bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las estatuas-menhir noroccidentales en contexto: conectividad y conexiones materiales durante el Bronce Tardío/Final
Authors: Rodríguez-Corral Javier
Published: June 2015

Este artículo analiza las estatuas-menhir noroccidentales que se distribuyen en el área comprendida entre los valles del río Duero y el río Miño, pero que descubrimientos recientes han extendido a regiones fuera de este área nuclear. Partiendo de tres aspectos claves para su interpretación (la cronología, su relación con el paisaje y su sentido iconográfico), se examinan las relaciones entre estas formas materiales y un paisaje socio-material de acción específico (las formas socio-materiales de interacción propias del Bronce final atlántico). Para ello, se tiene en cuenta diferentes conexiones materiales (presencia, encuentro, coexistencia, hibridación, etc.) que permiten contextualizar las estatuasmenhir dentro de un proceso histórico particular: la integración del noroeste de la península Ibérica en un contexto de relaciones mediterráneo-atlánticas, en la segunda mitad del II milenio a.C.
Los ungüentarios de alabastro en el Mediterráneo. Primer Milenio a. C.
Authors: Mustafa Bashar
Published: June 2015

A partir del hallazgo de un tipo particular de envases: ungüentarios y perfumarios en una nueva tumba en el territorio de Arados/Amrit, observamos cómo se incrementa la presencia de estos envases en tumbas de incineración e inhumación durante el primer milenio antes de Cristo en la cuenca mediterránea. Hemos elaborado una serie de análisis y discusiones sobre su distribución, cronología, significado y uso social, tratando de establecer una periodización de sus usos y una contextualización cultural y social dentro del ritual funerario y del uso de determinadas materias primas empleadas para su elaboración.
Literacy and Technologies in EFL Settings: Fostering Reading Comprehension on the Internet
Authors: Girón-García Carolina
Published: June 2015

In a period of dramatic technological change (Kellner, 2000) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are developing exponentially and this has inevitably had an impact on how learning and literacy in the 21st century are being redefined (Benson & Chik, 2010). For this reason, educators have the need and the responsibility to adapt and integrate the curricula into a new digital context (Schmar-Dobler, 2003), making use of available digital tools in order to ensure that education is relevant to the demands of today’s society (Kress, 2003; Luzón, 2002). This article highlights the role of digital literacy to foster reading comprehension on the Internet in order to solve problems, activities, tasks; or simply to satisfy learners’ needs by providing an overview of one pedagogical intervention and qualitative data that shows its successful implementation.
Notes de les editores
Authors: Kim Ha Ram (Hannah) , Dooly Melinda
Published: June 2015

Existeixen probes contundents respecte de l’augment de la incorporació dels entorns web 2.0 en l’educació, particularment en l’aprenentatge i l’ensenyament de llengües. Les enquestes indiquen que un nombre creixent d’institucions educatives primàries, secundàries i terciàries tenen accés a les eines web 2.0, tot i que la manera en què aquestes eines poden millorar els processos d’aprenentatge és una qüestió que cal debatre.  Sovint la discussió sobre la integració de la tecnologia s’atura en pràctiques específiques, en lloc de considerar la importància que té per als docents d’avaluar críticament el potencial de la tecnologia per millorar i afavorir el processos d’aprenentatge, de manera que s’ajustin a les concepcions actuals sobre la construcció del coneixement.  Aquests canvis representen inevitablement nous desafiaments per als actors educatius des de molts angles diferents, un dels més importants dels quals és la forma de preparar la ciutadania per a l’aprenentatge virtual, en un món cada vegada més interconnectat, en què el "coneixement" no és lineal, sinó dinàmic, i sovint construït en col·laboració distribuïda. Les noves concepcions sobre què significa ensenyar i aprendre en entorns digitals reclama més investigació per aprofundir en aquestes qüestions complexes. Amb aquest esperit, els articles d'aquest volum especial observen de prop els fonaments teòrics i també les pràctiques reals que tenen com a objectiu integrar la tecnologia i l'aprenentatge de llengües com a part d'un procés social continu per a la construcció compartida de coneixement de comunicació.
MATHEMATICAL MORPHOLOGY BASED CHARACTERIZATION OF BINARY IMAGE
Authors: Sharma Raghvendra , Sagar B. S. Daya
Published: June 2015

