bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are We Facing a Fundamental Challenge to Higher Education Internationalization?
Authors: Altbach Philip , De Wit Hans
Published: March 2018

The global landscape for higher education internationalization is changing dramatically. What one might call “the era of higher education internationalization” might either be finished or, at least, be on life support. In addition to nationalist-populist factors, issues of academic freedom, ethics, the role of English, shifting patterns in student mobility, and concerns about transnational education, are challenging the future of internationalization. The current criticism about the unlimited growth of teaching in English, recruitment of international students and development of branch campuses, is coming from two completely opposite sources. On the one hand, there is the nationalist–populist argument of anti-international and anti-immigration. More relevant is the concern about quality, academic freedom, and ethics in the higher education community itself.
African Private Higher Education: Progressive Policies and Ambivalent Stances
Authors: Tamrat Wondwosen , Teferra Damtew
Published: March 2018

As the global and regional thirst for higher education continues to surge, it is time to think how private higher education institutions (PHEIs) can be groomed to play their roles within an evolving higher education landscape. It is imperative to put in place appropriate policies and legislations, for these institutions to play a key role in socioeconomic development. This article outlines various progressive PHE policies andlegislations across Africa and examines their importance in enhancing the growth of the sector.
The Closing of China? Possible Implications for Universities Worldwide
Authors: Altbach Philip , De Wit Hans
Published: March 2018

Experts have noted that president Xi has amassed the most power since MaoZedong, and seeks long-term authority to carry out his policies. This article examines the possible impacts on higher education -- especially the internationalization of higher education -- in China and beyond.
PSV10: A Global Data Set for 0–10 Ma Time‐Averaged Field and Paleosecular Variation Studies
Authors: Cromwell G. , Johnson C. L. , Tauxe L. , Constable C. G. , Jarboe N. A.
Published: March 2018

Globally distributed paleomagnetic data from discrete volcanic sites have previously been used for statistical studies of paleosecular variation and the structure of the time‐averaged field. We present a new data compilation, PSV10, selected from high‐quality paleodirections recorded over the past 10 Ma and comprising 2,401 sites from 81 studies. We require the use of modern laboratory and processing methods, a minimum of four samples per site, and within‐site Fisher precision parameter, kw, ≥50. Studies that identify significant tectonic effects or explicitly target transitional field states are excluded, thereby reducing oversampling of transitional time intervals. Additionally, we apply two approaches using geological evidence to minimize effects of short‐term serial correlation. PSV10 is suitable for use in new global geomagnetic and paleomagnetic studies as it has greatly improved spatial coverage of sites, especially at equatorial and high latitudes. VGP dispersion is latitudinally dependent, with substantially higher values in the Southern Hemisphere than at corresponding northern latitudes when no VGP cutoff is imposed. Average inclination anomalies for 10° latitude bins range from about +3 ± 2° to −7.5 ± 2° for the entire data set, with the largest negative values occurring at equatorial and mid‐northern latitudes. New 0–5 Ma TAF models (LN3 and LN3‐SC) based on selections of normal polarity data from PSV10 indicate a
term that is 3.0% of
. Non‐zonal variations in field structure are observed near the magnetic equator and in regions of increased radial flux at high latitudes over the Americas, the Indian Ocean, and Asia.
Hot Upper Mantle Beneath the Tristan da Cunha Hotspot From Probabilistic Rayleigh‐Wave Inversion and Petrological Modeling
Authors: Bonadio Raffaele , Geissler Wolfram H. , Lebedev Sergei , Fullea Javier , Ravenna Matteo , Celli Nicolas L. , Jokat Wilfried , Jegen Marion , Sens‐Schönfelder Christoph , Baba Kiyoshi
Published: March 2018

Understanding the enigmatic intraplate volcanism in the Tristan da Cunha region requires knowledge of the temperature of the lithosphere and asthenosphere beneath it. We measured phase‐velocity curves of Rayleigh waves using cross‐correlation of teleseismic seismograms from an array of ocean‐bottom seismometers around Tristan, constrained a region‐average, shear‐velocity structure, and inferred the temperature of the lithosphere and asthenosphere beneath the hotspot. The ocean‐bottom data set presented some challenges, which required data‐processing and measurement approaches different from those tuned for land‐based arrays of stations. Having derived a robust, phase‐velocity curve for the Tristan area, we inverted it for a shear wave velocity profile using a probabilistic (Markov chain Monte Carlo) approach. The model shows a pronounced low‐velocity anomaly from 70 to at least 120 km depth.
in the low velocity zone is 4.1–4.2 km/s, not as low as reported for Hawaii (∼4.0 km/s), which probably indicates a less pronounced thermal anomaly and, possibly, less partial melting. Petrological modeling shows that the seismic and bathymetry data are consistent with a moderately hot mantle (mantle potential temperature of 1,410–1,430°C, an excess of about 50–120°C compared to the global average) and a melt fraction smaller than 1%. Both purely seismic inversions and petrological modeling indicate a lithospheric thickness of 65–70 km, consistent with recent estimates from receiver functions. The presence of warmer‐than‐average asthenosphere beneath Tristan is consistent with a hot upwelling (plume) from the deep mantle. However, the excess temperature we determine is smaller than that reported for some other major hotspots, in particular Hawaii.
Variations in Ionospheric Peak Electron Density During Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in the Arctic Region
Authors: Yasyukevich A. S.
Published: March 2018

