bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging student interpreters in vocabulary building: Web search with computer workbench
Authors: Lim Lily
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the usefulness of Web portals in a workbench for assisting student interpreters in the search for and collection of vocabulary. The experiment involved a class of fifteen English as a Foreign Language (EFL) student interpreters, who were required to equip themselves with the appropriate English vocabulary to handle an interpreting task they had been assigned. The subjects were given the same topic for vocabulary building in two stages – one stage without and the other stage with the use of the workbench. They were not allowed to repeat vocabulary items in the two stages. They documented their experience in vocabulary preparation in the first stage, and provided think-aloud protocols for the second stage. They also completed a questionnaire and submitted two portfolios. The vocabulary portfolios compiled during the two stages were then compared. The results indicate that, with the use of the workbench, the subjects were more efficient in performing the task of building vocabulary by searching for the required vocabulary, and were able to build a vocabulary portfolio that was larger in size and richer in variety. The data also reveal that most students make use of Web portals that have a specific focus, rather than general search engines. The findings provide important information to support the use of the workbench as a tool for training EFL student interpreters in vocabulary building, and also show that guided Web portals are essential for users who need to perform Web-based language learning activities to achieve efficient search results.
Verbal Fluency in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Herbert Vanessa , Brookes Rebecca L , Markus Hugh S , Morris Robin G
Published: March 2014

Patterns of verbal fluency deficits have been explored across different neurodegenerative disorders. This study sought to investigate the specific pattern of verbal fluency performance in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), which is the most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment, and compare this with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants with SVD (n = 45), AD (n = 24) and healthy controls (n = 80) completed assessments of semantic and phonemic fluency. Mixed-model analyses of covariance were used to compare performance on the different fluency tasks between the groups, and a discriminant function analysis was conducted to examine group differentiation. The SVD group was impaired in both fluency tasks when compared to the controls. In contrast, the AD group displayed impairment in semantic fluency only. Discriminant function analysis revealed that fluency scores correctly classified 80% of SVD patients and 92% of AD patients. The pattern of performance observed in the SVD group may reflect deficits in executive function and processing speed impacting equivalently on semantic and phonemic fluency. The differences between the SVD and AD groups highlighted in this study may be useful for distinguishing between these conditions. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)
Predictors for Improvement of Problem-Solving during Cognitive Remediation for Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Rodewald Katlehn , Holt Daniel V. , Rentrop Mirjam , Roesch-Ely Daniela , Liebrenz Michael , Funke Joachim , Weisbrod Matthias , Kaiser Stefan
Published: March 2014

Cognitive remediation is a promising pathway for ameliorating cognitive impairment of patients with schizophrenia. Here, we investigate predictors of improvement in problem-solving ability for two different types of cognitive remediation – specific problem-solving training and training of basic cognition. For this purpose we conducted a re-analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing these two training approaches. The main outcome measure was improvement in problem-solving performance. Correlational analyses were used to assess the contribution of clinical, cognitive and training-related predictors. In the problem-solving training group, impaired pre-training planning ability was associated with stronger improvement. In contrast, in the basic cognition training group antipsychotic medication dose emerged as a negative predictor. These results demonstrate that predictors for successful cognitive remediation depend on the specific intervention. Furthermore, our results suggest that at least in the planning domain patients with impaired performance benefit particularly from a specific intervention. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–6)
Consumption of predefined ‘Nordic’ dietary items in ten European countries – an investigation in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort
Authors: Roswall Nina , Olsen Anja , Boll Katja , Christensen Jane , Halkjær Jytte , Sørensen Thorkild IA , Dahm Christina C , Overvad Kim , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie C , Cottet Vanessa , Teucher Birgit , Kaaks Rudolf , Boeing Heiner , von Ruesten Anne , Trichopoulou Antonia , Oikonomou Eleni , Vasilopoulou Effie , Pala Valeria , Sacerdote Carlotta , Mattiello Amalia , Masala Giovanna , Peeters Petra HM , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , Engeset Dagrun , Skeie Guri , Åsli Lene A , Amiano Pilar , Jakszyn Paula , Ardanaz Eva , Huerta José M , Quirós José R , Molina-Montes Esther , Nilsson Lena M , Johansson Ingegerd , Wirfält Elisabet , Drake Isabel , Mulligan Angela A , Khaw Kay T , Romaguera Dora , Vergnaud Anne-Claire , Key Tim , Riboli Elio , Tjønneland Anne
Published: March 2014

Objective

Health-beneficial effects of adhering to a healthy Nordic diet index have been suggested. However, it has not been examined to what extent the included dietary components are exclusively related to the Nordic countries or if they are part of other European diets as well, suggesting a broader preventive potential. The present study describes the intake of seven a priori defined healthy food items (apples/pears, berries, cabbages, dark bread, shellfish, fish and root vegetables) across ten countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and examines their consumption across Europe.

Design

Cross-sectional study. A 24 h dietary recall was administered through a software program containing country-specific recipes. Sex-specific mean food intake was calculated for each centre/country, as well as percentage of overall food groups consumed as healthy Nordic food items. All analyses were weighted by day and season of data collection.

Setting

Multi-centre, European study.

