bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional partial differential equation arising in a cell growth model with dispersion
Authors: Efendiev Messoud , van Brunt Bruce , Wake Graeme C. , Zaidi Ali Ashher
Published: December 2017

In this paper we solve an initial‐boundary value problem that involves a pde with a nonlocal term. The problem comes from a cell division model where the growth is assumed to be stochastic. The deterministic version of this problem yields a first‐order pde; the stochastic version yields a second‐order parabolic pde. There are no general methods for solving such problems even for the simplest cases owing to the nonlocal term. Although a solution method was devised for the simplest version of the first‐order case, the analysis does not readily extend to the second‐order case. We develop a method for solving the second‐order case and obtain the exact solution in a form that allows us to study the long time asymptotic behaviour of solutions and the impact of the dispersion term. We establish the existence of a large time attracting solution towards which solutions converge exponentially in time. The dispersion term does not appear in the exponential rate of convergence.
Nonlinear integrable couplings of a generalized super Ablowitz‐Kaup‐Newell‐Segur hierarchy and its super bi‐Hamiltonian structures
Authors: Hu Beibei , Ma Wen‐Xiu , Xia Tiecheng , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a new generalized 5×5 matrix spectral problem of Ablowitz‐Kaup‐Newell‐Segur type associated with the enlarged matrix Lie superalgebra is proposed, and its corresponding super soliton hierarchy is established. The super variational identities are used to furnish super Hamiltonian structures for the resulting super soliton hierarchy.
Layered metal(IV) phosphonate materials: Solid‐state 1H, 13C, 31P NMR spectra and NMR relaxation
Authors: Sheikh Javeed Ahmad , Bakhmutov Vladimir I. , Clearfield Abraham
Published: December 2017

Multinuclear solid‐state NMR and powder X‐ray diffraction data collected for phosphonate materials Zr(O3PC6H4PO3) · 3.6H2O and Sn(O3PC6H4PO3)0.85(O3POH)0.30 · 3.09H2O have resulted in the layered structure, where the phosphonic acids cross‐link the layers. The main structural motif (the 111 connectivity in the PO3 group) has been established by determination of chemical shift anisotropy parameters for phosphorus nuclei in the phosphonate groups. An analysis of the variable‐temperature 31P T1 measurements and the shapes of the phosphorus resonances in the 31P static NMR spectra have resulted in the dipolar mechanism of the phosphorus spin‐lattice relaxation, where the rotating phenylene rings reorient dipolar vectors P…H as a driving force of the relaxation process. It has been found that water protons do not affect the 31P T1 times. The activation energy of the phenylene rotation in both compounds has been determined as low as 12.5 kJ/mol. The interpretation of the phosphorus relaxation data has been independently confirmed by the measurements of 1H T1 times for protons of the phenylene rings.
Kinetics of Bulk Free‐Radical Polymerization of Butyl Methacrylate Isomers Studied by Reaction Calorimetry
Authors: Victoria‐Valenzuela David , Herrera‐Ordonez Jorge , Arcos‐Casarrubias Antonio , Vazquez‐Torres Humberto
Published: December 2017

The kinetics of bulk free‐radical polymerizations of n‐butyl methacrylate (n‐BMA), iso‐butyl methacrylate (i‐BMA), and tert‐butyl methacrylate (t‐BMA) are studied by differential scanning calorimetry and with the aid of a mathematical model previously reported by the authors. In all the cases, the rate of polymerization (Rp) evolution curve exhibits a minimum at low conversions and the characteristic maximum of the autoacceleration effect. It is found that the monomer conversion xmin at which the minimum is observed, follows the order n‐BMA > i‐BMA > t‐BMA and that for monomer conversions (x) smaller than xmin, the termination rate coefficient (kt) shows a plateau. According to the model results it is obtained that for x > xmin, the termination reaction is chemically controlled whereas for x > xmin, it is diffusion‐controlled and that the xmin values are related to the value of the termination rate coefficient of the chemical step (kt0) of every isomer, which is highly influenced by the steric hindrance of the alkyl substituent group.
Simultaneous bilateral‐knee MR imaging
Authors: Kogan Feliks , Levine Evan , Chaudhari Akshay S. , Monu Uchechukwuka D. , Epperson Kevin , Oei Edwin H.G. , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To demonstrate and evaluate the scan time and quantitative accuracy of simultaneous bilateral‐knee imaging compared with single‐knee acquisitions.

