bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANE RATES ON COMPETITIVENESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Authors: Gajić Aleksandar , Pavlović Radica
Published: May 2019

In the era of globalization and international flows that carry the liberalization,deregulation and increased impact of international monetary institutions, as well asthe general macroeconomic environment and economic policies of the nationaleconomy have been crucial to the economic competitiveness in the internationalmarket. Exchange rate policy, as one of the factors of economic policy, has significantimplications for competitiveness, balance of payments and indebtedness. In thisregard, the purpose of this paper is to point out the exchange rate regime of theRepublic of Serbia, which has, by appreciation of currency reduced thecompetitiveness of domestic product, balance of payments deficit and a high level ofindebtedness. The work methodology is based on the processing of secondary datapublished in public sources for the period 2001-2012 of the Republic of Serbia inorder to obtain a representation of the analyzed data. The research results indicate thatthe real exchange rate of the dinar is almost double the official rate, and there is noparticular interest in exporting local products. Therefore, the monetary and foreignexchange as well as the overall economic policy appears as a catalyst for thedevelopment of Serbia's competitiveness in the international market, and it can beconcluded that the monetary-and-foreign exchange policy has not achieved economicobjectives although the stability of the exchange rate as a positive measure isconstantly emphasized by economic policy makers. The alleged stability cost Serbia alot, as evidenced by data from the balance of payments: a high deficit, high externaldebt and consequential debt slavery of Serbia.
IZRAČUN VAR-A KORIŠTENJEM ISTORIJSKE METODE NA AKCIJAMA BANJALUČKE BERZE
Authors: Pejić Ana
Published: May 2019

U posljednje vrijeme sve više pažnje se posvećuje krizi koja je potreslafinansijska tržišta i samim time uzrokovala buđenje svijesti o rizicima i nastojanjimada se ti rizici mjere te da se vrši upravljanje njima. Rizici su sveprisutni dio ljudskogživota, pa tako i u poslovnoj, finansijskoj sferi. Uopšte, rizik je neizvjesnost ubudućnosti, mogućnost nastanka nekog nepovoljnog događaja. S finansijskog aspektataj nepovoljni događaj je, na kraju, gubitak finansijskih sredstava. Razvojemfinansijskog sistema, ali i tehnologije, posljednjih dvadesetak godina javljaju se i svenoviji i bolji modeli za upravljanje rizicima. Najznačajnija u tome je metoda rizičnevrijednosti (VaR).
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AS A CONDITION OF EFFICIENT CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Authors: Grgurević Nikša , Delibašić Milica
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the institutional framework, whichthe authors see as a condition of effective corporate governance and a new paradigmof sustainable development, ie CSR and that it will in the future require increasingrespect and implementation. The institutional approach to CSR is being proposed. Itstarts from the hypothesis that the three existing theoretical approaches (egoistic,altruistic and enlightened self-interest) cannot resolve the issue of CSR efficiency.Inclusion of mandatory institutional criteria would significantly improve theregulation of the relationship between business and society. It is believed that thiswould be the most effective instrument of management of CSR.
MAKROEKONOMSKE PROMENE
Authors: Ivić Mladen
Published: May 2019

Makroekonomija obuhvata veliko područje izučavanja ekonomskih,neekonomskih, svih eksternih i internih faktora koji imaju uticaj na ekonomskustabilnost privrede, a samim tim podstiču adekvatno funkcionisanje privrede. Tako seautomatski povećava stabilnost i same države sa svim njenim elementima. Zanormalno funkcionisanje svega u jednoj ekonomiji potrebno je da država čvrsto istabilno stoji na svojim nogama, a to su dobro vođena ekonomska politika i jakaprivreda.Problem nezaposlenosti, inflacije, vrednosti novca samo su jedni odmnogobrojnih, za čije je sprečavanje ili prevenciju zadužena makroekonomija imakroekonomska politika države.
IZVEŠTAJ SVETSKE BANKE KAO POKAZATELJ NACIONALNE KONKURENTNOSTI BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Stojanović Ružica
Published: May 2019

Konkurentnost danas važi za jednu od najaktuelnijih tema. Oduvek je bilo važnoostvariti konkurentsku prednost i biti bolji od drugih. Ali krizna vremena su još višedoprinela značaju same konkurentnosti. Ostvarivanje konkurentske prednosti jeveoma važno za uspešno funkcionisanje jedne ekonomije. Zbog toga stalno tragamoza načinima koji će obezbediti efikasno funkcionisanje nacionalne ekonomije, a kojiće opet doprineti njenoj pripremi za složeno globalno okruženje. Konkurentskaprednost postaje krucijalni zahtev koji se postavlja pred svaku privredu. Mnogesvetske institucije se bave analizom i merenjem konkurentnosti. Među najznačajnimsu Svetska banka i Svetski ekonomski forum.
FINANSIJSKO RESTRUKTUIRANJE OBAVEZA SUBJEKTA PRIVATIZACIJE
Authors: Čelebić Andrea
Published: May 2019

