bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melt‐mixed carbon nanotubes/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Dutta Kingshuk 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article reviews the recent development in performance and fabrication of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐based polymer nanocomposites synthesized by melt‐mixed process. CNTs have attracted enormous attention, since its presence (even in low concentration) causes drastic improvements in the mechanical and electrical properties of several polymer composites. It is suggested that the dispersion state of CNTs within polymer matrices is dictated by the cohesive strength of the CNTs “agglomerates.” Based on this suggestion, this review involves an in‐depth investigation on the origin of this CNTs “agglomerates” when present within polymer matrices. Attempts have also been done to investigate and correlate the varying extent of CNTs “agglomerates” in different polymer matrices. It is considered that the extent of dispersion of CNTs “agglomerates” depends on the interfacial interaction between the two phases, difference in their melt viscosities, and types of CNTs, compatibilizer and modifier used. A comprehensive study has been done on the effect of processing parameters used during melt‐mixing process; functionalization of CNTs, and the effect of compatibilizers and modifier on the final properties and morphology. Herein, an attempt has been done to study the correlation between the synthetic procedure, developed structure, and observed properties of nanocomposites of polymers and CNTs.
The Generation of a Comprehensive Spectral Library for the Analysis of the Guinea Pig Proteome by SWATH‐MS
Authors: Palmowski Pawel , Watson Rachael , Europe‐Finner G. Nicholas , Karolczak‐Bayatti Magdalena , Porter Andrew , Treumann Achim , Taggart Michael J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdvances in liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry have facilitated the incorporation of proteomic studies to many biology experimental workflows. Data‐independent acquisition platforms, such as sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH‐MS), offer several advantages for label‐free quantitative assessment of complex proteomes over data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) approaches. However, SWATH data interpretation requires spectral libraries as a detailed reference resource. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is an excellent experimental model for translation to many aspects of human physiology and disease, yet there is limited experimental information regarding its proteome. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive spectral library of the guinea pig proteome is generated. Homogenates and tryptic digests are prepared from 16 tissues and subjected to >200 DDA runs. Analysis of >250 000 peptide‐spectrum matches resulted in a library of 73 594 peptides from 7666 proteins. Library validation is provided by i) analyzing externally derived SWATH files (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.023) and comparing peptide intensity quantifications; ii) merging of externally derived data to the base library. This furnishes the research community with a comprehensive proteomic resource that will facilitate future molecular‐phenotypic studies using (re‐engaging) the guinea pig as an experimental model of relevance to human biology. The spectral library and raw data are freely accessible in the MassIVE repository (MSV000083199).
Structural insights into the recognition of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors by HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase: First crystal structures with reverse transcriptase and the active triphosphate forms of lamivudine and emtricitabine
Authors: Bertoletti Nicole , Chan Albert H. , Schinazi Raymond F. , Yin Y. Whitney , Anderson Karen S. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThe retrovirus HIV‐1 has been a major health issue since its discovery in the early 80s. In 2017, over 37 million people were infected with HIV‐1, of which 1.8 million were new infections that year. Currently, the most successful treatment regimen is the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which consists of a combination of three to four of the current 26 FDA‐approved HIV‐1 drugs. Half of these drugs target the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme that is essential for viral replication. One class of RT inhibitors is nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), a crucial component of the HAART. Once incorporated into DNA, NRTIs function as a chain terminator to stop viral DNA replication. Unfortunately, treatment with NRTIs is sometimes linked to toxicity caused by off‐target side effects. NRTIs may also target the replicative human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (Pol γ), causing long‐term severe drug toxicity. The goal of this work is to understand the discrimination mechanism of different NRTI analogues by RT. Crystal structures and kinetic experiments are essential for the rational design of new molecules that are able to bind selectively to RT and not Pol γ. Structural comparison of NRTI‐binding modes with both RT and Pol γ enzymes highlights key amino acids that are responsible for the difference in affinity of these drugs to their targets. Therefore, the long‐term goal of this research is to develop safer, next generation therapeutics that can overcome off‐target toxicity.
Pyrrolidinium‐based ionic liquids as electrolytes for lithium batteries: A Computational Study
Authors: Asha Suseeladevi , Vijayalakshmi Kunduchi P. , George Benny K. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractElectrochemical windows (ECWs) of the cyclic ammonium based ionic liquids formed by the combination of two common pyrrolidinium cations—N,N‐butylmethyl pyrrolidinum(Pyr14) and N,N‐hexylmethyl pyrrolidinium(Pyr16) and five anions—dicyanamide, trifluoroacetate, fluoromethane sulfonate, bis((trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide were investigated. The ECW of each ionic liquid was obtained from the oxidation and reduction potentials of these ionic liquids with respect to a Li+/Li reference electrode by using thermodynamic cycle method. The work reveals that the ECWs of these ionic liquids are solely decided by the HOMO energy of pairing anions. The ECWs were also computed using HOMO‐LUMO method employing Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory to the second order and M06L methods with a basis set of 6‐31 + G(d, p). The ECW computed using M06L functional with an extended basis set of 6‐311++G(d, p) showed better agreement with experimental values suggesting accurate computation of ECW is possible at lower computational cost.
