bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR ON THE SEGMENTATION OF RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER GOODS
Authors: Marić Aleksandar
Published: November 2017

One of the main characteristics ofmodern retailing is certainly diversification of retailformats. The structure of retail formats in a particularmarket is conditioned by the needs and behavior ofconsumers in this market. Depending on the intensityof the impact of certain factors on consumer behavior,the segmentation of the retail sales, that is, divisioninto various retail formats is brought about. Therefore,in order to establish optimal retail structures, it isnecessary to perform a detailed analysis of the marketand the influence of economic, sociological,psychological, geographic and demographic factorson consumer behavior in a given market.Understanding the structure of retail formats is veryimportant both for the retail chains and for suppliersand manufacturers of consumer goods, as it facilitatesthe movement of products through marketing channelsand delivery to end consumers.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INCOME SMOOTHING AND INVESTMENT EFFICIENCY WITH COMPANIES’ VALUE
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Gholami Fatemah
Published: November 2017

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship of income smoothing and investment efficiency with the value of the companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. For this purpose, the companies’ information was analyzed for a financial period from 2008 to 2012 and the statistical sample of the research includes those companies of which the fiscal year ends on March 20th. Suitable statistical tests including regression analysis and the data were analyzed with the help of SPSS software used for collecting data regarding investment for testing hypotheses. Generally, the findings indicated that the value of the income smoother companies was higher than income non-smoother companies’. Additionally, the value of companies with investment efficiency was higher than the value of companies without investment efficiency. Furthermore, the results showed that the value of income smoother companies with investment efficiency was higher than the value of income non-smoother companies with investment efficiency.
INVESTIGATION OF MOTIVATION OF EMPLOYEES IN THE CHARTER ENTERPRISES OF NAUTICAL TOURISM
Authors: Trstenjak Ani , Stilin Anita , Tomljenović Ljerka
Published: November 2017

The paper includes the theoretical and empirical analysis of the elements that determine the motivation of employees in the charter companies of nautical tourism. The purpose of the research is to highlight the importance of identifying and selecting the adequate motivator to ensure achievement of desired objectives. The aim is to determine the importance that employees attach to individual motivational factors. Thus, valuable information are obtained that can help companies in selecting appropriate strategies for achieving motivated and satisfied employees. The survey was conducted from 15th to 26th February 2014 on a sample of 53 respondents, employees in charter companies mostly in Croatia, to a lesser extent in Slovenia and Greece. The results confirm previous studies which suggest that a satisfactory income increasingly ceases to be the most important motivator so the respondents give the highest importance to good relationships, and good social conditions while satisfying income is ranked third place. Only respondents from Greece value most satisfying income.
SMALL ENTERPRISES: KEY SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Spremo Tihomir , Mićić Jelena
Published: November 2017

Small enterprises, within the market economy, are initiators of economic development and an important part of every national economy. Due to the nature of private property, entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility and adaptability, as well as their potential to react to the challenges and turbulences in the environment, small businesses give a special contribution to economic growth and higher employment. Entrepreneurship and small business represent a significant and fundamental source for creation of new jobs and expansion of new business practices by providing a significant contribution to economic growth. This applies both to small businesses in the Republic of Srpska and the ones that are located anywhere in the world. The role of small enterprises is especially important in transition countries. During the global economic crisis, small businesses have, both in developed economies, and in the Republic of Srpska and BiH as a whole, proved to be resilient, although this period was characterized by a very poor business environment. The importance of entrepre-neurship and small firms in developing national economies are often the subject of professional and empirical discussion. However, recent developments have further confirmed the views that small businesses, in dealing with all the negativities of poor business environment in times of crisis, more quickly adapt to changes compared to larger enterprises and companies. This quality of small enterprises gives enough reason to pay special attention to the theoretical and practical aspects of this phenomenon, in order to make appropriate business decisions and implementation of development policy as a more efficient model for faster economic development of the national economy. The subject of this paper is to define the importance of small businesses in the economic growth of developed and developing countries. Through researching analyses, this paper examines the role and importance of small enterprises in economies of the European Union (EU) member states and the Republic of Srpska and BiH, especially regarding its influence on the employment growth and added value in a period of economic crisis and post-crisis years. This paper aims to explore and emphasize the interdependence between growth of small firms and new added values, reviewing economic development and employment in both developed and economies in transition. This paper attempts to present the importance of effects of analyzed economic indicators as a result of small enterprises in two separate periods (the period of global crisis and post-crisis period) and provide guidance and recommendations to policy makers on economic role of small firms in macroeconomic stability of the economy.
REFORMS OF FINANCING PENSION INSURANCE SYSTEM IN CONDITIONS OF TRANSITION
Authors: Stojanović Aleksandar
Published: November 2017

