bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly set-colorable graphs
Authors: Abhishek Kumar
Published: November 2018

In [S. M. Hegde, Set colorings of graphs, European J. Combin. 30 (2009) 986–995.] Hegde introduced the notion of set colorings of a graph [Formula: see text] as an assignment of distinct subsets of a finite set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] colors to the vertices of [Formula: see text] such that all the colors of the edges which are obtained as the symmetric differences of the subsets assigned to their end-vertices are distinct. Additionally, if all the sets on the vertices and edges of [Formula: see text] are the set of all nonempty subsets of [Formula: see text] then the coloring is said to be a strong set-coloring and [Formula: see text] is said to be strongly set-colorable. In this paper, we report some new necessary conditions and propose a conjuncture for the sufficient condition for a graph to admit strong set-coloring. We also identify and characterize some new classes of graphs admitting strong set-coloring. In addition to these, we also propose strategies to construct infinite families graphs admitting strong set-coloring.
Defect nucleation modelling
Authors: Stolz Claude
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to compare concepts of defect nucleation based on bifurcation of equilibrium solution and on damage modelling. The nucleation criterion is defined as a bifurcation of the equilibrium solutions of the perfect body and of the imperfect one when the size of the defect vanishes. The defect is considered as a small volume which evolves as a damaged zone. To study the influence of geometry of the defect on the critical loading governing its initiation, we consider the particular cases of a linear elastic composite sphere and of a linear elastic composite cylinder, for which the equilibrium solutions are known when the radial distribution of elastic bulk modulus is given simultaneously with a uniform shear modulus. The initial defect is a small sphere or a small cylinder, respectively, it can be a cavity or a kernel made with an elastic material with lower mechanical properties.
An
O
(log
k
)-Competitive Algorithm for Generalized Caching
Authors: Adamaszek Anna , Czumaj Artur , Englert Matthias , Räcke Harald
Published: November 2018

In the generalized caching problem, we have a set of pages and a cache of size
k
. Each page
p
has a size
w

p

≥ 1 and fetching cost
c

p

for loading the page into the cache. At any point in time, the sum of the sizes of the pages stored in the cache cannot exceed
k
. The input consists of a sequence of page requests. If a page is not present in the cache at the time it is requested, it has to be loaded into the cache, incurring a cost of
c

p

.

We give a randomized
O
(log
k
)-competitive online algorithm for the generalized caching problem, improving the previous bound of
O
(log
2
k
) by Bansal, Buchbinder, and Naor (STOC’08). This improved bound is tight and of the same order as the known bounds for the classic paging problem with uniform weights and sizes. We use the same LP-based techniques as Bansal et al. but provide improved and slightly simplified methods for rounding fractional solutions online.
The Simplex Algorithm Is NP-Mighty
Authors: Disser Yann , Skutella Martin
Published: November 2018

We show that the Simplex Method, the Network Simplex Method—both with Dantzig’s original pivot rule—and the Successive Shortest Path Algorithm are
NP-mighty
. That is, each of these algorithms can be used to solve, with polynomial overhead, any problem in NP implicitly during the algorithm’s execution. This result casts a more favorable light on these algorithms’ exponential worst-case running times. Furthermore, as a consequence of our approach, we obtain several novel hardness results. For example, for a given input to the Simplex Algorithm, deciding whether a given variable ever enters the basis during the algorithm’s execution and determining the number of iterations needed are both NP-hard problems. Finally, we close a long-standing open problem in the area of network flows over time by showing that earliest arrival flows are NP-hard to obtain.
Improving Thread-level Parallelism in GPUs Through Expanding Register File to Scratchpad Memory
Authors: Yu Chao , Bai Yuebin , Sun Qingxiao , Yang Hailong
Published: November 2018

Modern Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) have become pervasive computing devices in datacenters due to their high performance with massive thread level parallelism (TLP). GPUs are equipped with large register files (RF) to support fast context switch between massive threads and scratchpad memory (SPM) to support inter-thread communication within the cooperative thread array (CTA). However, the TLP of GPUs is usually limited by the inefficient resource management of register file and scratchpad memory. This inefficiency also leads to register file and scratchpad memory underutilization. To overcome the above inefficiency, we propose a new resource management approach
EXPARS
for GPUs.
EXPARS
provides a larger register file logically by expanding the register file to scratchpad memory. When the available register file becomes limited, our approach leverages the underutilized scratchpad memory to support additional register allocation. Therefore, more CTAs can be dispatched to SMs, which improves the GPU utilization. Our experiments on representative benchmark suites show that the number of CTAs dispatched to each SM increases by 1.28× on average. In addition, our approach improves the GPU resource utilization significantly, with the register file utilization improved by 11.64% and the scratchpad memory utilization improved by 48.20% on average. With better TLP, our approach achieves 20.01% performance improvement on average with negligible energy overhead.
Deciphering Human Tumor Biology by Single-Cell Expression Profiling
Authors: Tirosh Itay , Suvà Mario L.
Published: November 2018

