bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projection effects in galaxy cluster samples: insights from X-ray redshifts
Authors: Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Pacaud F. , Reiprich T. H. , Migkas K. , Lovisari L. , Schellenberger G.
Published: April 2019

Presently, the largest sample of galaxy clusters selected in X-rays comes from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS). Although there have been many interesting clusters discovered with the RASS data, the broad point spread function of the ROSAT satellite limits the attainable amount of spatial information for the detected objects. This leads to the discovery of new cluster features when a re-observation is performed with higher-resolution X-ray satellites. Here we present the results from XMM-Newton observations of three clusters: RXC J2306.6−1319, ZwCl 1665, and RXC J0034.6−0208, for which the observations reveal a double or triple system of extended components. These clusters belong to the extremely expanded HIghest X-ray FLUx Galaxy Cluster Sample (eeHIFLUGCS), which is a flux-limited cluster sample (fX, 500 ≥ 5 × 10−12 erg s−1 cm−2 in the 0.1−2.4 keV energy band). For each structure in each cluster, we determine the redshift with the X-ray spectrum and find that the components are not part of the same cluster. This is confirmed by an optical spectroscopic analysis of the galaxy members. Therefore, the total number of clusters is actually seven, rather than three. We derive global cluster properties of each extended component. We compare the measured properties to lower-redshift group samples, and find a good agreement. Our flux measurements reveal that only one component of the ZwCl 1665 cluster has a flux above the eeHIFLUGCS limit, while the other clusters will no longer be part of the sample. These examples demonstrate that cluster–cluster projections can bias X-ray cluster catalogues and that with high-resolution X-ray follow-up this bias can be corrected.
Follow-up observations of X-ray emitting hot subdwarf stars: the compact He-poor sdO star Feige 34
Authors: La Palombara N. , Mereghetti S. , Esposito P. , Tiengo A.
Published: April 2019

We report on results obtained with theXMM-Newtonobservation of Feige 34 carried out in April 2018. This is the first spectroscopic X-ray observation of a compact and helium-poor hot subdwarf star. The source was detected at a flux levelfX = 3.4 × 10−14erg cm−2s−1in the energy range 0.2–3 keV, which implies an X-ray-to-bolometric flux ratiofX/fbol ≃ 10−6.5. The source spectrum can be described with the sum of two thermal-plasma components with subsolar abundances at temperatures of ≃0.3 and 1.1 keV. These properties are similar to what is observed in early-type main-sequence stars, where the X-ray emission is attributed to turbulence and shocks in the stellar wind. Therefore, the same phenomenon could explain the X-ray properties of Feige 34. However, it is not possible to reproduce the observed spectrum with a thermal-plasma model if the elemental abundances are fixed at the values obtained from the optical and UV spectroscopy. Moreover, we show that the X-ray luminosity and spectrum are consistent with those expected from a young main-sequence star of late spectral type. Therefore, we discuss the possibility that the observed X-ray emission is due to the companion star of M0 spectral type, whose presence is suggested by the IR excess in the spectral energy distribution of Feige 34.
Évaluer la durabilité des exploitations agricoles. La méthode IDEA v4, un cadre conceptuel combinant dimensions et propriétés de la durabilité
Authors: Zahm Frédéric , Alonso Ugaglia Adeline , Barbier Jean-Marc , Boureau Héloïse , Del’homme Bernard , Gafsi Mohamed , Gasselin Pierre , Girard Sydney , Guichard Laurence , Loyce Chantal , Manneville Vincent , Menet Amandine , Redlingshöfer Barbara
Published: April 2019

Cet article présente le nouveau cadre conceptuel d’évaluation de la durabilité de l’exploitation agricole développé dans la méthode IDEA v4. Il combine une approche évaluative basée sur les objectifs assignés à une agriculture durable et une évaluation des propriétés des systèmes agricoles durables. Il s’ancre dans le champ de la durabilité forte, de la multifonctionnalité et prend en compte les enjeux globaux d’une agriculture durable. Ce cadre conceptuel a permis de construire 53 indicateurs permettant d’analyser la durabilité de l’exploitation agricole selon ces deux approches complémentaires. La première évalue la durabilité en organisant ces 53 indicateurs selon les 3 dimensions normatives du développement durable (agroécologique, socio-territoriale, économique), structurées en 13 composantes ; l’évaluation repose sur un système de notation basé sur 100 unités de durabilité pour chacune des 3 dimensions qui ne se compensent pas entre elles. La seconde évalue la durabilité en organisant les 53 indicateurs selon les 5 propriétés des systèmes agricoles durables (autonomie, robustesse, capacité productive et reproductive de biens et services, ancrage territorial et responsabilité globale) qui sont structurées de manière arborescente en 15 branches ; l’agrégation des indicateurs y suit une démarche qualitative et hiérarchique mobilisant l’outil DEXi. Le potentiel pédagogique du concept de propriétés des systèmes favorise une approche transdisciplinaire de l’exploitation agricole. À la suite de ses trois précédentes versions, IDEA v4 renouvelle son potentiel d’usage pour accompagner la transition agroécologique.
Numerical reconstruction of the first band(s) in an inverse Hill’s problem
Authors: Bakhta Athmane , Ehrlacher Virginie , Gontier David
Published: April 2019

