bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short and long-term performance analysis of banks Ms&As in Europe
Authors: Kyriazopoulos George , Drymbetas Evangelos
Published: February 2017

Based on a sample of 152 European banks Ms&As deals during the period 1996-2010, we probe into the short-term reaction of stock prices around the Ms&As announcement day by calculating abnormal returns for acquirers and targets. We also analyze the long-term value creation of combined entities by calculating buy-and-hold returns over two years subsequent to Ms&As. We find stock price erosions in the post-event 10-day period for the overall sample of acquirers. This finding is particularly evident in the case of low profitability bidder firms. We also detect a significantly positive stock price reaction of target bank shares for the 3-day event window around the Ms&As announcement day. This major finding remains unquestionable, throughout domestic and cross-border deals and irrespective of prior profitability of target banks
Economic value added: A financial flexibility tool
Authors: Shah Reeta , Haldar Arunima , Nageswara Rao S.V.D.
Published: February 2017

With increased emphasis on shareholder value addition, there has been an ongoing debate on choosing the right measure of corporate financial performance. There is need for a single measure of financial performance that not only measures corporate financial performance but also works as a financial flexibility tool. The financial performance measure employed by the firm measures the value generated by the firm. This necessitates the firms to choose the right performance tool which can reflect the accurate value added by the firm. We study the role and implications of Economic Value Added as a financial performance measure and further discuss its applicability as a tool for introducing financial flexibility. Flexibility is assessed by measuring the impact of organization’s competitiveness and performance. The findings reveal that EVA as a tool enables the corporate to differentiate between value-creating and value-destructing activities and helps managers in taking right decisions which enhances shareholder value. Thus, finally the research makes a case for managers to use EVA as a tool to provide additional information to investors. Interestingly, EVA can also be adapted as a corporate philosophy for motivating and educating employees
Necrotizing soft tissue infections of perianal and perineal region - still lethal infection
Authors: Stanojevic Goran , Nestorovic Milica , Brankovic Branko , Stojanovic Miodrag , Radojkovic Milan , Krivokapic Zoran
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a life-threatening condition, characterized by widely spread necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, fascia, and muscle. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with lethality due to necrotizing soft tissue infection of perianal and perineal region, for all patients surgically treated at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods. A retrospective review of 38 patients with necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perianal and perineal region, in the period between January 2007 and December 2014, was performed. We reviewed sex and age of the patients, the presence of known risk factors (diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcoholism), localization of necrotizing soft tissue infection, duration of symptoms, length of hospitalization, the number of necessary operations done, the performance of the stoma, and the outcome. We used logistic regression to identify the predictors of lethal outcome in a univariate analysis with estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results. There was a significantly higher fatality rate in the group of patients over 60 years of age (p < 0.05), with more than 10 days from the onset of symptoms to the treatment (p < 0.05), with a perianal localization (p < 0.05), and stoma creation (p < 0.05). The overall fatality rate was 18.4%. Conclusion. Patients? age, time passed between the onset of the symptoms and the initiation of the treatment, perianal localization, and stoma creation were related to higher lethality risk.
Using the Concepts of Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services to Specify Leitbilder for Compact and Green Cities—The Example of the Landscape Plan of Dresden (Germany)
Authors: Artmann Martina , Bastian Olaf , Grunewald Karsten
Published: February 2017

In the light of ongoing global urbanization and the high pace of resource consumption, there is an urgent need to foster compact cities. Currently, however, we lack integrative guidelines on how to manage trade-offs between urban densification and the provision of green space. Against this background, this study applies the concepts of green infrastructure and ecosystem services to develop a guideline for landscape planning to foster compact and green cities. The guideline was tested on the example of the landscape plan of Dresden (Germany), which foresees a compact city in a green network. Results show that the concepts of ecosystems services and green infrastructure can support urban practitioners in structuring the complex interrelations between landscape planning and compact and green cities. The developed guideline provides an integrative framework for modular landscape planning that: (1) reflects the spatial heterogeneity and properties of urban ecosystems and landscapes; and (2) considers cities as integrated socio-ecological systems. The case study indicates that a more comprehensive perspective of cities and their ecosystem is required, one that connects green with grey infrastructure. Further research should focus on how the green infrastructure concept can be refined to incorporate strategic planning for compact cities.
Discussion of “Representation of People’s Decisions in Health Information Systems: A Complementary Approach for Understanding Health Care Systems and Population Health”
Authors: Al-Shorbaji Najeeb , Borycki Elizabeth , Kimura Michio , Lehmann Christoph , Lorenzi Nancy , Moura Lincoln , Winter Alfred
Published: February 2017

