bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projected Finite Elements for Systems of Reaction-Diffusion Equations on Closed Evolving Spheroidal Surfaces
Authors: Tuncer Necibe , Madzvamuse Anotida
Published: February 2017

The focus of this article is to present the projected finite element method for solving systems of reaction-diffusion equations on evolving closed spheroidal surfaces with applications to pattern formation. The advantages of the projected finite element method are that it is easy to implement and that it provides a conforming finite element discretization which is “logically” rectangular. Furthermore, the surface is not approximated but described exactly through the projection. The surface evolution law is incorporated into the projection operator resulting in a time-dependent operator. The time-dependent projection operator is composed of the radial projection with a Lipschitz continuous mapping. The projection operator is used to generate the surface mesh whose connectivity remains constant during the evolution of the surface. To illustrate the methodology several numerical experiments are exhibited for different surface evolution laws such as uniform isotropic (linear, logistic and exponential), anisotropic, and concentration-driven. This numerical methodology allows us to study new reaction-kinetics that only give rise to patterning in the presence of surface evolution such as theactivator-activatorandshort-range inhibition; long-range activation.
Genotypic Distribution of Rotavirus in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: An Association of G9 with More Severe Diseases
Authors: Silapong Sasikorn , Sakpaisal Pimmada , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Sethabutr Orntipa , Vansith Ket , Meng Chhour Y. , Swierczewski Brett E. , Mason Carl J.
Published: February 2017

Rotavirus causes significant morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Stool samples from a previous hospital-based surveillance study to detect diarrhea etiology at the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by Meng and others in 2011 were tested for rotavirus by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting vp6 gene and characterized for G- and P-genotypes of positive samples based on vp7 and vp4 genes, respectively. Rotavirus was detected in 159/531 (30%) of children with diarrhea and none was detected in 287 nondiarrhea controls. All but three of the rotavirus-positive cases were children under the age of 2. The most common genotypes characterized by PCR and sequencing were G1P[8] (69%), G9P[8] (11%), and G2P[4] (11%). Genotype G9 was detected at a relatively high percentage that is consistent with the global trend and found to be associated with hospitalization. Data on disease burden and genotypic distribution are required information for the planning of rotavirus vaccine implementation in Cambodia.
Epidemiology and Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in North Cyprus
Authors: Seyer Ayse , Karasartova Djursun , Ruh Emrah , Güreser Ayse Semra , Turgal Ebru , Imir Turgut , Taylan-Ozkan Aysegul
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and its subtypes (STs) in North Cyprus; and to evaluate the presence of this parasite and its STs with respect to demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples were collected from 230 volunteers. Each participant also filled out a questionnaire. The samples were examined microscopically by native-Lugol and trichrome methods and further tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. infection was found to be 10.5%, 10.5%, and 27.8%, by direct microscopy, trichrome method, and PCR, respectively. No other parasites were detected in the specimens except Giardia spp. (n = 2; 0.8%) and Entamoeba coli (n = 1; 0.4%). The most common Blastocystis STs were ST3 (20; 31.2%), ST2 (18; 28.2%), ST1 (8; 12.5%), and ST4 (7; 11%); whereas other STs were identified as ST6 (3; 4.7%), ST7 (2; 3.2%), and non-ST (6; 9.4%). Presence of Blastocystis spp. and its STs was not significantly related to any of the demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors. Furthermore, no significant association of Blastocystis spp. and its STs with gastrointestinal symptoms was found. This study is the first investigation of the epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in North Cyprus. Distribution of Blastocystis spp. and its STs among demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors showed complete homogeneity. Presence of the parasite and its STs was not significantly related with the gastrointestinal symptoms among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. These findings suggest that Blastocystis spp. may be part of the intestinal flora in humans.
Epidemiology of Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Preschool-Aged Children in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Aiemjoy Kristen , Gebresillasie Sintayehu , Stoller Nicole E. , Shiferaw Ayalew , Tadesse Zerihun , Chanyalew Melsew , Aragie Solomon , Callahan Kelly , Keenan Jeremy D.
Published: February 2017

Intestinal parasites are important contributors to global morbidity and mortality and are the second most common cause of outpatient morbidity in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional survey describes the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa in preschool children 0–5 years of age in seven communities in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, and investigates associations between infection, household water and sanitation characteristics, and child growth. Stool samples were collected from children 0–5 years of age, 1 g of sample was preserved in sodium acetate–acetic acid–formalin, and examined for intestinal helminth eggs and protozoa cysts ether-concentration method. A total of 212 samples were collected from 255 randomly selected children. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm were 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.6–15.1), 1.4% (95% CI = 0–3.0), and 0% (95% CI = 0–1.7), respectively. The prevalence of the pathogenic intestinal protozoa Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar were 10.4% (95% CI = 6.2–14.6) and 3.3% (95% CI = 0.09–5.7), respectively. Children with A. lumbricoides infections had lower height-for-age z-scores compared with those without, but were not more likely to have stunting. Compared with those without G. lamblia, children with G. lamblia infections had lower weight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and were more than five times as likely to meet the z-score definition for wasting (prevalence ratio = 5.42, 95% CI = 2.97–9.89). This article adds to a growing body of research on child growth and intestinal parasitic infections and has implications for their treatment and prevention in preschool-aged children.
Use of a 90-Minute Admission Window and Front-Fill System to Reduce Work Compression on a General Medicine Inpatient Teaching Service
Authors: Choi Youngjee , Kim Daniel , Chong Hyemi , Mallow Christopher , Bill Jason , Fojo Anthony T. , Blanchard Melvin
Published: February 2017