Real earnings manipulation and future performance: A revisit using quarterly data of firms with debt covenants
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zheng Kenneth 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe investigate the implications of real earnings manipulation (REM) and reversals of REM on firms’ future operating performance using quarterly data of firms with debt covenants. In the presence of debt covenants, firms are under persistent pressure to deliver financial results that exceed the thresholds of the debt covenant requirements. We find that REM is associated with lower future operating performance. More importantly, the reversals of REM in the following quarter have an incremental positive effect on future performance, which largely offsets the negative effect of REM. These results provide new evidence on REM reversals that differs from the existing literature. Instead of interpreting the reversals as an indication of true REM based on their negative association with future performance documented in Vorst (2016), our results suggest that REM reversals may be indicative of firms rewinding REM subsequently, which reduces the REM damage to firms’ future operations.
Should cell‐free DNA testing be used in pregnancy with increased fetal nuchal translucency?
Authors: Miranda J. , Paz y Miño F. , Borobio V. , Badenas C. , Rodriguez‐Revenga L. , Pauta M. , Borrell A. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the frequency of atypical chromosomal and submicroscopic anomalies, as well as fetal structural abnormalities, observed on first‐trimester ultrasound scan in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) thickness > 99th centile, in order to evaluate the suitability of using standard cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing as the sole screening test in these pregnancies.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 226 fetuses with NT > 99th centile at 11–14 weeks' gestation, between January 2013 and December 2017, in a clinical setting in which greater than 95% of pregnant women receive first‐trimester combined screening. All patients underwent genetic testing by means of quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction and chromosomal microarray analysis, mainly in chorionic villus samples. We assessed the theoretical yield of two cfDNA testing models, targeted cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18 and 13) and extended cfDNA (chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and sex chromosomes), and compared it with that of cytogenetic testing and ultrasound assessment in the first and second or third trimesters.ResultsIn the 226 fetuses analyzed, cytogenetic testing revealed 84 (37%) anomalies, including 68 typical aneuploidies (involving chromosomes 13, 18 or 21), six sex chromosome aneuploidies (four cases of monosomy X and two of trisomy X), three clinically relevant atypical chromosomal anomalies (one trisomy 22, one trisomy 21 mosaicism and one unbalanced translocation), five submicroscopic pathogenic variants and two cases with Noonan syndrome. Targeted and extended cfDNA testing would miss at least 12% (10/84) and 19% (16/84), respectively, of genetic anomalies, accounting for 4.4% and 7.1% of the fetuses with an increased NT, respectively. Finally, of the 142 fetuses with no identified genetic anomaly, a major fetal malformation was observed in 15 (10.6%) fetuses at the early anomaly scan, and in 19 (13.4%) in the second or third trimester.ConclusionscfDNA does not appear to be the appropriate genetic test in fetuses with NT > 99th centile, given that it would miss 12–19% of genetic anomalies in this group. Additionally, first‐trimester ultrasound will identify a major structural abnormality in 11% of the fetuses with NT > 99th centile and no genetic anomaly. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
New Fayet-Iliopoulos terms in $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supergravity
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Derendinger Jean-Pierre , Farakos Fotis , Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli Gabriele 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe present a new type of Fayet-Iliopoulos (FI) terms in$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity that do not require the gauging of theR-symmetry. We elaborate on the impact of such terms on the vacuum structure of the$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2theory and compare their properties with the standard Fayet-Iliopoulos terms that arise from gaugings. In particular, we show that, with the use of the new FI terms, models with a single physical$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2vector multiplet can be constructed that give stable de Sitter vacua.
A Nonsmooth Optimization Approach for Hemivariational Inequalities with Applications to Contact Mechanics
Authors: Jureczka Michal , Ochal Anna 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this paper we introduce an abstract nonsmooth optimization problem and prove existence and uniqueness of its solution. We present a numerical scheme to approximate this solution. The theory is later applied to a sample static contact problem describing an elastic body in frictional contact with a foundation. This contact is governed by a nonmonotone friction law with dependence on normal and tangential components of displacement. Finally, computational simulations are performed to illustrate obtained results.
