bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pliocene–Pleistocene sedimentary–tectonic development of the Mesaoria (Mesarya) Basin in an incipient, diachronous collisional setting: facies evidence from the north of Cyprus
Authors: PALAMAKUMBURA ROMESH N. , ROBERTSON ALASTAIR H. F.
Published: December 2016

The Mesaoria (Mesarya) Basin exemplifies multi-stage basin development within a regional setting of diachronous continental collision. The Plio-Pleistocene represented a period of major sediment accumulation between two topographic highs, the Kyrenia Range in the north and the Troodos Massif in the south. During Pliocene time, open-marine marls and chalks of the Nicosia (Lefkoşa) Formation accumulated in a shelf setting. The Early Pleistocene period was characterized by a relative fall in sea level and a change to shallower-water bioclastic deposition of the Athalassa (Gürpınar) Formation. The northern margin of the basin was approximately delineated by the E–W neotectonic Ovgos (Dar Dere) fault zone. A carbonate ramp system formed directly to the south of this structural feature. During Early Pleistocene time, the basin evolved from an open-marine shelf to semi-enclosed lagoons with deltaic deposits, and finally to a non-marine aeolian setting, flanked by the rising Kyrenia Range to the north. Synthesis of geological evidence from the Mesaoria (Mesarya) Basin as a whole, including outcrop and borehole evidence from the south, adjacent to the Troodos Massif, indicates that the Pliocene – Early Pleistocene represented a relatively quiescent period. This intervened between Late Miocene – earliest Pleistocene southward thrusting–folding of the Kyrenia Range and Pleistocene intense surface uplift of both the Kyrenia Range and the Troodos Massif. The basin development reflects flexurally controlled collapse during Late Miocene – earliest Pliocene time related to southward thrusting, followed by strike-slip during westward tectonic escape of Anatolia, and finally regional uplift controlled by under-thrusting of continental crust from the south, as collision progressed.
“Son of an Israelite Woman and an Egyptian Man”—Jesus as the Blasphemer (Lev 24:10–23): An Anti-Gospel Polemic in theZohar
Authors: Benarroch Jonatan M.
Published: December 2016

The short biblical story of the blasphemer (Lev 24:10–23) received a unique mystical and mythical interpretation in theZohar. When carefully examined, the zoharic homilies of the story reveal the hidden influences of Jewish polemic anti-gospel traditions. This essay exposes the strong link between the biblical blasphemer and Jesus, as well as between the blasphemer's mother and the Virgin Mary. In fact, the zoharic commentary on the blasphemer's biblical story provides a significant understanding of theZohar’s ambivalent attitude towards Jesus as Son of God—and of the Virgin Mary as linked to theShekhinah.
‘Energizing’ Relations: Western European industrialists and China's dream of self-reliance. The case of Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (1956–1965)
Authors: ZANIER VALERIA
Published: December 2016

This article explores the relationship between Chinese officials and Western European industrialists, revealing that in the second half of the 1950s, there already was a specific Western European interest in China's market potential, and that this was met with favour on the Chinese side. In order to become a strong and independent country, the People's Republic of China was especially interested in evaluating a wide range of offers in the chemical and energy sectors. By looking at the early achievements of the Italian company, National Hydrocarbon Holding (Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi, ENI), this article will show how its offer in terms of technology and engineering met with the favour of the Chinese at the beginning of the 1960s. This was just when the local petroleum industry was moving towards self-reliance, which China ultimately achieved, albeit for a short time. Sources show that, despite economic and political constraints, PRC decision-makers were perfectly aware of prices and commercial strategies, as well as of the state-of-the-art technology of the time. Furthermore, China's commercial cooperation with Western European companies in the 1950s–1960s meant that early on Chinese leaders had an opportunity to evaluate market alternatives to their tightly constraining alliance with the Socialist bloc.
The Dark Knight of the Soul: weaning and the problem of divine withdrawal
Authors: COCKAYNE JOSHUA
Published: December 2016

If God loves us and so desires union with us, why is it that so many, who once felt close to God and who have subsequently done nothing to precipitate separation from him, now experience only his absence? A metaphor which has been used repeatedly to answer this question is that separation from God is a kind of spiritual weaning process in which God uses the experience of his absence in order to bring about maturation and greater union with him. After discussing the use of this metaphor in Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling and John of Cross's poem The Dark Night of the Soul, I discuss the question of how someone's absence could be good for their maturation. I argue that separation has an important role to play in deepening relationships of love – drawing on research in de-adaptation in the psychological and sociological literature, I argue that in order for there to be a union of love, there must be an experience of both dependence and independence. This position can explain why God allows people who engage in the spiritual life to suffer the pain of separation from him.
Marketisation of Nordic Eldercare – Is the Model Still Universal?
Authors: MOBERG LINDA
Published: December 2016

