bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENDOGENIC FACTORS OF COMPETITIVENESS OF FARMS USING LAND FROM THE
AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY STOCK OF THE TREASURY IN WARMINSKO-MAZURSKIE PROVINCE
Authors: Nasalski Zbigniew
Published: August 2018

The aim of the research was to identify endogenous factors of competitiveness of farms using land
from the Agricultural Property Stock of the Treasury in Warminsko-Mazurskie province. The subject of
the research was the opinions of farmers on the measures taken to improve the competitiveness of farms.
The research was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire. In the opinion of
the respondents, the most effective factors of competitiveness inspired and implemented in their farms
include, above all: reducing production costs mainly by seeking cheaper sources of supply and improving
work organization.
URBAN AND RURAL HOUSEHOLDS’ CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURES AS A MEASURE OF THEIR LEVEL OF LIVING
Authors: Utzig Monika
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to compare urban and rural households’ level of living. Definitions and measures of level of living were presented. Then level of living in rural and urban households as well as its changes were evaluated using the data from Household Budget Surveys. Expenditures on health, transport, recreation and culture, education, restaurants and hotels and alkoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics were used as a measures. The results shows that the level and the share of consumption expenditures on recreation and culture as well as on restaurants and hotel were higher in urban than in rural households. The level of living in rural households is lower than in urban ones but the difference is decreasing.
EVALUATION OF CAPABILITY OF CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION FROM GRAIN MAIZE CULTIVATION
Authors: Żyłowski Tomasz , Król Aleksandra , Kozyra Jerzy
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study is to assess the possibility of reducing greenhouse gas (GC) emissions in the cultivation of maize for grain using the method combining carbon footprint (CF) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The analysis used survey data from 32 farms. The quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas emissions with a breakdown into the main emission sources was presented, and then the possibilities of limiting the level of GHG emission in these farms were determined. The emission reduction potential for the analyzed farms was specified in the range from 94 to 1,047 kg CO2-eq/ha (from 3.3 to 33.4%).
Anatomia do xilema secundário de Mimosa uruguensis Hook. et Arn.
Authors: Marchiori José Newton Cardoso
Published: August 2018

This paper describes the wood anatomy of Mimosa uruguensis Hook et Arn. (Leguminosae Mimosoideae). Photomicrographs and quantitative data of its anatomical structure are also furnished.The anatomical structure is specialized and typical to the Leguminosae. Vestured pits in vessel members, rays composed by only procumbent cells and pores in clusters, tending to a dendritic pattern, are the most important features of this wood.The anatomical structure is compared with literature on the Leguminosae family and Mimosa L. genus, in a taxonomical and phylogenetical analysis.
Breves apuntes sobre el Senado y los entes locales
Authors: García Mexia Pablo
Published: August 2018

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La nueva constitución de la Unión Europea : el tratado de Lisboa y la reforma de los tratados constitutivos
Authors: Bar Cendón Antonio
Published: August 2018

La entrada en vigor, el 1 de diciembre de 2009, del Tratado de Lisboa ha supuesto la superación de una de las etapas más largas y tensas de la historia de la Unión Europea. Una etapa que estuvo caracterizada por el surgimiento de grandes expectativas con respecto al cambio en la estructura y en los contenidos sustantivos de la UE y por el frustrante fracaso de las mismas que queda reflejado en el fracaso mismo de la Constitución europea. El resultado de este proceso ha sido la formulación de un nuevo Tratado —el Tratado de Lisboa— que viene a reformar los viejos Tratados hasta ahora vigentes y a establecer una nueva estructura constitucional en la Unión, con nuevos contenidos materiales, que tratan de superar lo problemas que afectaban a la UE entonces, pero también los nuevos problemas y desafíos que afronta la UE el presente. Este trabajo, pues, trata de analizar en detalle esa nueva estructura constitucional y las reformas aportadas por el Tratado de Lisboa.
Identidad y transformación : la ley fundamental en 1949 y hoy
Authors: Grimm Dieter
Published: August 2018

La Ley Fundamental es la Constitución con mayor éxito de la Historia alemana. Ninguna Constitución previa estuvo más tiempo en vigor, ninguna logró tanta importancia para el proceso político y el orden social. Aunque ha sido frecuentemente modificada, sus principios centrales se han mantenido incólumes. Buena parte de la identidad de la República Federal antes de la unificación estaba basada en la Constitución. Ello parece significar que, en ausencia de una nación unida, el patriotismo estaba ligado a la Constitución. El «patriotismo constitucional» se convirtió en una expresión célebre. El éxito no es sólo una consecuencia de la calidad normativa del texto constitucional, sino también —a diferencia de lo ocurrido con la Constitución de Weimar— del afortunado desarrollo de Alemania en la postguerra y de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional alemán, que contribuyó a la gran relevancia de la Constitución y a su adaptabilidad a los nuevos desafíos.
Información académica
Authors: Teoría y realidad Constitucional Teoría y realidad Constitucional
Published: August 2018

