bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Export Affinity after the Creation of the EMU
Authors: Halevi Nadav 
Published: February 2017

Abstract: The creation of the EMU in 1999 gave its original eleven members additional advantages for intra-EMU trade, relative to other members of the EU and the rest of the world. Other things being equal, this should have resulted in greater export affinity within the Euro Zone. This paper constructs export affinity indices for the intra-regional exports of the EMU, for its exports to the then other members of the EU, and to the countries that joined the EU during this period, for 1997, a full year before the Euro, and for 2007. These are used to see whether the net effect on export affinity are as expected, or whether other forces affecting the growth and direction of world exports led to different results. It was found that though there was clear export affinity within the EMU in both years examined, and, of course, tremendous growth in total exports to all regions, export affinity fell rather than rose between the two years. As far as special affinity is concerned, other factors affecting the development of world exports cancelled the advantages both of EMU membership and of new membership in the EU. Similar net results were found for bi-lateral export affinity indices of the original EMU members.
The Effect of Acidity Coefficient on Crystallization Behavior of Blast Furnace Slag Fibers
Authors: Tian Tie-Lei , Zhang Yu-Zhu , Xing Hong-wei , Li Jie , Zhang Zun-Qian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe chemical structure of mineral wool fiber was investigated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Next, the glass transition temperature and the crystallization temperature of the fibers were studied. Finally, the crystallization kinetics of fiber was studied. The results show that the chemical bond structure of fibers gets more random with the increase of acidity coefficient. The crystallization phases of the fibers are mainly melilites, and also a few anorthites and diopsides. The growth mechanism of the crystals is three dimensional. The fibers with acidity coefficient of 1.2 exhibit the best thermal stability and is hard to crystallize as it has the maximum aviation energy of crystallization kinetics.
Improving epidemic size prediction through stable reconstruction of disease parameters by reduced iteratively regularized Gauss–Newton algorithm
Authors: Smirnova Alexandra , Chowell-Puente Gerardo , deCamp Linda , Moghadas Seyed , Sheppard Michael Jameson 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Classical compartmental epidemic models of infectious diseases track the dynamic transition of individuals between different epidemiological states or risk groups. Reliable quantification of various transmission pathways in these models is paramount for optimal resource allocation and successful design of public health intervention programs. However, with limited epidemiological data available in the case of an emerging disease, simple phenomenological models based on a smaller number of parameters can play an important role in our quest to make forward projections of possible outbreak scenarios. In this paper, we employ the generalized Richards model for stable numerical estimation of the epidemic size (defined as the total number of infections throughout the epidemic) and its turning point using case incidence data of the early epidemic growth phase. The minimization is carried out by what we call the Reduced Iteratively Regularized Gauss–Newton (RIRGN) algorithm, a problem-oriented numerical scheme that takes full advantage of the specific structure of the non-linear operator at hand. The convergence analysis of the RIRGN method is suggested and numerical simulations are conducted with real case incidence data for the 2014–15 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. We show that the proposed RIRGN provides a stable algorithm for early estimation of turning points using simple phenomenological models with limited data.
Mathematical and numerical modeling of plate dynamics with rotational inertia
Authors: Bonaldi Francesco , Geymonat Giuseppe , Krasucki Françoise , Vidrascu Marina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe give a presentation of the mathematical and numerical treatment of plate dynamics problems including rotational inertia. The presence of rotational inertia in the equation of motion makes the study of such problems interesting. We employ HCT finite elements for space discretization and the Newmark method for time discretization in FreeFEM++, and test such methods in some significant cases: a circular plate clamped all over its lateral surface, a rectangular plate simply supported all over its lateral surface, and anL-shaped clamped plate.
Multi-fetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) to twins or singleton – medical justification and ethical slippery slope
Authors: Drugan Arie , Weissman Amir 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMulti-fetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is an ethically acceptable procedure aimed to increase survival and well-being of the remaining fetuses from high-order multiple gestations. In most cases we offer the procedure to triplets or quadruplets and opt to preserve twins; lately, the option to maintain a single fetus was suggested. We examined the outcomes of 140 pregnancies that underwent MFPR in our center and were followed to delivery – 105 were reduced to twins and 35 to singletons. The rate of procedure-related pregnancy loss was identical (2.9%). Leaving only one fetus was associated with a higher gestational age at delivery (35.4±2.4 weeks vs. 37.7±2.1 weeks, P<0.0001), with heavier neonates (2222 g vs. 3017 g, P<0.0001) and with a reduction in the cesarean section (CS) rate (76% in twins vs. 51.4% in singletons, P=0.02). Six pregnancies reduced to twins (5.8%) ended before 32 weeks as compared to one pregnancy reduced to a singleton. We conclude that reduction of triplets to singletons is medically and ethically acceptable, after thorough counseling of patients. However, considering the pregnancy loss risk of MFPR and the relatively good outcome of twin gestations, reduction of twins to singletons is ethically acceptable only in extraordinary maternal or fetal conditions.
