bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Индустријска политика у глобалним процесима // Industrial policy in global processes
Authors: Јурчић Љубо
Published: November 2017

Резиме: Глобализација је глобални процес кроз који се смањују или укидају препреке несметаном ширењу идеја, вјера, робe, услуга, капитала, технологија, помоћи, итд. на цијелој земаљској кугли. У економском смислу, коначни циљ глобализације јесте претварање цијеле земаљске кугле у јединствени економски простор. Тај процес потакнут је индустријском и технолошком револуцијом, као и различитим међународним споразумима којима се уклањају препреке овоим процесима. Мале земље уколико уколико желе имати веће користи него трошкове глобализацијских процеса, морају имати властиту политику која ће им то омогућити, будући да користи од глобализације аутоматизмом припадају великим, а трошкови малим земљама. Једна од политика којом мале земље могу остварити користи од глобализације јесте индустријска политика.Summary: Globalization is a global process that can reduce or eliminate barriers for the free dissemination of ideas, religions, goods, services, capital, technology, aid etc.  around the globe. In economic terms, the ultimate goal of globalization is to turn the entire globe into a single economic space. This process has been driven by industrial and technological revolution and the various international agreements eliminating barriers in these processes.Small countries,if they want to have more benefits than costs of globalization processes, must have their own policies that will allow it; because the benefits of globalization automatically belong to large countires and costs to small countries. One policy by which small countries can benefit from globalization is industrial policy.
Побољшање успјешности пословања јавних предузећа примјеном корпоративног управљања // Improving Business Performance of Public Companies Using Corporate Governance
Authors: Тодоровић Здравко , Златковић Матеа
Published: November 2017

Резиме: У стручној јавности се све чешће указује на проблеме пословне успјешности јавних предузећа са већинским државним власништвом. Иако се ради о предузећима која располажу значајним природним ресурсима и имају стратешки значај, у њиховом пословању су присутни врло мали приноси на капитал, па чак и губици. У овом раду се испитује пословна успјешност и ниво корпоративног управљања јавних предузећа Републике Српске (РС) са већинским државним власништвом која котирају на Бањалучкој берзи, а посебно предузећа Електропривреде РС. Мјерење пословне успјешности предузећа се врши на основу анализе финансијских извјештаја за посљедњих пет година, преко показатеља рентабилности и тржишних показатеља. Посебно се врши оцјењивање нивоа корпоративног управљања у предузећима Електропривреде РС, путем анкетног истраживања помоћу Scorecard упитника Бањалучке берзе. Циљ рада је указивање на низак ниво успјешности пословања посматраних предузећа у односу на инострана, као и на низак ниво корпоративног управљања у предузећима Електропривреде РС. Такође се жели указати на зависност између кориштених показатеља и нивоа корпоративног управљања, односно на неопходност промјене политике државе према управљању државним капиталом.Summary: The professional community is increasingly addressing the problems of business performance of public enterprises with majority state ownership. Although it is the companies that have significant natural resources and are of strategic importance, very low returns on equity, or even losses are present in their business. In this research paper we investigate business performance and the level of corporate governance of Republic of Srpska (RS) public companies with the majority state-owned listed on Banja Luka Stock Exchange, especially Elektroprivreda RS companies. Measuring the success of the business enterprise is based on the analysis of financial statements for the last five years, using indicators of profitability and market indicators. Particularly, we assess the level of corporate governance in companies Elektroprivreda RS, in survey research using Scorecard Banja Luka Stock Exchange questionnaires.The aim of the study is to indicate low levels of business performance of surveyed companies in relation to foreign as well as the low level of corporate governance in companies Elektroprivreda RS. It also signifies the relationship between the used indicators and the level of corporate governance and the need for changes in the state policy towards the management of the state capital.
Шумпетерова теорија економска раста: Предузетништво као одговор на економску стагнацију // Schumpeterian growth theory: Entrepreneurship - a response to the economic downturn
Authors: Атељевић Јово
Published: November 2017

Резиме: Игнорисање и неразумијевање Шумпетеровог писања су главни разлози зашто је британско-америчка школа, као доминантна у контексту неокласичне економије, била и још увијек јесте одвојена од њемачке историјске школе. Међутим, Шумпетерове поставке су и данас релевантне будући да систем опште економске равнотеже нема праву теорију ендогеног или структуралног развоја коју је предложио Шумпетер. Његова теорија економског развоја може послужити као кохерентни одговор на марксистичку теорију. За Шумпетера, унутаркапиталистичка конкуренција у потпуности објашњава структурне промјене у економији. Он тврди да је конкуренција динамички процес разлика и борбе међу компанијама, а не статична конкуренција Валрасовог система. У Шумпетеровој властитој визији економског система, теорија економских циклуса и теорија раста су нераздвојне. Циљ овог рада је да кроз синтезу теоретских анализа потврди релевантност Шумпетерове теорије у контексту дигиталне економије.Summary: Ignorance and misunderstanding of Schumpeter’s writing are the main reasons why the Anglo-American School, as dominant in the context of neoclassical economics, was and still is separate from the German Historical School. However, Schumpeter’s arguments are relevant today because the system of general economic equilibrium has no adequate theory able to explain neither endogenous nor structural development proposed by Schumpeter. His theory of economic development can serve as a coherent response to Marxist theory. For Schumpeter, the intra-capitalist competition fully explains the structural changes in the economy. He argues that competition is a dynamic process of differences and struggles between companies, and not static competition as proposed by the Walrasian mathematical perfect model. Schumpeter argues that the theory of economic cycles and the growth theory are inseparable. The overarching aim of this paper is to through synthesize of theoretical analysis confirms the relevance of Schumpeter’s theory in the context of the digital economy.
Савремена парадигма задуживања као лекција научена током глобалне финансијске кризе // The modern paradigm of borrowing as a lesson learned during the global financial crisis
Authors: Kester George W. , Radivojac Goran
Published: November 2017

