bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in developing a new test method to assess spray drift potential from air blast sprayers
Authors: Grella Marco , Gil Emilio , Balsari Paolo , Marucco Paolo , Gallart Montserrat
Published: July 2017

Drift is one of the most important issues to consider for realising sustainable pesticide sprays. This study proposes and tests an alternative methodology for quantifying the drift potential (DP) of air blast sprayers, trying to avoid the difficulties faced in conducting field trials according to the standard protocol (ISO 22866:2005). For this purpose, an ad hoc test bench designed for DP comparative measurements was used. The proposed methodology was evaluated in terms of robustness, repetitiveness and coherence by arranging a series of trials at two laboratories. Representative orchard and vineyard air blast sprayers in eight configurations (combination of two forward speeds, two air fan flow rates, and two nozzle types) were tested. The test bench was placed perpendicular to the spray track to collect the fraction of spray liquid remaining in the air after the spray process and potentially susceptible to drift out of the treated area. Downwind spray deposition curves were obtained and a new approach was proposed to calculate an index value of the DP estimation that could allow the differences among the tested configurations to be described. Results indicated that forward speed of 1.67 m/s allows better discrimination among configurations tested. Highest DP reduction, over 87.5%, was achieved using the TVI nozzles in combination with low air fan flow rate in both laboratories; conversely, the highest DP value was obtained with the ATR nozzles in combination with high air fan flow rate. Although the proposed method shows a promising potential to evaluate drift potential of different sprayer types and nozzles types used for bush and tree crops further research and tests are necessary to improve and validate this method.
Examining the Attributes of Electronic Waste Recycling Service: A Choice Modelling Approach
Authors: Haron Nazatul Faizah , Sidique Shaufique F. , Radam Alias
Published: July 2017

This paper estimates the economic valuation, discusses preferences for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling, and identifies the most preferred attributes in e-waste recycling. Stratified random sampling from the households in Putrajaya, Malaysia was utilised to obtain the primary data. It provides the readers with an intrinsic satisfaction when choosing a modelling analysis on the valuation of non-market goods using conditional logit simple model. The findings indicate that the option attributes were highly significant and there was no inherent bias towards either the change or no-change option held by the respondents.
Organizational Commitment and Rewards in Vietnam, with Comparison between University Graduates and Others
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke
Published: July 2017

This study investigates the relationship between extrinsic, intrinsic and social rewards, and the organizational commitment (OC) of 5,522 employees who work for 8 Japanese companies in Vietnam. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that variables included to measure extrinsic, social and intrinsic rewards were strongly related to OC. Especially, intrinsic rewards had the strongest association with OC. These findings suggest that the antecedents of OC in Vietnam are different from those in the West and China. The comparison between university graduates and others showed that fatigue and autonomy had stronger influence on OC in university graduates than in others. Discussions and implications concerning human resource management in Vietnam are offered.
Impacts of Monetary Policy on Commercial Banks’ Profits: The Case of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Nhan , Vu Ngoc Huong , Le Ha Thu
Published: July 2017

This paper mainly concentrates on examining the impact of monetary policy on commercial banks’ profit in Vietnam by using panel data regression. In our study, the data is collected from 20 commercial banks which were doing business in Vietnam’s banking market, ranging from 2007 to 2014 in annually frequency. Monetary base (MB), discount rate (DIS) and required reserve ratio (RRR) are used as proxies for monetary policy. Profit before tax (PROFIT) is used to represent commercial banks’ performance. The results show that there is a positive relationship between banks’ profits and monetary policies. Among those chosen variables representing SBV’s monetary policy, only MB has a significant positive impact on bank’s profit at the significance level of 10%. On this premise, the study recommends that MB should be one of the variables in the center of being concerned in the SBV’s policies regarding the banking performance and stability.
Visitors’ Experiences of Cluster Developments at Theme Parks in Malaysia
Authors: A. Jamal Salamiah , Aminudin Norliza , Abdul Rahman Norliza
Published: July 2017

