bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation Dose in the Thyroid and the Thyroid Cancer Risk Attributable to CT Scans for Pediatric Patients in One General Hospital of China
Authors: Su Yin-Ping , Niu Hao-Wei , Chen Jun-Bo , Fu Ying-Hua , Xiao Guo-Bing , Sun Quan-Fu
Published: March 2014

Objective: To quantify the radiation dose in the thyroid attributable to different CT scans and to estimate the thyroid cancer risk in pediatric patients. Methods: The information about pediatric patients who underwent CT scans was abstracted from the radiology information system in one general hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. The radiation doses were calculated using the ImPACT Patient Dosimetry Calculator and the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of thyroid cancer incidence was estimated based on the National Academies Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII model. Results: The subjects comprised 922 children, 68% were males, and received 971 CT scans. The range of typical radiation dose to the thyroid was estimated to be 0.61–0.92 mGy for paranasal sinus CT scans, 1.10–2.45 mGy for head CT scans, and 2.63–5.76 mGy for chest CT scans. The LAR of thyroid cancer were as follows: for head CT, 1.1 per 100,000 for boys and 8.7 per 100,000 for girls; for paranasal sinus CT scans, 0.4 per 100,000 for boys and 2.7 per 100,000 for girls; for chest CT scans, 2.2 per 100,000 for boys and 14.2 per 100,000 for girls. The risk of thyroid cancer was substantially higher for girls than for the boys, and from chest CT scans was higher than that from head or paransal sinus CT scans. Conclusions: Chest CT scans caused higher thyroid dose and the LAR of thyroid cancer incidence, compared with paransal sinus or head CT scans. Therefore, physicians should pay more attention to protect the thyroid when children underwent CT scans, especially chest CT scans.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota in the Management of Metabolic Disorders: The Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Erejuwa Omotayo , Sulaiman Siti , Wahab Mohd
Published: March 2014

The gut microbiota plays a number of important roles including digestion, metabolism, extraction of nutrients, synthesis of vitamins, prevention against pathogen colonization, and modulation of the immune system. Alterations or changes in composition and biodiversity of the gut microbiota have been associated with many gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Recent evidence suggests that altered composition and diversity of gut microbiota may play a role in the increased prevalence of metabolic diseases. This review article has two main objectives. First, it underscores approaches (such as probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobial agents, bariatric surgery, and weight loss strategies) and their prospects in modulating the gut microbiota in the management of metabolic diseases. Second, it highlights some of the current challenges and discusses areas of future research as it relates to the gut microbiota and metabolic diseases. The prospect of modulating the gut microbiota seems promising. However, considering that research investigating the role of gut microbiota in metabolic diseases is still in its infancy, more rigorous and well-designed in vitro, animal and clinical studies are needed.
New Directions in Intelligence Research: Avoiding the Mistakes of the Past
Authors: Wang Zuowei , Katz Benjamin , Shah Priti
Published: March 2014

This brief commentary considers the potential for new directions in intelligence research, as well as possible pitfalls associated with these approaches. Specifically, this commentary focuses on the use of big data in intelligence research, the study of genes and gene-environment interactions, the interpretation of neuroscience evidence, and the effectiveness of intelligence interventions. The major pitfalls identified include methodological and data analytic limitations, as well as concerns regarding the communication of findings to other scientists and the lay public.
Cyclic Marinopyrrole Derivatives as Disruptors of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL Binding to Bim
Authors: Cheng Chunwei , Liu Yan , Balasis Maria , Simmons Nicholas , Li Jerry , Song Hao , Pan Lili , Qin Yong , Nicolaou K. , Sebti Said , Li Rongshi
Published: March 2014

A series of novel cyclic marinopyrroles were designed and synthesized. Their activity to disrupt the binding of the pro-apoptotic protein, Bim, to the pro-survival proteins, Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, was evaluated using ELISA assays. Both atropisomers of marinopyrrole A (1) show similar potency. A tetrabromo congener 9 is two-fold more potent than 1. Two novel cyclic marinopyrroles (3 and 4) are two- to seven-fold more potent than 1.
Single and Competitive Adsorption of 17α-Ethinylestradiol and Bisphenol A with Estrone, β-Estradiol, and Estriol onto Sediment
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Chen , Li Shanshan , Zhou Changzhi , Li Xiaopeng
Published: March 2014

