bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disabling and Enabling Technologies for Learning in Higher Education for All: Issues and Challenges for Whom?
Authors: Bagga-Gupta Sangeeta , Messina Dahlberg Giulia , Winther Ylva
Published: October 2016

Integration, inclusion, and equity constitute fundamental dimensions of democracy in post-World War II societies and their institutions. The study presented here reports upon the ways in which individuals and institutions both use and account for the roles that technologies, including ICT, play in disabling and enabling access for learning in higher education for all. Technological innovations during the 20th and 21st centuries, including ICT, have been heralded as holding significant promise for revolutionizing issues of access in societal institutions like schools, healthcare services, etc. (at least in the global North). Taking a socially oriented perspective, the study presented in this paper focuses on an ethnographically framed analysis of two datasets that critically explores the role that technologies, including ICT, play in higher education for individuals who are “differently abled” and who constitute a variation on a continuum of capabilities. Functionality as a dimension of everyday life in higher education in the 21st century is explored through the analysis of (i) case studies of two “differently abled” students in Sweden and (ii) current support services at universities in Sweden. The findings make visible the work that institutions and their members do through analyses of the organization of time and space and the use of technologies in institutional settings against the backdrop of individuals’ accountings and life trajectories. This study also highlights the relevance of multi-scale data analyses for revisiting the ways in which identity positions become framed or understood within higher education.
Marine Fungi as Producers of Benzocoumarins, a New Class of Inhibitors of Glycogen-Synthase-Kinase 3β
Authors: Wiese Jutta , Imhoff Johannes , Gulder Tobias , Labes Antje , Schmaljohann Rolf
Published: October 2016

The glycogen-synthase-kinase 3 (GSK-3) is an important target in drug discovery. This enzyme is involved in the signaling pathways of type 2 diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, inhibitors of GSK-3 are promising drug candidates for the treatment of a broad range of diseases. Here we report pannorin (1), alternariol (2), and alternariol-9-methylether (3) to be promising inhibitors of the isoform GSK-3β showing sub-μM IC50 values. The in vitro inhibition is in the range of the known highly active GSK-3β inhibitor TDZD-8. Compounds 1–3 have a highly oxygenated benzocoumarin core structure in common, which suggests that this may be a new structural feature for efficient GSK-3β inhibition.
Chemistry and Bioactivity of Briaranes from the South China Sea Gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea
Authors: Li Cui , La Ming-Ping , Tang Hua , Sun Peng , Liu Bao-Shu , Zhuang Chun-Lin , Yi Yang-Hua , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2016

Seven new briarane diterpenoids, gemmacolides AZ–BF (1–7), were isolated together with eight known analogues (8–15) from the South China gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. Their structures were elucidated based on detailed spectroscopic analysis and a comparison with reported data. In an in vitro bioassay, these compounds exhibited different levels of growth inhibition activity against A549 and MG63 cells, giving continuous evidences about the biological contribution of functional groups at C-2, C-12, C-13, and C-16. These compounds were also evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Compound 8 exhibited a potential antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus megaterium and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli.
Upsetting Analysis of High-Strength Tubular Specimens with the Taguchi Method
Authors: Pepelnjak Tomaž , Šašek Patricia , Kudlaček Jan
Published: October 2016

In order to obtain input data for numerical simulations of tube forming, the material properties of tubes need to be determined. A tube tensile test can only be used to measure yield stress and ultimate tensile stress. For tubes with a large diameter/thickness ratio (D/t), tensile specimens are cut out and processed in a similar way as with sheet metal. However, for thin tubes with a diameter/thickness ratio below 10, the tensile specimens could not be cut out. The flow curve of the analyzed tube with a small diameter and D/t ratio of 7 was determined with a ring-shaped specimen. The experimental force-travel diagram was acquired. A reverse-engineering method was used to determine flow curves by numerical simulations. Using an L25 orthogonal array of the Taguchi method different flow curve parameters and friction coefficient combinations were selected. Tube upsetting with determined parameter combinations was performed with the finite element method. With analysis of variance influential equations among selected input parameters were determined for the force levels at six upsetting states. With the evaluation of known friction coefficients and flow curve parameters, K, n, and ε0 according to the Swift approximation were determined and proved by the final shape of the workpiece.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of a CMSX-4 Ni-Base Superalloy Produced by Selective Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Parsa Alireza , Ramsperger Markus , Kostka Aleksander , Somsen Christoph , Körner Carolin , Eggeler Gunther
Published: October 2016

In this work, the microstructures of superalloy specimens produced using selective electron beam melting additive manufacturing were characterized. The materials were produced using a CMSX-4 powder. Two selective electron beam melting processing strategies, which result in higher and lower effective cooling rates, are described. Orientation imaging microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy and conventional high resolution transmission electron microscopy are used to investigate the microstructures. Our results suggest that selective electron beam melting processing results in near equilibrium microstructures, as far as γ′ volume fractions, the formation of small amounts of TCP phases and the partitioning behavior of the alloy elements are concerned. As expected, higher cooling rates result in smaller dendrite spacings, which are two orders of magnitude smaller than observed during conventional single crystal casting. During processing, columnar grains grow in <100> directions, which are rotated with respect to each other. There are coarse γ/γ′ microstructures in high angle boundary regions. Dislocation networks form low angle boundaries. A striking feature of the as processed selective electron beam melting specimens is their high dislocation density. From a fundamental point of view, this opens new possibilities for the investigation of elementary dislocation processes which accompany solidification.
Merelaniite, Mo4Pb4VSbS15, a New Molybdenum-Essential Member of the Cylindrite Group, from the Merelani Tanzanite Deposit, Lelatema Mountains, Manyara Region, Tanzania
Authors: Jaszczak John , Rumsey Michael , Bindi Luca , Hackney Stephen , Wise Michael , Stanley Chris , Spratt John
Published: October 2016

