bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Just-In-Time System and Its Impact on Operational Excellence: An Empirical Study on Jordanian Industrial Companies
Authors: Al Haraisa Yazan Emnawer
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, the field of just in time and operational excellence are considered a backbone and a critical pillar for many companies in order to achieve the competitive advantages. Consequently, the main aim of this study is to define the impact of just in time system on operational excellence in the (14) manufacturing companies operating at Al –Hussein bin Abdullah II qualified industrial zone (QIZ) in Al-Karak Governorate. The sampling unit and analysis (respondents) included (168) manager and head of divisions at the production and logistic departments, and selected purposely according to their work especially in the just in time system area within the target companies. Thus, the researcher designed a questionnaire including of (25) items to gather the desired data from study sample. This study also used the multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The result of the current study found that the just in time system have a positive impact on the operational excellence in Jordanian industrial companies. According to these results the study recommending that the Jordanian industrial companies must emphasis essentially and mainly on their just in time system consisted of (equipment layout, supplier's quality, Setup time reduction; Pull production) in order to enhance and attain the operational excellence and gain competitive advantage. One of the most limitations is that the current study and its finding applied on the Jordanian industrial companies especially at Al-Karak governorate. Therefore, the results of present study can't generalize on the other sectors. Therefore, there is a need to conduct more studies and research on the other sectors such as food Industry and pharmaceutical industries in order to generalize the results. In addition to, conducting comparative studies with other industrial areas located in Jordan.
Innovative Approaches for Growth & Development of Small Businesses & Improve the Poverty Condition in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Nazmul , Kamrul Alam Raju Mohammad
Published: November 2017

The research focuses on the assessment of small business & its impacts on socio-economic spheres; it focuses on effective ways for sustainable growth & development of small businesses in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world with low GDP/capita and minimum purchasing power. There are 3 fundamental reasons which are accountable for permanent economic downturn and tremendous poverty in Bangladesh: (1) the poor people don’t have permanent regular jobs to earn enough money to support their families, (2) they don’t have sufficient investment capital to introduce their own businesses or other income generation activities to change their financial status, and (3) they don’t have proper entrepreneurial and managerial knowledge & experience to introduce &operate their own businesses perfectively. These factors confine them into vicious cycle of poverty from generation to generation and impose tremendous pressure on national economic, infrastructural and economic growth plan & potentiality. The aim of the paper is to analyze the effect of collective effort and co-operative investment policy to introduce micro joint venture and its impacts on socio-economic development. The study is to aggregate impoverished individuals’ micro saving, limited capability, little working skills & experiences to create them depositors, investors, successful entrepreneurs & skills workforce to accelerate economic growth and improve the poverty condition. The practical tasks of the research is to identify and apply the most effective ways for sustainable growth and development of small business & employment opportunities through proposed “Co-operative Society Micro-saving Bank” & “Innovative Small Business Model”.
Skipsgrav eller skipsgraver på Rolvsøy? Om Tuneskipets utgravningshistorie
Authors: Bill Jan
Published: November 2017

One or more ship graves on Rolvsøy? On the excavation history of the Viking ship from TuneIn 2017 150 years have gone since Oluf Rygh excavated the Tune ship burial on the island of Rolvsøy, producing the first preserved Viking ship to be brought in archaeological custody. However, older reports from 1755, 1823, and oral tradition passed on to Rygh in 1867, knew about earlier sightings of this and perhaps other ships graves too on Rolvsøy. Over time, no less than three different ship grave sites have been postulated on the island.This article examines the reports from the Tune excavation, the sources detailing the ship sightings as well as cadastral sources. It concludes that a) there is convincing evidence that the Tune ship had been excavated at least once before 1867; b) all three reports about early sightings of a ship may chronologically and geographically very well report the same event; and c) a change in cadastral affiliation of the land on which the Tune ship grave was situated may be responsible for part of the confusion. Further it is pointed out that the Tune ship burial differs in ritual from those known from Oseberg and Gokstad, and that the relationship between the three graves, as well as between the Tune ship grave and other contemporary high status graves on Rolvsøy deserves further investigation.
Dei anglosaksiske sverda. L-typesverd i England og Skandinavia
Authors: Aksdal Jostein
Published: November 2017

Anglo-Saxon swords or the L-type swords in England and ScandinaviaThis article discusses the L-type sword defined by Jan Petersen. The Norwegian L-type sword is comparable to the Anglo-Saxon swords known from the Viking period. This study is based on 99 swords found in Norway, England and other European countries. In Norway, the swords originate from burial contexts. On several of the L-type swords one can find traces of rich silver decorations on the hilt. The hilts use symbolism that strongly ties them to the Anglo-Saxon church. However, some L-type swords are without silver decorations of any kind.We can identify four different variants of sword hilts among L-swords found in Norway. Several of the swords known from Norway are without the pommel. In earlier research these were identified as broken L-swords. Norse graves from Wales, Isle of Man and Cumbria, whose burials seem to follow Norse traditions, include L-type swords of this type. As a result, the L-type sword without the pommel and decorations seems to be the preferred variant among the Norse inhabitants. Some graves with L-type swords found in Norway also include specialized tools for metalwork as well as woodworking. The L-type swords may have belonged to skilled craftsmen or traders educated in the west, rather than raiding Vikings. On the British Isles at the time, the price for trading or education as well as military service was «Primo Signato». In order to serve the king, they had to take the first steps towards Christianity.
Norsk Arkeologisk Selskap: Årsberetning og regnskap 2016
Authors: (NAS) Norsk Arkeologisk Selskap
Published: November 2017

