bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practical Experiences for the Development of Educational Systems in the Semantic Web
Authors: Sánchez Vera Ma del Mar , Fernández Breis Jesualdo Tomás , Serrano Sánchez José Luis , Prendes Espinosa Ma. Paz 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Semantic Web technologies have been applied in educational settings for different purposes in recent years, with the type of application being mainly defined by the way in which knowledge is represented and exploited. The basic technology for knowledge representation in Semantic Web settings is the ontology, which represents a common, shareable and reusable view of a particular application domain. Ontologies can support different activities in educational settings such as organizing course contents, classifying learning objects or assessing learning levels. Consequently, ontologies can become a very useful tool from a pedagogical perspective. This paper focuses on two different experiences where Semantic Web technologies are used in educational settings, the difference between them lying in how knowledge is obtained and represented. On the one hand, the OeLE platform uses ontologies as a support for assessment processes. Such ontologies have to be designed and implemented in semantic languages apt to be used by OeLE. On the other hand, the ENSEMBLE project pursues the development of semantic web applications by creating specific knowledge representations drawn from user needs. Our paper is consequently going to offer an in-depth analysis of the role played by ontologies, showing how they can be used in different ways drawing a comparison between model patterns and examining the ways in which they can complement each other as well as their practical implications
Examining Oral Reading Fluency Trajectories Among English Language Learners and English Speaking Students
Authors: Jimerson Shane R. , Hong Sehee , Stage Scott , Gerber Michael 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Students’ oral reading fluency growth from first through fourth grade was used to predict their achievement on the Stanford Achievement Test (9th ed.; SAT-9 Reading) using a latent growth model. Two conditional variables related to student status were used to determine the effects on reading performance - English language learners (ELLs) with low socioeconomic status and low socioeconomic (SES) status alone. Results revealed that both types of student status variables reliably predicted low performance on initial first grade oral reading fluency, which later predicted fourth grade performance on the SAT-9. However, the reading fluency trajectories of the ELLs and monolingual English students were not significantly different. In addition, when both student status variables and letter naming fluency were used to predict initial oral reading fluency, letter naming fluency dominated the prediction equation, suggesting that an initial pre-reading skill, letter naming fluency, better explained fourth grade performance on the SAT-9 than either ELL with low SES or low SES alone. The discussion focuses on how to better enable these readers and how oral reading fluency progress monitoring can be used to assist school personnel in determining which students need additional instructional assistance.
Long‐Term Physical Functioning and Its Association With Somatic Comorbidity and Comorbid Depression in Patients With Established Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: van den Hoek J. , Roorda L. D. , Boshuizen H. C. , van Hees J. , Rupp I. , Tijhuis G. J. , Dekker J. , van den Bos G. A. M. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo describe long‐term physical functioning and its association with somatic comorbidity and comorbid depression in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsLongitudinal data over a period of 11 years were collected from 882 patients with RA at study inclusion. Patient‐reported outcomes were collected in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, and 2008. Physical functioning was measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical component summary score of the Short Form 36 health survey. Somatic comorbidity was measured by a questionnaire including 12 chronic diseases. Comorbid depression was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. We distinguished 4 groups of patients based on comorbidity at baseline.ResultsSeventy‐two percent of the patients at baseline were women. The mean ± SD age was 59.3 ± 14.8 years and the median disease duration was 5.0 years (interquartile range 2.0–14.0 years). For the total group of patients with RA, physical functioning improved over time. Patients with somatic comorbidity, comorbid depression, or both demonstrated worse physical functioning than patients without comorbidity at all data collection points. Both groups with comorbid depression had the lowest scores. Only patients with both somatic comorbidity and comorbid depression showed significantly less improvement in physical functioning over time.ConclusionBoth somatic comorbidity and comorbid depression were negatively associated with physical functioning during an 11‐year followup period. Furthermore, their combination seems to be especially detrimental to physical functioning over time. These results emphasize the need to take somatic comorbidity and comorbid depression into account in the screening and treatment of patients with RA.
A Printable Optical Time‐Temperature Integrator Based on Shape Memory in a Chiral Nematic Polymer Network
Authors: Davies Dylan J. D. , Vaccaro Antonio R. , Morris Stephen M. , Herzer Nicole , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAn optical and irreversible temperature sensor (e.g., a time‐temperature integrator) is reported based on a mechanically embossed chiral‐nematic polymer network. The polymer consists of a chemical and a physical (hydrogen‐bonded) network and has a reflection band in the visible wavelength range. The sensors are produced by mechanical embossing at elevated temperatures. A relative large compressive deformation (up to 10%) is obtained inducing a shift to shorter wavelength of the reflection band (>30 nm). After embossing, a temperature sensor is obtained that exhibits an irreversible optical response. A permanent color shift to longer wavelengths (red) is observed upon heating of the polymer material to temperatures above the glass transition temperature. It is illustrated that the observed permanent color shift is related to shape memory in the polymer material. The films can be printed on a foil, thus showing that these sensors are potentially interesting as time‐temperature integrators for applications in food and pharmaceutical products.
