bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in the second language processing of object–subject ambiguities
Authors: HOPP HOLGER
Published: April 2013

This study investigates whether and how individual differences modulate the adult second language (L2) processing of syntactic ambiguities. In a linear mixed regression analysis, we test how proficiency, working memory, reading speed, automaticity in lexical access, and grammatical integration ability affect the resolution of temporary object–subject ambiguities in L2 English. The results from 75 first language German advanced learners attest that individual differences in syntactic integration ability modulate the reliance on morphosyntactic and plausibility information. Similar to native speakers, L2 learners are found to adopt two different routes in L2 processing. The findings highlight the role of individual differences and qualify previous generalizations about the relative use of morphosyntactic and other types of information in L2 processing.
The influence of the invasive weedLantana camaraon elephant habitat use in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, southern India
Authors: Wilson Gaius , Desai Ajay A. , Sim Dalice A. , Linklater Wayne L.
Published: April 2013

Invasive weeds likeLantana camarahave a range of effects on animals such as elephant. These plants are not edible by the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). They also compete for space with elephant food plants and take over large areas of elephant habitat. We tested whether the addition ofL. camarato a model consisting of measured environmental variables improved predictions of habitat use by elephant in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, India. Elephant dung density was used to assess elephant habitat use from 62 line transects 1-km in length. Results indicated that habitat and impact of human settlements significantly influenced elephant habitat use at a landscape scale. However, we found no evidence for the hypothesis that the addition ofL. camarasignificantly predicted elephant habitat use at the landscape level. We then tested the association ofL. camaraon elephant habitat use in the dry deciduous forest (DDF) where there was a significant interaction between DDF andL. camara. In the DDF,L. camarasignificantly predicted elephant habitat use. We conclude that while no significant effects ofL.camarawere seen at the level of an entire reserve, at a finer scale and in specific habitats negative effects of this invasive plant on elephant habitat use were observed.
Language students and their technologies: Charting the evolution 2006–2011
Authors: Steel Caroline H , Levy Mike
Published: April 2013

This paper has two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to record the technologies in current use by learners of a range of languages at an Australian university in 2011. Data was collected via a large-scale survey of 587 foreign language students across ten languages at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Notably the data differentiates between those technologies that students used inside and outside of formal classrooms as well as recording particular technologies and applications that students perceived as beneficial to their language learning. Secondly, this study aims to compare and contrast its findings with those from two previous studies that collected data on students’ use of technologies five years earlier, in 2006, in the UK and Canada. The intention is to chart major developments and changes that have occurred during the intervening five-year period, between 2006 and 2011. The data reported in two studies, one by Conole (2008) and one by Peters, Weinberg and Sarma (2008) are used as points of reference for the comparison with the present study.

The findings of the current study point to the autonomy and independence of the language learners in this cohort and the re-emergence of CALL tools, both for in-class and out-of-class learning activities. According to this data set, learners appear to have become more autonomous and independent and much more able to shape and resource their personal language learning experience in a blended learning setting. The students also demonstrate a measure of sophistication in their use of online tools, such that they are able to work around known limitations and constraints. In other words, the students have a keen awareness of the affordances of the technologies they are using.
Prehospital Management of Earthquake Casualties Buried Under Rubble
Authors: Ashkenazi Itamar , Isakovich Boris , Kluger Yoram , Alfici Ricardo , Kessel Boris , Better Ori S.
Published: April 2013

Earthquakes continue to exact a heavy toll on life, injury, and loss of property. Survival of casualties extricated from under the rubble depends upon early medical interventions by emergency teams on site. The objective of this paper is to review the pertinent literature and to analyze the information as a practical guideline for the medical management of casualties accidentally buried alive.
Evaluation of the Prehospital Management of Road Traffic Fatalities in Victoria, Australia
Authors: McDermott Francis T. , Cooper Gregory J. , Hogan Philip L. , Cordner Stephen M. , Tremayne Ann B.
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

This study was undertaken to identify prehospital system and management deficiencies and preventable deaths between 01 January 1997 and 31 December 1998 in 243 consecutive Victorian road crash victims with fatal outcomes.

Methods:

The complete prehospital and hospital records, the deposition to the coroner, and autopsy findings were evaluated by computer analysis and peer group review with multidisciplinary discussion.

Results:

One-hundred eighty-seven (77%) patients had prehospital errors or inadequacies, of which 135 (67%) contributed to death. Three-hundred ninety-four (67%) related to management and 130 (22%) to system deficiencies. Technique errors, diagnosis delays, and errors relatively were infrequent. One of 24 deaths at the crash scene or en route to hospital was considered to be preventable and two potentially preventable.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of prehospital deficiencies has been addressed by a Ministerial Task Force on Trauma and Emergency Services and followed by the introduction of a new trauma care system in Victoria.
Behavioral Health Risk Factors of United States Emergency Medical Technicians: The LEADS Project
Authors: Pirrallo Ronald G. , Levine Roger , Dickison Philip D.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

Personal risk behaviors are modifiable. This report describes the 2002 national baseline of behavioral health risk factors of US emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that can guide policy and program development in improving EMT well-being.

