bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous-flow azide–alkyne cycloadditions with an effective bimetallic catalyst and a simple scavenger system
Authors: Ötvös Sándor B. , Hatoss Gábor , Georgiádes Ádám , Kovács Szabolcs , Mándity István M. , Novák Zoltán , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: September 2014

A continuous-flow technique was utilized for azide–alkyne cycloadditions catalyzed by copper on iron bimetallic system. An iron powder unit was used as a readily available copper scavenger, which turned into an in situ generated copper catalyst after several hours of continuous operation.
Microwave-assisted palladium-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective head to head dimerization of terminal aryl alkynes in water
Authors: Buxaderas Eduardo , Alonso Diego A. , Nájera Carmen
Published: September 2014

A highly regio- and stereoselective oxime palladacycle/imidazolinium-catalyzed head to head dimerization of terminal aryl alkynes in water is presented.
Polylactide-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polylactide thermoplastic elastomers: role of polylactide crystallization and stereocomplexation on microphase separation, mechanical and shape memory properties
Authors: Huang Yongfeng , Pan Pengju , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong
Published: September 2014

PLA–PEB–PLA copolymers containing PLA segments with different stereo-regularities were prepared via the ROP of various lactides using PEB as the macromolecular initiator.
Short-range structure of the brownmillerite-type oxide Ba2In2O5and its hydrated proton-conducting form BaInO3H
Authors: Bielecki Johan , Parker Stewart F. , Ekanayake Dharshani , Rahman Seikh M. H. , Börjesson Lars , Karlsson Maths
Published: September 2014

Raman spectra reveal short-range structure and local coordination of protons in brownmillerite-type oxide Ba2In2O5and its hydrated proton-conducting analogue BaInO3H.
Updating the Wnt pathways
Authors: Yu Jia , Virshup David M.
Published: September 2014

In the three decades since the discovery of the Wnt1 proto-oncogene in virus-induced mouse mammary tumours, our understanding of the signalling pathways that are regulated by the Wnt proteins has progressively expanded. Wnts are involved in an complex signalling network that governs multiple biological processes and cross-talk with multiple additional signalling cascades, including the Notch, FGF (fibroblast growth factor), SHH (Sonic hedgehog), EGF (epidermal growth factor) and Hippo pathways. The Wnt signalling pathway also illustrates the link between abnormal regulation of the developmental processes and disease manifestation. Here we provide an overview of Wnt-regulated signalling cascades and highlight recent advances. We focus on new findings regarding the dedicated Wnt production and secretion pathway with potential therapeutic targets that might be beneficial for patients with Wnt-related diseases.
BMP7 reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic tubulopathy
Authors: Li Rui Xi , Yiu Wai Han , Wu Hao Jia , Wong Dickson W. L. , Chan Loretta Y. Y. , Lin Miao , Leung Joseph C. K. , Lai Kar Neng , Tang Sydney C. W.
Published: September 2014

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) has been reported to confer renoprotective effects in acute and chronic kidney disease models, but its potential role in Type 2 diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. In cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), exposure to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) induced overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), involving activation of p44/42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling. BMP7 dose-dependently attenuated AGE-induced up-regulation of ICAM1, MCP1, IL-8 and IL-6 at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, BMP7 suppressed AGE-induced p38 and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production in PTECs. Compared with vehicle control, uninephrectomized db/db mice treated with BMP7 for 8 weeks had significantly lower urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (3549±816.2 μg/mg compared with 8612±2037 μg/mg, P=0.036), blood urea nitrogen (33.26±1.09 mg/dl compared with 37.49±0.89 mg/dl, P=0.006), and renal cortical expression of ICAM1 and MCP1 at both gene and protein levels. In addition, BMP7-treated animals had significantly less severe tubular damage, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, renal cortical p38 and p44/42 phosphorylation and lipid peroxidation. Our results demonstrate that BMP7 attenuates tubular pro-inflammatory responses in diabetic kidney disease by suppressing oxidative stress and multiple inflammatory signalling pathways including p38 and p44/42 MAPK. Its potential application as a therapeutic molecule in diabetic nephropathy warrants further investigation.
Promoting Self-Efficacy in Patient-Centered Audiologic Rehabilitation for Adults with Hearing Loss
Authors: Smith Sherri L.
Published: September 2014

Self-efficacy is defined as an individual's judgments of their capabilities to perform certain skills necessary to attain a desired outcome or behavior (Bandura, 1986). There is a vast literature across a large range of health conditions that highlights the importance of self-efficacy in the management of chronic health conditions including behaviors related to managing hearing loss and tinnitus (Smith & West, 2006a). The main findings from these studies indicate that patients with higher self-efficacy for managing their chronic health condition tend to be more adherent to treatment plans and have better outcomes than patients with lower self-efficacy. This paper reviews self-efficacy theory and how self-efficacy can be applied to audiologic rehabilitation interventions. Emerging evidence showing that self-efficacy is an essential factor to consider in audiologic rehabilitation for adults is summarized. The way in which individuals formulate self-efficacy beliefs is described and the techniques clinicians can use to promote self-efficacy in audiologic rehabilitation are discussed.
Personal Narratives in Audiologic Rehabilitation
Authors: DiLollo Anthony
Published: September 2014