Evaluating the Critical Thickness of TiO2 Layer on Insulating Mesoporous Templates for Efficient Current Collection in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chandiran Aravind Kumar , Comte Pascal , Humphry‐Baker Robin , Kessler Florian , Yi Chenyi , Nazeeruddin Md. Khaja , Grätzel Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, a way of utilizing thin and conformal overlayer of titanium dioxide on an insulating mesoporous template as a photoanode for dye‐sensitized solar cells is presented. Different thicknesses of TiO2 ranging from 1 to 15 nm are deposited on the surface of the template by atomic layer deposition. This systematic study helps unraveling the minimum critical thickness of the TiO2 overlayer required to transport the photogenerated electrons efficiently. A merely 6‐nm‐thick TiO2 film on a 3‐μm mesoporous insulating substrate is shown to transport 8 mA/cm2 of photocurrent density along with ≈900 mV of open‐circuit potential when using our standard donor‐π‐acceptor sensitizer and Co(bipyridine) redox mediator.
Is Absence Related to Work Stress? A Repeated Cross‐Sectional Study on a Special Police Force
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Garbarino Sergio 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundSickness absence due to illness is considered an indicator of work‐related stress. Police work is a very stressful job. Sickness absence and sick leave are frequent among policemen.MethodsWe tested whether stress variables were predictors of absenteeism in a police unit specifically assigned to the maintenance of law and order.ResultsControl, Reward, and Support were negatively related to frequency of absence and short‐term absence. Demand and Effort were positively related to total lost days. Absence recorded in the previous year was the best predictor of absenteeism. We also found a positive, albeit weak association between absence in the previous year and subsequent work‐related stress.ConclusionsStress variables are associated with sickness absence, although the association is weak. Both short‐term and prolonged sickness absence should be regarded as a warning sign for subsequent sickness absence and distress. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:765–775, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexographic printed carbon nanotubes on polycarbonate films yielding high heating rates
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Wetzold Nora , Kroll Lothar , Hübler Arved 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) formulations based on commercially available aqueous dispersions were printed using flexographic printing on a polycarbonate film which was provided with a polyethyleneimine‐based primer layer to improve the wetting and adhesion properties. Depending on the formulation, the structured CNT layers (35 mm × 50 mm) show heating rates of up to 14 K/s during resistive heating (applied voltage of 12 V) in the temperature range from room temperature to 70°C. The recording of temperature–time curves was carried out by means of an infrared camera system. The cooling largely depends on the substrate and its heat capacity as well as on environmental conditions, and could be actively supported and/or regulated. The formulations of different solid contents were described in terms of viscosity and surface tension while the printed layers were characterized regarding the mass load per area, sheet resistance, electrical power effective during resistive heating, and the layer morphology. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Novel poly(orthosilicate)s based on linear aliphatic diols: Synthesis, characterization, and swelling properties
Authors: Karadag Koksal , Sonmez Hayal Bulbul 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCondensation reactions between tetraethyl orthosilicate and linear aliphatic diol monomers at moderately high temperatures in proper stoichiometric ratios gave crosslinked poly(orthosilicate)s. The synthesized crosslinked polymers were found to be insoluble in common organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, benzene, and acetone, but did show swelling abilities in these solvents. All of the crosslinked polymers had moderate thermal stability and good, regenerable solvent uptake abilities. The synthesized polymers have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy solid‐state 13C‐ and 29Si‐NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry methods, and elemental analysis. In this report, the synthesis characterization, and swelling properties of crosslinked poly(orthosilicate)s for environmental removal and recovery of organic solvents are presented. The effect of the length of the aliphatic diol monomers on the properties of the synthesized polymers was also examined. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Direct preparation of gelatin microcapsules on paper surface using simple coacervation technique
Authors: Ichiura Hideaki , Kaneda Yoshitsugu 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA simple coacervation technique was used to coat a functional paper with gelatin microcapsules containing geraniol to prepare functional papers with sustained fragrance release. This method eliminated the need for microcapsule preparation and coating with a binder. A gelatin solution containing geraniol and Tween 20 was coacervated using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solution; the final Na2CO3 concentration in the solution was 5 wt %. Filter papers impregnated with the coacervation mixture were immersed in 0–20 wt % Na2CO3 solutions. Gelatin microcapsules were formed on the paper surface when 15 or 20 wt % Na2CO3 solutions were used. The maximum amount of geraniol was fixed on paper prepared under these conditions, and the percentage of residual geraniol in the paper (RES) was about 70% after 72 h; this value was much higher than that for a blank sheet. The formation of gelatin microcapsules was important for the fixation and sustained release of geraniol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical and thermo‐physical properties of high‐density polyethylene modified with talc
