bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral Activity of a Novel Compound CW-33 against Japanese Encephalitis Virus through Inhibiting Intracellular Calcium Overload
Authors: Huang Su-Hua , Lien Jin-Cherng , Chen Chao-Jung , Liu Yu-Ching , Wang Ching-Ying , Ping Chia-Fong , Lin Yu-Fong , Huang An-Cheng , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: August 2016

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has five genotypes (I, II, III, IV, and V). JEV genotype I circulates widely in some Asian countries. However, current JEV vaccines based on genotype III strains show low neutralizing capacities against genotype I variants. In addition, JE has no specific treatment, except a few supportive treatments. Compound CW-33, an intermediate synthesized derivative of furoquinolines, was investigated for its antiviral activities against JEV in this study. CW-33 exhibited the less cytotoxicity to Syrian baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) and human medulloblastoma (TE761) cells. CW-33 dose-dependently reduced the cytopathic effect and apoptosis of JEV-infected cells. Supernatant virus yield assay pinpointed CW-33 as having potential anti-JEV activity with IC50 values ranging from 12.7 to 38.5 μM. Time-of-addition assay with CW-33 indicated that simultaneous and post-treatment had no plaque reduction activity, but continuous and simultaneous treatments proved to have highly effective antiviral activity, with IC50 values of 32.7 and 48.5 μM, respectively. CW-33 significantly moderated JEV-triggered Ca2+ overload, which correlated with the recovery of mitochondria membrane potential as well as the activation of Akt/mTOR and Jak/STAT1 signals in treated infected cells. Phosphopeptide profiling by LC-MS/MS revealed that CW-33 upregulated proteins from the enzyme modulator category, such as protein phosphatase inhibitor 2 (I-2), Rho GTPase-activating protein 35, ARF GTPase-activating protein GIT2, and putative 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 2. These enzyme modulators identified were associated with the activation of Akt/mTOR and Jak/STAT1 signals. Meanwhile, I-2 treatment substantially inhibited the apoptosis of JEV-infected cells. The results demonstrated that CW-33 exhibited a significant potential in the development of anti-JEV agents.
Assessing the Effects of Acute Amyloid β Oligomer Exposure in the Rat
Authors: Wong Ryan , Cechetto David , Whitehead Shawn
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, yet there are no therapeutic treatments that can either cure or delay its onset. Currently, the pathogenesis of AD is still uncertain, especially with respect to how the disease develops from a normal healthy brain. Amyloid β oligomers (AβO) are highly neurotoxic proteins and are considered potential initiators to the pathogenesis of AD. Rat brains were exposed to AβO via bilateral intracerebroventricular injections. Rats were then euthanized at either 1, 3, 7 or 21-days post surgery. Rat behavioural testing was performed using the Morris water maze and open field tests. Post-mortem brain tissue was immunolabelled for Aβ, microglia, and cholinergic neurons. Rats exposed to AβO showed deficits in spatial learning and anxiety-like behaviour. Acute positive staining for Aβ was only observed in the corpus callosum surrounding the lateral ventricles. AβO exposed rat brains also showed a delayed increase in activated microglia within the corpus callosum and a decreased number of cholinergic neurons within the basal forebrain. Acute exposure to AβO resulted in mild learning and memory impairments with co-concomitant white matter pathology within the corpus callosum and cholinergic cell loss within the basal forebrain. Results suggest that acute exposure to AβO in the rat may be a useful tool in assessing the early phases for the pathogenesis of AD.
TLR4-Activated MAPK-IL-6 Axis Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function
Authors: Lee Guan-Lin , Wu Jing-Yiing , Tsai Chien-Sung , Lin Chih-Yuan , Tsai Yi-Ting , Lin Chin-Sheng , Wang Yi-Fu , Yet Shaw-Fang , Hsu Yu-Juei , Kuo Cheng-Chin
Published: August 2016

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima is considered to be a vital event in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Despite substantial evidence supporting the pathogenic role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the progression of atherogenesis, its function in the regulation of VSMC migration remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism by which TLR4 regulates VSMC migration. Inhibitor experiments revealed that TLR4-induced IL-6 secretion and VSMC migration were mediated via the concerted actions of MyD88 and TRIF on the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling. Neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibodies abrogated TLR4-driven VSMC migration and F-actin polymerization. Blockade of p38 MAPK or ERK1/2 signaling cascade inhibited TLR4 agonist-mediated activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Moreover, siRNA-mediated suppression of CREB production repressed TLR4-induced IL-6 production and VSMC migration. Rac-1 inhibitor suppressed TLR4-driven VSMC migration but not IL-6 production. Importantly, the serum level of IL-6 and TLR4 endogenous ligand HMGB1 was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD) than in healthy subjects. Serum HMGB1 level was positively correlated with serum IL-6 level in CAD patients. The expression of both HMGB1 and IL-6 was clearly detected in the atherosclerotic tissue of the CAD patients. Additionally, there was a positive association between p-CREB and HMGB1 in mouse atherosclerotic tissue. Based on our findings, we concluded that, upon ligand binding, TLR4 activates p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling through MyD88 and TRIF in VSMCs. These signaling pathways subsequently coordinate an additive augmentation of CREB-driven IL-6 production, which in turn triggers Rac-1-mediated actin cytoskeleton to promote VSMC migration.
Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Human Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes Is Involved in the AMI Onset and Progression through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zeng Jing-Ya , Du Jing-Jing , Pan Ying , Wu Jian , Bi Hai-Liang , Cui Bao-Hong , Zhai Tai-Yu , Sun Yong , Sun Yi-Hua
Published: August 2016