Background

Duty hour limits have shortened intern shifts without concurrent reductions in workload, creating work compression. Multiple admissions during shortened shifts can result in poor training experience and patient care.

Objective

To relieve work compression, improve resident satisfaction, and improve duty hour compliance in an academic internal medicine program.

Methods

In 2014, interns on general ward services were allotted 90 minutes per admission from 3 pm to 7 pm, when the rate of admissions was high. Additional admissions arriving during the protected period were directed to hospitalists. Resident teams received 2 patients admitted by the night float team to start the call day (front-fill).

Results

Of the 51 residents surveyed before and after the implementation of the intervention, 39 (77%) completed both surveys. Respondents reporting an unmanageable workload fell from 14 to 1 (P < .001), and the number of residents reporting that they felt unable to admit patients in a timely manner decreased from 14 to 2 (P < .001). Reports of adequate time with patients increased from 16 to 36 (P < .001), and residents indicating that they had time to learn from patients increased from 19 to 35 (P < .001). Reports of leaving on time after call days rose from 12 to 33 (P < .01), and overall satisfaction increased from 26 to 35 (P = .002). Results were similar when residents were resurveyed 6 months after the intervention.

Conclusions

Call day modifications improved resident perceptions of their workload and time for resident learning and patient care.
Resident Dyads Providing Transition Care to Adolescents and Young Adults With Chronic Illnesses and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Authors: Chung Richard J. , Jasien Joan , Maslow Gary R.
Published: February 2017

Background 

Youth with special health care needs often experience difficulty transitioning from pediatric to adult care. These difficulties may derive in part from lack of physician training in transition care and the challenges health care providers experience establishing interdisciplinary partnerships to support these patients.

Objective 

This educational innovation sought to improve pediatrics and adult medicine residents' interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Methods 

Residents from pediatrics, medicine-pediatrics, and internal medicine training programs participated in a transitions clinic for patients with chronic health conditions aged 16 to 26 years. Residents attended 1 to 4 half-day clinic sessions during 1-month ambulatory rotations. Pediatrics/adult medicine resident dyads collaboratively performed psychosocial and medical transition consultations that addressed health care navigation, self-care, and education and vocation topics. Two to 3 attending physicians supervised each clinic session (4 hours) while concurrently seeing patients. Residents completed a preclinic survey about baseline attitudes and experiences, and a postclinic survey about their transitions clinic experiences, changes in attitudes, and transition care preparedness.

Results 

A total of 46 residents (100% of those eligible) participated in the clinic and completed the preclinic survey, and 25 (54%) completed the postclinic survey. A majority of respondents to the postclinic survey reported positive experiences. Residents in both pediatrics and internal medicine programs reported improved preparedness for providing transition care to patients with chronic health conditions and communicating effectively with colleagues in other disciplines.

Conclusions 

A dyadic model of collaborative transition care training was positively received and yielded improvements in immediate self-assessed transition care preparedness.
Quiosco en el lago Staufensee en Dornbirn. Austria
Authors: Wellmann Ladinger Architectur Arquitecto
Published: February 2017

Desde ciertos ángulos esta estructura, localizada en Dornbirn, provincia al oeste de Austria, aparenta ser sólida en su corazón. El quiosco realizado en hormigón armado se sitúa en un dramático y original enclave entre un lago y un barranco, en una llanura situada entre los sistemas montañosos de Rappenloch y Alpoch.
Centro de arte en Kivik. Suecia
Authors: Snøhetta Arquitectos
Published: February 2017

Kivik Start es la primera fase en el establecimiento de un nuevo centro de arte contemporáneo en Kivik, Suecia. Snøhetta fue invitada a proyectar un pabellón temporal que combinara arte y arquitectura con un artista a su elección. Se eligió al fotógrafo noruego Tom Sandberg por las cualidades inherentemente ambiguas de su fotografía en blanco y negro.
Casa View en Rosario, Argentina
Authors: Diego Arraigada y Johnston Marklee Arquitectos
Published: February 2017

Situada en las afueras de Rosario -en el paisaje pampeano argentino- la Casa View está diseñada a partir de las posibilidades y las limitaciones de nuevos usos residenciales en áreas tradicionalmente rurales.

