bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent-Mediated Eco-Friendly Synthesis and Characterization of Monodispersed Bimetallic Ag/Pd Nanocomposites for Sensing and Raman Scattering Applications
Authors: Sathiyadevi G. , Loganathan B. , Karthikeyan B.
Published: April 2014

The solvent-mediated eco-friendly monodispersed Ag/Pd bimetallic nanocomposites (BNCs) having thick core and thin shell have been prepared through novel green chemical solvent reduction method. Reducing solvent, dimethyl formamide (DMF) is employed for the controlled green synthesis. Characterization of the synthesized Ag/Pd BNCs has been done by x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The nature of the interaction of L-cysteine with Ag/Pd BNCs has been studied by using surface plasmon spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and theoretical methods.
Mechanisms Predisposing Penile Fracture and Long-Term Outcomes on Erectile and Voiding Functions
Authors: Reis Leonardo O. , Cartapatti Marcelo , Marmiroli Rafael , Oliveira Júnior Eduardo Jeronimo de , Saade Ricardo Destro , Fregonesi Adriano
Published: April 2014

Purpose.To determine the mechanisms predisposing penile fracture as well as the rate of long-term penile deformity and erectile and voiding functions.Methods.All fractures were repaired on an emergency basis via subcoronal incision and absorbable suture with simultaneous repair of eventual urethral lesion. Patients’ status before fracture and voiding and erectile functions at long term were assessed by periodic follow-up and phone call. Detailed history included cause, symptoms, and single-question self-report of erectile and voiding functions.Results.Among the 44 suspicious cases, 42 (95.4%) were confirmed, mean age was 34.5 years (range: 18–60), mean follow-up 59.3 months (range 9–155). Half presented the classical triad of audible crack, detumescence, and pain. Heterosexual intercourse was the most common cause (28 patients, 66.7%), followed by penile manipulation (6 patients, 14.3%), and homosexual intercourse (4 patients, 9.5%). “Woman on top” was the most common heterosexual position (n=14, 50%), followed by “doggy style” (n=8, 28.6%). Four patients (9.5%) maintained the cause unclear. Six (14.3%) patients had urethral injury and two (4.8%) had erectile dysfunction, treated by penile prosthesis and PDE-5i. No patient showed urethral fistula, voiding deterioration, penile nodule/curve or pain.Conclusions.“Woman on top” was the potentially riskiest sexual position (50%). Immediate surgical treatment warrants long-term very low morbidity.
Encryption in Chaotic Systems with Sinusoidal Excitations
Authors: Obregón-Pulido G. , Torres-González A. , Cárdenas-Rodríguez R. , Solís-Perales G.
Published: April 2014

In this contribution an encryption method using a chaotic oscillator, excited by “n” sinusoidal signals, is presented. The chaotic oscillator is excited by a sum of “n” sinusoidal signals and a message. The objective is to encrypt such a message using the chaotic behavior and transmit it, and, as the chaotic system is perturbed by the sinusoidal signal, the transmission security could be increased due to the effect of such a perturbation. The procedure is based on the regulation theory and consider that the receiver knows the frequencies of the perturbing signal, with this considerations the algorithm estimates the excitation in such a way that the receiver can cancel out the perturbation and all the undesirable dynamics in order to produce only the message. In this way we consider that the security level is increased.
Parental Involvement in the Preoperative Surgical Safety Checklist Is Welcomed by Both Parents and Staff
Authors: Corbally Martin T. , Tierney Eamon
Published: April 2014

We involved the parents of paediatric patients in the first part of the three-stage WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) process. Forty-two parents took part in the study. They came to the theatre suite with their child and into the induction room. Immediately before induction of anaesthesia they were present at, and took part in, the first stage of the three-stage SSC process, confirming with staff the identity of their child, the procedure to be performed, the operating site, and the consent being adequately obtained and recorded. We asked parents and theatre staff later whether they thought that parental involvement in the SSC was beneficial to patient safety. Both parents and staff welcomed parental involvement in the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and felt that it improved patient safety.
A Case of Septic Arthritis of the Wrist due toFinegoldia magna
Authors: Arsene Camelia , Saste Abhijit , Somiah Manya , Mestrovich Janee , Berger Gregory
Published: April 2014

Finegoldia magna(F. magna) has been described as one of the most frequent pathogens in the etiology of postoperative and prosthetic implant associated septic arthritis. In this report, we document our first experience with septic arthritis of the wrist caused byF. magnaoccurring in a joint with primary disease from prior trauma.
On Ground States of Discretep(k)-Laplacian Systems in Generalized Orlicz Sequence Spaces
Authors: Kuang Juhong
Published: April 2014

Using the critical point theory, we establish sufficient conditions on the existence of ground states for discretep(k)-Laplacian systems. Our results considerably generalize some existing ones.
Colorful World of Microbes: Carotenoids and Their Applications
Authors: Kirti Kushwaha , Amita Saini , Priti Saraswat , Mukesh Kumar Agarwal , Jyoti Saxena
Published: April 2014

