bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jews and the Language of Eastern Slavs
Authors: Kulik Alexander
Published: February 2014

The dating and localization of Jewish presence, origin and cultural characteristics of Jewish population in the Medieval Eastern Europe became a subject of tense discussion and extreme evaluations, often connected to extra-academic ideological agendas. The question of the spoken language of the Jews inhabiting Slavic lands during the Middle Ages is one of these unresolved questions. The most basic problem hindering the development of this field was a failure to differentiate among Slavic materials of different provenance, i.e., among pieces of linguistic evidence emerging from thoroughly different historical contexts. This involves, first of all, demarcating between West and East Slavic data. Scant as it may seem, the evidence on the knowledge of East Slavic among early East European Jews is incomparably richer than the data on any other language they may have spoken during this period. This evidence is also very diverse and representative. The emerging picture may impact different fields of knowledge and prompt a reevaluation of many historical and linguistic problems. The linguistic situation reflected in our early sources may indicate a peculiar type of coexistence between Jews and their Slavic neighbors, one that differs from later models of either extreme isolationism or no less extreme assimilation attested in this region. What we are suggesting is a model in which the boundaries between the two groups could take shape along confessional rather than ethno-cultural lines.
ibn aššarīfah vs. ibn aljāriyah “Son of the Noble Wife vs. Son of the Concubine”: The Hebrew Component as a Polemic Device
Authors: Shachmon Ori
Published: February 2014

This article is an attempt to understand the manners in which linguistic components function in an oral text. It analyses a story recorded from a Yemenite Jew, who describes a scene from his childhood in Yemen as he remembers it - or as he wants his listeners to conceive it. The language is Yemenite Arabic, yet Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic components are interwoven throughout the text, and build a linguistic plot which runs parallel to the main plot and modifies the theme.
Reconstructing Samuel Barber’s Christmas Cantata Christmas Eve: A Trio with Solos, Op. XIII
Authors: Quinn Iain
Published: February 2014

Samuel Barber’s early cantata for voices and organ, Christmas Eve , is a previously unstudied area of Barber’s childhood output. Utilizing the composer’s manuscripts from his time as a student of Sidney Homer, the score has been reconstructed. The reconstruction has revealed Barber’s considerable ability to intuit and assimilate the styles of contemporary American sacred choral works of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, while capturing the essence of dramatic musical gesture. It is a work that demonstrates a creative sophistication far beyond the early years of a young composer. By examining this work we are able to observe the artistic energies of a future master composer, celebrated for his works in the vocal canon, as well as consider afresh the composer-performer-audience relationship of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Photoplay Music From the Mirskey Collection at the University of Pittsburgh
Authors: Peña Carlos E.
Published: February 2014

The Theodore M. Finney Music Library of the University of Pittsburgh houses the Mirskey Collection, a large collection of salon orchestra music used in the early twentieth century by Nek Mirskey’s Polonia Orchestra. The collection includes a large amount of photoplay music, or music composed for the accompaniment of silent films, and it has lately attracted the interest of silent-film-music scholars. This article briefly discusses the phenomenon of film scoring during the silent era, and takes a close look at the work that Pitt has done in providing access to the collection, which includes rare examples of the silent-film-music genre.
Denkmäler der Tonkunst in Österreich (DTÖ): History and Editorial Program
Authors: Eybl Martin
Published: February 2014

Being the oldest edition series founded on the idea of musical monuments and still active, the Denkmäler der Tonkunst in Österreich (DTÖ: Monuments of Art Music in Austria) has published important works of Austria’s music history over the period of the last 120 years. More than 150 volumes of the series comprise critical editions of music from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. The DTÖ Society was founded in 1893 on the initiative of Guido Adler, one of the pioneers of modern musicology, and the first professor of the discipline at the University of Vienna. Adler was chief editor for many decades until the society was suspended by the Nazi regime during the World War II. Eduard Hanslick served as the society’s first president. Among the members of the editorial board we find famous scholars and artists such as Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler, and Richard Strauss. This article summarizes the history of the DTÖ Society, gives an overview of the past editions, and portrays a few volumes that turned out to be milestones in musicological research. Plans for future editions are also discussed.
New Periodicals
Authors: Cowing Jared
Published: February 2014

This semiannual column selectively lists new periodicals; describes their objectives, formats, and contents; and provides information about special issues; title and format changes, mergers, and cessations. The following resources were frequently consulted when assembling this column: International Index to Music Periodicals ( IIMP ; http://www.proquest.com/en-US/catalogs/databases/detail/iimp_ft.shtml ), Music Index ( MI ; http://www.ebscohost.com ), RILM Abstracts of Music Literature , ( RILM ; http://www.rilm.org ), OCLC Worldcat, Ulrich’s Periodical Directory ( http://www.ulrichsweb.com/ulrichsweb/ ) and the Directory of Open Access Journals ( www.doaj.org ). All Web sites were accessed on 12 September 2013 unless otherwise specified.
The End of Pathos and of Youthful Innocence: Schiller, Wedekind, and Schnitzler
Authors: Mathäs Alexander
Published: February 2014

