bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Program pomysłów pracowniczych jako narzędzie innowacyjności oddolnej w małych przedsiębiorstwach przemysłowych
Authors: Borkowski Rafał Marcin
Published: August 2017

Motorem napędowym innowacyjności w małych przedsiębiorstwach jest przede wszystkim środowisko pracy. Małe firmy charakteryzuje brak skostniałej struktury organizacyjnej, elastyczne reagowanie na zmiany rynku, czy możliwość udziału pracowników w bezpośrednim kreowaniu nowych produktów bądź usług. Ze względu na niski poziom innowacyjności małych przedsiębiorstw, wynikający często z ograniczeń kapitału rzeczowego i finansowego, małe podmioty gospodarcze powinny częściej korzystać z narzędzi umożliwiających wykorzystanie potencjału swoich pracowników. Celem artykułu jest wskazanie zasadności stymulowania pracowników małych przedsiębiorstw do wykorzystywania umiejętności twórczego myślenia, kreatywności i zaangażowania w podejmowaniu innowacyjnych działań w firmie. Jednym z instrumentów innowacyjności oddolnej stosowanym w małych przedsiębiorstwach jest program pomysłów pracowniczych
Absolwenci Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Poznaniu na rynku pracy
Authors: Buttler Dominik
Published: August 2017

W  artykule przedstawiono wybrane wyniki drugiej edycji „Badania losów absolwentów
Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Poznaniu”. Badaniem objęto absolwentów studiów stacjonarnych
po roku od ukończenia przez nich kształcenia. Przedstawiona w tekście analiza
dotyczy absolwentów studiów magisterskich, a zakres tematyczny dotyczy ich statusu na
rynku pracy, mobilności zawodowej i przestrzennej, dopasowania kwalifikacyjnego oraz
determinantów sukcesu na rynku pracy.
Wpływ kapitału kulturowego, społecznego i ekonomicznego na ponoszenie odpłatności za studia
Authors: Czarnecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2017

Artykuł podejmuje próbę zbadania wpływu kapitału ekonomicznego, społecznego i kulturowego na podejmowanie studiów na uczelni publicznej lub niepublicznej, w  trybie stacjonarnym lub niestacjonarnym, a  w  konsekwencji tych dwóch alternatyw także na konieczność płacenia czesnego. Wykorzystywane zazwyczaj w  badaniach nad nierównościami w  dostępie do edukacji wyższej koncepcje „klasy społecznej” i  „statusu spo- łeczno-ekonomicznego” zostały skonceptualizowane w formie trzech rodzajów kapitału. Pozwoliło to uwzględnić w modelu więcej informacji o specyficznych zasobach gospodarstwa domowego, mogących mieć znaczenie dla osiągnięć edukacyjnych. Wyniki dostarczają informacji o cechach osób płacących za studia oraz pozwalają na postawienie hipotez odnośnie do redystrybucyjnych efektów systemu finansowania edukacji wyższej w Polsce.
Możliwości i ograniczenia badania kompetencji przywódczych w Polsce
Authors: Haromszeki Łukasz
Published: August 2017

W świecie zorganizowanym XXI wieku ważną rolę w skutecznym oddziaływaniu na podwładnych (współpracowników) odgrywają kompetencje przywódcze. Drogą do wielozakresowego analizowania relacji przywódczych jest identyfikowanie czynników odpowiedzialnych za kształtowanie umiejętności wywierania wpływu na innych w różnego typu organizacjach i uwarunkowaniach. Podstawowe pytania brzmią: Skąd w człowieku takie wyróżniające cechy i umiejętności? Jaki zestaw kompetencji przywódczych sprawdza się w różnych warunkach? Na ile można modyfikować zachowania ludzi na różnym poziomie rozwoju oraz kształtować dorosłych przez świadomy dobór odpowiednich metod w edukacji uniwersyteckiej i szkoleniu pracowników. W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki badań poszukujących cech przywódczych, programy nauczania przywództwa oraz przeanalizowano możliwości i ograniczenia kształtowania przywódców organizacyjnych występujące w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI wieku.
Atrybuty satysfakcji pracowniczej jako składowe pomiaru kapitału ludzkiego
Authors: Borowska‑Pietrzak Agata
Published: August 2017

Artykuł przedstawia zasadnicze założenia wykorzystania idei badań dotyczących satysfakcji pracowniczej w metodach pomiaru kapitału ludzkiego organizacji. Wychodząc z założenia, iż satysfakcja jest postawą pracowniczą, która pośrednio stanowi o sukcesie zarządzania kapitałem ludzkim, można założyć, iż identyfikacja poziomu satysfakcji stanowi ważny aspekt pomiaru kapitału ludzkiego. Aby można było zoperacjonalizować powyższe założenia przedstawiono autorski model poczucia satysfakcji zawodowej identyfikujący determinanty. Są to atrybuty obiektywne i subiektywne, które budują i różnicują końcowy wynik indywidualnego poczucia zadowolenia z pracy.
Dimensions of Foreign Subsidiary’s Absorptive Capacity in the Context of Knowledge Transfer through Expatriation*
Authors: Purgał‑Popiela Joanna
Published: August 2017

