bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Den gemensamma europeiska referensramen för språk: Lärande, undervisning, bedömning – ett nordiskt perspektiv
Authors: Erickson Gudrun , Pakula Heini-Marja
Published: October 2017

Den gemensamma europeiska referensramen för språk har sedan den gavs ut av Europarådet år 2001 fått allt större inflytande vad gäller språkutbildning och bedömning, främst i Europa men även i andra delar av världen. I artikeln behandlas referensramen som sådan, liksom den europeiska språkportfolio som kan ses som en didaktisk operationalisering av dokumentet. Efter inledande bakgrundsinformation, som även innehåller ett avsnitt kring diskussioner och dilemman runt referensramen, fokuseras situationen i de nordiska länderna utifrån de tre aspekter som nämns i dokumentets titel, nämligen lärande, undervisning och bedömning. Frågor om mottagande, användning och effekter behandlas från ett såväl deskriptivt som problematiserande perspektiv, baserat på skrivna källor samt upplysningar från informanter i de nordiska länderna. I texten berörs vidare aktuell utveckling och diskussion kring referensramen.Nyckelord: gemensam europeisk referensram för språk; lärande, undervisning och bedömning; europeisk språkportfolio; de nordiska länderna Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment - a nordic perspectiveAbstractSince its publication by the Council of Europe in 2001, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has gained increasing influence, mainly in Europe but also in other parts of the world. In the current article, the Framework of Reference is focused upon, as is the European Language Portfolio that can be seen as an educational operationalization of the document. After some initial background information, including a section on discussions and dilemmas related to the CEFR, the situation in the Nordic countries is focused upon, based on the three aspects mentioned in the title of the document, namely learning, teaching and assessment. Issues related to reception, use and effects are treated from a descriptive as well as a problematizing perspective, based on written sources and reports from informants in the different countries. Further, current developments and discussion related to the CEFR are touched upon.    Keywords: Common European Framework of Reference; learning, teaching and assessment; European Language Portfolio; Nordic countries
Ignazio d’Antiochia nel ‘Pandette della Sacra Scrittura’ di Antioco di San Saba (CPG 7842-7844)
Authors: Americano Sergio Gerardo ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2017

Written in 620 ca., the Pandectes of the Holy Scripture (CPG 7842-7844) of Antiochus, monk of the Great Laura of Saint-Sabas (Jerusalem), represents a remarkable example of the kefavlaia literary genre in the early Byzantine period. It includes, among its many patristic sources, a series of 26 passages borrowed from the Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch (CPG 1025), used in their recensio media. The quotations are distributed in 13 of the 130 total chapters of the work. The present study aims not only to evaluate the textual contribution of the Pandectes to the study of the Epistles of Ignatius, but also attempts a critical outline of its wide manuscript tradition and text.
Le origini del monoenergismo/monotelismo
Authors: dell’Osso Carlo ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2017

This article re-examines the attention scholars have given to the origins of monoergenism and monotheletism and proposes a rebuttal to the positions of J. Tannous who, in an article in Dumbarton Oaks Papers in 2014, holds that these doctrines represented in Syro/Palestine certain “regional doctrinal hegemonies, at least among Chalcedonian communities, and were not artificial concoctions”. For the author, on the other hand, the episcopal sees in these regions had to have been for the most part in the hands of monophysites, without in any way excluding the possibility that there were also Chalcedonian bishops and communities as well, as in the case of Abraham of Rusafa. Thus, for the Author, monoenergism and monotheletism, from an epistemological and theological point of view, were the last glimmer of Apollinarism which was continually re-emerging from the ashes and given a new life by Severian monophysitism.
Spirabat paululum iam. Una nuova congettura per un noto locus desperatus agostiniano
Authors: Ruggiero Fabio ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2017

This short article is intended to contribute to the solution of a known locus desperatus of the Augustinian Confessions. The Author proposes that 8, 2, 3 should be read spirabat paululum iam instead of spirabat † popilios iam †. The conjecture is reminiscent of Catil. 61, 4 paululum etian spirans concerning Catilina’s death (Augustine remembers this famous Sallustian locus when he writes civ. 3, 27 vix paululum respirante civitate). Catilina’s death is a metaphor for the fall of Roman paganism, and for Marius Victorinus’s and Augustine's personal lives as well as their conversions. Ruggiero adds further evidence to Manlio Simonetti’s arguments as shown in the «Nota al Testo» (vol. I, 1992, pp. CLXIIICLXVIII) preceding his edition of Confessiones for the Italian collection “Lorenzo Valla”: common mistakes such as popilios iam were already in the edition’s manuscript.
Donne e ministeri nella Chiesa antica
Authors: Militello Cettina ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2017

The comments in this Note are not exhaustive, but intentionally offer a path (1. Feminine Typologies; 2. Testimonials relating to ministry; 3. Rites of Ordination (?); 4. The sacramental bond) wherein theological interpretation has a privileged place, deeply inscribed in the present commentary in regard to women’s problems and expectations in today’s Church. Although nothing certain and irrefutable emerges from the documentary evidence, in regard to women’s ministry, the situation of the Church has changed, as has the situation of women. The true sacramental bond concerns the theological understanding of ordained ministry. If this bond is reconnected to its original and constitutive character of service (diakonia), perhaps some of the reasons for excluding women will crumble. For there are women in the Church who continue to live and work within and for the Church.
Hilario de Poitiers, In Mt. 7, 3-5 y la angelología
Authors: Cano Gómez Guillermo J. ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2017