A serious crisis of the pension system has been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in many other countries for many years. The current system, which functions on the concept of intergenerational solidarity is financially unsustainable, due to negative demographic and economic movements, as well as reduced number of the employed, and an increase in the number of pensioners. As the main objective of the pension system (the social security of citizens, ie protection against the risk of old age, disability and death) is not fulfilled, it seems that the reform of the pension system is necessary. It is necessary to answer the question: how to transform the pension system of intergenerational solidarity in a system of individual capitalized savings in a socially painless and affordable way?! The implementation of the pension reform aims to establish a long-term sustainable pension system that will provide quality protection from risk, old age, death, disability, and at the same time be consentaneous with economic and demographic movements andensure an adequate level of benefit to citizens in the later age.The aim of the paper is to define the wider, objective picture of the current state of the position of the pension system, as well as providing basic guidelines for the reform and development courses in the future.
INTERNAL AUDITING ROLE IN BANKS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Brezo Neven
Published: November 2017

The role of internal auditing in banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been presented in this paper. Internal auditing as a relatively new profession is rapidly developing and its growing importance is an analysis of the manner and practice of internal auditing functioning in Bosnia and Herzegovina banks. The purpose of the research is elaboration of internal auditing based on risk estimation, new challenges which the internal auditing faces as well as analysis of practice and presentation of results of internal auditing functioning in Bosnia and Herzegovina banks. This paper gives a reply to the question how senior management and the employees in banks understand role, function and importance of internal auditing in them. Researches carried out for the purpose of this paper are searching for the answer to the question on what kind of internal auditing is meant in Bosnia and Herzegovina banks, what its role and importance are and what is specific in carrying out internal auditing in banks. We expect that our researches will make possible testing and proving the stated hypothesis: that internal auditing in banks can fulfill its role and help bank management to resist successfully the challenges they are facing only if they apply in their work modern, systematic approach to auditing focused on the process on risk managing to which the bank is exposed. In contemporary business conditions it has been evidenced that the approach of traditional internal auditing based on control is not adequate any more or sufficient and that it cannot give the needed support to those responsible for bank management, which is necessary for effective realization of goals.
IMPACT OF EXPENDITURES FOR EDUCATION ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE ECONOMY
Authors: Đurović-Todorović Jadranka , Janković-Milić Vesna , Popović Žarko
Published: November 2017

Modern trends in society lead to the conclusion that the development of a country can not be based on a numerical increase in human resources, but only on raise of the creative and production quality of these resources, which is the exclusive task of the educational system. According to the indicators of investment in the development of the educational system, the Republic of Serbia is below the EU average. For this reason, one of the conditions that the Republic of Serbia needs to meet on its path towards the European Union is to achieve the European average spending on higher education.The subject of the research presented in this paper are the expenditures on education and competitivness of the economy in the Republic of Serbia and neighboring countries. Since the quality of education is one of the elements of economy competitiveness, it will be also analyzed in the paper. The aim of the paper is to examine the relation between expenditures on education, quality of education and competitiveness in the Republic of Serbia and neighboring countries. Appropriate statistical techniques will be used in order to analyse relation directions and forms between observed indicators. Data from the National Bank of Serbia, Eurostat and World Economic Forum reports will serve as an information basis for the analyses
A versatile genetic tool for post-translational control of gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sethi Sachin , Wang Jing W
Published: November 2017

Several techniques have been developed to manipulate gene expression temporally in intact neural circuits. However, the applicability of current tools developed for in vivo studies in Drosophila is limited by their incompatibility with existing GAL4 lines and side effects on physiology and behavior. To circumvent these limitations, we adopted a strategy to reversibly regulate protein degradation with a small molecule by using a destabilizing domain (DD). We show that this system is effective across different tissues and developmental stages. We further show that this system can be used to control in vivo gene expression levels with low background, large dynamic range, and in a reversible manner without detectable side effects on the lifespan or behavior of the animal. Additionally, we engineered tools for chemically controlling gene expression (GAL80-DD) and recombination (FLP-DD). We demonstrate the applicability of this technology in manipulating neuronal activity and for high-efficiency sparse labeling of neuronal populations.
Bacterial fumarase and L-malic acid are evolutionary ancient components of the DNA damage response
Authors: Singer Esti , Silas Yardena BH , Ben-Yehuda Sigal , Pines Ophry
Published: November 2017

Fumarase is distributed between two compartments of the eukaryotic cell. The enzyme catalyses the reversible conversion of fumaric to L-malic acid in mitochondria as part of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and in the cytosol/nucleus as part of the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we show that fumarase of the model prokaryote Bacillus subtilis (Fum-bc) is induced upon DNA damage, co-localized with the bacterial DNA and is required for the DDR. Fum-bc can substitute for both eukaryotic functions in yeast. Furthermore, we found that the fumarase-dependent intracellular signaling of the B. subtilis DDR is achieved via production of L-malic acid, which affects the translation of RecN, the first protein recruited to DNA damage sites. This study provides a different evolutionary scenario in which the dual function of the ancient prokaryotic fumarase, led to its subsequent distribution into different cellular compartments in eukaryotes.
Sedimentological characters of the mangrove ecosystem of Kali estuary, Karwar, west coast of India
Authors: Kumar. V. , Roopa S.V , Gangadhar K.
Published: November 2017

