Polymorphisms of the <Emphasis Type=Italic>IGF1</Emphasis> gene and their association with growth traits,serum concentration and expression rate of <Emphasis Type=Italic>IGF1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>IGF1R</Emphasis> in buffalo

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene is a member of the group of somatotropin axis genes that play a significant role in cell proliferation and growth of muscles. Here, we searched for polymorphisms in buffalo IGF1 and found two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), G64A and G280A, in the noncoding sequences of exon 1 and exon 4, respectively. Statistical analysis of different genotypes showed that the individuals with GG genotypes had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) than those with other genotypes at ages of 3–6 months in G64A SNP and 6–9 months in G280A SNP. The combined genotypes of these two SNPs produced three haplotypes, GG/GG, AG/AG, and AA/AA, which were significantly associated (P<0.0001) with BW and ADG at an age from 3 to 12 months. Buffaloes with the homozygous GG/GG haplotype showed higher growth performance than other buffaloes. The two SNPs were correlated with mRNA levels of IGF1 and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in semitendinosus muscle as well as with the serum concentration level of IGF1. Also, buffaloes with GG/GG haplotype showed higher mRNA and serum concentration levels. The data revealed that these two SNPs could be valuable genetic markers for selection of Egyptian buffaloes for better performance in the population.     

Explicating <Emphasis Type=Italic>mathematical concept</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>mathematicalconception</Emphasis> as theoretical constructs for mathematics education research

Mathematical understanding continues to be one of the major goals of mathematics education. However, what is meant by “mathematical understanding” is underspecified. How can we operationalize the idea of mathematical understanding in research? In this article, I propose particular specifications of the terms mathematical concept and mathematical conception so that they may serve as useful constructs for mathematics education research. I discuss the theoretical basis of the constructs, and I examine the usefulness of these constructs in research and instruction, challenges involved in their use, and ideas derived from our experience using them in research projects. Finally, I provide several examples of articulated mathematical concepts.     

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of the lipid extract from <Emphasis Type=Italic>Mantidis ootheca</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type=Italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis>

The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of the lipid extract from Mantidis ootheca against the gentamycin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chemical composition of the lipid extract and its relative proportion were determined using the technique of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antibacterial susceptibility tests were performed using a disc diffusion assay and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was determined by way of the agar dilution method. The anti-biofilm test was carried out with crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were 16 compounds detected, and the most abundant components were sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenes, and trace aromatic compounds. The MIC for P. aeruginosa was 4 mg/ml and the eradication effect on preformed biofilms was established and compared with a ciprofloxacin control. The results of our study indicated that a lipid extract from M. ootheca could be used as a topical and antibacterial agent with anti-biofilm activity in the future.     

<Emphasis Type=Italic>Bildung</Emphasis> in globalizing times

This key paper is intended to produce a comparison of Bildung and globalization, acknowledging that Bildung and globalization are both fuzzy concepts. Our comparison of globalization and Bildung therefore is to be seen as a construction. To reach this objective, we start with the identification of dimensions of the concept of globalization based predominantly on sociological research. This analysis is followed by explication of dimensions of the concept of Bildung as they can be identified before a frame of globalization. We want to find out whether it makes sense to see globalization as one part of a new model of Bildung. In the conclusion, we demonstrate the normativity of each and any theory of Bildung in globalizing times, and we explain why it is necessary to reflect on the normativity of the different concepts. We indicate where we see connections with the other papers of this special issue of “Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft”.     

A Systematic Review of Remote Laboratory Work in Science Education with the Support of Visualizing its Structure through the <Emphasis Type=Italic>HistCite</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>CiteSpace</Emphasis> Software

Laboratory work, particularly the latest remote laboratories (RLs), has been assumed to have a general positive effect on science education because practical work can provide diverse learning experiences and enhance thinking skills suitable for the 21^st century. However, there has not been a synthesis of the science education research to support this assumption. The objective of this study is to systematically review the growth of educational research on laboratory work, particularly in RLs, utilizing a series of review processes with innovative software for visualizing structural relationships. The combined use and support of HistCite and CiteSpace software enabled the visualization of the citation structure and history of articles. The findings revealed that RLs were a state-of-the-art subset of laboratory work and a new way of conducting laboratory work that has gained fairly wide research attention in engineering education over the past two decades. Thus, this innovative literature review process has established a solid background for future research and development efforts on RLs in science education dealing with scientific and engineering practices.     

