bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of methyl group on the mechanical properties of hydrophobic association hydrogel
Authors: Gu Song , Gao Yang , Ren Xiuyan , Yu Jianhong , Duan Lijie , Gao Guanghui 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTHydrophobic association hydrogels were fabricated via micellar copolymerization of acrylamide and hydrophobic monomers lauryl (meth)acrylate (LA or LMA) in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The effect of methyl groups of hydrophobic monomers on the crosslinking network structure and mechanical behavior of the gels was investigated on the basis of rubber elastic theory. It was found that the LMA‐gel exhibited higher effective crosslink density and elastic modulus. The methyl groups of hydrophobic monomers limited the flexibility of the methacrylate backbone in the association domain, which resulted in the increment of chains constraints. With the increase of stretch rate, the dissipated energy of LMA‐gel increased more highly than that of LA‐gel. In addition, the methyl group hindered the movement of polymer chains, leading to the lower recovery efficiency of dissipated energy for LMA‐gel. In contract, the LA‐gel exhibited a rapid response to external force, and possessed better elasticity and self‐recovery property. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1505–1512
Increased sequence hydrophobicity reduces conformational specificity: A mutational case study of the Arc repressor protein
Authors: Stewart Katie L. , Rathore Deepali , Dodds Eric D. , Cordes Matthew H. J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe amino‐acid sequences of soluble, globular proteins must have hydrophobic residues to form a stable core, but excess sequence hydrophobicity can lead to loss of native state conformational specificity and aggregation. Previous studies of polar‐to‐hydrophobic mutations in the β‐sheet of the Arc repressor dimer showed that a single substitution at position 11 (N11L) leads to population of an alternate dimeric fold in which the β‐sheet is replaced by helix. Two additional hydrophobic mutations at positions 9 and 13 (Q9V and R13V) lead to population of a differently folded octamer along with both dimeric folds. Here we conduct a comprehensive study of the sequence determinants of this progressive loss of fold specificity. We find that the alternate dimer‐fold specifically results from the N11L substitution and is not promoted by other hydrophobic substitutions in the β‐sheet. We also find that three highly hydrophobic substitutions at positions 9, 11, and 13 are necessary and sufficient for oligomer formation, but the oligomer size depends on the identity of the hydrophobic residue in question. The hydrophobic substitutions increase thermal stability, illustrating how increased hydrophobicity can increase folding stability even as it degrades conformational specificity. The oligomeric variants are predicted to be aggregation‐prone but may be hindered from doing so by proline residues that flank the β‐sheet region. Loss of conformational specificity due to increased hydrophobicity can manifest itself at any level of structure, depending upon the specific mutations and the context in which they occur.
Impact of radar data assimilation and orography on predictability of deep convection
Authors: Bachmann Kevin , Keil Christian , Weissmann Martin 
Published: October 2018

