bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responsible business under adverse conditions: Dilemmas regarding company contributions to local development
Authors: Kolk Ans , Lenfant François 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhile literature on companies’ contributions to local development exists, little is known about the specific dilemmas encountered on the ground when operating under adverse conditions, and how transparency can be improved. Companies typically need to navigate through a complex web of relationships with local stakeholders and deal with large expectations from communities. This article sheds light on these topics, using gold mining in Mali as a case illustrative for other difficult settings in developing countries. We find that many companies show transparency in reporting on development projects funded, local employees hired, taxes paid and local purchases. Concurrently, what companies do seems less important than how they do it, and with whom. The article offers practical and theoretical insights into how (international) companies can derive value from fine‐tuning their contribution to development and adjusting their reporting, and also contributes to current debates about inclusiveness in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
PHASE VELOCITY TOMOGRAPHY OF RAYLEIGH WAVE IN QINLING‐DABIE AND ITS ADJACENT AREAS USING AMBIENT SEISMIC NOISE
Authors: Wen‐Xiu DING , Yuan‐Yuan FU , Yuan GAO , Wu‐Lin LIAO , Ya‐Juan HE , Yong‐Jian CAI , Xue‐Lin SHEN 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Qinling‐Dabie orogenic belt is located between the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and the Tan‐Lu fault; it was formed by the collision of Yangtze and North China blocks. We obtain the phase velocity of Rayleigh wave at the periods of 8∼35 s in the Qinling‐Dabie orogenic belt using ambient seismic noise recorded at 160 broad‐band stations from China digital seismic network. 24 month data have been cross‐correlated to yield the empirical Rayleigh wave Green's functions. Phase velocity dispersion curves are measured for each interstation path by frequency‐time analysis. The Rayleigh wave phase speed maps agree well with each other and show clear correlations with major tectonic structures. The Dabie is characterized by high velocity anomaly at 8 s but slow velocity at 14 s, indicating the influence of high pressure (HP)/ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic regions in the upper crust. At 25 s, the velocity varies from slow in the west to high in the east across the gravity gradient zone in the Taihang‐Wuling Mountains. This pattern mainly reflects the effect of crust thickness which is thicker in the west and thin in the east. The southern segment of Tan‐Lu fault shows different features across it at 14∼35 s, suggesting that the fault zone may extend down to the crust‐mantle boundary. The slow velocity close to the fault is probably caused by the hot material upwelling. More constraints are needed by further study. Obvious slow velocities at periods of 14∼25 s in South Qinglin and northeast Sichuan basin are observed. We could not determine whether this low velocity zone is due to the Tibetan lower crustal flow and/or the delamination of the South Qinglin now. Study of the 3‐D shear wave velocity structure in the crust and upper mantle is necessary to constrain the geodynamics of this region in the future.
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF AEROSOL ON ELECTRIFICATION AND LIGHTNING DISCHARGES IN THUNDERSTORMS
Authors: Yong‐Bo TAN , Xiao MA , Chun‐Yan XIANG , Yan‐Ling XIA , Xin ZHANG 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBased on existing three‐dimensional (3‐D) thunderstorm electrification and discharge model, this work coupled with a classical parameterization scheme of aerosol activation is used to simulate a case of tropical convection in Changchun. The study shows that the change of aerosol concentration has an important influence on the microphysics, electrification and discharge processes of thunderstorm clouds. The results show that: (1) As the aerosol concentration increases in the polluted thunderclouds, the increase of the number of cloud droplets and the updraft cause the increase of the number of ice crystal and graupel, but the decrease of the scale; (2) Compared to the clean thunderclouds, the non‐induced electrification process is weak, while the induction electrification process is strong, and the duration of electrification become longer in polluted thunderclouds; (3) The first charge time of the polluted thunderclouds delays, but the total lightning frequency increases and duration is longer. Meanwhile, the frequency of the cloud‐to‐ground flash in the polluted thunderclouds increases, and the increase of the positive cloud‐to‐ground flash is more obvious.
