bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adding an Artificial Tail—Anchor to a Peptide-Based HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitor for Improvement of Its Potency and Resistance Profile
Authors: Su Shan , Ma Zhenxuan , Hua Chen , Li Weihua , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo
Published: November 2017

Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein transmembrane subunit gp41, such as T20 (enfuvirtide), can bind to the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of gp41 and block six-helix bundle (6-HB) formation, thus inhibiting HIV-1 fusion with the target cell. However, clinical application of T20 is limited because of its low potency and genetic barrier to resistance. HP23, the shortest CHR peptide, exhibits better anti-HIV-1 activity than T20, but the HIV-1 strains with E49K mutations in gp41 will become resistant to it. Here, we modified HP23 by extending its C-terminal sequence using six amino acid residues (E6) and adding IDL (Ile-Asp-Leu) to the C-terminus of E6, which is expected to bind to the shallow pocket in the gp41 NHR N-terminal region. The newly designed peptide, designated HP23-E6-IDL, was about 2- to 16-fold more potent than HP23 against a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains and more than 12-fold more effective against HIV-1 mutants resistant to HP23. These findings suggest that addition of an anchor–tail to the C-terminus of a CHR peptide will allow binding with the pocket in the gp41 NHR that may increase the peptide’s antiviral efficacy and its genetic barrier to resistance.
Synthesis of Oxadiazole-Thiadiazole Hybrids and Their Anticandidal Activity
Authors: Levent Serkan , Kaya Çavuşoğlu Betül , Sağlık Begüm , Osmaniye Derya , Acar Çevik Ulviye , Atlı Özlem , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer
Published: November 2017

In the field of infection management, it is a major challenge to discover a potent and safe antifungal agent due to the emergence of resistant strains. Hence, the goal of this paper is to design and synthesize novel oxadiazole-thiadiazole hybrid compounds (6a–6s) and evaluate their antifungal activity. The structures of synthesized compounds were elucidated by various methods including FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HR-MS spectral data. Compounds were tested against four Candida species by broth microdilution assay. Compounds 6e, 6k and 6r, bearing a nitro group, showed significant antifungal activity against all fungi with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 0.78–3.12 µg/mL. These compounds were also screened for their in vitro cytotoxic effects by MTT assay and detected as nontoxic at their active concentrations against Candida strains. To examine the effects of these compounds on ergosterol biosynthesis, the LC-MS-MS method, which is based on quantification of ergosterol level in C. krusei, was carried out. Finally, the most active molecule (6e) was docked in the active site of the lanosterol 14α-demethylase enzyme, and it was determined that there is a strong interaction between the compound and enzyme.
New Tripentone Analogs with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Parrino Barbara , Ullo Salviana , Attanzio Alessandro , Spanò Virginia , Cascioferro Stella , Montalbano Alessandra , Barraja Paola , Tesoriere Luisa , Cirrincione Girolamo , Diana Patrizia
Published: November 2017

Tripentones represent an interesting class of compounds due to their significant cytotoxicity against different human tumor cells in the submicro-nanomolar range. New tripentone analogs, in which a pyridine moiety replaces the thiophene ring originating the fused azaindole system endowed with anticancer activity viz 8H-thieno[2,3-b]pyrrolizinones, were efficiently synthesized in four steps with fair overall yields (34–57%). All tripentone derivatives were tested in the range of 0.1–100 μM for cytotoxicity against two human tumor cell lines, HCT-116 (human colorectal carcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer). The most active derivative, with GI50 values of 4.25 µM and 20.73 µM for HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells, respectively, did not affect the viability of Caco-2 differentiated in normal intestinal-like cells, suggesting tumor cells as the main target of its cytotoxic action. The same compound was further investigated in order to study its mode of action. Results showed that it did not exert necrotic effects, while induced a clear shift of viable cells towards early apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that this compound caused cell cycle alteration, inhibiting its progression in S and G2/M phases.
Plasmonic Spectral Splitting in Ring/Rod Metasurface
Authors: Muhammad Naseer , Khan Adnan , Deng Zi-Lan , Khan Karim , Yadav Ashish , Liu Qiang , Ouyang Zhengbiao
Published: November 2017

We report spectral splitting behaviors based on Fano resonances in a novel simple planar metasurface composed of gold nanobars and nanorings. Multiple plasmonic modes and sharp Fano effects are achieved in a broadband transmittance spectrum by exploiting the rotational symmetry of the metasurface. The transmission properties are effectively modified and tuned by modulating the structural parameters. The highest single side Q-factor and FoM which reaches 196 and 105 are observed at Fano resonances. Our proposed design is relatively simple and can be applied for various applications such as multi-wavelength highly sensitive plasmonic sensors, switching, and slow light devices.
Performance Indices in Wheat Chlorophyll a Fluorescence and Protein Quality Influenced by FHB
Authors: Spanic Valentina , Viljevac Vuletic Marija , Drezner Georg , Zdunic Zvonimir , Horvat Daniela
Published: November 2017

