bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast-ion transport in qmin>2, high-β steady-state scenarios on DIII-D
Authors: Holcomb C. T. , Heidbrink W. W. , Ferron J. R. , Van Zeeland M. A. , Garofalo A. M. , Solomon W. M. , Gong X. , Mueller D. , Grierson B. , Bass E. M. , Collins C. , Park J. M. , Kim K. , Luce T. C. , Turco F. , Pace D. C. , Ren Q. , Podesta M.
Published: May 2015

Results from experiments on DIII-D [J. L. Luxon, Fusion Sci. Technol. 48, 828 (2005)] aimed at developing high β steady-state operating scenarios with high-qmin confirm that fast-ion transport is a critical issue for advanced tokamak development using neutral beam injection current drive. In DIII-D, greater than 11 MW of neutral beam heating power is applied with the intent of maximizing βN and the noninductive current drive. However, in scenarios with qmin>2 that target the typical range of q95= 5–7 used in next-step steady-state reactor models, Alfvén eigenmodes cause greater fast-ion transport than classical models predict. This enhanced transport reduces the absorbed neutral beam heating power and current drive and limits the achievable βN. In contrast, similar plasmas except with qmin just above 1 have approximately classical fast-ion transport. Experiments that take qmin>3 plasmas to higher βP with q95= 11–12 for testing long pulse operation exhibit regimes of better than expected thermal confinement. Compared to the standard high-qmin scenario, the high βP cases have shorter slowing-down time and lower ∇βfast, and this reduces the drive for Alfvénic modes, yielding nearly classical fast-ion transport, high values of normalized confinement, βN, and noninductive current fraction. These results suggest DIII-D might obtain better performance in lower-q95, high-qmin plasmas using broader neutral beam heating profiles and increased direct electron heating power to lower the drive for Alfvén eigenmodes.
Electromagnetic wave attenuation measurements in a ring-shaped inductively coupled air plasma
Authors: Xiaolong Wei , Haojun Xu , Jianhai Li , Min Lin , Chen Su
Published: May 2015

An aerocraft with the surface, inlet and radome covered large-area inductive coupled plasma (ICP) can attenuate its radar echo effectively. The shape, thickness, and electron density (Ne) distribution of ICP are critical to electromagnetic wave attenuation. In the paper, an air all-quartz ICP generator in size of 20 × 20 × 7 cm3 without magnetic confinement is designed. The discharge results show that the ICP is amorphous in E-mode and ring-shaped in H-mode. The structure of ICP stratifies into core region and edge halo in H-mode, and its width and thickness changes from power and pressure. Such phenomena are explained by the distribution of RF magnetic field, the diffusion of negative ions plasma and the variation of skin depth. In addition, the theoretical analysis shows that the Ne achieves nearly uniform within the electronegative core and sharply steepens in the edge. The Ne of core region is diagnosed by microwave interferometer under varied conditions (pressure in range of 10–50 Pa, power in 300–700 W). Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave attenuation measurements were carried out with the air ICP in the frequencies of 4–5 GHz. The results show that the interspaced ICP is still effective to wave attenuation, and the wave attenuation increases with the power and pressure. The measured attenuation is approximately in accordance with the calculation data of finite-different time-domain simulations.
Electronic and magnetic properties of off-stoichiometric Co2MnβSi/MgO interfaces studied by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism
Authors: Singh V. R. , Verma V. K. , Ishigami K. , Shibata G. , Fujimori A. , Koide T. , Miura Y. , Shirai M. , Ishikawa T. , Li G.-f. , Yamamoto M.
Published: May 2015

We have studied the electronic and magnetic states of Co and Mn atoms at the interface of the Co2MnβSi (CMS)/MgO (β = 0.69, 0.99, 1.15, and 1.29) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) by means of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. In particular, the Mn composition (β) dependences of the Mn and Co magnetic moments were investigated. The experimental spin magnetic moments of Mn, mspin(Mn), derived from x-ray magnetic circular dichroism weakly decreased with increasing Mn composition β in going from Mn-deficient to Mn-rich CMS films. This behavior was explained by first-principles calculations based on the antisite-based site-specific formula unit (SSFU) composition model, which assumes the formation of only antisite defect, not vacancies, to accommodate off-stoichiometry. Furthermore, the experimental spin magnetic moments of Co, mspin(Co), also weakly decreased with increasing Mn composition. This behavior was consistently explained by the antisite-based SSFU model, in particular, by the decrease in the concentration of CoMn antisites detrimental to the half-metallicity of CMS with increasing β. This finding is consistent with the higher tunnel magnetoresistance ratios which have been observed for CMS/MgO/CMS MTJs with Mn-rich CMS electrodes.
Microcavity design for low threshold polariton condensation with ultrashort optical pulse excitation
Authors: Poellmann C. , Leierseder U. , Galopin E. , Lemaître A. , Amo A. , Bloch J. , Huber R. , Ménard J.-M.
Published: May 2015

