bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile solvothermal synthesis of Pt76Co24 nanomyriapods for efficient electrocatalysis
Authors: Jiang Liu-Ying , Huang Xian-Yan , Wang Ai-Jun , Li Xin-Sheng , Yuan Junhua , Feng Jiu-Ju
Published: May 2017

Uniform Pt76Co24 myriapods with abundant active sites were prepared by a one-pot solvothermal method, which exhibited excellent catalytic performances for ORR and HER in acid media.
Alterations in the surface features of S-doped carbon and g-C3N4 photocatalysts in the presence of CO2 and water upon visible light exposure
Authors: Li Wanlu , Hu Yuping , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Bandosz T. J.
Published: May 2017

The surfaces of g-C3N and S-doped carbons upon exposure to water and/or CO2 under visible light are oxidized as a result of photoactivity and chemical reactivity.
Emulsion-templated, macroporous hydrogels for enhancing water efficiency in fighting fires
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Zhiguang , Gui Haoguan , Guo Qipeng
Published: May 2017

High internal phase emulsion templated, interconnected macroporous hydrogels with rapid absorption, high and tunable water uptakes were fabricated for enhancing water efficiency in extinguishing fires and preventing combustible objects from burning.
UV-curable hybrid organic–inorganic composite inks with a high refractive index for printing interference images and holograms
Authors: Eremeeva Elena A. , Yakovlev Aleksandr V. , Pidko Evgeny A. , Vinogradov Alexandr V.
Published: May 2017

Herein we report a new, facile and inexpensive methodology for obtaining highly refractive polymers suitable for inkjet printing using cheap and non-toxic reagents that can be rapidly polymerized under UV irradiation under ambient conditions.
Chiral induction, transfer and modulation in C3-symmetric columnar liquid crystalline assemblies
Authors: Hu Jingang , Zhu Tianyi , He Chenlu , Zhang Yan , Zhang Qijin , Zou Gang
Published: May 2017

The strong junction bonding interaction between the central cores and the peripheral arms favoured chirality transfer within the supramolecular columnar assemblies, and the configuration maintenance of helical PDA chains upon exposure to thermal stimuli.
Strong ferroelectric polarization of CH3NH3GeI3 with high-absorption and mobility transport anisotropy: theoretical study
Authors: Zhao Yu-Qing , Liu Biao , Yu Zhuo-Liang , Ma JianMin , Qiang Wan Qiang Wan , He Peng-bin , Cai Meng-Qiu
Published: May 2017

The sub-band gap absorption in the ferroelectric lead-free hybrid perovskite.
Few-layer selenium-doped black phosphorus: synthesis, nonlinear optical properties and ultrafast photonics applications
Authors: Ge Yanqi , Chen Si , Xu Yijun , He Zhiliang , Liang Zhiming , Chen Yunxiang , Song Yufeng , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Kai , Zhang Han
Published: May 2017

The synthesized FL Se-doped compound shows enhanced optical saturable absorption and high electrical characterizations, which can be developed as an excellent candidate for photoelectric devices.
EGFR inhibition by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and IIF treatments reduces breast cancer cell invasion
Authors: Farabegoli Fulvia , Govoni Marzia , Spisni Enzo , Papi Alessio
Published: May 2017

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is an important marker in breast carcinoma pathology and is considered a pivotal molecule for cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. We investigated the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most active green tea catechin, in combination with 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene (IIF), a synthetic retinoid X receptor-γ (RXRγ) agonist, on three breast carcinoma cell lines: MCF-7, MCF-7TAM and MDA-MB-231. EGFR and AKT activation and molecular markers of cell motility and migration (CD44, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inducer (EMMPRIN), MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)) were studied after EGCG and IIF treatments. The EGCG + IIF treatment was the most active in down-regulating EGFR phosphorylation at Tyr1068 in all the investigated cell lines; p473AKT was also down-regulated in MCF-TAM cells. EGCG + IIF was also the most active treatment in reducing the expression of markers of invasion and migration in all the three cell lines: CD44, EMMPRIN, MMP-2 and -9 expression decreased, whereas TIMPs were up-regulated. Zymography and scratch assay also confirmed the reduced invasion tendency. We considered that EGCG and IIF treatments could alter the molecular network based on EGFR, CD44 and EMMPRIN expression interdependence and reduced the migration tendency in MCF-7, MCF-7TAM and MDA-MB-231 cells. These events only occurred in association with AKT inactivation in MCF-7TAM cells. In conclusion, the combination of EGCG and IIF significantly attenuated the invasive behaviour of breast carcinoma cells.
MicroRNA-497 suppresses renal cell carcinoma by targeting VEGFR-2 in ACHN cells
Authors: Pengcheng Sun , Ziqi Wang , Luyao Yin , Xiangwei Zhu , Liang Liu , Yuwei Liu , Lechen Li , Wanhai Xu
Published: May 2017

