bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Character Education In Psycholinguistics In Arabic Language Learning For Children/ Pendidikan Karakter Pada Psikolinguistik Dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Untuk Anak
Authors: Fauzi Layyina Khoirun Nisa , Nurjannah Nurjannah
Published: August 2024

Psycholinguistics studies the psychological factors discussed, namely character education related to the psychology of students. This study aims to describe character education in Psycholinguistics, factors that influence the implementation of the character approach, psycholinguistics in Arabic language learning communication interactions, and Arabic language communication learning media for children. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through literature reviews using library research techniques, namely by understanding and reviewing theories presented in various works relevant to the study. Research results: Character education in Psycholinguistics is considered necessary for school students. Psycholinguistics and character education go hand in hand because character education facilitates the application of students' psycholinguistic concepts in real-world situations. Factors that influence the implementation of the character approach are divided into two: internal factors, such as environmental elements at school, and external factors, such as elements that support and help children understand lessons about character education. Therefore, it is known that internal and external factors of the school influence how the character approach is applied in the classroom. Psycholinguistics in Arabic language learning communication interaction Psycholinguistics carefully considers the language processes that occur in the brain during language production by the speaker and during language perception by the listener, such as maharah Istima (listening skills) including determination and communication, maharah kalam (communicative skills) including social and democratic concerns, maharah qiro'ah (reading skills) including curiosity and a love of reading, and maharah kitabah (writing skills) including independence and recognition of achievement. Arabic language communication learning media for children include visual media (bashariyah/visual) for example overhead projectors (OHP), slides, film strips, silent films, and loop films, and audio or listening media (sam'iyah) for example language laboratories, tape recorders, and radios.
Pengaruh Kemudahan Transaksi Dan Diskon Terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan Serta Dampaknya Pada Kepuasan Pelanggan Pengguna Dana
Authors: Arfah Yenni , Cindranata Yusen
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine the effect of ease of transactions and discounts on customer loyalty and its impact on customer satisfaction with Dana users. This research was conducted on Dana users at the Kanaya Mobile & Brilink Store located in Sei Rampah, Serdang Bedagai. This type of research is quantitative descriptive research. The research sample consisted of 96 respondents with sampling techniques using techniques purposive sampling. Research data was obtained using a Google Form questionnaire. The data analysis method uses the path analysis method with the help of the SPSS Statistics 25 analysis program. The research results show that: 1). Ease of transactions has a significant effect on customer satisfaction. 2). Discounts do not have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. 3). Ease of transactions has a significant effect on customer loyalty. 4). Discounts have a significant effect on customer loyalty. 5). Customer satisfaction has a significant effect on customer loyalty. 6). Satisfaction customers have an impact on the ease of transactions on customer loyalty 7). Customer satisfaction does not have an impact on discounts on customer loyalty.
Analisis Kualitas Produk Dan Kemasan Pada Keputusan Pembelian Roti Aroma Dengan Minat Beli Sebagai Variabel Intervening
Authors: Nasution Ibnu Fajar , Purba Rakhmawati
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of product quality and packaging on purchasing decisions with purchase intention as an intervening variable for consumers at Aroma Bakery Jl. Thamrin Tebing Tinggi City. The research method used is a quantitative method using SPSS version 25.00. The data collected from the results of distributing questionnaires to consumers of Aroma Bakery Shops in Tebing Tinggi City were 96 respondents. The analytical method used in this study is to use an instrument test, namely the validity and reliability test. The classical assumption test is normality test, multicolonearity test, heteroscedasticity test, multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination (R2) analysis, hypothesis testing, namely T test and path analysis. The results of SPSS in this study are the product quality  affects the buying interest, the packaging affects the buying interest, the product quality affects the purchasing decision, The packaging has effect no significan on purchasing decisions, the buying interest has effect no significan on purchasing decisions and path analysis shows buying interest cannot mediate the relationship between product quality and purchasing decisions, and buying interest  can mediate the relationship of packaging to purchasing decisions.
Pengaruh Motivasi Hedonik terhadap Impulsive Buying dan Compulsive Buying
Authors: Timbul Markahasa
Published: August 2024

The transformation in consumer purchasing patterns and the corresponding factors is a pertinent issue and a captivating subject for further examination by marketers and scholars in contemporary times. Within this context, the impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors among young individuals in Tebing Tinggi who utilize halal cosmetics have become the focal point of this research endeavor. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the potential impact of hedonic motivation on impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies. The methodology adopted involves the utilization of accidental sampling technique encompassing a total of 200 participants. The data analysis procedure employed is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate a positive and noteworthy correlation between hedonic motivation and impulsive buying behavior. Moreover, there exists a constructive and significant association between impulsive buying and compulsive purchasing patterns. Conversely, hedonic motivation does not exhibit any influence on compulsive buying behavior.
Uso de biomarcadores no diagnóstico precoce de doenças cardiovasculares
Authors: Samuel Estrela Dantas Francisco , Pereira da Silva Camila , Coelho Ferreira Eduardo , da Silva Carnauba Felipe , da Silva Rocha Joselita , Henrique Santos Pereira Wander , de Oliveira Campos Cristiane
Published: August 2024

