bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice-Based Justice: An Introduction
Authors: El Kholi Hugo
Published: October 2013

La justice fondée sur les pratiques: une introduction L’objet de cette introduction est double. Elle consiste, tout d’abord, à fournir aux lecteurs qui n’ont pas de connaissance préalable au débat sur la dépendance aux pratiques l’aperçu nécessaire à une compréhension pleine et entière des contributions de ce volume. Elle vise, ensuite, à rendre les lecteurs déjà familiers de la dépendance aux pratiques plus sensibles à la nature substantielle de cette approche et à leur fournir une typologie pratique. Apres avoir opéré une première distinction entre conceptions métaphysiques, conceptions relationnelles et conceptions dépendant de la pratique, je différencie, parmi ces dernières, entre institutionnalisme et conventionnalisme culturel. J’achève cette typologie en distinguant entre trois types d’institutionnalisme selon le statut accordé au fait institutionnel, à savoir le fait que les individus sont toujours déjà placés dans une situation de soumission par rapport aux institutions existantes. Tandis que l’institutionnalisme de fait décrit cette situation comme une simple réalité factuelle qui s’impose à tous les êtres humains, l’institutionnalisme de droit la considère comme une nécessite pratique devant être justifiée à chaque individu. L’institutionnalisme moral, enfin, rend compte du fait institutionnel dans les termes d’un devoir moral, à savoir le devoir de contribuer à l’émergence d’un état de fait dans lequel la liberté de choix de chacun est respectée.
Constructivism and Reflexive Constitution-Making Practices
Authors: Gledhill James
Published: October 2013

Constructivisme et pratiques réflexives d’élaboration de la constitution L’approche par la dépendance aux pratiques fait une tentative bienvenue de frayer un chemin entre, d’une part, le cosmopolitisme libéral, et, d’autre part, l’étatisme et le nationalisme. Ce faisant, elle cherche à réconcilier l’universalité de la justice avec le rôle particulier que jouent les principes de justice dans le contexte des différentes pratiques sociales. Dans cet article, j’affirme cependant que le « tournant pratique » dans la théorisation de la justice n’est pas allé assez loin, que ce soit méthodologiquement ou substantiellement. D’un point de vue méthodologique, il est nécessaire de dépasser le positivisme résiduel de l’approche par la dépendance aux pratiques en faveur d’une approche interprétative qui rende compte de la nature réflexive et évolutive des pratiques sociales. D’un point de vue substantiel, porter l’attention sur la réflexivité des pratiques sociales, en particulier sur les pratiques d’élaboration réflexive de la constitution, fournit le cadre d’une approche républicaine de la justice internationale ayant le souci de réconcilier l’idée kantienne d’universalité de la justice avec l’idée de souveraineté populaire de Rousseau et Hegel.
The Practice-Dependence Red Herring and Better Reasons for Restricting the Scope of Justice
Authors: Meckled-Garcia Saladin
Published: October 2013

La fausse piste de la dépendance aux pratiques et de meilleures raisons de restreindre la portée de la justice Dans cet article, j’avance trois thèses. La première est qu’il existe effectivement une approche spécifique de méthodologie morale, différente du raisonnement moral standard, qui peut être décrite comme « dépendance à la pratique ». Selon moi, sa spécificité repose sur l’affirmation selon laquelle les principes moraux servant à réguler les pratiques sociales doivent être les principes visant à remplir au mieux l’objet de ces pratiques, un objet qui peut être mis au jour à partir des compréhensions partagées de la pratique. Les participants considèrent que les sociétés politiques internes ont un objet différent de la pratique des relations internationales. Selon cette approche, par conséquent, différents principes moraux s’appliquent dans chacun des cas : des principes de justice distributive entre citoyens, d’une part, et des principes de coopération équitable entre États, de l’autre. Ma seconde thèse est que cette approche échoue néanmoins à passer un test important : la contrainte de justifiabilité. Toute formulation d’un principe moral qui assigne aux individus des droits et des devoirs, des bénéfices et des charges, devrait être justifiable visà- vis de ces personnes au regard d’une valeur morale. Pourtant, comme je le montre ici, l’approche par la dépendance aux pratiques ne peut offrir aucune justification du caractère approprié des principes qui soit fondée sur des valeurs. Ma dernière thèse consiste à noter que les défenseurs comme les détracteurs de la dépendance aux pratiques ont attribué cette approche à des théoriciens qui restreignent la portée de la justice sur la base d’une justification morale. Ces conceptions sont, en fait, incompatibles avec l’affirmation du caractère approprié des principes dans la mesure où la restriction de la portée de la justice repose sur un fondement moral indépendant. Elles sont aussi compatibles avec la contrainte de justifiabilité. Pour toutes ces raisons, je conclus que la dépendance aux pratiques est une fausse piste dans le débat sur la justice globale.
Jésus parle à Don Camillo
Authors: Ferrié Jean-Noël
Published: October 2013

