bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetic Complexes of 5‐(4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐on‐5‐yl)­tetrazole and Ionic Derivatives of its 2N‐Oxide
Authors: Joas M. , Kießling S. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Schmid P. C. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: September 2014

5‐(4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐on‐5‐yl)tetrazole (HATT) was used as a ligand for the two complexes [Cu(ATT)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (5) and [Co(HATT)2(H2O)2](ClO4)3·4H2O (6). Both were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. Following the recent trend in energetic materials research of synthesis of heterocyclic 2N‐oxides the corresponding 5‐(4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐on‐5‐yl)tetrazole‐2‐oxide (HATT2O) was synthesized for the first time. Two ionic energetic derivatives (ammonium, hydroxylammonium) were prepared and an intensive characterization of their energetic properties and sensitivities is given. In addition heats of formation were computed and several detonation parameters calculated using the EXPLO5 6.01 computer code.
Thin inclusions in elastic bodies crossing an external boundary
Authors: Khludnev A.M.
Published: September 2014

We consider an equilibrium problem for 2D elastic body with a thin inclusion crossing an external boundary at zero angle. It is assumed that the inclusion is delaminated, therefore a crack between the inclusion and the body is considered. To prevent a mutual penetration between crack faces, inequality type boundary conditions are imposed at the crack faces. We analyze elastic inclusions as well as rigid inclusions. Passages to limits are investigated as a rigidity parameter of the inclusion goes to infinity. Theorems of existence and uniqueness are proved.
Overexpression, purification and characterisation of homologous α-l-arabinofuranosidase and endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase in Aspergillus vadensis
Authors: Culleton Helena , McKie Vincent A , de Vries Ronald P
Published: September 2014

In the recent past, much research has been applied to the development of Aspergillus, most notably A. niger and A. oryzae, as hosts for recombinant protein production. In this study, the potential of another species, Aspergillus vadensis, was examined. The full length gDNA encoding two plant biomass degrading enzymes, i.e. α-l-arabinofuranosidase (abfB) (GH54) and endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase (eglA) (GH12) from A. vadensis were successfully expressed using the gpdA promoter from A. vadensis. Both enzymes were produced extracellularly in A. vadensis as soluble proteins and successfully purified by affinity chromatography. The effect of culture conditions on the expression of abfB in A. vadensis was examined and optimised to give a yield of 30 mg/L when grown on a complex carbon source such as wheat bran. Characterization of the purified α-l-arabinofuranosidase from A. vadensis showed an optimum pH and temperature of pH 3.5 and 60 °C which concur with those previously reported for A. niger AbfB. Comparative analysis to A. niger AbfA demonstrated interesting differences in temperate optima, pH stability and substrate specificities. The endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase from A. vadensis exhibited a pH and temperature optimum of pH 4.5 and 50 °C, respectively. Comparative biochemical analysis to the orthologous EglA from A. niger presented similar pH and substrate specificity profiles. However, significant differences in temperature optima and stability were noted.
Phase Diagrams: The Beginning of Wisdom
Authors: Schmid-Fetzer Rainer
Published: September 2014

This work presents a primer on “How to Read and Apply Phase Diagrams” in the current environment of powerful thermodynamic software packages. Advanced aspects in that context are also covered. It is a brief guide into using this cornerstone of knowledge in materials science and engineering and offers assistance in the proper interpretation of results obtained from state-of-the-art Calphad-type thermodynamic calculations. Starting from the very basics it explains the reading of unary, binary and ternary phase diagrams, including liquidus projections, isothermal and vertical phase diagram sections. Application examples are directly derived from these phase diagrams of Fe, Cu-Ni, Mg-Al, and Mg-Al-Zn. The use of stable and metastable phase diagrams and appropriate choices of state variables are explained for the relevant Fe-C and Fe-C-Si systems. The most useful concept of zero-phase fraction lines in phase diagram sections of multicomponent systems is made clear by coming back to the Cu-Ni and Mg-Al-Zn systems. Thermodynamic solidification simulation using the Scheil approximation in comparison to the equilibrium case is covered in context of multicomponent multiphase solidification and exemplified for Mg-Al-Zn alloys. The generic approach is directly applicable for all inorganic materials, but exemplified in this concise work for a small selection of metallic systems to highlight the interdependences among the phase diagrams. The embedded application examples for real material systems and various materials processes also emphasize the use of phase diagrams for the path from initial off-equilibrium state towards equilibrium.
Bringing Marketing into Nonprofit Organisations: A Managerial Nightmare!
Authors: Chad Paul , Kyriazis Elias , Motion Judy
Published: September 2014

Many Boards and CEOs of nonprofit organisations face a dilemma in today's increasingly competitive market, that of introducing cultural change by forcing adoption of a market orientation to improve performance. The problem lies in that employees and managers misunderstand or have serious apprehensions towards marketing. In extreme cases, employees call it “going to the darkside”. Via an in-depth case study, the tension-filled process by which management introduced market orientation into a charity is examined. The benefit of the paper is that it forewarns managers of what to expect regarding potential employee resistance. We identify and provide solutions for senior managers considering cultural change towards greater emphasis on marketing activities. The paper advances academic knowledge regarding use of market orientation in charities, with a unique contribution being examination of the change process, managerial experiences and reaction of employees.
Arabidopsis STAYGREEN‐LIKE (SGRL) promotes abiotic stress‐induced leaf yellowing during vegetative growth
Authors: Sakuraba Yasuhito , Kim Dami , Kim Ye-Sol , Hörtensteiner Stefan , Paek Nam-Chon
Published: September 2014

