bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shielding of optical pulses on hydrodynamical time scales in laser-induced breakdown of saline water
Authors: Conti-Sampol D. , Marino F. , Roati G. , Orfila A. , Javaloyes J. , Piro O. , Balle S.
Published: July 2014

Pulse shielding in Laser-Induced Breakdown of saline water on hydrodynamic time scales is experimentally characterized. Pairs of pulses from a Nd:YAG laser are focused into saline water with a controlled time delay between them. The Laser-Induced Breakdown produced by the first pulse creates a cavitation bubble that later collapses generating a plume of bubbles that evolves on hydrodynamic time scales. When the second pulse arrives, the light is scattered by this plume with a consequent reduction in the intensity at the focal spot resulting in a lower breakdown efficiency of this pulse. By means of acoustic measurements, we determine the breakdown energy threshold for the first pulse and characterize the shielding of the second pulse as a function of the salinity of the solution, the energy of the pulse, and the inter-pulse interval. A model for the blocking process that takes into account both linear and nonlinear absorption along the path is developed which satisfactorily explains the observations.
Off-axis phonon and photon propagation in porous silicon superlattices studied by Brillouin spectroscopy and optical reflectance
Authors: Parsons L. C. , Andrews G. T.
Published: July 2014

Brillouin light scattering experiments and optical reflectance measurements were performed on a pair of porous silicon-based optical Bragg mirrors which had constituent layer porosity ratios close to unity. For off-axis propagation, the phononic and photonic band structures of the samples were modeled as a series of intersecting linear dispersion curves. Zone-folding was observed for the longitudinal bulk acoustic phonon and the frequency of the probed zone-folded longitudinal phonon was shown to be dependent on the propagation direction as well as the folding order of the mode branch. There was no conclusive evidence of coupling between the transverse and the folded longitudinal modes. Two additional observed Brillouin peaks were attributed to the Rayleigh surface mode and a possible pseudo-surface mode. Both of these modes were dispersive, with the velocity increasing as the wavevector decreased.
In-situ observation of domain wall motion in Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 crystals
Authors: Lin Dabin , Li Zhenrong , Li Fei , Zhang Shujun , Cai Changlong , Cheng Yaojin , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2014

Various domain structures, including wave-like domains, mixed needle-like and laminar domains, typical embedded 90° and 180° domains, have been observed in unpoled rhombohedral, monoclinic, and tetragonal Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) crystals by polarizing light microscope; while in poled tetragonal crystals, the parallel 180° domains were reversed and only vertical 90° domain walls were observed. For 0.24PIN-0.42PMN-0.34PT crystals with morphotropic phase boundary composition, the domain wall motion was in-situ observed as a function of applied electric field along crystallographic [100] direction. With increasing the electric field from 0 to 12 kV/cm, the rhombohedral (R) domains were found to change to monoclinic (M) domains and then to tetragonal (T) domains. The electric field-induced phase transition was also confirmed by X-ray diffraction and the temperature-dependent dielectric behavior.
Anomalous diffusion of field lines and charged particles in Arnold-Beltrami-Childress force-free magnetic fields
Authors: Ram Abhay K. , Dasgupta Brahmananda , Krishnamurthy V. , Mitra Dhrubaditya
Published: July 2014

The cosmic magnetic fields in regions of low plasma pressure and large currents, such as in interstellar space and gaseous nebulae, are force-free in the sense that the Lorentz force vanishes. The three-dimensional Arnold-Beltrami-Childress (ABC) field is an example of a force-free, helical magnetic field. In fluid dynamics, ABC flows are steady state solutions of the Euler equation. The ABC magnetic field lines exhibit a complex and varied structure that is a mix of regular and chaotic trajectories in phase space. The characteristic features of field line trajectories are illustrated through the phase space distribution of finite-distance and asymptotic-distance Lyapunov exponents. In regions of chaotic trajectories, an ensemble-averaged variance of the distance between field lines reveals anomalous diffusion—in fact, superdiffusion—of the field lines. The motion of charged particles in the force-free ABC magnetic fields is different from the flow of passive scalars in ABC flows. The particles do not necessarily follow the field lines and display a variety of dynamical behavior depending on their energy, and their initial pitch-angle. There is an overlap, in space, of the regions in which the field lines and the particle orbits are chaotic. The time evolution of an ensemble of particles, in such regions, can be divided into three categories. For short times, the motion of the particles is essentially ballistic; the ensemble-averaged, mean square displacement is approximately proportional to t2, where t is the time of evolution. The intermediate time region is defined by a decay of the velocity autocorrelation function—this being a measure of the time after which the collective dynamics is independent of the initial conditions. For longer times, the particles undergo superdiffusion—the mean square displacement is proportional to tα, where α > 1, and is weakly dependent on the energy of the particles. These super-diffusive characteristics, both of magnetic field lines and of particles moving in these fields, strongly suggest that theories of transport in three-dimensional chaotic magnetic fields need a shift from the usual paradigm of quasilinear diffusion.
Intrinsic inhomogeneity in barrier height at monolayer graphene/SiC Schottky junction
Authors: Tomer D. , Rajput S. , Hudy L. J. , Li C. H. , Li L.
Published: July 2014

