bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent applications of gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Špánik Ivan , Machyňáková Andrea
Published: November 2017

Gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical method that combines excellent separation power of gas chromatography with improved identification based on an accurate mass measurement. These features designate gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry as the first choice for identification and structure elucidation of unknown volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds. Gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry quantitative analyses was previously focused on the determination of dioxins and related compounds using magnetic sector type analyzers, a standing requirement of many international standards. The introduction of a quadrupole high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass analyzer broadened interest in this method and novel applications were developed, especially for multi‐target screening purposes. This review is focused on the development and the most interesting applications of gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry towards analysis of environmental matrices, biological fluids, and food safety since 2010. The main attention is paid to various approaches and applications of gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry for non‐target screening to identify contaminants and to characterize the chemical composition of environmental, food, and biological samples. The most interesting quantitative applications, where a significant contribution of gas chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry over the currently used methods is expected, will be discussed as well.
Laser Surface Cladding of Titanium Aluminides
Authors: Kimme Thomas , Seifert Mandy
Published: November 2017

Laser powder cladding is considered the best available technology for the repair of components from power plant turbines and aviation engine components. With the technical milestone of introducing a new group of materials – the titanium aluminides (in short TiAl) – in the aircraft engine, new requirements of technical / technological challenges need to be met.
Laser Welding: FusionLine Closes the Gap
Authors: Konrad Evelyn , Daum Catharina
Published: November 2017

One of Trumpf's goals at the Schweißen & Schneiden welding trade fair in Düsseldorf was to demonstrate how lasers can facilitate the welding process. Laser welding may not be able to replace every MAG weld seam, but it offers plenty of advantages in the cases where it can. The ongoing trend towards greater product customization poses a challenge to companies as they seek ways to produce small batches more efficiently. Cost per part is a key factor – and one way to reduce it is by minimizing throughput time.
A comparative study with a 755 nm picosecond Alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array and a 532 nm/1064 nm Nd:YAG with a holographic optic
Authors: Tanghetti, MD Emil , Jennings John
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

This study was performed to better understand the cutaneous effects of using a fractional picosecond laser at 755 nm with a diffractive lens array and a picosecond Nd:YAG laser at 532 mn and 1064 nm with a holographic optic. We characterized the injuries created by these devices on skin clinically and histologically over 24 hours. With this information we modeled the effects of these devices on a cutaneous target.

Methods

Eight patients, representing Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, were treated on their backs with a picosecond Alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array, as well as a picosecond Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm and 1064 nm with a holographic optic. Photographs were taken 15 minutes and 24 hours after treatments. Punch biopsies were obtained at 24 hours and examined histologically.

Results

Treatment with the picosecond Nd:YAG laser at both 532 nm and 1064 nm with the holographic optic revealed erythema and small scatted areas of petechial hemorrhage areas immediately and in many cases at 24 hours after treatment. The 755 nm picosecond Alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array produced erythema immediately after treatment, which largely dissipated 24 hours later. Histologies revealed intra‐epidermal vacuoles with all three wavelengths. Fractional picosecond Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm and 1064 nm with the holographic optic showed focal areas of dermal and intra‐epidermal hemorrhage with areas of vascular damage in some patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that both fractional picosecond devices produce vacuoles in the skin, which are most likely due to areas of laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB). In the patients (skin type II–IV) we observed scatter areas of hemorrhage in the skin, due to vascular damage with the 532 nm and 1064 nm, but not with 755 nm wavelengths. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:37–44, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Functional Peptide Sequences to Lead the Design of Precision Polymers
Authors: ten Brummelhuis Niels , Wilke Patrick , Börner Hans G.
Published: November 2017

Peptide sciences developed dramatically as a result of routine use of solid‐phase peptide synthesis and nowadays offer a rich set of well‐established strategies to design and identify functional peptide sequences for advanced applications in materials sciences. Appropriate sequences for a wide range of interesting material targets, ranging from molecules to materials surfaces and internal interfaces, can be selected via combinatorial means, and sequence specificities within the resulting peptide–target interactions can be routinely investigated. Based on this understanding, macromolecular sciences can define new polymer structures that meet required functionalities or functional sequences with fully synthetic, nonpeptidic precision polymers to endeavor toward information‐based design of next‐generation, purpose‐adapted macromolecules.
Kufor‐Rakeb Syndrome Due to a Novel ATP13A2 Mutation in 2 Chinese‐American Brothers
Authors: Noch Evan , Henchcliffe Claire , Hellmers Natalie , Chu Mary Lynn , Pappas John , Moran Ellen , Alcaraz Wendy , Sarva Harini
Published: November 2017

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3‐D mesoscale simulation of crack‐permeability coupling in the Brazilian splitting test
Authors: Benkemoun Nathan , Al Khazraji Hayder , Poullain Philippe , Choinska Marta , Khelidj Abdelhafid
Published: November 2017

