bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospun Janus Membrane for Efficient and Switchable Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Ranganath Anupama Sargur , Baji Avinash
Published: September 2018

Electrospinning is employed to fabricate a Janus membrane that demonstrates hydrophobic behavior on one surface and hydrophilic behavior on the other. The Janus membrane is fabricated by electrospinning hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) on top of a hydrophilic membrane. The hydrophilic membrane is fabricated by electrospinning poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and PVDF blend solution. This Janus membrane exhibits a water separation efficiency of over 99.5% at an ultra‐low hydrostatic pressure of 0.7 kPa. The results demonstrate that the membrane can be used to separate both oil and water from oil in water and water in oil emulsions. The top layer of the Janus membrane selectively reduces the liquid entry pressure of one of the liquids in the emulsion and aids in its separation from the emulsion. When the water in oil emulsion contacts the PVDF layer of the Janus membrane, liquid entry pressure of the oil is considerably reduced compared to the liquid entry pressure of water. Thus, the membrane aids in the separation of oil from the emulsion and transmits it through the membrane. Similarly, the Janus membrane with PNIPAM/PVDF blend layer facing up, aids in separating and transmitting the water from oil in water emulsion.
Poly(Lactic Acid) Fine Fibers Containing a Low Content of Superhydrophilic Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Graphene Oxide Hybrid as Scaffolds for Biological Applications
Authors: Andrade Patricia Oliveira , Grinet Marco Antônio Vieira Macedo , Costa Maira Maftoum , Santo Ana Maria Espirito , Marciano Fernanda Roberta , Lobo Anderson Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Herein, polylactic acid containing two different concentrations of superhydrophilic multiwalled carbon nanotube graphene oxide hybrid (MWCNT‐GO, 0.5 wt% and 5 wt%) is rotary‐jet spun. The morphological, thermal, and surface wettability properties are then evaluated. Biological properties, including cytotoxicity, fibroblast cell adhesion, and the overall bioactive effect, are also investigated. It is demonstrated that the thermal behavior is affected by the presence of MWCNT‐GO, as well as the crystallinity. The addition of MWCNT‐GO, even in small amounts, reduces the wettability property of the fibers, making them more hydrophobic. However, biological tests with these fibers show no cytotoxic effect in all fiber sample groups, even when MWCNT‐GO concentration is increased. Therefore, nano‐structured, porous, and biocompatible polymeric scaffolds are obtained, with a high surface area and with notable potential for tissue engineering applications.
High‐Performance Composite Monolith Synthesized via HKUST‐1 Stabilized HIPEs and Its Adsorptive Properties
Authors: Yang Yongxia , Cao Liqin , Li Jing , Dong Yong , Wang Jide
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a green and facile method for generating a composite monolith. HKUST‐1 (Pickering emulsifier) and PVA (co‐emulsifier), are used to stabilize supercritical carbon dioxide in water as high internal phase emulsion template to prepare interconnected hydrophilic porous monoliths. The effects of HKUST‐1 contents and CO2 densities on the performance of MOF/ polyacrylamide (PAM) polyHIPEs are investigated. The as‐synthesized MOF/PAM composites are characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The SEM patterns show that the composites are interconnected, the void sizes are 10–80 µm, and the interconnected pore throats are approximately 0.5–25 µm. The rheological and DMA measurement results indicate that the viscoelasticity and mechanical properties of the composites greatly improve after HKUST‐1 is embedded. Furthermore, the adsorptive properties of MOF/PAM to bovine serum albumin (BSA) are studied, and the adsorption capacity of MOF/PAM enhances with the increase in HKUST‐1 content. The adsorption capacity of the composite with 7 wt% HKUST‐1 reached 350.4 mg g−1 in 1.0 g L−1 BSA solution.
Election Flyers That Win Votes
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: September 2018

While unions use digital communications, including email, social media, websites, and apps, the humble printed‐paper flyer remains a staple of many organizing campaigns. There are several reasons. Organizers typically do not have the email addresses of all employees they need to reach digitally. Even when the union can send email, it may be read quickly or not read at all and deleted. In contrast, a flyer can be read several times over, passed along to others, and referred to during the course of the campaign.
PTBP1 acts as a dominant repressor of the aberrant tissue‐specific splicing of ISCU in hereditary myopathy with lactic acidosis
Authors: Rawcliffe Denise F. R. , Österman Lennart , Nordin Angelica , Holmberg Monica
Published: September 2018

Background

Hereditary myopathy with lactic acidosis (HML) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by an intron mutation in the iron‐sulfur cluster assembly (ISCU) gene. The mutation results in aberrant splicing, where part of the intron is retained in the final mRNA transcript, giving rise to a truncated nonfunctional ISCU protein. Using an ISCU mini‐gene system, we have previously shown that PTBP1 can act as a repressor of the mis‐splicing of ISCU, where overexpression of PTBP1 resulted in a decrease of the incorrect splicing. In this study, we wanted to, in more detail, analyze the role of PTBP1 in the regulation of endogenous ISCU mis‐splicing.

