bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering and Magnetically Heterogeneous State in Sr2FeMoO6–δ
Authors: Kalanda Nikolay , Garamus Vasil , Avdeev Mikhail , Zheludkevich Mikhail , Yarmolich Marta , Serdechnova Maria , Florian Wieland D. C. , Petrov Alexander , Zhaludkevich Aliaksandr , Sobolev Nikolai
Published: March 2019

Single‐phase strontium ferromolybdate (Sr2FeMoO6–δ) samples with different degrees of the superstructural ordering of the Fe/Mo cations (P) are obtained from partially reduced SrFeO3–х, SrMoO4 precursors by the solid‐state technology. The study of the temperature dependences of the magnetization measured in the field‐cooling and zero‐field‐cooling modes indicated an inhomogeneous magnetic state of the samples. The presence of magnetic regions of different nature has also been revealed by the small‐angle neutron scattering. For the Sr2FeMoO6–δ samples with different P values and for all values of the magnetic field induction up to 1.5 T and of the scattering vector in the interval 0.1 > q > 0.002 Å−1, the analytical dependence I ∼ q–α obeys the Porod law (α ≈ 4), which corresponds to an object with a smooth and well‐marked surface and polydisperse grain size. Deviations from the Porod law in the q > 0.1 Å−1 region and a weakening of the neutron scattering in applied magnetic fields may be ascribed to magnetic inhomogeneities with diameters D < 6 nm, which are partially destroyed/oriented by magnetic fields В ≥ 1.5 T. It is established that the magnetic homogeneity of the Sr2FeMoO6–δ compound is enhanced with increasing superstructural ordering of the Fe/Mo cations.
Crystallization of Thin Copper Films on Silica Substrate for Graphene Growth
Authors: Pivovarov Pavel A. , Rybin Maxim G. , Popovich Alexey F. , Orekhov Anton S. , Orekhov Andrey S. , Obraztsova Elena D. , Komlenok Maxim S.
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of graphene on thin copper film deposited on quartz substrate is reported. The copper films are fabricated with different thickness of 300 and 1150 nm and then crystallized during thermal annealing that occurs at temperature of 950 and 1000 °C for 30 or 90 min. The size of copper grains increases with increasing of the temperature and the time of annealing that results in increasing of graphene film size. The deposited copper films are studied by electron backscatter diffraction and synthesized graphene films are analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy. Proposed phase contrast mode of the scanning probe microscopy demonstrates high lateral resolution and sensitivity to the presence of graphene with different number of layers. It is found that graphene monolayer is preferably formed on the surface of copper grains with orientation {111} and proposed techniques can be used for the analysis of the evolution of graphene growth.
Segregation of tetracarbon units in low‐energy tetracarbindane structures: Major differences from their aluminum and gallium analogs
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Lupan Alexandru , King R. Bruce
Published: March 2019

The structures and energetics of the tetracarbindanes C4Inn−4Men (n = 6‐14) have been determined by density functional theory. In contrast to their aluminum and gallium analogs, the lowest energy tetracarbindanes typically have all four carbon atoms segregated into a single C4 unit. Thus, linear C4 units resembling butadiene are found in the lowest energy C4Inn−4Men structures. In addition, some higher energy tetracarbindane structures have a structural feature not found in any of the corresponding tetracarbalanes and tetracarbagallanes, namely closed trapezoidal C4 units resembling cyclobutene. Such trapezoidal C4 units bind to the Inn−4 subcluster with the CC edge bonding to a single indium atoms as an olefin‐metal or 3‐center 2‐electron bond. These differences may be attributed to the larger size of indium atoms (1.42 Å covalent radius) relative to gallium atoms (1.22 Å covalent radius).
Crisis Volunteerism is the New Black?—Exploring the Diversity of Voluntary Engagement in Crisis Management
Authors: Strandh Veronica
Published: March 2019

Both crisis research and crisis management policy suggest that crisis management experiences a “participatory turn” and it seems to be a renewed interest in the topic of crisis volunteerism. However, the voice of volunteer organizations, paradoxically, appears to be missing in research. This article builds on an interview study (26 interviews) with different types of voluntary organizations in Sweden. It explores two aspects of crisis volunteerism (i) the diversity of crisis volunteerism and (ii) the changing landscape of crisis volunteerism. The Disaster Research Center (DRC) typology is used to understand different types of volunteering and how different organizational types relate to each other. The empirical material shows that a significant amount of voluntary engagement with relevance to crisis management takes place outside the realm of core crisis management actors. An important finding is that the number of avenues where voluntary engagement is needed has expanded, and as a result, we need to engage new volunteer groups in society. Hence, the study suggests a more adaptive and inclusive understanding of the phenomenon of crisis volunteerism.
Concise Review: Application of Chemically Modified mRNA in Cell Fate Conversion and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Badieyan Zohreh Sadat , Evans Todd
Published: March 2019

