bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Printing of Quasi‐2D Semiconducting β‐Ga2O3 in Constructing Electronic Devices via Room‐Temperature Liquid Metal Oxide Skin
Authors: Lin Ju , Li Qian , Liu Tian-Ying , Cui Yuntao , Zheng Han , Liu Jing
Published: May 2019

Quasi‐2D β‐Ga2O3 is a rediscovered metal‐oxide semiconductor with the advantage of an ultrawide bandgap of 4.6–4.9 eV. It is reported to be a promising material for next‐generation power and radio‐frequency electronics. However, realizing macroelectronics based on β‐Ga2O3 film is challenging due to the nonuniformity and improper thickness of the film. Herein, a straightforward and rapid impact fabrication method for depositing high‐quality β‐Ga2O3 films is introduced. Structural and film properties of the deposited β‐Ga2O3 are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. To illustrate the applicability of the deposited β‐Ga2O3 in constructing electronic devices, β‐Ga2O3‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) are fabricated with a source–drain spacing of 400 μm. Films of β‐Ga2O3 exhibit a good performance with carrier mobilities as high as 21.3 cm2 V–1 s–1, transconductances of 1.4 μS, and on/off current ratios of 104. The device performances indicate a big potential of β‐Ga2O3 for future power device applications. The method paves the way for future application of β‐Ga2O3 in electronics. It also provides a scalable approach for the integration of 2D morphologies of industrially important semiconductors into emerging electronics and optical devices.
Ab initio calculations on low‐lying electronic states of PdH
Authors: Nabi Fathola A. , Shayesteh Alireza
Published: May 2019

Potential energy curves for the low‐lying electronic states of PdH have been calculated using the MRCI method with scalar relativistic and spin‐orbit corrections, and all electronic states correlating to the 4d10 (1S), 4d9 5s1 (3D), 4d9 5s1 (1D) and 4d8 5s2 (3F) states of Pd were included. Potential energy curves for the individual Ω states have been obtained, and the experimentally observed spectra of both PdH and PdD isotopologues have been assigned appropriately based on the ab initio results. Einstein A coefficients were calculated for other possible transitions from the low‐lying electronic states to the X2Σ+ ground state. Diagonal and off‐diagonal matrix elements of the spin‐orbit Hamiltonian were calculated for all vibrational levels of the X2Σ+, 12Δ, 12Π, 22Σ+ and 32Σ+ states, and it was found from the eigenvectors that the vibrational wavefunctions of the 12Δ3/2 and 12Π3/2 states are mixed significantly in both PdH and PdD isotopologues.
Monolayer boron‐arsenide as a perfect anode for alkali‐based batteries with large storage capacities and fast mobilities
Authors: Ullah Saif , Denis Pablo A. , Sato Fernando
Published: May 2019

We investigate, by means of first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the possibility of using hexagonal boron‐arsenide (h‐BAs) as an anode material for alkali‐based batteries. We show that the adsorption strength of alkali atoms (Li, Na, and K) on h‐BAs in comparison with graphene and other related materials changes a little as a function of alkali atom concentration. When the separation between alkali atoms and h‐BAs is less than the critical distance of ~5 Å, the adsorption energy abruptly increases showing fast adsorption without an energy barrier. Furthermore, the low energy barriers of 0.322, 0.187, and 0.0.095 eV for Li, Na, and K, respectively, ensure the fast ionic diffusivities for all the three alkali atoms. Additionally, the addition of these alkali atoms transforms the electronic properties of h‐BAs from semiconducting to metallic, resulting in improved electronic conductivities. Most interestingly, the excellent storage capacities of h‐BAs (~626 mAh/g) for alkali atoms make it a material of similar caliber to that of other popular anode materials. Finally, the average open circuit voltages are calculated and found to be in the desired range. In short, h‐BAs possess every quality that is crucial for an anode material and thus it is interesting to see h‐BAs in alkali‐based battery technologies.
Optimal transport, mean partition, and uncertainty assessment in cluster analysis
Authors: Li Jia , Seo Beomseok , Lin Lin
Published: May 2019

In scientific data analysis, clusters identified computationally often substantiate existing hypotheses or motivate new ones. Yet the combinatorial nature of the clustering result, which is a partition rather than a set of parameters or a function, blurs notions of mean, and variance. This intrinsic difficulty hinders the development of methods to improve clustering by aggregation or to assess the uncertainty of clusters generated. We overcome that barrier by aligning clusters via optimal transport. Equipped with this technique, we propose a new algorithm to enhance clustering by any baseline method using bootstrap samples. Cluster alignment enables us to quantify variation in the clustering result at the levels of both overall partitions and individual clusters. Set relationships between clusters such as one‐to‐one match, split, and merge can be revealed. A covering point set for each cluster, a concept kin to the confidence interval, is proposed. The tools we have developed here will help address the crucial question of whether any cluster is an intrinsic or spurious pattern. Experimental results on both simulated and real data sets are provided. The corresponding R package OTclust is available on CRAN.
Bioinspired Polymer Nanocomposites Exhibit Giant Energy Density and High Efficiency at High Temperature
Authors: Xu Wenhan , Liu Jie , Chen Tianwu , Jiang Xiangyu , Qian Xiaoshi , Zhang Yu , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhang Yunhe
Published: May 2019

