bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected physiological requirements of Purple non-sulfur bacteria isolated from Los Baños, Laguna for potential biohydrogen production
Authors: Barcelo Leo Agustin , Lantican Nacita , Ventura Ruby Lynn , Ventura Jey-R
Published: June 2024

Biohydrogen is gaining traction in energy research due to its high energy content and minimal carbon footprint. A typical method of producing biohydrogen is photofermentation using purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB). Exploring novel strains of PNSB and studying their versatile metabolism can aid in bioprospecting their potentially valuable by-products and applications, particularly in energy generation. This study investigated the physiological requirements of top biohydrogen-producing PNSB isolated from various Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines sites by measuring their biogas production and growth when subjected to different incubation conditions and macronutrient requirements. Results showed that the three local isolates grown anaerobically in mesophilic conditions without agitation preferred incandescent light. The high biogas yield and growth may be attributed to the light-harvesting pigments in PNSB, which are excited primarily by infrared and near-infrared wavelengths of incandescent light. Furthermore, the isolates can grow from various carbon sources, such as volatile fatty acids (malate, succinate, acetate, butyrate, and propionate) and sugars (glucose and starch). However, two of the isolates (MAY2 and PR2) did not produce biogas when supplied with acetate as a carbon source, which suggests a competing pathway that may have affected the photofermentation of the isolates. Also, the isolates prefer more complex organic sources such as yeast extract and peptone than inorganic sources such as ammonium and less complex organic sources such as urea. Finally, experiments on salt tolerance showed that 0.04% and 0.85% NaCl concentration favors biohydrogen production and growth, as exhibited by high biogas production, yield, and optical density. Results from this study can serve as a basis for future research on optimizing media composition and conditions for biohydrogen production from these isolates.
Comparative analysis of unidirectional and bidirectional electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) optimal configuration in an IEEE 37-bus feeder system using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Balmeo Jr Aurelio , Aguirre Jr Rodolfo , Castillo Ma. Danica , Maguindayao Edward Joseph , Manzano John Paul
Published: June 2024

Various power system problems and challenges may arise in the future due to the large scale of deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). Hence, the proper placement of EV charging stations (EVCS) effectively mitigates the impact of high EV loads connected to the grid. The research intends to explore and analyze differences between the regulation effectiveness of unidirectional and bidirectional charging technologies by utilizing different comparison evaluation indices. Moreover, considering their penetration level, this study tackles the impact analysis of EV and EVCS integration through time. Specifically, this paper aims to identify the optimal EVCS sites in an IEEE 37-bus test feeder system to minimize power loss brought by EV integration. Through MATLAB R2022b simulation and OpenDSS power flow analysis, the EVCS are optimally located near the supply bus. The findings show a direct relationship between the EV penetration level and system power loss. Due to the EV technology growth, there is an observed voltage profile degradation of up to 1.7094 p.u. The paper also highlights that although EV bidirectional charging technology (BCT) might reduce the load on the grid in the next few years of low penetration compared to unidirectional charging technology (UCT), it will give no significant difference due to the rapid increase of load connected during its high EV penetration.
Morphological and molecular diagnosis of the pine processionary moth in Marmara University Göztepe Campus
Authors: Yazıcı Semanur , Aydoğan İrem Sülüm , Dalkıran Berfin Ece , Codur Hilal , Başaran Tunahan Irmak , Gökalsın Barış , Sesal Cenk , Turan Yavuz
Published: June 2024

Pine processionary moth are known as oligophagous forest pests, usually found in cocoons on Pinus trees. While these moths are found in the south of Europe and the north of Africa worldwide, in Turkey they are found in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black Sea and Marmara regions. Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) and Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni (Tams) species have been observed in the coastal regions of Turkey. Identification of the species is an important step in the development of biological control strategies. The starting point of this study is the desire to control the pine processionary moth in Marmara University Göztepe Campus. However, since both of these species are found in Turkey, especially in the Marmara Region, the main aim of this study is to determine which species the pine processionary moth in the campus belong to. Morphological and molecular methods were used. As a result of the study, based on both morphology and molecular data, it was determined that the species found on the campus was Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni.
Suppression of inflammation by Baccharis punctulata and Baccharis trimera through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses
Authors: Burgos Christa , Alvarenga Nelson , Sotelo Pablo H. , Langjahr Patricia
Published: June 2024

Inflammatory processes, involving both innate and adaptive responses, are essential for controlling pathogens and maintaining homeostasis. However, excessive inflammation can cause chronic conditions including autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Alternative treatment options for inflammation are crucial, and exploring plants with anti-inflammatory properties holds significance. The genus Baccharis (Asteraceae family) is widespread across the Americas and is traditionally used to treat various disorders, including inflammatory diseases. Several biological activities of Baccharis species have been described; however, their immunomodulatory effects have not been widely evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the immunomodulatory activity of two Baccharis species, Baccharis punctulata, and Baccharis trimera, using an in vitro inflammation model involving monocytic cells and splenocytes to evaluate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Both B. punctulata and B. trimera reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mediators, including soluble CD14 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, they suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in splenocytes, demonstrating a dampened innate immune response. In addition, both species attenuated concanavalin A (ConA)-induced splenocyte proliferation, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect on the adaptive immune response. In summary, the extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, affecting both innate and adaptive immune responses, and underscoring their potential as treatments for inflammatory diseases and sources of anti-inflammatory molecules.
First-principles study on the structure and stability of (H2dabco)[K(ClO4)3] under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Li Qiao-Li , Li Shen-Shen , Xiao Ji-Jun , Chen Zhao-Xu ,   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China,   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
Published: June 2024