The competitive adsorption of bisphenol A (BPA) and17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) with different endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as estrone (E1), β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) was investigated in the water-sediment system. The primary and interaction effects of coexisted EDCs on the adsorption of BPA and EE2 were studied in binary and multiple systems. The adsorption selectivity of sediment at different initial concentrations of EDCs was also considered, based on the distribution coefficient (β). In binary systems, coexisted EDCs exhibited a positive effect on the adsorption of BPA, while E3 showed a negative effect on the adsorption of EE2. In ternary systems, the interaction of E1*E3 and E2*BPA showed a synergistic effect on the sorption of BPA and EE2, respectively. In quaternary systems, the interaction of E1*E2*E3 showed a synergistic effect on the adsorption of both BPA and EE2. In the quinary system, coexisted EDCs all showed an antagonistic effect on the adsorption of BPA and EE2, which indicated that the coexisted EDCs competed for adsorption with BPA and EE2. EDCs in the E2-EE2-BPA system presented a superior selectivity of sediment with β values of 43.48–87.86. The order of sediment selectivity (E1 > EE2 > E2 > E3 > BPA) in binary systems was in agreement with EDCs’ adsorption capacity, which suggested that the adsorption was dominated by partition adsorption.
Rapid and Accurate Identification by Real-Time PCR of Biotoxin-Producing Dinoflagellates from the Family Gymnodiniaceae
Authors: Smith Kirsty , De Salas Miguel , Adamson Janet , Rhodes Lesley
Published: March 2014

The identification of toxin-producing dinoflagellates for monitoring programmes and bio-compound discovery requires considerable taxonomic expertise. It can also be difficult to morphologically differentiate toxic and non-toxic species or strains. Various molecular methods have been used for dinoflagellate identification and detection, and this study describes the development of eight real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene of species from the genera Gymnodinium, Karenia, Karlodinium, and Takayama. Assays proved to be highly specific and sensitive, and the assay for G. catenatum was further developed for quantification in response to a bloom in Manukau Harbour, New Zealand. The assay estimated cell densities from environmental samples as low as 0.07 cells per PCR reaction, which equated to three cells per litre. This assay not only enabled conclusive species identification but also detected the presence of cells below the limit of detection for light microscopy. This study demonstrates the usefulness of real-time PCR as a sensitive and rapid molecular technique for the detection and quantification of micro-algae from environmental samples.
Lipid-Lowering Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici M76 Isolated from Korean Traditional Makgeolli in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Moon Yeon-Jeong , Baik Sang-Ho , Cha Youn-Soo
Published: March 2014

The effect of Pediococcus acidilactici M76 (lactic acid bacteria) isolated from makgeolli on mice fed a high fat diet was investigated to clarify the lipid lowering function. C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into a normal diet (ND) group, high fat diet (HD) group, HD plus Pediococcus acidilactici DSM 20284 reference strain (PR) group, and HD plus Pediococcus acidilactici M76 strain (PA) groups. The lyophilized PA and PR strain were dissolved in distilled water at a final concentration of 1.25 × 109 cfu/mL and was given orally to animals at a dose of 4 mL/kg body weight for 12 weeks. The PA group had a lower final body weight, adipose tissue weight, and lipid profile than those in the HD group. Additionally, level of ACC, FAS and PPAR-γ, a key lipid synthesis enzyme, was markedly suppressed in the PA compared to those in the HD group. These data suggest that P. acidilactici M76 may exert a lipid-lowering effect in high fat diet- induced obese mice.
Pharmacist’s Counselling Improves Patient Knowledge Regarding Warfarin, Irrespective of Health Literacy Level
Authors: Collins Sean , Barber Andrew , Sahm Laura
Published: March 2014

To investigate the health literacy of the population and examine the change in knowledge when patients are administered a questionnaire about warfarin at different time points before and after counselling by a pharmacist. Patients were recruited over eight weeks, from May 2011, in a public hospital in Galway, Ireland. Inclusion criteria: (i) newly commenced on warfarin; (ii) 18 years or more; (iii) English as their first language; (iv) absence of visual or hearing difficulties. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) was used to assess health literacy (HL). Warfarin knowledge was assessed using the Anticoagulation Knowledge Assessment (AKA). Both of these tools were administered following provision of the warfarin booklet and one hour’s reading time before pharmacist counselling. The AKA was re-administered 28–56 days after the counselling. Statistical analysis was performed using PASW® v. 18. Results: Forty-three patients (55.8% male), mean (±SD) age 65.7 years (±14.2) scored an average of 58.5/66 (±9.3) in the REALM. Warfarin knowledge improved from a mean of 19/29 (±4.7), prior to verbal counselling, to 23.8 (±3.7), within 24 hours of verbal counselling. This knowledge score decreased to a mean score of 22.8 (±3.7) 28–56 days following counselling.
Dynamic New World: Refining Our View of Protein Structure, Function and Evolution
Authors: Mannige Ranjan
Published: March 2014

Proteins are crucial to the functioning of all lifeforms. Traditional understanding posits that a single protein occupies a single structure (“fold”), which performs a single function. This view is radically challenged with the recognition that high structural dynamism—the capacity to be extra “floppy”—is more prevalent in functional proteins than previously assumed. As reviewed here, this dynamic take on proteins affects our understanding of protein “structure”, function, and evolution, and even gives us a glimpse into protein origination. Specifically, this review will discuss historical developments concerning protein structure, and important new relationships between dynamism and aspects of protein sequence, structure, binding modes, binding promiscuity, evolvability, and origination. Along the way, suggestions will be provided for how key parts of textbook definitions—that so far have excluded membership to intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs)—could be modified to accommodate our more dynamic understanding of proteins.
Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition Parameters Optimization for Spectral Distance Measurement in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Ren Hsuan , Wang Yung-Ling , Huang Min-Yu , Chang Yang-Lang , Kao Hung-Ming
Published: March 2014