In this paper, mesoscale hydromechanical simulations are performed to study (1) fracture features and (2) crack‐gas permeability coupling evolution in the context of the tensile splitting test. The mesostructure is based on a 2‐phase 3‐D representation of heterogeneous materials, such as concrete, where stiff aggregates are embedded into a mortar matrix. To take into account these heterogeneities without any mesh adaptation, a weak discontinuity is introduced into the strain field. In addition, a strong discontinuity is also added to take into account microcracking. This mechanical model is cast into the framework of the enhanced finite element method. Concerning the coupling with gas permeability, a double‐porosity method is used to simulate the flow through the cracks and the porosity. The apparent gas permeability is afterwards evaluated by a homogenization method. On the basis of finite element simulations, influence of aggregate size on ultimate crack opening, macroscopic ultimate tensile stress, total dissipated energy, and gas permeability evolution is numerically investigated. Furthermore, gas permeability evolution is also compared with experimental results from the literature. In addition, in the spirit of a sequential multiscale approach, macroscale gas permeability equations are identified from the hydromechanical results coming from the mesoscale computations. These equations lead to a relation between macroscale gas permeability evolution and crack opening. Besides, we show how the aggregate size influences the percolation threshold and that after this threshold, a cubic relation between macroscale gas permeability and crack opening is obtained.
Chemical and Pharmacological Properties of Diflunisal
Authors: Shen T. Y.
Published: November 2017

Diflunisal, 5‐(2′,4′‐difluorophenyl) salicylic acid, was discovered as a potent antiinflammatory analgesic agent after an extensive investigation of more than 500 salicylic acid analogs. The addition of a difluorophenyl substituent at the C5 position of salicylic acid yielded a new molecule with much improved lipophilicity, a longer duration of action, and a molecular configuration that is optimal for greater antiinflammatory and analgesic activities. The difluorophenyl group is metabolically stable; the acyl and phenolic glucuronides of the intact diflunisal are major urinary metabolites. The absence of an O‐acetyl group in this novel salicylate analog circumvents the well‐known in vivo acylation potential of aspirin and renders diflunisal a reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitor with a secondary oxygen radical scavenging effect. In a variety of analgesic, acute, and chronic antiinflammatory models, diflunisal is active at 10 mg/kg, approximately 5 to 10 times more potent than aspirin. It has a relatively low potential to cause gastrointestinal irritation as indicated by the lack of acute effect on the integrity of gastric mucosal barrier, no change of intragastric potential, and no disturbance of prostaglandin production by the gastric tissue. Diflunisal holds promise as a new clinically useful analgesic and antiinflammatory drug with good tolerance and a long duration of action.
A 12‐Hour Evaluation of the Analgesic Efficacy of Diflunisal, Acetaminophen, an Acetaminophen‐Codeine Combination, and Placebo in Postoperative Pain
Authors: Forbes James A. , Kolodny A. Lewis , Beaver William T. , Shackleford Robert W. , Scarlett Virginia R.
Published: November 2017

The analgesic efficacy of single 500 and 1,000 mg doses of diflunisal, a new nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic, was compared in a double‐blind study with acetaminophen 600 mg, the combination of acetaminophen 600 mg with codeine 60 mg, and placebo in 132 inpatients with postoperative pain. Using a self‐rating record, patients rated their pain and its relief hourly for up to 12 hours after medication. Diflunisal 500 and 1,000 mg were significantly superior to placebo for every measure of total and peak analgesia, and a significant analgesic effect persisted for 8 hours. Acetaminophen alone and the acetaminophen‐codeine combination were significantly superior to placebo for most measures of analgesia, and their effects were significant for 4 and 5 hours respectively. Differences among the active medications were not statistically significant for measures of total or peak analgesia.
De Novo Sequencing of Peptides from High‐Resolution Bottom‐Up Tandem Mass Spectra using Top‐Down Intended Methods
Authors: Vyatkina Kira , Dekker Lennard J. M. , Wu Si , VanDuijn Martijn M. , Liu Xiaowen , Tolić Nikola , Luider Theo M. , Paša‐Tolić Ljiljana
Published: November 2017

Despite high‐resolution mass spectrometers are becoming accessible for more and more laboratories, tandem (MS/MS) mass spectra are still often collected at a low resolution. And even if acquired at a high resolution, software tools used for their processing do not tend to benefit from that in full, and an ability to specify a relative mass tolerance in this case often remains the only feature the respective algorithms take advantage of. We argue that a more efficient way to analyze high‐resolution MS/MS spectra should be with methods more explicitly accounting for the precision level, and sustain this claim through demonstrating that a de novo sequencing framework originally developed for (high‐resolution) top‐down MS/MS data is perfectly suitable for processing high‐resolution bottom‐up datasets, even though a top‐down like deconvolution performed as the first step will leave in many spectra at most a few peaks.
Characterising the impact of post‐treatment storage on chemistry and antimicrobial properties of plasma treated water derived from microwave and DBD sources
Authors: Niquet Rijana , Boehm Daniela , Schnabel Uta , Cullen Patrick , Bourke Paula , Ehlbeck Jörg
Published: November 2017

