bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of (R)-mandelic acid and (R)-mandelic acid amide by recombinant E. coli strains expressing a (R)-specific oxynitrilase and an arylacetonitrilase
Authors: Müller Erik , Sosedov Olga , Gröning Janosch Alexander David , Stolz Andreas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesChiral 2-hydroxycarboxylic acids and 2-hydroxycarboxamides are valuable synthons for the chemical industry.ResultsThe biocatalytic syntheses of (R)-mandelic acid and (R)-mandelic acid amide by recombinantEscherichia coliclones were studied. Strains were constructed which simultaneously expressed a (R)-specific oxynitrilase (hydroxynitrile lyase) from the plantArabidopsis thalianatogether with the arylacetonitrilase from the bacteriumPseudomonas fluorescensEBC191. In addition, recombinant strains were constructed which expressed a previously described acid tolerant variant of the oxynitrilase and an amide forming variant of the nitrilase. The whole cell catalysts which simultaneously expressed the (R)-specific oxynitrilase and the wild-type nitrilase transformed in slightly acidic buffer systems benzaldehyde plus cyanide preferentially to (R)-mandelic acid with ee-values > 95%. The combination of the (R)-specific oxynitrilase with the amide forming nitrilase variant gave whole cell catalysts which converted at pH-values ≤ pH 5 benzaldehyde plus cyanide with a high degree of enantioselectivity (ee > 90%) to (R)-mandelic acid amide. The acid and the amide forming catalysts also converted chlorinated benzaldehydes with cyanide to chlorinated mandelic acid or chlorinated mandelic acid amides.ConclusionsEfficient systems for the biocatalytic production of (R)-2-hydroxycarboxylic acids and (R)-2-hydroxycarboxamides were generated.
What Can Eye Movements Tell us about Visual Perception Processes in Classroom Contexts? Commentary on a Special Issue
Authors: Kaakinen Johanna K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this commentary to the Special Issue of Educational Psychology Review on visual perceptual processes, I tie the empirical studies reported in the issue with previous research in other domains to offer some points to be considered in future studies. First, I will point out to issues related to the operationalization of the theoretical constructs. The empirical papers in this Special Issue use eye tracking to study students’ engagement, teachers’ expertise, and student-teacher interaction. However, it is not always clear how the observed eye movement patterns reflect these theoretical concepts and the underlying psychological processes. Second, I will reflect on the analyses of the eye movement data presented in the papers. The main advantage of the methodology is that it can provide detailed information about the time-course of processing, and to fully engage its potential, it should be complemented with adequate statistical methods. In my view, the papers in this Special Issue provide valuable novel information about the complex processes underlying learning in variable contexts, and offer an excellent starting point for future research.
What does the gamer do?
Authors: Davnall Rebecca 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe 'Gamer's Dilemma' is the problem of why some actions occurring in video game contexts seem to have similar, albeit attenuated, kinds of moral significance to their real-world equivalents, while others do not. In this paper, I argue that much of the confusion in the literature on this problem is not ethical but metaphysical. The Gamer's Dilemma depends on a particular theory of the virtual, which I call 'inflationary', according to which virtual worlds are a metaphysical novelty generated almost exclusively by video games. Actions performed in virtual worlds really belong to the kinds of action they appear to—'virtual murder' is a kind of murder. Inflationary theories are contrasted with 'deflationary' theories which, in effect, consider video games purely as systems for generating images, and thus the gamer as (merely) a consumer of media images. Inflationary theories struggle to explain why video games produce this unique metaphysical novelty; deflationary theories fail to do justice to the intuition that there is some significant difference between the gamer and the consumer of other media forms. In place of either, I sketch a theory of the gamer as performer, primarily by analogy with stage and cinema actors, which I suggest captures more of the moral complexity of the gamer's action.