This study proposed a new approach to measure the similarity between spectra to discriminate materials and evaluate the performance of parameter-selection procedures. Many pure pixel vector-based similarity measurements have been developed in the past to calculate the distance between two pixel vectors. However, those methods may not be effective since they do not take full advantage of the spectral correlation. In this study, we adopt Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) to decompose the spectrum into serial components and employ these components to improve the performance of spectral discrimination. Performance evaluation was conducted with several commonly used measurements, and the spectral samples used for experimentation were provided by the spectral library of United States Geological Survey (USGS). The experimental results have demonstrated that EEMD can extract the spectral features more effectively than common spectral similarity measurements, and it better characterizes spectral properties. Our experimental results also suggest general rules for selecting noise standard deviation, the number of iterations for EEMD and the collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) for classification. Finally, since EEMD is a time-consuming algorithm, we also implement parallel processing with a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to increase the processing speed.
Comparison of Gross Primary Productivity Derived from GIMMS NDVI3g, GIMMS, and MODIS in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Junbang , Dong Jingwei , Liu Jiyuan , Huang Mei , Li Guicai , Running Steven , Smith W. , Harris Warwick , Saigusa Nobuko , Kondo Hiroaki , Liu Yunfen , Hirano Takashi , Xiao Xiangming
Published: March 2014

Gross primary production (GPP) plays an important role in the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. It is particularly important to monitor GPP in Southeast Asia because of increasing rates of tropical forest degradation and deforestation in the region in recent decades. The newly available, improved, third generation Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI3g) from the Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) group provides a long temporal dataset, from July 1981 to December 2011, for terrestrial carbon cycle and climate response research. However, GIMMS NDVI3g-based GPP estimates are not yet available. We applied the GLOPEM-CEVSA model, which integrates an ecosystem process model and a production efficiency model, to estimate GPP in Southeast Asia based on three independent results of the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by vegetation (FPAR) from GIMMS NDVI3g (GPPNDVI3g), GIMMS NDVI1g (GPPNDVI1g), and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MOD15A2 FPAR product (GPPMOD15). The GPP results were validated using ground data from eddy flux towers located in different forest biomes, and comparisons were made among the three GPPs as well as the MOD17A2 GPP products (GPPMOD17). Based on validation with flux tower derived GPP estimates the results show that GPPNDVI3g is more accurate than GPPNDVI1g and is comparable in accuracy with GPPMOD15. In addition, GPPNDVI3g and GPPMOD15 have good spatial-temporal consistency. Our results indicate that GIMMS NDVI3g is an effective dataset for regional GPP simulation in Southeast Asia, capable of accurately tracking the variation and trends in long-term terrestrial ecosystem GPP dynamics.
Transanal Evisceration Caused by Rectal Laceration
Authors: Martínez Pérez Aleix , Torres Sánchez María Teresa , Richart Aznar Jose Manuel , Martí Martínez Eva María , Martínez-Abad Manuel
Published: March 2014

Transrectal evisceration caused by colorectal injury is an unusual entity. This pathology is more frequent in elderly patients and it is usually produced spontaneously. Rectal prolapse is the principal predisposing factor. An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital presenting exit of intestinal loops through the anus. After first reanimation measures, an urgent surgery was indicated. We observed the absence of almost every small intestine loop in the abdominal cavity; these had been moved to the pelvis. After doing the reduction, a 3 to 4 cm linear craniocaudal perforation in upper rectum was objectified, and Hartmann's procedure was performed. We investigated and knew that she frequently manipulate herself to extract her faeces. The fast preoperative management avoided a fatal conclusion or an extensive intestinal resection. Reasons that make us consider rectal self-injury as the etiologic factor are explained.
A Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Adult and Paediatric Formulations of Raltegravir in Healthy Adults
Authors: Rhee Elizabeth G , Rizk Matthew L , Brainard Diana M , Gendrano Isaias N , Jin Bo , Wenning Larissa A , Wagner John A , Iwamoto Marian
Published: March 2014

Background

Raltegravir is an HIV-1 integrase inhibitor approved for use in adults, children and infants ≥4 weeks of age. As alternatives to the original film-coated tablet, a chewable ethylcellulose (EC) tablet and oral granules for suspension (GFS) have been developed for use in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these formulations in adults prior to use in paediatric studies.

Methods

This open-label, 4-period, randomized, crossover study investigated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of raltegravir paediatric formulations and the effect of a high-fat meal on EC tablet pharmacokinetics in healthy adults. In a balanced, crossover design (with a 4-day washout between treatments), 12 subjects received one 400 mg film-coated tablet (fasted), four 100 mg EC tablets (fasted), one 400 mg GFS dose (fasted) and four 100 mg EC tablets (after a high-fat meal).

