bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competencias profesionales en Educación para la Sostenibilidad: un estudio exploratorio de la visión de futuros maestros
Authors: Cebrián Bernat Gisela , Junyent  Pubill Mercè
Published: March 2014

La investigación que se presenta en este artículo se basa en un estudio exploratorio sobre la visión de un grupo de futuros maestros de educación primaria en relación a la Educación para la Sostenibilidad desde un punto de vista competencial. En primer lugar se redefine un marco conceptual de competencias profesionales de los maestros en Educación para la Sostenibilidad, basado en la especificación del concepto de competencia, el rol como formadores, las competencias generales y el desarrollo profesional en Educación para la Sostenibilidad. Este marco competencial a su vez orienta la exploración de la visión sobre competencias profesionales de los futuros maestros, que constituye el segundo objetivo de esta investigación. El instrumento utilizado es un cuestionario al que han respondido un grupo de 32 alumnos de 3.º de Magisterio de la diplomatura de Educación Primaria, el análisis del cual ha sido básicamente cualitativo. Algunos de los resultados indican que los futuros/as docentes, participantes en el estudio, enfatizan la clarificación de valores, la capacidad de tomar decisiones, participar y actuar para el cambio, pero por el contrario no consideran visionar escenarios de futuro, el pensamiento crítico, el diálogo entre disciplinas y la gestión de las emociones y preocupaciones, competencias profesionales esenciales en la Educación para la Sostenibilidad. Se considera que los resultados obtenidos pueden orientar el diseño de estrategias didácticas y herramientas de evaluación para la mejora de la formación inicial del profesorado en el ámbito de las competencias profesionales en Educación para la Sostenibilidad.
Si Galileo Galilei hubiera tenido una cámara digital: enseñando ciencias a una generación digital
Authors: Andrade Lotero Luis Alejandro
Published: March 2014

El objetivo del presente artículo es mostrar como la cámara digital puede ser una herramienta didáctica para transformar la práctica de educación en ciencias en nuestros salones de clase en el nivel de educación básica. Para ello, se presentan tres casos de proyectos de clase que tienen en común el uso de la cámara digital. Estos casos responden a una teoría de la enseñanza de las ciencias basada en la fundamentación de las prácticas de investigación, cuya herramienta principal es la experimentación. Sin embargo, es indispensable acompañar esta herramienta con nuevas prácticas educativas y nuevas actividades de aprendizaje. De esta manera será posible diseñar nuevas formas para educar a las generaciones que crecen en una sociedad digital y que demandan una nueva cultura de aprendizaje.
Structural Barriers, Financial Exclusion, and the Possibilities of Situated Learning for Financial Education
Authors: Buckland Jerry
Published: March 2014

This chapter considers how the phenomenon of financial exclusion affects adult learning in the area of financial literacy.
Financial Literacy Education for Women
Authors: Jarecke Jodi , Taylor Edward W. , Hira Tahira K.
Published: March 2014

Exploring the pedagogical approaches of four women's financial literacy education programs, this chapter provides an overview of trends and needs in financial education for women and offers pedagogical strategies for teaching women about finance.
Raising Employee Engagement Through Workplace Financial Education
Authors: Vitt Lois A.
Published: March 2014

This chapter discusses shifts in hiring and benefits that changed the employment landscape, offering a historical look at workplace financial education, and arguing that educating employees to adjust to new financial realities is a win–win for employers and employees.
Bio‐Inspired Multifunctional Metallic Foams Through the Fusion of Different Biological Solutions
Authors: Jin Xu , Shi Bairu , Zheng Lichen , Pei Xiaohan , Zhang Xiyao , Sun Ziqi , Du Yi , Kim Jung Ho , Wang Xiaolin , Dou Shixue , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2014

Nature is a school for scientists and engineers. Inherent multiscale structures of biological materials exhibit multifunctional integration. In nature, the lotus, the water strider, and the flying bird evolved different and optimized biological solutions to survive. In this contribution, inspired by the optimized solutions from the lotus leaf with superhydrophobic self‐cleaning, the water strider leg with durable and robust superhydrophobicity, and the lightweight bird bone with hollow structures, multifunctional metallic foams with multiscale structures are fabricated, demonstrating low adhesive superhydrophobic ­self‐cleaning, striking loading capacity, and superior repellency towards different corrosive solutions. This approach provides an effective avenue to the development of water strider robots and other aquatic smart devices floating on water. Furthermore, the resultant multifunctional metallic foam can be used to construct an oil/water separation apparatus, exhibiting a high separation efficiency and long‐term repeatability. The presented approach should provide a promising solution for the design and construction of other multifunctional metallic foams in a large scale for practical applications in the petro‐chemical field. Optimized biological solutions continue to inspire and to provide design idea for the construction of multiscale structures with multifunctional integration.
Polymer Brush Gradients by Adjusting the Functional Density Through Temperature Gradient
Authors: Pinchasik Bat‐El , Tauer Klaus , Möhwald Helmuth , Skirtach Andre G.
Published: March 2014

