bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basal ganglia output (entopeduncular nucleus) coding of contextual kinematics and reward in the freely moving mouse
Authors: Verma Rodriguez Anil K , Ramírez-Jarquin Josue O , Rossi-Pool Román , Tecuapetla Fatuel
Published: July 2024

The entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) is often termed as one of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia owing to their highly convergent anatomy. The rodent EPN has been implicated in reward and value coding whereas the primate analog internal Globus Pallidus has been found to be modulated by some movements and in some circumstances. In this study, we sought to understand how the rodent EPN might be coding kinematic, reward, and difficulty parameters, particularly during locomotion. Furthermore, we aimed to understand the level of movement representation: whole-body or specific body parts. To this end, mice were trained in a freely moving two-alternative forced choice task with two periods of displacement (return and go trajectories) and performed electrophysiological recordings together with video-based tracking. We found (1) robust reward coding but not difficulty. (2) Spatio-temporal variables better explain EPN activity during movement compared to kinematic variables, while both types of variables were more robustly represented in reward-related movement. (3) Reward-sensitive units encode kinematics similarly to reward-insensitive ones. (4) Population dynamics that best account for differences between these two periods of movement can be explained by allocentric references like distance to reward port. (5) The representation of paw and licks is not mutually exclusive, discarding a somatotopic muscle-level representation of movement in the EPN. Our data suggest that EPN activity represents movements and reward in a complex way: highly multiplexed, influenced by the objective of the displacement, where trajectories that lead to reward better represent spatial and kinematic variables. Interestingly, there are intertwining representations of whole-body movement kinematics with a single paw and licking variables. Further, reward-sensitive units encode kinematics similarly to reward-insensitive ones, challenging the notion of distinct pathways for reward and movement processing.
Career Progression as Predictor on Job Satisfaction of Academic Librarians in the Bicol Region, Philippines
Authors: Listor Ester
Published: July 2024

Career progression is an employee’s professional development that provides security, satisfaction, and a sense of professional fulfillment. This study determines the effect of career progression as a predictor of job satisfaction for academic librarians in the Bicol Region. Specifically, this aims to determine the respondent’s personal, professional, and employment profile; level of job satisfaction in terms of career progression, work motivation, working environment, fair compensation, job security, and administrative support; the significant difference in the level of job satisfaction and the perceived challenges and opportunities encountered as they progress in their career. This study utilizes a convergent parallel mixed method with 113 respondents, comprising 63 from private HEIs and 50 from public libraries, including SUCs and LUCs. Findings revealed that school administrators gave career progression due importance. Good working environment was provided; however, the compensation package is not that attractive compared to Public HEIs. Lack of administrative support was observed; hence, it was recommended that School Administrators, would show commitment towards the improvement/advancement of libraries through enough funding. Librarians may also seek sponsorship/scholarships to improve their education and training. However, well-planned policies and conditions for these benefits could be articulated in the personnel and library administrative manual. Likewise, Human Resource Managers may consider calibrating the compensation and benefits of librarians to be at par with the faculty in compliance with the equivalency of librarians to teachers.
Writing Competence of First Year College Students at a State University
Authors: Salvador Juvelyn
Published: July 2024

Writing is an essential skill for students doing many academic writing assignments. However, despite educational efforts to develop this skill, many still struggle for diverse reasons. This study determines the writing competence of first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Technical Vocational Education, and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture college students at Catanduanes State University, Panganiban Campus. It offers teaching or curricular strategies to improve writing interest. This utilized descriptive correlational research from 157 respondents derived through fishbowl sampling. The findings revealed that the majority of respondent's parents were high school graduates. They are "often" exposed to broadcast media (movies, MP3, TV, internet) and "seldom" read print media (news, novels, commentaries, essays). They are "highly motivated" to learn from references and read stories while "slightly motivated" with book gifts and quizzes after reading. When correlated with Pearson chi-square, these two variables disclosed no significant relationship. Thus, a pressing need to analyze the gap and resolve writing difficulties aligned with Flower and Hayes' Cognitive Process Writing Theory. Basic writing workshops, online webinars, and instructional material development on improving writing competence are research outputs to orchestrate the best writing techniques to improve writing competence.
Mortalidade das micro e pequenas empresas: a importância de um plano de continuidade de negócios
Authors: Oliveira Alessandro Bandeira de , Fernandes Gustavo Henrique Mendes , Luzia Bruno Bonifácio , Severiano Júnior Ely
Published: July 2024

