bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Coloration/Bleaching Photochromic Performance of WO3 Based on PVP/PU Composite Matrix
Authors: Li Rong , Zhou Yijie , Shao Zewei , Zhao Shuwen , Chang Tianci , Huang Aibing , Li Ning , Ji Shidong , Jin Ping
Published: September 2019

Photochromic WO3 based smart window owns special advantages such as simple construction, automatic modulation and great solar regulation, so it can be used to reduce the energy consumption of building industry. In this paper, we studied the relationship between WO3 and the composite matrix composed of different proportions of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Fourier‐transform infrared spectra and Raman spectra has demonstrated a strong interaction between WO3 and PVP, leading to a high regulation efficiency of WO3 in PVP. While in pure PU, the nonbonding between WO3 and PU leads to a faster bleaching speed. By tuning the proportion of PU and PVP in the matrix, WO3‐based hybrid photochromic foil was obtained with rapid coloration (< 5 min), fast bleaching behavior (< 3 hours at room temperature or < 1 hour at 60 °C), and exhibited good cycling stability. This study proposes a simple strategy for widespread application of WO3‐based photochromic smart window.
A New Antioxidant Decalin Polyketide from Freshwater‐Sediment‐Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. Strain S1a1
Authors: Ebada Sherif S. , Ebrahim Weaam
Published: September 2019

Chromatographic workup for EtOAc (ethyl acetate) extract of an OSMAC (One Strain MAny Compounds)‐modified solid rice culture of the freshwater‐sediment‐derived fungus, Penicillium sp. (S1a1), afforded one new decalin polyketide derivative, tanzawaic acid Z1 (1). The chemical structure of the new derivative was unambiguously established based on extensive 1D (one‐) and 2D (two‐dimensional) NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopic data along with ESI‐HRMS (ElectroSpray Ionization‐High Resolution Mass Spectrometry). Moreover, the relative configuration was determined based on NMR spectroscopic data including a ROESY (Rotational Overhauser Effect SpectroscopY) spectrum. The absolute configuration was suggested on the basis of the specific optical rotation, and biogenetic considerations in comparison with related previously isolated known metabolites from the same fungal strain. In addition, the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the new derivative were evaluated. Compound 1 proved to exert a promising antioxidant activity.
Ultrasonic Cavitation Facilitates Rapid Synthesis of Trisubstituted Pyrazole Scaffolds through Michael Addition/Domino Cyclization
Authors: Kannan Damodharan , Naveen Shivalingegowda , Jagadeesan Ganapathy , Lokanath Nerattur Krishnappagowda , Thennarasu Sathiah
Published: September 2019

A series of aryl/indolyl substituted 4, 5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole derivatives were synthesized via a domino method based on Michael addition mediated cyclization of appropriate chalcones. The chalcones were prepared by Witting reaction in which substituted aromatic aldehydes were treated with stable ylides under eco‐friendly ultrasonic cavitation. The pyrazole scaffolds were obtained in excellent yields within a short span of time.
Modelling Vibrational Dissociation of [H2–HCO]+
Authors: Kraus Peter , Alznauer H. Tobias , Frank Irmgard
Published: September 2019

The [H2–HCO]+ complex is likely to be one of the most important complexes in interstellar space, as it is a complex of the most abundant interstellar species. In the current work, we investigate the interaction energy and potential surface of the complex using a range of computational methods. The dynamics of the complex are investigated by incorporating an external time‐dependent field into Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) and inducing a vibrationally activated dissociation. This excitation method is compared to a normal‐mode excitation from the equilibrium structure. The results agree well with the available experimental data: an excitation to the first vibrationally‐excited state of either of the high‐frequency HCO+ modes (ν2, ν3) causes a dissociation of the complex on picosecond timescales.
Oxidase‐Like Fe‐N‐C Single‐Atom Nanozymes for the Detection of Acetylcholinesterase Activity
Authors: Wu Yu , Jiao Lei , Luo Xin , Xu Weiqing , Wei Xiaoqian , Wang Hengjia , Yan Hongye , Gu Wenling , Xu Bo Z. , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: September 2019

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted extensive attention in the catalysis field because of their remarkable catalytic activity, gratifying stability, excellent selectivity, and 100% atom utilization. With atomically dispersed metal active sites, Fe‐N‐C SACs can mimic oxidase by activating O2 into reactive oxygen species, O2−• radicals. Taking advantages of this property, single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes) can become a great impetus to develop novel biosensors. Herein, the performance of Fe‐N‐C SACs as oxidase‐like nanozymes is explored. Besides, the Fe‐N‐C SAzymes are applied in biosensor areas to evaluate the activity of acetylcholinesterase based on the inhibition toward nanozyme activity by thiols. Moreover, this SAzymes‐based biosensor is further used for monitoring the amounts of organophosphorus compounds.
Linear Dichroism and Nondestructive Crystalline Identification of Anisotropic Semimetal Few‐Layer MoTe2
Authors: Zhu Meijie , Zhao Yan , Feng Qingliang , Lu Hua , Zhang Shuqing , Zhang Na , Ma Chaojia , Li Jiafeng , Zheng Jianbang , Zhang Jin , Xu Hua , Zhai Tianyou , Zhao Jianlin
Published: September 2019

