bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the molecular sex‐differentiation period in the siberian sturgeon
Authors: Vizziano‐Cantonnet Denise , Di Landro Santiago , Lasalle André , Martínez Anabel , Mazzoni Talita Sarah , Quagio‐Grassiotto Irani
Published: October 2015

Sexual development prior to gonadal sex differentiation is regulated by various molecular mechanisms. In fish, a “molecular sex‐differentiation period” has been identified in species for which sex can be ascertained prior to gonadal sex differentiation. The present study was designed to identify such a period in a species for which no genetic sex markers or monosex populations are available. Siberian sturgeons undergo a slow sex‐differentiation process over several months, so gonad morphology and gene expression was tracked in fish from ages 3–27 months to identify the sex‐differentiation period. The genes amh, sox9, and dmrt1 were selected as male gonad markers; cyp19a1a and foxl2a as female gonad markers; and cyp17a1 and ar as markers of steroid synthesis and steroid receptivity. Sex differentiation occurred at 8 months, and was preceded by a molecular sex‐differentiation period at 3–4 months, at which time all of the genes except ar showed clear expression peaks. amh and sox9 expression seemed to be involved in male sexual development whereas dmrt1, a gene involved in testis development in metazoans, unexpectedly showed a pattern similar to those of the genes known to be involved in female gonadal sex differentiation (cyp19a1 and foxl2a). In conclusion, the timing of and gene candidates involved with molecular sex differentiation in the Siberian sturgeon were identified. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 19–36, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA und Proteine schneiden — so geht es mit Metallkomplexen
Authors: Hormann Jan , Perera Chrischani , Kulak Nora
Published: October 2015

Spezialisierte Enzyme spalten im Körper Nukleinsäuren und Proteine. Doch im Labor gelingt dies auch kleinen Metallkomplexen — beispielsweise Verbindungen mit dem makrocyclischen Liganden Cyclen. Solche DNA‐ und Protein‐Scheren könnten etwa in der Molekularbiologie und für therapeutische Zwecke nützlich sein.
Biosprit aus Algen?
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2015

Algen zu fermentieren, um Biokraftstoffe herzustellen, gilt als eine zukunftsträchtige Strategie. Damit lassen sich die Nachteile des bisher verfügbaren Biosprits vermeiden, aber der perfekte Produktionsweg zum wirtschaftlich konkurrenzfähigen Algenbenzin ist noch nicht gefunden.
Quantification of microvascular cerebral blood flux and late‐stage tumor compartmentalization in 9L gliosarcoma using flow enhanced MRI
Authors: Reynaud Olivier , Geffroy Françoise , Ciobanu Luisa
Published: October 2015

Measurements of tumor microvasculature are important to obtain an understanding of tumor angiogenesis and for the evaluation of therapies. In this work, we characterize the evolution of the microvascular flux at different stages of tumor growth in the 9L rat brain tumor model. The absolute quantification of cerebral blood flux is achieved with MRI at 7 T using the flow enhanced signal intensity (FENSI) method. FENSI flux maps were obtained between 5 and 14 days after glioma cell inoculation. Based on cerebral blood flux maps, we highlighted two main stages of tumor growth, below and above 3 mm, presenting distinct flux patterns and vascular properties. No significant difference emerged from the group analysis performed on the data collected at an early developmental stage (tumor size < 3 mm) when compared with healthy tissue. At a late developmental stage (tumor size > 3 mm), we observed a significant decrease in the cerebral blood flux inside the gliosarcoma (−33%, p < 0.01) and compartmentalization of the tumor (p < 0.05). FENSI flux maps delineated a low‐flux tumor core (58 ± 17 μL/min/cm2) and higher vascularized regions around the tumor periphery (85 ± 21 μL/min/cm2). Histology was performed on 11 animals to finely probe the intratumor heterogeneity and microvessel density, and the results were compared with the information derived from FENSI flux maps. The hyper‐ and hypoperfused tumor regions revealed with FENSI at the late tumor developmental stage correlated well with the ratios of high and low blood vessel density (R2 = 0.41) and fractional vascular surface (R2 = 0.67) observed with fluorescence microscopy [cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) staining]. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonincremental proper generalized decomposition solution of parametric uncoupled models defined in evolving domains
Authors: Ammar Amine , Cueto Elías , Chinesta Francisco
Published: October 2015

This work addresses the recurrent issue related to the existence of reduced bases related to the solution of parametric models defined in evolving domains. In this first part of the work, we address the case of decoupled kinematics, that is, models whose solution does not affect the domain in which they are defined. The chosen framework considers an updated Lagrangian description of the kinematics, solved by using natural neighbor Galerkin methods within a nonincremental space–time framework that can be generalized for addressing parametric models. Examples showing the performance and potentialities of the proposed methodology are included.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms and Symptom Clusters Identified by Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Using a Symptom Heuristics App
Authors: Ameringer Suzanne , Erickson Jeanne M. , Macpherson Catherine Fiona , Stegenga Kristin , Linder Lauri A.
Published: October 2015

