bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust RHC for wheeled vehicles with bounded disturbances
Authors: Wang Peng , Feng Xinxi , Li Weihua , Ping Xubin , Yu Wangsheng 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe robust receding horizon control (RHC) synthesis approach is developed in this paper, for the simultaneous tracking and regulation problem (STRP) of wheeled vehicles with bounded disturbances. Considering the bounded disturbances, we firstly provide a robust positively invariant (RPI) set and associated feedback controller for the perturbed vehicles, which contribute to the foundation of the robust RHC synthesis approach. Then, by extending the tube‐based approach introduced in the article of Mayne et al (robust model predictive control of constrained linear systems with bounded disturbances in Automatica, 2005, vol. 41) to the STRP of wheeled vehicles, we employ the designed RPI set to determine the robust tube and terminal state region, and further construct a nominal optimal control problem. The actual control input is implemented by correcting the solved nominal input with the designed feedback controller. Following the contributed properties of the developed RPI set and extended tube‐based approach, a robust RHC algorithm is finally proposed with the guarantees of recursive feasibility and robust convergence, which can also be adapted for real‐time implementation. Additionally, due to the elaborate control design, the effect of disturbances can be completely nullified to achieve better tracking performance. The effectiveness and advantage of the proposed approach are illustrated by two simulation examples.
A New Approach of Controlled Single Step In Situ Fabrication of Graphene Composite Sensor for Simultaneous Sensing of Small Biomolecules in Human Urine
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Kawde Abdel‐Nasser , Ibrahim Mohamed 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA new approach is introduced to develop a nanostructured pseudo‐cup‐shaped 3D graphene composite (s3D‐GR) on the graphite pencil electrode (GPE) surface for simultaneous sensitive sensing of small biomolecules. A pseudo‐cup‐shaped 3D architecture of graphene was achieved by instant composition controlled interaction of the methylene blue (MTLB) with graphene oxide. The 3D graphene architecture appeared with inner, outer, upper walls and the pseudo‐cup‐shaped bottom. The SEM images revealed the formation of 3D graphene network on graphite pencil electrode. 3D pseudo‐cup‐shaped wrinkled graphene displayed a huge electroactive surface area (2.353 cm2) compared to 2D graphene (0.141 cm2). The 3D graphene composite contained more electroactive sites and improved surface kinetics. The fabricated electrode surface was comprehensively evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The s3D‐MTLB‐GR/GPE was exceptionally sensitive for dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), l‐tyrosine (Tyr) and displayed low limit of detection (LOD) 15, 27, 247 nM, respectively. The peak separation between DA‐UA, UA‐Tyr, and DA‐Tyr were observed 140 mV, 319 mV, and 459 mV, respectively. Sensor behaved well in the presence of potential interferences and real urine sample. The pseudo‐cup‐shaped 3D graphene sensor can be proved a valuable tool for the simultaneous sensing of small biomolecules.
Corn Stalks ‐Derived Carbon‐SnO2 Composite as Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Xue Jinshen , Song Kexian , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Kaifeng , Li Xiangji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSnO2 is known as a promising anode candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but suffers from the low electrical conductivity and severe volume variation during cycling, which restraint its practical applications. To solve these issues, we successfully fabricated the three‐dimensional structure of carbon obtained from corn stalks and SnO2 composites. The materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles, it shows a reversible capacity of 691 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.2 C. Excellent cycle performance is due to the unique structure, which has a strong internal chemical bond between the SnO2 nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) and the carbon skeleton, preventing SnO2 NPs from falling off the 3D network during the cycle. This work may provide a broader vision into synthesising C‐SnO2 composites for high‐performance anode materials of LIBs.
Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators and Activators
Authors: Sandner Peter , Zimmer Daniel P. , Milne G. Todd , Follmann Markus , Hobbs Adrian , Stasch Johannes-Peter 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWhen Furchgott, Murad, and Ignarro were honored with the Nobel prize for the identification of nitric oxide (NO) in 1998, the therapeutic implications of this discovery could not be fully anticipated. This was due to the fact that available therapeutics like NO donors did not allow a constant and long-lasting cyclic guanylyl monophosphate (cGMP) stimulation and had a narrow therapeutic window. Now, 20 years later, the stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), riociguat, is on the market and is the only drug approved for the treatment of two forms of pulmonary hypertension (PAH/CTEPH), and a variety of other sGC stimulators and sGC activators are in preclinical and clinical development for additional indications. The discovery of sGC stimulators and sGC activators is a milestone in the field of NO/sGC/cGMP pharmacology. The sGC stimulators and sGC activators bind directly to reduced, heme-containing and oxidized, heme-free sGC, respectively, which results in an increase in cGMP production. The action of sGC stimulators at the heme-containing enzyme is independent of NO but is enhanced in the presence of NO whereas the sGC activators interact with the heme-free form of sGC. These highly innovative pharmacological principles of sGC stimulation and activation seem to have a very broad therapeutic potential. Therefore, in both academia and industry, intensive research and development efforts have been undertaken to fully exploit the therapeutic benefit of these new compound classes. Here we summarize the discovery of sGC stimulators and sGC activators and the current developments in both compound classes, including the mode of action, the chemical structures, and the genesis of the terminology and nomenclature. In addition, preclinical studies exploring multiple aspects of their in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology are reviewed, providing an overview of multiple potential applications. Finally, the clinical developments, investigating the treatment potential of these compounds in various diseases like heart failure, diabetic kidney disease, fibrotic diseases, and hypertension, are reported. In summary, sGC stimulators and sGC activators have a unique mode of action with a broad treatment potential in cardiovascular diseases and beyond.
Graphical Abstract
Multitype branching processes with inhomogeneous Poisson immigration
Authors: Mitov Kosto V. , Yanev Nikolay M. , Hyrien Ollivier 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
In this paper we introduce multitype branching processes with inhomogeneous Poisson immigration, and consider in detail the critical Markov case when the local intensity r(t) of the Poisson random measure is a regularly varying function. Various multitype limit distributions (conditional and unconditional) are obtained depending on the rate at which r(t) changes with time. The asymptotic behaviour of the first and second moments, and the probability of nonextinction are investigated.
Phenotypic Variability of Essential Tremor Based on the Age at Onset
Authors: Prasad Shweta , Bhalsing Ketaki Swapnil , Jhunjhunwala Ketan , Lenka Abhishek , Binu VS , Pal Pramod Kumar 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT:Background: Essential tremor (ET) is reported to have a bimodal distribution of age at onset (AAO) with phenotypic variability based on the AAO. This study aims to explore the distribution of AAO based on mathematical modeling and ascertain the differences, if any, in the clinical features of groups. Methods: A chart review was conducted for 252 patients with ET diagnosed based on the Consensus statement of the Movement Disorder Society on Tremor. Finite mixture modeling was performed to identify groups of the cohort based on the AAO. Results: Three groups were defined: early onset (EO): AAO ≤ 22 years, n = 63, intermediate onset (IO): 23 ≤ AAO ≤ 35 years, n = 43, and late onset (LO): AAO ≥ 36 years, n = 146. There were no significant differences related to family history or responsiveness to alcohol. The EO group had significantly higher prevalence of upper limb and lower limb tremor. Head tremor and voice tremor was more prevalent in the IO and LO groups. Cerebellar signs showed a significant increase with an increase in AAO. Conclusions: ET shows significant phenotypic variability based on the AAO. Patients with an early AAO are more likely to develop an appendicular tremor, whereas the probability of axial tremor and cerebellar signs increases with increasing AAO.
