bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility‐based shortfall risk: Efficient computations via Monte Carlo
Authors: Hu Zhaolin , Zhang Dali
Published: November 2018

With the development of financial risk management, the notion of convex risk measures has been proposed and has gained increasing attentions. Utility‐based shortfall risk (SR), as a specific and important class of convex risk measures, has become popular in recent years. In this paper we focus on the computational aspects of SR, which are significantly understudied but fundamental for risk assessment and management. We discuss efficient estimation, optimization, and sensitivity analysis of SR, based on Monte Carlo techniques and stochastic optimization methods. We also conduct extensive numerical studies on the proposed approaches. The numerical results further demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches.
An alternative metafrontier framework for measuring the heterogeneity of technology
Authors: Wang Qunwei , Hang Ye , Hu Jin‐Li , Chiu Ching‐Ren
Published: November 2018

The metafrontier framework proposed by O'Donnell et al. enables the evaluation of relative efficiencies for decision‐making units (DMUs) operating under heterogeneous technologies. The metatechnology ratio (MTR) constructed under the metafrontier framework helps estimate the gap between group frontiers and the metafrontier, with its score between 0 and 1. However, an unreasonable MTR value (ie, greater than 1) may appear when the traditional metafrontier framework is applied in the nonradial data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. This article proposes an alternative metafrontier framework for addressing this issue. The newly constructed technology gap measurement (TGM) can avoid unreasonable technology gap ratio values in nonradial DEA models and substitute for MTR in radial DEA models. To demonstrate how this alternative metafrontier approach works, this article applies it to the efficiency evaluation of regional transportation sectors in China.
What's in a name? Molecular subclassification of sarcomas creates fresh challenges
Authors: Díaz‐Martín Juan , Biscuola Michele , Benoit Jonatan , Marcilla David , Civantos Gema , de Álava Enrique
Published: November 2018

This commentary addresses the issue of the classification of sarcomas in the article written by Watson and colleagues published recently in this journal. The article delves into the molecular characterization and distinct phenotypes of some recently described entities (e.g. BCOR‐rearranged sarcomas, CIC‐fused sarcomas) and describes new groups with common characteristics. This commentary focuses on several questions raised in the article, such as what makes a group of sarcomas become a clinical entity, which should be the main driver of sarcoma classification, how the classification of small round cell sarcomas is expected to evolve and how high‐throughput techniques could be applied to sarcoma diagnosis in the short term. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TLC‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS‐based identification of flavonoid compounds using an inorganic matrix
Authors: Fougère Laëtitia , Da Silva David , Destandau Emilie , Elfakir Claire
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is frequently used to obtain the fingerprint of a plant extract. Although the retardation factor and the response to visualisation give primary information about compound identification, the direct TLC‐mass spectrometry (MS) coupling allows a more detailed characterisation of samples.

Objectives

To demonstrate the potential for the flavonoid dereplication using an inorganic matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) method with and without TLC separation.

Material and Methods

Samples derived from wine, apple or rose were deposited on an aluminium‐backed silica gel TLC sheet compatible with the MS adapter. Unlike the wine sample, for apple and rose samples compound derivatisation was necessary. These two samples were deposited twice and the plate was cut in two parts. One half was oversprayed with Neu‐Peg reagent to visualise flavonoids while the inorganic matrix was deposited on each flavonoid zone on the second half for MS ionisation.

Results

Mass spectra obtained for samples without plate development showed numerous ions corresponding to glycosylated flavonoids. The lower m/z observed could be due either to aglycone flavonoids or to in‐source fragment ions. After plate development, a separation of many spots was observed and each spot was analysed separately leading to a deeper identification of the present flavonoids. Moreover, isobaric flavonoids with different hRf values could be differentiated.

Conclusion

TLC‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS using an inorganic matrix enabled the analysis of anthocyanins in positive mode and of flavonols, flavanols, dihydrochalcones and phenolic acids in negative mode, reducing adduct, aggregate forms giving thus simple and reliable spectra for the dereplication approach of flavonoids in complex samples.
High‐performance electromagnetic interference shielding material based on an effective mixing protocol
Authors: Kunjappan Aswathi M , Poothanari Mohammed A , Ramachandran Ajitha A , Padmanabhan Moothetty , Mathew Lovely , Thomas Sabu
Published: November 2018