The absorptive capacity is one of the dynamic capabilities determining organizational development, including international expansion. This also refers to foreign subsidiaries, which receive significant portion of knowledge from headquarters and other units through expatriation. However, effects of such knowledge transfers are affected by absorptive capacity of a subsidiary. While considering the issue of the transfer, it is recommended to assess the readiness and willingness of subsidiary employees to learn from expatriates and change. These qualities are, undoubtedly, an essential component of organizational absorptive capacity, however its content seems to be more complex, due to its multidimensional and contextual nature. Therefore, the author attempts to apply this concept in the context of expatriate knowledge transfer*.
Human Capital Development via Management by Projects
Authors: Piwowar‑Sulej Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

The article presents a brief characteristics of the main ways of human capital development and shows the concept of management by projects (MBP) as a tool for this development. The author based the article on her analysis of specialist literature in the area of management and pedagogy as well as the results of interviews conducted with members of the project teams from a clothing industry company. It was found that the implementation of MBP has a direct impact on the sphere of employee trainings and promotion. Consequently, MBP has an influence not only on the development of human capital components such as knowledge and skills, but also on the motivation.
Sprawozdanie z 5 Europejskiej Konferencji
na temat Kapitału Intelektualnego
Authors: Łukasiewicz Grzegorz
Published: August 2017

-
THE NEW ASPECT OF THE MUNICIPAL MUSEUM
IN ŻORY. HISTORY AND COLLECTION
Authors: Buchalik Lucjan
Published: August 2017

Two attempts were made to found the
Museum in Żory, each time when the anniversary of the
town’s founding was being celebrated. The Municipal
Cultural Centre then organised exhibitions devoted to the
town’s history. Since the interest in celebrations dropped
off once they were finished, the museum was never
founded. In 1999 the concept was changed, and African
culture started to predominate. The interest in such an
exhibition was huge, and thus the Municipal Museum
was founded in December 2000. It has two branches, one
devoted to the history and culture of the region, and one
devoted to non-European cultures. At the beginning, museum
professionals were aware of the fact that the museum’s
existence depended on social acceptance. It was
decided to focus on animation activities, which effectively
attracted a lot of visitors. At the same time, both the regional
and West African collections were created. Since
the museum was founded quite recently, the majority of
the collection is made up of objects from the 2nd half
of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.
Having its own premises was a serious problem for
the museum. After many years of struggle, an agreement
was concluded with the Katowice Special Economic Zone
(KSSE) to add a wing to the historical Haering villa from
1908 which it owned. In autumn 2014 the construction
work finished and the museum gained its own premises.
The museum presents two permanent exhibitions:
"Our identity" and "The Polish way of learning about the
world". The former presents the history and culture of
the region and town, from their beginnings until today.
The latter is devoted to research carried out by Polish
scientists in various parts of the globe. The museum acquires
objects mainly through its own field work, as well
as from collections gathered by Polish scientists during
their research. Purchasing historical and expensive objects
at antique shops and markets is rare.
Præsidentvalget i Iran 2009 og dets efterspil: Hvad ville de symbolske ledere for Den grønne bevægelse egentlig?
Authors: Pedersen Claus V.
Published: August 2017

Efter en præsidentvalgkamp, hvor præsident Ahmad-Nejâds to modkandidater, Mir Hoseyn Musavi og Mehdi Karrubi, med støtte fra græsrodsbevægelsen Den grønne bevægelse havde forsøgt at erobre magten via en islamisk-revolutionær retorik, skiftede bevægelsen retning og blev til en egentlig opposition mod det teokratiske politiske system i Iran. Musavi og Karrubi stod stadig som bevægelsens ledere, men som artiklen vil vise gennem læsning af nogle taler og kommunikéer fra de to ledere, er det vanskeligt at se, at Musavi og Karrubi er på linje med græsrodsbevæ- gelsen i dens opposition til systemet. Snarere forholder det sig modsat.
Acceptability of a microfinance‐based empowerment intervention for transgender and cisgender women sex workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Lall Priya , Shaw Stacey A. , Saifi Rumana , Sherman Susan G. , Azmi Nuruljannah Nor , Pillai Veena , El‐Bassel Nabila , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Wickersham Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Cisgender and transgender woman sex workers (CWSWs and TWSWs, respectively) are key populations in Malaysia with higher HIV‐prevalence than that of the general population. Given the impact economic instability can have on HIV transmission in these populations, novel HIV prevention interventions that reduce poverty may reduce HIV incidence and improve linkage and retention to care for those already living with HIV. We examine the feasibility of a microfinance‐based HIV prevention intervention among CWSW and TWSWs in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Methods: We conducted 35 in‐depth interviews to examine the acceptability of a microfinance‐based HIV prevention intervention, focusing on: (1) participants’ readiness to engage in other occupations and the types of jobs in which they were interested in; (2) their level of interest in the components of the potential intervention, including training on financial literacy and vocational education; and (3) possible barriers and facilitators to the successful completion of the intervention. Using grounded theory as a framework of analysis, transcripts were analysed through Nvivo 11.