Chemically modified RNA (cmRNA) has potential as a safe and efficient tool for nucleic acid-based therapies and regenerative medicine. Modifications in the chemistry of mRNA can enhance stability, reduce immunogenicity, and thus facilitate mRNA-based nucleic acid therapy, which eliminates risk of insertional mutagenesis. In addition to these valuable advantages, the mRNA-based method showed significantly higher efficacy for reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency compared with DNA- or protein-based methods. These findings suggest cmRNA can provide a powerful and safe tool for cell programming and reprogramming. Delivery methods, particularly using lipid nanoparticles, provide strategies for cell and organ-specific targeting. The present study comprehensively compares studies that have used cmRNAs for cell fate conversion and tissue engineering. The information should be useful for investigators looking to choose the most efficient and straightforward cmRNA-based strategy and protocol for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:833–843
Synthesis of New Quinazolin‐4‐(3H)‐one Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Biological Activities
Authors: Mostafavi Hamid , Islami Mohammad Reza , Khabazzadeh Hojatollah , Khaleghi Moj
Published: March 2019

A new series of quinazolin‐4‐ones are conveniently synthesized in a one‐pot procedure from anthranilamide derivatives and aldehydes using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The aim of inserting azo pyridyl and 4‐amino benzamide groups in the structure of quinazolin‐4‐one derivatives is to achieve skeletal appearance with more antibacterial and antifungal properties. Therefore, the biological activities of the synthetic compounds were studied. The results revealed that almost all compounds exhibit antimicrobial activities.
Insights into the Inhibitory Effect of H2O on Hg‐Catalytic Oxidation over the MnOx‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Zhou Zijian , Leng Erwei , Li Chengpu , Zhu Xinbo , Zhao Bo
Published: March 2019

MnOx‐based catalyst has been used for elemental mercury (Hg0) removal in the coal‐fired flue gas, but the H2O in the flue gas significantly inhibits its activity. Generally, it is believed the inhibitory effect is caused by competitive adsorption between Hg0/HCl and H2O. In this study, we found that the MnOx was also aged in the flue gas with high concentration of H2O. The results indicated that the catalysts would be aged by H2O. The characterization of the fresh and aged catalysts showed that the amount of Mn4+ and chemisorbed oxygen species decreased. H2O didn't inhibit HCl adsorption on the catalyst surface, but suppressed the formation of active chlorine species, which was active for Hg0 removal. Therefore, besides the generally known competitive adsorption mechanism, there should be other possible reasons to interpret the inhibitory effects of water vapor on Hg0 oxidation process.
TsNBr2 Mediated Synthesis of 2‐Acylbenzothiazoles and Quinoxalines from Aryl Methyl Ketones under Metal Free Condition
Authors: Loukrakpam Dineshwori Chanu , Phukan Prodeep
Published: March 2019

An efficient one pot strategy has been developed for the synthesis of 2‐acylbenzothiazoles and quinoxalines from aryl methyl ketones. A variety of heterocycles of these two categories could be prepared in a two‐step sequence in excellent yields. The reaction was performed starting from aromatic ketones via an aryl gloxal intermediate which, on further condensation with 2‐aminobenzenethiol or o‐phenylenediamine, produces the corresponding heterocyclic skeleton. Aromatic ketones are initially treated with TsNBr2 in DMSO at 65 °C for 3 h and the crude reaction mixture was treated with 2‐aminobenzenethiol (at 80 °C) or o‐phenylenediamine (at RT) to generate the final compound.
Synthesis of 6′‐Methyl‐2′‐O,4′‐C‐methylene‐α‐L‐ ribofuranosyl‐pyrimidine Nucleosides
Authors: Mangla Priyanka , Maity Jyotirmoy , Rungta Pallavi , Verma Vineet , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Prasad Ashok K.
Published: March 2019

Herein, we report the efficient synthesis of (6′R)‐ and (6′S)‐6′‐methyl‐2′‐O,4′‐C‐methylene‐α‐L‐ribofuranosyl‐thymine, and (6′R)‐ and (6′S)‐6′‐methyl‐2′‐O,4′‐C‐methylene‐α‐L‐ribofuranosyl‐uracil starting from diacetone glucofuranose in overall yields of 6.3, 4.7, 5.4 and 4.0%, respectively. The key step in the synthesis of stereochemically defined 6′‐Me‐bicyclic‐nucleosides is the nucleophilic addition of methyl group at methylene carbon of 4‐C–CH2OH moiety of the 4‐C‐tert‐butyldiphenylsilyloxymethylated sugar precursor. Thus, the methyl group was added on the aldehyde obtained from Dess‐Martin periodinane oxidation of the precursor alcohol employing AlMe3 in hexane. Both (6′R)‐ and (6′S)‐stereoisomers of bicyclic nucleosides T and U were successfully synthesized following Vorbrüggen nucleobase coupling of T and U with triacetylated glycosyl donor obtained from acetolysis of (5R)‐ and (5 S)‐4‐C‐(tert‐butyldiphenylsilyloxymethyl)‐5‐C‐methyl‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐3‐O‐(2‐naphthylmethyl)‐α‐D‐xylofuranoses and further cyclization and deprotection of the resulted nucleoside. One of the nucleosides, (6′R)‐6′‐methyl‐2′‐O,4′‐C‐methylene‐α‐L‐ribofuranosyl‐uracil has been reported earlier in 1.8% yield, while the present methodology yielded the nucleoside in 5.4% yield. All the synthesized 6′‐Me‐bicyclic‐nucleosides showed no significant anti‐viral activity against H1 N1 strain of influenza A virus (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934).
An Increase in Membrane Cholesterol by Graphene Oxide Disrupts Calcium Homeostasis in Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Bramini Mattia , Chiacchiaretta Martina , Armirotti Andrea , Rocchi Anna , Kale Deepali D. , Martin Cristina , Vázquez Ester , Bandiera Tiziano , Ferroni Stefano , Cesca Fabrizia , Benfenati Fabio
Published: March 2019