As Doenças Cardiovasculares (DCV) englobam uma variedade de patologias e síndromes com causas e sintomas diversos, resultantes da interação entre fatores ambientais e a predisposição genética. Assim, esses biomarcadores podem auxiliar tanto no diagnóstico precoce quanto no prognóstico do paciente, permitindo intervenções médicas que aumentam a sobrevida. A metodologia utilizada nesta pesquisa foi uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Para investigar a problemática proposta e integrar, avaliar e sintetizar os resultados de estudos relevantes, foram aplicadas técnicas padronizadas de análise e replicação de pesquisas semelhantes. este estudo demonstra que a integração de diferentes biomarcadores pode melhorar a acurácia diagnóstica e auxiliar na estratificação de risco, proporcionando uma base sólida para intervenções terapêuticas mais eficazes. a revisão indica que, embora existam desafios na padronização e interpretação dos resultados, o uso estratégico e a combinação de diversos biomarcadores representam um avanço significativo na prática clínica, reforçando a importância contínua da pesquisa e desenvolvimento nesse campo.
Leibniz's Influence on the Evolution of Fractional Calculus: Bridging Classical and Modern Perspectives.
Authors:   Research Fellow, Department of Mathematics, Seacom Skills University, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, India,, Siraj Halim Al
Published: August 2024

The development of calculus marks one of the most pivotal milestones in the history of mathematics, with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) being a key figure in its early advancement. This paper examines Leibniz's role in the development of fractional calculus, a field of mathematical analysis that extends the traditional concepts of differentiation and integration to non-integer orders. Although Leibniz did not fully develop fractional calculus, his ideas and notations laid an essential foundation for its future growth. This study delves into Leibniz's impact on fractional calculus, connecting classical insights with modern developments, and underscores how his vision continues to influence contemporary research in this field.
The Impact of Postural and Anthropometric Properties of Foot and Ankle on Physical Performance and Ambulation of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Aydin-Yağcioğlu Güllü , Bulut Numan , Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz İpek , Yilmaz Öznur
Published: August 2024

Background: Abnormal foot anthropometry and posture of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) can be considered as possible risk factors for performance and ambulation. It was aimed to examine the effects of foot posture and anthropometric characteristics, which deteriorated from the early period, on ambulation and performance of patients with DMD.

Methods: The foot arch height (FAH), the metatarsal width (MW), subtalar pronation angle, and ankle limitation degree (ALD) were evaluated to determine the foot anthropometric characteristics of the patients. Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) was used to evaluate foot posture. The performance of the patients was determined by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and ascend/descend a standard 4-step test, and the ambulation was determined by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationship between foot anthropometric characteristics and posture, and performance and ambulation.

Results: The sample consisted of 48 patients with DMD aged 5.5 to 12 years. Both of the right and left foot FPI-6 scores were associated with all parameters, except descending 4-step. The left FAH was associated with 6MWT and NSAA, and the left MW was associated with 6MWT. The ALD of right foot was associated with 6MWT, ascending/descending 4 steps, and NSAA, and left ankle limitation was associated with NSAA (p<0.05). There was no relationship between other parameters.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that postural disorders in the foot and ankle may contribute to the decrease in performance and ambulation in patients with DMD.
Theory of Biomechanical Evolution of the Rheumatoid Foot: A Narrative Review
Authors: Di Stasio Gaetano , Vergés-Salas Carles , de Planell-Mas Elena
Published: August 2024

Background: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the pathological progression of lower limb biomechanics is established. Although specific aspects of RA gait patterns have been studied and described, we are aware of no studies of gait pattern compensations over the entire disease course. This study aimed to describe a model that could predict the evolution of lower limb pathomechanics in patients with RA.

Methods: A literature review was conducted of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PEDro, Trip Database, DOAJ, BioMed Central, PLOS clinical trial, ScienceDirect, and CRD York University, AHRQ, NICE, Cochrane Library) to October 3, 2023.

Results: A theory was developed that all people with RA induce or augment gait evolution syndromes following the same biomechanical course. Specifically, we postulate the “rheumatoid equinus syndrome,” the “rheumatoid abnormal pronation syndrome” and the “rheumatoid shuffle syndrome,” which have never been described before.

Conclusions: A new model of the evolution of gait compensation in RA is proposed. An important challenge of RA is that it increases the risk of ulcerative lesions, falls, pain, fractures, and healthcare costs. The proposed model can be used to reduce morbidity in this patient group by helping to explain and reduce the pain, deformity, and ankylosis of foot RA.
ENSO and the California Current coastal upwelling response
Authors: Jacox Michael G. , Fiechter Jerome , Moore Andrew M. , Edwards Christopher A.
Published: February 2015

