bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The promotional role of water in heterogeneous catalysis: mechanism insights from computational modeling
Authors: Chang Chun‐Ran , Huang Zheng‐Qing , Li Jun
Published: June 2016

Water is the key to life in our planet. As one of the most abundant resources on the earth, water may play important roles in chemical reactions in addition to being a reaction medium. In this review, we highlight recent advances in experimental observations and mechanistic understanding of the promotional role of water in chemical reactions, with an emphasis on the essential effects of water in heterogeneous catalysis. As water may exist in molecular state or dissociate to hydroxyl (OH) and hydrogen (H) species on catalyst surfaces, we have outlined the roles of water from three aspects: (1) the promotional role of molecular water including the solvation‐like effect and water‐mediated H‐transfer, (2) the promotional role of OH/OH
− and H/H+
species, and (3) some miscellaneous effects of water, such as water‐assisted carbon removal, surface reconstruction, and active sites blocking. The results discussed here provide a fundamental understanding of the promotional role of water in heterogeneous reactions and may inspire the theoretical studies of water effects on other fields of chemistry and atmospheric science as well. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:679–693. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1272

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Software > Molecular Modeling
Cryo‐electron microscopy and cryo‐electron tomography of nanoparticles
Authors: Stewart Phoebe L.
Published: June 2016

Cryo‐transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM or cryo‐EM) and cryo‐electron tomography (cryo‐ET) offer robust and powerful ways to visualize nanoparticles. These techniques involve imaging of the sample in a frozen‐hydrated state, allowing visualization of nanoparticles essentially as they exist in solution. Cryo‐TEM grid preparation can be performed with the sample in aqueous solvents or in various organic and ionic solvents. Two‐dimensional (2D) cryo‐TEM provides a direct way to visualize the polydispersity within a nanoparticle preparation. Fourier transforms of cryo‐TEM images can confirm the structural periodicity within a sample. While measurement of specimen parameters can be performed with 2D TEM images, determination of a three‐dimensional (3D) structure often facilitates more spatially accurate quantization. 3D structures can be determined in one of two ways. If the nanoparticle has a homogeneous structure, then 2D projection images of different particles can be averaged using a computational process referred to as single particle reconstruction. Alternatively, if the nanoparticle has a heterogeneous structure, then a structure can be generated by cryo‐ET. This involves collecting a tilt‐series of 2D projection images for a defined region of the grid, which can be used to generate a 3D tomogram. Occasionally it is advantageous to calculate both a single particle reconstruction, to reveal the regular portions of a nanoparticle structure, and a cryo‐electron tomogram, to reveal the irregular features. A sampling of 2D cryo‐TEM images and 3D structures are presented for protein based, DNA based, lipid based, and polymer based nanoparticles. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1417. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1417

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Development and validation of an instrument to assess future orientation and resilience in adolescence
Authors: Di Maggio Ilaria , Ginevra Maria Cristina , Nota Laura , Soresi Salvatore
Published: June 2016

The study is aimed at providing the development and initial validation of the Design My Future (DMF), which may be administered in career counseling and research activities to assess adolescents' future orientation and resilience. Two studies with two independent samples of Italian adolescents were conducted to examine psychometric requisites of DMF. Specifically, in the first study, after developing items and examined the content validity, the factorial structure, reliability and discriminant validity of the DMF were tested. In the second study, the measurement invariance across gender, conducing a sequence of nested CFA models, was evaluated. Results showed good psychometric support for the instrument with Italian adolescents.
Effect of aerobic exercise on physical performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sobol Nanna Aue , Hoffmann Kristine , Frederiksen Kristian Steen , Vogel Asmus , Vestergaard Karsten , Brændgaard Hans , Gottrup Hanne , Lolk Annette , Wermuth Lene , Jakobsen Søren , Laugesen Lars , Gergelyffy Robert , Høgh Peter , Bjerregaard Eva , Siersma Volkert , Andersen Birgitte Bo , Johannsen Peter , Waldemar Gunhild , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Beyer Nina
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Knowledge about the feasibility and effects of exercise programs to persons with Alzheimer's disease is lacking. This study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on physical performance in community‐dwelling persons with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

The single blinded multi‐center RCT (ADEX) included 200 patients, median age 71 yrs (50‐89). The intervention group received supervised moderate‐to‐high intensity aerobic exercise 1 hour × 3/week for 16 weeks. Assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness, single‐task physical performance, dual‐task performance and exercise self‐efficacy.

Results

Significant between‐group differences in change from baseline (mean [95%CI]) favored the intervention group for cardiorespiratory fitness (4.0 [2.3‐5.8] ml/kg/min, P <0.0001) and exercise self‐efficacy (1.7 [0.5‐2.8] points, P =0.004). Furthermore, an exercise attendance of ≥66.6% resulted in significant positive effects on single‐task physical performance and dual‐task performance.

