bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Technology Integration in Teaching Statistics
Authors: Tchantchane Abdellatif , Fortes Pauline , Koshy Swapna
Published: February 2013

Teaching and learning in higher education has been influenced by the rapid rate of innovation in technology. A technology intervention was used to teach Foundation Statistics. This paper reports students’ performance relative to those taught statistics using traditional teaching methods. Failure rate was reduced from 34% with traditional teaching to only 14% with the inclusion of technology, and in order to measure students’ perception towards the integration of technology in the subject, a total of 144 students of 30 different nationalities were surveyed at the end of the semester before the final examination. The analysis of the survey highlighted the students’ positive perception independent of their overall performance. Overall, the survey expressed a significant result showing that the use of technology helped students to perform better.
Enterprise Systems Projects Evaluation Based on a Qualitative Risks Model
Authors: López Cristina
Published: February 2013

Currently, enterprise systems play an increasingly strategic role in the business performance of the majority of companies. Nevertheless, like many new technologies, these applications have originated too many cases of unsuccessful adoption. In fact, excessive enterprise systems projects finish in failure. To avoid it, project managers should effectively manage risks existing in their projects. To support this labour, this research presents a qualitative model for evaluating risks in enterprise systems projects. This gathers together the factors impacting on the projects performance. It also identifies groups of risks existing in enterprise systems projects. The results suggest which groups of risks could be more dangerous in them. The model thus states what groups should be preferably managed by practitioners.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of congestive cardiac failure
Authors: Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: February 2013

Congestive cardiac failure is the end-result of various cardiac disorders, and is a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and financial burden throughout the world. Due to advances in the knowledge of the disease and scanner technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation of cardiac failure, including in establishing diagnosis, problem solving, risk stratification, and monitoring of therapy. This review discusses and illustrates the role of MRI in the assessment of congestive cardiac failure.
Effects of distillers‘ dried grains with solubles on behavior of sows kept in a group-housed system with electronic sow feeders or individual stalls
Authors: Li Y. Z. , Phillips C. E. , Wang L. H. , Xie X. L. , Baidoo S. K. , Shurson G. C. , Johnston L. J.
Published: February 2013

Li, Y. Z., Phillips, C. E., Wang, L. H., Xie, X. L., Baidoo, S. K., Shurson, G. C. and Johnston, L. J. 2013. Effects of distillers’ dried grains with solubles on behavior of sows kept in a group-housed system with electronic sow feeders or individual stalls. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 57–66. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of diets that contained distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on stereotypic behaviors of gestating sows housed in stalls and aggression in a group-housed system. Sows were fed corn–soybean-based control (CON) or treatment (DDGS) diets starting from their previous breeding cycle (40% and 20% DDGS as-fed basis during gestation and lactation, respectively). Group-housed sows were mixed in pens with an electronic sow feeder within 1 wk after mating. Behaviors of focal sows (n=27 in stalls, n=40 in pens) were video-recorded for a period of 24 h between 4 and 8 d after mating. Salivary cortisol levels were measured on 32 focal sows (n=16 in stalls, n=16 in pens) during the week before mating (week 0), 1 wk and 12 wk after mating. In pens, DDGS sows fought for longer periods (P=0.05), tended to fight more frequently (P=0.06), and had greater cortisol concentrations (P<0.001) at mixing compared with CON sows. In stalls, DDGS sows spent more time resting (P=0.02), less time performing stereotypies (P=0.05), and had lower cortisol concentrations (P=0.03) in week 12 compared with CON sows. These results indicate that DDGS diets may compromise the welfare of sows in pens, but improve the welfare of sows in stalls.
Aprendizaje e innovación: una propuesta metodológica desde la Empresa Informativa
Authors: Peinado-Miguel Fernando , Fernández-Sande Manuel , Rodríguez Barba Dolores , Ortiz-Sobrino Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2013

Tras la adaptación al EEES, el Departamento de Periodismo IV de la UCM inició un proyecto de renovación metodológica e innovación docente –vinculado a un I+D- en la enseñanza de la Empresa Informativa con objetivo de dotar a los futuros profesionales de la información de las competencias requeridas por la nueva realidad empresarial. El cambio se planificó en diferentes fases y fue vertebrado a través de los siguientes ejes: utilización de las TIC y herramientas 2.0 para desarrollar actividades que dinamizasen el aprendizaje: podcasts, entrevistas a CEOS y directivos, proyectos emprendedores 2.0, uso intensivo del Campus Virtual y blogs. Además del trabajo colaborativo en la resolución de supuestos reales, con la implementación del software y dispositivos Educlick. Este artículo presenta los fundamentos de nuevo modelo metodológico de aprendizaje que podría resultar extrapolable a otras materias en la enseñanza del periodismo y aporta los resultados obtenidos tras su aplicación.
Los imaginarios de los futuros periodistas en Francia
Authors: Santos-Sainz María
Published: February 2013