This article is part of a For-Discussion-Section of Methods of Information in Medicine about the paper “Representation of People’s Decisions in Health Information Systems: A Complementary Approach for Understanding Health Care Systems and Population Health” written by Fernan Gonzalez Bernaldo de Qui-ros, Adriana Ruth Dawidowski, and Silvana Figar. It is introduced by an editorial. This article contains the combined commentaries invited to independently comment on the paper of de Quiros, Dawidowski, and Figar. In subsequent issues the discussion can continue through letters to the editor.
Adiponectin Potentially Contributes to the Antidepressive Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise in Women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness
Authors: Chan Jessie S. M. , Li Ang , Ng Siu-Man , Ho Rainbow T. H. , Xu Aimin , Yao Tzy-Jyun , Wang Xiao-Min , So Kwok-Fai , Chan Cecilia L. W.
Published: February 2017

Our recent study demonstrates that adiponectin signaling plays a significant role in mediating physical exercise-exerted effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepression in mice. Whether the findings can be translated to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on adiponectin and to evaluate whether adiponectin is involved in the antidepressive effects of Qigong exercise on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness. This is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. One hundred eight female participants were randomly assigned to either Qigong exercise or waitlist groups. Sixteen 1.5-h Qigong lessons were conducted. Outcome measures were taken at three time points. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip ratio in women with CFS-like illness. Compared with the waitlist control, Qigong exercise significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms and significantly raised plasma adiponectin levels (median = 0.8 vs. −0.1, p < 0.05). More interestingly, increases in adiponectin levels following Qigong exercise were associated with decreases in depression scores for the Qigong group ( r = −0.38, p = 0.04). Moreover, adjusted linear regression analysis further identified Qigong exercise and change in adiponectin levels as the significant factors accounting for reduction of depression symptoms. Baduanjin Qigong significantly increased adiponectin levels in females with CFS-like illness. Decreases in depression symptoms were associated with increases in adiponectin levels following Qigong exercise, indicating that the potential contribution of adiponectin to Qigong exercise elicited antidepressive effects in human subjects.
A Model for Interactive Advertising Narration
Authors: Resuloğlu Filiz , Yılmaz Recep
Published: February 2017

Taking the interest shown by the audience into consideration, it is rather likely that interactive advertising would be more common anytime soon. As being one of the latest forms of advertising in the digital age, it is extending the creativity share of advertising. This chapter takes the award winning advertising “The Other Side” which is an interactive dual - story video for the Honda Civic and it's sportier version Civic Type R as a research object. In this advertising, two parallel stories take place and the audience is enabled to get involved by pressing and holding “R” on the keyboard which makes them shift between two stories. By analysing the narrative structure of the advertising, this chapter aims to set a model to explain the narrative structure of interactive advertisements.
Create It! Extend It!
Authors: Kılınç Ugur
Published: February 2017

This study focuses on the historical process of DC Comics and Marvel Comics which are the leading companies that have made way for the comics to develop and take form in terms of advertising narrative. First of all, the history of DC Comics and Marvel Comics has been analyzed in a general framework in order to question the process in advertising history. At this point, the advertisements of these companies have been limited to the ones they have on the internet and the ones that give relevant data for the study. In addition to this, the study of narrative advertising of comics today, apart from the examples of DC Comics and Marvel Comics in their own cinematic universe, has been narrowed down to the Pegasus Airlines' commercial relating to Marvel Comics and Turkish Airlines' commercial relating to DC Comics. The result of a general review indicates that DC Comics and Marvel Comics have come to a turning point in terms of narrative advertising by creating a cinematic universe and with the means of new media becoming popular around the world.
The Structural Transformation of Space in Turkish Television Commercials as a Narrative Component
Authors: Altıparmak Burcu
Published: February 2017

Turkish television commercials are texts which make it possible to read the Turkish society and the society's historical characteristics. This approach is our starting point. In this sense, it is possible to find clues related to social processes while analyzing the structural transformation of space in Turkish advertisements. The purpose of this study is to determine the transformation of space as a narrative element in Turkish television commercials in connection with social processes in the frame of historical divisions from 1972 up to today. The reason why the date 1972 is important is that the first television commercial in Turkey was broadcast in 1972. After this date, there has been a rapid improvement in the advertisement history of Turkey. In this study, we will analyze TV commercials and the features of the society in the specified time periods. Then we will try to reveal the connection between the Turkish society and Turkish TV commercials.
Synovial sarcoma
Authors: Vlok Sucari S.C. , Wagener Georg W.W. , Zaharie Dan
Published: February 2017

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant, predominantly juxta-articular, soft-tissue tumour representing approximately 10% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. Frequently initially incorrectly diagnosed as a benign lesion, it should be considered as a diagnosis when a young adult patient presents with a calcified juxta-articular soft-tissue mass of insidious onset.
Definiendo la distinción: guías y anuarios de sociedad en España, 1903-1933
Authors: Hernández Barral José Miguel
Published: February 2017