The spread of social and financial advancement in business environment of developing countries has instigated various expansion approaches, ranging from industry agglomeration to industry clusters, which refers to groups of interrelated firms located in a defined geographical area. Firms or companies that participate in cluster developments benefit from each other in terms of sharing the same territory, infrastructure and services, which has prompted encouraging responses from many industries, including tourism. The Malaysian government licenses intellectual property as well and promotes it to further advance the tourism industry in the country, particularly in the theme park sector. There are 16 theme parks and water parks in the country and 10 more are reported being launched in upcoming years. However, there have also been several closures among theme parks in recent years. Many previous studies have looked into the development of theme parks, focusing on many aspects, including cluster policy and concept, competitiveness, sustainability, safety and security, yet research that looks into cluster development specifically in Malaysia is still scant. The main purpose of this study is to examine whether visitors’ experiences of cluster developments at theme parks in Malaysia have a significant relationship to their intentions to revisit the park. A survey of 312 Malaysian theme park visitors was carried out using a questionnaire, and it concluded that visitors’ experiences of all cluster development dimensions had a significant relationship to their intentions to revisit the park. This finding contributes to an understanding of the importance of visitors’ experiences in theme park tourism and what this means to the tourism industry in the future.
Efficiency and Effectiveness of Government Expenditure on Education at Districts/Cities Level in East Java Indonesia
Authors: Solihin Achmad , Mursinto Djoko , Sugiharti Lilik
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of local government expenditure on education sector in districts and cities level of East Java, during the periods 2007-2014. Furthermore, this study will evaluate the impacts of local government expenditure, household expenditure for education, and regional product domestic bruto or (PDRB) on the educational outcomes, namely education index.Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is selected as the methodology for analyzing the efficiency of local government expenditure on educational outcome. The model assumes constant return to scale (CRS) and variable return to scale (VRS). Measurement of the effectiveness of government spending is done by using panel data regression. Data for supporting the analyses is panel data from 38 districts and cities in East Java for the periods of 2007 – 2014. The results show that government expenditure in educational sector is relatively inefficient. Government Expenditure for Education (PPP) has no significant impact on educational index, while Household expenditure for education (PPRT) and GRDP per Capita positive has significant impact on the Education Index (IP). This imply that government expenditure for educational sector is not effective improving educational index.
The Suitability of the Jordanian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises to the Requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: AL-Hussamee Rand , Nassar Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to identify the suitability of Jordanian Small and Medium Sized Enterprises environment with the requirements of Financial Reporting Standards specific to them in the presentation of financial statements and explanations. Furthermore, to identify the constraints small and medium sized enterprises face when applying their own Financial Reporting Standards. In order to achieve objectives of the study, a questionnaire was designed to collect the necessary data; they were distributed to auditors licensed to practice the auditing profession in Jordan, the study sample consisted of 135 licensed auditors. The study concluded based on statistical tests that small and medium sized enterprises correspond to the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards specific to them in the presentation of financial statements. Also that the environment of small and medium sized enterprises correspond to the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards specific to them in the presentation of explanations to the financial statements.
Insurance Mortality Rates, Performance Indicators, and Possibly Monotonic Population Proportions
Authors: J. Hsu John S. , Leonard Thomas
Published: July 2017

Two applications are described of a probability model that can express uncertainty regarding a pre-specified monotonicity hypothesis for binomial proportions. The model also yields a random effects overdispersion formulation where the population proportions definitely satisfy a monotonicity specification. One application concerns an insurance data set recording mortalities of clients from ages 35 to 64. Two new actuarial graduation procedures are developed. The other application derives from a Veterans' administration hospital quality monitor and concerns the failure to return rates for psychiatric patients attending substance abuse clinics. While smoothed performance indicators are proposed, measures of their extra-binomial variation highlight problems experienced by evidence-based approaches when the data are uncontrolled.
De niet-financiële impact van schadetoebrenging en hoe daaraan tegemoet te komen
Authors: Akkermans A.J. , Hulst L.
Published: July 2017

De niet-financiële impact van schadetoebrenging en hoe daaraan tegemoet te komen. Over excuses, actieve schadeafwikkeling en procedurele rechtvaardigheid

In deze bijdrage wordt verslag gedaan van een onderzoek dat in opdracht van het Personenschade Instituut van Verzekeraars (PIV) is verricht naar de baten, effectiviteit en methode van het bevorderen door verzekeraars van het aanbieden van excuses aan verkeersslachtoffers. Ingegaan wordt op de niet-financiële impact van schadetoebrenging en wat er voor mogelijkheden zijn om daaraan tegemoet te komen. Daarbij is niet alleen gekeken naar excuses door de veroorzaker van het verkeersongeval, maar ook naar wat verzekeraars zelf kunnen doen aan de omstandigheid dat verkeersslachtoffers door het ongeval en zijn gevolgen ook ‘rood staan op hun emotionele bankrekening’. In een volgende bijdrage zal verslag worden gedaan van door verzekeringsmaatschappijen in het kader van dit onderzoek uitgevoerde pilots.
Het Consultatievoorstel: goed, maar nog niet perfect
Authors: Van A.J. , Blok A.H. , van Schoonhoven J.L.
Published: July 2017

Het Consultatievoorstel: goed, maar nog niet perfect

De wetgever is voornemens om vier veranderingen aan te brengen in het schadevergoedingsrecht, zo blijkt uit het Consultatievoorstel schadevergoeding zorg- en affectieschade. Eén daarvan heeft betrekking op de overgang van het recht op vergoeding voor immateriële schade (art. 6:106 BW), de andere drie veranderingen raken direct het vorderingsrecht van naasten en nabestaanden. In deze bijdrage zullen met name de praktische kanttekeningen bij het conceptwetsvoorstel worden besproken die door de commissie Wetgeving van de Vereniging van Advocaten voor Slachtoffers van Personenschade in hun advies aan de staatssecretaris van Veiligheid en Justitie aan de orde zijn gesteld.
Identification for genetic differentiation of scots pine seedlings using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Juodkienė Vytautė , Danusevičius Darius , Mozgeris Gintautas
Published: July 2017