Estuarine mangroves give natural support to the protection of the riverbanks, due to their accumulative nature. To study this effect, it is necessary to measure sedimentation rates under estuarine mangroves. Sediment plays an important role in the storage and release of nutrient into the water column, the mineralization of organic carbon deposits by various kinds of microbes. In association with other parameters, the sediment is responsible for the variations in densities of majority of benthic organisms. Regular monthly collections of bottom water and sediment were made for a period thirteen months from January 2008 and January 2009 at five different study sites using the motorized outrigger canoe. The present investigation encompassed collection of data pertaining to various aspects of sedimentology. Sediment temperature varied from 25.100c to 30.450c. The pH ranged between 6.18 to 8.30. Organic carbon Varied between 2.06 to 29.45%, moisture content varied from 20.10% to 41.88.Values of interstitial water content is varied between 1.60% to 30.95%. Wide variation in the percentage composition of sand (28.45% to 80.10%), silt (12.78% to 54.28%), and clay (3.66% to 33.63%) was observed.Keywords: Sedimetology , Ecosystem, Mangrove, Kali river, Karwar.
Aplicación de biomarcadores como herramienta de evaluación de contaminación en efluentes de pisciculturas.
Authors: Soto Carolina
Published: November 2017

El hombre ha introducido al ambiente una amplia gama de sustancias químicas que no están presentes en forma natural. Por esta razón existen múltiples factores estresores como la contaminación producto de las actividades productivas, que pueden ejercer efectos acumulativos y sinérgicos en el ambiente.  En  los ríos  una de las razones de  la degradación ambiental de sus sistemas acuáticos es producto de la expansión de las pisciculturas, puesto que sus efluentes son considerados como un potencial contribuyente de la alteración física como también química de los recursos hídricos; enriquecimiento de nutrientes en la recepción de las masas de agua, la eutrofización posterior ,cambios en la deriva de comunidades bentónicas y  el estado ecológico perturbado  según lo encontrado por publicaciones a nivel mundial .Es así como numerosos contaminantes ambientales (o sus metabolitos) han mostrado ejercer efectos tóxicos a nivel sub-letal, relacionados a un proceso llamado  estrés oxidativo.  Una manera de evaluar los efectos derivados de las descargas de los cultivos  acuícolas como desechos de alimentos, fármacos (anestésicos, antibióticos, antiparasitarios), es través del uso de biomarcadores en comunidades bentónicas,  más específicamente determinar  el estrés oxidativo producido por las descargas de efluentes, mediante ensayos enzimáticos para medir las principales defensas  antioxidantes del organismo como son la Catalasa (CAT), guayacol peroxidasa (POD) y Glutatión reductasa (Gpx), estimando  las consecuencias biológicas de este tipo de contaminación mediante reacciones intra-celulares de los organismos bentónicos pertenecientes al sistema enzimático oxidante.  Estableciendo un nuevo enfoque metodológico para  determinar las  respuestas de los organismos frente a los organismos estresores promoviendo la aplicación de  biomarcadores integrales de efecto como herramienta de evaluación del estado de salud del ecosistema, entregando un instrumento de  diagnóstico del grado del impacto ambiental originado por los efluentes de pisciculturas. Palabras claves: biomarcadores, efluentes  pisciculturas, comunidades bentónicas.
Oral disorders in Chilean rodeo horses submitted for dental evaluation between 2010 and 2013
Authors: Guerra Sebastian , Pineda Mario , De Negri Luis , Adell Aiko , Correa Felipe , Lee Shannon , Lohse Jorge
Published: November 2017

Dental disorders are common in horses. The objetive of the study was determined the frequency of dental problems in Chilean Rodeo Horses and described the most common dental treatments used in Chile. Oral examinations were performed on 456 Chilean rodeo horses and the disorders were observed as follows: Oral soft tissues, 259 horses (56%) presented lacerations and/or ulcers. Regarding the first premolar, it was present in 32% of the horses, all maxillary positioned. In canines, 245 (54%) were present and overlong tooth. Disorders found in incisors show supererupted (Tooth overlong) in 147 (32%); ventral curvature in 116 (25%), nevertheless 102 (22%) horses showed no abnormalities. About the diseases found in cheek teeth (premolars and molars), the more prevalent ones was enamel points in 426 (93%), rostral or caudal hooks in 354 (78%), and ramps in 231 (51%). Confidence intervals between all dental diseases found in the study showed no statistical significance when was analyzed for age or gender. When age groups were made, statistical significance appear X² Pearson (p=0,01), were mostly malocclusion type I was the more common in young, mature and geriatric horses. Other disorders such as problems at the time of eruption, development and periodontal disease are statiscally similar X² (p=0,07). About the treatments it is important to mention that in 453 (99%) horses received odontoplasty and 147 (32%) first premolar extraction. This study shows that Chilean rodeo horses have dental disorders similar to other horse breeds, except by small increase in soft tissue damage and incisors problems.
Bioimpedance: Principles, Measurements, and Applications
Authors: Kerkhof Peter L. M. , Heethaar Robert M. , Pearce John A.
Published: November 2017