Saint Hilary of Poitiers in his Commentary on Matthew explains the famous scene of the centurion and his servant (Mt. 8, 5-13). According to Hilary, the centurion represents the “prince of the nations,” but he does not explain who this “prince” is because he wants to speak about the servant. However, he gives two references in the Bible for those who want to know who this prince is. The hypothesis defended in this article maintains that the prince is an angel who looks after the Gentile nations. This hypothesis is grounded in research on Hilary’s biblical references and in the comparison with other texts in which he expounds his doctrine about this type of angel.
Produção e Avaliação de Vídeos em Libras para Educação em Saúde
Authors: Pimentel Karine Silva , Conde Ivo Batista , Mendes Roselita Maria de Souza , Feitosa Cléia Rocha de Sousa , Paixão Germana Costa , Pantoja Lydia Dayanne Maia
Published: October 2017

A escassez de material didático para o ensino de temas ligados à educação em saúde compromete a promoção de estratégias de prevenção/combate a doenças dentro da comunidade surda, visando dinamizar esse acesso, os vídeos educativos merecem atenção. O presente trabalho objetivou produzir e avaliar vídeos em Libras tornando conhecimentos educativos em saúde acessíveis ao público surdo. Para a produção dos vídeos foi selecionado o conteúdo para posterior tradução para Libras, criação de layout em animações, filmagem e edição, com uso dos programas PowToon®, Windows Movie Make® e Camtasia Studio® 8.6. Sete alunos surdos e sete intérpretes das escolas estadual e municipal de Maranguape, Ceará, avaliaram os vídeos a partir de questionários. Foram produzidos dois vídeos versando sobre dengue e tuberculose. Por meio dos posicionamentos quanto aos vídeos, pôde-se inferir que embora os intérpretes reconheçam as implicações do uso dos mesmos como ferramenta didática e admitam a eficiência desse recurso os mesmos se limitam a carência da disponibilização de materiais adequados para suas práticas pedagógicas. Os surdos afirmaram que os vídeos são estimulantes e aceitaram positivamente seu uso na aprendizagem, bem como se observou a motivação em poder opinar e contribuir para realização da pesquisa, ressaltando a importância da promoção de trabalhos que fortaleça a cultura e identidade surda. Espera-se com esse trabalho explorar novas aquisições de aprendizagem e encorajar outras pesquisas, tendo em vista o melhor aproveitamento de recursos tecnológicos na produção de materiais pedagógicos acessíveis para se trabalhar com a surdez, vislumbrando aplicações em outras áreas.
Lecture Comprehension in English-Medium Higher Education
Authors: Hellekjær Glenn Ole
Published: October 2017

In European higher education the growing number of English-Medium (EM) courses, i.e. non-language subjects taught through English, has led to discussion about, and research on, whether the use of a foreign language for instruction has a negative impact on teaching and learning. The present quantitative study investigates this issue by comparing student lecture comprehension in English and the ﬁrst language (L1) at three Norwegian and two German institutions of higher education, with a sample comprising 364 Norwegian and 47 German student respondents. It compares self-assessment scores for lecture comprehension in English and the L1. Analysis shows that while the difference between English and L1 scores was not substantial, a considerable number of students still had difﬁculties understanding the English-Medium lectures. Among the main problems, which in fact were similar in English and the L1, were difﬁculties distinguishing the meaning of words, unfamiliar vocabulary, and difﬁculties taking notes while listening to lectures. The study argues the need to improve the quality of lecturing in English and L1 as well as the lecturers’ and students’ English proﬁciency.
The Ability of Students to Explain Science Concepts in Two Languages
Authors: Airey John
Published: October 2017

This paper analyses the ability of twenty-one physics undergraduates at two Swedish universities to orally describe and explain in both Swedish and English the science concepts met in their lectures. This ability is related back to the language used to teach the concepts (English, Swedish or both languages). Transcripts of student descriptions in both languages are rated using three measures:1.  Fluency (in terms of syllables per second and mean length of runs)2.  Code-switching3.  A judgment about the ‘disciplinarity’ of what is said.Comparison between languages ﬁnds that students speak on average 45% slower and have 33% shorter runs in their English descriptions. However, these differences in speaking rate and run length become much lower (28% and 26% respectively) in those transcripts where students appear to have adequately understood the concepts that were presented in the lectures. These latter values are in line with ﬁndings in comparative studies of other types of speech event (See Hincks 2010). Analysis of code-switching identiﬁes some students (n=3) who have great difﬁculty describing disciplinary concepts in English. These were ﬁrst year students and were being taught in English for the ﬁrst time. It is thus concluded that for some students disciplinary English is indeed a problem. However, from a disciplinary point of view, all other students give similarly good (or bad) descriptions of physics concepts in both Swedish and English, regardless of the language used in the lectures.
Organotin compounds in marine water and sediments from the port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Macías-Carranza V , Macías-Zamora JV , Villaescusa-Celaya JA
Published: October 2017