Relativno uništena privreda Bosne i Hercegovine u periodu kapitalizma kaoposljedica neuspješno provedene privatizacije sve više je tema političkih iznanstvenih skupova u zemlji i regionu, ali i predmet rasprave Međunarodnihinstitucija. Većina imovine koja je u periodu od devedesetih do danas prešla izdruštvenog u državno, pa nakon toga u privatno vlasništvo, uništena je s ciljembogaćenja pojedinaca koji su vrlo vješto iskoristili manjkavosti zakona. Odnosno,usljed nepostojanja zakonskih obligacija o realnoj korisnosti privatizovanogpreduzeća, u smislu stvaranja nove vrijednosti, modernizacije proizvodnog procesa,očuvanja vrijednosti kapitala, dokapitalizacije i očuvanja radnih mjesta, oštetili sudržavne institucije. Početkom 2005. godine vlasti u BiH ustanovile su ozbiljnostproblema, odnosno neusklađenost državnih institucija, ponajprije saradnja izmeđuAgencije za privatizaciju FBiH i poreznih institucija i općinskih vlasti da se pratiubiranje poreza od privatizovanih preduzeća i korist koju kao privatni subjekti donosedržavi.Još jedna anomalija u procesu privatizacije je gašenje pivatizovanih preduzećai otpuštanje radnika upravo iz razloga nedostatka Zakona o restrukturiranjuprivatizovanih preduzeća.
KOMPLEKSNE METODE ZA OCJENU DINAMIKE UKUPNOG POSLOVNOG USPJEHA
Authors: Vojvodić Boro , Vojvodić Nikola , Ivić Ljubica , Mijić Ranko , Mitić Branislav
Published: May 2019

Parcijalni pokazatelji imaju veliku informacionu, kontrolnu i upravljačku ulogu ali oni ne omogućavaju kvantitativno i kvalitativno izražavanje ukupnog poslovnog uspjeha preduzeća. Oni predstavljaju posebne izraze proizvodne, akumulativne i reproduktivne sposobnosti preduzeća, ali njihova vrlo često suprotna kretanja daju iskrivljenu sliku o doprinosu pojedinih podsistema poslovnom uspjehu preduzeća kao cjeline i, zato, neprecizno iskazuju doprinos pojedinih nosilaca funkcija za postignuti opšti poslovni uspjeh preduzeća. Pored ovih pokazatelja uobičajeno je da se u dodatnim izvještajima nalaze i indikatori solventnosti i likvidnosti, zatim pokazatelji brzine obrta sredstava u reprodukciji i drugi. Cilj ovog rada je da pokaže da se poslovni rezultat preduzeća i njegov kvalitet poslovanja može kontrolisati i pomoću kompleksnih metoda od kojih je najpoznatiji model DELSA, koji se u praksi dosada rijetko koristio. U istraživanju ove teme korišćeni su naučni metodi: teorijske analize, induktivno deduktivnog logičnog zaključivanja, metode analize i sinteze, komparativne metode i elektronske interaktivne metode.
NOVI „PUT SVILE“
Authors: Marić Borislav
Published: May 2019

„Put svile“ predstavlja uspostavljanje mreže kopnenih i morskih trgovačkih puteva, koji treba da povežu Kinu sa Evropom i Afrikom preko centralne, zapadne i jugoistočne Azije i obezbjedi njeno prisustvo u svim tim regionima. Nova strategija kineske spoljne politike podrazumjeva pojačanu saradnju sa novim regionima i tržištima. Poboljšanje odnosa je u skladu sa cjelokupnom politikom NR Kine prema regionu Centralne i Istočne Evrope. U poslednjih nekoliko godina jača saradnja i povećava se broj posjeta kineskih zvaničnika u Centralnoj i Istočnoj Evropi. Zemlje Centralne Evrope su značajne za Kinu zbog direktnog pristupa zajedničkom tržištu Evropske unije, dok je Jugoistočna Evropa, a posebno zemlje van EU-a s potpisanim trgovinskim sporazumima s Unijom, kineskim kompanijama su privlačne zbog zaobilaženja antidamping i drugih sličnih regulacija Evropske unije.
STRUKTURIRANJE ALIFATIČNIH POLIURETANSKIH NANOKOMPOZITA I ISPITIVANJE NJIHOVIH DINAMIČKO-MEHANIČKIH I MEHANIČKIH KARAKTERISTIKA
Authors: Kojić Dejan , Pavličević Jelena , Jovičić Mirjana , Ikonić Bojana , Mićić Vladan , Aleksić Vojislav , Budinski-Simendić Jaroslava
Published: May 2019

U ovom radu sintetisana je serija segmentiranih poliuretanskih materijala primenom dverazličite vrste alifatičnih polikarbonatnih diola, oznaka T5651 (50% pentanskih i 50%heksanskih grupa kao ponavljajućih jedinica) i T4671 (30% butanskih i 70% heksanskihgrupa kao ponavljajućih jedinica u strukturi lanca). Segmentirani termoplastični poliuretanskimaterijali su ojačani nanočesticama glina sa slojevitom strukturom (montmorilonit ibentonit). Ispitivan je uticaj udela tvrdih segmenata i nanopunila na mehanička svojstva iapsolutno izduženje segmentiranih poliuretanskih elastomera i hibridnih materijala. Utvrđenoje da udeo tvrdih segmenata kod uzoraka na osnovu polikarbonatnog diola oznake T5651 neutiče na prekidnu čvrstoću, ali ima značajan uticaj na prekidnu čvrstoću elastomerastrukturiranih primenom polikarbonatne komponente oznake T4671. Smanjenje udela tvrdihsegmenata u znatnoj meri povećava prekidno izduženje. Dodatak 1 mas.% nanočesticaorganski modifikovanog bentonita utiče na znatno povećanje vrednosti prekidne čvrstoće iprekidnog izduženja poliuretanskih elastomera sa polikarbonatnom komponentom oznakeT5651, kao mekim segmentom (od 23.5 do 46.7 MPa i od 420 do 702%, redom). Elastomeristrukturirani primenom diola oznake T4671 i ojačani nanočesticama montmorilonita ibentonita pokazuju pogoršana mehanička svojstva u odnosu na neojačane poliuretane saistom vrstom polikarbonatne komponente kao mekog segmenta. Veću sposobnost izduženjapokazuju poliuretanski materijali strukturirani primenom polikarbonatnog prekursora oznakeT5651, usled veće pravilnosti u strukturi lanca polikarbonatnog diola koji sadrži isti brojpentanskih i heksanskih grupa.
STANJE I PROBLEMI NA TRŽIŠTU OSIGURANJA U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ
Authors: Ševkušić Ljubiša
Published: May 2019