Impedance measurements in living systems have been used for many decades in varied applications from impedance cardiography and plethysmography to impedance spectroscopy. Recently, the potential advantages of an admittance formulation has opened a new avenue of investigation. The article begins with the vector electric field origins of measured impedance and admittance in distributed current fields, including the relevant instrumentation, and then presents examples of the many applications of impedance and admittance measurementsin vivo. Making these measurements in living systems introduces the electrochemical nature of electrode–electrolyte interfaces, an extremely important consideration in impedance measurements below approximately 50 kHz. Tetrapolar electrode approaches are necessary at those frequencies. The complex admittance properties of muscle make it possible to uniquely identify its contribution to bulk impedance or admittance measurements. The experimental examples illustrate the utilities of the various methods currently in use. Finally, we conclude with some comments on impedance spectroscopy.
Gas Hydrate Formation Amid Submarine Canyon Incision: Investigations From New Zealand's Hikurangi Subduction Margin
Authors: Crutchley G. J. , Kroeger K. F. , Pecher I. A. , Mountjoy J. J. , Gorman A. R.
Published: November 2017

We investigate gas hydrate system dynamics beneath a submarine canyon on New Zealand's Hikurangi subduction margin using seismic reflection data and petroleum systems modeling. High seismic velocities just above the base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS) indicate that concentrated gas hydrates exist beneath the canyon. Two‐dimensional gas hydrate formation modeling shows how the process of canyon incision at this location alters the distribution and concentration of gas hydrate. The key modeling result is that free gas is trapped beneath the gas hydrate layer and then “captured” into a concentrated gas hydrate deposit as a result of a downward‐shift in the BGHS driven by canyon incision. Our study thus provides new insight into the functioning of this process. From our data, we also conceptualize two other models to describe how canyons could significantly change gas hydrate distribution and concentration. One scenario is related to deflection of fluid flow pathways from over‐pressured regions at the BGHS toward the canyon, and the other is based on relationships between simultaneous seafloor uplift and canyon incision. The relationships and processes described are of global relevance because of considerations of gas hydrate as an energy resource and the influence of both submarine canyons and gas hydrate systems on seafloor biodiversity.
A Reassessment of the Precision of Carbonate Clumped Isotope Measurements: Implications for Calibrations and Paleoclimate Reconstructions
Authors: Fernandez Alvaro , Müller Inigo A. , Rodríguez‐Sanz Laura , van Dijk Joep , Looser Nathan , Bernasconi Stefano M.
Published: November 2017

Carbonate clumped isotopes offer a potentially transformational tool to interpret Earth's history, but the proxy is still limited by poor interlaboratory reproducibility. Here, we focus on the uncertainties that result from the analysis of only a few replicate measurements to understand the extent to which unconstrained errors affect calibration relationships and paleoclimate reconstructions. We find that highly precise data can be routinely obtained with multiple replicate analyses, but this is not always done in many laboratories. For instance, using published estimates of external reproducibilities we find that typical clumped isotope measurements (three replicate analyses) have margins of error at the 95% confidence level (CL) that are too large for many applications. These errors, however, can be systematically reduced with more replicate measurements. Second, using a Monte Carlo‐type simulation we demonstrate that the degree of disagreement on published calibration slopes is about what we should expect considering the precision of Δ47 data, the number of samples and replicate analyses, and the temperature range covered in published calibrations. Finally, we show that the way errors are typically reported in clumped isotope data can be problematic and lead to the impression that data are more precise than warranted. We recommend that uncertainties in Δ47 data should no longer be reported as the standard error of a few replicate measurements. Instead, uncertainties should be reported as margins of error at a specified confidence level (e.g., 68% or 95% CL). These error bars are a more realistic indication of the reliability of a measurement.
Optimizing Multireservoir System Operating Policies Using Exogenous Hydrologic Variables
Authors: Pina Jasson , Tilmant Amaury , Côté Pascal
Published: November 2017

Stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) is one of the few available algorithms to optimize the operating policies of large‐scale hydropower systems. This paper presents a variant, called SDDPX, in which exogenous hydrologic variables, such as snow water equivalent and/or sea surface temperature, are included in the state space vector together with the traditional (endogenous) variables, i.e., past inflows. A reoptimization procedure is also proposed in which SDDPX‐derived benefit‐to‐go functions are employed within a simulation carried out over the historical record of both the endogenous and exogenous hydrologic variables. In SDDPX, release policies are now a function of storages, past inflows, and relevant exogenous variables that potentially capture more complex hydrological processes than those found in traditional SDDP formulations. To illustrate the potential gain associated with the use of exogenous variables when operating a multireservoir system, the 3,137 MW hydropower system of Rio Tinto (RT) located in the Saguenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean River Basin in Quebec (Canada) is used as a case study. The performance of the system is assessed for various combinations of hydrologic state variables, ranging from the simple lag‐one autoregressive model to more complex formulations involving past inflows, snow water equivalent, and winter precipitation.
Nanometer‐Thick Ionic Liquids as Boundary Lubricants
Authors: Gong Xiao , Li Lei
Published: November 2017