Semimetal 1T′ MoTe2 crystals have attracted tremendous attention owing to their anisotropic optical properties, Weyl semimetal, phase transition, and so on. However, the complex refractive indices (n‐ik) of the anisotropic semimetal 1T′ MoTe2 still are not revealed yet, which is important to applications such as polarized wide spectrum detectors, polarized surface plasmonics, and nonlinear optics. Here, the linear dichroism of as‐grown trilayer 1T′ MoTe2 single crystals is investigated. Trilayer 1T′ MoTe2 shows obvious anisotropic optical absorption due to the intraband transition of dz2 orbits for Mo atoms and px orbits for Te atoms. The anisotropic complex refractive indices of few‐layer 1T′ MoTe2 are experimentally obtained for the first time by using the Pinier equation analysis. Based on the linear dichroism of 1T′ MoTe2, angle‐resolved polarized optical microscopy is developed to visualize the grain boundary and identify the crystal orientation of 1T′ MoTe2 crystals, which is also an excellent tool toward the investigation of the optical absorption properties in the visible range for anisotropic 2D transition metal chalcogenides. This work provides a universal and nondestructive method to identify the crystal orientation of anisotropic 2D materials, which opens up an opportunity to investigate the optical application of anisotropic semimetal 2D materials.
Jointgraph: A DAG‐based efficient consensus algorithm for consortium blockchains
Authors: Xiang Fu , Huaimin Wang , Peichang Shi , Xue Ouyang , Xunhui Zhang
Published: September 2019

The blockchain is a distributed ledger that records all transactions and operations in a shared manner. Public blockchains such as Bitcoin realize decentralization at the cost of mining overhead, which is not suitable for real‐life scenarios requiring high throughput. Techniques such as the consortium blockchain improve efficiency through partial decentralization. However, the consensus algorithms used in the existing state‐of‐the‐art consortium blockchains face many challenges when dealing with commercial applications. For example, the high communication overhead hinders the scalability of PBFT‐based consensus algorithms even though they are efficient at small scale. Hashgraph, one of the most popular Directed Acyclic Graph‐based (DAG‐based) consensus algorithms, achieves good performance in scalability; however, it does not allow users' dynamic participation. To deal with these challenges, we propose Jointgraph, a Byzantine fault‐tolerance consensus algorithm for consortium blockchains based on DAG. In Jointgraph, transactions are packed into events and validated by no less than 2/3 of all members. A supervisor is introduced in our design, who monitors member behaviors and improves consensus efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate that Jointgraph outperforms Hashgraph in both throughput and latency.
Classification of malicious process using high‐level activity based dynamic analysis
Authors: Vidyarthi Deepti , Damri Gaurav , Rakshit Subrata , Suthikshn Kumar C. R. , Chansarkar Shailesh
Published: September 2019

Detection of malicious program is a critical component in system security. Advanced malware like metamorphic, polymorphic, or evasive malware cannot be detected successfully using the traditional signature‐ and heuristics‐based anti‐malware methods. This paper proposes an approach to detect malicious activity running on the system by leveraging semantics of the behavior of processes to complement the static characteristics of their executable image. Static characteristics are captured from the file header, optional headers, and sections of the executable file. The behavior model of the process is in the form of high‐level activities generated through the runtime tracing of the process. The proposed approach classifies malicious executables on the basis of the higher‐level abstraction of the activity rather than the actual system calls. Experimental results show that the approach supplements the traditional methods toward the improvement of the precision in the overall classification of malicious activity, besides detecting advanced malware which uses obfuscation, polymorphism techniques, etc. for evasion.
A Novel Method Based on PPSO for Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Generation
Authors: Ullah Zia , Wang Shaorong , Radosavljević Jordan
Published: September 2019

Energy loss minimization, voltage profile improvement, and increasing reliability of the power system are the prominent advantages of distributed generation (DG) unit's integration in distribution systems. Therefore, optimal placement and sizing of DG become a critical issue. This article proposes a recently developed adaptive particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm known as phasor particle swarm optimization (PPSO) to solve the problem of optimal placement and sizing of DG units in radial distribution networks. The PPSO algorithm is based on modeling the particle control parameters with a phase angle (θ) transforming standard PSO into a self‐adaptive and parametric independent metaheuristic optimization algorithm. The main objective is to minimize the energy loss in the network considering various technical constraints and load variations. In particular, the proposed approach is implemented on a practical radial distribution feeder located at the Haripur area in Pakistan taking into account the hourly actual load values. Comparison of the devised PPSO algorithm with other techniques in the literature was done via an IEEE 33 bus test system. The results obtained by the proposed PPSO algorithm show that it enables a significant reduction in power loss for all the analyzed cases, and outperforms many of other solution techniques applied for the same problem. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Train operation optimization with adaptive differential evolution algorithm based on decomposition
Authors: Liu Di , Zhu Songqing , Xu Youxiong , Liu Kun
Published: September 2019

