bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Craft interests during leisure time and craft learning outcomes in Finland
Authors: Metsärinne Mika , Kallio Manne 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The Finnish National Board of Education (FNBE) evaluated learning outcomes in craft in the final ninth grade of compulsory education in March 2010. The evaluation included both a questionnaire (n=4792) and a production exercise (n=661) based on technical and textile craft. The production exercise included the designing and manufacturing of a whole product based on pupils’ own ideas. Craft-related leisure time interests were also assessed. Similar evaluations for compulsory education craft have not been carried out in other countries. School craft helps pupils understand the constructed world and to become a part of it. Craft-related leisure time interests, on the other hand, have an effect on the developing identities of pupils and help them learn to control their lives. There is hardly any data available on the effects that craft-related leisure time interests have on school craft learning outcomes. This article is based on research of pupils’ (n=366) craft-related leisure time interests and their effects on learning outcomes in school craft. The main leisure time craft interests were technical maintenance and repairs and textile production. The relation of these interests and learning outcomes was analysed by forming a confirmatory factor model. The factor model represented leisure time interests that were either maintenance and repair related or production related. Results derived from the model and the structural equation model representing the relations to learning outcomes are presented. Technical maintenance and repairs were found to have an effect (r=0.40) on craft learning outcomes. Textile-related leisure time interests were found to not have any effect on learning outcomes. The results lead to considering the gap between school craft contents and the everyday craft skills that pupils need in their lives. Consideration was also given to how pupils could benefit from their leisure time interests at school. The results could also be used not only to assess the goals that pupils and schools set for craft, but also for what should be done in school craft for these goals to be achieved.
Complexity, multi-perspectivism and tracking: A brief history of the meaning of image from the Postmedia to the Postdigital ages
Authors: Álvaro Sandra 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The meaning and function of the image has been evolving over all time. This has been separated from mimesis and given greater openness and an emergent meaning to be adapted to the fluxes that characterize our contemporary society. Throughout this process Art has lost the primacy and exclusivity of the image to share it with science and its visualization procedures and with a social function, now disseminated trough social networks. This article points out the decisive moments – and illustrates them with examples – through the evolution from the image in Postmodernity to the open and co-participated meaning of the Postmedia age image, and the new relation with the real world that characterizes the image of the Postdigital situation. Finally, we propose that the Postdigital Condition, related to new advances such as augmented reality (AR), geopositioning devices and ubiquitous informatics, is making the appearance of a new image type possible, here called Tracking-Image. This Tracking-Image is self-generated with data, from the flux of inputs generated in physical space and registered by networked users and sensors, becoming the protagonist of a new encounter with the physical fluid reality that characterizes the Postdigital situation.
Cities in digital format
Authors: Kekou Eva 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The City is a dynamic living narrative, an unfolding autobiography, a melding of countless invisible stories; unravelling not in words but in movement, fear, desire, need, coupling the daily of living. The city seen is a narrative; meaning definition is found not in the narrative but in the illegible depths of the unseen city. Art practices of every kind are one fragment of the ever-unfolding narrative. New technological possibilities have also revolutionized the way the narrative of the City can be ‘told’ and ‘reproduced’. Narrative is transcribed into a new cultural code through technological advances. Many works of art tell stories; indeed, most of the humanities involve stories. This article is going to study a number of innovative projects in digital art: locative media and interactive media. They all reveal how City is seen by them through their ‘stories’ and narratives. It will explore further the role of story-telling processes. All projects are site specific, participatory and interactive. They also have the capacity to map hybrid city in a mobilized and digital world. How do we picture urban life and formulate our experience of it? How can this experience be reflected via new technologies? Do new ways of narrative and story telling emerge through new technologies? How does audience respond to these practices? Can these practices be a cinematic means of digitalized story telling? These are some of the questions that will be answered in this article.
Benford's Law: Analyzing a Decade of Financial Data
Authors: Alali Fatima A. , Romero Silvia 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
This study uses a decade of financial accounting data to examine if and how they depart from Benford's Law. Using a large sample of U.S. public companies, we conduct an analysis of the first-two digits of data items generally used in research to measure total accruals and discretionary accruals and where fraud, restatements, and enforcement actions are revealed. We break down a decade of data into six subperiods; pre-SOX Period (2001), SOX 1 Period (2002–2003), SOX 2 Period (2004–2006), SOX 3 Period (2007), Crisis 1 Period (2008), and Crisis 2 Period (2009–2010). We find different indicators of manipulation during the periods studied, as well as differences between small and big companies and companies audited by Big 4 and non-Big 4 firms.
