bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Fueling Decisions for Locomotives in Railroad Networks
Authors: Kumar V. Prem , Bierlaire Michel
Published: August 2013

Even though rail transportation is one of the most fuel efficient forms of surface transportation, the cost of fuel constitutes one of the major categories of very high operating costs for railroad companies. In the United States, unlike in Europe, fueling cost is, by far, the highest single operating cost. For larger companies with several thousands of miles of rail network, the fuel bills often run into several billions of dollars annually. The railroad fueling problem considered in this paper has three distinct cost components. Fueling stations charge a location-dependent price for the fuel in addition to a fixed contracting fee over the entire planning horizon. In addition, the railroad company must also bear incidental and notional costs for each fueling stop. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear program model that determines the optimal strategy for contracting and fuel purchase schedule decisions that minimize overall costs under certain reasonable assumptions. The model is tested on large, real-life problem situations. The mathematical model is further refined by introduction of several feasible mixed-integer program (MIP) cuts. The paper compares the efficiency of different MIP cuts to reduce the run time. Although the scale of the problem was expected to diminish the model performance, run time and memory requirements were observed to be fairly reasonable. It, thus, establishes that exact workable methods should be considered for actual implementation of this problem at railroad companies, in addition to heuristic approaches. This paper has given us a reasonable satisfaction that we have successfully demonstrated the capability to solve a dynamic version of the locomotive refueling problem where the capacity of the fueling yards vary across days during the planning horizon.
And the beat goes on: The continuing influence of The Singing Detective
Authors: Creeber Glen
Published: August 2013

From the 25 years of its original broadcast on British television in December 1986, this article aims to assess the continued influence of the British TV serial, The Singing Detective (BBC). It aims to clarify many of the major techniques employed in the programme and suggest ways in which its particular style and non-naturalistic aesthetic (with its roots dating back to the early 1960s) has influenced a whole generation of TV drama since. In particular, it will draw direct parallels between writer Dennis Potter’s work and serials such as Twin Peaks, Oz, Six Feet Under and The Sopranos, citing various sources that suggest these connections are more than just hypothetical. The American cable channel HBO (Home Box Office) will come under particular focus, with the author drawing links between its current remit to produce experimental and adult-themed drama and Potter’s own work. It will then investigate the state of contemporary British television drama and suggest why it arguably refuses to take as many risks as some of its American counterparts, citing various sources which suggest that contemporary British hard-hitting drama appears to have been forsaken for a plethora of heritage and period-based serials. In conclusion, it will argue that while the influence of The Singing Detective appears to have been profoundly significant elsewhere, its dramatic legacy is now surprisingly missing from British TV screens.
Assessment of Fucus virsoides distribution in the Gulf of Trieste (Adriatic Sea) and its relation to environmental variables
Authors: Orlando-Bonaca Martina , Mannoni Pierre-Alain , Poloniato Diego , Falace Annalisa
Published: August 2013

The distribution of the endemic brown alga Fucus virsoides was assessed along the northern Adriatic coastline. A high-resolution geographic information system database was created using visual census methods to identify the presence and abundance of algae, including the geomorphology of the substrate. Samples of F. virsoides were collected for analysis of the quantitative spatial distribution. The abundance of F. virsoides was related to several environmental variables, including the relative exposure index (REI). The results support the hypothesis that the distribution of F. virsoides in the Gulf of Trieste is influenced mainly by the stability of mediolittoral substrata, wave exposure and the vicinity of freshwater inputs. Populations of this species are widespread in the Gulf of Trieste. Many of them were found growing inside small harbours or along a boatyard, where fluctuations in salinity and nutrient concentrations are frequent. Therefore, we conclude that F. virsoides cannot be considered an ecological indicator for seawater pollution nor for climate change, since it is subjected naturally to high pollution levels and environmental variability.
Comparison of hydrogenolysis with thioacidolysis for lignin structural analysis
Authors: van de Pas Daniel J. , Nanayakkara Bernadette , Suckling Ian D. , Torr Kirk M.
Published: August 2013

Mild hydrogenolysis has been compared with thioacidolysis as a method for degrading lignins in situ and in isolated form before analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and quantitative 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Both degradation methods gave similar levels of β-aryl ether-linked phenylpropane units that were released as monomers. Degradation by hydrogenolysis generally gave lower levels of total phenylpropane units when analyzed by 31P NMR, especially in the case of lignins with high levels of condensed units. Overall, these results indicate that mild hydrogenolysis could offer an alternative to thioacidolysis for probing lignin structure.
Skin mirrors human aging
Authors: Nikolakis Georgios , Makrantonaki Evgenia , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: August 2013