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De la reforma constitucional y sus límites materiales : consideraciones desde la Teoría del Estadoy de la Constitución
Authors: Ruipérez Alamillo Javier
Published: August 2018

El presente trabajo es un ensayo de Teoría Constitucional de la Reforma. Su tesis fundamental es la necesaria diferenciación, como punto de partida, entre el poder constituido de reforma y el Poder Constituyente, soberano, e ilimitado en el contenido de su voluntad. La reforma constitucional deriva, entonces, una operación, que si bien adapta la Constitución a las nuevas exigencias de la realidad social, garantiza a su vez la voluntad fundamental del Poder Constituyente, al que el poder de reforma se haya sometido. De ahí, se coligen una serie de consecuencias para la praxis constitucional, entre las cuales destaca el entendimiento de la reforma como una facultad sujeta a limites materiales, explicitos, cuando así lo establezca el Texto Constitucional mediante las llamadas clausulas de intangibilidad, e implicitos en todo caso.This paper is an essay of Contitutional Amend Theory. Its fundamental thesis is the necessary differentiation, as a starting point, berween the established power of reform and the sovereign and unlimited in the content of its will constituent power. Thus, the constitutional reform become in an operation that, while adapts Constitution to the new demands of social reality, guarantees, at the same time, the fundamental will of the Constituent power which the amending power is submitted. From there, a series of consequences are deduded for constitutional practice, including the compression of the reform as a faculty submitted to limits, explicit, when the Constitution provided through intangibility clarses, and implicit in any case.
La reforma electoral (LO 2/2011) y el voto de los españoles en el exterior (CERA) : la inefectividad del derecho de sufragio de los españoles en el exterior: una necesaria revisión
Authors: García Mahamut Rosario
Published: August 2018

La reforma de la LOREG de 2011 ha modificado sustancialmente las condiciones de ejercicio del derecho de sufragio de los españoles inscritos en el CERA. Ha suprimido la posibilidad de que el elector CERA pueda votar en las elecciones municipales y ha reformado profundamente el procedimiento de votación, amén de instaurar el voto rogado en todas las elecciones. Lejos de facilitar el derecho de participación política la reforma, como ha demostrado la práctica, ha conseguido justo lo contrario. El presente trabajo analiza el nuevo procedimiento de votación a la vez que lo contrasta con datos objetivos —de participación, de solicitudes de votos cursadas, de votos emitidos, de votos que efectivamente han llegado a las Juntas electorales competentes para ser escrutados, etc.— con el objeto de aislar aquellas fases del procedimiento que conviene a todas luces reformar por ley orgánica y detectar aquellos otros aspectos que demandan un completo desarrollo reglamentario. Así mismo se proponen concretas reformas que, a juicio de la autora, incidirán en una mayor eficacia y efectividad del ejercicio del derecho fundamental de la participación política (art. 23 CE) de los españoles en el exterior.The 2011 electoral reform has substantially changed the conditions of exercise of the right of suffrage of the Spaniards registered at the CERA. It has removed the possibility of the CERA elector to vote in local elections and it has deeply reformed the voting procedure, among others news, to establish requested vote in all elections. Far from facilitating the right of political participation, this reform, as demonstrated by the practice, did just the opposite. This article analyzes the new voting procedure and contrasts it with objective data (participation data, studied requests for votes, votes cast, votes that have actually reached the competent electoral boards to be tabulated, etc.— in order to isolate those phases of the procedure which should be clearly reformed by a new Organic Act and detect those other aspects that require a complete legal development. Likewise it has been proposed concrete reforms which, in the opinion of the author, affect greater efficiency and effectiveness in the exercise of the fundamental right of political participation (art. 23 Spanish Constitution) of living abroad Spaniards.
Anatomía y anomalía de un Gobierno técnico : el caso italiano
Authors: Frosini Tommaso Edoardo
Published: August 2018

En este artículo se explica perfectamente el nacimiento en Italia de un gobierno técnico presidido por Mario Monti. El nombramiento de Monti es atribuible a una elección del Presidente de la República, Giorgio Napolitano, tras la dimisión de Berlusconi. Las reflexiones realizadas sobre la existencia de un gobierno técnico son especialmente interesantes: los gobiernos técnicos chirrían y se oponen a los recorridos constitucionales normales.This article explains perfectly the technical government in Italy presided by Mario Monti. Monti’s Government is attributable to a choice of the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, after Berlusconi’s resignation. The reflections realized about the existence of a technical government are specially interesting: technical governments are against the constitutional normal.
Citizens United y la financiación de las campañas electorales en el derecho norteamericano
Authors: Valero Heredia Ana
Published: August 2018