Microbial cells accumulate pigments under certain culture conditions, which have very important industrial applications. Microorganisms can serve as sources of carotenoids, the most widespread group of naturally occurring pigments. More than 750 structurally different yellow, orange, and red colored molecules are found in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes with an estimated market of $ 919 million by 2015. Carotenoids protect cells against photooxidative damage and hence found important applications in environment, food and nutrition, disease control, and as potent antimicrobial agents. In addition to many research advances, this paper reviews concerns with recent evaluations, applications of microbial pigments, and recommendations for future researches with an understanding of evolution and biosynthetic pathways along with other relevant aspects.
Fully Coupled Mean-Field Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equations and Stochastic Maximum Principle
Authors: Min Hui , Peng Ying , Qin Yongli
Published: April 2014

We discuss a new type of fully coupled forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) whose coefficients depend on the states of the solution processes as well as their expected values, and we call them fully coupled mean-field forward-backward stochastic differential equations (mean-field FBSDEs). We first prove the existence and the uniqueness theorem of such mean-field FBSDEs under some certain monotonicity conditions and show the continuity property of the solutions with respect to the parameters. Then we discuss the stochastic optimal control problems of mean-field FBSDEs. The stochastic maximum principles are derived and the related mean-field linear quadratic optimal control problems are also discussed.
The Verification of Coupled Neutronics Thermal-Hydraulics Code NODAL3 in the PWR Rod Ejection Benchmark
Authors: Pinem Surian , Sembiring Tagor Malem , Liem Peng Hong
Published: April 2014

A coupled neutronics thermal-hydraulics code NODAL3 has been developed based on the few-group neutron diffusion equation in 3-dimensional geometry for typical PWR static and transient analyses. The spatial variables are treated by using a polynomial nodal method while for the neutron dynamic solver the adiabatic and improved quasistatic methods are adopted. In this paper we report the benchmark calculation results of the code against the OECD/NEA CRP PWR rod ejection cases. The objective of this work is to determine the accuracy of NODAL3 code in analysing the reactivity initiated accident due to the control rod ejection. The NEACRP PWR rod ejection cases are chosen since many organizations participated in the NEA project using various methods as well as approximations, so that, in addition to the reference solutions, the calculation results of NODAL3 code can also be compared to other codes’ results. The transient parameters to be verified are time of power peak, power peak, final power, final average Doppler temperature, maximum fuel temperature, and final coolant temperature. The results of NODAL3 code agree well with the PHANTHER reference solutions in 1993 and 1997 (revised). Comparison with other validated codes, DYN3D/R and ANCK, shows also a satisfactory agreement.
Usefulness of Preoperative Surgical Simulation with Three-Dimensional Fusion Images for Resection of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Near Broca’s Area
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Tanizaki Yoshio , Akaji Kazunori , Kano Tadashige , Hiraga Kenji , Mihara Ban
Published: April 2014

Treating subcortical brain lesions in or near eloquent areas is challenging not only because lesions must be resected while preserving brain tissue involved in essential functions, but also because lesions often cannot be easily identified from the surface of the brain. Here, we report 2 cases of cerebral cavernous malformations near Broca’s area. In both cases, lesions were surgically removed by utilizing three-dimensional fusion images created using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography data. Excisions were completed without any worsening of speech function, and the use of presurgical simulations was found to be useful in the design and execution of the actual operations. The technique described in this report serves as a useful tool in simulating surgical strategies by using brain gyri and sulci as surgical landmarks. Furthermore, in contrast to other intraoperative techniques, this method can aid in shortening the duration of surgery and can help limit damage to eloquent areas of the brain.
Comprehensive Optimization of Emergency Evacuation Route and Departure Time under Traffic Control
Authors: Li Guo , Zhou Ying , Liu Mengqi
Published: April 2014

With the frequent occurrence of major emergencies, emergency management gets high attention from all around the world. This paper investigates the comprehensive optimization of major emergency evacuation route and departure time, in which case the evacuation propagation mechanism is considered under traffic control. Given the practical assumptions, we first establish a comprehensive optimization model based on the simulation of evacuation route and departure time. Furthermore, we explore the reasonable description method of evacuation traffic flow propagation under traffic control, including the establishment of traffic flow propagation model and the design of the simulation mudule that can simulate the evacuation traffic flow. Finally, we propose a heuristic algorithm for the optimization of this comprehensive model. In case analysis, we take some areas in Beijing as the evaluation sources to verify the reliability of our model. A series of constructive suggestions for Beijing's emergency evacuation are proposed, which can be applied to the actual situation under traffic control.
Magnetic Field and Gravity Effects on Peristaltic Transport of a Jeffrey Fluid in an Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Abd-Alla A. M. , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Albalawi Maram M.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the peristaltic flow of a Jeffrey fluid in an asymmetric channel has been investigated. Mathematical modeling is carried out by utilizing long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions. Closed form expressions for the pressure gradient, pressure rise, stream function, axial velocity, and shear stress on the channel walls have been computed numerically. Effects of the Hartmann number, the ratio of relaxation to retardation times, time-mean flow, the phase angle and the gravity field on the pressure gradient, pressure rise, streamline, axial velocity, and shear stress are discussed in detail and shown graphically. The results indicate that the effect of Hartmann number, ratio of relaxation to retardation times, time-mean flow, phase angle, and gravity field are very pronounced in the peristaltic transport phenomena. Comparison was made with the results obtained in the presence and absence of magnetic field and gravity field.
Penetrating Fish-Hook Ocular Injury: Management of an Unusual Intraocular Foreign Body
Authors: Iannetti Ludovico , Tortorella Paolo
Published: April 2014

