bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Rayleigh–Plesset equation modelling a gas-filled bubble immersed in an incompressible fluid
Authors: Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: October 2016

Temporal dynamics of gas-filled spherical bubbles is often described using the Rayleigh–Plesset equation, a special case of the Navier–Stokes equations that describes the oscillations of a spherical cavity in an infinite incompressible fluid. While analytical approximations and numerical simulations have previously been given in some parameter regimes, we are able to completely classify all possible dynamics exactly, in terms of only the model parameters. We present an analytical study of the solutions to the Rayleigh–Plesset equation in any number of spatial dimensions, and we demonstrate that the possible behaviours of solutions include bubbles of constant radius, bubbles with temporally oscillating radius and bubbles with finite time collapse. Each of these behaviours can be predicted solely in terms of the spatial dimension, pressures acting on the bubble and initial strain. In the case of oscillating bubbles, we give the amplitude and period of these oscillations in terms of an integral which is a function of the aforementioned parameters, while when the bubble collapses, we can similarly give the time of collapse in terms of these parameters. We give a systematic study of all possible behaviours, and capture special case solutions presented numerically or asymptotically in the literature. We also discuss the influence of both surface tension and viscosity when these terms are included in the Rayleigh–Plesset dynamics.
A VANISHING THEOREM FOR THE -INVARIANT AND HURWITZ GROUPS
Authors: MORIFUJI TAKAYUKI
Published: October 2016

In this paper we discuss a relationship between the spectral asymmetry and the surface symmetry. More precisely, we show that for every automorphism of a Hurwitz surface with the automorphism group $\text{PSL}(2,\mathbb{F}_{q})$, the $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$-invariant of the corresponding mapping torus vanishes if $q$ is sufficiently large.
Role of targeted magnetic resonance imaging sequences in the surgical management of anterior skull base pathology
Authors: Chawla S , Bowman J , Gandhi M , Panizza B
Published: October 2016

Background:

The skull base is a highly complex anatomical region that provides passage for important nerves and vessels as they course into and out of the cranial cavity. Key to the management of pathology in this region is a thorough understanding of the anatomy, with its variations, and the relationship of various neurovascular structures to the pathology in question. Targeted high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging on high field strength magnets can enable the skull base surgeon to understand this intricate relationship and deal with the pathology from a position of relative advantage.

Objective:

With the help of case studies, this paper illustrates the application of specialised magnetic resonance techniques to study pathology of the orbital apex in particular.

Conclusion:

The fine anatomical detail provided gives surgeons the ability to design an endonasal endoscopic procedure appropriate to the anatomy of the pathology.
Optimisation-based Transfer Alignment and Calibration Method for Inertial Measurement Vector Integration Matching
Authors: Xie Lili , Lu Jiazhen
Published: October 2016

The traditional Kalman filtering-based transfer alignment methods largely depend on prior information for initialisation. However, the initialisation process is hard to fulfil on a moving base. In this paper, a type of inertial measurement vector integration matching for optimisation-based transfer alignment and calibration is proposed to estimate the misalignment between the Master Inertial Navigation System (MINS) and Slave Inertial Navigation System (SINS), and main inertial sensor error parameters of SINS, including bias and scale factor error. In contrast to filter techniques, the proposed method has the capability of self-initialisation and provides a new idea to solve the alignment and calibration problem. No prior information is needed. Moreover, the integration time interval for the matching inertial measurement vector is selected by considering both the observation degree of inertial sensor error parameters and the noise effect. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method has faster convergence and is more accurate than Kalman filter techniques.
Unusual Legionnaires' outbreak in cool, dry Western Canada: an investigation using genomic epidemiology
Authors: KNOX N. C. , WEEDMARK K. A. , CONLY J. , ENSMINGER A. W. , HOSEIN F. S. , DREWS S. J. ,   the Legionella Outbreak Investigative Team
Published: October 2016

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred in an inner city district in Calgary, Canada. This outbreak spanned a 3-week period in November–December 2012, and a total of eight cases were identified. Four of these cases were critically ill requiring intensive care admission but there was no associated mortality. All cases tested positive forLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (LP1) by urinary antigen testing. Five of the eight patients were culture positive for LP1 from respiratory specimens. These isolates were further identified as Knoxville monoclonal subtype and sequence subtype ST222. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolates differed by no more than a single vertically acquired single nucleotide variant, supporting a single point-source outbreak. Hypothesis-based environmental investigation and sampling was conducted; however, a definitive source was not identified. Geomapping of case movements within the affected urban sector revealed a 1·0 km common area of potential exposure, which coincided with multiple active construction sites that used water spray to minimize transient dust. This community point-source Legionnaires' disease outbreak is unique due to its ST222 subtype and occurrence in a relatively dry and cold weather setting in Western Canada. This report suggests community outbreaks ofLegionellashould not be overlooked as a possibility during late autumn and winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Economic growth and energy use during different stages of development: an empirical analysis
Authors: Lechthaler Filippo
Published: October 2016