Discussion

Aerobic exercise has the potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, single‐task physical performance, dual‐task performance and exercise self‐efficacy in community‐dwelling patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Effectiveness of sugammadex for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Ozbilgin Sule , Yılmaz Osman , Ergur Bekir Ugur , Hancı Volkan , Ozbal Seda , Yurtlu Serhan , Gunenc Sakize Ferim , Kuvaki Bahar , Kucuk Burcu Ataseven , Sisman Ali Rıza
Published: June 2016

Cerebral ischemia may cause permanent brain damage and behavioral dysfunction. The efficacy and mechanisms of pharmacological treatments administered immediately after cerebral damage are not fully known. Sugammadex is a licensed medication. As other cyclodextrins have not passed the necessary phase tests, trade preparations are not available, whereas sugammadex is frequently used in clinical anesthetic practice. Previous studies have not clearly described the effects of the cyclodextrin family on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. The aim of this study was to determine whether sugammadex had a neuroprotective effect against transient global cerebral ischemia. Animals were assigned to control, sham‐operated, S 16 and S 100 groups. Transient global cerebral ischemia was induced by 10‐minute occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery, followed by 24‐hour reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, neurological behavior scoring was performed on the rats, followed by evaluation of histomorphological and biochemical measurements. Sugammadex 16 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg improved neurological outcome, which was associated with reductions in both histological and neurological scores. The hippocampus TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) and caspase results in the S 16 and S 100 treatment groups were significantly lower than those of the I/R group. Neurological scores in the treated groups were significantly higher than those of the I/R group. The study showed that treatment with 16 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg sugammadex had a neuroprotective effect in a transient global cerebral I/R rat model. However, 100 mg/kg sugammadex was more neuroprotective in rats.
Electromyographic Changes in Trunk Muscles During Graded Lumbar Stabilization Exercises
Authors: Kim Chung Reen , Park Dae Kwon , Lee Seok Tae , Ryu Ju Seok
Published: June 2016

Background

Lumbar stabilization exercises are effective for the treatment of patients with low back pain. However, personalized exercise programs are required to facilitate more efficient treatment, as each individual exhibits the different characteristics of the trunk muscles and pain.

Objective

To determine the effects of graded lumbar stabilization exercises on the trunk muscles in healthy individuals, using surface electromyography.

Design

A cross‐sectional prospective study.

Setting

Outpatient pain clinic.

Participants

Ten healthy male participants without low back pain were recruited on a volunteer basis.

Methods

Four common lumbar stabilization exercises were selected, including the curl up, dead bug, Superman, and bird dog exercises. Each exercise was divided into 5 intensity levels, with participants performing all exercises at each intensity level, to a total of 20 exercises. Electromyographic changes in the trunk muscles according to intensity level were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measurements

Using superficial electromyography, the peak amplitude and area under the curve for each of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique abdominis (EO), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured.

Results

In general, as the level of intensity increased, the activity of the related lumbar stabilizing muscles also increased significantly (P < .05). Specifically, the peak amplitudes of the RA (P = .008) and EO (P < .001) were increased during the curl up exercise, whereas the peak amplitudes of the MF (P < .001) and ES (P = .002) were increased during the bird dog exercise. The prolonged exercise duration of the Superman exercise increased the mean area under the curve of MF, ES, and RA (P < .001).

Conclusions

Using a graded exercise program, an appropriate level of exercise intensity can be prescribed and modulated according to patient tolerance and physical ability. Therefore, a graded lumbar stabilization exercise program may represent an effective way to strengthen the lumbar stabilizing muscles in patients with low back pain.
Calidad de reanimación cardiopulmonar avanzada efectuada por residentes de primer año en un hospital de segundo nivel
Authors: Ortegón Cetina Carlos Jesús , De los Santos Rodríguez Moisés Natanael , Sierra Basto Gilberto
Published: June 2016

Introducción: El paro cardiorrespiratorio es una situación de urgencia, debe ser resuelta de manera rápida y correcta; los médicos residentes en las unidades clínicas muchas veces se enfrentan a esta situación con poca oportunidad para la reflexión sobre la calidad de sus habilidades en reanimación avanzada con el propósito de identificar y corregir áreas de oportunidad.
Objetivo: Se evaluó la calidad de la reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) avanzada en adultos efectuada por médicos residentes del primer  año que no han recibido educación formal mediante modelos de simulación.
Método: El diseño del estudio fue: observacional, transversal, prospectivo, descriptivo, denominado de diagnóstico situacional. Se evalúo a 18 residentes de especialidades médicas del Hospital General Agustín O’Horán de los Servicios de Salud en Yucatán (5 de Cirugía General, 5 de Ginecología y Obstetricia, 5 de Medicina Interna, 2 de Medicina Integrada y uno de Traumatología y Ortopedia), ninguno de los participantes tuvo entrenamiento formal en RCP. Se capacitó respecto al uso del equipo de simulación previo a la práctica, el lugar correcto para dar las compresiones en el maniquí y la manera de colocar y utilizar el electrocardiógrafo y desfibrilador, se les presentó el mismo caso, una paciente con fibrilación ventricular que permanece así en todo momento, la competencia en resucitación cardiopulmonar avanzada fue evaluada empleando las listas de comprobación de la Sociedad Americana del Corazón.
Resultados: Reconocimiento del problema 10(56%), compresiones eficientes 5(27.7%), ventilaciones eficientes ninguna, reconocimiento y manejo de una fibrilación ventricular 3(17%), desempeño adecuado y efectuado en todos los componentes (RCP de calidad) ninguno.
Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los residentes identificaron el ritmo causante del paro cardiorrespiratorio, menos de la cuarta parte lograron un manejo integral eficiente, es necesario complementar la enseñanza de RCP en modelos de simulación a los médicos de los primeros años de las residencias médicas.
First principles optimally tuned range-separated density functional theory for prediction of phosphorus–hydrogen spin–spin coupling constants
Authors: Alipour Mojtaba , Fallahzadeh Parisa
Published: June 2016

