bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite elements micromagnetic simulation of domain wall resonance
Authors: Ntallis N. , Efthimiadis K. G.
Published: September 2016

In this work, the finite elements method is used to simulate, by micromagnetic modeling, the motion of a magnetic domain wall under the action of an oscillating external field. In the micromagnetic magnetization dynamics, a nonzero inertia tensor is used, resulting in a partial differential equation also containing the second time derivative of the magnetization. The model is investigated in all of its parameters, and it is validated by solving the NIST problem μMag#4. All the simulations were carried out on spherical particles of an uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and they started with the nucleation and the growth of the magnetic domains. Under the influence of an oscillating external field, the susceptibility spectra are calculated for different magnetic parameters. For low damping values in the susceptibility spectra, beyond the contribution of the coherent oscillating domain wall, multiple resonances are also found.
Strained HgTe plates grown on SrTiO3 investigated by micro-Raman mapping
Authors: Lv Meng , Wang Reng , Wei Laiming , Yu Guolin , Lin Tie , Dai Ning , Chu Junhao , Lockwood David. J.
Published: September 2016

HgTe plates have been grown by vapor phase epitaxy on (111) SrTiO3 substrates with a preferred orientation in the (111) crystalline direction, as indicated by x-ray diffraction. Examination of the plates using the micro-Raman mapping shows that the HgTe plates exhibit unusual strain patterns: the Raman peaks from the transverse-optical and longitudinal-optical phonons for the thicker (central) parts of the HgTe plates are at the same frequency as that of the bulk HgTe, while the Raman peaks for the thinner parts of the HgTe plates, which surround the thicker parts and can hardly be seen in a scanning electron microscope, are significantly larger in frequency. The full width at half maximum is smaller in the thinner areas than in the thicker parts. Theoretical analysis shows that the HgTe plates on SrTiO3 substrates suffer from compressive stress, and this may be sufficient to induce the three-dimensional topological insulator behavior in HgTe.
Entropy and information of a spinless charged particle in time-varying magnetic fields
Authors: Aguiar V. , Guedes I.
Published: September 2016

We calculate the Fisher information (Fr and Fp) and the Shannon entropies (Sr and Sp) of a spinless charged particle in three different configurations of time-varying magnetic field, B(t). To do so, we first obtain the exact wave functions for a general time-dependent system by using a dynamical invariant method. By considering the solutions for n = m = 0, we were able to obtain the expressions of Fr, Fp, Sr, and Sp in terms of a c-number quantity, ρ, which has to be a real solution of the Milne–Pinney equation. We observe that the inequality FrFp ≤ 16 holds for the systems considered. We also observed squeezing phenomenon in momentum or/and coordinate spaces with increasing time.
Hydrazine-enhanced NO conversion in a pulsed corona discharge plasma (PCDP) reactor: Behaviors and mechanism
Authors: Hong Liu , Chen De-Zhen , Yin Li-Jie , Chen Hui , Wang Du , Hu Yu-Yan
Published: September 2016

The NO conversion efficiency in a pulsed corona discharge plasma (PCDP) reactor in the presence of a new additive, hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·H2O), was studied, and the reaction mechanism was analyzed. The NO conversion efficiency reached 62.5%, and the NO conversion Energy Yield (EY) reached 20.9 gNO/kWh, which is higher than that obtained using water or ammonia additives under the same conditions. The predominant elementary reactions and radicals, as well as the mechanism by which the additive enhanced the NO conversion process, were determined by comparing experimental data with theoretical simulation results and by performing a sensitivity analysis. After the addition of N2H4·H2O, the N2H4 reacts with radicals generated in the PCDP reactor to form a large quantity of strongly reducing species with NH2 as the predominant component, which can directly reduce NO to N2 and effectively prevent the generation of N2O. Compared with the traditional PCDP-based De-NOx process in which nitric acid is generated by oxidation with an additional neutralization step required, this new PCDP-based De-NOx process with N2H4·H2O addition is superior because NO is mostly reduced to N2. The study provides a basis for the application of N2H4·H2O as a synergist to improve NO abatement in a PCDP reactor.
Magnetic nature of surface and exchange bias effect in NiO nanosheets
Authors: Zhang X. K. , Yuan J. J. , Xie Y. M. , Yu Y. , Yu H. J. , Zhu X. R. , Kuang F. G. , Shen H.
Published: September 2016

The Mesoporous NiO nanosheets with an average thickness of ∼30 nm have been synthesized by annealing Ni(OH)2 precursors. Magnetic measurements show that the NiO nanosheets can be considered as a core-shell type magnetic structure, in which the surface shell layer behaves as a coexistence of two-dimensional diluted antiferromagnetic (2D DAFF) and spin glass (SG) behaviors; the core retains its original bulk antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase. Field-cooled hysteresis loop measurements confirm the presence of exchange bias (EB) effect in the NiO nanosheets. The temperature dependence of the exchange bias field indicates that the observed EB effect originates from an interface exchange coupling interaction between the AFM core and the 2D DAFF shell layer. A phenomenological AFM-DAFF-SG magnetic structure model is proposed to interpret the magnetic properties of these NiO nanosheets.
Transparent conducting properties of Re-doped β-MoO3 films
Authors: Yamamoto Kuniko , Shimizu Ryota , Shiraki Susumu , Hitosugi Taro
Published: September 2016