This paper concerns an inverse band structure problem for one dimensional periodic Schrödinger operators (Hill’s operators). Our goal is to find a potential for the Hill’s operator in order to reproduce as best as possible some given target bands, which may not be realisable. We recast the problem as an optimisation problem, and prove that this problem is well-posed when considering singular potentials (Borel measures).
Adaptive stabilization based on passive and swapping identifiers for a class of uncertain linearized Ginzburg–Landau equations
Authors: Li Jian , Liu Yungang
Published: April 2019

This paper is devoted to the stabilization for a class of uncertain linearized Ginzburg–Landau equations (GLEs). The distinguishing feature of such system is the presence of serious uncertainties which enlarge the scope of the systems whereas challenge the control problem. Therefore, certain dynamic compensation mechanisms are required to overcome the uncertainties of system. Motivated by the related literature, the original complex-valued GLEs are transformed into a class of real-valued coupled parabolic systems with serious uncertainties and distinctive characteristics. For this, two classes of identifiers respectively based on passive and swapping identifiers are first introduced to design parameter dynamic compensators. Then, by combining infinite-dimensional backstepping method with the dynamic compensators, two adaptive state-feedback controllers are constructed which guarantee all the closed-loop system states are bounded while the original system states converge to zero. A numerical example is provided to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
The use of native piscivorous fishes for the eradication of the invasive Chinese Sleeper,Perccottus glenii
Authors: Rakauskas Vytautas , Virbickas Tomas , Stakėnas Saulius , Steponėnas Andrius
Published: April 2019

The chief aim of invasive species management is to prevent biological invasions by taking measures for suppressing or eradicating potential invaders. Biological control as a management tool is frequently implemented to reduce the population size, adverse ecological impacts, and dispersal of invasive species. The efficacy of biological control measures in managing thePerccottus gleniipopulation was assessed in four small lakes of Lithuania. The biocontrol was carried out by introducing the native piscivorous fishesEsox luciusandPerca fluviatilisinto the invaded water bodies for two successive reproductive seasons. The stocking of these fishes led to an instant reduction inP. gleniiabundances, and the outcome of the repeated stocking was complete disappearance of the species from the water bodies investigated. Our study proves that native predator fishes can be successfully used for eradicating well-establishedP. gleniipopulations in small eutrophic lakes. We hope the current study results will contribute to developing risk-commensurate methodologies for the control of invasiveP. gleniipopulations in small water bodies.
« La fille de Jeanne Calment a usurpé l’identité de sa mère »
Authors: Le Bourg Éric
Published: April 2019

La presse a fait un large écho à la remise en cause, par ce qu’elle a appelé des « chercheurs russes », de la longévité de Jeanne Calment. L’hypothèse avancée par ces chercheurs est que la fille de Jeanne, Yvonne, aurait remplacé sa mère morte en 1934, et que la longévité de 122 ans établie par des chercheurs français serait en fait de 99 ans. Vu le retentissement médiatique de cette hypothèse, et la position de l’Inserm dans cette problématique, cet article examine les différents arguments et rappelle les critères de tout travail scientifique, dont aucun n’est satisfait dans le travail des « chercheurs russes ».
Réflexions autour de la révision de la loi bioéthique dans le domaine de l’assistance médicale à la procréation
Authors: Parizer-Krief Karène
Published: April 2019

L’objectif de cette contribution est d’analyser et d’offrir des outils comparatifs d’information concernant les questions soumises à la pro-chaine révision des lois dites de bioéthique dans le domaine de l’assistance médicale à la pro-création : l’accès des couples de femmes et des femmes seules ; l’autorisation de la procréation post-mortem ; l’élargissement de l’éligibilité à l’autoconservation ovocytaire ; et la levée de l’anonymat du don de gamètes. Ces questions touchent au cœur même du modèle bioéthique français conçu en 1994, et leur éventuelle révision constitue un véritable bouleversement conceptuel.
Prédisposition héréditaire au cancer du sein (2)
Authors: Cohen-Haguenauer Odile
Published: April 2019

Les progrès du séquençage à haut débit permettent de rechercher simultanément des mutations sur plusieurs gènes pour explorer la prédisposition héréditaire au cancer du sein. Selon le gène, le niveau de risque et le spectre des cancers peuvent varier. Les dispositions spécifiques de prise en charge préconisées sont modulées en fonction des gènes, classés en : (1) très haut risque, tels les gènes BRCA1/2 suivant les recommandations de l’INCa 2017 ; (2) risque élevé ; (3) augmentation modérée : dans ce dernier cas, les mesures de surveillance sont similaires à la population générale. En l’absence de mutation, d’autres facteurs de risque peuvent intervenir et des scores professionnels être calculés. Cependant, selon les recommandations de la HAS 2014, l’histoire familiale prévaut : sur cette base, le dispositif national d’oncogénétique de l’INCa a mis en place un maillage national de réseaux de suivi des personnes à haut risque, présentant ou non des mutations. Enfin, de nouvelles voies thérapeutiques spécifiques s’ouvrent pour les personnes porteuses de mutations.
Evaluation of CT calibration curves from stoichiometric and tissue substitute methods according to tissue characteristics
Authors: Amini I. , Akhlaghi P.
Published: April 2019

