bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on spatial distribution of optically thin condition in laser-induced aluminum plasma and its relationship with temporal evolution of plasma characteristics
Authors: Hou Jiajia , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Zhao Yang , Ma Weiguang , Dong Lei , Yang Guangye , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: June 2017

Temporal evolution of doublet lines intensity ratio and characteristics of aluminum plasma as well as optically thin condition versus plasma characteristics are investigated.
Identifying the common genetic networks of ADR (adverse drug reaction) clusters and developing an ADR classification model
Authors: Hwang Youhyeon , Oh Min , Jang Giup , Lee Taekeon , Park Chihyun , Ahn Jaegyoon , Yoon Youngmi
Published: June 2017

We propose a computational method that elucidates the action mechanisms of ADRs and predicts potential ADRs by utilizing ADR genes, drug features, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks.
Functional roles of intrinsic disorder in CRISPR-associated protein Cas9
Authors: Du Zhihua , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: June 2017

Protein intrinsic disorder is an important characteristic commonly detected in multifunctional or RNA- and DNA-binding proteins. We show here that the CRISPR-associated Cas9 proteins of different origin contain functionally important intrinsically disordered regions.
FOXO3 promoted mitophagy via nuclear retention induced by manganese chloride in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Song Dongmei , Ma Junxiang , Chen Li , Guo Caixia , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Tian , Zhang Shixuan , Zhu Zhonghui , Tian Lin , Niu Piye
Published: June 2017

To evaluate the role of FOXO3 during the process of mitophagy induced by manganese chloride (MnCl2), mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy were detected before and after FOXO3 being knocked down in SH-SY5Y cells.
Fully degradable protein nanocarriers by orthogonal photoclick tetrazole–ene chemistry for the encapsulation and release
Authors: Piradashvili Keti , Simon Johanna , Paßlick David , Höhner Julian R. , Mailänder Volker , Wurm Frederik R. , Landfester Katharina
Published: June 2017

Tetrazole–ene click chemistry was used to prepare fully biodegradable protein nanocarriers with high drug encapsulation and enzymatically-triggered intracellular release.
Application of a 2-aryl indenylphosphine ligand in the Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reactions of aryl and heteroaryl chlorides under the solvent-free and aqueous conditions
Authors: Liu Yan , Yuan Jia , Wang Zi-Fei , Zeng Si-Hao , Gao Meng-Yue , Ruan Mei-Lin , Chen Jian , Yu Guang-Ao
Published: June 2017

An efficient solvent-free and aqueous protocol for the Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reaction has been developed. Notably, the catalytic system also efficiently catalyzed the reaction under aqueous conditions.
1,2-Arylalkylation of N-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides using aliphatic aldehydes as the alkyl source
Authors: Yu Jin-Tao , Chen Rongzhen , Zhu Jiawei , Cheng Jiang
Published: June 2017

A metal-free decarbonylative arylalkylation ofN-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides using aliphatic aldehydes as the alkyl radical source was developed.
Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of base-modified deoxythreosyl nucleoside phosphonates
Authors: Liu Chao , Dumbre Shrinivas G. , Pannecouque Christophe , Korba Brent , De Jonghe Steven , Herdewijn Piet
Published: June 2017

Base modifiedl-α-2′-deoxythreosyl nucleoside phosphonates and their phosphonodiamidate prodrugs were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against HIV and HBV.
Synthesis of conjugated copolymers by combining different coupling reactions
Authors: Hardeman T. , Koeckelberghs G.
Published: June 2017

Different coupling reactions are combined in the same copolymerization to tune the structure of the resulting conjugated copolymer.
Cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)-based star polymers for simultaneous intracellular delivery of miRNAs and small molecule drugs
Authors: Yang Wenhua , Yu Changmin , Wu Chunxian , Yao Shao Q. , Wu Shuizhu
Published: June 2017

A cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)-based star-like system with high transfection efficacy for synergistic delivery of miRNAs and chemotherapeutic drugs has been reported.
Polymerization of alkyl diazoacetates initiated by the amidinate/Pd system: efficient synthesis of high molecular weight poly(alkoxycarbonylmethylene)s with moderate stereoregularity
Authors: Shimomoto Hiroaki , Kawamata Junya , Murakami Hirokazu , Yamashita Kazuki , Itoh Tomomichi , Ihara Eiji
Published: June 2017

The initiating ability of a new system, amidinate/Pd, for the polymerization of diazoacetates is described.
Cadmium(ii) coordination polymers based on substituted malonic acid: synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Déniz Mariadel , Pasán Jorge , Rasines Beatriz , Lorenzo-Luis Pablo , Lahoz Fernando , Vera-Gonzales Corina , Julve Miguel , Ruiz-Pérez Catalina
Published: June 2017

The influence of the chain length on the topology and luminescence of four new cadmium(ii) R-malonate coordination polymers is analysed herein.
meta-Selective C–H difluoromethylation of various arenes with a versatile ruthenium catalyst
Authors: Yuan C. C. , Chen X. L. , Zhang J. Y. , Zhao Y. S.
Published: June 2017

