bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromomycins A2 and A3 from Marine Actinomycetes with TRAIL Resistance-Overcoming and Wnt Signal Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Toume Kazufumi , Tsukahara Kentaro , Ito Hanako , Arai Midori , Ishibashi Masami
Published: June 2014

A biological screening study of an actinomycetes strain assembly was conducted using a cell-based cytotoxicity assay. The CKK1019 strain was isolated from a sea sand sample. Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of the CKK1019 strain culture broth, which exhibited cytotoxicity, led to the isolation of chromomycins A2 (1) and A3 (2). 1 and 2 showed potent cytotoxicity against the human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line (IC50 1; 1.7 and 2; 22.1 nM), as well as strong inhibitory effects against TCF/β-catenin transcription (IC50 1; 1.8 and 2; 15.9 nM). 2 showed the ability to overcome tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of chromomycins A2 (1) and A3 (2) on TRAIL resistance-overcoming activity, and on the Wnt signaling pathway, have not been reported previously. Thus, 1 and 2 warrant potential drug lead studies in relation to TRAIL-resistant and Wnt signal-related diseases and offer potentially useful chemical probes for investigating TRAIL resistance and the Wnt signaling pathway.
Drug-Induced Conformational Population Shifts in Topoisomerase-DNA Ternary Complexes
Authors: Huang Nan-Lan , Lin Jung-Hsin
Published: June 2014

Type II topoisomerases (TOP2) are enzymes that resolve the topological problems during DNA replication and transcription by transiently cleaving both strands and forming a cleavage complex with the DNA. Several prominent anti-cancer agents inhibit TOP2 by stabilizing the cleavage complex and engendering permanent DNA breakage. To discriminate drug binding modes in TOP2-α and TOP2-β, we applied our newly developed scoring function, dubbed AutoDock4RAP, to evaluate the binding modes of VP-16, m-AMSA, and mitoxantrone to the cleavage complexes. Docking reproduced crystallographic binding mode of VP-16 in a ternary complex of TOP2-β with root-mean-square deviation of 0.65 Å. Molecular dynamics simulation of the complex confirmed the crystallographic binding mode of VP-16 and the conformation of the residue R503. Drug-related conformational changes in R503 have been observed in ternary complexes with m-AMSA and mitoxantrone. However, the R503 rotamers in these two simulations deviate from their crystallographic conformations, indicating a relaxation dynamics from the conformations determined with the drug replacement procedure. The binding mode of VP-16 in the cleavage complex of TOP2-α was determined by the conjoint use of docking and molecular dynamics simulations, which fell within a similar binding pocket of TOP2-β cleavage complex. Our findings may facilitate more efficient design efforts targeting TOP2-α specific drugs.
Structural Crystalline Characterization of Sakuranetin — An Antimicrobial Flavanone from Twigs of Baccharis retusa (Asteraceae)
Authors: Dos S. Grecco Simone , Dorigueto Antônio , Landre Iara , Soares Marisi , Martho Kevin , Lima Ricardo , Pascon Renata , Vallim Marcelo , Capello Tabata , Romoff Paulete , Sartorelli Patricia , Lago João
Published: June 2014

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of an antimicrobial active extract from twigs of Baccharis retusa C. DC. (Asteraceae) yielded the flavanone 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavanone (sakuranetin) as responsible for the detected activity. The structure of the bioactive compound was established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, including NMR and MS. Additionally, the structure of a new crystal form of sakuranetin was confirmed by X-ray diffratometry. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of isolated compound were determined against pathogenic yeast belonging to the genus Candida (six species), Cryptococcus (two species/four serotypes) and S. cerevisiae BY 4742 (S288c background) and ranged from 0.32 to 0.63 μg/μL. Our results showed that sakuranetin, which structure was fully characterized, could be used as a tool for the design of novel and more efficacious antifungal agents.
Two New Lanostane Triterpenoids from the Branches and Leaves of Polyalthia oblique
Authors: Wang Liu-Kai , Zheng Cai-Juan , Li Xiao-Bao , Chen Guang-Ying , Han Chang-Ri , Chen Wen-Hao , Song Xiao-Ping
Published: June 2014

Two new lanostane triterpenoids, 20-hydroxyeuphorbol-7-one (1) and 15α-hydroxyeuphorbol-7,11-dione (2), together with four known triterpenoids, euphorbol-7-one (3), friedelin (4), stigmast-4-ene-6α-ol-3-one (5), stigmasta-4-en-3,6-dione (6), were isolated from ethanol extract of the branches and leaves of Polyalthia obliqua. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparisons with related known compounds. Antibacterial activities of two new compounds and four known compounds were tested.
Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Imaging
Authors: Herranz Fernando , Salinas Beatriz , Groult Hugo , Pellico Juan , Lechuga-Vieco Ana , Bhavesh Riju , Ruiz-Cabello J.
Published: June 2014