Genetic diversity is an important component of biological diversity and therefore there are attempts to search for effective solutions that increase the effectiveness of genetic diversity assessment methods. The  article represents the  study that aims for genetic differentiation of Scots pine seedlings based on data, obtained using the hyperspectral imaging in the laboratory. Hyperspectral imaging is the technology that combines image and spectroscopy. Seedlings of 4 distant Scots pine populations from Lithuania (LT), Russia (RU), Spain (SP) and Finland (FIN) were selected for testing. One year old seedlings grown in containers under laboratory conditions were scanned with a hyperspectral camera with an integrated sensitive spectroscope that splits the electromagnetic radiation into 955 spectrum bands in the range of 400 to 1000 nm. The seedlings of different populations had a different reflectance intensity of the near-infrared radiation (750–955 nm). Meanwhile, in the visible spectrum area (400–700 nm) their spectral properties were similar. The Analysis of the Principal Components (PCA) showed that for the  differentiating of seedling populations five spectrum bands might be used, which accumulated significant information in the  range of 700–720 nm. It was found that the genetic origin classes of the Scots pine can be distinguished reliably (in 85.2% of cases) using the Discriminant Analysis of the seedling’s spectral data. The  most geographically distant Spanish and Finnish populations are the most mutually separated populations. The results demonstrate the potential of defining tree genetic properties/origin remotely by using hyperspectral scanners installed in aircrafts.
À propos des noms de personnages de Tintin. Note d'onomastique littéraire
Authors: Bidaud Samuel
Published: July 2017

Cet article traite des noms de personnages dans les Aventures de Tintin. Les noms de personnages de Tintin peuvent être étudiés dans trois perspectives. Ils reflètent d'abord, si on les considère de façon autonome, une caractéristique
du personnage, qu'il s'agisse d'une caractéristique géographique, sociale, d'un trait de personnalité ou d'une fonction narrative. Les noms de personnages de Tintin font ensuite partie de deux réseaux isotopiques: celui de la faune et de la flore d'une part,
et celui des quatre éléments d'autre part, qui sont présents dans les noms des personnages principaux. Enfin, nous montrons que les noms de personnages ont une fonction thématique, et qu'ils renvoient, par leur mode de formation fondé sur le redoublement,
que ce dernier soit interne (Tintin, Coco, Didi, Tchang-Tchong Jen, etc.) ou externe (Dupond et Dupont, le capitaine Haddock et son ancêtre François de Hadoque, pour lesquels l'orthographe diffère, etc.), à une identité problématique.
Les Illustrations de Chauveau, Lepautre et Leclerc pour Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide (1676) de Benserade
Authors: Meyer Véronique
Published: July 2017

En 1676 paraissaient les Métamorphoses d'Ovide en rondeaux commandées par Louis XIV à Benserade pour l'éducation du Dauphin. Les 226 vignettes étaient dues à Leclerc et à Lepautre qui travaillèrent sous la direction
de Chauveau. Le ton de la mythologie burlesque choisi par le poète exerça une influence profonde sur l'esprit m?me de l'illustration et le choix de l'iconographie, qui montre une réelle adéquation entre texte et image. Bien que souvent contesté, le succès
de l'ouvrage de Benserade ne fait aucun doute; les gravures n'y furent sans doute pas étrangères comme en attestent les nombreuses copies éditées en Europe au XVIIIe et au début du XIXe siècle.
The power features of Masseter muscle activity in tension-type and migraine without aura headache during open-close clench cycles
Authors: Alizadeh Savareh Behrouz , Ghanjal Ali , Bashiri Azadeh , Motaqhey Monireh , Hatef Boshra
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Different types of headaches and TMJ click influence the masseter muscle activity. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of energy level of the electromyography (EMG) activity of the masseter muscle during open-close clench cycles in migraine without aura (MOA) and tension-type headache (TTH) with or without TMJ click.

Methods

Twenty-five women with MOA and twenty four women with TTH participated in the study. They matched with 25 healthy subjects, in terms of class of occlusion and prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with click. The EMG of both masseter muscles were recorded during open-close clench cycles at a rate of 80 cycles per minute for 15 seconds. The mouth opening was restricted to two centimeters by mandibular motion frame. Signal processing steps have been done on the EMG as: noise removing, smoothing, feature extraction, and statistical analyzing. The six statistical parameters of energy computed were mean, Variance, Skewness, Kurtosis, and first and second half energy over all signal energy.

Results

A three-way ANOVA indicated that during all the cycles, the mean of energy was more and there was a delay in showing the peak of energy in the masseter of the left side with clicked TMJ in MOA group compared to the two other groups, while this pattern occurred inversely in the side with no-clicked TMJ (P < 0.009). The variation of energy was significantly less in MOA group compared to the two other groups in the no-clicked TMJ (P < 0.003). However, the proportion of the first or second part of signal energy to all energy showed that TTH group had less energy in the first part and more energy in the second part in comparison to the two other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study showed different changes in the energy distribution of masseter muscle activity during cycles in MOA and TTH. MOA, in contrast to TTH, had lateralization effect on EMG and interacted with TMJ click.
Peer reviewer acknowledgments
Authors: Green Bart N.
Published: July 2017

This editorial acknowledges the editorial board and peer reviewers for the journal and discusses the increased dissemination of scholarly work pertaining to chiropractic education and participation.
Theoretical derivation of flow laws for quartz dislocation creep: Comparisons with experimental creep data and extrapolation to natural conditions using water fugacity corrections
Authors: Fukuda Jun‐ichi , Shimizu Ichiko
Published: July 2017