The train operation is a multi‐objective optimization process including several operating indexes, such as safety, punctuality, precision stop, comfort, and low‐energy consumption. The speed profile and timetable for trains should be adjusted correspondingly to satisfy the passengers' demands while minimizing energy consumption. To solve this problem, we propose a multi‐objective optimization approach for train operation. First, we develop a single‐particle model of the train and a multi‐objective optimization model for the train operation, which is subject to the constraints such as safety requirement, passenger comfort, and low energy consumption. Second, to obtain the Pareto frontier of train operation, a uniform design multi‐objective adaptive differential evolution algorithm based on decomposition (UMADE/D) is studied and applied to solve the multi‐objective optimization model for the train operation. Finally, we present numerical examples based on the real‐life operation data from the Nanjing Metro Line 1 in Nanjing, China. Three searching methods, namely, the proposed UMADE/D, Non‐Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm, and Multi‐Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition, are implemented to find the Pareto frontier of train operation quickly and efficiently. The simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed UMADE/D algorithm, which can provide corresponding operation strategies and satisfy the multi‐objective demands when the train is in different operation state. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of family control on the degree and type of diversification: Empirical evidence for business groups
Authors: Hernández‐Trasobares Alejandro , Galve‐Górriz Carmen
Published: September 2019

This article analyzes the impact of ownership structure on corporate diversification, with reference to large listed family business groups. By considering agency theory and socioemotional wealth, the study examines the relationship between family ownership, concentration of ownership, and degree and type of diversification. The study considers 99 Spanish listed business groups (50 family‐controlled‐ and 49 nonfamily‐controlled groups) and considers diversification of business group as the focus of analysis. The results show how family business groups present a lower preference for unrelated diversification than related diversification. There is also a nonlinear relationship between the concentration of ownership in family groups and the degree of diversification, showing different behaviors in family groups according to shares owned by the family's leading shareholders. This article contributes to the literature by providing a more precise identification of the corporate strategy adopted by business groups and establishing new evidence about the impact of family control on diversification strategies and the differences regarding nonfamily business groups.
Di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate targets the thioredoxin system and the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway in liver of Balb/c mice
Authors: Amara Ines , Timoumi Rim , Annabi Emna , Di Rosa Gabriele , Scuto Maria , Najjar Mohamed F. , Calabrese Vittorio , Abid‐Essefi Salwa
Published: September 2019

Di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that gives flexibility to various polyvinyl chloride products. It is a pollutant easily released into the environment and can cause many adverse effects to living organisms including hepatotoxicity. The thioredoxin system is a determining factor in the redox balance maintaining in the liver, which is a vulnerable tissue of reactive oxygen species overproduction because of its high energy needs. In order to determine if the thioredoxin system is a target in the development of DEHP hepatotoxicity, Balb/c mice were administered with DEHP intraperitoneally daily for 30 days. Results demonstrated that after DEHP exposure, biochemical profile changes were observed. This phthalate causes oxidative damage through the induction of lipid peroxydation as well as the increase of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. As new evidence provided in this study, we demonstrated that the DEHP affected the thioredoxin system by altering the expression and the activity of thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR1). The two enzyme activities of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway: Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase were also affected by this phthalate. This leads to a decrease in the level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate used by the TrxR1 to maintain the regeneration of the reduced Trx. We also demonstrated that such effects can be responsible of DEHP‐induced DNA damage.
First‐trimester intrauterine hematoma and pregnancy complications
Authors: Al‐Memar M. , Vaulet T. , Fourie H. , Bobdiwala S. , Farren J. , Saso S. , Bracewell‐Milnes T. , Moor B. De , Sur S. , Stalder C. , Bennett P. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess whether sonographic diagnosis of intrauterine hematoma (IUH) in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with first‐trimester miscarriage and antenatal, delivery and neonatal complications.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of women with an intrauterine singleton pregnancy between 5 and 14 weeks' gestation recruited at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, UK, between March 2014 and March 2016. Participants underwent serial ultrasound examinations in the first trimester, and the presence, location, size and persistence of any IUH was evaluated. First‐trimester miscarriage was defined as pregnancy loss before 14 weeks' gestation. Clinical symptoms, including pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, were recorded at each visit using validated symptom scores. Antenatal, delivery and neonatal outcomes were obtained from hospital records. Logistic regression analysis and the chi‐square test were used to assess the association between the presence and features of IUH and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome. Odds ratios (OR) were first adjusted for maternal age (aOR) and then further adjusted for the presence of vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain in the first trimester.