The biological effects of atmospheric cold plasma generated reactive species are mediated through and at a liquid interface. The diversity of antimicrobial efficacy or intensity of effects may differ with respect to the plasma device or set up, and it is important to understand how these differences occur to advance understanding and successful applications. Thus, plasma treated water (PTW) from a microwave driven plasma source (PTW‐MW) and plasma treated water from a di‐electric barrier discharge system (PTW‐DBD) were compared in terms of long lived reactive species chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. The influence of a post‐treatment storage time (PTST), where reactive species in the gas phase were maintained in contact with the liquid was investigated. Nitrogen‐based chemistry dominated in PTW‐MW, with high concentrations of nitrous acid decomposing to nitrite and nitrate, while H2O2 and nitrate were predominant in PTW‐DBD. PTST could enhance H2O2 concentrations in di‐electric barrier PTW over time while nitrous acid, the main oxidative species in microwave driven PTW, decreased. This work highlights that plasma treated water presents a resource comprising a range of different compounds, stabilities and reactivities which may be tunable to specific applications.
Quantum‐corrected Geometry of Horizon Vicinity
Authors: Park I. Y.
Published: November 2017

We study the deformation of the horizon‐vicinity geometry caused by quantum gravitational effects. Departure from the semi‐classical picture is noted, and the fact that the matter part of the action comes at a higher order in Newton's constant than does the Einstein‐Hilbert term is crucial for the departure. The analysis leads to a Firewall‐type energy measured by an infalling observer for which quantum generation of the cosmological constant is critical. The analysis seems to suggest that the Firewall should be a part of such deformation and that the information be stored both in the horizon‐vicinity and asymptotic boundary region. We also examine the behavior near the cosmological horizon.
Evolution of Thermally‐Induced Microstructural Defects in the Fe‐9Cr Alloy
Authors: Lian Xiangyu , Cao Xingzhong , Zhao Yujie , Jin Shuoxue , Luo Jianbing , Zhu Te , Gong Yihao , Wang Baoyi , Yu Runsheng
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the study detailed in this paper is to investigate the evolution of microstructural defects in the Fe‐9Cr binary alloy induced by isochronal annealing from 373 to 1223 K. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), Doppler broadening spectroscopy (DBS), positron annihilation lifetime calculation, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are used to analyze and characterize the change of defect concentration, defect type and the micro‐morphology in the Fe‐9Cr alloy as a function of the annealing temperature. The experimental results showed that, a large number of vacancies and dislocations were found to exist in the untreated Fe‐9Cr alloy. The monovacancy (186.2 ps) in the Fe‐9Cr alloy migrated during annealing from room temperature to 573 K. The annealing temperature at 773 K produce aggregation of dislocations and the formation of dislocation networks, as well as their heterogeneous distribution. When the temperature is further increased to 1073 K, most of the vacancies and dislocations are recovered and a bcc‐fcc phase transmition occurred in Fe‐9Cr model alloy. The dislocation density is continuous decreased with the increase of annealing temperature, the recovery is obvious from 773 K annealing to 1073 K annealing in Fe‐9Cr alloy.
Plasmonic Nanopore with Nanopattern and Nanoparticles for Single Molecule Analysis
Authors: Choi Seong Soo , Park Myoung Jin , Oh Sae‐Joong , Han Chul Hee , Kim Yong‐Sang , Park Nam Kyou
Published: November 2017

In this report, the nano‐hole on the electron beam induced membrane surrounded by periodic groove patterns are fabricated by focused ion beam technique (FIB), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Initially, a ≈200 nm thick Au films was deposited on the microfabricated pyramid, or on the flat plate by using a sputter‐deposition technique. Nano‐pore formation inside the FIB drilled Au aperture was controlled down to a few nanometer by using electron beam irradiations. Periodic patterns would enhance the optical intensity through the nano‐aperture. Au particles were formed on the membrane several months after electron beam irradiations. In addition, surface plasmon‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed and the greatest optical intensity from on the pyramidal aperture surrounded with the nanopattern was measured. Fabricated plasmonic pore‐device can be utilized as a next generation optical sensor for single molecule analysis. TEM images of the fabricated nanopore surrounded by periodic patterns on the plate are presented with electron beam profile on the detector.
Surface properties and corrosion resistance of SF6 plasma‐treated polyester‐based thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Resende Renato Carvalho , Waldman Walter Ruggeri , da Cruz Nilson Cristino , Durrant Steven F. , Rangel Elidiane Cipriano
Published: November 2017

