bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Return Variability and Dispersion: Evidence from Mutual Funds in Post-Transition Countries
Authors: Filip Dariusz
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the performance of mutual funds operated in selected post-transition countries and to analyse their return variability and dispersion. The study sample consists of 294 equity funds (domestic and foreign ones) from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. By using classic measures of return as well as popular measures of risk, it was possible to examine if equity funds from the CEE countries possess the ability to outperform. It was observed that funds generally obtained mean returns, which were below the corresponding benchmark. In most cases, however, the results were statistically insignificant. Fund returns compared to equity indices were characterised by lower ups and downs, especially during significant market changes. The analysis of performance variability and dispersion showed that there are entities which achieve marginally better return than their competitors at a relatively low risk level. The test for equality of variances applied in the study revealed evidence for the heterogeneity of return variabilities, which could be caused by sample selection bias.
Influence of Homogenization Conditions of Buffalo Milk on the Recovery of Milk Constituents and Yield of Mozzarella Cheese
Authors: Jana A.H. , Modha Hiral
Published: April 2017

Mozzarella cheese making involves losses of milk constituents, especially during plasticizing stage of cheese curd. Buffalo milk is considered more suitable than cow milk for Mozzarella cheese making, especially in terms of colour, yield and stretch property of resultant product. Homogenization of milk reduces the losses of milk constituents, increases its whiteness and is expected to render superior flavor to cheese. The fat globule size for buffalo milk is larger and the cheese tends to be firmer and chewy as compared to cow milk counterpart. Homogenization of buffalo milk is of significance in this regard since it can improve the color, recovery of milk constituents culminating in higher cheese yield, a mellower product with lower tendency to oil-off during baking applications. Since the conditions of homogenization affects the recovery of milk constituents, it was decided to study temperature and pressure of homogenization on such aspect including cheese yield.
Homogenization of standardized buffalo milk at 55 or 65oC and 4.90 MPa (P2) pressure is found beneficial with regard to recovery of milk fat, while use of lower pressure i.e. 2.45 MPa (P1) at above temperatures is found beneficial for protein and TS recoveries. P2 pressure is more beneficial than P1 pressure in improving the fat recovery in buffalo milk Mozzarella cheese. There is an improvement in the yield of Mozzarella cheese with an increase in homogenization pressure. The yield of Mozzarella cheese prepared using buffalo milk homogenized at P2 and P1 pressure (at 65oC) was 17.00% and 16.10% respectively. The recoveries of milk fat, protein and TS and per cent yield for control cheese was 83.68%, 84.10%, 56.74% and 14.53% respectively.
Loss of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b does not affect epidermal homeostasis but promotes squamous transformation through PPAR-γ
Authors: Rinaldi Lorenzo , Avgustinova Alexandra , Martín Mercè , Datta Debayan , Solanas Guiomar , Prats Neus , Benitah Salvador Aznar
Published: April 2017

The DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a suppresses tumorigenesis in models of leukemia and lung cancer. Conversely, deregulation of Dnmt3b is thought to generally promote tumorigenesis. However, the role of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b in many types of cancer remains undefined. Here, we show that Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are dispensable for homeostasis of the murine epidermis. However, loss of Dnmt3a-but not Dnmt3b-increases the number of carcinogen-induced squamous tumors, without affecting tumor progression. Only upon combined deletion of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, squamous carcinomas become more aggressive and metastatic. Mechanistically, Dnmt3a promotes the expression of epidermal differentiation genes by interacting with their enhancers and inhibits the expression of lipid metabolism genes, including PPAR-γ, by directly methylating their promoters. Importantly, inhibition of PPAR-γ partially prevents the increase in tumorigenesis upon deletion of Dnmt3a. Altogether, we demonstrate that Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b protect the epidermis from tumorigenesis and that squamous carcinomas are sensitive to inhibition of PPAR-γ.
Sedimentary provenance constraints on drainage evolution models for SE Tibet: Evidence from detrital K‐feldspar
Authors: Zhang Zengjie , Daly J. Stephen , Li Chang'an , Tyrrell Shane , Sun Xilin , Yan Yi
Published: April 2017

The unusual drainage pattern of the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze) is closely linked to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, but when this pattern became established is controversial. In this study we compare the Pb isotopic composition of detrital K‐feldspars from the modern Jinsha River with those from the Plio‐Pleistocene Xigeda Formation, a sequence of fluvial and lacustrine deposits widely distributed along the major rivers draining the Tibetan Plateau, to investigate their relationship and to constrain the drainage evolution of the region. Our results demonstrate that the Jinsha River had achieved its current sediment‐transport pattern by the late Pliocene, indicating a drainage character similar to that operating at present. Our findings not only suggest an upper age limit for formation of the Jinsha River but also shed new light on the evolution of the whole Yangtze system. K‐feldspar grains from the Jinsha River have less radiogenic Pb than those in the Red, Mekong, and Salween Rivers, providing a key test as to whether the Jinsha River was previously connected to the paleo‐Red River. Comparison with published Pb isotopic data shows that these characteristically unradiogenic feldspars are absent in the onshore Cenozoic archive from the Hanoi Basin, suggesting that there has been no connection between the lower Jinsha River and the Red River since the Eocene.
Observational breakthroughs lead the way to improved hydrological predictions
Authors: Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: April 2017