Savremeni način života ljudi i poslovanja preduzeća zahtjeva povećanje korišćenjausluga osiguravajućih društava.U ovom radu proučavano je stanje i problemi na tržištuosiguranja u Republici Srpskoj.Konstatovano je da se tržište osiguranja u Republici Srpskojnalazi na niskom stepenu razvoja ali uz izglede za poboljšanje stanja ukoliko se sproveduodređene mjere prvenstveno od strane državnih organa.Među glavnim problemima na tržištuosiguranja u Republici Srpskoj spadaju moralni hazard i transakcioni troškovi.Pored togavlada i nelojalna konkurencija.U radu su pored definisanog stanja i problema koji vladaju natržištu osiguranja ponuđena i određena rješenja za poboljšanje postojeće situacije.
An architecture for context-aware reactive systems based on run-time semantic models
Authors: Giallonardo Ester , Poggi Francesco , Rossi Davide , Zimeo Eugenio
Published: May 2019

In recent years, new classes of highly dynamic, complex systems are gaining momentum. These systems are characterized by the need to express behaviors driven by external and/or internal changes, i.e. they are reactive and context-aware. These classes include, but are not limited to IoT, smart cities, cyber-physical systems and sensor networks.

An important design feature of these systems should be the ability of adapting their behavior to environment changes. This requires handling a runtime representation of the context enriched with variation points that relate different behaviors to possible changes of the representation.

In this paper, we present a reference architecture for reactive, context-aware systems able to handle contextual knowledge (that defines what the system perceives) by means of virtual sensors and able to react to environment changes by means of virtual actuators, both represented in a declarative manner through semantic web technologies. To improve the ability to react with a proper behavior to context changes (e.g. faults) that may influence the ability of the system to observe the environment, we allow the definition of logical sensors and actuators through an extension of the SSN ontology (a W3C standard). In our reference architecture a knowledge base of sensors and actuators (hosted by an RDF triple store) is bound to real world by grounding semantic elements to physical devices via REST APIs.

The proposed architecture along with the defined ontology try to address the main problems of dynamically reconfigurable systems by exploiting a declarative, queryable approach to enable runtime reconfiguration with the help of (a) semantics to support discovery in heterogeneous environment, (b) composition logic to define alternative behaviors for variation points, (c) bi-causal connection life-cycle to avoid dangling links with the external environment. The proposal is validated in a case study aimed at designing an edge node for smart buildings dedicated to cultural heritage preservation.
GOVERNMENTALITY: NARCOTICS CRIME PREVENTION IN DEPRIVED NEIGHBOURHOODS OF “KAMPUNG NARKOBA” IN WEST JAKARTA
Authors: Machfud Ali
Published: May 2019

The prevention of narcotics crime is a crucial problem in Indonesia. Dealing with a complex and multi-layered narcotics distribution network, it is not easy to control the drugs market. This study investigates the efforts to prevent narcotics crime through the Community Policing approach, namely by involving the community. Through the concept of governmentality, the study found that narcotics crime prevention needs to distinguish various types of communities involved. The research proposes three different models. When coping with deprived neighbourhoods, narcotics crime prevention goes beyond "disciplining others" (governing others). As such, it also involves the actions of "governing the self." Community policing needs more than collaborating with the anti-narcotics community since the problems are related not only to awareness of "anti-narcotics". In fact, it also deals with the roots of social problems in an area.
Elevated limb-bud and heart development (LBH) expression indicates poor prognosis and promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion via upregulating Integrin/FAK/Akt pathway
Authors: Yu Ruoxi , Li Zhi , Zhang Chuang , Song Huicong , Deng Mingming , Sun Liping , Xu Ling , Che Xiaofang , Hu Xuejun , Qu Xiujuan , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Ye
Published: May 2019

The limb-bud and heart development (LBH) gene is a highly conserved, tissue-specific transcription cofactor in vertebrates that regulates multiple key genes in embryonic development. The role of LBH in various cancer types is still controversial, and its specific role and molecular mechanism in the oncogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) remains largely unexplored. In the present study, the prognostic significance and clinicopathological characteristics of LBH in GC was determined. The LBH mRNA expression was first investigated in four independent public datasets (TCGA-STAD, GSE15459, GSE29272, and GSE62254) and then validated with our samples at the protein level. LBH was overexpressed at both the mRNA and protein levels in cancer compared with normal tissues. High LBH expression was correlated with advanced T, N, and M stages. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test indicated that higher LBH expression was statistically correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) in the public datasets and our study samples. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that LBH was an independent prognostic biomarker for survival in TCGA-STAD, GSE15459, GSE62254 cohorts, and our GC patients.In vitroexperiments showed that knockdown of LBH can significantly inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HGC-27 cells, while overexpression of LBH can significantly enhance the proliferation and invasion of BGC-823 cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) indicated that high LBH expression is associated with the PI3K-Akt pathway, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction. Western blot analysis showed that knockdown of LBH significantly inhibited the expression of integrin α5, integrin β1, p-FAK, and p-Akt. Therefore, results from the present study indicate that LBH is a potential independent prognostic biomarker and promotes proliferation and invasion of GC cells by activating the integrin/FAK/Akt pathway.
Effect of Biofertilizer on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Zea mays L. in Different Ecological Zones in Kenya
Authors: Kumar Ashmitha S. , Wafula Wekha N. , Korir Nicholas K.
Published: May 2019

