bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Synthesis of Photoluminescent π‐Conjugated Polymers by Polymer Reactions of an Organotitanium Polymer with a Titanacyclopentadiene Unit
Authors: Matsumura Yoshimasa , Fukuda Katsura , Inagi Shinsuke , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: January 2015

A regioregular organometallic polymer with titanacyclopentadiene unit, obtained by the reaction of a 2,7‐diethynylfluorene derivative and a low‐valent titanium complex, is subjected to the reaction with three kinds of electrophiles (i.e., sulfur monochloride, hydrochloric acid, and dichlorophenylphosphine) to give π−conjugated polymers possessing both fluorene and building blocks originated from the transformation of the titanacycles in the main chain. For example, a phosphole‐containing polymer whose number‐average molecular weight is estimated as 5000 is obtained in 50% yield. The obtained thiophene, butadiene, and phosphole‐containing polymers exhibit efficient photoluminescence (PL) with emission colors of blue, green, and yellow, respectively. For example, the phosphole‐containing polymer exhibits yellow PL with an emission maximum (Emax) of 533 nm and a quantum yield (Φ) of 0.37.

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Finite strain primal interface formulation with consistently evolving stabilization
Authors: Truster Timothy J. , Chen Pinlei , Masud Arif
Published: January 2015

A stabilized discontinuous Galerkin method is developed for general hyperelastic materials at finite strains. Starting from a mixed method incorporating Lagrange multipliers along the interface, the displacement formulation is systematically derived through a variational multiscale approach whereby the numerical fine scales are modeled via edge bubble functions. Analytical expressions that are free from user‐defined parameters arise for the weighted numerical flux and stability tensor. In particular, the specific form taken by these derived quantities naturally accounts for evolving geometric nonlinearity as well as discontinuous material properties. The method is applicable both to problems containing nonconforming meshes or different element types at specific interfaces and to problems consisting of fully discontinuous numerical approximations. Representative numerical tests involving large strains and rotations are performed to confirm the robustness of the method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective observational study of machine translation software to overcome the challenge of including ethnic diversity in healthcare research
Authors: Taylor Rachel M. , Crichton Nicola , Moult Beki , Gibson Faith
Published: January 2015

Aim

This study investigates whether machine translation could help with the challenge of enabling the inclusion of ethnic diversity in healthcare research.

Design

A two phase, prospective observational study.

Methods

Two machine translators, Google Translate and Babylon 9, were tested. Translation of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) from 24 languages into English and translation of an English information sheet into Spanish and Chinese were quality scored. Quality was assessed using the Translation Assessment Quality Tool.

Results

Only six of the 48 translations of the SDQ were rated as acceptable, all from Google Translate. The mean number of acceptably translated sentences was higher (P = 0·001) for Google Translate 17·1 (sd 7·2) than for Babylon 9 11 (sd 7·9). Translation by Google Translate was better for Spanish and Chinese, although no score was in the acceptable range. Machine translation is not currently sufficiently accurate without editing to provide translation of materials for use in healthcare research.
Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy syntactic foams reinforced by short carbon fiber
Authors: Huang Chi , Huang Zhixiong , Qin Yan , Ding Jie , Lv Xuesong
Published: January 2015

Epoxy syntactic foams were prepared with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, 2.4.6‐tri(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (DMP‐30), coupling treated microsphere and short carbon fiber. The density of the foam was maintained between 0.56 and 0.91 g/cm3 for all compositions. Compressive, flexural, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the foams were investigated with respect to hollow glass microsphere (HGM) and carbon fiber (CF) content. A considerable improvement in the mechanical properties viz. compressive, flexural and tensile strengths was observed for the foams on incorporation of a small quantity of CF. The storage modulus were higher for the foam composites containing CF. The presence of HGM has significant influence on Tg of the syntactic foams, spherical filler diminished the Tg of the syntactic foams due to the plasticizing effect of the coupling treatment of HGM, that is helpful for enhancing damping properties of syntactic foams. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1960–1970, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Building and testing correlations for the estimation of one‐electron reduction potentials of a diverse set of organic molecules
Authors: Méndez‐Hernández Dalvin D. , Gillmore Jason G. , Montano Luis A. , Gust Devens , Moore Thomas A. , Moore Ana L. , Mujica Vladimiro
Published: January 2015