The use of graphene nanomaterials (GNMs) for biomedical applications targeted to the central nervous system is exponentially increasing, although precise information on their effects on brain cells is lacking. In this work, the molecular changes induced in cortical astrocytes by few‐layer graphene (FLG) and graphene oxide (GO) flakes are addressed. The results show that exposure to FLG/GO does not affect cell viability or proliferation. However, proteomic and lipidomic analyses unveil alterations in several cellular processes, including intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis and cholesterol metabolism, which are particularly intense in cells exposed to GO. Indeed, GO exposure impairs spontaneous and evoked astrocyte [Ca2+]i signals and induces a marked increase in membrane cholesterol levels. Importantly, cholesterol depletion fully rescues [Ca2+]i dynamics in GO‐treated cells, indicating a causal relationship between these GO‐mediated effects. The results indicate that exposure to GNMs alters intracellular signaling in astrocytes and may impact astrocyte–neuron interactions.
Electrochemically Modulated LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shuai Honglei , Li Jiayang , Hong Wanwan , Gao Xu , Zou Guoqiang , Hu Jiugang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo , Liu Huiqun
Published: March 2019

Layered lithium transition‐metal oxides are considered as promising cathodes for new‐generation lithium‐ion batteries due to their high capacity and excellent rate capability. Nevertheless, the approach of preparing precursors is generally restricted to the utilization of wet‐chemical methods. Herein, for the first time, an electrochemical strategy is introduced to prepare Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3(OH)2 precursor with the mixing at the atomic level by electrochemically anodized Ni–Mn–Co alloy anode, demonstrating the superiorities of high yield without the process of the extreme alkaline environment and complicated process. Furthermore, the layered LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode is obtained through calcining the mixture of precursors and Li sources under a certain calcined temperature. As anticipated, the initial discharge specific capacities of 183.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with a capacity retention of 79.66% after 120 loops are delivered for LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode with calcining at 930 °C, and it also exhibits superior rate capability with specific capacities of 151.1 and 116.5 mAh g−1 at 1 and 10 C, respectively. Therefore, this innovative approach can be readily extended to prepare other types of lithiated transition metal oxide precursors.
LS‐SVM generalized inverse decoupling control method for multivariable nonlinear discrete systems
Authors: Li Xin , Li Bo , Li Ruoqiong
Published: March 2019

A new nonlinear decoupling control method without state feedback based on a generalized inverse system of a least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) is proposed for a multiple‐input multiple‐output nonlinear discrete system. According to the mathematical model of multivariable nonlinear discrete systems, the reversibility of the LS‐SVM generalized inverse system is analyzed and verified. Using the ability of LS‐SVM to approximate nonlinear functions, the multivariable nonlinear generalized inverse model of stateless feedback can be obtained offline. The generalized inverse system obtained by LS‐SVM identification is connected before the original nonlinear system to decouple the multivariable nonlinear discrete systems into q independent single‐input single‐output pseudolinear subsystems. The theoretical derivation and simulation results show that the presented LS‐SVM generalized inverse decoupling control method can realize the dynamic decoupling of multivariable nonlinear systems. And the pseudolinear composite systems show good dynamic performance. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optimizing wind farm siting to reduce power system impacts of wind variability
Authors: Musselman Amelia , Thomas Valerie M. , Boland Natashia , Nazzal Dima
Published: March 2019

We introduce and solve two variants of a biobjective optimization model to reduce the negative impact of wind variability on the power system by strategically locating wind farms. The first model variant considers average changes in wind power over time; the second captures extreme fluctuations in wind power. A complementary set of wind sites is selected with the aim of minimizing both residual demand and the variability in residual demand. Because exact optimization is computationally intensive, we develop two heuristics—forward and backward greedy algorithms—to find approximate solutions. The results are compared with the exact optimization results for a well‐selected subset of the data as well as to the results from selecting sites based on average wind alone. The two models are solved using demand data and potential wind sites for the Southwest Power Pool. Though both objectives can be improved by adding more sites, for a fixed number of sites, minimizing residual demand and variability in residual demand are competing objectives. We find an approximate efficient frontier to compare trade‐offs between the two objectives. We also vary the parameter in the heuristic that controls how the two objectives are prioritized. For the case study, the backward greedy algorithm is more effective at reducing the wind power variability than the forward greedy algorithm. Furthermore, using the backward algorithm for the full dataset is more effective than solving the exact optimization on a subset of the data when the results are evaluated using the full dataset.
New method to capture traveling waves in flow passing a wind turbine
Authors: Le Clainche Soledad , Mao Xuerui , Vega José M.
Published: March 2019