Graphene interfaced with a semiconductor forms a Schottky junction with rectifying properties. The inherent spatial inhomogeneity due to the formation of ripples and ridges in graphene can lead to fluctuations in the Schottky barrier height (SBH). The non-ideal behavior of the temperature dependent barrier height and ideality factor greater than 4 can be attributed to these spatial inhomogeneities. Assuming a Gaussian distribution of the barrier, mean SBHs of 1.30 ± 0.18 eV and 1.16 ± 0.16 eV are found for graphene/SiC junctions on the C- and Si-face, respectively. These findings reveal intrinsic spatial inhomogeneities in the SBHs in graphene based Schottky junctions.
Note: High-speed optical imaging powered by acoustic emission triggering
Authors: Seleznev M. , Vinogradov A.
Published: July 2014

Aiming at high speed video recording of rapid events, which occur in loaded solids with unpredictable timing, the efficient triggering method is proposed for optical imaging systems with an aid from the highly sensitive acoustic emission technique. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated on two examples: observation of initiation and propagation of highly localized shear bands in metallic glasses and mechanical twinning in Mg polycrystals.
Synchronous rotations in parametrically excited pendula
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shayak
Published: July 2014

In this work, we provide an analytic justification for the existence of a synchronously rotating state in a Kapitsa pendulum, i.e., a pendulum where the base is subjected to vibration. Qualitative arguments as well as mathematical calculations are presented to demonstrate the existence of this state. An approximate recipe for determining the basin of attraction is also given. This theory is used to explain the motion of a popular but intriguing toy called devil's stick.
A study of the early-stage evolution of relativistic electron-ion shock using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations
Authors: Choi E. J. , Min K. , Nishikawa K.-I. , Choi C. R.
Published: July 2014

We report the results of a 3D particle-in-cell simulation carried out to study the early-stage evolution of the shock formed when an unmagnetized relativistic jet interacts with an ambient electron-ion plasma. Full-shock structures associated with the interaction are observed in the ambient frame. When open boundaries are employed in the direction of the jet, the forward shock is seen as a hybrid structure consisting of an electrostatic shock combined with a double layer, while the reverse shock is seen as a double layer. The ambient ions show two distinct features across the forward shock: a population penetrating into the shocked region from the precursor region and an accelerated population escaping from the shocked region into the precursor region. This behavior is a signature of a combination of an electrostatic shock and a double layer. Jet electrons are seen to be electrostatically trapped between the forward and reverse shock structures showing a ring-like distribution in a phase-space plot, while ambient electrons are thermalized and become essentially isotropic in the shocked region. The magnetic energy density grows to a few percent of the jet kinetic energy density at both the forward and the reverse shock transition layers in a rather short time scale. We see little disturbance of the jet ions over this time scale.
Temporal modulation of plasma species in atmospheric dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Yang Aijun , Wang Xiaohua , Liu Dingxin , Rong Mingzhe , Kong Michael G.
Published: July 2014

The atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge in helium is a pulsed discharge in nature and the moment of maximum species densities is almost consistent with peak discharge current density. In this paper, a one-dimensional fluid model is used to investigate the temporal structure of plasma species in an atmospheric He-N2 dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). It is demonstrated that there exist microsecond delays of the moments of the maximum electron and ion densities from the peak of discharge current density. These time delays are caused by a competition between the electron impact and Penning ionizations, modulated by the N2 level in the plasma-forming gas. Besides, significant electron wall losses lead to the DBD being more positively charged and, with a distinct temporal separation in the peak electron and cation densities, the plasma is characterized with repetitive bursts of net positive charges. The temporal details of ionic and reactive plasma species may provide a new idea for some biological processes.
A plasmonic infrared photodetector with narrow bandwidth absorption
Authors: Chen Hung-Hsin , Su Yan-Chi , Huang Wei-Lun , Kuo Chun-Yen , Tian Wei-Cheng , Chen Miin-Jang , Lee Si-Chen
Published: July 2014

A plasmonic infrared photodetector with narrow bandwidth infrared absorption was investigated. The structure is constructed by a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film covered on a patterned Au layer consisting of the Au disk resonators and Au interdigitated electrodes on an Al2O3/Au substrate. This device exhibited narrow bandwidth infrared absorption corresponded to the localized surface plasmon resonance in the Au-disk/Al2O3/Au tri-layers resonators. The absorption of infrared energy heats up the top hydrogenated amorphous silicon film and reduces the film resistance which can be detected. The optical and electrical characteristics of the photodetector were studied. It was founded that the peak responsivities appeared at the wavelength which coincided with the localized surface plasmon resonance.
Microsecond switchable thermal antenna
Authors: Ben-Abdallah Philippe , Benisty Henri , Besbes Mondher
Published: July 2014

