bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematics of quadrupedal locomotion in sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps): effects of age and substrate size
Authors: Shapiro Liza J. , Young Jesse W. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYArboreal mammals face unique challenges to locomotor stability. This is particularly true with respect to juveniles, who must navigate substrates similar to those traversed by adults, despite a reduced body size and neuromuscular immaturity. Kinematic differences exhibited by juveniles and adults on a given arboreal substrate could therefore be due to differences in body size relative to substrate size, to differences in neuromuscular development, or to both. We tested the effects of relative body size and age on quadrupedal kinematics in a small arboreal marsupial (the sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps; body mass range of our sample 33-97 g). Juvenile and adult P. breviceps were filmed moving across a flat board and three poles 2.5, 1.0 and 0.5 cm in diameter. Sugar gliders (regardless of age or relative speed) responded to relative decreases in substrate diameter with kinematic adjustments that promote stability; they increased duty factor, increased the average number of supporting limbs during a stride, increased relative stride length and decreased relative stride frequency. Limb phase increased when moving from the flat board to the poles, but not among poles. Compared with adults, juveniles (regardless of relative body size or speed) used lower limb phases, more pronounced limb flexion, and enhanced stability with higher duty factors and a higher average number of supporting limbs during a stride. We conclude that although substrate variation in an arboreal environment presents similar challenges to all individuals, regardless of age or absolute body size, neuromuscular immaturity confers unique problems to growing animals, requiring kinematic compensation.
Brain activation pattern depends on the strategy chosen by zebra finches to solve an orientation task
Authors: Mayer Uwe , Bischof Hans-Joachim 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARY
Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) were trained to find food in one of four feeders on the floor of an aviary. This feeder was always in the same place during training and was additionally marked by a distinct pattern. In the test trial the distinctly patterned feeder was interchanged with one of the other feeders, so that the birds had to decide to use either the pattern or the original location for finding food. Half of the birds used one strategy and half used the other. According to the strategy applied, different brain areas were activated, as demonstrated by c-Fos immunohistochemistry. The hippocampus was activated when spatial cues were used, while in birds orienting using the pattern of the feeder, part of the collothalamic (tectofugal) visual system showed stronger activation. The visual wulst of the lemnothalamic (thalamofugal) visual system was activated with both strategies, indicating an involvement in both spatial and pattern-directed orientation. Because the experimental situation was the same for all zebra finches, the activation pattern was only dependent on the strategy that was voluntarily chosen by each of the birds.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3: cryoprotection and glycogen metabolism in the freeze-tolerant wood frog
Authors: Dieni Christopher A. , Bouffard Melanie C. , Storey Kenneth B. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARY
The terrestrial anuran Rana sylvatica tolerates extended periods of whole-body freezing during the winter. Freezing survival is facilitated by extensive glycogen hydrolysis and distribution of high concentrations of the cryoprotectant glucose into blood and all tissues. As glycogenesis is both an energy-expensive process and counter-productive to maintaining sustained high cryoprotectant levels, we proposed that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) would be activated when wood frogs froze and would phosphorylate its downstream substrates to inactivate glycogen synthesis. Western blot analysis determined that the amount of phosphorylated (inactive) GSK-3 decreased in all five tissues tested in 24 h frozen frogs compared with unfrozen controls. Total GSK-3 protein levels did not change, with the exception of heart GSK-3, indicating that post-translational modification was the primary regulatory mechanism for this kinase. Kinetic properties of skeletal muscle GSK-3 from control and frozen frogs displayed differential responses to a temperature change (22 versus 4°C) and high glucose. For example, when assayed at 4°C, the Km for the GSK-3 substrate peptide was ∼44% lower for frozen frogs than the corresponding value in control frogs, indicating greater GSK-3 affinity for its substrates in the frozen state. This indicates that at temperatures similar to the environment encountered by frogs, GSK-3 in frozen frogs will phosphorylate its downstream targets more readily than in unfrozen controls. GSK-3 from skeletal muscle of control frogs was also allosterically regulated. AMP and phosphoenolpyruvate activated GSK-3 whereas inhibitors included glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, pyruvate, ATP, glutamate, glutamine, glycerol, NH4Cl, NaCl and KCl. The combination of phosphorylation and allosteric control argues for a regulatory role of GSK-3 in inactivating glycogenesis to preserve high glucose cryoprotectant levels throughout each freezing bout.
