bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal properties of essential oils for improvement of indoor air quality: a review
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Gaskin Sharyn , Schroder Tiffany , Ross Kirstin
Published: November 2017

Concerns regarding indoor air quality, particularly the presence of fungi and moulds, are increasing. The potential for essential oils to reduce, control or remove fungi, is gaining interest as they are seen as a “natural” alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides. This review examines published research on essential oils as a method of fungal control in indoor environments. It was difficult to compare the relative performances of essential oils due to differences in research methods and reporting languages. In addition, there are limited studies that scale up laboratory results and assess the efficacy of essential oils within building environments. However, generally, there appears to be some evidence to support the essential oils clove oil, tea tree oil, oregano, thyme and lemon as potential antifungal agents. Essential oils from heartwood, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon basil, caraway, bay tree, fir, peppermint, pine, cedar leaf and manuka were identified in at least one study as having antifungal potential. Future studies should focus on comparing the effectiveness of these essential oils against a large number of fungal isolates from indoor environments. Studies will then need to focus on translating these results into realistic application methods, in actual buildings, and assess the potential for long-term antifungal persistence.
Macrophage activation syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus treated successfully with the combination of steroid pulse, immunoglobulin and tacrolimus
Authors: Aoyama-Maeda Natsuki , Horino Taro , Ichii Osamu , Terada Yoshio
Published: November 2017

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a variant of secondary hemophagocyticlymphohistiocytosis, is a potentially life-threatening complication of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We present a case of MAS as a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Although initial treatment with corticosteroid, with or without cyclosporine A, is justified in patients with MAS, evidence regarding the effectiveness of this treatment protocol remains to be clarified. Our patient was successfully treated with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and intravenous methyl predonisolone pulse therapy, which was followed by a course of oral prednisolone and oral tacrolimus. Based on our experience, we propose tacrolimus to provide a more useful adjuvant treatment to corticosteroid therapy than cyclosporine A.
Impact of Political News: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Volodin Sergey Nikolayevich , Kuranov Gennadii Mladenovich , Yakubov Alexey Pavlovich
Published: November 2017

In recent times political events started to exert more and more significant impact on national financial systems due to sharpening of political problems in various countries. Undoubtedly, their influence can be followed in price dynamics of stocks which are trading in the securities market. The need to understand political news impact on the market as a whole and its separate industries is faced by investors and market agents for proper orientation in market environment. Since this issue provides rather controversial results in different studies, the authors set the aim to investigate the Russian market with the use of GARCH models. Such approach allowed determining precisely the political events’ influence on return and volatility of market assets as well as leverage and clusterization effects. The obtained results may be beneficial for investors, operating in the Russian stock market, other market agents and specialists in the field of financial science.
An Analysis Regarding Cash Holdings. Empirical Study on the Bucharest Stock Exchange Listed Firms
Authors: Nenu Elena Alexandra , Vintilă Georgeta
Published: November 2017

Worldwide corporate cash holdings have significantly increased and have become an important tool for managers. This study explores the factors that influence firms’ behavior regarding cash holdings and the signal that financial conservatism is sending to potential investors. Our data consists in annual observations collected through the Reuters Eikon platform. It includes companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, the investigated period being 2005-2014. The econometric analysis employs multivariate regression for an unbalanced panel data, using the OLS technique. The results show a positive correlation of cash holdings with the value registered by this indicator in the previous period, fact that might be interpreted as an attempting of the companies to maintain a target level of cash. Also, the results showed a non-linear relationship between leverage and cash holdings, while the tangible assets determine a negative correlation. As regards firm size and ownership concentration, the correlations were not statistically validated.
Perceived Organizational Support, Stress Coping Behaviors and Mediating Role of Psychological Capital: Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers
Authors: Erdem Haluk , Turen Ufuk , Gokmen Yunus , Tuz Oguz
Published: November 2017

High level stress in work place is known to be associated with negative organizational behaviors and bad organizational performance. There are individual and organizational factors influencing stress coping behavior of employees. In this study we explore the impact of employees’ perceptions of organizational support on their stress coping capabilities (problem-focused stress coping and emotion-focused stress coping) and whether their psychological capital (PsyCap) plays a mediating role in this relationship using the sample of employees in special education and rehabilitation centers in Turkey. Multivariate statistical analyses show a significant positive relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and problem-focused stress coping (PFSC), and no significant relationship between POS and emotion-focused stress coping (EFSC). A significant positive association is detected between POS and PsyCap. Accordingly, our findings show that PsyCap plays a partial mediating role in the association between POS and PFSC.
Peirce’s “Ideas, stray or stolen, about scientific writing” and the relationship between methodeutic, speculative rhetoric, and the universal art of rhetoric
Authors: Gava Gabriele
Published: November 2017

