bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Effective Factors on Consumers’ Desire for Organic Products Payment, Case Study: Kermanshah Province Agricultural Bank Staffs
Authors: Farokhi Sajad , Arayesh Mohammad Bagher
Published: April 2017

The present research’s main purpose is to evaluate the effective factors in customers desire to pay for organic products. The method of research is practical based on the goal of research and due to lack of complete control of research variables is none experimental, based on the data identity, data are qualitative and based on gathering method, data are provided in the field of study and about the feature of research it is communicative-visual kind. The statistical society contains all staffs of Kermanshah province agricultural bank staffs containing 418 people among which 200 peoples selected by the Cochran sample volume determination formula as the statistical sample and by random sampling method and by drawing. The tool to gather information in this research contains a researcher answer sheet whose justification confirmed by the special panel of agricultural training and privilege in Ilam Azad university agricultural management. The research stability obtained through the Cronbach’s alpha at 0.87. The dependant variable also declined to pay for the organic production and dependant variables containing individual features, knowledge to organic production, on time informing and the customer expected features, cultural factors and economical issues. The data analysis by the SPSS software and in two level of descriptive statistics (the central and distributed scales) and analytic statistic correlation coefficient for connecting theories, the average comparing test for the theories comparison and also multiple regressions performed step by step. The results showed that the relation between the economical factors and desire to pay for organic products has positive meaningful relation. The results showed that the economical factors and price, cultural factors and connecting factors to advertisement and informing have the maximum effect on desire for payment by customers for organic products.
Het Europees Hof voor de Rechten van de Mens en nationale integratiedebatten
Authors: van Bijsterveld Sophie
Published: April 2017

The European Court on Human Rights and national integration debates – Compulsory mixed swimming in Swiss elementary school permitted

In a unanimous decision, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has accepted the refusal of an exemption of compulsory mixed swimming lessons for elementary school girls in Switzerland. The exemption was requested by the parents of the two girls as the requirement to let their daughters participate in those lessons was contrary to their religious conviction. The author discusses the decision in the light of national debates on integration and subscribes its outcome. Specific attention is paid to the ECtHR’s interpretation of the legitimacy of the aim of the Swiss authorities and the role of the numerical presence of Islam in the underlying Swiss court’s ruling which is upheld by ECtHR.
Backlash Against “Others”
Authors: Rhoades Gary
Published: April 2017

Right wing populist movements are challenging established political parties and institutions, including higher education.  The discourse and platforms of these movements are a nationalistic backlash against elites and “others” that are antithetical to all that universities at their best stand for.  But universities would do well to refocus on class-based inequities that also underlie this shift, in ways that rebalance the global and local.
Trump and the Coming Revolution in Higher Education Internationalization
Authors: Altbach Philip G. , De Wit Hans
Published: April 2017

The advent of the Trump Administration in the US along with Brexit in the UK and other changes in Europe will bring a major set of changes to internationalization.  The US and the UK will be seen as less attractive for international students. It is likely that the immigration and visa restrictions will grow. Governmental support for programs such as Fulbright and ERASMUS are likely to be cut back. Perhaps most important, the spirit of internationalization in higher education is likely to change.
Academic Staff Mobility in the Age of Trump and Brexit?
Authors: Leisyte Liudvika , Rose Anna-Lena
Published: April 2017

In times of increasing populism, nationalist tendencies, and strong public anti-immigration discourses, traditional patterns of international academic staff mobility come under question. Could this provide new opportunities for previously more disadvantaged, peripheral systems of higher education?
Do Rankings Drive Better Performance?
Authors: Marginson Simon
Published: April 2017

Global higher education rankings mainly measure research. Rankings have become overly important in determining policy. It is not clear if they contribute to academic productivity.
Pursuing Rankings in the Age of Massification: For Most—Forget About It
Authors: Altbach Philip G. , Hazelkorn Ellen
Published: April 2017

Global rankings are aimed at the elite sector of higher education. This article argues that most universities worldwide should not pay attention to the rankings because it may distort the mission and activities of these institutions. In any case, they have no chance to score well in the rankings.
The American Academic Profession at Risk
Authors: Finkelstein Martin J.
Published: April 2017

The Faculty Factor (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016) creatively mines fresh—and heretofore unavailable—data sources to follow the fortunes of the American faculty through the lingering Great Global Recession of 2008. Building on The American Faculty (Johns Hopkins, 2006), Finkelstein and Schuster, now joined by Valerie Martin Conley, document the  emergence of a “new” model of academic work and careers in the United States built on an increasingly contingent, stratified academic workforce; the unbundling of the traditionally integrated role into specialist teaching, research and administrative roles, and the progressive yielding of faculty authority on campus, even in academic matters, to a growing core of full-time professional administrators. This volume includes two chapters that explicitly place the U.S. faculty in international perspective.
Tajikistan: University Challenges and the Professoriate
Authors: Kataeva Zumrad
Published: April 2017