Importance. Ocular penetrating fish-hook injuries represent an unusual and very dangerous ocular trauma. We report the management of an unusual case of a simple-single barbed fish-hook accident globe injury successfully treated with surgery.Observations. We described a case report of a caucasian 32-year-old man presented with a scleral perforation of the left eye caused by a fish-hook injury while fishing. The fish-hook penetrated the sclera, passed the trabecular meshwork, and exited into the anterior chamber. He underwent surgery under local anesthesia to remove the intraocular foreign body and to repair the wound. The hook was removed backing through the entrance wound, enlarge the primary scleral laceration. Final visual outcome, one month after trauma, was 0.0 LogMar.Conclusions and Relevance. Our unusual case shows a modified extraction technique of fish-hook from the eye. Although the fish-hook injury represents generally a serious occurrence, in some cases, a prompt and appropriate method of extraction can lead to a good final outcome.
Reduction-Triggered Breakable Micelles of Amphiphilic Polyamide Amine-g-Polyethylene Glycol for Methotrexate Delivery
Authors: Huang Yihang , Liu Jun , Cui Yani , Li Huanan , Sun Yong , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: April 2014

Reduction-triggered breakable polymeric micelles incorporated with MTX were prepared using amphiphilic PAA-g-PEG copolymers having S–S bonds in the backbone. The micelles were spherical with diameters less than 70 nm. The micelles could encapsulate the hydrophobic MTX in the hydrophobic core. The drug loading content and drug loading efficiency of the micelles were highly dependent on the copolymer chemical structure, ranging from 2.9 to 7.5% and 31.9 to 82.5%, respectively. Both the drug loading content and drug loading efficiency increased along with more hydrophobic segments in the copolymers. In normal circumstance, these micelles were capable of keeping stable and hold most of the MTX in the core, stabilizing the incorporated MTX through theπ-πstacking with the phenyl groups in the backbone of the copolymers. In reductive environments that mimicked the intracellular compartments, the entire MTX payload could be quickly released due to the reduction-triggered breakage of the micelles. These micelles showed good antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines, including KB, 4T-1 and HepG2, especially within the low drug concentration scope.
MicroRNA-222 Expression and Its Prognostic Potential in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mao Kai-ping , Zhang Wei-na , Liang Xiao-min , Ma Yu-rong
Published: April 2014

Overexpression of miR-222 has been found in several types of cancers; however, the expression of miR-222 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its prognostic values are unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the miR-222 expression level is related to clinicopathological factors and prognosis of NSCLC. Through a prospective study, 100 pairs of NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were examined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between miR-222 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed, and the significance of miR-222 as a prognostic factor and its relationship with survival were determined. Results showed that the expression levels of miR-222 were significantly elevated in the NSCLC tissue compared with that in adjacent normal tissue. In addition, Cox’s proportional hazards model analysis confirmed that miR-222 high expression level was an independent predictor of poor prognosis. In conclusion, miR-222 overexpression is involved in the poor prognosis of NSCLC and can be used as a biomarker for selection of cases requiring especial attention.
Correlated Inflammatory Responses and Neurodegeneration in Peptide-Injected Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: McLarnon James G.
Published: April 2014

Animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which emphasize activation of microglia may have particular utility in correlating proinflammatory activity with neurodegeneration. This paper reviews injection of amyloid-β(Aβ) into rat brain as an alternative AD animal model to the use of transgenic animals. In particular, intrahippocampal injection ofAβ1-42peptide demonstrates prominent microglial mobilization and activation accompanied by a significant loss of granule cell neurons. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of inflammatory reactivity is demonstrated by a broad spectrum of drugs with a common endpoint in conferring neuroprotection in peptide-injected animals. Peptide-injection models provide a focus on glial cell responses to direct peptide injection in rat brain and offer advantages in the study of the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation in AD brain.
Resonant Orbital Dynamics in LEO Region: Space Debris in Focus
Authors: Sampaio J. C. , Wnuk E. , de Moraes R. Vilhena , Fernandes S. S.
Published: April 2014