Very little is known about the physiological interactions between wheat quality and Fusarium head blight (FHB), which substantially reduces wheat grain yield and quality worldwide. In order to investigate stress-induced changes in flag leaves from plants artificially inoculated with Fusarium, we screened for chlorophyll a fluorescence transient at 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after Fusarium inoculation. Our results indicate that the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the performance index (PI) were not affected by FHB, but there were significant differences in those two traits between different varieties and measurement times. FHB caused a significant reduction in the percentage of glutenins (GLU), high-molecular-weight (HMW), and low-molecular-weight (LMW) subunits in ‘Kraljica’ and ‘Golubica’, unlike ‘Vulkan’, where the percentage of GLU increased.
An Overview of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Its Application in Non-Parenteral Drug Delivery
Authors: Mohammed Munawar , Syeda Jaweria , Wasan Kishor , Wasan Ellen
Published: November 2017

The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the chitosan based nanoparticles for various non-parenteral applications and also to put a spotlight on current research including sustained release and mucoadhesive chitosan dosage forms. Chitosan is a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer regarded as safe for human dietary use and approved for wound dressing applications. Chitosan has been used as a carrier in polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery through various routes of administration. Chitosan has chemical functional groups that can be modified to achieve specific goals, making it a polymer with a tremendous range of potential applications. Nanoparticles (NP) prepared with chitosan and chitosan derivatives typically possess a positive surface charge and mucoadhesive properties such that can adhere to mucus membranes and release the drug payload in a sustained release manner. Chitosan-based NP have various applications in non-parenteral drug delivery for the treatment of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, pulmonary diseases, drug delivery to the brain and ocular infections which will be exemplified in this review. Chitosan shows low toxicity both in vitro and some in vivo models. This review explores recent research on chitosan based NP for non-parenteral drug delivery, chitosan properties, modification, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and preclinical studies.
Advancing the PROSPECT-5 Model to Simulate the Spectral Reflectance of Copper-Stressed Leaves
Authors: Zhang Chengye , Ren Huazhong , Liang Yanzhen , Liu Suhong , Qin Qiming , Ersoy Okan
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a modified model based on the PROSPECT-5 model to simulate the spectral reflectance of copper-stressed leaves. Compared with PROSPECT-5, the modified model adds the copper content of leaves as one of input variables, and the specific absorption coefficient related to copper (Kcu) was estimated and fixed in the modified model. The specific absorption coefficients of other biochemical components (chlorophyll, carotenoid, water, dry matter) were the same as those in PROSPECT-5. Firstly, based on PROSPECT-5, we estimated the leaf structure parameters (N), using biochemical contents (chlorophyll, carotenoid, water, and dry matter) and the spectra of all the copper-stressed leaves (samples). Secondly, the specific absorption coefficient related to copper (Kcu) was estimated by fitting the simulated spectra to the measured spectra using 22 samples. Thirdly, other samples were used to verify the effectiveness of the modified model. The spectra with the new model are closer to the measured spectra when compared to that with PROSPECT-5. Moreover, for all the datasets used for validation and calibration, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) from the new model are less than that from PROSPECT-5. The differences between simulated reflectance and measured reflectance at key wavelengths with the new model are nearer to zero than those with the PROSPECT-5 model. This study demonstrated that the modified model could get more accurate spectral reflectance from copper-stressed leaves when compared with PROSPECT-5, and would provide theoretical support for monitoring the vegetation stressed by copper using remote sensing.
Trump Veganism: A Political Survey of American Vegans in the Era of Identity Politics
Authors: Wrenn Corey
Published: November 2017

Often stereotyped as being apathetic to the human suffering, the American vegan movement has historically failed to build alliances with other social justice movements. As intersectional feminism gains a foothold in the movement and external political crises challenge the movement’s frame of reference, the role that identity plays in movement progress has become a serious concern. Using the 2016 election as a flashpoint, this article considers if the identity backlash characterized by the Trump campaign finds parallels in the American vegan movement. A survey of 287 American vegans finds limited evidence of Trump veganism, defined here as a single-issue focus on speciesism that rejects the relevance of human-experienced systems of oppression. However, respondents do find that movement diversity efforts are insufficient, especially when controlling for race and gender. Most respondents were ethically-motivated vegans, liberal voters, and intersectionally-oriented activists who reported multiple engagements with various leftist movements. Only four percent of respondents voted Trump, while 14% agreed with or were neutral about Trump’s campaign promise to put “America first”. Those who were vegan for reasons of self-interest and had been vegan for less than a year were significantly more likely to support Trump’s conservative agenda and were slightly less likely to participate in other social movements.
Socio-Spatial Factors Affecting Household Recycling in Townhouses in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Du Toit Jacques , Wagner Claire , Fletcher Lizelle
Published: November 2017