Subjects

Persons (n 36 970) aged 35–74 years, constituting a random sample of 519 978 EPIC participants.

Results

The highest intakes of the included diet components were: cabbages and berries in Central Europe; apples/pears in Southern Europe; dark bread in Norway, Denmark and Greece; fish in Southern and Northern countries; shellfish in Spain; and root vegetables in Northern and Central Europe. Large inter-centre variation, however, existed in some countries.

Conclusions

Dark bread, root vegetables and fish are strongly related to a Nordic dietary tradition. Apples/pears, berries, cabbages, fish, shellfish and root vegetables are broadly consumed in Europe, and may thus be included in regional public health campaigns.
CHRNA5 and CHRNA3 Variants and Level of Neuroticism in Young Adult Mexican American Men and Women
Authors: Criado José R. , Gizer Ian R. , Edenberg Howard J. , Ehlers Cindy L.
Published: March 2014

A lifetime history of alcohol dependence has been associated with elevations in neuroticism in Mexican American young adults. The identification of genetic markers associated with neuroticism and their influence on the development of alcohol use disorders (AUD) may contribute to our understanding of the relationship between personality traits and the increased risk of AUD in Mexican Americans. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between neuroticism and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR) α5-subunit (CHRNA5) and α3-subunit (CHRNA3) genes in young adult Mexican American men and women. Participants were 465 young adult Mexican American men and women who are literate in English and are residing legally in San Diego County. Each participant gave a blood sample and completed a structured diagnostic interview. Neuroticism was assessed using the Maudsley Personality Inventory. The minor alleles of four CHRNA5 polymorphisms (rs588765, rs601079, rs680244 and rs555018) and three CHRNA3 polymorphisms (rs578776, rs6495307 and rs3743078) showed associations with neuroticism. Several of these SNPs also displayed nominal associations with DSM-IV alcohol and nicotine dependence, but tests of mediation suggested that these relations could be partially explained by the presence of co-occurring neuroticism. These findings suggest that genetic variations in nicotinic receptor genes may influence the development of neuroticism, which in turn is involved in the development of AUDs and nicotine dependence in Mexican American young adults.
Characterization of Epistatic Interaction of QTLs LH8 and EH3 Controlling Heading Date in Rice
Authors: Chen Jingbin , Li Xiaoyan , Cheng Cheng , Wang Yahuan , Qin Mao , Zhu Haitao , Zeng Ruizhen , Fu Xuelin , Liu Ziqiang , Zhang Guiquan
Published: March 2014

Heading date is a critical trait for adaptation of rice to different cultivation areas and cropping seasons. We evaluated the heading dates of 1,123 chromosome segments substitution lines (CSSLs) in the genetic background of an elite rice variety Huajingxian74 (HJX74). A CSSL with the substituted segments from Zihui100 exhibited late heading under both natural long-day (NLD) and natural short-day (NSD) conditions and the late heading phenotype was controlled by two novel epistatic loci on chromosome 8 and chromosome 3, respectively, termed LH8 and EH3. The function of EH3 was dependent on the LH8 genotype through epistatic interaction between EH3Zihui100 and LH8Zihui100 alleles. Genetic and molecular characterization revealed LH8 encodes a CCAAT-box-binding transcription factor with Heading date1 (Hd1)-binding activity and may delay flowering by repressing the expression of Early heading date1 (Ehd1). Our work provides a solid foundation for further study on gene interaction in heading date and has application in breeding rice with greater adaptability.
High solubility crystalline hydrates of Na and K furosemide salts
Authors: Rao Khandavilli U. B. , Gangavaram Swarupa , Rajesh Goud N. , Cherukuvada Suryanarayan , Raghavender S. , Nangia Ashwini , Manjunatha Sulur G. , Nambiar Sudhir , Pal Sharmistha
Published: March 2014

Furosemide–Na–trihydrate displayed aqueous solubility of about 4000 fold higher than that of furosemide while furosemide–K–monohydrate has over 10 000 times improved solubility.
Copper catalysed Ullmann type chemistry: from mechanistic aspects to modern development
Authors: Sambiagio Carlo , Marsden Stephen P. , Blacker A. John , McGowan Patrick C.
Published: March 2014

Copper-catalysed arylations represent valid and complementary alternatives to Pd catalysis. This review discusses the different mechanisms suggested for these reactions, and summarises some of their latest applications in synthesis.
Upconversion fluorescent strip sensor for rapid determination of Vibrio anguillarum
Authors: Zhao Peng , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhu Yihua , Yang Xiaoling , Jiang Xin , Xiao Jingfan , Zhang Yuanxing , Li Chunzhong
Published: February 2014

We report a simple and ultrasensitive UC fluorescent strip sensor based on NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles and the LFIA. The limit of the detection for the fluorescent strip was determined as 102CFU mL−1; good specificity and stability of the strip sensor were also demonstrated.
Flexible wire-like all-carbon supercapacitors based on porous core–shell carbon fibers
Authors: Zhou Weijia , Zhou Kai , Liu Xiaojun , Hu Renzong , Liu Hong , Chen Shaowei
Published: March 2014

