bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norwegian health journalists’ ability to report on health research: A concern to science education?
Authors: Pettersen Sverre
Published: October 2017

Newspaper reports of the recent health science research might be important in health promotion and for the readers’ achievement of health literacy. However, such reports are often scientifically deficient and inaccurate. Through the use of a questionnaire and in-depth interviews, Norwegian newspaper health journalists were asked about their educational background, reporting ability and improvement needs, what their sources of health news normally are, and what counts as news – and why. The results showed that none of the health journalist questionnaire respondents (N = 20) had any qualification in the health or biological sciences. Most journalists expressed restricted knowledge of statistics and of the discourse of science, and many journalists stated a need for the improvement of their critical evaluation skills of health claims. The two journalist interview informants expressed that commercial communication bureaus were increasingly applied as sources of health research reports, and the selected health news must contribute to sales-success for the newspapers. To critically select and evaluate the health news from the various sources, health journalists in Norway probably need to improve their knowledge of biological science and statistics, as well as their critical thinking skills and critical health literacy. It is argued that in these improvement approaches, the journalists reporting on health might benefit from learning about the “nature of science.” Results are discussed in a science education perspective.
Importance of the order of demonstrations in changing pupils’ conceptions
Authors: Ahtee Maija , Hakkarainen Olavi
Published: October 2017

Conceptual change is concerned with the question of how a teacher can connect pupils’ prior knowledge with the new content to be learned. Fifth and ninth graders were asked to compare the weights of two objects suspended in a pulley in balance in three different positions. Pupils’ conclusions and arguments were classified for each demonstration. The proportion of the pupils who concluded after the last demonstration that both objects weighed the same depended on the order of the demonstrations and varied from 60% to 90%. Teachers may consider the demonstrations to be alike but pupils experience them as different. Pupils tend to rely on the concrete and familiar models they have used earlier. Therefore it is important that teachers help pupils to look for more general explanations behind the phenomenon, and that the pupils are aware of their preconceptions.
Critical thinking in Norwegian upper secondary biology education: The cases of complementary-alternative-medicine and health claims in the media
Authors: Pettersen Sverre
Published: October 2017

By definition, complementary alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are not scientifically proven. Scientific deficient health claiming news seems to flourish in the media. The aims of this questionnaire study was to explore: (1) attitudes towards CAM among 3rd year students of the health sciences in Norway, who either have immersed themselves in the 2nd and 3rd year upper secondary biology courses, or taken the 1st year compulsory natural science course, exclusively, and (2) these students’ skills in requesting for scientific information in highly deficient health news briefs. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of positive attitude towards the use of CAM treatments between the two health sciences student categories, and most students in both categories “failed” in the test set out to measure their skills in requesting for scientific information in four highly scientific deficient health news briefs. The results suggest that teaching of the Norwegian upper secondary biology courses does probably not contribute extensively to pupils’ development of scepticism towards CAM, and skills in evaluating health claims, scientifically.
The effectiveness of integrating existing digital learning resources into classroom teaching – an evaluation of the learning achievement
Authors: Pétursdóttir Svava
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the results of an intervention study exploring the effectiveness of an implementation of a selection of digital learning resources (DLR) in lower secondary science classrooms. Eight teachers participated in a quasi-experimental intervention, teaching three different subjects with and without DLRs. The data presented are from pupil tests before and after the teaching combined with observation of lessons and interviews with both pupils and teachers. In two of the three subjects the groups using DLRs did slightly better than the comparison group. The results indicate that successful ICT based learning is just as dependent on teacher competence as the quality and features of the resources.
The importance of discourse and attitude in learning astronomy. A mixed methods approach to illuminate the results of the TIMSS 2011 survey.
Authors: Nilsen Trude , Angell Carl
Published: October 2017

The TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) survey carried out in 2011 showed that Norwegian 8th graders reversed a declining trend in science achievement that had lasted almost two decades. However, the only sub-topic that contributed significantly to this turn-around was astronomy. The aim of this study is to explore factors that may have influenced the learning process and led to this high performance. We focused on the characteristics and influence of 1) attitudes towards astronomy and 2) practising astronomy discourse on 3) the conceptual understanding of astronomy. These three were investigated by questionnaire (n=200) and interview (n=32). The findings showed that these students’ reported discourse practices had an influence on their attitudes and that attitude towards astronomy was important to their conceptual understanding of this topic. Students’ attitudes reflected mostly interest and self-efficacy, and they reported practising astronomy discourse through media and discussions inside and outside of school.
Students’ annotated drawings as a mediating artefact in science teachers’ professional development
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Lund
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a case study of a teacher examining her 4th graders’ conceptual understanding of factors causing day and night, seasons, and the phases of the Moon both pre- and post-teaching, as a part of participating in the continuous professional development (CPD) project QUEST.  The study is framed in reference to the extant research in the two fields of CPD and students’ alternative conceptions in science.  The findings pertain to both the 4th graders’ conceptual understanding and the teacher’s meaning-making when examining the students’ annotated drawings and discussing them with colleagues. The teaching in general seems to be efficient concerning challenging students’ alternative conceptions; however not in relation to the phases of the Moon.  The teacher re-designed her teaching and emphasized the insight gained from looking into a structured analysis.  Nonetheless, she questioned whether teachers would find time for such analyses.  While there are promising indications that this teacher will continue using pre- and post-assessment based on the insights gained, the collaborative analysis seemed rather superficial. The spreading to colleagues is discussed referring to this inquiry as supporting individual but probably not collaborative agency.
Naturfaglig kompetence og IBSE – Model for evaluering af elevers kompetenceudvikling i undersøgelsesbaseret naturfagsundervisning
 Science competence and IBSE
Authors: Elmose Steffen , Sillasen Martin Krabbe
Published: October 2017