In order to optimize and increase the precision of dose determination, it is important to obtain the relationship between CT Hounsfield units and electron densities, as the basic inputs for radiotherapy planning systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to plot and compare the CT calibration curves resulted from both tissue substitute calibration (based on the tissue equivalent materials) and stoichiometric calibration (based on biological tissues) methods for a specific CT scanner at tube voltage of 120 kVp by applying a precise homemade physical phantom. Hence, the Hounsfield units of all phantom materials were measured experimentally and also calculated by related formulas. Considering the CT numbers and the electron densities of various tissue equivalent materials and real tissues, the calibration curves were plotted. According to the results, the higher accuracy of the stoichiometric method relative to tissue substitute method was confirmed in this study. On the other hand, since estimating Hounsfield unit of each human tissue strongly depends on the physical properties of tissue substitutes of the physical phantom, the high precision of this phantom led to increase the accuracy of the calibration curves obtained based on the stoichiometric method.
Variations in the Detection of Anorectal Anomalies at Birth among European Cities
Authors: Aldeiri Bashar , Davidson Joseph R. , Eaton Simon , Coletta Riccardo , Cardoso Almeida Andre , Long Anna-May , Knight Marian , Cross Kate M. , Chouikh Taieb , Iacobelli Barbara Daniela , Sarnacki Sabine , Bagolan Pietro , Cretolle Celia , Siminas Sotirios , Curry Joe I. , Morabito Antonino , De Coppi Paolo
Published: April 2019

Introduction The diagnosis of anorectal malformations (ARMs) is made at birth by perineal examination of the newborn, yet small series reported late diagnosis in almost 13%. No large series to date have looked into the magnitude of missed ARM cases in the neonatal period across Europe. This study aimed to define the rate of missed ARM at birth across four United Kingdom and European Union centers.

Materials and Methods All ARM cases treated at two United Kingdom tertiary centers in the past 15 years were compared with two tertiary European centers. Demographic and relevant clinical data were collected. Late diagnosis was defined as any diagnosis made after discharge from the birth unit. Factors associated with late diagnosis were explored with descriptive statistics.

Results Across the four centers, 117/1,350, 8.7% were sent home from the birth unit without recognizing the anorectal anomaly. Missed cases showed a slight female predominance (1.3:1), and the majority (113/117, 96.5%) were of the low anomaly with a fistula to the perineum. The rate of missed ARM cases was significantly higher in the United Kingdom centers combined (74/415, 17.8%) compared with those in the European Union (43/935, 4.6%) (p < 0.00001), and this was independent of individual center and year of birth.

Conclusion Significant variation exists between the United Kingdom and other European countries in the detection of ARM at birth. We recommend raising the awareness of accurate perineal examination at the time of newborn physical examination. We feel this highlights an urgent need for a national initiative to assess and address the timely diagnosis of ARM in the United Kingdom.
Elastic Wrapping of Lower Extremity Free Flaps during Dangling Improves Microcirculation and Reduces Pain as well as Edema
Authors: Kolbenschlag Jonas , Ruikis Alexandra , Faulhaber Lisa , Daigeler Adrien , Held Manuel , Rothenberger Jens , Lehnhardt Marcus , Sogorski Alexander , Goertz Ole
Published: April 2019

Background Free tissue transfer has become a common and safe reconstructive procedure. However, total or partial flap losses remain a looming threat, especially for lower extremity free flaps due to the gravitational challenge associated with dependency. Thus, the majority of microsurgical centers apply some kind of structured flap training. However, due to the lack of evidence, these differ greatly, for example, in the application of an elastic wrapping during dangling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of an elastic wrapping on free flap microcirculation, edema, and pain during dangling.

Methods Standardized dangling was performed from postoperative day (POD) 6 to 9 in 30 patients with microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity. The first dangling per day was performed without elastic wrapping, followed by another session with 30 mm Hg of elastic wrapping. Tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), regional hemoglobin content (rHb), and blood flow (BF) were continuously measured in the free flap; the circumference of the flap as well as pain was assessed.

Results During wrapped dangling, BF as well as StO2 was significantly increased, while rHb was significantly lower on all PODs. Wrapped dangling was rated significantly more comfortable and the girth of the free flaps was significantly less after wrapped dependency when compared with unwrapped dangling.