Adaptive basis functions for prototype-based classification of functional data
Authors: Melchert Friedrich , Bani Gabriele , Seiffert Udo , Biehl Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe present a framework for distance-based classification of functional data. We consider the analysis of labeled spectral data and time series by means of generalized matrix relevance learning vector quantization (GMLVQ) as an example. To take advantage of the functional nature, a functional expansion of the input data is considered. Instead of using a predefined set of basis functions for the expansion, a more flexible scheme of an adaptive functional basis is employed. GMLVQ is applied on the resulting functional parameters to solve the classification task. For comparison of the classification, a GMLVQ system is also applied to the raw input data, as well as on data expanded by a different predefined functional basis. Computer experiments show that the methods offer potential to improve classification performance significantly. Furthermore, the analysis of the adapted set of basis functions give further insights into the data structure and yields an option for a drastic reduction of dimensionality.
Predictors of Dropout in Disordered Gamblers in UK Residential Treatment
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Murphy Raegan , Turner John , Sharman Steve 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWithin the cohort of individuals who seek treatment for disordered gambling, over half fail to complete treatment. The current study sought to identify predictors of treatment dropout in a sample of gamblers attending a residential treatment facility for disordered gamblers in the UK and to report differences in voluntary and enforced dropout. Data on 658 gamblers seeking residential treatment with the Gordon Moody Association (GMA) was analysed, collected between 2000 and 2015. Measurements included demographic data, self-reported gambling behavior, (including the Problem Gambling Severity Index), mental and physical health status, and a risk assessment. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of treatment termination. Results confirm a high percentage of treatment dropout among disordered gamblers (51.3%). Significant predictors of treatment dropout included older age of the client, higher levels of education, higher levels of debt, online gambling, gambling on poker, shorter duration of treatment, higher depression, experience of previous treatment programmes and medication, and adverse childhood experiences. Within non-completers, significant predictors of enforced dropout included lifetime homelessness, less debt, sports gambling, depression and lifetime smoking. Those who were on a longer treatment programme and had previously received gambling treatment or support were less likely to be asked to leave. Clinicians working in inpatient support need to be aware of the increased psychopathogical and psychosocial problems in those who are at risk of termination and make attempts to retain them in treatment and increase patient compliance.
The glass formation and crystallization studies on iron phosphate–silicate glasses
Authors: Kuczek Justyna , Sułowska Justyna , Lach Radosław , Szumera Magdalena 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe assessment of impact of incorporation of various amount of Fe2O3 at the expense of MgO and CaO on the glassy phase formation and thermal stability exhibited in P2O5–SiO2–K2O–MgO–CaO–Fe2O3 system was carried out. The characteristic temperatures for iron phosphate–silicate glasses and glass-crystalline materials were designated from associated DSC curves. Selected samples were subjected to the process of induced crystallization, and products combined with particular exothermic effects were identified. Combination of DSC, XRD and SEM–EDS methods enabled to collect invaluable data concerning the course of crystallization of not only iron phosphate–silicate glasses subjected to the process of induced crystallization, but also glass-crystalline materials obtained directly through melt-quenched technique. The amount of particular crystalline products associated with selected devitrificates was determined via Rietveld technique. Results of the conducted study indicated that Fe2O3 addition conduces to the decrease in crystallization temperatures and thermal stability which was reflected in calculated values of ΔT and KW parameters. Concomitantly, glass with 20 mol% iron (III) oxide addition exhibited significantly improved, distinctive thermal stability among the materials in the analyzed series. The connection of crystalline phases with gradual alterations in polymerization degree of glass matrix was also established. The performed study is a contribution to the knowledge of iron phosphate glasses family and associated glass-crystalline materials.
In vivo digestibility of six selected fodder species by goats in northern Ghana
Authors: Avornyo F. K. , Partey S. T. , Zougmore R. B. , Asare S. , Agbolosu A. A. , Akufo N. M. , Sowah N. A. , Konlan S. P. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
An in vivo digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of six forages. These were selected indigenous browse species and groundnut haulms in Lawra and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Groundnut haulms served as a control due to its known good digestibility in small ruminants. Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) young castrated billy goats with a mean age of 8 months were used. The average live body weight was 8.9 ± 0.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to the six treatments and replicated five times in a completely randomized design. They were confined in metabolism cages. The adaptation period was 3 weeks after which data was taken for 10 days. The treatments were the leaves and tiny twigs of T1 Annona senegalensis, T2 Ficus gnaphalocarpa, T3 Pericopsis laxiflora, T4 Pterocarpus erinaceus, T5 Afzelia africana, and T6 (control) Arachis hypogaea. Feed intake, faecal matter and urine output were measured. The results indicated that dry matter (DM) contents of the feedstuffs were less than 50% but crude protein (CP) contents were higher than the minimum required for sustaining ruminants. Neutral and acid detergent fibre contents were high, and F. gnaphalocarpa, in particular, contained a higher level of phosphorus (P). The amounts of feed intakes were typical of most fodder species with the exception of P. laxiflora and P. erinaceus, which were lower (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility values were also typical of most fodder species but the digestibility of A. africana fibre appeared to be lower. Nitrogen retention was positive for all test species with the exception of P. laxiflora, which was negative. Mortality was recorded in animals on P. laxiflora, and the rate was high. Pericopsis laxiflora leaves, even though morphologically similar to the leaves of P. erinaceus, were not a suitable fodder. Ficus gnaphalocarpa appeared to be the overall best fodder species in terms of nutrient uptake.