Methods

Overexpression and knockdown of PTBP1 was performed in myoblasts from two HML patients and a healthy control. Quantification of ISCU mis‐splicing was done by qRTPCR. Biotinylated ISCU RNA, representing wildtype and mutant intron sequence, was used in a pull‐down assay with nuclear extracts from myoblasts. Levels of PTBP1 in human cell lines and mice tissues were analyzed by qRTPCR and western blot.

Results

PTBP1 overexpression in HML patient myoblasts resulted in a substantial decrease of ISCU mis‐splicing while knockdown of PTBP1 resulted in a drastic increase. The effect could be observed in both patient and control myoblasts. We could also show that PTBP1 interacts with both the mutant and wild‐type ISCU intron sequence, but with a higher affinity to the mutant sequence. Furthermore, low levels of PTBP1 among examined mouse tissues correlated with high levels of incorrect splicing of ISCU.

Conclusion

Our results show that PTBP1 acts as a dominant repressor of ISCU mis‐splicing. We also show an inverse correlation between the levels of PTBP1 and ISCU mis‐splicing, suggesting that the high level of mis‐splicing in the skeletal muscle is primarily due to the low levels of PTBP1.
Effect of exfoliated molybdenum disulfide oxide on friction and wear properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Amini Majed , Ramazani S.A. Ahmad , Varjouy Ali Afkhami , Faghihi Morteza
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of molybdenum disulfide on tribological properties of Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE/MoS2 nano‐composites were prepared using in‐situ polymerization and Ziegler‐Natta catalytic system. Studies showed that, in order to obtain the optimum tribological properties, interlayer distance between nanosheets should be as high as possible. Therefore, the nanosheets were subjected to oxidation using the required oxidants followed by thermal shock and ultrasound. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was used to determine the formation of functional groups which indicate the formation of S═O bond in the molybdenum disulfide oxide. Then, in order to exfoliate and increase the interlayer distance of nanosheets, thermal shock and ultrasonic were conducted Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses. Finally, the obtained sample was used as the second support of catalyst in in‐situ polymerization process. Then, under specified and constant operational conditions, the synthesis of samples containing 0.5%, 1%, and 2% nanoparticles were conducted. The results of the morphological study with FESEM indicate that the filler is uniformly distributed in the matrix, and X‐ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that completely exfoliated nanocomposites were resulted and in low nanoparticle content. Addition of MoS2 as reinforcing agent had a significant effect on friction coefficient of the nanocomposites. With the addition of 0.5 wt% of MoS2, the friction coefficient declined by approximately 35%. Furthermore, negligible decrease in sample's weight after the wear test is an indication of a strong interaction between MoS2 and the matrix. Scratch resistance test revealed that with the addition of filler, the resistance increased from 23 to 60 MPa.
Psychiatric adverse events in oseltamivir prophylaxis trials: Novel comparative analysis using data obtained from clinical study reports
Authors: Jones Mark , Tett Susan E. , Del Mar Chris
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Estimating the rate of adverse events (AEs) caused by a treatment in clinical trials typically involves comparing the proportions of patients experiencing AEs in intervention and control groups. However, potentially important information, including duration, recurrence, and intensity of events, is lost. In this study, we illustrate how the additional information can be obtained and incorporated into analyses of AEs.

Methods

Data on psychiatric AEs were extracted from clinical study reports (CSRs) provided by the manufacturer of oseltamivir in 4 prophylaxis randomised trials in adults and adolescents. We analysed the incidence, recurrence, duration, and intensity of events, using logistic regression models where the outcome compared was proportion of days suffering from an event, and developed novel presentation techniques.

Results

Psychiatric AEs were generally more frequent, longer, and more intense in the treatment than placebo arms. Logistic regression models confirm the apparent association overall (odds ratio [OR] 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to 9.32), particularly for events classified as severe (OR 34.5, 95% CI 3.66 to 325). However, the absolute difference in proportion of days suffering from severe psychiatric AEs between groups was small.

Conclusions

This example analysis shows evidence of a causal effect of oseltamivir on psychiatric AEs, not apparent in the published versions of the same trials and a Cochrane review which showed a nonsignificant 81% increased odds of experiencing a psychiatric event. This unique and important finding was dependent on obtaining previously unavailable data from clinical study reports and using novel analyses and presentation methods.
Consensus analysis of large‐scale nonlinear homogeneous multiagent formations with polynomial dynamics
Authors: Massioni Paolo , Scorletti Gérard
Published: September 2018

This paper concerns the consensus analysis of multiagent systems made of the interconnection of identical nonlinear agents interacting with one another through an undirected and connected graph topology. Drawing inspiration from the theory of linear “decomposable systems,” we provide a method for proving the convergence (or consensus) of such multiagent sytems in the case of polynomial dynamics. The method is based on a numerical test, namely a set of linear matrix inequalities providing sufficient conditions for the convergence. We also show that the use of a generalized version of the famous Kalman‐Yakubovic‐Popov lemma allows the development of a linear matrix inequalities test whose size does not directly depend on the number of agents. The method is validated in simulation on three examples, which also show how the numerical test can be used to properly tune a controller.
Approach to excellent superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of carbon‐based films by graphene and cobalt synergism
Authors: Yan Qingqing , Zhou Shengguo , Ma Liqiu , Wan Shanhong , Zhu Xiaobo
Published: September 2018