We describe and evaluate a method for computationally predicting reduction potentials of a diverse group of organic molecules by linearly correlating calculated lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies with ground state reduction potentials measured in acetonitrile. The approach is shown to provide a unique combination of extreme computational simplicity and excellent accuracy across a diverse range of organic structures and a wide window of reduction potentials. A disparate set of molecules (74 compounds belonging to six distinct structural families, comprised of molecules containing C, H, N, O, F, Cl, and Br, with functional groups including esters, ketones, halides, nitriles, quinones, alkenes, arenes, heteroarenes, and pyridinium and higher benzologs, all containing conjugated pi systems, spanning a 3.5‐V range of reduction potentials) was used to build the correlations. This methodology was found to be computationally inexpensive compared with other approaches and to permit the useful prediction of reduction potentials of additional molecules of diverse structural types not included in the families used to determine the correlation parameters. The effects of varying the basis set used in the B3LYP electronic structure calculations and including solvent (compared with calculations in gas phase) were also examined. It was found that the inclusion of a continuum solvent model in the calculations was required for accurate results, particularly when including cationic species in the correlations (although when only neutral molecules were examined, reasonable results could even be obtained in vacuo). Several of the best correlations were used to predict the reduction potentials of seven much larger and structurally diverse chromophores that were not included in the correlation data set. Strong correlations (r2 values > 0.99) with very good predictive abilities (root mean square deviation < 60 mV) were found. This extremely simple and computationally efficient entirely closed‐shell methodology is proven robust and useful for the design of new molecules capable of participating in redox processes, including electron transfer reactions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrophilic Cu3BiS3 Nanoparticles for Computed Tomography Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yang Yan , Wu Huixia , Shi Benzhao , Guo Linlin , Zhang Yingjian , An Xiao , Zhang Hao , Yang Shiping
Published: January 2015

Hydrophilic Cu3BiS3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared using the thermal decomposition of precursor complexes in oily‐mixed solvent followed by coating the produced Cu3BiS3 NPs with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The resulting Cu3BiS3/PVP NPs remain stable in aqueous solutions over a long period of time, and meanwhile, they show low in vitro cytotoxicity and negligible toxicity to mice in vivo. Cu3BiS3/PVP NPs could operate as an efficient dual‐modal contrast agent to simultaneously enhance X‐ray computed tomography imaging and photothermal imaging of tumor model in vivo. Moreover, highly efficient ablation of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo has been successfully achieved by combining Cu3BiS3/PVP NPs with near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. All of the positive results in this study highlight that Cu3BiS3/PVP NPs could serve as a promising platform for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Co3O4 Hollow Nanoparticles and Co Organic Complexes Highly Dispersed on N‐Doped Graphene: An Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Chen Yanan , Bao Jie , Xie Zhaojun , Wei Jinping , Zhou Zhen
Published: January 2015

Rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries are promising candidates for electric vehicles due to their high energy density. However, the current development of Li‐O2 batteries demands highly efficient air cathode catalysts for high capacity, good rate capability, and long cycle life. In this work, a hydrothermal‐calcination method is presented to prepare a composite of Co3O4 hollow nanoparticles and Co organic complexes highly dispersed on N‐doped graphene (Co–NG), which acts as a bifunctional air cathode catalyst to optimize the electrochemical performances of Li‐O2 batteries. Co–NG exhibits an outstanding initial discharge capacity up to 19 133 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1. In addition, the batteries could sustain 71 cycles at a cutoff capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 with low overpotentials at the current density of 200 mA g−1. Co–NG composites are attractive as air cathode catalysts for rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries.
Urinary proteomics and metabolomics in the diagnosis of pediatric disorders
Authors: Vaidyanathan Kannan
Published: January 2015