During leaf senescence in Arabidopsis, STAYGREEN 1 (SGR1) and SGR2 regulate chlorophyll degradation positively and negatively, respectively. SGR‐LIKE (SGRL) is also expressed in pre‐senescing leaves, but its function remains largely unknown. Here we show that under abiotic stress, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing SGRL exhibit early leaf yellowing and sgrl‐1 mutants exhibit persistent green color of leaves. Under salt stress, SGR1 and SGRL act synergistically for rapid Chl degradation prior to senescence. Furthermore, SGRL forms homo‐ and heterodimers with SGR1 and SGR2 in vivo, and interacts with LHCII and chlorophyll catabolic enzymes. The role of SGRL under abiotic stress is discussed.
Identification of a novel type of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase involved in arachidonic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Ujihara Tetsuro , Nagano Megumi , Wada Hajime , Mitsuhashi Satoshi
Published: September 2014

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and an essential component of membrane lipids. However, the PUFA synthase required for ARA biosynthesis has not been identified in any organism. To identify the PUFA synthase producing ARA, we determined the draft genome sequence of the marine bacterium Aureispira marina, which produces a high level of ARA, and found a gene cluster encoding a putative PUFA synthase for ARA production. Expression of the gene cluster in Escherichia coli induced production of ARA, demonstrating that the gene cluster encodes a PUFA synthase required for ARA biosynthesis.
Evaluation of defibrillation safety and shock reduction in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator patients with increased time to detection: A randomized SANKS study
Authors: Noro Mahito , Zhu Xin , Takagi Takahito , Sahara Naohiko , Narabayashi Yuriko , Hashimoto Hikari , Ito Naoshi , Enomoto Yoshinari , Kujime Shingo , Sakai Tuyoshi , Sakata Takao , Matushita Noriko , Fukamizu Seiji , Okano Yoshifumi , Anami Yoshiaki , Tejima Tomoyuki , Kuroiwa Kouji , Ikeda Takanori , Sakurada Harumizu , Sugi Kaoru
Published: September 2014

Abstract1

Background

The need for ways to minimize the number of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) shocks is increasing owing to the risk of its adverse effects on life expectancy. Studies have shown that a longer detection time for ventricular tachyarrhythmia reduces the safety of therapies, in terms of syncope and mortality, but not substantially in terms of the success rate. We aimed to evaluate the effects of increased number of intervals to detect (NID) VF on the safety of ICD shock therapy and on the reduction of inappropriate shocks.

Methods

The present study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, crossover study. Randomized VF induction testing with NID 18/24 or 30/40 was performed to compare the success rate of defibrillation with a 25‐J shock and the time to detection. Inappropriate shock episodes were simulated retrospectively to evaluate a possibility of episodes avoidable at NID 24/32 and 30/40.

Results

Thirty‐one consecutive patients implanted with an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) were enrolled in this study. The success rate of defibrillation was 100% in both NID groups at the first shock. The time from VF induction to detection showed a significant increase in the NID 30/40 group (6.16±1.29 s vs. 9.00±1.31 s, p<0.001). Among the 120 patients implanted with an ICD or CRT‐D, 10 experienced 32 inappropriate shock episodes. The inappropriate shock reduction rate was 53.1% and 62.5% with NID 24/32 and 30/40, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of this SANKS study suggest that VF NID 30/40 does not compromise the safety of ICD shock therapy, while decreasing the number of inappropriate shocks.
Salmonellosis impacts the proportions of faecal microbial populations in domestic cats fed 1–3-d-old chicks
Authors: Kerr K. R. , Dowd S. E. , Swanson K. S.
Published: September 2014

There has been a recent increase in the feeding of unconventional diets, including whole-prey diets, to domestic pet cats. Our objective was to characterise faecal microbial populations of domestic cats fed whole and ground (6·35 mm grind) raw 1–3-d-old chicks (Rodent Pro). Faecal samples were collected from neutered male domestic cats (mean age = 5·7 years) fed these diet items in a crossover design. Bacterial DNA was isolated from faecal samples and amplicons of the 16S rRNA V4–V6 region were generated and analysed by 454 pyrosequencing. Faecal microbial populations of cats fed whole v. ground chicks did not differ. During the study, three cats presented with symptoms of infection (anorexia or diarrhoea) and tested clinically positive for Salmonella using a standard PCR method. The remaining cats tested negative. Data were analysed post hoc to test for differences in microbial populations due to clinical status. The predominant genera were Clostridium (9–30 %), unidentified Lachnospiraceae (10–28 %), Blautia (4–19 %), Peptococcus (2–19 %) and Fusobacterium (2–14 %). Faeces of cats testing clinically positive for Salmonella had higher (P ≤ 0·05) proportions of the genera Coprococcus (5·6 v. 0·4 %) and Escherichia (subgenera Shigella; 1·1 v. 0·3 %). Salmonella was not detected in faecal samples utilising the pyrosequencing method; however, there was a shift in microbial populations due to clinical status. The clinical symptoms reported herein may be not only due to the Salmonella itself, but also shifts in other gut microbial populations.
Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods
Authors: Bosch Guido , Zhang Sheng , Oonincx Dennis G. A. B. , Hendriks Wouter H.
Published: September 2014