Aged skin exhibits disturbed lipid barrier, angiogenesis, production of sweat, immune functions, and calcitriol synthesis as well as the tendency towards development of certain benign or malignant diseases. These complex biological processes comprise endogenous and exogenous factors. Ethnicity also markedly influences the phenotype of skin aging. The theories of cellular senescence, telomere shortening and decreased proliferative capacity, mitochondrial DNA single mutations, the inflammation theory, and the free radical theory try to explain the biological background of the global aging process, which is mirrored in the skin. The development of advanced glycation end-products and the declining hormonal levels are major factors influencing intrinsic aging. Chronic photodamage of the skin is the prime factor leading to extrinsic skin aging. The deterioration of important skin functions, due to intrinsic and extrinsic aging, leads to clinical manifestations, which mirror several internal age-associated diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension and malignancies.
Spectral in vivo signature of carotenoids in visible light diffuse reflectance from skin in comparison to ex vivo absorption spectra
Authors: Andree Stefan , Reble Carina , Helfmann Jürgen
Published: August 2013

To increase the carotenoid concentration in skin by drinking carrot juice to generate an optical response and to determine an

The first author of the presented study consumed carrot juice over a period of several weeks and during this time regularly performed optical reflection measurements on his palm. The spectroscopic measurements were carried out with a fiber-based sensor using a thermal light source. Absorption coefficients have been deduced from the diffuse reflectance data. Measurements were also performed on a β-carotene solution, on carrot juice and its extracted carotenoids. The correlation coefficient between carrot juice intake in liters and the optical skin signal was used to select an optimal wavelength for carotenoid detection (493 nm).

An

Detection of carotenoids in skin is possible by diffuse reflectance measurements with a simple spectroscopic optical setup, as it is described in this article. As found by comparing different publications, several geometries for illumination and detection support carotenoid quantification. However, the fiber probe described here is not limited to carotenoid detection and it does not need arrangement of several optical elements such as lenses, mirrors or apertures and therefore requiring less effort for development. To eliminate the interference of hemoglobin, the authors suggest the combination of pressure and the described software method. Other publications have reported hemoglobin interference with respect to
Low-Level Laser Therapy Rescues Dendrite Atrophy via Upregulating BDNF Expression: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Meng Chengbo , He Zhiyong , Xing Da
Published: August 2013

Downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since BDNF plays a critical role in neuronal survival and dendrite growth, BDNF upregulation may contribute to rescue dendrite atrophy and cell loss in AD. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been demonstrated to regulate neuronal function bothin vitroandin vivo. In the present study, we found that LLLT rescued neurons loss and dendritic atrophy via upregulation of BDNF in both Aβ-treated hippocampal neurons and cultured APP/PS1 mouse hippocampal neurons. Photoactivation of transcription factor CRE-binding protein (CREB) increased both BDNF mRNA and protein expression, since knockdown CREB blocked the effects of LLLT. Furthermore, CREB-regulated transcription was in an ERK-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK attenuated the DNA-binding efficiency of CREB to BDNF promoter. In addition, dendrite growth was improved after LLLT, characterized by upregulation of Rac1 activity and PSD-95 expression, and the increase in length, branching, and spine density of dendrites in hippocampal neurons. Together, these studies suggest that upregulation of BDNF with LLLT by activation of ERK/CREB pathway can ameliorate Aβ-induced neurons loss and dendritic atrophy, thus identifying a novel pathway by which LLLT protects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Our research may provide a feasible therapeutic approach to control the progression of AD.
CD33 Alzheimer's Risk-Altering Polymorphism, CD33 Expression, and Exon 2 Splicing
Authors: Malik Manasi , Simpson James F. , Parikh Ishita , Wilfred Bernard R. , Fardo David W. , Nelson Peter T. , Estus Steven
Published: August 2013

Genome-wide association studies are identifying novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors. Elucidating the mechanism underlying these polymorphisms is critical to the validation process and, by identifying rate-limiting steps in AD risk, may yield novel therapeutic targets. Here, we elucidate the mechanism of action of the AD-associated polymorphism rs3865444 in the promoter ofCD33, a member of the sialic acid-binding Ig-superfamily of lectins (SIGLECs). Immunostaining established that CD33 is expressed in microglia in human brain. Consistent with this finding,CD33mRNA expression correlated well with expression of the microglial genesCD11bandAIF-1and was modestly increased with AD status and the rs3865444C AD-risk allele. Analysis ofCD33isoforms identified a common isoform lacking exon 2 (D2-CD33). The proportion ofCD33expressed asD2-CD33correlated robustly with rs3865444 genotype. Because rs3865444 is in theCD33promoter region, we sought the functional polymorphism by sequencingCD33from the promoter through exon 4. We identified a single polymorphism that is coinherited with rs3865444, i.e., rs12459419 in exon 2. Minigene RNA splicing studies in BV2 microglial cells established that rs12459419 is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that modulates exon 2 splicing efficiency. Thus, our primary findings are thatCD33is a microglial mRNA and that rs3865444 is a proxy SNP for rs12459419 that modulatesCD33exon 2 splicing. Exon 2 encodes the CD33 IgV domain that typically mediates sialic acid binding in SIGLEC family members. In summary, these results suggest a novel model wherein SNP-modulated RNA splicing modulates CD33 function and, thereby, AD risk.
Organization and Origin of Spatial Frequency Maps in Cat Visual Cortex
Authors: Ribot Jérôme , Aushana Yonane , Bui-Quoc Emmanuel , Milleret Chantal
Published: August 2013

