bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial Ownership, Board of Directors, Equity-based Compensation and Firm Performance: A Comparative Study between France and the United States
Authors: Bouras Mehdi , Gallali Mohamed Imen
Published: February 2017

The aim of this comparative study between the French and American markets, characterized by a different ownership structure is to examine the relationship between managerial ownership, the board of directors, the equity-based compensation and corporate performance. Regardless of the selected sample, we found on the one hand, a non-linear relationship between managerial ownership and firm performance and on the other hand, in the case of managerial entrenchment board of directors is a substitute for managerial ownership to solve the agency problem. In addition, stock-based compensation is non-linear function with managerial ownership, contrary to previous studies that assume a monotonous or non-significant relationship. The hypothesis of endogeneity is valid only in the American case. This result leads us to believe that the U.S. CEO has a preference to hold a large percentage of shares of firms that generate a good performance to neutralize capital market monitoring. Our study is exclusive in terms of the effect of managerial ownership on corporate performance in terms of comparison between two markets, characterized by a difference in ownership structure. We determine the impact of equity compensation on the one hand, the managerial ownership where all the studies assume either a monotone or neutral relationship between these two variables and on the other hand, the effect of board in the alignment or managerial entrenchment cases.
Tekst, sekvens og heterogenitet. Introduktion til J.-M. Adams teori om teksttyper
Authors: Frandsen Finn
Published: February 2017

The present paper gives a critical introduction to the theory of text types or text sequences elaborated by the French text linguist Jean-Michel Adam. The first part of the paper presents the overall theoretical framework for Adam’s research within stylistics and text linguistics. The second part of the paper gives a more detailed discussion of Adam’s answers to what may be defined as the four most crucial questions within text type research, that is: a) the number of text types which can be identified (the classification problem), b) the relation between text types within individual texts, c) the relation between text types and linguistic features and d) the relation between text types and their communicative function (the interaction between form and function).L’objectif de la linguistique textuelle est simple : poursuivre l’analyse lin-guistique au-delà de la phrase complexe et des seuls couples de phrases et, si difficile que cela paraisse, accepter de se situer aux frontières du linguistique dans le but de rendre compte de l’hétérogénéité de toute composition textuelle.
Mere fugl end fisk. Sproglige ligheder og forskelle bag typologisering af tekster
Authors: Lundquist Lita
Published: February 2017

The work reported here explores a cognitive-communicative hypothesis of text ty-pology that text types defined on external communicative criteria also exhibit typical constellations of linguistic features text-internally. Inspired by Tversky's (1981) math-ematical "contrast model of similarities", a French contract, a law and a judgment were analyzed using the computer program 'Cohérelle' into sets of syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and textlinguistic features. Subsequent computations showed that reliable similarities (in the linguistic expression of cognitive content) and differences (in the use of communicative grounding expressions) could in fact be distinguished among the linguistic features of the three text exemplars, thus permitting the postulation of dif-ferent types on text-internal linguistic grounds.
On the Position of Romance Clitics
Authors: Muller Claude
Published: February 2017

No abstract.
Expressivity in Technical Texts. From a Translation Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Zethsen Karen Korning
Published: February 2017

No abstract.
Uticaj dijetoterapije na koncentraciju lipida i glukoze u serumu gojaznih bolesnika sa hipertenzijom
Authors: Todorović Milena , Ćuković Marina , Marković Vladimir
Published: February 2017

Uvod. Arterijska hipertenzija predstavlja globalni zdravstveni problem ipovezana je sa nizom faktora rizika. Godinama je poznato da je česta kodgojaznih i kod bolesnika sa dijabetesom. Cilj istraživanja je bio ispitati uticajšestomjesečne dijetoterapije na koncentraciju lipida i glukoze u serumu kodgojaznih bolesnika sa hipetrenzijom liječenih antihipertenzivnim lijekovima.Metode. Istraživanje je vršeno na uzorku od 84 gojazna bolesnika sa hipertenzijomna antihipertenzivnoj terapiji, bez komorbiditeta, starosti od40 do 60 godina, oba pola, podijeljenih u dvije grupe. Kod jedne grupe je uzantihipertenzivne lijekove primijenjena dijetoterapija (Dietary Approachesto Stop Hypertension – DASH dijeta), dok je kontrolna grupa koristila samoantihipertenzivne lijekove. Kod obje grupe praćeno je smanjenje tjelesnemase i holesterola, LDL holesterola, HDL holesterola, triglicerida i glukoze userumu. Vrijednosti ovih parametara mjerene su 3 puta tokom šestomjesečnogperioda istraživanja (na početku i tokom 2 kontrole). Za provjeru statističkeznačajnosti korišćen je t-test sa uparenim uzorcima.Rezultati. Tokom studije zabilježeno je značajno smanjenje tjelesne masekod ispitanika koji su bili na dijetoterapiji, ali ne i kod kontrolne grupe kojaje koristila antihipertenzivnu terapiju bez dijetoterapije. Redukcija tjelesnemase kod grupe na dijetoterapiji bila je povezana sa značajnim smanjenjemobima struka, koncentracije holesterola, LDL holesterola i glukoze u serumu,dok se koncentracija HDL holesterola u serumu nije značajno mijenjala. Nasuprottome, kod bolesnika kontrolne grupe nije bilo značajne promjene uvrijednostima praćenih varijabli.Zaključak. Tokom šestomjesečnog dijetetskog tretmana postignuti su dobrirezultati u regulisanju koncentracije lipida i glukoze u serumu. Rezultati ovestudije su pokazali da se dijetoterapijom može značajno uticati na smanjenjekoncentracije lipida i glukoze u serumu bez korišćenja farmakoterapije.
EFEKTI ZUMBA PLESA NA TJELESNU KOMPOZICIJU I POBOLJŠANJE ZDRAVLJA KOD ŽENA
Authors: Bjelica Bojan , Gojković Dejan , Fulurija Dalibor
Published: February 2017

