bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redesigning the procaspase‐8 dimer interface for improved dimerization
Authors: Ma Chunxiao , MacKenzie Sarah H. , Clay Clark A.
Published: January 2014

Caspase‐8 is a cysteine directed aspartate‐specific protease that is activated at the cytosolic face of the cell membrane upon receptor ligation. A key step in the activation of caspase‐8 depends on adaptor‐induced dimerization of procaspase‐8 monomers. Dimerization is followed by limited autoproteolysis within the intersubunit linker (IL), which separates the large and small subunits of the catalytic domain. Although cleavage of the IL stabilizes the dimer, the uncleaved procaspase‐8 dimer is sufficiently active to initiate apoptosis, so dimerization of the zymogen is an important mechanism to control apoptosis. In contrast, the effector caspase‐3 is a stable dimer under physiological conditions but exhibits little enzymatic activity. The catalytic domains of caspases are structurally similar, but it is not known why procaspase‐8 is a monomer while procaspase‐3 is a dimer. To define the role of the dimer interface in assembly and activation of procaspase‐8, we generated mutants that mimic the dimer interface of effector caspases. We show that procaspase‐8 with a mutated dimer interface more readily forms dimers. Time course studies of refolding also show that the mutations accelerate dimerization. Transfection of HEK293A cells with the procaspase‐8 variants, however, did not result in a significant increase in apoptosis, indicating that other factors are required in vivo. Overall, we show that redesigning the interface of procaspase‐8 to remove negative design elements results in increased dimerization and activity in vitro, but increased dimerization, by itself, is not sufficient for robust activation of apoptosis.
Informative conditions for a data set in a MIMO closed‐loop system with a switching controller
Authors: Zhang Cong , Yang Fan , Ye Hao
Published: January 2014

In system identification, a data set needs to be informativeto ensure that the identification criterion has a unique global minimum asymptotically, and the parameter estimation is consistent. To guarantee a data set in a MIMO closed‐loop system with a switching controller to be informative, we develop a group of flexible conditions for the controller's switching rule and feedback laws, which provide a trade‐off between these two aspects through adjustable parameters. Compared with the results in the existing literature, our result includes all kinds of switching rules and therefore is not limited by the constraints on the switching rule.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: A Population Shift View of Cellular Reprogramming
Authors: Sol Antonio , Buckley Noel J.
Published: January 2014

Cellular reprogramming can offer valuable insight into disease mechanism and has the potential to provide novel tools for regenerative medicine. Yet it remains an inefficient and often incomplete process. However, experiments show that almost all somatic cells eventually give rise to the pluripotent state, albeit at different latencies, as long as expression of reprogramming transcription factors is maintained. Furthermore, it appears that specific subpopulations of cells can be identified that show enhanced propensities to be reprogrammed to the pluripotent state. It has been proposed that an initial stochastic process is responsible for this initial priming that is followed by a deterministic process that directs the primed cells into the pluripotent state. Here, we propose a population shift view of cellular reprogramming, which explains these observations and reconciles the stochastic and deterministic nature of this process. According to this view, a small population of cells, whose states are closer to the pluripotent state and reside in pre-existing energetically favorable trajectories, will be initially selected for reprogramming. Moreover, by maintaining ectopic expression of reprogramming factors, other cells enter these pathways as a result of transcriptional and epigenetic stochastic variations. Consequently, increasing numbers of cells reach the pluripotent state, and the cell population distribution shifts toward this state. Importantly, additional perturbations can change the epigenetic landscape, allowing cells more access to the reprogramming trajectories, thereby increasing reprogramming efficiency. Knowledge of the initial cellular subpopulations and pathways of states that lead to the final cellular state should allow us to design alternative perturbation strategies to improve reprogramming efficiency and fidelity. Stem Cells  2014;32:1367–1372
Climates of ontological change: past wisdom in current binds?
Authors: Leduc Timothy B.
Published: January 2014

Although considering questions of wisdom and humility in relation to climate change may seem like a soft theoretical topic for an issue that needs hard and clear responses, there is an increasing literature that suggests the global inability to agree on the nature of climate change and what a response entails may be grounded in modern ways of thinking and being—ways that have long marginalized such inquiries. The increasing power of science and computer modeling has not only give us new ways of thinking about our relation to climate, but also represents our entry into a new sense of being where we are aware of humanity's interconnection with an ever‐changing climate system. Research with indigenous views of climate change and paleoclimatology are revealing historic insights on the evolving relation between the human mind and cycles of climate change. While such research can help situate our present realizations about human embeddedness within a longer history of human–climate relations, it is also necessary to recognize the unique dimensions of our current situation. This includes the increasing power of industrial humanity to destabilize global climate–human systems through greenhouse gas emissions; to technologically monitor those changes; and to promote changes in behavior that can be ethically responsive to global, not simply regional, climate–human relations. This article considers climate change as a challenge to modern ways of thinking and being, and concludes by contemplating some implications of returning to an older humility and wisdom.WIREs Clim Change2014, 5:247–260. doi: 10.1002/wcc.267