It remains controversial whether and how spatial frequency (SF) is represented tangentially in cat visual cortex. Several models were proposed, but there is no consensus. Worse still, some data indicate that the SF organization previously revealed by optical imaging techniques simply reflects non-stimulus-specific responses. Instead, stimulus-specific responses arise from the homogeneous distribution of geniculo-cortical afferents representing X and Y pathways. To clarify this, we developed a new imaging method allowing rapid stimulation with a wide range of SFs covering more than 6 octaves with only 0.2 octave resolution. A benefit of this method is to avoid error of high-pass filtering methods which systematically under-represent dominant selectivity features near pinwheel centers. We show unequivocally that SF is organized into maps in cat area 17 (A17) and area 18 (A18). The SF organization in each area displays a global anteroposterior SF gradient and local patches. Its layout is constrained to that of the orientation map, and it is suggested that both maps share a common functional architecture. A17 and A18 are bound at the transition zone by another SF gradient involving the geniculo-cortical and the callosal pathways. A model based on principal component analysis shows that SF maps integrate three different SF-dependent channels. Two of these reflect the segregated excitatory input from X and Y geniculate cells to A17 and A18. The third one conveys a specific combination of excitatory and suppressive inputs to the visual cortex. In a manner coherent with anatomical and electrophysiological data, it is interpreted as originating from a subtype of Y geniculate cells.
The Flickering Wheel Illusion: When α Rhythms Make a Static Wheel Flicker
Authors: Sokoliuk Rodika , VanRullen Rufin
Published: August 2013

α oscillations (8–14 Hz) greatly influence brain activity, yet we generally do not experience them consciously: the world does not appear to oscillate. Dedicated strategies must exist in the brain to prevent these oscillations from disrupting normal processing. Could suitable stimuli fool these strategies and lead to the conscious experience of our own brain oscillations? We describe and explore a novel illusion in which the center of a static wheel stimulus (with 30–40 spokes) is experienced as flickering when viewed in the visual periphery. The key feature of this illusion is that the stimulus fluctuations are experienced as a regular and consistent flicker, which our human observers estimated at ∼9 Hz during a psychophysical matching task. Correspondingly, the occipital α rhythm of the EEG was the only oscillation that showed a time course compatible with the reported illusion: when α amplitude was strong, the probability of reporting illusory flicker increased. The peak oscillatory frequency for these flicker-induced modulations was significantly correlated, on a subject-by-subject basis, with the individual α frequency measured during rest, in the absence of visual stimulation. Finally, although the effect is strongest during eye movements, we showed that stimulus motion relative to the retina is not necessary to perceive the illusion: the flicker can also be perceived on the afterimage of the wheel, yet by definition this afterimage is stationary on the retina. We conclude that this new flickering illusion is a unique way to experience the α rhythms that constantly occur in the brain but normally remain unnoticed.
Proactive Selective Response Suppression Is Implemented via the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Majid D. S. Adnan , Cai Weidong , Corey-Bloom Jody , Aron Adam R.
Published: August 2013

In the welter of everyday life, people can stop particular response tendencies without affecting others. A key requirement for such selective suppression is that subjects know in advance which responses need stopping. We hypothesized that proactively setting up and implementing selective suppression relies on the basal ganglia and, specifically, regions consistent with the inhibitory indirect pathway for which there is scant functional evidence in humans. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show, first, that the degree of proactive motor suppression when preparing to stop selectively (indexed by transcranial magnetic stimulation) corresponds to striatal, pallidal, and frontal activation (indexed by functional MRI). Second, we demonstrate that greater striatal activation at the time of selective stopping correlates with greater behavioral selectivity. Third, we show that people with striatal and pallidal volume reductions (those with premanifest Huntington's disease) have both absent proactive motor suppression and impaired behavioral selectivity when stopping. Thus, stopping goals are used to proactively set up specific basal ganglia channels that may then be triggered to implement selective suppression. By linking this suppression to the striatum and pallidum, these results provide compelling functional evidence in humans of the basal ganglia's inhibitory indirect pathway.
Inherent difficulties of non-Bayesian likelihood-based inference, as revealed by an examination of a recent book by Aitkin
Authors: Gelman Andrew , Robert Christian P. , Rousseau Judith
Published: August 2013

For many decades, statisticians have made attempts to prepare the Bayesian omelette without breaking the Bayesian eggs; that is, to obtain probabilistic likelihood-based inferences without relying on informative prior distributions. A recent example is Murray Aitkin´s recent book, Statistical Inference, which presents an approach to statistical hypothesis testing based on comparisons of posterior distributions of likelihoods under competing models. Aitkin develops and illustrates his method using some simple examples of inference from iid data and two-way tests of independence. We analyze in this note some consequences of the inferential paradigm adopted therein, discussing why the approach is incompatible with a Bayesian perspective and why we do not find it relevant for applied work.
The Encyclopedia as a Process of Civic Engagement
Authors: Mires Charlene
Published: August 2013

Revolutions in knowledge, authority, and technology are creating opportunities to reconceive encyclopedias as vehicles for building shared community information. This essay describes how The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia strived to build from a foundation of civic engagement to create a reference tool that provides reliable, accessible information about a region while also building community by raising awareness of shared patterns of history and experience.
The Past as Prologue
Authors: Grabowski John J.
Published: August 2013