El artículo se centra en investigar las diferencias de percepción de las realidades profesionales y sociales según la pertenencia socio-profesional del ámbito familiar de los futuros periodistas y según la pertenencia de género. La metodología se basa en dos niveles de estudio. El primero responde al análisis de los datos empíricos sobre las características sociales de los estudiantes de periodismo antes de integrar los estudios dispensados por los centros de formación profesionalizada en periodismo de las universidades públicas de Estrasburgo, Burdeos, Tours y Marsella. El segundo nivel de análisis se construye a partir de toda una serie de entrevistas en profundidad que trazan el pasado familiar y permiten conocer los valores  y representaciones de la profesión de los estudiantes del Instituto de Periodismo de Burdeos. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes de periodismo no son una categoría homogénea. Las diferencias respecto a su origen social resultan notables e influyen sobremanera en el imaginario de la profesión.
DISTRIBUTION OF SEMANTIC ANNOTATIONS TOWARDS A SET OF SPATIALLY-ORIENTED PHOTOGRAPHS
Authors: Manuel A. , Stefani C. , De Luca L. , Veron P.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Today with the development of new information technologies, the domain of conservation and promotion of cultural heritage benefits from new tools to disseminate knowledge on heritage buildings. These tools are intended to help experts to enrich and access information about buildings. This paper describes this critical issue and proposes an approach permitting the automatic transfer of annotations in a set of oriented photographs (whose positions and orientations in space are known) by using 3D information. First of all, photographs are processed with an automated image-based 3D reconstruction method to produce 3D information (specifically 3D coordinates). Then, 3D information is used in the process of annotations’ transfer between images. Finally, with this process, the modification of annotations can be easily implemented. As a consequence, this process provides a simple way to annotate blocs of images all at once instead of one by one.
ACCURATE 3D TEXTURED MODELS OF VESSELS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EDUCATIONAL TOOLS OF A MUSEUM
Authors: Soile S. , Adam K. , Ioannidis C. , Georgopoulos A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Besides the demonstration of the findings, modern museums organize educational programs which aim to experience and knowledge sharing combined with entertainment rather than to pure learning. Toward that effort, 2D and 3D digital representations are gradually replacing the traditional recording of the findings through photos or drawings. The present paper refers to a project that aims to create 3D textured models of two lekythoi that are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens in Greece; on the surfaces of these lekythoi scenes of the adventures of Odysseus are depicted. The project is expected to support the production of an educational movie and some other relevant interactive educational programs for the museum. The creation of accurate developments of the paintings and of accurate 3D models is the basis for the visualization of the adventures of the mythical hero. The data collection was made by using a structured light scanner consisting of two machine vision cameras that are used for the determination of geometry of the object, a high resolution camera for the recording of the texture, and a DLP projector. The creation of the final accurate 3D textured model is a complicated and tiring procedure which includes the collection of geometric data, the creation of the surface, the noise filtering, the merging of individual surfaces, the creation of a c-mesh, the creation of the UV map, the provision of the texture and, finally, the general processing of the 3D textured object. For a better result a combination of commercial and in-house software made for the automation of various steps of the procedure was used. The results derived from the above procedure were especially satisfactory in terms of accuracy and quality of the model. However, the procedure was proved to be time consuming while the use of various software packages presumes the services of a specialist.
CRABNEBULA DIGITAL SUITE, AN ALGORITHM OF SURVEY AND 3D MODELLING FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF URBAN HERITAGE
Authors: Taibi G. , Valenti R. , Liuzzo M. , D'Aiello M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Safeguarding the cultural patrimony represents one of the objectives and one of the most important challenges of our time, because only this can ensure the conservation of the documented historical memory of our civilizations. The first level of safeguarding is knowledge, that means, in some ways and in any case, to document. Indeed, documentation constitutes an indispensable support for the protection of the cultural patrimony. In recent times, the evolution of concepts and the progress of technologies have meant that the cultural and scientific debate should evolve in the examination of which type of documentation is the most suitable. Today, the need to observe city sites by entering their meanders and penetrating their reality with the aim of being able to interpret, understand and appreciate the values of the more recondite intimacies of the places, is increasingly felt. The methodological approach of this study tackles the issue of managing information that is highly interrelated, referring to the entire monumental unicum of Ortigia, by means of recognition of the parts, at times also fragmentary. With this responsibility, a suite of digital instruments, online and offline, called Crabnebula, has been conceived and already applied to a significant portion of Ortigia, with the aim of uniting various useful information towards a critical interpretation of the places: from the integrated environmental, urban and architectonic survey, to the three-dimensional rendered model.
CREATING PROCEDURAL WINDOWBUILDING BLOCKS USING THE GENERATIVE FACT LABELING METHOD
Authors: Thaller W. , Zmugg R. , Krispel U. , Posch M. , Havemann S. , Fellner D. W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The generative surface reconstruction problem can be stated like this: Given a finite collection of 3D shapes, create a small set of functions that can be combined to generate the given shapes procedurally. We propose generative fact labeling (GFL) as an attempt to organize the iterative process of shape analysis and shape synthesis in a systematic way. We present our results for the reconstruction of complex windows of neo-classical buildings in Graz, followed by a critical discussion of the limitations of the approach.
FROM POINT CLOUDS TO ARCHITECTURAL MODELS: ALGORITHMS FOR SHAPE RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Canciani M. , Falcolini C. , Saccone M. , Spadafora G.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The use of terrestrial laser scanners in architectural survey applications has become more and more common. Row data complexity, as given by scanner restitution, leads to several problems about design and 3D-modelling starting from Point Clouds. In this context we present a study on architectural sections and mathematical algorithms for their shape reconstruction, according to known or definite geometrical rules, focusing on shapes of different complexity. Each step of the semi-automatic algorithm has been developed using Mathematica software and CAD, integrating both programs in order to reconstruct a geometrical CAD model of the object. Our study is motivated by the fact that, for architectural survey, most of three dimensional modelling procedures concerning point clouds produce superabundant, but often unnecessary, information and are also very expensive in terms of cpu time using more and more sophisticated hardware and software. On the contrary, it's important to simplify/decimate the point cloud in order to recognize a particular form out of some definite geometric/architectonic shapes. Such a process consists of several steps: first the definition of plane sections and characterization of their architecture; secondly the construction of a continuous plane curve depending on some parameters. In the third step we allow the selection on the curve of some nodal points with given specific characteristics (symmetry, tangency conditions, shadowing exclusion, corners, … ). The fourth and last step is the construction of a best shape defined by the comparison with an abacus of known geometrical elements, such as moulding profiles, leading to a precise architectonical section. The algorithms have been developed and tested in very different situations and are presented in a case study of complex geometries such as some mouldings profiles in the Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.
RELIABLE EXTERIOR ORIENTATION BY A ROBUST ANISOTROPIC ORTHOGONAL PROCRUSTES ALGORITHM
Authors: Fusiello A. , Maset E. , Crosilla F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The paper presents a robust version of a recent anisotropic orthogonal Procrustes algorithm that has been proposed to solve the socalled camera exterior orientation problem in computer vision and photogrammetry. In order to identify outliers, that are common in visual data, we propose an algorithm based on Least Median of Squares to detect a minimal outliers-free sample, and a Forward Search procedure, used to augment the inliers set one sample at a time. Experiments with synthetic data demonstrate that, when the percentage of outliers is greater than 30% or the data size is small, the proposed method is more accurate in detecting outliers than the customary detection based on median absolute deviation.
INTERPRETATION OF TOPOGRAPHIC DATA FROM "SHAPE FROM SHADING" METHOD, APPLICATION IN VILLAGARCÍA DE CAMPOS CASTLE
Authors: García Fernández J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Generating digital products allowing the assessment and interpretation of Cultural Heritage is a key task in conservation processes. Thus a variety of (Shape from X) methods have been developed through photogrammetry with that aim in mind, which in the digital era widen their scope on account of independence of physical resources as well as high geometrical and radiometric qualities of their results. A method based on virtual 3D reconstruction of objects (scenarios) and the further 2.5 D maps generation by means of the Shape from Shading method for simulating the reflectance properties of surfaces within 2D images is being proposed. This alternative, seldom used when studying Urban-Architectural Heritage, is aimed at overcoming inadequacies when analyzing surfaces from the bi-dimentional view -or the three-dimensional one itself- over areas with little variations in elevation (relevant to urbanarchitectural context). The methodology is applied to Villagarcía de Campo Castle, Spain, stemming from the reconstruction of the property by the General Photogrammetry Method until achieving "Images by Reflectance Transformation", and ending by interpreting its topography for the inspection of un-documented historical traces.
Distribution and patterns of spread of recolonising Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber Linnaeus 1758) in fragmented habitat, Agdenes peninsula, Norway
Authors: Halley Duncan , Teurlings Ivonne , Welsh Hannah , Taylor Claire
Published: February 2013