We theoretically derived flow laws for quartz dislocation creep using climb‐controlled dislocation creep models and compared them with available laboratory data for quartz plastic deformation. We assumed volume diffusion of oxygen‐bearing species along different crystallographic axes (//c, ⊥R, and ⊥c) of α‐quartz and β‐quartz, and pipe diffusion of H2O, to be the elementary processes of dislocation climb. The relationships between differential stress (σ) and strain rate (
) are written as
and
for cases controlled by volume and pipe diffusion, respectively, where Dv and Dp are coefficients of diffusion for volume and pipe diffusion. In previous experimental work, there were up to ~1.5 orders of magnitude difference in the water fugacity values in experiments that used either gas‐pressure‐medium or solid‐pressure‐medium deformation apparatus. Therefore, in both the theories and flow laws, we included water fugacity effects as modified preexponential factors and water fugacity terms. Previous experimental data were obtained mainly in the β‐quartz field and are highly consistent with the volume‐diffusion‐controlled dislocation creep models of β‐quartz involving the water fugacity term. The theory also predicts significant effects for the transition of α‐β quartz under crustal conditions. Under experimental pressure and temperature conditions, the flow stress of pipe‐diffusion‐controlled dislocation creep is higher than that for volume‐diffusion‐controlled creep. Extrapolation of the flow laws to natural conditions indicates that the contributions of pipe diffusion may dominate over volume diffusion under low‐temperature conditions of the middle crust around the brittle‐plastic transition zone.
A comparison of cooling‐limited and volume‐limited flow systems: Examples from channels in the Piton de la Fournaise April 2007 lava‐flow field
Authors: Rhéty Maéva , Harris Andrew , Villeneuve Nicolas , Gurioli Lucia , Médard Etienne , Chevrel Oryaëlle , Bachélery Patrick
Published: July 2017

Channel‐fed lava‐flow systems lack detailed thermal and textural studies through the boundary between channelized and dispersed flow, and out to the flow front. Here chemical, textural, and morphological analyses were made to define cooling and crystallization rates down the entire system, especially through the zone of dispersed flow. We compare two channel systems active during the 2007 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, one of which was cooling limited and one of which as volume limited. In the cooling‐limited case, rapid changes in rheology occurred across the zone of dispersed flow, where viscosity increased from 1000 to 1600 Pa s over the last 100 m of the channel system. This was due to an increase in cooling rate from 7°C km−1 over the first 500 m of the system, to 42°C km−1 over the last 100 m, and an increase in microcryst content from 13% to 25%. In the volume‐limited case, the exponentially increasing segment of the down‐flow cooling and viscosity trend is absent. Instead, lava arriving at the flow front is still relatively hot (1161°C compared with a near‐vent temperature of 1167°C) and is thus of relatively low viscosity (1125 Pa s). In the volume‐limited case, because the channel was still in extension when supply to the system was cut, the zone of dispersed flow was extremely short. However, because lava behind the stalled flow front was still hot and fluid, breakouts from the static front resulted in a complex flow front morphology.
Constraints on the anisotropic contributions to velocity discontinuities at ∼60 km depth beneath the Pacific
Authors: Rychert Catherine A. , Harmon Nicholas
Published: July 2017

Strong, sharp, negative seismic discontinuities, velocity decreases with depth, are observed beneath the Pacific seafloor at ∼60 km depth. It has been suggested that these are caused by an increase in radial anisotropy with depth, which occurs in global surface wave models. Here we test this hypothesis in two ways. We evaluate whether an increase in surface wave radial anisotropy with depth is robust with synthetic resolution tests. We do this by fitting an example surface wave data set near the East Pacific Rise. We also estimate the apparent isotropic seismic velocity discontinuities that could be caused by changes in radial anisotropy in S‐to‐P and P‐to‐S receiver functions and SS precursors using synthetic seismograms. We test one model where radial anisotropy is caused by olivine alignment and one model where it is caused by compositional layering. The result of our surface wave inversion suggests strong shallow azimuthal anisotropy beneath 0–10 Ma seafloor, which would also have a radial anisotropy signature. An increase in radial anisotropy with depth at 60 km depth is not well‐resolved in surface wave models, and could be artificially observed. Shallow isotropy underlain by strong radial anisotropy could explain moderate apparent velocity drops (<6%) in SS precursor imaging, but not receiver functions. The effect is diminished if strong anisotropy also exists at 0–60 km depth as suggested by surface waves. Overall, an increase in radial anisotropy with depth may not exist at 60 km beneath the oceans and does not explain the scattered wave observations.
Rival framings: A framework for discovering how problem formulation uncertainties shape risk management trade‐offs in water resources systems
Authors: Quinn J. D. , Reed P. M. , Giuliani M. , Castelletti A.
Published: July 2017

