bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mode feedback control strategy for continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with controllable mode transition rate matrix
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Jin 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates mode feedback control strategy for continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with controllable mode transition rate matrix (MTRM). Based on the fact that system stability as well as its performance is dependent on MTRM, a mode feedback controller is proposed to perform control on MTRM such that system stability is achieved. Meanwhile, this strategy can help to improve system performance since it can adjust the occurrence probability of each subsystem. Firstly, taking into account that MTRM will totally determine system stability in absence of state feedback controller, the existence and restrictions on mode feedback controller are discussed where two cases are included. Then, based on a quadratic stabilization cost function that is a combination of state cost and control cost, a feasible solution of mode feedback control strategy is then obtained with its detailed algorithm given. Simulation results including comparisons with current state feedback mechanism are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The epidemic of abnormal copy number variant cases missed because of reliance upon noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Evans Mark I. , Andriole Stephanie , Curtis Jenifer , Evans Shara M. , Kessler Alan A. , Rubenstein Andrew F. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the implications of increasing utilization of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), which may reach 50% with the concomitant decrease in diagnostic procedures (DPs) for its impact on detection of chromosomal abnormalities.MethodsWe studied our program's statistics over 5 years for DPs and utilization of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). We then modeled the implications in our program if DP had not fallen and nationally of a 50% DP and aCGH testing rate using well‐vetted expectations for the diagnosis of abnormal copy number variants (CNVs).ResultsOur DP fell 40% from 2013‐2017. Utilization of aCGH for DP nearly tripled. We detected 28 abnormal CNVs. If DP had not fallen, we likely would have detected 60. With 4 million US births per year, 2 million DPs would detect 30 000 abnormal CNVs and 4000 standard aneuploidies. At a 1/500 complication—pregnancy loss rate, the detection/complication ratio is 8.5/1.ConclusionsNoninvasive prenatal screening has significantly changed the practice of prenatal screening. However, while increasing the detection of Down syndrome, the concomitant decrease in DP and lack of aCGH results in missing many more abnormalities than the increase in Down syndrome and complications of DP combined. From a public health perspective, such represents a missed opportunity for overall health care delivery.
On the description of the environment polarization response to electronic transitions
Authors: Guido Ciro A. , Caprasecca Stefano 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper addresses the issue of accurately describing the structures and properties of electronically excited systems embedded in an environment, through multiscale approaches combining quantum‐mechanical (QM) and polarizable classical representations of the system and environment, respectively. Such approaches represent an efficient strategy and allow to effectively study the excited states of molecular systems in the condensed phase, still maintaining the computational efficiency and the physical reliability of the ground‐state calculations. The most important theoretical and computational aspects of the coupling between the QM system and the polarizable environment are presented and discussed. Even if these approaches already reached an evident degree of maturity, they can still be subject to further development, in order to achieve their full potential. This perspective presents an overview of the state of the art of these strategies, showing the fields of applicability and indicating the current limitations, which need to be overcome in future developments.
Comparative degradation between heavy and light crude oil mediated by nitrogen‐induced cell‐surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Kok Kee Wong , Hamzah Ainon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA bacterial strain UKMP‐10M2 isolated from a Malaysian petroleum refinery was able to degrade 84% of heavy Khafji sour crude and 68% of light Tapis sweet crude within seven days. Analysis of gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector chromatograms show the strain UKMP‐10M2 degraded up to 90% pristane and 50% phytane in heavy crude, but significantly lower pristane (50%) and phytane (30%) were degraded from the light crude. A mixture of aliphatic hexadecane and three‐ring phenanthrene better supported the growth of isolate UKMP‐10M2 compared to using phenanthrene alone, suggesting cometabolism influenced how crude oil with different individual hydrocarbon contents affected the degradation. Peptone as the source of nitrogen increases the emulsifying index in UKMP‐10M2 exposed to heavy Khafji sour crude 20% higher than in light Tapis sweet crude. However, BATH assay showed the same nitrogen source increases bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity of UKMP‐10M2 up to 14% higher in light Tapis crude oil compared to heavy Khafji. This study suggest the nitrogen source plays a decisive role in elevating UKMP‐10M2 bacterial cells hydrophobicity, and in correlation with types of crude oil. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence results identified the strain to be Rhodococcus ruber.