Резиме: Бруто домаћи производ (БДП) Републике Српске забиљежио је негативну стопу раста од 0,9% у трећем кварталу 2012. године у односу на исти период 2011. године, показују подаци Завода за статистику Републике Српске. Тиме је настављен пад БДП-а који је забиљежен у претходна два квартала 2012. године. С друге стране, у извјештају Завода за статистику РС наводи се да је до највећег раста БДП-а дошло у области финансијског посредовања и то за 7,6%, што је могуће објаснити појачаном тражњом јавног сектора за новцем у сврху финансирања текућег дефицита. Сходно томе, у пракси се врло често поставља питање - гдје су крајње границе задуживања? Поједностављен приступ тражењу одговора на претходно питање упућује на закључак да капацитет задуживања зависи од процијењене вриједности колатерала (обезбјеђења) кредитног аранжмана. Ипак, одговор на постављено питање треба тражити у студиозној анализи новчаних токова (прилива и одлива) зајмопримца, те на основу тако добијених резултата испитивати способност зајмопримца да отплати узете кредите из будућих новчаних токова.Summary: According to data published by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Srpska, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Republic of Srpska recorded a negative growth rate of 0.9% in the third quarter of the year 2012. compared to the same period of the year 2011. This continued a decline in GDP, which is recorded in two quarters of the 2012. On the other hand, a report by the Statistical Office said that the greatest GDP growth occurred in financial intermediation by 7.6%, which is explained by increased public sector demand for money in order to finance the current budget deficit. Consequently, in practice, we often hear same question in context of the borrowing dilemma - where are the limits of borrowing? Simplified approach in seeking answers to the previous question suggests that the borrowing capacity depends on the estimated value of the collateral of credit arrangement. However, the answer to this question should be sought thorough the analysis of the borrowers cash flows (inflows and outflows), and on the basis of such results we have to do serious examination of the abilities of borrowers capacity to repay their loans from cash flows in the future period of time.
Measuring the Governance in Pakistan: An Introduction to KU Index // Mjeрeњe упрaвљaњa у Пaкистaну: Представљање KU индекса
Authors: Ali Khan Rana Ejaz , Ullah Shafqut
Published: November 2017

Summary: The governance at the national level has commonly been measured as poor or good governance by researchers in the area of public sector reforms. They have rarely attempted the numeric estimation of the concept but used different socioeconomic indicators as proxies. Governance is a multidimensional concept that cannot be accurately elaborated by a single indicator. In the literature there exists a gap for gauging the governance in the form of an index. The current study has attempted to ameliorate different dimensions of governance by including forty two social, political, economic, demographic and environmental indicators. These indicators are firstly merged into thirteen sub-dimensions and then into five dimensions. The dimensions have been transformed in to governance index. The trend of the index shows that governance has not only progressed very slowly but it remained desperate in the study period. The contribution of this study is to provide governance index named KU index for Pakistan in annual time series for the years 1980-81 to 2010-2011. The index explained the level of governance in different eras and is ultimately connected with public sector reforms. It can be used by researchers as an explanatory factor for various political, socioeconomic and regional strategic phenomenon. Furthermore, the criterion of estimation of governance may be adopted for other economies and comparative analysis may be done.Рeзимe: Упрaвљaњe нa нaциoнaлнoм нивoу je oбичнo oцjeњивaнo oд стрaнe истрaживaчa у oблaсти рeфoрми jaвнoг сeктoрa кao дoбрo или лoшe. Oни су риjeткo пoкушaвaли нумeричку прoцjeну кoнцeптa, вeћ су кoристили рaзличитe сoциo-eкoнoмскe пoкaзaтeљe кao приближнe вриjeднoсти. Упрaвљaњe je мултидимeнзиoнaлни кoнцeпт кojи сe нe мoжe прeцизнo oбjaснити сaмo jeдним индикaтoрoм. У литeрaтури пoстojи jaз у мjeрeњу упрaвљaњa у oблику индeксa. Tрeнутнa студиja je пoкушaлa ублaжити рaзличитe димeнзиje упрaвљaњa укључуjући чeтрдeсeт двa друштвeнa, пoлитичкa, eкoнoмскa, дeмoгрaфскa и eкoлoшкa пoкaзaтeљa. Oви пoкaзaтeљи су првo спojeни у тринaeст пoддимeнзиja и oндa у пeт димeнзиja. Димeнзиje су прeтвoрeнe у индeкс упрaвљaњa. Tрeнд индeксa пoкaзуje дa je упрaвљaњe нe сaмo нaпрeдoвaлo врлo спoрo, вeћ je билo лoшe у пoсмaтрaнoм пeриoду. Дoпринoс oвe студиje je oмoгућити индeкс упрaвљaњa пoд нaзивoм KU индeкс Пaкистaнa зa гoдишњe пeриoдe: 1980-1981. и 2010-2011. Индeкс je oбjaсниo нивoe упрaвљaњa у рaзличитим пeриoдимa, тe je пoвeзaн с рeфoрмaмa jaвнoг сeктoрa. Moжe сe кoристити oд стрaнe истрaживaчa кao oбjaшњaвajући фaктoр зa рaзнe пoлитичкe, друштвeнo-eкoнoмскe и рeгиoнaлнe стрaтeшкe фeнoмeнe. Нaдaљe, критeриjум прoцjeнe упрaвљaњa мoжe бити усвojeн зa другe eкoнoмиje и мoгу сe урaдити кoмпaрaтивнe aнaлизe.
Proteins acting out of (dis)order
Authors: Eliezer David
Published: November 2017

