bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Sprouting of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) using African Cardamon (Aframomum danielli), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Authors: Adegoke G. O. , Odebadeu A. O. , Afolabi M. O.
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the effects of the aqueous extracts of Aframomum danielli, Turmeric and Clove in sprouting of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The sliced tubers were dipped into the aqueous extracts of A. danielli, turmeric and Clove, each at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15%. The tubers were allowed to stand in the solution for 5 and 10 minutes. Distilled water was used in the control samples. The yam slices were air dried after removal from the liquids, placed in paper boxes and incubated at room temperature (28.9 ± 4.0°C) and Relative Humidity of 44.6 ± 18.4 % for a period of six weeks (Bibah, 2014). Weight loss was determined by finding the difference between the initial and final weights and expressed as percentage weight loss. The results indicated that Turmeric treatments at different concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% were more effective in reducing sprouting index at 5 minutes treatment time with values of 1.79%; 3.00% and 3.02% respectively. Clove treatment at 15%, 10% and 15% A. danielli treatment were more effective in controlling sprouting at 10 minutes treatment time for the yam tubers. There was no clear distinction in the effectiveness of each of aqueous extract of A. danielli, Turmeric and Clove in controlling sprouting at 5 and 10 minutes treatment time for sweet potato tubers.
School Counselors' Roles in RAMP and PBIS a Phenomenological Investigation (Part Two)
Authors: Goodman-Scott Emily , Grothaus Tim
Published: December 2017

Researchers conducted a qualitative, phenomenological investigation of the lived experiences of a sample of 10 school counselors in current or recent RAMP (Recognized ASCA [American School Counselor Association] Model Program) schools that also implemented positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) with high fidelity. Researchers found two themes and related subthemes regarding school counselor roles. The first theme was school counselors' roles and responsibilities, with subthemes (a) makes sense with their role and (b) roles across tiers. The second theme was ASCA National Model themes in action. Subthemes were (a) advocacy and systemic change, (b) leadership, and (c) collaboration. The authors discuss findings, limitations, implications, and future research related to this study.
Counseling in the Gentrified Neighborhood: What School Counselors Should Know
Authors: Bell Lauren E. , Van Velsor Patricia
Published: December 2017

Gentrification occurs when the prevailing demographic and economic environment of an urban neighborhood changes in ways related to social class and physical renewal. Gentrification effects are both positive and negative; however, low-income residents may be disproportionately negatively affected. As neighborhoods transform, schools also change. The literature on gentrification and its impacts highlights areas where school counselors can begin to address these issues.
Challenges in the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for improving wood quality: A review
Authors: Hein Paulo R. G. , Pakkanen Hannu K. , Dos Santos António A.
Published: December 2017

Aims of study: Forestry-related companies require quality monitoring methods capable to pass a large number of samples. This review paper is dealing with the utilization of near infrared (NIR) technique for wood analysis.Area of study: We have a global point of view for NIR applications and characterization of different kind of wood species is considered.Material and methods: NIR spectroscopy is a fast, non-destructive technique, applicable to any biological material, demanding little or no sample preparation. NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis serve well in laboratories where the conditions are controlled. The main challenges to NIR spectroscopy technique in field conditions are moisture content and portability.Results: In this review, the methods and challenges for successfully applying NIR spectroscopy in the field of wood characterization are presented. Portable equipment need to record NIR spectra with low noise and low sensitivity to temperature and humidity variations of the air in forest environments. Studies concerning the sample preparation effects on the robustness of the calibrations are thus required.Research highlights: This paper examines traditional applications and practical aspects as well as innovative modern adaptations applied, for example, in hyperspectral imaging and genetic studies.
Short communication: On the effect of live fuel moisture content on fire-spread rate
Authors: Rossa Carlos G. , Fernandes Paulo M.
Published: December 2017

Aim of study: To reconcile the effects of live fuel moisture content (FMC) on fire rate of spread (ROS) derived from laboratory and field fires.Methods: The analysis builds on evidence from previous fire-spread experimental studies and on a comparison between two functions for the FMC damping effect: one derived from field burns, based on dead FMC, and another derived from laboratory trials, based on a weighted FMC (dead and live fuels).Main results: In a typical Mediterranean shrubland, laboratory and field-derived FMC damping functions are linearly related, which is explained by the correlation between monthly average live and dead FMC variation throughout the year. This clarifies why the effect of live FMC on real-world fires ROS has remained elusive.Research highlights: By providing evidence that the most significant effect of FMC on ROS is independent of vegetation phenology (dead or live condition), and explaining why in specific situations dead FMC is sufficient to provide satisfactory ROS predictions, our results can assist future modelling efforts.
Determination of geotechnical properties of marine clay from the Słupsk Bank
Authors: Załęski Krzysztof , Dyl Katarzyna , Staszewska Katarzyna , Juszkiewicz Patryk
Published: December 2017