The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, first published in 1987 and then placed online in 1998, is recognized as the progenitor of the modern, urban encyclopedia and a model of shared academic and vernacular authority. Today Wikipedia challenges it and similar scholarly products with its reliance on universal authority, its huge scope of entries, and its ability to keep current. This article suggests that vetted urban encyclopedias need to revisit their roots as community enterprises and reimagine and reengage those connections in order to allow their vetted content to remain competitive with Wikipedia and other open-source online resources.
Sharing Credit
Authors: Scripps Sarah , Ghoshroy Soumitra , Burgess Lana , Marsh Allison
Published: August 2013

Recent work by the NCPH, OAH, and AHA has raised the profile of challenges in evaluating collaborative research during the tenure and promotion process.1 Although it is acknowledged that most public historians work in collaborative partnerships, few resources dissect the nature of those collaborations and how they should be credited. This article focuses on a single case study, the development of the history of science exhibit Imaging the Invisible, a collaboration among faculty, staff, and students (both graduate and undergraduate). It was also an interdisciplinary project with representation from at least seven different departments and programs in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering. This collaborative article reflects on the project, giving four perspectives on how credit can be shared. It also draws attention to the similarities and differences between the nature of collaborative projects in public history and in the physical sciences and considers what each discipline can learn from the other.
The apelin receptor APJ: journey from an orphan to a multifaceted regulator of homeostasis
Authors: O'Carroll Anne-Marie , Lolait Stephen J , Harris Louise E , Pope George R
Published: August 2013

The apelin receptor (APJ; gene symbolAPLNR) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor gene family. Neural gene expression patterns of APJ, and its cognate ligand apelin, in the brain implicate the apelinergic system in the regulation of a number of physiological processes. APJ and apelin are highly expressed in the hypothalamo–neurohypophysial system, which regulates fluid homeostasis, in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which controls the neuroendocrine response to stress, and in the forebrain and lower brainstem regions, which are involved in cardiovascular function. Recently, apelin, synthesised and secreted by adipocytes, has been described as a beneficial adipokine related to obesity, and there is growing awareness of a potential role for apelin and APJ in glucose and energy metabolism. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, expression pattern and regulation of apelin and its receptor, as well as the main second messengers and signalling proteins activated by apelin. We also highlight the physiological and pathological roles that support this system as a novel therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in treating conditions related to altered water balance, stress-induced disorders such as anxiety and depression, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Visual pathway abnormalities were found in most multiple sclerosis patients despite history of previous optic neuritis
Authors: Castro Stella Maris Costa , Damasceno Alfredo , Damasceno Benito Pereira , Vasconcellos Jose Paulo de , Reis Fabiano , Iyeyasu Josie Naomi , Carvalho Keila Monteiro de
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveIt was to investigate visual field (VF) abnormalities in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the remission phase and the presence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in the optic radiations.MethodsVF was assessed in 60 participants (age range 20-51 years): 35 relapsing-remitting MS patients [20 optic neuritis (+), 15 optic neuritis (-)] and 25 controls. MRI (3-Tesla) was obtained in all patients.ResultsVisual parameters were abnormal in MS patients as compared to controls. The majority of VF defects were diffuse. All patients except one had posterior visual pathways lesions. No significant difference in lesion number, length and distribution was noted between patients with and without history of optic neuritis. One patient presented homonymous hemianopsia.ConclusionPosterior visual pathway abnormalities were found in most MS patients despite history of previous optic neuritis.
Ulnar sensory-motor amplitude ratio: a new tool to differentiate ganglionopathy from polyneuropathy
Authors: Garcia Raphael Ubirajara , Ricardo João Adilson Gama , Horta Cassiana Abreu , Garibaldi Solange Garcia , Nucci Anamarli , França Junior Marcondes Cavalcante
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate if the ratio of ulnar sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) over compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes (USMAR) would help in the distinction between ganglionopathy (GNP) and polyneuropathy (PNP).MethodsWe reviewed the nerve conductions studies and electromyography (EMG) of 18 GNP patients, 33 diabetic PNP patients and 56 controls. GNP was defined by simultaneous nerve conduction studies (NCS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. PNP was defined by usual clinical and NCS criteria. We used ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test and ROC curve analysis to compare ulnar SNAP and CMAP, as well as USMAR in the groups.ResultsUlnar CMAP amplitudes were similar between GNP x PNP x Controls (p=0.253), but ulnar SNAP amplitudes (1.6±3.2 x 11.9±9.1 × 45.7±24.7) and USMAR values (0.3±0.3 × 1.5±0.9 × 4.6±2.2) were significantly different. A USMAR threshold of 0.71 was able to differentiate GNP and PNP (94.4% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity).ConclusionsUSMAR is a practical and reliable tool for the differentiation between GNP and PNP.
Characterization of duplex stainless steel weld metals obtained by hybrid plasma-gas metal arc welding
Authors: Yurtisik Koray , Tirkes Suha , Dykhno Igor , Gur C. Hakan , Gurbuz Riza
Published: August 2013

