bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry, Regulatory Capture and Transnational Standard Setting
Authors: Berman Ayelet
Published: June 2017

In this essay I discuss the rise in industry's participation in transnational standard setting, which implicates transnational legal ordering, and address the risks such participation generates: Economic globalization has led to increased demand for transnational standards. Yet regulators lack the expertise needed to write increasingly complex and rapidly changing standards, and turn to those that hold the expertise: industry. Thus, industry engagement in standard setting has clear benefits. Such engagement introduces, however, a problem well known from the national context: the risk of capture. In the context of standard setting, two kinds of capture are of particular importance: (i) information and (ii) representational capture. The consequence of such capture, in the transnational context, is that it may (i) undermine the global public interest, (ii) lead to unfair competitive advantages, and (iii) undermine the public interest in developing countries. I illustrate these risks with examples from health law and policy. While states have national laws to manage capture (albeit not effectively at times), at the transnational level, organizations are largely free of such legal constraints. As the “new frontier” of standard setting, transnational bodies should introduce reforms for balancing the benefits and risks of industry engagement, otherwise, they risk impairing the public interest and undermining trust in their integrity.
Marshall–Olkin distributions, subordinators, efficient simulation, and applications to credit risk
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Mendoza-Arriaga Rafael , Linetsky Vadim
Published: June 2017

In the paper we present a novel construction of Marshall–Olkin (MO) multivariate exponential distributions of failure times as distributions of the first-passage times of the coordinates of multidimensional Lévy subordinator processes above independent unit-mean exponential random variables. A time-inhomogeneous version is also given that replaces Lévy subordinators with additive subordinators. An attractive feature of MO distributions for applications, such as to portfolio credit risk, is its singular component that yields positive probabilities of simultaneous defaults of multiple obligors, capturing the default clustering phenomenon. The drawback of the original MO fatal shock construction of MO distributions is that it requires one to simulate 2n-1 independent exponential random variables. In practice, the dimensionality is typically on the order of hundreds or thousands of obligors in a large credit portfolio, rendering the MO fatal shock construction infeasible to simulate. The subordinator construction reduces the problem of simulating a rich subclass of MO distributions to simulating an n-dimensional subordinator. When one works with the class of subordinators constructed from independent one-dimensional subordinators with known transition distributions, such as gamma and inverse Gaussian, or their Sato versions in the additive case, the simulation effort is linear in n. To illustrate, we present a simulation of 100,000 samples of a credit portfolio with 1,000 obligors that takes less than 18 seconds on a PC.
Asymptotics for the time of ruin in the war of attrition
Authors: Ernst Philip A. , Grigorescu Ilie
Published: June 2017

We consider two players, starting withmandnunits, respectively. In each round, the winner is decided with probability proportional to each player's fortune, and the opponent loses one unit. We prove an explicit formula for the probabilityp(m,n) that the first player wins. Whenm~Nx0,n~Ny0, we prove the fluid limit asN→ ∞. Whenx0=y0,z→p(N,N+z√N) converges to the standard normal cumulative distribution function and the difference in fortunes scales diffusively. The exact limit of the time of ruin τNis established as (T- τN) ~N-βW1/β, β = ¼,T=x0+y0. Modulo a constant,W~ χ21(z02/T2).
Small-time almost-sure behaviour of extremal processes
Authors: Maller Ross A. , Schmidli Peter C.
Published: June 2017

An rth-order extremal process Δ(r) = (Δ(r)t)t≥0 is a continuous-time analogue of the rth partial maximum sequence of a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables. Studying maxima in continuous time gives rise to the notion of limiting properties of Δt(r) as t ↓ 0. Here we describe aspects of the small-time behaviour of Δ(r) by characterising its upper and lower classes relative to a nonstochastic nondecreasing function bt > 0 with limt↓bt = 0. We are then able to give an integral criterion for the almost sure relative stability of Δt(r) as t ↓ 0, r = 1, 2, . . ., or, equivalently, as it turns out, for the almost sure relative stability of Δt(1) as t ↓ 0.
Nash equilibrium in nonzero-sum games of optimal stopping for Brownian motion
Authors: Attard Natalie
Published: June 2017

We present solutions to nonzero-sum games of optimal stopping for Brownian motion in [0, 1] absorbed at either 0 or 1. The approach used is based on the double partial superharmonic characterisation of the value functions derived in Attard (2015). In this setting the characterisation of the value functions has a transparent geometrical interpretation of 'pulling two ropes' above 'two obstacles' which must, however, be constrained to pass through certain regions. This is an extension of the analogous result derived by Peskir (2009), (2012) (semiharmonic characterisation) for the value function in zero-sum games of optimal stopping. To derive the value functions we transform the game into a free-boundary problem. The latter is then solved by making use of the double smooth fit principle which was also observed in Attard (2015). Martingale arguments based on the Itô–Tanaka formula will then be used to verify that the solution to the free-boundary problem coincides with the value functions of the game and this will establish the Nash equilibrium.
Characterizing sleep spindles in 11,630 individuals from the National Sleep Research Resource
Authors: Purcell S. M. , Manoach D. S. , Demanuele C. , Cade B. E. , Mariani S. , Cox R. , Panagiotaropoulou G. , Saxena R. , Pan J. Q. , Smoller J. W. , Redline S. , Stickgold R.
Published: June 2017