A new series of carbon‐based films doped with graphene oxide and cobalt (G‐Co/a‐C:H films) were successfully prepared on Si substrate via one‐step electrochemical deposition of methanol as the carbon source and graphene oxide/cobalt as the dopant. G‐Co/a‐C:H films were fabricated at various graphene oxide concentration for comparative experiments. It can be found that the graphene oxide and cobalt were well embedded in amorphous carbon matrix to form superhydrophobic G‐Co/a‐C:H film at the doping GO concentration of 0.007 mg/mL, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was noted that the superhydrophobicity of the resulting surface derives from its rough surface with hierarchical micro‐nanostructures and the presence of the low‐surface‐energy GO components on it. The hierarchical micro‐nanostructures are attributed to the corporate joint of GO and cobalt to form the multilevel nanoscale composite interface. Specially, the as‐fabricated superhydrophobic G‐Co/a‐C:H film could exhibit excellent self‐cleaning ability and corrosion resistance, revealed by the self‐cleaning and corrosion tests.
Bayesian varying coefficient kernel machine regression to assess neurodevelopmental trajectories associated with exposure to complex mixtures
Authors: Liu Shelley H. , Bobb Jennifer F. , Claus Henn Birgit , Gennings Chris , Schnaas Lourdes , Tellez‐Rojo Martha , Bellinger David , Arora Manish , Wright Robert O. , Coull Brent A.
Published: September 2018

Exposure to environmental mixtures can exert wide‐ranging effects on child neurodevelopment. However, there is a lack of statistical methods that can accommodate the complex exposure‐response relationship between mixtures and neurodevelopment while simultaneously estimating neurodevelopmental trajectories. We introduce Bayesian varying coefficient kernel machine regression (BVCKMR), a hierarchical model that estimates how mixture exposures at a given time point are associated with health outcome trajectories. The BVCKMR flexibly captures the exposure‐response relationship, incorporates prior knowledge, and accounts for potentially nonlinear and nonadditive effects of individual exposures. This model assesses the directionality and relative importance of a mixture component on health outcome trajectories and predicts health effects for unobserved exposure profiles. Using contour plots and cross‐sectional plots, BVCKMR also provides information about interactions between complex mixture components. The BVCKMR is applied to a subset of data from PROGRESS, a prospective birth cohort study in Mexico city on exposure to metal mixtures and temporal changes in neurodevelopment. The mixture include metals such as manganese, arsenic, cobalt, chromium, cesium, copper, lead, cadmium, and antimony. Results from a subset of Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors data provide evidence of significant positive associations between second trimester exposure to copper and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development cognition score at 24 months, and cognitive trajectories across 6‐24 months. We also detect an interaction effect between second trimester copper and lead exposures for cognition at 24 months. In summary, BVCKMR provides a framework for estimating neurodevelopmental trajectories associated with exposure to complex mixtures.
Theory of general balance applied to step wedge designs
Authors: Bond Simon
Published: September 2018

A standard idealized step‐wedge design satisfies the requirements, in terms of the structure of the observation units, to be considered a balanced design and can be labeled as a criss‐cross design (time crossed with cluster) with replication. As such, Nelder's theory of general balance can be used to decompose the analysis of variance into independent strata (grand mean, cluster, time, cluster:time, residuals). If time is considered as a fixed effect, then the treatment effect of interest is estimated solely within the cluster and time:cluster strata; the time effects are estimated solely within the time stratum. This separation leads directly to scalar, rather than matrix, algebraic manipulations to provide closed‐form expressions for standard errors of the treatment effect estimate. We use the tools provided by the theory of general balance to obtain an expression for the standard error of the estimated treatment effect in a general case where the assumed covariance structure includes random‐effects at the time and time:cluster levels. This provides insights that are helpful for experimental design regarding the assumed correlation within clusters over time, sample size in terms of numbers of clusters and replication within cluster, and components of the standard error for estimated treatment effect.
Evaluating classification performance of biomarkers in two‐phase case‐control studies
Authors: Wang Lu , Huang Ying
Published: September 2018

Biomarkers are playing an increasingly important role in disease screening, early detection, and risk prediction. The two‐phase case‐control sampling study design is widely used for the evaluation of candidate biomarkers. The sampling probabilities for cases and controls in the second phase can often depend on other covariates (sampling strata). This biased sampling can lead to invalid inference on a biomarker's classification accuracy if not properly accounted for. In this paper, we adopt the idea of inverse probability weighting and develop inverse probability weighting–based estimators for various measures of a biomarker's classification performance, including the points on the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve, the area under the ROC curve (area under the curve), and the partial area under the curve. In particular, we consider classification accuracy estimators using sampling weights estimated conditionally on sampling strata and further improve their efficiency through the use of estimated weights that additionally take into account the auxiliary variables available from the phase‐one cohort. We develop asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and provide analytical variance for making inference. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate excellent performance of the proposed weighted estimators, while the traditional empirical estimator can be severely biased. We also investigate the advantages in efficiency gain for estimating various classification accuracy estimators through the use of auxiliary variables in addition to sampling strata and apply the proposed method to examples from a renal artery stenosis study and a prostate cancer study.
Water‐Triggered Metal‐Free Synthesis of Pyranopyrazoles via One‐Pot Oxidation/Michael Addition/Cyclization/Dehydration Sequence.
Authors: Dandia Anshu , Bansal Sarika , Sharma Ruchi , Parewa Vijay
Published: September 2018