A disordered region at the N-terminus of the glucocorticoid receptor can fine tune how cells respond to a hormone via an allosteric mechanism.
Bugs battle stress from hot blood
Authors: Benoit Joshua B , Denlinger David L
Published: November 2017

A heat exchange mechanism in the head of kissing bugs helps to prevent stress and regulate their temperature while they feed on warm blood.
Uncovering the relationship and mechanisms of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) and Type II diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia using a network pharmacology approach
Authors: Lu Chao-Long , Zheng Qi , Shen Qi , Song Chi , Zhang Zhi-Ming
Published: November 2017

Background

Tartary buckwheat (TB), a crop rich in protein, dietary fiber, and flavonoids, has been reported to have an effect on Type II diabetes (T2D), hypertension (HT), and hyperlipidemia (HL). However, limited information is available about the relationship between Tartary buckwheat and these three diseases. The mechanisms of how TB impacts these diseases are still unclear.

Methods

In this study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the relationship between the herb as well as the diseases and the mechanisms of how TB might impact these diseases.

Results

A total of 97 putative targets of 20 compounds found in TB were obtained. Then, an interaction network of 97 putative targets for these compounds and known therapeutic targets for the treatment of the three diseases was constructed. Based on the constructed network, 28 major nodes were identified as the key targets of TB due to their importance in network topology. The targets of ATK2, IKBKB, RAF1, CHUK, TNF, JUN, and PRKCA were mainly involved in fluid shear stress and the atherosclerosis and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Finally, molecular docking simulation showed that 174 pairs of chemical components and the corresponding key targets had strong binding efficiencies.

Conclusion

For the first time, a comprehensive systemic approach integrating drug target prediction, network analysis, and molecular docking simulation was developed to reveal the relationships and mechanisms between the putative targets in TB and T2D, HT, and HL.
Levels of detail analysis of microwave scattering from human head models for brain stroke detection
Authors: Qureshi Awais Munawar , Mustansar Zartasha
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we have presented a microwave scattering analysis from multiple human head models. This study incorporates different levels of detail in the human head models and its effect on microwave scattering phenomenon. Two levels of detail are taken into account; (i) Simplified ellipse shaped head model (ii) Anatomically realistic head model, implemented using 2-D geometry. In addition, heterogenic and frequency-dispersive behavior of the brain tissues has also been incorporated in our head models. It is identified during this study that the microwave scattering phenomenon changes significantly once the complexity of head model is increased by incorporating more details using magnetic resonance imaging database. It is also found out that the microwave scattering results match in both types of head model (i.e., geometrically simple and anatomically realistic), once the measurements are made in the structurally simplified regions. However, the results diverge considerably in the complex areas of brain due to the arbitrary shape interface of tissue layers in the anatomically realistic head model.

After incorporating various levels of detail, the solution of subject microwave scattering problem and the measurement of transmitted and backscattered signals were obtained using finite element method. Mesh convergence analysis was also performed to achieve error free results with a minimum number of mesh elements and a lesser degree of freedom in the fast computational time. The results were promising and the E-Field values converged for both simple and complex geometrical models. However, the E-Field difference between both types of head model at the same reference point differentiated a lot in terms of magnitude. At complex location, a high difference value of 0.04236 V/m was measured compared to the simple location, where it turned out to be 0.00197 V/m. This study also contributes to provide a comparison analysis between the direct and iterative solvers so as to find out the solution of subject microwave scattering problem in a minimum computational time along with memory resources requirement.

