bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branched 2‐Ethylhexyl Substituted Indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]Thiophene Core Enabling Wide‐Bandgap Small Molecule for Fullerene‐Based Organic Solar Cells with 9.15% Efficiency: Effect of Length and Position of Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Units
Authors: Wang Jin‐Liang , Zhang Han‐Jian , Liu Sha , Liu Kai‐Kai , Liu Feng , Wu Hong‐Bin , Cao Yong
Published: June 2018

A pair of 2‐ethylhexyl‐substituted indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (EH‐IDTT) based tetrafluorinated substituted wide‐bandgap small molecular donor materials with different electron‐rich terminal units, DT4FIDTT and TT4FIDTT, has been synthesized for high efficiency fullerene‐based organic solar cells. The utilization of the EH‐IDTT center core increased the optical bandgap of DT4FIDTT (Eg of 1.86 eV) and decreased HOMO energy level in thin films in comparison with those of BIT‐4F‐T with indacenodithiophene core and thiophene π bridge. Compared to DT4FIDTT with 2,2′‐bithiophene terminal unit, TT4FIDTT with further fused thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene terminal units exhibited a larger optical bandgap and more straight conformation due to less effective conjugated length of thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene. Devices based on DT4FIDTT/PC71BM exhibited high power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 9.15%, significantly higher than that of the device based on TT4FIDTT/PC71BM (PCE of 7.35%). The higher Jsc of the device based on DT4FIDTT/PC71BM can be attributed to its better charge transport properties and favorable phase separation features. Such high efficiency of 9.15% is the highest value reported for the fullerene‐based organic solar cells based on wide‐bandgap (Eg > 1.85 eV) small molecular donor, demonstrating the feasibility of branched alkylated‐indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene core in enhancing overall photovoltaic performance.
Large Eddy Simulation of Electromagnetic Three‐Phase Flow in a Round Bloom Considering Solidified Shell
Authors: Li Xianglong , Li Baokuan , Liu Zhongqiu , Niu Ran , Huang Xuechi
Published: June 2018

A large eddy simulation (LES) model has been developed to simulate three‐phase flow, heat transfer, and solidification processes under the effect of M‐EMS. Through comparing the magnetic flux density, surface temperature, and growth of solidified shell with experimental results, the reliability of our mathematical model is proved. Results show that the ignorance of solidified shell will overestimate the velocity field and slag‐metal interface fluctuation, therefore the solidified shell should not be ignored. What's more, a distinct flow, which is characterized by a rotary flow from top view, and biased flow from front view, is identified through this model. An upward flow is formed due to this distinct flow, which can explain the imbalance morphology of slag‐metal interface, and the typical tornado‐like shape slag‐metal interface is vividly observed using this model; By contrast, without M‐EMS, the distinct flow can also be found near the injection end, but it makes little effect on the fluctuation of slag‐metal interface. In addition, a new indicator of ΔH is defined to investigate the slag‐metal interface fluctuation, and the deformation of slag layer is also predicted. The mathematical model is helpful for understanding the deformation of slag‐metal interface during bloom casting.
ESRP1-Induced CD44 v3 Is Important for Controlling Pluripotency in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Young-Dae , Kim Han-Seop , Lee Jungwoon , Choi Jung-Kyun , Han Enna , Jeong Ji E. , Cho Yee S.
Published: June 2018

The importance of alternative splicing (AS) events in pluripotency regulation has been highlighted by the determination of different roles and contributions of different splice isoforms of pluripotency-related genes and by the identification of distinct pluripotency-related splicing factors. In particular, epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) has been characterized as an essential splicing factor required for the regulation of human pluripotency and differentiation. Nevertheless, a detailed molecular characterization of ESRP1 (mRNA splice variants 1–6) in human pluripotency is lacking. In this study, we determined that ESRP1 splice variants are differentially expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Undifferentiated human PSCs predominantly expressed the ESRP1 v1, v4, and v5, and their expression was downregulated upon differentiation. Ectopic expression of ESRP1 v1, v4, or v5 enhanced the pluripotent reprogramming of human fibroblasts and restored the ESRP1 knockdown-mediated reduction of reprogramming efficiency. Notably, undifferentiated human PSCs expressed the cell surface protein CD44 variant 3 (CD44 v3), and isoform switching from CD44 v3 to CD44 variant 6 (CD44 v6) occurred upon differentiation. Importantly, the human PSC-specific ESRP1 variants influenced CD44 v3 expression. CD44 knockdown or inhibition of binding of CD44 with its major ligand, hyaluronan, significantly induced the loss of human PSC pluripotency and the reduction of reprogramming efficiency. Our results demonstrate that the effect of ESRP1 and CD44 on human PSC pluripotency is isoform-dependent and that ESRP1-induced CD44 v3 is functionally associated with human PSC pluripotency control.
A Prokineticin-Driven Epigenetic Switch Regulates Human Epicardial Cell Stemness and Fate
Authors: Qureshi Rehana , Kindo Michel , Boulberdaa Mounia , Hunolstein Jean-Jacques , Steenman Marja , Nebigil Canan G.
Published: June 2018