Istraživanje je obuhvatilo šest originalnih naučnih radova. Svi radovi su zadovoljili problematiku i mogli su da daju odgovor na postavljeni problem. Cilj rada je bio da se utvrde efekti Zumba plesa na tjelesnu kompoziciju i poboljšanje zdravlja kod žena. Kao metod uzeta je selekcija radova od 2014. do 2016. godine. Zaključujemo da Zumba programi donose benefit usmjeren na promjene u kompoziciji tijela i ogledaju u smanjenju tjelesne mase, smanjenju postotka masnog tkiva i smanjenju ukupne količine masnog tkiva, te predstavljaju oblik programiranog tjelesnog vježbanja žena sa ciljem unapređenja zdravlja i poboljšanja estetskog izgleda. Najbolji efekti vidljivi su u programima koji traju od osam do dvanaest nedelja.
RAZLIKE U SITUACIONOJ EFIKASNOSTI IZMEÐU TIMOVA EVROLIGE I NBA LIGE U REGULARNOM DIJELU SEZONE
Authors: Ćeremidžić Dejan , Delić Dejan
Published: February 2017

Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem utvrđivanja razlika između ekipa Evrolige i NBA lige u sezoni 2016/2017, u deset standardnih pokazatelja situacione efikasnosti u košarkaškoj igri. Diskriminativnom analizom i studentovim T-testom dobijeni su rezultati koji ukazuju na razliku između ekipa Evrolige i NBA lige. Ekipe iz NBA lige pozitivno najbolje definišu varijable defanzivni skok, ukupni skok i broj pokušaja ubacivanja lopte iz igre u koš za dva poena dok ekipe iz Evrolige pozitivno definišu varijabla uspješnost šuta za tri poena.
ODNOS ŽENA PREMA ZUMBI I PILATESU KOJI SE PRIMENJUJU NA ČASOVIMA REKREATIVNOG TELESNOG VEŽBANJA U FITNES CENTRIMA
Authors: Savić Vladan , Radojević Danijela , Musić Admir
Published: February 2017

Programi zumbe i pilatesa omogućavaju: zadovoljavanje potrebe za fizičkim vežbanjem,očuvanje zdravlja, smanjenje psihičke napetosti i pravilno korišćenje slobodnog vremena.Pozitivan odnos prema fizičkom vežbanju omogućava uključivanje što većeg broja žena uraznovrsne programe zumbe i pilatesa. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje odnosa premazumbi i pilatesu kod žena koje redovno vežbaju u fitnes centrima. Uzorak ispitanika je činilo74 žene, od kojih 37 redovno vežba pilates u „Feel Pilates-u“ u Beogradu i 37 žena kojeredovno vežbaju zumbu u „Elit Fit-u“ na Palama. Za prikupljanje podataka korišćena jeanketa sa 10 pitanja. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da najveći broj ispitivanih žena imapozitivan odnos prema zumbi i pilatesu.
POVEZANOST REZULTATA U PLIVANJU SA MORFOLOŠKIM KARAKTERISTIKAMA KOD STUDENATA
Authors: Trivun Milomir
Published: February 2017

Osnovni cilj ovog istraživanja je da se utvrdi povezanost rezultata u plivanju na 50 i 100 metara tehnikom leđno sa morfološkim karaktristikama kod studenata.Ukupan uzorak ispitanika sačinjavalo je 22 studenata muškog pola, II godine upisni u školskoj 20011/12. godini, Fakulteta fizičkog vaspitanja i sporta Univerziteta u Istočnom Sarajevu. Uzorak varijabli odnosio se na: visinu tijela (AVIT), kožni nabor nadlaktice (AKNL); kožni nabor trbuha (AKNT), kožni nabor nadkoljenice (AKNN), kožni nabor potkoljenice (AKNP), obim nadlaktice (AONL), obim nadkoljenice (AONK), obim potkoljenice (AOPK), masa tijela (AMAS), širina ramena (AŠIR), širina kukova (AŠIK); dijametar zgloba koljena (ADZK), a kriterijumska varijabla odnosila se na plivanje 50 i 100 m leđno. Osim deskriptivne statistike, primjenjena je regresiona analiza dobijnih rezultatima plivanja na 50 i 100 m tehnikom leđno sa rezultatskim varijablama morfoloških karakteristika kod studenata, kao i korelaciona analiza.
Small-scale spatial variation in population- and individual-level reproductive parameters of the blue-legged hermit crabClibanarius tricolor
Authors: Baeza J. Antonio , Behringer Donald C.
Published: February 2017