The production of magnetic nanoparticles of utmost quality for biomedical imaging requires several steps, from the synthesis of highly crystalline magnetic cores to the attachment of the different molecules on the surface. This last step probably plays the key role in the production of clinically useful nanomaterials. The attachment of the different biomolecules should be performed in a defined and controlled fashion, avoiding the random adsorption of the components that could lead to undesirable byproducts and ill-characterized surface composition. In this work, we review the process of creating new magnetic nanomaterials for imaging, particularly for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque, in vivo. Our focus will be in the different biofunctionalization techniques that we and several other groups have recently developed. Magnetic nanomaterial functionalization should be performed by chemoselective techniques. This approach will facilitate the application of these nanomaterials in the clinic, not as an exception, but as any other pharmacological compound.
An Evaluation of the Accuracy of Peer to Peer Surgical Teaching and the Role of the Peer Review Process
Authors: Oh Sheila , Lynch Noel , McCarthy Nora , Cil Tulin , Lehane Elaine , Reardon Michelle , Redmond Henry , Corrigan Mark
Published: June 2014

Background: Peer to peer learning is a well-established learning modality which has been shown to improve learning outcomes, with positive implications for clinical practice. Surgical students from across Ireland were invited to upload learning points daily while paired with their peers in a peer-reviewing process. This study was designed to assess content accuracy and evaluate the benefit of the review process. Method: A reflective content sample was selected from the database representing all gastrointestinal (GI) surgical entries. All questions and answers were double corrected by four examiners, blinded to the “review” status of the entries. Statistical analysis was performed to compare accuracy between “reviewed” and “non-reviewed” entries. Results: There were 15,569 individual entries from 2009–2013, 2977 were GI surgery entries; 678 (23%) were peer reviewed. Marked out of 5, accuracy in the reviewed group was 4.24 and 4.14 in the non-reviewed group. This was not statistically different (p = 0.11). Accuracy did not differ between universities or grade of tutors. Conclusion: The system of student uploaded data is accurate and was not improved further through peer review. This represents an easy, valuable and safe method of capturing surgical oral ward based teaching.
A Spectral Decomposition Algorithm for Estimating Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Ma Ronghua , Duan Hongtao , Loiselle Steven , Xu Jinduo
Published: June 2014

The complex interactions among optically active substances in Case II waters make it difficult to associate the variability in spectral radiance (or reflectance) to any single component. In the present study, we developed a four end-member spectral decomposition model to estimate chlorophyll-a concentrations in a eutrophic shallow lake—Lake Taihu. The new model was constructed by simulated spectral data from Hydrolight and was successfully validated using both of simulated reflectance and in situ reflectance data. Using MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) images, the accuracy of the new model was estimated and compared with other published models. According to the MERIS retrieved results, the spatial distribution of chlorophyll-a concentrations and its relationship with environment factors were analyzed. The application of the new model and its limits to estimate water surface chlorophyll-a concentrations in turbid lakes is also discussed.
Evaluating the Effect of Different Wheat Rust Disease Symptoms on Vegetation Indices Using Hyperspectral Measurements
Authors: Ashourloo Davoud , Mobasheri Mohammad , Huete Alfredo
Published: June 2014

Spectral Vegetation Indices (SVIs) have been widely used to indirectly detect plant diseases. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of different disease symptoms on SVIs and introduce suitable SVIs to detect rust disease. Wheat leaf rust is one of the prevalent diseases and has different symptoms including yellow, orange, dark brown, and dry areas. The reflectance spectrum data for healthy and infected leaves were collected using a spectroradiometer in the 450 to 1000 nm range. The ratio of the disease-affected area to the total leaf area and the proportion of each disease symptoms were obtained using RGB digital images. As the disease severity increases, so does the scattering of all SVI values. The indices were categorized into three groups based on their accuracies in disease detection. A few SVIs showed an accuracy of more than 60% in classification. In the first group, NBNDVI, NDVI, PRI, GI, and RVSI showed the highest amount of classification accuracy. The second and third groups showed classification accuracies of about 20% and 40% respectively. Results show that few indices have the ability to indirectly detect plant disease.
Daytime Low Stratiform Cloud Detection on AVHRR Imagery
Authors: Musial Jan , Hüsler Fabia , Sütterlin Melanie , Neuhaus Christoph , Wunderle Stefan
Published: June 2014

The near-real time retrieval of low stratiform cloud (LSC) coverage is of vital interest for such disciplines as meteorology, transport safety, economy and air quality. Within this scope, a novel methodology is proposed which provides the LSC occurrence probability estimates for a satellite scene. The algorithm is suited for the 1 × 1 km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data and was trained and validated against collocated SYNOP observations. Utilisation of these two combined data sources requires a formulation of constraints in order to discriminate cases where the LSC is overlaid by higher clouds. The LSC classification process is based on six features which are first converted to the integer form by step functions and combined by means of bitwise operations. Consequently, a set of values reflecting a unique combination of those features is derived which is further employed to extract the LSC occurrence probability estimates from the precomputed look-up vectors (LUV). Although the validation analyses confirmed good performance of the algorithm, some inevitable misclassification with other optically thick clouds were reported. Moreover, the comparison against Polar Platform System (PPS) cloud-type product revealed superior classification accuracy. From the temporal perspective, the acquired results reported a presence of diurnal and annual LSC probability cycles over Europe.
Rapid Determination of the Chemical Oxygen Demand of Water Using a Thermal Biosensor
Authors: Yao Na , Wang Jinqi , Zhou Yikai
Published: June 2014