New data sources are revolutionizing the hydrological sciences. The capabilities of hydrological models have advanced greatly over the last several decades, but until recently model capabilities have outstripped the spatial resolution and accuracy of model forcings (atmospheric variables at the land surface) and the hydrologic state variables (e.g., soil moisture; snow water equivalent) that the models predict. This has begun to change, as shown in two examples here: soil moisture and drought evolution over Africa as predicted by a hydrology model forced with satellite‐derived precipitation, and observations of snow water equivalent at very high resolution over a river basin in California's Sierra Nevada.
Internet Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O'moore Kathleen A. , Newby Jill M. , Andrews Gavin , Hunter David J. , Bennell Kim , Smith Jessica , Williams Alishia D.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To determine the efficacy of an internet‐based cognitive–behavioral therapy (iCBT) program for depression in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 69 adults (ages ≥50 years) meeting criteria for MDD and OA of the knee with 1‐week postintervention (week 11) and 3‐month followup (week 24) end points. Patients were allocated to either a 10‐week iCBT program for depression added to treatment as usual (TAU) or to a TAU control group. Primary outcomes were depression symptoms (9‐Item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]) and psychological distress (Kessler‐10 [K‐10]). Secondary outcomes included arthritis self‐efficacy (Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale [ASES]), OA pain, stiffness, physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), and physical and mental health (Short Form 12‐Item health survey physical component and mental component summaries). Depression status was assessed by blinded diagnostic interview (the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview) at intake and followup.

Results

Intent‐to‐treat analyses indicated between‐group superiority of iCBT over TAU on the primary outcomes (PHQ‐9: Hedges g = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.47, 1.54; K‐10: Hedges g = 0.75, 95% CI 0.23, 1.28), at postintervention and 3‐month followup (PHQ‐9: Hedges g = 0.90, 95% CI 0.36, 1.44; K‐10: Hedges g = 0.94, 95% CI 0.41, 1.48), and on secondary OA‐specific measures (ASES: Hedges g = −0.81, 95% CI −0.29, −1.33; WOMAC: Hedges g = 0.56–0.65, 95% CI 0.04, 1.18) at the 3‐month followup. The majority of iCBT participants (84%) no longer met diagnostic criteria at 3‐month followup.

Conclusion

Results support the efficacy of an iCBT program (requiring no face‐to‐face contact) for depression in individuals with comorbid depression and OA of the knee. Importantly, the benefits of the program extended beyond reduced depressive symptoms and distress to include increased self‐efficacy and improved pain, stiffness, and physical function at followup.
Thermo‐physical properties of n‐pentane/bitumen and n‐hexane/bitumen mixture systems
Authors: Haddadnia Ali , Zirrahi Mohsen , Hassanzadeh Hassan , Abedi Jalal
Published: April 2017

The gravity drainage as a result of viscosity reduction is the main governing mechanism of the solvent‐aided thermal bitumen recovery processes. Therefore, the density and viscosity of the diluted or heated bitumen are essential to predict the oil production rate. In this paper, we report thermo‐physical properties of n‐pentane/bitumen and n‐hexane/bitumen mixtures. The density and viscosity of Athabasca bitumen diluted with n‐pentane and n‐hexane were measured at different temperatures (30 to 190 °C), pressures (2 to 8 MPa), and solvent mass fractions (0.05 to 0.5). Various correlations and mixing rules proposed in the literature were examined to calculate the density and viscosity of the diluted bitumen. This study proposes appropriate mixing rules and generalized parameters for predicting the density and viscosity of solvent‐bitumen systems. Our findings will find applications in the design and simulation of heavy oil and bitumen solvent‐aided thermal recovery processes.
Pectin, Hemicellulose, or Lignin? Impact of the Biowaste Source on the Performance of Hard Carbons for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dou Xinwei , Hasa Ivana , Hekmatfar Maral , Diemant Thomas , Behm R. Jürgen , Buchholz Daniel , Passerini Stefano
Published: April 2017

Hard carbons are currently the most widely used negative electrode materials in Na‐ion batteries. This is due to their promising electrochemical performance with capacities of 200–300 mAh g−1 and stable long‐term cycling. However, an abundant and cheap carbon source is necessary in order to comply with the low‐cost philosophy of Na‐ion technology. Many biological or waste materials have been used to synthesize hard carbons but the impact of the precursors on the final properties of the anode material is not fully understood. In this study the impact of the biomass source on the structural and electrochemical properties of hard carbons is unraveled by using different, representative types of biomass as examples. The systematic structural and electrochemical investigation of hard carbons derived from different sources—namely corncobs, peanut shells, and waste apples, which are representative of hemicellulose‐, lignin‐ and pectin‐rich biomass, respectively—enables understanding and interlinking of the structural and electrochemical properties.
Propagation of error from parameter constraints in quantitative MRI: Example application of multiple spin echo T2 mapping
Authors: Lankford Christopher L. , Does Mark D.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Quantitative MRI may require correcting for nuisance parameters which can or must be constrained to independently measured or assumed values. The noise and/or bias in these constraints propagate to fitted parameters. For example, the case of refocusing pulse flip angle constraint in multiple spin echo T2 mapping is explored.