O estudo aborda a importância de um Plano de Continuidade de Negócios (PCN) para Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPE) na Região Serrana do Rio de Janeiro, especialmente em Petrópolis, após as fortes chuvas de fevereiro de 2022. Utilizando uma abordagem bibliográfica e uma análise descritiva e exploratória, o objetivo foi verificar como as MPE podem se beneficiar da implementação de um PCN. A pesquisa destaca que um PCN eficaz deve ser dinâmico, com testes e atualizações regulares para garantir sua praticidade em situações reais de crise. A análise revela que, quando as empresas possuem um PCN, elas conseguem mitigar riscos e aumentar suas chances de sobrevivência. O estudo cita a catástrofe no Rio Grande do Sul em maio de 2024 como um exemplo dos impactos devastadores de desastres naturais, ressaltando a necessidade de preparação e planos de contingência. As principais dificuldades enfrentadas pelas MPE incluem a falta de estrutura adequada, recursos financeiros limitados e a ausência de responsabilidades claramente definidas, tornando essencial o desenvolvimento de PCN robustos e aderentes às necessidades do negócio. Para pesquisas futuras, sugere-se investigar o papel dos governos na prevenção e recuperação de desastres, além de explorar a eficácia dos PCN em diversos contextos.
Gestão estratégica de custos para criação de um centro de distribuição em uma empresa e-commerce
Authors: Piovezan Thainá , Fernandes Maria Fernanda Melo , Miranda Mara Rúbia da Silva , Rossato Fabricia Gladys Fernandes da Silva
Published: July 2024

Considerando o mercado crescente e globalizado, a administração estratégica dos recursos apresenta-se como um diferencial para as empresas, fato esse que pode ser comprovado pela causa primária da baixa taxa de sobrevivência das pequenas organizações, a qual está relacionada com a incapacidade de gestão, principalmente financeira. Assim, este trabalho objetiva-se realizar um estudo estratégico de custos e análise de viabilidade para criação de um centro logístico de distribuição. Como metodologia para alcançar o objetivo proposto, foi realizado um estudo de caráter quantitativo, para levantamento e classificação dos custos, a fim de estabelecer o comparativo entre os cenários do e-commerce, no que diz respeito ao serviço logístico, e os investimentos incorridos com a implementação do centro de distribuição. Os dados foram analisados através do cálculo de ponto de equilíbrio e payback. Os resultados mostraram vantagens para a criação de um centro de distribuição, tanto pelo quesito custo, como também no que diz respeito ao nível de atendimento ao cliente e capacidade de estoque e produção. Assim, conclui-se que ferramentas de gestão podem ser importantes na tomada de decisão de uma organização, contribuindo para a redução de custos, aumento de competitividade e, aumento da lucratividade.
Self-Reported Mental Health and Addiction Outcomes of a Novel Community-Based Case Management Program for Frequent Emergency Department Users
Authors: Samosh Jonathan , Pettey Donna , Sylvestre John , Aubry Tim
Published: July 2024

Frequent emergency department users with mental illness or addiction often struggle to find the services they need. A pre-test/post-test design assessed outcomes for these individuals after participating in a novel community-based stepped-care program delivering individualized intensive case management services. Results indicated improvement in overall functioning and severity of anxious and depressive symptoms.
Assessment of Genetic Divergence for Forage Yield and Biochemical Traits in Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench] Germplasm
Authors: Santosh  , Pandey P. K.
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was carried out with two hundred eighty sorghum germplasm lines in augmented block design at GBPUAT, Pantnagar under normal sown condition during the Kharif season 2018. The observations were recorded on different yield contributing traits such as days to flowering, plant height, number of leaves; stem girthetc., quality traits such as protein content, total soluble solids, in vivo dry matter digestibility etc., and biochemical traits like cellulose content, silica content, and hemicelluloses etc. The statistical analysis for genetic diversity was done using hierarchical cluster analysis. The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that significant amount of genetic diversity was present in sorghum germplasm with respect to different yield relate traits, quality traits and biochemical traits. The 280 germplasm lines were grouped into XI distinct non-overlapping clusters. The cluster-I (52) consisted of highest number of genotypes whereas lowest numbers of genotypes were exhibited by cluster-XI (1). The highest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-I (52.381) whereas lowest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-XI (0.000). The clusters with high intra-cluster distances suggested that genotypes in these clusters were more genetic diverse than the genotypes in other clusters with low intra-cluster distances. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-IV and XI (346.854) suggested distant relationship between members of these two clusters and upon crossing the members of these two clusters will give more genetic diversity in segregating generation whereas minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-VIII and IX (46.803) suggested a closer relationship between these two clusters and low degree of genetic diversity among the genotypes. Presence of substantial genetic diversity among the genotypes screened in the present study indicated that this material may serve as a good source for selecting the diverse parents for hybridization programme. In order to increase the possibility of isolating good trangressive segregants in the segregating generations it would be logical to attempt crosses between the diverse genotypes belonging to clusters separated by large inter-cluster distances.
Impact of Land Use Changes on Soil Erodibility in the Outer Himalayas
Authors: Sharma Divya , Sharma Vikas , Arya Vivak M. , Srivastava R.K. , Sharma Manish , Sharma B.C. , Chadha Divya
Published: July 2024

