bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deictic Expressions in the First SONAs of Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Authors: Pintado Ma. Sophia , Cereño Mark Jayce , Librea Annalie , Bejasa Rechie , Minoza Joemar Turno
Published: June 2024

This study assumes that former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their first State of the Nation Address (SONAs).  Supporting this assumption is the theory of Deictic Expressions by Stephen Levinson. This study is descriptive qualitative. Findings revealed that former President Duterte and President Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their speeches. The most dominant type of deixis used by former President Duterte is personal deixis, which obtained the highest frequency, particularly the pronoun "I". In contrast,  the most prevalent deixis used by President Marcos is "personal deixis", particularly the pronoun "we". It is concluded that personal deixis was the most dominant type of deixis among the five types used by the two speakers in their speeches. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct a future study that will focus on the usage of deixis in books or speeches.
An Acoustic Study on English Vowels Produced by Indonesian Speakers: Exploring Determining Factors and Contact Situations
Authors: Kurniawan Ferdinan Okki , Rosvita Margareta , Yuniastari Rintya
Published: June 2024

Compared to English varieties spoken in the inner circle (e.g., Australian English and New Zealand English), the English variety spoken in Indonesia, especially in acoustic phonetics, is still understudied. Using the Praat computer program, this acoustic study investigates the English vowel production of fifteen Indonesian females and males. The formants (F1 and F2) of their English vowel in words heed /hid/, hid /hɪd/, head /hɛd/, had /æ/, hod /hɑd/, hawed /hɔd/, hood /hʊd/, who’d /hud/, hud /hʌd/, and heard /hɝd/ are measured and then compared with the vowels produced by American English speakers. Regardless of the speakers’ gender and English skill levels, the vowels [æ] and [ɑ] show the most significant differences between Indonesian and American English speakers. The difference in this study is conditioned more by linguistic factors, i.e., phonetics and phonemics, than by non-linguistic factors, i.e., gender and English skill level. The findings of this study offer a discussion of how acoustic evidence resulting from language education may shed light on possible language contact situations.
Child physical abuse and adult mental health: A national study
Authors: Sugaya Luisa , Hasin Deborah S. , Olfson Mark , Lin Keng‐Han , Grant Bridget F. , Blanco Carlos
Published: July 2012

This study characterizes adults who report being physically abused during childhood, and examines associations of reported type and frequency of abuse with adult mental health. Data were derived from the 2000–2001 and 2004–2005 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a large cross‐sectional survey of a representative sample (N = 43,093) of the U.S. population. Weighted means, frequencies, and odds ratios of sociodemographic correlates and prevalence of psychiatric disorders were computed. Logistic regression models were used to examine the strength of associations between child physical abuse and adult psychiatric disorders adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, other childhood adversities, and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Child physical abuse was reported by 8% of the sample and was frequently accompanied by other childhood adversities. Child physical abuse was associated with significantly increased adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of a broad range of DSM‐IV psychiatric disorders (AOR = 1.16–2.28), especially attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. A dose‐response relationship was observed between frequency of abuse and several adult psychiatric disorder groups; higher frequencies of assault were significantly associated with increasing adjusted odds. The long‐lasting deleterious effects of child physical abuse underscore the urgency of developing public health policies aimed at early recognition and prevention.
Synthesis of Ester Based Cationic Pyridinium Gemini Surfactants and Appraisal of Their Surface Active Properties
Authors: Patial Pankaj , Shaheen Arifa , Ahmad Ishtiaque
Published: July 2012

New pyridinium gemini surfactants have been synthesized by esterification of halogenated carboxylic acids with long chain fatty alcohols furnishing respective esters (dodecyl‐2‐chloroacetate, tetradecyl‐2‐chloroacetate, hexadecyl‐2‐chloroacetate, dodecyl‐2‐bromoacetate, tetradecyl‐2‐bromoacetate and hexadecyl‐2‐bromoacetate) followed by their subsequent treatment with 4,4′‐trimethylene dipyridine resulting in the formation of title Gemini surfactants: 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis1‐{2‐(dodecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl}; 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis{1‐(2‐(tetradecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl}; 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis{1‐(2‐(hexadecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl} dipyridinium chlorides; 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis{1‐(2‐(dodecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl}; 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis{1‐(2‐(tetradecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl} and 4,4′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis{1‐(2‐(hexadecyloxy)‐2‐oxoethyl} dipyridinium bromides. Their identifications are based on IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, DEPT, COSY and Mass spectral studies. Their surface active properties were also evaluated on the basis of surface tension and conductivity measurements.
PROGRESSIVISM AND THE DOCTRINE OF NATURAL RIGHTS
Authors: Ceaser James W.
Published: July 2012

