bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in the abundance and biomass of zooplankton from shallow mudflat river-estuarine system in Persian Gulf
Authors: Farhadian Omidvar , Pouladi Mojtaba
Published: December 2014

The present study was designed to investigate the seasonal changes in the abundance and biomass of zooplankton and their relationships with water quality parameters in mudflat shallow estuary, Helleh River, Persian Gulf (Iran). The zooplankton consisted of Acartia sp., Euterpina sp., Oithona spp., Oncaea sp., Paracalanus sp., Corycaeus sp., Labidocera sp., Macrosetella sp., Microsetella sp., Temora sp., copepod copepodid, copepod nauplii, Barnacle, Polychaeta, Conchoecia sp. (Ostracoda), Hyperid, Decapoda (zoea and megalopa), Actinula, Echinopluteus, Mollusca, Tintinnopsis sp., Ctenophora (Boliopsis sp.), Protozoa (Discorbis sp.), cumacea (Diastylis sp.), Cnidaria (Siphonophora and Phialidium), Nematoda (Pratylenchus spp.), Urocordata (Oikopleura spp.), fish eggs and fish larvae. The maximum biomass was estimated at estuary mouth in all seasons, the highest values in autumn (97.8-255.6 mg/m3) and the lowest in winter (5.5-68.2 mg/m3). The seasonal abundance (density) of zooplankton was 21237±2419, 45739±6053, 5242±648, and 12905±1867 ind./m3 in summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively. There was a significant correlation (P<0.01) between zooplankton abundance as well as biomass with salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a. Based on PCA (Principal Component Analysis), the most important factors in mudflat shallow river–estuarine system that could describe most changes of biomass and abundance of zooplankton were salinity, chlorophyll a, temperature and pH,  respectively.
Anatomical studies on two species of Dracaena in southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ilodibia Chinyere , Ugwu Rachael. , Okeke Clement , Akachukwu Ebere , Aziagba Bibian , Okeke Nneka
Published: December 2014

Anatomical studies of transverse, tangential and radial longitudinal sections of roots, stems and leaves of two species of Dracaena present in southeastern Nigeria were investigated, to determine their anatomical features with regards to arrangement of vascular bundles in their roots, stems and leaves and type of secondary growth occurring in them using standard method. T- test was used for the analyses. Result showed that the number of vascular bundles in the leaves and roots of D. arborea are more in number than those of D. mannii but the reverse is the case in the stem. Secondary growth occurs in both D. mannii and D. arborea. The overall analyses showed no significant statistical difference in the anatomy of the two Dracaena species. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement under the same genus Dracaena while the slight differences between them suggest the reason for their separation into different species.
Investigations of ternary complexes of Co(II) and Ni(II) with thiodiacetate anion and
1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2’-bipyridine
in aqueous solutions
Authors: Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Pranczk Joanna , Jacewicz Dagmara , Tesmar Aleksandra , Pilarski Bogusław , Chmurzyński Lech
Published: December 2014

A potentiometric titration method (PT) and a stopped-flow kinetic technique monitored by a UV−Vis spectroscopy have been used to characterize the stability of series of Co(II)- and Ni(II)-thiodiacetato complexes, M(TDA), in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy) in aqueous solutions. The stability constants of the binary (1:1), ternary (1:1:1) as well as the resulting hydroxo complexes were evaluated and compared to the corresponding oxydiacetate complexes. Based on the species distribution as a function of pH the relative predominance of the species in the system over a pH range was discussed. Furthermore, the kinetic measurements of the substitution reactions of the aqua ligands to phen or bipy in the coordination sphere of the binary complexes M(TDA) were performed in the 288–303 K temperature range, at a constant concentration of phen or bipy and at seven different concentrations of the binary complexes (0.2–0.5 mM). The kinetic stability of the M(TDA) complexes was discussed in relation to the experimental conditions and the kind of the auxiliary ligands
(phen/bipy). Moreover, the influence of the type of primary ligand (thiodiacetate/oxydiacetate) on the substitution rate of the auxiliary ligands was also compared.
Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment
of polyamide-12 foils
Authors: Hanusová Jana , Kováčik Dušan , Stupavská Monika , Černák Mirko , Novák Igor
Published: December 2014

The surface of a polyamide-12 (PA-12) foil was modified in order to improve the adhesive properties by two types of atmospheric pressure plasma sources. The samples were characterized using contact angle measurement, adhesive properties measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ageing of the plasma modification was also studied. A significant increase in wettability was observed at different treatment times. The same effect was also seen in the adhesive properties - the adhesion was increased almost 12 times for 10 s DCSBD treatment in comparison to untreated PA-12. XPS analysis confirmed chemical changes due to the plasma modification of the PA-12. It was concluded that both plasma sources improve the adhesive properties of PA-12, with DCSBD obtaining better results.
P1-approximation for radiative transfer: application to SF6 + Cu arc plasmas
Authors: Bogatyreva Nadezhda , Bartlova Milada , Aubrecht Vladimir , Holcman Vladimir
Published: December 2014

