bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity Evaluation of Two Dental Composites: Three-Dimensional Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Time-Lapse Imaging of Cell Behavior
Authors: Attik Ghania Nina , Pradelle-Plasse Nelly , Campos Doris , Colon Pierre , Grosgogeat Brigitte
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate thein vitrobiocompatibility of two dental composites (namely A and B) with similar chemical composition used for direct restoration using three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) time-lapse imaging. Time-lapse imaging was performed on cultured human HGF-1 fibroblast-like cells after staining using Live/Dead®. Image analysis showed a higher mortality rate in the presence of composite A than composite B. The viability rate decreased in a time-dependent manner during the 5 h of exposure. Morphological alterations were associated with toxic effects; cells were enlarged and more rounded in the presence of composite A as shown by F-actin and cell nuclei staining. Resazurin assay was used to confirm the active potential of composites in cell metabolism; results showed severe cytotoxic effects in the presence of both no light-curing composites after 24 h of direct contact. However, extracts of polymerized composites induced a moderate decrease in cell metabolism after the same incubation period. Composite B was significantly better tolerated than composite A at all investigated end points and all time points. The finding confirmed that the used CLSM method was sufficiently sensitive to differentiate the biocompatibility behavior of two composites based on similar methacrylate monomers.
Microsatellite analysis to rationalize grape germplasm in India and development of a molecular database
Authors: Upadhyay Anuradha , Aher Lalitkumar B. , Shinde Manisha P. , Mundankar Kavita Y. , Datre Anuj , Karibasappa G. S.
Published: May 2013

Three hundred and seventeen grape accessions from the National Active Grape Germplasm Site in India were analysed with 25 microsatellite markers. A total of 411 alleles were detected, of which 42% were rare alleles. Unique alleles for 56 genotypes were also identified. The analysis of microsatellite data identified 63 duplicate accessions and only 254 accessions were unique genotypes. Several cases of misnomers, synonymy and homonymy were identified. Parental genotype for a few clonal selections was ascertained. Population structure analysis grouped 254 unique genotypes into four major clusters. The analysis also revealed the presence of admixtures with only 79% of pure ancestry. A core collection comprising 80 genotypes was identified, which represented all the alleles and genetic diversity. A user-friendly and interactive computer application software was developed for storage and the retrieval of molecular data. A molecular database for the 254 genotypes was created. This analysis will help in the rationalization and better management of germplasm. Information on genetic diversity and population structure will form the basis for varietal improvement programmes.
Positional goods and Robert Lee Hale's legal economics
Authors: VATIERO MASSIMILIANO
Published: May 2013

The legal realist Robert Lee Hale offered a definition of freedom as a zero-sum game: each volitional freedom implies some degree of coercion over other people's freedom, and at the same time one's freedom is subject to some degree of control and coercion by others. The objective of our work is to develop this idea along with the theory of positional goods. This allows us to illustrate the externalities deriving from the ‘consumption’ of freedom and detail the role of the lawmaker in accordance with the Halean contribution.
Developing supervisory competence: preliminary data on the impact of CBT supervision training
Authors: Taylor Katherine Newman , Gordon Kenneth , Grist Simon , Olding Charlotte
Published: May 2013

Clinical supervision is key to the delivery and governance of effective psychological work. We place increasing emphasis on the evidence base in our clinical decision making, and yet there is no comparable body of information to inform our supervisory practice. This is a serious problem for psychological therapists; there is an urgent need for theoretically driven and empirically evaluated approaches to supervision, and the training of such skills. This preliminary evaluation examined the impact of a 5-day training designed for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) supervisors new to the role. A within-subject, repeated-measures design was used to compare self-assessed supervision competencies over the course of training. Twenty-eight IAPT supervisors completed 5 days’ training based on the Supervision Competencies Framework and IAPT Supervision Guidance. Significant improvements were found in ratings of generic, specific, applied and meta-supervision competencies, as well as overall competency. This evaluation gives preliminary support for the impact of training on supervisory competencies. There are clear limitations, particularly the lack of objective measures and comparison training. Nevertheless, in the context of a very limited evidence base to date, the study contributes to a more robust approach to developing supervisory competence in clinical practice.
Single-layer fully-planar extended-composite right-/left-handed transmission lines based on substrate integrated waveguides for dual-band and quad-band applications
Authors: Durán-Sindreu Miguel , Bonache Jordi , Martín Ferran , Itoh Tatsuo
Published: May 2013

The implementation and application of single-layer fully-planar extended-composite right-/left-handed transmission lines (E-CRLH TLs) in substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) technology are presented. The multiband CRLH behavior of these artificial lines is explained by considering the lumped element equivalent circuit model. The potential of these lines for dual-band and quad-band applications is demonstrated by designing and fabricating a quad-band Y-junction power divider and two dual-band band-pass filters. The main relevant advantage of SIW-based E-CRLH TLs over other E-CRLH lines is fabrication simplicity, since only a single metal layer must be etched and lumped elements are avoided. The fabricated prototypes exhibit very reasonable performance. It is remarkable that for dual-band band-pass filters, standard Chebyshev responses can be obtained to a very good approximation.
Cyber conflict and international humanitarian law
Authors: Lin Herbert
Published: May 2013

