bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of ovariectomy on urethral continence mechanisms during sneeze reflex in middle‐aged versus young adult rats
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Yoshikawa Satoru , Kawamorita Naoki , de Groat William C. , Nonomura Katsuya , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: October 2014

Aims

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in post‐menopausal women. The present study therefore examined how aging and estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy (OVX) affect the urethral continence mechanism that prevents sneeze‐induced SUI in rats.

Methods

Young (3 months old) and middle‐aged (12 months old) female rats underwent bilateral OVX or sham operation. Urethral activity was measured by the amplitude of urethral responses during sneezing (A‐URS) and urethral baseline pressure (UBP). Apoptotic changes in urethral tissue sections were examined by the TUNEL method.

Results

In middle‐aged rats, UBP, but not A‐URS, was significantly decreased compared to young rats. In 3‐week OVX rats, A‐URS was significantly decreased compared to sham rats in both young and middle‐aged groups, and the OVX‐induced reduction in A‐URS was more pronounced in middle‐aged rats. Neither young 3‐week OVX nor sham rats leaked during sneezing; however, SUI occurred in 2/8 middle‐aged rats with 3‐week OVX, and after 6 weeks of OVX, SUI was observed in 5/8 young rats and 6/8 middle‐aged rats. In middle‐aged rats, TUNEL positive cells were significantly increased in urethral striated muscles whereas, after OVX, the increased number of positive cells was also found in the mucosa.

Conclusions

These results indicate that aging is more likely to impair baseline urethral function than striated muscle‐mediated reflex activity although apoptotic changes are found in urethral striated muscle. Estrogen deficiency additionally impairs the striated muscle‐mediated continence reflex. Thus, aging and estrogen deficiency differently and additively affect baseline urethral function and neurally‐evoked, striated muscle‐mediated urethral continence mechanisms to induce SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:122–127, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical Legal Perspectives and the Advancement of HRD
Authors: Walker Wayland , Vaida Genevieve
Published: October 2014

Established Human Resource Development (HRD) practices may elevate corporate interests and subordinate individual interests. CriticalHRDprofessionals can instead transform workplaces into a more level playing field that genuinely values diversity. Drawing on the existing theory, specifically Brookfield's (2005) marriage of Foucauldian notions of power and the critical tradition, this article explores how utilizing a model of legal power as productive, rather than repressive, can reinforceHRD’s commitment to social justice and uncouple organizations from their often repressive histories.HRDprofessionals are urged to use the critical perspective to not merely comply with labor laws that address workplace injustices and serve to reshape possibilities, but to genuinely enact social change by enhancing new power structures. This article will demonstrate the roleHRDpractitioners can play in placing critical and postmodern perspectives on power relations into practice within organizations as they respond to changes in law and policy
Learning In Developing Countries: Implications For Workforce Training And Development In Africa
Authors: Arthur‐Mensah Nana , Shuck Brad
Published: October 2014

The implementation of e‐learning as a strategy has risen exponentially over the last 20 years as more adults use this medium to enhance their skills and acquire knowledge. The utilization of technology offers significant advantages to both learners and organizations in terms of cost, time and rich learning content. E‐learning has been widely adopted in the western world, and companies and organizations in developing countries are increasingly taking advantage of e‐learning tools to support education and skill upgrade of their workforce as a mechanism to compete in an increasingly global economy. E‐learning has taken root in several African countries with the explosion of communications tools, internet and mobile technology. This perspective on practice addresses three key issues of e‐learning in Africa (a) the adoption of e‐learning in developing African countries, (b) the available e‐learning resources and practices, and (c) the implications of e‐learning on workforce training and development.
Polyaniline‐functionalized magnetic mesoporous nanocomposite: A smart material for the immobilization of lipase
Authors: Mahto Triveni Kumar , Chowdhuri Angshuman Ray , Sahoo Banalata , Sahu Sumanta Kumar
Published: October 2014

Magnetically separable mesoporous silica nanocomposites with polyoaniline functionalization (Pani‐MS@Fe3O4) were synthesized for the immobilization of lipase via electrostatic adsorption. The as‐prepared Pani‐MS@Fe3O4 nanocomposites as well as immobilized lipase were characterized by FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, BET, and TGA techniques. The BET surface area was calculated to be 779.27 m2/g, 425 m2/g, and 230.45 m2/g for magnetic mesoporous nanoparticle (MS@Fe3O4), Pani‐MS@Fe3O4 nanocomposite, and lipase immobilized Pani‐MS@Fe3O4 nanocomposite respectively. The comparison experiments verified that the immobilized lipase exhibited slightly higher optimal pH and temperature value with a wider pH‐activity and temperature stability in comparison with the free lipase. From Michaelis–Menten kinetic study, the lower Km value (0.25 mM) and higher Vmax value (0.0341 mM/min) for the immobilized lipase revealed the higher affinity of immobilized lipase toward the substrate. Further, reusability studies of the immobilized lipase indicated that up to 70% of the original activity was retained after having been recycled seven times. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1152–1160, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Spectral responsivity measurements of DSSC devices at low chopping frequency (1 Hz)
Authors: Bardizza Giorgio , Pavanello Diego , Müllejans Harald , Sample Tony
Published: October 2014