Human tumors are complex ecosystems where diverse cancer and noncancer cells interact to determine tumor biology and response to therapies. Genomic and transcriptomic methods have traditionally profiled these intricate ecosystems as bulk samples, thereby masking individual cellular programs and the variability among them. Recent advances in single-cell profiling have paved the way for studying tumors at the resolution of individual cells, providing a compelling strategy to bridge gaps in our understanding of human tumors. Here, we review methodologies for single-cell expression profiling of tumors and the initial studies deploying them in clinical contexts. We highlight how these studies uncover new biology and provide insights into drug resistance, stem cell programs, metastasis, and tumor classifications. We also discuss areas of technology development in single-cell genomics that provide new tools to address key questions in cancer biology. These emerging studies and technologies have the potential to revolutionize our understanding and management of human malignancies.
Monte Carlo Studies of Quantum Critical Metals
Authors: Berg Erez , Lederer Samuel , Schattner Yoni , Trebst Simon
Published: November 2018

Metallic quantum critical phenomena are believed to play a key role in many strongly correlated materials, including high-temperature superconductors. Theoretically, the problem of quantum criticality in the presence of a Fermi surface has proven to be highly challenging. However, it has recently been realized that many models used to describe such systems are amenable to numerically exact solution by quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) techniques, without suffering from the fermion sign problem. In this review, we examine the status of the understanding of metallic quantum criticality and the recent progress made by QMC simulations. We focus on the cases of spin-density wave and Ising nematic criticality. We describe the results obtained so far and their implications for superconductivity, non-Fermi liquid behavior, and transport near metallic quantum critical points. Some of the outstanding puzzles and future directions are highlighted.
Aging, melatonin biosynthesis, and circadian clockworks in the gastrointestinal system of the laboratory mouse
Authors: Paulose Jiffin K. , Cassone Charles V. , Cassone Vincent M.
Published: November 2018

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is vital in its capacities for nutrient and water uptake, immune function, metabolism and detoxification, and stem-cell derived regeneration. Of significance to human health are a myriad of GI disorders associated with aging that integrate with the circadian clock. Here we present data from three groups of mice: young (3 mo old), middle aged (12 mo old), and old aged (24 mo old). Small intestine and colon samples taken every 4 h under light-dark (LD) conditions were assayed for gene expression related to molecular circadian rhythmicity, transcription, cell signaling, and immune function. Transcripts related to melatonin biosynthesis and signaling, as well as melatonin content from stool, were also included, as GI melatonin and aging have been associated in contexts outside of the circadian clock. With respect to circadian genes, the data here are congruent with data from other peripheral tissues: age does not affect the rhythmic expression of core clock genes in the gut. The same can be said for several clock-controlled transcripts. In contrast, diurnal patterns in the expression of nitric oxide synthase 1 and of immune factors irak4 and interleukin-8 were observed in the colon of young mice that were lost in middle-aged and aged animals. Furthermore, the diurnal pattern of melatonin synthesis genes was altered by age, and stool melatonin levels showed significant decline between young mice and aged cohorts. These data expand the evidence for the persistence of the circadian clock throughout the aging process and highlight its importance to health.
Preclinical Evidence and Mechanism of Xingnaojing Injection for Cerebral Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Animal Studies
Authors: Ma Rong , Ma Xiao , Wen Jianxia , Wang Jian , Xie Qian , Chen Nian , Dong Taiwei
Published: November 2018

Objectives. Cerebral ischemia can cause severe harm to people’s health with the characteristics of high incidence, high disability, and high mortality. Xingnaojing injection (XNJI) is widely used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of XNJI in animal models of cerebral ischemia. Methods. Total seven electronic databases in English or Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, VMIS, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) about most experiments and studies which came out before June 2018 of XNJI for cerebral ischemia have been searched. Data extraction, quality assessment, and meta‐analysis are conducted according to the Cochrane standards and RevMan 5.3 software. Results. We have identified 23 eligible studies and made a meta‐analysis based on these studies. Meta‐analysis shows that XNJI contributes significantly to reduction in neurological deficit score (P = 0.0002, MD = −1.25, 95% CI: −1.92, −0.58) compared with the control group of cerebral ischemia. Subgroup analytic results demonstrate that XNJI has been more effective in animal model of cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury (P = 0.009, MD = −1.35, 95%CI: −2.36, −0.34) than that of permanent cerebral ischemia (P = 0.0002, MD = −1.08, 95%CI: −1.66, −0.51). Compared with control group, XNJI could remarkably reduce cerebral infarction area (P < 0.00001, MD = −14.98, 95%CI: −21.36, −8.59), brain edema (P < 0.00001, MD = −4.64, 95%CI: −5.38, −3.90), and neuronal cell apoptosis (P < 0.0001, MD = −12.21, 95%CI: 18.05, −6.37). Meanwhile, the meta‐analysis shows that XNJI has a significant anti‐inflammatory effect, and the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β are significantly reduced by XNJI (P = 0.001, MD = −4.13, 95%CI:−6.68, −1.58; P < 0.00001, MD = −119.23, 95%CI: −138.04, −100.43; P = 0.21, MD = −228.69, 95% CI: −586.20, 128.83). Additionally, XNJI could raise the body′s antioxidant function and the level of SOD and GSH‐Px (P = 0.002, MD = 53.02, 95% CI: −20.52, 85.78; P = 0.01, MD = 8.65, 95% CI: 1.77, 15.48) and decrease the level of MDA (P < 0.00001, MD = −4.16, 95% CI: −5.50, −2.82). Conclusion. XNJI might be effective in cerebral ischemia by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.
Induction of MNK Kinase–dependent eIF4E Phosphorylation by Inhibitors Targeting BET Proteins Limits Efficacy of BET Inhibitors
Authors: Pham Thao N.D. , Kumar Krishan , DeCant Brian T. , Shang Meng , Munshi Samad Z. , Matsangou Maria , Ebine Kazumi , Munshi Hidayatullah G.
Published: November 2018