Proteomics is the study of structures and functions of proteins, while metabolomics is the study of small‐molecule metabolites in the cells, tissues, and organs of the organism. Proteomic technologies have wide applications in medical field. The current revolution in proteomics has led to the discovery of several new protein markers for various disorders. Urinary proteomics and metabolomics have also evolved in the recent years, for the diagnosis of both renal and nonrenal disorders. The urinary proteome varies in normal and abnormal conditions. Different techniques are employed for the analysis of pediatric urinary proteome, the commonest being MS. Before introduction into clinical use, there is the need for careful standardization. Available data suggest that there are differences in urinary proteome between adult and pediatric populations. It is noted that infant urine contains proteins involved in translation and transcription, cellular growth, and metabolic processes, which are not predominant in adult urine. Available data on urinary proteomic and metabolomic profile in common pediatric disorders are also reviewed here.
Determination of an acceptor level in bulk GaN grown by high nitrogen pressure solution method
Authors: Dashdorj J. , Zvanut M. E. , Bockowski M.
Published: January 2015

A point defect in acceptor‐doped bulk free standing GaN grown by the high nitrogen pressure solution method (HNPS) was investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A nearly isotropic spectrum with g‐value of 1.984 is observed after illumination with 2.8 eV light and is stable after removal of the light. Comparison with earlier work on p‐type GaN films and SIMS data on the HNPS substrates suggests that the defect is related to an acceptor, heavily compensated during growth by oxygen. Time‐dependent photo‐EPR data are well modeled as a single defect‐to‐band transition where the defect level is 0.67 eV above the valence band edge. Although Mg‐ and Be‐doped samples were studied, only those samples containing Be produced the EPR signal. This observation, coupled with the similarity of the defect level measured to that predicted from the theory of others, suggests that the defect is related to a Be impurity.
Random recombination and evolution of drug resistance
Authors: Kleinman Alan
Published: January 2015

The effects of random recombination on the random mutation and natural selection phenomenon can be understood by considering the mathematical behavior of this phenomenon. This phenomenon operates in a mathematically predicable behavior, which when understood, explains the empirical observations of this phenomenon. The mathematical behavior of random recombination is derived using the principles given by probability theory. The derivation of the equations describing the random recombination phenomenon is done in the context of an empirical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A product of independent beta probabilities dose escalation design for dual‐agent phase I trials
Authors: Mander Adrian P. , Sweeting Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Dual‐agent trials are now increasingly common in oncology research, and many proposed dose‐escalation designs are available in the statistical literature. Despite this, the translation from statistical design to practical application is slow, as has been highlighted in single‐agent phase I trials, where a 3 + 3 rule‐based design is often still used. To expedite this process, new dose‐escalation designs need to be not only scientifically beneficial but also easy to understand and implement by clinicians. In this paper, we propose a curve‐free (nonparametric) design for a dual‐agent trial in which the model parameters are the probabilities of toxicity at each of the dose combinations. We show that it is relatively trivial for a clinician's prior beliefs or historical information to be incorporated in the model and updating is fast and computationally simple through the use of conjugate Bayesian inference. Monotonicity is ensured by considering only a set of monotonic contours for the distribution of the maximum tolerated contour, which defines the dose‐escalation decision process. Varied experimentation around the contour is achievable, and multiple dose combinations can be recommended to take forward to phase II. Code for R, Stata and Excel are available for implementation. © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Carbo‐Benzene's Aromaticity, Before and Beyond: A Tribute to Nozoe
Authors: Cocq Kévin , Maraval Valérie , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Chauvin Remi
Published: January 2015