Flow structures in the wake of a wind turbine are analysed by performing spatio‐temporal Koopman decomposition (STKD). STKD is a new method to decompose the flow field as a combination of travelling waves and to extract the frequency and wavenumbers (characterizing a specific spatial direction) of the dominant waves. The results indicate that the complex unsteady behaviour of the turbine wake flow is mainly driven by a single wave travelling downstream, combined with smaller amplitude traveling waves representing the flow rotation. This result agrees with the general description of the wake of a wind turbine regarded as the combination of self‐sustained oscillations and the development of upstream external noise, which are represented by the dominant traveling wave and the small‐magnitude ones, respectively.
Continuing Medical Education and the Marketing of Fentanyl for Breakthrough Pain: Marketing Messages in an Industry‐Funded CME Module on Breakthrough Pain
Authors: Infeld Margaret , Bell Alicia , Marlin Clare , Waterhouse Stephanie , Uliassi Nicole , Fugh‐Berman Adriane
Published: March 2019

In order to market transmucosal fentanyl products, industry‐funded medical journal articles and continuing medical education (CME) were used to persuade physicians that breakthrough pain (BTP) was a separate entity, and that rapid onset opioids were an appropriate treatment. We performed a pilot study on industry‐funded online CME modules on BTP that used perceptions of key points and text analysis to assess subtle bias. Thirty‐eight participants were randomized to read a non‐industry publication or an industry‐funded publication on opioids for managing pain. Twenty‐three participants were asked to assess key messages. A text analysis was also performed on key words and phrases. Those who read the non‐industry‐funded article noted that the effectiveness of opioids for chronic pain was unclear, whereas readers of the industry‐funded article viewed opioids more positively. Eight of twelve readers of the non‐industry‐funded article, compared to three of twelve assigned to the industry‐funded article, reported opioid abuse or addiction as a major theme. “Breakthrough pain” was mentioned 55 times in the industry‐funded article and once in the non‐industry‐funded article. The non‐industry‐funded article mentioned “death” 26 times; the industry‐funded article never mentioned “death.” Our study provides a new method of identifying subtle bias that may be useful for evaluating CME modules.
Study of γ‐Fast Neutron Attenuation and Mechanical Characteristics of Modified Concretes for Shielding and Sheltering Purposes
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed A. E. , Fouda Ahmed A. , El‐Mongy Sayed A.
Published: March 2019

The study of γ‐neutrons attenuation and mechanical characteristics of modified concrete are vital and crucial parameters for the construction of civilian radiological, nuclear shielding, and/or shelters. In this work, fifteen samples of ordinary concretes with five different additives; steel fibers, polypropylene, silica fume, and fly ash, with variation of cement percentages, were prepared and used for performing the mechanical and radiation attenuation investigations. The compressive strength, tensile strength, slump test, bulk density, and water permeability were also carried out for the prepared concrete mixes. Collimated coherent beams from 60Co and Pu‐Be fast neutron sources were used to check the radiation penetrability through the syntheized mixed concrete‐additives. Very sensitive and well calibrated gamma‐neutron pulse shape discriminating spectrometer with its electronic componenets and stilbene organic detector and 3′′ × 3′′ NaI scintillation crystal was used to measure the radiation before and after attenuation and transmission. The integrated fast neutron removal macroscopic cross section (Σr) and linear attenuation coefficient of total gamma rays (μ) were calculated for all the analysed concrete mixes. The results of measurements, tests, analyses and calculations are given and explained. The investigated modified concrete mixes show good workability and properties from the view point of mechanical loads and γ‐fast neutrons penetrability and resistance. These results can be used for shielding and sheltering design.
The Multiple Impact of Education Gaps in Romania
Authors: Cismaru Diana-Maria , Corbu Nicoleta
Published: March 2019

This contribution discusses the potential consequences of education gaps in Romania in the frame of change in the last 25 years, a frame that includes European integration and the strategic goals set for Europe 2020. The theoretical background is mainly functional, conceiving that the education system is one of the core systems that provide the basis for a nation’s development. Using quantitative data from institutional sources, such as Eurostat and the UNESCO data bank, the present research identifies education gaps at several levels: between urban and rural areas, regions of development, social categories. The consequences of these gaps in the future will be dramatic because education outcomes have an impact on multiple sectors, such as employability, work force quality, quality of life in the long term, and the welfare of the entire society.
Measuring the Hard-to-Measure in Development: Dimensions, Measurement Challenges, and Responses
Authors: Buffardi Anne L. , Pasanen Tiina , Hearn Simon
Published: March 2019

Development is a multi-dimensional, imprecise concept. Initiatives that aim to improve development attempt to address entrenched economic and social issues, increasingly through multi-component programmes, involve diverse sets of stakeholders pursuing different, sometimes competing interests, and must adapt to shifting contexts. They operate under conditions of uncertainty and complexity. Each of these factors poses challenges for measurement validity and reliability.

