bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Durfee squares in compositions
Authors: Archibald Margaret , Blecher Aubrey , Brennan Charlotte , Knopfmacher Arnold , Mansour Toufik 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We study compositions (ordered partitions) of n. More particularly, our focus is on the bargraph representation of compositions which include or avoid squares of size s × s. We also extend the definition of a Durfee square (studied in integer partitions) to be the largest square which lies on the base of the bargraph representation of a composition (i.e., is ‘grounded’). Via generating functions and asymptotic analysis, we consider compositions of n whose Durfee squares are of size less than s × s. This is followed by a section on the total and average number of grounded s × s squares. We then count the number of Durfee squares in compositions of n.
Ball milling for the formation of nanocrystalline intermetallic compounds from Ni-Ti elemental powders
Authors: Sharma Pardeep 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
In the present research work nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) elemental powder with an ostensible composition of 50% of each by weight were mechanically alloyed in a planetary high energy ball mill in diverse milling circumstances (10, 20, 30 and 60 h). The inspection exposed that increasing milling time leads to a reduction in crystallite size, and after 60 h of milling, the Ti dissolved in the Ni lattice and the NiTi (B2) phase was obtained. The lattice strain of ball milled mixtures augmented from 0.15 to 0.45 at 60 h milling. With increase in milling time the morphology of pre-alloyed powder changed from lamella to globular. Annealing of as-milled powders at 1100 K for 800 s led to the formation of NiTi (B19′), grain growth and the release of internal strain. The result indicated that this technique is a powerful and highly productive process for preparing NiTi intermetallic compounds with a nano-crystalline structure and appropriate morphology.
Qualities before Quantities: A Framework to Develop Dynamic Assessment of the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Castillo Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMetrics are essential for assessing performance and guiding course corrections. However, selecting the wrong metrics can damage organizations and communities by promoting resource investment in activities that don’t lead to envisioned impacts. Therefore, it is essential to reflect on what qualities an effective set of metrics should possess before insisting on quantification. This concept paper articulates design principles for developing an index of the nonprofit sector. Drawing from complexity theory and axiology (philosophy of values), the paper explains fundamental questions and values considerations to assist index developers in creating effective measures. It argues for the use of a capabilities approach, operationalized as multiple capitals, as the design architecture. It suggests the social accounting framework of Integrated Reporting as a way to track these capitals over multiple levels and time horizons.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Cellulose-Alginate-Hydroxyapatite Beads for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Jamshaid Anum , Iqbal Jibran , Hamid Almas , Ghauri Moinuddin , Muhammad Nawshad , Nasrullah Asma , Rafiq Sikander , Shah Noor Samad 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
In the present study, the potential of synthesized mixed cellulose, alginate and hydroxyapatite beads for the efficient removal of Ni (II) and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. Cellulose, alginate and hydroxyapatite are known for their individual adsorption capacity. Beads were prepared in different ratios of these materials. The prepared beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR and XRD analysis showed characteristic peaks assigned to cellulose, alginate and hydroxyapatite. Thermal stability was observed to increase with increase of hydroxyapatite percentage in beads. SEM images showed increased surface porosity and roughness with the increase of cellulose percentage. The prepared beads were used for the removal of Ni (II) and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions and the process was optimized with respect to pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial concentration of metal ions. The values of the coefficient of determination (R2) of the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption model indicated that the adsorbed Cu (II) and Ni (II) ions form monolayer coverage on the adsorbent surface. In kinetic analysis, Pseudo-second-order model fitted the kinetic experimental data well, as it showed high R2 value; above 0.9990.