Norsk Arkeologisk Selskaps årsberetning og regnskap for 2016
Monte Carlo simulation of district heating system short-term operation in electricity markets
Authors: Dimoulkas Ilias , Amelin Mikael
Published: November 2017

Energy generation in district heating (DH) systems is usually done in combined heat and power (CHP) units which can efficiently produce both useful heat and electric power. There can also exist heat only boilers, electric heaters, heat pumps and heat storage tanks. The coupling of heat and power generation in the CHP units and the possibility to store heat for later use makes the short-term operation scheduling of such systems quite challenging. Furthermore, big DH systems produce power that is sold in the electricity markets. This makes the operation scheduling problem even more complex as the uncertainty of the electricity prices in the markets should be considered. To make optimal decisions under uncertainty, various mathematical optimization tools were developed, such as stochastic programming and robust optimization. In this paper, an approach based on a Monte Carlo simulation is followed. Initially, a model of DH system short-term operation and power trading is mathematically formulated. Then, this model is used to run a Monte Carlo simulation for a case study system where the values of stochastic parameters are simulated using autoregressive models. Results demonstrate that simulation is fast, taking 300–400 runs to converge. A comparison of two system configurations shows that the use of heat storage increases the daily expected profit by 11%. Finally, the electricity price volatility in this case study is such that mainly two CHP units are operating for most of the time.
Guldi, J. y Armitage, D. (2016). Manifiesto por la Historia (traducción de Galmarini, M. A. The History Manifesto, 2014). Madrid: Editorial Alianza. 292 págs.
Authors: Botí Hernández Juan Jesús , Sáez Giménez David Omar
Published: November 2017

La edición de Manifiesto por la Historia que aquí reseñamos es una traducción al castellano de Marco Aurelio Galmarini del original publicado en inglés por la Universidad de Cambridge en 2014. Sus autores son Jo Guldi y David Armitage: Jo Guldi es profesora en la Universidad de Brown, en Providence (Estados Unidos), y ha dedicado buena parte de su obra a estudios sobre la historia de Gran Bretaña y, sobre todo, a la política económica. Por su parte, David Armitage es profesor en la Universidad de Harvard, especialista en historia intelectual e historia del mundo.

La edición de Manifiesto por la Historia que aquí reseñamos es una traducción al castellano de Marco Aurelio Galmarini del original publicado en inglés por la Universidad de Cambridge en 2014. Sus autores son Jo Guldi y David Armitage: Jo Guldi es profesora en la Universidad de Brown, en Providence (Estados Unidos), y ha dedicado buena parte de su obra a estudios sobre la historia de Gran Bretaña y, sobre todo, a la política económica. Por su parte, David Armitage es profesor en la Universidad de Harvard, especialista en historia intelectual e historia del mundo.
La subjectivité dans la numérisation : les perspectives des professionnels
Authors: Chalifour Joshua , Park Eun G. , Henry Bruce
Published: November 2017

L’influence de la subjectivité sur les processus de sélection en matière de numérisation n’a pas encore été étudiée en profondeur. La présente étude traite des facteurs subjectifs qui sous-tendent les choix des professionnels engagés dans des projets de numérisation ; entreprend une réflexion sur la manière dont ils prennent des décisions de sélection et examine dans quelle mesure leurs points de vue influencent les sélections. Des entrevues menées auprès de cinq professionnels des bibliothèques ou centres d’archives révèlent six facteurs subjectifs récurrents. La documentation de l’influence de ces facteurs apporte davantage de clarté, offrant une meilleure compréhension des objets numériques.
Neuromodulatory connectivity defines the structure of a behavioral neural network
Authors: Diao Feici , Elliott Amicia D , Diao Fengqiu , Shah Sarav , White Benjamin H
Published: November 2017