This paper empirically investigates the effect of energy use on economic growth throughout different stages of development. Along with direct effects, energy is allowed to influence income growth indirectly by capital accumulation through input substitution. We find that energy use affects economic growth primarily through the capital channel and that this result varies substantially with regard to the country's income level. For middle-income countries including the quintet of large emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – an increase in energy use drives capital accumulation, which favors economic growth. On the contrary, for high-income countries, a higher energy input tends to withdraw productive resources from capital accumulation, harming economic growth. Considering these differences, policy measures aiming at restricting energy consumption should be evaluated against the background of a region's stage of economic development.
Pigott and Pimienta Receive 2016 Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Research Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2016

Jeffrey Pigott and Lucas Pimienta will receive the 2015 Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Research Award, given annually to one or more promising young scientists for outstanding contributions achieved during their Ph.D. research. Recipients of this award are engaged in experimental and/or theoretical studies of Earth and planetary materials with the purpose of unraveling the physics and chemistry that govern their origin and physical properties.
miR-125b modulates megakaryocyte maturation by targeting the cell-cycle inhibitor p19INK4D
Authors: Qu Mingyi , Fang Fang , Zou Xiaojing , Zeng Quan , Fan Zeng , Chen Lin , Yue Wen , Xie Xiaoyan , Pei Xuetao
Published: October 2016

A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in megakaryocyte maturation will facilitate the generation of platelets in vitro and their clinical applications. A microRNA, miR-125b, has been suggested to have important roles in the self-renewal of megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors and in platelet generation. However, miR-125b is also critical for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. Thus, the function of miR-125b and the complex signaling pathways regulating megakaryopoiesis remain to be elucidated. In this study, an attentive examination of the endogenous expression of miR-125b during megakaryocyte differentiation was performed. Accordingly, the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells requires the downregulation of miR-125b, whereas megakaryocyte determination and maturation synchronize with miR-125b accumulation. The overexpression of miR-125b improves megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 and UT-7 cells. Furthermore, stage-specific overexpression of miR-125b in primary cells demonstrates that miR-125b mediates an enhancement of megakaryocytic differentiation after megakaryocyte determination, the stage at which megakaryocytes are negative for the expression of the hematopoietic progenitor marker CD34. The identification of miR-125b targets during megakaryopoiesis was focused on negative regulators of cell cycle because the transition of the G1/S phase has been associated with megakaryocyte polyploidization. Real-time PCR, western blot and luciferase reporter assay reveal that p19INK4D is a direct target of miR-125b. P19INK4D knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in megakaryocyte-induced K562 cells, UT-7 cells and CD61+ promegakaryocytes results in S-phase progression and increased polyploidy, as well as improved megakaryocyte differentiation, similarly to the effects of miR-125b overexpression. P19INK4D overexpression reverses these effects, as indicated by reduced expression of megakaryocyte markers, G1-phase arrest and polyploidy decrease. P19INK4D knockdown in miR-125b downregulated cells or p19INK4D overexpression in miR-125b upregulated cells rescued the effect of miR-125b. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-125b expression positively regulates megakaryocyte development since the initial phases of megakaryocyte determination, and p19INK4D is one of the key mediators of miR-125b activity during the onset of megakaryocyte polyploidization.
Methamphetamine potentiates HIV-1 gp120-mediated autophagy via Beclin-1 and Atg5/7 as a pro-survival response in astrocytes
Authors: Cao Lu , Fu Mingui , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Anil
Published: October 2016

Methamphetamine (METH), a commonly used controlled substance, is known to exacerbate neuropathological dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals. The neuropathological manifestation results from cell death or dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) wherein autophagy is expected to have an important role. Autophagy is generally considered protective during deprivation/stress. However, excessive autophagy can be destructive, leading to autophagic cell death. This study was designed to investigate if METH and HIV-1 gp120 interact to induce autophagy in SVGA astrocytes, and whether autophagy is epiphenomenal or it has a role in METH- and gp120-induced cytotoxicity. We found that METH and gp120 IIIb caused an increase in LC3II level in astrocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the level of LC3II was further increased when the cells were treated with METH and gp120 IIIb in combination. Next, we sought to explore the mechanism by which METH and gp120 induce the autophagic response. We found that METH induces autophagy via opioid and metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) receptors. Other than that, signaling proteins Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Beclin-1, Atg5 and Atg7 were involved in METH and gp120-mediated autophagy. In addition, long-term treatment of METH and gp120 IIIb resulted in cell death, which was exacerbated by inhibition of autophagy. This suggests that autophagy functions as a protective response against apoptosis caused by METH and gp120. This study is novel and clinically relevant because METH abuse among HIV-infected populations is highly prevalent and is known to cause exacerbated neuroAIDS.
Intramedullary Nailing Versus Plate Fixation for the Treatment Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Sermer Corey , Prusick Parker J. , Banfield Laura , Atrey Amit , Bhandari Mohit
Published: October 2016

