bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact results for the O(N ) model with quenched disorder
Authors: Delfino Gesualdo , Lamsen Noel
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We use scale invariant scattering theory to exactly determine the lines of renormalization group fixed points for O(N )-symmetric models with quenched disorder in two dimensions. Random fixed points are characterized by two disorder parameters: a modulus that vanishes when approaching the pure case, and a phase angle. The critical lines fall into three classes depending on the values of the disorder modulus. Besides the class corresponding to the pure case, a second class has maximal value of the disorder modulus and includes Nishimori-like multicritical points as well as zero temperature fixed points. The third class contains critical lines that interpolate, as N varies, between the first two classes. For positive N , it contains a single line of infrared fixed points spanning the values of N from

$$ \sqrt{2}-1 $$

2

−
1

to 1. The symmetry sector of the energy density operator is superuniversal (i.e. N -independent) along this line. For N = 2 a line of fixed points exists only in the pure case, but accounts also for the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless phase observed in presence of disorder.
The dark side of flipped trinification
Authors: Dong P. V. , Huong D. T. , Queiroz Farinaldo S. , Valle José W. F. , Vaquera-Araujo C. A.
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We propose a model which unifies the Left-Right symmetry with the SU(3)
L
gauge group, called flipped trinification, and based on the SU(3)
C
⊗ SU(3)
L
⊗ SU(3)
R
⊗ U(1)
X
gauge group. The model inherits the interesting features of both symmetries while elegantly explaining the origin of the matter parity, W

P
= (−1)3(B−L)+2s
, and dark matter stability. We develop the details of the spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanism in the model, determining the relevant mass eigenstates, and showing how neutrino masses are easily generated via the seesaw mechanism. Moreover, we introduce viable dark matter candidates, encompassing a fermion, scalar and possibly vector fields, leading to a potentially novel dark matter phenomenology.
Galilean field theories and conformal structure
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Chakrabortty Joydeep , Mehra Aditya
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We perform a detailed analysis of Galilean field theories, starting with free theories and then interacting theories. We consider non-relativistic versions of massless scalar and Dirac field theories before we go on to review our previous construction of Galilean Electrodynamics and Galilean Yang-Mills theory. We show that in all these cases, the field theories exhibit non-relativistic conformal structure (in appropriate dimensions). The surprising aspect of the analysis is that the non-relativistic conformal structure exhibited by these theories, unlike relativistic conformal invariance, becomes infinite dimensional even in spacetime dimensions greater than two. We then couple matter with Galilean gauge theories and show that there is a myriad of different sectors that arise in the non-relativistic limit from the parent relativistic theories. In every case, if the parent relativistic theory exhibited conformal invariance, we find an infinitely enhanced Galilean conformal invariance in the non-relativistic case. This leads us to suggest that infinite enhancement of symmetries in the non-relativistic limit is a generic feature of conformal field theories in any dimension.
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a toddler
Authors: Khundakji Yasmin , Masri Amira , Khuri-Bulos Najwa
Published: April 2018

Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder and is considered to be one of the most common causes of encephalitis in children. Despite the fact that around half of all reported cases are of children, the number of studies that report infants and toddlers is very small. Furthermore, reports on children from the Middle East particularly are extremely rare.

We report a 21-month-old Jordanian female toddler with NMDAR encephalitis, who initially presented with behavioral changes and some autistic features. She presented a diagnostic challenge due to a concurrent urinary tract infection and gastroenteritis. Multiple investigations were conducted and she was treated with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) empirically as well as plasma exchange and rituximab once the diagnosis was confirmed. Her condition improved gradually. We discuss her clinical picture and the diagnostic challenges within this age group; we also review the current related literature.
Ultrasound‐guided intertumoral injection of contrast agents combined with human p53 gene for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Guo Jun‐Cheng , Yang Yi‐Jun , Guo Min , Jiang Xiang‐Ling
Published: April 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound‐guided injection of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) and the p53 gene on the treatment of rats with breast cancer (BC). Assembly of the p53 expression vector as well as that of a rat model with BC consisted of 200 successfully modeled rats randomly divided into 5 groups: p53 gene introduction, p53 gene introduction + ultrasound irradiation, p53 gene introduction + UCAs, p53 gene introduction + UCA + ultrasound irradiation, and UCA + ultrasound irradiation groups. Expression of p53 was detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. In the p53 gene introduction + ultrasound irradiation group, we observed increased tumor volume with blood flow signals around and necrotic tumor tissues with an inhibition rate of 36.30%, as well as higher expression of p53 than that in the p53 gene introduction group and p53 gene introduction + UCA group. In the p53 gene introduction + UCA + ultrasound irradiation group, tumor volume increased slightly with reduced blood flow signals and massive degenerative necrosis of tumor cells was identified with inhibition rate of 62.62%, and expression of p53 was higher than that in the rest groups. Taken together, the key findings obtained from the present study elucidate that injection of p53 gene and UCA microbubbles guided by ultrasound could increase the expression of p53, thus inhibiting the tumor growth in rats with BC.
Prospects for Russia-NATO relations: The SWOT analysis
Authors: Holas Lukáš
Published: April 2018