An “all water” strategy for the catalyst free chemo‐selective synthesis of pyranopyrazoles via the reaction of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one with benzyl alcohols has been developed. Water actuates the reaction via ‘electrophile– nucleophile dual activation’ of the reactants through the concerted hydrogen bonding network and impel the reactants for C−C bond formation. Reaction proceeds by metal and catalyst free oxidation–Michael addition–cyclization–dehydration sequence. This method gave pyrano[2, 3‐c:6,5‐c′]dipyrazol]‐2‐ones selectivity over other possible products. Furthermore, this method is also applied on the reaction of the benzyl alcohols and dimedone to give arylmethylene[bis(5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclohexene‐1‐ones)] in good to excellent yields.
Biological Activity of New Cyclophosphazene Derivatives Including Fluorenylidene‐Bridged Cyclophosphazenes
Authors: Yıldırım Tuba , Şenkuytu Elif , Ergene Emel , Bilgin Kemal , Uludağ Yıldız , Çiftçi Gönül Yenilmez
Published: September 2018

In this study, new cyclophosphazene compounds were synthesized characterized and their biological activity studies were performed. The structural investigations of the compounds were verified by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, 1H, 31P NMR techniques. Later, the effects of the synthesized compounds to DNA were screened using DNA interaction analysis and cleavage methods by utilizing pUC18 plasmid. The results showed that the compounds 14, 40 and 45 caused Form III (linearized DNA) plasmid DNA, indicating the interaction of these compounds with the plasmid DNA.
Single‐phase All‐solid‐state Silver Battery using Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 as Anode, Cathode, and Electrolyte
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Nishio Akira , Kitajou Ayuko , Okada Shigeto
Published: September 2018

An all‐solid‐state silver battery made from a single material is reported. NASICON‐type Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 functioned as the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. High rate capability at 298 K and low temperature operation (233 K) were possible due to its high electrical conductivity and low interfacial resistance with the concept of a single‐phase battery. The redox reactions of Ag/Ag+ (anode) and Cr3+/Cr4+ (cathode) were confirmed from X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The operating voltage of the battery in this study was higher than that for a silver battery using an AgI solid electrolyte because of the high redox potential of the cathode and the wider potential window of Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 than that of AgI. Therefore, Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3‐based single‐phase battery is a promising new concept to obtain a high voltage silver‐ion battery, high‐rate capability and low temperature operation.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Vicinal Diamines by Aza‐Michael Addition of Chiral Phenethylamine to Nitroalkenes
Authors: Ma Chunying , Du Jianxun , Liang Yuhua , Feng Wenhua
Published: September 2018

An efficient aza‐Michael addition of (R or S)‐α‐phenethylamine, a chiral nitrogen nucleophile to (E)‐nitroalkenes 2 a‐f permits the synthesis of vicinal diamines (or 1, 2‐di‐amine) after reduction of the 1, 4‐adducts 3 a‐f (or 3’a‐f). The key adducts 3 a‐f (or 3’a‐f) can be obtained in good yields (up to 78%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to > 98:2 dr (diastereomeric excess ratio)). In addition, this is one of the scarce examples where chiral phenethylamine and nitroalkenes have been used in catalyst‐free aza‐Michael additions. Our developed strategy opens an efficient entry to synthetic building blocks of vicinal diamines for natural products and drugs.
Right on the money? The contingent effects of strategic orientation and pay system design on firm performance
Authors: Tenhiälä Aino , Laamanen Tomi
Published: September 2018

Research Summary: This article extends prior research on the performance implications of the fit between a firm's strategic orientation and its pay system design. Whereas prior research has shown that matching the pay system design to the strategic orientation of the firm generally contributes to higher performance, most studies have examined the pay systems of the upper echelons and employees separately. Based on an analysis that accounts for both horizontal and vertical pay dispersion, we find that, whereas growth‐oriented firms (prospectors) tend to benefit from high horizontal pay dispersion, efficiency‐oriented firms (defenders) perform better with high vertical pay dispersion and low relative base pay. Overall, our findings contribute to an improved understanding of how to optimize the pay systems of firms with different strategic orientations.

