bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and sensitive determination of phytosterols in functional foods and medicinal herbs by using UHPLC–MS/MS with microwave‐assisted derivatization combined with dual ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhao Xian‐En , Dang Jun , Sun Xiaoyan , Zheng Longfang , You Jinmao , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2016

In this work, a hyphenated technique of dual ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with microwave‐assisted derivatization followed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of phytosterols in functional foods and medicinal herbs. Multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for the tandem mass spectrometry detection. A mass spectrometry sensitive reagent, 4′‐carboxy‐substituted rosamine, has been used as the derivatization reagent for five phytosterols, and internal standard diosgenin was used for the first time. Parameters for the dual microextraction, microwave‐assisted derivatization, and ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were all optimized in detail. Satisfactory linearity, recovery, repeatability, accuracy and precision, absence of matrix effect, extremely low limits of detection (0.005–0.015 ng/mL) and limits of quantification (0.030–0.10 ng/mL) were achieved. The proposed method was compared with previously reported methods. It showed better sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. The matrix effect was also significantly reduced. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of five phytosterols in vegetable oil (sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil), milk and orange juice (soymilk, peanut milk, orange juice), and medicinal herbs (Ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps, Polygonum multiflorum) for the quality control of functional foods and medicinal herbs.
Coupling of homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the extraction and preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous samples followed by GC with flame ionization detection
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Khiavi Elahe Behboudi , Khorram Parisa , Mogaddam Mohammad Reza Afshar
Published: November 2016

In the present study, a simple and rapid method for the extraction and preconcentration of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples has been developed. In this method, two sample preparation methods were combined to obtain high extraction recoveries and enrichment factors for sensitive analysis of the selected analytes. In the first stage of the method, a homogeneous solution containing an aqueous solution and cyclohexyl amine is broken by the addition of a salt. After centrifugation, the upper collected phase containing the extracted analytes is subjected to the following dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method. Rapid injection of the mixture of cyclohexyl amine resulted from the first stage and 1,1,2‐trichloroethane (as an extraction solvent) into an acetic acid solution is led to form a cloudy solution. After centrifuging, the fine droplets of the extraction solvent are settled down in the bottom of the test tube, and an aliquot of it is analyzed by gas chromatography. Under the optimum extraction conditions, enrichment factors and limits of detection for the studied analytes were obtained in the ranges of 616–752 and 0.08–0.20 μg/L, respectively. The simplicity, high extraction efficiency, short sample preparation time, low cost, and safety demonstrated the efficiency of this method relative to other approaches.
Fraction transfer process in on‐line comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid‐phase separations
Authors: Česla Petr , Křenková Jana
Published: November 2016

Two‐dimensional liquid‐phase separations have gained increasing attention for their ability to separate complex sample mixtures. Among the experimental setups used, an on‐line approach is preferred to reduce the probability of sample contamination, for easier automation and high‐sample throughput. The interfacing of the separation techniques in the on‐line mode brings additional demands on proper optimization of the two‐dimensional system. In this review, the possibilities of the on‐line coupling of liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography with capillary electrophoresis in two‐dimensional systems are discussed. Special attention is paid to the fraction transfer process, which includes an overview of interfaces and experimental setups applied, the compatibility issues of separation systems, and instrumental parameters. The benefits and drawbacks of using electromigration separations in combination with liquid chromatography are presented as well.
Simple and fast analysis of tetrabromobisphenol A, hexabromocyclododecane isomers, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in serum using solid‐phase extraction or QuEChERS extraction followed by tandem mass spectrometry coupled to HPLC and GC
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Tian , Wang Yuwei , Shi Zhixiong , Zhou Xianqing , Sun Zhiwei , Wang Dejun , Wu Yongning
Published: November 2016

Two simplified sample preparation procedures for simultaneous extraction and clean‐up of tetrabromobisphenol A, α‐, β‐, and γ‐hexabromocyclododecane and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human serum were developed and validated. The first procedure was based on solid‐phase extraction. Sample extraction, purification, and lipid removal were carried out directly on an Oasis HLB cartridge. The second procedure was a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe‐based approach using octadecyl‐modified silica particles as a sorbent. After sample extraction and cleanup, tetrabromobisphenol A/hexabromocyclododecane was separated from polybrominated diphenyl ethers by using a Si‐based cartridge. Tetrabromobisphenol A and hexabromocyclododecane were then detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, while polybrominated diphenyl ethers were detected by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The results of the spike recovery test using fetal bovine serum showed that the average recoveries of the analytes ranged from 87.3 to 115.3% with relative standard deviations equal to or lower than 13.4 %. Limits of detection of the analytes were in the range of 0.4–19 pg/mL except for decabromodiphenyl ether. The developed method was successfully applied to routine analysis of human serum samples from occupational workers and the general population. Extremely high serum polybrominated diphenyl ethers levels up to 3.32 × 104 ng/g lipid weight were found in occupational workers.
Network Formation and Mechanical Properties of Telechelic Associating Polymers with Fixed Junction Multiplicity
Authors: Ozaki Hiroto , Koga Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2016