Methods:

A 19-item Health Behavioral Risk Survey (Appendix) was added to the 2002 Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Demographic Study mail survey. Risk survey questions covering physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use were modeled after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questionnaire. Personal, non-work related seatbelt use and motor vehicle driving questions were adopted from the 2002 US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Motor Vehicle Occupant Safety Survey (MVOSS). Post-stratification adjustment factors were used to allow comparisons with BRFSS and MVOSS national estimates.

Results:

A total of 1,919 EMT respondents were compared with 239,866 BRFSS and 5,220 MVOSS respondents. These comparisons indicate that EMT-Basics drove more slowly than paramedics; male EMTs drove faster, drank more, and wore their seatbelts less often than did female EMTs; female EMTs smoked more and engaged in vigorous exercise less than males. Those EMTs who reported to be in fair or poor health, smoked more and exercised less than those who reported to be in good or excellent health. Regardless of gender, age, or race, EMTs, on average, wore their seatbelts less often, drove faster than, and were less likely to engage in moderate physical exercise, compared to US adults.

Conclusion:

Stereotypical gender differences in risk behaviors exist among EMTs. An EMT's self-reported health positively correlates with smoking and exercising. Compared to US national estimates, except for smoking and vigorous exercise, EMTs have increased risk behaviors.
Innately low D2 receptor availability is associated with high novelty-seeking and enhanced behavioural sensitization to amphetamine
Authors: Tournier Benjamin B. , Steimer Thierry , Millet Philippe , Moulin-Sallanon Marcelle , Vallet Philippe , Ibañez Vicente , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: April 2013

High novelty-seeking has been related to an increased risk for developing addiction, but the neurobiological mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear. We investigated whether differences in dopamine (DA) D2/3-receptor (D2/3R) function underlie phenotypic divergence in novelty-seeking and vulnerability to addiction. Measures of D2/3R availability using the D2R-preferring antagonist [18F]Fallypride, and the D3R-preferring agonist [3H]-(+)-PHNO and of DA-related gene expression and behaviours were used to characterize DA signalling in Roman high- (RHA) and low-avoidance (RLA) rats, which respectively display high and low behavioural responsiveness both to novelty and psychostimulant exposure. When compared to RLA rats, high novelty-responding RHAs had lower levels of D2R, but not D3R, binding and mRNA in substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) and showed behavioural evidence of D2-autoreceptor subsensitivity. RHA rats also showed a higher expression of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene in SN/VTA, higher levels of extracellular DA in striatum and augmentation of the DA-releasing effects of amphetamine (Amph), suggesting hyperfunctioning of midbrain DA neurons. RHA rats also exhibited lower availabilities and functional sensitivity of D2R, but not D3R, in striatum, which were inversely correlated with individual scores of novelty-seeking, which, in turn, predicted the magnitude of Amph-induced behavioural sensitization. These results indicate that innately low levels of D2R in SN/VTA and striatum, whether they are a cause or consequence of the concomitantly observed elevated DA tone, result in a specific pattern of DA signalling that may subserve novelty-seeking and vulnerability to drug use. This suggests that D2R deficits in SN/VTA and striatum could both constitute neurochemical markers of an addiction-prone phenotype.
“History has rendered its verdict upon him”: The Franklin Pierce Statue Controversy
Authors: Connolly Michael J.
Published: April 2013

For thirty years after Franklin Pierce's death, the ex-president's reputation remained low in the estimation of historians and the public. Most saw Pierce and his successor James Buchanan as primary culprits in the sectional discord leading to the Civil War. Between 1900 and 1915, however, Pierce's reputation improved, with the sectional healing represented by Blue-Gray reunions on former battlefields like Gettysburg and the election of only the second Democratic president since the war, Woodrow Wilson. This process of healing was particularly difficult in Pierce's home state of New Hampshire. In a classic case of contested memory, the Grand Army of the Republic repeatedly stymied Democratic attempts to raise a statue to the state's only president and criticized Pierce as a traitor and Confederate sympathizer. The Democrats, however, took over the New Hampshire governor's chair in 1913, and the legislature voted to honor Pierce with a statue. In that small early twentieth-century window, Franklin Pierce became a beneficiary of hard-earned sectional reconciliation.
BNIP3 acts as transcriptional repressor of death receptor-5 expression and prevents TRAIL-induced cell death in gliomas
Authors: Burton T R , Henson E S , Azad M B , Brown M , Eisenstat D D , Gibson S B
Published: April 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor, and current treatment modalities such as surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy are ineffective. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a novel cancer therapeutic agent for GBM because of its capability of inducing apoptosis in glioma cells. Unfortunately, the majority of glioma cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The Bcl-2 nineteen kilodalton interacting protein (BNIP3) is a pro-cell death BH3-only member of the Bcl-2 family that is one of the highest expressed genes in hypoxic regions of GBM tumors. We previously found that BNIP3 is localized to the nucleus in GBM tumors and suppresses cell death in glioma cells. Herein, we have discovered when BNIP3 nuclear expression is knockdown in glioma cell lines and in normal mouse astrocytes, TRAIL and its death receptor, death receptor-5 (DR5) expression is increased. In addition, when nuclear BNIP3 expression is increased, the amount of TRAIL-induced apoptosis is reduced. Using a streptavidin pull-down assay, we found that BNIP3 binds to the DR5 promoter and nuclear BNIP3 binds to the DR5 promoter. Furthermore, nuclear BNIP3 expression in GBM tumors correlates with decreased DR5 expression. Taken together, we have discovered a novel transcriptional repression function for BNIP3 conferring a TRAIL resistance in glioma cells.
Temporal metatranscriptomic patterning in phototrophic Chloroflexi inhabiting a microbial mat in a geothermal spring
Authors: Klatt Christian G , Liu Zhenfeng , Ludwig Marcus , Kühl Michael , Jensen Sheila I , Bryant Donald A , Ward David M
Published: April 2013

Filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs (FAPs) are abundant members of microbial mat communities inhabiting neutral and alkaline geothermal springs. Natural populations of FAPs related to Chloroflexus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. have been well characterized in Mushroom Spring, where they occur with unicellular cyanobacteria related to Synechococcus spp. strains A and B′. Metatranscriptomic sequencing was applied to the microbial community to determine how FAPs regulate their gene expression in response to fluctuating environmental conditions and resource availability over a diel period. Transcripts for genes involved in the biosynthesis of bacteriochlorophylls (BChls) and photosynthetic reaction centers were much more abundant at night. Both Roseiflexus spp. and Chloroflexus spp. expressed key genes involved in the 3-hydroxypropionate (3-OHP) carbon dioxide fixation bi-cycle during the day, when these FAPs have been thought to perform primarily photoheterotrophic and/or aerobic chemoorganotrophic metabolism. The expression of genes for the synthesis and degradation of storage polymers, including glycogen, polyhydroxyalkanoates and wax esters, suggests that FAPs produce and utilize these compounds at different times during the diel cycle. We summarize these results in a proposed conceptual model for temporal changes in central carbon metabolism and energy production of FAPs living in a natural environment. The model proposes that, at night, Chloroflexus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. synthesize BChl, components of the photosynthetic apparatus, polyhydroxyalkanoates and wax esters in concert with fermentation of glycogen. It further proposes that, in daytime, polyhydroxyalkanoates and wax esters are degraded and used as carbon and electron reserves to support photomixotrophy via the 3-OHP bi-cycle.
Exploring nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses in Tara Oceans microbial metagenomes
Authors: Hingamp Pascal , Grimsley Nigel , Acinas Silvia G , Clerissi Camille , Subirana Lucie , Poulain Julie , Ferrera Isabel , Sarmento Hugo , Villar Emilie , Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Faust Karoline , Sunagawa Shinichi , Claverie Jean-Michel , Moreau Hervé , Desdevises Yves , Bork Peer , Raes Jeroen , de Vargas Colomban , Karsenti Eric , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie , Jaillon Olivier , Not Fabrice , Pesant Stéphane , Wincker Patrick , Ogata Hiroyuki
Published: April 2013

Nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) constitute a group of eukaryotic viruses that can have crucial ecological roles in the sea by accelerating the turnover of their unicellular hosts or by causing diseases in animals. To better characterize the diversity, abundance and biogeography of marine NCLDVs, we analyzed 17 metagenomes derived from microbial samples (0.2–1.6 μm size range) collected during the Tara Oceans Expedition. The sample set includes ecosystems under-represented in previous studies, such as the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and Indian Ocean lagoons. By combining computationally derived relative abundance and direct prokaryote cell counts, the abundance of NCLDVs was found to be in the order of 104–105 genomes ml−1 for the samples from the photic zone and 102–103 genomes ml−1 for the OMZ. The Megaviridae and Phycodnaviridae dominated the NCLDV populations in the metagenomes, although most of the reads classified in these families showed large divergence from known viral genomes. Our taxon co-occurrence analysis revealed a potential association between viruses of the Megaviridae family and eukaryotes related to oomycetes. In support of this predicted association, we identified six cases of lateral gene transfer between Megaviridae and oomycetes. Our results suggest that marine NCLDVs probably outnumber eukaryotic organisms in the photic layer (per given water mass) and that metagenomic sequence analyses promise to shed new light on the biodiversity of marine viruses and their interactions with potential hosts.
Comparison of Cerebral Vascular Reactivity Measures Obtained Using Breath-Holding and CO2 Inhalation
Authors: Tancredi Felipe B , Hoge Richard D
Published: April 2013

Stimulation of cerebral vasculature using hypercapnia has been widely used to study cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR), which can be expressed as the quantitative change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) per mm Hg change in end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (PETCO2). We investigate whether different respiratory manipulations, with arterial spin labeling used to measure CBF, lead to consistent measures of CVR. The approaches included: (1) an automated system delivering variable concentrations of inspired CO2 for prospective targeting of PETCO2, (2) administration of a fixed concentration of CO2 leading to subject-dependent changes in PETCO2, (3) a breath-hold (BH) paradigm with physiologic modeling of CO2 accumulation, and (4) a maneuver combining breath-hold and hyperventilation. When CVR was expressed as the percent change in CBF per mm Hg change in PETCO2, methods 1 to 3 gave consistent results. The CVR values using method 4 were significantly lower. When CVR was expressed in terms of the absolute change in CBF (mL/100g per minute per mm Hg), greater discrepancies became apparent: methods 2 and 3 gave lower absolute CVR values compared with method 1, and the value obtained with method 4 was dramatically lower. Our findings indicate that care must be taken to ensure that CVR is measured over the linear range of the CBF-CO2 dose-response curve, avoiding hypocapnic conditions.
Magnetic properties of Fe and Fe-Si alloys with {100}〈0vw〉 texture
Authors: Kyung Sung Jin , Mo Koo Yang
Published: April 2013