Managerial Summary: We study how the optimal configuration of the overall pay system differs between firms that pursue growth‐oriented and efficiency‐oriented strategies. Our results show that growth‐oriented firms (prospectors) benefit from pay structures with relatively large pay differentials horizontally between employees based on ability, effort, and results. Efficiency‐oriented firms (defenders), on the other hand, benefit from pay structures with relatively larger differences in pay across organizational levels vertically. Our findings suggest that while defenders should pay special attention to average pay levels to avoid over compensating their employees relative to competitors, prospectors should pay attention to the CEO‐employee pay differentials to avoid overcompensating executives relative to employees. Overall, our findings provide further evidence on the importance of matching the pay system design to a firm's strategy.
Correlations study and clustering from SPI experiences in small settings
Authors: Larrucea Xabier , Santamaría Izaskun
Published: September 2018

Software Process Improvement (SPI) initiatives have been applied in a wide set of organisations including very small entities (VSE). In fact, this kind of organisations is facing several hurdles when overarching a SPI initiative. In this context, the ISO/IEC 29110 has been used as a lightweight reference model for steering VSEs in their SPI initiatives. The inherent uncertainty behind the SPI curtains blocks the organisations in their investments. Due to these reasons, we need to identify relationships and similarities in order to predict whether a SPI will succeed or not. We propose the use of Self‐Organising Maps for identifying patterns from these SPI studies. The aim of this paper is to identify correlations among SPI studies and to discover patterns from them.
Experimental study and associated mechanism analysis of horizontal bolted connections involved in a precast concrete shear wall system
Authors: Sun Jian , Qiu Hongxing , Jiang Hongbo
Published: September 2018

This paper is concerned about the lateral load response and associated working mechanism of a precast reinforced concrete shear wall involving horizontal connections. An assembling method is proposed using dry connection through a horizontal steel connector (H‐connector) and high strength bolts. To investigate the effectiveness of such an assembling method, two identical wall‐connector assembly specimens have been constructed and tested under monotonic loading and cyclic loading, respectively, while subjected to a constant vertical compression. The test results showed that the performance of the shear wall assembly was generally satisfactory in terms of ensuring the full development of the shear wall strength and ductility. To assist in the interpretation of the experimental results and enable further study on the design approach, a detailed mechanism analysis has been subsequently conducted. The stress in H‐connector flange and shear force transferred through each high strength bolt has been deduced on the basis of mechanism analysis. The further sliding analysis within the bolted connections agrees well with the experimental results and therefore confirms the derived formulae for H‐connector and high strength bolt.
Learning from the Religious Experiences of Bi+ Trans People
Authors: Sumerau J. E. , Mathers Lain A. B. , Lampe Nik
Published: September 2018

This article builds upon emerging studies of bi+ and trans populations to explore the importance of expanding studies of religion and nonreligion beyond an almost entirely cisgender and monosexual focus. Specifically, we utilize the largest qualitative sample of bi+ trans people (n = 249) in sociology to date to explore the ways people in both these populations experience religion. We find that while some bi+ trans people note exceptional positive experiences in religious contexts, they almost entirely experience religion as a source of damnation and trauma. Our analysis speaks to sociologies of (1) gender and (non)religion, (2) sexualities and (non)religion, and (3) (non)religious bi+ and/or trans experience. Our conclusion outlines implications for developing bi+ and trans inclusive studies of religion and nonreligion.
$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ superfield description of BPS solutions in 6D gauged SUGRA with 3-branes
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Aoki Shuntaro , Imai Sosuke , Sakamura Yutaka
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We provide

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

superfield description of BPS backgrounds in six-dimensional supergravity (6D SUGRA) with 3-branes, which is compactified on a two-dimensional space. The brane terms induce the localized fluxes. We find a useful gauge in which the background equations become significantly simple. This is not the Wess-Zumino gauge, and the relation to the usual component-field expression of 6D SUGRA is not straightforward. One of the equations reduces to the Liouville equation. By moving to the Wess-Zumino gauge, we check that our expressions reproduce the known results of the previous works, which are expressed in the component fields. Our results help us develop the systematic derivation of four-dimensional effective theories that keeps the

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

SUSY structure.
Unitarity constraint on the Kähler curvature
Authors: Ema Yohei , Kitano Ryuichiro , Terada Takahiro
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In supersymmetric theories, the signs of quartic terms in the Kähler potential control the stability of non-supersymmetric field configurations. In particular, in supersymmetric inflation models, the signs are important for the stability of an inflationary trajectory as well as for the prediction of the spectral index. In this paper, we clarify what properties of a UV theory determine the sign from unitarity arguments of scattering amplitudes. As non-trivial examples, we discuss the sign of a four-meson term in large N supersymmetric gauge theories and also those of the quartic terms obtained in the intersecting D-brane models in superstring theory. The UV origins of inflationary models and supersymmetry breaking models are constrained by this discussion.
Anomaly matching, (axial) Schwinger models, and high-T super Yang-Mills domain walls
Authors: Anber Mohamed M. , Poppitz Erich
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We study the discrete chiral- and center-symmetry ’t Hooft anomaly matching in the charge-qtwo-dimensional Schwinger model. We show that the algebra of the discrete symmetry operators involves a central extension, implying the existence ofqvacua, and that the chiral and center symmetries are spontaneously broken. We then argue that an axial version of theq= 2 model appears in the worldvolume theory on domain walls between center-symmetry breaking vacua in the high-temperature SU(2)$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$N=1super-Yang-Mills theory and that it inherits the discrete ’t Hooft anomalies of the four-dimensional bulk. The Schwinger model results suggest that the high-temperature domain wall exhibits a surprisingly rich structure: it supports a non-vanishing fermion condensate and perimeter law for spacelike Wilson loops, thus mirroring many properties of the strongly coupled four-dimensional low-temperature theory. We also discuss generalizations to theories with multiple adjoint fermions and possible lattice tests.
Reduced Introgression of Sex Chromosome Markers in the Mexican Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata × A. pigra) Hybrid Zone
Authors: Cortés-Ortiz Liliana , Baiz Marcella D. , Hermida-Lagunes Javier , García-Orduña Francisco , Rangel-Negrín Ariadna , Kitchen Dawn M. , Bergman Thore J. , Dias Pedro A. D. , Canales-Espinosa Domingo
Published: September 2018

