bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction
Authors: Hill Ian , Gamble Michelle
Published: October 2024

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at the Jedburgh Abbey Rampart during repair and construction works to consolidate and secure the ‘rampart’ wall and its face, both of which had begun to deteriorate and fail. The watching brief followed on from earlier works to investigate the construction of the ‘rampart’, which had revealed the presence of disarticulated skeletal remains behind the wall. The excavations undertaken during the repair works have helped to infer the methods employed for the construction of the ‘rampart’, likely dating to the late 18th century. During construction several burials of the former Low Kirkyard were disturbed and displaced, with the disarticulated remains of several skeletons found within the construction deposits. The watching brief also revealed the remains of five burials that were partially disturbed during construction, with skeletal remains dating from the 15th century onwards. Disturbance to earlier graves, not disturbed by the construction, were also identified, the results of which indicate changing attitudes to skeletal remains through the post medieval and early modern periods.
References
Authors: Hill Ian , Gamble Michelle
Published: October 2024

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at the Jedburgh Abbey Rampart during repair and construction works to consolidate and secure the ‘rampart’ wall and its face, both of which had begun to deteriorate and fail. The watching brief followed on from earlier works to investigate the construction of the ‘rampart’, which had revealed the presence of disarticulated skeletal remains behind the wall. The excavations undertaken during the repair works have helped to infer the methods employed for the construction of the ‘rampart’, likely dating to the late 18th century. During construction several burials of the former Low Kirkyard were disturbed and displaced, with the disarticulated remains of several skeletons found within the construction deposits. The watching brief also revealed the remains of five burials that were partially disturbed during construction, with skeletal remains dating from the 15th century onwards. Disturbance to earlier graves, not disturbed by the construction, were also identified, the results of which indicate changing attitudes to skeletal remains through the post medieval and early modern periods.
Auslegungsfragen im Rahmen des qualifizierten Mitwirkungsverlangens in der Außenprüfung gem. § 200a AO
Authors: Zieglmeier Moritz
Published: October 2024

Das qualifizierte Mitwirkungsverlangen wird den Rechtsanwender - sowohl auf Seite der Finanzverwaltung als auch auf Seite der Steuerpflichtigen - vor Herausforderungen stellen. Gerade im Hinblick auf den zum Teil stark auslegungsbedürftigen Wortlaut des § 200a AO ergeben sich Unklarheiten. Diese Auslegungsspielräume werden nachfolgend analysiert und Lösungsmöglichkeiten hierzu aufgezeigt.
Aktuelle Entwicklungen im europäischen Datenrecht
Authors: Henke Hannes
Published: October 2024

Aufgrund der rasanten Entwicklungen der Datenwirtschaft hat sich das europäische Datenrecht in den letzten Jahren zu einer zentralen Säule des europäischen Wirtschaftsrechts entwickelt. Während der europäische Gesetzgeber vermehrt den Zugang zu Daten zur Förderung von Innovationen in den Fokus rückt (A.), bleibt die Rechtsprechung des EuGH von Fragen zum Schutz personenbezogener Daten geprägt (B.). Die folgende Übersicht soll die wesentlichen Entwicklungen des europäischen Datenrechts für den Zeitraum von August 2023 bis Juli 2024 darstellen.
Anmerkungen zum Diskussionsentwurf eines Mindeststeueranpassungsgesetzes
Authors: Altenburg Nadia C. , Benzinger Lukas J. , Scherr Julius U.
Published: October 2024

Der folgende Beitrag bietet einen Überblick über den Diskussionsentwurf des Mindeststeueranpassungsgesetzes und dessen erste Einordnung. Zu den zentralen Änderungen des Entwurfs zählen die Klarstellung, dass für den CbCR-Safe-Harbour auch Informationen aus Reporting Packages als qualifizierte Rechnungslegungsinformationen gelten. Ebenfalls wurde u.a. die Einbeziehung aktiver latenter Steuern bei der Ermittlung der erfassten Steuern - selbst wenn das Wahlrecht nach § 274 Abs. 1 Satz2 HGB nicht ausgeübt wurde - geregelt. Darüber hinaus werden in dem Beitrag bislang unberücksichtigte Aspekte angesprochen, die ebenfalls im Gesetzgebungsverfahren berücksichtigt werden sollten.
Anwendung des Abgeltungsteuerregimes auf Gewinne aus der Veräußerung bzw. Rückzahlung von Gesellschafterfremdfinanzierungen
Authors: Cloppenburg Sebastian
Published: October 2024