The group of silanes is one of the most abundant classes of molecules used for surface modification. In most studies, silanization is made from the vapor phase or solution. Here, an easy, robust, and fast way not only to modify, but also to map, control, and predict the wetting profiles on silicon surfaces after silanization and the final characteristics of a brush layer polymerized from this silane template profile are presented. The initiator molecule, 2‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐N‐3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl propanamide (BTPAm), is spin‐casted on a silicon substrate and a thermal gradient is applied using a combinatorial approach for studying the influence of temperature on the spin‐casted silanes. Subsequently, polyacrylamide (PAAm) brushes are grown from the initiating end group of the BTPAm molecules through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Simulations of the heat distribution inside the silicon wafer allow both confirming the mapping of surface properties and designing desired profiles by predicting thermal distributions. An analytical expression for quantification is also provided. Thus, the wetting properties, surface roughness, and morphology of the brush layer after polymerization are mapped and correlated with the initial BTPAm gradient profile. The studies presented are envisioned to be of interest for designing surface profiles with different wetting properties, facilitating polymer brush growth, and to be used as predictive tools.
Preparation and Characterization of Light‐Cured Dental Resin without Methacrylate Monomers Derived from Bisphenol A
Authors: Yu Biao , Liu Dongliang , Liu Fang , He Jingwei
Published: March 2014

With the growing attention on health, dentistry‐used methacrylate monomers like 2.2‐bis[p‐(2'‐hydroxy‐3'‐methacryl‐oxypropoxy)phenylene]propane (Bis‐GMA), which are derived from bisphenol A (BPA), have been doubted because of the estrogenic effect of BPA. In this research, new BPA‐free dental resin systems urethane dimethacrylate monomer/1,6‐bis(2'‐methacryloyoxy‐ethoxycarbonyl‐amino)‐2,4,4‐trimethylhexane/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (UDMTA/UDMA/TEGDMA) were prepared with the aim to replace the commonly used Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental resin system. Physicochemical properties such as double bond conversion, volumetric shrinkage, water sorption and solubility, flexural strength, and modulus of new resin systems were studied. The results showed that the new BPA‐free dental resins had comparable or better physicochemical properties when compared with Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental resin except for their water sorption that was higher than that of Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental resin. Therefore, the BPA‐free UDMTA/UDMA/TEGDMA resin system has potential to be used as a resin matrix of dental materials, but much more studies need to be undertaken in future.
CARBOHYDRASES IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE SPINED SOLDIER BUG, Podisus maculiventris (SAY) (HEMIPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE)
Authors: Ghamari Mahboob , Hosseininaveh Vahid , Darvishzadeh Ali , Chougule Nanasaheb P.
Published: March 2014

The spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, is a generalist predator of insects and has been used in biological control. However, information on the digestion of food in this insect is lacking. Therefore, we have studied the digestive system in P. maculiventris, and further characterized carbohydrases in the digestive tract. The midgut of all developmental stages was composed of anterior, median, and posterior regions. The volumes of the anterior midgut decreased and the median midgut increased in older instars and adults, suggesting a more important role of the median midgut in food digestion. However, carbohydrase activities were predominant in the anterior midgut. In comparing the specific activity of carbohydrases, α‐amylase activity was more in the salivary glands (with two distinct activity bands in zymograms), and glucosidase and galactosidase activities were more in the midgut. Salivary α‐amylases were detected in the prey hemolymph, demonstrating the role of these enzymes in extra‐oral digestion. However, the catalytic efficiency of midgut α‐amylase activity was approximately twofold more than that of the salivary gland enzymes, and was more efficient in digesting soluble starch than glycogen. Midgut α‐amylases were developmentally regulated, as one isoform was found in first instar compared to three isoforms in fifth instar nymphs. Starvation significantly affected carbohydrase activities in the midgut, and acarbose inhibited α‐amylases from both the salivary glands and midgut in vitro and in vivo. The structural diversity and developmental regulation of carbohydrases in the digestive system of P. maculiventris demonstrate the importance of these enzymes in extra‐oral and intra‐tract digestion, and may explain the capability of the hemipteran to utilize diverse food sources.
Closing Aubry Sets I
Authors: Figalli A. , Rifford L.
Published: March 2014

Given a Tonelli Hamiltonian H:T*M → ℝ of class Ck, with k ≥ 2, we prove the following results: (1) Assume there exist a recurrent point of the projected Aubry set and a critical viscosity subsolution u such that u is a C1 critical solution in an open neighborhood of the positive orbit of . Suppose further that u is “C2 at ”. Then there exists a Ck potential V : M → ℝ, small in C2‐topology, for which the Aubry set of the new Hamiltonian H + V is either an equilibrium point or a periodic orbit. (2) If M is two dimensional, (1) holds replacing “C1 critical solution + C2 at ” by “CM3 critical subsolution”.