The objective of the paper consists of a theoretical prediction of radiative heat transfer in arc plasmas of SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) with various admixtures of copper vapours. The P1-approximation was used as a mathematical tool. Due to the very complicated frequency dependence of absorption coefficients, the Planck and Rosseland mean absorption coefficients have been derived from the calculated absorption spectrum. The main radiation quantities (radiation intensity, radiation flux density and its divergence – net emission) have been determined in cylindrical arc plasmas for several model temperature profiles. Contribution to the net emission of copper admixtures is discussed. Conclusions have been made concerning validity and utilization of various absorption means.
Current rates and reaction rates
in the Stoichiometric Network Analysis (SNA)
Authors: Maćešić Stevan R. , Čupić Željko D. , Blagojević Slavica M. , Pejić Nataša D. , Anić Slobodan R. , Kolar-Anić Ljiljana Z.
Published: December 2014

In stoichiometric network analysis (SNA)
the instability condition is calculated by the current rates.
Recently, we have shown that in the final result the current
rates can be substituted by reaction rates, which is a more
appropriate value for the examination of instability from
experimental point of view. Here, we elaborate the problem
of whether the current rates are necessary parameters
in the calculation, with the aim of obtaining the region
of instability. All calculations are performed on a model
for Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, which has not
been examined by SNA.
Integration of Optimization and Model Predictive Control of an Intensified Continuous Three-Phase Catalytic Reactor
Authors: Shi Li
Published: December 2014

Intensified continuous three-phase catalytic reactors working in high-pressure and -temperature conditions are particularly effective at coping with mass transfer limitations during three-phase catalytic reactions. They are highly nonlinear, multivariable systems and behave differently from conventional batch, fed-batch or continuous non-intensified reactors. This paper deals with an integration of real-time optimization and model predictive control (RTO–MPC) of an intensified continuous three-phase catalytic reactor. A steady-state model developed by regression method is used in optimization layer and gives the reference trajectory for control layer. At control layer, a linear MPC is proposed based on identified state space model. The performance of RTO–MPC is illustrated by simulation
Variation in Italian Sign Language (LIS): The case of wh-signs
Authors: Geraci Carlo , Bayley Robert , Cardinaletti Anna , Cecchetto Carlo , Donati Caterina
Published: December 2014

The position of
TiO2 nanotube structures for the enhancement of photon utilization in sensitized solar cells
Authors: Lin Jia , Liu Xiaolin , Zhu Shu , Chen Xianfeng
Published: December 2014

The nano- and microstructures of titanium dioxide (TiO
Loss of growth homeostasis by genetic decoupling of cell division from biomass growth: implication for size control mechanisms
Authors: Schmidt‐Glenewinkel Hannah , Barkai Naama
Published: December 2014

Growing cells adjust their division time with biomass accumulation to maintain growth homeostasis. Size control mechanisms, such as the size checkpoint, provide an inherent coupling of growth and division by gating certain cell cycle transitions based on cell size. We describe genetic manipulations that decouple cell division from cell size, leading to the loss of growth homeostasis, with cells becoming progressively smaller or progressively larger until arresting. This was achieved by modulating glucose influx independently of external glucose. Division rate followed glucose influx, while volume growth was largely defined by external glucose. Therefore, the coordination of size and division observed in wild‐type cells reflects tuning of two parallel processes, which is only refined by an inherent feedback‐dependent coupling. We present a class of size control models explaining the observed breakdowns of growth homeostasis.
Finding Volunteers' Engagement Profiles in Human Computation for Citizen Science Projects
Authors: Ponciano Lesandro , Brasileiro Francisco
Published: December 2014

Human computation is a computing approach that draws upon human cognitive abilities to solve computational tasks for which there are so far no satisfactory fully automated solutions even when using the most advanced computing technologies available. Human computation for citizen science projects consists in designing systems that allow large crowds of volunteers to contribute to scientific research by executing human computation tasks. Examples of successful projects are Galaxy Zoo and FoldIt. A key feature of this kind of project is its capacity to engage volunteers. An important requirement for the proposal and evaluation of new engagement strategies is having a clear understanding of the typical engagement of the volunteers; however, even though several projects of this kind have already been completed, little is known about this issue. In this paper, we investigate the engagement pattern of the volunteers in their interactions in human computation for citizen science projects, how they differ among themselves in terms of engagement, and how those volunteer engagement features should be taken into account for establishing the engagement encouragement strategies that should be brought into play in a given project. To this end, we define four quantitative engagement metrics to measure different aspects of volunteer engagement, and use data mining algorithms to identify the different volunteer profiles in terms of the engagement metrics. Our study is based on data collected from two projects: Galaxy Zoo and The Milky Way Project. The results show that the volunteers in such projects can be grouped into five distinct engagement profiles that we label as follows: hardworking, spasmodic, persistent, lasting, and moderate. The analysis of these profiles provides a deeper understanding of the nature of volunteers' engagement in human computation for citizen science projects.
Assessing the Topological Consistency of Crowdsourced OpenStreetMap Data
Authors: Sehra Sukhjit Singh
Published: December 2014

