bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crude Kaolin Dissolution in the Absence and Presence of Sodium Poly(Acrylic Acid), Sodium Hexametaphosphate, and Sodium Silicate under Different Experimental Conditions
Authors: Demir Feridun
Published: April 2017

The influence of anionic dispersing agents, such as sodium poly(acrylic acid), sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium silicate on the dissolution of crude kaolin was examined by measuring the dissolved metals produced in the absence and presence of dispersing agents. For this purpose, the rheological and structural changes caused by the dissolution of kaolin metal constituents were studied in batch mode using several parameters, namely, solids (wt.%), pH, contact time (aging), and dispersing agent dose. A noteworthy increase in kaolin dissolution was caused by the presence of dispersing agents, particularly poly(acrylic acid) and sodium hexametaphosphate. These agents produced conspicuously large amounts of dissolved Al in comparison to the other experimental treatments. Little dissolved Si was measured under similar conditions in distilled water, but the amount of Si released using dispersing agents was nearly double that observed in distilled water only. Excess dispersing agents interacted with kaolin and dissolved accessory elements in the kaolin (i.e. Fe, Ca, Mg) and thus released enough Fe to form a stable Fe—dispersant complex. The present study showed that this phenomenon also contributed to a significant increase in the release of dissolved Al and Si through complexation.
Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para ferro, zinco, magnésio e fósforo em grãos de feijão
Authors: Buratto Juliana Sawada , Moda-Cirino Vania
Published: April 2017

Information about genetic parameters is required for the development of cultivars with higher nutritional value. In this sense, this study aimed to estimate the following genetic parameters: genetic variances, heritability coefficients in narrow and broad sense and predict the selection gain for the Fe, Zn, Mg and P contents in common bean grains. The crosses were made between cultivars: FT Nobre x IPR Gralha and Diamante Negro x IPR Chopim. The genitors (P1 and P2) were crossed resulting in F1 and F2 generations and backcrosses BC1 (P1 x F1) and BC2 (P2 x RC2). The mineral contents of Fe, Zn, Mg and P in grains were measured by nitric-perchloric digestion using atomic emission spectrometry coupled with plasma (ICP-OES). The predicted gains for the first cycle of selection were positive, indicating the viability of the increaseof the minerals Fe, Zn, Mg and P levels on common bean grains using classical breeding methods. The prediction gains obtained in the first cycle of selection resulted in values ranging from 3.24% to 15.48% for Mg and Fe, respectively. Heritability estimates in narrow sense ranged from 29.48% to 62.04% and the broad range sense heritability ranged from 45.14% to 76.36%.
Seed germination and vigor of passion fruit hybrids
Authors: Souto Antônio Gustavo de Luna , Cremasco João Paulo Gava , Maitan Mariana Quintas , Azevedo Jéssica Laisca Fernanda de , Ribeiro Mariana Rodrigues , Santos Carlos Eduardo Magalhães dos
Published: April 2017

Most commercial plantations of passion fruit is propagate plants by seed, but germination is irregular, which hinders the growth of seedlings and uniformity, and is connected with the plant genotype. The objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and early growth of passion fruit hybrid seedlings, obtained from different genetic combinations. The hybrids were obtained from the cross between progenies from the breeding program of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa with hybrids of the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária and of the Viveiros Flora Brasil. The experimental design was completely randomized with six hybrids, five replicates and fifty seeds per experimental unit. Germination was assessed daily until the 28 days, and at the end of the period it was obtained the mean time germination, emergence speed index, seedling height, the length of shoots and roots, and the individual seedling dry matter (root + shoot)was assessed. Among the passion fruit hybrids evaluated, hybrid HB2 (UFVM0212 × BRS Sol do Cerrado) showed the highest germination and seedling biometric values and might be a genotype with potential for breeding programs for seed quality. The specific combining ability of parents can influence the quality of seeds and the vigor of passion fruit seedlings. A factor must be considered is the correct choice of maternal and paternal parents, since they influence the quality of seeds.
Morfofisiologia de porta-enxerto de goiabeira irrigado com águas salinizadas sob doses de nitrogênio
Authors: DA SILVA EVANDRO MANOEL , NOBRE REGINALDO GOMES , SOUZA LEANDRO DE PÁDUA , ARAÚJO RAILENE HÉRICA CARLOS ROCHA , PINHEIRO FRANCISCO WESLEY ALVES , ALMEIDA LUANA LUCAS DE SÁ
Published: April 2017

The irrigation with saline water reduces crop growth and yield, resulting in the need of new techniques that enable the use of this natural resource in fruit growing. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of saline irrigation water associated with different nitrogen doses on guava rootstock cv. Paluma morphophysiology. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized blocks design, testing 5 electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1) and four nitrogen doses for fertilization (541.1; 773.0; 1004.9 and 1236.8 mg dm-3), in a 5x4 factorial, with four repetitions. The increase in the ECw from 0.3 dS m-1 negatively affected the morphophysiology of guava rootstock cv. Paluma, especially during the younger phase of the crop. The N dose of 541 mg dm-3 stimulated the increase of most morphophysiological variables in guava rootstock during the period studied. The nitrogen fertilization did not reduced the salt stress effect on the evaluated variables.
Levantamento de solos utilizando geoestatística em uma área de experimentação agrícola em Petrolina-PE
Authors: Silva Kátia Araújo da , Rodrigues Marcos Sales , Cunha Jailson Cavalcante , Alves David Castro , Freitas Helder Ribeiro , Lima Augusto Miguel Nascimento
Published: April 2017