We report the significant increase in the electrical conductivity, by five orders of magnitude, of Re-doped β-MoO3 epitaxial films grown using reactive DC magnetron sputtering. Re atoms were successfully incorporated into the films by using Mo-Re alloy targets, although the film compositions deviated significantly from those of the targets. Pristine β-MoO3 exhibited a conductivity below 10−7 S/cm, whereas β-Mo0.982Re0.018O3 exhibited a conductivity of 1.2 × 10−2 S/cm and a high optical transmittance of 67% (average) in the visible region. Furthermore, transparent conducting properties were reproduced in a polycrystalline film grown on a glass substrate, indicating the high potential of these films for use as transparent conductors.
5.6 μm quantum cascade lasers based on a two-material active region composition with a room temperature wall-plug efficiency exceeding 28%
Authors: Lyakh A. , Suttinger M. , Go R. , Figueiredo P. , Todi A.
Published: September 2016

5.6 μm quantum cascade lasers based on the Al0.78In0.22As/In0.69Ga0.31As active region composition with the measured pulsed room temperature wall plug efficiency of 28.3% are reported. Injection efficiency for the upper laser level of 75% was measured for the design by testing devices with variable cavity lengths. A threshold current density of 1.7 kA/cm2 and a slope efficiency of 4.9 W/A were measured for uncoated 3.15 mm × 9 μm lasers. Threshold current density and slope efficiency dependence on temperature in the range from 288 K to 348 K for the structure can be described by characteristic temperatures T0 ∼ 140 K and T1 ∼ 710 K, respectively.
The effect of structural disorder on the secondary electron emission of graphite
Authors: Gonzalez L. A. , Larciprete R. , Cimino R.
Published: September 2016

The dependance of the secondary electron yield (SEY) on the degree of crystallinity of graphite has been investigated during the amorphization of a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) samples by means of Ar+ bombardment. Photoemission and Raman spectroscopies were used to follow the structural damage while the SEY curves were measured from very low energies up to 1000 eV. We found that the increase of lattice defects lowers the contribution of the π electrons in the valence band and loss spectra and smears out the intense modulations in the low energy secondary electron yield (LE-SEY) curve. Raman spectroscopy results showed that ion induced lattice amorphization is confined in a near-surface layer. The evolution of SEY curves was observed with the progressive Ar+ dosage after crystal damage as due to the modification of the electronic transport properties within the damaged near surface layer.
Performance enhanced design of chaos controller for the mechanical centrifugal flywheel governor system via adaptive dynamic surface control
Authors: Luo Shaohua , Hou Zhiwei , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses chaos suppression of the mechanical centrifugal flywheel governor system with output constraint and fully unknown parameters via adaptive dynamic surface control. To have a certain understanding of chaotic nature of the mechanical centrifugal flywheel governor system and subsequently design its controller, the useful tools like the phase diagrams and corresponding time histories are employed. By using tangent barrier Lyapunov function, a dynamic surface control scheme with neural network and tracking differentiator is developed to transform chaos oscillation into regular motion and the output constraint rule is not broken in whole process. Plugging second-order tracking differentiator into chaos controller tackles the “explosion of complexity” of backstepping and improves the accuracy in contrast with the first-order filter. Meanwhile, Chebyshev neural network with adaptive law whose input only depends on a subset of Chebyshev polynomials is derived to learn the behavior of unknown dynamics. The boundedness of all signals of the closed-loop system is verified in stability analysis. Finally, the results of numerical simulations illustrate effectiveness and exhibit the superior performance of the proposed scheme by comparing with the existing ADSC method.
Origin of lattice compression of FeSe1-xTex thin films on CaF2 substrates
Authors: Tsukada I. , Ichinose A. , Nabeshima F. , Imai Y. , Maeda A.
Published: September 2016

Microstructure of FeSe1-xTex thin films near the interface to CaF2 is investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). TEM observation at the initial crystal-growth stage reveals that marked lattice compression occurs along the in-plane direction in the films with Se-rich composition, while the a-axis length of FeTe remains as its original value of bulk crystal. Subsequent EDX analysis demonstrates substantial diffusion of Se into the CaF2 substrate. Such diffusion is not prominent for Te. Thus, the formation of Se-deficient layer at the initial growth stage on CaF2 is concluded to be the main reason of the lattice compression in FeSe1-xTex thin films.
Asymmetric transmission of acoustic waves in a layer thickness distribution gradient structure using metamaterials
Authors: Chen Jung-San , Chang I-Ling , Huang Wan-Ting , Chen Lien-Wen , Huang Guan-Hua
Published: September 2016