Tajikistan's higher education sector has experienced significant challenges after the breakup of the Soviet Union followed by the civil war of 1992-1997. The situation and status of the professoriate throughout the Post-Soviet space has deteriorated, as salaries and professional development opportunities have spiraled downward. Liberalization of the economy and the promise of higher education access have led to a rise in the demand for higher education. Higher education institutions have had to hire lesser-prepared faculty as those more seasoned or talented among the professoriate left for the private sector or migrated abroad. Today, the compensation of faculty members in Tajikistan is not enough to cover living costs, forcing them to use a variety of strategies to survive. They work as translators, consultants, or private tutors. The Tajik higher education system needs to work on establishing policies and opportunities to better support the profession, especially if institutions of higher education are eager to compete in the growing global educational marketplace.
Making the Gap Year a Reality: Six Issues for Consideration
Authors: Abdullah Doria
Published: April 2017

Starting in 2017, Malaysia has introduced the gap year for students in public universities, where they are given the option to take a year off for industrial training, pursue their interests in the arts, or work on volunteering projects. The intention is for the students to gain exposure, discover their potential and develop intellectually. How might the country make the gap year a meaningful experience for its students? This article offers six issues for consideration.
Is There a Benefit to Importing a Branch Campus? Research Capacity in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Lane Jason E. , Pohl Hans
Published: April 2017

Driven to become more economically competitive, some national and state governments seek todevelop their local capacity with branch campuses, and the example of Abu Dhabi -- particularly New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) -- is instructive in how de facto research capacity at such institutions may be measured.
Higher Education in South Sudan: Living with Challenges
Authors: Abol Kuyok Kuyok
Published: April 2017

This article discusses thevresilience of South Sudan’s higher education system in dealing with colossal challenges that impede its performance. The ability of the universities to endure the underlying problems has potentialities for tertiary institutions in similar contexts.
Gender Inequity in African University Engineering Programs
Authors: Fredua-Kwarteng Eric , Effah Catherine
Published: April 2017

African women are grossly underrepresented in undergraduate engineering programs across universities in Africa. This paper reviews policies that some African universities have adopted to address the problem and suggests strategies for greater gender equality.
Mongolia: Higher Education and Mobility
Authors: Loo Bryce
Published: April 2017

Student mobility from Mongolia has increased tremendously since the early 1990s, in large part as a response to weaknesses in the domestic higher education system. Despite increased numbers, many challenges remain, including issues of brain drain and access for rural students. The Mongolian government and higher education sector can explore various options to attract back talented students and scholars overseas and utilize scholarships more effectively.
What Does Data Tell Us about Cross-border Online Learning?
Authors: Merola Rachael
Published: April 2017

Cross-border online learning offers new ways to access education across borders without being physically present in the classroom. What does data indicate about the size and scale of the market, particularly in countries that are host to, and source of, many international students?
Brazil’s For-Profit Higher Education Dilemma
Authors: Knobel Marcelo , Verhine Robert
Published: April 2017

Brazil's higher education system is characterized by a relatively small public sector, focused on research-intensive universities, and a huge private sector, which has grown continually since the 1970s due to burgeoning demand. The private sector is now dominated by for-profit institutions which, by definition, seek immediate financial gain rather than the long-term public good. In this article, we discuss current trends with respect to for-profit institutions, giving special attention to the recent creation of mega-establishments through a series of mergers involving both national and international investors. We close by warning of some of the negative implications potentially associated with the country’s dependence on for-profit higher education.
Colombia: Challenges of Fast-Paced Change
Authors: Pacheco Ivan F.
Published: April 2017

The Colombian government has set ambitious goals for higher education reform.  These goals seem to be in the right direction, but implementation could take decades, yet the presidential period will end in less than two years.  It is time to focus the efforts on what is achievable in such short time.
UČESTALOST POJAVLJIVANJA PARAZITSKIH PROTOZOA KOD CRNOG SOMIĆA (Ameiurus melas) IZ HIDROAKUMULACIJE MODRAC (BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA)
Authors: Skenderović Isat , Adrović Avdul , Hajdarević Edina , Hadžiahmetović Jurida Elvira , Jažić Adnan , Krčmar Stjepan
Published: April 2017

Ihtioparazitološkim istraživanjem 177 jedinki crnog somića (Ameiurus melas) izhidroakumulacije Modrac (Bosna i Hercegovina) utvrđeno je prisustvo pet vrstaektoparazita. Paraziti pripadnici Subregnuma Protozoa nađeni su kod 107 jedinki ili60,45% od ukupnog broja analiziranih jedinki crnog somića. Rezultati sprovedenogistraživanja pokazali su da je najveći broj infestiranih jedinki crnog somića tokomljeta (48 jedinki – 44,85%), dok je zastupljenost parazita u jesen najmanja (18 jedinki– 16,82%). Najvišu prevalencu infestacije ostvaruje Trichodina sp., dok je Ceratiumspp. zastupljen u najmanjem procentu. U odnosu na ukupni ihtiouzorak svedeterminirane vrste ektoparazita pokazuju slab intenzitet infestacije.
УОЧЕНЕ ПРОМЕНЕ НА СИСИ ВИМЕНА КРАВА
Authors: Давидов Ивана , Галфи Аннамариа , Радиновић Миодраг , Ердељан Михајло , Ковачевић Зорана , Галић Иван
Published: April 2017