Land use change hurts soil characteristics such as permeability, soil texture and aggregate stability, soil erodibility etc. which make soils susceptible to erosion and degradation.  The outer Himalayan region is prone to large-scale soil erosion by water owing to the vast disparity in the slope gradient, undulating relief, largely mountainous joined with high-intensity rainfall and lithological characteristics of these rocks. Soil erodibility, one of the key factors affecting the rate of erosion can be estimated by using various soil erodibility indices. In examining erodibility indices across various land use changes, it was evident that both the clay ratio (CR) and modified clay ratio (MCR) escalated as land use shifts from forest to more disturbed environments. As we transit from forest to agriculture, these ratios increased and were even more marked in the transition from forest to wasteland. The erosional behaviour as per CR and MCR in agriculture land use transitions could be arranged in the order that forest < agriculture <builtup< wastelands. Among wasteland use transitions, the high CR and MCR indicated potential challenges in soil management, while the lower CR and MCR in transitions to agriculture and forest suggested more favourable soil conditions for these specific uses. The CR and MCR ratios indicated that the lower the ratio, the more would be the clay accumulation and lesser the erosion. This information is crucial for understanding the implications of land use changes on soil erosion and health and for guiding effective land management practices in diverse ecological settings.
Herbicidal Effects of Pyroligneous Acid for Control in Weed Seed Bank
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno Souza , Abbade Leticia Caravita
Published: July 2024

Aims: Pyroligneous liquor, a by-product extracted from wood pyrolysis during charcoal production, is mainly discarded. Pyroligneous liquor has a phytotoxic effect and can be used environmentally as an herbicide of natural and sustainable origin for plant control. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of pyroligneous liquor to control the plant seed bank.
Study Design:  Different concentrations of pyroligneous liquor (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100% (v/v)) were tested in soil samples with 10 replications each. Statistical analysis of the data found was carried out using the OriginPro 2018 software, employing a nonlinear regression model.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi – To, Brazil. Soil collection and formal analyzes carried out between January 2023 and August 2023.
Methodology: The soil was collected with the aid of a digger, with five subsamples within the useful area of ​​the plot and constituted a composite sample. After collection, samples from the Seed Banks were separated to quantify the seeds present in the soil seed bank, the other half of the sample, the soil was divided into 10 gerbox boxes for each treatment and benches were placed with natural light and kept under irrigation to stimulate germination. Throughout the experiment, temperature and relative humidity were monitored, remaining on average at 26.4°C and 73.5%, respectively. From the pyroligneous liquor obtained, dilutions were made with distilled water at liquor concentrations 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100%(v/v) that were used in the treatments.
Results: Higher pyroligneous liquor concentrations inhibited seed germination, while lower concentrations had less impact.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that pyroligneous liquor can be used to control of weed seed bank.
Evaluating the Flexural Strength of Different Timbers Using the Three-Point Bending Test
Authors: Rani Annu , Singh T.P. , Singh Jayant , Kumar Ajit , Choudhary Mukesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was carried out to determine the mechanical properties of various types of timber. This study provides information for selection criteria of timber to make a different component of agriculture implement and tools. The Flexural Strength of Yellow Teak, Red cedar, North Indian rose timber, Lebbeck, Java plum, Margosa, Eucalyptus, Teak, Mango and Sal was found as 79.00, 54.3, 104.2, 78.00, 84.00, 73.00, 65.9, 94.00, 88.6 and 98.00 MPa respectively. The test of selected timber species shows that the strength of a timber depends on its species and hence different timber have different strength characteristics. The results obtained in this study has provided quantitative information on the Mechanical properties of various types of timber, which can be used in determining the application of these timber for either heavy work load carriage and for agricultural implements and tools.
Detection and Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Dialysates
Authors: Zapata Agustin , Chefer Vladimir I. , Parrot Sandrine , Denoroy Luc
Published: April 2013

Sensitive analytical methods are needed for the separation and quantification of neurotransmitters obtained in microdialysate studies. This unit describes methods that permit quantification of nanomolar concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites (high‐performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] electrochemical detection), acetylcholine (HPLC‐coupled to an enzyme reactor), and amino acids (HPLC‐fluorescence detection, capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection). Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 63:7.4.1‐7.4.35. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Niobium Nanowire Yarns and their Application as Artificial Muscles
Authors: Mirvakili Seyed M. , Pazukha Alexey , Sikkema William , Sinclair Chad W. , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Baughman Ray H. , Madden John D. W.
Published: April 2013

Metal nanowires are twisted to form yarns that are strong (0.4 to 1.1 GPa), pliable, and more conductive (3 × 106 S m−1) than carbon nanotube yarns. Niobium nanowire fibers are extracted by etching a copper‐niobium nano‐composite material fabricated using the severe plastic deformation process. When impregnated with paraffin wax, the niobium (Nb) nanowire yarns produce fast rotational actuation as the wax is heated. The heated wax expands, untwisting the yarn, which then re‐twists upon cooling. Normalized to yarn length, 12 deg mm−1 of torsional rotation was achieved along with twist rates in excess of 1800 rpm. Tensile modulus of 19 ± 5 GPa was measured for the Nb yarns, which is very similar to those of carbon multiwalled nanotubes.
Correlating Structure and Morphology to Device Performance of Molecular Organic Donor–Acceptor Photovoltaic Cells Based on Diindenoperylene (DIP) and C60
Authors: Gruber M. , Rawolle M. , Wagner J. , Magerl D. , Hörmann U. , Perlich J. , Roth S. V. , Opitz A. , Schreiber F. , Müller‐Buschbaum P. , Brütting W.
Published: April 2013