Con la sentencia de la Corte Suprema norteamericana, pronunciada en el Caso Citizens United v. Federal Electoral Commission, de febrero de 2010, el Tribunal Supremo Norteamericano ha revocado un fallo que desde hacía veinte años imponía límites y restringía la capacidad de las empresas y los sindicatos para financiar las campañas electorales de los partidos políticos en las elecciones federales. Esta reñidísima decisión del Supremo intérprete de la Constitución estadounidense, ha supuesto una auténtica convulsión en materian electoral en los Estados Unidos pues anula el fallo emitido veinte años atrás en el Caso Austin v. Cámara de Comercio de Michigan, según el cual, las empresas podían ver limitado el uso de sus fondos con fines políticos para evitar los riesgos de corrupción.Citizens ofrece una visión absolutista de la Primera Enmienda de la Constitución que permite a las empresas gastar sumas ilimitadas de dinero de manera independiente para apoyar u oponerse a candidatos para el cargo, dando carta blanca a la desregularización de la financiación de las campañas electorales y permitiendo a las contribuciones opacas de las empresas sin límite de ningún tipo.With the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, pronounced in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, February 2010, the American Supreme Court has overturned a ruling that for twenty years imposed limits and restricted the ability of firms and unions to finance the election campaigns of political parties in federal elections. This decision of the Supreme interpreter of the U.S. Constitution was a radical upheaval in the U.S. election as the ruling nullifies twenty years ago in Austin v Case. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, according to which companies could have limited the use of their funds for political purposes to avoid the risks of corruption. Citizens offers an absolutist view of the First Amendment of the Constitution that allows companies to spend unlimited amounts of money independently to support or oppose candidates for office, giving carte blanche to the deregulation of the financing of election campaigns and allowing contributions opaque firms without any limit.
El control de constitucionalidad de las reformas constitucionales : ¿un oximorón constitucional? : comentario al ATC 9/2012
Authors: Villaverde Menéndez Ignacio
Published: August 2018

En este artículo su autor analiza el ATC 9/2012 que inadmitió a trámite el recurso de amparo interpuesto por varios parlamentarios contra las resoluciones y acuerdos de la Mesa del Congreso de los Diputados que dieron trámite a la proposición de reforma del artículo 135 CE. El autor sostiene que, dado que la Constitución española no posee cláusulas de intangibilidad, e incluso existiendo, al Tribunal Constitucional tan sólo le es posible juzgar la conformidad constitucional de los actos parlamentarios de elaboración de la reforma constitucional con lo dispuesto en el artículo 23.2 CE; aunque la hipotética declaración de nulidad de dichos actos por vulneración de dicho artículo no se extendería a la reforma misma. Señala también el autor que el Tribunal Constitucional debió admitir a trámite el recurso de amparo y resolverlo mediante Sentencia.In this article the author analyses ATC 9/2012 that refuse to process the application for liberties warrant lodged by several parliamentarians against the resolutions and agreements of the Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies which gave the reform of article 135 EC proposal pending. The author argues that, because the Spanish Constitution does not have clauses of intangibility, and even exist, the Constitutional Court it is just possible constitutional conformy of parliamentary acts of preparation of constitutional reform pursuant to article 23(2) EC. Although a hypothetical Declaration of invalidity of such acts for infringement of that article would not extend to the reform. Also notes the author that the Constitutional Court was admissible the demand and resolve it by a judgment.
La utilización de la cámara oculta en el periodismo de investigación : ¿El fin justifica los medios?
Authors: Magdaleno Alegría Antonio
Published: August 2018

Los métodos que utilizan algunos periodistas para recabar información generan importantes conflictos. En nuestro país, las técnicas de investigación periodísticas han cobrado interés como consecuencia de que la STC 12/2012 ha determinado la prohibición constitucional del uso de la cámara oculta. Se trata de una decisión polémica, pues algunos profesionales de la información consideran que dicho pronunciamiento supone el fin del periodismo de investigación, con los consecuentes efectos negativos para el funcionamiento del sistema democrático. Si bien se considera que en los casos estudiados por el TC hasta el presente momento deben prevalecer los derechos a la intimidad y a la propia imagen sobre la libertad de información, no se comparte su prohibición total, pues pueden existir casos límite que, como consecuencia de la imposibilidad de utilizar otros métodos alternativos para obtener la información y de la gran relevancia pública de lo informado, podrían justificar la utilización de la cámara oculta. De no admitir esta posibilidad, se impediría a la prensa ejercer su papel de «perro guardián público» y, por ende, no serían de conocimiento público muchas cuestiones esenciales para el autogobierno de los ciudadanos.The methods used by some journalists to get information generate important conflicts. Journalistic investigation techniques have gathered interest in our country due to the constitutional prohibition of the use of hidden camera in the STC 12/2012. It is a polemic decision, as some professionals of information consider it implies the end of investigative journalism and therefore a negative effect on democratic system’s running. Up to now, in the cases studied at the Constitutional Court, it has been considered that the right to privacy and one’s own image should prevail over the freedom of information. Even so, the complete prohibition of the hidden camera is not shared as there may be extreme cases in which its use could be justified both due to the impossibility of using other alternative methods as well as to the public relevance of the information. If that possibility was not to be admitted, the press could not practice its role as «public watchdog» and therefore essential matters for the self-government of citizens may not be public.
Conservation of preparatory neural events in monkey motor cortex regardless of how movement is initiated
Authors: Lara Antonio H , Elsayed Gamaleldin F , Zimnik Andrew J , Cunningham John P , Churchland Mark M
Published: August 2018

