bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical experimental research on adaptive robot-aided therapy control methods for upper-limb rehabilitation
Authors: Xu Guozheng , Song Aiguo , Pan Lizheng , Gao Xiang , Liang Zhiwei , Li Jinfei , Xu Baoguo
Published: January 2014

This study presents novel robotic therapy control algorithms for upper-limb rehabilitation, using newly developed passive and progressive resistance therapy modes. A fuzzy-logic based proportional-integral-derivative (PID) position control strategy, integrating a patient's biomechanical feedback into the control loop, is proposed for passive movements. This allows the robot to smoothly stretch the impaired limb through increasingly rigorous training trajectories. A fuzzy adaptive impedance force controller is addressed in the progressive resistance muscle strength training and the adaptive resistive force is generated according to the impaired limb's muscle strength recovery level, characterized by the online estimated impaired limb's bio-damping and bio-stiffness. The proposed methods are verified with a custom constructed therapeutic robot system featuring a Barrett WAM™ compliant manipulator. Twenty-four recruited stroke subjects were randomly allocated in experimental and control groups and enrolled in a 20-week rehabilitation training program. Preliminary results show that the proposed therapy control strategies can not only improve the impaired limb's joint range of motion but also enhance its muscle strength.
Children's perception of foreign-accented words
Authors: BENT TESSA
Published: January 2014

The acoustic-phonetic realizations of words can vary dramatically depending on a variety of within- and across-talker characteristics such as regional dialect, native language, age, and gender. Robust word learning requires that children are able to recognize words amidst this substantial variability. In the current study, perception of foreign-accented words was assessed in four- to seven-year-old children to test how one form of variability influences word recognition in children. Results demonstrated that children had less accurate word recognition than adults for both native- and foreign-accented words. Both adults and children were less accurate at identifying foreign-accented words compared to native-accented words with children and adults showing similar decrements. For children, age and lexicon size contributed to accurate word recognition.
Repair of idiopathic ascending aortic aneurysm in a 7-year-old child
Authors: Karthekeyan Baskar R. , Vakamudi Mahesh , Thangavel Periyasamy
Published: January 2014

Ascending aortic aneurysm is uncommon in the paediatric population, and because of the rarity the aetiology, natural progression, and prognosis of the disease remain unknown. A 7-year-old boy with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (60×67 mm) underwent graft anastomosis from the sinotubular junction to the undersurface of the arch. Analytical determinations including karyotyping and genetic mapping were all normal. To our knowledge, idiopathic aneurysm of the ascending aorta in children is very rare.
EBSD Analysis of Tungsten-Filament Carburization During the Hot-Wire CVD of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Oliphant Clive J. , Arendse Christopher J. , Camagu Sigqibo T. , Swart Hendrik
Published: January 2014

Filament condition during hot-wire chemical vapor deposition conditions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is a major concern for a stable deposition process. We report on the novel application of electron backscatter diffraction to characterize the carburization of tungsten filaments. During the synthesis, the W-filaments transform to W2C and WC. W-carbide growth followed a parabolic behavior corresponding to the diffusion of C as the rate-determining step. The grain size of W, W2C, and WC increases with longer exposure time and increasing filament temperature. The grain size of the recrystallizing W-core and W2C phase grows from the perimeter inwardly and this phenomenon is enhanced at filament temperatures in excess of 1,400°C. Cracks appear at filament temperatures >1,600°C, accompanied by a reduction in the filament operational lifetime. The increase of the W2C and recrystallized W-core grain size from the perimeter inwardly is ascribed to a thermal gradient within the filament, which in turn influences the hardness measurements and crack formation.
An Inexpensive Approach for Bright-Field and Dark-Field Imaging by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Patel Binay , Watanabe Masashi
Published: January 2014

Scanning transmission electron microscopy in scanning electron microscopy (STEM-in-SEM) is a convenient technique for soft materials characterization. Various specimen-holder geometries and detector arrangements have been used for bright-field (BF) STEM-in-SEM imaging. In this study, to further the characterization potential of STEM-IN-SEM, a new specimen holder has been developed to facilitate direct detection of BF signals and indirect detection of dark-field (DF) signals without the need for substantial instrument modification. DF imaging is conducted with the use of a gold (Au)-coated copper (Cu) plate attached to the specimen holder which directs highly scattered transmitted electrons to an off-axis yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) detector. A hole in the copper plate allows for BF imaging with a transmission electron (TE) detector. The inclusion of an Au-coated Cu plate enhanced DF signal intensity. Experiments validating the acquisition of true DF signals revealed that atomic number (Z) contrast may be achieved for materials with large lattice spacing. However, materials with small lattice spacing still exhibit diffraction contrast effects in this approach. The calculated theoretical fine probe size is 1.8 nm. At 30 kV, in this indirect approach, DF spatial resolution is limited to 3.2 nm as confirmed experimentally.
Hilfreiche und belastende Faktoren im Umgang mit COPD bei Patienten und ihren Partnern – eine qualitative Studie.
Authors: Binder Marielle , Mörgeli Hanspeter , Meier Caroline , Witzemann Lucia , Drabe Natalie , Jenewein Josef
Published: January 2014