The object of this article is to generate the theoretical and methodological foundation in order for researchers and educators to be able to evaluate teaching, which is inspired by Inquiry Based Science Education. Science teaching in subsequent developmental projects can be evaluated as to its ability to enhance the science competencies of the pupils. The foundation consists of the integration of the characteristics of IBSE-inspired teaching with learning outcomes in terms of science competence and its four sub-competencies: investigative competence, representative competence, modeling competence and perspective competence. The theory and method will be tested and evaluated in an upcoming developmental project in four University Colleges in Denmark, where there will be developmental as well as research focus on the integration of the two perspectives, a methodological – IBSE – and a goal-oriented – science competence. The complexity of the developmental project must be reflected by a complexity of the research process, wherefore this article presents and discusses a three dimensional evaluation model in order for the researcher to be able to investigate relations between IBSE-inspired teaching and learning outcomes in terms of science competencies.Results from the subsequent research process are expected to highlight the links between a teaching method and learning outcomes and give answers to critical questions about the goals of IBSE-inspired teaching, and also give answers about the relevance of a matrix described competence model for science teaching practice.
Quiet pupils can be effective learners
Authors: Óskarsdóttir Gunnhildur , Jónasson Jón Torfi
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the importance for pupils’ learning of being generally visibly active participant in a classroom discussion. A class of six year-old pupils was taught about the human skeletal system and other organs. To determine what they had learnt, they were asked to produce drawings before and after the course of teaching. The pupils’ participation in the class discussion during the course of teaching was given values on a scale from 1–8, the most talkative receiving the value 1 and the least talkative (or most quiet) the value 8. The study showed that the less talkative the pupils were in the discussion the more they gained from the teaching. The results could not be accounted for by ceiling effects and similar patterns obtained across the materials used support the robustness of the findings. The study suggests that it cannot be assumed that participating in classroom discussion during the learning process is a necessary precondition for learning.
Violência contra mulher em contexto de vulnerabilidade social na Atenção Primária: registro de violência em prontuários
Authors: Borburema Telma Libna Rodrigues , Pacheco Alice Pinto , Nunes Anelise Alves , Moré Carmen Leontina Ojeda Ocampo , Krenkel Scheila
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Investigar o registro dos tipos de violência sofridos e as condutas tomadas, por profissionais de saúde, incluindo a notificação, frente ao relato de situação de violência por mulheres em contexto de vulnerabilidade social atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo e observacional, pela análise de prontuários, considerando todos os registros realizados até o último dia do ano de 2015, de mulheres acima de 18 anos que residam nas áreas de abrangência de dois Centros de Saúde, consideradas áreas de vulnerabilidade social. Resultados: A amostra final foi de 769 prontuários, sendo que em 3,77% havia relato de violência sofrida. Destes, 45% foi do tipo física, seguido por 24%, psicológica; o principal agressor foi o parceiro íntimo (41%); 58% dos relatos foram registrados por médicos, em Centros de Saúde. Houve algum tipo de conduta para 89% dos casos (medicação, encaminhamento ou retorno). Apenas 7% dos casos foram notificados. Conclusões: Os dados desse estudo sugerem que possa haver sub-registro das situações de violência em áreas de vulnerabilidade social em Florianópolis, tendo em vista os poucos casos registrados e notificados em um conjunto de 729 prontuários. Observou-se que esteja relacionada a isso a falta ou pouca sensibilização e capacitação dos profissionais para identificar situações de violência, bem como registrar, notificar e dar prosseguimento ao acompanhamento às pessoas que vivem nessa situação. Portanto, é necessário difundir e capacitar os profissionais de saúde para a detecção, registro, condutas, notificação e seguimento das situações de violência.
Philip Hillkowitz The “Granddaddy of Medical Technologists” and Cofounder of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists and the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society
Authors: Wright James R. , Abrams Jeanne
Published: October 2017

Context.—

In the early 20th century, the future of hospital-based clinical pathology practice was uncertain and this situation led to the formation of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists in 1922. Philip Hillkowitz, MD, and Ward Burdick, MD, were its cofounders. No biography of Hillkowitz exists.

Objective.—

To explore the life, beliefs, and accomplishments of Philip Hillkowitz.

Design.—

Available primary and secondary historical sources were reviewed.