The increasing number of objects orbiting the earth justifies the great attention and interest in the observation, spacecraft protection, and collision avoidance. These studies involve different disturbances and resonances in the orbital motions of these objects distributed by the distinct altitudes. In this work, objects in resonant orbital motions are studied in low earth orbits. Using the two‐line elements (TLE) of the NORAD, resonant angles and resonant periods associated with real motions are described, providing more accurate information to develop an analytical model that describes a certain resonance. The time behaviors of the semimajor axis, eccentricity, and inclination of some space debris are studied. Possible irregular motions are observed by the frequency analysis and by the presence of different resonant angles describing the orbital dynamics of these objects.
Melatonin in the Regulation of Liver Steatosis following Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure
Authors: Tiao Mao-Meng , Huang Li-Tung , Chen Chih-Jen , Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Tain You-Lin , Chen Chih-Cheng , Kuo Ho-Chang , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tang Kuo-Shu , Chu En-Wei , Yu Hong-Ren
Published: April 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients are characterized by hepatic steatosis. Prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure can result in steatosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the mechanism and cellular apoptosis of prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure in rats and whether melatonin can rescue the prenatal glucocorticoid-induced steatosis and apoptosis in neonatal rats. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at gestational days 14 to 21 were administered dexamethasone. Acute effects of prenatal programming liver were assessed at postnatal day 7. The expression of proteins involved in the apoptotic and methylation pathways was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Apoptosis and steatosis were examined by histology staining. The liver steatosis and apoptosis were increased in prenatal glucocorticoid group more than in control group and decreased in melatonin group. The expression of leptin decreased in prenatal glucocorticoid and increased in melatonin group by liver RT-PCR and Western blot study. Caspase 3, TNF-αproteins expression, and TUNEL stains increased in prenatal glucocorticoid compared with control and decreased in melatonin group. The liver histone deacetylase, DNA methyltransferase activity, and DNA methylation were increased in prenatal glucocorticoid and decreased in melatonin group. The present study showed that the prenatal glucocorticoid induced programming liver steatosis at day 7 after delivery, possibly via altered leptin expression. Melatonin can reverse the methylation of leptin and decreased liver steatosis.
Structural Characterization of Silica Particles Extracted from GrassStenotaphrum secundatum: Biotransformation via Annelids
Authors: Espíndola-Gonzalez A. , Fuentes-Ramirez R. , Martínez-Hernández A. L. , Castaño V. M. , Velasco-Santos C.
Published: April 2014

This study shows the structural characterization of silica particles extracted fromStenotaphrum secundatum(St. Augustine) grass using an annelid-based biotransformation process. This bioprocess starts when St. Augustine grass is turned into humus by vermicompost, and then goes through calcination and acid treatment to obtain silica particles. To determine the effect of the bioprocess, silica particles without biotransformation were extracted directly from the sample of grass. The characterization of the silica particles was performed using Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS). Both types of particles showed differences in morphology and size. The particles without biotransformation were essentially amorphous while those obtained via annelids showed specific crystalline phases. The biological relationship between the metabolisms of worms and microorganisms and the organic-mineral matter causes changes to the particles' properties. The results of this study are important because they will allow synthesis of silica in cheaper and more ecofriendly ways.
Development, Manufacturing and Characterization of a Highly Purified, Liquid Immunoglobulin G Preparation from Human Plasma
Authors: Laursen Inga A. , Blou Lene , Sullivan John S. , Bang Peter , Balstrup Flemming , Houen Gunnar
Published: April 2014

Background: The use of plasma-derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) is increasing, and the number of diseases, including immunodeficiencies, neurological diseases and autoimmune conditions, treated with intravenous IgG (IVIG) is expanding. Consequently, there is a great need for high-yield production processes for plasma-derived IgG. The aim of this work was to develop a high-yield process leading to a highly purified, liquid, ready-to-use IgG for intravenous use. Methods: Plasma from healthy, voluntary, non-remunerated donors was fractionated by ethanol precipitation. IgG was extracted from fraction II + III using a phosphate/acetate buffer, pH 4, and purified by chromatography. Results: Precipitation with 6% polyethylene glycol at pH 7 removed high molecular-weight contaminating proteins, aggregates and contaminating viruses. Ion exchange chromatography at pH 5.7 on serially connected anion and cation exchange columns allowed for elution of IgG from the cation exchange column in good yield and high purity. Further safety was achieved by solvent/detergent treatment and repeated ion exchange chromatography. The product consisted of essentially only IgG monomers and dimers, and had a high purity with very low levels of IgM and IgA. Conclusion: A process providing highly purified IVIG in good yield was developed.
Cracking the Egg: Virtual Embryogenesis of Real Robots
Authors: Cussat-Blanc Sylvain , Pollack Jordan
Published: April 2014

All multicellular living beings are created from a single cell. A developmental process, called embryogenesis, takes this first fertilized cell down a complex path of reproduction, migration, and specialization into a complex organism adapted to its environment. In most cases, the first steps of the embryogenesis take place in a protected environment such as in an egg or in utero. Starting from this observation, we propose a new approach to the generation of real robots, strongly inspired by living systems. Our robots are composed of tens of specialized cells, grown from a single cell using a bio-inspired virtual developmental process. Virtual cells, controlled by gene regulatory networks, divide, migrate, and specialize to produce the robot's body plan (morphology), and then the robot is manually built from this plan. Because the robot is as easy to assemble as Lego, the building process could be easily automated.
Evolving Functional and Structural Dynamism in Coupled Boolean Networks
Authors: Bull Larry
Published: April 2014