A comienzos del siglo XX la nobleza española estaba plagada de contradicciones. Aunque los ennoblecimientos otorgados en el XIX habían cambiado el perfil de sus miembros, la Historia seguía siendo un elemento de distinción capital. A pesar de la desaparición de sus privilegios, ser noble era una aspiración común entre las elites. Se buscaba el título y se reconocía la nobleza como un signo de prestigio social. Las guías o anuarios de sociedad transmitieron ese reconocimiento y, al mismo tiempo, definieron y modificaron los elementos que justificaban aquella distinción. Además, la nobleza vista por esas guías permite estudiar desde otra perspectiva las transformaciones sociales profundas que vivió España al iniciarse el siglo XX.
LAZER, SAÚDE E INTERVENÇÃO COM PESSOAS IDOSAS: PERCEPÇÕES SOBRE ESSAS TEMÁTICAS NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA
Authors: Nunes Abade Natascha Stephanie , Gomes Christianne Luce
Published: February 2017

Resumo: Este artigo objetiva discutir entendimentos de saúde, promoção de saúde e de lazer de acadêmicos de Educação Física atuantes num projeto de extensão universitária. De abordagem qualitativa, este estudo de caso contou com pesquisa bibliográfica e questionário, que foi respondido por 24 voluntários. Como resultados, saúde e promoção da saúde foram relacionadas com bem-estar, qualidade de vida, melhoria e manutenção da saúde. Compreensões de lazer foram associadas a prazer, tempo livre e desprendimento de obrigações. Alguns desafios pendentes para a área de Educação Física dizem respeito à relevância de aprofundar conhecimentos e práticas que articulem, cada vez mais, as temáticas pesquisadas.Palavras-chave: Lazer. Saúde. Idosos. Educação Física. Intervenção.
O uso das imagens no ensino de história: reflexão sobre o uso e a interpretação das imagens dos povos indígenas
Authors: Amorim Roseane Maria de , Silva Cintia Gomes da
Published: February 2017

Este artigo traz como discussão o uso das imagens no ensino de História, de uma forma geral e específica, refletindo ao mesmo tempo a respeito de como o estudo das imagens vem sendo trabalhado por professores e professoras no espaço escolar e quais as possibilidades enriquecedoras para serem conhecidas e discutidas com os estudantes, fazendo uma inter-relação com a disciplina de História. Seguidamente, trazemos algumas imagens de índios do Nordeste, relacionando como seria feito o estudo e a interpretação dessas imagens para a apreensão e aprendizagem dos(as) alunos(as), para que estes sejam críticos e reflexivos na leitura de imagens, principalmente, quando se refere aos povos indígenas, as quais já vêm, na grande maioria, distorcidas e camufladas pelos meios de comunicação. Nisso, é preciso ponderar que estudar e interpretar a análise das imagens é de grande relevância na construção de um sujeito consciente e crítico naquilo que está sendo oferecido e mostrado a esse educando.
Graduação em história no extremo norte do Brasil: desafios e possibilidades
Authors: Farias Júnior José Petrúcio , Silva Ana Cristina Rocha
Published: February 2017

O presente artigo pretende abordar as experiências iniciais do processo de expansão da Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP) no município de Oiapoque, extremo norte do país, no que diz respeito à implantação do curso de graduação em História. Por se tratar de um curso de graduação voltado à formação de professores, nossas reflexões serão norteadas pelos seguintes questionamentos: o que significa ser professor de história no extremo norte do país? que práticas de ensino de História no ensino superior podem promover uma ação educativa para o ser humano que se constitui numa circunstância de pobreza e marginalização? A fim de fundamentar as reflexões propostas, o texto foi construído de forma a apresentar a trajetória histórica do município de Oiapoque/AP; destacar os atuais desafios para o desenvolvimento qualitativo do lugar; e indicar, a partir da realidade social do município, que tipo de ensino de História perseguimos.
Ensino de História e orientação sexual: Uma reflexão sobre sexualidades na escola a partir de contribuições da Psicologia Social e da Teoria Queer
Authors: Silva Giovani José da , Silva Jaime De Sousa
Published: February 2017

Os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais, ou PCN, foram lançados no final da década de 1990 pelo Ministério da Educação, como um conjunto de diretrizes para a elaboração de matrizes curriculares. Passados quase vinte anos de seu lançamento, pode-se afirmar que, efetivamente, os PCN não tiveram maior repercussão no ambiente escolar brasileiro. Apesar disso, reflexões sobre os temas transversais, especialmente o de Orientação sexual, se fazem necessárias, tendo em vista as recentes discussões e os embates sobre sexualidades e gênero nas escolas. O objetivo do artigo é, portanto, apresentar contribuições da Psicologia Social e da teoria Queer para se pensar o tema das sexualidades na Educação, sobretudo no Ensino de História, tomando como ponto de partida os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais e seus Temas transversais.
Development of a global ocean mercury model with a methylation cycle: Outstanding issues
Authors: Semeniuk Kirill , Dastoor Ashu
Published: February 2017

