bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Ik ben niet zo rijk, misschien wel gelukkiger.’ Interpretatiewijzen van portretteringen van sociale klassen in realitytelevisie
Authors: Noordzij Kjell , Van Eijck Koen , Berkers Pauwke
Published: September 2017

In this article, we explore how people differ in interpreting members of their own and other social classes as portrayed in reality television. Using in-depth interviews, participants from three social classes watched video fragments showing people belonging to four social classes. The results indicate that we can distinguish four specific ways of interpreting, namely tolerance, distancing, practical, and identifying. These ways of interpreting are characteristic for the social classes of the viewers and differ in the extent in which they build on identity, distancing, openness, and stereotyping. The differences point towards an important but ambiguous role played by openness within the cultural elite, a strong class-consciousness shown by the economic elite, and a general importance of cultural and economic capital.
Modelling of sediment transport and morphological evolution under the combined action of waves and currents
Authors: Franz Guilherme , Delpey Matthias T. , Brito David , Pinto Lígia , Leitão Paulo , Neves Ramiro
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Coastal defence structures are often constructed to prevent beach erosion. However, poorly designed structures may cause serious erosion problems in the downdrift direction. Morphological models are useful tools to predict such impacts and assess the efficiency of defence structures for different scenarios. Nevertheless, morphological modelling is still a topic under intense research effort. The processes simulated by a morphological model depend on model complexity. For instance, undertow currents are neglected in coastal area models (2DH), which is a limitation for simulating the evolution of beach profiles for long periods. Model limitations are generally overcome by predefining invariant equilibrium profiles that are allowed to shift offshore or onshore. A more flexible approach is described in this paper, which can be generalised to 3-D models. The present work is based on the coupling of the MOHID modelling system and the SWAN wave model. The impacts of different designs of detached breakwaters and groynes were simulated in a schematic beach configuration following a 2DH approach. The results of bathymetry evolution are in agreement with the patterns found in the literature for several existing structures. The model was also tested in a 3-D test case to simulate the formation of sandbars by undertow currents. The findings of this work confirmed the applicability of the MOHID modelling system to study sediment transport and morphological changes in coastal zones under the combined action of waves and currents. The same modelling methodology was applied to a coastal zone (Costa da Caparica) located at the mouth of a mesotidal estuary (Tagus Estuary, Portugal) to evaluate the hydrodynamics and sediment transport both in calm water conditions and during events of highly energetic waves. The MOHID code is available in the GitHub repository.
Oblique reactivation of lithosphere-scale lineaments controls
rift physiography – The upper crustal expression of the
Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, offshore southern Norway
Authors: Phillips Thomas B. , Jackson Christopher A.-L. , Bell Rebecca E. , Duffy Oliver B.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Pre-existing structures within sub-crustal lithosphere may localise stresses during subsequent tectonic events, resulting in complex fault systems at upper crustal levels. As these sub-crustal structures are difficult to resolve at great depths, the evolution of kinematically and perhaps geometrically linked upper-crustal fault populations can offer insights into their deformation history, including when and how they reactivate and accommodate stresses during later tectonic events. In this study, we use borehole-constrained 2D and 3D seismic reflection data to investigate the structural development of the Farsund Basin, offshore southern Norway; this E-trending basin represents the upper crustal expression of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, a major lithosphere-scale lineament extending >1000 km across Central Europe. The southern margin of the Farsund Basin is characterised by N-S and E-W-striking fault populations, the latter extending down through the Moho and potentially linking with the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone as imaged within sub-crustal lithosphere. Due to this geometric linkage, we can analyse the upper crustal fault populations to infer the kinematics of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone. We use throw-length (T-x) analysis and fault displacement backstripping techniques to determine the geometric and kinematic evolution of upper-crustal fault populations during the multiphase evolution of the Farsund Basin. We document a period of sinistral strike-slip activity along E-W-striking faults during the Early Jurassic, representing a hitherto undocumented phase of activity along the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone. These E-W-striking upper-crustal faults are later obliquely reactivated under a dextral stress regime during the Early Cretaceous, with new faults also propagating away from pre-existing ones, representing a switch to a phase of dextral transtension along the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone. We show that the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone represents a long-lived lithosphere-scale lineament that is periodically reactivated throughout its protracted geological history. The upper crustal component of the lineament is reactivated in a range of tectonic styles, including both sinistral and dextral strike-slip motions, with the geometry and kinematics of these faults often inconsistent with what may otherwise be inferred from regional tectonics alone. Understanding these different styles of reactivation not only allows us to better understand the influence of sub-crustal lithospheric structure on rifting, but also offers insights into the prevailing stress field during regional tectonic events.
EFFECT OF POLYMER CHAIN MODIFICATIONS ON ELASTOMER PROPERTIES
Authors: Bandzierz Katarzyna S. , Reuvekamp Louis A. E. M. , Dryzek Jerzy , Dierkes Wilma K. , Blume Anke , Bieliński Dariusz M.
Published: September 2017