A statistical–mechanical theory of thermoreversible gelation which is formed by monodisperse telechelic associating polymers with junction multiplicity of three is developed. In the present theory, the effect of loop formation is considered. Using the theory, the properties of the system are obtained, such as the state of association of polymers, the sol–gel transition line, and the number concentration of elastically effective chains. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation of a bead‐spring model of monodisperse telechelic associating polymers is performed. The simulation results are in good agreement with the present theoretical results. Furthermore, the shear modulus is calculated by an application of phantom network theory and compared with the experimental data. The theoretical results agree well with the experimental results. It is shown that the loop formation occurs especially in dilute regime and causes the decrease of the modulus in the regime.

image
Spatial resolution and velocity field improvement of 4D‐flow MRI
Authors: Callaghan Fraser M. , Grieve Stuart M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

4D‐flow MRI obtains a time‐dependent 3D velocity field; however, its use for the calculation of higher‐order parameters is limited by noise. We present an algorithm for denoising 4D‐flow data.

Theory and Methods

By integrating a velocity field and eliminating streamlines in noisy flow, depicted by high curvature, a denoised dataset may be extracted. This method, defined as the velocity field improvement (VFIT) algorithm, was validated in an analytical dataset and using in vivo data in comparison with a computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. As a proof of principal, wall shear stress (WSS) measurements in the descending aorta were compared with those defined by CFD.

Results

The VFIT algorithm achieved a >100% noise reduction of a corrupted analytical dataset. In addition, 4D‐flow data were cleaned to show improved spatial resolution and near wall velocity representation. WSS measures compared well with CFD data and bulk flow dynamics were retained (<2% difference in flow measurements).

Conclusion

This study presents a method for denoising 4D‐flow datasets with improved spatial resolution. Bulk flow dynamics are accurately conserved while velocity and velocity gradient fields are improved; this is important in the calculation of higher‐order parameters such as WSS, which are shown to be more comparable to CFD measures. Magn Reson Med 78:1959–1968, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
What happens when N = 1 and you want plus 1?
Authors: Might Matthew , Might Cristina Casanova
Published: November 2016

We present a personal case study of what happens when a family has a child with an undiagnosed genetic disorder yet wishes to have more children free of the disease. After an intractable diagnostic odyssey for our oldest son, our family turned to exome sequencing. Exome sequencing found likely pathogenic variants of uncertain significance in the gene NGLY1. We used social media to uncover more cases for the newly discovered disorder and confirm the diagnosis in the process. With a diagnosis, we then explored and experienced a broad range of options for conceiving a child free of the disorder. Our success in having another child free of the disorder created a pathway for other families in our newly discovered disease community to do the same. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group therapy processes and treatment outcomes in 2 couple‐focused group interventions for breast cancer patients
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Kashy Deborah , Siegel Scott D. , Heckman Carolyn J.
Published: November 2016

Background

There has been little attention paid to the role of therapeutic processes in group therapy outcomes for cancer patients participating in group. The goal was to evaluate the contribution of 3 group processes—group climate (conflict, engagement, and avoidance) working alliance and therapeutic realizations—to the outcomes of 2 couple‐focused approaches to group treatment.

Methods

Three hundred and two women with early stage breast cancer and their partners were randomized to one of 2 conditions: an 8‐session enhanced couple‐focused group (ECG) intervention or a couples' support group participated. Couples completed measures of depressive symptoms and well‐being before and 6 months after group. Group process measures were completed after sessions 4 and 8.

Results

Support group participants (both patients and partners) perceived higher engagement and less avoidance than ECG participants. Conflict, working alliance, and therapeutic realizations did not differ. Group engagement, working alliance, and therapeutic realizations increased, and group conflict decreased over the course of both treatments. Greater conflict was associated with more posttreatment anxiety and lower well‐being, and engagement was associated with higher posttreatment well‐being. Patients whose partners reported higher conflict reported greater posttreatment anxiety. Working alliance was associated with posttreatment anxiety for ECG patients and with well‐being among participants whose partners reported higher working alliance.