Прва линија одбране вимена крава од патогених узрочника је сиса вимена,која има кључну улогу. Промене које се могу јавити на отвору сисног канала,могу бити добра подлога узрочницима инфекције и за дубље партије вимена.Изглед врха сисе вимена крава је кључан фактор одбране вимена од узрочникакоји доводе до њеног запаљења. Циљ овог рада је да се уоче промене на сисивимена крава које могу да представљају улазна врата асцедентне инфекцијевимена. У периоду март-јун 2015. године на четири газдинства на територијиВојводине, насумично је одабрано 108 крава, односно прегледане су укупно432 папиле. Краве су биле старе између три и пет година, давале су приближноисту количину млека и приближно су биле исте телесне масе. Након прегледа432 сисе, установљено је да су 183 сисе са изгледом прстена "глатки прстен",односно сисе без видљивих промена. Код преосталих 249 сиса уочене супромене у виду хиперкератозе "груб прстен" (76,71%), "веома груб прстен"(16,46%) и лезије на 17 (6,83%) сиса.
Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Multicenter Study for an Autocrosslinked Polysaccharide Gel to Evaluate Antiadhesive Effect and Safety Compared to Poloxamer/Sodium Alginate After Thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Lee Jae Bok , Kim Hoon Yub , Park Pyoung Jae , Jung Seung Pil , Lee Hye Yoon , Cho Jae-Gu , Park Kyoung Sik , Cho Min Jeng
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety between an autocrosslinked polysaccharide (ACP) gel (Hyalobarrier) and a poloxamer/sodium alginate (P/SA: Guardix-SG) in preventing adhesions after thyroidectomy and demonstrate the noninferiority of ACP gel to P/SA. To identify differences of antiadhesive efficacy and safety between the ACP gel and P/SA, we investigated various variables such as the proportion of normal esophageal motility as assessed using marshmallow esophagography, swallowing impairment, adhesion severity and so on. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, phase III study investigated the antiadhesive efficacy and safety of ACP gel compared with those of P/SA for 12 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either ACP gel (n = 97) or P/SA (n = 96). The primary endpoint was the proportion of normal esophageal motility as assessed using marshmallow esophagography, while the secondary endpoints included swallowing impairment, adhesion severity, laryngoscopic assessment of the vocal cords, and voice range profile. Safety endpoints included adverse events. There was no significant difference between the ACP gel and P/SA groups in the proportion of normal esophageal motility as the primary endpoint (P = 0.7428). In addition, there were no differences in the secondary or safety endpoints between the 2 groups. It was demonstrated that ACP gel was not inferior to P/SA. ACP gel appears both effective and safe for use in preventing adhesions after thyroidectomy.
How much groundwater did California's Central Valley lose during the 2012–2016 drought?
Authors: Xiao Mu , Koppa Akash , Mekonnen Zelalem , Pagán Brianna R. , Zhan Shengan , Cao Qian , Aierken Abureli , Lee Hyongki , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: April 2017

We estimate net groundwater storage change in the Central Valley from April 2002 to September 2016 as the difference between inflows and outflows, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and changes in soil moisture and surface water storage. We also estimate total water storage change attributable to groundwater change using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data, which should be equivalent to our water balance estimates. Over two drought periods within our 14‐1/2 years study period (January 2007 to December 2009 and October 2012 to September 2016), we estimate from our water balance that a total of 16.5 km3 and 40.0 km3 of groundwater was lost, respectively. Our water balance‐based estimate of the overall groundwater loss over the 14‐1/2 years is −20.7 km3, which includes substantial recovery during nondrought periods The estimated rate of groundwater loss is greater during the recent drought (10.0 ± 0.2 versus 5.5 ± 0.3 km3/yr) than in the 2007–2009 drought, due to lower net inflows, a transition from row crops to trees, and higher crop water use, notwithstanding a reduction in irrigated area. The GRACE estimates of groundwater loss (−5.0 km3/yr for both water balance and GRACE during 2007–2009, and −11.2 km3/yr for GRACE versus −10 km3/yr for water balance during 2012–2016) are quite consistent for the two methods. However, over the entire study period, the GRACE‐based groundwater loss estimate is almost triple that from the water balance, mostly because GRACE does not indicate the between‐drought groundwater recovery that is inferred from our water balance.
Improving the modeling of geomagnetically induced currents in Spain
Authors: Torta J. M. , Marcuello A. , Campanyà J. , Marsal S. , Queralt P. , Ledo J.
Published: April 2017

Vulnerability assessments of the risk posed by geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) to power transmission grids benefit from accurate knowledge of the geomagnetic field variations at each node of the grid, the Earth's geoelectrical structures beneath them, and the topology and relative resistances of the grid elements in the precise instant of a storm. The results of previous analyses on the threat posed by GICs to the Spanish 400 kV grid are improved in this study by resorting to different strategies to progress in the three aspects identified above. First, although at midlatitude regions the source fields are rather uniform, we have investigated the effect of their spatial changes by interpolating the field from the records of several close observatories with different techniques. Second, we have performed a magnetotelluric (MT) sounding in the vicinity of one of the transformers where GICs are measured to determine the geoelectrical structure of the Earth, and we have identified the importance of estimating the MT impedance tensor when predicting GIC, especially where the effect of lateral heterogeneities is important. Finally, a sensitivity analysis to network changes has allowed us to assess the reliability of both the information about the network topology and resistances, and the assumptions made when all the details or the network status are not available. In our case, the most essential issue to improve the coincidence between model predictions and actual observations came from the use of realistic geoelectric information involving local MT measurements.
MLC‐based penumbra softener of EDW borders to reduce junction inhomogeneities
Authors: Szpala Stanislaw , Kohli Kirpal
Published: April 2017

