bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTRUÇÕES CORRELATAS ADITIVAS NO SÉCULO XVIII: UMA ANÁLISE SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA LINGUÍSTICA FUNCIONAL CENTRADA NO USO
Authors: Rosário Ivo Costa , Souza Brenda Silva
Published: October 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise das construções correlatas aditivas em uso no século XVIII, a partir dos pressupostos teóricos da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso. Com base em um corpus de língua real, com dados extraídos do site brasiliana.usp.br, foram detectados onze diferentes types de correlatores aditivos, com alta diversidade morfossintática. O trabalho insere-se na defesa de que a correlação aditiva é um processo sintático distinto da coordenação aditiva, o que vai contra a defesa dos gramáticos tradicionais.
Beta-blocker use in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bain Amie
Published: October 2018

Beta-blockers are widely used to treat a number of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, angina and hypertension. By inhibiting the binding of catacholamines to beta receptors in the heart and vasculature, beta-blockers can reduce cardiac contractility, heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac output. A sound understanding of how beta-blockers work and the basis of their recommendation for various indications is needed to promote their safe and effective use in patients. This article briefly describes the physiology of beta-adrenergic receptors, the mechanism of action of beta-blockers and their place in the therapy of cardiovascular disease,
Developing an initial item bank for a new cardiac rehabilitation PROM
Authors: Cowie Aynsley , Kerr Emma , McKay Janet , Allan Lesley , Thomson Patricia
Published: October 2018

Background:

A Scotland-wide government scoping exercise identified the need for a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) suitable for the wide range of diagnostic groups now accessing cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Aim:

This paper describes the initial steps underpinning development of the item bank for a first draft tool (PROM–CR1).

Methods:

A literature review of existing tools was undertaken to guide a qualitative data collection methodology involving 19 CR staff and 22 service users.

Results:

Four conceptual ideas for health/quality of life were identified from the literature review: general health; physical; social; and psychological. Three key qualitative themes, largely reflective of literature review findings, were identified: expectations and entitlement; adjustment and acceptance; and control and choice.

Future directions:

These data will be combined to form PROM-CR1's initial item bank, which will be piloted with staff and service users and refined to generate a finalised tool (PROM–CR) for use in clinical practice.
In silico Structural Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum helicase, PfBrr2
Authors: Saxena Ritu , Chandra Mishra Prakash
Published: October 2018

Plasmodium falciparum is a causative agent of one of the most devastating disease, cerebral malaria. Absence of suitable vaccine and the emergence of multi drug resistant parasites hinder prevention of malaria disease worldwide. One of the most reliable approaches to control this disease is to develop antimalarial against drug targets which are specific for ubiquitous and necessary enzymes such as helicases. Helicases work in ATP dependent manner and help in unwinding of nucleic acids during replication, transcription and repair mechanism. In this study, in silico analysis and homology modeling method were used to characterize the physicochemical properties and 3D structure of PfBrr2 helicase. Suitable structure of different domains was validated using in silico tools and used for docking studies to understand protein-ligand interactions. Protein-protein interaction network of PfBrr2 was investigated to understand its function inside the parasite.
Frequency and Importance of Six Functional Groups that Play a Role in Drug Discovery
Authors: Maslehat Sholeh , Sardari Soroush , Ganji Arjenaki Mahboube
Published: October 2018

Small molecules are composed of chemical functional groups; they are sets of connected atoms or atom groups that determine properties and reactivity of the parent molecule. DrugBank is a rich source of information that containing molecular data about small molecules, their mechanisms, pharmaceutical interaction and targets. In this study, After collecting data of small drug molecules from DrugBank database and classifying them in different categories based on their mechanism of action, the therapeutic properties of the molecules were recorded. Finally, the functional group from the pharmaceutical structures were elucidated and registered for each group. The functional groups were divided into five distinct groups in drug design, and a correlation between identified functional group to pharmaceutical structure were indicated according to the classified functional groups of small molecule and drug categories; then defined their frequency in categories, at high abundant functional group present in categories reported. The most frequent rings were benzene and cyclohexane; the common acid functionality had been acetate (carboxy-); three most repeated saturated heterocyles are piperidine, piperazine and azetidine; among the unsaturated heterocyles, pyridine, imidazole and indole are noticed; This database, that may be guidance for researchers with the aim at designing new drugs.
Protective Role of Ca2+ towards Cu2+ Induced Toxicity on Photosynthetic Pigments, Morphology and Ultra-Structures of the Cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1
Authors: Ibne A. Ahad Rabbul , L. Kynshi Balakyntiewshisha , B. Syiem Mayashree
Published: October 2018

