bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recursive parameter estimation methods and convergence analysis for a special class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Feng , Xu Ling 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the joint estimation of states and parameters of a special class of nonlinear systems, ie, bilinear systems. The key is to investigate new estimation methods for interactive state and parameter estimation of the considered system based on the interactive estimation theory. Because the system states are unknown, a bilinear state observer is established based on the Kalman filtering principle. Then, the unavailable states are updated by the state observer outputs recursively. Once the state estimates are obtained, the bilinear state observer–based hierarchical stochastic gradient algorithm is developed by using the gradient search. For the purpose of improving the convergence rate and the parameter estimation accuracy, a bilinear state observer–based hierarchical multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm is proposed by expanding a scalar innovation to an innovation vector. The convergence analysis indicates that the parameter estimates can converge to their true values. The numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization of a set of nonlinear time‐delay systems
Authors: Yang Renming , Zhang Guangyuan , Sun Liying 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThis paper investigates the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization problem of a set of nonlinear time‐delay systems with general forms and proposes some new simultaneous stabilization results. First, by developing an equivalent form and applying augmented technique, this paper obtains an augmented equivalent form of the original systems. Secondly, based on the equivalent form, we study finite‐time simultaneous stabilization problem and present some new stabilization results by constructing some suitable Lyapunov functionals. Thirdly, using the simultaneous stabilization results obtained, this paper investigates the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization problem for the set systems and proposes a delay‐dependent robust simultaneous stabilization result. Finally, the study of an illustrative example shows that the results obtained by this paper work well in the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization the set systems. It is shown that, by using the method in this paper, the developed conditions do not contain delay terms, which can avoid solving nonlinear mixed matrix inequalities and reduce effectively computational burden in studying nonlinear time‐delay systems.
Adaptation to climate change and conservation of biodiversity using green infrastructure
Authors: Nakamura Futoshi , Ishiyama Nobuo , Yamanaka Satoshi , Higa Motoki , Akasaka Takumi , Kobayashi Yoshiko , Ono Satoru , Fuke Nao , Kitazawa Munehiro , Morimoto Junko , Shoji Yasushi 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTIn recent years, we have experienced mega‐flood disasters in Japan due to climate change. In the last century, we have been building disaster prevention infrastructure (artificial levees and dams, referred to as “grey infrastructure”) to protect human lives and assets from floods, but these hard protective measures will not function against mega‐floods. Moreover, in a drastically depopulating society such as that in Japan, farmland abandonment prevails, and it will be more difficult to maintain grey infrastructure with a limited tax income. In this study, we propose the introduction of green infrastructure (GI) as an adaptation strategy for climate change. If we can use abandoned farmlands as GI, they may function to reduce disaster risks and provide habitats for various organisms that are adapted to wetland environments. First, we present a conceptual framework for disaster prevention using a hybrid of GI and conventional grey infrastructure. In this combination, the fundamental GI, composed of forests and wetlands in the catchment (GI‐1) and additional multilevel GIs such as flood control basins that function when floodwater exceeds the planning level (GI‐2) are introduced. We evaluated the flood attenuation function (GI‐1) of the Kushiro Wetland using a hydrological model and developed a methodology for selecting suitable locations of GI‐2, considering flood risk, biodiversity and the distribution of abandoned farmlands, which represent social and economic costs. The results indicated that the Kushiro Wetland acts as a large natural reservoir that attenuates the hydrological peak discharge during floods and suitable locations for introducing GI‐2 are concentrated in floodplain areas developing in the downstream reaches of large rivers. Finally, we discussed the network structure of GI‐1 as a hub and GI‐2 as a dispersal site for conservation of the Red‐crowned Crane, one of the symbolic species of Japan.
Short‐length rate‐compatible code design for noncoherent detection
Authors: Kayhan Farbod , Montorsi Guido 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a simple method for generating short‐length rate‐compatible codes that are robust to noncoherent detection forM‐PSK constellations. For any given constellation set, first we use a greedy algorithm to construct a family of rotationally invariant codes. Then, by properly modifying such codes, we obtain a new family of codes that are robust to noncoherent detection. We briefly discuss the optimality of the constructed codes for special cases of BPSK and QPSK constellations. Our method provides an upper bound for the length of optimal codes with a given desired noncoherent distance. We also derive a simple asymptotic upper bound on the frame error rate (FER) of such codes and provide some simulations. Finally, the problem of designing binary codes that are robust to noncoherent detection for QPSK constellation is briefly discussed.
