bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surfactant modification of banana trunk as low-cost adsorbents and their high benzene adsorptive removal performance from aqueous solution
Authors: Kong Helen , Cheu Siew-Chin , Othman Nurul Sakinah , Song Shiow-Tien , Saman Norasikin , Johari Khariraihanna , Mat Hanapi
Published: February 2016

The banana trunk was modified using different surfactants (cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants), such as ​CTAB, SDS, Pluronic 123, and Triton X-100 to develop a novel low-cost adsorbent for benzene removal from aqueous solution.
Enhanced cell viability of hydroxyapatite nanowires by surfactant mediated synthesis and its growth mechanism
Authors: Nathanael A. Joseph , Hong Sun Ig , Oh Tae Hwan , Seo Young Ho , Singh Deepti , Han Sung Soo
Published: February 2016

Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanowires were synthesized using cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium-bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant and exhibited enhanced cell viability over other HA nanostructures.
Insights into the macroporosity of freeze-cast hierarchical geopolymers
Authors: Papa Elettra , Medri Valentina , Benito Patricia , Vaccari Angelo , Bugani Simone , Jaroszewicz Jakub , Landi Elena
Published: February 2016

Geopolymer monoliths with controlled lamellar macroporosity and 60–70% total porosity were prepared by ice-templating a partially geopolymerized slurry.
Bioactive calcium phosphate cement with excellent injectability, mineralization capacity and drug-delivery properties for dental biomimetic reconstruction and minimum intervention therapy
Authors: Sa Yue , Gao Yixue , Wang Man , Wang Tianfeng , Feng Xiaowei , Wang Zhejun , Wang Yining , Jiang Tao
Published: February 2016

CPC could be used as a promising biomaterial to reconstruct the breached enamel on exposed dentin through a biomimetic and minimally invasive way.
Bio-inspired fabrication of high perm-selectivity and anti-fouling membranes based on zwitterionic polyelectrolyte nanoparticles
Authors: Ji Yan-Li , An Quan-Fu , Guo Yao-Shen , Hung Wei-Song , Lee Kueir-Rarn , Gao Cong-Jie
Published: February 2016

Biologically inspired TFN membranes incorporated with zwitterionic polyelectrolyte nanoparticles exhibit high perm-selectivity and anti-fouling properties.
Size-controlled gold nano-tetradecapods with tunable optical and electromagnetic properties
Authors: Choi Kyeong Woo , Kang Shin Wook , Kim Do Youb , Im Sang Hyuk , Park Yangsun , Han Sang Woo , Park O Ok
Published: February 2016

Au nano-tetradecapods with well-defined morphology and controllable branches are synthesized, and their tunable optical and electromagnetic properties are systematically investigated.
Moore state machine for adaptive modulation and coding in high‐speed railway LTE‐R systems
Authors: Zhao Yisheng , Chen Zhonghui , Ji Hong
Published: February 2016

An adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) scheme based on a Moore state machine is proposed for the high‐speed railway communication systems. By setting a buffer zone for the signal‐to‐noise ratio threshold value, the proposed scheme is able to reduce the frequent transition of the modulation and coding scheme. Simulation results show that the proposed AMC strategy has a more stable spectral efficiency than the traditional AMC method using a piecewise function.
Maximum principle for problem of circuit optimisation
Authors: Zemliak A.
Published: February 2016

The solution of a problem of circuit optimisation for minimum possible CPU time is obtained on the basis of the maximum principle of Pontryagin. It is shown that the effect of acceleration of the optimisation process that was studied earlier coincides with the solution obtained on the basis of the maximum principle. This is a theoretical justification of the effect of acceleration. On the other hand, the maximum principle can be a basis for development of optimisation algorithm for electronic circuits with the minimum expenses of CPU time.
Fractional‐N multiplying delay‐locked loop with delay‐locked loop‐based injection clock generation
Authors: Jee D.‐W.
Published: February 2016

A fractional‐N multiplying delay‐locked loop (MDLL) with delay‐locked loop (DLL)‐based injection clock generation is presented. By exploiting multiphase output of DLL which delay is locked to the period of output frequency, the proposed architecture performs a fractional clock multiplication with MDLL, while eliminating deterministic jitter from fractional divider. The proposed MDLL is designed in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and achieves 31.25 kHz frequency resolution with 1 MHz reference frequency. It occupies an active area of 0.055 mm2, and consumes 45 μW for 10 MHz frequency generation, showing energy efficiency figure‐of‐merit (FoM) of 4.5 μW/MHz.
Energy‐optimal coverage path planning on topographic map for environment survey with unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Li Deshi , Wang Xiaoliang , Sun Tao
Published: February 2016

