bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The European Court of Human Rights Grand Chamber: Scoppola v. Italy (No. 3)
Authors: Lazic Djurdja
Published: August 2013

In Scoppola v. Italy (No. 3), the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights clarified its position on prisoner disenfranchisement under Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Grand Chamber upheld, by sixteen votes to one, the challenged Italian legislation as within the margin of appreciation granted to member states in determining the conditions under which the Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 right to vote is exercised. Following its precedent in Hirst v. United Kingdom (No. 2), the Grand Chamber ruled that the Italian law pursued the legitimate aim of preventing crime and enhancing civic responsibility and respect for the rule of law, and that the relevant measure was proportionate because it did not affect a group of people generally, automatically, and indiscriminately. Notably, the Grand Chamber differentiated Scopppola (No. 3) from Hirst (No. 2), stressing that the U.K. legislation challenged in the latter deprived all prisoners, regardless of the length of their sentences or the nature of their crimes, of their right to vote. Unlike Hirst (No. 2), the Grand Chamber noted, the Italian legislation adapted voting restrictions to the particular circumstances of each case.
Sound Off!: The Myth of Differentiation in Mathematics: Providing Maximum Growth
Authors: O'Roark Jason Lee
Published: August 2013

After teaching high school mathematics in Maryland for three years, I began teaching sixth-grade mathematics in one of the best school districts in Pennsylvania (according to state test scores) and have been teaching there for the past six years. My high school teaching background led me to differentiate differently from my colleagues. I share my observations of the result of the differences in methodology and my conclusions from those observations, and I offer a plan to implement changes in the way that mathematics is taught.
Media Clips: Lumbering Along
Authors: Lancaster Ron
Published: August 2013

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. Some media pieces about lumber provide an opportunity for work in graphing, volume, and restricting domains to real-world settings.
Modeling Fuel Efficiency: MPG or GPHM?
Authors: Bartkovich Kevin G.
Published: August 2013

The EPA's switch in rating fuel efficiency from miles per gallon to gallons per hundred miles with the 2013 model-year cars leads to interesting and relevant mathematics with real-world connections.
Learning with Calculator Games
Authors: Frahm Bruce
Published: August 2013

Four graphing calculator games to entice your students to learn mathematics.
Improving Student Reasoning in Geometry
Authors: Wong Bobson , Bukalov Larisa
Published: August 2013

Parallel geometry tasks with four levels of complexity involve students in writing and understanding proof.
Cellular resolution models for even skipped regulation in the entire Drosophila embryo
Authors: Ilsley Garth R , Fisher Jasmin , Apweiler Rolf , DePace Angela H , Luscombe Nicholas M
Published: August 2013

Transcriptional control ensures genes are expressed in the right amounts at the correct times and locations. Understanding quantitatively how regulatory systems convert input signals to appropriate outputs remains a challenge. For the first time, we successfully model even skipped (eve) stripes 2 and 3+7 across the entire fly embryo at cellular resolution. A straightforward statistical relationship explains how transcription factor (TF) concentrations define eve’s complex spatial expression, without the need for pairwise interactions or cross-regulatory dynamics. Simulating thousands of TF combinations, we recover known regulators and suggest new candidates. Finally, we accurately predict the intricate effects of perturbations including TF mutations and misexpression. Our approach imposes minimal assumptions about regulatory function; instead we infer underlying mechanisms from models that best fit the data, like the lack of TF-specific thresholds and the positional value of homotypic interactions. Our study provides a general and quantitative method for elucidating the regulation of diverse biological systems.
The Series – Serial work in artistic research and in the didactics of the arts
Authors: Nyrnes Aslaug
Published: August 2013

The series is a paradoxical phenomenon in artistic work. The term “series” signifies copying, repetition, reproduction and frequently even trivialization – to break with the idea of the original. However, serial work is simultaneously central both in the work of art and in the didactics of arts and crafts. Using examples in painting and ceramics, this article discusses the series as an epistemological figure and relates the reflection to questions of quality assessment and the building of theory both in the didactics of the arts and in artistic research.
Relasjonen estetikk – epistemologi – etikk og fagdidaktikk. Et semiotisk-kommunikativt perspektiv på estetikk og utdanning
Authors: Ongstad Sigmund
Published: August 2013