Considerable attention is paid to the influence of crosslink density and crosslink structures on the behavior of polymer chains and properties of elastomers. However, a very important parameter seems to be underestimated: the modifications to the polymer chains by curatives, formed by sulfur and fragments of accelerators. We draw attention to this important contribution to performance of spatial networks. The emulsion styrene–butadiene rubber samples, cured with tetramethylthiuram disulfide and sulfur (TMTD/S8) and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate with sulfur (ZDT/S8), were studied. They were characterized in detail in terms of crosslink density and crosslink structures. Microscale techniques were used to obtain information about the behavior of the polymer chains: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to study the free volume structure and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to monitor the glass transition process. Properties such as static mechanical performance and thermo-oxidative stability were also evaluated. All of the investigated characteristics were influenced by a combination of crosslink density, crosslink structures, and, to a large extent, by the modifications of the polymer chains. The effect of the modifications is dependent on the amount and the structure of the curatives' molecules. On the basis of the obtained results, the usefulness of the “phr” unit used for calculation of the curatives' amount has been queried. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that DSC, DMA, and PALS techniques can provide evidence for the presence of the modifications on the polymer chain by curatives.
Chemometric-Assisted Spectrophotometric Method for the Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Their Combined Dosage Forms
Authors: Heringer de Souza Fernanda , Todeschini Vítor , Sangoi Maximiliano da Silva
Published: September 2017

The multivariate method, partial least-squares (PLS), was used as a calibration procedure for the simultaneous UV spectrophotometric determination of ezetimibe and simvastatin in their pharmaceutical forms. The method was developed and satisfactorily validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. In this study, the PLS algorithms are based on the absorption spectra of 25 different mixtures of drugs obtained by a multilevel factorial design. The method was linear in the concentration range of 2–8 μg/mL for ezetimibe and 4–16 μg/mL for simvastatin (r2 > 0.99; n = 7) at wavelengths of 238 and 247 nm, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were 0.28 and 0.93 μg/mL for ezetimibe and 0.16 and 0.53 μg/mL for simvastatin, respectively. Precision and accuracy data, evaluated by RSD, were lower than 2%. The method, which proved to be robust, was performed with a 2n full-factorial design. The validated method is simple and low cost, has a low use of polluting reagents, and is environmental friendly. Therefore, the proposed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of ezetimibe and simvastatin in commercial formulations.
Anatomia da madeira de Eucalyptus Benthamii Maiden & Cambage, espécie promissora para o setor de celulose no sul do Brasil
Authors: Baldin Talita , Marchiori José Newton Cardoso , Talgatti Maiara
Published: September 2017

É investigada a anatomia microscópica da madeira de exemplares jovens de Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage (Myrtaceae – Leptospermoideae) procedentes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Destacam-se os seguintes caracteres anatômicos: madeira composta por fibras, raios, parênquima axial e, em menores porcentagens, elementos vasculares e traqueídes vasculares; vasos quase sempre solitários, numerosos, em arranjo diagonal e porosidade difusa; parênquima paratraqueal vasicêntrico e confluente; raios unisseriados, homogêneos e heterogêneos; e fibras libriformes. Mesmo sem características singulares em sua estrutura, a presença de elementos vasculares curtos, parênquima paratraqueal e fibras libriformes atestam um caráter relativamente evoluído, comparado às Mirtáceas nativas. Apesar de jovens, as amostras analisadas recomendam a utilização da madeira de Eucalyptus benthamii para a indústria de celulose e papel.
Osteoid Osteoma at the Proximal Diaphysis of the Fifth Metatarsal
Authors: Ataoglu Muhammet Baybars , Ali Ali Kh. , Ozer Mustafa , Topcu Hüseyin Nevzat , Cetinkaya Mehmet , Kulduk Gamze
Published: September 2017

The foot is rarely the focus of osteoid osteoma, and only a few of those cases are related to the fifth metatarsal. The present case demonstrates that atypical symptoms with suspicious findings on plain radiographs that are not associated with trauma must be analyzed carefully to determine the nature of the lesion and perform the precise treatment to obtain and sustain the cure. A 29-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic with a 2-year history of chronic pain in the lateral aspect of his left forefoot. The onset was not related to trauma, surgery, local infection, osteomyelitis, or another entity regarding the proximal fifth metatarsal. The patient noted that the pain was aggravated at night and typically subsided with the use of salicylates or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Initial plain radiographs demonstrated cortical thickening and a lytic lesion at the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal. Because the pain relief was transient, we suspected an osteoid osteoma lesion, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging manifested pathognomonic signs of subperiosteal osteoid osteoma. Diagnosis was followed by planning of the surgery that ended the patient's symptoms.
Numerical analysis for infant's unintentional exposure to 3.5 GHz plane wave radiofrequency electromagnetic fields by field test of fifth generation wireless technologies
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Congsheng , Kang Yangyang , Zhou Zhou , Xie Yi , Wu Tongning
Published: September 2017