A ruthenium-enabled meta-selective C–H difluoromethylation of arenes has been developed.
Efficient photocatalytic carbon monoxide production from ammonia and carbon dioxide by the aid of artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Huang Zeai , Teramura Kentaro , Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: June 2017

NH4HCO3 was determined to be an effective electron donor for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2, whereby CO2 can be captured, stored, and efficiently converted into CO.
Cylindrical optimal rearrangement problem leading to a new type obstacle problem
Authors: Mikayelyan Hayk
Published: June 2017

An optimal rearrangement problem in a cylindrical domainΩ=D× (0, 1) is considered, under the constraint that the force function does not depend on thexnvariable of the cylindrical axis. This leads to a new type of obstacle problem in the cylindrical domain

     Δu(x′,xn) =χ{v>0}(x′) +χ{v=0}(x′) [∂νu(x′,0) +∂νu(x′, 1)]

arising from minimization of the functional

     ∫Ω½;|∇u(x)|2+χ{v>0}(x′)u(x) dx,

wherev(x′) =∫01u(x′,t)dt, and∂νuis the exterior normal derivative ofuat the boundary. Several existence and regularity results are proven and it is shown that the comparison principle does not hold for minimizers.
The Kaleidoscope of Plant Prescriptions: A Case of Teucrium Marum
Authors: Maher Patricia
Published: June 2017

Healing unfolds in a process and a plant prescription may not be the first remedy. This article describes a case of a man with gout, a successful environmental lawyer who with the help of homeopathy manifests his artistic side. Moving from snake remedies to a nosode and finally to a plant, the patient undergoes a delicate and inscrutable process of self-transformation.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for the Treatment of Poststernotomy Wound Dehiscence in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Carrozzini Massimiliano , Vida Vladimiro , Stellin Giovanni , Padalino Massimo
Published: June 2017

We sought to analyze effectiveness and results of a vacuum-assisted closure system for the treatment of sternal wound dehiscence in newborns and children after cardiac surgery in our institution. Six patients with poststernotomy wound problems (large defects of epithelialization or mediastinitis) were treated with a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy. Median age was 5 months (range: 1–144); VAC therapy was started with negative pressure −75 mm Hg, continuously. All children achieved healing of the sternal wound and a subsequent closure after a median length of treatment of 8.3 days (range: 4–14). In conclusion, VAC therapy with high negative pressure is safe, effective, and is a well-tolerated therapy in pediatric patients with either early- or late poststernotomy wound dehiscence.
Chrysin Alters microRNAs Expression Levels in Gastric Cancer Cells: Possible Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Mohammadian Farideh , Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Younes , Alipour Shahriar , Dadashpour Mehdi , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: June 2017

Background Gastric carcinoma still remains the second most common cause of cancer mortality in the world. Chrysin, as a flavone, has showed cancer chemopreventive activity. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of chrysin in cancer cells have not been fully understood.

Objective In this study, we investigate expression levels of let-7a, miR-9, mir-18a, miR-21, miR-22, miR-34a, miR-126 and mir-221 to describe the anti-cancer effects of chrysin.

Materials and Methods The cytotoxic effects of chrysin were assessed using MTT assay. The effect of chrysin on the microRNAs expression was determined by qRT-PCR.

Results The MTT results for different concentrations of chrysin at different times on the Gastric carcinoma cells showed that IC50 for chrysin was 68.24 µM after 24 h of treatment. Expression analysis identified that miR-18, miR-21 and miR-221 were down regulated whereas let-7a, miR-9, miR-22, miR-34a and miR-126 were up regulated in Gastric carcinoma cell line (p<0.05).

Conclusion Treatment with chrysin can alter the miRNAs expression and these findings might be an explanation for molecular mechanism of chrysin effect on gastric cancer.
Die probabilistische Effizienzgrenze: eine Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse von Therapieoptionen im Indikationsgebiet Hepatitis C
Authors: Mühlbacher Axel , Sadler Andrew
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Das IQWiG entwickelte die Methodik der Effizienzgrenze, um den gesetzlichen Vorgaben über die Bewertung der Wirtschaftlichkeit von Gesundheitstechnologien nachzukommen. Bislang wurden Effizienzgrenzen nur auf Basis einzelner Endpunkte berechnet. Dies widerspricht der Realität eines multidimensionalen Patientennutzens.

Ziel Zielsetzung der Studie war die Operationalisierung eines multidimensionalen Nutzens und die Berechnung einer Effizienzgrenze unter Berücksichtigung der Unsicherheit bei klinischen Effekt- und Präferenzdaten. Die Fallstudie sollte dokumentieren, wie die methodischen Herausforderungen überwunden werden können, um die Effizienzgrenze zur Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse und Entscheidungsfindung im Bereich der Hepatitis C sinnvoll zu nutzen.