Despite recent changes in international relations and lapse of time since the fall of the USSR, the issue of Russian membership in NATO has been an ongoing fact. Hence, the principle scope of the paper is SWOT analysis of potential Russian membership in NATO from the perspective of the Russian Federation. Through the introduction and evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of such membership in the light of latest geopolitical events in Eurasia suggested by academic and professional circles in NATO countries and Russia, we proceed with identification of fundamental strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that Russia might face. Taking into account such determining factors as the size of its territory, shifting geopolitical conditions in the world, modern understanding of security and a potentially frozen dispute in Ukraine, we come to the conclusion that benefits potentially brought by Russian membership in NATO could be sustained while drawbacks could be eliminated by incorporation of NATO to OSCE and a change in voting procedures of the Alliance.
Trismus‐pseudocamptodactyly syndrome with bilateral hypoplastic mandibular condyles and shallow mandibular fossa: A case report
Authors: Kusano Chieko , Hori Naoaki , Izawa Kazumi , Kosaki Rika , Nishimura Gen , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: April 2018

Trismus‐pseudocamptodactyly syndrome (TPS) (OMIM#158300), also known as Hecht syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant distal arthrogryposis. Bilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid processes has been reported to cause trismus. In this study, we report a case of TPS definitively diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs in a patient who had bilateral hypoplastic mandibular condyles and shallow mandibular fossa; TPS in such patients have never been reported in the literature. On the basis of the present case, we propose that a hypoplastic mandibular condyle and shallow mandibular fossa are also clinical features of TPS.
MFN Clauses and Substantive Treatment: A Law of Treaties Perspective of the “Conventional Wisdom”
Authors: Paparinskis Martins
Published: April 2018

On the big questions, Simon Batifort and J. Benton Heath are plainly right. Dogmatic presumptions about the necessary effect of particular clauses and woolly notions of systemic teleology may distract the interpreter from the task of finding the meaning that represents the intentions of the parties, best articulated in the specific terms chosen. Customary rules on treaty interpretation, reflected in Articles 31 and 32 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), are meant to be flexibly adapted to the case in hand. But in applying their insight to the small print of the interpretative question, Batifort and Heath are less persuasive. Can most favored nation (MFN) clauses be generally relied upon to, as they put it, “import” substantive standards of treatment of investment protection law? The authors are critical of the apparent consensus in favor of an affirmative answer—they call it “conventional wisdom”—and in this regard seem to me to be significantly overstating their case.
Putting the MFN Genie Back in the Bottle
Authors: Waibel Michael
Published: April 2018

This essay underscores the importance of background understandings in general international law for interpreting brief, open-ended clauses such as most favored nation (MFN) clauses. Contrary to
Simon Batifort and J. Benton Heath's claim, I suggest that often interpreters of MFN clauses cannot limit themselves to the text, context, and preparatory materials of a specific MFN clause. A common international negotiating technique, including for investment treaties, is to rely on the general background understanding of what a clause typically means in international law—its default meaning. I also argue that MFN clauses have played a surprisingly limited role in the international investment regime to date. In the main, they have functioned as a stepping stone for procedural and substantive guarantees found in third-party investment treaties. This use, and the limited role of MFN clauses in investment treaty awards, stands in sharp contrast to MFN clauses in the trade regime.
Trait Persistence Moderates the Association between Gender and Change in Smoking Urge Across Repeated Cue Exposure Trials
Authors: Collins Bradley N. , Nair Uma S. , Komaroff Eugene , Karekla Maria , Panayiotou Georgia , McCormick Sean , Davis Samantha
Published: April 2018

Previous research suggests that persistence, an individual difference characteristic representing the ability and willingness to maintain engagement in challenging or aversive contexts, may relate to smoking relapse. Improving understanding of the persistence-relapse risk association could guide improvements in behavioural interventions. We explored whether persistence and gender related to change in smoking urges across multiple cue exposure trials (an analogue of extinction learning and relapse risk). Participants included abstinent smokers who completed 12 massed, 5-minute smoking cue exposure trials using guided imagery as well as olfactory, tactile, visual and motor cues associated with smoking. We used multilevel logistic growth curve modelling to explore predictor associations with change in urge. Results suggested that gender related to urge whereby males showed greater initial and sustained reactivity than females. Persistence was not associated with female urge trajectories. However, compared to males with high persistence, males with low persistence evidenced sustained urge reactivity over time. Results suggest that greater persistence relates to reduction of conditioned responding (e.g., urges) among abstinent male smokers when exposure trials include complex cues most closely related to nicotine self-administration. Because persistence is modifiable, males with low persistence may benefit from interventions that include elements designed to increase persistence in urge eliciting situations.
MULTIPLICATION FORMULAS AND SEMISIMPLICITY FOR -SCHUR SUPERALGEBRAS
Authors: DU JIE , GU HAIXIA , ZHOU ZHONGGUO
Published: April 2018