Religionsunterricht planen: Zum Verhältnis zwischen Kompetenzen und Lernzielen
Authors: Schweitzer Friedrich 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
This article discusses the task of lesson planning in RE in relationship to the recent approach of competence-oriented RE and the traditional concept of learning aims. First, the author describes a number of related difficulties experienced in teacher training concerning competence-oriented lesson planning as the background which motivates the discussion in this article. Second, the author points out the different origins of the current understanding of competences which goes back to research programs like PISA, on the one hand and of learning aims in the actual planning of lessons on the other hand. In the final section, the article describes a number of steps which should be taken in lesson planning for RE and which draw upon both, the competence approach as well as the concept of learning aims.
Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ Inhibits Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons via G-Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels
Authors: Constantin Stephanie , Wray Susan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key feature of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) trigger GnRH neuronal activity, but how GnRH neurons return to baseline electrical activity is unknown. Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (OFQ) is an inhibitory neuromodulator. ARC proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, known to receive inputs from ARC kisspeptin neurons, contact GnRH neurons and coexpress OFQ in the rat. In the present study, the effect of OFQ(1-13) on GnRH neurons was determined in the mouse. We identified transcripts for the OFQ receptor [opioid receptor like 1 (ORL1)] in GnRH neurons, and, using two-model systems (explants and slices), we found that OFQ exerted a potent inhibition on GnRH neurons, with or without excitatory inputs. We confirmed that the inhibition was mediated by ORL1 via Gi/o-protein coupling. The inhibition, occurring independently of levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, was sensitive to inwardly rectifying potassium channels. The only specific blocker of Gi/o-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, tertiapin-Q (TPNQ), was ineffective in the inhibition of OFQ. Two GIRK activators, one sharing the binding site of TPNQ and one active only on GIRK1-containing GIRK channels, failed to trigger an inhibition. In contrast, protein kinase C phosphorylation activation, known to inhibit GIRK2-mediated currents, prevented the OFQ inhibition. These results indicate a specific combination of GIRK subunits, GIRK2/3 in GnRH neurons.In vivo, double-labeled OFQ/POMC fibers were found in the vicinity of GnRH neurons, and OFQ fibers apposed GnRH neurons. Together, this study brings to light a potent neuromodulator of GnRH neurons.
Inhibition of Nigrostriatal Dopamine Release by Striatal GABAAand GABABReceptors
Authors: Lopes Emanuel F. , Roberts Bradley M. , Siddorn Ruth E. , Clements Michael A. , Cragg Stephanie J. 
Published: December 2018

Nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) is critical to action selection and learning. Axonal DA release is locally influenced by striatal neurotransmitters. Striatal neurons are principally GABAergic projection neurons and interneurons, and a small minority of other neurons are cholinergic interneurons (ChIs). ChIs strongly gate striatal DA release via nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) identified on DA axons. Striatal GABA is thought to modulate DA, but GABA receptors have not been documented conclusively on DA axons. However, ChIs express GABA receptors and are therefore candidates for potential mediators of GABA regulation of DA. We addressed whether striatal GABA and its receptors can modulate DA release directly, independently from ChI regulation, by detecting DA in striatal slices from male mice using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the absence of nAChR activation. DA release evoked by single electrical pulses in the presence of the nAChR antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine was reduced by GABA or agonists of GABAAor GABABreceptors, with effects prevented by selective GABA receptor antagonists. GABA agonists slightly modified the frequency sensitivity of DA release during short stimulus trains. GABA agonists also suppressed DA release evoked by optogenetic stimulation of DA axons. Furthermore, antagonists of GABAAand GABABreceptors together, or GABABreceptors alone, significantly enhanced DA release evoked by either optogenetic or electrical stimuli. These results indicate that striatal GABA can inhibit DA release through GABAAand GABABreceptors and that these actions are not mediated by cholinergic circuits. Furthermore, these data reveal that there is a tonic inhibition of DA release by striatal GABA operating through predominantly GABABreceptors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe principal inhibitory transmitter in the mammalian striatum, GABA, is thought to modulate striatal dopamine (DA) release, but definitive evidence for GABA receptors on DA axons is lacking. Striatal cholinergic interneurons regulate DA release via axonal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) and also express GABA receptors, but they have not been eliminated as potentially critical mediators of DA regulation by GABA. Here, we found that GABAAand GABABreceptors inhibit DA release without requiring cholinergic interneurons. Furthermore, ambient levels of GABA inhibited DA release predominantly through GABABreceptors. These findings provide further support for direct inhibition of DA release by GABA receptors and reveal that striatal GABA operates a tonic inhibition on DA output that could critically influence striatal output.