Methods

Hardware modifications and safety testing was performed to enable MR imaging with two 16‐channel flexible coil arrays. Noise covariance and sensitivity‐encoding g‐factor maps for the dual‐coil‐array configuration were computed to evaluate coil cross‐talk and noise amplification. Ten healthy volunteers were imaged on a 3T MRI scanner with both dual‐coil‐array bilateral‐knee and single‐coil‐array single‐knee configurations. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists compared the relative image quality between blinded image pairs acquired with each configuration. Differences in T2 relaxation time measurements between dual‐coil‐array and single‐coil‐array acquisitions were compared with the standard repeatability of single‐coil‐array measurements using a Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

The mean g‐factors for the dual‐coil‐array configuration were low for accelerations up to 6 in the right–left direction, and minimal cross‐talk was observed between the two coil arrays. Image quality ratings of various joint tissues showed no difference in 89% (95% confidence interval: 85–93%) of rated image pairs, with only small differences (“slightly better” or “slightly worse”) in image quality observed. The T2 relaxation time measurements between the dual‐coil‐array configuration and the single‐coil configuration showed similar limits of agreement and concordance correlation coefficients (limits of agreement: −0.93 to 1.99 ms; CCC: 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.96–0.98)), to the repeatability of single‐coil‐array measurements (limits of agreement: −2.07 to 1.96 ms; CCC: 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.95–0.98)).

Conclusion

A bilateral coil‐array setup can image both knees simultaneously in similar scan times as conventional unilateral knee scans, with comparable image quality and quantitative accuracy. This has the potential to improve the value of MRI knee evaluations. Magn Reson Med 80:529–537, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A branch‐and‐price algorithm for the single‐path virtual network embedding problem
Authors: Moura Leonardo F.S. , Gaspary Luciano P. , Buriol Luciana S.
Published: December 2017

Network virtualization is a growing trend in the implementation of Internet infrastructures. The Virtual Network Embedding problem is one of the challenges in the virtualization of physical networks. This work shows that finding a feasible solution to this problem is NP‐Hard. However, in practice, it can be solved to optimality by exploiting the problem structure. We propose a new branch‐and‐price algorithm applied to a flow‐based formulation of the problem, and present an extensive computational study performed for instances of distinct topologies and sizes. The results presented attest the efficiency of the branch‐and‐price algorithm in solving the problem.
High‐performance direct algorithms for computing the sign function of triangular matrices
Authors: Stotland Vadim , Schwartz Oded , Toledo Sivan
Published: December 2017

Algorithms and implementations for computing the sign function of a triangular matrix are fundamental building blocks for computing the sign of arbitrary square real or complex matrices. We present novel recursive and cache‐efficient algorithms that are based on Higham's stabilized specialization of Parlett's substitution algorithm for computing the sign of a triangular matrix. We show that the new recursive algorithms are asymptotically optimal in terms of the number of cache misses that they generate. One algorithm that we present performs more arithmetic than the nonrecursive version, but this allows it to benefit from calling highly optimized matrix multiplication routines; the other performs the same number of operations as the nonrecursive version, suing custom computational kernels instead. We present implementations of both, as well as a cache‐efficient implementation of a block version of Parlett's algorithm. Our experiments demonstrate that the blocked and recursive versions are much faster than the previous algorithms and that the inertia strongly influences their relative performance, as predicted by our analysis.
Recovery of strong equilibrium from displacement‐based finite element models of Reissner‐Mindlin plates
Authors: Maunder E. A. W. , Moitinho de Almeida J. P.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we extend to Reissner‐Mindlin plate bending problems a technique, originally proposed in the context of two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional continua, for recovering fully equilibrated stresses from the solution of a compatible finite element model. The technique involves partition of unity functions and the analyses of overlapping star patches modelled with hybrid equilibrium plate elements. The patches are subjected to balanced systems of loads composed of partitioned and fictitious loads, where the latter are derived from the stresses of the compatible solution. The special case of assumed linear displacement fields of both deflection and rotation for the compatible model is included. This case requires additional fields of stress resultants to correct possible rotational imbalances of star patches, and these are derived elementwise. Other cases of nonconforming elements are briefly considered. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of these techniques in terms of the deviation of the recovery, which compares the complementary strain energy of a recovered solution with that obtained by a global equilibrated analysis based on the same stress approximations.
Some effects of foaming of the poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) modified by electron radiation
Authors: Malinowski Rafał , Stepczyńska Magdalena , Raszkowska‐Kaczor Aneta , Żuk Tomasz
Published: December 2017

Investigation of the effect of electron radiation and foaming agent on some properties of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) was the aim of the present paper. The mass flow rate, weight‐average molecular weight of irradiated PBAT as well as the morphological structure of foamed samples, their density, tensile strength, and specific strength were determined. It was found that irradiation of PBAT induces growth in weight‐average molecular weight and decrease in mass flow rate, and as a consequence of this increase in viscosity of this polymer. It was also found that foaming of irradiated PBAT causes formation of homogeneous cellular structure or structure with a clear separation of large and small cells. Simultaneously, the irradiated and foamed PBAT shows smaller density than that of non‐irradiated and foamed PBAT. Moreover, electron radiation does not influence tensile strength of the foamed PBAT; however, it increases its specific strength, although only if the content of foaming agent is 1 wt%.
Structural analysis of linear/branched ethylene block copolymers
Authors: Karimi Mahsa , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Ahmadjo Saeid , Ahmadi Mostafa
Published: December 2017