A 31 year (1980–2010) sequence of historical analyses of the California Current System (CCS) is used to describe the central CCS (35–43˚N) coastal upwelling response to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. The analysis period captures 10 El Niño and 10 La Niña events, including the extreme El Niños of 1982–1983 and 1997–1998. Data‐assimilative model runs and backward trajectory calculations of passive tracers are used to elucidate physical conditions and source water characteristics during the upwelling season of each year. In general, El Niño events produce anomalously weak upwelling and source waters that are unusually shallow, warm, and fresh, while La Niña conditions produce the opposite. Maximum vertical transport anomalies in the CCS occur ∼1 month after El Niño peaks in midwinter, and before the onset of the upwelling season. Source density anomalies peak later than transport anomalies and persist more strongly through the spring and summer, causing the former to impact the upwelling season more directly. As nitrate concentration covaries with density in the central CCS, El Niño may exert more influence over the nitrate concentration of upwelled waters than it does over vertical transport, although both factors are expected to reduce nitrate supply during El Niño events. Interannual comparison of individual diagnostics highlights their relative impacts during different ENSO events, as well as years deviating from the canonical response to ENSO variability. The net impact of ENSO on upwelling is explored through an “Upwelling Efficacy Index”, which may be a useful indicator of bottom‐up control on primary productivity.
Adaptive, multiobjective optimal sequencing approach for urban water supply augmentation under deep uncertainty
Authors: Beh Eva H. Y. , Maier Holger R. , Dandy Graeme C.
Published: February 2015

Optimal long‐term sequencing and scheduling play an important role in many water resources problems. The optimal sequencing of urban water supply augmentation options is one example of this. In this paper, an adaptive, multiobjective optimal sequencing approach for urban water supply augmentation under deep uncertainty is introduced. As part of the approach, optimal long‐term sequence plans are updated at regular intervals and trade‐offs between the robustness and flexibility of the solutions that have to be fixed at the current time and objectives over the entire planning horizon are considered when selecting the most appropriate course of action. The approach is demonstrated for the sequencing of urban water supply augmentation options for the southern Adelaide water supply system for two assumed future realities. The results demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach, as it is able to identify optimal sequences that perform better than those obtained using static approaches.
Two‐Photon Nanolithography Enhances the Performance of an Ionic Liquid–Polymer Composite Sensor
Authors: Bakhtina Natalia A. , Loeffelmann Ute , MacKinnon Neil , Korvink Jan G.
Published: February 2015

Continuous development of fabrication technologies, such as two‐photon polymerization (2PP), allows the exact reconstruction of specific volume shapes at micro‐ and nanometer precision. Advancements in the engineering of new materials, such as ionic liquids (ILs), are bringing superior advantages in terms of material characteristics, facilitating a combination of optical and electrical properties, as well as lithographic capabilities. In this paper, 2PP is utilized for structuring of a novel IL–polymer composite in a single‐step manufacturing process with high resolution, down to 200 nm, and high aspect ratio, up to 1:20. The composition, based on a photosensitive photoresist (e.g., IP‐L 780 or SU‐8) and the IL 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide, possesses a good ionic conductivity (in the range of 1–10 mS cm−1) over a wide frequency bandwidth (1 kHz–1 MHz), an electrochemical window of 2.7 V, and a good optical transparency (transmission value of 90% for a 170 μm thick film). The fabricated structures are characterized and the phenomenon of enhanced conductivity (up to 4 S cm−1) is explained. Two potential applications, including temperature and relative humidity sensing, are demonstrated as examples. The results suggest a new advanced approach for material structuring that can be regarded as highly most promising for a wide range of applications.
Nanostructured Architectures by Assembling Polysaccharide‐Coated BSA Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application
Authors: Wang Zhenming , Wang Kefeng , Lu Xiong , Li Chen , Han Lu , Xie Chaoming , Liu Yaling , Qu Shuxin , Zhen Guanming
Published: February 2015

Nanostructured architectures are produced on Ti surfaces by layer‐by layer (LbL) self‐assembling of polysaccharide‐coated BSA nanoparticles (BNPs), which created cellular microenvironments mimicking natural extracellular matrix. The BMP‐2 encapsulated BNPs are prepared by a desolvation method, and are further coated by chitosan (CHI) coatings to obtain positively charged NPs (CBNPs). Vancomycin (Van) encapsulated CBNPs are obtained by the same method and subsequently coated by oxidized alginate (OALG) to obtain negatively charged NPs (OCBNPs). The CBNPs and OCBNPs are assembled on Ti surfaces to construct nanostructured coatings via electrostatic and covalent interactions. The nanostructured architectures realize the sustained release of BMP‐2 and Van for a long term. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) culture tests confirm that the bare nanostructured architectures intrinsically facilitate attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of cells, which is attributed to the nanoscale porous structures that are similar to the size of cellular filopodia. Incorporating BMP‐2 into the nanostructured architectures significantly enhances osteogenetic differentiation of BMSCs, which reveals the synergistic effects of nanostructures and growth factors on cell activity. The antibacterial tests indicate that controlled release of Van has good antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus epidermidis, while not affecting the normal biological activity of BMSCs.
Magnetically Targeted Nanocapsules for PAA‐Cisplatin‐Conjugated Cores in PVA/SPIO Shells via Surfactant‐Free Emulsion for Reduced Nephrotoxicity and Enhanced Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chiang Chih‐Sheng , Tseng Yi‐Hsuan , Liao Bang‐Jie , Chen San Yuan
Published: February 2015

Cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin, CDDP) is one of the most potent chemotherapy agents, but its side effects toward normal tissues, particularly toxicity in the kidney and nonspecific biodistribution, limit its ability to have significant clinical activity against a variety of solid tumors. A magnetic CDDP‐encapsulated nanocapsule (CDDP‐PAA‐NC) with CDDP‐polyacrylic acid (PAA) core in amphiphilic polyvinyl alcohol/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles shell is synthesized through a double emulsion to provide both high loading efficiency and controlled drug release. The CDDP‐PAA‐NCs significantly increase the blood circulation time of CDDP in vivo, with nearly 100‐fold higher concentration, and drastically reduce side effects, including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, compared with the delivery of free CDDP. Furthermore, with a magnetic targeting effect, the CDDP‐PAA‐NCs show ninefold higher level accumulation in tumor tissue than the free CDDP treatment when administered at the equivalent dose, and mice treated with the CDDP‐PAA‐NCs display approximately 3.5‐fold lower tumor volume than those of the control group on day 24. This result demonstrates that the magnetic CDDP‐PAA‐NCs, which are synthesized using a facile emulsion process, can significantly reduce toxicity and exhibit anticancer activity in A549‐tumor bearing mice with negligible side effects.
Throwing New Light on the Reduction of CO2
Authors: Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: February 2015

While the chemical energy in fossil fuels has enabled the rapid rise of modern civilization, their utilization and accompanying anthropogenic CO2 emissions is occurring at a rate that is outpacing nature's carbon cycle. Its effect is now considered to be irreversible and this could lead to the demise of human society. This is a complex issue without a single solution, yet from the burgeoning global research activity and development in the field of CO2 capture and utilization, there is light at the end of the tunnel. In this article a couple of recent advances are illuminated. Attention is focused on the discovery of gas‐phase, light‐assisted heterogeneous catalytic materials and processes for CO2 photoreduction that operate at sufficiently high rates and conversion efficiencies, and under mild conditions, to open a new pathway for an energy transition from today's “fossil fuel economy” to a new and sustainable “CO2 economy”. Whichever of the competing CO2 capture and utilization approaches proves to be the best way forward for the development of a future CO2‐based solar fuels economy, hopefully this can occur in a period short enough to circumvent the predicted adverse consequences of greenhouse gas climate change.
Distannenkomplexe der Nickeltriade
Authors: Sindlinger Christian P. , Weiß Sebastian , Schubert Hartmut , Wesemann Lars
Published: February 2015

Bei der Umsetzung des Stannylen‐NHC‐Addukts Trip2Sn(NHC) (Trip=2,4,6‐Triisopropylphenyl) mit Komplexverbindungen von nullwertigen Elementen der Nickeltriade erhält man Komplexe mit dreigliedrigem Sn‐Sn‐M‐Ring unter Übertragung des Carbens auf das Metall. Die Eignung der Stannylen‐Carben‐Addukte als leicht zugängliche Vorstufen für Übergangsmetallkomplexe mit unerwarteter Zinn‐Zinn‐Bindung wird illustriert. Die erhaltenen Komplexverbindungen wurden mit Einkristall‐Röntgenbeugung, NMR‐Spektroskopie und DFT‐Rechnungen untersucht. Die Verbindungen mit dem Strukturmotiv eines aus einem [(NHC)2M0]‐Fragments und dem Distannen Sn2Trip4 zusammengesetzten Distannametallarings sind seltene Beispiele für höhere Gruppe‐14‐Homologe der bekannten Olefinkomplexe. DFT‐Rechnungen sprechen für das Vorliegen einer π‐artigen Sn‐Sn‐Wechselwirkung in diesen ersten Beispielen für acyclische, symmetrisch an ein nullwertiges Übergangsmetall koordinierenden Distannenen.
Growth Mechanism of Graphene on Graphene Films Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kang Cheong , Jung Da Hee , Lee Jin Seok
Published: February 2015

We report an approach for the synthesis of mono‐ or bilayer graphene films by atmospheric‐pressure chemical vapor deposition that can achieve a low defect density through control over the growth time. Different heating ramp rates were found to lead to variation in the smoothness and grain size of the Cu foil substrate, which directly influenced the density of the graphene domains. The rough Cu surface induced by rapid heating creates a high density of graphene domains in the initial stage, ultimately resulting in a graphene film with a high defect density due to an increased overlap between domains. Conversely, a slow heating rate resulted in a smooth and flat Cu surface, thereby lowering the density of the initial graphene domains and ensuring a uniform monolayer film. From this, we demonstrate that the growth mechanism of graphene on existing graphene films is dependent on the density of the initial graphene domains, which is affected by the heating ramp rate.
The optimization of fermentation conditions and enzyme properties of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia for protease production
Authors: Wang Zaigui , Sun Linghong , Cheng Jia , Liu Chaoliang , Tang Xiangfang , Zhang Hongfu , Liu Ying
Published: February 2015

Intestinal bacteria play a significant physiological role in silkworms. Proteases secreted by intestinal microbes can promote the digestion of the nutrient by Bombyx mori and the absorption of mulberry leaves. Intestinal bacteria from Jingsong × Haoyue in the fourth larvae were isolated and purified to obtain high activity protease‐producing bacteria. The morphology of the identified bacterial colony was examined by microscopy combined with the 16S rDNA method. The results showed that this bacterium was Gram negative and that it belonged to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, which produces the proteases. To improve the utilization rate of these proteases, we studied the proper culture conditions for producing proteases, and we further studied the properties of the proteases that were produced. The results showed that the optimal enzyme‐producing conditions were as follows: pH of 7.0, culture temperature of 35 °C, incubation time of 36 H, and outfit fluid amount of 60 mL per 100 mL. Meanwhile, the properties of the preliminary enzyme purification indicated that the best pH of the enzymes was 9.0 and the optimal reaction temperature was 50 °C. The enzymes are alkaline proteases that show satisfactory stability at 30 °C and pH 9.0. Consequently, it is suitable for the proteases secreted by S. maltophilia to play a bioactive role in the silkworm gut.
Eine thermisch aktiv gedämmte, monolithische Außenwand aus Infraleichtbeton als nachhaltiges, zukunftsfähiges Wandsystem?
Authors: Vogdt Frank Ulrich , Helbach Markus
Published: February 2015

