bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer chain diffusion in polymer blends: A theoretical interpretation based on a memory function formalism
Authors: Colmenero Juan
Published: March 2019

The diffusion of polymer chains in miscible polymer blends with large dynamic asymmetry—those where the two blend components display very different segmental mobility—is not well understood yet. In the extreme case of the blend system of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), the diffusion coefficient of PEO chains in the blend can change by more than five orders of magnitude while the segmental time scale hardly changes with respect to that of pure PEO. This behavior is not observed in blend systems with small or moderate dynamic asymmetry as, for instance, polyisoprene/poly(vinyl ethylene) blends. These two very different behaviors can be understood and quantitatively explained in a unified way in the framework of a memory function formalism, which takes into account the effect of the collective dynamics on the chain dynamics of a tagged chain. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1239–1245
Cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes before lung transplantation is associated with lower survival but does not affect long‐term renal function
Authors: Mainbourg Sabine , Philit François , Touzet Sandrine , Nove‐Josserand Raphaele , Durupt Stéphane , Sénéchal Agathe , Occelli Pauline , Poupon‐Bourdy Stéphanie , Maury Jean‐Michel , Tronc François , Mornex Jean‐François , Durieu Isabelle , Reynaud Quitterie
Published: March 2019

Objective

To describe the prevalence of cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD) before and after lung transplantation (LT); to analyse the survival and renal function after LT according to the CFRD status before LT.

Methods

Sixty cystic fibrosis (CF) patients transplanted at the Lyon University Hospital between 2004 and 2014 were included. Genotype, pancreatic status, age at LT, survival were recorded. Glucose tolerance status, daily insulin dose requirement, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and daily glucocorticoid (GC) dose were recorded before LT and until December 2016.

Results

The median follow‐up was 5.6 (3.8‐8.2) years, and nine patients died. Survival was poorest for patients with CFRD before LT compared with those without CFRD (P = 0.03) but was not correlated with the GFR before LT, with sex, age at LT, or CF genotype. The prevalence of CFRD was 68% at 2 years and 54% at 5 years. For persistent insulin‐treated CFRD, the insulin requirement decreased (−2.1 IU/d/y; P < 0.01) and was correlated with the daily GC dose (+0.4 IU/d for one additional milligram, P = 0.012). Seven (11%) patients who had insulin‐treated CFRD before LT became nondiabetic after LT, with a median time of 2 (1‐4) years. After LT, the GFR decreased (−5.3 ml/min/1.73 m
2/y; P < 0.001) and was not correlated with the CFRD status before LT.

Conclusions

CFRD before LT is associated with poor survival after LT, which should lead to better management of diabetes. Some patients with pre‐LT CFRD became nondiabetic after LT. CFRD is not associated with renal insufficiency after LT.
Quadrupole pre‐filter/mass filter transmission profiles: Experiment and simulation
Authors: Collings Bruce A.
Published: March 2019

Rationale

Quadrupole pre‐filter transmission profiles are shown to be affected by the presence of trapped ions within the pre‐filter of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Trapped ions are the result of ions reflected at the pre‐filter/mass filter boundary and lead to space charge effects that can affect the shape of the pre‐filter transmission profile, ion beam stability, peak width and peak intensity. The development of high sensitivity mass spectrometers with bright ion beams leads to greater numbers of trapped ions.

Methods

Experimental pre‐filter transmission profiles have been measured with and without an empty step to clear the pre‐filter region of trapped ions showing the extent that space charge has on ion transmission through the pre‐filter. Ion trajectory simulations, using a restricted set of initial conditions, have been used to help understand the structure of the pre‐filter transmission profile.

Results

Experiments show that the effects of trapped ions within the pre‐filter can be easily seen in the shape of the pre‐filter transmission profile, ion beam stability and peak shape. The pre‐filter transmission profile shows structure which is related to the secular frequency of the ion of interest which is related to the Mathieu parameter q of the pre‐filter. Simulations show that the nodes observed in the experimental transmission profile are spaced by half the secular period of the ion.

Conclusions

The structure of the pre‐filter transmission profile can be observed experimentally when steps are taken to remove trapped ions from within the pre‐filter. A better understanding of the factors contributing to the shape of the pre‐filter transmission profile from simulations has been demonstrated.
Assisted graphical model for gene expression data analysis
Authors: Fan Xinyan , Fang Kuangnan , Ma Shuangge , Wang Shuaichao , Zhang Qingzhao
Published: March 2019