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a condition triggered by an inflammatory process that seriously affects human health. Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in T lymphocytes is involved during the inflammation reaction. However, the relationship between them is not very clear. In this study, we collected human peripheral blood T lymphocytes from patients with AMI and in different stages of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (at the onset of AMI, the first day after PCI (PCI-1), PCI-3, and PCI-5) to study the CaSR and NF-κB pathway protein expression, cytokine release and T cell apoptosis. The results showed that the expressions of CaSR, P-p65, Caspase-12, and the secretions of Th-1 and Th-2 type cytokines were increased at the onset of AMI, especially on the PCI-1. Meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes also increased. However, from PCI-3, all the indicators began to decline. In addition, we also found that positive CaSR small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection in T lymphocytes and NF-κB pathway blocker Bay-11-7082 reversed the increased expressions of CaSR, P-p65, Caspase-12, reduced the secretions of Th-1 and Th-2 type cytokines, and decreased T lymphocytes apoptosis rate not only in the AMI patients but also in the normal controls. All of these results indicated that CaSR in the human peripheral blood T lymphocytes were involved in the AMI onset and progression, which probably was related to the NF-κB pathway. Our study demonstrated the relationship between AMI and CaSR, and will provide new effective prevention theory and new targets for drug treatment.
New Rhenium-Doped SrCo1−xRexO3−δ Perovskites Performing as Cathodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Troncoso Loreto , Gardey María , Fernández-Díaz María , Alonso José
Published: August 2016

In the aim to stabilize novel three-dimensional perovskite oxides based upon SrCoO3−δ, we have designed and prepared SrCo1−xRexO3−δ phases (x = 0.05 and 0.10), successfully avoiding the competitive hexagonal 2H polytypes. Their performance as cathode materials in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) has been investigated. The characterization of these oxides included X-ray (XRD) and in situ temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments for x = 0.10. At room temperature, SrCo1−xRexO3−δ perovskites are defined in the P4/mmm space group, which corresponds to a subtle tetragonal perovskite superstructure with unit-cell parameters a = b ≈ ao, c = 2ao (ao = 3.861 and 3.868 Å, for x = 0.05 and 0.10, respectively). The crystal structure evolves above 380 °C to a simple cubic perovskite unit cell, as observed from in-situ NPD data. The electrical conductivity gave maximum values of 43.5 S·cm−1 and 51.6 S·cm−1 for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. The area specific resistance (ASR) polarization resistance determined in symmetrical cells is as low as 0.087 Ω·cm2 and 0.065 Ω·cm2 for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. In single test cells these materials generated a maximum power of around 0.6 W/cm2 at 850 °C with pure H2 as a fuel, in an electrolyte-supported configuration with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O3−δ (LSGM) as the electrolyte. Therefore, we propose the SrCo1−xRexO3−δ (x = 0.10 and 0.05) perovskite oxides as promising candidates for cathodes in IT-SOFC.
One-Step Synthesis of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-ZnS Core-Shell Nanocables
Authors: Zhang Yanli , He Xiangming , Wang Li , Gao Jian , Li Jianjun
Published: August 2016

Nanocables with a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) core and a ZnS shell were directly synthesized in one step through a thermal reaction method by using carbon, Zn, and FeS powder as starting materials. The as-fabricated nanocables were studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The nanocables have diameters of ~50 nm, lengths of several micrometers, and shell thickness of ~20 nm. TEM analysis revealed that the shell is polycrystalline wurtzite-type ZnS with good crystallinity, and the core of the nanocables is one to several SWCNTs. Raman results showed that the diameters of SWCNTs core are mainly distributed at 1.28 and 1.16 nm, with high quality and metallic character. A growth mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the nanocables. This simple method may be applied to other SWCNTs-metal sulfide nanocables, which may have potential applications in photocatalysts, photocurrent, and other optical-electrical devices.
21.69–24.36 GHz MEMS Tunable Band-Pass Filter
Authors: Deng Zhongliang , Wei Hao , Guo Xubing
Published: August 2016