Polymer dielectrics are ubiquitous in advanced electric energy storage systems. However, the relatively low operating temperature significantly menaces their widespread application at high temperatures, such as for hybrid vehicles and aerospace power electronics. Spider silk, a natural nanocomposite comprised of biopolymer chains and crystal protein nanosheets combined by multiple interfacial interactions, exhibits excellent mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures. Inspired by the hierarchical nanostructure of spider silk, poly(aryl ether sulfone) is anchored to the surface of wide bandgap artificial nanosheets to prepare the nanocomposites with nanoconfinement effect. The bioinspired strategy successfully improves the mechanical and electrical performances of the nanocomposite. Owing to the structural‐enabled enhancements, the nanocomposites exhibit excellent breakdown strength and electrical energy storage performance at high temperatures. In detail, giant discharged energy density (2.7 J cm−3) and high charge–discharge efficiency (>90%) are simultaneously achieved at 150 °C and 400 MV m−1. Notably, under 500 MV m−1, the discharged energy density reaches 4.2 J cm−3, which is the record high discharged energy density among polymer‐based dielectrics at 150 °C. This work demonstrates a viable strategy to design high‐temperature polymer dielectrics by constructing nanoconfinement in the nanocomposites.
NiFe/(Ni,Fe)3S2 Core/Shell Nanowire Arrays as Outstanding Catalysts for Electrolytic Water Splitting at High Current Densities
Authors: Hsieh Cheng‐Ting , Chuah Xui‐Fang , Huang Chun‐Lung , Lin Hao‐Wei , Chen Yu‐An , Lu Shih‐Yuan
Published: May 2019

NiFe/(Ni,Fe)3S2 core/shell nanowire arrays, fabricated with an anodic aluminum oxide membrane templated electrodeposition followed by sulfur ion exchange, are developed as an outstanding catalyst for electrolytic water splitting. Ni nanowire arrays achieve low overpotentials of 112 and 347 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction at current densities of 10 and 400 mA cm−2, respectively, whereas ultralow overpotentials of 224 and 305 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction at current densities of 10 and 400 mA cm−2, respectively, are achieved by NiFe/(Ni,Fe)3S2 core/shell nanowire arrays. The pairing of the Ni nanowire array electrode as the cathode and the NiFe/(Ni,Fe)3S2 core/shell nanowire array electrode as the anode, delivers current densities of 10 and 400 mA cm−2 at ultralow cell voltages of 1.56 and 1.9 V, respectively, for the overall water splitting. The stability of the electrodes is also excellent, exhibiting only minor chronoamperometric decay after 24 h continuous operation at 400 mA cm−2. The nanowire array‐based electrodes, offering extended reaction surface areas and 1D guided charge transport and mass transfer, prove to be a promising new catalyst architecture design for electrocatalytic processes.
Experimental study on prestress losses of post‐tensioned concrete members at ultra‐low temperatures
Authors: Xie Jian , Cui Ning , Yan Jia‐Bao , Yu Jinghai
Published: May 2019

The use of prestressed concrete structures (PCSs) in extreme environments with low temperatures has increased over the years. In this study, two series of tests were carried out to evaluate the prestress losses of post‐tensioned PC specimens at ultra‐low temperatures. Twenty axially loaded PC specimens with different initial prestressing levels (0.40 and 0.65fptk) and moisture contents (water‐saturated concrete and naturally cured concrete) were tested at 20, −40, and −100°C. The total time‐dependent prestress losses of the specimens over a period of 10 h at 20, −40, and −100°C and the variations in prestress of the specimens during the cooling‐reheating process were investigated in this work. The results indicate that the time‐dependent prestress loss decreases with a decrease in temperature and initial prestressing level of the concrete. In contrast, the time‐dependent pressure loss decreases with an increase in the moisture content of concrete. It is worth noting that prestress increases when the concrete is cooled from −30 to −60°C because of the volumetric expansion of concrete. In addition, a simple method was proposed to estimate the prestress losses of PC specimens, which will greatly facilitate designers in predicting short‐term prestress losses of PCSs at ultra‐low temperatures.
Antihepatocarcinogenic activity of whey protein concentrate and lactoferrin in diethylnitrosamine‐treated male albino mice
Authors: Mohammed Marwa M. , Ramadan Gamal , Zoheiry Mona K. , El‐Beih Nadia M.
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma is considered one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide. Chemotherapy with cytotoxic agents showed a low response rate with possible toxic effects. Recently, some emphases have been placed on the anticancer properties of bovine whey protein and its components, especially lactoferrin. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the antihepatocarcinogenic activity of bovine whey protein concentrate (WPC, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) and lactoferrin (30 and 60 mg/kg body weight), orally and daily for 14 weeks, in the mice model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. The results showed that both WPC and lactoferrin (in a dose‐dependent manner) alleviated significantly (P < .001) the elevation in serum markers of liver carcinoma and inflammation in the DEN‐treated mice. Also, they exhibited a great amelioration in the livers' histological structure of the DEN‐treated mice by 37.0% to 66.7%. In addition, they decreased significantly (P < .001) the hepatic DNA fragmentation in the DEN‐treated mice by 23.1% to 32.7%. Only, the high doses of WPC and lactoferrin completely modulated the decrease in the activity of liver enzymic antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and improved significantly (P < .01‐.001) the concentration of hepatic reduced glutathione of the DEN‐treated mice. Moreover, the high doses of WPC and lactoferrin reduced significantly (P < .05‐.001) the elevation in the concentrations of hepatic active caspases 3, 8, and 9 of the DEN‐treated mice. In conclusion, both WPC and lactoferrin were effective in inhibiting the hepatocarcinogenic activity of DEN in mice model through their ability to alleviate the hepatic inflammation and apoptosis.
The Way Forward: Food Systems for Enabling Rural Prosperity and Nutrition Security
Authors: Pingali Prabhu , Aiyar Anaka , Abraham Mathew , Rahman Andaleeb
Published: May 2019