The performance of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs) shows a critical dependence on morphology and structure of the active layers. In small molecule donor/acceptor (D/A) cells fabrication parameters, like substrate temperature and evaporation rate, play a significant role for crystallization and roughening of the film. In particular, the fraction of mixed material at the interface between donor and acceptor is highly relevant for device performance. While an ideal planar heterojunction (PHJ) exhibits the smallest possible interface area resulting in suppressed recombination losses, mixed layers suffer strongly from recombination but show higher exciton dissociation efficiencies. In this study we investigate PHJ and planar‐mixed heterojunction (PM‐HJ) solar cells based on diindenoperylene (DIP) as donor and C60 as acceptor, fabricated under different growth conditions. Grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS), X‐ray reflectometry (XRR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to obtain detailed information about in‐ and out‐of‐plane structures and topography. In that way we find that surface and bulk domain distances are correlated in size for PHJs, while PM‐HJs show no correlation at all. The resulting solar cell characteristics are strongly affected by the morphology, as reorganizations in structure correlate with changes in the solar cell performance.
Design of poly(N‐acryloylglycine) materials for incorporation of microorganisms
Authors: Ringeard Jean‐Marie , Griesmar Pascal , Caplain Emmanuel , Michiel Magalie , Serfaty Stéphane , Huerou Jean‐Yves Le , Marinkova Desislava , Yotova Lyubov
Published: April 2013

To incorporate microorganisms and to preserve their integrity, new matrices of poly(N‐acryloylglycine) have been designed under appropriate conditions. To understand the interactions between the microorganisms and the organic part of the matrices, different conetworks of poly(N‐acryloylglycine) have been synthesized and characterized. Copolymerization with two crosslinkers was performed with different compositions. The thermal and swelling properties of conetworks are specifically controlled and compared. These investigations show that the swelling ratio of these materials is compatible with the incorporation of biomolecules in these matrices. They successfully permitPseudomonasspecies 1625bacteria incorporation. The biological activity of bacteria is also preserved, allowing the use of these materials for innovative biological applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 835‐841, 2013
ACUTE EXPOSURE OF Drosophila melanogaster TO PARAQUAT CAUSES OXIDATIVE STRESS AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Hosamani Ravikumar ,   Muralidhara
Published: April 2013

Paraquat (PQ; 1, 1′‐dimethyl‐4‐4′‐bipyridinium), an herbicide and model neurotoxicant, is identified to be one of the prime risk factors in Parkinson's disease (PD). In the Drosophila system, PQ is commonly used to measure acquired resistance against oxidative stress (PQ resistance test). Despite this, under acute PQ exposure, data on the oxidative stress response and associated impact on mitochondria among flies is limited. Accordingly, in this study, we measured markers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions among adult male flies (8–10 days old) exposed to varying concentrations of PQ (10, 20, and 40 mM in 5% sucrose solution) employing a conventional filter disc method for 24 h. PQ exposure resulted in significant elevation in the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde: 43% increase: hydroperoxide: 32–39% increase), with concomitant enhancement in reduced glutathione and total thiol levels in cytosol. Higher activity of antioxidant enzymes were also evident along with increased free iron levels. Furthermore, PQ exposure caused a concentration‐dependent increase in mitochondrial superoxide generation and activity of manganese‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD). The activity levels of complex I‐III, complex II‐III, and Mg+2 adinosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were also decreased significantly. A robust diminution in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase and moderate decline in the citrate synthase activity suggested a specific effect on citric acid cycle enzymes. Collectively, these data suggest that acute PQ exposure causes significant oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction among flies in vivo. It is suggested that in various experimental settings, while conducting the “PQ resistance stress test” incorporation of selected biochemical end points is likely to enhance the quality of the data.
A TR‐FRET‐Based Functional Assay for Screening Activators of CARM1
Authors: Zeng Hao , Wu Jiacai , Bedford Mark T. , Sbardella Gianluca , Hoffmann F. Michael , Bi Kun , Xu Wei
Published: April 2013

Epigenetics is an emerging field that demands selective cell‐permeable chemical probes to perturb, especially in vivo, the activity of specific enzymes involved in modulating the epigenetic codes. Coactivator‐associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is a coactivator of estrogen receptor α (ERα), the main target in human breast cancer. We previously showed that twofold overexpression of CARM1 in MCF7 breast cancer cells increased the expression of ERα‐target genes involved in differentiation and reduced cell proliferation, thus leading to the hypothesis that activating CARM1 by chemical activators might be therapeutically effective in breast cancer. Selective, potent, cell‐permeable CARM1 activators will be essential to test this hypothesis. Here we report the development of a cell‐based, time‐resolved (TR) FRET assay that uses poly(A) binding protein 1 (PABP1) methylation to monitor cellular activity of CARM1. The LanthaScreen TR‐FRET assay uses MCF7 cells expressing GFP‐PABP1 fusion protein through BacMam gene delivery system, methyl‐PABP1 specific antibody, and terbium‐labeled secondary antibody. This assay has been validated as reflecting the expression and/or activity of CARM1 and optimized for high throughput screening to identify CARM1 allosteric activators. This TR‐FRET platform serves as a generic tool for functional screening of cell‐permeable, chemical modulators of CARM1 for elucidation of its in vivo functions.
Die Novelle der Energieeinsparverordnung 2014/2016
Authors: Gierga Michael
Published: April 2013

