bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant enhancement of catalytic properties in mononuclear yttrium complexes by nitrophenolate‐type ligands: Synthesis, structure, and catalysis for lactide polymerization
Authors: Su Yu‐Chia , Chiu Ting‐Yu , Liu Yun‐Ting , Lin Po‐Heng , Ko Bao‐Tsan
Published: August 2019

The syntheses, structures, and catalytic properties for lactones polymerization of eight novel yttrium complexes containing an amine‐bis(benzotriazole phenolate) (
C1NNBiBTP) ligand are reported. A series of nitrophenolate (NP)‐type of ligands possessing R substituents with variable electronic properties (R = NO2, Cl, H, CH3) on ortho and/or para position attached to the phenolate rings have been selected and further reacted with
C1NNBiBTP‐H2 proligand and YCl3·6H2O. Two series of complexes, [Y(
C1NNBiBTP)(TNP)(MeOH)2] (3), [Y(
C1NNBiBTP)(2,4‐DNP)(MeOH)2] (4) and [Y(
C1NNBiBTP)(2,5‐DNP)(MeOH)2] (5) with two MeOH molecules as initiators as well as [Y(
C1NNBiBTP‐H)(CNP)2] (6), [Y(
C1NNBiBTP‐H)(2‐NP)2] (7) and [Y(
C1NNBiBTP‐H)(MNP)2] (8) with two NP derivatives, were synthesized. Their ring‐opening polymerizations of L‐lactide (L‐LA) were investigated for all complexes in order to further understand the correlations between the inductive effect of substitutions and catalytic properties. Particularly, the activity and controllability of yttrium complexes 3 and 5 were improved dramatically comparing with the literature complex with the similar coordination environment, [Y(
C1NNBiBTP)(NO3)(MeOH)2], which can be a successful example to enhance the catalytic properties by exchanging coordinate molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2038–2047
Synthesis of an amphiphilic spiro‐multiblock copolymer via thiol‐ene click chemistry
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Su , Mohanty Aruna Kumar , Ahn Junyoung , Bang Meehee , Lee Hong Chan , Joo Sang‐Woo , Jeon Heung Bae , Chang Taihyun , Paik Hyun‐jong
Published: August 2019

A multiblock [poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐spiro‐polystyrene] ([(PEO‐b‐spiro‐PS)]) copolymer with a topologically novel architecture was synthesized using thiol‐ene step‐growth polymerization reaction. Spiro‐PS with dimercapto groups as the hard segment was synthesized in three main steps: (a) preparation of tetra‐arm PS by atom transfer radical polymerization and the conversion of the chain‐end group to azide functionality, (b) alkyne‐azide click coupling reaction to synthesize a tricyclic PS, and (c) tactical ring opening of the tricyclic PS through disulfide/thiol redox reaction. The PEO soft segment was obtained as chain‐ends modified with norbornene groups. Finally, the hydrothiolation of the highly reactive norbornene chain‐ends of polyethylene glycol with the dimercapto groups of spiro‐PS produced the multiblock ([(PEO‐b‐spiro‐PS)]) copolymer in quantitative yield. The multiblock copolymer was characterized using size‐exclusion chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 132–138
Oncology phase II proof‐of‐concept studies with multiple targets: Randomized controlled trial or single arm?
Authors: Jemielita Thomas , Tse Archie , Chen Cong
Published: August 2019

For oncology drug development, phase II proof‐of‐concept studies have played a key role in determining whether or not to advance to a confirmatory phase III trial. With the increasing number of immunotherapies, efficient design strategies are crucial in moving successful drugs quickly to market. Our research examines drug development decision making under the framework of maximizing resource investment, characterized by benefit cost ratios (BCRs). In general, benefit represents the likelihood that a drug is successful, and cost is characterized by the risk adjusted total sample size of the phases II and III studies. Phase III studies often include a futility interim analysis; this sequential component can also be incorporated into BCRs. Under this framework, multiple scenarios can be considered. For example, for a given drug and cancer indication, BCRs can yield insights into whether to use a randomized control trial or a single‐arm study. Importantly, any uncertainty in historical control estimates that are used to benchmark single‐arm studies can be explicitly incorporated into BCRs. More complex scenarios, such as restricted resources or multiple potential cancer indications, can also be examined. Overall, BCR analyses indicate that single‐arm trials are favored for proof‐of‐concept trials when there is low uncertainty in historical control data and smaller phase III sample sizes. Otherwise, especially if the most likely to succeed tumor indication can be identified, randomized controlled trials may be a better option. While the findings are consistent with intuition, we provide a more objective approach.
Total Synthesis of Xyloketals and Related Natural Product Alboatrin: Strategies and Tactics
Authors: Panda Biswajit
Published: August 2019