The novel optimally tuned range-separated approximations for predicting NMR spin–spin coupling constants are proposed and benchmarked numerically.
Evaluation of copper, aluminum, and nickel interatomic potentials on predicting the elastic properties
Authors: Rassoulinejad-Mousavi Seyed Moein , Mao Yijin , Zhang Yuwen
Published: June 2016

Choice of appropriate force field is one of the main concerns of any atomistic simulation that needs to be seriously considered in order to yield reliable results. Since investigations on the mechanical behavior of materials at micro/nanoscale have been becoming much more widespread, it is necessary to determine an adequate potential which accurately models the interaction of the atoms for desired applications. In this framework, reliability of multiple embedded atom method based interatomic potentials for predicting the elastic properties was investigated. Assessments were carried out for different copper, aluminum, and nickel interatomic potentials at room temperature which is considered as the most applicable case. Examined force fields for the three species were taken from online repositories of National Institute of Standards and Technology, as well as the Sandia National Laboratories, the LAMMPS database. Using molecular dynamic simulations, the three independent elastic constants, C11, C12, and C44, were found for Cu, Al, and Ni cubic single crystals. Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation was then implemented to convert elastic constants of the single crystals into isotropic polycrystalline elastic moduli including bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young's modulus as well as Poisson's ratio. Simulation results from massive molecular dynamic were compared with available experimental data in the literature to justify the robustness of each potential for each species. Eventually, accurate interatomic potentials have been recommended for finding each of the elastic properties of the pure species. Exactitude of the elastic properties was found to be sensitive to the choice of the force fields. Those potentials that were fitted for a specific compound may not necessarily work accurately for all the existing pure species. Tabulated results in this paper might be used as a benchmark to increase assurance of using the interatomic potential that was designated for a problem.
Research Update: Conductivity and beyond at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Gariglio S. , Gabay M. , Triscone J.-M.
Published: June 2016

In this review, we focus on the celebrated interface between two band insulators, LaAlO3 and SrTiO3, that was found to be conducting, superconducting, and to display a strong spin-orbit coupling. We discuss the formation of the 2-dimensional electron liquid at this interface, the particular electronic structure linked to the carrier confinement, the transport properties, and the signatures of magnetism. We then highlight distinctive characteristics of the superconducting regime, such as the electric field effect control of the carrier density, the unique tunability observed in this system, and the role of the electronic subband structure. Finally we compare the behavior of Tc versus 2D doping with the dome-like behavior of the 3D bulk superconductivity observed in doped SrTiO3. This comparison reveals surprising differences when the Tc behavior is analyzed in terms of the 3D carrier density for the interface and the bulk.
Turbulence generation through intense kinetic energy sources
Authors: Maqui Agustin F. , Donzis Diego A.
Published: June 2016

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are used to systematically study the development and establishment of turbulence when the flow is initialized with concentrated regions of intense kinetic energy. This resembles both active and passive grids which have been extensively used to generate and study turbulence in laboratories at different Reynolds numbers and with different characteristics, such as the degree of isotropy and homogeneity. A large DNS database was generated covering a wide range of initial conditions with a focus on perturbations with some directional preference, a condition found in active jet grids and passive grids passed through a contraction as well as a new type of active grid inspired by the experimental use of lasers to photo-excite the molecules that comprise the fluid. The DNS database is used to assert under what conditions the flow becomes turbulent and if so, the time required for this to occur. We identify a natural time scale of the problem which indicates the onset of turbulence and a single Reynolds number based exclusively on initial conditions which controls the evolution of the flow. It is found that a minimum Reynolds number is needed for the flow to evolve towards fully developed turbulence. An extensive analysis of single and two point statistics, velocity as well as spectral dynamics and anisotropy measures is presented to characterize the evolution of the flow towards realistic turbulence.
Architecture of chaotic attractors for flows in the absence of any singular point
Authors: Letellier Christophe , Malasoma Jean-Marc
Published: June 2016