El solar de 2.113 m2 tiene una privilegiada posición periférica en esquina frente a un gran monte de eucaliptos. La casa se concibe como un objeto sensible posado en la llanura; posee una lógica propia pero es capaz de informarse y relacionarse con las características específicas del lugar.
Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design
Authors: Myers-McDevitt Paula J.
Published: February 2017

With the continuing growth of private label brands, the demand for skilled technical designers has never been greater. The 3rd Edition of Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design equips students with everything they need to know about measuring sample garments, creating fully graded spec sheets, fitting garments and grading patterns for production. Over 500 technical flats are clearly labeled with measurement points and instructions for taking measurements. A new chapter on children's wear expands upon the already comprehensive coverage of knit and woven womenswear and menswear. The new edition includes more coverage of PLM/PDM and computer-aided technical design, model measuring, graded pattern nests and more.
Differences in BVOC oxidation and SOA formation above and below the forest canopy
Authors: Schulze Benjamin C. , Wallace Henry W. , Flynn James H. , Lefer Barry L. , Erickson Matt H. , Jobson B. Tom , Dusanter Sebastien , Griffith Stephen M. , Hansen Robert F. , Stevens Philip S. , VanReken Timothy , Griffin Robert J.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Gas-phase biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are oxidized in the troposphere to produce secondary pollutants such as ozone (O3), organic nitrates (RONO2), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Two coupled zero-dimensional models have been used to investigate differences in oxidation and SOA production from isoprene and α-pinene, especially with respect to the nitrate radical (NO3), above and below a forest canopy in rural Michigan. In both modeled environments (above and below the canopy), NO3 mixing ratios are relatively small (< 0.5 pptv); however, daytime (08:00–20:00 LT) mixing ratios below the canopy are 2 to 3 times larger than those above. As a result of this difference, NO3 contributes 12 % of total daytime α-pinene oxidation below the canopy while only contributing 4 % above. Increasing background pollutant levels to simulate a more polluted suburban or peri-urban forest environment increases the average contribution of NO3 to daytime below-canopy α-pinene oxidation to 32 %. Gas-phase RONO2 produced through NO3 oxidation undergoes net transport upward from the below-canopy environment during the day, and this transport contributes up to 30 % of total NO3-derived RONO2 production above the canopy in the morning (∼ 07:00). Modeled SOA mass loadings above and below the canopy ultimately differ by less than 0.5 µg m−3, and extremely low-volatility organic compounds dominate SOA composition. Lower temperatures below the canopy cause increased partitioning of semi-volatile gas-phase products to the particle phase and up to 35 % larger SOA mass loadings of these products relative to above the canopy in the model. Including transport between above- and below-canopy environments increases above-canopy NO3-derived α-pinene RONO2 SOA mass by as much as 45 %, suggesting that below-canopy chemical processes substantially influence above-canopy SOA mass loadings, especially with regard to monoterpene-derived RONO2.
Sedimentary ancient DNA and pollen reveal the composition of plant organic matter in Late Quaternary permafrost sediments of the Buor Khaya Peninsula (north-eastern Siberia)
Authors: Zimmermann Heike Hildegard , Raschke Elena , Epp Laura Saskia , Stoof-Leichsenring Kathleen Rosmarie , Schwamborn Georg , Schirrmeister Lutz , Overduin Pier Paul , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Organic matter deposited in ancient, ice-rich permafrost sediments is vulnerable to climate change and may contribute to the future release of greenhouse gases; it is thus important to get a better characterization of the plant organic matter within such sediments. From a Late Quaternary permafrost sediment core from the Buor Khaya Peninsula, we analysed plant-derived sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to identify the taxonomic composition of plant organic matter, and undertook palynological analysis to assess the environmental conditions during deposition. Using sedaDNA, we identified 154 taxa and from pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs we identified 83 taxa. In the deposits dated between 54 and 51 kyr BP, sedaDNA records a diverse low-centred polygon plant community including recurring aquatic pond vegetation while from the pollen record we infer terrestrial open-land vegetation with relatively dry environmental conditions at a regional scale. A fluctuating dominance of either terrestrial or swamp and aquatic taxa in both proxies allowed the local hydrological development of the polygon to be traced. In deposits dated between 11.4 and 9.7 kyr BP (13.4–11.1 cal kyr BP), sedaDNA shows a taxonomic turnover to moist shrub tundra and a lower taxonomic richness compared to the older samples. Pollen also records a shrub tundra community, mostly seen as changes in relative proportions of the most dominant taxa, while a decrease in taxonomic richness was less pronounced compared to sedaDNA. Our results show the advantages of using sedaDNA in combination with palynological analyses when macrofossils are rarely preserved. The high resolution of the sedaDNA record provides a detailed picture of the taxonomic composition of plant-derived organic matter throughout the core, and palynological analyses prove valuable by allowing for inferences of regional environmental conditions.
Daily GRACE gravity field solutions track major flood events in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
Authors: Gouweleeuw Ben T. , Kvas Andreas , Grüber Christian , Gain Animesh K. , Mayer-Gürr Thorsten , Flechtner Frank , Güntner Andreas
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Two daily gravity field solutions based on observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission are evaluated against daily river runoff data for major flood events in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (GBD) in 2004 and 2007. The trends over periods of a few days of the daily GRACE data reflect temporal variations in daily river runoff during major flood events. This is especially true for the larger flood in 2007, which featured two distinct periods of critical flood level exceedance in the Brahmaputra River. This first hydrological evaluation of daily GRACE gravity field solutions based on a Kalman filter approach confirms their potential for gravity-based large-scale flood monitoring. This particularly applies to short-lived, high-volume floods, as they occur in the GBD with a 4–5 year return period. The release of daily GRACE gravity field solutions in near real-time may enable flood monitoring for large events.
Between Two Betweens: Hannah Arendt and the Politics of Education
Authors: Zakin Emily
Published: February 2017