The analysis of gene expression data has been playing a pivotal role in recent biomedical research. For gene expression data, network analysis has been shown to be more informative and powerful than individual‐gene and geneset‐based analysis. Despite promising successes, with the high dimensionality of gene expression data and often low sample sizes, network construction with gene expression data is still often challenged. In recent studies, a prominent trend is to conduct multidimensional profiling, under which data are collected on gene expressions as well as their regulators (copy number variations, methylation, microRNAs, SNPs, etc). With the regulation relationship, regulators contain information on gene expressions and can potentially assist in estimating their characteristics. In this study, we develop an assisted graphical model (AGM) approach, which can effectively use information in regulators to improve the estimation of gene expression graphical structure. The proposed approach has an intuitive formulation and can adaptively accommodate different regulator scenarios. Its consistency properties are rigorously established. Extensive simulations and the analysis of a breast cancer gene expression data set demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the AGM.
Benchmarking parameters for remote electrochemical corrosion detection and monitoring of offshore wind turbine structures
Authors: Ahuir‐Torres Juan Ignacio , Bausch Nils , Farrar Andrew , Webb Stephen , Simandjuntak Sarinova , Nash Adrian , Thomas Bob , Muna Joseph , Jonsson Carl , Mathew Diana
Published: March 2019

The remote location and position of offshore wind turbine structures severely limits the application of in situ corrosion detection methods such as ultrasonic, acoustic emission, and X‐ray. A real‐time remote sensing (RTRS) technology can be implemented to provide autonomous detection and monitoring, providing exhaustive and detailed information on the corrosion process. Utilizing the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) through the integration with satellite and terrestrial communication network, iWindCr, a technology development project funded by the Innovate UK, aims to design a wireless sensor network (WSN) of smart miniaturized sensors for corrosion detection and monitoring of the offshore wind turbine structures. This paper discusses the rationale and challenges around the iWindCr WSN design, particularly in the development of a miniaturized system and in relation to the provision of power and power consumption. The later has led to the selection and the integration of the electrochemical analysis techniques, namely open circuit potential (OCP) and zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) on the sensor interface system. The verification of these techniques for the corrosion detection sensor has resulted in a database consisting of the corrosion parameter outputs or threshold values of metals specific to offshore wind turbine structures, in this case tower, foundation, and nacelle (gearbox). The database provides end‐users with the benchmark that can be used to detect physical changes during the course of corrosion or passive film damage. These parameters are incorporated in the user interface data analytic software, enabling the quantification of corrosion or film damage.
Revisiting Two Damaging Indian Earthquakes of 1885: Kashmir and Bengal
Authors: Dasgupta Sujit , Mukhopadhyay Basab
Published: March 2019

The Kashmir earthquake (Mw 6.3) of 30 May 1885 and the Bengal earthquake (Mw 6.9) of 14 July 1885 were revisited incorporating data and information collated from newspaper archives, district gazetteers, Geological Survey of India records and other published documents. Isoseismal maps following MSK-64 scale are presented for both the earthquakes with isoseist VIII to V reassigned and reconstructed. The Kashmir valley at the frontal Himalaya is seismically active where the 1885 earthquake locates between two large earthquakes of 2005 and 1555. The Bengal earthquake on the other hand originates close to the eastern India continental margin below the Bengal basin; the N-S trending Dhubri fault defining the eastern limit of the Garo-Rajmahal gap is arguably the causative fault. The 1930 Dhubri earthquake and another earthquake of 1935, are closely associated with the Dhubri fault. Epicentral tracts of both the earthquakes are densely populated and calls for mitigative preparedness.
Thermodynamic Modelling and Experimental Validation of CO2 Mineral Sequestration in Mandla Basalt of the Eastern Deccan Volcanic Province, India
Authors: Kumar Amit , Shrivastava J. P.
Published: March 2019

Deccan basalt contains primary silicates rich in Ca, Mg, and Fe ions, suitable for CO2 sequestration. Previous, basalt-water-CO2 interaction studies were focused on other than Deccan basalt types. However, such studies on the Deccan basalt are rare. Thus, present basalt-CO2 water saturated interaction modelling under hydrothermal-like conditions was carried out on the Deccan basalt of the Mandla area to understand apposite pCO2 and time parameters. Modelling results were further validated by experiments run in a laboratory time framework. Present results show negative entropy (ΔS) and enthalpy (ΔfH) that suggest feasibility of plagioclase, pyroxene and magnetite dissolution. Obtained negative Gibb’s free energy (ΔfG), ΔfH and ΔS values for calcite, dolomite and magnesite indicate spontaneous reaction, whereas, positive ΔfG and negative ΔfH and ΔS values of the siderite suggest non-spontaneous and opposing reactions. Calcite is the first carbonate mineral to form, but, at a faster rate. Magnetite dissolution begins after a time lag (not initiated along with the plagioclase and pyroxene).

X-ray Powder Diffraction results of post-experiment residues revealed formation of calcite, aragonite, ankerite, huntite, siderite, smectite, chlorite, smectite/chlorite mixed layers and chabazite. Scanning electron microscopic images show tiny calcite crystal growth over the larger calcite crystal and incipient-disordered calcite with imperfections on crystal faces.