Although social factors affecting recycling have been widely researched, the effect of spatial and physical factors posed by medium-density housing, such as townhouses, is less understood. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the relative effect of three sets of factors on household recycling in townhouses are examined, including ‘attitude’ (about recycling), ‘subjective norm’ (social pressure), and ‘perceived behaviour control’ (ability to recycle). A questionnaire survey of 300 households was conducted in Equestria, an enclosed middle-income residential estate consisting of several townhouse complexes. Confirmatory factor analysis verified the three factor measurement model for recycling participation. Both recyclers and non-recyclers showed positive attitudes toward recycling and felt social pressure to recycle. Non-recyclers, however, felt significantly less able to recycle. Most recyclers as well as non-recyclers indicated that certain proposals for increasing recycling may cause them to recycle more, in particular a system through which the management agency arranges access for a recycling company to collect recyclables from strategically located collection points inside the complex. Urban planning and design recommendations for facilitating recycling in townhouses are discussed.
Sustainability Reporting and Firm Value: Evidence from Singapore-Listed Companies
Authors: Loh Lawrence , Thomas Thomas , Wang Yu
Published: November 2017

As sustainability reporting has emerged as one of the most critical issues in the business world, this research aims to investigate the relationship between sustainability reporting and firm value based on listed companies in Singapore. We use an established sustainability reporting assessment framework and test how both the adoption and quality of sustainability reporting are related to a firm’s market value. Empirical results suggest that sustainability reporting is positively related to firm’s market value and this relationship is independent of sector or firm status such as government-linked companies and family businesses.
Signaling Product Quality Information in Supply Chains via Corporate Social Responsibility Choices
Authors: Li Yuhui , Ni Debing , Xiao Zhuang , Tang Xiaowo
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on how an upstream supplier signals the private information of its product quality with corporate social responsibility (CSR) choices to a downstream retailer and uninformed consumers in the final market. We build a signaling model to: capture the strategic interactions among the supplier, the retailer, and the final consumers in the supply chain; characterize completely the set of all separating perfect Bayesian equilibriums (PBEs); and finally, select a unique equilibrium that satisfies the intuitive criterion for exploring some comparative statics. The equilibrium results show that under some technical conditions: (1) a set of moderate levels of CSR conduct signal the upstream supplier’s high quality in the sense of separating PBEs; (2) the unique separating PBE satisfying the intuitive criterion is the one with the lowest CSR level that separates a high-quality supplier from a low-quality supplier; (3) the lowest CSR level decreases in the proportion of informed consumers and the low-quality supplier’s marginal CSR cost, but is independent of the high-quality supplier’s marginal CSR cost; (4) the profits of the high-quality supplier increase in proportion to the number of informed consumers and the low-quality supplier’s marginal cost CSR, but decrease in proportion to the high-quality supplier’s marginal CSR cost. Managerial insights are also discussed.
The Organizational Identification Perspective of CSR on Creative Performance: The Moderating Role of Creative Self-Efficacy
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Ashraf Samra , Sarfraz Muddassar
Published: November 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an emerging and fast-growing concept for both academic research and organizations. In recent years, the far-reaching influence of CSR practices on stakeholders has made both researchers and practitioners pay heed to this dimension. Employees are one of the most important stakeholders influenced by CSR practices. CSR brings in many ideas, concepts, and techniques. In the past, different antecedents and consequences of corporate social responsibility have been studied, but there is still a deficit in regard to whether employee creative performance is an outcome of corporate social responsibility, and the interlinked variables that might enhance this relationship. The main objective of this study is to examine how CSR practices enhance employee performances within the organization, and which other variables may enhance this relationship. The literature suggests that employees who value CSR campaigns and other practices identify with their company to a greater degree, work with more devotion and loyalty, and show more creativity in their work performance. In this study, organizational identification has been taken as the mediator, and creative self-efficacy has been taken as the moderator. The hypotheses were tested within the sample of companies engaging in CSR practices in Pakistan. A questionnaire survey was conducted using simple random sampling. Simple linear regression, hierarchical regression, and Barron and Kenny tests were applied through SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) for data analysis, and results were found according to the proposed model of the study.
Waterlogging in Arid Agriculture Areas Due to Improper Groundwater Management—An Example from Kuwait
Authors: Al-Murad Mohammed , Uddin Saif , Rashid Tariq , Al-Qallaf Habib , Bushehri Abdullah
Published: November 2017

Waterlogging is an acute problem in the agricultural areas of arid regions. This study highlights the main reasons for water table rise in the Wafra agriculture area of South Kuwait. A two-tier aquifer system exists in the area, which consists of the Kuwait Group aquifer underlain by a semi-confined Dammam aquifer. Improper sealing of wells tapping the semi-confined Dammam aquifer and over-irrigation were the main reasons for water level rise, and an increase in total dissolved solids was due to high evaporation of brackish water used for irrigation in the area. Other issues such as thin soil cover, topographic variation, and geomorphology within the area play an interactive role in the development of salt crusts on the ground surface. The key solution to the problem lies with proper well design and irrigation management. The sealing of the wells tapping the Dammam Formation has resulted in the lowering of the water level, which has allowed the reclamation of farms. For sustainable management of the Wafra agriculture area, it is observed that only the Kuwait Group aquifer should be utilized for irrigation, dewatering should be carried out in selective low-lying areas, and the adoption of best irrigation practices can be the only way for sustainable agriculture development in the area. The use of tertiary-treated wastewater, along with groundwater from the Kuwait Group (KG) aquifer, can be a solution to sustain agriculture. The crop water requirement should be considered for irrigation application while using best practices such as drip irrigation.
Going Public and Industrial Upgrading of Traditional Clusters in Developing Countries: Rethinking the Dynamics of the ‘Jinjiang Model’ in China
Authors: Zhu Huasheng , Ding Yue
Published: November 2017