The Requirement of CD8+ T Cells To Initiate and Augment Acute Cardiac Inflammatory Response to High Blood Pressure
Authors: Ma Feifei , Feng Jin , Zhang Chao , Li Yulin , Qi Guanming , Li Huihua , Wu Yuzhang , Fu Yangxin , Zhao Yang , Chen Hairong , Du Jie , Tang Hong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Macrophage infiltration and activation in myocardium are hallmarks of acute cardiac inflammatory response to high blood pressure. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this article, we report that CD8+ T cells are required for cardiac recruitment and activation of macrophages. First, mice with CD8 gene-targeted (CD8 knockout) or CD8+ T cells depleted by Ab showed significantly reduced cardiac inflammatory response to the elevation of blood pressure after angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion, whereas CD8 knockout mice reconstituted with CD8+ T cells restored the sensitivity to Ang II. More importantly, CD8+ T cells were required for macrophage infiltration in myocardium and subsequent activation to express proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, macrophage activation required direct contact with activated CD8+ T cells, but with TCR dispensable. TCR-independent activation of macrophages was further confirmed in MHC class I–restricted OVA-specific TCR transgenic mice, which showed a CD8+ T cell activation and cardiac proinflammatory response to Ang II similar to that of wild-type mice. Finally, only myocardium-infiltrated, but not peripheral, CD8+ T cells were specifically activated by Ang II, possibly by the cardiac IFN-γ that drove IFN-γR+ CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation. Thus, this work identified a TCR-independent innate nature of CD8+ T cells that was critical in initiating the sterile immune response to acute elevation of blood pressure.
IL-1β–Dependent Activation of Dendritic Epidermal T Cells in Contact Hypersensitivity
Authors: Nielsen Morten M. , Lovato Paola , MacLeod Amanda S. , Witherden Deborah A. , Skov Lone , Dyring-Andersen Beatrice , Dabelsteen Sally , Woetmann Anders , Ødum Niels , Havran Wendy L. , Geisler Carsten , Bonefeld Charlotte M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Substances that penetrate the skin surface can act as allergens and induce a T cell–mediated inflammatory skin disease called contact hypersensitivity (CHS). IL-17 is a key cytokine in CHS and was originally thought to be produced solely by CD4+ T cells. However, it is now known that several cell types, including γδ T cells, can produce IL-17. In this study, we determine the role of γδ T cells, especially dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs), in CHS. Using a well-established model for CHS in which 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) is used as allergen, we found that γδ T cells are important players in CHS. Thus, more IL-17–producing DETCs appear in the skin following exposure to DNFB in wild-type mice, and DNFB-induced ear swelling is reduced by ∼50% in TCRδ−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. In accordance, DNFB-induced ear swelling was reduced by ∼50% in IL-17−/− mice. We show that DNFB triggers DETC activation and IL-1β production in the skin and that keratinocytes produce IL-1β when stimulated with DNFB. We find that DETCs activated in vitro by incubation with anti-CD3 and IL-1β produce IL-17. Importantly, we demonstrate that the IL-1R antagonist anakinra significantly reduces CHS responses, as measured by decreased ear swelling, inhibition of local DETC activation, and a reduction in the number of IL-17+ γδ T cells and DETCs in the draining lymph nodes. Taken together, we show that DETCs become activated and produce IL-17 in an IL-1β–dependent manner during CHS, suggesting a key role for DETCs in CHS.
Kinase-Independent Mechanisms of Resistance of Leukemia Stem Cells to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Ichim Christine Victoria 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Summary
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate have changed the clinical course of chronic myeloid leukemia; however, the observation that these inhibitors do not target the leukemia stem cell implies that patients need to maintain lifelong therapy. The mechanism of this phenomenon is unclear: the question of whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors are inactive inside leukemia stem cells or whether leukemia stem cells do not require breakpoint cluster region (Bcr)-Abl signaling is currently under debate. Herein, I propose an alternative model: perhaps the leukemia stem cell requires Bcr-Abl, but is dependent on its kinase-independent functions. Kinases such as epidermal growth factor receptor and Janus kinase 2 possess kinase-independent roles in regulation of gene expression; it is worth investigating whether Bcr-Abl has similar functions. Mechanistically, Bcr-Abl is able to activate the Ras, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, and/or the Src-kinase Hck/Stat5 pathways in a scaffolding-dependent manner. Whereas the scaffolding activity of Bcr-Abl with Grb2 is dependent on autophosphorylation, kinases such as Hck can use Bcr-Abl as substrate, inducing phosphorylation of Y177 to enable scaffolding ability in the absence of Bcr-Abl catalytic activity. It is worth investigating whether leukemia stem cells exclusively express kinases that are able to use Bcr-Abl as substrate. A kinase-independent role for Bcr-Abl in leukemia stem cells would imply that drugs that target Bcr-Abl's scaffolding ability or its DNA-binding ability should be used in conjunction with current therapeutic regimens to increase their efficacy and eradicate the stem cells of chronic myeloid leukemia
Deceased Donor Hyperglycemia and Liver Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Perez-Protto Silvia E. , Reynolds Luke F. , Dalton Jarrod E. , Taketomi Taro , Irefin Samuel A. , Parker Brian M. , Quintini Cristiano , Sessler Daniel I. 