Conclusions

Fostering a positive group environment bolsters treatment efficacy for women with early stage breast cancer and their partners attending couple‐focused groups. Facilitating the leader‐member alliance bolsters treatment efficacy. Improving engagement with one member of a couple impacts the other member.
Detection and Analysis of Ground Deformation in Permafrost Environments
Authors: Arenson Lukas U. , Kääb Andreas , O'Sullivan Antóin
Published: November 2016

In situ monitoring of periglacial dynamics is essential for the study of periglacial morphology and the design of mitigation and adaptation measures for infrastructure in permafrost zones. Evaluation of future effects of climate change on and from the periglacial environment requires understanding of surficial and internal deformation processes. Monitoring of internal deformation is still uncommon, primarily because of high costs. By contrast, major advancements in remote‐sensing technologies allow detailed assessment of surface deformation for large study areas. Technological advancements are anticipated to enhance spatial and temporal resolution, lighten sensors and improve unmanned aerial vehicles technology. The last of these will facilitate and reduce costs for data collection in remote areas under harsh climatic conditions. Increasing application of Structure‐from‐Motion, a photogrammetric image analysis technique, is anticipated, due to its precision, resolution, ease of usage and low cost. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anisotropic nature of hole g‐factor in individual InAs quantum rings
Authors: Kaji R. , Tominaga T. , Wu Y.‐N. , Wu M.‐F. , Cheng S.‐J. , Adachi S.
Published: November 2016

The in‐plane g‐factors of electron and hole spins (, ) confined in the individual InAs/GaAs quantum rings (QRs) were investigated by using experimental and theoretical approaches. From the measurements, we found that the experimentally obtained varies largely from QR to QR, while the variation in is small. In addition, the in‐plane () and the out‐of‐plane () anisotropies in hole g‐factor were obviously confirmed while the electron g‐factor exhibits isotropic natures in both cases. From the model calculations, the effects of the shape anisotropies and the uniaxial stress were examined. The shape anisotropy in QRs modifies the spatial distributions of hole wavefunctions. Thus, it brings the resultant changes in the degree of valence‐band mixing and , and combined with uniaxial stress, a larger modulation in was achieved. Although more detailed discussions are necessary at this stage, our findings will give valuable information for the g‐factor control in semiconductor nanostructures.
Reputation trust mechanism under the organizational‐based access control model
Authors: Toumi Khalifa , Sfar Hela , Garcia Alfaro Joaquin
Published: November 2016

The spread of high‐speed networks changes the way in which organizations manage information. Distributed environments, such as multi‐cloud environments, can be exploited by users belonging to different organizations. Companies are realizing that they can achieve significant cost savings by outsourcing some of their information technology environments to specialized service companies. This rapid transition has introduced a number of security risks and challenges. The resulting environment cannot succeed at addressing them without the use of access control policies and the definition of trust mechanisms. Access control ontologies, as a structured way to represent real word elements, are widely employed for making the security interoperable and understandable. Ontologies that have been built for this aim suffer from the lack of crucial elements for distributed environments. In this paper, we tackle the problem of trust‐based access control models. We define a list of trust elements that should be integrated into any access control ontology. We also provide a mapping technique that permits the exchange of trust information. Based on these two contributions, our reputation mechanism, that builds upon the organization‐based access control model (OrBAC), is created. To prove the efficiency of our proposal, we test it in a multi‐cloud environment. Then, we conduct a set of experiments that show the high accuracy level of our system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The median hazard ratio: a useful measure of variance and general contextual effects in multilevel survival analysis
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Wagner Philippe , Merlo Juan
Published: November 2016

Multilevel data occurs frequently in many research areas like health services research and epidemiology. A suitable way to analyze such data is through the use of multilevel regression models (MLRM). MLRM incorporate cluster‐specific random effects which allow one to partition the total individual variance into between‐cluster variation and between‐individual variation. Statistically, MLRM account for the dependency of the data within clusters and provide correct estimates of uncertainty around regression coefficients. Substantively, the magnitude of the effect of clustering provides a measure of the General Contextual Effect (GCE). When outcomes are binary, the GCE can also be quantified by measures of heterogeneity like the Median Odds Ratio (MOR) calculated from a multilevel logistic regression model. Time‐to‐event outcomes within a multilevel structure occur commonly in epidemiological and medical research. However, the Median Hazard Ratio (MHR) that corresponds to the MOR in multilevel (i.e., ‘frailty’) Cox proportional hazards regression is rarely used. Analogously to the MOR, the MHR is the median relative change in the hazard of the occurrence of the outcome when comparing identical subjects from two randomly selected different clusters that are ordered by risk. We illustrate the application and interpretation of the MHR in a case study analyzing the hazard of mortality in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction at hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We provide R code for computing the MHR. The MHR is a useful and intuitive measure for expressing cluster heterogeneity in the outcome and, thereby, estimating general contextual effects in multilevel survival analysis. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Mental health of women entering fertility treatment: What role do age and internal resources play?
Authors: Ben Shlomo Shirley , Skvirsky Vera , Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit , Azuri Yoseph , Horowitz Eran
Published: November 2016

Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) model of stress and coping, the study aimed at (a) examining the associations between the mental health of women entering fertility treatment and their internal resources (hope and two aspects of self‐consciousness: reflection and rumination); (b) indicating whether mental health is associated with age (above or below 35), and whether this association is mediated by the internal resources.

The sample consisted of 137 women (76 aged 20–34; 61 aged 35–44) at the start of fertility treatment who completed a series of self‐report questionnaires.