This paper reports the results of a theoretical study on morphological characterization of foreground (X) and background (Xc) of a discrete binary image. Erosion asymmetry and dilation asymmetry, defined to elaborate smoothing of an image respectively by contraction and expansion, are generalized for multiscale smoothing, and their relationships with morphological skeleton and ridge (background skeleton) transformations are discussed. Then we develop algorithms identifying image topology in terms of critical scales corresponding to close-hulls and open-skulls, along with a few other salient characteristics, as respective smoothing by expansion and contraction proceeds. For empirical demonstration of these algorithms, essentially to unravel the hidden characteristics of topological and geometrical relevance, we considered deterministic and random binary Koch quadric fractals. A shape-size based zonal quantization technique for image and its background is introduced as analytical outcome of these algorithms. The ideas presented and demonstrated on binary fractals could be easily extended to the grayscale images and fractals.
Investigation of Vision-Based Underwater Object Detection with Multiple Datasets
Authors: Rizzini Dario Lodi , Kallasi Fabjan , Oleari Fabio , Caselli Stefano
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we investigate the potential of vision-based object detection algorithms in underwater environments using several datasets to highlight the issues arising in different scenarios. Underwater computer vision has to cope with distortion and attenuation due to light propagation in water, and with challenging operating conditions. Scene segmentation and shape recognition in a single image must be carefully designed to achieve robust object detection and to facilitate object pose estimation. We describe a novel multi-feature object detection algorithm conceived to find human-made artefacts lying on the seabed. The proposed method searches for a target object according to a few general criteria that are robust to the underwater context, such as salient colour uniformity and sharp contours. We assess the performance of the proposed algorithm across different underwater datasets. The datasets have been obtained using stereo cameras of different quality, and diverge for the target object type and colour, acquisition depth and conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been experimentally demonstrated. Finally, object detection is discussed in connection with the simple colour-based segmentation and with the difficulty of tri-dimensional processing on noisy data.
The Theory of Neural Cognition Applied to Robotics
Authors: Touzet Claude F.
Published: June 2015

The Theory of neural Cognition (TnC) states that the brain does not process information, it only represents information (i.e., it is ‘only’ a memory). The TnC explains how a memory can become an actor pursuing various goals, and proposes explanations concerning the implementation of a large variety of cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, language, planning, intelligence, emotions, motivation, pleasure, consciousness and personality. The explanatory power of this new framework extends further though, to tackle special psychological states such as hypnosis, the placebo effect and sleep, and brain diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The most interesting findings concern robotics: because the TnC considers the cortical column to be the key cognitive unit (instead of the neuron), it reduces the requirements for a brain implementation to only 160,000 units (instead of 86 billion). A robot exhibiting human-like cognitive abilities is therefore within our reach.
A Thermomechanical and Adhesion Analysis of Epoxy/Al2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: de Souza Juliana Primo Basílio , Reis João Marciano Laredo dos
Published: June 2015

The thermomechanial properties of polymeric nanocomposites are related to the quality of the adhesion between matrix and nanoparticle. Since the adhesion is related to the nature of the materials and the surface available for chemical, electrostatic and mechanical interactions among these materials, weak bonding forces between alumina (inorganic) and polymer matrices (organic) were expected. Furthermore, using nanoparticles with greater diameters means that the specific surface area reduction will have an adverse impact on the adhesive process. For epoxy matrices reinforced with alumina nanoparticles, different volume fractions and sizes were observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): a relation between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the nanoparticle size. This observation was tested by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and the cross-link density was calculated. In addition, the thermal stability enhanced by alumina addition to organic resins and the quality of the adhesion was observed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Point‐of‐Use Devices for Attenuation of Trace Organic Compounds in Water
Authors: Anumol Tarun , Clarke Bradley O. , Merel Sylvain , Snyder Shane A.
Published: June 2015

Trace organic compounds (TOrCs) continue to be detected in drinking water, and their recalcitrance makes them difficult to attenuate without installing expensive advanced treatment processes. Because human consumption is a small portion of net household water use, point‐of‐use (POU) devices may provide additional security against drinking water contaminants. This research evaluated three pitcher and two refrigerator POU devices using two waters. Refrigerator POU devices removed more TOrCs over the manufacturer's expected lifetime in terms of total mass than the pitcher POU devices. Average removal through all filters for nonionic, hydrophobic compounds was higher than for hydrophilic compounds in both waters. Removal of ionic compounds was enhanced by cation/anion exchange resins present in pitcher POU devices. Results indicated that POU devices are capable of removing significant amounts of organic contaminants in water. However, removal of a specific compound depends on its molecular properties, treatment technology implemented, and water quality and lifetime of the cartridge.
Weigh Options to Solve Tank‐Mixing Problems
Authors: Gabin Ira M.
Published: June 2015

New mixing technologies can prevent stagnation and stratification in potable water storage tanks. These advances, combined with new regulatory requirements and recent cold winters, have spurred interest in tank‐mixing systems. Before you decide to install a mixing system, consider a variety of solutions based on your unique tank issues.
Port Hinterland Modelling Based on Port Choice
Authors: Kramberger Tomaž , Rupnik Bojan , Štrubelj Gregor , Prah Klemen
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a new approach for hinterland modelling based on the results of port choice modelling. The paper follows the idea that the shippers’ port choice is a trade-off between various objective and subjective factors. The presented model tackles the problem by applying the AHP method in order to obtain ports’ preference rates based on subjective factors, and combine them with objective factors, which include port operation costs, sailing times, and land transport costs using MILP. The ports’ hinterlands are modelled by finding the optimal port of choice for different locations across Europe and merging the identical results. The model can be used in order to produce captive hinterland of ports and can also be exploited in order to analyse how changes in the traffic infrastructure influence the size of hinterlands.
Daple is a novel non-receptor GEF required for trimeric G protein activation in Wnt signaling
Authors: Aznar Nicolas , Midde Krishna K , Dunkel Ying , Lopez-Sanchez Inmaculada , Pavlova Yelena , Marivin Arthur , Barbazán Jorge , Murray Fiona , Nitsche Ulrich , Janssen Klaus-Peter , Willert Karl , Goel Ajay , Abal Miguel , Garcia-Marcos Mikel , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: June 2015