Person-centered care (PCC) is becoming the foundation for practice in many areas of health care provision, including audiologic rehabilitation. Following the rationale of biopsychosocial models such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, audiologists can enhance their clinical practice to be more person-centered by attending to clients' personal narratives. This article provides audiologists with a starting point for incorporating clients' personal narratives into their audiologic rehabilitation practices to help achieve preferred outcomes.
Si wire waveguide polarisation‐independent wavelength filter using polarisation rotation Bragg grating
Authors: Okayama H. , Onawa Y. , Shimura D. , Takahashi H. , Miyamura S. , Yaegashi H. , Sasaki H.
Published: September 2014

A polarisation‐independent Bragg grating wavelength filter using polarisation rotation is reported. A rib waveguide Bragg grating structure and second‐order mode are used to generate the polarisation rotation. A device connected to polarisation beam splitter (PBS) to obtain a polarisation‐independent device is fabricated. The measured diffraction wavelength peaks were almost the same for both input polarisations.
High‐performance full transparent tin‐doped zinc oxide thin‐film transistors fabricated on glass at low temperatures
Authors: Chen Zhuofa , Han Dedong , Zhao Nannan , Cong Yingying , Wu Jing , Huang Lingling , Dong Junchen , Zhao Feilong , Liu Lifeng , Zhang Shengdong , Zhang Xing , Wang Yi
Published: September 2014

High‐performance full transparent bottom‐gate type tin‐doped zinc oxide thin‐film transistors (TZO TFTs) had been successfully fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering on glass substrates at low temperatures. The effect of O2/Ar gas flow ratio during channel deposition on the electrical properties of TZO TFTs was investigated and an optimised growing condition (O2/Ar gas flow ratio: 8/92) for TZO film as the channel layer was acheived. Excellent device performance was obtained, with a low off‐state current (Ioff) of 10−12 A, a high on/off current ratio of 5 × 107, a high saturation mobility (μs) of 57 cm2/Vs, a steep subthreshold slope of 0.507 V/decade and a threshold voltage (Vth) of 3.5 V. These results highlight that excellent device performance can be realised in TZO film and TZO TFT is a promising candidate for transparent flat panel display.
Application of space–time Trellis codes for multicarrier delay diversity modulation systems
Authors: El‐Mashed M.G. , El‐Rabaie Sayed
Published: September 2014

This study investigates the performance of multicarrier delay diversity modulation (MDDM) systems with both cyclic delay diversity and space–time Trellis code (STTC) techniques and compares its performance with conventional MDDM systems. Deploying STTCs can allow cost efficient and flexible system deployment compared with classical MDDM systems with multiple cyclic delays. In this study, the authors’ propose MDDM systems with both cyclic delay and STTCs. The MDDM system is modelled for two and four transmit antennas. In this study, they compare the performance of the proposed MDDM systems with quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8 phase shift keying (8PSK) and 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) STTCs and compare its results with conventional MDDM systems. The noise variance of the received signals at the MDDM receiver is mathematically derived. The minimum mean square error technique for channel estimation is applied to the proposed MDDM systems. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MDDM systems enhance the performance of classical MDDM systems and give large coding gains compared with the classical case.
Effect of spectrum sensing errors on the performance of bit loading for orthogonal‐frequency‐division‐multiplexing‐based cognitive radio systems
Authors: Mao Minghe , Cao Ning , Chen Yunfei
Published: September 2014

The effect of spectrum sensing errors on the performance of bit loading algorithms in cognitive radio systems based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing is studied in terms of throughput and average bit error rate. Different spectrum sensing parameters and data transmission parameters are examined to evaluate the performance degradation. Numerical results show that the sensing errors cause significant performance degradation and that, when the signal‐to‐noise ratio is high, the inter‐carrier interferences caused by carrier frequency offset are dominant in the performance degradation.
Dynamic user equipment‐based hysteresis‐adjusting algorithm in LTE femtocell networks
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xiao Zhu , Mahato Shyam Babu , Liu Enjie , Allen Ben , Maple Carsten
Published: September 2014

In long‐term evoluation (LTE) femtocell networks, hysteresis is one of the main parameters which affects the performance of handover with a number of unnecessary handovers, including ping‐pong, early, late and incorrect handovers. In this study, the authors propose a hybrid algorithm that aims to obtain the optimised unique hysteresis for an individual mobile user moving at various speeds during the inbound handover process. This algorithm is proposed for two‐tier scenarios with macro and femto. The centralised function in this study evaluates the overall handover performance indicator. Then, the handover aggregate performance indicator (HAPI) is used to determine an optimal configuration. Based on the received reference signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio, the distributed function residing on the user equipment (UE) is able to obtain an optimal unique hysteresis for the individual UE. Theoretical analysis with three indication boundaries is provided to evaluate the proposed algorithm. A system‐level simulation is presented, and the proposed algorithm outperformed the existing approaches in terms of handover failure, call‐drop and redundancy handover ratios and also achieved better overall system performance.
Information weighted consensus‐based distributed particle filter for large‐scale sparse wireless sensor networks
Authors: Tang Wenjun , Zhang Guoliang , Zeng Jing , Yue Yanan
Published: September 2014