The two commonly performed surgical techniques used to repair displaced midshaft clavicle fractures are plate fixation or intramedullary nailing; however, despite recent evidence, the optimal method to treat such fractures remains a continued topic of debate. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate long term function, complications, and operative duration in adult patients receiving intramedullary nailing in comparison to plating. Seven RCTs and three quasi-randomized trials were included. No significant difference was found in long-term function between the two groups (MD: −0.66, 95% CI: −2.03 to 0.71, I2 = 62%, p = 0.34). Patients who received plating had a 2.19 times increased risk of treatment failure, but this failed to reach significance (95% CI: 0.93 to 5.15, I2 = 0%, p = 0.07). The risk of non-operative complications was 2.11 times higher in patients who received plating and this reached statistical significance (95% CI: 1.38 to 3.23, I2 = 53%, p = 0.0006). Finally, plating significantly prolonged operative duration by 20.16 minutes (95% CI: 16.87 to 23.44, I2 = 56%, p < 0.00001). Our results suggest that intramedullary nailing and plating provide equivalent long-term functional outcomes; however, plating may lead to a higher risk of treatment failure and non-operative complications.
Long-Term Homeostatic Properties Complementary to Hebbian Rules in CuPc-Based Multifunctional Memristor
Authors: Wang Laiyuan , Wang Zhiyong , Lin Jinyi , Yang Jie , Xie Linghai , Yi Mingdong , Li Wen , Ling Haifeng , Ou Changjin , Huang Wei
Published: October 2016

Most simulations of neuroplasticity in memristors, which are potentially used to develop artificial synapses, are confined to the basic biological Hebbian rules. However, the simplex rules potentially can induce excessive excitation/inhibition, even collapse of neural activities, because they neglect the properties of long-term homeostasis involved in the frameworks of realistic neural networks. Here, we develop organic CuPc-based memristors of which excitatory and inhibitory conductivities can implement both Hebbian rules and homeostatic plasticity, complementary to Hebbian patterns and conductive to the long-term homeostasis. In another adaptive situation for homeostasis, in thicker samples, the overall excitement under periodic moderate stimuli tends to decrease and be recovered under intense inputs. Interestingly, the prototypes can be equipped with bio-inspired habituation and sensitization functions outperforming the conventional simplified algorithms. They mutually regulate each other to obtain the homeostasis. Therefore, we develop a novel versatile memristor with advanced synaptic homeostasis for comprehensive neural functions.
Neurons in the pigeon caudolateral nidopallium differentiate Pavlovian conditioned stimuli but not their associated reward value in a sign-tracking paradigm
Authors: Kasties Nils , Starosta Sarah , Güntürkün Onur , Stüttgen Maik C.
Published: October 2016

Animals exploit visual information to identify objects, form stimulus-reward associations, and prepare appropriate behavioral responses. The nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), an associative region of the avian endbrain, contains neurons exhibiting prominent response modulation during presentation of reward-predicting visual stimuli, but it is unclear whether neural activity represents valuation signals, stimulus properties, or sensorimotor contingencies. To test the hypothesis that NCL neurons represent stimulus value, we subjected pigeons to a Pavlovian sign-tracking paradigm in which visual cues predicted rewards differing in magnitude (large vs. small) and delay to presentation (short vs. long). Subjects’ strength of conditioned responding to visual cues reliably differentiated between predicted reward types and thus indexed valuation. The majority of NCL neurons discriminated between visual cues, with discriminability peaking shortly after stimulus onset and being maintained at lower levels throughout the stimulus presentation period. However, while some cells’ firing rates correlated with reward value, such neurons were not more frequent than expected by chance. Instead, neurons formed discernible clusters which differed in their preferred visual cue. We propose that this activity pattern constitutes a prerequisite for using visual information in more complex situations e.g. requiring value-based choices.
Isothermal anisotropic magnetoresistance in antiferromagnetic metallic IrMn
Authors: Galceran R. , Fina I. , Cisneros-Fernández J. , Bozzo B. , Frontera C. , López-Mir L. , Deniz H. , Park K.-W. , Park B.-G. , Balcells Ll. , Martí X. , Jungwirth T. , Martínez B.
Published: October 2016

Antiferromagnetic spintronics is an emerging field; antiferromagnets can improve the functionalities of ferromagnets with higher response times, and having the information shielded against external magnetic field. Moreover, a large list of aniferromagnetic semiconductors and metals with Néel temperatures above room temperature exists. In the present manuscript, we persevere in the quest for the limits of how large can anisotropic magnetoresistance be in antiferromagnetic materials with very large spin-orbit coupling. We selected IrMn as a prime example of first-class moment (Mn) and spin-orbit (Ir) combination. Isothermal magnetotransport measurements in an antiferromagnetic-metal(IrMn)/ferromagnetic-insulator thin film bilayer have been performed. The metal/insulator structure with magnetic coupling between both layers allows the measurement of the modulation of the transport properties exclusively in the antiferromagnetic layer. Anisotropic magnetoresistance as large as 0.15% has been found, which is much larger than that for a bare IrMn layer. Interestingly, it has been observed that anisotropic magnetoresistance is strongly influenced by the field cooling conditions, signaling the dependence of the found response on the formation of domains at the magnetic ordering temperature.
Development of a membrane-anchored ligand and receptor yeast two-hybrid system for ligand-receptor interaction identification
Authors: Li Jingjing , Gao Jin , Han Lei , Zhang Yinjie , Guan Wen , Zhou Liang , Yu Yan , Han Wei
Published: October 2016