BET inhibitors (BETi), which target transcription of key oncogenic genes, are currently being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials. However, because BETis show limited single-agent activity, there is increasing interest in identifying signaling pathways to enhance the efficacy of BETis. Here, we demonstrate increased MNK kinase–dependent eIF4E phosphorylation following treatment with BETis, indicating activation of a prosurvival feedback mechanism in response to BETis. BET PROTACs, which promote degradation of BET proteins, also induced eIF4E phosphorylation in cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show that the effect of BETis on MNK-eIF4E phosphorylation was mediated by p38 MAPKs. We also show that BETis suppressed RacGAP1 to induce Rac signaling–mediated eIF4E phosphorylation. Significantly, MNK inhibitors and MNK1/2 knockdown enhanced the efficacy of BETis in suppressing proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in a syngeneic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate a novel prosurvival feedback signaling induced by BETis, providing a mechanistic rationale for combination therapy with BET and MNK inhibitors for synergistic inhibition of cancer cells.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations are Associated with Ulcerative Colitis Preneoplasia but Tend to be Negatively Selected in Cancer
Authors: Baker Kathryn T. , Nachmanson Daniela , Kumar Shilpa , Emond Mary J. , Ussakli Cigdem , Brentnall Teresa A. , Kennedy Scott R. , Risques Rosa Ana
Published: November 2018

The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in cancer remains controversial. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that increases the risk of colorectal cancer and involves mitochondrial dysfunction, making it an ideal model to study the role of mtDNA in tumorigenesis. Our goal was to comprehensively characterize mtDNA mutations in ulcerative colitis tumorigenesis using Duplex Sequencing, an ultra-accurate next-generation sequencing method. We analyzed 46 colon biopsies from non-ulcerative colitis control patients and ulcerative colitis patients with and without cancer, including biopsies at all stages of dysplastic progression. mtDNA was sequenced at a median depth of 1,364x. Mutations were classified by mutant allele frequency: clonal > 0.95, subclonal 0.01–0.95, and very low frequency (VLF) < 0.01. We identified 208 clonal and subclonal mutations and 56,764 VLF mutations. Mutations were randomly distributed across the mitochondrial genome. Clonal and subclonal mutations increased in number and pathogenicity in early dysplasia, but decreased in number and pathogenicity in cancer. Most clonal, subclonal, and VLF mutations were C>T transitions in the heavy strand of mtDNA, which likely arise from DNA replication errors. A subset of VLF mutations were C>A transversions, which are probably due to oxidative damage. VLF transitions and indels were less abundant in the non–D-loop region and decreased with progression. Our results indicate that mtDNA mutations are frequent in ulcerative colitis preneoplasia but negatively selected in cancers.

Implications:

