bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the statistics of the ratio of nonconstrained arbitrary α‐μ random variables: A general framework and applications
Authors: Vega Sánchez José David , Moya Osorio Diana Pamela , Benitez Olivo Edgar Eduardo , Alves Hirley , Paredes Paredes Martha Cecilia , Urquiza Aguiar Luis
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we derive closed‐form exact expressions for the main statistics of the ratio of two squared α‐μ random variables, which are of interest in many scenarios for future wireless networks where generalized distributions are more suitable to fit with field data. Importantly, different from previous proposals, our expressions are general in the sense that are valid for nonconstrained arbitrary values of the parameters of the α‐μ distribution. Thus, the probability density function, cumulative distribution function, moment generating function, and higher‐order moments are given in terms of both (i) the Fox H‐function for which we provide a portable and efficient Wolfram Mathematica code and (ii) easily computable series expansions. Our expressions can be used straightforwardly in the performance analysis of a number of wireless communication systems, including either interference‐limited scenarios, spectrum sharing, full‐duplex, or physical‐layer security networks, for which we present the application of the proposed framework. Moreover, closed‐form expressions for some classical distributions, derived as special cases from the α‐μ distribution, are provided as byproducts. The validity of the proposed expressions is confirmed via Monte Carlo simulations.
Effective capacity and outage probability assessment of multiple‐relay cognitive communication systems in Nakagami‐m and Rayleigh fading channel
Authors: Zahedi Abdulhamid , Ergen Mustafa , Ergen Onur , Shayea Ibraheem , El‐Saleh Ayman A.
Published: December 2019

The radio spectrum of communication systems is largely occupied by wideband technologies, and thus, efficient usage of spectrum is a crucial requirement from regulators' and service providers' perspectives. Cognitive communication has been proposed as a potential solution to resolve the spectrum scarcity problem. Cognitive radio schemes can be jointly applied with cooperative communications to improve the performance under both overlay and underlay strategies as the two main cognitive strategies supported by multiple relays. This combination significantly improves the reliability and capacity of data communication. In this paper, two QoS parameters, namely, the effective capacity and outage probability, have been thoroughly analyzed in a Nakagami‐m fading channel that is the typical channel condition often considered in the transmission of communication systems. Closed‐form expressions are obtained for effective capacity and outage probability in both underlay and overlay strategies. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the mathematical modelling of the proposed QoS parameters.
Whole‐genome analysis uncovers recurrent IKZF1 inactivation and aberrant cell adhesion in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Bastidas Torres Armando N. , Cats Davy , Mei Hailiang , Fanoni Daniele , Gliozzo Jessica , Corti Laura , Paulli Marco , Vermeer Maarten H. , Willemze Rein , Berti Emilio , Tensen Cornelis P.
Published: December 2019

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and highly aggressive hematological malignancy with a poorly understood pathobiology and no effective therapeutic options. Despite a few recurrent genetic defects (eg, single nucleotide changes, indels, large chromosomal aberrations) have been identified in BPDCN, none are disease‐specific, and more importantly, none explain its genesis or clinical behavior. In this study, we performed the first high resolution whole‐genome analysis of BPDCN with a special focus on structural genomic alterations by using whole‐genome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Our study, the first to characterize the landscape of genomic rearrangements and copy number alterations of BPDCN at nucleotide‐level resolution, revealed that IKZF1, a gene encoding a transcription factor required for the differentiation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors, is focally inactivated through recurrent structural alterations in this neoplasm. In concordance with the genomic data, transcriptome analysis revealed that conserved IKZF1 target genes display a loss‐of‐IKZF1 expression pattern. Furthermore, up‐regulation of cellular processes responsible for cell‐cell and cell‐ECM interactions, which is a hallmark of IKZF1 deficiency, was prominent in BPDCN. Our findings suggest that IKZF1 inactivation plays a central role in the pathobiology of the disease, and consequently, therapeutic approaches directed at reestablishing the function of this gene might be beneficial for patients.
Prognostic value of DNA ploidy and automated assessment of stroma fraction in prostate cancer
Authors: Ersvær Elin , Hveem Tarjei S. , Vlatkovic Ljiljana , Brennhovd Bjørn , Kleppe Andreas , Tobin Kari A.R. , Pradhan Manohar , Cyll Karolina , Wæhre Håkon , Kerr David J. , Danielsen Håvard E.
Published: December 2019

The combination of DNA ploidy and automatically estimated stroma fraction has been shown to correlate with recurrence and cancer death in colorectal cancer. We aimed to extend this observation and evaluate the prognostic importance of this combined marker in prostate cancer. DNA ploidy status was determined by image cytometry and the stroma fraction was estimated automatically on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections in three tumor samples from each patient to account for tumor heterogeneity. The optimal threshold for low (≤56%) and high (>56%) stroma fraction was identified in a discovery cohort (n = 253). The combined marker was validated in an independent patient cohort (n = 259) with biochemical recurrence as endpoint. The combined marker predicted biochemical recurrence independently in the validation cohort. Multivariable analysis showed that the highest risk of recurrence was observed for patients with samples that had both non‐diploid ploidy status and a high stroma fraction (hazard ratio: 2.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–5.34). In conclusion, we suggest the combination of DNA ploidy and automatically estimated stroma fraction as a prognostic marker for the risk stratification of prostate cancer patients. It may also be a potential generic marker as concurrent results have been described in colorectal cancer.
Osteoclasts degrade fibrinogen scaffolds and induce mesenchymal stem/stromal osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Almeida Ana R. , Bessa‐Gonçalves Mafalda , Vasconcelos Daniel M. , Barbosa Mário A. , Santos Susana G.
Published: December 2019