The focus of the paper is the ionospheric disturbances during sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events in the Arctic region. This study examines the ionospheric behavior during 12 SSW events, which occurred in the Northern Hemisphere over 2006–2013, based on vertical sounding data from DPS‐4 ionosonde located in Norilsk (88.0°E, 69.2°N). Most of the addressed events show that despite generally quiet geomagnetic conditions, notable changes in the ionospheric behavior are observed during SSWs. During the SSW evolution and peak phases, there is a daytime decrease in NmF2 values at 10–20% relative to background level. After the SSW maxima, in contrast, midday NmF2 surpasses the average monthly values for 10–20 days. These changes in the electron density are observed for both strong and weak stratospheric warmings occurring at midwinter. The revealed SSW effects in the polar ionosphere are assumed to be associated with changes in the thermospheric neutral composition, affecting the F2‐layer electron density. Analysis of the Global Ultraviolet Imager data revealed the positive variations in the O/N2 ratio within the thermosphere during SSW peak and recovery periods. Probable mechanisms for SSW impact on the state of the high‐latitude neutral thermosphere and ionosphere are discussed.
Quantitative Verification and Calibration of Volcanic Ash Ensemble Forecasts Using Satellite Data
Authors: Zidikheri Meelis J. , Lucas Christopher , Potts Rodney J.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we address the problem of verifying and calibrating ensemble‐based probabilistic volcanic ash forecasts. The ensemble members are constructed from dispersion model simulations with different meteorological fields obtained from an ensemble meteorological forecast model and different values of ash source parameters such as ash column height and vertical mass distribution. The Brier score is employed to verify the probabilistic forecasts relative to binary‐valued ash detection fields and fully quantitative satellite‐retrieved ash mass load fields. A new ensemble forecast calibration methodology, which treats the meteorological and source term variations on equal footing, is also developed. This enables the creation of an ensemble subset yielding higher Brier skill scores than the uncalibrated ensemble during a calibration time window of about 6 hr after the start of an eruption. It is shown that this can be used to improve probabilistic forecasts up to 24 hr after the start of the eruption using the Indonesian 13 February 2014 Kelut and 6 November 2015 Rinjani eruptions as case studies.
Researching mind wandering from a first‐person perspective
Authors: Weger Ulrich , Wagemann Johannes , Meyer Andreas
Published: March 2018

Mind wandering is an inherently inner (or first‐person) phenomenon that leaves few direct traces for third‐person enquiry. Nonetheless, psychologists often study mind wandering using third‐person (e.g., behavioral or neuronal) research methods. And although research–participants may well be asked to introspect on their mind wandering experiences (e.g., via experience‐sampling or think‐aloud techniques), such introspective self‐observations typically lack methodological rigor and are hence of only preliminary value. Here, we argue that it is a missed opportunity to not train researchers to introspect on their own mind‐wandering experiences to better understand the associated mental processes. We propose a novel approach to cultivating an educated form of introspection in the study of attentional focusing and mind wandering. Our research adds to the current theoretical understanding by explicating conditions that facilitate mind wandering (e.g., the shifting and broadening of concepts) and help find the way back to the primary task (e.g., commitment; deliberate shifts between focusing and defocusing).
Mixed Metal Difluorides as High Capacity Conversion‐Type Cathodes: Impact of Composition on Stability and Performance
Authors: Gordon Daniel , Huang Qiao , Magasinski Alexandre , Ramanujapuram Anirudh , Bensalah Nasr , Yushin Gleb
Published: March 2018

With the most recent development of ultrahigh capacity anodes, such as Li‐ or Si‐based anodes, metal fluorides hold promise as complementary high‐capacity conversion cathode materials for next‐generation energy storage devices. Despite their higher theoretical energy density compared to cells with sulfur cathodes, these materials have received dramatically less attention and little is understood about the origins of their electrochemical behavior. Here, the successful methodology to produce highly uniform size‐controlled mixed metal difluoride nanocomposites is reported. It is discovered that such materials undergo reduction in a single step with a reduction potential intermediate to those for the corresponding single‐metal difluorides and that a solid solution is reformed upon charging, which is advantageous for practical applications. For the first time the progressive formation of metal trifluorides upon repeated cycling of difluorides is reported. Systematic electrochemical measurements in combination with postmortem analyses lead to the conclusion that the cathode stability strongly depends on the ability to prevent formation and growth of a resistive cathode solid electrolyte interphase, which, in turn, strongly depends on the metal composition. This methodology and new findings will help to elucidate a path to developing metal fluoride–based commercial Li‐ion batteries and provide guidelines for material selection.
Consumer willingness to pay for non‐mandatory indication of the fish catch zone
Authors: Boncinelli Fabio , Gerini Francesca , Neri Benedetta , Casini Leonardo
Published: March 2018