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience multiple distressing symptoms during treatment. Because the typical approach to symptom assessment does not easily reflect the symptom experience of individuals, alternative approaches to enhancing communication between the patient and provider are needed. We developed an iPad‐based application that uses a heuristic approach to explore AYAs' cancer symptom experiences. In this mixed‐methods descriptive study, 72 AYAs (13–29 years old) with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy used the Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C‐SCAT) to create images of the symptoms and symptom clusters they experienced from a list of 30 symptoms. They answered open‐ended questions within the C‐SCAT about the causes of their symptoms and symptom clusters. The images generated through the C‐SCAT and accompanying free‐text data were analyzed using descriptive, content, and visual analyses. Most participants (n = 70) reported multiple symptoms (M = 8.14). The most frequently reported symptoms were nausea (65.3%), feeling drowsy (55.6%), lack of appetite (55.6%), and lack of energy (55.6%). Forty‐six grouped their symptoms into one or more clusters. The most common symptom cluster was nausea/eating problems/appetite problems. Nausea was most frequently named as the priority symptom in a cluster and as a cause of other symptoms. Although common threads were present in the symptoms experienced by AYAs, the graphic images revealed unique perspectives and a range of complexity of symptom relationships, clusters, and causes. Results highlight the need for a tailored approach to symptom management based on how the AYA with cancer perceives his or her symptom experience. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gold‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclizations of Cyclopropenes with Propargylic Esters
Authors: Zhu Peng‐Long , Tang Xiang‐Ying , Shi Min
Published: October 2015

Homogeneous gold catalysts are interesting as they can act as potent carbophilic Lewis acids to activate the π bonds of alkynes, allenes, and alkenes. Many impressive applications for the formation of C−C or C−heteroatom bonds have been found due to the excellent functional group compatibility of these catalysts and the air and moisture tolerance of their reactions. Here, we have developed gold‐catalyzed novel intramolecular cycloisomerizations of nitrogen or oxygen‐tethered cyclopropenes with propargylic esters. The reaction proceeded through different pathways according to different substituent styles, affording 5‐azaspiro[2.5]oct‐7‐enes and bicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes.
Effect of selective localization of carbon nanotubes in pa6 dispersed phase of PP/PA6 blends on the morphology evolution with time, part 2: Relaxation of deformed droplets after cessation of flow
Authors: Gooneie A. , Nazockdast H. , Shahsavan F.
Published: October 2015

The relaxation of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐filled PA6 droplets in PP matrix was studied after cessation of simple shear flows. The morphology evolutions of blends with various CNT contents in PA6 were probed by optical microcopy over time. It was shown that the retraction of deformed droplets accelerates with increasing CNT content in PA6. As evidenced by linear rheological measurements, gradual formation of elastic structures within the droplets was found responsible for such observations. The pre‐shearing flow was varied to investigate the effects of different flow histories on the kinetics of relaxation. By increasing the shear‐rate of the flow prior to relaxation, the relaxation kinetics slowed down to some extent. The slowed‐down kinetics was attributed to the partial rupture of the elastic structures within PA6. This idea was evidenced by performing the startup of steady shear flow experiments on PA6/CNT nanocomposites. The final morphology of the blends after the melt blending process was analyzed. The average droplet size was found to increase with increasing the CNT content. Also, the distribution of the droplet sizes became broader as a result of the increased viscosity and elasticity ratios. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:51–60, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Good Enough for An Affair. Self–Enhancement of Attractiveness, Interest in Potential Mates and Popularity as A Mate
Authors: Schröder–Abé Michela , Rentzsch Katrin , Asendorpf Jens B. , Penke Lars
Published: October 2015

Using data from the Berlin Speed Dating Study, we tested rival hypotheses concerning the effects of self–enhancement of attractiveness on dating outcomes. Three hundred eighty–two participants took part in one of the 17 speed–dating sessions. After each speed–dating interaction, participants indicated how interesting they found the respective person as a long–term and short–term partner. Using social relations analyses, we computed perceiver effects (being more or less choosy) and target effects (being rated as more or less interesting) of long–term and short–term partner ratings. Self–enhancement was operationalized as the discrepancy between self–rated attractiveness and four components of actual attractiveness (observer–rated facial and vocal attractiveness, height and body mass index). Results indicated that self–enhancers were less choosy with respect to their interest for short–term partners, which was especially true for men, but more choosy with respect to long–term partners. With regard to popularity as a mate, potential partners indicated that they found self–enhancers more interesting as short–term partners but not as long–term partners. As self–enhancement is a key component of narcissism, these results are consistent with findings that narcissists perceive many sexual affairs as an achievement, while preferring selected ‘trophy’ long–term partners, and narcissists have a charming appeal for short–term, but not lasting, social relationships. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Energy yield prediction errors and uncertainties of different photovoltaic models
Authors: Makrides George , Zinsser Bastian , Schubert Markus , Georghiou George E.
Published: October 2015