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts
Model studies of dense water overflows in the Faroese Channels
Authors: Cuthbertson Alan , Davies Peter , Stashchuk Nataliya , Vlasenko Vasiliy
Published: January 2014

The overflow of dense water from the Nordic Seas through the Faroese Channel system was investigated through combined laboratory experiments and numerical simulations using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model. In the experimental study, a scaled, topographic representation of the Faroe-Shetland Channel, Wyville-Thomson Basin and Ridge and Faroe Bank Channel seabed bathymetry was constructed and mounted in a rotating tank. A series of parametric experiments was conducted using dye-tracing and drogue-tracking techniques to investigate deep-water overflow pathways and circulation patterns within the modelled region. In addition, the structure of the outflowing dense bottom water was investigated through density profiling along three cross-channel transects located in the Wyville-Thomson Basin and the converging, up-sloping approach to the Faroe Bank Channel. Results from the dye-tracing studies demonstrate a range of parametric conditions under which dense water overflow across the Wyville-Thomson Ridge is shown to occur, as defined by the Burger number, a non-dimensional length ratio and a dimensionless dense water volume flux parameter specified at the Faroe-Shetland Channel inlet boundary. Drogue-tracking measurements reveal the complex nature of flow paths and circulations generated in the modelled topography, particularly the development of a large anti-cyclonic gyre in the Wyville-Thompson Basin and up-sloping approach to the Faroe Bank Channel, which diverts the dense water outflow from the Faroese shelf towards the Wyville-Thomson Ridge, potentially promoting dense water spillage across the ridge itself. The presence of this circulation is also indicated by associated undulations in density isopycnals across the Wyville-Thomson Basin. Numerical simulations of parametric test cases for the main outflow pathways and density structure in a similarly-scaled Faroese Channels model domain indicate excellent qualitative agreement with the experimental observations and measurements. In addition, the comparisons show that strong temporal variability in the predicted outflow pathways and circulations have a strong influence in regulating the Faroe Bank Channel and Wyville-Thomson Ridge overflows, as well as in determining the overall response in the Faroese Channels to changes in the Faroe-Shetland Channel inlet boundary conditions.
Tests of multiple molecular markers for the identification of Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers and their hybrids
Authors: Michalczuk Jerzy , McDevitt Allan D. , Mazgajski Tomasz D. , Figarski Tomasz , Ilieva Mihaela , Bujoczek Małgorzata , Malczyk Paweł , Kajtoch Łukasz
Published: January 2014

Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major and D. syriacus) are known to hybridize in nature; however, the extent of this phenomenon is not known due to difficulties in hybrid detection based on plumage analyses. Here, we tested five markers (one mitochondrial and four nuclear) and a set of six microsatellite loci for the identification of these two Woodpeckers and their hybrids. Sequencing of DNA from 26 individuals of both Woodpeckers from different parts of their ranges: one allopatric (D. major; Norway) and two sympatric (Poland and Bulgaria) showed that both species can be clearly separated based on all sequence markers. The highest number of fixed nucleotide sites were found in the mtDNA control region and intron 5 of the transforming growth factor. Analyses of microsatellite data distinguished the two species, but all loci showed a large number of common alleles and their utility in identifying hybrids is therefore doubtful. According to the DNA sequence analyses, 2 out of 18 specimens within the sympatric range in Poland were identified as possible hybrids, most probably paternal backcrosses. Moreover, both hybrids are from synantropic populations (settled in cities), whereas none of the D. major sampled in forests and in its allopatric range (Norway) showed signs of an intermixed genotype. Further research on hybridization and introgression in woodpeckers is undoubtedly needed and could be useful for understanding ecological and ethological interactions among these species, particularly for D. syriacus, which is relatively rare in Europe.
Synthesis of Quaternary, Long‐Chain N‐Alkyl Amides and Their Corrosion Inhibition in Acidic Media
Authors: Öztürk Serkan , Yıldırım Ayhan , Çetin Mehmet , Tavaslı Mustafa
Published: January 2014

New cationic surfactants were synthesized by the quaternization of a number of straight‐chain amide derivatives with triethylamine or pyridine. The corrosion inhibition tests of the surface‐active compounds were performed at room temperature for 24 h on carbon steel coupons in acidic media using the gravimetric method. The acidic media used were 1.5 M HCl and 1.5 M H2SO4. Almost all of the synthesized cationic surfactants showed efficient inhibition of corrosion in the test. To establish the inhibition efficiencies of the inhibitors, surface characterization studies (contact angle measurements, SEM analysis and optical profilometer images) of the metal coupons used were performed.
Difficulty in making contact with others and social withdrawal as early signs of psychosis in adolescents – the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986
Authors: Mäki P. , Koskela S. , Murray G.K. , Nordström T. , Miettunen J. , Jääskeläinen E. , Veijola J.M.
Published: January 2014

Aim

Social withdrawal is among the first signs of the prodromal state of psychosis seen in clinical samples. The aim of this prospective study was to find out whether difficulty in making contact with others and social withdrawal precede first episode psychosis in the young general population.