Due to the importance of accurate information on soils for agricultural production, quantitative techniques to estimate classes and/or soil properties have been developed to increase these maps quality. This manuscript was developed to map soils of an agronomic experimental area using geostatistical tools to assist in the allocation and management of experiments. The study area is located in an agricultural experimental area of Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Petrolina County, Pernambuco state, Brazil. Mapping the agricultural area consisted of a soil profile and a sampling grid with 51 georeferenced points. At these points the soil samples were collected at 0-0.2 m and 0.4-0.6 m soil depths that corresponded to A and B soil horizons, respectively. Soil samples were evaluated for physical (soil texture) and chemical analysis. The spatial dependence of soil attributes was described using semivariograms and maps were interpolated by ordinary kriging. The results showed that the predominant soils in the area were Ultisol with a cohesive eutrophic horizon, Ultisol with a cohesive dystrophic horizon, and Ultisol with a sandy cohesive dystrophic horizon. The geostatistical proved to be an important tool supporting the ultra-detailed pedological mapping of the agricultural research area.
Comparing Three Brands of Cotton T-Shirts
Authors: Chowdhary Usha
Published: April 2017

This study compared three brands of T-shirts for selected structural and performance attributes. The impact was examined by brand and frequency of washing. Six null hypotheses were developed and tested using one-way ANOVA and t-test analyses. Standardized tests developed by AATCC and ASTM were used. All hypotheses were rejected. Differences were found for frequency of washing, use of standard and commercial detergent, and structural attributes including fabric count, thickness, and weight. For performance attributes, differences were significant for dimensional stability, pilling, and horizontal wicking. The results added new information to the knowledge base for textile analysis at the garment stage. Results supported some existing knowledge and refuted others. Implications for future research are discussed.
Effect of Eugenol Group and Central Metal Ion on Fastness and Antibacterial Properties of Metallophthalocyanines Printed on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Özdemir Pιinar Saral , Özgüney Arif Taner , Kantar Günay Kaya , Şaşmaz Selami
Published: April 2017

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of eugenol group substitutions (tetra and octa) on fastness and antibacterial properties of metallophthalocyanines printed on cotton fabric. Eugenol-substituted and non-substituted metallophthalocyanines (Zn, Co, Ni, and Cu) were synthesized. Cotton fabrics were then colored using a pigment printing process. Color strength ( K/ S values) were calculated using the Kubelka–Munk equation. Antibacterial properties of the fabrics were investigated according to ASTM E2149-01. All synthesized phthalocyanine pigments exhibited various levels of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria on cotton fabric. Antibacterial protection was achieved by coloration without any additional antibacterial finishing. Crockfastness, lightfastness, washfastness, and perspiration and water fastness values of the fabrics were measured according to ISO standards.
Fatigue Testing of Dental Bridges on Selected Examples
Authors: Urban Dariusz , Jałbrzykowski Marek , Gołębiewska Maria
Published: April 2017

The paper presents example tests of the functional quality of selected designs of dental bridges. These were: porcelain bridges on a metal base (cobalt based alloy), porcelain bridges on a zirconia base (zirconia ceramic – Zirkon Zahn), and full zirconia bridges (Zirkon Zahn). For the purpose of the study, durability of bridges in cyclic fatigue testing was adopted as a measure of their quality. The tests were carried out on a Zwick Roell Z010 universal testing machine. They consisted in cyclic loading and unloading of dental bridges mounted on gypsum models at a loading force of F= 400 [N] and a frequency of load of f= 1 [Hz]. Each bridge was subjected to a cycle of 7200 loads. The results show that there are no significant differences in the functional quality of the bridges.
The characteristic of deformability and quantitative description of the microstructure of hot-deformed Ni-Fe superalloy
Authors: Ducki K. J. , Rodak K. , Mendala J. , Wojtynek L.
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the results of research concerning the influence of hot plastic working parameters on the deformability and microstructure of a Ni-Fe superalloy. The research was performed on a torsion plastometer in the range of temperatures of 900-1150°C, at a strain rates 0.1 and 1.0 s-1. Plastic properties of the alloy were characterized by the worked out flow curves and the temperature relationships of flow stress and strain limit. The structural inspections were performed on microsections taken from plastometric samples after so-called “freezing”. The stereological parameters as the recrystallized grain size, inhomogenity and grain shape have been determined. Functional relations between the Zener-Hollomon parameter and the maximum yield stress and the average grain area have been developed and the activation energy for hot working has been estimated.
ICT Capacity Building: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Rwandan Policies from Higher Education Perspective
Authors: Byungura Jean Claude , Hansson Henrik , Masengesho Kamuzinzi , Karunaratne Thashmee
Published: April 2017