The crystal structure, molecular structure, electronic structure and mechanical properties of molecular perovskite high-energetic material (H2dabco)[K(ClO4)3] (DAP-2) under hydrostatic pressure ranging from 0 to 50 GPa are calculated and studied based on density functional theory. And the influences of pressure on its stability and impact sensitivity of DAP-2 are investigated. As the external pressure gradually increases, both the lattice parameters and the volume of DAP-2 crystal exhibit a monotonic decreasing trend. In the entire pressure range, the unit cell volume shrinks by up to 40.20%. By using the Birch Munnaghan equation of state to fit P-V relation, the bulk modulus B0 and its first-order derivative B0’ with respect to pressure are obtained to be 23.4 GPa and 4.9 GPa, respectively. The observations of the characteristic bond length and bond angle within the crystal indicate that the cage-like structure of organic cation H2dabco2+ undergoes distortion at 25 GPa. Further analysis of the average fractional coordinates of the center-of-mass and Euler angles for H2dabco2+ and KO12 polyhedron shows that within a pressure range from 0 to 50 GPa, both the average fractional coordinates of the center-of-mass and the Euler angles exhibit fluctuations at 25 GPa, but the overall amplitude of these fluctuations is very small. Based on this finding, it is speculated that the space group symmetry of the crystal may remain unchanged in the entire pressure range. In terms of electronic structure, with the increase of pressure, the band gap value increases rapidly and reaches a maximum value at about 20 GPa, followed by a slow decreasing trend. Based on the first-principles band gap criterion and the variation of the band gap under different pressures, it is demonstrated that below 20 GPa, the impact sensitivity of DAP-2 gradually decreases with pressure increasing; however, when the pressure exceeds 20 GPa, the impact sensitivity exhibits a slow increasing trend. In addition, the elastic constants Cij, Young’s modulus (E), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), and Cauchy pressure (C12 – C44) all increase with pressure rising, indicating that the rigidity and ductility of the crystal under pressure are significantly strengthened. According to the mechanical stability criterion, the crystal maintains the mechanical stability throughout the pressure range.
Novel Cyclic Homogeneous Oscillation Detection Method for High Accuracy and Specific Characterization of Neural Dynamics
Authors: Cho Hohyun , Adamek Markus , Willie Jon T. , Brunner Peter
Published: June 2024

Detecting temporal and spectral features of neural oscillations is essential to understanding dynamic brain function. Traditionally, the presence and frequency of neural oscillations are determined by identifying peaks over 1/f noise within the power spectrum. However, this approach solely operates within the frequency domain and thus cannot adequately distinguish between the fundamental frequency of a non-sinusoidal oscillation and its harmonics. Non-sinusoidal signals generate harmonics, significantly increasing the false-positive detection rate — a confounding factor in the analysis of neural oscillations. To overcome these limitations, we define the fundamental criteria that characterize a neural oscillation and introduce the Cyclic Homogeneous Oscillation (CHO) detection method that implements these criteria based on an auto-correlation approach that determines the oscillation’s periodicity and fundamental frequency. We evaluated CHO by verifying its performance on simulated sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal oscillatory bursts convolved with 1/f noise. Our results demonstrate that CHO outperforms conventional techniques in accurately detecting oscillations. Specifically, we determined the sensitivity and specificity of CHO as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We further assessed CHO by testing it on electrocorticographic (ECoG, 8 subjects) and electroencephalographic (EEG, 7 subjects) signals recorded during the pre-stimulus period of an auditory reaction time task and on electrocorticographic signals (6 SEEG subjects and 6 ECoG subjects) collected during resting state. In the reaction time task, the CHO method detected auditory alpha and pre-motor beta oscillations in ECoG signals and occipital alpha and pre-motor beta oscillations in EEG signals. Moreover, CHO determined the fundamental frequency of hippocampal oscillations in the human hippocampus during the resting state (6 SEEG subjects). In summary, CHO demonstrates high precision and specificity in detecting neural oscillations in time and frequency domains. The method’s specificity enables the detailed study of non-sinusoidal characteristics of oscillations, such as the degree of asymmetry and waveform of an oscillation. Furthermore, CHO can be applied to identify how neural oscillations govern interactions throughout the brain and to determine oscillatory biomarkers that index abnormal brain function.
Regulatory genome annotation of 33 insect species
Authors: Asma Hasiba , Tieke Ellen , Deem Kevin D , Rahmat Jabale , Dong Tiffany , Huang Xinbo , Tomoyasu Yoshinori , Halfon Marc S
Published: June 2024