Sleep spindles are characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures of stage 2 non-rapid eye movement sleep. Implicated in sleep regulation and cognitive functioning, spindles may represent heritable biomarkers of neuropsychiatric disease. Here we characterize spindles in 11,630 individuals aged 4 to 97 years, as a prelude to future genetic studies. Spindle properties are highly reliable but exhibit distinct developmental trajectories. Across the night, we observe complex patterns of age- and frequency-dependent dynamics, including signatures of circadian modulation. We identify previously unappreciated correlates of spindle activity, including confounding by body mass index mediated by cardiac interference in the EEG. After taking account of these confounds, genetic factors significantly contribute to spindle and spectral sleep traits. Finally, we consider topographical differences and critical measurement issues. Taken together, our findings will lead to an increased understanding of the genetic architecture of sleep spindles and their relation to behavioural and health outcomes, including neuropsychiatric disorders.
Next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA to predict recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsiang , Hancock Bradley A. , Solzak Jeffrey P. , Brinza Dumitru , Scafe Charles , Miller Kathy D. , Radovich Milan
Published: June 2017

Next-generation sequencing to detect circulating tumor DNA is a minimally invasive method for tumor genotyping and monitoring therapeutic response. The majority of studies have focused on detecting circulating tumor DNA from patients with metastatic disease. Herein, we tested whether circulating tumor DNA could be used as a biomarker to predict relapse in triple-negative breast cancer patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we analyzed samples from 38 early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients with matched tumor, blood, and plasma. Extracted DNA underwent library preparation and amplification using the Oncomine Research Panel consisting of 134 cancer genes, followed by high-coverage sequencing and bioinformatics. We detected high-quality somatic mutations from primary tumors in 33 of 38 patients. TP53 mutations were the most prevalent (82%) followed by PIK3CA (16%). Of the 33 patients who had a mutation identified in their primary tumor, we were able to detect circulating tumor DNA mutations in the plasma of four patients (three TP53 mutations, one AKT1 mutation, one CDKN2A mutation). All four patients had recurrence of their disease (100% specificity), but sensitivity was limited to detecting only 4 of 13 patients who clinically relapsed (31% sensitivity). Notably, all four patients had a rapid recurrence (0.3, 4.0, 5.3, and 8.9 months). Patients with detectable circulating tumor DNA had an inferior disease free survival (p < 0.0001; median disease-free survival: 4.6 mos. vs. not reached; hazard ratio = 12.6, 95% confidence interval: 3.06–52.2). Our study shows that next-generation circulating tumor DNA sequencing of triple-negative breast cancer patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy can predict recurrence with high specificity, but moderate sensitivity. For those patients where circulating tumor DNA is detected, recurrence is rapid.
Detection of Majorana zero mode in the vortex
Authors: Sun Hao-Hua , Jia Jin-Feng
Published: June 2017

Majorana zero modes, which behave like Majorana fermions, are quasiparticle excitations in condensed matter systems. They obey non-Abelian statistics, and have been proposed as building blocks of topological quantum computers. They are predicted to exist in the vortex of topological superconductors. In 2012, such a topological superconductor was engineered by depositing topological insulator thin films on top of an s-wave superconductor. Thereafter, several evidences have been reported to prove the Majorana zero modes’ existence in the vortex. In this review, by putting all experimental and theoretical results together, we show that these experimental evidences are consistent and they are also strongly supported by the theories, so the existence of Majorana zero mode is firmly established. Moreover, the adjacent Majorana zero modes annihilate when two vortices are close enough, which demonstrate that they have the nature of Majorana fermions. Finally, their potential application in topological quantum computing is discussed.
Insulator to metal transition in WO3 induced by electrolyte gating
Authors: Leng X. , Pereiro J. , Strle J. , Dubuis G. , Bollinger A. T. , Gozar A. , Wu J. , Litombe N. , Panagopoulos C. , Pavuna D. , Božović I.
Published: June 2017

Tungsten oxide and its associated bronzes (compounds of tungsten oxide and an alkali metal) are well known for their interesting optical and electrical characteristics. We have modified the transport properties of thin WO3 films by electrolyte gating using both ionic liquids and polymer electrolytes. We are able to tune the resistivity of the gated film by more than five orders of magnitude, and a clear insulator-to-metal transition is observed. To clarify the doping mechanism, we have performed a series of incisive operando experiments, ruling out both a purely electronic effect (charge accumulation near the interface) and oxygen-related mechanisms. We propose instead that hydrogen intercalation is responsible for doping WO3 into a highly conductive ground state and provide evidence that it can be described as a dense polaronic gas.
Heavy fermion behavior in the quasi-one-dimensional Kondo lattice CeCo2Ga8
Authors: Wang Le , Fu Zhaoming , Sun Jianping , Liu Min , Yi Wei , Yi Changjiang , Luo Yongkang , Dai Yaomin , Liu Guangtong , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Yamaura Kazunari , Lu Li , Cheng Jin-Guang , Yang Yi-feng , Shi Youguo , Luo Jianlin
Published: June 2017