This article argues that Hannah Arendt provides an illuminating perspective on the “crisis” of education. The meaning and purpose of education, in Arendt's view, its fundamental role in civilization, is to impart an old world to new beings, preparing children for “renewing a common world” by establishing an active bond to the past that does not just encumber but enables agency. Because her work does not cohere with either contemporary liberal or contemporary conservative criticisms or justifications of higher education, or with either moral or vocational promises about its merit, Arendt's understanding of education appears less as a competing approach than as simply an eclipsed perspective. By focusing on the meanings and values of the public world we ineluctably inherit, Arendt's reflections on education illuminate the temporal precarity intrinsic to the human condition.
Religion and the “Religious”: Cormac McCarthy and John Dewey
Authors: Metcalf Robert
Published: February 2017

This article brings Cormac McCarthy's novels into discussion with Dewey's thinking, particularly with an eye to the distinction, made famous from A Common Faith, between religion and “the religious.” In this work Dewey argues for emancipating what is genuinely religious from all that is adventitious to it—above all, anything wedded to ideas of the supernatural—so that “the religious aspect of experience will be free to develop freely on its own account.” He concludes by highlighting the need to make explicit and militant “the common faith of mankind”—which lies in the recognition that “the things in civilization we most prize are not of ourselves” but “exist by grace of the doings and sufferings of the continuous human community in which we are a link.” While McCarthy's novels share Dewey's broadly anti-supernatural and anti-ecclesiastical commitments, there are some areas of divergence between the two that allow us to reflect critically on the distinction between religion and “the religious.” Most significantly, whereas Dewey aims to discern the intrinsic quality of the religious apart from what is adventitious to it, McCarthy focuses on the historical givenness of religious practices so as then to imagine their repurposing and radical transformation.
Smart Parking Guidance Using Optimal Cost Function
Authors: Farag Mohamed S. , Mohie El Din M. M. , El Shenbary H. A.
Published: February 2017

The industrialization of the world, increase in population and mismanagement of the available parking space has resulted in parking problems. There is a need for an intelligent and reliable system which can be used for searching the unoccupied parking facility, to reduce the cost of leasing people and for better use of resources for car-park owners. This paper introduces an algorithm to increase the efficiency of the current smart-parking system. The main objective of this algorithm is helping users automatically to find an unoccupied parking lot with least cost based on a new performance metrics to calculate the parking cost. Considering the distance between the User and Parking, Distance between Parking and services area, Percent of free spaces in each car park and Cost of parking for a time t. Matlab software was used to compute the cost function and to save an optimal parking space upon a request by the user. The experimental results show that the proposed cost function helps improve the probability of optimal parking with least cost.
Modeling of Academic Achievement of Primary School Students in Ethiopia Using Bayesian Multilevel Approach
Authors: Sebro Negusse Yohannes , Goshu Ayele Taye
Published: February 2017

This study aims to explore Bayesian multilevel modeling to investigate variations of average academic achievement of grade eight school students. A sample of 636 students is randomly selected from 26 private and government schools by a two-stage stratified sampling design. Bayesian method is used to estimate the fixed and random effects. Input and process quality indicators of education such as student to class ratio, student to teacher ratio, availability of teaching learning resources at school, teaching methods, and standard of course curriculum are found to be significantly affecting the academic achievement of the students. The effects of student level covariates: absence from class, academic motivation, academic self concept, study time, family income, mother’s education, parents’ employment status, work demand at home, and parent’s follow-up of child are significantly varying from school to school. The results show that a large proportion of academic achievement variation is accounted to between schools. It is interesting to found out that the within school variation is very high for government schools while the between school variation is very high for private schools. There is uniformity across the government schools with high individual differences among students. However, there is lesser uniformity across the private schools with lesser individual differences of students. The findings in this study indicate that private schools are in a better position in maintaining quality of education at grade eight. Efficient academic management is needed at the government schools that can improve quality of education at the level.
Challenges in Diagnosing Medication Resins in Surgical Pathology Specimens: A Crystal-Clear Review Guide
Authors: Gonzalez Raul S. , Lagana Stephen M. , Szeto Oliver , Arnold Christina A.
Published: February 2017

Context.—

Medication resins, including Kayexalate, sevelamer, and bile acid sequestrants, can be encountered in gastrointestinal tract specimens. Their classic histologic appearances have been well documented, but pathologist recognition of the resins is 75%, patient history is not always available, and atypical morphologic findings are sometimes present.