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are generally known to possess a slow response time for photocurrent generation by incident light. Electrical power measurements can only be accurately made if sufficient time is allowed to complete photocurrent generation, in contrast to the case of c‐Si solar cells. There are two methods which can satisfactorily measure the spectral responsivity (SR) of DSSCs, i.e. the “AC method” and “DC method”. Of these two, the AC method in the IEC 60904‐8 standard is the normal procedure for SR measurement of solar cells. A new setup implemented at ESTI for the SR measurement of DSSCs is presented, making use of a low frequency (≤1 Hz) chopped monochromatic beam produced from a continuous broadband light source with band‐pass filters and lock‐in technique for measurements of the signals. The beam is projected onto the device under test (DUT) and superimposed over continuous white bias light. The procedure for the determination of the absolute SR is presented, and the influence of the slow response for photocurrent generation typical of DSSC devices is investigated. The results obtained with the new setup for standard c‐Si solar cells and DSSCs are reported and discussed, providing a validation of the system. © 2014 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of the Strength of Energetic Materials Using the Condensed and Gas Phase Heats of Formation
Authors: Kamalvand Mohammad , Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Jafari Mohammad
Published: October 2014

The strength of energetic materials is one of the principal parameters to express their performance. Two new methods were introduced for the prediction of the strength of CaHbNcOd energetic materials through the Trauzl test. They are based on elemental composition and the condensed or gas phase heats of formation of energetic compounds. The model is based on the gas phase heat of formation, uses the group additivity method and requires only the molecular structure of the desired energetic compound. These methods provide more reliable predictions as compared to the best available theoretical methods. Some of the benefits of these new models are their accuracy, precision, simplicity, and low price.
Signatures of naturally induced variability in the atmosphere using multiple reanalysis datasets
Authors: Mitchell D. M. , Gray L. J. , Fujiwara M. , Hibino T. , Anstey J. A. , Ebisuzaki W. , Harada Y. , Long C. , Misios S. , Stott P. A. , Tan D.
Published: October 2014

A multiple linear regression analysis of nine different reanalysis datasets has been performed to test the robustness of variability associated with volcanic eruptions, the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation and with a specific focus on the 11‐year solar cycle. The analysis covers both the stratosphere and troposphere and extends over the period 1979–2009. The characteristic signals of all four sources of variability are remarkably consistent between the datasets and confirm the responses seen in previous analyses. In general, the solar signatures reported are primarily due to the assimilation of observations, rather than the underlying forecast model used in the reanalysis system. Analysis of the 11‐year solar response in the lower stratosphere confirms the existence of the equatorial temperature maximum, although there is less consistency in the upper stratosphere, probably reflecting the reduced level of assimilated data there. The solar modulation of the polar jet oscillation is also evident, but only significant during February. In the troposphere, vertically banded anomalies in zonal mean zonal winds are seen in all the reanalyses, with easterly anomalies at 30°N and 30°S suggesting a weaker and possibly broader Hadley circulation under solar maximum conditions. This structure is present in the annual signal and is particularly evident in NH wintertime. As well as the ‘top‐down’ solar contribution to Northern Annular Mode variability, we show the potential contribution from the surface conditions allowing for a ‘bottom‐up’ pathway. Finally, the reanalyses are compared with both observed global‐mean temperatures from the Stratospheric Sounding Unit (SSU) and from the latest general circulation models from CMIP‐5. The SSU samples the stratosphere over three different altitudes, and the 11‐year solar cycle fingerprint is identified in these observations using detection and attribution techniques.
Carcinogenic potential of metal nanoparticles in BALB/3T3 cell transformation assay
Authors: Sighinolfi G. L. , Artoni E. , Gatti A. M. , Corsi L.
Published: October 2014

Metal‐based nanoparticles (NPs), are currently used in many application fields including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical treatments. In spite to their wide applications, an in‐depth study of their potential toxic effects is still lacking. The aim of the present research was to investigate the potential initiator or promoter‐like activity of different metallic NPs such as gold, iron, cobalt, and cerium using the Balb/3T3 two‐stage transformation assay. The results indicated that all the selected metallic NPs, except for cobalt, when used as initiators did not induce any transformation in Balb/3T3 cell line. Moreover, Au and Fe3O4 NPs, when used in place of the tumor promoter treatment TPA, increased significantly the number of Foci/dish as compared to the MCA treatment alone. The number of Foci/dish was 2.6 for Au NPs and 2.13 for Fe3O4 ones, similar to those obtained by the positive control treatment (MCA + TPA), whereas 1.27 for MCA treatment alone. On the contrary, CeO2 NPs did not show any difference in the number of Foci/dish, as compared to MCA alone, but it decreased the number of foci by 65% in comparison to the positive control (MCA + TPA). As expected, cobalt NPs showed an increased cytotoxicity and only a few surviving cells were found at the time of analysis showing a number of Foci/dish of 0.13. For the first time, our data clearly showed that Au and Fe3O4 NPs act as promoters in the two stage transformational assay, suggesting the importance to fully investigate the NPs carcinogenic potential with different models. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 509–519, 2016.
Optimal $L^p$ Hardy-type inequalities
Authors: Devyver Baptiste , Pinchover Yehuda
Published: October 2014

Let

Ω

be a domain in

\mathbb{R}^{n}

or a noncompact Riemannian manifold of dimension

n \geq 2

, and

1 < p < \infty

. Consider the functional

\mathcal{Q}(\varphi ): = \int _{\Omega }(|\mathrm{∇}\varphi |^{p} + V|\varphi |^{p})\:\mathrm{d}\nu

defined on

C_{0}^{\infty }(\Omega )

, and assume that

\mathcal{Q} \geq 0

. The aim of the paper is to generalize to the quasilinear case (

p \neq 2

) some of the results obtained in [6] for the linear case (

p = 2

), and in particular, to obtain “as large as possible” nonnegative (optimal) Hardy-type weight

W

satisfying

\mathcal{Q}(\varphi ) \geq \int \limits_{\Omega }W|\varphi |^{p}\:\mathrm{d}\nu \:\forall \varphi \in C_{0}^{\infty }(\Omega ).