Ca2+ has been reported to play a protective role in many cyanobacteria against toxic effects of various metals. However there are very few reports of Ca2+ mediated protection in Cu2+ treated cyanobacterial cells. An initial study conducted to assess the influence of Ca2+ over Cu2+ induced effects on morphology, ultra-structure, photosynthetic pigments and total protein content of cyanobacterial Nostoc muscorum Meg 1 revealed that as little as 3 ppm Cu2+ can induce reduction in all these parameters by 50-80%. However when 10 ppm Ca2+ was present along with 3 ppm Cu2+, the Cu2+ induced toxic effects were lessened by 55-85% within 7 days. Bright field and scanning electron microscopic study showed that morphological changes including broken filaments; rupture, elongation and shrivelling of cells were lessened upon inclusion of Ca2+. Ultra-structural studies conducted using transmission electron microscopy showed detachment of cell membrane from cell wall, shrinkage of cellular matter; compromised thylakoid membranes and increased number of polyphosphate bodies in the Cu2+ treated cells whereas these effects were convincingly less in presence of Ca2+. Similarly decrease in protein concentration under the influence of Cu2+ was also positively modulated by the presence of Ca2+.
Sodium Nitroprusside Improves Performance of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Under Salt Stress
Authors: Khorshid Abbas Zahid
Published: October 2018

Soil salinity creates osmotic and ionic stress in plants that result in the suppressed water and nutrients status in plants leading to reduced growth and yield of crop plants. Although, plants activate their defense system to counter various stresses but this defense system has limitations. Therefore, it is highly desirable to manipulate the plant’s cellular system to counter the detrimental effects of stresses efficiently. Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to act as an important signaling molecule which plays vital role in growth and development of plants and plays important role in the responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Keeping in view the vital roles of NO in plants, the present experiment was performed to study the impact of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Sahrawi) plants grown under 200 mM NaCl. The results showed that salt-stressed plants accumulated higher levels of proline (Pro) and glycine betaine (GB) and showed enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) as compared with the control plants. But increase in osmolytes and enzyme activities could not protect the plants from NaCl-induced damage and exhibited enhanced H2O2 and O2−· content, TBARS and electrolyte leakage. All these alterations negatively affected growth (fresh and dry weight of shoot and root), and physiological and biochemical parameters [leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and leaf relative water content (LRWC)] of stressed plants. However, NaCl-stressed plants treated with the NO donor, SNP, exhibited enhanced synthesis of Pro and GB content and activities of antioxidant enzymes that resulted in reduced H2O2 and O2−· content, TBARS and electrolyte leakage and enhanced CA activity, leaf Chl content and LRWC. Application of SNP to salt-stressed plants also improved growth characteristics. On the contrary, application of NO scavenger cPTIO [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide] along with SNP and NaCl suppressed the effect of NO and resulted in poor defense against salinity.
Biochemical Profiling of Source and Sink Tissues at Different Growth Stages of Early and Late Maturing Varieties of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids)
Authors: Verma Indu , Roopendra Kriti , Chandra Amaresh , Kamal Aisha
Published: October 2018

Sugarcane being C4 crop exhibits distinct source-sink signaling pathway that helps in storing remarkably high amount of sucrose in its sink tissues that makes it a highly remunerable crop worldwide. In the present study sugar content was profiled in both source and sink tissues of early (CoJ64) and late (BO91) maturing sugarcane varieties. At early growth stage (i.e. at 210 DAP) sink tissues of both varieties exhibited higher reducing sugar and low sucrose content while in source tissues both sucrose and reducing sugar content was observed high, depicted lower sink demand for sucrose. With maturity, when sink demand for sucrose storage increased, rise in sucrose content was seen in sink tissues, whereas in source tissues gradual decrease in sucrose and reducing sugar content was observed. Accumulation of sucrose was found much higher in CoJ64 than those in BO91. In CoJ64 maximum sucrose content (64.2%) was seen at 330 DAP while in BO91 it was 41.8% at 390 DAP. At this stage, source tissues too exhibited higher sucrose and reducing sugar content. Thus sucrose synthesis in source tissues and its transportation to the sink tissues is primarily governed by the sink demand.
Characterization of scale deposits formed in sanitary hot water pipelines in the northern tourist zone of Agadir city
Authors: Belattar M'barek , Hadfi Abdallah , Ben Aazza Said , Mohareb Said , Hafid Naima , Driouiche Ali
Published: October 2018