Extant literature concerns about industrial upgrading in developing countries, and stresses the importance of joining global production networks (GPN). Taking the perspective of the updating approach of GPN theory, this paper selects the case of China to combine local industrial upgrading with financial activities, and explores how going public triggers industrial upgrading in developing countries. In 2015, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 listed firms and their related partners in Jinjiang, a county-level city in China. The findings indicate that local lead firms in developing countries have been increasingly involved in the global financial market by going public, which in turn provides these countries with opportunities of industrial upgrading. However, it does not necessarily guarantee industrial upgrading. Whether or not going public can bring about industrial upgrading depends mainly on intrafirm coordination, reconfiguration of interfirm relationships, and extrafirm bargaining with local governments. This case study suggests that finance be integrated into GPN theory as some scholars suggest, and the impacts of local lead firms in developing countries on the dynamics or reconfiguration of GPN be taken consideration, especially in some specific sectors.
Diversity of dsDNA Viruses in a South African Hot Spring Assessed by Metagenomics and Microscopy
Authors: Zablocki Olivier , Van Zyl Leonardo , Kirby Bronwyn , Trindade Marla
Published: November 2017

The current view of virus diversity in terrestrial hot springs is limited to a few sampling sites. To expand our current understanding of hot spring viral community diversity, this study aimed to investigate the first African hot spring (Brandvlei hot spring; 60 °C, pH 5.7) by means of electron microscopy and sequencing of the virus fraction. Microscopy analysis revealed a mixture of regular- and ‘jumbo’-sized tailed morphotypes (Caudovirales), lemon-shaped virions (Fuselloviridae-like; salterprovirus-like) and pleiomorphic virus-like particles. Metavirome analysis corroborated the presence of His1-like viruses and has expanded the current clade of salterproviruses using a polymerase B gene phylogeny. The most represented viral contig was to a cyanophage genome fragment, which may underline basic ecosystem functioning provided by these viruses. Furthermore, a putative Gemmata-related phage was assembled with high coverage, a previously undocumented phage-host association. This study demonstrated that a moderately thermophilic spring environment contained a highly novel pool of viruses and should encourage future characterization of a wider temperature range of hot springs throughout the world.
Neurotropism In Vitro and Mouse Models of Severe and Mild Infection with Clinical Strains of Enterovirus 71
Authors: Yu Pin , Bao Linlin , Xu Lili , Li Fengdi , Lv Qi , Deng Wei , Xu Yanfeng , Qin Chuan
Published: November 2017

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a common etiological agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease and fatal neurological diseases in children. The neuropathogenicity of severe EV71 infection has been documented, but studies comparing mouse models of severe and mild EV71 infection are lacking. The aim of the study was to investigate the neurovirulence of EV71 strains and the differences in serum cytokine and chemokine levels in mouse models of severe and mild EV71 infection. Nine EV71 isolates belonging to the C4 subgenogroup (proposed as genotype D) displayed infectivity in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells; moreover, ultrastructural observation confirmed viral particle replication. The survival rate of the severe model was 71.43% (5/7), and 60% (3/5) of the surviving severe model mice displayed sequelae of paralysis, whereas the only symptom in mild model mice was ruffled fur. Dynamic detection of serum cytokine and chemokine levels demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (also called Regulated upon Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted (CCL5/RANTES) were significantly up-regulated at the early period of infection, indicating that these factors might herald a severe outcome. Our findings suggest that elevated cytokines and chemokines may have potential value as prognostic markers in mouse models.
Synthesis of naturally-derived macromolecules through simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP
Authors: Chmielarz Paweł , Pacześniak Tomasz , Rydel-Ciszek Katarzyna , Zaborniak Izabela , Biedka Paulina , Sobkowiak Andrzej
Published: November 2017

