bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a New Series of Furopyranone‐ and Furocoumarin‐Chromone Conjugates Followed by In–Vitro Cytotoxicity Activity Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Meydani Ali , Yousefi Samira , Gharibi Reza , Kazemi Shima , Teimouri Mohammad Bagher
Published: March 2019

In this work, new furopyranone‐ and furocoumarin‐chromone conjugates were successfully synthesized via the one‐pot three‐component condensation reactions of 3‐formylchromone derivatives, 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methylpyrone or 4‐hydroxycoumarin and alkyl or aryl isocyanides in refluxing toluene within 2 h. Molecular docking studies on cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX‐1, COX‐2) indicated that most derivatives have greater or moderate binding affinities than 3‐formylchromone which was used as a reference compound. Even some of the new products showed comparable binding energy towards the relative co‐crystalized ligand into COX‐1 and COX‐2. In general, all of the new products formed one to three hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues in the active site of both enzymes. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity activity of some selected compounds was investigated against human foreskin fibroblast cells (BJ) and human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) using the MTT assay. All selected compounds exhibited significant cell growth inhibitory against cancerous cells with varied potencies when compared to 3‐formylchromone. However, they were much less toxic against normal cells.
Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of 2,3‐Benzodiazepines via Tetrahydrodiazirino[3,1‐a]isoquinoline Reacts with Sulfonyl Chlorides
Authors: Wang Kaikai , Li Yanli , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhu Baoku
Published: March 2019

An unexpected process from tetrahydrodiazirino[3,1‐a]isoquinolines and diversified sulfonyl chlorides RSO2Cl (R=aryl, alkyl) to deliver highly yields 4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐benzo[d][1,2]diazepine skeleton compounds was disclosed via N‐insertion ring‐opening reaction. The structural framework of 2,3‐benzodiazepines is unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis. The present protocol features mild reaction conditions, high yields and feasibility of large‐scale synthesis and catalyst‐free access to benzo[2,3]diazepines skeleton. In contrast, azomethine imines were produced by employing tetrahydrodiazirino[3,1‐a]isoquinoline reacts with aroyl chlorides under the same conditions.
Microwave Irradiation Tandem Hydroamination and Oxidative Cyclization of Natural Amino Acids with Diethyl Acetylenedicarboxylate for Functionalized Pyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Li Jisen , Duan Wenwen , Pan Xiaoxia , Ye Yanqing , Huang Chao
Published: March 2019

Under microwave irradiation from natural amino acids to nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, a tandem reaction of hydroamination and oxidative cyclization has been explored. Utilizing amino acids and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with high product yields on 83–95%, functionalized pyrrole derivatives can be prepared during 0.5‐0.75 h by copper oxide catalysis. With nonpolar side chains natural amino acids can be used to develop microwave‐assisted one‐pot transformations. Reaction conditions also adapt to other dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates such as dimethyi acetylenedicarboxylate. Besides the reaction regulation was illustrated.
Multi‐Component Reaction of 6‐Aminouracils, Aldehydes and Secondary Amines: Conversion of the Products into Pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidines through C‐H Amination/Cyclization
Authors: Borpatra Paran J. , Rastogi Gaurav K. , Saikia Ms. B‐S. , Deb Mohit L. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: March 2019

Reaction of 6‐aminouracils with aldehydes and secondary amines catalyzed by acetic acid is reported here. This is in fact a domino aza‐Michael reaction. 6‐Aminouracil reacts first with aldehyde and then amine attacks the newly formed C=C bond, which is established from the mass spectral analysis of the reaction mixture. The products of the reaction are cyclized to pyrimido[4,5‐d]‐pyrimidines via intramolecular α‐C−H functionalization of tertiary amine promoted by I2‐TBHP at room temperature in ethanol solvent. I2 (10 mol %) and TBHP (1.5 eq.) are used for the cyclization reactions. Based on few controlled experiments a tentative radical mechanism is proposed for the cyclization step.
Copper‐Catalysed C‐N Bond Formation Via Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of 4H‐1,2,4‐Triazoles and Formamides
Authors: Inkollu Bhargavi , Karasala Bharat K. , Vidavalur Siddaiah
Published: March 2019

The first copper catalysed C−N formation between formamides and 3,5‐diphenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazoles has been developed via cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction of C−H/N−H bonds. This protocol provides a simple and efficient approach to the synthesis of N,N‐dimethyl‐3,5‐diphenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐4‐carboxamides in moderate to good yields.
Halloysite ‐ Poly (ionic liquid) Nanocomposite as an Efficient Catalyst Support: Study of the Effects of Ionic Liquid Nature and Content on the Catalytic Activity
Authors: Sadjadi Samahe , Tavakolian Mina
Published: March 2019