While mtDNA mutations might contribute to early ulcerative colitis tumorigenesis, they appear to be selected against in cancer, suggesting that functional mitochondria might be required for malignant transformation in ulcerative colitis.
Risk Factors for Delayed Hemorrhage after Colonic Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in Patients Not on Antithrombotic Therapy: Retrospective Analysis of 3,844 Polyps of 1,660 Patients
Authors: Tsuruta Sanae , Tominaga Naoyuki , Ogata Shinichi , Tsuruoka Nanae , Sakata Yasuhisa , Shimoda Ryo , Eguchi Yuichiro , Anzai Keizo , Hara Megumi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is safe for patients without antithrombotic therapy; however, EMR is associated with several risks. This study was performed to evaluate the risk of delayed hemorrhage in patients undergoing EMR without antithrombotic therapy. Methods: In the present retrospective single-center study, 1,792 patients without antithrombotic therapy underwent colonic EMR from March 2012 to December 2016 at the Saga Medical Centre Koseikan. Risk factors were evaluated with respect to patient and lesion characteristics, the endoscopist’s experience, and preventive hemoclips. Delayed hemorrhage was defined as bleeding for which emergency endoscopic hemostasis was applied >24 h after EMR. Results: Among the 1,792 patients, 1,660 with 3,844 tumors were evaluated. Delayed hemorrhage occurred in 43 patients (2.6%) and 46 polyps (1.2%). Preventive hemoclips were applied in 996 patients (60.0%). Univariate analysis indicated that delayed hemorrhage occurred more frequently in young patients (3–39 years, p < 0.001, 40–59 years, p = 0.005) compared to > 60 years and in association with large polyps (> 10 mm, p = 0.003), hemoclip (p = 0.019), and pedunculated polyps (p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis indicated that risk factors for hemorrhage were young age (age of 3–39 years p < 0.001, 40–59 years, p = 0.005) and large polyps (> 10 mm, p < 0.001). The risk of delayed hemorrhage was increased by an estimated 8% with a 1-mm increase in polyp size. Conclusion: The present study suggests that young age (under 60 years old) and large polyp size are risk factors for causing delayed hemorrhage after colonic EMR in patients without antithrombotic therapy.
Clinical and Ultrasound Predictors of Placenta Accreta in Pregnant Women with Antepartum Diagnosis of Placenta Previa: A Multicenter Study
Authors: De Vita Davide , Capobianco Giampiero , Gerosolima Giovanni , Sciorio Carmen , Coppola Ermenegilda , Parazzini Fabio , Silvestri Maurizio , Caruso Anna Paola , Morlando Maddalena , Petta Raffaele , Pascarella Alessandro , Dessole Salvatore , Viora Elsa
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) includes placenta accreta, increta, and percreta and represents major complications of pregnancy. This study was designed to assess the role of ultrasonography in the identification of AIP among pregnant women with antepartum diagnosis of placenta previa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between May 2015 and April 2016 in 11 centers, including 242 women with antepartum diagnosis of placenta previa. Results: Ninety-eight out of 242 (40.49%) women had a histological diagnosis of placenta accreta. A higher number of caesarean deliveries (p = 0.001) and curettages (p = 0.027) and older age of the woman at the delivery (p = 0.031) were identified as risk factors for placenta accreta. The presence of irregularly shaped placental lacunae (vascular spaces) within the placenta (p = 0.008), protrusion of the placenta into the bladder (p < 0.0001), and turbulent blood flow through the lacunae on Doppler ultrasonography (p = 0.008) were predictors of placenta accreta. Conclusions: Women with a prior delivery by caesarean section have a high incidence of placenta accreta among women with antepartum diagnosis of placenta previa.
Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) Detected Loss of MAGI2 Promotes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) by Podocyte Damage
Authors: Zuo Zhi , Shen Jian-Xiao , Pan Yan , Pu Juan , Li Yong-Gang , Shao Xing-hua , Wang Wan-Peng 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Podocyte damage is associated with proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and decline of renal function. This study aimed to screen critical genes associated with podocyte injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD) by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and explore related functions. Methods: GSE66107, GSE93798, GSE30528, GSE32591 gene expression data including podocyte injury models or glomeruli in CKD patients were downloaded from the GEO database. R was used for data analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR< 0.05 or |Fold Change|≥1.5) in GSE993395 were assessed by WGCNA. According to Gene Ontology (GO) and known podocyte standard genes (PSGs), podocyte injury-associated modules were defined, with hub genes selected based on average intramodular connectivity. The Cytoscape software was used for network visualization. Nephroseq was used to assess the clinical significance of hub genes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to evaluate the roles of hub genes in podocyte injury Results: Totally 7957 DEGs were screened, with 15 (co.DEGs) altered in all 4 datasets; 4031 DEGs were used for WGCNA, encompassing 12 modules. Green modules (most PSGs and co.DEGs) were significantly enriched in glomerular development, and considered podocyte injury-associated modules. Furthermore, MAGI2 (a hub gene) was also a co.DEG and PSG. Glomerular MAGI2 levels were reduced in various kidney diseases, and positively and negatively associated with glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein levels in CKD patients. Moreover, MAIG2 knockdown reduced NPHS2, CD2AP and SYNPO levels, and induced podocyte rearrangement and apoptosis. Conclusion: MAGI2 identified by WGCNA regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement in podocytes, with its loss predisposing to proteinuria and CKD.
Stegnogramma leptogrammoides (Thelypteridaceae), its discovery in China, and synonymy
Authors: LUO JUNJIE , MO RIGENGAOWA , WEI HONG-JIN , DAI XI-LING , YAN YUE-HONG , SHANG HUI
Published: November 2018

The northwest region of Yunnan province (southwest China), belonging to the Pan-Himalaya, is a hotspot of biodiversity. We report Stegnogramma leptogrammoides from Yunnan as a new discovery for China. This species was identified based on morphological comparison with the type specimens of all similar species, and DNA barcoding was performed to obtain additional evidence. As it was previously recorded to be endemic to Sikkim, the new record provides a case for confirming floristic affinities between Sikkim and Yunnan within the Pan-Himalaya at the species level.
Two new species of Juncus (Juncaceae) from South America
Authors: BALSLEV HENRIK
Published: November 2018

Two new species of Juncus from South America are described, illustrated, and a key is provided to separate the two species from related South American species in Juncus sect. Ozophyllum. Juncus andinus is similar to J. ecuadoriensis from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, but is different in having smaller seeds and conspicuous cataphylls; it is distributed in the Andes from southern Ecuador to southern Peru. Juncus austrobrasiliensis, from Brazil, resembles J. micranthus but differs in having smaller, castaneous flower-heads and capsules with beaks that clearly protrude from the flower; it is distributed in southern Brazil from São Paulo to Santa Catarina.
First record of the family Bolitophilidae (Diptera: Sciaroidea) from the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, Mexico, with description a new species
Authors: HUERTA HERON
Published: November 2018