Based on common challenges that arose through development initiatives across a range of contexts, this paper explores four hard-to-measure dimensions of development: abstract, multi-dimensional concepts, processes, and issues; challenging settings where there are unpredictable, sudden or frequent shifts in the environment; multiple, uncertain pathways of change; and multi-layer implementing structures such as cross-sector partnerships and regional/national/subnational initiatives. These dimensions pose specific difficulties related to what is measured and where, the assessment of how and why changes took place, and who or what is the unit of analysis. They affect the credibility of evidence, a foundational element of evidence-informed decision-making. In addition to technical, methodological aspects, relational and political factors also have implications for measurement, even if the issue area, setting, pathway of change, and implementing structure are not inherently difficult.
Get It Right This Time? Leaving the Periphery of the European Economic Development
Authors: Păun Cristian , Pînzaru Florina
Published: March 2019

In 1990, the Central and East European countries started, at approximately the same level, the race to change their economic systems from communism to capitalism, which in turn was undergoing full-fledged mutations. Almost three decades later, the gap between Romania and other ex-communist, presently EU member states, is wider. Moreover, after joining the European Union, Romania did not surmount the inequalities, so in 2016 it was a paradoxical country, enjoying the highest rate of economic growth in the UE but, at the same time, ranking systematically low in welfare and development ratings. How can one explain such a meandering evolution? How is it that a country of significant natural resources and a development level like the others’ in the region, is behind three decades later? What can still be done, in the context of a globalized economy, undergoing higher and higher and unexpected pressure, where the big tend to become ever bigger? Decision makers might answer that the economy needed to be systemically changed to contain high value, ripple-effect activities. Yet this would involve structural investments in education and R&D and attracting funds for production capacities that do not rely only on cheap labour at a time when Romania is facing a constant demographic decline, a lack of domestic capital and a deterioration in the systems of education, research and transport.
The East-West Divide in the European Union: A Development Divide Reframed as a Political One
Authors: Bârgăoanu Alina , Buturoiu Raluca , Durach Flavia
Published: March 2019

This chapter focuses on the return of the East-West divide in the European Union, a divide neither new nor superficial. Dating centuries back in history, the divide is fuelled by persistent differences in the level of development of the Old (Western) Member States, and the New (CEE) Member States. Given the major geopolitical shifts shaking the current world order (i.e., the transatlantic deficit), overcoming the East-West divide is crucial for the EU’s future. This chapter will underline the morphology of the East-West “development divide” by focusing on its socio-economic determinants. It seeks to show that CEE membership to the EU has left largely untouched development indicators such as the urban-rural ratio, level of capitalisation and savings, entrepreneurship and innovation, integration in global/European production, technology, R&D chains, minimum wages, social expenditures, poverty, deprivation, income inequality, unemployment, and mortality. The authors consider that a sober, critical evidence-based acknowledgement of the European Union’s failure to make significant contributions to closing this development divide is worth our attention, and that the temptation to “reframe” this development gap in political, cultural, or even civilizational terms has the potential to create the greatest vulnerability for the EU and the international liberal order in the next years.
Chiral anomaly and Schwinger effect in non-abelian gauge theories
Authors: Domcke Valerie , Ema Yohei , Mukaida Kyohei , Sato Ryosuke
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We study the production of chiral fermions in a background of a strong non-abelian gauge field with a non-vanishing Chern-Pontryagin density. We discuss both pair production analogous to the Schwinger effect as well as asymmetric production through the chiral anomaly, sourced by the Chern-Pontryagin density. In abelian gauge theories one may nicely understand these processes by considering that the fermion dispersion relation forms discrete Landau levels. Here we extend this analysis to a non-abelian gauge theory, considering an intrinsically non-abelian isotropic and homogeneous SU(2) gauge field background with a non-vanishing Chern-Pontryagin density. We show that the asymmetric fermion production, together with a non-trivial vacuum contribution, correctly reproduces the chiral anomaly. This indicates that the usual vacuum subtraction scheme, imposing normal ordering, fails in this case. As a concrete example of this gauge field background, we consider chromo-natural inflation. Applying our analysis to this particular model, we compute the backreaction of the generated fermions on the gauge field background. This backreaction receives contributions both from the vacuum through a Coleman-Weinberg-type correction and from the fermion excitations through an induced current.
Key settings for successful Open Innovation Arena
Authors: Sivam Ashwin , Dieguez Teresa , Ferreira Luís Pinto , Silva F.J.G.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine settings for the Open Innovation Arena. In greater depth, this paper aims to analyse and reveal which factors influence the formation of an appropriate arena for doing open innovation and furthermore to prescribe how a firm can create an effective arena to gain access to external knowledge. This paper presents a review on open innovation literature with the purpose of examining the current understanding of factors influencing a firm's capacity to embrace and practice open innovation as well as understanding what is critical when fitting outside systems. It presents the results of a survey conducted among 25 researchers from INESC TEC, the Portuguese Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology, and Science. The study concludes that conditions, namely culture, leadership and strategy, are the main drivers to an open innovation arena, highlighting culture as the most important one.