Fibrinogen (Fg) is a pro‐inflammatory protein with pro‐healing properties. Previous work showed that fibrinogen 3D scaffolds (Fg‐3D) promote bone regeneration, but the cellular players were not identified. Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells that promote bone remodeling in close crosstalk with osteoblasts. Herein, the capacity of osteoclasts differentiated on Fg‐3D to degrade the scaffolds and promote osteoblast differentiation was evaluated in vitro. Fg‐3D scaffolds were prepared by freeze‐drying and osteoclasts were differentiated from primary human peripheral blood monocytes. Results obtained showed osteoclasts expressing the enzymes cathepsin K and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase colonizing Fg‐3D scaffolds. Osteoclasts were able to significantly degrade Fg‐3D, reducing the scaffold's area, and increasing D‐dimer concentration, a Fg degradation product, in their culture media. Osteoclast conditioned media from the first week of differentiation promoted significantly stronger human primary mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation, evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, week 1 osteoclast conditioned media promoted earlier MSC osteogenic differentiation, than chemical osteogenesis inductors. TGF‐β1 was found increased in osteoclast conditioned media from week 1, when compared to week 3 of differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that osteoclasts are able to differentiate and degrade Fg‐3D, producing factors like TGF‐β1 that promote MSC osteogenic differentiation.
Design of antimalarial agents based on pyrimidine derivatives as methionine aminopeptidase 1b inhibitor: Molecular docking, quantitative structure activity relationships, and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Iman Maryam , Davood Asghar , Khamesipour Ali
Published: December 2019

Malaria is a parasitic disease mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale and rarely by animal plasmodium such as Plasmodium knowlesi. Despite the worldwide endorsement of eradicating malaria, the mortality and morbidity of malaria is still high, especially in children of resource‐poor regions of the world. In the current study, a series of 2‐pyridyl pyrimidine derivatives with P. falciparum methionine aminopeptidase 1b (MA1b) inhibitory activity were subjected to quantitative structure, relationship activities, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to identify the ideal physicochemical characteristics and the drug–receptor interactions of potential antimalarial compounds. The structures were built using HyperChem. A docking study was performed using AutoDock. The obtained quantitative structure activity relationships model has showed that the descriptors MLOGP, E2p, Mor24u, PW2, and H8m mainly affect the antimalarial activity of the series of ligands. The residues His 277, Fe 370, Asp 240, Trp 320, and Tyr 260 of MA1b play a very important role in the drug–enzyme interaction by creating hydrogen bond, π‐cation, and π‐π interactions. To give a complete impression about the pyrimidine derivatives, compound 7 was subjected to 1,000 ps molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The best structure based on our study was suggested for a future new drug with potential antimalarial compounds.
One‐pot multicomponent synthesis of a new series of curcumin‐derived 4H‐pyrans under ambient conditions
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam , Mandal Mullicka
Published: December 2019

Design and synthesis of a new series of pharmaceutically interesting curcumin‐derived 4H‐pyrans have been accomplished via a one‐pot tandem reaction between curcumin, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile under the influence of sodium formate as a mild base in ethanol at ambient conditions. Operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, use of a cheap and nontoxic organocatalyst and eco‐friendly solvent, and easy isolation of target products are the key benefits associated with the process.
Rapid on‐line system for preliminary screening of lipase inhibitors from natural products by integrating capillary electrophoresis with immobilized enzyme microreactor
Authors: Tang Yixia , Li Wang , Wang Yuying , Zhang Yuefen , Ji Yibing
Published: December 2019

An on‐line system for preliminary screening lipase inhibitors from natural products with an immobilized lipase microreactor coupled to capillary electrophoresis was established. In this research, the lipase was anchored on the amino activated capillary inner wall using glutaraldehyde as a homobifunctional linker through Schiff base reaction. The immobilized lipase activity was evaluated by measuring the peak area of the hydrolyzate of p‐nitrophenyl acetate. In order to maintain the enzymatic activity of immobilized lipase, the acetonitrile content and the pH of the reaction solution were also optimized. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the Michaelis–Menten constant of the immobilized lipase and the half maximal inhibitory concentration for orlistat were studied, which were consistent with previous literature data. Furthermore, the developed method was applied to screen lipase inhibition activity from ten natural products. As a result, we found that six natural products have inhibitory effect on the activity of lipase, among which the inhibitory effect of Rhizoma atractylodis extract has never been reported before.
Self‐Healing and Shape‐Memory Superconducting Devices
Authors: Zang Xiaoling , He Yonglin , Fang Zizheng , Wang Xusheng , Ji Junhui , Wang Yapei , Xue Mianqi
Published: December 2019