Mathematical, empirical, and electrical models have long been implemented and used to predict the energy yield of many photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The purpose of this paper is to compare the annual DC energy yield prediction errors of four models namely the single‐point efficiency, single‐point efficiency with temperature correction, the Photovoltaic for Utility‐Scale Applications (PVUSA), and the one‐diode model, against outdoor measurements for different grid‐connected PV systems in Cyprus over a 4‐year evaluation period. The different models showed a wide variation of prediction errors, demonstrating a strong dependence between model performance and the different technologies. In particular, it was clearly shown that the application of temperature loss correction based on the manufacturer's temperature coefficients of power at maximum power point assisted in improving the energy yield prediction significantly especially for the crystalline silicon (c‐Si) technologies. In most cases, the best agreement between the modeled results and outdoor‐measured annual DC energy yield for mono‐crystalline silicon (mono‐c‐Si) and multi‐crystalline silicon (multi‐c‐Si) technologies was obtained using the one‐diode model. The energy yield for the thin‐film technologies was more accurately predicted using the PVUSA model with the exception of the copper‐indium‐gallium‐diselenide (CIGS) technology, which was best predicted using the single‐point efficiency with temperature correction and one‐diode models, thus demonstrating similar physical properties to c‐Si technologies. The paper further quantifies the combined uncertainties associated with the predicted energy yield as a function of the input parameters for the single‐point efficiency, single‐point efficiency with temperature correction, and the PVUSA models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling of Ultrathin Molecular Layer‐by‐Layer Polyamide Water Desalination Membranes
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Young Allison P. , Lee Jung‐Hyun , Stafford Christopher M.
Published: October 2015

The water vapor swelling behavior of ultrathin crosslinked aromatic polyamide (PA) films, synthesized via molecular layer‐by‐layer deposition, is characterized via specular X‐ray reflectivity. The results show that these films expand only along the thickness direction and their maximum swelling ratio can be controlled by the specific diamine monomer chemistry. By measuring the swelling ratio as a function of water activity, the Flory interaction parameter and monomers between crosslinks of these PAs are characterized using the Flory‐Rehner and the Painter‐Shenoy thermodynamic swelling models. Comparing the monomers between crosslink calculated from the swelling theories with values obtain from chemical analysis indicate that the PS model gives a more accurate description of the PA networks. This suggests that these low functionality but highly crosslinked networks swell via a combination of chain expansion and topological rearrangement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1647–1655
Study on Preparation of Insensitive and Spherical High Bulk Density Nitroguanidine with Controllable Particle Size
Authors: Li Jin‐Shuh , Wu Si‐Wei , Lu Kai‐Tai
Published: October 2015

In this study, the solventing‐out recrystallization method was applied to prepare insensitive and spherical high bulk density nitroguanidine (NQ). Experiments were performed at various operating conditions by using N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and acetone as solvent and antisolvent, respectively. The effects of different operating parameters such as NQ/NMP ratio, amount of acetone used, crystallization temperature, stirring speed and stirring time were investigated. The particle size and morphology of the prepared NQ crystals were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the bulk density was measured by the Archimedes’ method and the impact sensitivity was determined by fall hammer method. The experimental results showed that the solventing‐out recrystallization method could be used to prepare spherical high bulk density NQ with a narrow particle size distribution and the particle size could be controlled by changing the operating conditions. The bulk density of these spherical NQ particles was found to be in the range of 0.94–0.97 g cm−3, which is higher than that of needle‐shaped NQ particles, and they became less sensitive towards impact.
Spending on cessation therapies decreasing but 1 in 5 still smoke
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: October 2015

Here we summarise the key points from the Health and Social Care Information Centre's report on smoking in England during 2014.
Diagnosis and management of endometriosis
Authors: Becker Christian
Published: October 2015

Diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult but there are steps GPs can take to help achieve early identification and treatment of the condition.
Ion irradiation induced structural modifications of Fe81Mo8Cu1B10 NANOPERM‐type alloy
Authors: Miglierini Marcel , Hasiak Mariusz
Published: October 2015

Structural modifications and their impact upon magnetic properties are studied in amorphous NANOPERM‐type 57Fe81Mo10Cu1B10 metallic glass exposed to irradiation with 130 keV N+ ions to the total fluencies of up to 2.5 × 1017 ions/cm2. Using surface sensitive technique of Mössbauer spectrometry, traces of crystalline phases are found already in the as‐quenched state after the sample production. On the air side of the ribbons, bcc‐Fe dominates whereas on the opposite wheel side, also a presence of Fe3O4 is unveiled. The amount of surface crystallization is higher on the wheel side of the ribbons. After ion irradiation, mostly the air side is affected because it was facing the incident ions. Gradual formation of iron nitrides is observed with increasing ion fluence. Though the radiation damage exhibits itself only at this side of the ribbons, its influence upon bulk magnetic properties is clearly identified by the help of magnetic measurements. Hysteresis loops exhibit changes in their shape as well as coercive field. Along with the formation of magnetic crystalline phases (bcc‐Fe and nitrides), they are caused by structural rearrangement which takes place also inside the amorphous residual phase. Structural modifications are confirmed via evolution of hyperfine magnetic fields with ion fluence.