Abnormal expression of miRNAs contributed to cancers through regulation of proliferation, apoptosis and drug resistance of cancer cells. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of miR-497 on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its possible mechanism. Forty paired clear cell RCC (ccRCC) tissues and adjacent normal kidney tissues were obtained from patients, who were not treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. RT-PCR was performed to detect expression of miR-497 in the ccRCC tissues. Effects of miR-497 on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected in ACHN cells. Western blotting (WB) was employed to detect the downstream targets of miR-497. We found that miR-497 in ccRCC tissues was decreased. We treated ACHN cells with miR-497 mimics and inhibitors in vitro and found that miR-497 inhibited viability, migration and invasion of ACHN cells. miR-497 promoted ACHN cells’ apoptosis. VEGFR-2 was predicted as a possible target of miR-497. Luciferase reporter assay proved that miR-497 suppressed VEGFR-2 directly by binding to its 3′-UTR. Further studies showed that miR-497 influenced the MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways. Our findings demonstrated that miR-497 could suppress RCC by targeting VEGFR-2.
Tetramethylpyrazine blocks TFAM degradation and up-regulates mitochondrial DNA copy number by interacting with TFAM
Authors: Lan Linhua , Guo Miaomiao , Ai Yong , Chen Fuhong , Zhang Ya , Xia Lei , Huang Dawei , Niu Lili , Zheng Ying , Suzuki Carolyn K. , Zhang Yihua , Liu Yongzhang , Lu Bin
Published: May 2017

The natural small molecule compound: 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), is a major component of the Chinese medicine Chuanxiong, which has wide clinical applications in dilating blood vessels, inhibiting platelet aggregation and treating thrombosis. Recent work suggests that TMP is also an antitumour agent. Despite its chemotherapeutic potential, the mechanism(s) underlying TMP action are unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that TMP binds to mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and blocks its degradation by the mitochondrial Lon protease. TFAM is a key regulator of mtDNA replication, transcription and transmission. Our previous work showed that when TFAM is not bound to DNA, it is rapidly degraded by the ATP-dependent Lon protease, which is essential for mitochondrial proteostasis. In cultured cells, TMP specifically blocks Lon-mediated degradation of TFAM, leading to TFAM accumulation and subsequent up-regulation of mtDNA content in cells with substantially low levels of mtDNA. In vitro protease assays show that TMP does not directly inhibit mitochondrial Lon, rather interacts with TFAM and blocks degradation. Pull-down assays show that biotinylated TMP interacts with TFAM. These findings suggest a novel mechanism whereby TMP stabilizes TFAM and confers resistance to Lon-mediated degradation, thereby promoting mtDNA up-regulation in cells with low mtDNA content.
266–2133 MHz phase shifter using all‐digital delay‐locked loop and triangular‐modulated phase interpolator for LPDDR4X interface
Authors: Chae J.‐H. , Kim M. , Ko H. , Jeong Y. , Park J. , Hong G.‐M. , Jeong D.‐K. , Kim S.
Published: May 2017

A 266–2133 MHz phase shifter is proposed for LPDDR4X interface, utilising an all‐digital delay‐locked loop (DLL) and a triangular‐modulated phase interpolator (PI) to improve the jitter and linearity. The DLL consists of two kinds of DLLs: a global DLL to assist fast locking; and a local DLL which uses an adaptive‐window phase detector and a folded delay line to reduce jitter and improve linearity. The PI uses a triangular‐modulated clock waveform to achieve good linearity over a wide frequency range. The prototype chip is implemented in a 65 nm CMOS process. The measured jitter of the DLL is 3.08 psrms/19.93 pspp at 2133 MHz. The measured differential non‐linearity of the phase shifter is <0.91 LSB at 2133 MHz, and the power efficiency is about 2.7 mW/GHz.
Convergent heterogeneous particle swarm optimisation algorithm for multilevel image thresholding segmentation
Authors: Mozaffari Mohammad Hamed , Lee Won‐Sook
Published: May 2017

One of the critical tasks in image processing is image segmentation. Image thresholding is the simplest technique of segmentation in two forms of bi‐level and multilevel. One alternative to find optimal threshold values is to convert the problem of segmentation into an optimisation problem. Classical optimisation techniques are computationally expensive, inaccurate and inefficient compared to the recent global heuristic optimisation algorithms. In this study, Convergence heterogeneous particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, has been utilised to find the optimal multilevel thresholds. The general idea of this algorithm is to divide particles into four subswarms for searching problem space. Otsu's and Kapur's thresholding methods are separately used as a fitness function which the former maximise between‐class variance and the latter maximise image entropy. To evaluate the proposed method, it applied to a benchmark of images and the results compared with similar and famous heuristic methods, genetic algorithm, harmony search and the PSO. The results revealed that the proposed method is accurate and robust whereas through several executions, it shows more stability with better convergence in compare to the other approaches while difference was significant by increasing the number of thresholds.
Quantitative metric for MR brain tumour grade classification using sample space density measure of analytic intrinsic mode function representation
Authors: Kaur Taranjit , Saini Barjinder Singh , Gupta Savita
Published: May 2017

