bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eficacia de un programa de intervención basado en el uso de las TIC en la tutoría
Authors: Castellano Luque Eufrasio Amador , Pantoja Vallejo Antonio
Published: January 2017

El uso de las tecnologías está cada vez más asentado en la sociedad actual, sin embargo apenas existen experiencias contrastadas que evidencien si las mismas pueden promover desde el trabajo del tutor, mejoras sustanciales en el aprendizaje del alumnado. Con tal fin, se lleva a cabo una investigación para conocer la eficacia de un programa de intervención basado en el uso de las TIC en la tutoría con alumnos de 5º y 6º de Educación Primaria. En el mismo se pretende comprobar si se producen mejoras en los niveles de autoestima, motivación y rendimiento académico. Se sigue el método cuasiexperimental con diseño de pretest-postest. La muestra la forman 196 individuos de Primaria, divididos en grupo experimental/control al 50%. Los resultados obtenidos señalan mejoras significativas en autoestima y eficacia lectora. Sin embargo, el sexo no es factor determinante en la consecución de resultados, ni la edad, profesión y nivel de estudios de los padres; tampoco el uso de las TIC y la conexión a Internet. Como apuesta de futuro se plantea conceder más protagonismo a la figura del tutor y su relación con el alumno y su familia mediante el uso de tecnologías en el apoyo del proceso de aprendizaje.
Diversidad educativa. ¿Un potencial desconocido?
Authors: Bartolomé Pina Margarita
Published: January 2017

Este artículo aborda el aporte que puede hacerse a la urgencia de un cambio en la concepción y práctica de la educación. Para ello, intenta focalizar la mirada en las diferencias educativas y la posibilidad de un enfoque desde una perspectiva dinámica y positiva, susceptible de un aprendizaje permanente. Se basa en las aportaciones emergentes de diferentes campos científicos y tecnológicos (especialmente desde la neurociencia educativa, los estudios sobre las inteligencias múltiples y su evolución, el aprendizaje adaptativo y la resiliencia) que están influenciando o pueden influenciar prácticas educativas y que inciden en la concepción de la educación inclusiva. Se sugiere una investigación educativa que haga avanzar ese enfoque y se plantee desde el reconocimiento positivo de la diversidad, contribuir al cambio educativo.
Myogenic regulatory transcription factors regulate growth in rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Tenente Inês M , Hayes Madeline N , Ignatius Myron S , McCarthy Karin , Yohe Marielle , Sindiri Sivasish , Gryder Berkley , Oliveira Mariana L , Ramakrishnan Ashwin , Tang Qin , Chen Eleanor Y , Petur Nielsen G , Khan Javed , Langenau David M
Published: January 2017

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric malignacy of muscle with myogenic regulatory transcription factors MYOD and MYF5 being expressed in this disease. Consensus in the field has been that expression of these factors likely reflects the target cell of transformation rather than being required for continued tumor growth. Here, we used a transgenic zebrafish model to show that Myf5 is sufficient to confer tumor-propagating potential to RMS cells and caused tumors to initiate earlier and have higher penetrance. Analysis of human RMS revealed that MYF5 and MYOD are mutually-exclusively expressed and each is required for sustained tumor growth. ChIP-seq and mechanistic studies in human RMS uncovered that MYF5 and MYOD bind common DNA regulatory elements to alter transcription of genes that regulate muscle development and cell cycle progression. Our data support unappreciated and dominant oncogenic roles for MYF5 and MYOD convergence on common transcriptional targets to regulate human RMS growth.
Protection from within
Authors: Masson Florent , Lemaitre Bruno
Published: January 2017

The development of the tsetse fly immune system relies on a cue from an endosymbiotic bacterium called Wigglesworthia.
Personal exploration: Serendipity and intentionality as altering positions in a creative process
Authors: Mäkelä Maarit
Published: January 2017

Artists and designers have recently begun to take an active role in contextualising the creative process in relation to their practice. Thus, understanding how the creative mind proceeds has been supplemented with knowledge obtained inside the creative process. In this way, the spheres of knowledge, material thinking and experience that are fostered through creative work have become entangled and embedded as elemental parts of the research process. This article is based on documentation and reflection of the author’s creative practice in contemporary ceramic art at the beginning of 2015. The article discusses how the creative process proceeds by alternating between two positions: serendipity and intentionality. By describing the different phases of the process, it reveals the interplay between the diverse range of activities and how these gradually construct the creative process
In vitroeffect of direct current electrical stimulation on rat mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mobini Sahba , Leppik Liudmila , Thottakkattumana Parameswaran Vishnu , Barker John Howard
Published: January 2017

Background

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been successfully used to treat bone defects clinically. Recently, both cellular and molecular approaches have demonstrated that ES can change cell behavior such as migration, proliferation and differentiation.