Structural modification of the 57Fe81Mo10Cu1B10 alloy caused by ion irradiation as demonstrated by microstructural (Mössbauer spectrometry (a,b)) and macroscopic (hysteresis loops (c,d)) measurements. As‐quenched (a,c) and 2.5 × 1017 N+/cm2 irradiated (b,d) alloys are compared.
The choice of appropriate density functional for the calculation of static first hyperpolarizability of azochromophores and stacking dimers
Authors: Fominykh Olga D. , Sharipova Anastasiya V. , Yu. Balakina Marina
Published: October 2015

The effect of the stacked azo‐chromophore dimer formation on the values of static first hyperpolarizability is studied in the framework of the DFT‐based approach; calculations were also performed at the MP2 level. A number of dispersion‐corrected density functionals—В97D, ωВ97X‐D, and M06‐2X—is tested to calculate the structure of the dimer, the value of binding energy, and molecular nonlinear optical characteristics. According to the QTAIM analysis, the presence of bond critical points is revealed in the intermolecular region, the signs and values of topological characteristics giving evidence for the noncovalent van der Waals interaction between the chromophores. The formation of stacks results in moderate increase of dimer static first hyperpolarizability as compared to that of a single chromophore, the effect depending on the relative shift of the chromophores in dimer. In a special case of greatly shifted chromophores, this enhancement of the first hyperpolarizability becomes appreciable and achieves 72%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quasi‐non‐linear deformation modeling of a human liver based on artificial and experimental data
Authors: Dogan Firat , Celebi M. Serdar
Published: October 2015

Background

Researchers working on error‐prevention theories have shown that the use of replica models within simulation systems has improved operating skills, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Methods

This study aims to provide material test data specifically for a human liver to validate the accuracy of viscoelastic soft tissue models. This allows the validation of virtual surgery simulators by comparison with physical test data obtained from material tests on a viscoelastic silicone gel pad.

Results

The results proved that stress behavior and relaxation curves of Aquaflex® experiment and FEM simulation are close if average liver response and respective material parameters and model are used.

Conclusions

The precise representation of manipulated tissues used in virtual surgery trainers involves the accurate characterization of mechanical properties of the tissue. Consequently, successful implementations of these mechanical properties in a mathematical model of the deforming organ are of major importance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracontinental and intercontinental dissemination of Asian H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (clade 2.3.4.4) in the winter of 2014–2015
Authors: Saito Takehiko , Tanikawa Taichiro , Uchida Yuko , Takemae Nobuhiro , Kanehira Katsushi , Tsunekuni Ryota
Published: October 2015

Asian H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) that possess the clade 2.3.4.4 HA gene have been identified in wild birds and poultry since late 2014 in both Europe and North America (N. America). Clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIVs of the H5N8 subtype have been isolated in both regions, whereas reassortment viruses with NA N1 and N2 subtypes of the North American (N. American). avian lineage have only been identified in N. America. The HA genes of those isolates were closely related to genes of the HPAIVs that have caused massive outbreaks in poultry in Korea since January 2014. The outbreaks caused by those viruses and the genetic relatedness of their HA and NA genes are reviewed in this study. Although the illegal movement of poultry and poultry products cannot be ruled out as a cause of intercontinental and intracontinental dissemination of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIVs during the winter of 2014–2015, transmission of the viruses by infected migratory birds appears to be a more plausible mechanism for their dissemination. In particular, the involvement of migratory birds in HPAIV transmission between Asia and N. America is highly likely because of the reassortments between H5N8 HPAIV and the N. American lineage avian influenza viruses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precision of maximum likelihood estimation in adaptive designs
Authors: Graf Alexandra Christine , Gutjahr Georg , Brannath Werner
Published: October 2015

There has been increasing interest in trials that allow for design adaptations like sample size reassessment or treatment selection at an interim analysis. Ignoring the adaptive and multiplicity issues in such designs leads to an inflation of the type 1 error rate, and treatment effect estimates based on the maximum likelihood principle become biased. Whereas the methodological issues concerning hypothesis testing are well understood, it is not clear how to deal with parameter estimation in designs were adaptation rules are not fixed in advanced so that, in practice, the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) is used. It is therefore important to understand the behavior of the MLE in such designs. The investigation of Bias and mean squared error (MSE) is complicated by the fact that the adaptation rules need not be fully specified in advance and, hence, are usually unknown. To investigate Bias and MSE under such circumstances, we search for the sample size reassessment and selection rules that lead to the maximum Bias or maximum MSE. Generally, this leads to an overestimation of Bias and MSE, which can be reduced by imposing realistic constraints on the rules like, for example, a maximum sample size. We consider designs that start with k treatment groups and a common control and where selection of a single treatment and control is performed at the interim analysis with the possibility to reassess each of the sample sizes. We consider the case of unlimited sample size reassessments as well as several realistically restricted sample size reassessment rules. © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Translation, Validation, and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Urdu Version “FSFI–U”
Authors: Rehman Khaleeq Ur , Asif Mahmood Mohammad , Sheikh Saba Shabbir , Sultan Tipu , Khan M. Amanullah
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem, and many self-report questionnaires are available for its evaluation. Pakistani women with sexual problems feel shy to consult with their physician. A validated self-report questionnaire, in the local language with modest expressions is required for these women.