Variability of volatiles in Pinus cembra L. within and between trees from a stand in the Salzburg Alps (Austria) as assessed by essential oil and SPME analysis
Authors: Chizzola Remigius , Müllner Katharina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPinus cembra L. is a coniferous European mountain range tree rich in oleoresins and essential oils. Twig tips with needles are the most common tree parts used to obtain essential oils. As the whole tree contains volatiles, the essential oil composition from different parts was studied, including twig tips with needles from the bottom, the top and the cone bearing branches, cones, twigs without needles from the lower and upper part of the crown as well as wood and bark from the trunk. The variability in essential oil composition between these plant parts and between individual trees has been studied using multivariate statistical analyses. α-Pinene was present in all samples, being highest in cones (49.3%) and lowest in sapwood (0.7%). Twig tips with needles from different parts of the crown had similar essential oil composition with α-pinene (43.9–48.3%), β-phellandrene (13.1–17.2%), β-pinene (6.6–9.3%), germacrene D (5.1–6.8%) and limonene (4.1–6.1%) as main compounds. Twig essential oils had usually more β-phellandrene (23.9–29.8%) than α-pinene (23.3–24.3%) and also appreciable amounts of β-pinene (13.5–15.1%) and limonene (11.9–17.9%). Cone essential oils contained mainly α-pinene, β-pinene (20.1%) and limonene (13.9%). The essential oils from wood and bark were rich in diterpenes as cembratrienol (4.9–21.4%), cembrene (4.8–14.3%) and methyl daniellate (2.7–6.8%). Sapwood distillates contained also notable amounts of alkane derivatives. Finally, the solvent free SPME technique has been employed to analyse the volatiles in the plant parts. For needles and cones the observed patterns were in good accordance with the compositions of the respective essential oils.
Longitudinal river zonation in the tropics: examples of fish and caddisflies from the endorheic Awash River, Ethiopia
Authors: Englmaier Gernot K. , Hayes Daniel S. , Meulenbroek Paul , Terefe Yonas , Lakew Aschalew , Tesfaye Genanaw , Waidbacher Herwig , Malicky Hans , Wubie Alemayehu , Leitner Patrick , Graf Wolfram 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSpecific concepts of fluvial ecology are well studied in riverine ecosystems of the temperate zone but poorly investigated in the Afrotropical region. Hence, we examined the longitudinal zonation of fish and adult caddisfly (Trichoptera) assemblages in the endorheic Awash River (1,250 km in length), Ethiopia. We expected that species assemblages are structured along environmental gradients, reflecting the pattern of large-scale freshwater ecoregions. We applied multivariate statistical methods to test for differences in spatial species assemblage structure and identified characteristic taxa of the observed biocoenoses by indicator species analyses. Fish and caddisfly assemblages were clustered into highland and lowland communities, following the freshwater ecoregions, but separated by an ecotone with highest biodiversity. Moreover, the caddisfly results suggest separating the heterogeneous highlands into a forested and a deforested zone. Surprisingly, the Awash drainage is rather species-poor: only 11 fish (1 endemic, 2 introduced) and 28 caddisfly species (8 new records for Ethiopia) were recorded from the mainstem and its major tributaries. Nevertheless, specialized species characterize the highland forests, whereas the lowlands primarily host geographically widely distributed species. This study showed that a combined approach of fish and caddisflies is a suitable method for assessing regional characteristics of fluvial ecosystems in the tropics.