Insecticidal activity of the medicinal plant, <Emphasis Type=Italic>Alstonia boonei</Emphasis> De Wild,against <Emphasis Type=Italic>Sesamia calamistis</Emphasis> Hampson

The bioactivity of the aqueous extracts of the leaf and stem bark of the medicinal plant, Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocyanaceae), against the pink stalk borer, Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was studied in a laboratory bioassay. The extracts were incorporated into artificial diet at a rate of 0.0% (control), 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% (w/w). Both extracts significantly (P<0.01) reduced larval survival and weight in a dose dependent manner. The concentrations that killed 50% of the larvae (LC50) for the stem bark extract were 2.8% and 2.1% at 10 and 20 DAI (days after introduction), respectively, while those for the leaves extract were 5.6% and 3.5%. The weights of the larvae also varied significantly (P<0.05) between the treatments in a dose dependent manner. We conclude that both leaf and stem bark extracts of A. boonei are toxic, used as growth inhibitors to S. calamistis larvae, and hold good promise for use as alternative crop protectants against S. calamistis.     

Comparative studies on phenotypic plasticity of two herbs,<Emphasis Type=Italic>Changium smyrnioides</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type=Italic>Anthriscus sylvestris</Emphasis>

The endangered medicinal herb,Changium smyrnioides can only be found in deciduous forest gaps within the middle to northern subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest zone of China. The considerable plasticity of its shoot and root structure helps it to capture light more effectively in winter and early spring, and to adapt to the soil moisture conditions in its narrow habitat. Another medicinal plant,Anthriscus sylvestris, is of similar economic importance but commonly distributed widely. In contrast toC. smyrnioides, it has low structural plasticity. It is also specialized to adapt to the moist and sunny environment, where habitat, such as the banks of creeks and rivers, is abundant. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. G2000046805) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970058)     

In vitro assessment of gastrointestinal viability of two photosynthetic bacteria, <Emphasis Type=Italic>Rhodopseudomonas palustris</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type=Italic>Rhodobacter sphaeroides</Emphasis>

The objectives of this study were to assess the potential of two photosynthetic bacteria （PSB）, Rhodopseudomonas palustris HZ0301 and Rhodobacter sphaeroides HZ0302, as probiotics in aquaculture. The viability of HZ0301 and HZ0302 in simulated gastric transit conditions （pH 2.0, pH 3.0 and pH 4.0 gastric juices） and in simulated small intestinal transit conditions （pH 8.0, with or without 0.3% bile salts） was tested. The effects of HZ0301 and HZ0302 on the viability and permeability of intestinal epithelial cell in primary culture of tilapias, Oreochrornis nilotica, were also detected. All the treatments were deter- mined with three replicates. The simulated gastric transit tolerance of HZ0301 and HZ0302 strains was pH-dependent and correspondingly showed lower viability at pH 2.0 after 180 min compared with pH 3.0 and pH 4.0. Both HZ0301 and HZ0302 were tolerant to simulated small intestine transit with or without bile salts in our research. Moreover, there was no significant difference （P〉0.05） among three treatments including the control and the groups treated with HZ0301 or HZ0302 both in intestinal epithelial cell viability and membrane permeability, showing no cell damage. In summary, this study demonstrated that HZ0301 and HZ0302 had high capacity of upper gastrointestinal transit tolerance and were relatively safe for intestinal epithelial cells of tilapias.     

Measuring change in career counseling: Validation of the <Emphasis Type=Italic>Career Futures Inventory</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type=Italic>Revised</Emphasis>

This retrospective chart review study examined the factor structure of the Career Futures Inventory-Revised (CFI-R; Rottinghaus et al. in J Career Assess 20:123–139, 2012) and its utility as a career counseling outcome measure using a sample of 332 clients from a university career center. The CFI-R examines career agency and other career adaptability dimensions germane to clients’ career concerns. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported the proposed factor structure. Changes in CFI-R scale scores are reported for 116 clients who received counseling. The use of the CFI-R as an effectiveness outcome measure for individual, group, and classroom career interventions is addressed.     

Computer-assisted argument mapping: a <Emphasis Type=Italic>rationale</Emphasis> approach

Computer-Assisted Argument Mapping (CAAM) is a new way of understanding arguments. While still embryonic in its development and application, CAAM is being used increasingly as a training and development tool in the professions and government. Inroads are also being made in its application within education. CAAM claims to be helpful in an educational context, as a tool for students in responding to assessment tasks. However, to date there is little evidence from students that this is the case. This paper outlines the use of CAAM as an educational tool within an Economics and Commerce Faculty in a major Australian research university. Evaluation results are provided from students from a CAAM pilot within an upper-level Economics subject. Results indicate promising support for the use of CAAM and its potential for transferability within the disciplines. If shown to be valuable with further studies, CAAM could be included in capstone subjects, allowing computer technology to be utilised in the service of generic skill development.