This paper is a reading of Peirce’s manuscript “Ideas, stray or stolen, about scientific writing.” The latter text has been considered to be a key for understanding the relationship between speculative rhetoric and methodeutic. While I agree that it includes essential reflections on the third branch of Peirce’s logic, I will argue that the classification of rhetoric studies that it contains cannot be used to clarify the way in which methodeutic and speculative rhetoric are related to one another. I will first introduce the classification as it is presented by Peirce in “Ideas, stray or stolen, about scientific writing” and list some problems that immediately arise when we identify methodeutic with the rhetoric of science. Then, I will elucidate Peirce’s distinction between the universal art of rhetoric, speculative rhetoric, and ordinary rhetoric. I will argue that the classification of rhetoric studies in “Ideas, stray or stolen, about scientific writing” should be seen as a classification of the ways in which we can obtain different ordinary rhetorics specifying the contents of speculative rhetoric for different contexts of sign use. To finish, I will propose a different approach to support the claim that methodeutic is a subdivision of speculative rhetoric.
Nuclear Markers (AFLPs) and Chloroplast Microsatellites Differ Between Fagus sylvatica and F. orientalis
Authors: Gailing O. , Wuehlisch G. Von
Published: November 2017

Former studies based on chloroplast markers and allozymes suggested that postglacial recolonization of central Europe by Fagus sylvatica L. occurred from one or a few undifferentiated refuges. Here, we examine F. sylvatica from Germany and Greece and different provenances of F. sylvatica ssp. orientalis (Lipsky) Greut & Burd. (F. orientalis Lipsky) with chloroplast microsatellites and AFLP markers. Only such AFLP markers were selected that had shown a differential amplification in F. sylvatica and F. orientalis in a preliminary analysis. UPGMA cluster analysis of AFLP data distinguished one F. sylvatica group and one F. orientalis group from northern Turkey. Low structuring in the neighborjoining analysis and the lack of diagnostic bands for either taxon suggests a relatively recent differentiation in Fagus orientalis and F. sylvatica. High bootstrap values were only found for a separate cluster that comprises F. orientalis from two different forest botanical gardens. Four of these samples have a unique chloroplast type and are genetically very similar (bootstrap value 96) mostly likely due to clonal replication. Only two different chloroplast types (type 1 in Germany, type 1 and type 2 in Greece) could be detected for F. sylvatica. In contrast, F. orientalis from northern Turkey showed different chloroplast types even within one provenance pointing to a glacial refuge in northern Turkey and a bottleneck at the time of postglacial recolonization of central Europe. The classification of ten samples from northern Turkey as F. sylvatica by AFLP data, chloroplast markers and morphology questions the interpretation of F. orientalis and F. sylvatica as two geographically separated (allopatric) taxa.
Simple PCR Markers for the Study of Chloroplast in Eucalyptus
Authors: Soto A.
Published: November 2017

Combined use of two newly designed PCR primers with already described rpl2 and trnH primers, yields amplification of three non-independent products from the hypervariable JLA region of eucalypt chloroplast. Polymorphism analysis of the resulting PCR markers is proved to be a time- and cost-efficient alternative to traditional cpDNA techniques as RFLP or sequencing for Eucalyptus globulus Labill. population genetics studies.
Fertility Variation and Status Number Between a Base Population and a Seed Orchard of Pinus brutia
Authors: Bilir N. , Kang K.-S. , Zang D. , Lindgren D.
Published: November 2017

Female, male and total fertility variations were estimated in a base population and a seed orchard derived from the base population in Pinus brutia. Relative status number for gametes (female and male contribution) and zygotes (average of female and male contribution) were estimated based on the fertility variation. Average female and male strobilus production were 229.1 and 1003.3 in the base population, and 98.9 and 244.9 in the seed orchard for combined years, respectively. Positive and significant correlations were found between female and male strobilus production in both base population and seed orchard. The male fertility variation was higher than female fertility variation in the seed orchard, while female fertility variation was higher than male fertility variation in the base population. Coefficients of variations in female and male strobilus production were 0.721 and 0.696 in the base population, and 0.403 and 1.110 in the seed orchard for combined years, respectively. Total fertility variation was 1.41 in the base population and 1.40 in the seed orchard for combined years. The relative status numbers estimated based on the total fertility were 70% of census number in the base population, and 71% in the seed orchard for combined years.
Preface. Current Issues in Ethics
Authors: Holy-Luczaj Magdalena
Published: November 2017

This interdisciplinary volume consist of papers on various problems in contemporary ethics. It presents the following issues: equalizing the level of positive liberty, the phenomenon of human cooperation, ethical questions related to artificial intelligence, extending ethical obligations toward artifacts, and soteriological threads of alienation criticism of religion.
Christianity, the Free Market, and Libertarianism
Authors: Light Christian , Block Walter E.
Published: November 2017

In recent centuries Christians of various denominations have endorsed many different political philosophies that they see as being truly biblical in their approach. Over this time there has been an increasing hostility, by some Christians, towards free markets and political philosophies that hold human liberty as the highest goal such as libertarianism and classical liberalism. This criticism is unwarranted and misplaced as libertarianism and free markets are not only compatible with Christianity, they are also the most biblically sound of all economics systems and political philosophies endorsed by Christians today. Therefore, this paper will argue that Christians of all denominations should endorse free markets and libertarianism if they wish to create a world that follows biblical principles and the teachings of Jesus.
Conciencia Sociolingüística e Hispanismos en un Corpus de Novela Rosa Inglesa
Authors: González Cruz María Isabel
Published: November 2017