We present a microcavity structure with a shifted photonic stop-band to enable efficient non-resonant injection of a polariton condensate with spectrally broad femtosecond pulses. The concept is demonstrated theoretically and confirmed experimentally for a planar GaAs/AlGaAs multilayer heterostructure pumped with ultrashort near-infrared pulses while photoluminescence is collected to monitor the optically injected polariton density. As the excitation wavelength is scanned, a regime of polariton condensation can be reached in our structure at a consistently lower fluence threshold than in a state-of-the-art conventional microcavity. Our microcavity design improves the polariton injection efficiency by a factor of 4, as compared to a conventional microcavity design, when broad excitation pulses are centered at a wavelength of λ = 740 nm. Most remarkably, this improvement factor reaches 270 when the excitation wavelength is centered at 750 nm.
Effect of surface fields on the dynamic resistance of planar HgCdTe mid-wavelength infrared photodiodes
Authors: He Kai , Zhou Song-Min , Li Yang , Wang Xi , Zhang Peng , Chen Yi-Yu , Xie Xiao-Hui , Lin Chun , Ye Zhen-Hua , Wang Jian-Xin , Zhang Qin-Yao
Published: May 2015

This work investigates the effect of surface fields on the dynamic resistance of a planar HgCdTe mid-wavelength infrared photodiode from both theoretical and experimental aspects, considering a gated n-on-p diode with the surface potential of its p-region modulated. Theoretical models of the surface leakage current are developed, where the surface tunnelling current in the case of accumulation is expressed by modifying the formulation of bulk tunnelling currents, and the surface channel current for strong inversion is simulated with a transmission line method. Experimental data from the fabricated devices show a flat-band voltage of VFB=−5.7 V by capacitance-voltage measurement, and then the physical parameters for bulk properties are determined from the resistance-voltage characteristics of the diode working at a flat-band gate voltage. With proper values of the modeling parameters such as surface trap density and channel electron mobility, the theoretical R0A product and corresponding dark current calculated from the proposed model as functions of the gate voltage Vg demonstrate good consistency with the measured values. The R0A product remarkably degenerates when Vg is far below or above VFB because of the surface tunnelling current or channel current, respectively; and it attains the maximum value of 5.7×107 Ω · cm2 around the transition between surface depletion and weak inversion when Vg≈−4 V, which might result from reduced generation-recombination current.
Electrical pulse fabrication of graphene nanopores in electrolyte solution
Authors: Kuan Aaron T. , Lu Bo , Xie Ping , Szalay Tamas , Golovchenko Jene A.
Published: May 2015

Nanopores in graphene membranes can potentially offer unprecedented spatial resolution for single molecule sensing, but their fabrication has thus far been difficult, poorly scalable, and prone to contamination. We demonstrate an in-situ fabrication method that nucleates and controllably enlarges nanopores in electrolyte solution by applying ultra-short, high-voltage pulses across the graphene membrane. This method can be used to rapidly produce graphene nanopores with subnanometer size accuracy in an apparatus free of nanoscale beams or tips.
Interface-induced heavy-hole/light-hole splitting of acceptors in silicon
Authors: Mol J. A. , Salfi J. , Rahman R. , Hsueh Y. , Miwa J. A. , Klimeck G. , Simmons M. Y. , Rogge S.
Published: May 2015

The energy spectrum of spin-orbit coupled states of individual sub-surface boron acceptor dopants in silicon have been investigated using scanning tunneling spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The spatially resolved tunnel spectra show two resonances, which we ascribe to the heavy- and light-hole Kramers doublets. This type of broken degeneracy has recently been argued to be advantageous for the lifetime of acceptor-based qubits [R. Ruskov and C. Tahan, Phys. Rev. B 88, 064308 (2013)]. The depth dependent energy splitting between the heavy- and light-hole Kramers doublets is consistent with tight binding calculations, and is in excess of 1 meV for all acceptors within the experimentally accessible depth range (<2 nm from the surface). These results will aid the development of tunable acceptor-based qubits in silicon with long coherence times and the possibility for electrical manipulation.
Dormancy is modulated by seed structures in palms of the cerrado biome
Authors: Carvalho V. S. , Ribeiro L. M. , Lopes P. S. N. , Agostinho C. O. , Matias L. J. , Mercadante-Simões M. O. , Correia L. N. F.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the seed structures on the dormancy of the palms Attalea vitrivir Zona, Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc. and Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart., which are found in the cerrado biome (Brazilian savanna). The effects of seed structures on the imbibition and effects of the operculum on germination were evaluated. The effects of the collection area on the seed biometric characteristics and influence of the embryo mass and length on their germination capacity and vigour were also evaluated. The operculum was anatomically characterised, and the effects of the operculum thickness on seed germination were evaluated. The seed structures partially restricted water absorption by the embryos, but this did not affect germination; however, removing the operculum promoted germination. The mass of A. vitrivir and A. aculeata embryos positively influenced their germination capacity and vigour, and the thicknesses of the opercular seed coat and operculum negatively controlled the germination capacity of B. capitata. The greater thickness and rigidity of the operculum of A. aculeata increased the intensity of seed dormancy and possibly contributed to the wider distribution pattern of this species. The interaction between the embryo and operculum structures modulate the dormancy and possibly influence the distribution patterns of the palms in the cerrado biome.
Reproductive success of Acacia longifolia (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) in native and invasive populations
Authors: Correia Marta , Castro Sílvia , Rodríguez-Echeverría Susana
Published: May 2015