With the development of technology in the 21st Century, education systems attempt to integrate technology-based tools to improve experiences in pedagogy and administration. It is becoming increasingly prominent to build human and ICT infrastructure capacities at universities from policy to implementation level. Using a critical discourse analysis, this study investigates the articulation of ICT capacity building strategies from both national and institutional ICT policies in Rwanda, focusing on the higher education. Eleven policy documents were collected and deeply analyzed to understand which claims of ICT capacity building are made. The analysis shows that strategies for building ICT capacities are evidently observed from national level policies and only in two institutional policies (KIST and NUR). Among 25 components of ICT capacity building used, the ones related to human capacity are not plainly described. Additionally, neither national nor institutional policy documents include the creation of financial schemes for students to acquire ICT tools whilst learners are key stakeholders. Although there is some translation of ICT capacity building strategies from national to some institutional policies, planning for motivation and provision of incentives to innovators is not stated in any of the institutional policies and this is a key to effective technology integration.
Research on Particles’ Velocity Distribution in a Whirlpool Separator Using the PIV Method of Measurement
Authors: Sterczyńska Monika , Jakubowski Marek
Published: April 2017

The cylindrical whirlpool is used to separate hot trub from beer wort. When the tank is being filled and the contained mixture is swirled, a phenomenon takes place the main principle of which is formation of a cone of residue in the center of the tank. This paper is aimed at further development of the research on symmetrization of the cone-accumulating flow during tank filling. Herein are presented average values of particles’ velocity while in rotational motion in a whirlpool tank of modified structure. The modification is a vertically reduced baffle attached to the tank’s bottom. The experiments were conducted for two different filling rates and three different baffle positions. Measurements of particles’ velocity were performed with the PIV method. Results have been presented in the form of surface of average particles’ velocity distribution for given radius values throughout the entire process. The most advantageous baffle positions were determined.
Conditioning reduces kernel damage when impact shelling almonds
Authors: Shirmohammadi Maryam , Fielke John
Published: April 2017

Almonds can be classified based on their shell characteristics from soft to hard shell varieties. The majority of Australian and Californian varieties have soft shell properties. Most Spanish almond varieties have hard shells. Although having a hard sealed shell protects the kernel from insect damage it affects their processability. Common commercial almond processing equipment simultaneously compresses and shears the almonds and this creates a high percentage of damaged kernels from the broken shell being forced into the kernel, particularly for hard shell varieties. This paper shows that for the soft shell variety ‘Nonpareil’ and the three hard shell varieties of ‘Marcona’, ‘Tarraco’ and ‘Vyro’ that conditioning by soaking in water and resting before processing improves the recovery of undamaged kernel when shelling using impact. The impacts were applied by feeding the almonds into a rotating impellor and throwing them onto a stationary outer wall. An effective conditioning process resulted in the kernel moisture content increasing from 6% to 14% for hard shell and to 11% for ‘Nonpareil’ varieties. The conditioning process was measured to reduce the amount of scratched, chipped and broken kernel, and hence increased the recovery of undamaged kernel. After shelling, the conditioned kernel needed to be dried back to a 6% moisture content to be suitable for storage. Hence, the industry would be able to increase its recovery of undamaged kernel by changing to an impact shelling process using suitably conditioned almonds.
Opportunistic Routing Using Prioritized Forwarders with Retransmission Control
Authors: Yamazaki Taku , Yamamoto Ryo , Miyoshi Takumi , Asaka Takuya , Tanaka Yoshiaki
Published: April 2017

In ad hoc networks, broadcast-based forwarding protocols called opportunistic routing have been proposed. In general backoff-based opportunistic routing protocols, each receiver autonomously makes a forwarding decision using a random backoff time based on logical distance. However, each potential forwarder must wait for the expiration of the backoff timer before the packet forwarding. Moreover, they cannot gain forwarding path diversity in sparse environments. In this paper, we propose a novel forwarder selection method for opportunistic routing. In the proposed method, a terminal called, a prioritized forwarder, and which is selected from among neighbours and can forward packets without using the backoff time. In addition, we integrate a hop-by-hop retransmission control in the proposed method, which improves the packet transmission success rate in sparse environments. We evaluate the proposed method in comparison with the conventional protocols in computer simulations.
One or two species of the rare Malagasy carnivoran Eupleres (Eupleridae)? New insights from molecular data
Authors: Veron Géraldine , Goodman Steven M.
Published: April 2017

Members of the genus Eupleres are poorly known insectivorous carnivorans belonging to the family Eupleridae (order Carnivora), which are endemic to Madagascar. Recently, using morphological characters, the two previously recognized subspecies of Eupleres goudotii were raised to the species level, with E. goudotii occurring in the humid forests of the island, largely in the east, and Eupleres major in northwestern dry deciduous forests. Using some of the few museum specimens and fresh tissue samples available for this genus, we assessed differences between these two forms based on the cytochrome b gene. The results show that individuals identified as E. major, based on a combination of morphological characters and collection locality, do not form a monophyletic group, and the level of polymorphism within the genus is not in agreement with the recognition of two species. Additional molecular data, in particular from nuclear markers, are needed to verify these results.
Body as a value in the experience of a disabled person: an axiological analysis of a text published on the website niepełnosprawni.pl/wszystko o niepełnosprawności
Authors: Pezdek Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