In this paper we describe a thermal biosensor with a flow injection analysis system for the determination of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of water samples. Glucose solutions of different concentrations and actual water samples were tested, and their COD values were determined by measuring the heat generated when the samples passed through a column containing periodic acid. The biosensor exhibited a large linear range (5 to 3000 mg/L) and a low detection limit (1.84 mg/L). It could tolerate the presence of chloride ions in concentrations of 0.015 M without requiring a masking agent. The sensor was successfully used for detecting the COD values of actual samples. The COD values of water samples from various sources were correlated with those obtained by the standard dichromate method; the linear regression coefficient was found to be 0.996. The sensor is environmentally friendly, economical, and highly stable, and exhibits good reproducibility and accuracy. In addition, its response time is short, and there is no danger of hazardous emissions or external contamination. Finally, the samples to be tested do not have to be pretreated. These results suggest that the biosensor is suitable for the continuous monitoring of the COD values of actual wastewater samples.
Autopsie d'un gril proto-byzantin
Authors: Gouin Philippe , Vogt Christine
Published: June 2014

Les ustensiles de cuisine ne sont que rarement des objets d'art. C'est peut-être pour cela qu'ils sont souvent considérés comme secondaires. Ils constituent pourtant d'excellents témoins des pratiques alimentaires de leur époque. C'est donc sous ces deux aspects qu'un gril proto-byzantin récemment découvert à Eleutherna (Crète) sera étudie ici.
Les espaces récréatifs sur les rives du Rio de La Plata (Argentine, Uruguay) (Recreational areas on the banks of the Rio de La Plata - Argentina, Uruguay)
Authors: Bernard Nicolas , Bouvet Yvanne , Desse René-Paul
Published: June 2014

Le Rio de La Plata, axe majeur du commerce maritime depuis des siècles, concentre sur ses rives de grands pôles d'activités économiques et d'importants foyers de peuplement comme Buenos Aires et Montevideo. Les populations riveraines, au nombre de 15 millions de personnes, trouvent au bord du Rio un cadre privilégié pour leurs loisirs. L'organisation de ces espaces côtiers voués aux pratiques récréatives résulte d'une combinaison complexe de facteurs physiques, historiques, économiques et sociaux, tantôt communs aux deux rives de l'estuaire, tantôt spécifiques à l'un des deux pays riverains.
Activités du centre d'études techniques maritimes et fluviales (CETMEF) dans le domaine de l'aménagement du littoral (Activities of the cetmef - state institute for maritime and waterways studies - in coastal management)
Authors: L'Her Joël
Published: June 2014

CETMEF is a state technical institute devoted to marine and fluvial engineering. Coastal zone management is one of its most important activities. Its principal mission is to elaborate and diffuse technical recommendations to state services. To improve its competences, CETMEF implies itself in research and engineering projects. Because of its very specialised know-how, CETMEF is in charge of public purchasing for specific material and of environmental monitoring.
Modifications morphodynamiques et phénomènes rétroactifs en baie de Saint-Michel-en-Grève (Côtes-d'Armor) (Morphodynamic changes and feedback processes in the Saint-Michel-en-Grève bay, Cotes-d'Armor)
Authors: Suanez Serge
Published: June 2014

Two technical operations concerning the mechanical opening of the channel rivers of the Yar and the Roscoat in the Saint-Michel-en-Grève bay were carried out between 1998 and 1999. These operations were undertaken in order to eliminate the confluence of the two rivers on the shore and to allow the fill up of a large depression which was located on the upper part of the beach, just behind the confluence. The fill up of the depression brought important morphodynamic changes inducing feedback phenomenon such as dune erosion located on each side of the rivers. A monitoring based on topographic measurements allowed to analyse and quantify these processes.
Formation et évolution des dunes bordières : modèles conceptuels (Established foredune formation and evolution : conceptuals models)
Authors: Ruz Marie-Hélène
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a review of three conceptual models published recently in order to explain the formation and the evolution of established foredunes. In 1982 Short and Hesp published a wave, beach and dune interaction model for the southeast coast of Australia. Psuty (1988, 1992) and Sherman and Bauer (1993) proposed a foredune sediment budget model. Hesp (1988) published a morpho-ecologic classification of southeast Australian established foredunes. A model of established foredune morphology, dynamics and evolutionary trends on stable, accreting and eroding coasts has been recently proposed by this author (Hesp, 2002). From this review, the question of the applicability of these models along coastlines suffering anthropogenic pressure is discussed.
Berlin, frontières anciennes, frontières actuelles (Berlin, old borders, new borders)
Authors: Grésillon Boris
Published: June 2014

