bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A generalized any‐particle propagator theory: Calculations of nucleon's binding energies
Authors: González‐Ramírez Henry Nicole , Flores‐Moreno Roberto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGeneralized one‐particle propagator calculations were performed for fermions in atoms: neutrons, protons, and electrons. For this purpose, multicomponent Hartree‐Fock equations were implemented using Gaussian basis sets where, for nucleons, we consider a non‐Coulombic interaction, through a two‐term Yukawa scalar potential and the interaction between electrons and the electrons with positive charge (protons) through a Coulombic potential. The strategy for evaluating the required interaction integrals follows Obara‐Saika and Head‐Gordon recurrence relations combined with the generalized Boys function suggested by Ten‐no. Calculations on the isotopes 2H, 3H, 3He, 4He, 6Li, 6Be, 7Li, and 8Be were realized to test the accuracy of Koopmans' approximation and a second‐order generalized one‐particle propagator. Yukawa potentials were parametrized to reproduce nuclear properties as kinetic energies and radial distributions of density. These potentials produced the reference nuclear Hartree‐Fock calculations on which fully ab initio propagator calculations were performed for these non‐Coulombic potentials. This allowed us to explore the electronic structure of isotopes in an extended nucleus context.
Kidney transplant tolerance associated with remote autologous mesenchymal stromal cell administration
Authors: Casiraghi Federica , Perico Norberto , Gotti Eliana , Todeschini Marta , Mister Marilena , Cortinovis Monica , Portalupi Valentina , Plati Anna Rita , Gaspari Flavio , Villa Alessandro , Introna Martino , Longhi Elena , Remuzzi Giuseppe 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHere we report the case of successful immune tolerance induction in a living-donor kidney transplant recipient remotely treated with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). This case report, which to the best of our knowledge is the first in the world in this setting, provides evidence that the modulation of the host immune system with MSC can enable the safe withdrawal of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs while preserving optimal long-term kidney allograft function.Lessons learned Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) infusion in kidney transplant recipients promoted a sustained and long-lasting pro-tolerogenic immune environment. This immune profile was particularly remarkable in a kidney transplant patient. This patient was successfully weaned off immunosuppressive drugs and is now 18 months free from antirejection therapy with optimal kidney allograft function. This case report provides evidence that MSC could modulate the host immune system, enabling the induction of operational tolerance, and sets the basis for future clinical trials in solid organ transplantation. Significance statementThis case report provides the first evidence that in living-donor kidney transplantation autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) infusion can be associated with safe, complete discontinuation of maintenance antirejection drugs late after transplant, eventually allowing a state of operational tolerance. This case could be also preparatory for future studies to assess whether a panel of noninvasive immunomonitoring tools, in addition to clinical criteria, could identify a pro-tolerogenic signature after MSC therapy that could eventually help to identify patients who are amenable to safe immunosuppressive drug discontinuation. Further investigations building on this approach are critically needed in living-donor as well as in deceased donor kidney transplantation.
Renewable energy barriers and coping strategies: Evidence from the Baltic States
Authors: Lu Jintao , Ren Licheng , Yao Siqin , Rong Dan , Skare Marinko , Streimikis Justas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRenewable energy sources (RES) are the main drivers of sustainable energy development. Notwithstanding the substantial expansion of renewables in the past decade, boosted by the various policies and measures, renewable energy sources are still far from full incorporation into the energy markets. It is necessary to overcome the remaining impediments for renewables to realize the energy transition to 100% renewable energy. The aim of this research is to analyze the main barriers of renewables and success of policies dealing with these barriers. The case studies in the Baltic States provide concrete examples of policies and their impacts in terms of overcoming barriers in relevant sectors: heating and cooling, power and transport. The assessment of policies in the Baltic States shows that there are a few measures that are implemented in the transport sector, although this sector encounters many social, economic, technological, and regulatory barriers. The countries have achieved the lowest results in approaching RES targets in transport. New financial incentives and investments in the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles are crucial for the development of markets of electric vehicles.
Surface Modification of Tapioca Starch by Using the Chemical and Enzymatic Method
Authors: Prompiputtanapon Kewalee , Sorndech Waraporn , Tongta Sunanta 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSurface modifications of starch provide benefits in various applications for food and medical products as a carrier material due to their high adsorption ability. The effect of enzymatic and acid modification of starch surfaces on the morphology and characteristics of granular tapioca starch is investigated. Tapioca starch slurry is prepared and treated with α‐amylase (αA), amyloglucosidase (AM), the combination of these two enzymes (αA+AM), and 2.2 m HCl (AS) at various hydrolysis times. Starch granular surface of αA, AM, and αA+AM‐treated samples show voids and cavities. The AS sample induced more surface roughness in the granules as compared to the enzyme‐treated samples and some parts of the granules are smaller or fused together into a larger size. The highest relative crystallinity is obtained from the AS samples (48.43%). All modified samples exhibit an increase in their specific surface area, volume of pores, and average diameter. The AM sample shows the highest specific surface area (1.66 m2 g−1) which corresponds to the largest pore volume (0.38 cm3 g−1) while the AS sample shows the highest average diameter (21.87 nm). Overall, a modified granular starch surface with various characteristics can be provided by using hydrolysis enzymes and acid.