Artikkelen tar mål av seg å vise at det hersker en indre sammenheng, på den ene siden mellom en rekke ulike kommunikative og didaktiske aspekter som kan samles under nøkkelbegrepene estetikk, epistemologi og etikk. På den annen side fremholdes det at det eksisterer en intern dynamikk mellom form, innhold og handling i enhver kulturell ytring, og at denne triaden utgjør grunnelementet i en rekke kjente triader innen filosofi og utdanning. Selv om teksten hovedsakelig argumenterer på et generelt nivå ved å sammenføre ulike teoretiske syn fra ulike kilder, baserer den seg også på flere empiriske studier av undervisning, kunnskap og læring. Selv om det sentrale fokus er på forholdet mellom de nevnte triadene, vies forholdet mellom estetikk og kommunikasjon særlig oppmerksomhet, spesielt i tilknytning til utdanning og fag-/didaktikk. Artikkelen drøfter først de mest sentrale begrepene og deres komplementære og følgelig problematiske natur. Videre presenteres og diskuteres to historisk viktige tekster som har forsøkt å håndtere disse forholdene. Dernest hevdes det at for å forstå triadenes innvirkning på forskeres faglige og vitenskapelige posisjonering, så bør teorirammen utvides fra språk i mer snever forstand til semiotikk. Siste del gir så et oversyn over og forklarer i detalj en rekke systemiske sammenhenger mellom presenterte nøkkelbegreper.Deretter gjøres korte evalueringer av begrepsrammeverket. Til slutt gis en rekke referanser til flere empiriske studier av triader i ulike utdanningskontekster, før artikkelens hovedideer oppsummeres.
Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels and Trend in Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared to the General Population
Authors: Liao Katherine P. , Cai Tianxi , Gainer Vivian S. , Cagan Andrew , Murphy Shawn N. , Liu ChihChin , Churchill Susanne , Shaw Stanley Y. , Kohane Isaac , Solomon Daniel H. , Plenge Robert M. , Karlson Elizabeth W.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Differences in lipid levels associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and the general population remain unclear. Determining these differences is important in understanding the role of lipids in CV risk in RA.

Methods

We studied 2,005 RA subjects from 2 large academic medical centers. We extracted electronic medical record data on the first low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) measurement, and total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) measurements within 1 year of the LDL measurement. Subjects with an electronic statin prescription prior to the first LDL measurement were excluded. We compared lipid levels in RA patients to recently published levels from the general US population using the t‐test and stratifying by published parameters, i.e., 2007–2010, and women. We determined lipid trends using separate linear regression models for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, testing the association between year of measurement (1989–2010) and lipid level, adjusted by age and sex. Lipid trends in RA were qualitatively compared to the published general population trends.

Results

Women with RA had a significantly lower total cholesterol (186 versus 200 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and LDL cholesterol (105 versus 118 mg/dl; P = 0.001) compared to the general population (2007–2010). HDL cholesterol was not significantly different in the 2 groups. In the RA cohort, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased each year, while HDL cholesterol increased (all with P < 0.0001), consistent with overall trends observed in a previous study.

Conclusion

RA patients appear to have an overall lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol than the general population despite the general overall risk of CV disease in RA from observational studies.
Effects of Cardiovascular Comorbidities on Work Participation in Rheumatic Diseases: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Working Individuals
Authors: van der Burg Lennart R. A. , Boonen Annelies , van Amelsvoort Ludovic G. P. M. , Jansen Nicole W. H. , Landewé Robert B. M. , Kant Ijmert
Published: August 2013

Objective

To determine the risk of sick leave and work disability in relation to rheumatic diseases and cardiovascular comorbidities among working individuals.

Methods

Employees (n = 12,140) from 45 companies in The Netherlands were prospectively followed up from 1998–2008. Questionnaires were used to assess self‐reported diseases and employment status. Company records provided individual sick leave data for the first 2.5 years of followup. For a selected sample of the cohort (50%), verification of self‐reported diseases was sought through hospital record linkage. Poisson regressions and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to determine the impact of both self‐reported and verified diseases on sick leave and work disability, respectively.

Results

The number of days and frequency of sick leave were increased in working individuals with self‐reported rheumatic and cardiovascular disease (P < 0.001), but self‐reported cardiovascular comorbidity did not result in more sick leave in those who also self‐reported rheumatic disease. Work disability was also increased for both self‐reported rheumatic disease and cardiovascular disease (P < 0.001), but again, no additive effects were found. In the sample verified by clinical review, the frequency or number of days of sick leave was significantly higher in employees with cardiovascular disease (P < 0.001), inflammatory rheumatic disease (P < 0.05), and osteoarthritis (P < 0.05) compared to employees without these diseases. Work disability in the verified sample occurred especially in patients with osteoarthritis (hazard ratio [HR] 12.36 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.59–13.66]), fibromyalgia (HR 14.24 [95% CI 2.02–16.54]), and cardiovascular disease (HR 4.88 [95% CI 1.70–14.01]).