Thus, basalt carbonation is mainly controlled by time, but temperature, pCO2 and pH played sub-ordinate role. Largely, thermodynamic models do not agree well with the experimental results as numerical models indicate larger carbonate growth. Additionally, transition state theory based models work well to predict dissolution rates for most of the minerals, but, they overpredict growth of the secondary minerals.
Mineralogical Studies of Kerur Formation Badami Group, Kaladgi Basin, Karnataka
Authors: Ramachandran A. , Srinivasalu S. , Ramasamy S. , Bhuvaneswari S. , Gnanaval D. , Krishna K. V. G.
Published: March 2019

Heavy and clay mineral analysis is a significant tool to interpret the provenance and paleoclimate of sandstone in proterozoic intracratonic Kaladgi-Badami basin, southern India. The distributions of heavy minerals are more in lower conglomerate; at the depth of 162.35m, zircon is 9.01%, magnetite is 74.18% and ilmenite is 24.61%. The ZTR index is 97.02%. The lower part of the upper unit of core quartz arenite, at the depth of 70.55m shows the following distribution of heavy minerals; zircon 2.94%, magnetite 50.84% and ilmenite 35.71%. The ZTR index of the quartz arenite is 65.52%; moderately abundant heavy minerals are tourmaline, rutile, and garnet; less abundant mineral is zircon in the core. The clay deposits in the basal arenite unit starts from 187 to 171.45m. The X-ray diffraction patterns shows 75% of Illite at the depth of 187m and 181.4m, 40% of chlorite at the depth of 181.7m, 36.36% of monmorillonite and 25% of kaolinite at the depth of 183m but 36.36% at the depth of 177.1m. kaolinite peaks are identified only in two samples. The study reveals that intense weathering in humid climate was responsible for alteration of granitic source rocks in the formation of kaolinitic clays in an acidic environment. The ZTR index reflects that the Badami sediments have attained moderate to high mineralogical maturity. The inference made out of the assemblage of heavy minerals point out that the Badami sediments have been sourced mainly from granitic and metamorphic terrain with a broad drainage basin. In most sandstone and conglomerate, the average ZTR index is moderate but varies widely among samples; apparently local lithologic source area variations largely control these relatively unmodified heavy mineral assemblages.
Stability Evaluation of Old and Unapproachable Underground Mine Workings below Surface Structures
Authors: Kushwaha Angad , Tewari Subhashish , Mandal Prabhat Kumar , Bhattacharjee Rana , Das Arka Jyoti , Singh Krishna Kant Kumar
Published: March 2019

There are many places in the different countries of the world where working in the underground mines have been done below surface structures such as railway lines, roads, buildings, villages/residential colonies, pipelines, etc. The workings are generally old, abandoned and presently unapproachable. In some places, important delicate surface structures are installed above a portion of old abandoned underground workings. Safety of these important surface structures above old underground mine workings is a serious concern in many countries all over the world. Many times, it is difficult to move or divert these surface structures due to a number of reasons including technical problems, the involvement of huge expenditures and socio-economic issues. There is a need to assess the stability of these places and the procedure to stabilise the places if found unstable to make the structures safe. Hence, there is a need of proper stability assessment of the ground below these surface structures. The railway line is one of such important structures, where stability should be ensured for the safety of the passengers. In India, many underground workings are present below railway lines. Most of the workings are old and unapproachable and their stability status is in doubt. Dismantling or diverting of the important railway lines is a high-level policy matter and involves huge time and money besides complicated socio-political issues like the rehabilitation of the affected people. But the safety of the commuters using railways passing over the coal-bearing areas having mining activities cannot be compromised. Therefore, it is highly preferable to take protective measures instead of dismantling and diversion of lines, wherever possible. It is necessary to establish the position and dimension of the inaccessible underground workings below these types of important surface structures and carry out its stability analysis to take appropriate protective measures for the safety of the structures and commuters. This paper highlights the delineation procedure of the unapproachable underground roadways below surface structures with special reference to railway lines and its stability evaluation with case studies. Appropriate protective measures have also been suggested which are proved to be effective and validated the results of the study.
A survey of web resources and tools for the study of TCM network pharmacology
Authors: Zhao Jing , Yang Jian , Tian Saisai , Zhang Weidong
Published: March 2019

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats diseases in a holistic manner, while TCM formulae are multi‐component, multi‐target agents at the molecular level. Thus there are many parallels between the key ideas of TCM pharmacology and network pharmacology. These years, TCM network pharmacology has developed as an interdisciplinary of TCM science and network pharmacology, which studies the mechanism of TCM at the molecular level and in the context of biological networks. It provides a new research paradigm that can use modern biomedical science to interpret the mechanism of TCM, which is promising to accelerate the modernization and internationalization of TCM.

Results

In this paper we introduce state‐of‐the‐art free data sources, web servers and softwares that can be used in the TCM network pharmacology, including databases of TCM, drug targets and diseases, web servers for the prediction of drug targets, and tools for network and functional analysis.

