bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence for mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3L in women with androgenetic hydatidiform moles
Authors: Mahadevan Sangeetha , Wen Shu , Balasa Alfred , Fruhman Gary , Mateus Julio , Wagner Andrew , Al‐Hussaini Tarek , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mutational spectrum of NLRP7 and KHDC3L (C6orf221) in women with sporadic and recurrent androgenetic complete hydatidiform moles (AnCHM) and biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHM) to address the hypothesis that autosomal recessive mutations in these genes are only or primarily associated with BiHM.

Method

We recruited 16 women with suspected recurrent and sporadic AnCHM and five women with suspected BiHM in addition to their reproductive partners into our study. We then sequenced the coding exons of NLRP7 and KHDC3L from DNA isolated from either blood or saliva from the study subjects.

Results

Sequence analysis of NLRP7 and KHDC3L revealed previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms in patients with AnCHM. However, in patients with BiHM, we identified a novel homozygous mutation and a previously described intragenic duplication of exons 2 to 5 in NLRP7, both of which are likely to be disease causing. We did not identify mutations in KHDC3L in patients with either form of hydatidiform moles.

Conclusions

The absence of mutations in women with AnCHM supports a role for NLRP7 or KHDC3L in BiHM only. The absence of mutations in KHDC3L in women with BiHM is consistent with its minor role in this disease compared with NLRP7, the major BiHM gene. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INCREASING SOCIALIZATION IN ADULTS WITH ASPERGER'S SYNDROME
Authors: Koegel Lynn Kern , Ashbaugh Kristen , Koegel Robert L. , Detar Whitney J. , Regester April
Published: October 2013

Difficulties engaging in social activities are considered to be a core symptom of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both the literature and our clinical observations suggest that most individuals with ASD have a desire to engage in social activities, but social skill deficits make social interaction challenging, and in turn can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Currently there are few resources to support adult students with ASD in forming friendships and involvement in the college community. Using a multiple baseline design over a 33‐week period, this study evaluated the effectiveness of structured social planning for college students with ASD. Intervention included weekly sessions that included providing step‐by‐step social planning related to their interests, and feedback regarding their participation in social activities. In addition, training in specific organizational skills was implemented, such as determining activities, using a planner to ensure participation in the activities, inviting peers to activities, arranging for transportation, and so on. Results demonstrated that participants were not attending any social events throughout the baseline period. Following intervention, all participants increased the number of social events attended per week. Further, quality of life and satisfaction questionnaires all reported a higher satisfaction with their college experience and peer interactions following intervention. Finally, improvements were seen in other untargeted areas, including increases in non‐structured social interactions, improvements in grade point averages, and employment. Results are discussed in regards to a creating a social support program for college students with ASD.
IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
Authors: Wilczynski Susan M. , Trammell Beth , Clarke Laura S.
Published: October 2013

As the number of diagnosed cases of ASD increases, school professionals must consider not only efficacious teaching approaches for improving academic goals, but also what systems must be in place to address one of the most important jobs of the school systems: preparing capable citizens. For more than 160 years, schools have been tasked with preparing good citizens who are capable of contributing to society through work. Given the fact that schools have been required to provide appropriate educational programming to students with disabilities for decades and that this includes planning for the transition to adulthood, the staggeringly poor employment outcomes of individuals on the autism spectrum should be a cause for concern. The present article reviews the significant problem of unemployment as well as employment supports for individuals with ASD. These supports include both the natural supports (scaffolding to enhance success in obtaining and maintaining employment) as well as technological advances that may minimize ostracization in the workplace. Lastly, recommendations for school psychologists who seek to play a vital role in this critical area are offered.
CuIn1−xFexS2 – from the new metastable sphalerite to the stable chalcopyrite phase
Authors: Korzun B. V. , Pushkarev A. V. , Zhaludkevich A. L. , Olekhnovich N. M. , Rusu M. , Lux‐Steiner M. C.
Published: October 2013

Stable phase CuIn1−xFexS2 (x ≤ 0.10) crystals of chalcopyrite structure were prepared by annealing synthesized CuIn1−xFexS2 material with the new quasicubic structure of sphalerite type at the high pressure of 5.5 GPa and temperatures ranging from 1170 to 1270 K. CuIn1−xFexS2 solid solutions were formed by mixing of CuInS2 and CuFe1.02S1.98 that were synthesized in advance. Phase formation in the (1 − x)CuInS2–xCuFeS2 system was investigated and the unit‐cell parameters (the lattice constants and the unit‐cell volume) were computed as a function of composition. In addition, the parameter of the tetragonal distortion (c/2a) for CuIn1−xFexS2 solid solutions of chalcopyrite structure was determined.
Comparison of 2DEG density and mobility increase by annealing AlGaN/GaN heterostructures deposited with Ti/Al, Ti/Au, V/Au, and Ni/Au
Authors: Kojima Toshikazu , Tokuda Hirokuni , Kuzuhara Masaaki
Published: October 2013