Epicardial adipose tissues (EATs) and vascular tissues may both belong to the mesoepithelial lineage that develops from epicardium-derived progenitor cells (EPDCs) in developing and injured hearts. Very little is known of the molecular mechanisms of EPDC contribution in EAT development and neovascularization in adult heart, which the topic remains a subject of intense therapeutic interest and scientific debate. Here we studied the epigenetic control of stemness and anti-adipogenic and pro-vasculogenic fate of human EPDCs (hEPDCs), through investigating an angiogenic hormone, prokineticin-2 (PK2) signaling via its receptor PKR1. We found that hEPDCs spontaneously undergoes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and are not predestined for the vascular lineages. However, PK2 via a histone demethylase KDM6A inhibits EMT, and induces asymmetric division, leading to self-renewal and formation of vascular and epithelial/endothelial precursors with angiogenic potential capable of differentiating into vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. PK2 upregulates and activates KDM6A to inhibit repressive histone H3K27me3 marks on promoters of vascular genes (Flk-1 and SM22α) involved in vascular lineage commitment and maturation. In PK2-mediated anti-adipogenic signaling, KDM6A stabilizes and increases cytoplasmic β-catenin levels to repress peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression and activity. Our findings offer additional molecular targets to manipulate hEPDCs-involved tissue repair/regeneration in cardiometabolic and ischemic heart diseases.
Structural performance evaluation of innovative prestressed concrete floating fuel storage tanks
Authors: Jiang Dongqi , Tan Kiang Hwee , Dai Jian , Ong Khim Chye Gary , Heng Sonal
Published: June 2018

Prestressed concrete (PC) tanks have been widely used in industrial applications and are commonly constructed as base‐supported structures. In land–space constrained cities, it may be viable to construct such facilities as floating structures on sea areas. Several innovative conceptual designs of floating fuel storage tanks, including double‐ and single‐hull structures, are first proposed in this paper. For this new type of fuel storage facility, the self‐weight and in‐fill fuel are balanced by buoyancy forces, and there is no need for massive foundations. Due to the absence of specific guidelines, many design concerns have to be addressed before a fully functional PC floating fuel storage facility can be designed and operated economically. In this study, finite‐element analyses are performed to investigate the structural behavior of floating fuel storage tanks of various design options. To mobilize the buoyancy and hydrostatic load effects during filling operations, water ballasting and the use of in‐fill expanded polystyrene foam were examined to optimize the performance of proposed concepts. Analysis results indicate that single‐hull tanks show better performance than double‐hull tanks because the hydrostatic pressure on the tank wall due to outside seawater and in‐fill fuel are balanced to a great extent. Following the principles of load‐balancing and allowable stress design approach, prestressing steel requirements are determined for the selected tank concept.
Experimental and numerical studies on ribbed bracing system
Authors: Arzeytoon Ali , Toufigh Vahab
Published: June 2018

Ribbed bracing system (RBS) is an innovative structural system designed to eliminate the buckling of braces and enhance the behavior of structures under seismic loads. In this study, a collaborative performance of 2 RBS devices bracing a frame was assessed numerically and experimentally. In the numerical phase, the collaboration of ribbed braces at various stages of reversal loading was elaborated mathematically and was used for representing the system using finite element modeling. In the next phase, the numerically observed behavior was validated experimentally by conducting cyclic quasistatic tests of the proposed configurations. Two alternative RBS configurations—called completely closed (CC) and improved centering (IC)—were considered in this regard. Various characteristics of CC‐ and IC‐RBS configurations were evaluated using validated methods, after which they were compared against configurations of concentrically braced frames and buckling‐restrained braces. The stiffness and the energy absorption capacity of CC‐RBS configuration were shown to exceed all the considered bracing types. IC‐RBS, on the other hand, showed the lowest residual drift. The CC‐RBS configuration was also shown to have excellent performance under moderate loadings experienced under service level.
Ion effect on the dynamics of water hydrogen bonding network: A theoretical and computational spectroscopy point of view
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Pan Zhijun , Zhang Lu , Zhang Ruiting , Chen Zhening , Jin Tan , Wu Tianmin , Chen Xian , Zhuang Wei
Published: June 2018

Understanding the elementary hydration dynamics of the ions and their couplings with the aqueous environments is important for researches in fields including energy, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, and chemical reactions. The concept of hydration shell is ubiquitously used to rationalize the differences of water behavior near the ions with respect to those in the bulk water. One intriguing issue, however, is to decide the spatial range of these hydration shells. Different experimental spectroscopic techniques such as the femtosecond infrared at high frequency and optical Kerr effect, dielectric relaxation, as well as terahertz measurements at low frequency often give controversial indications on this matter. As the optical transition observables provided by the spectroscopic measurements only indirectly reflect the real‐space structure and dynamics information, the theoretical modeling of these signals is often desired in order to reveal the underlying physics in each of these measurements, and to understand the aforementioned apparent controversy. In this review, we outline recent progresses in the theoretical modeling of water dynamics around the ions and ionic moieties and the related vibrational spectroscopy, especially on the femtosecond infrared related single molecular water reorientation and the low‐frequency vibrational spectra related collective water dynamics.