Merelaniite is a new mineral from the tanzanite gem mines near Merelani, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania. It occurs sporadically as metallic dark gray cylindrical whiskers that are typically tens of micrometers in diameter and up to a millimeter long, although a few whiskers up to 12 mm long have been observed. The most commonly associated minerals include zoisite (variety tanzanite), prehnite, stilbite, chabazite, tremolite, diopside, quartz, calcite, graphite, alabandite, and wurtzite. In reflected polarized light, polished sections of merelaniite are gray to white in color, show strong bireflectance and strong anisotropism with pale blue and orange-brown rotation tints. Electron microprobe analysis (n = 13), based on 15 anions per formula unit, gives the formula Mo4.33Pb4.00As0.10V0.86Sb0.43Bi0.33Mn0.05 W0.05Cu0.03(S14.70Se0.30)Σ15, ideally Mo4Pb4VSbS15. An arsenic-rich variety has also been documented. X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that merelaniite is a member of the cylindrite group, with alternating centered pseudo-tetragonal (Q) and pseudo-hexagonal (H) layers with respective PbS and MoS2 structure types. The Q and H layers are both triclinic with space group C1 or C 1 ¯ . The unit cell parameters for the Q layer are: a = 5.929(8) Å; b = 5.961(5) Å; c = 12.03(1) Å; α = 91.33(9); β = 90.88(5); γ = 91.79(4); V = 425(2) Å3; and Z = 4. For the H layer, a = 5.547(9) Å; b = 3.156(4) Å; c = 11.91(1) Å; α = 89.52(9); β = 92.13(5); γ = 90.18(4); V = 208(2) Å3; and Z = 2. Among naturally occurring minerals of the cylindrite homologous series, merelaniite represents the first Mo-essential member and the first case of triangular-prismatic coordination in the H layers. The strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines [d in Å (I/I0)] are 6.14 (30); 5.94 (60); 2.968 (25); 2.965 (100); 2.272 (40); 1.829 (30). The new mineral has been approved by the IMA CNMNC (2016-042) and is named after the locality of its discovery in honor of the local miners.
Penicitroamide, an Antimicrobial Metabolite with High Carbonylization from the Endophytic Fungus Penicillium sp. (NO. 24)
Authors: Feng Zi-Wei , Lv Meng-Meng , Li Xue-Shuang , Zhang Liang , Liu Cheng-Xiong , Guo Zhi-Yong , Deng Zhang-Shuang , Zou Kun , Proksch Peter
Published: October 2016

Penicitroamide (1), a new metabolite with a new framework, was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the PDB (Potato Dextrose Broth) medium of Penicillium sp. (NO. 24). The endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. (NO. 24) was obtained from the healthy leaves of Tapiscia sinensis Oliv. The structure of penicitroamide (1) features a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane core unit with a high degree of carbonylization (four carbonyl groups and one enol group). The chemical structure of penicitroamide (1) was elucidated by analysis of 1D-, 2D-NMR and MS data. In bioassays, penicitroamide (1) displayed antibacterial potency against two plant pathogens, Erwinia carotovora subsp. Carotovora (Jones) Bersey, et al. and Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. with MIC50 at 45 and 50 μg/mL. Compound 1 also showed 60% lethality against brine shrimp at 10 μg/mL. Penicitroamide (1) exhibited no significant activity against A549, Caski, HepG2 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 > 50 μg/mL. Finally, the possible biosynthetic pathway of penicitroamide (1) was discussed.
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Lipid Oxidation in Rape (Brassica campestris L.) Bee Pollen Added to Salami during Processing
Authors: Zhang Yawei , Yang Fengtian , Jamali Muneer , Peng Zengqi
Published: October 2016

The present research investigated the antioxidant effect of rape (Brassica campestris L.) bee pollen (RBP) on salami during processing. Eight flavonoids in RBP ethanol extract were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis, and quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol were the major bioactive compounds. The RBP ethanol extract exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity than 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tertramethylchromancarboxylic acid (trolox) at the same concentration. The salami with 0.05% RBP extract had higher catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities than that of the control throughout the processing time (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in peroxide value (POV) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were obtained in the final salami product with 0.05% RBP ethanol extract or 1% RBP (p < 0.05). These results suggested that RBP could improve oxidative stability and had a good potential as a natural antioxidant for retarding lipid oxidation.
Screening Auxin Response, In Vitro Culture Aptitude and Susceptibility to Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Italian Commercial Durum Wheat Varieties
Authors: Sabetta Wilma , Crosatti Cristina , Soltész Alexandra , Di Rienzo Valentina , Montemurro Cinzia
Published: October 2016