Este artículo estudia desde una perspectiva sociolingüística una muestra de 14 novelas rosa inglesas que están ambientadas total o parcialmente en las islas Canarias (España). Las obras, que pertenecen a un corpus más amplio, están salpicadas, en mayor o menor medida, de palabras y expresiones en español, ya que algunos personajes son de habla hispana. El objetivo principal del trabajo es mostrar la conciencia sociolingüística de las autoras, mediante la identificación de los mecanismos que estas utilizan para recrear el contexto bilingüe de las novelas y construir la identidad lingüística de los personajes. Tras un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de los textos, los datos obtenidos parecen confirmar la existencia de una conciencia sociolingüística que se expresa por medio de estrategias de representación, que incluyen el uso del metalenguaje y del cambio de código. Además, con los hispanismos recopilados aquí iniciaremos las labores de elaboración de un futuro glosario, lo que nos llevará a plantearnos el posible papel de este tipo de textos como canales para la difusión internacional del vocabulario español, dado su gran número de lectores en todo el mundo.
Praktiken des Kinderschutzes im empirischen Blick
Authors: Thole Werner , Marks Svenja , Sehmer Julian
Published: November 2017

Fragen, Probleme und Herausforderungen des Kinderschutzes erlangen seit Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts in den öffentlichen, politischen und fachlichen, professionell handlungsfeldbezogenen wie auch disziplinär wissenschaftlichen Diskussionen erneut eine prominente Aufmerksamkeit. Dieser Aufmerksamkeitsgewinn verdankt sicherstenseiner zunehmenden öffentlichen Thematisierung von aktuellen Fällen der Verletzung kindlichen Wohlbefindens in familialen Kontexten (vgl. hierzu u. a. Bühler-Niederberger; Alberth; Eisentraut 2014; Thole; Retkowski; Schäuble 2012; Wolff u. a. 2013),zweitensder Aufdeckung von Verletzungen kindlicher Integrität in Einrichtungen der erzieherischen Hilfe, also in Fürsorgeinstitutionen bis zu Beginn der 1970er Jahre (vgl. u. a. Wensierski 2006; Hafeneger 2011), sowiedrittensdem Bekanntwerden von Praxen der Anwendung sexualisierter Gewalt in pädagogischen Institutionen (vgl. Kappeler 2011; Andresen; Heitmeyer 2012; Thole u. a. 2012). Nachdrücklich erinnern die auf diese Felder sich beziehenden Beiträge daran, dass in den vollzogenen erzieherischen, helfenden und auch pflegerischen Interventionen und Umgangsweisen in öffentlich verantworteten, professionellen wie auch in privaten, familialen Orten nicht durchweg gewaltsuspendierenden und integritätsschützenden pädagogischen und sozialen Praktiken vertraut wird.
Familiale Mechanismen zur Generierung motorischer Leistungen von Kindern im Einschulungsalter
Authors: Schlesinger Torsten , Oelze Janine , Schulz Henry
Published: November 2017

Erklärungen zu Unterschieden in den motorischen Leistungen von Kindern verweisen vielfach auf statusspezifische Unterschiede und den daraus resultierenden Benachteiligungen unterer sozialer Statusgruppen. Die folgende Studie verfolgt das Ziel, eine differenziertere Prüfung erklärungsrelevanter familiärer Faktoren vorzunehmen, indem Effekte elterlicher Ressourcen sowie deren bewegungsbezogenen Sozialisationspraktiken (als Folge der variablen Transformation verfügbarer Ressourcen) hinsichtlich der motorischen Leistung ihrer Kinder simultan berücksichtigt werden. Datengrundlage der empirischen Analyse bilden standardisierte Querschnittserhebungen von Chemnitzer Kindern (n = 2 484) im Rahmen der Schuleingangsuntersuchung. Deskriptive Befunde bestätigen zunächst statusspezifische Unterschiede in der motorischen Leistung der Kinder. Allerdings zeigen multivariate Regressionsanalysen zwischen den Statusgruppen, dass der ‚reine‘ Effekt kaum noch zur Differenzierung der motorischen Leistung der Kinder beiträgt, wenn weitere einstellungs- und verhaltensbezogene Variablen einbezogen werden. Betrachtet man die Einflüsse innerhalb der Statusgruppen, so zeigt sich interessanterweise, dass bei den Familien mit niedrigerem Sozialstatus eine höhere Variabilität hinsichtlich bewegungsbezogener Einstellungen und Praktiken besteht.
Sensing the Present: “Conceptual Art of the Senses”
Authors: Bal Mieke , Burke Rachel E.
Published: November 2017