This article is categorized under:

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Statistical Mechanics
Fracture of wind turbine blades in operation—Part I: A comprehensive forensic investigation
Authors: Chen Xiao
Published: June 2018

The structural integrity of rotor blades is crucial to ensuring continuous power production of wind turbines. Catastrophic blade fracture can cause significant economic loss and social impact and thereby should be prevented. It is important to understand the structural failure of rotor blades particularly during their normal operation. This study presents a comprehensive forensic investigation into fracture of 2 rotor blades in the field. The investigation is carried out synthetically taking into account interactive aspects associated with operational loads, materials, manufacturing processes, and structural design. The supervisory control and data acquisition data are analyzed to understand the turbine response with damaged blades. A detailed post‐mortem investigation is carried out at structural, subcomponent, and material levels both in field and in laboratory from a forensic perspective. Different manufacturing‐induced defects are examined using X‐ray computed tomography, and they are discussed in the context of the current manufacturing and design practices. Evidences from macroscopic failure features and microscopic fractographic morphologies are collected, analyzed, and correlated in order to identify the underlying mechanisms of blade fracture. Practices are recommended to improve structural integrity of rotor blades during their entire life cycles.
Steric Control in Reactions of N‐Heterocyclic Phosphorus Electrophiles with Pentacarbonyl Manganate(–I)
Authors: Papendick Marius , Feil Christoph M. , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: June 2018

Metathesis of Na[Mn(CO)5] with N‐tBu and N‐Mes substituted, electrophilic N‐heterocyclic phosphane derivatives afforded in the first case an ionic N‐heterocyclic phosphenium (NHP) metalate and in the second case a covalent phosphenium complex. The products were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data and the NHP complex as well by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. A DFT study allows relating the different outcome of the reactions studied with the energetics of the decarbonylation of the appropriate NHP metalates. Closer evaluation reveals steric factors as the key to explaining the observed behavior, and indicates that their impact displays close parallels to NHC chemistry.
All-loop Mondrian diagrammatics and 4-particle amplituhedron
Authors: An Yang , Li Yi , Li Zhinan , Rao Junjie
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Based on 1712.09990 which handles the 4-particle amplituhedron at 3-loop, we have found an extremely simple pattern, yet far more non-trivial than one might naturally expect: the all-loop Mondrian diagrammatics. By further simplifying and rephrasing the key relation of positivity in the amplituhedron setting, remarkably, we find a completeness relation unifying all diagrams of the Mondrian types for the 4-particle integrand of planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 SYM to all loop orders, each of which can be mapped to a simple product following a few plain rules designed for this relation. The explicit examples we investigate span from 3-loop to 7-loop order, and based on them, we classify the basic patterns of Mondrian diagrams into four types: the ladder, cross, brick-wall and spiral patterns. Interestingly, for some special combinations of ordered subspaces (a concept defined in the previous work), we find failed exceptions of the completeness relation which are called “anomalies”, nevertheless, they substantially give hints on the all-loop recursive proof of this relation. These investigations are closely related to the combinatoric knowledge of separable permutations and Schröder numbers, and go even further from a diagrammatic perspective. For physical relevance, we need to further consider dual conformal invariance for two basic diagrammatic patterns to correct the numerator for a local integrand involving one or both of such patterns, while the denominator encoding its pole structure and also the sign factor, are already fixed by rules of the completeness relation. With this extra treatment to ensure the integrals are dual conformally invariant, each Mondrian diagram can be exactly translated to its corresponding physical loop integrand after being summed over all ordered subspaces that admit it.
Symanzik improvement with dynamical charm: a 3+1 scheme for Wilson quarks
Authors: Fritzsch Patrick , Sommer Rainer , Stollenwerk Felix , Wolff Ulli
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We discuss the problem of lattice artefacts in QCD simulations enhanced by the introduction of dynamical charmed quarks. In particular, we advocate the use of a massive renormalization scheme with a close to realistic charm mass. To maintain O(a) improvement for Wilson type fermions in this case we define a finite size scheme and carry out a nonperturbative estimation of the clover coefficient c
sw. It is summarized in a fit formula c
sw(g
0
2
) that defines an improved action suitable for future dynamical charm simulations.
Index and duality of minimal $$ \mathcal{N} = 4 $$ Chern-Simons-matter theories
Authors: Nosaka Tomoki , Yokoyama Shuichi
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We perform a first step analysis toward generalization of the classification of

$$ \mathcal{N} = 4 $$

N

=
4

linear quiver gauge theories by Gaiotto and Witten including Chern-Simons interaction. For this we investigate minimal

$$ \mathcal{N}=4\mathrm{U}{\left({N}_1\right)}_k\times \mathrm{U}{\left({N}_2\right)}_{-k} $$