Management of the few regulated ornamental fisheries relies on inadequate information about the life history of the target species. Herein, we investigated the reproductive biology of the most heavily traded marine invertebrate in the western Atlantic; the blue-legged hermit crabClibanarius tricolor. We report on density, individual-level, and population-level reproductive parameters in 14 populations spanning the Florida Keys. In C. tricolor, abundance, population-level, and individual-level reproductive parameters exhibited substantial small-scale spatial variation in the Florida Keys. For instance, the proportion of brooding females varied between 10–94% across localities. In females, average (±SD) fecundity varied between 184 (±54) and 614 (±301) embryos crab-1 across populations. Fecundity usually increases with female body size in hermit crabs. However, we found no effect of female body size on fecundity in three of the populations. Altogether, our observations suggest that C. tricolor may fit a source-sink metapopulation dynamic in the Florida Keys with low reproductive intensity and absence of a parental body size—fecundity relationship resulting in net reproductive loses at some localities. We argue in favor of additional studies describing population dynamics and other aspects of the natural history of C. tricolor (e.g., development type, larval duration) to reveal ‘source’ populations, capable of exporting larvae to nearby populations. Our observations imply that future studies aimed at assessing standing stocks or describing other aspects of the life history of this hermit crab need to focus on multiple localities simultaneously. This and future studies on the reproductive biology of this species will form the baseline for models aimed at assessing the stock condition and sustainability of this heavily harvested crustacean.
Stress impact on elastic anisotropy of triclinic porous and fractured rocks
Authors: Shapiro S. A.
Published: February 2017

Understanding the stress dependence of elastic properties of rocks is important for reservoir characterization and seismic‐hazard monitoring. Several known approaches describing this dependence are the following: the nonlinear elasticity theory, effective‐medium theories for fractured rocks with stress‐dependent crack densities, and the piezosensitivity approach (also called the porosity deformation approach). Here I propose a generalization of the piezosensitivity approach to triclinic rocks. I assume the isotropy of the tensor describing sensitivity of elasticity to small strains of the pore space, and generalize known linear and exponential stress dependencies of compliances. This generalization is capable of describing the effect of loads on elastic properties of anisotropic rocks when the principal stresses are not necessarily aligned with the symmetrical axes of the unstressed anisotropic material. For example, the generalization describes how monoclinic anisotropy changes under isostatic stress or pore pressure, and how tilted transverse isotropy changes to monoclinic anisotropy due to a pseudo‐triaxial (or a uniaxial) load. The results are expected to be valid up to several hundred megapascals. This theory is closely related to the two other approaches mentioned above. On the one hand, for unloaded rocks, the theory is consistent with the noninteracting scalar‐crack approximation. On the other hand, the theory's predictions of mutual relations between isotropic third‐order elastic moduli is in good agreement with literature data on corresponding laboratory measurements. Thus, using the piezosensitivity approach, the physical nonlinearity of rocks can quantitatively be rather well explained by the strain of compliant pores.
Self‐similar distributions of fluid velocity and stress heterogeneity in a dissolving porous limestone
Authors: Linga Gaute , Mathiesen Joachim , Renard François
Published: February 2017

In a porous rock, the spatial distribution of the pore space induces a strong heterogeneity in fluid flow rates and in the stress distribution in the rock mass. If the rock microstructure evolves through time, for example, by dissolution, fluid flow and stress will evolve accordingly. Here we consider a core sample of porous limestone that has undergone several steps of dissolution. Based on 3‐D X‐ray tomography scans, we calculate numerically the coupled system of fluid flow in the pore space and stress in the solid. We determine how the flow field affects the stress distribution both at the pore wall surface and in the bulk of the solid matrix. We show that during dissolution, the heterogeneous stress evolves in a self‐similar manner as the porosity is increased. Conversely, the fluid velocity shows a stretched exponential distribution. The scalings of these common master distributions offer a unified description of the porosity evolution, pore flow, and the heterogeneity in stress for a rock with evolving microstructure. Moreover, the probability density functions of stress invariants (mechanical pressure or von Mises stress) display heavy tails toward large stresses. If these results can be extended to other kinds of rocks, they provide an additional explanation of the sensitivity to failure of porous rocks under slight changes of stress.
Spatiotemporal variations in the difference between satellite‐observed daily maximum land surface temperature and station‐based daily maximum near‐surface air temperature
Authors: Lian Xu , Zeng Zhenzhong , Yao Yitong , Peng Shushi , Wang Kaicun , Piao Shilong
Published: February 2017

