bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Tissue Deterioration after Brain Injury: Regional Blood Flow Level versus Capacity to Raise Blood Flow
Authors: Feuerstein Delphine , Takagaki Masatoshi , Gramer Markus , Manning Andrew , Endepols Heike , Vollmar Stefan , Yoshimine Toshiki , Strong Antony J , Graf Rudolf , Backes Heiko
Published: April 2014

Regional cerebral blood flow ( rCBF) is spatially and temporally adjusted to local energy needs. This coupling involves dilation of vessels both at the site of metabolite exchange and upstream of the activated region. Deficits in upstream blood supply limit the ‘capacity to raise rCBF’ in response to functional activation and therefore compromise brain function. We here demonstrate in rats that the ‘capacity to raise rCBF’ can be determined from real-time measurements of rCBF using laser speckle imaging during an energy challenge induced by cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs). Cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs) occur with high incidence in stroke and various other brain injuries and cause large metabolic changes. Various conditions of cerebral perfusion were induced, either by modifying microvascular tone, or by altering upstream blood supply independently. The increase in rCBF per unit of time in response to CSD was linearly correlated to the upstream blood supply. In an experimental model of stroke, we found that this marker of the capacity to raise rCBF which, in pathologic tissue may be additionally limited by impaired vasoactive signaling, was a better indicator of the functional status of cerebral tissue than local rCBF levels.
Patterns and source analysis for atmospheric mercury at Auchencorth Moss, Scotland
Authors: Kentisbeer J. , Leeson S. R. , Malcolm H. M. , Leith I. D. , Braban C. F. , Cape J. N.
Published: April 2014

This unique data set details fractionation of atmospheric mercury in the UK using wind sector and air mass back trajectory analysis to assess a range of influences and sources.
Decoupling of ionic conductivity from structural dynamics in polymerized ionic liquids
Authors: Sangoro J. R. , Iacob C. , Agapov A. L. , Wang Y. , Berdzinski S. , Rexhausen H. , Strehmel V. , Friedrich C. , Sokolov A. P. , Kremer F.
Published: April 2014

Charge transport is more efficient in polymerized than molecular ionic liquids.
Single cell growth rate and morphological dynamics revealing an “opportunistic” persistence
Authors: Li Bing , Qiu Yong , Glidle Andrew , Cooper Jon , Shi HanChang , Yin HuaBing
Published: April 2014

A new form of bacterial persistence was observed. NormalE. colicells inhibited by amoxicillin recovered from the killing process when they had an opportunity to utilize the cytoplasm released from lysed cells close-by.
A novel microfluidic system for the rapid analysis of protein thermal stability
Authors: Yang Xin , Liu Jia , Xie Ye Lei , Wang Yang , Ying Hong , Wu Qiong , Huang Wei , Jenkins Gareth
Published: April 2014

We describe a simple microfluidic device for the rapid analysis of protein thermal stability using a novel imaging method.
Monitoring of thiocyanate as a biomarker in saliva and serum samples by a combination of solid-phase extraction based on a layered double hydroxide nano-sorbent and gas chromatography
Authors: Abdolmohammad-Zadeh Hossein , Vasli Hakimeh
Published: April 2014

A simple solid-phase extraction system based on nano-structured Ni–Al layered double hydroxide was developed for the separation of thiocyanate from human saliva and serum samples before determination by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
The origin of high activity but low CO2 selectivity on binary PtSn in the direct ethanol fuel cell
Authors: Jin Jia-Mei , Sheng Tian , Lin Xiao , Kavanagh Richard , Hamer Philip , Hu Peijun , Hardacre Christopher , Martinez-Bonastre Alex , Sharman Jonathan , Thompsett David , Lin Wen-Feng
Published: April 2014

Combined electrochemical in situ FTIR and DFT study provides an insight into ethanol fuel cell catalysis on the most active binary catalyst, PtSn, at the atomic and molecular levels.
Characterisation of the electronic structure of some stable nitroxyl radicals using variable energy photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Kovač Branka , Ljubić Ivan , Kivimäki Antti , Coreno Marcello , Novak Igor
Published: April 2014

Core and valence ionizations of three stable nitroxyl radicals studied using synchrotron radiation reveal strong intramolecular interactions in amide derivatives.
Preparation and reactivity towards hydrazines of bis(cyanamide) and bis(cyanoguanidine) complexes of the iron triad
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Caia Alfonso , Castro Jesús
Published: April 2014

The preparation of bis(diethylcyanamide) [M(NCNEt2)2L4](BPh4)2and bis(cyanoguanidine) [M{NCN(H)C(NH2)NH}2L4](BPh4)2[L = P(OEt)3] complexes of Fe(ii), Ru(ii) and Os(ii) as well as their reactivity with hydrazines RNHNH2(R = H, CH3, C6H5) are described.
A red phosphor BaTiF6:Mn4+: reaction mechanism, microstructures, optical properties, and applications for white LEDs
Authors: Jiang Xianyu , Chen Zhen , Huang Shaoming , Wang Jiaguo , Pan Yuexiao
Published: April 2014

