bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ transmission electron microscopy imaging of formation and evolution of LixWO3 during lithiation of WO3 nanowires
Authors: Qi Kuo , Li Xiaomin , Sun Muhua , Huang Qianming , Wei Jiake , Xu Zhi , Wang Wenlong , Bai Xuedong , Wang Enge
Published: June 2016

The phase transition from monoclinic WO3 to cubic LixWO3 during lithiation of WO3 is one of the key features for tungsten oxide as the most used electrochromic material. Conventionally, the lithium intercalation of WO3 has been studied by building generic layered electrochromic device combining with structural characterization and electrochemistry measurement at macro scale. In-situ transmission electron microscopy (in-situ TEM) has been proposed as a method for revealing the detailed mechanism of structural, physical, and chemical properties. Here, we use in-situ TEM method to investigate the formation and evolution of LixWO3 in real-time during the electrochemical lithiation of WO3 nanowires. The dynamic lithiation process is recorded by TEM imaging, diffraction, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The WO3-LixWO3 phase boundary of reaction front has been observed at high resolution. The timeliness of crystallinity of LixWO3 and the intercalation channels for Li ions are also identified. Moreover, the co-existence of both polycrystalline Li-poor area and amorphous Li-rich phases of LixWO3 was found. Our results provide an insight into the basic lithiation process of WO3, which is significantly important for understanding the electrochromic mechanism of tungsten oxide.
Simulation and experimental study of DC electric field distribution characteristics of rat hippocampal slices in vitro
Authors: Zheng Yu , Dong Lei , Gao Yang , Qiu Qian , Li Ze-yan , Zhao Zhe , Chen Rui-juan , Wang Hui-quan
Published: June 2016

Direct current (DC) electric field is a noninvasive neuromodulation tool that can inhibit or facilitate excitability of neurons. Despite its efficacy, the dielectric constant of artificial cerebrospinal fluid and the position and direction of brain slices and other factors can affect the field intensity and distribution acting on the surface of rat hippocampus slices, thus causing errors. In this study, we describe a new analytical method optimized for DC electric fields acting on brain slices, and the design of an external DC electric field stimulator to allow scientific evaluation of brain slices. We investigated parameters regarding the uniformity of electric field distribution and identified the maximal parameters using the finite element method. Then, we selected and simplified slice images using magnetic resonance imaging data and calculated the electric field intensity of the original and simplified models. The electric field simulator induced action potential and excitatory postsynaptic current with intensities of 1, 5, and 10 V/m. This study describes the development of a new electric field stimulator and successfully demonstrates its practicability for scientific evaluation of tissue slices.
Minimising the effect of nanoparticle deformation in intermittent contact amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy measurements
Authors: Babic Bakir , Lawn Malcolm A. , Coleman Victoria A. , Jämting Åsa K. , Herrmann Jan
Published: June 2016

The results of systematic height measurements of polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles using intermittent contact amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy (IC-AM-AFM) are presented. The experimental findings demonstrate that PS nanoparticles deform during AFM imaging, as indicated by a reduction in the measured particle height. This deformation depends on the IC-AM-AFM imaging parameters, material composition, and dimensional properties of the nanoparticles. A model for nanoparticle deformation occurring during IC-AM-AFM imaging is developed as a function of the peak force which can be calculated for a particular set of experimental conditions. The undeformed nanoparticle height can be estimated from the model by extrapolation to zero peak force. A procedure is proposed to quantify and minimise nanoparticle deformation during IC-AM-AFM imaging, based on appropriate adjustments of the experimental control parameters.
Polarization-induced confinement of continuous hole-states in highly pumped, industrial-grade, green InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Nippert Felix , Nirschl Anna , Schulz Tobias , Callsen Gordon , Pietzonka Ines , Westerkamp Steffen , Kure Thomas , Nenstiel Christian , Strassburg Martin , Albrecht Martin , Hoffmann Axel
Published: June 2016

We investigate industrial-grade InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) emitting in the green spectral region under high, resonant pumping conditions. Consequently, an ubiquitous high energy luminescence is observed that we assign to a polarization field Confined Hole Continuum (CHC). Our finding is supported by a unique combination of experimental techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, (time-resolved) photoluminescence under various excitation conditions, and electroluminescence, which confirm an extended out-of-plane localization of the CHC-states. The larger width of this localization volume surpasses the QW thickness, yielding enhanced non-radiative losses due to point defects and interfaces, whereas the energetic proximity to the bulk valence band states promotes carrier leakage.
Design strategy of two-dimensional material field-effect transistors: Engineering the number of layers in phosphorene FETs
Authors: Yin Demin , Yoon Youngki
Published: June 2016