To the problem of information fusion estimation for large‐scale sparse wireless sensor networks (WSNs), a novel algorithm, named the information weighted consensus‐based distributed particle filter, is presented. The proposed filter can avoid the divergence of the consensus error introduced by the naive nodes in the large‐scale sparse WSNs. This is achieved by embedding an information weighted local particle filter (LPF) and a weighted‐average consensus filter as the underlying filter and the top filter, respectively in each sensor node. The information weighted LPF will enable the weighted‐average consensus filter to be used in the information space to communicate the information matrix and information state in a distributed fashion. And the weighted‐average consensus filter will guarantee that a weighted average consensus for all initial states can be reached with some consensus error, which will not be divergent. Moreover, at the same time, the cross correlation between each pair of networked nodes can be approximately computed, which will further inhibit the divergence among the local estimated states of the filters embedded in each node. Finally, some examples are presented to illustrate the reasonability of the theoretical derivation.
Faulty measurements impact on wireless local area network positioning performance
Authors: Morales Jafet Aaron , Akopian David , Agaian Sos
Published: September 2014

Indoor positioning methods based on wireless local area network (WLAN) signal measurements have gained popularity because of high localisation accuracy. These methods use radio‐maps obtained from wireless signal measurement surveys on location grids. Measurement sets from various WLAN access points are called fingerprints and they can be used to identify locations where the measurements are collected. WLAN positioning methods face unexpected changes in signal patterns because of attenuation changes or transient faults in WLAN cards or access points that often make signal strength readings unavailable. This study studies the effect of faulty measurements on the performance of popular state‐of‐the‐art WLAN indoor positioning methods. Additionally, an integrity monitoring preprocessing algorithm is provided that demonstrates a possibility of faulty measurements mitigation for conventional methods such as K‐nearest‐neighbour. This is achieved by detecting and excluding faulty measurements prior to classification. Performance figures are provided for both simulated and empirical environments.
Moving target detection for polarimetric multiple‐input multiple‐output radar in Gaussian clutter
Authors: Li Na , Cui Guolong , Kong Lingjiang , Liu Qing Huo
Published: September 2014

This study deals with the problem of moving target detection (MTD) for polarimetric multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar in the presence of Gaussian clutter. The authors extend the framework for MTD with MIMO radar to a generic number polarisation channels case. Within the polarimetric framework, the new generalised likelihood ratio test for moving target is first proposed. Then, the target velocity estimation problem is investigated. The maximum‐likelihood (ML) estimator for target velocity is developed, and the corresponding Cramer–Rao bound is derived which serves as a benchmark of the estimation performance. Next, the adaptive version of the new polarimetric detector is considered. The covariance matrix is estimated using the sample covariance matrix and the model‐based strategies based on the secondary data. Finally, several numerical simulations of the proposed polarimetric detector and ML estimator with typical parameters are obtained and discussed.
Studies on the electrochemical properties of nickel phtalocyanine for impedimetric detection of environment pollutants: hydroquinone and bisphenol A
Authors: Zahou Imène , Mlika Rym , BenChaabane Rafik , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole , BenOuada Hafedh
Published: September 2014

A self‐assembled film of nickel phtalocyanine (NiPc) has been immobilised onto gold (Au) substrate to develop a new impedimetric method for environmental pollutants detection. NiPc/Au electrode was first characterised using contact angle measurements and cyclic voltammetry to investigate the adhesion and the kinetic behaviour of the self‐assembled film. Results demonstrated the interaction between Au and benzene group and at the same time showed the formation of a completely covered NiPc layer on the Au surface. In addition, the NiPc film seems to exhibit reversible redox behaviour and is found to act as an electronic conductor which allows rapid electron transfer. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy spectra of the NiPc/Au electrode, as a function of hydroquinone (HQ) and Bisphenol A (BPA) concentration, reveal that the value of the charge transfer resistance increases with increased concentration. The electrical behaviour of the structure was studied according to an equivalent circuit by ﬁtting the experimental spectra. Moreover, this technique demonstrates that this membrane exhibits a high sensitivity towards the toxic pollutants HQ and BPA. The differences in selectivity are clearly displayed by variations in the membrane resistance (Rm) and in the charge transfer resistance (Rtc) of the interface.
Spontaneous Bone Healing after Cysts Enucleation without Bone Grafting Materials: A Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Rubio EduardoDaniel , Mombrú CarlosMariano
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate spontaneous bone regeneration after cysts enucleation of the jaws without the use of bone grafting materials. We included 18 patients at random (11 men and 7 women) with a mean age of 31.8 years, with jaw cysts treated by enucleation, without the use of grafting materials. A method of measurements to assess the percentage of reduction of the bone cavities was used to objectify the results. The patients were evaluated before and at least 6 months after surgery, with radiographic scans based on linear measures with a computerized method using Nemoceph program (Nemotec, NemoCeph Software, Madrid, España). The analysis of the sample shows an average of 85.59% decrease in horizontal measures, 89.53% in the vertical, and 88.98 and 89.81% in the diagonal left and right, respectively. The total average reduction was 88.47%. It showed a greater decrease in vertical and diagonal measurements with respect to horizontal. Regeneration in 12 patients was 100% and in 6 patients was higher at 50.4%. Bone density increased in the postoperative radiographs. The results suggest that in some cases, spontaneous bone regeneration can be achieved by cysts enucleation without bone grafting materials.
Successful Treatment of the Traumatic Orbital Apex Syndrome due to Direct Bone Compression
Authors: Imaizumi Atsushi , Ishida Kunihiro , Ishikawa Yasunari , Nakayoshi Izuru
Published: September 2014