An energy‐optimal coverage path planning algorithm is proposed for environment survey. First, 3D terrains are modelled by tensor product Bezier surfaces for a mesh representation. Then, a power estimator is derived to calculate the consumed energy for a piecewise spatial path. Based on the digital surface model, an energy consumption map is constructed for the whole area by means of a weighted directed graph. Finally, an energy‐optimal path can be achieved through traversing the map by a genetic algorithm. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Dual‐feedback digital linearisation structure with phase noise mitigation
Authors: Liu Ying , Quan Xin , Pan Wensheng , Tang Youxi
Published: February 2016

A digital predistortion (DPD) architecture is proposed to mitigate the phase noise of the local oscillator (LO). In this architecture, a novel dual‐feedback structure is designed to simultaneously capture the input and output signals of the power amplifier (PA) to perform the PA modelling and DPD linearisation, and thus relax the requirement on the LO phase noise. Experimental results validate the superior performances of the proposed linearisation architecture over the conventional DPD with LO phase noise. It is verified that the proposed DPD can achieve satisfactory performances even with low‐quality LOs of high phase noise levels.
Operating area for modular multilevel converter based high‐voltage direct current systems
Authors: Zhang Zheren , Xu Zheng , Jiang Wei , Bie Xiaoyu
Published: February 2016

This study presents a ‘seek’ and ‘check’ approach to determine the operating area of the modular multilevel converter based high‐voltage direct current (MMC‐HVDC) transmission systems. First, the equivalent circuit for analysing the operating area of MMC‐HVDC systems is derived and the operating area is represented by discrete operating points. Then, three operating constraints are proposed according to the MMC operation principles, i.e. the voltage, current and voltage stability constraints. Therefore, the determination of the operating area is transformed into checking whether the operating point meets the proposed constraints. The case studies are performed on a one‐terminal MMC‐HVDC system under six typical short circuit ratios. The results show that the top boundary of the operating area is limited by the voltage constraint, and the bottom boundary of the operating area is limited by the current constraint. The influence of the third harmonic injection and the ac impedance characteristic on the operating area is also studied. Lastly, the validity of the ‘seek’ and ‘check’ approach is proved by time‐domain simulation results.
Selection methods of main circuit parameters for modular multilevel converters
Authors: Xu Zheng , Xiao Huangqing , Zhang Zheren
Published: February 2016

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) will be used in power systems more and more widely. The main circuit parameter design of the MMC impacts the initial investment and the operating performance of the system. In this study the parameter design problem of several important elements in the main circuit of the MMC, such as the link transformer, the arm reactor, the sub‐module (SM) capacitor and the SM power electronic devices are analysed. Based on the fundamental equivalent circuit of the MMC, the design method for the rated valve side no‐load voltage of the link transformer is proposed; and the variation range of the rated valve side no‐load voltage is determined as (1.00–1.05)/2 times of the DC side voltage. By introducing the concept of the equivalent capacity discharging time constant H, the nearly constant relationship between the fluctuation ratio of the SM capacitor voltage and the H‐value for different projects is discovered, which means the H‐value is independent of particular projects. In this study, the corresponding parameters of several practical projects are analysed and the recommended H‐value is given as 40 ms. The voltage and current stress of the SM power electronic devices is investigated for the four extreme operating conditions by the analytical formulae of the MMC; and it is discovered that the current stress of the SM power electronic devices changes greatly with the operating condition. By introducing the concepts of the phase unit series resonance frequency and the circulating current resonance frequency, the principle for designing the parameter of the arm inductor is established. Through analysing the corresponding parameters of several real projects, the recommended value of the phase unit series resonance frequency is given as the rated frequency of the connected AC system.
Common‐mode voltage injection‐based nearest level modulation with loss reduction for modular multilevel converters
Authors: Zhou Weihao , Dong Yufei , Yang Heya , Li Wuhua , He Xiangning , Hu Jiabing , Yuan Xiaoming
Published: February 2016

This study focuses on the possibility of modular multilevel converter (MMC) loss optimisation by modulation without any additional circuit, where a common‐mode voltage is injected into a nearest level modulator. Owing to the common‐mode voltage injection, the proposed modulation strategy increases the fundamental voltage. Therefore, for a given voltage, operation is possible with the submodule (SM) voltage of at least one SM inserted each arm. This reduces the number of SMs required, resulting in reduction of conduction losses and leading to significant cost savings and/or returns on investment for facilities. Furthermore, the injection of common‐mode voltage also decreases the total SM transitions, resulting in reduction of switching losses. The proposed modulation strategy is valid under both normal and unbalanced ac fault conditions for MMCs. The common‐mode voltage extraction method is provided and its harmonic components are extracted. Then, the SM saving capability of the injection‐based nearest level modulation is discussed and the SM saving limit is presented in relation with modulation indexes. The optimisation of both conduction losses and switching losses is analysed. The effectiveness of the proposed modulation strategy under both normal and unbalanced ac fault condition is verified by simulations of a 101‐level three‐phase MMC in MATLAB/Simulink.
Reliability evaluation of voltage‐source converter‐based multi‐terminal direct current integrated offshore wind plants
Authors: Wang Biyang , Wang Xifan , Wang Xiuli , Shao Chengcheng , Liu Shenquan
Published: February 2016