Methode Die Operationalisierung des Patientennutzes erfolgte über mehrere patientenrelevante Zielkriterien. Für die Aggregation des Gesamtnutzens wurden Präferenzdaten herangezogen. In einer Monte-Carlo-Simulation mit 10000 Zufallsziehungen wurden patientenrelevante Endpunkte mit einer Beta-Verteilung und Präferenzdaten mit einer Normalverteilung berücksichtigt. Der Gesamtnutzen in Relation zu den Kosten informierte über die Angemessenheit der Preise. Die Parameterunsicherheit wurde mithilfe der Preis-Akzeptanz-Kurve und des Netto-Kosten-Vorteils dargestellt.

Ergebnisse Seit Beginn der antiviralen Therapien zur Behandlung von Hepatitis C wurden große Nutzen- bzw. Effizienzsprünge vollzogen. Auf Basis der hier berücksichtigten Effekt- und Präferenzdaten erwiesen sich die interferonfreien Behandlungsoptionen zum derzeitigen Preisniveau als effizient. Die Therapien der neuesten Generation erzielten einen positiven Netto-Kosten-Vorteil.

Schlussfolgerung Die vom IQWiG beschriebene Methodik zur Berechnung der Effizienzgrenze und der Unsicherheit konnte für den Bereich der HCV Therapie praktisch umgesetzt werden. Die Effizienzgrenze, die Preis-Akzeptanz-Kurve und der Netto-Kosten-Vorteil können im Rahmen der Erstattungsentscheidungen bzw. der Preisverhandlungen wesentliche Informationen beisteuern.
Europäische Zusammenarbeit in der Bewertung von Medizinprodukten – ein Schritt zur grenzüberschreitenden Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Mayer Julia , Ettinger Sabine , Nachtnebel Anna
Published: June 2017

Ziel Ziel des Artikels ist die Darstellung rechtlicher Rahmenbedingungen sowie Erfahrungen in der grenzüberschreitenden Zusammenarbeit bei der Bewertung von Medizinprodukten als Grundlage für Erstattungsentscheidungen. Der mögliche Nutzen transnationaler Kooperation für verschiedene Stakeholdergruppen soll erläutert werden.

Methodik Prozesse und Herausforderungen der abgeschlossenen European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Joint Action 2 (JA2) werden zusammengefasst und diskutiert. Die dem Artikel zugrunde liegenden Erfahrungen beruhen auf der Erstellung und Evaluierung von insgesamt 6 Rapid Assessments zu Medizinprodukten, welche während der EUnetHTA JA2 in internationaler Kollaboration verfasst und publiziert wurden. Nutzen, Ziele und Chancen der laufenden EUnetHTA Joint Action 3 (JA3) werden dargestellt.

Ergebnisse Herausforderungen in der europäischen Medizinproduktebewertung umfassen die Themenauswahl und den Zeitpunkt der Bewertung, die Intransparenz des Medizinproduktemarkts sowie das Fehlen europäischer Standards zum systematischen Einbeziehen von PatientInnen. Charakteristika wie inkrementelle Veränderungen und Lernkurven machen es notwendig, Medizinprodukte über ihren gesamten Lebenszyklus hinweg zu begleiten. Der Nutzen der europäischen Zusammenarbeit für Stakeholder ist vielfältig: die aufgrund fehlender Evidenz herrschende Unsicherheit zum Zusatznutzen einer Technologie kann durch Early Dialogues reduziert werden; ein europaweit harmonisierter, transparenter Bewertungsprozess steigert die Nachvollziehbarkeit und Qualität der Berichte; die Arbeitsteilung unter den Health Technology Assessment (HTA)-Organisationen ermöglicht eine ressourcenschonende Bewertung einer größeren Anzahl an Technologien; die Patientenbeteiligung gewährleistet die Berücksichtigung patientenrelevanter Endpunkte. Die Wichtigkeit der grenzübergreifenden Zusammenarbeit im Bereich HTA zeigt sich in der Weiterführung des EUnetHTA Projekts, welches die Festigung der internationalen Kollaboration auch nach Auslaufen der EU-Förderungen zum Ziel hat.

Schlussfolgerung Eine nachhaltige transnationale Kooperation in der Bewertung von Medizintechnologien kann die grenzüberschreitende Gesundheitsversorgung und die effiziente Zusammenarbeit der nationalen Gesundheitssysteme sichern. Der Fokus sollte dabei auf einer flächendeckenden Implementierung gemeinsam entwickelter Methoden und Qualitätsstandards liegen. Die europäische Zusammenarbeit kann zu einem konkreten Nutzen für PatientInnen, ÄrztInnen, HTA-Organisationen und nationale EntscheidungsträgerInnen führen.
Complementing Warm-up with Stretching Routines: Effects in Sprint Performance
Authors: Marinho Daniel , Gil Maria , Cardoso Marques Mario , Barbosa Tiago , Neiva Henrique
Published: June 2017

