bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity in Trichoderma species isolated from Qatar
Authors: El Kharbotly Ali , El Badawy Noha , Mazen Mohammed 
Published: April 2017

The genus Trichoderma contains a few species of soil fungi that received extensive academic and applied research. These species have been used successfully for industrial and commercial applications including biopesticides. Trichoderma species isolated from Qatar had showed thermotolerance and preference of high pH (El Badawy et al, 2016). To reveal the extent of Trichoderma species in Qatar, initial survey was carried out by isolating that fungi from samples collected from two experimental and two commercial farms. Then their antagonism against Rhizoctonia sp were evaluated. Further in order to determine the biodiversity in one location, a detailed survey was conducted by isolating Trichoderma species from 16 soil samples obtained from a single plot of 1000 m2 located in one of the experimental farms. These isolates were evaluated for their potential to grow on pH 8 under 4 temperature regimes. The initial survey revealed the presence of Trichoderma (5 isolates) in all locations. The isolates differed in their morphology and antagonism against 5 isolates of Rhizoctonia sp isolated from one of the research farm. The two Trichoderma isolates from the same farms were more effective than the other three. This superiority in antagonism may reflect the coevolution of the two genera in the soil of this farm. In the detailed survey, it was remarkable to isolate three Trichoderma species (6 isolates) from the single plot. Four of the isolates were belong to one species (T. longibrachiatum). Morphological and molecular variations were observed within this species. One of the four isolates showed different colony color and conidial color than the rest. The same isolate showed a few differences at the molecular level. The sequence of the ITS rDNA (508 bp) showed substitution of 20 nucleotides (15 single, one of 2 and one of 3 nucleotides) All the three species isolates gave reasonable growth measured as dry weight even at 35 °C. There were significant differences between species in their optimum temperature which range between 25 and 30 °C. This study showed the abundant presence of the Trichoderma species in Qatari soils that could sustain and survive conditions of arid regions or the fluctuating temperature rising due to global warming. The presence of diversity between and within species will allow screening and selecting Qatari isolates with desirable characters as bio-pesticide for arid climate.
Acknowledgment: This paper is funded partially by NPRP –EP grant# [NPRP-EPX– 014-4-001] from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.
تقييم تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في ممارسات الجودة والإعتماد الأكاديمي
Authors: بن حارث الحراصي نبهان , بن مطر السالمي جمال 
Published: April 2017

يعد الإعتماد الأكاديمي أحد أهم الوسائل المستخدمة لضمان جودة التدريس والبحث العلمي في الأقسام الأكاديمية، حيث يتيح من ناحية إخضاع كافة أنشطة القسم للتقييم من قبل مؤسسة إعتماد متخصصة ومحايدة، كما أنه، من ناحية أخرى، يسمح بنوع من التواصل العلمي وتبادل الخبرات بين القسم الأكاديمي والمؤسسة، قد يتطور لاحقاً الى استشارات ومشاركة في تطوير الخطط الدراسية والعمل على وضع الاستراتيجيات المستقبلية للقسم.تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى عرض تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في الإعتماد الأكاديمي بعد حصوله مؤخراً على شهادة الإعتماد الأكاديمي من مؤسسة Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). تستعرض الورقة مجموعة من مؤسسات الإعتماد الدولية، وتجارب بعض الأقسام في الإعتماد الأكاديمي، وأثر وانعكاس الإعتماد على تطور المقررات والخطط الدراسية.تعتمد الدراسة في جمع المادة العلمية على تحليل وثائق وتقارير منظمة CILIP الخاصة بتقييم مختلف مراحل الإعتماد، والتعرف على برنامج المعارف والمهارات المهنية لمتخصصي المعلومات The Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) ومدى توافقه مع المقررات التي يدرسها القسم. كذلك انعكاس تجربة الإعتماد على ممارسات التدريس بالقسم، وإعداد وتطوير المقررات الدراسية. يؤمل أن تساهم الدراسة المقترحة بعد الانتهاء منها في توضيح مراحل وصعوبات ونتائج الدخول في مشروع إعتماد أكاديمي متكامل بحيث يتم الاستفادة منه من قبل الأقسام الأكاديمية المناظرة.