Conclusion Dangling with an elastic wrapping with 30 mm Hg pressure improved flap microcirculation and reduced pain and edema formation.
Outcomes of Elective Induction of Labor versus Expectant Management among Obese Women at ≥39 Weeks
Authors: Palatnik Anna , Kominiarek Michelle A.
Published: April 2019

Objective Maternal obesity is associated with many adverse obstetric outcomes including cesarean delivery. It is unclear whether induction of labor can reduce these risks. Previous studies report conflicting results on the outcomes of elective induction of labor among obese women. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between obese women undergoing elective induction of labor and those undergoing expectant management at ≥39 weeks.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study from the Consortium on Safe Labor of obese women (defined by prepregnancy body mass index≥ 30kg/m2) with singleton gestations at ≥39 weeks without medical comorbidities from 2002 through 2008. Women scheduled for medically indicated induction of labor were excluded. The primary outcome of cesarean delivery was compared between obese women undergoing elective induction of labor and expectant management during 39th, 40th, and 41st weeks using univariable and multivariable analyses, stratifying by parity.

Results In all, 7,298 nulliparous and 9,789 parous women were eligible for analysis. After controlling for potential confounders, elective induction of labor during 39th week in nulliparous and parous women was associated with lower odds of cesarean delivery (39.1 vs. 41.6%, adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30–0.74 for nulliparous and 5.5 vs. 10.1%, adjusted OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20–0.61 for parous women) compared with expectant management. Elective induction of labor during 40th and 41st weeks was not associated with lower odds of cesarean delivery. In addition, macrosomia was reduced in nulliparous women undergoing elective induction of labor during the 40th week (12.1 vs. 18.5%, adjusted OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.87) and in parous women undergoing elective induction of labor during 39th (11.6 vs. 17.6%, adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38–0.66) and 40th weeks (16.4 vs. 22.2%, adjusted OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36–0.78).

Conclusion Elective induction of labor at 39 weeks, when compared with expectant management, was associated with lower cesarean deliveries in obese nulliparous and parous women.
Using the ‘journey metaphor’ to restructure philosophy of religion
Authors: Knepper Timothy
Published: April 2019

This essay forwards a new orientation and point of origin for philosophy of religion—an orientation that does not privilege theism, and a point of origin that does not begin with the attributes and proofs of God (and thereby privilege theism). To do so, it turns to the metaphor theory of George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, specifically their analysis of the metaphorlife is a journey. It draws on the internal structure of the journey metaphor to identify its core, constituent parts: journeys have a point of origin and destination, a route that is planned, obstacles and sights that are encountered along the way, and a traveler who is accompanied by and encounters other travelers. It then uses these core, constituent parts to generate five philosophical questions about the “journey” of the self and five philosophical questions about the “journey” of the cosmos: (1) Who am I (as traveler)?; (2) Where do I come from?; (3) Where am I going?; (4) How do I get there?; (5) What obstacles lie in my way?; (6) What is the cosmos?; (7) Where does the cosmos come from?; (8) Where is the cosmos going?; (9) How does the cosmos get there?; (10) What obstacles lie in the cosmos’ way? The majority of the essay then shows how each of these questions generates topics for global philosophy of religion and embraces content from a diversity of religious philosophies. Thus, this essay concludes that the journey metaphor is able to offer a new orientation and point of origin for philosophy of religion that is inclusive of a global diversity of religious traditions.
Sparse learning of partial differential equations with structured dictionary matrix
Authors: Li Xiuting , Li Liang , Yue Zuogong , Tang Xiaoquan , Voss Henning U. , Kurths Jürgen , Yuan Ye
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a “structured” learning approach for the identification of continuous partial differential equation (PDE) models with both constant and spatial-varying coefficients. The identification problem of parametric PDEs can be formulated as an ℓ1/ℓ2-mixed optimization problem by explicitly using block structures. Block-sparsity is used to ensure parsimonious representations of parametric spatiotemporal dynamics. An iterative reweighted ℓ1/ℓ2 algorithm is proposed to solve the ℓ1/ℓ2-mixed optimization problem. In particular, the estimated values of varying coefficients are further used as data to identify functional forms of the coefficients. In addition, a new type of structured random dictionary matrix is constructed for the identification of constant-coefficient PDEs by introducing randomness into a bounded system of Legendre orthogonal polynomials. By exploring the restricted isometry properties of the structured random dictionary matrices, we derive a recovery condition that relates the number of samples to the sparsity and the probability of failure in the Lasso scheme. Numerical examples, such as the Schrödinger equation, the Fisher-Kolmogorov-Petrovsky-Piskunov equation, the Burger equation, and the Fisher equation, suggest that the proposed algorithm is fairly effective, especially when using a limited amount of measurements.
Electron transfer mediated decay in HeLi2 cluster: Potential energy surfaces and decay widths
Authors: Ghosh Aryya , Cederbaum Lorenz S. , Gokhberg Kirill
Published: April 2019

Electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD) is a process responsible for double ionization of dopants in He droplets. It is initiated by producing He+ in the droplet, which is neutralized by ETMD, and has been shown to strongly enhance the dopant’s double ionization cross section. The efficiency of ETMD, the spectra of emitted secondary electrons, and the character of the ionic products depend on the nuclear dynamics during the decay. To date, there has been no theoretical investigation of multimode dynamics which accompanies ETMD, which could help to understand such dynamics in a He droplet. In this article, we consider the He–Li2 cluster where an ab initio examination of multimode dynamics during the electronic decay is feasible. Moreover, this cluster can serve as a minimal model for Li2 adsorbed on the droplet’s surface—a system where ETMD can be observed experimentally. In He droplets, Li2 can be formed in both the ground X1Σg+ and the first excited a3Σu+ states. In this article, we present ab initio potential energy surfaces of the electronic states of the He–Li2 cluster involved in ETMD, as well as the respective decay widths. We show that the structure of these surfaces and expected nuclear dynamics strongly depend on the electronic state of Li2. Thus, the overall decay rate and the appearance of the observable electron spectra will be dictated by the electronic structure of the dopant.
Influence of interface with mismatch dislocations on mechanical properties of Ti/Al nanolaminate
Authors: An M. R. , Song H. Y. , Deng Q. , Su M. J. , Liu Y. M.
Published: April 2019

As a representative boundary, interphase-interface may affect the strength or ductility of multilayered composites dramatically. However, the effect of the interface with mismatch dislocations on the mechanical behavior of multilayered composites is still not clear. In the present work, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of interface structures and layer spacing on the mechanical properties of the Ti/Al nanolaminate. The results indicate that there are two transitions of the plastic deformation mechanism in the Ti layer with the increase of layer spacing in the sample with a coherent interface. The plastic deformation mechanism evolves from one that is dominated by dislocation to the phase transformation from the hcp-Ti to the fcc-Ti mode, which transfers to the dislocation slip deformation again. For the samples with an incoherent interface, the plastic deformation is dominated by the transformation from hcp-Ti to fcc-Ti, regardless of the variation of layer spacing, while the plastic deformations in the Al layers are mainly dislocations confined in the layer slip in the samples with both coherent and incoherent interfaces. When the layer spacing is larger than 6.6 nm, an obvious second hardening is observed due to the superior dislocation storage ability of the Ti/Al laminate with the incoherent interface. Meanwhile, extraordinary ductility is obtained when optimal layer spacing is employed in the Ti/Al laminate. Moreover, the phase transformation mechanism of hcp-Ti to bcc-Ti has also been explicated in the present work. The general conclusions derived from this work may provide a guideline for the design of high-performance Ti/Al multilayer and alloy devices.
Self-driven droplet transport: Effect of wettability gradient and confinement
Authors: Chowdhury Imdad Uddin , Sinha Mahapatra Pallab , Sen Ashis Kumar
Published: April 2019

Surface tension driven droplet transport in an open surface is increasingly becoming popular for various microfluidic applications. In this work, efficient transport of a glycerin droplet on an open wettability gradient surface with controlled wettability and confinement is numerically investigated. Nondimensional track width w* (ratio of the width of the wettability gradient track w and the initial droplet diameter d0) of a wettability gradient track laid on a superhydrophobic background represents wettability confinement. A lower value of w* represents higher wettability confinement. Droplet behavior changes for different wettability confinements and gradients of the track. It is found that droplet velocity is a function of the wettability confinement and the gradient; droplet transport velocity is maximum for w* = 0.8. Higher confinement (w* < 0.8) leads to a significant reduction in droplet velocity. Droplet transport characteristics on hydrophilic–superhydrophilic, hydrophobic–superhydrophilic, and superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic tracks are studied. It is found that for a fixed length of the track, droplet velocity is maximum for the superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic track. A droplet transport regime is demonstrated for a wettability gradient track with different confinements, and it is found that the droplet is transported for wettability confinement w* > 0.6 irrespective of the wettability gradient of the track. These findings provide valuable insight into efficient droplet manipulation in microfluidic devices.
Post-processing of NWP forecasts using ground or satellite-derived data through kernel conditional density estimation
Authors: Yang Dazhi
Published: April 2019

Global horizontal irradiance (GHI) forecasts by numerical weather prediction (NWP) often contain model-led bias. There is thus a strong consensus on using post-processing techniques, such as model output statistics (MOS), to correct such errors. As opposed to the conventional parametric methods, this article considers a nonparametric approach for post-processing, namely, kernel conditional density estimation (KCDE). Essentially, KCDE constructs a relationship between the bias error (difference between the NWP-based GHI forecast and measurement) and NWP output variables, such as clear-sky index, zenith angle, air temperature, humidity, or surface pressure. Hence, when a new set of explanatory variables becomes available, the conditional expectation of the bias error can be estimated. Since the ground-based GHI measurements are not available everywhere, the possibility of using satellite-derived GHI data to correct NWP forecasts is also explored. In the case study, two years of GHI forecasts made using the North American Mesoscale forecast system are corrected using both ground-measured and satellite-derived GHI references. As compared to Lorenz's fourth-degree polynomial MOS, additional 10%–16% (using ground-measured GHI) and 5%–13% (using satellite-derived GHI) reductions in the forecast error are observed at 7 test stations across the continental United States.
Markov-chain-inspired search for MH370
Authors: Miron P. , Beron-Vera F. J. , Olascoaga M. J. , Koltai P.
Published: April 2019