The Agdenes peninsula, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway, 1060km2, is a heavily dissected mountainous landscape with numerous small watersheds, of mainly steep gradient, flowing separately into the sea or to fjords. Suitable habitat for permanent beaver occupation occurs mainly as isolated patches within these watersheds. Eurasian beavers were directly reintroduced to the area in 1926 and 1928. The last known individual of this population died in 1961. In 1968-69 2 pairs and a young animal were reintroduced on the Ingdalselva watershed. The current population is descended from these animals, and probably from the later 1990s by immigrants from the adjacent Orkla river system. In 2010-11 the area was surveyed and 24 beaver family group home ranges located, 20 of which were currently active and 4 abandoned; the population size was estimated at about 80 individuals within family territories plus in any year a number of dispersing individuals. Eighteen of the active territories were located on just four watersheds, Ingdalselva and three immediately adjacent to it. The remaining two territories were isolated on different watersheds distant from any other known group, requiring multiple crossings between watersheds and/or considerable movements through salt water to reach from them. Signs of vagrant individuals were found widely, including on a number of watersheds not occupied by any family group, though containing suitable habitat for permanent colonisation. Known data on the date of establishment of each family group is given, and the pattern of recolonisation to date discussed. An isolated population of beavers on a section of the Orkla river system, first noted in 1933, has been attributed to spread from the first study area reintroductions. However, there are grounds to suspect that this population may have had a different origin. Genetic studies would be useful to elucidate this point.
Using “Lack of Fidelity” to Improve Teaching
Authors: Morris Anne K.
Published: February 2013