Some chaotic attractors produced by three-dimensional dynamical systems without any singular point have now been identified, but explaining how they are structured in the state space remains an open question. We here want to explain—in the particular case of the Wei system—such a structure, using one-dimensional sets obtained by vanishing two of the three derivatives of the flow. The neighborhoods of these sets are made of points which are characterized by the eigenvalues of a 2 × 2 matrix describing the stability of flow in a subspace transverse to it. We will show that the attractor is spiralling and twisted in the neighborhood of one-dimensional sets where points are characterized by a pair of complex conjugated eigenvalues. We then show that such one-dimensional sets are also useful in explaining the structure of attractors produced by systems with singular points, by considering the case of the Lorenz system.
Synchronization failure caused by interplay between noise and network heterogeneity
Authors: Kobayashi Y. , Kori H.
Published: June 2016

We investigate synchronization in complex networks of noisy phase oscillators. We find that, while too weak a coupling is not sufficient for the whole system to synchronize, too strong a coupling induces a nontrivial type of phase slip among oscillators, resulting in synchronization failure. Thus, an intermediate coupling range for synchronization exists, which becomes narrower when the network is more heterogeneous. Analyses of two noisy oscillators reveal that nontrivial phase slip is a generic phenomenon when noise is present and coupling is strong. Therefore, the low synchronizability of heterogeneous networks can be understood as a result of the difference in effective coupling strength among oscillators with different degrees; oscillators with high degrees tend to undergo phase slip while those with low degrees have weak coupling strengths that are insufficient for synchronization.
Investigation on dip coating process by mathematical modeling of non-Newtonian fluid coating on cylindrical substrate
Authors: Javidi Mahyar , Pope Michael A. , Hrymak Andrew N.
Published: June 2016

A mathematical model for the dip coating process has been developed for cylindrical geometries with non-Newtonian fluids. This investigation explores the effects of the substrate radius and hydrodynamic behavior of the non-Newtonian viscous fluid on the resulting thin film on the substrate. The coating fluid studied, Dymax 1186-MT, is a resin for fiber optics and used as a matrix to suspend 1 vol. % titanium dioxide particles. The coating substrate is a 100 μm diameter fiber optic diffuser. Ellis viscosity model is applied as a non-Newtonian viscous model for coating thickness prediction, including the influence of viscosity in low shear rates that occurs near the surface of the withdrawal film. In addition, the results of the Newtonian and power law models are compared with the Ellis model outcomes. The rheological properties and surface tension of fluids were analyzed and applied in the models and a good agreement between experimental and analytical solutions was obtained for Ellis model.
A functional realization of 𝔰𝔩(3, ℝ) providing minimal Vessiot–Guldberg–Lie algebras of nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations as proper subalgebras
Authors: Campoamor-Stursberg R.
Published: June 2016

A functional realization of the Lie algebra sl3,R as a Vessiot–Guldberg–Lie algebra of second order differential equation (SODE) Lie systems is proposed. It is shown that a minimal Vessiot–Guldberg–Lie algebra LVG is obtained from proper subalgebras of sl3,R for each of the SODE Lie systems of this type by particularization of one functional and two scalar parameters of the sl3,R-realization. The relation between the various Vessiot–Guldberg–Lie algebras by means of a limiting process in the scalar parameters further allows to define a notion of contraction of SODE Lie systems.
Localized spin excitations in an antiferromagnetic spin system with D-M interaction
Authors: Evangeline Rebecca T. , Latha M. M.
Published: June 2016

The existence of localized spin excitations and spin deviations along the site in a one-dimensional antiferromagnet with Dzyaloshinski-Moriya (D-M) interaction has been studied using quasiclassical approximation. By introducing the Holstein-Primakoff bosonic representation of spin operators, the coherent state ansatz, and the time dependent variational principle, a discrete set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations governing the dynamics is derived. Employing the multiple-scale method, one, two and three solitary wave solutions are constructed and depicted graphically.
Multivariate weighted recurrence network inference for uncovering oil-water transitional flow behavior in a vertical pipe
Authors: Gao Zhong-Ke , Yang Yu-Xuan , Cai Qing , Zhang Shan-Shan , Jin Ning-De
Published: June 2016

Exploring the dynamical behaviors of high water cut and low velocity oil-water flows remains a contemporary and challenging problem of significant importance. This challenge stimulates us to design a high-speed cycle motivation conductance sensor to capture spatial local flow information. We systematically carry out experiments and acquire the multi-channel measurements from different oil-water flow patterns. Then we develop a novel multivariate weighted recurrence network for uncovering the flow behaviors from multi-channel measurements. In particular, we exploit graph energy and weighted clustering coefficient in combination with multivariate time-frequency analysis to characterize the derived complex networks. The results indicate that the network measures are very sensitive to the flow transitions and allow uncovering local dynamical behaviors associated with water cut and flow velocity. These properties render our method particularly useful for quantitatively characterizing dynamical behaviors governing the transition and evolution of different oil-water flow patterns.
A generalized Jaynes-Cummings model: The relativistic parametric amplifier and a single trapped ion
Authors: Ojeda-Guillén D. , Mota R. D. , Granados V. D.
Published: June 2016