A facile and economic method is developed for the fabrication of new lightweight materials with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, good mechanical properties and low electrical percolation threshold through melt mixing. Electrical properties, DC conductivity, EMI shielding performance and mechanical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with varying filler loading of MWCNTs were investigated. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the distribution of MWCNTs in the PTT matrix. The newly developed nanocomposites show excellent dielectric and EMI shielding properties. Theoretical electrical percolation threshold was achieved at 0.21 wt% loading of MWCNTs, due to the high aspect ratio and the three‐dimensional network formation of MWCNTs. Experimental DC conductivity values were compared with those of theoretical models such as the Voet, Bueche and Scarisbrick models, which showed good agreement. The PTT/3% MWCNT composite showed an EMI shielding value of ∼38 dB (99.99% attenuation) with a sample thickness of 2 mm. Power balance was used to determine the actual contribution of reflection, absorption and transmission loss to the total EMI shielding value. The nanocomposites showed good tensile and impact properties and the composite with 2% MWCNTs exhibited an improvement in tensile strength of as much as 96%. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic Profiling of LPS‐Induced Macrophage‐Derived Exosomes Indicates Their Involvement in Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Wang Guozhen , Jin Siyi , Ling Xuguang , Li Yang , Hu Ye , Zhang Yijie , Huang Yun , Chen Tingting , Lin Jiayi , Ning Zuowei , Meng Ying , Li Xu
Published: November 2018

Exosomes are typically involved in cellular communication and signaling. Macrophages play a key role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis. However, the molecular comparison of exosomes derived from LPS‐induced macrophage has not been well analyzed. The macrophage‐exosomes are validated and the protein composition of those exosomes are investigated by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) mass spectrometry. A total of 5056 proteins are identified in macrophage‐exosomes. We discovered 341 increased proteins and 363 reduced proteins in LPS‐treated macrophage‐exosomes compared with control exosomes. In addition, gene ontology analysis demonstrates that macrophage‐exosomes proteins are mostly linked to cell, organelle, extracellular region, and membrane. The bioinformatics analysis also indicates that these proteins are mainly involved in cellular process, single‐organism process, metabolic process, and biological regulation. Among these 341 upregulated proteins, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis reveals that 22 proteins are involved in the NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway. Finally, hepatocytes can uptake macrophage‐exosomes and subsequently NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in vitro and in vivo. These data emphasize the fundamental importance of macrophage‐exosomes in sepsis‐induced liver injury. Therefore, the iTRAQ proteomic strategy brings new insights into macrophage‐derived exosomes. It may improve our understanding of macrophage‐exosomes’ functions and their possible use as therapeutic targets for sepsis.
Stretching‐induced phase transition of the butene‐1/ethylene random copolymer: Orientation and kinetics
Authors: Wang Wei , Shao Chunguang , Zheng Lirong , Wang Bin , Pan Li , Ma Guiqiu , Li Yuesheng , Wang Yaming , Liu Chuntai , Ma Zhe
Published: November 2018

The stretching‐induced phase transition from tetragonal Form II to hexagonal Form I and the evolution of corresponding crystallite orientation were studied for the butene‐1/ethylene random copolymer with 1.5 mol % ethylene by using a combination of tensile test and in situ wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Three orientation pathways were distinguished for II‐I phase transition, including phase transition accomplishing within off‐axis oriented crystallites (Orientation Pathway 1), phase transition with simultaneous formation of highly oriented crystallites (Orientation Pathway 2), and phase transition occurring within the highly oriented crystallites already formed (Orientation Pathway 3). The kinetics of II‐I transition was correlated with the macroscopic mechanical response, which exhibits a strong dependence on orientation. In Orientation Pathway 1, the triggering of phase transition corresponds to the mechanical yielding. More interestingly, the kinetics of transition exhibits the identical dependence on stress. However, in Orientation Pathways 2 and 3, appearance of the highly oriented crystallites substantially alters transition kinetics, which is tentatively associated with the stress bearing by interstack tie chains. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 116–126
Examining peer support and survivorship for African American women with breast cancer
Authors: Nicks Shannon E. , Wray Ricardo J. , Peavler Olivia , Jackson Sherrill , McClure Stephanie , Enard Kimberly , Schwartz Theresa
Published: November 2018

Objective

More than 3.5 million female breast cancer (BrCa) survivors live in the United States, and the number continues to grow. Health status and quality of life among survivors are variable, and African American (AA) survivors suffer disproportionately from BrCa morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that peer support is an effective strategy to promote positive survivorship outcomes for AA BrCa survivors. This study aimed to explore the role of peer support in the BrCa experiences of AA survivors.

Methods

Working collaboratively with The Breakfast Club, Inc. (BCI), a community‐based BrCa peer support organization, we conducted a quasiexperiment to compare the BrCa experiences of AA survivors. We conducted in‐depth interviews with two survivor groups (N = 12 per group), categorized according to receiving peer support during their BrCa experiences.

Results

Survivors who received peer support reported greater access to and utilization of alternative support sources, more capacity to process BrCa‐related stress, and improved quality of life and adjustment to life as BrCa survivors compared with those who did not receive peer support.