In the present study, a new feature named as density measure is proposed for classification of the glioma brain tumour magnetic resonance (MR) image into low and high‐grade categories. The proposed feature is derived using improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and Hilbert transformation technique. The proposed feature uses the difference signal created by mapping of the fluid attenuation inversion recovery segmented region onto T1 and T1‐contrast‐enhanced MR images. This difference signal is decomposed into various intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using improved CEEMDAN algorithm that effectively captures the texture variations existing in both tumour groups. Then, the Hilbert transformation of resulting IMF is computed that provides the analytic signal representation, thereby giving a better visualisation of the texture difference. The proposed feature is calculated from this analytic signal representation at 97% confidence level. Subsequently, this feature is utilised to calculate a quantitative metric for tumour classification. The proposed metric has been validated on 120 tumorous images taken from brain tumour image segmentation benchmark (BRATS) 2012 dataset and the images taken from Harvard Medical School repository. The results illustrate that proposed metric yields an overall classification accuracy of 100% which is better than existing state‐of‐art works.
Pulse train controlled buck converter with coupled inductors
Authors: Yu Dongsheng , Wang Long , Geng Yisen , Ma Caoyuan , Ye Zongbin , Liu Yang
Published: May 2017

Pulse train (PT) controlled switching DC/DC converters possess advantages of simple structure, fast dynamic response, good robustness etc. but also accompanied by undesirable low‐frequency oscillation phenomenon when the converters are operated in continuous conduction mode (CCM). To mitigate the low‐frequency oscillations of PT controlled buck converters, a novel buck converter with coupled inductor is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the mechanism of the low‐frequency oscillation is analysed, the corresponding oscillation suppression method is discussed and the discrete‐time model of the proposed converter is constructed. Furthermore, the bifurcation and time‐domain diagrams of the output voltage and the switching peak current in terms of coupling coefficient and load variation are reported, and the influence from the coupling coefficient and load on low‐frequency oscillation behaviours is revealed. The experimental results verify that the output voltage of the PT controlled proposed buck converter can be timely adjusted based on proper configuration of the coupling coefficient, and hence the low‐frequency oscillation can be eliminated and the maximum switching peak current can be decreased.
Quasi‐resonant DC‐link H5 PV inverter
Authors: Fazlali Behnam , Adib Ehsan
Published: May 2017

By removing transformer from PV inverters, they become more attractive for distributed power generation systems. Regardless of their some extra leakage currents, transformer‐less inverters would be more advantageous regarding their higher efficiency. However, using traditionally hard‐switching converters still causes to drastic switching losses, high di/dt and electromagnetic interference. Quasi‐resonant DC‐link techniques have promising features to provide zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) condition for full bridge inverters, but they are not suitable for transformer‐less PV inverters due to consequent high leakage current. In this study, a transformer‐less PV inverter is proposed by adapting a proper quasi‐resonant DC‐link technique to the H5 topology. Using only two auxiliary switches, ZVS turn on and turn off for high‐frequency bus switch and ZCS turn on and ZVS turn off for high‐frequency switches of the bridge as well as ZVS turn on and turn off of the antiparallel diodes of main switches are realised. Zero current switching (ZCS) turn on and ZVS turn off for auxiliary switches and ZVS turn on and ZCS turn off for antiparallel diodes are also provided. To verify the proposed circuit operation, a 20 kHz 1 kW quasi‐resonant DC‐link H5 PV inverter prototype is implemented and operation characteristics, soft switching conditions and design rules are confirmed.
Analysis and MPPT control of a wind‐driven three‐phase induction generator feeding single‐phase utility grid
Authors: Arthishri Krishnan , Kumaresan Natarajan , Ammasaigounden Nanjappagounder
Published: May 2017

In this study, a three‐phase diode bridge rectifier and a single‐phase voltage source inverter topology has been proposed for feeding single‐phase utility grid employing a three‐phase induction generator fed from wind energy. A self‐excited induction generator configuration has been chosen for wide speed operation of wind turbine system, which gives the scope for extracting maximum power available in the wind. In addition to maximum power point tracking (MPPT), the generator can be loaded to its rated capacity for feeding single‐phase utility grid using a three‐phase induction machine, whereas it is not possible with existing configurations because of the absence of power converters. For the proposed system, MPPT algorithm has been devised by continuously monitoring the grid current and a proportional resonant controller has been employed for grid synchronisation of voltage source inverter with single‐phase grid. A MATLAB/Simulink model of the proposed system has been developed to ascertain its successful working by predetermining the overall performance characteristics. The present proposal has also been tested with sag, swell and distortion in the grid voltage. The control strategy has been implemented using field programmable gate array (FPGA) controller with modularised programming approach. The efficacy of the system has been demonstrated with the results obtained from an experimental set‐up in the laboratory.
The VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS)
Authors: Scodeggio M. , Guzzo L. , Garilli B. , Granett B. R. , Bolzonella M. , de la Torre S. , Abbas U. , Adami C. , Arnouts S. , Bottini D. , Cappi A. , Coupon J. , Cucciati O. , Davidzon I. , Franzetti P. , Fritz A. , Iovino A. , Krywult J. , Le Brun V. , Le Fèvre O. , Maccagni D. , Małek K. , Marchetti A. , Marulli F. , Polletta M. , Pollo A. , Tasca L. A. M. , Tojeiro R. , Vergani D. , Zanichelli A. , Bel J. , Branchini E. , De Lucia G. , Ilbert O. , McCracken H. J. , Moutard T. , Peacock J. A. , Zamorani G. , Burden A. , Fumana M. , Jullo E. , Marinoni C. , Mellier Y. , Moscardini L. , Percival W. J.
Published: May 2017