Managing water resources systems requires coordinated operation of system infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of hydrologic extremes while balancing conflicting multisectoral demands. Traditionally, recommended management strategies are derived by optimizing system operations under a single problem framing that is assumed to accurately represent the system objectives, tacitly ignoring the myriad of effects that could arise from simplifications and mathematical assumptions made when formulating the problem. This study illustrates the benefits of a rival framings framework in which analysts instead interrogate multiple competing hypotheses of how complex water management problems should be formulated. Analyzing rival framings helps discover unintended consequences resulting from inherent biases of alternative problem formulations. We illustrate this on the monsoonal Red River basin in Vietnam by optimizing operations of the system's four largest reservoirs under several different multiobjective problem framings. In each rival framing, we specify different quantitative representations of the system's objectives related to hydropower production, agricultural water supply, and flood protection of the capital city of Hanoi. We find that some formulations result in counterintuitive behavior. In particular, policies designed to minimize expected flood damages inadvertently increase the risk of catastrophic flood events in favor of hydropower production, while min‐max objectives commonly used in robust optimization provide poor representations of system tradeoffs due to their instability. This study highlights the importance of carefully formulating and evaluating alternative mathematical abstractions of stakeholder objectives describing the multisectoral water demands and risks associated with hydrologic extremes.
Statistical process control and verifying positional accuracy of a cobra motion couch using step‐wedge quality assurance tool
Authors: Binny Diana , Lancaster Craig M. , Trapp Jamie V. , Crowe Scott B.
Published: July 2017

This study utilizes process control techniques to identify action limits for TomoTherapy couch positioning quality assurance tests. A test was introduced to monitor accuracy of the applied couch offset detection in the TomoTherapy Hi‐Art treatment system using the TQA “Step‐Wedge Helical” module and MVCT detector. Individual X‐charts, process capability (cp), probability (P), and acceptability (cpk) indices were used to monitor a 4‐year couch IEC offset data to detect systematic and random errors in the couch positional accuracy for different action levels. Process capability tests were also performed on the retrospective data to define tolerances based on user‐specified levels. A second study was carried out whereby physical couch offsets were applied using the TQA module and the MVCT detector was used to detect the observed variations.

Random and systematic variations were observed for the SPC‐based upper and lower control limits, and investigations were carried out to maintain the ongoing stability of the process for a 4‐year and a three‐monthly period. Local trend analysis showed mean variations up to ±0.5 mm in the three‐monthly analysis period for all IEC offset measurements. Variations were also observed in the detected versus applied offsets using the MVCT detector in the second study largely in the vertical direction, and actions were taken to remediate this error. Based on the results, it was recommended that imaging shifts in each coordinate direction be only applied after assessing the machine for applied versus detected test results using the step helical module. User‐specified tolerance levels of at least ±2 mm were recommended for a test frequency of once every 3 months to improve couch positional accuracy. SPC enables detection of systematic variations prior to reaching machine tolerance levels. Couch encoding system recalibrations reduced variations to user‐specified levels and a monitoring period of 3 months using SPC facilitated in detecting systematic and random variations. SPC analysis for couch positional accuracy enabled greater control in the identification of errors, thereby increasing confidence levels in daily treatment setups.
Financial Incentives and Health Coaching to Improve Physical Activity Following Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Losina Elena , Collins Jamie E. , Deshpande Bhushan R. , Smith Savannah R. , Michl Griffin L. , Usiskin Ilana M. , Klara Kristina M. , Winter Amelia R. , Yang Heidi Y. , Selzer Faith , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Most persons who undergo total knee replacement (TKR) do not increase their physical activity following surgery. We assessed whether financial incentives and health coaching would improve physical activity in persons undergoing TKR.

Methods

We designed a factorial randomized controlled trial among persons undergoing TKR for osteoarthritis. Subjects underwent normal perioperative procedures, including postoperative physical therapy, and were assigned to 1 of 4 arms: attention control, telephonic health coaching (THC), financial incentives (FI), or THC + FI. We objectively measured step counts and minutes of physical activity using a commercial accelerometer (Fitbit Zip) and compared the changes from pre‐TKR to 6 months post‐TKR across the 4 study arms.

Results

Of the 202 randomized subjects, 150 (74%) provided both pre‐TKR and 6 months post‐TKR accelerometer data. Among completers, the mean ± SE daily step count at 6 months ranged from 5,619 ± 381 in the THC arm to 7,152 ± 407 in the THC + FI arm (adjusting for baseline values). Daily step count 6 months post‐TKR increased by 680 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −94, 1,454) in the control arm, 274 (95% CI −473, 1,021) in the THC arm, 826 (95% CI 89, 1,563) in the FI arm, and 1,808 (95% CI 1,010, 2,606) in the THC + FI arm. Weekly physical activity increased by mean ± SE 14 ± 10, 14 ± 10, 16 ± 10, and 39 ± 11 minutes in the control, THC, FI, and THC + FI arms, respectively.

Conclusion

A dual THC + FI intervention led to substantial improvements in step count and physical activity following TKR.
Tailored Surface Properties of Ceramic Foams for Liquid Multiphase Reactions
Authors: Schelm Katja , Schwidder Michael , Samuel Janis , Scheffler Franziska , Scheffler Michael
Published: July 2017

