bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De commissie op zoek naar de waarheid: willen weten hoe het echt zit
Authors: Cramers Maurice , van Twist Mark
Published: July 2017

The committee looking for the truth: wanting to know how reality fits together

This essay reports on an academic self-examination of the functioning of the Review committee on district approach. By assessing statistics, investigating problem areas, holding organized meetings with stakeholders, and having spontaneous visits, the committee tried to find out how things really are. This raised the question of whether the picture of reality that they obtained was really better in terms of being truer and more real? Accessing true reality is an understandable ambition for contributing to the quality of policy and implementation, but one that comes from a tragic (because it is ultimately unrealizable) desire. The experiences were always open to interpretation.

After that, the committee had to find a way to convey its findings to the political and social arena where they could be discussed and exploited. At this stage, the committee’s report was a truth in itself. Finishing the report had to prompt a follow-up in the social and political arena by, in turn, reviewing how to take away from the encountered reality to a sufficient extent.

The search for true reality yielded valuable catch on that belief in a truer reality behind the presented truth image is gone. By participating in administrative reality, those investigating seek the truth. But they do so in a context that is not looking for the truth.
Lessen uit het Parlementair Onderzoek Onderwijsvernieuwingen
Authors: Bronneman-Helmers Ria
Published: July 2017

Lessons from the parliamentary enquiry on innovations in Dutch secondary education

The 2008 Dutch Parliamentary Enquiry Commission on Innovations in Education researched policy making for three innovations in Dutch secondary education. These innovations have been implemented in the 1990’s, but form a continuous cause of public concern. The commission concluded that policy making fell short on many points; government had neglected its duty to provide educational quality. The commission formulated several conditions to improve policy making. This article analyses the line of reasoning of the Commission and its effect. By looking back it tried to understand the policy results at the time of the enquiry. The highly politicized context in which the enquiry took place and the political aims of the research have probably contributed to the Commission’s choice for this approach. However, such an approach does not explain the political-administrative context of the policy process and the behaviour of the policy makers involved. In recent years, policy attention for educational quality has grown, but the conditions formulated by the Commission have not been applied due to policy dynamics and time pressure.
‘Het denken beïnvloeden’: een interview met Winnie Sorgdrager over de binnenkant van onderzoekscommissies
Authors: van der Steen Martijn
Published: July 2017

Interview with Winnie Sorgdrager, member of the Council of State of the Netherlands
Get Your Money’s Worth from Investment Advice
Authors: Spendzharova Aneta , Radulova Elissaveta , Surala Kate
Published: July 2017

Get Your Money’s Worth from Investment Advice: Analysing the Clash over the Knowledge and Competence Requirements in the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II)

This special issue aims to examine whether there is an enduring politicization in the European Union (EU) “Better Regulation” agenda despite the emphasis on neutral evidence-based policy making. Our article addresses this overarching research question by focusing on the use of stakeholder consultations in the case of financial sector governance, particularly, the amended Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). We show that calibrating key provisions in MiFID II, such as those concerning knowledge and expertise, is not a simple exercise in rational problem definition and policy design. The provisions examined in this article have important repercussions for financial sector firms’ business strategies and operations. Thus, investment firms, banks, training institutes and public organizations have mobilized and actively sought to assert their views on the appropriate requirements for professional knowledge and experience in MiFID II. We found that, following the stakeholder consultation, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) opted for a minimum harmonization approach at the EU level. At the same time, ESMA also supported giving the respective national competent authorities sufficient remit to issue additional requirements in accordance with national laws and regulatory practices. Our article demonstrates that while public consultations provide rich evidence for the policy making process, they also contribute to the lasting politicization of regulatory decisions.
Deutsche Bahn
Authors: Hobbelen Hein
Published: July 2017

Deutsche Bahn

Het Gerecht van de Europese Unie wees op 6 september 2013 arrest in de zaak Deutsche Bahn. In deze zaak had de Europese Commissie het vermoeden dat de Duitse vervoersgigant Deutsche Bahn handelde in strijd met artikel 102 VWEU door misbruik te maken van een volgens de Commissie dominante positie op de markt voor het leveren van tractiestroom voor vervoer per spoor. Zij voerde daarom van 29 tot 31 maart 2011 op basis van Verordening 2003/1/EG een eerste inspectie uit bij verschillende filialen van Deutsche Bahn. Daarna volgden nog twee inspectiebesluiten. Deutsche Bahn stelde beroep in tegen de drie inspectiebesluiten en voerde daarbij vijf middelen aan. Deze werden alle door het Gerecht verworpen zoals in deze annotatie nader wordt besproken.
Microsoft/Skype: Gerecht oordeelt over concentratie op een innovatieve markt
Authors: de Jong Maarten
Published: July 2017

Microsoft/Skype: Gerecht oordeelt over concentratie in een innovatieve markt

In het arrest van 11 december 2013 in de zaak Microsoft/Skype laat het Gerecht de goedkeuring door de Europese Commissie van de overname van Skype door Microsoft in stand. De uitspraak is van belang omdat uitdrukkelijk wordt gesteld dat een hoog marktaandeel geen indicatie van marktmarkt hoeft te zijn in een dynamische, innovatieve markt. Daarbij wordt ook relevant geacht dat de diensten van Skype gratis worden aangeboden. Volgens het Gerecht zijn ondernemingen zeer beperkt in het uitoefenen van marktmacht als de gebruikers de verwachting hebben dat de dienst gratis beschikbaar blijft en zij eenvoudig kunnen overstappen naar andere aanbieders. Het arrest gaat ook in op de conglomeraateffecten van de overname. Het Gerecht bevestigt dat de bewijslast voor het aannemen van conglomeraateffecten hoog is, zeker in een dynamische markt waar de ontwikkelingen speculatief kunnen zijn.