The K-band microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tunable band-pass filter, with a wide-frequency tunable range and miniature size, is able to fulfill the requirements of the multiband satellite communication systems. A novel 21.69–24.36 GHz MEMS tunable band-pass filter is designed, analyzed, fabricated and measured. This paper also designs and analyzes an inductively tuned slow-wave resonator, which consists of the MEMS capacitive switch, the MEMS capacitor and the short metal line. The proposed filter has four different work states by changing the capacitance values of the MEMS switches. Measured results demonstrate that, for all four states, the insertion loss is 2.81, 3.27, 3.65 and 4.03 dB at 24.36, 23.2, 22.24 and 21.69 GHz, respectively. The actuation voltage is 0, 20, 16 and 26 V, respectively. The 3 dB bandwidth of the tunable filter is 5.4%, 6.2%, 5.7% and 5.9%, respectively. This study contributes to the design of miniature millimeter tunable filters with a wide-frequency tunable range.
Neuroprotective Effects of a Standardized Flavonoid Extract from Safflower against a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ablat Nuramatjan , Lv Deyong , Ren Rutong , Xiaokaiti Yilixiati , Ma Xiang , Zhao Xin , Sun Yi , Lei Hui , Xu Jiamin , Ma Yingcong , Qi Xianrong , Ye Min , Xu Feng , Han Hongbin , Pu Xiaoping
Published: August 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra par compacta (SNpc). Rotenone is a neurotoxin that is routinely used to model PD to aid in understanding the mechanisms of neuronal death. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius. L.) has long been used to treat cerebrovascular diseases in China. This plant contains flavonoids, which have been reported to be effective in models of neurodegenerative disease. We previously reported that kaempferol derivatives from safflower could bind DJ-1, a protein associated with PD, and that a flavonoid extract from safflower exhibited neuroprotective effects in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of PD. In this study, a standardized safflower flavonoid extract (SAFE) was isolated from safflower and found to primarily contain flavonoids. The aim of the current study was to confirm the neuroprotective effects of SAFE in rotenone-induced Parkinson rats. The results showed that SAFE treatment increased body weight and improved rearing behavior and grip strength. SAFE (35 or 70 mg/kg/day) treatment reversed the decreased protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine transporter and DJ-1 and increased the levels of dopamine and its metabolite. In contrast, acetylcholine levels were decreased. SAFE treatment also led to partial inhibition of PD-associated changes in extracellular space diffusion parameters. These changes were detected using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracer-based method, which provides novel information regarding neuronal loss and astrocyte activation. Thus, our results indicate that SAFE represents a potential therapeutic herbal treatment for PD.
Ball Milling Assisted Solvent and Catalyst Free Synthesis of Benzimidazoles and Their Derivatives
Authors: EL-Sayed Taghreed , Aboelnaga Asmaa , Hagar Mohamed
Published: August 2016

Benzoic acid and o-phenylenediamine efficiently reacted under the green solvent-free Ball Milling method. Several reaction parameters were investigated such as rotation frequency; milling balls weight and milling time. The optimum reaction condition was milling with 56.6 g weight of balls at 20 Hz frequency for one hour milling time. The study was extended for synthesis of a series of benzimidazol-2-one or benzimidazol-2-thione using different aldehydes; carboxylic acids; urea; thiourea or ammonium thiocyanate with o-phenylenediamine. Moreover; the alkylation of benzimidazolone or benzimidazolthione using ethyl chloroacetate was also studied.
Three New Isoprenylated Flavonoids from the Root Bark of Morus alba
Authors: Jung Jae-Woo , Park Ji-Hae , Lee Yeong-Geun , Seo Kyeong-Hwa , Oh Eun-Ji , Lee Dae-Young , Lim Dong-Wook , Han Daeseok , Baek Nam-In
Published: August 2016

Phytochemical investigation of the root bark of Morus alba has led to the isolation and identification of three new isoprenylated flavonoids, namely sanggenon U (1), sanggenon V (2), and sanggenon W (3), along with four known isoprenylated flavonoids: euchrenone a7 (4), sanggenon J (5), kuwanon E (6), and kuwanon S (7). All compounds were isolated by repeated silica gel (SiO2), octadecyl SiO2 (ODS), and Sephadex LH-20 open column chromatography. The structure of the compounds were determined based on spectroscopic analyses, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), circular dichroism (CD), and infrared (IR). In addition, compounds 1–4 were isolated for the first time from the root bark of M. alba in this study.
Efficient Synthesis of Fully Substituted Pyrrolidine-Fused 3-Spirooxindoles via 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Aziridine and 3-Ylideneoxindole
Authors: Ren Wen , Zhao Qian , Zheng Chuan , Zhao Qiong , Guo Li , Huang Wei
Published: August 2016

Drug-like spirocyclic scaffolds have been prepared by fusing fully functionalized pyrrolidine with oxindoles in an approach based on 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Reaction between aziridine and 3-ylideneoxindole generated diverse spirooxindole-pyrrolidines in good yield (up to 95%) with high diastereoselectivity (up to >20:1). The reaction also proceeded smoothly with several other synthetically useful activated trisubstituted olefins. The mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, and high tolerance for various substitutions make this approach attractive for constructing pharmacologically interesting spiro-architectures.
Ionic Liquids as Solvents for Rhodium and Platinum Catalysts Used in Hydrosilylation Reaction
Authors: Zielinski Witold , Kukawka Rafal , Maciejewski Hieronim , Smiglak Marcin
Published: August 2016