This research presents an innovative asymmetric transmission design using alternate layers of water and metamaterial with complex mass density. The directional transmission behavior of acoustic waves is observed numerically inside the composite structure with gradient layer thickness distribution and the rectifying performance of the present design is evaluated. The layer thickness distributions with arithmetic and geometric gradients are considered and the effect of gradient thickness on asymmetric wave propagation is systematically investigated using finite element simulation. The numerical results indicate that the maximum pressure density and transmission through the proposed structure are significantly influenced by the wave propagation direction over a wide range of audible frequencies. Tailoring the thickness of the layered structure enables the manipulation of asymmetric wave propagation within the desired frequency range. In conclusion, the proposed design offers a new possibility for developing directional-dependent acoustic devices.
Effects of phytase, calcium source, calcium concentration and particle size on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and skeletal integrity
Authors: Bradbury E. J. , Wilkinson S. J. , Cronin G. M. , Walk C. L. , Cowieson A. J.
Published: September 2016

The study herein investigated the effect of mean particle size, calcium (Ca) source, Ca concentration and phytase on broiler performance, mineral digestibility and skeletal integrity from 1 to 28 days post-hatch. Sixteen dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design consisting of two Ca sources (limestone or a highly soluble calcium, HSC), two Ca concentrations (9.0 or 6.0 g/kg from Day 0 to Day 14 and 8.0 or 5.5 g/kg from Day 15 to Day 28), two Ca particle sizes (<0.5 or >0.5 mm) and two phytase-supplementation levels (0 or 1000 FTU/kg). Overall performance (Days 1–28) showed that the addition of phytase to diets containing 8.0 g/kg total Ca provided by HSC improved feed intake (P < 0.05), but there was no effect of the addition of phytase to birds fed Ca from limestone. Phytase supplementation decreased feed intake in birds fed limestone with a mean particle size >0.5 mm and increased feed intake in birds fed HSC with a mean particle size >0.5 mm, which resulted in a Ca source × Ca particle size × phytase interaction (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets containing HSC had a lower liveweight gain than did birds fed diets containing limestone (P = 0.03). Increasing the dietary Ca concentration from 5.5 g/kg to 8.0 g/kg total Ca decreased liveweight gain (P = 0.01). Phytase supplementation increased final liveweight gain (P < 0.001). Foot ash was observed to be higher in birds that received diets containing 8.0 g/kg Ca (P < 0.05). Phytase supplementation increased foot ash percentage (P < 0.05). Phytase increased Ca digestibility in birds fed diets containing Ca provided by HSC with a mean particle size <0.5 mm and diets containing limestone with a mean particle size >0.5 mm (P < 0.05). Phytase increased Ca digestibility in birds fed 5.5 g/kg Ca, but had no effect on Ca digestibility in birds fed 8.0 g/kg Ca (P < 0.05). The addition of phytase to diets improved the digestibility of phosphorus, especially in birds fed diets containing limestone (P < 0.05), or 8.0 g/kg total Ca (P < 0.05), or diets with a mean particle size >0.5 mm (P < 0.05). The results of the present study are consistent with those of previous studies by the authors, which have shown that low dietary Ca in conjunction with phytase improves broiler performance and mineral digestibility. Phytase improved growth performance, regardless of Ca source or Ca concentration and improved mineral digestibility.
Two 3D ZnII Metal–Organic Frameworks with 3- and 8-Fold Interpenetration: Syntheses, Structures, Photodegradation, and Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Fan Chuan-Bin , Meng Xiang-Min , Fan Yu-Hua , Zong Zi-Ao , Zhang Xiao-Yin , Bi Cai-Feng
Published: September 2016

Two novel coordination polymers, namely {[Zn(sbdc)(bmib)]·0.4H2O}n (1) and {[Zn(sbdc)(bibd)]·DMF}n (2) (H2sbdc = 4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic, bmib = 1,4-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)butane, bibd = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), have been acquired under solvothermal conditions, and have been characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Single-crystal XRD analysis reveals that 1 shows eight-fold interpenetrating 3D frameworks with a four-connected (66) sqc6 topology and 2 displays four-connected three-fold interpenetrating 3D frameworks. The flexible N-donor ligands play an important role in the construction of the final topological structures for 1 and 2. Furthermore, 1 and 2 exhibit good photodegradation capability and photoluminescence properties.
Binder-Free TiO2 Monolith-Packed Pipette Tips for the Enrichment of Phosphorylated Peptides
Authors: Lei Chang , Zhou Liang , Xu Chun , Sun Xiaoran , Nouwens Amanda , Yu Chengzhong
Published: September 2016

A macroporous TiO2 monolith-entrapped pipette-tip was developed through a binder-free packing method for convenient phosphorylated peptide enrichment. A detection limit of 1 ng mL–1 for phosphorylated peptide is achieved, showing a better enrichment efficiency compared with the commercial pure TiO2-embedded NuTip.
Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to soil phosphorus patches depends on context
Authors: Wang Guangzhou , Li Xia , Christie Peter , Zhang Junling , Li Xiaolin
Published: September 2016