Ionic liquids (ILs) are fascinating materials with unique combination of solid and liquid properties. Due to high thermal stability and promising tribological properties, there have been increasing research interests in applying ILs as boundary lubricants. In this review, the authors will discuss the recent progress on this topic with the emphasis on the relationship between the molecular arrangement of ILs confined to a solid and the tribological properties. First, the fundamentals on boundary lubrication and the state‐of‐the‐art lubricants will be reviewed briefly. Second, the progress on the molecular structure of ILs confined to a solid surface will be discussed. Afterward, the experimental and computational efforts on the ILs as boundary lubricants will be discussed in details with emphasis on the effect of IL structure, solid substrates, and IL‐soild interaction. Finally, the future research directions will be discussed.
Organization and governance in the agrifood sector: How can we capture their variety?
Authors: Ménard Claude
Published: November 2017

The variety of solutions to organize economic activities is striking, and underexplored. This paper proposes a framework that combines transaction cost and relational contracts models to capture this variety while characterizing some representative forms. The framework distinguishes between organizational structures differing according to the intensity of control exercised over the rights to use resources, and the modalities of governance through which these structures operate. The combination of these two dimensions provides tools for understanding the existence, characteristics, and conditions under which some organizational arrangements tend to prevail. Based on these premises, the paper proposes an analysis that goes beyond the dichotomy between “markets” and “hierarchies.” This framework is inclusive of those hybrids arrangements that play such an important role in the agrifood industry and it explores two modalities that are particularly challenging to standard theories: cooperatives and plural forms. [EconLit citations: D 230; L 0; Q 100].
Secular change in adult stature of modern Greeks
Authors: Bertsatos Andreas , Chovalopoulou Maria‐Eleni
Published: November 2017

Objectives

In Greece, during the late 19th and early 20th century, the rural population adopted a more or less urban lifestyle. Furthermore, the first half of the 20th century finds Greece involved in five major wars, including a civil war, and consequent financial deprivation. This study investigates how the socioeconomic changes in Greece, during this period of time, have affected the stature of its population.

Methods

The Athens collection constitutes our sample with 189 adult individuals (104 males and 85 females). Stature was estimated with regression equations and secular change was evaluated by linear regression of stature with respect to the year of birth. Further analysis of our population sample was based on three time periods to explore the correlation between secular change and historical events.

Results

From 1879 to 1965, stature increased for both males and females. The subsequent analysis among different periods revealed that the male group exhibited a small although non‐significant decline in stature during the years 1912 to 1950, which coincides with the long inter‐war period. However, females appear less affected by the consequent deprivation.

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with earlier studies based on a much smaller time span. The negative effect of the economic and nutritional deprivation on stature as a result of warfare is apparent in our sample, at least for males. Furthermore, the positive effect of economic growth on stature is prominent for the entire population in the postwar period.
Family management of childhood chronic conditions: Does it make a difference if the child has an intellectual disability?
Authors: Van Riper Marcia , Knafl George J. , Roscigno Cecelia , Knafl Kathleen A.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this analysis was to assess the applicability of the Family Management Measure (FaMM) to families in which there was a child with an intellectual disability versus a chronic condition. Drawing on data from 571 parents of children with a chronic physical condition and 539 parents of children with Down syndrome, we compared the two groups across the six FaMM scales. After accounting for the covariate effects of race, ethnicity, family income, and child age, we found significant differences in four of the six FaMM scales, with parents of children with Down syndrome reporting a significantly more positive view on the Condition Management Effort and View of Condition Impact scales and a significantly less positive view on the Child's Daily Life and Condition Management Ability scales than parents of children with a chronic physical condition. There were no significant differences between groups on the Family Life Difficulty and the Parental Mutuality scales. The analysis provided evidence of the applicability of the FaMM for studying families in which there is a child with Down syndrome and its utility in identifying the common and unique challenges of family management between the groups.
Inertial Frame Dragging in an Acoustic Analogue Spacetime
Authors: Chakraborty Chandrachur , Ganguly Oindrila , Majumdar Parthasarathi
Published: November 2017

We report an incipient exploration of the Lense‐Thirring precession effect in a rotating acoustic analogue black hole spacetime. An exact formula is deduced for the precession frequency of a gyroscope due to inertial frame dragging, close to the ergosphere of a ‘Draining Bathtub’ acoustic spacetime which has been studied extensively for acoustic Hawking radiation of phonons and also for ‘superresonance’. The formula is verified by embedding the two dimensional spatial (acoustic) geometry into a three dimensional one where the similarity with standard Lense‐Thirring precession results within a strong gravity framework is well known. Prospects of experimental detection of this new ‘fixed‐metric’ effect in acoustic geometries, are briefly discussed.
Modulation of Quorum Sensing in a Gram‐Positive Pathogen by Linear Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Anti‐infective Properties
Authors: Motib Anfal , Guerreiro Antonio , Al‐Bayati Firas , Piletska Elena , Manzoor Irfan , Shafeeq Sulman , Kadam Anagha , Kuipers Oscar , Hiller Luisa , Cowen Todd , Piletsky Sergey , Andrew Peter W. , Yesilkaya Hasan
Published: November 2017