Aim

The aim of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and perform a psychometric validation of an Urdu translation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods

The FSFI was translated in Urdu, and its precision was ascertained through reverse translation. It was pretested on 22 bilingual women and refined again to reach at a reliable Urdu version of the questionnaire FSFI-U. One hundred sixteen bilingual women, in a stable sexual relationship over the previous 6 months were finally asked to fill out the FSFI and FSFI-U. Their sexual function was then clinically evaluated and responses were compared with the clinical assessment as well as with each other.

Main Outcome Measures

The responses were analyzed through descriptive statistics for reliability, face validity, agreement between the responses to the original English version and to the FSFI-U, and also for test–retest consistency. The data were analyzed statistically using Cronbach's alpha analysis, Intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson correlation, and Student's t-test.

Results

FSFI was found to be easily understandable and capable of adequately evaluating and measuring various aspects of female sexual function. A high degree of internal consistency was demonstrated on Cronbach's alpha analysis. Cronbach's α coefficient for various domains was sufficiently high ranging from 0.84 to 0.97. The clinical assessment of the presence and severity of FSD also matched with the self-report questionnaire. Similarly, various domains of FSFI had high degree of correlation in the Urdu version of FSFI (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Urdu translation version of FSFI is valid and reliable for use in the literate population of Pakistan.
3D Bridged Carbon Nanoring/Graphene Hybrid Paper as a High‐Performance Lateral Heat Spreader
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Shi Gang , Jiang Cai , Ju Su , Jiang Dazhi
Published: October 2015

Graphene paper (GP) has attracted great attention as a heat dissipation material due to its unique thermal transfer property exceeding the limit of graphite. However, the relatively poor thermal transfer properties in the normal direction of GP restricts its wider applications in thermal management. In this work, a 3D bridged carbon nanoring (CNR)/graphene hybrid paper is constructed by the intercalation of polymer carbon source and metal catalyst particles, and the subsequent in situ growth of CNRs in the confined intergallery spaces between graphene sheets through thermal annealing. Further investigation demonstrates that the CNRs are covalently bonded to the graphene sheets and highly improve the thermal transport in the normal direction of the CNR/graphene hybrid paper. This full‐carbon architecture shows excellent heat dissipation ability and is much more efficient in removing hot spots than the reduced GP without CNR bridges. This highly thermally conductive CNR/graphene hybrid paper can be easily integrated into next generation commercial high‐power electronics and stretchable/foldable devices as high‐performance lateral heat spreader materials. This full‐carbon architecture also has a great potential in acting as electrodes in supercapacitors or hydrogen storage devices due to the high surface area.
The diverse fossil chelonians from Milia (late Pliocene, Grevena, Greece) with a new species of Testudo Linnaeus, 1758 (Testudines: Testudinidae)
Authors: Vlachos Evangelos , Tsoukala Evangelia
Published: October 2015

The late Pliocene (early Villafranchian, MN 16a) locality of Milia (Grevena, Greece) has yielded numerous remains of mammals, such as zygodons, mastodons, rhinocerotids, hipparions, bovids, cervids, suids, carnivorans and tapirs. Several specimens of chelonians have also been discovered and comprise a small testudinid, a geoemydid and a giant tortoise. The presence of a giant tortoise and the presence of a geoemydid with large dimensions are further examples of the trend towards gigantism evidenced by the diverse fauna of Milia. In terms of taxonomic abundance of extinct turtles, this is the richest locality in Greece. The small testudinid is of particular importance because it preserves a posteriorly flared carapace, as in the extant Testudo marginata, but the posterior carapace is much taller and anteroposteriorly shorter. These characters allow us to erect a new species, Testudo brevitesta sp. nov., and to discuss the presence of the marginated tortoise and closely related forms in Greece. The new taxon is analysed in a phylogenetic context within other extant and extinct testudinids, providing new information on the clade Testudona.
Thriving in College
Authors: Schreiner Laurie A.
Published: October 2015

This chapter describes the phenomenon of thriving as a deep engagement in learning experiences. The author also identifies multiple pathways to the acquisition of thriving and characteristics of communities that support thriving students.
Beyond March Madness: Fruitful Practices to Prepare for High‐Stakes ELA Tests
Authors: Dougherty Stahl Katherine A. , Schweid Jason
Published: October 2015

Successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (2010) will require an alignment between learning standards, effective instruction, and the new assessments designed by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced (SB) consortia. Both the CCSS and the new generation of assessments call for students to comprehend and respond to complex texts using text evidence and high levels of thinking. Traditional test preparation that focused on isolated skills is not likely to be effective in preparing students for success on the PARCC or SB tests. Instead, fruitful practices are likely to be (a) teaching integrated content units, (b) teaching comprehension strategies, (c) providing opportunities for high levels of speaking, listening and thinking about texts, (d) using official writing rubrics, and (e) providing diagnostic interventions for at‐risk readers.
A Range of Writing Across the Content Areas
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: October 2015

Students must be taught to write and then be expected to write for a variety of purposes to a variety of audiences, including in mathematics, science, and social studies. As part of building the writing prowess of students, they must write routinely, both short and long pieces. As part of a comprehensive writing curriculum, students’ writing fluency should be fostered, students should participate in lessons designed to build their composing skills, and students must learn to write from the sources that they read.
The Origins and History of American Children's Literature
Authors: Tunnell Michael O. , Jacobs James S.
Published: October 2015

Books meant for young readers did not appear until scholars such as John Locke began to suggest a more modern concept of childhood. Though the eighteenth century saw the establishment and growth of children's book publishing, it was as late as the nineteenth century when children's literature truly came of age. This article traces the development of American children's literature from its early European roots to the rich and diverse literary offerings available to young readers in the twenty‐first century.
Let's Bring Back the Magic of Song for Teaching Reading
Authors: Iwasaki Becky , Rasinski Timothy , Yildirim Kasim , Zimmerman Belinda S.
Published: October 2015

Based on a first grade teacher's search for approaches to promote successful reading acquisition in her first grade classroom, the authors present a curricular engagement in which the teacher explored using music, specifically singing songs, as a fun and motivating way to accelerate reading progress. The premise is that singing (while at the same time having a visual display of the words in the songs) can be a very useful instructional tool to teach reading to beginning readers. The process involves learning one new song (accompanied by the printed lyrics) per week, followed by repeated readings/singings, discussions of content, and activities related to phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency and word work. The children made on average more than a year's reading growth during the duration of the teacher's investigation. This article explores the possibilities and benefits of having beginning and/or struggling readers sing as an instructional strategy to enhance reading progress.
Design and Analysis of Dual‐Frame Telephone Surveys for Health Policy Research
Authors: Lu Bo , Sahr Timothy , Iachan Ronaldo , Denker Matthew , Duffy Thomas , Weston Daniel
Published: October 2015

Large‐scale health surveys are major data sources for health policy research, and telephone survey is the major mode for national or state health surveys. With the dramatic increase of cell phone use over the past decade, large telephone surveys need to employ the dual‐frame design, which greatly improves the representativeness of the sample. From a practical perspective, it is not clear how to optimally implement the dual‐frame sampling design. This article studies the impact of different design and analytical strategies of dual‐frame surveys on the estimation of population quantities via both simulation studies and using data from the Ohio Family Health Survey (OFHS). Results imply that cell‐only design is less biased than the cell‐any design with no or poor post‐stratification. If accurate post‐stratification information is available for different phone use patterns, all estimation techniques provide similar results and the cell‐any supplemental sampling is more cost efficient. Practical recommendations for health policy researchers are provided based on applying different analytical methods to the OFHS data.
Comparing PACE with a Medicaid‐Only Managed Long‐Term Care Plan: Health Outcomes Over Time
Authors: Nadash Pamela
Published: October 2015

Outcomes from a partially integrated model of managed long‐term care—The VNS CHOICE program (VCP)—were compared to those from a fully capitated model—the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). A retrospective cohort design examined discharge, morbidity, and functional status for 3,200 individuals over 18 months. Although the two populations were close in average functional status, the PACE sample was sicker and more cognitively impaired. Higher rates of death were found in the PACE program (22 percent vs. 10 percent over 18 months) and a greater likelihood of decline in instrumental activities of daily living; higher functional disability scores (ADLs) predicted discharge in PACE but not in VCP. When propensity score stratification was used to compare like populations, the impact of program enrolment on outcomes became statistically insignificant, suggesting that a partially capitated model performs at least as well as the fully capitated PACE model.
Commentary on transcutaneous delivery
Authors: Monteiro‐Riviere Nancy
Published: October 2015

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Selenium Health Benefit Values: Updated Criteria for Mercury Risk Assessments
Authors: Ralston Nicholas V. C. , Ralston Carla R. , Raymond Laura J.
Published: October 2015