Annotation of newly sequenced genomes frequently includes genes, but rarely covers important non-coding genomic features such as the cis-regulatory modules—e.g., enhancers and silencers—that regulate gene expression. Here, we begin to remedy this situation by developing a workflow for rapid initial annotation of insect regulatory sequences, and provide a searchable database resource with enhancer predictions for 33 genomes. Using our previously developed SCRMshaw computational enhancer prediction method, we predict over 2.8 million regulatory sequences along with the tissues where they are expected to be active, in a set of insect species ranging over 360 million years of evolution. Extensive analysis and validation of the data provides several lines of evidence suggesting that we achieve a high true-positive rate for enhancer prediction. One, we show that our predictions target specific loci, rather than random genomic locations. Two, we predict enhancers in orthologous loci across a diverged set of species to a significantly higher degree than random expectation would allow. Three, we demonstrate that our predictions are highly enriched for regions of accessible chromatin. Four, we achieve a validation rate in excess of 70% using in vivo reporter gene assays. As we continue to annotate both new tissues and new species, our regulatory annotation resource will provide a rich source of data for the research community and will have utility for both small-scale (single gene, single species) and large-scale (many genes, many species) studies of gene regulation. In particular, the ability to search for functionally related regulatory elements in orthologous loci should greatly facilitate studies of enhancer evolution even among distantly related species.
Shining a light on Ohno’s dilemma
Authors: Tomanek Isabella
Published: June 2024

Laboratory experiments on a fluorescent protein in E. coli reveal how duplicate genes are rapidly inactivated by mutations during evolution.
Thorkild Hansens Prosessen mot Hamsun og debatten om dokumentarismen
Authors: Messelt Christopher
Published: June 2024

Over noen høstmåneder i 1978 skapte Thorkild Hansens Prosessen mot Hamsun omfattende debatt i Skandinavia. Hansen var den første som i et så bredt anlagt prosjekt og med kommersielle siktepunkt tok fatt på å fremstille Knut Hamsuns virke under annen verdenskrig og rettsoppgjøret i etterkant. Fremstillingen ble båret i den hybride genren dokumentarisme, som kan sies å kombinere sakprosa og fiksjon, som i et tiår hadde en fremtredende og feiret posisjon i Skandinavia. Artikkelen gir et tilbakeblikk på en genre, en utgivelse og debatten den avstedkom ved å kaste lys over Hansens kildebruk og stil. Avslutningsvis utspørres det hvorvidt Hansen skuslet bort sitt anliggende med genren han skrev i, og videre hvordan genredebatter ikke har tapt aktualitet i nyere tid.
Leadership in Organizations and the PR Department Work Quality
Authors: Terek Stojanović Edit , Kavalić Mila , Kovačić Sanja , Nikolić Milan , Vlahović Marko , Taboroši Srđana
Published: June 2024

Research Question: This paper examines the influence of individual leadership dimensions on individual public relations dimensions. The transformational and transactional leadership dimensions, as well as the ethical leadership behavioural dimensions were considered as the independent variables in the study. As the dependent variables, the dimensions of the PR department work quality were considered: Ethical and Responsible Action, Proactive and Quality Performance, Strategic and Effective Action, Media Relations and Internal Public Relations. The paper also analyzes the moderating effects of leaders’ gender and leaders’ age on the observed relationships. Motivation: Previous research linking leadership and public relations can generally be divided into two groups. One group of such studies addresses the impact of leadership on public relations (Topic, 2021; Meng & Neill, 2021). The other research group relates to examining and defining the characteristics of leadership in public relations (Martinelli & Erzikova, 2017; Killingsworth & Flynn, 2016; Hamrin, 2016). However, the impression gained is that there is a lack of research which focuses on measuring the direct impacts of individual leadership dimensions on individual public relations dimensions, especially at the organizational level. This is even more emphasized when examining the influence of the dimensions of transformational leadership and ethical leadership behaviour. Idea: The idea is leadership in organizations has an impact on a number of individual and organizational performance indicators, including public relations and effectiveness in public relations. The paper also analyzes the moderating effects of leaders’ gender and leaders’ age on the observed relationships. Data: The research was carried out in Serbian companies. The respondents included PR managers, PR practitioners and marketing professionals. A total of 236 questionnaires were collected from 78 companies.  Tools: The descriptive statistics for all of the observed dimensions. The correlation coefficients between the leadership dimensions and the PR department work quality dimensions. Regression analysis the leadership dimensions on the PR department work quality dimensions. Leaders’ gender and age as a moderator of the observed relationships. Findings: Transformational leadership has a greater impact than transactional. The influence of the Contingent Punishment Behaviour dimension can be negative as can that of Intellectual Stimulation. Female and older leaders have a greater influence on the PR department work quality dimensions. The impression is that female and older leaders have a stricter, more decisive and emotional management style, so the results of the PR department are more aligned with such requirements. Contribution: Such research would create a theoretical basis for the practical action of leaders in the promotion of public relations, especially in terms of individual public relations dimensions.
Fatores que influenciam a formação e a governança de redes de pesquisa e inovação
Authors: Cavalcante Márcio Aldrin França , Murari Thiago Barros , Ferreira Cristiano Vasconcellos
Published: June 2024