Results: Participants were on average 41 years old, slightly less than half (48%) were married, and more than half (52%) identified as Muslim. Participants express high motivation to seek employment in other professions as they perceived sex work as not a “proper job” with opportunities for career growth but rather as a short‐term option offering an unstable form of income. Participants wanted to develop their own small enterprise. Most participants expressed a high level of interest in microfinance intervention and training to enable them to enter a new profession. Possible barriers to intervention participation included time, stigma, and a lack of resources.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that a microfinance intervention is acceptable and desirable for CWSWs and TWSWs in urban Malaysian contexts as participants reported that they were ready to engage in alternative forms of income generation.
Pregnant adolescents living with HIV: what we know, what we need to know, where we need to go
Authors: Callahan Tegan , Modi Surbhi , Swanson Jennifer , Ng'eno Bernadette , Broyles Laura N.
Published: August 2017

Introduction: HIV‐infected pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents are a particularly vulnerable group that require special attention and enhanced support to achieve optimal maternal and infant outcomes. The objective of this paper is to review published evidence about antenatal care (ANC) service delivery and outcomes for HIV‐infected pregnant adolescents in low‐income country settings, identify gaps in knowledge and programme services and highlight the way forward to improve clinical outcomes of this vulnerable group.

Discussion: Emerging data from programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa highlight that HIV‐infected pregnant adolescents have poorer prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission (PMTCT) service outcomes, including lower PMTCT service uptake, compared to HIV‐infected pregnant adults. In addition, the limited evidence available suggests that there may be higher rates of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission among infants of HIV‐infected pregnant adolescents.

Conclusions: While the reasons for the inferior outcomes among adolescents in ANC need to be further explored and addressed, there is sufficient evidence that immediate operational changes are needed to address the unique needs of this population. Such changes could include integration of adolescent‐friendly services into PMTCT settings or targeting HIV‐infected pregnant adolescents with enhanced retention and follow‐up activities.
Exploring the Motivation Toward and Perceived Usefulness of a Financial Education: Program Offered to Low-income Women in Indonesia
Authors: Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah
Published: August 2017

A previous study demonstrated that low-income women tend to have lower financial literacy. This low level of financial literacy affects the manner in which they manage their daily finances, as well as their ability to save for long-term needs. Currently, the statistics show that financial literacy in Indonesia is relatively low. To support Indonesian government in improving financial literacy, especially among the most marginalized group – women of low income – Universitas Indonesia launched a community engagement initiative conducted in the form of financial literacy training targeted at low-income women working as street sweepers around the university. This study investigates the motivation toward and perceived usefulness of the financial education program to improve the financial literacy of low-income women working as street sweepers around Universitas Indonesia. A mixed research method is applied in the study. The data were collected from in-depth interviews and a mini survey conducted to 23 low-income female street sweepers who joined the 10 weeks financial education program. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to produce a comprehensive description of the participants’ perceptions and attitudes toward the financial literacy program. The study demonstrates that the majority of low-income women have low motivation toward financial literacy education, and they also have a negative perception of the usefulness of such program. Thus, it is very important that all educators and trainers examine the characteristics of the trainees and assess the relevancy of the education program before they design certain community engagement program.
People Empowerment: An Approach towards Indigenous Early Childhood Curriculum
Authors: Villaluz, RSCJ Geraldine D.
Published: August 2017

This paper is aimed at presenting an implemented community engagement of the University of San Carlos School of Education with the communities of Agusan del Sur, Philipines, in close partnership with the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation-IDC, (JPIC-IDC) Incorporated of Agusan del Sur as a response to a felt need in the early childhood education program of the province. In 2004, JPIC pooled together concerted resources from provincial and local government units, non-government organization and academe to create and develop a cul-ture-based curriculum guide for early childhood education that is appropriate and responsive to the needs of indigenous groups in Agusan del Sur, Southern Philippines. To address these needs, an ethnographic commu-nity engagement framework was utilized and initiated by JPIC-IDC team and the University Of San Carlos School Of Education. The community engagement framework facilitated the partnership of Agusan del Sur government leaders, a non-government organization in Germany, community cultural masters, Day Care Teachers and the University of San Carlos School of Education to create a developmentally appropriate and culture-based cur-riculum for Day Care with a supporting handbook for mother-teachers in early childhood education. As a result of this framework, children drop-out decreased from 80% to 10% while parent-community involvement in-creased from 30% to 90% in 2009 (JPIC-IDC, 2007). Ongoing teacher trainings and community orientations on the culture-based curriculum have been extended to 42 additional communities in 2012-2018 from 35 com-munities in 2007 upon request from the provincial governor. Two editions of a culture-based handbook have been published and a third edition is currently prepared for District 2 communities with guided participation by Day Care teachers as co-authors. This community engagement framework, initiated by the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation of Agusan del Sur Philippines involving all stakeholders from the provincial leaders to the recipients of early childhood education, serves as a model to community extension service programs (CES) of schools and universities as well as to curriculum practitioners and administrators. Three principles involved in this particular community engagement concretely demonstrate that program sustainability is a product of partnership, sensitivity to culture and context and relevance to community’s need.
Two techniques of age estimation in cetaceans: GLGs in teeth and earplugs, and measuring the AAR rate in eye lens nucleus
Authors: Nielsen Nynne H , Víkingsson Gísli A. , Hansen Steen H. , Ditlevsen Susanne , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: August 2017