The author presents a procedure for learning from variations that occur when instructors implement lesson plans designed by others. This kind of variation, occurring in many classrooms every day, can provide a source of information for improving curriculum, both in terms of instructional activities for students and especially in terms of clarifications for instructors to support more effective implementation. The author provides detailed descriptions, in the context of a mathematics course for preservice K-8 teachers, for using implementation variations in a practical, research-based way to study and improve teaching. The goal is to build an accumulating knowledge base for teacher education. Examples are presented to illustrate how increasingly rich lesson plans, based on observing implementation variations, can move toward achieving this goal.
Kağıt Geri Dönüşümünde Enzim ve Ultrasonik Enerji Kullanımı / Use of Enzyme and Ultrasonic Energy in Paper Recycling
Authors: Karademir Arif , Karahan Selim , İmamoğlu Sami , Ertaş Murat , Aygan Ashabil , Aydemir Cem , Peşman Emrah
Published: February 2013

Medeniyetin kurulmasında, bilgi depolama ve aktarımında tartışmasız bir yeri olan kâğıt, günümüzde artık çok çeşitli amaçlar için hayatın her kademesinde yer almakta, giderek tüketimi inanılmaz boyutlara ulaşmaktadır. Kâğıt sektöründe hammadde problemine çözüm için, sürdürülebilir ormancılık çalışmalarından daha ziyade, sürdürülebilir geri dönüşüm teknolojilerini geliştirmek gerekmektedir. Bu anlamda atık sınıfına giren kâğıtın, lifler dışında bulunan bütün bileşenlerini en ekonomik ve çevreci metotlarla ayırmak son derece önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, toner baskılı ofis kâğıtlarının mürekkep ve kirliliklerinden arındırılmasında enzim ve ultrasonik enerji kullanımı konusunda elde edilen bazı sonuçlar tartışılmış ve geri dönüşüm açısından kâğıt sektörü çevresel açıdan irdelenmiştir. Use of Enzyme and Ultrasonic Energy in Paper Recycling Paper has undeniable key roles in establishing civilization, archiving and transferring knowledge. Paper is in all parts of daily life for different purposes today and its consumption is getting at unbelievable level. For solving the problems related to insufficient raw materials, the sustainable recycling technologies should be developed rather than concentrating on sustainable forestry practices. In this sense, extracting all materials from waste papers with economical and environmentally friendly methods are extremely important. In this study, some results obtained from an experimental study carried out on the deinking of toner printed office papers with the help of enzymes and ultrasonic energy were discussed and paper industry was examined in respect to recycling and environment.
Local probability distribution of natural signals in sparse domains
Authors: Rabbani Hossein , Gazor Saeed
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we investigate the local PDF of natural signals in sparse domains. The statistical properties of natural signals are characterized more accurately in the sparse domains because the sparse domain coefficients have heavy‐tailed distribution and have reduced correlation with adjacent coefficients. Our experiments on 3D data in 3D discrete complex wavelet transform domain show that a conditionally (given locally estimated variance and shape) independent Bessel K‐form distribution (BKFD) locally fits the sparse domain's coefficients of natural signals, accurately. To justify this observation, we also investigate the PDF of the locally estimated variance and suggest a Gamma PDF for the locally estimated variance. Because commonly used sparse transformations are orthonormal, the PDF of the sparse domain coefficients must converge to Gaussian distribution by virtue of central limit theorem assuming that natural signals are locally wide sense stationary for small window sizes. Interestingly, we observe that the PDF of the normalized data (on the locally estimated variance) exhibit a Gaussian PDF, which confirms that the BKFD is an appropriate fit. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valuation of Internal Quality Characteristics Across Apple Cultivars
Authors: McCluskey Jill J. , Horn Brady P. , Durham Catherine A. , Mittelhammer Ron C. , Hu Ying
Published: February 2013

Since the 1980s, the composition of the fresh apple market has shifted from three fourths Red Delicious to about one third in 2012. Gala apples are one of the cultivars that have gained ground in popularity. In this article, the authors compare how internal fruit qualities affect consumers’ willingness to pay for apples and whether these effects differ across these two cultivars. Consumers are willing to pay more for firmness for both cultivars, with a larger effect for Red Delicious. Using consumer assessments of sweetness acceptability, consumers are willing to pay a positive amount for both cultivars, but the effect of sweetness is higher for Gala apples. The only significant ethnicity variable is being Hispanic, which is associated with lower willingness to pay for Gala and higher willingness to pay for Red Delicious. One possible explanation is that the Hispanic consumers may have stronger food traditions associated with Red Delicious. [EconLit Citations: Q13, L15].
Preparation of zinc oxide nanocrystals with high stability in the aqueous phase
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Gao Ge , Liu Fengqi
Published: February 2013