N
=
4
U

N
1

k

×
U

N
2

−
k

Chern-Simons theories and their superconformal indices. In the previous publication we analyzed the three-sphere partition function of the theories, which implies that the theory is good/ugly/bad if k−N
1 −N
2 is greater than/equal to/smaller than −1. In this paper we verify that this classification is consistent with the behavior of the superconformal index. We compare the superconformal indices for several pairs of non-bad theories connected by the Hanany-Witten transition and confirm their coincidence up to the contribution of one hypermultiplet.
Spinning AdS loop diagrams: two point functions
Authors: Giombi Simone , Sleight Charlotte , Taronna Massimo
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We develop a systematic approach to evaluating AdS loop amplitudes with spinning legs based on the spectral (or “split”) representation of bulk-to-bulk propagators, which re-expresses loop diagrams in terms of spectral integrals and higher-point tree diagrams. In this work we focus on 2pt one-loop Witten diagrams involving totally symmetric fields of arbitrary mass and integer spin. As an application of this framework, we study the contribution to the anomalous dimension of higher-spin currents generated by bubble diagrams in higher-spin gauge theories on AdS.
Seeking leptoquarks in IceCube
Authors: Bečirević Damir , Panes Boris , Sumensari Olcyr , Funchal Renata Zukanovich
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We investigate the sensitivity of IceCube(-Gen2) to a scalar leptoquark scenario with couplings only to heavy quark flavors which may be connected to solving discrepancies in B-meson semileptonic decays. We take into account, for the first time, the non-negligible neutrino-gluon cross section induced by leptoquarks, and we systematically account for indirect and direct constraints which have been overlooked in previous studies. We conclude that IceCube(-Gen2) can only probe the light LQ regime, already disfavored by the combination of flavor physics constraints, electroweak precision data and the direct searches at the LHC.
The role of G-protein-coupled membrane estrogen receptor in mouse Leydig cell function—in vivo and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Kotula-Balak M. , Pawlicki P. , Milon A. , Tworzydlo W. , Sekula M. , Pacwa A. , Gorowska-Wojtowicz E. , Bilinska B. , Pawlicka B. , Wiater J. , Zarzycka M. , Galas J.
Published: June 2018

In this study, G-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was inactivated, by treatment with antagonist (G-15), in testes of C57BL/6 mice: immature (3 weeks old), mature (3 months old) and aged (1.5 years old) (50 μg/kg bw), as well as MA-10 mouse Leydig cells (10 nM/24 h) alone or in combination with 17β-estradiol or antiestrogen (ICI 182,780). In G-15-treated mice, overgrowth of interstitial tissue was found in both mature and aged testes. Depending on age, differences in structure and distribution of various Leydig cell organelles were observed. Concomitantly, modulation of activity of the mitochondria and tubulin microfibers was revealed. Diverse and complex GPER regulation at the mRNA level and protein of estrogen signaling molecules (estrogen receptor α and β; ERα, ERβ and cytochrome P450 aromatase; P450arom) in G-15 Leydig cells was found in relation to age and the experimental system utilized (in vivo and in vitro). Changes in expression patterns of ERs and P450arom, as well as steroid secretion, reflected Leydig cell heterogeneity to estrogen regulation throughout male life including cell physiological status.We show, for the first time, GPER with ERs and P450arom work in tandem to maintain Leydig cell architecture and supervise its steroidogenic function by estrogen during male life. Full set of estrogen signaling molecules, with involvement of GPER, is crucial for proper Leydig cell function where each molecule acts in a specific and/or complementary manner. Further understanding of the mechanisms by which GPER controls Leydig cells with special regard to male age, cell of origin and experimental system used is critical for predicting and preventing testis steroidogenic disorders based on perturbations in estrogen signaling.
Inactivation of the transcription factor mig1 (YGL035C) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae improves tolerance towards monocarboxylic weak acids: acetic, formic and levulinic acid
Authors: Balderas-Hernández Victor E , Correia Kevin , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: June 2018

Toxic concentrations of monocarboxylic weak acids present in lignocellulosic hydrolyzates affect cell integrity and fermentative performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work, we report the deletion of the general catabolite repressor Mig1p as a strategy to improve the tolerance of S. cerevisiae towards inhibitory concentrations of acetic, formic or levulinic acid. In contrast with the wt yeast, where the growth and ethanol production were ceased in presence of acetic acid 5 g/L or formic acid 1.75 g/L (initial pH not adjusted), the m9 strain (Δmig1::kan) produced 4.06 ± 0.14 and 3.87 ± 0.06 g/L of ethanol, respectively. Also, m9 strain tolerated a higher concentration of 12.5 g/L acetic acid (initial pH adjusted to 4.5) without affecting its fermentative performance. Moreover, m9 strain produced 33% less acetic acid and 50–70% less glycerol in presence of weak acids, and consumed acetate and formate as carbon sources under aerobic conditions. Our results show that the deletion of Mig1p provides a single gene deletion target for improving the acid tolerance of yeast strains significantly.
Guilt averse or reciprocal? Looking at behavioral motivations in the trust game
Authors: Engler Yola , Kerschbamer Rudolf , Page Lionel
Published: June 2018

For the trust game, recent models of belief-dependent motivations make opposite predictions regarding the correlation between back transfers and second-order beliefs of the trustor: while reciprocity models predict a negative correlation, guilt-aversion models predict a positive one. This paper tests the hypothesis that the inconclusive results in the previous studies investigating the reaction of trustees to their beliefs are due to the fact that reciprocity and guilt aversion are behaviorally relevant for different subgroups and that their impact cancels out in the aggregate. We find little evidence in support of this hypothesis and conclude that type heterogeneity is unlikely to explain previous results.
Pushing the bad away: reverse Tullock contests
Authors: Rockenbach Bettina , Schneiders Sebastian , Waligora Marcin
Published: June 2018