O objetivo deste estudo foi mapear, identificar e descrever os principais fatores que influenciam a formação de redes de pesquisa e inovação, e os requisitos que favorecem a estruturação de mecanismos de governança nesses ambientes de produção. Para isso foi realizada uma revisão da literatura e uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre o tema, caracterizada pela utilização de descritores como estratégia de busca por trabalhos relacionados à pesquisa em bases de dados. Entre os principais fatores identificados na literatura que orientam a formação de redes e a estruturação e utilização de mecanismos de governança nesses ambientes estão o planejamento e estratégia, a coordenação e liderança, a comunicação e informação e a interação e relacionamentos. A relevância destes fatores está associada a um contexto de rede, onde a sua dinâmica de operação, o posicionamento de cada ator na rede e o seu potencial para mobilização de recursos e direcionamento das ações, devem ser considerados.
Photobook: an integrative literature review. Narrative, design and publishing
Authors: Nery Cristiane Gusmão , Silva Sérgio Antônio
Published: June 2024

The Photobook is an important support as a product that encompasses a photographer's photographic production in different ways (FERNÁNDEZ, 2011). This article raises the following question: how to understand what a photobook is, after all, what makes a photobook a photobook? The justification is because by better understanding the photobook, the process of creating a photographic book from a transdisciplinary perspective becomes more complete, making an impact on the field in question, on the artistic field and on the publishing market.  To address this topic, the article seeks to explain the production of photobooks, that is, their development based on an integrative literature review (TORRACO, 2005). To this end, the objective here is to survey the stages of photobook production covering narrative, image sequencing, design and publication. In this way, the article aims to elucidate that photobooks are a support that allows the development of a photographic project that aims to tell a story based on consistent methodologies with different professionals, which allows us to conclude that the use of photography goes beyond the beauty of the images, becoming the protagonist in narratives immortalized in book format.
Deciding Satisfiability in the Twinkling of an Eye
Authors: Ufuoma Okoh
Published: June 2024

The question as to whether a CNF Boolean formula is satisfiable is referred to as Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT). For decades now, this problem has attracted a great deal of attention. A well-known algorithm for solving this problem is the DPLL algorithm. However, this algorithm may run in an exponential (long) time. The great plan embraced in this work is to show how the satisfiability of any CNF Boolean formula can be decided in a very short time. This is achieved by the modification of the DPLL algorithm and the introduction of a quick algorithm.
Two Prominent Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin as Natural Enemies of Lepidopteran Larvae from Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mujeeb S. Abdul , Manjula K. , Harathi P. N. , Kandan A. , Kumari P. Lavanya
Published: June 2024

Roving survey was conducted for searching the natural occurrence of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae during kharif season of 2022 and rabi season of 2022-23 in Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapuramu districts of Andhra pradesh. The crops surveyed were Groundnut, Maize, Cotton, greengram and blackgram during September to October of kharif season and January to February of rabi season. The pest population found in among groundnut crops were Spodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera and Aproarema modicella and maize, Spodoptera frugiperda which were found at vegetative stage. The fungal infected cadavers of lepidopteran lavae were observed on the soil below the canopy or adhering to the foliage of groundnut and maize crops. The larval cadavers were collected in separate aseptic vials and soil samples were also collected from the surveyed fields. During the survey, it was found that the mean number of infected cadavers with fungi varied from 2.6 to 3.2 per square meter in Kurnool district during Sep-Oct of 2022. In Anantapuramu district the mean number of cadavers were 1.4-2.2 during Jan-Feb of 2023. In Chittoor district the mean number of infected cadavers were varied from 2.4-3.6, whereas in Kadapa district it was 0.2 per square meter during Jan-Feb of 2023. The cadavers were cultured in the lab and based on morphological characters confirmed the isolates as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anispoliae. The cadavers of B. bassiana were found to be high in Kurnool district followed by Chittoor district and least in Kadapa district where as the cadavers of M.anispoliae were found to be higher in Chittoor district followed by Anantapuramu district and Nil in Kadapa district.
Alveolar Echinococcosis of the Liver With Initially Suspected Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Case Report—The Significance of Preoperative Serological Diagnostics
Authors: Milošević Miloš , Šarčev Katarina , Živojinov Mirjana , Milošević Zoran , Lalošević Dušan , Torbica Slobodan , Ružić Maja
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cysts of the liver pose a significant differential diagnostic problem, considering that the etiology of which can be various. Until recently, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) of the liver in a differential diagnostic analysis of cystic liver lesions with a solid component had little significance in the Vojvodina region. The Syrmia area of Vojvodina is an endemic zone of multilocular echinococcus among wildlife, and the first case of human AE was documented in April 2023. To denote the significance of preoperative serological AE diagnostics, we present a case of AE of the liver initially suspected to be cholangiocarcinoma.

Case report

A patient from the Syrmia area of Vojvodina reports in November 2023, after the appearance of icterus and epigastric pain. Laboratory results display slightly increased proinflammatory markers, and hepatogram results indicate cholestasis with reactive hepatitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen indicates a focal lesion in the S5/S8 segment of the liver of primarily infiltrative MRI characteristics, which may indicate cholangiocarcinoma. Total body computed tomography scan excludes other lesions. The patient has undergone extended right hepatectomy and the pathohistological results proved the presence of multilocular echinococcus.

