bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrative computational analysis provides evidence for FBN1-associated network deregulation in trisomy 21
Authors: Vilardell Mireia , Civit Sergi , Herwig Ralf 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Although approximately 50% of Down Syndrome (DS) patients have heart abnormalities, they exhibit an overprotection against cardiac abnormalities related with the connective tissue, for example a lower risk of coronary artery disease. A recent study reported a case of a person affected by DS who carried mutations in FBN1, the gene causative for a connective tissue disorder called Marfan Syndrome (MFS). The fact that the person did not have any cardiac alterations suggested compensation effects due to DS. This observation is supported by a previous DS meta-analysis at the molecular level where we have found an overall upregulation of FBN1 (which is usually downregulated in MFS). Additionally, that result was cross-validated with independent expression data from DS heart tissue. The aim of this work is to elucidate the role of FBN1 in DS and to establish a molecular link to MFS and MFS-related syndromes using a computational approach. To reach that, we conducted different analytical approaches over two DS studies (our previous meta-analysis and independent expression data from DS heart tissue) and revealed expression alterations in the FBN1 interaction network, in FBN1 co-expressed genes and FBN1-related pathways. After merging the significant results from different datasets with a Bayesian approach, we prioritized 85 genes that were able to distinguish control from DS cases. We further found evidence for several of these genes (47%), such as FBN1, DCN, and COL1A2, being dysregulated in MFS and MFS-related diseases. Consequently, we further encourage the scientific community to take into account FBN1 and its related network for the study of DS cardiovascular characteristics.
Drosophila integrin adhesion complexes are essential for hemocyte migration in vivo
Authors: Moreira Carolina G. A. , Jacinto Antonio , Prag Soren 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Cell migration is an important biological process which has been intensively studied in the past decades. Numerous techniques, mainly involving two-dimensional cell culture systems, have contributed to dissecting the essential mechanisms underlying this process. However, the development of three-dimensional cell culture and in vivo systems has shown some differences with what was previously believed to be well-established cell migration mechanisms, suggesting that two-dimensional cell motility would be a poor predictor of in vivo behaviour. Drosophila is a widely recognized model organism to study developmental and homeostatic processes and has been widely used to investigate cell migration. Here, we focus on the migration of small groups of pupal hemocytes that accumulate during larval stages in dorsal patches. We show that integrins, and other known nascent adhesion-related proteins such as Rhea and Fermitin 1, are crucial for this process and that their depletion does not affect polarization in response to environmental cues. We also present evidence for the importance of adhesion maturation-related proteins in hemocyte migration, namely Zyxin. Zyxin depletion in hemocytes leads to a significant increase of cell speed without affecting their response to a chemotactic cue. This is the first report of a systematic analysis using Drosophila melanogaster hemocytes to study adhesion-related proteins and their function in cell migration in vivo. Our data point to mechanisms of cell migration similar to those described in three-dimensional in vitro systems and other in vivo model organisms.
Measurements of the High Dose Rate Profiles Inside a Shutdown CANDU® Reactor
Authors: Jewett C. , Chow J. , Comeau D. , Jonkmans G. , Smith B. , Sur B. , Taylor D. , Yue S. 
Published: June 2013

The positions of the components of a reactor can change over time, due to radiation damage, sagging, etc. Thus, it is important to determine their positions. To satisfy this requirement of the staff at the Point Lepreau Generating Station, a method to determine the positions of reactor components has been developed and demonstrated. This method combines the use of dose rate measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. It first involves measuring the high γ-ray dose rates as a function of position within a reactor. Then it entails comparing these measurements with Monte Carlo simulations. In order to perform such measurements, a silicon diode detector and a scan drive system have been developed. In 2009, measurements of the γ-ray dose rate profile of the shut down Point Lepreau Generating Station reactor were conducted. By comparing the locations of the local peaks in the dose rate data, it was possible to determine the distances between the steel reactor components. The measured data were then compared with Monte Carlo simulations to determine how precisely one could locate the positions of the adjuster rods. Using this technique, it was found that the retracted adjuster rods were 440 ± 60 mm below their designed positions.
The Status Of Heu To Leu Core Conversion Activities At The Jamaica Slowpoke
Authors: Preston J. , Grant C. 