The essay reads Schnitzler’s Liebelei and Wedekind’s Frühlings Erwachen as examples of fin-de-siècle responses to the Schillerian concept of pathos and shows how these responses expressed a changing attitude toward love and the mind-body dichotomy. It discusses how the spiritualization and glorification of youth and romantic love became untenable at the end of the nineteenth century, when sexuality was recognized as an instinctual force and bourgeois morality was unmasked as a smokescreen that served to conceal sexual instincts. Reading the late-nineteenth-century dramas as a response to some of Schiller’s aesthetic assumptions reveals that Wedekind’s and Schnitzler’s modernist rebellion against the idealization of youth and nature was also accompanied by a melancholy over the loss of ideals.
The Austrian Provenance of the Worldwide Camphill Movement
Authors: Jackson Robin
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the pioneering contribution made by Karl Koenig to the field of intellectual disability. Koenig was an Austrian émigré forced by virtue of his Jewish heritage to flee his homeland after the Anschluss. From a seed sown by Koenig in Scotland in 1940 has grown the worldwide Camphill Movement. The paper also seeks to identify and describe the essential elements of the Camphill philosophy and practice.
Ästhetische Travestie: Zur Inszenierung des Geschlechts in der österreichischen Aktionskunst der 1960er Jahre
Authors: Brucher Rosemarie
Published: February 2014

This article addresses the coherencies linking subjectivity, power, and gender in the Austrian performance art of the late 1960s. It focuses especially on cross-dressing, that is, on performative gender-switching. Based on the confrontation of two exemplary works by Günter Brus and valie export , the following questions are crucial to this study: What kind of subjectivity is negotiated through this identification with “the other”? Furthermore, what type of role-playing challenges traditional sexual power relations and, finally, what differences result from the opposing approaches of the two artists?
Inge Merkels Zeitgemäße Betrachtungen
Authors: Schneider Gerd K.
Published: February 2014

Inge Merkel did not write only about the grand themes of European history, such as death and the Devil, apocalypse and religious strife. Rather, her texts present her criticisms of the events of her time, such as the events in Rostock, the election of Kurt Waldheim, the persecution of immigrants, as well as her opinions on tolerance, all of which she published in newspapers and journals. Above all she criticizes the masses that let themselves be guided by their drives, not by their reason. In this respect she is a successor to Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche. This article also emphasizes her linguistic inventions and her humor.
Human Fragments: Plastic Surgery and Bare Life in Joseph Roth’s Feuilletons
Authors: Weitzman Erica
Published: February 2014

This article examines three of Joseph Roth’s feuilletons in the context of the intersecting discourses of anthropology, medicine, and ethics in post-World War I Europe. Specifically, the article connects Roth’s description of the reconstructive surgery ward at the Charité hospital in Berlin, founded by pioneering surgeon Jacques Joseph, to the political-philosophical notion of “bare life,” in order to show how Roth thereby points to a new concept of human being beyond the prevailing anthropological categories of the time.
Neurological Examination in Small Animals
Authors: Paluš Viktor
Published: February 2014

This clinical review about the neurological examination in small animals describes the basics about the first steps of investigation when dealing with neurological patients. The knowledge of how to perform the neurological examination is important, however more important is how to correctly interpret these performed tests. A step-by-step approach is mandatory and examiners should master the order and the style of performing these tests. Neurological conditions can be sometimes very distressing for owners and for pets that might not be the most cooperating. The role of a veterinary surgeon, as a professional, is therefore to collect the most relevant history, to examine a patient in a professional manner and to give owners ad educated opinion about the further treatment and prognosis. However neurological examinations might look challenging for many. But it is only the clinical application of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to an every-day situation for practicing veterinarians and it does not require any specific in-depth knowledge. This clinical review is aimed not only to provide the information on how to perform the neurological examination but it is also aimed to appeal on veterinarians to challenge their daily routine and to start practicing on neurologically normal patients. This is the best and only way to differentiate between the normal and abnormal in a real situation.
Effect of Ce2O3 and CaO/Al2O3 on the Phase, Melting Temperature and Viscosity of CaO-Al2O3-10 Mass% SiO2 Based Slags
Authors: Wu Chengchuan , Cheng Guoguang , Long Hu
Published: February 2014

The melting temperature and viscosity of CaO-Al2O3-10 mass% SiO2 based slag system with various concentrations of Ce2O3 have been studied using the melting point detector and the rotating crucible viscometer. And X-ray diffraction analysis has been used for phase identification. The results show that cerium is stable in Ce3+ state existing mainly as CeAlO3 and Ce4.67(SiO4)3O phase in slags and CeAlO3 phase appears in green color. The melting temperature gently decreases with Ce2O3 additions in 1.57 of CaO/Al2O3. Moreover, the melting temperature increases first and then decreases with the increasing of CaO/Al2O3 from 1.17 to 1.52 at 4.47 mass% Ce2O3. In addition, at 1.57 of CaO/Al2O3, the viscosity increases at the beginning and then decreases with the increasing Ce2O3 content from 4.39 to 11.48 mass%. Furthermore, at 4.47 mass% Ce2O3, the viscosity decreases at the first and then increases with the increasing CaO/Al2O3 from 1.17 to 1.52. Meanwhile, from the slopes of the Arrhenius relationship for viscosity, the activation energy range of viscous flow is from 179.07 to 433.70 kJ/mol. On the basis of these results, slag composition of 45.64 mass% CaO-39.02 mass% Al2O3-10.73 mass% SiO2-3.83 mass% Ce2O3 is melting temperature of 1361 °C and viscosity of 0.398 Pa·s (1500 °C), which has superiority and is more suitable for the actual refining process.
Microstructural Evolution of Aluminum Alloy 2618 During Homogenization and Its Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Su Xuping , Liu Ya , Wu Changjun , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2014