We present the full public data release (PDR-2) of the VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS), performed at the ESO VLT. We release redshifts, spectra, CFHTLS magnitudes and ancillary information (as masks and weights) for a complete sample of 86 775 galaxies (plus 4732 other objects, including stars and serendipitous galaxies); we also include their full photometrically-selected parent catalogue. The sample is magnitude limited to iAB ≤ 22.5, with an additional colour-colour pre-selection devised as to exclude galaxies at z < 0.5. This practically doubles the effective sampling of the VIMOS spectrograph over the range 0.5 < z < 1.2 (reaching 47% on average), yielding a final median local galaxy density close to 5 × 10-3h3 Mpc-3. The total area spanned by the final data set is ≃ 23.5 deg2, corresponding to 288 VIMOS fields with marginal overlaps, split over two regions within the CFHTLS-Wide W1 and W4 equatorial fields (at RA ≃ 2 and ≃ 22 h, respectively). Spectra were observed at a resolution R = 220, covering a wavelength range 5500−9500 Å. Data reduction and redshift measurements were performed through a fully automated pipeline; all redshift determinations were then visually validated and assigned a quality flag. Measurements with a quality flag ≥ 2 are shown to have a confidence level of 96% or larger and make up 88% of all measured galaxy redshifts (76 552 out of 86 775), constituting the VIPERS prime catalogue for statistical investigations. For this sample the rms redshift error, estimated using repeated measurements of about 3000 galaxies, is found to be σz = 0.00054(1 + z). All data are available at http://vipers.inaf.it and on the ESO Archive.
Pediatric Early Warning System Scores: Lessons to be Learned
Authors: Fuijkschot Joris , Kramer Boris , Vos Gijs , Sambeeck Sam
Published: May 2017

The objective was to evaluate the use of a pediatric early warning system (PEWS) score in Dutch general and university hospitals, 4 years after the introduction of a national safety program in which the implementation of a PEWS was advised. An electronic cross-sectional survey was used. All general and university hospitals (n = 91) with a pediatric department in The Netherlands were included in the study. The response rate was 100%. Three-quarters of all Dutch hospitals were using a PEWS score in the pediatric department. A wide variation in the parameters was found leading to 45 different PEWS scores. Almost all PEWS scores were invalidated, self-designed, or modified from other PEWS scores. In one-third of the hospitals with an emergency room, a PEWS was used with a wide variation in the parameters leading to 20 different PEWS scores, the majority of which are invalidated. Three-quarters of the hospitals did implement a PEWS score. The majority implemented an invalidated PEWS score. This may lead to a false sense of security or even a potentially dangerous situation. Although these systems are intuitively experienced as useful, the scientific evidence in terms of hospital mortality reduction and patient safety improvement is lacking. It is recommended to establish a national working group to coordinate the development, validation, and implementation of a wide safety program and a PEWS usable for both general and university hospitals.
Random Lie-point symmetries of stochastic differential equations
Authors: Gaeta Giuseppe , Spadaro Francesco
Published: May 2017

We study the invariance of stochastic differential equations under random diffeomorphisms and establish the determining equations for random Lie-point symmetries of stochastic differential equations, both in Ito and in Stratonovich forms. We also discuss relations with previous results in the literature.
Arbitrary amplitude double-layers in four-component dusty plasma with q-non-extensive electrons and ions
Authors: Abulwafa Essam M. , Elhanbaly Atalla M. , Mahmoud Abeer A. , Al-Araby Abd-alrahman F.
Published: May 2017

The occurrence and propagation of dust acoustic double-layers with arbitrary amplitude have been investigated in four-component dusty plasma with q-non-extensive distributed electrons and ions. Via the Sagdeev pseudo-potential technique, the fluid equations of the plasma under consideration map to a single equation, namely, energy equation. Also, employing Sagdeev pseudo-potential and phase-portrait techniques shows that the profile of the double-layer solution is highly sensitive to the strength of Mach number, non-extensive parameters, and dust temperatures ratio. The results appear that only compressive double-layers are found for certain conditions. In addition, the case of small amplitude double-layer approximation is introduced and the explicit form of double-layer solution is written down where its amplitude and width depend crucially on the plasma parameters. The obtained results are very useful to understand the basic features of Jupiter's magnetosphere, Earth's mesosphere, and cometary tails where non-extensive electrons and ions can significantly dominate the wave propagation and also to laboratory plasmas.
Plasma wakefield excitation in a cold magnetized plasma for particle acceleration
Authors: Karmakar Mithun , Chakrabarti Nikhil , Sengupta Sudip
Published: May 2017

A numerical study has been done to find a travelling wave solution for a highly relativistic electron beam driven cold magnetized plasma. The presence of magnetic field has an effect to reduce the transformer ratio (the ratio of energy gain to the drive beam energy) from its unmagnetized value. The effects of the beam shape on the nonlinear structures of different dynamical variables are also discussed. The results owe its significance in the laboratory context of particle acceleration or in the study of generation of ultrahigh accelerating charged particles by strong plasma waves in astrophysical situations.
Electron acceleration in a secondary magnetic island formed during magnetic reconnection with a guide field
Authors: Wang Huanyu , Lu Quanming , Huang Can , Wang Shui
Published: May 2017