Published: June 2013

The SLOWPOKE reactor in Jamaica has been operated by the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, University of the West Indies since 1984, mainly for the purpose of Neutron Activation Analysis. The HEU core with current utilization has another 14 years of operation, before the addition of a large beryllium annulus would be required to further extend the life-time by 15 years. However, in keeping with the spirit of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) program, the decision was taken in 2003 to convert the core from HEU to LEU, in line with those at the École Polytechnic and RMC SLOWPOKE facilities. This paper reports on the current status of the conversion activities, including key fuel manufacture and regulatory issues, which have seen substantial progress during the last year. A timetable for the complete process is given, and provided that the fuel fabrication can be completed in the estimated 18 months, the core conversion should be accomplished by the end of 2014.
Using Function Approximation to Determine Neural Network Accuracy
Authors: Wichman R.F. , Alexander J. 
Published: June 2013

Many, if not most, control processes demonstrate non-linear behavior in some portion of their operating range and the ability of neural networks to model non-linear dynamics makes them very appealing for control. Control of high reliability safety systems, and autonomous control in process or robotic applications, however, require accurate and consistent control and neural networks are only approximators of various functions so their degree of approximation becomes important. In this paper, the factors affecting the ability of a feed-forward back-propagation neural network to accurately approximate a non-linear function are explored. Compared to pattern recognition using a neural network for function approximation provides an easy and accurate method for determining the network's accuracy. In contrast to other techniques, we show that errors arising in function approximation or curve fitting are caused by the neural network itself rather than scatter in the data. A method is proposed that provides improvements in the accuracy achieved during training and resulting ability of the network to generalize after training. Binary input vectors provided a more accurate model than with scalar inputs and retraining using a small number of the outlier x,y pairs improved generalization.
Regulating journalists? The Finkelstein Review, the Convergence Review and news media regulation in Australia
Authors: Flew Terry , Swift Adam 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This article identifies two major forces driving change in media policy worldwide: media convergence and renewed concerns about media ethics, with the latter seen in the UK Leveson Inquiry. It focuses on two major public inquiries in Australia during 2011–2012 – the Independent Media Inquiry (Finkelstein Review) and the Convergence Review – and the issues raised about future regulation of journalism and news standards. Drawing upon perspectives from media theory, it observes the strong influence of social responsibility theories of the media in the Finkelstein Review and the adverse reaction these received from those arguing from Fourth Estate/free press perspectives, which were also consistent with the long-standing opposition of Australian newspaper proprietors to government regulation. It also discusses the approaches taken in the Convergence Review to regulating for news standards, in the light of the complexities arising from media convergence. The article concludes with consideration of the fast-changing environment in which such proposals to transform media regulation are being considered, including the crisis of news media organization business models, as seen in Australia with major layoffs of journalists from the leading print media publications.
What are the new rules for reporting, sourcing, verifying, editing and publishing a social media world?
Authors: Auchard Eric 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Reuters has developed its own standards of impartiality. A global and multilingual news agency, Reuters highly values issues like independence and components such as fairness, balance, transparency, consistency and disinterestedness – the elements that have characterized its news and current affairs coverage for decades. With the advent of the digital age, the agency has been revising its coverage rules, experimenting broadly, and holding training courses and in-house discussions on how to extend its objectivity guidelines to embrace the exponential growth in input from the social media. Eric Auchard of Reuters sheds light on the agency’s endeavor to set up its own objectivity rules in dealing with our social media world.
Notes on occupation time fluctuations of binary branching particle systems
Authors: Li Yuqiang 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we study the functional limits of occupation time fluctuations of a kind of site-dependent binary branching particle systems. Our result extends Theorem 2.2 in [Stochastic Process. Appl. 116 (2006), 1–18] and gets some new information on the behaviors of occupation time processes.
Concentration Quenching of Tb3+ Doped SiC:H and AlN Thin Films in Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence Measurements
Authors: Guerra J. A. , Benz F. , Montañez L. , Grieseler R. , Schaaf P. , De Zela F. , Winnacker A. , Strunk H. P. , Weingärtner R. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTWe present a systematic study of photo- and cathodoluminescence measurements in the visible of Terbium doped SiC:H and AlN thin films. The Terbium atomic concentrations vary from 0.9 to 10% for the SiC:H and from 0.8 to 6% for the AlN samples. For both materials the increase of the emission intensity with concentration and the subsequent quenching effect can be seen. The optimal concentration for the highest light emission is found. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy addresses the enhancement light emission mechanisms of the principal emission electronic transition of Terbium at ∼542 nm.