Insects have been proposed as a high-quality, efficient and sustainable dietary protein source. The present study evaluated the protein quality of a selection of insect species. Insect substrates were housefly pupae, adult house cricket, yellow mealworm larvae, lesser mealworm larvae, Morio worm larvae, black soldier fly larvae and pupae, six spot roach, death's head cockroach and Argentinean cockroach. Reference substrates were poultry meat meal, fish meal and soyabean meal. Substrates were analysed for DM, N, crude fat, ash and amino acid (AA) contents and for in vitro digestibility of organic matter (OM) and N. The nutrient composition, AA scores as well as in vitro OM and N digestibility varied considerably between insect substrates. For the AA score, the first limiting AA for most substrates was the combined requirement for Met and Cys. The pupae of the housefly and black soldier fly were high in protein and had high AA scores but were less digestible than other insect substrates. The protein content and AA score of house crickets were high and similar to that of fish meal; however, in vitro N digestibility was higher. The cockroaches were relatively high in protein but the indispensable AA contents, AA scores and the in vitro digestibility values were relatively low. In addition to the indices of protein quality, other aspects such as efficiency of conversion of organic side streams, feasibility of mass-production, product safety and pet owner perception are important for future dog and cat food application of insects as alternative protein source.
Serum chemistry and electrolyte alterations in sled dogs before and after a 1600 km race: dietary sodium and hyponatraemia
Authors: Ermon Valentina , Yazwinski Molly , Milizio Justin G. , Wakshlag Joseph J.
Published: September 2014

Sled dogs are known to develop numerous serum biochemical changes due to endurance exercise. Previous studies have suggested that mild hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia can develop during endurance racing. The aim of the present study was to determine if serum biochemical alterations are similar to previous reports, and if electrolyte alterations are still present with present feeding practices utilised by mushers. Serum chemistries were obtained from 26 Alaskan Huskies belonging to 3 different teams, before and after a 1600 km race. Meals and snacks were analysed via calculation to determine daily macronutrient and electrolyte intake. Numerous biochemical alterations were observed including significant differences in serum total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, TAG, NEFA and urea nitrogen (P < 0·05). Serum electrolyte status revealed a mild, yet significant decrease in serum sodium (P = 0·002); and serum potassium was not significantly different (P = 0·566). Further examination of the sodium intake across the three teams revealed two teams with an average daily intake of approximately 8·5 g/dog/d (700 mg/4184 kJ) and the other team consuming 11·1 g/dog/d (1200 mg/4184 kJ). Regression analysis shows a significant modest positive correlation between serum sodium decrease and sodium intake per metabolic body weight of the dogs, as well as a modest positive correlation between sodium intake and serum potassium implicating the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system as a major factor involved in sodium and potassium homoeostasis. These findings suggest that consumption of approximately 0·9 g/kg0·75(1·2 g/4184 kJ) of sodium per d may prevent exercise-induced decreases in sodium and potassium.
“You don't know what you are saying ‘Yes’ and what you are saying ‘No’ to”: hospital experiences of older people from minority ethnic communities
Authors: ELLINS JO , GLASBY JON
Published: September 2014

Improving responsiveness to the needs of older people from minority ethnic communities has been emphasised as a goal in England since the publication of the National Service Framework for Older People in 2001. Despite this, people from minority ethnic groups consistently give poorer ratings of their health services than ‘majority’ populations, both in England and across many other health-care systems. Language barriers have been shown to play a particularly important role, and appear to be a stronger predictor of perceived quality of care than ethnic origin per se. This paper reports findings from a larger study exploring older people's experiences of care transitions, focusing on the findings from one case study area which explored the hospital and discharge experiences of older people from minority ethnic communities. A participatory approach was adopted, with older people from the local area collaborating in the design, delivery and analysis of the research as ‘co-researchers’. Twenty-four in-depth narrative interviews were carried out with people who had experienced a recent hospital stay as a patient or a family member providing care and support. Our findings show that many aspects of the hospital experience, including the desire for personalised and humanistic approaches to care, are important to older people irrespective of ethnic background. However, older people from minority ethnic communities can also face language and cultural barriers which negatively affect the quality and experience of care. People who had limited English proficiency struggled to understand, communicate and participate in their care. Where professional services were not available or requested, interpreting was provided informally by other patients, family members, hospital staff in clinical and domestic roles, or not at all. We conclude that targeted strategies are required to ensure appropriate and effective hospital services for a multicultural population.
Unravelling a Trans-Imperial Career: Michel Angelo de Blasco's Mapmaking Abilities in the Service of Vienna and Lisbon
Authors: Veres Madalina Valeria
Published: September 2014

During the eighteenth century, the global environment of imperial competition and cooperation encouraged the circulation of highly qualified mapmaking personnel from the service of one ruler to the other, thus contributing to the dissemination of cartographic knowledge. This article examines the career of military engineer and mapmaker Michel Angelo de Blasco (1697-1772), whose life in the service of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Portuguese Empire illustrates the importance of trans-imperial approaches to the history of cartography. As Vienna and Lisbon sponsored large mapmaking enterprises, including border demarcations and military surveys, skilled cartographers became precious resources for these empires. However, in the case of de Blasco, the invaluable service done in Brazil for the Portuguese monarch, made him both sought-after as a potential information source for the Habsburg monarchs and unemployable due to the risk of a diplomatic conflict. The efforts of de Blasco to transition back into the service of Vienna included the unauthorised submission of cartographic material. Additionally, the details of the negotiations regarding this mapmaker's possible transfer reveal the processes of institutionalisation and centralisation Habsburg cartography underwent during the time of Maria Theresa (1740-80).
Thematic markers in informal written French:pour ce qui est de, au niveau (de) and en matière de
Authors: VELGHE TOM , LAHOUSSE KAREN
Published: September 2014