Considering the high performance of ionic liquid decorated halloysite clay as a catalyst support, herein a halloysite ‐poly (ionic liquid) polymer composite is synthesized and characterized via BET, TGA, TEM, FTIR, XRD and ICP and then applied for the immobilization of Pd species to afford a catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes. To shed light to the effect of the content and nature of poly (ionic liquid) polymer on the catalytic activity, two control samples with different content and entity of poly (ionic liquid) polymer were synthesized and compared by FTIR, TGA and BET. The results confirmed that the content of poly (ionic liquid) polymer significantly affected the catalytic activity and the higher this value, the higher the Pd content and consequently the superior the catalytic activity would be. The study of the nature of poly (ionic liquid) polymer revealed that it did not dramatically influence the catalytic activity. However, the choice of the monomer affected the content of poly (ionic liquid) polymer formed on halloysite. Notably, the catalyst was highly selective toward reduction of nitro group and competing functionalities remained intact under the reaction condition. Moreover, the catalyst showed excellent recyclability with low Pd leaching.
RuCl3/ PPh3‐ Catalyzed Direct Conversion of Isoxazol‐5‐ones to 2,3‐Disubstituted Pyridines
Authors: Fernandes Alessandra A. G. , Stivanin Mateus L. , Jurberg Igor D.
Published: March 2019

A novel catalytic system employing RuCl3/ PPh3is described for the preparation of 2,3‐disubstituted pyridines starting from 3,4‐disubstituted isoxazol‐5‐ones and acrolein. Mechanistic studies involving31P NMR, HRMS analyses and control experiments have been performed in order to support key events and intermediates proposed for this transformation.
A Remotely Controlled Transformable Soft Robot Based on Engineered Cardiac Tissue Construct
Authors: Xu Bingzhe , Han Xiaomin , Hu Yuwei , Luo Yiming , Chen Chia‐Hung , Chen Zi , Shi Peng
Published: March 2019

Many living organisms undergo conspicuous or abrupt changes in body structure, which is often accompanied by a behavioral change. Inspired by the natural metamorphosis, robotic systems can be designed as reconfigurable to be multifunctional. Here, a tissue‐engineered transformable robot is developed, which can be remotely controlled to assume different mechanical structures for switching locomotive function. The soft robot is actuated by a muscular tail fin that emulates the swimming of whales and works as a cellular engine powered by the synchronized contraction of striated cardiac microtissue constructs. For a transition of locomotive behavior, the robot can be optically triggered to transform from a spread to a retracted form, which effectively changes the bending stiffness of the tail fins, thus minimizing the propulsion output from the “tail fin” and effectively switching off the engine. With the unprecedented controllability and responsiveness, the transformable robot is implemented to work as a cargo carrier for programmed delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to selectively eradicate cancer cells. It is believed that the realization of the transformable concept paves a pathway for potential development of intelligent biohybrid robotic systems.
Functionalized Carbon Dots on Graphene as Outstanding Non‐Metal Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst
Authors: Shin Juhun , Guo Jian , Zhao Tingting , Guo Zhengxiao
Published: March 2019

Carbon‐based bifunctional electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions are potentially cost‐effective to replace noble metals in energy devices such as fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and photoelectrochemical converters, but enrichment of active sites holds the key to efficiency. Here, graphene frameworks with heteroatom‐doped carbon dots (CDs) are developed via a hydrothermal route followed by pyrolysis. The CDs are rationally prepared with careful selection of heteroatoms, embedded on the substrate to provide enriched active sites. Structural characterizations (e.g., transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy) reveal the successful addition of CDs with nitrogen and sulfur species. Especially, a heat‐treated N,S codoped sample, NS‐CD@gf_a900, exhibits the optimum oxygen electrocatalysis, even closer to noble‐metal counterparts, as a result of the effect of active sites of the CDs and the synergistic behavior of N and S. Considering the importance of size and dopants of the material, this approach not only suggests a straightforward preparation route of nanocarbons, but also appoints the utilization of a new class of non‐metal species as efficient oxygen electrocatalysts.
Impact of requirements volatility on software architecture: How do software teams keep up with ever‐changing requirements?
Authors: Dasanayake Sandun , Aaramaa Sanja , Markkula Jouni , Oivo Markku
Published: March 2019

Requirements volatility is a major issue in software development, causing problems such as higher defect density, project delays, and cost overruns. Software architecture that guides the overall vision of software product is one of the areas that is greatly affected by requirements volatility. Since critical architecture decisions are made based on the requirements at hand, changes in requirements can result significant changes in architecture. With the wide adoption of agile software development, software architectures are designed to accommodate possible future changes. However, the changes has to be carefully managed as unnecessary and excessive changes can bring negative consequences. An exploratory case study was conducted to study the impact of requirements volatility on software architecture. Fifteen semistructured, thematic interviews were conducted in a European software company. The research revealed poor communication, information distortion, and external dependencies as the main factors that cause requirement volatility and inadequate architecture documentation, inability to trace design rationale, and increased complexity as the main implications of requirements volatility on software architecture. Insights from software teams' awareness of the requirement volatility, factors contribute to it, and possible ways to mitigate its implications will be utilized to improve the management of requirement volatility during software architecting process.
The Origins of the Goss Orientation in Non‐Oriented Electrical Steel and the Evolution of the Goss Texture during Thermomechanical Processing
Authors: Mehdi Mehdi , He Youliang , Hilinski Erik J. , Kestens Leo A. I. , Edrisy Afsaneh
Published: March 2019