Beyond rigorous inspection of the literature, selected comments and drawings from the Nozoe Autograph Books show how concepts and targets of the chemistry of today already existed 40 years ago. This is illustrated for the chemistry of carbo‐mers, which was actually unknowingly inspired by chemists of the golden age. After a personal travel through time and pages by the last author of this essay, who meets autographs by people who have been important in his career, in particular on the occasions of Nozoe's visits to France or past ISNA events, unpublished results in non‐benzenoid chemistry are dedicated to Nozoe's memory. Experimental advances are first disclosed on the comparative chemistry of the three ortho, meta and para isomers of tetraphenyl‐carbo‐benzene C18H2Ph4, the known ortho isomer serving as a reference. The two CH vertices of these chromophores make their [6]pericyclyne precursors quite sensitive and their yields and purifications challenging to optimize. The meta isomer was, however, isolated in 18% yield, and described by NMR and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and crystallography. The para isomer was characterized both in pure form and in a 1:1 mixture with a single isomer of its HCl adduct, including by X‐ray diffraction analysis of a co‐crystal showing that the interior of the C18 ring of the HCl adduct is filled by the Cl atom. Theoretical advances are then offered regarding the “aromatic character” of a triple bond, by showing that the topological acyclic reference of acetylene is the Möbius‐twisted cyclobutadiene. Acetylenoids are finally proposed as a novel class of non‐benzenoid aromatics.
Instrument Reporting Practices in Second Language Research
Authors: Derrick Deirdre J.
Published: January 2015

Second language (L2) researchers often have to develop or change the instruments they use to measure numerous constructs (Norris & Ortega, 2012). Given the prevalence of researcher‐developed and ‐adapted data collection instruments, and given the profound effect instrumentation can have on results, thorough reporting of instrumentation is important for interpreting study results, conducting replications, forming and modifying L2 theory, and performing meta‐analytic research. Transparency in instrument reporting should include information on the origins, development, piloting, and reliability of instruments as well as information about inter‐rater reliability. Prior research, however, indicates gaps in L2 research transparency (Cohen & Macaro, 2010; Plonsky & Gass, 2011). The present study examined instrument reporting practices in three L2 journals over a period of 5 years. Origins were reported for 58% of the instruments, descriptions of piloting were provided for 17% of the instruments, reliability coefficients were reported for 28% of the instruments (with Cronbach's alpha being the most frequently used index: 22%), and inter‐rater reliability information was provided for 42% of the instruments (with percentage agreement being the most frequently used calculation: 16%). Seventeen percent of the instruments were made available either online or in an appendix. This snapshot of current reporting practices indicates areas where transparency could be improved.
Pretend play
Authors: Weisberg Deena Skolnick
Published: January 2015

Pretend play is a form of playful behavior that involves nonliteral action. Although on the surface this activity appears to be merely for fun, recent research has discovered that children's pretend play has connections to important cognitive and social skills, such as symbolic thinking, theory of mind, and counterfactual reasoning. The current article first defines pretend play and then reviews the arguments and evidence for these three connections. Pretend play has a nonliteral correspondence to reality, hence pretending may provide children with practice with navigating symbolic relationships, which may strengthen their language skills. Pretend play and theory of mind reasoning share a focus on others' mental states in order to correctly interpret their behavior, hence pretending and theory of mind may be mutually supportive in development. Pretend play and counterfactual reasoning both involve representing nonreal states of affairs, hence pretending may facilitate children's counterfactual abilities. These connections make pretend play an important phenomenon in cognitive science: Studying children's pretend play can provide insight into these other abilities and their developmental trajectories, and thereby into human cognitive architecture and its development.WIREs Cogn Sci2015, 6:249–261. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1341

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Development and Aging
Total reflection X‐Ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study Pb and Zn accumulation in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Bilo Fabjola , Moscoso Sdenka , Borgese Laura , Delbarba Maria V. , Zacco Annalisa , Bosio Alberto , Federici Stefania , Guarienti Michela , Presta Marco , Bontempi Elza , Depero Laura E.
Published: January 2015

Biotoxicity tests are used to evaluate potential harmful effects of chemical substances. Among them, zebrafish embryo toxicity test is a well‐established procedure to study the negative effects of heavy metals. In respect to this, the measurement of the metal content accumulated in embryos during the toxicity test may help to understand adverse effects and identify target organs. However, because of the small masses involved, an analytical technique with high sensitivity is required.