Results.—

Hillkowitz, the son of a Russian rabbi, immigrated to America as an 11-year-old child in 1885. He later attended medical school in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then moved to Colorado, where he began his clinical practice, which transitioned into a clinical pathology practice. In Denver, he met Charles Spivak, MD, another Jewish immigrant and together they established the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society, an ethnically sensitive tuberculosis sanatorium that flourished in the first half of the 20th century because of its national fundraising network. In 1921, Hillkowitz and Burdick, also a Denver-based pathologist, successively organized the pathologists in Denver, followed by the state of Colorado. Early the next year, they formed the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Working with the American College of Surgeons, the ASCP put hospital-based practice of clinical pathology on solid footing in the 1920s. Hillkowitz then established and oversaw the ASCP Board of Registry of Medical Technologists.

Conclusions.—

Philip Hillkowitz changed the directions of clinical pathology and tuberculosis treatment in 20th century America, while simultaneously serving as a successful ethnic power broker within both the American Jewish and Eastern European immigrant communities.
Media Choice in Multicultural Business Interactions
Authors: Varhelahti Mervi , Joshi Marjo , Mikkilä-Erdmann Mirjamaija , Pérez-Sabater Carmen
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to identify which media is chosen for Computed-mediated Communication (CMC) in multicultural business interactions when the main language of communication is English as a lingua franca. The second aim was to determine how the results of this study should be taken into consideration at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in curriculum development. The analyses employed in this survey followed Media synchronicity theory (MST), originally proposed by Dennis/Valacich (1997) and later refined by Dennis et al. (2008). This study was conducted using a mixed method approach with data from a quantitative survey regarding media usage of 274 respondents and qualitative theme interviews of five working life representatives. The findings indicate that the choice of media varies between different countries and is dependent on the different capabilities and synchronicity of the media. The team structure, communication processes, choice of language, cultural diversity and ethical rules of the company play an important role in communication and are meaningful when choosing the media for communication. The main conclusion is that the ability to choose the media that is suitable for varying communicative situations in working life has become essential and therefore needs to be developed as part of curriculum development work at HEIs.
DIY in the DNA: Macro Context and National Myth as Enduring Advertising Discourse
Authors: Desmarais Fabrice
Published: October 2017

This study shows how national contexts recurrently foreground specific myths in advertising to increase consumers’ ‘knowledge’ of the positioning of brands and their ‘liking’ of these brands. From an extended sample of New Zealand television commercials, the research isolates the theme of ‘Kiwi Ingenuity’ as an important tool to advertise a wide variety of brands. At a micro level the study illustrates how hyperbolic characterisation works to attach emotional meanings to brands and products, in particular how ingenious characters are used as hyperbolic cultural signs. The study situates these micro representation strategies in their macro cultural context, arguing that the mechanics of national myths in advertising needs to be understood within the geopolitical context.
Torture without physical pain: Inside cell 24 of the special wing for political prisoners-Evin prison (Iran)
Authors: Irani Hasti
Published: October 2017

I come from Iran, an immense country of more than 77 million inhabitants, the cradle of Persian civilization, and one of the richest and most ancient cultural traditions of humankind, with deep values of respect and tolerance. 38 years ago there was an Islamic revolution that turned Iran into a country that has Islam as an official religion and in which laws must conform to Sharia or Islamic law. I belong to the Christian minority, officially recognised in the Iranian constitution, but only for those born in an ethnically Christian family. People who, like me, were born into an Islamic family and converted to Christianity, are considered apostates and guilty of a serious crime under Sharia. In the last year alone about 200 people who have been accused of apostasy have been imprisoned and many have been tortured. That was the reason I was detained. We Christians are no threat to the national security of Iran. We are not going against the State. But we are treated as such. We, although citizens of Iran, are under Criminal Law, the Enemy.
Computing phylogenetic trees using topologically related minimum
spanning trees
Authors: Kalaghatgi Prabhav , Lengauer Thomas
Published: October 2017

Choi et al.(Choi et al. JMLR, 2011) introduced a minimum spanning tree (MST)-based method called CLGrouping, for constructing tree-structured probabilistic graphical models, a statistical framework that is commonly used for
inferring phylogenetic trees. While CLGrouping works correctly if there is a unique MST, we observe an indeterminacy in the method in the case that there are multiple MSTs. We demonstrate the indeterminacy of CLGrouping using a synthetic quartet tree and a tree over primate genera. The indeterminacy of CLGrouping can be removed if the input MST shares a topological relationship with the corresponding phylogenetic tree. We introduce so-called vertex order based MSTs
(VMSTs) that are guaranteed to have the desired topological relationship. We relate the number of leaves in the VMST to the degree of parallelism that is offered by CLGrouping. We provide polynomial-time algorithms for constructing VMSTs and for selecting a VMST with the optimal number of leaves.
Parameterized and approximation complexity of the detection pair problem in graphs
Authors: Foucaud Florent , Klasing Ralf
Published: October 2017