We investigate products of certain double cosets for the symmetric group and use the findings to derive some multiplication formulas for the$q$-Schur superalgebras. This gives a combinatorialization of the relative norm approach developed in Du and Gu (A realization of the quantum supergroup$\mathbf{U}(\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}_{m|n})$, J. Algebra404(2014), 60–99). We then give several applications of the multiplication formulas, including the matrix representation of the regular representation and a semisimplicity criterion for$q$-Schur superalgebras. We also construct infinitesimal and little$q$-Schur superalgebras directly from the multiplication formulas and develop their semisimplicity criteria.
Individual Difference in Goal Motives and Goal Content: The Role of Action and State Orientation
Authors: Shi Rui , Zhang Shilei , Miao Danmin , Zhang Qianwen , Wang Zhenhong , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hesitant or preoccupied people (state-oriented) have different goal content and motives compared to initiative or disengaged people (action-oriented). People rated the degree of autonomous versus controlled feelings for extrinsic or intrinsic types of goals. Results showed that action-oriented people had a higher autonomous motive than state-oriented people for intrinsic goals, but not for extrinsic goals. Moreover, action-oriented individuals were related to a more internalised goal content (intrinsic goal) than state-oriented individuals. Implications for goal internalisation are discussed.
Allergic rhinitis and arterial blood pressure: a population-based study
Authors: Sakallioglu O , Polat C , Akyigit A , Cetiner H , Duzer S
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

To investigate the likelihood of allergic rhinitis and potential co-morbidities, and to assess whether allergic rhinitis is associated with arterial blood pressure and hypertension.

Methods:

In this population-based study, 369 adults with allergic rhinitis and asthma were assessed via a questionnaire and immunoglobulin E levels. There were four groups: control (n = 90), allergic rhinitis (n = 99), asthma (n = 87) and hypertension (n = 93). Arterial blood pressure was measured in all groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between males and females in any group. Pairwise comparisons revealed no significant differences between: the control and allergic rhinitis groups, the control and asthma groups, or the allergic rhinitis and asthma groups. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure values of males and females were significantly higher in the hypertension group than the allergic rhinitis group. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis patients.

Conclusion:

Rhinitis was not associated with increased blood pressure. Allergic rhinitis can coincide with asthma and hypertension. The findings do not support the need for blood pressure follow up in allergic rhinitis patients.
An Efficient Radio Map Updating Algorithm based on K-Means and Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zhao Jianli , Gao Xiang , Wang Xin , Li Chunxiu , Song Min , Sun Qiuxia
Published: April 2018

Fingerprint-based indoor localisation suffers from influences such as fingerprint pre-collection, environment changes and expending a lot of manpower and time to update the radio map. To solve the problem, we propose an efficient radio map updating algorithm based on K-Means and Gaussian Process Regression (KMGPR). The algorithm builds a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) predictive model based on a Gaussian mean function and realises the update of the radio map using K-Means. We have conducted experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and results show that GPR using the Gaussian mean function improves localisation accuracy by about 13·76% compared with other functions and KMGPR can reduce the computational complexity by about 7% to 20% with no obvious effects on accuracy.
Sedimentary breccia and diamictite of the Cambrian Spurs Formation in northern Victoria Land, Antarctica: two kinds of debris flows in a submarine channel system
Authors: Kim Young-Hwan G. , Woo Jusun , Park Tae-Yoon S. , Kihm Ji-Hoon , Lee Jong Ik , Choe Moon Young
Published: April 2018

The submarine channel-fill system of the Cambrian Spurs Formation exhibits unique metre-scale cycles of breccia and diamictite. The studied sections, Eureka Spurs, are located at the Mariner Glacier in the central-eastern part of northern Victoria Land, Antarctica. A facies analysis of the channel-fill deposit has led to the recognition of four main lithofacies: breccia, diamictite, thin-bedded sandstone and mudstone. The channel-fill deposit consists of two architectural elements: hollow-fill (HF) and sheet-like (SL) elements. The SL has wide convex-up geometry and consists solely of a very thick bed of diamictite, and is interpreted as a submarine channel lobe. The HF has a concave-up erosional base and flat upper surface. The HF consists of nine cyclic alternations of underlying breccia (cohesionless debris flow) and overlying diamictite (cohesive debris flow). The deposition of breccia is interpreted to have been controlled by repeated allogenic processes such as earthquakes. In contrast, the abrupt vertical transition from breccia to diamictite in each cycle is interpreted to have resulted from an autogenic, slope instability-related process. The interaction of the allogenic and autogenic factors recorded in the metre-scale unique cyclic deposits provides new criteria to interpret cycles of submarine debris flow.
Fitting theZeitgeist: Jewish Territorialism and Geopolitics, 1934–1960
Authors: ALMAGOR LAURA
Published: April 2018

This article demonstrates the connection between the ideology and activities of the Jewish Territorialist Movement and broader geopolitical trends and discourses during the late interwar and immediate post-war period. The Territorialists, active from 1934 within the Freeland League for Jewish Territorial Colonisation, were representative of such contemporary trends and discourses, especially those connected to prevailing approaches to peoplehood, territory and space. The Freelanders relied on accepted notions and practices such as colonialism and colonisation, ‘whiteness’, race, biopolitics and agro-industrial science, as well as (empty) spaces and un(der)developed territories. The Territorialists’ alignment with geopolitics makes the movement's little studied history a relevant chapter in the larger story of Jewish political behaviour. Moreover, the continuities in Territorialism's aspired social engineering project help to problematise the notion of 1945 as a turning point in twentieth century geopolitical thinking.
The Contemporary Self in German History
Authors: HÄBERLEN JOACHIM C.
Published: April 2018