Conflict in cyberspace refers to actions taken by parties to a conflict to gain advantage over their adversaries in cyberspace by using various technological tools and people-based techniques. In principle, advantages can be obtained by damaging, destroying, disabling, or usurping an adversary's computer systems (‘cyber attack’) or by obtaining information that the adversary would prefer to keep secret (‘cyber espionage’ or ‘cyber exploitation’). A variety of actors have access to these tools and techniques, including nation-states, individuals, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups, and there is a wide variety of motivations for conducting cyber attacks and/or cyber espionage, including financial, military, political, and personal. Conflict in cyberspace is different from conflict in physical space in many dimensions, and attributing hostile cyber operations to a responsible party can be difficult. The problems of defending against and deterring hostile cyber operations remain intellectually unresolved. The UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions are relevant to cyber operations, but the specifics of such relevance are today unclear because cyberspace is new compared to these instruments.
MondoA senses adenine nucleotides: transcriptional induction of thioredoxin-interacting protein
Authors: Han Kyoung-Sim , Ayer Donald E.
Published: May 2013

The MondoA–Mlx transcription complex plays a pivotal role in glucose homoeostasis by activating target gene expression in response to G6P (glucose 6-phosphate), the first reaction intermediate in glycolysis. TXNIP (thioredoxin-interacting protein) is a direct and glucose-responsive target of MondoA that triggers a negative-feedback loop by restricting glucose uptake when G6P levels increase. We show in the present study that TXNIP expression is also activated by AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribofuranoside) and adenosine. Using pharmacological inhibitors and genetic knockdowns of purine metabolic enzymes, we establish that TXNIP induction by AICAR and adenosine requires their cellular uptake and metabolism to adenine nucleotides. AICAR induction of TXNIP depended on MondoA, but was independent of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation and calcium. The findings of the present study have two important implications. First, in addition to activating AMPK, AICAR may have AMPK-independent effects on gene expression by regulating MondoA–Mlx activity following its flux into the adenine nucleotide pool. Secondly, MondoA–Mlx complexes sense elevated levels of G6P and adenine nucleotides to trigger a TXNIP-dependent feedback inhibition of glycolysis. We propose that this mechanism serves as a checkpoint to restore metabolic homoeostasis.
Multilevel functional and structural defects induced by two pathogenic mitochondrial tRNA mutations
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhou Xiao-Long , Liu Ru-Juan , Fang Zhi-Peng , Zhou Mi , Eriani Gilbert , Wang En-Duo
Published: May 2013

Point mutations in hmtRNAs (human mitochondrial tRNAs) can cause various disorders, such as CPEO (chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia) and MM (mitochondrial myopathy). Mitochondrial tRNALeu, especially the UUR codon isoacceptor, is recognized as a hot spot for pathogenic mtDNA point mutations. Thus far, 40 mutations have been reported in hmtRNAsLeu. In the present paper, we describe the wide range of effects of two substitutions found in the TΨC arms of two hmtRNAsLeu isoacceptors. The G52A substitution, corresponding to the pathogenic G12315A mutation in tRNALeu(CUN), and G3283A in tRNALeu(UUR) exhibited structural changes in the outer corner of the tRNA shape as shown by RNase probing. These mutations also induced reductions in aminoacylation, 3′-end processing and base modification processes. The main effects of the A57G substitution, corresponding to mutations A12320G in tRNALeu(CUN) and A3288G in tRNALeu(UUR), were observed on the aminoacylation activity and binding to hmEF-Tu (human mitochondrial elongation factor Tu). These observations suggest that the wide range of effects may amplify the deleterious impact on mitochondrial protein synthesis in vivo. The findings also emphasize that an exact understanding of tRNA dysfunction is critical for the future development of therapies for mitochondrial diseases.
Optic Nerve Monitoring
Authors: Schumann Paul , Kokemüller Horst , Tavassol Frank , Lindhorst Daniel , Lemound Juliana , Essig Harald , Rücker Martin , Gellrich Nils-Claudius
Published: May 2013

Orbital and anterior skull base surgery is generally performed close to the prechiasmatic visual pathway, and clear strategies for detecting and handling visual pathway damage are essential. To overcome the common problem of a missed clinical examination because of an uncooperative or unresponsive patient, flash visual evoked potentials and electroretinograms should be used. These electrophysiologic examination techniques can provide evidence of intact, pathologic, or absent conductivity of the visual pathway when clinical assessment is not feasible. Visual evoked potentials and electroretinograms are thus essential diagnostic procedures not only for primary diagnosis but also for intraoperative evaluation. A decision for or against treatment of a visual pathway injury has to be made as fast as possible due to the enormous importance of the time elapsed with such injuries; this can be achieved additionally using multislice spiral computed tomography. The first-line conservative treatment of choice for such injuries is megadose methylprednisolone therapy. Surgery is used to decompress the orbital compartment by exposure of the intracanalicular part of the optic nerve in the case of optic canal compression. Modern craniomaxillofacial surgery requires detailed consideration of the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic visual pathway damage with the ultimate goal of preserving visual acuity.
Anisotropic Einstein-aether cosmological models
Authors: Alhulaimi B. , Coley A. , Sandin P.
Published: May 2013