Local Acceleration of Neurofilament Transport at Nodes of Ranvier
Authors: Walker Cynthia L. , Uchida Atsuko , Li Yinyun , Trivedi Niraj , Fenn J. Daniel , Monsma Paula C. , Lariviére Roxanne C. , Julien Jean-Pierre , Jung Peter , Brown Anthony 
Published: December 2018

Myelinated axons are constricted at nodes of Ranvier. These constrictions are important physiologically because they increase the speed of saltatory nerve conduction, but they also represent potential bottlenecks for the movement of axonally transported cargoes. One type of cargo are neurofilaments, which are abundant space-filling cytoskeletal polymers that function to increase axon caliber. Neurofilaments move bidirectionally along axons, alternating between rapid movements and prolonged pauses. Strikingly, axon constriction at nodes is accompanied by a reduction in neurofilament number that can be as much as 10-fold in the largest axons. To investigate how neurofilaments navigate these constrictions, we developed a transgenic mouse strain that expresses a photoactivatable fluorescent neurofilament protein in neurons. We used the pulse-escape fluorescence photoactivation technique to analyze neurofilament transport in mature myelinated axons of tibial nerves from male and female mice of this strainex vivo. Fluorescent neurofilaments departed the activated region more rapidly in nodes than in flanking internodes, indicating that neurofilament transport is faster in nodes. By computational modeling, we showed that this nodal acceleration can be explained largely by a local increase in the duty cycle of neurofilament transport (i.e., the proportion of the time that the neurofilaments spend moving). We propose that this transient acceleration functions to maintain a constant neurofilament flux across nodal constrictions, much as the current increases where a river narrows its banks. In this way, neurofilaments are prevented from piling up in the flanking internodes, ensuring a stable neurofilament distribution and uniform axonal morphology across these physiologically important axonal domains.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMyelinated axons are constricted at nodes of Ranvier, resulting in a marked local decrease in neurofilament number. These constrictions are important physiologically because they increase the efficiency of saltatory nerve conduction, but they also represent potential bottlenecks for the axonal transport of neurofilaments, which move along axons in a rapid intermittent manner. Imaging of neurofilament transport in mature myelinated axonsex vivoreveals that neurofilament polymers navigate these nodal axonal constrictions by accelerating transiently, much as the current increases where a river narrows its banks. This local acceleration is necessary to ensure a stable axonal morphology across nodal constrictions, which may explain the vulnerability of nodes of Ranvier to neurofilament accumulations in animal models of neurotoxic neuropathies and neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurod1 Is Essential for the Primary Tonotopic Organization and Related Auditory Information Processing in the Midbrain
Authors: Macova Iva , Pysanenko Kateryna , Chumak Tetyana , Dvorakova Martina , Bohuslavova Romana , Syka Josef , Fritzsch Bernd , Pavlinkova Gabriela 
Published: December 2018

Hearing depends on extracting frequency, intensity, and temporal properties from sound to generate an auditory map for acoustical signal processing. How physiology intersects with molecular specification to fine tune the developing properties of the auditory system that enable these aspects remains unclear. We made a novel conditional deletion model that eliminates the transcription factor NEUROD1 exclusively in the ear. These mice (both sexes) develop a truncated frequency range with no neuroanatomically recognizable mapping of spiral ganglion neurons onto distinct locations in the cochlea nor a cochleotopic map presenting topographically discrete projections to the cochlear nuclei. The disorganized primary cochleotopic map alters tuning properties of the inferior colliculus units, which display abnormal frequency, intensity, and temporal sound coding. At the behavioral level, animals show alterations in the acoustic startle response, consistent with altered neuroanatomical and physiological properties. We demonstrate that absence of the primary afferent topology during embryonic development leads to dysfunctional tonotopy of the auditory system. Such effects have never been investigated in other sensory systems because of the lack of comparable single gene mutation models.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAll sensory systems form a topographical map of neuronal projections from peripheral sensory organs to the brain. Neuronal projections in the auditory pathway are cochleotopically organized, providing a tonotopic map of sound frequencies. Primary sensory maps typically arise by molecular cues, requiring physiological refinements. Past work has demonstrated physiologic plasticity in many senses without ever molecularly undoing the specific mapping of an entire primary sensory projection. We genetically manipulated primary auditory neurons to generate a scrambled cochleotopic projection. Eliminating tonotopic representation to auditory nuclei demonstrates the inability of physiological processes to restore a tonotopic presentation of sound in the midbrain. Our data provide the first insights into the limits of physiology-mediated brainstem plasticity during the development of the auditory system.