Intelligent materials possess the function of self‐judgment and self‐optimization while sensing external stimuli such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields, or light. Besides, they often require self‐healing—the ability to repair damage spontaneously—or shape‐memory—the ability to return from a deformed state to their original shape induced by an external stimulus. Introducing such intelligence into superconducting (SC) devices is highly desirable to meet the critical requirement of maintenance‐free performance. Here, self‐healing and shape‐memory functions are realized in liquid metal based SC devices using smart packaging polymers. Without deteriorating their superconductivity, the SC devices can repair themselves by simply raising the temperature, without any other treatment. Beyond the specific functions achieved here, this work sheds new light on future SC devices with advanced functions such as self‐diagnosis, self‐adjusting, and sensing.
Intrinsically Microporous Polymer Nanosheets for High‐Performance Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Tamaddondar Marzieh , Foster Andrew B. , Luque‐Alled Jose M. , Msayib Kadhum J. , Carta Mariolino , Sorribas Sara , Gorgojo Patricia , McKeown Neil B. , Budd Peter M.
Published: December 2019

Microporous polymer nanosheets with thicknesses in the range 3–5 nm and with high apparent surface area (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area 940 m2 g−1) are formed when the effectively bifunctional (tetrafluoro) monomer used in the preparation of the prototypical polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM‐1 is replaced with an effectively tetrafunctional (octafluoro) monomer to give a tightly crosslinked network structure. When employed as a filler in mixed‐matrix membranes based on PIM‐1, a low loading of 0.5 wt% network‐PIM‐1 nanosheets gives rise to enhanced CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity, compared to pure PIM‐1.
Tectorigenin, an isoflavone aglycone from the rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis, induces neuronal expression of erythropoietin via accumulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α
Authors: Liu Etta Y. , Zheng Zoey X. , Zheng Brody Z. , Xia Yingjie , Guo Maggie S. , Dong Tina T. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: December 2019

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been demonstrated as an important source for potential drug discovery. Flavonoids are regarded as the most common active components in TCMs because of their beneficial functions in the brain and erythropoietic system. Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone, has been well‐studied for its neuroprotective function. The blood circulating EPO is not able to cross the blood brain barrier, and thus there is mounting demand to search for compounds that can induce endogenous cerebral EPO. Here, tectorigenin, an active compound in the rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC., significantly induced the expression of EPO mRNA via accumulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α in cultured neuron‐like NT2/D1 cells and rat cortical neurons. Furthermore, tectorigenin induced transcription of HIF‐1α and reduced degradation of HIF‐1α‐OH, a hydroxylated form of HIF‐1α, in the culture. Thus, the upregulation of HIF‐1α was assumed to play a significant role in regulating EPO during the treatment of tectorigenin in cultured neurons. Hence, we reported the neuroprotective function of tectorigenin through upregulation of EPO in neurons, which could be a good candidate in developing drugs or food supplements for the treatment of brain disorders.
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of monoketone curcuminoids
Authors: Vieira Tatiana M. , Orenha Renato P. , Crevelin Eduardo J. , Furtado Saulo S.P. , Vessecchi Ricardo , Parreira Renato L.T. , Crotti Antônio E.M.
Published: December 2019

Rationale

Although monoketone curcuminoids (MKCs) have been largely investigated due to their biological activities, data on the gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of protonated MKCs under collision‐induced dissociation (CID) conditions are still scarce. Here, we combined electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) data, multiple‐stage mass spectrometry (MSn), deuterium exchange experiments, accurate‐mass data, and thermochemical data estimated by computational chemistry to elucidate and to rationalize the fragmentation pathways of eleven synthetic MKCs.

Methods

The MKCs were synthesized by Claisen‐Schmidt condensation under basic (1–9) or acidic (10–11) conditions. ESI‐CID‐MS/MS analyses and deuterium‐exchange experiments were carried out on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. MSn analyses on an ion trap mass spectrometer helped to elucidate the fragmentation pathways. Accurate‐mass data and thermochemical data, obtained at the B3LYP/6–31+G(d,p) level of theory, were used to support the ion structures.

Results

The most intense product ions were the benzyl ions ([C7H2R1R2R3R4R5]+) and the acylium ions ([M + H − C8H3R1R2R3R4R5]+), which originated directly from the precursor ion as a result of two competitive hydrogen rearrangements. Product ions [M + H – H2O]+ and [M + H − C6HR1R2R3R4R5]+, which are formed after Nazarov cyclization, were also common to all the analyzed compounds. In addition, •Br and •Cl eliminations were diagnostic for the presence of these halogen atoms at the aromatic ring, whereas •CH3 eliminations were useful to identify the methyl and methoxy groups attached to this same ring. Nazarov cyclization in the gas phase occurred for all the investigated MKCs and did not depend on the presence of the hydroxyl group at the aromatic ring. However, the presence and the position of a hydroxyl group at the aromatic rings played a key role in the Nazarov cyclization mechanism.