Results

Of 1003 women recruited to the study, 946 were included in the final analysis and of these, 268 (28.3%) were diagnosed with an IUH in the first trimester. The presence of IUH was associated with the incidence of preterm birth (aOR, 1.94 (95% CI, 1.07–3.52)), but no other individual or overall antenatal, delivery or neonatal complications. No association was found between the presence of IUH in the first trimester and first‐trimester miscarriage (aOR, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.44–1.50)). These findings were independent of the absolute size of the hematoma and the presence of vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain in the first trimester. When IUH was present in the first trimester, there was no association between its size, content or position in relation to the gestational sac and overall antenatal, delivery and neonatal complications. Diagnosis of a retroplacental IUH was associated with an increased risk of overall antenatal complications (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that there is no association between the presence of IUH in the first trimester and first‐trimester miscarriage. However, an association with preterm birth, independently of the presence of symptoms of pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding, is evident. Women diagnosed with IUH in the first trimester should be counseled about their increased risk of preterm birth and possibly be offered increased surveillance during the course of their pregnancy. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals beneficial effect of dietary mulberry leaves on the muscle quality of finishing pigs
Authors: Chen Guoshun , Su Yingyu , Cai Yu , He Lianghong , Yang Gang
Published: September 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary mulberry leaves on the transcriptome profiles of finishing pigs. RNA‐Seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the longissimus dorsi of 56 pigs fed either a traditional diet or diets supplemented with 3%, 6% or 9% mulberry leaf powder, and both gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the subnet module analysis were used to identify genes with beneficial potential, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to validate the expression patterns revealed by RNA‐Seq.

Results

Pigs fed with the 6% mulberry diet exhibited greater average daily gain, lower water loss and lower shear force than the control group and yielded 531 DEGs, including 271 and 260 upregulated and downregulated genes, respectively. Function analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in functions related to muscle growth and development. Furthermore, several genes (i.e. ACOT4, ECHS1, HACD1, NPR1, ADCY2, MGLL and IRS1) were enriched in a KEGG pathway that was associated with fatty acid metabolism, and in the PPI subnet module, four of eight node genes, namely TNNC1, MYL3, TCAP and TNNT1, were associated with muscle formation and development. The upregulation of these genes, including TNNC1, TNNT1 and MYL3, was confirmed by qRT‐PCR.

Conclusions

Dietary mulberry leaves (6%) may improve the muscle quality of pigs by modulating the expression of several key genes, such as TNNC1, MYL3 and TNNT1.
Understanding rivers and their social relations: A critical step to advance environmental water management
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth P. , Jackson Sue , Tharme Rebecca E. , Douglas Michael , Flotemersch Joseph E. , Zwarteveen Margreet , Lokgariwar Chicu , Montoya Mariana , Wali Alaka , Tipa Gail T. , Jardine Timothy D. , Olden Julian D. , Cheng Lin , Conallin John , Cosens Barbara , Dickens Chris , Garrick Dustin , Groenfeldt David , Kabogo Jane , Roux Dirk J. , Ruhi Albert , Arthington Angela H.
Published: September 2019

River flows connect people, places, and other forms of life, inspiring and sustaining diverse cultural beliefs, values, and ways of life. The concept of environmental flows provides a framework for improving understanding of relationships between river flows and people, and for supporting those that are mutually beneficial. Nevertheless, most approaches to determining environmental flows remain grounded in the biophysical sciences. The newly revised Brisbane Declaration and Global Action Agenda on Environmental Flows (2018) represents a new phase in environmental flow science and an opportunity to better consider the co‐constitution of river flows, ecosystems, and society, and to more explicitly incorporate these relationships into river management. We synthesize understanding of relationships between people and rivers as conceived under the renewed definition of environmental flows. We present case studies from Honduras, India, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia that illustrate multidisciplinary, collaborative efforts where recognizing and meeting diverse flow needs of human populations was central to establishing environmental flow recommendations. We also review a small body of literature to highlight examples of the diversity and interdependencies of human‐flow relationships—such as the linkages between river flow and human well‐being, spiritual needs, cultural identity, and sense of place—that are typically overlooked when environmental flows are assessed and negotiated. Finally, we call for scientists and water managers to recognize the diversity of ways of knowing, relating to, and utilizing rivers, and to place this recognition at the center of future environmental flow assessments.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Classical molecular dynamics on graphics processing unit architectures
Authors: Jász Ádám , Rák Ádám , Ladjánszki István , Cserey György
Published: September 2019

Molecular dynamics (MD) has experienced a significant growth in the recent decades. Simulating systems consisting of hundreds of thousands of atoms is a routine task of computational chemistry researchers nowadays. Thanks to the straightforwardly parallelizable structure of the algorithms, the most promising method to speed‐up MD calculations is exploiting the large‐scale processing power offered by the parallel hardware architecture of graphics processing units or GPUs. Programming GPUs is becoming easier with general‐purpose GPU computing frameworks and higher levels of abstraction. In the recent years, implementing MD simulations on graphics processors has gained a large interest, with multiple popular software packages including some form of GPU‐acceleration support. Different approaches have been developed regarding various aspects of the algorithms, with important differences in the specific solutions. Focusing on published works in the field of classical MD, we describe the chosen implementation methods and algorithmic techniques used for porting to GPU, as well as how recent advances of GPU architectures will provide even more optimization possibilities in the future.