ZnO nanocrystals (NCs), potential candidates for photoluminescent applications, have attracted increasing attention recently because of their good biocompatibility, low cost, and convenient synthesis. However, their stability and fluorescent quenching, particularly in the aqueous phase, still hampers their use in biological applications. We report herein the synthesis of ZnO NCs modified by amphiphilic methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (SMA‐g‐MPEG) copolymer based on the sol–gel method. We demonstrated a simple solution to address those challenges. Compared with unmodified ZnO NCs, SMA‐g‐MPEG modified ZnO NCs exhibited a significantly improvement in the stability and photoluminescent properties in the aqueous phase over current unmodified ones. This simple synthesis provides a novel platform for the preparation of ZnO NCs for biological applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
In Situ preparation of resol/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Kιzιlcan Nilgün , Özkaraman Gözde
Published: February 2013

In this study, in situ modified phenol formaldehyde resins were prepared from hydroxyl terminated polydimethyl siloxane (DH.PDMS), clay (montmorillonite) in the presence of base catalyst. Different clay contents (0.5, 1, 3, 5 wt %) were used to produce DH.PDMS modified resol/clay nanocomposite resins (DH.PDMS‐LC‐PFRs). DH.PDMS‐LC‐PFRs were partially cured by heat, and the effects of the curing process and the clay content in the resol resin were determined on the spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical and microscopic properties of the final products. Furthermore, the effects of the reaction time on the polymerization and on the morphology of the materials were investigated. The structures of the specimens were characterized by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties of the samples were determined with Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). Mechanical properties of the specimens were determined by Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA). The obtained samples were also characterized morphologically by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Lateral gradients significantly enhance static magnetic field‐induced inhibition of pain responses in mice—a double blind experimental study
Authors: Kiss Balázs , Gyires Klára , Kellermayer Miklós , László János F.
Published: February 2013

Recent research demonstrated that exposure of mice to both inhomogeneous (3–477 mT) and homogeneous (145 mT) static magnetic fields (SMF) generated an analgesic effect toward visceral pain elicited by the intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid. In the present work, we investigated behavioral responses such as writhing, entry avoidance, and site preference with the help of a specially designed cage that partially protruded into either the homogeneous (ho) or inhomogeneous (inh) SMF. Aversive effects, cognitive recognition of analgesia, and social behavior governed mice in their free locomotion between SMF and sham sides. The inhibition of pain response (I) for the 0–5, 6–20, and 21–30 min periods following the challenge was calculated by the formula I = 100 (1 − x/y) in %, where x and y represent the number of writhings in the SMF and sham sides, respectively. In accordance with previous measurements, an analgesic effect was induced in exposed mice (Iho = 64%, P < 0.0002 and Iinh = 62%, P < 0.002). No significant difference was found in the site preference (SMFho, inh vs. sham) indicating that SMF is neither aversive nor favorable. Comparison of writhings observed in the sham versus SMF side of the cage revealed that SMF exposure resulted in significantly fewer writhings than sham (Iho = 64%, P < 0.004 and Iinh = 81%, P < 0.03). Deeper statistical analysis clarified that the lateral SMF gradient between SMF and sham sides could be responsible for most of the analgesic effect (Iho = 91%, P < 0.02 and Iinh = 54%, P < 0.02). Bioelectromagnetics 34:385–396, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maturation of peptide‐positive synaptic arbors in the medicinal leech requires rhythmic target activity
Authors: Kueh Daniel , Appiah Jolene , Jellies John
Published: February 2013

The formation and refinement of synaptic connections are dependent on the activity that emerges from nascent synaptic connections. Such activity has the effect of regulating the production and release of specific neurotransmitters. To determine the role of activity in regulating the production of peptide‐positive synapses, we used antibodies against Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐NH2 and acetylated α‐tubulin as well as intracellular injections of Neurobiotin to examine varicosities belonging to heart excitor (HE) neurons on the heart tubes of medicinal leeches, Hirudo spp. We found that the production of peptide‐positive varicosities increased considerably during the last week of embryogenesis, which coincided with the emergence of rhythmic activity of the heart tube. When we compromised central input to HE neurons with bicuculline or by surgical ablation of the central pattern generator during early embryogenesis, we found that activity in the heart tubes and its rhythmicity were greatly diminished. Furthermore, the activity of HE neurons had also lost its rhythmicity and appeared tonic, and production of peptide‐positive varicosities was substantially reduced as well. Partial surgical ablations that preserved rhythmic activity in the heart tube while disrupting heart tube innervation by some HE neurons still resulted in peptide‐positive varicosity production. Taken together, our results suggest that postsynaptic rhythmic activity of the heart tube is necessary and sufficient for the development and maturation of peptide‐positive synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2833–2849, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of multisegmental nociceptive afferents that modulate locomotor circuits in the neonatal mouse spinal cord
Authors: Mandadi Sravan , Hong Peter , Tran Michelle A. , Bráz Joao M. , Colarusso Pina , Basbaum Allan I. , Whelan Patrick J.
Published: February 2013