A review on ice detection technology and ice elimination technology for wind turbine
Authors: Wei Kexiang , Yang Yue , Zuo Hongyan , Zhong Dingqing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBlade icing can affect wind turbines to generate electricity. In severe cases, 30% of power generation is lost in a year, and safety problems in the vicinity of wind power plants are also caused. Researchers have designed anti‐icing and de‐icing technologies to reduce these effects, and excellent ice‐detecting devices are a prerequisite for using anti‐icing and de‐icing technologies. Ultrasonic attenuation technology can effectively and reliably detect the presence of ice without affecting the aerodynamic performance of the blade, providing a reliable guarantee for anti‐icing and de‐icing systems. Deicing and anti‐icing systems are divided into active and passive, active heating blades are still the most effective anti‐icing and de‐icing methods, but their energy consumption is too high. Although there are many existing de‐icing methods, there are not many practical uses. This article introduces them separately and lists their advantages and disadvantages. The use of ultrasonic anti‐icing and de‐icing is an economical and reliable means that has been proven to be used for anti‐icing and de‐icing of blades. However, under normal circumstances, a single anti‐icing de‐icing system cannot completely solve the problem of icing of the blades. This paper suggests using both ultrasonic and hydrophobic coatings to cope with more icing conditions.
Design and laboratory test of black‐start control mode for wind turbines
Authors: Shan Martin , Shan Weiwei , Welck Friedrich , Duckwitz Daniel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this article, an operational strategy and control concept for wind turbines (WTs) are described, which would allow them to actively contribute to black‐start events after major power system outages. The approach is based on (a) a new generator/converter control strategy implementing a so called virtual synchronous machine (VSM) and (b) a number of modifications to the superimposed WT controller allowing for operation in black‐start conditions. In order to operate stably even at very low active power levels and to cope with sudden changes in active power, due to switching of loads in the recovered grid, the rotor speed/pitch controller had to be redesigned. The extension of the operational range of the WT towards negative power, ie, power consumption, is discussed, which would allow the turbine to temporarily provide a controllable minimum load to conventional power plants until a sufficient number of consumers has been reconnected. The control system has been implemented and verified using two experimental power converters, each linked to a hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HiL) simulator of a WT and connected to a real medium‐voltage laboratory grid.
A Fourier spectral method for the nonlinear coupled space fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger equations
Authors: Jia Junqing , Jiang Xiaoyun , Yang Xiu , Zhang Hui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we give an efficient numerical method for the nonlinear coupled space fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger (NCSFKGS) equations, based on the Crank‐Nicolson method, the central difference method and the Fourier spectral method. As far as we know, no one has studied the Equations (5)–(6) in our paper, these equations are different from those in [39] which only considers space fractional Schrödinger equation while the Klein‐Gordon equation is classical, here, we consider the two equations which are both space fractional. In this paper, the Crank‐Nicolson method and the central difference method are used to discretize the space fractional Schrödinger equation and the space fractional Klein‐Gordon equation in time direction, respectively. The Fourier spectral method is used to discretize the NCSFKGS equations in space direction. This numerical method conserves the mass and energy in the discrete level. The convergence of the numerical method is of second order accuracy in time and spectral accuracy in space. Rigorous proofs are developed here for the conservation laws and the convergence of the numerical method. Numerical experiments are presented to confirm the theoretical results and they proved that our numerical method is very efficient (it only takes a few seconds to get the numerical solutions).
Blood pressure, hypertension and the risk of sudden cardiac death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Pan Han , Hibino Makoto , Kobeissi Elsa , Aune Dagfinn 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, while sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for over 60% of all cardiovascular deaths. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension have been associated with increased risk of SCD, but the findings have not been consistent. To clarify whether blood pressure or hypertension is associated with increased risk of SCD and to quantify the size and the shape of any association observed. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for published prospective studies on blood pressure or hypertension and SCD up to 30 April 2018. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The meta-analysis included 2939 SCDs among 418,235 participants from 18 studies. The summary RRs were 2.10 (95% CI 1.71–2.58, I2 = 56.7%, pheterogeneity = 0.018, n = 10) for prevalent hypertension, 1.28 (95% CI 1.19–1.38, I2 = 45.5%, pheterogeneity = 0.07, n = 10) per 20 mmHg increment in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 1.09 (95% CI 0.83–1.44, I2 = 83.4%, pheterogeneity = 0.002, n = 3) per 10 mmHg increment in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A nonlinear relationship was suggested between SBP and SCD. The results persisted in most subgroup and sensitivity analyses. There was no evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis found an increased risk of SCD with hypertension diagnosis and increasing SBP. Future studies should clarify the association for DBP and the shape of the dose–response relationship between blood pressure and SCD.