The first record of the family Bolitophilidae from Mexico is reported from the “Lagunas de Zempoala” Natural Reserve, situated between the borders of the states of Morelos and Mexico (included in the Nearctic Region), with a description and illustration of a new species, Bolitophila (Bolitophila) zempoala spec. nov., based on adults males collected with Malaise traps at an altitude of 2,841 m. a. s. l. in the Neo-Volcanic Axis mountains. The new species from Mexico is very closely related to Bolitophila (Bolitophila) dubiosa Van Duzee, 1928 and B. (B.) dupla Garrett, 1925.
First host record of Myopa pellucida Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Conopidae) identified using DNA barcoding
Authors: SMIT JOHN , RAEMAKERS IVO , BEENTJES KEVIN
Published: November 2018

Thick-headed flies of the genus Myopa Fabricius are a common sight in early spring in Europe. Several species can be found flying among Salix catkins together with their supposed Andrena Fabricius hosts (Hymenoptera: Apidae) (John Smit observations). Despite the fact that some of these Myopa species are very common, little is known about their actual host-parasitoid associations. Only a few scattered host records can be found in the literature, most of which refer to M. testacea s.l.. Whether or not these records actually concern M. testacea (Linnaeus) is uncertain due to the confusion over the identity of several species within the M. testacea species group (Stuke & Clements 2008). Stuke (2017), in his World Catalogue of Conopids, provides all recorded host associations and distinguishes between unambiguously accepted host records and doubtful records based on three criteria: 1) the conopid has been reared from the host or a larva has been identified by DNA barcoding; 2) there is no doubt concerning the identity of the conopid species concerned, and 3) there is no doubt concerning the identity of the host species. Because the vast majority of the host records in the literature do not fulfil one or more of these criteria they are regarded as doubtful (Stuke 2017). Thus, only three host associations for the genus Myopa can be regarded as confirmed: Andrena vaga Panzer, for both M. hirsuta Stuke & Clements (Jentzsch 2009) and M. testacea (Erteld 1998, Fellendorf et al. 2004, De Meijere 1912), and the Nearctic Andrena regularis Malloch, for the Holarctic M. vicaria Walker (Miliczky & Osgood 1995). Here we report on a fourth host association for the genus Myopa, since a second instar larva of M. pellucida Robineau-Desvoidy was found in the abdomen of an Andrena nitida (Müller) female and identified using DNA barcoding.
Performance of the Yb/n-CdSe/C Tunneling Barriers
Authors: Qasrawi A. F.
Published: November 2018

In this article, the design and performance of the CdSe which are deposited onto thin films of Yb metal is reported and discussed. The thin films of CdSe which are deposited by the physical vapor deposition technique are observed to exhibit slightly deformed hexagonal polycrystalline
nature with excess amount of Cd as confirmed by the X-ray, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The n-type CdSe is also found to form a Schottky barrier of tunneling type when sandwiched between Yb and carbon. The quantum mechanical tunneling
mechanism in this device which was tested and modeled in the frequency domain of 10–150 MHz is found to exhibit average intersite separations of ∼5 nm. The tunneling device exhibited a widening in the depletion region associated with significantly large capacitance tunability in
the studied frequency domain. On the other hand, as an optoelectronic device, the Yb/n-CdSe/C Schottky diode exhibited a responsivity of ∼0.10 A/W, photosensitivity of 6.5 × 104 and external quantum efficiency of 54% when biased with 1.0 V and exposed to laser light
of wavelength of 406 nm.
Simulation and Model Validation of a Multi-Concentration Points Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal System
Authors: Hussain M. Imtiaz , Lee Gwi Hyun , Kim Jun-Tae
Published: November 2018

In this study, the transient behavior of a concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system is assessed using one-dimensional mathematical model. The model is based on the heat balance of the concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar cells, receiver pipe, thermal fluid, insulation, and
the storage tank attached to PV/T system via insulated pipes. The mathematical model was developed and solved using ordinary differential equation solvers in MATLAB® computer program. The interdependence thermo-electric dynamic responses of the CPV/T system were modeled and
analyzed by considering two cases such as with and without glass enclosure around the receiver. The electrical and thermal efficiencies are evaluated as the function of enclosure effect, beam solar radiation, and circulating fluid flow rate. For the purpose of model validation, experimental
measurements of the CPV/T system were performed. Satisfactory agreements were found between the experimental data and the predicted results. The developed dynamic model is most suitable to predict and evaluate the performance of a point-focused CPV/T system.
Thermal Annealing Effect on the Conversion Efficiency of Si Solar Cells
Authors: Mun Jonghun , Palei Srikanta , Sahu Rajkumar , Choi Jaeho , Kim Keunjoo
Published: November 2018

We investigated the effect of thermal annealing on the performances of Si solar cells. The Si solar cells were fabricated on p-type microtextured Si wafers using a standard cell fabrication process. The fabricated cells were annealed at 250 °C for 60, 80, and 90 min using
a halogen lamp heater in N2 ambient. The annealed sample with a time of 60 min showed enhanced optical properties of light absorption, quantum efficiency, and minority carrier lifetime but did not show enhanced cell conversion efficiency. However, while the cell annealed for 90
min showed different optical properties, it showed the highest conversion efficiency of 17.35% compared to the reference cell of 17.14%, indicating the total recovery of the light soaking effect. We further analyzed the hydrogen-related chemical bonding structures for the dopant activation
throughout hydrogen diffusion and the electroluminescence by a radiative recombination of a p–n junction.
Tin Oxide Based Nano Electroceramics Obtained from Sol–Gel Process: The Modified of the Structural and Opto-Electrical Properties with the Al Doping
Authors: Aydin Cihat
Published: November 2018