In order to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers, alternative methods should be developed which will provide nutrients to plants. The increased cost of inorganic fertilizers, including their inability to condition the soil and their polluting effect on the environment, has directed attention towards other sources of soil fertilization to enhance maize production. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the effect of Effective Micro-organisms (biofertilizer) comprising Pseudomonas spp, Saccharomyces spp, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus spp. on the growth and yield components of Zea mays L. The trial plots measured 4 m×3 m and the experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 treatments namely; Biogrovit (biofertilizer) alone; conventional fertilizer alone, Biogrovit plus conventional fertilizer combined and the control. It was replicated three times. Biogrovit was soil drenched in plants at an interval of 14 days in crops established at two sites in Kirinyaga and Machakos County. Significant differences were observed in the leaf area where application of the biofertilizer had the largest (995 cm2) while the least was under the control (529 cm2). The grain yield was notably influenced by application of treatments at both sites, where the highest was recorded under the biofertilizer in Kirinyaga (8.6 t/ha) and Machakos (7.77 t/ha) which was not significantly different from that of the conventional fertilizers in Kirinyaga and Machakos at 7.55 t/ha and 6.87 t/ha respectively. The control had the lowest grain yield in both sites. The 1000-grain mass, ear length, cob weight, number of cobs per plant and the number of kernels per cob directly influenced the actual grain yield as they were higher for both biofertilizer and chemical treatments. The application of Biofertilizer and conventional fertilizer combined at full rates were antagonistic as most of the parameters tested had lower counts than when independently applied. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that biofertilizers enhance the growth of maize and as such its use should be encouraged because it is eco-friendly.
Granulometry and Stability of Aggregates in Different Land Uses in the Santa Catarina Plateau of Southern, Brazil
Authors: Santos Kristiana Fiorentin dos , Barbosa Fabrício Tondello , Bertol Ildegardis , Werner Romeu De Souza , Wolschick Neuro Hilton , Museka Luran Monteiro
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present work was to determine the granulometry and stability of aggregates in different types of land use in the Santa Catarina Plateau of southern, Brazil. The research was conducted on Capão Alto, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The land use types selected were natural forest (NF), stands pine (SP), crop-livestock integration (CLI), and burned natural rangeland (BR). The definition of the collection points in the field was performed by means of a random sample survey, with nine sampling points by type of use. The stability of aggregates in water, expressed by the mean geometric diameter of aggregates (MGD), was performed after separation of the larger aggregates in smaller aggregates by a set of sieves with 8 and 4.76 mm. Subsequently, these aggregates were fractionated by means of a set of sieves of 4.76; 2.00; 1.00; and 0.25 mm by means of shaking submerged in water. The levels of sand, silt and clay presented differences between the types of land use. MGD ranges from 4.43 to 5.70 mm in NF; from 4.06 to 5.81 mm in SP; from 3.00 to 5,45 mm in CLI; e 4.35 to 5.57 mm in BR. In general, the results showed that MGD varied little in the different types of use, and in all treatments there was a trend of decreasing soil MGD with increasing depth.
Zoning of Water Deficiency Risk for Conventional Cotton in Mato Grosso
Authors: Silva Elizangela Selma da , Campelo Júnior José Holanda , Lobo Francisco De Almeida , Amorim Ricardo Santos Silva
Published: May 2019

Cotton agroclimatic zoning is an essential tool to establish the most favorable periods for its cultivation, when the environmental conditions are more propitious, in order to reduce risks in agricultural activity. The objective of this work was to develop the zoning of the risk estimation of cotton yield reduction in the state of Mato Grosso, using the FAO method. Cultivars of early, medium and late cycles were considered, with four sowing dates (12/11, 12/21, 1/01 and 1/11) and three available water capacities (60, 140 and 200 mm). Results were specialized by ordinary kriging. The southernmost regions of the state presented the highest reduction risks, due to the lower precipitation in these areas. Sowing period 1 presented the lowest yield reduction risk, and the late-cycle cultivar in season 4 was the one that presented the highest reduction risk. Trough the validation of the obtained results, it can be considered that the methodology adopted in this work to verify the risk of yield decrease proved to be efficient.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations in live cells: quantification methods and discrepancies
Authors: Fernandez‐Sanz Celia , De la Fuente Sergio , Sheu Shey‐Shing
Published: May 2019

Intracellular Ca2+ signaling controls numerous cellular functions. Mitochondria respond to cytosolic Ca2+ changes by adapting mitochondrial functions and, in some cell types, shaping the spatiotemporal properties of the cytosolic Ca2+ signal. Numerous methods have been developed to specifically and quantitatively measure the mitochondrial‐free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]m), but there are still significant discrepancies in the calculated absolute values of [Ca2+]m in stimulated live cells. These discrepancies may be due to the distinct properties of the methods used to measure [Ca2+]m, the calcium‐free/bound ratio, and the cell‐type and stimulus‐dependent Ca2+ dynamics. Critical processes happening in the mitochondria, such as ATP generation, ROS homeostasis, and mitochondrial permeability transition opening, depend directly on the [Ca2+]m values. Thus, precise determination of absolute [Ca2+]m values is imperative for understanding Ca2+ signaling. This review summarizes the reported calibrated [Ca2+]m values in many cell types and discusses the discrepancies among these values. Areas for future research are also proposed.
Mommy Tracks and Legal Practice
Authors: Redd Nikaela Jacko
Published: May 2019