A novel analytical approach to reliability evaluation of voltage‐source converter‐based multi‐terminal direct current (VSC‐MTDC) integrated offshore wind plants is presented in this study. To treat the multi‐terminal grid precisely and efficiently, the approach combines the state evaluation method and network flow method. A DC line equivalent component is also proposed to consider the operation modes, failure clean measures as well as interactions between different DC lines of VSC‐MTDC. Employing this approach, the authors can obtain both frequency and probability indexes of reliability. The usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by case studies. The comparison between three popular schemes is also carried out.
Effect of step-edge on spectral properties and planar stability of metallic bigraphene
Authors: Eremenko V. V. , Sirenko V. A. , Gospodarev I. A. , Syrkin E. S. , Feodosyev S. B. , Bondar I. S. , Saxena S. S. , Feher A. , Minakova K. A.
Published: February 2016

Phonon and electron spectra of metallic bigraphene are analyzed in the presence of step-edge crystal imperfection. Different geometries of step-edge are considered. The dynamic planar stability of the considered structure is proved for temperatures above the ambient. The number of phonon states is shown to grow near the K-point of the first Brillouin zone, compared to pristine graphene. It is found, that this type of defects causes substantially nonuniform distribution of electron states and the pronounced increase in the number of states with energies close to Fermi energy can be expected in electron spectrum of the graphene-based compounds. The performed calculations are in good agreement with inelastic neutron, x-ray and Raman measurements.
Photoionization of furan from the ground and excited electronic states
Authors: Ponzi Aurora , Sapunar Marin , Angeli Celestino , Cimiraglia Renzo , Došlić Nađa , Decleva Piero
Published: February 2016

Here we present a comparative computational study of the photoionization of furan from the ground and the two lowest-lying excited electronic states. The study aims to assess the quality of the computational methods currently employed for treating bound and continuum states in photoionization. For the ionization from the ground electronic state, we show that the Dyson orbital approach combined with an accurate solution of the continuum one particle wave functions in a multicenter B-spline basis, at the density functional theory (DFT) level, provides cross sections and asymmetry parameters in excellent agreement with experimental data. On the contrary, when the Dyson orbitals approach is combined with the Coulomb and orthogonalized Coulomb treatments of the continuum, the results are qualitatively different. In excited electronic states, three electronic structure methods, TDDFT, ADC(2), and CASSCF, have been used for the computation of the Dyson orbitals, while the continuum was treated at the B-spline/DFT level. We show that photoionization observables are sensitive probes of the nature of the excited states as well as of the quality of excited state wave functions. This paves the way for applications in more complex situations such as time resolved photoionization spectroscopy.
Enhancement of infrared absorption of low-temperature uracil thin films by a nanostructured silver surface
Authors: Ivanov A. Yu. , Stepanian S. G. , Adamowicz L. , Karachevtsev V. A.
Published: February 2016

Enhancement of infrared absorption (SEIRA) of adsorbed biological molecules by a nanostructured metal surface is one of the main routes to increasing the sensitivity of modern optical biosensors. The FTIR absorption spectra of thin films of the RNA base uracil deposited on low-temperature substrate (T = 6 K) with nanoscale silver structures were investigated in the spectral range 2700–600 cm–1. It was shown that the intensity of the absorption bands corresponding to νCO stretching vibrations (range 1800–1600 cm–1) of uracil (Ur) thin films increases 3–4 fold. For multilayer films, the influence of the nanostructures on the vibrational spectra weakens, and for the film layers more than 15 nm away from the surface, the enhancement is essentially absent. The energies and the vibrational spectra of the complexes of uracil monomers and dimers with 20-atom tetrahedral silver nanoclusters were calculated by the quantum-mechanical method DFT/B3LYP. The most stable complexes have the coordination bond between the top of the silver tetrahedron and the oxygen of the carbonyl group C4O. It was found that the formation of such complexes significantly (3–5 fold) enhances the intensity of the νC4O stretching vibration of uracil, while the intensities of the βNH, βCH and ring bending vibrations do not increase significantly.
A microfluidic device for automated, high-speed microinjection of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Song Pengfei , Dong Xianke , Liu Xinyu
Published: February 2016