OpenStreetMap is world leader in collecting map data contributed by users, called crowdsourcing. But we have little knowledge about the people who collect it, their skills, knowledge or patterns of data collection. Also OpenStreetMap has loose coordination and no top-down quality assurance processes. This makes map data more vulnerable to errors and incomplete. To make the map data navigable, it must not have errors. The current proposal has been conducted to identify errors OpenStreetMap data. Small area of Punjab has been taken as test data for finding inconsistencies. It has been concluded that data contains lots of such errors and is not mature enough to be commercial purposes.
DEPENDENCY OF THE AUTOIGNITION DELAY, COMBUSTION AND EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF A DIESEL ENGINE ON THE CETANE NUMBER OF AVIATION-TURBINE JP-8 FUEL
Authors: Labeckas Gvidonas , Slavinskas Stasys , Vilutienė Valentina , Kanapkienė Irena
Published: December 2014

The article presents the bench test results of a fully instrumented, four cylinder, naturally aspirated, (60 kW) DI diesel engine running on the normal (class C) diesel fuel (DF) and aviation-turbine (JP-8) fuel. Analysis of changes in the autoignition delay, maximum in-cylinder pressure, performance efficiency of an engine and exhaust emissions caused by the variation of the cetane number of JP-8 fuel was provided. The series of engine tests were conducted running on the normal JP-8 fuel and JP-8 treated with 0.04vol%, 0.08vol%, 0.12vol%, 0.16vol%, and 0.24vol% of 2-ethylhexyl nitrate. Studies on operating characteristics of an engine were carried out for the fully loaded (100%) engine and the two ranges of speed, - 1400 rpm at which maximum torque occurs and rated 2200 rpm speed.Adding of 2-ethylhexyl nitrate to aviation-turbine fuel in the above proportions the cetane number (CN) of JP-8 fuel improved from 42.3 to 46.1, 47.6, 48.5, 49.4, and 49.8, respectively, enhancing ignition properties of the fuel to adapt it for using in ground-based military transport. The increase of CN from the reference value of 42.3 to optimum value of 48.5 suggested the brake specific fuel consumption lower 1.4%, both total unburned hydrocarbons (THCs) 7.5% and exhaust smoke 5.7% higher with almost unchangeable the NOx emissions behaviour and 11.9% lower CO emissions when running under a fully (100%) opened throttle at rated 2200 rpm speed. The brake thermal efficiency increased to maximum value of 0.309 (1.3%) for given operating conditions. Analysis of the results revealed that the improved cetane number can be considered as an effective but not the only measure to be applied for an intended use of JP-8 fuel in ground-based diesel engines.
APPLICABILITY STUDY OF THE FIBER-OPTIC GYRO IN PISTON ENGINES DIAGNOSING PROCESS
Authors: Lus Tomasz , Łutowicz Marek , Cuper Dominika
Published: December 2014

The Polish Naval Academy has been involved in marine reciprocating combustion engines indication tests for many years. Results of researches aiming to diagnostic using of measurement of engine crankshaft unsteady angular speed are presented in the paper. Up to now, adequate accuracy of angular speed measurement had not been achieved to make proper diagnostic decision. Commercially, measurement of unsteady rotation speed has been used only in MAPEX –TV system (Torsional Vibration detector) dedicated to SULZER engines, which can detect only the one engine cylinder switch out of work without any mistakes. For several years, mostly in navigation, more often are used optic gyroscopes which work on the base of Sagnac effect, assuring angular speed measurements with resolution of 0.001o/h. Such resolution is too high than needed in piston engines diagnostic, but range of measured rotation speed is much much lower than rpm of medium-or low-speed marine diesel engines. In scope of conducted research it was decided to build a model of Sagnac interferometer prepared to measure of instantaneous angular speed in range adequate to medium speed marine diesel engines. At rotational crankshaft speed equal 750 rpm 1mV change in output voltage had been achieved for the difference of 0,4 o/sec of rotational speed. Time of measurement is equal the time which need light ray to go through distance of 100 m fibber-optic line. In practice this method do not introduce any significant phase shifts and does not limit the number of samples per revolution.
ANALYSIS OF CALCULATED CYCLES PARAMETERS IN CASE OF NATURAL GAS SUPPLY AND DIESEL ENGINE
Authors: Shatrov Mikhail , Khatchiyan Aleksej , Sinyavskiy Vladimir , Shishlov Ivan , Vakulenko Andrey
Published: December 2014

The paper is dedicated to comparative analysis of cycles of engines supplied with natural gas having diesel compression ratio and quality power control with the basic diesel engine cycle. Two types of gas engines were investigated: with internal mixture formation and glow plug air-gas mixture ignition; with external mixture formation and air-gas mixture ignition with the help of pilot diesel fuel injection. Calculation results by external speed characteristics demonstrated that the gas engines were at least as good as the base diesel engines as regards to power and fuel efficiency. At the same time they have lower mechanical and thermal loads and considerably lower СО2 emissions.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDUCTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE LIFE CYCLE OF BIODIESEL OBTAINED FROM MICROALGAE SCENEDESMUS SP.
Authors: Skorupskaite Virginija , Makareviciene Violeta
Published: December 2014