This article uses a recently presented abstract, tunable Boolean regulatory network model to further explore aspects of mobile DNA, such as transposons. The significant role of mobile DNA in the evolution of natural systems is becoming increasingly clear. This article shows how dynamically controlling network node connectivity and function via transposon-inspired mechanisms can be selected for to significant degrees under coupled regulatory network scenarios, including when such changes are heritable. Simple multicellular and coevolutionary versions of the model are considered.
Re-allocation of two south Chinese species of Argyrodiaptomus Brehm, 1933 to Sinodiaptomus Kiefer, 1932, and biogeography of the genus Sinodiaptomus (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae)
Authors: Ming Li Hui , Han Bo Ping , Fei Guo Fei , Dumont Henri J.
Published: April 2014

In 1964 and 1965, Shen & Tai described two species of calanoids, which they classified in the South American genus Argyrodiaptomus. We examined new material from the terra typica, South China, and show that both species belong in the Asian genus Sinodiaptomus. A biogeographic anomaly is thus corrected. Moreover, the two appear to be sister species and males are morphologically well separable. No intermediate morphotypes have so far been detected. S. cavernicolax (Shen & Tai, 1965), known only from the type locality, was claimed to be cavernicolous, but shows no stygobitic adaptations, and has eyes. It may have been pushed back into the cave environment by its congener S. ferus (Shen & Tai, 1964) with which it coexists in the same lake system.

So far, four species of Sinodiaptomus have been found in China: the two mentioned above, i.e., S. cavernicolax only in Longyan Cave of Zhaoqing City, and S. ferus at about five locations, but its range is limited to a small part of Guangdong Province. All five other species of Sinodiaptomus, among which the other two that occur (also) in China, also occupy small to very small ranges, with the type species (S. chaffanjoni Richard, 1897) only living in North China, and S. indicus Kiefer, 1936 and S. mahanandiensis Reddy & Radhakrishna, 1980 confined to South India (Reddy & Radhakrishna, 1980). S. valkanovi Kiefer, 1938 from Japan is invasive (Ueda & Ohtsuka, 1998; Makino et al., 2010). S. sarsi Rylov, 1923, distributed in Japan, China, and most of Mongolia, is separated by a wide disjunction from a group of populations in Iran, the Caucasus, and East Anatolia. This western group of populations might be a separate species and deserves more study.
Ectopsocidae (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’) from Valle del Cauca and NNP Gorgona, Colombia
Authors: MANCHOLA OSCAR FERNANDO SAENZ , OBANDO RANULFO GONZÁLEZ , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA
Published: April 2014

The results of a survey of the psocid family Ectopsocidae in Valle del Cauca and NNP Gorgona, are here presented. Fifteen species were identified, in the genera Ectopsocus (14 species), and Ectopsocopsis (one species); four of the Ectopsocus species are new to science and are here described and illustrated. The male of E. thorntoni García Aldrete is here described. Records of Ectopsocopsis cryptomeriae (Enderlein), Ectopsocus briggsi McLachlan, E. californicus Banks, E. columbianus Badonnel, E. maindroni Badonnel, E. meridionalis Ribaga, E. pilosus Badonnel, E. richardsi Pearman, E. titschacki Jentsch, and E. vilhenai Badonnel, are provided. Ten species were found only in Valle del Cauca, two species were found only in the NNP Gorgona, and three species were found at both sites. The specimens studied are deposited in the Entomological Museum, Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali, Colombia (MUSENUV).
Salinity Measurements Collected by Fishermen Reveal a “River in the Sea” Flowing Along the Eastern Coast of India
Authors: Chaitanya A. V. S. , Lengaigne M. , Vialard J. , Gopalakrishna V. V. , Durand F. , Kranthikumar C. , Amritash S. , Suneel V. , Papa F. , Ravichandran M.
Published: April 2014