We propose a thermal antenna that can be actively switched on and off at the microsecond scale by means of a phase transition of a metal-insulator material, the vanadium dioxide (VO2). This thermal source is made of a periodically patterned tunable VO2 nanolayer, which support a surface phonon-polariton in the infrared range in their crystalline phase. Using electrodes properly registered with respect to the pattern, the VO2 phase transition can be locally triggered by ohmic heating so that the surface phonon-polariton can be diffracted by the induced grating, producing a highly directional thermal emission. Conversely, when heating less, the VO2 layers cool down below the transition temperature, the surface phonon-polariton cannot be diffracted anymore so that thermal emission is inhibited. This switchable antenna could find broad applications in the domain of active thermal coatings or in those of infrared spectroscopy and sensing.
Temporal femtosecond pulse shaping dependence of laser-induced periodic surface structures in fused silica
Authors: Shi Xuesong , Jiang Lan , Li Xin , Zhang Kaihu , Yu Dong , Yu Yanwu , Lu Yongfeng
Published: July 2014

The dependence of periodic structures and ablated areas on temporal pulse shaping is studied upon irradiation of fused silica by femtosecond laser triple-pulse trains. Three types of periodic structures can be obtained by using pulse trains with designed pulse delays, in which the three-dimensional nanopillar arrays with ∼100–150 nm diameters and ∼200 nm heights are first fabricated in one step. These nanopillars arise from the break of the ridges of ripples in the upper portion, which is caused by the split of orthogonal ripples in the bottom part. The localized transient electron dynamics and corresponding material properties are considered for the morphological observations.
Role of oxygen vacancies on the bias illumination stress stability of solution-processed zinc tin oxide thin film transistors
Authors: Liu Li-Chih , Chen Jen-Sue , Jeng Jiann-Shing
Published: July 2014

Solution-processed ultra-thin (∼3 nm) zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with a mobility of 8 cm2/Vs are obtained with post spin-coating annealing at only 350 °C. The effect of light illumination (at wavelengths of 405 nm or 532 nm) on the stability of TFT transfer characteristics under various gate bias stress conditions (zero, positive, and negative) is investigated. It is found that the ΔVth (Vthstress 3400 s − stress 0 s) window is significantly positive when ZTO TFTs are under positive bias stress (PBS, ΔVth = 9.98 V) and positive bias illumination stress (λ = 405 nm and ΔVth = 6.96 V), but ΔVth is slightly negative under only light illumination stress (λ = 405 nm and ΔVth = −2.02 V) or negative bias stress (ΔVth = −2.27 V). However, the ΔVth of ZTO TFT under negative bias illumination stress is substantial, and it will efficiently recover the ΔVth caused by PBS. The result is attributed to the photo-ionization and subsequent transition of electronic states of oxygen vacancies (i.e., Vo, Vo+, and Vo++) in ZTO. A detailed mechanism is discussed to better understand the bias stress stability of solution processed ZTO TFTs.
Strong π-π interaction of porphyrins on (6,5) carbon nanotubes with full surface coverage: Ab-initio calculations
Authors: Orellana Walter
Published: July 2014

The stability, electronic, and optical properties of (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with free-base tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) molecules through π-stacking interactions are studied by ab-initio calculations. The stability and optical response of the CNT-TPP compounds for increasing CNT-surface coverage are investigated. Our results show that four TPP molecules forming a ring around the CNT is the most stable configuration, showing strong binding energies of about 2.5 eV/TPP. However, this binding energy can increase even more after additional molecules assemble side by side along the CNT, favoring the formation of a full single layer of TPP, as experimentally suggested. The strong π-π attractive forces induce molecular distortions that move the TPP higher-occupied molecular orbital levels inside the CNT bandgap, changing the optical response of the TPP molecules stacked on the CNT.
All-optical characterization of cryogenically cooled argon clusters in continuous gas jets
Authors: Jang D. G. , You Y. S. , Milchberg H. M. , Suk H. , Kim K. Y.
Published: July 2014

We present an all-optical method for measuring the average size, density, and mass fraction of large (>50 nm) clusters produced in cryogenically cooled, continuous gas jets. The technique combines three optical diagnostics—forward/backward Mie scattering detection, 90° scattering imaging, and neutral gas interferometry. Our measurement shows that cryogenic cooling and high backing gas pressure greatly enhance both cluster size and clustering ratio in continuous gas flow. Such a cluster source can be used as a potential target for intense, high-repetition-rate (>kHz) laser pulses.
Mechanism of electrical shorting failure mode in resistive switching
Authors: Lohn Andrew J. , Mickel Patrick R. , Marinella Matthew J.
Published: July 2014

The electrical shorting failure mode in resistive switching is characterized by the inability to increase the resistance electrically and is one of the most common failures observed in these devices. We show that vacancy accumulation at the inert electrode is a likely cause of the electrical shorting failure mode. A detailed description is provided of the specific effect of injected oxygen vacancies from the reactive electrode and from the secondary reservoir that is formed at the inert electrode during an electrical shorting failure. We present quantitative theoretical and experimental analysis of the failure mechanism while suggesting approaches and conditions for prevention and recovery. The approach also provides an analytical description of sub-saturation vacancy injection during normal operation while experimentally showing the range of conditions where this behavior dominates.
Tunable electronic properties of silicon nanowires under strain and electric bias
Authors: Nduwimana Alexis , Wang Xiao-Qian
Published: July 2014