Identifying interactions between ligands and transmembrane receptors is crucial for understanding the endocrine system. However, the present approaches for this purpose are still not capable of high-throughput screening. In this report, a membrane-anchored ligand and receptor yeast two-hybrid (MALAR-Y2H) system was established. In the method, an extracellular ligand is linked with an intracellular split-ubiquitin reporter system via a chimeric transmembrane structure. Meanwhile, the prey proteins of transmembrane receptors are fused to the other half of the split-ubiquitin reporter system. The extracellular interaction of ligands and receptors can lead to the functional recovery of the ubiquitin reporter system in yeast, and eventually lead to the expression of report genes. Consequently, the system can be used to detect the interactions between extracellular ligands and their transmembrane receptors. To test the efficiency and universality of the method, interactions between several pairs of ligands and receptors of mouse were analyzed. The detecting results were shown to be thoroughly consistent with the present knowledge, indicating MALAR-Y2H can be utilized for such purpose with high precision, high efficiency and strong universality. The characteristics of the simple procedure and high-throughput potential make MALAR-Y2H a powerful platform to study protein-protein interaction networks between secreted proteins and transmembrane proteins.
Early Detection of T cell Transfer-induced Autoimmune Colitis by In Vivo Imaging System
Authors: Chen Yu-Ling , Chen Yi-Ting , Lo Cheng-Feng , Hsieh Ching-I , Chiu Shang-Yi , Wu Chang-Yen , Yeh Yu-Shan , Hung Shu-Hsuan , Cheng Po-Hao , Su Yu-Hsuan , Jiang Si-Tse , Chin Hsian-Jean , Su Yu-Chia
Published: October 2016

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and progressive inflammatory intestinal disease that includes two major types, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD). CD is characterized by intestinal epithelial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. Transfer of CD25−CD45RBhiCD4+ (naïve) T cells into immunodeficiency mice induces autoimmune colitis with pathological lesions similar to CD and loss of body weight 4 weeks after cell transfer. However, weight loss neither has sufficient sensitivity nor totally matches the pathological findings of CD. To establish an early and sensitive indicator of autoimmune colitis model, the transferred T cell-induced colitis mouse model was modified by transferring luciferase-expressing donor T cells and determining the colitis by in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Colitis was detected with IVIS 7–10 days before the onset of body weight loss and diarrhea. IVIS was also applied in the dexamethasone treatment trial, and was a more sensitive indicator than body weight changes. All IVIS signals were parallel to the pathological abnormalities of the gut and immunological analysis results. In summary, IVIS provides both sensitive and objective means to monitor the disease course of transferred T cell-induced CD and fulfills the 3Rs principle of humane care of laboratory animals.
Dim light at night disturbs the daily sleep-wake cycle in the rat
Authors: Stenvers Dirk Jan , van Dorp Rick , Foppen Ewout , Mendoza Jorge , Opperhuizen Anne-Loes , Fliers Eric , Bisschop Peter H. , Meijer Johanna H. , Kalsbeek Andries , Deboer Tom
Published: October 2016

Exposure to light at night (LAN) is associated with insomnia in humans. Light provides the main input to the master clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that coordinates the sleep-wake cycle. We aimed to develop a rodent model for the effects of LAN on sleep. Therefore, we exposed male Wistar rats to either a 12 h light (150–200lux):12 h dark (LD) schedule or a 12 h light (150–200 lux):12 h dim white light (5 lux) (LDim) schedule. LDim acutely decreased the amplitude of daily rhythms of REM and NREM sleep, with a further decrease over the following days. LDim diminished the rhythms of 1) the circadian 16–19 Hz frequency domain within the NREM sleep EEG, and 2) SCN clock gene expression. LDim also induced internal desynchronization in locomotor activity by introducing a free running rhythm with a period of ~25 h next to the entrained 24 h rhythm. LDim did not affect body weight or glucose tolerance. In conclusion, we introduce the first rodent model for disturbed circadian control of sleep due to LAN. We show that internal desynchronization is possible in a 24 h L:D cycle which suggests that a similar desynchronization may explain the association between LAN and human insomnia.
Lipid remodelling in the reef-building honeycomb worm, Sabellaria alveolata, reflects acclimation and local adaptation to temperature
Authors: Muir Anna P. , Nunes Flavia L. D. , Dubois Stanislas F. , Pernet Fabrice
Published: October 2016