In this study, the plane wave exposure of an infant to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of 3.5 GHz was numerically analyzed to investigate the unintentional electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure of fifth generation (5G) signals during field test. The dosimetric influence of age‐dependent dielectric properties and the influence of an adult body were evaluated using an infant model of 12 month old and an adult female model. The results demonstrated that the whole body‐averaged specific absorption rate (WBASAR) was not significantly affected by age‐dependent dielectric properties and the influence of the adult body did not enhance WBASAR. Taking the magnitude of the in situ E field strength into consideration, realistic WBASAR was far below the basic restriction. Age‐dependent dielectric properties could significantly change the tissue specified specific absorption rate (TSSAR) of internal organs. However, the variation was not significant because the absolute values were marginal. Among the factors that influenced TSSAR variation, change in dielectric properties demonstrated a close correlation. In general, at 3.5 GHz, the infant did not absorb more power than the case of EMF exposure to third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) signals. The work was helpful for network operators and device manufactures to estimate the potential exposure risk during the field test, especially for the infant.
Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes as Platform for Biomimetically Inspired Mechanical Sensing, Bioactive Surfaces, and Electrical Cell Interfacing
Authors: Schneider Jörg J.
Published: September 2017

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) are one dimensional carbon objects anchored atop of a solid substrate. They are geometrically fixed in contrast to their counterparts, randomly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this progress report, the breadth in which these one dimensional, mechanically flexible, though robust and electrical conducting carbon nanostructures can be employed as functional material is shown and our research is put in perspective to work in the last five to ten years. The connection between the different areas touched in this report is the biomimetic‐materials approach, which rely on the hairy morphology of VACNTs. These properties in connection with their electrical conductivity offer possibilities towards new functional features and applications of VACNTs. To appreciate the possibilities of biomimetic research with VACNTs, first their material characteristics are given to make the reader familiar with specific features of their synthesis, the peculiarities in arranging and controlling the morphology of CNTs in a vertical alignment as well as a current understanding of these properties on a microscopic basis. In doing so, similarities as well as differences, which offer new possibilities for biomimetic studies of VACNTS with respect to multiwalled randomly oriented CNTs, will become clear.
In Vitro Microfluidic Models for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Osaki Tatsuya , Shin Yoojin , Sivathanu Vivek , Campisi Marco , Kamm Roger D.
Published: September 2017

Microfluidic devices enable novel means of emulating neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology in vitro. These organ‐on‐a‐chip systems can potentially reduce animal testing and substitute (or augment) simple 2D culture systems. Reconstituting critical features of neurodegenerative diseases in a biomimetic system using microfluidics can thereby accelerate drug discovery and improve our understanding of the mechanisms of several currently incurable diseases. This review describes latest advances in modeling neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. First, this study summarizes fundamental advantages of microfluidic devices in the creation of compartmentalized cell culture microenvironments for the co‐culture of neurons, glial cells, endothelial cells, and skeletal muscle cells and in their recapitulation of spatiotemporal chemical gradients and mechanical microenvironments. Then, this reviews neurodegenerative‐disease‐on‐a‐chip models focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, this study discusses about current drawbacks of these models and strategies that may overcome them. These organ‐on‐chip technologies can be useful to be the first line of testing line in drug development and toxicology studies, which can contribute significantly to minimize the phase of animal testing steps.
Anatomic relationship of the first olfactory neuron and trochlea: cadaveric study with surgical implications
Authors: Locker Philip , Plitt Max , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Smith Ryan , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Iatrogenic injury to the trochlea is a potential complication of the Draf III or endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure; however, the location of the trochlea from within the sinus cavity has yet to be clearly characterized. We performed the first cadaveric study assessing the position of the trochlea in relation to the first olfactory neuron, a commonly identified landmark during the Draf III procedure.

Methods

Thirteen external dissections of the trochlea were performed on 7 disarticulated cadaveric heads via an extended Lynch type incision. An endoscopic Draf III procedure was then performed on all cadavers. A burr hole was then created at the trochlear fovea. A straight vector between the trochlear attachment and the ipsilateral first olfactory neuron was then created. The vector was then viewed from within the sinuses using a 30‐degree endoscope. The endoscope was maneuvered to create an upright midline view centered on the olfactory neurons. An image was subsequently captured and analyzed using ImageJ software to calculate a vector angle. The linear distance between the 2 structures was also recorded.

Results

Relative to the first olfactory neuron, the trochlea was found to be 19.52 ± 4.68 mm away and at an angle of 39.42 ± 8.54 degrees in the anterolateral, superior direction along the frontal bone.