The European mandatory labeling system for fishery products excludes the indication of the catch or production origin for fish‐based processed food. However, while producers can voluntarily indicate this information on labels, they incur extra production costs for following procedures for tracing and guaranteeing the origin of their ingredients. Our study investigates whether consumers can be attracted by a marketing strategy based on transparency and traceability. We applied a dichotomous choice contingent valuation method on a sample of 250 Italian consumers. Findings indicate that consumers are willing to pay an average premium price of 4.75% for knowing the catch zone of fish used as ingredients of fish‐based processed food (seafood salad or marinated anchovies in this study). The premium price is positively influenced by education and gender. [EconLit citations: D12; M31]
Emergence of Uranium as a Distinct Metal Center for Building Intrinsic X‐ray Scintillators
Authors: Wang Yaxing , Yin Xuemiao , Liu Wei , Xie Jian , Chen Junfeng , Silver Mark A. , Sheng Daopeng , Chen Lanhua , Diwu Juan , Liu Ning , Chai Zhifang , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E. , Wang Shuao
Published: March 2018

The combination of high atomic number and high oxidation state in UVI materials gives rise to both high X‐ray attenuation efficiency and intense green luminescence originating from ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer. These two features suggest that UVI materials might act as superior X‐ray scintillators, but this postulate has remained substantially untested. Now the first observation of intense X‐ray scintillation in a uranyl–organic framework (SCU‐9) that is observable by the naked eye is reported. Combining the advantage in minimizing the non‐radiative relaxation during the X‐ray excitation process over those of inorganic salts of uranium, SCU‐9 exhibits a very efficient X‐ray to green light luminescence conversion. The luminescence intensity shows an essentially linear correlation with the received X‐ray intensity, and is comparable with that of commercially available CsI:Tl. SCU‐9 possesses an improved X‐ray attenuation efficiency (E>20 keV) as well as enhanced radiation resistance and decreased hygroscopy compared to CsI:Tl.
Surface and bulk properties of waterborne polyurethane modified with fluorinated siloxane
Authors: Zheng Guikai , Lu Ming , Rui Xiaoping , Shao Bin
Published: March 2018

Two series of polyester and polyether waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) modified with poly[(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl)methylsiloxane] (PTFPMS) were synthesized by prepolymerization method and the effect of PTFPMS on surface and bulk properties were investigated by a variety of experimental methods. FTIR and DSC results showed that the polyester WPU has better compatibility between soft segments and hard segments than polyether WPU in bulk and the degree of phase separation increased in polyester WPU but decreased in polyether WPU with increasing PTFPMS. ARXPS analysis revealed the migration of PTFPMS to WPU surface and the migration ability of Si element was better than F element. AFM images demonstrated that the surface of WPU films became rougher as PTFPMS content increased. The enrichment of PTFPMS with low surface energy and roughened surface imparted good hydrophobicity and oleophobicity to WPU films and polyether WPU has better surface properties compared with polyester WPU. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46473.
Transgenic soybean plants expressing Spb18S dsRNA exhibit enhanced resistance to the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae)
Authors: Wang Zhanchun , Li Tianyu , Ni Hejia , Wang Guoyue , Liu Xinxin , Cao Yingxue , Li Wenbin , Meng Fanli
Published: March 2018

The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) Obraztsov] is a major soybean pest in northeastern Asia. A useful method for addressing this problem is the generation of transgenic plants producing double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) that target essential insect genes. In this study, we confirmed that 18S ribosomal RNA is critical for SPB development. Downregulated Spb18S expression induced by dsRNA injection increased larval mortality rates and resulted in early pupation. We also assessed whether Spb18S is silenced in SPB larvae fed on transgenic soybean expressing Spb18S dsRNA. Transgenic plants downregulated Spb18S expression levels and second‐instar larval survival rates. Moreover, such plants were less damaged by SPB larvae than control plants under field conditions.
Comparison of chlorhexidine–isopropanol with isopropanol skin antisepsis for prevention of surgical-site infection after abdominal surgery
Authors: Harnoss J C , Assadian O , Kramer A , Probst P , Müller-Lantzsch C , Scheerer L , Bruckner T , Diener M K , Büchler M W , Ulrich A B
Published: March 2018

Background

Prevention of surgical-site infection (SSI) has received increasing attention. Clinical trials have focused on the role of skin antisepsis in preventing SSI. The benefit of combining antiseptic chlorhexidine with alcohol has not been compared with alcohol-based skin preparation alone in a prospective controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Between August and October 2014, patients undergoing abdominal surgery received preoperative skin antisepsis with 70 per cent isopropanol (PA). Those treated between November 2014 and January 2015 received 2 per cent chlorhexidine with 70 per cent isopropanol (CA). The primary endpoint was SSI on postoperative day (POD) 10, which was evaluated using univariable analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression model correcting for known independent risk factors for SSI. The study protocol was published in the German Registry of Clinical Studies (DRKS00011174).

Results

In total, 500 patients undergoing elective midline laparotomy were included (CA 221, PA 279). The incidence of superficial and deep SSIs was significantly different on POD 10: 14 of 212 (6·6 per cent) among those treated with CA and 32 of 260 (12·3 per cent) in those who received PA (P = 0·038). In the multivariable analysis, skin antisepsis with CA was an independent factor for reduced incidence of SSI on POD 10 (P = 0·034).