Abstact

The present study aimed to examine the effects of using static or dynamic stretching added to the common warm-up routine for short sprint distances and to repeated sprint performance. In 3 different sessions, 16 college-age men (n=10) and women (n=6) performed one of 3 warm-ups followed by a 2×60 m dash sprint time trial (5 min of rest) in a counterbalanced design. The control warm-up consisted of 10 min of light-intensity running, and the 2 experimental warm-ups included a static or dynamic stretching routine (5 exercises) in the control warm-up. Performance (time) and physiological variables (tympanic temperature, heart rate) were monitored. In the first 60 m time trial, there were no differences between the 3 warm-ups tested (F=0.21, p=0.73; ηp
2=0.01), as opposed to that observed in the second (F=7.04, p<0.01; ηp
2=0.32). The participants were 1.7% faster after the static stretching warm-up compared with the control warm-up. The sum of the time performed in the 2 sprints emphasizes these results, with better performances after the static stretching warm-up than the control (1%) or dynamic stretching warm-up (0.7%). These results suggest that including a set of static or dynamic stretching exercises may enhance sprinting performance. The better performance in the second trial after the warm-up including static stretching suggests that this type of stretching may positively influence repeated sprint performance (<10 s sprint).
Störungen in der Entwicklung des kindlichen Kiefers
Authors: Gohl-Frohnmayer Petra
Published: June 2017

Immer mehr Kinder und Jugendliche weisen Anomalien im Mund- und Kieferbereich auf. Der Artikel beschreibt deren vielfältige Ursachen wie Geburt, Muskulatur und fehlende Entwicklungsreize, nennt die Ziele einer kieferorthopädischen Behandlung und zeigt auf, wo die Osteopathie präventiv beim kleinen Kind und begleitend zur Kieferorthopädie beim größeren Kind eingesetzt werden kann.
New Products
Authors: Mandelis Andreas
Published: June 2017

In order to supplement manufacturers’ information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.
Recurrence networks to study dynamical transitions in a turbulent combustor
Authors: Godavarthi V. , Unni V. R. , Gopalakrishnan E. A. , Sujith R. I.
Published: June 2017

Thermoacoustic instability and lean blowout are the major challenges faced when a gas turbine combustor is operated under fuel lean conditions. The dynamics of thermoacoustic system is the result of complex nonlinear interactions between the subsystems—turbulent reactive flow and the acoustic field of the combustor. In order to study the transitions between the dynamical regimes in such a complex system, the time series corresponding to one of the dynamic variables is transformed to an ε-recurrence network. The topology of the recurrence network resembles the structure of the attractor representing the dynamics of the system. The transitions in the thermoacoustic system are then captured as the variation in the topological characteristics of the network. We show the presence of power law degree distribution in the recurrence networks constructed from time series acquired during the occurrence of combustion noise and during the low amplitude aperiodic oscillations prior to lean blowout. We also show the absence of power law degree distribution in the recurrence networks constructed from time series acquired during the occurrence of thermoacoustic instability and during the occurrence of intermittency. We demonstrate that the measures derived from recurrence network can be used as tools to capture the transitions in the turbulent combustor and also as early warning measures for predicting impending thermoacoustic instability and blowout.
Ab initio sampling of transition paths by conditioned Langevin dynamics
Authors: Delarue Marc , Koehl Patrice , Orland Henri
Published: June 2017

We propose a novel stochastic method to generate Brownian paths conditioned to start at an initial point and end at a given final point during a fixed time tf under a given potential U(x). These paths are sampled with a probability given by the overdamped Langevin dynamics. We show that these paths can be exactly generated by a local stochastic partial differential equation. This equation cannot be solved in general but we present several approximations that are valid either in the low temperature regime or in the presence of barrier crossing. We show that this method warrants the generation of statistically independent transition paths. It is computationally very efficient. We illustrate the method first on two simple potentials, the two-dimensional Mueller potential and the Mexican hat potential, and then on the multi-dimensional problem of conformational transitions in proteins using the “Mixed Elastic Network Model” as a benchmark.
Structural relaxation and thermal conductivity of high-pressure formed, high-density di-n-butyl phthalate glass and pressure induced departures from equilibrium state
Authors: Johari G. P. , Andersson Ove
Published: June 2017

We report a study of structural relaxation of high-density glasses of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) by measuring thermal conductivity, κ, under conditions of pressure and temperature (p,T) designed to modify both the vibrational and configurational states of a glass. Various high-density glassy states of DBP were formed by (i) cooling the liquid under a fixed high p and partially depressurizing the glass, (ii) isothermal annealing of the depressurized glass, and (iii) pressurizing the glass formed by cooling the liquid under low p. At a given low p, κ of the glass formed by cooling under high p is higher than that of the glass formed by cooling under low p, and the difference increases as glass formation p is increased. κ of the glass formed under 1 GPa is ∼20% higher at ambient p than κ of the glass formed at ambient p. On heating at low p, κ decreases until the glass to liquid transition range is reached. This is the opposite of the increase in κ observed when a glass formed under a certain p is heated under the same p. At a given high p, κ of the low-density glass formed by cooling at low p is lower than that of the high-density glass formed by cooling at that high p. On heating at high p, κ increases until the glass to liquid transition range is reached. The effects observed are due to a thermally assisted approach toward equilibrium at p different from the glass formation p. In all cases, the density, enthalpy, and entropy would change until the glasses become metastable liquids at a fixed p, thus qualitatively relating κ to variation in these properties.
First infrared investigations of OCS–H2O, OCS–(H2O)2, and (OCS)2–H2O complexes isolated in solid neon: Highlighting the presence of two isomers for OCS–H2O
Authors: Soulard P. , Madebène B. , Tremblay B.
Published: June 2017