We introduce a generalization of the Jaynes-Cummings model and study some of its properties. We obtain the energy spectrum and eigenfunctions of this model by using the tilting transformation and the squeezed number states of the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator. As physical applications, we connect this new model to two important and novelty problems: the relativistic parametric amplifier and the quantum simulation of a single trapped ion.
A fluid model for the edge pressure pedestal height and width in tokamaks based on the transport constraint of particle, energy, and momentum balance
Authors: Stacey W. M.
Published: June 2016

A fluid model for the tokamak edge pressure profile required by the conservation of particles, momentum and energy in the presence of specified heating and fueling sources and electromagnetic and geometric parameters has been developed. Kinetics effects of ion orbit loss are incorporated into the model. The use of this model as a “transport” constraint together with a “Peeling-Ballooning (P-B)” instability constraint to achieve a prediction of edge pressure pedestal heights and widths in future tokamaks is discussed.
Room temperature on-wafer ballistic graphene field-effect-transistor with oblique double-gate
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Dinescu Adrian , Dragoman Daniela
Published: June 2016

We have fabricated and measured ballistic graphene transistors with two oblique gates that can be independently biased. The gates, with lengths of about 30 nm and separated by a distance of about 40 nm, are tilted at 45° with respect to the source and drain electrodes, which are distanced at 190 nm. Electric measurements reveal specific properties of ballistic carrier transport, i.e., nonlinear drain voltage-drain current dependences with saturation regions and negative differential resistance at certain bias voltages. Tens of ballistic transistors with very large transconductances were fabricated on a chip cut from a 4 in. graphene wafer. Such double-gate transistor configurations can be used also as extremely efficient, state-of-the-art photodetectors.
Lithium concentration dependent structure and mechanics of amorphous silicon
Authors: Sitinamaluwa H. S. , Wang M. C. , Will G. , Senadeera W. , Zhang S. , Yan C.
Published: June 2016

A better understanding of lithium-silicon alloying mechanisms and associated mechanical behavior is essential for the design of Si-based electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Unfortunately, the relationship between the dynamic mechanical response and microstructure evolution during lithiation and delithiation has not been well understood. We use molecular dynamic simulations to investigate lithiated amorphous silicon with a focus to the evolution of its microstructure, phase composition, and stress generation. The results show that the formation of LixSi alloy phase is via different mechanisms, depending on Li concentration. In these alloy phases, the increase in Li concentration results in reduction of modulus of elasticity and fracture strength but increase in ductility in tension. For a LixSi system with uniform Li distribution, volume change induced stress is well below the fracture strength in tension.
Multipore membranes with nanofluidic diodes allowing multifunctional rectification and logical responses
Authors: Cervera Javier , Ramirez Patricio , Gomez Vicente , Nasir Saima , Ali Mubarak , Ensinger Wolfgang , Stroeve Pieter , Mafe Salvador
Published: June 2016

We have arranged two multipore membranes with conical nanopores in a three-compartment electrochemical cell. The membranes act as tunable nanofluidic diodes whose functionality is entirely based on the pH-reversed ion current rectification and does not require specific surface functionalizations. This electrochemical arrangement can display different electrical behaviors (quasi-linear ohmic response and inward/outward rectifications) as a function of the electrolyte concentration in the external solutions and the applied voltage at the pore tips. The multifunctional response permits to implement different logical responses including NOR and INHIBIT functions.
Low-power resistive random access memory by confining the formation of conducting filaments
Authors: Huang Yi-Jen , Shen Tzu-Hsien , Lee Lan-Hsuan , Wen Cheng-Yen , Lee Si-Chen
Published: June 2016

Owing to their small physical size and low power consumption, resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices are potential for future memory and logic applications in microelectronics. In this study, a new resistive switching material structure, TiOx/silver nanoparticles/TiOx/AlTiOx, fabricated between the fluorine-doped tin oxide bottom electrode and the indium tin oxide top electrode is demonstrated. The device exhibits excellent memory performances, such as low operation voltage (<±1 V), low operation power, small variation in resistance, reliable data retention, and a large memory window. The current-voltage measurement shows that the conducting mechanism in the device at the high resistance state is via electron hopping between oxygen vacancies in the resistive switching material. When the device is switched to the low resistance state, conducting filaments are formed in the resistive switching material as a result of accumulation of oxygen vacancies. The bottom AlTiOx layer in the device structure limits the formation of conducting filaments; therefore, the current and power consumption of device operation are significantly reduced.
Knotting and unknotting of a protein in single molecule experiments
Authors: Ziegler Fabian , Lim Nicole C. H. , Mandal Soumit Sankar , Pelz Benjamin , Ng Wei-Ping , Schlierf Michael , Jackson Sophie E. , Rief Matthias
Published: June 2016