Nano electroceramic samples of undoped and Al doped SnO2 were synthesized by the sol–gel calcination process. The structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of samples were characterized. X-ray diffraction analysis results confirm that all of the synthesized
nanopowders are polycrystalline with a tetragonal structure. The crystallite size values of the prepared nanocomposites were calculated in the range of 21.32–34.33 nm. The values of crystallite size indicate that the prepared powders have nanostructure. The grain size and morphological
parameters of the undoped and Al-doped SnO2 nanopowders calculated. AFM measurements suggest that Al dopants ratio could be an effect to control surface parameters of the SnO2 nanomaterials. The optical band gap (Eg) of prepared nanomaterials were calculated
using Tauc plot method for the various atomic ratios of Al. The calculated Eg values for samples are found to be in the range from 3.51 to 3.69 eV. The electrical conductivity of undoped and Al doped Tin oxide nanopowders were carried out at the temperature range from 290 to 420 K. It demonstrates
that the electrical conductivity at room temperature and the activation energy of samples increase with the Al doping. The obtained results suggest that the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of SnO2 based nanomaterials can be controlled and changed with
Al content.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on Alkaline Hydrolysis of Isopropyl Nitrate
Authors: Chen Yong-Kang , Chen Ming-Hua , An Zhen-Tao , Zhang Li
Published: November 2018

This paper studied the alkaline hydrolysis of isopropyl nitrate by calculating and comparing its four reaction pathways. The study employed ab initio MP2/6-311+g(d,p) to reflect the geometric structure and electronic structure of stagnation point in reaction pathways. The frequencies
were calculated at the same level and the IR spectra of the main reactant and products were obtained. The method of CCSD(T)/6-311++g(3df,2p)//MP2/6-311+g(d,p) was used to calculate single-point energy. The Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) was adopted to study the solvation effect of the reaction,
so that the reaction potential energy surface in standard state and solvation state was obtained. Comparison showed that with high temperature the reaction is more inclined to produce isopropanol [(CH3)2CHOH] and nitrate ion (NO–3). Meanwhile,
this paper also discussed the influence of pH value on the reaction, discovering that pH changes have no great influence on the reaction pathway sequence. At level CCSD(T)/6-311++g(3df,2p), the reaction rate constant was calculated with methods of TST, CVT, CVT/ZCT and CVT/SCT. Apart from
theoretical research, the experiment of KOH hydrolysis of isopropyl nitrate was carried out, and the products were extracted by ether (C4H10O) for infrared spectroscopic analysis, of which the result was consistent with theoretical calculation.
Effect of Sand Containing Conditions on Wear of Nano Ceramic Coating on Downhole Cyclone
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yin Cunxiao , Xing Lei , Liu Wei , Cao Zhihong
Published: November 2018

Based on the discrete phase mode (DPM) in Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software Fluent, the numerical simulation and experimental study on erosion wear properties of a new nano ceramic coating for downhole cyclone were carried out under sand containing conditions of the produced
liquid. The results showed that the maximum wear position of nano ceramic coating in the spiral flow channel in downhole oil-water separator was in the range of azimuth 108°∼144°, and the coating wear rate increased with the increase of inlet flow velocity. When the particle size
of sand phase was less than 0.3 mm, the wear rate of nano ceramic coating on cyclone was greatly affected by the particle size. The wear rate decreased with the increase of particle size. When the particle size of sand phase was larger than 0.3 mm, the wear rate of nano ceramic coating was
less affected by the particle size. At the same time, the sand phase mass fraction was in the range of 0.1%∼3%. With the increase of sand content in the produced liquid, the wear rate of the cyclone coating increased gradually.
Laser Tweezers Raman Spectroscopy (LTRS) to Detect Effects of Chlorine Dioxide on IndividualNosema bombycisSpores
Authors: Zhang Yu , Miao Zhenbin , Huang Xuhua , Wang Xiaochun , Liu Junxian , Wang Guiwen
Published: November 2018

The microsporidium Nosema bombycis (Nb) causes pebrine, a fatal disease in sericulture. Nb is effectively killed by chlorine dioxide (ClO2); however, the precise killing mechanism remains unclear. We used laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) to monitor the action of ClO2on individual Nb spores in real time. Raman peaks of ClO2appeared in Nb spores, corresponding to decreased peaks of trehalose that gradually disappeared. A peak (1658 cm–1) corresponding to the protein α-helix significantly weakened while that (1668 cm–1) corresponding to irregular protein structures was enhanced; their intensities were negatively correlated in a certain time range and dependent on ClO2concentration. The intensities of peaks at 782 cm–1(nucleic acids) and 1004 cm–1(phenylalanine of protein) did not change evidently even under extremely high ClO2concentrations. Thus, ClO2rapidly permeates the Nb spore wall, changing the protein secondary structure to lose biological function and destroy permeability, causing trehalose to leak out. These effects are ClO2concentration-dependent, but no other obvious changes to biomacromolecules were detected. Single-cell analysis using LTRS is an effective method to monitor the action of chemical sporicides on microbes in real time, providing insight into the heterogeneity of cell stress resistance.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the “Five Stages” Model in a Sampling of Recent American Textbooks
Authors: Corr Charles A.
Published: November 2018