After Rachel E. Burke briefly introduces the essays presented with a focus on our contemporary relationship to modern subjectivity, Mieke Bal will make the case for the sense of presentness on an affective and sensuous level in Munch’s paintings and Flaubert’s writing by selecting a few topics and cases from the book Emma and Edvard Looking Sideways: Loneliness and the Cinematic, published by the Munch Museum in conjunction with the exhibition Emma & Edvard. It is this foregrounded presentness that not only produces the ongoing thematic relevance of these works, but more importantly, the sense-based conceptualism that declares art and life tightly bound together. If neither artist eliminated figuration in favour of abstraction, they had a good reason for that. Art is not a representation of life, but belongs to it, illuminates it and helps us cope with it by sharpening our senses. As an example, a few paintings will clarify what I mean by the noun-qualifier “cinematic” and how that aesthetic explains the production of loneliness.
Theatre as Contagion: Making Sense of Communication in Performative Arts
Authors: Sugiera Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

Contagion is more than an epidemiological fact. The medical usage of the term is no more and no less metaphorical than in the entire history of explanations of how beliefs circulate in social interactions. The circulation of such communicable diseases and the circulation of ideas are both material and experiential. Diseases and ideas expose the power and danger of bodies in contact, as well as the fragility and tenacity of social bonds. In the case of the theatre, various tropes of contagion are to be found in both the fictional world on the stage (at least since Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex) and in many theories defining the rules of interaction between theatre audiences, fictitious characters and/or performers. In consequence, the historically changing concept of contagion has in many respects influenced how mimesis was conceived and understood. The main goal of my article is to demonstrate how the concept of contagion has changed over the last few decades and how it may influence our understanding of the idea of mimesis and participation in performative arts. This will be achieved in two steps. Firstly, I will compare the concept of contagion as the outbreak narrative that had influenced, among others, Antonin Artaud’s The Theater and the Plague with the more recent and dynamic concept of epidemic structured around the tipping point. Secondly, I will look for performative art forms with similar structure of audience responses, analyzing Mariano Pensotti’s project Sometimes I Think, I Can See You (2010), in order to demonstrate new forms of performativity and (re)presentation.
Negotiating Reality: Sam Shepard’s States of Shock, or “A Vaudeville Nightmare”
Authors: Mirowska Paulina
Published: November 2017

In the course of a career that spans half a century, from the Vietnam era to the America of Barack Obama, Sam Shepard has often been labelled as a “quintessentially American” playwright. According to Leslie Wade, “[d]rawing from the disparate image banks of rock and roll, detective fiction, B-movies, and Wild West adventure shows,” Shepard’s texts “function as a storehouse of images, icons, and idioms that denote American culture and an American sensibility” (Sam Shepard 2). The article addresses Shepard’s work in the 1990s, when - as suggested by Stephen J. Bottoms - the writer’s prime concern was with depicting “a Faustian nation mired in depravity and corruption” (245). The discussion centres primarily upon a brief anti-war play first presented by the American Place Theatre in New York City on 30 April 1991, States of Shock, whose very title appears to sum up much of the dramatist’s writing to date, aptly describing the disturbing atmospheres generated by his works and the sense of disorientation frequently experienced by both Shepard’s characters and his audiences. The essay seeks to provide an insight into this unsettling one-act play premiered in the wake of the US engagement in the First Gulf War and deploying extravagant, grotesque theatricality to convey a sense of horror and revulsion at American military arrogance and moral myopia. It investigates how Shepard’s haunting text - subtitled “a vaudeville nightmare” and focusing on a confrontation between a peculiar male duo: an ethically crippled, jingoistic Colonel and a wheelchair-using war veteran named Stubbs - revisits familiar Shepard territory, as well as branching out in new directions. It demonstrates how the playwright interrogates American culture and American identity, especially American masculinity, both reviewing the country’s unsavory past and commenting on its complicit present. Special emphasis in the discussion is placed on Shepard’s preoccupation with the aesthetics of performance and the visual elements of his theatre. The essay addresses the artist’s experimental approach, reflecting upon his creative deployment of dramatic conventions and deliberate deconstruction of American realism.
Literature That Saves: Matilda as a Reader of Great Expectations in Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Authors: Łyczkowski Rafał
Published: November 2017

The article reflects on the therapeutic and ethical potential of literature, the theme which is often marginalized and overlooked by literary critics, in the novel Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones. Matilda, the main character of the analyzed novel, finds salvation in the times of war and oppression thanks to Charles Dickens’s masterpiece, Great Expectations, and the only white man on the Island − her teacher, Mr. Watts. Matilda’s strong identification with Dickensian Pip (their similarities and differences) and imagination make her escape to another world, become a self-conscious person and reunite with her father. The paper also discusses relationships between Matilda, Mr. Watts (her spiritual guide and creator of her story, who presents the girl with expectations for a better future) and her mother, Dolores. I attempt to show the emotional development of the characters, their interactions, changes, sense of identity (significant for both Jones and Dickens), and, having analyzed their actions, I compare them to protagonists created by Charles Dickens (Pip, Miss Havisham, Estella). Needless to say, drawing the reader’s attention to British culture and traditions, Lloyd Jones avoids focusing on the negative aspects of the postcolonial views, pointing out that “the white man” can be an example of a Dickensian gentleman.
THE USE OF EUROPEAN FUNDS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN COASTAL COMMUNES ON THE BALTIC COAST
Authors: Parzych Krzysztof
Published: November 2017