Methods

In the present study we exposed rat bone marrow- (BM-) and adipose tissue- (AT-) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to direct current electrical stimulation (DC ES) and assessed temporal changes in osteogenic differentiation. We applied 100 mV/mm of DC ES for 1 h per day for three, seven and 14 days to cells cultivated in osteogenic differentiation medium and assessed viability and calcium deposition at the different time points. In addition, expression of osteogenic genes, Runx2, Osteopontin, and Col1A2 was assessed in BM- and AT-derived MSCs at the different time points.

Results

Results showed that ES changed osteogenic gene expression patterns in both BM- and AT-MSCs, and these changes differed between the two groups. In BM-MSCs, ES caused a significant increase in mRNA levels of Runx2, Osteopontin and Col1A2 at day 7, while in AT-MSCs, the increase in Runx2 and Osteopontin expression were observed after 14 days of ES.

Discussion

This study shows that rat bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived stem cells react differently to electrical stimuli, an observation that could be important for application of electrical stimulation in tissue engineering.
Phalangeal joints kinematics during ostrich (Struthio camelus) locomotion
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ji Qiaoli , Luo Gang , Xue Shuliang , Ma Songsong , Li Jianqiao , Ren Lei
Published: January 2017

The ostrich is a highly cursorial bipedal land animal with a permanently elevated metatarsophalangeal joint supported by only two toes. Although locomotor kinematics in walking and running ostriches have been examined, these studies have been largely limited to above the metatarsophalangeal joint. In this study, kinematic data of all major toe joints were collected from gaits with double support (slow walking) to running during stance period in a semi-natural setup with two selected cooperative ostriches. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate the effect of locomotor gait on toe joint kinematics. The MTP3 and MTP4 joints exhibit the largest range of motion whereas the first phalangeal joint of the 4th toe shows the largest motion variability. The interphalangeal joints of the 3rd and 4th toes present very similar motion patterns over stance phases of slow walking and running. However, the motion patterns of the MTP3 and MTP4 joints and the vertical displacement of the metatarsophalangeal joint are significantly different during running and slow walking. Because of the biomechanical requirements, osctriches are likely to select the inverted pendulum gait at low speeds and the bouncing gait at high speeds to improve movement performance and energy economy. Interestingly, the motions of the MTP3 and MTP4 joints are highly synchronized from slow to fast locomotion. This strongly suggests that the 3rd and 4th toes really work as an “integrated system” with the 3rd toe as the main load bearing element whilst the 4th toe as the complementary load sharing element with a primary role to ensure the lateral stability of the permanently elevated metatarsophalangeal joint.
Resources available for autism research in the big data era: a systematic review
Authors: Al-jawahiri Reem , Milne Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Recently, there has been a move encouraged by many stakeholders towards generating big, open data in many areas of research. One area where big, open data is particularly valuable is in research relating to complex heterogeneous disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The inconsistencies of findings and the great heterogeneity of ASD necessitate the use of big and open data to tackle important challenges such as understanding and defining the heterogeneity and potential subtypes of ASD. To this end, a number of initiatives have been established that aim to develop big and/or open data resources for autism research. In order to provide a useful data reference for autism researchers, a systematic search for ASD data resources was conducted using the Scopus database, the Google search engine, and the pages on ‘recommended repositories’ by key journals, and the findings were translated into a comprehensive list focused on ASD data. The aim of this review is to systematically search for all available ASD data resources providing the following data types: phenotypic, neuroimaging, human brain connectivity matrices, human brain statistical maps, biospecimens, and ASD participant recruitment. A total of 33 resources were found containing different types of data from varying numbers of participants. Description of the data available from each data resource, and links to each resource is provided. Moreover, key implications are addressed and underrepresented areas of data are identified.
Additional new species of the lichen genus Pertusaria from China
Authors: Ren Qiang
Published: January 2017

Pertusaria lacerocarpa Q. Ren (diagnostic characters for the species are a grey or ash-grey thallus corticolous; disciform apothecia with pink discs of which are slightly pruinose; a K– epihymenium; 1-spored asci with cylindric or ellipsoid spores, the walls of which are smooth and not trimmed; and the presence of hypothamnolic acid), P. montana Q. Ren (diagnostic characters for the species are a white or whitish-grey thallus muscicolous; disciform apothecia with pink discs of which are epruinose or slightly pruinose; a K– epihymenium; 1-spored asci with ellipsoid or cylindric spores, the walls of which are smooth and trimmed; and the presence of gyrophoric acid) and P. yulongensis Q. Ren (diagnostic characters for the species are a grey to black-grey thallus corticolous; verruciform apothecia with concave and black apices; a K+ violet epihymenium; 8-spored asci with dominantly biseriate spores, the walls of which are smooth and not trimmed; and the presence of fumarprotocetraric acid) from high mountains in China are described and illustrated as new to science.
Investigating future precipitation changes over China through a high‐resolution regional climate model ensemble
Authors: Guo Junhong , Huang Guohe , Wang Xiuquan , Li Yongping , Lin Qianguo
Published: January 2017