A Comparative Study of Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on All‐Inorganic Perovskite Nanoparticles (CsPbBr3) Synthesized at Room Temperature and by a Hot‐Injection Method
Authors: Clasen Hames Bruno , Sánchez Sánchez Rafael , Fakharuddin Azhar , Mora‐Seró Iván 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPerovskite nanoparticles (PeNPs) have been extensively studied for optoelectronic applications, owing to their extremely high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable band gap, and exceptionally narrow emission spectra. Therefore, PeNPs are considered excellent candidates for the development of high‐efficiency, low‐cost, wide‐gamut, and high‐purity color displays. However, their synthesis typically involves multistep cumbersome processes that might hinder commercial development. Herein, green light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) prepared by using all‐inorganic PeNPs CsPbBr3 synthesized at room temperature (RT) are reported and their performance compared with those prepared by a traditional hot‐injection method. Insights into the morphology and optoelectronic properties of RT PeNPs are provided through AFM and TEM and employing them in LEDs.
Six‐month outcome after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair of severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Orban Mathias , Besler Christian , Braun Daniel , Nabauer Michael , Zimmer Marion , Orban Martin , Noack Thilo , Mehilli Julinda , Hagl Christian , Seeburger Joerg , Borger Michael , Linke Axel , Thiele Holger , Massberg Steffen , Ender Joerg , Lurz Philipp , Hausleiter Jörg 
Published: February 2018

AimsSevere tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in patients with right‐sided heart failure (HF) and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Treatment options beyond medical therapy are limited for high‐risk patients. Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge tricuspid valve (TV) repair showed procedural safety and short‐term efficacy. Impact on mid‐term outcome is unclear. This dual‐centre observational study evaluates the mid‐term safety, efficacy and clinical outcome after edge‐to‐edge TV repair for severe TR in patients with HF.Methods and resultsOverall, 50 patients with right‐sided HF and severe TR were treated with the transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair technique; 14 patients were treated for isolated TR and 36 patients for combined mitral regurgitation (MR) and TR. At 6‐month follow‐up (available for 98% of patients), a persistent reduction of at least one echocardiographic TR grade was achieved in 90% of patients and New York Heart Association class improved in 79% of patients. The 6‐minute walk distance increased by 44% (+84 m, P < 0.001), the median N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide decreased by 30% (from 3625 to 2526 pg/mL, P = 0.002), and the quality of life score improved by 16% (decrease of 6 points in the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, P = 0.056). The improvements were comparable in patients undergoing isolated TR or combined MR and TR treatment. During follow‐up, 8 patients died, 14 were hospitalized for worsening of HF, 2 underwent TV surgery, and 2 received a second TV clip procedure.ConclusionsTranscatheter edge‐to‐edge TV repair for severe TR is safe and effective in reducing TR. It appears to be associated with improved clinical outcome in the majority of patients.
A comparative study of the antioxidant and intestinal protective effects of extracts from different parts of Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus)
Authors: Cai Xuan , Xiao Changfeng , Xue Huiqin , Xiong Huihui , Hang Yiqiong , Xu Jianxiong , Lu Yonghong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the free radical scavenging ability and intestinal epithelial cell protective effects of Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus) root extracts (ORE), stem extracts (OSE), and leaf extracts (OLE) to determine the potential of Java tea by‐products. The Java tea extracts were prepared using a standard water–ethanol method. The antioxidant activity and intestinal protective effects were tested by H2O2‐induced cell model and high‐fat diet‐induced mice model, respectively. The results showed that the total phenolic acid and flavonoid content and relative content were different in the ORE, OSE, and OLE. ORE had the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid content, the highest free radical scavenging rate, and the highest intracellular free radical scavenging rate. However, the yeast content in the ORE was lower than that in the OSE and OLE. All the Java tea extracts protected mouse intestine from high‐fat diet‐induced oxidative injury. This study indicates the potential of Java tea extracts as food or feed additives to protect the intestine from oxidative stress.