Deep convection represents a classic example of limited predictability on the convective scale. We investigate the potential impact of assimilating radar reflectivity and velocity observations on the predictive skill of precipitation in short‐term forecasts (up to 6 hr) using the operational COSMO‐KENDA ensemble data assimilation and forecasting system in an idealized set‐up. Additionally, the role of a Gaussian‐shaped mountain providing a permanent source of predictability for the location of convective precipitation is examined with and without data assimilation.Using a hierarchy of quality measures, we found a long‐lasting beneficial impact of radar data assimilation throughout the entire forecast range of 6 hr. The up‐scaled normalized RMS error and the Fractions Skill Score show that precipitation forecasts based on initial conditions including the assimilation of radar data are skilful on scales larger than 40 km at a lead time of 6 hr and thus are better than a reference ensemble without any data assimilation at lead times of less than 1 hr. The presence of orography strongly increases the predictability of precipitation throughout the forecast range, particularly within the immediate area and where no radar data are assimilated.This remarkable impact of radar data assimilation exceeding 6 hr is larger and longer‐lasting than in many real modelling systems. While this is partly related to the idealized set‐up assuming a perfect forecast model, perfect large‐scale boundary conditions and a perfect radar forward operator, our study demonstrates the potential impact that could be achieved for radar data assimilation if the systematic model and operator deficiencies, as well as boundary condition errors, could be reduced. Furthermore, our results highlight the important role of orography in structuring the precipitation field, especially if no observations are assimilated.
A double generally weighted moving average exceedance control chart
Authors: Masoumi Karakani Hossein , Human Schalk William , van Niekerk Janet 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSince the inception of control charts by W. A. Shewhart in the 1920s, they have been increasingly applied in various fields. The recent literature witnessed the development of a number of nonparametric (distribution‐free) charts as they provide a robust and efficient alternative when there is a lack of knowledge about the underlying process distribution. In order to monitor the process location, information regarding the in‐control (IC) process median is typically required. However, in practice, this information might not be available due to various reasons. To this end, a generalized type of nonparametric time‐weighted control chart labeled as the double generally weighted moving average (DGWMA) based on the exceedance statistic (EX) is proposed. The DGWMA‐EX chart includes many of the well‐known existing time‐weighted control charts as special or limiting cases for detecting a shift in the unknown location parameter of a continuous distribution. The DGWMA‐EX chart combines the better shift detection properties of a DGWMA chart with the robust IC performance of a nonparametric chart, by using all the information from the start until the most recent sample to decide if a process is IC or out‐of‐control. An extensive simulation study reveals that the proposed DGWMA‐EX chart, in many cases, outperforms its counterparts.
On the performance of coefficient of variation charts in the presence of measurement errors
Authors: Tran Kim Phuc , Heuchenne Cédric , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the literature, coefficient of variation control charts have been introduced under the assumption of no measurement errors. However, measurement errors always exist in practice, and they do affect the performance of control charts in the detection of an out‐of‐control situation. In this paper, we therefore study the performance of a coefficient of variation Shewhart‐type control chart (Shewhart‐CV chart) and also one‐sided coefficient of variation exponentially weighted moving average–type control charts (EWMA‐γ2charts) using a model with linear covariates. Moreover, we propose and study the performance of a two‐sided EWMA‐γ2chart using a model with linear covariates. Several figures and tables are provided and analyzed to evaluate the statistical performance of these control charts for different sources of measurement errors. The obtained results show that theprecisionandaccuracyerrors significantly affect the performance of both the Shewhart‐CV and EWMA‐γ2control charts. An example illustrating the use of this study is finally presented.
Enhancement of the degree of control of photofragment distributions by laser phase modulation
Authors: García‐Vela A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe possibility of enhancing the degree of control of a transient photofragment distribution achieved by means of laser phase modulation is explored. Such a control is exerted through interference between overlapping resonances, which are populated in a superposition by the laser field. It is found that by varying the central frequency of the pump laser across the energy range of the resonance superposition created, the effects of laser phase modulation on the resonance interference mechanism change remarkably, causing significant variations on the photofragment distribution. Knowledge of these variations can be used to increase and optimize the control effects of the scheme applied. The results presented here show that the intensity of the phase modulation control effect on the fragment distribution can be increased by more than double. Thus, varying the laser carrier frequency as an additional control parameter makes the control scheme more efficient and flexible.
Mean square exponential stabilization of sampled‐data Markovian jump systems
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Sun Jian , Chen Jie 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of mean square exponential stabilization for sampled‐data Markovin jump systems is studied. A time‐scheduled Lyapunov functional consisting of a exponential‐type looped function is constructed using segmentation technology and linear interpolation. Based on this new Lyapunov functional, a less conservative mean square exponential stability criterion is obtained such that a bigger maximum decay rate can be easily calculated. Meanwhile, the quantitative relationship among some system parameters, maximum sampling period, and decay rate is established. Moreover, a time‐dependent state feedback sample‐data controller is designed. Significant improvements of the proposed exponential‐type time‐scheduled Lyapunov functional method over some existing ones are verified by numerical examples.
Event‐triggered output feedback H∞ control for networked control systems
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Li Fengjiao , Zhang Daoyuan , Wang Yan‐Wu , Liu Yungang 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates event‐triggered output feedback H∞ control for a networked control system. Transmitted through a network under an event‐triggered scheme, the sample outputs of the plant are used to drive the dynamical output feedback controller to generate a new control signal in the discrete‐time domain. The discrete‐time control signals are also transmitted through the network to drive the plant. As a result of two types of transmission delays, the controlled plant and the dynamical output feedback controller are driven by the discrete‐time outputs and control signals at different instants of time. An interval decomposition method is introduced to place the controlled plant and the output feedback controller into the same updated time interval but with updated signals at different instants. Based on a proper Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions are derived to ensure H∞ performance for the controlled plant. Finally, numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the practical utility of the proposed method.
A massive class of $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ AdS4 IIA solutions
Authors: Passias Achilleas , Prins Daniël , Tomasiello Alessandro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe initiate a classification of$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supersymmetric AdS4solutions of (massive) type IIA supergravity. The internal space is locally equipped with either an SU(2) or an identity structure. We focus on the SU(2) structure and determine the conditions it satisfies, dictated by supersymmetry. Imposing as an Ansatz that the internal space is complex, we reduce the problem of finding solutions to a Riccati ODE, which we solve analytically. We obtain in this fashion a large number of new families of solutions, both regular as well as with localized O8-planes and conical Calabi-Yau singularities. We also recover many solutions already discussed in the literature.
On elliptic genera of 6d string theories
Authors: Kim Joonho , Lee Kimyeong , Park Jaemo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe study the elliptic genera of 6d strings based on their modular properties. They are weak Jacobi forms of weight 0, whose indices are determined from the 2d chiral anomalies. We propose the ansatz for the elliptic genera which reflects the analytic structure of instanton partition functions. Given a finite amount of initial BPS data, we completely determine the elliptic genera of 6d strings in various 6d SCFTs. We also apply our ansatz to study$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,0\right) $$N=20and (1, 1) little strings as well as$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(1,0\right) $$N=10heterotic little strings, for which T-duality of little string theories supplies a sufficient number of initial BPS data. The anomaly polynomials of 6d little strings are worked out, which is needed for the elliptic genera bootstrap. In some little string theories, the elliptic genera must have the extra contributions from the Coulomb branch, which correspond to the additional zero modes for the full strings. The modified ansatze for such elliptic genera are also discussed.
Sexual Dysfunction and Satisfaction in Japanese Couples During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Saotome Tomoko Tanaka , Yonezawa Keiko , Suganuma Nobuhiko 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual function and frequency can change between couples during pregnancy and postpartum, with a decline in sexual function in women.