The reproductive biology of exotic species affects their capacity to become naturalised and invasive in non-native areas. Selfing is a common trait in many invasive plants probably because it provides reproductive assurance under low availability of pollination vectors and sexual partners. Nonetheless, the predominantly self-incompatible Australian Acacia species are among the most aggressive plants worldwide. To address whether there have been changes in selfing ability and natural reproductive success of A. longifolia during invasion, we compared one population in the invaded area (Portugal) with one population in the native range (Australia). We specifically assessed floral traits, fruit set and offspring traits for selfing and open-pollination treatments. Within each pollination treatment, no differences were found between areas, suggesting that the level of self-compatibility has not changed during invasion. However, the number of aborted seeds and seed size were significantly different between pollination treatments in Australia but not in Portugal. There were significant differences in the number of seeds per pod and in seed weight between ranges. A lower number of aborted seeds, a higher number of fully developed seeds and a greater seed size were found in the invaded area for both pollination treatments. In spite of the low selfing ability of A. longifolia in the invaded area, there was an increase in the quantity and size of the seeds produced in the new region, even for self-pollinated fruits, which might contribute to A. longifolia invasiveness.
Bottlenose dolphin communities from the southern Brazilian coast: do they exchange genes or are they just neighbours?
Authors: Borges Costa Ana Paula , Fruet Pedro , Daura-Jorge Fábio Gonçalves , Simões-Lopes Paulo César , Ott Paulo Henrique , Valiati Victor Hugo , de Oliveira Larissa Rosa
Published: May 2015

The genetic structure of bottlenose dolphin communities found along the southern Brazilian coast is reported in this study. Genetic structure analysis using biopsy samples from free ranging dolphins and tissue samples from stranded dolphins revealed a fine-scale population structure among three distinct groups. The first genetically distinct group was composed of resident dolphins of Laguna with a high degree of site fidelity. The second group was composed of one photo-identified dolphin, previously recognised by its interaction with fishermen, and dolphins that stranded near the mouth of Tramandaí Lagoon. Moderate nuclear and low mitochondrial gene diversity was found in dolphins of those coastal communities, whereas most of the dolphins stranded along the coast showed markedly higher levels of gene diversity at both markers. These stranded dolphins of unknown origin formed the third distinct group, which may be part of a larger offshore community. These results demonstrate the presence of at least three bottlenose dolphin clusters along this portion of the Brazilian coast, with the coastal specimens appearing to be only neighbours of a larger offshore community that eventually strands along the coast, highlighting the importance of the establishment of management and conservation measures for the species at a local scale.
Electrosensory-driven feeding behaviours of the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) and western shovelnose ray (Aptychotrema vincentiana)
Authors: Kempster R. M. , Egeberg C. A. , Hart N. S. , Collin S. P.
Published: May 2015

Elasmobranch fishes (sharks, skates and rays) possess a highly sensitive electrosensory system that enables them to detect weak electric fields, such as those produced by potential prey organisms. Despite several comparative anatomical studies, the functional significance of interspecific variation in electrosensory system morphology remains poorly understood. In the present study, we directly tested the electrosensitivity of two benthic elasmobranchs that share a similar habitat and feed on similarly sized prey items (Port Jackson sharks, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, and western shovelnose rays, Aptychotrema vincentiana), but differ significantly in their electrosensory system morphology. Aptychotrema vincentiana possesses almost five times the number of electrosensory pores of H. portusjacksoni (~1190 and ~239 respectively), yet both species are able to initiate feeding responses to electric-field gradients below 1 nV cm–1, similar to other elasmobranch species tested. However, A. vincentiana showed a greater ability to resolve the specific location of electrosensory stimuli, because H. portusjacksoni would more often overshoot the target and have to turn around to locate it. These results suggested that differences in abundance and distribution of electrosensory pores have little to no effect on the absolute electrical sensitivity in elasmobranchs, and instead, may reflect species-specific differences in the spatial resolution and directionality of electroreception.
Phosphorus speciation, transformation and retention in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Ran Xiang-bin , Chen Hong-tao , Wei Jun-feng , Yao Qing-zhen , Mi Tie-zhu , Yu Zhi-gang
Published: May 2015

