The nature of the silicaphilic fluorescence of PDMPO

PDMPO (2-(4-pyridyl)-5-((4-(2-dimethylaminoethylaminocarbamoyl)methoxy)phenyl)oxazole), has unique silica specific fluorescence and is used in biology to understand biosilicification. This ‘silicaphilic’ fluorescence is not well understood nor is the response to local environmental variables like solvent and pH. We investigated PDMPO in a range of environments: using UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy supported by computational data, (SPARC, molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory calculations), dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements to understand the PDMPO–silica interaction. From absorption data, PDMPO exhibited a pKa of 4.20 for PDMPOH22+ to PDMPOH+ . Fluorescence emission measurements revealed large shifts in excited state pKa* values with different behaviour when bound to silica (pKa* of 10.4). PDMPO bound to silica particles is located in the Stern layer with the dye exhibiting pH dependent depolarising motion. In aqueous solution, PDMPO showed strong chromaticity with correlation between the maximum emission wavelength for PDMPOH+* and dielectric constant (4.8–80). Additional chromatic effects were attributed to changes in solvent accessible surface area. Chromatic effects were also observed for silica bound dye which allow its use as a direct probe of bulk pH over a range far in excess of what is possible for the dye alone (3–5.2). The unique combination of chromaticity and excited state dynamics allows PDMPO to monitor pH from 3 to 13 while also reporting on surface environment opening a new frontier in the quantitative understanding of (bio)silicification

Tagging Live Cells that Express Specific Peptidase Activity with Solid-State Fluorescence

International audienceA three-component probe harnesses the extraordinary properties of a solid-state fluorophore for the detection of living cells exhibiting a particular peptidase activity. The off–on mode by which the probe operates, the bright fluorescence of the resulting precipitate, and the rapid response allow an exceptional signal-to-background ratio during microscopic imaging. A tertiary carbamate link between the spacer and phenolic fluorophore is at the heart of the probe's long-term stability. The degree of chlorination of the probe determines its response time and thus its suitability for live-cell analysis. Our probe also allows highly resolved localization of peptidase activity during gel analysis or on agar. In comparison, probes releasing soluble fluorophores demonstrate complete diffusion of the fluorescent signal. These results demonstrate the probe's potential for diverse biomedical applications, including high-fidelity flow cytometry and sensitive colony assays

FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE DUNHUANG BLOCK

Dunhang Block is located between the North China and the Tarim Cratons (Figure). It is bounded by the Beishan Orogenic Belt to the north and Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt to the south, respectively; in the west the Qiemo-Xingxingxia fault separates the block from Tarim Craton, and in the east the Altyn Tagh Fault separates it from the Alxa block of western part of the North China Craton. Although Archean-Paleoproterozoic basement rocks, which are referred to as Milan Complex, exposed along the Northern Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt, some researchers suggested that their rock associations, metamorphisms and evolutionary history present obviously different with those of the Dunhuang Complex in Dunhuang region, Gansu Provence, thus the Milan Complex should be excluded from the Dunhuang Block, and is considered as basement rocks of the southwestern Tarim Craton.Dunhang Block is located between the North China and the Tarim Cratons (Figure). It is bounded by the Beishan Orogenic Belt to the north and Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt to the south, respectively; in the west the Qiemo-Xingxingxia fault separates the block from Tarim Craton, and in the east the Altyn Tagh Fault separates it from the Alxa block of western part of the North China Craton. Although Archean-Paleoproterozoic basement rocks, which are referred to as Milan Complex, exposed along the Northern Altyn Tagh Orogenic Belt, some researchers suggested that their rock associations, metamorphisms and evolutionary history present obviously different with those of the Dunhuang Complex in Dunhuang region, Gansu Provence, thus the Milan Complex should be excluded from the Dunhuang Block, and is considered as basement rocks of the southwestern Tarim Craton

A Novel Fluorogenic Coumarin Substrate for Monitoring Acid Phosphatase Activity at Low pH Environment

This article described the synthesis and application of 6-chloro-8-fluoro-4-methylumbelliferone phosphate (CF-MUP) in analyzing acid phosphatase activity. Compared to the existing MUP, the new coumarin phosphate, CF-MUP, demonstrateed much higher sensitivity and was more robust for detecting the activity of acid phosphatase than the classic substrate 4-methylumbelliferone phosphate (MUP). The product of enzyme reaction, 6-chloro-8-fluoro-4-methylumbelliferone (CF-MU) possesses strong fluorescence at ~450 nm with low pKa (4.7), high fluorescence quantum yield and pH independence in the physiological pH range. This new fluorescence dye, CF-MU, is a convenient tool for assays with buffer pH between 4.5 and 8