The electronic structure characteristics of silicon nanowires under strain and electric bias are studied using first-principles density functional theory. The unique wire-like structure leads to distinct spatial distribution of carriers, which can be tailored by applying tensile and compressive strains, as well as by an electric bias. Our results indicate that the combined effect of strain and electric bias leads to tunable electronic structures that can be used for piezo-electric devices.
Broadband asymmetric acoustic transmission by a plate with quasi-periodic surface ridges
Authors: Li Chunhui , Ke Manzhu , Ye Yangtao , Xu Shengjun , Qiu Chunyin , Liu Zhengyou
Published: July 2014

In this paper, an acoustic system with broadband asymmetric transmission is designed and fabricated, which consists of a water-immersed aluminum plate engraved with quasi-periodically-patterned ridges on single surface. It demonstrates that when the acoustic waves are launched into the system from the structured side, they can couple into the Lamb modes in the plate efficiently and attain a high transmission; on the contrary, when the waves are incident from the opposite flat side, the coupling is weak, and the transmission is low. Superior to systems with periodic patterning, this quasi-periodically-patterned system has a broad working frequency range due to the collective contributions from the multiple diffractions specific to the structure.
Inverted polymer solar cells comprising a solution-processed work-function tunable hybrid electron-collecting layer
Authors: Zhou Yun , Yang Liying , Qin Wenjing , Yin Shougen
Published: July 2014

In this work, a solution-processed, work-function tunable, and low-temperature processed hybrid electron-collecting layer comprising poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and cesium acetate is introduced for inverted polymer solar cells. The ratio of the PEO to CH3COOCs is optimized in terms of the measurements of work function and current-voltage characteristics. The hybrid interlayer lowers the work function of ITO from 4.82 eV to 4.21 eV measured by the Kelvin probe. Inverted polymer solar cell based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with PEO: CH3COOCs interlayer exhibits enhanced power conversion efficiency of 2.82% under 100 mW/cm2 AM1.5 illuminations. The improvement in performance is mainly ascribed to interfacial tuning between the ITO electrode and the active layer as well as improving adhesion, compatibility and wettability, resulting in improved charge transport and reduced contact resistance. Furthermore, since the process temperature can be kept below 110 °C during the fabrication process, this method of utilizing of solution processable PEO: CH3COOCs hybrid interlayer is very attractive to the large area roll-to-roll fabrication of cost-effective polymer solar cells due to its simplicity.
Exploring the Role of the Amplitude Envelope in Duration Estimation
Authors: Vallet Guillaume T , Shore David I , Schutz Michael
Published: July 2014

A sound's duration provides important information about the event producing it. Although many of the sounds we hear every day are ‘percussive’ in nature (ie resulting from two objects impacting) and therefore exhibit decaying/damped amplitude envelopes, perceptual experiments frequently use tones synthesized with ‘flat’ or abruptly ending envelopes. Such sounds afford an estimation strategy involving calculating the elapsed time between tone onset and offset—a strategy that would be problematic for ecologically pervasive decaying sounds. Here we compare duration judgments for tones with percussive (ie gradually decaying) and flat (ie abruptly ending) amplitude envelopes, finding evidence for the use of different strategies. This result is discussed in terms of its implications for dominant theories and models of sensory perception that are often assessed using artificial sounds (ie ‘flat tones’) affording strategies that may not be optimal or even available for everyday listening.
Cooperative Conformational Regulation in N-Heterocyclic Fluorohydrins
Authors: Patel Alpesh Ramanlal , Liu Fei
Published: July 2014

Seven-membered N-heterocycles are flexible ring structures, and their conformational control is important to their bioactivity. Our prior work shows that stereoselective monofluorination, if installed diastereoselectively, can bias a seven-membered, substituted azepane ring to one major conformation. However, multiple fluorination may not provide as much conformational bias due to conflicting effects. Here we show in our model azepane system that fluorohydrins can confer strong conformational bias if the relative configuration of the fluorine and hydroxy substitutent is appropriate to enable cooperative conformational control.
Superovulation alters embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (Epab) and poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (Pabpc1) gene expression in mouse oocytes and early embryos
Authors: Ozturk Saffet , Yaba-Ucar Aylin , Sozen Berna , Mutlu Derya , Demir Necdet
Published: July 2014

Embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) and poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) play critical roles in translational regulation of stored maternal mRNAs required for proper oocyte maturation and early embryo development in mammals. Superovulation is a commonly used technique to obtain a great number of oocytes in the same developmental stages in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in clinical or experimental animal studies. Previous studies have convincingly indicated that superovulation alone can cause impaired oocyte maturation, delayed embryo development, decreased implantation rate and increased postimplantation loss. Although how superovulation results in these disturbances has not been clearly addressed yet, putative changes in genes related to oocyte and early embryo development seem to be potential risk factors. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of superovulation on Epab and Pabpc1 gene expression. To this end, low- (5 IU) and high-dose (10 IU) pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were administered to female mice to induce superovulation, with naturally cycling female mice serving as controls. Epab and Pabpc1 gene expression in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes, MII oocytes and 1- and 2-cell embryos collected from each group were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Superovulation with low or high doses of gonadotropins significantly altered Epab and Pabpc1 mRNA levels in GV oocytes, MII oocytes and 1- and 2-cell embryos compared with their respective controls (P < 0.05). These changes most likely lead to variations in expression of EPAB- and PABPC1-regulated genes, which may adversely influence the quality of oocytes and early embryos retrieved using superovulation.
Encapsidated hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase is poised on an ordered RNA lattice
Authors: Wang Joseph Che-Yen , Nickens David G. , Lentz Thomas B. , Loeb Daniel D. , Zlotnick Adam
Published: July 2014

Significance

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that packages a single-stranded RNA pregenome (pgRNA). The linear pgRNA is reverse transcribed to a gapped circular dsDNA within the confines of the virus capsid. We hypothesized that a specific capsid-RNA-reverse transcriptase structure would be required to accomplish this task. In this article, we report the structure of the authentic pgRNA-filled HBV core as determined by cryo-EM and asymmetric 3D reconstruction. The observed ordered structure suggests the assembly process and the first steps of reverse transcription follow a single, determinate pathway.
Roles of coactosin-like protein (CLP) and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in cellular leukotriene biosynthesis
Authors: Basavarajappa Devaraj , Wan Min , Lukic Ana , Steinhilber Dieter , Samuelsson Bengt , Rådmark Olof
Published: July 2014

Significance

5-Lipoxygenase (5LO) is a key enzyme in biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs), lipid mediators of inflammation. To study the roles of the 5LO accessory proteins coactosin-like protein (CLP) and 5LO-activating protein (FLAP), we knocked down these proteins in human monocytic cells. Our results show that expression of CLP was required for full cellular 5LO activity when cells were activated with Ca
2+
ionophore, as well as with a physiological stimulus (lipopolysaccharide followed by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine). During LT biosynthesis in stimulated cells, 5LO typically translocates to the nuclear membrane. This redistribution, from cytosolic to perinuclear, was clearly compromised in both CLP- and FLAP-deficient cells. Our results suggest that the CLP–5LO interaction may be a target for reduced LT production.
Chapter 4. Spanish predicative verbless clauses  and the left periphery
Authors: Gutiérrez-Rexach Javier , González-Rivera Melvin
Published: July 2014

Spanish predicative verbless clauses, in which noun phrases display predicative content, are of interest for the study of the left periphery because they systematically involve displacement to this region of the clause. After considering several previous analyses, it is proposed that Spanish predicative noun phrases can be analyzed in terms of predicate inversion in this type of structural configuration. XP predicate movement is triggered by a strong affective feature, which needs to be checked in the course of the syntactic derivation. Other properties of a semantic and pragmatic nature are related to this configuration. For example, only individual-level predicates are allowed, the DP-subject of the construction is semantically strong, and predicate fronting requires this subject to be topical.
Chapter 5. Fronting and contrastively focused secondary predicates in Spanish
Authors: Heidinger Steffen
Published: July 2014

This paper is about the syntactic position of contrastively focused secondary predicates in Spanish. In the literature, fronting is presented as a possible means to encode contrastive focus in Spanish. Based on data from a production experiment I will show however that fronting is a dispreferred strategy for the encoding of contrastively focused secondary predicates (and other postverbal constituents such as direct objects and locative adverbials). The main conclusion is that secondary predicates appear in their base position after the verb, even when contrastively focused. In the last part of the paper I will compare the results of my experiment to other empirical studies on the matter and discuss the grammatical constraints that may underlie the speaker’s choice when encoding contrastive focus.
Chapter 9. On the grammaticalization of the Assertion Structure
Authors: Zubizarreta María Luisa
Published: July 2014

This paper argues that the standard and colloquial variety of Spanish pseudo-clefts provide support for the bi-clausal analysis of such constructions (Ross 1972, Schlenker 1998, 2003, den Dikken et al. 2000), and this transparently encodes the Assertion Structure of the sentence: the pre-copular clause encodes the presupposition and the post-copular clause the assertion, with the focused phrase contained within the latter. It is furthermore argued that the Caribbean Spanish bare-copular construction, in particular the Andean variety of the Bucaramanga dialect of Colombia (Méndez-Vallejo 2009), constitutes a more advanced stage of the bi-clausal grammaticalization of the Assertion Structure, with a reduced bi-clausal structure. Finally, it is suggested that standard Spanish monoclausal sentences with a sentence final focus in a non-canonical word order can be given an analysis that involves a variant of the reduced bi-clausal structure proposed for the Caribbean Spanish bare-copular construction.
Motivation meets bilingual models
Authors: Lorenzo Francisco
Published: July 2014