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has been widely used as a model organism in biological studies because of its short and prolific life cycle, relatively simple body structure, significant genetic overlap with human, and facile/inexpensive cultivation. Microinjection, as an established and versatile tool for delivering liquid substances into cellular/organismal objects, plays an important role in C. elegans research. However, the conventional manual procedure of C. elegans microinjection is labor-intensive and time-consuming and thus hinders large-scale C. elegans studies involving microinjection of a large number of C. elegans on a daily basis. In this paper, we report a novel microfluidic device that enables, for the first time, fully automated, high-speed microinjection of C. elegans. The device is automatically regulated by on-chip pneumatic valves and allows rapid loading, immobilization, injection, and downstream sorting of single C. elegans. For demonstration, we performed microinjection experiments on 200 C. elegans worms and demonstrated an average injection speed of 6.6 worm/min (average worm handling time: 9.45 s/worm) and a success rate of 77.5% (post-sorting success rate: 100%), both much higher than the performance of manual operation (speed: 1 worm/4 min and success rate: 30%). We conducted typical viability tests on the injected C. elegans and confirmed that the automated injection system does not impose significant adverse effect on the physiological condition of the injected C. elegans. We believe that the developed microfluidic device holds great potential to become a useful tool for facilitating high-throughput, large-scale worm biology research.
Molecular dynamics study of lipid bilayers modeling the plasma membranes of mouse hepatocytes and hepatomas
Authors: Andoh Yoshimichi , Aoki Noriyuki , Okazaki Susumu
Published: February 2016

Molecular dynamics (MD) calculations of lipid bilayers modeling the plasma membranes of normal mouse hepatocytes and hepatomas in water have been performed under physiological isothermal–isobaric conditions (310.15 K and 1 atm). The changes in the membrane properties induced by hepatic canceration were investigated and were compared with previous MD calculations included in our previous study of the changes in membrane properties induced by murine thymic canceration. The calculated model membranes for normal hepatocytes and hepatomas comprised 23 and 24 kinds of lipids, respectively. These included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophospholipids, and cholesterol. We referred to previously published experimental values for the mole fraction of the lipids adopted in the present calculations. The calculated structural and dynamic properties of the membranes such as lateral structure, order parameters, lateral self-diffusion constants, and rotational correlation times all showed that hepatic canceration causes plasma membranes to become more ordered laterally and less fluid. Interestingly, this finding contrasts with the less ordered structure and increased fluidity of plasma membranes induced by thymic canceration observed in our previous MD study.
A combined photoelectron spectroscopy and relativistic ab initio studies of the electronic structures of UFO and UFO−
Authors: Roy Soumendra K. , Jian Tian , Lopez Gary V. , Li Wei-Li , Su Jing , Bross David H. , Peterson Kirk A. , Wang Lai-Sheng , Li Jun
Published: February 2016

The observation of the gaseous UFO− anion is reported, which is investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and relativisitic ab initio calculations. Two strong photoelectron bands are observed at low binding energies due to electron detachment from the U-7sσ orbital. Numerous weak detachment bands are also observed due to the strongly correlated U-5f electrons. The electron affinity of UFO is measured to be 1.27(3) eV. High-level relativistic quantum chemical calculations have been carried out on the ground state and many low-lying excited states of UFO to help interpret the photoelectron spectra and understand the electronic structure of UFO. The ground state of UFO− is linear with an O–U–F structure and a 3H4 spectral term derived from a U 7sσ25fφ15fδ1 electron configuration, whereas the ground state of neutral UFO has a 4H7/2 spectral term with a U 7sσ15fφ15fδ1 electron configuration. Strong electron correlation effects are found in both the anionic and neutral electronic configurations. In the UFO neutral, a high density of electronic states with strong configuration mixing is observed in most of the scalar relativistic and spin-orbit coupled states. The strong electron correlation, state mixing, and spin-orbit coupling of the electronic states make the excited states of UFO very challenging for accurate quantum chemical calculations.
The symplectic origin of conformal and Minkowski superspaces
Authors: Fioresi R. , Latini E.
Published: February 2016

Supermanifolds provide a very natural ground to understand and handle supersymmetry from a geometric point of view; supersymmetry in d = 3, 4, 6, and 10 dimensions is also deeply related to the normed division algebras. In this paper we want to show the link between the conformal group and certain types of symplectic transformations over division algebras. Inspired by this observation we then propose a new  realization of the real form of the 4 dimensional conformal and Minkowski superspaces we obtain, respectively, as a Lagrangian supermanifold over the twistor superspace ℂ4|1 and a big cell inside it. The beauty of this approach is that it naturally generalizes to the 6 dimensional case (and possibly also to the 10 dimensional one) thus providing an elegant and uniform characterization of the conformal superspaces.
Communication: Role of short chain branching in polymer structure and dynamics
Authors: Kim Jun Mo , Baig Chunggi
Published: February 2016

A comprehensive understanding of chain-branching effects, essential for establishing general knowledge of the structure-property-phenomenon relationship in polymer science, has not yet been found, due to a critical lack of knowledge on the role of short-chain branches, the effects of which have mostly been neglected in favor of the standard entropic-based concepts of long polymers. Here, we show a significant effect of short-chain branching on the structural and dynamical properties of polymeric materials, and reveal the molecular origins behind the fundamental role of short branches, via atomistic nonequilibrium molecular dynamics and mesoscopic Brownian dynamics by systematically varying the strength of the mobility of short branches. We demonstrate that the fast random Brownian kinetics inherent to short branches plays a key role in governing the overall structure and dynamics of polymers, leading to a compact molecular structure and, under external fields, to a lesser degree of structural deformation of polymer, to a reduced shear-thinning behavior, and to a smaller elastic stress, compared with their linear analogues. Their fast dynamical nature being unaffected by practical flow fields owing to their very short characteristic time scale, short branches would substantially influence (i.e., facilitate) the overall relaxation behavior of polymeric materials under various flowing conditions.
Particle migration and sorting in microbubble streaming flows
Authors: Thameem Raqeeb , Rallabandi Bhargav , Hilgenfeldt Sascha
Published: February 2016