Zielsetzung: Eine Analyse der hilfreichen und belastenden Faktoren im Umgang mit COPD (chronisch-obstruktive Lungenkrankheit) bei Patienten und deren Partner. Methode: Neun COPD-Patienten und deren Partner wurden in einem semistrukturierten Interview befragt. Mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse wurden die transkribierten Antworten ausgewertet. Resultate: Die professionelle Unterstützung erleben Patienten und Partner als hilfreich. Die Unterstützung durch den Partner scheint für die Patienten besonders hilfreich. Als belastender Faktor wurden von Patienten und Partnern häufig psychische Probleme genannt. Bei den Patienten standen zudem körperliche Einschränkungen im Vordergrund. Partner erwähnten ausserdem Konflikte mit dem Patienten. Schlussfolgerung: Partner von COPD-Patienten scheinen bei der Bewältigung eine wichtige Rolle zu spielen, sind gleichzeitig aber auch selbst häufig psychisch belastet. Sie sollten deshalb vermehrt in die Behandlung miteinbezogen werden.
Langzeitbetreuung von Menschen mit Querschnittslähmung – Vorsorge und Nachsorge
Authors: Spreyermann Regula , Michel Franz
Published: January 2014

Eine Rückenmarksschädigung verursacht eine Querschnittslähmung mit Motorik- und Sensibilitätsstörung, betrifft aber auch die inneren Organe und Stoffwechselvorgänge. Fallbeispiele zeigen auf, dass die nur teilweise vorhandene oder fehlende Sensibilität und Schmerzwahrnehmung die Interpretation von Symptomen erschwert. Das Wissen um die spezifischen Probleme im Langzeitverlauf und die Komplikationen nach einer Querschnittslähmung führte zur Entwicklung von umfassenden paraplegiologischen Standortbestimmungen, die alle Aspekte der Gesundheit erfassen: die Körperfunktionen, die psychosoziale Situation, die Kontextfaktoren und den Rehabilitationszustand. Auf Basis der Untersuchungsbefunde werden gemeinsam mit den Betroffenen die rehabilitativen Ziele zur Erhaltung der Selbständigkeit vereinbart und die Vorschläge zur Erhaltung und Verbesserung des Gesundheitszustandes diskutiert. Das aktualisierte Konzept der Vorsorge und Nachsorge für Querschnittgelähmte, berücksichtigt die spezifischen Probleme dieser Patienten.
PPAR Agonist-Mediated Protection against HIV Tat-Induced Cerebrovascular Toxicity is Enhanced in MMP-9-Deficient Mice
Authors: Huang Wen , Chen Lei , Zhang Bei , Park Minseon , Toborek Michal
Published: January 2014

The strategies to protect against the disrupted blood–brain barrier (BBB) in HIV-1 infection are not well developed. Therefore, we investigated the potential of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists to prevent enhanced BBB permeability induced by HIV-1-specific protein Tat. Exposure to Tat via the internal carotid artery (ICA) disrupted permeability across the BBB; however, this effect was attenuated in mice treated with fenofibrate (PPAR α agonist) or rosiglitazone (PPAR γ agonist). In contrast, exposure to GW9662 (PPAR γ antagonist) exacerbated Tat-induced disruption of the BBB integrity. Increased BBB permeability was associated with decreased tight junction (TJ) protein expression and activation of ERK1/2 and Akt in brain microvessels; these effects were attenuated by cotreatment with fenofibrate but not with rosiglitazone. Importantly, both PPAR agonists also protected against Tat-induced astrogliosis and neuronal loss. Because disruption of TJ integrity has been linked to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, we also evaluated Tat-induced effects in MMP-9-deficient mice. Tat-induced cerebrovascular toxicity, astrogliosis, and neuronal loss were less pronounced in MMP-9-deficient mice as compared with wild-type controls and were further attenuated by PPAR agonists. These results indicate that enhancing PPAR activity combined with targeting MMPs may provide effective therapeutic strategies in brain infection by HIV-1.
NLRP3 Deficiency Ameliorates Neurovascular Damage in Experimental Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Ziying , Wei Xinbing , Han Huirong , Meng Xianfang , Zhang Yan , Shi Weichen , Li Fengli , Xin Tao , Pang Qi , Yi Fan
Published: January 2014

Although the innate immune response to induce postischemic inflammation is considered as an essential step in the progression of cerebral ischemia injury, the role of innate immunity mediator NLRP3 in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is unknown. In this study, focal ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in NLRP3−/−, NOX2−/−, or wild-type (WT) mice. By magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Evans blue permeability, and electron microscopic analyses, we found that NLRP3 deficiency ameliorated cerebral injury in mice after ischemic stroke by reducing infarcts and blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage. We further showed that the contribution of NLRP3 to neurovascular damage was associated with an autocrine/paracrine pattern of NLRP3-mediated interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) release as evidenced by increased brain microvessel endothelial cell permeability and microglia-mediated neurotoxicity. Finally, we found that NOX2 deficiency improved outcomes after ischemic stroke by mediating NLRP3 signaling. This study for the first time shows the contribution of NLRP3 to neurovascular damage and provides direct evidence that NLRP3 as an important target molecule links NOX2-mediated oxidative stress to neurovascular damage in ischemic stroke. Pharmacological targeting of NLRP3-mediated inflammatory response at multiple levels may help design a new approach to develop therapeutic strategies for prevention of deterioration of cerebral function and for the treatment of stroke.
Integrin CD11b positively regulates TLR4-induced signalling pathways in dendritic cells but not in macrophages
Authors: Ling Guang Sheng , Bennett Jason , Woollard Kevin J. , Szajna Marta , Fossati-Jimack Liliane , Taylor Philip R. , Scott Diane , Franzoso Guido , Cook H. Terence , Botto Marina
Published: January 2014