Orbital apex syndrome is an uncommon but severe ocular complication of craniomaxillofacial fracture. The optimal treatment strategy for this very rare traumatic syndrome has not been well established. We present a case in which traumatic orbital apex syndrome was caused by direct compression from the displaced fracture segments. Visual and extraocular function both improved quickly after emergency decompression surgery. This case suggests that managing the direct type of traumatic orbital apex syndrome with craniomaxillofacial fracture with a combination of urgent reduction of impinging bone and decompression of affected nerves is an effective strategy.
Plane of nutrition of Corriedale ewe lambs from foetal life to the onset of breeding affects weight at service and reproductive outcome
Authors: Piaggio L. , Deschenaux H. , Baldi F. , Fierro S. , Quintans G. , Banchero G.
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to identify periods in the life (foetal and postnatal) of Corriedale ewe lambs where different nutrition levels can affect bodyweight at breeding and pregnancy rate in their first year of life. The effect of three different phases of nutrition on the growth and pregnancy rate (n = 133) of Corriedale ewe lambs of 7 months of age were evaluated. Phase 1 included the last phase of gestation of their mothers (30 last days of gestation, Day –30; partum = Day 0) until marking (Day 24). Phase 2 was between marking and weaning (Day 114) and phase 3 between weaning to the onset of breeding (Day 207). For phase 1, 350 adult ewes had access to improved pastures (phase 1, H) or native pastures (phase 1, L). After lambing, all ewes and their lambs were offered native pastures. After marking only ewes bearing females lambs were kept. In phase 2, 67 lambs born to H and 66 lambs born to L ewes were sorted in two new treatments: access to native pastures supplemented with ~1% of their bodyweight with soybean meal (phase 2, H) or access to native pastures alone (phase 2, L). In phase 3, each of the lambs of the four treatments applied during phase 2 were sorted in two new treatments: access to improved pastures (phase 3, H) or native pastures supplemented with 0.7% of liveweight with soybean meal (phase 3, L). Breeding period lasted 41 days and pregnancy diagnosis was performed 86 days after the onset of breeding. The pregnancy rate varied from 0% to 47%. Phase 3 of nutrition was the only phase that affected pregnancy rate (28% vs. 10% for female lambs offered H and L plane of nutrition respectively; P = 0.005). A discriminative analysis demonstrated that the liveweight at breeding was the only variable that affected the success of pregnancy in ewe lambs (P = 0.0025). Moreover, the ewe lambs that were heavier at the onset of breeding (more than 35 kg or in average 38 kg) were the most successful to get pregnant (35% of pregnancy for lambs over 35 kg and 13% for lambs under 35 kg, P = 0.0044). In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, the most important parameters to explain successful pregnancy of ewe lambs were the growth rate after weaning, and the liveweight at the onset of breeding.
Polymerisation effects of four microsatellites on litter size in Xinong Saanen goats
Authors: Hou J. X. , Wang J. G. , An X. P. , Zhu G. Q. , Cao B. Y.
Published: September 2014