This article examines some aspects of the enduring influence of the work of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and especially of her “five stages” model through a sampling of recent textbooks published in the United States in selected academic disciplines and professional fields. The following are the questions to be asked:

1. Does the “five stages” model appear without significant change in the textbooks described here?

2. Is the “five stages” model applied in these textbooks to issues involving loss, grief, and bereavement, as well as to those involving terminal illness and dying?

3. Is the “five stages” model criticized in some or all of these textbooks?

4. If so, is the criticism sufficient to argue that, while the “five stages” model might be presented as an important historical framework, it should no longer be regarded as a sound theory to guide contemporary education and practice?
Making Sense of Chinese Employees’ Suicidal Ideation: A Psychological Strain—Life Meaning Model
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Usman Muhammad , Zhang Jianwei , Gul Habib
Published: November 2018

Using the strain theory of suicide, this study examines how psychological strains influence suicide ideation via the mediating mechanism of the meaning in life. To check the hypothesized model, data were drawn from professional employees ( n=687) across six organizations of various business types to increase the variability of respondent perception and the generalizability of the study findings. The results showed significant correlations among psychological strains, meaning in life, and suicide ideation. Furthermore, this study provides evidence for the mediation effect of meaning in life in the relationship between psychological strain and suicide ideation. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Development of Bangladeshi immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: November 2018

Canada has developed a comprehensive immigration policy to accept different types of immigrants under its economic, family and humanitarian immigration categories. Canada invites over a quarter-million immigrants in a year. Many of these immigrants do not find suitable jobs upon arrival in Canada. Some of these immigrants choose to open their own businesses and eventually become entrepreneurs. Drawing on the experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada, this paper examines how immigrants reposition themselves to become immigrant entrepreneurs in the settlement process. Findings suggest that immigrant entrepreneurship is embedded within the dynamics of immigration trajectory and the broader context of the receiving society. Even though Bangladeshis are driven toward the lower end of the economy, innovations have expanded the breadth and depth of their businesses and made their businesses different and rewarding.
Student and teacher perceptions on student-teacher relationship quality: A middle school perspective
Authors: Prewett Sara L. , Bergin David A. , Huang Francis L.
Published: November 2018

This study investigated 336 fifth- and sixth-grade middle school students' relationships with their ten mathematics teachers. Authors used a five-step hierarchical multiple linear regression to examine teacher and student factors related to students' quality of relationships with their teachers. Analyses revealed that teachers' student relationship perceptions positively predicted their students' perceptions and the students' reports of their mathematics interest and self-efficacy positively predicted teacher relationships. Teachers' prosocial classroom behavior and social-emotional support behaviors were the strongest predictors of students' views of high quality relationships with their teachers; both prosocial classroom behaviors and social-emotional support are malleable, and authors discuss implications for how teachers' behaviors shape students' positive views of their student-teacher relationships.
The Interconnection among Science, Industry, State, and Society in Russia
Authors: Perepechko Lyudmila Nikolaevna , Belyakova Galina Yakovlevna
Published: November 2018

The article analyzes the interconnection among science, industry, state, and society in Russia and the world. It also deals with the common characteristics and peculiarities of the Russian economy in transition. The authors focus on the transition from a linear to nonlinear model of the innovation process and the role of this transition in the technological progress of particular countries. The paradox in Russia is caused by an inherited linear model of the innovation process from the USSR. The transition to a nonlinear model is being carried out, but slowly and it is not yet generalized. The Russian innovation and legal spheres require comprehensive reforms, and the government needs to become the driving force for these changes in order for Russia to achieve the postindustrial stage of development. Understanding the peculiarities of the national innovation system (NIS) in Russia during the current transition period sheds light on how the Russian paradox can be overcome.
Adoption Status and Disparities in the Familial Configurations of Children
Authors: Thomas Kevin J. A. , Larsen Gibby Ashley
Published: November 2018

Few studies have examined the familial configurations of adopted children and how these configurations differ from those of nonadoptees. As a result, this study examines the relationship between adoption status and inequalities in the family structure of children. Our results indicate that adopted children are more likely to live in nuclear families compared with nonadopted children. Part of this is driven by the comparatively limited presence of adoptees in single-mother, single-father, and other types of nonnuclear families. Foreign-born adoptees are more likely to live in nuclear families compared with U.S.-born adoptees, but adoptees from racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to live in such families compared with their White counterparts. These race-ethnic inequalities in family structure are however moderated by foreign-born status. Accordingly, our results indicate that foreign-born Black and Hispanic children have the highest odds of residing in nuclear families among the U.S. population of adopted children.
Ambivalence in the World Risk Society
Authors: Le Breton David
Published: November 2018