The objective of this article is to analyse whether the increased reliance on marketisation in the provision of social care challenges the universality of eldercare in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway. The study focuses on national reforms for contracting out and user choice of provider, analysing their consequences for four universalistic dimensions: (i) equal inclusion, (ii) public funding, (iii) public provision and (iv) comprehensive usage. The findings suggest that, although need-based inclusion and public funding remain key principles in all four countries, there is an increased reliance on private provision in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. In addition, the introduction of topping-up services challenges the dimension of comprehensive usage by enabling users with economic resources to turn to the private market to increase the comprehensiveness and quality of their care.
Grey petrel population on Campbell Island 14 years after rodent eradication
Authors: Parker Graham C. , Rexer-Huber Kalinka , Thompson David
Published: December 2016

Populations of grey petrels have declined globally due to both incidental capture in commercial fisheries and predation by introduced mammals at breeding sites. In the New Zealand region, grey petrels only breed on Campbell and Antipodes islands. Rats were successfully eradicated from Campbell Island in 2001. We assessed the spatial extent and conducted the first quantitative population estimate of the grey petrel population on Campbell Island and surrounding islets. There was an estimated c. 96 pairs (95% CI: 83, 109) of breeding grey petrels from the four colonies. Since work was conducted during the middle of the chick-rearing stage, this is an underestimate of the breeding population. The Campbell Island grey petrel breeding population remains small. Our study provides a baseline for future population estimates of grey petrels on Campbell Island.
Object Extraction and Classification in Video Surveillance Applications
Authors: Civelek Muhsin , Yazici Adnan
Published: December 2016

In this paper we review a number of methods used in video surveillance applications in order to detect and classify threats. Moreover, the use of those methods in wireless surveillance networks contributes to decreasing the energy consumption of the devices because it reduces the amount of information transferred through the network. In this paper we focus on the most popular object extraction and classification methods that are used in both wired and wireless surveillance applications. We also develop an application for identification of objects from video data by implementing the selected methods and demonstrate the performance of these methods on pre-recorded videos using the outputs of this application.
EU–UN Relations. How much of a Partnership?
Authors: Willa Rafał
Published: December 2016

The number, scale and variety of threats to the safety of the contemporary world are forcing multilateral cooperation to tighten. The United Nations is the main forum of such cooperation and has a vast spectrum of powers. In addition the European Union tries to act in a similar way, although on a much smaller scale. Both organizations, then, seem to have much in common and appear to be mutual partners. Is this cooperation really going as well as one would expect? Do they treat each other as equal partners? This article tries to answer these questions and more.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity is associated with left hippocampal volume reduction: a meta-analytic study
Authors: Nelson Michael D. , Tumpap Alecia M.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Many studies have reported hippocampal volume reductions associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others have not. Here we provide an updated meta-analysis of such reductions associated with PTSD and evaluate the association between symptom severity and hippocampal volume.

Methods

A total of 37 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Mean effect sizes (Hedges’ g) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were computed for each study and then averaged to obtain an overall mean effect size across studies. Meta-regression was employed to examine the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and hippocampal volume.

Results

Results showed that PTSD is associated with significant bilateral reduction of the hippocampus (left hippocampus effect size=–0.400, p<0.001, 5.24% reduction; right hippocampus effect size=–0.462, p<0.001, 5.23% reduction). Symptom severity, as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), was significantly associated with decreased left, but not right, hippocampal volume.

Conclusions

PTSD was associated with significant bilateral volume reduction of the hippocampus. Increased symptom severity was significantly associated with reduced left hippocampal volume. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that PTSD is more neurotoxic to the left hippocampus than to the right. However, whether the association between PTSD and lower hippocampal volume reflects a consequence of or a predisposition to PTSD remains unclear. More prospective studies are needed in this area.
Musical hallucinations: a brief review of functional neuroimaging findings
Authors: Bernardini Francesco , Attademo Luigi , Blackmon Karen , Devinsky Orrin
Published: December 2016

Musical hallucinations are uncommon phenomena characterized by intrusive and frequently distressful auditory musical percepts without an external source, often associated with hypoacusis, psychiatric illness, focal brain lesion, epilepsy, and intoxication/pharmacology. Their physiological basis is thought to involve diverse mechanisms, including “release” from normal sensory or inhibitory inputs as well as stimulation during seizures, or they can be produced by functional or structural disorders in diverse cortical and subcortical areas. The aim of this review is to further explore their pathophysiology, describing the functional neuroimaging findings regarding musical hallucinations. A literature search of the PubMed electronic database was conducted through to 29 December 2015. Search terms included “musical hallucinations” combined with the names of specific functional neuroimaging techniques. A total of 18 articles, all clinical case reports, providing data on 23 patients, comprised the set we reviewed. Diverse pathological processes and patient populations with musical hallucinations were included in the studies. Converging data from multiple studies suggest that the superior temporal sulcus is the most common site and that activation is the most common mechanism. Further neurobiological research is needed to clarify the pathophysiology of musical hallucinations.
ENDOGENOUS POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS, WAGE INEQUALITY, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Pargianas Christos
Published: December 2016