Despite its high efficiency, autogenous keyhole welding is not well-accepted for duplex stainless steels because it causes excessive ferrite in as-welded duplex microstructure, which leads to a degradation in toughness and corrosion properties of the material. Combining the deep penetration characteristics of plasma arc welding in keyhole mode and metal deposition capability of gas metal arc welding, hybrid plasma - gas metal arc welding process has considered for providing a proper duplex microstructure without compromising the welding efficiency. 11.1 mm-thick standard duplex stainless steel plates were joined in a single-pass using this novel technique. Same plates were also subjected to conventional gas metal arc and plasma arc welding processes, providing benchmarks for the investigation of the weldability of the material. In the first place, the hybrid welding process enabled us to achieve less heat input compared to gas metal arc welding. Consequently, the precipitation of secondary phases, which are known to be detrimental to the toughness and corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels, was significantly suppressed in both fusion and heat affected zones. Secondly, contrary to other keyhole techniques, proper cooling time and weld metal chemistry were achieved during the process, facilitating sufficient reconstructive transformation of austenite in the ferrite phase.
Downloads legais versus ilegais: como aumentar a legalidade no consumo de música?
Authors: Alvim Bruno Canongia Baeta , Strehlau Suzane , Kirschbaum Charles
Published: August 2013

Um grande problema da indústria fonográfica é lidar com os consumidores que fazem download de músicas pela internet de modo considerado ilegal sem pagar direitos autorais. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar quais fatores levariam ao consumidor universitário a aumentar a legalidade dos seus downloads de música. Descarregar música da internet sem pagar direitos autorais é considerado um desrespeito à propriedade intelectual, fora do léxico jurídico a denominação usual para este tipo de ato é pirataria ou falsificação. Diversos artigos na literatura acadêmica tentam compreender melhor este consumidor (TOM et al, 1998; MATOS; ITUASSU, 2005; BAZANINI et al, 2006; COSTA; SANT'ANNA, 2008) todavia nenhum teve como objetivo pesquisar diretamente aspectos mercadológicos que poderiam ser melhorados pelas empresas gravadoras de músicas de modo a transformar o cliente de pirata em cliente "legal". A abordagem deste trabalho acrescenta a experiência na internet com websites relacionados a usabilidade e marketing mix desenvolvida por Constantinides e Geurts (2005). A pesquisa tem caráter exploratório quantitativo e foi conduzida com estudantes em uma faculdade com alunos de alto poder aquisitivo. As questões foram elaboradas baseadas nos questionários de Constantinides e Geurts (2005) e Chiang e Chiang (2004) e adaptadas para o contexto brasileiro. A medida das atitudes e opiniões seguiu a abordagem monádica com uma escala de notação baseada na atração e repelência de um a sete pontos. (Évrard, Pras, & Roux, 2000, p. 256). Um modelo econométrico do tipo Probit utilizando E-Views 5 foi proposto com base nos 143 questionários preenchidos. A maior parte do consumo de música da amostra se realiza de modo ilegal e 39,86 % não admitem aumentar o consumo de downloads legais. O modelo Probit propôe que as respostas às características: Legalidade, Distribuição Inclusiva e Popularidade apresentam uma relação positiva, ou seja, quanto maior o valor dessas variáveis, maior a probabilidade que o universitário aumente o seu consumo de legal de música. Já as características Singularidade da Mercadoria -Venda de produtos musicais de mercados pequenos e especializados (música alternativa, ópera taiwanesa, etc.), Estabilidade do Sistema Operacional e Comunicação e Transmissão de Mensagens apresentam uma relação negativa, ou seja, quanto maior o valor dessas variáveis, menor a probabilidade do respondente modificar seu consumo de "piratas". Assim sendo, existe uma relação negativa entre considerar essas características importantes e considerar a possibilidade de aumentar os downloads legais de música.
Implicaciones de la acción educativa en espacios específicos de proyección profesional en España
Authors: Encomienda Francisco Javier Blanco , Medina María José Latorre
Published: August 2013

En los últimos años, ha aumentado considerablemente el número de publicaciones que ilustran actuaciones educativas en espacios excepcionales de proyección profesional, como aquellas que necesitan los menores enfermos y/u hospitalizados, no sólo desde el punto de vista físico o médico, sino también desde el psicológico y educativo. Concretamente, como parte del abordaje integral de las situaciones de atención a necesidades educativas especiales en los hospitales, surgen las aulas hospitalarias; entornos de enseñanza-aprendizaje que, dadas sus características peculiares de espacio y ubicación, demandan una intervención psicopedagógica eficaz, diferente de la ordinaria. El presente trabajo pretende ser una contribución en esta dirección, centrando su atención, primero, en descifrar el sentido de la Psicopedagogía en el contexto hospitalario. A este respecto, la literatura deja constancia de que la intervención psicopedagógica en las aulas hospitalarias cobra sentido e importancia al tener, como objetivo último, ayudar a reforzar y apoyar psicológica y educativamente los procesos de enfermedad y hospitalización infantil, con el fin de conseguir la mayor normalización en la vida del paciente y su familia. A continuación, el artículo profundiza en el estudio de una formación adecuada para el profesional de la Psicopedagogía Hospitalaria, identificando cuatro clusters de competencias: competencias pedagógico-didácticas, competencias político-institucionales, competencias interactivas y competencias específicas. Por último, recoge las principales implicaciones educativas del trabajo en este contexto, perfilando propuestas para la acción.
Educação bilíngue nos Estados Unidos: uma possível transição moral para a cidadania global
Authors: Barbosa Anna Carolina
Published: August 2013