Chain shuttling polymerization has provided new pathway for introduction of different architectures in a single chain. Unlike the commercially available ethylene/1‐octene block copolymers, synthesis and microstructure of linear/branched polyethylene with blocky nature is not extensively studied. In this work, such block copolymers are synthesized based on reversible transfer of growing chains between an ansa metallocene and α‐diimine catalysts, forming linear and branched structures from ethylene, respectively. Investigation of thermal properties reveals that application of 550 equivalent of chain shuttling agent makes blocky structures that show the most deviation from the longstanding relationship between melting temperature and crystallinity or density, alongside with turning broad molecular distribution into unimodal. Thermal fractionation by successive self‐annealing demonstrates formation of broad distribution of linear blocks, as comprehended through appearance of uniform melting peaks at lower temperatures. Corresponding dynamic mechanical properties and crystalline structures reveal soft elastomeric properties, specifically at temperatures around −50°C, opposed to the purely linear chains or linear/branched blends. Correspondingly, blend samples demonstrate significant morphological change upon treatment with a suitable solvent for the branched fraction, contrary to the blocky microstructures.
A novel graphene hybrid for reducing fire hazard of epoxy resin
Authors: Xu Wenzong , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Guisong , Li Aijiao , Xu Baoling
Published: December 2017

Epoxy resin (EP) is more and more important in many fields, but its application is limited due to the inflammability in air of EP. Therefore, reducing the fire hazard of EP is necessary. In this work, a kind of hybrid flame retardant (α‐ZrP‐RGO) consisting of a 2‐dimensional inorganic reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified with a planar‐like α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) particles was prepared successfully via 1‐step hydrothermal method. The effects of α‐ZrP‐RGO on the thermal performance, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression of EP were investigated by preparing EP composites containing both EP and α‐ZrP‐RGO. Thermogravimetric results revealed that α‐ZrP‐RGO could improve the char yield of EP at 700°C obviously. In addition, compared with pure EP, the peak heat release rate and the total heat release of EP composites were decreased significantly, while the limited oxygen index of EP composites was increased. Meanwhile, the smoke production rate of EP composites was reduced obviously with the addition of α‐ZrP‐RGO. The enhanced flame retardancy and smoke suppression of EP composites were mainly attributed to not only the physical barrier effect of both α‐ZrP and RGO but also the catalytic effect of α‐ZrP during the combustion process of EP composites.
Hybrid factors influencing wet grip and rolling resistance properties of solution styrene‐butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Choi Sung‐Seen , Kwon Hyuk‐Min , Kim Yeowool , Ko Eunah , Lee Ki‐Suk
Published: December 2017

Influencing factors on wet grip and rolling resistance properties of solution styrene − butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were investigated in terms of main hybrid components of the microstructure and crosslink density. Influence of the molecular weight and oil extension on the wet grip and rolling resistance properties was also examined. The styrene and 1,2‐unit contents of SBR affected the wet grip and rolling resistance properties. The influence of hybrid factors on the wet grip and rolling resistance properties was examined using 3D plots of the microstructure and crosslink density. The wet grip property was influenced by the hybrid microstructure of the styrene and 1,2‐unit as well as the crosslink density. The rolling resistance property was found to be mainly affected by not only the styrene content but also the crosslink density. It was found that SBR with appropriate styrene content (15 − 18 mol%), relatively high 1,2‐unit content (45 − 50 mol%) and relatively high crosslink density (over 1.5 × 10−4 mol cm−3) might be good for improvement of both the wet grip and rolling resistance properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
SIMLR: A Tool for Large‐Scale Genomic Analyses by Multi‐Kernel Learning
Authors: Wang Bo , Ramazzotti Daniele , De Sano Luca , Zhu Junjie , Pierson Emma , Batzoglou Serafim
Published: December 2017

SIMLR (Single‐cell Interpretation via Multi‐kernel LeaRning), an open‐source tool that implements a novel framework to learn a sample‐to‐sample similarity measure from expression data observed for heterogenous samples, is presented here. SIMLR can be effectively used to perform tasks such as dimension reduction, clustering, and visualization of heterogeneous populations of samples. SIMLR was benchmarked against state‐of‐the‐art methods for these three tasks on several public datasets, showing it to be scalable and capable of greatly improving clustering performance, as well as providing valuable insights by making the data more interpretable via better a visualization. SIMLR is available on https://github.com/BatzoglouLabSU/SIMLRGitHub in both R and MATLAB implementations. Furthermore, it is also available as an R package on http://bioconductor.org
Quantitative Proteomics Identified TTC4 as a TBK1 Interactor and a Positive Regulator of SeV‐Induced Innate Immunity
Authors: Shang Jun , Xia Tian , Han Qiang‐Qiang , Zhao Xiaolu , Hu Ming‐Ming , Shu Hong‐Bing , Guo Lin
Published: December 2017