We present a newly developed global ocean mercury (Hg) transport and biogeochemistry model and use preanthropogenic equilibrium simulations to highlight physical and chemical processes which reveal significant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. As with previous 3‐D ocean Hg model work we use a bulk chemistry scheme based on particulate organic carbon remineralization. We also include an explicit methylation cycle based on available reaction rates. The methylation to demethylation rate ratio based on various field studies is found to be inconsistent with the concentration ratios measured in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica and in the Arctic. There is also model‐measurement disagreement in the old waters of the tropical and North Pacific Ocean. The model produces an intermediate water maximum in total Hg in this region reflecting the higher age of water which is absent in observations. The model also underestimates total Hg concentrations in the deepest waters in this region. These disagreements in depth profile shape point to an inadequate representation of scavenging and sedimentation and possibly seabed emission or remobilization of Hg. In addition, the total Hg distribution differences compared to previous model work reflect sensitivity to ocean model transport characteristics and in particular the tracer diffusion. The residence time of Hg in the global ocean and the surface evasion flux of elemental Hg is sensitive to such model aspects. We find a global ocean Hg turnover time against sediment burial to be about 1100 years which is within the range of previous studies.
Rupture features of the 2016 Mw 6.2 Norcia earthquake and its possible relationship with strong seismic hazards
Authors: Liu Chengli , Zheng Yong , Xie Zujun , Xiong Xiong
Published: February 2017

For analyzing possible reasons for the heavy damage and seismogenic features of the 24 August 2016 Norcia earthquake, we constructed and analyzed its rupture process by incorporating data sets of near‐field strong‐motion, teleseismic and static GPS displacements. The optimized model revealed a relatively compact slip pattern with mainly normal fault components. The maximum slip was around 0.9 m, while the rupture areas extended ~11 km and ~20 km along dip and strike, respectively. The total seismic moment was 2.3 × 1018 Nm, equivalent to Mw 6.2. Most seismic moments were released within 10 s, radiating 3.5 × 1013 J of seismic energy. The rupture history showed asymmetric propagation and is characterized by a relatively high rupture velocity within the first 6 s with a maximum of ~3.2 km/s. The main shock slip pattern correlated well with the aftershocks distribution, and most of the accumulated strain was released in the east of seismic gap between the nearby 1997 and 2009 earthquake sequences.
Observational properties of dayside throat aurora and implications on the possible generation mechanisms
Authors: Han D.‐S. , Hietala H. , Chen X.‐C. , Nishimura Y. , Lyons L. R. , Liu J.‐J. , Hu H.‐Q. , Yang H.‐G.
Published: February 2017

Observational properties of throat aurora are investigated in detail by using 7 year continuous auroral observations obtained at Yellow River Station (magnetic latitude 76.24°N). From our inspection, throat aurora is often observed under the condition of stripy diffuse aurora contacting with the persistent discrete auroral oval, and the long‐period throat aurora observations generally consist of intermittent subsequences of throat aurora brightening followed by poleward moving auroral form and throat aurora dimming. We also noticed that the orientation of throat aurora is aligned along the ionospheric convection flow, and its local time distribution shows clear dependence on the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By component. These observational results indicate that factors inside the magnetosphere may play important role on occurrence of throat aurora. We thus suggest that throat aurora may present the ionospheric signature of redistribution of reconnection rate on the magnetopause by cold magnetospheric plasma flowing into the reconnection site. In addition, we also found that the occurrence rate of throat aurora clearly decreases with increase of the IMF cone angle (arccos(|Bx|/B)), which is very similar with the occurrence rate of high‐speed jet (HSJ) observed in magnetosheath depending on the IMF cone angle. This is suggested as that the HSJs occurred outside the magnetosphere may also play important role for generation of throat aurora by triggering magnetopause reconnection or by direct impacting. Although further studies are needed to clarify how the throat auroras are generated in detail, the relevant observations about throat aurora have presented important implications on a variety open questions, such as distribution and generation of cold plasma structures in the outer magnetosphere, magnetopause deformation, and possible relation between HSJ and reconnection.
Unusual features of negative leaders' development in natural lightning, according to simultaneous records of current, electric field, luminosity, and high‐speed video
Authors: Guimaraes Miguel , Arcanjo Marcelo , Murta Vale Maria Helena , Visacro Silverio
Published: February 2017

The development of downward and upward leaders that formed two negative cloud‐to‐ground return strokes in natural lightning, spaced only about 200 µs apart and terminating on ground only a few hundred meters away, was monitored at Morro do Cachimbo Station, Brazil. The simultaneous records of current, close electric field, relative luminosity, and corresponding high‐speed video frames (sampling rate of 20,000 frames per second) reveal that the initiation of the first return stroke interfered in the development of the second negative leader, leading it to an apparent continuous development before the attachment, without stepping, and at a regular two‐dimensional speed. Based on the experimental data, the formation processes of the two return strokes are discussed, and plausible interpretations for their development are provided.
Chang'E‐3 spacecraft surface reflection causes turbulence on VLBI delay
Authors: He Qingbao , Liu Qinghui , Zheng Xin
Published: February 2017