Methods

An analytical expression for the mean‐squared error of a parameter of interest was derived as a function of the accuracy and precision of an independent estimate of a nuisance parameter. The expression was validated by simulations and then used to evaluate the effects of flip angle (θ) constraint on the accuracy and precision of
for a variety of multi‐echo T2 mapping protocols.

Results

Constraining θ improved
precision when the θ‐map signal‐to‐noise ratio was greater than approximately one‐half that of the first spin echo image. For many practical scenarios, constrained fitting was calculated to reduce not just the variance but the full mean‐squared error of
, for bias in
.

Conclusion

The analytical expression derived in this work can be applied to inform experimental design in quantitative MRI. The example application to T2 mapping provided specific cases, depending on
accuracy and precision, in which
measurement and constraint would be beneficial to
variance or mean‐squared error. Magn Reson Med 79:673–682, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Crystal structures of the NO sensor NsrR reveal how its iron-sulfur cluster modulates DNA binding
Authors: Volbeda Anne , Dodd Erin L. , Darnault Claudine , Crack Jason C. , Renoux Oriane , Hutchings Matthew I. , Le Brun Nick E. , Fontecilla-Camps Juan C.
Published: April 2017

NsrR from Streptomyces coelicolor (Sc) regulates the expression of three genes through the progressive degradation of its [4Fe–4S] cluster on nitric oxide (NO) exposure. We report the 1.95 Å resolution crystal structure of dimeric holo-ScNsrR and show that the cluster is coordinated by the three invariant Cys residues from one monomer and, unexpectedly, Asp8 from the other. A cavity map suggests that NO displaces Asp8 as a cluster ligand and, while D8A and D8C variants remain NO sensitive, DNA binding is affected. A structural comparison of holo-ScNsrR with an apo-IscR-DNA complex shows that the [4Fe–4S] cluster stabilizes a turn between ScNsrR Cys93 and Cys99 properly oriented to interact with the DNA backbone. In addition, an apo ScNsrR structure suggests that Asn97 from this turn, along with Arg12, which forms a salt-bridge with Asp8, are instrumental in modulating the position of the DNA recognition helix region relative to its major groove.
IFNβ Protects Neurons from Damage in a Murine Model of HIV-1 Associated Brain Injury
Authors: Thaney Victoria E. , O’Neill Alan M. , Hoefer Melanie M. , Maung Ricky , Sanchez Ana B. , Kaul Marcus
Published: April 2017

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) causes brain injury. Type I interferons (IFNα/β) are critical mediators of any anti-viral immune response and IFNβ has been implicated in the temporary control of lentiviral infection in the brain. Here we show that transgenic mice expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 in their central nervous system (HIVgp120tg) mount a transient IFNβ response and provide evidence that IFNβ confers neuronal protection against HIVgp120 toxicity. In cerebrocortical cell cultures, neuroprotection by IFNβ against gp120 toxicity is dependent on IFNα receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and the β-chemokine CCL4, as IFNAR1 deficiency and neutralizing antibodies against CCL4, respectively, abolish the neuroprotective effects. We findin vivothat IFNβ mRNA is significantly increased in HIVgp120tg brains at 1.5, but not 3 or 6 months of age. However, a four-week intranasal IFNβ treatment of HIVgp120tg mice starting at 3.5 months of age increases expression of CCL4 and concomitantly protects neuronal dendrites and pre-synaptic terminals in cortex and hippocampus from gp120-induced damage. Moreover,in vivoandin vitrodata suggests astrocytes are a major source of IFNβ-induced CCL4. Altogether, our results suggest exogenous IFNβ as a neuroprotective factor that has potential to amelioratein vivoHIVgp120-induced brain injury.
Fluorescence and Bioluminescence Imaging of Angiogenesis in Flk1-Nano-lantern Transgenic Mice
Authors: Matsushita Jun , Inagaki Shigenori , Nishie Tomomi , Sakasai Tomoki , Tanaka Junko , Watanabe Chisato , Mizutani Ken-ichi , Miwa Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Ken , Takara Kazuhiro , Naito Hisamichi , Kidoya Hiroyasu , Takakura Nobuyuki , Nagai Takeharu , Takahashi Satoru , Ema Masatsugu
Published: April 2017