Markov-chain models are constructed for the probabilistic description of the drift of marine debris from Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. En route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, MH370 mysteriously disappeared in the southeastern Indian Ocean on 8 March 2014, somewhere along the arc of the 7th ping ring around the Inmarsat-3F1 satellite position when the airplane lost contact. The models are obtained by discretizing the motion of undrogued satellite-tracked surface drifting buoys from the global historical data bank. A spectral analysis, Bayesian estimation, and the computation of most probable paths between the Inmarsat arc and confirmed airplane debris beaching sites are shown to constrain the crash site, near 25°S on the Inmarsat arc.
The effect of deuteration on the optical spectra of compressed methane
Authors: Pruteanu Ciprian G.
Published: April 2019

The in situ high pressure Raman spectrum of CD4 was found to be subtly different from its’ hydrogenous analog, CH4. High quality data were obtained for the first time for pressures between 12 and 20 GPa during both fast and slow compression. Similarly to CH4 in phase B, CD4 does exhibit peak splitting in the ν1 (symmetric stretch) and ν3 (antisymmetric stretch) modes, but having the emergent shoulders present on the high-frequency side of the peaks rather than the low-frequency one as in the case of CH4. The general aspect of the Raman spectrum was found to be very different from that of CH4, with modes ν1 and ν3 having comparable intensities and the latter being sharper and better defined, in stark contrast to how it appears in CH4.
Precise nitrogen topdressing upregulates nitrogen metabolism and improves soybean (Glycine max) grain yield
Authors: Zhou Hongli , Yao Xingdong , Liu Wenbo , Wu Zhixin , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Huijun , Wang Haiying , Ao Xue , Zhao Mingzhe , Xie Futi
Published: April 2019

Soybean (Glycine max. (L.) Merr.) is a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing crop. In order to increase grain yield, it is important to know how soybean plants respond to nitrogen topdressing for the improvement of nitrogen utilisation. We used two soybean cultivars with different grain yield potentials and applied 13 nitrogen topdressing treatments to determine optimal topdressing time and nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen treatments included a base fertiliser and single topdressings at different times, in 10-day intervals from 10 to 120 days after emergence (DAE). Among the nitrogen treatments, the optimal times for topdressing were at 40 DAE or 90 DAE to increase grain yield, and both soybean cultivars also had higher nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities with topdressing at these times. Higher expression of the NR2 gene was associated with upregulated NR activity in leaves of both cultivars at the early-mature stage. With topdressing at 90 DAE, higher GS1 expression and GS activity were found in the leaves of the higher yielding cultivar at the full-seed stage and the early-mature stage. With topdressing at 90 DAE, the higher yielding cultivar had a higher nitrate metabolism capacity at the late reproductive stages than the lower (common) yielding cultivar.
Long-term declines in bird populations in tropical agricultural countryside
Authors: Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Mendenhall Chase D. , Oviedo-Brenes Federico , Horns Joshua J. , Ehrlich Paul R. , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: April 2019

Significance

As agricultural lands rapidly expand in the tropics, they become critical for the future of tropical biodiversity, but little is known about their long-term conservation value. Over 12 years in Costa Rica, we measured the abundance and diversity of birds in agricultural areas and embedded forest remnants. We recorded 185 bird species in coffee plantations and 230 species at forest sites, but 69 out of 112 populations showed declines—mostly among more specialized, sedentary, and/or insectivorous species. Nevertheless, coffee plantations with modestly higher tree cover had higher bird diversity and capture rates. With limited opportunities to expand protected areas worldwide, even small improvements in farming practices can increase the long-term sustainability of tropical wildlife and its benefits to people.
Insight into microtubule nucleation from tubulin-capping proteins
Authors: Campanacci Valérie , Urvoas Agathe , Cantos-Fernandes Soraya , Aumont-Nicaise Magali , Arteni Ana-Andreea , Velours Christophe , Valerio-Lepiniec Marie , Dreier Birgit , Plückthun Andreas , Pilon Antoine , Poüs Christian , Minard Philippe , Gigant Benoît
Published: April 2019

Nucleation is one of the least understood steps of microtubule dynamics. It is a kinetically unfavorable process that is templated in the cell by the γ-tubulin ring complex or by preexisting microtubules; it also occurs in vitro from pure tubulin. Here we study the nucleation inhibition potency of natural or artificial proteins in connection with their binding mode to the longitudinal surface of α- or β-tubulin. The structure of tubulin-bound CopN, a
Chlamydia
protein that delays nucleation, suggests that this protein may interfere with two protofilaments at the (+) end of a nucleus. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins that share a binding mode similar to that of CopN also impede nucleation, whereas those that target only one protofilament do not. In addition, an αRep protein predicted to target two protofilaments at the (−) end does not delay nucleation, pointing to different behaviors at both ends of the nucleus. Our results link the interference with protofilaments at the (+) end and the inhibition of nucleation.
Responses in area hMT+ reflect tuning for both auditory frequency and motion after blindness early in life
Authors: Huber Elizabeth , Jiang Fang , Fine Ione
Published: April 2019