Quinze ans après la chute du Mur de Berlin, l'ex-«Frontstadt» coupée en deux par le «Mur de la honte» s'est muée en une capitale réunifiée, moderne et ouverte. Néanmoins, la chute du Mur n'a pas aboli toutes les frontières internes. La ségrégation socio-spatiale traditionnelle - populations aisées résidant dans la partie ouest, populations modestes à l'est - se double d'une frontière politique vivace, opposant d'un côté l'ouest conservateur ou socio-démocrate, et de l'autre les habitants de l'est votant majoritairement pour l'ex-parti communiste rénové (PDS). Cette distinction recoupe une division identitaire plus profonde entre les « Wessis » et les « Ossis », division qui, selon un processus de normalisation en cours, semble toutefois s'atténuer. Au total, on pose la frontière comme lieu de mise en tension positive entre l'est et l'ouest. Véritable laboratoire de l'identité allemande depuis 1989, Berlin constitue, à l'heure de l'élargissement de l'Europe à l'est, un laboratoire de la construction européenne.
La frontière de la pauvreté à Strasbourg (The border of poverty in Strasbourg)
Authors: Sélimanovski Catherine
Published: June 2014

A Strasbourg, ville européenne riche où la frontière internationale est ouverte, les frontières sociales se rigidifient et la frontière de la pauvreté résiste. Cette frontière représente une barrière sociale dont le passage est disqualifiant parce qu'il signifie une entrée dans la sphère de l 'assistance publique. Cette frontière est polymorphe et sa trace change d'aspect selon les lieux. Sa trace est profondément ancrée dans les quartiers sensibles de la banlieue de Strasbourg, où habitent de nombreuses personnes en situation de pauvreté, alors qu 'elle est au contraire labile dans le centre de la ville, où se dessine le territoire des sans-abris, et qu 'elle est souvent invisible ailleurs. La présente contribution se propose d'étudier les processus sociaux et spatiaux qui rendent cette frontière si discriminante, mais pourtant, si transparente aux yeux de la société.
Nouveaux groupes sociaux et modèles de répartition résidentielle : l'exemple de Bâle-ville (New social groups and models of residential distribution : the example of Basel city)
Authors: Eder-Sandtner Suzanne
Published: June 2014

The structural mutation, discussed by social sciences, concerning the transition of a class society to a society of heterogeneous forms of living, is documented in the present study of urban geography based on official statistics, covering the total population of Basel City. The social classification into groups of forms of living which preceded the analysis was inspired by the sociological notions of forms of living. At the centre of this contribution is the question how the phenomenon of new societal structures and the new residential models will present themselves in urban space. It turns out that of what influences the behaviour of households concerning the residential location, two factors - apart from the market conditions - are of decisive importance : the affiliation to a certain social level and to a certain social degree of modernisation.
Problèmes sociaux et économiques d'une intégration manquée : l'exemple du quartier de Hautepierre à Strasbourg (Social and economic problems of a lacking integration : the example of the district "Hautepierre" in Strasbourg)
Authors: Sahli Bia , Schneider-Sliwa Rita
Published: June 2014

La Zone à Urbaniser en Priorité de Strasbourg-Hautepierre, construite dans les années 1970, dans le cadre des grands projets de rénovation et d'extension urbaine, conçue pour accueillir une importante population immigrée dans une certaine ambiance de rurbanisation, n'a guère joué le rôle qui lui était dévolu, celui de servir de catalyseur à un vaste mouvement d'intégration sociale et citoyenne. L'échec présent montre combien les vrais problèmes posés n'ont pas trouvé de vraies solutions. Dans l'attente d'une approche systématique et globale de la crise latente, quelques signes de bonne volonté de part et d'autre sont perceptibles.
Tourisme et exclusion en Suisse (Tourism and exclusion in Switzerland)
Authors: Lévy Bertrand
Published: June 2014

Tourism is at the same time an inclusion and exclusion phenomenon at the world, European and Swiss levels, according to the point of view adopted. The relationship between tourism and exclusion is analysed by laying special emphasis on the case of Switzerland from the historic perspective, which is mirrored in other contemporary tourist models. Problems of image, of socio-spatial segregations and territorial dynamics in lodging are studied. Finally young tourism problems in French-speaking Switzerland are brought into relief
Israël/Palestine et le partenariat euro-méditerranéen (Israel/Palestine and the euro-mediterranean partnership)
Authors: Darbot-Trupiano Stéphanie
Published: June 2014

Le partenariat euro-méditerranéen a été mis en place par la Conférence de Barcelone en 1995. Il a pour objectif d'instaurer une zone de paix, de prospérité et de stabilité en Méditerranée grâce à trois principaux volets : économique, politique et culturel. L 'UE a privilégié la stratégie économique dans l'espoir d'arriver à des résultats politiques dans la région. A l'heure actuelle, les quinze pays membres sont forcés de reconnaître que sans une implication politique plus ardente de l'UE dans la région, le processus de Barcelone restera un projet certes ambitieux mais également utopique. Israël et l'Autorité palestinienne sont deux partenaires très particuliers de l'UE. Les relations UE/Israël restent confinées au plan économique alors que les relations UE/Autorité palestinienne sont avant tout humanitaires. Comment l'UE peut-elle gérer ses relations avec ces deux partenaires, au sein du partenariat, dans le contexte d'instabilité politique actuelle ?
Le risque d'inondation, les acteurs et les stratégies de prévention dans le bassin Missouri-Mississippi (Flood hazard, actors and prevention strategies in the Missouri-Mississipi basin)
Authors: Heude Jacques
Published: June 2014