During the manufacturing of non‐oriented electrical steel laminations for electric motor or generator applications, the Goss ({110}<001>) texture frequently appearsin several stages of the processing. To understand the origin and the evolution of this texture, a non‐oriented electrical steel (2.8 wt% Si)is processed through hot rolling, hot band annealing, cold rolling and final annealing, and the origins of the Goss orientation and the evolution of the Goss texture in these processesare investigated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Itis seen that hot rolling resultsin a high volume fraction (≈30%) of the Goss grains near the surfaces of the rolled plate, but the subsequent hot band annealing significantly reducesit to less than 10%. After cold rolling, the Goss volume fraction further decreasesto only about 1%. Three locations of the Goss grainsare observed in the cold‐rolled matrix, that is, those within the shear bands of two symmetrically equivalent {111}<112> grains, those embedded in the microbands of one of the {111}<112> grains, and those at the grain boundaries between the {111}<112> and {113}<361> grains. The formation mechanisms of these three types of Goss grainsare explained using a transition band model and a rigid inclusion model.
The association between erectile dysfunction and CVD
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: March 2019

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common neurovascular disorder that shares many common risk factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED is also a cardiovascular risk factor itself and may be an early marker of future CVD. Men presenting with ED therefore provide an opportunity to screen for CVD risk factors and initiate targeted lifestyle changes and pharmacological intervention to reduce future risk.
The investigation of haematuria and bladder cancer
Authors: Tan Wei Phin , Kelly John D , Tan Wei Shen
Published: March 2019

Although there has been a decline in the incidence and mortality attributed to bladder cancer over the last two decades the disease is still a relatively common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Here the authors argue that, in contrast to national guidelines, patients of any age presenting with visible haematuria or non‐visible haematuria at >40 years of age should be referred to a urologist for further evaluation.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: March 2019

Mike Kirby, GP and Visiting Professor to the University of Hertfordshire and The Prostate Centre, London, picks some interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ message.
Imaging in gynecological disease (15): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of uterine sarcoma
Authors: Ludovisi M. , Moro F. , Pasciuto T. , Di Noi S. , Giunchi S. , Savelli L. , Pascual M. A. , Sladkevicius P. , Alcazar J. L. , Franchi D. , Mancari R. , Moruzzi M. C. , Jurkovic D. , Chiappa V. , Guerriero S. , Exacoustos C. , Epstein E. , Frühauf F. , Fischerova D. , Fruscio R. , Ciccarone F. , Zannoni G. F. , Scambia G. , Valentin L. , Testa A. C.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of uterine sarcomas.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study. From the databases of 13 ultrasound centers, we identified patients with a histological diagnosis of uterine sarcoma with available ultrasound reports and ultrasound images who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination between 1996 and 2016. As the first step, each author collected information from the original ultrasound reports from his/her own center on predefined ultrasound features of the tumors and by reviewing the ultrasound images to identify information on variables not described in the original report. As the second step, 16 ultrasound examiners reviewed the images electronically in a consensus meeting and described them using predetermined terminology.

Results

We identified 116 patients with leiomyosarcoma, 48 with endometrial stromal sarcoma and 31 with undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma. Median age of the patients was 56 years (range, 26–86 years). Most patients were symptomatic at diagnosis (164/183 (89.6%)), the most frequent presenting symptom being abnormal vaginal bleeding (91/183 (49.7%)). Patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma were younger than those with leiomyosarcoma and undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma (median age, 46 years vs 57 and 60 years, respectively). According to the assessment by the original ultrasound examiners, the median diameter of the largest tumor was 91 mm (range, 7–321 mm). Visible normal myometrium was reported in 149/195 (76.4%) cases, and 80.0% (156/195) of lesions were solitary. Most sarcomas (155/195 (79.5%)) were solid masses (> 80% solid tissue), and most manifested inhomogeneous echogenicity of the solid tissue (151/195 (77.4%)); one sarcoma was multilocular without solid components. Cystic areas were described in 87/195 (44.6%) tumors and most cyst cavities had irregular walls (67/87 (77.0%)). Internal shadowing was observed in 42/192 (21.9%) sarcomas and fan‐shaped shadowing in 4/192 (2.1%). Moderate or rich vascularization was found on color‐Doppler examination in 127/187 (67.9%) cases. In 153/195 (78.5%) sarcomas, the original ultrasound examiner suspected malignancy. Though there were some differences, the results of the first and second steps of the analysis were broadly similar.