Due to climate change, rising temperature around the world will have a great potential to influence the global hydrologic cycle, thus leading to substantial changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation. In this study, the effects of global warming on the regional hydrologic cycle, particularly on the spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation, over China are investigated through a high‐resolution regional climate ensemble. In detail, the PRECIS regional climate modeling system is employed to simulate the regional climate over China from 1950 to 2099 with a fine resolution of 25 km, driven by the boundary conditions from a four‐member HadCM3‐based perturbed‐physics ensemble (i.e., HadCM3Q0, Q1, Q7, and Q13) and the ECHAM5 model. Historical simulations of the PRECIS ensemble are first compared to the observations to validate its performance in capturing both the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation. The comparisons show that the PRECIS ensemble is likely to overestimate precipitation in the south and exhibits slight dry biases in the northwest and southeast coasts of China. The projections from the PRECIS ensemble for future periods (i.e., 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s) are then analyzed to help understand how the regional characteristics of precipitation will be affected in the context of global warming. It is shown that the annual mean precipitation over China is likely to increase throughout the 21st century (i.e., by 0.078 mm/d in 2020s, 0.218 mm/d in 2050s, and 0.360 mm/d in 2080s). This may suggest that the rising temperature due to climate change will intensify the regional hydrologic cycles in China. However, apparent spatial and temporal variations are also reported in the projected precipitations from the PRECIS ensemble. For example, bigger changes in precipitation are usually observed in summer; projected precipitation changes in the southeast are apparently higher than other regions. In addition, the results show that the fluctuation range of the ensemble simulations will increase with time periods from 2020s to 2080s, indicating that the longer the projecting periods, the more uncertain the projections will be.
Reflecting on 50 years of geoengineering research
Authors: Caldeira Ken , Bala Govindasamy
Published: January 2017

Earth's Future invited “leading experts in the field of geoengineering research to contribute brief reflections (2–5 pages) on the development of the discussion over the past decade and to consider where it may be going in the next 10 years.” Responding to this request, we offer the following text in the spirit of reflections that emphasize our personal roles and viewpoints. The primary focus of many of our comments is solar geoengineering and not carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Thus, this text is not intended to comprise a comprehensive review or set of carefully documented analyses. Our primary conclusion is that sustained progress in “geoengineering” research will depend on social and material support for experimental work that can provide the observational basis for improved modeling and analysis, and, potentially, development and deployment of systems that may help protect the environment and improve human well‐being. Relevant issues, and potential future trajectories, for CDR technologies may differ dramatically from those for solar geoengineering technologies.
Violence involvement among nightlife patrons: The relative role of demographics and substance use
Authors: Nordfjærn Trond
Published: January 2017

The nightlife setting is a risk context for violence involvement that ultimately may cause severe injuries and fatalities. Few studies have examined associations between alcohol and illicit substance use with physical violence involvement among nightlife patrons. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relative role of demographics and substance use characteristics for nightlife violence involvement among Norwegian nightlife patrons. A cross‐sectional self‐completion survey was conducted outside 12 licensed premises in Oslo (n = 1099, response rate = 76%) and each respondent's BAC level was measured by a breathalyzer and registered on the questionnaire. A total of 103 individuals (10%) reported that they had been involved in physical violence when they were consuming alcohol in the nightlife setting during the last 12 months. Uni‐variate results showed that patrons who had been involved in violence were more likely to present a BAC level above 1.00‰ than those who had not been involved. The prevalence of last year illicit substance use was overall high, especially in the violence‐involved group. The most important factors associated with violence involvement in multivariate analysis were a high frequency of last year alcohol intoxication and last year illicit substance use. Women and those with high education had a lower risk of violence involvement. The implications for preventive initiatives are that these need to focus on factors additional to alcohol restrictions. Preventive efforts targeted to specific patron groups and measures targeting patrons who are more likely to use illicit substances may hold promise. Aggr. Behav. 43:398–407, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Advances in Energetics of Metal Halide Perovskite Interfaces
Authors: Ou Qing‐Dong , Li Chi , Wang Qian‐Kun , Li Yan‐Qing , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: January 2017

Metal halide perovskites, a class of crystalline semiconductors with unique optical and electronic properties, are emerging as potential solutions for low‐cost photovoltaics and photonic sources in fields of solar cells, sensors, light‐emitting diodes and lasers. Regardless of significant progress on device efficiency with the control over perovskite structures and film morphologies, unveiling the interface energetics and band alignment of these perovskite systems is indispensable for the performance optimization in the optoelectronic applications by grasping the photon harvest and charge transport processes. Herein we review the recent advances in the energetics of metal halide perovskite interfaces. The electronic properties of perovskite materials are addressed in terms of halide substitution, thermal annealing and substrate effects as well as trap states. The energy level alignments of interfaces between perovskite films and charge transport layers are then discussed, which is correlated to the photovoltaic properties in perovskite solar cells.
Photoisomerisierung eines Schalters auf Basis eines chiralen Imins: Verfolgung durch Matrixisolations‐VCD‐Spektroskopie
Authors: Pollok Corina H. , Riesebeck Tim , Merten Christian
Published: January 2017