Anti-inflammatory Elafin in human fetal membranes
Authors: Stalberg Cecilia , Noda Nathalia , Polettini Jossimara , Jacobsson Bo , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjective:Elafin is a low molecular weight protein with antileukoproteinase, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulating properties. The profile of Elafin in fetal membranes is not well characterized. This study determined the changes in Elafin expression and concentration in human fetal membrane from patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) andMethod:Elafin messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were studied in fetal membranes from PPROM, normal term as well as in normal term not in labor membranes in an organ explant system treated (24 h) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured Elafin concentrations in culture supernatants from tissues treated with LPS and polybacterial combinations of heat-inactivatedResults:Elafin mRNA expression in fetal membranes from women with PPROM was significantly higher compared to women who delivered at term after normal pregnancy (5.09±3.50 vs. 11.71±2.21; P<0.05).Conclusion:Higher Elafin expression in PPROM fetal membranes suggests a host response to an inflammatory pathology. However, lack of Elafin response to LPS and polymicrobial treatment is indicative of the minimal anti-inflammatory impact of this molecule in fetal membranes.
Deriving Rain Threshold for Early Warning Based on a Coupled Hydrological-Hydraulic Model
Authors: Ivanescu Veronica , Drobot Radu 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Flash floods are highly variable phenomena in both time and space. Therefore, tools with the potential to provide early warning are needed to analyse them. In Europe, flash floods often occur on small catchments; it has already been shown that the spatial variability of rainfall has a great impact on the catchment response. The aim of this paper is to use a coupled hydrological-hydraulic model (MIKE SHE/MIKE 11) to determine the rainfall thresholds and transformation coefficients from hourly rain to other durations, which will lead to flooding of the inhabited areas to the ungauged Ungureni catchment. The model was calibrated and validated using a reference discharge previously obtained by UTCB at the downstream gauge section of Teleorman River (Tatarastii de Sus) using MIKE 11 UHM module. Once the rainfall thresholds are determined, they can be used in flood forecasting and issuing warning with lead time for the inhabitants of the two villages located in Ungureni watershed. The method proposed in this paper can be used for other watersheds prone to flooding, so warnings can be issued with lead time.
Images Encryption Method using Steganographic LSB Method, AES and RSA algorithm
Authors: Moumen Abdelkader , Sissaoui Hocine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVulnerability of communication of digital images is an extremely important issue nowadays, particularly when the images are communicated through insecure channels. To improve communication security, many cryptosystems have been presented in the image encryption literature. This paper proposes a novel image encryption technique based on an algorithm that is faster than current methods. The proposed algorithm eliminates the step in which the secrete key is shared during the encryption process. It is formulated based on the symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption and steganography theories. The image is encrypted using a symmetric algorithm, then, the secret key is encrypted by means of an asymmetrical algorithm and it is hidden in the ciphered image using a least significant bits steganographic scheme. The analysis results show that while enjoying the faster computation, our method performs close to optimal in terms of accuracy.
Solution of Fifth-order Korteweg and de Vries Equation by Homotopy perturbation Transform Method using He’s Polynomial
Authors: Sharma Dinkar , Singh Prince , Chauhan Shubha 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a combined form of the Laplace transform method with the homotopy perturbation method is applied to solve nonlinear fifth order Korteweg de Vries (KdV) equations. The method is known as homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM). The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He’s polynomials. Two test examples are considered to illustrate the present scheme. Further the results are compared with Homotopy perturbation method (HPM).
Optimization of the prediction of second refined wavelet coefficients in electron structure calculations
Authors: Sziová Brigita , Nagy Szilvia , Pipek János 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In wavelet-based solution of eigenvalue-type differential equations, like the Schrödinger equation, refinement in the resolution of the solution is a costly task, as the number of the potential coefficients in the wavelet expansion of the solution increases exponentially with the resolution.
Predicting the magnitude of the next resolution level coefficients from an already existing solution in an economic way helps to either refine the solution,or to select the coefficients, which are to be included into the next resolution level calculations, or to estimate the magnitude of the error of the solution. However, after accepting a solution with a predicted refinement as a basis, the error can still be estimated by a second prediction, i.e., from a prediction to the second finer resolution level coefficients. These secondary predicted coefficients are proven to be oscillating around the values of the wavelet expansion coefficients of the exact solution. The optimal averaging of these coefficients is presented in the following paper using a sliding average with three optimized coefficients for simple, one-dimensional electron structures.