Ultrasonic driving of semicylindrical microbubbles generates strong streaming flows that are robust over a wide range of driving frequencies. We show that in microchannels, these streaming flow patterns can be combined with Poiseuille flows to achieve two distinctive, highly tunable methods for size-sensitive sorting and trapping of particles much smaller than the bubble itself. This method allows higher throughput than typical passive sorting techniques, since it does not require the inclusion of device features on the order of the particle size. We propose a simple mechanism, based on channel and flow geometry, which reliably describes and predicts the sorting behavior observed in experiment. It is also shown that an asymptotic theory that incorporates the device geometry and superimposed channel flow accurately models key flow features such as peak speeds and particle trajectories, provided it is appropriately modified to account for 3D effects caused by the axial confinement of the bubble.
Comment on “High-pressure synthesis of orthorhombic SrIrO3 perovskite and its positive magnetoresistance” [J. Appl. Phys. 103, 103706 (2008)]
Authors: Puggioni D. , Rondinelli J. M.
Published: February 2016

In their article, Zhao et al. report the synthesis of SrIrO3 at high temperature and high pressure [J. Appl. Phys. 103, 103706 (2008)]. Under these conditions, the crystal structure of SrIrO3 can be stabilized as an orthorhombic perovskite with space group Pnma. They refine the lattice parameters and list the Wyckoff orbits and atomic coordinates. We believe that Zhao and coworkers made an unintentional error in reporting the crystal structure, which may adversely affect the description of the electronic structure. Indeed, we show the reported structure does not define a standard perovskite with nearly rigid IrO6 octahedral tilts and rather exhibits a structural discrepancy with respect to the equilibrium structure obtained from density functional calculations.
Accurate expressions for solar cell fill factors including series and shunt resistances
Authors: Green Martin A.
Published: February 2016

Together with open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current, fill factor is a key solar cell parameter. In their classic paper on limiting efficiency, Shockley and Queisser first investigated this factor's analytical properties showing, for ideal cells, it could be expressed implicitly in terms of the maximum power point voltage. Subsequently, fill factors usually have been calculated iteratively from such implicit expressions or from analytical approximations. In the absence of detrimental series and shunt resistances, analytical fill factor expressions have recently been published in terms of the Lambert W function available in most mathematical computing software. Using a recently identified perturbative relationship, exact expressions in terms of this function are derived in technically interesting cases when both series and shunt resistances are present but have limited impact, allowing a better understanding of their effect individually and in combination. Approximate expressions for arbitrary shunt and series resistances are then deduced, which are significantly more accurate than any previously published. A method based on the insights developed is also reported for deducing one-diode fits to experimental data.
An optofluidic system with volume measurement and surface plasmon resonance sensor for continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Li Dachao , Lu Bingyu , Zhu Rui , Yu Haixia , Xu Kexin
Published: February 2016

The traditional technology of glucose monitoring is painful and invasive because of the frequent blood collection. Nowadays, the enzyme electrode sensor is mainly used for continuous glucose monitoring in clinic, but it has inherent disadvantages of significant signal drift of current due to bioelectricity in body and the missing of hypoglycemia resulting from the irreversible consumption of glucose at the process of enzyme catalytic reaction. Interstitial fluid (ISF) transdermal extraction can be nearly unsensible which effectively reduces the pain caused by invasive detection so that it may provide a new way to monitor glucose. MEMS technology has been used to produce devices for transdermal ISF extraction, but there is a lack of on-chip ISF volume measurement capabilities, which are required to compensate skin permeability variations. This paper presents a lab-on-a-chip system for ISF transdermal extraction, ISF volume measurement, and optical glucose sensing towards the application of continuous glucose monitoring. The device significantly incorporates a MEMS volume sensor, which measures extracted ISF volume via conductance monitoring, and integrates a fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance sensor to measure glucose concentration in microchannel. The fiber-based technique provides an excellent approach to overcome the above two drawbacks of the enzyme electrode based glucose sensing. Six different volumes were tested, and the standard deviation of every sample is less than 0.05 μl, The resonance wavelength moves from 549.081 nm to 592.914 nm while the concentration ranges from 0 to 200 mg/dl. The feasibility of the single-chip device for accurate and continuous monitoring of subcutaneous ISF glucose concentrations is verified.
Architecture of four tree species from different strata of a semideciduous forest in southern Brazil
Authors: Haddad Thaís M. , Hertel Mariana F. , Bianchini Edmilson , Pimenta José A.
Published: February 2016