Damming of river systems allowing the transformation of former rivers into artificial lakes will increase the transformation and retention of dissolved and sediment-associated phosphorus (P). The reservoir is therefore a ‘filter’ or ‘converter’, reducing and delaying the transport of nutrients to marine systems. Our study of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) found that no stratification of phosphorus occurred, and the high particulate phosphorus (PP) concentrations upstream decreased gradually in the reservoir. Detrital P was found in greater concentrations in the surface sediment, accounting for 39% of PP; exchangeable P was rare and contributed very little to the total P budget. P forms and their concentrations in the suspended particulate matter varied throughout the TGR, with a significant increase of bioavailable P in the <8-μm particle fraction from 27% of PP in Fuling to 60% in Yichang, and decreasing detrital P and authigenic P in each grain size class. The TGR acted as a ‘converter’ for the dissolved reactive phosphorus, and it therefore plays a minor role in trapping incoming total dissolved phosphorus; whereas the TGR behaved as a ‘filter’ for the PP, especially for the coarse fraction, which resulted in the retention of 70% of the non-bioavailable PP. The controlling mechanism of P species and retention in the reservoir is particulate settling and its associated effects.
Trace elements in road-deposited and waterbed sediments in Kogarah Bay, Sydney: enrichment, sources and fractionation
Authors: Nguyen Thuy C. , Loganathan Paripurnanda , Nguyen Tien V. , Pham Thi T. N. , Kandasamy Jaya , Wu Michael , Naidu Ravi , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu
Published: May 2015

Trace elements (TEs) in road-deposited sediments (RDS) can be transported by stormwater to neighbouring water bodies to cause aquatic pollution. A study was conducted in Kogarah Bay, Sydney, Australia, to assess the possible sources and potential mobility of TEs in RDS and the contribution to the TE load to the adjacent waterbed sediments in canals and the bay. Of the 11 TEs analysed, pseudo-total concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), and antimony (Sb) were greatly enriched in RDS over baseline soils (top 10 cm depth) collected in bushlands. All TE concentrations in waterbed sediments (top 10 cm depth) were similar to those in baseline soils but lower than in RDS. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that Zn, Cu, Cr and Sb were related to each other in RDS, and probably originated from tyres and brake linings. Vanadium occurred in another component, likely to have originated mainly from road asphalt. Pseudo-total and mobile-fraction (0.1 m acetic acid, pH 2.85 extraction) TE concentrations in RDS were: iron > manganese, Zn > Cu, lead > Cr, nickel, V, Sb, cadmium. The potential ecological TE risk was low to medium in RDS but low in baseline soils and waterbed sediments.
Road and traffic factors correlated to wildlife–vehicle collisions in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Valero Enrique , Picos Juan , Lagos Laura , Álvarez Xana
Published: May 2015

Context Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) are one of the major risk factors for the safety of drivers, as well as a great danger to wildlife that moves through the territory. In recent decades, given the growth of these accidents, some researches emerged to understand what are the main causes of this phenomenon and find the best solutions for implementation and try to solve this problem. Aims The aim of the present study was to analyse the road and traffic characteristics of road segments with a high occurrence of WVC in north-western Spain, specifically, the collisions with wild ungulates (roe deer and wild boar). Methods A nearest-neighbour analysis was used to analyse the spatial distribution of the WVC spots, and so as to identify these hotspots of accidents, we performed a hotspot analysis using the routine nearest-neighbour hierarchical cluster. Then, we calculated the WVC density of each road segment (KP). The existence of differences in the values of variables between high and low accident densities was analysed using a Mann–Whitney U-test for the continuous variables, and a χ2-test for the categorical ones. Then, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which variables could predict the existence of KPs with a high density of WVC. Key results Our results showed that the daily traffic volume, the width of the road, the number of lanes and speed limit affect whether a particular road marker has a high or low density of WVC. Conclusions We conclude that high WVC is frequently characterised by wider lanes and shoulders, as well as gentler slopes, whereas in the sections with narrower roads and a shorter curvature radius, there are some conditions (low visibility and speed reduction) that reduce the probability of having an accident with ungulates. However, the speed at which it is possible to drive on a given road section is closely related to the occurrence of WVC. Implications These findings emphasise the importance of including mitigation measures in the decision-making when planning and designing infrastructure.
Information on population trends and biological constraints from bat counts in roost cavities: a 22-year case study of a pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus Schreber) hibernaculum
Authors: Kerbiriou Christian , Julien Jean François , Monsarrat Sophie , Lustrat Philippe , Haquart Alexandre , Robert Alexandre
Published: May 2015

Context
According to the current trend of biodiversity loss, information on population trends at large temporal and spatial scales is necessary. However, well documented animal population dynamics are generally based on intensive protocols requiring animal manipulation, which can be impossible to conduct in species for which conservation is a concern.

Aims
For many bat species, an alternative approach entails performing an appropriate analysis of counts in roost cavities. Because of managers’ perception of chaotic variations through time, relatively few count monitoring surveys are regularly analysed. Here, we present the analysis of a twenty-two-year survey of a large hibernaculum of pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) located in a railway tunnel in Paris, France.

Methods
We propose that using combinations of population-dynamics modelling using demographic parameters from the literature and statistical analyses helps with identifying the biological and methodological effects underlying the dynamics observed in census analyses.

Key results
We determined that some of the observed year-to-year variations of population size cannot be explained only by the intrinsic dynamics of the population. In particular, in 1993–94, the population size increased by >40%, which should have implied a massive immigration. This change coincided with the end of the operation of the railway line. After consideration of a drastic trend of population decline (7% year–1), we were able to detect this event and several environmental effects. Specifically, the winter conditions and the temperature in July affected the colony size, presumably because of aggregative behaviour and reproduction success, respectively.