Tuned and distinct responses of macrophages and dendritic cells to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) underpin the balance between innate and adaptive immunity. However, the molecule(s) that confer these cell-type-specific LPS-induced effects remain poorly understood. Here we report that the integrin αM (CD11b) positively regulates LPS-induced signalling pathways selectively in myeloid dendritic cells but not in macrophages. In dendritic cells, which express lower levels of CD14 and TLR4 than macrophages, CD11b promotes MyD88-dependent and MyD88-independent signalling pathways. In particular, in dendritic cells CD11b facilitates LPS-induced TLR4 endocytosis and is required for the subsequent signalling in the endosomes. Consistent with this, CD11b deficiency dampens dendritic cell-mediated TLR4-triggered responses in vivo leading to impaired T-cell activation. Thus, by modulating the trafficking and signalling functions of TLR4 in a cell-type-specific manner CD11b fine tunes the balance between adaptive and innate immune responses initiated by LPS.
A Systems Pharmacology Perspective on the Clinical Development of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitors for Pain
Authors: Benson N , Metelkin E , Demin O , Li GL , Nichols D , van der Graaf PH
Published: January 2014

The level of the endocannabinoid anandamide is controlled by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In 2011, PF‐04457845, an irreversible inhibitor of FAAH, was progressed to phase II clinical trials for osteoarthritic pain. This article discusses a prospective, integrated systems pharmacology model evaluation of FAAH as a target for pain in humans, using physiologically based pharmacokinetic and systems biology approaches. The model integrated physiological compartments; endocannabinoid production, degradation, and disposition data; PF‐04457845 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and cannabinoid receptor CB1‐binding kinetics. The modeling identified clear gaps in our understanding and highlighted key risks going forward, in particular relating to whether methods are in place to demonstrate target engagement and pharmacological effect. The value of this modeling exercise will be discussed in detail and in the context of the clinical phase II data, together with recommendations to enable optimal future evaluation of FAAH inhibitors.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e91; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.72; published online 15 January 2014
Development of a single aptamer-based surface enhanced Raman scattering method for rapid detection of multiple pesticides
Authors: Pang Shintaro , Labuza Theodore P. , He Lili
Published: January 2014

A single aptamer-based SERS method is developed for the detection and discrimination of four specific pesticides (isocarbophos, omethoate, phorate, and profenofos).
Unstable-Fe-site-induced formation of mesopores in microporous zeolite Y without using organic templates
Authors: Guo Dongdong , Shen Baojian , Qi Guodong , Zhao Liang , Xu Jun , Deng Feng , Qin Yuchen , Guo Qiaoxia , Ren Shenyong , Gao Xionghou , Qin Song , Wang Baojie , Zhao Hongjuan , Liu Honghai , Pang Xinmei
Published: January 2014

It is revealed that Fe3+ functioned as unstable-sites in the Fe–NaY zeolite, which promotes deferrization–dealumination to generate intra-crystalline mesopores during steaming.
Complexation of metal carbonyl units with [α-PW11O39]7− and [α2-P2W17O61]10−: insights into the chiral “twisted-sandwich” dimeric structures
Authors: Zhao Chongchao , Glass Elliot N. , Sumliner Jordan M. , Bacsa John , Kim Daniel Taehyun , Guo Weiwei , Hill Craig L.
Published: January 2014

Capturing [M(CO)3]+ (M = Re, Mn) by [α-PW11O39]7− or [α2-P2W17O61]10− leads to polyoxometalate-supported metal carbonyl complexes with chiral “twisted-sandwich” structures.
Transmembrane anion transport and cytotoxicity of synthetic tambjamine analogs
Authors: Hernando Elsa , Soto-Cerrato Vanessa , Cortés-Arroyo Susana , Pérez-Tomás Ricardo , Quesada Roberto
Published: January 2014

Synthetic tambjamine analogs bearing aromatic enamine moieties are highly efficient transmembrane anion carriers, triggering apoptosis in several cancer cell lines.
Energy‐efficient and temperature‐stable oxide‐confined 980 nm VCSELs operating error‐free at 38 Gbit/s at 85°C
Authors: Li H. , Wolf P. , Moser P. , Larisch G. , Mutig A. , Lott J.A. , Bimberg D.
Published: January 2014