This essay treats the Progressives' critique of the Founders' doctrine of natural rights. Natural rights had been attacked before the Progressive era—by proponents of the racial science of ethnology, advocates of philosophy of history, and followers of Charles Darwin—but the Progressives launched the most thoroughgoing and systematic critique in American history. The leading thinker conducting the critique was America's foremost philosopher John Dewey. His critique had five major points: (1) that America had entered an entirely new age of social and economic organization requiring a different political theory; (2) that all theoretical claims of truth, like natural rights, are relative to the age in which they were born and thrived; (3) that theoretical ideas serve the aims of different classes, with natural rights representing the economic and political interests of the emerging bourgeoisie; (4) that natural rights encouraged a diminished goal for human beings, emphasizing the fulfillment of individual self-interest rather a higher idea of human development and of social cooperation; and (5) that any metaphysical claim in politics is undemocratic by virtue of ascribing a standard of right that is prior to and higher than a decision of a democratic majority. The paper concludes by briefly sketching the influence that this critique had on the heirs of the Progressives, the modern liberals.
Correlates of Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions of Benzodiazepines among Older Adults: Results from the ESA Study
Authors: Préville Michel , Bossé Cindy , Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Voyer Philippe , Laurier Claudine , Berbiche Djamal , Pérodeau Guiilhème , Grenier Sébastien , Béland Sarah-Gabrielle , Dionne Pierre-Alexandre , Gentil Lia , Moride Yola
Published: July 2012

Les données de l’étude ESA ont été appariées aux données d’utilisation des services médicaux et pharmaceutiques de la Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec pour documenter la prescription potentiellement non appropriée de benzodiazépines chez les personnes âgées. Nos résultats indiquent que 32% des répondants ont pris une dose journalière moyenne de 6.1 mg de l’équivalent diazépam pour une durée moyenne de 205 jours par année. Nos résultats indiquent aussi que presque la moitié, 48% des utilisateurs de benzodiazépines, ont reçu au moins une prescription de benzodiazépine potentiellement non appropriée pendant les 12 mois qui précédaient l’étude. Près de 23% des consommateurs ont reçu au moins une prescription concomitante de Bzs et d’un autre médicament pouvant résulter en une interaction sérieuse. De plus, les personnes âgées de 75 ans et plus avaient plus de chances de recevoir une Bz pour une longue période de temps que les personnes âgées de 65-74 ans. Cette étude a montré que la durée d’utilisation des benzodiazépines augmentait avec le nombre de prescripteurs et avec le nombre de pharmacies consultées pendant l’année. Le nombre de pharmacies utilisées a aussi été associé avec la présence d’une ordonnance non appropriée de benzodiazépines pendant la même année. Nos résultats plaident en faveur d’un système de santé plus intégré, incluant une révision régulière des médicaments pris par les personnes âgées.
Force of infection of dengue serotypes in a population-based study in the northeast of Brazil
Authors: CASTANHA P. M. S. , CORDEIRO M. T. , MARTELLI C. M. T. , SOUZA W. V. , MARQUES E. T. A. , BRAGA C.
Published: July 2012

This study investigated anti-dengue serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies in a random sample of dengue IgG-positive individuals identified in a survey performed in a hyperendemic setting in northeastern Brazil in 2005. Of 323 individuals, 174 (53·8%) had antibodies to dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1), 104 (32·2%) to DENV-2 and 301 (93·2%) to DENV-3. Monotypic infections by DENV-3 were the most frequent infection (35·6%). Of 109 individuals aged <15 years, 61·5% presented multitypic infections. The force of infection estimated by a catalytic model was 0·9%, 0·4% and 2·5% person-years for DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3, respectively. By the age of 5 years, about 70%, 30% and 40% of participants were immune to DENV-3, DENV-2 and DENV-1, respectively. The data suggest that infection with DENV-1, -2 and -3 is intense at early ages, demonstrating the need for research efforts to investigate dengue infection in representative population samples of Brazilian children during early infancy.
Pneumonia in US hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness: BioSense, 2007–2010
Authors: BENOIT S. R. , BURKOM H. , McINTYRE A. F. , KNISS K. , BRAMMER L. , FINELLI L. , JAIN S.
Published: July 2012

We used data from BioSense, a national electronic surveillance system, to describe pneumonia in hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness (ILI). Ninety-five hospitals from 20 states reported ICD-9-CM-coded inpatient final diagnosis data during the study period of September 2007 to February 2010. We compared the characteristics of persons with and without pneumonia among those with ILI-related hospitalizations. BioSense captured 26 987 ILI-related inpatient hospitalizations; 8979 (33%) had a diagnosis of pneumonia. Analysis of trends showed highest counts of pneumonia during the 2007–2008 season and the second 2009 pandemic wave. Pneumonia was more common with increasing age. Microbiology and pharmacy data were available for a subset of patients; 107 (5%) with pneumonia had a bloodstream infection and 17% of patients were prescribed antiviral treatment. Our findings demonstrate the potential utility of electronic healthcare data to track trends in ILI and pneumonia, identify risk factors for disease, identify bacteraemia in patients with pneumonia, and monitor antiviral use.
Recurrent pulmonary haemorrhage in an infant with tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve: interventional treatment by coil occlusion of systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries
Authors: Kumpf Matthias , Schäfer Jürgen , Hofbeck Michael
Published: July 2012