The third Chinese lunar spacecraft Chang'E‐3 (CE3) was launched in 2013, and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations were performed to improve accuracy of its orbit determination. During all the observation time, VLBI group delay experienced very large turbulence, which was up to hundreds of picoseconds, and with variation period of a few tens of seconds. However, VLBI group delay of another lunar spacecraft Chang'E‐5‐T1 (CE5T1), which was launched in 2014, did not show such turbulence. Influences from the troposphere, ionosphere, ground instruments, and phase characteristics of the on board antennas were considered at first, but none of these were the main cause of this large turbulence. Further investigations were made on differential phase delay turbulence, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and layout of spacecraft. The investigation results indicated that the large turbulence on group delay was caused by an interference of reflected signals from the CE3 spacecraft surface. Simulations proved that the delay error caused by signal reflection varied with frequency and therefore caused large turbulence on group delay. To minimize the multipath effect caused by signal reflection, some possible solutions are presented.
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome Type III and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type): Clinical description and natural history
Authors: Tinkle Brad , Castori Marco , Berglund Britta , Cohen Helen , Grahame Rodney , Kazkaz Hanadi , Levy Howard
Published: February 2017

The hypermobile type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is likely the most common hereditary disorder of connective tissue. It has been described largely in those with musculoskeletal complaints including joint hypermobility, joint subluxations/dislocations, as well as skin and soft tissue manifestations. Many patients report activity‐related pain and some go on to have daily pain. Two undifferentiated syndromes have been used to describe these manifestations—joint hypermobility syndrome and hEDS. Both are clinical diagnoses in the absence of other causation. Current medical literature further complicates differentiation and describes multiple associated symptoms and disorders. The current EDS nosology combines these two entities into the hypermobile type of EDS. Herein, we review and summarize the literature as a better clinical description of this type of connective tissue disorder. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diazaphospholene Precatalysts for Imine and Conjugate Reductions
Authors: Adams Matt R. , Tien Chieh‐Hung , Huchenski Blake S. N. , Ferguson Michael J. , Speed Alexander W. H.
Published: February 2017

The first examples of 1,3,2‐diazaphospholene‐catalyzed imine reduction and conjugate reduction reactions are reported. This approach employs readily synthesized alkoxydiazaphospholene precatalysts that can be handled in open air. Reduction of substrates containing Lewis basic functionality, isolated unsaturation, and protic functional groups was accomplished. The synthetic utility of this approach is demonstrated by the synthesis of the important antiparkinson medicine rasagiline and the natural product zingerone.
Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis Using Cobalt Nanotubes Decorated with Titanium Dioxide Nanodots
Authors: Feng Jin‐Xian , Xu Han , Dong Yu‐Tao , Lu Xue‐Feng , Tong Ye‐Xiang , Li Gao‐Ren
Published: February 2017

TiO2 Co nanotubes decorated with nanodots (TiO2 NDs/Co NSNTs‐CFs) are reported as high‐performance earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline solution. TiO2 NDs/Co NSNTs can promote water adsorption and optimize the free energy of hydrogen adsorption. More importantly, the absorbed water can be easily activated in the presence of the TiO2–Co hybrid structure. These advantages will significantly promote HER. TiO2 NDs/Co NSNTs‐CFs as electrocatalysts show a high catalytic performance towards HER in alkaline solution. This study will open up a new avenue for designing and fabricating low‐cost high‐performance HER catalysts.
On the Origin of Reactivity Enhancement/Suppression upon Sequential Ligation: [Re(CO)x]+/CH4 (x=0–3) Couples
Authors: Zhou Shaodong , Li Jilai , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: February 2017

The thermal gas‐phase reactions of rhenium carbonyl complexes [Re(CO)x]+ (x=0–3) with methane have been explored by using FT‐ICR mass spectrometry complemented by high‐level quantum chemical calculation. While it had been concluded in previous studies that addition of closed‐shell ligands in general decreases the reactivity of metal ions, the current work provides an exception: the previously demonstrated inertness of atomic Re+ towards methane is completely changed upon ligation with CO. Both [Re(CO)]+ and [Re(CO)2]+ bring about efficient dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbon under ambient conditions. However, addition of a third ligand to form [Re(CO)3]+ completely quenches the reactivity.
Total Synthesis of the Post‐translationally Modified Polyazole Peptide Antibiotic Goadsporin
Authors: Dexter Hannah L. , Williams Huw E. L. , Lewis William , Moody Christopher J.
Published: February 2017

The structurally unique polyazole antibiotic goadsporin contains six heteroaromatic oxazole and thiazole rings integrated into a linear array of amino acids that also contains two dehydroalanine residues. An efficient total synthesis of goadsporin is reported in which the key steps are the use of rhodium(II)‐catalyzed reactions of diazocarbonyl compounds to generate the four oxazole rings, which demonstrates the power of rhodium carbene chemistry in organic chemical synthesis.
Beryllium‐Free β‐Rb2Al2B2O7 as a Possible Deep‐Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Material Replacement for KBe2BO3F2
Authors: Tran T. Thao , Koocher Nathan Z. , Rondinelli James M. , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: February 2017