A group of imidazolium and pyridinium based ionic liquids has been synthetized, and their ability to dissolve and activate the catalysts used in hydrosilylation reaction of 1-octane and 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane was investigated. An organometallic catalyst as well as inorganic complexes of platinum and rhodium dissolved in ionic liquids were used, forming liquid solutions not miscible with the substrates or with the products of the reaction. The results show that application of such a simple biphasic catalytic system enables reuse of ionic liquid phase with catalysts in multiple reaction cycles reducing the costs and decreasing the amount of catalyst needed per mole of product.
A Comparison between Drifter and X-Band Wave Radar for Sea Surface Current Estimation
Authors: Ludeno Giovanni , Nasello Carmelo , Raffa Francesco , Ciraolo Giuseppe , Soldovieri Francesco , Serafino Francesco
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with exploitation of the wave radar system for sea surface current estimation in a coastal zone. In particular, we present the results of the processing of the radar data collected by an X-band marine radar installed in Capo Granitola site, which is located in the south-west part of Sicily, on 15 May 2015. The effectiveness of the data processing is analyzed by comparing the wave radar estimated sea surface current with that provided by the Lagrangian drifters along its movement trajectory. During the measurement campaign, three drifter releases are carried out and for each one the comparison is provided in terms of the mean error and standard deviation. In addition, we report the characteristic sea state parameters, in terms of peak wavelength (λp), peak direction propagation (θp), peak period (Tp) and significant wave height (Hs) of the dominant waves estimated by the wave radar system.
Design Methodology for Magnetic Field-Based Soft Tri-Axis Tactile Sensors
Authors: Wang Hongbo , De Boer Greg , Kow Junwai , Alazmani Ali , Ghajari Mazdak , Hewson Robert , Culmer Peter
Published: August 2016

Tactile sensors are essential if robots are to safely interact with the external world and to dexterously manipulate objects. Current tactile sensors have limitations restricting their use, notably being too fragile or having limited performance. Magnetic field-based soft tactile sensors offer a potential improvement, being durable, low cost, accurate and high bandwidth, but they are relatively undeveloped because of the complexities involved in design and calibration. This paper presents a general design methodology for magnetic field-based three-axis soft tactile sensors, enabling researchers to easily develop specific tactile sensors for a variety of applications. All aspects (design, fabrication, calibration and evaluation) of the development of tri-axis soft tactile sensors are presented and discussed. A moving least square approach is used to decouple and convert the magnetic field signal to force output to eliminate non-linearity and cross-talk effects. A case study of a tactile sensor prototype, MagOne, was developed. This achieved a resolution of 1.42 mN in normal force measurement (0.71 mN in shear force), good output repeatability and has a maximum hysteresis error of 3.4%. These results outperform comparable sensors reported previously, highlighting the efficacy of our methodology for sensor design.
Recent Advances of MEMS Resonators for Lorentz Force Based Magnetic Field Sensors: Design, Applications and Challenges
Authors: Herrera-May Agustín , Soler-Balcazar Juan , Vázquez-Leal Héctor , Martínez-Castillo Jaime , Vigueras-Zuñiga Marco , Aguilera-Cortés Luz
Published: August 2016

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators have allowed the development of magnetic field sensors with potential applications such as biomedicine, automotive industry, navigation systems, space satellites, telecommunications and non-destructive testing. We present a review of recent magnetic field sensors based on MEMS resonators, which operate with Lorentz force. These sensors have a compact structure, wide measurement range, low energy consumption, high sensitivity and suitable performance. The design methodology, simulation tools, damping sources, sensing techniques and future applications of magnetic field sensors are discussed. The design process is fundamental in achieving correct selection of the operation principle, sensing technique, materials, fabrication process and readout systems of the sensors. In addition, the description of the main sensing systems and challenges of the MEMS sensors are discussed. To develop the best devices, researches of their mechanical reliability, vacuum packaging, design optimization and temperature compensation circuits are needed. Future applications will require multifunctional sensors for monitoring several physical parameters (e.g., magnetic field, acceleration, angular ratio, humidity, temperature and gases).
ePedigree Traceability System for the Agricultural Food Supply Chain to Ensure Consumer Health
Authors: Farooq Umar , Tao Wu , Alfian Ganjar , Kang Yong-Shin , Rhee Jongtae
Published: August 2016