Conclusion

This study showed a benefit of adding chlorhexidine to alcohol for skin antisepsis in reducing early SSI compared with alcohol alone.
Outcome of open abdominal management following military trauma
Authors: Pengelly S , Berry J E A , Herrick S E , Bowley D M , Carlson G L
Published: March 2018

Background

Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is increasingly common after military and civilian major trauma. Primary fascial closure cannot be achieved after TAC in 30 per cent of civilian patients; subsequent abdominal wall reconstruction carries significant morbidity. This retrospective review aimed to determine this morbidity in a UK military cohort.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of all injured personnel from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts was searched from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2014 for all patients who had undergone laparotomy in a deployed military medical treatment facility. This database, the patients' hospital notes and their primary care records were searched.

Results

Laparotomy was performed in a total of 155 patients who survived to be repatriated to the UK; records were available for 150 of these patients. Seventy-seven patients (51·3 per cent) had fascial closure at first laparotomy, and 73 (48·7 per cent) had a period of TAC. Of the 73 who had TAC, two died before closure and two had significant abdominal wall loss from blast injury and were excluded from analysis. Of the 69 remaining patients, 65 (94 per cent) were able to undergo delayed primary fascial closure. The median duration of follow-up from injury was 1257 (range 1–4677) days for the whole cohort. Nine (12 per cent) of the 73 patients who underwent TAC subsequently developed an incisional hernia, compared with ten (13 per cent) of the 77 patients whose abdomen was closed at the primary laparotomy (P = 1·000).

Conclusion

Rates of delayed primary closure of abdominal fascia after temporary abdominal closure appear high. Subsequent rates of incisional hernia formation were similar in patients undergoing delayed primary closure and those who had closure at the primary laparotomy.
Carbon risk, cost of debt financing and the moderation effect of media attention: Evidence from Chinese companies operating in high‐carbon industries
Authors: Zhou Zhifang , Zhang Tao , Wen Kang , Zeng Huixiang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

The effect of carbon risk on the debt capital market has become increasingly prominent under carbon constraints. We use a panel regression model to examine the relationship between carbon risk and the cost of debt financing and the moderating effect of positive media attention on this relationship. Using a sample of 191 Chinese A‐share listed firms operating in high‐carbon industries covering the period 2011–15, we conduct an empirical study and find that the relationship between carbon risk and the cost of debt financing in China is a U‐shaped one. Thus, carbon risk exerts an “interval effect" on the cost of debt financing, which mainly exists in private firms rather than state‐owned firms. This relationship can be mitigated by positive media attention. Compared with private firms that receive low positive media attention, private firms with high positive media attention are more sensitive and less tolerant to environmental regulations. Our findings provide firms with practical advice on carbon risk management, particularly on improving carbon transparency and mitigating the cost of debt financing.
Motivation Through Practical Relevance – Didactic Benefits of Process Simulators
Authors: Schöneberger Jan C. , Fricke Armin
Published: March 2018

A novel approach to the application of flowsheet simulators in higher education is presented. In the Process Simulation Cup (PSC), a process flowsheet with one valid solution for a specific practice‐oriented problem is given. Within the framework of this contest, students can submit better solutions for the described problem. In this review, the two already completed PSC2015 and PSC2016 as well as the current PSC2017 are presented. Student participation, educational benefits, and further scientific utilization of the results are evaluated.
False lumen intervention to promote remodelling and thrombosis—The FLIRT concept in aortic dissection
Authors: Yuan Xun , Mitsis Andreas , Semple Thomas , Castro Verdes Mireya , Cambronero‐Cortinas Esther , Tang Yida , Nienaber Christoph A.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has changed the management of aortic dissection by induced remodelling. Beyond reconstructing the true lumen, we describe the concept of False Lumen Intervention to promote Remodelling and Thrombosis (FLIRT) in both type A and B aortic dissection.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2017, 10 patients with aortic dissection (5 type A; 5 type B) underwent FLIRT using a combination of patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) occluders, coils and glue. Patients were followed by computed tomography (CT) angiogram prior to, and 6 months following, discharge to evaluate false lumen (FL) thrombosis and aortic remodelling. Outcomes analyzed comprised successful device delivery, completeness of FL thrombosis and aortic remodelling, procedure related complications and mortality.

Results

FLIRT induced aortic remodelling in all cases of proximal dissection, with aortic shrinkage from 63.8 ± 7.5 pre‐FLIRT, to 50.2 ± 6.6 mm (P = 0.057) and an increase in true lumen area from 5.8 ± 3.6 to 11.4 ± 2.5 cm2 (P = 0.006). In distal dissection (after previous TEVAR with residual FL flow), FLIRT successfully induced FL thrombosis in 4 of 5 cases at first attempt (1 case required additional coiling of the gutter between left subclavian artery and stent‐graft for complete thrombosis). While maximal aortic diameter remained unchanged (55.6 ± 9.1 pre‐FLIRT and 54.4 ± 13.7 mm at follow‐up), true lumen area increased from 7.8 ± 2.3 pre‐procedure, to 10.6 ± 1.5 cm2 at follow‐up (P = 0.016), consistent with remodelling.

