Adjectives in Thai: Implications for a functionalist typology of word classes

Tai languages are often described as “lacking” a major lexical class “adjectives”; accordingly, they and other area languages are frequently cited as evidence against adjectival universality. This article brings the putative lack under examination, arguing that a more complete distributional analysis reveals a pattern: overlap is highest among semantically peripheral adjectives and verbs and in constructions prototypically associated to both classes crosslinguistically, and lowest among semantically core adjectives and verbs and in constructions prototypically associated to only one or the other class. Rather than “lacking” adjectives, data from Thai thus in fact support functional-typological characterizations of adjectival universality such as those of Givón (1984), Croft (2001), and Dixon (2004). Finally, while data from Thai would fail to falsify an adaptation of Enfield's (2004) Lao lexical class-taxonomy (in which adjectives are treated as a verbal subclass) on its own terms, this article argues that in absence of both universally-applicable criteria for the evaluation of categorial taxonomies crosslinguistically and evidence for the cognitive reality of categorial taxonomies so stipulated, even this more limited sense of a “lack” of adjectives in Thai is less radical a challenge to adjectival universality than has sometimes been supposed.

High-Spin Molecules: Synthesis, X-ray Characterization, and Magnetic Behavior of Two New Cyano-Bridged Ni II 9 Mo V 6 and Ni II 9 W V 6 Clusters with a S = 12 Ground State

The preparations, X-ray structures, and magnetic characterizations are presented for two new pentadecanuclear cluster compounds:  [NiII{NiII(MeOH)3}8(μ-CN)30{MV(CN)3}6]·xMeOH·yH2O (MV = MoV (1) with x = 17, y = 1; MV = WV (2) with x = 15, y = 0). Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with cell dimensions of a = 28.4957(18) Å, b = 19.2583(10) Å, c = 32.4279(17) Å, β = 113.155(6)°, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 28.5278(16) Å, b = 19.2008(18) Å, c = 32.4072(17) Å, β = 113.727(6)°, and Z = 4 for 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of neutral cluster complexes comprising 15 metal ions, 9 NiII and 6 MV, all linked by μ-cyano ligands. Magnetic susceptibilities and magnetization measurements of compounds 1 and 2 in the crystalline and dissolved state indicate that these clusters have a S = 12 ground state, originating from intracluster ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the μ-cyano-bridged metal ions of the type NiII−NC−MV. Indeed, these data show clearly that the cluster molecules stay intact in solution. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the cluster compounds exhibit magnetic susceptibility relaxation phenomena at low temperatures since, with nonzero dc fields, χ‘ ‘M has a nonzero value that is frequency dependent. However, there appears no out-of-phase (χ‘ ‘M) signal in zero dc field down to 1.8 K, which excludes the expected signature for a single molecule magnet. This finding is confirmed with the small uniaxial magnetic anisotropy value for D of 0.015 cm-1, deduced from the high-field, high-frequency EPR measurement, which distinctly reveals a positive sign in D. Obviously, the overall magnetic anisotropy of the compounds is too low, and this may be a consequence of a small single ion magnetic anisotropy combined with the highly symmetric arrangement of the metal ions in the cluster molecule.

A potential application of sludge-based catalysts for the anaerobic bio-decolorization of tartrazine dye.

Two highly efficient (K2CO3/sludge carbon and ZnCl2/sludge carbon) solids were prepared by chemical addition following carbonization at 800 °C and were tested for anaerobic reduction of tartrazine dye in a continuous upflow packed-bed biological reactor, and their performance was compared to that of commercial activated carbon (CAC). The chemical and structural information of the solids was subjected to various characterizations in order to understand the mechanism for anaerobic decolorization, and efficiency for SBCZN800 and SBCPC800 materials was 87% and 74%, respectively, at a short space time (τ) of 2.0 min. A first-order kinetic model fitted the experimental points and kinetic constants of 0.40, 0.92 and 1.46 min(-1) were obtained for SBCZN800, SBCPC800 and CAC, respectively. The experimental results revealed that performance of solids in the anaerobic reduction of tartrazine dye can depend on several factors including chemical agents, carbonization, microbial population, chemical groups and surface chemistry. The Langmuir and Freundlich models are successfully described in the batch adsorption data. Based on these observations, a cost-effective sludge-based catalyst can be produced from harmful sewage sludge for the treatment of industrial effluents.