Este trabalho consiste em um estudo teórico cujo objetivo é investigar a importância de competências interculturais, tais como habilidades de comunicação, para o desenvolvimento de uma educação para a cidadania global. Tem como hipótese a sugestão de que os argumentos contra a educação bilíngue nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA) podem representar indícios da existência de uma transição entre uma abordagem conservadora de cidadania e uma de cidadania global. Para esse fim, uma reflexão teórica sobre os aspectos morais associados a argumentos contra a educação bilíngue e em favor de movimentos English-only dentro do sistema educacional dos EUA, bem como sobre as suas implicações para a cidadania global, será construída por meio de uma análise crítica da literatura produzida na área. Demonstra-se que os argumentos a favor do uso exclusivo do inglês e contra a educação bilíngue parecem reforçar a necessidade de uma reforma educacional baseada tanto na teoria de Adela Cortina (2005) sobre ética mínima, quanto na proposição de Makoni e Pennycook (2007) a respeito da necessidade de uma desinvenção e reconstituição das línguas. Concluiu-se que uma análise crítica dos argumentos contra a educação bilíngue, e em favor movimentos educacionais English-only, parece reforçar a proposta de que os EUA podem estar enfrentando um período de transição entre uma condição de monismo moral para uma de pluralismo moral, ao mesmo tempo em que o pluralismo moral pode ser um pré-requisito para a cidadania global.
Bioinspired Au/N-TiO2 photocatalyst templated from Zea mays Linn. leaves
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Su Huilan , Deng Tao , Zhang Wang , Lau Woon-Ming , Zhang Di
Published: August 2013

The leaves of Zea mays Linn. contain abundant nitrogen source and exhibit an extremely high light-harvesting efficiency due to its hierarchical internal structures. In this study, Z. mays Linn. leaves are used as template to generate Au/N-TiO2 nanocomposites through soakage, calcination and Au-nanoparticle-loading processes. Such nanocomposites replicate the special hierarchical structures of Z. mays Linn. leaves featured with lamellar structures at nanoscale, porous framework at microscale and scraggy-shaped epidermal at macroscale. The nitrogen contained in original leaves is doped into anatase TiO2 crystal lattice during the templating process, and Au nanoparticles (~5-nm dia.) are well dispersed at the surface of N-TiO2 structures. With multi-component composition and unique hierarchical structure, the Au/N-TiO2 nanocomposites present superior photocatalytic activity and stability, which are demonstrated through degradation of rhodamine dye under solar light irradiation. This article contains supporting information, which will be made available online once the issue is published. In the meantime, if you wish to get a copy of the supplementary file please contact the Managing Editor, Sohini Banerjee, at sohini.banerjee@icepublishing.com
Mechanochemical synthesis of sustainable energy materials
Authors: Hoang Tuan K. A. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: August 2013

The synthesis of new materials for energy storage and conversion has received increasing attention over the last decade. This growing importance reflects the burgeoning energy demand of an escalating world population, the finite supply of fossil fuels and the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Synthetic methods in which reactions are driven mechanically (effectively by the transfer and conversion of kinetic energy) can be considered as a branch of green chemistry. Materials are impacted by pressures that are created between the grinding media and with the container walls through multiple collisions during the milling process. These events induce mechanical deformation and define the nature of the milled products. This article focuses on the application of physical and – principally – chemical (reactive) milling in the preparation of energy-related materials. For hydrogen storage, complex magnesium hydrides prepared by reactive milling exhibit lower desorption temperatures and faster kinetics than those of magnesium hydride itself. The complete conversion of lithium nitride to lithium amide, the thermodynamically unfavorable hydrogenation of magnesium nitride and the synthesis of metal amides from metal hydrides can all be conducted in the mill. In the context of energy storage materials, nanostructuring is also one method by which the volume expansion associated with lithiation in high-capacity alloy anodes in lithium ion batteries can be mitigated. Mechanochemical synthesis provides one method for achieving such nanostructured materials and offers, for example, a unique approach in the synthesis of tin nanowires for use as negative electrodes in secondary lithium ion batteries.
The Maya milpa: fire and the legacy of living soil
Authors: Nigh Ronald , Diemont Stewart AW
Published: August 2013