Red phosphors BaTiF6:Mn4+ were obtained by etching Ti(OC4H9)4 and TiO2 with BaF2 in HF and a KMnO4 solution. The WLED fabricated with BaTiF6:Mn4+ exhibits a “warm” white light with a color rendering index of 93.13.
Eco-friendly synthesis of bimetallic AuAg nanoparticles
Authors: Garcia Amanda G. , Lopes Pietro P. , Gomes Janaina F. , Pires Cleiton , Ferreira Eduardo B. , Lucena Rubens G. M. , Gasparotto Luiz H. S. , Tremiliosi-Filho Germano
Published: April 2014

In this study we report a friendly route to produce colloidal AuAg bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) using glycerol as a reducing chemical in alkaline medium.
Construction of carbon-based two-dimensional crystalline nanostructure by chemical vapor deposition of benzene on Cu(111)
Authors: Han Qinghua , Shan Huan , Deng Jialiang , Zhao Aidi , Wang Bing , Hou J. G.
Published: April 2014

A new carbon-based two-dimensional crystalline nanostructure was constructed by chemical vapor deposition of benzene on Cu(111) in ultra-high vacuum.
Characterization of nanoporous gold disks for photothermal light harvesting and light-gated molecular release
Authors: Santos Greggy M. , Zhao Fusheng , Zeng Jianbo , Shih Wei-Chuan
Published: April 2014

Due to photothermal effects, the light-gated, multi-stage release of pre-adsorbed dye molecules from nanoporous gold disk arrays has been demonstrated.
Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3,5,5-tetrasubstituted 1,2-dioxolanes: total synthesis of epiplakinic acid F
Authors: Tian Xiang-Yin , Han Jian-Wei , Zhao Qiong , Wong Henry N. C.
Published: April 2014

The first enantioselective total synthesis of epiplakinic acid F (1) was achieved through a pivotal step involving a radical-mediated asymmetric peroxidation of vinylcyclopropanes with molecular oxygen to construct highly substituted 1,2-dioxolanes.
Interactions and structure of ionic liquids on graphene and carbon nanotubes surfaces
Authors: Pensado Alfonso S. , Malberg Friedrich , Gomes M. F. Costa , Pádua Agílio A. H. , Fernández Josefa , Kirchner Barbara
Published: April 2014

Molecular simulation is used to explore the structure of an ionic liquid at a graphene surface and inside carbon nanotubes.
Hollow polyaniline sphere@sulfur composites for prolonged cycling stability of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ma Guoqiang , Wen Zhaoyin , Jin Jun , Lu Yan , Wu Xiangwei , Wu Meifen , Chen Chunhua
Published: April 2014

Sulfur cathode with excellent electrochemical performance based on hollow PANI spheres, which can suppress the shuttle effect and buffer the volume expansion.
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rong Peijing , Liu Aihua , Zhang Jianguo , Wang Yuping , He Wei , Yang Anchao , Li Liang , Ben Hui , Li Liping , Liu Huanguang , Wu Peng , Liu Rupeng , Zhao Yufeng , Zhang Jianliang , Huang Feng , Li Xia , Zhu Bing
Published: April 2014

This trial was designed to test the safety and effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) for patients with refractory epilepsy. Pre-trial：144 patients were randomly assigned to ta-VNS group (n=98) or transcutaneous auricular non-vagus nerve stimulation (tn-VNS) control group (n=46). Treatment was conducted twice per day for 24 weeks. After 8, 16 and 24 weeks of treatment，the patients were evaluated according to the Modified Engel Scale (four classes). After 8 weeks，according to the medical ethic design, patients in tn-VNS group were switched into ta-VNS group uniquely. After 8 weeks’ treatment 41.0% and 27.5% of patients from ta-VNS and tn-VNS groups, respectively, experienced reduction in seizure frequency that reached I, II and III levels according to the standards of the Modified Engel Scale compared with the baselines, indicating significant difference in seizure reduction between the two groups. After 24 weeks of treatment, ta-VNS patients had a 47.7% reduction, and tn-VNS, with an additional 16 weeks of treatment, reached 47.5% in reduction. After 8 weeks’ treatment, the percentages of average seizure frequency in ta-VNS and tn-VNS were reduced by 42.6% and 11.5% respectively, providing a statistically significant difference in the results between the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, there were significant improvements in electroencephalograph (EEG) and the quality of daily life of the patients after treatment. The results show that this ta-VNS treatment can effectively reduce the frequency of seizures and improve the patient's quality of life. This may be an effective treatment for refractory epilepsy. At the same time，it is also safe，economic, and widely applicable.
A Systematic Review of Ethics Knowledge in Audiology (1980–2010)
Authors: Naudé Alida Maryna , Bornman Juan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to apply multiple perspectives as part of a systematic review to analyze literature regarding ethics in audiology. Audiologists are particularly vulnerable to the changing requirements of the discipline that compel them to straddle both professional obligations and business principles, creating a hybrid professional.