Es wurde eine monolithische, beidseitig oberflächenfertige Außenwand aus Infraleichtbeton untersucht, die vor dem Hintergrund der stetig steigenden Anforderungen an den Wärmeschutz mittels im Bauteil integrierten Kapillarrohrmatten zusätzlich thermisch aktiv gedämmt werden sollte. Der Anspruch an eine sowohl architektonisch dauerhaft‐hochwertige als auch nachhaltige Lösung führte zu einem ganzheitlichen Betrachtungsansatz, der neben der grundsätzlichen Bewertung einer thermischen Außenwandaktivierung zur Reduzierung des Wärmestromes aus dem Innenraum weitere Aspekte berücksichtigte. Im Einzelnen sind dies die ökologische Bewertung und Optimierung von Infraleichtbeton unter Berücksichtigung der dem Baustoff eigenen gleichermaßen konstruktiven wie thermischen Eigenschaften, das Verhalten des Bauteils gegenüber Feuchtigkeit – mit unmittelbarem Einfluss auf seine Dauerhaftigkeit, Standsicherheit und thermische Performance – sowie die sich aus der thermischen Aktivierung ergebenden Fragestellungen nach der Energienutzung. Das aus diesen Aspekten resultierende Anforderungsprofil soll zur Entwicklung eines modular anpassungsfähigen Wandsystems in Betonfertigteil‐Bauweise für den städtischen Wohnungsbau führen und als mögliche Basis für weitergehende, zwingend erforderliche Untersuchungen dienen.

Der auf einer Masterthesis basierende Artikel berichtet über die Ergebnisse und ergänzt diese zum Teil um weitere Aspekte.

A monolithic external wall made of Infra‐Lightweight Concrete, with thermally active insulation as a sustainable system? Investigations were conducted into a monolithic external wall made of Infra‐Lightweight Concrete, with a ready‐to‐use surface on either side. Due to the constantly increasing thermal insulation requirements, the wall was to have active insulation added in the form of capillary tube matting inside the component. The demands for lasting architectural quality and a sustainable solution prompted a holistic approach. Among the general analysis of the thermal outer component activation – used to reduce the heat loss of the building – further consideration was given in particular to: the environmental assessment and optimisation of Infra‐Lightweight Concrete including the material's inherent heat insulating and load bearing properties; the component's behaviour in relation to moisture – which directly impacts on its durability, stability and thermal performance; and the questions concerning the energy usage related to the thermal activation. By following the resulting profile of requirements a modular adaptable precast concrete system for urban residential architecture is to be developed, also as a possible basis for further investigations – which are certainly required.

The article, which bases on a master thesis, reports on the main results, with additional material on some aspects.
Wärmedämmverbundsysteme und Außendämmungen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen in der Altbausanierung
Authors: Rabold Andreas , Hessinger Joachim , Bacher Stefan
Published: February 2015

Der Wärmeschutz der äußeren Gebäudehülle ist wegen der zukünftig erforderlichen Energieeinsparungen stark in der öffentlichen Diskussion präsent und wird vom Gesetzgeber über Novellierungen der Energieeinsparverordnung flankiert. Ein großes Potenzial hinsichtlich der Energieeinsparung steckt dabei in der Sanierung von Altbauten. Hier wird zur Verbesserung des Wärmeschutzes oftmals mit Wärmedämmverbundsystemen (WDVS) oder vorgehängten gedämmten Fassadenverkleidungen gearbeitet. Durch Aufbringen dieser Dämmsysteme wird auch die Schalldämmung der Außenwand beeinflusst. In einem im Rahmen der Forschungsinitiative Zukunft Bau geförderten und beim ift Rosenheim durchgeführten Forschungsvorhaben [1] wurden Untersuchungen der Schalldämmung speziell an Dämmsystemen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen auf schweren, mittelschweren und leichten Massivwänden durchgeführt (Bild 1). Die akustische Wirksamkeit dieser Dämmsysteme wurde analysiert und mit Prognosemodellen verglichen. Ergebnisse aus diesem Forschungsprojekt werden in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt.
Monitoring von Brückenbauwerken als Werkzeug der Bauüberwachung
Authors: Marx Steffen , Krontal Ludolf , Tamms Kai
Published: February 2015