GvEA 11 december 2013, zaak T-79/12, Cisco Systems en Messagenet/Commissie, n.n.g.
Affectieschade en zorgschade; een (on)mogelijk duo?
Authors: Kremer F.Th.
Published: July 2017

Affectieschade en zorgschade; een (on)mogelijk duo?

De wetgever is voornemens om vier veranderingen aan te brengen in het schadevergoedingsrecht, zo blijkt uit het Consultatievoorstel schadevergoeding zorg- en affectieschade. Eén daarvan heeft betrekking op de overgang van het recht op vergoeding voor immateriële schade (art. 6:106 BW), de andere drie veranderingen raken direct het vorderingsrecht van naasten en nabestaanden. In deze bijdrage geeft de auteur een reactie op het conceptwetsvoorstel vanuit de kant van verzekeraars.
Pesquisa operativa para adequação das agendas num serviço de Atenção Primária
Authors: Sant' Ana Ana Maria
Published: July 2017

Introdução: Em 2014 a Unidade de Saúde Mãe Curitibana adotou o modelo “carve-out” de organização das agendas, destinando metade das consultas para agendamentos e metade às denominadas consultas de acolhimento, que são reservadas para atendimentos no mesmo dia. Objetivos: Avaliar a proporção de utilização das consultas agendadas e de acolhimento ofertadas. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo aplicando formulário de variáveis à totalidade dos pacientes registrados na agenda eletrônica da área denominada “Verde” da Unidade de Saúde Mãe Curitibana, no período de 22 de junho a 24 de julho de 2015. Resultados: Foram 393 mulheres (67%) e 194 homens (33%), com 35,43% das consultas sendo de pessoas acima de 60 anos. Um total de 451 (77%) registros eram de pacientes da área e 136 (23%) de outras áreas. Houve faltas a 13% das consultas. A taxa de aproveitamento de consultas (número de comparecimentos/total de consultas ofertadas) foi de 78,77% (271/344) para as consultas agendadas e 67,89% (239/352) para os acolhimentos. Dos acolhimentos realizados, 45% foram destinados a pacientes de outras áreas. Conclusão: A taxa de aproveitamento é maior para as consultas agendadas, demonstrando uma necessidade de ajuste na oferta de consultas. A proporção de pacientes de outras áreas às consultas de acolhimento compromete a continuidade do cuidado.
Phenological growth stages of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): codification and description according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Mishchenko Sergey , Mokher Jurij , Laiko Iryna , Burbulis Natalija , Kyrychenko Hanna , Dudukova Svetlana
Published: July 2017

The current paper discusses the characteristics of principal growth stages of hemp (Canabis sativa), provides a  brief description of these stages and of the coding system according to the BBCH scale. The growing season of hemp is divided into nine principal growth stages: germination and sprouting (0), leaf development (1), formation of lateral shoots (2), stem elongation (3), inflorescence emergence (5), flowering (6), development of fruit (7), ripening of fruit (8) and senescence (9). The principal growth stages are subdivided into secondary stages based on their main distinctive features. The classification system of hemp growth stages presented in the paper is designed for hemp growers and researchers, including plant breeders, physiologists, entomologists and other agricultural producers. Using the  uniform coding system of the  phenological stages of hemp is a valuable tool to ensure a more efficient planning and implementation of crop and soil management practices and techniques.
'Je suis l'autre!' The Place of the Other in Blaise Cendrars's Œuvre
Authors: Giladi Amotz
Published: July 2017

This article explores the way in which Blaise Cendrars portrayed three figures of otherness in his writings: the Jew, the German and the non-European Other. In light of Cendrars's ideological orientation and his evolving position in the French literary field, this piece proposes an
analysis of his fluid and dynamic representations of the Other. Cendrars's poetic or narrative 'I' is at times inseparable from the Other he portrays, and at other times rejects the Other outright. Hence, the figure of the Wandering Jew, with which Cendrars's poetic 'I' often identifies, alternates
with an association of Judaism with pathological sexuality. The German enemy is first represented as the ultimate Other, and then as a reflection of the narrative 'I' when Cendrars calls upon his experiences of World War I. Finally, Cendrars depicts the Non-European Other, both demonized and
idealized, as the dark side of the European Self, particularly in his reportage of the 1930s.
Symmetry broken and rebroken during the ATP hydrolysis cycle of the mitochondrial Hsp90 TRAP1
Authors: Elnatan Daniel , Betegon Miguel , Liu Yanxin , Ramelot Theresa , Kennedy Michael A , Agard David A
Published: July 2017