We study the complexity of the problem ${\rm D{\small ETECTION}~P{\small AIR}}$. A detection pair of a graph $G$ is a pair $(W,L)$ of sets of detectors with $W\subseteq V(G)$, the watchers, and $L\subseteq V(G)$, the listeners, such that for every pair $u,v$ of vertices that are not dominated by a watcher of $W$, there is a listener of $L$ whose distances to $u$ and to $v$ are different. The goal is to minimize $|W|+|L|$. This problem generalizes the two classic problems ${\rm D{\small OMINATING}~S{\small ET}}$ and ${\rm M{\small ETRIC}~D{\small IMENSION}}$, that correspond to the restrictions $L=\emptyset$ and $W=\emptyset$, respectively. ${\rm D{\small ETECTION}~P{\small AIR}}$ was recently introduced by Finbow, Hartnell and Young (A. S. Finbow, B. L. Hartnell and J. R. Young. The complexity of monitoring a network with both watchers and listeners. Networks, accepted), who proved it to be NP-complete on trees, a surprising result given that both ${\rm D{\small OMINATING}~S{\small ET}}$ and ${\rm M{\small ETRIC}~D{\small IMENSION}}$ are known to be linear-time solvable on trees. It follows from an existing reduction by Hartung and Nichterlein for ${\rm M{\small ETRIC}~D{\small IMENSION}}$ that even on bipartite subcubic graphs of arbitrarily large girth, ${\rm D{\small ETECTION}~P{\small AIR}}$ is NP-hard to approximate within a sub-logarithmic factor and W[2]-hard (when parameterized by solution size). We show, using a reduction to ${\rm S{\small ET}~C{\small OVER}}$, that ${\rm D{\small ETECTION}~P{\small AIR}}$ is approximable within a factor logarithmic in the number of vertices of the input graph. Our two main results are a linear-time $2$-approximation algorithm and an FPT algorithm for ${\rm D{\small ETECTION}~P{\small AIR}}$ on trees.

Keywords: Graph theory, Detection pair, Metric dimension, Dominating set, Approximation algorithm, Parameterized complexity
Graphs with Obstacle Number Greater than One
Authors: Berman Leah Wrenn , Chappell Glenn , Faudree Jill , Gimbel John , Hartman Chris , Williams Gordon
Published: October 2017

An obstacle representation of a graph $G$
is a straight-line drawing of $G$ in the plane,
together with a collection of connected subsets of the plane,
called obstacles, that block all non-edges
of $G$ while not blocking any edges of $G$.
The obstacle number $\mathrm{obs}(G)$ is
the least number of obstacles required to represent $G$.

We study the structure of graphs
with obstacle number greater than one.
We show that the icosahedron has obstacle number $2$,
thus answering a question of
Alpert, Koch, & Laison asking whether all planar graphs
have obstacle number at most $1$.
We also show that the $1$-skeleta of
two related polyhedra,
the gyroelongated $4$-bipyramid
and the gyroelongated $6$-bipyramid,
have obstacle number $2$.
The order of the former graph is $10$,
which is also the order of the smallest known graph with
obstacle number $2$,
making this the smallest known planar graph
with obstacle number $2$.

Our methods involve instances of the Satisfiability problem;
we make use of various "SAT solvers" in order to produce
computer-assisted proofs.
L'intérêt public dans l'aménagement des relations du travail
Authors: Dion Gérard
Published: October 2017

Dans cette étude, l'auteur montre comment l'intérêt public est engagé dans les relations du travail. Il expose dabord ce que l'on entend par « intérêt public ». Ensuite, il envisage comment doit se comporter le gouvernement dans les questions d'intérêt public.
La concurrence syndicale : CSN-FTQ
Authors: Tremblay Louis-Marie
Published: October 2017

L'auteur analyse les implications de la querelle présente entre la CSN et la FTQ. Il compare un mouvement syndical construit sur la possession d'un pouvoir monopolistique à un autre où existent parallèlement des organismes concurrents.
Contribution à l'histoire québécoise du travail (VIII)
Authors: Chartier Roger
Published: October 2017

Voici le huitième et dernier d'une série de textes sur la législation québécoise du
travail (et sur les services connexes du Ministère du travail) de 1885 à nos jours. Ces
notes pourront un jour servir à une histoire plus méthodique des relations du travail au
Québec.

Cette série d'articles est la synthèse d'une « Étude analytique et évolutive des
services du Ministère du travail et de la législation ouvrière et sociale de la province de
Québec, 1885-1952 » préparée par l'auteur à la demande du Ministère, et reproduite ici avec
sa permission.
Structure et évolution des taux de rémunération des infirmières du diocèse de Québec, 1944-1962
Authors: St-Laurent Jacques
Published: October 2017

La demande de services hospitaliers devrait inciter à une analyse des conditions de travail de celles dont la participation est absolument nécessaire si l'on veut que les services exigés soient rendus. Ce qui suit réfère à certains aspects de la rémunération des infirmières du diocèse de Québec mis en relation avec l'évolution des variables habituellement utilisées dans la détermination des taux de rémunération. L'analyse est incomplète et ne prétend être qu'un point de départ.
La négociation dans le secteur privé subventionné par l'État
Authors: Desrochers Paul
Published: October 2017

Notes générales dintroduction :

Le secteur privé peut être subdivisé en plusieurs sections :

Pour des raisons qu'on comprendra, c'est ce dernier aspect qui fera l'objet de notre proposé.
Labour Courts in Québec
Authors: Renault Paul F.
Published: October 2017