Methods

The members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n= 6274) completed the PROD-screen questionnaire in 2001–2002. The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was used to detect both new psychotic and non-psychotic disorders requiring hospitalisation during 2003–2008.

Results

Twenty-three subjects developed psychosis and 89 developed a non-psychotic mental disorder requiring hospitalisation during the follow-up. Of those who developed psychosis, 35% had reported difficulty or uncertainty in making contact with others and 30% social withdrawal in adolescence. In hospitalised non-psychotic disorder, the corresponding precentages were 10 and 13% and in the control group without hospital-treated mental disorder 9 and 11%. The differences between psychotic and non-psychotic hospitalised subjects (P< 0.01) as well as controls (P< 0.001) were statistically significant regarding difficulty or uncertainty in making contact with others.

Conclusions

In this general population-based sample self-reported difficulty or uncertainty in making contact with others in adolescence preceded psychosis specifically compared to hospitalised non-psychotic mental disorders and controls.
Restoration of p53/miR‐34a regulatory axis decreases survival advantage and ensures Bax‐dependent apoptosis of non‐small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Chakraborty Samik , Mazumdar Minakshi , Mukherjee Shravanti , Bhattacharjee Pushpak , Adhikary Arghya , Manna Argha , Chakraborty Sreeparna , Khan Poulami , Sen Aparna , Das Tanya
Published: January 2014

Tumor‐suppressive miR‐34a, a direct target of p53, has been shown to target several molecules of cell survival pathways. Here, we show that capsaicin‐induced oxidative DNA damage culminates in p53 activation to up‐regulate expression of miR‐34a in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. Functional analyses further indicate that restoration of miR‐34a inhibits B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) protein expression to withdraw the survival advantage of these resistant NSCLC cells. In such a proapoptotic cellular milieu, where drug resistance proteins are also down‐regulated, p53‐transactivated Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax) induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial death cascade. Our results suggest that p53/miR‐34a regulatory axis might be critical in sensitizing drug‐resistant NSCLC cells.
Identification of an arylalkylamine N‐acyltransferase from Drosophila melanogaster that catalyzes the formation of long‐chain N‐acylserotonins
Authors: Dempsey Daniel R. , Jeffries Kristen A. , Anderson Ryan L. , Carpenter Anne-Marie , Rodriquez Opsina Santiago , Merkler David J.
Published: January 2014

Arylalkylamine N‐acyltransferase‐like 2

2
(AANATL2) from Drosophila melanogaster was expressed and shown to catalyze the formation of long‐chain N‐acylserotonins and N‐acydopamines. Subsequent identification of endogenous amounts of N‐acylserotonins and colocalization of these fatty acid amides and AANATL2 transcripts gives supporting evidence that AANATL2 has a role in the biosynthetic formation of these important cell signalling lipids.
The chaperone FdsC for Rhodobacter capsulatus formate dehydrogenase binds the bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide cofactor
Authors: Böhmer Nadine , Hartmann Tobias , Leimkühler Silke
Published: January 2014

Molybdoenzymes are complex enzymes in which the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is deeply buried in the enzyme. Most molybdoenzymes contain a specific chaperone for the insertion of Moco. For the formate dehydrogenase FdsGBA from Rhodobacter capsulatus the two chaperones FdsC and FdsD were identified to be essential for enzyme activity, but are not a subunit of the mature enzyme. Here, we purified and characterized the FdsC protein after heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. We were able to copurify FdsC with the bound Moco derivate bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide. This cofactor successfully was used as a source to reconstitute the activity of molybdoenzymes.
A micropatterning approach for imaging dynamic Cx43 trafficking to cell–cell borders
Authors: Zhang Shan-Shan , Hong SoonGweon , Kléber André G. , Lee Luke P. , Shaw Robin M.
Published: January 2014

The precise expression and timely delivery of connexin 43 (Cx43) proteins to form gap junctions are essential for electrical coupling of cardiomyocytes. Growing evidence supports a cytoskeletal‐based trafficking paradigm for Cx43 delivery directly to adherens junctions at the intercalated disc. A limitation of Cx43 localization assays in cultured cells, in which cell–cell contacts are essential, is the inability to control for cell geometry or reproducibly generate contact points. Here we present a micropatterned cell pairing system well suited for live microscopy to examine how the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton confer specificity to Cx43 trafficking to precisely defined cell–cell junctions. This system can be adapted for other cell types and used to study dynamic intracellular movements of other proteins important for cell–cell communication.
Upregulated miR‐106a plays an oncogenic role in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Pei , Xu Qinhong , Zhang Dong , Li Xuqi , Han Liang , Lei Jianjun , Duan Wanxing , Ma Qingyong , Wu Zheng , Wang Zheng
Published: January 2014