Dimensionality plays an essential role in determining the anomalous non-Fermi liquid properties in heavy fermion systems. So far most heavy fermion compounds are quasi-two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Here we report the synthesis and systematic investigations of the single crystals of the quasi-one-dimensional Kondo lattice CeCo2Ga8. Resistivity measurements at ambient pressure reveal the onset of coherence at T * ≈ 20 K and non-Fermi liquid behavior with linear temperature dependence over a decade in temperature from 2 to 0.1 K. The specific heat increases logarithmically with lowering temperature between 10 and 2 K and reaches 800 mJ/mol K2 at 1 K, suggesting that CeCo2Ga8 is a heavy fermion compound in the close vicinity of a quantum critical point. Resistivity measurements under pressure further confirm the non-Fermi liquid behavior in a large temperature–pressure range. The magnetic susceptibility is found to follow the typical behavior for a one-dimensional spin chain from 300 K down to T *, and first-principles calculations predict flat Fermi surfaces for the itinerant f-electron bands. These suggest that CeCo2Ga8 is a rare example of the quasi-one-dimensional Kondo lattice, but its non-Fermi liquid behaviors resemble those of the quasi-two-dimensional YbRh2Si2 family. The study of the quasi-one-dimensional CeCo2Ga8 family may therefore help us to understand the role of dimensionality on heavy fermion physics and quantum criticality.
Suppression of αvβ6 Integrin Expression by Polymicrobial Oral Biofilms in Gingival Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bi Jiarui , Koivisto Leeni , Pang Aihui , Li Ming , Jiang Guoqiao , Aurora Saljae , Wang Zhejun , Owen Gethin R. , Dai Jiayin , Shen Ya , Grenier Daniel , Haapasalo Markus , Häkkinen Lari , Larjava Hannu
Published: June 2017

Periodontal diseases manifest by the formation of deep pockets between the gingiva and teeth where multispecies bacterial biofilms flourish, causing inflammation and bone loss. Epithelial cell receptor αvβ6 integrin that regulates inflammation by activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β1, is highly expressed in healthy junctional epithelium that connects the gingiva to the tooth enamel. However, its expression is attenuated in human periodontal disease. Moreover, Itgb6−/− mice display increased periodontal inflammation compared to wild-type mice. We hypothesized that bacterial biofilms present in the periodontal pockets suppress αvβ6 integrin levels in periodontal disease and that this change aggravates inflammation. To this end, we generated three-week-old multi-species oral biofilms in vitro and treated cultured gingival epithelial cells (GECs) with their extracts. The biofilm extracts caused suppression of β6 integrin expression and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β and -6. Furthermore, GECs with β6 integrin siRNA knockdown showed increased interleukin-1β expression, indicating that αvβ6 integrin-deficiency is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine responsiveness. FSL-1, a synthetic bacterial lipopeptide, also suppressed β6 integrin expression in GECs. Therefore, biofilm components, including lipopeptides, may downregulate αvβ6 integrin expression in the pocket epithelium and thus promote epithelial cell-driven pro-inflammatory response in periodontal disease.
Nanoparticles for live cell microscopy: A surface-enhanced Raman scattering perspective
Authors: Navas-Moreno Maria , Mehrpouyan Majid , Chernenko Tatyana , Candas Demet , Fan Ming , Li Jian Jian , Yan Ming , Chan James W.
Published: June 2017

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles are an attractive alternative to fluorescent probes for biological labeling because of their photostability and multiplexing capabilities. However, nanoparticle size, shape, and surface properties are known to affect nanoparticle-cell interactions. Other issues such as the formation of a protein corona and antibody multivalency interfere with the labeling properties of nanoparticle-antibody conjugates. Hence, it is important to consider these aspects in order to validate such conjugates for live cell imaging applications. Using SERS nanoparticles that target HER2 and CD44 in breast cancer cells, we demonstrate labeling of fixed cells with high specificity that correlates well with fluorescent labels. However, when labeling live cells to monitor surface biomarker expression and dynamics, the nanoparticles are rapidly uptaken by the cells and become compartmentalized into different cellular regions. This behavior is in stark contrast to that of fluorescent antibody conjugates. This study highlights the impact of nanoparticle internalization and trafficking on the ability to use SERS nanoparticle-antibody conjugates to monitor cell dynamics.
Knockout of the peroxiredoxin 5 homologue PFAOP does not affect the artemisinin susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Djuika Carine F. , Staudacher Verena , Sanchez Cecilia P. , Lanzer Michael , Deponte Marcel
Published: June 2017