Neural networks are typically defined by their synaptic connectivity, yet synaptic wiring diagrams often provide limited insight into network function. This is due partly to the importance of non-synaptic communication by neuromodulators, which can dynamically reconfigure circuit activity to alter its output. Here, we systematically map the patterns of neuromodulatory connectivity in a network that governs a developmentally critical behavioral sequence in Drosophila. This sequence, which mediates pupal ecdysis, is governed by the serial release of several key factors, which act both somatically as hormones and within the brain as neuromodulators. By identifying and characterizing the functions of the neuronal targets of these factors, we find that they define hierarchically organized layers of the network controlling the pupal ecdysis sequence: a modular input layer, an intermediate central pattern generating layer, and a motor output layer. Mapping neuromodulatory connections in this system thus defines the functional architecture of the network.
Brainstem network dynamics underlying the encoding of bladder information
Authors: Manohar Anitha , Curtis Andre L , Zderic Stephen A , Valentino Rita J
Published: November 2017

Urodynamic status must interact with arousal and attentional processes so that voiding occurs under appropriate conditions. To elucidate the central encoding of this visceral demand, multisite recordings were made within a putative pontine-cortical micturition circuit from the pontine micturition center (PMC), locus coeruleus (LC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during cystometry in unanesthetized rats. PMC neurons had homogeneous firing patterns, characterized by tonic activity and phasic bursts that were temporally associated with distinct phases of the micturition cycle. LC and cortical activation became synchronized 20-30 s prior to micturition. During this pre-micturition interval, a theta oscillation developed in the LC, the mPFC desynchronized and LC-mPFC coherence increased in the theta frequency range. The temporal offset between the shift in LC-mPFC network activity and micturition may allow time to disengage from ongoing behaviors unrelated to micturition and initiate specific voiding behaviors so that micturition occurs in environmentally and socially appropriate conditions.
Plasma Sheet Pressure Variations in the Near‐Earth Magnetotail During Substorm Growth Phase: THEMIS Observations
Authors: Sun W. J. , Fu S. Y. , Wei Y. , Yao Z. H. , Rong Z. J. , Zhou X. Z. , Slavin J. A. , Wan W. X. , Zong Q. G. , Pu Z. Y. , Shi Q. Q. , Shen X. C.
Published: November 2017

We investigate the plasma sheet pressure variations in the near‐Earth magnetotail (radius distance, R, from 7.5 RE to 12 RE and magnetic local time, MLT, from 18:00 to 06:00) during substorm growth phase with Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) observations. It is found that, during the substorm growth phase, about 39.4% (76/193) of the selected events display a phenomenon of equatorial plasma pressure (Peq) decrease. The occurrence rates of Peq decrease cases are higher in the dawn (04:00 to 06:00) and dusk (18:00 to 20:00) flanks (> 50%) than in the midnight region (20:00 to 04:00, < 40%). The mean values of the maximum percentages of Peq decrease during the substorm growth phases are larger in the dawn and dusk flanks (~ −20%) than in the midnight region (~ > −16%). The mean value of Peq increase percentages at the end of substorm growth phase is the highest (~ 40%) in the premidnight MLT bin (22:00 to 00:00) and is almost unchanged in the dawn and dusk flanks. Further investigations show that 13.0% of the events have more than 10% of Peq decrease at the end of substorm growth phase comparing to the value before the growth phase, and ~ 28.0% of the events have small changes (< 10%), and ~ 59.0% events have a more than 10% increase. This study also reveals the importance of electron pressure (Pe) in the variation of Peq in the substorm growth phase. The Pe variations often account for more than 50% of the Peq changes, and the ratios of Pe to ion pressure often display large variations (~ 50%). Among the investigated events, during the growth phase, an enhanced equatorial plasma convection flow is observed, which diverges in the midnight tail region and propagates azimuthally toward the dayside magnetosphere with velocity of ~ 20 km/s. It is proposed that the Peq decreases in the near‐Earth plasma sheet during the substorm growth phase may be due to the transport of closed magnetic flux toward the dayside magnetosphere driven by dayside magnetopause reconnection. Both solar wind and ionospheric conductivity effects may influence the distributions of occurrence rates for Peq decrease events and the Peq increase percentages in the investigated region.
A Full‐Maxwell Approach for Large‐Angle Polar Wander of Viscoelastic Bodies
Authors: Hu H. , van der Wal W. , Vermeersen L. L. A.
Published: November 2017

For large‐angle long‐term true polar wander (TPW) there are currently two types of nonlinear methods which give approximated solutions: those assuming that the rotational axis coincides with the axis of maximum moment of inertia (MoI), which simplifies the Liouville equation, and those based on the quasi‐fluid approximation, which approximates the Love number. Recent studies show that both can have a significant bias for certain models. Therefore, we still lack an (semi)analytical method which can give exact solutions for large‐angle TPW for a model based on Maxwell rheology. This paper provides a method which analytically solves the MoI equation and adopts an extended iterative procedure introduced in Hu et al. (2017) to obtain a time‐dependent solution. The new method can be used to simulate the effect of a remnant bulge or models in different hydrostatic states. We show the effect of the viscosity of the lithosphere on long‐term, large‐angle TPW. We also simulate models without hydrostatic equilibrium and show that the choice of the initial stress‐free shape for the elastic (or highly viscous) lithosphere of a given model is as important as its thickness for obtaining a correct TPW behavior. The initial shape of the lithosphere can be an alternative explanation to mantle convection for the difference between the observed and model predicted flattening. Finally, it is concluded that based on the quasi‐fluid approximation, TPW speed on Earth and Mars is underestimated, while the speed of the rotational axis approaching the end position on Venus is overestimated.
Spectral Behavior of Irradiated Sodium Chloride Crystals Under Europa‐Like Conditions
Authors: Poston Michael J. , Carlson Robert W. , Hand Kevin P.
Published: November 2017

