bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competencies of preschool educators in Amsterdam: A Dutch perspective on language proficiency, language targets and didactic skills
Authors: Kuiken Folkert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSince the beginning of this century the Netherlands has invested much money and energy in the early education of two-and-a-half to six-year-old children in an effort to improve the quality of this type of education. In this paper we will focus on the measures that have been taken in the city with the largest number of preschools and early childhood educators in the Netherlands: Amsterdam. Great care is taken to fulfil the conditions for a successful early childhood education. What we have analyzed is the educators’ language proficiency level, their knowledge about language targets for the four to six-year-olds, and their didactic skills. A report of the schools inspectorate indicated that in many cases these competencies left much to be desired. Measures have therefore been taken in order to improve them. In this paper the contents of these measures and their results will be reported. It will become clear that constant interaction is going on between initiatives that have started on a local scale and measures that have been approved and are implemented at a national level.
The Investigation of Glass Spheres Containing Elastomer Based Materials for Tunable Device Applications
Authors: Şentürk E. , Okutan M. , Demirer A. , Akçakale N. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this work, dielectric and tunability properties of glass spheres containing elastomer based materials have been investigated with dielectric spectroscopy as a function of frequency, composition and DC bias field. Real and imaginary part of dielectric constant and dielectric loss values of the gs1 (glass spheres), gs2, and gs3 were investigated in the frequency range of 100 to 40 × 106 Hz. Dielectric tunabilities of 69%, 87% and 33% were measured on gs1, gs2, and gs3 at 10 kHz and at room temperature. The degrees of anharmonic contributions to the polarization are very high for gs2 and gs3 as 4.53 × 10−8 and 1.77 × 10−8 (mm/kV)2. Also, dielectric constant, FOM (%) and absorption coefficient a values were calculated at 10 × 103 Hz and 20 × 103 V/mm depending for different glass spheres.
Investigation of Impact Compressive Mechanical Properties of Sandstone After as well as Under High Temperature
Authors: Liu Shi , Xu Jinyu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractConducting experimental studies on the impact compressive mechanical properties of rock under the high temperature environment is of both theoretical value and practical significance to understanding the relationship between the rock under the effect of impact loads and the high temperature environment. Based on the Φ100 mm SHPB and the self-developed Φ100 mm high-temperature SHPB test devices, the impact compressive tests on the sandstone, whether cooling after high temperatures or under real-time high temperatures are carried out. As the test results indicate that since the two high-temperature ways of loading are different from each other, the impact compressive properties of sandstone, after as well as under high temperatures, show different variations along with changes in temperature. Under the effect of the same impact loading rate, there exists a clear critical temperature range in the impact compressive mechanical properties of sandstone after high temperature, and, near the critical temperature, there occurs a significant mutation in the impact compressive mechanical properties. Under high temperatures, however, the impact compressive mechanical properties follow an overall continuity of change except that there are slight fluctuations at individual temperatures.
Blue Luminescent Biogenic Silicon-Germanium Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Shuhong , Jeffryes Clayton , Rorrer Gregory L. , Chang Chih-Hung , Jiao Jun , Gutu Timothy 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMarine diatoms are a class of microalgae that possess cell walls composed of silica nanoparticles. These organisms actively assimilate silicic acid Si(OH)4 from seawater, polymerize silicic acid to silica nanoparticles by a protein-mediated precipitation process, then assemble the silica nanoparticles into intricate patterns that constitute the cell wall microarchitecture of the diatom frustule. The biomineralization capacity of marine diatoms, Nitzschia frustulum, was harnessed to biologically manufacture silicon oxide / germanium oxide nanocomposite materials. Germanium was incorporated into living diatom cell mass by a two-stage cultivation process. The micro- and nanostructures of biogenic oxide nanocomposite were characterized by TEM with EDS, and XRD. Furthermore, photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on these biogenic nanocomposites with different post processing to study their optoelectronic properties. Strong blue photoluminescence was observed from samples treated with H2O2 and oxygen plasma. A clear blueshift was observed from the biogenic oxides with the addition of germanium. It is believed that self-trapped exciton affected by quantum confinement effect is responsible for the PL from these biogenic oxide nanocomposites.
Use of Cast Post-and-cores for the Alteration of Crown Position for the Esthetically Compromised Patient
Authors: Hansen PA , Veurink J , Ambrososio M 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARY
The authors describe the use of cast post-and-cores, which allow a change in position of the clinical crown to permit the fabrication of two fixed partial dentures. The two fixed partial dentures change the clinical appearance of the patient.