Method

The authors used a 2-phase mixed-method approach to analyze publications. Publications were sorted into categories, namely, ethics approach, author, decade, role of the audiologist, component of morality, and common themes. The sample consisted of peer-reviewed articles cited in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, MasterFILE Premier, E-Journals, Africa-Wide Information, and Academic Search Premier electronic databases and non-peer-reviewed articles in
Seminars in Hearing
.

Results

The publications were predominantly philosophical, focused on the rehabilitative role of the audiologist, and addressed the moral judgment component of moral behavior.

Conclusions

Despite the fact that knowledge of ethics grew between 1980 and 2010, this retrospective analysis identified gaps in current knowledge. Research is needed to address the unique ethical problems commonly encountered in all 8 roles of the audiologist; patient perspectives on ethics; ethical approaches; factors affecting moral judgment, sensitivity, motivation, and courage; and cultural dimensions of ethical practice in audiology.
Empowering Clinicians to Effectively Engage in Research
Authors: McConville Katherine , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: April 2014

In this article, we will discuss the need for clinician-driven clinical research in the field of speech-language pathology, identify common barriers to such research endeavors, and offer solutions for overcoming those barriers to increase effective clinician-initiated research engagement and output. Using the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Clinics' developing clinical research program as an example, we will demonstrate how research can be incorporated into a busy clinical schedule with appropriate support and resources. Our own endeavors with this model have seen an increase in Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and approvals as well as publications from clinicians who had not previously considered themselves clinical investigators.
Distribution pricing: theoretical principles and practical approaches
Authors: Reneses Javier , Rodríguez Ortega María Pía
Published: April 2014

Electricity tariffs convey information on internal system operation to the actors involved. Electricity pricing is, then, of major importance both in liberalised and regulated systems. Most electricity consumers interact with the industry only through the price they pay for the service. Consequently, good tariff design reflects industry regulation as a whole and is the instrument used to provide consumers with the right signals. The objective of this study is to define the theoretical principles that regulation should pursue in electric distribution tariff design and introduce the reader to the most relevant practical approaches that have been proposed or implemented. Although distribution costs are usually the largest part of the access tariff (or use of system charge), there is not a universally accepted methodology for distribution pricing. The earliest attempts at cost allocation conformed what is now known as the accounting approach, based on business accounting. In recent years, the proposals have focused on two approaches: the application of long‐term marginal (or incremental) costs and the cost‐causality principle. Although the former aims to achieve a better economic signal, because of the difficulties surrounding its implementation, the most usual solution applied in practice draws more heavily from the causality principle.
A braided monoidal category for free super-bosons
Authors: Runkel Ingo
Published: April 2014

The chiral conformal field theory of free super-bosons is generated by weight one currents whose mode algebra is the affinisation of an abelian Lie super-algebra \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {h}$\end{document}h with non-degenerate super-symmetric pairing. The mode algebras of a single free boson and of a single pair of symplectic fermions arise for even|odd dimension 1|0 and 0|2 of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {h}$\end{document}h, respectively. In this paper, the representations of the untwisted mode algebra of free super-bosons are equipped with a tensor product, a braiding, and an associator. In the symplectic fermion case, i.e., if \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {h}$\end{document}h is purely odd, the braided monoidal structure is extended to representations of the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathbb {Z}/2\mathbb {Z}$\end{document}Z/2Z-twisted mode algebra. The tensor product is obtained by computing spaces of vertex operators. The braiding and associator are determined by explicit calculations from three- and four-point conformal blocks.
Crucial effect of melt homogenization on the fragility of non-stoichiometric chalcogenides
Authors: Ravindren Sriram , Gunasekera K. , Tucker Z. , Diebold A. , Boolchand P. , Micoulaut M.
Published: April 2014

The kinetics of homogenization of binary AsxSe100 − x melts in the As concentration range 0% < x < 50% are followed in Fourier Transform (FT)-Raman profiling experiments, and show that 2 g sized melts in the middle concentration range 20% < x < 30% take nearly two weeks to homogenize when starting materials are reacted at 700 °C. In glasses of proven homogeneity, we find molar volumes to vary non-monotonically with composition, and the fragility index \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal M}$\end{document}M displays a broad global minimum in the 20% < x < 30% range of x wherein \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal M}<$\end{document}M< 20. We show that properly homogenized samples have a lower measured fragility when compared to larger under-reacted melts. The enthalpy of relaxation at Tg, ΔHnr(x) shows a minimum in the 27% < x < 37% range. The super-strong nature of melt compositions in the 20% < x < 30% range suppresses melt diffusion at high temperatures leading to the slow kinetics of melt homogenization.
Open-loop correction for an eddy current dominated beam-switching magnet
Authors: Koseki K. , Nakayama H. , Tawada M.
Published: April 2014