L’article soutient qu’il est possible d’évoquer des êtres surnaturels, et notamment Dieu, indépendamment du fait de se prononcer sur leur existence indépendante et plénière. Ces êtres existent, en effet, selon leur « mode d’être », c’est-à-dire à travers des dispositifs qui manifestent leur existence. Ce sont ces dispositifs qui les documentent. On propose l’étude praxéologique de l’un de ces dispositifs : les dialogues entre Jésus et Don Camillo dans un film grand public, Le Petit Monde de Don Camillo . C’est à l’intérieur de ces dialogues que Dieu se manifeste. Ils permettent de documenter la relation au divin. Sa principale caractéristique est la mise en place d’une relation d’interlocution entre l’homme et le monde de sa vie quotidienne.
Représenter deux burnouts à la télé
Authors: Malbois Fabienne
Published: October 2013

Sur la base de l’analyse d’un double reportage télévisé (RTS) consacré aux burnouts respectifs de deux individus, nommément Hervé et Catherine, cet article a pour ambition de développer une sociologie des représentations médiatiques de la différence sexuelle qui ne réduit pas, dans une veine sémiologique, les catégories de sexe au statut de signifiants du discours, mais préserve au contraire leur capacité référentielle. À cette fin, il propose de reconsidérer ce que représenter veut dire, le genre étant alors envisagé comme un opérateur de sens. Une telle approche, qui évite les écueils du paradigme constructiviste, a également pour intérêt de permettre la mise en évidence des multiples procédures de traduction qu’opère le dispositif télévisuel. Dans le cas présent, celui-ci assure la figuration d’une maladie dont l’anatomie est difficilement saisissable et objectivable via le récit de vie. C’est ainsi que les catégories de sexe sont tour à tour instanciées par les reportages comme une procédure de catégorisation, de narrativisation puis de symbolisation des personnes dont il est rendu compte de la trajectoire de vie, de l’enfance jusqu’au surgissement de la crise.
Dialectique du vide et du plein dans la construction de l'ordre étatique au Cameroun
Authors: Keutcheu Joseph
Published: October 2013

L’objet du présent article est d’intégrer dans une question politologique classique la construction de l’ordre étatique, un objet généralement relégué au simple statut d’infrastructure de communication. Envisagées dans la perspective de Karl Deutsch, les voies de communication sont des objets qui font sens dans la construction de l’État au Cameroun. Le lien entre circulation et intégration politique permet de renverser la vision enchanteresse de l’État et de mettre fin à l’utilisation substantialiste, naturaliste et fixiste du concept d’État camerounais brandi par beaucoup comme un totem ou répété d’une manière compulsive comme une évidence sans que l’on puisse définir clairement son contenu, ses fonctions ni même son existence. Il s’agit donc d’étendre la compréhension de l’État au-delà de ses référents classiques (élites, partis politiques, institutions politiques...) qui seuls ne suffisent plus. La réflexion sur l’intégration politique s’opère ainsi à partir des questions plus pratiques de la circulation, de la construction des voies de communication et de l’intégration physique du territoire. Et on découvre que la tendance à la dichotomie entre espaces « territorialisation étatique dure » et espaces « territorialisation étatique molle » entraîne l’éclatement circonstanciel du « nous » camerounais et le bricolage de la construction de l’État-nation au Cameroun.
L'île de la tentation
Authors: Trespeuch Marie
Published: October 2013

Au milieu des années 1990, les jeux de hasard et d’argent s’exportent sur Internet à la faveur d’évolutions techniques permettant à des entreprises d’offrir des prestations dématérialisées à une clientèle internationale. Concentrées sur certains territoires, ces sociétés cherchent à profiter de conditions réglementaires et fiscales favorables. Toutefois, l’article cherche à dépasser cette première explication en proposant, à partir de l’exemple de Malte, un examen détaillé des motifs d’installation de ces multiples entrepreneurs du jeu en ligne ayant choisi l’île depuis 2004. L’émergence d’un cyber-district est alors reliée à la politique volontariste des pouvoirs publics et aux externalités positives engendrées par la concentration des opérateurs. Toutefois, les caractéristiques de l’île et la volonté des opérateurs de conquérir d’autres marchés à partir de cet avant-poste mettent en cause la stabilité de ce district, soulignant l’importance d’analyser les territoires dans la construction des districts numériques mais également les différentiels juridiques qui sont la règle en matière d’activités économiques en ligne.
Parler rugby en ligne entre soi
Authors: Boure Robert
Published: October 2013

La discussion en ligne entre supporteurs fait désormais partie de l’ordinaire de la culture sportive en général et de la culture rugbystique en particulier. Elle est révélatrice d’un entre-soi. Après avoir brièvement présenté les stratégies éditoriales de Rugbyrama.fr (site créé par le journal Midi Olympique en collaboration avec la chaîne de télévision Eurosport) et observé le dispositif sociotechnique, cet article analyse les spécificités des communautés en ligne des supporteurs avant de s’intéresser aux pratiques discursives de ces dernières (formes, dynamiques, contenus).
Effects of agrochemicals, ultra violet stabilisers and solar radiation on the radiometric properties of greenhouse films
Authors: Vox Giuliano , Schettini Evelia
Published: October 2013