Measuring the human right to water: An assessment of compliance indicators
Authors: Schiff Jennifer 
Published: September 2018

According to the United Nations, over a billion people lack access to clean drinking water. As a call to action regarding deficient water availability, the UN has recognized formally the prescriptive norm of a “human right to water” within treaty legislation for over a decade. The right to water requires states to ensure that water is available, accessible, safe, affordable, and acceptable, but little consensus exists regarding the conditions that constitute adequate compliance with this norm. In general, structural, process, and outcome indicators are considered to be the benchmark of right to water compliance, but these terms remain ambiguously defined on the international level, which leaves states without a specific national roadmap for compliance. This analysis attempts to clarify the confusion surrounding right to water indicators by (a) explaining the historical context behind the creation of each distinct type of indicator for water access, (b) reviewing the salient literature on human rights compliance, and (c) reflecting critically on the utility of the existing indicator matrix. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that structural, process, and outcome indicators are necessary, but insufficient on their own to determine whether a state has complied with its human right to water obligations. As an alternative, a move to integrate the existing indicator categories in order to evaluate a state's capacity to provide the human right to water may serve as a more effective tool assessing how able states are to provide a right domestically to which they may have agreed internationally.This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water
Human Water > Methods
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Combined effect of boundary layer formation and surface smoothing on friction and wear rate of lubricated point contacts during normal running-in processes
Authors: Zhang Yazhao , Kovalev Alexander , Meng Yonggang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe combined effect of boundary layer formation and surface smoothing on friction and wear rate of metallic surfaces under lubricated point contact condition was investigated. The double trend of friction coefficient variations was revealed during running-in and sub-running-in processes. The evolution of surface topography was measured on-site using white-light interference profilometer and analyzed using bearing area curves. Comprehensive theoretical equations that explicitly express the contributions of boundary friction, adhesive friction and wear have been derived, and results obtained by these equations were compared with experimental observations. It is concluded that the theoretical models are quantitatively adequate to describe the combined effect of surface smoothing due to mechanical wear and formation of boundary films on the changes in friction and wear rate during normal running-in processes.
Robust optimal usage modeling of product systems for environmental sustainability
Authors: Ma Jungmok 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Proper modeling of the usage phase in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is not only critical due to its high impact among life cycle phases but also challenging due to high variations and uncertainty. Furthermore, when multiple products can be utilized, the optimal product usage should be considered together. The robust optimal usage modeling is proposed in this paper as the framework of usage modeling for LCA with consideration of the uncertainty and optimal usage. The proposed method seeks to optimal product usage in order to minimize the environmental impact of the usage phase under uncertainty. Numerical examples demonstrate the application of the robust optimal usage modeling and the difference from the previous approaches.
Highlights The robust optimal usage modeling is proposed for the usage modeling of LCA. The proposed model seeks to sustainable product usage under uncertainty. Numerical examples demonstrate the difference from the previous approaches.
Amyloid‐associated increases in longitudinal report of subjective cognitive complaints
Authors: Amariglio Rebecca E. , Buckley Rachel F. , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Marshall Gad A. , Johnson Keith A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionTo investigate whether baseline subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) predict longitudinal decline on neuropsychological testing and whether SCC increases longitudinally, in the setting of high levels of amyloid burden.MethodsTwo hundred seventy‐nine clinically normal older participants (mean age = 73.7 ± 6.1 years) from the Harvard Aging Brain Study, a cohort of community‐dwelling individuals, were followed longitudinally (4.27 ± 1.35 years) with annual subjective memory questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment. 11C Pittsburgh compound‐B positron emission tomography was used to measure cortical amyloid and to classify status (Aβ+/Aβ−) at baseline.ResultsHigher baseline SCC predicted more rapid cognitive decline on neuropsychological measures among those with elevated amyloid (t = −2.18, P < .0001). In addition, longitudinal report of SCC significantly increased over time, with SCC progression most pronounced among Aβ+ individuals (t = 2.24, P = .0005).DiscussionSCC may inform risk for future cognitive decline and track progression of self‐perceived decline, particularly in those along the AD trajectory, providing potentially important indicators of clinical meaningfulness in AD prevention trials.
The surgical management of bilateral facial paralysis: case report
Authors: Hardy A , Muzaffar J , Kumar R , Irving R 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundUnilateral total facial palsy is a debilitating condition that can affect an individual's physical, social and emotional wellbeing. When this occurs bilaterally, the severity of impact is extreme, with significant cosmetic disfigurement and functional morbidity. A variety of facial reanimation techniques have been used for unilateral facial weakness of varying House–Brackmann grades, and these are also applicable in bilateral cases. In bilateral cases, it is difficult to gauge successful improvement in comparison to the contralateral side, which also is afflicted.Case reportThis paper presents our experience with a bilateral facial paralysis patient who had a complex otological history. The patient, who presented with bilateral debilitating grade VI facial palsy, achieved a good result from bilateral facial reanimation with sequential hypoglossal–facial anastomosis. This is considered a reasonable option in cases of bilateral facial paralysis.