The objective of this elaboration is to perform an axiological analysis of an opinion of a person with a stoma published on the website niepełnosprawni.pl/wszystko o niepełnosprawności. The analysis will show how the author experienced her own body in various contexts during several years of her disease, e.g. in her family, peer group, sport, hospital, professional work, and moreover - how this kind of narration can be used in the therapeutic process.
Prototype of an Electric Drive Elevator
Authors: Gaiceanu M. , Epure S. , Dache C. R. , Ciuta S.
Published: April 2017

The research purpose of the authors is reducing the energy consumption of the main worldwide consumer - the electric motors- by useful utilization of the input energy through the Regenerative Electric Drive System having also the power quality features. The prototype of the electric elevator consists mainly of two trolley: one serve for the active load, and the other as counterweight, gearbox, power converter, induction machine and chain transmission. The elevator is driven by using 4kW three-phase induction machine through AC-AC power converter and has the capacity of 450 kg. The numerical simulation results and the experimental platform are shown.
Smart Thermal Grids – A Review
Authors: Stănişteanu Cristina
Published: April 2017

In line with the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), EU member states have intensified their efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in energy supply. Renewable energy sources will be a challenge for the current district heating concept, requiring system flexibility both in terms of heat supply and heat consumption. Besides, they are hard to accommodate in areas with high population density, as it is the case with many towns and cities. The municipalities will have to identify suitable locations, which in turn will lead to distributed heat supply. The requirement of the 2010/31/EU (EPBD) Directive that all new buildings will have to be nearzero energy buildings will result in buildings fitted with solar collectors; some buildings will produce more energy than they can use. To accommodate all these challenges, the scientists have come up with the new concept of Thermal Smart Grids. The renewable energy will then be shared with the whole district heating grid, and the network will also be used for heat storage when consumption is lower than production. Smart thermal grids are expected to be an integrated part of the future smart energy systems, integrated electricity, gas and thermal grids.
Changes in persistence, spurious regressions and the Fisher hypothesis
Authors: Kruse Robinson , Ventosa-Santaulària Daniel , Noriega Antonio E.
Published: April 2017

Declining inflation persistence has been documented in numerous studies. We show that when time series with changes in persistence are analyzed in a regression framework with other persistent time series like interest rates, spurious regressions are likely to occur. We propose the coefficient of determination
Synthesis and crystal structure of the new vanadate AgCaVO4: Comparison with the arcanite structure
Authors: Nénert Gwilherm
Published: April 2017

We report the synthesis and the crystal structure of the new vanadate AgCaVO4 from laboratory powder X-ray data. Contrary to the previously reported AgBVO4 (B=Mg, Cd), AgCaVO4 exhibits the arcanite structure (β-K2SO4). Although it exhibits the same structure than arcanite, significant differences are observed. These differences are explained by deriving the atomic displacement field. The change of connectivity within the structure between β-K2SO4 and AgCaVO4 results from a rotation of the VO4 tetrahedra giving rise to a change from a face sharing to an edge sharing octahedral chains. Additionally, the thermal expansion of AgCaVO4 has been investigated up to 800°C.
Ethische Herausforderungen in der gegenwärtigen Flüchtlingskrise
Authors: Scheliha Arnulf von
Published: April 2017

Der Artikel kommentiert im ersten Teil die theologische Debatte um die Flüchtlingspolitik der deutschen Bundesregierung und deutet ihre grundsätzlichen Entscheidungen als Ausdruck von politischer Verantwortungsethik. Im zweiten Teil werden ethische Herausforderungen diskutiert, die sich in der praktischen Arbeit mit Flüchtlingen stellen, insbesondere Vulnerabilität, Spracherwerb, Familiennachzug und religiöse Vielfalt.
Perspektivenwechsel und narrative Verdichtung: Hermeneutische Zugänge zum Thema Flucht im Religionsunterricht
Authors: Kumlehn Martina
Published: April 2017

Der Beitrag verortet die Themen Flucht und Migration im Religionsunterricht. Er fokussiert existentielle Fluchterfahrungen und ihre religiösen Deutungshorizonte, um eine Kultur der wechselseitigen Anerkennung und Akzeptanz zu befördern. Im Zentrum steht eine Didaktik des Perspektivenwechsels, die zunächst die Wahrnehmungen zum Thema Flucht verlangsamt, kontrastiert und irritiert, um die Problematik der Sichtbarkeit von Flüchtlingen in ihrer Individualität und Identitätssuche zu reflektieren. Sodann werden biographische, literarische und biblische Erzählkontexte zu den Motivfeldern Exodus, Flucht und Gewalt, Heimatverlust und neue Heimat, radikale Entsicherung, Warten, Gottesfrage und Fluchterfahrungen verschränkt, um die narrative Identität und die Deutungs- und Ausdruckskompetenz in diesem Zusammenhang zu erweitern.
Bildung in Zeiten des Wandels. Konturen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Miedema Siebren
Published: April 2017