Thickness or the number of layers in 2D semiconductors is a key parameter to determine the material's electronic properties and the overall device performance of 2D material electronics. Here, we discuss the engineering practice of optimizing material and device parameters of phosphorene field-effect transistors (FETs) by means of self-consistent atomistic quantum transport simulations, where the impacts of different numbers of phosphorene layers on various device characteristics are explored in particular, considering two specific target applications of high-performance and low-power devices. Our results suggest that, for high-performance applications, monolayer phosphorene should be utilized in a conventional FET structure since it can provide the equally large on current as other multilayer phosphorenes (Ion > 1 mA/μm) without showing a penalty of relatively lower density of states, along with favorableness for steep switching and large immunity to gate-induced drain leakage. On the other hand, more comprehensive approach is required for low-power applications, where operating voltage, doping concentration, and channel length should be carefully engineered along with the thickness of phosphorene in tunnel FET (TFET) structure to achieve ultra-low leakage current without sacrificing on current significantly. Our extensive simulation results revealed that either bilayer or trilayer phosphorene can provide the best performance in TFET with the maximum Ion/Ioff of ∼2 × 1011 and the subthreshold swing as low as 13 mV/dec. In addition, our comparative study of phosphorene-based conventional FET and TFET clearly shows the feasibility and the limitation of each device for different target applications, providing irreplaceable insights into the design strategy of phosphorene FETs that can be also extended to other similar layered material electronic devices.
Effect of rare earth metal on the spin-orbit torque in magnetic heterostructures
Authors: Ueda Kohei , Pai Chi-Feng , Tan Aik Jun , Mann Maxwell , Beach Geoffrey S. D.
Published: June 2016

We report the effect of the rare earth metal Gd on current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Gd heterostructures, characterized using harmonic measurements and spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR). By varying the Gd metal layer thickness from 0 nm to 8 nm, harmonic measurements reveal a significant enhancement of the effective fields generated from the Slonczewski-like and field-like torques. ST-FMR measurements confirm an enhanced effective spin Hall angle and show a corresponding increase in the magnetic damping constant with increasing Gd thickness. These results suggest that Gd plays an active role in generating SOTs in these heterostructures. Our finding may lead to spin-orbitronics device application such as non-volatile magnetic random access memory, based on rare earth metals.
Order-disorder transition in B-type Cu2ZnSnS4 and limitations of ordering through thermal treatments
Authors: Rudisch Katharina , Ren Yi , Platzer-Björkman Charlotte , Scragg Jonathan
Published: June 2016

B-type Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films with varying degrees of cation order were produced and examined with resonant Raman spectroscopy. Simulations based on Vineyard's theory of order allowed kinetic analysis of the final degree of order after the applied thermal treatments. Combining the results from the simulations and the resonant Raman spectra, the kinetic parameters within the Vineyard model for the order-disorder transition in B-type CZTS were determined, as well as a method which allows quantification of the degree of order based on resonant Raman spectra. The knowledge gained about the order-disorder transition in B-type CZTS allowed the prediction of a best practice thermal treatment for high ordering. This further leads to awareness about practical limits of thermal treatments regarding the cation ordering in B-type CZTS, and suggests that such treatments are not able to produce the high cation order necessary to sufficiently reduce detrimental potential fluctuations.
Investigations of rapid thermal annealing induced structural evolution of ZnO: Ge nanocomposite thin films via GISAXS
Authors: Ceylan Abdullah , Ozcan Yusuf , Orujalipoor Ilghar , Huang Yen-Chih , Jeng U-Ser , Ide Semra
Published: June 2016

In this work, we present in depth structural investigations of nanocomposite ZnO: Ge thin films by utilizing a state of the art grazing incidence small angle x-ray spectroscopy (GISAXS) technique. The samples have been deposited by sequential r.f. and d.c. sputtering of ZnO and Ge thin film layers, respectively, on single crystal Si(100) substrates. Transformation of Ge layers into Ge nanoparticles (Ge-np) has been initiated by ex-situ rapid thermal annealing of asprepared thin film samples at 600 °C for 30, 60, and 90 s under forming gas atmosphere. A special attention has been paid on the effects of reactive and nonreactive growth of ZnO layers on the structural evolution of Ge-np. GISAXS analyses have been performed via cylindrical and spherical form factor calculations for different nanostructure types. Variations of the size, shape, and distributions of both ZnO and Ge nanostructures have been determined. It has been realized that GISAXS results are not only remarkably consistent with the electron microscopy observations but also provide additional information on the large scale size and shape distribution of the nanostructured components.
Bandgap and temperature dependence of Auger recombination in InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices
Authors: Aytac Y. , Olson B. V. , Kim J. K. , Shaner E. A. , Hawkins S. D. , Klem J. F. , Olesberg J. , Flatté M. E. , Boggess T. F.
Published: June 2016