Foraging strategies in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for heterogeneously distributed resources in the soil remain to be explored. We used nylon-mesh bags of 30 μm to simulate patches of different phosphorus (P) supply levels (Expt 1) and P forms (organic v. inorganic, Expts 1 and 2). In Expt 1, host maize (Zea mays) was unfertilised; in each pot, five P-enriched bags were supplied with either Na-phytate or KH2PO4 at P rates of 0 (P0), 50 (P50), 100 (P100), 150 (P150) and 200 (P200) mg P kg–1. In Expt 2, maize plants were supplied with 20 (P20) or 50 (P50) mg P kg–1, and five P-enriched bags were supplied with different P forms (Na-phytate, lecithin, RNA, KH2PO4) and a nil-P control. Three fungal species (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Glomus etunicatum) were compared in Expt 1, and the first two species in Expt 2.
In Expt 1, the hyphal-length density (HLD) of G. etunicatum was not significantly different among different P levels when supplied with KH2PO4, whereas the HLD of R. irregularis tended to increase at higher P supply (above P50) in the Na-phytate treatment. The HLD of F. mosseae increased at P150 when supplied with KH2PO4, and increased at P100 and P150 in the Na-phytate treatment relative to P0. APase activity levels were more related to P supply level, in particular with F. mosseae inoculation and uninoculated control, showing that P200 significantly reduced APase relative to P0. In Expt 2, greater hyphal growth of both fungal species tended to occur with KH2PO4. At P20, the HLD of R. irregularis in treatments with KH2PO4 and lecithin, and of F. mosseae with KH2PO4, were higher than in P0. At P50, the HLD of F. mosseae was higher than of R. irregularis; but P form had no significant influence on HLD of F. mosseae, whereas the HLD of R. irregularis in the P-amended treatment (except with Na-phytate) was higher than in P0. APase activity did not differ significantly between the two fungal species. Highest APase activity generally occurred with lecithin, with no significant difference among the other P forms. Our results indicate that the response of AMF to P-enriched patches is complex, and both the form and amount of P supplied should be considered. Variations between AMF in the proliferation of hyphae to heterogeneous nutrient patches might be a mechanism by which these species can maintain diversity in intensive agricultural ecosystems.
The significance of topographic complexity in habitat selection and persistence of a declining marsupial in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Hohnen Rosemary , Tuft Katherine , Legge Sarah , Walters Naomi , Johanson Lucy , Carver Scott , Radford Ian J. , Johnson Christopher N.
Published: September 2016

Mammalian species in northern Australia are declining. The resources that many species from this region require to persist in the landscape remain poorly understood. We examined habitat selection and diet of the scaly-tailed possum (Wyulda squamicaudata, hereafter called Wyulda) in the north-west Kimberley, Western Australia, in relation to variation in complexity of rocky habitat, habitat heterogeneity, and recent fire history. We fitted GPS tags to 23 Wyulda between January 2013 and February 2014 and analysed step selection between GPS fixes to describe habitat choice. We assessed diet by microscopic analysis of plant fragments from 47 faecal samples. Individual Wyulda preferentially foraged in locations with high rock complexity and high habitat heterogeneity in a wide variety of habitats, but denned exclusively in complex rock piles. They used savannas of a range of post-fire ages, including recently burnt (1–2 months after fire) and long unburnt (>24 months after fire). They were highly frugivorous with, on average, 77% of plant fragments per scat sample identified as fruit epidermal layers. Overall, rock complexity appears to be an important landscape attribute for Wyulda, as it may provide den sites and protect fire-sensitive landscape features such as fruiting trees and habitat heterogeneity.
Superflexibility of graphene oxide
Authors: Poulin Philippe , Jalili Rouhollah , Neri Wilfrid , Nallet Frédéric , Divoux Thibaut , Colin Annie , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Wallace Gordon , Zakri Cécile
Published: September 2016

Significance

Bending of a thin plate simultaneously involves contraction and stretching of matter relative to a neutral plane, and tensile rigidity dictates the ability of a thin platelet to be bent. If graphene or graphene oxide (GO) were actually behaving as thin platelets, they would display high bending rigidity. Bending measurements for atomic monolayers remain particularly challenging because of their difficult manipulation. We quantitatively measure the GO bending rigidity by characterizing the flattening of thermal undulations in response to shear forces in solution. The bending modulus is found to be 1
kT
, which is about two orders of magnitude lower than the bending rigidity of neat graphene. Amazingly, the high stiffness of GO is associated with an unexpected low bending modulus.
Rotation of artificial rotor axles in rotary molecular motors
Authors: Baba Mihori , Iwamoto Kousuke , Iino Ryota , Ueno Hiroshi , Hara Mayu , Nakanishi Atsuko , Kishikawa Jun-ichi , Noji Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Ken
Published: September 2016