A time-consuming preparatory stage is hypothesized to precede voluntary movement. A putative neural substrate of motor preparation occurs when a delay separates instruction and execution cues. When readiness is sustained during the delay, sustained neural activity is observed in motor and premotor areas. Yet whether delay-period activity reflects an essential preparatory stage is controversial. In particular, it has remained ambiguous whether delay-period-like activity appears before non-delayed movements. To overcome that ambiguity, we leveraged a recently developed analysis method that parses population responses into putatively preparatory and movement-related components. We examined cortical responses when reaches were initiated after an imposed delay, at a self-chosen time, or reactively with low latency and no delay. Putatively preparatory events were conserved across all contexts. Our findings support the hypothesis that an appropriate preparatory state is consistently achieved before movement onset. However, our results reveal that this process can consume surprisingly little time.
Piezo1 forms a slowly-inactivating mechanosensory channel in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: del Mármol Josefina Inés , Touhara Kouki K , Croft Gist , MacKinnon Roderick
Published: August 2018

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive (MS) ion channel with characteristic fast-inactivation kinetics. We found a slowly-inactivating MS current in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and characterized it throughout their differentiation into motor-neurons to investigate its components. MS currents were large and slowly-inactivating in the stem-cell stage, and became smaller and faster-inactivating throughout the differentiation. We found that Piezo1 is expressed in mES cells, and its knockout abolishes MS currents, indicating that the slowly-inactivating current in mES cells is carried by Piezo1. To further investigate its slow inactivation in these cells, we cloned Piezo1 cDNA from mES cells and found that it displays fast-inactivation kinetics in heterologous expression, indicating that sources of modulation other than the aminoacid sequence determine its slow kinetics in mES cells. Finally, we report that Piezo1 knockout ES cells showed a reduced rate of proliferation but no significant differences in other markers of pluripotency and differentiation.
MAP7 regulates axon morphogenesis by recruiting kinesin-1 to microtubules and modulating organelle transport
Authors: Tymanskyj Stephen R , Yang Benjamin H , Verhey Kristen J , Ma Le
Published: August 2018

Neuronal cell morphogenesis depends on proper regulation of microtubule-based transport, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report our study of MAP7, a unique microtubule-associated protein that interacts with both microtubules and the motor protein kinesin-1. Structure-function analysis in rat embryonic sensory neurons shows that the kinesin-1 interacting domain in MAP7 is required for axon and branch growth but not for branch formation. Also, two unique microtubule binding sites are found in MAP7 that have distinct dissociation kinetics and are both required for branch formation. Furthermore, MAP7 recruits kinesin-1 dynamically to microtubules, leading to alterations in organelle transport behaviors, particularly pause/speed switching. As MAP7 is localized to branch sites, our results suggest a novel mechanism mediated by the dual interactions of MAP7 with microtubules and kinesin-1 in the precise control of microtubule-based transport during axon morphogenesis.
Environmental stressors may cause equine herpesvirus reactivation in captive Grévy’s zebras (Equus grevyi)
Authors: Seeber Peter A. , Quintard Benoît , Sicks Florian , Dehnhard Martin , Greenwood Alex D. , Franz Mathias
Published: August 2018

Equine Herpesviruses (EHV) are common and often latent pathogens of equids which can cause fatalities when transmitted to non-equids. Stress and elevated glucocorticoids have been associated with EHV reactivation in domestic horses, but little is known about the correlation between stress and viral reactivation in wild equids. We investigated the effect of an environmental stressor (social group restructuring following a translocation event) on EHV reactivation in captive Grévy’s zebras (Equus grevyi). A mare was translocated by road transport from Zoo Mulhouse, France, to join a resident group of three mares in Tierpark Berlin, Germany. We used an indirect sampling method to assess the frequency of EHV shedding for 14 days immediately after the translocation event (termed the ‘experimental period’). The results were compared with those from two control periods, one preceding and one subsequent to the experimental period. In addition, we measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations daily in all individuals from 6 days before, to 14 days after translocation. We found significantly higher EHV shedding frequencies during the experimental period, compared to each of the two control periods. All animals showed significantly elevated fGCM concentrations, compared to fGCM levels before translocation. Finally, we found that an increase in fGCM concentration was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of EHV shedding. Although the small number of animals in the study limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the study, taken together, our results support the hypothesis that environmental stressors induce viral reactivation in wild equids. Our results suggest that potentials stressors such as group restructuring and translocation should be considered in the management of zoological collections to reduce the risk of fatal EHV infections in novel hosts. Moreover, environmental stressors may play an important role in EHV reactivation and spread in wild equid populations.
Eye movement control during visual pursuit in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wu Chia-Chien , Cao Bo , Dali Veena , Gagliardi Celia , Barthelemy Olivier J. , Salazar Robert D. , Pomplun Marc , Cronin-Golomb Alice , Yazdanbakhsh Arash
Published: August 2018

Background

Prior studies of oculomotor function in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have either focused on saccades without considering smooth pursuit, or tested smooth pursuit while excluding saccades. The present study investigated the control of saccadic eye movements during pursuit tasksand assessed the quality of binocular coordinationas potential sensitive markers of PD.