A time- and temperature-dependent differential-transmission technique is used to study the bandgap dependence of Auger recombination in Ga-free InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices (T2SLs). The bandgap energies are varied between 290 meV (4.3 μm) and 135 meV (9.2 μm) by engineering the layer thickness and alloy Sb concentration. A long-wave infrared structure with 135 meV bandgap energy is found to have an Auger coefficient of 9 × 10−26 cm6/s at 77 K. The measured Auger coefficients increase with decreasing bandgap from approximately 3 × 10−27 cm6/s for mid-wave infrared bandgaps to 2 × 10−25 cm6/s for long-wave infrared bandgaps at 77 K. The measured T2SL Auger coefficients are compared to predicted Auger coefficients for HgCdTe.
Plasmonic crystal cavity on single-mode optical fiber end facet for label-free biosensing
Authors: He Xiaolong , Yi Hui , Long Jing , Zhou Xin , Yang Jie , Yang Tian
Published: June 2016

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices on single-mode optical fiber (SMF) end facets are desired for label-free biosensing, due to flexible light delivery, in vivo inspection capability, and seamless integration with fiber-optic communication techniques. We report a plasmonic crystal cavity structure that has a steep resonance near the plasmonic bandedge, a fabrication process to efficiently transfer and align the structure onto a bare SMF end facet, and characterization of its sensing performance. With a sensitivity of 571 nm RIU−1, a figure of merit of 68 RIU−1 and a real-time refractive index detection limit of 3.5 × 10−6 RIU, our sensors can be readily applied in common SPR biosensing experiments. They are over an order of magnitude more sensitive than reported modified-end multimode fiber SPR devices, while there are no reports on previous SMF end facet devices' detection limits which have very low figures of merit.
Giant electrostrictive effects of NaNbO3-BaTiO3 lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Zuo Ruzhong , Qi He , Fu Jian , Li Jingfeng , Shi Min , Xu Yudong
Published: June 2016

A giant electrostrictive effect was observed in (1 − x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics, which exhibit a high electrostrictive coefficient Q33 of ∼0.046 m4/C2 twice as large as those of Pb- and Bi-based perovskite relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. The theoretical analysis suggests that Q33 should be strongly correlated with chemical species of cations in a perovskite structure in which a strong ionic bond is of great benefit compared with a covalent bond. A hysteresis-free large electrostrictive strain of ∼0.148% up to at least 70 Hz was obtained in the x = 0.25 sample, demonstrating significant advantages over piezoelectric effects in high-precision ceramic actuators.
Enhancement of magnetic moment in ZnxFe3−xO4 thin films with dilute Zn substitution
Authors: Yuan Honglei , Liu Er , Yin Yuli , Zhang Wen , Wong P. K. Johnny , Zheng Jian-Guo , Huang Zhaocong , Ou Huiling , Zhai Ya , Xu Qingyu , Du Jun , Zhai Hongru
Published: June 2016

Highly (111)-textured ZnxFe3−xO4 thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition on silicon substrates. The spin and orbital magnetic moments of the ZnxFe3−xO4 thin films have been obtained by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and sum rule analysis. The total magnetic moments thus extracted are in good agreement with the values obtained by vibrating sample magnetometer. Both the unquenched orbital moment and the ratio of orbital-to-spin moment first increase significantly with increasing Zn substitution at a low concentration range (0≤x≤0.1), and then decrease at a higher concentration (x = 0.3). The underlying site-specific doping mechanisms involved here have been elucidated by detailed analysis of the XMCD of ZnxFe3−xO4 films. Our work demonstrates a practical means to manipulate the spin-orbit coupling in the ZnxFe3−xO4 thin films via Zn impurity doping.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) polymer electrolyte for paper-based and flexible battery applications
Authors: Aliahmad Nojan , Shrestha Sudhir , Varahramyan Kody , Agarwal Mangilal
Published: June 2016

Paper-based batteries represent a new frontier in battery technology. However, low-flexibility and poor ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes have been major impediments in achieving practical mechanically flexible batteries. This work discuss new highly ionic conductive polymer gel electrolytes for paper-based battery applications. In this paper, we present a poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDH-HFP) porous membrane electrolyte enhanced with lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulphone)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP), with an ionic conductivity of 2.1 × 10−3 S cm−1. Combining ceramic (LATP) with the gel structure of PVDF-HFP and LiTFSI ionic liquid harnesses benefits of ceramic and gel electrolytes in providing flexible electrolytes with a high ionic conductivity. In a flexibility test experiment, bending the polymer electrolyte at 90° for 20 times resulted in 14% decrease in ionic conductivity. Efforts to further improving the flexibility of the presented electrolyte are ongoing. Using this electrolyte, full-cell batteries with lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) electrodes and (i) standard metallic current collectors and (ii) paper-based current collectors were fabricated and tested. The achieved specific capacities were (i) 123 mAh g−1 for standard metallic current collectors and (ii) 99.5 mAh g−1 for paper-based current collectors. Thus, the presented electrolyte has potential to become a viable candidate in paper-based and flexible battery applications. Fabrication methods, experimental procedures, and test results for the polymer gel electrolyte and batteries are presented and discussed.
Schottky’s conjecture, field emitters, and the point charge model
Authors: Jensen Kevin L. , Shiffler Donald A. , Harris John R. , Petillo John J.
Published: June 2016