Agrochemicals, based on iron, sulphur and chlorine, generate by products that lead to a degradation of greenhouse films together with a decrease in their mechanical and physical properties. The degradation due to agrochemicals depends on their active principles, method and frequency of application, and greenhouse ventilation. The aim of the research was to evaluate how agrochemical contamination and solar radiation influence the radiometric properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer greenhouse films by means of laboratory and field tests. The films, manufactured on purpose with the addition of different light stabiliser systems, were exposed to natural outdoor weathering at the experimental farm of the University of Bari (Italy; 41° 05’ N) in the period from 2006 to 2008. Each film was tested for two low tunnels: one low tunnel was sprayed from inside with the agrochemicals containing iron, chlorine and sulphur while the other one was not sprayed and served as control. Radiometric laboratory tests were carried out on the new films and on samples taken at the end of the trials. The experimental tests showed that both the natural weathering together with the agrochemicals did not modify significantly the radiometric properties of the films in the solar and in the photosynthetically active radiation wavelength range. Within six months of experimental field tests the variations in these radiometric characteristics were at most 10%. Significant variations, up to 70% of the initial value, were recorded for the stabilised films in the long-wave infrared radiation wavelength range.
Parameters influencing deposit estimation when using water sensitive papers
Authors: Cerruto Emanuele , Aglieco Claudia , Failla Sabina , Manetto Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of using water sensitive papers (WSP) to estimate the amount of deposit on the target when varying the spray characteristics. To identify the main quantities influencing the deposit, some simplifying hypotheses were applied to simulate WSP behaviour: log-normal distribution of the diameters of the drops and circular stains randomly placed on the images. A very large number (4704) of images of WSPs were produced by means of simulation. The images were obtained by simulating drops of different arithmetic mean diameter (40-300 μm), different coefficient of variation (0.1-1.5), and different percentage of covered surface (2-100%, not considering overlaps). These images were considered to be effective WSP images and then analysed using image processing software in order to measure the percentage of covered surface, the number of particles, and the area of each particle; the deposit was then calculated. These data were correlated with those used to produce the images, varying the spray characteristics. As far as the drop populations are concerned, a classification based on the volume median diameter only should be avoided, especially in case of high variability. This, in fact, results in classifying sprays with very low arithmetic mean diameter as extremely or ultra coarse. The WSP image analysis shows that the relation between simulated and computed percentage of covered surface is independent of the type of spray, whereas impact density and unitary deposit can be estimated from the computed percentage of covered surface only if the spray characteristics (arithmetic mean and coefficient of variation of the drop diameters) are known. These data can be estimated by analysing the particles on the WSP images. The results of a validation test show good agreement between simulated and computed deposits, testified by a high (0.93) coefficient of determination.
Soorte vrae in 1 Korintiërs 7–8 en 10:1–11:1
Authors: Snyman Andreas H.
Published: October 2013

1 Korintiërs 7–8 en 10:1–11:1 is deel van Paulus se antwoord op ’n brief wat hy van die Korintiërs ontvang het (7:1). Die twee gedeeltes handel oor die huwelik en afgodery, meer spesifiek die eet van vleis in heidense tempels. In sy antwoord gebruik hy ’n aantal vrae wat in kommentare bloot as retoriese vrae beskryf word. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om hierdie vrae fyner te onderskei aan die hand van ’n model wat uit die taalhandelingsteorie ontwikkel is. Die model word kortliks opgesom, gevolg deur ’n sistematiese ondersoek van al die vrae in hierdie twee gedeeltes. Die gevolgtrekking is dat die noemer ‘retoriese vraag’ ’n oorvereenvoudiging is, wat nie reg laat geskied aan die wyse waarop Paulus verskillende soorte vrae gebruik om die impak van sy antwoord aan die Korintiërs te verhoog nie. Deur die vrae te onderskei en binne ’n wetenskaplike raamwerk te beskryf, is ook ’n poging om ’n bydrae tot die vertaling en eksegese van die betrokke gedeeltes te lewer.1 Corinthians 7–8 and 10:1–11:1 form part of Paul’s response to a letter from the Corinthians, refered to in 7:1. These two sections deal with matters on marriage and idolatry, specifically that of eating meat in pagan temples. In Paul’s response he uses a number of questions, which all commentaries simply describe as rhetorical questions. The purpose of this article is to distinguish these questions more clearly on the basis of a model, developed from speech act theory. The model is briefly summarised, followed by a systematic examination of all the questions in these two sections. The conclusion is that the denominator ‘rhetorical question’ is an oversimplification that does not do justice to the way in which Paul uses various types of questions to enhance the impact of his response to the Corinthians. By distinguishing and describing these questions within a scientific framework, an attempt was also made to contribute to the translation and exegesis of the passages involved.
Towards understanding causality between work engagement and psychological capital
Authors: De Waal Johannes J. , Pienaar Jaco
Published: October 2013

Orientation: It is of theoretical and practical interest to establish the sequential relationship between work engagement and positive organisational behaviour, as represented by the psychological capital (PsyCap) construct.Research purpose: The main aim of this study was to conceptualise and investigate the causal relationship and temporal order in the relationship between PsyCap and engagement by means of longitudinal data.Motivation for the study: The rationale for establishing the sequence of engagement and psychological capital lies in the fact that training interventions to enhance the organisational well-being of employees may need to be focused on either one or the other.Research design, approach and method: A longitudinal study with a cross-lagged panel design was conducted; data was gathered by means of a survey that was constructed for the purpose of the study. The survey contained the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and a measure of PsyCap. All employees within a chemical factory (N = 1003) were approached to provide data; 163 employees participated.Main findings: Results revealed that PsyCap at Time 1 (T1) did not significantly predict engagement at Time 2 (T2). Evidence does however exist that initial levels of employee engagement predict subsequent PsyCap.Practical/managerial implications: Results suggest that employee interventions aimed at protecting and fostering employee engagement may have implications for subsequent employee psychological capital.Contribution/value-add: As an empirical, longitudinal study to address the temporal order between PsyCap and work engagement, this study makes a contribution especially to theory, but also with practical implications by indicating that engagement precedes employee psychological capital.
Bio-etiek sonder grense en menswaardigheid: 'n Gereformeerd-etiese beoordeling
Authors: Rheeder Riaan
Published: October 2013