Temperature dependence of sheet electron density (ns) and mobility (µ) of the two dimensional electron gas has been investigated in AlGaN/GaN hetero‐ structures deposited with different metal stacks such as Ti/Al, Ti/Au, V/Au, and Ni/Au. It was found that a sudden increase in nsand a hump in µ were observed with the temperature increase corresponding to the onset of reaction between the bottom metal (Ti, V, or Ni) and the AlGaN layer. At room temperature, Ti/Al showed an order of magnitude higher ns and 50% higher µ by annealing, while the amount of increase was much less for other metal stacks, indicating that Al played a key role for the increase in ns and µ. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Breakdown and dynamic effects in GaN power switching devices
Authors: Würfl Joachim , Hilt Oliver , Bahat‐Treidel Eldad , Zhytnytska Rimma , Kotara Przemyslaw , Krüger Olaf , Brunner Frank , Weyers Markus
Published: October 2013

Approaches towards fast switching GaN devices for applications in power electronics are presented. First, an overview on breakdown mechanisms in GaN power devices is given. Suitable techniques towards devices with high breakdown strength are then discussed and set into relation to their specific dynamic switching properties. It has been found that dynamic switching properties of GaN power devices may be significantly compromised at high drain bias levels. The dynamic effects depend on technological parameters such as epitaxial layer design and crystalline quality of the buffer layer, passivation layers and the lateral device designs (e.g. field plate arrangements). GaN high voltage switching devices therefore require a balanced trade‐off between all these influencing quantities. This paper concentrates on dependencies related to the epitaxial design of the buffer layer(s). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of carrier dynamics of vertically aligned InAs/GaAsSb quantum dot structures
Authors: Liu Wei‐Sheng , Wang Yen‐Ting , Chang Ching‐Min , Qiu Wen‐Yu , Fang Chi
Published: October 2013

The carrier dynamics of vertically aligned InAs/GaAsSb Type‐II quantum dot (QD) structure are comprehensively analyzed by time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) in this study. A columnar InAs QD structure with an overgrown layer of GaAsSb is proposed to enhance the thermal stability and carrier lifetime through the Type‐II energy band alignment and carrier tunneling effect. The carrier lifetimes of columnar QD structures were correspondent with the PL spectra in wavelength‐dependent TRPL measurements because of the electronic coupling effect and the dot‐size dependent oscillator strength. The improved results in this work make columnar Type‐II QDs the promising candidates for novel optoelectronic device application. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aluminium free 780 nm tapered semiconductor optical amplifiers for rubidium pumping
Authors: Lamponi M. , Jammot A. , Lobe J. B. M. , Robert Y. , Lecomte M. , Parillaud O. , Garcia M. , Krakowski M.
Published: October 2013

Tapered Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers based on a GaAsP/GaInP active region are presented. Material characterization and broad area laser performances are shown. Very high gain is measured at a wavelength of 780nm. This represents to our knowledge the first SOA in the GaAsP/GaInP material system. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Joint probability of statistical success of multiple phase III trials
Authors: Zhang Jianliang , Zhang Jenny J.
Published: October 2013

In drug development, after completion of phase II proof‐of‐concept trials, the sponsor needs to make a go/no‐go decision to start expensive phase III trials. The probability of statistical success (PoSS) of the phase III trials based on data from earlier studies is an important factor in that decision‐making process. Instead of statistical power, the predictive power of a phase III trial, which takes into account the uncertainty in the estimation of treatment effect from earlier studies, has been proposed to evaluate the PoSS of a single trial. However, regulatory authorities generally require statistical significance in two (or more) trials for marketing licensure. We show that the predictive statistics of two future trials are statistically correlated through use of the common observed data from earlier studies. Thus, the joint predictive power should not be evaluated as a simplistic product of the predictive powers of the individual trials. We develop the relevant formulae for the appropriate evaluation of the joint predictive power and provide numerical examples. Our methodology is further extended to the more complex phase III development scenario comprising more than two (K > 2) trials, that is, the evaluation of the PoSS of at least k0 () trials from a program of K total trials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of anomalous SST and surface fluxes over the southeastern North Atlantic in the explosive development of windstorm Xynthia
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Pinto Joaquim G. , Reyers Mark , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: October 2013

In late February 2010 the extraordinary windstorm Xynthia crossed over southwestern and central Europe and caused severe damage, affecting particularly the Spanish and French Atlantic coasts. The storm was embedded in uncommon large‐scale atmospheric and boundary conditions prior to and during its development, namely enhanced sea‐surface temperatures (SST) within the low‐level entrainment zone of air masses, an unusual southerly position of the polar jet stream, and a remarkable split jet structure in the upper troposphere. To analyse the processes that led to the rapid intensification of this exceptional storm originating close to the subtropics (30°N), the sensitivity of the cyclone intensification to latent heat release is determined using the regional climate model COSMO‐CLM forced with European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA)‐Interim data. A control simulation with observed SST shows that moist and warm air masses originating from the subtropical North Atlantic were involved in the cyclogenesis process and led to the formation of a vertical tower with high values of potential vorticity (PV). Sensitivity studies with reduced SST or increased laminar boundary roughness for heat led to reduced surface latent heat fluxes. This induced both a weaker and partly retarded development of the cyclone and a weakening of the PV tower, together with reduced diabatic heating rates, particularly at lower and mid‐levels. We infer that diabatic processes played a crucial role during the phase of rapid deepening of Xynthia and thus to its intensity over the southeastern North Atlantic. We suggest that windstorms such as Xynthia may occur more frequently under future climate conditions due to the warming SSTs and potentially enhanced latent‐heat release, thus increasing the windstorm risk for southwestern Europe.
Semi‐supervised logistic discrimination via labeled data and unlabeled data from different sampling distributions
Authors: Kawano Shuichi
Published: October 2013