Swidden is an agroforestry system in which woody vegetation is regenerated after a period of annual cropping. Associated with most forested areas of the tropical world, swidden is often blamed for deforestation but it also plays a role in forest conservation. Here, we examine the contemporary milpa, a type of swidden agriculture common to Latin America and historically used by the Maya people of the lowlands of southern Mexico and northern Central America; we focus on one group in particular, the Lakandon people of Chiapas. One element of milpa agriculture that receives a considerable amount of criticism is the burning of cut vegetation after clearing. Fire can have negative effects on ecosystems but swidden cultivators are often sophisticated managers of fire. Among the benefits of fire use in this setting is its contribution to nutrient flow and to long‐term soil fertility in the form of biochar, charcoal produced by low‐temperature pyrolysis in agriculture. When properly managed, the milpa cycle can result in long‐term carbon sequestration and an increasingly fertile anthrosol (soil that has been greatly modified by long‐term human activity) and enriched woodland vegetation.
Clinical Performance of Infrared Consumer-Grade Thermometers
Authors: Hamilton Patricia A. , Kasbekar Rajesh S. , Monro Robert
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose: Technology of ear infrared (IR) thermometers has improved. This study compared a modern ear thermometer to forehead or temporal artery thermometers. Methods: Temperatures were measured with a heated-tip ear thermometer, a temporal artery thermometer, 3 forehead thermometers, and a thermistor-based reference thermometer in monitor mode. Results: In 171 subjects, mean bias with the forehead thermometers was significantly higher (p< .001) than with the ear thermometer (0.01 °C ± 0.41 °C). In 64 febrile subjects, bias with the ear thermometer was significantly lower than with 3 of the other thermometers. A false-negative reading was less likely with the ear thermometer (8%) versus the others (55%, 56%, 28%, and 47%). Conclusions: Modern ear thermometry provides more precise measurements closer to those of a reference thermometer and is less likely to give false-negative readings than forehead or temporal artery measurements.
Determining Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Overweight-Obese Youth Using Electrocardiogram Criteria
Authors: Lee Shirleatha , Cowan Patricia , Yoo Wonsuk , Wetzel Glenn
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose: There is an escalating prevalence of obesity in youth that increases the risk for cardiovascular alterations such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The purpose of this study is to identify the most effective electrical voltage measurement for determining LVH in youth who are overweight and obese. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine sensitivity, specificity, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 4 popular electrical voltage measures. Results: Our findings indicated the sensitivity and specificity for Cornell product (50.0%; 96.2%), Cornell voltage (52.9%; 98.0%), Romhilt Estes (50.0%; 100.0%), and Sokolow-Lyon index (60.0%; 86.4%) consecutively. Conclusion: The Romhilt-Estes and Cornell voltage measures displayed the highest specificity and could prove to be beneficial as a screening method to rule out LVH in overweight and obese youth.
Self-as-Doer for Diabetes: Development and Validation of a Diabetes-Specific Measure of Doer Identification
Authors: Brouwer Amanda M. , Mosack Katie E.
Published: August 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale to measure the level of self-care behavior “doer identity” in persons with diabetes. Methods: Persons with diabetes (N = 355) completed questionnaires assessing self-as-doer identity and other related constructs. Principle components and parallel analyses and tests of reliability and validity were performed. Results: A 7 factor solution explained 55.24% of the total variance on behaviors. Cronbach’s alpha was .93 for the overall scale. Extracted components moderately correlated with one another and theoretically similar constructs. Self-as-doer identity significantly predicted all self-care behaviors (except for blood glucose monitoring) and glycemic control over and above related variables for persons with type 1 diabetes. Self-as-doer identity also predicted diet behaviors for persons with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Evidence for a reliable and valid factor structure of the Self-as-doer-Diabetes measure was demonstrated.
PDZK1 Is a Novel Factor in Breast Cancer That Is Indirectly Regulated by Estrogen through IGF-1R and Promotes Estrogen-Mediated Growth
Authors: Kim Hogyoung , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y , Ju Jihang , Nauru Amarjit S , Abdel-Mageed Asim B , Varughese Shibu , Paul Dennis , Alahari Suresh , Catling Andrew , Kim Jong G , Boulares A Hamid
Published: August 2013

Although a relationship between PDZK1 expression and estrogen receptor (ER)-α stimulation has been suggested, the nature of such a connection and the function of PDZK1 in breast cancer remain unknown. Human tissue microarrays (cancer tissue: 262 cores; normal tissue: 87 cores) and breast cancer cell lines were used to conduct the study. We show that PDZK1 protein expression is tightly correlated with human breast malignancy, is negatively correlated with age and had no significant correlation with ER-α expression levels. PDZK1 exhibited an exclusive epithelial expression with mostly cytosolic subcellular localization. Additionally, 17β-estradiol induced PDZK1 expression above its basal level more than 24 h after treatment in MCF-7 cells. PDZK1 expression was indirectly regulated by ER-α stimulation, requiring insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression and function. The molecular link between PDZK1 and IGF-1R was supported by a significant correlation between protein and mRNA levels (r = 0.591, p < 0.001, and r = 0.537, p < 0.001, respectively) of the two factors in two different cohorts of human breast cancer tissues. Interestingly, PDZK1 knockdown in MCF-7 cells blocked ER-dependent growth and reduced c-Myc expression, whereas ectopic expression of PDZK1 enhanced cell proliferation in the presence or absence of 17β-estradiol potentially through an increase in c-Myc expression, suggesting that PDZK1 has oncogenic activity. PDKZ1 also appeared to interact with the Src/ER-α/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complex, but not with IGF-1R and enhanced EGFR-stimulated MEK/ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, our results clarify the relationship between ER-α and PDZK1, propose a direct relationship between PDZK1 and IGF-1R, and identify a novel oncogenic activity for PDZK1 in breast cancer.
Nrf2 Activates Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR) via Antioxidant Response Element and Links Oxidative Stress to Liver Regeneration
Authors: Dayoub Rania , Vogel Arndt , Schuett Jutta , Lupke Madeleine , Spieker Susannah M. , Kettern Nadja , Hildt Eberhard , Melter Michael , Weiss Thomas S.
Published: August 2013