Das Bundeskabinett hat Anfang Februar 2013 die Eckdaten zur Novelle des Energieeinsparungsgesetzes (EnEG) und zur Energieeinsparverordnung (EnEV) verabschiedet. Während für Bestandsgebäude keine weiteren Anforderungsverschärfungen anstehen, müssen Neubauten in zwei Verordnungsschritten im Jahr 2014 und 2016 je 12,5 Prozent Primärenergie gegenüber dem derzeitigen Standard einsparen. Im Bereich des Mauerwerksbaus bedeutet dies eine Verbesserung der Wärmedämmung in mindestens gleicher Größenordnung, da unter Beibehaltung bewährter Referenz‐Heiztechnik kaum Kompensationsmöglichkeiten bestehen.

The revision of EnEV (Energy Saving Ordinance) 2014/2016. The Federal German cabinet passed at February 2013 the reference values of the revision of the EnEG (Energy Saving Law) and the EnEV (Energy Saving Ordinance).Whereas no further numerically accentuations for existing buildings are scheduled, new buildings have to reduce primary energy requirements in two steps each with 12,5 percent in 2014 and 2016 in comparison to the current state. This means an improvement of thermal insulation at the same range in the masonry construction sector, because among perpetuation of approved reference heating practice only marginal possibilities of compensation exist.
Das M1 Energieeffizienzhaus Plus
Authors: Schoch Torsten , Block Claudia
Published: April 2013

Die heute im modernen Wohnungsbau vorherrschende massive Bauweise kann und muss in Sachen Energieeffizienz ihre Zukunftsfähigkeit unter Beweis stellen. Mit dem M1 Energie‐plus‐Massivhaus wird im Rahmen eines Pilotprojektes zum ersten Mal der Praxisbeweis erbracht, wie die Vorteile der massiven Bauweise wie Tragfähigkeit, Brandschutz und Schallschutz mit modernen und zukünftigen Energieeffizienzstandards zu verbinden sind. Erstmals kommt hier ein Compound‐Mauerwerk mit unterschiedlichen Rohdichten und Festigkeitsklassen zum Einsatz, das als monolithisches Mauerwerk alle Vorteile hoher Wärmedämmung und Wärmespeicherung vereint (YTONG Energy ). Mit einfachen und durchdachten Planungsdetails und einer abgestimmten Anlagentechnik sind Energieplus‐Massivhäuser keine reine Vision mehr. Dabei steht beim M1‐Projekt vor allem der Anspruch an Wirtschaftlichkeit und Verkäuflichkeit des Produktes im Vordergrund, der für Verbraucher, Planer und ausführende Unternehmen neue Möglichkeiten der Umsetzung aufzeigt.

The M1 Energy Plus Masonry House. Masonry construction, the dominant construction style for new buildings in Germany, can and must demonstrate its sustainability in terms of energy efficiency. The M1 Energy Plus masonry house serves as a pilot project to demonstrate for the first time how the benefits of masonry construction, such as load‐bearing capacity, fire protection and sound insulation can be combined with modern and future energy efficiency standards in a real‐life setting. A compound blockwork system with different bulk densities and strength classes has been used here for the first time, combining all the advantages of high thermal insulation and heat storage in a monolithic construction (YTONG Energy ). With simple, well thought‐out design details and carefully matched technical building equipment, masonry energy‐plus houses are no longer just a vision. In the M1 project the demand of creating a cost effective and saleable product was in the centre of attention which has opened up new opportunities for consumers, designers and housebuilding companies.
Zum Eurocode 6 – Fragen und Antworten
Authors: Jäger Wolfram
Published: April 2013

Unter dieser Rubrik werden Fragen beantwortet, die bei der Einarbeitung in den EC 6 entstehen. Die Wiedergabe erfolgt in jedem Falle anonymisiert. Sofern es um Verständnisfragen und Hintergrundinformationen geht, werden sie von den Beiratsmitgliedern beantwortet. Handelt es sich um Auslegungsfragen, wird der zuständige NABau‐Ausschuss NA 005‐06‐01 AA “Mauerwerksbau“ (Sp CEN/TC 125, CEN/TC 250/SC 6) mit einbezogen.

Mit dem Leserforum zum EC 6 soll der Praxis die Einarbeitung in das neue Normenpaket mit seinen Nationalen Anhängen erleichtert werden. Auch Sie können als Leser gern von dieser Rubrik Gebrauch machen und Ihre Fragen stellen (mauerwerk@ernst‐und‐sohn.de).

Questions concerning the introduction of the EC 6. Under this heading questions are answered, arising from the application of EC 6. The questions are expressing anonymous in all cases. Provided that they concern the understanding and background information the answers will be given by members of the editorial board. If the questions are dealing with the interpretation of clauses of EC 6 the responsible code committee NA 005‐06‐01 AA “Masonry construction” (Sp CEN/TC 125, CEN/TC 250/SC 6) will be involved.

The practice should get help for the adjustment in the EC 6 and its National Annexes with this new category of contributions. The readers are invited to avail oneself of this chance very active (mauerwerk@ernst‐und‐sohn.de).