In this study, the polymerisation effects of four microsatellites (OarAE101, BM1329, BM143 and LSCV043) on litter size in Xinong Saanen goats were analysed by means of microsatellite marker and pedigrees, then associations between combined genotypes and litter size were performed. The results indicate that the individuals with A5A1B10B5C5C1D6D2 (3.10 ± 0.07) had greater litter sizes than those with other combined genotypes in terms of average parity (P < 0.05). Comparing A5A1B10B5C5C1D6D2 with A7A2B10B5C5C1D6D2, the polymerisation effect value of the A5A1 genotype litter size was 18.09% higher than that of the A7A2 genotype. Comparing A5A1B6B1C6C1D6D2 of the F1 generation with A5A1B6B1C7C3D6D2 of the F2 generation, it was shown that the polymerisation effect value of the C6C1 genotype was 37.93% higher than that of the C7C3 genotype. Comparing A5A1B6B1C8C4D4D1 of the F1 generation with A5A1B6B1C8C4D9D5 of the F2 generation, it was shown that the polymerisation effect value of the D4D1 genotype was 68.07% higher than that of the D9D5 genotype. These results suggested that A5A1B10B5C5C1D6D2 is a useful marker affecting caprine litter size.
Dietary supplementation with sunflower seeds and vitamin E for fattening lambs improves the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of the Longissimus lumborum
Authors: Alves de Almeida Fabiana , Sobrinho Américo Garcia da Silva , Manzi Gabriela Milani , Lima Natália Ludmila Lins , Endo Viviane , Zeola Nivea Maria Brancacci Lopes
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with sunflower seeds and vitamin E for fattening lambs, on the chemical composition, cholesterol, vitamin E level, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation of meat from sheep. Four treatments were evaluated, as follows: SC – basal diet consisting of sugarcane + concentrate; SCS – basal diet supplemented with sunflower seed; SCE – basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg vitamin E; SCSE – basal diet supplemented with sunflower seed and 1000 mg vitamin E. The Longissimus lumborum muscle of 32 Ile de France lambs, which were slaughtered when their bodyweight reached 32 kg, was used. The chemical composition of the lamb meat was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the treatments. Sunflower seed supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the levels of linoleic acid, vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid. Inclusion of vitamin E in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of vitamin E in the meat while decreasing lipid oxidation. Considering the current demand for healthy foods, inclusion of sunflower seeds and vitamin E in the diet of sheep is a viable possibility.
Gossypol was not detected in the longissimus muscle of lambs fed several forms of cottonseed
Authors: Viana P. G. , Lima P. M. T. , Paim T. P. , Souza J. R. , Dantas A. M. M. , Pereira E. F. , Gonçalves V. , McManus C. , Abdalla A. L. , Louvandini H.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth performance, carcass characteristics, 12th rib tissue composition, haematological and serum biochemical parameters, as well as the presence of gossypol residues in the meat of Santa Inês lambs fed cotton crop by-products. For an experimental period of 90 days, 24 intact male Santa Inês lambs (bodyweight (BW): 20.6 ± 1.9 kg; 4 months old) were fed a 50 : 50 forage : concentrate diets fed ad libitum. Chopped Coast cross (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) hay was used as forage. The animals were then allocated into four treatments, according to the cotton crop by-product included in the concentrate formulation: Control (CON) – No cotton crop by-product used in formulation; Whole cottonseed (WCS); Cottonseed cake (CSC); and Cottonseed meal (CSM). The animals were weighed and blood collected every 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, the lambs were slaughtered and the evaluations of carcass characteristics, 12th rib tissue composition and presence of gossypol residues in the meat were carried out. Dry matter intake was higher (P < 0.05) for the diets containing cotton crop by-products, but BW gains were not different (P > 0.05). Despite these results the animals fed the highest level of gossypol (WCS) had lower (P < 0.05) carcass yield resulting in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight, suggesting a possible negative effect of gossypol on carcass development. Serum urea was elevated on all treatments including CON, otherwise haematological and biochemical parameters were within reference ranges. No gossypol residues in meat were detected by the method used here, which had a minimum detection limit of 20 ppb. It is concluded that the cotton crop by-products may have impaired carcass production but did not leave gossypol residues in lamb meat.
Dietary phosphate equivalence of four forms of Pi contrasted with a novel microbial phytase from Citrobacter braakii in broiler chickens
Authors: Cowieson A. J. , Fru-Nji F. , Adeola O.
Published: September 2014

Two 21-day studies were conducted with broilers to evaluate the efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase from Citrobacter braakii and compare four Pi sources. The four sources were phosphates of monocalcium (MCP), dicalcium (DCP), tricalcium (TCP) with potassium phosphate (KH2PO4) acting as a ‘positive control’ reference. In each study, 336 4-day-old male birds (Ross 708) were blocked based on initial bodyweight (BW) and randomly allotted to one of seven diets with six replicate cages of eight birds each. Access to experimental diets and water from Days 4 to 25 post-hatching was ad libitum. In the first study, the seven diets were: (1) a low-P negative control (NC) corn-soybean meal basal diet formulated to contain crude protein (CP), Ca, total P, and non-phytate P (nPP) at 218, 9.0, 4.5, and 2.0 g/kg, respectively; (2) NC plus 0.75 g Pi from KH2PO4/kg; (3) NC plus 0.75 g Pi from MCP/kg; (4) NC plus 0.75 g Pi from DCP/kg; (5) NC plus 0.75 g Pi from TCP/kg; (6) NC plus phytase at 500 FYT/kg; (7) NC plus phytase at 1000 FYT/kg. Feeding the low-P NC diet reduced (P < 0.01) BW gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and tibia ash. Supplementing the NC with Pi or phytase linearly improved (P < 0.01) BWG, FI, and tibia ash. Supplementing the NC with 0.75 g/kg Pi from MCP, DCP, or TCP were equipotent in improving BWG and FI; however, percent tibia ash was higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed MCP than either DCP or TCP. The second study was similar to the first study except that Ca, total P, and nPP in the NC were reduced to 7.0, 4.2, and 1.8 g/kg, respectively; and Pi from MCP, DCP, and TCP were reduced to 0.6 g/kg. Similar to observations in the first study, the low-P NC diet reduced (P < 0.01) BWG, FI, and tibia ash; and supplementing the NC with Pi or phytase linearly improved (P < 0.01) BWG, FI, P digestibility and tibia ash. Furthermore, supplementing the NC with 0.75 g Pi from MCP, DCP, or TCP per kg diet were equipotent in improving BWG, FI, and tibia ash though MCP resulted in superior (P < 0.05) retention of P compared with TCP. Results from both studies showed that the phytase was efficacious in releasing phytate-P for growth and bone mineralisation in chickens compensating, at least, the spared Pi, and that Pi sources commonly used in formulating diets of chickens may be different in their potential to supply digestible P.
Improved groundwater geogenic arsenic hazard map for Cambodia
Authors: Sovann C. , Polya D. A.
Published: September 2014