Open cellular ceramic foams are prepared using the replica method. In a second step, these foams are coated with a pre‐ceramic or polymer‐derived ceramic coating, respectively. Polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation is studied by SEM with respect to the microstructure, functional groups are characterized by Raman microscopy, density and porosity are determined by pycnometer measurements as well as the surface free energy by means of contact angle measurements. By pyrolysis at different temperatures between 403 and 1273 K, the surface wettability is adjusted in a wide range from hydrophilic to hydrophobic due to the release of organic groups from the pre‐ceramic polymers in terms of polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation. Coated foams are tested in a new potential application: as reactor internals to increase the liquid–liquid interface area in a homogeneously catalyzed multiphase system. As model reaction, a reactive extraction of an organic dye was used and the influence of the surface energy of the foam on the phase dispersion/reaction rate is discussed. The coated foams are able to increase the reaction rate to an extent depending on the surface wettability.
Targeted Nanotherapeutics Encapsulating Liver X Receptor Agonist GW3965 Enhance Antiatherogenic Effects without Adverse Effects on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Ldlr−/− Mice
Authors: Yu Mikyung , Amengual Jaume , Menon Arjun , Kamaly Nazila , Zhou Felix , Xu Xiaoding , Saw Phei Er , Lee Seung‐Joo , Si Kevin , Ortega Carleena Angelica , Choi Won Il , Lee In‐Hyun , Bdour Yazan , Shi Jinjun , Mahmoudi Morteza , Jon Sangyong , Fisher Edward A. , Farokhzad Omid C.
Published: July 2017

The pharmacological manipulation of liver X receptors (LXRs) has been an attractive therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment as they control reverse cholesterol transport and inflammatory response. This study presents the development and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 (GW) in targeting atherosclerotic lesions. Collagen IV (Col IV) targeting ligands are employed to functionalize the NPs to improve targeting to the atherosclerotic plaque, and formulation parameters such as the length of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating molecules are systematically optimized. In vitro studies indicate that the GW‐encapsulated NPs upregulate the LXR target genes and downregulate proinflammatory mediator in macrophages. The Col IV‐targeted NPs encapsulating GW (Col IV–GW–NPs) successfully reaches atherosclerotic lesions when administered for 5 weeks to mice with preexisting lesions, substantially reducing macrophage content (≈30%) compared to the PBS group, which is with greater efficacy versus nontargeting NPs encapsulating GW (GW–NPs) (≈18%). In addition, mice administered the Col IV–GW–NPs do not demonstrate increased hepatic lipid biosynthesis or hyperlipidemia during the treatment period, unlike mice injected with the free GW. These findings suggest a new form of LXR‐based therapeutics capable of enhanced delivery of the LXR agonist to atherosclerotic lesions without altering hepatic lipid metabolism.
High‐Yield Synthesis of Crystal‐Phase‐Heterostructured 4H/fcc Au@Pd Core–Shell Nanorods for Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Chen Ye , Fan Zhanxi , Luo Zhimin , Liu Xiaozhi , Lai Zhuangchai , Li Bing , Zong Yun , Gu Lin , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2017

Noble‐metal nanomaterials are attracting increasing research interest due to their promising applications in electrochemical catalysis, for example. Although great efforts have been devoted to the size‐, shape‐, and architecture‐controlled synthesis of noble‐metal nanomaterials, their crystal‐phase‐controlled synthesis is still in its infancy. Here, for the first time, this study reports high‐yield synthesis of Au nanorods (NRs) with alternating 4H/face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal‐phase heterostructures via a one‐pot wet‐chemical method. The coexistence of 4H and fcc phases is relatively stable, and the 4H/fcc Au NRs can serve as templates for crystal‐phase‐controlled epitaxial growth of other metals. As an example, bimetallic 4H/fcc Au@Pd core–shell NRs are synthesized via the epitaxial growth of Pd on 4H/fcc Au NRs. Significantly, the 4H/fcc Au@Pd NRs show superior mass activity toward the ethanol oxidation reaction, i.e., 6.2 and 4.9 times those of commercial Pd black and Pt/C catalysts, respectively. It is believed that this new synthetic strategy can be used to prepare other novel catalysts for various promising applications.
Dithiopheneindenofluorene (TIF) Semiconducting Polymers with Very High Mobility in Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Chen Hu , Hurhangee Michael , Nikolka Mark , Zhang Weimin , Kirkus Mindaugas , Neophytou Marios , Cryer Samuel J. , Harkin David , Hayoz Pascal , Abdi‐Jalebi Mojtaba , McNeill Christopher R. , Sirringhaus Henning , McCulloch Iain
Published: July 2017

The charge‐carrier mobility of organic semiconducting polymers is known to be enhanced when the energetic disorder of the polymer is minimized. Fused, planar aromatic ring structures contribute to reducing the polymer conformational disorder, as demonstrated by polymers containing the indacenodithiophene (IDT) repeat unit, which have both a low Urbach energy and a high mobility in thin‐film‐transistor (TFT) devices. Expanding on this design motif, copolymers containing the dithiopheneindenofluorene repeat unit are synthesized, which extends the fused aromatic structure with two additional phenyl rings, further rigidifying the polymer backbone. A range of copolymers are prepared and their electrical properties and thin‐film morphology evaluated, with the co‐benzothiadiazole polymer having a twofold increase in hole mobility when compared to the IDT analog, reaching values of almost 3 cm2 V−1 s−1 in bottom‐gate top‐contact organic field‐effect transistors.
Cascade One‐Pot Synthesis of Indanone‐Fused Cyclopentanes from the Reaction of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Enynals via a Sequential Hydrolysis/Knoevenagel Condensation/[3+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Shifa
Published: July 2017

A cascade reaction of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with enynals to construct indanone‐fused cyclopentanes via a sequential hydrolysis/Knoevenagel condensation/[3+2] cycloaddition is reported. The desired indanone‐fused cyclopentanes were obtained in good yields. This method features mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scope, which render it very appealing to chemists for the synthesis of complex molecules containing an indanone‐fused cyclopentane moiety. Moreover, the products could be further converted into compounds with different functional groups through the well‐known transformations.