ENHIDE telehealth support for 148 disengaged young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study – rationale and study design
Authors: Winocour Peter H , Solomon Andrew , Currie Anne , Hardy Dawn , Moore-Haines Karen , Renshaw Claire 
Published: December 2018

Disengaged young adults with type 1 diabetes are vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Potentially 20% of those aged 16–30 years could be included in this category. East and North Herts Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissioned the East and North Herts Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (ENHIDE) to pilot an innovative model of care in August 2016. Young adults aged 16–30 were offered an alternative model of tailored care, with access to a young adult support worker and specialist nurse. Inclusion in the project was based on fulfilling at least one of the following criteria:Acute admission with diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycaemiaNon-attendance for retinal screeningNon-attendance at clinics on at least two consecutive occasionsPersistent HbA1c levels >75 mmol/molNon-attendance for routine laboratory measures of glycaemia and renal functionMultidisciplinary team review stating need for more flexible careWe invited 148 young adults to participate in the project. Of these, 118 have been recruited after the initial contact, markedly exceeding the 10% take-up rate set by the CCG. The project will evaluate changes in emergency admissions, attendance for routine biochemical tests and retinal screening, changes in glycaemic control and quality of life measures at 6 and 12 months after entry to the project
The utility of transthoracic echocardiographic measures of right ventricular systolic function in a lung resection cohort
Authors: McCall Philip , Soosay Alvin , Kinsella John , Sonecki Piotr , Shelley Ben 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction occurs following lung resection and is associated with post-operative complications and long-term functional morbidity. Accurate peri-operative assessment of RV function would have utility in this population. The difficulties of transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) assessment of RV function may be compounded following lung resection surgery, and no parameters have been validated in this patient group. This study compares conventional TTE methods for assessing RV systolic function to a reference method in a lung resection population. Right ventricular index of myocardial performance (RIMP), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S′ wave velocity at the tricuspid annulus (S′), along with speckle tracked global and free wall longitudinal strain (RV-GPLS and RV-FWPLS respectively) are compared with RV ejection fraction obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (RVEFCMR). Twenty-seven patients undergoing lung resection underwent contemporaneous CMR and TTE imaging; pre-operatively, on post-operative day two and at 2 months. Ability of each of the parameters to predict RV dysfunction (RVEFCMR <45%) was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). RIMP, FAC and S′ demonstrated no predictive value for poor RV function (AUROCC <0.61, P > 0.05). TAPSE performed marginally better with an AUROCC of 0.65 (P = 0.04). RV-GPLS and RV-FWPLS demonstrated good predictive ability with AUROCC’s of 0.74 and 0.76 respectively (P < 0.01 for both). This study demonstrates that the conventional TTE parameters of RV systolic function are inadequate following lung resection. Longitudinal strain performs better and offers some ability to determine poor RV function in this challenging population.