Flexible capacitors based on porous core–shell carbon fibers exhibit remarkable specific capacitance and capacitance retention in solid and liquid electrolytes.
Controlling morphology and charge transfer in ZnO/polythiophene photovoltaic films
Authors: Nahor Oded , Segal-Peretz Tamar , Neeman Lior , Oron Dan , Frey Gitti L.
Published: February 2014

The organic–inorganic interfacial chemical composition and interaction have a critical influence on the performance of corresponding hybrid photovoltaic devices.
Rapid determination of trace phenols migrating into drinking water from plastic-based pipe materials and household water treatment equipment using vortex-assisted emulsification microextraction
Authors: Zhong Zhixiong , Li Gongke , Wu Rong , Luo Zhibin , Zhu Binghui , Shao Yijuan
Published: March 2014

VAEME combined with spectrophotometry for the determination of trace phenols migrating into potable water from plastic-based pipe materials and household water treatment equipment.
A size dependent discontinuous decay rate for the exciton emission in ZnO quantum dots
Authors: Jacobsson T. Jesper , Viarbitskaya Sviatlana , Mukhtar Emad , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: March 2014

Possible transitions related to the UV-fluorescence in ZnO quantum dots, here investigated by time resolved laser spectroscopy.
In situ generation of ammonia for the copper-catalyzed synthesis of primary aminoquinolines
Authors: Aillerie Alexandre , Pellegrini Sylvain , Bousquet Till , Pélinski Lydie
Published: March 2014

Primary aminoquinolines were synthesized from iodoquinolines in the presence of a copper(i) iodide catalyst and formamide as both solvent and source of ammonia generatedin situ.
Rhodomyrtals A–D, four unusual phloroglucinol-sesquiterpene adducts from Rhodomyrtus psidioides
Authors: Shou Qingyao , Smith Joshua E. , Mon Htwe , Brkljača Zlatko , Smith Ana-Sunčana , Smith David M. , Griesser Hans J. , Wohlmuth Hans
Published: February 2014

Four unusual phloroglucinol-sesquiterpene adducts, rhodomyrtals A–D (1–4), representing two unprecendented carbon frameworks of phloroglucinol coupled eudesmane with the linkage at C-12′, were isolated fromRhodomyrtus psidioides.
Functional divergence between the two P1–P2 stalk dimers on the ribosome in their interaction with ricin A chain
Authors: Grela Przemysław , Li Xiao-Ping , Tchórzewski Marek , Tumer Nilgun E.
Published: March 2014

The eukaryotic stalk, which is responsible for the recruitment of translation factors, is a pentamer containing two P1–P2 dimers with unclear modes of action. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, P1/P2 proteins (individual P1 and P2 proteins) are organized into two distinct dimers, P1A–P2B and P1B–P2A. To investigate the functional contribution of each dimer on the ribosome, RTA (ricin A chain), which binds to the stalk to depurinate the SRL (sarcin/ricin loop), was used as a molecular probe in yeast mutants in which the binding site for one or the other dimer on P0 was deleted. Ribosome depurination and toxicity of RTA were greatly reduced in mutants containing only P1A–P2B on the ribosome, whereas those with only P1B–P2A were reduced less in depurination and were unaffected in toxicity. Ribosomes bearing P1B–P2A were depurinated by RTA at a similar level as wild-type, but ribosomes bearing P1A–P2B were depurinated at a much lower level in vitro. The latter ribosomes showed the lowest association and almost no dissociation with RTA by surface plasmon resonance. These results indicate that the P1B–P2A dimer is more critical for facilitating the access of RTA to the SRL, providing the first in vivo evidence for functional divergence between the two stalk dimers on the ribosome.
Particle swarm optimisation with embedded/cascaded parallel update for cooperative transmit beamforming in multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output systems
Authors: Lu Hoang‐Yang , Hung Hsien‐Sen , Yang Ming‐Ju
Published: March 2014

The authors present a cooperative transmit beamforming (CTBF) technique for the uplink of multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. To maximise MIMO channel capacity, the proposed technique embeds a parallel update (PU) mechanism into the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) scheme to concurrently search and refine each user's CTBF weights at every iteration in the PSO, thus named the embedded PU/PSO. Moreover, a reduced complexity and yet effective scheme is also proposed, which cascades the conventional PSO with the PU mechanism, thus called the cascaded PU/PSO. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CTBF schemes overcome the bit‐error‐rate floor phenomenon problem at higher signal‐to‐noise ratios, which appears in the existing works, at the expense of moderately higher complexity if the cascaded PU/PSO is used.
Multi‐hop relaying systems in the presence of co‐channel interference over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Mesleh Raed , Ikki Salama S. , Amin Osama
Published: March 2014