Wnt signaling is essential for tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation causes cancer. Wnt ligands trigger signaling by activating Frizzled receptors (FZDRs), which belong to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. However, the mechanisms of G protein activation in Wnt signaling remain controversial. In this study, we demonstrate that FZDRs activate G proteins and trigger non-canonical Wnt signaling via the Dishevelled-binding protein, Daple. Daple contains a Gα-binding and activating (GBA) motif, which activates Gαi proteins and an adjacent domain that directly binds FZDRs, thereby linking Wnt stimulation to G protein activation. This triggers non-canonical Wnt responses, that is, suppresses the β-catenin/TCF/LEF pathway and tumorigenesis, but enhances PI3K-Akt and Rac1 signals and tumor cell invasiveness. In colorectal cancers, Daple is suppressed during adenoma-to-carcinoma transformation and expressed later in metastasized tumor cells. Thus, Daple activates Gαi and enhances non-canonical Wnt signaling by FZDRs, and its dysregulation can impact both tumor initiation and progression to metastasis.
A new digital bathymetric model of the world's oceans
Authors: Weatherall Pauline , Marks K. M. , Jakobsson Martin , Schmitt Thierry , Tani Shin , Arndt Jan Erik , Rovere Marzia , Chayes Dale , Ferrini Vicki , Wigley Rochelle
Published: June 2015

General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) has released the GEBCO_2014 grid, a new digital bathymetric model of the world ocean floor merged with land topography from publicly available digital elevation models. GEBCO_2014 has a grid spacing of 30 arc sec and updates the 2010 release (GEBCO_08) by incorporating new versions of regional bathymetric compilations from the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean, the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean, the Baltic Sea Bathymetry Database, and data from the European Marine Observation and Data network bathymetry portal, among other data sources. Approximately 33% of ocean grid cells (not area) have been updated in GEBCO_2014 from the previous version, including both new interpolated depth values and added soundings. These updates include large amounts of multibeam data collected using modern equipment and navigation techniques, improving portrayed details of the world ocean floor. Of all nonland grid cells in GEBCO_2014, approximately 18% are based on bathymetric control data, i.e., primarily multibeam and single‐beam soundings or preprepared grids which may contain some interpolated values. The GEBCO_2014 grid has a mean and median depth of 3897 m and 3441 m, respectively. Hypsometric analysis reveals that 50% of the Earth's surface is composed of seafloor located 3200 m below mean sea level and that ~900 ship years of surveying would be needed to obtain complete multibeam coverage of the world's oceans.
Influence of volcanic eruptions on midlatitude upper tropospheric aerosol and consequences for cirrus clouds
Authors: Friberg Johan , Martinsson Bengt G. , Sporre Moa K. , Andersson Sandra M. , Brenninkmeijer Carl A. M. , Hermann Markus , van Velthoven Peter F. J. , Zahn Andreas
Published: June 2015

The influence of downwelling stratospheric sulfurous aerosol on the UT (upper troposphere) aerosol concentrations and on cirrus clouds is investigated using CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for Regular Investigation of the Atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container observations) (between 1999–2002 and 2005–2013) and the cirrus reflectance product from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The initial period, 1999–2002, was volcanically quiescent after which the sulfurous aerosol in the LMS (lowermost stratosphere) (SLMS) became enhanced by several volcanic eruptions starting 2005. From 2005 to 2008 and in 2013, volcanic aerosol from several tropical eruptions increased SLMS. Due to consequent subsidence, the sulfur loading of the upper troposphere (SUT) was increased by a factor of 2.5 compared to background levels. Comparison of SLMS and SUT during the seasons March–July and August–November shows a close coupling of the UT and LMS. Finally, the relationship between SLMS and the cirrus cloud reflectance (CR) retrieved from MODIS spectrometer (on board the satellites Terra and Aqua) is studied. SLMS and CR show a strong anticorrelation, with a factor of 3.5 increase in SLMS and decrease of CR by 8 ± 2% over the period 2001–2011. We propose that the increase of SLMS due to volcanism has caused the coinciding cirrus CR decrease, which would be associated with a negative radiative forcing in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes.
Yardang evolution from maturity to demise
Authors: Barchyn Thomas E. , Hugenholtz Chris H.
Published: June 2015