In this work, elemental chemical analysis of individual embryos was performed by means of total reflection X‐ray fluorescence to study Pb and Zn bioaccumulation. A suitable protocol for sample preparation and total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis was developed. At the end of fish embryo toxicity tests, zebrafish embryos exposed to Pb and Zn reference solutions or to leaching solutions of toxic and inertized municipal solid waste incinerator fly ashes were analyzed. A significant trend of bioaccumulation was observed for Pb with values one order of magnitude higher than the expected. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the biophysical impacts of climate change in three hotspot regions in Africa and Asia
Authors: Kilroy Garrett
Published: January 2015

A systematic review was conducted of biological and physical climate change impacts in three hotspot regions in Africa and Asia. Specifically, the review focused on identifying the nature and extent of biophysical impacts in semi-arid zones, mega-deltas and glacial-fed river basins. In total 139, peer-reviewed articles were reviewed, with a steady increase in relevant articles reported since 2006. Publications on the South Asian glacial-fed river basins were the most numerous followed by semi-arid areas and then deltas, with Central Asia and some African countries being the most under represented. The nature and extent of impacts varied for each hotspot area and were largely determined by the geographical context and intrinsic characteristics of each region. River basin publications were dominated by impacts concerning hydrology, highlighting the importance of glacial-fed water resources to downstream populations. Semi-arid regions were dominated by impacts to climate processes and impacts to livestock and vegetation highlighting the importance of rainfall to the ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities in these regions. In contrast, delta studies were dominated by a focus on hazards, predominantly coastal inundation, reflecting the concentration of populations and assets in these areas. Uncertainties associated with the biophysical impacts on these regions under a changing climate are documented and represent key knowledge gaps. Common information gaps for all hotspot regions were the need for improved hydro-meteorological monitoring systems. The development of climate change adaptation strategies and policies should be supported by a sound knowledge and understanding of the full range of biophysical impacts, which are characteristic to each geographical location.
Obesity and older age as protective factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total hysterectomy
Authors: Donnellan Nicole M. , Mansuria Suketu , Aguwa Nancy , Lum Deirdre , Meyn Leslie , Lee Ted
Published: January 2015

Studies have shown an increased risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Patient variables associated with dehiscence have not been well described. This study aims to identify factors associated with dehiscence following varying routes of total hysterectomy. This is a retrospective, matched, case-control study of women who underwent a total hysterectomy at a large, urban, university-based teaching hospital from January 2000 to December 2011. Women who underwent a total hysterectomy and had a dehiscence (n = 31) were matched by surgical mode to the next five total hysterectomies (n = 155). Summary statistics and conditional logistic regression were performed to compare cases to controls. Obese women (BMI ≥ 30) were 70 % less likely than normal weight women (BMI < 25) to experience a dehiscence (p = 0.02). When stratified by hysterectomy route, obese women were 86 % less likely to have a dehiscence following robotic-assisted total hysterectomy (RAH) and TLH than normal weight women (p = 0.04). Further, increasing age was protective of dehiscence in this subgroup of women (p = 0.02). Older age and obesity were associated with a decreased risk of dehiscence following RAH and TLH but not following other routes. Increased risk of dehiscence following TLH observed in previous studies may be partially due to patient characteristics.
Structural insights into Cn‐AMP1, a short disulfide‐free multifunctional peptide from green coconut water
Authors: Santana Mábio J. , de Oliveira Aline L. , Queiroz Júnior Luiz H.K. , Mandal Santi M. , Matos Carolina O. , de O. Dias Renata , Franco Octavio L. , Lião Luciano M.
Published: January 2015