During September and October 1995, samples of surface sediments and water were collected to develop an analytical set-up to determine the concentrations of the organic compounds known as tributyltins (TBTs), including tributyl-, dibutyl- and monobutyltin. The method was then used to measure the levels of these contaminants in the port of Ensenada, Baja California. The method is based on hydride generation with atomic absorption detection. The concentrations determined were found to be relatively high (33 to 1021 ng g–1 of Sn in sediments and 66 to 469 ng L–1 in water samples), when compared to those obtained in similar works at San Diego Bay in California, USA. Comparisons are also made with other geographical locations. These results suggest that the port of Ensenada is an area that is receiving substantial amounts of these chemicals and might already be affecting the health of local biota. Two sources of these chemicals were identified: the activities associated with painting and cleaning of both commercial and sport boats, and the presence, at the time of the sampling, of an old platform near the entrance to the port facilities. The presence of the three compounds suggests that there is a permanent entry of these pollutants; furthermore, the presence of decreasing concentrations, starting with the more butylated compounds, suggests a recent introduction. Thc higher concentrations found in the sediment samples indicates the existence of an eflicient method of removal from the water column to the sediments of these compounds. The removal mechanism is associated with the presente of organic matter in the port area. In the sediments, the distribution of TBTs was partially dictated by the organic content, as a significant correlation (α = 0.05) between TBT concentration and organic content was found.
Primary productivity of phytoplankton estimated with the oxygen and carbon fourteen methods at one station of Estero de Punta Banda, Mexico
Authors: Sosa-Ávalos R , Millán-Núñez R , Santamaría-del-Ángel E
Published: October 2017

In order to estimate primary productivity of the phytoplankton using the dissolved oxygen (ΔO2) method with different incubation times and to compare it with that estimated using the carbon fourteen (14C) method, simultaneous primary productivity experiments were carried out with both methods, on 12 November 1993, 3 and 16 February 1994, and 24 May 1994. The gross primary productivity (GPP) estimated with the ΔO2, method was similar to the values derived from the 14C method, with α = 0.05. Furthermore, to know the variability of the chlorophyll concentration and bacteria1 abundance, sea water was collected every 30 min during the sampling period. We conclude that it is important to consider bacteria in studies that estimate primary productivity in coastal areas, since bacterial abundance affects the results of the ΔO2, method, due to the utilization of the oxygen when there is enough substrate inside the bottles. The GPP values estimated with the ΔO2 method can be recommended as viable alternatives to the 14C method for situations where it is not convenient or possible to use radioactive isotopes, provided that the experiments are accomplished with replicas and at least three final incubation times.
Yeast glycolipid biosurfactants
Authors: Jezierska Sylwia , Claus Silke , Van Bogaert Inge
Published: October 2017

Various yeasts, both conventional and exotic ones, are known to produce compounds useful to mankind. Ethanol is the most known of these compounds, but more complex molecules such as amphiphilic biosurfactants can also be derived from eukaryotic microorganisms at an industrially and commercially relevant scale. Among them, glycolipids are the most promising, due to their attractive properties and high product titers. Many of these compounds can be considered as secondary metabolites with a specific function for the host. Hence, a dedicated biosynthetic process enables regulation and combines pathways delivering the lipidic moiety and the hydrophilic carbohydrate part of the glycolipid. In this Review, we will discuss the biosynthetic and regulatory aspects of the yeast‐derived sophorolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids, and cellobiose lipids, with special emphasis on the relation between glycolipid synthesis and the general lipid metabolism.
Anisotropic Tomography Around La Réunion Island From Rayleigh Waves
Authors: Mazzullo Alessandro , Stutzmann Eléonore , Montagner Jean‐Paul , Kiselev Sergey , Maurya Satish , Barruol Guilhem , Sigloch Karin
Published: October 2017

In the western Indian Ocean, the Réunion hot spot is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Temporal interactions between ridges and plumes have shaped the structure of the zone. This study investigates the mantle structure using data from the Réunion Hotspot and Upper Mantle‐Réunions Unterer Mantel (RHUM‐RUM) project, which significantly increased the seismic coverage of the western part of the Indian Ocean. For more than 1 year, 57 ocean bottom seismometer stations and 23 temporary land stations were deployed over this area. For each earthquake station path, the Rayleigh wave fundamental mode phase velocities were measured for the periods from 30 s to 300 s and group velocities for the period from 16 s to 250 s. A three‐dimensional model of the shear velocity in the upper mantle was built in two steps. First, the path mean phase and group velocities were inverted, to obtain regionalized velocity maps for each separate period. Then, all of the phase and group velocity maps were combined and inverted at each grid point, to obtain the local S wave velocity as a function of depth, using a transdimensional inversion scheme. The three‐dimensional anisotropic S wave velocity model has resolution down to 300 km in depth. The tomographic model and surface tectonics are correlated down to ∼100 km in depth. Starting at 50 km in depth, a slow velocity anomaly beneath Rodrigues Ridge and the east‐west orientation of the azimuthal anisotropy show a connection between Réunion upwelling and the Central Indian Ridge. The slow velocity signature beneath La Réunion is connected at greater depths (150–300 km) with a large slow velocity zone beneath the entire Mascarene Basin. This develops along a northeast direction, following the general motion direction of the African Plate. These observations indicate nonisotropic spreading of hot plume material and dominant horizontal flow in the upper mantle beneath this area.
Interannual Variation in Offshore Advection of Amazon‐Orinoco Plume Waters: Observations, Forcing Mechanisms, and Impacts
Authors: Fournier S. , Vandemark D. , Gaultier L. , Lee T. , Jonsson B. , Gierach M. M.
Published: October 2017