Conclusion

Rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases increased the risk of sick leave and work disability in a working population, but there was no indication that these effects convey an additive risk.
Effect of Rotation Speed to Welding Speed Ratio on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum–Lithium Alloy Joints
Authors: Li Wenya , Jiang Ruorong , Zhang Zhihan , Ma Yu'E
Published: August 2013

2198 Al–Li alloy welds were performed by friction stir welding (FSW) to investigate the influence of the ratio of rotation speed to welding speed (ω/ν) on joint microstructure, microhardness, and tensile properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to reveal the precipitate type across the weld cross‐section. Results show that ω/ν has a little impact on both macroscopic morphology and microstructure of joints. Dissolution of precipitates has occurred in the weld nugget (WN). The density of T1 phase and its size in the WN decrease remarkably. Changes to the T1 phase are linked to a significant reduction in microhardness across the weld. With increasing ω/ν the microhardness of the joints decreases. The value of ω/ν also has impact on the fracture mode of the joints as well as the elongation.
Polarimetric z‐Scan Study of Nonlinear Chirooptic Properties of Chiral Polyfluorene
Authors: He Guang S. , Cho Min Ju , Kim Won Jin , Baev Alexander , Urbas Augustine , Prasad Paras N.
Published: August 2013

Chiral photonics is an emerging field which deals with enantioselective light–matter interactions, offering numerous exciting applications. Two main approaches to enhancing enantioselective interactions are currently under extensive study: 1) structuring light itself, and 2) developing materials with gigantic optical activity. Both are required to realize the full potential of this emerging field. Here, the intensity‐dependent optical activity of a chiral polyfluorene film that has been studied by using open‐ and closed‐aperture z‐scan techniques with ∼775 nm and ∼160 fs laser pulses is reported. For a film of ∼20 μm thickness, the measured two‐photon absorption coefficients are 1.24 and 1.49 cm GW‐1, respectively, and the nonlinear refractive indices are 8.74 × 10−5 and 1.38 × 10−4 cm2 GW‐1 for right and left circularly polarized laser beams, respectively. The nonlinear optical activity of pure, undoped polyfluorene is the highest reported so far.
Greatly Reduced Processing Temperature for a Solution‐Processed NiOx Buffer Layer in Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhai Zhichun , Huang Xiaodong , Xu Meifeng , Yuan Jianyu , Peng Jun , Ma Wanli
Published: August 2013

By application of thermal annealing and UV ozone simultaneously, a solution‐processed NiOx film can achieve a work function of approximately –5.1 eV at a temperature below 150 °C, which allows the processing of NiOx that is compatible with fabrication of polymer solar cells (PSCs) on plastic substrates. The low processing temperature, which is greatly reduced from 250–400 °C to 150 °C, is attributed to the high concentration of NiOOH species on the film surface. This concentration will result in a large surface dipole and lead to increased work function. The pretreated NiOx is demonstrated to be an efficient buffer layer in PSCs based on polymers with different highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels. Compared with conventional poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐thiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)‐buffered PSCs, the NiOx‐buffered PSCs achieve similar or improved device performance as well as enhanced device stability.
Effect of waves on reaeration
Authors: Nguyen Manh Tuan , Tan Soon Keat
Published: August 2013

Mechanically generated surface waves and their influence on oxygen transfer were investigated. The experiments were conducted in a reaeration column (Reynolds number from 125–937). The water surface was set in oscillatory motion to simulate periodic surface level fluctuation. The wave frequency used ranged from 0.125 Hz to 0.425 Hz for various wave heights ranging from 0.15 cm to 1.5 cm. After bleeding the water column with nitrogen, dissolved oxygen concentration was measured over time below the water surface. A modified surface renewal model was proposed and found to describe the oxygen transfer phenomenon well. In addition, it was found that the mean film thickness δD, may be used as the characteristic length to describe the reaeration process under the influence of small perturbation and surface water waves. The proposed model was also extended to include the reaeration process under larger waves reported by other researchers. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4839–4845, 2013
Molecular basis of the clinical features of Al‐Awadi‐Raas‐Rothschild (limb/pelvis/uterus‐hypoplasia/aplasia) syndrome (AARRS) and Fuhrmann syndrome
Authors: Al‐Qattan M.M.
Published: August 2013

This paper reviews the molecular basis of the clinical features of Al‐Awadi‐Raas‐Rothschild (limb/pelvis/uterus‐hypoplasia–aplasia) (AARRS) syndrome and Fuhrmann syndrome. Human WNT7A mutations are also reviewed. Based on this review, these mutations will be classified into two main groups of phenotypes: Fuhrmann and AARRS phenotypes in which there is partial and complete loss of WNT7A functions, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural chromosomal abnormalities detected during CVS analysis and their role in the prenatal ascertainment of cryptic subtelomeric rearrangements
Authors: Pittalis Maria Carla , Mattarozzi Angela , Menozzi Cristina , Malacarne Michela , Baccolini Ilaria , Farina Antonio , Pompilii Eva , Magini Pamela , Percesepe Antonio
Published: August 2013