Published: March 2014

Context Hyperglycemia is common in deceased donors, and provokes numerous adverse events in hepatocytic mitochondria. Objective To determine whether hyperglycemia in deceased donors is associated with graft dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplant. Methods Charts on 572 liver transplants performed at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2005 and October 2010 were reviewed. The primary measure was time-weighted averages of donors' glucose measurements. Liver graft dysfunction was defined as (1) primary nonfunction as indicated by death or retransplant or (2) liver graft dysfunction as indicated by an aspartate amino transferase level greater than 2000 U/L or prothrombin time greater than 16 seconds during the first postoperative week. The relationship of interest was estimated by using a multivariable logistic regression. Results The incidence of graft dysfunction was 25%. No significant relationship was found between the range of donor glucose measurements and liver graft dysfunction after donor characteristics were adjusted for ( P = .14, Wald test, adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] for liver graft dysfunction corresponding to a relative doubling in time-weighted average for donor glucose of 1.43 [0.89–2.30]). The results thus do not suggest that strict glucose control in donors is likely to improve graft quality.
Assessing mechanical vulnerability in water distribution networks under multiple failures
Authors: Berardi Luigi , Ugarelli Rita , Røstum Jon , Giustolisi Orazio 
Published: March 2014

AbstractUnderstanding mechanical vulnerability of water distribution networks (WDN) is of direct relevance for water utilities since it entails two different purposes. On the one hand, it might support the identification of severe failure scenarios due to external causes (e.g., natural or intentional events) which result into the most critical consequences on WDN supply capacity. On the other hand, it aims at figure out the WDN portions which are more prone to be affected by asset disruptions. The complexity of such analysis stems from the number of possible scenarios with single and multiple simultaneous shutdowns of asset elements leading to modifications of network topology and insufficient water supply to customers. In this work, the search for the most disruptive combinations of multiple asset failure events is formulated and solved as a multiobjective optimization problem. The higher vulnerability failure scenarios are detected as those causing the lower supplied demand due to the lower number of simultaneous failures. The automatic detection of WDN topology, subsequent to the detachments of failed elements, is combined with pressure‐driven analysis. The methodology is demonstrated on a real water distribution network. Results show that, besides the failures causing the detachment of reservoirs, tanks, or pumps, there are other different topological modifications which may cause severe WDN service disruptions. Such information is of direct relevance to support planning asset enhancement works and improve the preparedness to extreme events.
Fabrication of graphene/epoxy resin composites with much enhanced thermal conductivity via ball milling technique
Authors: Guo Wenman , Chen Guohua 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBall milling is selected to prepare composites of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and epoxy. Much enhanced thermal conductivity was recorded with higher GNP loading, which varied between 5 and 25 wt %. A maximum thermal conductivity of 2.67 W/m·K was found. The prepared composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman. It was found that KNG180, a commercially available kind of natural graphite, with a thickness of 30 ∼ 80 nm were mainly exfoliated into GNPs (<10 layers) with high quality, which were in turn uniformly dispersed in the composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40565.
Polymeric coatings based on acrylic resin latexes from miniemulsion polymerization using hydrocarbon resins as osmotic agents
Authors: Barrios Silmar B. , Petry Jessica F. , Weiss Clemens K. , Petzhold Cesar L. , Landfester Katharina 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWaterborne acrylic resins with a solid content higher than 40 wt % were obtained by miniemulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and acrylic acid using a hydrocarbon coumarone–indene resin (HCR) as osmotic agent. HCR is a cheap polymer widely used for coatings and pressure‐sensitive adhesives. The resin leads to a higher hydrophobicity for the acrylic latex film and acts as osmotic agent in miniemulsion polymerization preventing Ostwald ripening, leading to latexes with particle sizes, size distributions, and stability comparable to those obtained using n‐hexadecane as osmotic agent. However, the monomer conversion and molecular weight were lower, indicating the occurrence of a chain‐transfer reaction. Atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrated that a smooth film surface with phase‐separated morphology was formed when using HCR. Faster film hardness development was achieved with HCR comparing with hexadecane. Compared with market standard in a paint formulation, a similar performance was achieved. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40569.
