bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constitution, Ethos and Change of Life in Common: Some Introductive Reflections on the Example of Icelandic Constitutional Project
Authors: Policastro Pasquale 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The Icelandic constitutional movement was created to address and develop a new constitutional form based upon transparency, responsibility and participation. Taking into consideration the events, which took place in 2008 this expectation appeared more than legitimate. Furthermore, the quality of the debate, which took place within the civil society and in the cooperation between civil society and Constitutional Council, are very meaningful elements supporting a genuine possibility of change. The aim of implementing a participation-based constitution may lead to the diversification of the Icelandic project with respect to the typology of the existing constitution. This may produce as a result the development of new checks and balances. For this reason the development of public local services may be an opportunity to develop a social balance with respect of the constitution in force, as well as a living constitution starting from below. In this way the values purported by civil society may lead to higher levels of political freedom and finally to the approval of a new constitution. To keep the Icelandic process communicatively open in a transnational perspective may thus permit other persons to contribute to the development of Icelandic democracy. It may furthermore offer the Icelandic example as a useful tool that could be used by many world societies aiming to implement transparency, responsibility and participation in their public life. Indeed, even though the Constitutional Bill of 2011 will not finally be validly approved as the Icelandic constitution, the problems that it posed, and the possibilities that we see are stemming from them, have in our opinion a general importance for constitutional reflections.
Constitutional Sources of Law in the Russian Federation on the Basis of Acts Regarding the Conservation
Authors: Micińska Magdalena 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The constitutional catalogue of the sources of law, clear and unambiguous division of acts into commonly binding and internal ones, is of fundamental meaning for the realization of the state of law rules, i.e. legalism and the rule of law, from the perspective of European democracies. Since it is the essence of every democratic legislation to base its functioning on the law established by organs that have been assigned for that aim, binding its addressees and executed by public authorities, also with the use of the means of coercion.
This article aims at presenting the outline of the constitutional system of the sources of law in the Russian Federation and illustrating it, as much as it is possible, with acts regarding the conservation of the environment. In particular, the objective of this work is to determine the name of a given source, an organ competent to issue it, its function and position in the hierarchy, as well as the rule of promulgation. The key research issue here is the distinguishing between the sources of commonly binding law and the ones of internal law, as the regulation of the Russian Federation Constitution does not preordain explicitly. Yet this issue is of crucial significance when it comes to the status of law subjects. Acts of internal character may be directed merely at organizational units submitted to an organ issuing the acts and may not directly regulate the sphere of rights and obligations, neither constitute the bases of decisions concerning citizens, legal entities or other subjects.
Optimization of medium composition for propagation of recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Lipničanová Sabina , Chmelová Daniela , Godány Andrej , Ondrejovič Miroslav 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecombinant protein production in heterologous hosts often seems a simpler and more effective way than its production by natural producer. The secretion of recombinant protein inEscherichia colihas many advantages comparing to than in insect or mammalian cells. The important factor for high-level recombinant protein production is the sufficient amount ofE. colibiomass. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize the composition of propagation medium resulting in the maximum biomass yield of recombinantE. colias the part of fermentation strategy for neuraminidase (NA) production. Three independent variables including glucose, asparagine and phosphate concentrations, and four dependent variables, such as biomass yield, residual concentrations of glucose or asparagine and pH of the propagation medium after fermentation, were chosen to the optimization by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for the maximum biomass yield expressed as dry cell weight (DCW) (16.57±0.55 g DCW.L−1) were as follows: glucose concentration of 39.37 mM, asparagine concentration of 62.68 mM and phosphate concentration of 14.80 mM. For this model, the predicted values for the responses are close to the experimental values. The yield of desired pET15b-neu plasmid fromE. colicells cultivated in optimized propagation medium was almost 23 % higher than in commonly used Luria-Bertani (LB) medium suggesting that asparagine may be involved in the induction of plasmid amplification.
Targeting transgene to seed resulted in high rate of morphological abnormalities of Camelina transformants
Authors: Šutá Dominika , Matušíková Ildikó , Blehová Alžbeta 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
False flax (Camelina sativa L.) is currently under-exploited but highly promising oilseed crop. Combining Camelina’s attractive agronomic traits with its unprecedented ease for genetic engineering makes it an ideal plant chassis for biotechnology applications, in particular synthetic biology strategies. For targeted expression of transgene particularly to seeds requires identification and application of seed specific promoters. In the present study two cultivars of Camelina, namely Zuzana and Smilowska, were used for transformation at early flowering stage using the floral dip method. The plants were inoculated with Agrobacterium bearing a construct for expression of red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the control of the seed specific cruciferin promoter CRUC from Arabidopsis. Transgenic seeds and plants were identified on the basis of red fluorescence (RFP) and kanamycin resistance. Relatively high transformation efficiency of 8 % was achieved particularly for the cultivar Zuzana. However, many of regenerants exerted developmental deformations such as lack of shoot apical meristem, deformed or absent cotyledons, etc. Furthermore, the activity of the CRUC promoter was still active also in true leaves rendering this promoter as inappropriate for seed targeting of the transgene. Nevertheless, genetic transformation remains a tool for direct modulation of pathways for oil synthesis in oilseed crops.