Hsp90 is a homodimeric ATP-dependent molecular chaperone that remodels its substrate ‘client’ proteins, facilitating their folding and activating them for biological function. Despite decades of research, the mechanism connecting ATP hydrolysis and chaperone function remains elusive. Particularly puzzling has been the apparent lack of cooperativity in hydrolysis of the ATP in each protomer. A crystal structure of the mitochondrial Hsp90, TRAP1, revealed that the catalytically active state is closed in a highly strained asymmetric conformation. This asymmetry, unobserved in other Hsp90 homologs, is due to buckling of one of the protomers and is most pronounced at the broadly conserved client-binding region. Here, we show that rather than being cooperative or independent, ATP hydrolysis on the two protomers is sequential and deterministic. Moreover, dimer asymmetry sets up differential hydrolysis rates for each protomer, such that the buckled conformation favors ATP hydrolysis. Remarkably, after the first hydrolysis, the dimer undergoes a flip in the asymmetry while remaining in a closed state for the second hydrolysis. From these results, we propose a model where direct coupling of ATP hydrolysis and conformational flipping rearranges client-binding sites, providing a paradigm of how energy from ATP hydrolysis can be used for client remodeling.
Ecological feedback in quorum-sensing microbial populations can induce heterogeneous production of autoinducers
Authors: Bauer Matthias , Knebel Johannes , Lechner Matthias , Pickl Peter , Frey Erwin
Published: July 2017

Autoinducers are small signaling molecules that mediate intercellular communication in microbial populations and trigger coordinated gene expression via ‘quorum sensing’. Elucidating the mechanisms that control autoinducer production is, thus, pertinent to understanding collective microbial behavior, such as virulence and bioluminescence. Recent experiments have shown a heterogeneous promoter activity of autoinducer synthase genes, suggesting that some of the isogenic cells in a population might produce autoinducers, whereas others might not. However, the mechanism underlying this phenotypic heterogeneity in quorum-sensing microbial populations has remained elusive. In our theoretical model, cells synthesize and secrete autoinducers into the environment, up-regulate their production in this self-shaped environment, and non-producers replicate faster than producers. We show that the coupling between ecological and population dynamics through quorum sensing can induce phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial populations, suggesting an alternative mechanism to stochastic gene expression in bistable gene regulatory circuits.
How should novelty be valued in science?
Authors: Cohen Barak A
Published: July 2017

Scientists are under increasing pressure to do "novel" research. Here I explore whether there are risks to overemphasizing novelty when deciding what constitutes good science. I review studies from the philosophy of science to help understand how important an explicit emphasis on novelty might be for scientific progress. I also review studies from the sociology of science to anticipate how emphasizing novelty might impact the structure and function of the scientific community. I conclude that placing too much value on novelty could have counterproductive effects on both the rate of progress in science and the organization of the scientific community. I finish by recommending that our current emphasis on novelty be replaced by a renewed emphasis on predictive power as a characteristic of good science.
High lumenal chloride in the lysosome is critical for lysosome function
Authors: Chakraborty Kasturi , Leung KaHo , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: July 2017

Lysosomes are organelles responsible for the breakdown and recycling of cellular machinery. Dysfunctional lysosomes give rise to lysosomal storage disorders as well as common neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we use a DNA-based, fluorescent chloride reporter to measure lysosomal chloride in Caenorhabditis elegans as well as murine and human cell culture models of lysosomal diseases. We find that the lysosome is highly enriched in chloride, and that chloride reduction correlates directly with a loss in the degradative function of the lysosome. In nematodes and mammalian cell culture models of diverse lysosomal disorders, where previously only lysosomal pH dysregulation has been described, massive reduction of lumenal chloride is observed that is ~103 fold greater than the accompanying pH change. Reducing chloride within the lysosome impacts Ca2+ release from the lysosome and impedes the activity of specific lysosomal enzymes indicating a broader role for chloride in lysosomal function.
Mortality, recovery, and community shifts of scleractinian corals in Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional bleaching event
Authors: García-Sais Jorge R. , Williams Stacey M. , Amirrezvani Ali
Published: July 2017

This work analyzes the mortality, recovery, and shifts in the composition of scleractinian corals from Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional coral bleaching event. Temporal and spatial patterns of coral community structure were examined using a stratified, non-random sampling approach based on five permanent transects per reef at 16 reef stations. A negative correlation between percent coral cover loss and light attenuation coefficient (Kd490) was observed, suggesting that light attenuation, as influenced by water turbidity and depth, played a major role in coral protection during the bleaching event (“sunblock effect”). Responses of coral assemblages varied after the bleaching event, including shifts of cover from massive corals (Orbicellaspp.) to opportunistic (Porites astreoides) and branching corals (Madracis auretenra,P. porites) and/or turf algae; partial recovery of reef substrate cover byO. annulariscomplex; and no measurable changes in coral assemblages before and after the event.
Miocene spiderMaevia eurekanov. sp. (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: Riquelme Francisco , Menéndez-Acuña Miguel
Published: July 2017