Content and Language Integrated Learning appeared in Europe as a long-awaited alternative to unsubstantiated foreign language approaches, which fell short of meeting the multilingual standards of a society marked by language diversity. Because of L2 content being programmed as content teaching rather than language teaching in CLIL and also because of the ensuing curriculum and method implications, students’ response to CLIL are more positive and engaging than in EFL. This chapter explores the reasons why CLIL mobilizes students’ attitudes, goals and responses – as an ultimate evidence of motivated behavior – and shows examples of CLIL material design that are explanatory of students being involved in a new language experience.
Temporal synchrony in early multi-modal communication
Authors: Kelly Barbara F.
Published: July 2014

Children’s early gesture and speech combinations are typically asynchronous. As children develop the ability to employ speech and gesture together more regularly, the two modalities become synchronized and the word indicates one element, while the target of the gesture indicates another element. This chapter presents a longitudinal qualitative analysis of the path by which children develop the skill of temporal coordination in their gesture and spoken word communications. It investigates how this temporally coordinated information is taken up by the caregiver and examines synchrony of gesture and speech indexing the same element, in order to determine how this fits within the child’s transition to reaching the stage of multi-element communications.
Shared attention, gaze and pointing gestures in hearing and deaf children
Authors: Morgenstern Aliyah
Published: July 2014

This chapter illustrates the richness of pointing and gaze as integral elements of spontaneous oral interactions both in signing and speaking mother-child dyads. These attention-sharing behaviors help infants interpret their caregivers’ productions. The children will then use them as first communication tools. But they have a particular function for signing children since they are fully integrated into the formal linguistic system of sign language. A comparison between the use of pointing and gaze in the longitudinal data of one deaf signing and one deaf speaking little girl from eight months to two, shows that the deaf child uses gaze and pointing more frequently and with more diversified functions than the hearing child who combines visual and auditory means.
How gesture helps children learn language
Authors: Goldin-Meadow Susan
Published: July 2014

Children gesture before they begin to speak and continue gesturing throughout the language learning process. This chapter focuses on those gestures, and explores the role they play in language learning. We find that children’s early gestures not only precede, but also predict, the onset of a number of linguistic milestones–nouns, nominal constituents, simple and complex sentences. Gesturing may thus play a causal role in language learning, and could do so in two ways: (1) Gesturing gives children the opportunity to practice expressing ideas in a preverbal form. (2) A child’s gestures offer parents and other communication partners insight into the child’s linguistic level, thus giving the partners the opportunity to provide input tailored to that level.
Word order as a structural cue and word reordering as an interactional process in early language acquisition
Authors: Küntay Aylin C. , Özge Duygu
Published: July 2014

We present a critical review of the literature on how children exposed to flexible-word-order languages, especially Turkish, acquire word-order variation. We highlight two traditions of psycholinguistic research assuming different theoretical and methodological approaches, namely language-as-product and language-as-action views. While the former studies the underlying mechanisms of using word order as a structural cue in interpreting thematic roles, the latter focuses on how it is used to convey information structure embedded in communication and action. The review reveals that these seemingly independent views complement each other to better account for (i) how children come to interpret argument roles when the word order is not fixed and (ii) how they comprehend/use word-order variation as a pragmatic tool in communication.
Analytic and holistic processing  in the development of constructions
Authors: Bybee Joan L.
Published: July 2014

A corpus analysis over several decades of American English shows the development of the minor construction from an idiom: not have two Xs to rub together. The sequence of developments indicates that the loss of compositionality and analyzability of the construction is heavily influenced by context of use. When the idiom is used metaphorically for intellectual impoverishment, indicators of loss of compositionality begin to arise.
Nitrite formation from organic nitrogen by Streptomyces antibioticus supporting bacterial cell growth and possible involvement of nitric oxide as an intermediate
Authors: Sasaki Yasuyuki , Takaya Naoki , Morita Ayako , Nakamura Akira , Shoun Hirofumi
Published: July 2014

The actinomycete Streptomyces antibioticus was shown to produce nitrite and ammonium () when aerobically incubated in an organic nitrogen-rich medium. The production of was synchronized with rapid cell growth, whereas most was produced after cell proliferation had ceased. Intracellular formation of nitric oxide (NO) was also observed during the incubation. The production of these inorganic nitrogen compounds along with cell growth was prevented by several enzyme inhibitors (of nitric oxide synthase or nitrate reductase) or glucose. Distinct, membrane-bound nitrate reductase was induced in the -producing cells. Tungstate (a potent inhibitor of this enzyme) prevented the production and cell growth, whereas it did not prevent the NO formation. These results revealed the occurrence of novel nitrogen metabolic pathway in S. antibioticus forming from organic nitrogen by which rapid cell growth is possible. NO synthase, NO dioxygenase (flavohemoglobin), and dissimilatory nitrate reductase are possible enzymes responsible for the formation.
Rigidity and vanishing theorems on ℤ/𝕜 Spin^{𝕔} manifolds
Authors: Liu Bo , Yu Jianqing
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we first establish an