Conclusion

Despite epidemiological risks, diagnosis of infiltrative cystic focal lesions of the liver does not include testing for echinococcus. The reported case indicates the necessity of testing all focal lesions of the liver for AE. The awareness of the epidemiological situation in the region where the patient resides must be raised in order to add serological testing of focal lesions of the liver for multilocular echinococcus to guidelines.
Three‐component one‐pot synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐5(6H)‐one derivatives in aqueous media
Authors: Wang Hui‐Yan , Shi Da‐Qing
Published: October 2011

A series of 4‐aryl‐3,7,7‐trimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐7,8‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinolin‐ 5(6H)‐ones were synthesized by the three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐amine, and 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexandione in the presence of sodium 1‐dodecanesulfonate in aqueous medium. Compared to the previous methods, this new protocol has the advantages of convenient operation, higher yields, lower cost, and environmentally benign procedure. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Estimation of crack opening from a two‐dimensional continuum‐based finite element computation
Authors: Dufour Frédéric , Legrain Grégory , Pijaudier‐Cabot Gilles , Huerta Antonio
Published: October 2011

Damage models are capable of representing crack initiation and mimicking crack propagation within a continuum framework. Thus, in principle, they do not describe crack openings. In durability analyses of concrete structures however, transfer properties are a key issue controlled by crack propagation and crack opening. We extend here a one‐dimensional approach for estimating a crack opening from a continuum‐based finite element calculation to two‐dimensional cases. The technique operates in the case of mode I cracking described in a continuum setting by a nonlocal isotropic damage model. We used the global tracking method to compute the idealized crack location as a post‐treatment procedure. The original one‐dimensional problem devised in Dufour et al. [4] is recovered as profiles of deformation orthogonal to the idealized crack direction are computed. An estimate of the crack opening and an error indicator are computed by comparing finite element deformation profiles and theoretical profiles corresponding to a displacement discontinuity. Two estimates have been considered: In the strong approach, the maxima of the profiles are assumed to be equal; in the weak approach, the integrals of each profile are set equal. Two‐dimensional numerical calculations show that the weak estimates perform better than do the strong ones. Error indicators, defined as the distance between the numerical and theoretical profiles, are less than a few percentages. In the case of a three‐point bending, test results are in good agreement with experimental data, with an error lower than 10% for widely opened crack (> 40µm). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current paradigm of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) as a molecular target for PET imaging in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Ching Alex Sik Chung , Kuhnast Bertrand , Damont Annelaure , Roeda Dirk , Tavitian Bertrand , Dollé Frédéric
Published: October 2011

Neuroinflammation is a process characterised by drastic changes in microglial morphology and by marked upregulation of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) on the mitochondria. The continual increase in incidence of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases poses a major health issue in many countries, requiring more innovative diagnostic and monitoring tools. TSPO expression may constitute a biomarker for brain inflammation that could be monitored by using TSPO tracers as neuroimaging agents. From medical imaging perspectives, this review focuses on the current concepts related to the TSPO, and discusses briefly on the status of its PET imaging related to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
Religious orientation, low self‐control, and deviance: Muslims, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox‐, and “Bible Belt” Christians⋆
Authors: Klanjšek Rudi , Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Trejos‐Castillo Elizabeth
Published: October 2011

Using adolescent samples from four cultures, the current study tested whether effects by religiosity on deviance varied by the nature of religiosity (intrinsic versus extrinsic) and by the cultural context (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and the U.S.). Results indicated: a) that not every type of religiosity has a buffering effect on deviance – if one’s religiousness is predominately instrumental (i.e. extrinsic), then its inhibiting effect is weak or does not exist; b) that the effect of intrinsic religiosity seemed more pronounced in the two surroundings that expressed the highest mean religiosity (U.S., Bosnia & Herzegovina) although results from follow‐up analysis (Z‐tests) largely supported a cultural invariance hypothesis. In addition, the intrinsic religiosity–deviance link was moderated by low self‐control in each sample, except the Slovenian one. Finally, results indicated that low self‐control only partially mediated the religiosity–deviance link.
Interpersonal identity formation in conversations with close friends about dating relationships
Authors: Morgan Elizabeth M. , Korobov Neill
Published: October 2011

The present study explores how close same‐sex friendship groups participate in the co‐construction of identities in the interpersonal domain during young adulthood. Participants included 24 same‐sex college student friendship triads (12 male and 12 female; 72 total participants) who took part in semi‐structured group interviews that elicited stories about conversations with their friends about dating relationship problems. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed five common responses to dating problems evidencing identity work in the context of friends’ conversations. These responses included relating the issue to one’s own experiences, providing validation and encouragement, joking about the problem, offering advice, and providing concrete instrumental support. Results are interpreted with regard to gender differences and similarities as well as the social context of college and developmental context of emerging adulthood. The findings identify ways in which young adults are actively co‐constructing and re‐evaluating their interpersonal identities within conversations with close same‐sex friends.
Convergence of approximate deconvolution models to the mean Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Berselli Luigi C. , Lewandowski Roger
Published: October 2011