Metastasis detection from whole slide images using local features and random forests
Authors: Valkonen Mira , Kartasalo Kimmo , Liimatainen Kaisa , Nykter Matti , Latonen Leena , Ruusuvuori Pekka 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDigital pathology has led to a demand for automated detection of regions of interest, such as cancerous tissue, from scanned whole slide images. With accurate methods using image analysis and machine learning, significant speed‐up, and savings in costs through increased throughput in histological assessment could be achieved. This article describes a machine learning approach for detection of cancerous tissue from scanned whole slide images. Our method is based on feature engineering and supervised learning with a random forest model. The features extracted from the whole slide images include several local descriptors related to image texture, spatial structure, and distribution of nuclei. The method was evaluated in breast cancer metastasis detection from lymph node samples. Our results show that the method detects metastatic areas with high accuracy (AUC = 0.97–0.98 for tumor detection within whole image area, AUC = 0.84–0.91 for tumor vs. normal tissue detection) and that the method generalizes well for images from more than one laboratory. Further, the method outputs an interpretable classification model, enabling the linking of individual features to differences between tissue types. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Partitioning and antioxidative effect of protocatechuates in soybean oil emulsions: Relevance of emulsifier concentration
Authors: Silva Rui , Losada‐Barreiro Sonia , Paiva‐Martins Fátima , Bravo‐Díaz Carlos 
Published: April 2017

Distributions of a homologous series of protocatechuic acid (PCA) derivatives of increasing lipophilicity were determined in stripped soybean oil‐in‐water emulsions and compared with their antioxidant (AO) efficiencies. The distribution was determined by employing a recently developed a kinetic method, based on the reaction between the hydrophobic 4‐hexadecylbenzenediazonium ions (16‐) and the antioxidants, that allows to determine the partition constants between the oil‐interfacial, , and water‐interfacial, , regions of the emulsion and their interfacial molarities. Our results show that: (i) at low surfactant volume fractions, ΦI = 0.005, a significant fraction (>50%) of all protocatechuates is located in the interfacial region of soybean oil emulsions. The percentage increases with increasing ΦI such that at ΦI = 0.04, than 90% of the AOs are located in the interfacial region; (ii) the variation of the hydrophobicity of the AOs has a modest effect on their concentration in the interfacial region, particularly at ΦI > 0.01, and an almost negligible effect on their antioxidant efficiency in the same emulsions; (iii) a positive correlation between the antioxidant efficiency and the interfacial molarities of the protecatechuates was established.Practical application: Results will contribute to a deeper understanding of oxidative stability in polyunsaturated acids enriched emulsions, will enhance current understanding of how AO structure and physical location within the food system affect their efficiency and will provide basic information on the factors controlling AO distributions and efficiencies, allowing a more rational selection of AOs in food stabilization. The outcome of this research will help the development of more efficient antioxidant strategies for food preservation and for the oxidative protection of nutritionally important bioactive lipids.There is a positive correlation between the antioxidant efficiency of protocatechuates of different HLB and their interfacial concentration, (AOI), in soybean oil emulsions.
Developing elite Neurospora crassa strains for cellulosic ethanol production using fungal breeding
Authors: Waters Joshua C , Nixon Andrew , Dwyer Morgan , Biffinger Justin C , Lee Kwangwon 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The demand for renewable and sustainable energy has generated considerable interest in the conversion of cellulosic biomass into liquid fuels such as ethanol using a filamentous fungus. While attempts have been made to study cellulose metabolism through the use of knock-out mutants, there have been no systematic effort to characterize natural variation for cellulose metabolism in ecotypes adapted to different habitats. Here, we characterized natural variation in saccharification of cellulose and fermentation in 73 ecotypes and 89 laboratory strains of the model fungus Neurospora crassa. We observed significant variation in both traits among natural and laboratory generated populations, with some elite strains performing better than the reference strain. In the F1 population N345, 15% of the population outperformed both parents with the top performing strain having 10% improvement in ethanol production. These results suggest that natural alleles can be exploited through fungal breeding for developing elite industrial strains for bioethanol production.