TBK1, STING, and MDA5 are important players within the antiviral innate immune response network. We mapped the interactome of endogenous TBK1, STING, and MDA5 by affinity enrichment MS in virally infected or uninfected THP‐1 cells. Based on quantitative data of more than 2000 proteins and stringent statistical analysis, 58 proteins were identified as high‐confidence interactors for at least one of three bait proteins. Our data indicated that TBK1 and MDA5 mostly interacted within preexisting protein networks, while STING interacted with different proteins with different viral infections. Functional analysis was performed on 17 interactors, and six were found to have functions in innate immune responses. We identified TTC4 as a TBK1 interactor and positive regulator of sendai virus‐induced innate immunity.
The effect of an attachment‐oriented couple intervention for breast cancer patients and partners in the early treatment phase: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nicolaisen A. , Hagedoorn M. , Hansen D.G. , Flyger H.L. , Christensen R. , Rottmann N. , Lunn P.B. , Terp H. , Soee K. , Johansen C.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Patients and partners both cope individually and as a dyad with challenges related to a breast cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a psychological attachment‐oriented couple intervention for breast cancer patients and partners in the early treatment phase.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial including 198 recently diagnosed breast cancer patients and their partners. Couples were randomised to the Hand in Hand (HiH) intervention in addition to usual care or to usual care only. Self‐report assessments were conducted for both patients and partners at baseline, postintervention (5 months), and follow‐up (10 months), assessing cancer‐related distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and dyadic adjustment. Patients' cancer‐related distress was the primary outcome.

Results

Cancer‐related distress decreased over time in both patients and partners, but the intervention did not significantly affect this decrease at postintervention (P = .08) or follow‐up (P = .71). A significant positive effect was found on dyadic adjustment at follow‐up for both patients (P = .04) and partners (P = .02).

Conclusions

There was no significant effect of the HiH intervention cancer‐related distress. The results suggest that most couples can cope with cancer‐related distress in the context of usual care. However, the positive effect on dyadic adjustment implies that the HiH intervention benefitted both patients and partners. Future studies should investigate how to integrate a couple focus in usual cancer care to improve dyadic coping in the early treatment phase.
Validation of the GLI‐2012 spirometry reference equations in Argentinian children
Authors: Busi Luciano E. , Sly Peter D.
Published: December 2017

Aim

The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) has produced spirometry reference equations for use in different ethnic groups. Previous reports have shown that the GLI equations do not adequately describe lung function in all populations and that adopting the new equations into clinical practice can increase the number of patients considered to have abnormal lung function. Therefore, before adopting these equations into local practice it is necessary to establish how well the equations represent the local population. The present study was conducted to determine how well the GLI spirometry reference equations represented the young children in Argentina, a population not included in the GLI dataset.

Methods

Spirometry was measured in 2072 healthy children (50.9% males) aged 3.0‐12.4 years (mean 6.64 ± SD 1.39), with a height range of 93.0‐158.5 cm and weight range from 13.1 to 54.7 kg. We used the GLI “Caucasian” and “other/mixed” race equations to create Z‐scores.

Results

The Z‐scores predicted by the Caucasian GLI equations did not differ from zero and fitted the data well. Z‐scores calculated using “other/mixed race” fit less well. Using the GLI definition of low lung function (Z‐score <1.65) 6.8% of our healthy population had abnormal FVC, 4.9% had abnormal FEV1, 5.9 % had abnormal FEV0.75, and 3.9% had abnormal FEF25‐75 when using the “Caucasian” GLI equation. This compares well with the expected 5% below the lower limit of normal.

Conclusion

We recommend the use of the GLI‐2012 Caucasian equations for spirometry undertaken in Argentinian children.
Micro‐Segmented Flow Technology Applied for Synthesis and Shape Control of Lead Styphnate Micro‐Particles
Authors: Zhao Shuangfei , Yan Fanyuhui , Zhu Peng , Yang Yong , Xia Huanming , Shen Ruiqi , Ye Yinghua
Published: December 2017

In this study, the technology of micro‐segmented flow was applied for continuous synthesis safely and shape control accurately to lead trinitroresorcinate (LTNR) particles. Besides, a micro chemical reaction and crystallization system were built. Crystal shape control technology of LTNR and micro‐segmented flow technology were first combined using the system. Additionally, the effects of the flowing rate and chemical additives on LTNR micro‐particles preparation were researched for shape control. The LTNR micro‐particles were analyzed by XRD, DSC, laser scanning confocal microscope and laser particle size analyzer. The results shows that the LTNR particles size can be controlled from 20 to 400 μm by the flow rate and the concentration of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), while the shape of LTNR can be controlled by the concentration of glycerol and CTAB. Besides, there is a good linear relationship between the size and the activation energy. This illustrates that the LTNR particles with smaller size are more stable and have higher heat release. This study demonstrated the power of micro‐segmented flow for generation of LTNR micro‐particles with high quality and for tuning of particle properties.
Moment‐Volume Coupling in La(Fe1−xSix)13
Authors: Gruner Markus E. , Keune Werner , Landers Joachim , Salamon Soma , Krautz Maria , Zhao Jiyong , Hu Michael Y. , Toellner Thomas , Alp Esen E. , Gutfleisch Oliver , Wende Heiko
Published: December 2017