We consider a 3D Approximate Deconvolution Model ADM which belongs to the class of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models. We aim at proving that the solution of the ADM converges towards a dissipative solution of the mean Navier–Stokes equations. The study holds for periodic boundary conditions. The convolution filter we first consider is the Helmholtz filter. We next consider generalized convolution filters for which the convergence property still holds.
Drivers of Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction for Overseas Service Customers: A Critical Incident Technique Approach
Authors: Bianchi Constanza , Drennan Judy
Published: October 2011

This is one of the few studies in the academic literature that directly addresses inward exporting of customer services, which is a topic that has gained less attention from an international services marketing point of view. The objective of this study is to explore the drivers of satisfaction and dissatisfaction for overseas service customers of higher education in Australia. Critical incident technique (CIT) method was used to collect and analyse the data and a total of 107 critical incidents were collected. Findings from this study show that service satisfaction and dissatisfaction for international students derive from: elements of the core service (educational service performance), personal sources (international student performance), and the external environment (socialization and host environment performance). Additionally, results show that the drivers of satisfaction and dissatisfaction for international students are not necessarily the same. Limitations relating to the specific sector of higher education and the cross sectional natures of the data are addressed.
Fatalities on Austrian Ski Slopes During a 5-year period
Authors: Ruedl Gerhard , Bilek Hanno , Ebner Hans , Gabl Karl , Kopp Martin , Burtscher Martin
Published: October 2011

Background

While the mean injury rate from snow sports in Austria is low (less than 2 injuries per 1000 skier days), there is little information about fatalities on Austrian ski slopes.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate incidence and causes of fatalities among recreational skiers and snowboarders over a 5-season period on Austrian ski slopes.

Methods

All traumatic and nontraumatic fatal ski accidents from the 2005-2006 through the 2009-2010 winter season were compiled by members of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Data on age, gender, nationality, gear used, altitude, accident cause, primary cause of death, and helmet use were collected. The number of fatalities was related to a million skier days during this 5-year period.

Results

In total, 207 fatalities were registered during this time period. An overall incidence of 0.79 deaths per million skier days was calculated. Mean age was 50.9 ± 17.7 years. More than 85% of all fatalities occurred in males and 93.1% in skiers. Mean altitude was 1706.1 ± 517.7 m above sea level. In total, 52.7% were nontraumatic deaths, with the majority (73%) attributed to cardiac arrest. Regarding traumatic deaths, 41.2% died after a fall, 18.6% after collision with another skier, and 35.1% after an impact with a solid object. Head injury was the primary cause of death in 46.4% of traumatic deaths.

Conclusions

Death is a rare event in recreational winter sports on Austrian ski slopes. Nevertheless, awareness of potential risk factors and common dangers may impact snow riders' behavior and help reduce the incidence of on-slope fatalities.
Conduit Vessel Blood Flow During the Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp
Authors: Dumais Valerie , Nault Patrice , Tsertsvadze Alexander , Forbes Thomas L.
Published: October 2011

Objective

Hemodynamic changes in response to the hypoxic environment of high altitude are vascular bed-specific. The aim of the present study was to investigate diameter and blood flow changes in conduit vessels in response to hypobaric hypoxia.

Methods

Eleven healthy subjects ascending Mount Everest to base camp participated in this study. Vessel diameter and blood velocity for brachial, carotid, common femoral, superficial femoral, and deep femoral arteries were measured by portable Doppler ultrasound. Blood flow was calculated from these values. Measurements were taken at sea level, at increasing altitudes on ascent to base camp (1310 m, 3470 m, 5330 m), and repeated on descent to lower altitude (1310 m).

Results

For all vessels except carotids, both vessel diameter and blood flow decreased between sea level and initial ascent to altitude, with subsequent persistence of these decreased values; there was no further significant change with continued ascent to higher altitude. Blood flow for all arteries (except carotids) increased significantly on descent to lower altitude, with an associated nonsignificant increase in velocity and decrease in diameter.

