bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peran Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia Dalam Formulasi Rancangan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Pekerja Rumah Tangga
Authors: Fina Ananda Putri  , Nida Handayani
Published: September 2024

Pekerja rumah tangga yang lebih dikenal dengan sebutan pembantu atau asisten rumah tangga pada hakikatnya adalah pekerja yang berhak mendapatkan hak dan menjalankan kewajibannya layaknya pekerja pada umumnya. Pada kenyataannya, kasus-kasus kekerasan baik secara fisik maupun psikis terhadap PRT masih terus terjadi, oleh karena itu diperlukan sebuah kebijakan yang dapat melindungi dan mengatur secara rinci mengenai perlindungan PRT. Dalam hal ini, DPR RI bertanggung jawab untuk segera merumuskan RUU tersebut, sehingga Undang-undang tentang perlindungan pekerja rumah tangga masih menjadi sebuah rancangan dan belum disahkan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis Formulasi Kebijakan Rancangan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Pekerja Rumah Tangga di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia. Menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif, pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa DPR RI melakukan analisis data dan kategorisasi masalah dalam bentuk pasal-pasal, pada indikator spesifikasi masalah, Badan Legislasi DPR RI memperluas partisipasi publik dengan melibatkan media dan kembali mengundang banyak pihak, pada indikator pengenalan masalah, Badan Legislasi DPR RI telah melakukan uji publik dengan Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan sebagai pelaksana. Saran dari penelitian ini adalah adanya komitmen dari DPR RI agar RUU PPRT mencapai kesepakatan bersama sehingga dapat segera disahkan dengan proses yang baik dan benar.
Speak Up for Teachers Health: The Importance of Vocal Care in Education Settings
Authors: Cantor-Cutiva Lady Catherine , Hallam Pamela , Hunter Eric J.
Published: September 2024

This article reviews the elevated prevalence and complex nature of voice complaints among teachers, highlighting their profound impact on students’ academic performance, teachers’ well-being, and overall school productivity. The text discusses the significance of teachers
as occupational voice users, provides statistics on the prevalence, summarizes work-related factors and occupational policy contributing to the issue, and presents a comprehensive approach to intervention. This article facilitates recognizing and addressing work-related voice disorders among
teachers while enhancing communication between educators and healthcare professionals.
The Cultural, Sexist Sanitization of Santa Claus
Authors: Vissing Yvonne
Published: September 2024

A cross-cultural historical examination of Santa Claus reflects that women have contributed substantially to the legend of Santa Claus, but their contributions are downplayed, demeaned, or reframed to fit a sexist view of women’s roles. Santa Claus type figures have emerged around
the world as part of celebrations of the winter solstice, but strategically removed from their original cultural context to be portrayed to be part of a Christian holiday, when in fact they are not. In most reviews of the winter holidays around the world, there is almost no mention of the
vital role that women play in their creation and sustainability. In a diversified world, it is time to change the narrative of this altruistic figure so that he can become more inclusive for all.
First-Grade Transitions: Teachers’ Perceptions of Parental Emotions, Communication Strategies, and Sense of Effectiveness in Parent Engagement
Authors: Dor Asnat
Published: September 2024

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of 24 female first-grade teachers from northern Israel regarding parental emotions during their children’s transition to first grade. Using semi-structured interviews, it examines the teachers’ communication strategies and
their self-assessed skills and training to effectively engage with parents at this critical stage. The findings highlight teachers’ awareness of parents’ concerns about social integration, academic performance, and behavioral adaptation. Despite the importance of effective communication,
teachers face challenges due to parental disengagement and over-involvement and report a lack of formal training, relying instead on self-developed strategies.
Employing Critical Visual Methodologies in Development Education: An Auto-ethnographic Inquiry
Authors: Ponsaran John N
Published: September 2024

Through auto-ethnography, this paper explores the use of critical visual methodologies as a pedagogical approach in teaching and learning development studies based on the author's lived experiences and living encounters as a development educator for the last two decades of his academic
career. Specifically, the study unpacks the adoption of this critical pedagogy in classroom instruction as well as in the degree’s community-based practicum program. Conventional and non-conventional visual literacy strategies were also covered and analyzed in the specific context of
researching vulnerable groups and communities. The visual data that were explored by this qualitative inquiry encompassed visually oriented course tasks which include the production of photographs, audio-visual presentations, posters, editorial cartoons, and sociological cartoons, among others.
In ensuring coherence and complementarity in critical visual methodologies in development education, there is a need to synergize critical constructs with creative pedagogies. Meanwhile, in guaranteeing relevance and rootedness, the socio-instructional imperative is to align these alternative
constructs and pedagogies to the situatedness and struggles of communities.
University Environment in the Global Educational Space and its Impact on Diverse Students’ Learning (On the Basis of the US University Best Practice)
Authors: Smolikevych Nadiia , Mykytenko Natalia , Horokhivska Tetiana , Bilyk Oksana , Kuzan Halyna
Published: September 2024