Electrochemical removal of diazinon insecticide in aqueous solution by Pb/β‐PbO2 anode. Effect of parameters and optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Mahmoudpoor Moteshaker Parisa , Saadi Sommayeh , Rokni Seyed Ehsan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDiazinon is one of the most extensively used organophosphorus pesticides that is used against a variety of agricultural pests and disease vectors and is resistant to biodegradation; its release into the environment is a severe environmental concern due to their widespread use. The aim of this study was to investigate the electrochemical removal of diazinon insecticides from aqueous solutions and to optimize the process by response surface methodology (RSM). This is an experimental study that was performed on a laboratory scale and in a batch mood. scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and X‐ray diffraction analyses were performed to accurately evaluate and characterize the coated electrode. The central composite design (CCD) was used to investigate the influence of pH, electrolysis time, diazinon concentration, and current density, as well as the effect of their interaction on the removal of diazinon during the electrochemical process. The results showed that by increasing electrolysis time and current density and decreasing diazinon pH and concentration, diazinon removal efficiency increased. According to the results, Na2SO4 was selected as the supporting electrolyte with the highest degradation efficiency (97.88%) compared to the other two compounds (NaCl and NaNO3). The linear regression coefficient (R2) between experiments and different response values ​​in the model was .99. The results showed that the amount of AOS in the effluent of the three‐dimensional electrochemical process was increased from 0.06 to 1.22 and the COD/TOC ratio decreased from 2.62 to 1.85, respectively; this indicates the biodegradability of the diazinon insecticide through the electrochemical system. The removal efficiency of COD and TOC in optimum condition was 85.78% and 79.86%, respectively. In general, the electrochemical process using Pb/β‐PbO2 electrode compared to other methods can be used as a suitable and reliable method for the treatment of effluents containing chemical toxins such as diazinon.Practitioner Points

Electrochemical degradation of diazinon insecticide using Pb/β‐PbO2 anode.

Effect of operating parameters on electrodegradation diazinon insecticide in electrochemical processes using Pb/β‐PbO2 anode.

Biodegradability study of diazinon insecticide electrodegradation using Pb/β‐PbO2 anode.

Optimization operating parameters using central composite design (CCD).
From parts lists to functional significance—RNA–protein interactions in gene regulation
Authors: Kilchert Cornelia , Sträßer Katja , Kunetsky Vladislav , Änkö Minna‐Liisa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHundreds of canonical RNA binding proteins facilitate diverse and essential RNA processing steps in cells forming a central regulatory point in gene expression. However, recent discoveries including the identification of a large number of noncanonical proteins bound to RNA have changed our view on RNA–protein interactions merely as necessary steps in RNA biogenesis. As the list of proteins interacting with RNA has expanded, so has the scope of regulation through RNA–protein interactions. In addition to facilitating RNA metabolism, RNA binding proteins help to form subcellular structures and membraneless organelles, and provide means to recruit components of macromolecular complexes to their sites of action. Moreover, RNA–protein interactions are not static in cells but the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are highly dynamic in response to cellular cues. The identification of novel proteins in complex with RNA and ways cells use these interactions to control cellular functions continues to broaden the scope of RNA regulation in cells and the current challenge is to move from cataloguing the components of RNPs into assigning them functions. This will not only facilitate our understanding of cellular homeostasis but may bring in key insights into human disease conditions where RNP components play a central role. This review brings together the classical view of regulation accomplished through RNA–protein interactions with the novel insights gained from the identification of RNA binding interactomes. We discuss the challenges in combining molecular mechanism with cellular functions on the journey towards a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory functions of RNA–protein interactions in cells.This article is categorized under:
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
aRNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition
Molecular crosstalk between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Seo Jiyeon , Park Mikyoung 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe progression of cancers and neurodegenerative disorders is largely defined by a set of molecular determinants that are either complementarily deregulated, or share remarkably overlapping functional pathways. A large number of such molecules have been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of both diseases. In this review, we particularly discuss our current knowledge on p53, cyclin D, cyclin E, cyclin F, Pin1 and protein phosphatase 2A, and their implications in the shared or distinct pathways that lead to cancers or neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we focus on the inter-dependent regulation of brain cancers and neurodegeneration, mediated by intercellular communication between tumor and neuronal cells in the brain through the extracellular microenvironment. Finally, we shed light on the therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of both cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Review of defects in lattice structures manufactured by powder bed fusion
Authors: Echeta Ifeanyichukwu , Feng Xiaobing , Dutton Ben , Leach Richard , Piano Samanta 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdditively manufactured lattice structures are popular due to their desirable properties, such as high specific stiffness and high surface area, and are being explored for several applications including aerospace components, heat exchangers and biomedical implants. The complexity of lattices challenges the fabrication limits of additive manufacturing processes and thus, lattices are particularly prone to manufacturing defects. This paper presents a review of defects in lattice structures produced by powder bed fusion processes. The review focuses on the effects of lattice design on dimensional inaccuracies, surface texture and porosity. The design constraints on lattice structures are also reviewed, as these can help to discourage defect formation. Appropriate process parameters, post-processing techniques and measurement methods are also discussed. The information presented in this paper contributes towards a deeper understanding of defects in lattice structures, aiming to improve the quality and performance of future designs.