This article addresses the problem of classification method based on both labeled and unlabeled data, where we assume that a density function for labeled data is different from that for unlabeled data. We propose a semi‐supervised logistic regression model for classification problem along with the technique of covariate shift adaptation. Unknown parameters involved in proposed models are estimated by regularization with expectation and maximization (EM) algorithm. A crucial issue in the modeling process is the choices of adjusted parameters in our semi‐supervised logistic models. In order to select the parameters, a model selection criterion is derived from an information‐theoretic approach. Some numerical studies show that our modeling procedure performs well in various cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Hippocampal shape analysis in Alzheimer's disease using functional data analysis
Authors: Epifanio Irene , Ventura‐Campos Noelia
Published: October 2013

The hippocampus is one of the first affected regions in Alzheimer's disease. The left hippocampi of control subjects, patients with mild cognitive impairment and patients with Alzheimer's disease are represented by spherical harmonics. Functional data analysis is used in the hippocampal shape analysis. Functional principal component analysis and functional independent component analysis are defined for multivariate functions with two arguments. A functional linear discriminant function is also defined. Comparisons with other approaches are carried out. Our functional approach gives promising results, especially in shape classification. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blinded sample size re‐estimation for recurrent event data with time trends
Authors: Schneider S. , Schmidli H. , Friede T.
Published: October 2013

The use of an internal pilot study for blinded sample size re‐estimation (BSSR) allows to reduce uncertainty on the appropriate sample size compared with conventional fixed sample size designs. Recently BSSR procedures for recurrent event data were proposed and investigated. These approaches assume treatment‐specific constant event rates that might not always be appropriate as found in relapsing multiple sclerosis. On the basis of a proportional intensity frailty model, we propose methods for BSSR in situations where a time trend of the event rates is present. For the sample size planning and the final analysis standard negative binomial methods can be used, as long as the patient follow‐up time is approximately equal in the treatment groups. To re‐estimate the sample size at interim, however, a full likelihood analysis is necessary. Operating characteristics such as rejection probabilities and sample size distribution are evaluated in a simulation study motivated by a systematic review in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The key factors affecting the operating characteristics are the study duration and the length of the recruitment period. The proposed procedure for BSSR controls the type I error rate and maintains the desired power against misspecifications of the nuisance parameters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New approach to assess bioequivalence parameters using generalized gamma mixed‐effect model (model‐based asymptotic bioequivalence test)
Authors: Chen Yuh‐Ing , Huang Chi‐Shen
Published: October 2013

In the pharmacokinetic (PK) study under a 2x2 crossover design that involves both the test and reference drugs, we propose a mixed‐effects model for the drug concentration‐time profiles obtained from subjects who receive different drugs at different periods. In the proposed model, the drug concentrations repeatedly measured from the same subject at different time points are distributed according to a multivariate generalized gamma distribution, and the drug concentration‐time profiles are described by a compartmental PK model with between‐subject and within‐subject variations. We then suggest a bioequivalence test based on the estimated bioavailability parameters in the proposed mixed‐effects model. The results of a Monte Carlo study further show that the proposed model‐based bioequivalence test is not only better on maintaining its level but also more powerful for detecting the bioequivalence of the two drugs than the conventional bioequivalence test based on a non‐compartmental analysis or the one based on a mixed‐effects model with a normal error variable. The application of the proposed model and test is finally illustrated by using data sets in two PK studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between portfolio diversification and firm value: The evidence from corporate venture capital activity
Authors: Yang Yi , Narayanan Vadake K. , De Carolis Donna M.
Published: October 2013

Corporate venture capital (CVC) activity exposes firms to new technologies and markets. An important but as yet unexplored question is the relationship of the industry diversification profile of the portfolio of venture companies to corporate value creation. Insights from options and diversification perspectives support our hypothesis that diversification of a corporate investor's portfolio of venture companies is related to corporate wealth creation in a U‐shaped relationship. We also propose that a corporate investor's financial constraints moderate the relationship between the diversification profile of its CVC portfolio and value creation. When we tested our hypotheses using a sample of CVC investments across multiple industries, we found support for them, and these findings may inform the CVC activities of corporate investors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cationic Bovine Serum Albumin Based Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles as siRNA Delivery Vector for Treating Lung Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Han Jianfeng , Wang Qin , Zhang Zhirong , Gong Tao , Sun Xun
Published: October 2013