This study investigates sea surface salinity (SSS) and sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the tropical Atlantic east of the Lesser Antilles, a region where freshwater advection from the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, may potentially impact air‐sea interaction. Observations are used to document later‐summer variability and evaluate offshore riverine transport from 2010 to 2014. During this period, the largest difference in plume‐affected areas, defined as the extent covered by SSS lower than 35.5 pss, is found between 2011 and 2014. Plume waters covered 92% of the study region in 2011 and 60% in 2014, with the average SSS in the study region being 2 pss lower in 2011. Lagrangian particle tracking based on satellite‐derived ocean currents is used to diagnose the impact of the river plumes on SSS and SST from 2010 to 2014. Northward freshwater flux in summer 2014 was significantly weaker than fluxes in 2010–2013. This difference is not due to interannual discharge variability, but to significant changes in eddy‐driven transport and cross‐shore winds. In particular, the stronger cross‐shore wind in May 2014 restricted offshore freshwater flow and lead to a smaller plume‐affected area. Persistent SST gradients are often found near the plume edge, which may have implications for ocean‐atmosphere coupling associated with atmospheric convection. SST in the study region was 1°C higher in 2010 compared to other years, and is related to basin‐scale ocean‐atmosphere processes. Interannual variation in Amazon advective pathways and the associated SSS changes are also influenced by changes in the ITCZ position between 2011 and 2014.
A Methodology to Adjust ATMS Observations for Limb Effect and Its Applications
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Zhou Lihang , Goldberg Mitch , Liu Xingpin , Wolf Walter , Tan Changyi , Liu Quanhua
Published: October 2017

The Advanced Technology Microwave Sounders (ATMS), carried on the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite, was launched on 28 October 2011. The ATMS is a follow‐on instrument to advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU), currently flying on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites. The primary new ATMS features are a reduced hardware package and improved gap coverage. One thing in common about cross‐track sounders is a scan perpendicular to the motion of the satellite, allowing a broad swath of measurements to be taken. But an undesirable feature is that the measurements vary with scan angle because of changes in the optical pathlength through the Earth's atmosphere between the Earth and the satellite. One approach to this problem is to limb adjust the measurements to a fixed view angle. The limb correction algorithm applied to ATMS is based on the heritage methodology originally applied to MSU and later to AMSU. The limb correction method is applied to each of the 96 ATMS field of view (FOV) per scan line, adjusting the off‐nadir FOV to the nadir view with fitting error generally within the instrumental noise. The limb‐adjusted brightness temperature were used in the original, legacy TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder, and Advanced TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder NOAA sounding product algorithms and more recently to derive the total precipitation water (TPW) retrieval over ocean, with a bias of 0.046 mm and a standard deviation of 3.43 mm, when compared with European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts TPW data. The limb‐corrected brightness temperature can be used to detect the atmospheric weather features, such as the warm cores for tropical cyclones, and the imagery presents snapshots for quick weather signal diagnosis.
The Future of Ground Magnetometer Arrays in Support of Space Weather Monitoring and Research
Authors: Engebretson Mark , Zesta Eftyhia
Published: October 2017

A community workshop was held in Greenbelt, Maryland, on 5–6 May 2016 to discuss recommendations for the future of ground magnetometer array research in space physics. The community reviewed findings contained in the 2016 Geospace Portfolio Review of the Geospace Section of the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Science of the National Science Foundation and discussed the present state of ground magnetometer arrays and possible pathways for a more optimal, robust, and effective organization and scientific use of these ground arrays. This paper summarizes the report of that workshop to the National Science Foundation (Engebretson & Zesta, ) as well as conclusions from two follow‐up meetings. It describes the current state of U.S.‐funded ground magnetometer arrays and summarizes community recommendations for changes in both organizational and funding structures. It also outlines a variety of new and/or augmented regional and global data products and visualizations that can be facilitated by increased collaboration among arrays. Such products will enhance the value of ground‐based magnetometer data to the community's effort for understanding of Earth's space environment and space weather effects.
Giant Polarization Sustainability in Ultrathin Ferroelectric Films Stabilized by Charge Transfer
Authors: Zhang Sirui , Zhu Yinlian , Tang Yunlong , Liu Ying , Li Shuang , Han Mengjiao , Ma Jinyuan , Wu Bo , Chen Zuhuang , Saremi Sahar , Ma Xiuliang
Published: October 2017