Our main results deal with the case where

V = 0

, and

Ω

is a general punctured domain (for

V \neq 0

we obtain only some partial results). In the case

1 < p \leq n

, an optimal Hardy-weight is given by

W: = \left(\frac{p−1}{p}\right)^{p}\left|\frac{\mathrm{∇}G}{G}\right|^{p},

where

G

is the associated positive minimal Green function with a pole at

0

. On the other hand, for

p > n

, several cases should be considered, depending on the behavior of

G

at infinity in

Ω

. The results are extended to annular and exterior domains.
Estructura organizacional y relaciones inter-organizacionales: análisis en Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud públicas de Colombia
Authors: Marín Idárraga Diego Armando , Losada Campos Luz Ángela
Published: October 2014

El presente trabajo investiga las influencias que tienen las principales variables de la estructura organizacional sobre las relaciones inter-organizacionales de cooperación en Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud (IPS) públicas de Colombia, mediante un estudio explicativo de corte trasversal aplicando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados indican que la descentralización favorece el intercambio de información, la complementariedad de recursos y la congruencia de objetivos y valores, mientras que la formalización favorece solo el intercambio de información. Además se evidenció la incidencia positiva del intercambio de información y la congruencia de objetivos y valores sobre el desempeño de la relación inter-organizacional en términos de satisfacción.
Search and Rescue Response to a Large-Scale Rockfall Disaster
Authors: Procter Emily , Strapazzon Giacomo , Balkenhol Karla , Fop Ernst , Faggionato Alessandro , Mayr Karl , Falk Markus , Brugger Hermann
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe the prehospital management and safety of search and rescue (SAR) teams involved in a large-scale rockfall disaster and monitor the acute and chronic health effects on personnel with severe dolomitic dust exposure.

Methods

SAR personnel underwent on-site medical screening and lung function testing 3 months and 3 years after the event.

Results

The emergency dispatch center was responsible for central coordination of resources. One hundred fifty SAR members from multidisciplinary air- and ground-based teams as well as geotechnical experts were dispatched to a provisionary operation center. Acute exposure to dolomite dust with detectable silicon and magnesium concentrations was not associated with (sub)acute or chronic sequelae or a clinically significant impairment in lung function in exposed personnel.

Conclusions

The risk for personnel involved in mountain SAR operations is rarely reported and not easily investigated or quantified. This case exemplifies the importance of a multiskilled team and additional considerations for prehospital management during natural hazard events. Safety plans should include compulsory protective measures and medical monitoring of personnel.
Intrinsic heart rate recovery after dynamic exercise is improved with an increased omega-3 index in healthy males
Authors: Macartney Michael J. , Hingley Lachlan , Brown Marc A. , Peoples Gregory E. , McLennan Peter L.
Published: October 2014

Dietary fish consumption contributes to a reduced risk of cardiac mortality. In the present study, the effect of low-dose fish oil (FO) supplementation on heart rate (HR) response to intense exercise and recovery was investigated in physically fit males. The subjects (n26) were supplemented (double-blind, parallel design) with (2 × 1 g/d) soya bean oil (control) or tuna FO providing the long-chainn-3 PUFA DHA (560 mg) and EPA (140 mg). Erythrocyte omega-3 index (%EPA+DHA), HR, HR variability and HR recovery were analysed during rest, intense exercise and recovery at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation. The mean erythrocyte omega-3 index, which did not differ between the groups at baseline (control 4·2 (sem0·2),n13; FO 4·7 (sem0·2),n13), remained unchanged in the control group (3·9 (sem0·2)), but increased in the FO group (6·3 (sem0·3);P< 0·01). The mean HR during supine resting conditions (control 56 (sem10); FO 59 (sem9)) was not affected by FO supplementation. Poincaré analysis of HR variability at rest exhibited a decreasing trend in parasympathetic activity in the FO group (SD1 (standard deviation of points perpendicular to the axis of line of identity)/SD2 (standard deviation of points along the axis of line of identity): control 0·02 (sem0·01); FO − 0·05 (sem0·02);P= 0·18). Peak HR was not affected by supplementation. However, during submaximal exercise over 5 min, fewer total heart beats were recorded in the FO group ( − 22 (sem6) ( = − 4·5 beats/min)), but not in the control group (+1 (sem4)) (P< 0·05). Supine HR recovery (half-time) after cycling was significantly faster after FO supplementation (control − 0·4 (sem1·2) s; FO − 8·0 (sem1·7) s;P< 0·05). A low intake of FO increased the omega-3 index and reduced the mean exercise HR and improved HR recovery without compromising the peak HR. A direct influence of DHA via reductions in the cardiac intrinsic beat rate was balanced by a reciprocal decrease in vagal tone.
Patterns and predictors of nut consumption: results from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey
Authors: Brown Rachel C. , Tey Siew Ling , Gray Andrew R. , Chisholm Alexandra , Smith Claire , Fleming Elizabeth , Blakey Charlie , Parnell Winsome
Published: October 2014