Heterozygous TLR3 Mutation in Patients with Hantavirus Encephalitis
Authors: Partanen Terhi , Chen Jie , Lehtonen Johanna , Kuismin Outi , Rusanen Harri , Vapalahti Olli , Vaheri Antti , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Bode Michaela , Hautala Nina , Vuorinen Tytti , Glumoff Virpi , Kraatari Minna , Åström Pirjo , Saarela Janna , Kauma Heikki , Lorenzo Lazaro , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Zhang Shen-Ying , Seppänen Mikko , Hautala Timo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPuumala hantavirus (PUUV) hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is common in Northern Europe; this infection is usually self-limited and severe complications are uncommon. PUUV and other hantaviruses, however, can rarely cause encephalitis. The pathogenesis of these rare and severe events is unknown. In this study, we explored the possibility that genetic defects in innate anti-viral immunity, as analogous to Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) mutations seen in HSV-1 encephalitis, may explain PUUV encephalitis. We completed exome sequencing of seven adult patients with encephalitis or encephalomyelitis during acute PUUV infection. We found heterozygosity for the TLR3 p.L742F novel variant in two of the seven unrelated patients (29%, p = 0.0195). TLR3-deficient P2.1 fibrosarcoma cell line and SV40-immortalized fibroblasts (SV40-fibroblasts) from patient skin expressing mutant or wild-type TLR3 were tested functionally. The TLR3 p.L742F allele displayed low poly(I:C)-stimulated cytokine induction when expressed in P2.1 cells. SV40-fibroblasts from three healthy controls produced increasing levels of IFN-λ and IL-6 after 24 h of stimulation with increasing concentrations of poly(I:C), whereas the production of the cytokines was impaired in TLR3 L742F/WT patient SV40-fibroblasts. Heterozygous TLR3 mutation may underlie not only HSV-1 encephalitis but also PUUV hantavirus encephalitis. Such possibility should be further explored in encephalitis caused by these and other hantaviruses.
Modification of Surface Properties of Colloidal Suspensions of NixOy-SiO2 Mixed Oxides with Different Ni Contents by the Adsorption Layers of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)
Authors: Wiśniewska M. , Chibowski S. , Urban T. , Fijałkowska G. , Medykowska M. , Bogatyrov V. M. , Nosal-Wiercińska A. , Klepka T. , Szewczuk-Karpisz K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe adsorption and electrokinetic properties of hybrid silica materials composed of nickel and silicon oxides (NixOy-SiO2), characterized by different contents of nickel oxide (from 0.5 to 3 mmol/g SiO2), were examined. These solids were also modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) to change their surface characteristics. The polymer is non-toxic and very well soluble in water. Due to incomplete hydrolysis of the polymer acetate groups, its macromolecules become negatively charged. The limited range of studied pH (6–10) resulted from high solubility of nickel oxide at more acidic pH values. The spectrophotometric, surface charge and electrophoretic measurements indicated that PVA exhibits higher adsorption affinity for the surfaces of mixed oxide with a larger content of nickel in its structure. Moreover, the presence of polymeric layers on the solid surface influences considerably the structure of electrical double layer formed at the mixed oxide-aqueous solution interface.
Generalized orthonormal moment tensor decomposition and its source-type diagram
Authors: Huang Ting-Chung , Wu Yih-Min 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMoment tensor decomposition is a method for deriving the isotropic (ISO), double-couple (DC), and compensated linear vector dipole (CLVD) components from a seismic moment tensor. Currently, there are two families of methods, namely, standard moment tensor decomposition and Euclidean moment tensor decomposition. Although both methods can usually provide workable solutions, there are some minor inconsistencies between the two methods: an equality inconsistency that occurs in standard moment tensor decomposition and the pure CLVD unity and flip basis inconsistency encountered in Euclidean moment tensor decomposition. Moreover, there is a sign problem when disentangling the CLVD component from a DC-dominated case. To address these minor inconsistencies, we propose a new moment tensor decomposition method inspired by both previous methods. The new method can not only avoid all these minor inconsistencies but also withstand deviations in ISO- or CLVD-dominated cases when using source-type diagrams.
Scheduling a proportionate flow shop of batching machines
Authors: Hertrich Christoph , Weiß Christian , Ackermann Heiner , Heydrich Sandy , Krumke Sven O. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper we study a proportionate flow shop of batching machines with release dates and a fixed number $$m \ge 2$$

m
≥
2

of machines. The scheduling problem has so far barely received any attention in the literature, but recently its importance has increased significantly, due to applications in the industrial scaling of modern bio-medicine production processes. We show that for any fixed number of machines, the makespan and the sum of completion times can be minimized in polynomial time. Furthermore, we show that the obtained algorithm can also be used to minimize the weighted total completion time, maximum lateness, total tardiness and (weighted) number of late jobs in polynomial time if all release dates are 0. Previously, polynomial time algorithms have only been known for two machines.