980 nm vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs) operating error‐free at 38 Gbit/s at 85°C with record 177 fJ of dissipated heat per bit are presented. The VCSELs are particularly well suited for short, very‐short and ultra‐short‐reach interboard, chip‐to‐chip and intrachip optical interconnects, where temperature stability, bandwidth and VCSEL density and the minimisation of waste heat are critical. Error‐free operation at 40 Gbit/s at 75°C and at 42 Gbit/s at 25°C is achieved. To date, 980 nm VCSELs are the most energy‐efficient of all VCSELs at 85°C at any wavelength.
Gradient descent with adaptive momentum for active contour models
Authors: Liu Guoqi , Zhou Zhiheng , Zhong Huiqiang , Xie Shengli
Published: January 2014

In active contour models (snakes), various vector force fields replacing the gradient of the original external energy in the equations of motion are a popular way to extract the object boundary. Gradient descent method is usually used to obtain the equations of motion by minimising the energy functional. However, it always suffers from local minimum in extracting complex geometries because of non‐convex functional. Gradient descent method with adaptive momentum term is proposed in this study. First, an acceleration function of evolution is defined. Then, the adaptive momentum term is obtained by calculating the product between the edge stopping function and the defined acceleration function. Finally, adaptive momentum is compatible with the snakes. The edge stopping function is used to decide the influence region of the momentum, whereas the defined acceleration function determines the magnitude of the momentum. It is used to extract the complex geometries (such as deep concavity) when adding the adaptive momentum into some snakes, such as gradient vector field or vector field convolution snakes. On the other hand, the proposed method also accelerates the rate of convergence. It can be applied to extract a single object in real images. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and efficient.
Numerical modelling of the rotor movement in a permanent‐magnet stepper motor
Authors: Škofic Jan , Boltežar Miha
Published: January 2014

This study deals with predicting the dynamic behaviour of the rotor in a claw‐poled, permanent‐magnet (PM) stepper motor. The finite element method (FEM) model of a prototype stepper is used to calculate the magnetic forces on the rotor, where the PM is modelled with an altered geometry approach. This altered geometry helps achieving a realistic magnetic flux density profile and direct PM material property input. The obtained forces are used in the following analysis as the excitation, to simulate the rotor's rotational and also axial movements with the help of proposed system of equations. To validate the introduced modelling approach, a measurement of the rotational and axial movement was performed on a motor with the same geometry and material properties. The results of the simulated movement are in good agreement with the experimental data for the tested motor.
Design of wide‐area damping systems based on the capabilities of the supporting Information Communication Technology infrastructure
Authors: Zhu Kun , Nordström Lars
Published: January 2014

The dependence of the functionality of the wide‐area monitoring and control (WAMC) systems on the capabilities of their underlying Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure indicates that the parameterisation of the WAMC application algorithm should be coordinated with the design of the supporting ICT system. This study presents a systematic approach to design wide‐area damping systems considering phasor measurement unit (PMU) communication delays and data frame losses. The proposed design method is applied to calibrate a wide‐area damping system based on generalised predictive control (GPC) for demonstration purposes. In addition, a framework to guide the parameterisation of the GPC‐ based wide‐area damping system is also provided. This research offers a better perspective to predict the capabilities of the underlying ICT infrastructure in the WAMC systems. Moreover, the proposed design method can be generalised to design delay‐robust damping systems with compensation limits. Finally, it also offers an opportunity to associate the parameterisation of the damping system with the capabilities of its supporting ICT infrastructure and the reliability of the intended damping control function.
Information modalities and timing of ecological driving support advices
Authors: Staubach Maria , Schebitz Norbert , Fricke Nicola , Schießl Caroline , Brockmann Martin , Kuck Detlef
Published: January 2014

Within this study the outcomes of two driving simulator studies are reported. In the first study, three different human–machine‐interaction modalities for an ecological driving support system were compared concerning driving behaviour, workload and user acceptance parameters in order to find out whether a haptic acceleration/deceleration and gear shifting advice improved the ecological driving style additionally to a visual feedback system. Results showed that the combination of the visual and haptic modality led to the fastest reaction times and smallest deviations from the optimal acceleration and gear‐shift behaviour. Yet, the results of the acceptance questionnaires revealed that the participants preferred the visual display, whereas the haptic feedback showed the best results regarding the workload scores. The second study dealt with the timing of the feedback. When should ecological coasting advices be presented in order to reach a high‐user acceptance? As an outcome, the participants decelerated earlier receiving a coasting advice. However, if the advice was given too early the acceptance of the participants was low.
Optimisation of fuel efficiency for freeway vehicles
Authors: Ke Bwo‐Ren , Lin Chun‐Liang , Wang Chi‐Pin , Cao Fang
Published: January 2014

A novel idea for optimising the driving strategies based on the vehicle speed and acceleration commands is developed and proposed to improve the fuel efficiency of the next generation freeway vehicles. The decision‐making problem of driving strategies is converted into a combinatorial optimisation problem by dividing the route into a certain amount of consecutive sections, and the optimal speed and acceleration commands to be recommended to the vehicles are determined. Traffic condition in the freeway is defined as the traffic operating at the free‐flow speed that is not inhibited by the presence of other vehicles, for example, off‐peak times or sparsely populated areas. A two‐stage process is used for optimisation. In stage one, the ADVISOR software is used to perform offline calculation of fuel consumption in divided sections for reducing time cost of the online optimisation. The lookup table of consumed fuel and time of the vehicle with different operation conditions is constructed for online process. In stage two, the MAX–MIN ant system algorithm is used to optimise the fuel‐efficient driving strategies. A real route is considered as the object for experimental study. The results show that, based on the proposed fuel‐efficient driving strategy, fuel consumption could be significantly improved while compared with the aggressive driving strategies.
Enhanced photoactivity in nitrogen‐doped KM0.33W1.67O6 (M = Al and Cr)
Authors: Ravi G. , Shrujana P. , Palla S. , Reddy J. R. , Guje R. , Velchuri R. , Vithal M.
Published: January 2014