This paper studies three thematic markers (TMs) in informal written French:pour ce qui est de, au niveau (de)anden matière de. We will demonstrate that they have different syntactico-semantic and discourse-functional properties and that the exact function of the TM construction results from the interplay between the inherent properties of the TM and the specific syntactic construction it appears in. We will demonstrate that TMs do not only introduce the aboutness-topics, but that they can also establish the frame in which the main clause holds or functions.
A specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (DDA) and a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (H-89) block the action of equine growth hormone onin vitromaturation of equine oocytes
Authors: Pereira Gabriel Ribas , Lorenzo Pedro Luis , Carneiro Gustavo Ferrer , Bilodeau-Goeseels Sylvie , Kastelic John , Liu Irwin K. M.
Published: September 2014

The objectives of this study were firstly to determine whether the stimulatory function of equine growth hormone (eGH) on equine oocyte maturationin vitrois mediated via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); and secondly if the addition of eGHin vitroinfluences oocyte nuclear maturation and if this effect is removed when GH inhibitors are added to the culture. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from follicles <25 mm in diameter and randomly allocated as follows: (i) control (no additives); and (ii) 400 ng/ml of eGH. A specific inhibitor against cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (H-89; 10−9, 10−11or 10−15M concentration) and a specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA; 10−8, 10−10or 10−14M concentration) were used to observe whether they could block the eGH effect. After 30 h ofin vitromaturation at 38.5°C with 5% CO2in air, oocytes were stained with 10 μg/ml of Hoechst to evaluate nuclear status. More mature oocytes (P< 0.05) were detected when COCs were incubated with eGH (29 of 84; 34.5%) than in the control group (18 of 82; 21.9%). The H-89 inhibitor used at a concentration of 10−9M (4 of 29; 13.8%) decreased (P< 0.05) the number of oocytes reaching nuclear maturation when compared with eGH (11 of 29; 38%). The DDA inhibitor at a concentration of 10−8M (2 of 27; 7.4%) also reduced (P< 0.05) the number of oocytes reaching maturity when compared with the eGH group (9 of 30; 30%). Results from the present study show that H-89 and DDA can be usedin vitroto block the eGH effect on equine oocyte maturation.
Effects of oocyte donor age and embryonic stage of development on transcription of genes coding for enzymes of the prostaglandins and progesterone synthesis pathways in bovine in vitro produced embryos
Authors: Torres A. , Batista M. , Diniz P. , Silva E. , Mateus L. , Lopes-da-Costa L.
Published: September 2014

The ability of early bovine embryos to produce prostaglandins (PGs) and progesterone (P4), and the role of these mediators in embryonic development and survival are poorly understood. In this study we tested the hypothesis that day 7 bovine embryos are able to transcribe genes coding for enzymes of the PGs (PTGS2, PGES, PGFS) and P4 (StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD) synthesis pathways, and that transcription levels of these genes are associated with developmental progression and heifer age-related [pre-pubertal (PP) versus post-pubertal cyclic (C)] oocyte competence. Compared with C heifer oocytes, PP heifer oocytes showed a lower (P < 0.0001) in vitro blastocyst rate, but in embryos developing until day 7, heifer age had no effect on quality grade. Day 7 quality grade 1–2 embryos were selected for RNA extraction and gene transcription analysis by qRT-PCR, in a 2 × 2 factorial design [age (PP or C) × embryonic stage (compact morulae and early blastocysts, CM + EBL, or blastocysts and expanded blastocysts, BL + BEX); 15 embryos/group]. Transcription levels of PTGS2, PGES, PGFS, P450scc and 3β-HSD were not affected by heifer age but were higher (P < 0.01) in BL + BEX than in CM + EBL. In conclusion, the main limiting factor for embryo production from PP heifers is oocyte competence. Day 7 bovine embryos evidence transcription of genes coding for enzymes of PGs and P4 synthesis pathways, and transcription levels are associated with blastocyst differentiation. This prompts for an autocrine/paracrine action of PGs and P4 in early bovine embryonic development.
Toxicity of cryoprotectants agents in freshwater prawn embryos of Macrobrachium amazonicum
Authors: Ferreira Arthur Vinícius Lourenço , Castro Elias José Teles , Barbosa Mariana Silva Alves , de Sousa Míriam Luzia Nogueira Martins , de Araújo Neto Manoel Paiva , Filho Aldeney Andrade Soares , de Souza Sampaio Celia Maria
Published: September 2014