Conclusions

Uterine sarcomas typically appear as solid masses with inhomogeneous echogenicity, sometimes with irregular cystic areas but only very occasionally with fan‐shaped shadowing. Most are moderately or very well vascularized. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Dyadic coping in personal projects of romantic partners: assessment and associations with relationship satisfaction
Authors: Martos Tamás , Szabó Evelin , Koren Réka , Sallay Viola
Published: March 2019

In the present study we describe a context-sensitive, personal-projects-based approach to dyadic coping with stress which adapted the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) for the assessment of dyadic coping strategies in stressful personal projects. In a cross-sectional study, 149 heterosexual Hungarian couples provided evaluations pertaining to their dyadic coping experiences in a stressful everyday project. Explorative factor analyses of personal project-related DCI items provided theoretically meaningful factor structures and the resulting subscales showed excellent reliability. The subscales’ predictive validity was tested in two dyadic analyses using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) whereby positive and negative dyadic coping experiences served as predictors of satisfaction with the dyadic coping process in particular, and with the relationship in general as outcomes. Our results showed that satisfaction with dyadic coping in personal projects is predicted only by the dyadic coping experiences of the respondents (the actor effect), while actor and partner effects proved to be predictive of relationship satisfaction. Negative partner experiences related to dyadic coping predicted lower relationship satisfaction of the female partner, while for males the positive experiences of the partner were found to be more predictive. These results confirm that the contextualized assessment of dyadic coping experiences in specific stressful personal projects is a reliable and valid method. Further methodological and theoretical conclusions are discussed.
Parent-provider paediatric literacy communication: A curriculum for future primary care providers
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany , Bernard Brittany , Webb Jade , Pagels Patti
Published: March 2019

Background Reach Out and Read promotes early literacy and school readiness by incorporating book delivery and anticipatory guidance into well-child visits. There is a need to train future healthcare providers in the knowledge and skills to communicate with parents/caregivers about early childhood literacy. We developed and evaluated a curriculum to improve learners’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills towards the incorporation of parent-provider literacy communication into well-child visits. Methods Family medicine residents (n = 30), physician assistant students (n = 36), and medical students (n = 28) participated in a curriculum consisting of service learning, online didactic training, objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs) and a debriefing session. Standardized patients (SPs; 6 months to 5 years) and standardized patient caregivers were recruited and trained. Learners were evaluated on their abilities to offer books to patients, provide anticipatory guidance, and demonstrate parent-provider communication skills. Knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction were collected pre- and post-curriculum. Results Significant increases in total knowledge were observed after completing curriculum activities (p < 0.001). All attitudes improved after training (p < 0.05). All learners (100%) recommended that caregivers talk back and forth with their 6‑ to 12-month-old babies and make eye contact. Few (18.2%) learners recommended playing games like ‘peek-a-boo’ while reading. When caregivers evaluated learners’ basic parent-provider communication skills, all reported that the learners treated them with respect and used plain language. Discussion Our curriculum extends beyond previous studies by measuring recommended books, anticipatory guidance, and communication skills using paediatric SPs and standardized patient caregivers.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiation between Parotid Neoplasms
Authors: Elmokadem Ali H. , Abdel Khalek Ahmed M. , Abdel Wahab Rihame M. , Tharwat Nehal , Gaballa Ghada M. , Elata Mohamed Abo , Amer Talal
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiation of parotid gland neoplasms.

Methods

Prospective study was conducted upon 52 consecutive patients (30 men, 22 women; aged 24–78 years; mean, 51 years) with parotid tumours that underwent multiparametric MRI using combined static MRI, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The static MRI parameter, time signal intensity curves (TIC) derived from DCE-MRI, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of parotid tumours were correlated with histopathological findings.

Results

Static MRI revealed a significant difference between both benign and malignant lesions in regards to margin definition ( P < .001) and T2 hypointensity ( P < .013), with a diagnostic accuracy 95% and 78.33% respectively. Study of the TIC type on DCE-MRI revealed statistically significant difference between benign and malignant lesions ( P < .001) and diagnostic accuracy 96.55%. There was no statistically significant difference ( P = .181) between the ADC values of benign and malignant lesions. ROC curve analysis revealed that by using ADC cut-off value of 1 × 10−3 mm2/s had accuracy of 84.62% respectively for differentiating Warthin from malignant tumours that could be modified to higher value (94.28%) by excluding lymphoma from malignant lesions. By using cutoff value of 1.3 × 10−3 mm2/s to differentiate pleomorphic adenoma from malignancy, ROC curve analysis had high accuracy of 97.06%.

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI can be used for differentiation of malignant from benign parotid tumours and characterization of some benign parotid tumours.
Examples in the entropy theory of countable group actions
Authors: BOWEN LEWIS
Published: March 2019

Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy is an invariant of measure-preserving actions of the group of integers that is central to classification theory. There are two recently developed invariants, sofic entropy and Rokhlin entropy, that generalize classical entropy to actions of countable groups. These new theories have counterintuitive properties such as factor maps that increase entropy. This survey article focusses on examples, many of which have not appeared before, that highlight the differences and similarities with classical theory.
Dynamics of spatially localized states in transitional plane Couette flow
Authors: Pershin Anton , Beaume Cédric , Tobias Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Unsteady spatially localized states such as puffs, slugs or spots play an important role in transition to turbulence. In plane Couette flow, steady versions of these states are found on two intertwined solution branches describing homoclinic snaking (Schneider et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 104, 2010, 104501). These branches can be used to generate a number of spatially localized initial conditions whose transition can be investigated. From the low Reynolds numbers where homoclinic snaking is first observed ($Re<175$) to transitional ones ($Re\approx 325$), these spatially localized states traverse various regimes where their relaminarization time and dynamics are affected by the dynamical structure of phase space. These regimes are reported and characterized in this paper for a $4\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}$-periodic domain in the streamwise direction as a function of the two remaining variables: the Reynolds number and the width of the localized pattern. Close to the snaking, localized states are attracted by spatially localized periodic orbits before relaminarizing. At larger values of the Reynolds number, the flow enters a chaotic transient of variable duration before relaminarizing. Very long chaotic transients ($t>10^{4}$) can be observed without difficulty for relatively low values of the Reynolds number ($Re\approx 250$).
Insights into vase-shaped microfossil diversity and Neoproterozoic biostratigraphy in light of recent Brazilian discoveries
Authors: Morais L. , Lahr D.J.G. , Rudnitzki I.D. , Freitas B.T. , Romero G.R. , Porter S.M. , Knoll A.H. , Fairchild T.R.
Published: March 2019

Vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) occur in dolostone clasts within conglomerates, breccias, and diamictites of the Neoproterozoic Urucum Formation, Jacadigo Group, southwest Brazil. Although their taphonomic history is distinct from those of other VSM assemblages, morphometric comparison of Urucum fossils with five others described previously from North America and Europe show that two of the Urucum species—the long-neckedLimeta lageniformisMorais, Fairchild, and Lahr in Morais et al., 2017 and the funnel-neckedPalaeoamphora urucumenseMorais et al., 2017—occur in the Kwagunt and Callison Lake assemblages, as doesPakupaku kabinRiedman, Porter, and Calver, 2017 recently described from the Togari Group, Tasmania.Obelix rootsii(Cohen, Irvine, and Strauss, 2017) new combination, previously known only from the Callison Lake Formation, is documented here from the Kwagunt Formation. In addition,Trigonocyrillium horodyskii(Bloeser, 1985) andBonniea dacrucharesPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, first described from the Kwagunt assemblage, have now been found in the Urucum Formation. In light of this survey, 16 of the 18 validly described VSM species are now known to occur in the Kwagunt Formation and 13 in the Callison Lake Formation, with 12 of them shared by both formations. The fact that the Urucum VSM assemblage exhibits six of seven species in common with the Kwagunt Formation—L. lageniformis, P. urucumense, Cycliocyrillium simplexPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003,C. torquataPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003,B. dacrucharesPorter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, andT. horodyskii(Bloeser, 1985)—and all but the last of these in common with the Callison Lake Formation supports correlation of these three assemblages and indicates that the source of the fossiliferous clasts within the Urucum Formation may well have been a now-vanished late Tonian carbonate platform.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/ac0becd6-29ff-4491-80fa-0291730fba65
A Bayesian Split Population Survival Model for Duration Data With Misclassified Failure Events
Authors: Bagozzi Benjamin E. , Joo Minnie M. , Kim Bomin , Mukherjee Bumba
Published: March 2019

We develop a new Bayesian split population survival model for the analysis of survival data with misclassified event failures. Within political science survival data, right-censored survival cases are often erroneously misclassified as failure cases due to measurement error. Treating these cases as failure events within survival analyses will underestimate the duration of some events. This will bias coefficient estimates, especially in situations where such misclassification is associated with covariates of interest. Our split population survival estimator addresses this challenge by using a system of two equations to explicitly model the misclassification of failure events alongside a parametric survival process of interest. After deriving this model, we use Bayesian estimation via slice sampling to evaluate its performance with simulated data, and in several political science applications. We find that our proposed “misclassified failure” survival model allows researchers to accurately account for misclassified failure events within the contexts of civil war duration and democratic survival.
Measuring networks in the field
Authors: Larson Jennifer M. , Lewis Janet I.
Published: March 2019

Measuring networks in the field—usually by asking individuals systematically about their networks–entails complex design choices, with large consequences for the resulting data. Because observations in a network are interconnected, well-established practices from non-network survey settings can lead researchers astray. Despite the increasing focus on networks in political science, little guidance is available for researchers facing high-stakes decisions when designing a study to elicit networks. This paper serves as a practical guide. It offers a simple framework for constructing a network theory, illuminates tradeoffs like measuring more nodes versus more ties per node or asking for names versus selections from a list, and proposes a new technique for cleaning relational data.
Domain modelling in Optimality Theory: Morphophonological cyclicity vs. stepwise prosodic parsing
Authors: BROŚ KAROLINA
Published: March 2019