Highlights Nowadays, the goal of each organisation is to conquest competition and to win new customers. Firms must create physical locations where collaboration is encouraged. Companies must be able to diagnose, measure and question its innovation performance and potential. The Innovation Scoring System impacts a firm's capacity to embrace and practice open innovation; Impacting factors on Innovation Scoring System: Conditions, Resources, Processes and Results. Open Innovation is a powerful tool for the sustainable development of the companies.
Basic Structure Revisited: The Case of Semenyih Jaya and the Defence of Fundamental Constitutional Principles in Malaysia
Authors: TAY Wilson Tze Vern
Published: March 2019

InSemenyih Jaya v Pentadbir Tanah Daerah Hulu Langat, the Federal Court of Malaysia asserted that the Federal Constitution continues to vest a distinct and independent judicial power in the judiciary notwithstanding earlier constitutional amendments, and also gave substantive effect to the ‘basic structure doctrine’ for the first time in Malaysia. This has contributed significantly to the long-standing discussion of whether, and to what extent, the ‘basic structure doctrine’ applies in Malaysia. Situating that landmark decision within the context of the evolving judicial practice in Malaysia and other jurisdictions on the ‘Westminster model’, this article evaluates the extent to whichSemenyih Jayahas contributed towards strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law in Malaysia. Considering that the apex court stopped short of directly invalidating the relevant constitutional amendments, this article argues thatSemenyih Jayarepresents a sophisticated modification of the ‘basic structure doctrine’ to fit the current context of Malaysian constitutionalism. This article also examines howSemenyih Jayaadvances the ‘constitutional dialogue’ between the judiciary and its co-equal branches of government, and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken by the Federal Court in that case.
Gender Inequalities in Neolithic Iberia: A Multi-Proxy Approach
Authors: Cintas-Peña Marta , García Sanjuán Leonardo
Published: March 2019

Gender archaeology approaches to Iberian late prehistory have experienced a significant growth in the last two decades. However, much of the work undertaken has focused on specific aspects of the archaeological record (rock art, burial practices), particularly from the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods for which the evidence is more readily available. In addition, it has tended to be regional or local in scope. Here, we attempt an empirically robust multi-proxy approach to the development of early gender inequalities in Neolithic Iberia. Inspired by Gerda Lerner's ideas on the origins of patriarchy and based on a systematic collection of data analysed by means of significance testing, we present the first comprehensive study of gender dissymmetries in Iberian prehistory. Our conclusions suggest that, first, the multi-proxy method used has potential for the systematic study of gender inequalities on the basis of archaeological data and, second, that the Neolithic witnessed emerging gender inequalities that set the basis for male domination in later periods.
Impact of doffing errors on healthcare worker self-contamination when caring for patients on contact precautions
Authors: Okamoto Koh , Rhee Yoona , Schoeny Michael , Lolans Karen , Cheng Jennifer , Reddy Shivani , Weinstein Robert A. , Hayden Mary K. , Popovich Kyle J. ,   for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: March 2019

Objective:

We assessed the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE) doffing errors on healthcare worker (HCW) contamination with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

Design:

Prospective, observational study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at 4 adult ICUs at 1 tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Participants:

HCWs who cared for patients on contact precautions for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, or multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli were enrolled. Samples were collected from standardized areas of patient body, garb sites, and high-touch environmental surfaces in patient rooms. HCW hands, gloves, PPE, and equipment were sampled before and after patient interaction. Research personnel observed PPE doffing and coded errors based on CDC guidelines.

Results:

We enrolled 125 HCWs; most were nurses (66.4%) or physicians (19.2%). During the study, 95 patients were on contact precautions for MRSA. Among 5,093 cultured sites (HCW, patient, environment), 652 (14.7%) yielded the target MDRO. Moreover, 45 HCWs (36%) were contaminated with the target MDRO after patient interactions, including 4 (3.2%) on hands and 38 (30.4%) on PPE. Overall, 49 HCWs (39.2%) made multiple doffing errors and were more likely to have contaminated clothes following a patient interaction (risk ratio [RR], 4.69;P= .04). All 4 HCWs with hand contamination made doffing errors. The risk of hand contamination was higher when gloves were removed before gowns during PPE doffing (RR, 11.76;P= .025).