Environmental context Groundwater arsenic is a major environmental risk to human health in many regions of the world, including Cambodia where groundwater is often used for drinking water. We present data for hitherto poorly sampled regions in Cambodia, notably around Tonle Sap and in the coastal provinces, and provide a geo-statistical model of arsenic in shallow groundwater for the whole country. Abstract Arsenic is a known environmental chemical hazard in shallow groundwaters of Cambodia and is increasingly recognised as a major problem for public health. Notwithstanding this, accurate arsenic data are not available for many wells in potentially arsenic-prone areas, particularly around the Tonle Sap Great Lake (TSL) and in the coastal provinces (CP). We present here new data for shallow groundwater (16–120-m depth) arsenic in the TSL and CP regions as well as an improved regression-kriging (RK) based groundwater arsenic hazard map for the whole country. High arsenic levels (up to 100μgL–1) were found in shallow groundwaters from the TSL and CP regions of Cambodia, but despite strong compositional similarities (near neutral, reducing, Na-Mg-Ca-HCO3 dominated) with high arsenic level groundwaters near the Mekong and Bassac rivers, groundwater arsenic levels in both the TSL and CP regions were most commonly low (interquartile range 0.09–1.2μgL–1). The RK geostatistical model was highly successful, accounting for over 50% of the observed variation in arsenic concentrations countrywide and represents a potentially useful tool for policymakers and those responsible and with the interest and authority to prepare arsenic mitigation and safe water supply plans.
Dissolution of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles under natural freshwater conditions
Authors: Odzak Niksa , Kistler David , Behra Renata , Sigg Laura
Published: September 2014

Environmental context
Engineered nanomaterials (e.g. silver, zinc oxide and copper oxide) are being widely used in many consumer products such as cosmetics, food packaging and textiles. During their usage and treatment, they will be released to natural waters and partly dissolve, depending on the water type and nanomaterial characteristics. These nanomaterials may thus have some toxic effects to aquatic organisms and indirectly to humans because of higher concentrations of dissolved silver, zinc and copper in natural waters.

Abstract
The dissolution of some widely used nanoparticles (NPs), Ag (citrate coated), ZnO, CuO and Cu-carbon coated (Cu/C), has been studied over a period of 9 days in five different natural waters: wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP Dübendorf) and lakes Greifen, Lucerne, Gruère and Cristallina. These waters differ in ionic strength, pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The dissolved fraction of metals from NPs was determined using DGT (diffusion gradients in thin films) and ultrafiltration (UF). ZnO-NPs and CuO-NPs dissolved to a large extent in all waters, whereas the dissolved fraction was much smaller in the case of Cu/C and Ag-NPs. All NPs dissolved to a larger extent in water from Lake Cristallina with low pH, low ionic strength and low DOC. Ag-NP dissolution was favoured at low ionic strength and low pH, whereas dissolution of CuO-NPs was mostly dependent on pH. Cu/C-NPs strongly agglomerated and sedimented and yielded low dissolved Cu concentrations. DGT and UF produced similar results, although these two methods differ in the measurement time scale. The results of this study indicate that dissolution is an important process for these NPs under conditions of natural waters or wastewaters.
Effects of light conditions and plant density on growth and reproductive biology of Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold
Authors: Bebawi Faiz F. , Campbell Shane D. , Mayer Robert J.
Published: September 2014

Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold (Apocynaceae) is an invasive woody weed that has formed large infestations at several locations in northern Australia. Understanding the reproductive biology of C. thevetia is vital to its management. This paper reports results of a shade house experiment that determined the effects of light conditions (100% or 30% of natural light) and plant densities (one, two, four or eight plants per plot) on the growth, time to flowering and seed formation, and monthly pod production of two C. thevetia biotypes (peach and yellow). Shaded plants were significantly larger when they reached reproductive maturity than plants grown under natural light. However, plants grown under natural light flowered earlier (268 days compared with 369 days) and produced 488 more pods per pot (a 5-fold increase) over 3 years. The yellow biotype was slightly taller at reproductive maturity but significantly taller and with significantly greater aboveground biomass at the end of the study. Both biotypes flowered at a similar time under natural light and low plant densities but the yellow biotype was quicker to seed (478 versus 498 days), produced significantly more pods (364 versus 203 pods) and more shoot growth (577 g versus 550 g) than the peach biotype over 3 years. Higher densities of C. thevetia tended to significantly reduce the shoot and root growth by 981 g and 714 g per plant across all light conditions and biotypes over 3 years and increase the time taken to flower by 140 days and produce seeds by 184 days. For land managers trying to prevent establishment of C. thevetia or to control seedling regrowth once initial infestations have been treated, this study indicates that young plants have the potential to flower and produce seeds within 268 and 353 days, respectively. However, with plant growth and reproduction most likely to be slower under field conditions, annual surveillance and control activities should be sufficient to find and treat plants before they produce seeds and replenish soil seed banks. The most at-risk part of the landscape may be open areas that receive maximum sunlight, particularly within riparian habitats where plants would consistently have more favourable soil moisture conditions.
?Léxico, polifonía y traducción
Authors: Morillas Esther
Published: September 2014