Results

AUC0-∞ and Cmax were 2.6-fold and 4.6-fold higher for GFS and 1.8-fold and 3.2-fold higher for EC versus film-coated tablets. The geometric mean C12h values for the GFS formulation (162 nM) and the EC tablet (134 nM) were similar to that of the film-coated tablet (149 nM). Administration with a high-fat meal increased C12h, decreased Cmax and delayed Tmax for the EC tablet, but did not affect AUC0-∞. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) and no discontinuations due to drug-related clinical or laboratory AEs.

Conclusions

Both paediatric formulations demonstrate moderately higher AUC0-∞ and Cmax, and similar C12h compared with the film-coated tablet. These data support the use of raltegravir GFS and EC formulations in paediatric studies.
Des registres aux structures sociales en France. Réflexions sur la méthode
Authors: Prost Antoine
Published: March 2014

L’exploitation de sources sérielles soulève plusieurs questions de méthode qui sont abordées ici à partir d’exemples pris dans des recherches effectuées depuis une quarantaine d’années. Ce parcours illustre, à partir d’un cas particulier, l’évolution de l’histoire sociale quantitative. Il montre comment les méthodes ont évolué en fonction des problématiques et des paradigmes successifs, mais aussi des outils informatiques disponibles. L’analyse des structures sociales à partir de catégories socio-professionnelles définies préalablement n’a pas résisté à la critique constructiviste. Mais la construction de catégories sociales à partir des données empiriques s’avère pratiquement impossible sans une sorte de saut épistémologique. La prise en compte des individus dans leur environnement immédiat conduit à une microstoria quantitative très riche, mais qui ne permet pas de penser la société dans son ensemble. Pour ne pas renoncer à cette ambition, il faut donc articuler des échelles différentes d’analyse dans une histoire sociale pluridimensionnelle.
Economics and Institutions
Authors: Medema Steven G.
Published: March 2014

Le théorème de Coase occupe une place importante dans l’histoire de la théorie économique moderne. Sa conséquence selon laquelle la performance économique est indépendante des institutions a posé de grandes difficultés aux économistes, à la fois dans leur traitement du théorème lui-même et dans leurs tentatives de saisir les effets des droits de propriété et des coûts de transaction – deux caractéristiques clefs des fondements institutionnels de l’économie. Cet article explore comment le théorème de Coase et son traitement par les économistes pointent l’importance des institutions et les tensions à l’intérieur de la théorie économique moderne révélées par ces efforts. JEL Codes : B2, B40, K0, P14
Reverse Problem-Based Learning - A Case Study with a Braille Machine
Authors: Felgueiras Manuel Carlos , Fidalgo Andre Vaz , Alves Gustavo Ribeiro
Published: March 2014

Engineering Education includes not only teaching theoretical fundamental concepts but also its verification during practical lessons in laboratories. The usual strategies to carry out this action are frequently based on Problem Based Learning, starting from a given state and proceeding forward to a target state. The possibility or the effectiveness of this procedure depends on previous states and if the present state was caused or resulted from earlier ones. This often happens in engineering education when the achieved results do not match the desired ones, e.g. when programming code is being developed or when the cause of the wrong behavior of an electronic circuit is being identified. It is thus important to also prepare students to proceed in the reverse way, i.e. given a start state generate the explanation or even the principles that underlie it. Later on, this sort of skills will be important. For instance, to a doctor making a patientâ??s story or to an engineer discovering the source of a malfunction. This learning methodology presents pedagogical advantages besides the enhanced preparation of students to their future work.

The work presented on his document describes an automation project developed by a group of students in an engineering polytechnic school laboratory. The main objective was to improve the performance of a Braille machine. However, in a scenario of Reverse Problem-Based learning, students had first to discover and characterize the entire machine's function before being allowed (and being able) to propose a solution for the existing problem.
Learner Autonomy of Engineering Students: Validating the PRO-SDLS scale in a Portuguese context
Authors: Duarte Marina
Published: March 2014

In the European Higher Education Area, lifelong learning has been recognized as an essential element, being critically important given the rapid pace of change of society, namely in engineering and technology. Learner autonomy and self-direction in learning in higher education has become increasingly important as a way to promote lifelong learning and the ability to continuously learn. This study is a first step in the adaptation and validation of a Portuguese version of the Personal Responsibility Orientation to Self-Direction in Learning Scale (PRO-SDLS) to undergraduate engineering students. Using factor and reliability analysis, 12 items of the translated scale showed strong validity and reliability. The findings indicate that the PRO-SDLS can be used with engineering undergraduate students, but there are some differences between the original learner autonomy construct and the one that emerges from this adaptation. More data collection is suggested. The possibility of interviews and focus groups is also mentioned.
Developing a 3D Game Design Authoring Package to Assist Students’ Visualization Process in Design Thinking
Authors: Kuo Ming-Shiou , Chuang Tsung-Yen
Published: March 2014