The microstructure evolution of aluminum alloy 2618 and its homogenization kinetics were investigated by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. The results show that the main constituent phases in as-cast alloy 2618 are α–Al, Al9FeNi phase and non-equilibrium binary θ (Al2Cu) phase instead of typical S (Al2CuMg) phase. The θ phase was dissolved into α–Al gradually and the continuous dendritic-network structure was broken with the increase of homogenization temperature and time. DSC analysis shows that the overburnt and liquidus temperatures of as-cast alloy 2618 are 506.4 °C and 638.0 °C, respectively. After the alloy was homogenized at optimized temperature 500 °C for 16 h, the θ phase was completely dissolved in matrix. The size and morphology of Al9FeNi phase had little change, while the liquidus temperature shifted to 641 °C. The calculated homogenization time for alloy 2618 at 500 °C is 15 h, which is in accordance with that obtained in homogenization experiments.
A benchmark study of the Wigner Monte Carlo method
Authors: Sellier Jean Michel , Nedjalkov Mihail , Dimov Ivan , Selberherr Siegfried
Published: February 2014

The Wigner equation is a promising full quantum model for the simulation
of nanodevices. It is also a challenging numerical problem. Two basic Monte Carlo
approaches to this model exist exploiting, in the time-dependent case,
the so-called particle affinity and, in the stationary case, integer
particle signs. In this paper we extend the second approach for time-dependent simulations and present a validation against a well-known
benchmark model, the Schrödinger equation. Excellent quantitative
agreement is demonstrated by the compared results despite the very
different numerical properties of the utilized stochastic and
deterministic approaches.
Characterisation of three novel CYP11B1 mutations in classic and non-classic 11β-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Polat Seher , Kulle Alexandra , Karaca Züleyha , Akkurt Ilker , Kurtoglu Selim , Kelestimur Fahrettin , Grötzinger Joachim , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Riepe Felix G
Published: February 2014

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited endocrine diseases. Steroid 11β-hydroxylase (P450c11) deficiency (11OHD) is the second most common form of CAH.

Aim

The aim of the study was to study the functional consequences of three novelCYP11B1gene mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8, p.Leu463_Leu464dup and p.Ser150Leu) detected in patients suffering from 11OHD and to correlate this data with the clinical phenotype.

Methods

Functional analyses were done by using a HEK293 cellin vitroexpression system comparing WT with mutant P450c11 activity. Mutant proteins were examinedin silicoto study their effect on the three-dimensional structure of the protein.

Results

Two mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8 and p.Leu463_Leu464dup) detected in patients with classic 11OHD showed a complete loss of P450c11 activity. The mutation (p.Ser150Leu) detected in a patient with non-classic 11OHD showed partial functional impairment with 19% of WT activity.

Conclusion

Functional mutation analysis enables the correlation of novelCYP11B1mutations to the classic and non-classic 11OHD phenotype respectively. Mutations causing a non-classic phenotype show typically partial impairment due to reduced maximum reaction velocity comparable with non-classic mutations in 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The increasing number of mutations associated with non-classic 11OHD illustrate that this disease should be considered as diagnosis in patients with otherwise unexplained hyperandrogenism.
Gender differences in GH response to GHRH+ARG in lipodystrophic patients with HIV: a key role for body fat distribution
Authors: Brigante Giulia , Diazzi Chiara , Ansaloni Anna , Zirilli Lucia , Orlando Gabriella , Guaraldi Giovanni , Rochira Vincenzo
Published: February 2014

Objective

Gender influence on GH secretion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is poorly known.

Design and methods

To determine the effect of gender, we compared GH response to GH-releasing hormone plus arginine (GHRH+Arg), and body composition in 103 men and 97 women with HIV and lipodystrophy. The main outcomes were IGF1, basal GH, GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) after GHRH+Arg, body composition, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).