Being the only tropical ocean bounded by a continent to the north, the Indian Ocean is home to the most powerful monsoon system on Earth. Monsoonal rains and winds induce huge river discharges and strong coastal currents in the northern Bay of Bengal. To date, the paucity of salinity data has prevented a thorough description of the spreading of this freshwater into the bay. The potential impact of the salinity on cyclones and regional climate in the Bay of Bengal is, however, a strong incentive for a better description of the water cycle in this region. Since May 2005, the National Institute of Oceanography conducts a program in which fishermen collect seawater samples in knee-deep water at eight stations along the Indian coastline every 5 days. Comparison with open-ocean samples shows that this cost-effective sampling strategy is representative of offshore salinity evolution. This new dataset reveals a salinity drop exceeding 10 g kg−1 in the northern part of the bay at the end of the summer monsoon. This freshening signal propagates southward in a narrow (~100 km wide) strip along the eastern coast of India, and reaches its southern tip after 2.5 months. Satellite-derived alongshore-current data shows that the southward propagation of this “river in the sea” is consistent with transport by seasonal coastal currents, while other processes are responsible for the ensuing erosion of this coastal freshening. This simple procedure of coastal seawater samples collection could further be used to monitor phytoplankton concentration, bacterial content, and isotopic composition of seawater along the Indian coastline.
On the Strengthened Relationship between the East Asian Winter Monsoon and Arctic Oscillation: A Comparison of 1950–70 and 1983–2012
Authors: Li Fei , Wang Huijun , Gao Yongqi
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the authors use NCEP reanalysis and 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data to document the strengthened relationship between the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and winter Arctic Oscillation (AO) on the interannual time scale with a comparison of 1950–70 and 1983–2012. Their connection was statistically insignificant during 1950–70, whereas it was statistically significant during 1983–2012. The latter significant connection might be attributed to the East Asian jet stream (EAJS) upstream extension: the EAJS signal is relatively confined to the western North Pacific before the 1970s, whereas it extends westward toward East Asia after the 1980s. This upstream extension leads to the rearrangement of eastward-propagating Rossby waves with a much wider horizontal structure, thereby bonding the EAWM and the AO.

Furthermore, the authors present observational evidence and model simulations demonstrating that the reduction of autumn Arctic sea ice cover (ASIC) is responsible for the strengthened EAWM–AO relationship after the 1980s by producing the EAJS upstream extension. After the 1980s, a strong anticyclonic anomaly over the polar ocean and anomalous easterly advection over northern Eurasia are generated by the near-surface heating over the Barents–Kara (B–K) Seas caused by the reduction of ASIC. This further induces cold anomalies over northern Eurasia, altering the meridional temperature gradient between the midlatitude and tropical region and consequently leading to westward penetration of the EAJS.
The Representation of Ocean Circulation and Variability in Thermodynamic Coordinates
Authors: Groeskamp Sjoerd , Zika Jan D. , McDougall Trevor J. , Sloyan Bernadette M. , Laliberté Frédéric
Published: April 2014

The ocean’s circulation is analyzed in Absolute Salinity SA and Conservative Temperature Θ coordinates. It is separated into 1) an advective component related to geographical displacements in the direction normal to SA and Θ isosurfaces and 2) into a local component, related to local changes in SA–Θ values, without a geographical displacement. In this decomposition, the sum of the advective and local components of the circulation is equivalent to the material derivative of SA and Θ. The sum is directly related to sources and sinks of salt and heat. The advective component is represented by the advective thermohaline streamfunction . After removing a trend, the local component can be represented by the local thermohaline streamfunction . Here, can be diagnosed using a monthly averaged time series of SA and Θ from an observational dataset. In addition, and are determined from a coupled climate model. The diathermohaline streamfunction is the sum of and and represents the nondivergent diathermohaline circulation in SA–Θ coordinates. The diathermohaline trend, resulting from the trend in the local changes of SA and Θ, quantifies the redistribution of the ocean’s volume in SA–Θ coordinates over time. It is argued that the diathermohaline streamfunction provides a powerful tool for the analysis of and comparison among ocean models and observation-based gridded climatologies.
Ultimate attainment in late second language acquisition: Phonetic and grammatical challenges in advanced Dutch–English bilingualism
Authors: Schmid Monika S. , Gilbers Steven , Nota Amber
Published: April 2014

The present article provides an exploration of ultimate attainment in second language (L2) and its limitations. It is argued that the question of maturational constraints can best be investigated when the reference population is bilingual and exposed on a regular basis to varieties of their first language (L1) that show cross-linguistic influence. To this end, 20 advanced Dutch–English bilinguals are compared to 9 English native speakers immersed in a Dutch environment. All participants are teachers or students of English at a Dutch institution of higher education. The populations are shown to be at similar global proficiency levels. Two phonetic variables (voice onset time or VOT and vowel discrimination) and one grammatical variable (verb phrase ellipsis), which are assumed to present particular challenges to Dutch learners of English, are explored, and speakers are furthermore rated for their global nativeness. The findings show no differences between populations on VOT but some variance on the production of a vowel that has no correlate in Dutch (the English trap vowel). However, all but one of the L2ers are rated outside the range of the natives on perceived foreign accent. There are also differences between groups where acceptance of different sentence types with verb phrase ellipsis are concerned. We interpret these findings to indicate that there are areas of L2 knowledge and production that are persistently difficult to acquire even under circumstances that are highly favourable for L2 acquisition.
Interpreting definiteness in a second language without articles: The case of L2 Russian
Authors: Cho Jacee , Slabakova Roumyana
Published: April 2014