Performance analysis of multi‐hop wireless networks with non‐regenerative relays over Nakagami‐m fading channels in the presence of co‐channel interference is presented in this paper. In the analysis, an arbitrary number of independent and identically distributed Nakagami‐m interferers will be considered. Closed‐form expression for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the upper bounded end‐to‐end signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) at the destination is given. The obtained CDF is then considered to study the average bit error probability (ABEP). Furthermore, an approximate expression for the CDF of the instantaneous end‐to‐end SINR is derived, based on which simple and general asymptotic expression for the error probability is presented and discussed. The derived asymptotic equation is shown to reduce to the already published equation in Rayleigh fading, which corroborate the exactness of the derived analysis. Besides, analytical comparison between amplify‐and‐forward and decode‐and‐forward multi‐hop systems in terms of ABEP is provided. Optimisation of the power allocation at the network's transmit nodes and the positioning of the relays are studied as well. It is shown that optimum power allocation achieves only coding gain, whereas optimising relay locations yields diversity gains as well as coding gain.
Quantifying the benefits to consumers for demand response with a statistical elasticity model
Authors: Yang Wenxian , Yu Rongshan , Nambiar Milashini
Published: March 2014

This study considers the benefits of real‐time pricing (RTP), both to individual customers and to the society as a whole, in a deregulated hybrid electricity retail market where both RTP and traditional flat pricing programs coexist. The framework is based on a statistical elasticity model, where the optimal RTP is calculated to maximise social welfare. The customers are characterised by their input load profile shape and their activeness or extent of response in participating in the RTP program by rescheduling their load. With increasing penetration of the RTP scheme in the hybrid market, the economic effect of the dual price scheme on all parties involved is analysed. The indices compared include the actual load, peak‐to‐average ratio (PAR) of the actual load, utility, generation cost and social welfare. Actual load and unit price are compared among customers with different characteristics. Simulation on typical power systems demonstrates that base on the statistical elasticity model, RTP, as a price incentive, effectively rewards customers who provide flexibility in energy consumption.
A highly miniaturized electron and ion energy spectrometer prototype for the rapid analysis of space plasmas
Authors: Bedington R. , Kataria D. O. , Smith A.
Published: February 2014

MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) plasma analyzers are a promising possibility for future space missions but conventional instrument designs are not necessarily well suited to micro-fabrication. Here, a candidate design for a MEMS-based instrument has been prototyped using electron-discharge machining. The device features 10 electrostatic analyzers that, with a single voltage applied to it, allow five different energies of electron and five different energies of positive ion to be simultaneously sampled. It has been simulated using SIMION and the electron response characteristics tested in an instrument calibration chamber. Small deviations found in the electrode spacing of the as-built prototype were found to have some effect on the electron response characteristics but do not significantly impede its performance.
First-principles insights into interaction of CO, NO, and HCN with Ag8
Authors: Torbatian Zahra , Hashemifar S. Javad , Akbarzadeh Hadi
Published: February 2014

We use static as well as time-dependent first-principles computations to study interaction of the CO, NO, and HCN molecules with the Ag8 nanocluster. The many-body based GW correction is applied for accurate description of the highest occupied (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied (LUMO) molecular orbital levels. It is argued that the adsorption of these molecules changes the stable structure of Ag8 from Td to the more chemically active \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\rm D_{2d}$\end{document}D2d symmetry. We discuss that the CO, NO, and HCN molecules prefer to adsorb on the atom of the cluster with significant contribution to both HOMO and LUMO, for the accomplishment of the required charge transfers in the systems. The charge back donation is found to leave an excess energy of about 110 meV on the NO molecular bond, evidencing potential application of silver clusters for NO reduction. It is argued that CO and specially NO exhibit strong physical interaction with the silver cluster and hence significantly modify the electronic and optical properties of the system, while HCN makes very week physical bonds with the cluster. The optical absorption spectra of the Ag8 cluster before and after molecule adsorption are computed and a nontrivial red shift is observed in the NO and HCN adsorbed clusters.
Effect of laser spectral bandwidth on coherent control of resonance-enhanced multiphoton-ionization photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Shuwu , Ding Jingxin , Lu Chenhui , Jia Tianqing , Zhang Shian , Sun Zhenrong
Published: February 2014

The high-resolution (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton-ionization photoelectron spectroscopy (REMPI-PS) can be obtained by measuring the photoelectron intensity at a given kinetic energy and scanning the single π phase step position. In this paper, we further demonstrate that the high-resolution (2 + 1) REMPI-PS cannot be achieved at any measured position of the kinetic energy by this measurement method, which is affected by the laser spectral bandwidth. We propose a double π phase step modulation to eliminate the effect of the laser spectral bandwidth, and show the advantage of the double π phase step modulation on achieving the high-resolution (2 + 1) REMPI-PS by considering the contributions involving on- and near-resonant three-photon excitation pathways.
Ballistic performance comparison of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors
Authors: Chang Jiwon , Register Leonard F. , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: February 2014

We study the transport properties of monolayer MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) n- and p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) using full-band ballistic non-equilibrium Green's function simulations with an atomistic tight-binding Hamiltonian with hopping potentials obtained from density functional theory. We discuss the subthreshold slope, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), as well as gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) for different monolayer MX2 MOSFETs. We also report the possibility of negative differential resistance behavior in the output characteristics of nanoscale monolayer MX2 MOSFETs.
Induced anisotropy in FeCo-based nanocomposites: Early transition metal content dependence
Authors: Shen S. , DeGeorge V. , Ohodnicki P. R. , Kernion S. J. , Keylin V. , Huth J. F. , McHenry M. E.
Published: February 2014