In this chapter, we sum up policy recommendations required for creating robust food systems and for moving the country towards a nutrition secure future. In our food systems approach, policy recommendations made are multi-sectoral with an emphasis on (a) improving agricultural productivity with a view to increasing viability of smallholder agricultural systems; (b) increasing economic growth to ensure greater structural transformation and regional prosperity; and (c) linking agriculture and nutrition to ensure health and welfare growth go hand in hand. This approach takes into account the need to integrate efforts to increase rural prosperity, food production, nutrient availability, human capital, urban food security and employment with efforts towards climate change mitigation & adaptation. Such initiatives will be key to eliminate both regional and inter-personal inequality by 2050.
Diet Diversity and the Declining Importance of Staple Grains
Authors: Pingali Prabhu , Aiyar Anaka , Abraham Mathew , Rahman Andaleeb
Published: May 2019

Changing diets poses critical demand-side challenges for food systems. Increase in income, urban growth, processes of globalization and demographic changes have led to a reduction in the relative importance of cereals, while consumption of animal-based protein, processed and purchased foods have increased. We argue that such dietary transitions should move food security debates away from access to calories towards access and affordability of diverse and quality diets. Diet diversification should become a focus for food and agricultural policy. At the same time, food and nutrition policy should also concern itself with the rising instances of obesity and other non-communicable diseases, resulting from changing diets. Finally, given that 65.5 million Indians live in urban slums, urban food security concerns should also be a part of the broader policy discussions.
The Nutrition Transformation: From Undernutrition to Obesity
Authors: Pingali Prabhu , Aiyar Anaka , Abraham Mathew , Rahman Andaleeb
Published: May 2019

Over the last three decades, policy interventions have resulted in a decrease in undernourishment by at least ten percentage points. However, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency remain a critical public health challenge, especially in less developed states, while the number of overweight individuals has increased drastically in more developed states over the same period. This increase in the triple burden of malnutrition is a matter of great concern due to its impacts on health and welfare. In this chapter, we present evidence that diversifying diets and increasing income is vital for reducing all types of malnutrition. Within households, improving education and information, behavior change, empowering women and improving access to water, sanitation and health infrastructure are essential to tackle undernutrition, hidden hunger and obesity.
Enabling Smallholder Prosperity through Commercialization and Diversification
Authors: Pingali Prabhu , Aiyar Anaka , Abraham Mathew , Rahman Andaleeb
Published: May 2019

As India becomes the world’s most populous nation, the two central concerns for food security is how to increase and diversify food production. Although this is an opportunity for income growth for small farms, rectifying disadvantages owing to low economies of scale and poor access to capital, technology, and mechanization is critical to leverage it. In this chapter, we look at the scope of institutional interventions such as aggregation models in the form of cooperatives and farmer producer organizations in addressing the scale and access disadvantages. We also touch upon the need to revisit the issue of land reforms to enable land tenure systems to improve access to land and access to mechanization and credit.
Conformal field theory and the hot phase of three-dimensional U(1) gauge theory
Authors: Caselle Michele , Nada Alessandro , Panero Marco , Vadacchino Davide
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We study the high-temperature phase of compact U(1) gauge theory in 2 + 1 dimensions, comparing the results of lattice calculations with analytical predictions from the conformal-field-theory description of the low-temperature phase of the bidimensional XY model. We focus on the two-point correlation functions of probe charges and the field-strength operator, finding excellent quantitative agreement with the functional form and the continuously varying critical indices predicted by conformal field theory.
Quantum trace formulae for the integrals of the hyperbolic Ruijsenaars-Schneider model
Authors: Arutyunov Gleb , Klabbers Rob , Olivucci Enrico
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We conjecture the quantum analogues of the classical trace formulae for the integrals of motion of the quantum hyperbolic Ruijsenaars-Schneider model. This is done by departing from the classical construction where the corresponding model is obtained from the Heisenberg double by the Poisson reduction procedure. We also discuss some algebraic structures associated to the Lax matrix in the classical and quantum theory which arise upon introduction of the spectral parameter.
Template-Based Image Reconstruction from Sparse Tomographic Data
Authors: Lang Lukas F. , Neumayer Sebastian , Öktem Ozan , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: May 2019