The ages of three species of cetaceans were estimated by counting the growth layer groups (GLG) and measuring the aspartic acid racemization rate (kAsp) by what is referred to as the Aspartic Acid Racemization (AAR) technique. Data on kAsp and the D/L ratio of aspartic acid at birth [(D/L)0] in North Atlantic common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are presented along with data on fin whales (B. physalus) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) already published by Nielsen et al. (2012). The kAsp specific for minke whales was 1.40 x 10-3 yr-1 (SE ± 0.00005) and the (D/L)0 was 0.0194 (SE ± 0.0012). The correlation of GLG age and D/L ratio for all three species was highly significant; however, the correlation coefficient varied greatly (fin whales: R2 = 0.59, p <0.0001; minke whales: ­R2=0.96, P <0.0001; harbour porpoises: ­R2=0.36, P <0.0001). Asymptotic body length for all three species was estimated by a von Bertalanffy growth model on both the GLG and AAR techniques, and showed no difference.
Influence of landscape heterogeneity on water available to tropical forests in an Amazonian catchment and implications for modeling drought response
Authors: Fang Yilin , Leung L. Ruby , Duan Zhuoran , Wigmosta Mark S. , Maxwell Reed M. , Chambers Jeffrey Q. , Tomasella Javier
Published: August 2017

The Amazon basin has experienced periodic droughts in the past, and intense and frequent droughts are predicted in the future. Landscape heterogeneity could play an important role in how tropical forests respond to drought by influencing water available to plants. Using the one‐dimensional ACME Land Model and the three‐dimensional ParFlow variably saturated flow model, numerical experiments were performed for a catchment in central Amazon to elucidate processes that influence water available for plant use and provide insights for improving Earth system models. Results from ParFlow show that topography has a dominant influence on groundwater table and runoff through lateral flow. Without any representations of lateral processes, ALM simulates very different seasonal variations in groundwater table and runoff compared to ParFlow even if it is able to reproduce the long‐term spatial average groundwater table of ParFlow through simple parameter calibration. In the ParFlow simulations, even in the plateau with much deeper water table depth during the dry season in the drought year of 2005, plant transpiration is not water stressed as the soil saturation is still sufficient for the stomata to be fully open based on the empirical wilting formulation in the models. This finding is insensitive to uncertainty in atmospheric forcing and soil parameters, but the empirical wilting formulation is an important factor that should be addressed using observations and modeling of coupled plant hydraulics‐soil hydrology processes in future studies. The results could be applicable to other catchments in the Amazon basin with similar seasonal variability and hydrologic regimes.
Cancer: Chromosomal Abnormalities
Authors: Mitelman Felix
Published: August 2017

Most cancer cells have acquired clonal chromosome abnormalities. An increasing number of characteristic aberrations, in particular balanced changes, are with remarkable specificity associated with distinctive morphological and clinical disease characteristics. The identification of these recurrent aberrations has several important implications. First, cytogenetics has become an increasingly important tool in the clinical management of cancer patients to help establish a correct diagnosis, to predict prognosis and to select the most appropriate treatment. Second, the cytogenetic information has provided invaluable help to identify genes of importance in the carcinogenic process by focusing the attention to chromosomal sites that may harbour genes which when rearranged lead to neoplasia. Practically, all balanced structural rearrangements that have been characterised at the molecular level have been found to exert their action through one of the two alternative mechanisms: deregulation, usually overexpression, of a seemingly normal gene in one of the breakpoints, or the creation of an abnormal hybrid gene through fusion of parts of two genes, one in each breakpoint.

Key Concepts

Chromosome aberrations are a characteristic feature of neoplasia.

Chromosome abnormalities have been reported in almost 70 000 human neoplasms.

Recurrent balanced chromosome rearrangements, in particular translocations, are associated with distinctive tumour characteristics.

Cancer‐associated chromosome changes are of clinical importance for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

The breakpoints of balanced structural chromosome aberrations point at the locations of cancer‐relevant genes.

Cancer‐associated structural chromosome abnormalities lead to the formation of hybrid genes through fusions of parts of two genes located in the breakpoints.

Almost 800 gene fusions created by an acquired chromosome change are known.
Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: Genetics
Authors: Azevedo Luisa , Oliveira Ana Sofia , Amorim Antonio
Published: August 2017

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, the most common urea cycle disorder, is an X‐linked trait displaying large heterogeneity, including cases of symptomatic heterozygotes and very mild hemizygous individuals. A wide mutational spectrum, comprising more than 500 disease‐associated mutations, is currently known. More than two‐thirds of the mutations are nucleotide replacements at the coding region of the gene.
De novo
mutations are common being responsible for as much as three‐fourths of female abnormal chromosomes. Recurrent mutations found in different human populations are associated with hypermutable CpG dinucleotides, and these features render diagnosis and genetic counselling, particularly challenging. The responsible gene is, however, an excellent model for research on human mutation, owing to (1) the mode of transmission (allowing direct haplotype ascertainment and evaluation of the role of recombination) and (2) the abundance and diversity of mutations. Treatment strategies involve reduction of protein level intake and stimulation of alternative metabolic pathways or liver transplantation.

Key Concepts

OTC is a urea cycle enzyme mainly expressed in the liver.

OTC deficiency is an X‐linked disease that presents a heterogeneous phenotypic severity.

The mode of inheritance renders the phenotypic severity to be more evident in males.

The genotype–phenotype relationship is not straightforward.