The paper suggests that the political changes brought about by the increase in the proportion of college graduates in the U.S. labor force in the 1970s may have contributed to the decline in the college premium during the 1970s and its increase during the 1980s and 1990s. The study argues that the proportion of skilled workers in the labor force affected their relative importance in the political process. Thus, the increase in the proportion of skilled workers during the 1970s reduced the skill premium in the short run, but induced a change in policies that favored skilled workers and increased the skill premium in the long run.
Comparison of the ability to identify cardiometabolic risk factors between two new body indices and waist-to-height ratio among Chinese adults with normal BMI and waist circumference
Authors: Liu Peng Ju , Ma Fang , Lou Hui Ping , Zhu Yan Ning
Published: December 2016

Objective

Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) has been reported to be more strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors among non-obese individuals than BMI and waist circumference (WC). A body shape index (ABSI) and body roundness index (BRI) have been proposed recently to assess obesity-related disorders or mortalities. Our aim was to compare the ability of ABSI and BRI with that of WHtR to identify cardiometabolic risk factors in Chinese adults with normal BMI and WC.

Design

Receiver-operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve (AUC) were employed to evaluate the ability of the indices (WHtR, BRI, ABSI) to identify metabolic risk factors and to determine the indices’ optimal cut-off values. The value of each index that resulted in maximization of the Youden index (sensitivity + specificity – 1) was defined as optimal. Differences in the AUC values between the indices were also evaluated.

Setting

Individuals attending a voluntary health check-up in Beijing, China, July–December 2015, were recruited to the study.

Subjects

Non-obese adults (n 1596).

Results

Among both genders, ABSI exhibited the lowest AUC value for identifying each risk factor among the three indices; the AUC value of BRI for identifying each risk factor was very close to that of WHtR, and no significant differences were observed between the AUC values of the two new indices.

Conclusions

When evaluating cardiometabolic risk factors among non-obese adults, WHtR was a simple and effective index in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors, BRI could be used as an alternative body index to WHtR, while ABSI could not.
Correlative Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopic Tomography and Atom Probe Tomography of the Phase Separation in an Alnico 8 Alloy
Authors: Guo Wei , Sneed Brian T. , Zhou Lin , Tang Wei , Kramer Matthew J. , Cullen David A. , Poplawsky Jonathan D.
Published: December 2016

Alnico alloys have long been used as strong permanent magnets because of their ferromagnetism and high coercivity. Understanding their structural details allows for better prediction of the resulting magnetic properties. However, quantitative three-dimensional characterization of the phase separation in these alloys is still challenged by the spatial quantification of nanoscale phases. Herein, we apply a dual tomography approach, where correlative scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) tomography and atom probe tomography (APT) are used to investigate the initial phase separation process of an alnico 8 alloy upon non-magnetic annealing. STEM-EDS tomography provides information on the morphology and volume fractions of Fe–Co-rich and Νi–Al-rich phases after spinodal decomposition in addition to quantitative information of the composition of a nanoscale volume. Subsequent analysis of a portion of the same specimen by APT offers quantitative chemical information of each phase at the sub-nanometer scale. Furthermore, APT reveals small, 2–4 nm Fe-richα1phases that are nucleated in the Ni-richα2matrix. From this information, we show that phase separation of the alnico 8 alloy consists of both spinodal decomposition and nucleation and growth processes. The complementary benefits and challenges associated with correlative STEM-EDS and APT are discussed.
Memory Self-Efficacy and Memory Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Beaudoin Marine , Desrichard Olivier
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The present research examined the role persistence plays in mediating the positive impact of memory self-efficacy (MSE, i.e., one’s confidence in one’s own memory abilities) on older adults’ memory performance. In three studies, 81 to 264 older adults completed an MSE scale and carried out an explicit episodic memory task, during which we recorded their study time as an indicator of task persistence. We found that higher MSE was indirectly related to better memory performance through greater persistence during encoding, as measured by longer study time. Indirect effects were of medium size, with point estimates ranging from 0.64 to 0.85. This mediation effect was independent of factors that could be confounded with study time: chronological age, memory span, prior level of memory performance, episodic memory ability, and use of learning strategies (encoding strategies and self-testing). When confronted with difficult memory tasks, older adults who lack confidence in their memory abilities cease their efforts prematurely, which contributes to a decrease in their performance. Encouraging older adults to persist in the face of difficulties during encoding and retrieval may help alleviate the negative impact of low MSE on memory performance and allow researchers and clinicians to more accurately estimate older adults’ true memory abilities.
Evidence of Cnidarians sensitivity to sound after exposure to low frequency noise underwater sources
Authors: Solé Marta , Lenoir Marc , Fontuño José Manuel , Durfort Mercè , van der Schaar Mike , André Michel
Published: December 2016