Physicochemical properties, kinetics and thermodynamic studies of polyphenol oxidase from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for potential use in industry
Authors: Fatoki Toluwase Hezekiah , Sanni David Morakinyo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Advances Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) from Sorghum bicolor (white and yellow varieties) grains were investigated for optimum processing condition. The partially purified enzyme was obtained from two varieties of Sorghum bicolor by step-wise separation through ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The final purification gave a yield of 7.33 % and 12.3 % for PPO from white and yellow sorghum respectively. The PPO has Vmax and Km of 2.66 U.mL−1 and 19.72 mM for white sorghum, 1.33 U.mL−1 and 12.92 mM for yellow sorghum. The optimal pH of PPO activity was found at pH 4 and pH 7 for white and pH 4 and pH 8 for yellow sorghum. The pKa 7.4 and 8.7 were obtained for PPO from white sorghum, and pKa 5.4, 7.4 and 8.5 for yellow sorghum. The PPO residual activity were above 70 % at 5 hours of incubation within the neutral pH ranges for white sorghum, while those of yellow sorghum were below 40 %. The optimum temperature of 40 ºC and 30 ºC for white and yellow sorghum PPO respectively. The average value of enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) obtained at 20 min of incubation and temperature 50 – 80 °C were respectively 49.03 kJ.mol−1, - 129.52 J.mol−1.K−1, and 92.81 kJ.mol−1 for white sorghum PPO, and 90.1 kJ.mol−1, - 9.29 J.mol−1.K−1, and 93.37 kJ.mol−1 for yellow sorghum PPO. Zn2+, Fe2+ and ascorbic acid inhibited PPO while Cu2+, Na+ and K+ activated the enzyme. The results suggest the processing parameters for controlling PPO in potential industrial application of white and yellow sorghum grains.
Deleterious amino acid substitutions with a series of putative damaging effects on egg components are revealed in the ovalbumin gene family; an in silico approach
Authors: Al-Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the most deleterious nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in the ovalbumin gene family, including OVALX, OVALY, and OVAL genes, which are involved in the synthesis of the most important components in the chickens’ eggs using a comprehensive in silico approach. Ten different computational servers were utilized to prioritize the possible deleterious effects of the retrieved nsSNPs in terms of structure, function, and stability. Results indicated entirely damaging effects of H365P in OVALX, I167T in OVALY, and V209G, L231P, F307C, and S317P in OVAL proteins. Further prediction tools showed that all of these deleterious nsSNPs were positioned in variable locations within several α-helix motifs in all studied ovalbumin proteins. Furthermore, all witnessed nsSNPs were predicted to be resided in the receptors binding sites, signifying remarkable involvement of such nsSNPs in damaging of the altered proteins. In conclusion, the present study provides the first inclusive data with regard to the most deleterious nsSNPs in OVALX, OVALY and OVAL genes in chickens. The present bioinformatics data may be useful for breeders who intend to raise chickens for egg production, in such a way the presence of any of these deleterious nsSNPs in any selected breed may possess several damaging effects on the egg components, which may impair egg production. Therefore, it can be stated that breeders have to confirm the absence of any of these deleterious nsSNPs before being proceeded further for large-scale egg-production purposes.
The efficiency of a low-cost hydrogen sulphide (H2S) kit as an early warning test for assessing microbial rainwater quality and its correlation with standard indicators microorganisms
Authors: Malema Mokaba Shirley , Kahinda Jean-Marc Mwenge , Abia Akebe Luther King , Tandlich Roman , Zuma Bongumusa M. , Ubomba-Jaswa Eunice 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTesting microbial quality of the harvested rainwater remains a challenge in many countries. The H2S test kit is a low-cost microbiological field-based test which can be used in areas where water testing facilities are limited. This study compares its efficiency with the standard indicators microorganisms in the detection of faecal contamination of rainwater in South Africa. A total of 88 rainwater samples were collected from various tanks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over three months in 2016. The collected samples were analysed for faecal bacterial contamination using the H2S test kit, Colilert-18/Quanti-tray®/2000 and the membrane filtration technique for faecal coliforms (MFT). The correspondence rate of the H2S test kit with MFT was 88 %, while for the Colilert®it was 76 %. The H2S test kit confirmed faecal contamination when concentrations of standards indicators microorganisms were 5 most-probable number of cells/100 cm3or higher. Overall, the best correspondence of the H2S test kit with Colilert®was observed atE. coliconcentrations above 50 most-probable number of cells/100 cm3. Results of the H2S test kit correlated better with MTF, while the medium used has strongly influenced the enumeration of faecal contamination. Results point to strong effect of media used and revealed the need to calibrate the correspondence between the standard indicator microorganisms and the H2S test kit under local conditions for specific settings.