Conclusions

Peer relationships provide consistent, quality social support. Consistent peer support helps survivors cope with the continued stress of BrCa, with implications for psychosocial health and quality of life. Findings expand our current understanding of peer support and may enable public health and clinical practitioners to better recognize and intervene with those for whom additional support services are needed.
MALDI‐Imaging for Classification of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Histotypes from a Tissue Microarray Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Klein Oliver , Kanter Frederic , Kulbe Hagen , Jank Paul , Denkert Carsten , Nebrich Grit , Schmitt Wolfgang D. , Wu Zhiyang , Kunze Catarina A. , Sehouli Jalid , Darb‐Esfahani Silvia , Braicu Ioana , Lellmann Jan , Thiele Herbert , Taube Eliane T.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Precise histological classification of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has immanent diagnostic and therapeutic consequences, but remains challenging in histological routine. The aim of this pilot study is to examine the potential of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry in combination with machine learning methods to classify EOC histological subtypes from tissue microarray.

Experimental design

Formalin‐fixed‐paraffin‐embedded tissue of 20 patients with ovarian clear‐cell, 14 low‐grade serous, 19 high‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas, and 14 serous borderline tumors are analyzed using MALDI‐Imaging. Classifications are computed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machines with linear (SVM‐lin) and radial basis function kernels (SVM‐rbf), a neural network (NN), and a convolutional neural network (CNN).

Results

MALDI‐Imaging and machine learning methods result in classification of EOC histotypes with mean accuracy of 80% for LDA, 80% SVM‐lin, 74% SVM‐rbf, 83% NN, and 85% CNN. Based on sensitivity (69–100%) and specificity (90–99%), CCN and NN are most suited to EOC classification.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The pilot study demonstrates the potential of MALDI‐Imaging derived proteomic classifiers in combination with machine learning algorithms to discriminate EOC histotypes. Applications may support the development of new prognostic parameters in the assessment of EOC.
Photoluminescence of Squaraine Thin Films: Spatial Homogeneity and Temperature Dependence
Authors: Freese Stefanie , Lässing Pamina , Jakob René , Schulz Matthias , Lützen Arne , Schiek Manuela , Nilius Niklas
Published: November 2018

Temperature‐dependent and spatially resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is employed to probe the optical properties of spin‐cast squaraine thin films annealed to different temperatures. SQIB, a squaraine derivative with donor–acceptor–donor configuration, crystallizes in monoclinic and orthorhombic structures at low and high temperatures, respectively. The former is characterized by an optical response typical for H‐aggregates, while the latter shows J‐type behavior. In temperature‐dependent PL spectra, the two polymorphs are identified via their specific vibrational signature. Spatially resolved data taken with 5 μm resolution give insight into the homogeneity of the SQIB films. The high‐temperature films are made of uniform J‐type crystallites of 50–100 μm size, as also seen in polarization‐dependent data. The low‐temperature films comprise a mixture of grains with H‐ and J‐character. Their specific spectral fingerprints superimpose to the overall emission response detected in the global PL spectra. The study demonstrates that the optical properties of SQIB thin films can be probed at the level of individual grains and systematically modified by thermal treatment.
Estimation of physical parameters under location uncertainty using an ensemble2–expectation–maximization algorithm
Authors: Yang Yin , Mémin Etienne
Published: November 2018

Estimating the parameters of geophysical dynamic models is an important task in the data assimilation (DA) techniques used to forecast initialization and reanalysis. In the past, most parameter estimation strategies were derived by state augmentation, yielding algorithms that are easy to implement but may exhibit convergence difficulties. The expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm is considered advantageous because it employs two iterative steps to estimate the model state and the model parameter separately. In this work, we propose a novel ensemble formulation of the maximization step in EM that allows a direct optimal estimation of the physical parameters using iterative methods for linear systems. This departs from current EM formulations that are only capable of dealing with additive model error structures. This contribution shows how the EM technique can be used for dynamics identification problems with the model error parameterized as an arbitrary complex form. The proposed technique is used here for the identification of stochastic subgrid terms that account for processes unresolved by a geophysical fluid model. This method, together with the augmented state technique, is evaluated to estimate such subgrid terms through high‐resolution data. As compared to the augmented state technique, our method is shown to yield considerably more accurate parameters. In addition, in terms of prediction capacity, it leads to a smaller generalization error as a result of the overfitting of the trained model on the presented data and eventually better forecasts.
Improvement of the 15N gas flux method for in situ measurement of soil denitrification and its product stoichiometry
Authors: Well Reinhard , Burkart Stefan , Giesemann Anette , Grosz Balázs , Köster Jan Reent , Lewicka‐Szczebak Dominika
Published: November 2018

Rationale

Field measurement of denitrification in agricultural ecosystems using the 15N gas flux method has been limited by poor sensitivity because current isotope ratio mass spectrometry is not precise enough to detect low 15N2 fluxes in the presence of a high atmospheric N2 background. For laboratory studies, detection limits are improved by incubating soils in closed systems and under N2‐depleted atmospheres.