Time Trends of the Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality of Parkinsonism
Authors: Wong Jessica J. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Tu Karen , Butt Debra A. , Copes Ray , Wilton Andrew S. , Murray Brian J. , Kopp Alexander , Chen Hong 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT:Objectives:We assessed trends in the incidence, prevalence, and post-diagnosis mortality of parkinsonism in Ontario, Canada over 18 years. We also explored the influence of a range of risk factors for brain health on the trend of incident parkinsonism.Methods:We established an open cohort by linking population-based health administrative databases from 1996 to 2014 in Ontario. The study population comprised residents aged 20–100 years with an incident diagnosis of parkinsonism ascertained using a validated algorithm. We calculated age- and sex-standardized incidence, prevalence, and mortality of parkinsonism, stratified by young onset (20–39 years) and mid/late onset (≥40 years). We assessed trends in incidence using Poisson regression, mortality using negative binomial regression, and prevalence of parkinsonism and pre-existing conditions (e.g., head injury) using the Cochran–Armitage trend test. To better understand trends in the incidence of mid/late-onset parkinsonism, we adjusted for various pre-existing conditions in the Poisson regression model.Results:From 1996 to 2014, we identified 73,129 incident cases of parkinsonism (source population of ∼10.5 million), of whom 56% were male, mean age at diagnosis was 72.6 years, and 99% had mid/late-onset parkinsonism. Over 18 years, the age- and sex-standardized incidence decreased by 13.0% for mid/late-onset parkinsonism but remained unchanged for young-onset parkinsonism. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence increased by 22.8%, while post-diagnosis mortality decreased by 5.5%. Adjustment for pre-existing conditions did not appreciably explain the declining incidence of mid/late-onset parkinsonism.Conclusion:Young-onset and mid/late-onset parkinsonism exhibited differing trends in incidence over 18 years in Ontario. Further research to identify other factors that may appreciably explain trends in incident parkinsonism is warranted.
Hyperbolicity, shadowing directions and sensitivity analysis of a turbulent three-dimensional flow
Authors: Ni Angxiu 
Published: January 2019

This paper uses compressible flow simulation to analyse the hyperbolicity, shadowing directions and sensitivities of a weakly turbulent three-dimensional cylinder flow at Reynolds number 525 and Mach number 0.1. By computing the first 40 covariant Lyapunov vectors (CLVs), we find that unstable CLVs are active in the near-wake region, whereas stable CLVs are active in the far-wake region. This phenomenon is related to hyperbolicity since it shows that CLVs point to different directions; it also suggests that for open flows there is a large fraction of CLVs that are stable. However, due to the extra neutral CLV and the occasional tangencies between CLVs, our system is not uniform hyperbolic. By the non-intrusive least-squares shadowing (NILSS) algorithm, we compute shadowing directions and sensitivities of long-time-averaged objectives. Our results suggest that shadowing methods may be valid for general chaotic fluid problems.
Milletic Secularism in the Balkans: Christianity, Islam, and Identity in Bulgaria
Authors: Evstatiev Simeon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe article introduces the concept of “milleticsecularism” which invokes the Ottomanmilletsystem to refer to divergent and competing transnational collective identities, loyalties, and frames of reference coexisting within the same nation-state. These identities are conceptualized as resembling the way religious communities functioned under the Ottomanmilletsystem but in a reverse, upended way, as today Muslims are the minority in a pluralist society and secular state governed on the basis of non-Muslim procedures and values symbolically overarched by Orthodox Christianity. Foregrounding the case of Bulgaria, the article highlights the role of the Ottoman legacy vis-à-vis Orthodox Christian heritage for the accommodation of diversity. Milletic secularism draws on the implicit social knowledge that evokes differing antecedents and values underlying the shared identities of Christians and Muslims. Since the 1990s, after half a century dominated by the “secular religion” of Communism, the intersection of religion and politics in Bulgaria is reshaped by the reemergence of religion as a structural force. Milletic secularism has both integrative and emancipatory potential, fostered and challenged today by a variety of factors. Among them, this article foregrounds the increasingly transnational Sunnī Muslim identity and the ongoing re-Islamization in the form of Ḥanafism and Salafism.