Conclusions

Our results reinforce some aspects of the fragmentation pathways previously published for 1,5‐bis‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,4‐pentadien‐3‐one and 1,5‐bis‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,4‐pentadien‐3‐one. The alternative fragmentation mechanism proposed herein can explain the fragmentation of a wider diversity of monoketone curcuminoids.
Control performance‐based fault detection and fault‐tolerant control schemes for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Han Huayun , Yang Ying , Li Linlin , Ding Steven X.
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to develop performance‐based fault detection (FD) and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) schemes for a class of nonlinear systems. To this end, the representation forms of nonlinear systems with faults and the controller parameterization forms are studied first with the aid of the nonlinear factorization technique. Then, based on the stable kernel representation and the stable image representation of the faulty nonlinear system, the stability performance of the closed‐loop system is addressed, respectively. The so‐called fault‐tolerant margin is defined to evaluate the system fault‐tolerant ability. On this basis, two performance‐based FD schemes are developed aiming at detecting the system performance degradation caused by system faults. Furthermore, to recover the system stability performance, two performance‐based FTC strategies are proposed based on the information provided by the FD unit. In the end, a numerical example and a case study on the three‐tank system are given to demonstrate the proposed results.
Integrating multiple aquatic values: Perspectives and a collaborative future for river science
Authors: Pingram Michael , Price Jennifer , Thoms Martin
Published: December 2019

The study and management of rivers have undergone a metamorphosis over the last four decades, transitioning from individual sub‐disciplines towards interdisciplinary approaches and an increased focus on viewing riverine landscapes as social‐ecological systems. Within this context, there is a growing emphasis on the need to take resilience‐based approaches to living with rivers in a sustainable way that maximises public security, infrastructure protection, and economic, ecological, and cultural benefits and values. The concept of viewing rivers as social‐ecological systems is gaining traction in science and management discourse; however, the idea is not new, and indigenous knowledge systems consistently place humans within the natural world. Integrating environmental knowledge, in its various forms, plays a key role in understanding issues and developing solutions for freshwater managers, especially in the context of rivers as social‐ecological systems. The 5th Biennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science conference, themed “Integrating Multiple Aquatic Values,” provided a forum for sharing environmental knowledge underpinning freshwater management critical for achieving multiple goals. The papers in this special issue highlight the fundamental properties of rivers as social‐ecological systems and the attempts to integrate multiple values concerned with rivers and their landscapes. From a series of case studies, a set of challenges and opportunities emerge that have the potential to further the management and research of rivers as social‐ecological systems and integrate multiple aquatic values. Key to this is acknowledging and respecting the value that indigenous worldviews and knowledge bring. We also echo the call of other authors that if the overall goals are that rivers, societies, and their interactions are to result in positive social and ecological outcomes for people and rivers, then integrating and respecting multiple values and knowledge systems will be required.
Causal inference of latent classes in complex survey data with the estimating equation framework
Authors: Kang Joseph , He Yulei , Hong Jaeyoung , Esie Precious , Bernstein Kyle T.
Published: December 2019

Latent class analysis (LCA) has been effectively used to cluster multiple survey items. However, causal inference with an exposure variable, identified by an LCA model, is challenging because (1) the exposure variable is unobserved and harbors the uncertainty of estimating parameters in the LCA model and (2) confounding bias adjustments need to be done with the unobserved LCA‐driven exposure variable. In addition to these challenges, complex survey design features and survey weights must be accounted for if they are present. Our solutions to these issues are to (1) assess point estimates with the expected estimating function approach and (2) modify the survey design weights with LCA‐based propensity scores. This paper aims to introduce a statistical procedure to apply the estimating equation approach to assessing the effects of LCA‐driven cause in complex survey data using an example of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
An Insight View on Synthetic Protocol, Mechanistic and Biological Aspects of Biscoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Teli Pankaj , Sethiya Ayushi , Agarwal Shikha
Published: December 2019

Biscoumarin has emerged as one of the most unique and valuable moiety in the field of synthetic as well as in medicinal chemistry. This moiety has been examined for the designing of potent derivatives and hybrids with other moieties and substituents exhibiting a myriad of medicinal properties. These far‐flung characteristics enthralled the researchers to discover various methods for the synthesis of biscoumarin nucleus and its derivatives from 4‐hydroxycoumarin and varieties of aldehydes using different types of catalysts to improve the selectivity, purity and yield of the products. Moreover, liberal scope is available for this structural unit which needs to be explored by chemists for the advancement of new potential drug candidates. This article summarizes the current eco‐benign pathways for the synthetic strategies of biscoumarins under various reaction conditions viz. solid supported catalyst, ionic liquid, nanoparticles, Lewis acid, heteropolyacids, nanocomposites etc.
Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus in Chad
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Arada Izzedine , Romey Aurore , Relmy Anthony , Gorna Kamila , Laloy Eve , Métras Raphaelle , Muñoz Facundo , Blaise‐Boisseau Sandra , Zientara Stephan , Lancelot Renaud , Bakkali Kassimi Labib
Published: December 2019