La population du bassin-versant mississippien reste toujours sous la menace des inondations. Ces aléas naturels ont souvent été aggravés par les activités humaines, les choix économiques, sociaux et techniques. Comment sont gérés les risques qui en découlent ? De nombreux acteurs semblent intervenir. Une rapide analyse multiscalaire des acteurs, des domaines d'intervention, des stratégies et des pratiques permet de cerner un "modèle" original mais encore inachevé mêlant la prévention des risques et la gestion des catastrophes.
Nuclear Localization Signal-Enhanced Polyurethane-Short Branch Polyethylenimine-Mediated Delivery of Let-7a Inhibited Cancer Stem-Like Properties by Targeting the 3′-UTR of HMGA2 in Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Authors: Yang Meng-Yin , Chen Ming-Teh , Huang Pin-I , Wang Chien-Ying , Chang Yun-Chin , Yang Yi-Ping , Lo Wen-Liang , Sung Wen-Hsing , Liao Yi-Wen , Lee Yi-Yen , Chang Yuh-Lih , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chen Yi-Wei , Ma Hsin-I
Published: June 2014

Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) is a grade III glioma that often occurs in middle-aged patients and presents a uniformly poor prognosis. A small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) possessing a self-renewing capacity is reported to be responsible for tumor recurrence and therapeutic resistance. An accumulating amount of microRNAs (miRNA) were found aberrantly expressed in human cancers and regulate CSCs. Efforts have been made to couple miRNAs with nonviral gene delivery approaches to target specific genes in cancer cells. However, the efficiency of delivery of miRNAs to AA-derived CSCs is still an applicability hurdle. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and applicability of nonviral vector-mediated delivery of Let-7a with regard to eradication of AA and AA-derived CSC cells. Herein, our miRNA/mRNA microarray and RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of Let-7a, a tumor-suppressive miRNA, is inversely correlated with the levels of HMGA2 and Sox2 in the AA side population (SP+) cells. Luciferase reporter assay showed that Let-7a directly targets the 3′-UTRs of HMGA2 in AA-SP+ cells. Knockdown of HMGA2 significantly suppressed the protein expression of Sox2 in AA-SP+ cells, whereas overexpression of HMGA2 upregulated Sox2 expression in AA-SP-. Nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides can facilitate nuclear targeting of DNA and are used to improve gene delivery. Using polyurethane-short branch polyethylenimine (PU-PEI) as a therapeutic delivery vehicle, we conjugated NLS with Let-7 and successfully delivered it to AA-SP+ cells, resulting in significantly suppressed expression of HMGA2 and Sox2, tumorigenicity, and CSC-like abilities. This treatment facilitated the differentiation of AA-SP+ cells into non-SP CSCs. Furthermore, PU-PEI-mediated delivery of NLS-conjugated Let-7a in AA-SP+ cells suppressed the expression of drug-resistant and antiapoptotic genes, and increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Finally, the in vivo delivery of PU-PEI-NLS-Let-7a significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis of AA-SP+ cells and synergistically improved the survival rate of orthotopically AA-SP+-transplanted immunocompromised mice when combined with radiotherapy. Therefore, PU-PEI-NLS-Let-7a is a potential novel therapeutic approach for AA.
Antimicrobial properties of CuO nanorods and multi-armed nanoparticles against B. anthracis vegetative cells and endospores
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Packiyaraj Merwyn S , Nigam Himangini , Agarwal Gauri S , Singh Beer , Patra Manoj K
Published: June 2014

Two different kinds of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) namely CuO nanorods (PS2) and multi-armed nanoparticles (P5) were synthesized by wet and electrochemical routes, respectively. Their structure, morphology, size and compositions were characterized by SEM, EDX and XRD. The NPs demonstrated strong bactericidal potential against Bacillus anthracis cells and endospores. PS2 killed 92.17% of 4.5 × 104 CFU/mL B. anthracis cells within 1 h at a dose of 1 mg/mL. Whereas P5 showed a higher efficacy by killing 99.92% of 7 × 105 CFU/mL B. anthracis cells within 30 min at a dose of 0.5 mg/mL and 99.6% of 1.25 × 104 CFU/mL B. anthracis cells within 5 min at a dose of 2 mg/mL. More than 99% of spores were killed within 8 h with 2 mg/mL PS2 in LB media.
Synthesis, characterization and DNA interaction studies of new triptycene derivatives
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Mondal Snehasish , Kumari Rina , Bhowmick Sourav , Das Prolay , Das Neeladri
Published: June 2014

A facile and efficient synthesis of a new series of triptycene-based tripods is being reported. Using 2,6,14- or 2,7,14-triaminotriptycenes as synthons, the corresponding triazidotriptycenes were prepared in high yield. Additionally, we report the transformation of 2,6,14- or 2,7,14-triaminotriptycenes to the corresponding ethynyl-substituted triptycenes via their tribromo derivatives. Subsequently, derivatization of ethynyl-substituted triptycenes was studied to yield the respective propiolic acid and ethynylphosphine derivatives. Characterization of the newly functionalized triptycene derivatives and their regioisomers were carried out using FTIR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses techniques. The study of the interaction of these trisubstituted triptycenes with various forms of DNA revealed interesting dependency on the functional groups of the triptycene core to initiate damage or conformational changes in DNA.
Substitution effect and effect of axle’s flexibility at (pseudo-)rotaxanes
Authors: Malberg Friedrich , Brandenburg Jan Gerit , Reckien Werner , Hollóczki Oldamur , Grimme Stefan , Kirchner Barbara
Published: June 2014