A new beryllium‐free deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) nonlinear optical (NLO) material, β‐Rb2Al2B2O7 (β‐RABO), has been synthesized and characterized. The chiral nonpolar acentric material shows second‐harmonic generation (SHG) activity at both 1064 and 532 nm with efficiencies of 2×KH2PO4 and 0.4×β‐BaB2O4, respectively, and exhibits a short absorption edge below 200 nm. β‐Rb2Al2B2O7 has a three‐dimensional structure of corner‐shared Al(BO3)3O polyhedra. The discovery of β‐RABO shows that through careful synthesis and characterization, replacement of KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF) by a Be‐free DUV NLO material is possible.
Development of flexible sensors using knit fabrics with conductive polyaniline coating and graphite electrodes
Authors: de Oliveira Carlos Rafael Silva , Batistella Marcos Antonio , de Souza Selene Maria de Arruda Guelli Ulson , de Souza Antônio Augusto Ulson
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to develop flexible sensors with cotton and polyester knit fabrics as substrates coated with polyaniline (PAni) doped with hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. The deposition of PAni onto the knit, polymerization synthesis, and doping of the aniline monomer were performed via an in situ reaction. Graphite dispersion was used to obtain the electrodes of the sensors, which were prepared differently for each substrate. The main evaluation of the sensors was carried out in a humidity chamber under nitrogen (N2) with the application of drying and wetting cycles. Significant differences were observed in the responses of the sensory devices to humidity, according to the dopant and substrate types. In all tests, the sensor response to variations in the ambient conditions was very good, with a rapid response to changes in the relative humidity, a good sensitivity (up to 34%), and a high reversibility (ca. 70–100%). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44785.
What role for the bioeconomy in an electrified transportation sector?
Authors: Brown Tristan R. , Brown Robert C.
Published: February 2017

The growth of the bioeconomy has recently been slowed by over production of petroleum and natural gas from unconventional domestic reserves, which has reduced demand for biofuels. In the longer term, liquid transportation fuels, both petroleum‐ and bio‐based, are threatened by electrification of the transportation sector, which will benefit from the use of low‐cost natural gas to generate electricity for battery electric vehicles. Low‐cost natural gas in the USA is attractive for other applications as well, including the production of certain petrochemicals. On the other hand, natural gas is not suitable for producing many high molecular weight petrochemicals. Cost‐competitive biorenewable versions of these products will need to be commercialized if petroleum is to be displaced without causing substantial economic distortions. This article reviews the available bio‐based pathways and the current state of research on their technical and, where available, economic feasibility. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Optimization of a biotechnological multiproduct batch plant design for the manufacture of four different products: A real case scenario
Authors: Sandoval Gabriela , Espinoza Daniel , Figueroa Nicolas , Asenjo Juan A.
Published: February 2017

In this work a biotechnological multiproduct batch plant that manufactures four different recombinant proteins for human application is described in some detail. This batch plant design is then optimized with regards to the size of equipment using a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) formulation recently developed by us in order to find a hypothetical new biotechnological batch plant based on the information of real known processes for the production of the four recombinant protein products. The real plant was divided for practical purposes into two sub‐processes or facilities: a fermentation facility and a purification facility. Knowing the specific steps conforming the downstream processing of each product, size, and time factors were computed and used as parameters to solve the aforementioned MILP reformulation. New constraints were included to permit the selection of some equipment—such as centrifuges and membrane filters—in a discrete set of sizes. For equipment that can be built according to customer needs—such as reactors—the original formulation was retained. Computational results show the ability of this optimization methodology to deal with real data giving reliable solutions for a multi‐product batch plant composed of 44 unit operations in a relatively small amount of time showing that in the case studied it is possible to save up to a 66% of the capital investment in equipment given the cost data used. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1252–1263. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Procedural and 30‐day clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement with lotus valve: Results of the RELEVANT study
Authors: Montone Rocco A. , Testa Luca , Fraccaro Chiara , Montorfano Matteo , Castriota Fausto , Nerla Roberto , Angelillis Marco , Tusa Maurizio , Giannini Francesco , Garatti Andrea , Tarantini Giuseppe , Petronio Anna Sonia , Brambilla Nedy , Bedogni Francesco
Published: February 2017

Objectives

We report procedural and 30‐day clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with Lotus Valve system in a high‐risk population.

Background

Lotus valve is a second‐generation TAVR fully repositionable and retrievable device. RELEVANT (REgistry of Lotus valvE for treatment of aortic VAlve steNosis with Tavr) study is an Italian prospective multicentre registry.

