bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of vapor phase polymerized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) films with poly(ethyleneimine)
Authors: Jia Yanhua , Liu Cheng , Liu Jing , Liu Congcong , Xu Jingkun , Li Xuejing , Shen Lanlan , Jiang Qinglin , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Jin , Jiang Fengxing 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTTuning the molecular rearrangement and oxidation level has been proven to be effective strategies for optimizing the thermoelectric (TE) performance of PEDOT. It is difficult to achieve these effects simultaneously via a one‐step process, however. In this work, we combined vapor phase polymerization (VPP) and H2SO4 post‐treatment to obtain a highly conductive PEDOT film. A novel strategy using polyethylenemine (PEI) as an effective reducing agent was employed to enhance the thermopower of the PEDOT film. Grazing‐Incidence Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering analysis and the changes in the oxidation level allow us to elucidate the role of PEI and its transport mechanism. It is demonstrated that the thermopower of well‐ordered crystallites in the PEDOT film significantly increases more than five times (from 11 to 59 μV K−1) by the PEI‐DMF solution immersion process, while the electrical conductivity is maintained at 100 S cm−1. The promising method connecting VPP, H2SO4, and PEI shows great potential for effectively tuning the thermopower of organic TE materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 257–265
Adaptive output‐feedback tracking for nonlinear systems with rather general control coefficients
Authors: Yan Xuehua , Zheng Wei Xing , Liu Yungang 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThis paper studies the problem of global practical tracking by output feedback for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unmeasured state‐dependent growth and unknown time‐varying control coefficients. Compared with the closely related works, the remarkableness of this paper is that the upper and lower bounds of unknown control coefficients are not required to be known a priori. Motivated by our recent works, by combining the methods of universal control and deadzone with the backstepping technique and skillfully constructing a novel Lyapunov function, we propose a new adaptive tracking control scheme with appropriate design parameters. The new scheme guarantees that the state of the resulting closed‐loop system is globally bounded while the tracking error converges to a prescribed arbitrarily small neighborhood of the origin after a finite time. Two examples, including a practical example, are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Influences of valley form and land use on large river and floodplain habitats in Puget Sound
Authors: Stefankiv Oleksandr , Beechie Timothy J. , Hall Jason E. , Pess George R. , Timpane‐Padgham Britta 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we use a system‐wide census of large river and floodplain habitat features to evaluate influences of valley form and land use on salmon habitats along 2,237 km of river in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, USA. We classified the study area by geomorphic process domains to examine differences in natural potential to form floodplain habitats among valley types, and by dominant land cover to examine land use influences on habitat abundance and complexity. We evaluated differences in aquatic habitat among strata in terms of metrics that quantify the length of main channels, side channels, braid channels, and area of wood jams. Among geomorphic process domains, habitat metrics standardized by main channel length were lowest in canyons where there is limited channel migration and less potential to create side channels or braids, and highest in post‐glacial and mountain valleys where island‐braided channels tend to form. Habitat complexity was lower in glacial valleys (generally meandering channels) than in post‐glacial valleys. Habitat abundance and complexity decreased with increasing degree of human influence, with all metrics being highest in areas classified as forested and lowest in areas classified as developed. Using multiple‐year aerial photography, we assessed the ability of our methods to measure habitat changes through time in the Cedar and Elwha Rivers, both of which have recent habitat restoration activity. We were able to parse out sources of habitat improvement or degradation through time, including natural processes, restoration, or development. Our investigation indicates that aerial photography can be an effective and practical method for regional monitoring of status and trends in numerous habitats.
Hypoxia Prevents Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Senescence in Human c-Kit+ Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Korski Kelli I. , Kubli Dieter A. , Wang Bingyan J. , Khalafalla Farid G. , Monsanto Megan M. , Firouzi Fareheh , Echeagaray Oscar H. , Kim Taeyong , Adamson Robert M. , Dembitsky Walter P. , Gustafsson Åsa B. , Sussman Mark A. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Senescence-associated dysfunction deleteriously affects biological activities of human c-Kit+ cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs), particularly under conditions of in vitro culture. In comparison, preservation of self-renewal and decreases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) are characteristics of murine CPCs in vivo that reside within hypoxic niches. Recapitulating hypoxic niche oxygen tension conditions of ~1% O2 in vitro for expansion of hCPCs rather than typical normoxic cell culture conditions (21% O2) could provide significant improvement of functional and biological activities of hCPCs. hCPCs were isolated and expanded under permanent hypoxic (hCPC-1%) or normoxic (hCPC-21%) conditions from left ventricular tissue explants collected during left ventricular assist device implantation. hCPC-1% exhibit increased self-renewal and suppression of senescence characteristics relative to hCPC-21%. Oxidative stress contributed to higher susceptibility to apoptosis, as well as decreased mitochondrial function in hCPC-21%. Hypoxia prevented accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, supporting higher oxygen consumption rates and mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial ROS was an upstream mediator of senescence since treatment of hCPC-1% with mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A recapitulated mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence observed in hCPC-21%. NAD+/NADH ratio and autophagic flux, which are key factors for mitochondrial function, were higher in hCPC-1%, but hCPC-21% were highly dependent on BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial function. Overall, results demonstrate that supraphysiological oxygen tension during in vitro expansion initiates a downward spiral of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular energy imbalance culminating in early proliferation arrest of hCPCs. Senescence is inhibited by preventing ROS through hypoxic culture of hCPCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:555–567
Concise Review: Human-Animal Neurological Chimeras: Humanized Animals or Human Cells in an Animal?