Multifunctional and promiscuous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be used as an efficient strategy to control pathogens. However, little is known about the structural properties of plant promiscuous AMPs without disulfide bonds. CD and NMR were used to elucidate the structure of the promiscuous peptide Cn‐AMP1, a disulfide‐free peptide isolated from green coconut water. Data here reported shows that peptide structure is transitory and could be different according to the micro‐environment. In this regard, Cn‐AMP1 showed a random coil in a water environment and an α‐helical structure in the presence of SDS‐d25 micelles. Moreover, deuterium exchange experiments showed that Gly4, Arg5 and Met9 residues are less accessible to solvent, suggesting that flexibility and cationic charges seem to be essential for Cn‐AMP1 multiple activities.
Cerebrovascular adaptations to chronic hypoxia in the growth restricted lamb
Authors: Castillo‐Melendez Margie , Yawno Tamara , Allison Beth J. , Jenkin Graham , Wallace Euan M. , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: January 2015

Chronic moderate hypoxia induces angiogenic adaptation in the brain, reflecting a modulatory role for oxygen in determining cerebrovascular development. Chronic intrauterine fetal hypoxia, such as occurs in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is likely to lead to a reduction in oxygen delivery to the brain and long‐term neurological abnormalities. Thus we investigated whether vascular remodeling and vascular abnormalities were evident in the brain of IUGR newborn lambs that were chronically hypoxic in utero. Single uterine artery ligation (SUAL) surgery was performed in fetuses at ∼105 days gestation (term ∼145 days) to induce placental insufficiency and IUGR. Ewes delivered naturally at term and lambs were euthanased 24 h later. IUGR brains (n = 9) demonstrated a significant reduction in positive staining for the number of blood vessels (laminin immunohistochemistry) compared with control (n = 8): from 1650 ± 284 to 416 ± 47 cells/mm2 in subcortical white matter (SCWM) 1793 ± 298 to 385 ± 20 cells/mm2 in periventricular white matter (PVWM), and 1717 ± 161 to 405 ± 84 cells/mm2 in the subventricular zone (SVZ). The decrease in vascular density was associated with a significant decrease in VEGF immunoreactivity. The percentage of blood vessels exhibiting endothelial cell proliferation (Ki67 positive) varied regionally between 14 to 22% in white matter of control lambs, while only 1–3% of blood vessels in IUGR brains showed proliferation. A 66% reduction in pericyte coverage (α‐SMA and desmin) of blood vessels was observed in SCWM, 71% in PVWM, and 73% in SVZ of IUGR lambs, compared to controls. A reduction in peri‐vascular astrocytes (GFAP and laminin) was also observed throughout the white matter of IUGR lambs, and extravasation of albumin into the brain parenchyma was present, indicative of increased permeability of the blood brain barrier. Chronic hypoxia associated with IUGR results in a reduction in vascular density in the white matter of IUGR newborn brains. Vascular pericyte coverage and peri‐vascular astrocytes, both of which are essential for stabilisation of blood vessels and the maintenance of vascular permeability, were also decreased in the white matter of IUGR lambs. In turn, these vascular changes could lead to inadequate oxygen supply and contribute to under‐perfusion and increased vulnerability of white matter in IUGR infants.
The effects of advertising models for age‐restricted products and self‐concept discrepancy on advertising outcomes among young adolescents
Authors: Pezzuti Todd , Pirouz Dante , Pechmann Cornelia
Published: January 2015