The flavonoid-based macroinitiator was received for the first time by the transesterification reaction of quercetin with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide. In accordance with the “grafting from” strategy, a naturally-occurring star-like polymer with a polar 3,3',4',5,6-pentahydroxyflavone core and hydrophobic poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PtBA) side arms was synthesized via a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP (seATRP), utilizing only 78 ppm by weight (wt) of a catalytic CuII complex. To demonstrate the possibility of temporal control, seATRP was carried out utilizing a multiple-step potential electrolysis. The rate of the polymerizations was well-controlled by applying optimal potential values during preparative electrolysis to prevent the possibility of intermolecular coupling of the growing polymer arms. This appears to be the first report using on-demand seATRP for the synthesis of QC-(PtBA-Br)5 pseudo-star polymers. The naturally-derived macromolecules showed narrow MWDs (Đ = 1.08–1.11). 1H NMR spectral results confirm the formation of quercetin-based polymers. These new flavonoid-based polymer materials may find applications as antifouling coatings and drug delivery systems.
Self-consistent Bulge/Disk/Halo Galaxy Dynamical Modeling Using Integral Field Kinematics
Authors: Taranu D. S. , Obreschkow D. , Dubinski J. J. , Fogarty L. M. R. , Sande J. van de , Catinella B. , Cortese L. , Moffett A. , Robotham A. S. G. , Allen J. T. , Bland-Hawthorn J. , Bryant J. J. , Colless M. , Croom S. M. , D’Eugenio F. , Davies R. L. , Drinkwater M. J. , Driver S. P. , Goodwin M. , Konstantopoulos I. S. , Lawrence J. S. , López-Sánchez Á. R. , Lorente N. P. F. , Medling A. M. , Mould J. R. , Owers M. S. , Power C. , Richards S. N. , Tonini C.
Published: November 2017

We introduce a method for modeling disk galaxies designed to take full advantage of data from integral field spectroscopy (IFS). The method fits equilibrium models to simultaneously reproduce the surface brightness, rotation, and velocity dispersion profiles of a galaxy. The models are fully self-consistent 6D distribution functions for a galaxy with a Sérsic profile stellar bulge, exponential disk, and parametric dark-matter halo, generated by an updated version of GalactICS. By creating realistic flux-weighted maps of the kinematic moments (flux, mean velocity, and dispersion), we simultaneously fit photometric and spectroscopic data using both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian (MCMC) techniques. We apply the method to a GAMA spiral galaxy (G79635) with kinematics from the SAMI Galaxy Survey and deep g- and r-band photometry from the VST-KiDS survey, comparing parameter constraints with those from traditional 2D bulge–disk decomposition. Our method returns broadly consistent results for shared parameters while constraining the mass-to-light ratios of stellar components and reproducing the H i-inferred circular velocity well beyond the limits of the SAMI data. Although the method is tailored for fitting integral field kinematic data, it can use other dynamical constraints like central fiber dispersions and H i circular velocities, and is well-suited for modeling galaxies with a combination of deep imaging and H i and/or optical spectra (resolved or otherwise). Our implementation (MagRite) is computationally efficient and can generate well-resolved models and kinematic maps in under a minute on modern processors.
AGN Populations in Large-volume X-Ray Surveys: Photometric Redshifts and Population Types Found in the Stripe 82X Survey
Authors: Ananna Tonima Tasnim , Salvato Mara , LaMassa Stephanie , Urry C. Megan , Cappelluti Nico , Cardamone Carolin , Civano Francesca , Farrah Duncan , Gilfanov Marat , Glikman Eilat , Hamilton Mark , Kirkpatrick Allison , Lanzuisi Giorgio , Marchesi Stefano , Merloni Andrea , Nandra Kirpal , Natarajan Priyamvada , Richards Gordon T. , Timlin John
Published: November 2017

Multiwavelength surveys covering large sky volumes are necessary to obtain an accurate census of rare objects such as high-luminosity and/or high-redshift active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Stripe 82X is a 31.3 X-ray survey with Chandra and XMM-Newton observations overlapping the legacy Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 field, which has a rich investment of multiwavelength coverage from the ultraviolet to the radio. The wide-area nature of this survey presents new challenges for photometric redshifts for AGNs compared to previous work on narrow-deep fields because it probes different populations of objects that need to be identified and represented in the library of templates. Here we present an updated X-ray plus multiwavelength matched catalog, including Spitzer counterparts, and estimated photometric redshifts for 5961 (96% of a total of 6181) X-ray sources that have a normalized median absolute deviation,

, and an outlier fraction, η = 13.7%. The populations found in this survey and the template libraries used for photometric redshifts provide important guiding principles for upcoming large-area surveys such as eROSITA and 3XMM (in X-ray) and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (optical).
Search for Optical Pulsation in M82 X-2
Authors: Collura G. , Strader P. , Meeker S. R. , Szypryt P. , Walter A. B. , Bockstiegel C. , Mazin B. A. , Prince T. A.
Published: November 2017

We report on a search for optical pulsation from M82 X-2 over a range of periods. M82 X-2 is an X-ray pulsar with a 1.37s average spin period and a 2.5 day sinusoidal modulation. The observations were done with the ARray Camera for Optical to Near-IR Spectrophotometry at the 200 inch Hale telescope at the Palomar Observatory. We performed H test and χ
2 statistical analysis. No significant optical pulsations were found in the wavelength range of 3000–11000 Å with a pulsation period between 1.36262 and 1.37462 s. We found an upper limit on pulsed emission in the 4000–8000 Å wavelength range to be fainter than ∼20.5 mag
AB
, corresponding to ∼23 μJy.
Bilateral Superior Rectus Transposition With Bilateral Medial Rectus Recession for Möbius Syndrome
Authors: Zheng Yuxi , Donahue Sean P.
Published: November 2017