Molecular Architectures: Xyloketals are an interesting class of natural products showing various potent and notable bioactivities like acetylcholine esterase inhibition, antioxidant activity, L‐calcium channel inhibition, radical‐scavenging activity, suppression of glioblastoma cell proliferation, reduction of neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury, etc. A significant number of reports have appeared in the literature regarding the synthesis and biological activity of xyloketals and structurally related natural compound, alboatrin which insist to review thoroughly on this topic. Here the delights and difficulties of all synthetic strategies to concoct these molecules along with the comparative studies of various approaches and wherever necessary, the uniqueness of the synthetic protocols have been discussed thoroughly.
Chloramine‐T Mediated Facile One Pot Synthesis of Pyrazolyltriazolobenzothiazole Hybrids as Potent Anti‐Infective Agents
Authors: Kamal Raj , Kumar Vipan , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Vikas , Sharma Prabodh C. , Bansal Kushal K.
Published: August 2019

An expedient and facile one pot synthesis of 3‐(3‐aryl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3‐benzothiazole derivatives through in situ oxidative cyclization of corresponding N‐heteroarylhydrazone promoted by environmentally benign chloramines‐T trihydrate at room temperature has been accomplished. Structures of all hybrids were confirmed by their spectral and elemental data. All synthesized pyrazolyltriazolobenzothiazole hybrids were also evaluated for their antibacterial and anthelmintic potential and were found to be moderate to significant anti‐infective agents.
Fe2+‐Doped Layered Double (Ni, Fe) Hydroxides as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting and Self‐Powered Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Meng Xiaoyi , Han Junxing , Lu Liang , Qiu Genrui , Wang Zhong Lin , Sun Chunwen
Published: August 2019

Developing nonprecious electrocatalysts with superior activity and durability for electrochemical water splitting is of great interest but challenging due to the large overpotential required above the thermodynamic standard potential of water splitting (1.23 V). Here, in situ growth of Fe2+‐doped layered double (Ni, Fe) hydroxide (NiFe(II,III)‐LDH) on nickel foam with well‐defined hexagonal morphology and high crystallinity by a redox reaction between Fe3+ and nickel foam under hydrothermal conditions is reported. Benefiting from tuning the local atomic structure by self‐doping Fe2+, the NiFe(II,III)‐LDH catalyst with higher amounts of Fe2+ exhibits high activity toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as well as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. Moreover, the optimized NiFe(II,III)‐LDH catalyst for OER (O‐NiFe(II,III)‐LDH) and catalyst for HER (H‐NiFe(II,III)‐LDH) show overpotentials of 140 and 113 mV, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH aqueous electrolyte. Using the catalysts for overall water splitting in two‐electrode configuration, a low overpotential of just 1.54 V is required at a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that electrolysis of the water device can be drived by a self‐powered system through integrating a triboelectric nanogenerator and battery, showing a promising way to realize self‐powered electrochemical systems.
A GSH‐Gated DNA Nanodevice for Tumor‐Specific Signal Amplification of microRNA and MR Imaging–Guided Theranostics
Authors: Yan Nan , Lin Lin , Xu Caina , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi
Published: August 2019

Developing tumor‐responsive diagnosis and therapy strategies for tumor theranostics is still a challenge owing to their high accuracy and specificity. Herein, an AND logic gated–DNA nanodevice, based on the fluorescence nucleic acid probe and polymer‐modified MnO2 nanosheets, for glutathione (GSH)‐gated miRNA‐21 signal amplification and GSH‐activated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–guided chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is reported. In the presence of overexpressed miRNA and GSH (tumor cells), the nanodevice can be in situ activated and release significantly amplified fluorescence signals and MR signals. Conversely, the fluorescence signal is quenched and MR signal remains at the background level with low miRNA and GSH (normal cells), efficiently reducing the false‐positive signals by more than 50%. Under the guide of miRNA profiling and MR imaging, the tumor‐responsive hydroxyl radical (·OH) can effectively kill tumor cells. Furthermore, the nanodevice shows catalase‐like activity and glucose oxidase–like activity with the performance of O2 production and glucose consumption. This is the first time to fabricate a tumor‐responsive theranostic DNA nanodevice with tumor‐specific signal amplification of microRNA and GSH‐activated MR imaging for CDT, potential hypoxia relief and starvation therapy, which provides a new insight for designing smart theranostic strategies.
An MDD‐based method for building context‐aware applications with high reusability
Authors: Paspallis Nearchos
Published: August 2019

Adding context ‐awareness capabilities to modern mobile and pervasive computing applications (apps) is becoming a mainstream activity in the software engineering community. In this respect, many context models and middleware architectures have been proposed with the aim to provide the developers with tools and abstractions that make it easier to produce context‐aware applications. However, current solutions suffer from relatively low reusability and lack ease‐of‐use. In this paper, we propose a two‐layer approach based on model‐driven development: At the higher layer, we introduce the design of reusable context plug‐ins, which can be used to monitor low‐level context data and to infer higher‐level information about the users, their computing infrastructure, and their interaction. At the lower layer, the plug‐ins themselves are synthesized using more elementary, reusable components. We argue that this development approach provides significant advantages to the developers, as it enables them to design, implement, reuse, and maintain the codebase of context‐aware apps more efficiently. To evaluate this approach, we demonstrate it in the context of a two‐part example application and assess it both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Dismantling institutional complexity behind international competitiveness of emerging market firms
Authors: Mihailova Irina , Panibratov Andrey , Latukha Marina
Published: August 2019