We describe the development, characterization, and biological testing of a new type of linear molecularly imprinted polymer (LMIP) designed to act as an anti‐infective by blocking the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism and so abrogating the virulence of the pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. The LMIP is prepared (polymerized) in presence of a template molecule, but unlike in traditional molecular imprinting approaches, no cross‐linker is used. This results in soluble low‐molecular‐weight oligomers that can act as a therapeutic agent in vitro and in vivo. The LMIP was characterized by mass spectrometry to determine its monomer composition. Fragments identified were then aligned along the peptide template by computer modeling to predict the possible monomer sequence of the LMIP. These findings provide a proof of principle that LMIPs can be used to block QS, thus setting the stage for the development of LMIPs a novel drug‐discovery platform and class of materials to target Gram‐positive pathogens.
Deep‐Level Defect Enhanced Photothermal Performance of Bismuth Sulfide–Gold Heterojunction Nanorods for Photothermal Therapy of Cancer Guided by Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Cheng Yan , Chang Yun , Feng Yanlin , Jian Hui , Tang Zhaohui , Zhang Haiyuan
Published: November 2017

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanomaterials are emerging as a promising theranostic platform for computed tomography imaging and photothermal therapy of cancer. Herein, the photothermal properties of Bi2S3 nanorods (NRs) were unveiled to intensely correlate to their intrinsic deep‐level defects (DLDs) that potentially could work as electron–hole nonradiative recombination centers to promote phonon production, ultimately leading to photothermal performance. Bi2S3‐Au heterojunction NRs were designed to hold more significant DLD properties, exhibiting more potent photothermal performance than Bi2S3 NRs. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, Bi2S3‐Au NRs could trigger higher cellular heat shock protein 70 expression and more apoptotic cells than Bi2S3 NRs, and caused severe cell death and tumor growth inhibition, showing great potential for photothermal therapy of cancer guided by computed tomography imaging.
Fluor in einer C‐F‐Bindung als Schlüssel für die Käfigbildung
Authors: Holl Maxwell Gargiulo , Pitts Cody Ross , Lectka Thomas
Published: November 2017

Käfigmoleküle werden schon lange verwendet, um reaktive oder kurzlebige Spezies einzufangen, da ihre starre Natur es ihnen ermöglicht, Bedingungen zu erzwingen, die anderweitig nicht von Dauer wären. Dieser Kurzaufsatz diskutiert die Verwendung starrer Käfigstrukturen, um die engen nichtkovalenten Wechselwirkungen von Fluor mit anderen funktionellen Gruppen zu untersuchen und um zu bestimmen, wie diese enge Nachbarschaft die physikalischen Eigenschaften und die Reaktivität beeinflusst. Auch ungewöhnliche kovalente Wechselwirkungen von Fluor werden angesprochen: Der Käfig kann sich schließen, wobei das erste C‐F‐C‐Fluoroniumion in Lösung gebildet wird.
Distal Weak Coordination of Acetamides in Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation Processes
Authors: Bu Qingqing , Rogge Torben , Kotek Vladislav , Ackermann Lutz
Published: November 2017

C−H activations with challenging arylacetamides were accomplished by versatile ruthenium(II) biscarboxylate catalysis. The distal C−H functionalization offers ample scope—including twofold oxidative C−H functionalizations and alkyne hydroarylations—through facile base‐assisted internal electrophilic‐type substitution (BIES) C−H ruthenation by weak O‐coordination.
Subporpholactone, Subporpholactam, Imidazolosubporphyrin, and Iridium Complexes of Imidazolosubporphyrin: Formation of Iridium Carbene Complexes
Authors: Yoshida Kota , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: November 2017

Pyrrole‐modified subporphyrins bearing a non‐pyrrolic cyclic unit, subporpholactone, subporpholactam, and imidazolosubporphyrin were newly synthesized. They show subporphyrin‐like absorption and fluorescence spectra that are red‐shifted in the order of subporpholactam<subporpholactone<imidazolosubporphyrin. Metalation of the imidazolosubporphyrin with (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iridium(III) dichloride dimer gave a complex, in which the iridium(III) atom was attached at the peripheral nitrogen atom of the imidazole moiety and the ortho‐position of the meso‐phenyl group. Reaction of this complex with diphenylacetylene gave different products depending on the used additive; a phenyl‐rearranged product in the presence of NaBArF4 (ArF=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) and two isomeric carbene complexes in the presence of KPF6.
Simple Access to the Heaviest Alkaline Earth Metal Hydride: A Strongly Reducing Hydrocarbon‐Soluble Barium Hydride Cluster
Authors: Wiesinger Michael , Maitland Brant , Färber Christian , Ballmann Gerd , Fischer Christian , Elsen Holger , Harder Sjoerd
Published: November 2017