A Point Charge Model of conical field emitters, in which the emitter is defined by an equipotential surface of judiciously placed charges over a planar conductor, is used to confirm Schottky’s conjecture that field enhancement factors are multiplicative for a small protrusion placed on top of a larger base structure. Importantly, it is shown that Schottky’s conjecture for conical / ellipsoidal field emitters remains unexpectedly valid even when the dimensions of the protrusion begin to approach the dimensions of the base structure. The model is analytic and therefore the methodology is extensible to other configurations.
Dew absorption by the leaf trichomes of Combretum leprosum in the Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Pina Ana L. C. B. , Zandavalli Roberta B. , Oliveira Rafael S. , Martins Fernando R. , Soares Arlete A.
Published: June 2016

Dew formation is common in several regions of the world, but in arid and semiarid regions dew may represent an important water source for plants. In this study, we tested whether the leaves of a common shrub in the semiarid region of Brazil, Combretum leprosum Mart. (Combretaceae) absorb dew. We also identified the leaf anatomical structures that are involved in this process and tested whether dew absorption favours hydration of leaf tissues in both field and greenhouse experiments. The translucent and shiny leaf trichomes of C. leprosum absorbed dew. Leaf water absorption through hydrophilic trichomes and the presence of hydrophilic polysaccharides in C. leprosum increased its leaf water status. The presence of paraveinal mesophyll and the role of this tissue in the redistribution of water in the leaf are shown for the first time in Combretaceae.
Characterizing treatment pathways at scale using the OHDSI network
Authors: Hripcsak George , Ryan Patrick B. , Duke Jon D. , Shah Nigam H. , Park Rae Woong , Huser Vojtech , Suchard Marc A. , Schuemie Martijn J. , DeFalco Frank J. , Perotte Adler , Banda Juan M. , Reich Christian G. , Schilling Lisa M. , Matheny Michael E. , Meeker Daniella , Pratt Nicole , Madigan David
Published: June 2016

Observational research promises to complement experimental research by providing large, diverse populations that would be infeasible for an experiment. Observational research can test its own clinical hypotheses, and observational studies also can contribute to the design of experiments and inform the generalizability of experimental research. Understanding the diversity of populations and the variance in care is one component. In this study, the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) collaboration created an international data network with 11 data sources from four countries, including electronic health records and administrative claims data on 250 million patients. All data were mapped to common data standards, patient privacy was maintained by using a distributed model, and results were aggregated centrally. Treatment pathways were elucidated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depression. The pathways revealed that the world is moving toward more consistent therapy over time across diseases and across locations, but significant heterogeneity remains among sources, pointing to challenges in generalizing clinical trial results. Diabetes favored a single first-line medication, metformin, to a much greater extent than hypertension or depression. About 10% of diabetes and depression patients and almost 25% of hypertension patients followed a treatment pathway that was unique within the cohort. Aside from factors such as sample size and underlying population (academic medical center versus general population), electronic health records data and administrative claims data revealed similar results. Large-scale international observational research is feasible.
Leucokinin mimetic elicits aversive behavior in mosquito
Aedes aegypti
(L.) and inhibits the sugar taste neuron
Authors: Kwon Hyeogsun , Ali Agha Moutaz , Smith Ryan C. , Nachman Ronald J. , Marion-Poll Frédéric , Pietrantonio Patricia V.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Kinin receptors are known in insects to contribute to osmotic regulation and are expressed in the excretory system, in the Malpighian tubules (renal organs), and in hindgut. We discovered that in
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes, which are important vectors of human disease, a kinin receptor is also expressed within taste hairs (sensilla) on the legs and mouthparts. A kinin analog engineered to be peptidase resistant activates this kinin receptor with high potency, inhibiting sucrose taste detection directly at the level of the taste organs and eliciting a fast and highly aversive response in females during feeding. This finding suggests that mosquito G protein-coupled receptors could be new targets for discovering compounds to deter mosquitoes and preventing them from feeding.
Neural mechanisms underlying the impact of daylong cognitive work on economic decisions
Authors: Blain Bastien , Hollard Guillaume , Pessiglione Mathias
Published: June 2016

Significance

In evolved species, resisting the temptation of immediate rewards is a critical ability for the achievement of long-term goals. This self-control ability was found to rely on the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), which also is involved in executive control processes such as working memory or task switching. Here we show that self-control capacity can be altered in healthy humans at the time scale of a workday, by performing difficult executive control tasks. This fatigue effect manifested in choice impulsivity was linked to reduced excitability of the LPFC following its intensive utilization over the day. Our findings might have implications for designing management strategies that would prevent daylong cognitive work from biasing economic decisions.
PROTAC-induced BET protein degradation as a therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Raina Kanak , Lu Jing , Qian Yimin , Altieri Martha , Gordon Deborah , Rossi Ann Marie K. , Wang Jing , Chen Xin , Dong Hanqing , Siu Kam , Winkler James D. , Crew Andrew P. , Crews Craig M. , Coleman Kevin G.
Published: June 2016