Mosaic structural chromosomal abnormalities observed along the trophoblast‐mesenchyme‐fetal axis, although rare, pose a difficult problem for their prognostic interpretation in prenatal diagnosis. Additional issues are raised by the presence of mosaic imbalances of the same chromosome showing different sizes in the different tissues, that is, deletions and duplications in the cytotrophoblast and mesenchyme of chorionic villi (CV). Some of these cytogenetic rearrangements originate from the post‐zygotic breakage of a dicentric chromosome or of the product of its first anaphasic breakage. Selection of the most viable cell line may result in confined placental mosaicism of the most severe imbalance, favoring the presence of the cell lines with the mildest duplications or deletions in the fetal tissues. We document three cases of ambiguous results in CV analysis due to the presence of different cell lines involving structural rearrangements of the same chromosome which were represented differently in the trophoblast and the mesenchyme. Observation by conventional karyotype of a grossly rearranged chromosome in one of the CV preparations (direct or culture) was crucial to call attention to the involved chromosomal region in other tissues (villi or amniotic fluid), allowing the prenatal diagnosis through molecular cytogenetic methods of subtelomeric rearrangements [del(7)(q36qter); del(11)(q25qter); del(20)(p13pter)]. This would have surely been undiagnosed with the routine banding technique. In conclusion, the possibility to diagnose complex abnormalities leading to cryptic subtelomeric rearrangements, together with a better knowledge of the initial/intermediate products leading to the final abnormal cryptic deletion should be added to the advantages of the CV sampling technique. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human dietary δ15N intake: Representative data for principle food items
Authors: Huelsemann F. , Koehler K. , Braun H. , Schaenzer W. , Flenker U.
Published: August 2013

Dietary analysis using δ15N values of human remains such as bone and hair is usually based on general principles and limited data sets. Even for modern humans, the direct ascertainment of dietary δ15N is difficult and laborious, due to the complexity of metabolism and nitrogen fractionation, differing dietary habits and variation of δ15N values of food items. The objective of this study was to summarize contemporary regional experimental and global literature data to ascertain mean representative δ15N values for distinct food categories. A comprehensive data set of more than 12,000 analyzed food samples was summarized from the literature. Data originated from studies dealing with (1) authenticity tracing or origin control of food items, and (2) effects of fertilization or nutrition on δ15N values of plants or animals. Regional German food δ15N values revealed no major differences compared with the mean global values derived from the literature. We found that, in contrast to other food categories, historical faunal remains of pig and poultry are significantly enriched in 15N compared to modern samples. This difference may be due to modern industrialized breeding practices. In some food categories variations in agricultural and feeding regimens cause significant differences in δ15N values that may lead to misinterpretations when only limited information is available. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:58–66, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of highly thermally conducting polyamide 6/graphite composites via low‐temperature in situ expansion
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Yu Lin , Song Xin , Chang Jin , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: August 2013

Highly thermally conducting polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with high loadings of low‐temperature expandable graphite (LTEG) were prepared by an in situ exfoliation melting process, and the thermal conductivity of the composites was measured by a hot‐disk method. A two‐point method was applied to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the composites with various graphite loadings, and the thermal percolation was observed in the vicinity of the electrical percolation threshold concentration. Dynamic rheology analysis was used to define the geometric change caused by the interconnection of the in situ exfoliated graphite flakes. X‐ray diffraction measurement confirmed that the exfoliation of LTEG was crucial to the overall thermal conductivity of the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the incorporation of LTEG significantly improved the damping properties of PA6. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry measurements were applied to study the thermal properties of the investigated PA6/LTEG composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39596.
Macroporous polymeric ion exchangers as adsorbents for the removal of cationic dye basic blue 9 from aqueous solutions
Authors: Suteu Daniela , Bilba Doina , Coseri Sergiu
Published: August 2013

Two macroporous cation‐exchange resins, Purolite C145, a strongly acidic cation macroporous resin, and Purolite C107E, a weakly acidic cation‐exchange resin, were used to remove the dye Basic Blue 9 (BB9) from an aqueous medium. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to analyze the effect of various parameters, such as the phase contact time, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, resin dose, and temperature. The experimental equilibrium data were evaluated by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) adsorption models. The Freundlich model better described the adsorption processes of the BB9 dye onto both cation exchangers, and the monolayer adsorption capacities were established as 31.9846 mg/g (C145) and 27.77 mg/g (C107E) at 20°C. The values of the mean free adsorption energy (E) obtained from the DR model suggested a porous structure of the adsorbents and proposed ion exchange at the main mechanism of the adsorption process. The values of the thermodynamic parameters showed that the retention of the cationic dye was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the sorbent and also to validate the adsorption mechanism as ion‐exchange ones. The desorption experiments by a batch method were performed with different solutions: 0.1 and 1 mol/L HCl, 2.5 mol/L H2SO4, CH3OH, and a mixture between 1 mol/L HCl and CH3OH. Desorption performed with sulfuric acid was shown to be most effective because more than 85% of the adsorbed dye was removed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39620.
Microencapsulation of capsanthin by soybean protein isolate‐chitosan coacervation and microcapsule stability evaluation
Authors: Xiao Jun‐Xia , Huang Guo‐Qing , Wang Shi‐Qing , Sun Yan‐Ting
Published: August 2013