The formation of scale on surfaces in contact with water is due to many reasons as the hardness of water and its temperature. Therefore, this phenomenon of scale in water pipelines is a common and inevitable problem in the regions that exploit or use groundwater with high rigidity. The circuits fed by hot water are easily reached by hard water scaling. The deposition of encrusting curst at the level of walls in touch with water is due to many technical, economic and environmental problems. It causes a reduction in water flow and a decrease in the efficiency of heating systems.In this study, we are particularly interested in studying the phenomenon of hard water scaling caused by sanitary hot water in a tourist unit situated in the north of the seaside in the city of Agadir. First, we have evaluated the physico-chemical quality of water in use in this tourist unit. Secondly, we conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scale found in the circuits that transport sanitary hot water. Several analytical techniques were used to reach this goal namely: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) which shows that 85.50% of scale is represented by Calcium Carbonate. Whereas infrared spectrometry (IR) demonstrates the existence of the Carbonate anion CO32-. In addition, due to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) we found that the endothermic event shows the decomposition of Calcium Carbonate of CaO and CO2 in the temperature range of 660 C° to 820 C°. For scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it indicates that the scale takes the form of needle-like aragonite crystals. At last, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the scale is composed essentially of Calcium Carbonate of the type aragonite.The results of the different techniques of characterisation are in concordance in the scaling of the circuits of sanitary hot water in the tourist unit under study.
Mineralogical characterization and preliminary assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of sedimentary rock from the western part of the Central Kongo
Authors: Bouamoud Rajae , El Hamidi Adnane , Halim Mohammed , Masamba Raphael Mulongo , Nlandu Roger Antoine Kobo , Arsalane Said
Published: October 2018

In this work, the mineralogical characteristics and the assessment of the petroleum potential of organic carbon-rich sedimentary rock (CK sample) originating from the western part of the Central Kongo were the subject of a preliminary analysis and the results were compared with those of Moroccan oil shales. The mineralogical characterization was carried out using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetry/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM-EDX). The results show that the examined sedimentary rock contain a significant part of minerals, about 80%, consisting of quartz, clays and pyrite, similar to those frequently found in oil shales. The pyrolysis also indicates the presence of volatile matter between 250 and 580°C, attributed to the Organic Matter (OM) disseminated within the sedimentary rock as was shown in several carbon-rich materials. The detection of pyrite in the CK sample reveals the existence of a reducing environment during the preservation period of OM in the source rock. The assessment of the petroleum potential using the basic Rock-Eval method associated with the elemental analysis and 13C Cross Polarization/Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR) spectroscopy indicated a very good organic richness (TOC=10.77%), very good petroleum potential (S2=80.4 mgHC/g rock) with the sapropelic OM described as type I kerogen (H/C molar ratio of 1.71) characterized by high hydrogen index (HI=746 mgHC/g TOC) and low oxygen index (OI=13 mgCO2/g TOC) values. The Rock-Eval results were confirmed by 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy which shows the exclusive presence of aliphatics. The mineralogical and petroleum characteristics of CK sample show a great resemblance with those of known oil shales such as Moroccan oil shales and its kerogen is probably related to a marine or lacustrine environment which formed in anoxic sedimentary rocks and with a thermal evolution that has just reached the early stage of the oil window
Adsorption of cobalt from aqueous solutions onto Bark of Eucalyptus
Authors: Essaadaoui Youness , Lebkiri Ahmed , Rifi EL Houssein , Kadiri Lamya , Ouass Abdelkarim
Published: October 2018

In this work, we used the bark of eucalyptus grafted with acrylic acid (EAA) as an adsorbent for removing of Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions. EAA was characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and bohemian method. The bulk density and the zero-charge point (pzch) were also determined. The results showed that eucalyptus grafted with acrylic acid (EAA) is rich in COOH and OH groups and pzch is acidic. We also valorized the Bark of Eucalyptus (EB) in the removing of Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The kinetic study showed that the extraction equilibrium of Co2+ ions by EB is reached after 40 min and the extraction process is expressed by the second-order kinetic model. The effect of Co2+ concentration and initial pH on the removal efficiency showed that the binding capacity increases with increasing in the pHi and the concentration of Co2+ ions and the maximum capacity is 55.55 mg/g. The mathematical modelling study of the adsorption of Co2+ ions on the BE showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir model. The kinetics of desorption is 8 times faster than the extraction and our material is regenerated with higher performance.
The Relationship between distributed leadership practices and academic optimism among faculty members in Northern Border University
Authors: Alenezi Attaulla Fahes
Published: October 2018

The current study aimed to explore the relationship between distributed leadership practices (DLP) and academic optimism (AO) among faculty members, to identify the predictive validity of distributed leadership dimensions of academic optimism, and to identify the effects of gender in DLP and AO. DLP scale and AO scale were used as the instruments for the study. For the data analysis, Pearson’s correlation, multiple regression analyses, and paired sample t-test were used. The results showed that there is a significant positive correlation between DLP and AO. Available leadership opportunity was the best predictor to AO. There were not any significant differences between males and females in DLP and AO.
IMPLEMENTASI TAHUN INFRASTRUKTUR DI PROVINSI JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Adhi Suwantho
Published: October 2018

Year of infrastructure is the Central Java Provincial Government’s policy since 2014 which is expected to improve the condition of infrastructure, particularly roads. Through qualitative method, this research focused on the meaning of infrastructure year and its impact.The result showed that the year of the infrastructure is the policy of increasing budget allocations for rehabilitation and construction of roads through budget of Central Java. The result of the policy is better roads conditions. The success of the infrastructure year was supported by the commitment of parliaments in budgeting process and ability of local governments to implement all activities. Keywords : Policy, Implementation, Infrastructure
TOWARD MULTICULTURALISM IN DEALING WITH MINORITY GROUP Study Case: Saminism (A Social Work Perspective)
Authors: Noor Nina Mariani
Published: October 2018

