bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining the image of the contemporary city – changes in linguistic and cultural realms – preliminary remarks
Authors: Koszko Marta
Published: March 2019

Contemporary cosmopolitan European cities have been recently undergoing considerable social changes. Although most of them can be described as multicultural, the character of their public space should be redefined due to the intensified influx of immigrants mainly from the Middle East and North Africa and the socio-cultural background they bring along. This social and cultural process has a significant influence on the internal and external image and the identity of the city. These notions can be discussed in reference to Meffert’s (1989) concept of the city’s identity and the image of a city, hence in reference to the system of visual identification, communication system and the city culture. A particular attention should be drawn to the language in the public space (linguistic landscape LL), ritualized public space and the overall image of the city. These naturally have to be considered in the context of the socio-cultural transformation of the European cities. It should also be pointed out that Meffert’s theory may need to be slightly redefined in order to reflect the present-day urban cultural and linguistic reality.
Developing creativity: a new paradigm
Authors: Nizhneva-Ksenofontava Nadzeya , Nizhneva Natallia
Published: March 2019

The article is devoted to the description of a new teaching paradigm, a paradigm of developing creativity in particular. Difference between a new paradigm and the old one is shown. The essence of such concepts as thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, creativity is analyzed. Peculiarities of thinking of geniuses are described. The author presents critical thinking skills. Special attention is paid to barriers to creativity, essence of creative situations, their most distinctive features, main parameters, key principles of developing creative situations.
„Arbeitgebermarke Bibliothek“ für kleine und mittlere Bibliotheken
Authors: Haß Torsten
Published: March 2019

Nicht zuletzt vor dem Hintergrund des demographischen Wandels wird es Bibliotheken künftig eventuell schwerfallen, geeignetes Personal zu gewinnen und zu halten. Das gilt auch für die Anwerbung von Auszubildenden. Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit einer Stärkung der „Arbeitgebermarke Bibliothek“ durch zwei Maßnahmen, die einer begrenzten Ressourcen-Verfügbarkeit (Personal, Geld) gerecht werden sollen: einen möglichst interessanten Eintrag in Wikipedia und unorthodoxe Stellenausschreibungen.
Development of a validated spectrofluorimetric method for assay of sotalol hydrochloride in tablets and human plasma: application for stability-indicating studies
Authors: Ibrahim Fawzia A. , El-Brashy Amina M. , El-Awady Mohamed I. , Abdallah Nora. A.
Published: March 2019

The native fluorescence of sotalol hydrochloride (SOT) was used as a basis for establishing a new method of analysis for SOT in tablets and spiked human plasma. The fluorescence of SOT in water was measured at 310 nm when excited at 235 nm. The detection limit (LOD) was 0.37 ng/mL and the quantification limit (LOQ) was 1.08 ng/mL. The proposed method offers high sensitivity which permits determination of SOT, even if present in a very small amount, in human plasma. The obtained results were successfully compared to that of a reference pharmacopeial method and statistical analysis proved a good agreement between the results of both methods. Further investigation of the SOT stability upon exposure to various stress conditions, such as acidic, alkaline, oxidative and photolytic degradation conditions was also performed. The kinetics of acidic, alkaline and oxidative degradation of the drug showed a pseudo first order degradation reaction. A proposal of the degradation pathway was suggested and confirmed by developing a thin layer chromatographic method used for separation of SOT and its acidic and alkaline degradation products.
Topological Indices of Hyaluronic Acid-Paclitaxel Conjugates’ Molecular Structure in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zheng Lina , Wang Yiqiao , Gao Wei
Published: March 2019

A large number of medical experiments have confirmed that the features of drugs have a close correlation with their molecular structure. Drug properties can be obtained by studying the molecular structure of corresponding drugs. The calculation of the topological index of a drug structure enables scientists to have a better understanding of the physical chemistry and biological characteristics of drugs. In this paper, we focus on Hyaluronic Acid-Paclitaxel conjugates which are widely used in the manufacture of anticancer drugs. Several topological indices are determined by virtue of the edge-partition method, and our results remedy the lack of medicine experiments, thus providing a theoretical basis for pharmaceutical engineering.
Thermodynamic properties of the bubble growth process in a pool boiling of water-ethanol mixture two-component system
Authors: Sattari Mohammad , Mahdavian Leila
Published: March 2019

Saturated pool boiling in a two-component water-ethanol solution was studied at a pressure of one atmosphere in a horizontal stainless steel cylinder. Solutions with volumes of 3%, 7%, and 12% of water-ethanol solution were examined at a heat flux of 1.8 to 60 kW/m2. Videos and photos were analyzed and changes in bubble diameter, growth, and departure parameters were recorded. The results showed that the bubble departure diameters increased with increasing heat flux, but diameters decrease with increasing ethanol mass fraction. The experimental data are evaluated with two models of Alavi Fazel and Hamzehkhani’s model, have better fitting with Hamzehkhani’s model.
Characteristics of Stable Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes of Soil Moisture under Different Land Use in Dry Hot Valley of Yuanmou
Authors: Han Jiao-Jiao , Duan Xu , Zhao Yang-Yi , Li Meng
Published: March 2019