This paper examines opaque examples of phrase-level phonology taken from Chilean Spanish under the framework of Stratal Optimality Theory (OT) (Rubach 1997; Bermúdez-Otero 2003, 2019) and Harmonic Serialism (HS) (McCarthy 2008a, b, 2016). The data show an interesting double repair of the coda /s/ taking place at word edges. It is argued that Stratal OT is superior in modelling phonological processes that take place at the interface between morphology and phonology because it embraces cyclicity. Under this model, prosodic structure is built serially, level by level, and in accordance with the morphological structure of the input string. In this way, opacity at constituent edges can be solved. Stratal OT also provides insight into word-internal morphological structure and the domain-specificity of phonological processes. It is demonstrated that a distinction in this model is necessary between the word and the phrase levels, and between the stem and the word levels. As illustrated by the behaviour of Spanish nouns, affixation and the resultant alternations inform us about the domains to which both morphological and phonological processes should be assigned. Against this background, Harmonic Serialism embraces an apparently simpler recursive mechanism in which stepwise prosodic parsing can be incorporated. What is more, it offers insight into the nature of operations in OT, as well as into such problematic issues as structure building and directionality. Nevertheless, despite the model’s ability to solve various cases of opacity, the need to distinguish between two competing repairs makes HS fail when confronted with the Chilean data under examination.
Interculturality as social capital at work: The case of disagreements in American-Japanese interaction
Authors: Moody Stephen J.
Published: March 2019

Theories of social capital hold that strong interpersonal relationships can be leveraged to facilitate information sharing, gain trust, and strengthen group solidarity. Thus, it is often predicted that international workers are disadvantaged in these areas because they lack established social ties. Using data from disagreements between American interns and their colleagues in Japanese companies, this study critically examines this prediction by illustrating some ways participants use socially constructed representations of intercultural ideologies in ways that facilitate similar outcomes and substitute for their lack of relational histories. Specifically, these representations temporarily reverse flows of information, resist restrictions stemming from perceived lack of trust, and create shared humor that helps redefine in-group boundaries. By using a formal social capital model to interpret these results, this study helps position socially constructed representations of interculturality within a broader theoretical account of the potentially many forms of symbolic ‘capital’ that enable action. (Social capital, interculturality, disagreements, workplace, social identity)*
Magnetic field-induced signal enhancement in laser-produced lead plasma
Authors: Akhtar M. , Jabbar A. , Ahmed N. , Mehmood S. , Umar Z.A. , Ahmed R. , Baig M.A.
Published: March 2019

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has been exploited to investigate the laser-produced lead plasma with and without external magnetic field. Plasma on the lead surface was generated by focusing a beam of a Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). An external magnetic field was applied across the laser-produced plasma; its value was varied from 0.3 to 0.7 T and the time-integrated spectra were captured at different time delays. Maximum enhancement in the neutral and ionic line intensities have been observed at 130 mJ laser energy. The neutral line of Pb at 368.34 nm reveals an enhancement factor of nearly 1.3, 1.6, and 2.3 at 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 T, whereas the Pb ionic line at 424.49 nm shows enhancement factor of approximately 2.8 and 4.2 at 0.3 and 0.7 T. The magnetic field effects on various plasma parameters such as plasma temperature, electron number density, and emission line intensities have also been investigated. The plasma parameter “β” is found to be <1 in all the experimental conditions which signifies that the enhancement in the signal intensity is due to the plasma confinement. The increase in the emission signal intensity, number density as well as plasma temperature is observed with increasing laser energy and magnetic field. The spatial and temporal behavior reveals that the plasma temperature and electron number density decrease slowly in the applied magnetic field due to the deceleration of the plasma plume. The optimized conditions for the maximum plasma confinement and the emission intensity enhancement are observed at 130 mJ laser energy at 0.7 T magnetic field.
Femtosecond laser induced two-photon absorption in Au-ion embedded glasses
Authors: Ahmad Rabia , Shahid Rafique M. , Ahmed Ammar , Ajami Ali , Nekvindova Pavla , Svecova Blanka , Bashir Shazia , Iqbal Saman
Published: March 2019

Two-photon absorption (TPA) of Au-ion irradiated glasses in the femtosecond regime has been analyzed by an open-aperture Z scan technique. Three types of glasses, namely GIL49, BK7, and Glass B were irradiated by using 1700 keV Au+ ion beams. Samples were post-annealed at 600°C for 5 h. Penetration depth and distribution of Au+ ions having 1700 keV energy within glass substrates were estimated by transport of ions in matter (TRIM) simulations. Detailed calculations with full-damage cascades were performed for each sample, taking into account the chemical composition of glass substrates. TRIM results reveal that there is no significant change in ion range, straggling, and ion distribution with the change in the substrate composition. However, Z scan results showed a difference in TPA coefficients for all three glasses. Extent of crosslinking within each of irradiated sample, owing to its chemical composition, may have affected their TPA coefficients.
VAGUE COMPARISONS AND PROPORTIONAL SENTENCING
Authors: Bronsther Jacob
Published: March 2019