We investigate a class of spatially anisotropic cosmological models in Einstein-aether theory with a scalar field in which the self-interaction potential depends on the timelike aether vector field through the expansion and shear scalars. We derive the evolution equations in terms of expansion-normalized variables, which reduce to a dynamical system. We study the local stability of the equilibrium points of the dynamical system corresponding to physically realistic solutions, and find that there are always ranges of values of the parameters of the models for which there exists an inflationary attractor.
Uniform electron gases. I. Electrons on a ring
Authors: Loos Pierre-François , Gill Peter M. W.
Published: May 2013

We introduce a new paradigm for one-dimensional uniform electron gases (UEGs). In this model, n electrons are confined to a ring and interact via a bare Coulomb operator. We use Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory to show that, in the high-density regime, the ground-state reduced (i.e., per electron) energy can be expanded as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\epsilon (r_s,n) = \epsilon _0(n) r_s^{-2} + \epsilon _1(n) r_s^{-1} + \epsilon _2(n) +\epsilon _3(n) r_s\break + \cdots\,$\end{document}ε(rs,n)=ε0(n)rs−2+ε1(n)rs−1+ε2(n)+ε3(n)rs+⋯, where rs is the Seitz radius. We use strong-coupling perturbation theory and show that, in the low-density regime, the reduced energy can be expanded as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\epsilon (r_s,n) = \eta _0(n) r_s^{-1} + \eta _1(n) r_s^{-3/2}\break + \eta _2(n) r_s^{-2} + \cdots\,$\end{document}ε(rs,n)=η0(n)rs−1+η1(n)rs−3/2+η2(n)rs−2+⋯. We report explicit expressions for ε0(n), ε1(n), ε2(n), ε3(n), η0(n), and η1(n) and derive the thermodynamic (large-n) limits of each of these. Finally, we perform numerical studies of UEGs with n = 2, 3, …, 10, using Hylleraas-type and quantum Monte Carlo methods, and combine these with the perturbative results to obtain a picture of the behavior of the new model over the full range of n and rs values.
Saturation of multi-laser beams laser-plasma instabilities from stochastic ion heating
Authors: Michel P. , Rozmus W. , Williams E. A. , Divol L. , Berger R. L. , Glenzer S. H. , Callahan D. A.
Published: May 2013

Cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) has been used as a tool on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) since the first energetics experiments in 2009 to control the energy deposition in ignition hohlraums and tune the implosion symmetry. As large amounts of power are transferred between laser beams at the entrance holes of NIF hohlraums, the presence of many overlapping beat waves can lead to stochastic ion heating in the regions where laser beams overlap [P. Michel et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 195004 (2012)]. This increases the ion acoustic velocity and modifies the ion acoustic waves’ dispersion relation, thus reducing the plasma response to the beat waves and the efficiency of CBET. This pushes the plasma oscillations driven by CBET in a regime where the phase velocities are much smaller than both the electron and ion thermal velocities. CBET gains are derived for this new regime and generalized to the case of multi ion species plasmas.
Formation and sustainment of internal transport barriers in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor with the baseline heating mix
Authors: Poli Francesca M. , Kessel Charles E.
Published: May 2013

Plasmas with internal transport barriers (ITBs) are a potential and attractive route to steady-state operation in ITER. These plasmas exhibit radially localized regions of improved confinement with steep pressure gradients in the plasma core, which drive large bootstrap current and generate hollow current profiles and negative magnetic shear. This work examines the formation and sustainment of ITBs in ITER with electron cyclotron heating and current drive. The time-dependent transport simulations indicate that, with a trade-off of the power delivered to the equatorial and to the upper launcher, the sustainment of steady-state ITBs can be demonstrated in ITER with the baseline heating configuration.
Nonlinear interaction of kinetic Alfvén wave and whistler: Turbulent spectra and anisotropic scaling
Authors: Kumar Dwivedi Navin , Sharma R. P.
Published: May 2013

In this work, we are presenting the excitation of oblique propagating whistler wave as a consequence of nonlinear interaction between whistler wave and kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) in intermediate beta plasmas. Numerical simulation has been done to study the transient evolution of magnetic field structures of KAW when the nonlinearity arises due to ponderomotive effects by taking the adiabatic response of the background density. Weak oblique propagating whistler signals in these nonlinear plasma density filaments (produced by KAW localization) get amplified. The spectral indices of the power spectrum at different times are calculated with given initial conditions of the simulations. Anisotropic scaling laws for KAW and whistlers are presented. The relevance of the present investigation to solar wind turbulence and its acceleration is also pointed out.
Axisymmetric creeping motion of particles towards a circular orifice or disk
Authors: Chen Shing Bor
Published: May 2013