Minimum distance histograms with universal performance guarantees
Authors: Sainudiin Raazesh , Teng Gloria 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe present a data-adaptive multivariate histogram estimator of an unknown density f based on n independent samples from it. Such histograms are based on binary trees called regular pavings (RPs). RPs represent a computationally convenient class of simple functions that remain closed under addition and scalar multiplication. Unlike other density estimation methods, including various regularization and Bayesian methods based on the likelihood, the minimum distance estimate (MDE) is guaranteed to be within an $$L_1$$

L
1

distance bound from f for a given n, no matter what the underlying f happens to be, and is thus said to have universal performance guarantees (Devroye and Lugosi, Combinatorial methods in density estimation. Springer, New York, 2001). Using a form of tree matrix arithmetic with RPs, we obtain the first generic constructions of an MDE, prove that it has universal performance guarantees and demonstrate its performance with simulated and real-world data. Our main contribution is a constructive implementation of an MDE histogram that can handle large multivariate data bursts using a tree-based partition that is computationally conducive to subsequent statistical operations.
The Effects of Surface Heterogeneity Scale on the Flux Imbalance under Free Convection
Authors: Zhou Yanzhao , Li Dan , Li Xin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIt is well known that the available energy (i.e., the net radiation minus the ground heat flux) is often 10–30% larger than the sum of turbulent fluxes measured by the eddy‐covariance method. Although field observations and previous large‐eddy simulation studies have shown that surface heterogeneity can induce flux imbalance, the relationship between the flux imbalance magnitude and the surface heterogeneity scale remains to be investigated in more detail. Here we examine the flux imbalance over landscapes characterized by different surface heterogeneity scales in a dry freely convective boundary layer. We reveal that the flux imbalance initially increases with increasing surface heterogeneity scale. However, when the surface heterogeneity scale becomes larger than the boundary layer height, the surface starts to behave locally homogeneous, which leads to a lower flux imbalance. Based on large‐eddy simulation results, we propose a conceptual model to explain how the domain average flux imbalance is influenced by surface heterogeneity. The flux imbalance is found to be controlled by the ratio of the boundary layer height to the Obukhov length (−zi/L), the integral length scale of vertical velocity (lw), the mean horizontal speed (U), and the time averaging interval (T). Among these four variables, lw determines the size of turbulent coherent structures (i.e., large eddies), whereas −zi/L affects the form of these large eddies. Meanwhile, the U and T determine how many these large eddies can be sampled by the eddy covariance. This finding indicates that it may be possible to diagnose the flux imbalance using these four variables under convective conditions.
Using Short‐Term CO/CO2 Ratios to Assess Air Mass Differences Over the Korean Peninsula During KORUS‐AQ
Authors: Halliday H. S. , DiGangi J. P. , Choi Y. , Diskin G. S. , Pusede S. E. , Rana M. , Nowak J. B. , Knote C. , Ren X. , He H. , Dickerson R. R. , Li Z. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOne‐second in situ measurements of CO and CO2 mole fractions were made aboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration DC‐8 aircraft during the 2016 KORUS‐AQ joint air quality and atmospheric chemistry field campaign in South Korea. The ratio of CO to CO2 enhancement is used to characterize regional combustion source signatures. Calculations of the ∆CO/∆CO2 ratio were made with a short duration rolling window (60 s), filtered by the coefficient of determination (R2), and plotted as distributions to characterize air masses measured from the aircraft during the campaign. The KORUS‐AQ sampling domain was divided into analysis regions to facilitate the analysis. Over Seoul, the boundary layer shows a low‐ratio signature in the ∆CO/∆CO2 ratios, with more than 50% of the correlated slopes in the boundary layer falling below 1% ∆CO/∆CO2, and 80% of the slopes between 0% and 2% ∆CO/∆CO2. However, this behavior changes to a larger ratio distribution at higher altitudes. The West Sea receptor region was divided into three analysis sectors, by meteorological regime, and used in conjunction with measurements collected over China during the KORUS‐AQ campaign time period to characterize the Chinese ∆CO/∆CO2 ratio signature. Chinese‐type emissions have a slope distribution that is shifted to higher ratios and broadened compared to measurements over Seoul, with the bulk of the measurements between 2% and 4% ∆CO/∆CO2, with few negative slopes. The measured ratio trends over South Korea are consistent with inventoried CO and CO2 emissions.