The history of the subject, or, in a different parlance, genealogies of the self, has received increased attention in recent years. Numerous scholars, historians and cultural sociologists alike have inquired about the practices and discourses that shape the (post-)modern self. And while this is by no means an exclusively German debate – indeed, major influences come from French, British and Israeli scholarship –, it is a debate that is particularly thriving within German-speaking scholarship on recent (West) German history, perhaps in part due to how graduate training and networking function in German academia. Somewhat remarkably, East German subjectivities are barely ever addressed in this debate, which speaks to the fact that historiographies of East and West Germany are still rather separated, despite repeated calls to overcome this division. A possible historical (rather than historiographical) reason for this lack of interest that would deserve further inquiry might be that the selfbecameimportant for historical actors in the Federal Republic during the 1970s, but not in East Germany. It would be equally interesting to know to what extent similar or different regimes of subjectivity emerged across the Iron Curtain and what happened to them after the end of communism – that is, if and how the ‘neoliberal’ regime of subjectivity that scholars have described for Western Germany spread to the East. Yet, these are open questions.
Urea changes oocyte competence and gene expression in resultant bovine embryo in vitro
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Izadi Fatemeh , Sadeghi Nima , Riasi Ahmad , Zadegan Faezeh Ghazvini , Hajian Mehdi , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Farrokhpour Hossein , Miyamoto Akio
Published: April 2018

Nutrition influences the microenvironment in the proximity of oocyte and affects early embryonic development. Elevated blood urea nitrogen, even in healthy dairy cows, is associated with reduced fertility and there is high correlation between blood urea levels and follicular fluid urea levels. Using a docking calculation (in silico), urea showed a favorable binding activity towards the ZP-N domain of ZP3, that of ZP2, and towards the predicted full-length sperm receptor ZP3. Supplementation of oocyte maturation medium with nutrition-related levels of urea (20 or 40 mg/dl as seen in healthy dairy cows fed on low or high dietary protein, respectively) dose-dependently increased: (i) the proportion of oocytes that remained uncleaved; and (ii) oocyte degeneration; and reduced cleavage, blastocyst and hatching rates. High levels of urea induced shrinkage in oocytes, visualised using scanning electron microscopy. Urea downregulated NANOG while dose-dependently upregulating OCT4, DNMT1, and BCL2 expression. Urea at 20 mg/dl induced BAX expression. Using mathematical modelling, the rate of oocyte degeneration was sensitive to urea levels; while cleavage, blastocyst and hatching rates exhibited negative sensitivity. The present data imply a novel role for urea in reducing oocyte competence and changing gene expression in the resultant embryos.
Neuropsychological Profiles and Trajectories in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ho Jean K. , Nation Daniel A. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2018

Objectives: The present study investigated the independent and synergistic effects of amyloid beta (Aβ1-42) and phosphorylated tau (Ptau) pathologies on neuropsychological profiles and trajectories in cognitively normal older adults. Methods: Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants identified as cognitively normal at baseline underwent longitudinal assessment (N=518; 0, 12, 24, 36 months), baseline lumbar puncture and follow-up cognitive exams. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) biomarker profiles (Aβ-Ptau-, Aβ+Ptau-, Aβ-Ptau+, Aβ+Ptau+) were compared on baseline profiles and trajectories for memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), attention/executive function (Trail Making Test, A and B), language (Animal Fluency, Vegetable Fluency, Boston Naming Test) and processing speed (Digit Symbol) using multilevel models. Results: The Aβ+Ptau+ group exhibited significantly worse baseline performance on tests of memory and executive function relative to the Aβ-Ptau+ and Aβ-Ptau- groups. The Aβ+Ptau- group fell between the Aβ+Ptau+ participants and the Aβ-Ptau- and Aβ-Ptau+ groups on all three cognitive domains and exhibited worse baseline executive function. The Aβ-Ptau+ group performed worse than Aβ-Ptau- participants on processing speed. Over 36-month follow-up, the Aβ+Ptau+ group exhibited the greatest declines in memory and semantic fluency compared to all other groups. Conclusions: Cognitively normal older adults with both Aβ and Ptau pathology exhibited the weakest profile, marked by the worst memory decline compared to the other groups. Other subtle changes in this group included declines in executive function and semantic fluency. Those with Ptau pathology alone showed slowed processing speed, and those with Aβ pathology alone showed worse attention and executive function compared to biomarker negative participants. (JINS, 2018, 24, 1–10)
Couples’ psychological adjustment to twin parenthood: mode of conception (spontaneous versus assisted reproduction) and gender differences
Authors: Tendais Iva , Figueiredo Bárbara , Canário Catarina , Kenny David A.
Published: April 2018

Aim

To examine whether mode of conception and gender are associated with parents’ psychological adjustment across the transition to twin parenthood.

Background

There is limited knowledge on the psychological adjustment of couples to twin parenthood during pregnancy and early postpartum, especially for fathers. The available research suggests that first-time mothers of twins conceived by assisted reproduction techniques (ART) may experience lower psychosocial well-being than mothers of spontaneously conceived (SC) twins.

Methods

A total of 41 couples expecting twins, 25 of whom conceived spontaneously and 16 conceived by assisted reproduction techniques, completed measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, marital relationship, attitudes to sex, and attitudes to pregnancy and the baby.