Carcinogenesis is a complex process during which cells undergo genetic and epigenetic alterations. MicroRNAs control gene expression by negatively regulating protein‐coding mRNAs. Several reports demonstrated that miR‐106a is up‐regulated in gastric and colorectal cancers and promotes tumor progression. In contrast, in glioma miR‐106a plays the role of a tumor suppressor gene rather than an oncogene. Here we demonstrate that a high level of miR‐106a expression is present in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, our investigation shows that miR‐106a has an oncogenic role in pancreatic tumorigenesis by promoting cancer cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and invasion by targeting tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP‐2). MiR‐106a could be a critical therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
A miR‐155‐dependent microRNA hierarchy in dendritic cell maturation and macrophage activation
Authors: Dueck Anne , Eichner Alexander , Sixt Michael , Meister Gunter
Published: January 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that play important regulatory roles in many cellular pathways. MiRNAs associate with members of the Argonaute protein family and bind to partially complementary sequences on mRNAs and induce translational repression or mRNA decay. Using deep sequencing and Northern blotting, we characterized miRNA expression in wild type and miR‐155‐deficient dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Analysis of different stimuli (LPS, LDL, eLDL, oxLDL) reveals a direct influence of miR‐155 on the expression levels of other miRNAs. For example, miR‐455 is negatively regulated in miR‐155‐deficient cells possibly due to inhibition of the transcription factor C/EBPbeta by miR‐155. Based on our comprehensive data sets, we propose a model of hierarchical miRNA expression dominated by miR‐155 in DCs and macrophages.
Instructional Practices of Elementary Social Studies Teachers in North and South Carolina
Authors: Heafner Tina L. , Lipscomb George B. , Fitchett Paul G.
Published: January 2014

Using data from the Survey of the Status of Social Studies ( S4), this article describes the instructional decisions and practices of elementary teachers in two neighboring states, one where social studies is tested and another where it is not. We define students’ opportunity to learn within these states as a composite of three variables: time allocations for social studies (teacher reported instructional time), methods for teaching social studies (teacher reported instructional strategies), and content focus (teacher reported content emphases and state-mandated curriculum standards). Our guiding research question for this study was: To what extent do teachers’ perceptions of elementary school social studies instructional practices and content vary between two states with different testing policies for social studies? Initial findings revealed notable differences that could not be explained by testing policies alone. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory content analysis of the elementary social studies curricula in these neighboring states. We uncovered curricular differences that suggest that state standards influence teachers’ decisions in both what and how they choose to teach social studies. However, there were curriculum differences that did not align with S4 instructional methods and content focus output. Thus, we concluded that other factors apart from the curriculum guide teachers’ decision-making. Results provided evidence that students have different opportunities to learn based on (1) state testing policies in social studies, (2) curriculum content, (3) how social studies is delivered (e.g., stand-alone versus integration), and (4) time allocated to social studies. We concluded that these variables constrict or expand students’ opportunity to learn social studies and may influence teachers’ pedagogical and content choices in elementary social studies.
Preclinical study on combined chemo‐ and nonviral gene therapy for sensitization of melanoma using a human TNF‐alpha expressing MIDGE DNA vector
Authors: Kobelt Dennis , Aumann Jutta , Schmidt Manuel , Wittig Burghardt , Fichtner Iduna , Behrens Diana , Lemm Margit , Freundt Greta , Schlag Peter M. , Walther Wolfgang
Published: January 2014

Nonviral gene therapy represents a realistic option for clinical application in cancer treatment. This preclinical study demonstrates the advantage of using the small‐size MIDGE® DNA vector for improved transgene expression and therapeutic application. This is caused by significant increase in transcription efficiency, but not by increased intracellular vector copy numbers or gene transfer efficiency. We used the MIDGE‐hTNF‐alpha vector for high‐level expression of hTNF‐alpha in vitro and in vivo for a combined gene therapy and vindesine treatment in human melanoma models. The MIDGE vector mediated high‐level hTNF‐alpha expression leads to sensitization of melanoma cells towards vindesine. The increased efficacy of this combination is mediated by remarkable acceleration and increase of initiator caspase 8 and 9 and effector caspase 3 and 7 activation. In the therapeutic approach, the nonviral intratumoral in vivo jet‐injection gene transfer of MIDGE‐hTNF‐alpha in combination with vindesine causes melanoma growth inhibition in association with increased apoptosis in A375 cell line or patient derived human melanoma xenotransplant (PDX) models. This study represents a proof‐of‐concept for an anticipated phase I clinical gene therapy trial, in which the MIDGE‐hTNF‐alpha vector will be used for efficient combined chemo‐ and nonviral gene therapy of malignant melanoma.
Pain Location and Functioning in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Miró Jordi , Gertz Kevin J. , Carter Gregory T. , Jensen Mark P.
Published: January 2014

Background

The influence of pain location and extent on functioning in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain is not well understood.

Objective

To investigate the correlations between pain location and extent to determine which pain domains may be important to assess and potentially target in treating chronic pain in SCI populations.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

University medical center.

Participants

A total of 259 persons with an SCI and chronic pain.

Methods

Postal mail survey questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measurements

Pain sites, pain extent (number of sites), pain intensity in specific body locations, pain interference, and physical and psychological functioning.

Results

A positive association between pain extent and intensity with pain interference (r = 0.33, P < .01) and a negative association with psychological functioning were noted in the study sample (r = −0.21, P < .01). Pain intensity in the lower back and legs (r = 0.55, P < .01) and a number of other sites showed strong associations with patient functioning. Correlation with psychological functioning was significant but weaker (r = −0.22, P < .01 for the lower back and legs). Ambulatory status had only a small moderating effect on the associations between pain intensity in specific sites and pain interference and no effect on psychological functioning.