First evidence of epithelial transport in tardigrades: a comparative investigation of organic anion transport
Authors: Halberg Kenneth Agerlin , Møbjerg Nadja 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYWe investigated transport of the organic anion Chlorophenol Red (CPR) in the tardigrade Halobiotus crispae using a new method for quantifying non-fluorescent dyes. We compared the results acquired from the tardigrade with CPR transport data obtained from Malpighian tubules of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. CPR accumulated in the midgut lumen of H. crispae, indicating that organic anion transport takes place here. Our results show that CPR transport is inhibited by the mitochondrial un-coupler DNP (1 mmol l–1; 81% reduction), the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (10 mmol l–1; 21% reduction) and the vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin (5 μmol l–1; 21% reduction), and by the organic anions PAH (10 mmol l–1; 44% reduction) and probenecid (10 mmol l–1; 61% reduction, concentration-dependent inhibition). Transport by locust Malpighian tubules exhibits a similar pharmacological profile, albeit with markedly higher concentrations of CPR being reached in S. gregaria. Immunolocalization of the Na+/K+-ATPase α-subunit in S. gregaria revealed that this transporter is abundantly expressed and localized to the basal cell membranes. Immunolocalization data could not be obtained from H. crispae. Our results indicate that organic anion secretion by the tardigrade midgut is transporter mediated with likely candidates for the basolateral entry step being members of the Oat and/or Oatp transporter families. From our results, we cautiously suggest that apical H+ and possibly basal Na+/K+ pumps provide the driving force for the transport; the exact coupling between electrochemical gradients generated by the pumps and transport of ions, as well as the nature of the apical exit step, are unknown. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to show active epithelial transport in tardigrades.
The characterization of Electronic state from Surface to Several Nanometer Region on MgO:Si Thin Film
Authors: Nishitani Mikihiko , Fukada Mutsumu , Morita Yukihiro , Terauchi Masaharu , Kurashiki Tessei , Tsuchiura Hiroki , Yamauchi Yasushi 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTWe report the properties of MgO:Si film as a protective cathode material on the electrical discharge, and the electronic state of the outer-most surface on MgO:Si film characterized by helium Meta-stable De-excitation Spectroscopy (MDS) and that of several nanometer region from the surface evaluated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Both of the spectra are discussed focusing on the dependence upon the amount of Si in the MgO film for understanding discharge phenomena. The analyses of the experimental data imply that the discharge properties are not improved due to surface degradation with the increase of Si in MgO films. However, an in-situ discharge experiment, in which MgO:Si films are not exposed for the atmosphere after its deposition, shows that the introduction of Si up to about 1 atomic% has the potential to enhance the secondary electron emission coefficient.
Nanoporous Gold: A Biomaterial for Microfabricated Drug-Delivery Platforms
Authors: Seker Erkin , Berdichevsky Yevgeny , Staley Kevin J. , Yarmush Martin L. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTNanoporous gold (np-Au) is a promising nanostructured material with many desirable properties, including large surface area-to-volume ratio, corrosion resistance, high conductivity, and well-studied thiol-based surface chemistry. While np-Au has been used in a variety of applications, from fuel cells to electrochemical sensors, its interface with biology, where many of its exciting applications lie, is surprisingly non-existent. This paper reports on drug delivery from np-Au thin films for modifying cell proliferation in situ. We expect that establishing np-Au as a biomaterial with drug delivery capabilities will create new opportunities for engineering advanced BioMEMS devices that can monitor and modulate biological processes in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
Time-Resolved Emission Spectroscopy Of Electrically Heated Energetic Ni/Al Laminates
Authors: Morris Christopher J. , Wilkins Paul , May Chadd , Weihs Timothy P 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe nickel-aluminum (Ni/Al) intermetallic system is useful for a variety of reactive material applications, and reaction characteristics are well studied at the normal self-heating rates of 103–106 K/s. Recent experiments at 1011–1012 K/s have measured the kinetic energy of material ejected from the reaction zone, indicating additional kinetic energy from the reactive system despite high heating rates. In order to better probe reaction phenomena at these time scales, and determine the presence of expected elements and their temperatures, we report on emission spectroscopy of electrically heated, patterned Ni/Al bridge wires, time resolved over 350 ns through the use of a streak camera. Unlike previous studies where emission was dominated by Ar and N from residual gasses in the vacuum test chamber, here we report on experiments with encapsulated laminates allowing better quantification of Al and Ni emission. We were able to identify all major spectral lines from the dominant elements present in the films, and found the multilayered Ni/Al laminates to exhibit a brighter and longer duration emission than either Al or Ni control samples. We also found the measured electrical energy absorption of the Ni/Al laminates to follow that of the Al samples up to 150 ns following the onset of emission, indicating that the exothermic mixing of vapor phase Ni and Al was the most likely source for the higher emission intensity. These results will be important for new, energetically enhanced, high efficiency bridge wire applications, where shock initiation of subsequent energetic reactions may be accomplished with less electrical energy than is currently required.