The process of cooling and cryopreservation of prawn embryos is a viable alternative for a continuous supply of larvae for freshwater prawn farming ponds. However, studies involving the application of those techniques as well as on toxicity of cryoprotectants in freshwater prawn embryos are scarce. Thus, this study aims to test the toxicity of methylic alcohol (MET), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) on Macrobrachium amazonicum embryos. For the present experiment, pools of embryos were taken from 15 M. amazonicum females and were divided into three groups and tested in duplicate at concentrations of 10, 5, 3; 1, 0.5 or 0.1%. Toxicity tests were conducted for 24 h in Falcon® pipes to obtain the lethal concentration for 50% of the larvae (LC50). After the set period for testing, random samples of embryos were removed for morphological analysis under stereoscopic microscopes. Results were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level and Trimmed Spearman-Karber Analysis to determine LC50-24 h. DMSO toxicity tests revealed that 5% and 10% concentrations showed the highest toxicity and differed from the control (P ≤ 0.05), 24h-LC50 was 437.4 ± 14.4 µL. MET was less toxic among the tested cryoprotectants and concentrations did not allow the determination of its LC50-24h. For tests with EG, concentrations of 3, 5 or 10% solutions resulted in a 100% mortality to tested embryos; EG was the tested cryoprotectant with the highest toxicity, with an LC50-24h average of 81.91 ± 35.3 µl.
The cryoprotective effect of Ficoll on the rabbit spermatozoa quality
Authors: Kuliková Barbora , Di Iorio Michele , Kubovicova Elena , Kuzelova Lenka , Iaffaldano Nicolaia , Chrenek Peter
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Ficoll 70 into the cryopreservation medium containing sucrose and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on rabbit spermatozoa characteristics following freezing/thawing. This large molecular weight polymer elevates the viscosity of medium and, therefore, could better protect spermatozoa during the freezing process. Only ejaculates of good initial motility (>80%) were used in the experiments. Heterospermic pools were diluted in a freezing medium composed of commercial diluent, 16% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and 2% sucrose (control) or in the same medium enriched with 4% Ficoll 70 (Ficoll) and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapours for 10 min before being plunged in liquid nitrogen. The quality of fresh and frozen/thawed spermatozoa samples was evaluatedin vitrousing the Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) system, fluorescent probes (peanut agglutinin (PNA)-Alexa Fluor®; annexin V-FLOUS) and by electron microscopy. Better cryoprotective effect was observed when Ficoll 70 was added, compared with the semen cryopreserved with sucrose and DMSO only. The higher values (P< 0.05) of motile and progressively moving spermatozoa immediately after thawing and at 30 min following incubation at 37°C were obtained in the Ficoll group. Moreover, the higher number (P< 0.05) of acrosome intact sperm was found in the Ficoll compared with the control group. Furthermore, no significant differences in kindling rates and number of pups born between frozen/thawed and fresh semen group were found. In conclusion, our study showed that the addition of Ficoll 70 might improve several characteristics of rabbit spermatozoa measuredin vitrofollowing freezing/thawing.
Transnational Memories
Authors: Assmann Aleida
Published: September 2014

The ‘transnational turn’, which is challenging bounded views on national belonging, also opens up promising perspectives for memory studies. It fosters a rethinking and reconfiguring of national memories in the context of transnational connectedness. My sketch of seven types of transnational memories points to different empirical contexts in which states, politicians, jurists, activists, artists and scholars go beyond national borders and interests to conceptualise new forms of belonging, solidarity and cultural identification in a world characterised by streams of migration and the lingering impact of traumatic and entangled pasts.
The Theatre: A Place of Memory
Authors: Brizuela Mabel
Published: September 2014

This article looks at the question of transnational memory in the work of contemporary Spanish playwrights, Juan Mayorga and Antonio Álamo. It analyses and interprets the theatrical devices employed by each playwright respectively and the construction of a poetics of memory. It then goes on to consider the multidirectional potential of the intertextual references to other authors, histories and events – most notably the Holocaust – in plays of Mayorga and Álamo. It is via these intertextual engagements that the plays confront the limits, or (im)possibility of representation and it argues that the authors dive into a vast network of European memory, which in turn serves as a ‘screen’ for the memory of Spanish people, as it throws light on the Civil War and Francoist Spain. Thus, experiences such as Stalinism, the Holocaust, and the Warsaw ghetto become icons of a transnational memory that places the reader/spectator in the position of co-participant in an introspective exploration designed to unsettle.
The Spanish Past in Transnational Films. The ‘Otherlands’ of Memory
Authors: Bergero Adriana J.
Published: September 2014

Translated by Chase Raymond

Based on the work of theoreticians prevalent in the field of Memory Studies (Rothberg, Nora, Radstone, Aguilar, Faber, de Diego, Gómez López-Quiñones and Labanyi), this article analyses the filmsThe Devil BackboneandPan’s Labyrinthby the Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro as examples of a memory-formation that is deeply entrenched within Spain’s current political, legal and cultural debates on the Spanish Civil War, the Francoist dictatorship and the political immunity institutionalised by the Transition’s pact of silence. At the same time, as emerging from ‘otherlands’ of memory, Del Toro’s films are good examples of how multidirectional memories react to universal/transnational concerns about traumatic pasts and violations of human rights.
Entscheidungssicherheit bei der Ausbildungs-/Studienwahl und Erleben des Berufseinstiegs bei kindheitspädagogischen Fachkräften1 – längsschnittliche Befunde
Authors: Mischo Christoph , Wahl Stefan , Strohmer Janina , Wolf Carina
Published: September 2014