The present study was conducted in a semideciduous Brazilian forest to verify whether there were architectural differences during development among tree species that differ in adult stature, such that understorey species maximise light interception and canopy and emergent species maximise height gain to rapidly reach high light environments. The crown illumination index and light interception index of individual trees as well as the variation in form among the understorey species were also analysed. Two understorey, one canopy and one emergent species were chosen, and the individuals were divided into height classes. Architectural comparisons among individuals were evaluated using allometry; crown illumination and light interception indices were compared among species. All comparisons were made within each height class. The two understorey species presented some differences in growth form, but both exhibited greater investment in the crown than did the canopy and emergent species. The crown illumination index did not differ among species, but the light interception index was higher for the understorey species. The results indicated that architectural differences between the studied species arise predominantly because species belong to different strata of the forest. Comparison within height classes was important because it allowed us to evaluate species architectural characteristics throughout plant development that cannot be detected using a single height-class comparison or that can be neglected if individuals of different heights are compared.
Étude terminographique descriptive, systématique et bilingue dans le domaine des aliments fonctionnels et des nutraceutiques
Authors: Le Poder Marie-Evelyne
Published: February 2016

Les nouvelles tendances alimentaires observées ces dernières années ont montré un intérêt croissant des populations pour une alimentation saine et équilibrée, c’est-à-dire, fonctionnelle, ayant contribué à l’apparition d’un nouvel axe de recherche dans les domaines des sciences des aliments et de la nutrition : le domaine des aliments fonctionnels et des nutraceutiques. Susceptible d’offrir de nouveaux débouchés sur le marché de la traduction, ce domaine constitue un terrain privilégié pour la formation de traducteurs/trices mais aussi pour les professionnels/elles du secteur. Ledit domaine a donné lieu à la réalisation d’un travail terminographique systématique de type descriptif et bilingue dont nous exposons ici des résultats partiaux. Le présent travail s’articule autour de cinq parties : cadre théorique de la recherche ; objectifs poursuivis ; méthodologie utilisée ; exposition de résultats partiaux de la recherche ; présentation d’un glossaire espagnol-français.
Comparing original and translated Spanish
Authors: Ramón Noelia
Published: February 2016

It is a well-known fact that translated texts present a number of peculiarities which distinguish its language from the one found in texts produced originally. Many studies have tried to name some of these phenomena, which are usually grouped together under the umbrella term of ‘translation universals’. It has been demonstrated that translations do share a number of features irrespective of the source or target languages involved. Other divergences between original and translated texts are due to source language interference and are, therefore, language-dependent. This paper is a corpus-based study of several highly frequent Spanish adjectives in original texts and in texts translated from English. The unmarked position of attributive adjectives is the pre-modifying one in English and the post-modifying one in Spanish, though. Spanish also allows for the pre‑modifying position with certain connotations. The aim of this study is to identify differences in behavioral patterns with respect to adjective position in original and translated Spanish and explain these differences in terms of translation universals and/or source language interference. The results have revealed cases of simplification, unique item under-representation and untypical collocations in Spanish translations of English source texts.
Comparing heritage speakers and late L2-learners of European Portuguese
Authors: Santos Ana Lúcia , Flores Cristina
Published: February 2016

This study compares the performance of Portuguese-German heritage children and adult L2 speakers of European Portuguese whose L1 is German with respect to two aspects of grammar, adverb placement and VP-ellipsis, which depend on a core syntactic property of the language, verb movement. The results show that both groups have acquired V-to-I and adverb placement, showing no influence of a V2 grammar. Performance in the VP-ellipsis task is more complex: heritage children produce VP-ellipsis at the level of controls, as opposed to L2 speakers; however, both L2 and heritage speakers show that cross-linguistic influence may produce a preference for pronoun substitution over VP-ellipsis in a task asking for redundancy resolution. Nevertheless, given that overall results show that heritage children perform at the level of L1 children, we take our results to support approaches to heritage bilingualism which suggest the development of an intact grammar in childhood.
2. Peer interaction and metacognitive instruction in the EFL classroom
Authors: Fujii Akiko , Ziegler Nicole , Mackey Alison
Published: February 2016

This chapter examines the effects of metacognitive instruction on the provision and use of interactional opportunities in learner-learner interactions in the task-based EFL classroom. Learners (N = 39) drawn from three intact speaking classes in an intensive academic EFL program were divided into a treatment group and a control group. Learners in both groups completed a pretest and posttest. The treatment group participated in a metacognitive instruction session, which demonstrated to learners the benefits of interactional feedback and presented tips and practice on how to provide feedback to their peers. Overall, findings indicate that metacognitive instruction led to greater provision and use of interactional feedback in subsequent interactions, and that learners recognized the benefits for their second language learning.
5. Collaborative dialogue in a two-way Spanish/English immersion classroom
Authors: Young Amy I. , Tedick Diane J.
Published: February 2016