Die messtechnische Dauerüberwachung von Bauwerken (Monitoring) wird in immer stärkerem Maße zur Beobachtung und Bewertung bestehender oder neu errichteter Ingenieurbauwerke angewendet. Die gewonnenen Messwerte werden zum Beispiel zur Überprüfung der Rechenannahmen oder für die Beurteilung des Langzeitverhaltens genutzt. Ein anderes Anwendungsfeld stellt dagegen die sicherheitsrelevante Überwachung kritischer Bauzustände mithilfe eines Monitoringsystems dar, welches mit automatisierten Warn‐ und Alarmmeldungen ausgestattet ist. Ein solches System wurde beim Neubau der Tiefgründungen und Dämme der Eisenbahnbrücken über die Aller und die Wätern eingesetzt, um rechtzeitig kritische Veränderungen der unter Eisenbahnverkehr stehenden Brückenbauwerke detektieren zu können. Das Monitoringsystem war als Kompensationsmaßnahme für das bauzeitlich reduzierte Sicherheitsniveau der stark geschädigten Bestandsbrücken vorgesehen. Im Zusammenspiel zwischen dem Anlagenverantwortlichen, der Bauüberwachung und dem Bauwerksgutachter hat sich das Monitoring als leistungsfähiges Werkzeug zur Gewährleistung eines sicheren Eisenbahnbetriebs erwiesen.

Monitoring of bridge structures as a tool of construction supervision

Structural health monitoring is applied increasingly to supervise and evaluate existing or new structures. The measured values are used for example to verify the computational assumptions, or for assessing the long‐term behavior. In contrast, a different field of application is the safety monitoring of critical construction phases using a monitoring system, which is equipped with automated warning and alarm messages. Such a system was used during the construction of deep foundations and embankments of railway bridges over the river Aller and the creek Wätern. The aim of the system was to timely detect critical changes under railway and construction loads. The monitoring system was planned as a compensatory measure for the reduced level of safety during the replacement of the damaged bridges. Within the interaction between bridge owner, construction supervisor and monitoring expert, the monitoring has proven to be a powerful tool to ensure a safe railway operation even under structural works.
Measures of single arm outcome in meta‐analyses of rare events in the presence of competing risks
Authors: Andreano Anita , Rebora Paola , Valsecchi Maria Grazia
Published: February 2015

When performing single arm meta‐analyses of rare events in small populations, if the outcome of interest is incidence, it is not uncommon to have at least one study with zero events, especially in the presence of competing risks. In this paper, we address the problem of how to include studies with zero events in inverse variance meta‐analyses when individual patient data are not available, going beyond the naïve approach of not including the study or the use of a continuity correction. The proposed solution is the arcsine transformation of the crude cumulative incidence as its approximate variance, which is inversely proportional to the sample size, can be calculated also for studies with a zero estimate. As an alternative, generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) can be used. Simulations were performed to compare the results from inverse variance method meta‐analyses of the arcsine transformed cumulative incidence to those obtained from meta‐analyses of the cumulative incidence itself and of the logit transformation of the cumulative incidence. The comparisons have been carried out for different scenarios of heterogeneity, incidence, and censoring and for competing and not competing risks. The arcsine transformation showed the smallest bias and the highest coverage among models assuming within study normality. At the same time, the GLMM model had the best performance at very low incidences. The proposed method was applied to the clinical context that motivated this work, i.e. a meta‐analysis of 5‐year crude cumulative incidence of central nervous system recurrences in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
In vivo biotinylation and incorporation of a photo‐inducible unnatural amino acid to an antibody‐binding domain improve site‐specific labeling of antibodies
Authors: Kanje Sara , Hober Sophia
Published: February 2015

Antibodies are important molecules in many research fields, where they play a key role in various assays. Antibody labeling is therefore of great importance. Currently, most labeling techniques take advantage of certain amino acid side chains that commonly appear throughout proteins. This makes it hard to control the position and exact degree of labeling of each antibody. Hence, labeling of the antibody may affect the antibody‐binding site. This paper presents a novel protein domain based on the IgG‐binding domain C2 of streptococcal protein G, containing the unnatural amino acid BPA, that can cross‐link other molecules. This novel domain can, with improved efficiency compared to previously reported similar domains, site‐specifically cross‐link to IgG at the Fc region. An efficient method for simultaneous in vivo incorporation of BPA and specific biotinylation in a flask cultivation of Escherichia coli is described. In comparison to a traditionally labeled antibody sample, the C2‐labeled counterpart proved to have a higher proportion of functional antibodies when immobilized on a solid surface and the same limit of detection in an ELISA. This method of labeling is, due to its efficiency and simplicity, of high interest for all antibody‐based assays where it is important that labeling does not interfere with the antibody‐binding site.
Cysteines in the neuropilin‐2 MAM domain modulate receptor homooligomerization and signal transduction
Authors: Barton Rachael , Driscoll Alyssa , Flores Samuel , Mudbhari Durlav , Collins Theresa , Iovine M. Kathryn , Berger Bryan W.
Published: February 2015

Neuropilins (NRPs) are transmembrane receptors involved in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and neuronal development as well as in cancer metastasis. Previous studies suggest that NRPs exist in heteromeric complexes with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and VEGF receptors as well as plexins and semaphorins. We determined via site‐directed mutagenesis and bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assays that a conserved cysteine (C711) in the Danio rerio NRP2a MAM (meprin, A‐5 protein, and protein tyrosine phosphatase μ) domain modulates NRP2a homomeric interactions. Mutation of this residue also disrupts semaphorin‐3F binding in NRP2a‐transfected COS‐7 cells and prevents the NRP2a overexpression effects in a zebrafish vascular model. Collectively, our results indicate the MAM domain plays an important role in defining the NRP2 homodimer structure, which is important for semaphorin‐dependent signal transduction via NRP2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 371–378, 2015.
4‐ketoproline: An electrophilic proline analog for bioconjugation
Authors: Choudhary Amit , Kamer Kimberli J. , Shoulders Matthew D. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: February 2015