Ein Interesse an Bildung ist dringend notwendig, weil neoliberale Spuren in Politik und Praxis immer noch deutlich vorhanden sind. Rein kognitive Ansätze sind zu kritisieren, auch vor dem Hintergrund der immer stärkeren Stimme von Religionswissenschaftlern im öffentlichen Bereich. Die verschwiegene Normativität derartiger Herangehensweisen unter Berufung auf Neutralität erfordert robusten und ständigen Widerspruch und eine Beteiligung an der öffentlichen Diskussion über religiöse und weltanschauliche Persönlichkeitsbildung. Allgemeinpädagogen und Religionspädagogen werden angesprochen, noch mehr ihre Rolle als öffentliche Intellektuelle wahrzunehmen: Denn die weltanschauliche Pluralität erfordert die Pluralitätsfähigkeit als eine Basiskompetenz aller Schülerinnen und Schüler.
Salivary Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Is Associated With Exercise Ventilatory Efficiency
Authors: Chen Yang , Hill Helene Z. , Lange Gudrun , Falvo Michael J.
Published: April 2017

Chen, Y, Hill, HZ, Lange, G, and Falvo, MJ. Salivary mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with exercise ventilatory efficiency. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 2000–2004, 2017—Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is an index of mitochondrial content and is responsive to changes in exercise training volume. Therefore, assessment of mtDNAcn may help to optimize exercise prescription and aid in athlete monitoring. Although previous work has assessed mtDNAcn derived from skeletal muscle and blood using invasive approaches, no study has examined salivary mtDNAcn and its relationship with sport performance. Fifteen adults (32.2 ± 7.1 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Each participant provided a saliva sample for the analysis of mtDNAcn via real-time polymerase reaction. In addition, participants completed an exercise challenge test to assess oxygen consumption relative to body weight (V̇o
2·kg−1) and ventilatory efficiency (VE/V̇co
2). Using multiple linear regression, we examined the association of V̇o
2·kg−1 and VE/V̇co
2 with salivary mtDNAcn, adjusting for self-reported physical activity (min·wk−1). Greater mtDNAcn was associated with lower VE/V̇co
2 (p < 0.01) and higher V̇o
2·kg−1 (p < 0.05). In our model adjusted for physical activity, greater mtDNAcn remained associated with lower VE/V̇co
2 (β = −0.186; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.348 to −0.025; p < 0.05), but not with V̇o
2·kg−1 (β = −0.022; 95% CI, −0.113 to 0.063). Our findings suggest that salivary mtDNAcn is associated with ventilatory efficiency, which may reflect enhanced exercise efficiency as a consequence of greater total mitochondrial content. As saliva collection is noninvasive, stable at room temperature, and less costly in comparison to skeletal muscle and blood, future studies may consider using saliva for the evaluation of mitochondrial content for the purposes of monitoring exercise training as well as optimizing exercise prescription.
Skill Learning Modulates RNA Pol II Poising at Immediate Early Genes in the Adult Striatum
Authors: Galvão-Ferreira Pedro , Lipinski Michal , Santos Fernando , Barco Angel , Costa Rui M.
Published: April 2017

A multilayered complexity of epigenetic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlies neuronal activity-dependent gene transcription. The regulation of RNA Pol II progression along the transcription cycle, from promoter-proximal poising (with RNA Pol II paused at promoter-proximal regions, characterized by a Ser5P+-rich and Ser2P+-poor RPB1 CTD) to active elongation, has emerged as a major step in transcriptional regulation across several organisms, tissues, and developmental stages, including the nervous system. However, it is not known whether this mechanism is modulated by experience. We investigated the impact of learning a motor skill on RNA Pol II phosphorylation dynamics in the adult mouse striatum. We uncovered that learning modulates thein vivostriatal phosphorylation dynamics of the CTD of the RNA Pol II RPB1 subunit, leading to an increased poising index in trained mice. We found that this modulation occurs at immediate early genes (IEGs), with increased poising of RNA Pol II at bothArcandFosgenes but not at constitutively expressed genes. Furthermore, we confirmed that this was learning dependent, and not just regulated by context or motor activity. These experiments demonstrate a novel phenomenon of learning induced transcriptional modulation in adult brain, which may have implications for our understanding of learning, memory allocation, and consolidation.
Individual Differences in Human Path Integration Abilities Correlate with Gray Matter Volume in Retrosplenial Cortex, Hippocampus, and Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Chrastil Elizabeth R. , Sherrill Katherine R. , Aselcioglu Irem , Hasselmo Michael E. , Stern Chantal E.
Published: April 2017