Dynamics of National Pride Attitudes in Post-Soviet Russia, 1996–2015
Authors: Fabrykant Marharyta , Magun Vladimir 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe article examines a key attribute of Russian national identity—national pride—as it is reflected in mass consciousness. To trace the dynamics of multiple facets of national pride and related phenomena from 1996 to 2015, we use data from five surveys. The results demonstrate a substantial growth in Russian national pride in specific country achievements and general pride in Russian citizenship over the last 20 years. This change is the result of the population’s and state’s need for positive social identity as well as from both real and imagined progress in the Russian economy and political influence, and it started long before the Crimea mobilization and Olympics of 2014. The structural difference in pride in various achievements persisted for the 20 years examined here, but became less distinct. Across the years examined here, Russian national pride has become more strongly related to belief in the superiority of the country and is therefore increasingly competitive.
On a second numerical index for Banach spaces
Authors: Kim Sun Kwang , Lee Han Ju , Martín Miguel , Merí Javier 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe introduce a second numerical index for real Banach spaces with non-trivial Lie algebra, as the best constant of equivalence between the numerical radius and the quotient of the operator norm modulo the Lie algebra. We present a number of examples and results concerning absolute sums, duality, vector-valued function spaces…which show that, in many cases, the behaviour of this second numerical index differs from the one of the classical numerical index. As main results, we prove that Hilbert spaces have second numerical index one and that they are the only spaces with this property among the class of Banach spaces with one-unconditional basis and non-trivial Lie algebra. Besides, an application to the Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás property for the numerical radius is given.
Preliminary investigation of14C migration from RBMK-1500 reactor graphite disposed of in a potential geological repository in crystalline rocks in Lithuania
Authors: Grigaliuniene Dalia , Poskas Povilas , Kilda Raimondas , Narkuniene Asta 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTThere are two units with RBMK-1500 type reactors at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (Ignalina NPP) in Lithuania where graphite was used as a neutron moderator and reflector. These reactors are now being decommissioned, and Lithuania has to find a solution for safe irradiated graphite disposal. It cannot be disposed of in a near surface repository due to large amounts of14C (radiocarbon, carbon-14); thus, a deep geological repository (DGR) is analyzed as an option. This study had the aim to evaluate14C migration from the RBMK-1500 irradiated graphite disposed of in a potential DGR in crystalline rocks taking into account the outcomes of the research performed under the collaborative European project CAST (CArbon-14 Source Term) and to identify the potential to reduce the conservatism in the assumptions that was introduced in the lack of data and led in the overestimated14C migration. The information gathered during the CAST project was used to model14C transport in the near field by the water pathway and to perform uncertainty analysis. The study demonstrated that more realistic assumptions could reduce the estimated14C flux from the near field by approximately one order of magnitude in comparison with the previous estimations based on very conservative assumptions.
14C and Other Radionuclides in Impermeable Graphite Material Waste form Long Term Behavior
Authors: Márquez E , Piña G , Fachinger J , Leganés J L 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTThe radiocarbon (14C) content of irradiated graphite is the most important problem for the management of Spanish irradiated graphite (Vandellós I NPP) as L&ILW, due to this material exceeding the maximum14C inventory for the C.A. El Cabril repository. Therefore, the encapsulation of graphite in an impermeable matrix and making an appropriate waste form are indicated as potential management options to be studied. The conversion of the graphite to a long-term stable glass matrix, called IGM (impermeable graphite matrix), uses a long-term stable inorganic binder which additionally encloses the graphite pore system. The world’s first IGM samples made with irradiated graphite have been manufactured in CIEMAT facilities. The durability of the matrix is investigated in leaching experiments in deionized water and granitic bentonite water. The results show that ∼0.05% of14C is leached. A species of organic carbon was found as formate and oxalate (∼10–1mg/L). CO was detected as volatile specie in both media in the first leaching steps; for deionized water (∼3.101mg/L) and in granitic bentonite water (ranging 1.101–3.101mg/L). These low values demonstrated the durability of the IGM glass matrix for final disposal.
EMPIRE AND ENLIGHTENMENT IN THREE LETTERS FROM SIR WILLIAM JONES TO GOVERNOR-GENERAL JOHN MACPHERSON
Authors: EHRLICH JOSHUA 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThese newly discovered letters help to reconstruct the close association between two seemingly disparate eighteenth-century Britons in India. Moreover, they suggest that a fixation on clashes of ‘cultural attitudes’ has distorted modern assessments of the politics of scholarly patronage in that era. The long-lauded William Jones and the long-dismissed John Macpherson were not so different after all. The views of each ranged from the sublime heights of Enlightened philosophy to the grubby depths of imperial politics.