F‐ and M‐color center formation (decay) was observed during (after) irradiation of sodium chloride crystal grains with 10 keV electrons as a function of temperature, radiation dose rate, and radiation dose. The F centers (peak center: 460 nm) were found to form and decay at a faster rate than the M centers (peak center: 720 nm). These effects were influenced by temperature and possibly by irradiation dose rate. Tracking the band depth ratio of the color center features during irradiation could enable age determination of geologically very young features on the surface of Europa and other icy ocean worlds.
PartialWh‐Movement
Authors: Fanselow Gisbert
Published: November 2017

Various strategies for questioning constituents of an embedded clause can be found in natural languages. The chapter focuses on the partial displacement ofwh‐phrases, in which thewh‐phrase moves to the left but fails to reach its scope position. Constructions with partial movement are often characterized by further properties, such as the additional appearance of a scope marker or of the most unmarkedwh‐phrase in the scope position, or the leftward movement of the CP containing the partially movedwh‐phrase to the scope position. The chapter presents a cross‐linguistic overview of the central characteristics of these constructions in the world's languages.

One central theoretical issue that arises for partial movement is whether the construction is formed by means that are very similar to standard chain formation in the context ofwh‐movement, or whether the (near) synonymy of partial movement constructions and questions formed bywh‐movement up to the scope position must be explained in a more indirect way. Another issue is whether the partial displacement of thewh‐phrase is effected bywh‐movement proper or by focus movement. The various theoretical proposals are presented in detail and evaluated against the cross‐linguistic generalizations about partial movement.
Middles
Authors: Ackema Peter , Schoorlemmer Maaike
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the properties of a particular type of diathesis alternation known as themiddle. The most salient property of a middle is that the internal argument of the verb appears as the subject of the construction, as in a passive. The semantics of a middle differs from that of passives in that middles cannot be episodic, but are generic statements about the subject. In the first part of the chapter, middles are compared with a number of other diathesis alternations that are similar in their structure and/or semantics. This comparison teases out the properties that set middles apart as a distinct category. It is shown that two different types of middle should be distinguished. In one type, the middle is parasitic on a passive construction in the language; in the other type, the verb retains its active form. In the second part of the chapter, possible analyses of the middle are discussed. Two distinct types of analysis are discussed, one in which the rules linking argument structure to syntactic positions allow for some flexibility, and one in which the middle results from a purely syntactic derivation.
MultipleWh‐Questions
Authors: Dayal Veneeta
Published: November 2017

This study starts by highlighting the special role that multiplewh‐questions play in our understanding of the syntax‐semantics interface.Wh‐phrases require clausal scope under most semantic accounts but there is variation in whether this scope taking can be overt or covert. Multiplewh‐questions are important because they can provide evidence of these two possibilities within a single language. On the semantic side, the survey pays attention to differences between functional, single‐pair, and multiple‐pair answers, as well as to the role of number morphology onwh‐phrases. List answers have been particularly important as a diagnostic in claims regarding covertwh‐movement out of syntactic islands. The survey examines this issue from two perspectives, one involving covert movement and one disallowing such movement. It draws attention to the configuration dubbed thewh‐triangle and its central role in allowing list answers across islands. The two syntactic possibilities for scope taking have very different implications for semantics, which are explored here. Along with single and multiple pair answers, the survey also discusses the recently discovered trapped list answers. Another topic that is explored is the phenomenon of superiority and the role that D‐linking can play in ameliorating potential superiority violations. Intervention effects, where certain quantifiers block covert scope taking bywh‐phrases, are discussed. Various studies have tried to account for the attested cross‐linguistic variation in both superiority and intervention and in this study we look at several of them.
Implicit Arguments
Authors: Bhatt Rajesh , Pancheva Roumyana
Published: November 2017

This chapter surveys the environments which have been claimed to involve implicit arguments and raises questions concerning the formal status of these entities. The conclusion is that implicit arguments do not form a unified class, varying on features such as the ability to bind and to control, and their quantificational force. The chapter focuses on the diagnostics that are used to motivate and identify implicit arguments and how one might distinguish between syntactically represented implicit arguments and implicit arguments as mere semantic entailments.
Applicatives
Authors: McGinnis Martha
Published: November 2017