In zwei Entscheidungen vom 30.11.2022 zum sog. Bondstripping befasste sich der BFH u.a. mit der Frage, ob Verluste aus der Veräußerung von Anleihemänteln an eine Kapitalgesellschaft, an der der Veräußerer i.S.v. § 32d Abs. 2 Nr. 1 Satz 1 Buchst. b EStG beteiligt ist, dem gesonderten Tarif i.S.v. § 32d Abs. 1 EStG unterfallen. In einer weiteren Entscheidung vom selben Tag äußerte sich der BFH darüber hinaus zur Anwendung von § 32d Abs. 2 Nr. 1 Satz 1 Buchst. b EStG auf Gewinne aus der Rückzahlung von Gesellschafterfremdfinanzierungen gem. § 20 Abs. 2 Satz1 Nr.7 EStG. Diese Urteile bezogen sich zwar auf die Rechtslage vor der Ergänzung von § 32d Abs.2 Nr. 1 Satz 1 Buchst. b EStG um das Erfordernis des Betriebsausgaben- bzw. Werbungskostenabzugs beim Schuldner der Kapitalerträge. Gleichwohl können insbesondere aus der letztgenannten Entscheidung Rückschlüsse auf die Behandlung von Gewinnen bzw. Verlusten aus der Veräußerung bzw. Beendigung von Gesellschafterfremdfinanzierungen unter Geltung der aktuellen Rechtslage gezogen werden. Auf Grundlage dieser Entscheidungen kann insbesondere argumentiert werden, dass Gewinne aus der Veräußerung bzw. Rückzahlung von Gesellschafterfremdfinanzierungen in voller Höhe lediglich mit dem Abgeltungsteuersatz i.H.v. 25 % (zzgl. Solidaritätszuschlag) erfasst werden.
Postrechtsmodernisierungsgesetz und Umsatzsteuer – Praktische Auswirkungen der Neuregelung auf die Steuerbefreiung des § 4 Nr. 11b UStG: Postdienstleistungen im Wandel?
Authors: Endres-Reich Daniela , Hamrik Alina
Published: October 2024

Das Gesetz zur Modernisierung des Postrechts (Postrechtsmodernisierungsgesetz - PostModG) vom 15.7.2024 (BGBl. I 2024, Nr. 236 v. 18.7.2024) soll das Postrecht maßgeblich modernisieren. Neben Änderungen im Kerngeschäft der Post- und Paketzustellung, z.B. der Änderung von Brieflaufzeiten oder Kennzeichnungspflichten von Paketen, bringt das PostModG aber auch in umsatzsteuerrechtlicher Sicht entscheidende Änderungen des § 4 Nr. 11b UStG mit sich. Die umsatzsteuerrechtlichen Auswirkungen und erste praktische Besonderheiten der Aufnahme sog. Teilleistungen in den Katalog der Universaldienstleistungen soll nachfolgender Beitrag aufzeigen.
Dynamics of nitrate concentration‐discharge patterns in an urban watershed
Authors: Duncan Jonathan M. , Welty Claire , Kemper John T. , Groffman Peter M. , Band Lawrence E.
Published: July 2017

Concentration‐discharge (c‐Q) relations have been used to infer watershed‐scale processes governing solute fluxes. Prior studies have documented inconsistent concentration‐discharge patterns at the storm‐event scale driven by changes in end‐member concentrations. Other studies have evaluated c‐Q data from all periods in a composite fashion to quantify chemostasis (relatively invariant changes in concentration over several orders of magnitude variation in streamflow). Here we examine 3 years of high‐frequency nitrate and discharge data (49,861 data points) to complement 14 years of weekly data (699 data points) for an urban stream in Baltimore, MD, U.S. to quantify c‐Q relationships. We show that these relationships are variable through time and depend on the temporal scale at which they are investigated. On a storm‐event scale, the sensor data exhibit a watershed‐specific dQ/Q threshold when storms switch from counter‐clockwise to clockwise c‐Q behavior. On a seasonal scale, we show the influence of hydrologic variability and in‐stream metabolism as controls on stream nitrate concentrations and fluxes. On a composite scale, we evaluate the c‐Q data for chemostasis using analysis of both c‐Q slopes and CVc/CVQ, as a function of time. The slopes of c‐Q data for both long‐term weekly and high‐frequency data sets are in close agreement on an annual basis and vary between dry and wet years; the CVc/CVQ analysis is less sensitive to hydroclimate variability. This work highlights the value of both long‐term and high‐frequency c‐Q data collection for calculating and analyzing solute fluxes.
Organic Electrodes and Communications with Excitable Cells
Authors: Harris Alexander R. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: July 2017

Electrodes can provide information on neural function and stimulate neural activity. These neural electrodes can provide remarkable benefit to people suffering physical trauma or neural disease. Traditional metal electrodes have shortcomings related to poor biostability, cytocompatibility, and a rigid structure that maps poorly to tissue. Organic conductors can be formed with various chemical and physical properties to create improved electrode‐neural interfaces. The processability of organic conductors enables their use in advanced fabrication methods. This review details the use of graphene, carbon nanotubes, and conducting polymers for neural interfacing. Construction of novel neural electrode architectures via advanced fabrication processes is also addressed.
In Situ Two‐Step Photoreduced SERS Materials for On‐Chip Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy with High Reproducibility
Authors: Yan Wenjie , Yang Longkun , Chen Jianing , Wu Yaqi , Wang Peijie , Li Zhipeng
Published: July 2017