Significance

Knots and entanglements are common in biology, but little is known about their formation or function. Here, we use state-of-the-art single-molecule force spectroscopy to mechanically unfold a protein, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase isoenzyme L1, which has a 5
2
knot in its structure. The exquisite control inherent in this technique enables us to specifically unfold the protein to different knotted and unknotted denatured states, from which we can then watch the protein refold. These experiments establish the effect of knots on folding pathways. Many intermediate structures are detected, suggesting both on- and off-pathway intermediates are populated. Our results also highlight the potential difficulties in degrading a 5
2
-knotted protein and therefore may have implications for some diseases.
Structural basis of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase catalysis and translocation
Authors: Shu Bo , Gong Peng
Published: June 2016

Significance

RNA viruses encode a unique class of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) to carry out their fully RNA-based genome replication and transcription. Although the chemical nature of nucleotide addition is essentially shared by all nucleic acid polymerases, the structural and mechanistic details taken by each polymerase class differ to various extents. Here we report seven crystal structures of enterovirus 71 RdRP elongation complex at 2.5–2.8 Å resolution. In these structures the polymerases are poised at various distinct stages to reveal mechanistic details of initial NTP binding, key amino acid side-chain conformational switches during active site closure, and in particular the postcatalysis movement of the RNA duplex on the way to vacate the active site for the next nucleotide addition cycle.
Dynamics and mechanism of ultrafast water–protein interactions
Authors: Qin Yangzhong , Wang Lijuan , Zhong Dongping
Published: June 2016

Significance

Hydration water around a protein is fundamental to protein’s property and function. How hydration water interacts with protein at their interface has not been fully understood. A universal slaving model that water drives protein fluctuations has been proposed, but direct experimental observation is difficult and challenging. Here, we directly measured hydration water dynamics and protein side-chain relaxations with temperature dependence. With extensive data, we conclude that the surface hydration-shell fluctuations drive protein side-chain motions on the picosecond time scales and thus play a critical role in protein dynamics.
N-cadherin relocalization during cardiac trabeculation
Authors: Cherian Anoop V. , Fukuda Ryuichi , Augustine Sruthy Maria , Maischein Hans-Martin , Stainier Didier Y. R.
Published: June 2016

Significance

The process of trabeculation is central to heart development and maturation, as it allows the increase in muscle mass before the formation of coronaries. This complex process involves a number of morphological changes in a subset of cardiomyocytes, resulting in their delamination from the compact layer. As cardiomyocytes delaminate, they must also remain attached to the compact layer. We identified Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2-mediated relocalization of N-cadherin (Cdh2) as a mechanism underlying the formation of cell–cell junctions between trabecular and compact layer cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, we found that blood flow and heart contraction are also essential for the localization of Cdh2 molecules. These studies further our understanding of the complex cell biological processes underlying the maturation of the vertebrate heart.
GsdmD p30 elicited by caspase-11 during pyroptosis forms pores in membranes
Authors: Aglietti Robin A. , Estevez Alberto , Gupta Aaron , Ramirez Monica Gonzalez , Liu Peter S. , Kayagaki Nobuhiko , Ciferri Claudio , Dixit Vishva M. , Dueber Erin C.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Pyroptosis is a form of cell death that is critical for eliminating innate immune cells infected with intracellular bacteria. Microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide, which is a component of Gram-negative bacteria, trigger activation of the inflammatory caspases 1, 4, 5, and 11. These proteases cleave the cytoplasmic protein Gasdermin-D into two pieces, p20 and p30. The p30 fragment is cytotoxic when liberated from the p20 fragment. Our work suggests that p30 induces pyroptosis by associating with cell membranes and forming pores that perturb vital electrochemical gradients. The resulting imbalance causes the cell to lyse and release intracellular components that can alert other immune cells to the threat of infection.
De-authorizing rape narrators
Authors: Trinch Shonna L.
Published: June 2016

This chapter examines how reviewers take silence-sustaining or silence-breaking stances toward rape in online reviews of anti-terrorism expert, Jessica Stern’s (2010) book, Denial: A Memoir of Terror. I analyze how reviewers recontextualize the story of this uncontroversial rape and its narrator. The data consist of 47 reviews, ranging from professional reviewers at major newspapers to ‘citizen reviewers’ found on commercial bookstores’ websites and on readers’ blogs. Using stance as my analytic framework (Jaffe 2009), I show how readers align their reviews in ways that either authorize or de-authorize the narrator and her narrative.
Public/Private language aggression against women
Authors: Anderson Kristin L. , Cermele Jill
Published: June 2016