Epistatic interactions have been detected in the OTC protein.
Metabolite Profiling in Plants
Authors: Osorio Sonia , Vallarino José G
Published: August 2017

Advances in analytical chemistry, computation and biotechnology have led to the recent development of methodologies for broad metabolite profiling. Metabolomics now plays a significant role in fundamental plant biology and applied biotechnology. The study of plant metabolism has been one of the first beneficiaries of these technologies, and applications have focused on plant metabolite engineering, functional genomics and physiology. Metabolomics has gained importance in biotechnology applications, as exemplified by quantitative loci analysis. Integration of different broad‐range metabolite profiling into genomics approaches (system biology) driven by metabolome data will bring a change in our understanding of the regulation of metabolic networks and, therefore, facilitate improvements in our understanding of plant breeding.

Key Concepts

Metabolomics is defined as the quantitative complement of low‐molecular‐weight metabolites present in a cell under a given set of physiological conditions.

Systems biology is the combination of molecular and system‐level studies applying a synergistic approach involving modelling, theory and experiment.

Metabolite marker is a metabolite that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes or specific trait.

Metabolic phenotype is the products of interactions among a variety of factors such as environment or genetic perturbation.

Functional genomics is the field of molecular biology that uses many possible approaches (i.e. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) to understand the properties and function of the entirety of an organism's genes and gene products.
Molecular Genetics of Addictions
Authors: Yang Zhongli , Li Ming D
Published: August 2017

Addictions to both licit and illicit drugs are common chronic brain disorders that are extremely costly to the individuals and society. Although genetics contributes significantly to vulnerability to these affective disorders, the susceptibility genes underlying them are largely unknown. Various genetics approaches including genome‐wide linkage, candidate gene association, GWAS and sequencing analysis have implicated several common genomic regions and genes in the aetiology of addiction to multiple substances. For example, variants in the α2 subunit of GABA
A
receptor have been found repeatedly in association with alcoholism and alcohol‐related phenotypes. A gene cluster on chromosomes 15q24/q25.1 that encompasses the genes for nicotine acetylcholine receptor subunits α5, α3 and β4 was implicated in addiction to tobacco and other substances as well. Current efforts aim not only to replicate these findings in independent samples but also to determine the functional mechanisms of these associations.

Key Concepts

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder.

Both human and animal studies reveal that addiction is determined not only by genetic and environmental factors but also by their interactions.

There exist significant genetic overlaps among addictions to different substances.

It is important to determine not only genetic but also environmental factors involved in the aetiology of addictions.

Various genomic regions have been revealed to harbour susceptibility loci for multiple addictive disorders.

Genes such as those encoding GABA‐A and GABA‐B receptor subunits, neurexins 1 and 2 and some nicotinic receptor subunits are revealed to be associated with addictions.

Determination of gene–environmental interactions is as important and challenging as determining gene–gene interactions.

Small microRNAs may play important roles in the mediation of expression of genes implicated in addictions.
G
Proteins
Authors: Willardson Barry M , Tensmeyer Nicole C
Published: August 2017

Cells respond to many hormones, neurotransmitters, bioactive peptides and sensory molecules through G protein signalling. The process begins with the binding of the signalling molecule to the extracellular face of a G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) that initiates binding of the G protein heterotrimer on the intracellular side of the receptor. This interaction causes exchange of GDP for GTP on the G protein α subunit, triggering a conformational change that dissociates the Gα‐GTP from Gβγ. These G protein subcomplexes then interact with effector enzymes and ion channels and elicit a cellular response to the signal. GPCRs constitute the largest class of transmembrane receptors, with 800 genes in the human genome. Consequently, G protein signalling contributes to almost all aspects of human physiology, and GPCRs are the single most common class of drug targets.

Key Concepts

G protein signalling contributes to almost all aspects of human physiology, including sensory perception, neuronal transmission and hormone secretion.

Agonist binding to a G‐protein‐coupled receptor initiates an interaction with the G protein heterotrimer that triggers nucleotide exchange on the G protein α subunit (Gα).

The binding of GTP to Gα causes its dissociation from the receptor and the G protein βγ dimer (Gβγ), allowing Gα‐GTP and Gβγ to interact with effector enzymes and ion channels.

Effector enzymes and ion channels change the concentration of second messenger molecules or the membrane potential to elicit the cellular response to the agonist.

The rate of GTP hydrolysis by Gα, which determines the duration of the G protein signal, is controlled by GTPase‐accelerating proteins called regulators of G protein signalling.

To function, the G protein heterotrimer must be assembled from its individual subunits by molecular chaperones.
Molecular Genetics of Isolated Acromesomelic Dysplasia
Authors: Khan Saad U , Khan Sher A , Muhammad Noor
Published: August 2017

Acromesomelic dysplasia is a type of skeletal malformation affecting distal and middle segments of the extremities. Both isolated (nonsyndromic) and syndromic forms have been reported. In syndromic forms, it shows association with respiratory, cardiac, neurological and genital abnormalities. Acromesomelic dysplasia segregates in autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Three genes (
GDF5
,
NPR2
and
BMPR1B
) have been reported to cause different forms of acromesomelic dysplasia.

Key Concepts

In case of AMDM, the short stature found in heterozygous carriers is probably caused by a codominant effect of the mutant allele.

Natriuretic peptides are hormones, involved in the regulation of various physiological processes.