Conclusions

This review could help experimental pharmacologists make better use of the existing data and methods in their study of TCM.
The mint julep consensus: An analysis of late 19th century Southern and Northern textbooks and their Impact on the history curriculum
Authors: Bohan Chara Haeussler , Bradshaw Lauren Yarnell , Morris Wade Hampton
Published: March 2019

In the decades after the Civil War, Southerners wrote and published their own history textbooks for secondary schools. These “mint julep textbooks,” as the Southern all-white editions were called by the 1960s, reinforced a Lost Cause narrative of the war for Southern audiences while competing with Northern versions of events. In this study, we employ both historical narrative and content analysis of six textbooks’ portrayals of John Brown, John Wilkes Booth, and Nathan Bedford Forrest. The textbooks that are compared– three Southern and three Northern – were written from the 1870s through the 1910s. While subtle but important differences emerge between the Northern and Southern depiction of these three figures, an even more important trend developed when analyzing change over time. In this article we conclude that, as time progressed, Southern versions of events increasingly impacted Northern textbooks. By the 1930s, the mint julep version of these three figures became the national consensus, as reflected in the work of historian David Saville Muzzey. This consensus around events like the raid at Harpers Ferry, the assassination of Lincoln, and the massacre at Fort Pillow lasted for much of the 20th century. By the early 20th century, Northerners appeased Southern interests in the writing of history textbooks.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia and the longitudinal costs of informal care in the Cache County population
Authors: Rattinger Gail B. , Sanders Chelsea L. , Vernon Elizabeth , Schwartz Sarah , Behrens Stephanie , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Tschanz JoAnn T.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Severity of dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms contribute to increasing informal care costs. We examined which neuropsychiatric symptoms subdomains (NPS‐SD) were associated with informal costs in a population‐based sample.

Methods

Dementia progression and informal costs (2015 dollars) were estimated from the Cache County Dementia Progression Study. Overall NPS and specific NPS‐SD were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE with gamma‐distribution/log‐link) modeled the relationship between NPS‐SDs and informal cost trajectories.

Results

Two hundred eighty participants (52.1% female; age M = 85.67, SD = 5.60) exhibited an adjusted cost increase of 5.6% (P = .005), 6.4% (P < .001), 7.6% (P = .030), and 13% (P = .024) for every increasing Neuropsychiatric Inventory unit in psychosis‐SD, affective‐SD, agitation/aggression‐SD, and apathy‐SD, respectively. An increase in each unit of apathy was associated with a 2% annual decrease in costs (P = .040).

Discussion

We extend our prior work on informal costs and dementia severity by identifying NPS‐SD associated with informal costs. Interventions targeting NPS‐SD may lower informal costs.
Accuracy of Estimated Creatinine in Multistage Ultramarathon Runners
Authors: Little Colin E. , Lipman Grant S. , Migliaccio Daniel , Young David S. , Krabak Brian J.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Ultramarathon running is increasing in popularity worldwide, as is the growing body of research on these athletes. Multiple studies have examined acute kidney injury through estimated baseline creatinine (Cr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Values are estimated through an age-based formula of GFR and the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation. However, the accuracy of this practice in a cohort of healthy athletes is unknown.

Methods

A prospective analysis of the first 40-km (25-mi) stage of 6-stage 250-km (155-mi) multistage ultramarathons in the Sahara, Namibia, Atacama, and Gobi Deserts. Runners had prerace measured baseline Cr compared to estimated values through age-based estimated GFR and back calculation of Cr through the MDRD equation.

Results

Forty-eight participants (27% female, age 39±10 y) had Cr values analyzed. The mean measured Cr was 0.99±0.17, which was 11% higher than an estimated Cr of 0.88±0.14 ( P<0.01). Estimated age-based GFR was 95.9±5.8 mL⋅min−1 compared to GFR based on measured Cr and MDRD of 86.1±14.6 ( P<0.001).

Conclusions

Estimated values of GFR and Cr by standard age-based values and MDRD equation were significantly inaccurate, which would overinflate the incidence of acute kidney injury. Future studies should devise a new model for estimation of baseline Cr that is validated in this population.
Reexamination of the Serendipity Theorem from the stability viewpoint
Authors: Momota Akira , Sakagami Tomoya , Shibata Akihisa
Published: March 2019

This paper reexamines the Serendipity Theorem of Samuelson (1975) from the stability viewpoint, and shows that, for the Cobb–Douglas preference and CES technology, the most-golden golden-rule lifetime state being stable depends on parameter values. In some situations, the Serendipity Theorem fails to hold despite the fact that steady-state welfare is maximized at the population growth rate, since the steady state is unstable. Through numerical simulations, a more general case of CES preference and CES technology is also examined, and we discuss the realistic relevance of our results. We present the policy implication of our result, that is, in some cases, the steady state with the highest utility is unstable, and thus a policy that aims to achieve the social optima by manipulating the population growth rate may lead to worse outcomes.
Increasing access to smoking cessation treatment among Latino smokers using case management
Authors: Cartujano-Barrera Francisco , Perales Jaime , Arana Evelyn , Cox Lisa Sanderson , Yeh Hung-Wen , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Richter Kimber P. , Cupertino Ana Paula
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Disparities exist among Latino smokers with respect to knowledge and access to smoking cessation resources. This study tested the feasibility of using case management (CM) to increase access to pharmacotherapy and quitlines among Latino smokers.