Hanging Drop, A Best Three-Dimensional (3D) Culture Method for Primary Buffalo and Sheep Hepatocytes
Authors: Shri Meena , Agrawal Himanshu , Rani Payal , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel Kumar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLivestock, having close resemblance to humans, could be a better source of primary hepatocytes than rodents. Herein, we successfully developed three-dimensional (3D) culturing system for primary sheep and buffalo hepatocytes. The 3D-structures of sheep hepatocytes were formed on the fifth-day and maintained until the tenth-day on polyHEMA-coated plates and in hanging drops with William’s E media (HDW). Between the cultured and fresh cells, we observed a similar expression of GAPDH, HNF4α, ALB, CYP1A1, CK8 and CK18. Interestingly, a statistically significant increase was noted in the TAT, CPS, AFP, AAT, GSP and PCNA expression. In buffalo hepatocytes culture, 3D-like structures were formed on the third-day and maintained until the sixth-day on polyHEMA and HDW. The expression of HNF4α, GSP, CPS, AFP, AAT, PCNA and CK18 was similar between cultured and fresh cells. Further, a statistically significant increase in the TAT and CK8 expression, and a decrease in the GAPDH, CYP1A1 and ALB expression were noted. Among the culture systems, HDW maintained the liver transcript markers more or less similar to the fresh hepatocytes of the sheep and buffalo for ten and six days, respectively. Taken together, hanging drop is an efficient method for 3D culturing of primary sheep and buffalo hepatocytes.
In plastico: laboratory material newness affects growth and reproduction of Daphnia magna reared in 50-ml polypropylene tubes
Authors: Cuhra Marek , Bøhn Thomas , Cuhra Petr 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPlastic laboratory materials are found to affect vital parameters of the waterflea Daphnia magna. The main responsible factor is defined as “newness” of the materials. Juvenile D. magna were raised individually in; a) new laboratory-standard 50 ml polypropylene tubes, and; b) identical tubes which had been washed and aerated for several weeks. Newness had significant effects on growth and fecundity of D. magna. New tubes caused delayed maturation, reduced reproduction and reduced growth when compared to washed and re-used tubes of the same commercial brand. The findings indicate that newness of tubes has inhibiting or toxic effects on D. magna. Often laboratory plastics are intended for single-use due to sterility demands. Newness might be an important confounding factor in research results and should not be disregarded. Disposable plastic utensils may come with a seemingly ignored cost and induce adverse effects in biological test-organisms and systems. The presented findings accentuate continued need for general awareness concerning confounding factors stemming from material laboratory environment. Based on the present findings the authors suggest that plastics intended for use in sensitive research may need to be washed and aerated prior to use.
Persimmon Leaves (Diospyros kaki) Extract Protects Optic Nerve Crush-Induced Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Ryul Ahn Hong , Kim Kyung-A , Kang Suk Woo , Lee Joo Young , Kim Tae-Jin , Jung Sang Hoon 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRetinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is part of many retinal diseases. Here, we report that the ethanol extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) exhibits protective properties against retinal degeneration, both in vitro and in vivo. Upon exposure to cytotoxic compounds, RGC-5 cells showed approximately 40% cell viability versus the control, while pre-treatment with EEDK markedly increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Further studies revealed that cell survival induced by EEDK was associated with decreased levels of apoptotic proteins, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, p53, and cleaved caspase-3. In addition to apoptotic pathways, we demonstrated that expression levels of antioxidant-associated proteins, such as superoxide dismutase-1, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase-1, were positively modulated by EEDK. In a partial optic nerve crush mouse model, EEDK had similar ameliorating effects on retinal degeneration resulting from mechanical damages. Therefore, our results suggest that EEDK may have therapeutic potential against retinal degenerative disorders, such as glaucoma.