Bilateral superior rectus transposition with bilateral medial rectus recession has been described successfully for treatment of Duane's syndrome but never for Möbius syndrome. The authors describe a child with Möbius syndrome who presented with large bilateral abduction deficits and esotropia. This surgical treatment resulted in marked improvement of said deficits.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54:e81–e82.]
Pilot Testing a Coaching Intervention to Improve Certified Nursing Assistants' Dressing of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Jordan Kerry Jean , Tsai Pao-Feng , Heo Seongkum , Bai Shasha , Dailey Deborah , Beck Cornelia K. , Butler Lindsey M. , Greenwood Rachel L.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the current study was to identify initial effects of a coaching training intervention using Level of Assistance (LoA) strategies compared with traditional lecture techniques on the appropriateness of LoA use by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and independence of dressing of nursing home residents with dementia. Seventeen CNA–resident dyads participated in this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Control and experimental group CNAs received a 25-minute traditional lecture. Experimental group CNAs also underwent three coaching sessions over 4 weeks. There were significant between-group differences in the percentage of dyads who had improved scores for appropriateness of LoA use and dressing independence from pretest to posttest (experimental:
n
= 9, 100%; control:
n
= 8, 50%;
p
= 0.029). However, there were no statistically significant median differences between groups in appropriateness of LoA use by CNAs and resident dressing independence scores. There were significant within-group median improvements in appropriateness of LoA use (
p
= 0.004) and independence of dressing scores (
p
= 0.004) between pretest and posttest in the experimental group, but not in the control group. This initial pilot RCT supports coach training as a method to improve appropriate use of LoA strategies by CNAs and independence of resident dressing.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(6):267–276.]
La búsqueda de la unidad como articulación teórico-práctica: una clave de interpretación de la autobiografía de J.J. Rousseau
Authors: Sierra-Arizmendiarrieta Beatriz
Published: November 2017

En este artículo se pretende mostrar dos obsesiones que atraviesan los principales escritos autobiográficos de Rousseau. En primer lugar, la aspiración a lo que se podría llamar su unidad externa, es decir, la coherencia entre lo que él cree ser y el juicio de los demás, una vez afirmada su ‘especial’ bondad natural. Para ello se analizarán textos fundamentalmente de las Confessions y los Dialogues. En segundo lugar, su tensión permanente hacia su unidad interna, plasmado en el sentimiento de su propia existencia, que se mostrará de forma destacada en las Rêveries.
Validez ejemplar y comunidades de certezas. Kant, Arendt, Wittgenstein sobre el poder de juzgar críticamente
Authors: Muñoz Sánchez María Teresa
Published: November 2017

En este artículo se argumenta que el poder de juzgar es una capacidad fundamental para pensar la política. La relevancia de tal capacidad radica en que la estructura y función de los juicios reflexionantes, tal como son leídos por hannah Arendt a partir de la Crítica del Juicio kantiana, nos permiten explicar el difícil equilibrio entre los juicios compartidos en las comunidades y la posibilidad de la crítica.
Propuesta de un éthos filosófico ante una Modernidad Glocal
Authors: Herrera Guevara Asunción
Published: November 2017

Este artículo pretende mostrar la necesidad de pensar un concepto de justicia global que vaya más allá de los paradigmas tradicionales de la filosofía. Si queremos una justicia global que incluya a cada sí mismo, es necesario repensar la perspectiva tradicional que domina la discusión sobre derecho internacional. Necesitamos una reflexión crítica sobre la modernidad y la globalización actual. Esta crítica permitirá proponer una nueva Ilustración donde lo global pueda vincularse con el cosmopolitismo y el universalismo moral. El reto será construir una globalización justa con todos y cada uno de los individuos que conforman la nueva ciudadanía global.
Una interpretación del proyecto revolucionario de Cornelius Castoriadis frente a la crisis económica: Autonomía, Política y Democracia
Authors: Tapia Carlos
Published: November 2017

La crisis económica de la última década ha dejado al descubierto una crisis social profunda que refleja el progresivo desarraigo del individuo respecto de la sociedad, posibilitando el surgimiento de alternativas sociales que sacrifican la libertad a cambio de seguridad. Este artículo presenta una interpretación del proyecto revolucionario de Cornelius Castoriadis como una alternativa a la democracia liberal actual, capaz de hacer frente a la crisis social al situar a la propia sociedad como elemento central en su propia construcción. El surgimiento de un individuo lúcido y reflexivo capaz de desarrollar una acción política consciente, permite avanzar hacia la autonomía individual y social, construyendo un régimen democrático que implica la combinación de libertad e igualdad
Hacia una Ética Ambiental con perspectiva de género: una propuesta para las crisis de nuestro siglo
Authors: Velasco Sesma Angélica
Published: November 2017