Selenium (Se)-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) protect brain tissues against oxidative damage and perform other vital functions, but their synthesis requires a steady supply of Se. High methylmercury (CH3Hg) exposures can severely diminish Se transport across the placenta and irreversibly inhibit fetal brain selenoenzymes. However, supplemental dietary Se preserves their activities and thus prevents pathological consequences. The modified Se health benefit value (HBVSe) is a risk assessment criterion based on the molar concentrations of CH3Hg and Se present in a fish or seafood. It was developed to reflect the contrasting effects of maternal CH3Hg and Se intakes on fetal brain selenoenzyme activities. However, the original equation was prone to divide-by-zero-type errors whereby the calculated values increased exponentially in samples with low CH3Hg contents. The equation was refined to provide an improved index to better reflect the risks of CH3Hg exposures and the benefits provided by dietary Se. The HBVSe provides a biochemically based perspective that confirms and supports the FDA/EPA advice for pregnant and breast-feeding women regarding seafoods that should be avoided vs. those that are beneficial to consume. Since Se can be highly variable between watersheds, further evaluation of freshwater fish is needed to identify locations where fish with negative HBVSe may arise and be consumed by vulnerable subpopulation groups.
A comparison of cognitive biases between schizophrenia patients with delusions and healthy individuals with delusion-like experiences
Authors: Gawęda Ł. , Prochwicz K.
Published: October 2015

Background

The role of psychosis-related cognitive biases (e.g. jumping to conclusions) in a delusion continuum is well-established. Little is known about the role of types of cognitive biases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of psychosis-related and “Beckian” (i.e. anxiety- and depression-related) cognitive biases assessed with a clinical questionnaire in the delusion continuum and its dimensions.

Methods

Schizophrenia patients with (n= 57) and without (n= 35) delusions were compared to healthy subjects who had a low (n= 53) and high (n= 57) level of delusion-like experiences (DLEs) on the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis (CBQp). Delusion dimensions in the clinical sample were assessed with the semi-structured interview PSYRATS. DLEs were measured with the Peters Delusion Inventory (PDI).

Results

High DLEs participants scored significantly higher than low DLEs, and patients with delusions scored higher than patients without delusions on the total scores of the CBQp. High DLEs participants scored significantly higher than low DLEs on catastrophisation and JTC. Schizophrenia patients with delusions scored significantly higher when compared to patients without delusions on intentionalising, dichotomous thinking, JTC and emotional reasoning. Patients with delusions and high DLEs participants scored similarly on JTC. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that catastrophising predicted total severity of clinical delusions and JTC predicted the cognitive dimension of clinical delusions. Both JTC and catastrophisation predicted the frequency and conviction associated with DLEs.

Conclusions

Both “Beckian” and psychosis-related cognitive biases may underlie delusions. Different aspects of clinical delusions and delusion-like experiences may be related to different cognitive biases.
EphA2 modulates radiosensitive of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via p38/mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated signal pathways
Authors: Jin Qiao , Li Xiangjun , Cao Peiguo
Published: October 2015

This experiment was conducted to investigate the role of EPH receptor A2 (EphA2) in the modulation of radiosensitivity of hepatic cellular cancer (HCC) cells and to determine whether p38/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling mediated EphA2 function in this respect. The protein expressions of EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were tested in HCC and normal hepatic tissues. In HCC 97H cells, EphA2 was overexpressed and knocked out by transfection with EphA2 expression vector and EphA2‐ShRNA, respectively, prior to cell exposure to low‐dose irradiation. Significantly upregulated EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were observed in HCC tissues, compared with those in normal hepatic tissues. Low‐dose irradiation (1 Gy) only caused minor damage to HCC 97H cells, as assessed by alterations in cell viability, apoptosis rate, and cell healing capacity (p = 0.072, p = 0.078, and p = 0.069 respectively). However, EphA2 knock‐out in HCC 97H cells induced significant reduction in cell viability and cell healing capacity after these cells were subjected to low‐dose irradiation. Apoptosis rate underwent dramatic increase (p < 0.01). By contrast, EphA2 overexpression in HCC 97H cells reversed these effects and enhanced cell colony formation rate, thus displaying remarkable attenuation of radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells. Further, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK, was added to HCC 97H cells over‐expressing EphA2. The effect of EphA2 overexpression on the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells was abrogated. Thus, the present study indicates that EphA2 have the ability to negatively regulate the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells, which mainly depends on 38MAPK‐mediated signal pathways.
Les enjeux de la corruption sur le continent américain: une réflexion sur le rôle du Système interaméricain de protection des droits humains dans la consolidation des politiques de lutte contre la corruption
Authors: HANSBURY ELISE , DUHAIME BERNARD
Published: October 2015

International institutions involved in the fight against corruption and in the protection of human rights have evolved in isolation since their inception. However, recent studies have shown the need to integrate, within anti-corruption policies, an approach oriented towards the protection of human rights. This need flows from the negative impacts that institutionalized practices of corruption have on the enjoyment of human rights. The American continent is no exception to this reality: it is, on the one hand, struggling with grave problems of corruption that have important repercussions for the protection of human rights in the region. It has, on the other hand, institutional and regulatory frameworks related to the fight against corruption and the protection of human rights, which have evolved in parallel. This article therefore assesses the extent to which Inter-American human rights standards may effectively contribute to improving anti-corruption policies and strategies on the continent.
The effect of enteral nutrition on adipokines in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: McKenzie Sarah J. L. , Premkumar Rakesh , Askelund Kathryn J. , Pendharkar Sayali A. , Phillips Anthony R. J. , Windsor John A. , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: October 2015