Humans differ in their individual navigational abilities. These individual differences may exist in part because successful navigation relies on several disparate abilities, which rely on different brain structures. One such navigational capability is path integration, the updating of position and orientation, in which navigators track distances, directions, and locations in space during movement. Although structural differences related to landmark-based navigation have been examined, gray matter volume related to path integration ability has not yet been tested. Here, we examined individual differences in two path integration paradigms: (1) a location tracking task and (2) a task tracking translational and rotational self-motion. Using voxel-based morphometry, we related differences in performance in these path integration tasks to variation in brain morphology in 26 healthy young adults. Performance in the location tracking task positively correlated with individual differences in gray matter volume in three areas critical for path integration: the hippocampus, the retrosplenial cortex, and the medial prefrontal cortex. These regions are consistent with the path integration system known from computational and animal models and provide novel evidence that morphological variability in retrosplenial and medial prefrontal cortices underlies individual differences in human path integration ability. The results for tracking rotational self-motion—but not translation or location—demonstrated that cerebellum gray matter volume correlated with individual performance. Our findings also suggest that these three aspects of path integration are largely independent. Together, the results of this study provide a link between individual abilities and the functional correlates, computational models, and animal models of path integration.
The T3 Method (“T3 It!”): Transcribe → Translate → Transform
Authors: Malas Brett
Published: April 2017

Traditional transcription-translation exercises are instructionally incomplete by failing to link prescriptive genetic information with protein structure and function. The T3 Method solves this problem by adding a conceptually powerful yet easily learned third step where students use simple protein folding codes to transform their translations into corresponding protein structural models. This brings structural sense to sequence and makes the information-to-proteins connection that is so profoundly important to understand in biology more directly evident, experiential, and intrinsically meaningful. The T3 Method has further utility, proving versatile and adaptive to a wide range of academic levels and learning contexts, with possibilities for differentiated instruction, application, and extension.
Creating a Reliable, Cost-Effective ELISA Simulation
Authors: Olson Julie , Amolins Michael , Vitiello Peter
Published: April 2017

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a fundamental laboratory technique with direct applications across scientific research and clinical diagnostics as well as everyday life. Unfortunately, many challenges exist that inhibit both its introduction and implementation in the high school biology classroom. We present a reliable yet inexpensive way of effectively simulating this assay, allowing student exposure to several advanced topics, including immunodetection, clinical diagnostics, and qualitative and quantitative colorimetric analysis.
Using a Model to Teach Crossing Over
Authors: Keskin Feride , Çam Aylin
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this activity is to model the formation of homologous chromosomes and the crossing over realized in meiosis I cell division. The model established through the activities conducted will allow students to visualize homologous chromosomes and the formation of crossing over among them. The model will help students to understand how homologous chromosomes occur and how crossing over is realized between homologous chromosomes whose chromatids are not sisters. The developed model is found to be an effective tool in teaching crossing over.
Enhancing Student Understanding of Color Perception: A Teaching Activity on Intersubjective Color Variations
Authors: Gatzia Dimitria Electra , Einsporn Richard L. , Ramsier R. D.
Published: April 2017

We present a teaching activity whose aim is to enhance students' understanding of color perception by introducing them to intersubjective color variations among normal perceivers. The approach can be used in different disciplines, including biology, philosophy, psychology, physics, or statistics, for different purposes and with college students having various levels of sophistication and scientific training.
(Dis)engaging with Asperger's
Authors: Abraham Jacob
Published: April 2017

I examine an interpersonal relationship that propelled my further understanding and eventual diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. Using autoethnography, I seek to understand emotions, identity, and interpersonal relationships better by narrating key moments in the relationships, interactions with a mental health professional, and reflexive analysis. My work interrogates how accessible a research method autoethnography is for someone with Asperger's. I use my experiences to share with readers what it is like to live with having trouble role-taking and reading and enacting neurotypical displays of emotion.
Multimorbidity: Constellations of Conditions across Subgroups of Midlife and Older Individuals, and Related Medicare Expenditures
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Warner David F. , Sun Jiayang , Stange Kurt C. , Given Charles W. , Dor Avi
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

The Department of Health and Human Services’ 2010 Strategic Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions called for the identification of common constellations of conditions in older adults.

Objectives:

To analyze patterns of conditions constituting multimorbidity (CCMM) and expenditures in a US representative sample of midlife and older adults (50–64 and ≥65 years of age, respectively).

Design:

A cross-sectional study of the 2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n=17,912). The following measures were used: (1) count and combinations of CCMM, including (i) chronic conditions (hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and psychiatric conditions), (ii) functional limitations (upper body limitations, lower body limitations, strength limitations, limitations in activities of daily living, and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living), and (iii) geriatric syndromes (cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, incontinence, visual impairment, hearing impairment, severe pain, and dizziness); and (2) annualized 2011 Medicare expenditures for HRS participants who were Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries ( n=5,677). Medicaid beneficiaries were also identified based on their self-reported insurance status.