Conclusions

The findings support the importance of assessing pain intensity at specific locations as a part of a thorough evaluation of chronic pain, as well as the importance of addressing pain at multiple sites, when managing pain in persons with an SCI.
Immune response ofChilo suppressalisWalker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae to different entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Zibaee A. , Malagoli D.
Published: January 2014

The current study reports mortality and effects on cellular immune response of several entomopathogenic fungi including isoleates BB1, BB2 and BB3 ofBeauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria fumosoroseusandLecanicilium lecaniiagainst larvae ofChilo suppressalis. Prohemocytes, granulocytes, plasmatocytes and oenocytoids were identified as the main circulating hemocytes in the hemolymph of larvae using Giemsa staining solution. Entomopathogenic fungi caused differential mortality on larvae: BB1, BB3,M. anisopliaelead to the highest mortality on larvae andL. lecaniicaused the lowest mortality. The highest numbers of total hemocytes were observed 3 h post-injection ofB. bassianaisolates and 6 h for the other treatments. The highest numbers of plasmatocytes were observed 3 h post-injection of BB1 and Tween 80, whereas BB2, BB3,M. anisopliae,I.fumosoroseusandL. lecanicaused plasmatocyte increase 6 h post-injection. Similar results were obtained in case of granulocytes but only Tween 80 showed the highest number of hemocytes 3 h post-injection. The highest numbers of nodules were found at various time intervals after injection of fungal isolates and latex bead. The highest activities of phenoloxidase were observed 12 h post-injection by BbB1, BbB3,M. anisopliaeand latex bead; 3–6 h post-injection by BbB2, 6 h post-injection byI. fumosoroseusand 3–6 h post-injection byL. lecanii. Our data demonstrate the possibility of utilizing different fungal extracts in the field to help reduce the risk of resistance evolution inC. suppressalisand encourage experimentations aimed to increase the number of biological control agent for insect pests such as the striped rice stem borerC. suppressalis.
Simultaneous determination of methocarbamol and aspirin binary mixture in their combined tablets by derivative and ratio derivative spectrophotometry
Authors: El-Din M. Sharaf , Eid M. , Zeid Abdallah M.
Published: January 2014

Two simple and rapid spectrophotometric methods for the simultaneous determination of methocarbamol and aspirin in their combined dosage form.
A rapid method for the determination of free alpha-amino acids in pea (Pisum sativum) using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometry
Authors: Dickinson M. , Parker M. , Schoutsen F. , Charlton A. J.
Published: January 2014

The analysis of alpha-amino acids in biological matrices usually requires time-consuming ion exchange liquid chromatography with post column derivatisation.
The enhanced magnetodielectric interaction of (1 − x)BaTiO3–xCoFe2O4 multiferroic composites
Authors: Shen Yajing , Sun Junpeng , Li Linglong , Yao Yonggang , Zhou Chao , Su Ran , Yang Yaodong
Published: January 2014

A simplified one-pot solid-state reaction has been developed to synthesize (1 − x)BaTiO3–xCoFe2O4 composites, which can enhance the magnetodielectric interaction between different phases.
Simple role‐based rendezvous algorithm for cognitive ad hoc radio networks
Authors: Guerra E.O. , Reguera V.A. , Souza R.D. , Brante G. , Fernandez E.M.G.
Published: January 2014

Rendezvous is the process in which two users attempt to meet on a common channel and it is of fundamental importance in cognitive ad hoc radio networks. A cognitive radio blind rendezvous algorithm named simple role‐based is proposed that exploits the common channel labelling inherent to wireless networks. The scheme guarantees the simultaneous rendezvous of multiple cognitive users. Analytical expressions are derived for the expected time to rendezvous and maximum time to rendezvous. Numerical results show that the proposed method outperforms the other well‐known rendezvous algorithms.
Optimal compression in synchronised time‐lens source for CRS imaging
Authors: Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: January 2014

An optimal pulse compression scheme is proposed for the synchronised time‐lens source for coherent Raman scattering (CRS) imaging, using CRS signals as the criterion. The simulation results show that instead of compressing the pulse width of the time‐lens source to its minimum, peak power should be optimised to maximise CRS signals. In terms of experiment, this can be done by optimising the second‐harmonic signal or two‐photon current of the time‐lens output.
Reference voltage generation scheme enhancing speed and reliability for 1T1C‐type FRAM
Authors: Jia Ze , Zhang Gong , Liu Jizhi , Liu Zhiwei , Liou Juin J.
Published: January 2014

An improved reference voltage generation scheme is proposed for a 1T1C‐type ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), in which the circuit referring to reference cells is redefined and the data are written into reference cells at random between ‘1’ and ‘0’ depending on the voltages of the bitlines during every operation cycle. Compared with conventional schemes, it can not only realise higher access speed for memory, but also can enhance its reliability by resolving the imprint and relieving the fatigue relating to ferroelectric capacitors in the device. Functional verification for the experimental prototype utilising the proposed scheme has been implemented.
CMOS polar transmitter with wide power control range
Authors: Lin H.‐C. , Chen J.‐H.
Published: January 2014