In Theorien beruflichen Wahlverhaltens ist die Entscheidungssicherheit für den gewählten Beruf ein wichtiges Merkmal einer gelungenen „Passung“ zwischen Personenmerkmalen und beruflichen Anforderungen. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, ob sich aufgrund der subjektiven Entscheidungssicherheit für den Beruf der Erzieherin bzw. der Kindheitspädagogin solche Merkmale des beruflichen Erlebens vorhersagen lassen, die im Rahmen eines theoretischen Modells als relevante Bewältigungsdimensionen des Berufseinstiegs postuliert werden. Die Entscheidungssicherheit angehender kindheitspädagogischer Fachkräfte an Fachschulen und Hochschulen wurde rückblickend im vierten Semester erhoben, latente Profile des beruflichen Erlebens wurden eineinhalb Jahre später beim Berufseinstieg in einer Kindertagesstätte identifiziert. „Entscheidungssichere“ Fachkräfte ließen sich bei Berufseintritt eher einem „zufriedenen“ Muster beruflichen Erlebens zuordnen. Außerdem wurden eher FachschülerInnen (als Studierende) einem „ausbildungskritischen“ Muster zugeordnet, das die Ausbildung rückblickend kritisch beurteilt und sich stärker an vorberuflichen subjektiven Theorien orientiert. Konsequenzen dieser Befunde für die Rekrutierung kindheitspädagogischer Fachkräfte und die Vorbereitung für den Berufseintritt werden diskutiert.
Medienkompetenzwahrnehmung im Migrationskontext
Authors: Marci-Boehncke Gudrun , Rath Matthias , Güneșli Habib
Published: September 2014

Medienerfahrungen gehören zum kindlichen Alltag, doch die familialen Bedingungen medialen Lernens sind unterschiedlich. Die öffentlichen Bildungsinstitutionen sollen daher kompensatorisch wirken, um allen Kindern gleiche Chancen vor und für den Schulbeginn zu sichern. Dies gilt besonders im Kontext unserer Zuwanderungsgesellschaft, wo Kinder mit verschiedenen kulturellen Hintergründen aufwachsen. Im Fokus unseres Berichts steht ein Interventions- und Forschungsprojekt in Dortmund, wo über 60 % der Kinder in Einrichtungen der Frühen Bildung verschiedenkulturelle Familienhintergründe mitbringen. In Einzelmaßnahmen, in denen Medienbildung an weitere inhaltliche Bildungsaspekte und Themen angebunden ist, üben Kinder aus verschiedenen Herkunftskulturen gemeinsam das Produzieren und Kommunizieren mit und über Medien. Die Arbeit in den Kitas wird trianguliert evaluiert und Erzieherinnen wie Eltern werden über die Wahrnehmung der Kinder sowie den familiären Medienumgang befragt. Aus diesem Datenpool sollen hier Ergebnisse vorgestellt werden, wie türkische Kinder als größte Migrantengruppe in ihrer Medienkompetenz in den Familien und in der Kita wahrgenommen werden – wobei sich je nach Perspektive auffällige Unterschiede in der elterlichen und der professionellen Wahrnehmung kindlicher Medienkompetenz zeigen, sowohl genderspezifisch als auch kulturspezifisch.
Eine Frage der Medienkompetenz?
Authors: Nolte David
Published: September 2014

Im vorliegenden Artikel wurde auf Basis einer 2012 durchgeführten Fragebogenstudie der nifbe Forschungsstelle Elementarpädagogik untersucht, in welchem Einflussverhältnis computerbezogene Kompetenz von pädagogischen Fachkräften zu deren medienpädagogischer Praxis steht. Mithilfe von Regressionsanalysen konnte gezeigt werden, dass computerbezogene Kompetenzen der Fachkräfte direkt in einem Einflussverhältnis mit der medienpädagogischen Praxis im Bezug zum Computer stehen, jedoch auch weitere Faktoren wie Berufserfahrung und günstige Rahmenbedingungen eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Medienpädagogische Praxis in Bezug zu Büchern wird hingegen nicht durch entsprechende buchbezogene Kompetenzen beeinflusst.
An ultrafast reconfigurable nanophotonic switch using wavefront shaping of light in a nonlinear nanomaterial
Authors: Strudley Tom , Bruck Roman , Mills Ben , Muskens Otto L
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate a new concept for reconfigurable nanophotonic devices exploiting ultrafast nonlinear control of shaped wavefronts in a multimode nanomaterial consisting of semiconductor nanowires. Femtosecond pulsed laser excitation of the nanowire mat is shown to provide an efficient nonlinear mechanism to control both destructive and constructive interference in a shaped wavefront. Modulations of up to 63% are induced by optical pumping, due to a combination of multimode dephasing and induced transient absorption. We show that part of the nonlinear phase dynamics can be inverted to provide a dynamical revival of the wavefront into an optimized spot with up to 18% increase of the peak to background ratio caused by pulsed laser excitation. The concepts of multimode nonlinear switching demonstrated here are generally extendable to other photonic and plasmonic systems and enable new avenues for ultrafast and reconfigurable nanophotonic devices.
Quantitative High-Throughput Profiling of Environmental Chemicals and Drugs that Modulate Farnesoid X Receptor
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wen , Zhao Jinghua , Huang Ruili , Hsieh Jui-Hua , Hamm Jon , Chang Xiaoqing , Houck Keith , Xia Menghang
Published: September 2014

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates the homeostasis of bile acids, lipids and glucose. Because endogenous chemicals bind and activate FXR, it is important to examine which xenobiotic compounds would disrupt normal receptor function. We used a cell-based human FXR β-lactamase (Bla) reporter gene assay to profile the Tox21 10K compound collection of environmental chemicals and drugs. Structure-activity relationships of FXR-active compounds revealed by this screening were then compared against the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ and γ and the vitamin D receptor. We identified several FXR-active structural classes including anthracyclines, benzimidazoles, dihydropyridines, pyrethroids, retinoic acids and vinca alkaloids. Microtubule inhibitors potently decreased FXR reporter gene activity. Pyrethroids specifically antagonized FXR transactivation. Anthracyclines affected reporter activity in all tested assays, suggesting non-specific activity. These results provide important information to prioritize chemicals for further investigation and suggest possible modes of action of compounds in FXR signaling.
Metallophore mapping in complex matrices by metal isotope coded profiling of organic ligands
Authors: Deicke Michael , Mohr Jan Frieder , Bellenger Jean-Philippe , Wichard Thomas
Published: September 2014