The development of a robust Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for a recalcitrant species like durum wheat requires the identification and optimization of factors affecting T-DNA delivery and plant regeneration. The purpose of this research was to compare the behavior of diverse durum wheat genotypes during in vitro culture and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, using immature embryos as explants. Apart from plant genotype, two of the main influencing factors for a successful genetic transformation have been examined here, i.e., auxin source (Dicamba and 2,4-D) and duration of the pre-culture period (one, seven and 21 days). The addition of Dicamba to the media in combination with seven days pre-cultivation resulted in a general enhancement of T-DNA delivery for most of the analyzed cultivars, as revealed by β-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical assay. Although all genotypes were able to produce calli, significant differences were detected in regeneration and transformation efficiencies, since only two (Karalis and Neolatino) out of 14 cultivars produced fertile transgenic plants. The estimated transformation efficiencies were 6.25% and 1.66% for Karalis and Neolatino, respectively, and χ2 analysis revealed the stable integration and segregation of the gus transgene in T1 and T2 progenies. This research has demonstrated that, among the influencing factors, genotype and auxin type play the most important role in the success of durum wheat transformation.
Investigation of Snow Cover Effects and Attenuation Correction of Gamma Ray in Aerial Radiation Monitoring
Authors: Ishizaki Azusa , Sanada Yukihisa , Mori Airi , Imura Mitsuo , Ishida Mutsushi , Munakata Masahiro
Published: October 2016

In aerial radiation monitoring (ARM), the air dose rate cannot be appropriately estimated under snowy conditions due to attenuation of gamma rays by the snow layer. A technique to address this issue is required for ARM to obtain enough signals for air dose rates. To develop this technique, we investigated the relationship between snow depth and ARM measurement results using ARM, laser imaging detection and ranging, and ground measurement before and after snowfall. From the measured data, the results obtained using three different correction factors were examined and compared. An appropriate correction improved the underestimation of the air dose rate. However, further improvement in the accuracy of the analysis requires accurate estimation of the snow water equivalent.
Comparison of Reflectance Measurements Acquired with a Contact Probe and an Integration Sphere: Implications for the Spectral Properties of Vegetation at a Leaf Level
Authors: Potůčková Markéta , Červená Lucie , Kupková Lucie , Lhotáková Zuzana , Lukeš Petr , Hanuš Jan , Novotný Jan , Albrechtová Jana
Published: October 2016

Laboratory spectroscopy in visible and infrared regions is an important tool for studies dealing with plant ecophysiology and early recognition of plant stress due to changing environmental conditions. Leaf optical properties are typically acquired with a spectroradiometer coupled with an integration sphere (IS) in a laboratory or with a contact probe (CP), which has the advantage of operating flexibility and the provision of repetitive in-situ reflectance measurements. Experiments comparing reflectance spectra measured with different devices and device settings are rarely reported in literature. Thus, in our study we focused on a comparison of spectra collected with two ISs on identical samples ranging from a Spectralon and coloured papers as reference standards to vegetation samples with broadleaved (Nicotiana Rustica L.) and coniferous (Picea abies L. Karst.) leaf types. First, statistical measures such as mean absolute difference, median of differences, standard deviation and paired-sample t-test were applied in order to evaluate differences between collected reflectance values. The possibility of linear transformation between spectra was also tested. Moreover, correlation between normalised differential indexes (NDI) derived for each device and all combinations of wavelengths between 450 nm and 1800 nm were assessed. Finally, relationships between laboratory measured leaf compounds (total chlorophyll, carotenoids and water content), NDI and selected spectral indices often used in remote sensing were studied. The results showed differences between spectra acquired with different devices. While differences were negligible in the case of the Spectralon and they were possible to be modelled with a linear transformation in the case of coloured papers, the spectra collected with the CP and the ISs differed significantly in the case of vegetation samples. Regarding the spectral indices calculated from the reflectance data collected with the three devices, their mean values were in the range of the corresponding standard deviations in the case of broadleaved leaf type. Larger differences in optical leaf properties of spruce needles collected with the CP and ISs are implicated from the different measurement procedure due to needle-like leaf where shoots with spatially oriented needles were measured with the CP and individual needles with the IS. The study shows that a direct comparison between the spectra collected with two devices is not advisable as spectrally dependent offsets may likely exist. We propose that the future studies shall focus on standardisation of measurement procedures so that open access spectral libraries could serve as a reliable input for modelling of optical properties on a leaf level.
Driver Distraction Using Visual-Based Sensors and Algorithms
Authors: Fernández Alberto , Usamentiaga Rubén , Carús Juan , Casado Rubén
Published: October 2016