Although capsanthin possesses excellent coloring performance and healthcare functions, its application in the food industry is limited due to its susceptibility to humidity, heat, and light. The purpose of this research was to microencapsulate capsanthin by soybean protein isolate (SPI)‐chitosan coacervation and evaluate whether the microencapsulation improved the stability of capsanthin against the adverse conditions mentioned above. The results indicated that the optimum conditions for capsanthin microencapsulation were emulsification speed 10,000 rpm, emulsification temperature 45°C, wall concentration 15 g/L and core to wall ratio 1:2 (w/w). Under these conditions, the droplets in the emulsion were even in size distribution without agglomeration and the microencapsulation efficiency and microencapsulation yield reached 90.46% and 86.69%, respectively. Microencapsulation increased the stability of capsanthin against low/medium moisture, heat, and especially light, but was less effective in protecting capsanthin microcapsules in high moisture. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39671.
Comparative characterization of degraded lignin polymer from the organosolv fractionation process with various catalysts and alcohols
Authors: Wang Kun , Yang Haiyan , Guo Shihuai , Yao Xi , Sun Run‐Cang
Published: August 2013

Triploid poplar was fractionated using mild organosolv process, and detailed characteristic elucidation of the lignin obtained was performed to determine the effects of various chemicals (sodium hydroxide, triethylamine, and formic acid) and solvents (methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol, and n‐butanol). Both nondestructive techniques (e.g., NMR technology) and degradation methods (e.g., alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation) were performed to comparatively evaluate the structural degradation of lignin molecules. The addition of acidic and basic catalysts improved the purity of lignin by acid hydrolysis and the cleavage of the ester groups and other types of lignin–carbohydrate interactions formed by polyoses and lignin under the basic conditions. A certain amount of aryl alkyl ether linkages (β‐O‐4) was cleaved during the fractionation process, whereas other carbon–carbon linkages were resistant to degradation. The formation of new carbon–carbon bonds led to the lignin fraction with obviously higher molecular weight and thermal stability, resulting from the induced carbon cation under the acidic condition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39673.
Fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) coated with chitosan for pulmonary delivery of carvedilol
Authors: Varshosaz Jaleh , Taymouri Somaih , Hamishehkar Hamed
Published: August 2013

Carvedilol is a drug with low oral bioavailability due to its high first‐pass metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to prepare a mucoadhesive dry powder inhaler of this drug loaded in poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)(PEVA) nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery. PEVA nanoparticles were prepared by an O/W solvent evaporation method and coated with different concentrations of chitosan as a mucoadhesive polymer. Encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, release efficiency, and mucoadhesive properties of the different formulations were evaluated on mucin substrate. The optimized formulation of nanoparticles was spray dried using lactose and mannitol as carrier powders. The flowability of the obtained powders was checked by Carr's Index and Hausner ratio and the in vitro deposition of the aerosolized drug was investigated using a Next Generation Impactor. Increasing in the particle size and zeta potential of nanoparticles confirmed the settling of the chitosan coating layer on the surface of nanoparticles. The in vitro drug release from coated nanoparticles decreased with increasing of chitosan concentration. Mucoadhesive property of chitosan‐coated PEVA nanoparticles was higher than noncoated ones. Spray‐dried powders had different aerosilization behavior. Mannitol‐based formulation was found to have low density, better flow ability, smaller aerodynamic diameter (daer) and higher fine powder fraction. The results of the present study allow concluding that mannitol spray dried, mucoadhesive nanoparticles of PEVA are suitable inhaler powder for pulmonary delivery of carvedilol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39694.
Effects of water temperature on the larval parasitic stage of the thick‐shelled river mussel (Unio crassus)
Authors: Taeubert Jens‐Eike , El‐Nobi Gamal , Geist Juergen
Published: August 2013

The complex life‐cycle of freshwater mussels from the superfamily Unionoidea includes an obligate parasitic phase on a suitable host fish, which makes freshwater mussels particularly susceptible to disruption by environmental stressors. In particular, temperature stress due to rising ambient temperatures resulting from heated effluents, damming of streams and deforestation of banks or climate change may have detrimental effects on threatened mussel species.

In this study, the effect of four different temperature regimes (12 °C, 17 °C, 20 °C and 23 °C) on the development and metamorphosis success of Unio crassus encysted on Phoxinus phoxinus was investigated.

The highest metamorphosis success as well as the lowest host mortality were found at a temperature of 17 °C. Duration of development was inversely related to the temperature at which the hosts were maintained.

Excystment of living juvenile mussels was found between 265 and 357 degree‐days for 23 °C and between 433 and 632 degree‐days for 12 °C.