Field Dependent Electrical Conduction in Metal-Insulator-Metal Devices using Alumina-Silicone Nanolaminate Dielectrics
Authors: Sahoo Santosh K. , Patel Rakhi P. , Wolden Colin A. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTHybrid alumina-silicone nanolaminate films were synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. PECVD allows digital control over nanolaminate construction, and may be performed at low temperature for compatibility with flexible substrates. These materials are being considered as dielectrics for application such as capacitors in thin film transistors and memory devices. In this work, we present the temperature dependent current versus voltage (I-V) measurements of the nanolaminate dielectrics in the range of 200- 310 K to better asses their potential in these applications. Various models are used to know the different conduction mechanisms contributing to the leakage current in these nanolaminate films. It is observed that space charge limited current (SCLC) mechanism is the dominant conduction process in the high field region whereas Ohmic conduction process is contributing to the leakage current in the low field region. The shallow electron trap level energy (Et) of 0.16 eV is responsible for SCLC mechanism whereas for Ohmic conduction process the activation energy (Ea) for electrons is about 0.22 eV. An energy band diagram is given to explain the dominance of various conduction mechanisms in different field regions in these nanolaminate films.
Effects of Amines on Chemical and Physical Behaviors of Viscous Precursor Sols to Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide
Authors: Fukuda Nobuko , Ogura Shintaro , Nomura Ken-ichi , Ushijima Hirobumi 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTWe synthesized viscous precursors to indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) using three kinds of alcoholamines, ethanolamine (EA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), by a simple process. The viscous precursors are obtained just by vigorous stirring of alcoholamine and urea in an aqueous solution containing the metal nitrates during heating at 150-160 °C. The precursor containing EA (EA-precursor) is a pale-orange suspension containing aggregates of the metal hydroxides and shows pseudoplastic flow. The precursors containing DEA (DEA-precursor) and TEA (TEA-precursor) are transparent pale-yellow and dark-orange sols, respectively. They give Newtonian flow in the lower shear rate and pseudoplastic flow in the higher shear rate. Higher concentration of metal salts leads to higher viscosity of the precursors. According to thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) for the EA- and DEA-precursors, evaporation of alcoholamine occurs at around each boiling point and subsequently formation of metal oxides occur at around 300 °C. In the case of the TEA-precursor, formation of metal oxides occurs before pyrolysis of TEA attributed to the higher boiling point of TEA. The thin IGZO film, which is prepared by spin-coating of the diluted DEA-precursor and subsequent sintering at 450 °C for 30 min, shows 0.02 cm2 ·V-1s-1 of the mobility and 10-5 of the on/off ratio. The highly viscous DEA-precursor containing high concentration of metal ions allows patterning in an area of 100 cm2 onto a surface of a silicon wafer with screen printing.
Optical Hall effect measurement of coupled phonon mode - Landau Level transitions in epitaxial Graphene on silicon carbide
Authors: Kühne P. , Boosalis A. , Herzinger C. M. , Nyakiti L.O. , Wheeler V.D. , Myers-Ward R.L. , Eddy C.R. , Gaskill D.K. , Schubert M. , Hofmann T. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTWe report on mid-infrared (600 – 4000 cm-1), refection-type optical-Hall effect measurements on epitaxial graphene grown on C-face silicon carbide and present Landau-level transition features detected at 1.5 K as a function of magnetic field up to 8 Tesla. The Landau-level transitions are detected in reflection configuration at oblique incidence for wavenumbers below, across and above the silicon carbide reststrahlen range. Small Landau-level transition features are enhanced across the silicon carbide reststrahlen range due to surface-guided wave coupling with the electronic Landau-level transitions in the graphene layer. We analyze the spectral and magnetic-field dependencies of the coupled resonances, and compare our findings with previously reported Landau-level transitions measured in transmission configuration [4,5,6]. Additional features resemble transitions previously assigned to bilayer inclusion [21], as well as graphite [15]. We discuss a model description to account for the electromagnetic polarizability of the graphene layers, and which is sufficient for quantitative model calculation of the optical-Hall effect data.