Secondary magnetic islands may be generated in the vicinity of an X line during magnetic reconnection. In this paper, by performing two-dimensional (2-D) particle-in-cell simulations, we investigate the role of a secondary magnetic island in electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection with a guide field. The electron motions are found to be adiabatic, and we analyze the contributions of the parallel electric field and Fermi and betatron mechanisms to electron acceleration in the secondary island during the evolution of magnetic reconnection. When the secondary island is formed, electrons are accelerated by the parallel electric field due to the existence of the reconnection electric field in the electron current sheet. Electrons can be accelerated by both the parallel electric field and Fermi mechanism when the secondary island begins to merge with the primary magnetic island, which is formed simultaneously with the appearance of X lines. With the increase in the guide field, the contributions of the Fermi mechanism to electron acceleration become less and less important. When the guide field is sufficiently large, the contribution of the Fermi mechanism is almost negligible.
Ultrafast X-ray diffraction probe of terahertz field-driven soft mode dynamics in SrTiO3
Authors: Kozina M. , van Driel T. , Chollet M. , Sato T. , Glownia J. M. , Wandel S. , Radovic M. , Staub U. , Hoffmann M. C.
Published: May 2017

We use ultrafast X-ray pulses to characterize the lattice response of SrTiO3 when driven by strong terahertz fields. We observe transient changes in the diffraction intensity with a delayed onset with respect to the driving field. Fourier analysis reveals two frequency components corresponding to the two lowest energy zone-center optical modes in SrTiO3. The lower frequency mode exhibits clear softening as the temperature is decreased while the higher frequency mode shows slight temperature dependence.
Fitting of pH conditions for the study of concentrate feeds fermentation by the in vitro gas-production technique
Authors: Amanzougarene Z. , Fondevila M.
Published: May 2017

Two experiments were conducted to simulate in vitro the fermentation conditions under high-concentrate feeding. The concentration of bicarbonate ion in the buffer of the incubation solution was assayed in Experiment 1, by adjusting medium pH to 6.50, 6.25, 6.00, 5.75 and 5.50, in two incubation series of 12 h, using barley as the reference substrate. The pH diminished linearly (P < 0001) by lowering the buffer, and remained constant throughout 12 h, except for treatments 5.75 and 5.50, where pH dropped to 5.51 and 5.31 at 12 h. Gas production decreased linearly with a decreasing medium pH (P < 0.001), with the total volume of gas produced after 12 h being highly dependent (P < 0.01) on pH at 12 h (R2 = 0.629), thus demonstrating the importance of the incubation pH for estimation of fermentation of concentrate feeds. In Experiment 2, the effect of pH on direct and indirect proportion of gas was studied by adding 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mmol of acetic acid, either with or without (water added instead) rumen inoculum, to the media. Linear multiple regressions established between the volume of gas produced and the addition of acetic acid, and the bicarbonate ion concentration showed high determination coefficients for water (R2 = 0.929) and rumen inoculum (R2 = 0.851). Without inoculum, indirect gas production ranged from 9.4 to 12.4 mL/mmol of acid for medium pH of 5.50–6.50. With rumen inoculum, indirect gas was 20.8 mL/mmol acid, although this may have been biased by the contribution of inoculum itself to direct fermentation.
Mechanism of signal propagation in
Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Alim Karen , Andrew Natalie , Pringle Anne , Brenner Michael P.
Published: May 2017

Significance

How do apparently simple organisms coordinate sophisticated behaviors? The slime mold
Physarum polycephalum
solves complex problems, for example finding the shortest route between food sources, despite growing as a single cell and the lack of any neural circuitry. By carefully observing
P. polycephalum’s
response to a nutrient stimulus and using the data to develop a mathematical model, we identify a simple mechanism underpinning the slime mold’s behaviors: A stimulus triggers the release of a signaling molecule. The molecule is initially advected by fluid flows but also increases fluid flows, generating a feedback loop and enabling the movement of information throughout the organism’s body. This simple mechanism is sufficient to explain
P. polycephalum’s
emergent, complex behaviors.
Human phosphatase CDC14A regulates actin organization through dephosphorylation of epithelial protein lost in neoplasm
Authors: Chen Nan-Peng , Uddin Borhan , Hardt Robert , Ding Wen , Panic Marko , Lucibello Ilaria , Kammerer Patricia , Ruppert Thomas , Schiebel Elmar
Published: May 2017

Significance

Human hCDC14A phosphatase has been shown to regulate cell migration and adhesion by modulating actin dynamics. Here we identify the potent tumor suppressor eplin as an hCDC14A substrate. Through dephosphorylation of serine residues 362 and 604 of eplin, hCDC14A promotes F-actin bundling and counteracts EGF-induced membrane ruffling. Cells lacking hCDC14A activity or eplin expression showed reduced E-cadherin levels and β-catenin retention at cell–cell junctions and formed more invasive colonies than wild-type cells. Expression of a phospho-inhibitory, but not a phospho-mimetic,
eplin
mutant rescued these phenotypes. Database analysis indicated that hCDC14A and eplin are frequently inactivated in human colorectal cancer and this is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, the hCDC14A and eplin axis plays an important role in limiting tumor malignancy.
Chemotaxis and autochemotaxis of self-propelling droplet swimmers
Authors: Jin Chenyu , Krüger Carsten , Maass Corinna C.
Published: May 2017