Driver distraction, defined as the diversion of attention away from activities critical for safe driving toward a competing activity, is increasingly recognized as a significant source of injuries and fatalities on the roadway. Additionally, the trend towards increasing the use of in-vehicle information systems is critical because they induce visual, biomechanical and cognitive distraction and may affect driving performance in qualitatively different ways. Non-intrusive methods are strongly preferred for monitoring distraction, and vision-based systems have appeared to be attractive for both drivers and researchers. Biomechanical, visual and cognitive distractions are the most commonly detected types in video-based algorithms. Many distraction detection systems only use a single visual cue and therefore, they may be easily disturbed when occlusion or illumination changes appear. Moreover, the combination of these visual cues is a key and challenging aspect in the development of robust distraction detection systems. These visual cues can be extracted mainly by using face monitoring systems but they should be completed with more visual cues (e.g., hands or body information) or even, distraction detection from specific actions (e.g., phone usage). Additionally, these algorithms should be included in an embedded device or system inside a car. This is not a trivial task and several requirements must be taken into account: reliability, real-time performance, low cost, small size, low power consumption, flexibility and short time-to-market. The key points for the development and implementation of sensors to carry out the detection of distraction will also be reviewed. This paper shows a review of the role of computer vision technology applied to the development of monitoring systems to detect distraction. Some key points considered as both future work and challenges ahead yet to be solved will also be addressed.
Quantitative Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Produced by Cupriavidus necator H16
Authors: Samek Ota , Obruča Stanislav , Šiler Martin , Sedláček Petr , Benešová Pavla , Kučera Dan , Márova Ivana , Ježek Jan , Bernatová Silva , Zemánek Pavel
Published: October 2016

We report herein on the application of Raman spectroscopy to the rapid quantitative analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biodegradable polyesters accumulated by various bacteria. This theme was exemplified for quantitative detection of the most common member of PHAs, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in Cupriavidus necator H16. We have identified the relevant spectral region (800–1800 cm−1) incorporating the Raman emission lines exploited for the calibration of PHB (PHB line at 1736 cm−1) and for the selection of the two internal standards (DNA at 786 cm−1 and Amide I at 1662 cm−1). In order to obtain quantitative data for calibration of intracellular content of PHB in bacterial cells reference samples containing PHB amounts—determined by gas chromatography—from 12% to 90% (w/w) were used. Consequently, analytical results based on this calibration can be used for fast and reliable determination of intracellular PHB content during biotechnological production of PHB since the whole procedure—from bacteria sampling, centrifugation, and sample preparation to Raman analysis—can take about 12 min. In contrast, gas chromatography analysis takes approximately 8 h.
Predicting Short-Term Subway Ridership and Prioritizing Its Influential Factors Using Gradient Boosting Decision Trees
Authors: Ding Chuan , Wang Donggen , Ma Xiaolei , Li Haiying
Published: October 2016

Understanding the relationship between short-term subway ridership and its influential factors is crucial to improving the accuracy of short-term subway ridership prediction. Although there has been a growing body of studies on short-term ridership prediction approaches, limited effort is made to investigate the short-term subway ridership prediction considering bus transfer activities and temporal features. To fill this gap, a relatively recent data mining approach called gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT) is applied to short-term subway ridership prediction and used to capture the associations with the independent variables. Taking three subway stations in Beijing as the cases, the short-term subway ridership and alighting passengers from its adjacent bus stops are obtained based on transit smart card data. To optimize the model performance with different combinations of regularization parameters, a series of GBDT models are built with various learning rates and tree complexities by fitting a maximum of trees. The optimal model performance confirms that the gradient boosting approach can incorporate different types of predictors, fit complex nonlinear relationships, and automatically handle the multicollinearity effect with high accuracy. In contrast to other machine learning methods—or “black-box” procedures—the GBDT model can identify and rank the relative influences of bus transfer activities and temporal features on short-term subway ridership. These findings suggest that the GBDT model has considerable advantages in improving short-term subway ridership prediction in a multimodal public transportation system.
Sustaining Upgrading in Agricultural Value Chains? State-Led Value Chain Interventions and Emerging Bifurcation of the South Indian Smallholder Tea Sector
Authors: Larsen Marianne
Published: October 2016

The Global Value Chain (GVC) approach has emerged as a novel methodological device for analysing economic globalization and international trade. The suitability of the chain metaphor and strategies for moving up the ladder of GVCs (“upgrade”) is widely echoed in international development agencies and public agencies in the Global South. Most of the existing GVC studies focus on new forms of firm-to-firm relationships and the role of lead firms and chain governance in defining upgrading opportunities. This paper examines the role of the state and local institutional initiatives in promoting upgrading in agricultural GVCs originating in rural areas of the Global South. The paper draws on research conducted in the South Indian smallholder tea sector. The paper argues that successful forms of state-led chain interventions not only contribute to upgrading of the smallholder-brought leaf factory strand of the GVC originating in the South Indian tea sector, but might also result in increasing bifurcation of smallholders integrated into high-margin markets through prominent bought leaf factories and a mass of “others” outside this tightly coordinated strand of the tea value chain.
Should Organic Agriculture Maintain Its Opposition to GM? New Techniques Writing the Same Old Story
Authors: Wickson Fern , Binimelis Rosa , Herrero Amaranta
Published: October 2016