Results

Men had lower GH peak and AUC than women (P<0.001). Of the study population, 21% of women and 37% of men had biochemical GH deficiency (GHD; GH peak <7.5 μg/l). VAT-to-SAT ratio was higher in men than in women with GHD (P<0.05). Unlike women, VAT, SAT, and trunk fat were greater in men with GHD than in men without GHD. IGF1 was significantly lower in women with GHD than in women without GHD, but not in men. At univariate analysis, BMI, trunk fat mass, VAT, and total adipose tissue were associated with GH peak and AUC in both sexes (P<0.05). BMI was the most significant predictive factor of GH peak, and AUC at multiregression analysis. Overall, abdominal fat had a less pronounced effect on GH in females than in males.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that GH response to GHRH+Arg is significantly lower in HIV-infected males than females, resulting in a higher percentage of GHD in men. Adipose tissue distribution more than fat massper seseems to account for GH gender differences and for the alteration of GH–IGF1 status in these patients.
THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: The challenges in managing giant prolactinomas
Authors: Maiter Dominique , Delgrange Etienne
Published: February 2014

Giant prolactinomas are rare tumours, representing only 2–3% of all prolactin (PRL)-secreting tumours and raising special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Based on several considerations developed in this review, their definition should be restricted to pituitary adenomas with a diameter of 40 mm or more, significant extrasellar extension, very high PRL concentrations (usually above 1000 μg/l) and no concomitant GH or ACTH secretion. Giant prolactinomas are much more frequent in young to middle-aged men than in women, with a male to female ratio of about 9:1. Endocrine symptoms are often present but overlooked for a long period of time, and diagnosis is eventually made when neurologic complications arise from massive extension into the surrounding structures, leading to cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus, temporal epilepsy or exophthalmos. PRL concentrations are usually in the range of 1000–100 000 μg/l, but may be underestimated by the so-called ‘high-dose hook effect’. As in every prolactinoma, dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment allowing rapid alleviation of neurologic symptoms in the majority of the cases, a significant reduction in tumour size in three-fourths of the patients and PRL normalization in 60–70%. These extensive tumours are usually not completely resectable and neurosurgery has significant morbidity and mortality. It should therefore be restricted to acute complications such as apoplexy or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (often induced by medical treatment) or to patients with insufficient tumoural response or progression. Irradiation and temozolomide are useful adjuvant therapies in a subset of patients with aggressive/invasive tumours, which are not controlled despite combined medical and surgical treatments. Because of these various challenges, we advocate a multidisciplinary management of these giant tumours in expert centres.
Evidence that Natural Selection on Codon Usage inDrosophila pseudoobscuraVaries Across Codons
Authors: Kliman Richard M
Published: February 2014

Like other species of Drosophila, Drosophila pseudoobscura has a distinct bias toward the usage of C- and G-ending codons. Previous studies have indicated that this bias is due, at least in part, to natural selection. Codon bias clearly differs among amino acids (and other codon classes) in Drosophila, which may reflect differences in the intensity of selection on codon usage. Ongoing natural selection on synonymous codon usage should be reflected in the shapes of the site frequency spectra of derived states at polymorphic positions. Specifically, regardless of other demographic effects on the spectrum, it should be shifted toward higher values for changes from less-preferred to more-preferred codons, and toward lower values for the converse. If the intensity of natural selection is increased, shifts in the site frequency spectra should be more pronounced. A total of 33,729 synonymous polymorphic sites on Chromosome 2 in D. pseudoobscura were analyzed. Shifts in the site frequency spectra are consistent with differential intensity of natural selection on codon usage, with stronger shifts associated with higher codon bias. The shifts, in general, are greater for polymorphic synonymous sites than for polymorphic intron sites, also consistent with natural selection. However, unlike observations in D. melanogaster, codon bias is not reduced in areas of low recombination in D. pseudoobscura; the site frequency spectrum signal for selection on codon usage remains strong in these regions. However, diversity is reduced, as expected. It is possible that estimates of low recombination reflect a recent change in recombination rate.
Recovering Power in Association Mapping Panels with Variable Levels of Linkage Disequilibrium
Authors: Rincent Renaud , Moreau Laurence , Monod HervÉ , Kuhn Estelle , Melchinger Albrecht E , Malvar Rosa A , Moreno-Gonzalez Jesus , Nicolas StÉphane , Madur Delphine , Combes ValÉrie , Dumas Fabrice , Altmann Thomas , Brunel Dominique , Ouzunova Milena , Flament Pascal , Dubreuil Pierre , Charcosset Alain , Mary-Huard Tristan
Published: February 2014

Association mapping has permitted the discovery of major QTL in many species. It can be applied to existing populations and, as a consequence, it is generally necessary to take into account structure and relatedness among individuals in the statistical model to control false positives. We analytically studied power in association studies by computing noncentrality parameter of the tests and its relationship with parameters characterizing diversity (genetic differentiation between groups and allele frequencies) and kinship between individuals. Investigation of three different maize diversity panels genotyped with the 50k SNPs array highlighted contrasted average power among panels and revealed gaps of power of classical mixed models in regions with high linkage disequilibrium (LD). These gaps could be related to the fact that markers are used for both testing association and estimating relatedness. We thus considered two alternative approaches to estimating the kinship matrix to recover power in regions of high LD. In the first one, we estimated the kinship with all the markers that are not located on the same chromosome than the tested SNP. In the second one, correlation between markers was taken into account to weight the contribution of each marker to the kinship. Simulations revealed that these two approaches were efficient to control false positives and were more powerful than classical models.
Nuclear RNAi Contributes to the Silencing of Off-Target Genes and Repetitive Sequences in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhou Xufei , Xu Fei , Mao Hui , Ji Jiaojiao , Yin Meng , Feng Xuezhu , Guang Shouhong
Published: February 2014

