bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape morphing and topology optimization of fluid channels by explicit boundary tracking
Authors: Zhou Mingdong , Lian Haojie , Sigmund Ole , Aage Niels 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAn integrated shape morphing and topology optimization approach based on the deformable simplicial complex methodology is developed to address Stokes and Navier‐Stokes flow problems. The optimized geometry is interpreted by a set of piecewise linear curves embedded in a well‐formed triangular mesh, resulting in a physically well‐defined interface between fluid and impermeable regions. The shape evolution is realized by deforming the curves while maintaining a high‐quality mesh through adaption of the mesh near the structural boundary, rather than performing global remeshing. Topological changes are allowed through hole merging or splitting of islands. The finite element discretization used provides smooth and stable optimized boundaries for simple energy dissipation objectives. However, for more advanced problems, boundary oscillations are observed due to conflicts between the objective function and the minimum length scale imposed by the meshing algorithm. A surface regularization scheme is introduced to circumvent this issue, which is specifically tailored for the deformable simplicial complex approach. In contrast to other filter‐based regularization techniques, the scheme does not introduce additional control variables, and at the same time, it is based on a rigorous sensitivity analysis. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.
The neural underpinnings of cross‐cultural differences in creativity
Authors: Ivancovsky Tal , Kleinmintz Oded , Lee Joo , Kurman Jenny , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWhereas Western individualistic cultures emphasize uniqueness, collectivistic East‐Asian cultures discourage it. Here we examined whether cross‐cultural differences in creativity as measured by a task of divergent thinking (DT) are explained by enhanced activity in brain regions that mediate inhibitory control (e.g., the left inferior frontal gyrus [L‐IFG]). We therefore predicted that the L‐IFG would be “hyperactive” among individuals from East‐Asian cultures compared to Western ones. In Study 1, Israeli and South Korean participants were compared on a classic DT task (AUT; “Alternate uses: Manual of instructions and interpretation”). Israelis generated more original ideas compared to South Koreans. In Study 2, Israeli participants and South Korean participants currently living in Israel were scanned while performing the AUT. In line with previous studies, the results indicate that generation of original ideas across cultures is associated with activation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), which is part of the default mode network (DMN). As hypothesized, South Koreans showed enhanced activation of the L‐IFG compared to Israelis. This enhanced activation was associated with lower originality scores. The cultural dimension of traditionalism, being higher in the South Korean sample than in the Israeli Sample, was related to enhance L‐IFG activity, further supporting our hypothesis regarding cultural influences on inhibitory control. Furthermore, functional connectivity analysis indicated that activation of the L‐IFG was positively coupled with PCC activity among Israelis and with preSMA activity among South Koreans. The results suggest that cross‐cultural differences in creativity might be explained by variations in inhibitory control.
MiR‐5702 suppresses proliferation and invasion in non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells via posttranscriptional suppression of ZEB1
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Xue Qidi , Xu Zhongling , Lu Cuilian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMiRNAs have emerged as important players in tumorigenesis and progression. MiR‐5702 is a newly identified miRNA; the exact role of which has not been reported. Here, we found that miR‐5702 was significantly decreased in the carcinoma tissues of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and NSCLC cell lines. Then, our results showed that the miR‐5702 mimic induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and invasion in A549 cells. In contrast, the miR‐5702 inhibitor reduced apoptosis and increased proliferation and invasion in A549 cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics and 3′‐UTR luciferase reporter assays identified that oncogene zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a target gene of miR‐5702. Western blotting analysis showed that miR‐5702 overexpression suppressed, and miR‐5702 knockdown promoted the expression of ZEB1 protein. Finally, the ZEB1 siRNA exhibited a similar effect to the miR‐5702 mimic on expression of ZEB1 and its downstream genes, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell invasion, and it could antagonize the alternations in ZEB1 expression and cell behaviors by the miR‐5702 inhibitor. In conclusion, miR‐5702 may function as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC, which suppresses proliferation and invasion NSCLC cells via posttranscriptional suppression of ZEB1.
Diversity of piRNA expression patterns during the ontogeny of the German cockroach
Authors: Llonga Natalia , Ylla Guillem , Bau Josep , Belles Xavier , Piulachs Maria‐Dolors 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Piwi‐interacting RNA (piRNA) system is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involved in the control of transposable elements and maintenance of genomic stability, especially in germ line cells and in early embryo stages. However, relevant particularities, both in mechanism and function, exist across species among metazoans and even within the insect class. As a member of the scarcely studied hemimetabolan group, Blattella germanica can be a suitable reference model to study insect evolution. We present the results of a stringent process of identification and study of expressed piRNAs for B. germanica across 11 developmental stages, ranging from unfertilized egg to nymphs and adult female. Our results confirm the dual origin of piRNA in this species, with a majority of them being generated from the primary pathway, and a smaller but highly expressed set of sequences participating in the secondary (“ping‐pong”) reamplification pathway. An intriguing partial complementarity in expression is observed between the piRNA of the two biogenesis pathways, with those generated in the secondary pathway being quite restricted to early embryo stages. In addition, many piRNAs are exclusively expressed in late embryo and nymphal stages. These observations point at piRNA functions beyond the role of transposon control in early embryogenesis. Our work supports the view of a more complex scenario, with different sets of piRNAs acting in different times and having a range of functions wider than previously thought.