Copolyester thermoplastic elastomers (COPE) have interesting mechanical properties but low chemical resistance in aggressive environments. Developing a treatment that would increase their chemical resistance while preserving their convenient bulk characteristics would be an advance. Radiofrequency plasma treatments in sulfur hexafluoride were undertaken. Surface properties and corrosion resistance of untreated and treated samples were investigated. Surface chemical composition was altered, resulting in a loss of organic elements and the incorporation of fluorine. Surface morphology and topography were changed by the removal of species during the treatment. Treatment tends to increase hydrophobicity; for the longer treatment times, hydrophobicity tends to be retained even after aging under atmospheric conditions. Resistance to chlorine attack was substantially increased upon fluorination, while resistance to oxygen attack was improved in some cases. The improvement in the corrosion resistance, which suggests an increase in lifetime under practical conditions, depends on fluorine incorporation and its effect on the physical stability of the structure.
Analysis of the Alkali Flow in Ironmaking Reactors by a Thermochemical Approach: Blast Furnace
Authors: Pichler Anton , Hauzenberger Franz , Schenk Johannes , Stocker Hugo , Thaler Christoph
Published: November 2017

Elements like potassium and sodium have a negative impact on the blast furnace performance. Therefore, the flow of alkali metals in and out of the reactor has to be controlled. In the furnace, the chemical and physical properties of K and Na lead to the formation of a circulating movement. To point out the characteristics of this alkali‐cycle, a thermochemical model is developed. The program is linked with the databases of Factsage 7.0. Based on a defined standard process, the alkali distribution in particular regions of the reactor is calculated. The results of the calculations show the enrichment of alkalis in the blast furnace, the stability of chosen alkali compounds over the reactor height, and the alkali load in the output flows (slag, metal, and top gas). Furthermore, a modification of the model is done by the addition of halogens (chlorine, fluorine). A significant coherence is observed between the formation of alkali and halogen compounds. The results of the model are compared and confirmed by the validation of investigations on industrial plants.
Microstructural Evolution and Dynamic Partitioning Behavior in Quenched and Partitioned Steels
Authors: Li Yun‐Jie , Chen Dong , Li Xiao‐Lei , Kang Jian , Yuan Guo , Misra R. Devesh Kumar , Wang Guo‐Dong
Published: November 2017

Direct quenching and dynamic partitioning (DQ&P) process is a promising approach and there continues to be lack of understanding concerning cooling condition in the hot strip rolling line. Here, the authors have simulated DQ&P process in low carbon Si–Mn steel using a thermal simulator. The effect of quenching temperature, relaxation process, and cooling rate on microstructure and hardness is studied. The results suggest that retained austenite is less sensitive to quenching temperature and the volume fraction of retained austenite including film‐like and blocky shape is ≈7–11%. The relaxation process leads to ferrite transformation and recovery of defects, resulting in increase in retained austenite, and reduced hardness. It is interesting that the quenching temperature and hardness do not show an inverse relation. It is important that the isothermal transformation at high quenching temperature below Ms promotes retained austenite. Moreover, the low coiling cooling rate less than 0.1 °C s−1 from quenching temperature to room temperature is adequate for carbon partitioning. In the view of thermodynamics and kinetics, an appropriate processing window of coiling temperature between 200 and 320 °C plus low cooling rate less than 0.1 °C s−1 is proposed for hot rolled DQ&P steels.
Numerical modelling of stainless steel preloaded bolted connections
Authors: Hradil Petr , Chen Anqi , Baddoo Nancy
Published: November 2017

The use of stainless steel in construction has become more popular in recent years. It is used for a wide range of structural applications in aggressive environments where reliable performance over long periods with little maintenance is required. Although structural design standards are available for stainless steel, currently there are no rules covering the design of preloaded slip‐resistant bolted connections because of the lack of knowledge about their long‐term viscoplastic behaviour. Viscoplastic creep and stress relaxation in the preloaded bolt assemblies will lead to a certain loss of clamping force and may cause the failure of the connection if not accounted for. This paper presents the development of material models and finite element models for bolt assemblies based on an extensive experimental study of creep, relaxation and tension effects on austenitic, ferritic, duplex and lean duplex steel plates and bars for different loading rates. These models were verified against slip tests with stainless steel bolt assemblies according to EN 1090‐2 and then used in a parametric study to extend the scope of the connections investigated. Both experimental programmes were carried out in the European RFCS research project SIROCO (Execution and reliability of slip‐resistant connections for steel structures using Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel) as well as finite element calculations.
Seismic response and life‐cycle cost of reinforced concrete special structural wall buildings in Dubai, UAE
Authors: AlHamaydeh Mohammad , Aly Nader , Galal Khaled
Published: November 2017