We propose a variational regularisation approach for the problem of template-based image reconstruction from indirect, noisy measurements as given, for instance, in X-ray computed tomography. An image is reconstructed from such measurements by deforming a given template image. The image registration is directly incorporated into the variational regularisation approach in the form of a partial differential equation that models the registration as either mass- or intensity-preserving transport from the template to the unknown reconstruction. We provide theoretical results for the proposed variational regularisation for both cases. In particular, we prove existence of a minimiser, stability with respect to the data, and convergence for vanishing noise when either of the abovementioned equations is imposed and more general distance functions are used. Numerically, we solve the problem by extending existing Lagrangian methods and propose a multilevel approach that is applicable whenever a suitable downsampling procedure for the operator and the measured data can be provided. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of our method for template-based image reconstruction from highly undersampled and noisy Radon transform data. We compare results for mass- and intensity-preserving image registration, various regularisation functionals, and different distance functions. Our results show that very reasonable reconstructions can be obtained when only few measurements are available and demonstrate that the use of a normalised cross correlation-based distance is advantageous when the image intensities between the template and the unknown image differ substantially.
Feministische Therapie – frauenspezifische Therapie – gendersensible Therapie
Authors: Ruck Nora , Köhne Maria , Beck Max , Knasmüller Florian , Luckgei Vera , Parzer Elisabeth
Published: May 2019

Feministische, frauenspezifische und gendersensible Therapieansätze haben sich als schulenübergreifende Perspektive in den meisten westlichen Ländern seit Anfang der 1970er entwickelt. Sie wurzeln in sogenannten consciousness-raising Gruppen, die sich im Wesentlichen überall dort entwickelt haben, wo es eine zweite Welle der Frauenbewegung gab und stellen eine Querschnittperspektive dar, die keine eigene Therapieschule sein will, sondern darauf abzielt, bestehende psychotherapeutische Theorien und Methoden durch den Einbezug gesellschaftlicher Strukturen und Bedingungen zu ergänzen. In diesem Aufsatz geben wir zunächst einen Abriss der historischen Entwicklung dieser Therapieansätze und gehen dann auf einige Kernbegriffe bzw. Kernmerkmale ein.
Rethinking the Purity of Moral Motives in Business: Kant Against Moral Purism
Authors: Dubbink Wim , van Liedekerke Luc
Published: May 2019

Moral purism is a commonly held view on moral worthiness and how to identify it in concrete cases. Moral purists long for a moral world in which (business) people—at least sometimes—act morally worthy, but in concrete cases they systematically discount good deeds as grounded in self-interest. Moral purism evokes moral cynicism. Moral cynicism is a problem, both in society at large and the business world. Moral cynicism can be fought by refuting moral purism. This article takes issue with moral purism. The common strategy to tackle moral purism is to reject the exclusion thesis which states that self-interest and the ‘pure’ moral motive (and thus moral worthiness) exclude each other. We develop a different strategy. We argue that moral purists are mistaken in the way they judge moral worthiness in concrete cases. They employ the wrongprocedureand the wrongcriteria.We develop a proper procedure and proper criteria. We build on Kant, who we argue is unfairly regarded as the champion of moral purism. In order to see how Kant can develop a consistent (non-purist) philosophy, the exclusion thesis must be embedded in Kant’s transcendental philosophy. Properly embedded, Kant turns out to be both anti-purist and anti-cynical.
A hybrid approach for log signature generation
Authors: Pokharel Prabhat , Pokhrel Roshan , Joshi Basanta
Published: May 2019

Analysis of log message is very important for the identification of a suspicious system and network activity. This analysis requires the correct extraction of variable entities. The variable entities are extracted by comparing the logs messages against the log patterns. Each of these log patterns can be represented in the form of a log signature. In this paper, we present a hybrid approach for log signature extraction. The approach consists of two modules. The first module identifies log patterns by generating log clusters. The second module uses Named Entity Recognition (NER) to extract signatures by using the extracted log clusters. Experiments were performed on event logs from Windows Operating System, Exchange and Unix and validation of the result was done by comparing the signatures and the variable entities against the standard log documentation. The outcome of the experiments was that extracted signatures were ready to be used with a high degree of accuracy.
Association study of polymorphisms within inflammatory genes and methylation status in treatment response in major depression
Authors: Draganov Metodi , Arranz María Jesús , Salazar Juliana , de Diego-Adeliño Javier , Gallego-Fabrega Cristina , Jubero Míriam , Carceller-Sindreu Mar , Portella Maria J.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Although pharmacogenetics for major depressive disorder (MDD) is gaining momentum, the role of genetics in differences in response to antidepressant treatment is controversial, as they depend on multifactorial and polygenic phenotypes. Previous studies focused on the genes of the serotonergic system, leaving apart other pathological factors such as the inflammatory pathway. The main objective of the study was to assess whether treatment response might be associated with specific inflammation-related genetic variants or their methylation status.