Bioethics without boundaries and human dignity: A Reformed-ethical assessment. The Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights (UDBH) seeks to guide the world community in ethical principles with regard to medicine, life sciences and related technologies. Human dignity as a principle was requested by the world community and serves as a point of departure in most human rights instruments, as well as in the UDBH. Human dignity serves as a foundation for ethical principles and human rights. In this article, attention was given to the question of whether human dignity could be accepted as part of the Biblical message. Human dignity as a principle and grounding in the UDBH was accepted by most major religions of the world. There exists today a universal consensus that human dignity is an extremely important concept in bioethics. In light of the Reformed tradition, all human beings have dignity, as they had been created in the image of God. Because God is absolute value, humans have derived, but definite value. Human dignity is not just a status, but also a command. All the ethical principles and human rights in the UDBH should be regarded as a way of giving expression to the dignity of man. When the dignity of the humans beings is infringed upon, an undignified image of God is revealed, and serves as a direct insult to God.
Other characterizations of $\beta$-$\theta$-R0 topological spaces
Authors: Cueva Miguel Caldas
Published: October 2013

In this paper we give other characterizations of $\beta$-$\theta$-$%R_0$ and also introduce a new separation axiom called$\beta$-$\theta$-$R_1$. It turns out that $\beta$-$\theta$-$R_1$ isstronger that $\beta$-$\theta$-$R_0$
The Role of Learning and Kinematic Features in Dexterous Manipulation: A Comparative Study with Two Robotic Hands
Authors: Ciancio Anna Lisa , Zollo Loredana , Baldassarre Gianluca , Caligiore Daniele , Guglielmelli Eugenio
Published: October 2013

Dexterous movements performed by the human hand are by far more sophisticated than those achieved by current humanoid robotic hands and systems used to control them. This work aims at providing a contribution in order to overcome this gap by proposing a bio-inspired control architecture that captures two key elements underlying human dexterity. The first is the progressive development of skilful control, often starting from – or involving – cyclic movements, based on trial-and-error learning processes and central pattern generators. The second element is the exploitation of a particular kinematic features of the human hand, i.e. the thumb opposition. The architecture is tested with two simulated robotic hands having different kinematic features and engaged in rotating spheres, cylinders, and cubes of different sizes. The results support the feasibility of the proposed approach and show the potential of the model to allow a better understanding of the control mechanisms and kinematic principles underlying human dexterity and make them transferable to anthropomorphic robotic hands.
A Complementary Vision Strategy for Autonomous Robots in Underground Terrains using SRM and Entropy Models
Authors: Isafiade Omowunmi , Osunmakinde Isaac , Bagula Antoine
Published: October 2013

This work investigates robots' perception in underground terrains (mines and tunnels) using statistical region merging (SRM) and the entropy models. A probabilistic approach based on the local entropy is employed. The entropy is measured within a fixed window on a stream of mine and tunnel frames to compute features used in the segmentation process, while SRM reconstructs the main structural components of an imagery by a simple but effective statistical analysis. An investigation is conducted on different regions of the mine, such as the shaft, stope and gallery, using publicly available mine frames, with a stream of locally captured mine images. Furthermore, an investigation is also conducted on a stream of dynamic underground tunnel image frames, using the XBOX Kinect 3D sensors. The Kinect sensors produce streams of red, green and blue (RGB) and depth images of 640 × 480 resolution at 30 frames per second. Integrating the depth information into drivability gives a strong cue to the analysis, which detects 3D results augmenting drivable and non-drivable regions in 2D. The results of the 2D and 3D experiment with different terrains, mines and tunnels, together with the qualitative and quantitative evaluations, reveal that a good drivable region can be detected in dynamic underground terrains.
Advances in Remote Sensing: Imaging the Earth by Moonlight
Authors: Solbrig Jeremy E. , Lee Thomas E. , Miller Steven D.
Published: October 2013

Earth's nighttime environment is being revealed in unprecedented detail by the new satellite‐mounted Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). VIIRS' Day/Night Band (DNB) is a highly sensitive broadband visible channel capable of detecting light from cities and other terrestrial emission sources.
Safety and Liability Issues Related to Field Trips and Field Courses
Authors: Whitmeyer Steven J. , Mogk David W.
Published: October 2013

Fieldwork plays an important role in initiating students into the geoscience community of practice, providing learning opportunities not possible through classroom lectures, lab work, or computer exercises alone [Mogk and Goodwin, 2012]. It's no wonder, then, that fieldwork is a mainstay of any well‐balanced university geoscience program, with activities ranging from local field trips to in‐residence field camps at remote sites.
Ocean Science Video Challenge Aims to Improve Science Communication
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2013