A beam-switching magnet and the pulsed power supply it requires have been developed for the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. To switch bunched proton beams, the dipole magnetic field must reach its maximum value within 40 ms. In addition, the field flatness should be less than 5 × 10−4 to guide each bunched beam to the designed orbit. From a magnetic field measurement by using a long search coil, it was found that an eddy current in the thick endplates and laminated core disturbs the rise of the magnetic field. The eddy current also deteriorates the field flatness over the required flat-top period. The measured field flatness was 5 × 10−3. By using a double-exponential equation to approximate the measured magnetic field, a compensation pattern for the eddy current was calculated. The integrated magnetic field was measured while using the newly developed open-loop compensation system. A field flatness of less than 5 × 10−4, which is an acceptable value, was achieved.
Detection of nucleic acids by graphene-based devices: A first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xu Hui , Ni Xiang , Lin Peng Sheng , Liu Qi , Ping OuYang Fang
Published: April 2014

Based on first-principles quantum transport calculations, we design a graphene-based biosensor device, which is composed of graphene nanoribbons electrodes and a biomolecule. It is found that when different nucleobases or poly nucleobase chains are located in the nanogap, the device presents completely different transport properties, showing different current informations. And the change of currents from 2 to 5 orders of magnitude for four different nucleobases suggests a great ability of discrimination by utilizing such a device. The physical mechanism of this phenomenon originates from their different chemical composition and structure. Moreover, we also explore the coupling effect of several neighboring bases and the size effect of the nanogap on transport properties. Our results show the possibility of rapid sequencing DNA by measuring such a transverse-current of the device, and provide a new idea for sequencing DNA.
Investigation of spray-coated silver-microparticle electrodes for ionic electroactive polymer actuators
Authors: Meis Catherine , Hashemi Nastaran , Montazami Reza
Published: April 2014

We have employed the easy-to-scale-up method of spray-coating in combination with layer-by-layer self-assembly technique to fabricate ionic electroactive polymer actuators (IEAPAs). IEAPAs with spray-coated silver microparticle electrodes demonstrate enhanced strain and response time when compared to nearly identical, optimized conventional IEAPA with gold leaf electrodes. The results demonstrate that strain of these IEAPAs increases with the decrease of thickness of the outer silver microparticle electrodes. In addition, the response time of the actuators at frequencies of 1 and 10 Hz improves compared to optimized conventionally fabricated IEAPA. It was found that samples consisting of spray-coated silver electrodes can charge up to ∼3 times faster than conventional actuators at 1 Hz frequency. Faster charging/discharging results in higher mobility of ions within the actuator and thus, faster actuation. Given the relatively large thickness of the silver microparticle electrodes (∼50× gold leaf), similar strain was observed due to the lower Young's modulus of spray-coated layers compared to that of bulk material.
Optimization of the optical properties of nanostructured silicon surfaces for solar cell applications
Authors: Zhou Di , Pennec Y. , Djafari-Rouhani B. , Cristini-Robbe O. , Xu T. , Lambert Y. , Deblock Y. , Faucher M. , Stiévenard D.
Published: April 2014

Surface nanostructuration is an important challenge for the optimization of light trapping in solar cell. We present simulations on both the optical properties and the efficiency of micro pillars—MPs—or nanocones—NCs—silicon based solar cells together with measurements on their associated optical absorption. We address the simulation using the Finite Difference Time Domain method, well-adapted to deal with a periodic set of nanostructures. We study the effect of the period, the bottom diameter, the top diameter, and the height of the MPs or NCs on the efficiency, assuming that one absorbed photon induces one exciton. This allows us to give a kind of abacus involving all the geometrical parameters of the nanostructured surface with regard to the efficiency of the associated solar cell. We also show that for a given ratio of the diameter over the period, the best efficiency is obtained for small diameters. For small lengths, MPs are extended to NCs by changing the angle between the bottom surface and the vertical face of the MPs. The best efficiency is obtained for an angle of the order of 70°. Finally, nanostructures have been processed and allow comparing experimental results with simulations. In every case, a good agreement is found.
Micro-Raman spectroscopic study of nanolaminated Ti5Al2C3
Authors: Zhang H. , Wang X. H. , Xiang H. M. , Li Z. J. , Zhou Y. C
Published: April 2014

Micro-Raman spectroscopic study and lattice dynamics calculations were conducted to study a recently identified layered ternary carbide, Ti5Al2C3. The experimental Raman shifts were remarkably consistent with the calculated values. Polarized Raman spectrum was collected in the polycrystalline sample, which confirmed the theoretical symmetry assignment of the Raman modes. In addition, the atomic vibrations of the peaks at 192 cm−1, 311 cm−1, and 660 cm−1 were identified to be the combination of the counterparts in Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2.
A fail-safe magnetorheological energy absorber for shock and vibration isolation
Authors: Bai Xian-Xu , Wereley Norman M.
Published: April 2014