Soil moisture, stable hydrogen, and oxygen isotopes were sampled and determined in a demonstration area of soil and moisture conservation at the Laocheng Town of Yuanmou County in Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan of three land use types:LeucaenaBenth artificial forest,Heteropogon contortusgrass field, and farmland. The characteristics of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of soil moisture in these different land use types at different soil depths were analyzed to investigate the regularities in the quantitative formation of soil moisture balance. In terms of forest land, we found that the variable coefficient of hydrogen isotopes in the 0-20 cm soil layer was the smallest, but decreased with depth under 20 cm. While in grassland, the variable coefficient in 80-100 cm was the largest, and decreased with depth above 80 cm. As for farmland, the variable coefficient in the top 20 cm was the largest, followed by 40-60 cm, and the medium 20-40 cm was the smallest. The soil moisture hydrogen isotope values of three land use type were different at surface layer, but prone to be consistent in each type. Along the soil depth in forest land, the hydrogen isotope increased first and then decreased, while increased in the end, and the maximum appeared in 80-100 cm. In grassland, the hydrogen isotope increased initially as the forest land but then decreased continuously, so the maximum was found at 20-40 cm. And in grassland, the hydrogen isotope of all depths were higher than which of forest land and farmland. In same land use type, the hydrogen isotope of soil moisture changed significantly at the surface, and the variation of hydrogen isotopes was obviously decreased along the depth. Our findings could provide reference data which would contribute to the assessment of regional groundwater resources in the dry-hot valley of Yuanmou in this study.
Foundations of the Theory of Signs (1938)
Authors: Jia Hongwei
Published: March 2019

“Foundations of the theory of signs,” published by Charles W. Morris in 1938, deals with the relations between semiotics and science, and those between semiosis and semiotics, among others. Compared with previous research regarding the aspects of semiotics being meta-science, the three dimensions of semiosis, semiotic as organon of the sciences, etc., this article does push forward the development of linguistics and semiotics since the late 1930s. However, its discussions on semiotics being meta-science, the nature and classification of signs, the three dimensions of semiosis, organism in the sign relations, universals and universality of signs, and thing-language are either not logically rigid or inadequate in content and scope. For a piece of work discussing the theoretical foundations of signs, it does not consider sign transformation, a universal and ubiquitous sign activity, which is not consistent with the keyword “foundations” in its title. A critical analysis of these problems involving the aspects mentioned above may not only enrich the visions of triadic sign relations, semiotics, and translation semiotics, but also inspire future semiotic studies and even other new research related to signs.
Heimat im Offenen?
Authors: Bauer Christian
Published: March 2019

This Habilitation lecture discusses the present rise of right-wing populism as a theological problem. It uses the term „Heimat“ („home“ or „home country“) to explore the social context of this populism. This exploration leads to a discussion of the underlying cultural meta-narratives which serve a sense of shared identity. In a practical theological perspective, the discourse on „Heimat“ may be understood in terms of narrative encounters. Finding a home in an open world is possible – and the Christian faith offers bountiful theological resources for this.
We’re all “Bananas and Coconuts”: Congregational Song in the Global South
Authors: Lim Swee Hong
Published: March 2019

This essay presents the grassroots’ common practice of congregational music making seen through an embedded long-term participant-observer’s perspective. Through this approach, it argues for a realistic means of “closing the loop” in the goal of self-determination for Global South churches by proposing a thoughtful worship renewal process guided by an enlightened theological ethos that privileges local expressions.
Performance Signature of Optical Fiber Communications Dispersion Compensation Techniques for the Control of Dispersion Management
Authors: Ranathive S. , Vinoth Kumar K. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Tabbour Mohammed Salah F. , Sundararajan T.V.P.
Published: March 2019

This paper has deeply simulated the different configurations of pre, post, and symmetric dispersion compensation-based dispersion compensated fiber (DCF), Gaussian optic filter (GOF), and fiber Bragg grating. Output power, signal quality factor, and signal gain are the performance parameters in this study for the complete comparison for the proposed techniques for dispersion compensation. It is observed that FBG has presented the best performance parameters optimization in compared to other compensation techniques for different configurations of compensation. The FBG dispersion compensation technique is the key solution for dispersion compensation in compared with other compensation techniques that are comparatively as in previous section. It is observed that the FBG is the best dispersion compensation technique and change its location, and length, apodization, and chirp functions, to obtain the best performance of FBG and give the best quality factor, output power, and gain, FBG can be employed in different categories such as post compensation, pre compensation, and symmetric compensation with different FBG lengths, apodization, and chirp functions.
The Strategic Use of International Investment Law in Colombia – Textiles: Navigating within the International Regime Complex for Development
Authors: Tamayo-Álvarez Rafael
Published: March 2019

Trade-based money laundering (TBML) is a major concern in Colombia, where criminal organisations employ under-invoicing to conceal drug-trafficking proceeds. In response, Colombia imposed a compound tariff on certain Panamanian importations that were considered linked to this phenomenon. Alleging that the policy measure infringed Colombia’s tariff concessions, Panama activated the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism. The dispute revolved around Article II:1 of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade 1994. Colombia argued that this norm should be interpreted as to encompass licit trade only. Colombia looked for normative support in the investment treaty regime by establishing a parallel between undervalued imports and illegal investments. Therefore, just as investment treaty tribunals abstain from extending international legal protection to illegal investments, the WTO adjudicating bodies should not extend tariff concessions to importations linked to TBML activities. This article contends that by transplanting a more favourable doctrine of legality from the investment treaty regime to the multilateral trade regime, Colombia engaged in strategic regime shifting. Accordingly, drawing on regime complexes analysis, the article argues that by considering development a common issue-area, it is possible to articulate strategic connections between both regimes.
From Information to Knowledge to Wisdom: the Cold War Battle for Information Superiority and Its Implications for Thriving in the Age of Data Smog
Authors: Trembach Stan
Published: March 2019