Methods

We developed a new procedure to conduct the 15N gas flux method suitable for field application using an artificially N2‐depleted atmosphere to improve the detection limit at the given precision of mass spectrometry. Laboratory experiments with and without 15N‐labelling and using different flushing strategies were conducted to develop a suitable field method. Subsequently, this method was tested in the field and results were compared with those obtained from the conventional 15N gas flux method.

Results

Results of the two methods were in close agreement showing that the denitrification rates determined were not biased by the flushing procedure. Best sensitivity for N2 + N2O fluxes was 10 ppb, which was 80‐fold better than that of the reference method. Further improvement can be achieved by lowering the N2 background concentration below the values established in the present study.

Conclusions

In view of this progress in sensitivity, the new method will be suitable to measure denitrification dynamics in the field beyond peak events.
A comprehensive multimodality heart motion prediction algorithm for robotic‐assisted beating heart surgery
Authors: Mansouri Saeed , Farahmand Farzam , Vossoughi Gholamreza , Ghavidel Alireza Alizadeh
Published: November 2018

Background

An essential requirement for performing robotic‐assisted surgery on a freely beating heart is a prediction algorithm that can estimate the future heart trajectory.

Method

Heart motion, respiratory volume (RV) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signal were measured from two dogs during thoracotomy surgery. A comprehensive multimodality prediction algorithm was developed based on the multivariate autoregressive model to incorporate the heart trajectory and cardiorespiratory data with multiple inherent measurement rates explicitly.

Results

Experimental results indicated strong relationships between the dominant frequencies of heart motion with RV and ECG. The prediction algorithm revealed a high steady state accuracy, with the root mean square (RMS) errors in the range of 82 to 162 μm for a 300‐second interval, less than half of that of the best competitor.

Conclusion

The proposed multimodality prediction algorithm is promising for practical use in robotic assisted beating heart surgery, considering its capability of providing highly accurate predictions in long horizons.
Multilevel model with random effects for clustered survival data with multiple failure outcomes
Authors: Tawiah Richard , Yau Kelvin K.W. , McLachlan Geoffrey J. , Chambers Suzanne K. , Ng Shu‐Kay
Published: November 2018

We present a multilevel frailty model for handling serial dependence and simultaneous heterogeneity in survival data with a multilevel structure attributed to clustering of subjects and the presence of multiple failure outcomes. One commonly observes such data, for example, in multi‐institutional, randomized placebo‐controlled trials in which patients suffer repeated episodes (eg, recurrent migraines) of the disease outcome being measured. The model extends the proportional hazards model by incorporating a random covariate and unobservable random institution effect to respectively account for treatment‐by‐institution interaction and institutional variation in the baseline risk. Moreover, a random effect term with correlation structure driven by a first‐order autoregressive process is attached to the model to facilitate estimation of between patient heterogeneity and serial dependence. By means of the generalized linear mixed model methodology, the random effects distribution is assumed normal and the residual maximum likelihood and the maximum likelihood methods are extended for estimation of model parameters. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the performance of the residual maximum likelihood and the maximum likelihood estimators and to assess the impact of misspecifying random effects distribution on the proposed inference. We demonstrate the practical feasibility of the modeling methodology by analyzing real data from a double‐blind randomized multi‐institutional clinical trial, designed to examine the effect of rhDNase on the occurrence of respiratory exacerbations among patients with cystic fibrosis.
Water‐Dispersed Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Visible‐Light Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Panahandeh‐Fard Majid , Gong Xuezhong , Xue Can , Liu Bin
Published: November 2018

Conjugated polymer‐based photocatalysts have shown great potential in H2 production via water splitting, but an intrinsic drawback of conventional hydrophobic polymer photocatalysts is their poor wettability and relatively large particle size in aqueous media, which is favorable for charge recombination with limited interfacial reaction efficiency. Herein, a well‐dispersed organic water reduction system using cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte as the photocatalyst has been reported for the first time. In comparison to a model polymer (PFBT) bearing the same conjugated backbone, the polyelectrolyte exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency due to the extended light absorption and improved charge separation of the polymer aggregates.
Energy Level Tuning of PEDOT:PSS for High Performance Tin‐Lead Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tang Haoying , Shang Yuequn , Zhou Wenjia , Peng Zijian , Ning Zhijun
Published: November 2018