Biotechnology is diversifying rapidly through the development and application of new approaches to genome editing and ongoing research into synthetic biology. Proponents of biotechnology are enthusiastic about these new developments and have recently begun calling for environmental movements to abandon their campaigns against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and for organic agriculture to reconsider its exclusion of Genetic Modification (GM). In this article, we begin by describing the diversity of practices that cluster under both the terms GM and organic and show that although there is a clash of different cultures of agriculture at stake, there is also a spectrum of practices existing between these two poles. Having established the terms of the debate, we then go on to analyse whether the organic movement should reconsider its position on GM in light of new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs), using the criteria highlighted as important by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in their 2016 draft revised position on GMOs. Through this analysis, we suggest that given the in-context-trajectory of biotechnology development, the continued narrow framing of agricultural problems and the ongoing exclusion of important socio-economic, political and cultural dimensions, the organic movement is justified in maintaining its opposition to GM in the face of NPBTs.
Regular and Chiral Polyhedra in Euclidean Nets
Authors: Pellicer Daniel
Published: October 2016

We enumerate the regular and chiral polyhedra (in the sense of Grünbaum’s skeletal approach) whose vertex and edge sets are a subset of those of the primitive cubic lattice, the face-centred cubic lattice, or the body-centred cubic lattice.
Building the Observer into the System: Toward a Realistic Description of Human Interaction with the World
Authors: Fields Chris
Published: October 2016

Human beings do not observe the world from the outside, but rather are fully embedded in it. The sciences, however, often give the observer both a “god’s eye” perspective and substantial a priori knowledge. Motivated by W. Ross Ashby’s statement, “the theory of the Black Box is merely the theory of real objects or systems, when close attention is given to the question, relating object and observer, about what information comes from the object, and how it is obtained” (Introduction to Cybernetics, 1956, p. 110), I develop here an alternate picture of the world as a black box to which the observer is coupled. Within this framework I prove purely-classical analogs of the “no-go” theorems of quantum theory. Focussing on the question of identifying macroscopic objects, such as laboratory apparatus or even other observers, I show that the standard quantum formalism of superposition is required to adequately represent the classical information that an observer can obtain. I relate these results to supporting considerations from evolutionary biology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and artificial intelligence.
Effect of Various Compounds Blocking the Colony Pigmentation on the Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Dzhavakhiya Vitaly , Voinova Tatiana , Popletaeva Sofya , Statsyuk Natalia , Limantseva Lyudmila , Shcherbakova Larisa
Published: October 2016

Aflatoxins and melanins are the products of a polyketide biosynthesis. In this study, the search of potential inhibitors of the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biosynthesis was performed among compounds blocking the pigmentation in fungi. Four compounds—three natural (thymol, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, compactin) and one synthetic (fluconazole)—were examined for their ability to block the pigmentation and AFB1 production in Aspergillus flavus. All compounds inhibited the mycelium pigmentation of a fungus growing on solid medium. At the same time, thymol, fluconazole, and 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde stimulated AFB1 accumulation in culture broth of A. flavus under submerged fermentation, whereas the addition of 2.5 μg/mL of compactin resulted in a 50× reduction in AFB1 production. Moreover, compactin also suppressed the sporulation of A. flavus on solid medium. In vivo treatment of corn and wheat grain with compactin (50 μg/g of grain) reduced the level of AFB1 accumulation 14 and 15 times, respectively. Further prospects of the compactin study as potential AFB1 inhibitor are discussed.
Enterotoxin Gene Cluster-Encoded SEI and SElN from Staphylococcus aureus Isolates are Crucial for the Induction of Human Blood Cell Proliferation and Pathogenicity in Rabbits
Authors: Roetzer Andreas , Gruener Corina , Haller Guenter , Beyerly John , Model Nina , Eibl Martha
Published: October 2016

Among the toxin family of bacterial superantigens, the six members of the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) seem to have unusual characteristics. They are present in the majority of Staphylococcus aureus strains, but their role in disease remains uncertain. We assessed secretion levels, immunogenicity, and toxicity of native and recombinant egc proteins. After having developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we found different quantities of egc proteins secreted by bacterial isolates. Supernatants induced proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, purified recombinant egc proteins were shown to have differing superantigenicity potentials. Immunization with identical amounts of all members of egc, and the prominent toxic agent SEB, resulted in neutralizing antisera. Two egc proteins, SEI and SElN, were found to play a predominant role within the cluster. Both displayed the highest potential to activate blood cells, and were essential to be neutralized in supernatants. The application of a supernatant of a strain bearing only egc was sufficient for a lethal outcome in a rabbit model. Again, neutralization of SEI and SElN led to the survival of all tested animals. Finally, nanogram amounts of purified rSEI and rSElN led to lethality in vivo, pointing out the importance of both as virulence determinants among egc superantigens.
Robust C–C bonded porous networks with chemically designed functionalities for improved CO2 capture from flue gas
Authors: Thirion Damien , Lee Joo S , Özdemir Ercan , Yavuz Cafer T
Published: October 2016

Effective carbon dioxide (CO2) capture requires solid, porous sorbents with chemically and thermally stable frameworks. Herein, we report two new carbon–carbon bonded porous networks that were synthesized through metal-free Knoevenagel nitrile–aldol condensation, namely the covalent organic polymer, COP-156 and 157. COP-156, due to high specific surface area (650 m2/g) and easily interchangeable nitrile groups, was modified post-synthetically into free amine- or amidoxime-containing networks. The modified COP-156-amine showed fast and increased CO2 uptake under simulated moist flue gas conditions compared to the starting network and usual industrial CO2 solvents, reaching up to 7.8 wt % uptake at 40 °C.
KINETIC EXTENSION OF CRITICAL BALANCE TO WHISTLER TURBULENCE
Authors: Narita Y.
Published: October 2016