Reaction of Ba[N(SiMe3)2]2 with PhSiH3 in toluene gave simple access to the unique Ba hydride cluster Ba7H7[N(SiMe3)2]7 that can be described as a square pyramid spanned by five Ba2+ ions with two flanking BaH[N(SiMe3)2] units. This heptanuclear cluster is well soluble in aromatic solvents, and the hydride 1H NMR signals and coupling pattern suggests that the structure is stable in solution. At 95 °C, no coalescence of hydride signals is observed but the cluster slowly decomposes to undefined barium hydride species. The complex Ba7H7[N(SiMe3)2]7 is a very strong reducing agent that already at room temperature reacts with Me3SiCH=CH2, norbornadiene, and ethylene. The highly reactive alkyl barium intermediates cannot be observed and deprotonate the (Me3Si)2N− ion, as confirmed by the crystal structure of Ba14H12[N(SiMe3)2]12[(Me3Si)(Me2SiCH2)N]4.
Soft polyurethanes treated by plasma immersion ion implantation: Structural and mechanical properties of the surface‐modified layer
Authors: Morozov Ilya A. , Mamaev Alexander S. , Osorgina Irina V. , Beliaev Anton Y. , Izumov Roman I. , Oschepkova Tamara E.
Published: November 2017

The surfaces of soft polyurethanes (with elastic moduli of 7 and 50 MPa) treated by plasma immersion ion implantation were studied; the materials became hard and wrinkled. The characteristics of the modified surface (modulus, roughness, wave and fractal parameters, linear deformation) and the cross‐sectioned layer were studied in relation to the treatment regime and the modulus of the polymer. A hypothesis that the wrinkling was solely caused by thermal expansion was checked but rejected. The cross‐section of the treated material had a hard part of a certain thickness and a transition zone. The elastic modulus of the hard part was estimated by the finite element method. A comparison of the obtained thicknesses with calculations by TRIM software indicated that the latter gave underestimated results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45983.
Roll‐to‐roll nanoimprint lithography of ultrafiltration membrane
Authors: Hutfles Jacob , Chapman Wesley , Pellegrino John
Published: November 2017

Nanoimprinting of a commercial, as supplied, polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane has been carried out for the first time using a roll‐to‐roll (R2R) process. To support this processing approach, we also developed a reusable flexible polyetherimide mold. We were able to pattern membrane at room temperature (∼21 °C) due to the high pressures (22 MPa) applied during the low contact times (<2 s) inherent to R2R imprinting. N2 permeance (L m−2 h−1 bar−1) testing was used as an indicator to verify retention of membrane porosity and to guide selection of imprinting parameters during initial screening studies. Further measurements showed the N2 and (scaled) deionized water permeances to have a 0.97 correlation coefficient. We scaled up the size of patterned membranes to as large as 226 cm2 area, thereby demonstrating the plausibility of continuously patterning commercial ultrafiltration membranes. We also investigated pattern stability versus aqueous heat treatment and found that time, temperature, and imparted strain (during patterning) may all influence stability, but no evidence of pattern loss was observed in electron micrographs after our filtration experiments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45993.
Periodically Arranged Arrays of Dendritic Pt Nanospheres Using Cage‐Type Mesoporous Silica as a Hard Template
Authors: Kani Kenya , Malgras Victor , Jiang Bo , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Alshehri Saad M. , Ahamad Tansir , Salunkhe Rahul R. , Huang Zhenguo , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2017

Dendritic Pt nanospheres of 20 nm diameter are synthesized by using a highly concentrated surfactant assembly within the large‐sized cage‐type mesopores of mesoporous silica (LP‐FDU‐12). After diluting the surfactant solution with ethanol, the lower viscosity leads to an improved penetration inside the mesopores. After Pt deposition followed by template removal, the arrangement of the Pt nanospheres is a replication from that of the mesopores in the original LP‐FDU‐12 template. Although it is well known that ordered LLCs can form on flat substrates, the confined space inside the mesopores hinders surfactant self‐organization. Therefore, the Pt nanospheres possess a dendritic porous structure over the entire area. The distortion observed in some nanospheres is attributed to the close proximity existing between neighboring cage‐type mesopores. This new type of nanoporous metal with a hierarchical architecture holds potential to enhance substance diffusivity/accessibility for further improvement of catalytic activity.
Two‐stage model for multivariate longitudinal and survival data with application to nephrology research
Authors: Guler Ipek , Faes Christel , Cadarso‐Suárez Carmen , Teixeira Laetitia , Rodrigues Anabela , Mendonça Denisa
Published: November 2017

In many follow‐up studies different types of outcomes are collected including longitudinal measurements and time‐to‐event outcomes. Commonly, it is of interest to study the association between them. Joint modeling approaches of a single longitudinal outcome and survival process have recently gained increasing attention from both frequentist and Bayesian perspective. However, in many studies several longitudinal biomarkers are of interest and instead of selecting one single biomarker, the relationships between all these outcomes and their association with survival needs to be investigated. Our motivating study comes from Peritoneal Dialysis Programme in Nephrology research from Nephrology Unit, CHP (Hospital de Santo António), Porto, Portugal in which the interest relies on the possible association between various biomarkers (calcium, phosphate, parathormone, and creatinine) and the patients' survival. To this aim, we propose a two‐stage model‐based approach for multivariate longitudinal and survival data that allowed us to study such complex association structure. The multivariate model suggested in this paper provided new insights in the area of nephrology research showing valid results in comparison with those models studying each longitudinal biomarker with survival separately.
Understand how the latest Title IX guidance impacts your institution
Authors: Starich Megan
Published: November 2017