This article is characterized under:

Software > Simulation Methods

Computer and Information Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods
S-duality, entropy function and transport in AdS4/CMT3
Authors: Alejo Luis , Goulart Prieslei , Nastase Horatiu
Published: September 2019

Abstract

In this paper we consider Abelian vector plus scalar holographic gravity models for 2+1 dimensional condensed matter transport, and the effect of S-duality on them. We find the transport coefficients from the electric and heat currents via usual membrane paradigm-type calculations, and the effect of S-duality on them. We study the same system also by using the entropy function formalism in the extremal case, and the formalism of holographic Stokes equations, in the case of one-dimensional lattices. We study a few generalizations that appear when considering a supergravity-inspired model, and apply the entropy function method for them.
Non-local non-linear sigma models
Authors: Gubser Steven S. , Jepsen Christian B. , Ji Ziming , Trundy Brian , Yarom Amos
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We study non-local non-linear sigma models in arbitrary dimension, focusing on the scale invariant limit in which the scalar fields naturally have scaling dimension zero, so that the free propagator is logarithmic. The classical action is a bi-local integral of the square of the arc length between points on the target manifold. One-loop divergences can be canceled by introducing an additional bi-local term in the action, proportional to the target space laplacian of the square of the arc length. The metric renormalization that one encounters in the two-derivative non-linear sigma model is absent in the non-local case. In our analysis, the target space manifold is assumed to be smooth and Archimedean; however, the base space may be either Archimedean or ultrametric. We comment on the relation to higher derivative non-linear sigma models and speculate on a possible application to the dynamics of M2-branes.
Vacuum instabilities in the N2HDM
Authors: Ferreira P. M. , Santos Rui , Mühlleitner Margarete , Weiglein Georg , Wittbrodt Jonas
Published: September 2019

Abstract

The Higgs sector of the Next-to-Minimal Two-Higgs-Doublet Model (N2HDM) is obtained from the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model (2HDM) containing two complex Higgs doublets, by adding a real singlet field. In this paper, we analyse the vacuum structure of the N2HDM with respect to the possibility of vacuum instabilities. We show that while one type of charge- and CP-preserving vacuum cannot coexist with deeper charge-or CP-breaking minima, there is another type of vacuum whose stability is endangered by the possible occurrence of deeper charge- and CP-breaking minima. Analytical expressions relating the depth of different vacua are deduced. Parameter scans of the model are carried out that illustrate the regions of parameter space where the vacuum is either stable or metastable as well as the regions where tunnelling to deeper vacua gives rise to a too short lifetime of the vacuum. Taking other experimental and theoretical constraints into account, we find that the vacuum stability constraints have an important impact on the phenomenology of the N2HDM.
Shift-symmetric spin-1 theories
Authors: Bonifacio James , Hinterbichler Kurt , Johnson Laura A. , Joyce Austin
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We study interacting massive spin-1 theories in de Sitter (dS) and anti-de Sitter (AdS) space that possess shift symmetries parametrized by (A)dS Killing vectors. We show how they emerge from the massless limit of massive spin-2 theories on (A)dS space. In the case of massive gravity, the corresponding spin-1 theory realizes a symmetry breaking pattern that takes two copies of the (A)dS isometry group down to a diagonal subgroup. By taking the flat space limit of this theory, we find a new symmetry of the decoupling limit of massive gravity in flat space. This symmetry acts on the vector modes, is parametrize by an antisymmetric tensor, and fixes the nonlinear structure of the scalar-vector sector of the decoupling limit.
The potential of 1H-MRS in CNS drug development
Authors: Egerton Alice
Published: September 2019

Rationale

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a cross-species neuroimaging technique that can measure concentrations of several brain metabolites, including glutamate and GABA. This non-invasive method has promise in developing centrally acting drugs, as it can be performed repeatedly within-subjects and be used to translate findings from the preclinical to clinical laboratory using the same imaging biomarker.

Objectives

This review focuses on the utility of single-voxel 1H-MRS in developing novel glutamatergic or GABAergic drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and includes research performed in rodent models, healthy volunteers and patient cohorts.

Results

Overall, these studies indicate that 1H-MRS is able to detect the predicted pharmacological effects of glutamatergic or GABAergic drugs on voxel glutamate or GABA concentrations, although there is a shortage of studies examining dose-related effects. Clinical studies have applied 1H-MRS to better understand drug therapeutic mechanisms, including the glutamatergic effects of ketamine in depression and of acamprosate in alcohol dependence. There is an emerging interest in identifying patient subgroups with ‘high’ or ‘low’ brain regional 1H-MRS glutamate levels for more targeted drug development, which may require ancillary biomarkers to improve the accuracy of subgroup discrimination.