Conclusion

Interventional FL management, using the FLIRT concept, is feasible in selected cases of aortic dissection, promotes FL thrombosis and induces successful remodelling.
Synthesis of Avibactam Derivatives and Activity on β‐Lactamases and Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Enzymes of Mycobacteria
Authors: Edoo Zainab , Iannazzo Laura , Compain Fabrice , Li de la Sierra Gallay Inès , van Tilbeurgh Herman , Fonvielle Matthieu , Bouchet Flavie , Le Run Eva , Mainardi Jean‐Luc , Arthur Michel , Ethève‐Quelquejeu Mélanie , Hugonnet Jean‐Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

There is a renewed interest for β‐lactams for treating infections due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. abscessus because their β‐lactamases are inhibited by classical (clavulanate) or new generation (avibactam) inhibitors, respectively. Here, access to an azido derivative of the diazabicyclooctane (DBO) scaffold of avibactam for functionalization by the Huisgen–Sharpless cycloaddition reaction is reported. The amoxicillin–DBO combinations were active, indicating that the triazole ring is compatible with drug penetration (minimal inhibitory concentration of 16 μg mL−1 for both species). Mechanistically, β‐lactamase inhibition was not sufficient to account for the potentiation of amoxicillin by DBOs. Thus, the latter compounds were investigated as inhibitors of l,d‐transpeptidases (Ldts), which are the main peptidoglycan polymerases in mycobacteria. The DBOs acted as slow‐binding inhibitors of Ldts by S‐carbamoylation indicating that optimization of DBOs for Ldt inhibition is an attractive strategy to obtain drugs selectively active on mycobacteria.
Cooperative Catalysis with Coupled Chiral Induction in 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Azomethine Ylides
Authors: Cayuelas Alberto , Larrañaga Olatz , Selva Verónica , Nájera Carmen , Akiyama Takahiko , Sansano José M. , de Cózar Abel , Miranda José I. , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: March 2018

1,3‐Dipolar cycloadditions (1,3‐DC) between imino esters (as precursors of N‐metallated azomethine ylides) and π‐deficient alkenes are promoted by cooperative asymmetric Lewis acid/Brønsted base catalysis. The components of these catalytic pairs are silver salts derived from enantiopure commercially available BINOL‐based phosphoric acids and Cinchona alkaloids. Chiral phosphoric silver(I) salts promote HOMO raising of in situ formed 1,3‐dipoles, whereas protonated cinchona alkaloids generate a LUMO lowering for the dipolarophiles resulting in a global acceleration of the 1,3‐DC. The best results were obtained with BINOL‐derived silver phosphate and hydrocinchonine. Matching between both cooperative metallo‐ and organocatalyst results in an enhanced enantiomeric excess, superior to that reached by both separate components. NOESY experiments and DFT calculations are compatible with a non‐covalent interaction (hydrogen bond) between both catalysts, which results in close contacts and mutually coupled chiral environments.
Steam catalytic cracking of coal tar over iron‐containing mixed metal oxides
Authors: Wang Tingting , Li Yang , Jin Lijun , Wang Dechao , Hu Haoquan
Published: March 2018

Steam catalytic cracking is deemed as a promising method for the catalytic cracking of coal tar. In this study, a serial of iron‐containing mixed metal oxides including ceria, zirconia, alumina, cobalt, nickel, and barium oxides were prepared for steam catalytic cracking of coal tar and characterized by N2 adsorption‐desorption, X‐ray diffraction, H2 temperature programmed reduction, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that the specific surface area and pore volume increase while the crystal size decreases when Fe2O3 was doped with the investigated metal oxides. Among these, iron‐alumina mixed oxide (FeAl) shows the highest specific surface area and pore volume. The H2‐TPR analysis indicated that most of the mixed metal oxides have lower reduction temperature, especially for iron‐ceria mixed oxide (FeCe). The reduction temperature of FeCe is around 500 °C, and its reduction peak shifts to a lower temperature and becomes narrower as compared to other iron‐containing mixed metal oxides. The steam catalytic cracking of coal tar at 550 °C showed that the light tar content (below 360 °C) over FeCe, FeCo, and FeAl are 68.5, 67.0, and 66.5 %, respectively. The increase of CO2 and H2 over iron‐containing mixed metal oxides suggested that oxygen species from iron‐containing mixed metal oxides and steam could participate in the steam catalytic cracking of coal tar.
An investigation on dissolutive wetting of porous urea surface
Authors: Basit Abdul , Siwayanan Parthiban , KuShaari KuZilati , Keong Lau Kok , Azeem Babar
Published: March 2018