Compared to proprioceptive afferent collateral projections, less is known about the anatomical, neurochemical, and functional basis of nociceptive collateral projections modulating lumbar central pattern generators (CPG). Quick response times are critical to ensure rapid escape from aversive stimuli. Furthermore, sensitization of nociceptive afferent pathways can contribute to a pathological activation of motor circuits. We investigated the extent and role of collaterals of capsaicin‐sensitive nociceptive sacrocaudal afferent (nSCA) nerves that directly ascend several spinal segments in Lissauer's tract and the dorsal column and regulate motor activity. Anterograde tracing demonstrated direct multisegmental projections of the sacral dorsal root 4 (S4) afferent collaterals in Lissauer's tract and in the dorsal column. Subsets of the traced S4 afferent collaterals expressed transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which transduces a nociceptive response to capsaicin. Electrophysiological data revealed that S4 dorsal root stimulation could evoke regular rhythmic bursting activity, and our data suggested that capsaicin‐sensitive collaterals contribute to CPG activation across multiple segments. Capsaicin's effect on S4‐evoked locomotor activity was potent until the lumbar 5 (L5) segments, and diminished in rostral segments. Using calcium imaging we found elevated calcium transients within Lissauer's tract and dorsal column at L5 segments when compared to the calcium transients only within the dorsal column at the lumbar 2 (L2) segments, which were desensitized by capsaicin. We conclude that lumbar locomotor networks in the neonatal mouse spinal cord are targets for modulation by direct multisegmental nSCA, subsets of which express TRPV1 in Lissauer's tract and the dorsal column. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2870–2887, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and optical properties of Mg‐doped ZnO nanoparticles by polyacrylamide method
Authors: Wu Yan , Yun Jin , Wang Linqin , Yang Xiang
Published: February 2013

Mg‐doped ZnO (MgxZn1‐xO) nanoparticles with precise stoichiometry are synthesized through polyacrylamide polymer method. Calcination of the polymer precursor at 650 °C gives particles of the homogeneous solid solution of the (MgxZn1‐xO) system in the composition range (x < 0.15). ZnO doping with Mg causes shrinkage of lattice parameter c. The synthesized MgxZn1‐xO nanoparticles are typically with the diameter of 70–85 nm. Blue shift of band gap with the Mg‐content is demonstrated, and photoluminescence (PL) from ZnO has been found to be tunable in a wide range from green to blue through Mg doping. The blue‐related PL therefore appeared to be caused by energetic shifts of the valence band and/or the conduction band of ZnO. MgxZn1‐xO nanoparticles synthesized by polyacrylamide‐gel method after modified by polyethylene glycol surfactant have a remarkable improvement of stability in the ethanol solvent, indicating that these MZO nanoparticles could be considered as the candidate for the application of solution–processed technologies for optoelectronics at ambient temperature conditions.
3D quantitative analyses of angiogenic sprout growth dynamics
Authors: Shirinifard Abbas , McCollum Catherine W. , Bolin Maria Bondesson , Gustafsson Jan‐Åke , Glazier James A. , Clendenon Sherry G.
Published: February 2013

Background: Zebrafish intersegmental vessel (ISV) growth is widely used to study angiogenesis and to screen drugs and toxins that perturb angiogenesis. Most current ISV growth assays observe the presence or absence of ISVs or perturbation of ISV morphology but do not measure growth dynamics. We have developed a four‐dimensional (4D, space plus time) quantitative analysis of angiogenic sprout growth dynamics for characterization of both normal and perturbed growth. Results: We tracked the positions of the ISV base and tip for each ISV sprout in 4D. Despite immobilization, zebrafish embryos translocated globally and non‐uniformly during development. We used displacement of the ISV base and the angle between the ISV and the dorsal aorta to correct for displacement and rotation during development. From corrected tip cell coordinates, we computed average ISV trajectories. We fitted a quadratic curve to the average ISV trajectories to produce a canonical ISV trajectory for each experimental group, arsenic treated and untreated. From the canonical ISV trajectories, we computed curvature, average directed migration speed and directionality. Canonical trajectories from treated (arsenic exposed) and untreated groups differed in curvature, average directed migration speed and angle between the ISV and dorsal aorta. Conclusions: 4D analysis of angiogenic sprout growth dynamics: (1) Allows quantitative assessment of ISV growth dynamics and perturbation, and (2) provides critical inputs for computational models of angiogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 242:508–516, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐Amplitude piezoelectric properties of KNbO−3‐based lead‐free ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Nagata Hajime , Takenaka Tadashi
Published: February 2013