Wall effect on the hydrodynamic interaction among particles is important for their transport in many applications such as filtration. We investigate an axisymmetric creeping flow caused by one or two spherical particles migrating towards a circular orifice or disk. A boundary integral/element method is used to solve for the flow field and calculate the drag force. A crucial advantage of this approach is its capability of tackling a problem with more than one particle in the close vicinity of a solid wall. In the absence of a second particle, our results for the particle drag force agree more favorably with asymptotic behaviors than those from a superposition/collocation method. For cases with two particles driven by a constant external force, a relative motion between them arises from the hydrodynamic friction of the solid wall, leading to a decrease in the evolved separation distance or even occurrence of coagulation.
A first-principles study on the effect of biaxial strain on the ultimate performance of monolayer MoS2-based double gate field effect transistor
Authors: Mohammad Tabatabaei Seyed , Noei Maziar , Khaliji Kaveh , Pourfath Mahdi , Fathipour Morteza
Published: May 2013

In this work, the effect of biaxial strain on the electronic band structure of monolayers of MoS2 is investigated. The effective mass of carriers under different strain values is extracted and the achieved results are discussed. For the first time, we have assessed the effect of biaxial strain on the ultimate performance of MoS2-based double gate field effect transistors (DGFETs). The results indicate that by strain engineering, a significant performance improvement of MoS2-based DGFETs can be achieved.
Mechanism of resistive switching in Cu/AlOx/W nonvolatile memory structures
Authors: Sleiman A. , Sayers P. W. , Mabrook M. F.
Published: May 2013

The mechanism for resistive switching in aluminum oxide (AlOx) based electrochemical metallization memory cells is presented. Copper/AlOx/tungsten (Cu/AlOx/W) cells show reproducible resistive switching with an ON/OFF ratio of about 5 × 102 at a reading voltage of 0.1 V and reliable retention characteristics. Resistive switching occurs due to the formation and rupture of a Cu filament between the active electrode (Cu) and the counter electrode (W). The conduction of the devices was explained through back-to-back Schottky contacts in the OFF state, while it exhibits ohmic behavior in the ON state. Thermionic emission model was used to calculate the barrier heights of the Schottky contacts. The rupture of the Cu filament proved to occur at the weakest point of the filament inside the AlOx. Using Ohms Law, the slope of the linear I-V characteristics in the ON state was used to extract the Cu filament resistance and its diameter was estimated to be between 6 and 23 nm.
Well controlled multiple resistive switching states in the Al local doped HfO2 resistive random access memory device
Authors: Chen Y. S. , Chen B. , Gao B. , Liu L. F. , Liu X. Y. , Kang J. F.
Published: May 2013

The resistive switching behaviors in the sandwiched Ti/HfO2/Pt devices with different doping condition were systematically investigated. We show that, comparing with the undoped and the Al layer doped HfO2 devices, significant improvement of switching characteristics is achieved in the Al local doped HfO2 device, including uniformity, reliability, and operation current. As a result, well controlled multiple switching states are obtained in the local doping device by modulating the set current compliance or the maximal reset voltage, respectively. Our results suggest that the switching characteristics of HfO2 device are very closely related to the inducement and controlling of conductive filaments’ growth in the dielectric layer, which can be considered in the optimization of resistive random access memory device design.
Erroneous p-type assignment by Hall effect measurements in annealed ZnO films grown on InP substrate
Authors: Macaluso R. , Mosca M. , Calì C. , Di Franco F. , Santamaria M. , Di Quarto F. , Reverchon J.-L.
Published: May 2013

We report on incorrect carrier type identification achieved by Hall effect measurements performed on ZnO films grown by pulsed laser deposition on InP substrates and subsequently annealed for 1 h at 600 °C in air. While Hall measurements, after post-growth annealing, reveal a change in the electrical properties of the films, from n-type to p-type, both photocurrent-based and standard C−V measurements performed on the same samples show no change in the native n-type doping of the ZnO films. A possible interpretation of the two results is reported. In particular, p-type conductivity observed by Hall effect may be ascribed to a highly conductive thin layer formed during the annealing process at the ZnO/InP interface, which dominates the Hall effect measurements and does not influence the photo-electrochemical behavior of ZnO as well as the measured differential capacitance. The conflicting results here reported show that for this kind of samples, Hall effect measurement can be misleading with respect to the real nature of the analyzed material, instead both C−V and photocurrent-based characterization techniques are more reliable and therefore could be alternatively used when particularly ambiguous results are expected by Hall effect measurements.
Stimulated emission from ZnO thin films with high optical gain and low loss
Authors: Gadallah A.-S. , Nomenyo K. , Couteau C. , Rogers D. J. , Lérondel G.
Published: May 2013