We investigate the origin of the volume change and magnetoelastic interaction observed at the magnetic first‐order transition in the magnetocaloric system La(Fe1−xSix)13 by means of first‐principles calculations combined with the fixed‐spin moment approach. We find that the volume of the system varies with the square of the average local Fe moment, which is significantly smaller in the spin disordered configurations compared to the ferromagnetic ground state. The vibrational density of states obtained for a hypothetical ferromagnetic state with artificially reduced spin‐moments compared to a nuclear inelastic X‐ray scattering measurement directly above the phase transition reveals that the anomalous softening at the transition essentially depends on the same moment‐volume coupling mechanism. In the same spirit, the dependence of the average local Fe moment on the Si content can account for the occurence of first‐ and second‐order transitions in the system.
Biochips—New Platforms for Cell‐Based Immunological Assays
Authors: Shao Ning , Qin Lidong
Published: December 2017

Considerable advances have been witnessed in the development of biochips that seek to realize various types of immune cell analysis on microscale platforms and enhance both basic and applied immunological research beyond the capability of conventional methods. Here, state‐of‐the‐art designs and examples for biochip‐based analysis and manipulation of immune cells are reviewed, and the potential of this emerging technology to enhance the understanding of immunology and improve disease diagnosis and treatment is discussed. In particular, some of the recent advances in this field, along with the challenges that must be addressed for these technologies, and their potential in precision medicine are highlighted.
Scientific investigations of the Imperial Gates from the Petrindu wooden church, Salaj County, Romania
Authors: Marutoiu Olivia Florena , Bratu Ioan , Marutoiu Constantin , Postolache Dana Luminita , Dragomir Mihai , Tanaselia Claudiu , Garabagiu Sorina
Published: December 2017

In order to preserve and restore the Imperial Gates from the Petrindu wooden church, Salaj County, Romania, (map location—latitude, longitude: 46.97, 23.19), the scientific investigation of the wooden support and painting materials (ground and pigments) was performed, employing Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and 3D scanning. FTIR spectroscopy offered information about the wooden degradation stage, whereas X‐ray fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopic methods were employed for structural painting materials characterization. The structural data can be correlated with the artistic, theological, and historical analysis of this religious patrimony object. After obtaining information about the wooden support and painting materials, the Imperial Gates were 3D digitized using state of the art laser scanning technology. The digital 3D model obtained was restored in a virtual environment and converted into an interactive 3D model that can be used for Romanian cultural heritage digital dissemination.
Dimension-six matrix elements for meson mixing and lifetimes from sum rules
Authors: Kirk M. , Lenz A. , Rauh T.
Published: December 2017

Abstract

The hadronic matrix elements of dimension-six ∆F = 0, 2 operators are crucial inputs for the theory predictions of mixing observables and lifetime ratios in the B and D system. We determine them using HQET sum rules for three-point correlators. The results of the required three-loop computation of the correlators and the one-loop computation of the QCD-HQET matching are given in analytic form. For mixing matrix elements we find very good agreement with recent lattice results and comparable theoretical uncertainties. For lifetime matrix elements we present the first ever determination in the D meson sector and the first determination of ∆B = 0 matrix elements with uncertainties under control — superseeding preliminary lattice studies stemming from 2001 and earlier. With our state-of-the-art determination of the bag parameters we predict: τ(B
+)/τ(B

d

0
) = 1.082
− 0.026
+ 0.022
, τ(B

s

0
)/τ(B

d

0
) = 0.9994 ± 0.0025, τ(D
+)/τ(D
0) = 2. 7
− 0.8
+ 0.7
and the mixing-observables in the B

s
and B

d
system, in good agreement with the most recent experimental averages.
Europe's Protective Power
Authors: Schüssel Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

The EU has weathered the financial crisis but continues to face a host of challenges: its role in international politics, the scope of security and defence cooperation, the question of how to redefine the concept of ‘sovereignty', the societal impact of technological disruption and migration, and the general anxiety among the EU's population in relation to globalisation. In this context it is important for the EU to remain confident in itself and its sense of identity.
Where is the European Frontier? The Balkan Migration Crisis and its Impact on Relations between the EU and the Western Balkans
Authors: Cocco Emilio
Published: December 2017

For centuries the Western Balkans region has been a place of origin for migration into Europe as well as a transit route to Europe for migrants coming from other regions of the world. The 2015–16 migration crisis brought the region into the spotlight as large numbers of migrants used the Balkan migration route on their way to Western Europe. Individual countries and the EU institutions developed weak and often contradictory responses to the crisis. This has had a negative effect on the Balkan peoples' perception of the EU, which had previously been positive. On a symbolic level the migration crisis has revealed the fragile relationship between the EU and the Western Balkan states. In the future, EU policy should focus on developing an integrated strategy for managing its external borders and migration, one that prevents member states from pushing back migrants at their borders.
Designing effective waste storage systems
Authors: Fröhlingsdorf Udo
Published: December 2017