These results can be considered as a first step through the attempt of proving the Mañé's conjecture in C2‐topology. In a second paper [27], we will generalize (2) to arbitrary dimension. Moreover, such an extension will need the introduction of some new techniques, which will allow us to prove in [27] the Mañé's density conjecture in C1‐topology. Our proofs are based on a combination of techniques coming from finite‐dimensional control theory and Hamilton‐Jacobi theory, together with some of the ideas that were used to prove C1‐closing lemmas for dynamical systems.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic diversity of a successful colonizer: isolated populations of Metrioptera roeselii regain variation at an unusually rapid rate
Authors: Kaňuch Peter , Berggren Åsa , Cassel‐Lundhagen Anna
Published: March 2014

Newly founded isolated populations need to overcome detrimental effects of low genetic diversity. The establishment success of a population may therefore depend on various mechanisms such as assortative mating, purging of deleterious alleles, creation of new mutations and/or repeated inflow of new genotypes to reduce the effects of inbreeding and further loss of genetic variation. We compared the level of genetic variation in introduced populations of an insect species (Metrioptera roeselii) far beyond its natural distribution with levels found in their respective founder populations and coupled the data with timing since establishment. This allowed us to analyze if the introduced populations showed signs of temporal changes in genetic variation and have made it possible to evaluate underlying mechanisms. For this, we used neutral genetic markers, seven microsatellite loci and a 676–bp‐long sequence of the mtDNA COI gene. All tested indices (allelic richness, unbiased expected heterozygosity, effective size, haplotype diversity, and nucleotide diversity) except inbreeding coefficient had significantly higher values in populations within the founding populations inside the continuous area of the species distribution compared with the introduced populations. A logarithmic model showed a significant correlation of both allelic richness and unbiased expected heterozygosity with age of the isolated populations. Considering the species' inferred colonization history and likely introduction pathways, we suggest that multiple introductions are the main mechanism behind the temporal pattern observed. However, we argue that influences of assortative mating, directional selection, and effects of an exceptional high intrapopulation mutation rate may have impacts. The ability to regain genetic diversity at this level may be one of the main reasons why M. roeselii successfully continue to colonize northern Europe.
Crater lake cichlids individually specialize along the benthic–limnetic axis
Authors: Kusche Henrik , Recknagel Hans , Elmer Kathryn Rebecca , Meyer Axel
Published: March 2014

A common pattern of adaptive diversification in freshwater fishes is the repeated evolution of elongated open water (limnetic) species and high‐bodied shore (benthic) species from generalist ancestors. Studies on phenotype‐diet correlations have suggested that population‐wide individual specialization occurs at an early evolutionary and ecological stage of divergence and niche partitioning. This variable restricted niche use across individuals can provide the raw material for earliest stages of sympatric divergence. We investigated variation in morphology and diet as well as their correlations along the benthic‐limnetic axis in an extremely young Midas cichlid species,Amphilophus tolteca,endemic to the Nicaraguan crater lakeAsososcaManagua. We found thatA. toltecavaried continuously in ecologically relevant traits such as body shape and lower pharyngeal jaw morphology. The correlation of these phenotypes with niche suggested that individuals are specialized along the benthic‐limnetic axis. No genetic differentiation within the crater lake was detected based on genotypes from 13 microsatellite loci. Overall, we found that individual specialization in this young crater lake species encompasses the limnetic‐ as well as the benthic macro‐habitat. Yet there is no evidence for any diversification within the species, making this a candidate system for studying what might be the early stages preceding sympatric divergence.
Estimation based on weighted channel variance for HTRCI‐MIMO/OFDM with QRM‐MLD and channel ranking under fast fading Channel
Authors: Ida Yuta , Yofune Masanori , Ahn Chang‐Jun , Matsumoto Takahiro , Matsufuji Shinya
Published: March 2014

To achieve more high‐speed communication systems, multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO/OFDM) is adopted in several standardisations. On the other hand, the conventional MIMO/OFDM requires many pilot signals to estimate the channel state information (CSI). To achieve an accurate CSI with the small number of pilot signals, high time resolution carrier interferometry (HTRCI) for MIMO/OFDM has been proposed. Moreover, QR decomposition with M‐algorithm maximum likelihood detection (QRM‐MLD) and channel ranking has been proposed to achieve both the reducing complexity and the improving system performance. However, the conventional HTRCI‐MIMO/OFDM with the QRM‐MLD and channel ranking did not consider the problem of the fast fading channel. In the fast fading environment, many errors are caused in the last part of the packet. To overcome this problem, the decision‐direct method has been proposed. However, it requires large complexity because of the iterative processing. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the non‐linear prediction method for an HTRCI‐MIMO/OFDM with the QRM‐MLD and channel ranking. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Working Memory Capacity in Preschool Children Using the Missing Scan Task
Authors: Roman Adrienne S. , Pisoni David B. , Kronenberger William G.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and validity of a modified version of Buschke's missing scan methodology, the Missing Scan Task (MST), to assess working memory capacity (WMC) and cognitive control processes in preschool children 3–6 years in age. Forty typically developing monolingual English‐speaking children between 36 and 84 months in age participated in the study. The children were tested on measures of WMC (MST), verbal and nonverbal memory (NEPSY Narrative Memory and Memory for Designs subtests), and language skills (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, fourth edition). Children showed increased working memory capacity scores with age, as measured by the MST, with significant differences between 3‐ and 5‐year‐olds and 3‐ and 6‐year‐olds. Significant correlations were also found between the MST and language and verbal and nonverbal memory scores. MST scores still remained significantly correlated with the other measures of memory even after age and global language were accounted for in a regression analysis, demonstrating that the MST captures unique variance related specifically to WMC and cognitive control processes used to retrieve and scan information in short‐term memory (STM). The results of this study demonstrate that the MST is a feasible and valid methodology for assessing WMC in preschool children as young 3 years of age. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Value of Region of Origin, Producer and Protected Designation of Origin Label for Visitors and Locals: The Case of Fontina Cheese in Italy
Authors: Marcoz Elena Maria , Melewar T.C. , Dennis Charles
Published: March 2014