My journey in system dynamics and reflections on how to make a difference
Authors: Mashayekhi Ali N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper describes my journey starting from when I entered the field of system dynamics at MIT, to being honored by receiving the lifetime achievement award from the System Dynamics Society. After I obtained my PhD with supervision from Professor Forrester, I made an important decision to move back to Iran while the country was in the midst of a revolution. I began my career in Iran as a teacher, as a consultant, and as an institutional builder in a very harsh and turbulent environment. This paper explains how I built credibility that allowed me to found influential institutions and graduate programs and attracted talented students to the field, some of whom are now prominent members of the System Dynamics Society. In concluding the paper, I also describe my areas of research and attempt some general observations for system dynamics.Copyright © 2018 System Dynamics Society
Wet‐Chemical Etching of GaN: Underlying Mechanism of a Key Step in Blue and White LED Production
Authors: Tautz Markus , Díaz Díaz David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGallium nitride (GaN) is the key material for the fabrication of blue and white light emitting diodes (LEDs). Etching of this material is applied to improve the light extraction efficiency of the product. Wet‐chemical etching of GaN is commonly carried out by treatment with aqueous KOH solution at elevated temperature. Thereby, the anisotropic etching results in a highly rough surface. Hence, a remarkably higher out‐coupling possibility of generated photons is feasible. On the other hand, anisotropy generally prohibits the application of a predictable and standardized etching process. In this review, both material‐ and process‐dependent influences on the etching performance in aqueous KOH solution are classified. Herein, we critically present the factors that affect the etching rate of GaN. Moreover, the etching mechanism at the molecular level and the generation of anisotropy from the hexagonal crystal lattice are discussed. The existing gaps in the current understanding of this process maintain the field still open for further research aligned to a permanent interest of the electronic industry.
Functionalized Graphdiyne Nanowires: On‐Surface Synthesis and Assessment of Band Structure, Flexibility, and Information Storage Potential
Authors: Klappenberger Florian , Hellwig Raphael , Du Ping , Paintner Tobias , Uphoff Martin , Zhang Liding , Lin Tao , Moghanaki Bahare Abedin , Paszkiewicz Mateusz , Vobornik Ivana , Fujii Jun , Fuhr Olaf , Zhang Yi‐Qi , Allegretti Francesco , Ruben Mario , Barth Johannes V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCarbon nanomaterials exhibit extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties desirable for future technologies. Beyond the popular sp2‐scaffolds, there is growing interest in their graphdiyne‐related counterparts incorporating both sp2 and sp bonding in a regular scheme. Herein, we introduce carbonitrile‐functionalized graphdiyne nanowires, as a novel conjugated, one‐dimensional (1D) carbon nanomaterial systematically combining the virtues of covalent coupling and supramolecular concepts that are fabricated by on‐surface synthesis. Specifically, a terphenylene backbone is extended with reactive terminal alkyne and polar carbonitrile (CN) moieties providing the required functionalities. It is demonstrated that the CN functionalization enables highly selective alkyne homocoupling forming polymer strands and gives rise to mutual lateral attraction entailing room‐temperature stable double‐stranded assemblies. By exploiting the templating effect of the vicinal Ag(455) surface, 40 nm long semiconducting nanowires are obtained and the first experimental assessment of their electronic band structure is achieved by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy indicating an effective mass below 0.1m0 for the top of the highest occupied band. Via molecular manipulation it is showcased that the novel oligomer exhibits extreme mechanical flexibility and opens unexplored ways of information encoding in clearly distinguishable CN‐phenyl trans–cis species. Thus, conformational data storage with density of 0.36 bit nm−2 and temperature stability beyond 150 K comes in reach.