For the first time, complexes involving carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and water molecules are studied by FTIR in solid neon. Many new absorption bands close to the known fundamental modes for the monomers give evidence for at least three (OCS)n–(H2O)m complexes, noted n:m. With the help of theoretical calculations, two isomers of the 1:1 complex are clearly identified. Concentration effects combined with a detailed vibrational analysis allow for the identification of transitions for the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 complexes. Anharmonic coupling constants have been derived from the observations of overtones and combinations.
Numerical study of turbulent flow in a rectangular T-junction
Authors: Georgiou Michail , Papalexandris Miltiadis V.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we report on a numerical study of the interaction and merging of a turbulent crossflow with an incoming turbulent jet in a T-junction with rectangular cross section. Our study is based on wall-resolved and experimentally validated large eddy simulations. The bulk Reynolds number of the crossflow is 15 000. Further, we consider cases with two different momentum ratios, namely, MR = 2 and MR = 0.5. In the presentation of the results, we elaborate on the main features of the flow, namely, the shear layers that emanate from the corners of the entry of the jet, the large recirculation bubble downstream the incoming jet, and the mixing process beyond the reattachment point. For validation purposes, we compare our simulations with existing experimental data. This comparison shows a good agreement between our numerical predictions and the measurements. First- and second-order statistics of the flow are also presented and analyzed in detail. Our simulations reveal two features of the flow that have not been reported before in studies of T-junctions. The first one is a secondary small-scale recirculation region between the entry of the jet and the large recirculation bubble. The second one is the negative turbulent kinetic energy production that occurs in the recirculation bubble and close to the reattachment of the flow. The analysis of our results further reveals that just across the entry of the jet, the boundary layer in the wall opposite to the jet experiences a favourable pressure gradient due to a Venturi effect induced by the incoming jet. In turn, this favourable pressure gradient contributes to the local relaminarization of the flow. On the other hand, the boundary layer downstream the recirculation bubble experiences an adverse pressure gradient. In both cases, a significant deviation from the universal law of the wall is confirmed.
Upgrade of a commercial four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy system
Authors: Ma Ruisong , Huan Qing , Wu Liangmei , Yan Jiahao , Zou Qiang , Wang Aiwei , Bobisch Christian A. , Bao Lihong , Gao Hong-Jun
Published: June 2017

Upgrade of a commercial ultra-high vacuum four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy system for atomic resolution capability and thermal stability is reported. To improve the mechanical and thermal performance of the system, we introduced extra vibration isolation, magnetic damping, and double thermal shielding, and we redesigned the scanning structure and thermal links. The success of the upgrade is characterized by its atomically resolved imaging, steady cooling down cycles with high efficiency, and standard transport measurement capability. Our design may provide a feasible way for the upgrade of similar commercial systems.
Patterned growth of crystalline Y3Fe5O12 nanostructures with engineered magnetic shape anisotropy
Authors: Zhu Na , Chang Houchen , Franson Andrew , Liu Tao , Zhang Xufeng , Johnston-Halperin E. , Wu Mingzhong , Tang Hong X.
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate patterned growth of epitaxial yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films using lithographically defined templates on gadolinium gallium garnet substrates. The fabricated YIG nanostructures yield the desired crystallographic orientation, excellent surface morphology, and narrow ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) linewidth (∼4 Oe). Shape-induced magnetic anisotropy is clearly observed in a patterned array of nanobars engineered to exhibit the larger coercivity (40 Oe) compared with that of continuous films. Both hysteresis loop and angle-dependent FMR spectra measurements indicate that the easy axis aligns along the longitudinal direction of the nanobars, with an effective anisotropy field of 195 Oe. Our work overcomes difficulties in patterning YIG thin films and provides an effective means to control their magnetic properties and magnetic bias conditions.
Anisotropic thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3 at elevated temperatures: Effect of Sn and Fe dopants
Authors: Slomski M. , Blumenschein N. , Paskov P. P. , Muth J. F. , Paskova T.
Published: June 2017

The thermal conductivity of undoped, Sn-doped, and Fe-doped β-Ga2O3 bulk crystals was measured by the 3ω technique in the temperature range of 295–410 K. A unique approach for extracting the thermal conductivity along the lateral and transverse heat flow directions was used in order to determine the thermal conductivity along different crystallographic directions. The data analysis at room temperature confirmed the expected anisotropy of the thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3, revealing the highest value of ∼29 W/m K in the [010] direction. The thermal conductivity of the Sn-doped and Fe-doped β-Ga2O3 samples was found to be lower than that of the undoped samples due to the enhanced phonon-impurity scattering contribution, which reduces the thermal conductivity. This tendency was maintained for the thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures. The thermal conductivity in all samples decreased with increasing temperature, but the slope of the temperature dependence was found to depend on both the doping and the crystallographic orientation.
A broadband low-reflection bending waveguide for airborne sound
Authors: Kan Weiwei , Liang Bin , Tian Cong , Shen Zhonghua , Cheng Jianchun
Published: June 2017