Small RNAs recognize, bind, and regulate other complementary cellular RNAs. The introduction of small RNAs to eukaryotic cells frequently results in unintended silencing of related, but not identical, RNAs: a process termed off-target gene silencing. Off-target gene silencing is one of the major concerns during the application of small RNA-based technologies for gene discovery and the treatment of human disease. Off-target gene silencing is commonly thought to be due to inherent biochemical limitations of the RNAi machinery. Here we show that following the introduction of exogenous sources of double-stranded RNA, the nuclear RNAi pathway, but not its cytoplasmic counterparts, is the primary source of off-target silencing in Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, we show that during the normal course of growth and development the nuclear RNAi pathway regulates repetitive gene families. Therefore, we speculate that RNAi off-target effects might not be “mistakes” but rather an intentional and genetically programmed aspect of small RNA-mediated gene silencing, which might allow small RNAs to silence rapidly evolving parasitic nucleic acids. Finally, reducing off-target effects by manipulating the nuclear RNAi pathway in vivo might improve the efficacy of small RNA-based technologies.
NsdD Is a Key Repressor of Asexual Development inAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Lee Mi-Kyung , Kwon Nak-Jung , Choi Jae Min , Lee Im-Soon , Jung Seunho , Yu Jae-Hyuk
Published: February 2014

Asexual development (conidiation) of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans occurs via balanced activities of multiple positive and negative regulators. For instance, FluG (+) and SfgA (−) govern upstream regulation of the developmental switch, and BrlA (+) and VosA (−) control the progression and completion of conidiation. To identify negative regulators of conidiation downstream of FluG-SfgA, we carried out multicopy genetic screens using sfgA deletion strains. After visually screening >100,000 colonies, we isolated 61 transformants exhibiting reduced conidiation. Responsible genes were identified as AN3152 (nsdD), AN7507, AN2009, AN1652, AN5833, and AN9141. Importantly, nsdD, a key activator of sexual reproduction, was present in 10 independent transformants. Furthermore, deletion, overexpression, and double-mutant analyses of individual genes have led to the conclusion that, of the six genes, only nsdD functions in the FluG-activated conidiation pathway. The deletion of nsdD bypassed the need for fluG and flbA∼flbE, but not brlA or abaA, in conidiation, and partially restored production of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST) in the ΔfluG, ΔflbA, and ΔflbB mutants, suggesting that NsdD is positioned between FLBs and BrlA in A. nidulans. Nullifying nsdD caused formation of conidiophores in liquid submerged cultures, where wild-type strains do not develop. Moreover, the removal of both nsdD and vosA resulted in even more abundant development of conidiophores in liquid submerged cultures and high-level accumulation of brlA messenger (m)RNA even at 16 hr of vegetative growth. Collectively, NsdD is a key negative regulator of conidiation and likely exerts its repressive role via downregulating brlA.
Exploiting the Extraordinary Genetic Polymorphism ofCionafor Developmental Genetics with Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Abdul-Wajid Sarah , Veeman Michael T , Chiba Shota , Turner Thomas L , Smith William C
Published: February 2014

Studies in tunicates such as Ciona have revealed new insights into the evolutionary origins of chordate development. Ciona populations are characterized by high levels of natural genetic variation, between 1 and 5%. This variation has provided abundant material for forward genetic studies. In the current study, we make use of deep sequencing and homozygosity mapping to map spontaneous mutations in outbred populations. With this method we have mapped two spontaneous developmental mutants. In Ciona intestinalis we mapped a short-tail mutation with strong phenotypic similarity to a previously identified mutant in the related species Ciona savignyi. Our bioinformatic approach mapped the mutation to a narrow interval containing a single mutated gene, α-laminin3,4,5, which is the gene previously implicated in C. savignyi. In addition, we mapped a novel genetic mutation disrupting neural tube closure in C. savignyi to a T-type Ca2+ channel gene. The high efficiency and unprecedented mapping resolution of our study is a powerful advantage for developmental genetics in Ciona, and may find application in other outbred species.
A Penalized-Likelihood Method to Estimate the Distribution of Selection Coefficients from Phylogenetic Data
Authors: Tamuri Asif U , Goldman Nick , dos Reis Mario
Published: February 2014