Artemisinins are the current mainstay of malaria chemotherapy. Their exact mode of action is an ongoing matter of debate, and several factors have recently been reported to affect an early stage of artemisinin resistance of the most important human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Here, we identified a locus on chromosome 7 that affects the artemisinin susceptibility of P. falciparum in a quantitative trait locus analysis of a genetic cross between strains 7G8 and GB4. This locus includes the peroxiredoxin gene PFAOP. However, steady-state kinetic data with recombinant PfAOP do not support a direct interaction between this peroxidase and the endoperoxide artemisinin. Furthermore, neither the overexpression nor the deletion of the encoding gene affected the IC50 values for artemisinin or the oxidants diamide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Thus, PfAOP is dispensable for blood stage parasite survival, and the correlation between the artemisinin susceptibility and chromosome 7 is probably based on another gene within the identified locus.
Short-term effects of ambient air pollution and childhood lower respiratory diseases
Authors: Zhu Liyang , Ge Xuhua , Chen Yaoyao , Zeng Xinying , Pan Wang , Zhang Xu , Ben Shuai , Yuan Qi , Xin Junyi , Shao Wei , Ge Yuqiu , Wu Dongmei , Han Zhong , Zhang Zhengdong , Chu Haiyan , Wang Meilin
Published: June 2017

The association between air pollution and childhood respiratory disease is inconsistent. In the present study, we investigated a short-term effect of ambient air pollutants and daily childhood lower respiratory diseases (CLRD). Daily air pollutants, weather data, and CLRD data were collected from January 2014 to April 2015 (452 days) in Nanjing, China. Time-series regression and generalized additive models were used to assess the effects of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO) on CLRD. We observed that an interquartile range (IQR) increase in concentrations of PM10, NO2, and SO2 significantly increased the daily CLRD with 6 days cumulative effects (difference of estimates: 2.8%, 95% CI: 0.6–5.0%; 4.1%, 1.2–7.0%; 5.6%, 2.6–8.6%, respectively). However, no significant association was found in IQR concentrations of PM2.5, O3, and CO. Specifically, elevated PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 significantly increased the numbers of CLRD in cool season (3.6%, 1.5–5.7%; 2.4%, 0.3–4.5%; 4.9%, 2.9–7.0%; 6.3%, 3.7–9.0%, respectively). Additionally, the effect estimates of PM10, NO2, and SO2 in female and age >27 months were more pronounced than in male and age ≤27 months. This study suggested that short-term exposure to ambient PM10, NO2, and SO2 were associated with the increased CLRD numbers.
C60 as fine fillers to improve poly(phenylene sulfide) electrical conductivity and mechanical property
Authors: Zhang Maliang , Wang Xiaotian , Bai Yali , Li Zhenhuan , Cheng Bowen
Published: June 2017

Electrical conductive poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS)/fullerene (C60) composites were prepared by 1-chlornaphthalene blending method, and the interface effects of C60 and PPS on PPS/C60 properties were characterized. C60 is an excellent nanofiller for PPS, and 2 wt% PPS/C60 composite displayed the optimal conductivity which achieved 1.67 × 10−2 S/cm. However, when C60 concentration reached 2 wt%, the breaking strength and tensile modulus of PPS/C60 fiber achieved maximum 290 MPa and 605 MPa, and those values were 7.72 and 11.2 times as that of pure PPS. The excellent conductive and mechanical properties of PPS/C60 were attributed to the heterogeneous nucleation of C60 during PPS crystallization, formation of a large number of covalent bond by main C60-thiol adducts and minor C60-ArCl alkylation between C60 outer surface and PPS matrix. At same time, PPS/C60 thermal properties were also investigated.
Impact of climate and host availability on future distribution of Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Wang Cong , Hawthorne David , Qin Yujia , Pan Xubin , Li Zhihong , Zhu Shuifang
Published: June 2017

Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) is a devastating invasive pest of potato both in its native North America and now across Eurasia. It also damages eggplant, tomato and feeds on several wild species in the Solanaceae, such asS.eleagnifoliumandS.rostratumDunal (SR). Since first categorized as a pest in 1864, CPB has spread rapidly across North America, Europe and Asia. In light of its invasiveness and economic importance, it is necessary to study how climate change and host availability may alter the distribution of the CPB. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models were used to anticipate global range expansion as influenced by environmental conditions, and by the possibility of cooperative invasion of CPB and its wild host SR. The results indicate that both CPB and SR can occupy warm areas of North America, South Africa, Europe, China, and Australia. Future climate conditions may promote CPB expansion into northern regions and SR into the circumpolar latitudes. The existing range and continued spread of SR may also assist the global expansion of CPB. Future management of this pest should consider the impacts of global climate change and host availability on its potential global distribution.
The electro-optic mechanism and infrared switching dynamic of the hybrid multilayer VO2/Al:ZnO heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Wu , Wang Junyong , Jiang Kai , Zhang Jinzhong , Li Wenwu , Wu Jiada , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: June 2017

Active and widely controllable phase transition optical materials have got rapid applications in energy-efficient electronic devices, field of meta-devices and so on. Here, we report the optical properties of the vanadium dioxide (VO2)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) hybrid n-n type heterojunctions and the corresponding electro-optic performances of the devices. Various structures are fabricated to compare the discrepancy of the optical and electrical characteristics. It was found that the reflectance spectra presents the wheel phenomenon rather than increases monotonically with temperature at near-infrared region range. The strong interference effects was found in the hybrid multilayer heterojunction. In addition, the phase transition temperature decreases with increasing the number of the Al:ZnO layer, which can be ascribed to the electron injection to the VO2 film from the Al:ZnO interface. Affected by the double layer Al:ZnO, the abnormal Raman vibration mode was presented in the insulator region. By adding the external voltage on the Al2O3/Al:ZnO/VO2/Al:ZnO, Al2O3/Al:ZnO/VO2 and Al2O3/VO2/Al:ZnO thin-film devices, the infrared optical spectra of the devices can be real-time manipulated by an external voltage. The main effect of joule heating and assistant effect of electric field are illustrated in this work. It is believed that the results will add a more thorough understanding in the application of the VO2/transparent conductive film device.
One-pot Synthesis of 6-Aza-chromone Derivatives Through Cascade Carbonylation-Sonogashira-Cyclization
Authors: Cheng Gang , Qi Yingbei , Zhou Xiaoqian , Sheng Rong , Hu Yong-Zhou , Hu Youhong
Published: June 2017