We design a bending waveguide capable to transmit broadband airborne sound with high efficiency while maintaining the wavefront undisturbed. Based on coordinate transformation, analytical formulae are derived to predict the parameter distribution of the required constituent materials composing the waveguide. A practical implementation is presented by employing acoustic metafluids that are formed with periodically arranged slabs of subwavelength dimensions in air-filled acoustic chambers. By studying the acoustic properties of the unit structures in the quasi-static limit, it is demonstrated that the effective mass density and bulk modulus of the proposed metamaterial can be modulated independently by tuning the geometry parameters and the temperature in the chamber. By virtue of the free-modulated features, the range of realizable effective parameters with metafluid are substantially broadened, and the corresponding acoustic impedance can be perfectly matched to the background medium. The performance of the bending waveguide is verified by demonstrating the low-reflection transmission of broadband sound and the ability of keeping the wavefront undisturbed. According to the effective medium theory, our scheme offers the flexibility to further raise the upper limit of the operating frequency with smaller size individual elements. The proposed design with the advantage of feasibility and effectiveness in broadband shows potential for a wide range of wave-steering applications.
All-optical measurements of carrier dynamics in bulk-GaN LEDs: Beyond the ABC approximation
Authors: David Aurelien , Young Nathan G. , Hurni Christophe A. , Craven Michael D.
Published: June 2017

An all-optical measurement of differential carrier lifetimes is performed in a specially designed single-quantum-well structure. The measurement reveals the complex carrier-dependence of radiative and non-radiative recombinations, which directly manifest wavefunction-overlap and field-screening effects. This analysis clarifies the range of applicability of the common ABC model and its limitations.
Intercalation stage dependence of core electronic excitations in Li-intercalated graphite from inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Stutz G. E. , Otero M. , Ceppi S. A. , Robledo C. B. , Luque G. , Leiva E. , Barraco Díaz D. E.
Published: June 2017

Li and C 1s core-electron excitation spectra of electrochemically prepared stage-II and stage-I lithiated graphite were investigated by means of inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy. The near-edge structure is discussed, and the spectral features are interpreted using ab initio calculations. Our results confirm the invariance of the excitation threshold for transitions from C 1s core-states to empty π* states upon Li intercalation for stage-I and show this invariance also occurs for the second stage of intercalation. A systematic shift of the σ* excitation threshold to lower energies with the Li content was observed. The Li core spectra reveal an ionic character of the intercalated Li in stage-I and in stage-II. The present results provide further valuable information for forthcoming in situ studies of lithiation/delithiation processes in graphite anodes by inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy.
Proteomic prospects for tolerance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) to drought stress during the flowering stage
Authors: Ghaffari Mehdi , Toorchi Mahmoud , Valizadeh Mostafa , Shakiba Mohammadreza
Published: June 2017

In order to understanding proteomic basis of drought tolerance in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), two contrasting inbred lines were subjected to drought stress during the flowering stage for two years. Proteins were extracted from leaves of well-watered and drought-treated plants by using the TCA–acetone precipitation method and analysed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for identification of affected proteins. When comparing proteomic patterns, 18 proteins were changed by drought stress in sensitive lines and 24 proteins in tolerant lines. Concurrent down-expressions of oxygen-evolving enhancer and ferredoxin-NADP reductase were considered as primary drought sensors that mediate downstream pathways to cope with drought conditions. Differential and line-specific proteomic changes were attributed as the source for contrasting response to drought stress. According to the results, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, conservation of energy and water, and cell-structure integrity constituted the major aspects of drought tolerance in sunflower.
New possibilities for translation
Authors: Cornelio Dawn M.
Published: June 2017

Pioneered by feminist ethicist and psychologist Carol Gilligan in her 1982 work In a Different Voice, care theory rests, according to philosopher Rita Manning, on four key elements: Moral Attention, Sympathetic Understanding, Relationship Awareness, and Harmony. Combined with the notion of voice present in Gilligan’s title, each of these components represents a key portion of the translator-text-author relationship, particularly when translation is seen as negotiation. In this contribution, after examining the notion of translation as negotiation as Eco describes it, I will offer an overview of the psycho-sociological theory of care, with the aim of presenting it as a framework for ethical decision-making in negotiating the act of translation. The importance of translaboration will become evident through the theories of Ricoeur and an emphasis on the cooperative nature of ethically negotiated decisions; i.e., ‘trans’ and its insistence on moving across, beyond, through; and ‘laboration’ and its insistence on the continuing and ongoing process of working.
Project‐based learning in post‐WWII Japanese school curriculum: an analysis via curriculum orientations
Authors: Nomura Kazuyuki
Published: June 2017