A new fossil species of salticid spider (Araneae: Salticidae) is described based on an amber-embedded specimen. The specimen was collected from lignite-sandstone early-mid Miocene sediments near the town of Totolapa in Chiapas, southwestern Mexico. The diagnosis and description is supported by key characters that best match the genusMaeviaKoch, 1846. Thus, this new fossil species has been namedMaevia eurekanov. sp. This fossil shows closer affinities in epygine traits with extant specimens grouped around the speciesMaevia poultoniPeckham & Peckham, 1901. This represents the first known fossil species withinMaeviaand the southernmost record of the genus in North America that shows Nearctic relationships.
Newly incident cannabis use in the United States, 2002–2011: a regional and state level benchmark
Authors: Leinweber Jacob P. , Cheng Hui G. , Lopez-Quintero Catalina , Anthony James C.
Published: July 2017

Background

Cannabis use and cannabis regulatory policies recently re-surfaced as noteworthy global research and social media topics, including claims that Mexicans have been sending cannabis and other drug supplies through a porous border into the United States. These circumstances prompted us to conduct an epidemiological test of whether the states bordering Mexico had exceptionally large cannabis incidence rates for 2002–2011. The resulting range of cannabis incidence rates disclosed here can serve as 2002–2011 benchmark values against which estimates from later years can be compared.

Methods

The population under study is 12-to-24-year-old non-institutionalized civilian community residents of the US, sampled and assessed with confidential audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) during National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 2002–2011 (aggregaten ∼ 420,000) for which public use datasets were available. We estimated state-specific cannabis incidence rates based on independent replication sample surveys across these years, and derived meta-analysis estimates for 10 pre-specified regions, including the Mexico border region.

Results

From meta-analysis, the estimated annual incidence rate for cannabis use in the Mexico Border Region is 5% (95% CI [4%–7%]), which is not an exceptional value relative to the overall US estimate of 6% (95% CI [5%–6%]). Geographically quite distant from Mexico and from states of the western US with liberalized cannabis policies, the North Atlantic Region population has the numerically largest incidence estimate at 7% (95% CI [6%–8%]), while the Gulf of Mexico Border Region population has the lowest incidence rate at 5% (95% CI [4%–6%]). Within the set of state-specific estimates, Vermont’s and Utah’s populations have the largest and smallest incidence rates, respectively (VT: 9%; 95% CI [8%–10%]; UT: 3%; 95% CI [3%–4%]).

Discussion

Based on this study’s estimates, among 12-to-24-year-old US community residents, an estimated 6% start to use cannabis each year (roughly one in 16). Relatively minor variation in region-wise and state-level estimates is seen, although Vermont and Utah might be exceptional. As of 2011, proximity to Mexico, to Canada, and to the western states with liberalized policies apparently has induced little variation in cannabis incidence rates. Our primary intent was to create a set of benchmark estimates for state-specific and region-specific population incidence rates for cannabis use, using meta-analysis based on independent US survey replications. Public health officials and policy analysts now can use these benchmark estimates from 2002–2011 for planning, and in comparisons with newer estimates.
Chiropractic curriculum mapping and congruence of the evidence for workplace interventions in work-related neck pain
Authors: Frutiger Martin , Tuchin Peter Jeffery
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to provide a best-synthesis summary of the literature for effective workplace health promotion interventions (WHPI) for work-related mechanical neck pain (MNP) and to determine the congruence between knowledge of WHPI for work-related MNP and coverage of MNP in the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University.

Methods:

A literature review was undertaken to determine effective WHPI for work-related MNP. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro (from 1991 to 2016) for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The PRISMA (2009) 27-item checklist was used to critically appraise included articles. Lectures, tutorials, and assessment tasks within the chiropractic postgraduate program were mapped to the literature review findings and analyzed.

Results:

There was moderate-quality evidence for multidimensional WHPI, including aspects of mental and physical functioning, activity performance and modifications, and environmental modifications, to reduce MNP and disability in workers, particularly in the long term. Education on coverage of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP was inadequately covered although congruent with synthesis of current literature. Education on body functions and structures and personal factors were the most commonly covered components.

Conclusion:

Multidimensional WHPI, focusing on physical, mental, and environmental modifications, appear to reduce self-reported MNP primarily in office workers. There is adequate congruence between the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University and the published literature on some WHPI. However, there is inadequate coverage on aspects of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP, particularly those focusing on activity and participation and environmental factors.
Physical and biological characteristics of the winter‐summer transition in the Central Red Sea
Authors: Zarokanellos Nikolaos D. , Papadopoulos Vassilis P. , Sofianos Sarantis. S. , Jones Burton H.
Published: July 2017