Conclusion

We report the first anatomical dissection characterizing the position of the trochlea relative to the ipsilateral first olfactory neuron. Intraoperative recognition of this relationship during Draf III procedures can prevent potential injury to the trochlea.
Mehrvergütungsansprüche für Allgemeine Geschäftskosten nach dem Äquivalenzprinzip für Mehr‐ und Mindermengen sowie für Behinderung bei VOB‐Verträgen
Authors: Čadež Ivan
Published: September 2017

Die Lösungsansätze für Mehrvergütungsansprüche (MVA) für Allgemeine Geschäftskosten (AGK) unter Berücksichtigung des Äquivalenzprinzips für geänderte und zusätzliche Leistungen nach § 2 Abs. 5 und 6 VOB/B und in Ansätzen auch für Behinderungen nach § 6 Abs. 6 VOB/B wurden in vorangegangenen Beiträgen bereits dargestellt. In diesem Beitrag werden daher die MVA der AGK aus Mehr‐ und Mindermengen nach § 2 Abs. 3 VOB/B unter Beachtung des Äquivalenzprinzips erläutert und es wird eine dezidierte Betrachtung der MVA für AGK aus Behinderungen nach § 6 Abs. 6 VOB/B bzw. § 642 BGB gegeben.

Im Ergebnis wird ein modularer und methodischer Lösungsansatz für MVA für AGK vorgestellt, mit dessen Hilfe AGK eindeutig, einheitlich, baubetriebswirtschaftlich richtig und VOB‐konform bei Bausolländerungen berechnet werden können.

Die Berücksichtigung des Äquivalenzprinzips bedeutet im Wesentlichen, dass das bei Vertragsabschluss bestehende Gleichgewicht zwischen Leistung und Vergütung auch bei Bausolländerungen aus baubetriebswirtschaftlicher Sicht weiterhin bestehen bleibt. Dieser Ansatz ist sinnvoll, da dem weiter aufrechterhaltenen Äquivalenzprinzip bei Bausolländerungen alle Fachleute und Beteiligte auf Auftraggeber‐ und Auftragnehmerseite zustimmen.
Renal‐protective and ameliorating impacts of omega‐3 fatty acids against aspartame damaged MDCK cells
Authors: Pandurangan Muthuraman , Enkhtaivan Gansukh , Veerappan Muthuviveganandavel , Mistry Bhupendra , Patel Rahul , Moon So Hyun , Nagajyothi Patnamsetty Chidanandha , Kim Doo Hwan
Published: September 2017

Aspartame is widely used artificial sweeteners as food additives. Several researchers have pointed that the controversial report on the use of aspartame over more than decades. Omega‐3 fatty acids are essential and unsaturated fatty acids, and it plays a remarkable role in vision, intelligence, neural development, and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on aspartame treated renal cells. Experimental groups were divided into three such as sham control, aspartame treated, and aspartame with omega‐3 fatty acids. Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine‐b assay and flow cytometric analysis. The experimental results showed that the aspartame induced altered cell viability were reduced following treatment of aspartame with omega‐3 fatty acids. Altered cell morphology was recovered by omega‐3 fatty acids. DNA damage appeared in the highest concentration of aspartame used in this study. DNA damage characteristics such as comet tail and tiny head sections did not appear in the omega‐3 fatty acids treated cells. Several microvilli and vesicular structures were found in aspartame treated cells. Altered morphology such as rounding, microvilli, and formation of dome‐like structures did not appear in the omega‐3 fatty acids with aspartame treated cells. Caspase‐3 mRNA and protein expression were increased in aspartame treated cells, and these levels were reduced following omega‐3 fatty acids treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the omega‐3 fatty acids may be a therapeutic agent to reduce the aspartame induced biochemical and morphological alterations in normal renal cells. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):847–857, 2017
Nature, nurture, and capital punishment: How evidence of a genetic–environment interaction, future dangerousness, and deliberation affect sentencing decisions
Authors: Gordon Natalie , Greene Edie
Published: September 2017

Research has shown that the low‐activity MAOA genotype in conjunction with a history of childhood maltreatment increases the likelihood of violent behaviors. This genetic–environment (G × E) interaction has been introduced as mitigation during the sentencing phase of capital trials, yet there is scant data on its effectiveness. This study addressed that issue. In a factorial design that varied mitigating evidence offered by the defense [environmental (i.e., childhood maltreatment), genetic, G × E, or none] and the likelihood of the defendant's future dangerousness (low or high), 600 mock jurors read sentencing phase evidence in a capital murder trial, rendered individual verdicts, and half deliberated as members of a jury to decide a sentence of death or life imprisonment. The G × E evidence had little mitigating effect on sentencing preferences: participants who received the G × E evidence were no less likely to sentence the defendant to death than those who received evidence of childhood maltreatment or a control group that received neither genetic nor maltreatment evidence. Participants with evidence of a G × E interaction were more likely to sentence the defendant to death when there was a high risk of future dangerousness than when there was a low risk. Sentencing preferences were more lenient after deliberation than before. We discuss limitations and future directions.
Haare im Fokus der forensischen Analytik
Authors: Scheufler Frank
Published: September 2017