In this article, we will reflect on the problems dealing with the translation of the lexis in contemporary literary texts. We will also study how lexis is the immediate reflection of the polyphony that prevails in the current narrative. In order to do this, first of all we will analyse the characteristics of the novels currently being published in Italy. Once we have established that lexical hybridization is one of the main ways of writing in many contemporary literatures (other than Italian), we shall go on to deal with the problems that arise during the translation of non-standard lexis.
Assuming that lexis is something that cannot be isolated from the rest of the text, and that other aspects, such as morphosyntax, must be always taken into account, we will study some examples from the translation into Spanish (by Xavier González Rovira) of Melania G. Mazzucco’s novel Un giorno perfetto, where the variety of the protagonists’ voices is clearly apparent. In order to maintain this polyphony, it will be necessary (apart from translating the mere meaning of a word or expression) to find equivalents for a specific register, as well as a style and some particular connotations that reflect the different ways of speaking found in Mazzucco’s work.
Subtitle reading speed
Authors: Ferriol José Luis Martí
Published: September 2014

This article presents a new tool which has been developed in order to make reading speed calculations, and whose results are expressed by means of the two parameters most used in the field: CPS (characters per second) and WPM (words per minute). Topics such as the suitability of each one of the parameters versus the other, the potential correlation which may exist among them, as well as their behavior across different languages are open to discussion in the very limited available bibliography on the subject.
It seems that part of this confusion has spread over to commercial subtitling programs, most of which present values for either one or both parameters to the final user. It has been confirmed that different subtitling software programs calculate different reading speed values (both in CPS and WPM) for the same set of subtitles. Due to this, a very simple software application which calculates values for CPS and WPM is presented. It has been willingly designed to make no assumptions, but simply to count characters and to make very straightforward time algebra with the subtitle in and out times. The new tool allows for empirical and quantitative research of large series of subtitles at a time, and it may also play an important role in the classroom environment.
The translation of legal agreements and ­contracts from Japanese into English
Authors: Fujii Yasunari
Published: September 2014

This article provides evidence for the applicability of free translation to legal texts, based on an examination of actual cases of Japanese-to-English translation of agreements and contracts in which problems arise from literal translation. The data analysis shows that pitfalls associated with literal translation are attributable to not only the difficulty of finding terminological equivalents that inevitably arises from the differences in the Japanese and American legal and cultural systems, but also to the importance of preserving the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation that is found in Japanese business transactions. It is also postulated that general linguistic and interpretive problems inherent in Japanese-to-English translation of nontechnical texts, including redundancy, ambiguity, propensity for nonspecific statements, and the lack of linguistic clues (e.g., indicators of number), have fundamental, but not well understood, implications for legal translation. The conclusions indicate the need for an integrated approach to legal translation practice that uses both literal and free translations, taking into full account the linguistic, cultural, and legal factors at work in the translation process.
Interactivities, intersubjectivities and language
Authors: Linell Per
Published: September 2014

This theoretical paper deals with intersubjectivity and interactivity in relation to language and sense-making. It starts out from a critical discussion of certain proposals regarding the nature and localisation of language, that is, radical versions of individualism and collectivism. The conclusion is that both are untenable. Instead, we must assume that language originates and lives in interactivities between sense-making people. Such an ‘interactionism’ is close to dialogism.

The bulk of the paper is devoted to the relations between interactivities and intersubjectivities. Adducing arguments from a cross-disciplinary approach to language and languaging, we end up with a conclusion that interactivities are more basic than both intersubjectivities and linguistic dialogue. In the summarising discussion the paper suggests some foundations for a dynamic and dialogical language science, as an antidote to formal linguistics.
Telling it like it is or just telling a good story?
Authors: Bull Peter , Negrine Ralph , Hawn Katie
Published: September 2014

According to recent research, there has been a marked shift in television new journalism from a fact-based to a more interpretive style, through editing techniques such as de-contextualization and re-contextualization. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such techniques might be identified in British news bulletins, broadcast during the parliamentary expenses scandal of 2009. Audio-visual clips utilized by more than one television channel were identified, in order to analyze the interpretation of identical audio-visual content across different news bulletins. In addition, clips taken from House of Commons debates were checked against Hansard (the written record of all parliamentary proceedings). Specific editing techniques identified were: contextualization before and after an utterance; interpolation; and the creation of imaginary dialogues. News bulletins were conceptualized as a form of narrative, with politicians as actors, political journalists as narrators, and clips from different political events edited into the overall framework of an interpretive storyline.
Formulations in dialogic facilitation of classroom interactions
Authors: Baraldi Claudio
Published: September 2014