Methods

Latino smokers were randomized to CM (n = 40) or standard care (SC, n = 40). All participants received educational materials describing how to utilize pharmacy assistance for cessation pharmacotherapy and connect with quitlines. CM participants received four phone calls from staff to encourage pharmacotherapy and quitline use. At 6-months follow-up, we assessed the utilization of pharmacotherapy and quitline. Additional outcomes included self-reported smoking status and approval for pharmacotherapy assistance.

Results

Using intention-to-treat analysis, CM produced higher utilization than SC of both pharmacotherapy (15.0% versus 2.5%; P = 0.108) and quitlines (12.5% versus 5.0%; P = 0.432), although differences were not statistically significant. Approval for pharmacotherapy assistance programs (20.0% versus 0.0%; P = 0.0005) was significantly higher for CM than SC participants. Self-reported point-prevalence smoking abstinence at 6-months were 20.0% and 17.5% for CM and SC, respectively (P = 0.775).

Conclusions

CM holds promise as an effective intervention to connect Latino smokers to evidence-based cessation treatment.
Predicting Danger in Immigration Courts
Authors: Ryo Emily
Published: March 2019

Every year, the US government detains thousands of noncitizens in removal proceedings on the basis that they might pose a threat to public safety if released during the pendency of their removal proceedings. Using original audio recording data on immigration bond hearings, this study examines immigration judges’ determinations regarding which noncitizens pose a danger to the community. My multivariate analysis that controls for a variety of detainee background characteristics and criminal-conviction-related measures produced three main findings. First, I find that Central Americans are more likely to be deemed dangerous than non-Central Americans. Second, I find that detainees with attorneys are less likely to be deemed dangerous than pro se detainees. Finally, my analysis shows that whereas felony and violent convictions are associated with higher odds of being deemed dangerous, the recency of criminal convictions and the total number of convictions are not predictive of danger determinations. Together, these findings provide new insights into the socio-legal construction of immigrant criminality.
Markers of HPA-axis activity and nucleic acid damage from oxidation after electroconvulsive stimulations in rats
Authors: Jorgensen Anders , Breitenstein Katrine , Kalliokoski Otto , Weimann Allan , Henriksen Trine , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Jorgensen Martin Balslev , Wörtwein Gitta
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Oxidative stress has been suggested to increase after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment which continues to be the most effective for severe depression. Oxidative stress could potentially be mechanistically involved in both the therapeutic effects and side effects of ECT.

Methods:

We measured sensitive markers of systemic and central nervous system (CNS) oxidative stress on DNA and RNA (urinary 8-oxodG/8-oxoGuo, cerebrospinal fluid 8-oxoGuo, and brain oxoguanine glycosylase mRNA expression) in male rats subjected to electroconvulsive stimulations (ECS), an animal model of ECT. Due to the previous observations that link hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis activity and age to DNA/RNA damage from oxidation, groups of young and middle-aged male animals were included, and markers of HPA-axis activity were measured.

Results:

ECS induced weight loss, increased corticosterone (only in middle-aged animals), and decreased cerebral glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression, while largely leaving the markers of systemic and CNS DNA/RNA damage from oxidation unaltered.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that ECS is not associated with any lasting effects on oxidative stress on nucleic acids neither in young nor middle-aged rats.
An introduction to Bayesian inference in gravitational-wave astronomy: Parameter estimation, model selection, and hierarchical models
Authors: Thrane Eric , Talbot Colm
Published: March 2019

This is an introduction to Bayesian inference with a focus on hierarchical models and hyper-parameters. We write primarily for an audience of Bayesian novices, but we hope to provide useful insights for seasoned veterans as well. Examples are drawn from gravitational-wave astronomy, though we endeavour for the presentation to be understandable to a broader audience. We begin with a review of the fundamentals: likelihoods, priors, and posteriors. Next, we discuss Bayesian evidence, Bayes factors, odds ratios, and model selection. From there, we describe how posteriors are estimated using samplers such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms and nested sampling. Finally, we generalise the formalism to discuss hyper-parameters and hierarchical models. We include extensive appendices discussing the creation of credible intervals, Gaussian noise, explicit marginalisation, posterior predictive distributions, and selection effects.
An Elementary Proof of Bevan's Theorem on the Growth of Grid Classes of Permutations
Authors: Albert Michael , Vatter Vincent
Published: March 2019

Bevan established that the growth rate of a monotone grid class of permutations is equal to the square of the spectral radius of a related bipartite graph. We give an elementary and self-contained proof of a generalization of this result using only Stirling's formula, the method of Lagrange multipliers, and the singular value decomposition of matrices. Our proof relies on showing that the maximum over the space of n × n matrices with non-negative entries summing to one of a certain function of those entries, parametrized by the entries of another matrix Γ of non-negative real numbers, is equal to the square of the largest singular value of Γ and that the maximizing point can be expressed as a Hadamard product of Γ with the tensor product of singular vectors for its greatest singular value.
PΩΜΑΙΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ≠ ROMAN OCCUPATION: (MIS)PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROMAN PERIOD IN GREECE
Authors: Kouremenos Anna
Published: March 2019