Results indicated that younger women reported higher distress and rumination than older women. Higher hope was associated with greater well‐being, and higher rumination was associated with greater distress. Furthermore, hope and rumination were found to mediate the association between age and mental health. These findings highlight the importance of developing age‐based interventions for women entering fertility treatment, aimed at strengthening their resilience to effectively cope with the demanding process ahead.
Hardiness, avoidance coping, and alcohol consumption in war veterans: A moderated‐mediation study
Authors: Bartone Paul T. , Johnsen Bjorn H. , Eid Jarle , Hystad Sigurd W. , Laberg Jon C.
Published: November 2016

Military personnel often engage in excessive alcohol use after returning from deployments. Thus far, research has paid scant attention to personality factors that may increase or diminish the risk for increased alcohol consumption in this population. The present study explores how psychological hardiness, avoidance coping, and stress exposure may interact to influence alcohol consumption patterns in soldiers following deployment. U.S. Army National Guard soldiers (N = 357) were surveyed shortly after returning from combat operations in Afghanistan. Conditional process analysis was used to test for mediation and moderation effects. Mediation effects were further tested in a replication sample of Norwegian Army soldiers (N = 230) deployed to Kosovo. Findings show that hardiness is a significant (negative) predictor of increased alcohol use and that this relation is mediated by avoidance coping. Further, this effect was moderated by combat stress exposure in the U.S. sample, such that the mediation is stronger for those with greater exposure (moderated‐mediation). Avoidance coping also mediated the effects of hardiness on alcohol consumption in the Norwegian sample. These findings suggest that avoidance coping and hardiness may be fruitful areas for interventions aimed at reducing risky drinking in high‐stress groups like the military.
Financial strain, dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction, and psychological distress: A dyadic mediation study in Greek couples
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Roussi Pagona
Published: November 2016

Financial strain typically has a severe impact on a couple's functioning and the well‐being of its members. In this study, we examined the indirect relation of financial strain to partners' relationship satisfaction and psychological distress, using dyadic coping as a mediator, in a sample of Greek couples. One hundred and eighteen couples participated in a cross‐sectional study. Perceived material loss in the past and perceived threat of loss in the future were used as financial strain indices. The actor–partner interdependence mediation model was employed to test for the mediation hypotheses. According to the results, the complete mediation (i.e., only indirect) effects models showed an unsatisfactory fit to the data and were rejected. The partial mediation actor–partner interdependence mediation model revealed several statistically significant direct and indirect (actor and partner) effects of the financial strain indices. The results provide more support to the hypothesized mediated impact of financial strain on partners' relationship satisfaction than on psychological distress. The findings underline the importance of dyadic coping for couple's adaptation to financial strain. They also point to the need to examine responses to stress at a dyadic level.
Ordered Micro/Nanostructures with Geometric Gradient: From Integrated Wettability “Library” to Anisotropic Wetting Surface
Authors: Xue Peihong , Nan Jingjie , Wang Tieqiang , Wang Shuli , Ye Shunsheng , Zhang Junhu , Cui Zhanchen , Yang Bai
Published: November 2016

Geometric gradients within ordered micro/nanostructures exhibit unique wetting properties. Well‐defined and ordered microsphere arrays with geometric gradient (OMAGG) are successfully fabricated through combining colloidal lithography and inclined reactive ion etching (RIE). During the inclined RIE, the graded etching rates in vertical direction of etcher chamber are the key to generating a geometric gradient. The OMAGG can be used as an effective mask for the preparation of micro/nanostructure arrays with geometric gradient by selective RIE. Through this strategy, a well‐defined wettability “library” with graded silicon cone arrays is fabricated, and the possibility of screening one desired “book” from the designated wettability “library” is demonstrated. Meanwhile, the silicon cone arrays with geometric gradient (SCAGG) can be applied to control the wetting behavior of water after being modified by hydrophilic or hydrophobic chemical groups. Based on this result, a temperature‐responsive wetting substrate is fabricated by modifying poly n‐isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAM) on the SCAGG. These wettability gradients have great potential in tissue engineering, microfluidic devices, and integrated sensors.
Self‐Assembly of Bolaamphiphilic Molecules
Authors: Dhasaiyan Prabhu , Prasad Bhagavatula L. V.
Published: November 2016