Aloe vera rind cellulose nanofibers‐reinforced films
Authors: Cheng Shuna , Panthapulakkal Suhara , Sain Mohini , Asiri Abdulah 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTAloe vera (AV) gel has been widely used in various medical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications. However, AV rind, the tougher outer layer of AV leaves where the cell wall components exists, is currently treated as a fertilizer or waste. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the AV rind as a resource for the production of cellulose nanofibers. Since a detailed analysis of the AV rind has been lacking, chemical composition of rind was analyzed before processing it into nanofibers. The results showed that AV rind has a high proportion of α‐cellulose (57.72% ± 2.18%). AV rind nanofibers (AVRNF) were prepared using chemi‐mechanical process. The morphological analyses showed that most of the isolated fibers were individual fibers under 20 nm. Crystallinity and degree of polymerization of the obtained AVRNF, and mechanical properties of the nanofibrous film were evaluated and compared with the wood nanofibers. Tensile strength of AVRNF film (102 MPa) was comparatively lower than the wood fibers (132 MPa), which was consistent with the lower crystallinity of AVRNF [crystallinity index (CI) = 0.66] as well as the lower degree of polymerization (DP = 396), compared with wood fibers (CI = 0.90, DP = 1297). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40592.
Synthesis and Characterization of Aminoporphyrin‐End‐Functionalized Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) with Photodynamic and Thermoresponsive Effects
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Yanhui , Qiu Nannan , Cui Guihua , Satoh Toshifumi , Duan Qian 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe novel aminoporphyrin‐end‐functionalized poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) polymer H2N‐TPP‐PNIPAM (TPP=5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphyrin) behaves as a multifunctional platform that displays a photodynamic effect, thermosensitivity, and fluorescence properties. The polymer was designed by using an asymmetrical aminoporphyrin (i.e., H2N‐TPP‐Cl) as the initiator for the atom‐transfer radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The polydispersity index (PDI) obtained by gel‐permeation chromatography indicated that the molecular‐weight distribution was narrow (1.09<PDI<1.27). The lower critical solution temperatures of H2N‐TPP‐PNIPAM showed a decreasing trend as the molecular weight was increased as a result of the incorporation of the porphyrin group at the end of the chain. The fluorescence spectra revealed the luminescent properties of the materials. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the polymer could enter the cytoplasm through endocytosis. In addition, the multifunctional platform exhibited low toxicity against normal cells (L929) and cancer cells (Hela) and enhanced photodynamic activity towards HeLa cells, without significant necrocytosis towards L929 cells; as a result this material may be useful in the future for practical photodynamic therapy.
Production of Electricity during Wastewater Treatment Using Fluidized‐Bed Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Xuyun , Yue Xuehai , Guo Qingjie 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA membrane‐free fluidized‐bed microbial fuel cell (FB‐MFC) was applied to investigate the effects of fluidization parameters on its electrogenesis capacity. Active carbon particles were found to significantly decrease the start‐up time and increase the output voltage of the FB‐MFC. The fluidization behavior of the active carbon particles in the FB‐MFC reactor is one of the key parameters that influence the generation of electricity. With the FB‐MFC operating under optimal conditions, maximum power density with minimal internal resistance of the MFC could be obtained. The FB‐MFC could be operated in large‐scale wastewater treatment processes with high chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies.
Individual differences in the cortisol and salivary α‐amylase awakening responses in early childhood: Relations to age, sex, and sleep
Authors: Bright Melissa A. , Frick Janet E. , Out Dorothee , Granger Douglas A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTRecent studies have examined post‐waking changes in cortisol as a marker of HPA functioning, but questions remain about the stability of this response, as well as its relation to sleep and other ANS markers. The purposes of this study were to a) examine the presence and developmental changes in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and salivary α‐amylase awakening (sAA‐AR) in a toddler sample and b) determine whether and how sleep relates to these responses in this age group. We measured cortisol and sAA upon awakening (and 30 min post‐waking) and sleep characteristics using actigraphy (e.g., total sleep time, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings) in toddlers (N = 47; 36% female, ages 12–24 months). Forty‐six percent of toddlers demonstrated a CAR and 52% demonstrated a sAA‐AR. Strength of either response did not change linearly with age. Additionally, likelihood of demonstrating the CAR and sAA‐AR was unrelated to age, sex, awakening time, time between samples, and time since feeding. Higher waking cortisol levels were associated with a shorter total sleep time and an earlier awakening. No associations were observed between sleep characteristics and the sAA‐AR,ps > .05. Our findings suggest that these awakening responses function independently of sleep in toddlers. Additionally, the lack of change in percentage of children showing a CAR or sAA‐AR across these ages suggests that these responses are stable and not emerging reliably across the second year of life. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1300–1315, 2014.