The primary objective of this paper is to quantify the effect of Dubai's diverse seismicity estimates on the seismic response of reinforced concrete shear wall buildings. In this regard, three 12‐story office buildings are designed and detailed in accordance with common practices and building codes utilized in Dubai. The buildings are designed for three possible seismic hazard estimates of Dubai (i.e., high, moderate, and low) with specially detailed shear walls. The seismic response is evaluated based on FEMA P695 methodology and fragility analysis. The methodology is based on nonlinear pseudo‐static pushover and incremental dynamic analyses (IDA). Pushover analysis is performed and its results are compared against design levels. IDA is performed using the set of 22 far‐field ground motion records recommended by FEMA P695. The results of this research confirm that designing for the conservative seismicity estimate significantly enhances the seismic response of the buildings. The building designed for the highest seismicity showed a favorable structural response, while the moderate seismicity design had a reasonable response. For the lowest seismicity design, results showed a poor seismic performance. Furthermore, the resulting enhancements in the seismic response reduce potential earthquake damages and collapse probabilities. Therefore, the marginal increase in initial investment is outweighed by the reduction in the buildings’ life‐cycle (repair and downtime) cost.
The effect of incentives on intrinsic motivation and employee attitudes: A multilevel study across nations and cultural clusters
Authors: Monnot Matthew J.
Published: November 2017

In a study of employees across 29 nations and 9 of the 10 Global Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (GLOBE) cultural clusters, the association between economic and psychological incentives and intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment were examined. Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) is utilized to develop a theoretical model and then compare structural relationships across nations and cultural clusters. Results confirm the positive relationship between basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation across all nations and cultures. However there is an effect of cultural cluster on the relationships between incentives and motivation, wherein external incentives are intrinsically motivating in Southern and Confucian Asian clusters. The implications for the design of incentive systems are discussed.
Critical Book Clubs: Reimagining Literature Reading and Response
Authors: Jocius Robin , Shealy Samantha
Published: November 2017

Literature circles, or book clubs, are a long‐standing pedagogical tradition designed to support students' reading and response to literature. However, critics of these student‐led literature discussions have argued that this format can limit opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with political, social, and cultural issues. The purpose of this article is to provide readers with a framework for designing critical book clubs that support students' development as empowered readers and writers who critique the world around them and advocate for social change. Drawing on findings from a yearlong study in which third‐grade students interrogated representations of disability, difference, and stereotypes, the authors describe a four‐phase model for scaffolding critical book clubs, as well as instructional strategies for supporting students' navigation of new forms of critical interactions with texts and their peers.
Precise predictions for the angular coefficients in Z-boson production at the LHC
Authors: Gauld R. , Gehrmann-De Ridder A. , Gehrmann T. , Glover E.W.N. , Huss A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The angular distributions of lepton pairs in the Drell-Yan process can provide rich information on the underlying QCD production mechanisms. These dynamics can be parameterised in terms of a set of frame dependent angular coefficients, A
i=0,…,7, which depend on the invariant mass, transverse momentum, and rapidity of the lepton pair. Motivated by recent measurements of these coefficients by ATLAS and CMS, and in particular by the apparent violation of the Lam-Tung relation A
0 − A
2 = 0, we perform a precision study of the angular coefficients at

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^3\right) $$

O

α
s
3

in perturbative QCD. We make predic-tions relevant for pp collisions at

$$ \sqrt{s}=8 $$

s

=
8

TeV, and perform comparisons with the available ATLAS and CMS data as well as providing predictions for a prospective measurement at LHCb. To expose the violation of the Lam-Tung relationship we propose a new observable ΔLT = 1 − A
2
/A
0 that is more sensitive to the dynamics in the region where A
0 and A
2 are both small. We find that the

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^3\right) $$

O

α
s
3

corrections have an important impact on the p
T,Z distributions for several of the angular coefficients, and are essential to provide an adequate description of the data. The compatibility of the available ATLAS and CMS data is reassessed by performing a partial χ
2 test with respect to the central theoretical prediction which shows that χ
2
/N
data is significantly reduced by going from

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^2\right) $$

O

α
s
2

to

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^3\right) $$

O

α
s
3

.
A neutrinophilic 2HDM as a UV completion for the inverse seesaw mechanism
Authors: Bertuzzo Enrico , Machado Pedro A. N. , Tabrizi Zahra , Funchal Renata Zukanovich
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In Neutrinophilic Two Higgs Doublet Models, Dirac neutrino masses are obtained by forbidding a Majorana mass term for the right-handed neutrinos via a symmetry. We study a variation of such models in which that symmetry is taken to be a local U(1), leading naturally to the typical Lagrangian of the inverse seesaw scenario. The presence of a new gauge boson and of an extended scalar sector result in a rich phenomenology, including modifications to Z, Higgs and kaon decays as well as to electroweak precision parameters, and a pseudoscalar associated to the breaking of lepton number.
Engineering cofactor flexibility enhanced 2,3-butanediol production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liang Keming , Shen Claire R
Published: November 2017