Stimulated surface- and edge-emissions were investigated for ZnO thin films grown epitaxially by pulsed laser deposition. The lasing threshold was 0.32 MW/cm2 for surface pumping and 0.5 MW/cm2 for edge pumping, which is significantly lower than thresholds observed previously. A modified variable stripe length method was used to measure the gain, which was 1369 cm−1 for the N-band emission. Losses were measured using the shifting excitation spot method and values of 6.2 cm−1 and 6.3 cm−1 were found for the N-band and P-band, respectively. The measured gain and loss were the highest and lowest (respectively) ever reported for ZnO films.
Multi-channel transport experiments at Alcator C-Mod and comparison with gyrokinetic simulations
Authors: White A. E. , Howard N. T. , Greenwald M. , Reinke M. L. , Sung C. , Baek S. , Barnes M. , Candy J. , Dominguez A. , Ernst D. , Gao C. , Hubbard A. E. , Hughes J. W. , Lin Y. , Mikkelsen D. , Parra F. , Porkolab M. , Rice J. E. , Walk J. , Wukitch S. J. , Team Alcator C-Mod
Published: May 2013

Multi-channel transport experiments have been conducted in auxiliary heated (Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies) L-mode plasmas at Alcator C-Mod [Marmar and Alcator C-Mod Group, Fusion Sci. Technol. 51(3), 3261 (2007)]. These plasmas provide good diagnostic coverage for measurements of kinetic profiles, impurity transport, and turbulence (electron temperature and density fluctuations). In the experiments, a steady sawtoothing L-mode plasma with 1.2 MW of on-axis RF heating is established and density is scanned by 20%. Measured rotation profiles change from peaked to hollow in shape as density is increased, but electron density and impurity profiles remain peaked. Ion or electron heat fluxes from the two plasmas are the same. The experimental results are compared directly to nonlinear gyrokinetic theory using synthetic diagnostics and the code GYRO [Candy and Waltz, J. Comput. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)]. We find good agreement with experimental ion heat flux, impurity particle transport, and trends in the fluctuation level ratio (T̃e/Te)/(ñe/ne), but underprediction of electron heat flux. We find that changes in momentum transport (rotation profiles changing from peaked to hollow) do not correlate with changes in particle transport, and also do not correlate with changes in linear mode dominance, e.g., Ion Temperature Gradient versus Trapped Electron Mode. The new C-Mod results suggest that the drives for momentum transport differ from drives for heat and particle transport. The experimental results are inconsistent with present quasilinear models, and the strong sensitivity of core rotation to density remains unexplained.
Note: Portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with small vacuum chamber
Authors: Kunimura Shinsuke , Kudo Shunpei , Nagai Hiroki , Nakajima Yoshihide , Ohmori Hitoshi
Published: May 2013

To improve the detection limits of a portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer using white X-rays (i.e., both characteristic X-rays and continuum X-rays) from a 5 W X-ray tube, the measurement was performed in vacuum. The TXRF spectrum measured in vacuum was compared with that measured in air. The spectral background was significantly reduced when the scattering of the incident X-rays from air was reduced using a vacuum pump, leading to improvement in the detection limit. A detection limit of 8 pg was achieved for Cr when measuring in vacuum.
Bias-voltage application in a hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the interface states at oxide/Si(100) interfaces
Authors: Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Chikyow Toyohiro , Kobayashi Keisuke
Published: May 2013

The energy distribution of the interface states in the Si band-gap at an ultrathin oxide/Si(100) interface was investigated using a bias-voltage application in hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For the SiO2/Si interface, interface states were observed near the mid-gap, whereas the interface states for the SiON/Si interface increased around the mid-gap and new states formed near the conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) compared to the case of the SiO2/Si interface. Moreover, the interface state density increased with the nitrogen concentration in the oxide, but the spectral shape was independent of the nitrogen concentration. The N1s spectra indicated that the N−O species at the SiON/Si interface induced inhomogeneous interface sites. Because inhomogeneity might break or weaken bonds at the SiON/Si interface, the density of broken bonds (the mid-gap states) and weakened bonds (the states near VBM and CBM) at the interface increased as the number of inhomogeneous sites increased.
Dielectric waveguide vertically coupled to all-silicon photodiodes operating at telecommunication wavelengths
Authors: Debnath Kapil , Gardes Frederic Y. , Knights Andrew P. , Reed Graham T. , Krauss Thomas F. , O'Faolain Liam
Published: May 2013

We present a method for detecting light in the 1550 nm wavelength window based on a silicon nitride waveguide that is vertically coupled to a silicon photonic crystal cavity. The absorption in silicon arises from deep-levels created by ion implantation, thereby providing excellent CMOS compatibility. We demonstrate a responsivity of 0.108 A/W at −10 V reverse bias with a dark current of 9.4 nA. Our work demonstrates one of the smallest wavelength selective photodectors realised to date. By cascading such detectors we also demonstrate a two-channel demultiplexer.
Current-driven domain wall motion with spin Hall effect: Reduction of threshold current density
Authors: Ryu Jisu , Lee Kyung-Jin , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: May 2013