Significance

When individuals lose a sense early in life, widespread neural reorganization occurs. This extraordinary plasticity plays a critical role in allowing blind and deaf individuals to make better use of their remaining senses. Here, we show that area hMT+, selective for visual motion in sighted individuals, responds to auditory frequency as well as auditory motion after early blindness. Remarkably, auditory frequency tuning persisted in two adult sight-recovery subjects, despite their recovered ability to see visual motion. Thus, auditory frequency selectivity coexists with the neural architecture required for visual motion processing. In blind individuals, selectivity for auditory motion and frequency seems to exist within a conserved neural architecture capable of supporting analogous computations in the visual domain should vision be restored.
Iron regulatory protein 2 modulates the switch from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Li Huihui , Liu Yutong , Shang Longcheng , Cai Jing , Wu Jing , Zhang Wei , Pu Xiaojiang , Dong Weichen , Qiao Tong , Li Kuanyu
Published: April 2019

Significance

Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) control cellular iron homeostasis.
Irp2
knockout mice show symptoms of neurological disorders, which are considered to result from impaired mitochondrial activity. To explore the involvement of Irp2 in mitochondrial function, we examined the metabolic pathways of Irp2-depleted mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We found that Irp2 deficiency switches cellular metabolic pathways from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to aerobic glycolysis. We further revealed that Irp2 deficiency induces the expression of Hif1α and Hif2α; Hif1α enhances aerobic glycolysis by upregulating its target genes related to the glycolytic pathway, and Hif2α suppresses mitochondrial Fe–S biosynthesis and OXPHOS. This identified mechanism implies that high-energy-need tissues, such as the central nervous system, could be affected when Irp2 is deficient, leading to neurological disorders.
Assembly of modern mammal community structure driven by Late Cretaceous dental evolution, rise of flowering plants, and dinosaur demise
Authors: Chen Meng , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Wilson Gregory P.
Published: April 2019

Significance

Amazing fossil discoveries over the last 30 years have led to the paleontological consensus that some Mesozoic mammaliaforms underwent ecomorphological diversification in the midst of dinosaurs. However, the ecological structure of Mesozoic mammaliaform communities remains unclear. Here, we quantify the ecological structure of extinct and extant small-bodied mammaliaform communities aiming to identify evolutionary and ecological drivers that have influenced those communities through time. We used body size, diet, and locomotion of constituent species to plot ecospace occupation and calculate ecological richness and disparity of those communities. We propose that the interplay of Late Cretaceous dental evolution, the rise of angiosperms, and competition with other vertebrates were critical in shaping the ecological structure of small-bodied mammaliaform communities through time.
The signal-to-noise ratio assessment in cochlear implanted patients through the Italian Matrix Sentence test (Oldenburg test)
Authors: Gallo Samanta , Castiglione Alessandro
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

A lot of energy has been spent in advances in audiology to define a new strategy of diagnosis and rehabilitation in hearing-impaired patients, in particular for those rehabilitated with cochlear implants or hearing aids. The OLSA test or Matrix Sentence test is a new testing tool able to precisely define a signal-to-noise ratio in different clinical or diagnostic conditions. Spreading of this new test has a standardized level of reference which can help clinicians in comparing patients and data.

Method:

Implanted patients with contralateral hearing aid use were enrolled in the recent Italian Matrix Sentence test validated for the Italian language. Patients with good perceptual outcomes without post-operative complications were asked to undergo the Italian Matrix Sentence test twice in a day section with or without a cochlear implant and/or contralateral hearing aids.

Results:

Forty-five cochlear implanted patients with good outcomes and without major complications were enrolled in the present study to compare speech discrimination in noise with cochlear implants and/or hearing aids during bimodal or unimodal stimulation. Obviously, a significant difference was noticed in patients with cochlear implants or hearing aids when compared with patients without digital devices, as well as a statistically significant difference was found in patients with a cochlear implant only when compared with patients with hearing aids. Nevertheless, significant differences were found when comparing bimodal stimulation to unimodal stimulation with the cochlear implant: an ameliorative trend has been reported among patients with either the devices (hearing aids and cochlear implant).

Conclusion:

The Italian Matrix Sentence test is useful and automated speech audiometry allows a comprehensive evaluation of perceptual abilities in hearing impaired patient. Nevertheless, gives important information among implanted patients especially in the adaptive mode for central comprehension of the signal in noise.
Sources of Knowledge in Firms
Authors: Pinto Hugo , Fernández-Esquinas Manuel
Published: April 2019

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Business and Management. Please check back later for the full article.

In order to obtain competitive advantages, firms have to make use of knowledge as the main element of their capacities for innovation and management. Innovation is a complex and collective process, resulting from different contexts, socioeconomic aspects, and specificities of firms that create nuanced management and policy implications. Sources of knowledge are varied, as each firm interacts with multiple types of actors to pursue its mission: partners and strategic allies, suppliers, customers, competitors, specialized organizations such as knowledge intensive business services, universities, technology centers, public research organizations, innovation intermediaries, and public administration bodies.