Although clinically silent in the majority of cases, enlarged bronchial arteries or systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries may complicate congenital heart disease in infants, causing significant left-to-right shunting with subsequent pulmonary congestion and respiratory compromise. So far, pulmonary haemorrhage, a well-known complication in older patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease, has not been described in infancy. We describe the case of a 6-month-old girl with tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve who developed haemoptysis with severe respiratory distress following corrective surgery of the cardiac malformation. High-resolution computed tomography of the thorax followed by selective angiography revealed a systemic-to-pulmonary collateral artery originating from the left internal mammary artery. Pulmonary haemorrhage stopped immediately following coil occlusion of the collateral. A second episode of pulmonary haemorrhage occurred at the age of 9 months during mechanical ventilation for treatment of pneumonia. Repeat angiography revealed two more collateral vessels. Again coil occlusion resulted in prompt resolution of pulmonary haemorrhage. According to our experience, enlarged bronchial arteries or systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries should be considered in infants with cyanotic heart disease with unexplained pulmonary congestion or prolonged respiratory problems.
Does a Pre-Treatment Diagnostic Interview Affect the Outcome of Internet-Based Self-Help for Social Anxiety Disorder? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Boettcher Johanna , Berger Thomas , Renneberg Babette
Published: July 2012

Background: Numerous studies suggest that Internet-based self-help treatments are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Trials evaluating such interventions differ in their screening procedures and in the amount of clinician contact in the diagnostic assessment phase. The present study evaluates the impact of a pre-treatment diagnostic interview on the outcome of an Internet-based treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Method: One hundred and nine participants seeking treatment for SAD were randomized to either an interview-group (IG, N = 53) or to a non-interview group (NIG, N = 56). All participants took part in the same 10-week cognitive-behavioural unguided self-help programme. Before receiving access to the programme, participants of the IG underwent a structured diagnostic interview. Participants of the NIG started directly with the programme. Results: Participants in both groups showed significant and substantial improvement on social anxiety measures from pre- to post-assessment (dIG = 1.30–1.63; dNIG = 1.00–1.28) and from pre- to 4-month follow-up assessment (dIG = 1.38–1.87; dNIG = 1.10–1.21). Significant between-groups effects in favour of the IG were found on secondary outcome measures of depression and general distress (d = 0.18–0.42). Conclusions: These findings suggest that Internet-based self-help is effective in treating SAD, whether or not a diagnostic interview is involved. However, the pre-treatment interview seems to facilitate change on secondary outcomes such as depression and general distress.
The impact of seed market access and transaction costs on potato biodiversity and yields in Bolivia
Authors: Salazar Lina , Winters Paul
Published: July 2012

Using data from Bolivia, this paper analyzes seed market participation and how transaction costs in these markets influence intracrop biodiversity and the influence of biodiversity on yields. Results indicate that seed market attributes such as distance and market-level biodiversity have a crucial effect on a farmer's market choice, suggesting that farmers are willing to sacrifice time and income to travel further distances in order to reach markets with a broader range of varieties. This study finds that farmers from this sample who have access to seed markets are more likely to have higher levels of intracrop biodiversity. In addition, for market-integrated farmers, intracrop biodiversity does not seem to have a negative effect on yields, which suggests that improved market access does not threaten biodiversity in contexts with similar characteristics to the study site.
Tractable answer-set programming with weight constraints: bounded treewidth is not enough
Authors: PICHLER REINHARD , RÜMMELE STEFAN , SZEIDER STEFAN , WOLTRAN STEFAN
Published: July 2012

Cardinality constraints or, more generally, weight constraints are well recognized as an important extension of answer-set programming. Clearly, all common algorithmic tasks related to programs with cardinality or weight constraints – like checking the consistency of a program – are intractable. Many intractable problems in the area of knowledge representation and reasoning have been shown to become linear time tractable if the treewidth of the programs or formulas under consideration is bounded by some constant. The goal of this paper is to apply the notion of treewidth to programs with cardinality or weight constraints and to identify tractable fragments. It will turn out that the straightforward application of treewidth to such class of programs does not suffice to obtain tractability. However, by imposing further restrictions, tractability can be achieved.
The Story of English in India
Authors: Krishnaswamy N. , Krishnaswamy Lalitha
Published: July 2012

With globalization, English has become an economic necessity and Indians have realized that they have the English advantage over many other countries like China and Japan. India has shed its colonial complexes towards English and has come to terms with the language; Indians have separated the English language from the English. The Story of English in India presents historical facts in a socio-cultural framework. The book is a must for all teachers and students of English; it will be useful for all those interested in the politics of language and education in India.
Rohinton Mistry
Authors: Bhautoo-Dewnarain Nandini
Published: July 2012