There is an increasing demand to integrate land surface temperature (LST) into climate research due to its global coverage, which requires a comprehensive knowledge of its distinctive characteristics compared to near‐surface air temperature (Tair). Using satellite observations and in situ station‐based data sets, we conducted a global‐scale assessment of the spatial and seasonal variations in the difference between daily maximum LST and daily maximum Tair (δT, LST − Tair) during 2003–2014. Spatially, LST is generally higher than Tair over arid and sparsely vegetated regions in the middle‐low latitudes, but LST is lower than Tair in tropical rainforests due to strong evaporative cooling, and in the high‐latitude regions due to snow‐induced radiative cooling. Seasonally, δT is negative in tropical regions throughout the year, while it displays a pronounced seasonality in both the midlatitudes and boreal regions. The seasonality in the midlatitudes is a result of the asynchronous responses of LST and Tair to the seasonal cycle of radiation and vegetation abundance, whereas in the boreal regions, seasonality is mainly caused by the change in snow cover. Our study identified substantial spatial heterogeneity and seasonality in δT, as well as its determinant environmental drivers, and thus provides a useful reference for monitoring near‐surface air temperature changes using remote sensing, particularly in remote regions.
Runoff sensitivity over Asia: Role of climate variables and initial soil conditions
Authors: Liu Di , Mishra Ashok K. , Zhang Ke
Published: February 2017

We applied statistical and numerical modeling approach to evaluate the sensitivity of runoff (ROF) to climate variables using Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data and regional climate model (RegCM4). It was observed that ROF is more sensitive to precipitation (P) compared to other analyzed hydroclimatic variables (potential evapotranspiration (PET), 2 m air temperature (T2m), solar radiation (Rn), specific humidity (SSH), and wind speed (U), especially over India, Indochina, and south‐north‐northeast China semihumid‐humid climate transition zones based on the higher correlation coefficient (>0.7) and elasticity (>2). The abnormal positive T2m‐ROF observed over Tibetan Plateau region (TP) may be due to its high topography and cold weather regime, while positive PET‐ROF over India and north China‐southeast Mongolia regions can be attributed to the stronger influence of local land‐atmosphere interactions. Soil moisture (SM) reflects high correlation with runoff, especially over the climate transition zones (i.e., India and Indochina‐southeast China). The initial wet (dry) soil moisture (SM) anomalies lead to an increase (decrease) of ROF in each season with the hot spots mainly located in middle to high latitudes (spring), TP and northeast (summer and autumn), and Indochina (autumn) regions. Such influence can persist almost 4 months in spring while only about 1 month in autumn during dry and wet conditions. The wet condition has stronger influence at beginning but dissipates quickly, while the dry condition can last longer within the same season. The impact of initial soil temperature anomalies on ROF is weaker than SM, with the only obvious ROF changes located over south China (spring and summer) and north India (autumn).
Submesoscale contribution to subduction: Tracer and momentum fluxes
Authors: Canuto V. M.
Published: February 2017

An important component of the carbon‐cycle is subduction, for example of dissolved carbon, from the surface layers to depths of (
–
Recently, attention has been focused on the contribution by small‐scale, mesoscale M, and submesoscale SM eddies. In the Southern Ocean, the M contribution to subduction was found to be negative and of an order of magnitude smaller than the positive one by vertical diffusion. Since there is now observational evidence that SM export organic carbon but they have not yet been included in subduction studies, the goal of this work is to derive the following results needed to carry out such studies: (a) OGCMs used in C‐cycle studies solve the equations for the mean temperature, mean salinity, and mean concentration. We derive the forms of the 3‐D arbitrary tracer fluxes in terms of resolved fields. (b) The same OGCMs also solve the mean momentum equation. We derive the form of the SM momentum fluxes (Reynolds Stresses) also in terms of resolved fields. (c) It is shown that whether there is subduction or obduction depends on the ratio h/H, where h is depth of the SM regime and H is the mixed‐layer depth. We show that in the ACC the ratio depends on the specific location and that both subduction and obduction occur but with a topology different than that of mesoscales.
The importance of elevation angle measurements in HF radar investigations of the ionosphere
Authors: Greenwald Raymond A. , Frissell Nathaniel , de Larquier Sebastien
Published: February 2017

We evaluate the performance of three methods for determining the ground range and refractive index of ionospheric scattering volumes. Each method uses the same equivalent path analysis with the latter parameter derived through the additional use of Snell's law. Two of these methods make their predictions using the group range and a virtual height model for each scattering volume; the third method uses the group range and the elevation angle of the ray. The effectiveness of each of these methods is evaluated using ray tracing through a simulated reference ionosphere. Ray tracings provide determinations of the initial elevation angle and group range of the transmitted signal and the ground range and refractive index of the scattering volume. The first pair of parameters is used as inputs to the geolocation methods, and the second pair becomes part of a data set against which the predictions of the geolocation methods are evaluated. We find that the geolocation methods using virtual height models change the initial elevation angle to a value that is consistent with their virtual height model but inconsistent with ray tracing. Consequently, predictions of ground range and refractive index from methods using virtual height models are rarely consistent with predictions from ray tracing. In contrast, the third method uses the initial elevation angle from ray tracing and yields accurate predictions in the bottomside ionosphere. Two modifications were made to this method to extend the agreement between it and ray tracing to all backscattered signals.
Modeling sediment mobilization using a distributed hydrological model coupled with a bank stability model
Authors: Stryker J. , Wemple B. , Bomblies A.
Published: February 2017