Given today's enormous management and protection challenges related to the world's oceans, a new competition calls on ocean scientists to effectively communicate their research in videos that last up to 3 minutes. The Ocean 180 Video Challenge, named for the number of seconds in 3 minutes, aims to improve ocean science communication while providing high school and middle school teachers and students with new and interesting educational materials about current science topics.
Computing and Representing Sea Ice Trends: Toward a Community Consensus
Authors: Wohlleben T. , Tivy A. , Stroeve J. , Meier W. , Fetterer F. , Wang J. , Assel R.
Published: October 2013

Estimates of the recent decline in Arctic Ocean summer sea ice extent can vary due to differences in sea ice data sources, in the number of years used to compute the trend, and in the start and end years used in the trend computation. Compounding such differences, estimates of the relative decline in sea ice cover (given in percent change per decade) can further vary due to the choice of reference value (the initial point of the trend line, a climatological baseline, etc.). Further adding to the confusion, very often when relative trends are reported in research papers, the reference values used are not specified or made clear. This can lead to confusion when trend studies are cited in the press and public reports.
Improving Models of Earth's Response to Ice and Ocean Loading Changes
Authors: King Matt , Milne Glenn , Wiens Douglas
Published: October 2013

Patterns of past, present, and future sea level vary spatially, depending on how the solid Earth responds to the changing distribution of ice and ocean mass, known as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Accurate interpretation of observational constraints on GIA requires dialogue between field scientists and researchers who reconstruct ice sheet geometries, infer Earth structure and rheology, and model the solid Earth response to loading.
Katul Receives 2012 Hydrologic Sciences Award: Response
Authors: Katul Gabriel G.
Published: October 2013

Thank you, Marc, for the kind comments and unwavering support as a mentor and friend. I am honored by this award, which I share with many people.
Evaluation of UDP‐GlcN Derivatives for Selective Labeling of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)cytosine
Authors: Dai Nan , Bitinaite Jurate , Chin Hang‐Gyeong , Pradhan Sriharsa , Corrêa Ivan R.
Published: October 2013

5‐(hydroxymethyl)cytosine (5‐hmC) is a newly identified oxidative product of 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC) in the mammalian genome, and is believed to be an important epigenetic marker influencing a variety of biological processes. In addition to its relatively low abundance, the fluctuation of 5‐hmC levels over time during cell development poses a formidable challenge for its accurate mapping and quantification. Here we describe a specific chemoenzymatic approach to 5‐hmC detection in DNA samples by using new uridine 5′‐diphosphoglucosamine (UDP‐GlcN) probes. Our approach requires modification of the glucose moiety of UDP‐Glc with small amino groups and transfer of these glucose derivatives to the hydroxy moiety of 5‐hmC by using T4 phage glucosyltransferases. We evaluated the transfer efficiencies of three glucosyltransferases (wild‐type α‐ and β‐GTs and a Y261L mutant β‐GT) with five different UDP‐Glc derivatives containing functionalized groups for subsequent bioconjugation and detection. Our results indicate that UDP‐6‐N3‐Glc, UDP‐6‐GlcN, and UDP‐2‐GlcN can be transferred by β‐GT with efficiencies similar to that seen with the native UDP‐Glc cofactor. 6‐N3‐Glc‐ and 6‐GlcN‐containing oligonucleotides were selectively labeled with reactive fluorescent probes. In addition, a 2 kb DNA fragment modified with 2‐GlcN groups was specifically detected by use of a commercially available antiglucosamine antibody. Alternative substrates for β‐GT and correlated glycosyltransferases might prove useful for the study of the function and dynamics of 5‐hmC and other modified nucleotides, as well as for multiplex analysis.
Biophysical Features of Bacillithiol, the Glutathione Surrogate of Bacillus subtilis and other Firmicutes
Authors: Sharma Sunil V. , Arbach Miriam , Roberts Alexandra A. , Macdonald Colin J. , Groom Murree , Hamilton Chris J.
Published: October 2013

Bacillithiol (BSH) is the major low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) thiol in many low‐G+C Gram‐positive bacteria (Firmicutes). Evidence now emerging suggests that BSH functions as an important LMW thiol in redox regulation and xenobiotic detoxification, analogous to what is already known for glutathione and mycothiol in other microorganisms. The biophysical properties and cellular concentrations of such LMW thiols are important determinants of their biochemical efficiency both as biochemical nucleophiles and as redox buffers. Here, BSH has been characterised and compared with other LMW thiols in terms of its thiol pKa, redox potential and thiol–disulfide exchange reactivity. Both the thiol pKa and the standard thiol redox potential of BSH are shown to be significantly lower than those of glutathione whereas the reactivities of the two compounds in thiol–disulfide reactions are comparable. The cellular concentration of BSH in Bacillus subtilis varied over different growth phases and reached up to 5 mM, which is significantly greater than previously observed from single measurements taken during mid‐exponential growth. These results demonstrate that the biophysical characteristics of BSH are distinctively different from those of GSH and that its cellular concentrations can reach levels much higher than previously reported.
G‐Quadruplexes as Tools for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Agarwala Prachi , Pandey Satyaprakash , Maiti Souvik
Published: October 2013