Formulations are turns of talk that address both interlocutors’ perspectives (in previous turns) and participation (in subsequent turns). This paper examines formulations in interactions, taking place during classroom workshops held with children aged 10–13 and coordinated by facilitators. The analysis shows the ways in which facilitators’ formulations combine reference to the children’s previous statements with the projection of children’s positioning, thus creating different opportunities for children’s active participation and dialogic forms of communication. In the context taken into consideration, formulations can have five different functions: revoicing; promoting assessments of children’s performances; promoting diverging opinions about controversial issues; supporting children’s expressions of emotional experiences and rapport; concluding interactions by asserting shared values (upshot formulations). The analysis reveals that, in achieving different functions, formulations can take different forms, displaying and enhancing different forms of expectations and positioning, with different consequences on dialogic forms of communication.
Humor understanding and knowledge
Authors: Canestrari Carla , Dionigi Alberto , Zuczkowski Andrzej
Published: September 2014

According to the cognitive approach to humour, understanding of humorous texts implies a moment of surprise, even confusion of thought, produced by the recognition of an incongruity, defined as an incoherent piece of the text. The problem solving activity involved in humor understanding aims at resolving the incongruity. Our goal is to contribute to better define the surprise experience by describing its epistemic and evidential aspects. The tested hypothesis, verified through “thinking aloud method” and the descriptive tools provided by the Known-Unknown-Believed theory, is that this phase of humor understanding is linked to the worlds of knowledge of unknown and believed, referred to by means of consistent linguistic markers. The hypothesis resulted to be confirmed both for jokes and cartoons.
Religiosity as a Predictor of Adolescents’ Substance use Disorder Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Yeterian Julie D. , Bursik Krisanne , Kelly John F.
Published: September 2014

Background

A growing body of research on adults with substance use disorders (SUDs) suggests that higher levels of religiosity and/or spirituality are associated with better treatment outcomes. However, investigation into the role of religiosity and spirituality in adolescent SUD treatment response remains scarce. The present study examines religiosity as a predictor of treatment outcomes in an adolescent sample, with alcohol/other drug problem recognition as a hypothesized moderator of this relationship. Problem recognition was selected as a moderator in an attempt to identify a subset of adolescents who would be more likely to use religious resources when attempting to change their substance use.

Methods

One hundred twenty-seven outpatient adolescents aged 14 to 19 ( Mage = 16.7, SD = 1.2, 24% female) were followed for 1 year after treatment intake. Growth curve analyses were used to assess the impact of baseline religiosity and problem recognition on subsequent abstinence rates, drug-related consequences, and psychological distress.

Results

On average, abstinence did not change significantly during the follow-up period, whereas drug-related consequences and psychological distress decreased significantly. Religiosity did not predict changes in abstinence or psychological distress over time. Religiosity did predict reductions in drug-related consequences over time ( b = −0.20, t = −2.18, P = .03). However, when problem recognition was added to the model, the impact of religiosity on consequences became nonsignificant, and there was no interaction between religiosity and problem recognition on consequences.

Conclusions

The main hypothesis was largely unsupported. Possible explanations include that the sample was low in religiosity and few participants were actively seeking sobriety at treatment intake. Findings suggest adolescent outpatients with SUD may differ from their adult counterparts in the role that religiosity plays in recovery.
Conserved and Distinct Functions of the “Stunted” (StuA)-Homolog Ust1 During Cell Differentiation in the Corn Smut Fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Baeza-Montañez Lourdes , Gold Scott E. , Espeso Eduardo A. , García-Pedrajas María D.
Published: September 2014

Ustilago maydis, causal agent of corn smut, can proliferate saprobically in a yeast form but its infectious filamentous form is an obligate parasite. Previously, we showed that Ust1, the first APSES (Asm1p, Phd1p, Sok2p, Efg1p, and StuAp) transcription factor functionally characterized in the phylum Basidiomycota, controlled morphogenesis and virulence in this species. Here, we further analyzed Ust1 function using multiple experimental approaches and determined that i) Ust1 activity was able to partially reverse stuA− conidiophore defects in Aspergillus nidulans; ii) in U. maydis, normal development and virulence were strongly dependent on precise induction or repression of Ust1 activity; iii) consistent with its role as a transcription factor regulating multiple processes, Ust1 accumulated in the nucleus at various stages of the life cycle; iv) however, it was undetectable at specific stages of pathogenic growth, indicating that Ust1 repression is part of normal development in planta; v) StuA response elements upstream of the ust1 open reading frame exhibited affinity for U. maydis DNA-binding proteins; vi) however, loss of regulated ust1 transcription had minor phenotypic effects; and vii) Ust1 was subject to post-translational phosphorylation but is not a target of cAMP signaling. Thus, the broad functional conservation between Ust1 and Ascomycota APSES proteins does not extend to the mechanisms regulating their activity.