Methods

Five major centers performing TAVR using Lotus participated. All high‐risk symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis were evaluated by a heart team and screened for eligibility for TAVR. Primary end‐points were procedural and 30‐day mortality. Secondary endpoints included procedural and 30‐day safety/effectiveness metrics according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)−2 criteria.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐five patients undergoing TAVR with Lotus were enrolled. Mean age was 82.6 ± 6.3 years, 51.6% females. Mean STS score for mortality was 8.3 ± 5.6. Procedural success was achieved in 98.7% of patients. All‐cause mortality was 2.2% at discharge and 2.7% at 30‐day. Stroke rate was 2.2% at discharge and 3.1% at 30‐day. Patients requiring a new permanent pacemaker implantation were 30.7% at discharge and 31.8% at 30‐day. Paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) was trace/mild in 99.1% of patients at discharge. Only two patients (0.9%) had moderate PVR at discharge and at 30‐day, whereas none had severe PVR.

Conclusions

RELEVANT study showed that TAVR using Lotus, in a real‐world population of patients with severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk, was associated with excellent device success implantation and early safety according to VARC‐2 definition. The pacemaker implantation rate was about a third of patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zinc phosphide poisoning with unusual radiologic findings
Authors: Nekooghadam Sayyedmojtaba , Haghighatkhah Hamidreza , Vaezi Fateme , Sanei Taheri Morteza , Moharamzad Yashar
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Accidental/suicidal ingestion of metal phosphides (e.g., zinc phosphide found in rodenticides) should be suspected in patients with sudden‐onset abdominal pain, refractory hypotension, and metabolic acidosis. CT angiography may show radiopaque substance in the stomach and early enhancement of the inferior vena cava and contrast in right side of the heart.
Doing Good and Different! The Mediation Effect of Innovation and Investment on the Influence of CSR on Competitiveness
Authors: Marin Longinos , Martín Pedro J. , Rubio Alicia
Published: February 2017

In recent decades, the debate about the strategic potential of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the existence of a possible relationship between CSR and competitiveness has become increasingly relevant. However, the literature has not analysed in detail why this influence occurs and what the key elements that determine increasing competitiveness are. This study analyses the roles of innovation and investment in the ways in which CSR influences competitiveness. The results from an empirical study of 236 companies show no direct influence of CSR on competitiveness, but innovation and investment are shown to affect CSR's influence on competitiveness indirectly and significantly. These results demonstrate a total mediation effect of innovation and investment on CSR's influence on competitiveness. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed together with its limitations and potential for future research. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Dual Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Nanofoam‐Wrapped Iron Monosulfide Nanoparticles: An Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Ramakrishnan Prakash , Shanmugam Sangaraju , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: February 2017

Cost‐effective dual heteroatom‐doped 3D carbon nanofoam‐wrapped FeS nanoparticles (NPs), FeS‐C, act as efficient bifunctional catalysts for Li–O2 batteries. This cathode exhibits a maximum deep discharge capacity of 14 777.5 mA h g−1 with a 98.1 % columbic efficiency at 0.1 mA cm−2. The controlled capacity (500 mA h g−1) test of this cathode delivers a minimum polarization gap of 0.73 V at 0.1 mA cm−2 and is sustained for 100 cycles with an energy efficiency of approximately 64 % (1st cycle) and 52 % (100th cycle) at 0.3 mA cm−2, under the potential window of 2.0–4.5 V. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the substantial reversible formation and complete decomposition of Li2O2. The excellent recharging ability, high rate performance, and cycle stability of this catalyst is attributed to the synergistic effect of FeS catalytic behavior and textural properties of heteroatom‐doped carbon nanostructures.
Resource optimization for emulation of behavioral models of mixed signal circuits on FPGA: a case study of DC–DC buck converter
Authors: Bhattacharya Rahul , Kumar Subindu , Biswas Santosh
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a semi‐automated word‐length optimization framework to reduce field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) resource utilization for FPGA‐based pre‐silicon test emulation of analog and mixed signal circuits while achieving the desired accuracy and overcoming long optimization time. Although high‐level behavioral models exist for modeling analog and mixed signal circuits, these comprise many complex differential equations which cannot be realized implicitly using Boolean logic (which is the basic functional block of an FPGA) on an FPGA. So, a more convenient way is explored to map analog circuits into digital domain by converting them into fixed‐point architectures because of its advantage of manipulating data with lower word‐length. To address the loss of accuracy due to finite word‐length effects and limited reconfigurable resources, word‐lengths are optimized under the constraint of given performance metrics. The proposed technique built in MATLAB/Simulink environment with Xilinx System Generator support is illustrated with the help of a case study of a peak‐current‐mode‐controlled buck‐type switching converter implemented on Xilinx Virtex™‐5 FPGA. To illustrate the applicability of this environment for pre‐silicon test development, well‐accepted fault models are emulated with the help of non‐ideal model of a buck converter. The emulation results are seen to be close to that of a post‐fabricated power converter in the presence of faults. Experimental results show that FPGA resource utilization can be reduced significantly while achieving the desired performance accuracy under the constraint of multiple error metrics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blown by the wind: the ecology of male courtship display behavior in orchid bees
Authors: Pokorny Tamara , Vogler Ira , Losch René , Schlütting Patrick , Juarez Pedro , Bissantz Nicolai , Ramírez Santiago R. , Eltz Thomas
Published: February 2017