The teaching of 3D digital game design requires the development of students’ meta-skills, from story creativity to 3D model construction, and even the visualization process in design thinking. The characteristics a good game designer should possess have been identified as including redesign things, creativity thinking and the ability to visualize ideas from imagination. Therefore, 3D visualization is a key skill in this context. To help students fully focus on game design rather than on complicated 3D modeling or animation skills, this study developed an authoring package that is integrated with Google 3D Warehouse, SketchUp, and a web-based 3D multi-user platform: 3D Cyber Worlds. The proposed game design authoring package was used with 53 college students for one semester, while a total of 108 students were involved in the overall study. The results indicate that the package achieved its aim of in assisting students in the game design process, including that of 3D modeling, and is feasible for future development using advance web technologies. Examples of the students’ game design projects and feedback on the use of this authoring package are also presented and discussed.
An Automated Method to Generate e-Learning Quizzes from Online Language Learner Writing
Authors: Flanagan Brendan , Yin Chengjiu , Hirokawa Sachio , Hashimoto Kiyota , Tabata Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the entries of Lang-8, which is a Social Networking Site (SNS) site for learning and practicing foreign languages, were analyzed and found to contain similar rates of errors for most error categories reported in previous research. These similarly rated errors were then processed using an algorithm to determine corrections suggested by a native speaker. Subject matter experts then evaluated the processed sentences to determine the quality in relation to use in tests or exams for language learners. The method describes the automatic generation of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks quizzes using the writings of language learners on public web based learning sites, in order to support learner reflection on corrections and practicing past errors to overcome problems.
Optimizing Communication for Multi-Join Query Processing in Cloud Data Warehouses
Authors: Kurunji Swathi , Ge Tingjian , Fu Xinwen , Liu Benyuan , Chen Cindy X.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the authors present storage structures, PK-map and Tuple-index-map, to improve the performance of query execution and inter-node communication in Cloud Data Warehouses. Cloud Data Warehouses require Read-Optimized databases because large amount of historical data are integrated on a regular basis to facilitate analytical applications for report generation, future analysis, and decision-making. This frequent data integration can grow the data size rapidly and hence there is a need to allocate resource dynamically on demand. As resource is scaled-out in the cloud environment, the number of nodes involved in the execution of a query increases. This in turn increases the number of inter-node communications. In queries, join operation between two different tables are most common. To perform the join operation of a query in the cloud environment, data need to be transferred among different nodes. This becomes critical when there is a huge amount of data (in Terabytes or Petabytes) stored across a large number of nodes. With the increase in number of nodes and amount of data, the size of the communication messages also increases, resulting in even increased bandwidth usage and performance degradation. In this paper, the authors show through extensive experiments using PlanetLab Cloud that their proposed storage structures PK-map and Tuple-index-map, and query execution algorithms improve the performance of join queries, decrease inter-node communication and workload in Cloud Data Warehouses.
21st Century Approach to Splenic Injury
Authors: Lucas Charles E
Published: March 2014

Recent trends of splenic injury management in the 21st century emphasizes nonoperative treatment in children and adults. The clinician must base his treatment on clinical criteria on hemodynamic stability and associated injuries. The risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis is very low and should not influence the decision to operate, if the clinical condition demands it.

How to cite this article

Lucas CE. 21st Century Approach to Splenic Injury. J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(3): 116-125.
Rationality, Political Orientation, and the Individualizing and Binding Moral Foundations
Authors: Garvey Kilian James , Ford Timothy G.
Published: March 2014