Dissolutive spreading over a porous surface is a phenomenon involving spreading, penetration, as well as dissolution. Droplet spreading forms the basis of numerous industrial operations including the spray coating of urea fertilizer to produce slow release urea. The slow release characteristics of urea highly depend on the coating uniformity that can be achieved by sound knowledge of droplet spreading behaviour over the urea surface. Since numerous waterborne coating materials are being studied presently, dissolutive wetting of the urea surface has been investigated in the current work. Response surface methodology has been utilized to study the interactive effects of process parameters on the dissolutive wetting of an aqueous glycerin solution on a porous urea surface. The effect of impact velocity, surface porosity, and urea solubility has been investigated on three response objectives namely contact angle, spreading factor, and normalized residual drop volume. The results have been compared with an earlier work performed under similar conditions for non‐dissolutive wetting. The comparison reveals that dissolutive wetting shows lesser optimum contact angle (81 %) and greater optimum spreading factor (21 %) as compared to non‐dissolutive wetting.
Theoretical description of the motion of a particle in rotary dryer
Authors: Hellou Mustapha , Lominé Franck , Benhsine Ilham , Roques Yves
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a theoretical description of a particle motion in a rotary dryer equipped with straight lifters distributed on its periphery. In this configuration, the transport of granular materials occurs with cyclic cascades that can be decomposed into three phases: lifting, discharging, and falling into the air stream. In order to describe each of these phases, we have focused on the motion of a single particle in a rotating drum. In this condition, the analytical solution of the motion equation of each phase is found. With these solutions, the position and the velocity of the particle at any time are thus expressed as a function of physical parameters of the particle, physical parameters of the drum, and physical parameters of air in the drum, called operating parameters in practice. With these equations, we are able to calculate the behaviour of the particle as a function of the operating parameters. The transposition to the industrial context is made with an application. We show how these equations particularly permit the estimation of the Mean Residence Time (MRT) of material during the drying process as a function of operating parameters. Such estimations have been validated by comparison with experimental data of MRT found in the literature. The work presented in this paper gives some useful mathematical relations for whose who are interested in drum design optimization (lifter length, drum radius, drum length, etc.). More specifically, they can be used to help with the choice of operational parameters values that would achieve a given value of MRT for particular product.
Adsorption of 4,4′‐Dithiodipyridine Axially Coordinated to Iron(II) Phthalocyanine on Au(111) as a New Strategy for Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Herrera Santiago , Tasca Federico , Williams Federico J. , Calvo Ernesto J.
Published: March 2018

The coordination of PySSPy to FePc was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy while the adsobed FePc, anchored by PyS−Au(111), was examined by in situ STM in 0.1 M HClO4 and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Rotating‐disc‐electrode (RDE) and linear‐sweep‐voltammetry (LSV) studies on the resulting FePc‐modified Au(111) electrodes in an oxygen‐saturated 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte exhibit excellent electrocatalytic properties for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with a smaller overpotential than that observed for Au(111) with FePc deposited by direct adsorption from a benzene solution.
The Robustness of the Corporate Social and Financial Performance Relation: A Second‐Order Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Busch Timo , Friede Gunnar
Published: March 2018

For many decades, there has been a debate about the relation between corporate social/environmental performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). Our study presents a review of academic research on this topic by applying a second‐order meta‐analysis. The data sample combines 25 previous meta‐analyses yielding a sample size of one million observations. Our results demonstrate a highly significant, positive, robust, and bilateral CSP‐CFP relation. The relation is positive regardless of whether firms focus on ecological or social aspects, though corporate reputation turns out to be a key CSP determinant. We find a particularly strong CSP‐CFP relation for operational CFP. Furthermore, we add a new perspective on potential biases resulting from the studies’ publishing source: social issues‐oriented journals and methodological weaker papers do not distort the positive CSP‐CFP relation. Our conclusion is: Based on the extant literature, the business case for being a good firm is undeniable. © 2018 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Combined DFT and Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry Investigation of the Effect of Dopants in Secondary Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Lysgaard Steen , Christensen Mathias K. , Hansen Heine A. , García Lastra Juan Maria , Norby Poul , Vegge Tejs
Published: March 2018

Zinc–air batteries offer the potential of low‐cost energy storage with high specific energy, but at present secondary Zn–air batteries suffer from poor cyclability. To develop economically viable secondary Zn–air batteries, several properties need to be improved: choking of the cathode, catalyzing the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions, limiting dendrite formation and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Understanding and alleviating HER at the negative electrode in a secondary Zn–air battery is a substantial challenge, for which it is necessary to combine computational and experimental research. Here, we combine differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the fundamental role and stability when cycling in the presence of selected beneficial additives, that is, In and Bi, and Ag as a potentially unfavorable additive. We show that both In and Bi have the desired property for a secondary battery, that is, upon recharging they will remain on the surface, thereby retaining the beneficial effects on Zn dissolution and suppression of HER. This is confirmed by DEMS, where it is observed that In reduces HER and Bi affects the discharge potential beneficially compared to a battery without additives. Using a simple procedure based on adsorption energies calculated with DFT, it is found that Ag suppresses OH adsorption, but, unlike In and Bi, it does not hinder HER. Finally, it is shown that mixing In and Bi is beneficial compared to the additives by themselves as it improves the electrochemical performance and cyclic stability of the secondary Zn–air battery.
The impact of weight suppression and weight loss speed on baseline clinical characteristics and response to treatment
Authors: Solmi Marco , Gallicchio Davide , Collantoni Enrico , Meneguzzo Paolo , Zanetti Tatiana , Degortes Daniela , Tenconi Elena , Bonello Elisa , Veronese Angela , Ronzan Andrea , Favaro Angela
Published: March 2018

Objective

Growing evidence suggests an impact of weight suppression (WS) on severity and course of symptoms in patients with eating disorders (ED), but no study explored also the role of the weight loss speed (WLS) together with WS on the same clinical variables, which is the aim of the present work.