Ferroelectricity is generally deteriorated or even vanishes when the ferroelectric films are downsized to unit cell scale. To maintain and enhance the polarization in nanoscale ferroelectrics are of scientific and technological importance. Here, giant polarization sustainability is reported in a series of ultrathin PbTiO3 films scaled down to three unit cells grown on NdGaO3(110) substrates with La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 as bottom electrodes. Atomic mappings via aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrate the robust ferroelectricity for the sub‐10 nm thick film. For the 1.2 nm thick film, the polarization reaches ≈50 µC cm−2. The 2 nm thick film possesses a polarization as high as the bulk value. The films ranging from 10 to 35 nm display a giant elongation of out‐of‐plane lattice parameter, which corresponds to a polarization of 100 µC cm−2, 20% larger than that of the bulk PbTiO3. The giant enhancement of polarization in the present films is proposed to result from the charge transfer at the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/PbTiO3 interface, as supported by the anomalous decrease of Mn valence measured from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results reveal the significant role of charge transfer at interfaces in improving large polarizations in ultrathin ferroelectrics and are meaningful for the development of future electronic devices.
Atomic Layered Titanium Sulfide Quantum Dots as Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Yang , Liang Chenglu , Wu Jingjie , Sharifi Tiva , Xu Hui , Nakanishi Yusuke , Yang Yingchao , Woellne Cristiano F. , Aliyan Amir , Martí Angel A. , Xie Banghu , Vajtai Robert , Yang Wei , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: October 2017

The overall electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction for layered transition metal dichalcogenides is governed by their intrinsic activity, the corresponding density of active sites, and the electron transfer resistance. Here, nanoengineering strategies to scale down both the lateral size and thickness of layered 1T‐TiS2 powder to quantum dots (QDs) by bath sonication and probing sonication incision are employed. Uniform lateral size of 3–6 nm in the resulting QDs enhances the density of edge sites while the atomic layer thickness (1–2 nm) facilitates the electron transfer from the substrate to the edge sites. The obtained TiS2 QDs exhibit superior hydrogen evolution reaction activity over TiS2 nanosheets and MoS2 QDs prepared by the same method. The turnover frequency of TiS2 QDs with a small loading of 0.7 ng cm−2 in an optimal deposition on electrode reached ≈2.0 s−1 at an overpotential of −0.2 V versus RHE, several orders of magnitude higher than TiS2 nanosheets (0.01 s−1) and MoS2 QDs (0.07 s−1).
A multivariate assessment of the Dali hominin cranium from China: Morphological affinities and implications for Pleistocene evolution in East Asia
Authors: Athreya Sheela , Wu Xinzhi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

A nearly complete hominin fossil cranium from Dali in Shaanxi Province, China was excavated in 1978. We update and expand on previous research by providing a multivariate analysis of the specimen relative to a large sample of Middle and Late Pleistocene hominins.

Materials and Methods

We apply principal components analysis, discriminant function analysis, and a method of assessing group membership based on a soft independent model of class analogy (SIMCA) to the study of Dali's cranial morphology. We evaluate Dali's affinities within the context of Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo patterns of craniofacial morphology.

Results

When just the facial skeleton is considered, Dali aligns with Middle Paleolithic H. sapiens and is clearly more derived than African or Eurasian Middle Pleistocene Homo. When just the neurocranium is considered, Dali is most similar to African and Eastern Eurasian but not Western European Middle Pleistocene Homo. When both sets of variables are considered together, Dali exhibits a unique morphology that is most closely aligned with the earliest H. sapiens from North Africa and the Levant.

Discussion

These results add perspective to our previous view of as Dali a “transitional” form between Chinese H. erectus and H. sapiens. Athough no taxonomic allocation is appropriate at this time for Dali, it appears to represent a population that played a more central role in the origin of Chinese H. sapiens. Dali's affinities can be understood in the context of Wu's Continuity with Hybridization scenario and a braided‐stream network model of gene flow. Specifically, we propose that Pleistocene populations in China were shaped by periods of isolated evolutionary change within local lineages at certain times, and gene flow between local lineages or between Eastern and Western Eurasia, and Africa at other times, resulting in contributions being made in different capacities to different regions at different times.
Ein antibakterielles β‐Lacton bekämpft Mycobacterium tuberculosis durch Infiltration der Mykolsäurebiosynthese
Authors: Lehmann Johannes , Cheng Tan‐Yun , Aggarwal Anup , Park Annie S. , Zeiler Evelyn , Raju Ravikiran M. , Akopian Tatos , Kandror Olga , Sacchettini James C. , Moody D. Branch , Rubin Eric J. , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: October 2017