High‐power piezoelectric characteristics of Mn‐ doped KNbO3 (KN + MnCO3 at x wt%, x = 0 to 0.8 wt%, KN‐Mnx) ceramics are reported for the first time in this paper. The mechanical quality factor Qm of KN‐Mnx ceramics at small‐amplitude vibration increased with the Mn content, and the Qm of KN‐Mn0.8 ceramic reached about 820. The maximum vibration speed vo−p, about 2.3 ms, was obtained for KN‐Mn0.8 with Qm = 820. Qm for large‐amplitude vibration in KN‐Mn0.8 and Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 (PZT)‐based ceramics (N6) decreased with increasing vo−p. Qm of KN‐Mn0.8 was smaller than that of N6 for small‐amplitude vibration. However, for large‐amplitude vibration at which vo−p > 0.6 m/s, the Qm value of KN‐Mn0.8 was larger than that of N6. These results indicate that KN‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics possess superior mechanical stability for large‐amplitude vibration. This is a very good sign for high‐power piezoelectric applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(3): 53–58, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10416
Improvement of photo‐functional properties of TiO2 thin film coated by W surface layer
Authors: Shukur Haider A. , Sato Mitsunobu , Takano Ichiro
Published: February 2013

TiO2 thin films with a W layer to improve photo‐functional properties were prepared using the reactive magnetron sputtering method. The W thin films at a thickness of 0.4 to 2.5 mm were coated onto the TiO2 thin films using the same magnetron sputtering. The surface chemical state of the W‐coated TiO2 thin films measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed W metal and/or W oxide on the TiO2 thin film. A spectrophotometer was used to investigate UV‐Vis absorption of the W‐coated TiO2 thin films which absorb energy of longer wavelength than the TiO2 thin film without the W surface layer. Visible‐light photocatalysis of the W‐coated TiO2 thin films was improved by four points in the sample with a W layer thickness of 1.7 nm, and photoconductivity was improved by four times under an artificial sun lamp. It is demonstrated that these improvements in the photo‐functional properties were achieved by a different cause. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(3): 45–52, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11409
Engineering ethics education on the basis of continuous education to improve communication ability
Authors: Takahara Kenji , Kajiwara Toshinori
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes an engineering ethics education method for students on the basis of continuous education to improve communication ability. First, through the process of debate, the students acquire the fundamental skills necessary to marshal their arguments, to construct rebuttals, and to summarize debates. Second, the students study the fundamental techniques to make a presentation on technical subjects related to electrical engineering. Following these classes, in lectures on engineering ethics, the students probe the causes of various accidents and consider better approaches for avoiding such accidents with each other. In most cases, the students can express good and commonsensical opinions from an ethical standpoint. However, they can hardly make judgments when the situations, such as the human relations in the above accidents, are set up in concrete terms. During the engineering ethics class, the students come to know that the human relations behind the case make ethical matters more complicated. Furthermore, they come to understand that facilitating daily communications with co‐workers and/or supervisors is very important in order to avoid such accidents. The recognition of the students is primarily the result of the continuous education during 3 years. It can be said that the engineering ethics education thus constructed increases in the students this kind of spontaneous awareness as well as their ethical qualities as engineers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(3): 1–8, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22283
Forty-seven days of decay does not change persistent organic pollutant levels in loggerhead sea turtle eggs
Authors: Keller Jennifer M.
Published: February 2013

Reptile and bird eggs are priority samples for specimen banking programs that assess spatial and temporal trends of environmental contaminants. From endangered species, such as sea turtles, nonlethal sampling is required (e.g., unhatched eggs collected postemergence). Previous contaminant monitoring studies have used unhatched sea turtle eggs, but no study has tested whether their concentrations represent levels found in fresh eggs (e.g., eggs collected within 24 h of oviposition). The author analyzed three fresh eggs from different nest depths and up to three unhatched eggs from 10 loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests in South Carolina, USA, for a suite of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Lipid-normalized POP concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between fresh and unhatched eggs or among different depths from the same nest. The POP concentrations in loggerhead eggs from South Carolina were higher than previously measured concentrations in eggs from Florida and slightly lower than concentrations in eggs from North Carolina. This pattern agrees with previously observed trends of increasing POP concentrations in loggerhead turtles inhabiting northern latitudes along the U.S. East Coast. Contaminant profiles are discussed, including a higher chlorinated pattern of polychlorinated biphenyls possibly associated with a Superfund site in nearby Brunswick, Georgia, USA, and unusual polybrominated diphenylether patterns seen in this and previous sea turtle studies. Concentrations correlated with one of eight measurements of reproductive success; levels were negatively correlated with egg mass (p < 0.05), which may have implications for hatchling fitness. The present study suggests that unhatched eggs can be used for POP-monitoring projects. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:747–756. © 2013 SETAC
Sodium chloride enhances cadmium tolerance through reducing cadmium accumulation and increasing anti-oxidative enzyme activity in tobacco
Authors: Zhang Bing-Lin , Shang Sheng-Hua , Zhang Hai-Tao , Jabeen Zahra , Zhang Guo-Ping
Published: February 2013

The effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on cadmium (Cd) uptake, translocation, and oxidative stress was investigated using 2 tobacco cultivars differing in Cd tolerance. The growth inhibition of the tobacco plants exposed to Cd toxicity was in part alleviated by moderate addition of NaCl in the culture solution. Cadmium concentration of shoots and roots in the 2 cultivars increased with increasing Cd levels in the solution and decreased with the addition of NaCl. The addition of NaCl could alleviate the oxidative stress caused by Cd toxicity, as reflected by reduced production of malondialdehyde and recovered or enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The results also showed that the enhancement of antioxidative enzyme activity by NaCl for the tobacco plants exposed to Cd stress is related to induced Ca signaling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1420–1425. © 2013 SETAC
Modeling and experimental studies of thermal degradation of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Tsoi Marvin , Zhuge Jinfeng , Chen Ruey‐Hung , Gou Jihua
Published: February 2013

This study developed a numerical model that simulated the degradation rate and temperature profiles of a glass fiber reinforced polyester resin composite exposed to a constant heat flux in a cone calorimeter. By considering the thermal properties of the composite structure consisting of alternating layers of pure polymer and polymer‐infused glass fiber mat, the numerical model seeks to reproduce the experimental data from the cone calorimeter test. The final results are achieved through adding a simulated heat flux from the pilot ignition of the degraded gas of the polyester resin. The good agreement between the predicted and experimental results suggests that such models are cost‐saving tools over the process of designing and manufacturing of composites for meeting fire safety requirements, without having to fabricate many samples for testing and final selection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ambient‐noise tomography of north Tibet limits geological terrane signature to upper‐middle crust
Authors: Karplus M. S. , Klemperer S. L. , Lawrence J. F. , Zhao W. , Mechie J. , Tilmann F. , Sandvol E. , Ni J.
Published: February 2013

We use ambient‐noise tomography to map regional differences in crustal Rayleigh‐wave group velocities with periods of 8–40 s across north Tibet using the International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya phase IV arrays (132 stations, deployed for 10–24 months). For periods of 8–24 s (sensitive to midcrustal depths of ~5–30 km), we observe striking velocity changes across the Bangong‐Nujiang and Jinsha suture zones as well as the Kunlun‐Qaidam boundary. From south to north, we see higher velocities beneath the Lhasa terrane, lower velocities beneath the Qiangtang, higher velocities in the Songpan‐Ganzi and Kunlun terranes, and the lowest velocities beneath the Qaidam Basin. Maps at periods of 34 and 40 s (sensitive to the middle and lower crust at depths of ~30–60 km) do not show evidence of changes across those boundaries. Any differences between the Tibetan terrane lower crusts that were present at accretion have been erased or displaced by Cenozoic processes and replaced almost ubiquitously by uniformly low velocities.
A quick look at the 2012 record flood in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Satyamurty Prakki , da Costa Claudia Priscila Wanzeler , Manzi Antonio Ocimar , Candido Luiz Antonio
Published: February 2013

The water level at the Manaus Port on the Negro River reached its record value of 29.97 m on 29 May 2012. This is higher than the previous record in the year 2009 by 20 cm. The rise of the level from November 2011 till the record maximum is the highest in the past several decades. A cooler South Atlantic and a normal or slightly warmer North Atlantic were associated with a record flood in the Amazon Basin in 2012. The seasonal atmospheric moisture convergence and the precipitation over the Amazon Basin are well correlated. During the period October 2011 through May 2012 the moisture‐flux convergence was 38% more intense than climatology. The rainfall equivalence of this excess moisture convergence is about 2.5 mm d–1 in the western Amazon Basin and 1.8 mm d–1 in the whole Amazon Basin.
Insights into the field carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer based on the nanocytology of endocervical and endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Damania Dhwanil , Roy Hemant K. , Kunte Dhananja , Hurteau Jean A. , Subramanian Hariharan , Cherkezyan Lusik , Krosnjar Nela , Shah Maitri , Backman Vadim
Published: February 2013

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer fatalities among American women. Although curable at early stages with surgery, most women are diagnosed with symptoms of late‐stage metastatic disease. Moreover, none of the current diagnostic techniques are clinically recommended for at‐risk women as they preferentially target low‐grade tumors (which do not affect longevity) and fail to capture early signatures of more lethal serous tumors which originate in the fimbrae region of the fallopian tubes. Hence, the early detection of ovarian cancer is challenging given the current strategy. Recently, our group has developed a novel optical imaging technique, partial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, that can quantify the nanoscale macromolecular density fluctuations within biological cells via a biomarker, disorder strength (Ld). Using the concept of field carcinogenesis, we propose a method of detecting ovarian cancer by PWS assessment of endometrial and endocervical columnar cells. The study includes 26 patients (controls = 15, cancer = 11) for endometrium and 23 (controls = 13, cancer = 10) for endocervix. Our results highlight a significant increase in Ld (% fold‐increase > 50%, p‐value < 0.05) for columnar epithelial cells obtained from cancer patients compared to controls for both endocervix and endometrium. Overall, the quantification of field carcinogenic events in the endometrium and the novel observation of its extension to the cervix are unique findings in the understanding of ovarian field carcinogenesis. We further show independent validation of the presence of cervical field carcinogenesis with micro‐RNA expression data.