It is highly probable that most users of temporary storage systems for waste and recyclables will hardly give the container a second glance. The waste industry is after all not the sexiest of sectors and collecting waste is a necessity. Nevertheless, while waste collection has always been a requirement since the earliest days of civilization, today it is undoubtedly a critical activity that is absolutely essential to support our modern lifestyles.
Naming names: the first women taxonomists in mycology
Authors: Maroske Sara , May Tom W.
Published: December 2017

The transition from amateur to professional in natural history is generally regarded as having taken place in the nineteenth century, but landmark events such as the 1917 appointment of mycologist Johanna Westerdijk (1883–1961) as the first female professor in the Netherlands indicate that the pattern of change for women was more varied and delayed than for men. We investigate this transition in mycology, and identify only 43 women in the Western World who published scientific mycological literature pre-1900, of whom twelve published new fungal taxa. By charting the emergence of these women over time, and comparing the output of self-taught amateurs and university graduates, we establish the key role of access to higher education in female participation in mycology. Using a suite of strategies, six of the self-taught amateurs managed to overcome their educational disadvantages and name names — Catharina Dörrien (the first to name a fungal taxon), Marie-Anne Libert, Mary Elizabeth Banning, Élise-Caroline Bommer, Mariette Rousseau, and Annie Lorrain Smith. By 1900, the professional era for women in mycology was underway, and increasing numbers published new taxa. Parity with male colleagues in recognition and promotion, however, remains an ongoing issue.
COHERENT INCURRED PAID (CIP) MODELS FOR CLAIMS RESERVING
Authors: Dupin Gilles , Koenig Emmanuel , Le Moine Pierre , Monfort Alain , Ratiarison Eric
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we first propose a statistical model, called the Coherent Incurred Paid model, to predict future claims, using simultaneously the information contained in incurred and paid claims. This model does not assume log-normality of the levels (or normality of the growth rates) and is semi-parametric since it only specifies the first and the second moments; however, in order to evaluate the impact of the normality assumption, we also propose a benchmark Gaussian version of our model. Correlations between growth rates of incurred and paid claims are allowed and the tail development period is estimated. We also provide methods for computing the Claim Development Results and their Values at Risk in the semi-parametric framework. Moreover, we show how to take into account the updating of the estimation in the computation of the Claim Development Results. An application highlights the practical importance of relaxing the normality assumption and of updating the estimation of the parameters.
Parliamentary Government and Corporatism at the Crossroads: Principals and Agents in Norwegian Agricultural Policymaking
Authors: Rommetvedt Hilmar , Veggeland Frode
Published: December 2017

The article analyses the interplay between agency problems at various stages in the parliamentary chain of delegation and external constraints related to corporatist negotiations in Norwegian agricultural policymaking. The combination of minority government and MPs tending to have more extreme preferences than the voters, and corporatist integration of specialized interests, may lead to an accumulation of agency costs. However, the study shows that we need to specify carefully the conditions under which this will occur. The article is based on official policy documents and a survey of citizens.
Direct Costs of a Contact Isolation Day: A Prospective Cost Analysis at a Swiss University Hospital
Authors: Roth Jan A. , Hornung-Winter Claudia , Radicke Isabel , Hug Balthasar L. , Biedert Monika , Abshagen Christian , Battegay Manuel , Widmer Andreas F.
Published: December 2017

We prospectively evaluated direct costs of contact precautions using on-site observation. Additional mean costs per patient day were calculated for extra materials used, increased workload, and one-off isolation activities. The cost of contact precautions was $158.90 (95% confidence interval, $124.90‒$192.80) per patient day.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:101–103
The regular reflection→Mach reflection transition in unsteady flow over convex surfaces
Authors: Geva M. , Ram O. , Sadot O.
Published: December 2017

The non-stationary transition from regular reflection (RR) to Mach reflection (MR) over convex segments has been the focus of many recent studies. Until recently, the problem was thought to be very complicated because it was believed that many parameters such as the radius of curvature, initial angle and geometrical shape of the reflecting surface influenced this process. In this study, experiments and inviscid numerical computations were performed in air ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}=1.4$) at an incident shock-wave Mach number of 1.3. The incident shock waves were reflected over cylindrical and elliptical convex surfaces. The computations were validated by high-resolution experiments, which enabled the detection of features in the flow having characteristic lengths as small as 0.06 mm. Therefore, the RR →MR transition and Mach stem growth were successfully validated in the early stages of the Mach stem formation and closer to the surface than ever before. The evolution of the RR, the transition to MR and the Mach stem growth were found to depend only on the radius of the reflecting surface. The reflected shock wave adjusts itself to the changing angles of the reflecting surface. This feature, which was demonstrated at Mach numbers 1.3 and 1.5, distinguishes the unsteady case from the self-similar pseudo-steady case and requires the formulation of the conservation equations. A modification of the standard two-shock theory (2ST) is presented to predict the flow properties behind a shock wave that propagates over convex surfaces. Until recently, the determination of the time-dependent flow properties was possible solely by numerical computations. Moreover, this derivation explains the controversial issue on the delay in the transition from the RR to the MR that was observed by many researchers. It turns out that the entire RR evolution and the particular moment of transition to MR, are based on the essential ‘no-penetration’ condition of the flow. Therefore, we proposed a simple geometrical criterion for the RR →MR transition.
The Law of One Price? Price Dispersion on the Auction Market for Fine Wine
Authors: Cardebat Jean-Marie , Faye Benoît , Le Fur Eric , Storchmann Karl
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the strong version of the law of one price (LOOP) on the auction market for fine wine. We draw on worldwide auction prices from eight auction houses,1covering the time period from 2000 to 2012. Employing a hedonic approach, we find significant price premiums in particular in Hong Kong and between auction companies (independent of their locations). The price premiums by far exceed the expected transaction costs, casting doubt on the existence of the strong version of LOOP in the fine wine market. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in buyer preferences may crucially contribute to the observed price dispersion. In particular, although wines suspected of being counterfeits are sold at discounts in Western markets, they fetch price premiums in Hong Kong. (JEL Classifications: Q14, G11)
THE PECULIARITIES OF GERMAN PHILHELLENISM
Authors: ROCHE HELEN
Published: December 2017