Exploring grades 11 learners' scientific and indigenous worldviews of selected phenomena relative to traditional expository and argumentation instruction

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDIn response to the emerging multicultural classrooms in South Africa, the amended National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for grades R - 12, in the light of current curriculum policy and the NCS (Grades 10 - 12), has proposed the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the school science curriculum. Interfacing the two knowledge systems namely, science and IKS have implications for curriculum planning and instructional practices. This is more so if one considers the fact that both systems of thought are based on distinctively different ontological, epistemological, metaphysical and axiological assumptions

Effects of a Dialogical Argumentation Instructional Model on Grade 10 Learners' Conception of Fermentation

Magister Educationis - MEd (Mathematics and Science Education)The study catered for empirical and metaphysical dimensions of science and IKS. The study employed a quasi-experimental design as well as a qualitative research design. Two cohorts of students from a fictitiously named Culture Secondary School have been used in this study. The list of instruments for data collection were as follows: Conceptions of Fermentation (COF) questionnaire which was used to elicit learnerss pre- and post-test conceptions of fermentation with special reference to traditional beer or Umqombothi an Attitudes to Science (ATS) questionnaire which was used to find out the learners' worldviews, a Science Achievement Test (SAT) which was used to assess the learners' generalised knowledge of fermentation, a classroom observation schedule as well as a focus group interview schedule to gather additional qualitative data. All the instruments were in English with all technical and difficult terms in both English and isiXhosa (the learners’ home language). Both groups were exposed to Science/IKS-based lessons. The only difference between the two groups was that, the experimental group (E group) was exposed to a Dialogical Argumentation Teaching Model (DAIM) and the comparison group (C group) to a traditional teaching approach. The data gathered were both analyzed in terms of qualitative and quantitative descriptions.South Afric

Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence: A Holistic Approach to Character Education for Prospective Nuns in RSCJ Community

Responding to the Church's invitation and the increasingly rapid development of the times, this has greatly influenced the development of today's children, resulting in formation changes in the way of formation in each congregation. The aim of this research is: To know and identify a description of the character education model that brings spiritual values to life in the formation of RSCJ nuns. This research is a qualitative research. This research was conducted at the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ) in Bandung, West Java and Jakarta. The results of the research carried out are increased self-awareness and spiritual understanding. Intrapersonal intelligence-based character education at RSCJ develops deeper self-awareness in prospective nuns, facilitating a process of introspection that allows them to understand internal emotions, desires, strengths and weaknesses. This increase brings significant spiritual growth, creating a strong foundation for the development of a richer and more meaningful relationship with God. The conclusion of the research carried out is the Development of Spiritual Values with a focus on developing spiritual values such as love, honesty and empathy. This research contribution provides recommendations for prospective nuns to be taught to use introspection and self-awareness as tools to integrate these values into their behavior and decisions, forming a character that is in accordance with spiritual principles

IMPLEMENTASI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER BERBASIS KECERDASAN INTRAPERSONAL UNTUK CALON RSCJ DALAM MEMBENTUK SPIRITUALITAS YANG KOKOH: Studi Deskriptif Analisis di Kongregasi RSCJ (Religieuses du Sacré-Cœur de Jésus