In the 2000s, the new national curriculum, dubbed as the ‘yutoricurriculum,’ introduced a new subject for project‐based learning ‘Integrated Study’ as its prominent feature. Comparing curriculum orientations in project‐based learning in three historical periods after the WWII including Integrated Study, this paper aims to offer a genealogy of postwar Japanese school curriculum primarily based on a critical reading of the national curriculum guidelines on project‐based learning, which is emblematic of the extending power of postwar Japan's curriculum authorities. Although Integrated Study was purportedly child‐centered and put emphasis on each child's personal relevance and each school's autonomy, the finding of this study shows that Integrated Study in the yutori curriculum was rather a technology that disciplined schools, teachers, and classroom processes to shape children into morally good and cognitively flexible Japanese nationals. Despite its rhetoric of child‐centeredness and personal relevance, the introduction of Integrated Study as part of the yutori curriculum was ultimately part of the state's move to gain further control over schooling.
Multiple‐joint exercises using elastic resistance bands vs. conventional resistance‐training equipment: A cross‐over study
Authors: Iversen Vegard M. , Mork Paul Jarle , Vasseljen Ottar , Bergquist Ronny , Fimland Marius S.
Published: June 2017

Previous studies indicate that elastic resistance bands (ERB) can be a viable option to conventional resistance‐training equipment (CRE) during single‐joint resistance exercises, but their efficacy has not been established for several commonly used multiple‐joint resistance exercises. Thus, we compared muscular activation levels in four popular multiple‐joint exercises performed with ERB (TheraBand®) vs. CRE (Olympic barbell or cable pulley machines). In a cross‐over design, men and women (n = 29) performed squats, stiff‐legged deadlifts, unilateral rows and lateral pulldown using both modalities. Multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression analyses of main and interaction effects, and subsequent post hoc analyses were used to assess differences between the two resistance‐training modalities. CRE induced higher levels of muscle activation in the prime movers during all exercises (p < .001 for all comparisons), compared to muscle activation levels induced by ERB. The magnitude of the differences was marginal in lateral pulldown and unilateral rows and for the erector spinae during stiff‐legged deadlifts. In squats the quadriceps femoris activations were substantially lower for ERB. The differences between ERB and CRE were mostly observed during the parts of the contractions where the bands were relatively slack, whilst the differences were largely eliminated when the bands became elongated in the end ranges of the movements. We conclude that ERB can be a feasible training modality for lateral pulldowns, unilateral rows and to some extent stiff‐legged deadlifts, but not for the squat exercise.
Dynamic balance between master transcription factors determines the fates and functions of CD4 T cell and innate lymphoid cell subsets
Authors: Fang Difeng , Zhu Jinfang
Published: June 2017

CD4 T cells, including T regulatory cells (Treg cells) and effector T helper cells (Th cells), and recently identified innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play important roles in host defense and inflammation. Both CD4 T cells and ILCs can be classified into distinct lineages based on their functions and the expression of lineage-specific genes, including those encoding effector cytokines, cell surface markers, and key transcription factors. It was first recognized that each lineage expresses a specific master transcription factor and the expression of these factors is mutually exclusive because of cross-regulation among these factors. However, recent studies indicate that the master regulators are often coexpressed. Furthermore, the expression of master regulators can be dynamic and quantitative. In this review, we will first discuss similarities and differences between the development and functions of CD4 T cell and ILC subsets and then summarize recent literature on quantitative, dynamic, and cell type–specific balance between the master transcription factors in determining heterogeneity and plasticity of these subsets.
A Unified Approach to the Thermodynamics and Quantum Scaling Functions of One-Dimensional Strongly Attractive SU(w) Fermi Gases*
Authors: Yu Yi-Cong , Guan Xi-Wen
Published: June 2017

We present a unified derivation of the pressure equation of states, thermodynamics and scaling functions for the one-dimensional (1D) strongly attractive Fermi gases with SU(w) symmetry. These physical quantities provide a rigorous understanding on a universality class of quantum criticality characterized by the critical exponents z = 2 and correlation length exponent ν = 1/2. Such a universality class of quantum criticality can occur when the Fermi sea of one branch of charge bound states starts to fill or becomes gapped at zero temperature. The quantum critical cone can be determined by the double peaks in specific heat, which serve to mark two crossover temperatures fanning out from the critical point. Our method opens to further study on quantum phases and phase transitions in strongly interacting fermions with large SU(w) and non-SU(w) symmetries in one dimension.
Differentiated Care Pathways for Antiretroviral Therapy Monitoring in Malawi: Expanding Viral Load Testing in Setting of Highly Prevalent Resistance
Authors: Rutstein Sarah E , Compliment Kara , Nelson Julie A E , Kamwendo Deborah , Mataya Ronald , Miller William C , Hosseinipour Mina C
Published: June 2017

We quantified resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy among previously unmonitored patients in Malawi with viremia (≥1000 copies/mL). Ninety-five percent (n = 57/61) harbored nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitor/non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance; resistance was more common comparing >2 (97%) versus ≤2 years (87%) on therapy. Immediate switch for persons retained in care may improve monitoring efficiency and maximize clinical outcomes.
Product market competition, R&D investment choice, and real earnings management
Authors: Hsiao Hsiao-Fen , Liao Szu-Lang , Su Chi-Wei , Sung Hao-Chang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Recent studies in the accounting literature have investigated the economic consequences of R&D capitalization. Discretionary R&D capitalization for target beating can be characterized as a firm signaling private information on its future economic benefits or as opportunistic earnings management. R&D capitalization also has an impact on a firm’s marginal costs and product market competition. The purpose of this paper is to address how firms choose R&D levels for the purpose of meeting or beating their earnings targets and how this influences sequential product market competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study this issue in a stylized game-theoretic model where R&D choices of a firm are not only strategically made but also used to convey proprietary information to its rival. The model provides a rationale for a firm distorting its R&D level to earn more profits and meet its earnings target.