The current buzzword in science and technology is self‐assembly and molecular self‐assembly is one of the most prominent fields as far as research in chemical and biological sciences is concerned. Generally, self‐assembly of molecules occurs through weak non‐covalent interactions like hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, hydrophobic effects, etc. Inspired by many natural systems consisting of self‐assembled structures, scientists have been trying to understand their formation and mimic such processes in the laboratory to create functional “smart” materials, which respond to temperature, light, pH, electromagnetic field, mechanical stress, and/or chemical stimuli. These responses are usually manifested as remarkable changes from the molecular (e. g., conformational state, hierarchical order) to the macroscopic level (e. g., shape, surface properties). Many molecules such as peptides, viruses, and surfactants are known to self‐assemble into different structures. Among them, glycolipids are the new entries in the area of molecules that are being investigated for their self‐assembly characteristics. Among the different classes of glycolipids like rhamnolipids and trehalose lipids, owing to their biological preparations and their structural novelty, sophorolipids (SLs) are evoking greater interest among researchers. Sophorolipids are a class of asymmetric bolas bearing COOH groups at one end and sophorose (dimeric glucose linked by an unusual β(1→2) linkage). The extreme membrane stability of Archaea, attributed to the membrane‐spanning bolas (tetraether glycolipids), has inspired chemists to unravel the molecular designs that underpin the self‐assembly of bolaamphiphilic molecules. Apart from these self‐assembled structures, bolaamphiphiles find applications in many fields such as drug delivery, membrane mimicking, siRNA therapies, etc. The first part of this Personal Account presents some possible self‐assembled structures of bolaamphiphiles and their mechanism of formation. The later part covers our work on one of the typical bolaamphiphiles known as sophorolipids.
Divergent Total Synthesis of Atisane‐Type Diterpenoids
Authors: Zhu Guili , Wadavrao Sachin B. , Liu Bo
Published: November 2016

Atisane‐type diterpenoids are the principal constituent of tetracyclic C20‐diterpenoids, widely isolated from the plant kingdom with varying degrees of structural complexity and pharmacological activity. The tetracarbocyclic system with the unique bicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeleton of this natural product family has generated interest within the synthetic community. Divergent total synthesis is an effective tactic to synthesize several atisane‐type diterpenoids using structural interconversion from a common intermediate. This account summarizes the divergent total synthesis of atisane‐type diterpenoids.
Introducing Barium in Transition Metal Oxide Frameworks: Impact upon Superconductivity, Magnetism, Multiferroism and Oxygen Diffusion and Storage
Authors: Raveau Bernard
Published: November 2016

The role of barium in the structural chemistry of some transition metal oxides of the series “Cu, Mn, Fe,Co” is reviewed, based on its size effect and its particular chemical bonding. Its impact upon various properties, superconductivity, magnetism, multiferroism, oxygen storage is emphasized.
Operational semantics of resolution and productivity in Horn clause logic
Authors: Fu Peng , Komendantskaya Ekaterina
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a study of operational and type-theoretic properties of different resolution strategies in Horn clause logic. We distinguish four different kinds of resolution: resolution by unification (SLD-resolution), resolution by term-matching, the recently introduced structural resolution, and partial (or lazy) resolution. We express them all uniformly as abstract reduction systems, which allows us to undertake a thorough comparative analysis of their properties. To match this small-step semantics, we propose to take Howard’s System
H
as a type-theoretic semantic counterpart. Using System
H
, we interpret Horn formulas as types, and a derivation for a given formula as the proof term inhabiting the type given by the formula. We prove soundness of these abstract reduction systems relative to System
H
, and we show completeness of SLD-resolution and structural resolution relative to System
H
. We identify conditions under which structural resolution is operationally equivalent to SLD-resolution. We show correspondence between term-matching resolution for Horn clause programs without existential variables and term rewriting.
Mukoviszidose
Authors: Rath Matthias , Najm Juliane , Gilberg Eberhard , Felbor Ute
Published: November 2016

Die Mukoviszidose gehört mit einer Inzidenz von etwa 1:3300 bis 1:4800 Neugeborenen zu den häufigsten autosomal-rezessiv erblichen Erkrankungen in Deutschland und ist mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität assoziiert. Um die möglichst frühzeitige Einleitung einer Therapie zu ermöglichen, wurde mit der am 1. September 2016 in Kraft getretenen Novellierung der Richtlinie über die Früherkennung von Krankheiten bei Kindern bis zur Vollendung des 6. Lebensjahres durch den Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss die Einführung eines Screenings auf Mukoviszidose im Neugeborenenalter beschlossen. Ferner konnte durch interdisziplinäre Behandlungskonzepte u. a. in spezialisierten Mukoviszidosezentren die Lebenserwartung in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich gesteigert werden. Mit der Entwicklung und zunehmenden Markteinführung mutationsspezifischer Therapien besteht erstmals die Möglichkeit, direkt in die Pathophysiologie der Mukoviszidose einzugreifen.
Investors’ reactions to companies’ stakeholder management: the crucial role of assumed costs and perceived sustainability
Authors: Schwarzmüller Tanja , Brosi Prisca , Stelkens Vera , Spörrle Matthias , Welpe Isabell M.
Published: November 2016