Mutations in the
NPR2
gene results in loss of functions and consequently affect the skeletal growth and is responsible for AMDM.

Mutations in GC‐binding domain in the gene
Npr2
result in impaired endochondral ossification and severe dwarfism in mice.

The GDF5 is a ligand of BMP receptors, its absence results in abnormal joint formation and ligament defects.

AMDH patients are homozygous for a 22‐bp tandem duplication frameshift mutation in the mature region of CDMP‐1.

Du Pan dysplasia is caused by biallelic loss‐of‐function mutations in
GDF5
gene.

Acrosomelic dysplasia Demirhan Type (AMDD) is caused by homozygous mutation in
BMPR1B
gene.

BMPR1B is the major receptor for GDF5, a signalling molecule of the BMP family that plays a major role in digit formation, joint development and chondrocyte differentiation.

Sheep with
BMPR1B
or
BMP15
missense mutations do not exhibit a skeletal phenotype.

The skeletal and genital phenotype of the BmpR1b
−/−
mouse is similar to the clinical anomalies associated with the human BMPR1B mutation.
Glia Signalling during Neurological Damage and Disease
Authors: Yong Yu , Heckle Lindsay A , Arena Kimberly A , Goertz Jennifer E , Kucenas Sarah , Deppmann Christopher D
Published: August 2017

While glia were once thought to be nothing more than glue‐like cells that hold the nervous system together, there is growing evidence that signals to and from glia are indispensable for development, cell‐to‐cell communication and maintenance of efficient nervous system function. Several studies show that glia often receive conflicting signals during disease progression and can play dual roles as both antagonists and neuroprotectors in distinct settings.

Key Concepts

Glia play neuroprotective and neurodegenerative role during the initiation and progression stage of neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes mediate calcium‐related neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

Microglia regulate neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease through NO‐related apoptotic pathway.

Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells regulate myelin wasting diseases in central and peripheral nervous system through Wnt and ErbB2/ErbB3 signalling pathways.

Glial cells form a scar following spinal cord injury that affects regenerative abilities.
Controllable Virus‐Directed Synthesis of Nanostructured Hybrids Induced by Organic/Inorganic Interactions
Authors: Atanasova Petia , Kim Insook , Chen Bingling , Eiben Sabine , Bill Joachim
Published: August 2017

The bioinspired synthesis of hierarchical hybrid nanomaterials using biological objects as a template attracts growing interest for the design of new technologically relevant nanostructured materials. To ensure control over the shape and properties of the fabricated hybrid structures, understanding of the growth mechanism is required. In this work, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is used as a template to direct the synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) at ambient conditions and different pH from additive‐free aqueous solution. TMV/ZnS hybrid nanowires or thin films are obtained with controllable thickness of the inorganic layer. The deposition mechanism is studied by monitoring the optical properties, band gap (Eg) and particle size, respectively, of ZnS particles mineralized on the TMV template and ZnS reference nanoparticles. A heterogeneous nucleation of the inorganic phase on the template surface is proposed. Band gap measurements reveal that the average size of the ZnS nanoparticles grown on the virus surface is smaller compared to solution‐grown nanoparticles. Moreover, a blue shift of the ZnS photoluminescence peak indicates a dominance of different crystal lattice defects in both systems. The present method for the selective template‐directed mineralization opens new possibilities in the synthesis of well‐organized functional hybrid materials.
Active Control of Microstructure in Powder‐Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Vastola Guglielmo , Zhang Gang , Pei Qing Xiang , Zhang Yong‐Wei
Published: August 2017

Because of the complex interactions among the energy beam, the powder bed, and the material phase transformations, powder‐bed fusion additive manufacturing is very sensitive to process parameters, such as beam power and scan speed. As a result, the process window to produce fully‐dense, ASTM‐grade components is narrow. In such scenario, envisioning further control of mechanical properties is very challenging. As a departure from traditional attempts to control microstructure by changing the process parameters, the authors propose the introduction of a thermoelectric module (TEM) as an active device inside the build chamber. Using process modeling, the authors show that by altering the heat flow into the material through the TEM device, the volume fraction of martensite can be controlled in its entire range. In particular, the authors show that modern TEM modules can deliver sufficient thermal power to block the formation of martensite. As a result, microstructure can be controlled locally while retaining the beam power and scan speed optimal for part density and surface finish. While the results are demonstrated for Ti6Al4V and the electron beam melting process, the concept is general and, in principle, applicable to other materials and machines systems such as IN781 and selective laser melting.
Fracture Mode Transition in Nb–1Si Alloys Triggered by Annealing Heat Treatment
Authors: Kong Bin , Jia Lina , Shi Songxin , Guo Yueling , Zhang Hu
Published: August 2017

The concentration of Si plays a crucial role in the ductile‐brittle transition of Nb solid solution (NbSS) alloys, and an appropriate annealing treatment contributes to controlling the Si concentration in NbSS alloy. In this paper, Nb–1Si (at%) alloy is arc‐melted and annealed at different temperature (1300, 1400, and 1500 °C) for 10 h. After annealing, both the strength and ductility increase. Particularly, after annealing at 1300 °C, the fracture feature transforms from cleavage to dimples, and the alloy possesses good strength and retains decent ductility due to the low Si concentration and small‐sized intragranular Nb3Si particles precipitating in the NbSS. The significant effect of annealing on the fracture mechanism of Nb–1Si provides guidance for the design of Nb–Si based alloys.
Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots as a Photoluminescence Probe for Metal Ions
Authors: Sheng Xuexi , Liu Ying , Wang Yu , Li Yafei , Wang Xun , Wang Xinping , Dai Zhihui , Bao Jianchun , Xu Xiangxing
Published: August 2017