Haare sind anatomisch betrachtet Hautanhangsgebilde. Jedes einzelne Haar, genauer der Haarschaft, ist im Haarfollikel in der Haut verankert und mit dem Blutkreislauf verbunden. Über die Haarwurzel, teilweise auch über Schweiß, Talg und externe Kontamination, gelangen Fremdstoffe in die Haarmatrix. Der zeitliche Verlauf dieser Aufnahme in den Körper wird entsprechend in den Haaren abgebildet. Haarproben erschließen ein breiteres retrospektives Zeitfenster und sind einfacher zu gewinnen als Blut‐ und Urinproben. In der Forensik werden Haarproben meist zur Überprüfung eines Konsums von Rauschgift und Arzneimittelwirkstoffen eingesetzt oder zur Überprüfung einer chronischen Vergiftung im Zusammenhang mit einer Straftat. Viele analytische Labore nutzen die chromatografische Trennung (GC, LC) kombiniert mit massenspektrometrischer Detektion (MS, MS/MS, TOF‐MS). Die nachweisbaren Mengen reichen bei einzelnen Analyten in den ppb‐Bereich (pg/mg Haare).
Fabrication of Trimetallic Pt−Pd−Co Porous Nanostructures on Reduced Graphene Oxide by Galvanic Replacement: Application to Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Shahrokhian Saeed , Rezaee Sharifeh
Published: September 2017

In present work, reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO) decorated with trimetallic three‐dimensional (3D) Pt−Pd−Co porous nanostructures was fabricated on glassy carbon electrode (Pt−Pd−Co/rGO/GCE). First, GO suspension was drop‐casted on the electrode surface, then GO film reduction was carried out by cycling the potential in negative direction to form the rGO film modified GCE (rGO/GCE). Then, electrodeposition of the cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) as sacrificial seeds was performed onto the rGO/GCE by using cyclic voltammetry. Afterward, Pt−Pd−Co 3D porous nanostructures fabrication occurs through galvanic replacement (GR) method based on a spontaneous redox process between PtCl2, PdCl2, and CoNPs. The morphology and structure of the Pt−Pd−Co/rGO porous nanostructure film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction method. The performance of the prepared electrode was investigated by various electrochemical methods including, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared modified electrode with high surface areas was evaluated in anodic oxidation of ethylene glycol. The study on electrocatalytic performances revealed that, in comparison to various metal combinations in modified electrodes, trimetallic Pt−Pd−Co/rGO/GCE exhibit a lower onset potential, significantly higher peak current density, high durability and stability for the anodic oxidation of ethylene glycol. The excellent performances are attributed to the rGO as catalysts support and resulting synergistic effects of the trimetallic and appropriate characteristics of the resulted 3D porous nanostructures. Moreover, the influence of various concentrations of ethylene glycol, the potential scan rate and switching potential on the electrode reaction, in addition, long‐term stability have been studied by chronoamperometric and cyclic voltammetric methods.
Quality evaluation of Guan‐Xin‐Ning injection based on fingerprint analysis and simultaneous separation and determination of seven bioactive constituents by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Xu Liying , Chang Ruimiao , Chen Meng , Li Lou , Huang Yayun , Zhang Hongfen , Chen Anjia
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive, rapid and practical capillary electrophoresis (CE) method for quality control (QC) of Guan‐Xin‐Ning (GXN) injection based on fingerprint analysis and simultaneous separation and determination of seven constituents. In fingerprint analysis, a capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with a running buffer of 30 mM borate solution (pH 9.3) was established. Meanwhile, ten batches of samples were used to establish the fingerprint electropherogram and 34 common peaks were obtained within 20 min. The RSD of relative migration times (RMT) and relative peak areas (RPA) were less than 5%. In order to further evaluate the quality of GXN injection, a micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method was developed for simultaneous separation and determination of bioactive constituents. Seven components reached baseline separation with a running buffer containing 35 mM SDS and 45 mM borate solution (pH 9.3). A good linearity was obtained with correlation coefficients from 0.9906 to 0.9997. The LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.12 to 1.50 μg/mL and from 0.40 to 4.90 μg/mL, respectively. The recoveries ranged between 99.0 and 104.4%. Therefore, it was concluded that the proposed method can be used for full‐scale quality analysis of GXN injection.
Cultivating Institutional Capacities for Learning Analytics
Authors: Lonn Steven , McKay Timothy A. , Teasley Stephanie D.
Published: September 2017

This chapter details the process the University of Michigan developed to build institutional capacity for learning analytics. A symposium series, faculty task force, fellows program, research grants, and other initiatives are discussed, with lessons learned for future efforts and how other institutions might adapt such efforts to spur cultural change to utilize institutional data to improve teaching and learning processes.
Supramolecular Analysis of Monosaccharide Derivatives Using Cucurbit[7]uril and Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Hyun Hee L. , Kim Hugh I.
Published: September 2017