Magnetorheological (MR) energy absorbers (EAs) are an effective adaptive EA technology with which to maximize shock and vibration isolation. However, to realize maximum performance of the semi-active control system, the off-state (i.e., field off) stroking load of the MREA must be minimized at all speeds, and the dynamic range of the MREA must be maximized at high speed. This study presents a fail-safe MREA (MREA-FS) concept that, can produce a greater dynamic range at all piston speeds. A bias damping force is generated in the MREA-FS using permanent magnetic fields, which enables fail-safe behavior in the case of power failure. To investigate the feasibility and capability of the MREA-FS in the context of the semi-active control systems, a single-degree-of-freedom base excited rigid payload is mathematically constructed and simulated with skyhook control.
Effects of magnetostriction and magnetic reluctances on magnetic properties of distribution transformers
Authors: Hsu Chang-Hung , Lee Chun-Yao , Cheng Shan-Jen , Fu Chao-Ming , Chang Chia-Wen
Published: April 2014

This paper analyzes the causes of magnetic reluctance in silicon steel wound cores with multi step-lapped joint structures through the appropriate exploitation of simulated and experimental local flux distributions in an air-gapped core, to propose techniques that can enable the reduction of the resulting core loss and vibration. The magnetic magnetostriction forces in the lap-joint regions, constituting another significant source of permeability, can be controlled by rearranging the step-lapped joint structure. Then, the computed local flux distributions were compared with experimental data. Single-phase pad-mounted distribution transformers with a capacity of 167 kVA were used in this study. It is indicated that the multi-step lap joint can significantly reduce the core loss and exciting power by regulating the configuration of adjacent air-gapped distances. Finally, composite-core structures were also used to validate the reduction of magnetostriction, core loss, and vibrations, corresponding to single-phase distribution transformer.
Electronic states, pseudo-spin, and transport in the zinc-blende quantum wells and wires with vanishing band gap
Authors: Khurgin J. B. , Vurgaftman I.
Published: April 2014

We consider theoretically the electronic structure of quasi-two and quasi-one-dimensional heterostructures comprised of III–V and II–VI semiconductors such as InAs/GaInSb and HgCdTe. We show that not only a Dirac-like dispersion exists in these materials when the energy gap approaches zero but also the states with opposite momentum are orthogonal (i.e., can be described by a pseudo-spin), which suppresses backscattering and thereby enhances the electron mobility, by analogy with the case of graphene. However, unlike in graphene, a quasi-one-dimensional quantum wire with zero gap can be realized, which should eliminate most of the scattering processes and lead to long coherence lengths required for both conventional and ballistic electronic devices.
Development of a multiplex panel of microsatellite markers for two species of gliding marsupials, Petaurus breviceps and Petaurus norfolcensis
Authors: Malekian M. , Dudaniec R. Y. , Saint K. M. , Carthew S. M. , Cooper S. J. B.
Published: April 2014

Here, we describe the development of seven new microsatellite loci from Petaurus breviceps. Together with eight loci from previous studies of gliders, we tested their utility for amplification, multiplexing and polymorphism in two glider species, P. breviceps and P. norfolcensis. Of the 15 loci tested, all were polymorphic in P. breviceps and 12 were polymorphic in P. norfolcensis. Overall, 260 sugar gliders from 13 sites in south-eastern South Australia and 106 squirrel gliders collected throughout south-east Queensland were used in analyses. Numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 27 in P. breviceps and from 2 to 44 in P. norfolcensis. Observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.438 and 0.904 in P. breviceps and between 0.189 and 0.981 in P. norfolcensis. Within the populations analysed, one of the 15 loci for P. breviceps and two of the 12 loci for P. norfolcensis deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The microsatellite loci will provide valuable tools for further study of social organisation, mating systems and population biology of these gliding marsupials.
Competition–dispersal tradeoff ecologically differentiates recently speciated marine bacterioplankton populations
Authors: Yawata Yutaka , Cordero Otto X. , Menolascina Filippo , Hehemann Jan-Hendrik , Polz Martin F. , Stocker Roman
Published: April 2014

Significance

The resource landscape for marine microbes is composed of microscale resource patches, but whether this microheterogeneity can drive the ecological differentiation of natural microbial populations remains unclear. The tradeoff between two nascent populations of marine bacteria demonstrated here is significant for several reasons. First, it illustrates that principles of spatial ecology, so far only illustrated for animals and plants, apply to the ephemeral, microscale nutrient landscape of marine microbes. Second, the results suggest that differential behavior can ensure coexistence of otherwise very similar populations of organisms. Finally, because the demonstrated tradeoff induces microgeographic separation among the populations, it may be a crucial step in initiating gene flow barriers that ultimately allow the populations to embark on differential evolutionary trajectories.
Neurocognitive determinants of performance variability among world-language users
Authors: García Adolfo M.
Published: April 2014