Contemporary Indian Writers in English (CIWE) is a series that presents critical commentaries on some of the best-known names in the genre. With the hgh visibility of Indian writing in Englihs in academic, critical, pedagogic and reader circles, there is a perceivable demand for lucid yet rigorous introductions to several of its authors and genres.Rohinton Mistry has provided some of the most sustained explorations of post-Independence Indian society through his chronicles of individual and community lives. Mistry's fiction covers many themes, from politics to Parsi community life and economic inequality to national 'events' such as wars, rigorously examining the impact of historical forces and social events on 'small' lives. Nandini Bhautoo-Dewnarain's study, a schematic introduction to Mistry's works, looks at the process of marginalization or 'Othering' in his fiction. Exploring Mistry's themes of tradition, ageing and families, Bhautoo-Dewnarain demonstrates how his fiction moves from the local to the universal.
Multidimensionality in Developmental Conceptions Across Adulthood
Authors: Mustafić Maida , Freund Alexandra M.
Published: July 2012

Two studies demonstrate the usefulness of a newly developed, direct assessment method of subjective conceptualizations of development across adulthood. Results of Study 1 (N = 234, 18–83 years) suggest that older adults anticipate stronger decline in four domains of functioning (subjective well-being, social relationships, cognition, physical functioning) than younger and middle-aged adults. Study 2 (N = 166, 20–85 years) showed that older adults’ conceptualizations show less differentiation across domains than those of younger and middle-aged adults’. Results of both studies confirm lifespan notions of multidirectionality (expectations of gains and losses) but also show age-related differences in multidimensionality of developmental conceptions (i.e., differences in expected trajectories between domains). Moreover, results provide evidence that favorable conceptions impact perceived controllability and actual subjective well-being.
Guided-wave-coupled nitrogen vacancies in nanodiamond-doped photonic-crystal fibers
Authors: Fedotov I. V. , Safronov N. A. , Shandarov Yu. A. , Lanin A. A. , Fedotov A. B. , Kilin S. Ya. , Sakoda K. , Scully M. O. , Zheltikov A. M.
Published: July 2012

Zero-phonon-line (ZPL) emission of nitrogen vacancies (NVs) is coupled to the guided modes of solid- and hollow-core nanodiamond-doped photonic-crystal fibers (PCFs). Both types of PCFs are tailored toward enhancing ZPL emission coupling to the fiber modes. In solid-core PCFs, this involves enhancing the evanescent field of the waveguide modes supported by an ultrasmall fiber core. In hollow-core PCFs, the NV emission spectrum is matched with the transmission band of the fiber, controlled by the photonic bands of the fiber cladding.
Pair diffusion, hydrodynamic interactions, and available volume in dense fluids
Authors: Mittal Jeetain , Hummer Gerhard
Published: July 2012

We calculate the pair diffusion coefficient D(r) as a function of the distance r between two hard sphere particles in a dense monodisperse fluid. The distance-dependent pair diffusion coefficient describes the hydrodynamic interactions between particles in a fluid that are central to theories of polymer and colloid dynamics. We determine D(r) from the propagators (Green's functions) of particle pairs obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. At distances exceeding ∼3 molecular diameters, the calculated pair diffusion coefficients are in excellent agreement with predictions from exact macroscopic hydrodynamic theory for large Brownian particles suspended in a solvent bath, as well as the Oseen approximation. However, the asymptotic 1/r distance dependence of D(r) associated with hydrodynamic effects emerges only after the pair distance dynamics has been followed for relatively long times, indicating non-negligible memory effects in the pair diffusion at short times. Deviations of the calculated D(r) from the hydrodynamic models at short distances r reflect the underlying many-body fluid structure, and are found to be correlated to differences in the local available volume. The procedure used here to determine the pair diffusion coefficients can also be used for single-particle diffusion in confinement with spherical symmetry.
Polychromator for the edge Thomson scattering system in ITER
Authors: Yatsuka E. , Hatae T. , Fujie D. , Kurokawa A. , Kusama Y.
Published: July 2012

A new type polychromator has been designed for the edge Thomson scattering system in ITER. Signal light is parallelly dispersed into two parts at the first interference filter. Spectral transmissivities for some spectral channels may enhance better than the conventional type polychromator. In the new type polychromator, the misalignment due to the machine accuracy is expected to be within the margin of APD area. In order to calibrate the spectral transmissivity using the dual-laser injection method during the plasma discharge, it is preferred that the spectral channels are separated at the geometric mean of the injected two wavelengths.
The mechanical shear behavior of Al single crystals and grain boundaries
Authors: Pang Xueyong , Ahmed Naveed , Janisch Rebecca , Hartmaier Alexander
Published: July 2012

To investigate the mechanical shear properties of interfaces in metals, we have determined the γ-surfaces of different special tilt and twist grain boundaries in aluminum by means of ab initio calculations. From the γ-surfaces, we obtained minimum energy paths and barriers, as well as the theoretical shear strength. For the [110] tilt grain boundaries, there is a pronounced easy-sliding direction along the tilt axis. The theoretical shear strength scales with the height of the slip barrier and exhibits a relation with the misorientation angle: the closer the angle to 90°, the higher the shear stress. There is no simple relationship with the periodicity of the grain boundary, i.e., the Σ value or the grain boundary energy.
Silicon edges as one-dimensional waveguides for dispersion-free and supersonic leaky wedge waves
Authors: Lomonosov Alexey M. , Hess Peter , Mayer Andreas P.
Published: July 2012