Sustainability relies on the environmental, social and economical systems: the three pillars of sustainability. The social sustainability mostly advocates the people’s welfare, health, safety, and quality of life. In the agricultural food industry, the aspects of social sustainability, such as consumer health and safety have gained substantial attention due to the frequent cases of food-borne diseases. The food-borne diseases due to the food degradation, chemical contamination and adulteration of food products pose a serious threat to the consumer’s health, safety, and quality of life. To ensure the consumer’s health and safety, it is essential to develop an efficient system which can address these critical social issues in the food distribution networks. This research proposes an ePedigree (electronic pedigree) traceability system based on the integration of RFID and sensor technology for real-time monitoring of the agricultural food to prevent the distribution of hazardous and adulterated food products. The different aspects regarding implementation of the proposed system in food chains are analyzed and a feasible integrated solution is proposed. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated and finally, a comprehensive analysis of the proposed ePedigree system’s impact on the social sustainability in terms of consumer health and safety is presented.
Preparation of alginate–chitosan–cyclodextrin micro- and nanoparticles loaded with anti-tuberculosis compounds
Authors: Ivancic Albert , Macaev Fliur , Aksakal Fatma , Boldescu Veaceslav , Pogrebnoi Serghei , Duca Gheorghe
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the synthesis and application of alginate–chitosan–cyclodextrin micro- and nanoparticulate systems loaded with isoniazid (INH) and isoconazole nitrate (ISN) as antimycobacterial compounds. Preparation and morphology of the obtained particles, as well as antimycobacterial activity data of the obtained systems are presented. Docking of isoconazole into the active site of enoyl–acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) of Mycobacetrium tuberculosis was carried out in order to predict the binding affinity and non-covalent interactions stabilizing the InhA–isoconazole complex. To assess these interactions, frontier molecular orbital calculations were performed for the active site of InhA and isoconazole obtained from docking. Isoconazole was predicted to be an active inhibitor of InhA with the analysis of the molecular docking and electron density distribution. It has been detected that alginate–chitosan–cyclodextrin microparticulate systems loaded with INH and ISN are as effective as pure INH applied in higher dosages.
The Definite Marker in Arabic: Morphological realization of the syntactic head D or a [DEF] feature
Authors: Alqassas Ahmad
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt from the text:In Arabic, the definite marker can render a noun phrase (NP) definite and it appears as a proclitic on adjectives that modify a definite NP (a phenomenon known as definiteness agreement). Arabic also has a complex adjectival construction known as Construct State Adjective (CSA) that also exhibits the definiteness agreement property. Moreover, in cardinal number constructions in Standard Arabic, the definite marker appears as a proclitic on both the numeral and the enumerated noun (another case for definiteness agreement). This CSA construction and cardinal number constructions are interesting in that definiteness agreement is optional as opposed to the canonical cases of noun-adjective constructions (with post nominal adjectives) where definiteness agreement is obligatory. This paper argues that, given these facts about definiteness agreement, it is more plausible to treat the definite marker whish appears on nominal heads as the realization of the syntactic D head while the definite marker appearing on adjectival and nominal complements as a [DEF] feature added at PF.
Binding as Co-indexing vs. Binding as Movement: Evidence from Personal Datives
Authors: Haddad Youssef A.
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:Personal dative constructions (PDCs) are problematic from a syntactic perspective because they seem to violate Condition B of Binding Theory without leading to ungrammaticality. Condition B states that a pronoun should be locally free. Therefore, by allowing a pronoun to be coreferential with a local c-commanding antecedent, PDCs are expected to induce a violation, but they don’t. How can syntactic theory account for these facts in a principled way? I explore two approaches, focusing on Southern American English and Lebanese Arabic, both of which indicate that PDCs fall outside the constraints of Binding Theory, which explains why their realization as free pronouns does not lead to ungrammaticality.
Do Sighs Matter? Interactional Perspectives on Sighing
Authors: Hoey Elliott
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:Why do we sigh? The consensus on sighing as a physiological phenomenon regards it as important for restoring healthy variability to the respiratory system, specifically effecting lung compliance (Caro et al. 1960) and restoring the chemical properties of gas exchange (Cherniack et al. 1981). The psychological literature embarks from these accounts to link respiratory characteristics to psychological states, finding that sighs are produced in both positive (Keefe and Block 1982, Wuyts et al. 2011) and negative emotional states (Hirose 2000, Vlemincx et al. 2009). This research suggests that the physiological and psychological functions of sighing are intertwined since respiratory patterns are generally related to emotions (Boiten et al. 1994 [above references via Vlemincx et al. 2009]). By only focusing on the phenomenon as it occurs at the individual level, however, these studies ignore the social function that sighs may play. In treating them as acts performed in solitude, in other words, such studies assume sighs to be involuntary reflexes of private internal states. Cursory reflection would reveal, however, that the production of a sigh in conversation may be consequential for the interaction. Furthermore, in contrast to largely involuntary respiratory acts like yawning or sneezing, sighing is wholly manipulable, which suggests that its occurrence in interaction may be purposeful. In this preliminary report, I examine natural interactional data containing tokens of sighs to observe and describe the ways in which sighs may manifest as social action.
The Topic-Comment Structure in Copular Sentences: Evidence from Wolof
Authors: Martinović Martina
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the syntax of information structure of Double-DP copular sentences in Wolof, a Niger-Congo language spoken primarily in Senegal. English copular sentences of the structure DP be DP are classiﬁed into several types. The most discussed distinction is the one between predicational sentences and speciﬁcational sentences. The two sentences differ in several ways. First, while the post-copular DP (DP2) in a predicational sentence predicates a certain property of a discourse referent es-tablished by the pre-copular DP (DP1), in a speciﬁcational sentence DP2 provides a value for a variable introduced by DP1. Furthermore, it is proposed that different copular sentences are associated with different information-structural properties. In particular, speciﬁcational sentences are claimed to obligatorily focus the post-copular constituent (Higgins 1979; Declerck 1988; Mikkelsen 2005, etc.), while predicational sentences carry no such requirements.
Re-thinking Compositionality in Persian Complex Predicates
Authors: Samvelian Pollet , Faghiri Pegah
Published: August 2016