We developed an efficient synthesis of aza-chromones from 3-iodo-4-(1H)-pyridones and terminal acetylenes via a cascade carbonylation-Sonogashira-cyclization reaction. By controlling the use of bases, both 6-aza-chromones 5 and 3-(4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carbonyl)-4H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolin-4-ones 6 could be selectively obtained in moderate to good yields.
Intermolecular steric inhibition of Ephexin4 is relieved by Elmo1
Authors: Kim Kwanhyeong , Lee Juyeon , Lee Sang-Ah , Moon Hyunji , Park Boyeon , Kim Deokhwan , Joo Young-Eun , Park Daeho
Published: June 2017

Ephexin4, a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor for RhoG, promotes engulfment of apoptotic cells and cancer cell migration in a RhoG-dependent manner, which is synergistically augmented by Elmo1, an Ephexin4-interacting protein. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report a mechanism by which Elmo1 cooperates with Ephexin4 to activate RhoG. We found that Ephexin4 activity was increased by elimination of its SH3 domain which intermolecularly interacts with the N20 region of Ephexin4. This interaction prevented RhoG from binding to Ephexin4 and thus inhibited RhoG activation. Moreover, we also found that Elmo1 associated with the SH3 domain as well as the N20 region and competed with the SH3 domain for binding to the N20 region, interrupting the interaction of the SH3 domain with the N20 region and thereby promoting RhoG binding to Ephexin4. In addition, the activity of Ephexin4 lacking the SH3 domain was comparable to that of Ephexin4 with Elmo1. Taken together, the data suggest that Elmo1 relieves the steric hindrance of Ephexin4 generated by the intermolecular interaction of the SH3 domain and makes Ephexin4 more accessible to RhoG.
Mitogenomic analyses support the recent division of the genus Orthotrichum (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Sawicki Jakub , Plášek Vítězslav , Ochyra Ryszard , Szczecińska Monika , Ślipiko Monika , Myszczyński Kamil , Kulik Tomasz
Published: June 2017

A recently presented taxonomical arrangement of the moss genusOrthotrichumHedw. s.l. substantially changed the traditional view of the taxon that had been accepted throughout the twentieth century. This paper provides the results of mitogenomic studies that strongly support the new taxonomical concept. Comparative analyses presented in this study confirmed the stable structure of moss mitogenomes. Moreover, 17 complete mitogenome sequences were used to identify the major evolutionary groups, including 11 newly sequenced ones, for this study. The analysis of mitochondrial hotspots revealed intron 4 of thecox1 gene to be the most variable non-coding region. The most variable protein-coding genes in the tribe Orthotricheae wereccmFC andtatC. The intergenic and intronic hotspots ofOrthotrichums.l. identified in the present study do not correspond to those described in vascular plant mitogenomes.
Distribution and UV protection strategies of zooplankton in clear and glacier-fed alpine lakes
Authors: Tartarotti Barbara , Trattner Florian , Remias Daniel , Saul Nadine , Steinberg Christian E. W. , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: June 2017

Zooplankton, a group of aquatic animals important as trophic link in the food web, are exposed to high levels of UV radiation (UVR) in clear alpine lakes, while in turbid glacier-fed lakes they are more protected. To study the interplay between behavioral and physiological protection responses in zooplankton from those lakes, we sampled six lakes of different UVR transparency and glacial turbidity. Copepods were absent in the upper water layers of the clearest lake, while in glacier-fed lakes they were more evenly distributed in the water column. Across all lakes, the weighted copepod mean depth was strongly related to food resources (chlorophyll a and rotifers), whereas in the fishless lakes, glacial turbidity largely explained the vertical daytime distribution of these organisms. Up to ~11-times (mean 3.5) higher concentrations of photo-protective compounds (mycosporine-like amino acids, MAAs) were found in the copepods from the clear than from the glacier-fed lakes. In contrast to carotenoid concentrations and antioxidant capacities, MAA levels were strongly related to the lake transparency. Copepods from alpine lakes rely on a combination of behavioral and physiological strategies adapted to the change in environmental conditions taking place when lakes shift from glacially turbid to clear conditions, as glacier retreat proceeds.
Boosting electrochemical water oxidation through replacement of Oh Co sites in cobalt oxide spinel with manganese
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Indra Arindam , Gutkin Vitaly , Driess Matthias
Published: June 2017