Findings

The equilibrium result indicates that before the realization of common cost shock, a firm can influence the output of its accounting system (i.e. meeting an earnings target) through adjusting its R&D choices. This firm will overinvest in R&D, and this will give an opportunity to create some reserves to be used later to earn a higher profit and reach the earnings target.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research on real earnings management in terms of how R&D capitalization affects a firm’s R&D choices by influencing the output of its accounting system through adjusting its R&D choices and the strategic impact of those choices.
The real effects of primary and secondary equity markets on firm performance
Authors: Andriansyah Andriansyah
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the real effects of primary and secondary equity markets on the post-issue operating performance of initial public offering (IPO) firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author utilizes the intended use of proceeds as a proxy variable for the primary market and the investment-to-price sensitivity and the informativeness of stock prices as alternative proxy variables for the secondary market. The compositional data, and non-parametric quantile regressions which are more robust to outliers than standard least square regressions, are employed for Indonesian equity market over the period of 1999-2013.

Findings

While confirming that firm operating performance can be explained by the firm’s motivation to go public, the author also shows that the operating performance is positively affected by investment-to-price sensitivity and negatively affected by stock price informativeness. The stock prices affect investment decisions by the way that the more liquid a stock is, the more informative its price is, and the more relevant stock prices are in investment decisions. These findings still hold after controlling for ownership structure.

Originality/value

Departing from the existing literature, the author investigates the role of primary and secondary equity markets for firm performance in an integrated framework because both markets interact closely in reality. The author shows that public listed firms can benefit both from the capital-raising function of the primary market and from the informational role of the stock prices of the secondary market. A measure of stock price informativeness, 1−R2, however, must be understood in the context of thin trading in the sense that the level of liquidity affects the level of stock price informativeness.
Political connections, ownership structure and quality of governance
Authors: Dicko Saidatou
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ask the following question: is there a link between being politically connected, the quality of governance and the company’s ownership structure?

Design/methodology/approach

The author then examined Canadian companies from the S&P/TSX index for the year 2015.

Findings

Political connectedness is significantly associated with lower quality of governance in relation to shareholders’ rights; ownership concentration is associated with lower quality of governance in relation to the overall governance, board of directors, shareholders’ rights and compensation structure indices; ownership structure does not mediate the relationship between political connections and quality of governance; and number of political connections through the executive is associated with less risky governance practices in relation to compensation structure; in other words, when members of the executive are politically connected, the firm adopts better compensation practices.

Research limitations/implications

The time limitation is the main weakness of this study and probably the cause of observed mitigated results.

Practical implications

The author hope that the results will inform regulators on the need not only to further regulate the business-politics relationship, but also to consider the specific traits of concentrated ownership companies and the most critical aspects of corporate governance in politically connected firms, such as shareholders’ rights, particularly those of minority shareholders. For example, an intriguing case to investigate in the Canadian context would be Pierre Karl Péladeau’s foray into Quebec politics and the controversy ignited by his political bid in light of his position as majority shareholder (75 percent) in communications giant Quebecor Inc.

Social implications

In fact, the results shown that concentrated ownership firms have lower governance quality than non-concentrated ones. Furthermore, in a concentrated ownership context, the minority shareholders’ rights could be threatened. In this sense, the results also shown that shareholders’ rights seem to be the most critical governance issue for the politically connected Canadian firms. These results are therefore the indication that Canadian financial market regulators must take action about politically connected and concentrated ownership firms in order to further protect minority shareholders’ rights.

Originality/value

This study makes a double theoretical contribution by enriching the literature on corporate governance and by providing one of the first investigations into the direct and comprehensive relationships between political connections, governance and ownership structure.
Different ways of dealing with tensions
Authors: Mazzei Micaela
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a nuanced understanding of the diverse practices social enterprises engage in to fulfil their commitments of delivering social/environmental goods and/or services while earning income to sustain their activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper is based on an empirical investigation which used an ethnographic approach to study the social economy in two distinct city regions in the north of England.

Findings

Against a common-sense view of social enterprises being able to balance (with ease) social and economic goals, this paper suggests, based on empirical insights, that such a harmonious rendition tends to neglect the messiness at the heart of such organisations. Heeding ongoing reflections, explanations and negotiations as key ingredients in keeping social enterprises “balanced”, this paper argues that negotiating tensions is a constantly dynamic process.

Originality/value

Using an ethnographic approach, this paper offers insights into the complexities and tensions social enterprises constantly deal with and it shows these tensions must be constantly renegotiated.