Purpose: Food and tourism have a very close relation and food can be considered an essential tourism resource. This research is focused on the analysis of consumers' and tourists' food buying behaviours. The aim of this paper is to understand the value that can be generated by linking a typical food product to the region of origin/producer/certification. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that these elements (region of origin, producer and certification) have a different weight for consumers living in different places. Moreover, the research aims at segmenting typical food product consumers, to enable producers and tourism operators to achieve communication goals effectively. Methodology: The paper is based on an empirical survey of locals and visitors that considers the case of Fontina cheese, a typical Italian cheese. Findings: The research reveals that the origin of the product is, generally, more valued than protected designation of origin (PDO) certification. The perceived value of these attributes is then found to vary according to the distance between the region of origin of the product and consumers' residence. In particular, the importance of PDO certification for consumers increases with increasing distance from the region of origin of Fontina cheese. PDO is thus valued more by tourists than by locals. Originality/value: The analysis supports and builds on previous studies on the importance of PDO certification (Bruwer and Johnson 2010; Dimara and Skuras 2005). Importantly, this work contributes by eliciting consumers' preferences for PDO according to territorial differences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring Sensitivity to Land Degradation and Desertification with the Environmentally Sensitive Area Index: The Case of Lesvos Island
Authors: Symeonakis Elias , Karathanasis Nikolaos , Koukoulas Sotirios , Panagopoulos George
Published: March 2014

In Europe, the most susceptible areas to land degradation and desertification (LDD) are found in the Mediterranean region. The present study focuses on the island of Lesvos (Greece) and maps the environmental sensitivity of the island to LDD between the years 1990 and 2000. Sensitivity is estimated with a modification of the MEDALUS Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) approach, employing 21 quantitative parameters divided in five main quality indices: climate, vegetation, soils, groundwater and socio‐economic quality. Parameterisation of these indices is achieved via remote sensing and ancillary data in a Geographical Information System (GIS). Results show that ~85% of the island is fragile or critically sensitive in both epochs. Fragile areas are on the increase, covering an estimated 72% of the island in 1990 and 77% in 2000, whereas critically sensitive areas decrease from 214 to 113 km2. By modifying the ESAI to include 10 additional parameters related to soil erosion, groundwater quality, demographic and grazing pressure, and by applying the modified ESAI in two—rather than one—periods, this study was able to identify that, contrary to previous belief, critically sensitive areas are also found in the eastern side of the island mainly due to human‐related factors. It is concluded that the proposed methodology is a useful tool for regional scale trend analyses of environmental sensitivity and the identification of LDD hot spots in Mediterranean environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aqueous Copper‐Mediated Living Radical Polymerisation of N‐Acryloylmorpholine, SET‐LRP in Water
Authors: Anastasaki Athina , Haddleton Alice J. , Zhang Qiang , Simula Alexandre , Droesbeke Martijn , Wilson Paul , Haddleton David M.
Published: March 2014

The polymerisation of N‐acryloylmorpholine in water is reported utilising Cu(0)‐mediated living radical polymerisation (SET‐LRP). The inherent instability of [CuI(Me6‐Tren)Br] in aqueous solution is exploited via rapid disproportionation to prepare Cu(0) particles and [CuII(Me6‐Tren)Br2] in situ prior to addition of monomer and initiator. Quantitative conversion is attained within 30 min for various degrees of polymerisation (DPn = 20–640) with SEC showing symmetrical narrow molecular weight distributions (Đ < 1.18) in all cases. Optimised conditions are subsequently applied for the preparation of a diblock copolymer poly(NIPAm)‐b‐(N‐acryloylmorpholine), illustrating the versatility of this approach.