Interspecific hybridization allows the introgression or movement of alleles from one genome to another. While some genomic regions freely exchange alleles during hybridization, loci associated with reproductive isolation do not intermix. In many model organisms, the X chromosome displays limited introgression compared to autosomes owing to the presence of multiple loci associated with hybrid sterility or inviability (the “large X-effect”). Similarly, if hybrids are produced, the heterogametic sex is usually inviable or sterile, a pattern known as Haldane’s rule. We analyzed the patterns of introgression of genetic markers located in the mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (autosomal microsatellites and sex chromosome genes) genomes of two howler monkey species (Alouatta palliataandA. pigra) that form a natural hybrid zone in southern Mexico, to evaluate whether the large X-effect and Haldane’s rule affect the outcomes of hybridization between these sister species. To identify the level of admixture of each individual in the hybrid zone (N = 254) we analyzed individuals sampled outside the hybrid zone (109A. pigraand 39A. palliata) to determine allele frequencies of parental species and estimated a hybrid index based on nuclear markers. We then performed a cline analysis using individuals in the hybrid zone to determine patterns of introgression for each locus. Our analyses show that although the hybrid zone is bimodal (with no known F1 s and few recent generation hybrids) and quite narrow, there has been extensive introgression in both directions, and there is a large array of admixed individuals in the hybrid zone. Mitochondrial and most autosomal markers showed bidirectional introgression, but some had biased introgression toward one species or the other. All markers on the sex chromosomes and a few autosomal markers showed highly restricted introgression. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that the sex chromosomes make a disproportionate contribution to reproductive isolation, and our results broaden the taxonomic representation of these patterns across animal taxa.
Geokodierte Meldedaten als Basis bedarfsgerechter Planungen in ländlichen Gemeinden und Regionen
Authors: Schaffert Markus , Höcht Volker
Published: September 2018

Population registers can make an important contribution to spatially related planning in rural municipalities. This has been illustrated in a number of recent studies that have examined processes of demographic change and service requirements in Germany’s rural areas. These investigations are usually case-study based and share an approach involving the geo-coding of municipal population registers and their analysis using Geographical Information Systems. This reveals and allows the analysis of population structures and changes thereto, also for units below the municipal level, as is rarely possible when using population data held by supra-municipal statistical authorities. This paper draws on findings from these investigations. It combines them to form a line of argument that demonstrates the value of the approach for both the municipal and the regional levels, using illustrative examples from Bavaria and Sachsen-Anhalt. In addition to general demographic aspects, the focus is on “accessibility” and “real estate” as topics that are associated with demographic processes. Discussion of the value of this approach is intended to motivate the increased use of population registers both in academic research and in planning practice. Attention is also drawn to the limits of the approach with a view to future population trends. By highlighting both the value and the limits of the use of geo-coded municipal population data the paper also aims to support the implementation of digitalisation strategies in the planning of rural areas.
Structural and compositional dynamics of strictly protected woodland communities with silvicultural implications, using Białowieża Forest as an example
Authors: Brzeziecki Bogdan , Bielak Kamil , Bolibok Leszek , Drozdowski Stanisław , Zajączkowski Jacek , Żybura Henryk
Published: September 2018

• Key message

Long-term strict protection of woodland communities may lead to their compositional simplification and homogenisation.

• Context

In the past, it has often been postulated that structures and processes typical for natural forests should be mimicked by silvicultural activities in the case of managed tree stands.

• Aims

To determine which features and traits of natural woodland communities (alongside typical old-growth attributes) should be imitated in managed forests, as well as which should not (and for what reasons).

• Methods

Tree data from five permanent study plots (of a total area of 15.44 ha) established in 1936 in the core area of the Białowieża National Park (NE Poland) are used to calculate several quantitative indices describing the temporal dynamics (in terms of stand structure and composition) of eight major woodland community types.

• Results

Most structural attributes revealed rather high stability over time. In contrast to these, during the observation period, noticeable changes in the composition of particular Białowieża woodland communities have been taking place, related to declining occurrence and reduced roles characteristic for a large number of tree species.