Yardangs are enigmatic wind‐parallel ridges sculpted by aeolian processes that are found extensively in arid environments on Earth and Mars. No general theory exists to explain the long‐term evolution of yardangs, curtailing modeling of landscape evolution and dynamics of suspended sediment release. We present a hypothesis of yardang evolution using relative rates of sediment flux, interyardang corridor downcutting, yardang denudation, substrate erodibility, and substrate clast content. To develop and sustain yardangs, corridor downcutting must exceed yardang vertical denudation and deflation. However, erosion of substrate yields considerable quantities of sediment that shelters corridors, slowing downcutting. We model the evolution of yardangs through various combinations of rates and substrate compositions, demonstrating the life span, suspended sediment release, and resulting landscape evolution. We find that yardangs have a distinct and predictable evolution, with inevitable demise and unexpectedly dynamic and autogenic erosion rates driven by subtle differences in substrate clast composition.
Omega band pulsating auroras observed onboard THEMIS spacecraft and on the ground
Authors: Sato Natsuo , Kadokura Akira , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Nishiyama Takanori , Hori Tomoaki , Yukimatu Akira Sessai
Published: June 2015

We examined a fortuitous case of an omega band pulsating aurora observed simultaneously on the ground at Sanikiluaq in Canada and onboard the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorm (THEMIS) spacecraft on 1 March 2011. We observed almost the entire process of the generation of the omega band aurora from the initial growth to the declining through expansion period. The omega band aurora grew from a faint seed, not via distortion of a preexisting east‐west band aurora. The size scale of the omega band aurora during the maximum period was ~500 km in the north‐south direction and ~200 km in the east‐west direction. The mesoscale omega band aurora consisted of more than 15 patches of complex‐shaped small‐scale auroras. Each patch contained an intense pulsating aurora with a recurrent period of ~9–12 s and a poleward moving form. The footprints of the THEMIS D and THEMIS E spacecraft crossed the poleward part of the omega band aurora. THEMIS D observed significant signatures in the electromagnetic fields and particles associated with the time at which the spacecraft crossed the omega band aurora. In particular, it was found that the Y and Z components of the DC electric field intensity, especially the Z component, modulated with almost the same period as that of the optical pulsating auroras. The electrostatic low‐frequency waves of less than 30 Hz showed quasiperiodic intensity variations similar to those of the DC electric field. These observations suggest that DC electric field variation and low‐frequency electrostatic waves may play important roles in the driving mechanism of omega band pulsating auroras.
Modulation of the connection between boreal winter ENSO and the South Asian high in the following summer by the stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation
Authors: Xue Xu , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Zhou Dingwen
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the modulation effect of boreal winter quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) on the connection between winter El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and the variability of the following summer's South Asian high (SAH) by using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis data for the period of 1979–2013. The results suggest that the boreal summer SAH is more significantly influenced by preceding ENSO events in the easterly phase of the QBO than in the westerly phase. The change in the ENSO‐SAH relationship in the different QBO phases may be attributable to the change in the ENSO‐induced sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). Specifically, ENSO's influence on the following summer's TIO SST is more significant when the QBO is in its easterly phase than westerly phase. Further analysis showed that the change in the connection between ENSO and the TIO SST in the different QBO phases may be attributable to change in the anomalous tropical Indian Ocean cell (IOC) associated with ENSO. In particular, the anomalous IOC induced by anomalous Walker circulation over the tropical Pacific is stronger and located further west in QBO easterly than westerly phase. This leads to stronger descending motion and larger SST anomalies over the TIO in the QBO easterly phase. These larger SST anomalies over the TIO in the QBO easterly phase could exert a more significant influence on the tropospheric temperature through moist adjustment, which subsequently results in stronger SAH variability.
Synthesis of Carbohydrate Capped Silicon Nanoparticles and their Reduced Cytotoxicity, In Vivo Toxicity, and Cellular Uptake
Authors: Ahire Jayshree H. , Behray Mehrnaz , Webster Carl A. , Wang Qi , Sherwood Victoria , Saengkrit Nattika , Ruktanonchai Uracha , Woramongkolchai Noppawan , Chao Yimin
Published: June 2015

The development of smart targeted nanoparticles (NPs) that can identify and deliver drugs at a sustained rate directly to cancer cells may provide better efficacy and lower toxicity for treating primary and advanced metastatic tumors. Obtaining knowledge of the diseases at the molecular level can facilitate the identification of biological targets. In particular, carbohydrate‐mediated molecular recognitions using nano‐vehicles are likely to increasingly affect cancer treatment methods, opening a new area in biomedical applications. Here, silicon NPs (SiNPs) capped with carbohydrates including galactose, glucose, mannose, and lactose are successfully synthesized from amine terminated SiNPs. The MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] analysis shows an extensive reduction in toxicity of SiNPs by functionalizing with carbohydrate moiety both in vitro and in vivo. Cellular uptake is investigated with flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscope. The results show the carbohydrate capped SiNPs can be internalized in the cells within 24 h of incubation, and can be taken up more readily by cancer cells than noncancerous cells. Moreover, these results reinforce the use of carbohydrates for the internalization of a variety of similar compounds into cancer cells.
Gate Tuning of High‐Performance InSe‐Based Photodetectors Using Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Luo Wengang , Cao Yufei , Hu Pingan , Cai Kaiming , Feng Qi , Yan Faguang , Yan Tengfei , Zhang Xinhui , Wang Kaiyou
Published: June 2015