Significance

F
1
/V
1
-ATPases are sophisticated molecular machines that convert the motion of a stator cylinder driven by sequential ATP hydrolysis to rotation of a central rotor protein. Here, we reveal the rotation of artificial rotor proteins composed of exogenous rod proteins that show no apparent sequence similarity with the native axles. The estimated torque by the artificial rotor in the stator ring of V
1
was almost identical to that by the native axle protein. These results demonstrate that the principle of rotational motion by these molecular motors relies solely upon the coarse-grained interaction between the rotor and stator. These findings imply that the ancient F
1
or V
1
motor domain has evolved from a poorly designed motor protein more readily than initially assumed.
Normalizing translation through 4E-BP prevents mTOR-driven cortical mislamination and ameliorates aberrant neuron integration
Authors: Lin Tiffany V. , Hsieh Lawrence , Kimura Tomoki , Malone Taylor J. , Bordey Angélique
Published: September 2016

Significance

Increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is associated with many neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, ranging from epilepsy to autism, that feature developmental defects in the organization of the cortex. Despite the fact that much research has focused on mTORC1-related disorders, the downstream effectors that produce these developmental defects are not well understood. To begin filling that void, this study looked at the role of one of the many cellular processes regulated by mTORC1, cap-dependent translation. Surprisingly, normalizing signaling through only one of mTORC1’s targets [eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs)] was able to block ectopic placement of cortical neurons, and mimicking mTORC1 signaling through 4E-BP alone was sufficient to induce neuron misplacement.
Structural definition of the lysine swing in
Arabidopsis thaliana
PDX1: Intermediate channeling facilitating vitamin B
6
biosynthesis
Authors: Robinson Graham C. , Kaufmann Markus , Roux Céline , Fitzpatrick Teresa B.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Multifunctional enzymes have been shown to recruit distinct domains for their reactions, remodel active sites, or connect different sites by substrate channeling to facilitate the multitude of transformations taking place. Pyridoxine synthase (PDX1) of the vitamin B
6
biosynthesis machinery is a remarkable enzyme that alone has a polymorphic catalytic ability designated to two active sites, the coordination of which is unclear. Here structural snapshots allow us to describe a lysine swinging arm mechanism that facilitates serviced substrate transfer and demonstrates how an enzyme can couple distinct chemistry between active sites, dispensing with the need for extra domains, substrate tunneling, or transfer of coenzyme bound intermediates. The work provides an elegant example of simplicity at work in nature’s sea of complexity.
Diabetic wound regeneration using peptide-modified hydrogels to target re-epithelialization
Authors: Xiao Yun , Reis Lewis A. , Feric Nicole , Knee Erica J. , Gu Junhao , Cao Shuwen , Laschinger Carol , Londono Camila , Antolovich Julia , McGuigan Alison P. , Radisic Milica
Published: September 2016

Significance

Current treatments for diabetic chronic wounds fail to achieve effective therapeutic outcomes. The majority of these treatments focus on angiogenesis, but diabetes often involves endothelial dysfunction. A hallmark of regenerative wound healing is rapid, effective re-epithelialization. In this study, we present QHREDGS (glutamine-histidine-arginine-glutamic acid-aspartic acid-glycine-serine), a prosurvival peptide derived from angiopoietin-1, as a therapeutic candidate that targets re-epithelialization. Immobilized QHREDGS peptide promoted cell survival against hydrogen peroxide stress and collective cell migration of both normal and diabetic human keratinocytes in vitro. The clinical relevance was demonstrated further in type 2 diabetic mice: A single treatment with a low QHREDGS dose immobilized in chitosan–collagen was effective in promoting wound healing, and a single high-dose peptide treatment outperformed a clinically approved porous collagen dressing.
Cyclic-nucleotide–gated cation current and Ca2+-activated Cl current elicited by odorant in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons
Authors: Li Rong-Chang , Ben-Chaim Yair , Yau King-Wai , Lin Chih-Chun
Published: September 2016

Significance

The electrical response of vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons to odorants consists of two components: an inward cyclic-nucleotide–gated, nonselective cation current and an inward calcium-activated chloride current. These two currents are causally and tightly coupled, making them difficult to be separated. We have now succeeded in cleanly separating these two currents and found the Cl current to be dominant whether the overall response is at threshold for signaling to the brain or has reached saturation. Thus, the Cl current appears to have an important role in signal amplification in olfaction across the stimulus range.
Reconsidering the development of the discourse completion test in interlanguage pragmatics
Authors: Labben Afef
Published: September 2016

A survey of the field of Interlanguage Pragmatics (ILP) shows that the Discourse Completion Test (DCT)2, also referred to as a ‘discourse completion task’ or a ‘production questionnaire’, has been the most frequently used instrument to evaluate second/foreign language learners’ ability to perform speech acts in a target language, despite the harsh criticism leveled against its low construct validity and its failure to represent the features of authentic discourse. Interestingly, focusing on the statement of objectives of a number of ILP studies using DCTs, one can notice that such studies rarely refer to the DCT as a language test. In addition, an overview of the DCT design process as described in several ILP studies shows that ever since its adaptation for the study of pragmatic ability (Blum-Kulka, 1982), there has been a tendency to use or adapt one of the existing DCT versions used in previous studies based on the argument of comparability of results. While a number of ILP researchers tried to improve the design of the DCT by the inclusion of rejoinders or by enhancing the prompt material (e.g. Billmyer and Varghese, 2000), few attempts have been made to reconsider the DCT development process. McNamara and Roever (2006: 253) urge for the need for “more research on testing of sociopragmatic knowledge and design of discourse completion tests for testing purposes.”The present paper starts with an overview of the literature about DCTs with special reference to the cognitive validity of the instrument and to previous studies dealing with DCT structure and content. Then, with reference to research in the fields of language testing and psychometrics, it shows that, whether used for research or instructional purposes, the DCT shares several qualities with language tests. As such, it is argued that the DCT should be treated as a language test and not as a questionnaire and should, thus, undergo a rigorous developmental process. Based on recent models of language test construction, the paper concludes with an overview of the stages of DCT development.
Debate with zhuangzi
Authors: Xiang Mingjian , Pascual Esther
Published: September 2016