Angiogenesis is important for normal development as well as for tumour growth. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis are not fully understood, partly because of the lack of a good animal model for imaging. Here, we report the generation of a novel transgenic (Tg) mouse that expresses a bioluminescent reporter protein, Nano-lantern, under the control of Fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1). Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice recapitulated endogenous Flk1 expression in endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells during development and tumour growth. Importantly, bioluminescence imaging of endothelial cells from the aortic rings of Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice enabled us to observe endothelial sprouting for 18 hr without any detectable phototoxicity. Furthermore, Flk1-Nano-lantern BAC Tg mice achieved time-lapse luminescence imaging of tumour angiogenesis in freely moving mice with implanted tumours. Thus, this transgenic mouse line contributes a unique model to study angiogenesis within both physiological and pathological contexts.
Measurement of As species in rice by HPLC-ICPMS after extraction with sub-critical water and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Maher W. A. , Eggins S. , Krikowa F. , Jagtap R. , Foster S.
Published: April 2017

The use of sub-critical water and hydrogen peroxide provides a fast, clean and efficient means of extracting arsenic from rice.
Potassium adsorption behavior on hcp cobalt as model systems for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: a density functional theory study
Authors: Chen Qingjun , Svenum Ingeborg-Helene , Qi Yanying , Gavrilovic Ljubisa , Chen De , Holmen Anders , Blekkan Edd A.
Published: April 2017

The potassium adsorption and diffusion on hcp cobalt particles has been investigated in detail using DFT calculations.
Single-layer MoS2formation by sulfidation of molybdenum oxides in different oxidation states on Au(111)
Authors: Salazar Norberto , Beinik Igor , Lauritsen Jeppe V.
Published: April 2017

The sulfidation pathway from MoO3to MoS2on Au(111) revealed by a combination of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.
Fracture mechanisms in multilayer phosphorene assemblies: from brittle to ductile
Authors: Liu Ning , Hong Jiawang , Zeng Xiaowei , Pidaparti Ramana , Wang Xianqiao
Published: April 2017

This paper studies the transition of fracture patterns of multilayer phosphorene assemblies.
Investigation of surface energies in spin crossover nanomaterials: the role of surface relaxations
Authors: Mikolasek Mirko , Nicolazzi William , Terki Férial , Molnár Gábor , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: April 2017

We analyse in detail the role of surface relaxations on the spin transition phenomenon through an Ising-like model solved in the inhomogeneous mean field approach.
Tunnelling and barrier-less motions in the 2-fluoroethanol–water complex: a rotational spectroscopic and ab initio study
Authors: Huang Wenyuan , Thomas Javix , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: April 2017

Rotational spectrum of 2-fluoroethanol–water reveals interesting water and methyl internal rotation tunneling and barrier-less motions in the hydrogen-bonded complex.
Direct synthesis of hydrothermally stable Ge-IWR zeolites
Authors: Fu Wen Hua , Yuan Zhiqing , Wang Zhendong , Wang Yangdong , Yang Weimin , He Ming-Yuan
Published: April 2017

A direct synthesis of hydrothermally stable Ge-containing IWR zeolites is achieved by using the diethyldimethylammonium cation as the structure-directing agent.
An ICP-MS-based platform for release studies on silver-based nanomaterials
Authors: Abad-Alvaro Isabel , Bolea Eduardo , Laborda Francisco , Castillo Juan R.
Published: April 2017

An integrated approach based on the use of ICP-MS methods is proposed to obtain information about the release of inorganic nanomaterials.
Facile synthesis of nano-Zn/Bi–reduced graphene oxide for enhanced photocatalytic elimination of chlorinated organic pollutants under visible light
Authors: Goswami Karan , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar
Published: April 2017

A Zn/Bi–RGO co-assembly was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation followed by hydrothermal process, and it exhibited enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity on remediation of chlorophenols.
Direct observations of thermophoresis in microfluidic systems
Authors: Tsuji Tetsuro , Kozai Kosuke , Ishino Hideto , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: April 2017

Particles transport driven by a temperature gradient in a solution is known as thermophoresis or Soret effect. The drift velocity of a particle is expressed as , where is a thermophoretic mobility. Therefore, the thermophoretic mobility is a parameter to characterise the nature of thermophoresis, and the systematic measurement of for various combinations of particles and solvents is necessary for its potential application. In the present work, we develop the microfluidic system called microgap Soret cell and show its validity by obtaining for wide experimental conditions. It is shown that the microgap Soret cell can rapidly and directly obtain the thermophoretic mobility of a particle with the diameter of by maintaining the large temperature gradient in the microfluidic system. Moreover, by using the microgap Soret cell, the temperature dependency of is investigated for thermophoresis of polystyrene particles in solutions of sodium hydroxide, polyethylene glycol, and glycerol.
1. The category of “African American religion”
Authors: Glaude Eddie S.
Published: April 2017

African American religious life is not defined by just the “Negro church”—the preacher, music, and the frenzy—but consists of all the varied religious practices that occur within black communities in the United States. African American religion emerges in the encounter between faith, in all of its complexity, and white supremacy. ‘The Category of "African American Religion"’ explains the three key ideas used to organize the study of African American religion: practice of freedom, sign of difference, and open-ended orientation. Taken together, and using three representative examples of African American religion (conjure, Christianity, and Islam), they help us navigate the complex religious history of African Americans in the United States.
Confucius (551–479 bce) and his legacy: An introduction
Authors: Gardner Daniel K.
Published: April 2017