Jellyfishes represent a group of species that play an important role in oceans, particularly as a food source for different taxa and as a predator of fish larvae and planktonic prey. The massive introduction of artificial sound sources in the oceans has become a concern to science and society. While we are only beginning to understand that non-hearing specialists like cephalopods can be affected by anthropogenic noises and regulation is underway to measure European water noise levels, we still don’t know yet if the impact of sound may be extended to other lower level taxa of the food web. Here we exposed two species of Mediterranean Scyphozoan medusa, Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Rhizostoma pulmo to a sweep of low frequency sounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed injuries in the statocyst sensory epithelium of both species after exposure to sound, that are consistent with the manifestation of a massive acoustic trauma observed in other species. The presence of acoustic trauma in marine species that are not hearing specialists, like medusa, shows the magnitude of the problem of noise pollution and the complexity of the task to determine threshold values that would help building up regulation to prevent permanent damage of the ecosystems.
The matrix protein of rabies virus binds to RelAp43 to modulate NF-κB-dependent gene expression related to innate immunity
Authors: Ben Khalifa Youcef , Luco Sophie , Besson Benoit , Sonthonnax Florian , Archambaud Medhi , Grimes Jonathan M. , Larrous Florence , Bourhy Hervé
Published: December 2016

The matrix (M) protein of wild isolates of rabies virus such as Tha (M-Tha) was previously shown to be able to interact with RelAp43, a protein of the NF-κB family, and to efficiently suppress NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression, in contrast with the vaccine strain SAD. Here, we analyze the mechanisms involved in RelAp43-M protein interaction. We demonstrate that the central part of M-Tha, and the specific C-terminal region of RelAp43 are required for this interaction. Four differences in the corresponding amino acid sequences of the M-Tha and M-SAD are shown to be crucial for RelAp43 interaction and subsequent modulation of innate immune response. Furthermore, the capacity of M-Tha to interact with RelAp43 was shown to be crucial for the control of the expression of four genes (IFN, TNF, IL8 and CXCL2) during viral infection. These findings reveal that RelAp43 is a potent regulator of transcription of genes involved in innate immune response during rabies virus infection and that the M protein of wild isolates of rabies virus is a viral immune-modulatory factor playing an important role in this RelAp43-mediated host innate immunity response in contrast to M protein of vaccine strains, which have lost this property.
Association between low-grade albuminuria and frailty among community-dwelling middle-aged and older people: a cross-sectional analysis from I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study
Authors: Chang Chun-Chin , Hsu Chien-Yi , Chang Ting-Yung , Huang Po-Hsun , Liu Li-Kuo , Chen Liang-Kung , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: December 2016

Frailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to atherosclerosis and subsequent mortality. Recently, low-grade albuminuria has been proposed as an atherosclerotic risk factor. We aimed to investigate the relationship between low-grade albuminuria and frailty by using cross-sectional data among community-dwelling middle-aged and older people. Totally, 1,441 inhabitants of I-Lan County with normal urinary albumin excretion (urine albumin to urine creatinine ratio [UACR] <30 mg/g) were enrolled (677 men; mean age 63 ± 9 years, range from 50 to 91 years old). Assessment of frailty was based on the ‘Fried frailty phenotype’ criteria, including weight loss, grip strength, exhaustion, slowness and low physical activity. The study population was stratified into quartiles according to UACR levels. Age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance, fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were increased with the increment of UACR (P for trend <0.05). The prevalence of prefrailty/frailty and its components increased across the UACR quartiles. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that UACR was independently associated with the likelihood of prefrailty/frailty (odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.27). In conclusion, low-grade albuminuria is associated with the increased prevalence of prefrailty/frailty.
Associations of five polymorphisms in the CD44 gene with cancer susceptibility in Asians
Authors: Qi Qichao , Wang Jiwei , Chen Anjing , Huang Bin , Li Gang , Li Xingang , Wang Jian
Published: December 2016

CD44 polymorphisms have been previously associated with cancer risk. However, the results between independent studies were inconsistent. Here, a meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate associations between CD44 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. A comprehensive literature search conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases through August 10, 2016 yielded 11 eligible publications consisting of 5,788 cancer patients and 5,852 controls. Overall, odds ratios (OR) calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) identified a significant association between CD44 polymorphism rs13347 and cancer susceptibility under all genetic models. Additionally, the minor allele of polymorphism rs11821102 was associated with a decreased susceptibility to cancer in allele contrast, dominant, and heterozygous models, while no significant association was identified for polymorphisms rs10836347, rs713330, or rs1425802. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed rs13347 was significantly associated with cancer susceptibility for Chinese but not for Indians. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between different polymorphisms varied across diverse ethnic populations. In conclusion, the results indicate that CD44 polymorphism rs13347 acts as a risk factor for cancer, especially in Chinese, while the minor allele of polymorphism rs11821102 may be associated with a decreased susceptibility to cancer. Nevertheless, further studies on a larger population covering different ethnicities are warranted.
A Magnetic Soft Endoscopic Capsule-Inflated Intragastric Balloon for Weight Management
Authors: Do Thanh Nho , Ho Khek Yu , Phee Soo Jay
Published: December 2016