Multiculturalism is a term that is actually has been considered by Indonesian people long before the establishing of the nation-state. It can be seen from the underlying concept of multiculturalism in Indonesia that is comprised in the national philosophy Pancasila and the UUD 1945 Constitution. However, the implementation of multiculturalism in Indonesia did not start at that time.The implementation of multiculturalism in Indonesia emerged when the discourse of multiculturalism have spread over the world. Consequently, Indonesia, as a country which has multi-ethnic and multicultural society have to practice it both socially and politically.Since multiculturalism regards all groups involving in the State, both dominant groups and non-dominant ones, minority groups are had to have same opportunities in social, economy and political aspects. However, implementing multiculturalism is not as simple as imagined. There are several obstacles faced. On one hand, multiculturalism seems to be the best means in reaching social justice and equality among people. On the other hand, the social system constructed which is in domination of one or small cultural groups are difficult to be changed.Regrettably, the State as the holder of the authority is in dominant groups’ hand and it is trapped in defending status quo. As a result, the policies conducted relating to multiculturalism only benefit dominant group, whereas minority groups get nothing. It will be better if minority groups directly involved in deciding program that will be conducted in their community so that both the State and the minority group will benefit from the program.
FENOMENA ELITE CAPTURE DALAM PENGELOLAAN BADAN USAHA MILIK DESA (BUMDES)
Authors: Firdaus Syahran
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTVillage independence is one of the main focuses to achieve the welfare ofrural communities. One of the implications of the village independence agenda is thepresence of BUMDes as a rural institution to perform the function of empoweringand improving the welfare of the community. However, the presence of BUMDes canlead to new problems: the emergence of an elite presence dominates BUMDes. Oneof the phenomena that can happen is Elite Capture. Elite capture is an elite hijackingof management spaces for personal or group interests.The object of this research is BUMDes Argosari located in Pulosari Village,Pemalang Regency. This study focuses on investigating elite capture phenomena bylooking at the strategy of empowering elite power by using John Gaventa's powercube theory in hijacking the management of BUMDes at each stage of itsmanagement. Stages of management are divided into four stages of agenda setting,implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Each stage is analyzed by the elitehijacking actions so that later will get a comprehensive picture of capturing behaviorconducted by the elite. This research uses qualitative method with case studyapproachVillage Head and Chairman of BPD are two powerful actors who are veryinfluential in the management of Argosari BUMDes. Both actors are often contestedin the context of BUMDes management. However, during the process of running thevillage management is a very dominant actors that often plow each stage ofmanagement BUMDes. Some of the factors that make the village strong enoughposition in internal BUMDes is a very strong relationship with outside parties, boththe private and supradesa government. In addition, village heads are also able to buildhigh compliance against the internal ranks of BUMDes so that internal BUMDes isvery dependent on the figure of village head. While the Chairman of BPD, onlyoptimal in the realm of supervision only. The role and power possessed by the headof BPD is not enough to offset the power of the village head in the management ofBUMDes. Chairman of the BPD to fight in the form of reprimands either verbally orin writing to the internal BUMDes and Kades as advisor BUMDes and establishrelationships with groups that also cons with the leadership of villageKeywords: Elite Power, Elite Capture, BUMDes Management
Bowling Together: On Selected Aspects of Professional Capital in 21st Century Education
Authors: Herzog Tomasz
Published: October 2018

Professional Capital, Professional Communication, Civic Participation, and Community are the ideas about teachers as social change agents that have recently come into particular focus in thinking about today’s education. In the first part of this paper these ideas are examined in their broad political, social, cultural, and economic contexts. The second part looks more closely at the important aspects of communication and their implications for education and educators.
Everybody wants ‘good teachers’ – but they are hard to define A common narrative of model educators: from fictional teachers through exceptional educators to current educators’ professional perceptions
Authors: Bar Gosen Noah
Published: October 2018