In addition to surface erosion, stream bank erosion and failure contributes significant sediment and sediment‐bound nutrients to receiving waters during high flow events. However, distributed and mechanistic simulation of stream bank sediment contribution to sediment loads in a watershed has not been achieved. Here we present a full coupling of existing distributed watershed and bank stability models and apply the resulting model to the Mad River in central Vermont. We fully coupled the Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model (BSTEM) with the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) to allow the simulation of stream bank erosion and potential failure in a spatially explicit environment. We demonstrate the model's ability to simulate the impacts of unstable streams on sediment mobilization and transport within a watershed and discuss the model's capability to simulate watershed sediment loading under climate change. The calibrated model simulates total suspended sediment loads and reproduces variability in suspended sediment concentrations at watershed and subbasin outlets. In addition, characteristics such as land use and road‐to‐stream ratio of subbasins are shown to impact the relative proportions of sediment mobilized by overland erosion, erosion of roads, and stream bank erosion and failure in the subbasins and watershed. This coupled model will advance mechanistic simulation of suspended sediment mobilization and transport from watersheds, which will be particularly valuable for investigating the potential impacts of climate and land use changes, as well as extreme events.
Multiobjective hedging rules for flood water conservation
Authors: Ding Wei , Zhang Chi , Cai Ximing , Li Yu , Zhou Huicheng
Published: February 2017

Flood water conservation can be beneficial for water uses especially in areas with water stress but also can pose additional flood risk. The potential of flood water conservation is affected by many factors, especially decision makers' preference for water conservation and reservoir inflow forecast uncertainty. This paper discusses the individual and joint effects of these two factors on the trade‐off between flood control and water conservation, using a multiobjective, two‐stage reservoir optimal operation model. It is shown that hedging between current water conservation and future flood control exists only when forecast uncertainty or decision makers' preference is within a certain range, beyond which, hedging is trivial and the multiobjective optimization problem is reduced to a single objective problem with either flood control or water conservation. Different types of hedging rules are identified with different levels of flood water conservation preference, forecast uncertainties, acceptable flood risk, and reservoir storage capacity. Critical values of decision preference (represented by a weight) and inflow forecast uncertainty (represented by standard deviation) are identified. These inform reservoir managers with a feasible range of their preference to water conservation and thresholds of forecast uncertainty, specifying possible water conservation within the thresholds. The analysis also provides inputs for setting up an optimization model by providing the range of objective weights and the choice of hedging rule types. A case study is conducted to illustrate the concepts and analyses.
Magnetospheric Multiscale mission observations of the outer electron diffusion region
Authors: Hwang K.‐J. , Sibeck D. G. , Choi E. , Chen L.‐J. , Ergun R. E. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Giles B. L. , Pollock C. J. , Gershman D. , Dorelli J. C. , Avanov L. , Paterson W. R. , Burch J. L. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Torbert R. B.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) observations of the exhaust region in the vicinity of the central reconnection site in Earth's magnetopause current sheet. High‐time‐resolution measurements of field and particle distributions enable us to explore the fine structure of the diffusion region near the X line. Ions are decoupled from the magnetic field throughout the entire current sheet crossing. Electron jets flow downstream from the X line at speeds greater than the E × B drift velocity. At/around the magnetospheric separatrix, large‐amplitude electric fields containing field‐aligned components accelerate electrons along the magnetic field toward the X line. Near the neutral sheet, crescent‐shaped electron distributions appear coincident with (1) an out‐of‐plane electric field whose polarity is opposite to that of the reconnection electric field and (2) the energy transfer from bulk kinetic to field energy. The observations indicate that MMS passed through the edge of an elongated electron diffusion region (EDR) or the outer EDR in the exhaust region.
Sample Surveys in the Health Sciences
Authors: Beckett Laurel A. , Brock Dwight B. , Bienias Julia L. , Tancredi Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

The use of sample surveys in biostatistics arises from the need to answer questions about health issues in the community. The earliest uses of survey methodology in health research in the United States were motivated more by policy issues than by epidemiologic questions and paralleled the use of surveys by the US Census Bureau and other Federal agencies to address social and economic concerns. More recently, it has been recognized that research into the causes and outcomes of disease can benefit from studies in the entire community, rather than just in the formal health care system, particularly in countries such as the United States, where access to health care is not uniform. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010 with the goals of increasing access to and reducing the costs of health care in the United States, has motivated both government and nongovernment studies to assess its impact. A number of practical concerns about conducting studies in the community then lead to the use of sample surveys, rather than complete enumeration. In this article, we review the history of sample surveys in the health sciences, present an overview of the major elements and features in the design of sample surveys and analysis of data from such studies, and discuss major methodological advances especially in the last decade. Finally, we provide a large set of references that might be of use to the reader wishing to delve more deeply into specific areas.
Survey Questionnaire Design
Authors: Yan Ting
Published: February 2017