Method

A mixed cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohort study was employed. Four hundred and fourteen patients with anorexia nervosa (AN = 208) or bulimia nervosa (BN = 206) according to DSM‐5 criteria were recruited and assessed at referral by means of clinical interviews and self‐reported questionnaires. Body mass index and diagnostic status were re‐evaluated at the end of treatment.

Results

WS was positively correlated with body dissatisfaction in patients with AN (p = .005), but negatively correlated in BN (p = .022). In contrast, WLS was significantly inversely correlated with age and duration of illness in all ED (p < .001), and positively correlated with drive for thinness in BN (p = .007). After treatment, WS at intake predicted higher BMI increase in both AN and BN (p < .03), while higher WLS was significantly associated with a lower drop‐out rate in patients with BN (p = .02), and predicted BMI increase only in restricting AN patients (p = .02). In the whole group, WLS significantly predicted remission status (p = .039).

Discussion

In our study, both WS and WLS were associated with baseline “core” clinical variables and provided complementary abilities to predict weight gain and remission at the end of treatment. If replicated, our data suggest the importance of considering both WS and WLS as useful clinical variables in the baseline assessment of ED.
Study of the effects of 0.15 terahertz radiation on genome integrity of adult fibroblasts
Authors: Franchini Valeria , De Sanctis Stefania , Marinaccio Jessica , De Amicis Andrea , Coluzzi Elisa , Di Cristofaro Sara , Lista Florigio , Regalbuto Elisa , Doria Andrea , Giovenale Emilio , Gallerano Gian Piero , Bei Roberto , Benvenuto Monica , Masuelli Laura , Udroiu Ion , Sgura Antonella
Published: March 2018

The applications of Terahertz (THz) technologies have significantly developed in recent years, and the complete understanding of the biological effects of exposure to THz radiation is becoming increasingly important. In a previous study, we found that THz radiation induced genomic damage in fetal fibroblasts. Although these cells demonstrated to be a useful model, exposure of human foetuses to THz radiation is highly improbable. Conversely, THz irradiation of adult dermal tissues is cause of possible concern for some professional and nonprofessional categories. Therefore, we extended our study to the investigation of the effects of THz radiation on adult fibroblasts (HDF). In this work, the effects of THz exposure on HDF cells genome integrity, cell cycle, cytological ultrastructure and proteins expression were assessed. Results of centromere‐negative micronuclei frequencies, phosphorylation of H2AX histone, and telomere length modulation indicated no induction of DNA damage. Concordantly, no changes in the expression of proteins associated with DNA damage sensing and repair were detected. Conversely, our results showed an increase of centromere‐positive micronuclei frequencies and chromosomal nondisjunction events, indicating induction of aneuploidy. Therefore, our results indicate that THz radiation exposure may affect genome integrity through aneugenic effects, and not by DNA breakage. Our findings are compared to published studies, and possible biophysical mechanisms are discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:476–487, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Out‐of‐sample equity premium prediction: A scenario analysis approach
Authors: Tang Xiaoxiao , Hu Feifang , Wang Peiming
Published: March 2018

We propose two methods of equity premium prediction with single and multiple predictors respectively and evaluate their out‐of‐sample performance using US stock data with 15 popular predictors for equity premium prediction. The first method defines three scenarios in terms of the expected returns under the scenarios and assumes a Markov chain governing the occurrence of the scenarios over time. It employs predictive quantile regressions of excess return on a predictor for three quantiles to estimate the occurrence of the scenarios over an in‐sample period and the transition probabilities of the Markov chain, predicts the expected returns under the scenarios, and generates an equity premium forecast by combining the predicted expected returns under three scenarios with the estimated transition probabilities. The second method generates an equity premium forecast by combining the individual forecasts from the first method across all predictors. For most of predictors, the first method outperforms the benchmark method of historical average and the traditional predictive linear regression with a single predictor both statistically and economically, and the second method consistently performs better than several competing methods used in the literature. The performance of our methods is further examined under different scenarios and economic conditions, and is robust for two different out‐of‐sample periods and specifications of the scenarios.
Selected Review of the Degradation of Pt and Pd‐based Carbon‐supported Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Fuel Cells: Towards Mechanisms of Degradation
Authors: Lafforgue C. , Zadick A. , Dubau L. , Maillard F. , Chatenet M.
Published: March 2018