For the purpose of this paper, laboratory tests on clay samples, collected at the Słupsk Bank with the use of a vibrocorer, were carried out in the Geotechnical Laboratory of Maritime Institute in Gdańsk. This study aims to determine the geotechnical properties of the above-mentioned soils. Oedometer tests and classification tests were conducted on the selected specimens. Strain properties, secondary compression index and undrained shear strength were determined for the material. The impact of vibrocoring as a sampling technique on the obtained results and recommendations for application of these results were also described.
A Cross-Country Comparison of the Corporate Social Responsibility Orientation in Germany and Qatar
Authors: Schmidt Maria Anne , Cracau Daniel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a phenomenon of increasing interest. Today, it is practiced in most countries around the globe and studied in various fields of academia. However, the focus still lies on Western developed countries, their understanding, and implementation of CSR. This paper focuses on the comparison of the orientation towards CSR in Germany and Qatar, thereby closing a research gap by providing insights from a Middle Eastern country. Based on a survey among 265 business students in both countries, the research examines their perception of the economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities of a firm. Findings suggest that, next to economic obligations, Qataris appear more willing to support philanthropic activities of a business while Germans highly value ethical standards. Moreover, females in both countries value economic responsibilities less important than males do.
ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DA FRAGMENTAÇÃO FLORESTAL DA BACIA DO RIO UBÁ - RJ
Authors: Fernandes Milton Marques , Fernandes Márcia Rodrigues de Moura
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi mapear e analisar uso da terra e a estrutura da paisagem florestal na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Ubá - RJ, através de métricas da paisagem. O mapeamento do uso da terra e dos fragmentos florestais foi realizado através de uma imagem CBERS 2B/HRC. Para o cálculo dos índices de ecologia, foi utilizado o programa FRAGSTATS 4.2®. Os fragmentos mapeados foram divididos em classes de tamanho: 1-fragmento muito pequeno, menor que 5 ha; 2 - fragmento pequeno, entre 5 e 10 ha; 3 - fragmento médio, entre 10 e 100 ha e 4 - fragmento grande, maior que 100 ha. As análises quantitativas por meio de métricas da paisagem foram feitas com as métricas de classe: área, forma, área central, agregação e diversidade, sendo a área central obtida em diferentes simulações de efeito de borda (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 e 140 m). Foram mapeados 47 fragmentos florestais em toda a Bacia do Rio Ubá, representando 23,65% de cobertura florestal. Os fragmentos médios apresentaram maior número (25), seguidos pelos fragmentos de tamanho pequeno (9), muito pequeno (7) e, somente dois fragmentos grandes. A Bacia do Rio Ubá possui um predomínio de uma matriz antrópica representada por pastagem, pequeno percentual de cobertura florestal com fragmentos de tamanho médio entre 10 e 100 ha, com alto grau de fragmentação florestal da paisagem. Os fragmentos médios são a classe mais numerosa e com maior área total, constituindo a única classe de tamanho que mantém uma distância menor que 100 m entre si. Os fragmentos muito pequenos e pequenos apresentaram formatos mais regulares, porém, com maior densidade de borda. Em relação às métricas de área central, os fragmentos muito pequeno e pequeno perderam totalmente sua área central, estando completamente sob efeito de borda considerando uma distância de borda de 140 m. Uma alternativa no contexto da Bacia do Rio Ubá é a utilização dos fragmentos florestais muito pequenos e pequenos como corredores ecológicos para interligação aos fragmentos médios.
Juan Recio Aragonés, un judeoconverso entre la élite lucentina
Authors: Quevedo Sánchez Francisco Indalecio
Published: December 2017

En los últimos años se está superando la tradicional forma de estudiar al mundo judeoconverso, en la que la relación de la minoría con la Inquisición era el objeto principal de estudio, dejándose de lado la investigación de los confesos en sí mismos y de su integración social. Hoy sabemos que los cristianos nuevos no sólo sobrevivieron a persecuciones populares e institucionales, sino que lograron su total asimilación en todos los estratos de la sociedad. Ejemplos como el de la familia Aragonés muestran que muchos pasaron de la supervivencia al ennoblecimiento, no sin esfuerzo, no sin poner en marcha una serie de estrategias encaminadas, principalmente, a lograr la ocultación de su progenie y el enriquecimiento. 
ФРЕКВЕНТНОСТ САОБРАЋАЈА И ПРЕЛАСЦИ МРКОГ МЕДВЈЕДА (Ursus arctos L.) ПРЕКО САОБРАЋАЈНИЦА НА ПОДРУЧЈУ ПЛАНИНЕ РОМАНИЈE
Authors: Цинцар Синиша , Зубић Горан , Тепавац Александар
Published: December 2017

Мрки медвјед (Ursus arctos L.) има потребе за великим животним простором. Саобраћајницеузрокују фрагментацију његовог станишта што може довести до изолације појединих дијеловапопулације. У раду је анализирана фреквентност саобраћаја као и преласци јединки мркогмедвједа преко саобраћајница на простору планине Романија која је типично станиште мркогмедвједа у Републици Српској. Наши резултати указују да већа фреквенција саобраћаја има зарезултат мањи број прелазака медвјеђе дивљачи преко саобраћајница и обрнуто. За разлику одпојединих држава (Словенија, Хрватска) гдје су саобраћајнице и страдања медвједа на њима,један од најзначајнијих фактора угрожености локалних популација, током наших истраживањаније примјећено страдање усљед прелазака медвједа преко саобраћајница. Иако смртностусљед саобраћаја није уочена, саобраћајнице имају одређени негативан утицај на станиште ипопулацију мрког медвједа на подручју планине Романије.
VARIJABILITET TAKSACIONIH ELEMENATA STABLA I PLANIRANJE VELIČINE UZORKA ZA INVENTURU ČISTIH SASTOJINA HRASTA KITNJAKA
Authors: Dukić Vojislav , Stajić Branko
Published: December 2017