S
1

S^1

-equivariant index theorem for Spin

c

^c

Dirac operators on

Z

/

k

\mathbb {Z}/k

manifolds, and then combining this equivariant index theorem with the methods developed by Liu-Ma-Zhang and Taubes, we extend Witten’s rigidity theorem to the case of

Z

/

k

\mathbb {Z}/k

Spin

c

^c

manifolds. Among others, our results resolve a conjecture of Devoto.
Background cohomology of a non-compact Kähler 𝐺-manifold
Authors: Braverman Maxim
Published: July 2014

For a compact Lie group

G
G

we define a regularized version of the Dolbeault cohomology of a

G
G

-equivariant holomorphic vector bundle over non-compact Kähler manifolds. The new cohomology is infinite dimensional, but as a representation of

G
G

it decomposes into a sum of irreducible components, each of which appears in it with finite multiplicity. Thus equivariant Betti numbers are well defined. We study various properties of the new cohomology and prove that it satisfies a Kodaira-type vanishing theorem.
A perturbation approach for an inverse quadratic programming problem over second-order cones
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Liwei , Wu Jia , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: July 2014

This paper is devoted to studying a type of inverse second-order cone quadratic programming problems, in which the parameters in both the objective function and the constraint set of a given second-order cone quadratic programming problem need to be adjusted as little as possible so that a known feasible solution becomes optimal. This inverse problem can be written as a minimization problem with second-order cone complementarity constraints and a positive semidefinite cone constraint. Applying the duality theory, we reformulate this problem as a linear second-order cone complementarity constrained optimization problem with a semismoothly differentiable objective function, which has fewer variables than the original one. A perturbed problem is proposed with the help of the projection operator over second-order cones, whose feasible set and optimal solution set are demonstrated to be continuous and outer semicontinuous, respectively, as the parameter decreases to zero. A smoothing Newton method is constructed to solve the perturbed problem and its global convergence and local quadratic convergence rate are shown. Finally, the numerical results are reported to show the effectiveness for the smoothing Newton method to solve the inverse second-order cone quadratic programming problem.
Primary Cardiac Sarcoma
Authors: Randhawa Jaskirat S. , Budd George T. , Randhawa Mandeep , Ahluwalia Manmeet , Jia Xuefei , Daw Hamed , Spiro Timothy , Haddad Abdo
Published: July 2014

Background:

Cardiac sarcomas are rare and have a poor prognosis. The median overall survival remains dismal and has been reported ranging from 6 months to a few years. Primary cardiac sarcoma is the most common malignant tumor comprising approximately 95% of all malignant tumors of the heart.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review in a single institution of patients diagnosed between March 1988 and April 2013. A total of 42 patients were identified. The following variables were studied: age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, sex, stage, site of tumor involvement, tumor histology, grade, treatment modality, type of chemotherapy, and survival outcome. The overall median follow-up time was 49.5 months.

Results:

The most common histologic type was angiosarcoma. Overall estimated median survival (EMS) was 25 months. Tumors involving the left side of the heart and pericardium demonstrated better survival. Patients who received multimodality treatment (any combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy) had an EMS of 36.5 months compared with 14.1 months for patients treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy only (P=0.05).

Conclusions:

Cardiac sarcoma is a lethal tumor with an EMS of 25 months. The tumor histology could be a possible predictor of better survival. Although selection bias may have been present, multimodality therapy (surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy) was associated with improved survival.
Function Preservation After Conservative Resection and Radiotherapy for Soft-tissue Sarcoma of the Distal Extremity
Authors: Cassidy Richard J. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Gibbs Charles P. , Scarborough Mark T. , Morris Christopher G. , Zlotecki Robert A.
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To evaluate outcomes after conservative resection and radiotherapy (RT) for soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) of the distal extremity, with assessment of functional quality of life using the validated Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) questionnaire and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), v4.0.

Methods:

Thirty-three patients with STS involving the hand/wrist (N=18) or foot/ankle (N=15) complex received adjuvant RT with conservative resection and were evaluated for local tumor control, survival, toxicities, and preservation of objective functional ability. Eight patients were treated with preoperative RT (median dose, 50.4 Gy) and 25 with postoperative RT (median dose, 61.8 Gy). Median follow-up was 11.5 years. Functional outcomes were measured using TESS; patients with amputations were excluded from the TESS analysis. Adverse events related to gait, limb edema, skin infection, wound complication, and wound dehiscence were assessed using the CTCAE.

Results:

The 5- and 10-year local control rates were both 90%. The 10-year cause-specific, absolute, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 97%, 87%, and 84%, respectively. Three patients had an amputation for reasons other than local recurrence or treatment complications and underwent amputation for patient preference. One third of the subjects (11/33 patients) were able to complete the TESS questionnaire; scores ranged from 88 to 100 (mean, 98.2). CTCAEv4 acute adverse events occurred in 2 cases: 1 patient had a grade 3 skin infection and 1 had a grade 2 wound complication of dehiscence.