The article explored the modern global educational space and university environment with its structure and functioning. It presents key tasks of US university education in a global context, offers the definition of the university environment, and describes core features of the US university
setting. The university campus is considered as a main educational space for students to live and study. It has been given the description of the structure, main functions and services of a university campus needed to facilitate students’ learning process. Pedagogical support for fostering
a welcoming and effective learning environment has been outlined, too. It also lists diverse students’ main challenges in an unknown university setting, which they primarily met with; the theoretical findings were justified by the recent research results. The core student competences
were studied that are extremely important to be acquired and developed in order to overcome adjustment and studying challenges. The article has explored some primary tasks of the university staff, primarily, international student counselors and educational counselors, who work with students
of different cultural backgrounds, aiming at helping them with their adjustment and studying problems.
On Singing Metaphorical Perceptions of Conservatory Students
Authors: Celik Sibel
Published: September 2024

Today, the perceptions of individuals who are performing the teaching profession are very considerable. The objective of this research is to examine the metaphorical perceptions that conservatory students have regarding the concept of singing. The study is a qualitative study, and the
data is examined by content analysis. As a data collection tool, eighty-two conservatory students were asked, ‘Singing it is like....... Because......’ They were asked three times to complete the sentence. In accordance with the results of the study; the number of metaphors produced
by conservatory students are forty-two and all are valid. The created metaphors are collected in nine diverse categories. By the results of the study, it was observed that the conservatory students who participated in the study produced metaphors frequently in the categories of freedom, breathing,
life, and heart. It was seen that the participants mostly created positive metaphors concerning the singing.
The On-The-Job Training Experiences of Business Administration Students of Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology Butuan City
Authors: Hingpit Sheigfred Paulo
Published: September 2024

On-the-job training is a crucial component of business administration education that helps students develop practical skills and knowledge in real-world settings. To establish an effective OJT program, it must align with the goals of the business administration curriculum and the industry, while the policies must provide clear guidance on student selection, placement, and evaluation. However, OJT can be adversely affected by many socioeconomic factors. The study used experiential learning theory, a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of business administration students at the Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology in their on-the-job training. Study aimed to investigate the opportunity and challenges during the OJT, the coping mechanism of the interns, the monitoring strategies employed to oversee the interns, the assessment of BSBA interns to the Host Agencies/Industry/Supervisor, the assessment received of BSBA Students from the Host Agencies/Supervisor, and based on the findings of the study, what intervention program may be designedIn the study, the BSBA student interns experienced practical experience and basic office work in their OJT program. However, their experience in their OJT program is not significantly aligned with their course and the internship description. The student interns' coping mechanisms include adaptation mechanisms and motivation. Monitoring strategies such as activity, compliance, and result monitoring were effective in monitoring the performance of student interns based on the feedback on the evaluation sheet provided by the institution to the host agencies.
The Implementation of Senior High School Alternative Learning System: Basis for a Proposed Professional Development Plan for Teachers
Authors: Paez Avegail
Published: September 2024

The study assessed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Bulacan, focusing on learning delivery, resources, environment, and assessment to propose a professional development plan for teachers. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 342 ALS implementers and learners through surveys and interviews. Findings revealed a diverse teacher demographic, predominantly female and single, with most having less than five years of experience and no recent seminar attendance. Most teachers held Bachelor's degrees, with some possessing Master's degrees, and a majority had passed the LET exam. Respondents rated ALS implementation as “fully implemented,” except for learners who rated the learning delivery and learning resources as “implemented”. As for significant differences among the respondents, ALS implementation has no significant differences among the four learning domains. Challenges included limited interaction, ineffective communication, curriculum mismatches, resource constraints, and high workloads. Overall, there was consensus on ALS implementation across respondent groups, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement to enhance the program's effectiveness and teacher support. To effectively address the challenges the ALS program faces, it is essential to enhance instructional delivery through increased face-to-face interaction between students and teachers, alongside providing targeted training on ALS pedagogy for educators. Developing effective learning materials, ensuring adequate facilities, creating a separate ALS curriculum, and establishing clear assessment policies will help minimize distractions, support student engagement, and improve overall learning outcomes.
Mechanistic insights into a hydrate contribution to the Paleocene‐Eocene carbon cycle perturbation from coupled thermohydraulic simulations
Authors: Minshull T. A. , Marín‐Moreno H. , Armstrong McKay D. I. , Wilson P. A.
Published: August 2016

During the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), the carbon isotopic signature (δ13C) of surface carbon‐bearing phases decreased abruptly by at least 2.5 to 3.0‰. This carbon isotope excursion (CIE) has been attributed to widespread methane hydrate dissociation in response to rapid ocean warming. We ran a thermohydraulic modeling code to simulate hydrate dissociation due to ocean warming for various PETM scenarios. Our results show that hydrate dissociation in response to such warming can be rapid but suggest that methane release to the ocean is modest and delayed by hundreds to thousands of years after the onset of dissociation, limiting the potential for positive feedback from emission‐induced warming. In all of our simulations at least half of the dissociated hydrate methane remains beneath the seabed, suggesting that the pre‐PETM hydrate inventory needed to account for all of the CIE is at least double that required for isotopic mass balance.
Gel‐Infused Slippery Surface with Enhanced Longevity and Thermally Controllable Sliding Properties
Authors: Zhu Geyunjian H. , Zhang Chi , Wang Chao , Zacharia Nicole S.
Published: August 2016