We develop a maximum penalized-likelihood (MPL) method to estimate the fitnesses of amino acids and the distribution of selection coefficients (S = 2Ns) in protein-coding genes from phylogenetic data. This improves on a previous maximum-likelihood method. Various penalty functions are used to penalize extreme estimates of the fitnesses, thus correcting overfitting by the previous method. Using a combination of computer simulation and real data analysis, we evaluate the effect of the various penalties on the estimation of the fitnesses and the distribution of S. We show the new method regularizes the estimates of the fitnesses for small, relatively uninformative data sets, but it can still recover the large proportion of deleterious mutations when present in simulated data. Computer simulations indicate that as the number of taxa in the phylogeny or the level of sequence divergence increases, the distribution of S can be more accurately estimated. Furthermore, the strength of the penalty can be varied to study how informative a particular data set is about the distribution of S. We analyze three protein-coding genes (the chloroplast rubisco protein, mammal mitochondrial proteins, and an influenza virus polymerase) and show the new method recovers a large proportion of deleterious mutations in these data, even under strong penalties, confirming the distribution of S is bimodal in these real data. We recommend the use of the new MPL approach for the estimation of the distribution of S in species phylogenies of protein-coding genes.
Neuronal Migration Is Regulated by Endogenous RNAi and Chromatin-Binding Factor ZFP-1/AF10 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kennedy Lisa M , Grishok Alla
Published: February 2014

Endogenous short RNAs and the conserved plant homeodomain (PHD) zinc-finger protein ZFP-1/AF10 regulate overlapping sets of genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, which suggests that they control common biological pathways. We have shown recently that the RNAi factor RDE-4 and ZFP-1 negatively modulate transcription of the insulin/PI3 signaling-dependent kinase PDK-1 to promote C. elegans fitness. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the insulin/IGF-1-PI3K-signaling pathway regulates the activity of the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor in the hypodermis to nonautonomously promote the anterior migrations of the hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) during embryogenesis of C. elegans. In this study, we implicate the PHD-containing isoform of ZFP-1 and endogenous RNAi in the regulation of HSN migration. ZFP-1 affects HSN migration in part through its negative effect on pdk-1 transcription and modulation of downstream DAF-16 activity. We also identify a novel role for ZFP-1 and RNAi pathway components, including RDE-4, in the regulation of HSN migration in parallel with DAF-16. Therefore, the coordinated activities of DAF-16, ZFP-1, and endogenous RNAi contribute to gene regulation during development to ensure proper neuronal positioning.
In-School Neurofeedback Training for ADHD: Sustained Improvements From a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Steiner Naomi J. , Frenette Elizabeth C. , Rene Kirsten M. , Brennan Robert T. , Perrin Ellen C.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate sustained improvements 6 months after a 40-session, in-school computer attention training intervention using neurofeedback or cognitive training (CT) administered to 7- to 11-year-olds with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS:

One hundred four children were randomly assigned to receive neurofeedback, CT, or a control condition and were evaluated 6 months postintervention. A 3-point growth model assessed change over time across the conditions on the Conners 3–Parent Assessment Report (Conners 3-P), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Parent Form (BRIEF), and a systematic double-blinded classroom observation (Behavioral Observation of Students in Schools). Analysis of variance assessed community-initiated changes in stimulant medication.

RESULTS:

Parent response rates were 90% at the 6-month follow-up. Six months postintervention, neurofeedback participants maintained significant gains on Conners 3-P (Inattention effect size [ES] = 0.34, Executive Functioning ES = 0.25, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ES = 0.23) and BRIEF subscales including the Global Executive Composite (ES = 0.31), which remained significantly greater than gains found among children in CT and control conditions. Children in the CT condition showed delayed improvement over immediate postintervention ratings only on Conners 3-P Executive Functioning (ES = 0.18) and 2 BRIEF subscales. At the 6-month follow-up, neurofeedback participants maintained the same stimulant medication dosage, whereas participants in both CT and control conditions showed statistically and clinically significant increases (9 mg [P = .002] and 13 mg [P < .001], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Neurofeedback participants made more prompt and greater improvements in ADHD symptoms, which were sustained at the 6-month follow-up, than did CT participants or those in the control group. This finding suggests that neurofeedback is a promising attention training treatment for children with ADHD.
Quality Control of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Torres M. , Santhanam K.S.V.
Published: February 2014

We wish to propose an impedance spectroscopic method for the quality control of contact lenses by measuring the pore resistance. Silicone hydrogels are excellent materials for use as contact lenses and their on eye performance is dependent on salt intrusion characteristics which are related to the pore resistance and water uptake. When the contact lenses are placed on the eye, they are expected to permeate ions and molecules to maintain ocular health. The hydrogel pores control the permeability and can be viewed as a quality control parameter. Two models are considered here: in one, the contact lenses are considered as strong rigid films with no permeability. In another, the hydrogels are having ionic permeability. We designed a silicone hydrogel contact lens attachment holder that is amenable for electrochemical impedance measurements. The electrochemical impedance measurements were carried out in an inert medium of 0.1 M Na2SO4. The impedance measurement experimental parameters used were a) AC potential 10 mV rms b) frequency range 0.1-210 kHz and c) open circuit potential of 0.207 V. The impedance variation with frequency was constructed for a number of hydrogels. The ideally acceptable silicone hydrogel contact lenses showed an impedance change with frequency in a sigmoidal fashion with a characteristic phase angle (acceptable in the range of 70-75o). The hydrogel pore resistances for the acceptable contact lenses are in the range of 4.5-11 kΩ. When the impedance showed a linear decrease or no well defined phase angle, the contact lens is considered acting as an insulator-a test for rejection. A test of the model was done with several acceptable contact lenses in the market. This study revealed interesting aspects of the influence of pulsating electric field on the silicone hydrogels.
Towards Understanding a Distinct Hydrogen Peroxide Electrocatalytic Enhancement Using Surfactant-Based Coatings on Silver
Authors: Goodison A. , Gonzalez-Macia L. , Killard A. J. , Morrin A.
Published: February 2014