We theoretically study the current-driven domain wall motion in the presence of both the spin Hall effect and an extrinsic pinning potential. The spin Hall effect mainly affects the damping ratio of the domain wall precession in the pinning potential. When the pinning potential is not too strong, this results in a significant reduction of a threshold current density for the depinning of a domain wall with certain polarity. We also propose one way to distinguish the spin Hall effect induced spin-transfer torque from the one induced by the Rashba spin-orbit coupling experimentally.
Rational integration of noisy evidence and prior semantic expectations in sentence interpretation
Authors: Gibson Edward , Bergen Leon , Piantadosi Steven T.
Published: May 2013

Sentence processing theories typically assume that the input to our language processing mechanisms is an error-free sequence of words. However, this assumption is an oversimplification because noise is present in typical language use (for instance, due to a noisy environment, producer errors, or perceiver errors). A complete theory of human sentence comprehension therefore needs to explain how humans understand language given imperfect input. Indeed, like many cognitive systems, language processing mechanisms may even be “well designed”–in this case for the task of recovering intended meaning from noisy utterances. In particular, comprehension mechanisms may be sensitive to the types of information that an idealized statistical comprehender would be sensitive to. Here, we evaluate four predictions about such a rational (Bayesian) noisy-channel language comprehender in a sentence comprehension task: (
i
) semantic cues should pull sentence interpretation towards plausible meanings, especially if the wording of the more plausible meaning is close to the observed utterance in terms of the number of edits; (
ii
) this process should asymmetrically treat insertions and deletions due to the Bayesian “size principle”; such nonliteral interpretation of sentences should (
iii
) increase with the perceived noise rate of the communicative situation and (
iv
) decrease if semantically anomalous meanings are more likely to be communicated. These predictions are borne out, strongly suggesting that human language relies on rational statistical inference over a noisy channel.
DTF1 is a core component of RNA-directed DNA methylation and may assist in the recruitment of Pol IV
Authors: Zhang Heng , Ma Ze-Yang , Zeng Liang , Tanaka Kaori , Zhang Cui-Jun , Ma Jun , Bai Ge , Wang Pengcheng , Zhang Su-Wei , Liu Zhang-Wei , Cai Tao , Tang Kai , Liu Renyi , Shi Xiaobing , He Xin-Jian , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: May 2013

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark in many eukaryotic organisms. De novo DNA methylation in plants can be achieved by the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, where the plant-specific DNA-dependent RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) transcribes target sequences to initiate 24-nt siRNA production and action. The putative DNA binding protein DTF1/SHH1 of
Arabidopsis
has been shown to associate with Pol IV and is required for 24-nt siRNA accumulation and transcriptional silencing at several RdDM target loci. However, the extent and mechanism of DTF1 function in RdDM is unclear. We show here that DTF1 is necessary for the accumulation of the majority of Pol IV-dependent 24-nt siRNAs. It is also required for a large proportion of Pol IV-dependent de novo DNA methylation. Interestingly, there is a group of RdDM target loci where 24-nt siRNA accumulation but not DNA methylation is dependent on DTF1. DTF1 interacts directly with the chromatin remodeling protein CLASSY 1 (CLSY1), and both DTF1 and CLSY1 are associated in vivo with Pol IV but not Pol V, which functions downstream in the RdDM effector complex. DTF1 and DTF2 (a DTF1-like protein) contain a SAWADEE domain, which was found to bind specifically to histone H3 containing H3K9 methylation. Taken together, our results show that DTF1 is a core component of the RdDM pathway, and suggest that DTF1 interacts with CLSY1 to assist in the recruitment of Pol IV to RdDM target loci where H3K9 methylation may be an important feature. Our results also suggest the involvement of DTF1 in an important negative feedback mechanism for DNA methylation at some RdDM target loci.
Peptide library-based evaluation of T-cell receptor breadth detects defects in global and regulatory activation in human immunologic diseases
Authors: Barber John S. , Yokomizo Lauren K. , Sheikh Virginia , Freeman Alexandra F. , Garabedian Elizabeth , van Dijk Evert , Sokolic Robert , Candotti Fabio , Weng Nan-ping , Sereti Irini , Milner Joshua D.
Published: May 2013

The ability of T-cells to respond to foreign antigens and to appropriately regulate this response is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis. Using combinatorial peptide libraries, we functionally measured broad T-cell reactivity and observed impaired reactivity in established models of T-cell receptor repertoire restriction and in previously unrecognized disease contexts. By concurrently analyzing T-regulatory and T-effector cells, we show strong functional correlation between these subsets in healthy individuals and, strikingly, that alterations of this balance are associated with T helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated disease in a lymphopenic setting. Finally, we demonstrate that peptide-based priming of polyclonal naive cells with relatively low concentrations skews toward Th2 differentiation. These findings provide unique insight into the pathophysiology and functional consequences of abnormal T-cell repertoires and into differentiation of human naive T-cells.
Iranian Revolutionary Painting on Canvas: Iconographic Study on the Martyred Body
Authors: Bombardier Alice
Published: May 2013