This chapter contributes to the field of language education by comparing peer interaction patterns during homogeneous and heterogeneous (based on language proficiency) small group work in a two-way immersion context. Using Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as a theoretical framework, researchers analyzed 16 audio-recorded sessions of student Spanish interactions in a 5th grade (10 to 11 year-old students) two-way immersion classroom. Centered on four focal students, the study explored the relationship between group composition, student interaction, and collaborative dialogue. While homogeneous group work produced more collaborative dialogue, a micro discourse analysis using positioning theory, found student interactions were affected by expert and novice positioning leading to marginalization and silencing of less proficient students during heterogeneous group work. The study recommends ways teachers and students can facilitate collaborative interactions in two-way immersion contexts.
8. Engagement with the language
Authors: Baralt Melissa , Gurzynski-Weiss Laura , Kim YouJin
Published: February 2016

Interactive tasks that have successfully promoted attention to form and language learning in face-to-face (FTF) can be ineffective when performed online (Baralt 2013, 2014). This research is concerning, given the push for online language classes in higher education (Leow, Cerezo, & Baralt 2015). One reason that interactive language tasks do not translate to online settings may be the diminished affect and socialization present in online settings (Baralt 2014). Despite this hypothesis, researchers continue to explore learners’ attention to form from exclusively the cognitive perspective. Recently, Svalberg (2009; 2012) proposed a new model for exploring how learners achieve awareness of forms: a threefold construct including cognitive as well as social and affective engagement. The present chapter is the first to empirically operationalize Svalberg’s model for analyzing learners’ attention (or not) to forms during task-based peer interaction. Forty intermediate-level learners of Spanish performed either cognitively simple or complex interactive dyadic tasks in person or online. Learners’ interaction and post-task questionnaires were then coded for the three types of engagement. Results showed more cognitive engagement (e.g., attention to language forms, reflection), social engagement (e.g., supportive interaction) and affective engagement (e.g., positive feelings) in FTF, particularly during the more complex task. All three types of engagement were diminished or were entirely absent in the online interactions. We argue that the lack of social and affective engagement is what deterred cognitive engagement with language forms. The chapter concludes with a discussion on why researchers must consider social and affective engagement to understand how language awareness can be differentially experienced online.
Genomics in agriculture.
Authors: Kaur R. , Shilpa Shilpa , Kumar K. , Sharma N.
Published: February 2016

Plant breeders mainly rely on phenotypic selection for the improvement of plant varieties. However, with the advent of molecular markers in the early 1980s, it became possible to select desirable traits more directly. Molecular markers, primarily DNA markers, are sections of the genome of the organisms that are used for recognition of a larger area of the genome. The genome represents the sum of all the genes in an organism and the study of the whole genome is known as genomics which comprises both structural as well as functional aspect of genomics. The first DNA-based genetic marker was restriction fragment length polymorphism. A molecular marker can either be located within the gene of interest or be linked to a gene determining a trait of interest. Easily detectable DNA markers can now be used in plant breeding through marker-assisted selection (MAS) for the development of improved varieties based on the genotype of plants rather than assessing the phenotype only. In addition, DNA markers are also used for germplasm evaluation, genetic diagnostics, phylogenetic analysis, study of genome organization and screening of transformants. The breeding strategies of MAS used most frequently for introgression of genes from breeding lines or wild relatives to cultivated species are: marker-assisted back-crossing, marker-assisted recurrent selection, advanced backcross-quantitative trait loci and pyramiding of genes. Current breeding objectives, for which MAS is regularly utilized in crops are mainly, disease and pest resistance and secondarily yield improvement, quality traits, and abiotic stress resistance.
Characterisation of boride layer formed on Fe–Mo binary alloys
Authors: Azakli Yunus , Cengiz Sezgin , Tarakci Mehmet , Gencer Yucel
Published: February 2016

The influence of molybdenum on the boronising behaviour of iron (with addition of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 wt-% Mo) was investigated by performing pack boronising at 1100°C for 3 h. The borided samples were characterised using SEM–EDS, EPMA, XRD, microhardness tester and profilometer. FeB and Fe2B polyphase exists in all boronised pure Fe and Fe–Mo alloys. Mo2FeB2 precipitates were detected in the boride layer and transition zone. The increasing content of Mo in Fe–Mo alloys resulted in a decrease in the boride layer thickness. The average microhardness value of boride layers formed on pure Fe and Fe–16Mo alloys were measured as 1750 and 2050 HV, respectively, while approximate microhardness value of Mo2FeB2 precipitates was measured as 2600 HV. It was also observed that the increasing Mo content in Fe–Mo alloys resulted in an increment in the surface roughness from approximately 0.8 to 2.7 μm.
International instructional systems: social studies
Authors: Brant Jacek , Chapman Arthur , Isaacs Tina
Published: February 2016