Metal isotope coded profiling (MICP) utilizes stable metal isotope pairs creating unique isotopic signatures used for fast identification of metallophores, metal ion buffers or sequestering agents.
In-syringe magnetic stirring assisted dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction with solvent washing for fully automated determination of cationic surfactants
Authors: Horstkotte Burkhard , Suárez Ruth , Solich Petr , Cerdà Víctor
Published: September 2014

An automated simple analyzer system for the extraction of cationic surfactants as an ion-pair with disulfine blue dye is described based on the technique in-syringe magnetic stirring assisted dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction.
Ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Dong Jian , Li Yuan , Zhang Mingyue , Li zhang , Yan Tianyu , Qian Weiping
Published: September 2014

In this study, an ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been developed, in which nile blue A (NBA) was chosen to replace nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) in a reactive system of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP), NBT, and ALP.
Carbon-centered radicals add reversibly to histidine – implications
Authors: Nauser Thomas , Carreras Anna
Published: September 2014

Carbon-centered radicals add to histidine in a very fast equilibration reaction.
A dual functional AEE fluorogen as a mitochondrial-specific bioprobe and an effective photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhao Engui , Deng Haiqin , Chen Sijie , Hong Yuning , Leung Chris Wai Tung , Lam Jacky Wing Yip , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2014

TPE-IQ, an AEE luminogen, can selectively illuminate mitochondria and serve as a photosensitizer to induce cell apoptosis upon photoexcitation. The mitochondrial-specificity increases its efficiency in photodynamic therapy.
Metal-free 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition polymerization via prearrangement of azide and alkyne in the solid state
Authors: Meng Xiao , Chen Hao , Xu Shu , Ma Yuguo
Published: September 2014

Metal-free 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition polymerization with controlled regioselectivity is achieved in the solid state, and soluble polymers are obtained with monomers containing flexible tri- and tetra-ethylene glycol linkers.
Dual function of a living polymerization initiator through the formation of a chain-end-protecting cluster: density functional theory calculation
Authors: Jang Yun Hee , Lansac Yves , Kim Jae-Ki , Yoo Hee-Soo , Chae Chang-Geun , Choi Cheol Ho , Samal Shashadhar , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: September 2014

The origin of the living nature of isocyanate polymerization by sodium benzanilide (Na+BA−) initiator is understood from the relative stabilities of (NaBA)n clusters in THF solution.
The polar side of polyphenylene dendrimers
Authors: Hammer Brenton A. G. , Moritz Ralf , Stangenberg René , Baumgarten Martin , Müllen Klaus
Published: September 2014

The site-specific functionalization of poly(phenylene) dendrimers can produce macromolecules with a range of different polarities.
Contrasting physiological responses of ozone-tolerant Phaseolus vulgaris and Nicotiana tobaccum varieties to ozone and nitric acid
Authors: Stripe Cara M. , Santiago Louis S. , Padgett Pamela E.
Published: September 2014

Plant physiological responses to nitric acid are evaluated against ozone for the first time.
Chemical conversion pathways for carbohydrates
Authors: Chatterjee Chandrani , Pong Frances , Sen Ayusman
Published: September 2014

This review covers general chemical routes used to convert cellulosic biomass into useful platform chemicals with specific focus on aqueous-based processing.
A new, sustainable LaFeO3 material prepared from biowaste-sourced soluble substances
Authors: Deganello Francesca , Tummino Maria Laura , Calabrese Carla , Testa Maria Luisa , Avetta Paola , Fabbri Debora , Prevot Alessandra Bianco , Montoneri Enzo , Magnacca Giuliana
Published: September 2014

A LaFeO3 photocatalyst is obtained by solution combustion synthesis from a bio-based substance extracted from urban wastes and tested for its catalytic activity.
Extraction and electrochemical detection of capsaicin and ascorbic acid from fresh chilli using ionic liquids
Authors: Lau Benjamin B. Y. , Panchompoo Janjira , Aldous Leigh
Published: September 2014

Capsaicin (flavour indicator) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C, freshness indicator) were simultaneously extracted from fresh chillies and quantified.
Phosphine oxide-based conjugated microporous polymers with excellent CO2 capture properties
Authors: Qiao Shanlin , Huang Wei , Du Zhengkun , Chen Xianghui , Shieh Fa-Kuen , Yang Renqiang
Published: September 2014

Three new conjugated microporous polymers are synthesized with high CO2 and H2 uptake and great CO2/CH4 selectivity.
Bottom-up preparation of MgH2 nanoparticles with enhanced cycle life stability during electrochemical conversion in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Oumellal Yassine , Zlotea Claudia , Bastide Stéphane , Cachet-Vivier Christine , Léonel Eric , Sengmany Stéphane , Leroy Eric , Aymard Luc , Bonnet Jean-Pierre , Latroche Michel
Published: September 2014