This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) in domestic ruminants and at characterizing the virus strains circulating in four areas of Chad (East Batha, West Batha, Wadi Fira and West Ennedi). The study was carried out between October and November 2016. A total of 1,520 sera samples (928 cattle, 216 goats, 254 sheep and 122 dromedaries) were collected randomly for FMD serological analyses. Nine epithelial tissue samples were also collected from cattle showing clinical signs, for FMDV isolation and characterization. Serological results showed an overall NSP seroprevalence of 40% (375/928) in cattle in our sample (95% CrI [19–63]). However, seroprevalences of 84% (27/32), 78% (35/45) and 84% (21/25) were estimated in cattle over 5 years of age in East Batha, West Batha and Wadi Fira, respectively. In cattle under 1 year of age, 67% (18/27) seroprevalence was estimated in Wadi Fira, 64% (14/22) in East Batha and 59% (13/22) in West Batha. It was found that the high seroprevalences have been obtained in areas where pastures are shared by several different herds but also in farms where two to three species (bovine, caprine and ovine) are raised together. ELISA PrioCHECK®FMDV types O and A and in‐house solid phase competition ELISA serotyping results showed that the four O, A, SAT1 and SAT2 serotypes have circulated in Chad in 2016. However, the type SAT2 dominated with an overall seroprevalence of 43% (29/67) and was present in the four areas investigated. The phylogenetic analyses of the VP1 coding sequence allowed determining the serotype SAT2 topotype VII, close to viral strains found in Cameroon in 2015 with a similarity of 98.60%.
New 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFT’s with N3/2 scaling
Authors: Amariti Antonio , Fazzi Marco , Mekareeya Noppadol , Nedelin Anton
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We construct several novel examples of 3d N = 2 models whose free energy scales as N
3/2 at large N . This is the first step towards the identification of field theories with an M-theory dual. Furthermore, we match the volumes extracted from the free energy with the ones computed from the Hilbert series. We perform a similar analysis for the 4d N = 1 parents of the 3d models, matching the volume extracted from the a central charge to that obtained from the Hilbert series. For some of the 4d models, we show the existence of a Sasaki-Einstein metric on the internal space of the candidate type IIB gravity dual.
Discovery of Algebraic Reynolds-Stress Models Using Sparse Symbolic Regression
Authors: Schmelzer Martin , Dwight Richard P. , Cinnella Paola
Published: December 2019

A novel deterministic symbolic regression method SpaRTA (Sparse Regression of Turbulent Stress Anisotropy) is introduced to infer algebraic stress models for the closure of RANS equations directly from high-fidelity LES or DNS data. The models are written as tensor polynomials and are built from a library of candidate functions. The machine-learning method is based on elastic net regularisation which promotes sparsity of the inferred models. By being data-driven the method relaxes assumptions commonly made in the process of model development. Model-discovery and cross-validation is performed for three cases of separating flows, i.e. periodic hills (Re=10595), converging-diverging channel (Re=12600) and curved backward-facing step (Re=13700). The predictions of the discovered models are significantly improved over the k-ω SST also for a true prediction of the flow over periodic hills at Re=37000. This study shows a systematic assessment of SpaRTA for rapid machine-learning of robust corrections for standard RANS turbulence models.
Trade (Dis)integration: The Sudden Death of NAFTA
Authors: Bakas Dimitrios , Jackson Karen , Magkonis Georgios
Published: December 2019

This paper uses a structural PVAR model to study the macroeconomic effects of trade disintegration among NAFTA members. The results reveal substantial asymmetric responses, showing that the US is the most affected economy from a sudden negative trade integration shock. Moreover, Canada and the US are found to be relatively more interconnected with each other compared to the Mexican economy. Our findings question the US decision to push for the renegotiation of the NAFTA agreement.
The Effect of Polymer Addition on Base Catalysed Glycerol Oxidation Using Gold and Gold–Palladium Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Abis Laura , Dimitritatos Nikolaos , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Freakley Simon J. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: December 2019

The oxidation of glycerol represents both a viable route to catalytic upgrading of biomass and has become a model reaction for catalytic polyol oxidation. Gold and gold–palladium nanoparticle catalysts prepared by colloidal methods involving polymer additives have been extensively studied. However, the effect of residual polymer at the catalyst surface on reaction pathways has not been decoupled from particle size effects. We show that when using catalysts prepared without polymer stabilisers the addition of either polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone to the reaction changes the reaction rate and results in a change in reaction selectivity. We conclude that the polymer additive has a significant effect on the reaction pathway and that these systems should be considered as a metal surface–polymer interface catalytic systems and properties should not be rationalised solely based on nanoparticle size.