Influence of Gaseous Environment on Reaction Behavior and Phase Formation in Ti/2B Reactive Multilayer Foils
Authors: Reeves Robert V. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Jones Eric D. , Adams David P. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe effects of surrounding gaseous environment on the reaction behaviors and product formation for sputter-deposited Ti/2B reactive multilayers are reported. With the surrounding environment set to different air pressures, from atmospheric conditions to 10-4 Torr, Ti/2B samples were reacted in a self-propagating mode, and the average reaction wave velocities were determined through high-speed imaging. Propagation speeds for 3.0 μm-thick multilayers were in the range of 10.89 to 0.05 m/s depending on bilayer thickness (i.e., reactant layer periodicity) and ambient pressure. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that single-phase TiB2 forms within multilayers that have small bilayer thickness. Multilayers that have a large bilayer thickness developed a mixture of TiB2, TiB and TiO2.
Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanostructures: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Willander Magnus , Nur Omer , Amin Gul , Zainelabdin A. , Zaman S. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTCopper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures complement each other since CuO is unintentional p-type and ZnO unintentional n-type. Using the low temperature chemical growth approach, the effect on morphology of varying the pH of the grown ZnO nanostructures and CuO micro structures is monitored. For both materials the variation of the pH was found to lead to a large variation on the morphology achieved. The grown ZnO NRs and CuO micro flowers material were used to fabricate devices. We demonstrate results from ZnO nanorods (NRs)/polymer p-n hybrid heterojunctions chemically grown on paper and using a process on paper for light emitting diodes (LEDs) applications as well as some large area light emitting diodes LEDs. The growth of CuO micro flowers indicated good quality material for sensing applications. The grown CuO micro flowers were employed as pH sensors. The results indicated a superior performance as expect due to the catalytic properties of this material.
Intercluster Interaction and Magnetic Interaction between Iron Core and Iron Oxide Shell in Core-Shell Nanoclusters
Authors: Kaur Maninder , Yao Qi , Qiang You 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe intercluster interactions of iron/iron oxide core shell nanoclusters have been investigated, and their dependence on cluster size (d) has been discussed. A cluster deposition system is used to prepare core-shell nanoclusters with different d, varying from 9 to 14 nm.Transmission Electron Microscopy has been used for physical characterization, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer for magnetic study. The cluster – cluster interactions have been investigated by field dependent isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and dc demagnetization (DCD) measurements at room temperature. Henkel plot shows more negative deviation from non- interacting case for bigger size nanoclusters than smaller size clusters.
A Detailed Study of a Novel Wafer Separation Method for Surface Sensitive MEMS Wafers
Authors: Malachowski K. , Severi S. , Van Hoof R. , Sangameswaran S. , Genda S. , Tabuchi T. , Uchiyama N. , Witvrouw A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAbrasive blade dicing is the most common technique for die separation. In this work an alternative dry and non-abrasive die separation method, which is known as "Stealth dicing", is assessed for surface-sensitive MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) wafers. The dicing performance and capability of the system is investigated on 200mm full thickness wafers with and without MEMS structures. The diced wafers are analyzed with respect to the silicon cutting quality, possible particle contamination, the condition of functional structures and their mechanical and electrical functionality. In addition the performance and limitations of two different Stealth Dicing Engine (SDE) types, SDE01 and SDE03, are compared to each other with respect to their performance on MEMS wafer dicing.From this work design rules and proper dimensions of the scribe line can be determined. Process integration solutions, describing steps before and after the Stealth dicing process, including the contact-less dicing tape application to the wafer back side and the final die separation method by tape stretching, are presented. It was also found that the SDE03 laser with its outstanding performance in terms of process speed and separation quality can bring a breakthrough for applying this technology for MEMS wafers.
Harmonic Excitation of Surface Acoustic Waves on Gallium Nitride Thin Films for Biological and Chemical Sensor Applications
Authors: Justice J. , Rodak L. E. , Lee K. , Hornak L. A. , Korakakis D. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTGallium nitride (GaN) is a robust piezoelectric semiconductor with excellent thermal and chemical stability, making it an attractive material for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors operating in high temperature and harsh environments. The sensitivity of SAW devices is proportional to the square of the operating frequency. Therefore, high operating frequencies into the GHz regime are desirable for SAW sensors. For GaN, this requires sub-micron interdigital transducers (IDTs) when devices are designed to operate at the fundamental Rayleigh mode frequency. The necessity for sub-micron IDTs can increase fabrication costs and complexity. By designing SAW devices to operate at harmonic frequencies, GHz operation can be realized with relatively large IDTs, resulting in simpler and more cost effective solutions for GaN based SAW sensors. Devices have previously been designed to operate at the 5th and higher harmonics on lithium niobate, but there are no reports of using this technique on GaN in the literature. In this study, GaN thin films have been grown via metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates. SAW devices designed to operate at the fundamental frequency and higher harmonics have been fabricated and measured. Operating frequencies greater than 2 GHz have been achieved using IDTs with 5 μm fingers. In addition, reduction of electromagnetic feedthrough around the 5th and 7th harmonic is demonstrated through varying ground electrode geometries.