Excerpt of an address presented at the 43rd Annual Convention, Canadian Bar Association, Winnipeg, August 28 to Septembre 2, 1961.
La thématisation de l’hôtel New York de Disneyland Paris à l’épreuve de la satisfaction de la clientèle
Authors: BODET Guillaume , ANABA-EBANDA Valéry , BOUCHET Patrick
Published: October 2017

Les hébergements touristiques ont connu une profonde mutation avec notamment une orientation par la production de contextes expérientiels qui soit constituent l’offre proprement dite, soit servent à mieux positionner cette offre vis-à-vis de la concurrence. L’objet de cette recherche est donc de mesurer l’influence des services (fonctionnels versus expérientiels) offerts par un hôtel haut de gamme thématisé et situé dans un parc d’attractions sur la satisfaction de la clientèle. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé le modèle tétraclasse de Sylvie Llosa auprès d’un échantillon de 9053 clients résidant à l’hôtel New York (4 étoiles) de Disneyland Paris. Les résultats montrent que la chambre apparaît comme le seul élémentclé et que les services « fonctionnels » liés au standing de l’hôtel (réception, repas, informations…) prédominent par rapport aux services expérientiels (activités récréatives, boutique…) dans la satisfaction. Ainsi, le contexte « American Way of Life » créé dans cet hôtel influence peu la clientèle essentiellement centrée sur des services fonctionnels pour récupérer de l’hyperstimulation du parc à thème. Ces résultats suggèrent une modification du contexte expérientiel offert autour du « bien dormir » avec la prise en compte de variables plus sensorielles dans l’offre et l’analyse de la satisfaction.
The Issue of Disciplinarity and Non-disciplinarity of Tourism Studies
Authors: BUTOWSKI Leszek
Published: October 2017

This paper is devoted to the developments concerning the issue of disciplinarity and non-disciplinarity of tourism studies. The topic is embedded in a wider context of the academic identity of the community of tourism researchers. As the theoretical foundations for the discussion some concepts of non-classical sociology of science (rooted in Thomas Kuhn’s theory of development of science and ideas of the “Strong Programme”) were used. In order to analyze the problem theoretically and empirically, a three-stage research framework was adopted, commencing with a directed review of Anglo-American and Francophone literature, followed by a survey of a purposeful sample of tourism academics and concluding with a further analysis of the literature, this time confronting empirical findings with the identified scholars’ stances. The empirical research included a survey carried out among approximately 270 scholars of tourism from almost 50 countries from all the continents.
L’aubaine et la réparation. Deux figurations du viol dans les nouvelles et les contes, de Cervantès à Diderot
Authors: Sermain Jean-Paul
Published: October 2017

La loi d’Ancien Régime suppose que la femme peut toujours résister aux tentatives de viol ; la littérature de fiction suggère le contraire ; l’examen d’un corpus de nouvelles et de contes principalement (de Cervantès à Aulnoy, Murat, Perrault, Tencin) montre que l’homme est prêt à profiter de toute situation de faiblesse de la femme pour se contenter, et que la victime peut remédier à cette défaillance en obtenant le mariage : elle rétablit un lien humain déchiré par la brutalité de l’appétit.
Impact of selected polyphenolics on the structural properties of model lipid membranes – a review
Authors: Poklar Ulrih Natasa , Ota Ajda , Abram Veronika
Published: October 2017

This review is a presentation of data gathered on the interactions of several polyphenolics (i.e., phenolic acids, stilbenes, flavonoids) with lipid bilayers of different lipid compositions. These polyphenolics have been investigated through a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, to detect changes in membrane fluidity. Among the investigated phenolic acids, the least polar phenolic acid, p-coumaric acid, has the greatest effect on lipid membrane structure. It appears to have a greater ability to cross membranes by passive transport than more polar phenolic acids. On the other hand, among the flavonoids that have been studied, the anthocyanins cyanidin-3-glucoside and its aglycone are inactive. All of the flavonols tested, except for epigallocatechin-3-gallate, promote small decreases in membrane fluidity. Computer simulation of electron paramagnetic resonance spectra for flavonoids indicated two or three regions in the phosphatidylcholine/ phosphatidylserine (2.4:1) membrane with different fluidity characteristics. The effects of the different flavonoids are correlated to their structural characteristics, whereby even the difference in one -OH group can be important, as can the number of H-bonds they form. The role of membrane composition and flavonoid structure in these interactions with lipid membranes are of great importance for bioavailability of these compounds and for their biological effects in an organism.
Effect of cooking time on the physical, chemical and thermal properties of acha seeds
Authors: O. Raji Akeem , O. Nassam Hajarat , E. Aruna Tawakalitu , O. Raji Monsurat , Sani Maimuna
Published: October 2017