Overweight and obesity have been identified as a cause of high risk diseases like diabetes and cancer. Although conventional Intragastric Balloons (IGBs) have become an efficient and less invasive method for overweight and obesity treatment, the use of conventional tools such as catheter or endoscope to insert and remove the IGBs from the patient’s body causes nausea, vomiting, discomfort, and even gastric mucous damage. To eliminate these drawbacks, we develop a novel magnetic soft capsule device with gas-filled balloon inflation. The balloon is made from a thin and biocompatible material that can be inflated to a desired volume using biocompatible effervescent chemicals. In addition, both the outer balloon and inner capsule are designed to be soft and chemical resistance. The soft capsule shell is fabricated using scaffold-solvent approach while the outer balloon utilizes a novel fabrication approach for 3D spherical structure. A prototype of the proposed capsule and balloon is given. Experiments are successfully carried out in stimulated gastric environment and fresh porcine stomach to validate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed approach.
An acridine derivative, [4,5-bis{(N-carboxy methyl imidazolium)methyl}acridine] dibromide, shows anti-TDP-43 aggregation effect in ALS disease models
Authors: Prasad Archana , Raju Gembali , Sivalingam Vishwanath , Girdhar Amandeep , Verma Meenakshi , Vats Abhishek , Taneja Vibha , Prabusankar Ganesan , Patel Basant K.
Published: December 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in neuronal cells and manifests as motor neuron dysfunction & muscle atrophy. The carboxyl-terminal prion-like domain of TDP-43 can aggregate in vitro into toxic β-sheet rich amyloid-like structures. So far, treatment options for ALS are very limited and Riluzole, which targets glutamate receptors, is the only but highly ineffective drug. Therefore, great interest exists in developing molecules for ALS treatment. Here, we have examined certain derivatives of acridine containing same side chains at position 4 & 5, for inhibitory potential against TDP-43 aggregation. Among several acridine derivatives examined, AIM4, which contains polar carboxyl groups in the side arms, significantly reduces TDP-43-YFP aggregation in the powerful yeast model cell and also abolishes in vitro amyloid-like aggregation of carboxyl terminal domain of TDP-43, as observed by AFM imaging. Thus, AIM4 can be a lead molecule potentiating further therapeutic research for ALS.
Perfluorocyclobutyl Aryl Ether-Based ABC Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer
Authors: Xu Binbin , Yao Wenqiang , Li Yongjun , Zhang Sen , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: December 2016

A series of fluorine-containing amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymers comprising hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), and hydrophobic poly(p-(2-(4-biphenyl)perfluorocyclobutoxy)phenyl methacrylate) (PBPFCBPMA) segments were synthesized by successive atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). First, PEG-Br macroinitiators bearing one terminal ATRP initiating group were prepared by chain-end modification of monohydroxy-terminated PEG via esterification reaction. PEG-b-PBPFCBPMA-Br diblock copolymers were then synthesized via ATRP of BPFCBPMA monomer initiated by PEG-Br macroinitiator. ATRP polymerization of tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) was directly initiated by PEG-b-PBPFCBPMA-Br to provide PEG-b-PBPFCBPMA-b-PtBMA triblock copolymers with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.43). The pendant tert-butyoxycarbonyls were hydrolyzed to carboxyls in acidic environment without affecting other functional groups for affording PEG-b-PBPFCBPMA-b-PMAA amphiphilic triblock copolymers. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc) were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine as probe and the self-assembly behavior in aqueous media were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Large compound micelles and bowl-shaped micelles were formed in neutral aqueous solution. Interestingly, large compound micelles formed by triblock copolymers can separately or simultaneously encapsulate hydrophilic Rhodamine 6G and hydrophobic pyrene agents.
Drivers of U.S. toxicological footprints trajectory 1998–2013
Authors: Koh S. C. L. , Ibn-Mohammed T. , Acquaye A. , Feng K. , Reaney I. M. , Hubacek K. , Fujii H. , Khatab K.
Published: December 2016

By exploiting data from the Toxic Release Inventory of the United States, we have established that the toxicological footprint (TF) increased by 3.3% (88.4 Mt) between 1998 and 1999 and decreased by 39% (1088.5 Mt) between 1999 and 2013. From 1999 to 2006, the decreasing TF was driven by improvements in emissions intensity (i.e. gains in production efficiency) through toxic chemical management options: cleaner production; end of pipe treatment; transfer for further waste management; and production scale. In particular, the mining sector reduced its TF through outsourcing processes. Between 2006 and 2009, decreasing TF was due to decrease in consumption volume triggered by economic recession. Since 2009, the economic recovery increased TF, overwhelming the influence of improved emissions intensity through population growth, consumption and production structures. Accordingly, attaining a less-toxic economy and environment will be influenced by a combination of gains in production efficiency through improvement in emissions mitigation technologies and changes in consumption patterns. Overall, the current analysis highlights the structural dynamics of toxic chemical release and would inform future formulation of effective mitigation standards and management protocols towards the detoxification of the environment.
Social conformity persists at least one day in 6-year-old children
Authors: Sun Sai , Yu Rongjun
Published: December 2016