Junctions of fields are known to be susceptible to developing cold or hot spots in the presence of even small geometrical misalignments. Reduction of these dose inhomogeneities can be accomplished through decreasing the dose gradients in the penumbra, but currently it cannot be done for enhanced dynamic wedges (EDW). An MLC‐based penumbra softener was developed in the developer mode of TrueBeam linacs to reduce dose gradients across the side border of EDWs. The movement of each leaf was individually synchronized with the movement of the dynamic Y jaw to soften the penumbra in the same manner along the entire field border, in spite of the presence of the dose gradient of the EDW. Junction homogeneity upon field misalignment for side‐matched EDWs was examined with the MV imager. The fluence inhomogeneities were reduced from about 30% per mm of shift of the field borders for the conventional EDW to about 2% per mm for the softened‐penumbra plan. The junction in a four‐field monoisocentric breast plan delivered to the Rando phantom was assessed with film. The dose inhomogeneities across the junction in the superior‐inferior direction were reduced from about 20% to 25% per mm for the conventional fields to about 5% per mm. The dose near the softened junction of the breast plan with no shifts did not deviate from the conventional plan by more than about 4%. The newly‐developed softened‐penumbra junction of EDW (and/or open) fields was shown to reduce sensitivity to misalignments without increasing complexity of the planning or delivery. This methodology needs to be adopted by the manufacturers for clinical use.
Optimization of a Cellular Glass Ceramic Produced from Water Potabilization Sludge for Structural and Chemical Applications
Authors: Ramírez Zamora Rosa María , Espejel Ayala Fabricio , MartínezHerrera Iván Emilio , Sánchez Orendain Víctor Manuel , Díaz Gabriela , Solís López López Myriam , Schouwenaars Rafael
Published: April 2017

Waste sludge generated in the potabilization of surface water is used to produce cellular materials by mixing with clay and firing at 1 250 °C. An iron‐rich glassy matrix with crystals of mullite and albite is formed. Porosity is generated by the slow release of H2O, which originates from the dehydroxilation of lepidocrocite at high temperature. The sludge/clay ratio and the sludge granulometry determine the properties of the product: from highly porous cellular foams to denser materials with high strength. Laboratory tests for both kinds of products show that the latter can be used as aggregates for low‐density structural concrete. The former serve as a support material for the catalytic reduction of NOx in exhaust gases. Deposition conditions for Fe‐ and Pt‐nanoparticles are optimized by experimental design, resulting in NOx‐conversion rates close to 100%.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct β‐C−H Arylation of Ketones with Arylboronic Acids in Water
Authors: Hu Xiaoyun , Yang Xiaobo , Dai Xi‐Jie , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: April 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed direct β‐C−H arylation of ketones was developed under mild conditions in water, featuring commercially available arylboronic acids as nucleophilic aryl sources and o‐iodoxybenzoic acid as the oxidant. The method provides a concise route to access β‐arylated ketones. Preliminary studies indicated that direct asymmetric β‐C−H arylation of ketones could be achieved by this strategy.

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Big data for microstructure‐property relationships: A case study of predicting effective conductivities
Authors: Stenzel Ole , Pecho Omar , Holzer Lorenz , Neumann Matthias , Schmidt Volker
Published: April 2017

The analysis of big data is changing industries, businesses and research as large amounts of data are available nowadays. In the area of microstructures, acquisition of (3‐D tomographic image) data is difficult and time‐consuming. It is shown that large amounts of data representing the geometry of virtual, but realistic 3‐D microstructures can be generated using stochastic microstructure modeling. Combining the model output with physical simulations and data mining techniques, microstructure‐property relationships can be quantitatively characterized. Exemplarily, we aim to predict effective conductivities given the microstructure characteristics volume fraction, mean geodesic tortuosity, and constrictivity. Therefore, we analyze 8119 microstructures generated by two different stochastic 3‐D microstructure models. This is—to the best of our knowledge—by far the largest set of microstructures that has ever been analyzed. Fitting artificial neural networks, random forests and classical equations, the prediction of effective conductivities based on geometric microstructure characteristics is possible. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4224–4232, 2017
Mutations in TGDS associated with additional malformations of the middle fingers and halluces: Atypical Catel–Manzke syndrome in a fetus
Authors: Schoner Katharina , Bald Rainer , Horn Denise , Rehder Helga , Kornak Uwe , Ehmke Nadja
Published: April 2017