Significance

We describe the development of a small molecule that mediates the degradation of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins and its application in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Few therapeutic options exist to treat CRPC, especially CRPC tumors expressing constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) splice variants that lack the ligand-binding domain and can effect androgen-independent transactivation of target genes. Importantly, we demonstrate that targeted degradation of BET proteins using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology causes cell death in cultured prostate cancer cells and results in tumor growth inhibition or regression in mouse models of CRPC, including models that express high levels of AR splice variant 7. Our work thus contains a significant potential therapeutic advance in the treatment of this cancer.
Nonlinear analogue of the May−Wigner instability transition
Authors: Fyodorov Yan V. , Khoruzhenko Boris A.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Complex systems equipped with stability feedback mechanisms become unstable to small displacements from equilibria as the complexity (as measured by the interaction strength and number of degrees of freedom) increases. This paper takes a global view on this transition from stability to instability. Our examination of a generic dynamical system whereby
N
degrees of freedom are coupled randomly shows that the phase portrait of complex multicomponent systems undergoes a sharp transition as the complexity increases. The transition manifests itself in the exponential explosion of the number of equilibria, and the transition threshold is quantitatively similar to the local instability threshold. Our model provides a mathematical framework for studying generic features of the global dynamics of large complex systems.
A class II KNOX gene,
KNOX4
, controls seed physical dormancy
Authors: Chai Maofeng , Zhou Chuanen , Molina Isabel , Fu Chunxiang , Nakashima Jin , Li Guifen , Zhang Wenzheng , Park Jongjin , Tang Yuhong , Jiang Qingzhen , Wang Zeng-Yu
Published: June 2016

Significance

Physical dormancy, often called hardseededness, exists widely in higher plants. This adaptive trait allows plants to maintain a seed bank in soil, and thus survive unfavorable environmental conditions. The molecular mechanism of physical dormancy is largely elusive. We used the model legume plant,
Medicago truncatula,
to study this trait because this species produces seeds with typical physical dormancy. By screening a large
M. truncatula
population tagged with a retrotransposon, we isolated mutant seeds that lost physical dormancy. Genetic and molecular analyses revealed that a class II KNOTTED-like homeobox (KNOX) gene,
KNOX4
, controls physical dormancy by regulating seed-coat cuticle development. The study provides an understanding of the molecular mechanism of physical dormancy and offers a perspective for seed plant evolution.
Decomposing polysemy
Authors: Yang Barry Chung-Yu
Published: June 2016

Theka-construction in Taiwan Southern Min is well-known for its polysemy. This study argues that with evidence from extra-argumentality,ka-NP position, thematic relationship, passivization, over-generalization, and dialectal difference,kashould at least be categorized into three different types, i.e., light verb, applicative, and preposition, instead of a uniform one. The first type involves the disposal patient/theme and the goal/source constructions wherekais a light verb taking a reduced VP complement. The second one applies to the benefactive/adversative construction wherekais a high applicative head mediating the relation between theka-NP and a VoiceP. The third one accounts for the non-gapped dative construction wherekais a preposition heading a PP that modifies a VP. By so doing, the polysemy is simply an interplay between different types ofkaand their corresponding syntactic structures.
Implicit acquisition of tone-suffix connections in L2 learners of Swedish
Authors: Schremm Andrea , Söderström Pelle , Horne Merle , Roll Mikael
Published: June 2016

Swedish native speakers (NSs) unconsciously use tones realized on word stems to predict upcoming suffixes during speech comprehension. The present response time study investigated whether relatively proficient second language (L2) learners of Swedish have acquired the underlying association between tones and suffixes without explicit instruction, internalizing a feature that is specific to their L2. Learners listened to sentences in which the tone on the verb stem either validly or invalidly cued the following present or past tense inflection. Invalidly cued suffixes led to increased decision latencies in a verb tense identification task, suggesting that learners pre-activated suffixes associated with stem tones in a manner similar to NSs. Thus, L2 learners seemed to have acquired the tone-suffix connections through implicit mechanisms. Correctly cued suffixes were associated with a smaller processing advantage in the L2 group relative to NSs performing the same task; nevertheless, results suggest a tendency for increasingly native-like tone processing with cumulative language experience. The way suffix type affected response times also indicates exposure-related effects.
Deverbal compound comprehension in preschool children
Authors: Barbosa Poliana Goncalves , Nicoladis Elena
Published: June 2016