When iron and its alloy sheets with clean metal surfaces undergo the γ to α phase transformation, they develop strong {100}〈0vw〉 texture with grain size being larger than the sheet thickness. For example, when Fe or Fe-1%Si sheets were subjected to the γ to α phase transformation in a reducing gas atmosphere (hydrogen gas having the dew point below −50 °C), strong {100}〈0vw〉 texture developed. Magnetic properties of Fe and Fe-Si alloys show that, by developing the {100}〈0vw〉 texture, the core loss can be reduced by more than 25% and the permeability can be increased by 2–5 times. With 0.35 mm-thick Fe-1%Si with the {100}〈0vw〉 texture, the magnetic properties are W15/50 (core loss at 1.5 T, 50 Hz) = 2.7 W/kg and B50 (magnetic flux density at 5000 A/m) = 1.80 T. The improvement of permeability together with reducing iron loss by texture control will make a significant contribution to improving power density as well as reducing copper losses in induction motors.
Thermocapillary drift on a spherical drop in a viscous fluid
Authors: Choudhuri D. , Raja Sekhar G. P.
Published: April 2013

The problem of non-isothermal fluid flow in and around a liquid drop has been studied. The temperature of the fluid is assumed to be non-constant, steady and hence is governed by the Laplace's equation. The thermal and hydrodynamic problems have been solved under nonisothermal boundary conditions assuming Stokes equations for the flow inside and outside the drop. The drag and torque on the droplet in the form of Faxen's laws are presented. The use of the drag formula has been demonstrated by few particular cases. Some important asymptotic limiting cases have been discussed.
Numerical simulation of the dynamics of freely falling discs
Authors: Chrust Marcin , Bouchet Gilles , Dušek Jan
Published: April 2013

We present a comprehensive parametric study of the transition scenario of freely falling discs. The motion of the discs is investigated by a direct numerical simulation of the solid-fluid interaction. The discs are assumed to be homogeneous and infinitely thin. The problem is shown to depend on two independent parameters, the Galileo number expressing the ratio between effects of gravity and viscosity and the non-dimensionalized mass characterizing the inertia of the disc. The obtained results are in agreement with known experimental and numerical data and provide both detailed and comprehensive picture of the transition scenario in the two-parameter plane defined by the Galileo number and the non-dimensionalized mass.
Light control in Ge2Sb2Te5-coated opaline photonic crystals mediated by interplay of Wood anomalies and 3D Bragg diffraction
Authors: Pevtsov A. B. , Poddubny A. N. , Yakovlev S. A. , Kurdyukov D. A. , Golubev V. G.
Published: April 2013

We present experimental and theoretical study of light reflection spectra from hybrid structures formed by Ge2Sb2Te5 chalcogenide film on top of 3D opaline photonic crystal. We demonstrate the presence of diffraction anomalies (Wood anomalies) in the spectra. These anomalies are caused by the light scattering on the hybrid structure surface of hexagonal symmetry. To interpret the experimental results, we develop a qualitative theoretical model, taking into account the dispersion of quasi-waveguide modes supported by the surface layer of the hybrid structure. We consider the conditions for the coupling between the Bragg resonances associated with the diffraction of light on the 3D opal lattice and the resonances due to Wood anomalies.
Readout of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors at high count rates
Authors: Kerman Andrew J. , Rosenberg Danna , Molnar Richard J. , Dauler Eric A.
Published: April 2013

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors are set apart from other photon counting technologies above all else by their extremely high speed, with few-ten-ps timing resolution, and recovery times τR ≲ 10 ns after a detection event. In this work, however, we identify in the conventional electrical readout scheme a nonlinear interaction between the detector and its readout which can make stable, high-efficiency operation impossible at count rates even an order-of-magnitude less than τR−1. We present detailed experimental confirmation of this, and a theoretical model which quantitatively explains our observations. Finally, we describe an improved readout which circumvents this problem, allowing these detectors to be operated stably at high count rates, with a detection efficiency penalty determined purely by their inductive reset time.
In-plane and out of plane magnetic properties in Ni46Co4Mn38Sb12 ribbons
Authors: Sahoo Roshnee , Raj Kumar D. M. , Babu D. Arvindha , Suresh K. G. , Raja M. Manivel
Published: April 2013

Magnetic, magnetocaloric, and exchange bias properties have been systematically investigated in Ni46Co4Mn38Sb12 ribbon by applying magnetic field along in-plane (IP) and perpendicular out of plane (OP) to the ribbon plane. From the thermo-magnetization curves, the sharpness of the martensitic transition is observed to be nearly the same for both IP and OP ribbons. The thermomagnetic irreversibility region is found to be larger in the OP ribbon at 500 Oe, indicating that the magnetic anisotropy is larger in this case. The OP ribbon shows the Hopkinson maximum at 500 Oe, both for the field cooled cooled and zero field cooled modes. The magnetization curve for IP ribbon shows a faster approach to saturation, compared to the OP ribbon. Isothermal magnetic entropy change at 50 kOe has been found to be nearly same for both the ribbons. At 5 K, the coercivity and exchange bias values are larger for the OP ribbon. Crystallographic texturing of the ribbons and its effect in the easy magnetization direction are found to be the reason behind the differences between the two ribbons.
Alternative A-gate structures for the realization of semiconductor quantum computers
Authors: Mirzaei Hamidreza , Hui H. T.
Published: April 2013