Enzymatic reduction of acetoin into 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) typically requires the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or its phosphate form (NADPH) as electron donor. Efficiency of 2,3-BD biosynthesis, therefore, is heavily influenced by the enzyme specificity and the cofactor availability which varies dynamically. This work describes the engineering of cofactor flexibility for 2,3-BD production by simultaneous overexpression of an NADH-dependent 2,3-BD dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpBudC) and an NADPH-specific 2,3-BD dehydrogenase from Clostridium beijerinckii (CbAdh). Co-expression of KpBudC and CbAdh not only enabled condition versatility for 2,3-BD synthesis via flexible utilization of cofactors, but also improved production stereo-specificity of 2,3-BD without accumulation of acetoin. With optimization of medium and fermentation condition, the co-expression strain produced 92 g/L of 2,3-BD in 56 h with 90% stereo-purity for (R,R)-isoform and 85% of maximum theoretical yield. Incorporating cofactor flexibility into the design principle should benefit production of bio-based chemical involving redox reactions.
Politically connected firms in Poland and their access to bank financing
Authors: Hasan Iftekhar , Jackowicz Krzysztof , Kowalewski Oskar , Kozłowski Łukasz
Published: November 2017

This paper characterizes politically connected firms and their access to bank financing. We determine that the relationship between political connections and access to long-term bank loans is weaker in Poland than in other emerging economies. The most probable explanation for this result is related to the instability of the political climate in Poland. We find that only certain kinds of political connections, such as recent connections, positively influenced access to bank financing during the sample period from 2001 to 2011. Moreover, we obtain also some evidence that the value of political connections increased during the 2007 crisis period and onward.
On the differentiability of hairs for Zorich maps
Authors: COMDÜHR PATRICK
Published: November 2017

Devaney and Krych showed that, for the exponential family$\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}e^{z}$, where$0\,<\,\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\,<\,1/e$, the Julia set consists of uncountably many pairwise disjoint simple curves tending to$\infty$. Viana proved that these curves are smooth. In this article, we consider quasiregular counterparts of the exponential map, the so-called Zorich maps, and generalize Viana’s result to these maps.
Optimal state amalgamation is NP-hard
Authors: FRONGILLO RAFAEL M.
Published: November 2017

A state amalgamation of a directed graph is a node contraction which is only permitted under certain configurations of incident edges. In symbolic dynamics, state amalgamation and its inverse operation, state splitting, play a fundamental role in the theory of subshifts of finite type (SFT): any conjugacy between SFTs, given as vertex shifts, can be expressed as a sequence of symbol splittings followed by a sequence of symbol amalgamations. It is not known whether determining conjugacy between SFTs is decidable. We focus on conjugacy via amalgamations alone and consider the simpler problem of deciding whether one can perform $k$ consecutive amalgamations from a given graph. This problem also arises when using symbolic dynamics to study continuous maps, where one seeks to coarsen a Markov partition in order to simplify it. We show that this state amalgamation problem is NP-complete by reduction from the hitting set problem, thus giving further evidence that classifying SFTs up to conjugacy may be undecidable.
“Keeping Vigil” and the Response of a Believer to Grief and Suffering
Authors: Sabak James G.
Published: November 2017

The phenomenon of organizing a civic candlelight vigil in the face of violence and tragedy, while striking and powerful in addressing the moment, can be also religiously ambiguous in some circumstances, and insufficiently therapeutic in others. Keeping vigil in the Christian tradition is markedly different from its contemporary expressions. This article explores and evaluates—through the use of contemporary examples and the psychological and ritual analyses of Gotthard Booth and Victor Turner—the purpose and goals of vigils held in the public square with the nature and impact of keeping vigil in the Christian tradition, especially as celebrated in the Easter Vigil. This expository and diagnostic study suggests that a full expression of keeping vigil serves as an articulation of how believers are challenged to confront pain and suffering with a more profound theological and liturgical response that stands in stark contrast to contemporary cultural and social mechanisms.
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses: Ecumenical Prospects on Its Quincentennial
Authors: Eaton Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2017

Five hundred years after the start of the Protestant Reformation, what are the possibilities for individual and ecclesial ecumenism between Protestants and Catholics? What are the possibilities for common prayer, shared worship, preaching the gospel, church union, and dialogue with those who are religiously unaffiliated? Why should we commemorate or celebrate this anniversary?
Historical Scholarship and Ecumenical Dialogue
Authors: Lindberg Carter
Published: November 2017