This study deals with the use of expository questions as discourse strategy inZhuangzi(4thc. B.C.), a foundational text of Daoism. We treat this particular type of non-information-seeking questions (e.g. “Why?Because…”) as a manifestation of conversational monologues, which are themselves fictive kinds of interactions between the original writer and subsequent reader(s) (Pascual 2002, 2014). We further analyze expository questions as constructions of intersubjectivity (cf. Verhagen 2005, 2008), involving a viewpoint blend (Dancygier and Sweetser 2012), integrating the perspectives of the writer, the assumed readers and the discourse characters. We hope to show that–counter to what is commonly assumed in discourse studies–conversationalization is not restricted to modern institutional discourse (Fairclough 1994) or spoken informal speech (Streeck 2002).
Language, identity, and urban youth subculture
Authors: Tosin Gbogi Michael
Published: September 2016

Towards the turn of the 20th century, a new wave of hip hop music emerged in Nigeria whose sense of popularity activated, and was activated by, the employment of complex linguistic strategies. Indirection, ambiguity, circumlocution, language mixing, pun, double meaning, and inclusive pronominals, among others, are not only used by artists in performing the glocal orientations of their music but also become for them valuable resources in the fashioning of multiple identities. In this paper, I interrogate some of these linguistic markers, using four broad paradigms: “Signifying,” “slangifying,” “double meaning,” and “pronominals and ghetto naming.” Under each of these areas, I show how Nigerian hip hop music is creating–through the mediation of language–sub-identities and a new subculture for a generation of urban youth.
Persian favor asking in formal and informal academic contexts
Authors: Saeli Hooman
Published: September 2016

The investigation of speech acts has been of interest, especially in cross-cultural pragmatics, to many L1/L2 researchers for many years (Blum-Kulka, House and Kasper 1989). Favor-asking, as an important speech act, is centered upon having the other party of conversation do a specific act (Goldschmidt 1999). Although some research has been done on favor-asking in different contexts, studies on this speech act are still scarce, if any, in Persian settings. The main thrust of the current study was to investigate favor-asking among a sample of 20 native speakers of Persian (10 women and 10 men). The participants were selected from graduate students, since the employed oral DCT scenarios were designed to elicit favors asked from three different academic statuses: Higher, equal, and lower (professors, peers, and students, respectively). A total of 240 responses were then analyzed to identify the recurring patterns under the three open-coded categories of pre-favor, favor, and post-favor. The examination of the responses illustrated some variation triggered by gender and academic status differences, namely, the length of favors, frequency of some (sub)themes, and formality degree. Additionally, some relevant syntactic issues were explored (e.g. plural/singular pronouns/verbs), which contributed to the formality/informality of the favors, depending upon the contexts in which they were incorporated. Finally, some insights into Persian sociocultural interactions, favor-asking in particular, were provided.
“Que bé, tu! (« that’s great, you! »)”
Authors: Bladas Òscar , Nogué Neus
Published: September 2016

The Catalan second person singular (2sg) pronoun tu (you) has acquired a wide range of pragmatic values in spoken registers that have received little or no attention from scholars in the field. The aim of the present article is to analyse a particular emerging use of the 2sg pronoun tu from a corpus-based perspective. In the light of Grammaticalisation Theory, it is argued that whereas in some contexts this pronoun maintains all or part of its referential function (e.g. as subject or as a vocative, respectively), in other contexts its use is very similar to that of an emphatic pragmatic marker. Data drawn from three spoken corpora suggest that the pronoun has consolidated this new use. Prosodic evidence is also provided to show the semantic and pragmatic changes undergone by the pronoun.
Generic uses of the second person singular – how speakers deal with referential ambiguity and misunderstandings
Authors: Kluge Bettina
Published: September 2016

The present contribution examines how interlocutors resolve reference problems concerning the second singular person (2sg) in ongoing conversation. Apart from its ‘normal’ reading as a term of address, generic and also speaker-referring uses have been documented and studied for a variety of languages. However, there are amazingly few documented cases of interlocutors who openly display having problems of disambiguation between forms of address and reference to a larger entity ‘anybody in this particular situation’. A sequential analysis shows that interlocutors tend not to ask for further specification of reference in a possibly ambiguous situation, most likely for face reasons: Instead, they tend to rely on contextualization in later conversational development and on all available conversational resources. Ambiguous reference that leads to misunderstandings only becomes a topic once serious conversational problems arise and the need for disambiguation becomes more important than interlocutors’ face needs.
Revealing heterogeneous C partitioning in a medium Mn steel by nanoindentation
Authors: He B. B. , Huang M. X.
Published: September 2016