Confucius lived in a period of the Zhou dynasty when China had splintered into small, independent, warring states ruled over by feudal lords whose authority was maintained not through moral behavior and genuine concern for the welfare of the people, but through laws, punishments, and force. ‘Confucius (551–479 bce) and his legacy’ shows that many thinkers attempted to address these problems, but Confucius' socio-political and philosophical teachings did not win immediate, universal acclaim. The Analects, a collection of his teachings recorded by his disciples, achieved its present form in the second century bce. Its two main concerns are: (1) what makes for a good man; and (2) what makes for good government.
The individual and self-cultivation in the teachings of Confucius
Authors: Gardner Daniel K.
Published: April 2017

‘The individual and self-cultivation in the teachings of Confucius’ explains that a moral vanguard of individuals is called for by Confucius and his followers. These individuals move others to proper behavior through the power of their example. By practicing the rituals and respecting the mutual responsibilities required to sustain the so-called five relationships—father–son, ruler–subject, husband–wife, older brother–younger brother, and friend–friend—they provide a model for those around them to follow and thereby bring harmony to family, community, and empire. The prominent role played by the individual in creating the good sociopolitical order explains why Confucian teachings, throughout the ages, give such profound attention to the process of self-cultivation.
Government in Confucian teachings
Authors: Gardner Daniel K.
Published: April 2017

‘Government in Confucian teachings’ describes Confucius' teachings on the ideal ruler and the process of government. A good ruler is a superior man (junzi) who must model the morality he would like his subjects to cultivate. Culture and tradition, Confucius suggests, are more effective, stronger tools in shaping the behavior and ideals of the people than legal and penal codes. A good ruler will appoint as officials only those men who share his commitment to Confucian principles and the social and material well-being of the people. Government must be fiscally sensitive, mindful of the heavy burden taxation places on the people.
Introduction
Authors: Bowden Hugh
Published: April 2017

The Introduction outlines the life of Alexander the Great, born in 356 bc, king of Macedon from 336 until his death in 323 through what we can glean from the pictorial and literary evidence we have to hand. A further vision of Alexander can be found on coins issued in the period after his death by those who took control of parts of his empires. There are also other images of Alexander that can help us build up a picture of how he was seen by his contemporaries or near-contemporaries. A great deal about the man can be understood by giving greater weight than is usually given to contemporary documents.
After Alexander
Authors: Bowden Hugh
Published: April 2017

‘After Alexander’ looks at Alexander's afterlife, and how many of the views of Alexander that are prominent in popular culture came into being. The Alexander that has come to us from ancient historical narratives developed under certain circumstances. He is the creation of Roman authors writing for a Roman audience. However, authors and scholars since Roman times have influenced how we see Alexander as well. The terms of the modern debate about Alexander were set in the Enlightenment. Historians are still trying to decide whether he was a romantic hero or a bloodthirsty tyrant. Did his campaigns bring good or harm? Whatever we think of Alexander the Great, the bigger question is, what did his contemporaries think of him?
3. Attitudes and influence
Authors: Crisp Richard J.
Published: April 2017

‘Attitudes and influence’ discusses how attitudes form, change, and predict behaviour; and how they are inherently social, defined, and refined in response to people in the world around us. Attitudes are a set of beliefs about an object, person, or issue and can be simple and clear, or complex and multifaceted. They are the basic building blocks of our mental models and inform and guide our ideals, aspirations, values, and ideologies. Attitudes predict our behaviour, and are therefore integral to who we are, what we do, and why we do it. The impact of persuasion, social influence, social norms, conformity, leadership, and social facilitation on our behaviour is also considered.
6. Love and other attractions
Authors: Crisp Richard J.
Published: April 2017

The most basic, and perhaps most influential, social relationship of all is the interpersonal relation of attraction and love. As social animals, humans have evolved a biological need to form bonds with others. There is no better demonstration of this than the observation of what happens when affiliation is denied or taken away through ostracism. ‘Love and other attractions’ considers why we are drawn to one another, what determines who we affiliate with, and once we are in love, what determines how we act in that relationship and how satisfying it will be. It also discusses how relationships change over lifespans, the investment model, and looks at strategies for protecting successful relationships.
1. Introducing Assyria
Authors: Radner Karen
Published: April 2017

Ancient Assyria was one of many states flourishing in the Middle East in the millennia before the beginning of the common era, but the long-lived kingdom was one of the most influential. ‘Introducing Assyria’ looks back at an eventful history that begins in the city of Aššur, founded early in the third millennium bc. It shows that the state emerged in the 9th century bc as the first world empire. Decisions made in the imperial capital cities in present-day northern Iraq influenced lives from the Nile to the Caspian Sea while its political, administrative, and infrastructural heritage profoundly shaped the subsequent history of the wider Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
The Ice Age cometh
Authors: McGuire Bill
Published: April 2017