This article employs a comparative historical perspective to narrow the gap in the existing knowledge of the origins of the trans-Atlantic information explosion phenomenon that dates back to the early decades of the twentieth century. The author examines the root cause of the unprecedented growth of the overall amount of documents through the lens of the rapid expansion of scientific and technical advances across the world and subsequent spread of modern technologies, particularly those applied to scientific and technical information (STI). The study’s focus is on two superpowers of the era: the thriving Soviet military-industrial complex that went hand in hand with the rise of the STI management system in the mid-twentieth century United States. By exploring the practices of a range of U.S. and Soviet information agencies, this research draws parallels with the current information overload and informs our judgment about the challenges and possibilities in scientific and scholarly research brought about by today’s global information age.
Multicultural Services in China’s Public Libraries for the Protection and Promotion of Ethnic Minorities’ Cultures: A Case Study
Authors: Zhou Lihong , Cui Cheng , Luo Liguo
Published: March 2019

Despite the increasing focus on the protection and promotion of the cultures of ethnic minority groups in China, the multicultural services in China’s public libraries have not yet been strengthened. This paper reports on a research study that aimed to develop a framework of library multicultural services to serve as a conceptual basis for the development of these types of services in China’s public libraries and in particular for those libraries located in China’s ethnic minority regions. Yanbian Library, the regional central library of China’s Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, was selected as a case study, with 10 library professionals approached and interviewed using a semi-structured interview script. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The analysis pointed to 21 multicultural services in five main themes: multicultural user services, multilingual collection development, development of multicultural service teams, marketing of multicultural services and management of multicultural services. Although this study is situated in China, the research findings are of potential interest to library and information professionals, educators and researchers worldwide.
Governmental Structures, Social Inclusion, and the Digital Divide
Authors: Cunningham Christopher A.
Published: March 2019

This study discovers the level of relationship between democracy and access to online information. It defines democracy using freedom ratings from Freedom House, as well as economic factors such as Gross Domestic Product and Foreign Direct Investment. The model also included a data set from Geddes, Wright and Frantz (2012), who used a finer grained scale for autocratic countries. It then explores the relationship between democracy and the level of access to online information using an ordinary least squares regression model. The level of access to online information was defined as the number of the internet users per capita within a country. The strength of the relationship indicated that this definition explained ~57 % of the interaction between these variables. In addition, the civil liberties ranking of a country was determined to have a statistically significant relationship to the number of internet users while the political rights of a country did not have a statistically significant relationship to the number of internet users. By determining this level of relationship, policymakers can then make a more informed decision while deciding on methods to bridge the digital divide. In determining which factors can be adjusted by outside stakeholders, such as access to technology, and those factors which cannot, such as levels of democracy, policymakers can determine methods to increase their impact in narrowing the digital divide.
Literacy Practices of Youth Experiencing Incarceration: Reading and Writing as Points of Regulation and Escape
Authors: Austin Jeanie
Published: March 2019

LIS research on youth incarceration frequently highlights literacy and education as means by which youth may escape or evade systems of incarceration These adult-structured positions often fail to take into account the perspectives and experiences of youth who are actively experiencing incarceration. Through an analysis of youth contributions to The Beat Within, this research includes the perspectives of youth who are incarcerated in order to build an understanding of how literacy, representational materials and education factor into how they navigate the systems of surveillance, policing and incarceration that shape their lives.
Linear vs. hierarchical: Two accounts of premodification in the of-binominal noun phrase
Authors: ten Wolde Elnora
Published: March 2019

Premodification patterns play a central role in the categorization of of-binominals in general, and particularly in the grammaticalization of the evaluative binominal noun phrase (a beast of a man) into an evaluative modifier (a beast of a Hollywood year), where the first noun functions as an extreme modifier. This paper compares a linear, construction-based account of the premodification patterns of the evaluative binominal noun phrase, evaluative modifier, and other historically related of-binominals to a hierarchical account in Functional Discourse Grammar in order to investigate in what way each theory captures and accounts for these patterns. The paper comprises two parts: First, based on a zone-based premodification model, an empirical study of the synchronic premodification distributional patterns of these of-binominals is presented. Second, the paper discusses a Functional Discourse Grammar explanation of the findings. In the conclusion, the theoretical implications of the explanations of these patterns in the two approaches are discussed.
A cognitive-functional approach to the order of adjectives in the English noun phrase
Authors: Davidse Kristin , Breban Tine
Published: March 2019