Acoustic waves guided by the cleaved edge of a Si(111) crystal were studied using a laser-based angle-tunable transducer for selectively launching isolated wedge or surface modes. A supersonic leaky wedge wave and the fundamental wedge wave were observed experimentally and confirmed theoretically. Coupling of the supersonic wave to shear waves is discussed, and its leakage into the surface acoustic wave was observed directly. The velocity and penetration depth of the wedge waves were determined by contact-free optical probing. Thus, a detailed experimental and theoretical study of linear one-dimensional guided modes in silicon is presented.
Gyrokinetics for high-frequency modes in tokamaks
Authors: Wang Z. T. , Wang L. , Long L. X. , Dong J. Q. , He Zhixiong , Liu Y. , Tang C. J.
Published: July 2012

Gyrokinetics for high-frequency modes in tokamaks is developed. It is found that the breakdown of the invariants by perturbed electromagnetic fields drives microinstability. The obtained diamagnetic frequency, ω∗, is proportional to only the toroidal mode number rather than transverse mode numbers. Therefore, there is no nonadiabatic drive for axisymmetrical modes in gyrokinetics. Meanwhile, the conventional eikonal Ansatz breaks down for the axisymmetrical modes. The ion drift-cyclotron instability discovered in a mirror machine is found for the first time in the toroidal system. The growth rates are proportional to ρi/Ln, and the slope changes with magnetic curvature. In spherical torus, where magnetic curvature is greater than that of traditional tokamaks, instability poses a potential danger to such devices.
Stochastic optical active rheology
Authors: Lee Hyungsuk , Shin Yongdae , Kim Sun Taek , Reinherz Ellis L. , Lang Matthew J.
Published: July 2012

We demonstrate a stochastic based method for performing active rheology using optical tweezers. By monitoring the displacement of an embedded particle in response to stochastic optical forces, a rapid estimate of the frequency dependent shear moduli of a sample is achieved in the range of 10−1–103 Hz. We utilize the method to probe linear viscoelastic properties of hydrogels at varied cross-linker concentrations. Combined with fluorescence imaging, our method demonstrates non-linear changes of bond strength between T cell receptors and an antigenic peptide due to force-induced cell activation.
Chiral meta-atoms rotated by light
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Powell David A. , Shadrivov Ilya V.
Published: July 2012

We study the opto-mechanical properties of coupled chiral meta-atoms based on a pair of twisted split-ring resonators. By using a simple analytical model in conjunction with the Maxwell stress tensor, we capture insight into the mechanism and find that this structure can be used as a general prototype of subwavelength light-driven actuators over a wide range of frequencies. This coupled structure can provide a strong and tunable torque, and can support different opto-mechanical modes, including uniform rotation, periodically variable rotation and damped oscillations. Our results suggest that chiral meta-atoms are good candidates for creating sub-wavelength motors or wrenches controlled by light.
Eco-friendly electron beam lithography using water-developable resist material derived from biomass
Authors: Takei Satoshi , Oshima Akihiro , Wakabayashi Takanori , Kozawa Takahiro , Tagawa Seiichi
Published: July 2012

We investigated the eco-friendly electron beam (EB) lithography using a high-sensitive negative type of water-developable resist material derived from biomass on hardmask layer for tri-layer processes. A water developable, non-chemically amplified, high sensitive, and negative tone resist material in EB lithography was developed for environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people, instead of the common developable process of trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide. The images of 200 nm line and 800 nm space pattern with exposure dose of 7.0 μC/cm2 and CF4 etching selectivity of 2.2 with hardmask layer were provided by specific process conditions.
Robust and economical multi-sample, multi-wavelength UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detector for biological and chemical contamination
Authors: Lu Peter J. , Hoehl Melanie M. , Macarthur James B. , Sims Peter A. , Ma Hongshen , Slocum Alexander H.
Published: July 2012

We present a portable multi-channel, multi-sample UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detection device, which has no moving parts, can operate wirelessly and on batteries, interfaces with smart mobile phones or tablets, and has the sensitivity of commercial instruments costing an order of magnitude more. We use UV absorption to measure the concentration of ethylene glycol in water solutions at all levels above those deemed unsafe by the United States Food and Drug Administration; in addition we use fluorescence to measure the concentration of d-glucose. Both wavelengths can be used concurrently to increase measurement robustness and increase detection sensitivity. Our small robust economical device can be deployed in the absence of laboratory infrastructure, and therefore may find applications immediately following natural disasters, and in more general deployment for much broader-based testing of food, agricultural and household products to prevent outbreaks of poisoning and disease.
Low-temperature fabrication of solution-processed InZnO thin-film transistors with Si impurities by UV/O3-assisted annealing
Authors: Lu Li , Echizen Masahiro , Nishida Takashi , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Uchiyama Kiyoshi , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: July 2012