Applicative constructions involve the addition of a non‐core, usually optional nominal argument to a clause. In some languages an applicative affix may be added to the verb, or an applied argument may have a characteristic case making. An applied argument can have one of several thematic roles, such as benefactive, instrumental, locative, source, recipient, or experiencer. Applicative constructions shed important light on a variety of theoretical issues. For example, they provide evidence that complex words are generated by the syntax, not in a presyntactic lexicon, and that locality in syntactic movement is relativized to syntactic features and subject to the possibility of equidistance.
Catalytic Three‐Component Machinery: Control of Catalytic Activity by Machine Speed
Authors: Paul Indrajit , Goswami Abir , Mittal Nikita , Schmittel Michael
Published: November 2017

Three supramolecular slider‐on‐deck systems DS1–DS3 were obtained as two‐component aggregates from the sliders S1–S3 and deck D with its three zinc porphyrin (ZnPor) binding sites. The binding of the two‐footed slider to the deck varies with the donor qualities of and the steric hindrance at the pyridine/pyrimidine (pyr) feet, and was effected by two Npyr→ZnPor interactions. Accordingly, the sliders move over the three zinc porphyrins in the deck at different speeds, namely with 32.2, 220, and 440 kHz at room temperature. The addition of N‐methylpyrrolidine as an organocatalyst to DS1–DS3 generates catalytic three‐component machineries. By using a conjugate addition as a probe reaction, we observed a correlation between the operating speed of the slider‐on‐deck systems and the yields of the catalytic reaction. As the thermodynamic binding of the slider decreases, both the frequency of the sliding motion and the yield of the catalytic reaction increase.
Protein‐polyisoprene rubber composites
Authors: DeButts Barbara L. , Hanzly Laura E. , Barone Justin R.
Published: November 2017

Hydrolyzed proteins previously shown to aggregate in aqueous solution were compounded into synthetic polyisoprene rubber (IR). Modulus increases of up to 232% resulted from protein reinforcement of IR. Increased hydrogen bonding on amine groups and the presence of β‐sheets in the protein phase were observed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The total β‐sheet amount relative to the IR content strongly correlated to the modulus and varied with the protein concentration, protein aggregation state, and compounding conditions. Isotropic protein aggregates on the order of hundreds of nanometers were observed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). The aggregates were evenly dispersed throughout the rubber matrix after compounding. The composite glass transition temperature (Tg) was unchanged from the control, which indicated that the protein and rubber existed as two discrete phases. Remarkably, protein β‐sheet structures were observed in FTIR even after rubber compounding under harsh conditions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46026.
Chemical Polymorphism of Essential Oils of Artemisia vulgaris Growing Wild in Lithuania
Authors: Judzentiene Asta , Budiene Jurga
Published: November 2017

Compositional variability of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) essential oils has been investigated in the study. Plant material (over ground parts at full flowering stage) was collected from forty‐four wild populations in Lithuania. The oils from aerial parts were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC(FID) and GC/MS. In total, up to 111 components were determined in the oils. As the major constituents were found: sabinene, 1,8‐cineole, artemisia ketone, both thujone isomers, camphor, cis‐chrysanthenyl acetate, davanone and davanone B. The compositional data were subjected to statistical analysis. The application of PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and AHC (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering) allowed grouping the oils into six clusters. AHC permitted to distinguish an artemisia ketone chemotype, which, to the best of our knowledge, is very scarce. Additionally, two rare cis‐chrysanthenyl acetate and sabinene oil types were determined for the plants growing in Lithuania. Besides, davanone was found for the first time as a principal component in mugwort oils. The performed study revealed significant chemical polymorphism of essential oils in mugwort plants native to Lithuania; it has expanded our chemotaxonomic knowledge both of A. vulgaris species and Artemisia genus.
Inter‐ and Intraspecific Variability of Nitrogenated Compounds in Gorgonian Corals via Application of a Fast One‐Step Analytical Protocol
Authors: Samorì Chiara , Costantini Federica , Galletti Paola , Tagliavini Emilio , Abbiati Marco
Published: November 2017

Gorgonian corals play a structural role in temperate and tropical biogenic reefs, forming animal forests and creating biodiversity hot spots. In the Mediterranean Sea, slow‐growing and long‐lived gorgonian species are threatened by human disturbances and global environmental changes and concern about their conservation is rising. Alkaloid metabolites have proven to be essential in protecting these species from environmental stressors. Traditional profiling methodologies to detect these metabolites require a large quantity of living tissue. Here, the chemodiversity of gorgonian alkaloids was investigated by applying a fast and effective protocol combining extraction and derivatization using small‐scale tissue samples and GC/MS analysis. The method was effective in identifying and quantifying alkaloids and guanine‐based compounds. Eight N‐heterocyclic compounds were found in six Mediterranean gorgonians differing for types and quantity. The metabolomic profile was conservative in species of the Eunicella genus, with three species sharing the same pattern. Conversely, Paramuricea clavata displayed a noticeable spatial pattern of variation among colonies collected in different locations. The analytical approach presented here proved to be effective, allowing rare, endangered, and small‐sized species to be screened rapidly for detection of new compounds in order to explore their biological and ecological functions.
Clinical outcomes of patients with coronary artery aneurysm after the first generation drug‐eluting stent implantation
Authors: Joo Hyung Joon , Woong Yu Cheol , Choi RakKyeong , Park Jinsik , Lee Hyun Jong , Kim Je Sang , Choi Young Jin , Park Jae Hyoung , Hong Soon Jun , Lim Do Sun
Published: November 2017

Objectives

We sought to investigate the long‐term clinical outcomes of patients with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation, compared with patients without CAA.