Objective.—

To offer a succinct overview of resins in the gastrointestinal tract, including typical and atypical appearances, in order to serve as a quick reference guide.

Data Sources.—

The study comprises published literature, survey data, and our personal experiences.

Conclusions.—

Classic morphology is the benchmark for identifying these resins, but color, location, and fish scale pattern can deviate from the norm, making proper identification a challenge. Patient history should be sought whenever possible, and ancillary staining is an option when necessary. Additionally, the presence of resins should prompt the pathologist to search for potentially related diagnoses (namely, causes of diarrhea in patients on bile acid sequestrants and diagnoses associated with renal failure in patients on Kayexalate or sevelamer).
Une extrême droite en émergence? Les pages Facebook pour la charte des valeurs québécoises
Authors: Nadeau Frédérick , Helly Denise
Published: February 2017

À l’automne 2013, le Parti Québécois dépose un projet de « Charte des valeurs québécoises » (projet de loi n°60) qui veut laïciser l’État provincial, en interdisant notamment le port de signes religieux par les employés de l’État. S’ensuivent des débats âpres et parfois haineux autour du statut de la religion et de l’islam en particulier dans la société provinciale. Le présent texte propose une analyse thématique de dix pages Facebook en faveur du projet de loi. Il tente de déterminer la nature politique des arguments que ces pages développent, et pose la question de l’émergence d’une extrême droite au Québec en recourant aux concepts d’extrême droite et de droite radicale présentement débattus dans la littérature européenne. Il conclut que les arguments et les thèmes développés dans ces pages les rattachent à une mouvance de « droite radicale ».
Rapport au diplôme et sentiment de surqualification des diplômés universitaires québécois
Authors: Vultur Mircea
Published: February 2017

Dans cet article, nous analysons les dimensions subjectives de la détention du diplôme ainsi que les phénomènes qui en découlent (la surqualification), en mettant l’accent non pas sur la valeur marchande des diplômes, mais sur leur valeur d’usage, c’est-à-dire considérée du point de vue de leur détenteur. Nous montrons que la valeur du diplôme ne dépend pas seulement des quantités relatives de diverses catégories de diplômés en concurrence pour l’emploi, mais également des qualités intrinsèques que le diplôme confère à ses détenteurs. Nos analyses sont fondées sur un matériau empirique formé de 30 entrevues avec des diplômés universitaires québécois, réalisées cinq ans après l’obtention de leur diplôme dans le cadre d’une étude rétrospective de leur cheminement scolaire et de leur trajectoire d’insertion professionnelle.
Juifs dans la Cité québécoise
:
Anctil, Pierre, À chacun ses Juifs. 60 éditoriaux pour comprendre la position du Devoir à l’égard des Juifs (1910-1947), Québec, Septentrion, 2014Anctil, Pierre et Simon Jacobs (dir.), Les Juifs de Québec. Quatre cents ans d’histoire, Québec, Presses de l’Université du Québec, 2015. (Coll. Patrimoine urbain)
Authors: Bérubé Harold
Published: February 2017

La communauté juive est une composante importante de la société québécoise. Depuis les années 1980, et en grande partie grâce aux efforts de Pierre Anctil, elle est intégrée à son historiographie. Anctil poursuit cette entreprise dans deux ouvrages récents. Publiant et commentant les éditoriaux que Le Devoir a consacrés à la communauté juive, au Québec et ailleurs dans le monde, il enrichit et nuance un portrait qu’il avait déjà esquissé dans ses premiers travaux. Codirigeant un ouvrage consacré aux Juifs de la ville de Québec, il nous rappelle, avec ses collaborateurs, que cette communauté s’est aussi enracinée à l’extérieur de Montréal.
Nutrient Evaluation of Different Buckwheat Genetic Resources
Authors: Sinkovič Lovro , Meglič Vladimir , Velikonja-Bolta Špela , Nečemer Marijan , Vidrih Rajko
Published: February 2017

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaerth.) are underutilized pseudo-cereals and both considered nutritional food. Eight common and eleven tartary buckwheat accessions acquired from Slovenian plant gene bank were grown at the experimental fields of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia in 2014. Dried grains were homogenised and analysed for several nutrient parameters: moisture content (11–14% dry weight, DW), total proteins (11–16 % DW), dietary fibre (15–19 % DW), ash (2–6 % DW) and total fats (1.8–2.6 % DW). The fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, C20:0) were determined using gas chromatography, free amino acids (Gly, Glu, Arg, Lys, Asp, Ser, Phe, Ala, Val, Thr, Pro, Ile, Met, His, Cys, Leu, Tyr) by the high-performance liquid chromatography and multi-mineral analysis (K, P, Si, S, Ca, Fe, Cl, Ti, Zn) using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show significant differences between two buckwheat species, and their gene bank accessions for investigated nutritional parameters.
Generation of shape complexity through tissue conflict resolution
Authors: Rebocho Alexandra B , Southam Paul , Kennaway J Richard , Bangham J Andrew , Coen Enrico
Published: February 2017