The “small improvement problem” (“the Problem”) applies when no option in a comparison is best nor, it seems, are the options equal, because a small improvement to one would fail to make it the better choice. I argue that vagueness causes the Problem, such that the options are vaguely equal or vaguely “related.” I then unpack an important instance of the Problem, the comparison between a crime and a punishment upon which the ideal of a retributively deserved sentence is based. I argue that this comparison is not only vague, but remarkably vague, leading to an expansive array of “not undeserved” sentences. I conclude, however, that retributivism can only justify the least harmful “not undeserved” sentence.
Rule by Violence, Rule by Law: Lynching, Jim Crow, and the Continuing Evolution of Voter Suppression in the U.S.
Authors: Epperly Brad , Witko Christopher , Strickler Ryan , White Paul
Published: March 2019

Although restricting formal voting rights—voter suppression—is not uncommon in democracies, its incidence and form vary widely. Intuitively, when competing elites believe that the benefits of reducing voting by opponents outweigh the costs of voter suppression, it is more likely to occur. Internal political and state capacity and external actors, however, influence the form that voter suppression takes. When elites competing for office lack the ability to enact laws restricting voting due to limited internal capacity, or external actors are able to limit the ability of governments to use laws to suppress voting, suppression is likely to be ad hoc, decentralized, and potentially violent. As political and state capacity increase and external constraints decrease, voter suppression will shift from decentralized and potentially violent to centralized and mostly non-violent. We illustrate our arguments by analyzing the transition from decentralized, violent voter suppression through the use of lynchings (and associated violence) to the centralized, less violent suppression of black voting in the post-Reconstruction South. We also place the most recent wave of U.S. state voter suppression laws into broader context using our theoretical framework.
LTE-based passive multistatic radar for high-speed railway network surveillance: design and preliminary results
Authors: Blázquez-García Rodrigo , Casamayón-Antón Jorge , Burgos-García Mateo
Published: March 2019

With the aim of performing perimeter surveillance of high-speed railway networks, this paper presents the design of a passive multistatic radar system based on the use of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) downlink signals as the illumination of opportunity. Taking into account the specifications and standard of the LTE system, the ambiguity function of measured downlink signals is analyzed in terms of range and Doppler resolution, ambiguities, and sidelobe level. The deployment of the proposed passive radar is flexible and scalable, and it is based on multichannel software defined radio receivers that obtain the reference and surveillance signals by means of digital beamforming. The signal processing and data fusion are based, respectively, on the delay-Doppler cross-correlation with the reconstructed reference signals and a two-stage tracking at sensor and central level. Finally, the performance of the proposed system is estimated in terms of its maximum detection range and simulation results of the detection of moving targets are presented, demonstrating its technical feasibility for the short-range detection of pedestrians, vehicles, and small drones.
Analytical modeling of antisymmetric split-ring resonators coupled with transmission line
Authors: Milosevic Vojislav , Bojanic Radovan , Jokanovic Branka
Published: March 2019

Coupled-mode theory is applied to obtain an analytic form of scattering parameters for a class of transmission line metamaterials with antisymmetric split-rings. The same structure is modeled with equivalent circuit, which includes electric and magnetic coupling with the line and inter-resonator coupling. Modified even/odd analysis is used to obtain scattering parameters from the equivalent circuit. These two methods are shown to be equivalent in a narrow band, and their constants related. The obtained results are compared with full-wave simulations and measurements, and it is shown that both methods give accurate approximation in one octave frequency band. The derived analytic expressions are suitable for study of resonant phenomena, with potential practical applications for filters, phase shifters, delay lines, and sensors.
Herbicide Metabolism: Crop Selectivity, Bioactivation, Weed Resistance, and Regulation
Authors: Nandula Vijay K. , Riechers Dean E. , Ferhatoglu Yurdagul , Barrett Michael , Duke Stephen O. , Dayan Franck E. , Goldberg-Cavalleri Alina , Tétard-Jones Catherine , Wortley David J. , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Brazier-Hicks Melissa , Edwards Robert , Gaines Todd , Iwakami Satoshi , Jugulam Mithila , Ma Rong
Published: March 2019

Several grass and broadleaf weed species around the world have evolved multiple-herbicide resistance at alarmingly increasing rates. Research on the biochemical and molecular resistance mechanisms of multiple-resistant weed populations indicate a prevalence of herbicide metabolism catalyzed by enzyme systems such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and glutathioneS-transferases and, to a lesser extent, by glucosyl transferases. A symposium was conducted to gain an understanding of the current state of research on metabolic resistance mechanisms in weed species that pose major management problems around the world. These topics, as well as future directions of investigations that were identified in the symposium, are summarized herein. In addition, the latest information on selected topics such as the role of safeners in inducing crop tolerance to herbicides, selectivity to clomazone, glyphosate metabolism in crops and weeds, and bioactivation of natural molecules is reviewed.
Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) Response to Environmental Resource Availability and Cultural Practices
Authors: Atkinson Jeffrey L. , McCarty Lambert B. , Yelverton Fred , McElroy Scott , Bridges William C.
Published: March 2019