With the potential to engineer biological systems, synthetic biology is an emerging field that combines various disciplines of sciences. It encompasses combinations of DNA, RNA and protein modules for constructing desired systems and the “rewiring” of existing signalling networks. Despite recent advances, this field still lags behind in the artificial reconstruction of cellular processes, and thus demands new modules and switches to create “genetic circuits”. The widely characterised noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structures, G‐quadruplexes are promising candidates to be used as biological modules in synthetic biology. Structural plasticity and functional versatility are significant G‐quadruplex traits for its integration into a biological system and for diverse applications in synthetic circuits.
Electrochemical Behavior of Iron(III) Fluoride Trihydrate as a Cathode in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Yue‐Li , Wu Nan , Shen Ming‐Fang , Cui Yong‐Li , Jiang Li , Qiang Ying‐Huai , Zhuang Quan‐Chao
Published: October 2013

The tetragonal compound FeF3(H2O)3 is synthesized through a facile liquid‐phase method. FeF3(H2O)3/C is prepared by mechanical milling with carbon black and investigated for its application as a cathode material. This material exhibits two types of thermodynamic lithiation scheme, at 3.0 and 1.5 V, which correspond to a Li+‐intercalation process (1 Li+) and a conversion reaction (>1 Li+), respectively. A reversible capacity of about 300 mAh g−1 can be achieved at a current density of 10 mAg−1. In particular, the intercalation/deintercalation process above 2.0 V exhibits good cycling performance and rate properties. The relatively high diffusion coefficients (Dcv=7.27×10−13–1.07×10−12 m2 s−1) of Li+ through the FeF3(H2O)3 lattice are calculated by using the Randles–Sevcik equation, which reveal fast Li+‐ion migration in this process. In contrast, the conversion reaction is strongly dependent on the current density. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the FeF3(H2O)3/C cathode forms a relatively stable solid electrolyte interphase film, with a low Schottky contact resistance in comparison with that of the FeF3/C cathode, which makes it a potential candidate for cathode applications.
Diffusion–Recombination Impedance Model for Solar Cells with Disorder and Nonlinear Recombination
Authors: Bisquert Juan , Mora‐Sero Iván , Fabregat‐Santiago Francisco
Published: October 2013

The diffusion–recombination model is a key tool in understanding the photovoltaic operation of solar cells. Dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and inorganic semiconductor solar cells are systems affected by disorder that are often characterized with impedance spectroscopy. In this paper, we extend the previous theory of diffusion–recombination impedance including traps and nonlinear recombination. We show the transmission line equivalent circuit representation, and we describe the physical meaning of a number of model parameters that can be obtained: the chemical capacitance, ${C_\mu }$; the recombination resistance, ${R_{{\rm{rec}}} }$; the transport resistance, ${R_{{\rm{tr}}} }$; the electron lifetime, ${\tau _n }$; the electron conductivity, ${\sigma _n }$; the chemical diffusion coefficient of electrons, ${D_n }$; and the diffusion length, ${L_n }$. At most, three of these parameters are independent, but if the diffusion length is short, the impedance model collapses to a function that has one degree of freedom less, known as the Gerischer impedance. We show the connection of the two parameters that remain to the diffusion length and the lifetime.
Shoreline Vegetation in the Danjiangkou Reservoir: Characteristics, Related Factors, and Differences with Adjacent Riverine Wetlands
Authors: Liu Wenzhi , Liu Guihua , Zhang Quanfa
Published: October 2013

Reservoirs created by damming rivers and inundating terrestrial areas can have serious effects on ecosystem structure and functions of riverine wetlands. Here, we tested the hypothesis that reservoir shorelines had similar vegetation characteristics to adjacent riverine wetlands due to propagule dispersal and examined whether vegetation distribution in reservoir shorelines was related to topographic factors. We investigated 146, 44, and 67 plots in shorelines of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, upstream and downstream wetlands, and tributary wetlands, respectively. Results revealed that reservoir shorelines had a similarity of 45% to riverine wetlands in species composition. Two‐way indicator species analysis demonstrated that communities in reservoir shorelines were dominated by mesophyte species such as Cynodon dactylon and Abutilon theophrasti, while communities in riverine wetlands were largely dominated by hygrophyte species including Paspalum paspaloides, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and Polygonum hydropiper. Moreover, species diversity and percentage of perennial species in reservoir shorelines were lower than those in riverine wetlands. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that topographic factors including landform, slope, and distance to water were important factors regulating species and community distribution in reservoir shorelines. Landform and slope also strongly influenced the species diversity of shoreline vegetation. Results from this study may contribute to a better understanding of shoreline vegetation in large subtropical reservoirs and provide information for future re‐vegetation in the Danjiangkou Reservoir after dam heightening.
Endophytic Burkholderia sp. strain PsJN Improves Plant Growth and Phytoremediation of Soil Irrigated with Textile Effluent
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Shabir Ghulam , Tahseen Razia , Islam Ejaz‐ul , Iqbal Samina , Khan Qaiser M. , Khalid Zafar M.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inoculation of plant growth‐promoting bacteria to plants, vegetated in soil irrigated with textile effluent, influences plant biomass production, and soil remediation. Three different plant species (Acacia ampliceps, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Leucaena leucocephala) with and without bacterial inoculation were grown in soil irrigated with secondary treated textile wastewater for one year. An endophytic bacterium, Burkholderia sp. strain PsJN, possessing plant growth‐promoting 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase activity was inoculated to plants. There was more plant biomass production (up to 12%) and contaminants removal (up to 29%) from soil with bacterial inoculation as compared to soil having non‐inoculated plants. Enhanced plant growth and soil remediation activity are associated with the survival and colonization of the inoculated bacterium in the rhizosphere and endosphere of plants. The highest plant biomass production and contaminants removal from soil were observed in the treatment, in which A. ampliceps was inoculated with Burkholderia sp. strain PsJN. These results suggest that plant‐bacteria partnerships can be applied to improve plant growth and soil remediation during the application of industrial effluent for plant biomass production in the arid regions.
Adsorption of Pb(II) Using Magnetic Titanate Nanotubes Prepared via Two‐Step Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Xin , Chen Huan , Jiang Fang
Published: October 2013