Pierre–Robin sequence, radial deviation, and ulnar clinodactyly of the index fingers due to an additional phalangeal bone, as well as heart defects are the key features of Catel–Manzke syndrome. Although mutations in TGDS were identified as the cause of this disorder, the pathogenetic mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report on a fetus with severe heart defect, nuchal edema, talipes, Pierre–Robin sequence, and bilateral deviation and clinodactyly of the index and middle fingers. Pregnancy was terminated at the 22nd week of gestation. Postmortem radiographs showed hypoplasia and V‐shaped displacement of the second and third proximal phalanges of both hands as well as hypoplasia of the first metatarsals and the phalangeal bones of the halluces. The suggested diagnosis Catel–Manzke syndrome was confirmed by the detection of two compound heterozygous mutations in TGDS: The known variant c.298G>T; p.(Ala100Ser) and the so far undescribed variant c.895G>A; p.(Asp299Asn), located in the predicted substrate binding site of TGDS. This is the first report on the association of mutations in TGDS with additional anomalies of the middle fingers and halluces. We provide a detailed phenotypic characterization of the only fetus with molecularly confirmed Catel–Manzke syndrome, which is relevant for prenatal diagnosis. Our findings widen the phenotype spectrum caused by TGDS mutations and underline the phenotypic overlap with Temtamy preaxial brachydactyly syndrome. This improves our understanding of the prenatal development and the pathogenetic mechanism of Catel–Manzke syndrome.
Cranial irradiation in childhood mimicking neurofibromatosis type II
Authors: Bokstein Felix , Dubov Tom , Toledano‐Alhadef Hagit , Bernstein‐Molho Rinat , Constantini Shlomi , Evans D. Gareth , Ben‐Shachar Shay
Published: April 2017

Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is a genetic disease characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS) and other nerve system tumors. However, such tumors may be associated with environmental, rather than a genetic, etiology. Individuals fulfilling the clinical criteria of NF2 who had been treated by head ionized irradiation at a young age were compared for disease characteristics and molecular analysis with non‐irradiated sporadic NF2 cases. In the study cohort, three of 33 sporadic adult cases fulfilling NF2 diagnostic criteria had a history of early age cranial irradiation exposure. None of the irradiated patients had bilateral VS compared with 73.3% of the non‐irradiated individuals. One of the irradiated patients had no VS, while none of the non‐irradiated NF2 cases had absence of VS. All of the irradiated individuals had brain meningiomas and thyroid tumors compared with 47% and 0%, respectively, of the non‐irradiated individuals. Molecular analyses for NF2 mutations in blood of the irradiated individuals failed to detect disease‐causing mutations. This study suggest that environmental factors may mimic NF2. Identifying such non‐genetic cases fulfilling clinical criteria of the genetic disease may be crucial for the purposes of genetic counseling and patient management.
Homozygous variant in C21orf2 in a case of Jeune syndrome with severe thoracic involvement: Extending the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: McInerney‐Leo Aideen M. , Wheeler Lawrie , Marshall Mhairi S. , Anderson Lisa K. , Zankl Andreas , Brown Matthew A. , Leo Paul J. , Wicking Carol , Duncan Emma L.
Published: April 2017

We previously reported exome sequencing in a short‐rib thoracic dystrophy (SRTD) cohort, in whom recessive mutations were identified in SRTD‐associated genes in 10 of 11 cases. A heterozygous stop mutation in the known SRTD gene WDR60 was identified in the remaining case; no novel candidate gene/s were suggested by homozygous/compound heterozygous analysis. This case was thus considered unsolved. Re‐analysis following an analysis pipeline update identified a homozygous mutation in C21orf2 (c.218G > C; p.Arg73Pro). This homozygous variant was previously removed at the quality control stage by the default GATK parameter “in‐breeding co‐efficient.” C21orf2 was recently associated with both Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and axial spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (axial SMD); this particular mutation was reported in homozygous and compound heterozygous state in both conditions. Our case has phenotypic features of both JATD and axial SMD; and the extent of thoracic involvement appears more severe than in other C21orf2‐positive cases. Identification of a homozygous C21orf2 mutation in this case emphasizes the value of exome sequencing for simultaneously screening known genes and identifying novel genes. Additionally, it highlights the importance of re‐interrogating data both as novel gene associations are identified and as analysis pipelines are refined. Finally, the severity of thoracic restriction in this case adds to the phenotypic spectrum attributable to C21orf2 mutations.
Amphiphilic ABA‐type triblock copolymers for the development of high‐performance poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) blend ultrafiltration membranes for oil separation
Authors: Rajasekhar Tota , Babu Polisetti Veera , Gopinath Jonnalagadda , Sainath Annadanam V. Sesha , Reddy A. V. R.
Published: April 2017

ABA‐type amphiphilic triblock copolymers (TBCs) were synthesized by a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process with a telechelic polystyrene macro‐RAFT agent and 4‐[n‐(acryloyloxy)alkyloxy]benzoic acid monomers. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were fabricated by a phase‐inversion process with blends of the TBC, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in dimethylformamide. The UF‐fabricated membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Pure water permeation, molecular weight cutoff values obtained by the permeation of different molecular weight polymers as probe solutes, bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution permeate flux, and oil–water emulsion filtration tests were used to evaluate the separation characteristics of the fabricated membranes. The tripolymer blend membranes exhibited a higher flux recovery ratio (FRR) after the membrane was washed with sodium lauryl sulfate (0.05 wt %) solution for a BSA solution (FRR = 88%) and oil–water emulsion (FRR = 95%) feeds when than the PVDF–PVP blend membrane (57 and 80% FRR values for the BSA solution and oil–water emulsion, respectively). The pendant carboxylic acid functional moieties in this ABA‐type TBC have potential advantages in the fabrication of high‐performance membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45132.
Formulation of silver chloride/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (AgCl/PHBV) films for potential use in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Bakare Rotimi , Wells Lauren , McLennon Negene , Singh Manisha , Gugssa Ayele , Stubbs John , Zewde Berhanu , Raghavan Dharmaraj
Published: April 2017