Companies regularly have to address opposing interests from their shareholding and non-shareholding stakeholder groups. Consequently, a wealth of previous research has focused on how CEOs decide which stakeholder management activities to pursue and prioritize. In contrast, however, surprisingly little research has considered how (potential) investors react to a company’s management of shareholding and non-shareholding stakeholders and what factors drive their reactions in such contexts. We seek to fill this gap in the literature by conducting an experimental scenario study (N = 997) in which investment behavior is analyzed in situations in which management has to make a trade-off between shareholders’ and non-shareholding stakeholders’ interests. Our results show that (potential) investors consider the assumed costs of fulfilling non-shareholding stakeholders’ interests and the perceived sustainability of doing so for corporate success when making investment decisions in such contexts. In cases of low costs or high sustainability, participants were more willing to invest in a company that favored non-shareholding over shareholding stakeholders (thereby deciding against their immediate financial interests), while the opposite was true in cases of high costs or low sustainability. With these results, our paper broadens stakeholder theory’s focus by taking individual investors’ reactions to corporate stakeholder management into account. Moreover, it both provides evidence for and extends the “Enlightened Stakeholder Theory”, which proposes that organizations should fulfill stakeholders’ interests if doing so contributes to long-term firm value enhancement, but has so far not considered the role of the costs necessary for fulfilling stakeholders’ claims in such decisions.
Electrode selection for hearing preservation in cochlear implantation: A review of the evidence
Authors: Brant Jason A. , Ruckenstein Michael J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To review and assess the ideal length of electrode in cochlear implant patients for hearing preservation.

Methods

The English language literature was reviewed for studies including hearing preservation and speech understanding for electrodes of different lengths.

Results

One prospective trial was found, and there were no studies that randomized patients into different length electrodes with an intent to preserve hearing. Eight studies total included multiple length electrodes and contained data regarding hearing preservation.

Conclusions

Although there is some evidence that indicates that shorter electrodes may improve both short and long‐term hearing preservation rates in cochlear implant patients, no study has directly compared implant length on hearing preservation in a similar patient population. A randomized trial of short and standard length electrodes for hearing preservation is warranted. In the interim, utilization of current electrodes measuring 20–25 mm could seem to be a prudent approach when seeking to preserve residual hearing without unduly compromising cochlear coverage.
Statistical steady state in turbulent droplet condensation
Authors: Siewert Christoph , Bec Jérémie , Krstulovic Giorgio
Published: November 2016

Motivated by systems in which droplets grow and shrink in a turbulence-driven supersaturation field, we investigate the problem of turbulent condensation in a general manner. Using direct numerical simulations, we show that the turbulent fluctuations of the supersaturation field offer different conditions for the growth of droplets which evolve in time due to turbulent transport and mixing. Based on this, we propose a Lagrangian stochastic model for condensation and evaporation of small droplets in turbulent flows. It consists of a set of stochastic integro-differential equations for the joint evolution of the squared radius and the supersaturation along the droplet trajectories. The model has two parameters fixed by the total amount of water and the thermodynamic properties, as well as the Lagrangian integral time scale of the turbulent supersaturation. The model reproduces very well the droplet size distributions obtained from direct numerical simulations and their time evolution. A noticeable result is that, after a stage where the squared radius simply diffuses, the system converges exponentially fast to a statistical steady state independent of the initial conditions. The main mechanism involved in this convergence is a loss of memory induced by a significant number of droplets undergoing a complete evaporation before growing again. The statistical steady state is characterized by an exponential tail in the droplet mass distribution. These results reconcile those of earlier numerical studies, once these various regimes are considered.
Large-scale motions in turbulent boundary layers subjected to adverse pressure gradients
Authors: Lee Jae Hwa
Published: November 2016

It is known that large-scale streamwise velocity-fluctuating structures ($u^{\prime }$) are frequently observed in the log region of a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer, and that these motions significantly influence near-wall small-scale $u^{\prime }$-structures by modulating the amplitude (Hutchins & Marusic, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 579, 2007, pp. 1–28; Mathis et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 628, 2009, pp. 311–337). In the present study, we provide evidence that the spatial organization of large-scale structures in the log region is significantly influenced by the strength of adverse pressure gradients in turbulent boundary layers based on a direct numerical simulation dataset. For a mild adverse pressure gradient boundary layer flow, groups of hairpin vortices are coherently aligned in the streamwise direction to form hairpin vortex packets, and streamwise merging events of the induced large-scale $u^{\prime }$-structures create a larger streamwise length scale of structures than that for a zero pressure gradient boundary layer flow. As the pressure gradient strength increases further, however, the formation of hairpin packets is continuously suppressed, and large-scale motions are consequently not concatenated to create a longer motion, resulting in a significant reduction of the streamwise coherence of large-scale structures in the log layer. Although energy spectrum maps for $u^{\prime }$-structures show that the large-scale energy is continuously intensified above the log layer with an increase in the pressure gradient, amplitude modulation of the near-wall small-scale motions is dominantly induced by log region large-scale structures for adverse pressure gradient flows. Conditional averaged flow fields with large-scale Q2 and Q4 events indicate that large-scale counter-rotating roll modes play an important role in organizing the flows under the pressure gradients, and the large-scale roll modes associated with Q4 events are more enhanced in the outer layer than those associated with Q2 events, reducing the streamwise coherence of the vortices in a packet.
Acoustic streaming and the induced forces between two spheres
Authors: Fabre D. , Jalal J. , Leontini J. S. , Manasseh R.
Published: November 2016