Conclusions
Emigration–immigration processes might have preponderant effects on population dynamics. In addition, our analysis demonstrated that (1) the study population suffered a large decline, (2) a combination of human disturbance and meteorological variation explains these dynamics and (3) emigration–immigration processes have preponderant effects on the population dynamics.

Implications
To conduct a meaningful analysis of non-standard time series and provide a source of data for implementing biodiversity indicators, it is necessary to include (1) the local knowledge of the people involved in the field surveys in these analyses (the existence of disturbances and site protections) and (2) meteorological information for the appropriate seasons of the year.
The influence of road characteristics and species on detection probabilities of carnivore faeces
Authors: Kluever Bryan M. , Gese Eric M. , Dempsey Steven J.
Published: May 2015

Context
Determining reliable estimates of carnivore population size and distributions are paramount for developing informed conservation and management plans. Traditionally, invasive sampling has been employed to monitor carnivores, but non-invasive sampling has the advantage of not needing to capture the animal and is generally less expensive. Faeces sampling is a common non-invasive sampling technique and future use is forecasted to increase due to the low costs and logistical ease of sampling, and more advanced techniques in landscape and conservation genetics. For many species, faeces sampling often occurs on or alongside roads. Despite the commonality of road-based faeces sampling, detectability issues are often not addressed.

Aim
We sought to test whether faeces detection probabilities varied by species – coyote (Canis latrans) versus kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) – and to test whether road characteristics influenced faeces detection probabilities.

Methods
We placed coyote and kit fox faeces along roads, quantified road characteristics, and then subsequently conducted ‘blind’ road-based faeces detection surveys in Utah during 2012 and 2013. Technicians that surveyed the faeces deposition transects had no knowledge of the locations of the placed faeces.

Key results
Faeces detection probabilities for kit foxes and coyotes were 45% and 74%, respectively; larger faeces originated from coyotes and were more readily detected. Misidentification of placed faeces was rare and did not differ by species. The width of survey roads and the composition of a road’s surface influenced detection probabilities.

Conclusion
We identified factors that can influence faeces detection probabilities. Not accounting for variable detection probabilities of different species or not accounting for or reducing road-based variables influencing faeces detection probabilities could hamper reliable counts of mammalian faeces, and could potentially reduce precision of population estimates derived from road-based faeces deposition surveys.

Implications
We recommend that wildlife researchers acknowledge and account for imperfect faeces detection probabilities during faecal sampling. Steps can be taken during study design to improve detection probabilities, and during the analysis phase to account for variable detection probabilities.
Calcium sensor kinase activates potassium uptake systems in gland cells of Venus flytraps
Authors: Scherzer Sönke , Böhm Jennifer , Krol Elzbieta , Shabala Lana , Kreuzer Ines , Larisch Christina , Bemm Felix , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Shabala Sergey , Rennenberg Heinz , Neher Erwin , Hedrich Rainer
Published: May 2015

Significance

The Venus flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
has been in the focus of scientists since Darwin’s time. Carnivorous plants, with their specialized lifestyle, including insect capture, as well as digestion and absorption of prey, developed unique tools to gain scarce nutrients. In this study, we identified the molecular nature of the uptake machinery for prey-derived potassium and the posttranslational regulation. For the first time, to our knowledge, we functionally characterize DmHAK5 here—a KUP/HAK/KT family member as activated by a CBL-CIPK kinase complex. Detailed electrophysiological characterization identified DmHAK5 as a proton-driven, high-affinity potassium transporter with a weak selectivity. Working hand-in-hand with the low-affinity, high-capacity K
+
-channel DmKT1 activated by the same kinase, the transporters allow the Venus flytrap to take up prey-derived potassium.
The translation of identity on the frontera. Sandra Cisneros in Mexican Spanish, Galician and Catalan
Authors: Díaz-Pérez Francisco Javier
Published: May 2015

Apart from referring to a geographical or physical border, the notion of frontera has also become a metaphorical or psychological construct which represents any situation of contrast, such as belonging to two different national, cultural or linguistic communities. Latino writers in the United States live and write on the frontera. The coming together of two cultures forges a new hybrid identity which fights against essentialism and homogenization. This hybrid identity is reflected in these writers’ language, a border tongue constantly switching from English to Spanish. Sandra Cisneros is one of those Latina writers who resort to code-switching as an identity hallmark. By introducing Spanish words, phrases or syntactic constructions into her English texts, Cisneros tries to evoke the feeling of inhabiting two worlds which can be conflicting and complementary at the same time. Departing from the notion of frontera, several translations of Cisneros’s works are analysed, paying special attention to those aspects related to identity and language. Particularly, I focus on the Mexican Spanish, Galician and Catalan versions of The House on Mango Street, the translation of Woman Hollering Creek into Mexican Spanish, the Catalan versions of several short stories from Woman Hollering Creek and the Galician translation of Loose Woman. In all the analysed versions, the translators use strategies which reflect the border identity present in the source text, such as the resource to code-switching and typographical markers or the use of calques and other borrowings, dialectalisms, and non-standard vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar.
Letter and symbol misrecognition in highly legible typefaces for general, children, dyslexic, visually impaired and ageing readers
Authors: Bohm Thomas
Published: May 2015