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh realitas kehidupan kaum religius Katolik yang jumlah anggotanya semakin menurun. Perlunya upaya yang serius dalam membantu para calon biarawati salah satunya adalah melalui pembentukan spiritualitas yang kokoh sejak awal melalui tahap-tahap formasi. Pembinaan di tahap formasi awal merupakan sebuah proses yang sangat penting untuk menguatkan komitmen mereka sebagai calon biarawati yang berproses dalam cahaya iman dan berakar dalam pengalaman hidup mereka sehari-hari serta dijalankan melalui jaringan relasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah 1) untuk mendeskripsikan sejarah, spiritualitas, visi dan misi RSCJ, 2) untuk mendeskripsikan program-program selama masa formasi yang dilakukan oleh RSCJ, 3) untuk mendeskripsikan hambatan dan solusi dalam mengimplementasikan pendidikan karakter berbasis kecerdasan intrapersonal untuk calon RSCJ dalam membentuk spiritualitas yang kokoh, 4) untuk mengetahui hasil dari implementasi pendidikan karakter berbasis kecerdasan intrapersonal untuk calon RSCJ dalam membentuk spiritualitas yang kokoh. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif analisis. Subjek penelitian adalah Live In (4 orang), Postulan (5 orang), Novis (6 orang), PTV (7 orang), dan para formator (6 orang). Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian yaitu panduan wawancara, panduan observasi dan penelaahan dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi pendidikan karakter berbasis kecerdasan intrapersonal untuk calon biarawati RSCJ dilakukan melalui berbagai kegiatan, antara lain: 1) Refleksi diri, yaitu kegiatan untuk memahami diri sendiri, termasuk kekuatan, kelemahan, potensi, dan nilai-nilai yang dimiliki; 2) Latihan spiritualitas, yaitu kegiatan untuk mengembangkan hubungan pribadi dengan Tuhan; 3) Kegiatan sosial, yaitu kegiatan untuk mengembangkan kepekaan sosial dan empati. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa implementasi pendidikan karakter berbasis kecerdasan intrapersonal merupakan salah satu strategi yang efektif dalam membentuk spiritualitas yang kokoh bagi calon biarawati RSCJ. Kata kunci: Pendidikan Karakter, Kecerdasan Intrapersonal, Spiritualitas, RSCJ ABSTRACT This research is motivated by the reality of the life of religious whose membership is decreasing. Serious efforts are needed in helping prospective religious through the formation of a solid spirituality from the beginning and through all the stages of formation. Initial formation is a very important process that serves to strengthen their commitment as prospective religious who proceed in the light of faith, are rooted in their daily life experiences and who grow through a network of relationships. The objectives of this study are:1) to describe the history, spirituality, vision and mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart, 2) to describe the programmes undertaken by prospective religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart during the formation period, 3) to describe the obstacles and solutions in implementing intra-personal intelligence-based character education for candidates of the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4) to discover the results of the implementation of intra-personal intelligence-based character education for candidates of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The research method used was descriptive analysis. The instruments used in the research were interview guides, observation guides and a literature review. The results showed that the implementation of character education based on intra-personal intelligence for prospective candidates of the Society of the Sacred Heart was carried out through various activities, including: 1) Self-reflection, which is an activity to understand oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, potential, and values; 2) Spiritual training, which is an activity to develop a personal relationship with God; 3) Social activities, which are activities to develop social sensitivity and empathy. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the implementation of character education based on intra-personal intelligence can be one of the effective strategies in shaping a strong spirituality for prospective members of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Keywords: Character Education, Intrapersonal Intelligence, Spirituality, Society of the Sacred Heart

Immunomodulatory Effects of Hypocrellin A on MHC-restricted Antigen Processing

Hypocrellin A has gained much attention in recent years due to its light-induced antitumor, antifungal and antiviral activities. Here we report that hypocrellin A exerts immunomodulatory effects on MHC-restricted presentation of antigen. Hypocrellin A inhibited class II-MHC restricted presentation of exogenous antigen, but not class I MHC-restricted presentation of exogenous antigen, in dendritic cells. Hypocrellin A also inhibited the cytosolic pathway of endogenous antigen presentation. However, hypocrellin A did not inhibit the expression of class I and class II MHC molecules on dendritic cells (DCs), the phagocytic activity of DCs, or the H-2Kb-restricted presentation of a synthetic peptide, SIINFEKL. These results show that hypocrellin A differentially modulates the MHC-restricted antigen presentation pathways

Preparation Method of Co 3

Co3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated by a novel, facile, and environment-friendly carbon-assisted method using degreasing cotton. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The component of the sample obtained at different temperatures was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms were utilized to reveal the specific surface areas. The formation mechanism of Co3O4 nanoparticles was also proposed, demonstrating that the additive degreasing cotton played an indispensable role in the process of synthesizing the sample. The resultant Co3O4 sample calcined at 600°C exhibited superior electrochemical performance with better specific capacitance and long-term cycling life, due to its high specific surface areas and pores structures. Additionally, it has been proved that this facile synthetic strategy can be extended to produce other metal oxide materials (e.g., Fe3O4). As a consequence, the carbon-assisted method using degreasing cotton accompanied a promising prospect for practical application