Regular nut consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk. Insight into nut consumption patterns provides important information to help design strategies to encourage intake. The present study aimed to describe nut consumption in terms of the percentage of consumers, mean grams eaten among the population and nut consumers, and to identify the predictors of nut consumption. Data from the 24 h dietary recalls of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey (n 4721) were used to measure nut consumption. On the recall day, the percentages of consumers of whole nuts, nut butters and nuts from hidden sources were 6·9 % (n 240), 7·2 % (n 346) and 19·2 % (n 732), respectively (28·9 % (n 1167) combined (total)). The mean grams consumed by the population were relatively low for whole nuts (2·8 g/d), nut butters (0·9 g/d), nuts from hidden sources (1·5 g/d) and total nuts (5·2 g/d). Among consumers, the mean daily grams of whole nuts, nut butters, nuts from hidden sources and total nuts eaten were 40·3, 12·9, 7·8 and 17·9 g/d, respectively. Those aged 15–18 years had the lowest whole nut consumption, but had the highest nut butter consumption. The consumption of total nuts was positively associated with education and socio-economic status, while whole nut consumption was inversely associated with BMI. In conclusion, the low percentage of nut consumers is of concern and new strategies to increase nut consumption are required. Future public health initiatives should be mindful of these patterns and predictors. In particular, different forms of nuts may appeal to different age and socio-economic groups.
Iodine excretion has decreased in Denmark between 2004 and 2010 – the importance of iodine content in milk
Authors: Rasmussen Lone B. , Carlé Allan , Jørgensen Torben , Knuthsen Pia , Krejbjerg Anne , Perrild Hans , Bjergved Lena , Sloth Jens J. , Laurberg Peter , Ovesen Lars
Published: October 2014

Fortification with the essential trace element iodine is widespread worldwide. In the present study, results on iodine excretion and intake of iodine-rich foods from a cross-sectional study carried out in 2004–5, 4 to 5 years after the implementation of mandatory iodine fortification, were compared with data in a study carried out in 2008–10. The 2008–10 study was a follow-up of a cross-sectional study carried out before iodine fortification was implemented. Participants in the cross-sectional studies were randomly selected. Both studies were carried out in the cities of Aalborg and Copenhagen in Denmark. The median urinary iodine concentration decreased in women from 97 μg/l (n 2862) to 78 μg/l (n 2041) (P< 0·001). The decrease persisted after adjustment for age, city and education, and if expressed as estimated 24 h iodine excretion. The prevalence of users of iodine containing dietary supplements increased from 29·4 to 37·3 % (P< 0·001). The total fluid intake increased in women (P< 0·001), but the intake of other iodine-rich foods did not change. The median urinary iodine concentration did not change in men (114 μg/l (n 708) and 107 μg/l (n 424), respectively), while the total fluid intake decreased (P= 0·001). Iodine content was measured in milk sampled in 2000–1 and in 2013. The iodine content was lower in 2013 (12 (sd 3) μg/100 g) compared with that in 2000–1 (16 (sd 6) μg/100 g) (P< 0·001). In conclusion, iodine excretion in women has decreased below the recommended level. The reason might probably, at least partly, be a decreased content of iodine in milk.
Climatic evolution across oceanic anoxic event 1a derived from terrestrial palynology and clay minerals (Maestrat Basin, Spain)
Authors: CORS JEAN , HEIMHOFER ULRICH , ADATTE THIERRY , HOCHULI PETER A. , HUCK STEFAN , BOVER-ARNAL TELM
Published: October 2014

Studies dealing with the response of the continental biosphere to the environmental perturbations associated with Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are comparatively rare. Here, a quantitative spore-pollen record combined with clay mineral data is presented, which covers the entire early Aptian OAE 1a interval (Forcall Formation, Maestrat basin, east Spain). The well-expressed OAE 1a carbon-isotope anomaly is paralleled by changes in the clay mineral assemblage and by a stepwise decline in the normalized frequency ofClassopollispollen (produced by xerophytic Cheirolepidiaceae) with lowest contents occurring during the positive δ13C shift. In contrast,AraucariacitesandInaperturopollenitespollen show a pronounced increase in relative abundance from low background values to become a significant component of the palynological assemblage during theClassopollisminimum. The observed changes in clay minerals and pollen distribution patterns are interpreted to reflect a major change in the composition of the hinterland vegetation of the Maestrat Basin, most probably due to short-lived but pronounced climatic cooling and changes in humidity. Temperature anomalies driven by organic carbon burial and associated CO2decline have been postulated for all major Mesozoic OAEs. The palynomorph record from the Iberian Maestrat basins indicates that the climax of this cooling episode was significantly delayed in comparison to the end of organic carbon-rich deposition in the world oceans.
The hot hELicon eXperiment (HELIX) and the large experiment on instabilities and anisotropy (LEIA)
Authors: Scime E. E. , Keiter P. A. , Balkey M. M. , Kline J. L. , Sun X. , Keesee A. M. , Hardin R. A. , Biloiu I. A. , Houshmandyar S. , Chakraborty Thakur S. , Carr J. , Galante M. , McCarren D. , Sears S.
Published: October 2014