In order to increase the response speed of the InSe‐based photodetector with high photoresponsivity, graphene is used as the transparent electrodes to modify the difference of the work function between the electrodes and the InSe. As expected, the response speed of InSe/graphene photodetectors is down to 120 μs, which is about 40 times faster than that of an InSe/metal device. It can also be tuned by the back‐gate voltage from 310 μs down to 100 μs. With the high response speed, the photoresponsivity can reach as high as 60 A W−1 simultaneously. Meanwhile the InSe/graphene photodetectors possess a broad spectral range at 400–1000 nm. The design of 2D crystal/graphene electrical contacts can be important for high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis and Recognition of Nano Pore Molecularly Imprinted Polymers of Thymol on the Surface of Modified Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Masoumi Motahare , Jahanshahi Mohsen
Published: June 2015

To the best of our knowledge, for the first time in this study, nano pore molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared using thymol as a template. A molecularly imprinting polymer with high performance for recognizing thymol was prepared by a novel surface molecular imprinting technique. First, silica nanoparticles were modified with γ‐methacyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH‐570) as a support material. Afterward, surface molecularly imprinted polymers (SMIP) were obtained through polymerization with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate as the cross‐linking agent. The produced polymers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The SMIP were obtained with the average core shell thickness of 17 nm, an average pore diameter of 3.9 nm, and the high specific surface area of 282.3 m2 g−1. The adsorption properties were revealed by batch binding experiments. The results indicated that the SMIP had higher binding capacity for thymol than its nonimprinted polymers. The selectivity of the SMIP obtained was clarified by using thymol and structurally related compounds. The selectivity coefficient of SMIP for thymol with respect to competition species obtained was 2.44, which revealed SMIP had good selectivity and site accessibility for thymol. A kinetic binding study showed that adsorption capacity of SMIP increased continuously with time and reached saturation adsorption at 90 min.
Solution‐Grown Organic Single‐Crystal Field‐Effect Transistors with Ultrahigh Response to Visible‐Blind and Deep UV Signals
Authors: Wu Gang , Chen Chen , Liu Shuang , Fan Congcheng , Li Hanying , Chen Hongzheng
Published: June 2015

Visible‐light transparent 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) single crystal ribbons prepared by low‐cost solution process are applied as the channel layer of the UV active field‐effect transistor. The device exhibits ultrahigh response to visible‐blind and deep UV signals because of the good charge transport ability of the C8‐BTBT single‐crystals. In the case of very weak 365 nm UV lamination (0.2 mW cm−2), the photo to dark current ratio (P) and photoresponsivity (R) reach to 3.0 × 104 and 1200 A W−1 at Vg = −23 V, Vds = −30 V. When 1 mW cm−2 280 nm deep UV light is applied, the P and R value is 8300 and 44 A W−1, respectively. The result is the highest record in the organic UV photodetectors ever reported. This work offers the possibility of fabricating a high‐performance, low‐energy exhaust UV sensor free of visible‐light interference or UV controlled memory device, and opens a practical avenue for the realization of sensitive detection of deep UV signals.
The Paternal Provisioning Hypothesis: Effects of workload and testosterone production on men's musculature
Authors: Alvarado Louis Calistro , Muller Martin N. , Emery Thompson Melissa , Klimek Magdalena , Nenko Ilona , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Testosterone supports male reproduction through a broad range of behavioral and physiological effects, including the maintenance of sexually dimorphic muscle used in male‐male competition. Although it is often assumed that a persistent relationship exists between men's testosterone production and musculature, most studies either fail to find evidence for such a relationship, or document very weak associations. In nonhuman primates, by contrast, correlations between testosterone and muscle mass are higher. Here, we propose the “Paternal Provisioning Hypothesis,” which predicts that men's skeletal muscle is less dependent on the effects of androgens than that of other primates, and more sensitive to the physical demands of men's work. This permits human fathers to downregulate testosterone, which has negative impacts on pair‐bonding and parenting effort, but without sacrificing the strength and musculature necessary to provision mates and offspring.

Methods

We tested predictions of the Paternal Provisioning Hypothesis by assessing parental status, salivary testosterone levels, anthropometry, and strength among 122 men (ages 18–78) at the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site in rural Poland. We chose this population because men practice subsistence agriculture, regularly engaging in physically demanding labor. Grip and chest strength were assessed using a dynamometer, and upper‐body musculature was estimated from arm muscle circumference.

Results

In this population, testosterone showed no association with measures of strength or musculature, and was lower in older men and pair‐bonded fathers. Marital and parental status and workload, by contrast, were positive predictors of muscle mass and strength measures.