Identification of monosaccharide derivatives using an analytical technique is difficult due to their isomeric structures and similar physical properties. Although mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a prominent technique for this purpose, a comprehensive MS‐based method for analyzing diverse monosaccharide species is yet to be developed. Herein, we employ host‐guest chemistry using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with MS to identify four different monosaccharide derivative species. Tandem MS analysis distinguishes the monosaccharide derivatives based on the unique fragmentation pattern produced when forming gas‐phase complexes with CB[7]. The ion mobility studies combined with computational calculations reveal that subtle differences in isomers cause distinct orientations inside CB[7] cavity, resulting in different fragmentation patterns of the isomers. This unique study demonstrates that host‐guest chemistry combined with MS can be used for developing effective isomer analysis techniques.
Widespread, episodic decline of alder (Alnus) during the medieval period in the boreal forest of Europe
Authors: Stivrins Normunds , Buchan Michelle S. , Disbrey Helena R. , Kuosmanen Niina , Latałowa Małgorzata , Lempinen Janne , Muukkonen Petteri , Słowiński Michał , Veski Siim , Seppä Heikki
Published: September 2017

We report pollen‐stratigraphical evidence for an abrupt, episodic and widespread population decline of alder (Alnus), one of the most common boreal tree genera, during the medieval period in northern Europe. Decline of alder pollen values was observed both in forest hollow pollen records reflecting local vegetation of pristine forests and in pollen percentage and pollen accumulation data from lake sediments. The event began roughly at AD 600 and the recovery took place at AD 1000. Human impact is an unlikely cause because the decline is specific to alder and there is no evidence for a concurrent episode of human impact. It is possible that the decline was caused or influenced by a severe drought. Another potential cause is a sudden, widespread pathogen outbreak, especially as alder is known to be sensitive to the impacts of fungal pathogens such as the oomycete Phytophthora.
Unraveling the size‐dependent optical properties of dissolved organic matter
Authors: Wünsch Urban J. , Stedmon Colin A. , Tranvik Lars J. , Guillemette François
Published: September 2017

The size‐dependent optical properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from four Swedish lakes were investigated using High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPSEC) in conjunction with online characterization of absorbance (240–600 nm) and fluorescence (excitation: 275 nm, emission: 300–600 nm). The molecular size of chromophoric DOM (CDOM) was consistently higher than that of fluorescent DOM (FDOM), with an average difference of 0.37 kDa. The relative abundance of FDOM vs. CDOM ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 across lakes, and increased with decreasing average molecular size. Across sites, the CDOM spectral slopes of the large molecular size fraction were highly similar while the low molecular size fraction differed and contributed to different bulk spectral slopes. Our results indicate structural congruence of high molecular size DOM across systems while lake trophic status determined the characteristics of the low size range. Furthermore, the combination of HPSEC and parallel factor analysis (HPSEC‐PARAFAC2) allowed the decomposition of DOM fluorescence chromatograms. Three humic‐like components and one protein‐like component with broadly overlapping molecular size distributions were identified. This overlap provides further evidence for the supramolecular assembly hypothesis since fluorophores, as revealed by PARAFAC2, occur in aggregates of overlapping molecular size. Our results further suggest a link between the molecular size of these fluorophores and the associated supramolecular assemblies. This study demonstrates the potential for HPSEC and novel mathematical approaches to provide unprecedented insights into the relationship between optical and chemical properties of DOM in aquatic systems.
Optimization of beam arrangements in proton minibeam radiotherapy by cell survival simulations
Authors: Sammer Matthias , Greubel Christoph , Girst Stefanie , Dollinger Günther
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Proton minibeam radiotherapy using submillimeter beam dimensions allows to enhance tissue sparing in the entrance channel by spatial fractionation additionally to advantageous proton depth dose distribution. In the entrance channel, spatial fractionation leads to reduced side effects compared to conventional proton therapy. The submillimeter sized beams widen with depth due to small angle scattering and enable therefore, in contrary to x‐ray microbeam radiation therapy (MRT), the homogeneous irradiation of a tumor. Proton minibeams can either be applied as planar minibeams or pencil shaped with an additional possibility to vary between a quadratic and a hexagonal arrangement for pencil minibeams.

The purpose of this work is to deduce interbeam distances to achieve a homogeneous dose distribution for different tumor depths and tumor thicknesses. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of the sparing effect on the basis of surviving cells calculated by the linear‐quadratic model.

Methods

Two‐dimensional dose distributions are calculated for proton minibeams of different shapes and arrangements. For a tumor in 10–15 cm depth, treatment plans are calculated with initial beam size of σ0 = 0.2 mm in a water phantom. Proton minibeam depth dose distributions are finally converted into cell survival using a linear‐quadratic model.

Results

Inter proton beam distances are maximized under the constraint of dose homogeneity in the tumor for tumor depths ranging from 4 to 15 cm and thickness ranging from 0.5 to 10 cm. Cell survival calculations for a 5 cm thick tumor covered by 10 cm healthy tissue show less cell death by up to 85%, especially in the superficial layers, while keeping the cell death in the tumor as in conventional therapy. In the entrance channel, the pencil minibeams result in higher cell survival in comparison to the planar minibeams while all proton minibeam irradiations show higher cell survival than conventional broadbeam irradiation.