A method is developed to synthesize surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) materials capable of single‐molecule detection, integrated with a microfluidic system. Using a focused laser, silver nanoparticle aggregates as SERS monitors are fabricated in a microfluidic channel through photochemical reduction. After washing out the monitor, the aggregates are irradiated again by the same laser. This key step leads to full reduction of the residual reactants, which generates numerous small silver nanoparticles on the former nanoaggregates. Consequently, the enhancement ability of the SERS monitor is greatly boosted due to the emergence of new “hot spots.” At the same time, the influence of the notorious “memory effect” in microfluidics is substantially suppressed due to the depletion of surface residues. Taking these advantages, two‐step photoreduced SERS materials are able to detect different types of molecules with the concentration down to 10−13m. Based on a well‐accepted bianalyte approach, it is proved that the detection limit reaches the single‐molecule level. From a practical point of view, the detection reproducibility at different probing concentrations is also investigated. It is found that the effective single‐molecule SERS measurements can be raised up to ≈50%. This microfluidic SERS with high reproducibility and ultrasensitivity will find promising applications in on‐chip single‐molecule spectroscopy.
Synergic Interface Optimization with Green Solvent Engineering in Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Bu Tongle , Wu Lan , Liu Xueping , Yang Xiaokun , Zhou Peng , Yu Xinxin , Qin Tianshi , Shi Jiangjian , Wang Song , Li Saisai , Ku Zhiliang , Peng Yong , Huang Fuzhi , Meng Qingbo , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Zhong Jie
Published: July 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently drawn enormous attentions due to their impressive performance (>22%) and low temperature solution processability (<150 °C). Current solution process involves application of a large amount of toxic solvents, such as chlorobenzene, which is heavily employed in both the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer (HTL) deposition. Herein, this study employs green solvent of ethyl acetate for engineering efficient perovskite and HTL layers, which enables a synergic interface (perovskite/HTL) optimization. A champion efficiency of 19.43% is obtained for small cells (0.16 cm2 with mask) and over 14% for large size modules (5 × 5 cm2). The PSCs prepared from the green solvent engineering demonstrate superior performance on both efficiency and stability over their chlorobenzene counterparts. These enhancements are ascribed to the in situ inhibition on carrier recombination induced by interfacial defects during the solution processing, which enables about 2/3 reduction of calculated recombination rate. Thus, the green solvent route shows the great potential toward environmental‐friendly manufacturing.
Frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of central nervous system relapse in lymphoma patients treated with dose‐adjusted EPOCH plus rituximab
Authors: Malecek Mary‐Kate , Petrich Adam M. , Rozell Shaina , Chu Benjamin , Trifilio Steven , Galanina Natalie , Maurer Matthew , Farooq Umar , Link Brian K. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Nabhan Chadi , Ayed Ayed O.
Published: July 2017

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a rare but serious complication that carries a poor prognosis. The use of infusional etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (EPOCH‐R) for frontline treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is increasing, though little is known about incidence of and risk factors for CNS relapse with this regimen

Patients and methods

We completed a chart review of patients with NHL who received EPOCH‐R as front line therapy. Data obtained included baseline and treatment characteristics including if patients received CNS directed therapy. We measured overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and progression to CNS involvement.

Results

We identified 223 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 72% had DLBCL. Of all the patients, 5.8% experienced CNS relapse, and 38.6% were treated with CNS prophylaxis. There was no difference in rate of CNS relapse, OS, or PFS between patients who had and had not received CNS prophylaxis. Patients whose serum lactate dehydrogenase was greater than twice the upper limit of normal at diagnosis and those with extranodal disease were significantly more likely to have CNS relapse (P = .0247 and 0.022, respectively) than their counterparts.

Conclusions

The rate of CNS relapse in this patient population approaches 6%, not significantly different from reports on those receiving R‐CHOP. The results of this study suggest that CNS prophylaxis might be more selectively used among patients treated with EPOCH‐R with certain high‐risk features.
A Boron Alkylidene–Alkene Cycloaddition Reaction: Application to the Synthesis of Aphanamal
Authors: Liu Xun , Deaton T. Maxwell , Haeffner Fredrik , Morken James P.
Published: July 2017

We describe an unusual net [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between boron alkylidenes and unactivated alkenes. This reaction provides a new method for the construction of carbocyclic ring systems bearing versatile organoboronic esters. Aside from surveying the scope of this reaction, we provide details about the mechanistic underpinnings of this process, and examine its application to the synthesis of the natural product aphanamal.
Isothermal Chirality Switching in Liquid‐Crystalline Azobenzene Compounds with Non‐Polarized Light
Authors: Alaasar Mohamed , Poppe Silvio , Dong Qingshu , Liu Feng , Tschierske Carsten
Published: July 2017

Spontaneous mirror‐symmetry breaking is a fundamental process for development of chirality in natural and in artificial self‐assembled systems. A series of triple chain azobenzene based rod‐like compounds is investigated that show mirror‐symmetry breaking in an isotropic liquid occurring adjacent to a lamellar LC phase. The transition between the lamellar phase and the symmetry‐broken liquid is affected bytrans–cisphotoisomerization, which allows a fast and reversible photoinduced switching between chiral and achiral states with non‐polarized light.
Cognitive modeling of age‐related differences in information search behavior
Authors: Karanam Saraschandra , Oostendorp Herre van , Sanchiz Mylene , Chevalier Aline , Chin Jessie , Fu Wai‐Tat
Published: July 2017