The figure of the martyred soldier is so ingrained in the Iranian public sphere that today, thirty years after the Revolution and twenty years after the cessation of the hostilities against Iraq, Iranian revolutionary painting on canvas keeps drawing most of its inspiration from the Shiite rhetoric of the martyred body and from the war. this article identifies and analyzes the iconographic forms of the martyred body in this pictorial production, which expresses primarily the concerns of the state. Relying on six works on canvas – painted before, during and thirty years after the Revolution – a scalable approach to the various representations of the martyred body is proposed, referring to Iran's history.
Prevalence of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis in Cultured Tilapia on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Soto Esteban , McGovern-Hopkins Kathleen , Klinger-Bowen Ruth , Fox Bradley K. , Brock James , Antonio Nathene , Waal Zelda , Rushton Stephen , Mill Aileen , Tamaru Clyde S.
Published: May 2013

Francisellosis is an emergent disease in cultured and wild aquatic animals. The causative agent, Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis (Fno), is a gram-negative bacterium recognized as one of the most virulent pathogens of warmwater fish. The main objective of this project was to investigate the prevalence of Fno in cultured tilapia (specifically, Mozambique Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, Koilapia [also known as Wami Tilapia] O. hornorum, Blue Tilapia O. aureus, and Nile Tilapia O. niloticus hybrids) on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, using conventional and real-time PCR assays followed by statistical modeling to compare the different diagnostic methods and identify potential risk factors. During 2010 and 2012, 827 fish were collected from different geographical locations throughout the island of Oahu. Upon collection of fish, the water temperature in the rearing system and the length of individual fish were measured. Extraction of DNA from different tissues collected aseptically during necropsy served as a template for molecular diagnosis. High correlation between both molecular methods was observed. Moreover, the bacterium was isolated from infected tilapia on selective media and confirmed to be Fno utilizing a species-specific Taqman-based real-time PCR assay. Although a direct comparison of the prevalence of Fno between the different geographical areas was not possible, the results indicate a high prevalence of Fno DNA in cultured tilapia throughout the farm sites located on Oahu. Of the different tilapia species and hybrids currently cultured in Hawaii, Mozambique Tilapia were more susceptible to infection than Koilapia. Water temperature in the rearing systems and fish size also had a strong effect on the predicted level of infection, with fish held at lower temperatures and smaller fish being more susceptible to piscine francisellosis.

Received November 30, 2012; accepted February 22, 2013
Specific and Rapid Diagnosis of Edwardsiella tarda by a Novel Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Targeting the Upstream Region of hlyb Gene
Authors: Xie Guo-Si , Huang Jie , Zhang Qing-Li , Shi Cheng-Yin , Wang Xiu-Hua , Liu Qing-Hui
Published: May 2013

Edwardsiella tarda has become one of the most severe pathogens in aquaculture industries throughout the world; therefore, a specific and rapid identification method for this bacterium is urgently needed. In the present study, a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was developed by targeting the upstream region of the hlyb gene of E. tarda, which was then named as UH-LAMP. The Mg2+ concentrations, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time of UH-LAMP were optimized to 10 mM, 65°C, and 45 min, respectively. The detection limit of the UH-LAMP was 100-times higher than that of conventional polymerase chain reaction (10 versus 1000 CFU/test). Furthermore, the new UH-LAMP assay showed no cross-reactivity to the E. ictaluri belonging to the other species in the genus Edwardsiella. The high specificity of the assay was also confirmed by testing the nine strains of E. tarda collected from different geographical locations and the other 20 bacteria species. The assay can be performed in a simple water bath or a heat block and the detection result can be visualized by adding a fluorescent reagent to the reaction mixture. Taken together, our preliminary results indicate that this UH-LAMP assay provided a rapid, sensitive, and species-specific diagnostic tool for E. tarda and can easily be applied for the diagnosis under clinical or onsite conditions.

Received December 10, 2012; accepted February 22, 2013
Long-Term Changes in Fish Assemblage Structure in the Yellow River Estuary Ecosystem, China
Authors: Shan Xiujuan , Sun Pengfei , Jin Xianshi , Li Xiansen , Dai Fangqun
Published: May 2013

The Yellow River estuary ecosystem is an important spawning ground for many species found in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea and contributes substantially to the fishery resource structure and biological reproduction in the northern China Sea. Based on long-term ecosystem surveys in the Yellow River estuary during the main spawning period (May) of most fishery species from 1959 to 2011, the responses of the ecosystem, including regime shifts in species composition, biomass, diversity, and other related factors, were analyzed in this study. Since the 1980s, the dominant large-size species of high economic value (e.g., Largehead Hairtail Trichiurus lepturus) have been replaced by short-lived, low-trophic-level, planktivorous pelagic species (e.g., Scaly Hairfin Anchovy Setipinna taty and Japanese Anchovy Engraulis japonicus). Currently, traditional commercially targeted fishes, such as the Largehead Hairtail, Red Seabream Pagrus major, and Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii, are locally extinct. There has been a rapid shift of dominant species from highly valued, high-trophic-level, large-sized demersal species with complicated age structures to low-value, low-trophic-level, small-sized pelagic species with simple age structures; this shift has resulted in major changes to the ecological cycle and restoration of fishery resources. The fish catch declined from 421.66 kg/h in 1959 to 0.25 kg/h in 2008 and then increased to 3.62 kg/h in 2011. Diversity and evenness indices showed a continuously increasing trend during 1959–2011. The Yellow River estuary may be significantly compromised by overfishing, climate change, dam construction, and pollution, resulting in the decline of traditional fishing industries and reduced biodiversity in this ecosystem.