A dual‐phase pulse‐modulated polar transmitter (PMPT) for wide power control range (PCR) applications is presented. For the validation of the proposed architecture, a radio‐frequency (RF) PMPT chip is implemented with a standard 0.18 μm 1P6M mixed‐signal CMOS process. The measurement results show that by using the proposed technique, wide PCR transmitters can be implemented accurately with low hardware requirements. An RF variable‐gain amplifier with just 21 dB of dynamic range is sufficient to pass the 80 dB PCR of the CDMA2000 standard. Compared with a conventional transmitter utilising linear power amplifiers, the proposed architecture has the potential of achieving much higher efficiency while being able to achieve chip‐level integration with eased circuit design specification.
Coupled‐line dual‐band bandpass filter with compact structure and wide stopband
Authors: Wu Yongle , Zhou Siyue , Zhang Weiwei , Liao Mengbi , Liu Yuanan
Published: January 2014

A novel dual‐band bandpass filter with a compact structure and a wide stopband is proposed. The total structure includes coupled‐line stubs and coupled‐line connected sections, leading to a compact circuit. This proposed filter can be implemented easily by using single‐layer microstrip technology. The measured results of a prototype filter show that it can operate at both 1.32 and 2.67 GHz and up to the 8 GHz 15 dB stopband.
Quantitative evaluation of standard deviations of group velocity dispersion in optical fibre using parametric amplification
Authors: Rishøj L.S. , Svane A.S. , Lund‐Hansen T. , Rottwitt K.
Published: January 2014

A numerical model for parametric amplifiers, which include stochastic variations of the group velocity dispersion (GVD), is presented. The impact on the gain is investigated, both with respect to the magnitude of the variations and by the effect caused by changing the wavelength of the pump. It is demonstrated that the described model is able to predict the experimental results and thereby provide a quantitative evaluation of the standard deviation of the GVD. For the investigated fibre, a standard deviation of 0.01 ps/(nm km) was found.
Ultra‐low‐phase‐noise CMOS LC quadrature voltage controlled oscillator with Colpitts topology
Authors: Hemmati M.J.
Published: January 2014

A new low‐phase‐noise colpitts LC quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (QVCO) is presented. The proposed QVCO is realised by coupling two differential current‐switching Colpitts oscillators in an ‘in‐phase–anti‐phase’ manner. The coupling technique between the two Colpitts LC‐voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) has significantly improved the phase noise of the proposed circuit without using any extra elements. The oscillation frequency of the proposed LC‐QVCO is 4 GHz. The Colpitts QVCO exhibits a phase noise of −131.5 and −141.3 dBc/Hz at 1 and 3 MHz offset, respectively. By generalising the coupling scheme to more than two differential Colpitts VCOs in a loop, multiphase signals can be generated.
Implementation of precedence walking assistance mechanism in exoskeleton with only vertical ground reaction forces
Authors: Cha D. , Oh S. , Kim K.I. , Kim K.‐S. , Kim S.
Published: January 2014

A more rapid detection method for step initiation is an important challenge for muscle force reduction in lower limb exoskeletons. Many studies have attempted to detect step initiation faster via either the precedence walking assistance mechanism or the shadow walking assistance mechanism. Although the precedence walking assistance mechanism is the fastest for the detection of step initiation, this mechanism has limitations while using biosignals. As a result, many studies have attempted to detect step initiation with the shadow walking assistance mechanism as soon as possible. A precedence walking assistance mechanism has been implemented for step initiation in the Unmanned Technology Research Centre Exoskeleton (UTRCEXO) based on gait analysis without using any biosignals. Success was achieved in reducing the muscle force of the operator.
Set of optimal frequency‐hopping sequences based on polynomial theory
Authors: Han H.Y. , Peng D.Y.
Published: January 2014

A new frequency‐hopping sequence (FHS) set is presented and studied. The construction of new FHSs is based on the polynomial theory over the finite field, and the new FHSs are called the power residue and the constant FHSs. It is shown that the presented FHS set is optimal with respect to the average Hamming correlation bound and it includes the known cubic and constant FHS set as a special case.
Electromagnetic wave characteristics of second‐order composite frequency‐selective surfaces fabricated by e‐beam evaporator
Authors: Kim J.Y. , Kim D.S. , Woo D.W. , Shin D.S. , Park W.S. , Hwang W.
Published: January 2014

A composite frequency‐selective surface (FSS) fabricated by using an e‐beam evaporator is proposed. This manufacturing process is advantageous in that it can directly achieve an FSS function for real structural surfaces with various skin conformations. A multilayered patch–grid–patch‐type FSS consisting of copper layers as capacitive or inductive surfaces and a glass/epoxy prepreg as the substrate is produced. It operates at 9–10 GHz for dual polarisation. This technique can be used to manufacture a stealth technology for communicating in a specific frequency range.
Acoustic signal‐based approach for fault detection in motorcycles using chaincode of the pseudospectrum and dynamic time warping classifier
Authors: Anami Basavaraj S. , Pagi Veerappa B.
Published: January 2014