Throughout the years. researchers searched for the definition of a good teacher. This article offers to learn from model educators, fictional and historical, how to define values, perception and practices which characterize good teachers. Four fictional teachers were chosen based on two characteristics: First, author’s descriptions that underline their good qualities as a person and as a teacher. Second, remarks from their  students’ and/or students’ parents or guardians, stating their acknowledgment of the teachers’ special qualities. and their gratitude for the learning experience they shared. A qualitative narrative analysis of these teachers – ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Ann of Green Gables’ and his sequel ‘Anne from Avonlea”, ‘Up the down Staircase’ and ‘Goodbye Mr. Chips’ – defined five major characteristics which represent the exceptional teacher: holistic perception of the student, identifying and addressing students’ unique needs, emphasis on student-teacher relationship, creative teaching, a sense of mission and an inspiring personality. Examining the work of exceptional educators such as Ann Sullivan (Helen Keler’s tutor). Janusz Korczak, and Haime Escelante, reveals common themes which corresponds with fictional model teachers characteristics. Qualitative interviews with 14 Israeli rural high school teachers (7 homeroom educators and 7 subject teachers) emphasized similar characteristics of their role perceptions and practices. The key to higher achievements, educational and academic alike, lies in the hands of the teachers. If these traits characterize the ‘good teacher’ we should consider merging then into teachers’ preparatory and in-work professional training, as well as teachers’ evaluation processes. Let us learn from good examples how to become ‘good teachers’.
Odkrywanie przez rodziców adopcyjnych i zastępczych odmienności dziecka wynikającej z niepełnosprawności. Studium fenomenograficzne
Authors: Ćwirynkało Katarzyna , Bartnikowska Urszula
Published: October 2018

A certain percentage of disabled children are not raised in their biological families. It happens more and more often that the place of residence of such a child is not an institution but the adoptive or foster family. Increased prevalence of this type of families makes the study of this area of functioning of children with disabilities more and more important. The paper covers the issue of dealing with a child’s difference by their adoptive/foster parents. The difference has its source e. g. in a disability. The empirical part of the article is the result of qualitative research conducted with parents from 20 adoptive/foster families that raise a child with a disability (this is a part of a broader research project conducted by the authors with these families). The analysis of the interviews shows the ways to discover the otherness, the difference of the child, the ways to accept this otherness, and the importance they ascribe to the otherness of the child.
Kant’s Critical Argument(s) for Immortality Reassessed
Authors: Hahmann Andree
Published: October 2018

Kant’s postulate of the immortality of the soul has received strikingly little attention among Kant scholars, and only very few have regarded it positively. This is not surprising given the numerous problems associated with his argument. However, it is not the only argument for immortality that Kant offers in his critical philosophy. There is also a second argument that differs from the one furnished in the Second Critique and can be found both in the Critique of Pure Reason and later texts from the 1790s. Kant also addresses here many of the problems that interpreters have found with his postulate of immortality in both earlier and later texts. This paper considers the main difficulties associated with the postulate and proposes a coherent interpretation of Kant’s argument. I show that despite the apparent change in his approach to immortality Kant did not in fact substantially alter his position during his critical period
The Ideal of the Highest Good and the Objectivity of Moral Judgment
Authors: Palatnik Nataliya
Published: October 2018

Many Kantians dismiss Kant’s claim that we have a duty to promote the highest good - an ideal world that combines complete virtue with complete happiness - as incompatible with the core of his moral philosophy. This dismissal, I argue, raises doubts about Kant’s ability to justify the moral law, yet it is a mistake. A duty to promote the highest good plays an important role in the justificatory strategy of the Critique of Practical Reason. Moreover, its analysis leads to a new perspective on Kant’s conception of moral objectivity
Quantum Chemistry Meets Deep Learning for Complex Carbohydrate and Glycopeptide Species I
Authors: Habiboglu M. Gokhan , Coskuner-Weber Orkid
Published: October 2018