Installing an electrophilic amino‐acid residue can engender a peptide or protein with chemoselective reactivity. Such a modification to collagen, which is the most abundant protein in animals, could facilitate the development of new biomaterials. Collagen has an abundance of proline‐like residues. Here, we report on the incorporation of an electrophilic proline congener, (2S)‐4‐ketoproline (Kep), into a collagen‐mimetic peptide (CMP). An ab initio conformational analysis of Kep revealed its potential to be accommodated within a collagen triple helix. A synthetic CMP containing a Kep residue was indeed able to form a stable triple helix. Moreover, the condensation of its carbonyl group with aminooxy‐biotin did not compromise the conformational stability of the triple helix. These data encourage the use of 4‐ketoproline as an electrophilic congener of proline. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 110–115, 2015.
Maintenance of HL‐1 cardiomyocyte functional activity in PEGylated fibrin gels
Authors: Geuss Laura R. , Allen Alicia C.B. , Ramamoorthy Divya , Suggs Laura J.
Published: February 2015

Successful cellular cardiomyoplasty is dependent on biocompatible materials that can retain the cells in the myocardium in order to promote host tissue repair following myocardial infarction. A variety of methods have been explored for incorporating a cell‐seeded matrix into the heart, the most popular options being direct application of an injectable system or surgical implantation of a patch. Fibrin‐based gels are suitable for either of these approaches, as they are biocompatible and have mechanical properties that can be tailored by adjusting the initial fibrinogen concentration. We have previously demonstrated that conjugating amine‐reactive homo‐bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the fibrinogen prior to crosslinking with thrombin can increase stability both in vivo and in vitro. Similarly, when mesenchymal stem cells are combined with PEGylated fibrin and injected into the myocardium, cell retention can be significantly increased and scar tissue reduced following myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that this gel system could similarly promote cardiomyocyte viability and function in vitro, and that optimizing the mechanical properties of the hydrogel would enhance contractility. In this study, we cultured HL‐1 cardiomyocytes either on top of plated PEGylated fibrin (2D) or embedded in 3D gels and evaluated cardiomyocyte function by assessing the expression of cardiomyocyte specific markers, sarcomeric α‐actin, and connexin 43, as well as contractile activity. We observed that the culture method can drastically affect the functional phenotype of HL‐1 cardiomyocytes, and we present data suggesting the potential use of PEGylated fibrin gel layers to prepare a sheet‐like construct for myocardial regeneration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1446–1456. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein deimmunization via structure‐based design enables efficient epitope deletion at high mutational loads
Authors: Salvat Regina S. , Choi Yoonjoo , Bishop Alexandra , Bailey‐Kellogg Chris , Griswold Karl E.
Published: February 2015

Anti‐drug immune responses are a unique risk factor for biotherapeutics, and undesired immunogenicity can alter pharmacokinetics, compromise drug efficacy, and in some cases even threaten patient safety. To fully capitalize on the promise of biotherapeutics, more efficient and generally applicable protein deimmunization tools are needed. Mutagenic deletion of a protein's T cell epitopes is one powerful strategy to engineer immunotolerance, but deimmunizing mutations must maintain protein structure and function. Here, EpiSweep, a structure‐based protein design and deimmunization algorithm, has been used to produce a panel of seven beta‐lactamase drug candidates having 27–47% reductions in predicted epitope content. Despite bearing eight mutations each, all seven engineered enzymes maintained good stability and activity. At the same time, the variants exhibited dramatically reduced interaction with human class II major histocompatibility complex proteins, key regulators of anti‐drug immune responses. When compared to 8‐mutation designs generated with a sequence‐based deimmunization algorithm, the structure‐based designs retained greater thermostability and possessed fewer high affinity epitopes, the dominant drivers of anti‐biotherapeutic immune responses. These experimental results validate the first structure‐based deimmunization algorithm capable of mapping optimal biotherapeutic design space. By designing optimal mutations that reduce immunogenic potential while imparting favorable intramolecular interactions, broadly distributed epitopes may be simultaneously targeted using high mutational loads. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1306–1318. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of tumor ALK status in neuroblastoma patients using peripheral blood
Authors: Combaret Valérie , Iacono Isabelle , Bellini Angela , Bréjon Stéphanie , Bernard Virginie , Marabelle Aurélien , Coze Carole , Pierron Gaelle , Lapouble Eve , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Blay Jean Yves
Published: February 2015