Two new A-gate structures for the realization of the qubit for the semiconductor quantum computer are proposed and investigated rigorously by a numerical simulation method. The coplanar A-gate structure has the advantage of easy fabrication, but it offers only a relatively weak voltage control over the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) frequency of the donor atom. However, this short-coming can be overcome by doping the donor closer to the substrate interface. The split-ground A-gate structure, on the other hand, produces a similar potential distribution as that of the original Kane's A-gate structure and provides a relatively stronger control over the NMR frequency of the donor atom. Both structures have the advantage of allowing device integration or heterostructure fabrication from below the silicon substrate. All simulations in this study are carried out by a rigorous electromagnetic simulation tool plus a quantum mechanical perturbation theory.
Improving soft magnetic properties of nanometer CoNbZr films in gigahertz frequency range by electrical pulse annealing
Authors: Hao Guijie , Zhang Huaiwu , Tang Xiaoli
Published: April 2013

A new method using electrical pulse annealing to improve soft magnetic properties of nanometer CoNbZr thin films was presented in this investigation. The effects of various parameters on the properties of the synthesized nanometer crystal films, such as grain size, structure, and ferromagnetic resonance with different electrical pulse annealing have been analyzed. The results showed that (1) the saturation magnetization (4πMs) of the thin films increased from 7.89 kGs to 12.67 kGs, (2) the ferromagnetic resonance field decreased from 870.36 Oe to 764.57 Oe at the frequency of 10 GHz, and (3) the cutoff frequency (fr) increased up to 2.3 GHz when the power of the electrical pulse was increased from 0.16 W to 0.81 W. It has been found that the optimal point of electrical pulse power is ∼0.54 W. Under this annealing condition, the soft magnetic property of a CoNbZr film, such as a 4πMs, anisotropy field (Hk) has been improved rapidly. Additionally, the grain size of the film has been decreased as well. On the other hand, the variation of the damping coefficient was found to be the minimum when the power of the annealing electrical pulse was 0.54 W.
Effect of Fe to P concentration ratio on structures, crystallization behavior, and magnetic properties in (Fe0.79+xP0.1−xC0.04B0.04Si0.03)99Cu1 alloys
Authors: Zhang Mingxiao , Wang Anding , Yang Weiming , Shen Baolong
Published: April 2013

The effect of Fe to P concentration ratio on structures, crystallization behavior, and magnetic properties in (Fe0.79+xP0.1−xC0.04B0.04Si0.03)99Cu1 alloys was investigated. The increase of Fe to P concentration ratio changes the structure and crystallization process of as-quenched ribbon. Nanocrystalline alloys with excellent soft magnetic properties were synthesized upon annealing the as-quenched ribbon with primary crystals. The (Fe0.84P0.05C0.04B0.04Si0.03)99Cu1 nanocrystalline alloy exhibits excellent magnetic properties, such as high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.74 T, low coercivity of 4.9 A/m, high effective permeability of 22 900 (at 1 kHz), low core loss of 3.1 W/kg at 1.0 T and 400 Hz, and 8.9 W/kg at 1.0 T and 1 kHz, respectively.
Phase-delayed laser diode array allows ultrasonic guided wave mode selection and tuning
Authors: Karppinen Pasi , Salmi Ari , Moilanen Petro , Karppinen Timo , Zhao Zuomin , Myllylä Risto , Timonen Jussi , Hæggström Edward
Published: April 2013

Selecting and tuning modes are useful in ultrasonic guided wave non-destructive testing (NDT) since certain modes at various center frequencies are sensitive to specific types of defects. Ideally one should be able to select both the mode and the center frequency of the launched waves. We demonstrated that an affordable laser diode array can selectively launch either the S0 or A0 ultrasonic wave mode at a chosen center frequency into a polymer plate. A fiber-coupled diode array (4 elements) illuminated a 2 mm thick acrylic plate. A predetermined time delay matching the selected mode and frequency was employed between the output of the elements. The generated ultrasound was detected by a 215 kHz piezo receiver. Our results imply that this array permits non-contacting guided wave ultrasonic NDT. The solution is small, affordable, and robust in comparison to conventional pulsed lasers. In addition, it does not require experienced operators.
Impact of surface periodic grating on film bulk acoustic resonator structures to spurious transverse resonances
Authors: Liu Jiansong , Omori Tatsuya , Ahn Changjun , Hashimoto Ken-ya
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses applicability of the Bragg reflection in a periodic grating placed on the top electrode of the film bulk acoustic resonator structure in order to forbid lateral propagation of the spurious Lamb mode. The finite element analysis is performed for two representative structures, namely, Mo/ZnO/Mo and Ru/AlN/Ru, on which the first-order symmetric Lamb mode exhibits the “Type-I” and “Type-II” dispersion, respectively. It is demonstrated theoretically that for both cases, the stop band is generated by the Bragg reflection, and a spurious free resonance is obtainable provided that the grating period and height are set so that the stop band covers the frequency range where the lateral mode resonances occur.
Correlation between processing conditions of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 and modulated surface photovoltage
Authors: Lin X. Z. , Dittrich Th. , Fengler S. , Lux-Steiner M. Ch. , Ennaoui A.
Published: April 2013

Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTSSe) layers deposited from multi-component nanoparticle inks were characterized by modulated surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy to investigate the effect of annealing conditions. The SPV signals increased strongly with decreasing sulfur content. Band gaps were obtained in terms of SPV onset energy. A diffusion length of above 1 μm was estimated for photo-generated electrons at x = 0.28. The band gap increased with increasing x showing an anomaly in the range of 0.5 < x < 1. The results suggested that an excess of selenium is required for the formation of a photo-active phase reliable for efficient Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4-based solar cells.
Passivating chemical vapor deposited graphene with metal oxides for transfer and transistor fabrication processes
Authors: Yamaguchi Junichi , Hayashi Kenjiro , Sato Shintaro , Yokoyama Naoki
Published: April 2013

The dependence of the spectroscopic and electrical transport characteristics of graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition on oxide-passivations was investigated. We found that in graphene transfer and transistor fabrication processes, Al2O3- and Cr2O3-passivations are effective to suppress the extrinsic p-type doping into graphene due to surface contamination. TiO2- and NiO-passivations are not suitable because p–d hybridization between graphene π (pz) and metal (Ti or Ni) d orbitals occurs at the interfaces, resulting in deteriorated transport properties.
Evaluation of surgical implantation of electronic tags in European eel and effects of different suture materials
Authors: Thorstad Eva B. , Økland Finn , Westerberg Håkan , Aarestrup Kim , Metcalfe Julian D.
Published: April 2013

Effects of implanting data-storage tags in European eel, Anguilla anguilla, and the suitability of different suture materials (braided permanent silk, permanent monofilament, absorbable and absorbable antibacterial) were examined. The tags consisted of an electronic unit and three floats on a wire, making them flexible and able to follow the swimming movements of the eel. No mortality occurred, and tagged fish did not differ from the control fish in growth. Sutures were shed or dissolved slowly. After 4 weeks, there was no difference among the groups in the proportion of sutures left. After 6 months, fish with braided silk had largely shed their sutures, fish with monofilament sutures had the majority of sutures left, whereas the fish with absorbable sutures were intermediate in between. Fish with monofilament sutures showed the least-extensive inflammation reactions and fastest wound healing. Antibacterial treatment had no effect on inflammation or healing rates. After 6 months, the tag started to become expelled through the incision in five fish (12%). The internal reaction appeared stronger around the floats, suggesting that the coating material of the floats created a tissue reaction, which should be further investigated. Intraperitoneal implantation appears to be a suitable tagging method for European silver eel, and it is recommended to close incisions using permanent monofilament sutures.
Osmoregulation and survival of two mysid species of Tenagomysis in southern estuaries of New Zealand
Authors: Paul Sourav , Krkosek Martin , Probert P. Keith , Closs Gerard P.
Published: April 2013

The mysid shrimps Tenagomysis chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae are abundant in southern New Zealand estuaries; however, little is known of their osmoregulatory capacity and survival. We investigated their osmoregulation and survival under salinities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 33 at 5°C and 20°C, to evaluate if the variation in salinity limits their distribution in estuaries. T. chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae maintained species-specific haemolymph concentrations across the salinities tested. According to AIC model selection statistics, for osmoregulatory capacity, the combined effects of salinity and temperature emerged as the most parsimonious. For survival, the non-linear effect of salinity was found as the most supported model given the data. Mortality of T. chiltoni and T. novaezealandiae increased towards the extremes of fresh and salt water but was lower in intermediate salinities (10–25). The ability of these species to osmoregulate and survive were limited at 5°C, but improved at 20°C. Life-history stage was found to be critical for explaining the variations in survival. We concluded that salinity could influence osmoregulation and survival of Tenagomysis spp., and when interacting with temperature and life-history stage, may partly explain why both shrimp species could be found in intermediate salinities and why T. chiltoni is more prevalent in the upper reaches of southern New Zealand estuaries.
‘If but as well I other accents borrow, that can my speech diffuse’
Authors: Delabastita Dirk , Hoenselaars Ton
Published: April 2013

Keywords: Functions of multilingualism; English Renaissance drama; William Shakespeare; stage dialects; Englishness vs. foreignness; interdisciplinarity
Neighbor Hob and neighbor Lob
Authors: Simon-Jones Lindsey Marie
Published: April 2013

Drawing on scholars like Paula Blank, Janette Dillon and Tim Machan, this article argues that, in the Tudor university and court plays of Shakespeare’s youth, the stigmatization of non-standard, dialect speakers demonstrates a cultural renegotiation of the contemporary linguistic climate. By defining the English language and the English people not against a foreign Other, but rather against the domestic, servile, and dialect-speaking Other, sixteenth-century playwrights demonstrated the threat of non-standard speaking and advocated the standardization of language through education while effecting cultural change through negative reinforcement. Keywords: Tudor drama; interludes; history of English language; dialect; university grammarians
‘Have you the tongues?’
Authors: Oakley-Brown Liz
Published: April 2013