Authors: Crane Andrew T. , Voth Joseph P. , Shen Francis X. , Low Walter C. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Blastocyst complementation is an emerging methodology in which human stem cells are transferred into genetically engineered preimplantation animal embryos eventually giving rise to fully developed human tissues and organs within the animal host for use in regenerative medicine. The ethical issues surrounding this method have caused the National Institutes of Health to issue a moratorium on funding for blastocyst complementation citing the potential for human cells to substantially contribute to the brain of the chimeric animal. To address this concern, we performed an in-depth review of the neural transplantation literature to determine how the integration of human cells into the nonhuman neural circuitry has altered the behavior of the host. Despite reports of widespread integration of human cell transplants, our review of 150 transplantation studies found no evidence suggestive of humanization of the animal host, and we thus conclude that, at present, concerns over humanization should not prevent research on blastocyst complementation to continue. We suggest proceeding in a controlled and transparent manner, however, and include recommendations for future research with careful consideration for how human cells may contribute to the animal host nervous system. Stem Cells 2019;37:444–452
Harmonization of neuroimaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases: A survey in the imaging community of perceived barriers and suggested actions
Authors: Jovicich Jorge , Barkhof Frederik , Babiloni Claudio , Herholz Karl , Mulert Christoph , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Frisoni Giovanni B. ,   SRA‐NED JPND Working Group
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionMolecular, functional, and structural neuroimaging biomarkers are largely used to study neurodegenerative diseases, but their benefits to patients/science might be greatly enhanced by improving standardization and cross‐validation. In this EU Joint Programme‐Neurodegenerative Diseases Research–funded project, we surveyed the neuroimaging community to assess perceived barriers in multicentric neuroimaging harmonization and actions to overcome them.MethodsAn anonymous survey addressed researchers, clinicians, pharma industry, and professional associations, inquiring about both general and modality‐specific harmonization barriers.ResultsSurvey participants (459) represented an international (37 countries) multidisciplinary community. We identified two sets of funding actions, one proposing the creation of an updated hub of documents to help researchers plan and execute multicentric neuroimaging studies capitalizing from previous studies, and the other focused on modality‐specific harmonization challenges in future neurodegenerative diseases clinical trials.DiscussionThis large survey of priorities and actions may help define harmonization calls launched by worldwide science funding agencies.
Sebastián Izquierdo's (1601–1681) Theory of Priority
Authors: EMBRY BRIAN 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Spanish philosopher Sebastián Izquierdo was a luminary of seventeenth-century scholasticism. In his main philosophical work,Pharus scientiarum, Izquierdo claims to be the first to provide a systematic analysis of the notion of priority. Izquierdo is not the first to attempt an analysis of priority, but his treatment is original and rigorous. Izquierdo distinguishes between accidental and essential priority. This distinction crosscuts his distinction between relative and absolute priority. Izquierdo also recognizes four types of absolute priority: priority of duration, priority of origin, priority of nonmutual connection, and priority of worth. In this article I explain Izquierdo's various priority relations, their formal properties, and how they all cohere in a general theory of priority.