Discussion

These findings offer support for the Paternal Provisioning Hypothesis. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:19–35, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using isotopic evidence to assess the impact of migration and the two‐layer hypothesis in prehistoric Northeast Thailand
Authors: King Charlotte L. , Tayles Nancy , Higham Charles , Strand‐Viđarsdóttir Una , Bentley R. Alexander , Macpherson Colin G. , Nowell Geoff
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The nature of the agricultural transition in Southeast Asia has been a topic of some debate for archaeologists over the past decades. A prominent model, known as the two‐layer hypothesis, states that indigenous hunter‐gatherers were subsumed by the expansion of exotic Neolithic farmers into the area around 2000 BC. These farmers had ultimate origins in East Asia and brought rice and millet agriculture. Ban Non Wat is one of the few archaeological sites in Southeast Asia where this model can potentially be tested. The site is located in the Mun River valley of Northeast Thailand, and divided into 12 phases that span over 2,000 years, from about 1750 BC to the end of the Iron Age (ca. 500 AD). These phases exhibit successive cultural changes, and current interpretation of the site is of an early hunter‐gatherer population, with agriculturalists immigrating into the later phases.

Methods

We analyzed strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel from over 150 individuals, dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age, to assess extrinsic origins and differences in diet between early and later phases.

Results

We find evidence of dietary and cultural differences between groups at Ban Non Wat during its early occupation, but little evidence for immigration from distinct environments beyond the Khorat Plateau of Northeast Thailand.

Conclusions

The lack of consistent isotopic differences between early and later Neolithic occupants at Ban Non Wat means that the site does not conclusively support the two‐layer hypothesis. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:141–150, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The largest relative testis size among primates and aseasonal reproduction in a nocturnal lemur, Mirza zaza
Authors: Rode‐Margono Eva Johanna , Nekaris K. Anne‐Isola , Kappeler Peter M. , Schwitzer Christoph
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Testis size is an indirect indicator of a species’ mating system, along with sexual size and canine dimorphism, existence and usage of mating and advertisement calls as well as the spatial distribution of males and females ready to mate in solitary species. Upon its recent discovery, the northern giant mouse lemur Mirza zaza was suggested to have a polygynandrous mating system and to exhibit seasonal breeding. We tested these predictions in a field study in Sahamalaza National Park, NW Madagascar.

Materials and Methods

We caught 12 M. zaza, before and during the suggested mating period and obtained standard field morphometric measurements, including testes size.

Results

We show that M. zaza has the highest relative testis volume among primates, indicating strong sperm competition and polygynandrous mating. In addition, based on inferred age of captured animals, observed mating behavior, a female caught in met‐estrus and data from captivity, we suggest M. zaza to be one of the few lemurs that breed aseasonally.

Discussion

Future field work on this endangered species is required to illuminate the causes and consequences of intense promiscuity and aseasonal breeding despite strong habitat seasonality, which distinguish M. zaza from most other nocturnal lemurs. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:165–169, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and use of varied natural tools for extractive foraging by bonobos (Pan Paniscus)
Authors: Roffman Itai , Savage‐Rumbaugh Sue , Rubert‐Pugh Elizabeth , Stadler André , Ronen Avraham , Nevo Eviatar
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The tool‐assisted extractive foraging capabilities of captive (zoo) and semi‐captive (sanctuary) bonobo (Pan paniscus) groups were compared to each other and to those known in wild chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) cultures.

Materials and Methods

The bonobos were provided with natural raw materials and challenged with tasks not previously encountered, in experimental settings simulating natural contexts where resources requiring special retrieval efforts were hidden. They were shown that food was buried underground or inserted into long bone cavities, and left to tackle the tasks without further intervention.

Results

The bonobos used modified branches and unmodified antlers or stones to dig under rocks and in the ground or to break bones to retrieve the food. Antlers, short sticks, long sticks, and rocks were effectively used as mattocks, daggers, levers, and shovels, respectively. One bonobo successively struck a long bone with an angular hammer stone, completely bisecting it longitudinally. Another bonobo modified long branches into spears and used them as attack weapons and barriers. Bonobos in the sanctuary, unlike those in the zoo, used tool sets to perform sequential actions.

Discussion

The competent and diverse tool‐assisted extractive foraging by the bonobos corroborates and complements the extensive information on similar tool use by chimpanzees, suggesting that such competence is a shared trait. Better performance by the sanctuary bonobos than the zoo group was probably due to differences in their cultural exposure and housing conditions. The bonobos' foraging techniques resembled some of those attributed to Oldowan hominins, implying that they can serve as referential models. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:78–91, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐specific stature estimation from long bones in the early medieval Pohansko (Czech Republic)
Authors: Sládek Vladimír , Macháček Jiří , Ruff Christopher B. , Schuplerová Eliška , Přichystalová Renáta , Hora Martin
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

We tested the effect of population‐specific linear body proportions on stature estimation.

Materials and Methods:

We used a skeletal sample of 31 males and 20 females from the Early Medieval site at Pohansko (Břeclav, Central Europe) and a comparative Central European Early Medieval sample of 45 males and 28 females. We developed new population‐specific equations for the Pohansko sample using anatomical reconstructions of stature, then compared percentage prediction errors (%PEs) of anatomical stature from limb bone lengths using the derived Pohansko equations with those previously derived from more general European and other Early Medieval samples.