Conclusion:

When caring for patients on CP for MDROs, HCWs appear to have differential risk for hand contamination based on their method of doffing PPE. An intervention as simple as reinforcing the preferred order of doffing may reduce HCW contamination with MDROs.
Cascades of temperature and entropy fluctuations in compressible turbulence
Authors: Wang Jianchun , Wan Minping , Chen Song , Xie Chenyue , Wang Lian-Ping , Chen Shiyi
Published: March 2019

Cascades of temperature and entropy fluctuations are studied by numerical simulations of stationary three-dimensional compressible turbulence with a heat source. The fluctuation spectra of velocity, compressible velocity component, density and pressure exhibit the $-5/3$ scaling in an inertial range. The strong acoustic equilibrium relation between spectra of the compressible velocity component and pressure is observed. The $-5/3$ scaling behaviour is also identified for the fluctuation spectra of temperature and entropy, with the Obukhov–Corrsin constants close to that of a passive scalar spectrum. It is shown by Kovasznay decomposition that the dynamics of the temperature field is dominated by the entropic mode. The average subgrid-scale (SGS) fluxes of temperature and entropy normalized by the total dissipation rates are close to 1 in the inertial range. The cascade of temperature is dominated by the compressible mode of the velocity field, indicating that the theory of a passive scalar in incompressible turbulence is not suitable to describe the inter-scale transfer of temperature in compressible turbulence. In contrast, the cascade of entropy is dominated by the solenoidal mode of the velocity field. The different behaviours of cascades of temperature and entropy are partly explained by the geometrical properties of SGS fluxes. Moreover, the different effects of local compressibility on the SGS fluxes of temperature and entropy are investigated by conditional averaging with respect to the filtered dilatation, demonstrating that the effect of compressibility on the cascade of temperature is much stronger than on the cascade of entropy.
Pressure impulse theory for a slamming wave on a vertical circular cylinder
Authors: Ghadirian Amin , Bredmose Henrik
Published: March 2019

A pressure impulse model is presented for wave impact on vertical circular cylinders. Pressure impulse is the time integral of the pressure during an impact of short time scale. The model is derived for a simplistic geometry and has relative impact height, crest length and cylinder radius as effective variables. The last parameter, the maximum angle of impact, is free and can be calibrated to yield the right force impulse. A progression of simpler pressure impulse models are derived in terms of a three-dimensional box generalization of the two-dimensional wall model and an axisymmetric model for vertical cylinders. The dependence on the model parameters is investigated in the simpler models and linked to the behaviour of the three-dimensional cylinder model. The model is next validated against numerical results for a wave impact for a phase- and direction-focused wave group. The maximum impact angle is determined by calibration against the force impulse. A good match of the pressure impulse fields is found. Further comparison to the force impulse of two common models in marine engineering reveals improved consistency for the present model. The model is found to provide a promising representation of the pressure impulse field, based on a limited number of input parameters. Its further validation and potential as a robust tool in force and response prediction is discussed.
Prelimbic neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition exerts antidepressant-like effects independently of BDNF signalling cascades
Authors: Pereira Vitor Silva , Suavinha Angélica C.D. Romano , Wegener Gregers , Joca Sâmia R.L.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

NMDA antagonists and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors induce antidepressant-like effects and may represent treatment options for depression. The behavioural effects of NMDA antagonists seem to depend on Tyrosine kinase B receptor (TrkB) activation by BDNF and on mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, it is unknown whether similar mechanisms are involved in the behavioural effects of NOS inhibitors. Therefore, this work aimed at determining the role of TrkB and mTOR signalling in the prelimbic area of the ventral mPFC (vmPFC-PL) in the antidepressant-like effect of NOS inhibitors.

Methods

Pharmacological treatment with LY235959 or ketamine (NMDA antagonists), NPA or 7-NI (NOS inhibitors), BDNF, K252a (Trk antagonist) and rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) injected systemically or into vmPFC-PL followed by behavioural assessment.

Results

We found that bilateral injection of BDNF into the vmPFC-PL induced an antidepressant-like effect, which was blocked by pretreatment with K252a and rapamycin. Microinjection of LY 235959 into the vmPFC-PL induced antidepressant-like effect that was suppressed by local rapamycin but not by K252a pretreatment. Microinjection of NPA induced an antidepressant-like effect insensitive to both K252a and rapamycin. Similarly, the antidepressant-like effects of a systemic injection of ketamine or 7-NI were not affected by blockade of mTOR or Trk receptors in the vmPFC-PL.

Conclusion

Our data support the hypothesis that NMDA blockade induces an antidepressant-like effect that requires mTOR but not Trk signalling into the vmPFC-PL. The antidepressant-like effect induced by local NOS inhibition is independent on both Trk and mTOR signalling in the vmPFC-PL.
Efficacy of ethyl-EPA as a treatment for Huntington disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Morsy Sara , Khalil Samar Morsy , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy , Kamel Mohamed Gomaa , El-Basiony Doaa Saeed Mahmoud , Ahmed Hassan Hossam Idrees , Eisa Ahmed Abdelaziz , Anh Ngoc Cao Thị , Dang Nguyen Phu , Hirayama Kenji , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: March 2019

Objective:

After MRI studies suggested the efficacy of ethyl-EPA in reducing the progressive brain atrophy in Huntington disease (HD), trials were conducted to test its efficacy as a treatment for HD. Trials that continued for 6 months did not find any significant improvement, urging discontinuation of the drug. However, trials that continued for 12 months indicated improvement of motor functions in these patients.

Methods:

We searched 12 electronic databases to find randomised clinical trials relevant to our inclusion criteria. After screening, only five papers were included. Continuous and binary variables were analysed to compute the pooled mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR), respectively. Quality effect model meta-analysis was used as a post hoc analysis for studies at 12 months.