It is seen from this study that the microwave imaging may effectively be utilized for the detection, localization and differentiation of different types of brain stroke. The simulation results verified that the microwave imaging can be efficiently exploited to study the significant contrast between electric field values of the normal and abnormal brain tissues for the investigation of brain anomalies. In the end, a specific absorption rate analysis was carried out to compare the ionizing effects of microwave signals to different types of head model using a factor of safety for brain tissues. It is also suggested after careful study of various inversion methods in practice for microwave head imaging, that the contrast source inversion method may be more suitable and computationally efficient for such problems.
Morphological convergence in ‘river dolphin’ skulls
Authors: Page Charlotte E. , Cooper Natalie
Published: November 2017

Convergent evolution can provide insights into the predictability of, and constraints on, the evolution of biodiversity. One striking example of convergence is seen in the ‘river dolphins’. The four dolphin genera that make up the ‘river dolphins’ (Inia geoffrensis, Pontoporia blainvillei, Platanista gangeticaandLipotes vexillifer) do not represent a single monophyletic group, despite being very similar in morphology. This has led many to using the ‘river dolphins’ as an example of convergent evolution. We investigate whether the skulls of the four ‘river dolphin’ genera are convergent when compared to other toothed dolphin taxa in addition to identifying convergent cranial and mandibular features. We use geometric morphometrics to uncover shape variation in the skulls of the ‘river dolphins’ and then apply a number of phylogenetic techniques to test for convergence. We find significant convergence in the skull morphology of the ‘river dolphins’. The four genera seem to have evolved similar skull shapes, leading to a convergent morphotype characterised by elongation of skull features. The cause of this morphological convergence remains unclear. However, the features we uncover as convergent, in particular elongation of the rostrum, support hypotheses of shared feeding mode or diet and thus provide the foundation for future work into convergence within the Odontoceti.
El diálogo entre empresas de comunicación y sus stakeholders en América y Europa
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (España), FERRÉ PAVIA CARME , OROZCO JAIME ALBERTO ,   Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (Colombia)
Published: November 2017

Esta investigación se aproxima a la comunicación de la gestión de la RSC con una mirada hacia los valores de la empresa y las características culturales que esa gestión destila. En el estudio de la relación entre las compañías de comunicación y sus stakeholders, se plantea una comparativa entre empresas americanas y europeas a través de los reportes que envían al Pacto Mundial de la ONU. Con 40 empresas estudiadas en total, se aportan datos sobre cómo conciben a los stakeholders, qué acciones realmente implementan con ellos y qué valores culturales emanan de estos documentos respecto al diálogo empresa-stakeholder. Algunas de las conclusiones apuntan a que las empresas de América dan prioridad a la educación, la paz, la justicia y la convivencia entre los integrantes de la comunidad. Por su parte, en Europa estos problemas se resuelven con códigos de ética, buenas relaciones con los stakeholders y acciones de filantropía en países en vías de desarrollo
Informar al otro: una mirada desde el periodismo intercultural
Authors:   Universidad Pompeu Fabra (España), MIQUEL RODRIGO , MEDINA PILAR ,   Universidad Pompeu Fabra (España)
Published: November 2017

Los rumores pueden ser una de las más importantes barreras para una mejor comunicación intercultural, al servir de retroalimentación a los prejuicios. En la actualidad, su poder ha superado los tradicionales márgenes de la comunicación interpersonal al incorporar a las Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación (TIC) como plataformas de difusión. Desde el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona (España), y dentro del Plan de Interculturalidad, se ha desarrollado un proyecto orientado a combatir los rumores referentes a los inmigrados utilizando, precisamente, las TIC. En este trabajo se pretende describir y valorar esta experiencia de política pública para la comunicación intercultural que combina tanto la comunicación de las TIC como la comunicación interpersonal. En concreto, se analizará la página web de bcnantirumors.
Seismic Signature of the Continental Crust: What Thermodynamics Says. An Example From the Italian Peninsula
Authors: Diaferia G. , Cammarano F.
Published: November 2017

Unraveling the temperature distribution and composition of Earth's crust is key for understanding its origin, evolution, and mechanical behavior. Models of compressional (VP) and shear wave (VS) velocity are obtained from seismological studies and can be interpreted in terms of temperature and composition, using relationship defined through laboratory experiments. These empirical evidences often do not properly account for the effects driven by temperature, pressure, water content, and phase change of minerals. In this study, we use thermodynamic modeling to properly investigate the role of these variables in affecting seismic properties, as a tool to guide (joint) inversion and interpretation of geophysical data. We find that mineralogical phase transitions can be more seismically relevant than a change in chemical composition. In particular, the α‐β quartz transition would cause a jump in acoustic impedance and VP/VS ratio >8%, occurring in the 15–25 km depth range, depending on the thermal gradient. Moreover, in the case of a cold lower crust, the consumption of plagioclase in favor of high‐velocity minerals might represent another relevant seismic discontinuity. Different chemical compositions proposed for the Italian crust would be seismically indistinguishable, since they give overlapping seismic properties. Values of VS < 3.6 km s−1 would imply a strong contribution of sediments and/or partial melt. The VS/density ratio shows a narrow variability, suggesting that densities at depth can be directly derived in first approximation from VS.
Winter Precipitation Forecast in the European and Mediterranean Regions Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Totz Sonja , Tziperman Eli , Coumou Dim , Pfeiffer Karl , Cohen Judah
Published: November 2017