The ability of acoustic microstreaming to cause a pair of particles to attract or repel is investigated. Expanding the flow around two spheres in terms of a small-amplitude parameter measuring the amplitude of the forcing, the leading order is an oscillating flow field with zero mean representing the effect of the applied acoustic field, while the second-order correction contains a steady streaming component. A modal decomposition in the azimuthal direction reduces the problem to a few linear problems in a two-dimensional domain corresponding to the meridional ($r,z$) plane. The analysis computes both the intricate flow fields and the mean forces felt by both spheres. If the spheres are aligned obliquely with respect to the oscillating flow, they experience a lateral force which realigns them into a transverse configuration. In this transverse configuration, they experience an axial force which can be either attractive or repulsive. At high frequencies the force is always attractive. At low frequencies, it is repulsive. At intermediate frequencies, the force is attractive at large distances and repulsive at small distances, leading to the existence of a stable equilibrium configuration.
Experimental particle paths and drift velocity in steep waves at finite water depth
Authors: Grue John , Kolaas Jostein
Published: November 2016

The Lagrangian paths, horizontal Lagrangian drift velocity, $U_{L}$, and the Lagrangian excess period, $T_{L}-T_{0}$, where $T_{L}$ is the Lagrangian period and $T_{0}$ the Eulerian linear period, are obtained by particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) in non-breaking periodic laboratory waves at a finite water depth of $h=0.2~\text{m}$, wave height of $H=0.49h$ and wavenumber of $k=0.785/h$. Both $U_{L}$ and $T_{L}-T_{0}$ are functions of the average vertical position of the paths, $\bar{Y}$, where $-1<\bar{Y}/h<0$. The functional relationships $U_{L}(\bar{Y})$ and $T_{L}-T_{0}=f(\bar{Y})$ are very similar. Comparisons to calculations by the inviscid strongly nonlinear Fenton method and the second-order theory show that the streaming velocities in the boundary layers below the wave surface and above the fluid bottom contribute to a strongly enhanced forward drift velocity and excess period. The experimental drift velocity shear becomes more than twice that obtained by the Fenton method, which again is approximately twice that of the second-order theory close to the surface. There is no mass flux of the periodic experimental waves and no pressure gradient. The results from a total number of 80 000 experimental particle paths in the different phases and vertical positions of the waves show a strong collapse. The particle paths are closed at the two vertical positions where $U_{L}=0$.
Finding Out About Indentures
Authors: Swift Hester
Published: November 2016

In the Spring of 2015, the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Library was contacted by Mark Engsberg, Director of Library Services at Emory Law, enquiring about old English legal documents. Mark knows several of us at the Institute through the IALL conferences. He was emailing on behalf of Professor Tina Stark, an Emory faculty member, who was planning a visit to London and hoped to see collections of indentures while she was there.
The Constituent Assembly of India: Recollecting Contributions of Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, the Constitutional Adviser
Authors: Narayan Uma
Published: November 2016

Before recollecting the contributions of Sir B.N. Rau in articulating of the Constitution of India, it is necessary to know about the evolution of concept of Constituent Assembly, formation of Indian Constituent Assembly and initiatives taken by its members to include the best features of some Constitutions of the World for the benefit of Indian people.
An 11-year record of mass balance of Brewster Glacier, New Zealand, determined using a geostatistical approach
Authors: CULLEN NICOLAS J. , ANDERSON BRIAN , SIRGUEY PASCAL , STUMM DOROTHEA , MACKINTOSH ANDREW , CONWAY JONATHAN P. , HORGAN HUW J. , DADIC RUZICA , FITZSIMONS SEAN J. , LORREY ANDREW
Published: December 2016

Recognising the scarcity of glacier mass-balance data in the Southern Hemisphere, a mass-balance measurement programme was started at Brewster Glacier in the Southern Alps of New Zealand in 2004. Evolution of the measurement regime over the 11 years of data recorded means there are differences in the spatial density of data obtained. To ensure the temporal integrity of the dataset a new geostatistical approach is developed to calculate mass balance. Spatial co-variance between elevation and snow depth allows a digital elevation model to be used in a co-kriging approach to develop a snow depth index (SDI). By capturing the observed spatial variability in snow depth, the SDI is a more reliable predictor than elevation and is used to adjust each year of measurements consistently despite variability in sampling spatial density. The SDI also resolves the spatial structure of summer balance better than elevation. Co-kriging is used again to spatially interpolate a derived mean summer balance index using SDI as a co-variate, which yields a spatial predictor for summer balance. The average glacier-wide surface winter, summer and annual balances over the period 2005–15 are 2484, −2586 and −102 mm w.e., respectively, with changes in summer balance explaining most of the variability in annual balance.
THE PRINCIPLES OF DUE DILIGENCE AND PREVENTION IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Authors: Yotova Rumiana
Published: November 2016