Die Charakterisierung der Stereochemie kurzlebiger Photoisomerisierungsprodukte ist eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe bei der Entwicklung molekularer Maschinen, beispielsweise unidirektionaler molekularer Motoren. Diese Zustände sind oft nicht genügend lange stabil, um eine detaillierte Charakterisierung mithilfe konventioneller spektroskopischer Methoden zu ermöglichen. Anhand des strukturell sehr einfachen Campherchinonimins 1 wird gezeigt, wie die Kombination der Matrixisolationstechnik mit der VCD‐Spektroskopie zur Untersuchung der Photoisomerisierung von chiralen Molekülen genutzt werden kann. Es wird gezeigt, dass die Isomere (E)‐1 und (Z)‐1 photochemisch unter kryogenen Bedingungen in einer Argonmatrix erzeugt und anschließend auch die Stereochemie beider Schaltzustände verlässlich charakterisiert werden kann.
The Cobalt cyclo‐P4 Sandwich Complex and Its Role in the Formation of Polyphosphorus Compounds
Authors: Dielmann Fabian , Timoshkin Alexey , Piesch Martin , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: January 2017

A synthetic approach to the sandwich complex [Cp′′′Co(η4‐P4)] (2) containing a cyclo‐P4 ligand as an end‐deck was developed. Complex 2 is the missing homologue in the series of first‐row cyclo‐Pn sandwich complexes, and shows a unique tendency to dimerize in solution to form two isomeric P8 complexes [(Cp′′′Co)2(μ,η4:η2:η1‐P8)] (3 and 4). Reactivity studies indicate that 2 and 3 react with further [Cp′′′Co] fragments to give [(Cp′′′Co)2(μ,η2:η2‐P2)2] (5) and [(Cp′′′Co)3P8] (6), respectively. Furthermore, complexes 2, 3, and 4 thermally decompose forming 5, 6, and the P12 complex [(Cp′′′Co)3P12] (7). DFT calculations on the P4 activation process suggest a η3‐P4 Co complex as the key intermediate in the synthesis of 2 as well as in the formation of larger polyphosphorus complexes via a unique oligomerization pathway.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyrimidines from Alcohols and Amidines
Authors: Deibl Nicklas , Kempe Rhett
Published: January 2017

The development of catalytic reactions for synthesizing different compounds from alcohols to save fossil carbon feedstock and reduce CO2 emissions is of high importance. Replacing rare noble metals with abundantly available 3d metals is equally important. We report a manganese‐complex‐catalyzed multicomponent synthesis of pyrimidines from amidines and up to three alcohols. Our reaction proceeds through condensation and dehydrogenation steps, permitting selective C−C and C−N bond formations. β‐Alkylation reactions are used to multiply alkylate secondary alcohols with two different primary alcohols to synthesize fully substituted pyrimidines in a one‐pot process. Our PN5P‐Mn‐pincer complexes efficiently catalyze this multicomponent process. A comparison of our manganese catalysts with related cobalt catalysts indicates that manganese shows a reactivity similar to that of iridium but not cobalt. This analogy could be used to develop further (de)hydrogenation reactions with manganese complexes.
Tri‐ and diorganotin(IV) derivatives of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac: Characterization, electronic structures (DFT), DNA binding and plasmid cleavage studies
Authors: Kumari Ranjana , Nath Mala
Published: January 2017

Tri‐ and diorganotin(IV) derivatives of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac (Sul), coordinated with carboxylate oxygen, namely C23H25FO3SSn (1), C38H31FO3SSn (2), C32H43FO3SSn (3), C52H42F2O6S2Sn (4), C44H44S2Cl2O6F2Sn2 (5), C48H50F2O6S2Sn (6) and C56H66F2O6S2Sn (7), have been synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectroscopic (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 119Sn NMR and ESI‐MS) techniques. Optimized geometry and electronic structures of the complexes obtained from density functional theory calculations indicate that complexes 1, 2, 3 and 7 are tetra‐coordinated with monodentate carboxylates, 4 and 6 are hexa‐coordinated with highly distorted octahedral geometry, whereas 5 is penta‐coordinated with distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Probable mode of DNA binding with ligand (Sul) and complexes 1–7 has been revealed via various biophysical techniques (UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorometry and circular dichroism). Intrinsic binding constants (Kb) obtained from UV–visible spectroscopy for Sul and complexes 1–7 are 3.69 × 104, and 7.3 × 103, 1.14 × 104, 1.47 × 104, 1.55 × 104, 1.49 × 104, 2.02 × 104, 1.17 × 104 M−1, respectively. The quenching constants (Ksv) using fluorometric titrations, calculated from competitive binding of ethidium bromide versus Sul/complexes with calf thymus DNA, also correspond to the above results. Circular dichroism spectral patterns of calf thymus DNA with Sul and complexes 1–7 have also been investigated. All the results reveal that the complexes bind with DNA through partial intercalative mode. pBr322 plasmid fragmentation has also been studied using gel electrophoresis, which shows the fragmentation of circular DNA by an increase in nicked form and also by the appearance of linear form with increasing concentration of drug or complexes.
‘Climate Refugees’: An Oceanic Perspective
Authors: Hingley Rebecca
Published: January 2017