Enhanced lubricity of zinc phosphate coating by stearic acid
Authors: Zhao Hongjin , Cao Lei , Wan Yong , Yang Shuyan , Gao Jianguo , Pu Jibin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThere is a need to reduce the friction and to prevent the galling between the galvanised steel and the shaping tools during the metal working process. Zinc phosphate (ZP) coatings are limitedly used as solid lubricant due to intrinsic high‐friction properties. This investigation explores the use of stearic acid overcoat on ZP coatings to produce surface coatings with low friction and high durability. A simple hydrothermal process was developed to fabricate ZP coatings on zinc. A stearic acid overcoat was then deposited on ZP coatings. Infrared microscopy and water contact angle measurements were used to analyse the chemical composition and the hydrophobicity of modified ZP coatings. The tribological behaviour of modified ZP coatings was evaluated by sliding against a steel ball by using a reciprocating ball‐on‐plate tribotester. Tribological results show that stearic acid overcoat on ZP coatings led to a decreased friction with greatly extended life.
Enhanced Adhesion of Polydimethylsiloxane Using an Interlocked Finger Structure
Authors: An Suyeong , Kim Hyun Jin , Chi Sangwon , Lee Jonghwi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSilicone‐based polymers have been widely used for many applications, but their extremely low surface energies and the resulting poor adhesion have been the cause for continuous problems. Herein, a novel adhesion improvement technique using an interlocked finger structure is demonstrated, which enables up to 24.8 and 7.3‐fold increases in adhesion compared to the untreated and conventional plasma‐treated cases, respectively. The interlocked finger structure is fabricated by surface‐confined dissolution and subsequent directional melt crystallization of a solvent. After removing the solvent crystals, porous surfaces are prepared from polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, and polystyrene, and these are used to fabricate interfaces of interlocked finger structures with polydimethylsiloxane. The improvement in adhesion strength linearly depends on the pore depth of the prepared surfaces. This novel technique of surface adhesion could improve the performance of polymers with intrinsically poor adhesion in future applications.
Evolution of Morphology of POEGMA‐b‐PBzMA Nano‐Objects Formed by PISA
Authors: Zhang Yaoming , Wang Zongyu , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Pietrasik Joanna 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe evolution of particle morphology occurring during polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) of a block copolymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)‐b‐poly(benzyl methacrylate) (POEGMA‐b‐PBzMA) is studied. A well‐controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization yields nano‐objects with various morphologies: spheres, aggregates, worm‐like structures, and vesicles. A comparison of the morphology of the nano‐objects formed from two different chain‐length stabilizers established that the unreacted monomer played an important role during the morphology transitions, which is contrary to previous observations. In addition, morphology evolution to higher‐order structures could be attained simply by extending the reaction time, after reaching full monomer conversion.
Bounding surface‐based modeling of compacted silty sand exhibiting suction dependent postpeak strain softening
Authors: Patil Ujwalkumar D. , Hoyos Laureano R. , Morvan Mathilde , Puppala Anand J. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis article focuses on modeling the strain hardening‐softening response of statically compacted silty sand as observed from a comprehensive series of suction‐controlled, consolidated‐drained triaxial tests accomplished in a fully automated, double‐walled triaxial test system via the axis‐translation technique. The constitutive model used in this work is based on the theory of Bounding Surface (BS) plasticity and is formulated within a critical state framework. The essential BS model parameters are calibrated using the full set of triaxial test results and then used for predictions of compacted silty sand response at matric suction states varying from 50 to 750 kPa. Complementary simulations using the Barcelona Basic Model have also been included, alongside BS model predictions, in order to get further enlightening insights into some of the main limitations and challenges facing both frameworks within the context of the experimental evidence resulting from the present research effort. In general, irrespective of the value of matric suction applied, the Barcelona Basic Model performs relatively well in predicting response at peak and critical state failure under low net confining pressure while the Bounding Surface Model performs relatively well under high net confining pressures.