Significance Statement

Chemotaxis and autochemotaxis are key mechanisms in the dynamics of microorganisms, e.g., in the acquisition of nutrients and in the communication between individuals, as well as influencing their collective behavior. However, chemical signaling and the natural environment of biological swimmers are generally complex, such that control parameters are hard to single out and quantify experimentally. Here, artificial systems with biomimetic features can provide vital insights. We present a well-controllable droplet swimmer system exhibiting both chemotaxis and negative autochemotaxis, as well as microfluidic assays to observe, control, and quantify these effects. Fundamental properties of the system can be derived by a simple analytical model.
Different phosphoisoforms of RNA polymerase II engage the Rtt103 termination factor in a structurally analogous manner
Authors: Nemec Corey M. , Yang Fan , Gilmore Joshua M. , Hintermair Corinna , Ho Yi-Hsuan , Tseng Sandra C. , Heidemann Martin , Zhang Ying , Florens Laurence , Gasch Audrey P. , Eick Dirk , Washburn Michael P. , Varani Gabriele , Ansari Aseem Z.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Stage-specific and gene-specific molecular machines are recruited to elongating RNA polymerase II (Pol II) through reversible phosphorylation of its carboxyl-terminal domain. This unusual domain is composed of a tandemly repeating Y
1
S
2
P
3
T
4
S
5
P
6
S
7
motif. Here, we identify a class of noncoding RNA that relies on phospho-Thr4 for effective termination. We also identify protein complexes that rely on Thr4 to associate with Pol II. Rtt103, one of the proteins that engages phospho-Thr4, also binds phospho-Ser2 and facilitates transcription termination of protein-coding genes. Using NMR, we show that Rtt103 binds with phospho-Thr4 in a nearly identical manner as phospho-Ser2. Our genomic, proteomic, and structural data suggest that phospho-Ser2 and phospho-Thr4 enable the recruitment of Rtt103 to different gene classes.
(Role-)playing fair(s)
Authors: Cirillo Letizia , Radicioni Maura
Published: May 2017

In the present chapter, we focus on interpreter-mediated business negotiations as simulated in a classroom environment. Drawing on our own experience as dialogue interpreter instructors and on relevant literature, we argue that the structured role-play is a valuable teaching and learning tool to introduce students to the practice of dialogue interpreting in business settings. If the various steps of the role-playing activity are carefully designed and grounded on a dialogic approach, the activity can in fact shed light on the constraints and expectations associated with (interpreted) business negotiations and raise students’ awareness of the coordinating role of the interpreter therein.
The effects of proficiency on Spanish L2 learners’ strategic communication
Authors: Rosas Maldonado Maritza
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the effects of Spanish L2 learners’ proficiency levels on their use of communication strategies in face-to-face interactions. Spoken data was elicited by means of a task-based methodology from different level learners in interaction with other learners and Spanish NSs. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to investigate a possible association between the learners’ proficiency levels and their communication strategy use. The analysis drew on Dӧrnyei & Kӧrmos’ (1998) taxonomy. Findings indicate a higher strategy use in beginner levels, and their tendency to tackle lexis-related problems, as well as less complex grammatical features of the language. Higher level learners, however, focused more on grammar-related problems, as well as on more complex aspects of the target language.
Comparing advanced L2 and heritage language learners’ Spanish grammars
Authors: Burgo Clara
Published: May 2017

It is very well known that we should take a sociolinguistic teaching approach for Spanish heritage language (HL) learners' instruction.Potowski (2005)proposed that instruction be centered on literacy development and grammatical knowledge. However, not much has been said regarding grammar instruction: What does Spanish HL learners' grammar look like? What are the main similarities and differences between advanced L2 learners and HL learners? What are the most effective grammar teaching techniques for Spanish HL learners? Can those techniques used for L2 grammar teaching be applied to HL learners? In this article, an answer to all of these questions is offered. Moreover, practical examples of activities are provided using several techniques such as processing instruction, interactional feedback, dictogloss, and input enhancement, followed by pedagogical implications derived from current research on grammar instruction for both advanced L2 and HL learners of Spanish.
The acquisition of Spanish and English as two first languages through the analysis of natural interpreting in bilingual children
Authors: Fernández Fuertes Raquel , Álvarez de la Fuente Esther
Published: May 2017

Research on the acquisition of two first languages from birth (2L1A) has focused, among other issues, on how the grammars of the two languages being acquired interact (e.g.Bhatia & Ritchie, 2012;De Houwer, 2009;Deuchar & Quay, 2000;Döpke, 2000;Köppe & Meisel, 1995). A case in point is natural interpreting which evidences how bilingual children exposed to two languages from birth deal with the grammatical properties of the two languages and how this leads them to potentially convey the same message in either (or both) of these languages. More specifically, as part of the simultaneous processing of their two L1s, 2L1 bilingual children have been reported to often translate between their two L1s (Álvarez de la Fuente & Fernández Fuertes, 2012,2015;Cossato, 2008;Harris, 1980a,1980b;Harris & Sherwood, 1978), a phenomenon that has been called natural interpreting (Harris, 1977, 2003). In this respect, natural interpreting can be included with other language contact phenomena, such as interlinguistic influence or code-switching, as a typical defining property of 2L1A. Therefore, in this study we aim to offer an analysis of the way in which Spanish-English bilingual children use natural interpreting in their 2L1A process by focusing on the Spanish-English bilingual corpora freely available through the CHILDES project (MacWhinney, 2000).
Procesamiento fonológico y aprendizaje de la lectura en lengua extranjera
Authors: Fonseca-Mora M. Carmen , Fernández-Corbacho Analí
Published: May 2017