In this study, we evaluated the ability of computational cognitive models of web‐navigation like CoLiDeS and CoLiDeS+ to model i) user interactions with search engines and ii) individual differences in search behavior due to variations in cognitive factors such as aging. CoLiDeS and CoLiDeS+ were extended to predict user clicks on search engine result pages. Their performance was evaluated using actual behavioral data from an experiment in which 2 types of information search tasks (simple vs. difficult), were presented to younger and older participants. The results showed that the model predictions matched significantly better with the actual user behavior on difficult tasks compared to simple tasks and with younger participants compared to older participants, especially for difficult tasks. Also, the matches were significantly better with CoLiDeS+ compared to CoLiDeS, especially for difficult tasks. We conclude that the advanced capabilities of CoLiDeS+, such as incorporating contextual information and implementing backtracking strategies enable it to predict user behavior significantly better than CoLiDeS, especially on difficult tasks. The usefulness of these modeling outcomes for the design of support systems for older adults is discussed.
Cadmium‐induced toxicity is rescued by curcumin: A review
Authors: Mohajeri Mohammad , Rezaee Mehdi , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most common environmental and occupational heavy metals with extended distribution. Exposure to Cd may be associated with several deleterious consequences on the liver, bones, kidneys, lungs, testes, brain, immunological, and cardiovascular systems. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the main mechanism behind its toxicity causes oxidative stress and subsequent damages to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Therefore, antioxidants along with chelating agents have shown promising outcomes against Cd‐induced toxicity. Curcumin with various beneficial effects and medical efficacy has been evaluated for its inhibitory activities against biological impairments caused by Cd. Thus, this article is intended to address the effectiveness of curcumin against toxicity following Cd entry. Curcumin can afford to attenuate lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, alterations in antioxidant enzyme, and so forth through scavenging and chelating activities or Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway induction. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(5):645–661, 2017
Provide and document timely warnings for sexual assaults
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2017

MILWAUKEE — There have been more Clery Act complaints filed in the last three years than in the previous history of the law, said Alison Kiss, executive director of the Clery Center for Security on Campus. The Clery Center's goal is to educate campus officials on how to comply with the Clery regulations. Kiss and Abigail Boyer, associate executive director of programs at the center, explained the requirements for timely warnings for sexual assault at a session at the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators annual conference.
Design and Solution‐Phase Synthesis of Membrane‐Targeting Lipopeptides with Selective Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Konai Mohini M. , Adhikary Utsarga , Haldar Jayanta
Published: July 2017

Designing selective antibacterial molecules remains an unmet goal in the field of membrane‐targeting agents. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of a new class of lipopeptides, which possess highly selective bacterial killing over mammalian cells. The selective interaction with bacterial over mammalian membranes was established through various spectroscopic, as well as microscopic experiments, including biophysical studies with the model membranes. A detailed antibacterial structure–activity relationship was delineated after preparing a series of molecules consisting of the peptide moieties with varied sequence of amino acids, such as d‐phenylalanine, d‐leucine, and d‐lysine. Antibacterial activity was found to vary with the nature and positioning of hydrophobicity in the molecules, as well as number of positive charges. Optimized lipopeptide 9 did not show any hemolytic activity even at 1000 μg mL−1 and displayed >200‐fold and >100‐fold selectivity towards S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. More importantly, compound 9 was found to display good antibacterial activity (MIC 6.3–12.5 μg mL−1) against the five top most critical bacteria according to World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list. Therefore, the results suggested that this new class of lipopeptides bear real promises for the development as future antibacterial agents.
Putting Rings around Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pérez Emilio M.
Published: July 2017

In the last five years, we have developed synthetic methods towards encapsulation of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into organic macrocycles, to form rotaxane‐type molecules. These are the first examples of mechanically interlocked SWNT derivatives (MINTs). In this article, the motivation to continue developing the chemistry of SWNTs at a time well past their hype is discussed and our synthetic strategy and characterization methodology is explained in detail, stressing the general aspects. In particular, special emphasis is placed on the importance of adequate control experiments and bulk spectroscopic and analytical data to determine the structure of SWNT derivatives, as opposed to relying only (or mostly) on microscopy. Also our experimental results are used as pretext to reflect on more general/conceptual issues pertaining to the chemistry of SWNTs and mechanically interlocked molecules.
CD326 (EpCAM) testing by flow cytometric BerEP4 antibody is a useful and rapid adjunct to histopathology
Authors: Dorwal Pranav , Moore Helen , Stewart Pam , Harrison Barbara , Monaghan Julie
Published: July 2017

Flow cytometry has been traditionally used to diagnose leukaemia and lymphoma in peripheral blood, bone marrow, body fluids, and tissue samples. The diagnosis of a malignant epithelial tumour is usually made by correlation between histopathologic appearance and the use of immunohistochemical staining. A CE approved BerEP4 antibody (anti‐EpCAM, CD326) is available for flow cytometric testing, but has been evaluated predominantly in body fluids in the current literature. In this study, we have evaluated the performance of this antibody in detecting the presence of epithelial cells in tissue samples which have traditionally been reported as CD45 negative cells by flow cytometry. Among the 42 cases studied, 21 (50%) were found to be positive for CD326, thereby suggesting epithelial differentiation. The results had good concordance rates (97.6%) with final histopathological diagnosis. The results clearly show that flow cytometric testing for BerEP4 (CD326) can be a useful method for diagnosing nonhaematological malignancies that are poorly differentiated. As this is a rapid method for identifying epithelial differentiation, it can help the histopathologists tailor and rationalise the immunohistochemical panel, with the potential benefits of improving reporting times and work‐flow in the laboratory. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Land snails benefit from human alterations in rural landscapes and habitats
Authors: Rosin Zuzanna M. , Lesicki Andrzej , Kwieciński Zbigniew , Skórka Piotr , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: July 2017