Where There Is No Trauma System: A Successful Patient Evacuation in the Republic of Kiribati
Authors: Cueto Carmen A. , Tekanene John , Bangao Teraria , Toromon Baranika , Kushner Adam L. , Lam Lydia 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTResearch is lacking around how best to approach trauma care in resource poor settings, particularly in remote areas such as the islands of the South Pacific. Without examples of successful treatment of high-risk cases in these settings, countries are unable to move forward with developing policies and standardized procedures for emergency care.The Republic of Kiribati is a Pacific Island nation composed of 33 islands spanning over 2,000 miles in the central Pacific Ocean. With the only hospital located on Kiritimati Island and inadequate boat transportation, the government recently committed to providing an aircraft for patients to receive appropriate medical care. In 2016, a 20-year-old female, primigravida, on a neighboring island, failed to progress in labor for 24 hours and needed an emergency cesarean section. A radio call was made to Kiritimati, and a team consisting of a general surgeon, nurse, and a laboratory technician was dispatched. The patient was brought to the local clinic and flown to Kiritimati where a team was prepared to perform the cesarean section.The successful patient evacuation emphasizes the importance of a dedicated health care team, government commitment, and the constant quality communication when approaching feasibility of trauma and emergency care. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:774–776).
Why Do Distilleries Produce Multiple Ages of Whisky?
Authors: Page Ian B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractVintage goods are a unique set of goods that accrue value over time. Unlike producers for many other vintage goods, Scottish distilleries often mature their stocks to different ages and sell a product line that varies significantly in quality. This article develops a theoretical model to examine this maturation strategy and identify market conditions under which a distillery would produce multiple ages of whisky. An empirical analysis of distilleries’ product lines confirms results from the model and highlights the determinants of variety and substitutability between brands. (JEL Classifications: D43, L13, L66)
Assessing plain and intelligible language in the Consumer Rights Act: a role for reading scores?
Authors: Conklin Kathy , Hyde Richard , Parente Fabio 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUnder the Consumer Rights Act 2015 consumer contracts and consumer notices are required to be expressed in plain and intelligible language. This is a difficult concept to capture. Determining whether a contract is expressed in plain and intelligible language involves resource-intensive work by regulators and difficult adjudications by courts. This paper explores whether reading scores present a viable alternative. Can a simple computer program tell a consumer, a business, a regulator or the court that a particular contract is not expressed in plain and intelligible language? The paper begins by exploring the concept and role of plain and intelligible language in the Consumer Rights Act, before considering the ways that reading scores have developed and been used in legal contexts. We then report on the findings of an experimental examination of insurance contracts using a basket of reading scores, using our findings to draw conclusions about the utility of reading scores in determining whether a contract is expressed in plain and intelligible language. We find that reading scores can play a role in such determinations, but that further work is needed to provide appropriate tools for business, regulators and courts to use in assessing plain and intelligible language.
A 7600 yr vegetation and fire history from Anthony Lake, northeastern Oregon, USA, with linkages to modern synoptic climate patterns
Authors: Long Colin J. , Shinker Jaqueline J. , Minckley Thomas A. , Power Mitchell J. , Bartlein Patrick J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe used pollen and high-resolution charcoal analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct a 7600 yr vegetation and fire history from Anthony Lake, located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon. From 7300 to 6300 cal yr BP, the forest was composed primarily of Populus, and fire was common, indicating warm, dry conditions. From 6300 to 3000 cal yr BP, Populus declined as Pinus and Picea increased in abundance and fire became less frequent, suggesting a shift to cooler, wetter conditions. From 3000 cal yr BP to present, modern-day forests composed of Pinus and Abies developed, and from 1650 cal yr BP to present, fires increased. We utilized the modern climate-analogue approach to explain the potential synoptic climatological processes associated with regional fire. The results indicate that years with high fire occurrence experience positive 500 mb height anomalies centered over the Great Basin, with anomalous southerly component of flow delivering dry air into the region and with associated sinking motions to further suppress precipitation. It is possible that such conditions became more common over the last 1650 cal yr BP, supporting an increase in fire despite the shift to more mesic conditions.
Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is linearly associated with dietary quality and predicts mortality
Authors: Törnkvist Peter B. S. , Haupt Thomas H. , Rasmussen Line J. H. , Ladelund Steen , Toft Ulla , Pisinger Charlotta , Eugen-Olsen Jesper 
Published: January 2019

AbstractChronic inflammation is associated with disease risk and mortality in the general population. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a stable marker of chronic inflammation, and a higher serum-concentration of suPAR is found in individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking. This article investigates the association between suPAR and dietary quality measured with the dietary quality score (DQS). The DQS is an index of the overall quality of an individual’s dietary habits assessed through a self-administered FFQ. Furthermore, this article investigates the association of both suPAR and the DQS with CVD risk and mortality in the general Danish population. We analysed 5347 individuals aged 30–60 years from the Danish Inter99 study cohort. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a linear inverse association between the DQS and suPAR (P=0·0005). Cox regression analyses showed an 18 (95 % CI 9, 26) % increase in the risk of death from any cause with each 1 ng/ml increase in suPAR. We found no significant association between the DQS and the mortality (hazard ratio: 1·16, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·69). All analyses were adjusted for demographics and lifestyle factors. The association between the DQS and suPAR on the one hand and suPAR and mortality on the other supports the argument that low dietary quality may constitute a health risk through its influence on chronic inflammation. Future research should examine whether suPAR is modifiable through changes in dietary habits.