Šumske sastojine kao specifični skupovi, sa aspekta statistike i dendrometrije posmatraju se kaoskupovi stabala ili kao skupovi elementarnih površina različitog oblika i veličine. Problem planiranjaveličine uzorka za taksacionu procjenu šuma, svodi se prvenstveno na istraživanje varijabilitetavažnijih taksacionih elemenata u našim šumama. Kada su u pitanju zrele sastojine hrasta kitnjakaodnosno sastojine u kojima je potrebno započeti sa procesom obnove, za potrebe planiranja gazdovanjaneophodna je visoka tačnost procjene zapremine. Potrebna je znatno veća tačnost procjenezapremine u odnosu na srednjedobne i mlade sastojine. Polazeći od podataka za 20 čistih sastojinahrasta kitnjaka, metodom višestruke regresije dobijen je model za procijenu koeficijenta varijacijezapremine stabla na osnovu broja stabala i temeljnice sastojine. Dobijeni model omogućava dase za traženu preciznost procjene u zrelim sastojinama hrasta kitnjaka planira potrebna veličinauzorka za inventuru sastojine.
КРОВНИ ВРТ КАО ПРОСТОР СПЕКТАКЛА
Authors: Секулић Мирјана , Дошеновић Љиљана
Published: December 2017

Град је кључни простор културе, политичког и економског живота, а као и сваки његов део,артефакт, богат је значењем. У ХХI веку јавни градски простор је место уметности, дешавањау коме се ствара ново значење – на захтев или упркос владајућој идеологији. Вредностградског простора зависи, поред осталих услова, од квантитативног, али и квалитативногудела пејзажа у физичкој структури града. Сви вртови, било индивидуални или за државнеспектакле, репрезентативни, царски или зен вртови, одраз су жеље за снагом, алегорија моћи,величине и важности, сан о достизању лепоте, љубави, узвишености, спознаји хармоније. Уовом раду, кровни вртови ће се сагледавати као просторна категорија, а не само као урбанаформа. Кровни врт је конкретан просторни, полифункционални контекст и представљаотелотворење одређене идеје. Истраживања се односе на развој дискурса урбаног спектаклаунутар кровних вртова, са жељом да се преиспита тумачење и валоризација јавних просторау служби спектакла. У раду су истражени сложени односи физичке структуре и спектакла напримеру кровних вртова, а акцент је на садржајима и социо-еколошким облицима живота уфизичком оквиру града.
ŠIRINE PRSTENOVA PRIRASTA I GUSTINA DRVETA HRASTA KITNJAKA (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) NA PROSARI
Authors: Petrović Danijela , Radulović Dejan , Dukić Vojislav
Published: December 2017

Površina visokih šuma hrasta kitnjaka u Republici Srpskoj je 76 900 ha, a površina izdanačkih je180 700 ha. Udeo visokih hrastovih šuma u ukupnoj površini visokih šuma u Republici Srpkoj je oko10%, a izdanačkih u ukupnoj površini izdanačkih šuma oko 30%. Pri ocenjivanju kvaliteta drveta,veoma je važno znati kakva veza postoji između širine prstena prirasta i određenih svojstava drveta.Jedno od tih svojstava je sigurno gustina drveta, kao najvažniji indikator kvaliteta. U ovom radu jeanalizirana gustina drveta četrnaest stabala hrasta kitnjaka iz semenske sastojine na planini Prosarii njena zavisnost od širine prstenova prirasta i širine kasnog drveta. Utvrđeno je da je prosečnaširina godova u uzorku 1,62 mm sa variranjem širine od 45,76%. Prosečna vrednost gustine uprosušenom stanju vlažnosti, za sva ispitivana stabla je 0,747 g/cm³, sa prosečnim koeficijentomvarijacije od 13,28%. Ispitivanje zavisnosti između gustine i širine prstena prirasta pokazalo je dapostoji trend povećanja gustine sa povećanjem širine prstena prirasta i da je ta korelacija značajna.
Shigella entry unveils a calcium/calpain-dependent mechanism for inhibiting sumoylation
Authors: Lapaquette Pierre , Fritah Sabrina , Lhocine Nouara , Andrieux Alexandra , Nigro Giulia , Mounier Joëlle , Sansonetti Philippe , Dejean Anne
Published: December 2017

Disruption of the sumoylation/desumoylation equilibrium is associated with several disease states such as cancer and infections, however the mechanisms regulating the global SUMO balance remain poorly defined. Here, we show that infection by Shigella flexneri, the causative agent of human bacillary dysentery, switches off host sumoylation during epithelial cell infection in vitro and in vivo and that this effect is mainly mediated by a calcium/calpain-induced cleavage of the SUMO E1 enzyme SAE2, thus leading to sumoylation inhibition. Furthermore, we describe a mechanism by which Shigella promotes its own invasion by altering the sumoylation state of RhoGDIα, a master negative regulator of RhoGTPase activity and actin polymerization. Together, our data suggest that SUMO modification is essential to restrain pathogenic bacterial entry by limiting cytoskeletal rearrangement induced by bacterial effectors. Moreover, these findings identify calcium-activated calpains as powerful modulators of cellular sumoylation levels with potentially broad implications in several physiological and pathological situations.
Glucose inhibits cardiac muscle maturation through nucleotide biosynthesis
Authors: Nakano Haruko , Minami Itsunari , Braas Daniel , Pappoe Herman , Wu Xiuju , Sagadevan Addelynn , Vergnes Laurent , Fu Kai , Morselli Marco , Dunham Christopher , Ding Xueqin , Stieg Adam Z , Gimzewski James K , Pellegrini Matteo , Clark Peter M , Reue Karen , Lusis Aldons J , Ribalet Bernard , Kurdistani Siavash K , Christofk Heather , Nakatsuji Norio , Nakano Atsushi
Published: December 2017