It is generally believed that intravenous application of cationic vectors is limited by the binding of abundant negatively charged serum components, which may cause rapid clearance of the therapeutic agent from the blood stream. However, previous studies show that systemic delivery of cationic gene vectors mediates specific and efficient transfection within the lung, mainly as a result of interaction of the vectors with serum proteins. Based on these findings, a novel and charge‐density‐controllable siRNA delivery system is developed to treat lung metastatic cancer by using cationic bovine serum albumin (CBSA) as the gene vector. By surface modification of BSA, CBSA with different isoelectric points (pI) is synthesized and the optimal cationization degree of CBSA is determined by considering the siRNA binding and delivery ability, as well as toxicity. The CBSA can form stable nanosized particles with siRNA and protect siRNA from degradation. CBSA also shows excellent abiliies to intracellularly deliver siRNA and mediate significant accumulation in the lung. When Bcl2‐specific siRNA is introduced to this system, CBSA/siRNA nanoparticles exhibit an efficient gene‐silencing effect that induces notable cancer cell apoptosis and subsequently inhibits the tumor growth in a B16 lung metastasis model. These results indicate that CBSA‐based self‐assembled nanoparticles can be a promising strategy for a siRNA delivery system for lung targeting and metastatic cancer therapy.
Die Brücke über den Kleinen Belt
Authors: Braun Michael
Published: October 2013

Berichtet werden soll an dieser Stelle von einem Brückenbauvorhaben aus den 30er Jahren des vorigen Jahrhunderts in Dänemark. Bemerkenswert daran ist die vollkommen unkomplizierte und konfliktfreie Zusammenarbeit von renommierten dänischen und deutschen Firmen, die dann zu einem bis heute überzeugenden Endergebnis geführt hat. Der überragende Arbeitsanteil der deutschen Betriebe berechtigt in jedem Fall dazu, das Vorhaben mit in die Reihe der Glanzleistungen deutscher Ingenieurbaukunst aufzunehmen.

Offenbar waren solcherart Jointventures zwischen deutschen und ausländischen Firmen zu jener Zeit überraschenderweise gar nicht ungewöhnlich. So ist auch eine weitere Brücke in Dänemark als Gemeinschaftsaufgabe, diesmal zusammen mit der Gutehoffnungshütte Duisburg (GHH), überzeugend gelöst worden [1].

The bridge across the Little Belt. This article deals on a remarkable building project for a combined railway/street bridge in Denmark in the 30ies. Top companies of both Danish and German together have made a very good result. The German part of this seems to be one of the greatest engineering performances German companies ever made.
Entwicklungspotenzial im Straßenbrückenbau durch den Einsatz von hybriden Tragstrukturen – Teil 1: Balkenbrücken
Authors: Wagner Peter
Published: October 2013

Verbundbrücken haben in Deutschland nach der Wende eine richtige Renaissance erlebt und neben den häufig eingesetzten Querschnitten mit Trapezkästen konnten sich auch neue Lösungen mit luftdicht verschweißten Hohlkästen bzw. mit einteiligen Querschnitten bei der Überquerung von tiefen Tälern durchsetzen. Die hybride Bauweise, in diesem Falle gekennzeichnet durch das kraftschlüssige Zusammenwirken von Bauteilen aus Stahl und Beton, hat sich hierbei mit wenigen Ausnahmen auf die Ausbildung einer Betonfahrbahn als Obergurt der Stahltragkonstruktion beschränkt und konnte damit noch nicht ihr volles Potenzial entfalten. In diesem Beitrag sollen daher einige weiterentwickelte hybride Tragstrukturen für Balkenbrücken vorgestellt werden, die neben bemerkenswerten technisch wirtschaftlichen Vorzügen auch vielfältige Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten bieten und damit interessante Optionen für den Neubau von Balkenbrücken darstellen.

Design developments for roadway bridges based on new hybrid structures – Part 1: girder bridges. Composite roadway bridges experienced a real resurrection after the reunification of Germany and, beside the often built trapezoidal cross‐sections, there could succeed new designs with airtight welded box‐sections or, in case of highway‐bridges crossing deep valleys, with undivided cross‐sections. But hybrid structures, understood as the structural combination of steel and concrete parts, have been restricted – with very few exemptions – to the use of concrete decks as upper cord of steel structures only, and therefore did not show the full range of their many possibilities.

This paper will therefore present and describe some advanced hybrid designs for girder bridges which are characterized by technical strength, economical fabrication and construction as well as outstanding architectural qualities. These new hybrid bridge designs should thus be able to offer interesting options for the construction of new roadway bridges.
Talbrücke Lochkov
Authors: Dorrer Günther
Published: October 2013

Mit der Eröffnung der südwestlichen Teile wird der südliche Teil des Prager Autobahnrings geschlossen und es kommt zur Verlagerung des Transitverkehrs zwischen der Brünner Autobahn D1 und Pilsner Autobahn D5 aus dem Stadtgebiet von Prag. Eine leistungsfähige Verkehrsinfrastruktur bildet die Grundlage für eine positive wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Region. Des Weiteren kommt es zu einer erheblichen Verkürzung der Fahrzeit und damit verbunden zur Reduktion des Schadstoffausstoßes. Die Talbrücke Lochkov, ein Stahlverbundüberbau als Sprengwerk mit geneigten Stielen, überspannt in 65 m Höhe den Talgrund und ist nicht nur wegen ihres architektonischen Erscheinungsbildes, sondern auch wegen ihrer diversen technischen Sonderlösungen das Herzstück des Bauabschnittes.