The literature on rent-seeking primarily focuses on contests for achieving gains, although contests for avoiding losses are also omnipresent. Examples for such ‘reverse’ contests are activities to prevent the close-down of a local school or the construction of a waste disposal close-by. While under standard preferences, investments in ‘reverse’ and ‘conventional’ contests should not be different, loss aversion predicts contests for avoiding losses to be fiercer than conventional ones. In our experimental data, the difference in investments between conventional and reverse Tullock contests is small and statistically insignificant. We discuss several explanations for this remarkable finding.
Nonlinear responses from the interaction of two progressing waves at an interface
Authors: de Hoop Maarten , Uhlmann Gunther , Wang Yiran
Published: June 2018

For scalar semilinear wave equations, we analyze the interaction of two (distorted) plane waves at an interface between media of different nonlinear properties. We show that new waves are generated from the nonlinear interactions, which might be responsible for the observed nonlinear effects in applications. Also, we show that the incident waves and the nonlinear responses determine the location of the interface and some information of the nonlinear properties of the media. In particular, for the case of a jump discontinuity at the interface, we can determine the magnitude of the jump.
Downscaling data assimilation algorithm with applications to statistical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Mondaini Cecilia F. , Titi Edriss S. , Biswas Animikh , Foias Ciprian
Published: June 2018

Based on a previously introduced downscaling data assimilation algorithm, which employs a nudging term to synchronize the coarse mesh spatial scales, we construct a
determining map
for recovering the full trajectories from their corresponding coarse mesh spatial trajectories, and investigate its properties. This map is then used to develop a downscaling data assimilation scheme for statistical solutions of the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, where the coarse mesh spatial statistics of the system is obtained from discrete spatial measurements. As a corollary, we deduce that statistical solutions for the Navier–Stokes equations are determined by their coarse mesh spatial distributions. Notably, we present our results in the context of the Navier–Stokes equations; however, the tools are general enough to be implemented for other dissipative evolution equations.
A general numerical unsteady non-linear lifting line model for engineering aerodynamics studies
Authors: Sugar-Gabor O.
Published: June 2018

The lifting-line theory is widely used for obtaining aerodynamic performance results in various engineering fields, from aircraft conceptual design to wind-power generation. Many different models were proposed, each tailored for a specific purpose, thus having a rather narrow applicability range. This paper presents a general lifting-line model capable of accurately analysing a wide range of engineering problems involving lifting surfaces, both steady-state and unsteady cases. It can be used for lifting surface with sweep, dihedral, twisting and winglets and includes features such as non-linear viscous corrections, unsteady and quasi-steady force calculation, stable wake relaxation through fictitious time marching and wake stretching and dissipation. Possible applications include wing design for low-speed aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, the study of high-frequency avian flapping flight or wind-turbine blade design and analysis. Several validation studies are performed, both steady-state and unsteady, the method showing good agreement with experimental data or numerical results obtained with more computationally expensive methods.
Integration of leadership training for graduate and medical students engaged in translational biomedical research: Examining self-efficacy and self-insight
Authors: Chao Celia , Wooten Kevin , Spratt Heidi , Sarraj Huda , Aronson Judith , Hommel Jonathan , Ungerleider Ross , Ungerleider Jamie D. , Hellmich Mark R.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Formal training in team leadership is not taught in biomedical research graduate training programs or medical schools.

Methods

We piloted a Leadership Training Workshop for graduate biomedical and medical students enrolled in our Interprofessional Research Design Course.

Results

The Kane–Baltes self-efficacy survey demonstrated improved leadership skills (median scores pretraining and post-training were 71 and 76.6; paired t-test, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Most students demonstrated significant improvement in self-awareness pertaining to their own innate leadership styles.
10 watt-level tunable narrow linewidth all-fiber amplifier
Authors: Tang Ni , Zhou Zhiyue , Li Zhixian , Wang Zefeng
Published: June 2018

We report here a high-power, wavelength tunable and narrow linewidth $1.5~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ all-fiber laser amplifier based on a tunable diode laser and Er-Yb co-doped fibers. The laser wavelength can be precisely tuned from 1535 nm to 1580 nm, which covers many absorption lines of mid-infrared laser gases, such as $\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{2}$, HCN, CO, and HI. The maximum laser power is ${>}$11 W, and the linewidth is about 200–300 MHz, which is close to the absorption linewidth of the above-mentioned gases. This work provides a suitable pump source for high-power wavelength tunable mid-infrared fiber gas lasers based on low-loss hollow-core fibers.
Predicting the breaking strength of gravity water waves in deep and intermediate depth
Authors: Derakhti Morteza , Banner Michael L. , Kirby James T.
Published: June 2018