When English-speaking children first attempt to produce deverbal compound words (like muffin maker), they often misorder the noun and the verb (e.g., make-muffin, maker muffin, or making-muffin). The purpose of the present studies was to test Usage-based and Distributional Morphology-based explanations of children’s errors. In Study 1, we compared three to four-year old children’s interpretations of Verb-Noun (e.g., push-ball) to Verb-erNoun (e.g., pusher-ball). In Study 2, we compared three- to five-year old children’s interpretations of Verb-erNoun (e.g., pusher-ball) to Noun-Verb-er (e.g., ball pusher). Results from both studies suggest that while preschool children’s understanding of deverbal compounds is still developing, they already show some sensitivity to word ordering within compounds. We argue that these results are interpretable within Usage-based approaches.
Discursive construction and negotiation of laity on an online health forum
Authors: Fage-Butler Antoinette , Anesa Patrizia
Published: June 2016

E-patients are increasingly using the Internet to gain knowledge about medical conditions, thereby problematizing the biomedical assumption that patients are ‘lay’. The present paper addresses this development by investigating the epistemic identities of patients participating on an online health forum. Using poststructuralist discourse analysis to analyze a corpus of cardiology-related threads on an ‘Ask a Doctor’ forum, we compare how patients are discursively constructed by online professionals as ‘knowing’ or ‘not knowing’ with the online knowledge identities patients choose for themselves. Analysis reveals a complex picture, with patients positioning themselves and being constructed as biomedical novices, as well as claiming the subject positions of (semi-)experts challenging medical expertise. This paper provides a snapshot of an important social identity in transition, illustrates a procedure for comparing language use around imposed and self-appropriated identities, and considers discursive choice in relation to the metapragmatic matter of “sayability” (Mey 2001: 176).
Rituals of outspokenness and verbal conflict
Authors: Kádár Dániel Z. , de la Cruz Melvin
Published: June 2016

This study examines rituals of outspokenness, by analysing cases drawn from the US hidden camera show, Primetime: What Would You Do? Studying ritualistic behaviour in cases when bystanders become side participants as they stand up for victims of abuse fills a knowledge gap in pragmatics. A further merit of studying this phenomenon is that it provides insight into the reactive aspect of ritual behaviour, which is usually described in the field as a form of action rather than reaction. Furthermore, examining the morally loaded acts of rituals of outspokenness reveals the potentially complex relationship between aggression and normative behaviour.
Keeping it real or selling out
Authors: Baratta Alexander
Published: June 2016

Accent modification is arguably a common practice in Britain, given the often negative class-based assumptions regarding regional accents in particular. Rather than assume that accent modification is a neutral practice, however, the current study asks how accent modification can potentially impact on people’s identity. In other words, how does a consciously modified accent affect how people see themselves? To answer this, 92 British participants were involved in the study, providing questionnaire responses. The results show that while most remain neutral toward the practice, over a third regards accent modification as ‘selling out’. This demonstrates how accent-based prejudice in society can be the motivating factor to modify one’s accent and, as many celebrate their natural accent, accommodation can lead to individuals feeling like frauds, suggesting that pride in one’s accent can mean for some, that, in keeping with essentialist philosophy, accent, and subsequent identity, is not to be tampered with.
Development of a promoter shutoff system in Aspergillus oryzae using a sorbitol-sensitive promoter
Authors: Oda Ken , Terado Shiho , Toyoura Rieko , Fukuda Hisashi , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Iwashita Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

Promoter shutoff is a general method for analyzing essential genes, but in the fungus Aspergillus oryzae, no tightly repressed promoters have been reported. To overcome the current limitations of conditional promoters, we examined sorbitol- and galactose-responsive genes using microarrays to identify regulatable genes with only minor physiological and genetic effects. We identified two sorbitol-induced genes (designated as sorA and sorB), cloned their promoters, and built a regulated egfp and brlA expression system. Growth medium-dependent enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) fluorescence and conidiation were confirmed for egfp and brlA under the control of their respective promoters. We also used this shutoff system to regulate the essential rhoA, which demonstrated the expected growth inhibition under repressed growth conditions. Our new sorbitol promoter shutoff system developed can serve as a valuable new tool for essential gene analyses of filamentous fungi.
Degradation products of mangiferin by gamma irradiation with inhibitory effects on NO production
Authors: Jo Cheorun , Yoon Kyung Young , Jang Eun Jin , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: June 2016

The xanthone glucoside mangiferin (1) was converted by γ-irradiation into three new compounds, mangiferdiol (2), mangiferinol (3), and isomangiferinol (4). The new compound 2 containing two hydroxymethyl groups instead of a ketone moiety exhibited significantly improved inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 value 47.1 ± 1.7 μM, compared to the mother mangiferin.
A Declining Farm Workforce: Analysis of Panel Data from Rural Mexico
Authors: Charlton Diane , Taylor J. Edward
Published: June 2016

Analysis of nationally representative individual‐level panel data from 1980 to 2010 reveals a significant negative trend in the agricultural labor supply from rural Mexico, which is the primary source of hired workers for U.S. farms. These findings offer an explanation for the rise over time in U.S. farm wages. Concomitants of the agricultural transformation, including growth in the non‐farm economy, falling birth rates, and an increase in rural education, accelerate the transition of rural Mexicans out of farm work. Higher U.S. farm wages and increased border enforcement slow the transition, but the combined impact of these offsetting variables is relatively small. A diminishing farm labor supply has far‐reaching implications for farmers, farm labor organizers, rural communities, and agricultural workers.
Effectiveness of computer-aided learning in oral health among patients and caregivers: a systematic review
Authors: Ab Malik Normaliza , Zhang Jiaguan , Lam Otto Lok Tao , Jin Lijian , McGrath Colman
Published: June 2016

Computer-aided learning (CAL) offers enormous potential in disseminating oral health care information to patients and caregivers. The effectiveness of CAL, however, remains unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically review published evidence on the effectiveness of CAL in disseminating oral health care information to patients and caregivers.