Neuropathogenesis: rogue glia cause mayhem in the brain
Authors: Antony Joseph 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGlia, including astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, are important components that maintain the architecture of the brain and in many ways contribute to the proper functioning of neurons. Glial cells vastly outnumber neurons in the brain and independently control several crucial brain functions. Impaired glial cells are the cause of several diseases, and pharmacological targeting to repair damaged glia will enable functional recovery in patients suffering from devastating neurological disorders. The interaction between glial cells and some patrolling immune cells in the brain comprise the brain-specific immune system that protects the brain from extraneous agents and repairs injured tissue. While this system can cope with minor insults and infections, when faced with significant challenges such as AIDS dementia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc., an effective and balanced immune response that facilitates repair and protection is found wanting. Several debilitating neurological disorders are often associated with dysfunctional glial cells that have limited ability to repair the injured brain and even promote brain damage. In this discussion, specific signaling pathways in glia that are affected in AIDS dementia and periventricular white matter injury will be highlighted.
Sediment transport modifications induced by submerged artificial reef systems: a case study for the Gulf of Venice
Authors: Bonaldo Davide , Benetazzo Alvise , Bergamasco Andrea , Falcieri Francesco , Carniel Sandro , Aurighi Marina , Sclavo Mauro 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The shallow, gently sloping, sandy-silty seabed of the Venetian coast (Italy) is studded by a number of outcropping rocky systems of different size encouraging the development of peculiar zoobenthic biocenoses with considerably higher biodiversity indexes compared to neighbouring areas. In order to protect and enhance the growth of settling communities, artificial monolithic reefs were deployed close to the most important formations, providing further nesting sites and mechanical hindrance to illegal trawl fishing.
In this framework, a multi-step and multi-scale numerical modelling activity was carried out to predict the perturbations induced by the presence of artificial structures on sediment transport over the outcroppings and their implications on turbidity and water quality. After having characterized wave and current circulation climate at the sub-basin scale over a reference year, a set of small scale simulations was carried out to describe the effects of a single monolith under different geometries and hydrodynamic forcings, encompassing the conditions likely occurring at the study sites. A dedicated tool was then developed to compose the information contained in the small-scale database into realistic deployment configurations, and applied in four protected outcroppings identified as test sites. With reference to these cases, under current meteomarine climate the application highlighted a small and localised increase in suspended sediment concentration, suggesting that the implemented deployment strategy is not likely to produce harmful effects on turbidity close to the outcroppings.
In a broader context, the activity is oriented at the tuning of a flexible instrument for supporting the decision-making process in benthic environments of outstanding environmental relevance, especially in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management or Maritime Spatial Planning applications. The dissemination of sub-basin scale modelling results via the THREDDS Data Server, together with an user-friendly software for composing single-monolith runs and a graphical interface for exploring the available data, significantly improves the quantitative information collection and sharing among scientists, stakeholders and policy-makers.
Modification in the nest guarding strategy — one of the reasons of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invasion success in the Gulf of Gdańsk?
Authors: Sapota Mariusz , Balazy Piotr , Mirny Zuzanna 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe round goby was noted for the first time in the Gulf of Gdańsk in 1990. After a few years, the round goby had invaded all suitable areas in the west part of the Gulf of Gdańsk. Generally, the sandy bottom was the factor that do not prevent the fish invasion. The effectiveness of reproduction is one of the most important factors in deciding the success of an introduction into a new area. The round goby needs a hard bottom for egg laying and subsequent embryo development in nests guarded by males. We observed the round goby nests in the Gulf of Gdańsk during three subsequent years. Distances between nests, nest size, number of eggs per nest, and depth of nest locations were investigated by underwater survey, from May till September, throughout the round goby spawning season. Our investigation led us to confirm that any solid elements on the bottom may be utilized as nest substrate when nesting areas are limited. Distances between nests decrease noticeably in comparison with native round goby areas. Taking into account these findings, we conclude that shallow water areas, of almost any type of bottom, might be invaded by the round goby.
Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus-like organisms isolated from a recreational sea beach on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea as one of the consequences of anthropogenic pressure
Authors: Skórczewski Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew , Miranowicz Justyna , Perlinski Piotr , Zdanowicz Marta 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus-like organisms (STLO) isolated from a recreational sea beach located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea was studied. The results of the present study showed that STLO inhabiting sand and seawater of the beach strongly differed in the resistance level to tested antibiotics. These microorganisms were most resistant to ampicillin, penicillin, oxytetracycline and susceptible to gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin. Moreover, the level of antibiotic resistance among bacteria isolated from different parts of the beach also differed. Bacteria inhabiting the seawater, shoreline and the middle part of the beach were more antibiotic-resistant than bacteria isolated from the dune. The majority of bacteria inhabiting the seawater and sand were resistant to 3–8 antibiotics out of 12 tested in this study. Generally, there was no difference in antibiotic resistance between Staphylococcus-like organisms isolated from the surface and subsurface sand layers. STLO strains isolated from Ustka Beach were most resistant to β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics, and most susceptible to aminoglycosides.
Kinetics of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by an aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum seeds.
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Chowdhury Suman 
Published: March 2014

The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has provided the rationale for the current pharmacotherapy of this disease. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the symptomatic treatment of AD. The current drugs available in the market has shown various side effect which prompted scientist to search for new and potent AChE inhibitors which exerts minimal side effect in AD patient. In present study, an aqueous extract of Cumin cyminum was tested for in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity based on Ellman’s method. C. cyminum showed maximum inhibition of 76.90±0.003% in an aqueous extract at 50μg/ml final concentration. Further studies were conducted to elucidate the mode of AChE inhibition by kinetic studies. Competitive inhibition was observed at lower concentrations (12.5μg/ml & 25μg/ml) and mixed inhibition was observed at higher concentrations (50μg/ml & 100μg/ml). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9348 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 2(1): 64-68
Isolation, Characterization and investing the Industrial Applications of Thermostable and Solvent Tolerant Serine Protease from Hot Spring Isolated Thermophililic Bacillus licheniformis U1
Authors: Dudhagara Pravin , Bhavasar Sunil , Ghelani Anjana , Bhatt Shreyas 
Published: March 2014

Protease is the largest selling enzyme in the world due to its various applications in the making of detergent, food and leather, meat tenderisation and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the study is to isolate and identify thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis U1 strains for thermostable protease production. The partial purified enzyme was characterized under different conditions using Anson-Hagihara’s method. Casein as a substrate in the concentration of 0.6 % w/v optimum for enzyme activity and tolerant up to 2.0% casein concentration. An optimum enzyme activity was reported at pH 7 and decreased with increasing in pH, while temperature optimum was found at 50 °C. The enzyme was stable at 40 °C to 50 °C for half an hour and nearly 50% residual activity was indicated at 60 °C. NaCl was not required for catalysis. Stability of enzymes in the presence of various organic solvents and different detergents was remarkable. The enzyme was stable up to 3 days into various solvents and slowly denatured with prolonged incubation. The result of the washing performance with detergent was clearly indicated. Moreover the removal of blood stains and dehairing in goat skin suggests the crucial application in the commercial production at large scale.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9519Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 75-82
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants from East and Central Part of Nepal
Authors: Subba Bimala , Basnet Prakash 
Published: March 2014

To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of extract of eleven plants were examined against four common bacterials. The ethanolic extracts of various plants such as Cissus repens, Hedyotis scandens, Jatropha curcas, Morus alba, Inula cappa, Equisetum ramosissimum, Osyris wightiana, Alternantheria sessilis and Hibiscus lampas investigated individually for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. These were investigated against selected species of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae to find the inhibitory activities of the microbes. The ethanolic extract of C. repens showed considerably high activity against P. vulgaris, E. coli and S. aureus than other extracts.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9697Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 88-92
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in Cattle: Epidemiology and Zoonotic Implications
Authors: Joshi Lok Raj , Devkota Shiva Prasad 
Published: March 2014

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant public health problem both in human and veterinary medicine. Strains of S. aureus resistant to β-lactam antibiotics are known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overuse of antibiotics has been ascribed for MRSA emergence. MRSA in cattle was first reported in 1975. Since then, many literatures describing MRSA in cattle have been published. MRSA causes incurable intra-mammary infection and skin diseases in cattle. In severe cases, it causes deep-seated infections like endocarditis and osteomyelitis. MRSA got zoonotic importance when scientists suggested the possibility of cattle serving as reservoirs for human MRSA infection. In this article, we review the current knowledge of MRSA in cattle and its zoonotic implications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9861Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 29-33
Interspecific differences in whole‐plant respiration vs. biomass scaling relationships: A case study using evergreen conifer and angiosperm tree seedlings
Authors: Cheng Dongliang , Niklas Karl J. , Zhong Quanlin , Yang Yusheng , Zhang Jianhua 
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Empirical studies and theory indicate that respiration rates (R) of small plants scale nearly isometrically with both leaf biomass (ML) and total plant biomass (MT). These predictions are based on angiosperm species and apply only across a small range of body mass. Whether these relationships hold true for different plants, such as conifers, remains unclear.• Methods: We tested these predictions using the whole‐plant maintenance respiration rates and the biomass allocation patterns of the seedlings of two conifer tree species and two angiosperm tree species. Model Type II regression protocols were used to compare the scaling exponents (α) and normalization constants (β) across all four species and within each of the four species.• Key results: The data show that the scaling exponents varied among the four species and that all differed significantly from isometry. For conifers, scaling exponents for R vs. MT, and R and ML were numerically smaller than those of the broadleaved angiosperm species. However, across the entire data set, R scaled isometrically with ML and with MT as predicted by the West, Brown, and Enquist (WBE) theory. We also observed higher respiration rates for small conifer seedlings compared to comparably sized angiosperm seedlings.• Conclusions: Our data add credence to the view that the R vs. M scaling relationship differs among species, and that in general, the numerical values of this interspecific scaling relationship will depend on the species pooled in the analysis and on the range of body sizes within the data set.