The Lochkov viaduct – second‐highest bridge of Czech Republic. After the opening of the southwestern part of the bypass highway around the city of Prague most of the transit traffic from the motorway D1 and motorway D5 will no longer pass through the city center. An efficient infrastructure is the greatest advantage for a positive economic development of a region. The Lochkov viaduct, designed as a composite deck bridge as strutted frame with inclined piers crosses the valley near the village of Lochkov in a height of 65 m. Due to the architectural design and special technical solutions for the bridge a new landmark in steelbridge history will be created.
Differential Sensitivity to JAK Inhibitory Drugs by Isogenic Human Erythroblasts and Hematopoietic Progenitors Generated from Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ye Zhaohui , Liu Cyndi F. , Lanikova Lucie , Dowey Sarah N. , He Chaoxia , Huang Xiaosong , Brodsky Robert A. , Spivak Jerry L. , Prchal Josef T. , Cheng Linzhao
Published: October 2013

Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide an unprecedented opportunity to establish novel disease models and accelerate drug development using distinct tissue target cells generated from isogenic iPSC lines with and without disease-causing mutations. To realize the potential of iPSCs in modeling acquired diseases which are usually heterogeneous, we have generated multiple iPSC lines including two lines that are JAK2-wild-type and four lines homozygous for JAK2-V617F somatic mutation from a single polycythemia vera (PV) patient blood. In vitro differentiation of the same patient-derived iPSC lines have demonstrated the differential contributions of their parental hematopoietic clones to the abnormal erythropoiesis including the formation of endogenous erythroid colonies. This iPSC approach thus may provide unique and valuable insights into the genetic events responsible for disease development. To examine the potential of iPSCs in drug testing, we generated isogenic hematopoietic progenitors and erythroblasts from the same iPSC lines derived from PV patients and normal donors. Their response to three clinical JAK inhibitors, INCB018424 (Ruxolitinib), TG101348 (SAR302503), and the more recent CYT387 was evaluated. All three drugs similarly inhibited erythropoiesis from normal and PV iPSC lines containing the wild-type JAK2 genotype, as well as those containing a homozygous or heterozygous JAK2-V617F activating mutation that showed increased erythropoiesis without a JAK inhibitor. However, the JAK inhibitors had less inhibitory effect on the self-renewal of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors. The iPSC-mediated disease modeling thus underlies the ineffectiveness of the current JAK inhibitors and provides a modeling system to develop better targeted therapies for the JAK2 mutated hematopoiesis. Stem Cells  2014;32:269–278
Dose spectra from energetic particles and neutrons
Authors: Schwadron Nathan , Bancroft Chris , Bloser Peter , Legere Jason , Ryan James , Smith Sonya , Spence Harlan , Mazur Joe , Zeitlin Cary
Published: October 2013

Dose spectra from energetic particles and neutrons (DoSEN) are an early‐stage space technology research project that combines two advanced complementary radiation detection concepts with fundamental advantages over traditional dosimetry. DoSEN measures not only the energy but also the charge distribution (including neutrons) of energetic particles that affect human (and robotic) health in a way not presently possible with current dosimeters. For heavy ions and protons, DoSEN provides a direct measurement of the lineal energy transfer (LET) spectra behind shielding material. For LET measurements, DoSEN contains stacks of thin‐thick Si detectors similar in design to those used for the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation. With LET spectra, we can now directly break down the observed spectrum of radiation into its constituent heavy‐ion components and through biologically based quality factors that provide not only doses and dose rates but also dose equivalents, associated rates, and even organ doses. DoSEN also measures neutrons from 10 to 100 MeV, which requires enough sensitive mass to fully absorb recoil particles that the neutrons produce. DoSEN develops the new concept of combining these independent measurements and using the coincidence of LET measurements and neutron detection to significantly reduce backgrounds in each measurement. The background suppression through the use of coincidence allows for significant reductions in size, mass, and power needed to provide measurements of dose, neutron dose, dose equivalents, LET spectra, and organ doses. Thus, we introduce the DoSEN concept: a promising low‐mass instrument that detects the full spectrum of energetic particles, heavy ions, and neutrons to determine biological impact of radiation in space.
Geomagnetically induced currents in Europe: Characteristics based on a local power grid model
Authors: Viljanen A. , Pirjola R. , Prácser E. , Ahmadzai S. , Singh V.
Published: October 2013

We consider the model of the Finnish high‐voltage power grid in 1978–1979, for which the accurate parameters are available for calculating geomagnetically induced currents (GIC). Moving the grid at different locations across Europe gives estimates of GIC levels in this region. For calculating the geoelectric field driving GIC, we use different layered models of the ground conductivity and 1 min geomagnetic data of the year 2003. The results show a clear concentration of large GIC in north Europe, where the peak values are about 3–5 times larger than in Central and South Europe, being up to about 200 A in this specific power grid. There are two factors contributing to this finding. First, geomagnetic variations are generally stronger in the north. Second, there are regions in the north with clearly smaller ground conductivities than typically at other areas. Both of these reasons lead to larger electric fields in the north. A very similar behavior of GIC is found in the case when a single‐layered ground conductivity model is assumed everywhere. We also show that the geographic characteristics of GIC are quite insensitive to the details of the power grid model by modifying various parameters of the Finnish grid.
Pb2+ induced IL‐8 gene expression by extracellular signal‐regulated kinases and the transcription factor, activator protein 1, in human gastric carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Ying‐Chi , Wei Po‐Li , Tsai Yao‐Ting , Wong Jhen‐Hong , Chang Che‐Mai , Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Hou Ming‐Feng , Lee Yi‐Chao , Chuang Hung‐Yi , Chang Wei‐Chiao
Published: October 2013