The Roman period in Greece has had a relatively short history of inquiry compared to other epochs of the country's long history and, as a result, very little has been written about modern perceptions of this period. For various reasons, neither modern Greeks nor foreigners have been particularly concerned with the country's Roman past, a period which has often been relegated to a negative realm. As a result, misperceptions about the Roman period in Greece are rampant, with many fallacies being perpetuated by labels and displays in museums and archaeological sites throughout the country, as well as by pedagogical institutions and the media.
Art and Archaeology
Authors: Squire Michael
Published: March 2019

Change is what keeps the study of classical art and archaeology in business. The stories that we tell of ancient material culture – about form, function, and modes of response – are premised on the continuities that we trace, no less than on our evidence for rift or rupture. In each case, historical analyses ofhowthings developed coalesce with critical attempts to explainwhythey did so. Answers shuffle and shift. But the project of describing and interpreting change remains constant.
The shadow of the shell: a cue for a new home
Authors: Suárez-Rodríguez Monserrat , Kruesi Karla , Alcaraz Guillermina
Published: March 2019

Hermit crabs use different senses to search for and find shells. In most cases, chemical cues have been proven to act as a very efficient way of finding new shells. However, in intertidal environments, the water transports chemical signals in different directions and velocities may make it harder to track the source of the cue, so visual stimuli may be a more precise source of information. The hermit crabCalcinus californiensisshows a preference for the biconical shells ofStramonita biserialis, although the crabs may also use the less preferred shell ofNerita scabricosta. We were interested in exploring ifC. californiensisidentify the preferred shell species through vision in the absence of chemical stimuli. We presented both shell species to hermit crabs in two different sets of experiments. In one experiment, we presented to the hermit crabs real shells ofN. scabricostaandS. biserialis, and in another, we presented only the silhouettes of the same shells. The hermit crabs discriminated between the real shells and the silhouettes ofN. scabricostaandS. biserialis. Females attended with higher frequency to real shells and silhouettes ofS. biserialis; while males attended more to shells and silhouettes ofN. scabricosta. Although, larger males biased their attendance toward shells ofS. biserialis. Our results show that visual perception may be more important than we have thought in intertidal animals.
Maximising benefits and minimising adverse effects of micronutrient interventions in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Baye Kaleab
Published: March 2019

Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread and disproportionately affect women and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Among various interventions, food fortification and supplementation with micronutrients have been proven to be cost-effective. The aim of the present paper is to review existing literature to assess risks of excessive intake in LMIC to then highlight programmatic changes required to maximise benefits of micronutrient interventions while minimising risks of adverse effects. While very few LMIC have national food consumption surveys that can inform fortification programmes, many more are implementing mandatory fortification programmes. The risks of inadequate micronutrient intakes were common, but risks of excessive intakes were also present for iodine, vitamin A, folic acid and iron. Excessive salt consumption, high concentrations of iodine in ground-water and excessive levels of iodisation were linked with excessive iodine intake. For vitamin A, overlapping interventions were the main risk for excessive intake; whereas for iron, contamination with iron from soil and screw-wares of millers and high iron concentration in drinking-water increased the risk of excessive intake, which could be further exacerbated with fortification. Before implementing micronutrient interventions, adherence to the basic principles of documenting evidence confirming that the deficiency in question exists and that fortification will correct this deficiency is needed. This can be supported with dietary intake assessments and biochemical screening that help diagnose nutrient deficiencies. Targeting micronutrient interventions, although programmatically challenging, should be considered whenever possible. Moreover, closer monitoring of appropriate fortification of foods and overlapping interventions is needed.
Why Ethnic Subaltern-Led Parties Crowd Out Armed Organizations: Explaining Maoist Violence in India
Authors: Chandra Kanchan , García-Ponce Omar
Published: March 2019

This article asks why some Indian districts experience chronic Maoist violence while others do not. The answer helps to explain India’s Maoist civil war, which is the product of the accumulation of violence in a few districts, as well as to generate a new hypothesis about the causes of civil war more generally. The authors argue that, other things equal, the emergence of subaltern-led parties at the critical juncture before armed organizations enter crowds them out: the stronger the presence of subaltern-led political parties in a district at this juncture, the lower the likelihood of experiencing chronic armed violence subsequently. They develop their argument through field research and test its main prediction using an original, district-level data set on subaltern incorporation and Maoist violence in India between 1967 and 2008. The article contributes a new, party-based explanation to the literatures on both civil war and Maoist violence in India. It also introduces new district-level data on the Maoist movement and on the incorporation of subaltern ethnic groups by political parties in India.
ON GENERALIZED THUE–MORSE FUNCTIONS AND THEIR VALUES
Authors: BADZIAHIN DZMITRY , ZORIN EVGENIY
Published: March 2019