The term “mommy tracks” in the context of legal practice describes the career trajectory for women who pursue a career in law but have either by choice or involuntarily work less hours and typically receive less pay and work on matters of less importance in the institution in which they are employed. Women attorneys typically work a second shift in which they must be the caretaker of the home and any children that they may have. And although women attorneys provide a diverse viewpoint and various approaches to legal issues that have been recognized to save money and be valuable in the legal setting, women are still seen as less important purely because of gender. As women, they are looked upon as potentially being mothers and wives whose primary concern will always be the home. If, for some reason, the woman is primarily focused on work and forgoes home life, society still perceives her unfavorably because of her decision to abandon traditional gender roles. Despite almost a hundred years of female participation in the legal profession, it still needs to undergo a fundamental structural transformation.
A new frontier of image guidance: Organs at risk avoidance with MRI‐guided respiratory‐gated intensity modulated radiotherapy: Technical note and report of a case
Authors: Massaccesi Mariangela , Cusumano Davide , Boldrini Luca , Dinapoli Nicola , Fionda Bruno , Teodoli Stefania , Azario Luigi , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Balducci Mario , Cellini Francesco , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: May 2019

The case of a 50‐year‐old man affected by a rhabdomiosarcoma metastatic lesion in the left flank Is reported. The patient was addressed to 50.4 Gy radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy in order to locally control the lesion. A Tri‐60‐Co magnetic resonance hybrid radiotherapy unit was used for treatment delivery and a respiratory gating protocol was applied for the different breathing phases (Free Breathing, Deep Inspiration Breath Hold and Final Expiration Breath Hold). Three intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans were calculated and Final Expiration Breath Hold plan was finally selected due to the absence of PTV coverage differences and better organs at risk sparing (i.e. kidneys). This case report suggests that organs at risk avoidance with MRI‐guided respiratory‐gated Radiotherapy is feasible and particularly advantageous whenever sparing the organs at risk is of utmost dosimetric or clinical importance.
Five‐Year Follow‐Up of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Coronary Artery Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results From a Community‐Based Lupus Cohort
Authors: Sandhu Vaneet K. , Wei Janet , Thomson Louise E. J. , Berman Daniel S. , Schapira Jay , Wallace Daniel , Weisman Michael H. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Ishimori Mariko L.
Published: May 2019

Objective

The present study was undertaken to investigate prospective change in the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in a cohort of subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) initially evaluated for anginal chest pain (CP). Prior work documented a relatively high prevalence of CMD in the absence of obstructive CAD in subjects with SLE.

Methods

Twenty female SLE subjects with CP who underwent stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and coronary computed tomography angiography at baseline were reevaluated at 5 years.

Results

Seventeen subjects (85%) were available and reenrolled, of which 11 (65%) had persistent CP at follow‐up. Fourteen subjects had complete follow‐up CMRI, of which 36% (n = 5) demonstrated CMD at follow‐up. Further, 25% (1 of 4) of the originally abnormal myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) findings at baseline were lower at follow‐up, while 2 additional abnormal MPRI findings at follow‐up were noted in previously normal MPRI results. The prevalence of CMD and nonobstructive/obstructive CAD both was unchanged between baseline and follow‐up, respectively (both P values not significant). During follow‐up, 33% of subjects (5 of 15) had adverse cardiac outcomes, including pericarditis, unstable angina, or intracranial aneurysm clipping procedure.

Conclusion

At the 5‐year follow‐up of SLE subjects with CP who were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up, a majority had persistent CP, and nearly one‐half had similar or worse myocardial perfusion consistent with CMD without obstructive CAD. These findings propose an alternative explanation for CP in SLE subjects compared to the more common SLE‐related accelerated obstructive CAD accounting for CP and adverse outcomes. These findings support further studies of CMD as an etiology for cardiac morbidity and mortality in SLE.
Magnetic Field‐Assisted Control of Phase Composition and Texture in Photocatalytic Hematite Films
Authors: Pyeon Myeongwhun , Rauch Vanessa , Stadler Daniel , Gürsoy Mehmet , Deo Meenal , Gönüllü Yakup , Fischer Thomas , Hwang Taejin , Mathur Sanjay
Published: May 2019

We report the influence of external magnetic fields applied parallel or perpendicular to the substrate during plasma chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanostructures. Hematite films grown from iron precursors show pronounced changes in phase composition (pure hematite vs. coexistence of hematite and magnetite) and crystallographic textures depending upon whether PECVD is performed with or without the influence of external magnetic field. Static magnetic fields created by rod‐type (RTMs) or disk‐type magnets (DTMs) results in hematite films with anisotropic or equiaxed grains, respectively. Using RTMs, a superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance is obtained for hematite photoanodes synthesized under perpendicularly applied magnetic field (with respect to substrate), whereas parallel magnetic field results in the most efficient hematite photoanode in the case of DTM. The experimental data on microstructure and functional properties of hematite films show that application of magnetic fields has a significant effect on the crystallite size and texture with preferred growth and/or suppression of grains with specific texture in Fe2O3 films. Investigations on the water splitting properties of the hematite films in a photoelectrochemical reactor reveal that photocurrent values of hematite photoanodes are remarkably different for films deposited with (0.659 mA cm−2) or without (0.484 mA cm−2) external magnetic field.
Oxidation Behavior of Alumina Fiber Reinforced SiCO Composites for a Co‐Firing Process on Steel Pipes
Authors: Wolff Nadja , Langhof Nico , Krenkel Walter
Published: May 2019