The article considers the opportunities for reduction of energy consumption in the life cycle of biodiesel obtained from microalgae oil. Results show that by introducing technical glycerol and substrate leftover after production of biogas into the microalgae growth media energy consumption can be significantly reduced. Production of biogas from de-oiled microalgae improves the energy balance of the life cycle of biodiesel obtained from microalgae oil. It is impossible to obtain fuel containing more energy than would be used in the process of production if microalgae for biodiesel production are cultivated in conventional growth media. Only by subjecting microalgal biomass for production of gaseous and liquid biofuel (biodiesel and biogas) the total energy consumption is lower and equals to 65802.03 MJt-1 than energy value of biofuel, i.e. 79083.32 MJt-1. In this case the fossil energy ratio (FER) for biodiesel reaches 1.2.
Let’s save our nurses and doctors!
Authors: Guseo András , Hertelendi Annamária
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Several studies have shown that healthcare service is a dangerous workplace, but the reasons have been remained unexplained. Aim: The aim of the authors was to obtain data on the health condition of health care professionals and identify the underlying risk factors for the increased morbidity. Method: Health care data obtained from 276 bedside nurses in 2004 and 1250 hospital employees in 2009 were analysed. In addition, the fate of department directors of Szent György University Hospital in Székesfehérvár between 1979 and 2010 was recorded and the data were compared to those obtained from a smaller hospital in Budapest during the same time period. Results: The body mass index of bedside nurses between the age of 30–35 years reached the upper limit of normal (which occurred 5–10 years earlier as compared to the average population) and then it increased continuously above the average value. In hospital employees the increase of body mass index was accompanied by an increase in the frequency of chronic diseases such as hypertension, allergy, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatologic diseases, diabetes, peptic ulcer, cancer and depression. When the cause of death of the department directors who died between 1979 and 2010 was analyzed the authors found that cancer death occurred in 77% and 82% of department directors in Székesfehérvár and Budapest hospitals, respectively, while cancer death rate in 2011 was 25.4% in Hungary. Conclusions: The authors propose that continuous psychological stress, night shifts, nonstop standby and surcharge may all suppress the activity of the immune system. This proposal seems to be supported by novel psycho-neuro-immunological research data. The solution could be early prevention using stress control. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(52), 2082–2092.
Complex molecular genetic diagnostic algorithm in the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Krähling Tünde , Balassa Katalin , Meggyesi Nóra , Bors András , Csomor Judit , Bátai Árpád , Halm Gabriella , Egyed Miklós , Fekete Sándor , Reményi Péter , Masszi Tamás , Tordai Attila , Andrikovics Hajnalka
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Mutations in Janus kinase 2, calreticulin and thrombopoietin receptor genes have been identified in the genetic background of Philadelphia chromosome negative, “classic” myeloproliferative neoplasms. Aim: The aim of the authors was to identify driver mutations in a large myeloproliferative cohort of 949 patients. Method: A complex array of molecular techniques (qualitative and quantitative allele-specific polymerase chain reactions, fragment analyzes, high resolution melting and Sanger sequencing) was applied. Results: All 354 patients with polycythemia vera carried Janus kinase 2 mutations (V617F 98.6%, exon 12: 1.4%). In essential thrombocythemia (n = 468), the frequency of V617F was 61.3% (n = 287), that of calreticulin 25.2% (n = 118), and that of thrombopoietin receptor mutations 2.1% (n = 10), while 11.3% (n = 53) were triple-negative. Similar distribution was observed in primary myelofibrosis (n = 127): 58.3% (n = 74) V617F, 23.6% (n = 30) calreticulin, 6.3% (n = 8) thrombopoietin receptor mutation positive and 11.8% (n = 15) triple-negative. Conclusions: The recent discovery of calreticulin gene mutations led to definite molecular diagnostics in around 90% of clonal myeloproliferative cases. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(52), 2074–2081.
Circulating biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma: the link between microRNAs and extracellular vesicles, where are we now?
Authors: Teixeira Ana L , Dias Francisca , Gomes Monica , Fernandes Mara , Medeiros Rui
Published: December 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a lethal urological cancer, with incidence and mortality rates increasing by 2-3% per decade. The lack of standard screening tests contributes to the fact that one-third of patients are diagnosed with locally invasive or metastatic disease. Moreover, 20-40% of RCC patients submitted to surgical nephrectomy will develop metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs responsible for gene regulation at a post-transcriptional level.  It is accepted that they are deregulated in cancer and can influence tumor development. Thus, miRNAs are promising RCC biomarkers, since they can be detected using non-invasive methods. They are highly stable and easier to quantify in circulating biofluids. The elevated miRNA stability in circulating samples may be the consequence of their capacity to circulate inside of extracellular microvesicles (EMVs), for example, the exosomes.  The EMVs are bilayered membrane vesicles secreted by all cell types. They can be released in the interstitial space or into circulating biofluids, which allows the travelling, binding and entrance of these vesicles in receptor cells. This type of cell communication can shuttle bioactive molecules between cells, allowing the horizontal transference of genetic material. In this review, we focus on circulating miRNAs (miR-210, miR-1233, miR-221, miR-15a, miR-451, miR-508, miR-378) in the biofluids of RCC patients and attempt to establish the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, their synergic effects, and the pathways involved in RCC biology.
Michele Napolitano: I Kolakes di Eupoli. Introduzione, traduzione, commento. Mainz: Verlag Antike 2012. 342 S. (Studia Comica. 4.)
Authors: Storey Ian
Published: December 2014