Acclimation and adaptation, which are key to species survival in a changing climate, can be observed in terms of membrane lipid composition. Remodelling membrane lipids, via homeoviscous adaptation (HVA), counteracts membrane dysfunction due to temperature in poikilotherms. In order to assess the potential for acclimation and adaptation in the honeycomb worm, Sabellaria alveolata, a reef-building polychaete that supports high biodiversity, we carried out common-garden experiments using individuals from along its latitudinal range. Individuals were exposed to a stepwise temperature increase from 15 °C to 25 °C and membrane lipid composition assessed. Our results suggest that S. alveolata was able to acclimate to higher temperatures, as observed by a decrease in unsaturation index and 20:5n-3. However, over the long-term at 25 °C, lipid composition patterns are not consistent with HVA expectations and suggest a stress response. Furthermore, unsaturation index of individuals from the two coldest sites were higher than those from the two warmest sites, with individuals from the thermally intermediate site being in-between, likely reflecting local adaptation to temperature. Therefore, lipid remodelling appears limited at the highest temperatures in S. alveolata, suggesting that individuals inhabiting warm environments may be close to their upper thermal tolerance limits and at risk in a changing climate.
Hypericum perforatum as a cognitive enhancer in rodents: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ben-Eliezer Daniel , Yechiam Eldad
Published: October 2016

Considered an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent,Hypericum perforatumaffects multiple neurotransmitters in a non-competitive synergistic manner, and may have nootropic potential. We quantitatively reviewed the pre-clinical literature to examine if there is a cognitive-enhancing effect ofH. perforatumin healthy rodents. Additionally, within these studies, we compared the effects observed in intact rodents versus those whose performance has been impaired, mostly through stress manipulations. The meta-analysis incorporated studies that examined the effect ofH. perforatumversus placebo on memory indices of task performance. All analyses were based on weighting different studies according to their inverse variance. Thirteen independent studies (published 2000–2014) involving 20 experimental comparisons met our inclusion criteria. The results showed a large positive effect ofH. perforatumon cognitive performance for intact, healthy rodents (d = 1.11), though a larger effect emerged for stress-impaired rodents (d = 3.10 for restraint stress). The positive effect on intact rodents was observed in tasks assessing reference memory as well as working memory, and was not moderated by the type of memory or motivation (appetitive versus aversive). Thus, while primarily considered as a medication for depression,H. perforatumshows considerable nootropic potential in rodents.
Regimes of turbulence without an energy cascade
Authors: Barenghi C. F. , Sergeev Y. A. , Baggaley A. W.
Published: October 2016

Experiments and numerical simulations of turbulent 4He and 3He-B have established that, at hydrodynamic length scales larger than the average distance between quantum vortices, the energy spectrum obeys the same 5/3 Kolmogorov law which is observed in the homogeneous isotropic turbulence of ordinary fluids. The importance of the 5/3 law is that it points to the existence of a Richardson energy cascade from large eddies to small eddies. However, there is also evidence of quantum turbulent regimes without Kolmogorov scaling. This raises the important questions of why, in such regimes, the Kolmogorov spectrum fails to form, what is the physical nature of turbulence without energy cascade, and whether hydrodynamical models can account for the unusual behaviour of turbulent superfluid helium. In this work we describe simple physical mechanisms which prevent the formation of Kolmogorov scaling in the thermal counterflow, and analyze the conditions necessary for emergence of quasiclassical regime in quantum turbulence generated by injection of vortex rings at low temperatures. Our models justify the hydrodynamical description of quantum turbulence and shed light into an unexpected regime of vortex dynamics.
Mechanisms underlying the endogenous dopaminergic inhibition of spinal locomotor circuit function in Xenopus tadpoles
Authors: Picton Laurence D. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: October 2016

Dopamine plays important roles in the development and modulation of motor control circuits. Here we show that dopamine exerts potent effects on the central pattern generator circuit controlling locomotory swimming in post-embryonic Xenopus tadpoles. Dopamine (0.5–100 μM) reduced fictive swim bout occurrence and caused both spontaneous and evoked episodes to become shorter, slower and weaker. The D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole mimicked this repertoire of inhibitory effects on swimming, whilst the D4 receptor antagonist, L745,870, had the opposite effects. The dopamine reuptake inhibitor bupropion potently inhibited fictive swimming, demonstrating that dopamine constitutes an endogenous modulatory system. Both dopamine and quinpirole also inhibited swimming in spinalised preparations, suggesting spinally located dopamine receptors. Dopamine and quinpirole hyperpolarised identified rhythmically active spinal neurons, increased rheobase and reduced spike probability both during swimming and in response to current injection. The hyperpolarisation was TTX-resistant and was accompanied by decreased input resistance, suggesting that dopamine opens a K+ channel. The K+ channel blocker barium chloride (but not TEA, glybenclamide or tertiapin-Q) significantly occluded the hyperpolarisation. Overall, we show that endogenously released dopamine acts upon spinally located D2-like receptors, leading to a rapid inhibitory modulation of swimming via the opening of a K+ channel.
Metabolomic Responses of Arabidopsis Suspension Cells to Bicarbonate under Light and Dark Conditions
Authors: Misra Biswapriya B. , Yin Zepeng , Geng Sisi , de Armas Evaldo , Chen Sixue
Published: October 2016