Special issue on software engineering for Connected Health: Challenges and research roadmap
Authors: Carroll Noel , Kuziemsky Craig , Richardson Ita 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOver the past decade, there have been increasing expectations and pressures placed on health care providers to deliver more efficient, quality, and safe health care services. As a result, this shifts the balance between supply‐and‐demand of health care services. It also brings about new challenges for health care professionals' capabilities to deliver safe and quality care in a timely manner. There are significant opportunities to exploit information and communications technology and transform how health care service is provided. Connected Health is one such transformation for health care management and changes in health care practice. However, the field of Connected Health is still in its infancy. This Special Issue in Software Engineering for Connected Health begins to address this and presents 5 quality contributions to demonstrate how software engineering research plays an important role in Connected Health research. These contributions also identify the limitations of the existing theories and to develop new or revised theories of Software Engineering for Connected Health.
Less global inequality can improve climate outcomes
Authors: Rao Narasimha D. , Min Jihoon 
Published: February 2018

Two of the biggest global challenges we face today are mitigating climate change and economic inequality. Some research suggests these goals are in conflict, based largely on the observation that a dollar spent at higher income levels is less carbon intensive than at lower income levels. We put this concern to rest. We quantify this effect in its most extreme manifestation, both within countries and between countries. We use a wide range of income elasticities of emissions (0.7–1.0) and scenarios from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) with the highest (SSP4) and lowest (SSP5) between‐country inequality. Within countries, even with assumptions of low elasticities (0.7) and aggressive inequality reduction (Gini coefficient of 0.55 to 0.30), emissions would realistically increase by less than 8%, which would likely occur over several decades. Income convergence between countries may reduce the emissions intensity of global income growth, because the energy intensity reductions from income growth in emerging economies, such as India and China, offsets the energy increasing effect of higher growth in developing countries. Given these findings, it seems a distraction for future research to dwell on this narrow framing when there are deeper under‐explored linkages and synergies between reducing income inequality and climate change, such as the effect of reducing inequality on social norms, consumption and on political mobilization around climate policy.This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being
Moderate intensity physical activity associates with CSF biomarkers in a cohort at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Law Lena L. , Rol Rachael N. , Schultz Stephanie A. , Dougherty Ryan J. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Gallagher Catherine L. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Asthana Sanjay , Sager Mark A. , Hermann Bruce P. , Johnson Sterling C. , Cook Dane B. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neurodegeneration, evidence of which may be detected in vivo via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Physical activity (PA) has emerged as a possible modifier of these AD‐related pathological changes. Consequently, the aim of this study was to cross‐sectionally examine the relationship between objectively measured PA and CSF levels of Aβ42 and tau in asymptomatic late‐middle‐aged adults at risk for AD.MethodsEighty‐five cognitively healthy late‐middle‐aged adults (age = 64.31 years, 61.2% female) from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention participated in this study. They wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) for one week to record free‐living PA, yielding measures of sedentariness and various intensities of PA (i.e., light, moderate, and vigorous). They also underwent lumbar puncture to collect CSF, from which Aβ42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau were immunoassayed. Regression analyses were used to examine the association between accelerometer measures and CSF biomarkers, adjusting for age, sex, and other relevant covariates.ResultsEngagement in moderate PA was associated with higher Aβ42 (P = .008), lower total tau/Aβ42 (P = .006), and lower phosphorylated tau/Aβ42 (P = .030). In contrast, neither light nor vigorous PA was associated with any of the biomarkers. Increased sedentariness was associated with reduced Aβ42 (P = .014).DiscussionsIn this cohort, moderate PA, but not light or vigorous, was associated with a favorable AD biomarker profile, while sedentariness was associated with greater Aβ burden. These findings suggest that a physically active lifestyle may play a protective role against the development of AD.