Research on discrepancies between the actual self and ideal self has examined self‐discrepancies in knowledge, skills and stature but age‐based self‐discrepancies have only recently received attention and so we studied this phenomenon in young adolescents. In three studies we identified a product‐category contextual cue that apparently caused adolescents to respond to an existing age‐based self‐discrepancy. Specifically we found that when the contextual cue was advertising for an age‐restricted product, adolescents conformed to dissimilar young adult advertising models and diverged from similar adolescent models. This indicated that the contextual cue caused them to respond to an age‐based self‐discrepancy and use a product associated with the ideal self rather than the actual self. Importantly, this response was stronger among adolescents that were more dissatisfied with their age. With advertising for an age‐unrestricted product, adolescents conformed to adolescent advertising models and diverged from young adult models. Industry policies for age‐restricted products assume that similarity drives influence and therefore mandate that advertising models be young adults rather than adolescents. Our findings suggest this assumption is invalid for age‐restricted products.
Performance effects of early and late Six Sigma adoptions
Authors: Jacobs Brian W. , Swink Morgan , Linderman Kevin
Published: January 2015

Operations managers confront the challenge of deciding when to implement various administrative innovations such as Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and Lean. This research examines the operating performance effects of early versus late adoption of Six Sigma process improvement. Using theories of organizational learning and knowledge transfer, we develop hypotheses describing the advantages of late adoption, and factors that affect a firm's ability to benefit from Six Sigma either as an early or late adopter. We test our hypotheses using an event study methodology. The empirical results show that, on average, late adopters in our sample enjoy significantly greater performance gains than early adopters. However, the analysis also shows that the advantages of late adopters tend to be moderated by certain environmental and structural characteristics of a firm. Specifically, late adoption has been favorable when firms operate in low‐velocity industries, when they primarily sell in business‐to‐business markets, when they have good financial performance prior to adoption, and when they are large. Conversely, when adopters operate in conditions that have the opposite characteristics, then early adoption appears to have produced better results. Understanding the effects of these factors can enhance managers’ abilities to determine appropriate adoption timing to increase performance.
Generic concepts in Nectriaceae
Authors: Lombard L. , van der Merwe N.A. , Groenewald J.Z. , Crous P.W.
Published: January 2015

The ascomycete family Nectriaceae (Hypocreales) includes numerous important plant and human pathogens, as well as several species used extensively in industrial and commercial applications as biodegraders and biocontrol agents. Members of the family are unified by phenotypic
characters such as uniloculate ascomata that are yellow, orange-red to purple, and with phialidic asexual morphs. The generic concepts in Nectriaceae are poorly defined, since DNA sequence data have not been available for many of these genera. To address this issue we performed a multi-gene
phylogenetic analysis using partial sequences for the 28S large subunit (LSU) nrDNA, the internal transcribed spacer region and intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS), the large subunit of the ATP citrate lyase (acl1), the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), RNA polymerase II
second largest subunit (rpb2), α-actin (act), β-tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (cmdA), histone H3 (his3), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene regions for available type and authentic strains representing known genera in Nectriaceae,
including several genera for which no sequence data were previously available. Supported by morphological observations, the data resolved 47 genera in the Nectriaceae. We re-evaluated the status of several genera, which resulted in the introduction of six new genera to accommodate species
that were initially classified based solely on morphological characters. Several generic names are proposed for synonymy based on the abolishment of dual nomenclature. Additionally, a new family is introduced for two genera that were previously accommodated in the Nectriaceae.
The Force of Gardening: Investigating Children's Learning in a Food Garden
Authors: Green Monica , Duhn Iris
Published: January 2015