The European climate is changing under global warming, and especially the Mediterranean region has been identified as a hot spot for climate change with climate models projecting a reduction in winter rainfall and a very pronounced increase in summertime heat waves. These trends are already detectable over the historic period. Hence, it is beneficial to forecast seasonal droughts well in advance so that water managers and stakeholders can prepare to mitigate deleterious impacts. We developed a new cluster‐based empirical forecast method to predict precipitation anomalies in winter. This algorithm considers not only the strength but also the pattern of the precursors. We compare our algorithm with dynamic forecast models and a canonical correlation analysis‐based prediction method demonstrating that our prediction method performs better in terms of time and pattern correlation in the Mediterranean and European regions.
X‐ray Microtomography of Intermittency in Multiphase Flow at Steady State Using a Differential Imaging Method
Authors: Gao Ying , Lin Qingyang , Bijeljic Branko , Blunt Martin J.
Published: November 2017

We imaged the steady state flow of brine and decane in Bentheimer sandstone. We devised an experimental method based on differential imaging to examine how flow rate impacts impact the pore‐scale distribution of fluids during coinjection. This allows us to elucidate flow regimes (connected, or breakup of the nonwetting phase pathways) for a range of fractional flows at two capillary numbers, Ca, namely 3.0 × 10−7 and 7.5 × 10−6. At the lower Ca, for a fixed fractional flow, the two phases appear to flow in connected unchanging subnetworks of the pore space, consistent with conventional theory. At the higher Ca, we observed that a significant fraction of the pore space contained sometimes oil and sometimes brine during the 1 h scan: this intermittent occupancy, which was interpreted as regions of the pore space that contained both fluid phases for some time, is necessary to explain the flow and dynamic connectivity of the oil phase; pathways of always oil‐filled portions of the void space did not span the core. This phase was segmented from the differential image between the 30 wt % KI brine image and the scans taken at each fractional flow. Using the grey scale histogram distribution of the raw images, the oil proportion in the intermittent phase was calculated. The pressure drops at each fractional flow at low and high flow rates were measured by high‐precision differential pressure sensors. The relative permeabilities and fractional flow obtained by our experiment at the mm‐scale compare well with data from the literature on cm‐scale samples.
On the Texture Angle Detection Used in Space‐Time Image Velocimetry (STIV)
Authors: Tsubaki Ryota
Published: November 2017

The space‐time image velocimetry (STIV) method evaluates the velocity of a water surface by analyzing a texture angle within a space‐time image (STI) obtained from an image sequence of the flowing water's surface. The brightness gradient tensor (BGT) has been utilized for calculating the texture angle of the STI within the original STIV. The BGT is sensitive to image quality, especially high‐frequency noise, and this fact limits the capability and accuracy of the velocity estimation. The objectives of this study were to understand why the BGT is sensitive to high‐frequency noise and how to resolve this defect. In the manuscript, derivation of the BGT is first reviewed and then a geometric representation of the BGT is discussed. The reason the BGT is sensitive to high‐frequency noise is also discussed, and, then, based on geometric representations of the BGT, a measure to improve this defect is proposed. To demonstrate differences between the two methods, texture angles from artificial and field image sets were also analyzed using the BGT and the improved BGT.
A Review on Piezoelectric, Magnetostrictive, and Magnetoelectric Materials and Device Technologies for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Narita Fumio , Fox Marina
Published: November 2017

In the coming era of the internet of things (IoT), wireless sensor networks that monitor, detect, and gather data will play a crucial role in advancements in public safety, human healthcare, industrial automation, and energy management. Batteries are currently the power source of choice for operating wireless network devices due to their ease of installation; however, they require periodic replacement due to capacity limitations. Within the scope of the IoT, battery maintenance of the trillion sensor nodes that may be implemented will be practically infeasible from environmental, resource, and labor cost perspectives. In considering individual self‐powered sensor nodes, the idea of harvesting energy from ambient vibrations, heat, and electromagnetic waves has recently triggered noticeable research interest in the academic community. This paper gives an overview of energy harvesting materials and systems. Three main categories are presented: piezoelectric ceramics/polymers, magnetostrictive alloys, and magnetoelectric (ME) multiferroic composites. State‐of‐the‐art harvesting materials and structures are presented with a focus on characterization, fabrication, modeling and simulation, and durability and reliability. Some perspectives and challenges for the future development of energy harvesting materials are also highlighted.
Farmgate prices, retail prices, and supermarkets' pricing decisions: An integrated approach
Authors: Russo Carlo , Goodhue Rachael
Published: November 2017

Agricultural and food prices exhibit several empirical regularities that are not easily explained by conventional perfect competition or market power models, including asymmetric price transmission, food price rigidity, farmgate price volatility, and low correlation between prices at different stages of the supply chain. We focus on this set of market features and conclude that they can be the outcome of a competition model where supermarket use promotions to strategically attract basket shoppers. We present a numerical simulation to show that complex price patterns including all the features indicated above can be obtained from a general store traffic competition model without the need of introducing ad hoc assumptions. [EconLit citations: Q11, Q13].
Superconductivity in a Copper(II)‐Based Coordination Polymer with Perfect Kagome Structure
Authors: Huang Xing , Zhang Shuai , Liu Liyao , Yu Lei , Chen Genfu , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: November 2017