Results:

No large representations of participants within specific CCMM categories were observed; however, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes were prominently present with higher CCMM counts. Among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 50–64 years, 26.7% of the participants presented with ≥10 CCMM, but incurred 48% of the expenditure. In those aged ≥65 years, these percentages were 16.9% and 34.4%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Functional limitations and geriatric syndromes considerably add to the MM burden in midlife and older adults. This burden is much higher than previously reported.
Fabp4-Cre-mediated Sirt6 deletion impairs adipose tissue function and metabolic homeostasis in mice
Authors: Xiong Xiwen , Zhang Cuicui , Zhang Yang , Fan Rui , Qian Xinlai , Dong X Charlie
Published: April 2017

SIRT6 is a member of sirtuin family of deacetylases involved in diverse processes including genome stability, metabolic homeostasis and anti-inflammation. However, its function in the adipose tissue is not well understood. To examine the metabolic function of SIRT6 in the adipose tissue, we generated two mouse models that are deficient in Sirt6 using the Cre-lox approach. Two commonly used Cre lines that are driven by either the mouse Fabp4 or Adipoq gene promoter were chosen for this study. The Sirt6-knockout mice generated by the Fabp4-Cre line (Sirt6f/f:Fabp4-Cre) had a significant increase in both body weight and fat mass and exhibited glucose intolerance and insulin resistance as compared with the control wild-type mice. At the molecular levels, the Sirt6f/f:Fabp4-Cre-knockout mice had increased expression of inflammatory genes including F4/80, TNFα, IL-6 and MCP-1 in both white and brown adipose tissues. Moreover, the knockout mice showed decreased expression of the adiponectin gene in the white adipose tissue and UCP1 in the brown adipose tissue, respectively. In contrast, the Sirt6 knockout mice generated by the Adipoq-Cre line (Sirt6f/f:Adipoq-Cre) only had modest insulin resistance. In conclusion, our data suggest that the function of SIRT6 in the Fabp4-Cre-expressing cells in addition to mature adipocytes plays a critical role in body weight maintenance and metabolic homeostasis.
On gonads and gadflies: the estrus angle
Authors: Hillier Stephen G
Published: April 2017

The first sex steroid to be crystallized was the vertebrate ovarian hormone, estrone – a less potent metabolite of 17β-estradiol, which in mammals stimulates the female urge to mate (estrus). The gadfly (Greekoistros) lent its name to the process of estrus, as an insect that bites and torments in classical Greek mythology. With the purification and crystallization of a moult-inducing steroid (ecdysone) from insects, an interesting parallel emerged between mating and moulting in lower mammals and arthropods. Ecdysterone (potent ecdysone metabolite) has anabolic effects in mammalian muscle cells that can be blocked by selective estrogen receptor antagonists. Insects utilize ecdysteroids in similar ways that vertebrates use estrogens, including stimulation of oocyte growth and maturation. Ecdysteroids also modify precopulatory insect mating behaviour, further reinforcing the gonad-gadfly/mate-moult analogy.
Ethical Conduct of Research in Children: Pediatricians and Their IRB (Part 1 of 2)
Authors: Rose Carlos D.
Published: April 2017

As human experimentation continues to grow into an ever more complex and sophisticated endeavor, the relevant ethical and regulatory structures become more intricate. When pediatricians and general practitioners are invited by pharmaceutical companies to enroll their offices in a clinical trial or a multicenter observational study or when they develop their own research questions, they frequently find themselves at a loss in the human research environment. The legal and regulatory complexity may have an unintended deterring effect at a time when office-based high quality pediatric research is urgently needed to support evidence-based medicine. Unfortunately, in many instances, unaware practitioners become involved in low-risk research activities without knowing it and become entangled in legal, auditing, and compliance procedures. This paper, written in 2 parts, aims at providing a general guidance on the principles that regulate human research with a focus on pediatrics. Part 1 discusses the history, the legal framework, and the consent process and highlights some practical aspects of initial protocol submission, continued review, and institutional review board determinations with the main focus on multicenter clinical trials (industry-sponsored research). Part 2 focuses on pediatric research regulation, also known as subpart-D, and minimal risk research, which encompasses many research activities aimed at addressing questions that may emerge in pediatricians’ practices (investigator-initiated research).
Влияние коллоидного раствора наночастиц серебра на микробиоценоз пищеварительного тракта цыплят-бройлеров
Authors: Kucheruk M. D. , Zasiekin D. A.
Published: April 2017

We tested the colloidal silver nanoparticles as modern drugs for effective long-term reduction of microbial contamination in the air of broiler houses by intestinal rehabilitation of broiler chickens and simultaneous disinfection of water pipes and drinking water. The effective concentration of these solutions was determined. Cobb-500 broilers were used for the experiment. During the experiment, we set quantitative and qualitative composition of microflora of the intestinal contents of broiler chickens. Air samples were examined by sedimentation. We studied the productivity indices of chickens and product quality. Colloidal nanoscale silver solutions delicately spend intestinal sanitation, eliminating pathogens, virtually affecting the symbiotic intestinal flora. Siler nanoparticles helps to rationally correct the microbiocenosis of the intestines of broiler chickens: the composition of symbiotic microorganisms remains virtually unchanged against a statistically significant decrease in the amount of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora. This contributes to the intensification of the digestive process and increases the immune response to the continuously entering with food and water pathogenic microorganisms. The dependence between microbial composition of the intestines of birds and sanitary-hygienic state of air environment of broiler houses were proved. 
Лісівничо-екологічний аналіз насаджень Populus alba та Populus nigra на ріках лівобережного лісостепу України
Authors: Bondar O. B. , Tkach L. I. , Lisina I. S. , Kolienkina M. S. , Musiyenko S. I.
Published: April 2017

Here the sylvicultural and ecological analysis of typological structure of plantings silver and black poplar are presented for the riverine habitats of the Psel, Sula and Vorskla (the middle reaches of Seversky Donets river). Our analysis was based on forestry management electronic databases of Ukrainian National Forest Project Enterprise.