Results:

Among general European equations, the lowest %PEs for the Pohansko sample were obtained using the equations of Formicola and Franceschi: Am J Phys Anthropol 100 (1996) 83–88 and Ruff et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 148 (2012) 601–617. However, unexpectedly, the choice between tibial latitudinal variants proposed by Ruff et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 148 (2012) 601–617 appeared to be sex‐specific, with northern and southern variants producing lower %PEs for males and females, respectively. Equations from Breitinger: Anthropol Anz 14 (1937) 249–274, Bach: Anthropol Anz 29 (1965) 12–21, and Sjøvold: Hum Evol 5 (1990) 431–447 provided poor agreement with anatomical stature. When applied to the comparative Central European Early Medieval sample, our new formulae have generally lower %PE than previously derived formulae based on other European Early Medieval samples (Maijanen and Niskanen: Int J Osteoarchaeol 20 (2010) 472–480; Vercellotti et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 140 (2009) 135–142.

Conclusions:

The best agreement with anatomical stature among our newly developed equations was obtained using femoral+tibial length, followed by femoral length. Upper limb bone lengths resulted in higher %PEs. Variation in the tibia is likely to contribute most to potential bias in stature estimation. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:312–324, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of the oropharyngeal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a case series and literature review
Authors: Melton Myles F. , Pearlman Aaron N.
Published: June 2015

Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent B‐lineage neoplasm responsible for 30% of all leukemias. The median age of onset is 67 years with a male predominance of 2:1. Localized infiltration in the oropharynx and paranasal sinuses is exceptionally rare. The aims of this study were (1) to add an additional case series of CLL with involvement of the oropharynx and paranasal sinuses to the literature and (2) to determine incidence and demographic data.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from 1990 to 2014.

Results

Five cases were found in our case series, representing 0.74% of the total number of cases analyzed (5/680). Sixteen additional cases were identified through literature review, resulting in a total of 21 cases of CLL (13 men, 8 women) with involvement of the oropharynx (n = 15) and paranasal sinuses (n = 6). The average age of patients with CLL in the oropharynx was 62 years whereas in the paranasal sinuses it was 52 years (p = 0.16). The average age of female cases was 62 years and the average age of male cases was 58 years (p = 0.63). Almost 85% (84.6%) of men had oropharynx invasion vs 50% of females (p = 0.15), which suggests a nonsignificant trend.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate that CLL infiltrates the oropharynx or paranasal sinuses in less than 1% of CLL cases. Although there seems to be no age bias between invasion in the oropharynx and the paranasal sinuses, there is a trend whereby women appear more likely to experience invasion of the paranasal sinuses.
Shape‐memory behaviors of electrospun chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) composite nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Wei Hongqiu , Zhang Fenghua , Zhang Dawei , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: June 2015

With aim of constructing a class of functional environmentally friendly materials, we electrospun chitosan (CS) blends with various contents of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) into a series of composite nanofibrous membranes exhibiting shape‐memory behaviors. In the present composite system, CS and PEO served as hard and soft domains, respectively. The CS, presenting no thermal transition, and the PEO, with apparent melting–crystallization, were demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry testing. Characterizations also revealed that the morphologies of the CS/PEO membranes were controlled by the mass ratios of CS/PEO. The composite fibrous membranes showed great mechanical performances and thermal stabilities as well. Moreover, CS/PEO possessed excellent shape‐memory behaviors. Such fibrous membranes could complete their shape‐recovery processes within 20 s at the temperature of 20°C above the melting transition temperature (Tm). Both the shape fixity and shape‐recovery ratios were higher than 90%, even after five cycles. The CS/PEO fibrous membranes present significant potential applications in the field of biotechnology and tissue engineering, such as in scaffolds and smart tubes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42532.
An in situ intercalative polymerization method for preparing UV curable clay–polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Pavlacky Erin , Webster Dean C.
Published: June 2015

A novel in situ intercalative polymerization technique was used to disperse clay mineral in a precursor resin for use in UV curing by performing an in situ ion exchange reaction during polyesterification. Unmodified montmorillonite (MMT) was added to a reaction mixture composed of monomers and methyl, tallow, bis‐2‐hydroxyethyl ammonium (MTEtOH) during the synthesis of unsaturated polyesters to create resins containing highly dispersed, organically modified MMT. UV‐curable clay–polymer nanocomposite (CPN) films were then prepared utilizing donor–acceptor chemistry through reactions of the unsaturated polyester resin with triethylene glycol divinyl ether. Functional group conversion improved up to 15% by the incorporation of clay mineral into the polymer matrix through the in situ polymerization method. The CPNs also had improved barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties over a control film containing no clay mineral. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42601.
Realising and extending Stenhouse's vision of teacher research: the case of English history teachers
Authors: Fordham Michael
Published: June 2015