The article discusses the use of financial resources from European funds for tourism development in coastal communes on the Baltic Coast in Poland. A detailed analysis of the use of EU funds has been carried out, with particular emphasis on those priorities which are related to the improvement of the tourism attractiveness of coastal communes and to their tourism development. The analyses have been made on the basis of data from the Ministry of Regional Development concerning the allocation of European funds in 2007-13.
Mollusc diversity at pulicat Lagoon (India)
Authors: Ramanibai Ravichandran , Govindan Sivalingam
Published: November 2017

During our routine ecological survey conducted at Pulicat Lagoon, the most diverse class Gastropods comprised of 26 families with 34 species and Bivalvia with 13 families and 17 species were recorded. The most abundant molluscs species was Crassostrea madrasensis, captured between October 2013 − September 2015. Quite a good number of molluscs were washed ashore. The economic value of the shells in the field of cosmetics was raised high recently. Both in terms of aquaculture and market value the attention should be diverted towards their conservation. With few exceptions, the majority of these molluscs were ornamental.
Dengue virus 3 NS5 methyltransferase domain: expression, purification, crystallization and first structural data from microcrystalline specimens
Authors: Valmas Alexandros , Fili Stavroula , Nikolopoulos Nikos , Spiliopoulou Maria , Christopoulou Magdalini , Karavassili Fotini , Kosinas Christos , Bastalias Konstantinos , Rosmaraki Eleftheria , Lichiére Julie , Fitch Andrew , Beckers Detlef , Degen Thomas , Papageorgiou Nicolas , Canard Bruno , Coutard Bruno , Margiolaki Irene
Published: November 2017

Flavivirus infections often provoke life-threatening diseases of epidemic magnitudes, thus extensive research is currently directed towards the development of efficient vaccines and approved antiviral compounds. We present here the expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of one of the components of the flavivirus replication complex, the non-structural protein 5 (NS5) mRNA methyltransferase (MTase) domain, from an emerging pathogenic flavivirus, dengue virus 3 (DEN3). Polycrystalline precipitates of DEN3 NS5 MTase, suitable for X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) measurements, were produced in the presence of PEG 8000 (25–32.5% (w/v)), 0.1 M Tris-Amino, in a pH range from 7.0 to 8.0. A polymorph of orthorhombic symmetry (space group: P21212, a=61.9 Å, b=189.6 Å, c=52.4 Å) was identified via XRPD. These results are the first step towards the complete structural determination of this molecule via XRPD and a parallel demonstration of the applicability of the method.
Solitons, Lie Group Analysis and Conservation Laws of a (3+1)-Dimensional Modified Zakharov-Kuznetsov Equation in a Multicomponent Magnetised Plasma
Authors: Du Xia-Xia , Tian Bo , Chai Jun , Sun Yan , Yuan Yu-Qiang
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we investigate a (3+1)-dimensional modified Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation, which describes the nonlinear plasma-acoustic waves in a multicomponent magnetised plasma. With the aid of the Hirota method and symbolic computation, bilinear forms and one-, two- and three-soliton solutions are derived. The characteristics and interaction of the solitons are discussed graphically. We present the effects on the soliton’s amplitude by the nonlinear coefficients which are related to the ratio of the positive-ion mass to negative-ion mass, number densities, initial densities of the lower- and higher-temperature electrons and ratio of the lower temperature to the higher temperature for electrons, as well as by the dispersion coefficient, which is related to the ratio of the positive-ion mass to the negative-ion mass and number densities. Moreover, using the Lie symmetry group theory, we derive the Lie point symmetry generators and the corresponding symmetry reductions, through which certain analytic solutions are obtained via the power series expansion method and the (G′/G) expansion method. We demonstrate that such an equation is strictly self-adjoint, and the conservation laws associated with the Lie point symmetry generators are derived.
Overcrowded aminophospanitrenes: a case study
Authors: Tirrée Jürgen , Ruban Alexander V. , Nieger Martin , Li Claudia , Nyulászi László , Niecke Edgar
Published: November 2017

In a search for stable phosphinonitrenes generated by thermally induced decomposition of the azidophosphines8a,b, different cyclodiphosp(V)azene products were generated. While in the case of8athe expected phosphinonitrene dimer10could be obtained, from8b, which has the sterically more demanding TMP substituents, product11, was obtained and characterized. DFT calculations have revealed that the primarily formed phosphinonitrene9bis unstable against loss of TMP˙, and the resulting radical dimerizes to the biradicaloid 1,3-diaza-2,4-diphosphetane-2,4-diyl13. Compound13then dimerizes after ring opening, yielding in the ring system, which provides the final product upon reaction with the starting azidophosphine.
On the structure of the P-iodo-, bromo- and chloro-bis(imino)phosphoranes: A DFT study
Authors: Schoeller Wolfgang W.
Published: November 2017