The sound of a moving vehicle gives a clue of the fault. This study investigates fault detection of motorcycles using chaincode of the pseudospectrum. The motorcycle sound signals are analysed for spectral variations and these variations are traced by a chaincode. The chaincode features are used to classify the sample into healthy or faulty using dynamic time warping technique. MATLAB version 7.8.0.347 (R2009a) is used for effective implementation. The classification results obtained are over 91% and 93%, respectively, for faulty and healthy motorcycles. The results are comparable with the reported works based on wavelets. The proposed work finds applications in traffic census, traffic rule enforcement, machine fault discovery, automatic surveillance and the like.
Methodology for quantification of fuel reduction potential for adaptive cruise control relevant driving strategies
Authors: Zlocki Adrian , Themann Philipp
Published: January 2014

Driving strategies in terms of acceleration or deceleration determine fuel consumption and energy recuperation (regeneration), especially for hybrid vehicles. Drivers, who do not always adapt optimal driving strategies, can be supported by technical systems that either recommend optimal strategies or provide an optimised longitudinal vehicle control, which is the focus of adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems. Within this paper, a methodology on how to quantify the fuel reduction potential for different driving strategies in ACC relevant driving scenarios is described. This methodology can be applied for different drive train concepts – hybrid vehicles as well as conventional drive train vehicles. Reference measurements of different drivers are recorded in order to determine the baseline for the quantification of probable fuel reduction potential against a realistic reference. The representative average driver for the relevant scenario is derived from these measurements. The reference profiles are examined with respect to different driver types and the velocity profiles are used as an input for the simulation of different driving strategies. A vehicle simulation model allows the calculation of fuel consumption as well as the determination of the state of charge of the hybrid battery, if applicable. The methodology is verified by means of driving tests with a test vehicle.
Rough parameter dependence in climate models and the role of Ruelle-Pollicott resonances
Authors: Chekroun Mickaël David , Neelin J. David , Kondrashov Dmitri , McWilliams James C. , Ghil Michael
Published: January 2014

Significance

It is shown on a geophysical fluid model that the sensitive dependence on parametric variations of a given set of observations is related to the dominant modes of variability of the flow, as encoded through the Ruelle-Pollicott resonances. The latter are estimated by Markov modeling techniques. Such modeling and analysis methods can be used for any type of high-dimensional dissipative and chaotic dynamical systems.
Research competences in translation studies
Authors: Vandepitte Sonia
Published: January 2014

In previous discussions relating both research and translation/interpreting to each other (e.g. Andrew Chesterman & Wagner 2002; Klaudy 2006; Pöchhacker 1992), the main focus was either on the extent to which research findings improve translation/interpreting processes and competences or on different paradigms within translation research (Gile 2008). This article heuristically investigates any links between translation/interpreting competences, on the one hand, and competences required for research, on the other hand.
To establish a research competence taxonomy that is related to translation studies, four different sources of information have been relied on: two public authorities, one scholarly organization and one translation and interpreting training institution. This conceptual study points out that many competences required for research within translation studies are closely related to translation and interpreting competences (Vandepitte 2007), so that an integrated view of research competences and translation competences is called for. Such a view will reduce the translation and interpreting institutions’ task of teaching research competences to a set of ten major academic competences.
Van Leuven-Zwart’s model revisited
Authors: Farahzad Farzaneh , Inalu Amin Zangeneh
Published: January 2014

Translation shifts are among the disciplines that have always been in focus. Many scholars have discussed in this regard and have proposed some models. Three main types of shifts have been paid attention to including syntactic, semantic and stylistic shifts. First models like the ones introduced by Catford and Vinay and Darbelnet mostly had tendency toward syntactic shifts. On the contrary, the later frameworks have studied semantic and stylistic shifts.
Undoubtedly, Van Leuven-Zwart’s framework that studies syntactic, semantic and stylistic shifts all together has been one of the most detailed ones. It has been presented to establish and describe shifts in translations of narrative texts. However, some scholars including Toury have not paid attention to this model in shift studies because of its complexities.
This paper aims at briefly introducing Van Leuven-Zwart’s framework and speaking about its strengths and drawbacks, respectively, in order that researchers and students get more familiar with this influential model. It also gives some suggestions for further researches.
Processing metaphorical expressions in Sight Translation
Authors: Zheng Binghan , Xiang Xia
Published: January 2014