On cognitive preferences and the plausibility of rule-based models
Authors: Fürnkranz Johannes , Kliegr Tomáš , Paulheim Heiko 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIt is conventional wisdom in machine learning and data mining that logical models such as rule sets are more interpretable than other models, and that among such rule-based models, simpler models are more interpretable than more complex ones. In this position paper, we question this latter assumption by focusing on one particular aspect of interpretability, namely the plausibility of models. Roughly speaking, we equate the plausibility of a model with the likeliness that a user accepts it as an explanation for a prediction. In particular, we argue that—all other things being equal—longer explanations may be more convincing than shorter ones, and that the predominant bias for shorter models, which is typically necessary for learning powerful discriminative models, may not be suitable when it comes to user acceptance of the learned models. To that end, we first recapitulate evidence for and against this postulate, and then report the results of an evaluation in a crowdsourcing study based on about 3000 judgments. The results do not reveal a strong preference for simple rules, whereas we can observe a weak preference for longer rules in some domains. We then relate these results to well-known cognitive biases such as the conjunction fallacy, the representative heuristic, or the recognition heuristic, and investigate their relation to rule length and plausibility.
Fixing pornography’s illocutionary force: Which context matters?
Authors: Mikkola Mari 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRae Langton famously argues that pornographic speech illocutionarily subordinates and silences women. Making good this view hinges on identifying the context relevant for fixing such force. To do so, a parallel is typically drawn between pornographic recordings and multipurpose signs involved in delayed communication, but the parallel generates a dispute about the right illocutionary force-fixing context. Jennifer Saul and myself argue that if pornographic speech is akin to multipurpose signs, its illocutionary force is fixed by the actual decoding context: of using/viewing pornographic recordings. By contrast, Claudia Bianchi argues that the relevant context is intended/expected decoding. Here I take issue with Bianchi’s view. Her intentionalist account faces two serious objections. First, the collapse objection: Bianchi’s intentionalist view is so formulated that it collapses into that endorsed by Saul and me. This undermines Bianchi’s case against us. Second, the dissonance objection: looking at a different aspect of Bianchi’s view, and one that does depart from the positions of Saul and myself, shows that her analysis is too intentionalist and cannot be used to elucidate pornography’s illocutionary force. Bianchi’s view should hence be rejected. This nevertheless leaves open further theoretical avenues of research, which I briefly discuss at the end of the paper.
Pasireotide treatment significantly reduces tumor volume in patients with Cushing’s disease: results from a Phase 3 study
Authors: Lacroix André , Gu Feng , Schopohl Jochen , Kandra Albert , Pedroncelli Alberto M. , Jin Lixian , Pivonello Rosario 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
In the multinational, randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 B2305 study of patients with Cushing’s disease (CD; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00434148), pasireotide substantially decreased urinary-free cortisol (UFC) levels, decreased mean corticotroph tumor volume, and improved clinical signs of disease. The current post hoc analysis further assesses the effects of pasireotide on corticotroph pituitary tumor volume.

Methods
Patients enrolled in the B2305 study had persistent or recurrent CD or newly diagnosed CD but were not surgical candidates. Enrollees were randomized to receive subcutaneous pasireotide, either 600-μg or 900-μg twice daily. Tumor volume was assessed independently at months 6 and 12 by 2 blinded radiologists and compared with baseline value and UFC response.

Results
Of 162 patients enrolled in the trial, 53 had measurable tumor volume data and were included in the post hoc analysis. Reductions in tumor volume were both dose and time dependent. Tumor volume reduction was more frequently observed at month 6 in the 900-μg group (75%) than in the 600-μg group (44%). Similarly, at month 12 (n = 32), tumor volume reduction was observed more frequently in the 900-µg group (89%) than in the 600-µg group (50%). Control of UFC levels was not required for reduction of tumor volume. No relationship was noted between baseline tumor size and change in tumor size.

Conclusions
Measurable decreases in pituitary tumor volume were observed in a large proportion of patients with CD and measurable tumor volume who were enrolled in the trial and treated with subcutaneous pasireotide; this decrease was not correlated with UFC control.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
NCT00434148.