Smart surfaces with stimuli responsive wetting behavior can potentially be important materials in a number of applications. Demonstrated here is a novel method to fabricate a gel‐infused slippery surface by impregnating a nanostructured surface with a gelator containing lubricant, in this case 12‐hydroxystearic acid in mineral oil. The resulting surface exhibits temperature‐dependent and gelator‐concentration‐dependent water drop sliding properties. In some cases, this means temperature‐dependent transition from water pinning to water sliding surfaces. These water drop sliding properties are shown to correlate with the temperature sensitive rheology of the gelled oil. The robustness of the lubricant layer against wash, a big concern for slippery liquid‐infused surfaces, is proved to be enhanced by the addition of gelator, and an optimal 0.5 wt% concentration of gelator in mineral oil is found to best preserve the surface properties under a moderate shear flow.
Cobalt Polypyridyl Complexes as Transparent Solution‐Processable Solid‐State Charge Transport Materials
Authors: Kashif Muhammad K. , Milhuisen Rebecca A. , Nippe Michael , Hellerstedt Jack , Zee David Z. , Duffy Noel W. , Halstead Barry , De Angelis Filippo , Fantacci Simona , Fuhrer Michael S. , Chang Christopher J. , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Long Jeffrey R. , Spiccia Leone , Bach Udo
Published: August 2016

Charge transport materials (CTMs) are traditionally inorganic semiconductors or metals. However, over the past few decades, new classes of solution‐processable CTMs have evolved alongside new concepts for fabricating electronic devices at low cost and with exceptional properties. The vast majority of these novel materials are organic compounds and the use of transition metal complexes in electronic applications remains largely unexplored. Here, a solution‐processable solid‐state charge transport material composed of a blend of [Co(bpyPY4)](OTf)2 and Co(bpyPY4)](OTf)3 where bpyPY4 is the hexadentate ligand 6,6′‐bis(1,1‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine and OTf− is the trifluoromethanesulfonate anion is reported. Surprisingly, these films exhibit a negative temperature coefficient of conductivity (dσ/dT) and non‐Arrhenius behavior, with respectable solid‐state conductivities of 3.0 S m−1 at room temperature and 7.4 S m−1 at 4.5 K. When employed as a CTM in a solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cell, these largely amorphous, transparent films afford impressive solar energy conversion efficiencies of up to 5.7%. Organic–inorganic hybrid materials with negative temperature coefficients of conductivity generally feature extended flat π‐systems with strong π–π interactions or high crystallinity. The lack of these features promotes [Co(bpyPY4)](OTf)2+

x
films as a new class of CTMs with a unique charge transport mechanism that remains to be explored.
Metal‐doped Nanoparticles for Detection of Carbohydrate Antigen 15‐3 in Human Serum Using a Sandwich‐Type ICP‐MS Immunoassay
Authors: Jang Hana , Lim H. B.
Published: August 2016

This work presents a method to determine carbohydrate antigen 15‐3 (CA15‐3) in serum using sandwich‐type inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry immunoassay. For this, Cd, Cs‐doped magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for target extraction and ratiometric measurement to enhance the calibration linearity were synthesized by co‐precipitation, of which the size was in the size range of 21–24 nm. The numbers of doped Cd and Cs atoms were in the range of 2.5 × 103 to 3.5 × 103 per MNP. The new synthetic method simplifies the synthetic procedure significantly with high flexibility for doping. Rare earth metal‐doped silica NPs (SNPs), i.e., Gd, Eu, or Ce, were also synthesized for detection through metal‐chelation and microemulsion method, with a final size range of 70–85 nm. For application, carbohydrate antigen 15‐3 (CA15‐3) was spiked into a human serum and determined by the sandwich‐type ICP‐MS immunoassay using the synthesized nanoparticles after blank subtraction. The obtained limit of detection (LoD) without any sample treatment was 2.70 × 10−4 U/mL, which was about 2.28 × 104 times better than that of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Catalyst‐Triggered Highly Selective C−S and C−Se Bond Formation by C−H Activation
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Wanmei , Ying Beibei , Liao Hanxiao , Shen Chao , Zhang Pengfei
Published: August 2016

Nickel or iron salts catalyzing the selective synthesis of 3,3‐indolyl disulfide (diselenide) and 3,3‐indolyl thioether (selenide) directly from indole through C−H activation are reported. The effect of iodine element was beneficial in the novel metal‐catalyzed circulation system. A wide variety of functional groups could be tolerated under the reaction conditions.
Aldol Condensations Catalyzed by Basic Anion‐Exchange Resins
Authors: Bonrath Werner , Pressel Yann , Schütz Jan , Ferfecki Erich , Topp Klaus‐Dieter
Published: August 2016