Although the notion of world language has been variously defined, most accounts acknowledge inter-user performance variability as a key aspect of the construct. The sociocultural aspects of such a phenomenon have been extensively treated in the literature. However, comparatively little attention has been paid to its neurocognitive underpinnings. This paper addresses the biopsychological bases of performance variability among word-language users, focusing on bilingual speakers of English. Available evidence reveals four neurocognitive determinants of variability, namely manner of appropriation, age of acquisition, level of proficiency, and degree of formal similarity between the native and the non-native language. In its concluding section, the paper highlights the benefits of incorporating neurocognitive evidence into the study and conceptualization of world languages.
Computational thinking: a case study of Buddhist terminology using new software
Authors: Lancaster Lewis
Published: April 2014

With the advent of digital technology, there are radical changes sweeping through disciplines that cannot be resisted. It is part of this shift that is described by the term “Computational Thinking”. It is defined as the scholarly strategy of thinking at multiple levels of abstraction with the added use of the capacity of the computer to count and analyze complexity. As an example of “Computational Thinking”, I have used the digitized Korean version of the Chinese Buddhist canon, to explore an important term 本覺. The expression is usually translated as “Original Enlightenment” and is a major doctrinal teaching in East Asia. The analytic computation of the canon is further enhanced by the metadata tag of time, the purported date of translation. Providing temporal aspects to the computation gives us invaluable ways of analysis that would not be possible without the dating. The computation provides a glimpse of the history of the occurrences.
FIRST ULTRAVIOLET REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS OF SEVERAL KUIPER BELT OBJECTS, KUIPER BELT OBJECT SATELLITES, AND NEW ULTRAVIOLET MEASUREMENTS OF A CENTAUR
Authors: Stern S. A. , Cunningham N. J. , Schindhelm R. N.
Published: April 2014

We observed the 2600–3200 Å (hereafter, mid-UV) reflectance of two Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), two KBO satellites, and a Centaur, using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS). Other than measurements of the Pluto system, these constitute the first UV measurements obtained of KBOs, and KBO satellites, and new HST UV measurements of the Centaur 2060 Chiron. We find significant differences among these objects, constrain the sizes and densities of Haumea's satellites, and report the detection of a possible spectral absorption band in Haumea's spectrum near 3050 Å. Comparisons of these objects to previously published UV reflectance measurements of Pluto and Charon are also made here.
Predation selectively culls medium-sized species from island mammal faunas
Authors: Hanna Emily , Cardillo Marcel
Published: April 2014

Globally, elevated extinction risk in mammals is strongly associated with large body size. However, in regions where introduced predators exert strong top-down pressure on mammal populations, the selectivity of extinctions may be skewed towards species of intermediate body size, leading to a hump-shaped relationship between size and extinction risk. The existence of this kind of extinction pattern, and its link to predation, has been contentious and difficult to demonstrate. Here, we test the hypothesis of a hump-shaped body size–extinction relationship, using a database of 927 island mammal populations. We show that the size-selectivity of extinctions on many islands has exceeded that expected under null models. On islands with introduced predators, extinctions are biased towards intermediate body sizes, but this bias does not occur on islands without predators. Hence, on islands with a large-bodied mammal fauna, predators are selectively culling species from the lower end of the size distribution, and on islands with a small-bodied fauna they are culling species from the upper end. These findings suggest that it will be difficult to use predictable generalizations about extinction patterns, such as a positive body size–extinction risk association, to anticipate future species declines and plan conservation strategies accordingly.
Group size, individual role differentiation and effectiveness of cooperation in a homogeneous group of hunters
Authors: Escobedo R. , Muro C. , Spector L. , Coppinger R. P.
Published: April 2014

The emergence of cooperation in wolf-pack hunting is studied using a simple, homogeneous, particle-based computational model. Wolves and prey are modelled as particles that interact through attractive and repulsive forces. Realistic patterns of wolf aggregation readily emerge in numerical simulations, even though the model includes no explicit wolf–wolf attractive forces, showing that the form of cooperation needed for wolf-pack hunting can take place even among strangers. Simulations are used to obtain the stationary states and equilibria of the wolves and prey system and to characterize their stability. Different geometric configurations for different pack sizes arise. In small packs, the stable configuration is a regular polygon centred on the prey, while in large packs, individual behavioural differentiation occurs and induces the emergence of complex behavioural patterns between privileged positions. Stable configurations of large wolf-packs include travelling and rotating formations, periodic oscillatory behaviours and chaotic group behaviours. These findings suggest a possible mechanism by which larger pack sizes can trigger collective behaviours that lead to the reduction and loss of group hunting effectiveness, thus explaining the observed tendency of hunting success to peak at small pack sizes. They also explain how seemingly complex collective behaviours can emerge from simple rules, among agents that need not have significant cognitive skills or social organization.
Human birth seasonality: latitudinal gradient and interplay with childhood disease dynamics
Authors: Martinez-Bakker Micaela , Bakker Kevin M. , King Aaron A. , Rohani Pejman
Published: April 2014