The mechanism behind the beneficial effects of enteral nutrition (EN) for patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) is largely unknown. Adipokines, as mediators of metabolism and inflammation, may be a possible mechanism. The study aimed to investigate the effect of EN on adipokines early in the course of AP. Patients with AP were randomised to EN or nil-by-mouth (NBM). Blood samples were taken on the first 4 d of admission and adipokine concentrations for adiponectin, leptin, omentin, resistin and visfatin were determined by ELISA assays. A linear mixed model analysis was run to determine differences in adipokine concentrations between the two study groups. A total of thirty-two patients were included in the study. Omentin concentrations were significantly higher in patients who received EN compared with NBM across the first 4 d of admission (mean difference: 11·6 (95 % CI 1·0, 22·3) ng/ml; P = 0·033). Leptin concentrations were significantly higher in patients who received EN compared with NBM after adjusting for age, sex and BMI (mean difference: 2·3 (95 % CI 0·1, 4·5) ng/ml; P = 0·037). No significant difference in adiponectin, resistin or visfatin concentrations were observed between the two study groups. EN significantly increases omentin and leptin concentrations in AP. Future research should be directed towards understanding whether these adipokines are responsible for the therapeutic benefits of EN.
The Effect of Electoral Systems on Voter Turnout: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Sanz Carlos
Published: October 2015

I exploit the unique institutional framework of Spanish local elections, where municipalities follow different electoral systems depending on their population size, as mandated by a national law. Using a regression discontinuity design, I compare turnout under closed list proportional representation and under an open list, plurality-at-large system where voters can vote for individual candidates from the same or different party-lists. I find that the open list system increases turnout by between 1 and 2 percentage points. The results suggest that open list systems, which introduce competition both across and within parties, are conducive to more voter turnout.
Output optimization in the Irish plural system
Authors: BENNETT RYAN
Published: October 2015

In this paper I argue that a subpattern of Irish plural allomorphy should be analyzed as output optimizing in character. Specifically, I claim that stress-sensitive alternations between the plural suffixes-(e)annaand-(e)achaare conditioned by constraints on metrical well-formedness. This analysis connects with independent facts about the the prosodic prominence of [ax] sequences in Irish phonology. I further argue that an explanatory analysis of these patterns must make use of the notion of surface optimization. Alternative frameworks that eschew surface-oriented optimization mechanisms fail to account for synchronic and diachronic properties of the Irish plural system.
The Columbian mammoth, Mammuthus columbi, from the Wasatch Mountains of central Utah
Authors: Gillette David D. , Madsen David B.
Published: October 2015

A nearly complete and well-preserved skeleton of the Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) and a cranial fragment of a short-faced bear (Arctodus simus) were recovered from fossil lake deposits at 2,740 m, near the crest of the Wasatch Plateau, central Utah. The mammoth bones are reliably dated to between 11,500 and 9,500 yr B.P. and may be associated with a late Paleoindian occupation at the site. The mammoth and bear are part of a high elevation Huntington Canyon megafauna including mastodon (Mammut americanum), horse (Equus sp.), and bison (Bison sp.). The mammoth was an old bull with considerable pathology in the vertebral column, ribs, and legs. Pollen, plant macrofossils, insects, and dung associated with the mammoth suggest this megafauna occupied an essentially modern environmental setting after deglaciation of the Wasatch plateau.
Anthropologists and Viceroys: Colonial knowledge and policy making in India, 1871–1911
Authors: FULLER C. J.
Published: October 2015

The anthropology of caste was a pivotal part of colonial knowledge in British India in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Denzil Ibbetson and Herbert Risley, then the two leading official anthropologists, both made major contributions to the study of caste, which this article discusses. Ibbetson and Risley assumed high office in the imperial government in 1902 and played important roles in policy making during the partition of Bengal (1903–5) and the Morley-Minto legislative councils reforms (1906–9); Ibbetson was also influential in deciding Punjab land policy in the 1890s. Contemporary policy documents, which this article examines, show that the two men's anthropological knowledge had limited influence on their deliberations. Moreover, caste was irrelevant to their thinking about agrarian policy, the promotion of Muslim interests, and the urban, educated middle class, whose growing nationalism was challenging British rule. No ethnographic information was collected about this class, because the scope of anthropology was restricted to ‘traditional’ rural society. At the turn of the twentieth century, colonial anthropological knowledge, especially about caste, had little value for the imperial government confronting Indian nationalism, and was less critical in constituting the Indian colonial state than it previously had been.