Kinetic extension of the critical balance for plasma turbulence is presented on the spatial scales around the ion inertial length by considering electron fluid turbulence in the directions around the mean magnetic field and obliquely propagating whistler waves. The wavevector anisotropy scaling and the energy spectra for the flow velocity, the magnetic field, and the electric field are discussed.
THE HYDRODYNAMIC FEEDBACK OF COSMIC REIONIZATION ON SMALL-SCALE STRUCTURES AND ITS IMPACT ON PHOTON CONSUMPTION DURING THE EPOCH OF REIONIZATION
Authors: Park(박 현배) Hyunbae , Shapiro Paul R. , Choi Jun-hwan , Yoshida Naoki , Hirano Shingo , Ahn Kyungjin
Published: October 2016

Density inhomogeneity in the intergalactic medium (IGM) can boost the recombination rate of ionized gas substantially, affecting the growth of H ii regions during reionization. Previous attempts to quantify this effect typically failed to resolve down to the Jeans scale in the preionization IGM, which is important in establishing this effect, along with the hydrodynamical back-reaction of reionization on it. Toward that end, we perform a set of fully coupled, radiation-hydrodynamics simulations from cosmological initial conditions, extending the mass resolution of previous work to the scale of minihalos. Pre-reionization structure is evolved until a redshift z

i
at which the ionizing radiation from external sources arrives to sweep an R-type ionization front supersonically across the volume in a few million years, until it is trapped on the surfaces of minihalos and converted to D-type, after which the minihalo gas is removed by photoevaporative winds. Small-scale density structures during this time lead to a high (>10) clumping factor for ionized gas, which hugely boosts the recombination rate until the structures are disrupted by the hydrodynamic feedback after ∼10–100 Myr. For incoming stellar radiation with intensity J
21 in a 200 h
−1 kpc box with the mean density contrast

, the number of extra recombinations per H atom, on top of what is expected from homogeneously distributed gas, is given by

. In models in which most of the volume is ionized toward the end of reionization, this can add more than one recombination per H atom to the ionizing photon budget to achieve reionization.
LOW-METALLICITY ABSORBERS ACCOUNT FOR HALF OF THE DENSE CIRCUMGALACTIC GAS AT z ≲ 1*

†
Authors: Wotta Christopher B. , Lehner Nicolas , Howk J. Christopher , O’Meara John M. , Prochaska J. Xavier
Published: October 2016

We present an analysis of the metallicity distribution of the dense circumgalactic medium (CGM) of galaxies at 0.1 ≲ z ≲ 1.1 as probed by partial Lyman limit systems (pLLSs, 16.1 < log

 < 17.2) and LLSs (17.2 ≤ log

 < 17.7 in our sample). The new H i-selected sample, drawn from our Hubble Space Telescope COS G140L snapshot survey of 61 QSOs, has 20 pLLSs and 10 LLSs. Combined with our previous survey, we have a total of 44 pLLSs and 11 LLSs. We find that the metallicity distribution of the pLLSs is bimodal at z ≲ 1, with a minimum at [X/H] = −1. The low-metallicity peak comprises (57 ± 8)% of the pLLSs and is centered at [X/H] ≃ −1.87(1.3% solar metallicity), while the high-metallicity peak is centered at [X/H] ≃ −0.32 (48% solar metallicity). Although the sample of LLSs is still small, there is some evidence that the metallicity distributions of the LLSs and pLLSs are different, with a far lower fraction of very metal-poor ([X/H] < −1.4) LLSs than pLLSs. The fraction of LLSs with [X/H] < −1 is similar to that found in pLLSs (∼56%). However, higher H i column density absorbers (log

 > 19.0) show a much lower fraction of metal-poor gas; therefore, the metallicity distribution of gas in and around galaxies depends sensitively on N
H i
at z ≲ 1. We interpret the high-metallicity ([X/H] ≥ −1) pLLSs and LLSs as arising in outflows, recycling winds, and tidally stripped gas around galaxies. The low-metallicity pLLSs and LLSs imply that the CGM of z ≲ 1 galaxies hosts a substantial mass of cool, dense, low-metallicity gas that may ultimately accrete onto the galaxies.
ON UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF COLLISIONS OF CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS OBSERVED BY STEREO
Authors: Mishra Wageesh , Wang Yuming , Srivastava Nandita
Published: October 2016