Out-of-plane tissue deformations are key morphogenetic events during plant and animal development that generate 3D shapes, such as flowers or limbs. However, the mechanisms by which spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression modify cellular behaviours to generate such deformations remain to be established. We use the Snapdragon flower as a model system to address this problem. Combining cellular analysis with tissue-level modelling, we show that an orthogonal pattern of growth orientations plays a key role in generating out-of-plane deformations. This growth pattern is most likely oriented by a polarity field, highlighted by PIN1 protein localisation, and is modulated by dorsoventral gene activity. The orthogonal growth pattern interacts with other patterns of differential growth to create tissue conflicts that shape the flower. Similar shape changes can be generated by contraction as well as growth, suggesting tissue conflict resolution provides a flexible morphogenetic mechanism for generating shape diversity in plants and animals.
Variability of cholesterol accessibility in human red blood cells measured using a bacterial cholesterol-binding toxin
Authors: Chakrabarti Rima S , Ingham Sally A , Kozlitina Julia , Gay Austin , Cohen Jonathan C , Radhakrishnan Arun , Hobbs Helen H
Published: February 2017

Cholesterol partitions into accessible and sequestered pools in cell membranes. Here, we describe a new assay using fluorescently-tagged anthrolysin O, a cholesterol-binding bacterial toxin, to measure accessible cholesterol in human red blood cells (RBCs). Accessible cholesterol levels were stable within individuals, but varied >10 fold among individuals. Significant variation was observed among ethnic groups (Blacks>Hispanics>Whites). Variation in accessibility of RBC cholesterol was unrelated to the cholesterol content of RBCs or plasma, but was associated with the phospholipid composition of the RBC membranes and with plasma triglyceride levels. Pronase treatment of RBCs only modestly altered cholesterol accessibility. Individuals on hemodialysis, who have an unexplained increase in atherosclerotic risk, had significantly higher RBC cholesterol accessibility. Our data indicate that RBC accessible cholesterol is a stable phenotype with significant inter-individual variability. Factors both intrinsic and extrinsic to the RBC contribute to variation in its accessibility. This assay provides a new tool to assess cholesterol homeostasis among tissues in humans.
Vascular plant biodiversity of the lower Coppermine River valley and vicinity (Nunavut, Canada): an annotated checklist of an Arctic flora
Authors: Saarela Jeffery M. , Sokoloff Paul C. , Bull Roger D.
Published: February 2017

The Coppermine River in western Nunavut is one of Canada’s great Arctic rivers, yet its vascular plant flora is poorly known. Here, we report the results of a floristic inventory of the lower Coppermine River valley and vicinity, including Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park and the hamlet of Kugluktuk. The study area is approximately 1,200 km2, extending from the forest-tundra south of the treeline to the Arctic coast. Vascular plant floristic data are based on a review of all previous collections from the area and more than 1,200 new collections made in 2014. Results are presented in an annotated checklist, including citation of all specimens examined, comments on taxonomy and distribution, and photographs for a subset of taxa. The vascular plant flora comprises 300 species (311 taxa), a 36.6% increase from the 190 species documented by previous collections made in the area over the last century, and is considerably more diverse than other local floras on mainland Nunavut. We document 207 taxa for Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park, an important protected area for plants on mainland Nunavut. A total of 190 taxa are newly recorded for the study area. Of these, 14 taxa (13 species and one additional variety) are newly recorded for Nunavut (Allium schoenoprasum,Carex capitata,Draba lonchocarpa,Eremogone capillarissubsp.capillaris,Sabulina elegans,Eleocharis quinqueflora,Epilobiumcf.anagallidifolium,Botrychium neolunaria,Botrychium tunux,Festuca altaica,Polygonum aviculare,Salix ovalifoliavar.arctolitoralis,Salix ovalifoliavar.ovalifoliaandStuckenia pectinata), seven species are newly recorded for mainland Nunavut (Carex gynocrates,Carex livida,Cryptogramma stelleri,Draba simmonsii,Festuca viviparoideasubsp.viviparoidea,Juncus alpinoarticulatussubsp.americanusandSalix pseudomyrsinites) and 56 range extensions are reported. ThepsbA-trnHandrbcLDNA sequence data were used to help identify the threeBotrychiumtaxa recorded in the study area. Three new combinations are proposed:Petasites frigidussubsp.sagittatus(Banks ex Pursh) Saarela,Carex petricosasubsp.misandroides(Fernald) Saarela andCarex simpliciusculasubsp.subholarctica(T. V. Egorova) Saarela.
Desafios e possibilidades da implantação da metodologia sala de aula invertida: Estudo de caso em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior privada
Authors: Milhorato Paulo Rodrigues , Guimaraes Eloísa Helena Rodrigues
Published: February 2017