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Diastereoselective One‐Step Synthesis of 2‐Keto‐3‐deoxy‐d‐ glycero‐d‐galacto‐nononic acid (KDN) Analogues as Templates for the Development of Influenza Drugs
Authors: Laborda Pedro , Wang Su‐Yan , Lu Ai‐Min , He Meng , Duan Xu‐Chu , Qian Ying‐Juan , Jung Yong‐Sam , Liu Li , Voglmeir Josef
Published: July 2017

Novel sialic acid scaffolds have great significance in the development of influenza neuraminidase inhibitors. Here the enzymatic synthesis of a wide range of 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐d‐glycero‐d‐galacto‐nononic acid (KDN) analogues via aldol addition of pyruvate to d‐mannose, d‐glucose, d‐galactose, 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose, d‐arabinose, l‐arabinose and l‐rhamnose using a previously unstudied N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) aldolase derived from the bacterium Dyadobacter fermentas is exemplified. Several of the synthesized KDN analogues showed comparable or better inhibitory activity than unstudied Neu5Ac against the mutated influenza neuraminidases (A/California/04/2009 and A/Anhui/1/2005), which both show resistance to Neu5Ac‐based neuraminidase inhibitors, demonstrating that these compounds are promising templates for the development of anti‐influenza drugs.

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Annulated Dialkoxybenzenes as Catholyte Materials for Non‐aqueous Redox Flow Batteries: Achieving High Chemical Stability through Bicyclic Substitution
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Zheng , Shkrob Ilya A. , Assary Rajeev S. , Tung Siu on , Silcox Benjamin , Duan Wentao , Zhang Junjie , Su Chi Cheung , Hu Bin , Pan Baofei , Liao Chen , Zhang Zhengcheng , Wang Wei , Curtiss Larry A. , Thompson Levi T. , Wei Xiaoliang , Zhang Lu
Published: July 2017

1,4‐Dimethoxybenzene derivatives are materials of choice for use as catholytes in non‐aqueous redox flow batteries, as they exhibit high open‐circuit potentials and excellent electrochemical reversibility. However, chemical stability of these materials in their oxidized form needs to be improved. Disubstitution in the arene ring is used to suppress parasitic reactions of their radical cations, but this does not fully prevent ring‐addition reactions. By incorporating bicyclic substitutions and ether chains into the dialkoxybenzenes, a novel catholyte molecule, 9,10‐bis(2‐methoxyethoxy)‐1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐octahydro‐1,4:5,8‐dimethanenoanthracene (BODMA), is obtained and exhibits greater solubility and superior chemical stability in the charged state. A hybrid flow cell containing BODMA is operated for 150 charge–discharge cycles with a minimal loss of capacity.
NiS2/FeS Holey Film as Freestanding Electrode for High‐Performance Lithium Battery
Authors: Liang Kun , Marcus Kyle , Zhang Shoufeng , Zhou Le , Li Yilun , De Oliveira Samuel T. , Orlovskaya Nina , Sohn Yong‐Ho , Yang Yang
Published: July 2017

In this work, a freestanding NiS2/FeS holey film (HF) is prepared after electrochemical anodic and chemical vapor deposition treatments. With the combination of good electrical conductivity and holey structure, the NiS2/FeS HF presents superior electrochemical performance, due to the following reasons: (i) Porous structure of HF provides a large surface area and more active sites/channels/pathways to enhance the ion/mass diffusion. Moreover, the porous structure can reduce the damage from the volumetric expansion. (ii) The as‐prepared electrode combines the current collector (residual NiFe alloy) and active materials (sulfides) together, thus reducing the resistance of the electrode. Additionally, the good conductivity of HF can improve electron transport. (iii) Sulfides are more stable as active materials than sulfur, showing only a small capacity decay while retaining high cyclability performance. This work provides a promising way to develop high energy and stable electrode for Li‐S battery.
Genetic‐genealogy approach reveals low rate of extrapair paternity in historical Dutch populations
Authors: Larmuseau Maarten H. D. , Claerhout Sofie , Gruyters Leen , Nivelle Kelly , Vandenbosch Michiel , Peeters Anke , van den Berg Pieter , Wenseleers Tom , Decorte Ronny
Published: July 2017

Objective

Evolutionary theory has shown that seeking out extrapair paternity (EPP) can be a viable reproductive strategy for both sexes in pair‐bonded species, also in humans. As yet, estimates of the contemporary or historical EPP rate in human population are still rare. In the present study, we estimated the historical EPP rate in the Dutch population over the last 400 years and compared the rate with those obtained for other human populations to determine the evolutionary, cultural, and socio‐demographic factors that influence human cuckoldry behavior.

Methods

We estimated the historical EPP rate for the Dutch population via the “genealogical pair method”, in which the EPP rate is derived from Y‐chromosome mismatches between pairs of individuals that, based on genealogical evidence, share a common paternal ancestor.

Results

Based on the analysis of 68 representative genealogical pairs, separated by a total of 1013 fertilization events, we estimated that the historical EPP rate for the Dutch population over the last 400 years was 0.96% per generation (95% confidence interval 0.46%‐1.76%).