This study investigates the effect of substitution with different functional groups and of molecular flexibility by changing within the axle from a single C–C bond to a double C=C bond. Therefore, we present static quantum chemical calculations at the dispersion-corrected density functional level (DFT-D3) for several Leigh-type rotaxanes. The calculated crystal structure is in close agreement with the experimental X-ray data. Compared to a stiffer axle, a more flexible one results in a stronger binding by 1–3 kcal/mol. Alterations of the binding energy in the range of 5 kcal/mol could be achieved by substitution with different functional groups. The hydrogen bond geometry between the isophtalic unit and the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the axle exhibited distances in the range of 2.1 to 2.4 Å for six contact points, which shows that not solely but to a large amount the circumstances in the investigated rotaxanes are governed by hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the complex with the more flexible axle is usually more unsymmetrical than the one with the stiff axle. The opposite is observed for the experimentally investigated axle with the four phenyl stoppers. Furthermore, we considered an implicit continuum solvation model and found that the complex binding is weakened by approximately 10 kcal/mol, and hydrogen bonds are slightly shortened (by up to 0.2 Å).
La rénovation par le web ? Dispositifs numériques et évolution du militantisme au PS
Authors: Mabi Clément , Theviot Anaïs
Published: June 2014

La campagne victorieuse de Barack Obama en 2008 a été largement analysée par de nombreux observateurs en quête d’éléments transposables dans leur contexte national. Sous l’impulsion des trois « Bostoniens » ayant participé à la campagne démocrate, le Parti socialiste a mis en place un système de porte-à-porte coordonné par le site web toushollande.fr. Ce portail avait vocation à mobiliser les « militants rénovés » et des sympathisants. Nous souhaitons étudier comment le site toushollande.fr « traduit » dans son design cette volonté de décloisonnement de l’activité militante et donne une forme matérielle aux discours sur la rénovation du PS.
Offe, la démocratie dialogique et la lutte des classes : une critique participationniste du mouvement ouvrier
Authors: Yon Karel
Published: June 2014

L’article propose une introduction critique à l’essai de Claus Offe et Helmuth Wiesenthal, « Deux logiques d’action collective ». Alors que Claus Offe est généralement reconnu comme un des principaux théoriciens des « nouveaux mouvements sociaux », ce texte dont il est le principal auteur donne accès à ses analyses sur le « vieux » mouvement ouvrier. L’article a souvent donné lieu à des interprétations le renvoyant du côté de la vulgate marxiste. Or une telle lecture ne rend pas justice à ce qui correspond plutôt au moment particulier où Claus Offe articule sa théorie naissante des nouveaux mouvements sociaux à la perspective indissociablement théorique et politique du marxisme. Son originalité est en effet de formuler une théorie de l’action syndicale qui fait de la formation dialogique des intérêts un ressort essentiel de l’émancipation des dominés. En resituant le texte dans son contexte théorique et politique, on défend l’idée que son intérêt se cache dans le décalage entre la raideur de son vocabulaire et le mouvement de sa pensée.
Deux logiques d'action collective
Authors: Offe Claus , Wiesenthal Helmuth , Yon Karel
Published: June 2014

L’article critique la fausse équivalence entre organisations syndicales de salariés et d’employeurs induite par le concept de « groupe d’intérêt », qui dissimule les asymétries de pouvoir entre travail et capital. Il s’intéresse ensuite au rôle des formes politiques dans la construction des intérêts et pointe une contradiction. Alors que les modes d’action et de raisonnement supportés par les institutions de la démocratie libérale favorisent une rationalité monologique, la classe laborieuse, en raison de sa position dominée dans la structure de classe, a besoin de formes d’organisation dialogiques pour faire émerger ses intérêts véritables. La distinction entre modes d’action dialogiques et monologiques conduit à mettre au jour deux niveaux différenciés de la lutte des classes. Le premier, qui s’inscrit dans le cadre des formes politiques existantes, est celui des conflits économiques distributifs. Le second porte sur les formes politiques elles-mêmes.
De la neurohistología a la neurofisiología: la obra de Rafael Lorente de Nó
Authors: Rodríguez Quiroga Alfredo
Published: June 2014

En el presente trabajo se analiza la carrera científica y académica del que fuera último discípulo de Cajal, Rafael Lorente de Nó (1902-1991). Iniciador, junto con Fernando de Castro, de la orientación fisiológica de la escuela histológica cajaliana, su trayectoria investigadora revela las dificultades que debieron afrontar los discípulos de Cajal para evolucionar de los estudios histológicos a los neurofisiológicos. El devenir posterior de ambos científicos muestra las carencias del sistema científico español de la década de los veinte y primeros años treinta para cultivar y desarrollar nuevas disciplinas.
Ismos y vanguardias del siglo XX (continuación)
Authors: Rocamora Carmen
Published: June 2014