Verbal aggression against women often serves to naturalize a binary construction of gender. The form and content of verbal aggression against women may be shifting in the 21st century context, in which overtly sexist language in public settings is viewed as unacceptable. However, we argue that in fact, sexist language continues, albeit at times in less overt ways and particularly so when the discourse is public, or likely to be made public. This study examines the specific content of language aggression against women with two sources of data: 1) the population of tweets containing the handle @femfreq posted during 17 days in the fall of 2013, and 2) the population of 130 civil protection order petitions filed in the first 8 months of 2010 in a small city in the Pacific Northwest. We consider how the content of gendered language aggression in Tweets — a form of verbal discourse that is authored by people who do not personally know the object of their aggression — is similar to and different from the language aggression perpetrated by the intimate partners of women seeking legal protection from abuse from the courts — a form of verbal discourse enacted in intimate contexts.
Addressing women in the Greek parliament
Authors: Georgalidou Marianthi
Published: June 2016

In accordance with numerous studies highlighting aspects of political and parliamentary discourse that concern the rhetoric of political combat, verbal attacks and offensive language choices are shown to be rather common in the context of a highly adversarial parliamentary system such as the Greek. In the present study, however, the analysis of excerpts of parliamentary discourse addressed to women reveals not just aspects of the organization of rival political encounters but, as far as female MPs are concerned, aggressive and derogatory forms of speech that directly attack the gender of the addressees. Drawing on data from video-recordings, the official proceedings of parliamentary sittings, and the media (2012–2015), the present study investigates aggressive/sexist discourse within this context. The theoretical issues addressed concern the impoliteness end of the politeness/politic speech/impoliteness continuum in the light of extreme cases of conflict in political/parliamentary discourse.
Identifying semantic role clusters and alignment types via microrole coexpression tendencies
Authors: Hartmann Iren , Haspelmath Martin , Cysouw Michael
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, we illustrate a method for identifying clusters of semantic roles by cross-linguistic comparison. On the basis of data from 25 languages drawn from the ValPaL (Valency Patterns Leipzig) database, we show how one can visualize coexpression tendencies using quantitative methods (in particular, multidimensional scaling). Traditionally, the coexpression of semantic microroles (such as the breaker and the broken thing of the ‘break’ verb, the helper and the helpee of the ‘help’ verb, etc.) has been studied for particular languages, with generalized macroroles such as “agent”, “actor”, and “undergoer” being compared across languages in a next step. We set up a conceptual space of 87 microroles based on their coexpression tendencies, i.e. the extent to which they are expressed identically (via flagging and indexing) across our languages. The individual coding means (cases, adpositions, index-sets) can then be mapped onto this conceptual space, revealing broader alignment patterns.
Semantic role clustering
Authors: Bickel Balthasar , Zakharko Taras , Bierkandt Lennart , Witzlack-Makarevich Alena
Published: June 2016

This chapter seeks to determine to what extent there is cross-linguistic evidence for postulating clusters of predicate-specific semantic roles such as experiencer, cognizer, possessor, etc. For this, we survey non-default case assignments in a sample of 141 languages and annotate the associated predicates for cross-linguistically recurrent semantic roles, such as ‘the one who feels cold’, ‘the one who eats sth.’, ‘the thing that is being eaten’. We then determine to what extent these roles are treated alike across languages, i.e. repeatedly grouped together under the same non-default case marker or under the same specific alternation with a non-default marker. Applying fuzzy cluster and NeighborNet algorithms to these data reveals cross-linguistic evidence for role clusters around experiencers, undergoers of body processes, and cognizers/perceivers in one- and two-place predicates; and around sources and transmitted speech in three-place predicates. No support emerges from non-default case assignment for any other role clusters that are traditionally assumed (e.g. for any distinctions among objects of two-argument predicates, or for distinctions between themes and instruments).
Conference Interpreting – A Complete Course
Authors: Setton Robin , Dawrant Andrew
Published: June 2016

The conference interpreting skillset – full consecutive and simultaneous interpreting – has long been in demand well beyond the multilateral intergovernmental organizations, notably in bilateral diplomacy, business, international tribunals and the media. This comprehensive coursebook sets out an updated step-by-step programme of training, designed to meet the increasingly challenging conditions of the 21st century, and adaptable by instructors with the appropriate specializations to cover all these different applications in contemporary practice.
After an overview of the diverse world of interpreting and the prerequisites for this demanding course of training, successive chapters take students and teachers through initiation and the progressive acquisition of the techniques, knowledge and professionalism that make up this full skillset. For each stage in the training, detailed, carefully sequenced exercises and guidance on the cognitive challenges are provided, in a spirit of transparency between students and teachers on their respective roles in the learning process. For instructors, course designers and administrators, more detailed and extensive tips on pedagogy, curriculum design and management will be found in the companion Trainer’s Guide.
Conference Interpreting – A Trainer’s Guide
Authors: Setton Robin , Dawrant Andrew
Published: June 2016