Michele Napolitano: I Kolakes di Eupoli. Introduzione, traduzione, commento. Mainz: Verlag Antike 2012. 342 S. (Studia Comica. 4.)
Archimede Latino. Iacopo da San Cassiano e il Corpus Archimedeo alla metà del quattrocento con edizione della Circuli dimensio e della Quadratura parabolae. Edizione critica, traduzione, introduzione e note di Paolo d’Alessandro e Pier Daniele Napolitani. Paris: Les Belles Lettres 2012. 371 S. 24 Abb. 75 Euro. (Sciences et Savoirs. 1.).
Authors: Leeuwen Joyce van
Published: December 2014

Archimede Latino. Iacopo da San Cassiano e il Corpus Archimedeo alla metà del quattrocento con edizione della Circuli dimensio e della Quadratura parabolae. Edizione critica, traduzione, introduzione e note di Paolo d’Alessandro e Pier Daniele Napolitani. Paris: Les Belles Lettres 2012. 371 S. 24 Abb. 75 Euro. (Sciences et Savoirs. 1.).
Deutschsowjetische Bloodlands? Zum methodologischen spatial und imperial turn der aktuellen Totalitarismustheorie
Authors: Huhnholz Sebastian
Published: December 2014

German-soviet Bloodlands? On the Methodological Spatial and Imperial Turn of the Current Theory of Totalitarianism

Timothy Snyder's book Bloodlands was sceptically received by a considerable part of the community of German historians. It was intensively criticized, among other places, in this very publication. It is not difficult to see, however, that this reception was a result of an basically normative discomfort with Snyder's comparison between National Socialist and Stalinist mass murder between the rise of Hitler and the death of Stalin. The heritage of the Historikerstreit still makes itself felt. The critique of Bloodlands by historians of the Holocaust and the Second World War reveals itself, in this connection, as a questionably self-referential and moreover national methodology based upon morally grounded, politically motivated, and intellectually unrealisable ideals. This presumption for redemptive history conveys the impression of a kind of special German right to paternalism in the field. In all this it has been neglected that Snyder has presented not an analysis of ideological motives but rather a structural analysis of totalitarian mass murder that is sensitive to the concept of space. In so doing he takes up the major themes of classical political totalitarianism theory and brings them into harmony with the most recent international imperial histories and interdisciplinary studies of the politics of space.
Property Rights in Time of War: Sequestration and Liquidation of Enemy Aliens’ Assets in Western Europe during the First World War
Authors: Caglioti Daniela L.
Published: December 2014

Property Rights in Time of War: Sequestration and Liquidation of Enemy Aliens’ Assets in Western Europe during the First World War

This article explores the policies on enemy property in Britain, France and Germany during the First World War and its immediate aftermath. As part of a more complex economic warfare, countries at war halted international trade, imposed system of controls on the trade of neutral countries and launched an attack on the commercial and personal assets of enemy aliens. Real estate, firms, shops, investments, ships, goods, shares, bank accounts, patents and trademarks, and personal belongings owned by citizens of enemy nationality were sequestered and then sold by state custodians to citizens of their own countries. These actions, which started at the very beginning of the conflict, were eventually legitimised by the peace treaties. By analysing these measures, their implementation and the discourse that justified them, the article investigates the emergence of «economic nationalism» and the shift provoked by the war: from the liberal recognition of the inviolability of property rights on a national and international scale to the re-affirmation of state sovereignty.
Second-tier Diplomacy: Hans von Gagern and William I in their Quest for an Alternative European Order, 1813–1818
Authors: de Graaf Beatrice
Published: December 2014

Second-tier Diplomacy: Hans von Gagern and William I in their Quest for an Alternative European Order, 1813–1818

This article supplements Anglo- or Prussian dominated readings of the Vienna Conference by focusing more on its beginnings, on alternative scenarios of a Dutch-German union and on the process of diplomatic bargaining by secondary agents. Based on new archival material, German-Dutch cooperation in Vienna is traced and placed in a wider context. Vienna did not restore the «conservative order» but negotiated a new outlook on peace and security rooted in the notion of «political equilibrium » and an incipient sense of a Pax Europeana. While the great powers deliberated, two secondary agents in the field of transnational diplomacy and security, the «free-lancing» nobleman Hans von Gagern and the hereditary Prince of Orange, William Frederick, pursued their own alternative version for Europe, both geographically and politically. By analysing their efforts, which in the end proved only partly successful, this paper adds more insight to the dynamic and contested process of creating a new European order and an accompanying security culture.
Explaining life history variation in a changing climate across a species' range
Authors: Neuheimer Anna B. , MacKenzie Brian R.
Published: December 2014