• Conclusion

In many ways, natural forests can serve as an important model for managed forest stands. However, in certain circumstances, silvicultural treatments counteracting natural developmental trends may appear to be indispensable, especially when more diverse and stable tree species composition (at a given spatial and temporal scale) is indicated or desirable.
Preprints: Facilitating early discovery, access, and feedback
Authors: Maggio Lauren A. , Artino Jr Anthony R. , Driessen Erik W.
Published: September 2018

None
Hypertrophied appendix epiploica strangulated in inguinal canal presenting as acute abdomen: A case report
Authors: Luong Thien Vinh , El-Hussuna Alaa
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Different illnesses can affect the Epiploic Appendices (EA) of the Colon. Strangulation of the EA has previously been described inside a hernia sack associated with bowel herniation, but it is rarely presented as the only entity. This is the first case where a hypertrophied EA presented as acute abdomen mimicking a strangulated inguinal hernia.

Presentation of the case:

We present a case of a 71-year-old male who was admitted to the emergency department with acute pain around the left inguinal area. A firm mass measuring 5 × 6 cm had appeared sneezing, and had persisted for 24 hours with no nausea or vomiting. The patient had normal bowel motion on the same day. The hernia was not reducible. Because of suspicion of bowel strangulation inside the hernia sack, acute surgical intervention was performed. A hypertrophied EA was found in the hernia sack and treated with open herniotomy. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged in good health four days following the operation.

Discussion:

Epiploic appendagitis caused by inflammation or strangulation can mimic other causes of acute abdomen but often presents a less severe clinical picture. The patient suffered from a strangulated hernia containing a hypertrophic EA. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a hypertrophied EA inside an inguinal hernia requiring immediate operation.

Conclusion:

Hypertrophied EA can mimic a strangulated hernia. High index of suspicion is needed to diagnose this rare condition. Surgical intervention can both confirm the diagnosis and treat the condition.

Highlights:
A Consumer-based Taxonomy of Digital Customer Engagement Practices
Authors: Eigenraam Anniek W. , Eelen Jiska , van Lin Arjen , Verlegh Peeter W.J.
Published: September 2018

Consumers can engage with brands online in a variety of ways, ranging from playing a branded game to writing a review or viewing branded content. This work presents a consumer-based taxonomy of these digital engagement practices. By means of a literature review and expert surveys, we created an overview of the ways in which consumers digitally engage with brands across different media formats and platforms. A consumer sample then classified all practices into five distinct types of digital engagement practices (for fun practices, learning practices, customer feedback, work for a brand, talk about a brand). A subsequent survey on another consumer sample showed that the five types of practices are differently related to the three motivational states of customer brand engagement (cognitive, emotional and behavioral). The taxonomy of digital engagement practices integrates prior research. We provide implications for managing digital customer engagement.
Geologic structure of the Mukodek gold field (northern Transbaikalia) and sources of matter (Pb–Pb and Sm–Nd data)
Authors: Vanin V.A. , Chugaev A.V. , Demonterova E.I. , Gladkochub D.P. , Mazukabzov A.M.
Published: September 2018

The Mukodek gold field is located in the Yana zone of the Baikal–Muya fold belt (northern Transbaikalia). Its orebodies are gold-bearing metasomatites confined to the fault of NE strike. It is shown that pre-ore faults played a crucial role in the spatial localization of the orebodies, as they favored the concentration of ore-bearing fluids. Results of geological and structural studies, along with available geochronological data (40Ar–39Ar dates for micas in gold-bearing pyrite), testify to ore-forming processes in the ore field during two Late Paleozoic stages. Early gold-bearing metasomatites of sericite–chlorite–albite–ankerite–quartz composition formed at 320 Ma, and late gold-bearing vein metasomatites of ankerite(calcite)–quartz composition originated at 285 Ma. A Pb–Pb isotope study of gold mineralization has shown that ore lead was supplied into the mineral-forming system mainly from a mantle source, most likely, regional Neoproterozoic igneous rocks. According to Sm–Nd isotope data, these rocks formed with the participation of a material of mantle genesis.
Faults in the Baikal region: morphostructural and structure-genetic features (case study of the Buguldeika fault junction)
Authors: Cheremnykh A.V. , Cheremnykh A.S. , Bobrov A.A.
Published: September 2018

Lineament analysis is applied to map the pattern of the Obruchev fault system in the Buguldeika Village area, where several fault zones (Olkhon, Primorsky, Prikhrebtovyi, Buguldeika, and Kurtun) make up a junction. As inferred from the predominant directions of genetically related lineaments, the Olkhon, Primorsky, and Prikhrebtovyi faults originated under NW–SE extension and compression. The extension and compression settings within these zones are reconstructed by analysis of lineaments that have prominent and poor geomorphic expression, respectively. However, the pattern of lineaments well expressed in the surface topography within a weakly deformed block corresponds to reverse slip, while that of poorly pronounced lineaments corresponds to left-lateral strike slip. The study confirms the idea that the latest extension (rifting) stage in the Baikal region reactivated fault zones but did not deform blocks. The blocks store record of residual deformation produced by previous settings of regional compression and shear. The obtained results agree with earlier tectonophysical analysis of faults and fractures in the area and prove the applicability of the suggested approach to map the fault patterns and reconstruct their respective stress settings in areas that underwent multiple deformation events of different ages.
Interstratified illite–smectite phases: formation mechanisms and practical applications
Authors: Krinari G.A. , Khramchenkov M.G.
Published: September 2018