Una de las formas en que la Filosofía se convierte en pensamiento crítico comprometido con su tiempo es cuando atiende a las cuestiones relacionadas con los movimientos sociales. Las diversas crisis en que nos encontramos actualmente requieren un quehacer filosófico que, sin abandonar el ámbito de la erudición académica, se acerque a los problemas sociales, aportando soluciones éticas y políticas. Las distintas formas de la Ética Ambiental se sitúan a este nivel. No obstante, sus propuestas serán sesgadas si no atienden a las cuestiones de género asociadas a la problemática ambiental. La reflexión filosófica ecofeminista explora estas ausencias y realiza valiosas aportaciones a estas teorías y propuestas políticas.
Community building and translingual practice in an international eGroups telecollaboration
Authors: Walker Ute
Published: November 2017

This article reports on an international eGroups telecollaboration involving two groups of tertiary learners in universities located in Germany and New Zealand. Their target languages English and German played a "joint curricular role" (García, 2009) in their collaborative inquiry into contemporary global issues. Data from three selected synchronous interactions were examined for this study to understand how one group of learners developed and sustained cohesive relations as part of building a learner community. The exploratory research seeks to understand how these learners built a sense of community to sustain their interactions and negotiation of meaning and ways in which they utilized their linguistic repertoires to do so.
Interdiffusion Studies in β- and γ′-Intermetallic Phases of the Binary Ni-Al System
Authors: Kodentsov Alexander
Published: November 2017

A critical review of interdiffusion processes in the binary β-NiAl and γ'-Ni3Al intermetallic compounds is presented. The molar volume changes associated with interdiffusion and partial molar volumes of the reacting species, required for the determination of the diffusion parameters, are found using lattice parameter data and, in the case of NiAl, the available information about vacancy concentration within homogeneity range of the β-phase. The presented treatment is purely phenomenological, and its use is convenient since no exlicit assumption of the underlying mechanisms required. A critical analysis of diffusion data for β-NiAl and γ'-Ni3Al ordered phases is followed by discussion of error sources encountered in the interdiffusion experiments. From Kirkendall marker experiments with incremental diffusion couples, information about relative mobilities of species in the intermetallic phases can be obtained, and tracer diffusion coefficients can be deduced using pertinent thermodynamic data on the nickel aluminides. Contribution of the vacancy wind effect to the calculated tracer diffusivities can also be estimated. The Kirkendall plane bifurcation in the Ni41.7Al58.3/Ni72.24Al27.76reaction couple, in which a single-phased layer of β-NiAl intermatallic is formed during interdiffusion from its adjacent phases, is directly related to the growth of grains of the reaction product at a location in between interfaces with starting materials. This diffusion phenomenon can be rationallised using a corresponding Kirkendall velocity diagram. Changes in magnitude and sign of the difference in intrinsic mobilities of the components inside the homogeneity range of the β-NiAl lead to a velocity curve that makes bifurcation of the Kirkendall marker plane possible.
Diffusion in B2 NiAl and FeAl Intermetallics and Their Alloys
Authors: Kulkarni Kaustubh N.
Published: November 2017

Both FeAl and NiAl with B2 crystal structure are envisaged for their usage in high temperature applications and hence, availability of diffusion data in these intermetallics is crucial in designing their alloys and processes as well as deciding their in-service performance. A comprehensive overview of diffusion data available in B2 FeAl and NiAl and their alloys is provided in this article. Nearest neighbor vacancy jumps in B2 intermetallic lead to a local disorder in the lattice and hence it is not necessarily the unit step of diffusion in these structures. Several mechanisms of diffusion proposed in the literature are discussed including nearest neighbor jumps, next nearest neighbor jumps, six-jump vacancy cycle, triple defect and antisite bridge. Relevance of these mechanisms in FeAl and NiAl is discussed. An overview is given on the self-and solute diffusion and interdiffusion data available in both binary FeAl and NiAl. Due to wide solubility range of both FeAl and NiAl as well as their alloying requirements for improved properties, it becomes pertinent to study the multicomponent diffusion in the alloys based on these B2 itnermetallics. Hence, in the latter part of the article, various methods used for determining multicomponent diffusion data are reviewed. A detail overview is also provided on the diffusion studies available in literature on ternary alloys based on FeAl and NiAl with an emphasis on highlighting the diffusional interactions observed in these systems.
Galectin-1: A Jack-of-All-Trades in the Resolution of Acute and Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Sundblad Victoria , Morosi Luciano G. , Geffner Jorge R. , Rabinovich Gabriel A.
Published: November 2017