Eine der größten Herausforderungen für die Behandlung von Infektionen mit Mykobakterium tuberculosis ist Resistenzverbreitung. Des Weiteren ist die Aktivität vieler Wirkstoffe durch die limitierte Durchlässigkeit der Mykomembran eingeschränkt. Etablierte Antibiotika setzen daher auf die Lahmlegung der Mykomembranbiosynthese und führen zu einem schnellen Sterben der Zellen. Dieser Wirkmechanismus lieferte die Motivation, β‐Lactone als mögliche Mykolsäuremimetika einzusetzen und so Serinhydrolasen, die in den Biosyntheseweg involviert sind, zu inhibieren. Tests an einer Sammlung von β‐Lactonen brachten eine Verbindung hervor, die vielversprechende mykobakterielle und bakteriolytische Wirkung zeigte. Chemische Proteomanalysen mithilfe einer alkinhaltigen Sonde ließen auf die Serinhydrolasen Pks13 und Ag85 als Hauptziele schließen. Durch Enzymstudien und eine neuartige Methode zur 13C‐Markierung von Metaboliten wurde gezeigt, dass beide Enzyme durch das β‐Lacton funktionell inhibiert wurden. In Kombination mit Antibiotika konnte zudem eine mehr als 100‐fach gesteigerte antibakterielle Aktivität gezeigt werden, was ein therapeutisches Potenzial für die Inhibition der Mykomembranbiosynthese birgt.
One‐step in situ growth of magnesium ferrite nanorods on graphene and their microwave‐absorbing properties
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Qingyun , Zhu Xixi , Fu Min
Published: October 2017

The magnesium ferrite nanorods/graphene (MgFe2O4 NR/G) composites were prepared by a facile one‐step surfactant‐assisted solvothermal method. The structure and morphology of as‐prepared composite materials were characterized by electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The homogeneous MgFe2O4 nanorods with a typical diameter of about 100 nm were well distributed on graphene. The electromagnetic parameters were measured using a vector network analyzer. A minimum reflection loss (RL) of −40.3 dB was observed at 14.9 GHz with a thickness of 3 mm, and the effective absorption frequency (RL  <   − 10 dB) ranged from 12.0 to 18.0 GHz, indicating the remarkable microwave absorption performance of the MgFe2O4 NR/G composites. The absorbing property of as‐obtained composites was better than that of the pure MgFe2O4 nanorods. The synergistic effect of MgFe2O4 and graphene was responsible for the enhanced absorbing performance.
One‐step Preparation of Carbon‐based Solid Acid Catalyst from Water Hyacinth Leaves for Esterification of Oleic Acid and Dehydration of Xylose
Authors: Laohapornchaiphan Jutitorn , Smith Christopher B. , Smith Siwaporn Meejoo
Published: October 2017

Carbon‐based solid acid catalysts were successfully obtained via one‐step hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of water hyacinth (WH) in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). Increasing the HTC temperature from 180 to 240 °C resulted in carbonaceous materials with increased sulfur content and less adsorbed water. The material obtained at 220 °C (WH‐PTSA‐220) contains the highest amount of acid sites and promotes the highest initial rate of two transformations, that is, methanolysis of oleic acid and dehydration of xylose to furfural. While all PSTA‐treated WH catalysts gave comparable fatty acid conversions (≈97 %) and furfural yields (≈60 %) after prolonged reaction times, the WH‐PTSA‐240 system bearing a relatively low acid density maintains the most favorable reusability profile. Higher HTC temperatures (220–240 °C) improved the catalyst reusability profiles due to graphitization and hydrophobicity of the carbon surface. The catalyst systems derived herein from biomass may have potential applications in biorefining platforms, utilizing the conversion of waste biomass to chemicals.
Prediction errors for state occupation and transition probabilities in multi‐state models
Authors: Spitoni Cristian , Lammens Violette , Putter Hein
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we consider the estimation of prediction errors for state occupation probabilities and transition probabilities for multistate time‐to‐event data. We study prediction errors based on the Brier score and on the Kullback–Leibler score and prove their properness. In the presence of right‐censored data, two classes of estimators, based on inverse probability weighting and pseudo‐values, respectively, are proposed, and consistency properties of the proposed estimators are investigated. The second part of the paper is devoted to the estimation of dynamic prediction errors for state occupation probabilities for multistate models, conditional on being alive, and for transition probabilities. Cross‐validated versions are proposed. Our methods are illustrated on the CSL1 randomized clinical trial comparing prednisone versus placebo for liver cirrhosis patients.
Polypeptoid polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Chan Brandon A. , Xuan Sunting , Li Ang , Simpson Jessica M. , Sternhagen Garrett L. , Yu Tianyi , Darvish Omead A. , Jiang Naisheng , Zhang Donghui
Published: October 2017

Polypeptoids, a class of peptidomimetic polymers, have emerged at the forefront of macromolecular and supramolecular science and engineering as the technological relevance of these polymers continues to be demonstrated. The chemical and structural diversity of polypeptoids have enabled access to and adjustment of a variety of physicochemical and biological properties (eg, solubility, charge characteristics, chain conformation, HLB, thermal processability, degradability, cytotoxicity and immunogenicity). These attributes have made this synthetic polymer platform a potential candidate for various biomedical and biotechnological applications. This review will provide an overview of recent development in synthetic methods to access polypeptoid polymers with well‐defined structures and highlight some of the fundamental physicochemical and biological properties of polypeptoids that are pertinent to the future development of functional materials based on polypeptoids.
Bioprosthetic tricuspid valve thrombosis: Percutaneous PFO closure to improve hypoxia and respiratory failure
Authors: Flueckiger Peter , Singleton Matthew , Vasu Sujethra , Zhao David
Published: October 2017