This essay suggests that, as plays produced in the wake of Henry VIII’s break with Rome and the Protestant Reformation, two early Shakespearean comedies, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (c. 1590–91) and Love’s Labour’s Lost (c. 1594–95), engage with multilingualism’s and translation’s impact on early modern English identities in striking ways. While these late-sixteenth-century texts are products of a cultural mind-set grappling with the vicissitudes of Englishness via the dramatization of deftly layered social strata and linguistic differences, ultimately, I argue that they simultaneously anticipate cultural accord. — Keywords: Shakespearean comedy; the Reformation; identity politics in Elizabethan England; social exclusion; friendship We only ever speak one language […] — (yes, but) — We never speak only one language… (Jacques Derrida 1998: 10)
Social stratification and stylistic choices in Thomas Dekker’s The Shoemaker’s Holiday
Authors: Auer Anita , Withoos Marcel
Published: April 2013

The English playwright Thomas Dekker belonged to a generation of dramatists, along with Shakespeare and Jonson, who, particularly in comedy, discriminated their characters through lexical and stylistic choices. This new conception of the dramatic character is well illustrated in Dekker’s play The Shoemaker’s Holiday (1600). Written and produced in London at a time when the city attracted many migrants from all over England and Wales as well as the European continent, the speech of the characters created by Dekker represents different social groups as well as nationalities. This paper seeks to investigate socio-linguistic choices associated with selected characters and code-switching between English and Dutch in Dekker’s play. Keywords: Thomas Dekker; The Shoemaker’s Holiday; Dutch; London English; standardisation and language change; socio-historical linguistics
Interlinguicity and The Alchemist
Authors: Saenger Michael
Published: April 2013

Ben Jonson animates The Alchemist with an intersection of languages. In this moral satire, he captures the layered dialects, specialized vocabularies, and social desires of London and holds them up for view. This essay examines the play’s negotiation of ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ modes of translation, also with reference to Shakespeare’s treatment of overlapping languages, and to the use of multiple languages in a contemporary Catholic treatise on translation, A Discoverie of the Manifold Corruptions of the Holy Scriptures. Jonson’s conclusion is that the friction between languages offers opportunities for cheats to thrive onstage and off, and that the predominant language of this world is sin, from which only lucid repentance can ‘translate’ us. His satire may stand on godly ground, but his insight is also useful for the current study of translated and adapted literature, particularly Shakespeare. Keywords: The Alchemist; Ben Jonson; William Shakespeare; interlinguicity; translation Shallow: It is well said, in faith, sir, and it is well said indeed, too. “Better accomodated” – it is good; yea, indeed is it. Good phrases are surely, and ever were, very commendable. “Accomodated” – it comes of “accommodo”. Very good, a good phrase. (2 Henry IV 3.2.63–66)Falstaff: This same starved justice hath done nothing but prate to me of the wildness of his youth and the feats he hath done about Turnbull Street; and every third word a lie… (2 Henry IV 3.2.277–279)Duchess of York: No word like “Pardon” for kings’ mouths so meet.York: Speak it in French, King: say “Pardonnez-moi”. (Richard II 5.3.116–117)
The impact of touchy topics on vague language use
Authors: Zhang Grace
Published: April 2013

Vague language (VL, e.g. kind of), an integral part of language, has been attracting increased attention in linguistic studies. VL is a versatile tool of communication in presenting the world in an imprecise but powerful manner. This study explores an overlooked issue: the relationship between the sensitivity of topics and the use of VL, particularly between topical sensitivity and the form and function of VL items. The corpus consists of semi-controlled spoken interactions between Western Australian tertiary students who were asked to converse on two topics: asylum seekers (touchy) and weekend activities (less touchy). The findings reveal the impact of sensitivity, manifested by different VL frequencies (macro level) and forms (micro level) used in the different topics. More VL, and particular forms of VL (e.g. I think, some, or something), were used in the asylum seeker discourse. As the level of topical sensitivity increases, the level of vagueness in talk-in-interactions also increases: that is, the level of sensitivity, VL frequency, and specific VL items are positively related. Showing how participants use VL in responding to different degrees of sensitivity, this study enriches the scarce literature by providing fresh insights and new resources in this important research area. It is expected that the impact of touchy topics may be applicable to other areas of linguistic studies.
Tiny cells meet big questions: a closer look at bacterial cell biology
Authors: Goley Erin D.
Published: April 2013

While studying actin assembly as a graduate student with Matt Welch at the University of California at Berkeley, my interest was piqued by reports of surprising observations in bacteria: the identification of numerous cytoskeletal proteins, actin homologues fulfilling spindle-like functions, and even the presence of membrane-bound organelles. Curiosity about these phenomena drew me to Lucy Shapiro's lab at Stanford University for my postdoctoral research. In the Shapiro lab, and now in my lab at Johns Hopkins, I have focused on investigating the mechanisms of bacterial cytokinesis. Spending time as both a eukaryotic cell biologist and a bacterial cell biologist has convinced me that bacterial cells present the same questions as eukaryotic cells: How are chromosomes organized and accurately segregated? How is force generated for cytokinesis? How is polarity established? How are signals transduced within and between cells? These problems are conceptually similar between eukaryotes and bacteria, although their solutions can differ significantly in specifics. In this Perspective, I provide a broad view of cell biological phenomena in bacteria, the technical challenges facing those of us who peer into bacterial cells, and areas of common ground as research in eukaryotic and bacterial cell biology moves forward.
The dual role of fission yeast Tbc1/cofactor C orchestrates microtubule homeostasis in tubulin folding and acts as a GAP for GTPase Alp41/Arl2
Authors: Mori Risa , Toda Takashi
Published: April 2013