Low Recruitment of Native Trees in a Deciduous Forest Associated with Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Invasion
Authors: Link Arthur F. , Turnblacer Trey , Snyder Cierra K. , Daugherty Sarah E. , Utz Ryan M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInvasive plants may dramatically impact forest ecosystems by establishing dense populations and suppressing the recruitment of native tree species. One invasive shrub currently spreading throughout eastern deciduous forests of North America, Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC), may be limiting tree recruitment in stands where it invades. Once established, B. thunbergii becomes densely populated within forest understories and suppresses native plants by competing for limited resources, altering soil conditions, and changing the understory microclimate. To quantify native seedling inhibition caused by B. thunbergii invasion, we conducted an observational study on seedling abundance within forest plots that were either invaded or not invaded by B. thunbergii and used survey data to generate Bayesian models of native seedling densities along gradients of increasing B. thunbergii stem counts and aboveground plant dry mass. Model outputs predicted that B. thunbergii–invaded plots had 82% lower seedling densities compared with uninvaded plots. Native tree seedling densities were very low even in areas with moderate B. thunbergii density, suggesting that reduced tree seedling densities are observed even at low densities of invasion. Our findings indicate that forests invaded with B. thunbergii harbor substantially lower densities of native tree seedlings, with potentially significant long-term consequences for forest ecological integrity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Geographic Information System for Pigweed Distribution in the US Southeast
Authors: Fletcher Reginald S. , Reddy Krishna N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn the southeastern United States, Amaranthus, or pigweed species, have become troublesome weeds in agricultural systems. To implement management strategies for the control of these species, agriculturalists need information on areas affected by pigweeds. Geographic information systems (GIS) afford users the ability to evaluate agricultural issues at local, county, state, national, and global levels. Also, they allow users to combine different layers of geographic information to help them develop strategic plans to solve problems. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in testing free and open-source GIS software for weed surveys. In this study, the free and open-source software QGIS was used to develop a geographic information database showing the distribution of pigweeds at the county level in the southeastern United States. The maps focused on the following pigweeds: Palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed, and tall waterhemp. Cultivated areas and glyphosate-resistant (GR) pigweed data were added to the GIS database. Database queries were used to demonstrate applications of the GIS for precision agriculture applications at the county level, such as tallying the number of counties affected by the pigweeds, identifying counties reporting GR pigweed, and identifying cultivated areas located in counties with GR pigweeds. This research demonstrated that free and open-source software such as QGIS has strong potential as a decision support tool, with implications for precision weed management at the county scale.
Publisher Correction: Nanoplasmonic electron acceleration by attosecond-controlled forward rescattering in silver clusters
Authors: Passig Johannes , Zherebtsov Sergey , Irsig Robert , Arbeiter Mathias , Peltz Christian , Göde Sebastian , Skruszewicz Slawomir , Meiwes-Broer Karl-Heinz , Tiggesbäumker Josef , Kling Matthias F. , Fennel Thomas 
Published: February 2018

The original PDF version of this Article contained an error in Equation 1. The original HTML version of this Article contained errors in Equation 2 and Equation 4. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and the HTML versions of the Article.
Rationally designed synthetic protein hydrogels with predictable mechanical properties
Authors: Wu Junhua , Li Pengfei , Dong Chenling , Jiang Heting , Bin Xue  , Gao Xiang , Qin Meng , Wang Wei , Bin Chen  , Cao Yi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDesigning synthetic protein hydrogels with tailored mechanical properties similar to naturally occurring tissues is an eternal pursuit in tissue engineering and stem cell and cancer research. However, it remains challenging to correlate the mechanical properties of protein hydrogels with the nanomechanics of individual building blocks. Here we use single-molecule force spectroscopy, protein engineering and theoretical modeling to prove that the mechanical properties of protein hydrogels are predictable based on the mechanical hierarchy of the cross-linkers and the load-bearing modules at the molecular level. These findings provide a framework for rationally designing protein hydrogels with independently tunable elasticity, extensibility, toughness and self-healing. Using this principle, we demonstrate the engineering of self-healable muscle-mimicking hydrogels that can significantly dissipate energy through protein unfolding. We expect that this principle can be generalized for the construction of protein hydrogels with customized mechanical properties for biomedical applications.