The paper examines the perceived role of emerging market institutions in the creation of firm‐specific advantages of local small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) supporting international expansion and competitiveness. Our objective is to deepen conceptual understanding of the complex link between emerging market institutional factors and an ability of emerging market SMEs to compete internationally. Our empirical evidence from Russian software SMEs operating in global niche markets reveals that managers perceive institutional influence on their firms' ability to compete internationally in a number of direct and indirect means. We find that, in addition to the well acknowledged negative impact of institutions, there are supportive and triggering forces that incentivize SMEs' international expansion and development of competitive advantages. We contribute to the literature by elaborating about the complexity of institutional influence on international competitiveness of emerging market SMEs. This research offers insights for managers about the prospects of international expansion of SMEs from emerging markets.
Faulty phase active power characteristics‐based adaptive single‐phase reclosing schemes for shunt reactors‐compensated wind power outgoing line
Authors: Xie Chao , Li Fengting , Fan Yanfang , Wang Cong , Wang Ting
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes two novel adaptive single‐phase auto‐reclosing (ASPAR) schemes for shunt reactors‐compensated wind power outgoing (WPO) line. After extinction of a fault on a single phase‐tripped WPO line, due to the existence of shunt reactors and distributed capacitors, a free frequency component will emerge in the tripped faulty phase, which will make faulty phase active power calculated with instantaneous power algorithm have a bigger magnitude and more frequency components. According to these characteristics, transient fault identification (TFI) methods based on active power root mean square (RMS) value and twisty beat frequency were put forward. Subsequently, in view of abovementioned TFI methods, ASPAR schemes for a shunt reactors‐compensated WPO line based on faulty phase active power characteristics were established. Simulation experiments, which were conducted using the software PSCAD/EMTDC, verified that the proposed ASPAR schemes can distinguish transient faults from permanent ones rapidly and reliably. The experiments also proved that the proposed adaptive single‐phase reclosing schemes can minimize the influence of changes in fault location and transition resistance and, thus, are suitable for the inconsistent output power of a wind farm and the complex working condition of an outgoing line.
Four decades of diluting phosphorus to maintain lake quality
Authors: Welch Eugene B. , Brattebo Shannon K. , Overland Christopher
Published: August 2019

Dilution with low‐nutrient Columbia River Water (CRW) has markedly improved Moses Lake quality for 42 years. There were two phases of CRW volume input, which proportionately lowered total phosphorus (TP). Initially, spring–summer inputs averaged 130 × 106 m3 during 1977–1988 reducing average TP from 152 to 65 µg/L in half the lake proximal to the inputs. That input represented 1.5 volumes of that half‐lake volume. Inputs doubled through the mid‐1990s, and nearly 2.5 times since 2000, decreasing TP to a 18‐year average of 24 µg/L. Chlorophyll a (chl) decreased further from 18 µg/L during the early dilution years to about 6 µg/L as TP declined. Cyanobacteria biovolume declined to 57% of total biovolume during 1977–1988 from 98% before dilution. Less (65%) CRW water since 2016 led to higher TP (41 µg/L) and chl (18 µg/L) in 2018, while cyanobacteria averaged 87% of total biovolume. More TP and cyanobacteria in 2018 are attributed to more internal TP loading. Increased N:P ratios have possibly given more advantage to the non‐N‐fixing cyanobacteria Microcystis, which comprised 82% and 74% of maximum cyanobacteria biovolume in 2017 and 2018.

Practitioner points

Lake total phosphorus (TP) was reduced 57% in the 1970s–1980s by adding large volumes of low‐nutrient Columbia River water (CRW).

Total P was further reduced by 65% since 2000 by more than doubling the earlier CRW input to an average spring–summer concentration of 24 μg/L.

Less (65%) CRW during 2017–2018 led to higher lake TP (41 μg/L) and a worse cyanobacteria bloom in 2018.

Microcystis, an non‐nitrogen fixer, was the dominant cyanobacteria in 2017–2018 likely related to higher N:P ratios.
Aided design of market mechanisms for electricity clusters
Authors: Kaleta Mariusz
Published: August 2019

There are two pillars of sustainable development in the electricity sector: renewable energy and energy efficiency. Both can be addressed by a concept of electrical energy cluster, which is a local area power system that works towards self-balancing. In this paper, we consider the problem of designing the market mechanism for an electrical energy cluster. This task is complex and extensive with ill-defined constraints and criteria. Therefore, we propose the ARchitecture for Market Systems, a well-defined reference architecture that captures the entire design process and helps the designer to navigate through it. The contribution of the paper lies in structuring the cluster mechanism design problem through problem decomposition into several areas called views. Within this architecture, a mechanism is being designed by choosing parameters from the space of solutions, visualising the concept on different schemas, and applying simulation models for evaluation purposes. Based on our reference architecture, we also propose a decision support system (DSS) for the market designer. We prove the usefulness of the approach by implementing a part of the DSS concept and by presenting its application for exemplary cluster design processes.
gFACs: Gene Filtering, Analysis, and Conversion to Unify Genome Annotations Across Alignment and Gene Prediction Frameworks
Authors: Caballero Madison , Wegrzyn Jill
Published: August 2019