In this article we identify and motivate the main word order patterns of adjectives in the English NP. Theoretically, we situate ourselves within the tradition of semiotically-based, cognitive-functional construction grammars as developed by such linguists as Halliday, Langacker and McGregor. In this tradition, the lexicogrammar is assumed to exist to symbolize semantic functions. We argue that the various semantic functions of adjectives in the English NP are coded by different modification relations, which differ in terms of where and how they fit into the structural assembly of the whole NP. We hold that function motivates structure, and that order is an epiphenomenon of structure. Therefore, we first set out our model of the functions that can be fulfilled by adjectives in the English NP. This model is innovative in a number of ways. Theoretically, it extends the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers. Descriptively, we elucidate the traditionally recognized representational functions of classifier and epithet as well as the interpersonal functions of noun-intensifier and secondary determiner. To this set, we add the hitherto barely recognized interpersonal functions of focus marker and metadesignative. We also systematically investigate the possibility for coordination and subordination between adjectives fulfilling the same function. In a second step, we then correlate this functional-structural model with the general ordering tendencies of the functions realized by adjectives. We specify the general left-to-right ordering of the six functions, pointing out possible and impossible orders of the functions relative to each other. We interpret the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers with regard to their different ordering potential. Finally, we look at the main ordering options available for multiple adjectives realizing the same function.
Die Rückkehr der Mitte Europas
Authors: Paqué Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2019

Am 20. Juni 1948 fand im Westen des besetzten Deutschlands eine Wirtschafts- und Währungsreform statt, mit Freigabe der Preise und Einführung der Deutschen Mark (DM). Das Datum markiert den Beginn des marktwirtschaftlichen Wiederaufstiegs der westlichen Besatzungszonen und der späteren Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Das Wirtschaftssystem, das mit der Reform eingeführt wurde, die „Soziale Marktwirtschaft“, bewährte sich. Dies gilt für die beiden Dekaden der dynamischen Re-Integration Deutschlands in die Weltwirtschaft der fünfziger und sechziger Jahre; es gilt aber auch – trotz zeitweise aufgestautem Reformbedarf – im Wesentlichen für die Zeit des Strukturwandels ab 1973 im Gefolge der beiden globalen Ölkrisen. Auch die deutsche Wiedervereinigung 1990, insbesondere die Architektur der im Juni 1990 geschaffenen Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion, wurde von den historischen Lehren Westdeutschlands tief geprägt. Der darauf folgende Aufbau Ost war dabei im Wesentlichen erfolgreich, wenn auch Flurschäden von 40 Jahren Planwirtschaft und Isolierung vom Weltmarkt für die ostdeutsche Wirtschaft auf absehbare Zeit verbleiben.

Karl-Heinz Paqué zieht eine insgesamt positive Bilanz der vergangenen 70 Jahre. Er deutet aber die Entwicklungen der Jahrzehnte nach 1948 und 1990 als Schritte und Stufen einer Rückkehr Deutschlands in die Rolle des wirtschaftlichen Wachstumspols in der Mitte Europas, wie sie bereits vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg angelegt war, aber in der Zwischenkriegszeit durch ungünstige politische Rahmenbedingungen und in den beiden Weltkriegen durch Gewalt, Zerstörung und Autarkiepolitik nicht zum Zuge kam. Die Vorstellung von einem radikalen Bruch, wie sie bekennende Ordnungspolitiker und Ordnungstheoretiker in der deutschen Tradition pflegten, ist insofern nicht haltbar. Sie liefert gleichwohl mehr als einen politischen Mythos, weil sie die Bedeutung des Vertrauens in marktwirtschaftliche sowie rechts- und sozialstaatliche Prinzipien in den Vordergrund rückt. Mit Blick auf die anstehenden Herausforderungen der Zukunft – demografischer Wandel, Digitalisierung und Globalisierung – bleiben diese Prinzipien von überragender Bedeutung. Sie müssen aber zeitgemäß weiterentwickelt werden.
Die Biometrie des Auges als Ursache für systematische Messabweichungen bei der akustischen Tonometrie
Authors: Osmers Jan , Sorg Michael , Fischer Andreas
Published: March 2019

Zur Glaukomtherapie ist eine Überwachung des Augeninnendrucks erforderlich, wofür ein akustisches Selbsttonometer entwickelt worden ist. Die Laborversuche an Schweineaugen und die Patientenmessungen in einer klinischen Versuchsreihe belegen jedoch signifikante Querempfindlichkeiten von den biometrischen Parametern des Auges auf den gemessenen Augeninnendruck. Um die Individualität der Augen in der Auswertung der Messdaten zu berücksichtigen, werden Finite-Elemente-Simulationen des Auges für unterschiedliche geometrische Ausprägungen durchgeführt. Anhand der Simulationsergebnisse wird der Einfluss der Augengeometrie auf die Messunsicherheit des zu messenden Augeninnendrucks quantifiziert. Dadurch lässt sich bei Kenntnis der individuellen Augengeometrie des Patienten die systematische Messabweichung des Augeninnendrucks signifikant reduzieren und für das akustische Selbsttonometer eine Messunsicherheit in der Größenordnung aktueller klinischer Tonometer erzielen.
Hybrid assembled MEMS scanner array with large aperture for fast scanning LIDAR systems
Authors: Sandner Thilo , Grasshoff Thomas , Wildenhain Michael , Schwarzenberg Markus
Published: March 2019

This article presents a large aperture micro scanning mirror (MSM) array especially developed for the panoramic 3D-ToF camera Fovea-3D. The Fovea-3D system uses a fiber amplified pulsed laser ToF technique at

λ
=
1550

nm

\lambda =1550\hspace{0.1667em}\text{nm}

with 1 MVoxel distance measuring rate. It targets for real time 3D imaging with a panoramic optical field of view (FOV) of