The primary argument of this article seeks to highlight the irresponsible and insensitive categorisation of the Pacific peoples as 'climate refugees'. International actors' interpretation and use of such a term is damaging as it depicts these peoples as a vulnerable, rather than resilient group. The term effectively strips them of their agency and the potential for their valuable knowledge and efforts to contribute to the fight against a natural phenomenon that proves the most serious threat to humankind today, climate change. In the first section the international perception will be addressed, in the second section the Oceanic understanding will be explored in contrast, and finally in the third section, the implications for International Relations will be outlined. In conclusion, we find that the impact of the term ‘climate refugees’ is detrimental at both the conceptual and experiential level, making its deconstruction a complex but necessary task.
Knock‐on effects of national risk assessments on the conservation of global biodiversity
Authors: Mazaris Antonios D. , Vokou Despoina , Almpanidou Vasiliki , Schofield Gail
Published: January 2017

Global biodiversity conservation relies on the efficient operation of protected areas, with revenue often originating from visitors. However, visitors generally select destinations where personal security and safety are guaranteed.

Information about potential threats (natural hazards or terrorism) for global destinations is mainly released to the public via national safety travel advice and via global reports on disaster and terrorism risk indices.

This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which different types of national security risks occur in countries that contain marine protected areas (MPAs) globally, towards highlighting the importance of incorporating these security issues into conservation management plans.

Countries hosting most global marine protected areas (MPAs) have a low to medium risk of natural disasters. However, the analyses demonstrated that about one‐third of MPAs are hosted by countries with lower income economies, which are also shown to have a lower capacity to cope with natural disasters.

Of interest, countries with high terrorism risk host only a small fraction of global MPAs, with lower income countries being subjected to significantly higher terrorism risk than higher income countries.

Overall, the results show that the chance of a country with an MPA being subject to a national security risk is generally low. However, countries with a higher risk of violence and natural disaster have lower coping capacities and weaker economies. Thus, MPAs in such countries should incorporate the risk of national security issues into their management schemes, particularly when visitor revenue is incorporated into wildlife protection and the employment of locals.
NON‐PDC Observer‐Based T‐S Fuzzy Tracking Controller Design and its Application in CHAOS Control
Authors: Asemani Mohammad Hassan , Vatankhah Ramin
Published: January 2017

In many mechanical devices with chaotic behavior, stabilizing unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) of the system has positive effects in the lifetime and effectiveness of these devices. In this study, a new non‐parallel distributed compensation (non‐PDC) observer‐based tracking controller is presented for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems to control the chaotic behavior of such systems. Asymptotic stability synthesis of the closed‐loop system is investigated using a fuzzy Lyapunov function to derive less conservative conditions than common quadratic Lyapunov function‐based approaches. To tackle the main drawback of the fuzzy Lyapunov‐based approaches, which assume some upper bounds on the derivatives of the fuzzy grade functions, we propose a new procedure by considering a constraint on the control signal. The new design conditions are given in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The proposed control structure is applied to spinning disks in which chaos phenomena appear in lateral vibration. Simulation results are given to show the applicability of the proposed tracker to the UPO problem.
The impact of pH inhomogeneities on CHO cell physiology and fed‐batch process performance – two‐compartment scale‐down modelling and intracellular pH excursion
Authors: Brunner Matthias , Braun Philipp , Doppler Philipp , Posch Christoph , Behrens Dirk , Herwig Christoph , Fricke Jens
Published: January 2017

Due to high mixing times and base addition from top of the vessel, pH inhomogeneities are most likely to occur during large‐scale mammalian processes. The goal of this study was to set‐up a scale‐down model of a 10–12 m3 stirred tank bioreactor and to investigate the effect of pH perturbations on CHO cell physiology and process performance. Short‐term changes in extracellular pH were hypothesized to affect intracellular pH and thus cell physiology. Therefore, batch fermentations, including pH shifts to 9.0 and 7.8, in regular one‐compartment systems were conducted. The short‐term adaption of the cells intracellular pH showed an immediate increase due to elevated extracellular pH. With this basis of fundamental knowledge, a two‐compartment system was established which was capable of simulating defined pH inhomogeneities. In contrast to state‐of‐the‐art literature, the scale‐down model included parameters (e.g. volume of the inhomogeneous zone) as they might occur during large‐scale processes. pH inhomogeneity studies in the two‐compartment system were performed with simulation of temporary pH zones of pH 9.0. The specific growth rate especially during the exponential growth phase was strongly affected resulting in a decreased maximum viable cell density and final product titer. The gathered results indicate that even short‐term exposure of cells to elevated pH values during large‐scale processes can affect cell physiology and overall process performance. In particular, it could be shown for the first time that pH perturbations, which might occur during the early process phase, have to be considered in scale‐down models of mammalian processes.
Performance Improvement in Polymer‐based Thin Film Transistors Using Modified Bottom‐contact Structures with Etched SiO2 Layers
Authors: Park Jeong‐Woo , You Young‐Jun , Shim Jae Won
Published: January 2017