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Settlement analysis of rectangular piles in nonhomogeneous soil using a Winkler model approach
Authors: Hirai Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2014

An analytical approach using a Winkler model is investigated to provide analytical　solutions of settlement of a rectangular pile subjected to vertical loads in nonhomogeneous soils. For a vertically loaded pile with a rectangular cross section, the settlement influence factor of a normal pile in nonhomogeneous soils is derived from Mindlin's solution for elastic continuum analysis. For short piles with rectangular and circular cross sections, the modified forms of settlement influence factors of normal piles are produced taking into account the load transfer parameter proposed by Randolph for short circular piles. The modulus of subgrade reaction along a rectangular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is expressed by using the settlement influence factor related to Mindlin's solution to combine the elastic continuum approach with the subgrade‐reaction approach. The relationship between settlement and vertical load for a rectangular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is available in the form of the recurrence equation. The formulation of settlement of soils surrounding a rectangular pile subjected to vertical loads in nonhomogeneous soils is proposed by taking into account Mindlin's solution and both the equivalent thickness and the equivalent elastic modulus for layers in the equivalent elastic method. The difference of settlement between square and circular piles is insignificant, and the settlement of a rectangular pile decreases as the aspect ratio of the rectangular pile cross section increases. The comparison of results calculated by the present method for a rectangular pile in nonhomogeneous soils has shown good agreement with those obtained from the analytical methods and the finite element method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Closed‐form matrix exponential and its application in finite‐strain plasticity
Authors: Korelc Jože , Stupkiewicz Stanisław
Published: March 2014

A new method to compute numerically efficient closed‐form representation of matrix exponential and its derivative is developed for 3 × 3 matrices with real eigenvalues. The matrix exponential is obtained by automatic differentiation of an appropriate scalar generating function in a general case, and highly accurate asymptotic expansions are derived for special cases in which the general formulation exhibits ill‐conditioning, for instance, for almost equal eigenvalues. Accuracy and numerical efficiency of the closed‐form matrix exponential as compared with the truncated series approximation are studied. The application of the closed‐form matrix exponential in the finite‐strain elastoplasticity is also presented. To this end, several time‐discrete evolution laws employing the exponential map are discussed for J2 plasticity with isotropic hardening and nonlinear kinematic hardening of Armstrong–Frederick type. The discussion is restricted to the case of elastic isotropy and implicit time integration schemes. In this part, the focus is on a general automatic differentiation‐based formulation of finite‐strain plasticity models. Numerical efficiency of the corresponding incremental schemes is studied in the context of the FEM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A theoretical study on the stability and detonation performance of 2,2,3,3‐tetranitroaziridine (TNAD)
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Yang Junqing , Wang Tianyi , Gong Xuedong , Wang Guixiang
Published: March 2014

In recent years, there has been a considerable interest in developing high oxygen compounds as oxidizers for, for example, composite explosives. 2,2,3,3‐Tetranitroaziridine (TNAD) is a new designed compound with high oxygen balance (25.11%) and is environmentally friendly. A synthesis route of TNAD was suggested in this study, and the thermodynamic possibilities of reactions were evaluated by the changes in the free energy obtained with the density functional theory (DFT). The strong strain energy (Es = 292.28 kJ/mol) of TNAD leads the C–C bond in the ring more fragile than the C–NO2 bond, and the activation energy (Ea) of pyrolysis of the C–C bond (119.14 kJ/mol at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level of DFT) is higher than that of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) (113.00 kJ/mol). The topological analysis with the contour maps of electron density was used to show the changes of the electron density at the critical points (BCP) in the process of homolysis of the C–C bond. In addition, the energy gap between the frontier orbitals of TNAD (ΔEg = 5.22 eV) is slightly higher than that of 1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine (TNAZ, 5.06 eV). And the HOMO → LUMO transition plays important roles in the UV spectrum. The noncovalent interactions in the TNAD/RDX composite were estimated to be stronger than that in TNAZ/RDX, that is, the former may have better compatibility than the latter. TNAD/RDX with the weight ratio of wTNAD/wRDX = 0.46/0.54 has the wonderful performance (D = 9.14 km/s, P = 37.30 GPa, and Is = 285.47 s) which is better than that (D = 8.85 km/s, P = 35.09 GPa, and Is = 272.33 s) of TNAZ/RDX with the same weight ratio. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to reassure patients with topical steroid phobia
Authors: Ponnambath Nabil
Published: March 2014

Topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment in atopic dermatitis, but 60–80 per cent patients or carers have an aversion to using them due to the potential side‐effects. Here, the authors discuss topical steroid phobia and the importance of communication in its management.
Comparison of static mesoscale background‐error covariances estimated by three different ensemble data assimilation techniques
Authors: Bölöni Gergely , Berre Loïk , Adamcsek Edit
Published: March 2014