We revisit the classical but as yet unresolved problem of predicting the strength of breaking 2-D and 3-D gravity water waves, as quantified by the amount of wave energy dissipated per breaking event. Following Duncan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 126, 1983, pp. 507–520), the wave energy dissipation rate per unit length of breaking crest may be related to the fifth moment of the wave speed and the non-dimensional breaking strength parameter $b$. We use a finite-volume Navier–Stokes solver with large-eddy simulation resolution and volume-of-fluid surface reconstruction (Derakhti & Kirby, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 761, 2014a, pp. 464–506; J. Fluid Mech., vol. 790, 2016, pp. 553–581) to simulate nonlinear wave evolution, with a strong focus on breaking onset and postbreaking behaviour for representative cases of wave packets with breaking due to dispersive focusing and modulational instability. The present study uses these results to investigate the relationship between the breaking strength parameter $b$ and the breaking onset parameter $B$ proposed recently by Barthelemy et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 841, 2018, pp. 463–488). The latter, formed from the local energy flux normalized by the local energy density and the local crest speed, simplifies, on the wave surface, to the ratio of fluid speed to crest speed. Following a wave crest, when $B$ exceeds a generic threshold value at the wave crest (Barthelemy et al. 2018), breaking is imminent. We find a robust relationship between the breaking strength parameter $b$ and the rate of change of breaking onset parameter $\text{d}B/\text{d}t$ at the wave crest, as it transitions through the generic breaking onset threshold ($B\sim 0.85$), scaled by the local period of the breaking wave. This result significantly refines previous efforts to express $b$ in terms of a wave packet steepness parameter, which is difficult to define robustly and which does not provide a generically accurate forecast of the energy dissipated by breaking.
Fighting nuclear proliferation through education. The remarkable story of ISODARCO
Authors: Foradori Paolo , Giacomello Giampiero
Published: June 2018

Disarmament and non-proliferation education is a key tool in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, with a view to their elimination. This article examines the remarkable story of the International School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts (ISODARCO) on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary of continuous engagement in educational and training activities. ISODARCO offers a unique forum where nuclear experts from different backgrounds and approaches can meet, debate, and promote action as a transnational knowledge-based network of experts and, equally important, pass on their expertise to the ‘next generation of non-proliferation specialists’. The contribution of this small Italian NGO is indeed noteworthy, highly praised at the national and especially international level, and worth the attention of an audience broader than just non-proliferation and security experts.
DISASTROUS EARTHQUAKES IN LUCRETIUS AND THESIBYLLINE ORACLES
Authors: Kayachev Boris
Published: June 2018

In the final book of his poem Lucretius spends some time discussing earthquakes and their causes (6.535–607). In accordance with the standard Epicurean practice, Lucretius considers four alternative physical mechanisms that may be responsible for the phenomenon. The first three explanations involve three different kinds of subterranean matter—rock (6.543–51), water (6.552–6) and air (6.557–76)—causing the commotion of the earth's deeper regions, which is then transmitted to the surface. The fourth type of earthquake is different, as it is produced by the seismic agent affecting the surface directly and potentially causing its deformation rather than just trembling. This happens when a gust of subterranean wind (6.583–4)exagitata foras erumpitur et simul altamdiffindens terram magnum concinnat hiatum.
INNOVATION PLATFORMS IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: SCHUT MARC , KAMANDA JOSEY , GRAMZOW ANDREAS , DUBOIS THOMAS , STOIAN DIETMAR , ANDERSSON JENS A. , DROR IDDO , SARTAS MURAT , MUR REMCO , KASSAM SHINAN , BROUWER HERMAN , DEVAUX ANDRÉ , VELASCO CLAUDIO , FLOR RICA JOY , GUMMERT MARTIN , BUIZER DJUNA , McDOUGALL CYNTHIA , DAVIS KRISTIN , TUI SABINE HOMANN-KEE , LUNDY MARK
Published: June 2018

Innovation platforms are fast becoming part of the mantra of agricultural research for development projects and programmes. Their basic tenet is that stakeholders depend on one another to achieve agricultural development outcomes, and hence need a space where they can learn, negotiate and coordinate to overcome challenges and capture opportunities through a facilitated innovation process. Although much has been written on how to implement and facilitate innovation platforms efficiently, few studies supportex-anteappraisal of when and for what purpose innovation platforms provide an appropriate mechanism for achieving development outcomes, and what kinds of human and financial resource investments and enabling environments are required. Without these insights, innovation platforms run the risk of being promoted as a panacea for all problems in the agricultural sector. This study makes clear that not all constraints will require innovation platforms and, if there is a simpler and cheaper alternative, that should be considered first. Based on the review of critical design principles and plausible outcomes of innovation platforms, this study provides a decision support tool for research, development and funding agencies that can enhance more critical thinking about the purposes and conditions under which innovation platforms can contribute to achieving agricultural development outcomes.
Corporate Resilience to Banking Crises: The Roles of Trust and Trade Credit
Authors: Levine Ross , Lin Chen , Xie Wensi
Published: June 2018

Are firms more resilient to systemic banking crises in economies with higher levels of social trust? Using firm-level data in 34 countries from 1990 through 2011, we find that liquidity-dependent firms in high-trust countries obtain more trade credit and suffer smaller drops in profits and employment during banking crises than similar firms in low-trust economies. The results are consistent with the view that when banking crises block the normal bank-lending channel, greater social trust facilitates access to informal finance, cushioning the effects of these crises on corporate profits and employment.
How Policy Fields Are Born: The Rise of Democratic Security in Argentina
Authors: Seri Guillermina , Kubal Mary Rose
Published: June 2018