Small bandgap Sn‐Pb mixed perovskite is generally regarded as the most promising structure to further enhance the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells. However, the open circuit voltages (VOCs) are usually lower than expected. In this work, by doping the generally used hole transporting layer (HTL) poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with a perfluorinated ionomer (PFI), we can tune the work function of it from −5.02 to −5.19 eV. This reduces the energy level mismatch between the FA0.6MA0.4 Sn0.6Pb0.4I3 (FAMA) absorber and HTL, giving rise to enhanced built‐in voltage and better carrier extraction. The VOC improves to over 50 mV, up to 0.783 V, resulting in an improved champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.85%. Moreover, the devices based on modified HTLs show improved stability at maximum power point. These results demonstrate that energy level tuning of the HTL is a promising strategy for the improvement of the PCEs of Sn‐Pb mixed inverted PSCs, and the addition of PFI is an effective method to tune the work function of PEDOT:PSS.
An integration approach of hybrid databases based on SQL in cloud computing environment
Authors: Li Changqing , Gu Jianhua
Published: November 2018

As the applications with big data in cloud computing environment grow, many existing systems expect to expand their service to support the dramatic increase of data, and modern software development for services computing and cloud computing software systems is no longer based on a single database but on existing multidatabases and this convergence needs new software architecture design. This paper proposes an integration approach to support hybrid database architecture, including MySQL, MongoDB, and Redis, to make it possible of allowing users to query data simultaneously from both relational SQL systems and NoSQL systems in a single SQL query. Two mechanisms are provided for constructing Redis's indexes and semantic transforming between SQL and MongoDB API to add the SQL feature for these NoSQL databases. With the proposed approach, hybrid database systems can be performed in a flexible manner, ie, access can be either relational database or NoSQL, depending on the size of data. The approach can effectively reduce development complexity and improve development efficiency of the software systems with multidatabases. This is the result of further research on the related topic, which fills the gap ignored by relevant scholars in this field to make a little contribution to the further development of NoSQL technology.
Long‐Term Change of Fish Communities in a Polluted Watershed: Does Cleaner Water “Act” on Fishes?
Authors: Whitney James E. , Holloway Joshua A. , Scholes Derek T. , King Alexandra D.
Published: November 2018

Pollution is a threat to lotic fishes that enter streams via point source (PS) and nonpoint source (NPS) pathways. The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 reduced PS pollution in the United States, but little information is available concerning the response of fish communities to this legislation. The objectives of this research were to quantify the responses of fishes to the CWA and SMCRA in the Cow Creek watershed of southeastern Kansas, a wadeable stream network that experienced large reductions in PS pollution. Responses were quantified by measuring changes in site occupancy, relative abundance, and species richness across 25 sites sampled in 1963 and again in 2017. Responses were compared among fishes that were intolerant, moderately intolerant, moderately tolerant, and tolerant of pollution using an analysis of deviance coupled with general linear hypothesis testing. We predicted that intolerant fishes would exhibit the most dramatic increases in distribution and abundance and that these changes would be most evident in streams that were directly receiving PS pollution in 1963. However, our predictions were not met, as species tolerant of pollution exhibited greater occupancy, relative abundance, and richness than did intolerant fishes, regardless of time period. Contemporary pH and substrate composition were also quantified and revealed that most streams had recovered from historical acid mine drainage but were dominated by fine substrates. We hypothesized that the limited responses exhibited by intolerant fishes were at least partially attributable to NPS pollution (i.e., sedimentation) resulting from agriculture, which was the dominant land use both historically and currently. We conclude that reductions in both NPS pollution coupled with historical reductions in PS pollution may be necessary to increase the prevalence of intolerant fishes. These management actions may have conservation implications as many intolerant fishes are also imperiled.
Nanostructured Metal Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation and Oxidation of Cellulosic Biomass to Chemicals
Authors: Jin Xin , Fang Tianqi , Wang Jinyao , Liu Mengyuan , Pan Siyuan , Subramaniam Bala , Shen Jian , Yang Chaohe , Chaudhari Raghunath V.
Published: November 2018

Conversion of biomass to chemicals provides essential products to human society from renewable resources. In this context, achieving atom‐economical and energy‐efficient conversion with high selectivity towards target products remains a key challenge. Recent developments in nanostructured catalysts address this challenge reporting remarkable performances in shape and morphology dependent catalysis by metals on nano scale in energy and environmental applications. In this review, most recent advances in synthesis of heterogeneous nanomaterials, surface characterization and catalytic performances for hydrogenation and oxidation for biorenewables with plausible mechanism have been discussed. The perspectives obtained from this review paper will provide insights into rational design of active, selective and stable catalytic materials for sustainable production of value‐added chemicals from biomass resources.
Superdiversity and City Branding: Rotterdam in Perspective
Authors: Belabas Warda , Eshuis Jasper
Published: November 2018