As demonstrated by DFT calculations, the bonding situation of P-iodo, bromo and chloro-bis(imino)phosphoranes XP(NR)2, X=Cl, Br, I, differs from that of conventional amino-bis(imino)phosphoranes (X=NR2). The monomers are highly reactive compounds with relatively small adiabatic singlet-triplet energy differences. They can dimerize by a mutual polarization mechanism between the electropositive iodine center of one monomeric unit and the more electronegative nitrogen centers of the other unit. It causes a slight depletion of p-electron density at iodine and an accumulation at the nitrogen atoms. The polarization induces electrostatic attraction, attenuated by stack formation into a one-dimensional array of monomers. The weak electrostatic binding is strongly superimposed by steric attraction among the bulky substituents of the stack array, which can end up essentially stronger than the electrostatic interaction forces. The factors which govern the dispersion forces are evaluated. The substituent effects for stack formation are studied in detail for the association of two monomers.
The Mysterious Murder of Christa Worthington
Authors: Bonney Kevin M. , Nicholas Lori
Published: November 2017

This lesson presents an interrupted case study based on the true story of the 2002 murder of Christa Worthington in Massachusetts. The case was developed for use in an undergraduate non-majors life science course, but would also be appropriate for a high school biology course or a forensic science course. During this lesson, students examine a crime scene diagram and discuss evidence collection. Students then conduct a hands-on activity extracting DNA from wheat germ to simulate how DNA would be isolated from crime scene samples. Lastly the students will analyze simulated DNA profiles produced using STRs, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis to help match a crime scene sample to one of five suspects. The pros and cons surrounding the use of a DNA dragnet are also discussed.
An In-House Biology Placement Test Improves Success in Majors Introductory Biology
Authors: Boomer Sarah M. , Baltzley Michael J. , Poole Angela Z. , Latham-Scott Kristin L. , Poole Jesse P.
Published: November 2017

Biology placement tests (BPTs) have most often been used to determine whether well-prepared students can “test out” of foundational coursework at the college or university level. However, not all high school students are equally prepared for majors-level introductory Biology. Consequently, we developed and tested an in-house diagnostic BPT that assesses preparedness for “testing in” to introductory majors-level coursework (BI 211). We found that BPT scores were significantly correlated with final course grades. Following implementation of this benchmark, we documented short-term enrollment patterns of BPT-taking students (n = 313 over 3 years). Approximately half of these students passed the BPT, with 63 percent continuing in Biology. The other half did not pass, with 25 percent continuing in Biology. The implementation of the BPT decreased the overall percentage of F/Drop students in this course. These benchmarks have not affected the first generation college (FGC) or underrepresented minority (URM) enrollment in BI 211, nor have they introduced demographic biases among F/Drop students in this course. Given these data, we argue that diagnostic BPTs have an effective place in advising and retention strategies.
Effects of Phylogenetic Tree Style on Student Comprehension in an Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Dees Jonathan , Freiermuth Danielle , Momsen Jennifer L.
Published: November 2017

Phylogenetic trees have become an important component of biology education, but their utility in the classroom is compromised by widespread misinterpretations among students. One factor that may contribute to student difficulties is style, as diagonal and bracket phylogenetic trees are both commonly used in biology. Previous research using surveys found that students performed better with bracket phylogenetic trees across a variety of interpretation tasks. The present study builds on prior research by comparing how students interpret diagonal and bracket phylogenetic trees in the context of an introductory biology course and by expanding the style comparison to include construction tasks. Students performed significantly better with bracket phylogenetic trees for some, but not all, interpretation tasks. In addition, students who constructed bracket phylogenetic trees were significantly more accurate compared to those who used the diagonal style. Thus, our results reinforce previous research for interpretations, and the performance gap between styles extended to construction tasks. It remains to be seen, however, if such differences persist after instruction that balances the use of diagonal and bracket phylogenetic trees.
Exploring Predatory Nematode Chemotaxis Using Low-Cost and Easy-to-Use Microfluidics
Authors: Stilwell Matthew D. , Nepper Julia F. , Clawson Elizabeth D. , Blair Val , Tangen Travis , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: November 2017

Symbiosis is a fascinating and diverse phenomenon. The study of symbiosis is important to understanding ecology, as it helps us understand relationships between organisms and provides insight into co-evolution, mutualism, adaptation, and survival. Ecological studies are challenging to implement in K-12 classrooms because they often require multiple organisms (often very different in size) and complex environments that are difficult to replicate accurately (e.g., soil composition, temperature, pH, and humidity). These factors can make it difficult to study quantitative changes in ecosystems. We developed an inexpensive, quantitative experiment for classrooms that can be used to explore important aspects of microbial symbiosis, pathogenesis, and ecology, and that helps support more investigations in this area of education. The experiment is low-cost, designed for K-12 teachers and students, uses common materials, and teaches students about the exciting relationships among bacteria, worms, and insects.
Using Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics to Investigate the Prevalence of Mislabeled Fish Samples
Authors: Arnold Madeline L. , Holman Drew , Zweifel Stephan G.
Published: November 2017

The tools of molecular biology provide a rich platform for teaching the scientific process, as interesting questions pertaining to fields such as evolution and ecology can be pursued on short time scales. In this inquiry-based laboratory project, students investigate the authenticity of fish products purchased in local markets and restaurants by DNA sequence analysis of a segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. In the course of their investigation, students are exposed to fundamental molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, agarose gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing mechanisms, and DNA database analysis. In addition, students will observe how the evolutionary relatedness of species is reflected in the genetic code, and consider how the ecology of fish species influences their product distribution and environmental impact. This project is suitable for advanced high school or undergraduate students.
MEN1 gene mutation with parathyroid carcinoma: first report of a familial case
Authors: Cinque Luigia , Sparaneo Angelo , Salcuni Antonio S , de Martino Danilo , Battista Claudia , Logoluso Francesco , Palumbo Orazio , Cocchi Roberto , Maiello Evaristo , Graziano Paolo , Hendy Geoffrey N , Cole David E C , Scillitani Alfredo , Guarnieri Vito
Published: November 2017

Background

The occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MENI) is rare and the 15 cases of malignant parathyroid tumor reported so far have been associated with MENI in individuals and not with multiple members within a family.