Identification of in vitro and in vivo potential metabolites of novel cardiovascular and adrenolytic drugs by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with the aid of experimental design
Authors: Szultka-Mlynska Malgorzata , Pauter Katarzyna , Buszewski Boguslaw 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Drug metabolism in liver microsomes was studied in vitro using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Relevant drug was incubated with dog, human and rat liver microsomes (DLMs, HLMs, RLMs) along with NADPH, and the reaction mixture was analyzed by LC-MS/MS to obtain specific metabolic profile. GRACE analytical C18 column, Vision HT (50 × 2 mm, 1.5 μm) was implemented with acetonitrile and water (+ 5 mM ammonium acetate) in a gradient mode as the mobile phase at a flow 0.4 mL.min−1. Different phase I and phase II metabolites were detected and structurally described. The metabolism of the studied drugs occurred via oxidation, hydroxylation and oxidative deamination processes. Conjugates with the glucuronic acid and sulfate were also observed as phase II biotransformation. The central composite design (CCD) showed that factors, such as time incubation, liver microsomal enzymes concentration and NADPH concentration, along with drying gas temperature, nebulizer gas pressure and capillary voltage significantly affected the final response of the method. This study describes the novel information about the chemical structure of the potential metabolites of selected biologically active compounds, which provide vital data for further pharmacokinetic and in vivo metabolism studies.
Novel Interactions of Adrenodoxin-Related [2Fe-2S] Plant Ferredoxins MFDX1 and MFDX2 Indicate Their Involvement in a Wide Spectrum of Functions in Plant Mitochondria
Authors: Shematorova Elena K. , Slovokhotov Ivan Yu. , Shmakov Vladimir N. , Khaliluev Marat R. , Shpakovski Dmitry G. , Klykov Valery N. , Babak Olga G. , Spivak Svetlana G. , Konstantinov Yuri M. , Shpakovski George V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Electron transfer chains of plant organelles (both chloroplasts and mitochondria) contain their own special set of ferredoxins. The relatively recently described adrenodoxin-like [2Fe-2S]-ferredoxins MFDX1 and MFDX2 of plant mitochondria are among the least studied of these. Until now, the only established function for them is participation in the final stage of biotin biosynthesis. In this work, using genetic and biochemical approaches, we searched for possible partners of these proteins in the genomes and proteomes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.) plants. MORF9 protein, one of the auxiliary components of the RNA editing complex of organelles (editosome), was found among the most prominent protein partners of adrenodoxin-like [2Fe-2S] tobacco ferredoxins. According to the results obtained from the yeast two-hybrid system, NtMFDX1 and NtMFDX2 of tobacco also bind and interact productively with the previously uncharacterised long non-coding polyadenylated RNA, which, based on its structural features, is capable of regulating the function of a number of components of complexes I (Nad1, Nad5) and III (protein of the cytochrome c synthesis system CcmF) and contributes to the formation of Fe/S-clusters in the corresponding protein complexes of the respiratory chain of plant mitochondria. We found one of the main components of the thiazol synthase complex (mitochondrial protein DpTHI1) to be the partner of ferredoxin DpMFDX2 of Digitalis purpurea. Finally, additional arguments were obtained in favour of the possible participation of MFDX1 and MFDX2 in the very ancient, but only recently described ‘progesterone’ steroid hormonal regulatory system: in leaves of the previously constructed CYP11A1-transgenic tomato plants, only the mature form of mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) of mammals is able to enter the mitochondria, where the above-mentioned components of the electron transport chain are localised. In summary, all of the newly revealed interactions of adrenodoxin-like [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins MFDX1 and MFDX2 indicate their participation in a wide range of functions in plant mitochondria.
Genetic and Agronomic Analysis of Latvian Fescue (Festuca Spp.), Ryegrass (Lolium Spp.) Accessions and their Hybrids
Authors: Bērziņš Pēteris , Ruņģis Dainis Edgars , Rancāne Sarmīte , Stesele Vija , Vēzis Ivo , Jansons Aldis 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, particularly in the context of climate change. New varieties should be phenotypically and ecologically plastic and able to adapt to differing climactic and soil conditions, ensuring high yields and persistence. Combining Festuca and Lolium species and the development of hybrid (Festulolium) cultivars can be a promising method of combining high yield, high feed quality, persistence, as well as cold, frost and drought tolerance. Breeders at the Institute of Agriculture of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies have been utilizing Festulolium germplasm for several decades. Currently, in cooperation with the molecular genetics laboratory and Latvian gene bank at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, analysis of Festuca, Lolium and their hybrids with DNA markers has been initiated, in order to gain additional knowledge about the breeding material and to increase the efficiency of the breeding process. Results of the assessment of morphological and agronomic traits in long-term field trials are combined with DNA markers analyses in order to determine the correlation of genetic and phenotypic traits.