The investigation of photocatalysis by efficient visible‐light‐active photocatalysts has been of interest in both the science and the engineering fields. The nitrogen (N) doped KAl0.33W1.67O6 (KAW) and KCr0.33W1.67O6 (KCW) are prepared by the solid state method. Urea was used as a nitrogen source. These materials were characterised by thermo gravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). Both the N‐doped materials crystallised in a cubic lattice with space group Fd 3̄m. The XPS analysis of the N‐doped KAW (N‐doped KCW) show the characteristic peaks belonging to K 2p, Al 2p (Cr 2p), W 4f, O 1s and N 1s along with C 1s. The bandgap energy was deduced from their UV–vis DRS profiles. The photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue solution was investigated in the presence of these oxides. Compared with their parent materials, nitrogen doped KAW and KCW samples exhibit ∼230 and ∼130% increase, respectively, in visible light‐induced photodegradation of methylene blue.
Investigation of helium ion production in constricted direct current plasma ion source with layered-glows
Authors: Lee Yuna , Chung Kyoung-Jae , Park Yeong-Shin , Hwang Y. S.
Published: January 2014

Generation of helium ions is experimentally investigated with a constricted direct current (DC) plasma ion source operated at layered-glow mode, in which electrons could be accelerated through multiple potential structures so as to generate helium ions including He2+ by successive ionization collisions in front of an extraction aperture. The helium discharge is sustained with the formation of a couple of stable layers and the plasma ball with high density is created near the extraction aperture at the operational pressure down to 0.6 Torr with concave cathodes. The ion beam current extracted with an extraction voltage of 5 kV is observed to be proportional to the discharge current and inversely proportional to the operating pressure, showing high current density of 130 mA/cm2 and power density of 0.52 mA/cm2/W. He2+ ions, which were predicted to be able to exist due to multiple-layer potential structure, are not observed. Simple calculation on production of He2+ ions inside the plasma ball reveals that reduced operating pressure and increased cathode area will help to generate He2+ ions with the layered-glow DC discharge.
Beyond ITER: Neutral beams for a demonstration fusion reactor (DEMO) (invited)
Authors: McAdams R.
Published: January 2014

In the development of magnetically confined fusion as an economically sustainable power source, International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER) is currently under construction. Beyond ITER is the demonstration fusion reactor (DEMO) programme in which the physics and engineering aspects of a future fusion power plant will be demonstrated. DEMO will produce net electrical power. The DEMO programme will be outlined and the role of neutral beams for heating and current drive will be described. In particular, the importance of the efficiency of neutral beam systems in terms of injected neutral beam power compared to wallplug power will be discussed. Options for improving this efficiency including advanced neutralisers and energy recovery are discussed.
Eckhaus-like instability of large scale coherent structures in a fully turbulent von Kármán flow
Authors: Herbert E. , Cortet P.-P. , Daviaud F. , Dubrulle B.
Published: January 2014

The notion of instability of a turbulent flow is introduced in the case of a von Kármán flow thanks to the monitoring of the spatio-temporal spectrum of the velocity fluctuations, combined with projection onto suitable Beltrami modes. It is shown that the large scale coherent fluctuations of the flow obey a sequence of Eckhaus instabilities when the Reynolds number Re is varied from 102 to 106. This sequence results in modulations of increasing azimuthal wavenumber. The basic state is the laminar or time-averaged flow at an arbitrary Re, which is axi-symmetric, i.e., with a 0 azimuthal wavenumber. Increasing Re leads to non-axisymmetric modulations with increasing azimuthal wavenumber from 1 to 3. These modulations are found to rotate in the azimuthal direction. However, no clear rotation frequency can be established until Re ≈ 4 × 103. Above, they become periodic with an increasing frequency. We finally show that these modulations are connected with the coherent structures of the mixing shear layer. The implication of these findings for the turbulence parametrization is discussed. Especially, they may explain why simple eddy viscosity models are able to capture complex turbulent flow dynamics.
Controlling the vortex core of thin Permalloy nano-cylinders dipolar coupled to Co polarizers
Authors: Souza C. M. , Dantas Ana L. , Queiroz I. S. , Carriço A. S.
Published: January 2014

We report a theoretical study of the vortex profile of in-plane magnetized PyTM nano-cylinders subjected to the stray field of perpendicular anisotropy Co nano-cylinders. We consider 6 nm thick PyTM cylinders dipolar coupled to 60 nm thick Co cylinders, at distances from 1.5 nm to 30 nm, with diameters (D) ranging from 45 nm to 105 nm. We find considerable reduction of critical diameter for stable PyTM magnetic vortices and spiral-vortex phases, as well as vortex core diameters twice as large as the bulk value.
Investigation of effect of solenoid magnet on emittances of ion beam from laser ablation plasma
Authors: Ikeda Shunsuke , Romanelli Mark , Cinquegrani David , Sekine Megumi , Kumaki Masafumi , Fuwa Yasuhiro , Kanesue Takeshi , Okamura Masahiro , Horioka Kazuhiko
Published: January 2014