Humans have a tendency to forgo their own attitudes or beliefs in order to better align with the interests of a majority, a behavioral process known as conformity. Social conformity has been widely studied among adults and adolescents, whereas experimental studies on the impact of peer influence among young children have been relatively limited. The current study aims to investigate both short-term and sustained conforming behaviors among children in situations of relatively low social pressure. Forty-one children aged 5 to 6 years rated the attractiveness of 90 faces presented serially followed by witnessing a group rating in the absence of peers. Subsequently, second judgement was made after 30 minutes (Experiment 1). Results show that 6-year-old children tended to conform to their peers when group ratings differed from their own ratings, while younger children did not. In Experiment 2, children were required to make the second judgment one day after exposure to group ratings. Similarly, children aged 6 years exhibited a sustained conformity effect even after one day. Our findings suggest that 6-year-old children spontaneously change their private opinions under implicit social influence from peers.
All-into-one strategy to synthesize mesoporous hybrid silicate microspheres from naturally rich red palygorskite clay as high-efficient adsorbents
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Tian Guangyan , Wang Dandan , Zhang Zhifang , Kang Yuru , Zong Li , Wang Aiqin
Published: December 2016

A mesoporous hybrid silicate microsphere with superior adsorption performance has been successfully synthesized by employing an “all-into-one” strategy and a simple one-pot hydrothermal process using naturally abundant low-grade red palygorskite (PAL) clay as raw material in the presence of non-toxic SiO32− and Mg2+ ions. As is expected, both the PAL and associated minerals transformed into a new amorphous mesoporous hybrid silicate microsphere without using any additional pore-forming template. The mesoporous silicate microsphere shows a large pore size of 37.74 nm, high specific surface area of 489.81 m2/g (only 54.67 m2/g for raw PAL) and negative surface potential of −43.3 mV, and its maximum adsorption capabilities for Methylene bule (MB) and Crystal violet (CV) reach 407.95 mg/g and 397.22 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, 99.8% of MB (only 53% for raw PAL) and 99.7% of CV (only 43% for raw PAL) were sucessfully removed from 200 mg/L of initial dye solution by only using 1 g/L of the adsorbent. In addition, the spent adsorbent can be easily regenerated and repeatly reused for muptiple cycles. The study on adsorption mechanism revealed that electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and chemical complexing interactions are the main factors contributed to the high dye adsorption.
The Nature of Metastable AA’ Graphite: Low Dimensional Nano- and Single-Crystalline Forms
Authors: Lee Jae-Kap , Kim Jin-Gyu , Hembram K. P. S. S. , Kim Yong-Il , Min Bong-Ki , Park Yeseul , Lee Jeon-Kook , Moon Dong Ju , Lee Wooyoung , Lee Sang-Gil , John Phillip
Published: December 2016

Over the history of carbon, it is generally acknowledged that Bernal AB stacking of the sp2 carbon layers is the unique crystalline form of graphite. The universal graphite structure is synthesized at 2,600~3,000 °C and exhibits a micro-polycrystalline feature. In this paper, we provide evidence for a metastable form of graphite with an AA’ structure. The non-Bernal AA’ allotrope of graphite is synthesized by the thermal- and plasma-treatment of graphene nanopowders at ~1,500 °C. The formation of AA’ bilayer graphene nuclei facilitates the preferred texture growth and results in single-crystal AA’ graphite in the form of nanoribbons (1D) or microplates (2D) of a few nm in thickness. Kinetically controlled AA’ graphite exhibits unique nano- and single-crystalline feature and shows quasi-linear behavior near the K-point of the electronic band structure resulting in anomalous optical and acoustic phonon behavior.
Interpretation of inverted photocurrent transients in organic lead halide perovskite solar cells: proof of the field screening by mobile ions and determination of the space charge layer widths
Authors: Belisle Rebecca A. , Nguyen William H. , Bowring Andrea R. , Calado Philip , Li Xiaoe , Irvine Stuart J. C. , McGehee Michael D. , Barnes Piers R. F. , O'Regan Brian C.
Published: December 2016

Verification of the “Wiggly Band” model for perovskite solar cells by transients measured at forward bias.
Development and evaluation of a chemistry-specific version of the academic motivation scale (AMS-Chemistry)
Authors: Liu Yujuan , Ferrell Brent , Barbera Jack , Lewis Jennifer E.
Published: December 2016