Magnetic titanate nanotubes (MTNTs) have been prepared by a two‐step hydrothermal method and used as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The MTNTs are characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, transmission electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, zeta potentials analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that CoFe2O4 is formed in the hydrothermal process and implanted into the entangled network of nanotubes. The saturation magnetization of MTNTs is 9.20 emu g−1, which makes MTNTs can be readily recovered in an external magnetic field. The adsorption of Pb(II) over MTNTs is very fast and follows the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Additionally, Pb(II) adsorption is strongly pH dependent and the maximum adsorption capacity of MTNTs for Pb(II) reaches 442.5 mg g−1 at pH 5.0. FT‐IR and XPS analysis suggest that the adsorption mechanism of MTNTs is ionic exchange between Pb(II) and Na+/H+ in the interlayer of nanotubes. Furthermore, Pb(II)‐loaded MTNTs can be regenerated by saturated EDTA‐2Na solution at pH 2.5 and the adsorbents can be used repeatedly.
Glucosylceramide Mimics: Highly Potent GCase Inhibitors and Selective Pharmacological Chaperones for Mutations Associated with Types 1 and 2 Gaucher Disease
Authors: Schönemann Wojciech , Gallienne Estelle , Ikeda‐Obatake Kyoko , Asano Naoki , Nakagawa Shinpei , Kato Atsushi , Adachi Isao , Górecki Marcin , Frelek Jadwiga , Martin Olivier R.
Published: October 2013

A series of iminoxylitol derivatives carrying a C‐linked di‐O‐acyl or di‐O‐alkyl glyceryl substituent were prepared and characterized. All of these compounds, which were designed as glucosylceramide (GlcCer) mimics, were nanomolar inhibitors of lysosomal β‐glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase, GCase). Two of these pseudoglycolipids were further evaluated for their ability to enhance the activity of mutant GCase in human Gaucher cells. Although the di‐O‐hexyl ether was surprisingly devoid of chaperoning activity on both N370S and L444P GCases, the di‐O‐decanoyl ester was a potent chaperone of the L444P hydrolase, capable of increasing the residual activity of the enzyme by a factor of two at a very low concentration (50 nM); such a significant effect on the L444P mutation in human fibroblasts has not yet been observed. In heat‐stress studies, the diether was found to be much more effective in stabilizing the wild‐type enzyme than the diester. Four representative pseudoglycolipids were also assayed as inhibitors of GlcCer synthase, because such compounds could find use in the substrate reduction therapy approach to treat lysosomal storage diseases, but these compounds revealed only moderate activity. As efficient pharmacological chaperones, new structures such as the di‐C10‐ester constitute leads for the development of therapeutic agents for types 2 and 3 Gaucher disease, the most severe neuronopathic forms of this lysosomal disease.
Real‐time Amyloid Aggregation Monitoring with a Photonic Crystal‐based Approach
Authors: Santi Sara , Musi Valeria , Descrovi Emiliano , Paeder Vincent , Di Francesco Joab , Hvozdara Lubos , van der Wal Peter , Lashuel Hilal A. , Pastore Annalisa , Neier Reinhard , Herzig Hans Peter
Published: October 2013

We propose the application of a new label‐free optical technique based on photonic nanostructures to real‐time monitor the amyloid‐beta 1‐42 (Aβ(1‐42)) fibrillization, including the early stages of the aggregation process, which are related to the onset of the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The aggregation of Aβ peptides into amyloid fibrils has commonly been associated with neuronal death, which culminates in the clinical features of the incurable degenerative AD. Recent studies revealed that cell toxicity is determined by the formation of soluble oligomeric forms of Aβ peptides in the early stages of aggregation. At this phase, classical amyloid detection techniques lack in sensitivity. Upon a chemical passivation of the sensing surface by means of polyethylene glycol, the proposed approach allows an accurate, real‐time monitoring of the refractive index variation of the solution, wherein Aβ(1‐42) peptides are aggregating. This measurement is directly related to the aggregation state of the peptide throughout oligomerization and subsequent fibrillization. Our findings open new perspectives in the understanding of the dynamics of amyloid formation, and validate this approach as a new and powerful method to screen aggregation at early stages.
Predicting Low‐Pressure O2 Adsorption in Nanoporous Framework Materials for Sensing Applications
Authors: Zeitler Todd R. , Van Heest Timothy , Sholl David S. , Allendorf Mark D. , Greathouse Jeffery A.
Published: October 2013