A magnetic field can increase an ion current of a laser ablation plasma and is expected to control the change of the plasma ion current. However, the magnetic field can also make some fluctuations of the plasma and the effect on the beam emittance and the emission surface is not clear. To investigate the effect of a magnetic field, we extracted the ion beams under three conditions where without magnetic field, with magnetic field, and without magnetic field with higher laser energy to measure the beam distribution in phase space. Then we compared the relations between the plasma ion current density into the extraction gap and the Twiss parameters with each condition. We observed the effect of the magnetic field on the emission surface.
Hilbert statistics of vorticity scaling in two-dimensional turbulence
Authors: Tan H. S. , Huang Y. X. , Meng Jianping
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the scaling property of the inverse energy cascade and forward enstrophy cascade of the vorticity filed ω(x, y) in two-dimensional (2D) turbulence is analyzed. This is accomplished by applying a Hilbert-based technique, namely Hilbert-Huang transform, to a vorticity field obtained from a 81922 grid-points direct numerical simulation of the 2D turbulence with a forcing scale kf = 100 and an Ekman friction. The measured joint probability density function p(C, k) of mode Ci(x) of the vorticity ω and instantaneous wavenumber k(x) is separated by the forcing scale kf into two parts, which correspond to the inverse energy cascade and the forward enstrophy cascade. It is found that all conditional probability density function p(C|k) at given wavenumber k has an exponential tail. In the inverse energy cascade, the shape of p(C|k) does collapse with each other, indicating a nonintermittent cascade. The measured scaling exponent \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\zeta _{\omega }^I(q)$\end{document}ζωI(q) is linear with the statistical order q, i.e., \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\zeta _{\omega }^I(q)=-q/3$\end{document}ζωI(q)=−q/3, confirming the nonintermittent cascade process. In the forward enstrophy cascade, the core part of p(C|k) is changing with wavenumber k, indicating an intermittent forward cascade. The measured scaling exponent \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\zeta _{\omega }^F(q)$\end{document}ζωF(q) is nonlinear with q and can be described very well by a log-Poisson fitting: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\zeta _{\omega }^F(q)=\frac{1}{3}q+0.45\left( 1-0.43^{q}\right)$\end{document}ζωF(q)=13q+0.451−0.43q. However, the extracted vorticity scaling exponents ζω(q) for both inverse energy cascade and forward enstrophy cascade are not consistent with Kraichnan's theory prediction. New theory for the vorticity field in 2D turbulence is required to interpret the observed scaling behavior.
Unity in diversity
Authors: Mohamed Salleh Sabariah
Published: January 2014

1Malaysia concept is a vision to create a harmonious Malaysian society, which is vital for Malaysia to attain a successful and developed country status. The concept stresses on the acceptance and inclusion of other cultures within the Malaysian realm and unity is vital for a country with plural society like Malaysia. Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak asserted that the 1Malaysia concept is unique as it celebrates the diversity of cultures grounded within a unique potpourri of living patterns that is steeped in traditions yet able to accommodate and withstand the winds of change without losing her local cultural balance. Siapera (2010) opined that it is without doubt that the media is an important tool which ensures diverse cultures in a country are equally represented without neglecting the universal and common values practised by everyone. The 1Malaysia concept places importance on both celebrating the diversity of cultures and inculcating common values amongst its citizen. This is where mass media, especially television, can play a big role. Syed Hussin (2008: 171) commented that mass communication has not been used to its full effect to promote a better understanding of people of different cultures and values. How true is this notion? This paper will shed some light into these issues: how the culturally diverse society and the concept of 1Malaysia are being represented on television and how audiences make meanings from these representations. The methodology employed in this research is twofold, comprising content analysis and focus group discussion. The objective of content analysis is to analyse how the concept of 1Malaysia is being represented on local television programmes. The focus group discussion, meanwhile, discovers how adolescents negotiate the television text in the process of understanding the 1Malaysia concept.
Acceptance of social innovation in Malaysia
Authors: Mahbob Maizatul Haizan , Wan Sulaiman Wan Idros , Rahim Samsudin A. , Wan Jaafar Wan Azreena , Wan Sulaiman Wan Sharazad
Published: January 2014

Innovation is a key factor to bring about change. The government should formulate policies that are innovative to bring change to the nation. A government that enhances transformation, is a dynamic and progressive government. The Government Transformation Programme (GTP) in Malaysia, that is implemented in three phases started in 2010, is studied to examine how the programme is being accepted by the people. GTP is a programme that has never been implemented before. This programme emphasises more on performance and results of civil servants rather than budget spending. It also emphasises more accurately on planning. The aim is to produce high levels of accuracy and accountability of public employees and to provide rapid results in a short time as desired by the people. The 2011 GTP report showed that more than three million people have been positively impacted by this programme although it has only been implemented for two years. However, empirical studies found that people did not really feel the impact of the GTP programme. Although this programme was advocated through electronic and on-line media, many people still do not understand what is exactly the GTP and what are to be achieved through this programme.
Interethnic tolerance among multiethnic youth
Authors: Ahmad Fauziah , Salman Ali , Rahim Samsudin A. , Pawanteh Latiffah , Ahmad Abdul Latiff
Published: January 2014