Improving study success and diversity in Dutch higher education using performance agreements
Authors: Jongbloed Ben , Kaiser Frans , Westerheijden Don F. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMore and more governments have started to introduce elements of performance in the funding mechanisms for their higher education institutions. An example is a performance agreement: a contract signed between the funding authority and an individual higher education provider. In the Netherlands, a policy experiment involving performance agreements was concluded in 2016. We analyse whether the agreements actually have helped achieve the goals of improving student completion rates, educational quality and increasing the diversity in educational offerings. We present some indicators relating to these goals and discuss what can be learned from the performance agreements experiment in the Netherlands.
Four cases of death involving the novel synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE
Authors: Giorgetti Arianna , Mogler Lukas , Halter Sebastian , Haschimi Belal , Alt Andreas , Rentsch Daniel , Schmidt Bea , Thoma Vanessa , Vogt Susanne , Auwärter Volker 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPurposeCumyl-PEGACLONE was the first synthetic cannabinoid (SC) with a γ-carbolinone core structure detected in forensic casework and, since then, it has dominated the German SC-market. Here the first four cases of death involving its fluorinated analog, 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE, a recently emerged γ-carbolinone derived SC, are reported.MethodsComplete postmortem examinations were performed. Postmortem samples were screened by immunoassay, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. For quantification of SCs, the standard addition method was employed. Herbal blends were analyzed by GC–MS. In each case of death, the Toxicological Significance Score (TSS) was assigned to the compound.Results5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was identified at concentrations ranging 0.09–0.45 ng/mL in postmortem femoral blood. In case 1, signs of hypothermia and kidney bleedings were noted. Despite a possible tolerance due to long term SC use, a TSS of 3 was assigned. In case 2, an acute heroin intoxication occurred and a contributory role (TSS = 1) of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was suggested. In case 3, a prisoner was found dead. GC–MS analysis of herbal blends, retrieved in his cell together with paraphernalia, confirmed the presence of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE and a causative role was deemed probable (TSS = 2). In case 4, the aspiration of gastric content due to a SC-induced coma was observed (TSS = 3).Conclusions5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE is an emerging and extremely potent SC which raises serious public health concerns. A comprehensive analysis of circumstantial, clinical, and postmortem findings, as well as an in-depth toxicological analysis is necessary for a valid interpretation and for the assessment of the toxicological significance.
Simulation on hydrodynamics of non-spherical particulate system using a drag coefficient correlation based on artificial neural network
Authors: Yan Sheng-Nan , Wang Tian-Yu , Tang Tian-Qi , Ren An-Xing , He Yu-Rong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFluidization of non-spherical particles is very common in petroleum engineering. Understanding the complex phenomenon of non-spherical particle flow is of great significance. In this paper, coupled with two-fluid model, the drag coefficient correlation based on artificial neural network was applied in the simulations of a bubbling fluidized bed filled with non-spherical particles. The simulation results were compared with the experimental data from the literature. Good agreement between the experimental data and the simulation results reveals that the modified drag model can accurately capture the interaction between the gas phase and solid phase. Then, several cases of different particles, including tetrahedron, cube, and sphere, together with the nylon beads used in the model validation, were employed in the simulations to study the effect of particle shape on the flow behaviors in the bubbling fluidized bed. Particle shape affects the hydrodynamics of non-spherical particles mainly on microscale. This work can be a basis and reference for the utilization of artificial neural network in the investigation of drag coefficient correlation in the dense gas–solid two-phase flow. Moreover, the proposed drag coefficient correlation provides one more option when investigating the hydrodynamics of non-spherical particles in the gas–solid fluidized bed.
Plasma biomarkers of astrocytic and neuronal dysfunction in early‐ and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Elahi Fanny M. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , La Joie Renaud , Walters Samantha M. , Harvey Danielle , Wolf Amy , Edwards Lauren , Rivera‐Contreras Wilfredo , Karydas Anna , Cobigo Yann , Rosen Howard J. , DeCarli Charles , Miller Bruce L. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Kramer Joel H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated plasma proteomic markers of astrocytopathy, brain degeneration, plasticity, and inflammation in sporadic early‐onset versus late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD and LOAD).MethodsPlasma was analyzed using ultra‐sensitive immuno‐based assays from 33 EOAD, 30 LOAD, and 36 functionally normal older adults.ResultsPrinciple component analyses identified 3 factors: trophic (BDNF, VEGF, TGFβ), degenerative (GFAP, NfL), and inflammatory (TNFα, IL‐6, IP‐10, IL‐10). Trophic factor was elevated in both AD groups and associated with cognition and gray matter volumes. Degenerative factor was elevated in EOAD, with higher levels associated with worse functioning in this group. Biomarkers of inflammation were not significantly different between groups and were only associated with age.DisucssionPlasma proteomic biomarkers provide novel means of investigating molecular processes in vivo and their contributions to clinical outcomes. We present initial investigations of several of these fluid biomarkers, capturing aspects of astrocytopathy, neuronal injury, cellular plasticity, and inflammation in EOAD versus LOAD.