This empirical–experimental study focuses on the processing of metaphorical expressions in sight translation (STR), a particular branch of interpreting. In order to test whether linguistic metaphors pose cognitive challenges for sight translators, we designed a within-subject experiment with 30 undergraduate taking an intermediate-level interpreting course at a Chinese university. Three streams of data, namely processing times, translation quality assessments, questionnaires and retrospective interviews, were collected and analysed for triangulation purposes.
The results showed that metaphorical expressions took more time to process, and their presence resulted in more translation failures. In other words, the inclusion of linguistic metaphors slowed down the speed of production and compromised the quality of translation, meaning that the STR of metaphors requires more effort than for their literal counterparts.
The results also suggested that the extra effort was mainly invested in the reading phase, rather than in the production phase. The data revealed that mistranslations resulting from incomplete understanding, and the ensuing imbalance in the allocation of processing capacity between the reading and production tasks, far outnumbered those resulting from the failure to find appropriate target-language terms. By adopting STR as the vehicle for examining metaphorical expressions, this study also shed some light on how metaphors are processed in a bilingual environment.
The ethical positioning of the interpreter
Authors: Jiang Hong
Published: January 2014

As a participant in interpersonal communications, the interpreter is subject to a number of different and sometimes conflicting ethical constraints. It may be argued that the interpreter negotiates between three main ethical spheres: that of the professions they provide interpreting service to, that of the interpreting profession, and the personal ethics of the interpreter himself.
This article compares the ways translators and interpreters define their ethical positions in terms of paratexts and framing. The author argues that while paratexts are not available for the interpreter to define and delimit his ethical position, there are other factors that effectively frame this position. These factors are either controlled by the interpreter himself, encoded in the codes of his professional association or stipulated by the regulations of the profession that he provides interpreting service to. By examining how such factors intersect, the author believes that it is ultimately personal ethics that prevail in the ethical positioning of the interpreter. From such an understanding the article seeks in particular to define the ways in which an interpreter frames her personal ethical position in the interpreting setting.
Strategically eliciting concessions from patients in treatment decision-making discussions
Authors: Labrie Nanon
Published: January 2014

In this paper it is examined how doctors may strategically elicit concessions from their patients in order to create a favorable point of departure for the treatment decision-making discussion. Using the dialectical profile for establishing starting points in an argumentative discussion (van Eemeren, Houtlosser, and Snoeck Henkemans 2007) as an analytic tool, an overview is provided of the different — analytically relevant — dialectical moves that doctors may make at the opening stage of the discussion and the possible subsequent dialectical pathways. Based on examples taken from actual consultation practice, each of these pathways is illustrated. Moreover, some of the strategic maneuvers doctors may deploy to start the critical resolution process in the most favorable way are identified, linking these maneuvers to the aims that are inherently embedded in the broader institutional context in which the discussion takes place.
Naming compounds in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chiarelli Valentina , Menichelli Alina , Semenza Carlo
Published: January 2014

The peculiar pattern of linguistic and cognitive deficits in early Alzheimer’s disease (DAT), whereby memory limitations and failure in semantics prevail over deficits in syntax, makes an interesting contrast with linguistic deficits in classic aphasia categories. The present study compared errors in picture naming of different types of Italian compounds, both in aphasia and in DAT. As in previous studies, in aphasia the knowledge of the compound status seems to be retained vis-à-vis the inability to retrieve the phonological form. This effect is much less evident in DAT. The target compound structure in errors is also preserved in aphasia, while DAT participants seem to compensate for their retrieval failure by overwhelmingly using the most productive structures. Unlike in aphasia, in DAT the retrieval of the second component is more difficult than the retrieval of the first component, probably as an effect of processing overload.
Irreducibility and stable rationality of the loci of curves of genus at most six with a marked Weierstrass point
Authors: Bullock Evan
Published: January 2014

Given a numerical semigroup

H
⊆
(

Z

≥
0

,
+
)

H\subseteq (\mathbf {Z}_{\geq 0},+)

, we consider the locus

M

g
,
1

H

\mathcal {M}_{g,1}^H

of smooth curves of genus

g
g

with a marked Weierstrass point of semigroup

H
H

. We show that for all semigroups

H
H

of genus

g
≤
6

g\leq 6

the locus

M

g
,
1

H

\mathcal {M}_{g,1}^H

is irreducible and that for all but possibly two such semigroups it is stably rational.
Sub‐therapeutic Antibiotics and the Efficiency of U.S. Hog Farms
Authors: Key Nigel , McBride William D.
Published: January 2014

A substantial share of U.S. hog producers incorporate antimicrobial drugs into their livestock's feed or water at sub‐therapeutic levels to promote feed efficiency and weight gain. Recently, in response to concerns that the overuse of antibiotics in livestock could promote the development of antimicrobial drug‐resistant bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration adopted a strategy to phase out the use of antibiotics for production purposes. This study uses a stochastic frontier model and data from the 2009 USDA Agricultural Resource Management Survey of feeder‐to‐finish hog producers to estimate the potential effects on hog output and output variability resulting from a ban on antibiotics used for growth promotion. We use propensity score nearest neighbor matching to create a balanced sample of sub‐therapeutic antibiotic (STA) users and nonusers. We estimate the frontier model for the pooled sample and separately for users and non‐users—which allows for a flexible interaction between STA use and the production technology. Point estimates for the matched sample indicate that STA use has a small positive effect on productivity and production risk, increasing output by 1.0–1.3% and reducing the standard deviation of unexplained output by 1.4%. The results indicate that improvements in productivity resulted exclusively from technological improvement rather than from an increase in technical efficiency.