The heart switches its energy substrate from glucose to fatty acids at birth, and maternal hyperglycemia is associated with congenital heart disease. However, little is known about how blood glucose impacts heart formation. Using a chemically defined human pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocyte differentiation system, we found that high glucose inhibits the maturation of cardiomyocytes at genetic, structural, metabolic, electrophysiological, and biomechanical levels by promoting nucleotide biosynthesis through the pentose phosphate pathway. Blood glucose level in embryos is stable in utero during normal pregnancy, but glucose uptake by fetal cardiac tissue is drastically reduced in late gestational stages. In a murine model of diabetic pregnancy, fetal hearts showed cardiomyopathy with increased mitotic activity and decreased maturity. These data suggest that high glucose suppresses cardiac maturation, providing a possible mechanistic basis for congenital heart disease in diabetic pregnancy.
Nursing students’ perceptions of peer learning as a learning model in clinical practice and students’ learning through peer learning - an evaluation study
Authors: Vae Karen Johanne Ugland , Vae Karen Johanne , Kvalevaag Helga Karin , Löfmark Anna
Published: December 2017

The study is an evaluation of peer learning, a model for learning in clinical practice where two students learn together and are supervised by one preceptor. The aim was to gain knowledge about how the nursing students experienced peer learning as a learning model when it was introduced in a hospital ward. The study was performed using a questionnaire with open and closed questions from 23 students.The results show that students experienced good control over the tasks they were responsible for and perceived increased independence and responsibility for the patients they cared for depending on the organization and clear structure in the model. Peer learning provided a good and instructive collaboration where students discussed and supported each other. Some students wanted a longer period with one preceptor before starting peer learning, and some students mentioned it could be challenging to be supervised by two preceptors in the peer learning period. However, the majority suggested peer learning as a permanent teaching model in clinical practice.
Fabrication of self‐reinforced polyester composites and their mechanical and flame retardant properties
Authors: Wei Zhang , Syed Nabeel Ahmed , Muhammad Latif , Jung‐IL Song
Published: December 2017

Self‐reinforced polyester composites (SRPCs) with light weight, high mechanical properties, good interfacial bonding, and easy to recycle at the end after use have been developed to replace traditional synthetic fiber‐reinforced plastics. This study is on fabrication of SRPCs is performed using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as matrix and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as reinforcement material through compression molding via film stacking method. The compression molding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and dwell time were optimized by Taguchi method, and these values are 225°C, 8 MPa, 5 min for tensile strength, 225°C, 5 MPa, 15 min for flexural, and 215°C, 3 MPa, 5 min for impact test. Flame retardancy in SRPCs has also been introduced as a new idea to minimize the flammability nature and is helpful in engineering applications. Flame retardants (FRs) such as ammonium polyphosphate (APP), zinc borate (Zb), and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) were used. The flame retardancy mechanism of optimized SRPCs works effectively which was evident by horizontal burning and LOI test. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also studied to confirm the thermal properties of the composites. Mechanical properties were reasonably affected by the FRs as confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).
Formation of pH‐Resistant Monodispersed Polymer–Lipid Nanodiscs
Authors: Ravula Thirupathi , Hardin Nathaniel Z. , Ramadugu Sudheer Kumar , Cox Sarah J. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: December 2017

Polymer lipid nanodiscs are an invaluable system for structural and functional studies of membrane proteins in their near‐native environment. Despite the recent advances in the development and usage of polymer lipid nanodisc systems, lack of control over size and poor tolerance to pH and divalent metal ions are major limitations for further applications. A facile modification of a low‐molecular‐weight styrene maleic acid copolymer is demonstrated to form monodispersed lipid bilayer nanodiscs that show ultra‐stability towards divalent metal ion concentration over a pH range of 2.5 to 10. The macro‐nanodiscs (>20 nm diameter) show magnetic alignment properties that can be exploited for high‐resolution structural studies of membrane proteins and amyloid proteins using solid‐state NMR techniques. The new polymer, SMA‐QA, nanodisc is a robust membrane mimetic tool that offers significant advantages over currently reported nanodisc systems.
Variance component analysis to assess protein quantification in biomarker discovery. Application to MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Mercier Catherine , Klich Amna , Truntzer Caroline , Picaud Vincent , Giovannelli Jean‐François , Ducoroy Patrick , Grangeat Pierre , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Roy Pascal
Published: December 2017

Controlling the technological variability on an analytical chain is critical for biomarker discovery. The sources of technological variability should be modeled, which calls for specific experimental design, signal processing, and statistical analysis. Furthermore, with unbalanced data, the various components of variability cannot be estimated with the sequential or adjusted sums of squares of usual software programs. We propose a novel approach to variance component analysis with application to the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) technology and use this approach for protein quantification by a classical signal processing algorithm and two more recent ones (BHI‐PRO 1 and 2). Given the high technological variability, the quantification failed to restitute the known quantities of five out of nine proteins present in a controlled solution. There was a linear relationship between protein quantities and peak intensities for four out of nine peaks with all algorithms. The biological component of the variance was higher with BHI‐PRO than with the classical algorithm (80–95% with BHI‐PRO 1, 79–95% with BHI‐PRO 2 vs. 56–90%); thus, BHI‐PRO were more efficient in protein quantification. The technological component of the variance was higher with the classical algorithm than with BHI‐PRO (6–25% vs. 2.5–9.6% with BHI‐PRO 1 and 3.5–11.9% with BHI‐PRO 2). The chemical component was also higher with the classical algorithm (3.6–18.7% vs. < 3.5%). Thus, BHI‐PRO were better in removing noise from signal when the expected peaks are detected. Overall, either BHI‐PRO algorithm may reduce the technological variance from 25 to 10% and thus improve protein quantification and biomarker validation.
Das rote Haloarchaeon Halobacterium salinarum
Authors: Pfeifer Felicitas
Published: December 2017