Compensation or Social Investment? Revisiting the Link between Globalisation and Popular Demand for the Welfare State
Authors: BUSEMEYER MARIUS R. , GARRITZMANN JULIAN L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe debate on effects of globalisation on welfare states is extensive. Often couched in terms of a battle between the compensation and the efficiency theses, the scholarly literature has provided contradictory arguments and findings. This article contributes to the scholarly debate by exploring in greater detail the micro-level foundations of compensation theory. More specifically, we distinguish between individual policy preferences for compensatory social policies (unemployment insurance) and human capital-focused social investment policies (education), and expect globalisation to mainly affect demand for educational investment. A multi-level analysis of International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) survey data provides empirical support for this hypothesis. This finding provides an important revision and extension of the classical analytical perspective of compensation theory, because it shows that citizens value the social investment function of the welfare state above and beyond simple compensation via social transfers. This might be particularly relevant in today's skill-centred knowledge economies.
Speed dependent descending control of freezing behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zacarias Ricardo , Namiki Shigehiro , Card Gwyneth M. , Vasconcelos Maria Luisa , Moita Marta A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe most fundamental choice an animal has to make when it detects a threat is whether to freeze, reducing its chances of being noticed, or to flee to safety. Here we show that Drosophila melanogaster exposed to looming stimuli in a confined arena either freeze or flee. The probability of freezing versus fleeing is modulated by the fly’s walking speed at the time of threat, demonstrating that freeze/flee decisions depend on behavioral state. We describe a pair of descending neurons crucially implicated in freezing. Genetic silencing of DNp09 descending neurons disrupts freezing yet does not prevent fleeing. Optogenetic activation of both DNp09 neurons induces running and freezing in a state-dependent manner. Our findings establish walking speed as a key factor in defensive response choices and reveal a pair of descending neurons as a critical component in the circuitry mediating selection and execution of freezing or fleeing behaviors.
STAT3-coordinated migration facilitates the dissemination of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Pan Yi-Ru , Chen Chih-Cheng , Chan Yu-Tien , Wang Hsiao-Jung , Chien Fan-Tso , Chen Yeng-Long , Liu Jing-Lan , Yang Muh-Hwa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe motile characteristics and mechanisms that drive the dissemination of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are elusive. Here, we show that DLBCL initiates dissemination through activating STAT3-mediated amoeboid migration. Mechanistically, STAT3 activates RHOH transcription, which competes with the RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor RhoGDIγ to activate RhoA. In addition, activated STAT3 regulates microtubule dynamics and releases ARHGEF2 to activate RhoA. Both the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib and the microtubule stabilizer Taxol suppress DLBCL cell dissemination in vivo. A clinical DLBCL sample analysis shows that STAT3-driven amoeboid movement is particularly important for the transition from stage I to stage II. This study elucidates the mechanism of DLBCL dissemination and progression and highlights the potential of combating advanced DLBCL with a JAK/STAT inhibitor or microtubule stabilizer to reduce DLBCL motility; these findings may have a great impact on the development of patient-tailored treatments for DLBCL.
Seismic imaging and petrology explain highly explosive eruptions of Merapi Volcano, Indonesia
Authors: Widiyantoro S. , Ramdhan M. , Métaxian J.-P. , Cummins P. R. , Martel C. , Erdmann S. , Nugraha A. D. , Budi-Santoso A. , Laurin A. , Fahmi A. A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOur seismic tomographic images characterize, for the first time, spatial and volumetric details of the subvertical magma plumbing system of Merapi Volcano. We present P- and S-wave arrival time data, which were collected in a dense seismic network, known as DOMERAPI, installed around the volcano for 18 months. The P- and S-wave arrival time data with similar path coverage reveal a high Vp/Vs structure extending from a depth of ≥20 km below mean sea level (MSL) up to the summit of the volcano. Combined with results of petrological studies, our seismic tomography data allow us to propose: (1) the existence of a shallow zone of intense fluid percolation, directly below the summit of the volcano; (2) a main, pre-eruptive magma reservoir at ≥ 10 to 20 km below MSL that is orders of magnitude larger than erupted magma volumes; (3) a deep magma reservoir at MOHO depth which supplies the main reservoir; and (4) an extensive, subvertical fluid-magma-transfer zone from the mantle to the surface. Such high-resolution spatial constraints on the volcano plumbing system as shown are an important advance in our ability to forecast and to mitigate the hazard potential of Merapi’s future eruptions.
Prenatal testosterone does not explain sex differences in spatial ability
Authors: Toivainen Teemu , Pannini Giulia , Papageorgiou Kostas A. , Malanchini Margherita , Rimfeld Kaili , Shakeshaft Nicholas , Kovas Yulia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe most consistent sex differences in cognition are found for spatial ability, in which males, on average, outperform females. Utilizing a twin design, two studies have shown that females with male co-twins perform better than females with female co-twins on a mental rotation task. According to the Twin Testosterone Transfer hypothesis (TTT) this advantage is due to in-uterine transmission of testosterone from males to females. The present study tested the TTT across 14 different spatial ability measures, including mental rotation tasks, in a large sample of 19–21-year-old twins. Males performed significantly better than females on all spatial tasks, with effect sizes ranging from η2 = 0.02 to η2 = 0.16. Females with a male co-twin outperformed females with a female co-twin in two of the tasks. The effect sizes for both differences were negligible (η2 < 0.02). Contrary to the previous studies, our results gave no indication that prenatally transferred testosterone, from a male to a female twin, influences sex differences in spatial ability.