As many other cities around the world, Rotterdam has been investing in improving its image to stimulate urban development and to attract visitors, residents and investors. In particular, during the last 15 years the municipality of Rotterdam has intensified its attempts to develop a ‘brand’ that fits the ‘new Rotterdam’, which was gradually rebuilt after destructive bombardments during the Second World War (Riezebos 2014). In 2014 Rotterdam was ranked 8th by ‘Rough Guide’ in the list of ‘Top 10 Cities to See’, whereas the ‘New York Times’ listed Rotterdam in the top 10 of 52 Places to Go. These rankings demonstrate Rotterdam’s success in repositioning itself, using the physical interior of the city as a key element in its branding strategy.
The Second and Third Generation in Rotterdam: Increasing Diversity Within Diversity
Authors: Crul Maurice , Lelie Frans , Keskiner Elif
Published: November 2018

The children of immigrants, the second and the third generations, are inheriting the city of Rotterdam. They make up about two thirds of the Rotterdam population of the future. As a result, what is the future of Rotterdam? We will show that the most prominent trend within the second generation is polarization. The group that was able to move up into the lower and upper middle-class is equally large – or for some ethnic groups even larger – as the group in the working class. An intersectional approach in which generation, socio-economic position and ethnicity all play a role seems to be much more appropriate than an approach looking at ethnic groups alone. It is exactly the increased diversity within ethnic groups that underscores the concept of superdiversity for cities like Rotterdam.
Rotterdam as a Case of Complexity Reduction: Migration from Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Snel Erik , van Ostaijen Mark , ‘t Hart Margrietha
Published: November 2018

Various authors have described the Netherlands as a ‘reluctant country of immigration’. Although the Netherlands was de facto an immigration country, until recently it seemed unwilling to admit it (Cornelius et al. 2004; Muus 2004; Van Meeteren et al. 2013). Similarly, with 174 different nationalities in the city, Rotterdam is characterised by ‘superdiversity’ (Vertovec 2007). But unlike cities such as London or Amsterdam who celebrate their diverse populations, Rotterdam is rather reluctant to do so. Rotterdam local politics and local policies seldom welcome ethnic and cultural diversity in the city. They rather underline the problems related to the presence of migrants and their families, particularly when they live concentrated in certain Rotterdam districts. This reluctance is also apparent in the reaction of Rotterdam authorities to the arrival and settlement of new migrants from Central and Eastern Europe in the aftermath of the EU-enlargement in 2004, the central topic of this chapter. Although statistics about the size of Central and Eastern European (further CEE) migrants and how many families actually live in the city are contested, Rotterdam authorities estimated their numbers to be up to 50,000 (Municipality Rotterdam 2015).
Microdialysis in Postoperative Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Organ Viability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sabroe Jonas Emil , Qvist Niels , Ellebæk Mark Bremholm
Published: November 2018

Background

Microdialysis is a technique for continuous measurement of extracellular substances. It may be used to monitor tissue viability. The clinical implications of using microdialysis as a tool in gastrointestinal surgery have yet to be defined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of microdialysis with special attention to different markers measured to predict the clinical outcome of surgical patients.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically for human studies written in English. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. We included studies in which the microdialysis technique was used for postoperative monitoring of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. To be eligible, studies had to compare patients with and without postoperative complications.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included in this review. MINORS score ranged from 3 to 12 (median 10.5). Most studies showed that levels of biomarkers obtained by microdialysis correlated with the postoperative clinical course. Lactate, pyruvate, glucose, and glycerol were the most frequently measured biomarkers. Several studies found that changes in biomarkers in complicated patients preceded symptoms of complications and/or changes in conventional paraclinical methods of postoperative monitoring.

Conclusions

Studies show that microdialysis may have the potential to become a tool in postoperative surveillance of surgical patients. Larger randomized studies are needed to define the clinical implications of microdialysis.
Ecological momentary assessment of emotional awareness: Preliminary evaluation of psychometric properties
Authors: Versluis Anke , Verkuil Bart , Lane Richard D. , Hagemann Dirk , Thayer Julian F. , Brosschot Jos F.
Published: November 2018

The Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) is a well-validated performance measure of trait emotional awareness (EA), which is associated with psychological and physical problems. EA is, however, expected to vary over time and we aimed to adapt the LEAS to permit the measurement of EA in daily life as a function of momentary state. Twenty-five students completed 12 ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) of EA across 2 days. The correlation between the mean EMAs of EA and trait EA, and the change over time in EA, was also examined. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between state and trait EA. The within-person reliability was substantial, suggesting that EMAs can reliably assess EA over time across individuals. Importantly, latent state-trait analysis showed that about 50% of EA variability was due to state variance whereas only 2% of EA variability was due to trait variance. Preliminary psychometric properties suggest that the developed method allows for the measurement of EA in daily life and supports the claim that EA can be measured using both hypothetical (as in the LEAS) and real-life (using EMAs) scenarios.
Are punitive parenting and stressful life events environmental risk factors for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in youth? A longitudinal twin study
Authors: Krebs G.C. , Hannigan L.J. , Gregory A.M. , Rijsdijk F.V. , Maughan B. , Eley T.C.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Punitive parenting and stressful life events are associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). However, the lack of longitudinal, genetically-informative studies means it remains unclear whether these factors represent environmentally-mediated risks for the development of OCS.