Methods

Observers fixated on a central cross while a target moved toward it. Once the target reached the fixation cross, observers began to pursue the moving target. To further investigate binocular coordination, the moving target was presented on both eyes (binocular condition), or on one eye only (dichoptic condition).

Results

The PD group made more saccades than age-matched normal control adults (NC) both during fixation and pursuit. The difference between left and right gaze positions increased over time during the pursuit period for PD but not for NC. The findings were not related to age, as NC and young-adult control group (YC) performed similarly on most of the eye movement measures, and were not correlated with classical measures of PD severity (e.g., Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score).

Discussion

Our results suggest that PD may be associated with impairment not only in saccade inhibition, but also in binocular coordination during pursuit, and these aspects of dysfunction may be useful in PD diagnosis or tracking of disease course.
Paleoneuroanatomy of the aetosaur Neoaetosauroides engaeus (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) and its paleobiological implications among archosauriforms
Authors: von Baczko M. Belen , Taborda Jeremías R.A. , Desojo Julia Brenda
Published: August 2018

The paleoneuroanatomy of pseudosuchian archosaurs is poorly known, based on direct examination of the internal morphology of braincases and a few artificial endocasts. Among aetosaurs, only one endocast has been described almost a century ago by Case (1921) corresponding to Desmatosuchus spurensis from the Chinle Formation (Norian) of Texas, US, based on a resin cast. Here, we describe the first natural endocast of an aetosaur, Neoaetosauroides engaeus from the Los Colorados Formation (Norian) of NW Argentina, and also developed the first digital endocast of this taxon including the encephalon, cranial nerves, inner ear, and middle ear sinuses. The neuroanatomy of Neoaetosauroides engaeus exhibits several differences from that of Desmatosuchus spurensis despite their phylogenetic proximity, which may be a reflection of their different habits. The information provided by the endocasts of Neoaetosauroides engaeus about its olfactory region and the orientation of its head, based on the inclination of the inner ear, could support the proposal for an animalivorous diet, instead of an herbivorous one as in most aetosaurs. The new information here obtained contributes to the knowledge of the neuroanatomical diversity of archosauriforms and more specifically among pseudosuchians and their paleobiological roles in the Triassic continental communities.
Intratumor heterogeneity defines treatment‐resistant HER2+ breast tumors
Authors: Rye Inga H. , Trinh Anne , Sætersdal Anna B. , Nebdal Daniel , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Almendro Vanessa , Polyak Kornelia , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Helland Åslaug , Markowetz Florian , Russnes Hege G.
Published: August 2018

Targeted therapy for patients with HER2‐positive (HER2+) breast cancer has improved overall survival, but many patients still suffer relapse and death from the disease. Intratumor heterogeneity of both estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 expression has been proposed to play a key role in treatment failure, but little work has been done to comprehensively study this heterogeneity at the single‐cell level. In this study, we explored the clinical impact of intratumor heterogeneity of ER protein expression, HER2 protein expression, and HER2 gene copy number alterations. Using combined immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization on tissue sections followed by a validated computational approach, we analyzed more than 13 000 single tumor cells across 37 HER2+ breast tumors. The samples were taken both before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus HER2‐targeted treatment, enabling us to study tumor evolution as well. We found that intratumor heterogeneity for HER2 copy number varied substantially between patient samples. Highly heterogeneous tumors were associated with significantly shorter disease‐free survival and fewer long‐term survivors. Patients for which HER2 characteristics did not change during treatment had a significantly worse outcome. This work shows the impact of intratumor heterogeneity in molecular diagnostics for treatment selection in HER2+ breast cancer patients and the power of computational scoring methods to evaluate in situ molecular markers in tissue biopsies.
Risk Dependency Analysis (
RDA
) in Complex Projects
Authors: Paolo Cavanna , Franco Caron , Filippo Fratoni
Published: August 2018