Published genomes frequently contain erroneous gene models that represent issues associated with identification of open reading frames, start sites, splice sites, and related structural features. The source of these inconsistencies is often traced back to integration across text file formats designed to describe long read alignments and predicted gene structures. In addition, the majority of gene prediction frameworks do not provide robust downstream filtering to remove problematic gene annotations, nor do they represent these annotations in a format consistent with current file standards. These frameworks also lack consideration for functional attributes, such as the presence or absence of protein domains that can be used for gene model validation. To provide oversight to the increasing number of published genome annotations, we present a software package, the Gene Filtering, Analysis, and Conversion (gFACs), to filter, analyze, and convert predicted gene models and alignments. The software operates across a wide range of alignment, analysis, and gene prediction files with a flexible framework for defining gene models with reliable structural and functional attributes. gFACs supports common downstream applications, including genome browsers, and generates extensive details on the filtering process, including distributions that can be visualized to further assess the proposed gene space. gFACs is freely available and implemented in Perl with support from BioPerl libraries at https://gitlab.com/PlantGenomicsLab/gFACs.
Achieving IoT nirvana by protecting cellular networks
Authors: Ghalaieny Dawood
Published: August 2019

The next several billion cellular connections will not connect people. They will connect devices, sensors, measurement tools and machines to create a complex Internet of Things (IoT). Despite the success of cellular technology to date – two thirds of the world's population is now connected – IoT is expected to be the next goldrush for the industry. Little wonder then that companies large and small are rushing headlong into the opportunity.

The next several billion cellular connections will not connect people. They will connect devices, sensors, measurement tools and machines to create a complex Internet of Things (IoT).

The IoT can undoubtedly be a force for good. Combined with machine learning techniques, it will deliver business efficiencies and insight that can transform industries. However, today's cellular networks are built on technology that is hardly fit for purpose in protecting voice and data from data breaches, cyber attacks and hacking, says Dawood Ghalaieny of Cellusys.
Securing the future of AgTech
Authors: O'Malley Mike
Published: August 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) has grown exponentially over recent years as more and more of our devices have become smart and connected, aiding us in all areas of our daily lives. Whether it's helping us be more efficient at work, more productive with our leisure time or simply keeping us entertained, there's a smart device for almost everything. But it's not just we humans that benefit from the IoT.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a key tool in agriculture, with farmers investing in AgTech to monitor everything from cows' health to soil moisture.

The applications are almost endless. But they all play a role in creating a better ecosystem for agriculture. However, in order to continue innovating and reaping the benefits of AgTech, farmers will have to navigate the same data challenges that are faced in any other sector – and that means dealing with cyber attacks that target their devices as well as their valuable data, explains Mike O'Malley of Radware.
Response Functions in Disasters: Iran Flash Flood 2016
Authors: Dizaji Reza Abbaszadeh , Ardalan Ali , Fatemi Farin
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Heavy rain and flash flooding left behind a trail of disaster in the western and south-western provinces of Iran in April 2016. The purpose of this study is to highlight the response functions that should be undertaken when such disasters strike.

Methods:

Secondary data, such as documents, organizational reports, and forms completed during response to the flood visits, were the methods of data collection in this study. Then, collected data were analyzed according to the response functions to disasters.

Results:

The study found that a strong disaster response function was the early warning system, by the Iran Meteorological Organization, announced 1 week before the flood. Weaker functions were the lack of coordination among response organizations and the lack of a safety officer in the Incident Command System structure during the flash flood.

Conclusions:

The list of the disaster response functions identified by this study should aid the decision makers and first responders in facing natural or man-made disasters and enable them to better prepare for response functions in the future disasters.
Impact of pressure dissipation on fluid injection into layered aquifers
Authors: Jenkins Luke T. , Foschi Martino , MacMinn Christopher W.
Published: August 2019

Carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_{2}$) capture and subsurface storage is one method for reducing anthropogenic $\text{CO}_{2}$ emissions to mitigate climate change. It is well known that large-scale fluid injection into the subsurface leads to a buildup in pressure that gradually spreads and dissipates through lateral and vertical migration of water. This dissipation can have an important feedback on the shape of the $\text{CO}_{2}$ plume during injection, but the impact of vertical pressure dissipation, in particular, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impact of lateral and vertical pressure dissipation on the injection of $\text{CO}_{2}$ into a layered aquifer system. We develop a compressible, two-phase model that couples pressure dissipation to the propagation of a $\text{CO}_{2}$ gravity current. We show that our vertically integrated, sharp-interface model is capable of efficiently and accurately capturing water migration in a layered aquifer system with an arbitrary number of aquifers. We identify two limiting cases – ‘no leakage’ and ‘strong leakage’ – in which we derive analytical expressions for the water pressure field for the corresponding single-phase injection problem. We demonstrate that pressure dissipation acts to suppress the formation of an advancing $\text{CO}_{2}$ tongue during injection, reducing the lateral extent of the plume. The properties of the seals and the number of aquifers determine the strength of pressure dissipation and subsequent coupling with the $\text{CO}_{2}$ plume. The impact of pressure dissipation on the shape of the $\text{CO}_{2}$ plume is likely to be important for storage efficiency and security.
Data assimilation method to de-noise and de-filter particle image velocimetry data
Authors: Gillissen Jurriaan J. J. , Bouffanais Roland , Yue Dick K. P.
Published: August 2019