Metapopulation functioning in the context of landscape and habitat structure is generally well understood. However, in human‐transformed landscapes, human disturbance may affect not only a species of interest but also biotic interactions in which that species is engaged, which has been rarely studied at multiple spatial scales. We tested (1) the associations between local (habitat and micro‐habitat) and landscape factors and the occurrence and abundance of the land snail Cepaea nemoralis and two of its predators (thrushes and mice); and (2) the hypothesis that human disturbances modify associations between C. nemoralis and its predators. We surveyed snail colonies in rural landscapes of Poland. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test the stated hypotheses. At the landscape scale, the occurrence of C. nemoralis colonies was positively related to the cover of suitable habitats, fallow/waste land, and road length in the surrounding landscape. Bird predator abundance was positively correlated with the occurrence of snail colonies, mostly at sites with a high human impact, and was negatively correlated with snail abundance at sites with low human disturbance. Snail occurrence and abundance at the micro‐habitat scale were positively correlated with variables describing the proximity of shelter and humidity. Avian predation pressure was negatively correlated with forest and settlement cover, whereas rodent predation pressure was positively associated with snail abundance and was negatively correlated with bird abundance. Human disturbance at the habitat and landscape scales benefited C. nemoralis through the creation of suitable habitats and scaling down of avian predation pressure. Conditions related to shelter and humidity were linked to the distribution and abundance of snails at the micro‐habitat scale.
Long‐Range Antiferromagnetic Order on Spin Ladders SrFe2S2O and SrFe2Se2O As Probed by Neutron Diffraction and Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Hanjie , Fernández‐Díaz Maria‐Teresa , Komarek Alexander Christoph , Huh Sungjoon , Adler Peter , Valldor Martin
Published: July 2017

Powder neutron diffraction data on spin ladder compounds SrFe2Ch2O (Ch = S, Se) indicate that their magnetic ground states feature long‐range antiferromagnetic spin ordering with k = [0,0,0]. The superexchange interaction is antiferromagnetic across each rung via oxygen but ferromagnetic along the ladders via Ch. At 10 K, the ordered spins point towards the center of the ladders but are faintly canted away from a collinear state. The sizes of the ordered moments are 3.3 and 3.5 µB Fe–1 for SrFe2S2O and SrFe2Se2O, respectively. The polar, heteroleptic, tetrahedral FeCh3O coordination suggests an angle of 8° between the local structure polarity and the magnetic moment spin orientation. Mössbauer spectroscopic data confirm the magnetic ordering scenario and indicate that the local Fe–O bond rules the electric field gradient at the Fe‐site.
Comprehensive student support efforts lead to impressive outcomes
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2017

NEW ORLEANS — “In the last 40 years, if you are among the 25 percent of wealthiest Americans, you more than doubled your chance of getting a college degree,” said Timothy Renick, vice provost and vice president for enrollment management at Georgia State University. But there has been little change in the percentage of people in the bottom quartile who earn credentials, Renick said, speaking at a session at the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention.
Tunable Pyroelectricity around the Ferroelectric/Antiferroelectric Transition
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Weyland Florian , Tan Xiaoli , Novak Nikola
Published: July 2017

The pyroelectric performance of Pb0.99Nb0.02[(Zr0.57Sn0.43)0.92Ti0.08]0.98O3 ceramics was quantified by dielectric, polarization, and specific heat capacity measurements. The tunability of pyroelectric properties upon electric field application was studied as a function of temperature. The large pyroelectric coefficient of 0.28 C m−2 K−1 was associated with the ferroelectric (FE)–antiferroelectric (AFE) phase transition. The pyroelectric coefficient can be tuned over a broad temperature range of almost 40 K above the zero electric field phase transition. Electrical and thermal measurements were used to estimate various pyroelectric figures of merit. Pyroelectric figures of merit are almost three order of magnitude higher than those previously reported in FE materials. The large pyroelectric properties indicate that the investigated material is a promising candidate for many pyroelectric applications.
Institutional determinants of ownership positions of foreign acquirers in Africa
Authors: Ellis Kimberly M. , Lamont Bruce T. , Holmes R. Michael , Ro Sangbum , Faifman Leon , DeGhetto Kaitlyn , Parola Heather
Published: July 2017

Research summary

Using unique features of the African context and blending institutional, hostage, and transaction cost theories, we address gaps in our understanding of institutional determinants of ownership position in cross‐border acquisitions (CBAs) in emerging countries. We focus on two traditional institutional determinants: Informal and formal institutional distances between the two firms’ home countries and two determinants that are particularly acute in the African context: the colonial ties between and fractionalization of the two firms’ home countries. We find colonial ties and uncertainty avoidance distance, an indicator of informal institutional distance, are negatively related to ownership position. Conversely, we show that formal institutional distance and the host country's fractionalization positively influence ownership levels, but the latter effect is weakened when acquirers come from more fractionalized home countries.