The West Virginia University Hot hELIcon eXperiment (HELIX) provides variable density and ion temperature plasmas, with controllable levels of thermal anisotropy, for space relevant laboratory experiments in the Large Experiment on Instabilities and Anisotropy (LEIA) as well as fundamental studies of helicon source physics in HELIX. Through auxiliary ion heating, the ion temperature anisotropy (T⊥/T∥) is variable from 1 to 20 for parallel plasma beta (β = 8πnkTi∥/B2) values that span the range of 0.0001 to 0.01 in LEIA. The ion velocity distribution function is measured throughout the discharge volume in steady-state and pulsed plasmas with laser induced fluorescence (LIF). The wavelengths of very short wavelength electrostatic fluctuations are measured with a coherent microwave scattering system. Operating at low neutral pressures triggers spontaneous formation of a current-free electric double layer. Ion acceleration through the double layer is detected through LIF. LIF-based velocity space tomography of the accelerated beam provides a two-dimensional mapping of the bulk and beam ion distribution functions. The driving frequency for the m = 1 helical antenna is continuously variable from 8.5 to 16 MHz and frequency dependent variations of the RF coupling to the plasma allow the spontaneously appearing double layers to be turned on and off without modifying the plasma collisionality or magnetic field geometry. Single and multi-species plasmas are created with argon, helium, nitrogen, krypton, and xenon. The noble gas plasmas have steep neutral density gradients, with ionization levels reaching 100% in the core of the plasma source. The large plasma density in the source enables the study of Aflvén waves in the HELIX device.
Investigating gender disparities in the profile and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis in Ebonyi state, Nigeria
Authors: OSHI S. N. , ALOBU I. , UKWAJA K. N. , OSHI D. C.
Published: October 2014

Globally, twice as many men as women are being diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) annually. Little is known about gender differentials in TB in Africa. A retrospective cohort analysis of routine data was conducted on adult TB patients treated between 2011 and 2012 in two large healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Gender differences in their demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes were analysed accordingly. Of 1668 TB patients enrolled, the male:female ratio was 1·4:1. The mean ages of males and females were 40·2 ± 14·7 and 36·1 ± 14·6 years, respectively (ttest 6·62,P < 0·001). Male gender was associated with a higher failure to smear convert after 2 months (21·8%vs. 17·5%,P = 0·06) and 5 months (4·3%vs. 1·5%,P = 0·02) of treatment for smear-positive TB patients. Moreover, men were more likely than women to fail treatment (2·2%vs. 0·7%,P = 0·01). No significant differences exist in the treatment success rates between women and men (78·2%vs. 74·5%,P = 0·08). Adjusted analyses showed significant association between being an urban male and a HIV-infected female with unsuccessful outcome adjusted by socio-demographic and clinical factors. We found that gender disparities exist in TB profile and treatment outcomes in Nigeria and gender-specific strategies are needed to optimize TB management.
SCESS: a WFSA-based automated simplified chinese essay scoring system with incremental latent semantic analysis
Authors: HAO SHUDONG , XU YANYAN , KE DENGFENG , SU KAILE , PENG HENGLI
Published: October 2014

Writing in language tests is regarded as an important indicator for assessing language skills of test takers. As Chinese language tests become popular, scoring a large number of essays becomes a heavy and expensive task for the organizers of these tests. In the past several years, some efforts have been made to develop automated simplified Chinese essay scoring systems, reducing both costs and evaluation time. In this paper, we introduce a system called SCESS (automated Simplified Chinese Essay Scoring System) based on Weighted Finite State Automata (WFSA) and using Incremental Latent Semantic Analysis (ILSA) to deal with a large number of essays. First, SCESS uses ann-gram language model to construct a WFSA to perform text pre-processing. At this stage, the system integrates a Confusing-Character Table, a Part-Of-Speech Table, beam search and heuristic search to perform automated word segmentation and correction of essays. Experimental results show that this pre-processing procedure is effective, with a Recall Rate of 88.50%, a Detection Precision of 92.31% and a Correction Precision of 88.46%. After text pre-processing, SCESS uses ILSA to perform automated essay scoring. We have carried out experiments to compare the ILSA method with the traditional LSA method on the corpora of essays from the MHK test (the Chinese proficiency test for minorities). Experimental results indicate that ILSA has a significant advantage over LSA, in terms of both running time and memory usage. Furthermore, experimental results also show that SCESS is quite effective with a scoring performance of 89.50%.
Transfer at the initial stages of L3 Brazilian Portuguese: A look at three groups of English/Spanish bilinguals
Authors: GIANCASPRO DAVID , HALLORAN BECKY , IVERSON MICHAEL
Published: October 2014