Fundamentally concerned with motivation, self-determination theory (SDT) represents a framework of several mini-theories to explore how social context interacts with people's motivational types categorized by degree of regulation internalization. This paper aims to modify an existing theory-based instrument (Academic Motivation Scale, or AMS) and provide validity evidence for the modified instrument (Academic Motivation Scale-Chemistry) as a measure of seven types of student motivation toward chemistry. The paper explores how motivation as measured by AMS-Chemistry is related to student academic achievement and attendance. In a pilot study, the unmodified AMS showed good reliability, reasonable data fit, and the ability to detect motivational differences by sex in college chemistry courses. Based on the pilot study results, expert panel discussions, and cognitive interviews with students, the Academic Motivation Scale – Chemistry (AMS-Chemistry) was developed. AMS-Chemistry was administered to university students in a first semester general chemistry course twice within a semester. An examination of validity evidence suggested that the AMS-Chemistry data could be used to investigate student motivation toward chemistry. Results showed students were extrinsically motivated toward chemistry on average, and there was an overall motivational difference favoring males with a medium effect size. Correlation studies showed motivation was not associated with academic achievement at the beginning of the term, but intrinsic motivation subscales (to know,to experience, andto accomplish) were positively associated with academic achievement at the end of the term. Results also showed that students who persisted in class attendance scored higher on intrinsic motivation subscales than those who did not persist. The 28-item AMS-Chemistry is easy to administer and can be used to better understand students’ motivation status and how it might change across the curriculum. Faculty interested in promoting student intrinsic motivation may also use the AMS-Chemistry to evaluate the impact of their efforts.
Layered MoS2 coupled MOFs-derived dual-phase TiO2 for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Tang Rui , Yin Ruiyang , Zhou Shujie , Ge Tairu , Yuan Zhimin , Zhang Lunyan , Yin Longwei
Published: December 2016

Layered MoS2 coupled MOF-derived dual-phase TiO2 heterostructures with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance were synthesized through a facile two-step hydrothermal method.
Engineering the vertical concentration distribution within the polymer:fullerene blends for high performance inverted polymer solar cells
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zhu Honglu , Shi Zhenzhen , Wang Fuzhi , Zhang Bing , Dai Songyuan , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: December 2016

Optimized morphology and vertically distributed donor/acceptor concentrations are achieved simply by flushing the PTB7-Th:PC71BM blends with a selectively dissolvable 2-chlorophenol solvent.
Lip Movements for an Unfamiliar Vowel: Mandarin Front Rounded Vowel Produced by Japanese Speakers
Authors: Saito Haruka
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The study was aimed at investigating what kind of lip positions are selected by Japanese adult participants for an unfamiliar Mandarin rounded vowel /y/ and if their lip positions are related to and/or differentiated from those for their native vowels.

Method

Videotaping and post hoc tracking measurements for lip positions, namely protrusion and vertical aperture, and acoustic analysis of vowel formants were conducted on participants' production in a repetition task.

Results

First, 31.2% of all productions of /y/ were produced with either protruded or compressed rounding. Second, the lip positions for /y/ were differentiated from those for the perceived nearest native vowel; although they correlated with them in terms of vertical aperture, they did not in terms of protrusion/retraction.

Conclusions

Lip positions for a novel rounded vowel seemed to be produced as a modification of existing lip positions from the native repertoire. Moreover, the degree of vertical aperture might be easily transferred, and the degree of protrusion is less likely to be retained in the new lip positions.
Crop area increases drive earlier and dry sowing in Western Australia: implications for farming systems
Authors: Fletcher Andrew , Lawes Roger , Weeks Cameron
Published: December 2016

Technologies such as minimum tillage and new herbicides have enabled the use of early and dry sowing in Western Australia (WA). Although there is a sowing date that maximises yield of individual fields, on-farm sowing dates are constrained by the availability of machinery and labour. It was hypothesised that farms with a larger crop area would begin sowing earlier and be more likely to dry sow than smaller farms because they would take longer to sow. Current sowing dates and the extent of dry sowing in WA were explored using multiple analytical approaches, such as analysis of farm records, survey data and historical weather records, and simulation modelling. Field records from seven farms showed that sowing date of the first cereal crop on-farm had advanced markedly in recent years. The timeline of this advanced cereal sowing date differed across sites but was prominent from 2010 for most sites. In a larger survey, conducted between 2011 and 2014, of 805 grain farms across all rainfall zones in the WA grain belt, the mean first crop sowing date was 29 April and half the farms used dry sowing. Farms with larger cropped areas tended to begin sowing crops earlier and were more likely to dry sow. Only 26% of small farms (<1000 ha crop) used dry sowing compared with 71% of large farms (>5000 ha crop). A larger proportion of lupin (34%) and canola (43%) was sown dry than wheat (16%) or barley (10%; P < 0.001). Simulation modelling demonstrated that the optimum time to begin sowing at the farm level was often well before the break of season (the first autumn rainfall of sufficient volume to ensure subsequent successful crop germination and establishment), but this was dependant on the size of the cropping program. Early and dry sowing will continue to expand, and research to understand how other agronomic management interacts with this change should be a priority. This may include cultivars with appropriate traits, such as longer duration to flowering, changes in weed management practices, management practices that accumulate soil moisture at sowing, interactions with water repellent soil and the interaction with dual purpose cropping.
Heritability of target bioactive compounds and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity in purple- and red-fleshed tetraploid potatoes
Authors: Tierno R. , Ruiz de Galarreta J. I.
Published: December 2016