Managerial summary

We examine the effects of four institutional factors that influence organizational decision‐making in the African context: (a) its colonial history, (b) differences in informal cultural norms, (c) differences in formal regulatory structures, and (d) ethnic and linguistic diversity within a country on the percentage of equity ownership that foreign acquirers hold in African target firms. Results indicate that this equity position is lower when colonial ties and greater differences in uncertainty avoidance exist between the acquirer's home country and the target African country. Conversely, foreign acquirers’ equity ownership positions are higher when there are greater formal regulatory differences between the two countries and the host country is more ethnically and linguistically diverse, though the latter effect is reduced when the acquirer is from a home country that is also diverse.
ETS‐NOCV Decomposition of the Reaction Force: The HCN/CNH Isomerization Reaction Assisted by Water
Authors: Díaz Silvia , Brela Mateusz Z. , Gutiérrez‐Oliva Soledad , Toro‐Labbé Alejandro , Michalak Artur
Published: July 2017

The partitioning of the reaction force based on the extended‐transition‐state natural orbital for chemical valence (ETS‐NOCV) scheme has been proposed. This approach, together with the analysis of reaction electronic flux (REF), has been applied in a description of the changes in the electronic structure along the IRC pathway for the HCN/CNH isomerization reaction assisted by water. Two complementary ways of partitioning the system into molecular fragments have been considered (“reactant perspective” and “product perspective”). The results show that the ETS‐NOCV picture is fully consistent with REF and bond‐order changes. In addition, proposed ETS‐NOCV decomposition of the reaction force allows for the quantitative assessment of the influence of the observed bond‐breaking and bond‐formation processes, providing detailed information about the reaction‐driving and reaction‐retarding force components within the assumed partitioning scheme. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation of Stone–Wales edge: Multistep reconstruction and growth mechanisms of zigzag nanographene
Authors: Dang Jing‐Shuang , Wang Wei‐Wei , Zheng Jia‐Jia , Nagase Shigeru , Zhao Xiang
Published: July 2017

Although the existence of Stone–Wales (5‐7) defect at graphene edge has been clarified experimentally, theoretical study on the formation mechanism is still imperfect. In particular, the regioselectivity of multistep reactions at edge (self‐reconstruction and growth with foreign carbon feedstock) is essential to understand the kinetic behavior of reactive boundaries but investigations are still lacking. Herein, by using finite‐sized models, multistep reconstructions and carbon dimer additions of a bared zigzag edge are introduced using density functional theory calculations. The zigzag to 5‐7 transformation is proved as a site‐selective process to generate alternating 5‐7 pairs sequentially and the first step with largest barrier is suggested as the rate‐determining step. Conversely, successive C2 insertions on the active edge are calculated to elucidate the formation of 5‐7 edge during graphene growth. A metastable intermediate with a triple sequentially fused pentagon fragment is proved as the key structure for 5‐7 edge formation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced Thermal Stability in SiO2/Carbon Filler Derived from Rice Husk via Microwave Treatment for Electronic Packaging Application
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Yu , Huang Chin‐Zen , Tsai Yun‐Chih , Lin Hong‐Ping , Hsu Chun‐Han , Loganathan Aswaghosh
Published: July 2017

Here we report the effect of microwave treatment on a silica–carbon (SiO2
/C) filler derived from rice husk and the function of the microwave‐treated filler in an epoxy matrix for electronic packaging applications. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved thermal stability of the SiO2
/C filler upon microwave treatment. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated partial SiC formation after the microwave treatment. For packaging applications, compared to that of the pure epoxy polymer, the thermal conductivity of the epoxy–SiO2
/C composite was improved by 178% at 40 wt % content of the microwave‐treated SiO2
/C filler. Furthermore, an improvement of 149% in storage modulus and 17.6°C in glass transition temperature of the epoxy–SiO2
/C composites was realized. The improvement in thermal stability of SiO2
/C filler could be achieved via a simple microwave treatment, which in turn enhanced the thermal stability, thermal conduction, and thermomechanical strength of the electronic packaging materials.
Impact of temporal resolution of precipitation forcing data on modelled urban‐atmosphere exchanges and surface conditions
Authors: Ward H. C. , Tan Y. S. , Gabey A. M. , Kotthaus S. , Grimmond C. S. B
Published: July 2017

Representative precipitation data sets are very difficult to obtain due to the inherent spatial and temporal variability of rainfall. Gridded rainfall products exist at various scales, but temporal resolution is coarse (daily or, at best, a few hours). This study demonstrates the impact of low temporal resolution precipitation forcing data (PFD) on modelled energy fluxes, runoff and surface conditions, which could have implications for a range of applications including flood forecasting, irrigation scheduling and epidemiology. An evaporation‐interception model originally developed for forests is applied here within the framework of the Surface Urban Energy and Water balance Scheme (SUEWS). The model is forced with rainfall data representative of a range of temporal resolutions (from 5 min to 3 h). Taking the highest resolution case as a reference, differences in model output are found as the temporal resolution of PFD decreases, depending on the timing of rainfall occurrence, intensity and duration. Modelled evaporation, runoff and surface wetness deviate from the reference case, which affect other variables such as the turbulent sensible heat flux. The largest impacts are seen on days with greatest daily total rainfall and, even on days with no rain, differences in antecedent conditions (soil moisture or surface wetness) can cause deviations from the reference case. Errors can be reduced by applying a disaggregation scheme that provides a more realistic distribution of rainfall, importantly, one that allows for intermittent rainfall.
Identification of metabolites in human and rat urine after oral administration of Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang granule using ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhang Qiang , Qi Wen , Yan Shuai , Qu Jialin , Makino Toshiaki , Yuan Dan
Published: July 2017

Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang is a traditional Chinese formula used for the treatment of cold syndrome, bronchitis, and nasal allergies for thousands of years. However, the in vivo integrated metabolism of its multiple components and the active chemical constituents of Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang remain unknown. In this study, a method using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry was established for the detection and identification of the metabolites in human and rat urine after oral administration of Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang. A total of 19 compounds were detected or tentatively identified in human urine samples, including eight prototypes and 11 metabolites. Also, a total of 50 compounds were detected or tentatively identified in rat urine samples, including 15 prototypes and 35 metabolites detected with either a highly sensitive extracted ion chromatogram method or the MSE determination using Mass Fragment software. Our results indicated that phase Ⅱ reactions (e.g. glucuronidation and sulfation) were the main metabolic pathways of flavones, while phase I reactions (e.g. demethylation and hydroxylation) were the major metabolic reaction for alkaloids, lignans, and ginger essential oil. This investigation provided important structural information on the metabolism of Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang and provided evidence to obtain a more comprehensive metabolic profile.
Efficient separation of high‐purity compounds from Oxytropis falcata using two‐dimensional preparative chromatography
Authors: Wang Weidong , Tao Yanduo , Jiao Lijin , Fan Minxia , Shao Yun , Wang Qilan , Mei Lijuan , Dang Jun
Published: July 2017

The separation of high‐purity compounds from traditional Tibetan medicines plays an important role in investigating their bioactivity. Nevertheless, it is often quite difficult to isolate compounds with high purity because of the complexity of traditional Tibetan medicines. In this work, an offline two‐dimensional reversed‐phase preparative method was successfully developed for the separation of high‐purity compounds from Oxytropis falcata. Based on the analysis results, an ODS C18 prep column was used for first‐dimensional preparation, and 14.8 g of the crude sample was separated into five fractions with a recovery of 74.6%. Then, an XAqua C18 prep column was used to isolate high‐purity compounds in the second‐dimensional preparation because its separation selectivity is different with the ODS C18 stationary phase. As a result, eight compounds in the crude sample were isolated in more than 98% purity. This is the first report of trans‐cinnamic acid (1) and trifolirhizin (2) from Oxytropis falcata. This method has the potential to be an efficient separation method of high‐purity compounds from Oxytropis falcata and it shows great promise for the separation of high‐purity compounds from complex samples.
Molecular and geochemical perspectives on the influence of CO2 on calcification in coral cell cultures
Authors: Drake Jeana L. , Schaller Morgan F. , Mass Tali , Godfrey Linda , Fu Athena , Sherrell Robert M. , Rosenthal Yair , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the cellular and molecular responses of stony corals to ocean acidification is key to predicting their ability to calcify under projected high CO2 conditions. Of specific interest are the links between biomineralization proteins and the precipitation of new calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which potentially can provide a better understanding of the biomineralization process. We have assessed the effects of increased CO2 on the calcification process in cell cultures of the stony coral, Stylophora pistillata, reared in nutrient‐enriched artificial seawater at four pCO2 levels and two glucose concentrations. Dispersed S. pistillata cells grown at low (400 ppmV) and moderate (700 ppmV) pCO2 re‐aggregate into proto‐polyps and precipitate CaCO3. When grown at pCO2 levels of 1000 ppmV and 2000 ppmV, the cells up‐regulate genes for two highly acidic proteins as well as a carbonic anhydrase, but down‐regulate long term cadherin protein production and minimize proto‐polyp formation, and exhibit a significant decrease in measurable CaCO3 precipitation. However, cell cultures precipitate CaCO3 in all treatments, even at slightly undersaturated conditions (Ωaragonite < 0.95). Glucose addition does not influence either biomineralization gene expression or calcification rate. Measured δ11B of the mineral phase, as a proxy of the pH at the calcifying sites, is out of equilibrium with the ambient seawater medium surrounding the cells and proto‐polyps, suggesting pH is elevated in the micro‐environment of the precipitating mineral. Our results suggest that coral cells possess molecular mechanisms to help compensate for the effects of ocean acidification within the bounds projected in the coming century.
Evidence for ubiquitous preferential particle orientation in representative oceanic shear flows
Authors: Nayak Aditya R. , McFarland Malcolm N. , Sullivan James M. , Twardowski Michael S.
Published: July 2017