The aldol condensations of various aldehydes with ketones in the presence of anionic (basic) ion‐exchange resins have been investigated. Both batch and continuous modes were studied and compared for the reaction of citral (a mixture of geranial and neral) with acetone to give ψ‐ionone. Different reaction conditions were investigated, and the performances of five different ion‐exchange resins were compared. The most stable resins could be used for 10 cycles in batch mode or 1000 min in continuous mode without a significant loss in activity or selectivity.
Reactivity of TiO2 Nanotube‐Supported Platinum Particles in the CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Krick Calderón S. , Grabau M. , Yoo J. E. , Killian M. S. , Schmuki P. , Steinrück H.‐P. , Papp C.
Published: August 2016

The CO oxidation on different platinum model catalysts, in particular differently sized Pt particles on vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes (d=80, l=200 nm) was investigated by near‐ambient‐pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and simultaneous online gas analysis. The results are compared to the behavior on a TiO2(1 1 0) rutile crystal with a similar Pt coverage and a Pt(1 1 1) single crystal. Temperature‐programmed reaction experiments at total pressures of 10−3 to 1.0 mbar, and a CO/O2 ratio of 1:4 were performed to evaluate the reactivity of the samples. The onset temperature of the reaction on the Pt/TiO2 nanotube samples was found to be lower than on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt/TiO2(1 1 0) and to decrease with decreasing particle size. For all particle samples, a steep increase in reaction rate at a defined temperature was observed, and at high temperatures the reaction became mass transfer‐limited in all cases. Isothermal measurements showed that no CO is adsorbed on the particles when CO oxidation has a high activity and metallic platinum is the active catalyst. Ageing of the TiO2‐supported samples is observed resulting in changes of the reaction onset and CO conversion.
Characterization and Modeling of Oxygen Transfer in a Spouted‐Bed Reactor with Auxiliary Aeration
Authors: Peñas Francisco J. , Safont Bárbara
Published: August 2016

A draft‐tube spouted‐bed (DTSB) reactor was equipped with an auxiliary aeration device to provide air into the annular region and thereby improve the oxygen transfer efficiency. The effects of the total air flow rate and its distribution between spout and annulus, the liquid phase viscosity (water and carboxymethyl cellulose solutions), and the solid holdup (glass and cyclodextrin polymer beads) on the oxygen transfer efficiency were discussed. The oxygen transfer coefficient increased with the air flow rate and the ratio of air flowing through the annulus, whereas it decreased with increasing viscosity and solid holdup. A correlation was proposed to predict the transfer coefficient in DTSB reactors with primary and auxiliary aeration. A good fitting was achieved between the experimental data and those estimated with the model.
An Innovative Technique for Rapid Screening of Cigarette Filter Adsorbents
Authors: Branton Peter , Leistner Matthias , Wöllner Michelle , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2016

Cigarette smoke is an aerosol containing a large number of chemicals, including toxicants. In recent years, a number of cigarette filter additives have been evaluated for their toxicant filtration properties. Screening is a useful tool to accelerate the testing and development of new filter additives and filtration mechanisms. The evaluation of a filter material screening technique based on the so‐called InfraSORP technology is described. By comparing InfraSORP measurements with reference cigarette smoke experiments of potential cigarette filter materials like activated carbons and ion‐exchange resin, an excellent correlation is demonstrated. This technique allows for a rapid screening of potential filter materials prior to testing any final candidates in cigarettes.
Modeling of the Off‐Gas Cooling System for an Electric Arc Furnace and Evaluation of the Heat Recovery Potential
Authors: Kolagar Atefeh Hassannia , Meier Thomas , Echterhof Thomas , Pfeifer Herbert
Published: August 2016

The prerequisite for the optimization and control of many industrial processes is having a model. It should be accurate and fast to prepare an appropriate estimation of the process. The exhaust system plays a significant role in the electric arc furnace process and, therefore, its optimization is investigated in this work. An unsteady and nonlinear model of the fluctuating off‐gas flow through the exhaust system is presented based on the mass and energy conservation laws. The thermodynamic calculations are facilitated by modular based modeling and also the model is implemented equipmentwise to cover all possible arrangements in the dedusting system. A Sankey diagram of the whole system is illustrated to examine the heat recovery potential of the off‐gas cooling system.
Isoprenoid Biosynthesis Inhibitors Targeting Bacterial Cell Growth
Authors: Desai Janish , Wang Yang , Wang Ke , Malwal Satish R. , Oldfield Eric
Published: August 2016

We synthesized potential inhibitors of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase (UPPS), or undecaprenyl diphosphate phosphatase (UPPP), and tested them in bacterial cell growth and enzyme inhibition assays. The most active compounds were found to be bisphosphonates with electron‐withdrawing aryl‐alkyl side chains which inhibited the growth of Gram‐negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at ∼1–4 μg mL−1 levels. They were found to be potent inhibitors of FPPS; cell growth was partially “rescued” by the addition of farnesol or overexpression of FPPS, and there was synergistic activity with known isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway inhibitors. Lipophilic hydroxyalkyl phosphonic acids inhibited UPPS and UPPP at micromolar levels; they were active (∼2–6 μg mL−1) against Gram‐positive but not Gram‐negative organisms, and again exhibited synergistic activity with cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, but only indifferent effects with other inhibitors. The results are of interest because they describe novel inhibitors of FPPS, UPPS, and UPPP with cell growth inhibitory activities as low as ∼1–2 μg mL−1.
Si/SiOx‐Conductive Polymer Core‐Shell Nanospheres with an Improved Conducting Path Preservation for Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Park Eunjun , Kim Jeonghun , Chung Dong Jae , Park Min‐Sik , Kim Hansu , Kim Jung Ho
Published: August 2016