Social Capital and Risk of Concurrent Sexual Partners Among African Americans in Jackson, Mississippi
Authors: Ransome Yusuf , Cunningham Karlene , Paredes Miguel , Mena Leandro , Sutten-Coats Cassandra , Chan Philip , Simmons Dantrell , Willie Tiara C. , Nunn Amy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractConcurrent sexual partnerships (i.e., relationships that overlap in time) contribute to higher HIV acquisition risk. Social capital, defined as resources and connections available to individuals is hypothesized to reduce sexual HIV risk behavior, including sexual concurrency. Additionally, we do not know whether any association between social capital and sexual concurrency is moderated by gender. Multivariable logistic regression tested the association between social capital and sexual concurrency and effect modification by gender. Among 1445 African Americans presenting for care at an urban STI clinic in Jackson, Mississippi, mean social capital was 2.85 (range 1–5), mean age was 25 (SD = 6), and 62% were women. Sexual concurrency in the current year was lower for women compared to men (45% vs. 55%, χ2(df = 1) = 11.07, p = .001). Higher social capital was associated with lower adjusted odds of sexual concurrency for women compared to men (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 0.62 (95% CI 0.39–0.97), p = 0.034), controlling for sociodemographic and psychosocial covariates. Interventions that add social capital components may be important for lowering sexual risk among African Americans in Mississippi.
Influence of Structure Sensitivity on Apparent Activation Energy of Parallel Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Murzin Dmitry Yu. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAnalysis of apparent activation energy is presented for different heterogeneous catalytic reactions with parallel reaction routes. In the case of kinetic coupling between catalytic cycles the activation energy in a particular route depends not only on the activation energies of the elementary steps comprising this route, but also on the frequency of the steps in a parallel route. Expressions were derived for coupling between routes through irreversible adsorption of the substrate, quasi-equilibrated binding as well as different substrate adsorption modes. Theoretical analysis of the apparent activation energy was extended for the reaction network with two routes possessing mechanistically different rate determining steps (i.e. monomolecular vs bimolecular). For structure sensitive reactions an expression for the apparent activation energy for parallel reactions was developed for cases with a continuous distribution of active centers and a cubo-octahedral representation of the metal clusters. A comparison between the theoretical analysis and experimental data on transformations of furfural to furfuryl alcohol and furan on ruthenium clusters shows applicability of the developed theoretical framework.Graphic Abstract
A Study of the Automated Eddy Current Detection of Cracks in Steel Plates
Authors: Mohseni Ehsan , Habibzadeh Boukani Hamid , Ramos França Demartonne , Viens Martin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractApplying life estimation approaches to determine in-service life of structures and plan the inspection schedules accordingly are becoming acceptable safety design procedures in aerospace. However, these design systems shall be fed with reliable parameters related to material properties, loading conditions and defect characteristics. In this context, the role of non-destructive (NDT) testing reliability is of high importance in detecting and sizing defects. Eddy current test (ECT) is an electromagnetic NDT method frequently used to inspect tiny surface fatigue cracks in sensitive industries. Owing to the new advances in robotic technologies, there is a trend to integrate the ECT into automated systems to perform NDT inspections more efficiently. In fact, ECT can be effectively automated as to increase the coverage, repeatability and scanning speed. The reliability of ECT scanning, however, should be thoroughly investigated and compared to conventional modes of applications to obtain a better understanding of the advantages and shortcomings related to this technique. In this contribution, a series of manual and automated ECT tests are carried out on a set of samples using a split-D reflection differential surface probe. The study investigates the level of noise recorded in each technique and discuss its dependency on different parameters, such as surface roughness and frequency. Afterwards, a description of the effect of crack orientation on ECT signal amplitude is provided through experimental tests and finite element simulations. Finally, the reliability of each ECT technique is investigated by means of probability of detection (POD) curves. POD parameters are then extracted and compared to examine the effect of scanning index, frequency and automation on detection reliability.