En enero de 1998, en el n.º 625 de Arbor, publiqué un extracto de mi libro Ismos y vanguardias S. XX. En él, describí solamente las más conocidas y aquellas que pudiesen captar la atención del lector de forma rápida y atractiva, dejando para este nuevo trabajo las vanguardias más controvertidas, menos conocidas y hasta ignoradas y rechazadas por el público.
ICT Policies Favouring Human Rights
Authors: Weber Rolf H.
Published: June 2014

The tremendous developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) over the last 20 years have substantially changed communication practices across the world. The Internet and mobile phones help to open new horizons for connections between people, leading to a global network for the sharing of information and ideas. In this new environment, human rights need to have a place, and traditional notions related to mass media need to be adapted to the needs of civil society. Freedom of expression has become much more individualistic, with information exchanges no longer relying on the traditional intermediaries (mass media) but on the exchange of ideas on social networking and other platforms. Civil society participation in the information world requires the necessary infrastructure however. And since states have an obligation to see to it that human rights are realized in practice, this may mean the facilitation of private investments to improve the ICT infrastructure. In this context, ICT policies favoring human rights must encompass a right to development.
ICTs and Gender-Based Rights
Authors: Ionescu Ana-Cristina
Published: June 2014

In this new age, the Internet, the network of networks connected by a complex array of electronic, wireless, and optical technologies extending from the private to the public sector, and from academic to business and governmental organizations, is starting to have increasingly broad social implications, besides the technical ones. Nevertheless, as women and men enter and progress differently into employment and occupations, not all humankind benefits equally from information and communication technologies (ICTs). The question that this chapter addresses is whether women have equal rights and opportunities to access and use ICTs. In this chapter, the author aims to strengthen the idea that in this changing era, new ICTs represent a cardinal instrument for social transformation, enabling and empowering women to become controllers of information.
Multiword Expressions in NLP
Authors: Gelbukh Alexander , Kolesnikova Olga
Published: June 2014

This chapter presents a survey of contemporary NLP research on Multiword Expressions (MWEs). MWEs pose a huge problem to precise language processing due to their idiosyncratic nature and diversity of their semantic, lexical, and syntactical properties. The chapter begins by considering MWEs definitions, describes some MWEs classes, indicates problems MWEs generate in language applications and their possible solutions, presents methods of MWE encoding in dictionaries and their automatic detection in corpora. The chapter goes into more detail on a particular MWE class called Verb-Noun Constructions (VNCs). Due to their frequency in corpus and unique characteristics, VNCs present a research problem in their own right. Having outlined several approaches to VNC representation in lexicons, the chapter explains the formalism of Lexical Function as a possible VNC representation. Such representation may serve as a tool for VNCs automatic detection in a corpus. The latter is illustrated on Spanish material applying some supervised learning methods commonly used for NLP tasks.
Demystifying Domain Specific Languages
Authors: Kahlaoui Abdelilah , Abran Alain
Published: June 2014

Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) provide interesting characteristics that align well with the goals and mission of model-driven software engineering. However, there are still some issues that hamper widespread adoption. In this chapter, the authors discuss two of these issues. The first relates to the vagueness of the term DSL, which they address by studying the individual terms: domain, specificity, and language. The second is related to the difficulty of developing DSLs, which they address with a view to making DSL development more accessible via processes, standards, and tools.
Using Social Network-Mediated Bridging Activities to Develop Socio-Pragmatic Awareness in Elementary Korean
Authors: Reinhardt Jonathon , Ryu Jieun
Published: June 2014

Informed by a bridging activities model (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008), the authors designed and implemented a series of activities using Facebook to develop elementary level Korean learners' socio-pragmatic awareness of the use of Korean honorifics. Nine students took part in the activities, which involved student collaboration to create five invented profiles and shared resources, guided analysis of expert/native use, role play activities to practice new socio-grammatical understandings, and analysis of peer production. Based on analysis of student work and post-instructional surveys, the authors found evidence for the development of socio-pragmatic awareness, as demonstrated by the practice of pragmatic flouting, the understanding of contextual constraints on use, and the creative use of Facebook affordances.
Second Language Learners' Spoken Discourse
Authors: Cucchiarini Catia , Strik Helmer
Published: June 2014

This chapter examines the use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology in the context of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and language learning and teaching research. A brief introduction to ASR is first provided, to make it clear why and how this technology can be used to the benefit of learning and development in second language (L2) spoken discourse. This is followed by an overview of the state of the art in research on ASR-based CALL. Subsequently, a number of relevant projects on ASR-based CALL conducted at the Centre for Language and Speech Technology of the Radboud University in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) are presented. Possible solutions and recommendations are discussed given the current state of the technology with an explanation of how such systems can be used to the benefit of Discourse Analysis research. The chapter concludes with a discussion of possible perspectives for future research and development.
Software Language Engineering with XMF and XModeler
Authors: Clark Tony , Willans James
Published: June 2014

XMF and XModeler are presented as technologies that have been specifically designed for Software Language Engineering. XMF provides a meta-circular, extensible platform for DSL definition based on syntax-classes that extend object-oriented classes with composable grammars. XModeler is a development environment built on top of XMF that provides an extensible client-based architecture for developing DSL tools.
Designing for Computational Expression
Authors: Weintrop David , Wilensky Uri
Published: June 2014