Methods:

Twins and siblings from the Genesis1219 study completed self-report questionnaires two years apart (Time 1: N = 2616, mean age = 15.0; Time 2: N = 1579, mean age = 17.0 years) assessing OCS, maternal and paternal punitive parenting, and dependent stressful life events. Multiple regression models tested cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the putative environmental risk factors and obsessive-compulsive symptoms using: (a) individual scores; and (b) monozygotic twin difference scores. The aetiologies of significant phenotypic associations between putative risk factors and OCS were further examined using multivariate genetic models.

Results:

At a phenotypic level, maternal and paternal punitive parenting and stressful life events were all associated with OCS both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. However, only stressful life events predicted the subsequent development of OCS, after controlling for earlier symptoms. Genetic models indicated that the association between life events and change in OCS symptoms was due to both genetic (48%) and environmental (52%) influences. Overall, life events associated with change in OCS accounted for 1.2% of variation in OCS at Time 2.

Conclusions:

Stressful life events, but not punitive parenting, predict OCS change during adolescence at a phenotypic level. This association exists above and beyond genetic confounding, consistent with the hypothesis that stressful life events play a causal role in the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Facial recognition: designing 21st century rules
Authors: Wickes James
Published: November 2018

Mention CCTV cameras and automated facial recognition (AFR), and we all probably picture scenes of crowd control or similar scenarios where the technology is used in a coercive manner. More positive uses, of which there are many – like healthcare, facilities management and authorising access to banking or mobile communications – are less likely to occur to us.
Securing VoIP: encrypting today's digital telephony systems
Authors: Claxson Nick
Published: November 2018

Cyber security is a topic on every organisation's radar. It was only very recently that we heard about the catastrophic Dixons Carphone data breach, which involved 5.9 million card payments and the personal data records of 1.9 million people. 1 And who can forget the infamous TalkTalk hack from 2015, in which the personal details of 157,000 customers were compromised? 2 As a result of this breach, the company was hit with a record £400,000 fine.

One persistent cyber security myth is that cyber attacks only ever involve attackers exploiting system vulnerabilities and stealing personal data.

In fact, telecoms systems are equally susceptible to coming under attack. And as telephony is the beating heart of any business, it is essential that all businesses employ secure encryption as a part of their telecoms set-up. And there are three elements to this – awareness, education and action, argues Nick Claxson of Comtec.
Electrocoalescence of a pair of conducting drops in an insulating oil
Authors: Anand Vikky , Roy Subhankar , Naik Vijay M. , Juvekar Vinay A. , Thaokar Rochish M.
Published: November 2018

The effect of an electric field on the coalescence of two water drops suspended in an insulating oil is investigated. We report four new results. (i) The cone angle for the non-coalescence of drops can be significantly smaller (as small as $19^{\circ }$) than the value of $30.8^{\circ }$ reported by Bird et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 103 (16), 2009, 164502). (ii) A surprising observation of the dependence of the mode of coalescence/non-coalescence on the type of insulating oil is seen. A cone–cone mode for silicone oil is observed as against cone–dimple mode for castor oil. (iii) The critical capillary number for non-coalescence decreases with increase in the conductivity of the droplet phase. (iv) Systematic experiments prove that the apparent bridge during non-coalescence is indeed transitory and not permanent, as reported elsewhere. Theoretical calculations using analytical theory and the boundary integral method explain the formation of the cone–dimple mode as well as the transitory bridge length. The numerical calculation and thereby the physical mechanism to explain the occurrence of very small non-coalescence angles as well as the dependence of the phenomenon on the conductivity of the insulating oil and the water droplets remain unexplained.
From Isolation to Radicalization: Anti-Muslim Hostility and Support for ISIS in the West
Authors: MITTS TAMAR
Published: November 2018

What explains online radicalization and support for ISIS in the West? Over the past few years, thousands of individuals have radicalized by consuming extremist content online, many of whom eventually traveled overseas to join the Islamic State. This study examines whether anti-Muslim hostility might drive pro-ISIS radicalization in Western Europe. Using new geo-referenced data on the online behavior of thousands of Islamic State sympathizers in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, I study whether the intensity of anti-Muslim hostility at the local level is linked to pro-ISIS radicalization on Twitter. The results show that local-level measures of anti-Muslim animosity correlate significantly and substantively with indicators of online radicalization, including posting tweets sympathizing with ISIS, describing life in ISIS-controlled territories, and discussing foreign fighters. High-frequency data surrounding events that stir support for ISIS—terrorist attacks, propaganda releases, and anti-Muslim protests—show the same pattern.
Oil to cash in Somaliland: a debate whose time has come
Authors: Pegg Scott
Published: November 2018