Stenhouse's original vision of teacher research incorporated a strong emphasis on curriculum construction, interpretation and evaluation. This curricular emphasis is less prevalent in the present in the dominant ‘professional development’ and ‘what works’ traditions of teacher research. It is shown here, however, that this curricular focus has been maintained in the published discourse of history teachers in England. Using a citation analysis to illuminate the growth of professional knowledge, this paper shows how curricular issues drove history‐teacher published discourse between 2004 and 2013, and how this discourse drew upon a highly subject‐specific knowledge base in this period. Research by teachers in a tradition of ‘curriculum theorising’, it is argued here, could prove to be a powerful component in establishing a more systematic knowledge base for the profession.
The potential of random forest and neural networks for biomass and recombinant protein modeling in Escherichia coli fed‐batch fermentations
Authors: Melcher Michael , Scharl Theresa , Spangl Bernhard , Luchner Markus , Cserjan Monika , Bayer Karl , Leisch Friedrich , Striedner Gerald
Published: June 2015

Product quality assurance strategies in production of biopharmaceuticals currently undergo a transformation from empirical “quality by testing” to rational, knowledge‐based “quality by design” approaches. The major challenges in this context are the fragmentary understanding of bioprocesses and the severely limited real‐time access to process variables related to product quality and quantity. Data driven modeling of process variables in combination with model predictive process control concepts represent a potential solution to these problems. The selection of statistical techniques best qualified for bioprocess data analysis and modeling is a key criterion. In this work a series of recombinant Escherichia coli fed‐batch production processes with varying cultivation conditions employing a comprehensive on‐ and offline process monitoring platform was conducted. The applicability of two machine learning methods, random forest and neural networks, for the prediction of cell dry mass and recombinant protein based on online available process parameters and two‐dimensional multi‐wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy is investigated. Models solely based on routinely measured process variables give a satisfying prediction accuracy of about ± 4% for the cell dry mass, while additional spectroscopic information allows for an estimation of the protein concentration within ± 12%. The results clearly argue for a combined approach: neural networks as modeling technique and random forest as variable selection tool.
Risk of new-onset type II diabetes after appendicectomy
Authors: Wei P-L , Tsai M-C , Hung S-H , Lee H-C , Lin H-C , Lee C-Z
Published: June 2015

Background

Altered immune function after appendicectomy has been associated with autoimmune disease, even though the mechanisms are not clearly elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether the frequency of new-onset type II diabetes was increased after appendicectomy in a case–control study.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. The relative risk was compared with that in the general population using population-based data. Each patient was tracked for a 3-year interval to identify those who developed type II diabetes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the risk of type II diabetes during follow-up.

Results

A total of 31 512 patients were included in the study, of whom 5252 had an appendicectomy (study cohort) and 26 260 were matched for comparison. Some 714 patients (2·3 per cent) developed type II diabetes during the 3-year follow-up, 161 in the study cohort (3·1 per cent) and 553 in the comparison cohort (2·1 per cent). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for type II diabetes in the study cohort was 1·45 (95 per cent c.i. 1·22 to 1·74). This increased risk was most pronounced in men (adjusted HR 1·47, 1·16 to 1·88) and in those with a perforated appendix (adjusted HR 2·28, 1·71 to 3·03), and applied only to patients younger than 65 years of age.

Conclusion

An increased risk of new-onset type II diabetes within 3 years after appendicectomy was found in patients aged less than 65 years. The risk was highest in men and in those with complicated appendicitis.
Coronary artery perforation at the level of two‐overlapping bioresorbable vascular scaffolds: The importance of vessel sizing and scaffold thickness
Authors: Pichette Maxime , Chevalier Florent , Généreux Philippe
Published: June 2015

Everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have emerged as an alternative to conventional metallic stents and have demonstrated favorable outcomes in simple coronary lesions. As the use of BVS increases and extends to more complex lesion subsets, intraprocedural complications are expected to occur. We describe for the first time the occurrence of a free coronary perforation localized at the exact point of overlap of two BVS. This case illustrates the importance of appropriate vessel sizing, especially when BVS overlapping is performed in a small vessel, and potential advantages of scaffold juxtaposition compared to overlapping when implanting BVS in series. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Interchange of 3d and 4f Ions in Single‐Molecule Magnets: Stepwise Assembly of [Mn4], [Mn3Ln] and [Mn2Ln2] Cages within Calix[4]arene Scaffolds
Authors: Palacios Maria A. , McLellan Ross , Beavers Christine M. , Teat Simon J. , Weihe Høgni , Piligkos Stergios , Dalgarno Scott J. , Brechin Euan K.
Published: June 2015

The central MnII ions in a series of calix[4]arene‐stabilised butterflies can be sequentially replaced with LnIII ions, maintaining the structural integrity of the molecule but transforming its magnetic properties. The replacement of MnII for GdIII allows for the examination of the transferability of spin‐Hamiltonian parameters within the family as well as permitting their reliable determination. The introduction of the 4f ions results in weaker intramolecular magnetic exchange, an increase in the number of low‐lying excited states, and an increase in magnetisation relaxation, highlighting the importance of exchange over single‐ion anisotropy for the observation of SMM behaviour in this family of complexes. The presence of the [TMII/III(TBC[4])(OH)(solvent)] metalloligand (TM=transition metal, TBC=p‐tBu‐calix[4]arene) suggests that magnetic calix[n]arene building blocks can be employed to encapsulate a range of different “guests” within structurally robust “hosts”.