Methods

We report on a 61-year-old male, operated for a 7.3 cm parathyroid carcinoma infiltrating the esophagus. In his brother, a 4.6 cm parathyroid carcinoma was diagnosed histologically, while in the daughter, neck ultrasonography revealed 2 extrathyroidal nodules, yet to be excised.

Results

Screening of the MEN1 gene identified a known germline heterozygous missense mutation (c.1252G>A; p.D418N) in exon 9, in all affected subjects.

Conclusions

The occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma in more than one affected member of a single MEN1 family represents the first reported familial case. This suggests that additional constitutional genetic mutations may contribute to the variation in malignant potential and clinical behavior of parathyroid tumors in MEN1.
Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with high stimulated serum calcitonin levels
Authors: Unluhizarci Kursad , Akgun Hulya , Oz Bahadır , Karaca Zuleyha , Tanriverdi Fatih , Kelestimur Fahrettin
Published: November 2017

Among various substances produced by C-cells, the most important one is calcitonin (CT) that is used for detection, post-operative follow-up and evaluation of individuals at risk of developing medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). However, the role of serum CT measurement in the evaluation of thyroid nodules has been widely discussed, and there is still no consensus about the role of CT in the initial evaluation of all thyroid nodules. Two patients with thyroid nodules whose fine-needle aspiration results were compatible with benign cytology besides having mildly elevated basal serum calcitonin levels were reported. Calcitonin responses (peak levels were 313 and 229 pg/mL, respectively) to calcium stimulation test were compatible with the possible diagnosis of MTC. However, the final diagnosis was papillary thyroid carcinoma of the thyroid gland. There are limited numbers of case reports showing such an increased serum calcitonin responses to calcium stimulation test associated with papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma of the thyroid. We suggest to measure serum CT level once and in case of normal levels, no further CT measurement is necessary. Physicians should keep in mind that thyroid carcinomas other than MTCs may also be associated with high serum CT levels.

Learning points:

Although serum calcitonin is a valuable tumor marker for MTC, it is well known that mild elevations may be seen in some other diseases such as Hashimoto thyroiditis, neuroendocrine tumors or due to medications such as proton pump inhibitors, calcium salts, beta blockers and glucocorticoids.

Those two cases indicate that high calcitonin responses to calcium stimulation test, mimicking MTC, may also be seen in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma although the mechanism is not clear.
CONTRIBUCIÓN DE LA ARQUEOLOGIA MEDICA AL ESTUDIO DE LAS RUINAS DE LAS MISIONES JESUITICO-GUARANIES DE ARGENTINA, BRASIL Y PARAGUAY
Authors: Palacios Silvio
Published: November 2017

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A CONQUISTA DO TEMPO NOTURNO: PORTO ALEGRE MODERNA
Authors: Santoro de Constantino Núncia
Published: November 2017

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Comparison of the endocrinological and immunological results of different induction of parturition methods in ewes
Authors: Demirbilek Serpil , Gunes Nazmiye , Goncagul Gulsen , Uzabacı Ender , Carli Tayfun , Seyrek-Intas Kamil , Salci E.
Published: November 2017

Objective: This study aimed to compare different induction of partu -rition (IP) methods in terms of endocrinological and immunological parameters in ewes and lambs.Materials and methods: A total of 24 ewes and their respective 24 lambs were studied. Groups of six ewes were induced on the 138th day: groups I (control), II (dexamethasone), III (aglepristone) and IV (aglepristone + dexamethasone). Blood samples were taken from the ewes from IP to 2 days postpartum at 12-hour intervals for the prolactin and oxytocin analyses. Colostrum and blood samples were collected from the lambs at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours for the IgG analysis. The prolactin, oxytocin and IgG levels were measured by ELISA. Results: A significant difference was found in prolactin levels in all groups and in the colostral IgG level in group IV with respect to the sampling time. Additionally, a significant difference in prolactin level was found at 24 hours postpartum between group IV and groups I and III. A significant difference in the colostral IgG level was determined at 24 hours after parturition between group III and the other groups and at 48 hours after parturition between groups II and III. A positive and significant correlation between the colostral and serum IgG levels of the lambs was found at 24 hours in groups I and II. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Although varying individual results were found within the groups, the endocrinological and immunological results did not suggest any superiority among the IP methods. Considering the presented study results, a single dose of aglepristone may be used alone or in combination with dexamethasone for I P.
Isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility of Brachy -spira species from feces of layer chickens in Germany
Authors: Willems Hermann , Heuser Jörg , Ewers Christa , Herbst Werner
Published: November 2017