Is moral cognition rational or intuitive? This paper tests two competing theories of moral cognition: rational (i.e., Piaget and Kohlberg) vs. intuitive (i.e., Shweder and Haidt) through an investigation of the relationships of each to Haidt’s pluralistic moral theory. This theory claims that, in addition to an individualizing foundation (i.e., justice and harm avoidance), morality also includes a binding foundation (i.e., group and authority deference). Three-hundred and seventy-one undergraduates from two colleges in Maine (USA) completed a survey comprised of measures of rational and intuitive cognition, political orientation, disgust sensitivity, and the individualizing and binding moral foundations. The study found that rational thinking was the strongest predictor for both of the individualizing (harm/care and fairness/reciprocity) and two of the three binding moral foundations (ingroup/loyalty and authority/respect). Political orientation and disgust sensitivity, found in past studies to be related to these two moral foundation subscales were related, but more weakly, relative to rationality.  While Haidt claims that moral cognition is intuitive, we found a more complex picture: low rational and high intuitive scores are characteristic of the binding moral foundations but the opposite is true of the individualizing moral foundations.
Quantifying the role of fire in the Earth system – Part 2: Impact on the net carbon balance of global terrestrial ecosystems for the 20th century
Authors: Li F. , Bond-Lamberty B. , Levis S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Fire is the primary form of terrestrial ecosystem disturbance on a global scale. It affects the net carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems by emitting carbon directly and immediately into the atmosphere from biomass burning (the fire direct effect), and by changing net ecosystem productivity and land-use carbon loss in post-fire regions due to biomass burning and fire-induced vegetation mortality (the fire indirect effect). Here, we provide the first quantitative assessment of the impact of fire on the net carbon balance of global terrestrial ecosystems during the 20th century, and investigate the roles of fire's direct and indirect effects. This is done by quantifying the difference between the 20th century fire-on and fire-off simulations with the NCAR Community Land Model CLM4.5 (prescribed vegetation cover and uncoupled from the atmospheric model) as a model platform. Results show that fire decreases the net carbon gain of global terrestrial ecosystems by 1.0 Pg C yr−1 averaged across the 20th century, as a result of the fire direct effect (1.9 Pg C yr−1) partly offset by the indirect effect (−0.9 Pg C yr−1). Post-fire regions generally experience decreased carbon gains, which is significant over tropical savannas and some North American and East Asian forests. This decrease is due to the direct effect usually exceeding the indirect effect, while they have similar spatial patterns and opposite sign. The effect of fire on the net carbon balance significantly declines until ∼1970 with a trend of 8 Tg C yr−1 due to an increasing indirect effect, and increases subsequently with a trend of 18 Tg C yr−1 due to an increasing direct effect. These results help constrain the global-scale dynamics of fire and the terrestrial carbon cycle.
Recolonization of the intertidal and shallow subtidal community following the 2008 eruption of Alaska's Kasatochi Volcano
Authors: Jewett S. C. , Drew G. S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The intertidal and nearshore benthic communities of Kasatochi Island are described following a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 2008. Prior to the eruption, the island was surrounded by a dense bed of canopy-forming dragon kelp Eualaria fistulosa which supported a productive nearshore community. The eruption extended the coastline of the island approximately 400 m offshore to roughly the 20 m isobath. One year following the eruption a reconnaissance survey found the intertidal zone devoid of life. Subtidally, the canopy kelp, as well as limited understory algal species and associated benthic fauna on the hard substratum, were buried by debris from the eruption. The resulting substrate was comprised almost entirely of medium and coarse sands with a depauperate benthic community. Comparisons of habitat and biological communities with other nearby Aleutian Islands and the Icelandic submarine volcanic eruption of Surtsey confirm dramatic reductions in flora and fauna consistent with the initial stages of recovery from a large-scale disturbance event. Four and five years following the eruption brief visits revealed dramatic intertidal and subtidal recolonization of the flora and fauna in some areas. Signs of nesting and fledging of young pigeon guillemots Cepphus columba suggest that the recovery of the nearshore biota may have begun affecting higher trophic levels. Recolonization or lack thereof was tied to bathymetric changes from coastal and nearshore erosion over the study period.
Comparative validation of UAV based sensors for the use in vegetation monitoring
Authors: von Bueren S. , Burkart A. , Hueni A. , Rascher U. , Tuohy M. , Yule I.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with lightweight spectral sensors facilitate non-destructive, near real time vegetation analysis. In order to guarantee quality scientific analysis, data acquisition protocols and processing methodologies need to be developed and new sensors must be trialed against state of the art instruments. In the following study, four different types of optical UAV based sensors (RGB camera, near infrared camera, six band multispectral camera, and a high resolution spectrometer) were compared and validated in order to evaluate their applicability for vegetation monitoring with a focus on precision agricultural applications. Data was collected in New Zealand over ryegrass pastures of various conditions. The UAV sensor data was validated with ground spectral measurements. It was found that large scale imaging of pasture variability can be achieved by either using a true color or a modified near infrared camera. A six band multispectral camera was used as an imaging spectrometer capable of identifying in field variations of vegetation status that correlate with ground spectral measurements. The high resolution spectrometer was validated and found to deliver spectral data that can match the quality of ground spectral measurements.
Competitive interactions between methane- and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria modulate carbon and nitrogen cycling in paddy soil
Authors: Zheng Y. , Huang R. , Wang B. Z. , Bodelier P. L. E. , Jia Z. J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Pure culture studies have demonstrated that methanotrophs and ammonia oxidizers can both carry out the oxidation of methane and ammonia. However, the expected interactions resulting from these similarities are poorly understood, especially in complex, natural environments. Using DNA-based stable isotope probing and pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA and pmoA genes, we report on biogeochemical and molecular evidence for growth stimulation of methanotrophic communities by ammonium fertilization, and that methane modulates nitrogen cycling by competitive inhibition of nitrifying communities in a rice paddy soil. Pairwise comparison between microcosms amended with CH4, CH4+Urea, and Urea indicated that urea fertilization stimulated methane oxidation activity by 6-fold during a 19 day incubation period, while ammonia oxidation activity was significantly inhibited in the presence of CH4. Pyrosequencing of the total 16S rRNA genes revealed that urea amendment resulted in rapid growth of Methylosarcina-like type Ia MOB, and nitrifying communities appeared to be suppressed by methane. High-throughput sequencing of the 13C-labeled DNA further revealed that methane amendment resulted in clear growth of Methylosarcina-related MOB while methane plus urea led to equal increase in Methylosarcina and Methylobacter-related MOB, indicating the differential growth requirements of representatives of these genera. Strikingly, type Ib MOB did not respond to methane nor to urea. Increase in 13C-assimilation by microorganisms related to methanol oxidizers clearly indicated carbon transfer from methane oxidation to other soil microbes, which was enhanced by urea addition. The active growth of type Ia methanotrops was significantly stimulated by urea amendment, and the pronounced growth of methanol-oxidizing bacteria occurred in CH4-treated microcosms only upon urea amendment. Methane addition inhibited the growth of Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas in urea-amended microcosms, in addition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. These results provide comprehensive insights in the interactions between actively growing methanotrophs and ammonia oxidizers in a complex soil ecosystem.
Infrastructure sufficiency in meeting water demand under climate-induced socio-hydrological transition in the urbanizing Capibaribe River Basin – Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Neto A. , Scott C. A. , Lima E. A. , Montenegro S. M. G. L. , Cirilo J. A.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Water availability for a range of human uses will increasingly be affected by climate change especially in the arid and semi-arid tropics. This paper aims to evaluate the ability of reservoirs and related infrastructure to meet targets for water supply in the Capibaribe River Basin (CRB), in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The basin has experienced spatial and sectoral (agriculture-urban) reconfiguration of water demands. Human settlements that were once dispersed, relying on intermittent sources of surface water, are now increasingly experiencing water-scarcity effects. As a result, rural populations in the CRB are concentrating around infrastructural water supplies in a socio-hydrological transition process that results from (a) hydroclimatic variability, (b) investment and assistance programs that may enhance but can also supplant local adaptive capacity, and (c) demographic trends driving urbanization of the state capital, Recife, which mirror urban growth across Brazil. In the CRB, demands are currently composed of 69.1% urban potable water, 14.3% industrial, 16.6% irrigation (with ecosystem-service demands met by residual flow). Based on the application of linked hydrologic and water-resources models using precipitation and temperature projections of the IPCC SRES A1B scenario, a reduction in rainfall of 31.8% translated to streamflow reduction of 67.4% under present reservoir operations rules. The increasing demand due to population was also taken into account. This would entail severe water supply reductions for human consumption (−45.3%) and irrigation (−78.0%) by the end of the 21st century. This study demonstrates the vulnerabilities of the infrastructure system during socio-hydrological transition in response to hydroclimatic and demand variabilities in the CRB and also indicates the differential spatial impacts and vulnerability of multiple uses of water to changes over time. The paper concludes with a discussion of the broader implications of climate change, urbanization, and industrialization for water supply under socio-hydrological conditions of scarcity.
The STARE/SABRE story
Authors: Nielsen E. , Schmidt W.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. In January 1977 a new type of radar aurora experiment named STARE (Scandinavian Twin Aurora Radar Experiment) commenced operation in northern Scandinavia. The purpose of the experiment was two-fold: to make observations of the nature of radar auroras, and to contribute to the study of solar–terrestrial relationships (or space weather). The experiment was designed for automatic continuous operation, and for nearly two and a half decades it provided estimates of electron flows with good spatial coverage and resolution and good time resolution. It was a successful experiment that yielded a wealth of observations and results, pertaining to, and based on, the observed time variations of the electron flows and to the spatial flow pattern observed at any given time. This radar system inspired the creation of a similar system, SABRE (Sweden And Britain Radar Experiment), which increased the field of view towards the southwest of STARE. This system commenced operation in 1982.
Análisis del desarrollo de un proceso de innovación sobre el enfoque didáctico de un museo de ciencia
Authors: Soler Marta
Published: March 2014