Aim
To investigate sexual function in couples during pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods
This questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study solicited data from 551 couples, 127 (23%) of whom responded: 15 during the first trimester; 26 during the second trimester; and 21, 22, 21, and 22 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum, respectively. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were used for female and male participants, respectively, and included questions about delivery, breastfeeding, partner’s contribution to housework, and desire to have more children for women, and about aspects of their partner’s pregnancy and postpartum life for men. Data about maternal/paternal age, parity, body mass index, and mode of delivery were also collected.

Main Outcome Measure
FSFI and IIEF total and subcategory scores with attributable factors.

Results
The total and subcategory scores related to female and male sexual functions were lowest at 1 and 3 months postpartum, with 79 women reporting female sexual dysfunction (score &lt;26.55). The FSFI subcategory scores (except desire and satisfaction) differed between 1 and 12 months postpartum. The IIEF scores showed no significant differences. The total mean IIEF scores were 17.9 ± 9.6 and 54.9 ± 12.0 in men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. The FSFI scores were 8.6 ± 7.2 and 18.2 ± 8.6 in women whose partner had and did not have ED, respectively. No significant differences (P = .76) were observed between the male satisfaction subcategories.

Conclusion
Sexual function decreased around the time of delivery for men and women, but did not correlate with the sexual satisfaction of men. Type of delivery, breastfeeding, intimacy, and partner’s contribution to housework did not affect sexual dysfunction.
Does preoperative magnetic resonant cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), improve the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Authors: Al-Aubaidi Tariq , Ghadhban Basim R. , Chitheer Samer S. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non-invasive imaging test with excellent overall sensitivity and specificity for demonstrating the level and the presence of a biliary obstruction. MRCP has emerged as an accurate, diagnostic modality for investigating the biliary and pancreatic duct. In some cases, it has been recommended that preoperative MRCP is a good choice for the detection of CBD stones.

Aim:
The aim of the study is to assess the value of preoperative MRCP on the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:
The randomized study was carried out on 100 patients aged 16–65 years, admitted in Baghdad Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2015. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for them. 45 patients had preoperative MRCP followed by conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while 55 patients underwent only laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The findings of the two groups were compared.

Results:
In the first group: pre-operative MRCP screening exposed clinically silent CBD stones in 2 patients (4.44%), while one patient (2.22%) had accessory cystic duct and another one had an abnormal insertion of cystic duct (2.22%). In the second group, 4 patients had postoperative complications (P < 0.05): residual stones, postoperative bile leak, jaundice and pancreatitis.