Graphic Abstract
“Suddenly Everyone Started to Love Our Anthem, Our Flag”: Identity Construction, Crisis, and Change in (Almost) Sovereign Kosovo
Authors: Boguslaw Alissa
Published: December 2019

How, amidst a crisis of sovereignty and identity, did once-rejected national symbols become meaningful to Kosovo’s Albanians? Having declared independence in 2008, a 2014 study found that less than one-third of Kosovo’s citizens identified with their newly adopted state symbols. As meanings are always shifting, depending on the contexts in which their forms appear and the actors involved, theories of social construction have focused on the representational aspects of meaning-making: the ways in which the forms stabilize (or destabilize) the constructs they depict. Instead of focusing on the representational—the determinable, measurable, and rational aspects, this article investigates the discursive mechanisms that mobilize meanings and configure contexts, extending Robin Wagner-Pacifici’s alternative theory of events. Through discourse and semiotic analysis, it tracks Kosovo’s new flag and anthem through the construction, crisis, and transformation of three social realities: political independence, national identity, and the world of international competitive judo, illuminating how changing meanings change, shifting contexts shift, and how to interpret actors’ fleeting emotions. In the Kosovo case, the construction is the crisis, as well as the change.
Higher generating subgroups and Cohen–Macaulay complexes
Authors: Brück Benjamin
Published: December 2019

We show how to find higher generating families of subgroups, in the sense of Abels and Holz, for groups acting on Cohen–Macaulay complexes. We apply this to groups with a BN-pair to prove higher generation by parabolic and Levi subgroups and describe higher generating families of parabolic subgroups in Aut(Fn).
A new species of Alvinocaris (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Alvinocarididae) from hydrothermal vents in the Izu-Bonin and Mariana Arcs, north-western Pacific
Authors: Hiraoka Retori , Komai Tomoyuki , Tsuchida Shinji
Published: December 2019

A new species of the caridean genus Alvinocaris, A. marimonte sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of specimens collected from hydrothermal vents at three locations in Izu-Bonin and Mariana Arcs of the north-western Pacific Ocean, Myojin Knoll (1224 m depth), NW Eifuku (1574–1582 m depth) and NW Rota seamounts (525 m depth). It is the 17th species assigned to Alvinocaris, and differs from all other congeneric species in several morphological characteristics derived from the rostrum length and armature, the carapace armature, the shape of the posterior margin of the telson and the armature of the third and fourth pereopods. Results of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial COI and nuclear ITS-I genes compared between specimens of A. marimonte sp. nov. and other known species of Alvinocaris supported our recognition of the new species, although available data are still limited. Alvinocaris marimonte sp. nov. is represented by two morphotypes, distinguished by the armature of the posterior margin of the telson (spines vs plumose setae), which were not detected as separate species by the molecular analysis. Our discovery of the intraspecific variation in the armature of the posterior margin of the telson led us to reassess diagnostic characters used to distinguish species within the genus Alvinocaris.
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MODELS FOR SAFETY AND JUSTICE
Authors: Sakala Leah , La Vigne Nancy
Published: December 2019

The U.S. criminal justice system is defined and fueled by foundations and principles that uphold harmful power dynamics such as white supremacy, further destabilizing communities that face intersecting structural barriers. This paternalistic system is characterized by the imposition of punishments—including fees, fines, penalties, and deprivation of freedom and even life—that are meted out disproportionally to people of color and people living in poverty. More often than not, policymakers and justice practitioners fail to solicit the views, experiences, and expertise of community members and justice system-involved individuals, leading to policies and practices crafted under the auspices of promoting safety that undermine community stability instead. Consistent with Square One ’s charge to “reimagine how we create justice,” this paper describes approaches that communities around the country employ to craft, lead, and participate in their own public safety strategies. The paper will offer examples of crime prevention work, investment and divestment efforts, and policy reform initiatives developed and guided by people most likely to experience crime and the heavy hammer of the traditional justice system. This paper will explore the promises, strengths, and challenges associated with each approach, presenting a range of creative strategies for residents—in partnership with the broader community of advocates, activists, and researchers—to adapt, own, and implement.
Developing PIDF Curves From Dynamically Downscaled WRF Model Fields to Examine Extreme Precipitation Events in Three Eastern U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Jalowska Anna M. , Spero Tanya L.
Published: December 2019

Extreme precipitation events influence watershed, agriculture, and urban management. The probability of extreme precipitation is estimated for storm water management using precipitation intensity‐duration‐frequency (PIDF) curves. This study explores developing PIDF curves from dynamically downscaled 36‐ and 12‐km simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Three modeled data sets are examined: 36‐km WRF model forced with 2.5° (~275‐km) NCEP–DOE AMIP‐II Reanalysis (R2); 36‐km WRF model forced with 0.75° (~80‐km) ERA‐Interim; and 12‐km WRF model forced with ERA‐Interim. The WRF outputs are verified against historical observations for three cities in the Eastern United States using a 23‐year period (1988–2010). The 36‐km WRF data set driven by R2 produced PIDF curves that were acceptable at the 12‐ to 24‐hr durations, but those WRF data could not realistically simulate extremes represented by the high‐intensity, short‐duration precipitation events. Increasing the resolution of WRF's driving data from R2 to ERA‐Interim did not improve WRF's representation of precipitation events. Using 12‐km grid spacing enhances WRF's ability to reproduce PIDF curves developed from observations. Finer grid spacing dramatically improves the frequency and intensity of the 1‐ to 3‐hr events and improves the 6‐ to 24‐hr events. However, improvements with the 12‐km WRF data did not apply equally to all study sites, suggesting further modifications to the WRF configuration and/or methodology are necessary. Although imperfect, the results here lend confidence to using modeled data to construct PIDF curves, which could be valuable for projecting changes to parameters used in urban and environmental planning.
The emerging treatment landscape of targeted therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yuan Min , Huang Li-Li , Chen Jian-Hua , Wu Jie , Xu Qing
Published: December 2019