We present a variational data assimilation method in order to improve the accuracy of velocity fields $\tilde{\boldsymbol{v}}$, that are measured using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The method minimises the space–time integral of the difference between the reconstruction $\boldsymbol{u}$ and $\tilde{\boldsymbol{v}}$, under the constraint, that $\boldsymbol{u}$ satisfies conservation of mass and momentum. We apply the method to synthetic velocimetry data, in a two-dimensional turbulent flow, where realistic PIV noise is generated by computationally mimicking the PIV measurement process. The method performs optimally when the assimilation integration time is of the order of the flow correlation time. We interpret these results by comparing them to one-dimensional diffusion and advection problems, for which we derive analytical expressions for the reconstruction error.
Nonlinear behaviour of convergent Richtmyer–Meshkov instability
Authors: Luo Xisheng , Li Ming , Ding Juchun , Zhai Zhigang , Si Ting
Published: August 2019

A novel shock tube is designed to investigate the nonlinear feature of convergent Richtmyer–Meshkov instability on a single-mode interface formed by a soap film technique. The shock tube employs a concave–oblique–convex wall profile which first transforms a planar shock into a cylindrical arc, then gradually strengthens the cylindrical shock along the oblique wall, and finally converts it back into a planar one. Therefore, the new facility can realize analysis on compressibility and nonlinearity of convergent Richtmyer–Meshkov instability by eliminating the interface deceleration and reshock. Five sinusoidal$\text{air}{-}\text{SF}_{6}$interfaces with different amplitudes and wavelengths are considered. For all cases, the perturbation amplitude experiences a linear growth much longer than that in the planar geometry. A compressible linear model is derived by considering a constant uniform fluid compression, which shows a slight difference to the incompressible theory. However, both the linear models overestimate the perturbation growth from a very early stage due to the presence of strong nonlinearity. The nonlinear model of Wanget al.(Phys. Plasmas, vol. 22, 2015, 082702) is demonstrated to predict well the amplitude growth up to a normalized time of 1.0. The prolongation of the linear increment is mainly ascribed to the counteraction between the promotion by geometric convergence and the suppression by nonlinearity. Growths of the first three harmonics, obtained by a Fourier analysis of the interface contour, provide a first thorough validation of the nonlinear theory.
Human Activity Recorded in Carbon Isotopic Composition of Atmospheric CO2 in Gliwice Urban Area and Surroundings (Southern Poland) in the Years 2011–2013
Authors: Piotrowska Natalia , Pazdur Anna , Pawełczyk Sławomira , Rakowski Andrzej Z , Sensuła Barbara , Tudyka Konrad
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a record of the 14C and 13C isotope content of atmospheric CO2 for Gliwice is presented for samples collected on a weekly basis in the years 2011–2013. In addition, measurements were performed on the early and late wood from the annual rings of pine trees from five sites located 3–6 km from the atmospheric CO2 sampling point. The concentration of 14C in CO2 samples from the air was much lower relative to the concentration of this isotope in “clean air,” indicating a pronounce Suess effect, with a mean Δ14C lower by ca. 60‰ than Jungfraujoch data when the 15% of the highest differences are excluded, which leads to the FFCO2 estimate of 5.8%. In winter, the main source of fossil CO2 was fuel combustion, as confirmed by significant correlations with air pollutants. In the vegetation seasons, the Δ14C was highly variable due to biogenic influence and more variable winds. The isotopic results were also affected by an additional significant CO2 source for the Gliwice air, which was a closed mine shaft. The Δ14C and δ13C in tree rings did not record a strong Suess effect in the years 2008–2013 in woodland areas around Gliwice city.
A study on modelling cochlear duct mid-scalar length based on high-resolution computed tomography, and its effect on peri-modiolar and mid-scalar implant selection
Authors: Pamuk G , Pamuk A E , Akgöz A , Öztürk E , Bajin M D , Sennaroğlu L
Published: August 2019

Objective

To determine cochlear duct mid-scalar length in normal cochleae and its role in selecting the correct peri-modiolar and mid-scalar implant length.

Methods

The study included 40 patients with chronic otitis media who underwent high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone. The length and height of the basal turn, mid-modiolar height of the cochlea, mid-scalar and lateral wall length of the cochlear duct, and the ‘X’ line (the largest distance from mid-point of the round window to the mid-scalar point of the cochlear canal) were measured.

Results

Cochlear duct lateral wall length (28.88 mm) was higher than cochlear duct mid-scalar length (20.08 mm) (p < 0.001). The simple linear regression equation for estimating complete cochlear duct length was: cochlear duct length = 0.2 + 2.85 × X line.