Risk is most often associated with danger and perceived as a harmful aspect of life, as an insidious and unwelcome threat that should be avoided. Risk-taking, however, is sometimes a singular passion, a source of pleasure that becomes a way of life. When freely pursued as a valorised activity, it can be a path to self-fulfilment, an opportunity to confront new situations, and a means for redefining one’s self, testing personal abilities, increasing self-esteem or gaining recognition. Deliberate risk-taking is a form of character building. It accommodates life’s intensities. It is extremely popular in high-risk physical activities and sports and postmodern forms of adventure.
From ‘the Bads of Goods’ to ‘the Goods of Bads’: The Most Recent Developments in Ulrich Beck’s Cosmopolitan Sociology
Authors: Rasborg Klaus
Published: November 2018

The article critically assesses Ulrich Beck’s body of work and its importance for contemporary sociology. It demonstrates that Beck’s elaboration of his original theory of the ‘risk society’ into a theory of the ‘world risk society’, ‘cosmopolitanism’ and ‘metamorphosis’ involved several key theoretical innovations. Firstly, Beck adjusted his notion of risk to include the threat of international terrorism in his diagnosis of the (world) risk society. Secondly, he introduced a distinction between (normative) ‘cosmopolitanism’ and (real existing) ‘cosmopolitization’ in order to capture the specificity of contemporary social change. Thirdly and most recently, Beck outlined a theory of ‘the metamorphosis of the world’ which marks an important shift of emphasis from ‘the negative side effects of goods’ to ‘the positive side effects of bads’. In conclusion, the article identifies a number of theoretical ambiguities and unresolved questions in Beck’s theory.
Distributed corporeality: Anatomy, knowledge and the technological reconfiguration of bodies in ballet
Authors: Müller Sophie Merit
Published: November 2018

Various specialist cultures configure bodies as complex technological devices. We know little about how exactly this is done. I focus on one of these cultures, classical ballet, to praxeologically reconstruct the conceptual, situational and material configuration of bodies as particular instruments. The technologization of the body is closely intertwined with the scientification of the practice – its ladenness with scientific knowledge about the body and an elaborate apparatus for the production of bodies. When anatomical knowledge and didactics intertwine in ballet class, this facilitates an opening of the black box ‘body’ for technical improvement. ‘A body’ becomes a plurality of (in this case, anatomically distinguished) actants. This distributed corporeality suggests that ‘the body’ is an assemblage that becomes apparent as such in moments of its modification. The empirical case as well as the analytical approach here give reason to reconsider the distinction between humans and non-humans that still prevails in actor-network theory and elsewhere.
You Lead Like a Girl: Gender and Children’s Leadership Development
Authors: Trumpy Alexa J. , Elliott Marissa
Published: November 2018

Recent leadership initiatives encourage children, particularly girls, to defy gender stereotypes. Yet, those creating and participating in these initiatives, like all members of our culture, have their own gender biases, have received gender socialization, and live in a society where the masculine is more valued than the feminine. We conducted participant observation of two gender-segregated leadership summer camps to examine how camp counselors and directors teach leadership to boys and girls. We find counselors unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes and promote gender-typical behavior while attempting to break down these same stereotypes and behavioral expectations. We argue the gender-segregated environment leads to a problematic “separate but equal” approach to thinking about leadership that advances the individual abilities of boys and girls but does less to decrease gender disparities in emotional development, physical competition, or leadership styles. This research contributes to our understanding of how well-intentioned organizations and authorities, seeking to minimize gender disparities and develop strong leaders, unwittingly reproduce gender differences and perpetuate gender inequality.
Releasing the Tide: How Has a Shock to the Acceptability of Gender-Based Sexual Violence Affected Rape Reporting to Police in India?
Authors: McDougal Lotus , Krumholz Samuel , Bhan Nandita , Bharadwaj Prashant , Raj Anita
Published: November 2018

National household data suggest that more than four million women in India have experienced nonspousal rape. Fewer than 1.5% of victims of sexual violence in India report their assaults to police, though there is some indication of increased rape reporting to police following a very high-profile fatal gang rape in Delhi in December 2012. This study examines effects of the Delhi gang rape on rape reporting to police in India, and assesses the roles played by geography, media access, and women’s status and protection factors in that reporting. Triangulated data from Indian crime, census, and police bureau records were used to assess trends in rape reporting to police at national and district levels from 2005 to 2016, using regressions, spatial mapping, and graphical trend analyses. Nationally, there was a 33% increase in annual rapes reported to police after 2012. Subnationally, there was substantial variation in trends; these district-level changes were particularly affected by distance from Delhi (0.2 fewer rapes reported to police/100,000 women for each 100 km from Delhi), literacy sex ratio (0.6 more rapes for every increase of 0.1 in male: female literacy ratio), and the presence of a women’s police station (1.0 fewer rapes reported to police/100,000 women relative to districts with no women’s police station). The 2012 Delhi gang rape significantly affected rape reporting to police in India, with greater increases seen closer to Delhi and in districts with compromised gender equity. Further work to support the rights and safety of women is needed, including bolstering an enabling environment for reporting, legal protections, and responsive criminal justice.