ON 16 December 2015, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its judgment in the joined cases of Certain Activities Carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v Nicaragua) and Construction of a Road in Costa Rica along the San Juan River (Nicaragua v Costa Rica), ICJ Reports 2015. These are the latest in a line of cases raising key principles of international environmental law before the ICJ, following Pulp Mills (2010), Aerial Herbicide Spraying and Whaling in the Antarctic (2014).
VARYING CONTRACTS
Authors: Davies Paul S.
Published: November 2016

MWB Business Exchange Centres Ltd. v Rock Advertising Ltd. [2016] EWCA Civ 553 deals with a number of important issues concerning variation of contracts. Rock occupied as licensee premises managed by MWB. In August 2011, Rock decided to expand its business, and entered into a written agreement with MWB for larger premises for 12 months beginning 1 November 2011. The licence fee was agreed to be £3,500 per month for the first three months, and then £4,433.34 from 1 February 2012. Unfortunately, Rock's business was not as successful as hoped and, by late February 2012, it had incurred arrears of over £12,000. MWB gave notice purporting to terminate the agreement, but the parties then orally agreed to reschedule the licence fee payments due from February to October 2012: Rock would pay less than the originally agreed amount for the first few months, but after that would pay more, with the result that the arrears would be cleared by the end of the year. Pursuant to this agreement, Rock paid £3,500 to MWB, which was the first instalment due in accordance with the revised payment schedule. However, MWB subsequently changed its mind and sued for the arrears. MWB presented two arguments why Rock could not rely upon the oral variation. First, MWB pointed to an anti-oral variation clause in the written contract. Second, MWB relied upon Foakes v Beer (1884) 9 App. Cas. 605 for the proposition that the variation was not supported by consideration. Both arguments failed before a unanimous Court of Appeal (Arden, Kitchin and McCombe L.JJ.).
JURISDICTION OF THE ENGLISH COURTS OVER OVERSEAS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Authors: Aristova Ekaterina
Published: November 2016

IN Lungowe v Vedanta Resources Plc [2016] EWHC 975 (TCC), the High Court allowed a claim to be heard in England against parent company incorporated in England and its foreign subsidiary in relation to the overseas subsidiary's operations. The judge considered whether the claim against the English-domiciled defendant could be stayed on the basis of forum non conveniens, and whether jurisdiction could be established over its foreign subsidiary as a necessary and proper party to the case. The overall analysis of the judgment suggests that (1) the claims against the parent company in relation to the overseas operations of the foreign subsidiary can be heard in the English courts and (2) the existence of an arguable claim against the English-domiciled parent company also establishes jurisdiction of the English courts over the subsidiary even if the factual basis of the case occurs almost exclusively in the foreign state.
TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION AND THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD
Authors: Trimmings Katarina
Published: November 2016

ARTICLE 8 of the Brussels IIa Regulation sets out the general rule regarding jurisdiction in intra-EU parental responsibility cases, namely that jurisdiction lies with the courts of the Member State of the habitual residence of the child. However, exceptionally, the court that has been seised of a case pursuant to Article 8 may not be the best placed to hear the case. To cater for such situations, the Regulation contains an innovative rule according to which a court that is seised of a case, and has jurisdiction on the substance, can transfer the case to a court of another Member State, if the latter is “better placed” to hear the case, and if the transfer is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the transfer is subject to the condition that there is a “particular connection” between the child and the other Member State (e.g. the child is a national of that Member State). The “transfer of jurisdiction” rule, which is embodied in Article 15 of the Regulation, is at the heart of the Supreme Court decision in Re N (Children) (Adoption: Jurisdiction) (AIRE Centre and others intervening) [2016] UKSC 15; [2016] 2 W.L.R. 1103.
DEFINING TAX AVOIDANCE: FLIRTING WITH CHAOS, AGAIN
Authors: de Cogan Dominic
Published: November 2016

THE decision in the conjoined appeals in UBS v HMRC and DB v HMRC [2016] UKSC 13 invites us to revisit a note published by John Tiley in 2005 concerning the decisions in Barclays Mercantile Business Finance v Mawson [2004] UKHL 51 and Scottish Provident v IRC [2004] UKHL 52 and subtitled “less chaos but more uncertainty” ([2005] B.T.R. 273). This is a richly textured piece that repays close reading; the central observation is that the cases reflected the settlement of long-running debates on the nature and scope of the Ramsay doctrine, which allows the courts to hold ineffective certain attempts at tax avoidance. As is well known, the years following Ramsay v IRC [1982] A.C. 300 itself were characterised by a tension between the need to clarify the circumstances in which the doctrine would apply and an understanding that too much clarity might allow taxpayers to circumvent the doctrine altogether.