Mudança é palavra que caracteriza a passagem da sociedade industrial para a sociedade do conhecimento. Neste sentido, faz-se necessário repensar os processos educacionais, vistos como alternativa para suprir a lacuna entre o ensino tradicional e as demandas da sociedade atual.  Nesse cenário, surge como possibilidade o modelo proposto por Eric Mazur, nos anos 1990, denominado sala de aula invertida, que utiliza a tecnologia como apoio ao ensino. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo descrever os impactos da metodologia sala de aula invertida em um Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) Privada. A metodologia de pesquisa baseou-se em uma abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa e utilizou dados colhidos por meio de questionário disponibilizado na ferramenta  google docs e/ou impressos, aplicado aos alunos de uma unidade da Faculdade Pitágoras, localizada na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, em entrevistas com professores envolvidos e observação participante. Os resultados revelam que o perfil do aluno é favorável à aplicação do modelo sala de aula invertida: são jovens e em constante contato com a tecnologia. Entretanto sua rotina diária, uma formação de base deficiente e a necessidade de trabalhar para custear uma IES privada tornam complexa a aplicação deste modelo.
Empirical model of long‐time variations of galactic cosmic ray particle fluxes
Authors: Kuznetsov N. V. , Popova H. , Panasyuk M. I.
Published: February 2017

The galactic cosmic ray (GCR) particle flux model has been developed by using the experimental data obtained during the solar cycles 21–24. The model calculates fluxes of GCR particles (with charge z from 1 to 28 and energy E from 80 up to 105 MeV/nucleon) in the interplanetary space (ecliptic plane) as a function of solar activity (sunspot number) and the heliocentric distance. GCR proton fluxes computed by the model for the case of a possible decrease in solar activity during solar cycles 25 and 26 are discussed.
Sensitivity of typhoon modeling to surface waves and rainfall
Authors: Zhao Biao , Qiao Fangli , Cavaleri Luigi , Wang Guansuo , Bertotti Luciana , Liu Li
Published: February 2017

Improving intensity simulation and forecast of tropical cyclones has always been a challenge, although in recent years the track forecasts have been remarkably improved. In this study, we explore the sensitivity of typhoon simulation to three physical processes using a fully coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐wave model. Two storms, a strong and a weak one, have been chosen. The effects of wave breaking induced sea spray, ocean vertical mixing associated with nonbreaking surface waves, and sea surface cooling due to intense rainfall are assessed by means of a set of numerical experiments. The results show and confirm that sea spray leads to an increase of typhoon intensity by enhancing the air‐sea heat flux, while nonbreaking wave‐induced vertical mixing and rainfall lead to a decrease. Each process can be relevant, depending on wind and wave conditions. These can vary dramatically when typhoons interact with not sufficiently well‐defined coastal areas, typically an archipelago. Compared with the control runs, when all the three physical processes are considered, the (absolute) difference between the modeled sea level pressure and best track data is reduced from 26.05 to 0.70 hPa for typhoon Haiyan, and from −9.42 to −8.67 hPa for typhoon Jebi. We have found a steady overestimate of the dimensions of the typhoons. We have verified an extreme sensitivity to the initial conditions, especially when small differences in the typhoon track may imply different relevance of the physical processes, like the ones we have considered, governing the evolution of the storm.
Current‐induced dissipation in spectral wave models
Authors: Rapizo H. , Babanin A. V. , Provis D. , Rogers W. E.
Published: February 2017

Despite many recent developments of the parameterization for wave dissipation in spectral models, it is evident that when waves propagate onto strong adverse currents the rate of energy dissipation is not properly estimated. The issue of current‐induced dissipation is studied through a comprehensive data set in the tidal inlet of Port Phillip Heads, Australia. The wave parameters analyzed are significantly modulated by the tidal currents. Wave height in conditions of opposing currents (ebb tide) can reach twice the offshore value, whereas during coflowing currents (flood), it can be reduced to half. The wind‐wave model SWAN is able to reproduce the tide‐induced modulation of waves and the results show that the variation of currents is the dominant factor in modifying the wave field. In stationary simulations, the model provides an accurate representation of wave height for slack and flood tides. During ebb tides, wave energy is highly overestimated over the opposing current jet. None of the four parameterizations for wave dissipation tested performs satisfactorily. A modification to enhance dissipation as a function of the local currents is proposed. It consists of the addition of a factor that represents current‐induced wave steepening and it is scaled by the ratio of spectral energy to the threshold breaking level. The new term asymptotes to the original form as the current in the wave direction tends to zero. The proposed modification considerably improves wave height and mean period in conditions of adverse currents, whereas the good model performance in coflowing currents is unaltered.
Suppression of a single pair of mushroom body output neurons in Drosophila triggers aversive associations
Authors: Ueoka Yutaro , Hiroi Makoto , Abe Takashi , Tabata Tetsuya
Published: February 2017

