bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of layered double hydroxides dispersion on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends
Authors: Pérez Amaro Lucía , Coiai Serena , Conzatti Lucia , Manariti Antonella , Ciardelli Francesco , Passaglia Elisa 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPoly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites and PVC/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/LDH composites were prepared via solution intercalation into PVC using both unmodified and organo‐modified LDHs and variable‐molecular‐weight PMMA as additional components. The LDH dispersion was investigated using X‐ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy in scanning and transmission modes. Spotlight fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging analysis was also used to obtain a deeper insight into the dispersion of polymer phases and LDH segregation. Thermal properties were determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry; moreover, a preliminary investigation of mechanical properties in tensile mode and evaluation of the Vicat softening temperature were carried out. The morphological analysis of PVC/LDH and PVC/PMMA/LDH composites evidenced in both cases the presence of disordered micro‐aggregates with loss of the LDH crystallographic symmetry depending on the amount and molecular weight of PMMA. In particular, in the case of PVC/PMMA/LDH composites, the FTIR imaging analysis showed that PMMA mostly segregated in the LDH phase. However, even if the degree of LDH dispersion was not elevated (micro‐aggregates with disordered structures and size ranging from 0.5 up to 11 µm were evidenced), thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites were improved with a synergic effect of PMMA and LDH. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Slower processing speed after treatment for pediatric brain tumor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kahalley Lisa S. , Conklin Heather M. , Tyc Vida L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Wilson Stephanie J. , Wu Shengjie , Xiong Xiaoping , Hinds Pamela S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and brain tumor (BT) survivors are at risk for post‐treatment IQ declines. The extent to which lower scores represent global cognitive decline versus domain‐specific impairment remains unclear. This study examined discrepancies between processing speed and estimated IQ (EIQ) scores and identified clinical characteristics associated with score discrepancies in a sample of pediatric cancer survivors.ProcedureSurvivors (50 ALL, 50 BT) ages 12–17 years completed cognitive testing. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence provided an untimed measure of general reasoning ability (EIQ). The age‐appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale provided a Processing Speed Index (PSI) score. Scores were examined and compared.ResultsSurvivors' PSI scores were lower than their EIQ scores (BT t(45) = 6.3, p < 0.001; ALL t(49) = 6.9, p < 0.001). For BT survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with history of craniospinal irradiation, t(44) = 3.3, p < 0.01. For ALL survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with male gender, grade retention, and time since diagnosis, F(3, 46) = 10.1, p < 0.001. Clinically significant EIQ‐PSI score discrepancies were identified in 41.3% of BT and 14.0% of ALL survivors.ConclusionsMany pediatric BT and ALL survivors exhibit slower processing speed than expected for age, whereas general reasoning ability remains largely intact. Risk factors associated with larger EIQ‐PSI discrepancies include the following: BT diagnosis, craniospinal irradiation (BT only), male gender, and younger age at diagnosis (ALL only). Grade retention was frequent and associated with lower EIQ scores (both groups) and PSI scores (ALL only). Describing post‐treatment cognitive declines using global measures of intellectual ability may underestimate dysfunction or fail to isolate specific underlying deficits contributing to impairment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strain‐Induced Precipitation Behavior of a Nb–Ti–V Steel in the Austenite Phase Field
Authors: Nöhrer Matthias , Zamberger Sabine , Leitner Harald 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe precipitation behavior of a Nb (0.041 wt%), V (0.11 wt%), and Ti (0.018 wt%) micro‐alloyed steel influenced by a deformation process in the austenite region has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe. After solution annealing at 1250°C, nearly the entire Nb and V amount is in solid solution. Ti does not go into in solid solution and stays stable as TiN precipitates. During the cooling process to deformation temperature, these TiN precipitates act as nucleation sites for Nb and V. Precipitates with a TiN rich core and a V‐rich shell are formed. Nb is homogenously distributed over the precipitate. After deformation, strain induced precipitates occur, which consist mainly of Nb, V, and only a little Ti. Smaller strain induced precipitates have a higher N‐content than C, with growth the C‐content increases.