Conclusion

Using the mid-scalar point as the reference point (rather than the lateral wall) for measuring cochlear duct mid-scalar length, when deciding on the length of mid-scalar or peri-modiolar electrode, increases measurement accuracy. Mean cochlear duct mid-scalar length was compatible with peri-modiolar and mid-scalar implant lengths. The measurement method described herein may be useful for pre-operative peri-modiolar or mid-scalar implant selection.
Evaluating the quality of long-term care services in the city of La Plata, Argentina
Authors: Lloyd-Sherlock Peter , Penhale Bridget , Redondo Nelida
Published: August 2019

This paper reports on an innovative survey of long-term care facilities for older people in the Argentine city of La Plata. It applies a range of qualitative methodologies, including a clandestine audit conducted by older people living in the community. The paper pays particular attention to the types and availability of services, perceived quality and the rigour of regulatory processes. It finds that there has been a rapid growth in the availability of formal services, but that there are many gaps in provision, especially for older people with complex care needs. There are strong indications that service quality is uneven and, in some cases, this amounts to the contravention of basic human rights. State regulation is hampered by institutional fragmentation and weak governance. A wider set of expert interviews and the limited available published information indicate that these findings are unlikely to be exceptional, and that similar issues affect rapidly emerging long-term care systems in many low- and middle-income countries.
A New Model for Industry–Academic Partnerships
Authors: King Gary , Persily Nathaniel
Published: August 2019

The mission of the social sciences is to understand and ameliorate society’s greatest challenges. The data held by private companies, collected for different purposes, hold vast potential to further this mission. Yet, because of consumer privacy, trade secrets, proprietary content, and political sensitivities, these datasets are often inaccessible to scholars. We propose a novel organizational model to address these problems. We also report on the first partnership under this model, to study the incendiary issues surrounding the impact of social media on elections and democracy: Facebook provides (privacy-preserving) data access; eight ideologically and substantively diverse charitable foundations provide initial funding; an organization of academics we created, Social Science One, leads the project; and the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard and the Social Science Research Council provide logistical help.
How to use replicate weights in health survey analysis using the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey as an example
Authors: Birrell Carole L , Steel David G , Batterham Marijka J , Arya Ankur
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To conduct nutrition-related analyses on large-scale health surveys, two aspects of the survey must be incorporated into the analysis: the sampling weights and the sample design; a practice which is not always observed. The present paper compares three analyses: (1) unweighted; (2) weighted but not accounting for the complex sample design; and (3) weighted and accounting for the complex design using replicate weights.

Design:

Descriptive statistics are computed and a logistic regression investigation of being overweight/obese is conducted using Stata.

Setting:

Cross-sectional health survey with complex sample design where replicate weights are supplied rather than the variables containing sample design information.

Participants:

Responding adults from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) part of the Australian Health Survey (2011–2013).

Results:

Unweighted analysis produces biased estimates and incorrect estimates of se. Adjusting for the sampling weights gives unbiased estimates but incorrect se estimates. Incorporating both the sampling weights and the sample design results in unbiased estimates and the correct se estimates. This can affect interpretation; for example, the incorrect estimate of the OR for being a current smoker in the unweighted analysis was 1·20 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·37), t= 2·89, P = 0·004, suggesting a statistically significant relationship with being overweight/obese. When the sampling weights and complex sample design are correctly incorporated, the results are no longer statistically significant: OR = 1·06 (95 % CI 0·89, 1·27), t = 0·71, P = 0·480.

Conclusions:

Correct incorporation of the sampling weights and sample design is crucial for valid inference from survey data.
Geographical Indications: Can China Reconcile the Irreconcilable Intellectual Property Issue between EU and US?
Authors: Feng Shujie
Published: August 2019

Geographical indications (GIs), signs used on products that identify their geographical origin and special quality or reputation, are atypical intellectual property. The conflicts of interest between the New World and Old World and the diversity of legal regimes have obstructed the international harmonization of GI protection. Neither the Lisbon Agreement nor the TRIPS Agreement have been able to establish a widely accepted international GI registration or protection system. Though the Geneva Act has remarkably improved the treaty regime of GIs, the different approaches of the European Union and United States still seem irreconcilable. This article examines the Chinese dual GI system from a treaty perspective and explores the common functions of GIs and Trademarks, concluding that China's Trademark Law can ensure GI protection that is compliant with the TRIPS Agreement and the Geneva Act. The Chinese solution can be a reference for other countries which protect GIs with a trademark system.
‘Tax the rich’? The financial crisis, fiscal fairness, and progressive income taxation
Authors: Limberg Julian
Published: August 2019

Has the financial crisis influenced taxes on the rich? In this article, I argue that crisis countries have raised income tax progressivity because of fiscal fairness considerations. I test this claim by analysing a new data set on top marginal personal income tax (PIT) rates for 122 countries from 2006 to 2014, applying matching methods and a difference-in-differences design. The results show that countries with a financial crisis have increased top PIT rates by 4 percentage points. Furthermore, rising public debt only leads to higher top PIT rates when it is crisis-induced. These findings demonstrate that notions of fiscal fairness can still shape progressive taxation in the 21st century.
Perspektiven einer evidenzbasierten und personalisierten Psychotherapie
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Clausen Sina A. , Deisenhofer Anne-Katharina
Published: August 2019