In conclusion, water temperature during the parasitic phase of U. crassus plays an important role in development and metamorphosis and should be considered in the conservation of the species through catchment management and in the artificial propagation of this species as well as in other endangered mussel species.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DIEL RHYTHMS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND PHEROMONE TITERS IN Isoceras sibirica ALPHERAKY (LEPIDOPTERA, COSSIDAE)
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Zhao Wenmei , Yang Meihong , Liu Jinlong , Zhang Jintong
Published: August 2013

The adult behavior and sex pheromone titers of Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) were investigated to determine the diel periodicity of pheromone production during one scotophase and the effect of age on pheromone production. The results showed that females began to call on the first night after eclosion and called mainly during the second half of scotophase. The percentage of females calling was highest in 1‐ to 3‐day‐old females and lowest in 4‐ to 5‐day‐old females. The onset of scotophase calling occurred earlier as females aged. The responses to the pheromone source of males aged 1–5 days were monitored in a wind tunnel. Peak activity was observed in 3‐day‐old males, 4 h after the onset of the scotophase. The mating of all 1‐ to 3‐day‐old moths began after 6 h in scotophase and some 4‐ to 5‐day‐old moths began during the fourth hour. The average duration of copulation was 34.2 ± 18.2 min (N = 45) and ranged from 17.0 to 56.3 min. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of hexane extracts of pheromone glands revealed that the titers of the three sex pheromone components, (Z)‐9‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14:Ac), (Z)‐7‐tetradecenyl acetate, and (Z)‐9‐hexadecadecenyl acetate were very low on the first night after eclosion, increased and peaked on the second night, then decreased with age. During the first 4 h of the scotophase, titers remained invariant, whereas from 4 to 6 h, pheromone titers increased sharply and peaked, with the greatest peak observed in the primary component, Z9–14:Ac. After the peak, all recorded titers declined until they reached a minimum between the ninth and tenth hours of the dark cycle. In field tests, most of the males were captured in traps during 00:00–02:00 h (13 ± 0.48), and females aged 2 days attracted more males than females of other ages. We infer that the I. sibirica mating system is organized around circadian control of mate calling and mating.
DiketopyrrolopyrroleThiophene‐Based Acceptor–Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Materials for High‐Performance Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lu Chien , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: August 2013

We report the synthesis, morphology, and field‐effect‐transistor (FET) characteristics of new acceptor–donor–acceptor conjugated materials that consist of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) acceptor groups and one of four different thiophene moieties, that is, dithiophene (2T), thieno[3,2‐b]‐thiophene (TT), dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]‐thiophene (DTT), and 5,5′′′‐di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐[2,3′;5′,2′′;4′′,2′′′]quaterthiophene (4T). The optical band gaps of the as‐prepared materials are smaller than 1.7 eV, which is attributed to the strong intramolecular charge transfer and the backbone coplanarity of the thiophene moieties. The order of both crystallinity and FET mobility (×10−2–×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1) is TT2DPP>4T2DPP>2T2DPP>DTT2DP, which differ in the structure of the π‐conjugated cores and core symmetry. Well‐ordered intermolecular chain packing was confirmed by the GIXD and AFM results. In particular, the FET hole mobility of TT2DPP was further improved to 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1, which was attributed to the well‐interconnected structure through solution‐shearing. These experimental results suggest the potential applications of the new DPPthiopheneDPP conjugated materials for organic electronic devices.
Traffic performance of shared lanes at signalized intersections based on cellular automata modeling
Authors: Chai Chen , Wong Yiik Diew
Published: August 2013

Shared lanes at signalized intersections are designed for use by vehicles of different movement directions. Shared lane usage increases the flexibility of assigning lane grouping to accommodate variable traffic volume by direction. However, a shared lane is not always beneficial as it can at time result in blockage that leads to both capacity and safety constraints. This paper establishes a cellular automata model to simulate traffic movements at signalized intersections with shared lanes. Several simulation experiments are carried out both for a single shared lane and for an approach with a shared lane. Simulation of a single shared lane used by straight‐through and right‐turn (as similar to left‐turn in the USA) vehicles suggests that the largest travel delay occurs when traffic volumes (vehicles/lane) of the two movement streams along the shared lane are at about the same level. For a trial lane‐group with a shared lane, when traffic volumes of the two movement streams are quite different, the shared lane usage is not efficient in terms of reduction in traffic delay. The simulation results are able to produce the threshold traffic volume to arrange a shared lane along an approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entwicklung eines hocheffizienten Ventilators mit integrierter Gegenstromwärmerückgewinnung für den Einsatz in der Gebäudemodernisierung
Authors: Speer Christoph , Pfluger Rainer , Feist Wolfgang , Weger Johannes , Zgaga Janez
Published: August 2013

Lüftungssysteme mit Wärmerückgewinnung sollten so energieeffizient und kompakt wie möglich realisiert werden, dies gilt besonders im Bereich der Gebäudesanierung. Die Kombination von Ventilator und Wärmetauscher bietet die Möglichkei, beide Anforderungen zu erfüllen. Eine bereits bestehende Kombination aus Ventilator und Wärmetauscher zeigt eine limitierte Effizienz (48 % Wärmerückgewinnung). Diese Arbeit beschreibt ein modifiziertes Konzept mit einer verbesserten Wärmerückgewinnung von über 80 %. Sowohl die Konstruktionsprinzipien als auch die Berechnung der Konstruktionsparameter werden dargelegt.