Effect of substitution in the spinel lattice, structure–activity relation and nature of active species involved during oxygen evolution reaction were uncovered in the manganese cobalt oxide (MCO).
Synthesis, structure and luminescence properties of two Cd(ii)/M(i) (M = K, Rb) interpenetrated heterometallic frameworks based on giant double-walled cages
Authors: Xu Xiaowu , Tian Chongbin , Du Shaowu
Published: June 2017

Two isostructural 2-fold interpenetrated double-walled frameworks based on a rare heterometallic nested cage-within-cage motif were synthesized.
Halogen bonded cocrystal polymorphs of 1,4-di(4′-pyridyl)-1,3-diacetylene
Authors: Zhang Pan , Bolla Geetha , Qiu Gege , Shu Zhibin , Yan Qingqing , Li Qingyuan , Ding Shang , Ni Zhenjie , Zhu Weigang , Dong Huanli , Zhen Yonggang , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2017

Two cocrystals based on IFB and DPDA are controllably prepared under solvent effects demonstrating different photo-physical properties.
Two haloid borate crystals with large nonlinear optical response
Authors: Reshak A. H. , Auluck S.
Published: June 2017

The photophysical properties of the noncentrosymmetric haloid borates K3B6O10X (X = Cl or Br) are calculated using density functional theory within the recently modified Becke–Johnson potential.
Glucose directs amyloid-beta into membrane-active oligomers
Authors: Kedia Niraja , Almisry Michael , Bieschke Jan
Published: June 2017

Amyloid-β-42 forms early unstructured oligomers at physiological glucose concentrations, which facilitates its cellular uptake and toxicity.
A versatile route to homo- and hetero-bimetallic 5f–5f and 3d–5f complexes supported by a redox active ligand framework
Authors: Camp Clément , Toniolo Davide , Andrez Julie , Pécaut Jacques , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: June 2017

The salt-elimination reaction of the complex [Na2U(bis-salophen)] with metal halides provides an entry to well-defined homobimetallic uranium–uranium and rare heterobimetallic uranium–cobalt and uranium–nickel complexes supported by a redox-active dinucleating ligand.
Twinborn TiO2–TiN heterostructures enabling smooth trapping–diffusion–conversion of polysulfides towards ultralong life lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhou Tianhong , Lv Wei , Li Jia , Zhou Guangmin , Zhao Yan , Fan Shaoxun , Liu Bilu , Li Baohua , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: June 2017

Twinborn TiO2–TiN heterostructures enable smooth trapping–diffusion–conversion of polysulfides and produce ultralong life lithium–sulfur batteries.
Quantitative determination of the sulfur-containing antioxidant ergothioneine by HPLC/ICP-QQQ-MS
Authors: Kroepfl Nina , Marschall Talke A. , Francesconi Kevin A. , Schwerdtle Tanja , Kuehnelt Doris
Published: June 2017

A HPLC/ICP-QQQ-MS method for quantifying the health-relevant sulfur species ergothioneine was developed and applied to human cells and mushrooms.
Molecularly imprinted polymers on CdS quantum dots for sensitive determination of cefixime after its preconcentration by magnetic graphene oxide
Authors: Eskandari Habibeh , Amirzehni Maliheh , Asadollahzadeh Hamideh , Alizadeh Eslami Parvin
Published: June 2017

A sensitive and selective method was developed for the simple monitoring of cefixime based on its preconcentration by magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2modified graphene oxide (Fe3O4@SiO2-GO) and fluorimetric detection using molecularly imprinted polymer coated CdS quantum dots (MIP-CdS QDs).
A coumarin-based colorimetric and fluorescent dual probe for palladium(ii) ions that can be used in live cells
Authors: Chen Xiang-Zhu , Ma Xiao-Dong , Wang Hong-Mei , Wang Mian , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Gao Gui , Liu Jing-Jing , Hou Shi-Cong
Published: June 2017

The new sensor containing oxime-ether can detect Pd2+with high sensitivity and high selectivity in aqueous medium.
Self-assembled AuNPs on sulphur-doped graphene: a dual and highly efficient electrochemical sensor for nitrite (NO2−) and nitric oxide (NO)
Authors: Bhat Sajad Ahmad , Pandit Sarwar Ahmad , Rather Mudasir Ahmad , Rather Ghulam Mohd , Rashid Nusrat , Ingole Pravin P. , Bhat Mohsin Ahmad
Published: June 2017

Gold nanoparticles self-assembled over sulphur-doped graphene as a reusable electrocatalyst for selective and sensitive quantification of NO2− and NO.
Aromatic C–H amination: a radical approach for adding new functions into biology- and materials-oriented aromatics
Authors: Murakami Kei , Perry Gregory J. P. , Itami Kenichiro
Published: June 2017

Recent developments in the radical C–H amination of biology- and materials-oriented aromatics are summarized in this perspective.
Preparation and characterization of high Curie-temperature piezoelectric ceramics in a new Bi-based perovskite of (1 − x)PbTiO3-xBi(Zn1/2Hf1/2)O3
Authors: Pan Zhao , Chen Jun , Fan Longlong , Liu Hui , Zhang Linxing , Hu Lei , Ren Yang , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Fan Xi'an , Li Yawei , Xing Xianran
Published: June 2017