Acha is a less utilized cereal grain in Africa. Scaling up of the processing technology of acha seeds is desirable if accurate information on effect of processing on its properties is available. This study investigated the effect of cooking duration on the chemical and physical properties of acha seeds. Cooking times (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 minutes) at 100°C were used. The volume, length, breadth, thickness, porosity, density, sphericity, aspect ratio, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p = 0.05. The results obtained revealed that varietal difference had a significant effect on volume, length, breadth, thickness, true density, bulk density, porosity, sphericity and aspect ratio. The moisture content, ash, protein, crude fibre, fat, carbohydrate, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity varied from 8.80 - 56.17 %, 0.32 - 1.87%, 1.92 - 11.50%, 0.29 - 1.58%, 0.32 - 2.81%, 40.94 - 76.26%, 1.66 -2.97 kJkg−1K −1 , 0.26 -0.43 Wm−1K −1 and 0.85 x 10−7 - 1.17 x 10−7 ms−2 respectively, as significantly influenced by cooking time. Cooking for 7.5 minutes was appropriate using the moisture uptakes and thermal properties as criteria.
Light induced intraspecific variability in response to thermal stress in the hard coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Tilstra Arjen , Wijgerde Tim , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Eriksson Britas Klemens , Salles Joana Falcão , Pen Ido , Osinga Ronald , Wild Christian
Published: October 2017

Recent research suggests that prior exposure of several months to elevated irradiance induces enhanced thermal tolerance in scleractinian corals. While this tolerance has been reported at the species level, individual coral colonies may react differently due to individual variability in thermal tolerance. As thermal anomalies are predicted to become common in the upcoming future, intraspecific variation may be key to the survival of coral populations. In order to study light-history based thermal stress responses on individual colonies, we developed a preliminary microcosm experiment where three randomly chosen, aquacultured colonies of the model coral Stylophora pistillata were exposed to two irradiance treatments (200 and 400 μmol photons m−2 s−1) for 31 days, followed by artificially induced heat stress (∼33.4 °C). We found different responses to occur at both the intraspecific and the intracolonial levels, as indicated by either equal, less severe, delayed, and/or even non-necrotic responses of corals previously exposed to the irradiance of 400 compared to 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1. In addition, all individual colonies revealed light-enhanced calcification. Finally, elevated irradiance resulted in a lower chlorophyll a concentration in one colony compared to the control treatment, and the same colony displayed more rapid bleaching compared to the other ones. Taken together, this study highlights the potential importance of intra-individual variability in physiological responses of scleractinian corals and provides recommendations for improving methodological designs for future studies.
Successful Sampling Strategy Advances Laboratory Studies of NMR Logging in Unconsolidated Aquifers
Authors: Behroozmand Ahmad A. , Knight Rosemary , Müller‐Petke Mike , Auken Esben , Barfod Adrian A. S. , Ferré Ty P. A. , Vilhelmsen Troels N. , Johnson Carole D. , Christiansen Anders V.
Published: October 2017

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique has become popular in groundwater studies because it responds directly to the presence and mobility of water in a porous medium. There is a need to conduct laboratory experiments to aid in the development of NMR hydraulic conductivity models, as is typically done in the petroleum industry. However, the challenge has been obtaining high‐quality laboratory samples from unconsolidated aquifers. At a study site in Denmark, we employed sonic drilling, which minimizes the disturbance of the surrounding material, and extracted twelve 7.6 cm diameter samples for laboratory measurements. We present a detailed comparison of the acquired laboratory and logging NMR data. The agreement observed between the laboratory and logging data suggests that the methodologies proposed in this study provide good conditions for studying NMR measurements of unconsolidated near‐surface aquifers. Finally, we show how laboratory sample size and condition impact the NMR measurements.
Revisiting the Cause of the 1989–2009 Arctic Surface Warming Using the Surface Energy Budget: Downward Infrared Radiation Dominates the Surface Fluxes
Authors: Lee Sukyoung , Gong Tingting , Feldstein Steven B. , Screen James A. , Simmonds Ian
Published: October 2017

The Arctic has been warming faster than elsewhere, especially during the cold season. According to the leading theory, ice‐albedo feedback warms the Arctic Ocean during the summer, and the heat gained by the ocean is released during the winter, causing the cold‐season warming. Screen and Simmonds (2010; SS10) concluded that the theory is correct by comparing trend patterns in surface air temperature (SAT), surface turbulence heat flux (HF), and net surface infrared radiation (IR). However, in this comparison, downward IR is more appropriate to use. By analyzing the same data used in SS10 using the surface energy budget, it is shown here that over most of the Arctic the skin temperature trend, which closely resembles the SAT trend, is largely accounted for by the downward IR, not the HF, trend.
Quantifying the Role of Snowmelt in Stream Discharge in an Alaskan Watershed: An Analysis Using a Spatially Distributed Surface Hydrology Model
Authors: Liao Chang , Zhuang Qianlai
Published: October 2017

This study uses a spatially distributed surface hydrology model to investigate the role of snowmelt in stream discharge for the Tanana Flats Basin in interior Alaska. The Parameter ESTimation code is used to calibrate the model with observed stream discharge data. The model was further evaluated using remote sensing‐based snow cover product and in situ snowpack water equivalent (SWE) observations. A 36 year (1980–2015) U.S. Geological Survey Precipitation‐Runoff Modeling System simulation shows (1) the monthly stream discharge from the Tanana Flats Basin in April decreased by 44%; (2) snow cover area at high altitudes (above 2000 m) decreased in summer, both SWE and snowmelt also decreased significantly, especially in spring; (3) the timings of snowmelt onset and ending shifted by 2 (earlier) and 5 (later) days per decade, respectively; and (4) snowmelt accounts for 40% of the annual stream discharge. This study provides a quantitative tool to investigating hydrological systems considering the impacts of snow dynamics in cold regions. This study also suggests that future warming will further decrease snow coverage, advance snow melting time, and hereafter change the stream discharge dynamics in the Arctic.
Transcriptomics: Next Generation Transcriptome
Authors: Johnson Nicole V. , Wang Zhong
Published: October 2017