Las habilidades fonológicas han sido descritas como elementos cruciales sobre los que se apoya el aprendizaje de todo el proceso lector. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido medir variables lingüísticas, como las destrezas fonológicas, y variables cognitivas, como la memoria de trabajo y la velocidad de procesamiento, para observar si estas variables permiten identificar alumnado de lengua extranjera con dificultades lectoras. Se administró la prueba Early Grade Reading Assessment, en español e inglés, y la prueba neuropsicológica WISC-IV de medición de memoria de trabajo y velocidad de procesamiento a niños españoles aprendientes de inglés de 7–8 años de edad. Los resultados muestran una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre las habilidades de procesamiento fonológico en lengua materna y en inglés como lengua extranjera. La evaluación de la conciencia fonológica y de la memoria de trabajo ayudan a identificar a alumnado de lengua extranjera en riesgo de tener problemas lectores.
An exploratory study of complementary contrastive discourse constructions in English
Authors: Iza Erviti Aneider
Published: May 2017

This paper studies the fundamental characteristics of a subgroup of members of the family of complementary-contrastive discourse constructions in English. FollowingRuiz de Mendoza and Gómez-González (2014)by discourse constructions this article refers to form-meaning pairings capturing relational meaning such as addition, exemplification, contrast, etc. grounded in high-level cognitive models. A discourse construction (e.g.,X Let Alone Y; cf.Fillmore, Kay, & O’Connor, 1988), generally consists of a fixed part and two variables, where the fixed part is a connector (a discourse marker or a conjunction). The constructions under scrutiny indicate a relation between two elements or situations in the world that are opposites but not exclusive of each other. Many of the members of this constructional family have frequently been treated as fully interchangeable in standard lexicographic practice. By contrast, this paper argues that each of these constructions introduces small but decisive changes in focal structure, resulting in important differences in meaning. Taking this evidence into account, the paper specifies the cases where one construction is used with preference over the others.
Clasificación semántica de colocaciones verbales para la adquisición y codificación de conocimiento experto
Authors: Montero Martínez Silvia , Buendía Castro Míriam
Published: May 2017

Los trabajos lexicográficos y terminográficos, por lo general, han favorecido el estudio de las unidades nominales en detrimento de las unidades verbales, a pesar de que los verbos son elementos claves en la transmisión de conocimiento general y experto (L’Homme, 1998). Este artículo propone una metodología de clasificación y descripción de las colocaciones verbales, de acuerdo con su significado, con la finalidad de facilitar la adquisición y codificación de conocimiento experto. La hipótesis de trabajo es que la clasificación de verbos, en dominios y subdominios léxicos, de acuerdo con el Modelo de la Gramática Léxica (Faber & Mairal Usón, 1999), y la identificación de los requisitos y restricciones de cada subdominio, de acuerdo con el tipo de argumento que activan los predicados, permitirá predecir el significado de las colocaciones verbales resultantes y establecer generalizaciones dentro de cada subdominio a través de patrones fraseológicos (Montero Martínez, 2008). Para ello, se propone una descripción de los argumentos que atienda a su categoría semántica, a los roles que activan (roles temáticos y macro-roles de la Gramática del Papel y la Referencia) (Van Valin & LaPolla, 1997;Van Valin, 2005) y a su estructura morfosintáctica. Las descripciones resultantes, ilustradas para colocaciones verbales en español del área del medio ambiente y representadas en la base de conocimientoEcoLexicon, resultarían muy valiosas en recursos lexicográficos y terminográficos destinados a la producción textual y la adquisición de conocimiento por parte del usuario.
Using quizzes to assess and enhance learning of English as a foreign language
Authors: Sánchez María Jesús , Diego Carmen , Fernández-Sánchez Alfredo
Published: May 2017

This article addresses the testing effect, which refers to the increase in learning that results from taking tests (Halamish & Bjork, 2011;Karpicke & Roediger, 2008;Roediger, Agarwal, McDaniel, & McDermott, 2011). The aim was to find out, with a Pretest/Posttest design, whether quizzes can be an effective tool for learning in an EFL environment due to the repeated testing. There are numerous publications dealing with the use of quizzes with concepts from different disciplines (Bälter, Enström, & Klingenberg, 2013;McDaniel, Wildman, & Anderson, 2012); however, this research takes it a step further because it is the first time that the effect of quizzes has been experimentally verified with English modal expressions and verbs. The outcome of this research benefits foreign language teachers and supports the long-term learning with quizzes in a foreign language.
Achieving an excellent strength–ductility synergy in Zircaloy-4 by FSW with rapid cooling
Authors: Xu Nan , Song Qining , Bao Yefeng , Jiang Yongfeng , Shen Jun
Published: May 2017