Die Mikrobe des Jahres 2017 lebt zwar in harscher salzreicher Umgebung, hat aber einige Eigenschaften, die in der Biotechnologie oder in der medizinischen Forschung Anwendung finden. Neben dem Carotinoid Bakterioruberin und salzadaptierten Proteinen und Enzymen sind dies die lichtgetriebene Protonenpumpe Bakteriorhodopsin und Gasvesikel. Halobacterium salinarum lebt entweder planktonisch und ist motil, oder adhäriert an Oberflächen und bildet Biofilme, die Schutz vor Umwelteinflüssen bieten und den DNA‐Austausch begünstigen. Haloarchaea sind extrem resistent und können in Salzkristallen eingeschlossen hunderte von Jahren überdauern. Hbt. salinarum bietet daher viele spannende Eigenschaften für die Forschung, erfreut aber auch als roter Farbtupfer in der Natur.
Motoren des Schlafs
Authors: Bringmann Henrik
Published: December 2017

Schlaf‐aktive Nervenzellen sind Inhibitoren des Wachseins und somit die entscheidenden Regulatoren des Schlafs. Sie sind im Tierreich weit verbreitet und wahrscheinlich schon früh in der Evolution der Tiere entstanden. In Zukunft wird es wichtig sein, die neuronalen Schaltkreise und molekularen Mechanismen zu verstehen, welche die Aktivität der Schlaf‐aktiven Nervenzellen und somit den Schlaf steuern. Die hohe Konservierung der Fähigkeit zum Schlafen ermöglicht es, dieses Verhalten in verschiedenen Tiermodellen zu untersuchen und zu vergleichen, um letztendlich ein umfassendes Bild der Regulation und der Funktionen des Schlafes zu erhalten.
Heimliche Gegenspieler: Parasitoide
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: December 2017

Fast alle Insektengruppen werden von Parasitoiden heimgesucht. Eine Heerschar von Haut‐ und Zweiflüglern entwickelt sich, von außen unsichtbar, im Körper bestimmter Wirte. Erst gegen Ende ihrer eigenen Entwicklung fressen die betreffenden Wespen‐ und Fliegenlarven die lebenswichtigen Organe und führen zum Tod der unfreiwilligen Gastgeber. Parasitoide sind allgegenwärtig, aber schwer zu bestimmen und nur wenigen Spezialisten vertraut. Doch manchmal gelingen interessante Beobachtungen an charakteristischen Arten, wie die folgenden Beispiele zeigen.
Tags – Handgriffe für Proteine
Authors: Nellen Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Was ist ein Protein Tag? Ein Tag, an dem man besonders viele und besonders schöne Proteine isolieren kann! Das war zwar eine Antwort in einer Klausur, stimmt aber nicht so ganz.
Wissenschaftlich fundiertes Mittagessen
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: December 2017

Es wird viel diskutiert über die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf. Andrea Hauk – BIUZ‐Lesern bekannt als Autorin der Laborseite – hat den Praxistest gemacht und berichtet nun im sechsten Teil unserer Reihe von ihren Erfahrungen als Mutter eines Krabbelkindes.
Skill‐based education through fuzzy knowledge modeling for e‐learning
Authors: Gomathi C. , Rajamani V.
Published: December 2017

Nowadays outcome‐based methods are adapted in e‐learning system to meet the need of the novel development of e‐learning systems for improved web‐based retrieval results. Typically, knowledge retrieval process is denoted by the production rule, frame, semantic network, fuzzy logic, predicate logic, and group of skill concept. To get the optimized result in proposed skill‐based e‐learning, the fuzzy knowledge model is applied. In knowledge retrieval, the fuzzy membership value of the knowledge and the combinations of framed rules are used to acquire the knowledge. The fuzzy techniques are adapted for analyzing the retrieved knowledge concept of individual skills like Inadequate (Ia), Adequate (A), Value added adequate (Vaa), and Integrated skill (I) and in fuzzy inference system in skill‐based education provides a decision about the learner community skill set and it promotes the excellence skill through the delivery of the suitable courses to the learners instead of supplying common courses to different skilled persons. In the existing knowledge modeling methods known as the Knowledge Capturing and Modeling, concept map‐based knowledge modeling confirm the learners to have known or unknown domain concept. Further, many of the researchers present on the analysis of the learner performances, behavior, learning environment, etc. The proposed paper investigate the individual skill abilities and it is suggested a set of courses in adaptive curriculum and syllabus to the learner and also it adapts andragogy in skill‐based education, to model the fuzzy knowledge, the fuzzy membership function and rules are used.
Epitope‐Resolved Detection of Peanut‐Specific IgE Antibodies by Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging
Authors: Shen Min , Joshi Amit A. , Vannam Raghu , Dixit Chandra K. , Hamilton Robert G. , Kumar Challa V. , Rusling James F. , Peczuh Mark W.
Published: December 2017