Another Piece of the “Expectations Gap”: What Do Investors Know About Auditor Involvement with Information in the Annual Report?
Authors: Bedard Jean C. , Sutton Steve G. , Arnold Vicky , Phillips Jillian R. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARY
The “expectations gap” refers to differences in views of auditors and users regarding the extent of assurance obtained from auditing procedures. One aspect of the expectations gap considered by prior research is whether users differentiate the level of assurance provided by different audit procedures. We extend that research by studying whether investors understand that information outside of the financial statements, in the 10-K as well as on corporate websites, is not audited. This research is important, as the Public Companies Accounting Oversight Board currently is considering proposals aimed at clarifying or expanding the auditor's responsibility for that information. We surveyed professional and nonprofessional investors, and find that professionals are more likely than nonprofessionals to correctly identify which 10-K components are audited. However, many investors in both groups believe that information outside of the financial statements is audited when in fact it is not. We also find some evidence that investors use certain information categories more often when they believe that the information is audited. Also, for both investor groups, responses concerning whether currently unaudited information categories should be audited suggest an unmet demand for greater assurance on information outside of the financial statements. Our results support proposals for greater clarity in the audit opinion concerning the nature of procedures performed on information outside of the financial statements. Further, our findings imply that additional assurance on that information might be considered useful.
Ethics and Accounting Education
Authors: Thomas Stuart 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
The current study investigates how a university accounting education affects the rationales used by accounting and first-year business students in making ethical decisions, the level of deliberative reasoning they employ, and their ethical decisions. Senior accounting students (with approximately four accounting courses to complete) were found to exhibit higher deliberative reasoning, make more frequent use of post-conventional modes of deliberative reasoning, and make more ethical decisions than first-year accounting students. These results suggest that a university accounting education has a positive effect on deliberative reasoning, on the use of post-conventional modes of deliberative reasoning, and on ethical decisions. There was no difference between the level of deliberative reasoning and ethical decisions of first-year accounting and first-year business students, but there were differences in their modes of deliberative reasoning. These results suggest that first-year accounting and first-year business students may make ethical decisions differently, implying the need for a different emphasis when teaching ethics to these two groups of students.
Literacy as a tool of civic education and resistance to power
Authors: Zápotočná Ol’ga 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This paper discusses literacy as a socio-political phenomenon from the perspective of several relatively independent educational discourses. The first is critical education theory and research revealing the hidden mechanisms by which education policies act in the interests of a global market economy. The second is the perspective of critical pedagogy scholars on contemporary educational challenges, who offer responses similar to those discussed in current discourse on informal civic education. The third is the heated discussion of high-stakes literacy testing (related to OECD literacy studies such as PISA, IALS, etc.) the results of which are used as a source of argumentation for diverse attitudes and educational consequences. Based on an analysis of literacy theory, research on active citizenship and civic education, the term “civic literacy” is proposed and argued as a relevant conceptual frame for conceptualizing school as an institution which can be involved in resistance to all forms of power politics or ideological indoctrination and manipulation, while at the same time, respecting the traditional values and aims of general education.
When PISA does not matter? The case of the Czech Republic and Germany
Authors: Greger David 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The present paper gives an overview of the reflections of and reactions to publishing the results of the first wave of the OECD study Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in the Czech Republic and in Germany. The choice of these two countries enables us to document how the same results could be perceived very differently in diverse country contexts and could lead to a different reaction from policy-makers. In spite of large reforms and numerous policy measures being adopted in Germany in reaction to the PISA results, compared with no response from policy-makers in the Czech Republic, it is argued, that in both countries policy-makers failed to tackle the major problem of their educational systems—its selective nature. In the final section we discuss various mis(uses) of PISA and its supranational and global character influencing local policies.
Politics in an era of globalisation and European Union integration
Authors: Leška Dušan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This article looks at the mutual relations and links between globalisation and the integration of countries within the European Union. As the economic sphere is undergoing unrestrained globalisation, the position and sovereignty of nation-states is being weakened and politics is becoming harnessed to the economy. The relationship between the economy and politics is thus changing and there is a need to regulate the economy at a supranational level. The European Union has the potential to make positive use of the trend towards globalisation and limit its negative impacts on the economic, social, ecological and cultural levels. This requires, however, deeper integration and further harmonisation of the countries of the European Union in the economic and political spheres. In order for the countries to come closer together, as the current situation requires, a European people (or demos) and a European public space must be created.