In this chapter, framed by Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, Wilensky and Papert's restructuration theory, and Noss and Hoyles' theoretical construct of webbing, the authors explore four practical design principles facilitating the creation of learning environments that can overcome the challenge of introducing learners to computational expression in meaningful contexts and can start learners down the path towards computational literacy. The four design principles discussed are (1) low-threshold interfaces, (2) task-specific tools, (3) visual feedback, and (4) in-context examples. The heart of this chapter presents these features and their design rationales in the context of a qualitative study examining participants' use of RoboBuilder, a blocks-based, program-to-play game.
An Investigation of the Relationship of Motivation, Attitudes and Environment
Authors: Yeh Wai Man Helen,
Published: June 2014

This chapter will study a Philippine and a Chinese leaner's approaches to learn and achieve English language proficiency over 15 years in Hong Kong using biographical approaches. It focuses on the experience of individual motivation and social learning environments, and examines the interactions between the learner's motivation, self-confidence, and competition in the global economy. The effect of the interaction on shaping English learning and the learning experiences in three aspects including formal, self-directed and natural learning environments will also be discussed through Gardner's model of socio-educational model in second language acquisition and Weiner's attribution theory in social psychology. The chapter will suggest some practical implications for students and language teachers, discusses the ways to enhance second language learning in a cosmopolitan city, and presents some possible ways to increase learners' motivation and competitiveness in the global economy.
Effective Teaching Practices for Academic Literacy Development of Young Immigrant Learners
Authors: Crosby Cate
Published: June 2014

Immigrant children are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. According to the U.S. Department of Education (2008), young immigrant learners represent 5 percent of all school-aged youth in the United States, and nearly one in four speaks English with difficulty. Furthermore, young immigrant learners are a diverse group. Some are born in the United States, while some come from other countries. Some are at grade level and educated in their native language, while others are not. Consequently, they offer complicated educational challenges because of their differing linguistic and cultural proficiency levels in their native languages as well as in English. With these considerations in mind, how do we effectively educate this growing group of learners in our schools? In particular, how do we effectively develop their academic literacy? The purpose of the study is threefold: 1) to identify the academic literacy needs of young immigrant learners, 2) to identify and categorize the pedagogical strategies the teachers used for meeting these needs and the underlying second language acquisition, literacy, educational theories, and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of these strategies.
They Can't Fix What They Can't Hear
Authors: Fadde Peter J.
Published: June 2014

The Grammar Case touches on aspects of instructional design that go beyond scope and sequence of content, including: 1) communicating with a client, 2) representing a learning problem from the perspectives of different learning theories and human performance improvement, 3) working with institutional stake holders, and 4) considering non-instructional as well as instructional interventions. The instructional designers in the case must address a sensitive learning problem with limited financial resources and an institutional culture that may be resistant to change. The case depends, more than anything, on problem finding. A key instructional technology issue in the case is how the designers can ethically and feasibly use video recorded in public school classrooms to assess student teachers' grammar mistakes and also as stimulus material for instruction.
Semantic Role Labeling Approach for Evaluation of Text Coherence
Authors: Haggag Mohamed H.
Published: June 2014

Detection of semantic roles associated with linguistic elements is important to the textual classification of communicative context into specific identities. In this paper, a new model for semantically identifying sentences is presented through contextual patterns. The proposed contextual pattern originated its structure from a labeling process of the semantic roles provided by constituents of a sentence within a semantic frame. Semantic roles of the pattern elements are properly identified through word sense disambiguation and accordingly the entire patterns sense is evaluated. Such semantic identification of text sentences is a generic semantic role labeling approach that could support many computational linguistic applications. A utilization of the proposed semantic labeling approach is introduced in the paper through a novel algorithm for text coherence evaluation. Coherence evaluation is provided by a matching task to individual semantic patterns and their relations to each other as well as patterns organization within the text segments. Results proved good capability of the modelling of contextual pattern, addressing semantic roles, to accurately evaluate text coherence. It has been shown that both contextual patterns labeling and coherence evaluation algorithm proposed here are generic, topic free and semantically arbitrated by the global concept within context.
Usage-Based Instruction
Authors: Gettys Serafima
Published: June 2014

The following case study describes the effort of a small foreign language program at a medium-size private Mid-Western university in which instructors representing several world languages collaborated to undertake a complete modification of traditional textbook-driven curriculum to develop an innovative approach to teaching interpersonal communication in foreign languages. This approach was inspired by the insights coming from the Cognitive Perspective in Second Language Acquisition Cognitive Perspective in SLA, a relatively young, interdisciplinary field, which in its conclusions relies on research in such disciplines as Cognitive Linguistics, Cognitive Psychology, Construction Grammar, Usage-Based Grammar, Artificial Intelligence, and so forth, served as a theoretical foundation for the pilot study that is currently underway. The case will demonstrate how application of Cognitive Perspective increases the efficiency of instruction for oral proficiency. Although the role of technology in this approach is not decisive, it represents a significant element of the instructional sequence to be described in this chapter.