Materials and Methods: A structured comprehensive search was undertaken among 7 electronic databases (PUBMED, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WEB of SCIENCE, the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO) to identify relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included in this review. Papers were screened by 2 independent reviewers, and studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected for further assessment.

Results: A total of 2915 papers were screened, and full texts of 53 potentially relevant papers (κ = 0.885) were retrieved. A total of 5 studies that met the inclusion criteria (1 RCT, 1 quasi-experimental study, and 3 post-intervention studies) were identified. Outcome measures included knowledge, attitude, behavior, and oral health. Significant improvements in clinical oral health parameters (P < .05) and knowledge/attitudes (P < .001) were reported in 2 of the studies. The 3 remaining studies reported improved oral health behaviors and confidence.

Conclusion: There is a limited number of studies which have examined the effectiveness of CAL interventions for oral health care among patients and caregivers. Synthesis of the data suggests that CAL has positive impacts on knowledge, attitude, behavior, and oral health. Further high- quality studies on the effectiveness of CAL in promoting oral health are warranted.
A novel use of the discrete templated notes within an electronic health record software to monitor resident supervision
Authors: Ban Vin Shen , Madden Christopher J , Browning Travis , O’Connell Ellen , Marple Bradley F , Moran Brett
Published: June 2016

Objective: Monitoring the supervision of residents can be a challenging task. We describe our experience with the implementation of a templated note system for documenting procedures with the aim of enabling automated, discrete, and standardized capture of documentation of supervision of residents performing floor-based procedures, with minimal extra effort from the residents.

Materials and methods: Procedural note templates were designed using the standard existing template within a commercial electronic health record software. Templates for common procedures were created such that residents could document every procedure performed outside of the formal procedural areas. Automated reports were generated and letters were sent to noncompliers.

Results: A total of 27 045 inpatient non–formal procedural area procedures were recorded from August 2012 to June 2014. Compliance with NoteWriter template usage averaged 86% in the first year and increased to 94.6% in the second year (P = .0055).

Initially, only 12.5% of residents documented supervision of any form. By the end of the first year, this was above 80%, with the gains maintained into the second year and beyond. Direct supervision was documented to have occurred where required in 62.8% in the first year and increased to 99.8% in the second year (P = .0001) after the addition of hard stops. Notification of attendings prior to procedures was documented 100% of the time by September 2013. Letters sent to errant residents decreased from 3.6 to 0.83 per 100 residents per week.

Conclusion: The templated procedure note system with hard stops and integrated reporting can successfully be used to improve monitoring of resident supervision. This has potential impact on resident education and patient safety.
A systematic review of post-marital residence patterns in prehistoric hunter-gatherers
Authors: Brewer Devon D.
Published: June 2016

Background and RationalePost-marital residence patterns refer to where a couple lives after marriage, such as near or with husband's kin (patrilocality) or wife's kin (matrilocality). These patterns influence other aspects of social organization and behavior, and potentially reveal key parts of human nature. Since the 1860s, anthropologists have sought to characterize prehistoric hunter-gatherers' post-marital residence patterns by extrapolating from modern hunter-gatherers' and chimpanzees' behavior. For many reasons, these extrapolations are invalid. I summarized direct evidence of residence patterns from prehistoric hunter-gatherers' remains.MethodsI conducted a systematic review of strontium isotope and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies of prehistoric hunter-gatherers and extinct hominins. I also carried out a systematic review of the reliability of classifying prehistoric hunter-gatherer individuals by sex. To evaluate assumptions underlying my analyses of residence patterns, I reviewed the ethnographic literature on hunter-gatherers' mortuary practices as represented in the eHRAF World Cultures database.ResultsThe archaeologic sites included in my review represent every inhabited continent except Australia, and their dates span almost the last 10,000 years. In the strontium isotope studies, most adults of both sexes were local, and women were slightly more likely to be local than men. Within sites, women and men had similar mtDNA distributions. Women in neighboring, contemporaneous communities had somewhat distinct mtDNA distributions from each other, while the mtDNA distributions of men in the different communities were less distinguishable. The statistical uncertainties for most summaries are fairly large. Taken together, the results indicate the burial communities were mostly endogamous and that exogamous marriages strained toward matrilocality. The very limited research on extinct hominins' residence patterns is consistent with these findings. In addition, there was only a moderate correspondence between morphologic and genetic estimates of sex in adult prehistoric hunter-gatherer individuals. When I corrected for this measurement error or relied on genetic estimates of sex only, the post-marital residence pattern results shifted in the direction of greater matrilocal tendencies. Modern hunter-gatherers' burial practices were consonant with the assumptions underlying my analyses.ConclusionsDirect evidence from prehistoric hunter-gatherers' remains indicates very different post-marital residence patterns than those extrapolated from modern hunter-gatherers' and chimpanzees' behavior. In prehistoric hunter-gatherer settings, endogamy may be the outcome of humans' long-term mating preferences. Endogamy may have inhibited bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in prehistory and enabled the evolution of altruism in humans.
Synthesis of phosphorylated rust metamorphoses and its comparative corrosion study on steel samples simulated in different atmospheres
Authors: Jain Rachna , Sharma Amit , Bhadu Manish Kumar , Swarnkar Keshave
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the corrosion inhibition efficiency of steel samples in different environments before and after the treatment with rust metamorphose (RM), which is formulated in this research study and shows excellent adherence over the rusted surface of substrate because of the presence of the P-O-Fe bond.