What turns ice ages on and off? ‘The Ice Age cometh’ considers the potential impact global warming may have on the arrival of the next expected Ice Age. Will global warming fend it off or will it accelerate the onset of the next big freeze? Conditions on Earth during the great freezes of the Cryogenian and the most recent Quaternary ice ages are described and what triggers them considered, including the Croll–Milankovitch astronomical theory. The Little Ice Age (c.ad 1450–1850) and the Medieval Warm Period (c.ad 1000–1300) are discussed along with the role ocean circulation (especially the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) has to play.
Evidence for climate change
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: April 2017

‘Evidence for climate change’ considers both past and recent climate change through changes in temperature, precipitation, and relative global sea level to show that significant changes in climate have been recorded. These include a 0.85°Celsius (C) increase in average global temperatures over the last 150 years, sea-level rise of over 20 cm, significant shifts in the seasonality and intensities of precipitation, changing weather patterns, and significant retreat of Arctic sea ice and nearly all continental glaciers. The IPCC 2013 report states that the evidence for global warming is unequivocal and that there is very high confidence that this warming is due to human emissions of greenhouse gases.
2. Where did capitalism come from?
Authors: Fulcher James
Published: April 2017

How did capitalism originate? ‘Where did capitalism come from?’ argues that although capitalist production made its first fully developed appearance in Britain, key capitalist institutions actually emerged elsewhere in Europe. Indeed, capital, labour, and entrepreneurs moved within a European network. Why did capitalism emerge first in Europe? Independent cities, a multi-state structure, and the Protestant ethic provided a favourable socio-economic environment within which capitalism could develop. The other side of this question is to ask why capitalism did not originate elsewhere. In other advanced civilizations cohesive elites were able to use bureaucratic rather than economic means of scooping off the surplus from producers but in Europe this was not possible after the collapse of the Roman empire.
1. The basic idea
Authors: Molnar Peter
Published: April 2017

‘The basic idea’ presents the principles of plate tectonics and describes how this revolutionary theory took hold. It begins with Alfred Wegener in 1912, who proposed the concept of continental drift and a former huge continent, Gondwanaland. In the face of strong opposition, this theory was supported by the development of palaeomagnetism in the 1950s and, in the 1960s, became subsumed within the broader framework of plate tectonics. Three major events precipitated this change: a switch in emphasis from continents to ocean basins and their exploration; rapid growth in seismology; and a shift in perspective from the chemical stratification of the Earth, in terms of crust and mantle, to another that emphasized strength—a strong lithosphere, some 100–200 km thick, overlying a weak asthenosphere.
7. Migrants in society
Authors: Koser Khalid
Published: April 2017

‘Migrants in society’ examines how migrants affect destination societies by considering the economic, political, social, and cultural impacts of immigration. Migrants are seen by some to aid economic growth with their ambition or willingness to take on low-paid jobs; others say they increase native unemployment and undercut unions. Future generations of migrants should be better off than their parents, but ethnic minorities can still struggle. Migrants enjoy voting rights in many countries, but European far right politics has re-emerged. Migrants may be a short term solution to ageing populations and low birth rates, but this is not a permanent fix. Immigration can enrich culture, but important integration challenges must be met.
3. Who is subject to trial by court-martial?
Authors: Fidell Eugene R.
Published: April 2017

Two questions are basic to military justice: who can be brought to trial in a military court, and for what? Courts-martial are exceptional courts; their jurisdiction over individuals is limited because it has always been understood that military justice has as its purpose the maintenance of order and discipline within the armed forces. ‘Who is subject to trial by court-martial?’ shows that this general rule has been tested time and time again. Some countries employ courts-martial or other military tribunals to prosecute civilians with no connection whatever to the military and others have “tail jurisdiction” over people after they leave military service. Cases for and against when military justice should be used are also presented.
Freedom’s ferment, 1750–1848
Authors: Ware Susan
Published: April 2017

‘Freedom's ferment, 1750–1848’ asks what slavery meant for women, white and black. What would it take to win the freedom of both slaves and women, and who would plead their cause? It describes the story of Sally Hemings, a slave in the household of Thomas Jefferson who went on to bear his children. The American Revolution did not radically reshape women's lives, especially when it came to political rights and legal status, but it did provide openings, especially for elite white women, to play larger roles in the new democracy. Women increased participation in religious benevolence, antislavery activism, and women's rights. It also saw the resumption of an expansive westward movement of peoples.
8. Knowing about knowing
Authors: Nagel Jennifer
Published: April 2017

Mindreading is the natural capacity that generates instinctive feelings about another person's knowledge and other mental states. ‘Knowing about knowing’ explains that humans have specialized brain areas devoted to tracking mental states, but there are natural limitations to mindreading. One is a simple capacity limit on how many nested mental state levels we can represent. Another deeper limitation is that we suffer from ‘egocentrism’, which makes it difficult for us to override our own perspective when evaluating others who know less about their situation than we do. It concludes that even if we still don’t know the full nature of what knowledge is, we are in a better position to make progress on this ancient question.
Co-evolution and the formation of niches
Authors: Holland John H.
Published: April 2017