More than 38 forest types on the area of 4.9 thousand hectares were examined. The biological features of silver and black poplar were described briefly. The silver and black poplar reproduction pattern of the Left-bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine was also examined. There was carried out the area allocation of tree species according the following points: forest type and origin, forest site quality, closure degree and age groups. By the tree stratum origin silver and black poplar are mostly artificially propagated, what is equivalent to 77.3 and 88.3 percent.

The silver and black poplar area around the rivers’ watershed of the Left-bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine occupies 2813 and 2173 ha consequently.

Among forest types on research subject there are some forest types which dominate:  fresh quercetum fluvialis (25.0 %), wet quercetum fluvialis (17.4 %), wet quercetum-birchbark-maple fluvialis (16.3 %), wet lime tree-oak-pine tree sudubrava (11.4 %), fresh lime tree, oak, pine tree sudubrava (5.2 %), the rest of tree types represents less than 4.0 % of the total land area, covered with sylva. The silver and black poplar plantings’ distribution according to the site quality of forest on the rivers’ columbine of the Left-bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine can be described in the following way: II and IV classes of the site quality of forest prevail, and the medium stocked tree stratum fluctuates from 52.9 to 87.8 per cent according to the normality.
Effect of probiotics on the chemical, mineral, and amino acid composition of broiler chicken meat
Authors: Podolian Ju. N.
Published: April 2017

The experiment was conducted to examine the influence of probiotic preparation on the mineral contamination of the broiler chicken muscles. Investigational product contains probiotic lactic acid bacteria of genus Lactobacillus and Enterococcus. It is proved that additional feeding of probiotic “Entero-active” to broiler chickens increases retention of mineral elements of the fodder. To study the effect of probiotic on chicken meat the contamination of minerals in the experimental poultry meat was researched. The studies proved that the additional use of the studied probiotic supplements with food of broiler chickens allowed increasing phosphorus contamination by 4.7%, magnesium by 3.9% and iron by 46.5% in the pectoral muscles compared with the control group. The use of probiotic for broilers feeding has increased phosphorus by 4.7%, calcium by 4.1 times, iron by 70.5%, zinc by 5.4%, magnesium by 31.5% and copper in 4.2 times in thigh muscles of poultry. Thus, consumption of probiotic preparation by broilers in various doses improves the mineral compound of meat carcasses this meat is also considered as free range food. It was proved that probiotic increases the synthesis of such essential amino acids in the pectoral muscles as lysine by 1.66%, histidine by 0.03%, arginine by 0.38%, threonine by 0.07%, valine by 0.16%, methionine by 0.33%, leucine by 0.1% and phenylalanine by 0.17%. The increasing of level of lysine and histidine respectively by 0.05 and 0.08% is observed in the thigh muscles of broilers under the influence of probiotic. We have proved that the optimal dose for broiler chickens is 0.25% for the age of 1-10 days, 0.1% for the age of 11-28 days, 0.05 % for the age of 29-42 days, the percentage is for broiler chickens feed weight. 
La confianza como elemento fundamental en las compras a través de canales de comercio electrónico. Caso de los consumidores en Antioquia (Colombia)
Authors: Sánchez James Ariel , Montoya Luz Alexandra
Published: April 2017

En las compras a través de Internet, la confianza de los consumidores juega un papel fundamental, debido a que la tasa de conversión de los usuarios está directamente relacionada a ella. En esta investigación se pudo validar que los factores más influyentes en la confianza de los consumidores del departamento de Antioquia (Colombia), hacia las compras en línea, son la reputación del vendedor, el riesgo percibido, la privacidad de los datos, la seguridad en la transacción y la asociación. De esta manera, se busca contribuir a la generación de ventajas competitivas para las empresas presentes en el mercado antioqueño que utilizan el comercio electrónico como una fuente de ingresos.
La influencia del consumo simbólico en la intensidad de uso de las redes sociales digitales y el valor percibido de las experiencias
Authors: Luna Gonzalo
Published: April 2017

Esta investigación analiza cómo el consumo simbólico (congruencia entre el objeto consumido y la identidad del consumidor) se extiende en la actualidad hasta el consumo de experiencias. Como muestran los resultados, cuando un consumidor observa que una experiencia refuerza su identidad, este percibe mayor valor de dicha experiencia, lo que aumenta su satisfacción y su intención de recompra. También se desprende de los resultados que, a la hora de materializar la experiencia de cara al exterior, los consumidores hacen uso de una herramienta fundamental: las redes sociales digitales. Así, los resultados de la investigación muestran que los consumidores utilizan más las redes sociales cuando realizan consumo de experiencias congruentes con su identidad, y ello aumenta aún más el valor de la experiencia. Finalmente, y como parte de las conclusiones, se incluyen unas directrices a nivel gerencial que se basan en los resultados de la investigación.