This paper reports on research conducted as part of the International Instructional System Study that explored five subject areas across nine jurisdictions in six high‐performing countries. The Study's overall aim was to understand what, if anything, there is in common in the curricula and assessment arrangements among the high‐performing jurisdictions to see if there are aspects of instructional system design that might account, in part, for high performance. This paper focuses on social studies which in most jurisdictions includes elements of history, geography and citizenship and highlights a number of emerging issues. These include the advantages and disadvantages of teaching history and geography separately or within a social studies programme; the extent to which key concepts are embedded within the social studies/history/geography curricula; whether the level of demand should be considered in terms of a generic taxonomy or in terms of subject specific models; how progression might be defined and considerations of an appropriate balance between teacher assessment and external assessment.
Building authoritarian ‘legitimacy’: domestic compliance and international standing of Bashar al-Asad’s Syria
Authors: Sottimano Aurora
Published: February 2016

This paper will cast a closer look at the alleged ‘legitimacy’ of the Syrian regime and will show that the two main legitimating credentials of Bashar al-Asad – namely, his nationalist and reformist missions – carry with them an array of implicit norms and commitments, which shape the Syrian state–society relationship in such a way as to draw non-state actors into the spheres of power. Moreover this paper will examine various regional and international framings of legitimacy in relation to the Syrian war, charting the transition between diplomatic narratives of negotiation and intervention, humanitarian and security imperatives, religious conflict and war on terror. In so doing, the paper will question the common understanding of legitimacy as an evaluative concept embracing a variety of issues which play a role in justifying and maintaining effective political authority. Rather than exploring the legal validity or the moral justification for existing political institutions – as the notion of legitimacy suggests – my focus is on the persistent grip of power mechanisms and strategies of government which elicit discipline and compliance with the dicta of authoritarian rulers, and on how patterns of authoritarian state–society relations are established, justified and adapted to changing circumstances. An analysis of the imbrications of legitimacy and domination, I believe, will help us to understand the magnitude of current events in Syria and will contribute to a reflection about how we can achieve and sustain the movement away from authoritarianism.
Cas-Database: web-based genome-wide guide RNA library design for gene knockout screens using CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Kim Jin-Soo , Bae Sangsu
Published: February 2016

Motivation: CRISPR-derived RNA guided endonucleases (RGENs) have been widely used for both gene knockout and knock-in at the level of single or multiple genes. RGENs are now available for forward genetic screens at genome scale, but single guide RNA (sgRNA) selection at this scale is difficult.

Results: We develop an online tool, Cas-Database, a genome-wide gRNA library design tool for Cas9 nucleases from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9). With an easy-to-use web interface, Cas-Database allows users to select optimal target sequences simply by changing the filtering conditions. Furthermore, it provides a powerful way to select multiple optimal target sequences from thousands of genes at once for the creation of a genome-wide library. Cas-Database also provides a web application programming interface (web API) for advanced bioinformatics users.

Availability and implementation: Free access at http://www.rgenome.net/cas-database/.

Contact:  sangsubae@hanyang.ac.kr or jskim01@snu.ac.kr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effects of high pCO2 on Tanner crab reproduction and early life history, Part II: carryover effects on larvae from oogenesis and embryogenesis are stronger than direct effects
Authors: Long W. Christopher , Swiney Katherine M. , Foy Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Anthropogenic CO2 release is increasing the pCO2 in the atmosphere and oceans and causing a decrease in the pH of the oceans. This decrease in pH, known as ocean acidification, can have substantial negative effects on marine life. In this study, we use wild-brooded larvae and larvae from females held in treatment pH for two brooding cycles over 2 years to detect carryover effects from oogenesis and embryogenesis. Ovigerous females were held at three pHs: ∼8.1 (Ambient), 7.8, and 7.5. Exposure to acidified conditions at the larval stage alone had minimal effects on the larvae, possibly because larvae may be adapted to living in an environment with large pH swings. Exposure of Tanner crab larvae to low pH during the embryo phase had a more substantial effect on morphology, size, Ca/Mg content, and metabolic rate than exposure during the larval phase, and maternal exposure during the oogenesis phase increased the carryover effect. Although the larval phase itself is resilient to low pH, carryover effects are likely to have a negative effect on larvae in the wild. These results, combined with negative effects of high pCO2 at other life history stages, indicate that high pCO2 may have a negative effect on the Tanner crab populations and fisheries soon.
Emergency Neuroimaging of Intracranial Infection, Inflammation, and Demyelination
Authors: Siegel Cory D. , Schaefer Pamela W.
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes the cross-sectional neuroimaging manifestations of the most common infectious, inflammatory, and demyelinating pathologies that radiologists may encounter in the emergency setting. Clinical features and relevant CT and MRI findings of common intracranial pyogenic, viral, mycobacterial, and parasitic infections are discussed in detail. The neuroimaging of demyelinating processes such as multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are also described, as are inflammatory conditions such as neurosarcoidosis. We provide radiologists with a framework to evaluate emergency neuroimaging cases. We provide example cases to complement the discussion, with note made of imaging findings, differential considerations, and important key features that are essential to successfully evaluating these examinations.