360
°
×
60
°

360^\circ \times 60^\circ

(horizontal × vertical) combined with a large distance measurement range of 100 m and a video-like frame rate of 10 Hz. For fast vertical scan axis a MEMS scanner module with large receiver aperture was especially developed. It increases the scanning rate to 3200 Hz which is four times faster in comparison to state-of-the-art fast macroscopic polygon scanning systems used for LIDAR systems. To guarantee at the same time a large reception aperture of

D

eff

=
23

mm

{D_{\mathit{eff}}}=23\hspace{0.1667em}\text{mm}

, large FOV of

60
°

60^\circ

and high vertical scanning rate of 3200 Hz, a hybrid assembled MSM array was developed consisting of 22 reception mirrors and a separate emitting mirror for laser scanning of the target. For Fovea3D hybrid assembly of frequency selected scanner elements was chosen instead of a monolithic MEMS scanner array to guaranty a high yield of MEMS fabrication. All MSM are driven in parametric resonance to enable a fully synchronized operation of all individual MEMS scanner elements. Therefore, piezo-resistive position sensors are integrated on each MEMS chip for position feedback of driving control. The paper discusses details of the MEMS system integration including the synchronized operation of multiple MEMS scanning elements.
Non-nutritive Sweeteners: Implications for Consumption in Athletic Populations
Authors: Machek Steven B. , Willoughby Darryn S.
Published: March 2019

NON-NUTRITIVE SWEETENERS (NNS) ARE COMMERCIALLY USED TO ENHANCE PALATABILITY WITHOUT INCREASED SUGAR AND/OR CALORIES IN AN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL BODY WEIGHT AND/OR BLOOD GLUCOSE. RECENTLY, ATHLETES AND FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS ARE CONSUMING MORE NNS; HOWEVER, NOT WITHOUT CONCERN FOR SATIETY, GLUCOSE CONTROL, AND GENERAL PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS. THIS ARTICLE AIMS TO COMPREHENSIVELY EVALUATE THE METABOLIC IMPACTS OF NNS IN CELL CULTURE, ANIMAL MODELS, AND HUMANS, AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING CONSIDERATIONS FOR THOSE SEEKING OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE AND BODY COMPOSITION. APPROXIMATELY 80 ARTICLES WERE IDENTIFIED AND REVIEWED USING 29 SEARCH TERMS. OVERALL, NNS CONSUMPTION HAS THE PROPENSITY TO EITHER AUGMENT OR HINDER EXERCISE ADAPTATION.
The Riddle of the Voodoo Tree: An Exercise in Ecological Thinking, Using the Example of the Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Authors: Robischon Marcel
Published: March 2019

Object-based learning is an approach that aims to foster observational skills and sensory awareness. Paradoxical plant objects that do not lend themselves to all-too-easy explanations and interpretations can be used to practice the search for ecological explanations and the formation of evolutionary hypotheses. They can be the basis of particularly fruitful and rewarding learning experiences. Gleditsia triacanthos, the honey locust, is a commonly planted ornamental tree. It exhibits striking structures of defense against – and fruit that point to a mutualism with – large animals. These structures, possibly developed in coevolution with Pleistocene faunas, invite a discussion of the complex, neither fully antagonistic nor fully mutualistic, relationships between plants and animals.
Handy DNA Nucleotide Model
Authors: Middleton James
Published: March 2019

A readily available resource to create a model for the study of DNA is the human hand. Students can recognize how structure and function of nucleotides determine structure and function of the DNA molecule by labeling parts of a gloved hand with the parts of a DNA molecule.
A Quick & Simple Single-Antibody Immunoassay for the Student Laboratory
Authors: Guy Paul L.
Published: March 2019

In this exercise students use a simplified version of an immunoassay that relies on the nonspecific binding of proteins to nitrocellulose followed by the specific binding of antibodies to antigen. This antigen–antibody interaction is detected when a chromogenic substrate, catalyzed by the enzyme conjugated to the antibody, produces a color change. The immunoblot is less expensive and faster to perform than plastic-plate-based assays. I have used this assay for over 10 years in undergraduate courses: in ecology to estimate disease incidence; in botany to explore immunological techniques; and in biotechnology as an exercise in product development.
Using Shapes & Codes to Teach the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: A Hands-On Inquiry-Based Activity
Authors: Dorrell Michael I. , Lineback Jennifer E.
Published: March 2019

The central dogma of molecular biology is key to understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype, although it remains a challenging concept to teach and learn. We describe an activity sequence that engages high school students directly in modeling the major processes of protein synthesis using the major components of translation. Students use a simple system of codes to generate paper chains, allowing them to learn why codons are three nucleotides in length, the purpose of start and stop codons, the importance of the promoter region, and how to use the genetic code. Furthermore, students actively derive solutions to the problems that cells face during translation, make connections between genotype and phenotype, and begin to recognize the results of mutations. This introductory activity can be used as an interactive means to support students as they learn the details of translation and molecular genetics.
Training and Assessment in Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: using a Novel Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) Assessment Tool
Authors: Siau Keith , Crossley James , Dunckley Paul , Johnson Gavin , Haycock Adam , Anderson John T , Iacucci Marietta , Feeney Mark
Published: March 2019