Soft magnetic nanocomposites variants of FeCo-based (HTX002) alloys (Fe65Co35)81+xB12Nb4−xSi2Cu1, exhibiting high inductions (up to 1.9 T), low losses, and high temperature stability are studied for high frequency inductors and current sensors. For alloys with x = 0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3, we report field induced anisotropy, KU, after annealing at temperatures of 340–450 °C for 1 h in a 2 T transverse magnetic field. The anisotropy field, HK, measured by AC permeametry on toroidal cores, and by first order reversal curves on square sections of ribbon, decreases with annealing temperature and saturates at high annealing temperatures suggesting a nanostructure related anisotropy mechanism in which the amorphous phase exhibits a higher HK than the crystalline phase. A high saturation induction nanocrystalline phase and high HK amorphous phase were achieved by low temperature annealing resulting in a value of KU exceeding 14 × 103 erg/cm3, more than twice that reported previously for Fe-rich amorphous and nanocomposite alloys.
Methanol Thermodynamic Properties From 176 to 673 K at Pressures to 700 Bar
Authors: Goodwin Robert D.
Published: March 2014

Available data for vapor pressures and for the orthobaric densities of methanol are examined and formulated. Then, PρT data are correlated by an equation of state (EOS) which is constrained to the given coexistence boundary. Via ideal gas state specific heats, the thermodynamic properties of methanol then are obtained by numerical integrations of the EOS, and are tabulated along isobars. A comparison is made with some recent calorimetric enthalpy differences data over a wide range of the EOS surface.
Rate Data for Inelastic Collision Processes in the Diatomic Halogen Molecules. 1986 Supplement.
Authors: Steinfeld J. I.
Published: March 2014

The previously published compilation of rate data for inelastic collision processes involving the homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic halogen molecules [J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 13, 445 (1984)] has been updated through June, 1986. Additional data on collision processes involving the interhalogens, and on processes at very low kinetic temperatures, are presented; in addition, several previously accepted rate data have been corrected.
Critical Compilation of Surface Structures Determined by Low-Energy Electron Diffraction Crystallography
Authors: Watson Philip R.
Published: March 2014

This review critically compiles all surface structures derived from low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) crystallography reported in the referred literature prior to January 1986. Over 250 investigations have been analyzed covering all types of surfaces including clean and adsorbate-covered metal, semiconductor and other nonmetallic substrates. Particular attention is paid to developing and applying objective criteria that allow an estimation of the reliability of a particular structural determination. The important experimental and theoretical aspects of such investigations have been extracted into easily understood tabular form supplemented by many figures and ancillary tables and complete references. It is hoped that this compilation will provide a valuable
A Magic Equation: Delta Bonds Plus Bicyclic Guanidinates Equals Strong Reducing Agents
Authors: Murillo Carlos A.
Published: March 2014

Reactions of bicyclic guanidinates with dimolybdenum and ditungsten precursors having quadruple bonded units with a σ2π4δ2 (Q) electronic configuration have generated the most easily ionized, chemically stable species and very strong reducing agents. Analogous rhenium compounds have led to the formation of species having dimetal units in unusually high oxidation states. Here we review this chemistry and the accounts that explain such behaviour that has been attributed to the interaction of the π electrons of the guanidinate C(N)3 core with the electrons that give rise to the delta bond of the dimetal units.
Expressing negation in Chinese Sign Language
Authors: Yang Jun Hui , Fischer Susan
Published: February 2014

This paper presents observations and analyses of the expression of negation in Chinese Sign Language (CSL), based on interviews with 15 Chinese Deaf adults in Beijing, China. Findings show that while some aspects of negation in CSL (e.g. nonmanual signals, negative signs, and structures of negative sentences) are similar to those found in other sign languages, CSL displays some unique features. One is a negative handshape, phonetically equivalent to the fingerspelled letter i in ASL. It also seems that a horizontal handwave and a side-to-side headshake have equivalent negative force, but the two cannot be used simultaneously. The structures of negative words and sentences show that CSL has a unique grammatical system that forces us to rethink some of our assumptions about sign language negation.
The treasure house of a nation? Literary heritage, curriculum and devolution in Scotland and England in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Elliott Victoria
Published: March 2014

In January 2012, Scotland%s First Minister Alex Salmond announced a radical measure that would see every Scottish school student study a Scottish text from a prescribed list. In 2010, Michael Gove announced that ‘Our literature is the best in the world’ and that every pupil should study particular authors. The ‘cultural heritage’ model of English is increasingly dismissed by teachers and students However, it is this ‘cultural heritage’ model which is preserved in the discourse of politicians. This paper explores the role that literary heritage texts play in the discourse of education policy in the context of devolution in twenty‐first century Britain and considers the drivers and differences which can be seen in England and Scotland.
Log canonical models and variation of GIT for genus 4 canonical curves
Authors: Casalaina-Martin Sebastian , Jensen David , Laza Radu
Published: March 2014

We discuss geometric invariant theory (GIT) for canonically embedded genus

4
4

curves and the connection to the Hassett–Keel program. A canonical genus

4
4

curve is a complete intersection of a quadric and a cubic, and, in contrast to the genus