Background

CAA developed after DES implantation is a rare but associated with poor clinical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively compared 78 patients with CAA after DES implantation with 269 patients without CAA who underwent DES implantation for complex lesions (controls). The primary endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiac events (MACE), the composite of all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

Morphologically, CAAs were saccular (32%), fusiform (13%), or microform (55%). The stent types involved were Cypher (n = 56, 71.8%) and Taxus (n = 22, 28.2%). During a median follow‐up period of 1164 days, the incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the CAA group (26.9 vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001); the difference was driven mainly by nonfatal MI (11.5 vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and TLR (20.5 vs. 1.9%, P < 0.001). The incidence of stent thrombosis was higher in the CAA group (12.8 vs. 0.74%, P < 0.001), irrespective of the maintenance of dual antiplatelet therapy. In the CAA group, Cox regression analysis showed significantly higher hazard ratios of CAA for MACE during the follow‐up period. Further analyses after propensity‐score matching of 65 pairs also showed similar results.

Conclusions

The incidence of MACE was higher in patients with CAA compared with patients without CAA after DES implantation. This difference was driven by TLR and nonfatal MI and widened over time.
Identification of a novel deletion within ALDH3A2 gene in an Iranian Family with Sjögren–Larsson Syndrome
Authors: Taghdiri Maryam , Kashef Atie , Fardaei Majid , Miryounesi Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Sjögren–Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare type of congenital ichthyosis with neurological problems and intellectual disability. Homozygous mutations in ALDH3A2 gene are known to be responsible for this syndrome. Here, we report an Iranian family with congenital SLS bearing a novel two‐base‐pair deletion within ALDH3A2 genomic sequence. Our finding expands the mutation spectrum of ALDH3A2 that is applicable for further molecular studies and management of SLS.
Liver injury secondary to chest tube placement: a case report of conservative management and review of literature
Authors: Serji Badr , Mirali Houda , Chablou Mohammed , Kamaoui Imane , El Harroudi Tijani
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Chest tube placement is a routine procedure performed in different medical departments. Liver injury is a very rare complication that can occur but can be life‐threatening. Conservative management can be proposed in stable patient. Following guidelines and training physicians should decrease the incidence of such complications.
Total Synthesis of Disciformycin A and B: Unusually Exigent Targets of Biological Significance
Authors: Kwon Yonghoon , Schulthoff Saskia , Dao Quang Minh , Wirtz Conny , Fürstner Alois
Published: November 2017

The first total synthesis of the potent antibiotic disciformycin B (2) is described, which is exceptionally isomerization‐prone and transforms into disciformycin A (1) even under notably mild conditions. To outweigh this bias, the approach to 2 hinged on the use of a silyl residue at C4 to lock the critical double bond in place and hence insure the integrity of the synthetic intermediates en route to 2. This tactic was instrumental for the preparation of the building blocks and formation of the macrocyclic ring via ring closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM). To make the end game successful, however, it proved necessary to cleave the C‐silyl protecting group off; it was at this stage that the exceptional sensitivity of the target became fully apparent.
Clinical investigation of left ventricular pacing using coronary sinus in patients with mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve replacement
Authors: Zha Kelan , Cui Kaijun , Liu Xingbin , Fang Yuan
Published: November 2017

Background

Although transvenous right ventricular (RV) endocardial lead placement is routine practice in clinical pacing, RV inaccessibility in certain clinical situations mandates the search for other sites.

Hypothesis

This study is aimed to verify whether left ventricular lead through coronary sinus is safe and efficient.

Methods

Based on a retrospective analysis of a single‐center series of 4 patients with inaccessibility for RV pacing, we report on the feasibility and reliability of coronary sinus (CS) pacing via left ventricular (LV) lead, which usually is used in cardiac resynchronization therapy. Four patients with valvular heart disease and bradycardias post–mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve replacement were studied. The LV leads were implanted into the lateral vein or great cardiac vein of the CS, and all parameters were programmed postprocedure.

Results

In all cases procedures yielded favorable parameters, with 1 CS dissection. At long‐term follow‐up, there was no threshold increase or lead dislocation.