Morphology of crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) microparticles
Authors: Friess Fabian , Lendlein Andreas , Wischke Christian 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTIn order to explore the feasibility for preparing defined crosslinked particulate structures, oligo(ε-caprolactone) [oCL] derived microparticles (MPs) were crosslinked in non-molten, non-dissolved, i.e. solid state in aqueous suspension by applying a controlled regime with well-defined polymer network precursors either with or without photoinitiator. The MPs (diameter ∼ 40 μm) were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion process from linear 2oCL or 4-arm star-shaped 4oCL with methacrylate end groups. Crosslinking was initiated by UV-laser irradiation (308 nm) at room temperature. Conversion of methacrylate was monitored by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and crosslinking was confirmed by a lack of MP dissolution in dichloromethane. In a quantitative evaluation of swelling by dynamic light scattering, higher swelling ratios were detected for particles synthesized with photoinitiator. Wrinkled particle surfaces and distorted particle shapes were observed by light microscopy in the solvent-swollen state and by scanning electron microscopy after deswelling. This work indicated some limitations due to internal inhomogeneity of the MP, but particle crosslinking in solid state was generally possible and may be further improved by higher chain mobility during crosslinking.
Correlating the Uptake and Dendritic Cell Activation by MDP-loaded Microparticles
Authors: Schmidt Stefanie , Roch Toralf , Mathew Simi , Ma Nan , Wischke Christian , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTPolymer-based, degradable microparticles (MP) are attractive delivery vehicles for vaccines as the polymer properties can be specifically tailored and the carrier can be loaded with adjuvant. For all newly developed carrier systems it is important to analyze cellular uptake efficiency and the specific effects mediated by the encapsulated agent when phagocytosed by the cells, which is barely reported so far. By the encapsulation of N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (MDP) labeled with fluoresceinisothiocyanat (FITC) in poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) MP, the MP was fluorescent and used to visualize the phagocytic uptake. Since encapsulated MDP can activate dendritic cells (DC) via the cytosolic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NOD), it can be investigated whether only cells that have phagocytosed the MP are activated or whether bystander effects occur, resulting in activation of cells, which did not take up MDP-FITC loaded MP. Here, it is demonstrated that increasing MP concentrations in the culture medium had no impact on the viability of DC and that the MP uptake efficiency was dose dependent. Interestingly, it could be shown by the CD86 expression, that only DC, which had engulfed MP, were significantly stronger activated than DC, which had not phagocytosed MDP-FITC loaded MP. On the one hand these results indicate that sufficient amounts of MDP were released from the PLGA carriers into the cytosol of the DC. On the other hand, based on the correlation of uptake and activation on the single cell level, minimal MP induced bystander effects may be expected for in vivo applications.
Social Responsibility - A Comparative Study of Oil Majors - Who is the Best?
Authors: Yousefi Abouzar , Aldeanueva Carlos Mataix 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Nowadays requirements of society are a priority for many organizations. Expectations of society define the elements of social responsibility which are due to change over time as a result of change in the society’s concerns.
As sustainable development is about the economic, social and environmental goals common to all people, it can be used as a way of summing up the broader expectations of society that need to be taken into account by organizations seeking to act responsibly.
Oil &Gas activities take place in different environments (e.g. offshore, jungle, desert, arctic, etc.) and face variable challenges (e.g. sensitive areas, protected areas, isolated communities, etc.). Hence this industry deals with a set of specific risks and opportunities which could significantly impact societies, the environment and associated economic activities. Incorporating the Social Responsibility concept into business practices can play a significant role in management of major risks and opportunities.
To gain an understanding of how the industry manages social responsibility aspects a sample group of major companies have been selected for this study from the top 10 of "2012 Fortune Global 500 list" (Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Sinopec, CNPC, Chevron and ConocoPhillips) plus Total and Repsol. The study has been undertaken based on the available information on the webpages of the companies and the latest published reports on social responsibility and/or sustainable development.
These companies do not approach in a same way the incorporation of social responsibility aspects into their business, and do not even report their performance similarly but mostly consider Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guideline and "Oil and Gas Industry Voluntary Guidance on Sustainability Reporting" by the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues (IPIECA), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) for reporting their performance.
Considering the indicators of IPIECA/API/OGP and GRI guidelines it is worthwhile to develop a management system based on the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle in order to identify Social Responsibility aspects of the business, assess the risks/opportunities and define control/recovery measures. Then to continue by implementing the measures, monitoring the performance and conducting regular reviews to achieve continual improvement.
A specific Social Responsibility Index developed by international bodies in the petroleum sector would help to compare these companies and develop positive competition among them. Resulting eventually in improve Social Responsibility and sustainable development performance in the industry.