Findings

ART parents showed a decline in marital relationship quality, no changes in attitudes to pregnancy and the baby and no changes in attitudes to sex over the postpartum. In contrast, SC parents did not change their perception of the marital relationship, reported more positive attitudes to pregnancy and the baby, and more positive attitudes to sex over the postpartum. Compared with the other groups (SC mothers and fathers, ART fathers), ART mothers exhibited a higher increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms from pregnancy to postpartum and only anxiety symptoms exhibited a decline trend over the postpartum. These findings suggest that ART parents may experience more psychological difficulties during the transition to twin parenthood than SC parents. ART mothers, in particular, appear to be more at risk of high levels of postpartum depressive symptoms.
Lehrkrafteinschätzungen sozialer Akzeptanz und sozialer Kompetenz: Akkuratheit und systematische Verzerrung in inklusiv geführten Schulklassen
Authors: Südkamp Anna , Krawinkel Stefanie , Lange Sarah , Wolf Sylvia M. , Tröster Heinrich
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Förderung der sozialen Akzeptanz und der sozialen Kompetenz von Schülerinnen und Schülern durch Lehrkräfte ist im Kontext schulischer Inklusion von besonderer Relevanz. Voraussetzung dafür ist, dass sie diese Merkmale der Schülerinnen und Schüler angemessen diagnostizieren können. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, wie akkurat Lehrkräfte die soziale Akzeptanz und die soziale Kompetenz von Schülerinnen und Schülern in inklusiv geführten Klassen einschätzen und ob die Lehrkrafteinschätzungen systematisch zum Nachteil von Schülerinnen und Schülern mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf (SFB) verzerrt sind. Es ergaben sich geringe bis mittlere Zusammenhänge zwischen den Lehrkrafteinschätzungen der sozialen Akzeptanz und sozialen Kompetenz und den Beurteilungen der Peers. Die soziale Akzeptanz der Schülerinnen und Schüler mit SFB wurde über tatsächliche Gruppenunterschiede hinaus negativer eingeschätzt als die der Schülerinnen und Schüler ohne SFB. Im Rahmen ihrer Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung sollten Lehrkräften für mögliche systematische Verzerrungen in der Einschätzung von Schülerinnen und Schülern mit SFB sensibilisiert werden.
Freude am Sportunterricht − Welche Rolle spielen sportartspezifische Selbstkonzepte und die wahrgenommene Lehrerfürsorglichkeit von Schülerinnen und Schülern?
Authors: Lohbeck Annette
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, bei 239 Schülerinnen und Schülern (Mädchen: 45.2%) der 3.–5. Jahrgangsstufe fünf sportartspezifische Selbstkonzepte (Fußball, Basketball, Turnen, Leichtathletik, Schwimmen) faktorenanalytisch zu konzeptualisieren und die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Freude am Sportunterricht, diesen fünf sportartspezifischen Selbstkonzepten und der wahrgenommenen Lehrerfürsorglichkeit zu erfassen. Sowohl exploratorische als auch konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen zeigten, dass die fünf sportartspezifischen Selbstkonzepte eindeutig voneinander trennbar sind. Die Freude am Sportunterricht korrelierte mit nahezu allen Selbstkonzeptfacetten und der wahrgenommenen Lehrerfürsorglichkeit positiv. Ein mehrebenenanalytisches Regressionsmodell legte nahe, dass sich bei Kontrolle des Geschlechts und Alters die Selbstkonzepte im Fußball und im Schwimmen sowie die wahrgenommene Lehrerfürsorglichkeit positiv auf die Freude am Sportunterricht auswirken. Grundschulkinder berichteten mehr Freude am Sportunterricht als Schülerinnen und Schüler in der Sekundarstufe, die dagegen eine höhere Lehrerfürsorglichkeit wahrnahmen als Grundschulkinder. Jungen berichteten höhere Selbstkonzepte im Fußball und im Basketball als Mädchen, während Mädchen höhere Selbstkonzepte im Turnen artikulierten als Jungen.
FoSWE – Eine Kurzskala zur Erfassung forschungsbezogener Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung
Authors: Lachmann Daniel , Epstein Nurith , Eberle Julia
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Zahlreiche Studien weisen darauf hin, dass der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung eine entscheidende Bedeutung bei der Vorhersage einer Promotionsintention sowie der Intention, eine wissenschaftliche Karriere anzustreben, zukommt. Zur Erfassung der forschungsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung steht derzeit jedoch kein geeignetes Instrument zur Verfügung. Daher wurde die FoSWE-Kurzskala zur ökonomischen Erfassung der forschungsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeit entwickelt und anhand von Umfragedaten mit Promovierten der Lebenswissenschaften (Naturwissenschaften und Medizin) überprüft. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen und Korrelationen mit objektiven Erfolgskriterien der Promotion weisen auf eine insgesamt reliable und valide Skala hin. Über mehrere Kohorten innerhalb der Disziplinen zeigt sich starke Messinvarianz. Zwischen Promovierten der beiden Disziplinen besteht hingegen schwache Messinvarianz. Die Verwendung der FoSWE-Skala kann daher im Zusammenhang mit Promotions- und Karrierewegen in der akademischen Wissenschaft empfohlen werden, Vergleiche zwischen Fächern sollten jedoch vorsichtig gehandhabt werden.
Akademische Selbstkonzepte und akademische Selbstwirksamkeiten: Interdependenzen und Beziehungen zu schulischen Leistungen
Authors: Feng Xiaoli , Wang Jin-Liang , Rost Detlef H.
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Selbstkonzept und Selbstwirksamkeit sind zwei wichtige pädagogisch-psychologische Konstrukte. Über ihre gegenseitige Beziehung und diskriminanten und inkrementellen Vorhersagevaliditäten für schulische Leistungen ist nur wenig bekannt, weil sie zumeist separat analysiert wurden (entweder Selbstkonzept oder Selbstwirksamkeit). Untersucht wurden die Interdependenzen von drei schulfachspezifischen akademischen Selbstkonzeptskalen und drei schulfachspezifischen akademischen Selbstwirksamkeitsskalen sowie deren statistische Vorhersagekraft für Schulleistungen (Zensuren). Die Fächer waren Englisch, Geschichte und Mathematik. Untersucht wurden N = 825 Jugendliche, die chinesische Mittelschulen besuchten (Alter: M = 14.46 Jahre, SD = 0.79). Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen (CFA) belegten einerseits in jedem Schulfach zwei separate akademische „Selbst“-Faktoren (Selbstkonzept und Selbstwirksamkeit) und andererseits innerhalb eines jeden „Selbst“-Konstrukts drei Schulfachfaktoren (Englisch, Geschichte und Mathematik). Eine gemeinsame CFA über alle „Selbst“-Items führte zu sechs prägnanten Dimensionen: drei fachspezifische Selbstkonzeptfaktoren und drei fachspezifische Selbstwirksamkeitsfaktoren. Sparsamere Alternativmodelle waren weniger gut mit den Daten vereinbar. Entsprechend zusammengestellte Skalen hatten gute psychometrische Kennwerte. Multiple Regressionsanalysen und Kommunalitätenanalysen zeigten, dass die akademischen Selbstkonzeptskalen die erfassten Schulzensuren wesentlich besser statistisch vorhersagten als akademischen Selbstwirksamkeitsskalen. Die von beiden „Selbst“-Skalen gemeinsam aufgeklärten (d. h. nicht weiter aufteilbaren) Schulleistungsvarianzen betrugen 29.9 % (Englisch), 17.0 % (Geschichte) und 31.5 % (Mathematik). Die spezifischen (d. h. nicht mit der jeweiligen anderen „Selbst“-Skala konfundierten) Varianzaufklärungen lagen für die akademischen Selbstkonzepte bzw. akademischen Selbstwirksamkeiten bei 5.3 % bzw. 3.4 % (Englisch), bei 8.0 % bzw. 0.4 % (Geschichte) und bei 8.1 %. bzw. 1.8 % (Mathematik). Die Diskussion betont die große Relevanz der Schulfächer für die konzeptuelle und empirische Differenzierbarkeit sowie die Validität der beiden „Selbst“-Konstrukte.
Die Persönlichkeit der Fachkraft in der Früh- und Kindheitspädagogik
Authors: Röhler Alexander , Conein Stephanie , Fengler Janne
Published: April 2018