A set of 98 nanoporous framework material (NFM) structures was investigated by classical Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations for low‐pressure O2 adsorption properties (Henry’s constant and isosteric heat of adsorption). The set of materials includes those that have shown high O2 uptake experimentally as well as a subset of more than 2000 structures previously screened for noble‐gas uptake. While use of the general force field UFF is fruitful for noble‐gas adsorption studies, its use is shown to be limited for the case of O2 adsorption—one distinct limitation is a lack of sufficient O2–metal interactions to be able to describe O2 interaction with open metal sites. Nonetheless, those structures without open metal sites that have very small pores (<2.5 Å) show increased O2/N2 selectivity. Additionally, O2/N2 mixture simulations show that in some cases, H2O or N2 can hinder O2 uptake for NFMs with small pores due to competitive adsorption.
Two‐Photon Solvatochromism II: Experimental and Theoretical Study of Solvent Effects on the Two‐Photon Absorption Spectrum of Reichardt’s Dye
Authors: Wielgus Małgorzata , Zaleśny Robert , Murugan N. Arul , Kongsted Jacob , Ågren Hans , Samoc Marek , Bartkowiak Wojciech
Published: October 2013

In this study, we report on the influence of solvent on the two‐photon absorption (2PA) spectra of Reichardt’s dye (RD). The measurement of 2PA cross‐sections is performed for three solvents (chloroform, dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide) using the Z‐scan technique. The key finding of this study is the observation that the cross‐section, corresponding to the 2PA of the intramolecular charge‐transfer state, diminishes substantially upon increasing the solvent polarity. To unravel the solvent dependence of the 2PA cross‐section, the electronic structure of RD is determined using a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach, in which polarization between the solute and solvent is taken into account by using a self‐consistent scheme in the solvent polarization. The two‐state approximation proves to be adequate for the studied system, and allowed the observed solvent‐polarity‐induced decrease of the 2PA cross‐section to be related to the decrease of the transition moment and the increase in the excitation energy.
Temperature‐Dependent Surface‐Enrichment Effects of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kolbeck Claudia , Deyko Alexey , Matsuda Takashi , Kohler Florian T. U. , Wasserscheid Peter , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2013

We present the first systematic study of the influence of temperature on the degree of surface enrichment of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs). Using angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the degree of surface enrichment strongly decreases with increasing temperature for all the studied ILs. For ILs with the same cation, but different anions, [C8C1Im]Br, [C8C1Im][TfO] and [C8C1Im][Tf2N], no significant differences of the temperature‐induced partial loss of surface enrichment are found. Measurements for [C4C1Im][TfO], [C8C1Im][TfO] and [C18C1Im][TfO] indicate a small effect of the chain length. For [C18C1Im][TfO], a continuous decrease of alkyl surface enrichment is found with increasing temperature, with no abrupt changes at the phase‐transition temperature from the smectic A to the isotropic phase, indicating that the surface enrichment is not affected by this phase transition.
p53's choice of myocardial death or survival: Oxygen protects infarct myocardium by recruiting p53 on NOS3 promoter through regulation of p53‐Lys118 acetylation
Authors: Gogna Rajan , Madan Esha , Khan Mahmood , Pati Uttam , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: October 2013

Myocardial infarction, an irreversible cardiac tissue damage, involves progressive loss of cardiomyocytes due to p53‐mediated apoptosis. Oxygenation is known to promote cardiac survival through activation of NOS3 gene. We hypothesized a dual role for p53, which, depending on oxygenation, can elicit apoptotic death signals or NOS3‐mediated survival signals in the infarct heart. p53 exhibited a differential DNA‐binding, namely, BAX‐p53RE in the infarct heart or NOS3‐p53RE in the oxygenated heart, which was regulated by oxygen‐induced, post‐translational modification of p53. In the infarct heart, p53 was heavily acetylated at Lys118 residue, which was exclusively reversed in the oxygenated heart, apparently regulated by oxygen‐dependent expression of TIP60. The inhibition of Lys118 acetylation promoted the generation of NOS3‐promoting prosurvival form of p53. Thus, oxygenation switches p53‐DNA interaction by regulating p53 core‐domain acetylation, promoting a prosurvival transcription activity of p53. Understanding this novel oxygen‐p53 survival pathway will open new avenues in cardioprotection molecular therapy.
Micropatterned Surfaces for the Study of Cancer and Endothelial Cell Interactions with Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Smulovitz Courtney , Dickinson Laura E. , Gerecht Sharon
Published: October 2013

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix. Studies have shown that various cancers exhibit high levels of HA content, and that an increased amount of HA corresponds to poor patient prognosis. HA has been implicated in cellular interactions that are associated with cancer progression, including cell adhesion, motility, and differentiation. Micropatterned functional HA surfaces were developed to study interactions between cancer cells and HA. The adhesion and migration of cancer cells representing different stages of tumorigenesis were examined. A similar surface patterning approach was used to create HA regions next to fibronectin in two‐ and three‐dimensional settings to visualize and study the interactions between cancer and endothelial cells. The ability to observe the dynamic interactions of cancer cells and angiogenesis within a HA‐rich microenvironment will improve the fundamental understanding of cancer progression and contribute to the development of advanced therapeutic targets.