The detection of hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be very important in recent years due to its role in many industrial applications, as well as in biological reactions. Previously, a commercial silver flake-based ink (PF-410, Acheson®), when screen-printed as films to substrate and subsequently coated with surfactant and salt (sodium dodecylbenezene sulphonate (SDBS) and KCl), have been shown to significantly enhance the electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide – up to 80-fold over non-modified films. In this study, an attempt to understand the effect of the silver material within the ink on the catalytic behaviour of the films, as well as the distinct change in behaviour upon modification with surfactant/salt are examined. Factors including Ag morphology, presence of dispersant and Ag material supplier are all investigated to assess their effects on the electrocatalytic breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. To do this, a range of inks were formulated from various Ag materials, e.g., flakes and nanoparticles of various sizes. These inks were then cast as coatings onto conventional glassy carbon (GC) electrodes, and their electrocatalytic behaviours, both as modified and non-modified films were studied.
Electrical Characterization of Thick InGaN Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Nakano Yoshitaka , Sang Liwen , Sumiya Masatomo
Published: February 2014

We have electrically characterized a 300 nm-thick unintentionally-doped In0.09Ga0.91N film grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on a GaN template, employing capacitance-voltage (C-V), thermal admittance spectroscopy (TAS), and steady-state photocapacitance spectroscopy (SSPC) techniques on Schottky barrier diodes. TAS measurements revealed a degenerating-like shallow-donor defect with a thermal activation energy of ∼7 meV, which most likely acts as a source of residual carriers with their concentration of ∼1017 cm-3 determined from C-V measurements. Additionally, SSPC measurements revealed two characteristic deep-level defects located at ∼2.07 and ∼3.05 eV below the conduction band, which were densely enhanced near the underlayer. These electronic defects are probably introduced by alloying InN with GaN.
Toxicity Study Needs for Quantum Dots and Nanoparticles in PV Fabrication
Authors: Sadeghimakki Bahareh , Sivoththaman Siva
Published: February 2014

Quantum dots (QDs) and nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable optoelectronic properties are actively researched for photovoltaic (PV) fabrication and will enter mainstream manufacturing in the future. The toxicology, health and safety of these new materials are not fully explored yet. In this work, the toxicological potencies of nanomaterials in PV fabrication, study needs, and metrology requirements are presented. Practical processes involving QDs and NPs developed for PV fabrication are presented. Experimental evidence on the presence of airborne nanomaterials in the condensates collected from process environment underlines the need for in-depth toxicity studies before these technologies scale up to the PV manufacturing stage. Required technical capabilities for the metrology tools to accurately detect, identify, and quantify QDs and NPs in PV manufacturing requirements are also presented based on the potential range of nanomaterials to be used in PV technology. These studies are key to develop safe techniques and processing environments, and to establish safety guidelines for PV fabrication with nanomaterials.
Magnetic Field Assisted Electrospinning of Nanofibers Using Solutions with PVDF and Fe3O4Nanoparticles
Authors: Gonzalez Juan A. , Furlan Rogerio , Lopez Raymond , Martinez Luis M. , Fachini Esteban
Published: February 2014

This study aims at investigating the formation of nanofibers containing poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles using magnetic field assisted electrospinning. For this purpose, two Helmholtz coils were mounted on the electrospinning apparatus in order to create a uniform magnetic field. Different separations, angles and magnetic fields are being analyzed. Polymeric solutions containing PVDF, DMF and acetone with a concentration of 18 wt% were adopted (DMF to Acetone ratio of 3 to 1). Iron Oxide Nanopowder (Fe3O4, particle diameter of 20 nm to 30 nm) to PVDF ratios are 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15. The application of the electromagnetic field during fiber deposition results in better orientation of the polymer flow towards the grounded electrode and leads to smoother fibers with diameters in the range of hundreds of nanometers. Blisters, probably related to Fe3O4 agglomerates, were distributed on the surface of all samples of this study. A magnetic field response of the nanofibers with higher magnetic fields was clear observed. By adding more Fe3O4 to the polymeric solution the ferromagnetic response on thin films and nanofibers was improved. The analysis of circular capacitors revealed a full dielectric response.
Effect of Stoichiometry of TiN Electrode on the Switching Behavior of TiN/HfOx/TiN Structures for Resistive RAM
Authors: Morgan Katrina A. , Huang Ruomeng , Pearce Stuart , Zhong Le , Jiang Liudi , de Groot C. H.
Published: February 2014