Peanut allergy can be life‐threatening and is mediated by allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Investigation of IgE antibody binding to allergenic epitopes can identify specific interactions underlying the allergic response. Here, we report a surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) immunoassay for differentiating IgE antibodies by epitope‐resolved detection. IgE antibodies were first captured by magnetic beads bearing IgE ϵ‐chain‐specific antibodies and then introduced into an SPRi array immobilized with epitopes from the major peanut allergen glycoprotein Arachis hypogaea h2 (Ara h2). Differential epitope responses were achieved by establishing a binding environment that minimized cross‐reactivity while maximizing analytical sensitivity. IgE antibody binding to each Ara h2 epitope was distinguished and quantified from patient serum samples (10 μL each) in a 45 min assay. Excellent correlation of Ara h2‐specific IgE values was found between ImmunoCAP assays and the new SPRi method.
Synthetic Cancer‐Targeting Innate Immune Stimulators Give Insights into Avidity Effects
Authors: Conibear Anne C. , Pötgens André J. G. , Thewes Karine , Altdorf Claudia , Hilzendeger Clarissa , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: December 2017

Multispecific and multivalent antibodies are seen as promising cancer therapeutics, and numerous antibody fragments and derivatives have been developed to exploit avidity effects that result in increased selectivity. Most of these multispecific and multivalent antibody strategies make use of recombinant expression of antigen‐binding modules. In contrast, chemical synthesis and chemoselective ligations can be used to generate a variety of molecules with different numbers and combinations of binding moieties in a modular and homogeneous fashion. In this study we synthesized a series of targeted immune system engagers (ISErs) by using solid‐phase peptide synthesis and chemoselective ligations. To explore avidity effects, we constructed molecules bearing different numbers and combinations of two “binder” peptides that target ephrin A2 and integrin α3 receptors and an “effector” peptide that binds to formyl peptide receptors and stimulates an immune response. We investigated various strategies for generating multivalent and multispecific targeted innate immune stimulators and studied their activities in terms of binding to cancer cells and stimulation of immune cells. This study gives insights into the influence that multivalency and receptor density have on avidity effects and is useful for the design of potential anticancer therapeutics.
Carbothermal Reduction Induced Ti3+ Self‐Doped TiO2/GQD Nanohybrids for High‐Performance Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Tang Jialin , Liu Yousong , Hu Yingjie , Lv Guoqing , Yang Chengtao , Yang Guangcheng
Published: December 2017

A facile calcination method is developed for the in situ synthesis of nanohybrids of Ti3+ self‐doped TiO2/graphene quantum dot nanosheets (Ti3+‐TiO2/GQD NSs). Ti3+ sites are formed on the surface of the TiO2 nanosheets through carbothermal reduction by GQDs, using citric acid as a carbon source. Such heterojunctions exhibit enhanced visible‐light absorption properties, large photocurrent current densities, and low recombination of photoinduced carriers. The methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) photodegradation result demonstrates a higher visible‐light photocatalysis performance than that of the original TiO2. On one hand, inducing Ti3+ sites is efficient for the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and for reducing electron–hole pair recombination. On the other hand, GQDs are beneficial for generating more photocurrent carriers and facilitating the charge transfer across the TiO2 surface. It is proposed that Ti3+ sites and GQDs induced in TiO2 nanosheets have a synergistic effect, leading to excellent photocatalysis properties. Finally, a theoretical calculation is provided of the carbothermal reduction for the formation mechanism of the Ti3+ defect sites.
Achieving Biocompatible SABRE: An in vitro Cytotoxicity Study
Authors: Manoharan Anand , Rayner Peter J. , Iali Wissam , Burns Michael J. , Perry V. Hugh , Duckett Simon B.
Published: December 2017

Production of a biocompatible hyperpolarized bolus for signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) could open the door to simple clinical diagnosis via magnetic resonance imaging. Essential to successful progression to preclinical/clinical applications is the determination of the toxicology profile of the SABRE reaction mixture. Herein, we exemplify the cytotoxicity of the SABRE approach using in vitro cell assays. We conclude that the main cause of the observed toxicity is due to the SABRE catalyst. We therefore illustrate two catalyst removal methods: one involving deactivation and ion‐exchange chromatography, and the second using biphasic catalysis. These routes produce a bolus suitable for future in vivo study.
A power load forecast approach based on spatial‐temporal clustering of load data
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mu Gang , Yan Gangui , An Jun
Published: December 2017

Load forecast is very important for power system operation. Pursuing higher accuracy of load forecast is always the major target of this field. The existence of bad historical load data could badly affect the forecast accuracies of time series–based load forecast techniques. Within the multi‐node load data, the outliers of them are merely appeared instantaneously; the bad impact of the outliers could be decreased by making use of the spatial relativity of multi‐node load data. A novel load forecasting approach based on spatial‐temporal feature clustering is proposed in this paper. The temporal regular load pattern is extracted from the total load for an individual node. The spatial distribution characteristics of the individual incremental load have been categorized by the k‐medoids clustering algorithm. The MapReduce computing mode is used to manipulate multi‐node load data to raise computation efficiency. This new forecasting approach could reduce the influence of outliers and provide reliable and efficient load forecast with high accuracy. Testing in a real power system data set with up to 6.6% of outliers, the results of this approach show a lower forecasting error, about 6.2%, compared with three other time series–based methods (between 9.8% and 10.6%).
A query execution scheduling scheme for Impala system
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhao Yuliang , Yang Yi , Lv Mingqi , Chen Donghui , Wu Yong , Wang Jingchang
Published: December 2017