Making ends meet: coordination between RNA 3′‐end processing and transcription initiation
Authors: Andersen Pia K. , Jensen Torben Heick , Lykke‐Andersen Søren 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRNA polymerase II (RNAPII)‐mediated gene transcription initiates at promoters and ends at terminators. Transcription termination is intimately connected to 3′‐end processing of the produced RNA and already when loaded at the promoter, RNAPII starts to become configured for this downstream event. Conversely, RNAPII is ‘reset’ as part of the 3′‐end processing/termination event, thus preparing the enzyme for its next round of transcription—possibly on the same gene. There is both direct and circumstantial evidence for preferential recycling of RNAPII from the gene terminator back to its own promoter, which supposedly increases the efficiency of the transcription process under conditions where RNAPII levels are rate limiting. Here, we review differences and commonalities between initiation and 3′‐end processing/termination processes on various types of RNAPII transcribed genes. In doing so, we discuss the requirements for efficient 3′‐end processing/termination and how these may relate to proper recycling of RNAPII. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:233–246. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1156This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
Physiological basis of copper tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay mutants
Authors: Wang Xuya , Okonkwo Obi , Kebaara Bessie W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe eukaryotic nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) is a specialized pathway that contributes to the recognition and rapid degradation of mRNA with premature termination codons. In addition to mRNAs containing premature termination codons, NMD degrades non‐nonsense‐containing, natural mRNAs. Approximately 5–10% of the total Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome is affected when NMD is inactivated. The regulation of natural mRNAs by NMD has physiological consequences. However, the physiological outcomes associated with the degradation of specific natural mRNAs by NMD are not fully understood. Here, we examined the physiological consequences resulting from the NMD‐mediated regulation of an mRNA involved in copper homeostasis, in an attempt to understand why nmd mutant strains are more tolerant of toxic copper levels than wild‐type yeast strains. We found that wild‐type (UPF1) and upf1Δ mutants accumulate similar amounts of total copper when grown in medium containing elevated levels of copper; however, the copper levels in the cytoplasm of wild‐type yeast cells were higher than in the upf1Δ mutant. Copper tolerance by the upf1Δ mutant is dependent on the presence of CTR2. Deletion of CTR2 resulted in similar cytoplasmic copper levels in wild‐type and upf1Δ mutant strains, regardless of the environmental copper levels. This suggests that CTR2 plays a role in regulating the level of copper in the cytoplasm. We also found that the upf1Δ mutant contained elevated copper levels in the vacuole relative to wild‐type yeast cells, after both strains were exposed to elevated copper levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Content Analysis of 4 Fear of Falling Rating Scales by Linking to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Bladh Stina , Nilsson Maria H. , Carlsson Gunilla , Lexell Jan 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo gain a deeper understanding of the content of 4 fear of falling (FOF) rating scales by linking them to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).DesignLinking study according to the ICF linking rules.SettingNot applicable.PatientsNot applicable.MethodsThe rating scales were the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES‐I), the Swedish version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES[S]), the Activities‐specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and the modified Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (SAFFE). The process followed the established and updated linking rules. Three linkers independently identified all meaningful concepts in the rating scales and linked them to the most precise ICF categories. The linkers then discussed their results to reach consensus. If consensus was not attained, the linkers pursued the discussions with a fourth person to reach consensus.Main outcome measurementsNot applicable.ResultsMost meaningful concepts from the overall questions were linked to the ICF component of body functions. Of the 62 items, all but one meaningful concept were linked to the component of activities and participation. All 4 rating scales covered the chapters of mobility and domestic life and had most linkages to the mobility chapter.ConclusionsThe linking process revealed similarities and differences between the 4 FOF rating scales, as well as methodologic challenges in linking instruments to the ICF. By providing a content description that allows for a direct comparison of the rating scales, the results may be helpful when choosing an appropriate rating scale assessing FOF in clinical practice and research. A further head‐to‐head comparison through psychometric analyses is required to recommend appropriate FOF rating scales. Studies are also needed to investigate how the overall question and response categories of a rating scale affect respondents' answers.
Dynamical effect of the total strain induced by the coherent motion on local isotropy in a wake
Authors: Thiesset F. , Danaila L. , Antonia R. A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe assess the extent to which local isotropy (LI) holds in a wake flow for different initial conditions, which may be geometrical (the shape of the bluff body which creates the wake) and hydrodynamical (the Reynolds number), as a function of the dynamical effects of the large-scale forcing (the mean strain, $ \overline{S} $, combined with the strain induced by the coherent motion, $\tilde {S} $). LI is appraised through either classical kinematic tests or phenomenological approaches. In this respect, we reanalyse existing LI criteria and formulate a new isotropy criterion based on the ratio between the turbulence strain intensity and the total strain ($ \overline{S} + \tilde {S} $). These criteria involve either time-averaged or phase-averaged quantities, thus providing a deeper insight into the dynamical aspect of these flows. They are tested using hot wire data in the intermediate wake of five types of obstacles (a circular cylinder, a square cylinder, a screen cylinder, a normal plate and a screen strip). We show that in the presence of an organized motion, isotropy is not an adequate assumption for the large scales but may be satisfied over a range of scales extending from the smallest dissipative scale up to a scale which depends on the total strain rate that characterizes the flow. The local value of this scale depends on the particular nature of the wake and the phase of the coherent motion. The square cylinder wake is the closest to isotropy whereas the least locally isotropic flow is the screen strip wake. For locations away from the axis, the study is restricted to the circular cylinder only and reveals that LI holds at scales smaller than those that apply at the wake centreline. Arguments based on self-similarity show that in the far wake, the strength of the coherent motion decays at the same rate as that of the turbulent motion. This implies the persistence of the same degree of anisotropy far downstream, independently of the scale at which anisotropy is tested.