Design/methodology/approach

An RM solution (phosphorylated polyphenol) was synthesised and characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and then the degree of protection offered by it to steel surfaces with and without the treatment with the RM solution in different atmospheres was evaluated;. Before and after treating with the RM solution, the corroded steel samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The study of the passive behaviours of the corroded steel samples and RM-treated steel samples was done in different simulated atmospheres.

Findings

This RM solution is phosphorylated polyphenol solution (proved by FT-IR), which acts as a corrosion inhibitor on corroded steel surfaces because of the formation of a passive and symmetric adherent layer of phosphorylated polyphenol–iron complex (confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, EDS, SEM and adhesion X test). The significant improvement in corrosion resistance in splash conditions of 3.5 per cent NaCl, tap water and 1.5 per cent Na2SO4 was found with the treatment of phosphorylated polyphenol-based RM.

Originality/value

The development of RM and its characterisation with performance evaluation in different atmospheres is a novel approach in this research.
Preparation and research of electroless nickel on carbon fiber surfaces
Authors: Shao Zhongcai , Guo Jian , Liu Pin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce the process flow of electroless nickel (EN) plating on carbon fiber surfaces, the effect of former processing on the properties of coating and the dynamics of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The coated fibers were mounted in cold-setting epoxy resin, and transverse cross-section of the coated fibers were examined under an optical microscope to ascertain the thickness, uniformity and continuity of the coating over the fiber surface. The coating morphology was studied by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This study also determined the activation energy and electrical properties of EN coated on carbon fibers.

Findings

Activation temperatures have a greater impact on the quality of EN. At a temperature of 80°C, the EN layer prepared was uniform and compact and fully coated the carbon fibers. The optimum components of the EN plating process is NiSO4: 28 g/L; NaH2PO2: 30 g/L; NaAc: 20 g/L; Na3C6H5O7:10 g/L; C4O6H2KNa: 2 g/L; (NH4)2SO4: 18 g/L; thiourea and lead acetate: trace; operating conditions: pH = 8.5, temperature: 70°C; time: 0.5 h). The activation energy of the EN plating on carbon fiber is 12 kJ/mol, and the electrical conductivity of nickel-plated carbon fiber in 80 mL of distilled water is 16.5 μs/cm.

Originality/value

This paper determined the optimum processing conditions and the activation energy of the EN plating on carbon fiber.
Evolution of international and Chinese anti-bribery and corruption compliance programs
Authors: Schonfelder Karen , Velamuri S. Ramakrishna , Liu Wilson
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory framework in China and the extent to which Chinese multinationals have implemented and disclosed their anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) compliance practices. This is done against the backdrop of the evolving international ABC compliance standards.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on detailed reviews of the ABC compliance standards of international organizations; legislation passed by the USA, the UK and Chinese Governments; seven semi-structured interviews with leading experts in the field; and comparisons of ABC program disclosures of four Chinese with four best-in-class western multinational corporations.

Findings

A high level of convergence was found in the ABC standards published by the international organizations. Several positive features were found in the Chinese ABC regulatory frameworks but our findings indicate that there is minimal disclosure around ABC compliance program practices. This paper shows that a transparent disclosure would represent an easy win for Chinese multinational corporations and contribute to raising their reputations internationally.

Research limitations/implications

While there are numerous studies in the law literature on ABC compliance standards and the extent to which they are effective in achieving their objectives, this is an emergent area in management research, to which our study makes a contribution. Future research could explore how other emerging economies are tackling this important issue.

Practical implications

By proactively adopting ABC compliance practices, corporations can seize the ethical high ground and build solid reputations with their stakeholders.

Originality/value

It is believed that this study is the first academic study that compares Chinese and international ABC standards.