Conclusion

The deduced constraints for interbeam distances simplify treatment planning for proton minibeam radiotherapy applications in future studies. The cell survival results indicate that proton minibeam radiotherapy reduces side effects but keeps tumor control as in conventional proton therapy. It makes proton minibeam, especially pencil minibeam radiotherapy a potentially attractive new approach for radiation therapy.
Oxaliplatin induces muscle loss and muscle‐specific molecular changes in Mice
Authors: Feather Claire E. , Lees Justin G. , Makker Preet G.S. , Goldstein David , Kwok John B. , Moalem‐Taylor Gila , Polly Patsie
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Muscle wasting is a frequent, debilitating complication of cancer. The impact of colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin on the development of muscle loss and associated molecular changes is of clinical importance.

Methods

C57BL/6J male mice were treated with oxaliplatin. Total body weights were measured and behavioral studies performed. Hindlimb muscle weights (gastrocnemius and soleus) were recorded in conjunction with gene and protein expression analysis.

Results

Oxaliplatin‐treated mice displayed reduced weight gain and behavioral deficits. Mice treated over a shorter course had significantly increased STAT3 phosphorylation in gastrocnemius muscles. Mice receiving extended oxaliplatin treatment demonstrated reduced hindlimb muscle mass with upregulation of myopathy‐associated genes Foxo3, MAFbx, and Bnip3.

Discussion

The findings suggest that oxaliplatin treatment can directly disrupt skeletal muscle homeostasis and promote muscle loss, which may be clinically relevant in the context of targeting fatigue and weakness in cancer patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 650–658, 2018
Analytical compressive stress–strain model for concrete confined with high‐strength multiple‐tied‐spiral transverse reinforcement
Authors: Li Yizhu , Cao Shuangyin , Jing Denghu
Published: September 2017

The behavior of reinforced concrete members subjected to seismic loads is mainly based on the ultimate strength of concrete and its ductility. Based on this, an additional configuration of transverse reinforcement using high‐strength multiple‐tied‐spiral was proposed to improve the strength and ductility of concrete. In this paper, an experimental study of a number of axial loading tests on reinforced concrete columns confined with high‐strength multiple‐tied‐spiral transverse reinforcement is described. The effects of spacing of circular spiral and rectangular hoop, the confined area of circular spiral and concrete strength on axial behavior of confined concrete were investigated. The formulas of confined compressive strength and corresponding axial strain, factor to control the slope of descending branch, and stress in high‐strength circular spiral at confined strength are proposed based on the test results. A stress–strain model is also proposed that is found to give reasonably good prediction of the experimental behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns confined by high‐strength multiple‐tied‐spiral transverse reinforcement.
Assessment of sliding‐rubber isolator effect in progressive collapse of bridges under two scenarios
Authors: Havaei GholamReza , Moayyedi Seyyed Amirhossein
Published: September 2017

In this study, performances of 2 types of bridges, with and without seismic isolation, are addressed in 2 damage analysis scenarios, where, in the first, the side column and, in the second, the middle column are removed from the bridge piers. The performance was assessed using nonlinear dynamic analysis, and the time history and maximum structural responses were evaluated. Initially, sliding‐rubber isolators were designed according to AASHTO guide specifications, and then the bridges were modeled in OpenSees software package. Additionally, the coefficient of friction for the isolator was considered as a variable due to sudden removal of the columns and the consequent changes in the sliding velocity and axial forces. The results indicate that use of seismic isolation systems caused an increase in all maximum structural responses except that of the base shear. Considering the frictional performance of the isolators, slides in the deck are not caused by yielding of seismic isolators, and the reason for permanent displacements of the deck may be attributed to bridge instabilities in the first scenario. However, decrease in the horizontal stiffness results in increased maximum permanent displacement. In the first scenario, uplift of the deck occurred in the case of isolated bridge.
Insights into the Dissolution Kinetics of NaLAS Tablets
Authors: Pan Bochen , Shen Rui , Guan Zhe , Li Jiapeng , Jiang Jun , Tong Yao , Dang Leping , Wei Hongyuan
Published: September 2017

In this work, the dissolution behaviors of a series of sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates (NaLAS) tablets with different moisture contents and neutralization degrees were investigated in aqueous solution. The ANOVA‐based, model‐independent and model‐dependent methods were employed to perform comparison analyses on dissolution profiles. The measurements of powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and mechanical properties elucidate distinct differences in each formula. The results show that ANOVA provides a possibility for finding the source of differences among different variables, and the model‐independent methods including the k values and mean dissolution time are easy to interpret and perform comparison analyses. The Hixson–Crowell model gives satisfactory correlation results for the dissolution data and the dissolution kinetics parameters are obtained. The inhibition effects of neutralization degree and moisture content on NaLAS dissolution were examined, which reveals that the increase in lamellar phase proportion leads to the reduction of dissolution rate. The comparison analyses performed in this work form part of a methodology for dissolution profile prediction and comparison.
Association of copy number variations in complement factor H‐Related genes among age‐related macular degenerative subjects
Authors: Bakri Norshakimah Md , Ramachandran Vasudevan , Kee Hoo Fan , Subrayan Visvaraja , Isa Hazlita , Ngah Nor Fariza , Mohamad Nur Afiqah , Mooi Ching Siew , Mun Chan Yoke , Ismail Patimah , Ismail Fazliana , Sukiman Erma Suryana , Wan Sulaiman Wan Alia
Published: September 2017