3
3

case, there is a family of GIT quotients that depend on a choice of linearization. We discuss the corresponding variation of GIT (VGIT) problem and show that the resulting spaces give the final steps in the Hassett–Keel program for genus

4
4

curves.
Homogeneous interpolation and some continued fractions
Authors: Petrakiev Ivan
Published: March 2014

We prove: if

d

/

m
>
2280

/

721

d/m > 2280/721

, there is no curve of degree

d
d

passing through

n
=
10

n=10

general points with multiplicity

m
m

in

P

2

\textbf {P}^2

. Similar results are given for other special values of

n
n

. Our bounds can be naturally written as certain palindromic continued fractions.
Equal Pay, Litigation and Reflexive Regulation: The Case of the UK Local Authority Sector
Authors: McLaughlin Colm
Published: February 2014

This article contributes to the debate over reflexive regulation in relation to equality by focusing on attempts in the UK local authority sector to bring about equal pay through the implementation of the 1997 Single Status Agreement. This was a national agreement between local government employers and public sector unions that was to be implemented at local level following a local level job evaluation and grading process. Examined through the lens of reflexive regulation, the agreement can be understood as an attempt by the actors to engage in reflexive deliberation in order to give effect to the values of equal pay enshrined in legislation. The implementation process, however, was challenged by significant levels of litigation. In drawing on interview data with actors involved in the implementation of single status and litigation, the paper highlights both the potential of reflexive regulation and some of its limitation. Three issues in particular emerge for the theory of reflexive regulation: the tension between collective solutions and hard law; the extent to which existing power relations can be challenged through deliberation; and the bridging institutions that might be needed for reflexive regulation to function effectively.
Effects of Extrusion and Starch Removal Pretreatment on Zein Proteins Extracted from Corn Gluten Meal
Authors: Zheng Xi‐Qun , Liu Xiao‐Lan , Yu Shi‐Feng , Wang Xiao‐Jie , Ma Yan‐Qiu , Yang Shuang , Jing Shan‐Shan
Published: February 2014

In this study, the structure and selected properties of zeins extracted from corn gluten meal (CGM) pretreated by extrusion and removal of starch were investigated. The structure and properties of the zeins from pretreated CGM changed significantly. Pretreatments can decrease the extraction yields of zeins and change the granule shape and size of zein aggregates. The studies indicated that extrusion and removal of starch can significantly decrease the thermal enthalpy (ΔH1 and ΔH2) of zein from 1.94 ± 0.20 to 0.19 ± 0.10 and from 107.20 ± 0.80 to 78.62 ± 2.30 and J/g, respectively. The SDS‐PAGE results confirmed that the molecular weight of zeins from CGM was 24,000 and 27,000, and the molecular weight of zeins did not change with the pretreatment. On the other hand, the circular dichroism spectroscopy results showed that the processing of extrusion and removal of starch can change the secondary structure content of β‐sheets and β‐turns; these results indicated that extrusion and removal of starch can significantly break the secondary structure of zeins. Furthermore, extrusion and removal of starch can change the sulfhydryl content of zeins. The obtained results provided some fundamental information that is useful for further modification of CGM to improve its functional properties and industrial applications.
First Report of Quinoa Downy Mildew Caused by Peronospora variabilis in Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Y. J. , Choi I. Y. , Kim J. S. , Shin H. D.
Published: February 2014

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has become increasingly popular due to its high nutritional value and adaptability to harsh environments. Several field trials have recently been conducted to determine the ability of quinoa cultivars to grow under climate and soil conditions of Republic of Korea. During July 2013, which is the rainy season, plants showing typical symptoms of downy mildew were first observed in an experimental plot in Iksan City, Korea. Infection resulted in small to large, irregular chlorotic areas on the upper leaf surface with a gray mildew developing on the abaxial surface, and often leading to early defoliation. The same symptoms of downy mildew were also found in Pyeongchang County and Imsil County, Korea. A sample from Iksan City was deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (Accession No. KUS-F27388) and used for microscopy and molecular studies. Microscopic examination revealed colorless conidiophores emerging from stomata, straight to slightly curved, 350 to 550 × 10 to 18 μm, and sub-dichotomously branched in 5 to 7 orders. Ultimate branchlets were mostly in pairs, flexuous to curved, 10 to 30 μm long, and had obtuse tips. Conidia were pale brown to olivaceous, broadly ellipsoidal to ellipsoidal, and 25 to 32 × 22 to 25 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.20 to 1.35. These characteristics fit well with Peronospora variabilis, which was previously recorded to be parasitic to C. quinoa and C. album, although P. farinosa f. sp. chenopodii has often been considered a causal agent of downy mildew on quinoa (1). To confirm this morphological identification, amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA of the Korean specimen were performed using procedures outlined by Choi et al. (1) with oomycete-specific primers DC6 and LR0. The resulting 796-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF887493). A comparison with the ITS sequences available in GenBank revealed that it is identical to P. variabilis found on C. album (EF614959, EF614961), and shows only one base pair substitution with another isolates from C. quinoa (EU113305, EU113306). Therefore, the pathogen found in Korea was confirmed to be P. variabilis. Downy mildew is the most damaging disease of quinoa in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (1). Increasing reports of this disease from India, Canada, the United States, Portugal, and Denmark (2,3,4) have revealed its worldwide occurrence and spread. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a downy mildew on quinoa in Korea (3). It suggests that quinoa downy mildew poses a new and serious threat to production of this crop in Korea.