Methods:

41 SNPs in 8 inflammatory genes: interleukin (IL) 1-β, IL2, IL6, IL6R, IL10, IL18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were genotyped in 153 patients with MDD, who were evaluated with the Mausdley Staging Method to determine treatment response profiles. Pyrosequencing reactions and methylation quantification were performed in a PyroMark Q24 in 5 selected CpG islands of IL1- β, IL6 and IL6R. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted, including age and gender as covariates using PLINK 1.07.

Results:

Allelic distribution of IL1- β rs1143643 was significantly associated with MSM scores (FDR corrected p = 0.04). Allelic distribution of IL6R rs57569414 showed a trend towards significance with MSM scores (p = 0.002; FDR corrected p = 0.07). Haplotype analyses showed associations between allelic combinations of IL1-β and IL10 with treatment response (FDR corrected p < 0.01). Methylation percentage of treatment responders was only higher in an IL6R CpG island (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These exploratory findings suggest that IL1-β and, marginally, IL6R polymorphisms may affect treatment response in major depression. If confirmed, these results may account for the heterogeneous phenotypes of major depression that underlie differences in treatment response.
Clinically Meaningful Change in Sexual Desire in the Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire in Older Men from the TTrials
Authors: Stephens-Shields Alisa J. , Wang Christina , Preston Peter , Snyder Peter J. , Swerdloff Ronald S.
Published: May 2019

Background

A recent study of older men participating in the Testosterone Trials (TTrials) defined a clinically meaningful change in the Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire (PDQ) question 4 in hypogonadal men age ≥65 years. This study defines clinically meaningful change in the same population for sexual desire assessed by PDQ question 1.

Aim

To determine a clinically meaningful change in the answers to question 1 of the PDQ in hypogonadal older men.

Methods

Participants in the Sexual Function Trial of the TTrials were randomly divided into a training and test set. Anchor-based methods, including regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, and empirical cumulative distribution functions, were used to determine a clinically meaningful change on question 1 in the training set, and the selected threshold was evaluated in the test set for an effect of testosterone treatment.

Results

A clinically meaningful increase in question 1 of the PDQ was determined to be ≥0.7 points.

Clinical Implications

Question 1 of the PDQ can be used to assess sexual desire in response to testosterone treatment.

Strengths & Limitations

Data were obtained from a single large study of older hypogonadal men.

Conclusion

Clinically meaningful improvement of sexual desire is a change of ≥0.7 in the score of question 1 of the PDQ.
Measuring team science: Associations between a clinical-translational science institute and investigator ego networks
Authors: Kabo Felichism W. , Mashour George A.
Published: May 2019

The National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) institutes have been created, in part, to have a positive impact on collaboration and team science. This study is the first to examine the associations between a CTSA hub, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR), and investigators’ ego networks. We ran cross-sectional and panel models of the associations between consulting with MICHR and the ego network measure of two-step reach (TSR) – that is, colleagues of colleagues reachable in two steps – from a network of 2161 investigators who had co-submitted a grant proposal to an external sponsor in 2006. Our analyses covered the period 2004–2012, although some model specifications covered the shorter time period 2006–2010. Consulting with MICHR had positive associations with the size of and changes in an investigator’s TSR across and over time, even controlling for research productivity and organizational affiliation. For example, over the period 2006–2010 an investigator who consulted with MICHR reached 44 more individuals than a non-consulting investigator. This study expands our understanding of the indirect impacts that clinical and translational science institutes have on investigators’ scientific networks. This network-based approach might be useful in quantifying the impact of team science initiatives at the university level.
Identification of functional missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TNFAIP3 in a predominantly Hispanic population
Authors: Zhang Bing , Nakamura Brooke Naomi , Perlman Aryeh , Alipour Omeed , Abbasi Sadeea Qureshi , Sohn Peter , Gulati Alakh , Moore Graham , Hwang Caroline , Sheibani Sarah , Zarchy Thomas , Shao Ling
Published: May 2019

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) is a multifunctional ubiquitin binding and editing enzyme that regulates inflammation. Genetic studies have implicated polymorphisms within the TNFAIP3 locus to the development of numerous immune-related diseases. This study evaluated the frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) within the exonic regions of the TNFAIP3 gene and an associated point mutation from the Illumina array among a predominantly Hispanic cohort.

Methods:

Genomic DNA was obtained from 721 participants and sequencing of all TNFAIP3 exons and an intergenic point mutation (rs6920220) was performed. In-vitro functional assessment was performed by transfecting mutated TNFAIP3 constructs into TNFAIP3 knockout cells containing the NF-kB luciferase reporter and stimulating with TNFα. Comparative statistics were performed with Student’s t-test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables.