Three ensemble‐based analysis‐error representation techniques are applied and compared with the aim of simulating background errors of the mesoscale limited‐area model (LAM) Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique Développement International (ALADIN) and thus computing appropriate mesoscale static background‐error covariances for its three‐dimensional variational (3DVAR) data assimilation system. Real data assimilation experiments are performed for the simulation of the background errors, where uncertainties of the initial conditions and lateral boundary conditions are represented, while model errors are not accounted for. The three analysis error‐simulation techniques compared are as follows: (i) the downscaling of the analysis error represented by the stochastic ensemble data assimilation (EDA) system of a global model (DSC EDA); (ii) the representation of the analysis error by a LAM stochastic ensemble data assimilation (LAM EDA) system; and (iii) the representation of the analysis error by a LAM ensemble transform Kalman filter (LAM ETKF) system. Spectral diagnostics have been developed in the study, allowing an examination of the simulated background errors at different spatial scales. It is shown that LAM EDA provides more realistic simulated background errors than DSC EDA, particularly at mesoscales. This is also partly the case for LAM ETKF at mesoscales (although to a lesser extent than for LAM EDA). The error variance is underestimated by LAM ETKF, which suggests that the applied inflation technique could be improved. Analysis and forecast impact studies using background‐error covariance matrices based on the DSC EDA and LAM EDA error samples confirm the superiority of the latter simulation technique.
Improved sample preparation for intact cell mass spectrometry (biotyping) of mycelium samples taken from a batch fermentation process of Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Helmel Michaela , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Allmaier Günter
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Penicillium chrysogenum is an important species in biotechnology and an improved production rate for penicillin drug variants is of utmost interest. Intact cell mass spectrometry (ICMS) or biotyping can be a novel and time‐saving tool to monitor a fermentation process of Penicillium strains for fast intervention during penicillin production.

METHODS

Fermentation broth was collected directly from a fermenter at specific time points known to show significantly different penicillin production rates. The mycelium was purified by washing multiple times with water and recovered by centrifugation. The mycelium was further mixed with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS matrix and immediately spotted on different types of targets. ICMS spectra were obtained by MALDI time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS in the positive ion linear mode in the m/z range 3000 to 16 000.

RESULTS

An ICMS method for culture broth samples of P. chrysogenum was developed. It was shown that ferulic acid mixed with sinapinic acid (2.5 mg and 22.5 mg/mL) is the most appropriate matrix combination. The matrices were dissolved in acetonitrile/0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (70/30, v/v) and spotted together with the sample on various target types. Sample preparation was thoroughly studied for homogeneity and reproducibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Culture broth directly collected from a bioreactor could be analyzed applying the optimized approach. The ideal choice of matrix, the adequate preparation technique and the type of target were the focus of this work showing that samples collected at different times during fermentation exhibit a characteristic pattern using the developed method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paper spray ionization for ambient inorganic analysis
Authors: Cody Robert B. , Dane A. John
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

The feasibility of using paper spray ionization as an ambient ionization method for inorganic analysis was investigated.

METHODS

Aqueous solutions were spotted onto paper triangles and high voltage was applied to induce electrospray. In‐source collision‐induced dissociation assisted in breaking up clusters to produce mass spectra dominated by atomic ions and their corresponding oxides and hydroxides and high‐resolution exact mass measurements were used to identify atomic ions in the presence of organic interferences.

RESULTS

A feasibility test with a standard inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) test mixture demonstrated detection of 21 of 23 elements as M+• or [M + OH]+. The two undetected elements (boron and lithium) were below the minimum detectable m/z setting for the time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer used for these experiments. Untreated filter paper showed residual contamination from group I and group II elements. Excellent linearity was observed over the concentration range 0.1–1000 ppm for nickel(II) nitrate solutions containing 10 ppm cobalt(II) nitrate as internal standard. The method was applied to the analysis of lead‐free solder, a bismuth subsalicylate tablet, permanent magnet materials and lead chromate pigment in a three‐cent US postage stamp issued in 1948.

CONCLUSIONS

Paper spray ionization was successfully applied to qualitative inorganic analysis. Quantitative analysis was shown to be possible with the use of internal standards. Initial detection limits were much higher than for comparable inductively coupled plasma and glow discharge methods, ranging from the high parts‐per‐billion range to the low parts‐per‐million range. The detection limits for some elements were limited at low levels by the presence of interferences that were not separated by the resolving power of the mass spectrometer. Despite these limitations, the simplicity and potential portability of paper spray may find some applications for elemental analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the detection limits of a new argon gas cluster ion beam secondary ion mass spectrometry apparatus using lipid compound samples
Authors: Fujii Makiko , Nakagawa Shunichirou , Matsuda Kazuhiro , Man Naoki , Seki Toshio , Aoki Takaaki , Matsuo Jiro
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Ar gas cluster ion beam secondary ion mass spectrometry (Ar‐GCIB SIMS) has been developed as one of the most powerful tools used for analyzing complex biological materials because of its distinctively high secondary ion yield of large organic molecules. However, for the practical analysis of minor components in complex biological materials, the sensitivity of the technique is still insufficient.

METHODS

The detection limits of our original Ar‐GCIB SIMS apparatus were investigated by measuring lipid compound samples in positive ion mode. The samples were mixtures of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (C44H88NO8P, DSPC) and 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (C40H80NO8P, DPPC). The primary ions were accelerated with 10 keV and the mean cluster size was 1500. The secondary [M+H]+ ions emitted from the sample were analyzed using an orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (oa‐TOF‐MS). In addition, the isotope abundance ratio and the ratio of the [M+H]+ ion signal to the fragment ion signal acquired with Ar‐GCIB SIMS were compared with those obtained with conventional Bi cluster SIMS.