Susceptibility of a system to colonization by a weed is in part a function of environmental resource availability. Doveweed [Murdannia nudiflora(L.) Brenan] can establish in a variety of environments; however, it is found mostly in wet or low-lying areas with reduced interspecies competition. Four studies evaluated the effect of mowing height, interspecies competition, and nitrogen, light, and soil moisture availability onM. nudifloraestablishment and growth. A field study evaluated the effect of mowing height onM. nudifloraestablishment. In comparison with unmowed plots, mowing at 2 and 4 cm reduced spread 46% and 30%, respectively, at 9 wk after planting. Effect of mowing height and nitrogen fertilization on ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylonBurtt-Davy×C. transvaalensisL. Pers.) andM. nudiflorainterspecies competition was evaluated in a greenhouse trial.Murdannia nudifloracoverage was 62% greater in flats maintained at 2.6 cm than flats maintained at 1.3 cm. Supplemental application of 49 kg N ha−1mo−1increasedM. nudifloracoverage 75% in comparison with 24.5 kg N ha−1mo−1. A difference inM. nudifloracoverage could not be detected between flats receiving 0 and 24.5 kg N ha−1mo−1, suggesting moderate nitrogen fertilization does not encourageM. nudifloracolonization. Effect of light availability onM. nudifloragrowth and development was evaluated in a greenhouse study. Growth in a 30%, 50%, or 70% reduced light environment (RLE) did not affect shoot growth on a dry weight basis in comparison with plants grown under full irradiance; however, internode length was 28% longer in a 30% RLE and 39% longer in a 50% and 70% RLE. Effect of soil moisture onM. nudifloragrowth and development was evaluated in a greenhouse study. Plants maintained at 50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity (FC) increased biomass>200% compared with plants maintained at 12.5% or 25% FC.
Target-Specific Learning Contributes to Practice Effects in	Paper-and-Pencil Tests of Attention
Authors: Wühr Peter
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Previous studies revealed that performance in paper-and-pencil tests of attention, such as the d2-R test, improves with practice, though the sources of these practice effects are yet unknown. Practice effects in psychometric tests are a serious problem because they impede the evaluation of test performance and constrain the utility of these tests. This study addresses the role of target-specific learning for practice in a d2-like paper-and-pencil test of attention. Two variants of a d2-like test, which exclusively differed in the set of target stimuli, were constructed. Participants were tested on two days separated by one week. Participants in the control condition searched for the same targets (among the same distractors) in each session, whereas participants in the test group searched for different targets (among the same distractors) in each session. Results showed practice benefits in both groups, but benefits were larger in the control group than in the test group. The results suggest that practice improves the processing of target features in paper-and-pencil tests of attention. Hence, using two versions with different sets of targets may effectively reduce practice effects in d2-like tests of attention. Further implications of the findings are discussed.
French Attitudes Toward Affirmative Action Programs and Their	Beneficiaries
Authors: Taillandier-Schmitt Anne , Maisonneuve Christelle
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Attitudes toward affirmative action programs (AAPs) depend on the criteria on which these programs are based and on the ideological views in the relationships between groups. The present study examined the impact of the selection procedure (with or without AA) on the perception of justice and on attitudes toward the beneficiaries of these procedures in France, where the system makes it possible to compare beneficiaries of different origins. A group of 101 French students read scenarios describing the admission of a candidate, with either a French or a North African first name, to a prestigious school, based on either a standard selection procedure or AA. The standard procedure and its beneficiary were more positively judged, and the beneficiary was considered more competent, than one selected with AAP. These results were particularly significant for participants with a high level of social dominance orientation (SDO). Furthermore, participants perceived both selection procedures more positively and judged the candidate as being more competent when that person had a French-sounding name. High-SDO participants underestimated socioeconomic and ethnic discrimination. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism in Relation to Life Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Self-Construal
Authors: Rohmann Elke , Hanke Stephanie , Bierhoff Hans-Werner
Published: March 2019

Abstract. A growing body of research suggests the viability of the distinction between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Each subtype of narcissism reveals distinct associations with life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-construal. The goal of the present study ( N = 253) is to apply this distinction to replicate the results of previous studies with respect to life satisfaction and self-esteem and to extend the perspective by focusing on several components of self-construal: independent and interdependent (cf. Singelis, 1994 ). In addition, interdependent self-construal is either relational-interdependent or collective-interdependent (cf. Cross, Hardin, & Gercek-Swing, 2011 ). Specifically, four hypotheses are examined which have in common the assumption that grandiose and vulnerable narcissism diverge systematically in their implications for life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-construal. Grandiose narcissism is expected to correlate positively with life satisfaction, self-esteem, independent self-construal, and collective-interdependent self-construal. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism is assumed to correlate negatively with self-esteem and life satisfaction and positively with interdependent and relational self-construal. The results, which confirm these hypotheses, underscore the necessity to differentiate between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Remarkably, both subtypes of narcissism are related to distinct dimensions of interdependent self-construal. Whereas grandiose narcissism is anchored in collective interdependence, vulnerable narcissism is embedded in relational interdependence.