Las actividades que se realizan en el Museu Agbar de les Aigües son esencialmente las mismas que se promovían tres años atrás ¿Cómo innovar? Este problema dio origen a la investigación que se presenta. Su finalidad es desarrollar un enfoque didáctico de museos de ciencia y analizar el proceso que lo tiene por objeto. El marco teórico se define a partir de caracterizar los museos, de apostar por la innovación como vector cambio y de considerar la complejidad como principal estímulo para considerar los espacios de enseñanza-aprendizaje. La metodología usada es principalmente cualitativa. Los principales resultados permiten aportar como conclusiones el diseño de un proceso de innovación que requiere la participación del equipo educativo y distintos instrumentos de recogida de datos, así como la identificación de los elementos del enfoque didáctico que se incorporan más fácilmente a la propuesta de actividades del museo y los más costosos.
Créditos vol.32, n.1, marzo 2014
Authors: Enseñanza de las Ciencias Revista
Published: March 2014

Créditos
Contribución de la Historia de las Ciencias al desarrollo profesional de docentes universitarios
Authors: García Martínez Álvaro , Izquierdo Aymerich Mercè
Published: March 2014

En este trabajo se analiza el papel que adquiere la Historia de la Química (HQ) en un programa de formación didáctica de profesores universitarios de química al estudiar el cambio químico, que tuvo como elemento central la réplica de instrumentos y experimentos científicos del siglo XVIII. La metodología de la investigación se inspiró en la investigación-acción, donde los docentes que participaron en el programa de formación se organizaron en una Comunidad de Desarrollo Profesional de Profesores (CODEP), que inicialmente se centró en el conocimiento erudito de la Química (desde la HQ) para irse desarrollando a una formación más compleja en didáctica de las ciencias.
La contaminación atmosférica: un contexto para el desarrollo de competencias en el aula de secundaria
Authors: Lupión Cobos Teresa , Prieto Ruz Teresa
Published: March 2014