In this paper we extend and generalize, up to a natural bound of the method, our previous work Badziahin and Zorin [‘Thue–Morse constant is not badly approximable’, Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN 19 (2015), 9618–9637] where we proved, among other things, that the Thue–Morse constant is not badly approximable. Here we consider Laurent series defined with infinite products $f_{d}(x)=\prod _{n=0}^{\infty }(1-x^{-d^{n}})$, $d\in \mathbb{N}$, $d\geq 2$, which generalize the generating function $f_{2}(x)$ of the Thue–Morse number, and study their continued fraction expansion. In particular, we show that the convergents of $x^{-d+1}f_{d}(x)$ have a regular structure. We also address the question of whether the corresponding Mahler numbers $f_{d}(a)\in \mathbb{R}$, $a,d\in \mathbb{N}$, $a,d\geq 2$, are badly approximable.
COMPLETE WEINGARTEN HYPERSURFACES SATISFYING AN OKUMURA TYPE INEQUALITY
Authors: DE LIMA EUDES L. , DE LIMA HENRIQUE F.
Published: March 2019

In this paper we deal with complete linear Weingarten hypersurfaces immersed into Riemannian space forms. Assuming an Okumura type inequality on the total umbilicity tensor of such hypersurfaces, we prove that either the hypersurface is totally umbilical or it holds an estimate for the norm of the total umbilicity tensor, which is also shown be sharp in the sense that the product of space forms realize them. Our approach is based on a version of the Omori–Yau maximum principle for a suitable Cheng–Yau type operator.
MONOTONE AND PSEUDO-MONOTONE EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS IN HADAMARD SPACES
Authors: KHATIBZADEH HADI , MOHEBBI VAHID
Published: March 2019

As a continuation of previous work of the first author with Ranjbar [‘A variational inequality in complete CAT(0) spaces’, J. Fixed Point Theory Appl. 17 (2015), 557–574] on a special form of variational inequalities in Hadamard spaces, in this paper we study equilibrium problems in Hadamard spaces, which extend variational inequalities and many other problems in nonlinear analysis. In this paper, first we study the existence of solutions of equilibrium problems associated with pseudo-monotone bifunctions with suitable conditions on the bifunctions in Hadamard spaces. Then, to approximate an equilibrium point, we consider the proximal point algorithm for pseudo-monotone bifunctions. We prove existence of the sequence generated by the algorithm in several cases in Hadamard spaces. Next, we introduce the resolvent of a bifunction in Hadamard spaces. We prove convergence of the resolvent to an equilibrium point. We also prove $\triangle$-convergence of the sequence generated by the proximal point algorithm to an equilibrium point of the pseudo-monotone bifunction and also the strong convergence under additional assumptions on the bifunction. Finally, we study a regularization of Halpern type and prove the strong convergence of the generated sequence to an equilibrium point without any additional assumption on the pseudo-monotone bifunction. Some examples in fixed point theory and convex minimization are also presented.
1.25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Attenuates Hypertrophy Markers in Cardiomyoblast H9c2 Cells: Evaluation of Sirtuin3 mRNA and Protein Level
Authors: Jahanifar Fatemeh , Astani Akram , Shekarforoosh Shahnaz , Jamhiri Mohabbat , Safari Fereshteh , Zarei Farideh , Safari Fatemeh
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Background: The cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardioprotective effects of Vitamin D are poorly understood. Given the essential role of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) as an endogenous negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy, this study was designed to investigate the effect of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) on hypertrophy markers and SIRT3 mRNA and protein levels following angiotensin II induced - hypertrophy in cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells. Methods: Rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells were treated for 48 hr with angiotensin II alone (Ang group) or in combination with 1, 10 and 100 nM of calcitriol (C + Ang groups). Intact cells served as control (Ctl). The cell area was measured using methylene blue staining. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and SIRT3 transcription levels were measured by real time RT-PCR. SIRT3 protein expression was evaluated using western blot technique. Results: The results showed that in Ang group cell size was increase by 128.4 ± 15% (P < 0.001 vs. Ctl) whereas in C100 + Ang group it was increased by 21.3 ± 6% (P < 0.001 vs. Ang group). Calcitriol pretreatment decreased ANP mRNA level significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison with Ang group (Ang: 75.5 ± 15%, C100 + Ang: 19.2 ± 9%). There were no significant differences between Ang group and cells pretreated with 1 and 10 nM of calcitriol. SIRT3 at mRNA and protein levels did not change significantly among the experimental groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, pretreatment with calcitriol (100 nM) prevents Ang II-induced hypertrophy in cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells. This probably occurs through other pathways except SIRT3 upregulation.
Estimating Climate Feedbacks Using a Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Huang Yi , Wei Haikun
Published: March 2019