In order to increase the operating temperature of power plants up to 700 °C and to reduce the revision intervals at the current temperatures (550 °C), the temperature and pressure‐induced load of a hot steam pipe can be decreased by a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) jacket, that consist of alumina fibers (Nextel 610) within a SiCO matrix. Due to the creep resistance of the CMC jacket, the lifetime of the steel tube is significantly enhanced [Spatz et al., J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 2018, 38, 2954]. Within this work, the influence of oxidation of this specifically developed CMC jacket material on the mechanical properties and microstructure is examined at 550 °C up to 500 h. Polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) is applied in order to fabricate unidirectional fiber reinforced oxide CMCs at 750 °C in N2. Open porosities below 15%, shear strengths up to 18 MPa, and tensile strength up to 230 MPa are obtained after 500 h at 550 °C. In order to analyze the effect of oxidation and thermal treatment, the amount and the distribution of porosity, which cause significantly changes within the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of the oxide composites are studied and discussed.
Preparation of Tortuous 3D γ‐CsPbI3 Films at Low Temperature by CaI2 as Dopant for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Hang , Xu Jia , Zhou Shijie , Li Zhenzhen , Zhang Bing , Xia Xin , Liu Xiaolong , Dai Songyuan , Yao Jianxi
Published: May 2019

Inorganic cubic CsPbI3 perovskite (α‐CsPbI3) has been widely explored for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its thermal stability and suitable bandgap of 1.73 eV. However, α‐CsPbI3 usually requires high synthesis temperatures (>320 °C). Additionally, it usually undergoes phase transition to the nonperovskite structure phase (β‐CsPbI3), which results in poor photoelectric performance in devices. In this study, it is first found that the tortuous 3D CsPbI3 phase (γ‐CsPbI3) can be prepared and used for PSCs by solution process without any additive at low temperature (60 °C). The γ‐CsPbI3 exhibits suitable bandgap of 1.75 eV and favorable photoelectric properties. However, γ‐CsPbI3 is a metastable phase and easily transforms into β‐CsPbI3 in ambient moisture. In order to improve the stability of γ‐CsPbI3, calcium ions (Ca2+) with a relatively small radius of 100 pm are used to partially substitute lead ions (119 pm). This research proves that Ca2+ can effectively improve the stability of the γ‐CsPbI3 at room temperature. By optimizing the doping concentration of Ca2+ (CsPb1−xCaxI3, x is from 0% to 2%), the Ca2+‐doped γ‐CsPbI3 PSCs achieve a hysteresis‐free J–V curve and a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.20%.
Unconjugated Side‐Chain Engineering Enables Small Molecular Acceptors for Highly Efficient Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells: Insights into the Fine‐Tuning of Acceptor Properties and Micromorphology
Authors: Liu Tao , Gao Wei , Wang Yilin , Yang Tao , Ma Ruijie , Zhang Guangye , Zhong Cheng , Ma Wei , Yan He , Yang Chuluo
Published: May 2019

2D conjugated side‐chain engineering is an effective strategy that is widely utilized to construct benzodithiophene‐based polymers. Herein, an unconjugated side‐chain strategy to design fused‐benzodithiophene‐based non‐fullerene small molecule acceptors (SMAs) via vertical aromatic side‐chain engineering on the ladder‐type core is employed. Three SMAs named BTTIC‐Th, BTTIC‐TT, and BTTIC‐Ph with thiophene, thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, and benzene, respectively, as side chains, are designed and synthesized. Three SMAs exhibit similar absorption ranges but different lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels due to the different strength of the δ‐inductive effect between vertical aromatic side chains and their electron‐rich core. Organic solar cells based on PBDB‐T:BTTIC‐TT achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.44%, which is higher than the PCE of devices based on PBDB‐T:BTTIC‐Th (12.91%) and PBDB‐T:BTTIC‐Ph (9.14%). The difference in device performance is investigated by electrical and morphological characterizations. A large domain size and different types of π–π stacking are found in the bulk heterojunction layer of PBDB‐T:BTTIC‐Ph blend film, which are detrimental to exciton dissociation and charge transport. Overall, it is demonstrated that when designing unconjugated side chains, thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene is superior to thiophene and benzene through its dual roles of promoting the LUMO energy level and optimizing the morphology. These results shed light on the side‐chain engineering of high‐performance non‐fullerene SMAs.
Microfluidic Model for Evaluation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Human Tumors
Authors: Beckwith Ashley L. , Velásquez‐García Luis F. , Borenstein Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2019