Zusammenfassung. Der nachfolgende Beitrag widmet sich der Bedeutung der Persönlichkeitsbildung in der Qualifizierung von Erzieherinnen und Erziehern sowie Kindheitspädagoginnen und Kindheitspädagogen an Fach- und Hochschulen. Anhand der Ergebnisse einer eigenen Studie wird diskutiert, mit welchen Zielen und Methoden Persönlichkeitsbildung im Curriculum und in der Qualifizierungsspraxis präsent ist und wie Lehrende, Lernende (Studierende sowie Schülerinnen und Schüler) sowie Absolventinnen und Absolventen die Qualität der Persönlichkeitsbildung beurteilen. Die eigenen empirischen Befunde zeigen, dass Persönlichkeitsbildung als Qualitätsmerkmal der Qualifizierungsangebote1für Erzieherinnen und Erzieher sowie Kindheitspädagoginnen und Kindheitspädagogen sowohl in den Curricula etabliert als auch in den Zielvorstellungen der Lehrenden, insbesondere der Curriculumsverantwortlichen, verankert ist und die durchgeführten Maßnahmen von allen beteiligten Akteuren als erfolgreich eingestuft werden. Trotz der curricularen und normativen Etablierung sowie subjektiver Erfolgseinschätzung der Beteiligten bleiben von ihnen als wichtig herausgestellte Aspekte, wie z.B. der systematische Einbezug der individuellen biographischen Vorgeschichten, unberücksichtigt.
Effect of Silicon, Carbon, and Sulfur on Structure of Liquid Iron and Implications for Structure‐Property Relations in Liquid Iron‐Light Element Alloys
Authors: Shibazaki Yuki , Kono Yoshio
Published: April 2018

Planetary cores are considered to be composed of iron (Fe) and light elements. Extensive studies on structure and properties of crystalline Fe‐light element alloys have been carried out to discuss composition and structure of the solid inner core. In contrast, structure and properties of liquid Fe‐light element alloys, which are important to discuss nature and dynamics of the liquid outer core, remain poorly understood. Here we conducted series of liquid structure measurements to systematically understand effect of silicon (Si), carbon (C), and sulfur (S) on structure of liquid Fe. We found that incorporation of Si in liquid Fe shortens the nearest (r1) and second (r2) neighbor distances, while incorporation of C and small amount of S expands these distances. The different structural behavior is interpreted in view of different light‐element incorporation mechanisms: substitutional incorporation of Si and interstitial incorporation of C and S. All light elements lower density of liquid Fe regardless of shortening or expansion of the r1 and r2 distances, while P‐wave velocities of liquid Fe‐light element alloys show linear increase with shortening of the r1 and r2. The different light‐element incorporation behavior in the structure of liquid Fe and the resultant variation in the properties of liquid Fe‐light element alloys should be important in understanding behavior of liquid Fe‐light element alloys in the planetary cores.
Transparent and attachable ionic communicators based on self-cleanable triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Lee Younghoon , Cha Seung Hee , Kim Yong-Woo , Choi Dukhyun , Sun Jeong-Yun
Published: April 2018