Orthopedic implant failure due to bacterial infection has been a concern in bone tissue engineering. Here, we have formulated a composite made of biodegradable polymer, i.e., poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and silver chloride. Ag+ ions released from the AgCl/PHBV film can promote an aseptic environment by promoting inhibition of bacterial growth while maintaining bone cell growth, depending on AgCl loading. The objective of this study is to formulate AgCl/PHBV film(s) of varying composition so as to evaluate the dependence of AgCl loading in the film on antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. The release kinetics of silver ions from AgCl/PHBV film in aqueous and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium showed similarity in the initial burst of ions during the first day of desorption followed by a gradual release of ions over extended time period. The antibacterial efficacy of AgCl/PHBV film against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated by microbiological assay, while cytotoxicity of the film toward MC3T3‐E1 cells was determined by MTT assay. For all compositions studied, a clear zone of inhibition around AgCl/PHBV film was noticed on a modified Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion assay. We established that MC3T3‐E1 cell attachment on AgCl/PHBV film is strongly related to loading of AgCl in the film. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45162.
Die Kunst der Sichtbetontechnik
Authors: Lohaus Ludger , Schack Tobias , Cotardo Dario
Published: April 2017

Etwa seit Anfang des neuen Jahrtausends erlebt die Sichtbetonbauweise eine bis heute anhaltende Renaissance. Trotz der kontinuierlichen Weiterentwicklung der Sichtbetontechnik treten in der Baupraxis immer wieder unerwünschte Effekte im Erscheinungsbild des Sichtbetons auf. Das „System Sichtbeton” mit seinen vielfältigen Einflüssen aus Schalung, Beton, Betonverarbeitung und Nachbehandlung einschließlich der dabei vorherrschenden Witterungsbedingungen ist dabei so anspruchsvoll und komplex, dass seine Beherrschung eine besondere Kunst darstellt. Der Beitrag zeigt Möglichkeiten der Betontechnik und notwendige Maßnahmen bei der Verarbeitung auf, die der Vermeidung unerwünschter Effekte dienen und zu einem gefälligen, individuellen und planbaren Erscheinungsbild der Betonoberfläche beitragen.
Photokatalytisch aktiver Beton: Wie innovative Baustoffe einen Beitrag zum Abbau gefährlicher Luftschadstoffe leisten können
Authors: Fleisch Manuel , Bahnemann Detlef
Published: April 2017

Vor allem in urbanen Regionen ist die Belastung mit Luftschadstoffen wie NOX, SO3 und flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (VOCs) nach wie vor problematisch. Eine Möglichkeit, diese Stoffe abzubauen, ist ihre Oxidation an der Oberfläche eines beleuchteten Photokatalysators wie Titandioxid (TiO2). Dieses vor allem als Weißpigment bekannte Material hat die Eigenschaft, unter Bestrahlung mit Sonnenlicht oxidative Spezies an der Oberfläche auszubilden, die organische und anorganische Verbindungen zerstören können. Durch direkte Beimischung oder nachträgliche Beschichtung lassen sich innovative Baustoffe wie Betone, Putze, Pflastersteine und Dachziegel herstellen, die nicht nur ihre jeweiligen Primäraufgaben erfüllen, sondern zusätzlich dazu beitragen können, die Luftqualität der Umgebung zu verbessern.
Blue organic light‐emitting diodes based on fluorene‐bridged quinazoline and quinoxaline derivatives
Authors: Kim Dong Young , Kang Jisu , Lee Song Eun , Kim Young Kwan , Yoon Seung Soo
Published: April 2017

Two blue emitters based on fluorene‐bridged quinazoline and quinoxaline derivatives were prepared via the Suzuki reaction. Their photoluminescent properties were investigated. Furthermore, theoretical studies on these materials using the density functional theory calculation were conducted. To explore their electroluminescent properties, multilayered organic light‐emitting diodes were fabricated with the following device structure: indium–tin–oxide (180 nm)/4,4′‐bis(N‐(1‐naphthyl)‐N‐phenylamino)biphenyl (50 nm)/blue emitting materials (1 and 2) (30 nm)/bathophenanthroline (35 nm)/8‐hydroxy‐quinolinato lithium (2 nm)/Al (100 nm). Two devices showed efficient blue emission with the external quantum efficiencies of 1.58% and 1.30%, respectively, at 20 mA/cm2, and Commission Internationale dÉclairage coordinates of (0.18, 0.24) and (0.19, 0.27) at 6.0 V. These results suggest that the self‐aggregation properties of emitters would have considerable effects on their photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties.
Changes in states' pot laws have ripple effect on student conduct offices nationwide
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After several states passed legislation permitting recreational use of marijuana, college campuses in those states and beyond felt the impact. Private and public colleges and universities must rethink how they communicate community standards, educate students and staff, and address conduct violations, while clarifying mixed messages stemming from conflicting state and federal laws and the fluid environment of the emerging pot industry.
Mindfulness and its efficacy for psychological and biological responses in women with breast cancer
Authors: Kenne Sarenmalm Elisabeth , Mårtensson Lena B , Andersson Bengt A , Karlsson Per , Bergh Ingrid
Published: April 2017