This article investigates the second language (L2) acquisition of two expressions of the semantic feature [definite] in Russian, a language without articles, by English and Korean native speakers. Within the Feature Reassembly approach (Lardiere, 2009), Slabakova (2009) has argued that reassembling features that are represented overtly in the first language (L1) and mapping them onto those that are encoded indirectly, or covertly, in the L2 will present a greater difficulty than reassembling features in the opposite learning direction. An idealized scale of predictions of difficulty is proposed based on the overt or covert character of the feature encoding and the ease/difficulty of noticing the feature expression. A total of 158 participants (56 native Russian, 49 English learners and 53 Korean learners of Russian) evaluated the acceptability of test sentences in context. Findings demonstrate that acquiring the expression of a feature that is encoded contextually in the L2 is challenging for learners, while an overt expression of a feature presents less difficulty. On the basis of the learners’ developmental patterns observed in the study, we argue that overt and covert expression of semantic features, feature reassembly, and indirect encoding appear to be significant factors in L2 grammatical feature acquisition.
Depression and Social Identity
Authors: Cruwys Tegan , Haslam S. Alexander , Dingle Genevieve A. , Haslam Catherine , Jetten Jolanda
Published: April 2014

Social relationships play a key role in depression. This is apparent in its etiology, symptomatology, and effective treatment. However, there has been little consensus about the best way to conceptualize the link between depression and social relationships. Furthermore, the extensive social-psychological literature on the nature of social relationships, and in particular, research on social identity, has not been integrated with depression research. This review presents evidence that social connectedness is key to understanding the development and resolution of clinical depression. The social identity approach is then used as a basis for conceptualizing the role of social relationships in depression, operationalized in terms of six central hypotheses. Research relevant to these hypotheses is then reviewed. Finally, we present an agenda for future research to advance theoretical and empirical understanding of the link between social identity and depression, and to translate the insights of this approach into clinical practice.
Evil Acts and Malicious Gossip
Authors: Smith Eliot R.
Published: April 2014

Although person perception is central to virtually all human social behavior, it is ordinarily studied in isolated individual perceivers. Conceptualizing it as a socially distributed process opens up a variety of novel issues, which have been addressed in scattered literatures mostly outside of social psychology. This article examines some of these issues using a series of multiagent models. Perceivers can use gossip (information from others about social targets) to improve their ability to detect targets who perform rare negative behaviors. The model suggests that they can simultaneously protect themselves against being influenced by malicious gossip intended to defame specific targets. They can balance these potentially conflicting goals by using specific strategies including disregarding gossip that differs from a personally obtained impression. Multiagent modeling demonstrates the outcomes produced by different combinations of assumptions about gossip, and suggests directions for further research and theoretical development.
Essential Roles of Epithelial Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling During Prostatic Development
Authors: Omori Akiko , Miyagawa Shinichi , Ogino Yukiko , Harada Masayo , Ishii Kenichiro , Sugimura Yoshiki , Ogino Hajime , Nakagata Naomi , Yamada Gen
Published: April 2014

Prostate is a male sex-accessory organ. The prostatic epithelia consist primarily of basal and luminal cells that differentiate from embryonic urogenital sinus epithelia. Prostate tumors are believed to originate in the basal and luminal cells. However, factors that promote normal epithelial differentiation have not been well elucidated, particularly for bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling. This study shows that Bmp signaling prominently increases during prostatic differentiation in the luminal epithelia, which is monitored by the expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. To elucidate the mechanism of epithelial differentiation and the function of Bmp signaling during prostatic development, conditional male mutant mouse analysis for the epithelial-specific Bmp receptor 1a (Bmpr1a) was performed. We demonstrate that Bmp signaling is indispensable for luminal cell maturation, which regulates basal cell proliferation. Expression of the prostatic epithelial regulatory gene Nkx3.1 was significantly reduced in the Bmpr1a mutants. These results indicate that Bmp signaling is a key factor for prostatic epithelial differentiation, possibly by controlling the prostatic regulatory gene Nkx3.1.
Dietary Sugar in Healthy Female Primates Perturbs Oocyte Maturation and In Vitro Preimplantation Embryo Development
Authors: Chaffin Charles L. , Latham Keith E. , Mtango Namdori R. , Midic Uros , VandeVoort Catherine A.
Published: April 2014

The consumption of refined sugars continues to pose a significant health risk. However, nearly nothing is known about the effects of sugar intake by healthy women on the oocyte or embryo. Using rhesus monkeys, we show that low-dose sucrose intake over a 6-month period has an impact on the oocyte with subsequent effects on the early embryo. The ability of oocytes to resume meiosis was significantly impaired, although the differentiation of the somatic component of the ovarian follicle into progesterone-producing cells was not altered. Although the small subset of oocytes that did mature were able to be fertilized in vitro and develop into preimplantation blastocysts, there were >1100 changes in blastocyst gene expression. Because sucrose treatment ended before fertilization, the effects of sugar intake by healthy primates are concluded to be epigenetic modifications to the immature oocyte that are manifest in the preimplantation embryo.
Photochromic Reaction of Diarylethenes Having Phenol Moiety as an Aryl Ring
Authors: Yamaguchi Tadatsugu , Kamihashi Yusuke , Ozeki Toru , Uyama Ayaka , Kitai Jun-ichiro , Kasuno Megumi , Sumaru Kimio , Kimura Yoshiro , Yokojima Satoshi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Morimoto Masakazu , Uchida Kingo
Published: April 2014