Conclusions

Considerations for future research include the sensitivity of single-voxel 1H-MRS in detecting drug effects, inter-site measurement reliability and the interpretation of drug-induced changes in 1H-MRS metabolites relative to the known pharmacological molecular mechanisms. On-going technological development, in single-voxel 1H-MRS and in related complementary techniques, will further support applications within CNS drug discovery.
Pelagic production and the recruitment of juvenile polar cod Boreogadus saida in Canadian Arctic seas
Authors: LeBlanc Mathieu , Geoffroy Maxime , Bouchard Caroline , Gauthier Stéphane , Majewski Andrew , Reist James D. , Fortier Louis
Published: September 2019

Previous work found that an earlier ice breakup favors the recruitment of juvenile polar cod (Boreogadus saida) by enabling early hatchers to survive and reach a large size by late summer thanks to a long growth season. We tested the hypothesis that, in addition to a long growth season, an earlier ice breakup provides superior feeding conditions for young polar cod by enhancing microalgal and zooplankton production over the summer months. Ice cover and surface chlorophyllawere derived from satellite observations, and zooplankton and juvenile cod biomass were estimated by hydroacoustics in ten regions of the Canadian Arctic over a period of 11 years. Earlier breakups resulted in earlier phytoplankton blooms. Zooplankton backscatter in August increased with earlier breakup and bloom, and plateaued at chlorophylla > 1 mg m−3. Juvenile cod biomass in August increased with an earlier breakup, and plateaued at a zooplankton backscatter > 5 m2nmi−2, supporting the hypothesis that higher food availability promotes the growth and survival of age-0 fish in years of early ice melt. However, there was little evidence that late summer biomass of either zooplankton or age-0 polar cod benefitted from ice breakup occurring prior to June. On average, zooplankton standing stock was similar in the Southern Beaufort Sea and the North Water-Lancaster Sound polynya complex, but juvenile cod biomass was higher in the Beaufort Sea. Intense avian predation could explain the lower biomass of juvenile cod in the polynya complex, confirming its reputation as a biological hotspot for energy transfer to higher trophic levels.
Cognitive function after surgery with regional or general anesthesia: A population‐based study
Authors: Sprung Juraj , Schulte Phillip J. , Knopman David S. , Mielke Michelle M. , Petersen Ronald C. , Weingarten Toby N. , Martin David P. , Hanson Andrew C. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Warner David O.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Our aim was to examine whether surgery with regional anesthesia (RA) is associated with accelerated long‐term cognitive decline comparable with that previously reported after general anesthesia (GA).

Methods

Longitudinal cognitive function was analyzed in a cohort of 1819 older adults. Models assessed the rate of change in global and domain‐specific cognition over time in participants exposed to RA or GA.

Results

When compared with those unexposed to anesthesia, the postoperative rate of change of the cognitive global z‐score was greater in those exposed to both RA (difference in annual decline of −0.041, P = .011) and GA (−0.061, P < .001); these rates did not differ. In analysis of the domain‐specific scores, an accelerated decline in memory was observed after GA (−0.065, P < .001) but not RA (−0.011, P = .565).

Conclusions

Older adults undergoing surgery with RA experience decline of global cognition similar to those receiving GA; however, memory was not affected.
Manipulating fluid with vibrating 3D-printed paddles for applications in micropump
Authors: Tang Zhiyong , Shao Xiufeng , Huang Jianze , Yao Jinyuan , Ding Guifu
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a novel working mechanism of a micropump using micropaddles (MPs) to actively manipulate fluid based on 3D printing technology. The novel working principle is systematically discussed using analysis, computation and experiment methods. A theoretical model is established to research the working mechanism and crucial parameters for driving ability, such as MPs shape, size, vibration amplitude and frequency. Two different 3D printing techniques that simplify the multi-step process into only one step are introduced to manufacture the prototype pump for investigating the principle experimentally. A testing system is designed to evaluate the flow rate of pumps with eight different vibrating paddles. A maximum flux of 127.9 mL/min is obtained at an applied voltage of 9 V. These experiments show that the active-type mechanical pump could not only freely control flow direction but also change flux by adopting different shapes or distribution ways. The advantage of the novel micropump is the application of the MP structure into the micropump system to actively manipulate fluid with flexibility and high driving ability at fairly low power.
Two‐period linear mixed effects models to analyze clinical trials with run‐in data when the primary outcome is continuous: Applications to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Guoqiao , Aschenbrenner Andrew J. , Li Yan , McDade Eric , Liu Lei , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Bateman Randall J. , Morris John C. , Hassenstab Jason J. , Xiong Chengjie
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Study outcomes can be measured repeatedly based on the clinical trial protocol before randomization during what is known as the “run‐in” period. However, it has not been established how best to incorporate run‐in data into the primary analysis of the trial.

Methods

We proposed two‐period (run‐in period and randomization period) linear mixed effects models to simultaneously model the run‐in data and the postrandomization data.

Results

Compared with the traditional models, the two‐period linear mixed effects models can increase the power up to 15% and yield similar power for both unequal randomization and equal randomization.