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer in the world. In 2018, there were over 2 million new cases of lung cancer and over 1.7 million deaths were attributed to lung cancer. Targeted therapy has emerged as an important mean of the disease management for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we review and analyze recent literature, discuss the targeting pathways and ongoing clinical trials in lung cancer. Chemotherapy is no longer the best available treatment for all patients. Therapeutic decisions should be guided by an understanding of the molecular features of patient’s tumor tissues. The future gains will likely emerge from finding optimal ways of combining targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Anthropogenic Disturbances on Landscape Pattern of Tourist Destinations: a case study in the Li River Basin, China
Authors: Xiang Yunyun , Meng Jijun , You Nanshan , Chen Peixiong , Yang Hui
Published: December 2019

The impact of human-related activities on the eco-environment of tourist destinations is an important part of recreation ecology research. However, traditional studies have mainly concentrated on the static influences upon the simple factors of soil or vegetation in tourist destinations, and the relationship between anthropogenic disturbances and landscape patterns is little understood. In this study, we constructed a disturbance model on a landscape scale to identify and quantify the main anthropogenic disturbances. The overall variation coefficient (OVC) index is defined as the intensity of different disturbance sources, and landscape structure analysis methods are used for temporal and spatial differentiation, which is applied in the Li River Basin, China. Three typical types of human-related activities are identified as possible anthropogenic disturbance sources in the region, and their notable influential spheres are determined. Then, the dynamic changes in tourism disturbance in two periods and the spatial distribution characteristics related to three factors are explored. The results suggest that settlement and tourism disturbances have exerted considerable impacts on landscape patterns, and the differentiation characteristics are closely related to local tourism development policies and patterns. The disturbance model could be applied in other tourism destinations and provide countermeasures for regional tourism management.
Increased fibroblast growth factor-21 in chronic kidney disease is a trade-off between survival benefit and blood pressure dysregulation
Authors: Nakano Toshihiro , Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Miura Yutaka , Matsui Masahiro , Kosaki Keisei , Mori Shoya , Yamagata Kunihiro , Maeda Seiji , Kishi Takuya , Usui Naoki , Yoshida Masahide , Onaka Tatsushi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Kaneda Ruri , Karasawa Kazunori , Nitta Kosaku , Kurosu Hiroshi , Kuro-o Makoto
Published: December 2019

Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) start increasing in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) since early stages during the cause of disease progression. FGF21 is a liver-derived hormone that induces responses to stress through acting on hypothalamus to activate the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal endocrine axis. However, roles that FGF21 plays in pathophysiology of CKD remains elusive. Here we show in mice that FGF21 is required to survive CKD but responsible for blood pressure dysregulation. When introduced with CKD, Fgf21−/− mice died earlier than wild-type mice. Paradoxically, these Fgf21−/− CKD mice escaped several complications observed in wild-type mice, including augmentation of blood pressure elevating response and activation of the sympathetic nervous system during physical activity and increase in serum noradrenalin and corticosterone levels. Supplementation of FGF21 by administration of an FGF21-expressing adeno-associated virus vector recapitulated these complications in wild-type mice and restored the survival period in Fgf21−/− CKD mice. In CKD patients, high serum FGF21 levels are independently associated with decreased baroreceptor sensitivity. Thus, increased FGF21 in CKD can be viewed as a survival response at the sacrifice of blood pressure homeostasis.
Structural insight into conformational change in prion protein by breakage of electrostatic network around H187 due to its protonation
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Chang Iksoo
Published: December 2019

A conformational change from normal prion protein(PrPC) to abnormal prion protein(PrPSC) induces fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Acidic pH is well-known factors involved in the conformational change. Because the protonation of H187 is strongly linked to the change in PrP stability, we examined the charged residues R156, E196, and D202 around H187. Interestingly, there have been reports on pathological mutants, such as H187R, E196A, and D202N. In this study, we focused on how an acidic pH and pathological mutants disrupt this electrostatic network and how this broken network destabilizes PrP structure. To do so, we performed a temperature-based replica-exchange molecular dynamics (T-REMD) simulation using a cumulative 252 μs simulation time. We measured the distance between amino acids comprising four salt bridges (R156–E196/D202 and H187–E196/D202). Our results showed that the spatial configuration of the electrostatic network was significantly altered by an acidic pH and mutations. The structural alteration in the electrostatic network increased the RMSF value around the first helix (H1). Thus, the structural stability of H1, which is anchored to the H2–H3 bundle, was decreased. It induces separation of R156 from the electrostatic network. Analysis of the anchoring energy also shows that two salt-bridges (R156-E196/D202) are critical for PrP stability.
Shared hydrogen bonds: water in aluminated faujasite
Authors: Ahsan S. A. M. Shamimul , Durani Smeer , Reddy Govardhan , Subramanian Yashonath
Published: December 2019