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognized complication of bioprosthetic valve replacement, often resulting in abnormal hemodynamic, endothelial, and hemostatic conditions. Bioprosthetic PVT may lead to significant hemodynamic and clinical effects. In hemodynamically stable patients, first‐line treatment for bioprosthetic PVT is systemic anticoagulation. However, concomitant cardiovascular pathology may lead to additional clinical sequalae that requires acute therapeutic interventions. We describe two cases in which bioprosthetic PVT leads to hemodynamically significant intracardiac shunting through pre‐existing patent foramen ovales requiring percutaneous closure with a Cribriform AMPLATZER occluder device. We also review the treatment for bioprosthetic PVT and discuss important clinical and hemodynamic considerations.
Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement induces femoral artery shrinkage: angiographic evidence and predictors for a new side effect
Authors: Shoeib Osama , Burzotta Francesco , Aurigemma Cristina , Paraggio Lazzaro , Viccaro Fausta , Porto Italo , Leone Antonio Maria , Bruno Piergiorgio , Trani Carlo
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We sought to investigate the possible impact of transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) on common femoral artery (CFA) integrity as assessed by angiography.

Background

CFA represents the most adopted access for TAVR but various degrees of vascular damage may be induced by the procedure.

Methods

Patients underwent percutaneous transfemoral TAVR who had both pre‐ and post‐TAVR access‐site angiography were retrospectively selected. Clinical and procedural data (including technique and complications) were prospectively recorded into a structured TAVR database. Pre‐TAVR and post‐TAVR angiograms were analyzed using a quantitative angiographic analysis software to assess reference diameters, minimum luminal diameter (MLD), and percentage of diameter stenosis (DS).

Results

A total of 124 patients entered the study (mean age: 85 years, mean Euroscore II: 10%). ProStar (13.5%) and double ProGlide (82.2%) preclosure were the main hemostatic techniques. CFA exhibited a significant shrinkage with TAVR as assessed by significant MLD reduction (5.6 mm after TAVR vs. 6.8 mm before, P < .001) and DS increase (30.3% after vs. 17.0%, P < .001). Such differences remained statistically significant after exclusion of 18 patients (14.2%) who had (minor or major) vascular complications. At multivariable analysis, pre‐TAVR DS (P = .03) and history of peripheral arterial disease (P = .01), were significantly associated with vascular complications.

Conclusions

Percutaneous TAVR induces an angiographically detectable CFA lumen reduction. Such findings call for further studies assessing clinical impact of this phenomenon and open the door for further refinements of the TAVR access management aimed at preserving vessel integrity.
Use of systemic bivalirudin with catheter‐directed thrombolysis in a patient with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Badreldin Hisham A. , Rimsans Jessica , Connors Jean M. , Wiviott Stephen D.
Published: October 2017

In patients with submassive pulmonary embolism, the use of catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT), using low‐dose alteplase is associated with improvement in overall hemodynamics. The data for use of CDT in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia are limited. We report a case of CDT in a patient with HIT using bivalirudin anticoagulation. Data of the use of bivalirudin and argatroban for systemic anticoagulation with CDT are limited.
A case of bronchopericardial fistula with tension pneumopericardium closed successfully by transpericardial intervention: A novel procedure
Authors: Shelke Abhijeet B. , Kawade Ramesh , Gandhi Sourabh
Published: October 2017

A pneumopericardium is a collection of air or gas in the pericardial sac which may cause cardiac tamponade, known as tension pneumopericardium. Tension pneumopericardium is a rare and lethal presentation of bronchopericardial fistula. There are very few reports in the literature of patients surviving with this condition, although prompt diagnosis and early intervention are important. Treatment options are limited. We present a rare case of tension pneumopericardium with cardiogenic shock due to bronchopericardial fistula in a patient with bronchogenic carcinoma who was successfully treated with transpericardial intervention.
Clinical and procedural outcomes with the SAPIEN 3 versus the SAPIEN XT prosthetic valves in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tummala Ramyashree , Banerjee Kinjal , Sankaramangalam Kesavan , Mick Stephanie , Krishnaswamy Amar , White Jonathon , Fares Maan , Mehta Anand , Popovic Zoran , Svensson Lars G. , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The SAPIEN 3 valve (S3V) was designed to overcome the shortcomings of its predecessor, the SAPIEN XT (SXT) valve. We conducted a meta‐analysis to compare their clinical outcomes and procedural characteristics.

Methods

PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched by two independent reviewers. The clinical outcomes of interest were paravalvular leakage (PVL), major vascular complications (MVC), bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), device success, need for post dilation all‐cause mortality and procedural details.

Results

Fifteen observational cohort studies were included in the analysis involving a total of 4,496 patients. Of these, 1,700 were S3V recipients and 2,796 were SXT recipients. The S3V group showed fewer complications compared to the SXT group with respect to PVL (5.58% vs. 19.35%, OR: 0.27, P: 0.000), MVC (4.07% vs. 9.13%, OR: 0.44, P: 0.002), bleeding (6.40% vs. 12.03%, OR: 0.50, P: 0.003), 30‐day mortality (3.29% vs. 5.68%, OR: 0.51, P: 0.000), and stroke (1.48% vs. 2.86%, OR: 0.49, P: 0.014). Device success was higher in the S3V (98.18% vs. 93.76%, OR: 3.14, P: 0.000). Cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, AKI and post‐dilatation were not significantly different. Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) was higher in S3V recipients (13.29% vs. 9.23%, OR: 1.58, P: 0.000). Procedure time was shorter for the S3V (71.94 vs. 86.85, P: 0.016) and used less contrast volume (129.36 vs. 161.18, P: 0.049).