Many breast cancer survivors have to deal with a variety of psychological and physiological sequelae including impaired immune responses. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the efficacy of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention for mood disorders in women with breast cancer. Secondary outcomes were symptom experience, health status, coping capacity, mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and immune status. This RTC assigned 166 women with breast cancer to one of three groups: MBSR (8 weekly group sessions of MBSR), active controls (self‐instructing MBSR) and non‐MBSR. The primary outcome measure was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcome measures were: Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, SF‐36, Sense of Coherence, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Posttraumatic Growth Index. Blood samples were analyzed using flow cytometry for NK‐cell activity (FANKIA) and lymphocyte phenotyping; concentrations of cytokines were determined in sera using commercial high sensitivity IL‐6 and IL‐8 ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) kits. Results provide evidence for beneficial effects of MBSR on psychological and biological responses. Women in the MBSR group experienced significant improvements in depression scores, with a mean pre‐MBSR HAD‐score of 4.3 and post‐MBSR score of 3.3 (P = 0.001), and compared to non‐MBSR (P = 0.015). Significant improvements on scores for distress, symptom burden, and mental health were also observed. Furthermore, MBSR facilitated coping capacity as well as mindfulness and posttraumatic growth. Significant benefits in immune response within the MBSR group and between groups were observed. MBSR have potential for alleviating depression, symptom experience, and for enhancing coping capacity, mindfulness and posttraumatic growth, which may improve breast cancer survivorship. MBSR also led to beneficial effect on immune function; the clinical implications of this finding merit further research.
Brush2Model: Convolution surface‐based brushes for 3D modelling in head‐mounted display‐based virtual environments
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Song Lei , You Lihua , Zhu Mengyao , Wang Xiangyang , Jin Xiaogang
Published: April 2017

Easy and efficient 3D modelling in virtual environments is an important and unsolved topic. This paper proposes a new modelling approach to tackle this issue. It invents convolution surface‐based brushes to directly draw 3D models in head‐mounted display‐based virtual environments. In order to maximize the efficiency, flexibility, and capacity of our proposed modelling approach, we propose three different skeleton‐based convolution surfaces to tackle different modelling tasks: point skeleton‐based convolution surfaces for metaball shapes, line skeleton‐based convolution surfaces for cylindrical shapes, and polygon skeleton‐based convolution surfaces for planar surfaces. Their combination makes 3D modelling more flexible and powerful. The high efficiency is further raised by our developed closed‐form solutions for point skeletons, ends of line skeletons, and edges of polygonal skeletons. Different user‐friendly sweeping schemes are provided to facilitate intuitive inputs for various complex shape generation. Unlike Google's Tilt Brush, which is used to create disconnected sheet‐like surfaces only, our proposed convolution surface‐based brushes can produce smoothly blended manifold surfaces, and novice users can easily learn and use them to create various interesting 3D models efficiently.
Biochemical, Cellular, Physiological, and Pathological Consequences of Human Loss of N‐Glycolylneuraminic Acid
Authors: Okerblom Jonathan , Varki Ajit
Published: April 2017

About 2–3 million years ago, Alu‐mediated deletion of a critical exon in the CMAH gene became fixed in the hominin lineage ancestral to humans, possibly through a stepwise process of selection by pathogen targeting of the CMAH product (the sialic acid Neu5Gc), followed by reproductive isolation through female anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies. Loss of CMAH has occurred independently in some other lineages, but is functionally intact in Old World primates, including our closest relatives, the chimpanzee. Although the biophysical and biochemical ramifications of losing tens of millions of Neu5Gc hydroxy groups at most cell surfaces remains poorly understood, we do know that there are multiscale effects functionally relevant to both sides of the host–pathogen interface. Hominin CMAH loss might also contribute to understanding human evolution, at the time when our ancestors were starting to use stone tools, increasing their consumption of meat, and possibly hunting. Comparisons with chimpanzees within ethical and practical limitations have revealed some consequences of human CMAH loss, but more has been learned by using a mouse model with a human‐like Cmah inactivation. For example, such mice can develop antibodies against Neu5Gc that could affect inflammatory processes like cancer progression in the face of Neu5Gc metabolic incorporation from red meats, display a hyper‐reactive immune system, a human‐like tendency for delayed wound healing, late‐onset hearing loss, insulin resistance, susceptibility to muscular dystrophy pathologies, and increased sensitivity to multiple human‐adapted pathogens involving sialic acids. Further studies in such mice could provide a model for other human‐specific processes and pathologies involving sialic acid biology that have yet to be explored.
Metal Complexes of a Redox‐Active [1]Phosphaferrocenophane: Structures, Electrochemistry and Redox‐Induced Catalysis
Authors: Feyrer Alexander , Armbruster Markus K. , Fink Karin , Breher Frank
Published: April 2017