Survey questionnaire design encompasses a variety of activities ranging from library research to formal experiments that estimate the reliability or validity of different versions of a questionnaire. Although handbooks with advice for survey questionnaire designers first appeared more than 60 years ago, it has only been during the past 30 years that researchers have attempted to provide a firm theoretical and empirical foundation for such guidelines, based on a cognitive analysis of the survey response process. The past 30 years or so have also seen an expansion in the methodological and statistical tools used in developing survey questionnaires; these tools include focus groups, expert reviews, cognitive interviews, field tests, behavior coding of respondent‐interviewer exchanges, experiments, and several statistical methods.
Categorical Response Models
Authors: Tutz Gerhard
Published: February 2017

This article gives an overview on categorical response models. Binary as well as multicategorical are considered. In the case of multicategorical responses, it is distinguished between measurements on a nominal and ordinal scale. In addition to the multinomial logit model, which is typically used for nominal data, cumulative and sequential model and adjacent categories models for ordered response categories are described. Basic tools for inferences are given and illustrated by applications.
Introduction to Simulation Modeling
Authors: Rossetti Manuel D.
Published: February 2017

This article introduces the concepts of computer simulation modeling. The types of systems and models are first explained, with a focus on discrete‐event modeling. The notion of how time is managed for discrete‐event simulation models is overviewed. Then, randomness in both the input and the output models is overviewed to emphasize that computer simulation requires careful statistical and experimental analysis methods. Finally, a methodology is presented to assist modelers with problem solving and best practices.
Flexible Microgap Electrodes by Direct Inkjet Printing for Biosensing Application
Authors: Adly Nouran , Feng Lingyan , Krause Kay J. , Mayer Dirk , Yakushenko Alexey , Offenhäusser Andreas , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: February 2017

A rapid fabrication method of microgap electrodes using inkjet printing is described. In this approach, the lateral spacing between two printed electrode lines is precisely controlled down to 1 µm without any surface modification or substrate patterning. The strong confinement, well below typical resolution of inkjet printing, relies on complete solvent evaporation between the printing of adjacent electrode structures, which is achieved by controlling the printing speed and temperature profiles. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated by writing electrode structures with two distinct inks, based on carbon and silver nanoparticles, with comparable results. As an application proof‐of‐principle, arrays of microgap electrodes are fabricated using a carbon nanoparticle ink for electrochemical detection based on redox‐cycling, a technique in which the sensitivity of the device depends on the distance between the two electrodes. The redox‐cycling amplification of electrochemical signals is demonstrated and it is shown that the printed microgap device can be used as an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related single‐stranded DNA. This work presents a promising new approach for fabricating low‐cost and label‐free redox‐cycling biosensors using all‐inkjet‐printed electrodes.
High Current Density Electrical Breakdown of TiS3 Nanoribbon‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Molina‐Mendoza Aday J. , Island Joshua O. , Paz Wendel S. , Clamagirand Jose Manuel , Ares Jose Ramón , Flores Eduardo , Leardini Fabrice , Sánchez Carlos , Agraït Nicolás , Rubio‐Bollinger Gabino , van der Zant Herre S. J. , Ferrer Isabel J. , Palacios J. J. , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres
Published: February 2017

The high field transport characteristics of nanostructured transistors based on layered materials are not only important from a device physics perspective but also for possible applications in next generation electronics. With the growing promise of layered materials as replacements to conventional silicon technology, the high current density properties of the layered material titanium trisulfide (TiS3) are studied here. The high breakdown current densities of up to 1.7 × 106 A cm−2 are observed in TiS3 nanoribbon‐based field‐effect transistors, which are among the highest found in semiconducting nanomaterials. Investigating the mechanisms responsible for current breakdown, a thermogravimetric analysis of bulk TiS3 is performed and the results with density functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo calculations are compared. In conclusion, the oxidation of TiS3 and subsequent desorption of sulfur atoms play an important role in the electrical breakdown of the material in ambient conditions. The results show that TiS3 is an attractive material for high power applications and lend insight into the thermal and defect activated mechanisms responsible for electrical breakdown in nanostructured devices.
Erythrocyte–Platelet Hybrid Membrane Coating for Enhanced Nanoparticle Functionalization
Authors: Dehaini Diana , Wei Xiaoli , Fang Ronnie H. , Masson Sarah , Angsantikul Pavimol , Luk Brian T. , Zhang Yue , Ying Man , Jiang Yao , Kroll Ashley V. , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang
Published: February 2017

Cell‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles have recently been studied extensively for their biological compatibility, retention of cellular properties, and adaptability to a variety of therapeutic and imaging applications. This class of nanoparticles, which has been fabricated with a variety of cell membrane coatings, including those derived from red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, white blood cells, cancer cells, and bacteria, exhibit properties that are characteristic of the source cell. In this study, a new type of biological coating is created by fusing membrane material from two different cells, providing a facile method for further enhancing nanoparticle functionality. As a proof of concept, the development of dual‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles from the fused RBC membrane and platelet membrane is demonstrated. The resulting particles, termed RBC–platelet hybrid membrane‐coated nanoparticles ([RBC‐P]NPs), are thoroughly characterized, and it is shown that they carry properties of both source cells. Further, the [RBC‐P]NP platform exhibits long circulation and suitability for further in vivo exploration. The reported strategy opens the door for the creation of biocompatible, custom‐tailored biomimetic nanoparticles with varying hybrid functionalities, which may be used to overcome the limitations of current nanoparticle‐based therapeutic and imaging platforms.
Studies on the Formation of Dienamine and Trienamine Intermediates by 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Łągiewka Bartosz , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: February 2017