We attempt to understand the collision characteristics of two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched successively from the Sun on 2013 October 25. The estimated kinematics, from three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques applied to observations of CMEs by the SECCHI/Coronagraphic (COR) and Heliospheric Imagers, reveal their collision around 37

from the Sun. In the analysis, we take into account the propagation and expansion speeds, impact direction, and angular size as well as the masses of the CMEs. These parameters are derived from imaging observations, but may suffer from large uncertainties. Therefore, by adopting head-on as well as oblique collision scenarios, we have quantified the range of uncertainties involved in the calculation of the coefficient of restitution for expanding magnetized plasmoids. We show that the large expansion speed of the following CME compared with that of the preceding CME results in a higher probability of super-elastic collision. We also infer that a relative approaching speed of the CMEs lower than the sum of their expansion speeds increases the chance of a super-elastic collision. The analysis under reasonable errors in the observed parameters of the CME reveals a larger probability of occurrence of an inelastic collision for the selected CMEs. We suggest that the collision nature of two CMEs should be discussed in 3D, and the calculated value of the coefficient of restitution may suffer from a large uncertainty.
Ségrégations à l’hôpital. De quelques figures de l’étranger dans la relation de soin
Authors: Pestre Élise , Baligand Pascale , Wolmark Laure
Published: October 2016

Dans cet article, les auteures proposent une lecture des phénomènes de ségrégation à l’œuvre dans le champ de la santé en s’intéressant à la relation de soin, à partir d’une psychanalyse en extension dans le champ politique et social. À partir d’une étude conduite auprès de soignants dans des hôpitaux de la région parisienne, ce texte met au jour des figures de l’étranger qui émergent chez les professionnels, et qui sont susceptibles d’interférer dans les prises en charge, voire de les entraver. Ces figures sont construites selon des modalités proches du travail du rêve et mêlent au discours social, une dimension historique, ainsi que des éléments plus subjectifs. Ces figures se relient à des effets d’angoisse, voire de sidération dans la relation transférentielle ; elles peuvent être regroupées à travers différentes catégories qui définissent ainsi ce qui « fait étranger » pour le soignant (inquiétante étrangeté, étranger à la vie nue, étranger réel).
Narcisse à l’épreuve de l’hémodialyse :quelle méta-morphose ?
Authors: Jean-Dit-Pannel Romuald
Published: October 2016

De par une maladie rénale chronique et ses traitements médicaux palliatifs tels que l’hémodialyse, le narcissisme du sujet, confronté à sa propre mort, est à l’épreuve d’une méta-morphose somatique et psychique. Cet article se propose d’interroger ce contexte particulier d’intervention clinique, questionnant l’espace psychique de « bébés en détresse » au sein duquel un dispositif spécifique peut être mis en place afin de travailler à susciter la demande des sujets dialysés. Le maternage psych(olog)ique et la tranquille disponibilité intérieure du clinicien entreront en jeu, afin de proposer une réanimation psychique, jusqu’à une prise en charge psychothérapeutique.
L’engagement de Freud dans la neurologie
Authors: Longé Thierry
Published: October 2016

L’enseignement de Meynert en psychiatrie a su retenir, plus que tout autre, l’intérêt de Sigmund Freud étudiant. Apprenti médecin, ce dernier se tourne vers la neurologie pour en faire bientôt son activité principale et la voie de son ambition. Les circonstances de ce premier tournant font resurgir la figure singulière de son aîné dans la carrière, Nathan Weiss, dont le suicide précipite une décision et un engagement scientifique déterminant pour la suite de son parcours intellectuel.
Psychanalyse et observation du bébé selon Esther Bick
Authors: Delion Pierre
Published: October 2016

La psychanalyse permet au futur psychothérapeute de se former à ce « métier impossible ». Toutefois, la connaissance du bébé est une nécessité pour devenir un psychothérapeute d’enfant. La méthode d’observation d’un bébé selon Esther Bick est une des possibilités les plus fécondes pour ce faire. Cet article tente de proposer une réflexion sur l’intérêt des deux approches, aussi bien sur le plan psychopathologique que sur les aléas du transfert-contre transfert. Les effets institutionnels seront également abordés. Nul doute qu’à un moment de l’histoire des idées où la psychanalyse est l’objet de disqualifications injustes, des expériences puissent en montrer toute l’importance pour traiter la souffrance psychique des enfants.
Quelques considérations sur l’observation dite « directe » et son interprétation
Authors: Roussillon René
Published: October 2016

L’auteur souligne les différentes objections faites par certains psychanalystes à l’observation directe opposée à l’ observation indirecte dans la situation psychanalytique privilégiant l’écoute de l’associativité du sujet. Mais, il indique la parenté entre la méthode d’Esther Bick et la situation psychanalytique, à partir d’une vignette d’observation directe et en s’appuyant sur le modèle proposé par Devereux : le tout-petit exprime, à travers son comportement et ses manifestations sensori-motrices, sa propre subjectivité. C’est, en fait, d’une intersubjectivité et d’une inter-intentionnalité qu’il s’agit.
L’observation échographique prenatale
Authors: Farges François , Farges Nicole , Missonnier Sylvain
Published: October 2016

À partir de l’observation échographique prénatale, les auteurs s’intéressent au développement de la vie fœtale à partir des mouvements originaires et des premiers comporte­ments du fœtus en lien avec l’environnement. Cette épigenèse fœtale permet aux auteurs de questionner l’émergence prénatale de la vie psychique à travers des inscriptions qui seront actualisées après la naissance. L’observation échographique des jumeaux par les auteurs et une revue de la littérature sur ce thème permet d’aller plus loin et de repérer l’émergence de proto-liens entre fœtus, découverte d’un « autre ». Cette observation échographique pratiquée avec attention et bienveillance avec les parents permet aux auteurs de souligner la valeur de l’échographie pour prévenir des troubles précoces et constituer un support pour l’anticipation de l’enfant à venir.
Nous sommes tous de la terre. Une lecture de l’encyclique Laudato si’
Authors: Greiner Dominique
Published: October 2016