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most widely recognised cause of irreversible vision loss and previous studies have suggested that the advancement of wet AMD is influenced by both modifiable and non‐modifiable elements. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and copy number of variations (CNVs) have been associated with AMD in various populations, however the results are conflicting. Our aim is to determine the CNVs of Complement Factor H‐Related genes among Malaysian subjects with wet AMD. 130 patients with wet AMD and 120 healthy controls were included in this research. DNA was extracted from all subjects and CNVs of CFH, CFHR1 and CFHR3 genes; determined using quantitative real‐time PCR and were compared between the two groups. A consistent association was observed between CFH gene and wet AMD susceptibility (P < 0.05). The age‐adjusted data suggests a possible increased risk of AMD disease (P < 0.05). No correlation was detected between CNVs and wet AMD for the remaining genes after we compared the frequencies of mean for that gene. An association was observed between CFH CNVs and wet AMD in the Malaysian population, however, strong evidence of a link with wet AMD was not found. Further investigative studies are needed using larger sample sizes to elucidate the role of CNVs in AMD pathogenesis.
Public Goods, Common Pool Resources, and International Law
Authors: Barkin J. Samuel , Rashchupkina Yuliya
Published: September 2017

The concept of public goods is often operationalized in the literature as anything that demands some form of international cooperation. While this may be politically useful in generating international cooperation, it is analytically problematic for designing international law with the purpose of enhancing international cooperation. Many of the issues characterized as public goods are in fact common pool resources, which pose distinct issues for international cooperation and demand different legal architectures than public goods for effective international cooperation.
The Impact of Culture on Chinese Judges’ Decision-Making in Contractual Damages Cases
Authors: NIU Zihan , VAN DIJCK Gijs
Published: September 2017

This research examines the impact of Chinese cultural values on the application of law on contractual damages. Following an experimental design, 43 in-depth interviews were conducted with Chinese judges in 13 cities and provinces across China. The data reveal two patterns. First, the judges took the cultural values into account when determining the amount of damages. Second, the consideration of cultural value factors reduced the judges’ consideration of legal factors. The local cultural values did not change the Chinese judges’ understanding of law. Instead, the judges compromised the legal requirements and cultural desires by using the discretion offered to them or by recommending mediation. The consideration of cultural values is not only the result of judges’ personal preferences, but also of judges seeking social approval. The motivation of Chinese judges to obtain social approval may be enhanced by the assessment criteria and the institutional constraints of Chinese courts.
What the dogs did: animal agency in the Soviet manned space flight programme
Authors: NELSON AMY
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the agency of the dogs used to develop the Soviet manned space flight programme by considering what the dogs did as experimental subjects, as dog technologies, and as individual dogs in the context of the historically conditioned practices of Soviet science. Looking at how Soviet space researchers refined Pavlovian behaviourism and integrated it into a complex engineering project helps clarify the conditions under which the dogs worked and the assumptions that guided the human researchers. The paper uses theoretical perspectives that contextualize animal agency in terms of relationships and then looks at those relationships from an ethological perspective. This provides a sense of what the dogs did that distinguishes between how humans understand dogs and what we know about dogs’ cognitive and social capacities. The paper proposes a model of animal agency that looks seriously at the dogs’ relationships with human researchers and suggests that the dogs’ significance as historical subjects depends as much on what they did as dogs as it does on how their contributions to the space race were perceived.
Some properties of distal actions on locally compact groups
Authors: RAJA C. R. E. , SHAH RIDDHI
Published: September 2017

We consider the actions of (semi)groups on a locally compact group by automorphisms. We show the equivalence of distality and pointwise distality for the actions of a certain class of groups. We obtain a decomposition for contraction groups of an automorphism under certain conditions. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for distality of an automorphism in terms of its contraction group. We compare classes of (pointwise) distal groups and groups whose closed subgroups are unimodular. In particular, we study relations between distality, unimodularity and contraction subgroups.
An almost mixing of all orders property of algebraic dynamical systems
Authors: ARENAS-CARMONA L. , BEREND D. , BERGELSON V.
Published: September 2017

We consider dynamical systems, consisting of $\mathbb{Z}^{2}$-actions by continuous automorphisms on shift-invariant subgroups of $\mathbb{F}_{p}^{\mathbb{Z}^{2}}$, where $\mathbb{F}_{p}$ is the field of order $p$. These systems provide natural generalizations of Ledrappier’s system, which was the first example of a 2-mixing $\mathbb{Z}^{2}$-action that is not 3-mixing. Extending the results from our previous work on Ledrappier’s example, we show that, under quite mild conditions (namely, 2-mixing and that the subgroup defining the system is a principal Markov subgroup), these systems are almost strongly mixing of every order in the following sense: for each order, one just needs to avoid certain effectively computable logarithmically small sets of times at which there is a substantial deviation from mixing of this order.