A promising anode material for Li-ion batteries based on MgH2 with around 5 nm average particle size was synthesized by a bottom-up method.
Engineering the synthesis of silica–gold nano-urchin particles using continuous synthesis
Authors: Sebastian Víctor , Lee Seung-Kon , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: September 2014

Kinetic control of crystallization, fast mass transfer as well as surface morphology of the substrate particles are important factors for the growth of hyper-branched gold structures.
Preparation, modification and characterization of polymeric hollow fiber membranes for pressure-retarded osmosis
Authors: Ingole Pravin G. , Kim Kee Hong , Park Chul Ho , Choi Won Kil , Lee Hyung Keun
Published: September 2014

The present study evaluated the performance of polymeric hollow fiber membranes in the pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process for power generation.
Synthesis, structures, surface photovoltage and luminescence properties of two new nickel(ii) carboxyphosphonates with a 3D framework structure
Authors: Luo Hui , Zhu Yan-Yu , Sun Zhen-Gang , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Zhang Guang-Ning , Sun Tong , Ma Ming-Xue , Li Wen-Zhu
Published: September 2014

Two new 3D nickel(ii) carboxyphosphonates 1 and 2 were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The surface photovoltage and luminescent properties were studied.
Novel design approaches for multifunctional information carriers
Authors: Ecker Melanie , Pretsch Thorsten
Published: September 2014

Information carriers with an unprecedented combination of thermochromic and shape memory properties are presented. The studied material systems may be used in anti-counterfeiting applications.
Dipicrylamine as a colorimetric sensor for anions: experimental and computational study
Authors: Gunupuru Ravi , Kesharwani Manoj K. , Chakraborty Ashish , Ganguly Bishwajit , Paul Parimal
Published: September 2014

Dipicrylamine exhibited colorimetric sensing of F−, OAc− and H2PO4−, detectable by bared-eye, out of a large number of anions. Interestingly, F− binds with one of the phenyl carbon of dipicrylamine.
Dialectical Effects on Nasalance: A Multicenter, Cross-Continental Study
Authors: Awan Shaheen N. , Bressmann Tim , Poburka Bruce , Roy Nelson , Sharp Helen , Watts Christopher
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This study investigated nasalance in speakers from six different dialectal regions across North America using recent versions of the Nasometer. It was hypothesized that many of the sound changes observed in regional dialects of North American English would have a significant impact on measures of nasalance.

Method

Samples of the Zoo Passage, the Rainbow Passage, and the Nasal Sentences were collected from young adult male and female speakers (
N
= 300) from six North American dialectical regions (Midland/Mid-Atlantic; Inland North Canada; Inland North; North Central; South; and Western dialects).

Results

Across the three passage types, effect sizes for dialect were moderate in strength and accounted for approximately 7%–9% of the variation in nasalance. Increased differences in nasalance tended to occur between speakers from distinctly different geographical regions, with the highest nasalance across all passages observed for speakers from the Texas South dialect region.

Conclusion

Clinicians and researchers who use perceptual and instrumental measures of speech production should be aware that dialectical and socially acquired speech patterns may influence the acoustic characteristics of speech and may also influence the interpretation of normative expectations and typical versus disordered cutoff scores for instruments such as the Nasometer.
Anisotropic elastic deformation of silica glass under uniaxial stress
Authors: Champagnon Bernard , Degioanni Simon , Martinet Christine
Published: September 2014

The difference between the axial and the radial Brillouin strain coefficients of a silica fiber submitted to a uniaxial stress is due to an anisotropic response of the silica submitted to an elastic mechanical stress. The anisotropy recently observed in permanently modified silica for stresses above the elastic limit is demonstrated to exist also in the elastic domain. It is explained by the anisotropic response of the silica structure at the intermediate scale when submitted to shear stresses. An alignment of the Si-O-Si bonds along the principal stress direction is proposed.
Extreme optical confinement in a slotted photonic crystal waveguide
Authors: Caër Charles , Combrié Sylvain , Le Roux Xavier , Cassan Eric , De Rossi Alfredo
Published: September 2014

Using Optical Coherence Tomography, we measure the attenuation of slow light modes in slotted photonic crystal waveguides. When the group index is close to 20, the attenuation is below 300 dB cm−1. Here, the optical confinement in the empty slot is very strong, corresponding to an ultra-small effective cross section of 0.02 μm2. This is nearly 10 times below the diffraction limit at λ = 1.5 μm, and it enables an effective interaction with a very small volume of functionalized matter.
Imaging and characterization of piezoelectric potential in a single bent ZnO microwire
Authors: Wang Chiang-Lun , Tsai Shu-Ju , Chen Jhih-Wei , Shiu Hong-Wei , Chang Lo-Yueh , Lin Kai-Hsiang , Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Chen Yi-Chun , Chen Chia-Hao , Wu Chung-Lin
Published: September 2014

We achieved direct visualization of the piezoelectric potentials in a single bent ZnO microwire (MW) using focused synchrotron radiation (soft x-ray) scanning photoelectron spectro-microscopy. Using radial-line scan across the bent section of ZnO MW, the characteristic core-level shifts were directly related to the spatial distribution of piezoelectric potentials perpendicular to the ZnO polar direction. Using piezoelectric modeling in ZnO, we delineated the band structure distortion and carrier concentration change from tensile to compressed sides by combining the spatial resolved cathodoluminescence characteristics in an individual microwire. This spectro-microscopic technique allows imaging and identification of the electric-mechanical couplings in piezoelectric micro-/nano-wire systems.