The development of next‐generation sequencing technologies has revolutionized transcriptomics with RNA‐Sequencing (RNA‐Seq). Compared to previous technologies based on first‐generation sequencing and microarray‐based platforms, RNA‐Seq has superior accuracy and precision in quantifying transcript abundance, as well as discovering novel transcriptome features. Specific RNA‐Seq experimental protocols have been developed to profile distinct RNA species including mRNA, small and large noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. However, analyzing the large volume RNA‐Seq data, navigating through many different bioinformatics tools for a single analysis task, and the evolving sequencing technologies all pose serious challenges to embrace this cutting‐edge technology. In this chapter, we aim to provide a brief “survival guide” for RNA‐Seq analysis and its applications. We will first introduce the concept of transcriptomics, followed by a short evolutionary history of technologies developed for transcriptomics. Then, we will provide detailed discussions about RNA‐Seq experimental design and data analysis, with a special focus on the analysis aspect. At the end of this chapter, we will show a couple of examples of applying RNA‐Seq in translational medicine to identify new drug targets and develop novel therapeutics.
Photocatalyzing CO2 to CO for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zheng Di‐Wei , Li Bin , Li Chu‐Xin , Xu Lu , Fan Jin‐Xuan , Lei Qi , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: October 2017

Continuous exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy while protect normal cells from apoptosis. The Janus face of CO thus provides an ideal strategy for cancer therapy. Here, a photocatalytic nanomaterial (HisAgCCN) is introduced to transform endogenous CO2 to CO for improving cancer therapy in vivo. The CO production rate of HisAgCCN reaches to 65 µmol h−1 gmat−1, which can significantly increase the cytotoxicity of anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) by 70%. Interestingly, this study finds that HisAgCCN can enhance mitochondria biogenesis and aggravate oxidative stress in cancer cells, whereas protect normal cells from chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis as well. Proteomics and metabolomics studies reveal that HisAgCCN can enhance mitochondria biogenesis and aggravate oxidative stress in cancer cells specifically. In vivo studies indicate that HisAgCCN/DOX combination therapy presents a synergetic tumor inhibition, which might provide a new direction for clinical cancer therapy.
Black Phosphorus: Synthesis and Application for Solar Cells
Authors: Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Bat‐Erdene Munkhjargal , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: October 2017

Few‐layer ultrathin nanosheets and ultrasmall quantum dots of black phosphorus (BP) have attracted increasing research interest due to their fascinating properties including a tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, and ambipolar conduction ability. These excellent properties together with their unique structures make BP derivatives promising candidates for a wide range of device applications. In this research news, the latest advancements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of BP and its derivatives are highlighted. In particular, the focus is on the use of these rising star materials for emerging solar cells, in terms of both theoretical predictions and experimental investigations. Finally, the authors' personal perspectives on potential future research directions are provided.
Core–Shell Aluminum@Carbon Nanospheres for Dual‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cycling Performance under High Rates
Authors: Tong Xuefeng , Zhang Fan , Chen Guanghai , Liu Xinyu , Gu Lin , Tang Yongbing
Published: October 2017

Dual‐ion battery (DIB) has been proposed as a novel energy storage device with the merits of high safety, low cost and environmental friendliness. Herein, we have developed core/shell aluminum@carbon nanospheres (nAl@C) as anode material for DIB. The nanoscale framework is composed of an Al nanosphere and an amorphous carbon outer layer that is conductive and protective, facilitating the formation of a stable SEI film during cycling. Owing to the core‐shell structural design, the nAl@C nanospheres demonstrate significantly enhanced electrochemical performance in a nAl@C‐graphite DIB. The DIB exhibites high rate performance as well as superior cycling stability with a capacity of 88 mA h g‐1 with 94.6% capacity retention and high Coulombic efficiency (> 99.5%) after 1000 cycles at a high current rate of 15 C. In addition, the nAl@C‐G DIB deliveres an ultrahigh specific energy of 148 W h kg‐1 at a high power density of 3701 W kg‐1, which is much better than most commercial lithium‐ion batteries.
An anatomical and mechanical analysis of the douc monkey (genus Pygathrix), and its role in understanding the evolution of brachiation
Authors: Byron C. D. , Granatosky M. C. , Covert H. H.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Pygathrix is an understudied Asian colobine unusual among the Old World monkeys for its use of arm‐swinging. Little data exists on the anatomy and mechanics of brachiation in this genus. Here, we consider this colobine to gain insight into the parallel evolution of suspensory behavior in primates.