Two types of TiN/HfOx/TiN devices have been fabricated where the top 200nm TiN electrode has been deposited by two different sputtering methods; reactive, using a titanium target in a nitrogen environment, and non-reactive, using a titanium nitride target. Characterization of the materials shows that the reactive TiN is single-phase stoichiometric TiN with a sheet resistance of 7Ω/square. The non-reactive TiN has a sheet resistance of 300Ω/square and was found to contain significant amounts of oxygen. The resistive switching behavior differs for both devices. The reactive stoichiometric TiN device results in bipolar switching with a Roff/Ron ratio of 50. The non-reactive TiN results in unipolar switching with a Roff/Ron ratio of more than 103, however this device shows poor reproducibility. These results show that an oxygen rich layer between the top electrode and insulator affects the Roff value. It supports the theory of oxygen vacancies leading to the formation of conductive filaments.
Persistência do baculovírus anticarsia após diferentes regimes pluviométricos
Authors: Pessoa Valter , Cunha Fabiane , Bueno Adeney de Freitas , Bortolotto Orcial Ceolin , Monteiro Talita , Ramos Vânia Maria
Published: February 2014

A persistência do vírus da lagarta-da-soja AgMNPV, produzido de forma bruta (maceração de lagartas) e liofilizada (produto comercial), foi avaliada após a aplicação em plantas de soja seguida de diferentes regimes pluviométricos (0; 10; 20; 30mm) na intensidade de 30mm.hora-1. Essas precipitações foram simuladas com microaspersores, em casa-de-vegetação. Após a simulação, a soja foi oferecida às lagartas zero, três, seis e nove dias após a aplicação (DAP). As plantas, durante esse período, foram mantidas em casa-de-vegetação, protegidas da chuva. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em condições controladas (UR 70±10%, 25±2°C, fotofase de 14h), em esquema fatorial 4 (intensidades de precipitações pluviométricas) x 2 (formulações de vírus, bruta e liofilizada) com quatro repetições, com 30 lagartas cada. Os resultados comprovam que precipitações até 30mm, em 60 minutos, não reduzem a mortalidade das lagartas, causada por AgMNPV em ambas as formas de produção, quando a oferta das folhas às lagartas ocorre no mesmo dia da aplicação. As formas de preparo do AgMNPV influenciaram na persistência do vírus aos seis DAP. Nesta avaliação, a taxa de mortalidade foi superior a 90%, quando o produto bruto foi aplicado e inferior a 50% para o produto liofilizado. Esses resultados indicam que a eficiência de AgMNPV não é afetada por chuvas de até 30mm em uma hora, para ambas as formas de preparo do AgMNPV. Entretanto, ao longo dos dias, o método de preparo bruto apresenta-se mais eficiente, devido à maior persistência sobre a área foliar da soja após a lavagem pela água.
Assessment of smear parameters for use in wick drain design
Authors: Kelly Richard
Published: February 2014

Soft clay becomes remoulded around wick drains during their installation. The effects of remoulding can be taken into account in design by adopting an analytical method incorporating the radius of smear and the permeability of the remoulded soil in the smear zone. However, these parameters are usually not known and are estimated largely based on experience and guidance provided in the technical literature. Back analysis of settlement data from an embankment constructed on soft Pimlico Clay in Australia with a wick drain spacing of 1·5 m in an equilateral triangular configuration is performed to assess the potential smear parameters. A chart showing variations of permeability with smear radius is presented to assist with selection of design parameters for wick drains installed in soft Pimlico Clay. Effects of wick drain spacing on the permeability of the remoulded soil are investigated through back analysis of embankments constructed on wick drains spaced at 1·0 m and 1·35 m in an equilateral triangular configuration. Although the embankments are not constructed in identical ground conditions, there is no evidence that reducing the spacing between the wick drains causes the average permeability ratio to increase.
Growth and Nutritive Value of Three Old World Bluestems and Three Legumes in the Semiarid Texas High Plains
Authors: Cui Song , Allen Vivien G. , Brown C. Philip , Wester David B.
Published: February 2014

Benefits of legume–grass mixtures are well known but water required for legume growth limits use in semiarid, irrigation‐dependent environments. Research conducted over 4 yr (2007 to 2010) in the semiarid Texas High Plains compared alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), yellow sweetclover [Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.], and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) interseeded into three old world bluestems (Bothriochloa spp.). No fertilizer N (control) and 60 kg N ha−1 treatments were applied to grasses alone. The five treatments imposed on each grass were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design with the legume and N treatments in a split‐plot arrangement. Irrigation water applied through subsurface drip was limited to 250 mm annually. Annual dry matter yield of grass monocultures exceeded grass–legume mixtures in year 1 but yield of grass–legume mixtures was similar to N fertilizer in subsequent years. Crude protein (CP) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were higher while cell wall was lower in the mean of grass–legume mixtures than grass monocultures. Nitrogen fertilization increased CP but had little effect on cell wall or DMD (g kg−1). Nutritive value benefits from yellow sweetclover occurred in year 1 and then declined while benefits from alfalfa increased over 4 yr. Lower sainfoin stands limited nutritive value. With limited irrigation, benefits of including legumes can exceed 60 kg N ha−1 in this semiarid environment.