Contesting language policy for asylum seekers in the Northern periphery: the story of Tailor F
Authors: Pöyhönen Sari , Simpson James 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article is about navigating asylum, employment and language policy in a new country as an asylum seeker. Through the story of one individual, we show that profound inequalities are exacerbated when forced migrants are limited in their choice of language they might study or use. The individual is Tailor F, an Iraqi man seeking asylum, and the country is Finland, officially bilingual, with a majority language (Finnish) and a minority language (Swedish). Finland’s official bilingualism does not extend evenly to language education provided for asylum seekers, who are taught Finnish regardless of the region where they are placed. Upon arrival, Tailor F was housed in a reception centre for asylum seekers located in a Swedish-dominant rural area of the country. Through our linguistic ethnography we examine how he navigates multilingually in his early settlement, his current work and his online life. We relate his story to explicit and implicit official bilingualism in Finland and discuss his lived experiences in relation to the contexts of asylum policy and employment. Tailor F’s story shows how, through his practices, he has contested implicit language policy for asylum seekers in order to gain membership of the local Swedish-dominant community, achieve a sense of belonging, and potentially realise his aspirations for the future.
A new agricultural drought index considering the irrigation water demand and water supply availability
Authors: Xing Zikang , Ma Miaomiao , Wei Yongqiang , Zhang Xuejun , Yu Zhongbo , Yi Peng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAgricultural drought has a tremendous impact on crop yields and economic development under the context of global climate change. As an essential component of water balance in irrigated areas, artificial irrigation, which is not widely incorporated into agricultural drought indices in previous studies. Therefore, an irrigation water deficit index (IWDI) based on the estimation of irrigation water demand and supply is proposed. The performance of the new index was compared with the Soil Moisture Anomaly Percentage Index (SMAPI) over the upstream of the Zi River basin (UZRB). The results indicated the IWDI is highly correlated with precipitation, runoff, and potential evapotranspiration, combined with a more comprehensive moisture condition than the previous agricultural drought index. Due to the consideration of crop growth process and farmland spatial distribution, the proposed index showed a significant advantage in stressing drought conditions of agricultural concentration area and eliminating the impact of invalid soil moisture drought of non-growing seasons. Furthermore, the drought condition identified by the new index presented a good agreement with the historical drought event that occurred in 2013.7–8, which accurately reproduced the soil moisture variation and vegetation growth dynamics.
Should Hunting as a Cultural Heritage Be Protected?
Authors: Dajczak Wojciech , Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Matulewska Aleksandra , Szafrański Wojciech 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe paper focuses on hunting as cultural heritage from the semiotic and legal perspectives. The aim of the paper is to determine whether the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of 2003 allows recognizing the transmission and exercise of hunting skills within the Polish Hunting Association as a manifestation of intangible cultural heritage. The main research method applied in this research is the test of legal rationality encompassing five elements: (1) the generic coherence of hunting knowledge and skills in Poland; (2) the lack of conflict with the principles arising from universal human rights instruments; (3) the significance of hunting knowledge and skills for nature protection and conservation; (4) the significance of hunting knowledge and skills for economic balance and internal security; and (5) the hunting knowledge and skills versus the idea of nature-related cultural identity. The newspaper and political discourse is highly emotional loaded and frequently instead of merits is based on propaganda and half-truths. Nowadays hunting in general is perceived as the so-called blood sport not an element of ecology in the nature disturbed by humans. Therefore, the paper is intended to present the UNESCO Convention and facts about Polish hunting model as an element of sustainable nature and environment conservation and protection as well as a tool of biodiversity preservation.