This study examines three formal linguistic acquisition models of third language (L3) acquisition in the context of Brazilian Portuguese (BP), specifically examining Differential Object Marking (DOM). The main goal is to determine which of the models is best able to predict and explain syntactic transfer in three experimental groups: mirror-image groups of first/second language (L1/L2) English/Spanish bilinguals (i) L1 English/L2 Spanish and (ii) L1 Spanish/L2 English, and (iii) heritage Spanish/English bilinguals. The data provide evidence to support the Typological Primacy Model (Rothman, 2010, 2011, 2013), which predicts Spanish transfer irrespective of its status as an L1, L2 or bilingual first language (2L1). Additionally, the heritage speaker and L1 English group results, taken together, provide evidence for Iverson's (2009) claim that comparing such populations adds independent supportive evidence that the acquisition of linguistic features or properties in an L2 acquired past puberty is not subject to a maturational critical period.
Financial Difficulty and Mental Wellbeing in an Age of Austerity: The Experience in Deprived Communities
Authors: Curl Angela , Kearns Ade
Published: October 2014

Critics have called for more attention to be paid to the health impacts of the economic downturn and policy responses to it. Other research has reported that, without any protective measures, deprived communities will be badly hit by austerity. This article uses evidence from fifteen deprived communities to look at the changing incidence of financial difficulties among key at-risk groups, and their associations with mental health, from the pre- to the mid-recession period. High and increasing rates of affordability difficulty were found in respect of the costs of fuel, council tax and clothes, particularly among households with disabled adults, under-occupiers and families with part-time workers. Moreover, increased affordability difficulties were consistently associated with a decline in mental health, at all time periods and for all items of expenditure. The evidence supports a policy counter-narrative focussed on preserving and enhancing mental wellbeing for all rather than the current ‘austerity hegemon’.
AN AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONALIST PARTS COMPANY WITH THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS: H. DUNCAN HALL AND THE FREUDIAN RESPONSE TO GLOBAL IRRATIONALISM
Authors: COTTON JAMES
Published: October 2014

The most senior Australian in the League of Nations secretariat, H. Duncan Hall became an established advocate of institutional internationalism as a mitigator of conflict. From 1933, however, the advent of totalitarian movements and his exposure to Freudianism through his association with Dr Robert Waelder led him to the conviction that psychoanalysis provided the key to the irrationality of the times. He endeavoured to use his League position, including his influence in Australia, to convince opinion leaders of the profound dangers of national mass psychosis to the survival of the international order. Frustrated in the League, he then sought to convey the same message in the United States. Although largely unsuccessful in his efforts, and unable to establish an academic vehicle for the study of the issue in America, he was able to help bring to Australia the first practitioners of Freudian psychoanalysis trained in Europe.
THE RECEPTIONS OF ELIE HALEVY’SLA FORMATION DU RADICALISME PHILOSOPHIQUEIN ENGLAND AND FRANCE
Authors: CONTI GREG , WELCH CHERYL
Published: October 2014

That Elie Halévy'sThe Growth of Philosophical Radicalismis a classic text of history and theory is a judgment repeated too often to be in doubt. But what makes it a classic? The most obvious sign—that it is widely recommended as a standard work in its field generations after its publication—raises the question of why and how a text becomes a leading work or “master” piece. Literary classics are sometimes said to fuse style, substance, and significance in a mysterious alchemy that continues to stimulate thought beyond the original context. Similarly, discussions of historical works that enlarge the imagination sometimes center on the literary qualities of these texts. Most famously, Hayden White dwells on their allegedly fruitful exploitation of a preexisting “linguistic protocol” such as tragedy or irony. White also notes, however, that a necessary condition for any work of history to resonate powerfully with its audience is that readers are subconsciously prepared to be moved by it.
Thin–fat insulin-resistant phenotype also present in South Asian neonates born in the Netherlands
Authors: Karamali N. S. , Ariëns G. A. M. , Kanhai H. H. H. , de Groot C. J. M. , Tamsma J. T. , Middelkoop B. J. C.
Published: October 2014

Several studies have shown that South Asian neonates have a characteristic thin–fat insulin-resistant phenotype. The aim of our study was to determine whether this phenotype is also present in South Asians who have migrated to a Western country (the Netherlands). South Asian and white Dutch pregnant women were included in our study. After delivery, cord blood was collected and neonatal anthropometry was measured within 72 h. Compared with white Dutch mothers, South Asian mothers were younger (28.5 v. 32.2 years, P<0.001) and had a higher prepregnancy body mass index (25.1 v. 23.0, P=0.001). Gestational age at delivery was on average 4 days shorter in South Asians (274.9 v. 278.8, P=0.001). To compare the two groups of neonates, we calculated sex- and gestation-specific s.d. scores using the values for mean and s.d. obtained from the white Dutch subjects as a reference. All measurements were smaller in South Asian neonates, except for those of the skinfolds. The largest difference was found in abdominal circumference (s.d. score 1.39, 95% CI −1.76 to −1.01). Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were similar in both groups (triceps s.d. score −0.34, 95% CI −0.88 to +0.20 and subscapular s.d. score −0.03, 95% CI −0.31 to +0.25). South Asian neonates had higher cord plasma levels of triglycerides (0.40 v. 0.36, P=0.614), glucose (5.4 v. 4.8, P=0.079) and insulin (6.3 v. 4.0, P=0.051). However, these differences were not statistically significant. After adjustment for birth weight, the difference in insulin became statistically significant (P=0.001). We therefore conclude that the thin–fat insulin-resistant phenotype is also present in South Asian neonates in the Netherlands.
Cystatin C protects neuronal cells against mutant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase-mediated toxicity
Authors: Watanabe S , Hayakawa T , Wakasugi K , Yamanaka K
Published: October 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motor neurons. Cystatin C (CysC), an endogenous cysteine protease inhibitor, is a major protein component of Bunina bodies observed in the spinal motor neurons of sporadic ALS and is decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients. Despite prominent deposition of CysC in ALS, the roles of CysC in the central nervous system remain unknown. Here, we identified the neuroprotective activity of CysC against ALS-linked mutant Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1)-mediated toxicity. We found that exogenously added CysC protected neuronal cells including primary cultured motor neurons. Moreover, the neuroprotective property of CysC was dependent on the coordinated activation of two distinct pathways: autophagy induction through AMPK-mTOR pathway and inhibition of cathepsin B. Furthermore, exogenously added CysC was transduced into the cells and aggregated in the cytosol under oxidative stress conditions, implying a relationship between the neuroprotective activity of CysC and Bunina body formation. These data suggest CysC is an endogenous neuroprotective agent and targeting CysC in motor neurons may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ALS.
Massive fungal biodiversity data re-annotation with multi-level clustering
Authors: Vu Duong , Szöke Szániszló , Wiwie Christian , Baumbach Jan , Cardinali Gianluigi , Röttger Richard , Robert Vincent
Published: October 2014