Compactness of Commutators of One-Sided Singular Integrals in Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: García Víctor García , Ortega Salvador Pedro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe prove that if p > 1, $w\in A_p^ +$, b ∈ CMO and $C_b^ + $ is the commutator with symbol b of a Calderón–Zygmund convolution singular integral with kernel supported on (−∞, 0), then $C_b^ + $ is compact from Lp(w) into itself.
Transversality of smooth definable maps in O-minimal structures
Authors: NGUYEN NHAN , TRIVEDI SAURABH 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe present a definable smooth version of the Thom transversality theorem. We show further that the set of non-transverse definable smooth maps is nowhere dense in the definable smooth topology. Finally, we prove a definable version of a theorem of Trotman which says that the Whitney (a)-regularity of a stratification is necessary and sufficient for the stability of transversality.
Strategic Public Shaming: Evidence from Chinese Antitrust Investigations
Authors: Zhang Angela Huyue 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article examines strategic public shaming, a novel form of regulatory tactics employed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) during its enforcement of the Anti-Monopoly Law. Based on analysis of media coverage and interview findings, the study finds that the way that the NDRC disclosed its investigation is highly strategic depending on the firm's co-operative attitude towards the investigation. Event studies further show that the NDRC's proactive disclosure resulted in significantly negative abnormal returns of the stock prices of the firm subject to the disclosure. For instance, Biostime, an infant-formula manufacturer investigated in 2013, experienced −22 per cent cumulative abnormal return in a three-day event window, resulting in a loss of market capitalization that is 27 times the antitrust fine that it ultimately received. The NDRC's strategic public shaming might therefore result in severe market sanctions that deter firms from defying the agency.
Ontario’s Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care Homes: A Comparison of Care Services and Funding Regimes
Authors: Roblin Blair , Deber Raisa , Kuluski Kerry , Silver Michelle Pannor 
Published: January 2019

RÉSUMÉLa demande croissante de lits en établissements publics subventionnés de soins de longue durée (ÉPSLD) occasionne de longues listes d’attentes en Ontario. Ces temps d’attente doivent être absorbés par les autres types d’hébergements, incluant les résidences non subventionnées (RNS). Cette étude compare les ÉPSLD et les RNS en termes de services fournis, de régimes de financement et des implications de ces sources de financement pour les personnes âgées. Des données descriptives pour les ÉPSLD et les RNS ont été collectées à partir de sources publiques et privées afin de représenter l’offre de services, leur disponibilité, leurs coûts et les sources de financement de ces types d’hébergement. Les services offerts par les ÉPSLD et les RNS se chevauchent en partie, particulièrement dans les niveaux de soins les plus élevés. Bien que les secteurs public et privé facturent des frais d’hébergement aux résidents, la plus grande partie des coûts en ÉPSLD sont couverts par des fonds publics, tandis que les résidents en RNS assument personnellement ces frais, en règle générale. Compte tenu des listes d’attente des ÉPSLD, plusieurs personnes âgées doivent se tourner vers d’autres établissements de soins, tels que les RNS. Plusieurs politiques alternatives existantes pourraient être considérées en vue d’améliorer l’équité dans l’accès aux soins en résidence pour les personnes âgées.
How much influence does the paternal parent have on seed germination?
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIt is well documented that the mother plant has much more influence than the father on seed dormancy/germination, especially of the F1offspring, primarily by providing all material (maternally derived tissue) to the diaspore coat(s); by maternal environmental effects and provisioning of nutrient resources, mRNA transcripts, protein, the hormone abscisic acid and nitrate to the seed during its development; and by determining progeny environment via dispersal and phenology. There is some evidence that the paternal influence on seed dormancy/germination of the offspring (seeds) can be mediated through multiple paternity (including mate number and diversity), non-nuclear (cytoplasmic) and nuclear (genotypic) inheritance and paternal environmental effects. Our primary aim was to determine via a literature review the influence (or not) of the paternal parent on seed germination. Altogether, 37 of 59 studies (62.7%) indicated a positive influence of the father on seed germination, although not all of them were statistically significant. In general, however, results of studies reported in the literature do not offer strong support for the paternal parent having a major role in seed germination (or seed size) of his F1offspring.