Results:

Sequencing revealed two missense SNPs, rs146534657:A>G and rs2230926:T>G, both within exon 3 of TNFAIP3, which encodes the protein’s deubiquitinating enzymatic domain. Frequencies of all three point mutations differed significantly across racial groups (χ2-test, P = 0.014 to P < 0.001). Compared to Caucasians, rs146534657:A>G was overrepresented among Hispanics (odds ratio (OR) [95% CI] 4.05 [1.24−13.18]), and rs2230926:T>G was more prevalent among African-Americans (OR [95% CI] 3.65 [1.58−8.43]). In-vitro assays confirm rs146534657:A>G and rs2230926:T>G decrease the ability of TNFAIP3 to abrogate NF-κB activation by 2-fold (P < 0.01) and 1.7-fold (P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions:

This study reports the frequency of rs146534657:A>G among Hispanics and is the first to evaluate its potential physiologic impact, establishing a basis for future research as a potential biomarker among this population.
Equilibrium states for a class of skew products
Authors: CARVALHO MARIA , PÉREZ SEBASTIÁN A.
Published: May 2019

We consider skew products on $M\times \mathbb{T}^{2}$, where $M$ is the two-sphere or the two-torus, which are partially hyperbolic and semi-conjugate to an Axiom A diffeomorphism. This class of dynamics includes the open sets of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}$-non-stable systems introduced by Abraham and Smale [Non-genericity of Ł-stability. Global Analysis (Proceedings of Symposia in Pure Mathematics, XIV (Berkeley 1968)). American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1970, pp. 5–8.] and Shub [Topological Transitive Diffeomorphisms in$T^{4}$ (Lecture Notes in Mathematics, 206). Springer, Berlin, 1971, pp. 39–40]. We present sufficient conditions, both on the skew products and the potentials, for the existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states, and discuss their statistical stability.
Échos d’Arabie. Le Pèlerinage à La Mecque de Mansa Musa (724–725/1324–1325) d’après des Nouvelles Sources
Authors: Collet Hadrien
Published: May 2019

Le pèlerinage de Mansa Musa, plus grand sultan du Mali, en 724/1324, est l’un des événements les plus célèbres du Moyen Âge africain. Le souverain est lui-même devenu, ces dernières années, une figure de l’histoire mondiale. Pourtant, des pans entiers de cet événement restent inconnus, notamment son voyage et séjour dans la péninsule Arabique. Cette étude se focalise sur son voyage depuis Le Caire vers La Mecque, à l’aller comme au retour, et à son séjour dans la ville sainte à l’occasion de son pèlerinage. Au travers de la présentation et de la discussion de nouvelles sources, j’apporte des éclairages nouveaux sur cet épisode fameux, dont la trame reste paradoxalement encore nébuleuse par endroits.
Use of a cohorting-unit and systematic surveillance cultures to control aKlebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC)–producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreak
Authors: Reeme Allison E. , Bowler Sarah L. , Buchan Blake W. , Graham Mary Beth , Behrens Elizabeth , Singh Siddhartha , Hong Johnny C. , Arvan Jennifer , Hyke Joshua W. , Palen Louis , Savage Sabrina , Seliger Heather , Huerta Susan , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Kotay Shireen , Mathers Amy J. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Mustapha Mustapha Munir , Mettus Roberta T. , Doi Yohei , Munoz-Price L. Silvia
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Describe the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of an outbreak ofKlebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC)–producing organisms and the novel use of a cohorting unit for its control.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

A 566-room academic teaching facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Patients:

Solid-organ transplant recipients.

Methods:

Infection control bundles were used throughout the time of observation. All KPC cases were intermittently housed in a cohorting unit with dedicated nurses and nursing aids. The rooms used in the cohorting unit had anterooms where clean supplies and linens were placed. Spread of KPC-producing organisms was determined using rectal surveillance cultures on admission and weekly thereafter among all consecutive patients admitted to the involved units. KPC-positive strains underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole-genome sequencing.

Results:

A total of 8 KPC cases (5 identified by surveillance) were identified from April 2016 to April 2017. After the index patient, 3 patients acquired KPC-producing organisms despite implementation of an infection control bundle. This prompted the use of a cohorting unit, which immediately halted transmission, and the single remaining KPC case was transferred out of the cohorting unit. However, additional KPC cases were identified within 2 months. Once the cohorting unit was reopened, no additional KPC cases occurred. The KPC-positive species identified during this outbreak includedKlebsiella pneumoniae,Enterobacter cloacaecomplex, andEscherichia coli. blaKPCwas identified on at least 2 plasmid backbones.