Carbohydrate complexes are crucial in many various biological and medicinal processes. The impacts of N-acetyl on the glycosidic linkage flexibility of methyl β-D-glucopyranose, and of the glycoamino acid β-D-glucopyranose-asparagine are poorly understood at the electronic level. Furthermore, the effect of D- and L-isomers of asparagine in the complexes of N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(L)-asparagine and N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(D)-asparagine is unknown. In this study, we performed density functional theory calculations of methyl β-D-glucopyranose, methyl N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose, and of glycoamino acids β-D-glucopyranose-asparagine, N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(L)-asparagine and N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(D)-asparagine for studying their linkage flexibilities, total solvated energies, thermochemical properties and intra-molecular hydrogen bond formations in an aqueous solution environment using the COnductor-like Screening MOdel (COSMO) for water. We linked these density functional theory calculations to deep learning via estimating the total solvated energy of each linkage torsional angle value. Our results show that deep learning methods accurately estimate the total solvated energies of complex carbohydrate and glycopeptide species and provide linkage flexibility trends for methyl β-D-glucopyranose, methyl N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose, and of glycoamino acids β-D-glucopyranose-asparagine, N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(L)-asparagine and N-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose-(D)-asparagine in agreement with density functional theory results. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first application of density functional theory along with deep learning for complex carbohydrate and glycopeptide species in an aqueous solution medium. In addition, this study shows that a few thousands of optimization frames from DFT calculations are enough for accurate estimations by deep learning tools.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY WITH ANGIOGRAPHY IN BEHÇET UVEITIS
Authors: Silva Diana Silveira , Lopes Ana Sofia , Colaço Luísa , Lisboa Maria , Pinto Sara , Bernardo Manuela , Silva Filomena , Prieto Isabel
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Behçet uveitis is a cause of retinal vasculitis, with fluorescein angiography being the gold-standard diagnostic exam. Optical coherence tomography with angiography (OCT-A) is a non-invasive exam that analyzes macular retinal circulation with high resolution, and therefore, could be a useful diagnostic exam in these patients.Material and methods: Analysis of 14 eyes of 8 patients with Behçet uveitis from our institution that were examined by OCT A (AngioPlex®, Zeiss). Macular morphology, area, perimeter and circularity of the foveal avascular zone, as well as central internal and global macular vascular density were evaluated. We compared our results with healthy controls.Results: Mean visual acuity in the patient’s subgroup was 0,84±0,25 and 3 eyes had previous diagnosis of retinal vasculitis with fluorescein angiography. Morphologically we found attenuation of the superficial and deep capillary plexus in 8 eyes, and in 1 of these eyes atrophy of the internal retinal layers was also found in a localized territory. In the foveal avascular area, no statistically significant changes were observed in its area and perimeter (p=0.804 and p=0.380 respectively), although we did find significant changes in its circularity (p=0.027). Vascular density was significantly altered in the internal (p=0.023) and global (p=0.028) macular parameters.Conclusion: We found changes in the macular microcirculation in patients with Behçet uveitis, even in the absence of angiographic changes. Future studies with more patients are necessary to understand the clinical significance of these changes.
Blood pressure in 3-year-old girls associates inversely with umbilical cord serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D: an Odense Child Cohort study
Authors: Larsen Søs Dragsbæk , Dalgård Christine , Christensen Mathilde Egelund , Lykkedegn Sine , Andersen Louise Bjørkholt , Andersen Marianne , Glintborg Dorte , Christesen Henrik Thybo
Published: October 2018

Background

Low foetal vitamin D status may be associated with higher blood pressure (BP) in later life.

Objective

To examine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2+3(s-25OHD) in cord and pregnancy associates with systolic and diastolic BP (SBP; DBP) in children up to 3 years of age.

Design

Prospective, population-based cohort study.

Methods

We included 1594 singletons from the Odense Child Cohort with available cord s-25OHD and BP data at median age 3.7 months (48% girls), 18.9 months (44% girls) or 3 years (48% girls). Maternal s-25OHD was also assessed at gestational ages 12 and 29 weeks. Multiple regression models were stratified by sexa prioriand adjusted for maternal educational level, season of birth and child height, weight and age.

Results

In 3-year-old girls, SBP decreased with −0.7 mmHg (95% CI −1.1; −0.3,P = 0.001) and DBP with −0.4 mmHg (95% CI −0.7; −0.1,P = 0.016) for every 10 nmol/L increase in cord s-25OHD in adjusted analyses. Moreover, the adjusted odds of having SBP >90th percentile were reduced by 30% for every 10 nmol/L increase in cord s-25OHD (P = 0.004) and by 64% for cord s-25OHD above the median 45.1 nmol/L (P = 0.02). Similar findings were observed between pregnancy s-25OHD and 3-year SBP, cord s-25OHD and SBP at 18.9 months, and cord s-25OHD and DBP at 3 years. No consistent associations were observed between s-25OHD and BP in boys.

Conclusion

Cord s-25OHD was inversely associated with SBP and DBP in young girls, but not in boys. Higher vitamin D status in foetal life may modulate BP in young girls. The sex difference remains unexplained.
From “the Worm” to “the Worms” and Back Again: The Evolutionary Developmental Biology of Nematodes
Authors: Haag Eric S , Fitch David H A , Delattre Marie
Published: October 2018

Biologists have long appreciated natural variation in the nematode phylum. The development of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism has provided a rich set of specific genetic and cellular mechanisms that have been subjected to...

Since the earliest days of research on nematodes, scientists have noted the developmental and morphological variation that exists within and between species. As various cellular and developmental processes were revealed through intense focus on Caenorhabditis elegans, these comparative studies have expanded. Within the genus Caenorhabditis, they include characterization of intraspecific polymorphisms and comparisons of distinct species, all generally amenable to the same laboratory culture methods and supported by robust genomic and experimental tools. The C. elegans paradigm has also motivated studies with more distantly related nematodes and animals. Combined with improved phylogenies, this work has led to important insights about the evolution of nematode development. First, while many aspects of C. elegans development are representative of Caenorhabditis, and of terrestrial nematodes more generally, others vary in ways both obvious and cryptic. Second, the system has revealed several clear examples of developmental flexibility in achieving a particular trait. This includes developmental system drift, in which the developmental control of homologous traits has diverged in different lineages, and cases of convergent evolution. Overall, the wealth of information and experimental techniques developed in C. elegans is being leveraged to make nematodes a powerful system for evolutionary cellular and developmental biology.
How Mendel’s Interest in Inheritance Grew out of Plant Improvement
Authors: van Dijk Peter J , Weissing Franz J , Ellis T H Noel
Published: October 2018

Gregor Mendel’s crossing experiments in pea are the foundation of classical genetics, but since the importance of his 1866 paper was not understood until after long after his notebooks were burned, we know little...