References: (1) Y. J. Choi et al. Mycopathologia 169:403, 2010. (2) S. Danielson et al. Seed Sci. Technol. 32:91, 2004. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved November 5, 2013. (4) A. L. Testen et al. Plant Dis. 96:146, 2012.
Disruption of Hippocampal Neuregulin 1–ErbB4 Signaling Contributes to the Hippocampus-dependent Cognitive Impairment Induced by Isoflurane in Aged Mice
Authors: Li Xiao-Min , Su Fan , Ji Mu-Huo , Zhang Guang-Fen , Qiu Li-Li , Jia Min , Gao Jun , Xie Zhongcong , Yang Jian-Jun
Published: March 2014

Background:

A prolonged isoflurane exposure may lead to cognitive decline in rodents. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)–ErbB4 signaling plays a key role in the modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity through regulating the neurotransmission. The authors hypothesized that hippocampal NRG1–ErbB4 signaling is involved in isoflurane-induced cognitive impairments in aged mice.

Methods:

Fourteen-month-old C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive 100% O2 exposure, vehicle injection after 100% O2 exposure, vehicle injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2, NRG1-β1 injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2, and NRG1-β1 and an ErbB4 inhibitor AG1478 injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2. Fear conditioning test was used to assess the cognitive function of mice 48-h postexposure. The brain tissues were harvested 48-h postexposure to determine the levels of NRG1, ErbB4, p-ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the hippocampus using Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescence.

Results:

The percentage of freezing time to context was decreased from 50.28 ± 11.53% to 30.82 ± 10.00%, and the hippocampal levels of NRG1, p-ErbB4/ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 were decreased from 172.79 ± 20.85 ng/g, 69.15 ± 12.20%, 101.68 ± 11.21%, and 104.71 ± 6.85% to 112.92 ± 16.65 ng/g, 42.26 ± 9.71%, 75.89 ± 10.26%, and 73.87 ± 16.89%, respectively, after isoflurane exposure. NRG1-β1 attenuated the isoflurane-induced hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment and the declines in the hippocampal NRG1, p-ErbB4/ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67. AG1478 inhibited the rescuing effects of NRG1-β1.

Conclusion:

Disruption of NRG1–ErbB4 signaling in the parvalbumin-positive interneurons might, at least partially, contribute to the isoflurane-induced hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2 in aged mice.
Development of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool for Pediatric Colonoscopy (GiECATKIDS)
Authors: Walsh Catharine M. , Ling Simon C. , Walters Thomas D. , Mamula Petar , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Carnahan Heather
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Many aspects of pediatric colonoscopy differ from adult practice. To date, there is no validated measure of endoscopic competence for use in pediatrics. Using Delphi methodology, we aimed to determine expert consensus regarding items required on a checklist and global rating scale designed to assess the competence of clinicians performing colonoscopy on pediatric patients.

Methods:

A total of 41 North American pediatric endoscopy experts rated potential checklist and global rating items for their importance as indicators of the competence of trainees learning to perform pediatric colonoscopy. Responses were analyzed and re‐sent to the panel for further ratings until consensus was reached. Items that ≥80% of experts rated as ≥4 out of 5 were included in the final instrument. Consensus items were compared with those items deemed by adult endoscopy experts as fundamental to assessing the performance of adult colonoscopy.

Results:

Five rounds of surveys were completed with response rates ranging from 76% to 100%. Seventy‐five checklist and 38 global rating items were reduced to 18 checklist and 7 global rating items that reached consensus. Three pediatric checklist items differed from those considered to be critical adult indicators, whereas 4 items on the latter did not reach consensus among pediatric experts.

Conclusions:

Delphi methodology allowed for achievement of expert consensus regarding essential items to be included in the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool for Pediatric Colonoscopy (GiECATKIDS), a measure of endoscopic competence specific to performing pediatric colonoscopy. Key differences in the checklist items, compared with items reaching consensus during a separate adult Delphi process using the same indicators, emphasize the need for a pediatric‐specific tool.
Conserved residues in yeast initiator tRNA calibrate initiation accuracy by regulating preinitiation complex stability at the start codon
Authors: Dong Jinsheng , Munoz Antonio , Kolitz Sarah E. , Saini Adesh K. , Chiu Wen-ling , Rahman Hafsa , Lorsch Jon R. , Hinnebusch Alan G.
Published: March 2014