The increasing trend of TC is non-monotonic, which corresponds well with that of c/a in the (1 − x)PbTiO3-xBi(Zn1/2Hf1/2)O3 solid solutions.
Controlled self-assemblies of polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane micelles in cylindrical confinement through a micelle solution wetting method and Rayleigh-instability-driven transformation
Authors: Ko Hao-Wen , Higuchi Takeshi , Chang Chun-Wei , Cheng Ming-Hsiang , Isono Komei , Chi Mu-Huan , Jinnai Hiroshi , Chen Jiun-Tai
Published: June 2017

We develop a novel route for the fabrication of polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane micelle nanostructures using anodic aluminum oxide templates.
Visual Cues Contribute Differentially to Audiovisual Perception of Consonants and Vowels in Improving Recognition and Reducing Cognitive Demands in Listeners With Hearing Impairment Using Hearing Aids
Authors: Moradi Shahram , Lidestam Björn , Danielsson Henrik , Ng Elaine Hoi Ning , Rönnberg Jerker
Published: June 2017

Purpose

We sought to examine the contribution of visual cues in audiovisual identification of consonants and vowels—in terms of isolation points (the shortest time required for correct identification of a speech stimulus), accuracy, and cognitive demands—in listeners with hearing impairment using hearing aids.

Method

The study comprised 199 participants with hearing impairment (mean age = 61.1 years) with bilateral, symmetrical, mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. Gated Swedish consonants and vowels were presented aurally and audiovisually to participants. Linear amplification was adjusted for each participant to assure audibility. The reading span test was used to measure participants' working memory capacity.

Results

Audiovisual presentation resulted in shortened isolation points and improved accuracy for consonants and vowels relative to auditory-only presentation. This benefit was more evident for consonants than vowels. In addition, correlations and subsequent analyses revealed that listeners with higher scores on the reading span test identified both consonants and vowels earlier in auditory-only presentation, but only vowels (not consonants) in audiovisual presentation.

Conclusion

Consonants and vowels differed in terms of the benefits afforded from their associative visual cues, as indicated by the degree of audiovisual benefit and reduction in cognitive demands linked to the identification of consonants and vowels presented audiovisually.
Theoretical and practical aspects of the synthesis of optimal systems of energy complex enterprises for preparation and processing of hydrocarbons
Authors: Dolotovskii Igor , Larin Evgeniy
Published: June 2017

We have developed a technique for structural-parametric synthesis of optimal energy complex enterprises for preparation and processing of hydrocarbons, which employs the decomposition-search principle to create technological and constructive solutions; it is also based on mathematical apparatus of generalized quantitative quality evaluation. Developed the structure and composition of the equipment of the energy complex with the system of electric-, warmly- and water supply. The complex is integrated energy–technological systems, and provide maximum utilization of recycled energy resources and waste. The developed information-program software allows performing an evaluation of the a multi-criterion of the efficiency of systems of energy complex.
Modeling the dynamic mechanism of the innovative systems self-development
Authors: Baev Leonid , Golikov Oleg , Pravdina Natalya
Published: June 2017

The article is devoted to the creation of efficient economic mechanisms of innovative systems self-development regulation. In the current social and economic conditions stimulating innovative development remains one of the most important tasks of the state economic policy. One of the instruments used to activate the innovative processes is the territories of advancing social and economic development. A special legal regime in such territories provides various preferences for their residents, including tax benefits. The criteria of the preferences provided to the entities are formal, and the management mechanisms of the territory are “indistinct” and subjective. In this regard the development and research of the mechanisms stimulating positive dynamics of economic development according to the actual growth of production efficiency are presented.
Automation of control and analysis of execution of official duties and instructions in the hierarchical organization
Authors: Demchenko A.I. , Palamarchuk L.N. , Sartasov E.M.
Published: June 2017

The article considers the problem of monitoring over execution of official duties of employees. This problem is characteristic of the enterprises having a hierarchical management structure. The functions and the modes of monitoring are defined, the types of analysis of the staff activities are provided. The description of the program complex allowing distributing functions and instructions for between the employees is given. The developed computer program allows tracking the performance, creating reports. The computer program has a demarcation of access rights and provides the can be operated in both local, and a large-scale network.
Problems of cooperation of food industry enterprises and their consumer market counterparties in Kirov oblast
Authors: Karanina E.V. , Selezneva E.Y.
Published: June 2017

The paper investigates threats to the relations between local industrial enterprises and consumer market retailers, as well as the place of chain structures in this sector of the economy. To achieve the objectives of the study, food industry and consumer market were analyzed statistically, and the activities of chain structures were researched in-field. It discovers the main trends of the regional consumer market, the impact of retail chains on the changes, and especially the effect of federal and international chains on the structure and development of the consumer market and on the way local manufacturers operate. Based hereon, the main focus areas of coordination and progress in regional-level enterprise-to-retail interaction have been identified as to ensure the economic security of the food industry and the region as a whole.
Organizational networks with self-standing interests
Authors: Say Vasily , Sizyi Sergey , Gromov Igor
Published: June 2017