Impala system is an open source, analytic MPP database for Apache Hadoop. Impala system uses a query execution scheduling scheme that assigns near‐equal bytes retrieval tasks for different hosts to ensure system load balance. However, such “load balance” cannot guarantee a short response time for Impala system, when there are original loads in the system. Traditional query execution scheduling methods require either some assumptions or particular architecture, which cannot be directly used in Impala system. In this paper, we present a query execution scheduling scheme for Impala system. If the query fetches data from a single table, the scheme exploits the maximum flow algorithm. If the query fetches data from multiple tables, the scheme employs a cost‐based algorithm with heuristic pruning rules. In addition, we propose a cost model for Impala system, which considers parallel execution, communication cost, and cluster load. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated by the TPC‐DS benchmark, and experimental results show that the scheme can reduce the query response time by 10%‐30%.
Self‐Assemblies of Zinc Bacteriochlorophyll‐d Analogues Having Amide, Ester, and Urea Groups as Substituents at 17‐Position and Observation of Lamellar Supramolecular Nanostructures
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Ogawa Tetsuya , Hashishin Takeshi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: December 2017

Chlorosomes are unique light‐harvesting apparatuses in photosynthetic green bacteria. Single chlorosomes contain a large number of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl)‐c, ‐d, ‐e, and ‐f molecules, which self‐assemble without protein assistance. These BChl self‐assemblies involving specific intermolecular interactions (Mg⋅⋅⋅O32−H⋅⋅⋅O=C131 and π–π stacks of chlorin skeletons) in a chlorosome have been reported to be round‐shaped rods (or tubes) with diameters of 5 or 10 nm, or lamellae with a layer spacing of approximately 2 nm. Herein, the self‐assembly of synthetic zinc BChl‐d analogues having ester, amide, and urea groups in the 17‐substituent is reported. Spectroscopic analyses indicate that the zinc BChl‐d analogues self‐assemble in a nonpolar organic solvent in a similar manner to natural chlorosomal BChls with additional assistance by hydrogen‐bonding of secondary amide (or urea) groups (CON−H⋅⋅⋅O=CNH). Microscopic analyses of the supramolecules of a zinc BChl‐d analogue bearing amide and urea groups show round‐ or square‐shaped rods with widths of about 65 nm. Cryogenic TEM shows a lamellar arrangement of the zinc chlorin with a layer spacing of 1.5 nm inside the rod. Similar thick rods are also visible in the micrographs of self‐assemblies of zinc BChl‐d analogues with one or two secondary amide moieties in the 17‐substituent.
Force‐Induced Catastrophes on Energy Landscapes: Mechanochemical Manipulation of Downhill and Uphill Bifurcations Explains the Ring‐Opening Selectivity of Cyclopropanes
Authors: Wollenhaupt Miriam , Schran Christoph , Krupička Martin , Marx Dominik
Published: December 2017

The mechanochemistry of ring‐opening reactions of cyclopropane derivatives turns out to be unexpectedly rich and puzzling. After showing that a rare so‐called uphill bifurcation in the case of trans‐gem‐difluorocyclopropane turns into a downhill bifurcation upon substitution of fluorine by chlorine, bromine, and iodine in the thermal activation limit, the dichloro derivative is studied systematically in the realm of mechanochemical activation. Detailed exploration of the force‐transformed potential energy surface of trans‐gem‐dichlorocyclopropane in terms of Dijkstra path analysis unveils a hitherto unknown topological catastrophe where the global shape of the energy landscape is fundamentally changed. From thermal activation up to moderately large forces, it is an uphill bifurcation that decides about dis‐ versus conrotatory ring‐opening followed by separate transition states along both pathways. Above a critical force, the two distinct transition states merge to yield a single transition state such that the decision about the dis‐ versus conrotatory ring‐opening process is taken at a newly established downhill bifurcation. The discovery of a force‐induced qualitative change of the topology of a reaction network vastly transcends the previous understanding of the ring‐opening reaction of this species. It would be astonishing to not discover a wealth of such catastrophes for mechanochemically activated reactions, which will greatly extend the known opportunities to manipulate chemical reaction networks.
Remarkable Enhancement on Optical Properties of Alkali Metals Doped Anthracene Crystals
Authors: Nagarajan Vairakani , Nitthin Ananth Ananth Jayakumar , Ramaswamy Seenivasan
Published: December 2017

Alkali metals (Li, Na, K) doped anthracene high quality organic crystals were grown by slow evaporation at ambient environment. The relative occupancy of dopants and its influence of AN lattice phonons has been probed using elemental and diffraction analysis respectively. These alkali metal ions act as an efficient optically active sites, thereby projecting enhancement in UV region and photoluminescence studies. The nonlinear susceptibility (χ(3)) have been evaluated for doped crystals from Z ‐ scan technique and the values of these parameters found to be 10−2 esu which was higher than reported organic crystals. The incorporation of the alkali metal ions progressively alters melting point, overtone vibrational bands, mechanical strength and nonlinear optical properties for the grown crystals. The improved thermal, mechanical, linear and nonlinear optical properties of doped crystals make it as a better candidate for optoelectronic applications.
Negative Pap tests in women with high‐grade cervical lesions on follow‐up biopsies: Contributing factors and role of human papillomavirus genotyping
Authors: Goodman Steven , Mody Roxanne R. , Coffey Donna , Gorman Blythe K. , Luna Eric , Armylagos Donna , Schwartz Mary R. , Mody Dina R. , Ge Yimin
Published: December 2017

Background

Previous studies have indicated that negative Papanicolaou (Pap) tests can precede high‐grade cervical lesions (HGCL) on biopsy. This study aims to determine the contributing factors for cytologic discrepancy and the potential role of human papilloma virus (HPV) testing in risk evaluation of women with negative Pap tests.