RESULTS

Secondary [M+H]+ ions and some characteristic fragment ions were clearly observed with high quantitative accuracy in the mass spectra acquired with Ar‐GCIB SIMS. The results were clearly better than those obtained with conventional Bi cluster SIMS.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection limit of Ar‐GCIB SIMS was found to be below 0.1% and was much lower than that of conventional Bi cluster SIMS because of the high [M+H]+ ion yield and the low background. The results suggested that the new Ar‐GCIB SIMS apparatus has the capability to acquire valuable information on complex biological materials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐Biofouling Polymer‐Decorated Lutetium‐Based Nanoparticulate Contrast Agents for In Vivo High‐Resolution Trimodal Imaging
Authors: Liu Zhen , Dong Kai , Liu Jianhua , Han Xueli , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: March 2014

Nanomaterials have gained considerable attention and interest in the development of novel and high‐resolution contrast agents for medical diagnosis and prognosis in clinic. A classical urea‐based homogeneous precipitation route that combines the merits of in situ thermal decomposition and surface modification is introduced to construct polyethylene glycol molecule (PEG)‐decorated hybrid lutetium oxide nanoparticles (PEG–UCNPs). By utilizing the admirable optical and magnetic properties of the yielded PEG–UCNPs, in vivo up‐conversion luminescence and T1‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of small animals are conducted, revealing obvious signals after subcutaneous and intravenous injection, respectively. Due to the strong X‐ray absorption and high atomic number of lanthanide elements, X‐ray computed‐tomography imaging based on PEG–UCNPs is then designed and carried out, achieving excellent imaging outcome in animal experiments. This is the first example of the usage of hybrid lutetium oxide nanoparticles as effective nanoprobes. Furthermore, biodistribution, clearance route, as well as long‐term toxicity are investigated in detail after intravenous injection in a murine model, indicating the overall safety of PEG–UCNPs. Compared with previous lanthanide fluorides, our nanoprobes exhibit more advantages, such as facile construction process and nearly total excretion from the animal body within a month. Taken together, these results promise the use of PEG–UCNPs as a safe and efficient nanoparticulate contrast agent for potential application in multimodal imaging.
Revisiting the Role of the College Union
Authors: Rouzer Robert M. , De Sawal Danielle M. , Yakaboski Tamara
Published: March 2014

This chapter explores the state of college unions on today's campuses.
Serving Diverse Student Populations in College Unions
Authors: Banks Willie L. , Hammond Debra L. , Hernandez Ebelia
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines ways to create conditions for inclusivity within college unions.
Student Engagement and College Unions
Authors: Lane Thomas , Perozzi Brett
Published: March 2014

This chapter explores the role that college unions play in fostering meaningful engagement of students in their college experiences.
College Unions, Learning, and Community Building
Authors: Rullman Loren J. , Harrington Kim D.
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines the importance of college union facilities to create community and to enhance the role of college unions as the “living room of the campus.”
Globalization and College Unions
Authors: Yakaboski Tamara , Perozzi Brett
Published: March 2014

This chapter provides a global perspective on today's college unions.
Evolutionary dynamics in finite populations with zealots
Authors: Nakajima Yohei , Masuda Naoki
Published: March 2014

We investigate evolutionary dynamics of two-strategy matrix games with zealots in finite populations. Zealots are assumed to take either strategy regardless of the fitness. When the strategy selected by the zealots is the same, the fixation of the strategy selected by the zealots is a trivial outcome. We study fixation time in this scenario. We show that the fixation time is divided into three main regimes, in one of which the fixation time is short, and in the other two the fixation time is exponentially long in terms of the population size. Different from the case without zealots, there is a threshold selection intensity below which the fixation is fast for an arbitrary payoff matrix. We illustrate our results with examples of various social dilemma games.
Scarf Osteotomy in Treating Hallux Valgus: Clinical and Radiographical Outcome and Technical Notes
Authors: Kin-Wing Law , Alwin Li Hok-Yin , Pang-Hei Li , Jid-Lee Qunn , Yuk-Leung Wai
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Scarf osteotomy can be a technically demanding procedure and early reports have shown high complication rates. Proponents, however, suggest that this type of osteotomy is versatile and allows for both translation and angulation correction of the hallux valgus (HV) deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the scarf osteotomy procedure performed in our hospital.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 31 feet in 25 patients with an average follow-up duration of 16 months (range: 6–30 months).

Results

On the latest follow up, 77% of the patients were satisfied with the result, with an average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 88. The average improvement of HV angle was from 37.9° to 10.0°. The intermetatarsal angle improved from 16.0° to 8.0°. The average first metatarsal shortening was 0.3 mm. Neither delayed union nor osteonecrosis was observed.