Die nachfolgenden Fragen und Antworten beziehen sich auf den Teil 1‐1 [1] sowie Teil 3 [3] von DIN EN 1996 zusammen mit dem zugehörigen Nationalen Anhang [2] und [4].
Transdermal Prodrug Delivery for Radionuclide Decorporation: Nonaqueous Gel Formulation Development and In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment
Authors: Zhang Yong , Sadgrove Matthew P. , Mumper Russell J. , Jay Michael
Published: April 2013

Preclinical Research

The penta‐ethyl ester of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), a DTPA prodrug designated as C2E5 intended for transdermal delivery for radionuclide decorporation, was first screened with a prototype cream formulation and a hydrocarbon base ointment with C2E5 concentration ranging from 1% to 20%. C2E5 experienced rapid degradation in the cream matrix and C2E5 ointment formulation underwent phase separation due to components incompatibility. Nonaqueous gel matrix comprised of ethyl cellulose/Miglyol 840® was utilized to formulate C2E5 at different ethyl cellulose and C2E5 content levels. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging were applied for analysis of the prepared C2E5 gel formulation. C2E5 was stabilized in the nonaqueous gel matrix and ethyl cellulose solubilization by dispersion media was confirmed by DSC and SEM results. Selected C2E5 nonaqueous gel formulations were evaluated in a rodent 241Am wound contamination model at a dose level of 200 mg C2E5/kg. The enhanced decorporation over no treatment control on total decorporation, decorporation by urine, and decorporation by feces was 142%, 181%, and 86%, respectively. The nonaqueous gel matrix composed of ethyl cellulose/Miglyol 840 was successfully employed to stabilize the hydrolysis prone C2E5. C2E5 was delivered transdermally and achieved enhanced decorporation for the proof of hypothesis.
Expression of glycosaminoglycan epitopes during zebrafish skeletogenesis
Authors: Hayes Anthony J. , Mitchell Ruth E. , Bashford Andrew , Reynolds Scott , Caterson Bruce , Hammond Chrissy L.
Published: April 2013

Background: The zebrafish is an important developmental model. Surprisingly, there are few studies that describe the glycosaminoglycan composition of its extracellular matrix during skeletogenesis. Glycosaminoglycans on proteoglycans contribute to the material properties of musculo skeletal connective tissues, and are important in regulating signalling events during morphogenesis. Sulfation motifs within the chain structure of glycosaminoglycans on cell‐associated and extracellular matrix proteoglycans allow them to bind and regulate the sequestration/presentation of bioactive signalling molecules important in musculo‐skeletal development. Results: We describe the spatio‐temporal expression of different glycosaminoglycan moieties during zebrafish skeletogenesis with antibodies recognising (1) native sulfation motifs within chondroitin and keratan sulfate chains, and (2) enzyme‐generated neoepitope sequences within the chain structure of chondroitin sulfate (i.e., 0‐, 4‐, and 6‐sulfated isoforms) and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. We show that all the glycosaminoglycan moieties investigated are expressed within the developing skeletal tissues of larval zebrafish. However, subtle changes in their patterns of spatio‐temporal expression over the period examined suggest that their expression is tightly and dynamically controlled during development. Conclusions: The subtle differences observed in the domains of expression between different glycosaminoglycan moieties suggest differences in their functional roles during establishment of the primitive analogues of the skeleton. Developmental Dynamics 242:778–789, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gold–Ferrocene Glyco‐Nanoparticles for High‐Sensitivity Electrochemical Detection of Carbohydrate–Lectin Interactions
Authors: Martos‐Maldonado Manuel C. , Thygesen Mikkel B. , Jensen Knud J. , Vargas‐Berenguel Antonio
Published: April 2013

The convenient preparation of two types of water‐soluble gold nanoparticles coated with mannose–ferrocene conjugates is reported herein. The preparation involved the use of unsymmetrical 1,1′‐bis‐substituted ferrocene building blocks that allowed their sequential orthogonal coupling with propargyl α‐D‐mannopyranoside and disulfide‐functionalized linkers used to anchor the mannose–ferrocene conjugate to the metal surface. The nanoparticles differ in the way the linker is bound to the ferrocene cyclopentadienyl ring: Either through an amide bond or a triazolylmethyl group. Although the former were unstable in water under exposure to light but stable in darkness, the latter were stable under both conditions. The mannose–ferrocene‐coated gold nanoparticles exhibited sensing abilities towards mannose‐binding lectin concanavalin A by both optical and electrochemical methods, based on the surface‐plasmon‐resonance (SPR)‐shift properties of the metal and the electrochemical activity of the ferrocene moiety, respectively. Moreover, they could be used to detect concanavalin A with high sensitivity in the low nanomolar range by electrochemical methods. A comparison of their redox‐sensing abilities with those reported for mono‐ and bivalent mannose–ferrocene conjugates revealed that the multivalent presentation of both mannose and ferrocene units led to a remarkable enhancement of sensitivity, the limit of detection being at least three orders of magnitude lower than for the single conjugates.
The Black San Pablo Paleosol of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico: Pedogenesis, Fertility, and Use in Ancient Agricultural and Urban Systems
Authors: Sánchez‐Pérez Serafín , Solleiro‐Rebolledo Elizabeth , Sedov Sergey , de Tapia Emily McClung , Golyeva Alexandra , Prado Blanca , Ibarra‐Morales Emilio
Published: April 2013