With the development of world economy gradual replacing of traditional organizational structures by organizational networks, take place. New organizational complexes set difficult tasks for researchers considering optimum building and functioning of organizational networks. In these conditions, a key focus of organization network research is simulating the interaction process as well as network’s integrated quantitative assessment based on this simulation. A distinctive feature of the applied simulating approach is formalization of interaction processes between the integrator and network entities taking into account their contradictory interests. The integrated quantitative assessment of a network is offered proceeding from understanding that the general purpose of functioning is satisfying society needs with products and services of a network.
The financial modeling in industrial building using the method of hierarchies analysis
Authors: Maksymchuk Olga , Baulina Oksana , Klyushin Vladislav
Published: June 2017

The processes in the activity of construction companies which are involved in the construction of industrial objects, bridges and roads, and the factors affecting the value of these processes and the organization’s financial stability have been investigated. A comparative analysis of the construction companies according to the criteria for stability (financial, economic, organizational, innovation, investment) has been implemented using the analytic hierarchy method; financial models of studied construction companies have been developed, the forecast evaluation of their expediency has been made.
Effective services promotion management in Far North (Russia)
Authors: Grabar Anna
Published: June 2017

The problem of the effective management of services promotion in the Far North (Russia) is topical due to the severe weather and climatic conditions and the high price barrier in this industry. The objective of the article is the analysis of consumer market characteristics and the formation of specific recommendations on services promotion for the industries. Statistical methods and methods of analysis, synthesis, decomposition and expert assessments used in the study revealed the features of the consumer market. The article highlights the factors and patterns of communication services market functioning and its development dynamics. Specific recommendations on the actions in competitive market are given to the companies providing communications services.
Impact of company capital structure on of its value growth estimation
Authors: Pirogova Oksana , Plotnikov Vladimir
Published: June 2017

The article analyses the influence of the use of commercial loans on the free cash flow generation based on cost-based management concept. It is shown that the use of commercial credit instead of the usual short-term lending reduces the force of the operational lever. On the other hand, when calculating the economic added value indicators, the use of conventional lending leads to the increase in the economic added value and as a result of the higher cost of growth. This effect is associated with the redistribution of cash outflows and changes in the level of risk for the stakeholders of the enterprise.
Evaluation of alternative institutional arrangements in public utilities
Authors: Ermishina Anna , Mienshenina Elena
Published: June 2017

Since the early 2000s a policy of attracting private operators to public utilities, which should help to increase productivity, reduce costs, and as a result, reduce utility prices, takes place in Russia. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between institutional arrangements and pricing of water and sanitation services. Statistical and cluster analysis was applied to empirical data on water utilities in the 13 largest cities. There were the differences in the level and dynamics of prices for water supply and sanitation in the group of public utilities and public private water utilities.
Mathematical modelling as basis for efficient enterprise management
Authors: Kalmykova Svetlana , Krasnoshchekov Alexander , Pustylnik Petr
Published: June 2017

The choice of the most effective HR- management style at the enterprise is based on modeling various socio-economic situations. The article describes the formalization of the managing processes aimed at the interaction between the allocated management subsystems. The mathematical modelling tools are used to determine the time spent on recruiting personnel for key positions in the management hierarchy selection.
Methods of assessing functioning of organizational and economic mechanism during innovation process implementation
Authors: Blinkov Maksim , Blinkov Oleg
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes methods of assessing the efficiency of organizational and economic mechanism of an industrial enterprise when implementing innovation processes. These methods allow continuous monitoring at all stages of innovation process implementation, lead to reduction in costs of innovation activity and enable maximum use of the creative potential of enterprise personnel. The significance and attractiveness of this method is ensured by the fact that it can be applied by industrial companies in any market fields regardless of the lifecycle stage applicable to the studied goods, company and/or innovative process because the composition and the number of specific indicators can be adjusted by the work group both before the study and in the course of the company’s innovative activities (at any stage of their implementation). The multi-sided approach proposed for assessing the efficiency of organizational and economic mechanism of the industrial enterprise when implementing innovation processes ensures full and accurate assessment of the impact of certain factors on the final result.
Synergetic openness as a social and technical system competitiveness parameter
Authors: Danilov A.N. , Stolbov V.Yu.
Published: June 2017

The article introduces the general system competitiveness function in its business processes. It is assumed that in a small time period competitiveness can be viewed as a scalar function of process parameters that can be represented by system order parameters including its synergetic openness. The general problem of synergetic approach-based system openness management is set, part of which is defining optimum order parameters that improve the system competitiveness with restricted resources available. The article introduces a step-by-step management problem algorithm. Finally, a working example is made of an enterprise planning system openness degree management.
The multipurpose industrial company’s competitiveness evaluation method for instable environmental conditions
Authors: Kuchina E.V. , Baeva D.A.
Published: June 2017

The competitiveness evaluation method for industrial companies was created by authors and described in the article. This method allows considering specific features of contemporary economic conditions. There are two main features: Russian economy is under the external pressure, it instable and needs structural changes. The main advantage of the method is following: it can evaluate both the current and the perspective competitiveness of company considering the aim of increasing competitiveness of Russian economy in general. The evaluation of competitiveness includes five main blocks of company’s particular characteristics and accumulates them into several generalizing competitiveness indicators. Such multifactorial model can be successfully used for managing the competitiveness, at the same time the limited number of generalizing indicators makes the final evaluation of competitiveness quite convenient.