Perovskite structured CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br or I) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted great attention in the past few years for appealing application potentials in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. In this report, the CsPbX3 QDs are shown to perform as a new probe for metal ions with high sensitivity, high selectivity and instant response by the quenching or enhancing of the photoluminescence (PL). Through experimental and calculation efforts, the probing mechanisms are investigated. A wide probing window for Cu2+ and Yb3+ ions ranging from 2 × 10−9 to 2 × 10−6m is exhibited for CsPbBr3 QDs. In practice, the CsPbBr3 QDs are successfully applied for fast probing Cu2+ ions in edible oils and vehicle lubricating oils with the precision consistent to the values measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Thus, it provides a promising powerful tool in detecting certain metal ions in biological and industrial organic solution systems.
Defect Engineering toward Atomic Co–Nx–C in Hierarchical Graphene for Rechargeable Flexible Solid Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Tang Cheng , Wang Bin , Wang Hao‐Fan , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2017

Rechargeable flexible solid Zn‐air battery, with a high theoretical energy density of 1086 Wh kg−1, is among the most attractive energy technologies for future flexible and wearable electronics; nevertheless, the practical application is greatly hindered by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER) kinetics on the air electrode. Precious metal‐free functionalized carbon materials are widely demonstrated as the most promising candidates, while it still lacks effective synthetic methodology to controllably synthesize carbocatalysts with targeted active sites. This work demonstrates the direct utilization of the intrinsic structural defects in nanocarbon to generate atomically dispersed Co–Nx–C active sites via defect engineering. As‐fabricated Co/N/O tri‐doped graphene catalysts with highly active sites and hierarchical porous scaffolds exhibit superior ORR/OER bifunctional activities and impressive applications in rechargeable Zn‐air batteries. Specifically, when integrated into a rechargeable and flexible solid Zn‐air battery, a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.44 V, a stable discharge voltage of 1.19 V, and a high energy efficiency of 63% at 1.0 mA cm−2 are achieved even under bending. The defect engineering strategy provides a new concept and effective methodology for the full utilization of nanocarbon materials with various structural features and further development of advanced energy materials.
A Novel Phase‐Transformation Activation Process toward Ni–Mn–O Nanoprism Arrays for 2.4 V Ultrahigh‐Voltage Aqueous Supercapacitors
Authors: Zuo Wenhua , Xie Chaoyue , Xu Pan , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Jinping
Published: August 2017

One of the key challenges of aqueous supercapacitors is the relatively low voltage (0.8–2.0 V), which significantly limits the energy density and feasibility of practical applications of the device. Herein, this study reports a novel Ni–Mn–O solid‐solution cathode to widen the supercapacitor device voltage, which can potentially suppress the oxygen evolution reaction and thus be operated stably within a quite wide potential window of 0–1.4 V (vs saturated calomel electrode) after a simple but unique phase‐transformation electrochemical activation. The solid‐solution structure is designed with an ordered array architecture and in situ nanocarbon modification to promote the charge/mass transfer kinetics. By paring with commercial activated carbon anode, an ultrahigh voltage asymmetric supercapacitor in neutral aqueous LiCl electrolyte is assembled (2.4 V; among the highest for single‐cell supercapacitors). Moreover, by using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–LiCl electrolyte, a 2.4 V hydrogel supercapacitor is further developed with an excellent Coulombic efficiency, good rate capability, and remarkable cycle life (>5000 cycles; 95.5% capacity retention). Only one cell can power the light‐emitting diode indicator brightly. The resulting maximum volumetric energy density is 4.72 mWh cm−3, which is much superior to previous thin‐film manganese‐oxide‐based supercapacitors and even battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices.
The Structure of Short and Genomic DNA at the Interparticle Junctions of Cationic Nanoparticles
Authors: Gisbert‐Quilis Patricia , Masetti Matteo , Morla‐Folch Judit , Fitzgerald Jamie M. , Pazos‐Perez Nicolas , Garcia‐Rico Eduardo , Giannini Vincenzo , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramon A. , Guerrini Luca
Published: August 2017

Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying noncovalent interactions between native DNA and nanoparticles, as well as their impact on the double‐helix structure, is far from providing a comprehensive view. It is known that these interactions are largely defined by the physicochemical properties of the metal/liquid interface, in particular by the nanoparticle surface charge. Remarkably, while DNA unzipping upon binding with cationic nanoparticles is reported, the exact determinants of this structural perturbation remain unclear. Herein, plasmon‐based spectroscopies (surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface‐plasmon resonance (SPR) and theoretical simulations are combined to directly investigate the role of the cooperative binding of cationic nanoparticles with different surface charges on the structural integrity of a large variety of DNAs. The intrinsic nature of the SERS effect unlocks the possibility of selectively examining the impact of nanoparticle clustering on the duplex structure over a wide degree of colloidal aggregation and without the need of external intercalating dyes or strand labeling. This extensive work provides new fundamental insights into the interaction between nucleic acids and nanoparticles, addressing key questions regarding the role played by multiple variables such as the nanoparticle surface charge, the DNA‐mediated cluster size and geometry, and nucleic acids' length, composition, and conformational properties.
Copper‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Alkylation of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Ye Changqing , Li Yajun , Bao Hongli
Published: August 2017