Authors: Mehrjerdi Adib Kalantar , Adl‐Zarrabi Bijan , Cho Sung‐Woo , Skrifvars Mikael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the physical, mechanical, and thermo‐physical properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) modified with talc. Different weight fractions of talc (up to 35 wt %) were compounded with an HDPE matrix containing 2.5 wt % of carbon black (CB) in a twin‐screw compounder. The composites were then processed by injection moulding to obtain specimens for testing. The results indicate that CB causes a significant decrease in the toughness, while talc not only enhances the thermal conductivity and thermo‐physical properties of the composites but can also play a role in compensating for the negative effects of CB on impact resistance. The experimental data show that the presence of CB reduces the impact resistance of HDPE by up to 34%, while addition of up to 8 wt % talc can return this value to close to that of pure HDPE. No significant effect on the composite tensile yield and fracture strength was observed for either component at all concentrations. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific density values of the composites increased almost linearly, but the increase in moisture absorption in the long term showed nonlinear behavior in the concentration range of the experiment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Induces Sustained Signaling and a Prolonged and Unremitting Inflammatory Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Angela , Qiao Yu , Grigoriev Galina , Chen Janice , Park‐Min Kyung‐Hyun , Park Sung Ho , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Kalliolias George D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe nonresolving character of synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a conundrum. To identify the contribution of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) to the perpetuation of synovitis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that govern the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–driven inflammatory program in human FLS.MethodsFLS obtained from the synovial tissues of patients with RA or osteoarthritis were stimulated with TNFα and assayed for gene expression and cytokine production by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. NF‐κB signaling was evaluated by Western blotting. Histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and NF‐κB p65 and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancy at the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) promoter were measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation and restriction enzyme accessibility assays.ResultsIn FLS, TNFα induced prolonged transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL‐6 and progressive accumulation of IL‐6 protein over 4 days. Similarly, induction of mRNA for CXCL8/IL‐8, CCL5/RANTES, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), and MMP‐3 after TNFα stimulation was sustained for several days. This contrasted with the macrophage response to TNFα, which characteristically involved a transient increase in the expression of proinflammatory genes. In FLS, TNFα induced prolonged activation of NF‐κB signaling and sustained transcriptional activity, as indicated by increased histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and p65 and Pol II occupancy at the IL‐6 promoter. Furthermore, FLS expressed low levels of the feedback inhibitors A20‐binding inhibitor of NF‐κB activation 3 (ABIN‐3), IL‐1 receptor–associated kinase M (IRAK‐M), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS‐3), and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF‐3), which terminate inflammatory responses in macrophages.ConclusionTNFα signaling is not effectively terminated in FLS, which leads to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. The results suggest that prolonged and sustained inflammatory responses by FLS in response to synovial TNFα contribute to the persistence of synovial inflammation in RA.
Prevalence and Sex Difference of Lumbar Disc Space Narrowing in Elderly Chinese Men and Women: Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (Hong Kong) and Osteoporotic Fractures in Women (Hong Kong) Studies
Authors: Wang Yi‐Xiang J. , Griffith James F. , Zeng Xian‐Jun , Deng Min , Kwok Anthony W. L. , Leung Jason C. S. , Ahuja Anil T. , Kwok Timothy , Leung Ping Chung 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveOsteoporotic Fractures in Men (Hong Kong) and Osteoporotic Fractures in Women (Hong Kong) represent the first large‐scale prospective population‐based studies on bone health in elderly (age ≥65 years) Chinese men (n = 2,000) and women (n = 2,000). We undertook the current study to investigate the prevalence of lumbar disc space narrowing in these subjects, and to identify the potential relationship between disc space narrowing and sex, bone mineral density (BMD), and other demographic and clinical data.MethodsOn lumbar lateral radiographs, L1/L2–L4/L5 disc space was classified into 4 categories: 0 = normal; 1 = mild narrowing; 2 = moderate narrowing; 3 = severe narrowing. We compared demographic and clinical data between subjects with and those without total disc space narrowing scores ≥3.ResultsDisc space narrowing was more common in elderly women than in elderly men. The mean ± SD disc space narrowing score for the 4 discs was 2.71 ± 2.21 for men and 3.08 ± 2.50 for women (P < 0.0001). For the 3 age groups of 65–69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years, the average disc space narrowing score increased with increasing age in both men and women, and to a greater degree in women than in men. The average disc space narrowing score differences between women and men were 0.12, 0.40, and 0.90, respectively, in the 3 age groups. For both men and women, a disc space narrowing score ≥3 was associated with older age, higher spine and hip BMD, low back pain, and restricted leg mobility.ConclusionThe prevalence and severity of disc space narrowing are higher in elderly women than in elderly men. With increasing age, disc space narrowing progresses at a greater rate in women than in men. A disc space narrowing score ≥3 is associated with higher spine and hip BMD.