Liver regeneration can be impaired by permanent oxidative stress and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), known to regulate the cellular antioxidant response, and has been shown to improve the process of liver regeneration. A variety of factors regulate hepatic tissue regeneration, among them augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), attained great attention as being survival factors for the liver with proproliferative and antiapoptotic properties. Here we determined the Nrf2/ antioxidant response element (ARE) regulated expression of ALR and show ALR as a target gene of Nrf2 in vitro and in vivo. The ALR promoter comprises an ARE binding site and, therefore, ALR expression can be induced by ARE-activator tertiary butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) in hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHH). Promoter activity and expression of ALR were enhanced after cotransfection of Nrf2 compared with control and dominant negative mutant of Nrf2. Performing partial hepatectomy in livers from Nrf2+/+ mice compared with Nrf2−/− knock-out (KO) mice, we found increased expression of ALR in addition to known antioxidant ARE-regulated genes. Furthermore, we observed increased ALR expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared with hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive hepatoma cells and PHH. Recently, it was demonstrated that HBV infection activates Nrf2 and, now, we add results showing increased ALR expression in liver samples from patients infected with HBV. ALR is regulated by Nrf2, acts as a liver regeneration and antioxidative protein and, therefore, links oxidative stress to hepatic regeneration to ensure survival of damaged cells.
Corticotropin-releasing Factor Receptor 2 Mediates Sex-Specific Cellular Stress Responses
Authors: Kubat Eric , Mahajan Shilpi , Liao Min , Ackerman Larry , Ohara Peter T. , Grady Eileen F. , Bhargava Aditi
Published: August 2013

Although females suffer twice as much as males from stress-related disorders, sex-specific participating and pathogenic cellular stress mechanisms remain uncharacterized. Using corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2-deficient (Crhr2−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice, we show that CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2) and its high-affinity ligand, urocortin 1 (Ucn1), are key mediators of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in a murine model of acute pancreatic inflammation. Ucn1 was expressed de novo in acinar cells of male, but not female WT mice during acute inflammation. Upon insult, acinar Ucn1 induction was markedly attenuated in male but not female Crhr2r−/− mice. Crhr2−/− mice of both sexes show exacerbated acinar cell inflammation and necrosis. Electron microscopy showed mild ER damage in WT male mice and markedly distorted ER structure in Crhr2−/− male mice during pancreatitis. WT and Crhr2−/− female mice showed similarly distorted ER ultrastructure that was less severe than distortion seen in Crhr2−/− male mice. Damage in ER structure was accompanied by increased ubiquitination, peIF2, and mis-targeted localization of vimentin in WT mice that was further exacerbated in Crhr2−/− mice of both sexes during pancreatitis. Exogenous Ucn1 rescued many aspects of histological damage and cellular stress response, including restoration of ER structure in male WT and Crhr2−/− mice, but not in females. Instead, females often showed increased damage. Thus, specific cellular pathways involved in coping and resolution seem to be distinct to each sex. Our results demonstrate the importance of identifying sex-specific pathogenic mechanisms and their value in designing effective therapeutics.
Peptides That Bind Specifically to an Antibody from a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Clone Expressing Unmutated Immunoglobulin Variable Region Genes
Authors: Liu Yun , Higgins Chelsea D , Overstreet Cathie M , Rai Kanti R , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Lai Jonathan R
Published: August 2013

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clonal disease of a subset of human B lymphocytes. Although the cause of the disease is unknown, its development and evolution appear to be promoted by signals delivered when B-cell receptors (BCRs) engage (auto)antigens. Here, using a peptide phage display library of enhanced size and diverse composition, we examined the binding specificity of a recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) constructed with the heavy chain and light chain variable domains of a CLL BCR that does not exhibit somatic mutations. As determined by testing the peptides identified in the selected peptide phage pool, this CLL-associated unmutated mAb bound a diverse set of sequences, some of which clustered in families based on amino acid sequence. Synthesis of these peptides and characterization of binding with the CLL-associated mAb revealed that mAb-peptide interactions were generally specific. Moreover, the mAb-peptide interactions were of lower affinities (micromolar KD), as measured by surface plasmon resonance, than those observed with a CLL mAb containing somatic mutations (nanomolar KD) and with immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV)-mutated antibodies selected by environmental antigens. This information may be of value in identifying and targeting B lymphocytes expressing specific BCRs in CLL patients and healthy subjects with monoclonal B lymphocytosis.