Divalent lead (Pb2+) is a common industrial pollutant epidemiologically associated with gastric cancers. Pb2+ was found to promote tumorigenesis, which may include interleukin (IL)‐8, a pro‐inflammatory chemokine that promotes angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Given that the gastrointestinal tract is a major route of Pb2+ exposure, we investigated the ability of Pb2+ to induce IL‐8 expression in gastric carcinoma cells and its underlying mechanism. At a concentration of 0.1 μM, Pb2+ induced IL‐8 gene activation in gastric carcinoma AGS cells. Using a IL‐8 promoter‐deletion analysis, transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP‐1) was identified as a necessary component of Pb2+‐induced IL‐8 gene activation. Upregulation of the IL‐8 gene was abrogated by the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, and partially suppressed by the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, AG1478 and PD153035. Furthermore, c‐Jun protein expression was induced in cells treated with Pb2+, and overexpression of c‐Jun enhanced Pb2+‐induced IL‐8 activation. Collectively, our findings highlight the pivotal roles of AP‐1 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase in signal transduction of Pb2+‐induced IL‐8 gene activation. These molecules may be potential therapeutic targets for Pb2+‐related inflammation leading to stomach carcinogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 315–322, 2015.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Some Layered Compounds Based on Long‐Chain Sulfonium Cations and Complex Cobalt and Copper Anions
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Sokka Ilia , Belova Liubov , Kloo Lars
Published: October 2013

Two new materials of the composition ({CH3(CH2)15(CH3)2S}+)2[CoBr4]2– (1) and ({CH3(CH2)15(CH3)2S}+)2[CuBr4]2– (2 and 3), of which the latter exists in two polymorphs, were synthesized. The materials display the synthetically targeted structures, comprising of layers of complex metal ions and layers of long‐chain sulfonium cations. The crystal structures of the materials were determined. The interlayer distances are around 24 Å, with metal–metal distances about 8 Å. The magnetic properties of 1 were investigated, and the material is paramagnetic. ({CH3(CH2)15(CH3)2S}+)2[CuBr4]2 is polymorphic. Both polymorphs crystallize with triclinic symmetry.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of [Fe2(μ‐PtBu2)2(NO)4]
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Mayer Peter , Mayer Tobias
Published: October 2013

Reactions of the coordinatively unsaturated complexes [Fe2(μ‐PR2)(μ‐PR′2)(CO)5] [R = R′ = tBu (1); R = tBu, R′ = Cy (2)] with nitric oxide in toluene at elevated temperatures were investigated. Thus, the new complexes [Fe2(μ‐PtBu2)2(NO)4] (3) and [Fe2(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PCy2)(NO)4] (4) were obtained in good yields. The molecular structure of 3 was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction study. Compound 4 was also prepared from the coordinatively saturated species [Fe2(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PCy2)(CO)6] (2a) with nitric oxide in refluxing toluene. Further closely related reactions at 60 °C with the complex 1 and [FeRu(μ‐PtBu2)2(CO)5] (5), respectively, were investigated using preliminary crystal structure determination results.
[Ru(Bi8)2]6+– A Cluster in a Highly Disordered Crystal ­Structure is the Key to the Understanding of the Coordination Chemistry of Bismuth Polycations
Authors: Groh Matthias F. , Isaeva Anna , Frey Christoph , Ruck Michael
Published: October 2013

Black platelets of Bi39.67(7)Ru2Br35.0(2)were crystallized from a melt of Bi, BiBr3, and Ru. In the tetragonal crystal structure [P4/mbm,a= 1311.92(6) pm,c= 3018.2(4) pm at 155(5) K], cluster cations [(Bi82+)Ru2+(Bi82+)] are embedded in a matrix of disordered bromido‐bismuthate(III) groups. A thorough analysis of the disorder in the anionic part enabled the unambiguous assignment of the cluster charge. The η4‐coordination of the two Bi82+square antiprisms to the RuIIatom in the sandwich complex resembles the bonding of Bi5+and Bi82+in the clusters [(Bi5+)Ru+(Bi4Br4)Ru+(Bi5+)] and [(Bi82+)Ru+(Bi4Br4)Ru+(Bi5+)] as well as of Bi42–in$\rm^{1}_{\infty}$[(Bi42–)Ru+(Bi4Br4)Ru+]. By combining crystal chemical considerations for all mentioned compounds and using quantum chemical calculations, a common bonding scheme for the coordination compounds of bismuth polycations and polyanions was established. The η4‐coordinating bismuth polycations and polyanions act as six electron donors, comparable tonido‐carborane ligands, Zintl anionsE94–andE56–(E= Si to Pb), cyclopentadienyl ligands, or the cyclobutadiene dianion. The electron count for the transition metal is 18 in all finite clusters.
PPARα Activation Induces Nε‐Lys‐Acetylation of Rat Liver Peroxisomal Multifunctional Enzyme Type 1
Authors: Contreras Miguel A. , Alzate Oscar , Singh Avtar K. , Singh Inderjit
Published: October 2013