Secondary micas after smectite, including mix illite–smectite phases, can form in sediments by three mechanisms, each being specific to particular environments. As the process develops, the newly formed phases undergo structure ordering. Two mechanisms involve transformation of 2:1 mixed-layer structures, and the third is the growth of screw dislocations, with formation of ordered mix phases having a Reichweite parameter of R = 1 or R = 2. We propose methods for identifying such phases when they are present in small amounts or when their XRD patterns lack well-pronounced superperiodic reflections, as well as mathematical formalism for illitization modeling. The theoretical issues are illustrated with field examples, and the illitization mechanisms are discussed in terms of their possible practical applications.
Formation of methane concentration and electromagnetic-field anomalies in southwestern Peter the Great Gulf
(Sea of Japan)
Authors: Burov B.A. , Obzhirov A.I. , Gresov A.I. , Salomatin A.S. , Maltseva E.V. , Telegin Yu.A. , Yugai I.G. , Yatsuk A.V.
Published: September 2018

We report methane concentrations in the bottom water layer and the upper layer of bottom sediments and the results of acoustic explorations of methane seeps on the shelf bordering the continental slope of the Sea of Japan region, in which electromagnetic Schumann’s resonance oscillations were earlier recorded at continental-slope water depths of 500, 1000, and 2000 m. The occurrence of Schumann’s resonances at such great depths is explained by an increase (a factor of more than 25) in the electrical resistivity of a ~2000 m thick sediment layer with the pore space largely filled with free methane. A new method is proposed for determining the depth of the sources of anomalous concentrations of methane in bottom sediments or in the bottom water layer on a deep shelf. The method is based on recording Schumann’s resonances during measurements of the natural electric field at a series of increasing depths in areas bordering the continental slope.
Development of a game-based learning tool for applied team science communication in a virtual clinical trial
Authors: Depp Colin A. , Howland Alex , Dumbauld Jill , Fontanesi John , Firestein David , Firestein Gary S.
Published: September 2018

Educational tools for application of team science competencies in clinical research are needed. Our interdisciplinary group developed and evaluated acceptability of a virtual world game-based learning tool simulating a multisite clinical trial; performance hinges on effective intrateam communication. Initial implementation with clinical research trainees (n=40) indicates high satisfaction and perceived relevance to team science and research career goals. Game-based learning may play an important role in team science training.
Particle fountains in a confined environment
Authors: Lippert Martin C. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: September 2018

We present new experiments and theoretical models of the motion of relatively dense particles carried upwards by a liquid jet into a laterally confined space filled with the same liquid. The incoming jet is negatively buoyant and rises to a finite height, at which the dense mixture of liquid and particles, diluted by the entrainment of ambient liquid, falls back to the floor. The mixture further dilutes during the collapse and then spreads out across the floor and supplies an up-flow outside the fountain equal to the source volume flux plus the total entrained volume flux. The fate of the particles depends on the particle fall speed,
$u_{fall}$
, compared to (i) the characteristic fountain velocity in the fountain core,
$u_{F}$
, (ii) the maximum upward velocity in the ambient fluid outside the fountain,
$u_{u}(0)$
, which occurs at the base of the fountain, and (iii) the upward velocity in the ambient fluid above the top of the fountain associated with the original volume flux in the liquid jet,
$u_{BG}$
. From this comparison we identify four regimes. (I) If
$u_{fall}>u_{F}$
, then the particles separate from the fountain and settle on the floor. (II) If
$u_{F}>u_{fall}>u_{u}(0)$
, the particles are carried to the top of the fountain but then settle as the collapsing flow around the fountain spreads out across the floor; we do not observe particle suspension in the background flow. (III) For
$u_{u}(0)>u_{fall}>u_{BG}$
we observe a particle-laden layer outside the fountain which extends from the floor of the tank to a point below the top of the fountain. The density of this lower particle-laden layer equals the density of the collapsing fountain fluid as it passes downwards through this interface. The collapsing fluid then spreads out horizontally through the depth of this particle-laden layer, instead of continuing downwards around the rising fountain. In the lower layer, the negatively buoyant source fluid in fact rises as a negatively buoyant jet, but this transitions into a fountain above the upper interface of the particle-laden layer. The presence of the particles in the lower layer reduces the density difference between fountain and environment, leading to an increase in the fountain height. (IV) If
$u_{fall}<u_{BG}$
then an ascending front of particles rises above the fountain and eventually fills the entire tank up to the level where fluid is removed from the tank. We compare the results of a series of new laboratory experiments with simple theoretical investigations for each case, and discuss the relevance of our results.