Somaliland might start producing oil in 2019. Yet, it has done little to prepare for the arrival of oil revenues which could exceed its current annual budget. Although Somaliland has been largely peaceful for two decades and recently inaugurated its fifth president after holding a democratic election, it remains entirely unrecognised. Oil revenues could positively transform Somaliland's fragile political economy, but they also place it at significant risk for a political resource curse that could threaten its democracy, peace and political institutions. Oil to cash or the direct distribution of oil revenues to citizens has been posited as a solution to the political resource curse. Somaliland has many of the elements necessary to make oil to cash work in place. Several factors combine to make Somaliland both potentially receptive to oil to cash and uniquely positioned to benefit from it. Interviews with political elites demonstrate receptiveness to the idea. Sample revenue calculations from other African oil producers highlight just how such a system could work to benefit Somaliland.
Relative field-line helicity in bounded domains
Authors: Yeates Anthony R. , Page Marcus H.
Published: November 2018

Models for astrophysical plasmas often have magnetic field lines that leave the boundary rather than closing within the computational domain. Thus, the relative magnetic helicity is frequently used in place of the usual magnetic helicity, so as to restore gauge invariance. We show how to decompose the relative helicity into a relative field-line helicity that is an ideal-magnetohydrodynamic invariant for each individual magnetic field line, and vanishes along any field line where the original field matches the reference field. Physically, this relative field-line helicity is a magnetic flux, whose specific definition depends on the gauge of the reference vector potential on the boundary. We propose a particular ‘minimal’ gauge that depends only on the reference field and minimises this boundary contribution, so as to reveal topological information about the original magnetic field. We illustrate the effect of different gauge choices using the Low–Lou and Titov–Démoulin models of solar active regions. Our numerical code to compute appropriate vector potentials and relative field-line helicity in Cartesian domains is open source and freely available.
Prioritizing Conservation of Medicinal Flora in the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot: An Integrated Ecological and Socioeconomic Approach
Authors: Tali Bilal A , Khuroo Anzar A , Nawchoo Irshad A , Ganie Aijaz H
Published: November 2018

To achieve the challenging goals of minimizing loss of species and achieving sustainable use of biodiversity, conservation prioritization merits urgent research attention. The present study identifies the priority of conservation for the medicinal flora of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region, a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. A total of 881 medicinal plant species were scored based on key ecological (endemism, threat status) and socioeconomic (use value, mode of harvesting) criteria, and 50 of these are prioritized for conservation; most of these are narrow endemics. Worryingly, all of the 50 prioritized species are currently recognized under different International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources threat categories, are highly prized for their use in traditional medicine in the region and are precious sustainable bioresources for the herbal industry. Most of these prioritized species are being harvested illegally. This integrated ecological and socioeconomic study has immediate implications for evidence-based and target-orientated conservation policy and practice in this Himalayan region.
Global spatial assessment of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus: a scenario of Zika virus exposure
Authors: Alaniz Alberto J. , Carvajal Mario A. , Bacigalupo Antonella , Cattan Pedro E.
Published: November 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Recent scientific evidence on Culex quinquefasciatus has suggested its potential as a vector for ZIKV, which may change the current risk zones. We aimed to quantify the world population potentially exposed to ZIKV in a spatially explicit way, considering the primary vector (A. aegypti) and the potential vector (C. quinquefasciatus). Our model combined species distribution modelling of mosquito species with spatially explicit human population data to estimate ZIKV exposure risk. We estimated the potential global distribution of C. quinquefasciatus and estimated its potential interaction zones with A. aegypti. Then we evaluated the risk zones for ZIKV considering both vectors. Finally, we quantified and compared the people under risk associated with each vector by risk level, country and continent. We found that C. quinquefasciatus had a more temperate distribution until 42° in both hemispheres, while the risk involving A. aegypti is concentrated mainly in tropical latitudes until 35° in both hemispheres. Globally, 4.2 billion people are under risk associated with ZIKV. Around 2.6 billon people are under very high risk associated with C. quinquefasciatus and 1 billion people associated with A. aegypti. Several countries could be exposed to ZIKV, which emphasises the need to clarify the competence of C. quinquefasciatus as a potential vector as soon as possible. The models presented here represent a tool for risk management, public health planning, mosquito control and preventive actions, especially to focus efforts on the most affected areas.