Assisted by UV/O3 annealing, InZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated at a low temperature of 290°C showed a high field-effect mobility of 2.19 cm2/(V·s). This value was almost the same as that of InZnO TFTs annealed at 700°C without UV/O3 assistance. Si ions in the substrate were induced by UV irradiation and diffused into the InZnO thin film. They entered Zn ions sites in the InZnO matrix, and more oxygen vacancies and freely moving electrons were subsequently generated. Thus, a high mobility was obtained although the annealing temperature was lower than the pyrolysis temperature of the InZnO precursor.
Employing mated females as recipients for transfer of cloned dog embryos
Authors: Kim Geon A , Oh Hyun Ju , Park Jung Eun , Kim Min Jung , Park Eun Jung , Lim Sang Hyun , Kang Sung Keun , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: July 2012

It has been suggested that co-transferring parthenogenetic embryos could improve the pregnancy success rate with cloned embryos in mammals. As an alternative to co-transferring parthenotes, in dogs we employed recipient females that possessed in vivo-fertilised embryos as a result of mating to determine whether mated bitches could be suitable recipients for cloned embryos. The effect of using mated recipients on implantation and pregnancy rates of canine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos was also determined. Cloned embryos were transferred into the oviducts of naturally synchronous females that had mated with male dogs before ovulation. The pregnancy rate appeared to be similar between mated recipients (50%) and non-mated recipients (28.57%; P > 0.05). However, the delivery rate of cloned pups was significantly higher in mated recipients than non-mated recipients (10.53 vs 2.38%; P < 0.05). A decrease in progesterone levels in the mated recipients before the due date induced natural delivery. However, cloned pups in non-mated recipients were delivered by Caesarean section because the fall in progesterone concentration in these females did not occur until the due date. The present study demonstrated for the first time that mated female dogs can be used as recipients for cloned embryos.
Alpaca semen quality in relation to different diets
Authors: Juyena N. S. , Vencato J. , Pasini G. , Vazzana I. , Stelletta C.
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical composition of seminal plasma, along with semen quality, of alpacas maintained on different diets (hay; hay + pasture grazing; pasture grazing + sheep concentrate; pasture grazing + horse concentrate; Periods 1–4, respectively). Alpacas (n = 5) were fed the four different diets for a period of 6 weeks each. During the period of feeding of each diet, semen was collected using an artificial vagina to determine its volume, viscosity, sperm concentration and sperm motility. Moreover, testicular volume and body condition score were evaluated. Seminal plasma was analysed biochemically to measure total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels. Protein profiles were investigated using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. There was high variability in semen parameters between different males maintained on the same diet. Semen volume increased significantly (P < 0.05) when alpacas were fed diets containing commercial sheep and horse concentrates. In contrast, sperm concentration and motility decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from Period 1 to Period 4. Dietary changes had no effect on viscosity. Significant reductions were seen in triglyceride and cholesterol content, as well as γ-glutamyl transferase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, from Period 1 to Period 4. Regardless of experimental period, a wide variation was seen in seminal plasma enzyme concentrations between alpacas, whereas diet had no effect on glucose and total protein concentrations in the seminal plasma. Eight protein bands, with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 14 kDa, were considered in electrophoresis gel after image analysis. Proteins fractions of the 14-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 14-kDa, TP8) and 21-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 21-kDa, TP7) bands were not present in all samples of alpaca seminal plasma. There were no significant changes in the concentration of any protein fractions during the four periods. Moreover, the protein fraction of the 60-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 60-kDa, TP3) band was the most prevalent in all periods. These results demonstrate that there are marked changes in semen quality, as well as some parameters related to the composition of alpaca seminal plasma, that are dependent on diet, which may indicate the need for specific diet formulation to improve reproductive performance. We hypothesise that, in alpacas, the mechanisms underlying the changes in some reproductive traits in response to feeding regimens could be related to changes in the endocrine–gonadal system.
Early, nonciliary role for microtubule proteins in left–right patterning is conserved across kingdoms
Authors: Lobikin Maria , Wang Gang , Xu Jingsong , Hsieh Yi-Wen , Chuang Chiou-Fen , Lemire Joan M. , Levin Michael
Published: July 2012

Many types of embryos’ bodyplans exhibit consistently oriented laterality of the heart, viscera, and brain. Errors of left–right patterning present an important class of human birth defects, and considerable controversy exists about the nature and evolutionary conservation of the molecular mechanisms that allow embryos to reliably orient the left–right axis. Here we show that the same mutations in the cytoskeletal protein tubulin that alter asymmetry in plants also affect very early steps of left–right patterning in nematode and frog embryos, as well as chirality of human cells in culture. In the frog embryo, tubulin α and tubulin γ-associated proteins are required for the differential distribution of maternal proteins to the left or right blastomere at the first cell division. Our data reveal a remarkable molecular conservation of mechanisms initiating left–right asymmetry. The origin of laterality is cytoplasmic, ancient, and highly conserved across kingdoms, a fundamental feature of the cytoskeleton that underlies chirality in cells and multicellular organisms.
Optically switchable organic field-effect transistors based on photoresponsive gold nanoparticles blended with poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Authors: Raimondo Corinna , Crivillers Núria , Reinders Federica , Sander Fabian , Mayor Marcel , Samorì Paolo
Published: July 2012