Toward Cove-Edged Low Band Gap Graphene Nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), defined as nanometer-wide strips of graphene, have attracted increasing attention as promising candidates for next-generation semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate a bottom-up strategy toward novel low band gap GNRs (E-g = 1.70 eV) with a well-defined cove-type periphery both in solution and on a solid substrate surface with chrysene as the key monomer. Corresponding cyclized chrysene-based oligornerS consisting of the dimer and tetramer are obtained via an Ullmann Coupling followed by oxidative intramolecular cyclodehydrogenation in solution, and much higher GNR homologues via on-surface synthesis. These oligomers adopt nonplanar structures due to the isteric repulsion between the two C-H bonds at the inner cove position. Characterizations by single crystal X-ray analysis, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are described. The interpretation is assisted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Evidence for an Ancestral Association of Human Coronavirus 229E with Bats.

UNLABELLED We previously showed that close relatives of human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) exist in African bats. The small sample and limited genomic characterizations have prevented further analyses so far. Here, we tested 2,087 fecal specimens from 11 bat species sampled in Ghana for HCoV-229E-related viruses by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Only hipposiderid bats tested positive. To compare the genetic diversity of bat viruses and HCoV-229E, we tested historical isolates and diagnostic specimens sampled globally over 10 years. Bat viruses were 5- and 6-fold more diversified than HCoV-229E in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and spike genes. In phylogenetic analyses, HCoV-229E strains were monophyletic and not intermixed with animal viruses. Bat viruses formed three large clades in close and more distant sister relationships. A recently described 229E-related alpaca virus occupied an intermediate phylogenetic position between bat and human viruses. According to taxonomic criteria, human, alpaca, and bat viruses form a single CoV species showing evidence for multiple recombination events. HCoV-229E and the alpaca virus showed a major deletion in the spike S1 region compared to all bat viruses. Analyses of four full genomes from 229E-related bat CoVs revealed an eighth open reading frame (ORF8) located at the genomic 3' end. ORF8 also existed in the 229E-related alpaca virus. Reanalysis of HCoV-229E sequences showed a conserved transcription regulatory sequence preceding remnants of this ORF, suggesting its loss after acquisition of a 229E-related CoV by humans. These data suggested an evolutionary origin of 229E-related CoVs in hipposiderid bats, hypothetically with camelids as intermediate hosts preceding the establishment of HCoV-229E. IMPORTANCE The ancestral origins of major human coronaviruses (HCoVs) likely involve bat hosts. Here, we provide conclusive genetic evidence for an evolutionary origin of the common cold virus HCoV-229E in hipposiderid bats by analyzing a large sample of African bats and characterizing several bat viruses on a full-genome level. Our evolutionary analyses show that animal and human viruses are genetically closely related, can exchange genetic material, and form a single viral species. We show that the putative host switches leading to the formation of HCoV-229E were accompanied by major genomic changes, including deletions in the viral spike glycoprotein gene and loss of an open reading frame. We reanalyze a previously described genetically related alpaca virus and discuss the role of camelids as potential intermediate hosts between bat and human viruses. The evolutionary history of HCoV-229E likely shares important characteristics with that of the recently emerged highly pathogenic Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.

Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy in Multisectorial Economies

We develop a two-sector economy where each sector is classified as classical/Keynesian (contract/noncontract) in the labor market and traded/nontraded in the product market. We consider the effects of changes in monetary and exchange rate policy on sectoral and aggregate prices and outputs for different sectoral characterizations. Duca (1987) shows that nominal wage rigidity facilitates the effectiveness of monetary policy even in the classical sector. We demonstrate that trade price rigidity provides a similar path for the effectiveness of monetary policy, in this case, even when both sectors are classical.

Continuous Paretian Preferences

Two forms of continuity are defined for Pareto representations of preferences. They are designated continuity and coordinate continuity. Characterizations are given of those Pareto representable preferences that are continuously representable and, in dimension two, of those that are coordinate-continuously representable.

CARD9 functions as a key regulator in monocyte homeostasis and pathogen clearance

Mononuclear phagocytes are designed to neutralize systemic bacterial and fungal infections. However, the exact regulation of these functions are largely unknown. CARD9 was first identified as an immune-specific adaptor protein of unclear function. Here, we have found that Card9 is specifically expressed in monocyte-origin cell populations. To better understand the biological function of Card9, we have generated Card9-deficient (Card9-/-) mice. Hematologic profiling and histological analysis of Card9-/- mice revealed a decreased leukocyte/myeloid cell count, delayed monocyte maturation in bone marrow as well as monocyte counts in the peripheral blood. Upon M-CSF stimulation, Card9-/- macrophages further exhibit a partial loss in IKK phosphorylation. As a consequence, in vivo challenge with Listeria monocytogenes in Card9-/- mice results in a higher susceptibility to infection-associated inflammation and fatality. Collectively, these data suggest that CARD9 is required for monocyte development and function. ^ At the cellular level, Card9-/- macrophages are defective in killing Listeria and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Molecular characterizations have further demonstrated that CARD9 inducibly interacts with NOD2, controls p38 MAPK activation, and regulates ROS production during Listeria infections. Cytotrap screening showed that CARD9 could physically associate with various g&barbelow;uanine e&barbelow;xchange f&barbelow;actor (GEF) proteins that are essential for regulating ROS production. In summary, we have first identified and provided genetic evidence that CARD9 functions as a novel regulator during monocyte development and serves as an essential protein adaptor for p38 MAPK activation during bacterial clearance processes in macrophages. ^

Representaciones del conflicto y medios masivos : la pueblada de Salta en noviembre de 2000 a través de Clarín y El Tribuno

En el presente artículo pretendemos indagar sobre las diversas maneras en que fue mencionado e interpretado el episodio de protesta mediante corte de rutas acontecido en noviembre de 2000 en el norte de la provincia de Salta, en el marco de un extenso proceso de luchas que comienzan a mediados de la década de 1990. El estudio se basa en las representaciones que fueron divulgadas por dos medios masivos de información (Clarín y El Tribuno). Reconstruiremos, mediante la lectura crítica de las noticias, las caracterizaciones sobre los protagonistas de la protesta, quiénes fueron sus emisores, los momentos en que fueron realizadas, etc. En tal sentido, el objetivo será elucidar el modo en que enfrentamientos físicos y simbólicos, lejos de estar divorciados, se condicionan mutuamente.

Los caminos de la construcción de una vivienda popular : caracterizaciones socioculturales en el espacio doméstico en Buenos Aires, hasta la década de 1940

Desde fines del siglo XIX, en diferentes ámbitos institucionales, científicos, y profesionales, se comenzó a dirimir sobre la construcción de viviendas por parte del Estado destinadas a los sectores y grupos sociales identificados como empleados, pobres, trabajadores, obreros, e inmigrantes, a la vez que se establecían correspondencias entre los niveles socioculturales y socioeconómicos, las localizaciones urbanas y sus espacios domésticos. Las propuestas oscilaban entre la aceptación, transformación, y erradicación, y hacían evidente los juicios de valor divergentes sobre la coexistencia de grupos y sectores sociales diversos en el medio urbano, hasta arribar en la década de 1930 a concepciones conciliadoras que comenzaron a operar bajo el signo de lo popular. Se analizarán los discursos sobre el espacio doméstico que emergieron en los contextos de difusión y discusión de los diferentes proyectos habitacionales legislativos y arquitecturales con la finalidad de dar cuenta acerca de las caracterizaciones sociales que operaban en cada escenario histórico.