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Diskurs um eine evidenz-basierte und personalisierte (bzw. „Precision“) Medizin sowie zur Umsetzung von Evaluation und Qualitätssicherung hat in den letzten Jahren auch Einfluss auf die Psychotherapieforschung genommen. Dies gilt in Bezug auf die patientenspezifische Auswahl von Behandlungen (u. a. personalisierte Vorhersagen) als auch für die dynamische Anpassung von Interventionen im Therapieverlauf (adaptive Indikation, Feedback, Problemlösetools). Fragestellung und Methode: Im Bereich der differentiellen Indikation sind mittlerweile unterschiedliche Algorithmen („machine learning“) und Netzwerkmodelle zur Vorhersage erprobt worden. Für eine empirisch gestützte adaptive Indikation bilden insbesondere die Studien zum psychometrischen Feedback sowie die Entwicklung von Problemlösetools für Risikopatient_innen die Grundlage. Ergebnisse: Diese Grundlagenforschung war die Basis für die Entwicklung eines Entscheidungssystems (Trierer Therapie Navigator, TTN) zur Vorhersage der optimalen Behandlungsstrategie und des Abbruchrisikos. Darüber hinaus enthält der TTN ein adaptives Modellierungselement des Behandlungsverlaufs. Es können damit Risikopatienten für einen Behandlungsmisserfolg identifiziert und Behandlungsoptimierungen über Problemlösetools unterstützt werden. Schlussfolgerungen: In vorliegender Arbeit werden zentrale neue Ansätze einer evidenz-basierten und personalisierten Psychotherapie zusammenfassend dargestellt sowie die Anwendung in der klinischen Praxis diskutiert.
Effect of Clay and Organic Matter Content on the Shear Slip Properties of Shale
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Ge Hongkui , Wang Xiaoqiong , Shen Yinghao , Liu Tongyuan , Zhang Yanjun , Meng Fanbao
Published: August 2019

Shale gas reservoirs contain a large number of natural fractures. When shear slip occurs during hydraulic fracturing, it will increase reservoir permeability and improve the reservoir stimulation performance. Because shale contains a large amount of clay and organic matter, its shear slip behavior differs from that of other rocks. In this study, the shear behavior of different shale blocks is experimentally studied, and the proportion of clay and organic matter in the shale dominates the shear slip behavior. Specifically, the friction coefficient and shear strength decrease with the increasing content of clay and organic matter. A microscopic support model was developed to describe the different shear slip behaviors for different contents of clay and organic matter. When the clay and organic matter content is lower than a critical threshold (~35%), shale is microscopically grain supported and brittle shear occurs and the material is prone to shear dilation. When this content is greater than a critical content (~43%), the microscopic structure is a matrix‐supported fabric and plastic shear occurs, which is prone to shear contraction. Shale with contents between these two critical thresholds has a mixed‐support fabric, which is a transition type between brittle and plastic shear. If the proportion of clay and organic matter is less than ~35%, the natural fracture tends to dilate and retain a certain degree of opening after shearing, improving stimulation performance. When the proportion is more than ~43%, shear contraction occurs on the natural fracture surface, which is not conductive and cannot increase reservoir permeability.
Flow and Suspended Sediment Division at Two Highly Asymmetric Bifurcations in a River Delta: Implications for Channel Stability
Authors: Kästner K. , Hoitink A. J. F.
Published: August 2019

The division of sediment at river bifurcations results from the complex interaction between three‐dimensional flow, planform, and channel bed morphology, as well as the heterogeneity of the bed material. Sediment division processes cannot be incorporated in their full complexity in scale experiments and are difficult to reproduce with numerical models. Field measurements are thus necessary to advance our understanding of those processes in river deltas. However, such measurements are rare. We present measurements of the flow and sediment division at two tidally influenced bifurcations of the Kapuas River, a large sand‐bedded suspended load‐dominated river in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. At both bifurcations, a smaller channel branches off from the side of the main river, which makes the planform strongly asymmetric. The planform of both bifurcations has been stable at least since the end of the nineteenth century when the region was mapped for the first time. Based on our measurements, we explore possible factors that stabilize the bifurcations. We measure the flow velocities with a boat‐mounted acoustic velocity profiler and determine the sediment concentration from acoustic backscatter, calibrated against water samples. The side branch of the first bifurcation receives a proportionally lower fraction of sediment than water. In contrast, the side branch at the second bifurcation receives a proportionally higher fraction of sediment than water. A comparison of flow velocity and suspended sand concentration indicates that the bed material sorting strongly influences the division of sediment, in particular at one of the bifurcations, which is situated in a meander bend.
Global Fire Forecasts Using Both Large‐Scale Climate Indices and Local Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Shen Huizhong , Tao Shu , Chen Yilin , Odman Mehmet Talât , Zou Yufei , Huang Ye , Chen Han , Zhong Qirui , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Yuanchen , Su Shu , Lin Nan , Zhuo Shaojie , Li Bengang , Wang Xilong , Liu Wenxin , Liu Junfeng , Pavur Gertrude K. , Russell Armistead G.
Published: August 2019