REVIEW OF EXECUTIVE ACTION ABROAD: THE UK SUPREME COURT IN THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ORDER
Authors: Sanger Andrew 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn January 2017, the UK Supreme Court handed down landmark judgments in three cases arising out of the UK government's conduct abroad. In Serdar Mohammed v Ministry of Defence, the Court considered whether detention in non-international armed conflicts was compatible with the right of liberty in Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The second case, Belhaj v Straw, involved an examination of the nature and scope of the foreign act of State doctrine, and its applicability as a defence to tort claims arising out of the alleged complicity of the UK Government in human rights abuses abroad. Finally, Rahmatullah v Ministry of Defence saw the Court examining the nature and scope of the Crown act of State doctrine, and its use as a defence to tort claims alleging unlawful detention and maltreatment. All three cases raise important doctrinal issues and have significant consequences for government accountability and access to a judicial remedy. At the heart of each decision is the relationship between international law and English law, including the ways in which international norms influence the development of English law and public policy, and how different interpretations of domestic law affect how judges resolve questions of international law. These cases also see the judges grapple with the role of the English court in the UK constitutional and international legal orders.
IMMINENCE IN REFUGEE AND HUMAN RIGHTS LAW: A MISPLACED NOTION FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
Authors: Anderson Adrienne , Foster Michelle , Lambert Hélène , McAdam Jane 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article is an output of a major research project examining the notion of imminence in the law on international protection. It is the first piece of scholarship to identify an emerging trend, namely the introduction of imminence—whether invoked implicitly or explicitly—as a potential barrier to refugee status or complementary protection. The article analyses the jurisprudence of relevant international bodies and courts and critiques the validity of this notion as a tool for assessing States’ protection obligations.
sPIF promotes myoblast differentiation and utrophin expression while inhibiting fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy via the H19/miR-675/let-7 and miR-21 pathways
Authors: Morgoulis Daria , Berenstein Peter , Cazacu Simona , Kazimirsky Gila , Dori Amir , Barnea Eytan R. , Brodie Chaya 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, lethal, X-linked disease of skeletal and cardiac muscles caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Loss of dystrophin leads to muscle fiber damage and impairment of satellite cell asymmetric division, which are essential for muscle regeneration. These processes ultimately result in muscle wasting and the replacement of the degenerating muscles by fibrogenic cells, a process that leads to the generation of fibrotic tissues. Preimplantation factor (PIF) is an evolutionary conserved 15-amino acid peptide secreted by viable mammalian embryos. Synthetic PIF (sPIF) reproduces the protective/regenerative effects of the endogenous peptide in immune disorders and transplantation models. In this study, we demonstrated that sPIF treatment promoted mouse and human myoblast differentiation and inhibited the expression of collagen 1A1, collagen 1A2, and TGF-β in DMD patient-derived myoblasts. Additionally, sPIF increased the expression of utrophin, a homolog of dystrophin protein. sPIF effects were mediated via the upregulation of lncRNA H19 and miR-675 and downregulation of let-7. sPIF also inhibited the expression of miR-21, a major fibrosis regulator. The administration of sPIF in mdx mice significantly decreased serum creatine kinase and collagen I and collagen IV expression in the diaphragm, whereas it increased utrophin expression in the diaphragm, heart and quadriceps muscles. In conclusion, sPIF promoted the differentiation of DMD myoblasts, increased utrophin expression via the H19/miRNA-675/let-7 pathway, and reduced muscle fibrosis possibly via the upregulation of miR-675 and inhibition of miR-21 expression. These findings strongly support pursuing sPIF as a potential therapeutic agent for DMD. Moreover, the completion of an sPIF phase I safety trial will further promote the use of sPIF for the treatment of muscular dystrophies.