Conclusion

Scarf osteotomy is a reliable procedure to achieve correction of HV deformity with good patient satisfaction.
Sialyl Tn‐expressing bladder cancer cells induce a tolerogenic phenotype in innate and adaptive immune cells
Authors: Carrascal Mylène A. , Severino Paulo F. , Cabral M. Guadalupe , Silva Mariana , Ferreira José Alexandre , Calais Fernando , Quinto Hermínia , Pen Cláudia , Ligeiro Dário , Santos Lúcio Lara , Dall'Olio Fabio , Videira Paula A.
Published: March 2014

Despite the wide acceptance that glycans are centrally implicated in immunity, exactly how they contribute to the tilt immune response remains poorly defined. In this study, we sought to evaluate the impact of the malignant phenotype‐associated glycan, sialyl‐Tn (STn) in the function of the key orchestrators of the immune response, the dendritic cells (DCs). In high grade bladder cancer tissue, the STn antigen is significantly overexpressed and correlated with the increased expression of ST6GALNAC1 sialyltransferase. Bladder cancer tissue presenting elevated expression of ST6GALNAC1 showed a correlation with increased expression of CD1a, a marker for bladder immature DCs and showed concomitant low levels of Th1‐inducing cytokines IL‐12 and TNF‐α. In vitro, human DCs co‐incubated with STn+ bladder cancer cells, had an immature phenotype (MHC‐IIlow, CD80low and CD86low) and were unresponsive to further maturation stimuli. When contacting with STn+ cancer cells, DCs expressed significantly less IL‐12 and TNF‐α. Consistent with a tolerogenic DC profile, T cells that were primed by DCs pulsed with antigens derived from STn+ cancer cells were not activated and showed a FoxP3high IFN‐γlow phenotype. Blockade of STn antigens and of STn+ glycoprotein, CD44 and MUC1, in STn+ cancer cells was able to lower the induction of tolerance and DCs become more mature.

Overall, our data suggest that STn‐expressing cancer cells impair DC maturation and endow DCs with a tolerogenic function, limiting their capacity to trigger protective anti‐tumour T cell responses. STn antigens and, in particular, STn+ glycoproteins are potential targets for circumventing tumour‐induced tolerogenic mechanisms.
PRESUMED RESULTING TRUSTS, INTENTION AND DECLARATION
Authors: Mee John
Published: March 2014

Rejecting the competing positions of Swadling and Chambers, this article argues that the law of presumed resulting trusts reflects a very old rule that, upon a voluntary transfer, the fate of the beneficial interest in the property depends on the intention of the transferor. The case law shows that the presumption is of an intention to create a trust for the transferor or provider of the purchase money. It makes no difference if, reflecting the historically important concept of “retention”, this is phrased in negative terms as a presumption that the intention of the transferor was not to pass the beneficial interest to the transferee.
Women in Anchoritic and Semi-Anchoritic Monasticism in Egypt: Rethinking the Landscape
Authors: Schroeder Caroline T.
Published: March 2014

Outside of hagiography, the evidence for female anchorites in early Christian Egypt remains scarce. House ascetics in cities survive for us in documentary and other sources, but women monks in non-coenobitic, nonurban environments are more difficult to locate, to the point at which some scholars have begun to question their very existence. This essay seeks to change the parameters of the scholarly debate over the nature of non-coenobitic female monastic experience. It examines hagiography, monastic rules and letters, and documentary papyri to reassess the state of the field and to produce a fuller portrait of anchoritic and semi-anchoritic female asceticism. Non-coenobitic women's monasticism existed, and it crossed boundaries of geography and social status, as well as the traditional categories of lavra, eremitic, coenobitic, and house asceticism. This interdisciplinary approach provides insights not only into women ascetics’ physical locations but also into their class, education, and levels of autonomy. An intervention into the historiography of women's asceticism in late antique Egypt, this study ultimately questions the advisability of using traditional categorizations of “anchoritic,” “lavra,” and “coenobitic” to classify female monasticism, because they obscure the particularities and diversity of female ascetic history.
The Rise and Fall of Biblical Perspicuity: Remonstrants and the Transition toward Modern Exegesis
Authors: Stanglin Keith D.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this article is to examine the biblical exegesis of two seventeenth-century Dutch Remonstrant theologians, Simon Episcopius (1583–1643) and Étienne de Courcelles (1586–1659). Their hermeneutic was characterized by an emphasis on the perspicuity, or clarity, of scripture through the use of reason, combined with the marginalization of spiritual meanings in favor of the literal-grammatical sense alone. In both of these emphases, they went beyond their theological forebear, Jacob Arminius (1559–1609), and adumbrated the methods of later Enlightenment thinkers. The stress on perspicuity and authorial intention led to increasing fascination with text criticism, linguistic analysis, and historical contextualization, highly rarefied disciplines that became prerequisites for correct, scholarly biblical interpretation. This development also pushed the question of biblical fallibility closer to the center of the doctrine of scripture. As a consequence of the philological, scientific study of the Bible, biblical interpretation was relegated to the field of scholarship and doctrinal formulation to the church. The original ideal of biblical perspicuity resulted in biblical obscurity.