Global CO2level presently recorded at 400 ppm is expected to reach 550 ppm in 2050, an increment likely to impact plant growth and productivity. Using targeted LC-MS and GC-MS platforms we quantified 229 and 29 metabolites, respectively in a time-course study to reveal short-term responses to different concentrations (1, 3, and 10 mM) of bicarbonate (HCO3−) under light and dark conditions. Results indicate that HCO3−treatment responsive metabolomic changes depend on the HCO3−concentration, time of treatment, and light/dark. Interestingly, 3 mM HCO3−concentration treatment induced more significantly changed metabolites than either lower or higher concentrations used. Flavonoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism were common to both light and dark-mediated responses in addition to showing concentration-dependent changes. Our metabolomics results provide insights into short-term plant cellular responses to elevated HCO3−concentrations as a result of ambient increases in CO2under light and dark.
Biological cells in the speciation analysis of heavy metals
Authors: Yang Ting , Wang Xiao-Yan , Wang Li-Yun , Chen Ming-Li , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: October 2016

Biological cells are versatile in both metal remediation and metal preconcentration and speciation.
Exchange potentials for semi-classical electrons
Authors: Herzfeld Judith , Ekesan Solen
Published: October 2016

Electrostatic terms in the Hamiltonian make substantial contributions to the exchange energy because the antisymmetric wave functions for electrons of like spin that occupy different floating orbitals have depleted electron density between the orbitals (black curve vs. red curve).
Hydrogen bonds vs. π-stacking interactions in the p-aminophenol⋯p-cresol dimer: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Capello M. C. , Hernández F. J. , Broquier M. , Dedonder-Lardeux C. , Jouvet C. , Pino G. A.
Published: October 2016

The observation of the H-bonded or π-stacked isomers depends not only on their relative stability in the S0 state but also on their optical properties.
Organic thin-film transistors fabricated using a slot-die-coating process and related sensing applications
Authors: Park Byoungchoo , Bae In-Gon , Kwon O. Eun , Jeon Hong Goo
Published: October 2016

We herein present the results of a study involving the fabrication of semiconductor thin films for organic thin-film transistors composed of a small molecular TIPS-PEN composite blended with a polymer binder of PaMS, i.e., TIPS-PEN:PaMS.
Alkaline niobates ANbO3 (A = Li, Na, K) as heterogeneous catalysts for dipropyl sulfide oxidation
Authors: Leal Marchena Candelaria , Saux Clara , Dinamarca Robinson , Pecchi Gina , Pierella Liliana
Published: October 2016

Alkaline ANbO3 (A = Li, Na, K) niobates with perovskite type structure were prepared by sol gel method, extensively characterized and evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for selective oxidation of dipropyl sulfide to its corresponding sulfoxide.
Internet Competency Predicts Practical Hearing Aid Knowledge and Skills in First-Time Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Maidment David , Brassington William , Wharrad Heather , Ferguson Melanie
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess whether Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills in first-time hearing aid users.

Method

The design was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of a multimedia educational intervention consisting of interactive video tutorials (or reusable learning objects [RLOs]). RLOs were delivered through DVD for TV or PC, and online. Internet competency was measured at the hearing aid fitting appointment, whereas hearing aid knowledge and practical handling skills were assessed 6 weeks postfitting.

Results

Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills, controlling for age, hearing sensitivity, educational status, and gender for the group that received the RLOs. Internet competency was inversely related to the number of times the RLOs were watched.

Conclusion

Associations between Internet competency and practical hearing aid knowledge, handling skills, and watching the RLOs fewer times may have arisen because of improved self-efficacy. Therefore, first-time hearing aid users who are more competent Internet users may be better equipped to apply newly learned information to effectively manage their hearing loss.
Beam emission spectroscopy with radially and poloidally elongated optical sightlines
Authors: Ono M. , Ida K. , Kobayashi T. , Yoshinuma M. , Nakamura Y. , Kisaki M. , Nakano H. , Moon C.
Published: October 2016

Beam emission spectroscopy is widely used as local density fluctuation measurement of fusion plasmas. We have installed a beam emission spectroscopy system in the large helical device (LHD) with radially and poloidally elongated optical configuration to enhance both signal-to-noise ratio and wavenumber sensitivity in radial and poloidal directions. The calculation considering the integral effect of the line of sight showed the radially and poloidally elongated sightlines have increased sensitivity compared with the square shaped bundle design of the same sampling area.
Microstructure and intrinsic stress evolution during epitaxial film growth of an Ag0.93Al0.07 solid solution on Si(111); excessive planar faulting due to quantum confinement
Authors: Flötotto D. , Wang Z. M. , Markel I. J. , Kurz S. J. B. , Mittemeijer E. J.
Published: October 2016