Non‐stoichiometric SiOx based materials have gained much attention as high capacity lithium storage materials. However, their anode performance of these materials should be further improved for their commercial success. A conductive polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), is employed as a flexible electrical interconnector to improve the electrochemical performance of Si/SiOx nanosphere anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The resulting Si/SiOx‐PEDOT:PSS core–shell structured material with the small amount (1 wt %) of PEDOT:PSS shows the improved initial reversible capacity of 968.2 mA h g−1 with excellent long‐term cycle performance over 200 cycles. These promising properties can be attributed to the use of the electroconductive and flexible PEDOT:PSS shell layer, which protects the electrical conduction pathways in the electrode from the large volume changes of silicon during cycling.
Core–Shell‐Structured Tungsten Carbide Encapsulated within Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Spheres for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Han Lei , Xu Miao , Han Yujie , Yu You , Dong Shaojun
Published: August 2016

It is highly desirable and remains a great challenge to develop alternative hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts that are low‐cost, highly efficient, and exhibit excellent stability. In this work, we report the synthesis of tungsten carbide nanocrystallites encapsulated within nitrogen‐doped carbon (TCNC) spheres through in situ polymerization of dopamine with metatungstate followed by carburization under an inert atmosphere. During the in situ and confined carburization process, very small tungsten carbide nanocrystallites are obtained and uniformly dispersed in the simultaneously generated carbon matrix. Benefited from the unique structure and morphology, the resultant TCNC spheres exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and excellent stability toward HER in both acidic and alkaline solutions.
Coastal connectivity and spatial subsidy from a microbial perspective
Authors: Säwström Christin , Hyndes Glenn A. , Eyre Bradley D. , Huggett Megan J. , Fraser Matthew W. , Lavery Paul S. , Thomson Paul G. , Tarquinio Flavia , Steinberg Peter D. , Laverock Bonnie
Published: August 2016

The transfer of organic material from one coastal environment to another can increase production in recipient habitats in a process known as spatial subsidy. Microorganisms drive the generation, transformation, and uptake of organic material in shallow coastal environments, but their significance in connecting coastal habitats through spatial subsidies has received limited attention. We address this by presenting a conceptual model of coastal connectivity that focuses on the flow of microbially mediated organic material in key coastal habitats. Our model suggests that it is not the difference in generation rates of organic material between coastal habitats but the amount of organic material assimilated into microbial biomass and respiration that determines the amount of material that can be exported from one coastal environment to another. Further, the flow of organic material across coastal habitats is sensitive to environmental change as this can alter microbial remineralization and respiration rates. Our model highlights microorganisms as an integral part of coastal connectivity and emphasizes the importance of including a microbial perspective in coastal connectivity studies.
Eco‐hydraulic evaluation of herbaceous ecosystems below headwater dams without a base flow: Observing below dam reaches as new stream sources
Authors: Gomes Pattiyage I. A. , Wai Onyx W. H. , Yan Xu‐Feng
Published: August 2016

The roles of headwater streams are usually underestimated and inadequately managed compared with the larger downstream river systems. This two and half‐year study covering several wet and dry seasons evaluated the impacts of small headwater dams without a base flow on downstream herbaceous dynamics. Results showed herb aerial cover and diversity below dams (new stream sources) are unique and different to original stream sources as well as to a comparable unregulated reach. The geomorphological habitats formed subsequent to damming did not show major influence on aerial cover of herbs; nevertheless, diversity showed a clear dependence. Downstream of dams were dominated by Acorus gramineus, which had >40% aerial cover, and this figure increased up to 60% within 2 years (in between a major flood event). Simultaneously, downstream herb diversity decreased by 33%. However, diversity and aerial cover of the unregulated reach and original sources remained more or less the same. Herb pulling tests (simulating an uprooting mechanism during a flood) showed A. gramineus can withstand an eightfold higher force than the other herbs, especially in concrete surfaces and rock/sand pools. The estimated shear force on bed during the major flood was several folds less than the observed. This suggests downstream of dams behave opposite to the conventional understanding that large floods are considered as an agent of restoration.
Winter severity modulates the benefits of using a habitat temporally uncoupled from browsing
Authors: Giroux Marie‐Andrée , Dussault Christian , Tremblay Jean‐Pierre , Côté Steeve D.
Published: August 2016