This paper identifies easily misrecognised letters and symbols in highly legible typefaces for general, children, dyslexic, visually impaired and ageing users. It can also be considered as a review of related research in this area.
Making light work of information design
Authors: Chittenden Tara
Published: May 2015

Theson et lumièreuses dramatic audio and visual projections to interpret and awaken a sensory engagement with heritage sites. I suggest that such cinematic interventions may be seen as a crucial way of conceptualising information design in the media landscape of the 21st century. This article draws on theson et lumièreatBlois Châteauas precursor and provocateur to contemporary approaches in information design which unite projected image and tangible form. In this example, an understanding of the relationship between architecture and light image suggests the visual and interpretative possibilities that the “cineplasticity” of the projected image can offer for helping viewers absorb information by “seeing differently.” The article demonstrates that theson et lumière, as a form of information design, may have broad based cultural applications.
[non-Adj] sequences in French
Authors: Dugas Edwige
Published: May 2015

This paper addresses the status and formation of [non-Adj] sequences in French, such as non occupé ‘non-occupied’, non effaçable ‘non-erasable’. These sequences can be compared to two other types of negative constructions which are built in morphology, namely [non-N]N (e.g. non occupation, non violence) and [in-Adj] (e.g. inoccupé ‘unoccupied’, ineffaçable ‘unerasable’). Taking as a starting point the observation made by Gaatone (1971, 1987) that [non-Adj] have syntactic properties which differ from that of [in-Adj], I use authentic data drawn from different corpora to determine whether [non-Adj] are formed in morphology or in syntax, and I attempt to provide a constructional account (Goldberg, 1995; Croft, 2001; Booij, 2010) of these sequences.
Les prédicats complexes en wolof
Authors: Guérin Maximilien
Published: May 2015

Determining the morphosyntactic status of verbal constructions is an enduring issue in African linguistics. In Wolof, most verbal constructions are split predicate constructions involving a predicative marker, which encodes the greater part of the grammatical content, and a verb, which contributes to the lexical content. The aim of the current paper is to investigate the morphosyntactic status of these complex predicates. Based on several kinds of criteria (phonology, morphology and semantics), I show that the predicative markers must be analysed as phonologically dependent words (clitics). Thus, Wolof complex predicates clearly display syntactic construction features and cannot therefore be considered as morphological units.
The system of intensifying prefixes in Modern Greek
Authors: Gavriilidou Zoé
Published: May 2015

Adverbs functioning as degree modifiers are not the only devices used for positive scaling; cross-linguistically, another very common means of intensification is the prefixation. This paper is concerned with data of nine intensifying prefixes of Modern Greek ( arxi‑ ‘archi’, θeο‑ ‘god’, kata‑ ‘over’, pan‑ ‘all’, olo‑ ‘whole’, para‑ ‘over’, pend(a)‑ ‘five’, xilio‑ ‘thousand’, iper‑ ‘hyper’) that constitute a representative sample of Greek intensifying prefixes. The purpose of this paper is to account for prefix-base combinations, taking into consideration the semantic typology of gradable predicates of Kennedy & McNally (2005) and more precisely focusing on the question of how the open or closed scale on which the bases map their arguments relates to intensifying prefix-base combinations. Our aim is to arrive at a general conceptual framework that can analyze all cases of intensifying prefixes. The paper also aims to account for the polysemy found in intensifying prefixes.
What drives morphological change?
Authors: Hartmann Stefan
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the role of syntactic, semantic, and lexical factors in the diachronic development of German nominalization patterns. Drawing on an extensive corpus analysis of Early New High German and New High German texts, it is shown that (a) deverbal nominals in the suffix-ungtend to develop more reified meaning variants, which is reflected in the syntactic patterns in which the word-formation products preferentially occur, and (b) infinitival nominalization becomes more productive and is established as the new default word-formation pattern deriving nouns from verbs. These considerations fit in neatly with a cognitively-oriented theory of word-formation change situated in the framework of Construction Grammar.
Morphosyntactic property sets at the interface of inflectional morphology, syntax and semantics
Authors: Stump Gregory T.
Published: May 2015

The morphosyntactic property set associated with the syntactic node occupied by a word form is not invariably identical to the property set determining that word form’s inflection, as evidence from Bhojpuri, Turkish, Sanskrit and Hua shows. The difference between syntactic property sets and their corresponding morphological property sets may be represented as a property mapping relating two different kinds of paradigm: a lexeme L’s content paradigm specifies the range of property sets with which L may be associated in syntax ; its form paradigm specifies the (sometimes distinct) property sets that determine L’s inflectional realization. Thus, a language’s inflectional morphology doesn’t merely specify the realization of paradigm cells: it also specifies the sometimes nontrivial linkage of content with form at the interface of syntax and semantics with morphology.
Morphology and syntax … and semantics … and pragmatics
Authors: Johnson Cynthia A. , Joseph Brian D.
Published: May 2015