Interleukin‐17A+ Cell Counts Are Increased in Systemic Sclerosis Skin and Their Number Is Inversely Correlated With the Extent of Skin Involvement
Authors: Truchetet Marie‐Elise , Brembilla Nicolò‐Costantino , Montanari Elisa , Lonati Paola , Raschi Elena , Zeni Silvana , Fontao Lionel , Meroni Pier‐Luigi , Chizzolini Carlo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveLevels of interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) have been found to be increased in synovial fluid from individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study was undertaken to investigate whether IL‐17A–producing cells are present in affected SSc skin, and whether IL‐17A exerts a role in the transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts.MethodsSkin biopsy samples were obtained from the involved skin of 8 SSc patients and from 8 healthy control donors undergoing plastic surgery. Immunohistochemistry and multicolor immunofluorescence techniques were used to identify and quantify the cell subsets in vivo, including IL‐17A+, IL‐4+, CD3+, tryptase‐positive, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)–positive, myeloperoxidase‐positive, and CD1a+ cells. Dermal fibroblast cell lines were generated from all skin biopsy samples, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and solid‐phase assays were used to quantify α‐SMA, type I collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) production by the cultured fibroblasts.ResultsIL‐17A+ cells were significantly more numerous in SSc skin than in healthy control skin (P = 0.0019) and were observed to be present in both the superficial and deep dermis. Involvement of both T cells and tryptase‐positive mast cells in the production of IL‐17A was observed. Fibroblasts positive for α‐SMA were found adjacent to IL‐17A+ cells, but not IL‐4+ cells. However, IL‐17A did not induce α‐SMA expression in cultured fibroblasts. In the presence of IL‐17A, the α‐SMA expression induced in response to transforming growth factor β was decreased, while MMP‐1 production was directly enhanced. Furthermore, the frequency of IL‐17A+ cells was higher in the skin of SSc patients with greater severity of skin fibrosis (lower global skin thickness score).ConclusionIL‐17A+ cells belonging to the innate and adaptive immune system are numerous in SSc skin. IL‐17A participates in inflammation while exerting an inhibitory activity on myofibroblast transdifferentiation. These findings are consistent with the notion that IL‐17A has a direct negative‐regulatory role in the development of dermal fibrosis in humans.
Reviewing the binding of a series of parabens to human serum albumin
Authors: Greige‐Gerges Hélène , Kaissi Rana , Magdalou Jacques , Jraij Alia 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTTo better understand the factors that contribute to the accumulation of unmetabolized parabens (p‐hydroxybenzoic acid esters) in breast cancer tissue, the binding of a series of parabens (methyl‐, ethyl‐, butyl‐, benzyl‐paraben) to human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and also their ability to modify the binding parameters of albumin site markers. Emission spectra of HSA upon fluorescence excitation of Trp 214 residue at 295 nm were recorded at different molar ratios of PB/HSA and data were corrected for the inner‐filter effect. A significant inner‐filter effect was obtained for molar ratios of 2.0 and above. For lower molar ratios, a slight increase in fluorescence of HSA was detected. p‐Hydroxybenzoic acid, the main metabolite of parabens, did not modify the fluorescence of HSA whatever the molar ratio used. Binding parameters for compounds that are markers of site I, bilirubin and warfarin, were determined in the absence and presence of methyl, butyl and benzyl paraben at molar ratios of PB/HSA of 0, 1 and 2. No variation of the binding constants of these markers was observed. The results indicate that parabens weakly interact with HSA thus suggesting that they are in a free form in blood and therefore more available to reach tissues. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.