I am honored to participate in this theological roundtable on the five-hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I do so as a lay Lutheran church historian. In spite of the editors’ “prompts,” the topic reminds me of that apocryphal final exam question: “Give a history of the universe with a couple of examples.” “What do we think are the possibilities for individual and ecclesial ecumenism between Protestants and Catholics? What are the possibilities for common prayer, shared worship, preaching the gospel, church union, and dialogue with those who are religiously unaffiliated? Why should we commemorate or celebrate this anniversary?” Each “prompt” warrants a few bookshelves of response. The “Protestant Reformation” itself is multivalent. The term “Protestant” derives from the 1529 Diet of Speyer where the evangelical estates responded to the imperial mandate to enforce the Edict of Worms outlawing them. Their response, Protestatio, “testified” or “witnessed to” (pro testari) the evangelical estates’ commitment to the gospel in the face of political coercion (see Acts 5:29). It was not a protest against the Roman Catholic Church and its doctrine. Unfortunately, “Protestant” quickly became a pejorative name and then facilitated an elastic “enemies list.” “Reformation,” traditionally associated with Luther's “Ninety-Five Theses” (1517, hence the five-hundredth anniversary), also encompasses many historical and theological interpretations. Perhaps the Roundtable title reflects the effort in From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017 (2013) to distinguish Luther's reformational concern from the long historical Reformation (Protestantism), so that this anniversary may be both “celebrated” and self-critically “commemorated.”
Reynolds-number dependence of wall-pressure fluctuations in a pressure-induced turbulent separation bubble
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki
Published: November 2017

Direct numerical simulations are used to examine the behaviour of wall-pressure fluctuations$p_{w}$in a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer with large adverse and favourable pressure gradients, involving separation and reattachment. The Reynolds number$Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}$based on momentum thickness is equal to 300, 600 and 900. Particular attention is given to effects of Reynolds number on root-mean-square (r.m.s.) values, frequency/power spectra and instantaneous fields. The possible scaling laws are also examined as compared with the existing direct numerical simulation and experimental data. The r.m.s. value of$p_{w}$normalized by the local maximum Reynolds shear stress$-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\overline{uv}_{max}$(Simpson et al. J. Fluid Mech.vol. 177, 1987, pp. 167–186; Na & MoinJ. Fluid Mech.vol. 377, 1998b, pp. 347–373) leads to near plateau (i.e.$p_{w\,rms}/-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\overline{uv}_{max}=2.5\sim 3$) in the adverse pressure gradient and separated regions in which the frequency spectra exhibit good collapse at low frequencies. The magnitude of$p_{w\,rms}/-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\overline{uv}_{max}$is however reduced down to 1.8 near reattachment where good collapse is also obtained with normalization by the local maximum wall-normal Reynolds stress$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\overline{vv}_{max}$. Near reattachment,$p_{w\,rms}/-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\overline{vv}_{max}=1.2$is attained unambiguously independently of the Reynolds number and pressure gradient. The present magnitude (1.2) is smaller than (1.35) obtained for step-induced separation by Ji & Wang (J. Fluid Mech.vol. 712, 2012, pp. 471–504). The reason for this difference is intrinsically associated with convective nature of a pressure-induced separation bubble near reattachment where the magnitude of$p_{w\,rms}$depends essentially on the favourable pressure gradient. The resulting mean flow acceleration leads to delay of the r.m.s. peak after reattachment. Attention is also given to structures of$p_{w}$. It is shown that large-scale spanwise rollers of low pressure fluctuations are formed above the bubble, whilst changing to large-scale streamwise elongated structures after reattachment. These large-scale structures become more prominent with increasing$Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}$and affect$p_{w}$significantly.
Auction-Price Dynamics for Fine Wines from Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: Breeden Joseph L. , Liang Sisi
Published: November 2017

In an attempt to expand the understanding of auction-price dynamics for fine wines, an age-period-cohort (APC) algorithm is applied to a database of 1.5 million auction results to quantify key drivers of these price dynamics. APC algorithms are designed to separate price appreciation with the age of the wine from overall wine-market conditions as well as to adjust for the unique value of specific vintages. In this context, the APC modeling provides a kind of Hedonic modeling, with specific controls regarding specification errors.

The analysis was segmented by Château Lafite Rothschild, Bordeaux excluding Lafite, and Burgundy so that we could test specific events related to Château Lafite Rothschild. The results show price dynamics versus the ages of the wines and allow for the measurement of long-term price-appreciation potential. Environment functions versus auction dates quantify the “Lafite Bubble” and suggest past correlation to Chinese stock-market indices. An analysis of wine ratings versus price quantifies their nonlinear relationship. An analysis across nine auction houses shows a significant price spread for similar wines. (JEL Classifications: C23, D44, G11, G12, Q11)
Quotidian realities of organic mothering in Turkey
Authors: Soysal Al İrem
Published: November 2017

This article explores how mothers in Turkey respond to the current atmosphere of food fear and the neoliberal rhetoric of the individualization of risks, as well as interrogating the class dimension of the varying ways in which mothers experience pressures regarding feeding their children in an organic manner. The article primarily suggests that mothers adopt different organic food strategies across class divisions—particularly through class-specific definitions of “organic”—so as to deal in stratified ways with the challenges organic feeding brings. It indicates that organic mothering practices have been incorporated into the lifestyle and cultural distinctions of middle-class families and reinforced by rural nostalgia. Contrary to this, ideas about “the organic” and rural nostalgia are mostly translated as “home-made” for lower-class families. Relying on sixteen in-depth interviews with mothers in İstanbul and on an analysis of posts and comments found on a mothering blog, this article offers empirical findings on analyses of organic mothering and risk from a standpoint and location that have been largely ignored in the existing literature. It also contributes to analyses about neoliberal transformations in the Turkish food market and the growing literature on family and neoliberalism under the government of the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) by bringing a research-based view on the subjective experiences of mothers into a discourse that is rather political in nature as well as into policy research discussions.
Place, food, and agriculture: the use of geographical indications in olive oil production in western Turkey
Authors: Nizam Derya
Published: November 2017