The synthesis and characterisation of several metal complexes of a redox‐active, mesityl(Mes)‐substituted [1]phosphaferrocenophane, FcPMes (1), are reported. Cyclic voltammetry studies on the bimetallic complexes [M(κ1P‐1)(cod)Cl] (M=Rh: 2; M=Ir: 4), [Rh(κ1P‐1)2(CO)Cl] (3) and [AuCl(κ1P‐1)] (5), in conjunction with DFT calculations, provided indications for a good electronic communication between the metal atoms. To confirm that the ferrocenophane unit might be able to electrochemically influence the reactivity of the coordinated transition metal, the rhodium complex 2 was employed as stimuli‐responsive catalyst in the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes. All reactions were greatly accelerated with in situ generated 2+ as a catalyst as compared to 2. Even more importantly, a markedly different selectivity was observed. Both factors were attributed to different mechanisms operating for 2 and 2+ (alternative Chalk–Harrod and Chalk–Harrod mechanism, respectively). DFT calculations revealed relatively large differences for the activation barriers for 2 and 2+ in the reductive elimination step of the classical Chalk–Harrod mechanism. Thus, the key to the understanding is a cooperative “oxidatively induced reductive elimination” step, which facilitates both a higher activity and a markedly different selectivity.
Electronic g Tensors in UV Complexes–A Computational Study
Authors: Moylan Helen M. , McDouall Joseph J W.
Published: April 2017

The theory and computation of EPR parameters from first principles has seen a great deal of development over the past two decades. In particular, various techniques for the computation of the electronic g tensor have been implemented in many quantum chemistry packages. These methods have been successfully applied to paramagnetic organic species and transition metal systems. The situation is less well‐understood and established in the case of actinide‐containing molecules and there is a dearth of experimental data available for validation of computations. In this study quantum chemical techniques have been used to evaluate the g tensor for UV complexes, for which experimental data are available for comparison. The g tensors were calculated using relatively simple, state‐averaged complete active space self‐consistent field (SA‐CASSCF) calculations. This approach is shown to be capable of providing useful accuracy. Aspects of the computations that should be refined to provide a more quantitative approach are discussed. The key features of the underlying electronic structure that influence the computed g values are delineated, providing a simple physical picture of these subtle molecular properties.
Leptolyngbyolides, Cytotoxic Macrolides from the Marine Cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp.: Isolation, Biological Activity, and Catalytic Asymmetric Total Synthesis
Authors: Cui Jin , Morita Maho , Ohno Osamu , Kimura Tomoyuki , Teruya Toshiaki , Watanabe Takumi , Suenaga Kiyotake , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: April 2017

Four new macrolactones, leptolyngbyolides A–D, were isolated from the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. collected in Okinawa, Japan. The planar structures of leptolyngbyolides were determined by extensive NMR studies, although complete assignment of the absolute configuration awaited the catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of leptolyngbyolide C. The synthesis took advantage of the catalytic asymmetric thioamide‐aldol reaction using copper(I) complexed with a chiral bidentate phosphine ligand to regulate two key stereochemistries of the molecule at the outset. The present total synthesis demonstrates the utility of this reaction for the construction of complex chemical entities. In addition to the total synthesis, this work reports that leptolyngbyolides depolymerize filamentous actin (F‐actin) both in vitro and in cells. Detailed biological studies suggest the probable order of F‐actin depolymerization and apoptosis caused by leptolyngbyolides.
Impact of microorganisms, humidity, and temperature on the enantioselective degradation of imazethapyr in two soils
Authors: Wu Hao , He Xiaolin , Dong Huifen , Zhou Qingyan , Zhang Yongsong
Published: April 2017

Imazethapyr (IM) is a chiral herbicide composed of an (−)‐R‐enantiomer and an (+)‐S‐enantiomer with differential herbicidal activity. In this study, the effects of microbial organisms, humidity, and temperature on the selective degradation of the (−)‐R‐ and (+)‐S‐enantiomers of IM were determined in silty loam (SL) and clay loam (CL) soil with different pH values. The (−)‐R‐enantiomer of IM was preferentially degraded in two soils under different microorganism, humidity, and temperature conditions. The average half‐lives of R‐IM ranged from 43 to 66.1 days and were significantly shorter (P < 0.05) than those of S‐IM, which ranged from 51.4 to 79.8 days. The enantiomer fraction (EF = (+)‐S‐enantiomer/((−)‐R‐enantiomer + (+)‐S‐enantiomer)) values were used to describe the enantioselectivity of degradation of IM were >0.5 (P < 0.05) in two unsterilized soils under different humidity and temperature conditions. The highest EF values were observed at unsterilized CL soil samples under 50% maximum water‐holding capacity (MWHC) and 25 °C environmental conditions. The EF values of the IM enantiomers were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CL soils (higher pH = 5.81) and were 0.581 (unsterilized) and 0.575 (50% MWHC; 25 °C) compared with those recorded in SL soil (lower pH = 4.85). In addition, this study revealed that microbial organisms preferentially utilized the more herbicidal active IM enantiomer.