Conclusion

The Dutch EPP rate fits perfectly within the range reported for other contemporary and historical populations in Western Europe and was highly congruent with that estimated for neighboring Flanders, despite the socio‐economic and religious differences between both populations. The estimated low EPP rate challenges the “dual mating strategy hypothesis” that states that women could obtain fitness benefits by securing investment from one man while cuckolding him to obtain good genes from an affair partner.
Drug discovery and development for rare genetic disorders
Authors: Sun Wei , Zheng Wei , Simeonov Anton
Published: July 2017

Approximately 7,000 rare diseases affect millions of individuals in the United States. Although rare diseases taken together have an enormous impact, there is a significant gap between basic research and clinical interventions. Opportunities now exist to accelerate drug development for the treatment of rare diseases. Disease foundations and research centers worldwide focus on better understanding rare disorders. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art drug discovery strategies for small molecules and biological approaches for orphan diseases are reviewed. Rare diseases are usually genetic diseases; hence, employing pharmacogenetics to develop treatments and using whole genome sequencing to identify the etiologies for such diseases are appropriate strategies to exploit. Beginning with high throughput screening of small molecules, the benefits and challenges of target‐based and phenotypic screens are discussed. Explanations and examples of drug repurposing are given; drug repurposing as an approach to quickly move programs to clinical trials is evaluated. Consideration is given to the category of biologics which include gene therapy, recombinant proteins, and autologous transplants. Disease models, including animal models and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients, are surveyed. Finally, the role of biomarkers in drug discovery and development, as well as clinical trials, is elucidated.
Variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance in a large family with non‐classical Diamond‐Blackfan anemia associated with ribosomal protein L11 splicing variant
Authors: Carlston Colleen M. , Afify Zeinab A. , Palumbos Janice C. , Bagley Heidi , Barbagelata Carlos , Wooderchak‐Donahue Whitney L. , Mao Rong , Carey John C.
Published: July 2017

Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous bone marrow failure disorders with or without congenital anomalies. Variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance have been observed within affected families. Diamond‐Blackfan anemia‐7 (DBA7), caused by heterozygous mutations in ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11), accounts for approximately 5% of DBA. DBA7 is usually characterized by early‐onset bone marrow failure often accompanied by congenital malformations, especially thumb defects. Here, we present the case of a 2‐year‐old boy with chronic mild normocytic anemia, short stature, bilateral underdevelopment of the thumbs, atrial septal defect, and hypospadias. Hematological testing revealed slightly decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, normal HbF, and elevated eADA. Family history included maternal relatives with thumb defects, but the mother's thumbs were normal. Clinical exome sequencing detected a maternally‐inherited RPL11 variant, c.396+3A>G, that is predicted to affect splicing. A family correlation study of the identified variant demonstrates segregation with thumb anomalies in the mother's family. RNA studies suggest that the variant produces an alternative transcript that is likely susceptible to nonsense‐mediated decay. This report summarizes the prevalence of non‐anemia findings in DBA7 and describes a non‐classical familial presentation of DBA7 more associated with thumb anomalies than with anemia.
Kupferkatalysierte decarboxylierende radikalische Silylierung von redoxaktiven aliphatischen Carbonsäurederivaten
Authors: Xue Weichao , Oestreich Martin
Published: July 2017

Es wird über eine decarboxylierende Silylierung von aliphatischen Estern des N‐Hydroxyphthalimids (NHPI) mit Si‐B‐Reagenzien als Siliciumpronukleophile berichtet. Diese C(sp3)‐Si‐Kreuzkupplung wird durch Kupfer(I) katalysiert und folgt selbst unter Lichtausschluss einem Radikalmechanismus. Primäre und sekundäre Alkylgruppen gehen die Kupplung gleichermaßen effektiv ein, während tertiäre Gruppen vermutlich sterisch zu gehindert sind. Die Toleranz gegenüber funktionellen Gruppen ist insgesamt hervorragend, und α‐heteroatomsubstituierte Substrate reagieren ebenfalls gut. Das macht beispielsweise die Darstellung von α‐silylierten Aminen ausgehend von NHPI‐Estern abgeleitet von α‐Aminosäuren möglich. Die neue Methode ergänzt die noch immer überschaubare Zahl an C(sp3)‐Si‐Kreuzkupplungen nichtaktivierter Alkylelektrophile.
Exceptionally Strong Electron‐Donating Ability of Bora‐Ylide Substituent vis‐à‐vis Silylene and Silylium Ion
Authors: Rosas‐Sánchez Alfredo , Alvarado‐Beltran Isabel , Baceiredo Antoine , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Massou Stéphane , Branchadell Vicenç , Kato Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2017

Electropositive boron‐based substituent (phosphonium bora‐ylide) with an exceptionally strong π‐ and σ‐electron donating character dramatically increases the stability of a new type of N‐heterocyclic silylene 2 featuring amino‐ and bora‐ylide‐substituents. Moreover, the related silylium ion 4 and transition‐metal–silylene complexes, with trigonal‐planar geometries around the silicon center, are also well stabilized. Therefore, the N,B‐heterocyclic silylene 2 can be used as a strongly electron‐donating innocent ligand in coordination chemistry similarly to N‐heterocyclic carbenes.