More than a century of ecological studies have demonstrated the importance of demography in shaping spatial and temporal variation in population dynamics. Surprisingly, the impact of seasonal recruitment on infectious disease systems has received much less attention. Here, we present data encompassing 78 years of monthly natality in the USA, and reveal pronounced seasonality in birth rates, with geographical and temporal variation in both the peak birth timing and amplitude. The timing of annual birth pulses followed a latitudinal gradient, with northern states exhibiting spring/summer peaks and southern states exhibiting autumn peaks, a pattern we also observed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, the amplitude of United States birth seasonality was more than twofold greater in southern states versus those in the north. Next, we examined the dynamical impact of birth seasonality on childhood disease incidence, using a mechanistic model of measles. Birth seasonality was found to have the potential to alter the magnitude and periodicity of epidemics, with the effect dependent on both birth peak timing and amplitude. In a simulation study, we fitted an susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered model to simulated data, and demonstrated that ignoring birth seasonality can bias the estimation of critical epidemiological parameters. Finally, we carried out statistical inference using historical measles incidence data from New York City. Our analyses did not identify the predicted systematic biases in parameter estimates. This may be owing to the well-known frequency-locking between measles epidemics and seasonal transmission rates, or may arise from substantial uncertainty in multiple model parameters and estimation stochasticity.
Visual effects in great bowerbird sexual displays and their implications for signal design
Authors: Endler John A. , Gaburro Julie , Kelley Laura A.
Published: April 2014

It is often assumed that the primary purpose of a male's sexual display is to provide information about quality, or to strongly stimulate prospective mates, but other functions of courtship displays have been relatively neglected. Male great bowerbirds (
Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis
) construct bowers that exploit the female's predictable field of view (FOV) during courtship displays by creating forced perspective illusions, and the quality of illusion is a good predictor of mating success. Here, we present and discuss two additional components of male courtship displays that use the female's predetermined viewpoint: (i) the rapid and diverse flashing of coloured objects within her FOV and (ii) chromatic adaptation of the female's eyes that alters her perception of the colour of the displayed objects. Neither is directly related to mating success, but both are likely to increase signal efficacy, and may also be associated with attracting and holding the female's attention. Signal efficacy is constrained by trade-offs between the signal components; there are both positive and negative interactions within multicomponent signals. Important signal components may have a threshold effect on fitness rather than the often assumed linear relationship.
The NHL domain of BRAT is an RNA-binding domain that directly contacts the hunchback mRNA for regulation
Authors: Loedige Inga , Stotz Mathias , Qamar Saadia , Kramer Katharina , Hennig Janosch , Schubert Thomas , Löffler Patrick , Längst Gernot , Merkl Rainer , Urlaub Henning , Meister Gunter
Published: April 2014

The Drosophila protein brain tumor (Brat) forms a complex with Pumilio (Pum) and Nanos (Nos) to repress hunchback (hb) mRNA translation at the posterior pole during early embryonic development. It is currently thought that complex formation is initiated by Pum, which directly binds the hb mRNA and subsequently recruits Nos and Brat. Here we report that, in addition to Pum, Brat also directly interacts with the hb mRNA. We identify Brat-binding sites distinct from the Pum consensus motif and show that RNA binding and translational repression by Brat do not require Pum, suggesting so far unrecognized Pum-independent Brat functions. Using various biochemical and biophysical methods, we also demonstrate that the NHL (NCL-1, HT2A, and LIN-41) domain of Brat, a domain previously believed to mediate protein–protein interactions, is a novel, sequence-specific ssRNA-binding domain. The Brat-NHL domain folds into a six-bladed β propeller, and we identify its positively charged top surface as the RNA-binding site. Brat belongs to the functional diverse TRIM (tripartite motif)-NHL protein family. Using structural homology modeling, we predict that the NHL domains of all TRIM-NHL proteins have the potential to bind RNA, indicating that Brat is part of a conserved family of RNA-binding proteins.
Synchrotron far-infrared spectroscopy of corroded steel surfaces using a variable angle of incidence
Authors: Lepková Kateřina , van Bronswijk Wilhelm , Pandarinathan Vedapriya , Gubner Rolf
Published: April 2014

Far-infrared spectroscopy, using a synchrotron source, has been used to study carbon steel corroded in CO2-saturated brine in the presence and absence of the corrosion inhibitor 2-mercaptopyrimidine (MPY), which allowed the steel surface roughness to be modified. The effect of the angle of incidence (θi, 30–80°) on the band intensity and observed bands of the spectra from these surfaces has been determined. For the MPY-treated steel (low surface roughness) the highest band intensity is observed at high θi(80°) and different bands were observed at different θi. In contrast, for the MPY-free steel (high surface roughness) the highest band intensity is observed at low θi(30°) and spectral content changes were not observed. The results are explained in terms of the roughness of the MPY-treated and MPY-free steels, and their effect on the level of diffusely reflected light of the incident infrared beam.
Effect of guanxi on Chinese subordinates' work behaviors: a conceptual framework
Authors: Yung Chou Shih , Han Bo , Zhang Xiaohu
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate a subordinate's perception of supervisor-subordinate guanxi and its impact on the subordinate's work-related outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study draws upon relevant literature and develops a theoretical framework that investigates the relationships among a subordinate's perceived supervisor-subordinate guanxi, loyalty to supervisor, challenge-oriented organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), affiliation-oriented OCB, job security perception, and task performance.