Regulatory signals provide negative input to immunological networks promoting resolution of acute and chronic inflammation. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of a family of evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding proteins, displays broad anti-inflammatory and proresolving activities by targeting multiple immune cell types. Within the innate immune compartment, Gal-1 acts as a resolution-associated molecular pattern by counteracting the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibiting neutrophil trafficking, targeting eosinophil migration and survival, and suppressing mast cell degranulation. Likewise, this lectin controls T cell and B cell compartments by modulating receptor clustering and signaling, thus serving as a negative-regulatory checkpoint that reprograms cellular activation, differentiation, and survival. In this review, we discuss the central role of Gal-1 in regulatory programs operating during acute inflammation, autoimmune diseases, allergic inflammation, pregnancy, cancer, and infection. Therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting Gal-1–glycan interactions will contribute to overcome cancer immunosuppression and reinforce antimicrobial immunity, whereas stimulation of Gal-1–driven immunoregulatory circuits will help to mitigate exuberant inflammation.
An Evaluation of Portable Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Monitor Accuracy
Authors: Cooper Earl , Grundstein Andrew , Rosen Adam , Miles Jessica , Ko Jupil , Curry Patrick
Published: November 2017

Context: 

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is the gold standard for assessing environmental heat stress during physical activity. Many manufacturers of commercially available instruments fail to report WBGT accuracy.

Objective: 

To determine the accuracy of several commercially available WBGT monitors compared with a standardized reference device.

Design: 

Observational study.

Setting: 

Field test.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Six commercially available WBGT devices.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Data were recorded for 3 sessions (1 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon) at 2-minute intervals for at least 2 hours. Mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were calculated to determine instrument performance compared with the reference unit.

Results: 

The QUESTemp° 34 (MAE = 0.24°C, RMSE = 0.44°C, MBE = –0.64%) and Extech HT30 Heat Stress Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meter (Extech; MAE = 0.61°C, RMSE = 0.79°C, MBE = 0.44%) demonstrated the least error in relation to the reference standard, whereas the General WBGT8778 Heat Index Checker (General; MAE = 1.18°C, RMSE = 1.34°C, MBE = 4.25%) performed the poorest. The QUESTemp° 34 and Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker units provided conservative measurements that slightly overestimated the WBGT provided by the reference unit. Finally, instruments using the psychrometric wet bulb temperature (General, REED Heat Index WBGT Meter, and WBGT-103 Heat Stroke Checker) tended to underestimate the WBGT, and the resulting values more frequently fell into WBGT-based activity categories with fewer restrictions as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Conclusions: 

The QUESTemp° 34, followed by the Extech, had the smallest error compared with the reference unit. Moreover, the QUESTemp° 34, Extech, and Kestrel units appeared to offer conservative yet accurate assessments of the WBGT, potentially minimizing the risk of allowing physical activity to continue in stressful heat environments. Instruments using the psychrometric wet bulb temperature tended to underestimate WBGT under low wind-speed conditions. Accurate WBGT interpretations are important to enable clinicians to guide activities in hot and humid weather conditions.
Schema adjustment and Holy Communion: A transdisciplinary approach
Authors: Bentley Wessel
Published: November 2017

In his sermon entitled ‘The means of grace’, John Wesley proclaimed that Christians should consider the Sacrament of Holy Communion as an event through which a person is exposed to God’s life-transforming grace. The research question posed by this article is whether Holy Communion can attain change in an individual. Using a transdisciplinary approach, this article explores how Holy Communion in the Methodist tradition can be used for schema formation and/or schema adjustment.
A reflection on the relationship between performance management and training in the South African public service
Authors: Munzhedzi P. Harry
Published: November 2017

Orientation: Performance management plays a pivotal role in the realisation of many facets of public administration, including service delivery, good governance and organisational productivity through setting of performance targets and regular assessments of performance. In search of improved quality and productivity in the public service, the South African government introduced several legislative and policy interventions, including but not limited to the Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation 103 of 1994), Public Service Regulations of 2001 and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery of 1997.Research purpose: The main thrust of this conceptual paper was to explore the relationship between performance management and training in the South African public service.Motivation for the study: The lack of sufficient literature on the relationship between performance management and training. To also prove that the two are inseparably linked, meaning that one cannot exist without the other.Research design, approach and method: This article, which is conceptual in nature, reviewed existing literature on performance management and training in the public service extensively so as to arrive at a definitive conclusion.Main findings: The article contends that as much as training underpins the process of performance management, training is also fortified by performance management. Precisely, there cannot be performance management without training and vice versa.Practical/managerial implications: As much as training is imperative in the management of performance in the public service, such training must be need-based and it must be underpinned by performance management through identification of skills gap in the assessment of performance.Contribution: It is proposed that to enhance the knowledge, capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the public service performance, needs-based training that seeks to close the skills gap, is developed and adequately implemented.
A propos de cas de septicémie à pneumocoques (Streptococcus pneumonia) chez le veau dans un contexte d’affections respiratoires récidivantes humaines
Authors: Vaissaire Josée , Manet Ghislain , Geslin Pierre , Notin Georges
Published: November 2017

Les auteurs décrivent deux foyers de pneumopathies, méningites et septicémies à pneumocoques chez des veaux en France en Avril-Mai 1997. L’affection sévit chez des animaux très jeunes de 0 à 4 semaines. Cette maladie peut être confondue avec de la colibacillose ou de la salmonellose.

Les sérotypes isolées sont les 14 et 15b, le 14 était multirésistant aux antibiotiques. Les éleveurs étaient atteints de troubles respiratoires chroniques et récidivants.