State Capability and Prospects for Close Coordination
Authors: Gisselquist Rachel M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Recent research highlights the considerable potential of industrial policy to support structural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A key gap in this literature, however, is the failure to grapple fully with other work on the state in Africa which highlights challenges posed by state weakness. The basic argument of this chapter is simple: we should be careful in attempting industrial policy in ‘fragile’ or ‘weak’ settings—and SSA has many such settings. Furthermore, while industrial policy historically has had success even in states that could be characterized today as fragile, research suggests that such state capabilities differed in potentially significant ways from those in many African countries today. In order to understand the practice and promise of industrial policy in SSA, therefore, more attention should be paid to the systematic study of weak state capability and strategies to address the challenges it poses, in particular through so-called ‘islands of success’.
Case Studies of Decentralized Coordination in China
Authors: Dinh Hinh T. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This chapter draws on both successful and failing cases of industrialization in China to analyse the role of local governments in fostering the growth of light manufacturing. The broad spectrum of support types and the intimate knowledge of enterprise conditions by these local governments make their support effective, particularly for the business expansion and cluster development. Local government policies towards enterprises are dynamic and tailored to the needs that arise at the various stages of the life cycles of firms, from start-up to growth and maturity. Government assistance has not always involved spending money. The successful outcome is a result of a ‘backing the winner’ approach.
Special Economic Zones in Africa
Authors: Farole Thomas , Moberg Lotta 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
African countries have sought to replicate the success of East Asia by implementing special economic zones (SEZs). Despite decades of international experience, there is still no blueprint for successful SEZ policies, and the majority of SEZs fall well below expectations. This chapter argues that this is largely due to flaws in the political economy of SEZ schemes, which prevent replication of ‘best practice’ in SEZ development and management. It applies a ‘robust political economy’ framework, which divides political economy problems into those of inadequate knowledge and distorted incentives, to explain the problems with African SEZs and to suggest possible solutions.
Babylonian society through the perspective of Hammurabi’s Laws
Authors: Bryce Trevor 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
An imposing stone stele (pillar) discovered during excavations of the ancient city of Susa in ad 1901–2 depicts Shamash, god of justice, and the Babylonian king, Hammurabi. It is also inscribed with a series of laws that largely define Hammurabi’s role as the shepherd of his people, and the protector of the weak and vulnerable among his subjects. ‘Babylonian society through the perspective of Hammurabi’s Laws’ outlines the nature and content of these laws and describes the information they provide about social hierarchy in Babylonia. In practice, Hammurabi’s Laws were not prescriptive rulings, but a set of guidelines—embodying important principles of justice—for the good governance of society.
The Kassites: (c.1570–1155 bc)
Authors: Bryce Trevor 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The Hittite sack of Babylon around 1595 ended the Old Babylonian Kingdom and left a political power vacuum in the region. It was not until the arrival of the Kassites from the Eurasian steppe lands that the kingdom became politically stable. ‘The Kassites’ outlines how, despite few written and archaeological sources, the Kassites took control of the region and bestowed the greatest benefit on Babylonia in the form of nationhood. Their respect for the traditions and customs of their subjects provided a peaceful, secure environment within the land, which helped ensure that the arts and sciences flourished, in such fields as literature, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, music, art, and architecture.
The Neo-Babylonian empire: (626–539 bc)
Authors: Bryce Trevor 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In 626, Babylon’s throne was seized from Assyrian control by Nabopolassar. Weakness and instability in the heartland of the Assyrian kingdom, which followed the death of Assyria’s last great king, Ashurbanipal, were exploited by the vigorous new Babylonian leader to throw off the shackles of Assyrian overlordship and establish a new independent kingdom in the south. ‘The Neo-Babylonian empire’ describes Nabopolassar’s reign before considering the defining figure of the Neo-Babylonian era: his son, Nebuchadnezzar II. Militarily, Nebuchadnezzar established the most powerful and the most far-reaching empire of any Babylonian king. The last ruler of the empire was Nabonidus, who spent much of his reign in Tayma in northern Arabia.