Conclusions:

A complex KPC outbreak involving both clonal and plasmid-mediated dissemination was controlled using weekly surveillances and a cohorting unit.
Post-Cold War autocratization: trends and patterns of regime change opposite to democratization
Authors: Cassani Andrea , Tomini Luca
Published: May 2019

The so-called third wave of democratization is over and scholars are increasingly alert to the apparently growing number of regime changes in the opposite direction. However, there is little agreement concerning how many distinct forms these processes can take, and even less systematic cross-regional analysis of the phenomenon, which diminishes our ability to seize its actual import. Accordingly, this article pursues a twofold goal. First, we present a framework for the analysis of the processes opposite to democratization. Specifically, we build on the notion of ‘autocratization’, identify similarities and differences between the various forms it can take, and catalogue how it can happen. Second, we provide new data on post-Cold War cases across the world and use these data to map the prevailing trends. The analysis confirms the increasing empirical relevance of the phenomenon, and reveals the existence of a few geographical and historical patterns in the forms and modes of contemporary autocratization.
Modelling installed jet noise due to the scattering of jet instability waves by swept wings
Authors: Lyu Benshuai , Dowling Ann P.
Published: May 2019

Jet noise is a significant contributor to aircraft noise, and on modern aircraft it is considerably enhanced at low frequencies by a closely installed wing. Recent research has shown that this noise increase is due to the scattering of jet instability waves by the trailing edge of the wing. Experimentalists have recently shown that noise can be reduced by using wings with swept trailing edges. To understand this mechanism, in this paper, we develop an analytical model to predict the installed jet noise due to the scattering of instability waves by a swept wing. The model is based on the Schwarzschild method and Amiet’s approach is used to obtain the far-field sound. The model can correctly predict both the reduction in installed jet noise and the change to directivity patterns observed in experiments due to the use of swept wings. The agreement between the model and experiment is very good, especially for the directivity at large azimuthal angles. It is found that the principal physical mechanism of sound reduction is due to destructive interference. It is concluded that in order to obtain an effective noise reduction, both the span and the sweep angle of the wing have to be large. Such a model can greatly aid in the design of quieter swept wings and the physical mechanism identified can provide significant insight into developing other innovative noise-reduction strategies.
Dispersive and dispersive-like bores in channels with sloping banks
Authors: Chassagne R. , Filippini A. G. , Ricchiuto M. , Bonneton P.
Published: May 2019

In this paper a detailed analysis of undular bore dynamics in channels of variable cross-section is presented. Two undular bore regimes, low Froude number (LFN) and high Froude number (HFN), are simulated with a Serre–Green–Naghdi model, and the results are compared with the experiments by Treske (1994). We show that contrary to Favre waves and HFN bores, which are controlled by dispersive non-hydrostatic mechanisms, LFN bores correspond to a hydrostatic phenomenon. The dispersive-like properties of the LFN bores is related to wave refraction on the banks in a way similar to that of edge waves in the near shore. A fully hydrostatic asymptotic model for these dispersive-like bores is derived and compared to the observations, confirming our claim.
‘Wings to fly’: a case study of supporting Indigenous student success through a whole-of-university approach
Authors: Uink Bep , Hill Braden , Day Andrew , Martin Gregory
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Although there have been repeated calls for empirical evaluations focused on if and how the activities of Indigenous Education Units contribute to Indigenous student success at university, data demonstrating the outcomes of these activities remain scarce. As a first step in addressing this gap, a case study of the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre is presented which documents the development and implementation of its student success strategy. Informed by research that identifies a range of different barriers and enablers of Indigenous student success, the strategy was built around a ‘whole-of-university’ approach which focuses on influencing across multiple levels of the university (governance and management, teaching and pedagogy and direct student support). The success of the strategy is described in relation to changes in Indigenous student retention and pass rates. The case study offers insight into the activities of an Indigenous Education Unit, which can inform future models of practice in this area and raise awareness of the need for more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of Indigenous higher education initiatives.
ON THE COMMUTATIVITY OF PULL-BACK AND PUSH-FORWARD FUNCTORS ON MOTIVIC CONSTRUCTIBLE FUNCTIONS
Authors: CELY JORGE , RAIBAUT MICHEL
Published: May 2019

In this article, we study the commutativity between the pull-back and the push-forward functors on constructible functions in Cluckers–Loeser motivic integration.
Territorialities, spatial inequalities and the formalization of land rights in Central Benin
Authors: Delville Philippe Lavigne , Moalic Anne-Claire
Published: May 2019

The formalization of ‘informal’ customary land rights is at the core of current rural land policies in Africa. The dubious impacts of such policies on agricultural production, and the recomposition of land rights and governance they cause, have been studied widely. But their territorial dimensions are hardly acknowledged. Studying the implementation of a rural land rights formalization project in central Benin, this article highlights the links between territorialization and plot-level land rights formalization. It first unpacks the notion of the village and presents a conceptual framework for analysing the superimposition of and contradiction between customary and administrative territories. Using two case studies, it then examines the conflicts that arise during formalization operations and their outcomes in terms of the mapping of land rights and political and administrative change. This article shows how the political organization of the territory and the socio-spatial inequalities resulting from the history of settlement shape the results of plot-level land rights registration (which explains why large parts of village territories have not been registered), and, in turn, how these registration operations lead to new territorialization processes and increase the heterogeneity of land tenure rights within the territory.
Wandering women: the work of Congolese transnational traders
Authors: Braun Lesley Nicole
Published: May 2019