Findings

– This study suggests first, subordinate-supervisor guanxi will have a positive impact on a subordinate's loyalty to supervisor. Second, subordinate-supervisor guanxi will negatively affect a subordinate's challenge-oriented OCB, but will positively affect a subordinate's affiliation-oriented OCB. Third, a subordinate's loyalty to supervisor will negatively influence his or her challenge-oriented OCB, but will positively influence his or her affiliation-oriented OCB. Fourth, challenge-oriented OCB will negatively affect job security perception, whereas affiliation-oriented OCB will positively affect job security perception. Finally, job security perception will positively influence task performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has several limitations. First, it does not consider the role of personality traits in determining work-related behaviours. Second, it only considers a one-to-one guanxi relationship. Thus, the results of this study could be different when a supervisor has one-to-many guanxi relationships.

Practical implications

– This study suggests that a supervisor should take how to create quality informal relationships with subordinates into account when attempting to motivate Chinese subordinates' task and extra-role performance. Moreover, managers should manage effective informal social networks with subordinates proactively.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the few studies that examine the impact of subordinate-supervisor guanxi on both extra-role and in-role performance from the perspective of singular view of subordinate-supervisor guanxi.
Development of a model relating internal organizational variables with customer orientation in the context of the emerging economy of India
Authors: Sekhar Bhattacharyya Som , Jha Sumi
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship of customer orientation (CO) with internal organizational variable like transformational leadership fostering acceptance of group goals (TLFAGG), organizational citizenship behavior conscientiousness (OCBC), empowerment competence (EC) and organizational commitment (OC).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted by a structured survey questionnaire on 398 managers related to marketing function in India, employed in both private and public sector firms. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 18 for structured equation modeling.

Findings

– The results of the study indicated that the exogenous variables were TLFAGG and OCBC. The intervening variables were EC and OC. The endogenous variable was CO. TLFAGG showed significant positive relationship with EC and OC and CO. OCBC had significant positive relationship with EC and OC and CO. EC was found to have significant positive relationship with CO. OC has significant positive relationship with CO.

Research limitations/implications

– This is one of the first studies developing a model involving CO with two internal organizational exogenous variables TLFAGG and OCBC. The model also had two intervening organizational variables EC and OC.

Practical implications

– Human resource managers involved in bringing CO culture especially in emerging economies can take the inputs from this study to engineer elements of TLFAGG, OCBC, EC and OC amongst the employees.

Originality/value

– In the context of emerging economy markets, the model developed on CO relating it with TLFAGG, OCBC, EC and OC is one of the foremost studies.
Guanxi network and leader member exchange
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan , Mohamad Amin Salmiah
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This study investigated how leader-member relation and guanxi association create an impetus for creative work involvement (CWI) through feeling of energy (FE). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 239 Malaysian-Chinese employees occupying various designations in 23 manufacturing organizations were questioned at two points of time. At the first instance, they responded for guanxi network (GN) and leader member exchange associations; and at the second instance, for their FE and creative involvement.

Findings

– Structural equation modeling analysis showed that social exchange relations (GN and leader member exchange) positively predicted employees' FE which resulted in increased level of CWI.

Social implications

– This study adds value to the existing literature on guanxi association and signifies that such values are not boundary restricted. Malaysian-Chinese also experience guanxi associations and its impact on their job outcomes.

Originality/value

– This study covers an unexplored role of GN in improving employees' level of energy and CWI; and mediation of leader-member exchange in the association of GN and energy.
Developing a comprehensive safety performance evaluation framework for Saudi schools
Authors: Alolah Turki , Anthony Stewart Rodney , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Mohamed Sherif
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop a safety performance (SP) framework for evaluating the various leading and lagging indicators of SP in Saudi public schools.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive review of the safety and performance evaluation literature enabled the formulation of the constructs, factors and items that underpinned a conceptual SP evaluation framework. The research method involved a conceptual framework review and refinement process with 18 experts, followed by a questionnaire survey of 200 respondents from Saudi public schools. The final form of the SP evaluation framework was determined through a rigorous statistical analysis process, including exploratory factor analysis to uncover the underlying framework architecture from a relatively large set of items, and then the application of the partial least squares method to confirm framework adequacy and to assign loading coefficients.

Findings

– The developed SP evaluation framework for Saudi schools included five constructs, namely, safety management and leadership, safety learning and training, safety policy, procedures, and processes, workforce safety culture and SP.

Practical implications

– The developed SP evaluation framework is proposed for implementation by the Saudi Ministry of Education to better monitor and manage school safety in the future.

Originality/value

– This SP evaluation framework is one of the first to holistically evaluate SP in schools, particularly in the Saudi Arabian context.