Background & Aims: Data supporting milestone development during flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) training are lacking. We aimed to present validity evidence for our formative direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment in FS, and use DOPS to establish competency benchmarks and define learning curves for a national training cohort.Methods: This prospective UK-wide (211 centres) study included all FS formative DOPS assessments submitted to the national e-portfolio. Reliability was estimated from generalisability theory analysis. Item and global DOPS scores were correlated with lifetime procedure count to study learning curves, with competency benchmarks defined using contrasting groups analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performedto identify independent predictors of DOPS competence.Results: This analysis included 3,616 DOPS submitted for 468 trainees. From generalisability analysis, sources of overall competency score variance included: trainee ability (27%), assessor stringency (15%), assessor subjectivity attributable to the trainee (18%) and case-to-case variation (40%), which enabled the modelling of reliability estimates. The competency benchmark (mean DOPS score: 3.84) was achieved after 150-174 procedures. Across the cohort, competency development occurred in the order of: pre-procedural (50-74), non-technical (75-149), technical (125-174) and post-procedural (175-199) skills. Lifetime procedural count (p<0.001), case difficulty (p<0.001), and lifetime formative DOPS count (p=0.001) were independently associated with DOPS competence, but not trainee or assessor specialty.Conclusion: Sigmoidoscopy DOPS can provide valid and reliable assessments of competency during training and can be used to chart competency development. Contrary to earlier studies, based on destination-orientated endpoints, overall competency in sigmoidoscopy was attained after 150 lifetime procedures.
Wkład chrześcijaństwa w formowanie idei wolności w kulturze europejskiej na tle wybranych poglądów starożytnych i nowożytnych
Authors: Chaberek Michał
Published: March 2019

Artykuł omawia rozwój pojęcia wolności w kulturze zachodniej. Istotnym motywem jest uwzględnienie pozytywnego wpływu chrześcijaństwa na rozwój idei wolności w obrębie myśli europejskiej. Chrześcijaństwo umożliwia (1) odrzucenie wszechobecnego fatum, (2) przezwyciężenie niewolnictwa, (3) przywrócenie równości kobiety i mężczyzny, (4) zbudowanie bardziej adekwatnej antropologii w oparciu o nowe rozumienie Boga i religii. Kultura europejska doszła do najpełniejszego rozumienia wolności dzięki inspiracjom płynącym z objawienia chrześcijańskiego, a sformułowanie liberalnych koncepcji wolności – nawet gdy stawały w opozycji do ujęcia chrześcijańskiego – było możliwe tylko dzięki pojęciom odkrytym za sprawą chrześcijaństwa.
The Problem of Political Religion
Authors: Jasiński Karol
Published: March 2019

The author of the article addressed the issue of the fundamental problem of religion, which is embezzlement of its basic spiritual (saving) function and focus on the implementation of substitute functions, especially in the area of politics. Its expression is the emergence of a political religion, understood as a form of placing politics in the service of religion or religion in the service of politics. The article has been divided into three parts, which present the nature of religion itself (1), selected threats related to its politicization (2) and the basic ways of preventing the emergence and maintenance of political religion (3).
truktury uczestnictwa w filozofii dramatu Józefa Tischnera
Authors: Kołoczek Łukasz
Published: March 2019

Artykuł jest analizą sposobu, w jaki funkcjonuje w filozofii dramatu Józefa Tischnera pojęcie uczestnictwa. Wychodzę od stwierdzenia, że jest to podstawowe pojęcie tej filozofii. Za jego pomocą Tischner podaje dwa podstawowe znaczenia dramatu, a następnie bardzo często używa tego pojęcia. W mojej analizie obserwuję, w jaki sposób Tischner je stosuje, badam, kto uczestniczy i w czym, a także odtwarzam struktury tego uczestnictwa. W efekcie ujawnia się, że specyficzne rozumienie „uczestnictwa” powiązane jest z innymi podstawowymi pojęciami tej filozofii, np. ze wzajemnością czy horyzontem. Ujawnia się także – co jest sporym zaskoczeniem – egologiczny komponent filozofii dramatu.
Krucha podmiotowość, czyli o sporze na gruncie Lévinasowskiej i Ricœurowskiej filozofii człowieka oraz niektórych jego implikacjach dla rozumienia zdrowia psychicznego
Authors: Grzywacz Robert
Published: March 2019

Poniższe studium stawia sobie jako zadanie skonfrontowanie dwóch koncepcji kruchej podmiotowości: jednej autorstwa Emmanuela Lévinasa i drugiej, wypracowanej przez Paula Ricœura. Zestawienie to nie jest wszelako celem samym w sobie. Owszem, chodzi w nim najpierw o wskazanie zbieżności i rozbieżności istniejących pomiędzy obydwoma ujęciami otwartego i labilnego w swej tożsamości ludzkiego podmiotu. Krok ów służy dalej uwydatnieniu punktów dyskusyjnych, które wskutek napięcia generowanego przez niezgodności pobudzają do myślenia i poszukiwania mediacji. W celu zilustrowania płodności tej kontrowersji zostaje ona przeniesiona na obszar filozofii psychiatrii, gdzie podejmuje się próbę zastosowania obydwu antropologicznych stanowisk w filozoficznej interpretacji istoty fenomenu schizofrenii. Zarysowana w ten sposób wykładnia patogenezy wybranego zjawiska pozwala z kolei na sformułowanie ostrożnych wniosków odnośnie do samego sporu Lévinasa i Ricœura w kwestii podmiotowości etycznej, a zwłaszcza co do odczytania ewolucji ich własnych koncepcji.
Próba analizy typologii racji Thomasa Nagela z uwzględnieniem kategorii archetypu
Authors: Wojtanowska Weronika
Published: March 2019