Conclusions:

For management of distal extremity STS, the combination of adjuvant RT and conservative surgery achieves excellent local control and overall survival with few adverse events. In addition, through application of the TESS survey instrument, we have demonstrated that this treatment plan achieves robust functional preservation objectively and quantifiably.
Detection of diverse novel astroviruses from small mammals in China
Authors: Hu Ben , Chmura Aleksei A. , Li Jialu , Zhu Guangjian , Desmond James S. , Zhang Yunzhi , Zhang Wei , Epstein Jonathan H. , Daszak Peter , Shi Zhengli
Published: July 2014

Astroviruses infect humans and many animal species and cause gastroenteritis. To extensively understand the distribution and genetic diversity of astrovirus in small mammals, we tested 968 anal swabs from 39 animal species, most of which were bats and rodents. We detected diverse astroviruses in 10 bat species, including known bat astroviruses and a large number of novel viruses. Meanwhile, novel groups of astroviruses were identified in three wild rodent species and a remarkably high genetic diversity of astrovirus was revealed in Eothenomys cachinus. We detected astroviruses in captive-bred porcupines and a nearly full-length genome sequence was determined for one strain. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete ORF2 sequence suggested that this strain may share a common ancestor with porcine astrovirus type 2. Moreover, to our knowledge, this study reports the first discovery of astroviruses in shrews and pikas. Our results provide new insights for understanding these small mammals as natural reservoirs of astroviruses.
Paired-End Analysis of Transcription Start Sites in Arabidopsis Reveals Plant-Specific Promoter Signatures
Authors: Morton Taj , Petricka Jalean , Corcoran David L. , Li Song , Winter Cara M. , Carda Alexa , Benfey Philip N. , Ohler Uwe , Megraw Molly
Published: July 2014

Understanding plant gene promoter architecture has long been a challenge due to the lack of relevant large-scale data sets and analysis methods. Here, we present a publicly available, large-scale transcription start site (TSS) data set in plants using a high-resolution method for analysis of 5′ ends of mRNA transcripts. Our data set is produced using the paired-end analysis of transcription start sites (PEAT) protocol, providing millions of TSS locations from wild-type Columbia-0 Arabidopsis thaliana whole root samples. Using this data set, we grouped TSS reads into “TSS tag clusters” and categorized clusters into three spatial initiation patterns: narrow peak, broad with peak, and weak peak. We then designed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of TSS tag clusters with outstanding sensitivity and specificity for all three initiation patterns. We used this model to analyze the transcription factor binding site content of promoters exhibiting these initiation patterns. In contrast to the canonical notions of TATA-containing and more broad “TATA-less” promoters, the model shows that, in plants, the vast majority of transcription start sites are TATA free and are defined by a large compendium of known DNA sequence binding elements. We present results on the usage of these elements and provide our Plant PEAT Peaks (3PEAT) model that predicts the presence of TSSs directly from sequence.
The Boron Efflux Transporter ROTTEN EAR Is Required for Maize Inflorescence Development and Fertility
Authors: Chatterjee Mithu , Tabi Zara , Galli Mary , Malcomber Simon , Buck Amy , Muszynski Michael , Gallavotti Andrea
Published: July 2014

Although boron has a relatively low natural abundance, it is an essential plant micronutrient. Boron deficiencies cause major crop losses in several areas of the world, affecting reproduction and yield in diverse plant species. Despite the importance of boron in crop productivity, surprisingly little is known about its effects on developing reproductive organs. We isolated a maize (Zea mays) mutant, called rotten ear (rte), that shows distinct defects in vegetative and reproductive development, eventually causing widespread sterility in its inflorescences, the tassel and the ear. Positional cloning revealed that rte encodes a membrane-localized boron efflux transporter, co-orthologous to the Arabidopsis thaliana BOR1 protein. Depending on the availability of boron in the soil, rte plants show a wide range of phenotypic defects that can be fully rescued by supplementing the soil with exogenous boric acid, indicating that rte is crucial for boron transport into aerial tissues. rte is expressed in cells surrounding the xylem in both vegetative and reproductive tissues and is required for meristem activity and organ development. We show that low boron supply to the inflorescences results in widespread defects in cell and cell wall integrity, highlighting the structural importance of boron in the formation of fully fertile reproductive organs.
Crystal structure of 9-(3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-10-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,4,6,7,9,10-hexahydroacridine-1,8(2H,5H)-dione
Authors: Abdelhamid Antar A. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Simpson Jim
Published: July 2014

The title compound C25H29BrClNO4, comprises a 3,3,6,6-tetramethyltetrahydroacridine-1,8-dione ring system that carries a hydroxyethyl substituent on the acridine N atom and a 3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl ring on the central methine C atom of the dihydropyridine ring. The benzene ring is inclined to the acridine ring system at an angle of 89.84 (6)° and this conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the hydroxy substituent on the benzene ring and one of the carbonyl groups of the acridinedione unit. In the crystal, O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds combine to stack molecules in interconnected columns propagating along thea-axis direction.