Intensely pigmented potato tubers are desired for the speciality potato market because of the health-promoting effects of pigments and other related compounds. Although highly coloured potatoes show higher concentrations of carotenoids and anthocyanins and higher antioxidant capacity, the phytochemical composition is highly dependent on environmental factors. Thus, the effects of genotype, environment and genotype × environment interactions on monomeric anthocyanins, soluble phenolics, carotenoids and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity were evaluated in a set of cultivars selected on the basis of the contrasting flesh colour of tubers. Twenty-one tetraploid potato genotypes were grown in three different field trials at Arkaute and Iturrieta for 2 years. Genotype, environment and genotype × environment interactions were significant for all of the studied parameters (P ≤ 0.01). However, most of the variation was accounted for by clonal variation. Broad-sense heritabilities (and their 95% confidence intervals) were 0.947 (0.832–0.981) for total monomeric anthocyanins, 0.917 (0.852–0.952) for total soluble phenolics, 0.950 (0.911–0.975) for total carotenoids, and 0.887 (0.799–0.945) and 0.850 (0.734–0.927) for hydrophilic antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS and DPPH methods, respectively. Although certain instabilities were recorded for all of the studied traits, the high estimates of heritability support the main role of genetics in phytochemical composition and suggest that sufficient heritable genetic variation exists in tetraploid potato germplasm for the breeding of advanced clones with improved bioactive properties.
Expression and heritability of late flowering and other quantitative traits in cultivated×Australian wild mungbean hybrids
Authors: Nguyen Thuan D. , Vu Hang T. T. , Bielig L. M. , Lawn R. J.
Published: December 2016

The expression and heritability of quantitative traits were examined in four hybrid mungbean populations, developed by crossing two cultivars, Kiloga and Berken, with two Australian wild accessions, ACC 1 and ACC 87. Phenological, morphological, agronomic and pod and seed traits were measured in the parental, F1, F2, and two F1 × parent backcross progeny generations. Plants were grown in large pots on benches, in autumn in the field at Townsville, Australia. The two cultivars were both early flowering (~5 weeks) and short duration, with short, thick stems, few branches, large leaflets, pods and seeds, and high harvest index. There were greater differences between the two wild accessions. ACC 1 was very late flowering (>12 weeks) even under the short days of autumn, and strongly indeterminate, with prostrate habit, prolific branching, thin stems, small leaflets and tiny seeds. The perennial type ACC 87 was intermediate in flowering (~6 weeks), with more robust, albeit still branched and twining growth habit, and larger leaflets, flowers, pods and seeds. Flowering in all crosses was conditioned by additive gene action with some dominance effects (with lateness recessive to earliness). The responses suggested that the extreme lateness of ACC 1 was due to the cumulative additive effects of multiple lateness genes. For most other traits, there were broad consistencies in trait expression in hybrid progeny and heritability between the different crosses, indicating general similarities in genetic control. Although broad-sense heritability for most traits was high, narrow-sense heritability was high to very high for twice as many traits in the ACC 87 as in the ACC 1 crosses, indicating higher levels dominance effects in the latter crosses. Several genetic and phenotypic correlations were identified between various traits, as well as associations between quantitative traits in this study and previously reported qualitative traits from the same populations. There were no gross genetic incompatibilities between the wild and cultivated accessions. However, irregularities in the segregation patterns in the progeny generations for seeds per pod suggested that there may have been cryptic hybrid breakdown effects at the gametic or zygotic level. The results of this study indicated that ACC 1 and ACC 87 are genetically distinctive, with the perennial form ACC 87 actually less distant from the domesticated mungbean than is ACC 1. The research provides yet further evidence that the Australian wild accessions add significant diversity to the mungbean primary germplasm.
Experimental investigation of fire propagation in single live shrubs
Authors: Li Jing , Mahalingam Shankar , Weise David R.
Published: December 2016

This work focuses broadly on individual, live shrubs and, more specifically, it examines bulk density in chaparral and its combined effects with wind and ignition location on the resulting fire behaviour. Empirical functions to predict bulk density as a function of height for 4-year-old chaparral were developed for two typical species of shrub fuels in southern California, USA, namely chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum Hook & Arn.) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp. Adans.). Fuel beds of chamise foliage and small-diameter branches were burned in an open-topped wind tunnel. Three levels of bulk density, two ignition locations and two wind speeds were examined, focusing on overall fire behaviour. Mean maximum mass loss rate, elapsed time at which maximum mass loss rate occurred, flame height, flame angle, peak gas temperature and its peak change rate were measured. The mean maximum mass loss rate was not significantly affected by wind speed, ignition location, bulk density or moisture content. Both wind speed and ignition location significantly affected the time that maximum mass loss rate occurred. Only wind speed affected flame height and flame angle. The peak gas temperature within the shrub burning area was found to be mostly affected by the bulk density.