Conclusions

This study showed that there is vasoconstriction of limb conduit vessels at altitude, which persists upon descent to lower altitude. Blood flow in these vessels also decreases with initial exposure to high altitude, yet increases when returning to lower altitude, reflecting variations in blood velocity. Carotid arteries responded differently to the stimulus of hypobaria than limb conduit vessels; there was no change in diameter seen on ascent or descent, but there was a progressive decrease in blood flow on ascent, with no change on subsequent descent.
Beeinträchtigungen in der phono­logischen Informationsverarbeitung bei funktionalen Analphabeten
Authors: Grosche Michael , Grünke Matthias
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung.Bislang werden meist soziale Benachteiligungen in der Kindheit als Gründe für das Auftreten von funktionalem Analphabetismus in literalisierten Gesellschaften postuliert. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird hingegen überprüft, ob nicht auch Beeinträchtigungen in der phonologischen Informationsverarbeitung die Leseprobleme von funktionalen Analphabeten erklären können. In einem Reading Level Match Design bearbeiteten 54 funktionale Analphabeten und ebenso viele altersgleiche lesekundige Erwachsene sowie Grundschüler auf demselben Leseentwicklungsstand eine phonologische Testbatterie (phonologische Bewusstheit, verbales Arbeitsgedächtnis, Abrufgeschwindigkeit für phonologische Informationen). Analphabeten zeigten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit und im verbalen Arbeitsgedächtnis starke Defizite. Ebenfalls riefen sie phonologische Informationen deutlich langsamer ab, als aufgrund ihres Lebensalters zu erwarten gewesen wäre. Diese phonologischen Beeinträchtigungen scheinen (ähnlich wie bei Menschen mit Legasthenie und Lese-Rechtschreibstörungen) eine Ursache für die Leseprobleme der Analphabeten zu sein.
Was bringt das DSM-V Neues zur Klassifikation der Persönlichkeitsstörungen?
Authors: C. Sabine
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung. Es stehen grundsätzliche Veränderungen in der Klassifikation von Persönlichkeitsstörungen an mit der Zielsetzung der Reduktion von Komorbidität, der Besserung von Konstrukt- und diskriminativer Validität sowie einer höheren Stabilität. Die allgemeine Definition einer Persönlichkeitsstörung stellt Kerndefizite in ihr Zentrum, die auf einer Selbst/Anderen Dimension angesiedelt sind. Vorgeschlagen wird eine Reduktion der Persönlichkeitsstörungstypen auf solche 5 Kategorien, die am besten empirisch validiert sind. Ihr Ausprägungsgrad wird hinsichtlich der Übereinstimmung mit einem Prototyp bewertet. Jeder Typ wird identifiziert anhand von Kernbeeinträchtigungen im Funktionsniveau, symptomatischem Verhalten und in pathologischen Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen. Bei allen Patienten sollen stabile Persönlichkeitsdimensionen beschrieben werden und zwar zum einen auf der Ebene von sechs übergeordneten Domänen (personality trait domains) und zum anderen anhand von feingliedrigen Fazetten. Die Domänen werden in ihrem Ausprägungsgrad beurteilt.
Klassifikation von Essstörungen im Zuge von DSM-V mit besonderem ­Fokus auf der Diagnostik von Ess­anfällen bei der Binge-Eating-Störung
Authors: Hilbert Anja
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung.Die Klassifikation von Essstörungen steht im Zentrum aktuellen Forschungsinteresses. Gerade relativ rezente diagnostische Kategorien wie die Binge-Eating- oder Essanfallsstörung (Binge Eating Disorder, BED) und diagnostische Hauptmerkmale wie Essanfälle bedürfen im Zuge der Überarbeitungen des DSM einer Überprüfung. In dem vorliegenden Artikel werden zunächst die für das DSM-V vorgeschlagenen Veränderungen der diagnostischen Kriterien der BED und anderer Essstörungen beschrieben. An­schließend wird das Essanfallsmerkmal der Größe der verzehrten Nahrungsmenge in einer Forschungsübersicht hinsichtlich seiner klinischen Relevanz für die BED betrachtet. Dabei zeigt sich, dass sowohl objektive als auch subjektive Essanfälle psychopathologisch relevant sind. Jedoch sind objektive Essanfälle aufgrund ihrer Assoziation mit einem geringeren Behandlungserfolg, einer größeren residualen Symptomatik und vermehrten Rückfalltendenzen das vergleichsweise stringentere Erfolgskriterium in der Therapieerfolgsforschung der BED. Vor diesem Hintergrund erscheint es für die BED zentral, neben objektiven Essanfällen zusätzlich auch subjektive Essanfälle zu erfassen. Für das DSM-V wird empfohlen, ein Schema zu entwerfen, um das Auftreten und die Häufigkeit dieser Formen von Essanfällen für die BED sowie für andere klinische und subklinische Formen von Essanfällen systematisch zu erheben. Eine sorgfältige Erfassung der Essanfallsgröße in Studien zur Psychopathologie, zum Verlauf und zur Behandlung, wird es erlauben, die klinische Relevanz dieses Merkmals über das Essstörungsspektrum hinweg weiter zu klären.
Das Kapitel Schlafstörungen im DSM-V – ein Zwischenbericht
Authors: Riemann Dieter , M. Charles , F. Charles
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung.Schlafstörungen gehören zu den häufigsten Gesundheitsbeeinträchtigungen überhaupt und sind nicht selten ein Frühsymptom psychischer Erkrankungen. Insomnische Beschwerden, d. h. Klagen über Ein- und/oder Durschschlafprobleme persistieren häufig über den aktuellen Erkrankungszeitraum, zum Beispiel eine depressive Episode, hinaus und stellen einen Risikofakor für Rückfalle dar. Aktuell stehen zur diagnostischen Klassifikation von Schlafstörungen das ICD-10, DSM-IV und die ICSD-2 (Internationale Klassifikation der Schlafstörungen) zur Verfügung. Im DSM-V werden sowohl das Restless-Legs-Syndrom (RLS) als auch die REM-Schlafverhaltensstörung in den Rang eigenständiger Krankheitskategorien erhoben, was durch die Fülle von empirischen Daten zu beiden Störungsbildern mehr als gerechtfertigt erscheint. Im Hinblick auf die Diagnostik von Insomnien wird die Differenzierung in primäre/sekundäre Störungen zugunsten des übergreifenden Konzepts einer Insomnischen Störung (insomnia disorder) aufgegeben.
Aggression im Strassenverkehr
Authors: Witthöft Jan , Hofmann Michael , Petermann Franz
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung.Verkehrsunfälle (oder Unfälle im Straßenverkehr) gehören zu den häufigsten Todesursachen bei jungen Erwachsenen. Eine Vielzahl von Unfällen wird mit aggressivem Fahrverhalten in Verbindung gebracht. In Deutschland darf seit kurzem bei Verdacht auf ein erhöhtes Aggressionspotential eine Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung (MPU) angeordnet werden, die einen Entzug des Führerscheins zur Folge haben kann. Das Vorgehen basiert auf der Annahme, dass allgemein aggressive Personen ein erhöhtes Risiko aufweisen, problematisches Fahrverhalten im Straßenverkehr zu zeigen. Mit einer umfangreichen Literatursuche wurden klinische und nichtklinische Studien identifiziert, die die Zusammenhänge von aggressivem Verhalten und problematischem Fahrverhalten untersuchen. Zusätzlich zu den entsprechenden Befunden werden Ergebnisse zu weiteren bedeutsamen Merkmalen (Ärger, Impulsivität und Sensation Seeking) dargestellt. Insgesamt kann die Annahme bestätigt werden, dass aggressive Personen häufiger zu einem problematischen Fahrverhalten neigen. Die Zusammenhänge können insbesondere bei jungen Männern als gesichert gelten. Es wird eine pragmatische Differenzierung in vorwiegend proaktiv und reaktiv aggressive Fahrer vorgeschlagen. Abschließend werden Grenzen, Einschränkungen und die Dringlichkeit von Präventions- und Interventionsmaßnahmen aufgezeigt.
Valence band offset of Cu2O/In2O3 heterojunction determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Dong C. J. , Yu W. X. , Xu M. , Cao J. J. , Chen C. , Yu W. W. , Wang Y. D.
Published: October 2011