Resources whose abundance is not affected by the density of the consumer population, namely donor‐controlled resources, are ubiquitous. Donor‐controlled resources can act as food subsidies when they sustain consumer populations at higher densities than what would be predicted without donor‐controlled dynamics. Herbivore populations that have access to food subsidies may reach and maintain high densities, with potential major ecological and economic consequences. A better understanding of the roles of food subsidies on temperate herbivores will likely be achieved by simultaneously taking into account other drivers of demographic variations such as winter severity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the use of a donor‐controlled food resource that may act as a food subsidy, namely balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and winter severity act together to shape the patterns of overwinter mass loss in a large herbivore population (white‐tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus). We monitored weather conditions, diet, habitat use, and mass loss of female deer during two highly contrasted winters. During an exceptionally milder winter, characterized by shallower snow depth and warmer windchill temperatures, female deer shifted their diet toward resources usually covered by snow during typical winters. Surprisingly, the rate of body mass loss remained similar during the milder and the harsher winter. The rate of body mass loss rather decreased with the use of balsam fir stands during the harsher winter, but increased with that same variable during the milder winter. Our study revealed that deer can alleviate overwinter mass loss by using a donor‐controlled habitat type temporally uncoupled from browsing, but that this benefit is climate dependent. This study represents an additional step to address the largely unexplored concept of how temporal uncoupling between resources and consumer dynamics may contribute to sustain consumer populations at higher densities than predicted without considering donor‐controlled dynamics.
The impact of gender mismatching on early and late outcomes following heart transplantation
Authors: Peled Yael , Lavee Jacob , Arad Michael , Shemesh Yedida , Katz Moshe , Kassif Yigal , Asher Elad , Elian Dan , Har‐Zahav Yedael , Goldenberg Ilan , Freimark Dov
Published: August 2016

Aims

The role of donor/recipient gender matching on the long‐term rejection process and clinical outcomes following heart transplantation (HT) outcomes is still controversial. We aim to investigate the impact of gender matching on early and long‐term outcome HT.

Methods and results

The study population comprised 166 patients who underwent HT between 1991 and 2013 and were prospectively followed up in a tertiary referral centre. Early and late outcomes were assessed by the type of donor–recipient gender match (primary analysis: female donor–male recipient [FD–MR, n = 36] vs. male donor–male recipient [MD–MR, n = 109]). Early mortality, need for inotropic support, length of hospital stay, and major perioperative adverse events did not differ between the FD–MR and MD–MR groups. However, the FD–MR group experienced significantly higher rates of early major rejections per patient as compared with the MD–MR group (1.2 ± 1.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8; P = 0.001), higher rates of overall major rejections (16 vs. 5.5 per 100 person years; P < 0.05), and higher rate of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (43% vs. 20%; P = 0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative probabilities of survival free of rejections and major adverse events were significantly higher in MD–MR group (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that FD–MR status was associated with >2.5‐fold (P = 0.03) increase in the risk for rejections and with a >3‐fold (P = 0.01) increase in the risk for major adverse events during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Donor–recipient gender mismatch is a powerful independent predictor of early and late rejections and long‐term major adverse events following HT.
Fatty acids, sterols and tocols in Irish barley varieties: Profiling and correlation analysis
Authors: Gangopadhyay Nirupama , Rai Dilip K. , Brunton Nigel P. , Gallagher Eimear , Harrison Sabine M.
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study was determination and comparison of three types of lipophilic phytochemicals, fatty acids, phytosterols and tocols, in five wholegrain Irish barley varieties. Fatty acids and sterols were derivatised and analysed by gas chromatography, while tocols were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. The content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the varieties ranged between 442–2615 and 1200–1730 mg/100 g dw, respectively, indicating abundance of unsaturated fatty acids in barley. Linoleic acid was the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid. Phytosterols in the barley varieties ranged between 66 and 82 mg/100 g dw with β‐sitosterol being the most abundant sterol, while tocols ranged between 46 and 58 µg/g dw with α‐tocotrienol being the most abundant tocol homologue. Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed interesting correlations between these phytochemicals. An evident relationship between the unsaturated fatty acids and some tocol homologues was observed. Sterols like β‐sitosterol and β‐sitostanol were negatively correlated with each other. PCA also indicated possible genotypic relationships between the barley varieties.

Practical applications: Barley lipids serve as a considerable source of major fatty acids, phytosterols and tocols. By means of fractionation such as milling, enriched sources of these phytochemicals for use as ingredients in functional foods might be produced. Concurrent analysis of phytochemicals undertaken in this study, along with determination of correlations between them provides useful information to geneticists and plant breeders, in choosing specific varieties/genotypes and producing crossbreeds with improved levels of certain phytochemicals.