Variable Viscosity Effects on Time Dependent Magnetic Nanofluid Flow past a Stretchable Rotating Plate
Authors: Ram Paras , Joshi Vimal Kumar , Sharma Kushal , Walia Mittu , Yadav Nisha 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
An attempt has been made to describe the effects of geothermal viscosity with viscous dissipation on the three dimensional time dependent boundary layer flow of magnetic nanofluids due to a stretchable rotating plate in the presence of a porous medium. The modelled governing time dependent equations are transformed a from boundary value problem to an initial value problem, and thereafter solved by a fourth order Runge-Kutta method in MATLAB with a shooting technique for the initial guess. The influences of mixed temperature, depth dependent viscosity, and the rotation strength parameter on the flow field and temperature field generated on the plate surface are investigated. The derived results show direct impact in the problems of heat transfer in high speed computer disks (Herrero et al. [1]) and turbine rotor systems (Owen and Rogers [2]).
Numerical heat transfer analysis of transcritical hydrocarbon fuel flow in a tube partially filled with porous media
Authors: Jiang Yuguang , Feng Yu , Zhang Silong , Qin Jiang , Bao Wen 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Hydrocarbon fuel has been widely used in air-breathing scramjets and liquid rocket engines as coolant and propellant. However, possible heat transfer deterioration and threats from local high heat flux area in scramjet make heat transfer enhancement essential. In this work, 2-D steady numerical simulation was carried out to study different schemes of heat transfer enhancement based on a partially filled porous media in a tube. Both boundary and central layouts were analyzed and effects of gradient porous media were also compared. The results show that heat transfer in the transcritical area is enhanced at least 3 times with the current configuration compared to the clear tube. Besides, the proper use of gradient porous media also enhances the heat transfer compared to homogenous porous media, which could help to avoid possible over-temperature in the thermal protection.
On the solutions of electrohydrodynamic flow with fractional differential equations by reproducing kernel method
Authors: Akgül Ali , Baleanu Dumitru , Inc Mustafa , Tchier Fairouz 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In this manuscript we investigate electrodynamic flow. For several values of the intimate parameters we proved that the approximate solution depends on a reproducing kernel model. Obtained results prove that the reproducing kernel method (RKM) is very effective. We obtain good results without any transformation or discretization. Numerical experiments on test examples show that our proposed schemes are of high accuracy and strongly support the theoretical results.
ISS-N1 makes the first FDA-approved drug for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ottesen Eric W. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the leading genetic diseases of children and infants. SMA is caused by deletions or mutations of Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN2, a nearly identical copy of SMN1, cannot compensate for the loss of SMN1 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. While various regulatory elements that modulate SMN2 exon 7 splicing have been proposed, intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) has emerged as the most promising target thus far for antisense oligonucleotide-mediated splicing correction in SMA. Upon procuring exclusive license from the University of Massachussets Medical School in 2010, Ionis Pharmaceuticals (formerly ISIS Pharamaceuticals) began clinical development of Spinraza™ (synonyms: Nusinersen, IONIS-SMNRX, ISIS-SMNRX), an antisense drug based on ISS-N1 target. Spinraza™ showed very promising results at all steps of the clinical development and was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 23, 2016. Spinraza™ is the first FDA-approved treatment for SMA and the first antisense drug to restore expression of a fully functional protein via splicing correction. The success of Spinraza™ underscores the potential of intronic sequences as promising therapeutic targets and sets the stage for further improvement of antisense drugs based on advanced oligonucleotide chemistries and delivery protocols.
Effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity: in vitro evaluations
Authors: Cinci Lorenzo , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Maidecchi Anna , Mattoli Luisa , Ghelardini Carla 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum L. has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for the treatment of many disorders. Neuropathic pain is a common side effect of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and often the cause of therapy discontinuation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, the use of H. perforatum may be a novel therapeutic strategy for neuropathy. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of H. perforatum hydrophilic extract on an in vitro model of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. The antioxidant potential of extract was first evaluated in cell-free models by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay and nitro blue tetrazolium oxidation test; the ability of H. perforatum extract to reduce oxaliplatin-induced caspase-3 activity in rat astrocytes and its potential interference with the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin in a colorectal cancer in vitro model (HT-29 cells) were also evaluated. The extract showed a significant antioxidant effect and was able to reduce caspase-3 activity in rat astrocytes. Of note, the extract alone exerted a cytotoxic effect in HT-29 cells and did not reduce the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin in HT-29 cells. These data suggest that H. perforatum could be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for counteracting chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Estimation of the Inhibition Efficiency of Polysorbate 80 Against the Corrosion of 6061 Aluminum Alloy in Di-Sodium Hydrogen Orthophosphate Solution
Authors: Abd El-Rehim S. S. , Deyab M. A. , Hassan H. H. , Shaltot Amr M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe inhibiting behavior of polysorbate 80 on 6061 aluminum alloy corrosion was evaluated in 1.0 M Na2HPO4solution. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used in this study. The obtained results showed that the inhibition efficiency increases by increasing the concentration of polysorbate 80 reaching 85.8% at 500 ppm. Good agreement was found between the results obtained from the two techniques used. The inhibition process was found to be due to adsorption of the organic compound on the alloy surface obeying the Langmuir isotherm. Polarization curves indicate that the inhibition of polysorbate 80 has the mixed anodic–cathodic nature. EIS exhibits one capacitive loop which is attributed to the double layer charging and the charge transfer process. The inhibition efficiency of polysorbate 80 decreased by rising the temperature in the range of 303–333 K. These results confirm the physisorption of the inhibitor molecules on the metal surface. The thermodynamic functions for the dissolution and adsorption processes were calculated and discussed.
Multi‐Year Microbial Source Tracking Study Characterizing Fecal Contamination in an Urban Watershed
Authors: Bushon Rebecca N. , Brady Amie M.G. , Christensen Eric D. , Stelzer Erin A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT: Microbiological and hydrological data were used to rank tributary stream contributions of bacteria to the Little Blue River in Independence, Missouri. Concentrations, loadings and yields of E. coli and microbial source tracking (MST) markers, were characterized during base flow and storm events in five subbasins within Independence, as well as sources entering and leaving the city through the river. The E. coli water quality threshold was exceeded in 29% of base‐flow and 89% of storm‐event samples. The total contribution of E. coli and MST markers from tributaries within Independence to the Little Blue River, regardless of streamflow, did not significantly increase the median concentrations leaving the city. Daily loads and yields of E. coli and MST markers were used to rank the subbasins according to their contribution of each constituent to the river. The ranking methodology used in this study may prove useful in prioritizing remediation in the different subbasins.
Valores normativos de una escala de autoeficacia académica en estudiantes universitarios de Lima
Authors: Dominguez-Lara Sergio Alexis 
Published: February 2017

<p>El presente trabajo sintetiza la obtención de valores normativos (baremos) de la Escala de Autoeficacia Percibida Específica de Situaciones Académicas (EAPESA) en estudiantes universitarios de Lima. Participaron 883 estudiantes (75.5% mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 16 y 56 años (M=22.16). El análisis factorial confirmatorio realizado indica que los datos se ajustan a la estructura unidimensional, y los coeficientes de confiabilidad utilizados (α, ω y H) presentan magnitudes elevadas. Los puntajes de la EAPESA no se ajustan a la normalidad, por lo que se elaboraron baremos utilizando percentiles. Se discuten los resultados y se sugieren guías para utilizar las normas. </p>
Copackaging Doxorubicin and PD‐L1 siRNA in Dual‐Responsive Covalent Organic Frameworks for Synergistic Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Wang Xuan , Dong Ming‐Jie , Yang Jinlong , Gong Youcong , Huang Jinkun , Yang Qiqi , Dong Haifeng , Zheng Jing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChemoimmunotherapy, which integrates chemotherapeutic drugs with immune modulators, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the generally lackluster clinical outcomes of immunotherapy. Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in orchestrating multiple events associated with diverse mechanisms that activate antitumor immune responses. Here, a novel approach utilizing dual‐responsive covalent organic frameworks (COFs) co‐encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) and programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) siRNA (siPD‐L1), termed RDAP, is presented for synergistic chemoimmunotherapy. In this system, COFs modified with poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) can adsorb DOX within their porous structure and bind siPD‐L1 onto their surface via electrostatic interactions. The resulting RDAP formulation can escape from lysosome via the “proton sponge effect” and undergo rupture upon exposure to azoreductase, leading to the efficient release of DOX and siPD‐L1 into the cytoplasm of 4T1 cells. The RDAP, harboring dual therapeutic agents, can effectively eliminate tumor cells and trigger significant immunogenic cell death (ICD) through DOX. Additionally, it concomitantly suppresses PD‐L1 expression in tumor cells, thereby significantly enhancing the antitumor immune response and resulting in synergistically improved antitumor efficacy. In mouse models, RDAP demonstrated exceptional efficacy in eliminating both primary and distant tumors, along with a pronounced antimetastatic effect against 4T1 murine breast‐to‐lung metastasis.