Methods

Of 42,797 Pap tests interpreted as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) from March 1, 2013 to December 30, 2014, 426 had available HPV testing and follow‐up biopsy. The NILM Pap tests with biopsy‐confirmed HGCL were reviewed.

Results

Among 426 cytology‐negative cases, the biopsies showed benign histology in 243 (57%), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 157 (37%), HGCL in 22 (5%), and endometrial adenocarcinoma in 4 (1%) cases. The sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive values (PPV) of high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) and HPV16/18 tests in predicting HGCL was 91%/45%/8% and 55%/76%/11%, respectively. Upon review of NILM Pap tests with biopsy‐confirmed HGCL, the contributing factors to negative cytology included absence of abnormal cells (12/21, 57%) or diagnostic high‐grade cells (6/21, 29%), unsatisfactory samples (2/21, 10%), and interpretation variances (1/21, 5%). Interpretation variances in three high‐risk lesions (1 HSIL, 2 ASC‐H) were influenced by marked obscuring inflammation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that 5% of women underwent co‐testing with negative Pap tests had HGCL on follow‐up biopsy. Absence of diagnostic cells was the leading cause for cytology discrepancy and interpretation variances were influenced by marked obscuring inflammation. HPV testing and genotyping had limited value in risk stratification due to extremely low PPV. Focused rescreening of hrHPV‐positive NILM with obscuring factors may help reduce interpretation variances.
Diagnostic yield and accuracy of a new cytology brush design compared to standard brush cytology for evaluation of biliary strictures
Authors: Bank Jeffrey S. , Witt Benjamin L. , Taylor Linda J. , Adler Douglas G.
Published: December 2017

Background

The sensitivity of brush cytology for biliary strictures has typically been low, usually 30%‐60%. We compared the cellular yield and diagnostic accuracy using a new cytology brush (n = 16) versus standard biliary brushings (n = 16) in 32 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brushings for evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy.

Methods

We performed retrospective chart reviews of 16 consecutive ERCPs with brushings performed for the cytologic evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy using the new cytology brush between January 2016 and February 2017 at our institution. Our control cohort was 16 consecutive ERCP cases performed for the same indication directly preceding the availability of the new cytology brush.

Results

The biliary brushing cases performed using the new cytology brush demonstrated a significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative ×20 field compared with cases using the standard brush (mean 24.6 versus 14.4, P = .03). This trend continued when assessing large (>50 cells) clusters (mean 5.8 vs. 3.3, P = .02) and medium (6‐49 cells) clusters (11.1 vs. 5.8, P = .03). Nonetheless, there were no statistically significant differences with regards to diagnostic accuracy for the new cytology brush versus standard biliary brushings.

Conclusion

We found that the Infinity brush significantly increased diagnostic yield with regards to total cell clusters, large (>50 cells) clusters, and medium (6‐49 cells) clusters, however, this did not lead to increased diagnostic accuracy overall. Further studies of this and other brush designs are warranted to optimize biliary brushing specimens.
The relationship between emotional experience with dyslexia and work self‐efficacy among adults with dyslexia
Authors: Nalavany Blace A. , Logan Julie M. , Carawan Lena W.
Published: December 2017

This study responds to a call for more research on working adults with dyslexia investigating how employment‐related factors affect and relate to one another. Two important work‐related factors are self‐efficacy and emotional experience with dyslexia. Work self‐efficacy is viewed one of the most vital intrapersonal capacities in the work environment. It can be viewed as a subjective indicator of work success and is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. Research speaks to a unique emotional experience stemming from living with an often misunderstood and stereotyped learning difference. The participants were 173 working adults with dyslexia (average age = 43.5 years, females = 56.6%) who participated in a web‐based survey. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that more negative or uncomfortable emotions emanating from living with dyslexia predicted lower levels of total work self‐efficacy, work attributes, work competency, and work anxiety over and beyond background contextual variables. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Binary Polyazides of Cerium and Gadolinium
Authors: Rosenstengel Kati , Schulz Axel , Niehaus Oliver , Janka Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer , Villinger Alexander
Published: December 2017

Herein, we report on the preparation and full characterization (melting point, ATR‐IR/Raman, elemental analysis, 14N NMR) of binary gadolinium(III) azide as DMSO solvate Gd(N3)3·8/3DMSO (DMSO = dimethylsulfoxide), along with the partially hydroxide substituted species Gd4(OH)2(N3)10·nDMSO (n = 8, 10). Moreover, the isolation and comprehensive characterization of hexaazido lanthanate(III) anions [Ln(N3)6]3– (Ln = Ce, Gd) in a series of [Ph4P]+ and [EtPh3P]+ salts is presented. Single‐crystal structures of all compounds were determined, and the magnetic susceptibility in solution (NMR, Evans Method), as well as in the solid state (VSM), was investigated.