Fire forecasts that predict dry‐season fire activities several months in advance are beneficial for fire management. On a global scale, however, the predictability of fires is limited because fires depend on multiple factors and lack a single dominant predictor to describe diverse fire characteristics across regions. Here, based on 33 local meteorological parameters (MPs) and 37 large‐scale climate indices (CIs), we establish four empirical model clusters to predict global interannual fire variability. We show that across various geographic locations, the models provide reliable fire forecasts at least three months prior to the peak fire months. Compared to MPs, CIs such as the Oceanic Niño Index are comparable or even superior predictors. Globally, as well as in most continents, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation is the major driving force, explaining 17% of interannual fire variability, with strong implications for fire carbon emissions and the global carbon cycle. Other important predictors include the Northern Atlantic sea surface temperature (9%), the Southern Atlantic sea surface temperature (5%), and the Pacific/North American Pattern (3%). The predictive models reveal a strong interaction between MPs and CIs, indicating potential climate‐induced modification of fire responses to meteorological conditions. We show that the newly developed predictive models can benefit future fire management in response to climate change.
On the Role of Sidewalls in the Transition From Straight to Sinuous Bedforms
Authors: Zgheib N. , Balachandar S.
Published: August 2019

We present results from direct numerical simulation on the transition from straight‐crested to sinuous‐crested bedforms. The numerical setup is representative of turbulent open channel flow over an erodible sediment bed at a shear Reynolds number of Reτ = 180. The immersed boundary method accounts for the presence of the bed. The simulations are two‐way coupled such that the turbulent flow can erode and modify the bed, and in turn, the bed modifies the overlying flow. Coupling from the flow to the bed occurs through the Exner equation, while back coupling from the bed to the flow is achieved by imposing the no‐slip and no‐penetration condition at the immersed boundary. The simulation setup is similar to that by Zgheib et al. (2018a, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JF004398) except for the presence of sidewalls to better mimic laboratory flume conditions. Sidewalls are observed to significantly increase bedform sinuosity.
Organic Compounds in a Sub‐Antarctic Ice Core: A Potential Suite of Sea Ice Markers
Authors: King A. C. F. , Thomas E. R. , Pedro J. B. , Markle B. , Potocki M. , Jackson S. L. , Wolff E. , Kalberer M.
Published: August 2019

Investigation of organic compounds in ice cores can potentially unlock a wealth of new information in these climate archives. We present results from the first ever ice core drilled on sub‐Antarctic island Bouvet, representing a climatologically important but understudied region. We analyze a suite of novel and more familiar organic compounds in the ice core, alongside commonly measured ions. Methanesulfonic acid shows a significant, positive correlation to winter sea ice concentration, as does a fatty acid compound, oleic acid. Both may be sourced from spring phytoplankton blooms, which are larger following greater sea ice extent in the preceding winter. Oxalate, formate, and acetate are positively correlated to sea ice concentration in summer, but sources of these require further investigation. This study demonstrates the potential application of organic compounds from the marine biosphere in generating multiproxy sea ice records, which is critical in improving our understanding of past sea ice changes.
A New Hybrid Processing Strategy to Improve Temporal Gravity Field Solution
Authors: Zhou Hao , Zhou Zebing , Luo Zhicai
Published: August 2019

The way to reach the prelaunch baseline accuracy is still one of crucial issues for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) temporal gravity field model determination. In this work, two hybrid processing strategies are developed to improve the accuracy of GRACE temporal solution. One is for kinematic empirical parameters, the other is for arc‐specific parameters. These two hybrid processing strategies are compared with two solely processing strategies including filter predetermined strategy (FPS) and pure predetermined strategy (PPS). Assessing with a closed‐loop simulation study, the results demonstrate the outperformance of our hybrid processing strategies. Using GRACE Level 1B data, the GRACE monthly gravity field models HUST‐FPS‐PPS and HUST‐Grace2019 are, respectively, determined with the hybrid processing strategies, and they are compared with the solely solutions HUST‐FPS and HUST‐PPS. The comparison results demonstrate that (1) as for the kinematic empirical parameter, the hybrid processing strategy can retain the temporal signal but also reduce the noise level. For instance, the annual amplitudes over Amazon River Basin are 16.0 cm for HUST‐PPS, 19.1 cm for HUST‐FPS, and 19.4 cm for HUST‐FPS‐PPS. In contrast, the cumulative geoid difference of HUST‐FPS‐PPS reduces by 11% and 26%, when compared to HUST‐PPS and HUST‐FPS. (2) As for the arc‐specific parameters, the hybrid processing strategy also significantly improves the recovered monthly solution. Compare with Center for Space Research RL05 and HUST‐FPS‐PPS, the cumulative geoid difference of HUST‐Grace2019 reduces by 19% and 12%. The comparison results in spatial domain also support our conclusions. The hybrid processing strategy of this work is likely applicable for GRACE Follow‐On data.