Although archaeologists have generally assumed that the ancient landscape in the Teotihuacan Valley was somewhat similar to the present day, recent research has documented large‐scale modification of the soil by accelerated human‐induced erosion–sedimentation processes from the pre‐Hispanic and Colonial periods up until the present. Consequently, the Formative and Classic period soil (approximately 400 B.C.–A.D. 650) is buried in most of the Teotihuacan Valley. Recent soil survey and archaeological excavation have shown that the modern soil horizon differs remarkably from the Teotihuacan soil horizon. In this paper, we present a pedogenic interpretation of the Teotihuacan paleosol referred to as the Black San Pablo Paleosol (BSPP), which contributes to the reconstruction of regional paleoenvironment and human‐induced processes. The BSPP has been identified in both natural landscapes and under Classic period Teotihuacan buildings, as well as inside the fill of the Moon Pyramid. Maize pollen and phytoliths testify to the soils use for agriculture, whereas diatoms and phytoliths indicate irrigation practices. These results are supported by soil micromorphology. The evaluation of agronomic properties of the BSPP indicates qualities suitable for agriculture; however, water infiltration is low, indicating possible problems with seasonal water saturation.
Impact of the biophysical features of a 3D gelatin microenvironment on glioblastoma malignancy
Authors: Pedron S. , Harley B. A. C.
Published: April 2013

Three‐dimensional tissue engineered constructs provide a platform to examine how the local extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to the malignancy of cancers such as human glioblastoma multiforme. Improved resolution of how local matrix biophysical features impact glioma proliferation, genomic and signal transduction paths, as well as phenotypic malignancy markers would complement recent improvements in our understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with enhanced malignancy. Here, we report the use of a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) platform to create libraries of three‐dimensional biomaterials to identify combinations of biophysical features that promote malignant phenotypes of human U87MG glioma cells. We noted key biophysical properties, namely matrix density, crosslinking density, and biodegradability, that significantly impact glioma cell morphology, proliferation, and motility. Gene expression profiles and secreted markers of increased malignancy, notably VEGF, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, HIF‐1, and the ECM protein fibronectin, were also significantly impacted by the local biophysical environment as well as matrix‐induced deficits in diffusion‐mediated oxygen and nutrient biotransport. Overall, this biomaterial system provides a flexible platform to explore the role biophysical factors play in the etiology, growth, and subsequent invasive spreading of gliomas. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 3404–3415, 2013.
Preparation of deuterium‐labeled biotransformation products of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene
Authors: Junk Thomas , Carr Jason A.
Published: April 2013

Methods for the preparation of deuterium‐labeled analogs to six prominent biotransformation products of the explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene were developed. These are useful as reference standards for stable isotope dilution techniques and for solid state2H NMR spectroscopic studies. Although syntheses for most of the target compounds in protiated form had been reported in the past, most of those were found to be poorly suited for the preparation of the deuterated materials. Selective reduction of [2H5]trinitrotoluene furnished [2H5]‐4,6‐dinitro‐2‐hydroxylaminotoluene, [2H5]‐2,6‐dinitro‐4‐hydroxylaminotoluene, [2H5]‐2‐amino‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene, and [2H5]‐4‐amino‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene. The syntheses of [2H10]‐2,2′‐azo‐4,4′,6,6′‐tetranitrotoluene and [2H10]‐4,4′‐azo‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetranitrotoluene were accomplished by selective oxidation of [2H5]‐2‐amino‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene and [2H5]‐4‐amino‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene, respectively.
Making Change With Lean Six Sigma Generates Many Happy Returns for CPA Firm Rea & Associates
Authors: Liebtag Chris
Published: April 2013

What began as an effort to better understand the Lean Six Sigma practices in place at its manufacturing clients has paid off handsomely at the Ohio‐based CPA firm of Rea & Associates. Its leaders found that the improvement techniques most commonly used on the factory floor could be applied to a white‐collar setting to eliminate waste, ensure quality and timely service to clients, and boost the bottom line. A trial to improve the business tax procedures at one of Rea's 11 offices led not only to firmwide implementation affecting a host of processes, but also to the establishment of a niche consulting practice to share Lean Six Sigma with other companies throughout the accounting industry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sharing Improvements in Health Care Processes Saves Lives at Franciscan Alliance
Authors: Swartz Joseph E. , Hudson Brian W. , Graban Mark
Published: April 2013

Efficient, effective, and coordinated action is essential in health care, where the outcome can mean the difference between life and death. At Franciscan Alliance, a multifacility Catholic health care system in Indiana and Illinois, Lean Six Sigma projects, rapid improvement events, and Quick & Easy Kaizens have become a part of the organizational culture, helping staff members at all levels to creatively rethink processes and streamline day‐to‐day operations in order to cut hospital stays and costs while enhancing the quality of patient care. In just one year, more than 4,000 improvements yielded $1.7 million in savings. More important, a project to eliminate delays in the way heart attack patients are assessed and treated has led to the development of a standard of care that is being emulated—and is saving lives—across the globe. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Know‐How in the Bank: Instituting a Lessons Learned System to Capitalize on Intellectual Assets
Authors: Rubin Eileen Newman
Published: April 2013