This companion volume to Conference Interpreting – A Complete Course provides additional recommendations and theoretical and practical discussion for instructors, course designers and administrators. Chapters mirroring the Complete Course offer supplementary exercises, tips on materials selection, classroom practice, feedback and class morale, realistic case studies from professional practice, and a detailed rationale for each stage supported by critical reviews of the literature. Dedicated chapters address the role of theory and research in interpreter training, with outline syllabi for further qualification in interpreting studies at MA or PhD level; the current state of testing and professional certification, with proposals for an overhaul; the institutional and administrative challenges of running a high-quality training course; and designs and opportunities for further and teacher training, closing with a brief speculative look at future prospects for the profession.
New perspectives on discourse and governmentality
Authors: McIlvenny Paul , Zhukova Klausen Julia , Lindegaard Laura Bang
Published: June 2016

In this comprehensive overview we familiarise readers with Michel Foucault’s
publications that are relevant both to discourse studies and to studies of governmentality.
We review the narrow impact that Foucault’s ideas have had on
discourse studies and summarise the scant literature on discourse and governmentality
across different disciplines. We elucidate the new scholarly understandings
of Foucault’s later work, as well as engage with the debates about
governmentality that have been generated after Foucault. In particular, we give a
thorough assessment of the reverberations of Foucault’s later work on governmentality
to clarify its contemporary relevance for discourse studies. Lastly,
we introduce and contextualise the theoretical, methodological and analytical
innovations in discourse studies to be found in the chapters in this volume,
before concluding on the contributions that the book makes to both discourse
studies and studies of governmentality.
Governing safe operations at a distance
Authors: Rasmussen Joel
Published: June 2016

This chapter argues that today’s organisational risk management, where
employees are to adopt routines for proper self-control, is fruitfully approached
as what Rose and Miller (1992) term governing-at-a-distance. Governing that
relies on internal control and the self-governing capacity of citizens requires
people to be involved in communication that signifies responsible behaviour.
If there is hierarchical monitoring, then it is communication that is supervised
which makes the signifying practices all the more important. While previous
research has demonstrated that an increasing burden of responsibility is placed
on citizens for the risks and health problems they face or envisage, less attention
has been paid to the increased communication requirements this development
involves. Bridging this gap, this chapter investigates how social interaction in
meetings works to facilitate employees to become responsible risk communication
subjects. An intensive discourse analysis of five safety meeting episodes
demonstrates how the responsibilisation of employees’ risk communication
extends questions of (a) form – such as the duration of talk, (b) paper work,
(c) genuineness, (d) contributing on-topic, (e) economisation, and (f) reliability
regardless of illness and place. The study takes inspiration from positioning
analysis (e.g. Bamberg 2005), allowing for a detailed account of the moment-tomoment
process of responsibilisation, something that previous research on risk
management tends to skim over.
Governmentality, counter-conduct and prefigurative demonstrations
Authors: McIlvenny Paul
Published: June 2016

The interactional and categorial practices of a prefigurative protest demonstration
are examined using video recordings that document a theatrical protest
event called “United Nathans weapons inspectors” in February 2003. The chapter
undertakes an analytics of protest to uncover how fields of visibility, forms of
knowledge, technologies and apparatuses, and subjectivities and identities are
negotiated and accomplished collaboratively. Conversation analysis (CA) helps
us document the ways in which fields of visibility and modes of rationality are
sequentially organised. Membership categorisation analysis (MCA) uncovers
the categorial work by which subjectivation is morally accomplished in social
interaction. The chapter shows how CA and MCA can help trace the interactional,
embodied and categorial practices that are endogenous to conducting
the conduct of others and the self, and thus which constitute or contest the
rationalities of governmentality.
Revealing the governmentality of demographic change in Germany with the manifold discourse-analytical ‘toolbox’ of Foucault
Authors: Messerschmidt Reinhard
Published: June 2016

German discourses of demographic change are characterised by alarmism.
A continuously growing number of publications in the mass media address
population aging and shrinking by depicting mostly dystopian future scenarios.
Some governmental strategies employ demographic discourse to prompt
individuals to react to ‘objective’ scientific facts in their everyday life. If the state
is allegedly no longer able to provide social security systems and the society is
doomed to suffer from a ‘generation-conflict’, citizens as ‘entrepreneurs of the
self ’ are expected to endorse private social insurances and later retirement.
Michel Foucault’s early to late works are used to analyse the underlying orders
of knowledge in textual, numerical, and graphical forms in order to examine the
governmental rationale that relies on this knowledge.
Emergent morphology
Authors: Archangeli Diana , Pulleyblank Douglas
Published: June 2016

This paper examines implications for morpho-phonology of a model that minimizes the role of an innate linguistic endowment in grammar formation. ‘Bottom-up’ learning results in mental representations that form sets from perceived morphs but do not involve abstract ‘underlying’ representations. For production, syntactic/semantic features (S-features) identify morphs to be compiled into words. When multiple morphs bear the same S-feature, the grammar must select among the possible contenders. Selection involves phonological regularities or sub-regularities and morpho-phonological as well as idiosyncratic choice; when all else fails the default morph is selected. The model unifies the formal characterization of suppletion, sub-regularities, allophonic patterns, as well as unifying suppletion and zero morphs. Examples come from English, Southern Min, Yoruba, and Kinande, and other languages.