Human–machine interfaces have benefited from the advent of wireless sensor networks and the internet of things, but rely on wearable/attachable electronics exhibiting stretchability, biocompatibility, and transmittance. Limited by weight and volume, wearable devices should be energy efficient and even self-powered. Here, we report practical approaches for obtaining a stably self-cleanable, transparent and attachable ionic communicator based on triboelectric nanogenerators. The communicator can be easily applied on human skin due to softness and chemically anchored robust layers. It functions as a means of real-time communication between humans and machines. Surface functionalization on the communicator by (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl)trichlorosilane improves sensitivity and makes the communicator electrically and optically stable due to the self-cleaning effect without sacrificing transmittance. This research may benefit the potential development of attachable ionics, self-powered sensor networks, and monitoring systems for biomechanical motion.
Structure and mechanism of the two-component α-helical pore-forming toxin YaxAB
Authors: Bräuning Bastian , Bertosin Eva , Praetorius Florian , Ihling Christian , Schatt Alexandra , Adler Agnes , Richter Klaus , Sinz Andrea , Dietz Hendrik , Groll Michael
Published: April 2018

Pore-forming toxins (PFT) are virulence factors that transform from soluble to membrane-bound states. The Yersinia YaxAB system represents a family of binary α-PFTs with orthologues in human, insect, and plant pathogens, with unknown structures. YaxAB was shown to be cytotoxic and likely involved in pathogenesis, though the molecular basis for its two-component lytic mechanism remains elusive. Here, we present crystal structures of YaxA and YaxB, together with a cryo-electron microscopy map of the YaxAB complex. Our structures reveal a pore predominantly composed of decamers of YaxA–YaxB heterodimers. Both subunits bear membrane-active moieties, but only YaxA is capable of binding to membranes by itself. YaxB can subsequently be recruited to membrane-associated YaxA and induced to present its lytic transmembrane helices. Pore formation can progress by further oligomerization of YaxA–YaxB dimers. Our results allow for a comparison between pore assemblies belonging to the wider ClyA-like family of α-PFTs, highlighting diverse pore architectures.
Author Correction: Structural determinants and functional consequences of protein affinity for membrane rafts
Authors: Lorent Joseph H. , Diaz-Rohrer Blanca , Lin Xubo , Spring Kevin , Gorfe Alemayehu A. , Levental Kandice R. , Levental Ilya
Published: April 2018

In the originally published version of this Article, financial support was not fully acknowledged. The PDF and HTML versions of the Article have now been corrected to include support from National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health grant R01GM124072.
Ediacara biota flourished in oligotrophic and bacterially dominated marine environments across Baltica
Authors: Pehr Kelden , Love Gordon D. , Kuznetsov Anton , Podkovyrov Victor , Junium Christopher K. , Shumlyanskyy Leonid , Sokur Tetyana , Bekker Andrey
Published: April 2018

Middle-to-late Ediacaran (575–541 Ma) marine sedimentary rocks record the first appearance of macroscopic, multicellular body fossils, yet little is known about the environments and food sources that sustained this enigmatic fauna. Here, we perform a lipid biomarker and stable isotope (δ15Ntotal and δ13CTOC) investigation of exceptionally immature late Ediacaran strata (<560 Ma) from multiple locations across Baltica. Our results show that the biomarker assemblages encompass an exceptionally wide range of hopane/sterane ratios (1.6–119), which is a broad measure of bacterial/eukaryotic source organism inputs. These include some unusually high hopane/sterane ratios (22–119), particularly during the peak in diversity and abundance of the Ediacara biota. A high contribution of bacteria to the overall low productivity may have bolstered a microbial loop, locally sustaining dissolved organic matter as an important organic nutrient. These oligotrophic, shallow-marine conditions extended over hundreds of kilometers across Baltica and persisted for more than 10 million years.
Unconventional slowing down of electronic recovery in photoexcited charge-ordered La1/3Sr2/3FeO3
Authors: Zhu Yi , Hoffman Jason , Rowland Clare E. , Park Hyowon , Walko Donald A. , Freeland John W. , Ryan Philip J. , Schaller Richard D. , Bhattacharya Anand , Wen Haidan
Published: April 2018

The coupling of ordered electronic phases with lattice, spin, and orbital degrees of freedom are of central interest in strongly correlated systems. Their interplay has been intensively studied from femtosecond to picosecond time scales, while their dynamics beyond nanoseconds are usually assumed to follow lattice cooling. Here, we report an unusual slowing down of the recovery of an electronic phase across a first-order phase transition. Following optical excitation, the recovery time of both transient optical reflectivity and X-ray diffraction intensity from the charge-ordered superstructure in a La1/3Sr2/3FeO3 thin film increases by orders of magnitude as the sample temperature approaches the phase transition temperature. In this regime, the recovery time becomes much longer than the lattice cooling time. The combined experimental and theoretical investigation shows that the slowing down of electronic recovery corresponds to the pseudo-critical dynamics that originates from magnetic interactions close to a weakly first-order phase transition.
Optical circulation in a multimode optomechanical resonator
Authors: Ruesink Freek , Mathew John P. , Miri Mohammad-Ali , Alù Andrea , Verhagen Ewold
Published: April 2018