A liquid sphere‐inspired physicomimetics approach for multiagent formation control
Authors: Wang Xun , Wang Xiangke , Zhang Daibing , Shen Lincheng 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA liquid sphere‐inspired physicomimetics approach is presented for multiagent formation control. The agents are formulated as a liquid sphere, which is modeled by a virtual spring network. Then, a decentralized controller is obtained for each agent. The stability and convergence are proved. The scalability and flexibility are analyzed. Using the proposed approach, arbitrarily shaped formations can be obtained; and an extra agent can be added to a formation like mixing a drop of liquid into a liquid sphere. By designing extra virtual repulsive forces from obstacles, a formation avoids obstacles like a fluid flowing over obstacles or squeezing through narrow passages. The required number of communication links is N for N agents. The use of physicomimetics makes the approach computationally simple, and the physical meanings of the parameters definite. To illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach, a structural potential function‐based approach is selected as the comparative method. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the liquid sphere‐inspired formation control approach.
Strategic concepts as micro‐level tools in strategic sensemaking
Authors: Jalonen Kari , Schildt Henri , Vaara Eero 
Published: July 2018

Research Summary: The purpose of this article is to illuminate the role of concepts in strategic sensemaking. Based on a longitudinal real‐time study of a city organization, we demonstrate how the concept of “self‐responsibility” played a crucial role in strategic sensemaking. We develop a theoretical model that elucidates how strategic concepts are used in meaning‐making, and how such concepts may be mobilized for the legitimation of strategic change. Our main contribution is to offer strategic concepts as a missing micro‐level component of the language‐based view of strategic processes and practices. By so doing, our analysis also adds to studies on strategic ambiguity and advances research on vocabularies.Managerial Summary: Our analysis helps to understand the role of strategic concepts, that is, specific words or phrases with established and at least partly shared meanings, in an organization's strategy process. We show how adopting the concept “self‐responsibility” helped managers in a city organization to make sense of environmental challenges and to promote change. Our analysis highlights how such concepts involve ambiguity that can help managers to establish common ground, but can also hinder implementation of specific decisions and actions if it grows over time. We suggest that under environmental changes, development of new strategic concepts may be crucial in helping managers to collectively deal with environmental changes and to articulate a new strategic direction for the organization.
Biosafe, Eco‐Friendly Levan Polysaccharide toward Transient Electronics
Authors: Kwon Ki Yoon , Lee Ju Seung , Ko Gwan‐Jin , Sunwoo Sung Hyuk , Lee Sori , Jo Young Jin , Choi Chul Hee , Hwang Suk‐Won , Kim Tae‐il 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNew options in the material context of transient electronics are essential to create or expand potential applications and to progress in the face of technological challenges. A soft, transparent, and cost‐effective polymer of levan polysaccharide that is capable of complete, programmable dissolution is described when immersed in water and implanted in an animal model. The results include chemical analysis, the kinetics of hydrolysis, and adjustable dissolution rates of levan, and a simple theoretical model of reactive diffusion governed by temperature. In vivo experiments of the levan represent nontoxicity and biocompatibility without any adverse reactions. On‐demand, selective control of dissolution behaviors with an animal model demonstrates an effective triggering strategy to program the system's lifetime, providing the possibility of potential applications in envisioned areas such as bioresorbable electronic implants and drug release systems.
Optical In‐Coupling in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Park Yoonseok , Vandewal Koen , Leo Karl 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrganic photovoltaics have many unique properties, such as flexibility, transparency, and low weight, which allows novel applications to be addressed. A remaining challenge is to increase the power conversion efficiencies into the range that is offered by conventional inorganic photovoltaics. Due to the limited transport properties of organic materials, organic solar cells are rather thin, so that it is important to efficiently funnel light into the absorbing layers. Here, methods to improve the optical in‐coupling in organic solar cells are reviewed.
Eriobotrya japonica ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast and in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Chiang Jui‐Ting , Badrealam Khan Farheen , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Huang Chih‐Yang , Chen Bih‐Cheng , Lin Yueh‐Min , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEriobotrya japonica (EJ) is a traditional Chinese plant with high medicinal value. EJ extracts are reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory biological attributes. The current study aims to evaluate the prospective efficacy of E. japonica leave extract (EJLE) against Angiotensin‐II induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). For the in vitro studies, Angiotensin‐II pretreated H9c2 cells were treated with EJLE and analyzed through Western blotting and rhodamine phalloidin staining for their cardio‐protective attributes. In the in vivo studies, 12‐week‐old SHRs were randomly divided into groups: SHRs supplemented with EJLE, control SHR group supplemented with PBS; in addition, a control group of Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) was also employed. All rats were supplemented twice a week for 8 week time interval. Finally, echocardiography, morphological, histology, and Western blot analysis were performed to assess their role against cardiac hypertrophy. Interestingly, we could observe that supplementation of EJLE could rescue Ang‐II induced cardiac hypertrophy as evident through Western blot, rhodamine phalloidin staining, and Hematoxylin‐Eosin staining. Notably, morphological and echocardiography data provided further supports for their ability to ameliorate cardiac characteristics. Cumulatively, the results clearly suggests that supplementation of EJLE promotes cardio‐protective effects through amelioration of cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo.