In2O3 is a promising partner of Cu2O to form a Cu2O/In2O3 heterojunction system. We used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the valence band offset (VBO) of a Cu2O/In2O3 heterojunction. The valence band offset is found to be 1.43 ± 0.2 eV. Given the experimental bandgaps of 2.0 eV and 2.6 eV for Cu2O and In2O3, respectively, we calculate the band alignment of a Cu2O/In2O3 heterojunction with a conduction band offset (CBO) of 0.83 ± 0.2 eV. To apply Cu2O/In2O3 bilayers in electronic devices, it is important to determine the band alignment accurately based on the VBO and CBO.
Dielectric effects on the optical properties of single silicon nanocrystals
Authors: El-Kork Nayla , Huisken Friedrich , von Borczyskowski Christian
Published: October 2011

Optical detection of small single silicon nanocrystals is reported for crystals embedded in various environments. It is found that an external dielectric material has considerable influence on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of optically active states localized in the SiO2 shell. The PL is controlled by two interfaces, namely the Si/SiO2 and SiO2/matrix interfaces. The electron-phonon interaction, as well as the electronic stabilization energy, is controlled by these interfaces. A simple model is derived that can qualitatively describe the effect of the different embedding matrices on the electron-phonon coupling.
Chemical disorder influence on magnetic state of optimally-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3
Authors: Rozenberg E. , Auslender M. , Shames A. I. , Jung G. , Felner I. , Tsindlekht M. I. , Mogilyansky D. , Sominski E. , Gedanken A. , Mukovskii Ya. M. , Gorodetsky G.
Published: October 2011

X-band electron magnetic resonance and dc/ac magnetic measurements have been employed to study the effects of chemical disorder on magnetic ordering in bulk and nanometer-sized single crystals and bulk ceramics of optimally-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 manganite. The magnetic ground state of bulk samples appeared to be ferromagnetic with the lower Curie temperature and higher magnetic homogeneity in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in the crystal, as compared with those characteristics in the ceramics. The influence of technological driven “macroscopic” fluctuations of Ca-dopant level in crystal and “mesoscopic” disorder within grain boundary regions in ceramics was proposed to be responsible for these effects. Surface spin disorder together with pronounced inter-particle interactions within agglomerated nano-sample results in well defined core/shell spin configuration in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nano-crystals. The analysis of the electron paramagnetic resonance data enlightened the reasons for the observed difference in the magnetic order. Lattice effects dominate the first-order nature of magnetic phase transition in bulk samples. However, mesoscale chemical disorder seems to be responsible for the appearance of small ferromagnetic polarons in the paramagnetic state of bulk ceramics. The experimental results and their analysis indicate that a chemical/magnetic disorder has a strong impact on the magnetic state even in the case of mostly stable optimally hole-doped manganites.
Near-field observations of light confinement in a two dimensional lithium niobate photonic crystal cavity
Authors: Dahdah Jean , Pilar-Bernal Maria , Courjal Nadège , Ulliac Gwenn , Baida Fadi
Published: October 2011

We report the characterization of a lithium niobate photonic crystal cavity using near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) operating in collection scanning mode. The cavity is implemented on an annealed proton exchange waveguide by focused ion beam milling. We observe a confinement of the optical field at the center of the cavity by analyzing the collected light with a probe positioned above the photonic structure. The experimental NSOM results obtained are compared to numerical results obtained by finite difference time domain method. A good agreement is obtained between theoretical and experimental results where a cavity mode appears around λ = 1540 nm.