Artykuł jest próbą spojrzenia na zaproponowaną przez Thomasa Nagela typologię racji do działania w świetle teorii archetypów, w celu wstępnego zbadania, czy kategoria archetypu może przyczynić się do lepszego rozumienia poszczególnych typów racji. W artykule wykorzystane zostały badania nad znaczeniem archetypów w filozofii przeprowadzone przez Alinę Motycką oraz uwagi krytyczne, które przeciwko zasadności posługiwania się kategorią archetypu wysunął Stanisław Lem. Odniesienia do spostrzeżeń powyższych filozofów pozwoliły na zajęcie wyważonego stanowiska. Z jednej strony uwidacznia się przydatność archetypów do pogłębionego rozumienia natury i kondycji człowieka, a z drugiej strony, nie można zaprzeczyć, że ich potencjał normatywny jest ograniczony, nie tylko ze względu na wpisaną w nie przypadkowość, ale również dlatego, że nie istnieje algorytm, który by w sposób jednoznaczny pozwalał na wysuwanie twierdzeń dotyczących norm i wartości w oparciu o istniejące archetypy.
The Analysis of Technologies Protecting from Web Browsers Identification
Authors: Moskovchenko Valeriy , Stolyarov Danil , Gorbunov Aleksandr , Belyanin Vladislav
Published: March 2019

In the age of information technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain privacy. Sometimes anonymity on the Internet helps to protect everyone’s right. Anonymity on the Internet also helps to protect against possible illegal actions of third parties. There is a number of technologies that you can use to monitor site user activity. These include technologies such as cookies and fingerprints. Today, cookies technology is an important component of most operations on the Internet. This technology is considered to be one of the main tools that Internet resource owners use to track customers. However, this technique is gradually becoming obsolete and often does not give the desired effect. Fingerprint technology is a global identifier. Browser typos make its owner more recognizable not only on frequently visited Internet resources, but also in other electronic sources. Fingerprints capture the holistic picture that a resource receives from a web browser. This allows you to identify the client even if you make changes to your browser settings. This article deals with the problem of anonymity preservation in a network. The authors describe the main technologies for tracking the users’ website activity, the principles of their work, and the protection methods against these technologies. The advantages and disadvantages of the cookies and fingerprint technologies have also been determined.
Lunotriquetral coalition and ulnar impaction syndrome: a pictorial essay
Authors: Davis Derik L.
Published: March 2019

Abstract Lunotriquetral coalition and ulnar impaction syndrome are among the spectrum of pathology encountered at the medial wrist. The co-existence of these entities in the same wrist is rare. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to present the etiology, clinical course, imaging findings, and treatment of lunotriquetral coalition and ulnar impaction syndrome, and co-existing disease.
Benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion
Authors: Agostinho Lisa , Horta Mariana , Salvador João Cunha , Cunha Teresa Margarida
Published: March 2019

Abstract Developments in magnetic resonance imaging have expanded its role in the assessment of the female pelvis, including the diagnosis of ovarian lesions. In this setting, diffusion-weighted imaging has proven its diagnostic value, which is particularly important in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. In general, the latter show restricted diffusion, whereas the former do not. Exceptions include teratomas, endometriomas, hemorrhagic cysts, ovarian abscesses, ovarian infarction, and some benign stromal tumors. The aim of this review is to draw attention to benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion, with a special focus on diffusion-weighted imaging pearls and pitfalls.
Diferenciação de miofibroblastos em feridas após uso tópico do metronidazol: estudo experimental.
Authors: Trindade Lilian Cristine Teixeira , Matias Jorge Eduardo Fouto , Sampaio Cláudia Paraguaçu Pupo , Farias Rogério Estevam , Biondo-Simões Maria de Lourdes Pessole
Published: March 2019

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da administração tópica do metronidazol na diferenciação de fibroblastos e na contração da ferida durante cicatrização experimental por segunda intenção em ratos. Métodos: cento e oito animais foram submetidos a uma ferida circular no dorso, com 2cm de diâmetro e divididos em seis grupos: grupo controle, com aplicação de solução salina sobre a ferida e cinco grupos experimentais divididos de acordo com a concentração da solução do metronidazol utilizada (4%, 6%, 8%,10% e 12%). Curativos foram realizados diariamente durante todo o período do experimento, que foi subdividido em três momentos de análise: três, sete e 14 dias. A contração da ferida foi avaliada por planimetria digital e os miofibroblastos e protomiofibroblastos foram identificados usando técnicas de imuno-histoquímica CD34 e a-SMA. Resultados: a contração da ferida não apresentou diferença entre os grupos e o controle. Os protomiofibroblastos foram significativamente mais numerosos aos sete dias (p=0,022) nos grupos metronidazol de 4%, 6% e 8%. Após 14 dias, nos mesmos grupos, os miofibroblastos predominaram significativamente (p=0,01). Conclusão: a administração tópica de solução de metronidazol em feridas de pele com cicatrização por segunda intenção foi capaz de melhorar a diferenciação de fibroblastos. A fase de contração da cicatrização de feridas permaneceu inalterada, sem redução significativa da contração avaliada pela planimetria digital. Estes resultados podem ser utilizados em favor do processo de cicatrização de feridas.
Impacto das complicações pós-transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim sobre o custo da internação hospitalar.
Authors: Carlotto Jorge Roberto Marcante , Linhares Marcelo Moura , Salzedas Netto Alcides Augusto , Rangel Érika Bevilaqua , Medina-Pestana José Osmar , Ferraro José Roberto , Lopes Filho Gaspar Jesus , Oliva Carlos Alberto Garcia , Gonzalez Adriano Miziara
Published: March 2019