Materials and methods

This study compares axial and appendicular morphological variables of Pygathrix with other Asian colobines. Additionally, to assess the functional consequences of Pygathrix limb anatomy, kinematic and kinetic data during arm‐swinging are included to compare the douc monkey to other suspensory primates (Ateles and Hylobates).

Results

Compared to more pronograde species, Pygathrix and Nasalis share morphology consistent with suspensory locomotion such as its narrower scapulae and elongated clavicles. More distally, Pygathrix displays a gracile humerus, radius, and ulna, and shorter olecranon process. During suspensory locomotion, Pygathrix, Ateles, and Hylobates all display mechanical convergence in limb loading and movements of the shoulder and elbow, but Pygathrix uses pronated wrist postures that include substantial radial deviation during arm‐swinging.

Discussion

The adoption of arm‐swinging represents a major shift within at least three anthropoid clades and little data exist about its transition. Across species, few mechanical differences are observed during arm‐swinging. Apparently, there are limited functional solutions to the challenges associated with moving bimanually below branches, especially in more proximal forelimb regions. Morphological data support this idea that the Pygathrix distal forelimb differs from apes more than its proximal end. These results can inform other studies of ape evolution, the pronograde to orthograde transition, and the convergent ways in which suspensory locomotion evolved in primates.
Construction of Discrete Pentanuclear Platinum(II) Stacks with Extended Metal–Metal Interactions by Using Phosphorescent Platinum(II) Tweezers
Authors: Kong Fred Ka‐Wai , Chan Alan Kwun‐Wa , Ng Maggie , Low Kam‐Hung , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: October 2017

Discrete pentanuclear PtII stacks were prepared by the host‐guest adduct formation between multinuclear tweezer‐type PtII complexes. The formation of the PtII stacks in solution was accompanied by color changes and the turning on of near‐infrared emission resulting from Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt and π–π interactions. The X‐ray crystal structure revealed the formation of a discrete 1:1 adduct, in which a linear stack of five PtII centers with extended Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interactions was observed. Additional binding affinity and stability have been achieved through a multinuclear host‐guest system. The binding behaviors can be fine‐tuned by varying the spacer between the two PtII moieties in the guests. This work provides important insights for the construction of discrete higher‐order supramolecular metal‐ligand aggregates using a tweezer‐directed approach.
Mass‐Production of Mesoporous MnCo2O4 Spinels with Manganese(IV)‐ and Cobalt(II)‐Rich Surfaces for Superior Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Wenhai , Kuai Long , Cao Wei , Huttula Marko , Ollikkala Sami , Ahopelto Taru , Honkanen Ari‐Pekka , Huotari Simo , Yu Mengkang , Geng Baoyou
Published: October 2017

A mesoporous MnCo2O4 electrode material is made for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis. The MnCo2O4 exhibits both Co3O4‐like activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and Mn2O3‐like performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The potential difference between the ORR and OER of MnCo2O4 is as low as 0.83 V. By XANES and XPS investigation, the notable activity results from the preferred MnIV‐ and CoII‐rich surface. The electrode material can be obtained on large‐scale with the precise chemical control of the components at relatively low temperature. The surface state engineering may open a new avenue to optimize the electrocatalysis performance of electrode materials. The prominent bifunctional activity shows that MnCo2O4 could be used in metal–air batteries and/or other energy devices.
Sequence‐Mandated, Distinct Assembly of Giant Molecules
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lu Xinlin , Mao Jialin , Hsu Chih‐Hao , Mu Gaoyan , Huang Mingjun , Guo Qingyun , Liu Hao , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Li Tao , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Li Yiwen , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: October 2017

Although controlling the primary structure of synthetic polymers is itself a great challenge, the potential of sequence control for tailoring hierarchical structures remains to be exploited, especially in the creation of new and unconventional phases. A series of model amphiphilic chain‐like giant molecules was designed and synthesized by interconnecting both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecular nanoparticles in precisely defined sequence and composition to investigate their sequence‐dependent phase structures. Not only compositional variation changed the self‐assembled supramolecular phases, but also specific sequences induce unconventional phase formation, including Frank–Kasper phases. The formation mechanism was attributed to the conformational change driven by the collective hydrogen bonding and the sequence‐mandated topology of the molecules. These results show that sequence control in synthetic polymers can have a dramatic impact on polymer properties and self‐assembly.
Blockable Zn10L15 Ion Channels through Subcomponent Self‐Assembly
Authors: Haynes Cally J. E. , Zhu Jinbo , Chimerel Catalin , Hernández‐Ainsa Silvia , Riddell Imogen A. , Ronson Tanya K. , Keyser Ulrich F. , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: October 2017

Metal–organic anion channels based on Zn10L15 pentagonal prisms have been prepared by subcomponent self‐assembly. The insertion of these prisms into lipid membranes was investigated by ion‐current and fluorescence measurements. The channels were found to mediate the transport of Cl− anions through planar lipid bilayers and into vesicles. Tosylate anions were observed to bind and plug the central channels of the prisms in the solid state and in solution. In membranes, dodecyl sulfate blocked chloride transport through the central channel. Our Zn10L15 prism thus inserts into lipid bilayers to turn on anion transport, which can then be turned off through addition of the blocker dodecyl sulfate.