Zircaloy-4 plates of 2 mm in thickness were successfully joined by friction stir welding with rapid cooling. The processing temperatures were strictly controlled below the α/β phase transformation point. The stir zone (SZ) has an ultra-refined grain structure with high dislocation density and abundant twin boundaries. Grain subdivision and discontinuously dynamic recrystallisation contributed most to the grain refinement. A good match of strength and uniform elongation of 895 MPa and 16.8%, respectively, was achieved in the SZ by using liquid nitrogen cooling. This work provides an effective strategy to enhance the strength of friction stir welded Zircaloy-4 joint without ductility loss.
Antioxidant Responses, Neurotoxicity, and Metallothionein Gene Expression in Juvenile Korean Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii under Dietary Lead Exposure
Authors: Kim Jun-Hwan , Oh Chul Woong , Kang Ju-Chan
Published: May 2017

This study was conducted to assess toxic effects of dietary lead (Pb) exposure on Korean Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii. Juvenile rockfish were used to evaluate the oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and metallothionein (MT) gene expression after dietary exposure to lead (as Pb2+; 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, a measure of oxidative stress, was substantially elevated in the livers and gills of fish given dietary Pb greater than 60 mg/kg. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver and gill was significantly increased by dietary Pb > 60 mg/kg. A significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) level was observed in fish liver after exposure to dietary Pb > 30 mg/kg and in the gill after treatment with dietary Pb > 120 mg/kg. Acecyltholinesterase (AChE) was noticeably decreased in the brain by dietary Pb > 120 mg/kg and in the muscle by dietary Pb > 60 mg/kg. Metallothionein gene expression in the liver was stimulated significantly by the Pb exposure. Because dietary Pb exposure had a toxic effect on antioxidant responses, a neurotransmitter, and a specific immune expression in rockfish, the results of this study can be used to determine potential useful markers of Pb toxicity.

Received June 11, 2016; accepted March 10, 2017 Published online May 3, 2017
A Recombinant Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Genotype IVb Glycoprotein Produced in Cabbage Looper Larvae Trichoplusia ni Elicits Antibody Response and Protection in Muskellunge
Authors: Standish Isaac , Faisal Mohamed
Published: May 2017

The Novirhabdovirus viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) genotype IVb has caused serious fish kills and become endemic throughout the Great Lakes basin of North America. This is troublesome since there are no protective vaccines currently approved against this deadly disease even though recombinant technology has become increasingly common. Herein, we explored the production of a recombinant VHSV-IVb glycoprotein, believed to be important for virus infectivity, and determined its ability to elicit protection against challenge with the wild virus strain. A recombinant baculovirus containing a 5′ 6x polyhistidine tag embedded in the VHSV-IVb G gene was used to infect the larvae of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni. A sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of affinity-purified protein yielded apparent VHSV-IVb glycoprotein at the expected molecular weight of ~65 kDa. The recombinant protein (rG) was used successfully in coating microtiter plate wells in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and positive anti-VHSV-IVb antibodies in Muskellunge Esox masquinongy were capable of binding to both the rG and purified whole VHSV-IVb, indicating epitope resemblance. In addition, the rG elicited a protective response in Muskellunge during a VHSV-IVb immersion challenge, resulting in 80% relative percent survival. Our results demonstrate that cabbage looper larvae can serve as an excellent production system for apparently conformationally correct viral glycoprotein. The incorporation of a polyhistidine tag facilitates obtaining highly purified protein in a relatively high concentration, which has potential in the development of an efficacious subunit vaccine against this deadly virus.

Received September 11, 2016; accepted March 10, 2017 Published online May 3, 2017
The pedagogy of inquiry and deliberation in higher education in the Arab region
Authors: Abouchedid Kamal
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the extent to which the official discourse of 36 institutions of higher education in 15 Arab countries pronounces four meanings depicted in the extant literature on the pedagogy of inquiry and deliberation: cooperative/collaborative learning; problem-solving; critical thinking; and discussion/debate. Results derived from the discourse analysis showed a weak emphasis on cooperative learning and discussion/debate while problem solving comprised the highest number of sentences in the discourse followed by critical thinking. Information analysed from interviews and course syllabi provided a portrait of how teaching might be carried out in the universities surveyed. However, for a complete picture of pedagogy of inquiry and deliberation to be drawn, research emphasis should be shifted into action research and observational case studies that tend to yield an in-depth account of teaching and learning in higher education.
The Topology of Endangered Languages
Authors: Berson Josh
Published: May 2017

Few sources exist from which to form impressions of how Indigenous Australians have made sense of the questions put to them by linguists. For one survey, conducted by Summer Institute of Linguistics linguists in 1970, we have a transcript of conversations between linguists and speakers. The linguists were asking for information about the mutual intelligibility and geographic extent of the named speech forms they had been tasked with documenting. Linguists and speakers brought to the encounter mutually incompatible visions of how linguistic variation unfolds in space. For speakers, speech-form geography was characterized by reticulation, rather than tessellation, and the mutual intelligibility of neighboring speech forms was to be characterized not in terms of basic vocabulary cognacy but in terms of histories of recurring encounters among speakers of different codes. The 1970 East Kimberley transcript makes audible speakers’ and linguists’ efforts to negotiate a shared way of talking about language.