Application of Metabolomic Analysis in Exploration of Plant Genetic Resources
Authors: Loskutov Igor G. , Shelenga Tatyana V. , Rodionov Alexander V. , Khoreva Valentina I. , Blinova Elena V. , Konarev Alexander V. , Gnutikov Alexander A. , Konarev Aleksey V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The article addresses the issues of using metabolomic analysis to study genetic resources of cereal crops in order to (1) determine phylogenetic linkages between species (the degree of domestication); (2) within species to describe genetic diversity according to its responses to biotic and abiotic stressors and biochemical characteristics (chemical compounds) determining food, feed and technological quality indicators; and (3) select the most resistant and highest-quality geno-types for complex breeding use.
High-Temperature X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Spectra of SnSe Single Crystal
Authors: Huseynov Jahangir , Mamedova Rena , Abbasov Ibrahim , Askerov Dunyameddin , Sadig Khaver 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The temperature dependence of unit cell parameters was studied using high-temperature X-ray diffraction and the coefficient of thermal expansion of SnSe single crystal was determined. Fluorescence spectra of SnSe single crystal grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method were examined using a Cary Eclipse spectrophotometer at room temperature in the wavelength range 200–900 nm. When the samples were irradiated by a pulse at a wavelength of 230 nm, the fluorescence spectra exhibited maxima at wavelengths 313.07, 423.03, 458.93, 495.07, and 530.00 nm.
Jānis Oļģerts Ērenpreiss and his School of Cancer Research: Commemorating the 90th Anniversary
Authors: Ērenpreisa Jekaterina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Jānis Olģerts Ērenpreiss (1929–1996) was a prominent Latvian cancer researcher and theoretician. Starting out as a student, he contributed to the embryonal theory of cancer, experimentally proving the differentiation and regenerative normalisation capabilities of tumour cells. His theoretical work, presented in its most complete form in his final monograph Current Concepts of Malignant Growth (Zinātne Publ., Rīga, 1993), postulates that oncogenes are abnormally activated genes that are involved in gametogenesis and embryogenesis, and that carcinogenesis and senescence are mutually linked processes arising when the cell is exposed to stressful conditions. This article demonstrates how advancements in cancer research over the last decade have confirmed these core concepts, which were far ahead of their time, and how J. O. Ērenpreiss’ legacy continues both under the guidance of the author and in foreign laboratories, expanding understanding of the nature of malignant tumours and the perspectives of cancer treatment.
Instructional Practices for Addressing Computer Science Standards: Using Computer Kits in Preservice Teacher Education
Authors: Ozogul Gamze , Karlin Michael , Ottenbreit-Leftwich Anne , Ding Ai-Chu Elisha , Liao Yin-Chan , Guo Meize 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This article examines the instructional practices used to teach the computer science (CS) standard of computer devices and systems to undergraduate preservice teachers (PSTs). With computer science education (CSE) gaining an international focus, there is a need to explore a variety of instructional practices used to teach these topics. This descriptive, exploratory case study presents an examination of the instructional practices used in a CSE licensure course. In this study, the instructor utilised two commercially available computer kits to provide hands-on, learner-centred learning experiences for PSTs. PSTs perceived these kits to be valuable for learning about computing devices and systems topics and for teaching these topics in their future classrooms. Additionally, results showed that PSTs considered the usability, grade level and ability of the kits to build interest in CS when reflecting on their future use. Limitations to the instructional practices included a lack of transfer to subject areas outside of CS and a lack of focus on the integration between hardware and software.
Opportunities and challenges of e-portfolios in teacher education. Lessons learnt
Authors: Totter Alexandra , Wyss Corinne 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Portfolios are often used in higher education for learning, promotion, assessment and appraisal. Thanks to technical developments in recent years, portfolios are increasingly digital rather than physical. E-portfolios provide a comprehensive way to document personal progress, to reflect on work activities, to support learning and to serve as a tool for feedback and evaluation. However, there has been very little research conducted on the use of e-portfolios for learning purposes in higher education. This paper focuses on the use of e-portfolios in teacher education. Six students in a master programme work with e-portfolios in the course of their practical vocational training. In a mixed-methods design, the students were interviewed about their experiences and the process of writing e-portfolios. In addition, a document analysis of the e-portfolio entries has been conducted in terms of content and structure. The findings of this study provide indications on how e-portfolios can be used effectively in teacher training and which promoting and inhibiting conditions students encounter.