A power-free, parallel loading microfluidic reactor array for biochemical screening
Authors: Liu Yanwu , Li Gang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a power-free, self-contained microfluidic device in which a number of nanoliter-sized droplets can be parallelly and accurately metered and mixed for high-throughput analysis and/or portable systems. In this system, the absorption of air by pre-degassed PDMS and the change of capillary force due to sudden narrowing of the channel cross-section provide the mechanism for actuating, metering and mixing the flow of fluid in the microfluidic channels and chambers. With an array of channels and capillary valves combined with an array of pre-degassed PDMS pump chambers, the device can perform multiple liquid dispensing and mixing in parallel, and its performance and reproducibility are also evaluated. As a practical application, the proposed device is used to screen crystallization conditions of lysozyme. This device needs neither external power nor complex instruments for fluid handling. Thus, it offers an easy-to-use, inexpensive and power-free way to perform multiple nanoliter-volume distinct reactions in parallel format and should be ideally suitable for individual laboratories for various applications such as enzyme assay, protein crystallization, drug discovery, and combinatorial chemistry.
The lineage-specific, intrinsically disordered N-terminal extension of monothiol glutaredoxin 1 from trypanosomes contains a regulatory region
Authors: Sturlese Mattia , Manta Bruno , Bertarello Andrea , Bonilla Mariana , Lelli Moreno , Zambelli Barbara , Grunberg Karin , Mammi Stefano , Comini Marcelo A. , Bellanda Massimo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlutaredoxins (Grx) are small proteins conserved throughout all the kingdoms of life that are engaged in a wide variety of biological processes and share a common thioredoxin-fold. Among them, class II Grx are redox-inactive proteins involved in iron-sulfur (FeS) metabolism. They contain a single thiol group in their active site and use low molecular mass thiols such as glutathione as ligand for binding FeS-clusters. In this study, we investigated molecular aspects of 1CGrx1 from the pathogenic parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei, a mitochondrial class II Grx that fulfills an indispensable role in vivo. Mitochondrial 1CGrx1 from trypanosomes differs from orthologues in several features including the presence of a parasite-specific N-terminal extension (NTE) whose role has yet to be elucidated. Previously we have solved the structure of a truncated form of 1CGrx1 containing only the conserved glutaredoxin domain but lacking the NTE. Our aim here is to investigate the effect of the NTE on the conformation of the protein. We therefore solved the NMR structure of the full-length protein, which reveals subtle but significant differences with the structure of the NTE-less form. By means of different experimental approaches, the NTE proved to be intrinsically disordered and not involved in the non-redox dependent protein dimerization, as previously suggested. Interestingly, the portion comprising residues 65–76 of the NTE modulates the conformational dynamics of the glutathione-binding pocket, which may play a role in iron-sulfur cluster assembly and delivery. Furthermore, we disclosed that the class II-strictly conserved loop that precedes the active site is critical for stabilizing the protein structure. So far, this represents the first communication of a Grx containing an intrinsically disordered region that defines a new protein subgroup within class II Grx.
MIgGGly (mouse IgG glycosylation analysis) - a high-throughput method for studying Fc-linked IgG N-glycosylation in mice with nanoUPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Zaytseva Olga O. , Jansen Bas C. , Hanić Maja , Mrčela Mia , Razdorov Genadij , Stojković Ranko , Erhardt Julija , Brizić Ilija , Jonjić Stipan , Pezer Marija , Lauc Gordan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractImmunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation is crucial for its effector functions. It is a complex trait, and large sample sets are needed to discover multiple genetic factors that underlie it. While in humans such high-throughput studies of IgG N-glycans became usual, only one has been carried out in mice. Here we describe and validate a method for the relative quantification of IgG Fc-linked N-glycans in a subclass-specific manner using nano-reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (nanoRP-LC-MS) applied to murine IgG. High-throughput data processing is ensured by the LaCyTools software. We have shown that IgG isolation procedure is the main source of technical variation in the current protocol. The major glycoforms were quantified reliably with coefficients of variation below 6% for all the analytes with relative abundances above 5%. We have applied our method to a sample set of 3 inbred strains: BALB/c, C57BL/6 and C3H and observed differences in subclass-specific and strain-specific N-glycosylation of IgG, suggesting a significant genetic component in the regulation of Fc-linked IgG N-glycosylation.