Different kinds of knowledge are relevant for the firms, both tacit and codified knowledge. Knowledge needs to be translated into capacity to act. Knowledge generation and absorption can be understood as two sides of the same coin. It is necessary to take into account factors that shape both facets and the relationship between the production, transfer, and valorization of knowledge. Influential factors concerning knowledge characteristics are related to tacitness and to the existing knowledge base. Contextual factors, such as the economic sector, technological intensity, the local buzz, and the insertion in global value chains are essential as environmental enablers for generating and absorbing knowledge. Finally, the internal characteristics of the firm are of crucial relevance, namely the existing innovation culture, leadership, and also the size or internal R&D capacities. These factors reinforce the dynamic capacities of the firm and the decision to engage in open innovation strategies or to give more importance to strategies that protect and codify knowledge, such as industrial property rights.
Violence Against and Policing of LGBTQ Communities: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Daum Courtenay W.
Published: April 2019

Law enforcement has a lengthy history of policing LGBTQ communities. Throughout the 20th century, police utilized laws prohibiting same-sex sexual conduct to criminalize LGBTQ individuals, and to target public gathering places including gay bars. Sodomy prohibitions were supplemented by mental health diagnoses including assumptions about criminal pathologies among LGBTQ individuals and the government’s fear that LGBTQ individuals’ sexual perversions made them a national security risk to subject LGBTQ communities to extensive policing based on their alleged sexual deviance. The successes of the gay rights movement led the American Psychiatric Association to declassify homosexuality as a mental health disorder in the 1970s, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that prohibitions on sodomy run afoul of the Constitution ended the de jure criminalization of LGBTQ individuals based on their sexual conduct.

Today, policing of LGBTQ communities consists of both overpolicing and underenforcement. Law enforcement regularly profiles some facets of LGBTQ communities in order to selectively enforce general criminal prohibitions on public lewdness, solicitation, loitering, and vagrancy—consistent with the goals of “quality of life” policing—on gay men, transwomen, and LGBTQ youth, respectively. The selective enforcement of these laws often targets LGBTQ people of color and other intersectionally identified LGBTQ individuals in order to criminalize their existence based on ongoing stereotypes about sexual deviancy. In addition, police regularly fail to recognize LGBTQ individuals as victims of crimes, with the exception of particularly heinous hate crimes, and do not adequately attend to their needs and/or subject them to secondary victimization. As such, the relationship between many LGBTQ communities and law enforcement continues to be characterized by antagonisms and mistrust.
Electoral Violence and Political Competition in Africa
Authors: Laakso Liisa
Published: April 2019

Electoral violence in Africa has garnered a lot of attention in research on African politics. Violence can be the result of manipulation of the electoral process or a reaction to that manipulation. While there is an agreement to distinguish it from the wider political violence by its timing with elections and motivation to influence their outcome, the analysis of its types, content, and impacts varies. There are different assessments of whether repetition of elections reduces violence or not. Elections in Africa are more often marred with violence than elections in other continents, but there is lots of variation between African countries, within countries, and even from one election to another. In addition to well-judged use and development of the existing datasets, qualitative methods and case studies are also needed. Much of the literature combines both approaches. In the analysis of the factors, causes, and contexts of electoral violence, researchers utilize distinct frameworks: emphasizing historical experiences of violence, patrimonial rule and the role of the “big man,” political economy of greed and grievance, as well as weak institutions and rule of law. All of them point to intensive competition for state power. Preelection violence often relates to the strategies of the government forces and their supporters using their powers to manipulate the process, while post-election riots typically follow in the form of spontaneous reactions among the ranks of the losing opposition. Elections are not a cause of the intensive power competition but a way to organize it. Thus, electoral violence is not an anomaly but rather a manifestation of the ongoing struggle for free and fair elections. It will be an issue for researchers and practitioners alike in the future as well.
Religious Regulation in India
Authors: Teater Kristina M. , Jenkins Laura Dudley
Published: April 2019

Freedom of religion is a constitutional right in India, but this religiously diverse democracy regulates religion in several ways, including enforcing religious personal laws, regulating religious minority educational institutions, monitoring conversions, limiting religious appeals during political campaigns, and outlawing acts that outrage religious feelings. The 42nd constitutional amendment in 1976 added the word “secular” to the Indian constitution, which provides a distinctive model of religion-state relations and regulation that is rooted in historical struggles with colonial rule and abundant religious diversity. The “personal law” system grants major religious communities distinct family laws. Religious minorities have regulated autonomy in the sphere of education based on constitutional commitments to minority colleges and educational institutions. The religious freedom clause in the Indian constitution is one of the most comprehensive in the world, yet several state-level “freedom of religion” acts prohibit “forcible” or “induced” conversions. Affirmative action or “reservation” policies also necessitate regulating conversions, as low castes lose their eligibility upon conversion to Islam or Christianity. Appealing for votes on the basis of religion or caste is a “corrupt practice.” A colonial-era statute continues to outlaw “deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.” Constitutional and state regulations of cow slaughter also protect the religious beliefs of some Hindus. Whether defending “religious freedom” by limiting conversions, or criminalizing insults to religious beliefs, laws in India to “protect” religions and religious persons at times threaten the practice and expression of diverse religious perspectives.