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous subcellular organelles that participate in metabolic and disease processes, with few of its proteins undergoing posttranslational modifications. As the role of lysine‐acetylation has expanded into the cellular intermediary metabolism, we used a combination of differential centrifugation, organelle isolation by linear density gradient centrifugation, western blot analysis, and peptide fingerprinting and amino acid sequencing by mass spectrometry to investigate protein acetylation in control and ciprofibrate‐treated rat liver peroxisomes. Organelle protein samples isolated by density gradient centrifugation from PPARα‐agonist treated rat liver screened with an anti‐Nε‐acetyl lysine antibody revealed a single protein band of 75 kDa. Immunoprecipitation with this antibody resulted in the precipitation of a protein from the protein pool of ciprofibrate‐induced peroxisomes, but not from the protein pool of non‐induced peroxisomes. Peptide mass fingerprinting analysis identified the protein as the peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme type 1. In addition, mass spectrometry‐based amino acid sequencing resulted in the identification of unique peptides containing 4 acetylated‐Lys residues (K155, K173, K190, and K583). This is the first report that demonstrates posttranslational acetylation of a peroxisomal enzyme in PPARα‐dependent proliferation of peroxisomes in rat liver.
Generation and Developmental Characteristics of Porcine Tetraploid Embryos and Tetraploid/Diploid Chimeric Embryos
Authors: He Wenteng , Kong Qingran , Shi Yongqian , Xie Bingteng , Jiao Mingxia , Huang Tianqing , Guo Shimeng , Hu Kui , Liu Zhonghua
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to optimize electrofusion conditions for generating porcine tetraploid (4n) embryos and produce tetraploid/diploid (4n/2n) chimeric embryos. Different electric field intensities were tested and 2 direct current (DC) pulses of 0.9 kV/cm for 30 μs was selected as the optimum condition for electrofusion of 2-cell embryos to produce 4n embryos. The fusion rate of 2-cell embryos and the development rate to blastocyst of presumably 4n embryos, reached 85.4% and 28.5%, respectively. 68.18% of the fused embryos were found to be 4n as demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Although the number of blastomeres in 4n blastocysts was significantly lower than in 2n blastocysts (P  < 0.05), there was no significant difference in developmental rates of blastocysts between 2n and 4n embryos (P  >  0.05), suggesting that the blastocyst forming capacity in 4n embryos is similar to those in 2n embryos. Moreover, 4n/2n chimeric embryos were obtained by aggregation of 4n and 2n embryos. We found that the developmental rate and cell number of blastocysts of 4-cell (4n)/4-cell (2n) chimeric embryos were significantly higher than those of 2-cell (4n)/4-cell (2n), 4-cell (4n)/8-cell (2n), 4-cell (4n)/2-cell (2n) chimeric embryos (P  < 0.05). Consistent with mouse chimeras, the majority of 4n cells contribute to the trophectoderm (TE), while the 2n cells are mainly present in the inner cell mass (ICM) of porcine 4n/2n chimeric embryos. Our study established a feasible and efficient approach to produce porcine 4n embryos and 4n/2n chimeric embryos.
Early Learning and Development
Authors: Fleer Marilyn , Hedegaard Mariane
Published: October 2013

Early Learning and Development provides a unique synthesis of cultural-historical theory from Vygotsky, Elkonin and Leontiev in the twentieth century to the ground-breaking research of scholars such as Siraj-Blatchford, Kratsova and Hedegaard today. It demonstrates how development and learning are culturally embedded and institutionally defined, and it reflects specifically upon the implications for the early childhood profession. Divided into parts, with succinct chapters that build upon knowledge progressively, the everyday lives of children at home, in the community, at pre-school and at school are discussed in the context of child development and pedagogy. The book explicitly problematises the foundations of early childhood education, inviting postgraduates, researchers and academics to drill down into specific areas of international discourse, and extending upper-level undergraduates beyond the fundamental underpinnings of their learning. Ultimately Early Learning and Development offers new models of 'conceptual play' practice and theory within a globally resonant, cultural-historical framework.
The Measure of Reality
Authors: Crosby Alfred W.
Published: October 2013

Western Europeans were among the first, if not the first, to invent mechanical clocks, geometrically precise maps, double-entry bookkeeping, precise algebraic and musical notations, and perspective painting. By the sixteenth century more people were thinking quantitatively in western Europe than in any other part of the world. The Measure of Reality, first published in 1997, discusses the epochal shift from qualitative to quantitative perception in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. This shift made modern science, technology, business practice and bureaucracy possible.
Romanticism and Caricature
Authors: Haywood Ian
Published: October 2013