This study concerns how olive oil producers and local bureaucrats in western Turkey use geographical indications (GIs) as a localist strategy to strengthen their position in global markets by challenging conventional agricultural practices. The study employs the disarticulation approach of global commodity chain analysis in order to understand which factors delink people and places from conventional commodity chains/industrial chains and link them instead to GI chains. The results of the study indicate that regional disadvantages—e.g., high production costs due to land characteristics—are the main factor delinking local actors from the conventional olive oil commodity chain. Furthermore, certain dynamic rent opportunities that are related to characteristics of territorial quality and to local cultural characteristics also contribute to the linking of the region and producers to GI chains.
Size Matters: Radiocarbon Dates of <200 µg Ancient Collagen Samples with AixMICADAS and Its Gas Ion Source
Authors: Fewlass Helen , Talamo Sahra , Tuna Thibaut , Fagault Yoann , Kromer Bernd , Hoffmann Helene , Pangrazzi Caterina , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Bard Edouard
Published: November 2017

For many of archaeology’s rarest and most enigmatic bone artifacts (e.g. human remains, bone ornaments, worked bone), the destruction of the 500 mg material necessary for direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating on graphite targets would cause irreparable damage; therefore many have not been directly dated. The recently improved gas ion source of the MICADAS (MIni CArbon DAting System) offers a solution to this problem by measuring gaseous samples of 5–100 µg carbon at a level of precision not previously achieved with an AMS gas ion source. We present the results of the first comparison between “routine” graphite dates of ca. 1000 µg C (2–3 mg bone collagen) and dates from aliquots of gaseous samples of <100 µg C (<0.2 mg bone collagen), undertaken with the highest possible precision in mind. The experiment demonstrates the performance of the AixMICADAS in achieving reliable radiocarbon measurements from <0.2 mg collagen samples back to 40,000 14C BP. The technique has great implications for resolving chronological questions for key archaeological artifacts.
Durkheim on Social Justice: The Argument from “Organic Solidarity”
Authors: HERZOG LISA
Published: November 2017

This article reintroduces a long-forgotten argument into the debate about social justice: Durkheim's argument from “organic solidarity,” as presented inThe Division of Labor in Society. “Organic solidarity” is solidarity based on differentiation. According to Durkheim, it grows out of the division of labor, but only if the latter happens “spontaneously.” Social inequality creates obstacles to such spontaneity because it distorts prices, such that they are perceived as unjust, and it undermines equality of opportunity. Hence, Durkheim's argument connects commutative justice and distributive justice. The article argues that Durkheim's argument is plausible, interesting, and relevant for today. After presenting the argument, discussing its structure and methodology, and evaluating its plausibility by drawing on related contemporary debates, it focuses on the problem of theperceptionof social justice and the possibility of ideological distortions. It concludes by sketching the research program that follows from Durkheim's argument.
Development and validation of anthropometric prediction equations for lean body mass, fat mass and percent fat in adults using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2006
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Keum NaNa , Hu Frank B. , Orav E. John , Rimm Eric B. , Sun Qi , Willett Walter C. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: November 2017

Quantification of lean body mass and fat mass can provide important insight into epidemiological research. However, there is no consensus on generalisable anthropometric prediction equations to validly estimate body composition. We aimed to develop and validate practical anthropometric prediction equations for lean body mass, fat mass and percent fat in adults (men, n 7531; women, n 6534) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006. Using a prediction sample, we predicted each of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured lean body mass, fat mass and percent fat based on different combinations of anthropometric measures. The proposed equations were validated using a validation sample and obesity-related biomarkers. The practical equation including age, race, height, weight and waist circumference had high predictive ability for lean body mass (men: R2=0·91, standard error of estimate (SEE)=2·6 kg; women: R2=0·85, SEE=2·4 kg) and fat mass (men: R2=0·90, SEE=2·6 kg; women: R2=0·93, SEE=2·4 kg). Waist circumference was a strong predictor in men only. Addition of other circumference and skinfold measures slightly improved the prediction model. For percent fat, R2 were generally lower but the trend in variation explained was similar. Our validation tests showed robust and consistent results with no evidence of substantial bias. Additional validation using biomarkers demonstrated comparable abilities to predict obesity-related biomarkers between direct DXA measurements and predicted scores. Moreover, predicted fat mass and percent fat had significantly stronger associations with obesity-related biomarkers than BMI did. Our findings suggest the potential application of the proposed equations in various epidemiological settings.