A highly crystalline copper(II) benzenehexathiolate coordination polymer (Cu‐BHT) has been prepared. The two‐dimensional kagome structure has been confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The as‐prepared sample exhibits bulk superconductivity at about 0.25 K, which is confirmed by the zero resistivity, AC magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements. Another diamagnetic transition at about 3 K suggests that there is a second superconducting phase that may be associated with a single layer or few layers of Cu‐BHT. It is the first time that superconductivity has been observed in a coordination polymer.
Sexual Orientation in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: George R. , Stokes M.A.
Published: November 2017

Clinical impressions suggest a different sexual profile between individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Little is presently known about the demographics of sexual orientation in ASD. Sexual Orientation was surveyed using the Sell Scale of Sexual Orientation in an international online sample of individuals with ASD (N = 309, M = 90, F= 219), aged (M = 32.30 years, SD = 11.93) and this was compared to sexual orientation of typically‐developing individuals (N = 310, M = 84, F= 226), aged (M = 29.82 years, SD = 11.85). Findings suggested that sexual orientation was contingent on diagnosis (N = 570, χ2(9)=104.05, P < 0.001, φ = 0.43). In the group with ASD, 69.7% of the sample reported being non‐heterosexual, while in the TD group, 30.3% reported being non‐heterosexual. The group with ASD reported higher rates of homosexuality, bisexuality and asexuality, but lower rates of heterosexuality. The results support the impression that non‐heterosexuality is more prevalent in the autistic population. Increased non‐heterosexuality in ASD has important clinical implications to target unique concerns of this population, and suggests a need for specialized sex education programs for autistic populations for increased support and awareness. Autism Res 2018, 11: 133–141. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Research suggests that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) report increased homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality, but decreased heterosexuality. It is important to increase awareness about increased non‐heterosexuality in ASD among autistic populations, medical professionals and care‐takers, so as to provide specialized care, if needed and increase support and inclusion for non‐heterosexual autistic individuals.
A Small Organic Molecule Blocks EGFR Transport into the Nucleus by the Nonclassical Pathway Resulting in Repression of Cancer Invasion
Authors: Ha Siyoung , Jeong Jangho , Oh Jiwon , Rhee Sangmyung , Ham Seung Wook
Published: November 2017

In addition to the traditional epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways, nuclear EGFR has been shown to control multiple cellular functions, including cell proliferation and invasion. It has been reported that EGFR is transported into the nucleus after forming a complex with KPNA/KPNB1 or KPNB1. Herein, it is shown that EGFR can interact with both KP and KPNA, but EGF‐activated EGFR mostly binds with KPNB1 through the pull‐down assay. Also, a small organic molecule (1), an effective binder of KPNB1, inhibits the interaction between EGFR and KPNB1 in the nonclassical transport pathway, but not KPNA. Furthermore, treatment of cancer cells with 1 noticeably blocks the nuclear entry of EGFR, which results in significant suppression of invasion by lung cancer H1299 cells. These findings show that 1 is an effective inhibitor of EGFR/KPNB1 interactions in vitro, it may be used in cellular studies as a tool to determine the role of nuclear EGFR, and it is a drug candidate.
Ir‐Catalyzed Asymmetric and Regioselective Hydrogenation of Cyclic Allylsilanes and Generation of Quaternary Stereocenters via the Hosomi‐Sakurai Allylation
Authors: Rabten Wangchuk , Margarita Cristiana , Eriksson Lars , Andersson Pher G.
Published: November 2017

A number of cyclic dienes containing the allylsilane moiety were prepared by a Birch reduction and subjected to iridium‐catalyzed regioselective and asymmetric hydrogenation, which provided chiral allylsilanes in high conversion and enantiomeric excess (up to 99 % ee). The compounds were successively used in the Hosomi–Sakurai allylation with various aldehydes employing TiCl4 as Lewis acid, providing adducts with two additional stereogenic centers in excellent diastereoselectivity.
Photosensitization of Molecular Oxygen on Graphene Oxide for Ultrasensitive Signal Amplification
Authors: Zhang Xinfeng , Deng Li , Huang Chengpeng , Zhang Jinyi , Hou Xiandeng , Wu Peng , Liu Juewen
Published: November 2017

H2O2 and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) are commonly used together in bioassays. HRP is required to accelerate the reaction between a chromogenic substrate (e.g., 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine, TMB) and H2O2, and thus amplifies the signal. Herein, molecular oxygen for enzyme‐free and H2O2‐free oxidation is explored, still using the same colorimetric reaction. Restricted by spin selection rules, the ground‐state triplet oxygen needs to be converted to the singlet state to oxidize TMB. Phloxine B (PB) is used as the photosensitizer because of its excellent performance and safety. Under green light irradiation, each PB has a turnover of approximately 51 TMB molecules in 20 min, making PB a “molecular enzyme mimic” for signal amplification. With its small size, multiple PB molecules are loaded on a graphene oxide nanosheet to design a modified enzyme‐linked immunosorbance (ELISA) assay (termed photosensitization immunosorbent assay, PISA), improving the 1:1 enzyme/target ratio to n:1. PISA is more sensitive for carcinoembryonic antigen than a commercial ELISA kit, and successfully measures the antigen in the serum of multiple cancer patients. This simple and green method of oxidation coupled with the small size of the photosensitizer and graphene oxide may enable many other applications in biosensor development, smart materials, and energy harvesting.
Community assessment techniques and the implications for rarefaction and extrapolation with Hill numbers
Authors: Cox Kieran D. , Black Morgan J. , Filip Natalia , Miller Matthew R. , Mohns Kayla , Mortimor James , Freitas Thaise R. , Greiter Loerzer Raquel , Gerwing Travis G. , Juanes Francis , Dudas Sarah E.
Published: November 2017