Breaking the symmetry of electromagnetic wave propagation enables important technological functionality. In particular, circulators are nonreciprocal components that can route photons directionally in classical or quantum photonic circuits and offer prospects for fundamental research on electromagnetic transport. Developing highly efficient circulators thus presents an important challenge, especially to realise compact reconfigurable implementations that do not rely on magnetic fields to break reciprocity. We demonstrate optical circulation utilising radiation pressure interactions in an on-chip multimode optomechanical system. Mechanically mediated optical mode conversion in a silica microtoroid provides a synthetic gauge bias for light, enabling four-port circulation that exploits tailored interference between appropriate light paths. We identify two sideband conditions under which ideal circulation is approached. This allows to experimentally demonstrate ~10 dB isolation and <3 dB insertion loss in all relevant channels. We show the possibility of actively controlling the circulator properties, enabling ideal opportunities for reconfigurable integrated nanophotonic circuits.
Ambient ammonia synthesis via palladium-catalyzed electrohydrogenation of dinitrogen at low overpotential
Authors: Wang Jun , Yu Liang , Hu Lin , Chen Gang , Xin Hongliang , Feng Xiaofeng
Published: April 2018

Electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 provides an alternative to the Haber−Bosch process for sustainable, distributed production of NH3 when powered by renewable electricity. However, the development of such process has been impeded by the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for N2 reduction. Here we report efficient electroreduction of N2 to NH3 on palladium nanoparticles in phosphate buffer solution under ambient conditions, which exhibits high activity and selectivity with an NH3 yield rate of ~4.5 μg mg−1Pd h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 8.2% at 0.1 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (corresponding to a low overpotential of 56 mV), outperforming other catalysts including gold and platinum. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the unique activity of palladium originates from its balanced hydrogen evolution activity and the Grotthuss-like hydride transfer mechanism on α-palladium hydride that lowers the free energy barrier of N2 hydrogenation to *N2H, the rate-limiting step for NH3 electrosynthesis.
Generation of App knock-in mice reveals deletion mutations protective against Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology
Authors: Nagata Kenichi , Takahashi Mika , Matsuba Yukio , Okuyama-Uchimura Fumi , Sato Kaori , Hashimoto Shoko , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C.
Published: April 2018

Although, a number of pathogenic mutations have been found for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), only one protective mutation has been identified so far in humans. Here we identify possible protective deletion mutations in the 3′-UTR of the amyloid precursor protein (App) gene in mice. We use an App knock-in mouse model carrying a humanized Aβ sequence and three AD mutations in the endogenous App gene. Genome editing of the model zygotes using multiple combinations of CRISPR/Cas9 tools produces genetically mosaic animals with various App 3′-UTR deletions. Depending on the editing efficiency, the 3′-UTR disruption mitigates the Aβ pathology development through transcriptional and translational regulation of APP expression. Notably, an App knock-in mouse with a 34-bp deletion in a 52-bp regulatory element adjacent to the stop codon shows a substantial reduction in Aβ pathology. Further functional characterization of the identified element should provide deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of AD.
Author Correction: Recurrent acquisition of cytosine methyltransferases into eukaryotic retrotransposons
Authors: de Mendoza Alex , Bonnet Amandine , Vargas-Landin Dulce B. , Ji Nanjing , Li Hongfei , Yang Feng , Li Ling , Hori Koichi , Pflueger Jahnvi , Buckberry Sam , Ohta Hiroyuki , Rosic Nedeljka , Lesage Pascale , Lin Senjie , Lister Ryan
Published: April 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Hongfei Li, which was incorrectly given as Fei Hong. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Nuclear egress of TDP-43 and FUS occurs independently of Exportin-1/CRM1
Authors: Ederle Helena , Funk Christina , Abou-Ajram Claudia , Hutten Saskia , Funk Eva B. E. , Kehlenbach Ralph H. , Bailer Susanne M. , Dormann Dorothee
Published: April 2018

TDP-43 and FUS are nuclear proteins with multiple functions in mRNA processing. They play key roles in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and FTD (frontotemporal dementia), where they are partially lost from the nucleus and aggregate in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells. Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport contribute to this pathology, hence nuclear import of both proteins has been studied in detail. However, their nuclear export routes remain poorly characterized and it is unclear whether aberrant nuclear export contributes to TDP-43 or FUS pathology. Here we show that predicted nuclear export signals in TDP-43 and FUS are non-functional and that both proteins are exported independently of the export receptor CRM1/Exportin-1. Silencing of Exportin-5 or the mRNA export factor Aly/REF, as well as mutations that abrogate RNA-binding do not impair export of TDP-43 and FUS. However, artificially enlarging TDP-43 or FUS impairs their nuclear egress, suggesting that they could leave the nucleus by passive diffusion. Finally, we found that inhibition of transcription causes accelerated nuclear egress of TDP-43, suggesting that newly synthesized RNA retains TDP-43 in the nucleus, limiting its egress into the cytoplasm. Our findings implicate reduced nuclear retention as a possible factor contributing to mislocalization of TDP-43 in ALS/FTD.