Dependencies and interdependencies between major risks are becoming a critical issue for large engineering projects. Current project risk analysis and management (PRAM) process does not focus effectively on relationships between risks, even though risks are often not independent in complex projects. As a consequence, we develop a risk dependency analysis (RDA) procedure to support PRAM. It entails three phases: Dependency Identification, Dependency Assessment, and Dependency Quantification. The aim of Dependency Identification is to describe risk dependencies and interdependencies through a design structure matrix (DSM) and gather them in clusters. Dependency Assessment is an unconventional probabilistic approach, which considers risk dependencies as events with their own probabilities, while Dependency Quantification estimates the impact of risk dependencies on project performance. The application of RDA to the Oil & Gas Industry uses a Monte Carlo simulation model, which aims at estimating schedule delays and capital expenditure (CAPEX) overruns.
Prevalence of Radiographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis in Young and Middle‐Aged Adults With Persistent Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Collins Natalie J. , Oei Edwin H. G. , de Kanter Janneke L. , Vicenzino Bill , Crossley Kay M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To describe the prevalence of radiographic features of patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) in adults with persistent PF pain, to describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–defined PF OA and compare it to that in age‐ and sex‐matched controls, and to explore the prevalence of radiographic and MRI‐defined PF OA across age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) groups.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 84 individuals with PF pain ≥3 months duration and 26 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. In participants with PF pain, posteroanterior, lateral, and skyline radiographs were obtained. Radiographic OA features were scored using Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) criteria and a radiographic atlas, with K/L grade ≥2 defined as OA, and K/L grade 1 as early OA. Both groups underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI scans, scored using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score criteria. Compartmental prevalence of MRI OA features was based on cartilage lesions, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and osteophytes.

Results

Overall, 20 participants (24%) with PF pain had radiographic PF OA (K/L grade ≥2), and 36 participants (43%) had early PF OA (K/L grade 1). MRI‐defined PF OA was more prevalent in participants with PF pain (16–29%) than in controls (4–12%), irrespective of how PF OA was defined. Within the PF pain group, the prevalence of PF OA on radiographs and MRI was greater in participants who were older or female or who had a higher BMI.

Conclusion

Features of radiographic and MRI‐defined PF OA were evident in 20–30% of adults ages 26–50 years with persistent PF pain, with greater prevalence observed in those who were older, or female, or who had a higher BMI. MRI‐defined PF OA was more prevalent in individuals with PF pain than in pain‐free controls, especially when defined as a full‐thickness cartilage lesion with BML.
Evolving Symptom Characteristics of Raynaud's Phenomenon in Systemic Sclerosis and Their Association With Physician and Patient‐Reported Assessments of Disease Severity
Authors: Pauling John D. , Reilly Elizabeth , Smith Theresa , Frech Tracy M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is reliant on self‐report. The Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS) diary assumes discrete episodic RP attacks, although not all SSc patients identify with this paradigm. We investigated the clinical associations of SSc‐RP symptom characteristics and the evolution of SSc‐RP symptoms with disease progression.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study at UK and US sites captured digital color changes of SSc‐RP and patients’ ability to identify with diagrammatic representations (and descriptive stems) of 4 distinct theoretical SSc‐RP patterns (progressing severity A through D) reflecting progressively severe SSc‐RP experiences. SSc‐RP self‐management and symptom evolution were explored. Patient demographics, the clinical phenotype, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), the 2‐week RCS diary, and patient and physician global assessments were collected.

Results

We enrolled 107 patients with SSc (with questionnaires returned by 94). A higher number of self‐reported digital color changes of SSc‐RP were associated with increased SSc‐RP symptom severity but not with the SSc clinical phenotype. Patients could identify with distinct patterns of SSc‐RP. These patterns were associated with disease duration, global disease severity, and conceptually linked physician and patient assessments of peripheral vascular severity (e.g., SHAQ RP subscale and RCS diary parameters), but not with conceptually unrelated outcomes (e.g., SHAQ breathing subscale). SSc‐RP characteristics and symptom severity evolve during the disease course.

Conclusion

Patients identify with distinct patterns of SSc‐RP that may relate to progression of the obliterative microangiopathy of SSc. Difficulty distinguishing discrete SSc‐RP attacks from persistent digital ischemia in patients with advanced SSc could influence diary‐based approaches to assessing SSc‐RP, with implications for future clinical trials.
Visualization and Investigation of Charge Transport in Mixed‐Halide Perovskite via Lateral‐Structured Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Yang Seok Joo , Kim Min , Ko Hyomin , Sin Dong Hun , Sung Ji Ho , Mun Jungho , Rho Junsuk , Jo Moon‐Ho , Cho Kilwon
Published: August 2018

Mixed‐halide perovskites, CH3NH3PbI3−xClx, can be used to fabricate highly efficient perovskite solar cells; the presence of chlorine ions affects the perovskite morphology and enhances optoelectronic properties. However, the reported device performances of mixed‐halide perovskites are comparable to those of triiodide perovskites, CH3NH3PbI3. Thus, the benefits of the presence of Cl− ions in mixed‐halide perovskites are uncertain. To clarify the effects of Cl− on the optoelectronic properties of perovskite devices, a suitable device structure is required. In this study, lateral‐structured perovskite devices are fabricated and their electrical properties are investigated. A clear contrast is found between the optoelectronic properties of the mixed‐halide and triiodide perovskite; a suitable platform is also constructed for the spectroscopic analysis. Scanning photocurrent spectroscopy is used to visualize the charge carrier diffusion in the perovskite films and it is found that the charge carrier diffusion length of the mixed‐halide perovskite is longer. It is also demonstrated by using conducting atomic force microscopy that the charge carrier pathways in the mixed‐halide perovskite are more efficient, which means that it has longer charge carrier recombination life‐times and higher photocurrents. This lateral‐structured device has an architecture that makes it suitable for the observation of charge carrier diffusion and spectroscopic analysis.
Plasmonic Photonic Crystals Induced Two‐Order Fluorescence Enhancement of Blue Perovskite Nanocrystals and Its Application for High‐Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Li Dongyu , Zhou Donglei , Xu Wen , Chen Xu , Pan Gencai , Zhou Xiangyu , Ding Nan , Song Hongwei
Published: August 2018