Polymer‐based thin film transistors (TFTs) with a modified bottom‐contact structure and etched SiO2
layer were developed and investigated. An increase in the field‐effect mobility in the developed TFTs compared to TFTs with a normal bottom‐contact structure was ascertained. A bottom‐contact structure and the photolithographic processing method were used to ensure that the developed TFTs were suitable for commercial applications. Increased mobility of the modified bottom‐contact structure was attributed to direct contact of the Au electrode with the active polymer layer.
Comparative study on fatty acid composition of olive (Olea europaea L.), with emphasis on phytosterol contents
Authors: Ozkan Ali , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Kulak Muhittin , Bindak Recep
Published: January 2017

The present study was designed to determine the fatty acid composition and phytosterol contents of Turkish native olive cultivars, namely Kilis Yağlık and Nizip Yağlık cv. In this context, olive fruits from 34 locations were sampled and then screened for their components in comparison. Fifteen different fatty acids were found in both olive oils. In the order of abundance, the most important ones were oleic acid (18:1) > palmitic acid (16:0) > linoleic acid (18:2) > stearic acid (18:0). Significant differences were observed in the contents of oleic acid (18:1), palmitic acid (16:0), linoleic acid (18:2) but not for stearic acid content in comparison both oils (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in terms of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01). The seven phytosterols – cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, β‐sitosterol, Δ‐5‐avenasterol, Δ‐7‐stigmastenol and Δ‐7‐avenasterol – were studied in both oil sources. The predominant sterols were β‐sitosterol, Δ5‐avenasterol and campesterol in the samples analysed. However, no significant differences were found in the levels of the phytosterols between the two olive cultivars.
Effect of an art brut therapy program called go beyond the schizophrenia (GBTS) on prison inmates with schizophrenia in mainland China—A randomized, longitudinal, and controlled trial
Authors: Qiu Hong‐Zhong , Ye Zeng‐Jie , Liang Mu‐Zi , Huang Yue‐Qun , Liu Wei , Lu Zhi‐Dong
Published: January 2017

Creative arts therapies are proven to promote an interconnection between body and mind, but there are major obstacles for providing therapeutic services in prisons due to inmates' inherent mistrust for verbal disclosure and rigid self‐defenses, especially among inmates with schizophrenia. Thus, we developed a structured and quantitative art brut therapy program called go beyond the schizophrenia to actually measure the benefits of art therapy on prison inmates in mainland China. Upon completion of the program, the intervention group reported a decrease in anxiety, depression, anger, and negative psychiatric symptoms and showed better compliance with rules, socialization with peers, compliance with medications, and regular sleeping patterns after 16 weekly sessions of go beyond the schizophrenia. This article concludes that the art brut therapy was effective for the inmates with schizophrenia in mainland China and provides encouraging data on how to enhance mental health for inmates with schizophrenia.

Key practitioner message

Art brut therapy can reduce emotional distress and negative psychiatric symptoms among Chinese inmates.

Arts brut therapy can enhance Chinese inmates' compliance with rules, socialization with peers, compliance with medicines, and regular sleeping patterns.

Arts brut therapy in conjunction with medication is highly recommended for recovery of Chinese inmates with schizophrenia, especially for patients with negative symptoms.
Fabric‐based alkaline direct formate microfluidic fuel cells
Authors: Domalaon Kryls , Tang Catherine , Mendez Alex , Bernal Franky , Purohit Krutarth , Pham Linda , Haan John , Gomez Frank A.
Published: January 2017

Fabric‐based microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs) serve as a novel, cost‐efficient alternative to traditional FCs and batteries, since fluids naturally travel across fabric via capillary action, eliminating the need for an external pump and lowering production and operation costs. Building on previous research with Y‐shaped paper‐based MFCs, fabric‐based MFCs mitigate fragility and durability issues caused by long periods of fuel immersion. In this study, we describe a microfluidic fabric‐based direct formate fuel cell, with 5 M potassium formate and 30% hydrogen peroxide as the anode fuel and cathode oxidant, respectively. Using a two‐strip, stacked design, the optimized parameters include the type of encasement, the barrier, and the fabric type. Surface contact of the fabric and laminate sheet expedited flow and respective chemical reactions. The maximum current (22.83 mA/cm2) and power (4.40 mW/cm2) densities achieved with a 65% cotton/35% polyester blend material are a respective 8.7% and 32% higher than previous studies with Y‐shaped paper‐based MFCs. In series configuration, the MFCs generate sufficient energy to power a handheld calculator, a thermometer, and a spectrum of light‐emitting diodes.
Training kindergarten students lockdown drill procedures using behavioral skills training
Authors: Dickson Misty Jo , Vargo Kristina K.
Published: January 2017