Despite the fact that Gregor Mendel is generally respected as the founder of genetics, little is known about the origin of and motivation for his revolutionary work. No primary sources are known that discuss his work during the period of his pea crossing experiments. Here, we report on two previously unknown interconnected local newspaper articles about Mendel’s work that predate his famous Pisum lectures by 4 years. These articles describe Mendel as a plant breeder and a horticulturist. We argue that Mendel’s initial interests concerned crop improvement, but that with time he became more interested in fundamental questions about inheritance, fertilization, and natural hybridization.
The BEN Domain Protein Insensitive Binds to the Fab-7 Chromatin Boundary To Establish Proper Segmental Identity in Drosophila
Authors: Fedotova Anna , Aoki Tsutomu , Rossier Mikaël , Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Clendinen Chaevia , Kyrchanova Olga , Wolle Daniel , Bonchuk Artem , Maeda Robert K , Mutero Annick , Cleard Fabienne , Mogila Vladic , Karch François , Georgiev Pavel , Schedl Paul
Published: October 2018

Boundaries (insulators) in the Drosophila bithorax complex (BX-C) delimit autonomous regulatory domains that orchestrate the parasegment (PS)-specific expression of the BX-C homeotic genes. The Fab-7 boundary separates the iab-6 and iab-7 regulatory domains, which control Abd-B expression in PS11 and PS12, respectively. This boundary is composed of multiple functionally redundant elements and has two key functions: it blocks cross talk between iab-6 and iab-7 and facilitates boundary bypass. Here, we show that two BEN domain protein complexes, Insensitive and Elba, bind to multiple sequences located in the Fab-7 nuclease hypersensitive regions. Two of these sequences are recognized by both Insv and Elba and correspond to a CCAATTGG palindrome. Elba also binds to a related CCAATAAG sequence, while Insv does not. However, the third Insv recognition sequences is ∼100 bp in length and contains the CCAATAAG sequence at one end. Both Insv and Elba are assembled into large complexes (∼420 and ∼265–290 kDa, respectively) in nuclear extracts. Using a sensitized genetic background, we show that the Insv protein is required for Fab-7 boundary function and that PS11 identity is not properly established in insv mutants. This is the first demonstration that a BEN domain protein is important for the functioning of an endogenous fly boundary.
Loss of Cohesin Subunit Rec8 Switches Rad51 Mediator Dependence in Resistance to Formaldehyde Toxicity in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Sutherland Jeanette H , Holloman William K
Published: October 2018

DNA–protein cross-links (DPCs) are frequently occurring lesions that provoke continual threats to the integrity of the genome by interference with replication and transcription. Reactive aldehydes generated from endogenous metabolic processes or produced in the environment are sources that trigger cross-linking of DNA with associated proteins. DNA repair pathways in place for removing DPCs, or for bypassing them to enable completion of replication, include homologous recombination (HR) and replication fork remodeling (FR) systems. Here, we surveyed a set of mutants defective in known HR and FR components to determine their contribution toward maintaining resistance to chronic formaldehyde (FA) exposure in Ustilago maydis, a fungus that relies on the BRCA2-family member Brh2 as the principal Rad51 mediator in repair of DNA strand breaks. We found that, in addition to Brh2, Rad52 was also vital for resistance to FA. Deleting the gene for Rec8, a kleisin subunit of cohesin, eliminated the requirement for Brh2, but not Rad52, in FA resistance. The Rad51K133R mutant variant that is able to bind DNA but unable to dissociate from it was able to support resistance to FA. These findings suggest a model for DPC repair and tolerance that features a specialized role for Rad52, enabling Rad51 to access DNA in its noncanonical capacity of replication fork protection rather than DNA strand transfer.
Blimp-1 Mediates Tracheal Lumen Maturation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Öztürk-Çolak Arzu , Stephan-Otto Attolini Camille , Casanova Jordi , Araújo Sofia J
Published: October 2018

The specification of tissue identity during embryonic development requires precise spatio-temporal coordination of gene expression. Many transcription factors required for the development of organs have been identified and their expression patterns are known; however, the mechanisms through which they coordinate gene expression in time remain poorly understood. Here, we show that hormone-induced transcription factor Blimp-1 participates in the temporal coordination of tubulogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster by regulating the expression of many genes involved in tube maturation. In particular, we demonstrate that Blimp-1 regulates the expression of genes involved in chitin deposition and F-actin organization. We show that Blimp-1 is involved in the temporal control of lumen maturation by regulating the beginning of chitin deposition. We also report that Blimp-1 represses a variety of genes involved in tracheal maturation. Finally, we reveal that the kinase Btk29A serves as a link between Blimp-1 transcriptional repression and apical extracellular matrix organization.
A Large Multiethnic Genome-Wide Association Study of Adult Body Mass Index Identifies Novel Loci
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas J , Choquet Hélène , Yin Jie , Banda Yambazi , Kvale Mark N , Glymour Maria , Schaefer Catherine , Risch Neil , Jorgenson Eric
Published: October 2018