Highlights:
The nature of the heat source of mafic magmatism during the formation of the Vilyui rift based on the ages of dike swarms and results of numerical modeling
Authors: Polyansky O.P. , Prokopiev A.V. , Koroleva O.V. , Tomshin M.D. , Reverdatto V.V. , Babichev A.V. , Sverdlova V.G. , Vasiliev D.A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Possible mechanisms of rifting and the thermal regime of the lithosphere beneath the rift zone of the Vilyui sedimentary basin are considered based on the available isotopic ages of dike swarms, rates of sedimentation, and results of numerical modeling. Temporal correlations between the intrusion of mafic magma and a sharp increase in the rate of subsidence and sedimentation in the rift basin prove the contribution of both plate-tectonic and magmatic factors to the formation of the Vilyui rift. The results show a relationship between the rapid extension of the lithosphere and the formation of mafic dike swarms in the Yakutsk–Vilyui Large Igneous Province of the Siberian Platform at the Frasnian–Famennian boundary, with a peak at ~ 374.1 Ma, and at the end of the Late Devonian, with a peak at ~ 363.4 Ma. There were two pulses of dike formation during rapid subsidence of the basin basement in the period 380–360 Ma, with a sedimentation rate of 100–130 m/Myr, at a background rate of 10–20 m/Myr. Analysis of numerical thermomechanical models revealed that the best-fit model is that combining the mechanisms of intraplate extension (passive rifting) and the ascent of a mantle magmatic diapir (active rifting). A conclusion about the nature of the heat source of trap magmatism has been drawn: The plume-driven regime of the lithosphere can better explain the dynamics of extension during rifting than the decompression melting mechanism.
Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Role Conflict in a Natural
Disaster: Professional Versus Family Responsibilities
Authors: Turrentine Mark A. , Monga Manju , Swaim Laurie S. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate role conflict between professional
and familial responsibilities among obstetric health care providers during a
natural disaster between those required to stay in the hospital versus those
who were at home during a catastrophic weather event.MethodsA survey was used of obstetric attending and resident physicians in the
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
following Hurricane Harvey on August 26, 2017.ResultsNinety one of 103 physicians (88%) completed the survey. Survey
responses were compared between physicians who worked in the hospital (n
= 47) versus those who were at home (n = 44) during the storm
and its immediate aftermath. Physicians in the hospital and at home agreed
(47% and 48%, respectively, P = 0.94)
that professional duties conflicted with family obligations and felt torn
(49% and 55%, respectively, P = 0.48)
regarding family obligations. A majority of homebound health care providers
disagreed with the statement that professional duties override family
responsibilities, whereas less than half of in-hospital providers felt the
same (68% at-home versus 47% of the hospital-team,
P = 0.10).ConclusionAs organizations prepare for possible catastrophic situations, institutions
must realize that obstetric health care providers will experience role
conflict between professional and family responsibilities. (Disaster
Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:33–37)
Exposure and feedback in language acquisition: adult construals of children's early verb-form use in Hebrew
Authors: LUSTIGMAN Lyle , CLARK Eve V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study focuses on adult responses to children's verb uses, the information they provide, and how they change over time. We analyzed longitudinal samples from four children acquiring Hebrew (age-range: 1;4–2;5; child verb-forms = 8,337). All child verbs were coded for inflectional category, and for whether and how adults responded to them. Our findings show that: (a) children's early verbs wereopaquewith no clear inflectional target (e.g., the child-formtapescorresponds toletapes‘to-climb’,metapes‘is-climbing’,yetapes‘will-climb’), with inflections added gradually; (b) most early verbs were followed by adult responses using the same lexeme; and (c) as opacity in children's verbs decreased, adults made fewer uses of the same lexeme in their responses, and produced a broader array of inflections and inflectional shifts. In short, adults are attuned to what their children know and respond to their early productions accordingly, with extensive ‘tailor-made’ feedback on their verb uses.
The controversial role of vitamin D as an antioxidant: results from randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tagliaferri Sara , Porri Debora , De Giuseppe Rachele , Manuelli Matteo , Alessio Francesco , Cena Hellas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncreased oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential causal factor in the development of several diseases. In the last decade, an extensive literature has been produced on vitamin D, not limited to its well-known function like a steroid hormone on skeletal tissue, but for its potential pleiotropic role in human health. Several researchers have suggested relationships between vitamin D intake and health outcomes such as cancer prevention and increased immunity, or possible role in preventing diabetes, and in inflammation. Little is known about its antioxidant effect. The aim of the present review was to explore major evidence regarding the potential scavenger capacity of vitamin D in high-evidence human studies. Studies considered by the present review suggest that the potential role of vitamin D as an antioxidant could not be confirmed. Current literature showed controversial effects about the ability of cholecalciferol to prevent or ameliorate oxidative stress biomarkers, and there is need of further and high-quality studies testing the antioxidant effect of vitamin D supplementation.