The Central Red Sea (CRS) lies between two distinct hydrographic and atmospheric regimes. In the southern Red Sea, seasonal monsoon reversal regulates the exchange of water between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. In the northern Red Sea, intermediate and occasionally deep water are formed during winter to sustain the basin's overturning circulation. Highly variable mesoscale eddies and the northward flowing eastern boundary current (EBC) determine the physical and biogeochemical characteristics of the CRS. Ship‐based and glider observations in the CRS between March and June 2013 capture key features of the transition from winter to summer and depict the impact of the eddy activity on the EBC flow. Less saline and relatively warmer water of Indian Ocean origin reaches the CRS via the EBC. Initially, an anticyclonic eddy with diameter of 140 km penetrating to 150m depth with maximum velocities up to 30–35 cm s−1 prevails in the CRS. This anticyclonic eddy appears to block or at least redirect the northward flow of the EBC. Dissipation of the eddy permits the near‐coastal, northward flow of the EBC and gives place to a smaller cyclonic eddy with a diameter of about 50 km penetrating to 200 m depth. By the end of May, as the northerly winds become stronger and persistent throughout the basin, characteristic of the summer southwest monsoon wind regime, the EBC, and its associated lower salinity water became less evident, replaced by the saltier surface water that characterizes the onset of the summer stratification in the CRS.
Exploring the “solid turbulence” of sea ice dynamics down to unprecedented small scales
Authors: Weiss Jérôme
Published: July 2017

Sea ice decline is an essential player, as well as an emblematic signature, of global warming. Besides sea surface temperature rising, sea ice drift, and deformation play a major role on the observed negative mass balance, thus calling for a deeper understanding of sea ice mechanics. Over the last decades, drifters and satellite data allowed a detailed characterization of sea ice kinematics, however limited by relatively coarse space (∼10 km) and time (∼ day) resolutions. A new work allows bridging the gap between these large scales and fundamental ice physics and mechanics.
The OCO‐2 oxygen A‐band response to liquid marine cloud properties from CALIPSO and MODIS
Authors: Richardson Mark , McDuffie James , Stephens Graeme L. , Cronk Heather Q. , Taylor Tommy E.
Published: July 2017

Spectra of reflected sunlight in the oxygen A‐band contain information about cloud properties such as cloud top pressure, optical depth, and pressure thickness. Here we show, for the first time, that high‐spectral‐resolution A‐band Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 (OCO‐2) spectra respond largely as simulated to the optical properties of water clouds over ocean during November 2015 (N = 184,318) using input cloud properties from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua and the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization on Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO). In A‐band continuum channels the standard deviation of simulated minus observed radiance is ±37%. Selecting horizontally homogeneous clouds to mitigate three‐dimensional cloud effects and collocation error with the other satellites, the standard deviation of the residuals is reduced to ±18%. Using a look‐up table developed from simulations, OCO‐2's estimated cloud top pressure for low clouds (Ptop > 680 hPa) has a standard deviation of ±61 hPa relative to CALIPSO retrievals, and bias is dependent on assumed cloud pressure thickness, with our smallest value being −5 hPa. Versus MODIS optical depth, the standard deviation is ±9.0 and the bias is −2.0, although these shrink for clouds of τ < 30. These values include collocation error between the different satellites, meaning that they place an upper bound on the OCO‐2 retrieval uncertainty. The theoretical precision limit from OCO‐2's instrumental uncertainty is shown to be ±2.4 hPa in above‐cloud path and ±0.2% in optical depth for a two‐channel retrieval. Options for retrieving cloud optical depth, cloud top pressure, and pressure thickness are discussed in the context of a formal OCO‐2 cloud property retrieval.
Therapeutic analysis of Intrabeam‐based intraoperative radiation therapy in the treatment of unicentric breast cancer lesions utilizing a spherical target volume model
Authors: Schwid Madeline , Donnelly Eric D. , Zhang Hualin
Published: July 2017

It is postulated that the outcomes in treating breast cancer with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) would be affected by the residual cancer cell distribution within the tumor bed. The three‐dimensional (3D) radiation doses of IntrabeamTM (IB) IORT with a 4‐cm spherical applicator at the energy of 50 and 40 kV were calculated. The modified linear quadratic model (MLQ) was used to estimate the radiobiological responses of the cancer cells and interspersed normal tissues with various radiosensitivities. By comparing the average survival fraction of normal tissues in IB‐IORT and uniform dose treatment for the same level of cancer cell killing, the therapeutic ratios (TRs) were derived. The equivalent uniform dose (EUD) was found to increase with the prescription dose and decrease with the cancer cell infiltrating distance. For 50 kV beam at the 20 Gy prescription dose, the EUDs are 18.03, 16.49 and 13.56, 11. 29, and 9.28 Gy respectively, for 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 9, and 15.0 mm of the cancer cell infiltrating distance into surrounding tissue. The dose rate of 50 kV is at least 1.87× higher than that of 40 kV beam. The EUDs of 50 kV beam are up to 15% higher than that of the 40 kV beam. The TR increases with the prescription dose, but decreases with the distance of cancer cell infiltration distance. Average TRs of 50 kV beam are up to 30% larger than that of 40 kV beam. In conclusion, IB‐IORT can provide a possible therapeutic advantage on sparing more normal tissue compared with the External Beam IORT (EB‐IORT) for shallowly populated unicentric breast lesion. Our data suggest that IB‐IORT dose size should be adjusted based on the individual patient's cancer cell infiltrating distance for delivering an effective dose, one dose‐fits‐all regimen may have undertreated some patients with large cancer infiltrating distance.
Microstructural and Crystallographic Insights in a Martensite/Austenite Dual Phase Ni–Mn–Sb Alloy
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Yan Haile , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang
Published: July 2017