Objective: Anaerobic spirochetes of the genus Brachyspira are important pathogens causing swine dysentery (Brachyspira [B.] hyodysenteriae) and porcine intestinal spirochetosis (B. pilosicoli, PIS). In addition, avian intestinal spirochetosis (AIS) is caused by B. pilosicoli, B. intermedia and B. alvinipulli. Despite the economic impact of AIS, the disease has not received appropriate attention in Germany. This study was aimed at identifying Brachyspira spp. in Germany and determining their antimicrobial susceptibility. Material and methods: From 2009 to 2013, a total of 71 fecal swabs were obtained from clinically healthy layer hens from eight different commercial flocks. Brachyspira spp. culture was performed in trypticase soybean agar added with 5% sheep blood. Species determination was conducted by PCRs targeting the NADH-gen and the 16S rDNA or by nox-gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility to macrolides, lincosamides and pleuromutilins was tested by a microdilution assay. Results: Brachyspira spp. were isolated from 40 (56.3%) swabs distributed over all eight flocks. In 26 cases, the following species were determined by PCR: B. pilosicoli (n = 16), B. intermedia (2), B. innocens (3), B. murdochii (1), mixtures of B. pilosicoli/B. intermedia (2), B. innocens/B. intermedia (1), B. innocens/B. murdochii (1). Remaining isolates were characterized by noxgene sequencing as B. “pulli” (n = 9), B. alvinipulli (3), B. intermedia (1) and as not identifiable (1). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 37 isolates revealed minimal inhibitory concentrations 90 (MIC90) of > 128 mg/l (tylosin), 64 mg/l (lincomycin), 8 mg/l (tiamulin) and 4 mg/l (valnemulin), respectively. Comparing to breakpoints applied to pigs, these values lie within the range of resistance. Conclusion The demonstration of different Brachyspira spp., particularly B. pilosicoli, intermedia and alvinipulli in commercial layers, indicates the need of further research to assess their potential role in causing AIS in German poultry flocks. The increased antimicrobial resistance of Brachyspira spp. isolates to tylosin and pleuromutilins is likely associated with extensive use of these drugs in poultry medicine.
Medical and physician assistant students’ views on integrating comics into medical education
Authors: Elghafri Amani , Stewart Renee R. , Sampath Ramya A. , Kesselheim Jennifer C. , Green Michael J.
Published: November 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Purpose : This study explored comics as a tool for teaching medical and physician assistant (PA) students about end-of-life decisions and advance care planning. Methods: Using a mixed method convergent design, a survey (consisting of a five-point Likert scale and open-ended questions) was administered to second-year medical and first-year PA students enrolled in an Ethics and Professionalism class at a US medical school. The survey assessed students' perspectives on the addition of a comic "Betty P." to assigned readings and about the use of comics in the classroom. Quantitative results were compared by demographics, and open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively for emergent themes. Quantitative and qualitative findings were compared for correspondence. Results: Of the 145 students who completed the survey (83%), 141 students (81%) had read the comic. The vast majority (89%) felt that "Betty P." helped them understand end of life care for patients, and 84% felt that the comic did not distract them from the seriousness of the subject. Qualitative analysis revealed 2 major themes: 1) comics were educational, and 2) comics engaged learners emotionally. We observed convergence between quantitative and qualitative results. Conclusion: Integrating comics as a supplemental teaching tool is an innovative way to engage medical students.
Effect of aluminium phases on thaumasite formation in cement slurries containing limestone powder
Authors: Wang Yingbin , He Xingyang , Su Ying , Ma Baoguo , Chu Jinsong , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2017

Under low-temperature conditions with carbonate, sulfate and abundant water, cement-based materials suffer from a severe thaumasite form of sulfate attack. In this study, the effects of aluminium phases on thaumasite formation in tricalcium silicate (C3S) slurries containing limestone powder under gypsum solution conditions was examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal gravity analysis. The results indicate the following: the presence and relative amount of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) are not prerequisites of thaumasite formation; sulfates and carbonates can directly react with the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gels in cement hydration products, which dissolves the C–S–H gels and produces non-cementitious thaumasite; small amounts of aluminium phases in the reaction are sufficient to accelerate thaumasite formation, and the accelerating effect becomes more noticeable as the aluminium phase content increases. The morphology of erosion products showed that the crystal size become smaller as the C3A dosage increases.
Episteme de la ecuación de patrimonios
Authors: Ramírez Rincón Eliseo , Avellaneda Bautista Campo Alcides
Published: November 2017

Desde finales del siglo XV, cuando se propuso explícitamente por escrito la ecuación contable de Lucca Pacioli, a través de su trabajo de matemáticas Summa de Arthmetica, Proportioni et Proportionalita, hasta nuestros días en los albores del siglo XXI, es muy poco lo que ha cambiado epistemológicamente este constructo. En este artículo se demostrará que dicha ecuación contable clásica es un caso particular de la ecuación contable de patrimonios.