A pluralistic nation like Malaysia needs an extremely organised and sensible society in order to be fruitfully tolerant. Living in a plural community demands a strong willingness to accommodate different ethnic expectations. Tolerance is crucial for the achievement of the right kind of community. It takes a collective voice among all the communities on the character of the nation they want to live in, and the respective rights and obligations within it to overcome the challenge of managing a diverse society, more so in a multiethnic one. The nature of a tolerant society inclined its members to be attentive and open to form a relationship that is continuous and reliable. To understand youth’s life experience in regards to growing up amidst a multi-ethnic milieu, we have to explore their experiences to see how they are able to adapt and assimilate. This is an important aspect of fostering understanding with the different ethnic groups with motives that contribute to the formation of social citizenship and a participatory democracy. This research will focus on how Malaysian youth make sense of the seemingly calm and peaceful nation and how their negotiations and resolutions relate to their qualitative citizenship in a multi-ethnic society.
Epistephilic forces in Malaysian indie documentary
Authors: Abu Hassan Badrul Redzuan , Latif Roslina Abdul
Published: January 2014

Documentary film has established itself as an important spatial extension of this nation’s historicity. This paper explores the terrains of this critical transformational space which in recent years, has been dominated arguably increasingly, by a cohort of ‘socialist’ filmmakers. That such an ‘alternative/independent’ group of documakers — a label it is often associated with — edges over the ‘mainstream’ ones in terms of its worthiness, timeliness and relevance of an issue, debate or perspective, is a claim or perception that needs to be qualified in this paper. Notable documakers gave in-depth interviews on their creative works and issues of nation building both in shaping the trajectory of ‘alternative’ documentary, hence, sustaining a potentially transformative public sphere. This paper will engage in analyzing critical and defining documentary works as its mode of inquiry followed by the discourses gleaned from the interviews.
In faint praise of folly
Authors: Birdsong David , Gertken Libby M.
Published: January 2014

This study critically examines the widespread practice of comparing the linguistic processes and representations of non-native speakers with those of natives. We argue that, in some respects, the method yields benefits, while in others it does not serve the interests of research into the nature of second language acquisition and bilingualism. We go on to consider certain analytical approaches that skirt the hazards of the method. The potential payoffs of native/non-native comparisons are illustrated in a priming study of monolingual and bilingual processing of ambiguity in complex French syntax (Gertken 2013).
Acquisition of grammatical gender and number agreement in Swedish learners of L2 Italian
Authors: Gudmundson Anna
Published: January 2014

This corpus-based study examines gender and number agreement in oral productions of Swedish learners of L2 Italian. The main aim is to investigate how regularity and frequency effects influence learning. The theoretical framework is inspired by a functionalist approach focusing on the role of form–function mappings in the learner’s input. Regularity and frequency are interpreted in terms of the availability, reliability, and validity of the mappings between the different noun endings and their functions: masculine singular, feminine singular, masculine plural, and feminine plural. The results show a significant correlation between reliability and accuracy rate, but no statistically significant correlation between availability or validity and accuracy rate. An interaction between longitudinal development and reliability is noted.
Differential subject marking without ergativity
Authors: Jenny Mathias , Hnin Tun San San
Published: January 2014

While differential object marking seems to be widespread and is well represented in the linguistic literature, differential subject marking appears to be much less common. Burmese is one example of a language that marks some, but not all subjects, depending on a number of pragmatic factors. This phenomenon is widespread in Tibeto-Burman languages, but Burmese apparently differs from these in not having an underlying ergative alignment or an agentive source of the subject marker, suggesting that there are other sources for DSM than the ones identified in the literature. This study looks at the functions of the marker ká with subjects in colloquial Burmese and discusses factors favoring its occurrence and possible paths of its development.
Reflexive marking in Fijian
Authors: Park Karen Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

The Fijian language has long been believed to include no dedicated reflexive marker. This paper takes a close look at reflexive contexts within Fijian to arrive at the conclusion that the language, in fact, contains three distinct reflexive types, designated here as short (PRO), mid (PRO-ga), and long (PRO-ga-vakai-PRO) according to their morphological form. Moreover, different verbs in Fijian reflexive constructions are found to exhibit a certain degree of selective preference for specific reflexive types. The syntactic, semantic, and lexical characteristics of these three reflexive constructions are investigated in detail. The results of this research contribute to our general understanding of anaphora, binding requirements, and systems of coreference.
Thai motion verbs paj and maa
Authors: Thiengburanathum Prang
Published: January 2014