Memory includes the processes of acquisition, consolidation and retrieval. In the study of aversive olfactory memory in Drosophila melanogaster, flies are first exposed to an odor (conditioned stimulus, CS+) that is associated with an electric shock (unconditioned stimulus, US), then to another odor (CS−) without the US, before allowing the flies to choose to avoid one of the two odors. The center for memory formation is the mushroom body which consists of Kenyon cells (KCs), dopaminergic neurons (DANs) and mushroom body output neurons (MBONs). However, the roles of individual neurons are not fully understood. We focused on the role of a single pair of GABAergic neurons (MBON‐γ1pedc) and found that it could inhibit the effects of DANs, resulting in the suppression of aversive memory acquisition during the CS− odor presentation, but not during the CS+ odor presentation. We propose that MBON‐γ1pedc suppresses the DAN‐dependent effect that can convey the aversive US during the CS− odor presentation, and thereby prevents an insignificant stimulus from becoming an aversive US.
Air‐ and Active Hydrogen‐Induced Electron Trapping and Operational Instability in n‐Type Polymer Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Un Hio‐Ieng , Zheng Yu‐Qing , Shi Ke , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian
Published: February 2017

Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) have attracted much attention for the next‐generation electronics. Despite of the rapid developments of OFETs, operational stability is a big challenge for their commercial applications. Moreover, the actual mechanism behind the degradation of electron transport is still poorly understood. Here, the electrical characteristics of poly{[N,N‐9‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,59‐(2,29‐bithiophene)} (P(NDI2OD‐T2)) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) as a function of semiconductor/dielectric interfacial property and environment are systematically investigated, in particular, how the copresence of water, oxygen, and active hydrogen on the surface of dielectric leads to a sharp drop‐off in threshold voltage. Evidence is found that an acid–base neutralization reaction occurring at the interface, as a combined effect of the chemical instability of dielectrics and the electrochemical instability of organic semiconductors, contributes to the significant electron trapping on the interface of P(NDI2OD‐T2) TFTs. Two strategies, increasing the intrinsic electrochemical stability of semiconductor and decreasing the chemical reactivity of gate dielectric, are demonstrated to effectively suppress the reaction and thus improve the operational stability of n‐type OFETs. The results provide an alternative degradation pathway to better understand the charge transport instability in n‐type OFETs, which is advantageous to construct high‐performance OFETs with long‐term stability.
Naphthothiadiazole‐Based Near‐Infrared Emitter with a Photoluminescence Quantum Yield of 60% in Neat Film and External Quantum Efficiencies of up to 3.9% in Nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Liu Tengxiao , Zhu Liping , Zhong Cheng , Xie Guohua , Gong Shaolong , Fang Junfeng , Ma Dongge , Yang Chuluo
Published: February 2017

Fluorescent emitters have regained intensive attention in organic light emitting diode (OLED) community owing to the breakthrough of the device efficiency and/or new emitting mechanism. This provides a good chance to develop new near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent emitter and high‐efficiency device. In this work, a D‐π‐A‐π‐D type compound with naphthothiadiazole as acceptor, namely, 4,4′‐(naphtho[2,3‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole‐4,9‐diyl)bis(N,N‐diphenylaniline) (NZ2TPA), is designed and synthesized. The photophysical study and density functional theory analysis reveal that the emission of the compound has obvious hybridized local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) state feature. In addition, the compound shows aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic. Attributed to its HLCT mechanism and AIE characteristic, NZ2TPA acquires an unprecedentedly high photoluminescent quantum yield of 60% in the neat film, which is the highest among the reported organic small‐molecule NIR emitters and even exceeds most phosphorescent NIR materials. The nondoped devices based on NZ2TPA exhibit excellent performance, achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.9% with the emission peak at 696 nm and a high luminance of 6330 cd m−2, which are among the highest in the reported nondoped NIR fluorescent OLEDs. Moreover, the device remains a high EQE of 2.8% at high brightness of 1000 cd m−2, with very low efficiency roll‐off.
Mechanically Enhanced Hierarchically Porous Scaffold Composed of Mesoporous Silica for Host Immune Cell Recruitment
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Jeong Ji Hoon , Kim Jaeyun
Published: February 2017

Hierarchically porous materials have been of interest in many diverse fields, including catalysis, separations, and tissue engineering, because the hierarchical porosity of the materials contributes to improvements in mechanical properties, transport properties, and molecule selectivity. In this study, we, for the first time, introduce a new approach to fabricate hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous silica scaffolds based on a salt‐leaching process using as‐prepared mesoporous silica as a building block. The mechanical strength of the resulting inorganic 3D scaffold was significantly improved by controlling the interfaces of mesoporous silica particles, which allowed for high structural stability during in vivo implantation. Implantation of the scaffold loaded with pro‐inflammatory cytokine in mesopores into mice successfully recruited a high number of host immune cells, including dendritic cells, into the macropores, which shows their potential use for immunomodulation.