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o impacto financeiro das complicações pós-operatórias no transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim durante a internação hospitalar. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo dos dados da internação hospitalar dos pacientes submetidos consecutivamente ao transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2014 no Hospital do Rim/Fundação Oswaldo Ramos. As principais variáveis estudadas foram a reoperação, pancreatectomia do enxerto, óbito, complicações pós-operatórias (cirúrgicas, infecciosas, clínicas e imunológicas) e os dados financeiros da internação para o transplante. Resultados: a amostra foi composta de 179 pacientes transplantados. As características dos doadores e receptores foram semelhantes nos pacientes com e sem complicações. Na análise dos dados, 58,7% dos pacientes apresentaram alguma complicação pós-operatória, 21,8% necessitaram de reoperação, 12,3%, de pancreatectomia do enxerto e 8,4% evoluíram para o óbito. A necessidade de reoperação ou pancreatectomia do enxerto aumentou o custo da internação em 53,3% e 78,57%, respectivamente. A presença de complicação pós-operatória aumentou significativamente o custo. Entretanto, a presença de óbito, hérnia interna, infarto agudo do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e disfunção do enxerto pancreático não apresentaram significância estatística no custo, cuja média foi de US$ 18,516.02. Conclusão: complicações pós-operatórias, reoperação e pancreatectomia do enxerto aumentaram significativamente o custo médio da internação hospitalar do SPK, assim como as complicações cirúrgicas, infecciosas, clínicas e imunológicas. No entanto, o óbito durante a internação, a hérnia interna, o infarto agudo do miocárdio, o acidente vascular cerebral e a disfunção do enxerto pancreático não interferiram estatisticamente neste custo.
Radiation Use Efficiency for Cowpea Subjected to Different Irrigation Depths Under the Climatic Conditions of the Northeast Of Pará State
Authors: Sousa Denis de Pinho , Souza Paulo Jorge Oliveira Ponte de , Farias Vivian Dielly da Silva , Nunes Hildo Giuseppe Caldas , Ferreira Denílson Pontes , Novoa João Vitor Pinto , Lima Marcus José Alves de
Published: March 2019

Abstract This study aims to determine the cowpea efficiency in absorbing and using solar radiation according to different irrigation depths under the climatic conditions of the northeast of Pará State. The experiment was carried out on 2014 and 2016 in an experimental design of randomized blocks, which consisted in six blocks with four treatments, in which different irrigation depths the reproductive phase were applied, as follows: T100, T50, T25 e T0, that corresponded to 100%, 50%, 25% e 0% of the crop evapotranspiration, respectively. The absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index (LAI), total aerial dry matter (TADM) and grain yield were measured. The extinction coefficient (k) was obtained by nonlinear regression between the fraction of absorbed PAR (fPARinter) and the LAI. The radiation use efficiency (RUE) was calculated by linear regression between the TADM and the accumulated absorbed PAR. The water deficit imposed by the treatments had a significant influence on the LAI, TADM and cowpea yields. The water deficit did not significantly influenced k – it ranged between 0.83 for T100 and 0.70 for T0. The RUE showed significant behaviors regarding the treatments with adequate water supply and treatments under water deficit, ranging from 2.23 to 1.64 g·MJ-1, respectively.
Análise sinótica e Termodinâmica dos Eventos com Trovoadas para o Estado de Alagoas no Período de 15 Anos 1998-2012
Authors: Cordeiro Edwans Silva , Fedorova Natalia , Levit Vladimir
Published: March 2019

Resumo Alagoas é afetado pelas trovoadas e buscando mitigar tais transtornos, este trabalho propõe-se a compreender melhor os sistemas sinóticos associados às mesmas. Dados do Departamento do Controle do Espaço Aéreo (DECEA) e do satélite Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) foram utilizados para estimar a frequência das trovoadas. Também foram aplicados dados de reanálise do National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Foram encontrados no Estado cerca de 212 eventos com trovoadas em 15 anos. A maior ocorrência foi observada em 2008 (21 casos) e a menor ocorrência em 2012 (04 casos). Os meses com maior frequência de trovoadas foram Janeiro, Fevereiro e Março. Na identificação dos sistemas sinóticos foram encontrados: Cavados em Altos Níveis, Zona Frontal, Zona de Convergência Intertropical (ZCIT), Vórtice Ciclônico de Altos Níveis (VCAN) e Vórtice Ciclônico de Médios Níveis (VCMN). Os sistemas que mais apresentaram casos com trovoadas foram VCAN e Cavados em Altos Níveis. Os índices de Instabilidade mostraram forte instabilidade para o VCAN, ZCIT e Cavados em Altos Níveis e fraca instabilidade para o VCMN.