Las transgresiones sexuales de Clitofonte : Seducción y adulterio

El protagonista de la novela de Aquiles Tacio Leucipa y Clitofonte incurre en dos tipos de transgresiones de la moral sexual: seducción de una joven virgen y adulterio. Analizaremos aquí el modo en que ambas faltas aparecen representadas en la novela, su definición, las reacciones sociales ante ellas y las penas que pueden aplicárseles, y compararemos esa representación con las caracterizaciones de estos delitos en las leyes griegas y romanas que interactuaban en el complejo panorama cultural del período imperial. Postulamos que este análisis puede aportar datos que contribuyan a la comprensión de la historia social y de los códigos morales y legales que delimitaban las relaciones lícitas e ilícitas entre los sexos, pues a pesar de que la ficción novelesca no refleja en forma directa la realidad histórica, afloran en ella elementos propios del contexto socio-cultural en que autor y público están inmersos

Las acciones colectivas de protesta y el conflicto social en la Argentina de 1990 : Apuntes sobre sus caracterizaciones

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo revisar algunos de los conceptos principales de las corrientes teóricas de la protesta y el conflicto social aplicadas al caso argentino durante la década de 1990. Los ejes principales de estudio giran en torno a cómo fueron caracterizados los sujetos, las identidades y las metodologías de la protesta por parte de la bibliografía sociológica local. Finalmente, el artículo propone al enfrentamiento como unidad histórica de análisis, como intento de abarcar los tres ejes de estudio mencionados

Las acciones colectivas de protesta y el conflicto social en la Argentina de 1990 : Apuntes sobre sus caracterizaciones

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo revisar algunos de los conceptos principales de las corrientes teóricas de la protesta y el conflicto social aplicadas al caso argentino durante la década de 1990. Los ejes principales de estudio giran en torno a cómo fueron caracterizados los sujetos, las identidades y las metodologías de la protesta por parte de la bibliografía sociológica local. Finalmente, el artículo propone al enfrentamiento como unidad histórica de análisis, como intento de abarcar los tres ejes de estudio mencionados

Las transgresiones sexuales de Clitofonte : Seducción y adulterio

El protagonista de la novela de Aquiles Tacio Leucipa y Clitofonte incurre en dos tipos de transgresiones de la moral sexual: seducción de una joven virgen y adulterio. Analizaremos aquí el modo en que ambas faltas aparecen representadas en la novela, su definición, las reacciones sociales ante ellas y las penas que pueden aplicárseles, y compararemos esa representación con las caracterizaciones de estos delitos en las leyes griegas y romanas que interactuaban en el complejo panorama cultural del período imperial. Postulamos que este análisis puede aportar datos que contribuyan a la comprensión de la historia social y de los códigos morales y legales que delimitaban las relaciones lícitas e ilícitas entre los sexos, pues a pesar de que la ficción novelesca no refleja en forma directa la realidad histórica, afloran en ella elementos propios del contexto socio-cultural en que autor y público están inmersos

Las acciones colectivas de protesta y el conflicto social en la Argentina de 1990 : Apuntes sobre sus caracterizaciones

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo revisar algunos de los conceptos principales de las corrientes teóricas de la protesta y el conflicto social aplicadas al caso argentino durante la década de 1990. Los ejes principales de estudio giran en torno a cómo fueron caracterizados los sujetos, las identidades y las metodologías de la protesta por parte de la bibliografía sociológica local. Finalmente, el artículo propone al enfrentamiento como unidad histórica de análisis, como intento de abarcar los tres ejes de estudio mencionados