Persian Complex Predicates (CPs) have been a focus of interest during the last two decades. Their formation (i.e. morphological/lexical vs. phrasal/syntactic) and their interpretation (compositional vs. idiomatic) have been thoroughly inves-tigated and various analyses have been proposed to account for their seemingly contradictory properties. In this paper, we revisit the issue of the compositionality of Persian CPs, focusing on Noun-Verb combinations, and provide a Construction-based approach which allows to overcome the apparent contradiction between their idiomatic and compositional properties, and offers a new insight into their produc-tivity.
Measuring Linguistic Distance in Athapaskan
Authors: Snoek Conor , Cox Christopher
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:Since the last attempts to establish sub-grouping in Athapaskan (cf. Mithun 1999), the field has benefited from a wider availability of data through published grammars, dictionaries, and articles, as well the greater ease of accessibility to digital archives containing field notes and other relevant primary materials. Additionally, computer-aided techniques of data analysis have been developed, making it possible to treat larger sets of data and more readily visualize these data with graphs and maps. Here, we present the results of applying statistical clustering and mapping techniques in grouping Athapaskan languages on the basis of phonological similarity. We want to argue for the usefulness of applying such techniques to Athapaskan, and point toward future work that will integrate greater and more varied bodies of data that we believe will lead to a reliable sub-grouping of Athapaskan languages and bring greater understanding of the history of the Athapaskan-speaking peoples.
The Phylogenetic Status of Pacific Coast Athabaskan: A Computational Assessment
Authors: Spence Justin
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:The present study considers the status of the Pacific Coast Athabaskan languages, both in relation to each other and in relation to the rest of the family, by applying computational approaches to phylogenetic inference adapted from the biological sciences that have invigorated historical linguistic research over the past decade. These methods have shed light on previously intractable problems, and in some cases sparked new controversies, in language families as diverse as Indo-European (Gray and Atkinson 2003; Atkinson and Gray 2006; Nakhleh et al. 2005; Bouckaert et al. 2012), Bantu (Holden and Gray 2006, Marten 2006), Austronesian (Bryant 2006, Dunn et al. 2008), and Pama-Nyungan (Bowern and Atkinson 2012).
Clitics and Voicing in Dutch
Authors: Tellings Jos
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:This paper considers the interaction of voicing processes and clitic attachment in Dutch. This forms a challenge to phonological theories since clitic attachment shows opaque interaction with ﬁnal devoicing, and in addition voice assimilation in cliticized structures is subject to variation. I propose a two-level Optimality Theory (OT) analysis (Prince and Smolensky 1993, Kiparsky 2000) of these data, in which the existence of two levels can han-dle the opaque interaction, and a combination of prosodic structure constraints and segmental constrains accounts for the attested variation.
Mapping Worlds: Frames of Reference in MalakMalak
Authors: Hoffmann Dorothea
Published: August 2016

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt:This paper presents an analysis of spatial language, in particular, ‘Frames of Reference’ (FoR) utilizing elicitation, stimuli and natural discourse in fieldwork settings. The language in question is MalakMalak, a non-Pama-Nyungan Northern Daly language with eleven identified remaining speakers mainly based in the Daly River Region in Australia.
Encountering Unfamiliar Educational Practices Abroad
Authors: Jackson B Jane
Published: August 2016

As internationalization efforts intensify across the globe, the number of students who are studying outside their home country for part of their tertiary education has increased significantly. The vast majority of students from East Asian nations (Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Korea, Macau SAR, Mainland China, and Taiwan) study in a second language while abroad, with English the most common medium-of-instruction. As institutions of Higher Education (HE) in other regions compete for students from this part of the world, increasingly, questions are being raised about what students gain from outbound mobility programs. Scholars have drawn attention to the need for systematic empirical research that critically examines the experiences of student sojourners in order to determine the most effective ways to support and enhance their learning (e.g., linguistic, cognitive, social, academic, (inter)cultural, and professional).
Students' Perceived Benefits of Short-Term Study Abroad Programs
Authors: Cheng Annie Yan-Ni
Published: August 2016

Short-term study abroad programs have been increasingly emphasized in expanding university curricula since the beginning of the 21st Century. This chapter aims to understand students' perceptions of short-term study abroad programs in the context of Hong Kong Higher Education (HE). Its objectives are to examine students' perceived benefits, concerns and the issues facing them when deciding on their participation in these programs. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, a case study was conducted in the eight universities of Hong Kong. Results show that the students strongly believed that the greatest benefits of taking part in these programs included enhancing their personal growth and intercultural development. The significance of this chapter is to contribute new knowledge to the understanding of students' perceptions and values of outbound short-term study abroad in an Asian/Chinese context.
Critical Components in Preparing Students for Short-Term Study Tours to Asia
Authors: Bretag Tracey , van der Veen Robert , Saddiqui Sonia , Zhu Ying
Published: August 2016