Congolesecommerçantes, or transnational women traders, travel abroad to cities such as Guangzhou in search of affordable products to import to Kinshasa. Without any support from local banks, women must search for the means to finance their trips and navigate a complex bureaucracy governed by unpredictable customs tariffs. Just as men rely on their social networks to ensure the success of their business activities, women traders must also forge relationships with people in positions of power. However, a woman's social network, linked to her business activities, invites assumptions about her sexual morality. Men working within the country's unstable economic landscape are celebrated for their ingenuity and ability to ‘work the system’, while a woman's sexual morality is perceived as being affected by, and bound up in, Kinshasa's corrupt business matrices. Transnationalcommerçantesare thus not only an important part of the economic milieu, largely governed by patron–client relationships; but are also representative of changing gender dynamics in Kinshasa. Based on multi-site fieldwork in Kinshasa and Guangzhou, this article explores the moral anxieties associated with women's transnational trade, anxieties that relate to broader issues about the politics of social networks within local bureaucratic infrastructures.
The Politics of Decolonial Interpretation: Tradition and Method in Contemporary Arab Thought
Authors: DAIFALLAH YASMEEN
Published: May 2019

What is the relationship between interpretive methods and decolonizing projects? Decolonial thinkers often invoke pre-colonial traditions in their efforts to fashion “national cultures”— modes of being, understanding, and self-expression specific to a de-colonizing collectivity’s experience. While the substantive contributions of precolonial traditions to decolonial thought have received well-deserved attention in postcolonial and comparative political theory, this paper focuses on the role that interpretive methods play in generating the emancipatory sensibilities envisioned by decolonial thinkers. It draws on the contemporary Moroccan philosopher Mohammed ‘Abed Al-Jabri’s interpretive method to show that its decolonial potential lies in its “reader-centric” approach. This approach is concerned with transforming its postcolonial reader’s relationship to precolonial traditions, and not only with establishing the truth of historical texts or making use of their insights in the present as is more common in political-theoretical modes of interpretation. It does so through a tripartite process of disconnection, reconnection, and praxis.
Constructivism and the Logic of Political Representation
Authors: FOSSEN THOMAS
Published: May 2019

There are at least two politically salient senses of “representation”—acting-for-othersandportraying-something-as-something. The difference is not just semantic but also logical: relations of representative agency are dyadic (xrepresentsy), while portrayals are triadic (xrepresentsyasz). I exploit this insight to disambiguate constructivism and to improve our theoretical vocabulary for analyzing political representation. I amend Saward’s claims-based approach on three points, introducing the “characterization” to correctly identify the elements of representational claims; explaining the “referent” in pragmatic, not metaphysical terms; and differentiating multiple forms of representational activity. This enables me to clarify how the represented can bebothprior to representationandconstituted by it, and to recover Pitkin’s idea that representatives ought to be “responsive” to the represented. These points are pertinent to debates about the role of representatives, the nature of representative democracy, and the dynamics of revolutionary movements.
Recent Trends in the Business History of India
Authors: Tumbe Chinmay
Published: May 2019

The past decade has seen a resurgence of interest in understanding Indian business history. A number of business history books have been published in the academic and nonacademic press. Special issues on India have appeared in leading field journals, more management schools in India and outside are engaging with the field, internship and fellowship opportunities have been initiated, and business archives have sprung up. This article documents these recent trends, examines the emerging scholarship, and identifies gaps that need to be addressed in the future.
Hidden Externalities: The Globalization of Hazardous Waste
Authors: Müller Simone M.
Published: May 2019

This article focuses on chemical retailers Jack and Charles Colbert to, first, show the externalization processes linked to the greening of U.S. industry through stricter consumer and environmental protection regulations and, second, illustrate the limitations of nationally framed environmentalism targeting businesses in a global market. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Colberts traded chemicals that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had banned for use in the United States. They exported them legally to countries where the material was still a permitted commodity—primarily in the global South. Rare interview material illustrates how the exporters justified their unequal business deals by misappropriating the meaning of recycling.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance as a Human Rights Instrument
Authors: Niyungeko Gérard
Published: May 2019

According to various provisions of the Protocol Establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court has jurisdiction over the interpretation and / or application of human rights instruments ratified by the states concerned. This article considers whether, in terms of those provisions, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) is a relevant human rights instrument over which the court can exercise its jurisdiction. It aims to consider the contours of the main question posed and clarify the relevant aspects in light not only of the court's jurisprudence but also of the overall legal framework of the African Union. In this regard, before drawing appropriate conclusions, it addresses three main questions. What is a human rights instrument? Which elements in the ACDEG clearly relate to human rights? And, what is the court's approach on the issue?