Presented is the first demonstration of real‐time monitoring of the response of resident lymphocyte populations in biopsied tumor tissue to immunotherapeutic agents in a perfused tumor microenvironment. This technology comprises a microfluidic tumor trapping device constructed from a novel 3D‐printed, transparent, noncytotoxic substrate. The 3D‐printed device sustains viability of biopsied tissue fragments under dynamic perfusion for at least 72 h while enabling simultaneous administration of various drug treatments, illustrating a useful tool for drug development and precision medicine for immunotherapy. Confocal microscopy of the tumor tissue and resident lymphocytes in the presence of fluorescent tracers provides real‐time monitoring of tumor response to various immunotherapies. Devices are additively manufactured in Pro3dure GR‐10 (i.e., a relatively new, high‐resolution stereolithographic resin with properties suitable for biomedical applications), allowing integration of a set of finely featured functional components into a monolithically constructed platform. The presented platform comprises a new methodology for modeling and analyzing tumor response for the improved prediction of patient‐specific immunotherapy efficacy. It is acknowledged that this is the first report of human tumor fragments cultured in a dynamic perfusion system capable of testing the effect of circulating immune checkpoint inhibitors on resident tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes.
Surface‐Halogenation‐Induced Atomic‐Site Activation and Local Charge Separation for Superb CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Hao Lin , Kang Lei , Huang Hongwei , Ye Liqun , Han Keli , Yang Songqiu , Yu Hongjian , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi
Published: May 2019

Solar‐energy‐driven CO2 conversion into value‐added chemical fuels holds great potential in renewable energy generation. However, the rapid recombination of charge carriers and deficient reactive sites, as two major obstacles, severely hampers the photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity. Herein, a desirable surface halogenation strategy to address the aforementioned concerns over a Sillén‐related layer‐structured photocatalyst Bi2O2(OH)(NO3) (BON) is demonstrated. The surface halogen ions that are anchored on the Bi atoms by replacing surface hydroxyls on the one hand facilitate the local charge separation, and, on the other hand, activate the hydroxyls that profoundly boost the adsorption of CO2 molecules and protons and facilitate the CO2 conversion process, as evidenced by experimental and theoretical results collectively. Among the three series of BON‐X (X = Cl, Br, and I) catalysts, BON‐Br shows the most substantially enhanced CO production rate (8.12 µmol g−1 h−1) without any sacrificial agents or cocatalysts, ≈73 times higher than that of pristine Bi2O2(OH)(NO3), also exceeding that of the state‐of‐the‐art photocatalysts reported to date. This work presents a surface polarization protocol for engineering charge behavior and reactive sites to promote photocatalysis, which shows great promise to the future design of high‐performance materials for clean energy production.
From Nonluminescent to Blue‐Emitting Cs4PbBr6 Nanocrystals: Tailoring the Insulator Bandgap of 0D Perovskite through Sn Cation Doping
Authors: Zou Shenghan , Liu Caiping , Li Renfu , Jiang Feilong , Chen Xueyuan , Liu Yongsheng , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2019

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with different dimensionalities have recently fascinated the research community due to their extraordinary optoelectronic performance such as tunable bandgaps over the entire visible spectral region. However, compared to well‐developed 3D CsPbX3 perovskites (X = Cl, Br, and I), the bandgap tuning in 0D Cs4PbX6 perovskite NCs remains an arduous task. Herein, a simple but valid strategy is proposed to tailor the insulator bandgap (≈3.96 eV) of Cs4PbBr6 NCs to the blue spectral region by changing the local coordination environment of isolated [PbBr6]4− octahedra in the Cs4PbBr6 crystal through Sn cation doping. Benefitting from the unique Pb2+‐poor and Br−‐rich reaction environment, the Sn cation is successfully introduced into the Cs4PbBr6 NCs, forming coexisting point defects comprising substitutional SnPb and interstitial Bri, thereby endowing these theoretically nonluminescent Cs4PbBr6 NCs with an ultranarrow blue emission at ≈437 nm (full width at half maximum, ≈12 nm). By combining the experimental results with first‐principles calculations, an unusual electronic dual‐bandgap structure, comprising the newly emerged semiconducting bandgap of ≈2.87 eV and original insulator bandgap of ≈3.96 eV, is found to be the underlying fundamental reason for the ultranarrow blue emission.
Highly Reversible Electrofluorochromism from Electrochemically Decoupled but Electronically Coupled Molecular Dyads
Authors: Kim Sinheui , You Youngmin
Published: May 2019

Although electrofluorochromism enables unique optoelectronic applications, its utility has been limited by poor reversibility. It is demonstrated that high reversibility in electrofluorochromism is obtainable from molecular dyads having a redox‐stable acceptor and an aromatic or antiaromatic donor. The structural control aims to generate excited‐state conjugation that produces twisted intramolecular charge‐transfer fluorescence, while suppressing the ground‐state conjugation in order to confine electrochemical processes exclusively within the acceptor unit. Overpotential‐free electrofluorochromism can be achieved with a high fatigue resistance against repeated electrochemical cycles. The electrofluorochromism is investigated using structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and quantum chemical techniques. The studies reveal that electrochemical gating of intramolecular charge transfer is the key mechanism underlying the improved electrofluorochromism performance. The study will provide novel insights into the future development and applications of electrofluorochromic devices.
The Enigmatic Roles of PPR‐SMR Proteins in Plants
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lu Congming
Published: May 2019

The pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein family, with more than 400 members, is one of the largest and most diverse protein families in land plants. A small subset of PPR proteins contain a C‐terminal small MutS‐related (SMR) domain. Although there are relatively few PPR‐SMR proteins, they play essential roles in embryo development, chloroplast biogenesis and gene expression, and plastid‐to‐nucleus retrograde signaling. Here, recent advances in understanding the roles of PPR‐SMR proteins and the SMR domain based on a combination of genetic, biochemical, and physiological analyses are described. In addition, the potential of the PPR‐SMR protein SOT1 to serve as a tool for RNA manipulation is highlighted.
Manipulation of Ni Interstitials for Realizing Large Power Factor in TiNiSn‐Based Materials
Authors: Ren Wuyang , Zhu Hangtian , Mao Jun , You Li , Song Shaowei , Tong Tian , Bao Jiming , Luo Jun , Wang Zhiming , Ren Zhifeng
Published: May 2019