Mistakes cost time, money, and, potentially, human life. Lessons Learned, a branch of knowledge management focused on learning from the experiences of others, not only serves to help workers at all levels avoid past mistakes, but also emphasizes replication of previous successes. To tap into underutilized intellectual capital with an effective Lessons Learned system, organizational leaders must overcome the barriers to knowledge sharing and invest time, effort, and resources in capturing, validating, storing, and disseminating the valuable lessons that employees are encouraged to document. Such an undertaking can save an enterprise millions of dollars while ensuring success in fast‐paced environments with little room for error. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous separation of water‐ and fat‐soluble vitamins in isocratic pressure‐assisted capillary electrochromatography using a methacrylate‐based monolithic column
Authors: Yamada Hiroki , Kitagawa Shinya , Ohtani Hajime
Published: April 2013

A method of simultaneous separation of water‐ and fat‐soluble vitamins using pressure‐assisted CEC with a methacrylate‐based capillary monolithic column was developed. In the proposed method, water‐soluble vitamins were mainly separated electrophoretically, while fat soluble‐ones were separated chromatographically by the interaction with a methacrylate‐based monolith. A mixture of six water‐soluble and four fat‐soluble vitamins was separated simultaneously within 20 min with an isocratic elution using 1 M formic acid (pH 1.9)/acetonitrile (30:70, v/v) containing 10 mM ammonium formate as a mobile phase. When the method was applied to a commercial multivitamin tablet and a spiked one, the vitamins were successfully analyzed, and no influence of the matrix contained in the tablet was observed.
Assessment of laryngopharyngeal sensation in children with dysphagia
Authors: Ulualp Seckin , Brown Ashley , Sanghavi Rina , Rivera‐Sanchez Yadira
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess laryngopharyngeal sensation, prevalence of laryngopharyngeal sensory deficit and abnormal swallowing function parameters in children with dysphagia.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The medical records of children who underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) were reviewed. Laryngopharyngeal sensory threshold (LPST) was assessed based on the threshold intensity of air pulse stimulation eliciting laryngeal adductor reflex. Swallowing function parameters including pharyngeal residue, hypopharyngeal pooling of secretions, premature spillage, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration were evaluated. Prevalence of abnormal swallowing function parameters in children with normal and impaired LPST was compared.

Results

Forty children with dysphagia (28 male, 12 female; age range, 3 months to 17 years) underwent FEESST. LPST was normal in six patients, moderately impaired in 20 patients, and severely impaired in 10 patients. LPST could not be measured in four patients. Children showed one or more abnormal swallowing function parameters. The prevalence of abnormal swallowing parameters in patients with normal LPST was lower than that of patients with moderately or severely impaired LPST (P < .05). The prevalence of pharyngeal residue, hypopharyngeal pooling of secretions, and spillage in patients with severely impaired LPST was higher than that of patients with moderately impaired LPST (P < .05).

Conclusions

The majority of children with dysphagia have impaired LPST. The prevalence of abnormal swallowing function parameters in children with normal LPST is lower than that in children with moderately or severely impaired LPST. Prevalence of aspiration tends to increase when the abnormal swallowing function parameters are associated with severely impaired LPST.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 123:2291–2295, 2013
Definable nilpotent and soluble envelopes in groups without the independence property
Authors: de Aldama Ricardo
Published: April 2013

We prove that in a group without the independence property a nilpotent subgroup is always contained in a definable nilpotent subgroup of the same nilpotency class. The analogue for the soluble case is also shown when the subgroup is normal in the ambient group.
Concise Review: Erythroid Versus Myeloid Lineage Commitment: Regulating the Master Regulators
Authors: Wolff Linda , Humeniuk Rita
Published: April 2013

Developmental processes, like blood formation, are orchestrated by transcriptional networks. Those transcriptional networks are highly responsive to various environmental stimuli and affect common precursors resulting in increased production of cells of the erythroid lineage or myeloid lineage (granulocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages). A significant body of knowledge has accumulated describing transcription factors that drive differentiation of these two major cellular pathways, in particular the antagonistic master regulators such as GATA-1 and PU.1. However, little is known about factors that work upstream of master regulators to enhance differentiation toward one lineage. These functions become especially important under various stress conditions like sudden loss of red blood cells or pathogen infection. This review describes recent studies that begin to provide evidence for such factors. An increased understanding of factors regulating cellular commitment will advance our understanding of the etiology of diseases like anemia, cancer, and possibly other blood related disorders.
The dawn of X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Gerward L.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a few episodes from the early days of X‐ray spectroscopy. It relies on contemporary publications, especially those by Barkla, Moseley, Siegbahn, and Compton. The paper addresses the subject from the vantage point of physics and should be of interest to the X‐ray spectroscopist, who wants to obtain a glimpse of the history of his chosen field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.