For Ni–Mn–Sb multifunctional alloy, its microstructure and crystallographic information are decisive factors for its multiple magnetic field induced properties, such as magnetic field induced shape memory effect, magneto‐caloric effect, exchange bias effect, and so on. While, studies on such field are rarely conducted. In the present work, a thorough study on microstructural features and crystallographic characteristics has been conducted in a martensite/austenite dual phase coexisting polycrystalline Ni50Mn37Sb13 alloy. Results show that the martensite is self‐organized in plates in the original austenite. The intra‐plate martensite presents a fine lamellar microstructure and each fine lamella corresponds to one martensite variant. Crystallographic orientation analysis indicates that each martensite plate exists four differently oriented martensite variants and they can form three types of twins, type I, type II, and compound twin. Trace analysis results show that the interface between adjacent variants are their twinning plane K1. Further investigation on martensitic transformation orientation relationship reveals that the Pitsch orientation relationship, specified as //and //, is the effective one from austenite to martensite. All the above results offer basic microstructural and crystallographic information on Ni–Mn–Sb alloys and can be useful for further investigation on property optimization of these alloys.
Porous Organic Polymers for Post‐Combustion Carbon Capture
Authors: Zou Lanfang , Sun Yujia , Che Sai , Yang Xinyu , Wang Xuan , Bosch Mathieu , Wang Qi , Li Hao , Smith Mallory , Yuan Shuai , Perry Zachary , Zhou Hong‐Cai
Published: July 2017

One of the most pressing environmental concerns of our age is the escalating level of atmospheric CO2. Intensive efforts have been made to investigate advanced porous materials, especially porous organic polymers (POPs), as one type of the most promising candidates for carbon capture due to their extremely high porosity, structural diversity, and physicochemical stability. This review provides a critical and in‐depth analysis of recent POP research as it pertains to carbon capture. The definitions and terminologies commonly used to evaluate the performance of POPs for carbon capture, including CO2 capacity, enthalpy, selectivity, and regeneration strategies, are summarized. A detailed correlation study between the structural and chemical features of POPs and their adsorption capacities is discussed, mainly focusing on the physical interactions and chemical reactions. Finally, a concise outlook for utilizing POPs for carbon capture is discussed, noting areas in which further work is needed to develop the next‐generation POPs for practical applications.
Protected Lithium‐Metal Anodes in Batteries: From Liquid to Solid
Authors: Yang Chunpeng , Fu Kun , Zhang Ying , Hitz Emily , Hu Liangbing
Published: July 2017

High‐energy lithium‐metal batteries are among the most promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. With a high specific capacity and a low reduction potential, the Li‐metal anode has attracted extensive interest for decades. Dendritic Li formation, uncontrolled interfacial reactions, and huge volume effect are major hurdles to the commercial application of Li‐metal anodes. Recent studies have shown that the performance and safety of Li‐metal anodes can be significantly improved via organic electrolyte modification, Li‐metal interface protection, Li‐electrode framework design, separator coating, and so on. Superior to the liquid electrolytes, solid‐state electrolytes are considered able to inhibit problematic Li dendrites and build safe solid Li‐metal batteries. Inspired by the bright prospects of solid Li‐metal batteries, increasing efforts have been devoted to overcoming the obstacles of solid Li‐metal batteries, such as low ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and Li–electrolyte interfacial problems. Here, the approaches to protect Li‐metal anodes from liquid batteries to solid‐state batteries are outlined and analyzed in detail. Perspectives regarding the strategies for developing Li‐metal anodes are discussed to facilitate the practical application of Li‐metal batteries.
Mucin Coatings Prevent Tissue Damage at the Cornea–Contact Lens Interface
Authors: Winkeljann Benjamin , Boettcher Kathrin , Balzer Bizan N. , Lieleg Oliver
Published: July 2017

With a prevalence of more than 10%, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (commonly known as dry eye syndrome) is one of the most frequent forms of ocular diseases; among contact lens wearers, this condition occurs even more often. Key components of the protective tear film are mucins, large glycoproteins that serve as molecular lubricants on many epithelial body surfaces. It is likely that, in the absence of a proper mucinous lubrication layer on the cornea surface, increased friction and tissue damage induced by contact lens sliding lead to discomfort. Herein, it is shown that purified gastric mucins efficiently prevent damage on the cornea, when they are used as a solution for cornea lubrication or as a molecular layer for contact lens coating. Furthermore, these results suggest that such a mucin coating also improves the performance of state‐of‐the‐art hydrogel lenses, which are designed to provide an auto‐lubrication mechanism upon contact with the eye. Thus, eye drops or contact lens storage solutions containing purified gastric mucins could be a great tool in fighting ocular dryness.
Free Form Growth of Carbon Nanotube Microarchitectures on Stainless Steel Controlled via Laser‐Stimulated Catalyst Formation
Authors: Reinhardt Hendrik , Hellmann Christoph , Nürnberger Philipp , Kachel Stefan , Hampp Norbert
Published: July 2017