Analysis of fatty acids, sterols and tocols in barley using chromatographic techniques, and determination of correlations between them by principal component analysis (PCA).
Developments in Structural Chemistry from the Viewpoint of a Solid‐state Chemist: A Review Prompted by the Sixtieth Anniversary of Professor Jack Dunitz's Research Group in the ETH, Zurich
Authors: Meurig Thomas John
Published: August 2016

This reflective article begins with some examples of Jack Dunitz's contribution to structural chemistry and with his scientific and cultural influence on his contemporaries. There follows summarizing accounts of various highlights achieved by others in structural chemistry. The utility and impact of synchrotron radiation on the elucidation of nanoscale features of both inorganic and biological materials are outlined, as are some recent major advances achieved via various facets of electron microscopy.
Gas Chromatographic Enantiomer Separation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Methods, Metabolisms, Enantiomeric Composition in Environmental Samples and their Interpretation
Authors: Vetter Walter
Published: August 2016

The year 2016 not only marks the 50th anniversary of the first successful discovery of gas chromatographic (GC) enantiomer separations in 1966 by Gil‐Av, but also the less appraised 50th anniversary of the discovery of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment. This article reports on GC enantiomer separations of axially stable, chiral PCBs (PCB atropisomers) with modified cyclodextrins. Nineteen atropisomeric PCBs exist, but most data exists for four PCB atropisomers (PCB 95, PCB 132, PCB 149, and PCB 136), which can be resolved without significant coelutions on three columns coated with modified cyclodextrins. Nonracemic compositions of PCB atropisomers and their hydroxylated metabolites have been documented in various studies. However, the measured enantiomer fractions are currently difficult to interpret und understand. The most plausible reasons for these difficulties are discussed and interpreted with the help of selected examples from the literature.
Characteristics of water and droplet size distribution from fluidic sprinklers
Authors: Liu Junping , Yuan Shouqi , Darko Ransford Opoku
Published: August 2016

A new prototype of fluidic sprinkler (PXH) is proposed and its working theory is reported. The hydraulic performance of four different types of sprinkler head (PXH, PY, Toro S 800 and RainBird S 3504) was compared at the same operating pressure. Meanwhile, PXHs with nozzle diameters of 4, 6 and 8 mm were tested to establish a mathematical model of water distribution and droplet diameter. The results show that the PXH produces the longest wetted radius, potentially due to its unique working principles. The PXH exhibits optimal water distribution performance because the air in the nozzle destroys the fluid structure of the water jet. The PXH results in the smallest droplet diameter, which transfers less kinetic energy to the soil. The results from the empirical equations of a distribution model from the PXH were plotted against actual values to obtain regressions, with coefficients of determination ranging from 95.1 to 98.8%. The droplet size model was determined by fitting the experimental results obtained using different operating pressures and nozzle diameters. The model was verified using the experimental results of six cases with different droplet diameters. The average relative error between the predicted and measured droplet diameters was 4.6%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Growth Response 3 (Egr3) Contributes a Maintenance of C2C12 Myoblast Proliferation
Authors: Kurosaka Mitsutoshi , Ogura Yuji , Funabashi Toshiya , Akema Tatsuo
Published: August 2016

Satellite cell proliferation is a crucially important process for adult myogenesis. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Early growth response 3 (Egr3) is a zinc‐finger transcription factor that regulates different cellular functions. Reportedly, Egr3 interacts with multiple signaling molecules that are also known to regulate satellite cell proliferation. Therefore, it is possible that Egr3 is involved in satellite cell proliferation. Results of this study have demonstrated that Egr3 transcript levels are upregulated in regenerating mouse skeletal muscle after cardiotoxin injury. Using C2C12 myoblast culture (a model of activated satellite cells), results show that inhibition of Egr3 by shRNA impairs the myoblast proliferation rate. Results also show reduction of NF‐кB transcriptional activity in Egr3‐inhibited cells. Inhibition of Egr3 is associated with an increase in annexin V+ cell fraction and apoptotic protein activity including caspase‐3 and caspase‐7, and Poly‐ADP ribose polymerase. By contrast, the reduction of cellular proliferation by inhibition of Egr3 was partially recovered by treatment of pan‐caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK. Collectively, these results suggest that Egr3 is involved in myoblast proliferation by interaction with survival signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1114–1122, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Promoter optimisation of lentiviral vectors for efficient insulin gene expression in canine mesenchymal stromal cells: potential surrogate beta cells
Authors: Gautam Pratigya , Recino Asha , Foale Robert D. , Zhao Jing , Gan Shu Uin , Wallberg Maja , Calne Roy , Lever Andrew M.L.
Published: August 2016

Background

The lack of an ideal cell type that can be easily acquired, modified to produce insulin, and re‐implanted has been a limitation for ex vivo insulin gene therapy. Canine diabetes is currently treated with human insulin and is a good model for human diabetes. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising candidate cell type for gene therapy. In the present study, we optimised insulin production using lentiviral transduced canine MSCs (cMSCs), aiming to evaluate their ability for use as surrogate beta cells.

Methods

Canine MSCs were derived from bone marrow and validated by measuring the expression of MSC lineage specific markers. Lentivirus vectors encoding the proinsulin gene (with or without a Kozak sequence) under the control of spleen focus forming virus, cytomegalovirus, elongation factor 1α and simian virus 40 promotors were generated and used to transduce primary cMSCs and a hepatocyte cell line. The insulin‐producing capacity of transduced primary cMSCs was assessed by measuring the concentration of C‐peptide produced.