As of Sept. 22, 2017, the Office for Civil Rights officially withdrew the policy statements and guidance reflected in its April 4, 2011, “Dear Colleague Letter” on sexual violence and its April 29, 2014, Q&A on Title IX and sexual violence. In tandem with its announcement, OCR issued a new Q&A on campus sexual misconduct. The announcement came several weeks after the U.S. Secretary of Education revealed the Department of Education would undertake a formal rulemaking process on regulations to address campus sexual misconduct under Title IX.
Were due process rights of accused student violated?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: November 2017

University of Kansas student A.W. complained in August 2013 to the university's Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access that fellow student Navid Yeasin had sexually harassed her. A few days later, that office sent Yeasin a letter prohibiting him from attempting to contact her.
Protostane‐Type Triterpenoids from Alisma orientale
Authors: Li Hong‐Mei , Chen Xue‐Jiao , Luo Dan , Fan Min , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Peng Li‐Yan , Wu Xing‐De , Li Rong‐Tao , Ji Xu , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: November 2017

Twenty‐eight protostane triterpenoids, including a new degraded one (1), nine new ones (2 – 10), and two new natural ones (11 and 12), have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma orientale. Alisol R (1) was the first 20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27‐octanorprotostane triterpenoid. The absolute configurations of 25‐methoxyalisol F (2) and 16β‐hydroperoxyalisol B 23‐acetate (3) were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition, alismaketone‐B 23‐acetate (28) showed potent vasorelaxant activity on endothelium‐intact thoracic aorta rings precontracted with KCl.
Utility of the ACC/AHA lesion classification as a predictor of procedural, 30‐day and 12‐month outcomes in the contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention era
Authors: Theuerle James , Yudi Matias B , Farouque Omar , Andrianopoulos Nick , Scott Peter , Ajani Andrew E , Brennan Angela , Duffy Stephen J , Reid Christopher M , Clark David J ,   on behalf of the Melbourne Interventional Group.
Published: November 2017

Background

Correlations between the ACC/AHA coronary lesion classification and clinical outcomes in the contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era are not well established.

Methods

We analyzed clinical characteristics and outcomes according to ACC/AHA lesion classification (A, B1, B2, C) in 13,701 consecutive patients from the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry. Patients presenting with STEMI, cardiogenic shock and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest were excluded. The primary endpoints were 30‐day and 12‐month mortality. Secondary endpoints were procedural success as well as 30‐day and 12‐month major adverse cardiac events.

Results

Of the 13,701 patients treated, 1,246 (9.1%) had type A lesions, 5,519 (40.3%) had type B1 lesions, 4,449 (32.5%) had Type B2 lesions and 2,487 (18.2%) had Type C lesions. Patients with type C lesions were more likely to be older and have impaired renal function, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and prior bypass graft surgery (all P < 0.01). They were also more likely to require rotational atherectomy, drug‐eluting stents and longer stent lengths (all P < 0.01). Increasing lesion complexity was associated with lower procedural success (99.6% vs. 99.1% vs. 96.6% vs. 82.7%, P < 0.001) and worse 30‐day (0.2% vs. 0.3% vs. 0.7% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001) and 12‐month mortality (2.2% vs. 2.0% vs. 3.2% vs. 2.9%, P <0.01). Kaplan Meier analysis showed complex lesions (type B2 and C) had lower survival at 12‐months (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

PCI to more complex lesions continues to be associated with lower procedural success rates as well as inferior medium‐term clinical outcomes. Thus the ACC/AHA lesion classification should still be calculated preprocedure to predict acute PCI success and clinical outcomes.
A Four‐Step Synthesis of Substituted 5,11‐Dicyano‐6,12‐diaryltetracenes with Enhanced Stability and High Fluorescence Emission
Authors: Kerisit Nicolas , Gawel Przemyslaw , Levandowski Brian , Yang Yun‐Fang , García‐López Víctor , Trapp Nils , Ruhlmann Laurent , Boudon Corinne , Houk Kendall N. , Diederich François
Published: November 2017

A four‐step synthesis of substituted 5,11‐dicyano‐6,12‐diaryltetracenes was developed, starting from readily available para‐substituted benzophenones. The key step of this straightforward route is the complex cascade reaction between tetraaryl[3]cumulenes and tetracyanoethene (TCNE) resulting in 5,5,11,11‐tetracyano‐5,11‐dihydrotetracenes. The mechanism of this transformation was reinvestigated by means of theoretical calculations. The target tetracenes were obtained by a newly developed decyanation/aromatization reaction catalyzed by CuI or CuII complexes in solution, conditions compatible with a broad range of functional groups. A computational mechanistic study sheds light on this transformation. Structures of all tetracene derivatives were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The presented dicyanotetracene derivatives exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties and enhanced photostability, significantly surpassing the reference rubrene (5,6,11,12‐tetraphenyltetracene).