Temporality in Thai and other Southeast Asian languages has traditionally been analyzed as based on pre-established European notions of tense and aspect, thus yielding problematic analyses. This paper offers an alternative way of analyzing and explaining temporality in Thai in its own terms. It focuses on the basic motion verbs paj and maa and shows that they can specify states of affairs in different domains, such as space, time, and attributes. Their usage relies on the close association of linguistic and pragmatic contexts. In the domain of time, Thai paj and maa display characteristics of both tense and aspect, showing that tense/aspect systems are substantially more diverse than has traditionally been assumed. The concept of reference plays an important role even in a tenseless language such as Thai.
Structural insight into the specificity of the B3 DNA-binding domains provided by the co-crystal structure of the C-terminal fragment of BfiI restriction enzyme
Authors: Golovenko Dmitrij , Manakova Elena , Zakrys Linas , Zaremba Mindaugas , Sasnauskas Giedrius , Gražulis Saulius , Siksnys Virginijus
Published: January 2014

The B3 DNA-binding domains (DBDs) of plant transcription factors (TF) and DBDs of EcoRII and BfiI restriction endonucleases (EcoRII-N and BfiI-C) share a common structural fold, classified as the DNA-binding pseudobarrel. The B3 DBDs in the plant TFs recognize a diverse set of target sequences. The only available co-crystal structure of the B3-like DBD is that of EcoRII-N (recognition sequence 5′-CCTGG-3′). In order to understand the structural and molecular mechanisms of specificity of B3 DBDs, we have solved the crystal structure of BfiI-C (recognition sequence 5′-ACTGGG-3′) complexed with 12-bp cognate oligoduplex. Structural comparison of BfiI-C–DNA and EcoRII-N–DNA complexes reveals a conserved DNA-binding mode and a conserved pattern of interactions with the phosphodiester backbone. The determinants of the target specificity are located in the loops that emanate from the conserved structural core. The BfiI-C–DNA structure presented here expands a range of templates for modeling of the DNA-bound complexes of the B3 family of plant TFs.
Three-tiered role of the pioneer factor GATA2 in promoting androgen-dependent gene expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Dayong , Sunkel Benjamin , Chen Zhong , Liu Xiangtao , Ye Zhenqing , Li Qianjin , Grenade Cassandra , Ke Jingdong , Zhang Chunpeng , Chen Hongyan , Nephew Kenneth P. , Huang Tim H.-M. , Liu Zhihua , Jin Victor X. , Wang Qianben
Published: January 2014

In prostate cancer, androgen receptor (AR) binding and androgen-responsive gene expression are defined by hormone-independent binding patterns of the pioneer factors FoxA1 and GATA2. Insufficient evidence of the mechanisms by which GATA2 contributes to this process precludes complete understanding of a key determinant of tissue-specific AR activity. Our observations suggest that GATA2 facilitates androgen-responsive gene expression by three distinct modes of action. By occupying novel binding sites within the AR gene locus, GATA2 positively regulates AR expression before and after androgen stimulation. Additionally, GATA2 engages AR target gene enhancers prior to hormone stimulation, producing an active and accessible chromatin environment via recruitment of the histone acetyltransferase p300. Finally, GATA2 functions in establishing and/or sustaining basal locus looping by recruiting the Mediator subunit MED1 in the absence of androgen. These mechanisms may contribute to the generally positive role of GATA2 in defining AR genome-wide binding patterns that determine androgen-responsive gene expression profiles. We also find that GATA2 and FoxA1 exhibit both independent and codependent co-occupancy of AR target gene enhancers. Identifying these determinants of AR transcriptional activity may provide a foundation for the development of future prostate cancer therapeutics that target pioneer factor function.
Sovereignty
Authors: Condren Conal
Published: January 2014

This chapter, which examines the conception of sovereignty in Great Britain during the seventeenth century, explains that the terms sovereign and sovereignty were used before the seventeenth century to mean rule, majesty, and power. It highlights the influence of French philosopher Jean Bodin's Six livres de la République on the development of the theory of sovereignty in Britain, and also considers the relevant works of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.
Aristotle, Plato, and the Anti-Psychiatrists
Authors: Harcourt Edward
Published: January 2014

These comments focus on the Platonic-Aristotelian identification of mental health with virtue and mental illness with vice, which connects Plato and Aristotle directly to contemporary discussions arising out of Szasz and anti-psychiatry. It is argued that though one Aristotelian characterization of virtue-the rational adjustment of emotion (and by extension, other types of mental state) to cause and context-fits mental health exactly, Aristotle's account of mental illness as "disunity" may be questioned. First, some forms of "disunity" (such as Kleinian ambivalence) may actually be aspects of mental health. Secondly, some psychiatric disorders-notably some personality disorders-are more obviously related to vice and weak will, and therefore lie more obviously on a continuum with virtue, than others. It is also suggested that this limitation on the account of mental illness as "disunity" may have been intended by Aristotle himself.
Intersubjectivity and Psychopathology
Authors: Gallagher Shaun
Published: January 2014

This chapter provides a review of theory of mind (ToM) approaches to explaining certain dysfunctions of intersubjectivity in pathologies such as autism and schizophrenia. ToM approaches such as theory theory and simulation theory focus on mindreading but fail to explain important aspects of online intersubjective interaction. A phenomenological approach (interaction theory), focusing on embodied interaction, offers an alternative account of intersubjective processes and specific dysfunctions in pathology. Further research is needed on second-person, online interaction to develop this approach as a viable explanation of intersubjective problems in psychopathology.