Timing of reproduction greatly influences offspring success and resulting population production. Explaining and predicting species' dynamics necessitates disentangling the intrinsic (genotypic) and extrinsic (climatic) factors controlling reproductive timing. Here we explore temporal and spatial changes in spawning time for 21 populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) across the species' range (40° to 80° N). We estimate spawning time using a physiologically relevant metric that includes information on fish thermal history (degree‐days, DD). First, we estimate spawning DD among years (within populations) to show how recent changes in spawning time can be explained by local changes in temperature. Second, we employ spawning DD to identify temperature‐independent trends in spawning time among populations that are consistent with parallel adaptive evolution and the evolutionary history of the species. Finally, we use our results to estimate spawning time under future climate regimes, and discuss the implications for cod ecology across the species' range.
Communication, Community, and Disconnection: Pre-Service Teachers in Virtual School Field Experiences
Authors: Wilkens Christian , Eckdahl Kelli , Morone Mike , Cook Vicki , Giblin Thomas , Coon Joshua
Published: December 2014

This study examined the experiences of 11 graduate-level pre-service teachers completing Virtual School Field Experiences (VSFEs) with cooperating teachers in fully online, asynchronous high school courses in New York State. The VSFEs included a 7-week online teacher training course, and a 7-week online field experience. Pre-service teachers completed pre- and post-VSFE questionnaires, biweekly written journals, and formal structured interviews. Pre-service teachers reported success in communicating with their students, and struggles with establishing a sense of community in their online courses. We discuss these outcomes, and suggest that the particulars of the VSFE matter for pre-service teacher outcomes.
Supporting Digital Literacy across the Curriculum through Blended Support: A Pilot Project Report
Authors: Smith Samara
Published: December 2014

This article describes the Collaborative Media Center pilot at SUNY Old Westbury, a digital literacy project with the aim of narrowing the digital divide at the College by embedding digital projects across the curriculum. The article explains how the Center supported students in four linked courses to create digital projects. Assessment data and student feedback indicate that while students prefer face-to-face support when learning new digital tools, online tutorials are used at a much greater frequency than face-to-face tutoring. Furthermore, attitudes toward online learning improve after a semester of blended support. An increase in digital tool use frequency was recorded and students reported growing interest in learning, and using, digital tools. Additionally, students reported an increased engagement with, and better retention of, course material when creating disciplinary digital projects. Conclusions indicate that offering blended (online and face-to-face) support for digital projects across the curriculum is effective for improving digital literacy.
Effects of Coloured Lighting on the Perception of Interior Spaces
Authors: Odabaşioğlu Seden , Olguntürk Nilgün
Published: December 2014

Use of coloured lighting in interior spaces has become prevalent in recent years. Considerable importance is ascribed to coloured lighting in interior and lighting design. The effects of colour on the perception of interior spaces have been studied as surface colour; but here, the effects of three different types of chromatic light were investigated. The lighting differed in colour (red, green and white) and perceptions of interior space were assessed. 97 participants (59 women, 38 men; M age = 21.4 yr.) evaluated the experiment room on a questionnaire assessing eight evaluative factors: Pleasantness, Arousal, Aesthetics, Usefulness, Comfort, Spaciousness, Colour, and Lighting quality. Perceptions of the room differed by colour of lighting for some of the evaluative factors, but there was no sex difference in perceptions. Interior spaces may be perceived as equally pleasant under white, green and red lighting. Under white lighting a space is perceived as more useful, spacious, clear, and luminous. Green lighting would make the same effect. Green and white lighting were perceived equally comfortable in an interior space. Chromatic coloured lighting was perceived to be more aesthetic than white lighting. The results support previous findings for some evaluative factors, but differed for others.
Finding Legitimacy: Examining Quebec Sovereignty from Pre-Confederation to Present
Authors: Des Granges Cara
Published: December 2014

This article traces the roots of Quebec separatism as early as pre-Confederation to show a long tradition of collective rights, such as language, religion, and the ability to practice civil law, which have grown over time to create a province with its own legislature with its separate powers. The article argues that the sovereignist movement in Quebec should not be regarded as an illogical emotional response to the Conquest, or any other assimilation attempt, as it is grounded in a long historical tradition and in interpretation of law, which legitimizes the movement. Quebec sovereignty has emerged as a result of the province’s different interpretation of Confederation, one that gives the province a certain level of freedom, which it feels has not been upheld, and thus it wishes to leave the federation.
Réflexions sur la notion d’intégration scolaire des jeunes immigrants
Authors: Jacquet Marianne , Masinda Mambo Tabu
Published: December 2014

Résumé

Malgré une vaste littérature sur l’intégration scolaire des élèves immigrants, aucune étude n’en offre une définition intégrée permettant d’en saisir toute la complexité. Nous proposons ici un canevas conceptuel intégrant quatre dimensions de l’intégration scolaire (académique, sociale, culturelle et psychologique) discutées dans la littérature. Notre discussion suggère que le soutien aux élèves africains à l’école doit se décliner sur toutes ces dimensions et qu’une approche concertée entre les différents acteurs de l’action éducative (les familles ainsi que les partenaires scolaires, communautaires et universitaires) est nécessaire. Finalement, quelques exemples de soutien à l’intégration scolaire des élèves immigrants africains en milieu minoritaire francophone viennent illustrer notre propos.
Both Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Signaling Pathways Contribute to Mortality but not to Splenomegaly in Generalized Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Authors: Wiede Florian , Roomberg Alicia , Darby Jocelyn , Gollan Rene , Körner Heinrich
Published: December 2014