Ian Haywood explores the 'Golden Age' of caricature through the close reading of key, iconic prints by artists including James Gillray, George and Robert Cruikshank, and Thomas Rowlandson. This approach both illuminates the visual and ideological complexity of graphic satire and demonstrates how this art form transformed Romantic-era politics into a unique and compelling spectacle of corruption, monstrosity and resistance. New light is cast on major Romantic controversies including the 'revolution debate' of the 1790s, the impact of Thomas Paine's 'infidel' Age of Reason, the introduction of paper money and the resulting explosion of executions for forgery, the propaganda campaign against Napoleon, the revolution in Spain, the Peterloo massacre, the Queen Caroline scandal, and the Reform Bill crisis. Overall, the volume offers important new insights into the relationship between art, satire and politics in a key period of history.
Brain-Computer Interfacing
Authors: Rao Rajesh P. N.
Published: October 2013

The idea of interfacing minds with machines has long captured the human imagination. Recent advances in neuroscience and engineering are making this a reality, opening the door to restoration and augmentation of human physical and mental capabilities. Medical applications such as cochlear implants for the deaf and neurally controlled prosthetic limbs for the paralyzed are becoming almost commonplace. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are also increasingly being used in security, lie detection, alertness monitoring, telepresence, gaming, education, art, and human augmentation. This introduction to the field is designed as a textbook for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate courses in neural engineering or brain-computer interfacing for students from a wide range of disciplines. It can also be used for self-study and as a reference by neuroscientists, computer scientists, engineers, and medical practitioners. Key features include questions and exercises in each chapter and a supporting website.
William James, Sciences of Mind, and Anti-Imperial Discourse
Authors: Baker Bernadette M.
Published: October 2013

In the past few decades, the humanities and social sciences have developed new methods of reorienting their conceptual frameworks in a 'world without frontiers'. In this book, Bernadette M. Baker offers an innovative approach to rethinking sciences of mind as they formed at the turn of the twentieth century, via the concerns that have emerged at the turn of the twenty-first. The less-visited texts of Harvard philosopher and psychologist William James provide a window into contemporary debates over principles of toleration, anti-imperial discourse and the nature of ethics. Baker revisits Jamesian approaches to the formation of scientific objects including the child mind, exceptional mental states and the ghost to explore the possibilities and limits of social scientific thought dedicated to mind development and discipline formation around the construct of the West.
The Company States Keep
Authors: Gray Julia
Published: October 2013

This book argues that investor risk in emerging markets hinges on the company a country keeps. When a country signs on to an economic agreement with states that are widely known to be stable, it looks less risky. Conversely, when a country joins a group with more unstable members, it looks more risky. Investors use the company a country keeps as a heuristic in evaluating that country's willingness to honor its sovereign debt obligations. This has important implications for the study of international cooperation as well as of sovereign risk and credibility at the domestic level.
Legal Emblems and the Art of Law
Authors: Goodrich Peter
Published: October 2013

The emblem book was invented by the humanist lawyer Andrea Alciato in 1531. The preponderance of juridical and normative themes, of images of rule and infraction, of obedience and error in the emblem books is critical to their purpose and interest. This book outlines the history of the emblem tradition as a juridical genre, along with the concept of, and training in, obiter depicta, in things seen along the way to judgment. It argues that these books depict norms and abuses in classically derived forms that become the visual standards of governance. Despite the plethora of vivid figures and virtual symbols that define and transmit law, contemporary lawyers are not trained in the critical apprehension of the visible. This book is the first to reconstruct the history of the emblem tradition, evidencing the extent to which a gallery of images of law already exists and structuring how the public realm is displayed, made present and viewed.
Kingship and Consent in Anglo-Saxon England, 871–978
Authors: Roach Levi
Published: October 2013

This engaging study focuses on the role of assemblies in later Anglo-Saxon politics, challenging and nuancing existing models of the late Anglo-Saxon state. Its ten chapters investigate both traditional constitutional aspects of assemblies - who attended these events, where and when they met, and what business they conducted - and the symbolic and representational nature of these gatherings. Levi Roach takes into account important recent work on continental rulership, and argues that assemblies were not a check on kingship in these years, but rather an essential feature of it. In particular, the author highlights the role of symbolic communication at assemblies, arguing that ritual and demonstration were as important in English politics as they were elsewhere in Europe. Far from being exceptional, the methods of rulership employed by English kings look very much like those witnessed elsewhere on the continent, where assemblies and ritual formed an essential part of the political order.
Experience and Teleology in Ancient Historiography
Authors: Grethlein Jonas
Published: October 2013

The past is narrated in retrospect. Historians can either capitalize on the benefit of hindsight and give their narratives a strongly teleological design or they may try to render the past as it was experienced by historical agents and contemporaries. This book explores the fundamental tension between experience and teleology in major works of Greek and Roman historiography, biography and autobiography. The combination of theoretical reflections with close readings yields a new, often surprising assessment of the history of ancient historiography as well as a deeper understanding of such authors as Thucydides, Tacitus and Augustine. While much recent work has focused on how ancient historians use emplotment to generate historical meaning, Experience and Teleology in Ancient Historiography offers a new approach to narrative form as a mode of coming to grips with time.