In situ measurements were undertaken to characterize particle fields in undisturbed oceanic environments. Simultaneous, co‐located depth profiles of particle fields and flow characteristics were recorded using a submersible holographic imaging system and an acoustic Doppler velocimeter, under different flow conditions and varying particle concentration loads, typical of those found in coastal oceans and lakes. Nearly one million particles with major axis lengths ranging from ∼14 μm to 11.6 mm, representing diverse shapes, sizes, and aspect ratios were characterized as part of this study. The particle field consisted of marine snow, detrital matter, and phytoplankton, including colonial diatoms, which sometimes formed “thin layers” of high particle abundance. Clear evidence of preferential alignment of particles was seen at all sampling stations, where the orientation probability density function (PDF) peaked at near horizontal angles and coincided with regions of low velocity shear and weak turbulent dissipation rates. Furthermore, PDF values increased with increasing particle aspect ratios, in excellent agreement with models of spheroidal particle motion in simple shear flows. To the best of our knowledge, although preferential particle orientation in the ocean has been reported in two prior cases, our findings represent the first comprehensive field study examining this phenomenon. Evidence of nonrandom particle alignment in aquatic systems has significant consequences to aquatic optics theory and remote sensing, where perfectly random particle orientation and thus isotropic symmetry in optical parameters is assumed. Ecologically, chain‐forming phytoplankton may have evolved to form large aspect ratio chains as a strategy to optimize light harvesting.
Essential Tremor and Depression
Authors: Aslam Sana , Zhang Nan , Adler Charles H. , Caviness John N. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Mehta Shyamal H. , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Belden Christine , Zamrini Edward , Beach Thomas G. , Shill Holly A.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Depression and neuropsychiatric disorders in individuals with essential tremor (ET) are not well characterized in the literature.

Methods

We compared 104 ET subjects with 481 non‐ET controls involved in the Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. An analysis of baseline depression scales and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) was done between the two groups. Additionally, comparisons were made within the ET group based on tremor severity, duration of tremor, and age of onset.

Results

There were no significant differences between the ET and non‐ET groups. There were no significant differences in the ET group above and below the median tremor duration. Additionally, no differences were found in the ET group based on objective measures of tremor severity, age of onset, or those with subjectively distressing tremor compared with those without.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms between ET and non‐ET groups. Furthermore, no correlation was found between depressive symptoms in ET groups based on tremor severity, duration, or age of onset.
The genetic landscape of endometrial clear cell carcinomas
Authors: DeLair Deborah F , Burke Kathleen A , Selenica Pier , Lim Raymond S , Scott Sasinya N , Middha Sumit , Mohanty Abhinita S , Cheng Donavan T , Berger Michael F , Soslow Robert A , Weigelt Britta
Published: July 2017

Clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium is a rare type of endometrial cancer that is generally associated with an aggressive clinical behaviour. Here, we sought to define the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in endometrial clear cell carcinomas (ECCs), and whether ECCs could be classified into the molecular subtypes described for endometrial endometrioid and serous carcinomas. We performed a rigorous histopathological review, immunohistochemical analysis and massively parallel sequencing targeting 300 cancer‐related genes of 32 pure ECCs. Eleven (34%), seven (22%) and six (19%) ECCs showed abnormal expression patterns for p53, ARID1A, and at least one DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein, respectively. Targeted sequencing data were obtained from 30 of the 32 ECCs included in this study, and these revealed that two ECCs (7%) were ultramutated and harboured mutations affecting the exonuclease domain of POLE. In POLE wild‐type ECCs, TP53 (46%), PIK3CA (36%), PPP2R1A (36%), FBXW7 (25%), ARID1A (21%), PIK3R1 (18%) and SPOP (18%) were the genes most commonly affected by mutations; 18% and 11% harboured CCNE1 and ERBB2 amplifications, respectively, and 11% showed DAXX homozygous deletions. ECCs less frequently harboured mutations affecting CTNNB1 and PTEN but more frequently harboured PPP2R1A and TP53 mutations than non‐POLE endometrioid carcinomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Compared to endometrial serous carcinomas (TCGA), ECCs less frequently harboured TP53 mutations. When a surrogate model for the molecular‐based TCGA classification was used, all molecular subtypes previously identified in endometrial endometrioid and serous carcinomas were present in the ECCs studied, including POLE, MMR‐deficient, copy‐number high (serous‐like)/p53 abnormal, and copy‐number low (endometrioid)/p53 wild‐type, which were significantly associated with disease‐free survival in univariate analysis. These findings demonstrate that ECCs constitute a histologically and genetically heterogeneous group of tumours with varying outcomes. Furthermore, our data suggest that the classification of ECCs as being generally ‘high‐grade’ or ‘type II’ tumours may not be warranted. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applicability of an economic diode laser emitting at 980 nm for preparation of polycrystalline silicon thin film solar cells on glass
Authors: Plentz Jonathan , Schmidt Thomas , Gawlik Annett , Bergmann Joachim , Andrä Gudrun , Hauschild Dirk , Lissotschenko Vitalij
Published: July 2017

Recently, polycrystalline silicon thin film solar cells on glass are fabricated by a laser induced liquid phase crystallization (LPC) process. This study compares a new economic diode laser, emitting a line focus at 980 nm, with the 808 nm laser normally used concerning its absorption during LPC. We measured the optical constants of amorphous silicon by spectral ellipsometry and UV/VIS spectroscopy. Together with the literature data for crystalline and liquid silicon combined with numerical temperature simulations, we calculated the absorption during LPC and the overall power needed for successful crystallization. Solar cells prepared with both laser types show comparable crystallographic and optoelectronic characteristics. Concerning the economic advantages, the use of such a 980 nm diode laser system would be the choice for the potential industrial production.

Polycrystalline silicon thin film solar cells on glass are fabricated by laser‐induced liquid phase crystallization. A new economic diode laser emitting a line focus at 980 nm is compared to the 808 nm laser normally used. Solar cells show comparable crystallographic and optoelectronic characteristics.