Defect engineering has been identified as an effective strategy for improving thermoelectric performance by tailoring electron and phonon transport. TiNiSn is unique due to its naturally formed Ni interstitials, where the interstitial atoms enable strong phonon scattering that results in reduced lattice thermal conductivity, although an adverse effect on mobility is inevitable. Rather than pursuing the conventional strategy of strengthening the interstitial scattering to improve the performance of TiNiSn‐based materials, an attempt is made to minimize the atomic disorder in order to enhance the mobility, which in turn favors a higher power factor. The altered bandgap, and electrical and thermal properties demonstrate that the interstitials can be effectively controlled by intentionally reducing the amount of Ni. Benefiting from the manipulation of the interstitials, significantly enhanced mobility is achieved in the Ni‐deficient composition, resulting in peak power factor of ≈50 µW cm−1 K−2, which is comparable to the best n‐type half‐Heusler compounds. Additionally, the well‐designed composition employing Ni interstitial manipulation and heavy‐element doping exhibits peak ZT of ≈0.73, higher than that of all other reported TiNiSn‐based materials. The unique role of interstitials in either electron or phonon transport is emphasized, and further encouragement for engineering thermoelectric properties by manipulating intrinsic disorder, especially in materials with complex structures, is provided.
Myelodysplasia as assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry refines prognostic stratification provided by genotypic risk in systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Mannelli Francesco , Gesullo Francesca , Rotunno Giada , Pacilli Annalisa , Bencini Sara , Annunziato Francesco , Zanotti Roberta , Scaffidi Luigi , Giona Fiorina , Santopietro Michelina , Grifoni Federica , Pieri Lisa , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: May 2019

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by extreme heterogeneity of manifestations and prognosis. Several disease‐related biomarkers, including clinical, hematological and molecular variables, have been correlated with prognosis. Although relevant, the mutation profile closely reflects the WHO classification that has per se prognostic value. High‐risk mutations (HRM) are largely confined to advanced forms, and thus fail in providing information regarding progression and outcome in the not‐advanced variants. In this work, we studied hematopoietic cells by multi‐parameter flow cytometry (MFC) in order to highlight dysplastic traits that might provide insights into outcome. A score previously validated for myelodysplastic syndromes, with high reproducibility in standard diagnostics, was used. The application of an MFC score to a cohort of 71 SM cases, concurrently genotyped for configuring a HRM category, resulted in the identification of two separate patients' categories (MFC+ and MFC‐) characterized by significantly different clinical and laboratory features at presentation. The extent of dysplasia by MFC tended to parallel WHO‐category and genotype‐related stratification. MFC+ patients had shorter survival compared to MFC‐ ones, for whom the incidence of progression and/or death was virtually null. Of note, MFC score remained prognostically informative in unadvanced subsets. Furthermore, the integration of MFC and HRM was an independent predictor for outcome, also overcoming WHO‐categories in multivariate analysis for EFS. Our results support the use of MFC analysis in the evaluation of patients with SM, alone and in combination with HRM, for refinement of prognosis assessment.
Ligand‐Promoted RhIII‐Catalyzed Thiolation of Benzamides with a Broad Disulfide Scope
Authors: Kang Yan‐Shang , Zhang Ping , Li Min‐Yan , Chen You‐Ke , Xu Hua‐Jin , Zhao Jing , Sun Wei‐Yin , Yu Jin‐Quan , Lu Yi
Published: May 2019

A ligand‐promoted RhIII‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H activation/thiolation of benzamides has been developed. Using bidentate mono‐N‐protected amino acid ligands led to the first example of RhIII‐catalyzed aryl thiolation reactions directed by weakly coordinating directing amide groups. The reaction tolerates a broad range of amides and disulfide reagents.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral 1,4‐Enynes through Organocatalytic Alkenylation of Propargyl Alcohols with Trialkenylboroxines
Authors: Bai Jian‐Fei , Yasumoto Kento , Kano Taichi , Maruoka Keiji
Published: May 2019

A highly enantioselective synthesis of 1,4‐enynes is described that proceeds through an organocatalytic reaction between propargyl alcohols and trialkenylboroxines. Our strategy relies on acid‐mediated generation of the carbocationic intermediate from propargyl alcohols followed by enantioselective alkenylation with trialkenylboroxines. A range of chiral 1,4‐enynes were obtained in moderate to good yields with high levels of enantioselectivity. Use of a highly acidic chiral N‐triflyl phosphoramide catalyst, which has two distant Lewis basic oxygen atoms, was found to be crucial for both high reactivity and selectivity in the present reaction.
κ3‐(N^C^C)Gold(III) Carboxylates: Evidence for Decarbonylation Processes
Authors: Beucher Hélène , Merino Estíbaliz , Genoux Alexandre , Fox Thomas , Nevado Cristina
Published: May 2019

Gold(III) carboxylate species, stabilized by a κ3‐(N^C^C) ligand template, are presented herein. A η1‐AuIII‐C(O)‐OH species has been characterized under cryogenic conditions as a result of the nucleophilic attack of an ammonium hydroxide onto a dinuclear μ‐CO2‐κ3‐(N^C^C)AuIII precursor. Thermal decomposition for these species proceeds by an unusual decarbonylation process, in contrast to typical decarboxylation pathways observed in related metallocarboxylic acids.