Lysiphlebus orientalis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), a new invasive aphid parasitoid in Europe – evidence from molecular markers
Authors: Petrović Andjeljko , Mitrović Milana , Starý Petr , Petrović-Obradović Olivera , Žikić Vladimir , Tomanović Željko , Vorburger Christoph 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report the occurrence of Lysiphlebus orientalis in Serbia, an aphid parasitoid from the Far East that is new to Europe and has the potential to become invasive. Our finding based on morphological characters is confirmed by analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences. An increase in number and an expansion of the host range were observed during field studies over the past two years, and it is determined that the current host range encompasses nine aphid hosts on 12 different host plants, forming 13 tri-trophic associations. A host range determined for European populations of L. orientalis appears wider compared with that in its Far Eastern native habitats where Aphis glycines Mats. is the sole known host. Moreover, it overlaps considerably with the host ranges of European parasitoids that play an important role in the natural control of pest aphids.
Volume Dynamics and Multimarket Trading
Authors: Halling Michael , Moulton Pamela C. , Panayides Marios 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe trading of shares of the same firm in multiple markets has become common over the last 30 years, but there is little empirical evidence on the extent to which investors actively exploit multimarket environments. We introduce a volume-based measure of multimarket trading to address this question. Analyzing a large set of cross-listed firms, we find higher multimarket trading among markets with similar designs and strong enforcement of insider trading laws and for firms with higher institutional ownership. These findings are important for firms evaluating the benefits of cross listing and for markets competing for order flow.
Number of manic episodes is associated with elevated DNA oxidation in bipolar I disorder
Authors: Soeiro-de-Souza Márcio Gerhardt , Andreazza Ana C. , Carvalho Andre F. , Machado-Vieira Rodrigo , Young L. Trevor , Moreno Ricardo Alberto 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBipolar disorder (BD) is a major public health problem characterized by progressive functional impairment. A number of clinical variables have been associated with progression of the disease, most notably number of affective episodes and presence of psychotic symptoms, both of which correlate with greater cognitive impairment, lower response rates for lithium, and possibly lower levels of neurotrophic factors. Oxidative damage to cytosine and guanosine (8-OHdG) has been described as a modulator of DNA methylation, but the extent of DNA oxidative damage involvement in BD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of DNA oxidative damage to 8-OHdG and 5-methylcytosine (5-HMec), as well as global methylation (5-Mec), in BD patients and healthy controls. Potential association with clinical variables was also investigated. DNA levels of 8-OHdG, 5-HMec and 5-Mec were measured in 50 BD type I patients and 50 healthy controls. DNA 8-OHdG levels were higher in BD patients compared to healthy controls and found to be positively influenced by number of previous manic episodes. BD subjects had lower levels of 5-HMec compared to controls, whereas this measure was not influenced by the clinical features of BD. Number of manic episodes was correlated with higher levels of 8-OHdG, but not of 5-Mec or 5-HMec. Lower demethylation activity (5-HMec) but no difference in global 5-Mec levels was observed in BD. This finding suggests that oxidative damage to 8-OHdG might be a potential marker of disease progression, although further prospective cross-sectional studies to confirm neuroprogression in BD are warranted.
STUDIES OF NGC 6720 WITH CALIBRATED HST/WFC3 EMISSION-LINE FILTER IMAGES. II. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS*
,†
Authors: O'Dell C. R. , Ferland G. J. , Henney W. J. , Peimbert M. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
We have performed a detailed analysis of the electron temperature and density in the Ring Nebula using the calibrated Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 images described in the preceding paper. The electron temperature (T
e) determined from [N ii] and [O iii] rises slightly and monotonically toward the central star. The observed equivalent width (EW) in the central region indicates that T
e rises as high as 13,000 K. In contrast, the low EWs in the outer regions are largely due to scattered diffuse Galactic radiation by dust. The images allowed determination of unprecedented small-scale variations in T
e. These variations indicate that the mean square area temperature fluctuations are significantly higher than expected from simple photoionization. The power producing these fluctuations occurs at scales of less than 3.5×1015 cm. This scale length provides a strong restriction on the mechanism causing the large t
2 values observed.