Eukaryotic initiator tRNA (tRNAi) contains several highly conserved unique sequence features, but their importance in accurate start codon selection was unknown. Here we show that conserved bases throughout tRNAi, from the anticodon stem to acceptor stem, play key roles in ensuring the fidelity of start codon recognition in yeast cells. Substituting the conserved G31:C39 base pair in the anticodon stem with different pairs reduces accuracy (the Sui− [suppressor of initiation codon] phenotype), whereas eliminating base pairing increases accuracy (the Ssu− [suppressor of Sui−] phenotype). The latter defect is fully suppressed by a Sui− substitution of T-loop residue A54. These genetic data are paralleled by opposing effects of Sui− and Ssu− substitutions on the stability of methionylated tRNAi (Met-tRNAi) binding (in the ternary complex [TC] with eIF2-GTP) to reconstituted preinitiation complexes (PICs). Disrupting the C3:G70 base pair in the acceptor stem produces a Sui− phenotype and also reduces the rate of TC binding to 40S subunits in vitro and in vivo. Both defects are suppressed by an Ssu− substitution in eIF1A that stabilizes the open/POUT conformation of the PIC that exists prior to start codon recognition. Our data indicate that these signature sequences of tRNAi regulate accuracy by distinct mechanisms, promoting the open/POUT conformation of the PIC (for C3:G70) or destabilizing the closed/PIN state (for G31:C39 and A54) that is critical for start codon recognition.
Calcium Imaging in Populations of Olfactory Neurons by Planar Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Holy Timothy E.
Published: March 2014

Neurons in the olfactory system display extraordinary functional diversity, which at the level of sensory neurons arises from the expression of one out of several hundred distinct receptor types. To cope with this diversity, one approach is to use techniques that can record sensory responses from many neurons simultaneously. We have developed a form of light-sheet microscopy, called objective-coupled planar illumination (OCPI) microscopy, that is well suited to recording at high signal-to-noise ratios from large neuronal populations. Because OCPI microscopy illuminates the entire field simultaneously, it allows fast imaging without compromising field of view. At current camera speeds, pixels can be acquired more than 100-fold faster than by point-scanning fluorescence microscopy. Here we describe the theory, advantages, and practical implementation of planar illumination and briefly discuss its application to neuronal recording in the mouse vomeronasal organ. We also provide a brief protocol, in which a mouse is pretreated with dye for 1 wk to allow labeling of the sensory neurons before stimulation and imaging.
Transposon Insertional Mutagenesis Models of Cancer
Authors: Mann Karen M. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Mann Michael B.
Published: March 2014

Transposon-based insertional mutagenesis in the mouse provides a powerful approach for identifying new cancer genes. Transposon insertions in cancer genes are selected during tumor development because of their positive effect on tumor growth, and the transposon insertion sites in tumors thus serve as tags for identifying new cancer genes. Direct comparisons of transposon-mutated genes in mouse tumors with mutated genes in human tumors can lend insight into the genes and signaling pathways that drive tumorigenesis. This is critical for prioritizing genes for further study, either for their efficacy as biomarkers or drug targets. In this article, we will introduce DNA transposon-based systems used for gene discovery in mice and discuss their application to identify candidate cancer genes in light of recently published tumor studies.
Two Rice Authentic Histidine Phosphotransfer Proteins, OsAHP1 and OsAHP2, Mediate Cytokinin Signaling and Stress Responses in Rice
Authors: Sun Lijing , Zhang Qian , Wu Jinxia , Zhang Liqing , Jiao Xuewen , Zhang Shengwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Sun Daye , Lu Tiegang , Sun Ying
Published: February 2014

Cytokinin plays an important role in plant development and stress tolerance. Studies of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have demonstrated that cytokinin acts through a two-component system that includes a histidine (His) kinase, a His phosphotransfer protein (HP), and a response regulator. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed the conservation of His kinases but lineage-specific expansion of HPs and response regulators in rice (Oryza sativa). However, whether the functions of rice HPs have diverged remains unknown. In this study, two rice authentic HPs (OsAHP1 and OsAHP2) were knocked down simultaneously via RNA interference (RNAi), and the transgenic OsAHP-  RNAi plants exhibited phenotypes expected for a deficiency in cytokinin signaling, including dwarfism with reduced internode lengths, enhanced lateral root growth, early leaf senescence, and reduced tiller numbers and fertility under natural conditions. The OsAHP-  RNAi seedlings were also hyposensitive to exogenous cytokinin. Furthermore, OsAHP-  RNAi seedlings were hypersensitive to salt treatment but resistant to osmotic stress relative to wild-type plants. These results indicate that OsAHPs function as positive regulators of the cytokinin signaling pathway and play different roles in salt and drought tolerance in rice.
MmHn(XO4)(m+n)/2crystals: structure, phase transitions, hydrogen bonds, conductivity. I. K9H7(SO4)8·H2O crystals – a new representative of the family of solid acid conductors
Authors: Makarova Irina , Grebenev Vadim , Dmitricheva Elena , Dolbinina Valentina , Chernyshov Dmitry
Published: March 2014

To reveal the structural conditionality for anomalies in physical properties, including dielectric and optical properties, diffraction studies of K9H7(SO4)8·H2O crystals were performed using synchrotron radiation in the temperature range 293–450 K and determined at 405 K, taking H atoms into account. The results indicate that the occurrence of high conductivity in K9H7(SO4)8·H2O crystals with a temperature increase is associated with the outward diffusion of water molecules, hydrogen-bond network rearrangement and the formation of channels for the possible motion of K+ions. A rearranged system of hydrogen bonds consists of permanent bonds and partly of dynamically disordered bonds. Hydrogen-bond rearrangement and the hindered back diffusion of water to the crystal bulk stabilize the high-temperature crystal structure right down to room temperature.