The phenotypical consequences of a combined deficiency of the Fas-Fas Ligand (FasL) and one or both Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) signaling pathways were investigated. Mice, which expressed a non-functional FasL suffered from a pathological accumulation of both B and T cells leading to splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy and, depending on the genetic background, pathogenic self-reactive antibodies (generalized lymphoproliferative disorder (gld)-phenotype). If mice additionally lacked TNF, they displayed a significantly ameliorated gld-phenotype while TNF Receptor-1-deficient gld mice (B6.gld.TNFR1−/−) displayed a more severe phenotype. To complement this combination, we also generated TNF Receptor-2-deficient gld mice (B6.gld.TNFR2−/−). Both double knockouts followed in their splenic structure the respective TNFR contribution to the phenotype. TNFR1−/− mice showed an absence of B cell follicles in the spleen while TNFR2−/− mice were comparable to WT mice. In general, we demonstrated a strong contribution of both TNFR signaling pathways to the symptoms of gld with the notable exception of splenomegaly where only TNFR1−/− played a role.
The Potential of Liposomes with Carbonic Anhydrase IX to Deliver Anticancer Ingredients to Cancer Cells in Vivo
Authors: Ng Huei , Lu Aiping , Lin Ge , Qin Ling , Yang Zhijun
Published: December 2014

Drug delivery nanocarriers, especially targeted drug delivery by liposomes are emerging as a class of therapeutics for cancer. Early research results suggest that liposomal therapeutics enhanced efficacy, while simultaneously reducing side effects, owing to properties such as more targeted localization in tumors and active cellular uptake. Here, we highlight the features of immunoliposomes that distinguish them from previous anticancer therapies, and describe how these features provide the potential for therapeutic effects that are not achievable with other modalities. While a large number of studies has been published, the emphasis here is placed on the carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) and the conjugated liposomes that are likely to open a new chapter on drug delivery system by using immunoliposomes to deliver anticancer ingredients to cancer cells in vivo.
Marine-Derived Quorum-Sensing Inhibitory Activities Enhance the Antibacterial Efficacy of Tobramycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Busetti Alessandro , Shaw George , Megaw Julianne , Gorman Sean , Maggs Christine , Gilmore Brendan
Published: December 2014

Bacterial epiphytes isolated from marine eukaryotes were screened for the production of quorum sensing inhibitory compounds (QSIs). Marine isolate KS8, identified as a Pseudoalteromonas sp., was found to display strong quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity against acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-based reporter strains Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 and CV026. KS8 supernatant significantly reduced biofilm biomass during biofilm formation (−63%) and in pre-established, mature P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms (−33%). KS8 supernatant also caused a 0.97-log reduction (−89%) and a 2-log reduction (−99%) in PAO1 biofilm viable counts in the biofilm formation assay and the biofilm eradication assay respectively. The crude organic extract of KS8 had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL against PAO1 but no minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was observed over the concentration range tested (MBC > 16 mg/mL). Sub-MIC concentrations (1 mg/mL) of KS8 crude organic extract significantly reduced the quorum sensing (QS)-dependent production of both pyoverdin and pyocyanin in P. aeruginosa PAO1 without affecting growth. A combinatorial approach using tobramycin and the crude organic extract at 1 mg/mL against planktonic P. aeruginosa PAO1 was found to increase the efficacy of tobramycin ten-fold, decreasing the MIC from 0.75 to 0.075 µg/mL. These data support the validity of approaches combining conventional antibiotic therapy with non-antibiotic compounds to improve the efficacy of current treatments.
Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Novel Natural Alkaloid Derivatives as Potential Binders of h-telo and c-myc DNA G-Quadruplex Conformations
Authors: Rocca Roberta , Moraca Federica , Costa Giosuè , Alcaro Stefano , Distinto Simona , Maccioni Elias , Ortuso Francesco , Artese Anna , Parrotta Lucia
Published: December 2014

Several ligands can bind to the non-canonical G-quadruplex DNA structures thereby stabilizing them. These molecules can act as effective anticancer agents by stabilizing the telomeric regions of DNA or by regulating oncogene expression. In order to better interact with the quartets of G-quadruplex structures, G-binders are generally characterized by a large aromatic core involved in π-π stacking. Some natural flexible cyclic molecules from Traditional Chinese Medicine have shown high binding affinity with G-quadruplex, such as berbamine and many other alkaloids. Using the structural information available on G-quadruplex structures, we performed a high throughput in silico screening of commercially available alkaloid derivative databases by means of a structure-based approach based on docking and molecular dynamics simulations against the human telomeric sequence d[AG3(T2AG3)3] and the c-myc promoter structure. We identified 69 best hits reporting an improved theoretical binding affinity with respect to the active set. Among them, a berberine derivative, already known to remarkably inhibit telomerase activity, was related to a better theoretical affinity versus c-myc.
Phenolic Profile of Potentilla anserina L. (Rosaceae) Herb of Siberian Origin and Development of a Rapid Method for Simultaneous Determination of Major Phenolics in P. anserina Pharmaceutical Products by Microcolumn RP-HPLC-UV
Authors: Olennikov Daniil , Kashchenko Nina , Chirikova Nadezhda , Kuz'mina Sargylana
Published: December 2014