With the availability of newer and cheaper sequencing methods, genomic data are being generated at an increasingly fast pace. In spite of the high degree of complexity of currently available search routines, the massive number of sequences available virtually prohibits quick and correct identification of large groups of sequences sharing common traits. Hence, there is a need for clustering tools for automatic knowledge extraction enabling the curation of large-scale databases. Current sophisticated approaches on sequence clustering are based on pairwise similarity matrices. This is impractical for databases of hundreds of thousands of sequences as such a similarity matrix alone would exceed the available memory. In this paper, a new approach called MultiLevel Clustering (MLC) is proposed which avoids a majority of sequence comparisons and therefore, significantly reduces the total runtime for clustering. An implementation of the algorithm allowed clustering of all 344,239 ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) fungal sequences from GenBank utilizing only a normal desktop computer within 22 CPU-hours whereas the greedy clustering method took up to 242 CPU-hours.
The Tribolium castaneum cell line TcA: a new tool kit for cell biology
Authors: Silver Kristopher , Jiang Hongbo , Fu Jinping , Phillips Thomas W. , Beeman Richard W. , Park Yoonseong
Published: October 2014

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is an agriculturally important insect pest that has been widely used as a model organism. Recently, an adherent cell line (BCIRL-TcA-CLG1 or TcA) was developed from late pupae of the red flour beetle. Next generation transcriptome sequencing of TcA cells demonstrated expression of a wide variety of genes associated with specialized functions in chitin metabolism, immune responses and cellular and systemic RNAi pathways. Accordingly, we evaluated the sensitivity of TcA cells to dsRNA to initiate an RNAi response. TcA cells were highly sensitive to minute amounts of dsRNA, with a minimum effective dose of 100 pg/mL resulting in significant suppression of gene expression. We have also developed a plasmid containing two TcA-specific promoters, the promoter from the 40S ribosomal protein subunit (TC006550) and a bi-directional heat shock promoter (TcHS70) from the intergenic space between heat shock proteins 68a and b. These promoters have been employed to provide high levels of either constitutive (TC006550) or inducible (TcHS70) gene expression of the reporter proteins. Our results show that the TcA cell line, with its sensitivity to RNAi and functional TcA-specific promoters, is an invaluable resource for studying basic molecular and physiological questions.
Band Gap Tunable Zn2SnO4 Nanocubes through Thermal Effect and Their Outstanding Ultraviolet Light Photoresponse
Authors: Zhao Yan , Hu Linfeng , Liu Hui , Liao Meiyong , Fang Xiaosheng , Wu Limin
Published: October 2014

This work presents a method for synthesis of high-yield, uniform and band gap tunable Zn2SnO4 nanocubes. These nanocubes can be further self-assembled into a series of novel nanofilms with tunable optical band gaps from 3.54 to 3.18 eV by simply increasing the heat treatment temperature. The Zn2SnO4 nanocube-nanofilm based device has been successfully fabricated and presents obviously higher photocurrent, larger photocurrent to dark current ratio than the previously reported individual nanostructure-based UV-light photodetectors and could be used in high performance photodetectors, solar cells and electrode materials for Li-ion battery.
Quantitative serine protease assays based on formation of copper(ii)–oligopeptide complexes
Authors: Ding Xiaokang , Yang Kun-Lin
Published: October 2014

Formation of a copper(ii)–oligopeptide complex is exploited for real-time detection of serine proteases.
A highly efficient asymmetric synthesis of quaternary stereocenter-containing indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids using aldehydes, nitroalkenes, and unactivated cyclic ketimines
Authors: Tan Yu , Chen Yong-Jian , Lin Hua , Luan Han-Lin , Sun Xing-Wen , Yang Xiao-Di , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: October 2014

A highly efficient approach to the construction of indolizidines and quinolizidines bearing a bridged quaternary stereocenter has been established in a one-pot fashion using aldehydes, nitroalkenes, and cyclic ketimines.
Design strategies for lab-on-a-molecule probes and orthogonal sensing
Authors: Chen Kun , Shu Qinghai , Schmittel Michael
Published: October 2014