Formation of dienamines and trienamines from common aminocatalysts and conjugated enals or dienals, respectively, have been monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The protocol allows a fast, simple and direct comparison of various starting materials in the reactions examined. Furthermore, important insights on the configuration and conformation of these crucial intermediates in the corresponding catalytic cycles are provided.
Racial discrimination associated with higher diastolic blood pressure in a sample of American Indian adults
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M. , Blair Irene V. , Buchwald Dedra S. , Manson Spero M.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Hypertension prevalence is high among American Indians (AIs). AIs experience a substantial burden of interpersonal racial discrimination, which in other populations has been associated with higher blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to understand whether racial discrimination experiences are associated with higher blood pressure in AIs.

Materials and Methods

We used the Everyday Discrimination Scale to evaluate the relationship between discrimination and measured blood pressure among 77 AIs from two reservation communities in the Northern Plains. We used multivariate linear regression to evaluate the association of racial discrimination with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Racial discrimination, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were analyzed as continuous variables. All analyses adjusted for sex, waist circumference, age, posttraumatic stress disorder status, and education.

Results

We found that 61% of participants experienced discrimination that they attributed to their race or ancestry. Racial discrimination was associated with significantly higher diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.22, SE = 0.09, p = .02), and with a similar non‐significant trend toward higher systolic blood pressure (β = 0.25, SE = 0.15, p = .09).

Conclusion

The results of this analysis suggest that racial discrimination may contribute to higher diastolic blood pressure within Native communities. These findings highlight one pathway through which the social environment can shape patterns of biology and health in AI and other socially and politically marginalized groups.
Cation Translocation around Single Polyoxometalate–Organic Hybrid Cluster Regulated by Electrostatic and Cation–π Interactions
Authors: Li Dong , Liu Zhuonan , Song Jie , Li Hui , Zhang Baofang , Yin Panchao , Zheng Zhaoxiong Norm , Roberts James E. , Tsige Mesfin , Hill Craig L. , Liu Tianbo
Published: February 2017

We report herein an interesting dynamic translocation process of countercations around one polyoxometalate(POM)–organic hybrid anionic cluster at various concentrations and temperatures. It was found that both electrostatic interactions and cation–π interactions regulate the position of small countercations around single clusters. The dynamic geometry and the symmetry of the hybrid macroions are largely affected by the type of counterions, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation. It is also shown that electrostatic interactions dominate over cation–π interactions in determining the locations of the counterions in the current system.
Systematic review of the feasibility of laparoscopic reoperation for early postoperative complications following colorectal surgery
Authors: Wright D B , Koh C E , Solomon M J
Published: February 2017

Background

Returning to the operating theatre for management of early postoperative complications after colorectal surgery is an important key performance indicator. Laparoscopic surgery has benefits that may be useful in surgical emergencies. This study explored the evidence for the advantages of laparoscopic reoperation.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify publications reporting the outcomes of laparoscopy as a mode of reoperation for the management of early postoperative complications of colorectal surgery. The main outcomes examined were 30-day mortality, 30-day morbidity, length of hospital stay, second reoperation rate, ICU admission and stoma formation at reoperation.

Results

After screening 3657 citations, ten non-randomized cohort studies were identified (1137 reoperations). Laparoscopic reoperation was equivalent to or better than open reoperation, with lower rates of 30-day mortality (0–4·4 versus 0–13·6 per cent), 30-day morbidity (6–40 versus 30–80 per cent), length of stay (mean(s.d.) 15·8(2·8) versus 29·1(14·5) days), ICU admission and duration of stay in the ICU. Anastomotic leak was the most common indication, after which more patients received a defunctioning loop stoma instead of an end stoma at laparoscopic than open reoperation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic reoperation is feasible in selected patients, with the advantages of improved short-term outcomes.
A Detailed Investigation into the Electrical Conductivity and Structural Properties of [Poly(ethylene oxide)‐succinonitrile]‐Li(CF3SO2)2N Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Rhee Hee‐Woo
Published: February 2017

A solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) was prepared via a solution casting method from a blend of equal weight fractions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and succinonitrile, used as the polymer matrix, and a salt, Li(CF3SO2)2N (x = 0–0.3 in weight fraction). A plot of the electrical conductivity (σ25°C) vs. x showed an upturned U‐shape, with the highest value being ~3.9 × 10−4 S/cm for x = 0.25 (EO/Li+ = 9.8; the optimum conducting composition). The electrolytes with x ranging from 0.15 to 0.3 showed a linear trend in their log(σT0.5) − (T−To)−1 curves with low pseudo‐activation energy values, suggesting the presence of highly conductive amorphous domains, as confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry measurements, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. The change in PEO chain conformation with x is discussed in detail using FT‐IR spectroscopy in the light of earlier results reported for PEO − Li(CF3SO2)2N SPEs.
Tat‐biliverdin reductase A protects INS‐1 cells from human islet amyloid polypeptide‐induced cytotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and ER stress
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Kang Hyung Kyung , Eum Won Sik , Park Jinseu , Choi Soo Young , Kwon Hyeok Yil
Published: February 2017

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), a major constituent of islet amyloid deposits, induces pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis and eventually contributes to β‐cell deficit in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, Tat‐mediated transduction of biliverdin reductase A (BLVRA) was investigated in INS‐1 cells to examine whether exogenous supplementation of BLVRA prevented hIAPP‐induced apoptosis and dysfunction in insulin secretion in β‐cells. Tat‐BLVRA fusion protein was efficiently delivered into INS‐1 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Exposure of cells to hIAPP induced apoptotic cell death, which was dose‐dependently inhibited by pre‐treatment with Tat‐BLVRA for 1 h. Transduced Tat‐BLVRA reduced hIAPP‐evoked generation of reactive oxygen species, a crucial mediator of β‐cell destruction. Immunoblot analysis showed that Tat‐BLVRA suppressed hIAPP‐induced increase in the levels of proteins involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis signaling. Transduced Tat‐BLVRA also recovered hIAPP‐induced dysfunction in basal and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretions. These results suggested that transduced Tat‐BLVRA enhanced the tolerance of β‐cells against IAPP‐induced cytotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and ER stress. Therefore, Tat‐mediated transduction of BLVRA may provide a potential tool to ameliorate β‐cell deficit in pancreas with T2DM.
Young lady with a typical solid–cystic abdominal mass
Authors: Kumar Saket , Rahul Rahul , Chandra Abhijit
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Solid pseudopapillary tumor is a rare pancreatic neoplasm that typically affects young women. Characteristic CT appearance is that of a mixed‐density lesion with solid component peripherally and cystic component centrally. Even larger tumors are well encapsulated with sharp demarcation, amenable to complete resection.
Carbon Nanotubes as a Solid Acid Fuel Cell Cathode Material: Insights into In Operando Functional Stability
Authors: Naumov Olga , Lohmann Felix P. , Abel Bernd , Varga Aron
Published: February 2017

Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene doped with heteroatoms, have drawn much attention, owing to their activity as a fuel cell electrocatalyst. This discovery is very important, as the wide application of low‐ and intermediate‐temperature fuel cells is partly hindered by the need for precious‐metals, such as platinum, as the electrocatalyst. Here, we report multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the active electrode component for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) and their in operando changes of surface chemistry and structure. We show, for the first time with fuel cell measurements, the effective (time‐dependent) electrocatalytic behavior of MWCNTs in SAFC cathodes. For all measurements, the MWCNTs were platinum free and were not doped with heteroatoms during or after the synthesis. AC impedance spectroscopy of the electrochemical cells, MWCNT|CsH2PO4|MWCNT, with and without a DC bias, were performed and the long‐term stability was evaluated over a 20 day period. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman, and XPS spectroscopy, before and after the electrochemical measurements, show significant changes in the surface chemistry and structure of the MWCNTs. We observe an increase in the surface oxygen concentration and an increased electrochemical activity. However, this active state is transient in nature, as other chemical degradation processes become more dominant. We conclude that carbon nanomaterials are promising as electrochemically active SAFC materials; however, challenges with stability need to be overcome for a realistic application.
Adsorption of copper on glass beads coated with chitosan: Stirred batch and fixed bed analysis
Authors: de S. Gama Marlon , Luna F. Murilo T. , Albarelli Juliana Q. , Beppu Marisa M. , Vieira Rodrigo S.
Published: February 2017

Chitosan is a natural polymer largely studied for heavy metal adsorption applications, since the amino and hydroxyl groups present in its structure can act as chelation sites. However, this material presents some drawbacks as an adsorbent due to its low mechanical strength. Studies have shown that the use of immobilized chitosan on glass beads can improve the mechanical strength of adsorbent and enhance mass transfer properties. For this reason, stirred batch experiments of copper adsorption on chitosan immobilized onto glass beads were performed to estimate the surface diffusion coefficient and the chitosan film thickness, considering an inert solid glass core. The kinetic data were modelled by a surface diffusion model incorporating the external film mass transfer resistance. Column experiments were also performed for copper solution at different flow rates and a film‐surface diffusion model was used to describe the breakthrough adsorption experiments, using the chitosan film thickness estimated from the batch experiment (φ = 2.5 µm). The input parameters for this model were determined by batch experiments or estimated from correlations available in the open literature. The surface diffusion coefficients (0.98–1.72 × 10−10 cm2 · min−1) of copper in the chitosan film for different flow rates were estimated. The experimental data and the model agreed, indicating that the film thickness and the mass transfer parameters were well predicted.