Three types of diarylethenes having one phenol moiety as an aromatic unit were synthesized in order to control pH change upon irradiation with UV and visible light. Upon irradiation with 313 nm light, these open-ring isomers were transformed to thermally unstable colored isomers in methanol solution. During the storage of the photoirradiated diarylethene solutions in the dark for 10 min, the thermally unstable closed-ring isomers were converted to thermally stable keto isomers. The structures of these isomers were characterized by 1H NMR and X-ray crystallography. The keto isomers were transformed to the initial phenol isomer upon irradiation with visible light. Additionally, we also found the formation of a novel photochromic diarylethene derivative having one keto group on the cyclopentane ring during UV irradiation. A pH change between the two isomers was observed in a mixture of ethanol and water.
Emotional Indicators of Deaf Children on the Draw-A-Person Test
Authors: Briccetti Katherine A.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Draw-A-Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED; Naglieri, McNeish & Bardos, 1991) when used with deaf children ages 9 through 12. Subjects were children with severe to profound prelingual hearing losses and at least low average intelligence. They were divided into two groups: emotionally disturbed and not emotionally disturbed based on acombination of factors. DAP:SPED group mean scores were not significantly different. In fact, the not emotionally disturbed group scored higher, or more pathological, than the emotionally disturbed group. More than half of the subjects from each group were misclassified using the DAP:SPED system. Results indicate that the DAP:SPED is not a valid screening instrument for use with deaf children and that there is a need for separate normative data for this group.
Metacognitive Strategies in a College World Literature Course
Authors: Fox Stephen D.
Published: April 2014

Students at most reading levels in the World Literature Survey at Gallaudet University benefitted from the inclusion of metacognitive exercises in the course. These exercises emphasized pre-reading, reading, and post-reading strategies designed to improve reading comprehension and retention, but they also proved valuable as prompts to group discussion and to teacher-student communication. Results of this class approach suggest the usefulness of such exercises in “content” courses in general to improve attendance, discussion, and grades.
The Interaction of Race, Gender and Social Class Effects in the Education of Deaf Students
Authors: Kluwin Thomas N.
Published: April 2014

While racial effects have been noted in the education of the deaf in a variety of ways, gender effects are difficult to identify and social class effects are not discussed at all. Further, it is possible that these effects interact to produce unique effects. To examine these issues, a re-analysis of data from a longitudinal study of 451 deaf adolescents in local public schools was conducted. Results support previous observations about racial and gender effects and suggest that social class is an effect in the education of the deaf. In addition, there is very limited evidence to suggest an interaction of the effects. What is perhaps more critical is that the concept of race in relation to deaf education is an ambiguous concept and needs to be considered in light of parental income, educational attainment, and language attitudes rather than as a global concept.
Communicative Interactions of Deaf and Hearing Children in a Day Care Center: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Spencer Patricia , Koester Lynne Stafford , Meadow-Orlans Kathryn
Published: April 2014

Interactions were observed in a day care center serving deaf and hearing children. Observations focused on eight children (two deaf with deaf parents, two deaf with hearing parents, two hearing with deaf parents and two hearing with hearing parents) between 2 and 3 years of age. Center classes included deaf and hearing teachers and all children were encouraged to sign. Deaf and hearing children alike frequently interacted with other children and teachers whose hearing status differed from their own. However, each group showed a stronger tendency to initiate communication with same hearing status peers. Hearing children displayed the ability to modify their communications modes to match the hearing status of their intended communication partner. Language ability not hearing status, was associated with the frequency of communication experienced by each child
Educational Interpreting and Teacher Preparation: An Interdisciplinary Model
Authors: Shroyer Edgar H. , Compton Mary V.
Published: April 2014

Educational interpreting remains the fastest growing area in the field of interpreting largely due to the Individual with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The United States Department of Education, Personal Preparation and Special Topics, has awarded grants to a number of organizations, agencies, colleges and universities to establish preparation programs for educational interpreters. This article describes how resources, namely the curriculum, extant in a teacher preparation program in deafness are used in establishing a four year preparation program for educational interpreters leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The interdisciplinary model outlined follows the curriculum recommendations of the Council on Education of the Deaf/Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Ad Hoc Committee for Educational Interpreting.
Making Science Accessible to Deaf Students: The Need for Science Literacy and Conceptual Teaching
Authors: McIntosh R. Anne , Sulzen Lynn , Reeder Kate , Kidd Dawn Holt
Published: April 2014

Upon examination of current literature, there is a noticeable disparity between suggested science teaching practice and what actually happens in the classroom. This disparity may be more pronounced in science classrooms of deaf students for several reasons discussed in this paper. Science education professionals recommend conceptual teaching, but rote, procedural teaching is often the reality. This is a call to arms for teachers of the deaf to teach science conceptually in an effort to afford deaf students more opportunities to grasp meaning and not function merely at the recall level.