Multianalyte chemosensors are most successful when they operate on selective sensing and signaling modes that are based on different detection channels, orthogonal binding, orthogonal reaction mechanisms and/or differing kinetic features.
A highly efficient and robust Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared by the ammonia evaporation hydrothermal method for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol
Authors: Zhu Shanhui , Gao Xiaoqing , Zhu Yulei , Fan Weibin , Wang Jianguo , Li Yongwang
Published: October 2014

The Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared by the ammonia evaporation hydrothermal method presented unprecedented stability (300 h) for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol.
Titanocene(iii) pseudohalides: an ESR and structural study
Authors: Křižan Martin , Honzíček Jan , Vinklárek Jaromír , Růžičková Zdeňka , Erben Milan
Published: October 2014

ESR spectroscopy in both solution and the solid state revealed doublet, triplet and quartet ground states of new titanocene(iii) pseudohalide complexes.
Solution thermodynamics, computational and relaxometric studies of ditopic DO3A-based Mn(ii) complexes
Authors: Artali Roberto , Baranyai Zsolt , Botta Mauro , Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Maspero Angelo , Negri Roberto , Palmisano Giovanni , Sisti Massimo , Tollari Stefano
Published: October 2014

The structure, stability and magnetic properties of novel ditopic Mn(ii)-complexes were studied by molecular modeling, potentiometric and relaxometric techniques.
Biocompatible mannosylated endosomal-escape nanoparticles enhance selective delivery of short nucleotide sequences to tumor associated macrophages
Authors: Ortega Ryan A. , Barham Whitney J. , Kumar Bharat , Tikhomirov Oleg , McFadden Ian D. , Yull Fiona E. , Giorgio Todd D.
Published: October 2014

Mannosylated nanoparticles are capable of delivering nucleotide sequences to tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and have enhancedin vivouptake in TAMs.
Absolute photoluminescence quantum yields of IR26 and IR-emissive Cd1−xHgxTe and PbS quantum dots – method- and material-inherent challenges
Authors: Hatami Soheil , Würth Christian , Kaiser Martin , Leubner Susanne , Gabriel Stefanie , Bahrig Lydia , Lesnyak Vladimir , Pauli Jutta , Gaponik Nikolai , Eychmüller Alexander , Resch-Genger Ute
Published: October 2014

Challenging photoluminescence quantum yield measurements in the spectral region of 800–1600 nm.
A short-range ordered–disordered transition of a NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 pair induces switchable wettability
Authors: Chang Ya-Huei , Hau Nga Yu , Liu Chang , Huang Yu-Ting , Li Chien-Cheng , Shih Kaimin , Feng Shien-Ping
Published: October 2014

The combination of a short-range ordered–disordered transition and a redox reaction leads to widely and rapidly switchable wettability of nickel oxyhydroxide/nickel hydroxide.
Synthesis and the absolute configuration of both enantiomers of 4,5-dihydroxy-3-(formyl)cyclopent-2-enone acetonide as a new chiral building block for prostanoid synthesis
Authors: Łukasik Beata , Mikołajczyk Marian , Bujacz Grzegorz , Żurawiński Remigiusz
Published: October 2014

Starting from optically inactive meso-tartaric acid (6) the synthesis of both enantiomers of a new cyclopentenone building block 5 was developed.
Developing a targeting system for bacterial membranes: measuring receptor-phosphatidylglycerol interactions with1H NMR, ITC and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Alliband Amanda , Wang Zifan , Thacker Christopher , English Douglas S. , Burns Dennis H.
Published: October 2014

We report the development of a potential targeting system for bacterial membranes containing phosphatidylglycerol.
Mechanical properties of commercial copper current-collector foils
Authors: Zhu Jianyu , Feng Jiemin , Guo Zhansheng
Published: October 2014

Measurements of mechanical properties of copper current collector foils were performed using three techniques: a standard microtensile testing machine equipped with a laser sensor, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and nanoindentation. For electrolytic copper (E-Cu) foils, we find elastic moduli of approximately 70 GPa, and for rolled copper (R-Cu) foils, we find elastic moduli of approximately 50 GPa.
Control of a two-dimensional molecular structure by cooperative halogen and hydrogen bonds
Authors: Yasuda Satoshi , Furuya Atom , Murakoshi Kei
Published: October 2014

The cooperative effect of hydrogen and halogen bonds on the two-dimensional (2D) molecular arrangement on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Towards re-electrification of hydrogen obtained from the power-to-gas process by highly efficient H2/O2 polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Büchi Felix N. , Hofer Marcel , Peter Christian , Cabalzar Urs D. , Bernard Jérôme , Hannesen Uwe , Schmidt Thomas J. , Closset Alexandre , Dietrich Philipp
Published: October 2014

In the power-to-gas process, hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis, is used for storage of excess renewable electric power. Pure oxygen is a byproduct of the electrolysis process. Using pure oxygen as the oxidant in polymer electrolyte fuel cells can increase the efficiency of the power-to-hydrogen-to-power energy storage chain.
3D controllable preparation of composite CuO/TiO2 nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Fanli , Cheng Zhiqiang , Kang Lijuan , Cui Liying , Liu Wei , Hou Guohui , Yang Hongjia , Xu Xiaojuan
Published: October 2014

The preparation and research of nanometer metal oxides has drawn considerable attention because of their special structure and excellent chemical properties, particularly titania and titanium dioxide composite nanomaterials.