The present work employs nano-indentation technique to investigate the C partitioning in a medium Mn steel subjected to quenching and tempering process. It is found that the C partitioning between martensite and austenite is inhomogeneous. Particularly, the large lenticular martensite has negligible C partitioning into the austenitic matrix as it maintains an ultra-high nanohardness comparable to the one without tempering. Strategies to suppress the formation of large martensite are discussed.
Co-Prescribing Naloxone does not Increase Liability Risk
Authors: Davis Corey S. , Burris Scott , Beletsky Leo , Binswanger Ingrid
Published: September 2016

The opioid overdose epidemic claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans every year. Opioid overdose is reversible by the administration of naloxone, a pure antagonist now available in formulations specifically designed and labeled for layperson use. Despite broad support for layperson access to naloxone from professional organizations, health officials, and clinical experts, qualitative studies suggest that some providers have concerns about legal risks associated with naloxone prescribing, particularly co-prescribing naloxone to pain patients. Such concerns are unfounded. The legal risk associated with prescribing naloxone is no higher than that associated with any other medication and is lower than many. Additionally, laws in a majority of states provide explicit legal protections for providers who prescribe or dispense naloxone, in many cases extending this protection to prescriptions issued to friends, family members, and others. In this large and increasing number of states, the liability risk of prescribing or dispensing naloxone in good faith to a patient at risk of overdose (or, in states where such prescribing is permitted, to an associate of such a patient) is either extremely low or absent entirely. Where a prescriber determines, in his or her clinical judgment, that a patient is at risk of overdose, co-prescribing naloxone is a reasonable and prudent clinical and legal decision. No clinician should fail or refuse to issue such a prescription based on liability concerns.
Left, Right, and Meeting in the Middle: Addressing Addiction is Something we can Agree About
Authors: Narayanan Arthi K. , Harding John D. , Saba Shaddy K. , Conley James , Gordon Adam J.
Published: September 2016

The United States faces an addiction health crisis. Presidential election cycles in the United States are cause for creation of political party platforms. These platforms provide general stances and specific policies on a variety of issues. We undertook a review of the addiction policies of the 2016 Republican and Democratic platforms. Despite differences in focus, we found more similarities than differences between the two. We call upon those in political power to use every evidence-based policy at their disposal to promote addiction treatment and prevention.
Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high‐intensity exercise in young, healthy adults
Authors: Roelofs Erica J. , Smith‐Ryan Abbie E. , Trexler Eric T. , Hirsch Katie R. , Mock Meredith G.
Published: September 2016

The effects of pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation were evaluated on high‐intensity exercise performance, blood flow, vessel diameter, oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP). In a randomized, crossover design, nineteen recreationally resistance‐trained participants were randomly assigned to PE (1000 mg) or placebo (PL), which were consumed 30 min prior to a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and repetitions to fatigue (RTF) on bench and leg press. The RSA consisted of ten six‐second sprints on a friction‐loaded cycle ergometer with 30 s recovery. Brachial artery blood flow and vessel diameter were assessed by ultrasound. Blood flow, vessel diameter, SPO2, HR, and BP were assessed at baseline, 30 min post ingestion, immediately post exercise (IPost), and 30 min post exercise (30minPost). With PE, blood flow significantly increased IPost RSA (mean difference = 18.49 mL min−1; P < .05), and IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05) according to confidence intervals (CI). Vessel diameter increased significantly 30minPost RSA according to CI and resulted in a significant interaction IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05). With PE, according to CI, average and peak power output increased significantly in sprint 5 of the RSA (P < .05). There was no significant difference between PE and PL for bench (P = .25) or leg press (P = .15) repetitions. Acute PE supplementation enhanced vessel diameter and blood flow, suggesting possible exercise performance enhancement from increased delivery of substrates and oxygen. The acute timing and capsule form of PE may be advantageous to athletic populations due to ergogenic effects, taste, and convenience.
Integrating Open and Big Data via ‘e-Oman’: prospects and issues
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: September 2016

While ‘e-Oman’ is a repository of Open Data, its significance in terms of being a potent source for Big Data deserves attention. This paper seeks to underscore how important is the integration of Big and Open Data in e-Oman – the e-government portal of Oman. Drawing evidence from four case studies based on the Higher Education Admissions Center (HEAC) ‘e-Portal’ – an online portal meant for the payment of electricity bills, traffic fines and visa applications – the paper lends support to the implementation of integration of Big and Open Data which, for a number of purposes, could be better harnessed. Thus, while the paper identifies the opportunities entailed in achieving the integration of Big and Open Data in the context of the case studies chosen for the study, there are concomitant challenges impacting this integration that need to be addressed. Specifically, e-Oman needs to be updated with Open Data and the government needs to take steps to build and maintain a robust physical, human and information infrastructure for harnessing the potential of integrating Open and Big Data in the public sector. The paper concludes with directions for future research.
Plasma turbulence measured with fast frequency swept reflectometry in JET H-mode plasmas
Authors: Clairet F. , Sirinelli A. , Meneses L.
Published: September 2016