A copper‐catalyzed decarboxylative alkylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions has been reported. Various alkyl diacyl peroxides were applied as the alkyl source for the formation of C(sp3)−C(sp) bond. A range of terminal alkynes including aryl alkynes and alkyl alkynes delivered the alkylated internal alkynes with good to high performances. Mechanism studies suggested that this reaction involves a free radical pathway.

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A Switchable Interconnecting Layer for High Performance Tandem Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Lu Shunmian , Lin Hong , Zhang Shaoqing , Hou Jianhui , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: August 2017

The all‐solution‐processed switchable interconnecting layer (ICL) for both inverted and normal tandem organic solar cells (OSCs) is reported for the first time here. The fundamental challenges in the literature arise from mixing multiple functionalities into a single layer. For a widely used ICL composed of an electron transport layer (ETL)/a hole transport layer (HTL), ETL needs not only to efficiently extract electrons from an underneath photoactive layer, but also to fulfill optical, mechanical, chemical and electrical requirements to function as effective tunneling junction ICL with HTL atop. Taking on multiple functionalities for a single ETL makes ETL in ICL highly coupled and difficult to be replaced. This is also the case for HTL. Here, this study demonstrates an all‐solution‐processed switchable ICL, ETL/recombination layer (RL)/HTL and HTL/RL/ETL, for both normal and inverted tandem OSCs. In switchable ICL, ETL and HTL simply serve as carrier transport layers as they did in single OSCs. Electrical recombination, mechanical protection and chemical separation functionalities are realized by RL alone. This strategy shifts the views of ICL for tandem OSCs from conventionally complicated ETL/HTL tunneling junction ICL, where both ETL and HTL play several different roles, towards simplified ICL where ETL and HTL play a distinct decoupled role, advancing ICL for more adaptable tandem OSCs.
Ein ikosidodekaedrisches Supramolekül auf Basis von Pentaphosphaferrocen: von einer fehlgeordneten gemittelten Struktur zu einzelnen Isomeren
Authors: Heindl Claudia , Peresypkina Eugenia , Virovets Alexander V. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Medvedev Michael G. , Krämer Barbara , Dittrich Birger , Scheer Manfred
Published: August 2017

Die Pentaphosphaferrocene [CpRFe(η5‐P5)] (1) und CuI‐Halogenide sind exzellente Bausteine für die Bildung diskreter Supramoleküle. Hier wird das Potenzial von Cu(CF3SO3) für die Herstellung des neuartigen 2D‐Polymers [{Cp*Fe(μ4,η5:1:1:1‐P5)}{Cu(CF3SO3)}]n (2) und eines einzigartigen Nanoballs (CH2Cl2)1.4@[{CpBnFe(η5‐P5)}12{Cu(CF3SO3)}19.6] (3) gezeigt. Das Supramolekül 3 hat ein außergewöhnliches Gerüst jenseits der Fulleren‐Topologie, das aus 20 Cu‐Atomen besteht, die statistisch auf 30 Eckpunkte eines Ikosidodekaeders verteilt sind. Erstmals wurde die Kombinatorik zur Interpretation einer gemittelten fehlgeordneten Struktur von Supramolekülen genutzt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass für die zweizähnige verbrückende Koordination von Triflatliganden im Gerüst nur zwei Paare enantiomerer Formen mit D5‐ und D2‐Symmetrie möglich sind. DFT‐Rechnungen zeigen, dass die Energieunterschiede der Isomere vernachlässigt werden können. Die Benzyl‐Liganden von 3 ermöglichen NMR‐spektroskopische und MS‐Untersuchungen.
Ein Weg zu gemischten Pnictogenylboranen
Authors: Hegen Oliver , Marquardt Christian , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Scheer Manfred
Published: August 2017

Wir berichten über die Synthese und Charakterisierung von gemischten Pnictogenylboranen. Die Substitution der Lewis‐Base SMe2 in (OC)5W‐PH2BH2‐SMe2 (2) durch verschiedene Pnictogenylborane ER2BH2‐LB (E=P, As, Sb) führt zu den Lewis‐Säure/Base‐stabilisierten, Butan‐analogen Molekülen (OC)5W‐PH2BH2ER2BH2‐LB (3 a,b: E=P, R=H, SiMe3, LB=NMe3; 4 a,b: As, R=H, SiMe3, LB=NMe3; 5: Sb, R=SiMe3, LB=NHCMe). Alle Verbindungen wurden durch Einkristall‐Röntgenstrukturanalyse, Massenspektrometrie, NMR‐ und IR‐Spektroskopie charakterisiert. Darüber hinaus wurde die sehr instabile Phosphanylboran‐Kette PH2BH2PH2BH2‐NMe3 (1) synthetisiert. Dichtefunktionalrechnungen geben Einblick in die Thermodynamik dieser Reaktionen.