Discussion

Given that analysis of run‐in data using the two‐period linear mixed effects models allows more participants (unequal randomization) to be on the active treatment with similar power to that of the equal‐randomization trials, it may reduce the dropout by assigning more participants to the active treatment and thus improve the efficiency of AD clinical trials.
An institution-wide faculty mentoring program at an academic health center with 6-year prospective outcome data
Authors: Bonilha Heather , Hyer Madison , Krug Edward , Mauldin Mary , Edlund Barbara , Martin-Harris Bonnie , Halushka Perry , McGinty Jacqueline , Sullivan Joann , Brady Kathleen , Ranwala Dayan , Hermayer Kathie , Harvey Jillian , Paranal Rechelle , Gough Joseph , Silvestri Gerard , Chimowitz Marc
Published: September 2019

Background:

There is discontent and turnover among faculty at US academic health centers because of the challenges in balancing clinical, research, teaching, and work–life responsibilities in the current healthcare environment. One potential strategy to improve faculty satisfaction and limit turnover is through faculty mentoring programs.

Methods:

A Mentor Leadership Council was formed to design and implement an institution-wide faculty mentoring program across all colleges at an academic health center. The authors conducted an experimental study of the impact of the mentoring program using pre-intervention (2011) and 6-year (2017) post-intervention faculty surveys that measured the long-term effectiveness of the program.

Results:

The percent of faculty who responded to the surveys was 45.9% (656/1428) in 2011 and 40.2% (706/1756) in 2017. For faculty below the rank of full professor, percent of faculty with a mentor (45.3% vs. 67.1%, P < 0.001), familiarity with promotion criteria (81.7% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.001), and satisfaction with department’s support of career (75.6% vs. 84.7%, P = 0.002) improved. The percent of full professors serving as mentors also increased from 50.3% in 2011 to 68.0% in 2017 (P = 0.002). However, the percent of non-retiring faculty considering leaving the institution over the next 2 years increased from 18.8% in 2011 to 24.3% in 2017 (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Implementation of an institution-wide faculty mentoring program significantly improved metrics of career development and faculty satisfaction but was not associated with a reduction in the percent of faculty considering leaving the institution. This suggests the need for additional efforts to identify and limit factors driving faculty turnover.
Information Asymmetry and Investor Valuations of Initial Public Offerings: Two Dimensions of Organizational Reputation as Stock Market Signals
Authors: Liu Yang , Cheng Peng , OuYang Zhe , Wang Ao
Published: September 2019

The uncertainty and information asymmetry that surround initial public offering firms (IPOs) often introduce difficulties for potential investors to discern organizational value, thereby leading to ‘underpricing’. Using the signaling theory, we investigate the role of organizational reputation in the underpricing of IPOs. We analyze 463 initial public offerings in China from the period of 2010 to 2016 and find thatbeing known for qualityandgeneralized favorabilitydimensions of reputation are negatively related with underpricing on the first day of trading. In addition, we find that the negative effects of organizational reputation on underpricing are mediated by investor attention.
High-Profile Criminal Violence: Why Drug Cartels Murder Government Officials and Party Candidates in Mexico
Authors: Trejo Guillermo , Ley Sandra
Published: September 2019

This article explains a surprising wave of lethal attacks by drug cartels against hundreds of local elected officials and party candidates in Mexico, 2007–2012. These attacks are puzzling because criminal organizations tend to prefer the secrecy of bribery over the publicity of political murder. Scholars suggest that war drives armed actors to attack state authorities in search of protection or rents. Using original data on high-profile attacks in Mexico, the authors show that war need arguments underexplain violence. Focusing on political opportunities, they suggest that cartels use attacks to establish criminal governance regimes and conquer local governments, populations and territories. The study presents quantitative and qualitative evidence showing that cartels took advantage of Mexico's political polarization and targeted subnational authorities who were unprotected by their federal partisan rivals. Cartels intensified attacks during subnational election cycles to capture incoming governments and targeted geographically adjacent municipalities to establish control over large territories. The findings reveal how cartels take cues from the political environment to develop their own de facto political domains through high-profile violence. These results question the widely shared assumption that organized criminal groups are apolitical actors.
A Policy Framework for the Bank of Amsterdam, 1736–1791
Authors: Quinn Stephen , Roberds William
Published: September 2019

This article describes and measures how the Bank of Amsterdam supplied a successful fiat money in a world of specie by offering the unlimited repo of large coins at a near-zero rate. Our data from 1736 to 1791 finds that such liberal access led to volatile loan levels and that the Bank responded with sterilization by means of open market operations. In this way, the Bank held its money stock at a roughly constant level and helped stabilize its value. Profit was another part of the Bank’s policy framework, and the pursuit of seigniorage eventually compromised stabilization.
Arrested Development? Puerto Rico in an American Century
Authors: Devereux John
Published: September 2019