Freeform growth of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is demonstrated on stainless steel AISI 304 (EN AW 1.4301) modified by pulsed laser irradiation. A nanosecond pulsed laser is utilized as a fast and facile tool for the generation of transition metal oxide precursors that promote spatially selective CNT growth upon chemical vapor deposition at 800 °C in an atmosphere comprising n‐hexane and forming gas (5% H2/95% N2). Investigations on a set of 12 precursor oxides indicate that iron‐rich transition metal oxides with high granularity provide best conditions for CNT growth. The laser‐induced generation of specific oxide precursors facilitates the fabrication of complex CNT microarchitectures. High levels of control over CNT location and height as well as the option to influence CNT alignment provide great flexibilities in design. The introduced technique displays a high degree of automatability and the potential for upscaling thus meeting the increasing demand for large scale fabrication of CNT‐enhanced devices.
High‐Performance Lithium‐Oxygen Battery Electrolyte Derived from Optimum Combination of Solvent and Lithium Salt
Authors: Ahn Su Mi , Suk Jungdon , Kim Do Youb , Kang Yongku , Kim Hwan Kyu , Kim Dong Wook
Published: July 2017

To fabricate a sustainable lithium‐oxygen (Li‐O2) battery, it is crucial to identify an optimum electrolyte. Herein, it is found that tetramethylene sulfone (TMS) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3) form the optimum electrolyte, which greatly reduces the overpotential at charge, exhibits superior oxygen efficiency, and allows stable cycling for 100 cycles. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) analyses reveal that neat TMS is stable to oxidative decomposition and exhibit good compatibility with a lithium metal. But, when TMS is combined with typical lithium salts, its performance is far from satisfactory. However, the TMS electrolyte containing LiNO3 exhibits a very low overpotential, which minimizes the side reactions and shows high oxygen efficiency. LSV‐DEMS study confirms that the TMS‐LiNO3 electrolyte efficiently produces NO2−, which initiates a redox shuttle reaction. Interestingly, this NO2−/NO2 redox reaction derived from the LiNO3 salt is not very effective in solvents other than TMS. Compared with other common Li‐O2 solvents, TMS seems optimum solvent for the efficient use of LiNO3 salt. Good compatibility with lithium metal, high dielectric constant, and low donicity of TMS are considered to be highly favorable to an efficient NO2−/NO2 redox reaction, which results in a high‐performance Li‐O2 battery.
Role of tissue eosinophils in chronic rhinosinusitis–associated olfactory loss
Authors: Hauser Leah J. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Li Ping , Turner Justin H.
Published: July 2017

Background

Olfactory dysfunction is 1 of the hallmark symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Eosinophilic inflammation has been implicated as a potential causative factor. However, prior studies have been limited by retrospective study designs, concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids, and other confounding factors.

Methods

CRS and healthy non‐CRS control subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus or skull‐base surgery were prospectively enrolled and completed olfactory testing utilizing the 40‐item Smell Identification Test (SIT) immediately prior to surgery. Histopathological evaluation of tissue excised from the ethmoid bulla was performed by a pathologist in a blinded fashion. Disease severity and patient‐reported outcomes were measured via the Lund‐Mackay computed tomography (CT) grading system and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), respectively. The associations between olfactory function, tissue eosinophilia, and disease severity were analyzed using Spearman rank order correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results

Twenty‐seven (27) subjects with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), 32 subjects with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and 10 healthy non‐CRS controls were enrolled. CRSwNP was associated with higher mean tissue eosinophil counts (71.6 vs 28.1 eosinophils/high‐power field [HPF], p < 0.05) and lower age/sex‐adjusted SIT scores (−17.4 vs −6.2, p < 0.001) when compared to CRSsNP. SIT scores were strongly negatively correlated with tissue eosinophil counts in CRSwNP (r = −0.60, p = 0.0003), but not CRSsNP (r = 0.16, p = 0.42). The correlation between olfactory function and tissue eosinophilia in CRSwNP persisted after adjusting for disease severity.

Conclusion

Tissue eosinophilia is associated with olfactory loss in CRSwNP, independent of disease severity. These results suggest a possible role for eosinophils or eosinophil‐associated cytokines in CRS‐associated olfactory loss.
Solid‐State Transformation of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate to Aragonite Captured by CryoTEM
Authors: Walker Jessica M. , Marzec Bartosz , Nudelman Fabio
Published: July 2017