Diversity estimates play a key role in ecological assessments. Species richness and abundance are commonly used to generate complex diversity indices that are dependent on the quality of these estimates. As such, there is a long‐standing interest in the development of monitoring techniques, their ability to adequately assess species diversity, and the implications for generated indices. To determine the ability of substratum community assessment methods to capture species diversity, we evaluated four methods: photo quadrat, point intercept, random subsampling, and full quadrat assessments. Species density, abundance, richness, Shannon diversity, and Simpson diversity were then calculated for each method. We then conducted a method validation at a subset of locations to serve as an indication for how well each method captured the totality of the diversity present. Density, richness, Shannon diversity, and Simpson diversity estimates varied between methods, despite assessments occurring at the same locations, with photo quadrats detecting the lowest estimates and full quadrat assessments the highest. Abundance estimates were consistent among methods. Sample‐based rarefaction and extrapolation curves indicated that differences between Hill numbers (richness, Shannon diversity, and Simpson diversity) were significant in the majority of cases, and coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation curves confirmed that these dissimilarities were due to differences between the methods, not the sample completeness. Method validation highlighted the inability of the tested methods to capture the totality of the diversity present, while further supporting the notion of extrapolating abundances. Our results highlight the need for consistency across research methods, the advantages of utilizing multiple diversity indices, and potential concerns and considerations when comparing data from multiple sources.
AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Guideline recommendations for head and neck cancer of unknown primary site
Authors: Eskander Antoine , Ghanem Tamer , Agrawal Amit ,   The Education Committee of American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)
Published: November 2017

This article reviews the clinical practice guidelines for head and neck oncology focusing on the management of head and neck cancers of unknown primary (CUP). The primary purpose of this series is to raise awareness of the current guidelines in head and neck oncology by reviewing the recommendations and the evidence supporting such recommendations, particularly those published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). We review the importance of a thorough history and physical examination, the impact of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) eighth edition changes and the importance of immunohistochemistry, the timing and type of imaging, the role of panendoscopy and tonsillectomy (palatine and lingual), and the role of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in the primary management of these tumors.
Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma need a personalized management: A lesson from clinical practice
Authors: Giannini Edoardo Giovanni , Bucci Laura , Garuti Francesca , Brunacci Matteo , Lenzi Barbara , Valente Matteo , Caturelli Eugenio , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Piscaglia Fabio , Virdone Roberto , Felder Martina , Ciccarese Francesca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Sacco Rodolfo , Svegliati Baroni Gianluca , Farinati Fabio , Rapaccini Gian Lodovico , Olivani Andrea , Gasbarrini Antonio , Di Marco Maria , Morisco Filomena , Zoli Marco , Masotto Alberto , Borzio Franco , Benvegnù Luisa , Marra Fabio , Colecchia Antonio , Nardone Gerardo , Bernardi Mauro , Trevisani Franco ,   for the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) group
Published: November 2017

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) advanced stage (BCLC C) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) includes a heterogeneous population, where sorafenib alone is the recommended treatment. In this study, our aim was to assess treatment and overall survival (OS) of BCLC C patients subclassified according to clinical features (performance status [PS], macrovascular invasion [MVI], extrahepatic spread [EHS] or MVI + EHS) determining their allocation to this stage. From the Italian Liver Cancer database, we analyzed 835 consecutive BCLC C patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2014. Patients were subclassified as: PS1 alone (n = 385; 46.1%), PS2 alone (n = 146; 17.5%), MVI (n = 224; 26.8%), EHS (n = 51; 6.1%), and MVI + EHS (n = 29; 3.5%). MVI, EHS, and MVI + EHS patients had larger and multifocal/massive HCCs and higher alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels than PS1 and PS2 patients. Median OS significantly declined from PS1 (38.6 months) to PS2 (22.3 months), EHS (11.2 months), MVI (8.2 months), and MVI + EHS (3.1 months; P < 0.001). Among MVI patients, OS was longer in those with peripheral than with central (portal trunk) MVI (11.2 vs. 7.1 months; P = 0.005). The most frequent treatments were: curative approaches in PS1 (39.7%), supportive therapy in PS2 (41.8%), sorafenib in MVI (39.3%) and EHS (37.3%), and best supportive care in MVI + EHS patients (51.7%). Independent prognostic factors were: Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score, Child‐Pugh class, ascites, platelet count, albumin, tumor size, MVI, EHS, AFP levels, and treatment type. Conclusion: BCLC C stage does not identify patients homogeneous enough to be allocated to a single stage. PS1 alone is not sufficient to include a patient into this stage. The remaining patients should be subclassified according to PS and tumor features, and new patient‐tailored therapeutic indications are needed. (Hepatology 2018;67:1784‐1796).
Hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency among women in Tanzania
Authors: Haile Zelalem T. , Teweldeberhan Asli K. , Chavan Bhakti , Francescon John
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine the association between hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency among women in Tanzania.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from 8231 women who participated in the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Overall, 1291 (weight percentage 17.8%) women reported a history of hormonal contraceptive use. The weighted prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 36.9% (n=3027). After adjustment for potential confounders, women with hormonal contraceptive use had lower odds of vitamin A deficiency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.94; P=0.009). There was a negative dose–response relationship between duration of hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency. As compared with non‐users, the odds of vitamin A deficiency decreased significantly among women who used hormonal contraceptives for 1–12 months (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40–0.84; P=0.004) and more than 12 months (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15–0.46; P<0.001). Women with a history of using oral contraceptive pills had a lower odds of vitamin A deficiency versus non‐users (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37–0.65; P<0.001).