Universities need to provide effective support for students and staff to successfully engage in intercultural learning activities as part of outbound mobility experiences. This chapter addresses the less researched area of pre-departure support for student mobility experiences in Asia. The research participants for this study included eight academic study tour leaders and three administrative staff, plus five student focus groups representing various disciplines in one Australian university. All participants had recently undertaken a short-term study tour to an Asian destination. This chapter identifies the key areas of preparation for a short-term study tour from the multiple perspectives of those who organise and lead the study tour, to those who participate in the experience. The chapter concludes with recommendations for how preparation for short-term study tours may be improved, including a discussion of roles and responsibilities for students, staff and their institutions.
Faculty Memoirs
Authors: Akella Devi
Published: August 2016

The global nature of a contemporary economy emphasizes the need for business graduates to possess a global perspective, cultural sensitivity and the knowledge of language and culture of more than one country. Consequently, faculty driven, short-term, university study abroad programs allow students the opportunity to step outside the classroom and learn about the world in a safe, controlled and faculty regulated environment. ‘Learn by going' (Keese & O'Brien, 2011) happens to be the most effective learning strategy. This chapter describes the experience of the author as an instructor and team member of a study abroad program to China. The author discusses the program, curriculum, pedagogies adopted, and learning outcomes of students. Critical reflections of her own involvement in this educational tour to China are also shared.
Fostering Global Citizenship in Higher Education
Authors: Stoner Lee , Perry Lane , Wadsworth Daniel , Gleason Mikell , Tarrant Michael A , Page Rachel , Stoner Krystina R.
Published: August 2016

Despite growing public awareness, health systems are struggling under the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases. Arguably, one must place themselves within the broader/global context to begin to truly understand the health implications of personal choices. Fostering a ‘global citizen' perspective among graduates has become an integral part of the Higher Education (HE) discourse; this discourse can and should be extended to include global health. A global citizen is someone who is aware of global issues, socially responsible, and civically engaged. From this perspective, personal health is not solely an individual, self-serving act. Rather, the consequences of lifestyle choices and behaviours have far-reaching implications. This chapter details: (a) the development of an international global health course designed to foster global citizenship; (b) the research-led pedagogy; (c) the methods of student evaluation; and (d) the importance of such a course within the broader context of HE.
International Medical Experiences Outbound New Zealand
Authors: Mpofu Charles
Published: August 2016

Medical schools and colleges of medicine are increasingly highlighting the role of short-term outward mobility programs in the form of International Medical Experiences (IMEs). In this way, doctors acquire skills as they study or work outside their countries of training. Although many benefits have been reported about the role of these IMEs in staff development, few studies have linked these with national workforce strategies, national economic and diplomatic strategies. This chapter fills that gap by arguing how these IMEs can be used to meet New Zealand workforce challenges such as the emigration of this country's doctors, as well as national economic and diplomatic agendas of increasing trade with Asian countries. This chapter concludes by challenging key stakeholders of these experiences to increase support through a range of strategies: IME recognition in accreditation programs; policy action; student resourcefulness; and multi-stakeholder involvement in funding and promotion of IMEs.
International Healthcare Experiences
Authors: Wietholter Jon P. , Coetzee Renier , Nardella Beth , Kincaid Scott E. , Slain Douglas
Published: August 2016

International Healthcare Experiences (IHEs) provide opportunities for students to experience healthcare in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging settings. Types of IHEs include acute care, ambulatory care, and medical missions. Students have reported multiple benefits through completion of IHEs including increased personal and professional development, increased cultural sensitivity, and increased self-awareness and self-confidence. While many benefits have been noted, there are also challenges in developing, implementing, and sustaining IHEs including financial considerations, safety concerns, and apprehensions regarding the impact the IHE is having on foreign patients and healthcare workers. Additionally, the possibility of limited sustainability of an IHE must be taken into account when evaluating its development and overall impact. This chapter's aim is to summarize the currently available literature on IHEs and to provide subjective reflections from international colleagues and students associated with IHEs connected to the authors' institutions.
Beyond Accommodations
Authors: Orsati Fernanda , Shallish Lauren
Published: August 2016

Colleges and universities have increasingly worked to provide an international curriculum acknowledging that students must be prepared to deal with international issues in a globalized world. Study abroad programs provide students with opportunities to learn about cultural and linguistic systems outside the United States (US). While scholarship on learning outcomes associated with study abroad programs is emerging, inquiry into offerings that employ critical disability studies perspectives acknowledge power and intersectionality is absent. The inclusion of these frameworks provide opportunities to disrupt traditional, hegemonic, and ethnocentric understandings of knowledge and work to reflect the increasingly diverse demographics of college students. By examining the experiences of students on a short-term program to Brazil, the authors illustrate how disability studies, inclusive education, culturally relevant pedagogy and intersectionality address access, participation and learning outcomes to and about historically underrepresented groups.
Walking in English Learners' Shoes
Authors: Powell Debbie , Aram Roberta J.
Published: August 2016