Interface tailoring represents a route for integrating complex functions in systems and materials. Although it is ubiquitous in biological systems—e.g., in membranes—synthetic attempts have not yet reached the same level of sophistication. Here, we report on the fabrication of an organic field-effect transistor featuring dual-gate response. Alongside the electric control through the gate electrode, we incorporated photoresponsive nanostructures in the polymeric semiconductor via blending, thereby providing optical switching ability to the device. In particular, we mixed poly(3-hexylthiophene) with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) coated with a chemisorbed azobenzene-based self-assembled monolayer, acting as traps for the charges in the device. The light-induced isomerization between the
trans
and
cis
states of the azobenzene molecules coating the AuNP induces a variation of the tunneling barrier, which controls the efficiency of the charge trapping/detrapping process within the semiconducting film. Our approach offers unique solutions to digital commuting between optical and electric signals.
Thieving rodents as substitute dispersers of megafaunal seeds
Authors: Jansen Patrick A. , Hirsch Ben T. , Emsens Willem-Jan , Zamora-Gutierrez Veronica , Wikelski Martin , Kays Roland
Published: July 2012

The Neotropics have many plant species that seem to be adapted for seed dispersal by megafauna that went extinct in the late Pleistocene. Given the crucial importance of seed dispersal for plant persistence, it remains a mystery how these plants have survived more than 10,000 y without their mutualist dispersers. Here we present support for the hypothesis that secondary seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding rodents has facilitated the persistence of these large-seeded species. We used miniature radio transmitters to track the dispersal of reputedly megafaunal seeds by Central American agoutis, which scatter-hoard seeds in shallow caches in the soil throughout the forest. We found that seeds were initially cached at mostly short distances and then quickly dug up again. However, rather than eating the recovered seeds, agoutis continued to move and recache the seeds, up to 36 times. Agoutis dispersed an estimated 35% of seeds for >100 m. An estimated 14% of the cached seeds survived to the next year, when a new fruit crop became available to the rodents. Serial video-monitoring of cached seeds revealed that the stepwise dispersal was caused by agoutis repeatedly stealing and recaching each other’s buried seeds. Although previous studies suggest that rodents are poor dispersers, we demonstrate that communities of rodents can in fact provide highly effective long-distance seed dispersal. Our findings suggest that thieving scatter-hoarding rodents could substitute for extinct megafaunal seed dispersers of tropical large-seeded trees.
Unexpected role for MHC II–peptide complexes in shaping CD8 T-cell expansion and differentiation in vivo
Authors: Do Jeong-su , Valujskikh Anna , Vignali Dario A. A. , Fairchild Robert L. , Min Booki
Published: July 2012

Here we report a unique role for MHC II–peptide complexes in controlling immune responses of naïve CD8 T cells. Compared with CD8 T cells from WT mice, CD8 T cells isolated from MHC II
−/−
mice hyperproliferated under lymphopenic conditions, differentiated into effector cells producing proinflammatory cytokines, and mediated more severe tissue inflammation. The elevated responses of MHC II
−/−
CD8 T cells were due to the absence of MHC II, but not CD4, T cells. The hyperreactivity appeared to be a feature of mature T cells, given its absence in CD8 single positive thymocytes derived from MHC II
−/−
mice. Expression of the MHC II ligand LAG3 was markedly enhanced during in vivo activation of MHC II
−/−
CD8 T cells, and blockade of MHC II–LAG3 interactions further enhanced T-cell expansion. Importantly, CD8 T cells isolated from H-2M
−/−
mice expressing WT levels of MHC II also displayed hyperresponsiveness similar to that of MHC II
−/−
CD8 T cells, suggesting that peptides presented on MHC II are involved in the control of CD8 T-cell responses. Our results uncover a previously undefined MHC II-dependent regulation that tunes CD8 T-cell reactivity and may have implications for an improved understanding of CD8 T-cell homeostasis and functions.
Nanoparticle-based artificial RNA silencing machinery for antiviral therapy
Authors: Wang Zhongliang , Liu Hongyan , Yang Soon Hye , Wang Tie , Liu Chen , Cao Y. Charles
Published: July 2012