Development of a highly efficient counterflow heat recovery fan for use in building modernization. Ventilation systems with heat recovery should be designed as energy efficient and compact as possible, especially if it should be applied in an existing building. A combination of fans and heat exchanger gives the chance to meet both requirements. An existing combination of fan and heat exchanger however shows a limited performance (48 % sensible heat recovery). This paper provides a modified concept with an enhanced heat recovery rate of more than 80 %. The design principles as well as the calculation procedure of the main design parameters are published.
The OECD and the expansion of PISA: new global modes of governance in education
Authors: Sellar Sam , Lingard Bob
Published: August 2013

This paper examines the expansion of the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and associated growth in the influence of the OECD's education work. PISA has become one of the OECD's most successful ‘products’ and has both strengthened the role of the Directorate for Education within the organization and enhanced the significance of the organization in education globally. We provide an overview of the OECD, including organizational changes in response to globalization and the changing place of the Directorate for Education within the organization, particularly with the development of PISA in the late 1990s. We show how the OECD is expanding PISA by broadening the scope of what is measured; increasing the scale of the assessment to cover more countries, systems and schools; and enhancing its explanatory power to provide policy‐makers with better information. The OECD has also developed the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and PISA‐based Tests for Schools, which draw on the PISA template to extend the influence of its education work to new sites. The paper draws on data from 33 interviews with past and present personnel from the OECD, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) and the English and Australian education systems, as well as analysis of relevant OECD documents. We argue that PISA, and the OECD's education work more broadly, has facilitated new epistemological and infrastructural modes of global governance for the OECD in education.
Racial difference in histologic subtype of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Olshan Andrew F. , Kuo Tzy‐Mey , Meyer Anne‐Marie , Nielsen Matthew E. , Purdue Mark P. , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: August 2013

In the United States, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has rapidly increased in incidence for over two decades. The most common histologic subtypes of RCC, clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe have distinct genetic and clinical characteristics; however, epidemiologic features of these subtypes have not been well characterized, particularly regarding any associations between race, disease subtypes, and recent incidence trends. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, we examined differences in the age‐adjusted incidence rates and trends of RCC subtypes, including analysis focusing on racial differences. Incidence rates increased over time (2001–2009) for all three subtypes. However, the proportion of white cases with clear cell histology was higher than among blacks (50% vs. 31%, respectively), whereas black cases were more likely than white cases to have papillary RCC (23% vs. 9%, respectively). Moreover, papillary RCC incidence increased more rapidly for blacks than whites (P < 0.01) over this period. We also observed that increased incidence of papillary histology among blacks is not limited to the smallest size strata. We observed racial differences in proportionate incidence of RCC subtypes, which appear to be increasing over time; this novel finding motivates further etiologic, clinical, molecular, and genetic studies.
Pdx1 protein induces human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic endocrine lineage
Authors: Liang Qing Le , Mo Zhengying , Li Xue Feng , Wang Xiao Xun , Li Rui Ming
Published: August 2013

Success in generating insulin‐producing cells (IPCs) from human embryonic stem (hES) cells by genetic manipulation has recently revealed a new therapeutic potential for diabetes. However, clinical application has been hampered by the viral genome integration and the risk of insertion mutagenesis that are entailed. Herein, we report the induction of hEC into IPCs by direct delivery of human Pdx1 proteins per se. Recombinant human Pdx1 proteins (hPdx1), which have an Antennapedia‐like protein transduction domain sequence in their structure, can be efficiently translocated into hES cells and function as pancreatic transcription factor. hPdx1 protein activates a group of genes related to pancreatic beta‐cell lineage development in hES cells, including NeuroD1, Nkx2.2, Pax4, Pax6, Nkx6.1 and Isl‐1. hPdx1‐treated hES cells synthesise and release insulin in response to glucose challenge. Therefore, this study constitutes a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of protein‐mediated pancreatic specific differentiation of the hES cells by exploiting specific intrinsic properties of the hPdx1 protein.
Comparison of the effects of human adipose and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on T lymphocytes
Authors: Xishan Zhu , Baoxin He , Xinna Zhou , Jun Ren
Published: August 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can be derived either from the bone marrow (bMSCs) or adipose tissue (aMSCs). We have compared the immune regulatory properties of cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue to provide a theoretical basis for the choice of stem cell source for transplantation. The phenotypes of bMSCs and aMSCs are similar, differing only in the expression of CD106. aMSCs proliferate faster than bMSCs, but aMSCs suppressed T‐lymphocyte proliferation and activation more poorly than bMSCs. Thus cell origin and abundance are important factors in determining the suitability of MSCs for transplantation. Adipose tissue offers a more promising source of cells for such an application.
Differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells into corneal epithelial‐like cells
Authors: Yu Dan , Chen Mengfei , Sun Xuerong , Ge Jian
Published: August 2013