Early‐stage reaction mechanisms for aragonite‐promoting systems are relatively unknown compared to the more thermodynamically stable calcium carbonate polymorph, calcite. Using cryoTEM and SEM, the early reaction stages taking place during aragonite formation were identified in a highly supersaturated solution using an alcohol–water solvent, and an overall particle attachment growth mechanism was described for the system. In vitro evidence is provided for the solid‐state transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate to aragonite, demonstrating the co‐existence of both amorphous and crystalline material within the same aragonite needle. This supports non‐classical formation of aragonite within both a synthetic and biological context.
Dendritic Hematite Nanoarray Photoanode Modified with a Conformal Titanium Dioxide Interlayer for Effective Charge Collection
Authors: Luo Zhibin , Wang Tuo , Zhang Jijie , Li Chengcheng , Li Huimin , Gong Jinlong
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the introduction of a thin titanium dioxide interlayer that serves as passivation layer and dopant source for hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanoarray photoanodes. This interlayer is demonstrated to boost the photocurrent by suppressing the substrate/hematite interfacial charge recombination, and to increase the electrical conductivity by enabling Ti4+ incorporation. The dendritic nanostructure of this photoanode with an increased solid–liquid junction area further improves the surface charge collection efficiency, generating a photocurrent of about 2.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) under air mass 1.5G illumination. A photocurrent of approximately 3.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE could be achieved by addition of an iron oxide hydroxide cocatalyst.
Structural Revision and Biomimetic Synthesis of Goupiolone B
Authors: Matsuo Yosuke , Yoshida Ayane , Saito Yoshinori , Tanaka Takashi
Published: July 2017

Goupiolones A and B are unique phenolic compounds with significant DNA‐damaging activity. In this study, the structure of goupiolone B was revised on the basis of DFT calculations of the 13C NMR chemical shifts and biosynthetic considerations. The dibenzobicyclo[3.2.2]nonane skeleton of the revised structure suggested that goupiolone B was produced by oxidative coupling between catechol and goupiolone A, which was strongly supported by biomimetic synthesis. Furthermore, racemization of goupiolone B was observed during the attempted resolution of its racemic mixture. A plausible racemization mechanism involving α‐ketol rearrangement is proposed.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Conjunctive Cross‐Coupling of 9‐BBN Borates
Authors: Chierchia Matteo , Law Chunyin , Morken James P.
Published: July 2017

Catalytic enantioselective conjunctive cross‐coupling between 9‐BBN borate complexes and aryl electrophiles can be accomplished with Ni salts in the presence of a chiral diamine ligand. The reactions furnish chiral 9‐BBN derivatives in an enantioselective fashion and these are converted to chiral alcohols and amines, or engaged in other stereospecific C−C bond forming reactions.
Precisely Designed Isopeptide Bridge‐Crosslinking Endows Artificial Hydrolases with High Stability and Catalytic Activity under Extreme Denaturing Conditions
Authors: Bai Yu , Wang Chao , Liang Guodong , Lai Wenqing , Xue Huifang , Ling Yanbo , Cheng Maosheng , Liu Keliang
Published: July 2017

Enzymes normally lose their activities under extreme conditions due to the dissociation of their active tertiary structure. If an enzyme could maintain its catalytic activity under non‐physiological or denaturing conditions, it might be used in more applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Recently, we reported a coiled‐coil six‐helical bundle (6HB) structure as a scaffold for designing artificial hydrolytic enzymes. Here, intermolecular isopeptide bonds were incorporated to enhance the stability and activity of such biomolecules under denaturing conditions. These isopeptide bridge‐tethered 6HB enzymes showed exceptional stability against unfolding and retained or even had increased catalytic activity for a model hydrolysis reaction under thermal and chemical denaturing conditions. Thus, isopeptide bond‐tethering represents an efficient route to construct ultrastable artificial hydrolases, with promising potential to maintain biocatalysis under extreme conditions.
WDOP‐based Summation Inequality and its Application to Exponential Stability of Linear Delay Difference Systems
Authors: Zhang Xian , Shang Wanzhen , Wang Yantao
Published: July 2017

This paper is concerned with the exponential stability analysis of linear delay difference systems. Firstly, a set of weighted discrete orthogonal polynomials (WDOPs) is established by using the Gram‐Schmidt orthogonalization process, and then two WDOPs‐based summation inequalities, including some existing summation inequalities as special cases, are developed. Secondly, these WDOPs‐based summation inequalities are applied to investigate the exponential stability criteria and explicit exponential estimates of solutions of linear delay difference systems. Finally, two numerical examples indicate that the proposed WDOPs‐based approach can derive the exponential stability condition with larger decay rate than the existing ones.
Evolution of Volatile Emission in Rhus coriaria Organs During Different Stages of Growth and Evaluation of the Essential Oil Composition
Authors: Reidel Rose Vanessa Bandeira , Cioni Pier Luigi , Majo Luigi , Pistelli Luisa
Published: July 2017

Rhus coriaria, also known as Sumac, has been traditionally used in many countries as spice, condiment, dying agent, and medicinal herb. The chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) and the volatile emissions from different organs of this species collected in Sicily (Italy) were analyzed by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most abundant class in the volatile emissions with β‐caryophyllene and α‐pinene were the main constituents in the majority of the examined samples. The EO composition was characterized by high amount of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons together with diterpenes. The main compounds in the EO obtained from the leaves and both stages of fruit maturation were cembrene and β‐caryophyllene, while α‐pinene and tridecanoic acid were the key compounds in the flower EO. All the data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis showing many differences among the different plant parts and their ontogenetic stages.