Conclusion

In addition to contraceptive effectiveness, hormonal contraception use might have nutritional benefit in preventing vitamin A deficiency.
On the isotropy of induced multipole moments in heavy ion complexes
Authors: Trumm Michael
Published: November 2017

Polarization effects have been proven to play an important role in the theoretical description of chemical processes. With this respect, we reportab initiocalculations describing multiconfigurational and relativistic effects as well as electron correlation to determine dipole‐ and quadrupole polarizabilities for all trivalent actinide and lanthanide ions. The results are used in an iterative point‐multipole model to compute polarization interaction for different metal compounds. Significant differences between the usage of isotropic polarizabilities for the coordinating ligands compared to the full tensor representation is found. Quadrupole contributions are found to be negligible for symmetric geometries but can contribute up to 30 kJ/mol to the polarization energy in specific cases. The employed method allows a parameter free study of multipole interactions for a wide variety of systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of quantitative regional ventilation‐weighted fourier decomposition MRI with dynamic fluorinated gas washout MRI and lung function testing in COPD patients
Authors: Kaireit Till F. , Gutberlet Marcel , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Freise Julia , Welte Tobias , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: November 2017

Background

Ventilation‐weighted Fourier decomposition‐MRI (FD‐MRI) has matured as a reliable technique for quantitative measures of regional lung ventilation in recent years, but has yet not been validated in COPD patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To compare regional fractional lung ventilation obtained by ventilation‐weighted FD‐MRI with dynamic fluorinated gas washout MRI (19F‐MRI) and lung function test parameters.

Study Type

Prospective study.

Population

Twenty‐seven patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, median age 61 [54–67] years) were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

For FD‐MRI and for 19F‐MRI a spoiled gradient echo sequence was used at 1.5T.

Assessment

FD‐MRI coronal slices were acquired in free breathing. Dynamic 19F‐MRI was performed after inhalation of 25–30 L of a mixture of 79% fluorinated gas (C3F8) and 21% oxygen via a closed face mask tubing using a dedicated coil tuned to 59.9 MHz. 19F washout times in numbers of breaths (19F‐nbreaths) as well as fractional ventilation maps for both methods (FD‐FV, 19F‐FV) were calculated. Slices were matched using a landmark driven algorithm, and only corresponding slices with an overlap of >90% were coregistered for evaluation.

Statistical Tests

The obtained parameters were correlated with each other using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r).

Results

FD‐FV strongly correlated with 19F‐nbreaths on a global (r = –0.72, P < 0.0001) as well as on a lobar level and with lung function test parameters (FD‐FV vs. FEV1, r = 0.76, P < 0.0001). There was a small systematic overestimation of FD‐FV compared to 19F‐FV (mean difference –0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.097; –0.045).

Data Conclusion

Regional ventilation‐weighted Fourier decomposition‐MRI is a promising noninvasive, radiation‐free tool for quantification of regional ventilation in COPD patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1534–1541.
Can overnight stenting be safely eliminated following a pharyngeal flap? A matched comparison study
Authors: Wineland Andre M. , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Willging Paul
Published: November 2017

Objective

Determine if overnight stenting is warranted after pharyngeal flap for management of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in pediatric patients

Methods

This is a retrospective age‐matched cohort study from a single tertiary pediatric facility. Patients who underwent a posterior pharyngeal flap for VPI from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, were included. Two equal groups were constructed based on when their nasal stents were removed, that is, postoperative day (POD) 0 or POD 1. Primary outcome measure was oxygen desaturation after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were total length of stay, need for narcotics, and oral intake based on POD. Additional information was gathered and evaluated as possible prognostic variables.

Results

There were 27 matched pairs included in the study. One patient from each group required supplemental oxygen during the night of surgery. No escalation of care was needed in either case. The group whose stents were removed on POD 0 were discharged earlier than the group whose stents were removed on POD 1, P < 0.0001. The POD 0 group took significantly more oral intake on POD 0 than the POD 1 group, P = 0.03. The POD 0 group had significantly more genetic syndromes than the POD 1 group, P = 0.02.

Conclusion

There was no benefit with overnight stenting. Earlier discharge from the hospital was achieved in the POD 0 group. No patient experienced need for reintubation, escalation of clinical care, postoperative hemorrhage, or death.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:750–755, 2018