The correlation of microstructural development and the kinetics of film growth has been investigated during the epitaxial film growth of an ultrathin binary Ag0.93Al0.07 solid solution on a Si(111)-7×7 surface at 300 K by the combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, and real-time in-situ stress measurements. Up to a film thickness of 6 ± 2 nm, epitaxial Ag0.93Al0.07 film growth is characterized by the strikingly extensive formation of planar faults parallel to the film/substrate interface, while at larger thickness the film grows practically defect-free. As revealed by real-time in-situ stress measurements, the extensive formation of planar faults at the very initial stage of growth is not driven by the reduction of the system's elastic strain energy but is rather caused by a striking thickness-dependence of the stacking-fault energy owing to a quantum size effect of the ultrathin metal alloy film, resulting in a frequent succession of fcc and hcp stackings of close-packed layers during the initial stage of film growth. The extensive development of planar faults at the initial stage of film growth (<6 ± 2 nm) is associated with the occurrence of a high density of kinks and corners at thereby atomically rough surface ledges, which strongly enhances the downward transport of adatoms from higher to lower terraces (interlayer mass transport) by a reduction of the effective diffusion barrier at the edge of surface steps and by increasing the driving force for adatoms to attach to the surface ledges. As a result, the epitaxial Ag0.93Al0.07 film initially grows in a 2D layer-by-layer type of growth and thus establishes atomically smooth film surfaces. For the practically planar-fault-free growth at thicknesses beyond 6 ± 2 nm, interlayer mass transport becomes distinctively limited, thereby inducing a transition from 2D to 3D type of film growth.
Interaction between synchronization and motion in a system of mobile agents
Authors: Buscarino Arturo , Fortuna Luigi , Frasca Mattia , Frisenna Salvatore
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we study synchronization in time-varying networks inherited by the Vicsek's model of self-propelled particles. In our model, each particle/agent moves in a two dimensional space according to the Vicsek's rules and is associated to a chaotic system. The dynamics of two oscillators are coupled with each other only when agents are at a distance less than an interaction radius. We investigate the system behavior with respect to some fundamental parameters, and, in particular, to the noise level, which for increasing intensity drives the system from an ordered motion to a disordered one. We show that the global dynamics is ruled by the interplay between motion characteristics and dynamical coupling with synchronization either favored or inhibited by a coordinated motion of the self-propelled particles. Finally, we provide semi-analytical estimation for the synchronization thresholds for interconnections occurring at a time-scale shorter than that of the associated dynamical systems.
Upper atmospheric remote sensing using ELF – VLF lightning generated tweek and whistler sferics
Authors: Kishore Amol , Deo Anil , Kumar Sushil
Published: October 2016

Tweek and whistler atmospherics (sferics) recorded at a low latitude station, Suva (18.2oS, 178.3oE, geomag. lat. 22.2oS, L = 1.17) Fiji, in the South Pacific region, during September 2003–July 2004 and March–December 2006 were analyzed to probe the nighttime D-region ionosphere and plasmasphere. From the first harmonic analysis of the selected 1063 tweeks, the path integrated ionospheric reflection height was estimated mostly between 75–97 km with median and standard deviation of 83.6 and 4.1 km, respectively. The path integrated mean electron density was estimated to vary from 24.4–31.5 cm–3 over the reflection heights. The whistler recorded on 20 September 2006, a magnetically quite day with maximum three hourly Kp value of 2o, most likely propagated in the ducted mode to this station. The whistler spectrum was used to calculate the equatorial magnetic field and the equatorial electron density at L = 1.3 which are in agreement with low latitude whistler observations.
Material Eucharist
Authors: Grumett David
Published: October 2016

This book interprets the Eucharist through its material elements of bread and wine. Drawing upon a rich variety of biblical, patristic, medieval, and modern texts and traditions, it brings together theological reflection and liturgical action and shows their mutual dependence. Perspectives from philosophy, archaeology, and cultural theory are also employed. For both theologians and liturgists, a central concern is the matter out of which the created order has been made, from which issues of community and social justice are inseparable. The ingredients of bread and wine anticipate, in their harvesting and manufacture, the formal church liturgy, which is extended back into the world by the transformative priestly action of laypeople. Indeed, the transforming presence of Christ in the Eucharist as flesh and substance is theologically grounded in his transformative presence in the wider created order, as expressed in eucharistic giving and exchange between churches and their wider communities. Rooting the Eucharist in materiality suggests its primary context to be the death and resurrection of Christ in the power of the Spirit, in which its recipients may share. The many aspects of theology and liturgy with which the book deals have large implications for how the Eucharist is understood in a range of academic disciplines, and for how it is celebrated in churches today.
Focus and givenness in flexible accent languages
Authors: Büring Daniel
Published: October 2016

Illustrative examples of focussing, its flip side, backgrounding, and the use of accent omission (‘deaccenting’) for signaling contextual givenness show the relations and differences between them, and eventually lead to a first taxonomy of focussing/backgrounding cases. The fundamental theoretical concept of focus alternatives allows for a first formal modeling of the meaning of (this kind of) intonation; more precisely, focussing and deaccenting reflect and sometimes highlight properties of the discourse context, including what has been agreed upon, and what is under discussion. Some important empirical and terminological distinctions are introduced and clarified, to pave the way for clear and unambiguous further discussion. The irreducibly relational nature of focussing, and its modeling in terms of ‘focus domains’ is of fundamental importance here. The semi-formal characterizations used in this chapter do not reflect any particular theory of intonational meaning, but represent the common core of virtually all existing approaches.
Prosodic structure
Authors: Büring Daniel
Published: October 2016