RNA interference is a fundamental gene regulatory mechanism that is mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Here we report that an artificial nanoparticle complex can effectively mimic the function of the cellular RISC machinery for inducing target RNA cleavage. Our results show that a specifically designed nanozyme for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can actively cleave HCV RNA in a sequence specific manner. This nanozyme is less susceptible to degradation by proteinase activity, can be effectively taken up by cultured human hepatoma cells, is nontoxic to the cultured cells and a xenotransplantation mouse model under the conditions studied, and does not trigger detectable cellular interferon response, but shows potent antiviral activity against HCV in cultured cells and in the mouse model. We have observed a more than 99% decrease in HCV RNA levels in mice treated with the nanozyme. These results show that this nanozyme approach has the potential to become a useful tool for functional genomics, as well as for combating protein-expression-related diseases such as viral infections and cancers.
Quantifying Species Abundance Trends in the Northern Gulf of California Using Local Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Ainsworth C. H.
Published: July 2012

Ecosystem-based fisheries management requires data on all parts of the ecosystem, and this can be a barrier in data-poor systems. Marine ecologists need a means of drawing together diverse information to reconstruct species abundance trends for a variety of purposes. This article uses a fuzzy logic approach to integrate information from multiple data sources and describe biomass trends for marine species groups in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Forty-two species groups were analyzed, comprising fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, turtles, and algae. The most important new data series comes from recent interviews with fishers in the northern part of the gulf. Respondents were asked to classify the abundance of various targeted and untargeted marine species groups from 1950 to the present. The fuzzy logic method integrates their responses with catch-per-unit-effort series, intrinsic vulnerability to fishing determined from life history parameters, biomass predicted by a Schaefer harvest model, and other simple indices. The output of the fuzzy logic routine is a time series of abundance for each species group that can be compared with known trends. The results suggest a general decline in species abundance across fished and unfished taxa, with a few exceptions. Information gathered from interviews indicated that older fishers tended to recognize a greater relative decrease in species abundance since 1970 than did younger fishers, providing another example of Pauly's (1995) shifting cognitive baselines.
Maturation of the Gonads and Reproductive Tracts of the Thornback Ray Raja clavata, with Comments on the Development of a Standardized Reproductive Terminology for Oviparous Elasmobranchs
Authors: Serra-Pereira Bárbara , Figueiredo Ivone , Gordo Leonel Serrano
Published: July 2012

There is a need for a unified terminology to describe reproductive phase assignment across fish taxa, regardless of the reproductive strategy involved. Reproductive terminology already adopted for teleosts has been applied to oviparous elasmobranchs of both sexes. A historical review of the terminologies used by previous authors and how these correspond to the new terminology is presented. Five reproductive phases are considered: immature, developing, spawning capable (which includes an actively spawning subphase), regressing, and regenerating. By using an oviparous elasmobranch, the thornback ray Raja clavata, as an example, the different phases are described based on both macroscopic and microscopic features of the reproductive tract, including the ovaries, oviducal glands, and uterus in females and the testes, claspers, and sperm ducts in males. The regressing phase was observed in females, but the regenerating phase was not; neither of these two phases was observed in males. Records from other species suggest that all five reproductive phases can be found in oviparous elasmobranchs, depending on the reproductive strategy of the species.
Quantification of Primary and Secondary Oocyte Production in Atlantic Cod by Simple Oocyte Packing Density Theory
Authors: Kjesbu Olav S. , Thorsen Anders , Fonn Merete
Published: July 2012

As for other teleosts, the level of primary oocyte production ultimately determines the number of eggs shed by Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, but so far these minute cells have been little studied, probably due to methodological challenges. We established a quantitative “grid method” based on simple oocyte packing density (OPD) theory, accurate input data on ovary volume, oocyte-stage-specific ovarian volume fractions (from hits on grid-overlaid sections), and individual oocyte volumes (from diameter measurements of transections). The histological OPD results were successfully validated by automated measurements in whole mounts. The analyzed material originated from cultured Atlantic cod held in tanks for 19 months through the first maturity cycle and part of the second maturity cycle. Prior to sexual maturity, none of the fish showed the so-called circumnuclear ring (CNR; rich in RNA and organelles) in the cytoplasm of their primary oocytes, but this ring (phases 4a, 4b, and 4c) quickly appeared later on around the time of the autumnal equinox, followed by production of cortical alveolar oocytes (CAOs), early vitellogenic oocytes (EVOs), and late vitellogenic oocytes (LVOs). A very similar pattern was observed in the second maturity cycle. Thus, it is concluded that an autumnal night longer than 12 h generally triggers oocyte growth in Atlantic cod. A few immature individuals became arrested at the early CNR phase (phase 4a); hence, the use of CNR presence as a maturity marker should be treated with some caution. The maximum OPD was 250,000 oocytes/g of ovary for phase 4a; 100,000 oocytes/g for combined phases 4b and 4c; 100,000 oocytes/g for CAOs; 50,000 oocytes/g for EVOs; and 25,000 oocytes/g for LVOs. The relative somatic fecundity showed a dome-shaped curve with oocyte development (from CAO to LVO). Production of CAOs appeared at a fresh oocyte diameter of 180 μm, which is significantly below the commonly accepted threshold value of 250 μm for developing Atlantic cod oocytes.