What is a niche? ‘Co-evolution and the formation of niches’ explains that the term ‘niche’ is widely used to describe an important part of the hierarchical organization of complex adaptive systems: local use of signals and resources. Using Markov processes, a mathematical theory of niches can be formed that allows for multiple species with interaction networks that involve loops and recirculation. When realistic niches are considered, the diversity of the niche dwellers stands out. We see a complicated recirculation of resources and signals. How did this complex network of interactions evolve? The short answer is co-evolution through recombination of building blocks, often accompanied by an exaggeration of some of the resulting characteristics.
4. The welfare state 1.0
Authors: Garland David
Published: April 2017

The newly-emergent welfare states shared a distinctive set of features that set them apart both from the old poor laws and from state socialism. ‘The Welfare State 1.0’ identifies these defining features and describes how welfare states are structured. Welfare states generally have five institutional sectors: social insurance; social assistance; publicly funded social services; social work and personal social services; and economic governance. The WS 1.0 forms that predominated from the 1940s until the 1980s are described. Another feature of the welfare state landscape is sometimes called the ‘hidden welfare state’; it consists of welfare benefits that are channelled through the tax system or through private employment contracts.
6. Problems
Authors: Garland David
Published: April 2017

The welfare state is, at its core, a problem-solving apparatus, designed to manage dysfunctions that are endemic to the economic and social life of modern nations. But welfare states also generate problems of their own—such as moral hazards, excessive bureaucracy, soaring costs, and labour market rigidities—that sometimes threaten to bring the whole enterprise into disrepute. ‘Problems’ shows that these issues are troubling and consequential, but in weighing their significance we ought always to ask: ‘what can be done?’ and ‘what are the alternatives?’ That the welfare state has its problems is undeniable. The real question is whether these problems are manageable and how they compare to those of other arrangements.
2. Close inspection
Authors: Hall Christopher
Published: April 2017

‘Close inspection’ explains that at the core of materials science is the understanding of the internal structure of materials. If we don’t understand the internal structure we shall struggle to explain or to predict material behaviour. If we want to alter the behaviour to make better materials, we probably need to re-engineer the architecture inside. This understanding has been made possible with the development of microscopy, beginning in the 17th century with Robert Hooke and Anton van Leeuwenhoek. Development of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopes has provided atomic resolution leading to improved crystallography and lattice theories for 3-dimensional crystals. Two-dimensional crystals such as graphene and 1-dimensional carbon nanotubes are also described.
Hormones, history, and the shoulders of giants
Authors: Luck Martin
Published: April 2017

‘Hormones, history, and the shoulders of giants’ begins with accounts of extreme human growth: William Rice, a 7 feet 4 inches tall ‘giant’ who died in 1773, and the Efe people of Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo who are the shortest of any human population. These accounts illustrate how an understanding of hormones permeates our view of how the body works. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate bodily functions. They are secreted in one location and act in another. They move around in the blood and other fluids, and their effects can last for a few seconds or several weeks. Hormone science began with the discovery of secretin by Ernest Starling and William Bayliss in 1902 and has since advanced rapidly.
The mysteries of reproduction
Authors: Luck Martin
Published: April 2017

‘The mysteries of reproduction’ begins with Pergonal (human menopausal gonadotrophin), a hormone preparation extracted from urine which contains pituitary hormones crucial to the reproductive cycle. Prolactin, another anterior pituitary hormone, affects fertility in women, but is also found in many different kinds of animal and has more than 300 different actions. Prolactin has the general effect of controlling the movement of salts and water across membranes, especially in tissues related to the skin. The important roles of hormones—progesterone, chorionic gonadotrophin, prostaglandin, oxytocin, oestrogen, and testosterone—in the reproductive cycle, human and gender development, the menopause, and the ageing process are also described.
Water, salt, and blood pressure
Authors: Luck Martin
Published: April 2017

‘Water, salt, and blood pressure’ describes how the balance of water in the body is controlled by several hormones, including vasopressin (arginine vasopressin (AVP)). AVP reduces urine production by the kidneys and also causes small blood vessels to contract, raising blood pressure. Blood volume and pressure are also adjusted by changing the amount of sodium ions reclaimed by kidney nephrons. The renin–Ang-II–aldosterone hormone system balances blood volume and circulatory space to keep pressure stable when the volume and dilution of the blood change. But what happens if the concentration of salt (sodium and other ions) in the blood starts to rise? Is there a direct way to get rid of excess salt? A hormone secreted by the heart, called ANP, does exactly this.
The hard stuff: calcium, cells, bones, and cancer
Authors: Luck Martin
Published: April 2017