This essay maps the transformation of security from a symbol of authoritarian government under the Cold War paradigm of National Security into a public good and a policy field acknowledged as legitimate and democratic by politicians and policy experts. Using present-day Argentina as an example, we show how security ideas gain dominance across the political spectrum, displacing and subordinating democratic politics conceived in terms of rights. As institutions increasingly accept security measures and pre-emptive risk management, a securitising discourse – despite its claims to advocate for the ‘citizen’ – trumps governance and the rule of law. Appealing to citizens’ concerns and rights, the new forms of securitisation may yet undermine democratic life.
Bodies and Souls: The Case for Reading Revelation 18.13 as a Critique of the Slave Trade
Authors: Vasser Murray
Published: June 2018

Though commentators often claim that Rev 18.13 entails a critique of the slave trade, a robust defence of this assertion has not been offered. In this article, I first analyse the use of the terms σώματα and ψυχαὶ ἀνθρώπων in the extant Greek literature and demonstrate that the peculiar conjunction of these terms in Rev 18.13 is best understood as a critique of the slave trade. I then demonstrate that such an interpretation accords with the literary context of Rev 18.13. This article thus offers an important contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the early Christian view of slavery.
Pensions and social inclusion in an ageing China
Authors: ZHU HUOYUN , WALKER ALAN
Published: June 2018

The inclusive development strategy proposed by the Chinese government embraces social inclusion for older people. In line with most developing countries, China's policy on social inclusion for older people focuses almost exclusively on material security in the form of pensions. This paper examines the impact of pensions on social inclusion for older people across four dimensions: family interaction, social support, social participation and self-assessment using data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey. The results demonstrate that pensions improve dramatically the relationships between older adults and their family members and friends, and therefore their social inclusion in the life world. The exception is social participation which seems to be immune to material income effects. However, the stratified pension system in China generates complex and hierarchical effects on social inclusion among different sub-groups. Social inclusion among older people with high exclusion risks but low pensions is very sensitive to pension levels. Conversely, most pensions are distributed to those with the lowest exclusion risks as a result of the disappearance of their impact on social inclusion. We argue that future social inclusion policies for older people in China should focus first on achieving greater equality in pensions.
Regulation of seed dormancy and germination by nitrate
Authors: Duermeyer Lisza , Khodapanahi Ehsan , Yan Dawei , Krapp Anne , Rothstein Steven J. , Nambara Eiji
Published: June 2018

Nitrate promotes seed germination at low concentrations in many plant species, and functions as both a nutrient and a signal. As a nutrient, it is assimilated via nitrite to ammonium, which is then incorporated into amino acids. Nitrate reductase (NR) catalyses the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, the committed step in the assimilation. Seed sensitivity to nitrate is affected by other environmental factors, such as light and after-ripening, and by genotypes. Mode of nitrate action in seed germination has been well documented in Arabidopsis thaliana and the hedge mustard Sisymbrium officinale. In these species nitrate promotes seed germination independent of its assimilation by NR, suggesting that it acts as a signal to stimulate germination. In Arabidopsis, maternally applied nitrate affects the degree of primary dormancy in both wild-type and mutants defective in NR. This indicates that nitrate acts not only during germination, but also during seed development to negatively regulate primary dormancy. Functional genomics studies in Arabidopsis have revealed that nitrate elicits downstream events similar to other germination stimulators, such as after-ripening, light and stratification, suggesting that these distinct environmental signals share the same target(s). In Arabidopsis, the NIN-like protein 8 (NLP8) transcription factor, which acts downstream of nitrate signalling, induces nitrate-dependent gene expression. In particular, a gene encoding the abscisic acid (ABA) catabolic enzyme CYP707A2 is directly regulated by NLP8. This regulation triggers a nitrate-induced ABA decrease that permits seed germination. This review article summarizes an update of our current understanding of the regulation of seed dormancy and germination by nitrate.
RISK ADJUSTMENT OF THE CREDIT-CARD AUGMENTED DIVISIA MONETARY AGGREGATES
Authors: Barnett William A. , Su Liting
Published: June 2018

While credit cards provide transactions services, as do currency and demand deposits, credit cards have never been included in measures of the money supply. The reason is accounting conventions, which do not permit adding liabilities, such as credit card balances, to assets, such as money. However, economic aggregation theory and index number theory measure service flows and are based on microeconomic theory, not accounting. Barnett et al. derived the aggregation and index number theory needed to measure the joint services of credit cards and money. They derived and applied the theory under the assumption of risk neutrality. But since credit card interest rates are high and volatile, risk aversion may not be negligible. We extend the theory by removing the assumption of risk neutrality to permit risk aversion in the decision of the representative consumer.
ON THE (NONMONOTONIC) RELATION BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FINANCE
Authors: Bucci Alberto , Marsiglio Simone , Prettner Catherine
Published: June 2018