Production and people
Authors: Whiteside Alan 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
‘Production and people’ examines the socioeconomic impact of AIDS, predicted to decrease economic growth. Yet many countries have nonetheless continued to grow. The effect on the private sector depends on a region’s industry and the scale of its epidemic, but there are more options to combat economic effects than in the public sector. The majority of people in high prevalence countries live in rural areas and primarily depend on subsistence agriculture; AIDS is adversely affecting agriculture, predominantly through its impact on labour. It is at the household level that AIDS is most destructive, creating stress and destroying families—becoming impoverished by their burden of care.
Literary compositions of the scrolls collections
Authors: Lim Timothy H. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
‘Literary compositions of the scrolls collections’ shows that the literary nature of the scroll collections would suggest that they originally belonged to one or more libraries rather than to archives for storing documents. The term ‘library’ is unsuitable, however, as a descriptor of a collection made up of texts from different sources. The corpus of scrolls comprises a heterogeneous collection of writings: from the sectarian to those belonging to Second Temple Judaism. Certain texts, such as the Genesis Apocryphon that gives more information on Abram and Sarai’s journey through Egypt, provide new interpretations of scriptural accounts. The targum of Job was an Aramaic translation of the Book of Job.
The communities of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Authors: Lim Timothy H. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
‘The communities of the Dead Sea Scrolls’ assesses what we know about the social structure and daily lives of the Qumran community. Early estimates of the community’s size suggested thousands of members, but it was more likely dozens. Vermes describes a monastic brotherhood living in the desert with a strict penal code and stratified hierarchy. A parallel urban community lived nearer to Jerusalem. This group shared many beliefs with the brotherhood but attended Temple and raised families. Debates rage about the communities’ origin. The Damascus Document suggests they predate the Maccabaean period, but this does not tally with our knowledge of their adversaries. The Groningen Hypothesis is a viable alternative.
A recent field
Authors: Passingham Richard 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The field of cognitive neuroscience was born in the late 1970s, but was transformed over the next two decades with the development of techniques such as positron emission tomography and functional magnetic brain imaging, which have allowed the activity of the brain in healthy people to be visualized while they carry out psychological tasks. ‘A recent field’ considers the importance of understanding and interpreting brain images and how they can be used to answer psychological questions. Imaging can advance psychology in three ways: by trying to account for human capacities, by considering human limitations, and by providing an explanation for the psychological effects of disorders of the nervous system.
Remembering
Authors: Passingham Richard 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
How can we explain amnesia for the past, yet retention of knowledge learned at school? Why do we begin to forget people’s names when we are in our fifties? Why do people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty in finding their way? ‘Remembering’ considers these questions and looks at the difference between ‘episodic’ and ‘semantic’ memories and the importance of the hippocampus region of the brain. Episodic and semantic memories depend on distinct anatomical systems: a medial system remembers events in our life, and a ventral and lateral system is for knowledge concerning objects. The effects of ageing, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease on memory are also discussed.
Deciding
Authors: Passingham Richard 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Why do we sometimes make absent-minded mistakes? Why do we choose immediate rewards rather than longer-term rewards that are larger? What is the basis for moral reasoning? While considering these questions, ‘Deciding’ shows that the prefrontal cortex is in a unique position in the processing hierarchy. It has access to information about the current situation, information about the current needs and aims, and access to the motor system. The prefrontal cortex is critically involved in preparing, deciding, and planning for the future. Human ability to plan in the head and imagine outcomes both for themselves and others is also dependent on this area of the brain.
Theodor Herzl and the creation of the Zionist movement, 1897–1917
Authors: Stanislawski Michael 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The man universally credited with founding the Zionist movement was Theodor Herzl (1860–1904). Herzl’s Zionism was purely political in theory and practice: the Jews as a nation did not need a new culture, language, or concept of the messianic era, but only a national polity of their own, whose creation would solve the problem of anti-Semitism both for the Jews themselves and for Europe as a whole. His book Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State) was a key publication, and he set up the First Zionist Congress in Basel in August 1897. This was a great success, but did not resolve the fundamental ideological divides within the Zionist movement.