Supplying the appropriate amount of correctly folded α/β-tubulin heterodimers is critical for microtubule dynamics. Formation of assembly-competent heterodimers is remarkably elaborate at the molecular level, in which the α- and β-tubulins are separately processed in a chaperone-dependent manner. This sequential step is performed by the tubulin-folding cofactor pathway, comprising a specific set of regulatory proteins: cofactors A–E. We identified the fission yeast cofactor: the orthologue of cofactor C, Tbc1. In addition to its roles in tubulin folding, Tbc1 acts as a GAP in regulating Alp41/Arl2, a highly conserved small GTPase. Of interest, the expression of GDP- or GTP-bound Alp41 showed the identical microtubule loss phenotype, suggesting that continuous cycling between these forms is important for its functions. In addition, we found that Alp41 interacts with Alp1D, the orthologue of cofactor D, specifically when in the GDP-bound form. Intriguingly, Alp1Dcolocalizes with microtubules when in excess, eventually leading to depolymerization, which is sequestered by co-overproducing GDP-bound Alp41. We present a model of the final stages of the tubulin cofactor pathway that includes a dual role for both Tbc1 and Alp1Din opposing regulation of the microtubule.
OKVAR-Boost: a novel boosting algorithm to infer nonlinear dynamics and interactions in gene regulatory networks
Authors: Lim Néhémy , Şenbabaoğlu Yasin , Michailidis George , d’Alché-Buc Florence
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks remains a central challenge in computational systems biology, despite recent advances facilitated by benchmark in silico challenges that have aided in calibrating their performance. A number of approaches using either perturbation (knock-out) or wild-type time-series data have appeared in the literature addressing this problem, with the latter using linear temporal models. Nonlinear dynamical models are particularly appropriate for this inference task, given the generation mechanism of the time-series data. In this study, we introduce a novel nonlinear autoregressive model based on operator-valued kernels that simultaneously learns the model parameters, as well as the network structure.

Results: A flexible boosting algorithm (OKVAR-Boost) that shares features from L2-boosting and randomization-based algorithms is developed to perform the tasks of parameter learning and network inference for the proposed model. Specifically, at each boosting iteration, a regularized Operator-valued Kernel-based Vector AutoRegressive model (OKVAR) is trained on a random subnetwork. The final model consists of an ensemble of such models. The empirical estimation of the ensemble model’s Jacobian matrix provides an estimation of the network structure. The performance of the proposed algorithm is first evaluated on a number of benchmark datasets from the DREAM3 challenge and then on real datasets related to the In vivo Reverse-Engineering and Modeling Assessment (IRMA) and T-cell networks. The high-quality results obtained strongly indicate that it outperforms existing approaches.

Availability: The OKVAR-Boost Matlab code is available as the archive: http://amis-group.fr/sourcecode-okvar-boost/OKVARBoost-v1.0.zip.

Contact:  florence.dalche@ibisc.univ-evry.fr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Galectin‐3 and left ventricular reverse remodelling after surgical mitral valve repair
Authors: Kortekaas Kirsten A. , Hoogslag Georgette E. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Dokter Martin M. , Versteegh Michel I.M. , Braun Jerry , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Verwey Hariette F. , Delgado Victoria , Schalij Martin J. , Klautz Robert J.M.
Published: April 2013

Aims

Mitral valve repair in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) has been associated with beneficial left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling. Recently, galectin‐3 emerged as a marker of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis which may influence LV remodelling after surgery. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between pre‐operative galectin‐3 levels and LV reverse remodelling in heart failure patients with significant FMR who underwent mitral valve repair.

Methods and results

In total, 42 heart failure patients (66 ± 10 years, 69% male) were evaluated. Plasma galectin‐3 levels were assessed pre‐operatively. Two‐dimensional echocardiographic parameters were measured at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. LV reverse remodelling was defined as a decrease in LV end‐systolic volume ≥15% at 6 months follow‐up. In total, 57% of the patients showed LV reverse remodelling. Patients with LV reverse remodelling showed significantly lower pre‐operative galectin‐3 levels (17.5 ± 5.6 vs. 23.7 ± 9.9 ng/mL, P = 0.009) compared with patients without LV reverse remodelling. In addition, patients with galectin‐3 ≤18.2 ng/mL had a six‐fold higher probability of showing LV reverse remodelling after surgery as compared with patients with levels >18.2 ng/mL (odds ratio 6.58, 95% confidence interval 1.32–33.33, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

High pre‐operative plasma galectin‐3 is independently associated with the absence of LV reverse remodelling after mitral valve repair. Galectin‐3 may be useful to identify heart failure patients who will need additional treatment to obtain beneficial LV reverse remodelling.