Tuning Crystal Field Potential by Orbital Dilution in Strongly Correlated d4 Oxides
Authors: Brzezicki Wojciech , Forte Filomena , Noce Canio , Cuoco Mario , Oleś Andrzej M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe investigate the interplay between Coulomb-driven orbital order and octahedral distortions in strongly correlated Mott insulators due to orbital dilution, i.e., doping by metal ions without an orbital degree of freedom. In particular, we focus on layered transition metal oxides and study the effective spin–orbital exchange due to d3 substitution at d4 sites. The structure of the d3 − d4 spin–orbital coupling between the impurity and the host in the presence of octahedral rotations favors a distinct type of orbital polarization pointing towards the impurity and outside the impurity–host plane. This yields an effective lattice potential that generally competes with that associated with flat octahedra and, in turn, can drive an inversion of the crystal field interaction.
Design catalogue for eco-engineering of coastal artificial structures: a multifunctional approach for stakeholders and end-users
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Kathryn A. , Hawkins Stephen J. , Evans Ally J. , Hanley Mick E. , Lunt Paul , Thompson Richard C. , Francis Robert A. , Hoggart Simon P. G. , Moore Pippa J. , Iglesias Gregorio , Simmonds David , Ducker James , Firth Louise B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCoastal urbanisation, energy extraction, food production, shipping and transportation have led to the global proliferation of artificial structures within the coastal and marine environments (sensu “ocean sprawl”), with subsequent loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. To mitigate and compensate impacts of ocean sprawl, the practice of eco-engineering of artificial structures has been developed over the past decade. Eco-engineering aims to create sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both. The science of eco-engineering has grown markedly, yet synthesis of research into a user-friendly and practitioner-focused format is lacking. Feedback from stakeholders has repeatedly stated that a “photo user guide” or “manual” covering the range of eco-engineering options available for artificial structures would be beneficial. However, a detailed and structured “user guide” for eco-engineering in coastal and marine environments is not yet possible; therefore we present an accessible review and catalogue of trialled eco-engineering options and a summary of guidance for a range of different structures tailored for stakeholders and end-users as the first step towards a structured manual. This work can thus serve as a potential template for future eco-engineering guides. Here we provide suggestions for potential eco-engineering designs to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services of coastal artificial structures with the following structures covered: (1) rock revetment, breakwaters and groynes composed of armour stones or concrete units; (2) vertical and sloping seawalls; (3) over-water structures (i.e., piers) and associated support structures; and (4) tidal river walls.
Elevated Free Thyroxine Levels Are Associated with Poorer Overall Survival in Patients with Gastroesophageal Cancer: A Retrospective Single Center Analysis
Authors: Puhr H. C. , Wolf P. , Berghoff A. S. , Schoppmann S. F. , Preusser M. , Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegul 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAs endocrinological parameters such as thyroid hormones modulate proliferative, metabolic, and angiogenic pathways, it is surmised that their levels can be associated with cancer development and progression. Most patients with gastroesophageal cancer are diagnosed very late and have a poor prognosis, yet the association with endocrinological parameters has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to correlate hormones with the outcome, so new prognostic and potentially therapeutic markers can be defined. We analyzed clinical and endocrinological parameters including history of thyroid disorders and laboratory analyses of thyroid hormones and correlated these with the overall survival in a large European cohort of patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic gastroesophageal cancer treated between 2002 and 2018 at the Vienna General Hospital, Austria. In total, the survival outcome of 258 patients was evaluated. Higher levels of fT4 (p = 0.041, HR = 2.202) and lower levels of T3 (p = 0,003, HR = 0,141) were associated with significantly shorter survival. However, the overall survival of patients with known thyroid disorders did not differ significantly from euthyroid patients (euthyroid, 283 days; hyperthyroid, 354 days; hypothyroid, 284 days; p = 0.472). Elevated fT4 levels are associated with poorer overall survival of patients with gastroesophageal cancer in advanced stages. Since data on the correlation of endocrinological parameters and gastroesophageal cancer are scarce, this analysis is an important impulse for further studies concerning the impact of thyroxine on patients with cancer of the upper GI tract.