Agreement minimally involves interaction between morphology and syntax, as a target’s features vary according to the morphological form of a controller in a given syntactic context. However, semantics can also play a role, and the term “semantic agreement” has been used to describe various constructions where morphosyntactic feature values of the agreement target do not match the formal features of the controller, reflecting instead meaning-based properties of the noun. In this paper, we deconstruct instances of “semantic agreement,” as there is good evidence to believe that more than just the semantics is involved in the agreement process. In some cases, e.g. Russian hybrid nouns likevrač‘doctor’, the local context provides the agreement features, giving a type of “pragmatic agreement”. In other cases, socio-cultural information plays a role, showing a broader type of pragmatic agreement. In light of these observations, we offer a deconstruction of semantic agreement phenomena in order to show the complex ways morphology interacts with syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Finally, we argue that the distinction between syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic agreement is paralleled by (and benefits from) earlier discussions of syntactic versus pragmatic control.
Morphological processing in L2 Italian
Authors: Dal Maso Serena , Giraudo Hélène
Published: May 2015

The present paper explores the processing of morphologically complex words in L2 Italian by means of as series of masked priming experiments associated with a LDT. We manipulated deadjectival nominalizations in -ità(e.g.velocità<veloce) and in -ezza(e.g.bellezza<bello), that differ in terms of numerosity, productivity (Rainer, 2004) and on surface frequency. Morphological priming effects were evaluated relative to both orthographic and identity conditions and the data revealed significant morphological priming effects emerging for words ending with the most productive suffix (-ità) and having a high surface frequency in Italian. Our data on derivation suggest that similarly to native speakers, L2 learners are sensitive to morphological information, but they integrate it progressively through L2 learning process.
Plant age affects elicitation of polyphenol oxidase activity by neem extract in Solanum lycopersicum against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
Authors: Goel Navodit , Paul Prabir Kumar
Published: May 2015

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a key defense enzyme widely distributed in the plant kingdom. The enzyme has been reported to be inducible by biotic inducers. The present study instigated the impact of plant age on induction of activity of PPO and pattern of isoenzymes by aqueous fruit extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem). The study involved the host–pathogen system of tomato (F1 tomato, Roopsi variety, Century seeds) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Plants of 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age were used for the study. Samples were collected 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and 2 weeks post treatment. The results demonstrated that plant age impacts the expression and inducibility of PPO in tomato. Neem extract does not significantly inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Therefore, the reduction in disease severity in neem-treated plants is related to changes in the activity of PPO in the host plant. The 10-week-old plants had significantly highest PPO activity as compared to 12-week-old plants, which had the lowest enzyme activity. Consequently, the 10-week-old plants were more resistant to the pathogen among all the ages studied. The distal untreated leaves or the leaves emerging after neem treatment were also significantly resistant to the pathogen. Treatment with neem prior to pathogen inoculation was more effective in priming the plants. The neem extract induced the defense response in tomato primarily through upregulation of the PPO gene.
Acetic acid enhances endurance capacity of exercise-trained mice by increasing skeletal muscle oxidative properties
Authors: Pan Jeong Hoon , Kim Jun Ho , Kim Hyung Min , Lee Eui Seop , Shin Dong-Hoon , Kim Seongpil , Shin Minkyeong , Kim Sang Ho , Lee Jin Hyup , Kim Young Jun
Published: May 2015

Acetic acid has been shown to promote glycogen replenishment in skeletal muscle during exercise training. In this study, we investigated the effects of acetic acid on endurance capacity and muscle oxidative metabolism in the exercise training using in vivo mice model. In exercised mice, acetic acid induced a significant increase in endurance capacity accompanying a reduction in visceral adipose depots. Serum levels of non-esterified fatty acid and urea nitrogen were significantly lower in acetic acid-fed mice in the exercised mice. Importantly, in the mice, acetic acid significantly increased the muscle expression of key enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation and glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber-type transformation. Taken together, these findings suggest that acetic acid improves endurance exercise capacity by promoting muscle oxidative properties, in part through the AMPK-mediated fatty acid oxidation and provide an important basis for the application of acetic acid as a major component of novel ergogenic aids.
Spawning Behavior of Cultured Delta Smelt in a Conservation Hatchery
Authors: LaCava Melanie , Fisch Kathleen , Nagel Meredith , Lindberg Joan C , May Bernie , Finger Amanda J
Published: May 2015

Understanding reproductive behavior of sensitive species is crucial for their conservation. The Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus is a federally threatened, state-endangered fish whose reproductive behavior is poorly understood. We used genetic techniques to investigate the spawning behavior of cultured Delta Smelt in a conservation hatchery. We conducted a natural tank-spawning experiment in a total of four separate tanks during two spawning seasons. Delta Smelt were allowed to spawn in order to investigate spawning patterns using genetic parentage analysis of larvae produced. In total, 2,474 larvae were assigned two parents with >80% likelihood. Of the adults that had larvae assigned to them, males spawned on average 2.8 times and females 1.7 times. The mean number of larvae produced by females was 40.7, while males produced a mean number of 19.2 larvae during a single spawning season. Genetic diversity was reduced from the parent population to the offspring population, as indicated by a small but significant reduction in heterozygosity. Finally, we found no evidence that Delta Smelt preferred to mate with unrelated individuals.
Regulatory B cells in anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gallastegui Nicolas , Rosenblatt Joseph D.
Published: May 2015