Liver bud transplantation in rats
Authors: Kobayashi Eiji , Enosawa Shin 
Published: December 2018

Abstract:

Introduction: Research has made progress in organ fabrication
using an extracellular matrix, cell sheets, or organoids. Human liver tissue has
been constructed using a 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinter and showed evidence that
an in vitro generated liver bud was reformed in a rodent liver
model. This study describes the stages of development of rat fetal organs and
liver structure and reviews recent progress in liver organoid transplantation.
Methods: The authors developed the procedures for creating
a transected plane for use in experimental microsurgery in rats. A liver lobe
was fixed vertically with gauze and it was ligated with 6-0 silk suture in the
cut line; the parenchyma was cut, and major vessels were ligated to create the
transected plane. The ligated tissue was carefully resected. Hemostasis was not
required and hepatic components remained on the transected plane. The plane was
covered by omentum. Results: Using this model, we transplanted
fetal liver or a 3D bioprinted liver organoid. This microsurgical method enabled
creation of an intact liver parenchyma plane. No bleeding was observed. The
transplanted liver components successfully engrafted on the liver.
Conclusion: This method may provide an essential
environment for growing liver using portal and arterial blood flow.
Effekt eines Insektenprotein-basierten Futters auf die Symptomatik von futtermittelallergischen Hunden
Authors: Klinger Christoph , Gedon Natalie , Udraite Laura , Hiltenkamp Katja , Mueller Ralf , Böhm Teresa 
Published: December 2018

Zusammenfassung
Gegenstand und Ziel: Essbare Insekten (wie Mehlwürmer, Heuschrecken und Grillen) enthalten hohe Mengen an Energie, Protein, essenziellen Fettsäuren sowie Mengen- und Spurenelementen und stellen eine qualitativ hochwertige Nahrungsquelle dar. Sie sind als neuartige Proteinquellen für Futtermittelallergiker interessant und können auch in ökologischer und ethischer Hinsicht sinnvoll sein. Ziel dieser Fallserie war, die Wirkung eines neuen kommerziell erhältlichen Insektenprotein-basierten Trockenfutters auf die Symptomatik dieser Hunde mittels Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI), Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) und Fellqualitätsscore zu evaluieren. Material und Methoden: In diese Studie wurden 20 Hunde mit atopischer Dermatitis aufgrund einer diagnostizierten Futtermittelunverträglichkeit eingeschlossen. Die Hunde erhielten 2 Wochen lang ausschließlich dieses Futter. Ergebnisse: Die Studie beendeten 15 der 20 Hunde. Bei 12 dieser Tiere wurde eine Verbesserung der Läsionen festgestellt, zwei entwickelten eine geringgradige Verschlechterung der Hautveränderungen und ein Patient präsentierte sich klinisch unverändert. Der Juckreiz verringerte sich bei acht Patienten, blieb bei vier Hunden unverändert und verstärkte sich bei drei Tieren (in zwei Fällen geringgradig um durchschnittlich 1,5 Juckreizscore-Punkte, bei einem Patienten dramatisch um 8 Juckreizscore-Punkte). Die bei 14 Hunden beurteilte Fellqualität verbesserte sich bei sechs Tieren und änderte sich nicht bei acht Hunden. Signifikante Unterschiede ergaben sich hinsichtlich der Verbesserung des Scores für die Hautläsionen (Wilcoxon- Test, p = 0,007) und der Fellqualität (Wilcoxon-Test, p = 0,01), nicht aber für den Juckreiz-Score (p = 0,53). Die Palatabilität des Futters war sehr gut. Außer bei einem Patienten galt dies auch für die Verträglichkeit. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen ist das verwendete Insekten-basierte Trockenfutter eine interessante Fütterungsalternative bei Hunden mit Futtermittelunverträglichkeit.