Body mass index (BMI), a proxy measure for obesity, is determined by both environmental (including ethnicity, age, and sex) and genetic factors, with > 400 BMI-associated loci identified to date. However, the impact, interplay, and underlying biological mechanisms among BMI, environment, genetics, and ancestry are not completely understood. To further examine these relationships, we utilized 427,509 calendar year-averaged BMI measurements from 100,418 adults from the single large multiethnic Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. We observed substantial independent ancestry and nationality differences, including ancestry principal component interactions and nonlinear effects. To increase the list of BMI-associated variants before assessing other differences, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in GERA, with replication in the Genetic Investigation of Anthropomorphic Traits (GIANT) consortium combined with the UK Biobank (UKB), followed by GWAS in GERA combined with GIANT, with replication in the UKB. We discovered 30 novel independent BMI loci (P < 5.0 × 10−8) that replicated. We then assessed the proportion of BMI variance explained by sex in the UKB using previously identified loci compared to previously and newly identified loci and found slight increases: from 3.0 to 3.3% for males and from 2.7 to 3.0% for females. Further, the variance explained by previously and newly identified variants decreased with increasing age in the GERA and UKB cohorts, echoed in the variance explained by the entire genome, which also showed gene–age interaction effects. Finally, we conducted a tissue expression QTL enrichment analysis, which revealed that GWAS BMI-associated variants were enriched in the cerebellum, consistent with prior work in humans and mice.
Philip Hieter: 2018 George W. Beadle Award
Authors: Haloupek Nicole
Published: October 2018

The Genetics Society of America’s (GSA) George W. Beadle Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community of genetics researchers and who exemplify the qualities of its namesake. For his work fostering communication and collaboration among members of the many subfields of genetics, Philip Hieter of the University of British Columbia has been named 2018’s recipient of the award. Among his contributions are many initiatives that aim to better link human and model organism geneticists, including the Canadian Rare Diseases Models and Mechanisms Network—a consortium that connects investigators who identify rare disease genes in humans to basic scientists who can study the genes in model organisms.
Tecnología disruptiva: la derrota de las empresas establecidas
Authors: Fernández Esteban , Valle Sandra
Published: October 2018

Este trabajo se centra en el estudio de la tecnología disruptiva, una de las formas de innovación radical en producto más relevantes y sobre la que, sin embargo, aún existe mucha confusión. Para ello, y sin ánimo de desarrollar nueva teoría, se lleva a cabo una revisión y organización de los desarrollos teóricos y de la evidencia empírica existente al respecto, siendo varios los logros alcanzados. Por una parte, se clarifica lo que se entiende por tecnología disruptiva, planteándola como una de las principales formas de atacar un mercado ya consolidado y diferenciándola de otros tipos de ataques; por otra, se recopilan y clasifican todos aquellos factores que explican por qué las empresas instaladas en el mercado atacado no son capaces de defenderse con éxito. Además, se aporta claridad y precisión a una literatura rodeada en ocasiones de contradicciones y terminología imprecisa. Finalmente, se pone de manifiesto una serie de cuestiones y reflexiones que requerirían potencial investigación adicional para profundizar en su entendimiento. Con todo ello, se obtienen ventajas tanto para académicos como para directivos: los primeros pueden contar con un punto de referencia muy valioso para dirigir sus recursos y esfuerzos; los segundos pueden acumular conocimiento que les permita guiar de forma efectiva su toma de decisiones ante un ataque disruptivo.
Reasons for decertification of ISO 9001. An empirical study
Authors: Simon Alexandra , Kafel Piotr
Published: October 2018

In the past few years, and in a number of countries, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of organizations withdrawing from the Quality Management System standard iso 9001. Hence the need to analyze this phenomenon of decertification and to explain not only the extent to which it is taking place but also why companies are taking such decision. This study analyzes the reasons for withdrawing from ISO 9001 using data obtained from quality managers at 130 Polish organizations which opted out of certification in 2012 and 2013. The data shows that the most important reasons for withdrawal were related to internal factors, such as financial problems within the organizations, a perceived lack of added value from certification, and organizational changes (such as internal restructuring). There were also external factors: customer-driven reasons for the decision to withdraw were also given. Using this data we provide a classification of the reasons for decertification, which can shed light on the effectiveness of activities related to qms implementation, certification and cancellation. We believe this will be of interest to managers of organizations and certification bodies, as well as researchers. The paper provides the potential basis for a quality management strategy directed towards identifying and dealing with the costs and problems that ISO 9001 can generate for companies.