Advances in understanding of the immune microenvironment have highlighted the role of immunosuppressive T cell, myeloid, dendritic and monocytic sub-populations in inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response. The role of B cells in modulating the immune response to solid tumors as well as lymphoid malignancies is less well understood. Murine models of autoimmune disease have defined B regulatory cell (Breg) subsets with immune suppressive activity, including B cell subsets that express IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β, which can facilitate T regulatory cell recruitment and expansion. Multiple murine tumor models point to the existence of similar immune suppressive B cell sub-populations that can migrate into tumor deposits and acquire an immune suppressive phenotype, which then leads to attenuation of the local anti-tumor immune response. Other murine models of viral or chemically induced skin carcinogenesis have identified a pivotal role for B cells in promoting inflammation and carcinogenesis. While many human solid tumors demonstrate significant B cell infiltration and/or tertiary lymphoid structure formation, the functional properties of tumor-infiltrating B cells and their effects on immunity are poorly understood. Recent successes in early Phase I/II trials using anti-checkpoint inhibitor antibodies such as nivolumab or pidilizumab directed against PD-1 in the setting of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas validate the therapeutic utility of reversing B cell-mediated immune suppression. Further studies to define Breg subsets, and mechanisms of suppression, may provide new avenues for modulation of the immune response and meaningful therapeutic intervention in both lymphoid and solid tumors.
Effectiveness of mobile technologies delivering Ecological Momentary Interventions for stress and anxiety: a systematic review
Authors: Loo Gee Brendan , Griffiths Kathleen M , Gulliver Amelia
Published: May 2015

Objectives Mobile technologies may be suitable for delivering Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI) to treat anxiety in real-time. This review aims to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of EMI for treating anxiety conditions.

Materials and Methods Four databases and the reference lists of previous studies were searched. A total of 1949 abstracts were double screened for inclusion. Sufficient studies were available to undertake a quantitative meta-analysis on EMIs on generalized anxiety symptoms.

Results The 15 randomized trials and randomized controlled trials examined anxiety ( n = 7), stress ( n = 3), anxiety and stress ( n = 2), panic disorder ( n = 2), and social phobia ( n = 1). Eight EMIs comprised self-monitoring integrated with therapy modules, seven comprised multimedia content, and three comprised self-monitoring only. The quality of studies presented high risk of biases. Meta-analysis ( n = 7) demonstrated that EMIs reduced generalized anxiety compared to control and/or comparison groups (Effect Size (ES) = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.12-0.53). Most EMIs targeting stress were reported effective relative to control as were the two EMIs targeting panic disorders. The EMI targeting social phobia was not effective.

Discussion EMIs have potential in treating both anxiety and stress. However, few high-quality trials have been conducted for specific anxiety disorders. Further trials are needed to assess the value of EMI technologies for anxiety in enhancing existing treatments.

Conclusion This study found a small significant effect of EMI studies on reducing generalized anxiety. Studies on stress demonstrated EMI was effective compared to control, with the small number of studies on panic and social phobia demonstrating mixed results.
Parental and Youth Understanding of the Informed Consent Process for Pediatric Endoscopy
Authors: Jubbal Kevin , Chun Stanford , Chang Jeremy , Zhang Sherry , Terrones Laura , Huang Jeannie S.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Informed consent (IC) is an essential communication between patient/representative and physician that acknowledges patient autonomy; assent is the equivalent process performed between youth and physician. For clinical procedures involving youth, only the IC process between guardian/parent and physician is required to be performed. Nevertheless, experts recommend that youth undergo assent whenever possible. In the present study, we explored both parental and youth understanding of required IC elements in IC discussions before pediatric endoscopy.

Methods:

Following signing of IC documents on the day of endoscopy at a tertiary care academic medical center, youth and their parents underwent structured interviews to assess comprehension of key elements of the IC process.

Results:

A total of 88 children and adolescents and their parents were evaluated. Two youth and 12 parents demonstrated comprehensive understanding of key IC elements for pediatric endoscopy. Suboptimal youth understanding was demonstrated for nature of the procedure (25% with adequate understanding) and related risks (17%), and alternatives (14%) to the procedure. Suboptimal parental understanding was demonstrated for procedure alternatives (24%). Youth overall understanding of IC varied by age, whereas parental global understanding of IC varied by physician.

Conclusions:

Understanding of IC performed for pediatric endoscopy could be improved in both parents and youth. Our findings suggest that interventions targeting parents, youth, and physicians may be helpful. Further study is needed to determine whether our findings are representative of IC understanding at other pediatric endoscopy centers.