One water molecule hydrogen bonds with two of the oxygens of aluminium giving rise to a shared hydrogen bond.
Thermoelectric transport properties of (Ti1−cAlc)NiSn half-Heusler alloy
Authors: Rabin Daniel , Kyratsi Theodora , Fuks David , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: December 2019

The influence of Al on the thermoelectric properties of the half-Heusler (HH) TiNiSn compound is reported. The research combined ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations with experimental microstructure evaluation and measurements of the transport properties.
Hydrogen tunnelling in the rearrangements of carbenes: the role of dynamical calculations
Authors: Burd Timothy A. H. , Shan Xiao , Clary David C.
Published: December 2019

A tunnelling controlled reaction is studied with semiclassical transition state theory, rationalising the results of experiment.
DO2A-based ligands for gallium-68 chelation: synthesis, radiochemistry and ex vivo cardiac uptake
Authors: Smith Adam J. , Osborne Bradley E. , Keeling George P. , Blower Philip J. , Southworth Richard , Long Nicholas J.
Published: December 2019

New DO2A-based lipophilic and cationic chelators for gallium-68 have been synthesised for cardiac PET imaging. These radiotracers show preferential uptake in healthy cardiac tissue over cardiac tissue depolarised by CCCP.
Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of benzimidazole-based, trinuclear neutral cyclometallated and cationic, N^N-chelated ruthenium(ii) complexes
Authors: Welsh Athi , Rylands Laa-iqa , Arion Vladimir B. , Prince Sharon , Smith Gregory S.
Published: December 2019

A series of 2-phenyl and 2-pyridyl tris-benzimidazole ligands was reacted with the [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2dimer to yield the corresponding neutral cyclometallated and cationic trinuclear organoruthenium(ii) complexes.
FeCl3 mediated dimerization of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and chlorination of tetrasubstituted pyrroles
Authors: Jiang Xue-Fei , Tan Hao , Cui Hai-Lei
Published: December 2019

We have developed a mild FeCl3-mediated dimerization of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through oxidative homocoupling (35–>99% yield) and chlorination of tetrasubstituted pyrroles (18–70% yield).
Hearing Impairment Increases Communication Effort During Conversations in Noise
Authors: Beechey Timothy , Buchholz Jörg M. , Keidser Gitte
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This article describes patterns of speech modifications produced by talkers as a function of the degree of hearing impairment of communication partners during naturalistic conversations in noise. An explanation of observed speech modifications is proposed in terms of a generalization of the concept of effort. This account complements existing theories of listening effort by extending the concept of effort to the domain of interactive communication.

Method

Twenty young adult normal hearing participants and 20 older adult hearing-impaired participants were tested in pairs. Each pair consisted of 1 young normal hearing participant and 1 older hearing-impaired participant. Pairs of participants took part in naturalistic conversations through the use of a referential communication task. Each pair completed a 5-min conversation in each of 5 different realistic acoustic environments.

Results

Talkers modified their speech, in terms of level and spectrum, in a gradient manner reflecting both the acoustic environment and the degree of hearing impairment of their conversation partner. All pairs of participants were able to maintain communication across all acoustic environments regardless of degree of hearing impairment and the level of environmental noise. Contrasting effects of noise and hearing impairment on speech production revealed distinct patterns of speech modifications produced by normal hearing and hearing-impaired talkers during conversation. This may reflect the fact that only the speech modifications produced by normal hearing talkers functioned to compensate for the hearing impairment of a conversation partner.

Conclusions

The data presented support the concept of communication effort as a dynamic feedback system between conversation participants. Additionally, these results provide insight into the nature of realistic speech signals, which are encountered by people with hearing impairment in everyday communication scenarios.
Sensors and energy harvesters based on (1–x)PMN-xPT piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Lifi Houda , Ennawaoui Chouaib , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , Touhtouh Samira , Laasri Said , Yessari Madiha , Benjelloun Mohammed
Published: December 2019

With recent advancements in energy conversion mechanisms, piezoelectric ceramics (1–x)PbMg1/3 Nb2/3Ο3-xPbTiΟ3 (1–x)PMN-xPT have demonstrated their abilities for converting mechanical vibrations into electricity. Three (1–x)PMN-xPT compositions were used in the present work with (x = 0.25, 0.31 and 0.33). The purpose of this paper is to investigate their piezoelectric performance as generators for energy harvesting applications. The energy harvester is numerically analyzed in this work. It consists of a piezoelectric bimorph clamped at one end to vibrating machinery, and a proof mass mounted on its other end. The energy harvester is also analyzed and experimental measurements of the harvested power are compared to the simulation results. A good agreement was observed between the experimental and the simulations results. According the application to exploit the vibrations of a hot air extractor, the results show that the harvested energy density of solid ceramics (1–x)PMN-xPT is 0.043 W/m2.