This chapter reports on a university short-term study abroad immersion experience in Costa Rica for preservice teachers. Qualitative data from instructors' field notes and participants' photo blogs, exit interviews, and formal course evaluations were analyzed for evidence of expressions of empathy for English Learners (ELs), resolve to use effective teaching strategies with ELs, personal growth and cross-cultural awareness. Findings show that participants demonstrated empathy that was linked to personal and professional growth as a future teacher. The course's design strategically causing authentic physical and emotional struggles similar to ELs' with purposefully facilitated reflection time to address feelings and experiences was effective in achieving overall course goals.
Promotion of Internationalization of Teacher Education
Authors: Vorkapić Sanja Tatalović
Published: August 2016

Internationalization in (pre)school teachers' education presents a great challenge for all professionals included in the Higher Education (HE) sector, especially professors. As such, it implies a significant change that is accepted by students and professors who see it as a way of enrichment. In relation to the experiences of an Erasmus Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the field of social sciences (psychology major) at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Rijeka, Croatia, this chapter describes and analyzes this information in the context of internationalization promotion within this faculty. Implications that could be drawn from this analysis are closely related to running objective empirical research on students and professors toward internationalization in (pre)school teachers' education, creating clear and formal Erasmus procedures, and developing the pre-requisites for international (post)graduate study programs.
Applications of Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies
Authors: Spöhrer Markus
Published: August 2016

The chapter offers an international research overview of the possibilities and problems of applying Actor-Network Theory in Media Studies and media related research. On the one hand the chapter provides a summary of the central aspects and terminologies of Bruno Latour's, Michel Callon's and John Law's corpus of texts. On the other hand, it summarizes both theoretical and methodological implications of the combination of Actor-Network Theory and strands of Media Studies research such as discourse analysis, Production Studies and media theory.
What Critical Media Studies Should Not Take from Actor-Network Theory
Authors: Teurlings Jan
Published: August 2016

While supportive towards a certain rapprochement between media studies and Actor-Network Theory (ANT) this chapter identifies three main characteristics of the Latourian enterprise that critical media studies should avoid if it wants to remain its critical edge: 1. a methodological descriptivism that relies on the victor's account, 2. a rejection of the notion of structure, and 3. an innovative yet limited notion of intellectual work. The chapter next articulates a perspective on how a “weak” version of ANT can augment critical media studies while retaining the latter's strong dedication to changing an unjust social order.
Anaphoric Trajectories of Creative Processes
Authors: Strandvad Sara Malou
Published: August 2016

This chapter critically questions the strategy of applying the Actor-Network Theory to media studies. Arguing that an application of a fixed ANT-approach fundamentally opposes the ambition of Actor-Network Theory, this chapter outlines a different way of drawing inspiration from ANT. Based in the writings of the French cultural sociologist Antoine Hennion, who has been a pioneer in developing a cultural sociology inspired by ANT, and the recent writings of Bruno Latour addressing cultural production, the chapter suggests investigating the “anaphoric trajectories” of creative development processes. To illustrate this approach, the chapter analyzes the case of a failed film project and considers how the content of creative production processes may be incorporated into cultural production studies.
On Habit and Fiction in Latours' Inquiry and Fictional Knowledge on Habit in Proust's Recherche
Authors: Cuntz Michael
Published: August 2016

Latour's Inquiry into Modes of Existence undertakes a re-evaluation of both modern ontology and ANT: Adding qualitative differentiation to quantitative network analysis is tantamount to the outline of a pluralist ontology distinguishing a variety of different modes of being in the world. The aim is to make more space in order to provide proper accommodation for all enti-ties, especially for those a monist ontology could not account for. Both [HAB], habit, and [FIC], fiction, are modes that deserve a particular amount of space; [HAB] due to its all-pervasiveness in everyday courses of action, [FIC] due to its crucial role in anthropogenesis and its vital importance for many other modes. Nonetheless, there is an opposite tendency to restrict the possibilities of these modes. This is elucidated first by comparing [HAB] with other philosophical assessments of habit and [FIC] with Serres' readings of works of art and literary texts, and second via a confrontation of [FIC] and [HAB] with Proust's In Search of Lost Time, a work of fiction inquiring deeply into the workings of habit.
A Critique of Operativity
Authors: Mersch Dieter
Published: August 2016

The concepts of “operation” and “operational sequences” are central for Actor-Network Theory. They have also become key-terms for cultural and media studies and in specific the so-called German Media Theory. However—this is the thesis of the article—whoever starts with the assumption of operativity or privileges operational sequences in the context of cultural practices is already treading on the ground of the technical and thus has accepted what they set out to prove: the interpretation of culture solely on the basis of technical approaches and the prerequisite of an a priori of technique. Instead the article insists on the difference between operation and practice which serve as a criterion for a cultural analysis beyond any universalization of technology.