During situations in which a gunman is present on a school campus, lockdowns are initiated until the threat is removed. However, there are no data demonstrating an effective teaching strategy to increase students’ correct responding during a lockdown. We evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training (BST) to teach three groups of kindergarten students how to respond during lockdown drills. Results showed that participant groups displayed increases in correct steps and decreases in noise levels after BST was implemented; these effects maintained following training.
In vivo bone tunnel evaluation of nanoparticle‐grafts using an ACL reconstruction rabbit model
Authors: Grant Sheila A. , Smith Sarah E. , Schmidt Hilary , Pfeiffer Ferris , Kuroki Kei , Sherman Seth , White Richard , Grant David A.
Published: January 2017

Acellular human gracilis tendons conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano‐HAp) were used as a graft in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rabbit model. The ACLs of 11 New Zealand rabbits were reconstructed using grafts conjugated without nanoparticles, with AuNP only, and with both AuNP and nano‐HAp. Semi‐quantitative histological scoring of bone tunnel portion of grafts was performed after 14 weeks. Bone tunnels were scored for graft degeneration, graft remodeling, percentage of new host fibrous connective, collateral connection, head‐to‐head connection, graft collagen fiber organization, new host fibrous connective tissue organization, and graft and interface vascularity. All grafts were intact at 14 weeks. Results of bone tunnel scoring indicate remodeling in all graft types with new organized host fibrous connective tissue, head‐to‐head connection to bone and mild inflammation associated with remodeling. Components of the 20 nm AuNP grafts have significantly more graft degeneration, more new host fibrous connective tissue, and more vascularity compared to crosslinked grafts. Comparison between femoral and tibial tunnel scores indicate more degeneration in femoral tunnels compared to tibial tunnels. Overall results indicated potentially enhanced remodeling from the use of 20 nm AuNP grafts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1071–1082, 2017.
New Substituted 1‐Aryl‐4,4,6‐Trimethyl‐3,4‐Dihydropyrimidine‐2‐(1H)Thiones; A Metal‐Free and Solvent‐Free Synthesis, Characterization, and Lymphoid Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibition Studies
Authors: Khurshid Asma , Saeed Aamer
Published: January 2017

A series of fourteen 3,4‐dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones (3a–n) were synthesized by a green protocol, and their structures were characterized by spectroanalytical data. The compounds were obtained in high yields by efficient annulation of mesityl oxide (4‐methylpent‐3‐en‐2‐one) with anilines in the presence of potassium thiocyanate. The reaction is essentially metal‐catalyst‐ and solvent‐free, as mesityl oxide itself is the solvent as well as the reactant. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22, and 5 of the 14 compounds exhibited IC50
values in the mid‐micromolar range, with the most potent hit being the compound 3d, having a methoxy substituent at the 2‐position of the phenyl ring with an IC50
= 18 ± 1 μM, and second most potent compound (3c) with an IC50
value of 45 ± 3 μM, having methyl substituents at both 2‐ and 4‐position of the phenyl ring.
Synthesis of Highly Dispersed Fe3O4 Submicrometer Spheres in a One‐Pot Anion‐induced Solvothermal System
Authors: Huang Peng , Yin Ting , Zhang Qian , Gao Guo , Shapter Joseph G. , Shearer Cameron J. , Zhang Chunlei , Qi Wen , Cui Daxiang
Published: January 2017

A facile, anion‐induced, one‐pot solvothermal method was successfully developed to prepare two kinds of highly dispersed magnetic Fe3O4
submicrometer spheres at 200°C in 12 h. The diameters of the as‐prepared Fe3O4
submicrometer spheres are ~500 and ~200 nm, respectively. With the guidance of OAc
− ions, the size and morphology of the Fe3O4
spheres could be well controlled. The saturation magnetization of the Fe3O4
spheres was measured to be 84 and 74 emu/g, respectively. The assembly of tiny precursor nuclei into the Fe3O4
spheres relies on Ostwald ripening. The synthesized Fe3O4
submicrometer spheres show good magnetic response, good water solubility, and uniform size.
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in melanoma: There's smoke, but is there fire?
Authors: Brinckerhoff Constance E.
Published: January 2017

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called Tumor Initiating Cells (TICs), can be defined as cancer cells that are present within solid tumors or hematological cancers, which have characteristics associated with normal stem cells, but which can give rise to all cell types found in a particular cancer sample. CSCs, therefore, are transformed stem cells, which can self‐renew, differentiate into diverse progenies, and drive continuous tumor growth (Kreso & Dick, , Cell Stem Cell, 14:275‐291; Schatton et al., , Nature, 451:345‐349; Villani, Sabbatino, Ferrone, & Ferrone, , Melanoma Management, 2:109‐114; Zhou et al., , Drug Discovery, 8:806–823) (Fig. ).