La réflexivité des acteurs universitaires : un mode d'appropriation par simplification des logiques d'évaluation du NPM ?
Authors: Mériade Laurent 
Published: March 2014

Les transformations qui s’opèrent au sein des universités françaises depuis le début des années 2000 témoignent du succès du concept du « New Public Management » (NPM) dans les organisations publiques (Vinokur, 2008) que les réformes récentes (L.O.L.F. en 2006 et L.R.U. en 2007) sont venues concrétiser. Notre préoccupation théorique est de questionner le processus d’appropriation de l’instrumentation du NPM (Lascoumes et Simard, 2011) en associant l’approche par les leviers de contrôle (Simons 1995) et la logique d’appropriation des outils de gestion (de Vaujany et Grimand 2005). De manière pratique, nous étudions les perceptions de la performance des présidents d’université afin de mesurer leur contenu réflexif (Archer, 1995 ; 2002) à partir d’une étude approfondie des principaux indicateurs d’évaluation complétée par une enquête exploratoire. Trois niveaux de simplification des instruments d’évaluation sont identifiés et rattachés à trois niveaux d’appropriation combinant rationalité et réflexivité des agents publics.
Online Experimentation in Education and Training
Authors: Restivo Maria Teresa , Cardoso Alberto 
Published: March 2014

The increasing use of emergent technologies in industry, medicine, research, training and education attests to the relevance of their integration in teaching/learning approaches.
Online experimentation comprises remote and virtual experimentation also supported and complemented by other online tools that incorporate necessarily the use of emergent technologies.
The present work synthesizes the final outcomes of a project aiming to develop, use and disseminate Online Experimentation, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Some application examples are given to illustrate the use of online experimentation on different contexts, such as secondary and higher education (STEM), lifelong learning or industrial training.
A Critical Role for Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in Nickel-Induced Allergy in Mice
Authors: Ashrin Meinar Nur , Arakaki Rieko , Yamada Akiko , Kondo Tomoyuki , Kurosawa Mie , Kudo Yasusei , Watanabe Megumi , Ichikawa Tetsuo , Hayashi Yoshio , Ishimaru Naozumi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Ni is the most frequent cause of contact allergy induced by metals. However, the underlying mechanism of this induction is unknown. Our previous research demonstrates that activation of dendritic cells (DCs) through p38MAPK/MKK6 is required for Ni-induced allergy in mice. In the current study, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Ni-induced allergy using a mouse model that involves injecting Ni into the ear, with or without Freund’s incomplete or complete adjuvants. Nickel had greater potential to cause allergic reactions compared with palladium and gold. Among the proteins expressed at higher levels in mice with Ni-induced allergy, we focused on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is produced in abundance by keratinocytes. We detected increased expression of the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) in DCs from cervical lymph nodes of mice with Ni-induced allergy, suggesting that DCs in ear tissues were activated through TSLPR signaling induced by keratinocyte-derived TSLP. Furthermore, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in mice with Ni-induced allergy were decreased significantly by injection of a Tslp–short interfering RNA along with atelocollagen in the ear skin. These results suggest that Ni allergy may be triggered by a TSLP/TSLPR-mediated interaction between epithelial and immune cells.