function. In ...this manuscript, we will review the process of gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender men and what is known about ovarian and uterine consequences of testosterone exposure in transgender men; draw parallels with existing animal models of androgen exposure; summarize the existing literature on parenting experiences and desires in transgender people; discuss considerations for assisted reproductive technologies and fertility preservation; and identify gaps in the literature and opportunities for further research.
•Errors associated with optical and acoustical sensors for SPMC are quantified.•A strict protocol limits the uncertainties.•Systematic errors may reach up to ±20% and errors due to biofouling to 100% ...or more.•Changes of the inherent particle properties may result in uncertainties up to 200%.•A model based on the R2 quantifies the uncertainty of the sensor derived SPMC.•Hach-turbidities could be a cheap alternative for sample SPMC.
Measurement of suspended particulate matter concentration (SPMC) spanning large time and geographical scales have become a matter of growing importance in recent decades. At many places worldwide, complex observation platforms have been installed to capture temporal and spatial variability over scales ranging from cm (turbulent regimes) to whole basins. Long-term in situ measurements of SPMC involve one or more optical and acoustical sensors and, as the ground truth reference, gravimetric measurements of filtered water samples. The estimation of SPMC from optical and acoustical proxies generally results from the combination of a number of independent calibration measurements, as well as regression or inverse models. Direct or indirect measurements of SPMC are inherently associated with a number of uncertainties along the whole operation chain, the autonomous field deployment, to the analyses necessary for converting the observed proxy values of optical and acoustical signals to SPMC. Controlling uncertainties will become an important issue when the observational input comprises systems of sensors spanning large spatial and temporal scales. This will be especially relevant for detecting trends in the data with unambiguous statistical significance, separating anthropogenic impact from natural variations, or evaluating numerical models over a broad ensemble of different conditions using validated field data.
The aim of the study is to present and discuss the benefits and limitations of using optical and acoustical backscatter sensors to acquire long-term observations of SPMC. Additionally, this study will formulate recommendations on how to best acquire quality-assured SPMC data sets, based on the challenges and uncertainties associated with those long-term observations. The main sources of error as well as the means to quantify and reduce the uncertainties associated with SPMC measurements are also illustrated.
2,3-dihydroxylated anthraquinone (2,3-DHAQ) is evaluated for the first time in a redox flow battery. This compound exhibits a good solubility in alkaline media (0.7 M in KOH at pH > 13.5) and a ...suitable potential (−0.85 V vs Ag/AgCl) leading to a 1.11 V theoretical open circuit voltage at 50% state of charge with potassium ferrocyanide as posolyte. It is implemented in a 25 cm2 cell during 180 cycles with a capacity fading of 0.022% per cycle and a current efficiency higher than 99.7%. Owing to its high solubility, an initial energy density up to 17 Wh L−1 (7.7 Wh L−1 when both posolyte and negolyte are considered) is obtained. 2,3-DHAQ exhibits a good chemical stability compared with other dihydroxyanthraquinone (around 0.1% per cycle). After more than 3000 cycles, 2,3-DHAQ is observed as the main product, showing its high chemical stability. Moreover, the capacity fading process is reversible since changing the discharge conditions allows a full recovery of the initial capacity. This opens up new perspectives as the capacity loss is often used to evaluate the relevance of new molecules. A wider range of active materials in AORFB can be considered if the capacity fading they exhibit can be reversible.
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•2,3-DHAQ is a new and promising negolyte for AORFB.•This aqueous RFB exhibits high energy efficiency and good cycling stability.•A 3000 cycles experiment was reported.•The observed capacity fading was reversible by modifying discharge parameters.
BackgroundChronic hepatitis C management has changed tremendously with approval of direct acting antivirals (DAAs). DAAs provide a high sustained virological response with rare adverse effects. ...However, our healthcare system imposes constraints on prescriptions and dispensing due to rapid changes in guidelines and the high cost of DAAs. Hence treatments are only initiated in authorised centres with multidisciplinary meetings in which the pharmacist contributes to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) analysis and the choice of DAA.PurposeThe aim of the DDIs study was to prevent toxicity due to overdose or loss of DAA efficiency caused by DDIs.Material and methodsWe analysed DDIs on the basis of standard treatment access forms sent to our hospital over a 2 month period. One or more DAA strategy proposals and patients’ regular therapy drugs were systematically submitted to the pharmacists to seek their advice. Hep-druginteractions.org database, as recommended by AFEF guidelines (French Association of Liver Study), Vidal monographs and analyses of the literature were methods used to identify and manage DDIs.Results43 prescriptions were analysed. Prescriptions for regular therapies contained, on average, 5 drugs corresponding to 125 different drugs. This represents 319 combinations between DAAs and regular drugs. Most of the combinations did not present a DDI (75%), 7 presented contraindications (2%) (involving statins (rosuvastatin, simvastatin), antiepileptics (primidone), antiretrovirals (efavirenz) and beta-2-agonists (salmeterol)). 60 combinations (19%) required patient monitoring and dose adjustment if clinically needed. Three adjustments of daclatasvir (1%) (2 reduced doses at 30 mg daily, 1 increased dose at 90 mg daily), 8 dose schedule optimisations (2.5%) (involving ledipasvir and proton pump inhibitor, resins) and 2 corticoid substitutions (0.5%) (fluticasone and budesonide by beclometasone) were advised. There were DDIs in 47% ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, 40% simeprevir, 16% sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and 13% sofosbuvir/daclatasvir proposals.ConclusionThis study shows that 25% of combinations between DAAs and patients’ regular drugs had a DDI. As expected, because of its metabolism, the ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir association had more DDIs than the other DAAs. Increase in access treatment requests overload the pharmacist’s routine job. However, the pharmacist plays a key role in DDI management and participates in the choice of hepatitis C treatment.References and/or AcknowledgementsAFEF guidelines, June 2015No conflict of interest.
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