Findings:

Meta-analysis indicated that ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has no significant effect on any scale of HD at 6 months. At 12 months, two studies suggested significant improvements of the Total Motor Score and Total Motor Score–4 in both fixed and quality effect models [MD = −2.720, 95% CI (−4.76, –.68), p = 0.009; MD = −2.225, 95% CI (−3.842, −0.607), p = 0.007], respectively. Maximal chorea score showed significant results [MD = −1.013, 95% CI (−1.793, −0.233), p = 0.011] in only fixed-effect model, while no improvement was detected for Stroop colour naming test or symbol digit modality.

Conclusion:

Meta-analysis indicated a significant improvement of motor scores only after 12 months. These results should be interpreted cautiously because only two studies had assessed the efficacy of ethyl-EPA after 12 months with one of them having a 6-month open-label phase.
Comparison of phytosterol intake from FFQ with repeated 24-h dietary recalls of the Adventist Health Study-2 calibration sub-study
Authors: Sirirat Rawiwan , Heskey Celine , Haddad Ella , Tantamango-Bartley Yessenia , Fraser Gary , Mashchak Andrew , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen
Published: March 2019

We evaluated the performance of an FFQ in estimating phytosterol intake against multiple 24-h dietary recalls (24HDR) using data from 1011 participants of the calibration sub-study of the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort. Dietary assessments of phytosterol intake included a self-administered FFQ and six 24HDR and plasma sterols. Plasma sterols were determined using the GLC flame ionisation method. Validation of energy-adjusted phytosterol intake from the FFQ with 24HDR was conducted by calculating crude, unadjusted, partial and de-attenuated correlation coefficients (r) and cross-classification by race. On average, total phytosterol intake from the FFQ was 439·6 mg/d in blacks and 417·9 mg/d in whites. From the 24HDR, these were 295·6 mg/d in blacks and 351·4 mg/d in whites. Intake estimates of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, other plant sterols and total phytosterols from the FFQ had moderate to strong correlations with estimates from 24HDR (r 0·41–0·73). Correlations were slightly higher in whites (r0·42–0·73) than in blacks (r 0·41–0·67). FFQ estimates were poorly correlated with plasma sterols as well as 24HDRv. plasma sterols. We conclude that the AHS-2 FFQ provided reasonable estimates of phytosterol intake and may be used in future studies relating phytosterol intake and disease outcomes.
Mixed-stock and discriminant models use for assessing recruitment sources of estuarine fish populations in La Plata Basin (South America)
Authors: Avigliano Esteban , Pisonero Jorge , Bordel Nerea , Dománico Alejandro , Volpedo Alejandra Vanina
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to identify potential recruitment sources of Prochilodus lineatus from freshwater areas (Paraná and Uruguay rivers) to estuarine population of the Río de la Plata Estuary (La Plata Basin, South America), considering young (age-1) and adult (age-7) fish. LA-ICP-MS chemical analysis of the otolith core (nine element:Ca ratios) of an unknown mixed sample from Río de la Plata Estuary (2011 and 2017) was compared with a young-of-year baseline data set (same cohort) and classified into freshwater nurseries (Paraná or Uruguay river) by using maximum classification-likelihood models (MLE and MCL) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). Considering the three models used, the Uruguay River was the most important contributor for both young and adult populations. The young population (2011) was highly mixed with contributions between 31.7 to 68.3%, while the degree of mixing was found to decrease in 2017 (adult fish) from 97.1 to 100% contributions. The three employed methods showed comparable estimates, however, the QDA showed a high similarity with the MCL model, suggesting sensitivity to evaluate small contributions, unlike the MLE method. Our results show the potential application of maximum likelihood mixture models and QDA for determining the relative importance of recruitment sources of fish in estuarine waters of the La Plata Basin.
Health, psychological, social and environmental mediators between socio-economic inequalities and participation in exercise among elderly Japanese
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Harada Ken , Sugihara Yoko , Yanagisawa Shizuko , Shinmei Masaya
Published: March 2019

This study examined which of the identified health, psychological, social and environmental mediators could most effectively explain the socio-economic status (SES)-based differences in participation in exercise among elderly Japanese. The candidates for mediators were composed based on the socio-ecological model. A representative sample of people 65 years and older living in two areas with different residential SES in Tokyo, Japan produced 739 effective participants. The intensity of exercise was evaluated based on whether the participants exercise for 30 minutes or longer twice a week, or for 20 minutes or longer three times a week. SES was evaluated by education and income. Mediators were assessed through four dimensions: (a) health, (b) psychological status, (c) social relations and (d) environmental context. As a result, SES's indirect effect through the mediators was evaluated using a multiple mediator model. The influence of both education and income on exercise was mediated by self-efficacy for exercise and social support for exercise. Self-efficacy for exercise had the strongest effect, while social support for exercise explained more of the income differences affecting participation in exercise than it did regarding educational differences. Self-efficacy for exercise may have the strongest effect as a mediator, which would explain the differences in participation in exercise among elderly Japanese based on education and income.