It is usually believed that carbon‐supported electrocatalysts are stable in alkaline environment, owing to the better thermodynamics stability of many metals and oxides at high pH. By focusing on a selected literature review concerning Pt/C and Pd/C nanoparticles, and in particular from identical‐location transmission electron microscopy (ILTEM), it is demonstrated that this “common knowledge” is erroneous in aqueous alkaline electrolytes: both Pt/C and Pd/C suffer pronounced loss of electrochemical surface area (ECSA), and the latter is linked to the detachment of the metal nanoparticles from the carbon support. Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy show that these severe degradations are neither linked to massive corrosion of the carbon support nor to an overall change in carbon chemistry, but instead to a very localized corrosion of the carbon in the vicinity of the metal nanoparticles, leading to nucleation and growth of solid carbonate (when the electrolyte contains alkali metal cations), which expels the metal nanoparticles from their support. The mechanisms and extent of degradation depend on the nature of the metal nanoparticles, but also on their texture and on the nature of the support onto which they are immobilized.
A multiple mediator analysis approach to quantify the effects of the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes on hepatocellular carcinoma risk
Authors: Shih Stephannie , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Yang Hwai‐I
Published: March 2018

Previous work suggested a genetic component affecting the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mediation analyses have elucidated potential indirect pathways of these genetic effects. Specifically, the effects of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) genes on HCC risk vary based on alcohol consumption habits. However, alcohol consumption may not be the only mediator in the identified pathway: factors related to alcohol consumption may contribute to the same indirect pathway. Thus, we developed a multimediator model to quantify the genetic effects on HCC risk through sequential dichotomous mediators under the counterfactual framework. Our method provided a closed form formula for the mediation effects through different indirect paths, which requires no assumption for the rarity of outcome. In simulation studies of a finite sample, we presented the utility of the method with the variance of the effects estimated using the delta method and bootstrapping. We applied our method to data from participants in Taiwan (580 cases and 3,207 controls) and quantified the mediation effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes on HCC through alcohol consumption (yes/no) and high alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (greater than or equal to 45 U/L or below 45 U/L). Assuming a dominant risk model, we identified that the SNPs’ effects through alcohol consumption is more significant than through ALT levels on HCC risk. This new method provides insight to the magnitude of various casual mechanisms as a closed form solution and can be readily applied in other genomic studies.
Severity of olfactory deficits is reflected in functional brain networks—An fMRI study
Authors: Reichert Johanna L. , Postma Elbrich M. , Smeets Paul A. M. , Boek Wilbert M. , de Graaf Kees , Schöpf Veronika , Boesveldt Sanne
Published: March 2018

Even though deficits in olfactory function affect a considerable part of the population, the neuronal basis of olfactory deficits remains scarcely investigated. To achieve a better understanding of how smell loss affects neural activation patterns and functional networks, we set out to investigate patients with olfactory dysfunction using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and olfactory stimulation. We used patients’ scores on a standardized olfactory test as continuous measure of olfactory function. 48 patients (mean olfactory threshold discrimination identification (TDI) score = 16.33, SD = 6.4, range 6 ‐ 28.5) were investigated. Overall, patients showed piriform cortex activation during odor stimulation compared to pure sniffing. Group independent component analysis indicated that the recruitment of three networks during odor stimulation was correlated with olfactory function: a sensory processing network (including regions such as insula, thalamus and piriform cortex), a cerebellar network and an occipital network. Interestingly, recruitment of these networks during pure sniffing was related to olfactory function as well. Our results support previous findings that sniffing alone can activate olfactory regions. Extending this, we found that the severity of olfactory deficits is related to the extent to which neural networks are recruited both during olfactory stimulation and pure sniffing. This indicates that olfactory deficits are not only reflected in changes in specific olfactory areas but also in the recruitment of occipital and cerebellar networks. These findings pave the way for future investigations on whether characteristics of these networks might be of use for the prediction of disease prognosis or of treatment success.
Expression of programmed death ligand 1 is associated with poor prognosis in myeloid sarcoma patients
Authors: Kawamoto Keisuke , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Suzuki Takaharu , Kiyasu Junichi , Yokoyama Shintaro , Sasaki Yuya , Sone Hirohito , Seto Masao , Takizawa Jun , Ohshima Koichi
Published: March 2018

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare condition and is an extramedullary tumour of immature myeloid cells. It is now known that the programmed death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway suppresses the host antitumor responses and that these products are expressed on both tumour cells and tumour‐infiltrating cells in various malignancies. However, little is known about the significance of PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression on tumour cells and tumour microenvironmental cells in MS. To investigate the clinicopathological significance of PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression in MS, we analyzed 98 patients by immunohistochemistry. Of these, 10.2% of cases had neoplastic tumour cells positive for PD‐L1 (nPD‐L1+). However, the rate of nPD‐L1+ was <5% (range: 0.27 to 2.97%). On the other hand, PD‐L1 expression on 1 or more of stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment (miPD‐L1+) was observed in 37.8% of cases. Because all nPD‐L1+ cases expressed PD‐1 on less than 5% of tumour cells, we compared the miPD‐L1+ and miPD‐L1− groups. There was a correlation between miPD‐L1+ status and the number of PD‐1‐expressing tumour ‐infiltrating lymphocytes (PD‐1+ TILs; P = .0229). miPD‐L1+ was found to be associated with poorer overall survival and progression‐free survival (P = .00392, P = .00261, respectively). Multivariate analysis also confirmed miPD‐L1+ to be an independent poor prognostic factor. In conclusion, our study indicated that the immunotherapy blocking the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway may improve the clinical outcome of MS.