Conclusions

Patients receiving the S3V had lower risk of PVL, MVC, bleeding, mortality, and stroke. PPI was somewhat higher in the S3V group. S3V implantation was faster and used less contrast.
ortho‐Quinones and Analogues Thereof: Highly Reactive Intermediates for Fast and Selective Biofunctionalization
Authors: Bruins Jorick J. , Albada Bauke , van Delft Floris
Published: October 2017

Fast, selective and facile functionalization of biologically relevant molecules is a pursuit of ever‐growing importance. A promising approach in this regard employs the high reactivity of quinone and quinone analogues for fast conjugation chemistry by nucleophilic addition or cycloadditions. Combined with in situ generation of these compounds, selective conjugation on proteins and surfaces can be uniquely induced in a time and spatially resolved manner: generation of a quinone can often be achieved by simple addition of an enzyme or stoichiometric amounts of chemoselective oxidant, or by exposure to light. In this Minireview, we discuss the generation and subsequent functionalization of quinones, iminoquinones, and quinone methides. We also discuss practical applications regarding these conjugation strategies.
Win stakeholders' support in times of change: Guiding principles for deans
Authors: El‐Rewini Hesham
Published: October 2017

There is no doubt that higher education today is facing tremendous challenges. State support of public universities has shrunk considerably, and federal funding for research and development continues to decline (see http://bit.ly/2xMci8c and http://bit.ly/2xOc1z9). The cost of public higher education has gradually shifted from state and federal governments to students and families. This shift has resulted in soaring tuition rates and increasing student loans. Most universities are confronting the difficult issues of access, affordability, declining enrollment, and stressed budgets. Student retention and graduation rates continue to be among the major problems facing campuses today. With the explosion of online education, university leaders are under pressure to reinvent their institutions to maintain relevance for future students.
Focus on equity to eliminate barriers to student success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2017

NEW ORLEANS — Achieving academic success in college is hard work for anyone. But students who struggle with poverty, racism, and other barriers face an even more difficult time than students who don't.
Myc binding protein 2 suppresses M2‐like phenotypes in macrophages during zymosan‐induced inflammation in mice
Authors: Pierre Sandra , Zhang Dong Dong , Suo Jing , Kern Katharina , Tarighi Neda , Scholich Klaus
Published: October 2017

MYCBP2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which is well characterized as a key element in the inhibition of neuronal growth, synapse formation and synaptic strength by regulating several signaling pathways. Although MYCBP2 was suspected to be expressed also in immune cells, to date nothing is known about its role in inflammation. We used Multi‐epitope ligand cartography (MELC), a method for multiple sequential immunohistology, to show that MYCBP2 is strongly expressed in monocyte‐derived macrophages during zymosan‐induced inflammation. We generated a myeloid‐specific knockout mouse and found that loss of MYCBP2 in myeloid cells reduced nociceptive (painful) behavior during the resolution phase (1–3 days after zymosan injection). Quantitative MELC analyses and flow cytometric analysis showed an increased number of CD206‐expressing macrophages in the inflamed paw tissue. Fittingly, CD206 and arginase 1 expression was upregulated in MYCBP2‐deficient bone marrow‐derived macrophages after polarization with IL10 or IL4. The regulation of protein expression in these macrophages by MYCBP2 varied depending on the polarization signal. The increased IL10‐induced CD206 expression in MYCBP2‐deficient macrophages was mediated by p38 MAPK, while IL4‐induced CD206 expression in MYCBP2‐deficient macrophages was mediated by protein kinase A.
The immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 is required in the murine thymus for filling up a hole in the T cell repertoire
Authors: Basler Michael , Mundt Sarah , Groettrup Marcus
Published: October 2017

Cells of hematopoietic origin express high levels of the immunoproteasome, a cytokine‐inducible variant of the proteasome which has been implicated in regulating inflammatory responses and antigen presentation. In the thymus, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) do express different proteasome subunits exerting chymotrypsin‐like activities suggesting distinct functions in thymic T cell selection. Employing the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection model, we could show that the immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 was absolutely required for the generation of LCMV GP118‐125‐specific T cells although the class I mediated presentation of GP118‐125 was not dependent on LMP7. Using bone marrow chimeras and adoptive transfer of LMP7‐deficient CD8+ T cells into RAG1‐deficient mice we show that LMP7‐deficient mice lacked GP118‐125‐specific T cell precursors and that LMP7 was required in radioresistant cells – most likely thymic epithelial cells ‐ to enable their selection. Since LMP7 is strongly expressed in negatively selecting mTECs but barely in positively selecting cTECs our data suggest that LMP7 was required to avoid excessive negative selection of GP118‐125‐specific T cell precursors. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the immunoproteasome is a crucial factor for filling up holes within the cytotoxic T cell repertoire.