Blue perovskite nanocrystal (NC) can be an ideal kind of material for UV photodetectors owing to its excellent band gap, however, limited by its photoacoustic process. Here, the luminescent enhancement of CsPbCl3 NCs is first explored by coupling with Ag plasmon and photonic crystals. Consistently with the theoretical simulation, when the plasmon peak of Ag film and photonic stop band of polymethyl methacrylate opal photonic crystals (OPCs) match well with the emission peak of blue CsPbCl3 NCs, the fluorescence enhancements of about 50‐fold and 20‐fold are obtained, owing to the collective effect of the excitation and emission field enhancement. Then, through the combination of surface plasmon and photonic crystal effects, the luminescent intensity of CsPbCl3 NCs in CsPbCl3/Ag/OPCs hybrids is boosted more than 150‐fold with the estimated emission efficiency of 51.5%. Furthermore, the high performance flexible UV photodetector is constructed employing CsPbCl3/Ag/OPCs hybrids, demonstrating extremely low dark current of 10–11 A, high detectivity of 9 × 1014 Jones, short response time of 28 ms/31 ms, and narrow response line width of 30 nm, which is much better than the commercial silicon photodetectors. This work provides a helpful approach to improve the luminescence/performance of perovskite NCs and UV photodetectors.
Many‐Body Complexes in 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Pei Jiajie , Yang Jiong , Yildirim Tanju , Zhang Han , Lu Yuerui
Published: August 2018

2D semiconductors such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and black phosphorus (BP) are currently attracting great attention due to their intrinsic bandgaps and strong excitonic emissions, making them potential candidates for novel optoelectronic applications. Optoelectronic devices fabricated from 2D semiconductors exhibit many‐body complexes (exciton, trion, biexciton, etc.) which determine the materials optical and electrical properties. Characterization and manipulation of these complexes have become a reality due to their enhanced binding energies as a direct result from reduced dielectric screening and enhanced Coulomb interactions in the 2D regime. Furthermore, the atomic thickness and extremely large surface‐to‐volume ratio of 2D semiconductors allow the possibility of modulating their inherent optical, electrical, and optoelectronic properties using a variety of different environmental stimuli. To fully realize the potential functionalities of these many‐body complexes in optoelectronics, a comprehensive understanding of their formation mechanism is essential. A topical and concise summary of the recent frontier research progress related to many‐body complexes in 2D semiconductors is provided here. Moreover, detailed discussions covering the aspects of fundamental theory, experimental investigations, modulation of properties, and optoelectronic applications are given. Lastly, personal insights into the current challenges and future outlook of many‐body complexes in 2D semiconducting materials are presented.
Elevated‐Temperature 3D Printing of Hybrid Solid‐State Electrolyte for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cheng Meng , Jiang Yizhou , Yao Wentao , Yuan Yifei , Deivanayagam Ramasubramonian , Foroozan Tara , Huang Zhennan , Song Boao , Rojaee Ramin , Shokuhfar Tolou , Pan Yayue , Lu Jun , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: August 2018

While 3D printing of rechargeable batteries has received immense interest in advancing the next generation of 3D energy storage devices, challenges with the 3D printing of electrolytes still remain. Additional processing steps such as solvent evaporation were required for earlier studies of electrolyte fabrication, which hindered the simultaneous production of electrode and electrolyte in an all‐3D‐printed battery. Here, a novel method is demonstrated to fabricate hybrid solid‐state electrolytes using an elevated‐temperature direct ink writing technique without any additional processing steps. The hybrid solid‐state electrolyte consists of solid poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) matrices and a Li+‐conducting ionic‐liquid electrolyte. The ink is modified by adding nanosized ceramic fillers to achieve the desired rheological properties. The ionic conductivity of the inks is 0.78  × 10 −3 S cm−1. Interestingly, a continuous, thin, and dense layer is discovered to form between the porous electrolyte layer and the electrode, which effectively reduces the interfacial resistance of the solid‐state battery. Compared to the traditional methods of solid‐state battery assembly, the directly printed electrolyte helps to achieve higher capacities and a better rate performance. The direct fabrication of electrolyte from printable inks at an elevated temperature will shed new light on the design of all‐3D‐printed batteries for next‐generation electronic devices.
Additive Manufacturing as a Method to Design and Optimize Bioinspired Structures
Authors: Velasco‐Hogan Audrey , Xu Jun , Meyers Marc A.
Published: August 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a current technology undergoing rapid development that is utilized in a wide variety of applications. In the field of biological and bioinspired materials, additive manufacturing is being used to generate intricate prototypes to expand our understanding of the fundamental structure–property relationships that govern nature's spectacular mechanical performance. Herein, recent advances in the use of AM for improving the understanding of the structure–property relationship in biological materials and for the production of bioinspired materials are reviewed. There are four essential components to this work: a) extracting defining characteristics of biological designs, b) designing 3D‐printed prototypes, c) performing mechanical testing on 3D‐printed prototypes to understand fundamental mechanisms at hand, and d) optimizing design for tailorable performance. It is intended to highlight how the various types of additive manufacturing methods are utilized, to unravel novel discoveries in the field of biological materials. Since AM processing techniques have surpassed antiquated limitations, especially with respect to spatial scales, there has been a surge in their demand as an integral tool for research. In conclusion, current challenges and the technical perspective for further development of bioinspired materials using AM are discussed.
2D Oxide Nanomaterials to Address the Energy Transition and Catalysis
Authors: Heard Christopher J. , Čejka Jiří , Opanasenko Maksym , Nachtigall Petr , Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: August 2018