Studies of German philhellenism have often focused upon the idealization of Greece by German intellectuals, rather than considering the very real, at times reciprocal, at times ambivalent or even brutal, relationship which existed between contemporary Germans and the Greek state from the Greek War of Independence onwards. This review essay surveys historiographical developments in the literature on German philhellenism which have emerged in the past dozen years (2004–16), drawing on research in German studies, classical philology and reception studies, Modern Greek studies, intellectual history, philosophy, art history, and archaeology. The essay explores the extent to which recent research affirms or rebuts that notion of German cultural exceptionalism which posits a HellenophileSonderweg– culminating in the tyranny of Germany over Greece imposed by force of arms under the Third Reich – when interpreting the vicissitudes of the Graeco–German relationship. The discussion of new literature touches upon various themes, including Winckelmann reception at the fin-de-siècle and the anti-positivist aspects of twentieth-century philhellenism, the idealization of ‘Platonic’ homoeroticism in the Stefan George-Kreis, the reciprocal relationship between German idealist philhellenism and historicism, and the ways in which German perceptions of modern Greece's materiality have constantly been mediated through idealized visions of Greek antiquity.
Philippine English (Metro Manila acrolect)
Authors: Lesho Marivic
Published: December 2017

English is an official language in the Philippines, along with Filipino, a standardized register originally based on Tagalog (Gonzalez 1998). The Philippines were a Spanish colony for over three centuries, but when the Americans took control in 1898, they immediately implemented English instruction in schools (Gonzalez 2004). It became much more widespread among Filipinos than Spanish ever was, and by the late 1960s, Philippine English was recognized as a distinct, nativized variety (Llamzon 1969). It is widely spoken throughout the country as a second language, alongside Filipino and approximately 180 other languages (Lewis, Simmons & Fennig 2016). It is also spoken in the home by a small number of Filipinos, especially among the upper class in Metro Manila (Gonzalez 1983, 1989) and other urban areas. There is a large body of literature on Philippine English. However, relatively few studies have focused on its sound system. The most detailed phonological descriptions of this variety have been by Tayao (2004, 2008), although there have also been previous sketches (Llamzon 1969, 1997; Gonzalez 1984). There has been very little phonetic research on Philippine English, apart from some work describing the vowel system (Pillai, Manueli & Dumanig 2010, Cruz 2015).
Ancient multiple-layer solutions to the Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Pino Manuel del , Gkikas Konstantinos T.
Published: December 2017

We consider the parabolic one-dimensional Allen–Cahn equation

The steady state connects, as a ‘transition layer’, the stable phases –1 and +1. We construct a solution u with any given number k of transition layers between –1 and +1. Mainly they consist of k time-travelling copies of w, with each interface diverging as t → –∞. More precisely, we find

where the functions ξj (t) satisfy a first-order Toda-type system. They are given by

for certain explicit constants γjk.
Costs of delivery approaches for providing livelihood projects to local communities as part of REDD+ programmes: An analysis from Madagascar
Authors: MACKINNON JAMES L. , ANDRIAMARO LUCIANO , RAMBELOSON ANDONIAINA , RAZAFINDRAZAKASOA MIALY , HARVEY CELIA A.
Published: December 2017

Providing benefits to local people from forest conservation programmes is an important issue for policy makers. Livelihood projects are a common way to provide benefits, but there is little information about their costs. We analysed 463 livelihood projects in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) pilot project in Madagascar to understand how different approaches to delivering livelihood projects affect costs. We compared costs across four approaches: conservation agreements, small grants, direct implementation and application of social safeguards. The approach impacted overall costs and the proportion of funds reaching communities. Projects implemented as safeguards were most expensive and had the lowest proportion of expenditures reaching the community. Projects provided as part of conservation agreements directed the highest proportion of expenditures to communities. Our results highlight that how livelihood projects are delivered has implications for project costs and community benefits and should be an important consideration in the design and implementation of REDD+ and forest conservation policies.
The Limits of Presidential Influence: Two Environmental Directives and What They Mean for Executive Power
Authors: Kennedy Joshua B.
Published: December 2017