We analyze the simplest possible model of endogenous growth to account for the role of financial development. In our setting, financial development affects productivity and determines the amount of resources subtracted to capital investment. We show that under very general assumptions, the relation between economic growth and financial depth is nonmonotonic, and eventually bell-shaped. We empirically assess our results in a framework that allows to distinguish between long-run and short-run effects. We establish a cointegrating relation and derive the long-run elasticities of per capita gross domestic product (GDP) with respect to employment, the physical capital stock, and financial depth–relying on linear as well as nonlinear models for the finance-growth nexus. We employ the results of the first step estimation to specify an error–correction model and find that there is strong evidence for a nonlinear relationship between financial depth and per capita GDP, consistently with what was predicted by our theoretical model.
CME: Flugangst und Flugphobie
Authors: Schindler Bettina
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Flugangst und Flugphobie sind weit verbreitet und können zu erheblichem Leidensdruck führen. Symptomatik und Diagnose von Flugangst und Flugphobie werden beschrieben. Eine starke Flugangst kann als spezifische Phobie oder aber auch als Agoraphobie diagnostiziert werden. Als erfolgreichste Therapie hat sich bisher die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie mit «Exposition in vivo» erwiesen. In der hausärztlichen Praxis steht die Behandlung mit Benzodiazepinen im Vordergrund und wird im Folgenden diskutiert. Die Behandlung von Flugphobie und Agoraphobie wird anhand von zwei Fallbeispielen dargestellt.
Rauchstopp mit Nebenwirkungen
Authors: Braun Raffael , Huwiler Bernhard
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Wir präsentieren den Fall einer Clozapin-Intoxikation mit konsekutiver Aspirationspneumonie nach einem Rauchstopp. Clozapin wird hauptsächlich über CYP1A2 metabolisiert, Zigarettenkonsum führt zu einer Induktion von CYP1A2 und kann hierdurch den Plasmaspiegel von Clozapin relevant beeinflussen, insbesondere, wenn sich die Konsumgewohnheiten ändern.
Die Persönlichkeit des Patienten: Eine oft vernachlässigte aber bedeutsame Komponente in der allgemeinmedizinischen Praxis
Authors: Hengartner Michael P.
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. In der allgemeinmedizinischen Praxis werden Persönlichkeitseigenschaften der Patienten selten berücksichtigt oder erfasst. In diesem Mini-Review wird zusammengefasst, warum die Bestimmung der Persönlichkeit wichtige Patienteninformationen liefern kann. Es werden Einflüsse von Persönlichkeitseigenschaften auf die allgemeinen Lebensumstände sowie auf die psychische und somatische Gesundheit beschrieben. Zudem werden wissenschaftliche Arbeiten vorgestellt, die einen Zusammenhang zwischen Persönlichkeitseigenschaften, klinischen Krankheitsmarkern und der Gesamtmortalität aufzeigen. Diese Befunde werden im Kontext ausgewählter ätiologischer Modelle diskutiert. Die zusammengetragenen Studien verdeutlichen, dass die Beschreibung der Persönlichkeit die Diagnostik, Prognostik und Behandlungsplanung sinnvoll ergänzen kann.
Motivation to Maintain a Nonprejudiced Identity
Authors: Falomir-Pichastor Juan M. , Mugny Gabriel , Frederic Natasha , Berent Jacques , Lalot Fanny
Published: June 2018

Abstract. In the context of nationals’ attitudes toward immigrants, three studies investigated the moderating role of normative context and justification for prejudice on licensing effects. Justification for prejudice was either assessed (Studies 1 and 2) or experimentally induced (Study 3). The normative context (egalitarian vs. discriminatory) and the possibility to obtain (or not) credentials as a nonprejudiced person were manipulated in all studies. A licensing effect (i.e., greater prejudice in the credentials as compared to the no-credentials conditions) was observed only in the egalitarian norm condition when justification for prejudice was high. Thus, credentials appear to provide a way for establishing a normative self-image as nonprejudiced when justification for prejudice is high, which reduces conformity to an egalitarian norm.
Formation of Simple Impact Craters in Layered Targets: Implications for Lunar Crater Morphology and Regolith Thickness
Authors: Prieur N. C. , Rolf T. , Wünnemann K. , Werner S. C.
Published: June 2018

Impact crater morphologies vary significantly across the lunar maria. Craters with diameter less than 400 m are closely related to variations in target properties (rock strength, porosity, and layering) as well as the impact velocity. Here we investigate target and impact conditions feasible for reproducing crater morphologies, such as normal, central‐mound, flat‐bottomed, and concentric craters, using numerical models of impact crater formation in two‐layer targets under lunar conditions (i.e., average‐impact velocity and gravity). Based on more than 1,000 numerical models, we observe that concentric craters can form with a strength contrast as low as factor of 2 between the layers as long as the difference in cohesion is larger than a value between 50 and 450 kPa (for an impact velocity of 12.7 km/s). Because of this small contrast, concentric craters do not serve as a good indication for the lunar regolith‐mare interface. Crater morphology changes with crater diameter according to three different scenarios depending on layers' strengths and the impact velocity. For high‐impact velocity or/and moderate material strength, normal crater morphology transitions directly to concentric morphology, while with large material strengths and/or low‐impact velocity, craters change with size from normal to flat‐bottomed and then to concentric morphology; only this latter pathway is consistent with previous laboratory results. Lunar regolith thicknesses estimated from crater morphologies can differ by up to 80% from previously inferred thicknesses. The transition from normal to flat‐bottomed craters is found to be the most robust transition to infer the thickness of the surficial target layer.