A nonlinear method has been developed to estimate climate feedbacks based on the Neural Network (NN) taking advantage of its self‐learning skills. The NN model developed here is trained using a reanalysis data set and predicts radiation flux globally from atmospheric and surface variables. The radiative feedbacks of temperature, water vapor, surface albedo, and cloud in the interannual climate variations estimated from the NN method are in agreement with those from a broadly used kernel method. However, the NN method demonstrates significant advantages: (1) it withdraws the linearity assumption of the kernel method and accounts for the nonlinear effects of the feedbacks. In the case of large climate perturbations, such as that in the Arctic caused by sea ice melt, the NN method achieves better radiation closure. (2) The method can directly calculate the radiative feedback of cloud and its components. We find that the high, middle, and low cloud feedback components analyzed from the NN method are linearly additive in the interannual climate variations, although there is a considerable nonlinear effect arising from the interactions between cloud and noncloud variables.
Model Variable Augmentation (MVA) for Diagnostic Assessment of Sensitivity Analysis Results
Authors: Mai Juliane , Tolson Bryan A.
Published: March 2019

Sensitivity analysis (SA) is a critical part in the construction of all models, including environmental and water resources simulation models. For example, SA functions to characterize which model inputs the model outputs are overly sensitive or insensitive to. However, the quality of SA results is rarely assessed. If assessed, bootstrapping of the sensitivity results is used to determine the reliability of the SA output. Bootstrapping, however, is known to be inappropriate with small sample sizes. In contrast, increasing model computational burdens continues to drive researchers to apply existing SA techniques and develop new ones, with smaller and smaller sample sizes. The new Model Variable Augmentation (MVA) approach is therefore introduced here to assess the quality of SA results without performing any additional model runs or requiring bootstrapping. MVA augments the original model input variables with additional variables of known properties. The sensitivities of the augmented model variables are used to draw conclusions on the reliability of the other “original” model parameters' sensitivities. The MVA method is applied to two global SA methods: the variance‐based Sobol' method and the moment‐independent PAWN method. MVA is scrutinized using analytical benchmark functions and then used to quality check sensitivity results of two hydrologic models. Results show the following: (1) MVA is a framework to quality check the implementation of a SA method; (2) for Sobol' and PAWN analyses, MVA‐assisted ranking of input sensitivity measures outperforms the standard ranking procedure without MVA; and (3) MVA provides reasonable estimation of the uncertainty of sensitivity estimates.
Climate Factors Leading to Asymmetric Extreme Capture in the Tree‐Ring Record
Authors: Wise Erika K. , Dannenberg Matthew P.
Published: March 2019

Paleoclimate data play a critical role in contextualizing recent hydroclimate extremes, but asymmetries in tree‐ring responses to extreme climate conditions pose challenges for reconstruction and interpretation of past climate. Here we establish the extent to which existing tree‐ring records capture precipitation extremes in western North America and evaluate climate factors hypothesized to lead to asymmetric extreme capture, including timing of precipitation, seasonal temperatures, snowpack, and atmospheric river events. We find that while there is dry‐biased asymmetry in one third of western North American tree‐ring records, 45% of sites capture wet extremes as well as or better than dry extremes. Summer extremes are rarely captured at any sites. Latitude and elevation affect site‐level extreme responses, as do seasonal climate conditions, particularly in the autumn and spring. Directly addressing asymmetric extreme value capture in tree‐ring records can aid our interpretation of past climate and help identify alternative avenues for future reconstructions.
Temporal dynamics of immune response following prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion with and without cyclosporine A
Authors: Rusinkevich Vitali , Huang Yin , Chen Zhong-yan , Qiang Wu , Wang Yi-gang , Shi Yu-fang , Yang Huang-tian
Published: March 2019

Understanding the dynamics of the immune response following late myocardial reperfusion is critical for the development of immunomodulatory therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). Cyclosporine A (CSA) possesses multiple therapeutic applications for MI, but its effects on the inflammation caused by acute MI are not clear. This study aimed to determine the dynamics of the immune response following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and the effects of CSA in a mouse model of prolonged myocardial ischemia designated to represent the human condition of late reperfusion. Adult C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 90 min of closed-chest myocardial I/R, which induced severe myocardial injury and excessive inflammation in the heart. Multicomponent analysis of the immune response caused by prolonged I/R revealed that the peak of cytokines/chemokines in the systemic circulation was synchronized with the maximal influx of neutrophils and T-cells in the heart 1 day after MI. The peak of cytokine/chemokine secretion in the infarcted heart coincided with the maximal macrophage and natural killer cell infiltration on day 3 after MI. The cellular composition of the mediastinal lymph nodes changed similarly to that of the infarcted hearts. CSA (10 mg/kg/day) given after prolonged I/R impaired heart function, enlarged the resulting scar, and reduced heart vascularization. It did not change the content of immune cells in hearts exposed to prolonged I/R, but the levels of MCP-1 and MIP-1α (hearts) and IL-12 (hearts and serum) were significantly reduced in the CSA-treated group in comparison to the untreated group, indicating alterations in immune cell function. Our findings provide new knowledge necessary for the development of immunomodulatory therapy targeting the immune response after prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.