Conclusions

LV lead implantation through the CS appears safe and efficacious in patients with inaccessibility for RV pacing.
A power‐efficient current‐mode neural/muscular stimulator design for peripheral nerve prosthesis
Authors: Liu Xu , Yao Lei , Ng Kian Ann , Li Peng , Wang Wensi , Je Minkyu , Xu Yong Ping
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a 16‐channel power‐efficient neural/muscular stimulation integrated circuit for peripheral nerve prosthesis. First, the theoretical analysis is presented to show the power efficiency optimization in a stimulator. Moreover, a continuous‐time, biphasic exponential‐current‐waveform generation circuit is designed based on Taylor series approximation and implemented in the proposed stimulation chip to optimize the power efficiency. In the 16‐channel stimulator chip design, each channel of the stimulator consists of a current copier, an exponential current generator, an active charge‐balancing circuit, and a 24‐V output stage. Stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and frequency can be set and adjusted through an external field‐programmable gate array by sending serial commands. Finally, the proposed stimulator chip has been fabricated in a 0.18‐μm advanced complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor process with 24‐V laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor option. The maximum stimulation power efficiency of 95.9% is achieved at the output stage with an electrode model of 10‐kΩ resistance and 100‐nF capacitance. Animal experiment results further demonstrate the power efficiency improvement and effectiveness of the stimulator.
Quantitative performance evaluation of a back‐illuminated sCMOS camera with 95% QE for super‐resolution localization microscopy
Authors: Wang Yujie , Zhao Lingxi , Hu Zhe , Wang Yina , Zhao Zeyu , Li Luchang , Huang Zhen‐Li
Published: November 2017

Scientific Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (sCMOS) cameras were introduced into the market in 2009 and are now becoming a major type of commercial cameras for low‐light imaging. sCMOS cameras provide simultaneously low read noise, high readout speed, and large pixel array; however, the relatively low quantum efficiency (QE) of sCMOS cameras has been a major limitation for its application in single molecule imaging, especially super‐resolution localization microscopy which requires high detection sensitivity. Here we report the imaging performance of a newly released back‐illuminated sCMOS camera (called Dhyana 95 from Tucsen) which is claimed to be the world's first 95% QE sCMOS camera. The imaging performance evaluation is based on a new methodology which is designed to provide paired images from two tested cameras under almost identical experimental conditions. We verified that this new 95% QE sCMOS camera is able to provide superior imaging performance over a representative front‐illuminated sCMOS camera (Hamamatsu Flash 4.0 V2) and a popular back‐illuminated EMCCD camera (Andor iXon 897 Ultra) in a wide signal range. We hope this study will inspire more studies on using sCMOS cameras in super‐resolution localization microscopy, or even single molecule imaging. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Sex and rank affect how infant rhesus macaques look at faces
Authors: Paukner Annika , Slonecker Emily M. , Murphy Ashley M. , Wooddell Lauren J. , Dettmer Amanda M.
Published: November 2017

We investigated how differences in infant sex and mothers’ dominance status affect infant rhesus macaques’ (Macaca mulatta) interest in visually exploring emotional facial expressions. Thirty‐eight infants were presented with animated avatars of macaque facial expressions during the first month of life. Sons of high‐ranking mothers looked more at faces, especially the eye region, than sons of low‐ranking mothers, but no difference in looking duration was found for daughters. Males looked significantly more at eyes than females, but this effect was reversed in infants who were reared without mothers in a primate nursery facility. In addition, in mother‐infant interactions, mothers of sons were more likely to gaze at their infant's face compared to mothers of daughters. Combined with previous research indicating that rhesus macaque mothers interact differently with infants based on their own rank and infant's sex, these results support the view that social experiences shape early face preferences in rhesus macaques.
Herbivory facilitates growth of a key reef‐building Caribbean coral
Authors: Suchley Adam , Alvarez‐Filip Lorenzo
Published: November 2017

The decline of reef‐building corals in conjunction with shifts to short‐lived opportunistic species has prompted concerns that Caribbean reef framework‐building capacity has substantially diminished. Restoring herbivore populations may be a potential driver of coral recovery; however, the impact of herbivores on coral calcification has been little studied. We performed an exclusion experiment to evaluate the impact of herbivory on Orbicella faveolata coral growth over 14 months. The experiment consisted of three treatments: full exclusion cages; half cage procedural controls; and uncaged control plates, each with small O. faveolata colonies. We found that herbivorous fish exclusion had a substantial impact on both macroalgal cover and coral growth. Fleshy macroalgae reached 50% cover within some exclusion cages, but were almost absent from uncaged control plates. Critically, O. faveolata calcification rates were suppressed by almost half within exclusion cages, with monthly coral growth negatively related to overgrowth by fleshy macroalgae. These findings highlight the importance of herbivorous fishes for coral growth and the detrimental impact of macroalgal proliferation in the Caribbean. Policy makers and local managers should consider measures to protect herbivorous fishes and reduce macroalgal proliferation to enable coral communities to continue to grow and function.
Aquanitrato Complexes of Palladium, Rhodium, and Platinum: A Comparative15N NMR and DFT Study
Authors: Vasilchenko Danila B. , Tkachev Sergey V. , Tsipis Athanassios C.
Published: November 2017