PINK1 and Parkin complementarily protect dopaminergic neurons in vertebrates
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Gavinio Roberto , Asano Takeshi , Uemura Norihito , Ito Hidefumi , Taniguchi Yoshihito , Kobayashi Yoshito , Maki Takakuni , Shen Jie , Takeda Shunichi , Uemura Kengo , Yamakado Hodaka , Takahashi Ryosuke 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The recessively inherited familial PD genes PARK2 and PARK6 have been attributed to mutations in the Parkin and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) genes, respectively. Recent reports suggest that PINK1 works upstream of Parkin in the same pathway to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and/or conduct autophagic clearance of damaged mitochondria. This phenomenon is preserved from Drosophila to human cell lines but has not been demonstrated in a vertebrate animal model in vivo. Here, we developed a medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) model that is deficient in Pink1 and Parkin. We found that despite the lack of a conspicuous phenotype in single mutants for Pink1 or Parkin, medaka that are deficient in both genes developed phenotypes similar to that of human PD: late-onset locomotor dysfunction, a decrease in dopamine levels and a selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Further analysis also revealed defects in mitochondrial enzymatic activity as well as cell death. Consistently, PINK1 and Parkin double-deficient MEF showed a further decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial complex I activity as well as apoptosis compared with single-deficient MEF. Interestingly, these mitochondrial abnormalities in Parkin-deficient MEF were compensated by exogenous PINK1, but not by disease-related mutants. These results suggest that PINK1 and Parkin work in a complementary way to protect dopaminergic neurons by maintaining mitochondrial function in vertebrates.
Bringing teaching to life
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Piercy Niall , Slack Nigel 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this review and of the papers in this special issue is to critically examine different approaches to teaching operations management (OM) in order to provoke and stimulate educators within the discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe papers within this special issue include empirical assessments of a problem‐based learning enterprise resource planning (ERP) simulation; a computer‐based learning tool for material requirements planning (MRP); a simulation of assembly operations; an operations strategy innovation game; an extension of the production dice game; an experiential teaching method in different class settings; and problem‐based assessment methods in OM. A variety of data are used to support these empirical studies, including survey, interview, and observational data.FindingsThe papers within the special issue support the argument that OM is well‐suited to more applied methods of teaching focusing on the application of subject knowledge to real‐life situations through a variety of techniques.Practical implicationsIt is hoped that this review and the papers within this special issue act to stimulate educators to re‐evaluate their approaches to teaching OM and encourage them to consider adopting experiential teaching methods, business simulations, role‐plays, group exercises, live cases, and virtual learning environments, instead of, or in addition to, the more conventional lectures that typically dominate many OM modules around the world.Originality/valueA special issue on teaching OM appears timely given the significant changes to both the university landscape and to the nature of the discipline that we have witnessed over the last quarter of a century.
Interactive learning in operations management higher education
Authors: Arenas‐Márquez Francisco J. , Machuca José A.D. , Medina‐López Carmen 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a computer‐assisted learning experience in operations management (OM) higher education that entailed the development of interactive learning software, its evaluation in an experimental environment and the formal analysis of the teaching method's influence on student perceptions.Design/methodology/approachThe software design follows the constructivist focus based on widely‐accepted educational technology principles. Objective tests of knowledge and subjective appraisal of the learning process were used in the experiment to compare two educational scenarios (computer‐assisted learning and on‐site class). Students' perceptions of the software's technical and teaching features are also analyzed.FindingsThe study shows that the teaching method can significantly affect students' perceptions of the learning process. The findings also confirm the pedagogical effectiveness of the software that was designed and that information communication technologies (ICT)‐based methods are an alternative to traditional methods used in OM education.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiment involved strict control over various potential threats to validity. From a statistical point‐of‐view, the conclusions can only be generalized in the population analyzed. Nevertheless, the features of the software and the student profile allow the main conclusions to be generalized to other OM environments.Practical implicationsThe use and evaluation of interactive software in OM educational environments are reflected on, with emphasis on the influence that the teaching methodology has on students' attitudes to the learning process. It is of interest for researchers interested in improving teaching through the use of ICT.Originality/valueThere are very few studies on interactive self‐learning software for OM and its effects on student perceptions. This paper is a new contribution to this field.