Avec Laudato si’ , le pape François propose un nouveau point de départ pour la réflexion et l’engagement social de l’Église. Il cherche à unifier les différents aspects de la vie humaine en montrant l’étroite interdépendance du rapport à Dieu, à soi, aux autres mais aussi à la terre. Comment comprendre l’intégration de cette nouvelle relation dans la réflexion théologique ?
À la recherche de la liberté
Authors: Boulnois Olivier
Published: October 2016

L’évidence du libre arbitre est en réalité le résultat d’une construction métaphysique complexe, qui fait intervenir les concepts d’âme, de cause et de Dieu. Nous avons vu ensuite que la thèse contraire, l’idée que notre liberté est une illusion, parce que nous sommes déterminés par des désirs inconscients, cette idée est elle-même une construction métaphysique. Pourtant, même dans ce cas, la prise en compte du désir par la parole dessinait une possibilité de libération. Enfin, nous avons vu comment l’ambiguïté de la liberté était enracinée sur l’ambiguïté du désir. Et nous avons esquissé une réponse : nous ne sommes pas encore pleinement libres. Mais nous pouvons le devenir.
Les récits d’un survivant de la Shoah, Simon Srebnik
Authors: Delage Christian
Published: October 2016

Dès l’ouverture des camps nazis, la captation publique des témoignages des survivants s’est effectuée par une médiation volontiers audiovisuelle. Comme la majorité des survivants, Simon Srebnik, l’un des rares survivants du camp d’extermination de Chełmno, n’a jamais été maître de sa parole. Cependant, il a accepté d’en être plusieurs fois le porteur, de 1945, jusqu’en 2003, trois ans avant sa mort. En choisissant certains des moments clés de ces divers récits, cet article s’attache à montrer comment ceux-ci sont conditionnés par l’instance qui les sollicite et les met en forme, et s’interroge sur leur pérennité, à l’approche de la prochaine disparition des derniers survivants.
Internal medicine network: a new way of thinking hospital-territory integration and public-private partnership
Authors: Pietrantonio Filomena , Scotti Emilio
Published: October 2016

This working proposal aims to establish an Internal Medicine Network (IMN) model for the appropriate management or the poly-pathological complex patient in the different phases of illness natural history. The IMN is based on an organization recalling the Hub and Spoke system already used for existing specialized networks. The Internal Medicine Unit (IMU) is the natural destination of acutely ill patients suffering from systemic or multi-organ diseases. Three are the IMU specific tasks: 1. To stabilize acute, severe, poly-pathologic and complex patients; 2. To develop difficult etiological diagnosis in these patients and in those who should necessarily be admitted to the hospital, not being possible, for different reasons, alternative routes; 3. To select the acute poly-pathologic complex patient's priorities. The expected results of a new model of integration system inside the IMN are: A) reduction and rationalization of expenditure in the medical area, increasing effectiveness, quality and safety guaranteeing patient centrality, B) patients stratification based on characteristics of gravity, acute illness, estimated duration of hospitalization, C) reduction of inappropriate hospital admissions ensuring connections between hospital and primary care units; D) definition of different care pathways for patients hospitalized for Non Communicable Diseases (NCD); E) implementation of new common medical records. The public-private partnership inside the IMN could be able to increase appropriateness reducing health costs. Patient cantered problems assessment, together with integration, cooperation, coordination and effective communication are some simple rules useful to achieve tangible results in a complex system and the IMN model represents its practical application.
Follicular Lymphoma: A Clinicopathological Analysis from a Tertiary care Institute in Southern India
Authors: Sylvia Mary Theresa , Dey Biswajit , Basu Debdatta , Jacob Sajini Elizabeth , Kar Rakhee , Dubashi Biswajit
Published: October 2016

IntroductionFollicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of B-cells with variable clinical behaviour. It is the second most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in western countries but reported to have a lower incidence in Asia.Materials and methodsCases of FL diagnosed in the Department of Pathology of our Institute from January 2009 to June 2015 were included in the study. The clinicopathological parameters including staging, histological details and immunohistochemical markers CD20, CD10, Bcl2 and Ki67 were recorded in all the cases.ResultsOf the 497 cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma reported during the study period, 36 (7.2%) cases were follicular lymphoma. The mean age was 50 years with male to female ratio of 3.2:1. Grade 1/ 2 was seen in 70% cases. 22 % cases had low grade with high proliferation index (Ki67 > 40%). Granulomatous response was seen in two cases. Diffuse large cell lymphoma component was present in four cases. Bone marrow involvement and peripheral blood spill was seen in 12 (37.5%) and six cases (18.8%) respectively. 72% cases were in stage 3 or 4.ConclusionIncidence of FL was lower in our study than other Indian studies. FL presented in the elderly, with male predominance and disseminated stage. Features of low grade with high proliferation index, granulomatous response, leukemic involvement and transformation to high grade lymphoma are highlighted in the study.