Somatic cells can be reprogrammed into a pluripotent ES‐cell‐like state (termed induced pluripotent stem cells, iPS) by transcription factors, which have enormous therapeutic potential for regenerative medicine. We have investigated whether iPS can directly differentiate into corneal epithelium‐like cells. Mouse iPS cells were co‐cultured with corneal limbal stroma. RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy analysis were used to detect differentiated iPS. Undifferentiated iPS cells expressed ES cells related genes. Co‐culture with corneal limbal stroma, in the presence of additional factors bFGF, EGF and NGF, activated keratin expression 12 (K12, a marker of corneal epithelial cells) and downregulated Nanog. These data suggest that mouse iPS cells can differentiate into corneal epithelial‐like cells by replication of a corneal epithelial stem cell niche.
Voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDACs, porin) expressed in the plasma membrane regulate the differentiation and function of human osteoclasts
Authors: Kotake Shigeru , Yago Toru , Kawamoto Manabu , Nanke Yuki
Published: August 2013

Fewer molecules have been identified on human than murine osteoclasts, the former differing from murine osteoclasts in many ways. We show that voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDACs, porin) are expressed in the plasma membrane of human osteoclasts. A search for novel proteins expressed in the plasma membrane of human osteoclasts identified VDAC. Anti‐VDAC antibodies inhibited human osteoclastogenesis in vitro. VDAC expression was detected in membranes by immunoelectron microscopy and immunocytochemical double staining. The VDAC protein functions as a Cl− channel. VDACs regulate bone resorption, which show using Osteologic™ plates. The epitope of the antibody lay within a 10‐amino acid sequence in the VDAC. The findings suggest that the VDAC is, at least partly, a novel Cl− channel regulating the differentiation and function of human osteoclasts. VDACs may play a crucial role in acidifying the resorption lacunae between osteoclasts and bone. Inhibitors of VDACs could be used to treat diseases involving increased resorption, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Paget's disease.
Modulation of CYP3A4 activity and induction of apoptosis, necrosis and senescence by the anti‐tumour imidazoacridinone C‐1311 in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Augustin Ewa , Pawłowska Monika , Polewska Joanna , Potega Agnieszka , Mazerska Zofia
Published: August 2013

There is increasing evidence that the expression level of drug metabolic enzymes affects the final cellular response following drug treatment. Moreover, anti‐tumour agents may modulate enzymatic activity and/or cellular expression of metabolic enzymes in tumour cells. We have investigated the influence of CYP3A4 overexpression on the cellular response induced by the anti‐tumour agent C‐1311 in hepatoma cells. C‐1311‐mediated CYP3A4 activity modulation and the effect of CYP3A4 overexpression on C‐1311 metabolism have also been examined. With the HepG2 cell line and its CYP3A4‐overexpressing variant, Hep3A4, experiments involving DAPI staining, cell cycle analysis, phosphatidylserine externalisation and senescence‐associated (SA)‐β‐galactosidase expression, were used to monitor the effects of C‐1311 exposure. C‐1311 cellular metabolism and CYP3A4 activity were investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. C‐1311 metabolism was very low in both hepatoma cell lines and slightly influenced by CYP3A4 expression. Interestingly, in HepG2 cells, C‐1311 was an effective modulator of CYP3A4 enzymatic activity, being the inhibitor of this isoenzyme in Hep3A4 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that HepG2 cells underwent a rather stable G2/M arrest following C‐1311 exposure, whereas CYP3A4‐overexpressing cells accumulated only slightly in this compartment. C‐1311‐treated cells died by apoptosis and necrosis, whereas surviving cells underwent senescence; however, these effects occurred faster and more intensely in Hep3A4 cells. Although CYP3A4 did not influence C‐1311 metabolism, changes in CYP3A4 levels affected the C‐1311‐induced response in hepatoma cells. Therefore, inter‐patient differences in CYP3A4 levels should be considered when assessing the potential therapeutic effects of C‐1311.
Isolation and in vitro propagation of human skeletal muscle progenitor cells from fetal muscle
Authors: Hosoyama Tohru , Meyer Michael G. , Krakora Dan , Suzuki Masatoshi
Published: August 2013

Skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs) are considered one of the most valuable cells for cell‐based therapy targeting skeletal muscle. However, an efficient protocol for isolating and maintaining human myogenic progenitors in vitro has not been fully established. In this study, we demonstrate that human myogenic progenitors can be expanded and proliferated from human fetal muscles. Human SMPCs were prepared from fetal hind limb muscles and induced to proliferate as free‐floating spheres termed myospheres in the medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Both myogenic progenitors and myoblast populations from human fetal muscles were effectively propagated in myospheres and passaged by a mechanical chopping. After expanding these spheres in culture, we tested whether myogenic progenitor cells can differentiate into multinucleated myotubes. The myospheres were dissociated, plated down on coverslips and cultured in the medium for terminal differentiation. We could confirm that the plated cells formed well‐developed, multinucleated myotubes. This culture method using myospheres is an effective protocol to isolate and maintain SMPCs from human fetal skeletal muscles in culture.