The executive order process can be a long and complicated one, as directives may wind their way through various agencies before finding their way onto the president’s desk. Even after these orders have been issued, federal agencies will have a wide degree of latitude under certain conditions as it pertains to implementing them. In this article, I study the history of three separate presidential directives, two dealing specifically with environmental issues and one with general regulatory issues, in order to provide a picture of the process from inception to implementation. I consider three cases and explore the factors that drive presidents in choosing when or whether to issue an order and those that drive federal agencies to react as they do. This article encourages scholars to reconsider what they consider “unilateral,” pointing to the instances in which presidents must engage in bargaining within the executive branch they ostensibly head.
A theory of subfeatural representations: the case of rounding harmony in Laal
Authors: Lionnet Florian
Published: December 2017

This paper introducessubfeatural representationsto capture subphonemic distinctions at work in ‘subphonemic teamwork’. The unusual case of Laal is presented, in which rounding harmony requires two triggers: a round vowel and a labial consonant. The coarticulatory effect of the labial consonant is shown, on the basis of instrumental evidence, to incur a distinctive, but non-contrastive, intermediate level of rounding on the target vowel, analysed as being featurally [−round], but subfeaturally 〚xround〛 (0 <x< 1). 〚xround〛 vowels are shown to form a separate natural class, which can be independently targeted by phonological processes. Subfeatural representations are argued to constitute an advantageous reification of phonetic knowledge, forming a more solid basis for phonetically driven models of phonology. This proposal builds on the insights of previous literature that perceptual representations are needed in phonology, while eschewing the need for direct reference to phonetics.
Vowel-length contrasts and phonetic cues to stress: an investigation of their relation
Authors: Lunden Anya , Campbell Jessica , Hutchens Mark , Kalivoda Nick
Published: December 2017

The functional load hypothesis of Berinstein (1979) put forward the idea that languages which use a suprasegmental property (duration, F0) contrastively will not use it to realise stress. The functional load hypothesis is often cited when stress correlates are discussed, both when it is observed that the language under discussion follows the hypothesis and when it fails to follow it. In the absence of a more wide-ranging assessment of how frequently languages do or do not conform to the functional load hypothesis, it is unknown whether it is an absolute, a strong tendency, a weak tendency or unsupported. The results from a database of reported stress correlates and use of contrastive duration for 140 languages are presented and discussed. No support for the functional load hypothesis is found.
On Banach spaces of sequences and free linear logic exponential modality
Authors: SLAVNOV SERGEY
Published: December 2017

We introduce a category of vector spaces modelling full propositional linear logic, similar to probabilistic coherence spaces and to Koethe sequences spaces. Its objects are rigged sequence spaces, Banach spaces of sequences, with norms defined from pairing with finite sequences, and morphisms are bounded linear maps, continuous in a suitable topology. The main interest of the work is that our model gives a realization of the free linear logic exponentials construction.
Robust Tverberg and Colourful Carathéodory Results via Random Choice
Authors: SOBERÓN PABLO
Published: December 2017

We use the probabilistic method to obtain versions of the colourful Carathéodory theorem and Tverberg's theorem with tolerance.

In particular, we give bounds for the smallest integer N = N(t,d,r) such that for any N points in ℝd, there is a partition of them into r parts for which the following condition holds: after removing any t points from the set, the convex hulls of what is left in each part intersect.

We prove a bound N = rt + O($\sqrt{t}$) for fixed r,d which is polynomial in each parameters. Our bounds extend to colourful versions of Tverberg's theorem, as well as Reay-type variations of this theorem.
Vitrification of bovine embryos followed by in vitro hatching and expansion
Authors: Souza J.F. , Oliveira C.M. , Lienou L.L. , Cavalcante T.V. , Alexandrino E. , Santos R.R. , Rodrigues A.P.R. , Campello C.C. , Figueiredo J.R. , Dias F.E.F.
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of bovine embryo vitrification by applying three different vitrification solutions containing ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) at different concentrations (10, 20 or 25% each) combined with 1.0 M glucose or 1.0 M sucrose, on the in vitro hatching and expansion rates. Healthy oocytes were selected for in vitro maturation and fertilization from 200 bovine ovaries, and subsequently cultured up to the blastocyst stage (n = 800). Control (n = 200) and vitrified cells (n = 100 per treatment; 600 in total) were cultured for an extra 24 or 48 h to evaluate hatching and expansion, respectively. Vitrification significantly decreased embryonic re-expansion and hatching rates independently of the tested solution when compared with control embryos, but solutions with 25% EG + 25% DMSO resulted in the highest re-expansion (75%) and hatching (70%) rates, independently of the added sugar. The addition of sucrose resulted in higher rates of re-expanded and hatched embryos when compared with glucose addition. We concluded that the combination of 25% EG + 25% DMSO and 1.0 M sucrose allowed hatching and expansion of vitrified-warmed bovine embryos produced in vitro.