‘The hard stuff: calcium, cells, bones, and cancer’ considers calcium and the hormone systems that regulate it. These hormones keep the correct balance between the highly reactive Ca2+ ions, which are essential for many life processes, and the precipitating salts like carbonates and phosphates. Controlled precipitation builds bones that defy the pull of gravity and hard materials that protect against predators. Bone formation and recycling take energy, as well as calcium and phosphorus, and all aspects of skeletal development are affected by the hormones of growth and metabolism. There are connections between bone development and appetite which work through serotonin, leptin, insulin, and hormones produced by the gut, in addition to calcitonin.
Genes as markers
Authors: Slack Jonathan
Published: April 2017

‘Genes as markers’ shows that most genetic variation does not affect gene function or activity, but it is still of enormous interest. Notably it enables the identification of individual people, useful in forensics in the form of DNA fingerprinting, the establishment of paternity, and other information about family relationships. It also provides some evidence about the migration of human populations in historic and prehistoric times. Genetic variation has also enabled biologists to examine the thorny issue of human racial differences and establish the degree to which there is any biological basis for perceived race.
Why eat?
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: April 2017

A healthy adult eats about a tonne of food a year. ‘Why eat?’ explores the need for food and the uses to which it is put in the body. We eat because we are hungry, but why have we evolved complex physiological and psychological mechanisms to control hunger, satiety, and our appetite for different types of food? Why are meals such an important part of our life? There is an obvious need for energy from food to perform physical work. Fats, carbohydrates, protein, and alcohol all provide metabolic fuels. In addition, the body requires two groups of nutrients—minerals and vitamins—but most important is the need for water.
Energy nutrition
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: April 2017

Apart from water, the body’s first requirement under all conditions is for an energy source to perform physical and chemical work. ‘Energy nutrition’ explains that the metabolic fuels to provide this energy are derived from fats, carbohydrates, protein, and alcohol in the diet. The constituents of a meal provide these fuels directly for a few hours. Simultaneously, reserves of fat and carbohydrate are laid down for use during fasting between meals. Only about one-third of the average person’s energy expenditure is for voluntary activity; two-thirds is required for maintenance of the body’s functions, metabolic integrity, and homeostasis of the internal environment. Energy expenditure, energy balance, and physical activity are all discussed.
Protein nutrition
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: April 2017

About 14 per cent of the human body is protein, so a growing child, or pregnant woman must have protein intake to increase the total amount of protein in the body, or foetus, as it grows. But why does an adult, whose body weight does not change, require protein in the diet? ‘Protein nutrition’ explains that proteins contain the element nitrogen in their constituent amino acids. Nitrogen balance is the difference between the intake of nitrogen-containing compounds in the diet and the excretion of nitrogen-containing compounds from the body. There is a requirement for dietary protein as the continual breakdown of tissue proteins in the body needs replacement by newly synthesized protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: April 2017

Along with energy and protein, the body needs two further groups of nutrients in the diet, in relatively small amounts: mineral salts and vitamins. ‘Vitamins and minerals’ explains how these micro-nutrients are essential for maintenance of normal health, growth, and metabolic integrity. Vitamin D and niacin are the only vitamins that can be synthesized by the body; all other vitamins must be provided in the diet. The most important minerals are iron and calcium, but other trace elements are required in small amounts. Iron is needed for synthesis of the protein haemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells, and calcium is required for bone formation and regulating the activity of muscle.
Introduction: waiting for the endgame
Authors: Hargreaves Ian
Published: April 2017

In the first few years of the 21st century, the digital ‘communications revolution’ provided entirely new global platforms capable of delivering online news, in all media. The ‘Introduction’ explains the difficulties associated with such changes. Can journalists be trusted? We need competing cultures of ownership and practice if our news media are to be truly diverse and widely trusted. We need journalism that does not seek power on its own account, but which has the explicit goal of empowering others. Journalism’s job is to provide the information and argument that enable societies to establish facts, to work through disagreements, to test moral boundaries, and to know their priorities.
Born free: a brief history of news media
Authors: Hargreaves Ian
Published: April 2017

In the last decade almost 600 journalists have been killed, chiefly in wars, in acts of political assassination, or by gangsters. ‘Born free: a brief history of news media’ charts the danger journalists face when reporting from war zones and from countries facing dramatic political upheaval. The growth of new media has also triggered a repressive backlash by authoritarian regimes. A brief history of journalism is provided: from the invention of printing by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, through the birth of the news industry in the 18th century, to the impact of radio and television in the 20th century, and to the age of the Internet.
Church and biblical Christianity
Authors: Woodhead Linda
Published: April 2017

What is meant by ‘Church Christianity’ and ‘Biblical Christianity’ and where do they come from? ‘Church and Biblical Christianity’ explains that ‘Church Christianity’ is centred around the institution of the church, whereas for ‘Biblical Christianity’ the scriptures have the equivalent position of authority. Both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches belong to Church Christianity and are the most enduring and extensive types of Christianity having been in existence since the 3rd century. Biblical Christianity can trace its roots to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century when the Bible became widely accessible. Its sectarian nature and desire to shelter from wider society in order to retain Godly purity limited its growth.