Results

Primary cMSC could be readily expanded in culture and efficiently transduced using lentiviral vectors encoding proinsulin. Increasing the multiplicity of infection from 3 to 20 led to an increase in C‐peptide secretion (from 1700 to 4000 pmol/l). The spleen focus forming virus promoter conferred the strongest transcriptional ability.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that optimised lentiviral transduction of the insulin gene into primary cMSCs renders these cells capable of secreting insulin over both the short‐ and long‐term, in sufficient quantities in vitro to support their potential use in insulin gene therapy.
Human papillomavirus as a favorable prognostic factor in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Li Jintao , Zhou Yubai , Hu Qin , Zeng Yi , Mohammadreza Mohammadzad Mehryar
Published: August 2016

Many epidemical and biological studies have proposed that human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily high‐risk HPV16/18, is an etiological factor for a subset of head and neck (HN) cancers. On that premise, we systematically reviewed relevant articles and improved the understanding of HPV‐related cancers. This article comprehensively described the characteristics of HPV‐associated HN tumors according to demography, histopathology, molecular biology, and prognosis. Meta‐analyses were conducted to combine the studies that reported the association between HPV status and these variables using Rev Man 5.0. The pooled results showed that HPV‐positive tumors were not only poorly differentiated (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.3–3.32) and smaller (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.75–2.8) but were also strongly associated with oropharynx (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 4.01–8.38) and node involvement (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.3–3.32). HPV‐related tumors showed significantly more p16 overexpression (OR = 34.55, 95% CI: 20.91–57.09) and less TP53 mutations (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18–0.41) than HPV‐negative tumors. The patients with HPV‐positive cancers had different clinical behaviors, such as a reduced risks of death (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.29–0.36). This study supported the view point that HPV is a favorable indicator of prognosis and that HPV‐related HN tumors are distinct from traditional tumors. This etiological relationship could impact future strategies of diagnosis, prevention, therapy, and prognosis for this subset of patients. J. Med. Virol. 89:710–725, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of Hepatitis B virus infection in migrants from Mali
Authors: Cella Eleonora , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Vita Serena , Lai Alessia , Presti Alessandra Lo , Blasi Aletheia , Palco Maurizio Lo , Guarino Michele Pier Luca , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Angeletti Silvia , Ciccozzi Massimo ,   on behalf of the Sanitary Bureau of Asylum Seekers Center of Castelnuovo di Porto
Published: August 2016

The armed conflict in Mali caused a migration crisis since 2012. Most Malian refugees were in Italy. In Sub‐Saharan Africa, the seroprevalence of anti‐HBV antibodies is particularly high. Genotype E is the most prevalent throughout a crescent covering area from Angola to Senegal, including Mali. We report 16 HBV positive individual from 136 Malian asylum seekers in order to investigate the genetic diversity of HBV in this population. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis has been used. The HBV genotype E isolates from Mali did not cluster together but were intermixed, with the other African sequences. Only three supported clade were evidenced and closely related to sequences from Burkina Faso. The estimated evolutionary rate was 9.29 × 104. The root of the tree dated back to February 2008 in (95% HPD: 2006–2011). From this ancestor six main statistically supported clusters (pp > 0.80) were identified. The most recent Clade dated back to May 2015. The BSP showed that the effective number of infections softly increased from 2011 to the 2015. Phylogenetic analysis helped in understanding how two on sixteen individuals, have been infected in Italy, and give an important improvement in prevention campaigns and monitoring of the viral infection in migrants. J. Med. Virol. 89:639–646, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced apoptosis from early physical exercise rehabilitation following ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Fengwu , Shi Wei , Zhao Ethan Y. , Geng Xiaokun , Li Xiaorong , Peng Changya , Shen Jiamei , Wang Sainan , Ding Yuchuan
Published: August 2016

The effectiveness of the rehabilitative benefits of physical exercise appears to be contingent upon when the exercise is initiated after stroke. The present study assessed the hypothesis that very early exercise increases the extent of apoptotic cell death via increased expression of proapoptotic proteins in a rat stroke model. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hr using an intraluminal filament and assigned to four nonexercise and three exercise groups. Exercise on a Rota‐Rod was initiated for 30 min at 6 hr (considered very early), at 24 hr (early), and at 3 days (relatively late) after reperfusion. At 24 hr after exercise, apoptotic cell death was determined. At 3 and 24 hr after exercise, the expression of pro‐ and antiapoptotic proteins was evaluated through Western blotting. As expected, ischemic stroke significantly increased the levels of apoptotic cell death. Compared with the stroke group without exercise, apoptotic cell death was further increased (P < 0.05) at 6 hr but not at 24 hr or 3 days with exercise. This exacerbated cell injury was associated with increased expression of proapoptotic proteins (BAX and caspase‐3). The expression of Bcl‐2, an antiapoptotic protein, was not affected by exercise. In ischemic stroke, apoptotic cell death was enhanced by very early exercise in association with increased expression of proapoptotic proteins. These results shed light on the time‐sensitive effect of exercise in poststroke rehabilitation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.