Received August 30, 2012; accepted January 11, 2013
Ubiquitin conjugation triggers misfolded protein sequestration into quality control foci when Hsp70 chaperone levels are limiting
Authors: Shiber Ayala , Breuer William , Brandeis Michael , Ravid Tommer
Published: May 2013

Ubiquitin accumulation in amyloid plaques is a pathological marker observed in the vast majority of neurodegenerative diseases, yet ubiquitin function in these inclusions is controversial. It has been suggested that ubiquitylated proteins are directed to inclusion bodies under stress conditions, when both chaperone-mediated refolding and proteasomal degradation are compromised or overwhelmed. Alternatively, ubiquitin and chaperones may be recruited to preformed inclusions to promote their elimination. We address this issue using a yeast model system, based on expression of several mildly misfolded degradation substrates in cells with altered chaperone content. We find that the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperone pair Ssa1/Ssa2 and the Hsp40 cochaperone Sis1 are essential for degradation. Substrate ubiquitylation is strictly dependent on Sis1, whereas Ssa1 and Ssa2 are dispensable. Remarkably, in Ssa1/Ssa2-depleted cells, ubiquitylated substrates are sequestered into detergent-insoluble, Hsp42-positive inclusion bodies. Unexpectedly, sequestration is abolished by preventing substrate ubiquitylation. We conclude that Hsp40 is required for the targeting of misfolded proteins to the ubiquitylation machinery, whereas the decision to degrade or sequester ubiquitylated proteins is mediated by the Hsp70s. Accordingly, diminished Hsp70 levels, as observed in aging or certain pathological conditions, might be sufficient to trigger ubiquitin-dependent sequestration of partially misfolded proteins into inclusion bodies.
Deacylation on the matrix side of the mitochondrial inner membrane regulates cardiolipin remodeling
Authors: Baile Matthew G. , Whited Kevin , Claypool Steven M.
Published: May 2013

The mitochondrial-specific lipid cardiolipin (CL) is required for numerous processes therein. After its synthesis on the matrix-facing leaflet of the inner membrane (IM), CL undergoes acyl chain remodeling to achieve its final form. In yeast, this process is completed by the transacylase tafazzin, which associates with intermembrane space (IMS)-facing membrane leaflets. Mutations in TAZ1 result in the X-linked cardiomyopathy Barth syndrome. Amazingly, despite this clear pathophysiological association, the physiological importance of CL remodeling is unresolved. In this paper, we show that the lipase initiating CL remodeling, Cld1p, is associated with the matrix-facing leaflet of the mitochondrial IM. Thus monolysocardiolipin generated by Cld1p must be transported to IMS-facing membrane leaflets to gain access to tafazzin, identifying a previously unknown step required for CL remodeling. Additionally, we show that Cld1p is the major site of regulation in CL remodeling; and that, like CL biosynthesis, CL remodeling is augmented in growth conditions requiring mitochondrially produced energy. However, unlike CL biosynthesis, dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential stimulates CL remodeling, identifying a novel feedback mechanism linking CL remodeling to oxidative phosphorylation capacity.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Mycelial Growth and Conidial Germination of Fusicladium eriobotryae, and the Infection of Loquat Leaves
Authors: González-Domínguez E. , Rossi V. , Armengol J. , García-Jiménez J.
Published: May 2013

In Spain, loquat scab, caused by Fusicladium eriobotryae, is usually controlled by fungicides when there are favorable conditions for infection. Lacking specific data on the effect of weather conditions on infection by F. eriobotryae, infection periods are predicted based on the Mills table for apple scab. Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of temperature, wetness duration, relative humidity (RH), and dry periods on mycelial growth, conidial germination, and infection of loquat leaves by F. eriobotryae. F. eriobotryae was able to grow and the conidia to germinate in a wide range of temperatures, whereas no germination occurred at RH < 100%. Maximum conidial germination occurred with 24 h of wetness and germination was strongly reduced by >10 h of dryness interrupting the wetness period. Loquat infection occurred between 10 and 20°C, and disease incidence and severity increased as the duration of wetness period increased. The combined effect of temperature and wetness duration on conidial germination of F. eriobotryae and infection of leaves was described by combining β and Gompertz equations, while the effect of dry periods on reducing the conidial germination was described by a logarithmic equation. The equations developed in this work provided a reasonable fit of the biological processes investigated and could be used for better disease control; they could be further integrated in a disease prediction system for scheduling fungicide sprays against loquat scab.