The accurate prediction of15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts for three sets of nitrato and mixed‐ligand aquanitrato rhodium (9 complexes), palladium (11 complexes) and platinum (11 complexes) systems was achieved using density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the GIAO‐PBE0/ADZP(M)∪6‐31+G(d)(E)/PCM (M = Rh, Pd, or Pt, E = main group element) computational protocol. A comparison ofδcalcd15N NMR chemical shifts withδexptl15N NMR chemical shifts reveals that the DFT calculations correctly predict the division of signals into two groups, the first one involving the PdII, PtII, and RhIIInitrato complexes, and the second the PtIVand PdIVnitrato complexes. Hydrogen bonds and the number of nitrato ligands and their coordination mode remarkably affect theδcalcd15N chemical shift. Generally, the experimentally observed chemical shifts are found in a sufficiently narrower range for each metal center in comparison to the calculated ones due to an averaging action of the outer‐sphere interactions of complexes with external molecules of water and nitric acid.
Oleuropein: A Valuable Bio‐Renewable Synthetic Building Block
Authors: Cavaca Lídia A. S. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: November 2017

The isolation and structural elucidation of key active compounds from natural sources have grown increasingly in importance, and oleuropein has come to be seen as a potentially valuable natural compound for employment as a starting material for the generation of new compounds with new therapeutic utility. This microreview focuses on the synthetic transformations of oleuropein, together with its structure elucidation and isolation, biosynthesis, biodegradation, and biological properties.
International and product diversification: Which strategy suits family managers?
Authors: Stadler Christian , Mayer Michael C. J. , Hautz Julia , Matzler Kurt
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: This article explores the impact of family and professional managers on performance and how this relationship is affected by international and product diversification. Using a dataset of 262 German firms from 2000 to 2009, we find that an increasing proportion of family managers on the management board is associated with higher performance. This relationship is negatively moderated by higher levels of international diversification but reinforced by increased product diversification due to differences in the human and social capital between family and professional managers. Firms with a significant presence of family members on the top management team (TMT) face a choice of either adopting a corporate strategy that runs counter to “globalfocusing” or adjusting the balance of family and professional managers in the TMT.

Managerial Summary: Deciding the extent of family involvement on the executive team is a key strategic decision. While our research supports the general proposition that family managers will enhance performance, we show they do not have the same positive impact in all situations. More precisely, we show that family managers are more suited to lead diversification than internationalization. If a family firm wants to go international, it is sensible to increase the proportion of professional managers on the executive team. Diversifying into new product markets, however, does not require outside expertise commonly associated with professional managers.
Bambusuril Anion Receptors
Authors: Lizal Tomas , Sindelar Vladimir
Published: November 2017

Bambusurils are macrocyclic compounds whose synthesis was first reported in 2010. Since then bambusurils have been investigated mainly because of its six‐membered homologues’ outstanding binding affinities towards inorganic anions in both organic solvents and water. Here we summarize the most important aspects of bambusuril chemistry. Basic characteristics of bambusurils are presented, followed by details of their synthesis, and a discussion of their supramolecular properties, with an emphasis on binding in water. Potential applications of bambusurils are highlighted at the end of the review.
Current or recent smoking is associated with more variable telomere length in prostate stromal cells and prostate cancer cells
Authors: Joshu Corinne E. , Peskoe Sarah B , Heaphy Christopher M. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Stampfer Meir J. , Yoon Ghilsuk , Lee Thomas K. , Hicks Jessica L. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Meeker Alan K. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Current and recent smoking have been associated with a greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence and mortality, though the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Methods

To determine if telomere shortening, which has been associated with poor outcomes, may be a potential underlying mechanism, we prospectively evaluated the association between smoking status and telomere length in 567 participants in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study, who were surgically treated for prostate cancer. Using tissue microarrays (TMA), we measured telomere length in cancer and benign tissue, specifically stromal cells in the same TMA spot using a telomere‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. Smoking status was collected via questionnaire 2‐years before diagnosis. Adjusting for age, pathologic stage and grade, the median and standard deviation of the per‐cell telomere signals were determined for each man for stromal cells and cancer cells by smoking categories. In sub‐analyses, we restricted to men without major co‐morbidities diagnosed before prostate cancer.

Results

Overall, there were no associations between smoking status and telomere length or variability in stromal cells or cancer cells. However, among men without comorbidities, current smokers and former smokers who quit <10 years ago had the most variable telomere length in stromal cells (29.3% more variable than never smokers; P‐trend = 0.0005) and in cancer cells (27.7% more variable than never smokers; P‐trend = 0.05). Among men without comorbidities, mean telomere length did not differ by smoking status in stromal cells or cancer cells.

Conclusion

Telomere variability in prostate cells may be one mechanism through which smoking influences poor prostate cancer outcomes.