New protocols based on ALK‐targeted therapy by crizotinib or other ALK‐targeting molecules have opened for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma (NB) if their tumors showed mutation and/or amplification of the ALK gene. However, tumor samples are not always available for analysis of ALK mutational status in particular at relapse. Here, we evaluated the ALK mutational status of NB samples by analysis of circulating DNA, using the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) system. ddPCR assays was developed for the detection of ALK mutations at F1174 and R1275 hotspots found in NB tumors and was applied for the analysis of circulating DNA obtained from 200 μL of serum or plasma samples collected from 114 patients with NB. The mutations F1174L (exon 23 position 3520, T>C and position 3522, C>A) and the mutation R1275Q (exon 25 position 3824, G>A) were detected in circulating DNA. The sensitivity of our test was 100%, 85%, and 92%, respectively, and the specificity was 100%, 91%, and 98%, respectively. In conclusion, the assay that we have developed offers a reliable, noninvasive blood test to assess ALK mutational status at F1174 and R1275 hotspots and should help clinicians to identify patients showing an ALK mutation in particular when no tumor tissue is available.
Effect of the Mg/Al Atomic Ratio of Ni‐Mg‐Al Catalysts for the Hydrodealkylation of 1,2,4‐Trimethylbenzene
Authors: Gao Shuang , Zhai Shubo , Yan Jianbiao , Wang Zhenlu , Wang Liyan
Published: February 2015

The hydrodealkylation of 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene (1,2,4‐TMB) to benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) was investigated on Ni‐Mg‐Al catalysts prepared by the coprecipitation method. The catalytic performances of these catalysts were considerably influenced by the Mg content of the catalyst. The catalysts were characterized via X‐ray diffraction, H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction, NH3‐temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), CO2‐TPD, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the appropriate amount of Mg species significantly affected the structural properties and caused the Ni nanoparticles to become highly dispersed. The higher activity of the catalysts might be ascribed to the homogenous distribution of the Ni nanoparticles, and the synergetic effects between Ni0, NiAl2O4 and MgAl2O4 were the key factor for obtaining the BTX.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Glassy Carbon Provides Similar Electrochemical Response as Graphene Oxide Prepared by Tour or Hummers Routes
Authors: Santhiago Murilo , Maroneze Camila M. , Silva Cecília C. C. , Camargo Maiuí N. L. , Kubota Lauro T.
Published: February 2015

This work presents an in situ route to electrochemically prepare an oxidized carbon surface from glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs), which generates a material with a similar electrochemical response as graphene oxide. The proposed in situ route is fast, simple, environmentally friendly and consists in applying a potential of +1.8 V vs. SCE to a GCE. The oxidized electrode surface (GCEOS) and its subsequent electrochemical reduction (GCEERS) can be accomplished easily and efficiently by electrochemical techniques. GCEOS and GCEERS were characterized by electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, revealing the in situ origin of the material and confirming its chemical similarity to the graphene oxide prepared by the Hummers and Tour methods. The presence of a 2D atomically thick material was not observed, which strongly indicates that the electrochemical response of graphene oxide resides only in the oxygenated functional groups. The remaining oxygenated groups in GCEERS show a drastic cathodic shift of potential (542 mV) for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) electrooxidation.
Hot‐Hole Extraction from Quantum Dot to Molecular Adsorbate
Authors: Singhal Pallavi , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: February 2015

Ultrafast thermalized and hot‐hole‐transfer processes have been investigated in CdSe quantum dot (QD)/catechol composite systems in which hole transfer from photoexcited QDs to the catechols is thermodynamically favorable. A series of catechol derivatives were selected with different electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups, and the effect of these groups on hole transfer and charge recombination (CR) dynamics has been investigated. The hole‐transfer time was determined using the fluorescence upconversion technique and found to be 2–10 ps depending on the molecular structure of the catechol derivatives. The hot‐hole‐transfer process was followed after monitoring 2S luminescence of CdSe QDs. Interestingly, hot‐hole extraction was observed only in the CdSe/3‐methoxycatechol (3‐OCH3) composite system owing to the higher electron‐donating property of the 3‐methoxy group. To confirm the extraction of the hot hole and to monitor the CR reaction in CdSe QD/catechol composite systems, ultrafast transient absorption studies have been carried out. Ultrafast transient‐absorption studies show that the bleach recovery kinetics of CdSe QD at the 2S excitonic position is much faster in the presence of 3‐OCH3. This faster bleach recovery at the 2S position in CdSe/3‐OCH3 suggests hot‐hole transfer from CdSe QD to 3‐OCH3. CR dynamics in CdSe QD/catechol composite systems was followed by monitoring the excitonic bleach at the 1S position and was found to decrease with free energy of the CR reaction.
Adsorption of toluene into commercial organoclay in liquid phase: Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics
Authors: Stofela Sara K. F. , de Almeida Neto Ambrósio F. , Gimenes Marcelino L. , Vieira Melissa G. A.
Published: February 2015

Organoclays are usually used as sorbents to reduce the spread of organic compounds and to remove them at contaminated sites. This study investigated the liquid‐phase adsorption of toluene on organoclay (Spectrogel® Type C) of Brazilian company SpectroChem. In spite of not having a large amount of pores, this organoclay is a low‐cost, effective adsorbent. Regarding the pH investigations, considerable effects of pH on the adsorption process were not observed. In the kinetics studies, it was observed that the process comes into equilibrium after 1 h with rates of about 90 % toluene removal. The experimental kinetic data were best fitted by a mass transfer in external film model. For the equilibrium study, the best fit was by the MSAM model at 288.15 K, the Dubinin‐Radushkevitch model at 298.15 K, and the Sips model at 308.15 K. Further, the thermodynamic parameters showed that toluene adsorption on organoclay Spectrogel‐C is an endothermic process. For tests of regeneration, ethanol was the eluent, which proved more promising.