The cancer stem cell hypothesis. Tumor cells are heterogeneous and only the tumor‐initiating cells have the ability to proliferate extensively, give rise to differentiated cells and form new tumors. There are various therapeutic strategies that could target tumor‐initiating cells. Killing these cells could be achieved by inhibiting their survival pathways. Some of the survival pathways that are used by tumor‐initiating cells could also be used by the bulk of the tumor, so agents targeting these pathways are expected to kill more than just tumor‐initiating cells (adapted from Zhou et al. 2009)

image
A continuous‐infusion dynamic MRI model at 3.0 Tesla for the serial quantitative evaluation of microvascular proliferation in an animal model of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Underhill Hunter R.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To develop a continuous‐infusion dynamic MRI technique to characterize tumor‐associated microvascular proliferation (MVP) in a rat brain model of glioblastoma multiforme.

Methods

The proposed model assumes effects due to tumor‐associated MVP (eg, vascular permeability, Ktrans; intravascular plasma fraction, vp) cannot be individually separated and solves for a single parameter (kvasc) that quantifies the T1‐weighted contrast enhancement from dynamic images acquired during continuous contrast agent (CA) infusion. Untreated C6 tumor‐bearing animals (N = 6) were serially imaged on postoperative days (PODs) 14 and 18 with a 3 Tesla clinical scanner utilizing a dynamic spatial and temporal resolution of 0.38 × 0.38 × 1.5 mm3 and 3.47 s, respectively.

Results

An association was present between PODs 14 and 18 for median tumor kvasc (Pearson's r = 0.94, P = 0.0052) and CA concentration ([CA], derived from pre‐ and postcontrast R1 maps; r = 0.94, P = 0.0054). On POD 18, there was a voxel‐based association between kvasc and [CA] within each tumor (0.45 < r < 0.82, P < 0.001). However, voxel‐based subregions demonstrated a reduced association between kvasc and [CA] (N = 5; –0.08 < r < 0.22, P > 0.05) or an inverse association (N = 1; r = –0.28, P = 0.001), indicating differences between locations of vascular permeability and subsequent CA pooling in tumors.

Conclusion

The continuous‐infusion method may provide a quantitative measure for characterizing and monitoring tumor‐associated MVP. Magn Reson Med 78:1824–1838, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Molecular effectors of radiation resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Geng Liying , Wang Jing
Published: January 2017

Evasion from apoptosis is critical for cancer development and progression. It is also a main reason for the resistance to anticancer therapy. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in the USA. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often combined with surgery to treat more advanced CRC patients. Although anticancer therapies have yielded a good success rate, the failure of treatment in over 90% of patients with advanced disease is due to resistance to the treatment, one of the biggest obstacles for effective cancer therapy. However, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern the resistance of CRC is very limited. No significant advance has been made to overcome the resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify molecules or pathways that can be targeted to overcome the resistance and improve cancer treatment. Expression of phosphatase of regenerating liver‐3 and survivin has been shown to correlate with advanced CRC, liver and lymph node metastases, high risk of recurrences, and worse patient survival. They have been implicated as important effectors in the resistance to anticancer therapy including radiation therapy in CRC. Their potential role in the resistance to radiation therapy makes them promising molecular targets to overcome radioresistance and increase efficacy of radiotherapy. The antagonists against phosphatase of regenerating liver‐3 and survivin could represent a novel type of molecular drug to be used in cancer treatment either as a single agent or, more likely, in combination with radiation or chemoradiation therapy.
Robust output synchronization of linear multi‐agent systems with constant disturbances via integral control
Authors: Wang Qingling , Cao Xianghui , Sun Changyin
Published: January 2017

This paper solves the robust output synchronization problem for a group of linear agents subject to constant disturbances on directed graphs. A new distributed control protocol with integral action is first proposed with the assumption that each agent has access to its own state. Then, an observer‐based implementation of the control protocol is illustrated for the case that the agents do not have access to their states. Compared with existing methods, the new distributed protocol does not require exchanging of the controller states or output states among neighboring agents. Finally, simulation results of a group of low‐speed experimental unmanned aerial vehicles show the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding patterns of evolution acceptance—A new implementation of the Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) with Midwestern university students
Authors: Romine William L. , Walter Emily M. , Bosse Ephiram , Todd Amber N.
Published: January 2017

We validate the Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) on undergraduate students using the Rasch model and utilize the MATE to explore qualitatively how students express their acceptance of evolution. At least 24 studies have used the MATE, most with the assumption that it is unidimensional. However, we found that the MATE is best used as two separate dimensions. When used in this way, the MATE produces reliable (α > 0.85) measures for (i) acceptance of evolution facts and data and (ii) acceptance of the credibility of evolution and rejection of non‐scientific ideas. Using k‐means cluster analysis, we found students express their acceptance of evolution in five distinct profiles: (i) uniform high acceptance; (ii) uniform moderate acceptance; (iii) neutral acceptance; (iv) acceptance of facts, but rejection of credibility; and (v) rejection of both facts and credibility. Furthermore, we found that knowledge of macroevolution moderately explains students’ acceptance profiles, corroborating previous claims that teaching macroevolution may be one way to improve students’ acceptance. We use these findings to express the first set of operational definitions of evolution acceptance and propose that educators continue to explore additional ways to operationalize evolution acceptance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:642–671, 2017