Este trabajo se centra en el estudio del aprendizaje de un grupo de estudiantes de edadescomprendidas entre 16 y 18 años mientras realizaban actividades sobre un problema real y cercano, como es el de la calidad del aire en las ciudades. Se han definido indicadores para las diferentes competencias implicadas y cuatro niveles de desarrollo en ellas. El proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje se llevó a cabo utilizando materiales seleccionados, que fueron desarrollados específicamente para tratar este problema. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto un progreso evidente principalmente en aquellos aspectos más relacionados con lo que los estudiantes tienen que enfrentar en su vida, más allá de las paredes de la escuela.
Isolation of Neural Progenitor Cells From the Human Adult Subventricular Zone Based on Expression of the Cell Surface Marker CD271
Authors: van Strien Miriam E. , Sluijs Jacqueline A. , Reynolds Brent A. , Steindler Dennis A. , Aronica Eleonora , Hol Elly M.
Published: March 2014

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) hold promise for future therapy for neurodegenerative disorders, because the stimulation of adult neurogenesis could potentially restore the function of degenerating neurons and glia. To obtain more knowledge on these NPCs, we developed a method to specifically isolate NPCs from postmortem adult human brains based on the expression of the specific human adult neural stem/progenitor cell marker glial fibrillary acidic protein δ (GFAPδ). An extensive immunophenotyping analysis for cell surface markers resulted in the observation that CD271 was limited to the SVZ-derived GFAPδ-positive cells. CD271+ cells developed into neurospheres and could be differentiated into astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes. We are the first to show that a pure population of NPCs can be isolated from the adult human SVZ, which is highly instrumental for developing future therapies based on stimulating endogenous SVZ neurogenesis.
Footprint-Free Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Articular Cartilage With Redifferentiation Capacity: A First Step Toward a Clinical-Grade Cell Source
Authors: Boreström Cecilia , Simonsson Stina , Enochson Lars , Bigdeli Narmin , Brantsing Camilla , Ellerström Catharina , Hyllner Johan , Lindahl Anders
Published: March 2014

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are potential cell sources for regenerative medicine; however, clinical applications of iPSCs are restricted because of undesired genomic modifications associated with most reprogramming protocols. We show, for the first time, that chondrocytes from autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) donors can be efficiently reprogrammed into iPSCs using a nonintegrating method based on mRNA delivery, resulting in footprint-free iPSCs (no genome-sequence modifications), devoid of viral factors or remaining reprogramming molecules. The search for universal allogeneic cell sources for the ACI regenerative treatment has been difficult because making chondrocytes with high matrix-forming capacity from pluripotent human embryonic stem cells has proven challenging and human mesenchymal stem cells have a predisposition to form hypertrophic cartilage and bone. We show that chondrocyte-derived iPSCs can be redifferentiated in vitro into cartilage matrix-producing cells better than fibroblast-derived iPSCs and on par with the donor chondrocytes, suggesting the existence of a differentiation bias toward the somatic cell origin and making chondrocyte-derived iPSCs a promising candidate universal cell source for ACI. Whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism array and karyotyping were used to verify the genomic integrity and stability of the established iPSC lines. Our results suggest that RNA-based technology eliminates the risk of genomic integrations or aberrations, an important step toward a clinical-grade cell source for regenerative medicine such as treatment of cartilage defects and osteoarthritis.
Gene Profiling of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocyte Progenitors Following Spinal Cord Engraftment
Authors: Haidet-Phillips Amanda M. , Roybon Laurent , Gross Sarah K. , Tuteja Alisha , Donnelly Christopher J. , Richard Jean-Philippe , Ko Myungsung , Sherman Alex , Eggan Kevin , Henderson Christopher E. , Maragakis Nicholas J.
Published: March 2014

The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represents an exciting advancement with promise for stem cell transplantation therapies as well as for neurological disease modeling. Based on the emerging roles for astrocytes in neurological disorders, we investigated whether hiPSC-derived astrocyte progenitors could be engrafted to the rodent spinal cord and how the characteristics of these cells changed between in vitro culture and after transplantation to the in vivo spinal cord environment. Our results show that human embryonic stem cell- and hiPSC-derived astrocyte progenitors survive long-term after spinal cord engraftment and differentiate to astrocytes in vivo with few cells from other lineages present. Gene profiling of the transplanted cells demonstrates the astrocyte progenitors continue to mature in vivo and upregulate a variety of astrocyte-specific genes. Given this mature astrocyte gene profile, this work highlights hiPSCs as a tool to investigate disease-related astrocyte biology using in vivo disease modeling with significant implications for human neurological diseases currently lacking animal models.