2D oxide nanomaterials constitute a broad range of materials, with a wide array of current and potential applications, particularly in the fields of energy storage and catalysis for sustainable energy production. Despite the many similarities in structure, composition, and synthetic methods and uses, the current literature on layered oxides is diverse and disconnected. A number of reviews can be found in the literature, but they are mostly focused on one of the particular subclasses of 2D oxides. This review attempts to bridge the knowledge gap between individual layered oxide types by summarizing recent developments in all important 2D oxide systems including supported ultrathin oxide films, layered clays and double hydroxides, layered perovskites, and novel 2D‐zeolite‐based materials. Particular attention is paid to the underlying similarities and differences between the various materials, and the subsequent challenges faced by each research community. The potential of layered oxides toward future applications is critically evaluated, especially in the areas of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, biomass conversion, and fine chemical synthesis. Attention is also paid to corresponding novel 3D materials that can be obtained via sophisticated engineering of 2D oxides.
Large‐Scale, Solution‐Synthesized Nanostructured Composites for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Xu Biao , Feng Tianli , Li Zhe , Zheng Wei , Wu Yue
Published: August 2018

As more than one‐half of worldwide consumed energy is wasted as heat every year, high‐efficiency thermoelectric materials are highly demanded for the conversion of rejected heat to electricity in a reliable fashion. In the recent few decades, nanoscience has revolutionized thermoelectrics via the quantum confinement effect in electronic structures and grain‐boundary scattering of heat carriers. As the gas‐phase syntheses of nanomaterials are not easily scalable and solid‐state syntheses are not controllable in terms of microstructures at various length scales, significant research efforts have focused on solution syntheses that can build nanostructures with well‐defined size, composition, and morphology. Beyond the performance, several novel effects that benefit the portability and cost efficiency have been discovered in the solution‐synthesized nanomaterials. Herein, the relevant progress is reviewed and some prospects proposed.
Carbon‐Supported Single Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Peng Yi , Lu Bingzhang , Chen Shaowei
Published: August 2018

Single atoms of select transition metals supported on carbon substrates have emerged as a unique system for electrocatalysis because of maximal atom utilization (≈100%) and high efficiency for a range of reactions involved in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, such as the oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, and CO2 reduction reactions. Herein, the leading strategies for the preparation of single atom catalysts are summarized, and the electrocatalytic performance of the resulting samples for the various reactions is discussed. In general, the carbon substrate not only provides a stabilizing matrix for the metal atoms, but also impacts the electronic density of the metal atoms due to strong interfacial interactions, which may lead to the formation of additional active sites by the adjacent carbon atoms and hence enhanced electrocatalytic activity. This necessitates a detailed understanding of the material structures at the atomic level, a critical step in the construction of a relevant structural model for theoretical simulations and calculations. Finally, a perspective is included highlighting the promises and challenges for the future development of carbon‐supported single atom catalysts in electrocatalysis.
Tailoring the Structure of Carbon Nanomaterials toward High‐End Energy Applications
Authors: Liu Daobin , Ni Kun , Ye Jianglin , Xie Jian , Zhu Yanwu , Song Li
Published: August 2018

Carbon nanomaterials are perceived to be ideally suited candidates for high‐end energy applications, owing to their unparalleled advantages including superior electric and thermal conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and high specific surface areas. It has been demonstrated through several research contributions that the electrochemical performance of carbon nanomaterials significantly depends upon their versatile electronic structures and microstructures. These can be precisely tailored by rational defect engineering, heteroatom doping, heterostructure coupling, and pore fabrication, which largely affect the intrinsic nature of active sites and facilitate the ion/electron transfer. Herein, the recent progress in tailoring carbon nanostructures toward high‐end electrocatalysis and supercapacitor applications is summarized, with an emphasis on synthesis strategies, advanced characterizations, and specific elucidation of structure–performance relationship. The challenges and opportunities for the rational design and detection of variously tailored carbon nanomaterials that can further improve the fundamental understanding and practical applications in the field of energy storage and conversion are also discussed.