In this work we present recent achievements to provide precise measurements of turbulence on JET H-mode plasmas using frequency sweeping reflectometry diagnostic. The plasma density fluctuations retrieved from swept reflected signals, first initiated with the Tore Supra reflectometry (Heuraux et al 2003 Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74 1501, Vermare et al 2006 Nucl. Fusion
46 S743, Gerbaud et al 2006 Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77 10E928), provides a radial profile of the density fluctuation level and its spectral structure. Using the complete set of the JET X-mode fast sweeping heterodyne reflectometers we have determined the temporal dynamic of the density fluctuation profile from the edge to the center during an H-mode discharge. At the L-H transition, the turbulence reduction seems to occur, at first, simultaneously from the edge to the center then deepens at the edge at ρ ~ 0.95 and this deepening propagates toward the center with a steepening of the wavenumber spectra. During an edge localized mode (ELM) event, a substantial density fluctuations increase has been observed with a localized turbulent wave front propagating toward the center accompanying a particle transport. We also show that type-III ELMs sustain a steady and high level of plasma turbulence compare to type-I.
Multifield measurement of magnetic fluctuation-induced particle flux in a high-temperature toroidal plasma
Authors: Lin L. , Ding W.X. , Brower D.L.
Published: September 2016

Magnetic fluctuation-induced particle transport is explored in the high-temperature, high-beta interior of the Madison symmetric torus (MST) reversed-field pinch by performing a multifield measurement of the correlated product of magnetic and density fluctuations associated with global resistive tearing modes. Local density fluctuations are obtained by inverting the line-integrated interferometry data after resolving the mode helicity through correlation techniques. The local magnetic and current density fluctuations are then reconstructed using a parameterized fit of Faraday-effect polarimetry measurements. Reconstructed 2D images of density and current density perturbations in a poloidal cross section exhibit significantly different spatial structure. Combined with their relative phase, the magnetic-fluctuation-induced particle transport flux and its spatial distribution are resolved. The convective magnetic fluctuation-induced particle flux profile is measured for both standard and high-performance plasmas in MST with tokamak-like confinement, showing large reduction in the flux during improved confinement.
The Relationship Between Behavioral States and Oral Feeding Efficiency in Preterm Infants
Authors: Griffith Thao , Rankin Kristin , White-Traut Rosemary
Published: September 2016

Background:

The relationship between behavioral states (alert, sleep, drowsy, and crying) and oral feeding efficiency in preterm infants is not well understood.

Purpose:

To determine the relationship between behavioral states and feeding efficiency in preterm infants.

Methods:

This correlational study was conducted as a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Medically stable preterm infants born between 29 and 34 weeks' gestational age participated. Baseline data from the randomized controlled trial (week 0), 1 minute prior to feeding, were used. Behavioral states were coded by 2 blinded coders. Oral feeding efficiency (mL/min) was calculated as the amount of intake over the first 10 minutes of feeding.

Results:

Data from 147 infants were included. The proportion of time spent in alert states (β = .76, F = 11.29, P ≤ .05), sleep states (β = −1.08, F = 25.26, P ≤ .05), and crying (β = 1.50, F = 12.51, P ≤ .05) uniquely predicted oral feeding efficiency.

Implications for Practice:

Comprehensive assessment of behavioral states and infant characteristics for oral feeding readiness is crucial. Alert states are optimal for oral feeding. Forced oral feeding when infants are sleeping should be avoided. Infants in crying or drowsy states prior to feeding should be closely evaluated. Sleeping or drowsy infants may benefit from interventions (eg, oral sensory stimulation, nonnutritive sucking, or multisensory intervention) to support transition to alert states prior to feeding.

Implications for Research:

Future research should evaluate behavioral states prior to and during feeding and their relationship to oral feeding efficiency.
Biomarkers for the identification of recurrence in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Pruneri Giancarlo , Bonizzi Giuseppina , Vingiani Andrea
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

This review discusses the mechanisms of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) resistance in breast cancer patients, detailing possible predictive biomarkers of therapy benefit that could implement novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent findings

Despite a remarkable improvement in survival over the past two decades, up to 30% of early-stage HER2+ breast cancer patients exhibit de-novo or acquired resistance to targeted therapy, underlying the need of developing predictive biomarkers.

The role of HER family receptor redundancy, p95HER2 expression, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin downstream pathway activation in counteracting the inhibitory effects of anti-HER2 targeted therapy has been addressed. We also discuss the possible inconsistencies in the definition of HER2 positivity according to American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines or molecular intrinsic subtypes, and address the role played by tumor heterogeneity and evolutionary clonal selection on therapy selective pressure. Finally, the interplay between adaptive immunity and anti-HER2 targeted therapy is extensively discussed, focusing on its putative predictive and prognostic role.