Prosodic structure features prominently in work on metrical stress, in intonational phonology and prosodic phonology (where it provides the domain for segmental and supra-segmental processes), but specifics vary widely in the literature. Following Truckenbrodt, a simple version of the prosodic hierarchy, using phonological phrases, intermediate phrases, and intonational phrases above the word level is used, related to syntax by a small set of ranked, violable constraints; a prosodic constituent’s metrically strongest element, its head, may serve as an anchoring point for pitch accents, subject to a single ‘stress-to-accent’ constraint. Sometimes a more articulated structure is called for, involving a limited kind of recursion in prosodic categories, or perhaps even label-less recursion of a single unspecific category. The rules of syntax-to-prosody mapping actually predict when these more complex structures arise. Generalizations introduced earlier—integration, nuclear accent placement, optional accenting—find their proper place in this prosodically more elaborate setting.
Variation and corpora
Authors: Durand Jacques , Laks Bernard , Lyche Chantal
Published: October 2016

This chapter shows how the issue of variation, traditionally neglected in theoretical linguistics, has come again to the fore thanks to the rise of sociolinguistics and corpus linguistics. First, the chapter offers an historical perspective on the study of variation, starting with nineteenth-century historical linguistics and spanning modern schools of linguistics from structuralism onwards. It argues that to study variation we need to clarify such notions as speech community and shared and standard norms and types of variation (e.g. diaphasic, diastratic, diatopic, diachronic, inherent). Second, it shows how close study of corpora inevitably entails an approach to linguistic structure, allowing for a better understanding of zones of stability and zones of variation within linguistic systems. The chapter also stresses that new computational tools have allowed for new insights into linguistic structure and briefly mentions some major corpus projects.
Beyond orality
Authors: Mondada Lorenza , Traverso Véronique
Published: October 2016

This chapter presents the discipline of interactional linguistics. Interactional linguistics is a paradigm dealing with the study of different types of linguistic resources (from phonetics and prosody to lexis and syntax), and of embodied co-verbal resources (such as gesture, gaze, and body postures) as they are situatedly mobilized by speakers in the sequential organization of talk-in-interaction. The chapter describes talk-in-interaction by taking into account a wide range of linguistic and embodied resources. It offers a synthetic sketch of the main issues, theoretical groundings, and methodological bases.
French in Paris (Île-de-France)
Authors: Hansen Anita Berit
Published: October 2016

Historically, the higher circles of Paris have dictated the bon usage in French pronunciation, and have contributed to the present day Reference French; at the same time, howevr, Paris has preserved some local phonetic features, especially in lower social classes. The young man studied in this chapter is a PhD student, born to Parisian parents and raised in the 14th arrondissement. In the extract, his French is characterized by words from the familiar register (frigo, truc, sympa, clope) and by syntactic structures frequent in spontaneous spoken French (dislocations, clefts, ne-omission, etc.). On the phonetic level, he presents several features of Reference French (a reduced nasal vowel system, loss of /ɑ/, some tendencies towards the reduction of contrasts in mid vowels, three distinct high oral vowels, and an interconsonantal schwa which follows long-established rules). However, his palatalized /k/’s, and his prepausal schwa-tagging makes him sound specifically Parisian.
French in Bas-Rhin (Alsace)
Authors: Nouveau Dominique , Riegel Martin
Published: October 2016

Until recently, bilingualism has had a major impact on the use of French in Alsace. The 47-year-old teacher studied in this chapter belongs to a generation of speakers who acquired the Alsatian dialect at home and learned French as a first language as soon as they went to school, which explains some speech features, such as a more standardized oral expression and specific regional transfers in pronunciation. In the extract examined in this chapter, the speaker’s French includes numerous characteristics of spoken French from familiar conversation (incomplete sentences, reformulations, ne-omissions, frequent use of ça, etc.). At the phonetic level, he presents several features diverging from Reference French (variants of /R/, vowel length distinctions, a nasal vowel system maintaining the contrast between [ɛ̃] and [œ̃], initial word stress, and systematic realizations of schwa in initial syllables).
French in Auvergne (Centre)
Authors: Chabanal Damien , Durand Jacques , Ratier Corinne
Published: October 2016

This chapter provides a study of a young female speaker (MM, 22 years old) from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne on the basis of an informal conversation between MM and her mother. MM is particularly interesting from a phonological point of view. Many French speakers who listen to MM initially identify her as a Parisian speaker. On closer examination, her vocalic system is typical of southern speakers, whereas her patterns of schwa presence/absence are in line with Parisian usage. MM therefore exemplifies a transitional system between north and south. On the other hand, her vocabulary and grammatical systems seem to be representative of usage among young students in contemporary France without any indication of geographical origin. Many features, which some would classify as populaire, in her speech are in fact characteristic of colloquial or informal usage among educated speakers.