A chemical study of Potentilla anserina L. herb (Rosaceae) of Siberian origin led to the isolation of 17 compounds. Three ellagitannins—potentillin, agrimonic acid A and B—are reported for the first time in this species. With a view to rapid quantitative analysis, a new method was developed for simultaneous determination of major phenolic compounds in P. anserina, including caffeic acid, myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, agrimoniin, ellagic acid, miquelianin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucuronide, and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside. The quantitative determination was conducted by microcolumn reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Separation was performed using a ProntoSIL-120-5-C18 AQ column (60 mm × 1 mm × 5 μm) with six-step gradient elution of aqueous 0.2 М LiClO4 in 0.006 M HClO4 and acetonitrile as mobile phases. The components were quantified by HPLC-UV at 270 nm. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.999) within test ranges. The reproducibility was evaluated by intra- and inter-day assays, and RSD values were less than 2.8%. The recoveries were between 97.15 and 102.38%. The limits of detection ranged from 0.21 to 1.94 μg/mL, and limits of quantification ranged from 0.65 to 5.88 μg/mL, respectively. Various solvents, extraction methods, temperatures, and times were evaluated to obtain the best extraction efficiency. The developed method was successfully applied for the analysis of selected pharmaceutical products: 12 batches of P. anserina herb collected from three Siberian regions (Yakutia, Buryatia, Irkutsk), two commercial samples of P. anserina herb, and some preparations (liquid extract, tincture, decoction, infusion, and dry extract).
Combined Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and IR Thermography Applied to a Historical Building
Authors: Costanzo Antonio , Minasi Mario , Casula Giuseppe , Musacchio Massimo , Buongiorno Maria
Published: December 2014

The conservation of architectural heritage usually requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of specialist expertise and techniques. Nevertheless, destructive techniques should be avoided, wherever possible, in order to preserve the integrity of the historical buildings, therefore the development of non-destructive and non-contact techniques is extremely important. In this framework, a methodology for combining the terrestrial laser scanning and the infrared thermal images is proposed, in order to obtain a reconnaissance of the conservation state of a historical building. The proposed case study is represented by St. Augustine Monumental Compound, located in the historical centre of the town of Cosenza (Calabria, South Italy). Adopting the proposed methodology, the paper illustrates the main results obtained for the building test overlaying and comparing the collected data with both techniques, in order to outline the capabilities both to detect the anomalies and to improve the knowledge on health state of the masonry building. The 3D model, also, allows to provide a reference model, laying the groundwork for implementation of a monitoring multisensor system based on the use of non-destructive techniques.
Modified OMP Algorithm for Exponentially Decaying Signals
Authors: Kazimierczuk Krzysztof , Kasprzak Paweł
Published: December 2014

A group of signal reconstruction methods, referred to as compressed sensing (CS), has recently found a variety of applications in numerous branches of science and technology. However, the condition of the applicability of standard CS algorithms (e.g., orthogonal matching pursuit, OMP), i.e., the existence of the strictly sparse representation of a signal, is rarely met. Thus, dedicated algorithms for solving particular problems have to be developed. In this paper, we introduce a modification of OMP motivated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) application of CS. The algorithm is based on the fact that the NMR spectrum consists of Lorentzian peaks and matches a single Lorentzian peak in each of its iterations. Thus, we propose the name Lorentzian peak matching pursuit (LPMP). We also consider certain modification of the algorithm by introducing the allowed positions of the Lorentzian peaks’ centers. Our results show that the LPMP algorithm outperforms other CS algorithms when applied to exponentially decaying signals.
Topographical Characteristics of Agricultural Potential Productivity during Cropland Transformation in China
Authors: Li Yuejiao , Yang Xiaohuan , Cai Hongyan , Xiao Linlin , Xu Xinliang , Liu Luo
Published: December 2014

Terrain, an important limiting factor in land use change, strongly influences agricultural productivity. This study investigated the topographical characteristics of agricultural potential productivity of cropland transformations in China during the first decade of the 21st century, and explored the impacts of cropland transformations with different terrains on agricultural potential productivity as it relates to China’s national food supply. The results showed the production potential of cropland loss was much greater than that of cropland gain in most regions, and topographical characteristics of croplands losses and gains actually impacted the agricultural potential productivity in China. The losses in agricultural potential productivity was serious in regions with good terrain conditions, where the slope is lower than 5°, and the elevation is below 100 m, especially in the middle and lower Yangtze region and the Huang-Huai-Hai region. The situation for cropland loss with better quality, and expanded the worse was severe in China, and this is expected to negatively influence sustainable agricultural development in the future. This study suggests that researchers focus not only on the total area of expanded cropland but also on cropland quality, such as the different terrain conditions of the croplands, to avoid a loss in national agricultural productivity caused by the process of cropland transformation.