Puerto Rico became an American colony in 1898, achieving self-rule after the Great Depression. The standard view is that Puerto Rican living standards stagnated before the policy changes of the New Deal and it has lost ground on the mainland since the early 1970s. I show these claims are mistaken. Using a new GDP index for 1900 to 1940, I show that income per capita grew at impressive rates during direct American rule and Puerto Rico escaped the worst ravages of the Great Depression. In addition, I find the recent growth slowdown is partly a statistical artifact.
Local gyrokinetic stability theory of plasmas of arbitrary degree of neutrality
Authors: Kennedy D. , Mishchenko A.
Published: September 2019

Dipole and stellarator geometries are capable of confining plasmas of arbitrary neutrality, ranging from pure electron plasmas through to quasineutral. The diocotron mode is known to be important in non-neutral plasmas and has been widely studied. However, drift mode dynamics, dominating quasineutral plasmas, has received very little by way of attention in the non-neutral context. Here, we show that non-neutral plasmas can be unstable respect to both density-gradient- and temperature-gradient-driven instabilities. A local shearless slab limit is considered for simplicity. A key feature of non-neutral plasmas is the development of strong electric fields, in this local limit of straight field line geometry, the effect of the corresponding

$\boldsymbol{E}\times \boldsymbol{B}$

drift is limited to the Doppler shift of the complex frequency

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}\rightarrow \unicode[STIX]{x1D714}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{E}$

. However, the breaking of the quasineutrality condition still leads to interesting dynamics in non-neutral plasmas. In this paper we address the behaviour of a number of gyrokinetic modes in electron–ion and electron–positron plasmas with arbitrary degree of neutrality.
Evolutionary history told by mitochondrial markers of large teleost deep-sea predators of family Anoplopomatidae Jordan & Gilbert 1883, endemic to the North Pacific
Authors: Orlova Svetlana Y. , Schepetov Dimitry M. , Mugue Nikolai S. , Smirnova Maria A. , Senou Hiroshi , Baitaliuk Aleksei A. , Orlov Alexei M.
Published: September 2019

We propose three calibration scenarios of to date contemporary divergence of Anoplopomatidae (skilfish Erilepis zonifer and sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria) for a data set of two mtDNA loci (СOI and Control Region). The first scenario is based upon a fossil record and the second and third ones upon major palaeogeological events 3.5 and 15 Mya. Estimated evolution speeds indicate that COI evolves faster in the skilfish mitochondrial genome. There is also evidence of skilfish going through a bottleneck event limiting its genetic diversity in the relatively recent past near Japan. Sablefish had two refugia on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. The contemporary haplotype divergence was formed ~450 thousand years ago during an ice age in the Pleistocene and contemporary populations display no apparent geographic differentiation.
The neural basis of consciousness
Authors: Frith Chris D.
Published: September 2019

Consciousness has evolved and is a feature of all animals with sufficiently complex nervous systems. It is, therefore, primarily a problem for biology, rather than physics. In this review, I will consider three aspects of consciousness: level of consciousness, whether we are awake or in a coma; the contents of consciousness, what determines how a small amount of sensory information is associated with subjective experience, while the rest is not; and meta-consciousness, the ability to reflect upon our subjective experiences and, importantly, to share them with others. I will discuss and compare current theories of the neural and cognitive mechanisms involved in producing these three aspects of consciousness and conclude that the research in this area is flourishing and has already succeeded to delineate these mechanisms in surprising detail.
Small Péclet-number mass transport to a finite strip: An advection–diffusion–reaction model of surface-based biosensors
Authors: YARIV EHUD
Published: September 2019

We consider two-dimensional mass transport to a finite absorbing strip in a uniform shear flow as a model of surface-based biosensors. The quantity of interest is the Sherwood number Sh, namely the dimensionless net flux onto the strip. Considering early-time absorption, it is a function of the Péclet number Pe and the Damköhler number Da, which, respectively, represent the characteristic magnitude of advection and reaction relative to diffusion. With a view towards modelling nanoscale biosensors, we consider the limit Pe«1. This singular limit is handled using matched asymptotic expansions, with an inner region on the scale of the strip, where mass transport is diffusively dominated, and an outer region at distances that scale as Pe-1/2, where advection enters the dominant balance. At the inner region, the mass concentration possesses a point-sink behaviour at large distances, proportional to Sh. A rescaled concentration, normalised using that number, thus possesses a universal logarithmic divergence; its leading-order correction represents a uniform background concentration. At the outer region, where advection by the shear flow enters the leading-order balance, the strip appears as a point singularity. Asymptotic matching with the concentration field in that region provides the Sherwood number as$${\rm{Sh}} = {\pi \over {\ln (2/{\rm{P}}{{\rm{e}}^{1/2}}) + 1.0559 + \beta }},$$whereinβis the background concentration. The latter is determined by the solution of the canonical problem governing the rescaled inner concentration, and is accordingly a function of Da alone. Using elliptic-cylinder coordinates, we have obtained an exact solution of the canonical problem, valid for arbitrary values of Da. It is supplemented by approximate solutions for both small and large Da values, representing the respective limits of reaction- and transport-limited conditions.