A national serosurvey to determine the prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle in Bhutan following detection of clinical cases
Authors: Gurung Ratna B. , Begg Douglas J. , Whittington Richard J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractJohne's disease is an economically important ruminant disease predominantly affecting cattle, sheep and goats. The economic losses are due to early culling, reduced growth rate, progressive weight loss and reduced production. It is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Johne's disease was reported in cattle in Bhutan, based on clinical signs and histopathology; in the late 1990s samples from one mithun that was suspected to have died due to this disease was confirmed by molecular testing at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia. However, no detailed study on prevalence of JD has been attempted in Bhutan. Objective of this study was to conduct serosurveillance to determine the national prevalence of Johne's disease in cattle for the period 2013–2014 to provide the basis for planning a future control strategy. A national serosurvey was conducted wherein a two‐stage sampling procedure was used with 95% confidence and an error level of ±0.05. The sample size required for the survey was calculated using the software‐Survey Toolbox for Livestock Diseases, available as Epitools at http://www.ausvet.com.au. A total of 1123 serum samples were collected from an administrative structure of 52 villages, 40 sub‐districts and 15 districts. Serum samples were tested using commercially available antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0. Illustration such as maps was produced using QGIS version 2.18 ‘Las Palmas. The mean national apparent prevalence of Johne's disease was found to be 2.31 (26/1123) (95% CI: 0.80–4.50) with an estimated true prevalence was found to be 8.00 (95% CI: 2.00–17.00). Trongsa district had the highest prevalence (12.96) followed by Zhemgang (4.34), Lhuntse (4.25), Sarpang (3.89), Bumthang (3.60), Trashigang (2.67) and Haa (2.63). Prevalence for all other districts was 2.00 or below. Seropositive samples were reported from all over the country with varying levels of sero‐positivity. In the recent past many more cattle were imported from India to boost dairy production. Nevertheless, the wide distribution of seroreactive JD cattle all over the country is a concern for future control. Therefore, in future, a detailed study on the impact of cattle import with regard to disease incursion such as Johne's disease and other diseases should be undertaken.
On the viability of regular black holes
Authors: Carballo-Rubio Raúl , Di Filippo Francesco , Liberati Stefano , Pacilio Costantino , Visser Matt 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe evaporation of black holes raises a number of conceptual issues, most of them related to the final stages of evaporation, where the interplay between the central singularity and Hawking radiation cannot be ignored. Regular models of black holes replace the central singularity with a nonsingular spacetime region, in which an effective classical geometric description is available. It has been argued that these models provide an effective, but complete, description of the evaporation of black holes at all times up to their eventual disappearance. However, here we point out that known models fail to be self-consistent: the regular core is exponentially unstable against perturbations with a finite timescale, while the evaporation time is infinite, therefore making the instability impossible to prevent. We also discuss how to overcome these difficulties, highlighting that this can be done only at the price of accepting that these models cannot be fully predictive regarding the final stages of evaporation.
Bayesian Estimation of Age-Specific Mortality and Life Expectancy for Small Areas With Defective Vital Records
Authors: Schmertmann Carl P. , Gonzaga Marcos R. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
High sampling variability complicates estimation of demographic rates in small areas. In addition, many countries have imperfect vital registration systems, with coverage quality that varies significantly between regions. We develop a Bayesian regression model for small-area mortality schedules that simultaneously addresses the problems of small local samples and underreporting of deaths. We combine a relational model for mortality schedules with probabilistic prior information on death registration coverage derived from demographic estimation techniques, such as Death Distribution Methods, and from field audits by public health experts. We test the model on small-area data from Brazil. Incorporating external estimates of vital registration coverage though priors improves small-area mortality estimates by accounting for underregistration and automatically producing measures of uncertainty. Bayesian estimates show that when mortality levels in small areas are compared, noise often dominates signal. Differences in local point estimates of life expectancy are often small relative to uncertainty, even for relatively large areas in a populous country like Brazil.
Hessian estimates for convex solutions to quadratic Hessian equation
Authors: McGonagle Matt , Song Chong , Yuan Yu 
Published: July 2018

We derive Hessian estimates for convex solutions to quadratic Hessian equation by compactness argument.

Résumé
Nous dérivons des estimations de Hessian pour des solutions convexes à l'équation de Hessian quadratique par argument de compacité.