Many insects rely on chemical signals to transmit precise information on the location, identity, and quality of potential mates. Chemical signals are often broadcasted at sites with physical properties that maximize signal propagation and signal transmission. Male neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini) perch and display on vertical branches and tree trunks in the forest to expose volatile blends (perfumes) that they previously collected from their environment. Previous studies have shown that the chemical composition of perfume blends is highly differentiated even between closely related species. However, variation in behavioral components of perfume exposure and male display remain poorly understood. We conducted a four‐year study on orchid bee display sites (8 species) in pacific Costa Rica, using field observations along with chemical analysis and cage experiments to assess display niche partitioning among sympatric species. We evaluated the influence of physical factors (terrain, wind, light) on the distribution of perch sites and on display behavior, and tested a prediction of the sex pheromone‐analogue hypothesis, i.e., that displaying males have above‐average quantities or qualities of acquired perfumes. Males of different species displayed in the same general area and sometimes in close proximity to each other, but partitioned the display niche by selecting different perch diameters, display heights, and by displaying at different times of the day. Most perch sites were located inside the forest on elevated ground, especially along ridges, where stronger winds may help disperse perfume signals. Furthermore, the angular position of displaying males on perches was narrowly determined by wind direction, with males being positioned on the downwind side of the perch, where they would be most conspicuous to conspecifics approaching on an odor trail. Although our results generally support the hypothesis that perfumes serve as pheromone analogues, we did not find differences in the perfume composition of males caught at display perches and males captured at chemical baits. This suggests that, while chemical communication is an integral part of orchid bee display, male display activity is not determined by the history of, and success in, volatile acquisition.
Seasonality and predictability shape temporal species diversity
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D. , Bogan Michael T. , Bonada Núria , Rios‐Touma Blanca , Lytle David A.
Published: February 2017

Temporal environmental fluctuations, such as seasonality, exert strong controls on biodiversity. While the effects of seasonality are well known, the predictability of fluctuations across years may influence seasonality in ways that are less well understood. The ability of a habitat to support unique, non‐nested assemblages of species at different times of the year should depend on both seasonality (occurrence of events at specific periods of the year) and predictability (the reliability of event recurrence) of characteristic ecological conditions. Drawing on tools from wavelet analysis and information theory, we developed a framework for quantifying both seasonality and predictability of habitats, and applied this using global long‐term rainfall data. Our analysis predicted that temporal beta diversity should be maximized in highly predictable and highly seasonal climates, and that low degrees of seasonality, predictability, or both would lower diversity in characteristic ways. Using stream invertebrate communities as a case study, we demonstrated that temporal species diversity, as exhibited by community turnover, was determined by a balance between temporal environmental variability (seasonality) and the reliability of this variability (predictability). Communities in highly seasonal mediterranean environments exhibited strong oscillations in community structure, with turnover from one unique community type to another across seasons, whereas communities in aseasonal New Zealand environments fluctuated randomly. Understanding the influence of seasonal and other temporal scales of environmental oscillations on diversity is not complete without a clear understanding of their predictability, and our framework provides tools for examining these trends at a variety of temporal scales, seasonal and beyond. Given the uncertainty of future climates, seasonality and predictability are critical considerations for both basic science and management of ecosystems (e.g., dam operations, bioassessment) spanning gradients of climatic variability.
An Efficient Synthetic Approach to trans‐(NHC)2Pd(R)Br Type Complexes and Their Use in Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Prakasham A. P. , Gangwar Manoj Kumar , Vishnoi Pratap , Butcher Raymond J. , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: February 2017

Mixed organohalidopalladium complexes of the type trans‐(NHC)2Pd(R)Br were conveniently obtained from trans‐(NHC)2PdBr2 type complexes by a ligand‐substitution reaction. In particular, the trans‐[1‐(1S)‐menthyl‐4‐(R1)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene]2Pd(R2)Br [R1 = Et, R2 = CH2Ph (3a1); R1 = Et, R2 = o‐OMeC6H4 (3a2); R1 = R2 = CH2Ph (3b1); R1 = CH2Ph, R2 = o‐OMeC6H4 (3b2)] complexes were obtained from the corresponding palladium(II) precursor complexes, 2a,b, by reaction with the respective Grignard reagents, in good to excellent yields (74–93 %). Three of the four mixed organohalidopalladium complexes, 3a1,a2,b1, have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, which revealed the trans disposition of the NHC ligands around the palladium center. The use of these mixed organohalidopalladium complexes in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction was established for all of the complexes, 3a1–b2, which yielded the desired cross‐coupled products upon treatment with various ArB(OH)2 [Ar = 1‐naphthyl, 4‐(1,1′‐biphenyl), 9‐phenanthrenyl, 4‐FC6H4, and 2,6‐Me2C6H3] compounds, in the presence of NaOH as a base, in CH3CN, in three hours, under reflux conditions.