Estimation of native and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seabirds from the south coast of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Waszak Ilona , Jonko-Sobuś Karolina , Ożarowska Agnieszka , Zaniewicz Grzegorz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNative and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in the muscle, liver, kidneys, and lungs of greater scaup (Aythya marila) and great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Both species showed differences in distribution and profiles among the tissues. The highest ƩPAH concentrations were in the scaup lungs and the grebe kidneys (20 and 19 ng g−1wet weight, respectively). Alkylated derivatives were in the range of 61 to 77% of ΣPAHs in both species. Differences in PAH profiles between birds, analyzed by PCA, were probably results of metabolic capability, not various diet. In comparison to available data from other regions of the world, PAH levels in investigated species are relatively low and do not pose a threat to birds themselves.
Is too much help an obstacle? Effects of interactivity and cognitive style on learning with dynamic versus non-dynamic visualizations with narrative explanations
Authors: Koć-Januchta Marta M. , Höffler Tim N. , Prechtl Helmut , Leutner Detlev 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of visual/verbal cognitive style and interactivity level in dynamic and non-dynamic multimedia learning environments. A group of 235 biology students learned about photosynthesis either from a computer-based animation or a series of static pictures with spoken explanatory text. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: with or without the possibility to pause, to play, or to fast-forward/rewind the learning environment (self-paced versus system-paced condition). Participants obtained better results when learning with the system-paced environment than with the self-paced one. A significant triple interaction between cognitive style, type of pacing, and type of visualization showed that highly developed visualizers learned poorer with self-paced static pictures than with system-paced static pictures. There were no significant effects regarding verbal cognitive style. Results shed more light on the relation between different levels of interactivity and visual cognitive style, when learning from static pictures.
The Relation of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor with MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Eyileten Ceren , Sharif Lucia , Wicik Zofia , Jakubik Daniel , Jarosz-Popek Joanna , Soplinska Aleksandra , Postula Marek , Czlonkowska Anna , Kaplon-Cieslicka Agnieszka , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors that plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system while supporting the survival of existing neurons and instigating neurogenesis. Altered levels of BDNF, both in the circulation and in the central nervous system (CNS), have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ischemic stroke. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs found in body fluids such as peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Several different miRNAs, and their target genes, are recognized to be involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. Thus, they present as promising biomarkers and a novel treatment approach for CNS disorders. Currently, limited studies provide viable evidence of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of BDNF. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge regarding the potential diagnostic and prognostic values of miRNAs affecting BDNF expression and its role as a CNS disorders and neurovascular disease biomarker. Moreover, a novel therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic stroke targeting miRNAs associated with BDNF will be discussed.
Ein Data Engineering Kurs für 10.000 Teilnehmer
Authors: Alder Nicolas , Bleifuß Tobias , Bornemann Leon , Naumann Felix , Repke Tim 
Published: September 2020

ZusammenfassungIm Januar und Februar 2020 boten wir auf der openHPI Plattform einen Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) mit dem Ziel an, Nicht-Fachleute in die Begriffe, Ideen, und Herausforderungen von Data Science einzuführen. In über hundert kleinen Kurseinheiten erläuterten wir über sechs Wochen hinweg ebenso viele Schlagworte. Wir berichten über den Aufbau des Kurses, unsere Ziele, die Interaktion mit den Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern und die Ergebnisse des Kurses.
Scaling up experiments to reduce educational inequality
Authors: RAUDENBUSH STEPHEN W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFor educational researchers, Al-Ubaydli et al. raise a crucial question: How can the science of scaling experimental innovations contribute to school improvement? By assessing how particular innovative programs work, why, for whom and under what conditions, experimenters test theories: about how children and youth learn, about how adults can collaborate to create the required learning opportunities and about how policy can supply the required incentives and resources to support such effective collaboration. My focus in this response article thus shifts from the perspective of innovators who hope to scale their interventions to the perspective of practitioners who face the challenge of adopting, adapting or borrowing ideas from experimental studies and harmonizing those ideas with expert clinical judgment.