School gardens are becoming increasingly recognised as important sites for learning and for bringing children into relationship with food. Despite the well-known educational and health benefits of gardening, children's interactions with the non-human entities and forces within garden surroundings are less understood and examined in the wider garden literature. Using a relational materialist approach (Hultman & Lenz Taguchi, 2010) that considers the material artefacts that constitute a learning environment, this article examines children's interactions with the animate and inanimate life forces through three specific garden photographs. The photos belong to data derived from a study that examined food, ecology and design pedagogies in three Australian primary schools. This paper argues that children's interactions with the non-human materialities of a garden are a vital dimension of gardening practice. The agential powers of gardens have great capacity to mobilise and inform children's inhabitation of food gardens.
All of us? An exploration of the concept of mental health literacy based on young people’s responses to fictional mental health vignettes
Authors: Chambers D. , Murphy F. , Keeley H. S.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Mental health literacy is increasingly referenced as a goal of mental health policy. However, the current definition of this concept has a relatively narrow focus on mental disorders. The objectives of this study were to explore mental health literacy through the use of vignettes and to begin to articulate a broader definition.

Methods

Six groups of young people (n=42) aged between 16 and 25 years old responded to open-ended questions about vignettes depicting fictional characters with diagnosable mental health problems. The responses were analysed using Foucault’s governmentality theory.

Results

The responses to the vignettes highlighted a range of determinants of our mental health. The young people suggested informal mental health-promoting techniques and highlighted the importance of talking. Ambiguity was reported in relation to the types of knowledge that are important in responding to mental health need. Finally, the responses were reflective of young people who are empathetic and view mental health from the perspective of our shared humanity, rather than as a marginal issue.

Conclusions

As mental health literacy is increasingly becoming a goal of mental health policy, it is timely that a shared understanding of this important concept is articulated. The current definition of mental health literacy is narrow in its focus on the recognition of mental disorders. A more broad-based definition of mental health literacy should be adopted by policy makers, reflecting the full range of determinants of mental health and recognising the importance of mental wellbeing.
Characterization, distribution, biology and impact on Italian walnut orchards of the invasive North-American leafminerCoptodisca lucifluella(Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae)
Authors: Bernardo U. , van Nieukerken E.J. , Sasso R. , Gebiola M. , Gualtieri L. , Viggiani G.
Published: January 2015

The leafminerCoptodiscasp. (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae), recently recorded for the first time in Europe on Italian black and common walnut trees, is shown to be the North-AmericanCoptodisca lucifluella(Clemens) based on morphological (forewing pattern) and molecular (cytochrome oxidase c subunit I sequence) evidence. The phylogenetic relatedness of three species feeding on Juglandaceae suggests thatC. lucifluellahas likely shifted, within the same host plant family, from its original North-American hostsCaryaspp. toJuglansspp. Over the few years since its detection, it has established in many regions in Italy and has become a widespread and dominant invasive species. The leafminer completes three to four generations per year, with the first adults emerging in April–May and mature larvae of the last generation starting hibernation in September–October. Although a high larval mortality was recorded in field observations (up to 74%), the impact of the pest was substantial with all leaves infested at the end of the last generation in all 3 years tested. The distribution of the leafminer in the canopy was homogeneous. The species is redescribed and illustrated, a lectotype is designated and a new synonymy is established.
SOWING WINDOWS FOR A SPRING CROP INTRODUCED IN RICE CULTIVATION AREAS AFFECTED BY LOW TEMPERATURE AND RADIATION
Authors: QUYEN LUU NGOC , AFFHOLDER FRANÇOIS , MONTAGNE JENNIFER , JOURDAIN DAMIEN , RIPOCHE AUDE , CAPILLON ALAIN
Published: January 2015

In mountainous areas of Continental South East Asia, double cropping in the irrigable valleys and terraces is often promoted as a way to increase farmers’ income while alleviating the pressure of agriculture on fragile slopes. However, cold temperature and low global radiation may constrain this strategy. Lethally cold events may occur, and increases in crop cycle length may jeopardize the correct timing of the main rice crop, taking place in summer. The model PYE (potential yield estimator) simulating the impact of temperature and radiation on the development and yield of annual crops was adapted to account for the range of temperature occurring in the area under study. It was calibrated against experimental data for the three crops that are most often considered as spring crops in the irrigable land of the northern mountains of Vietnam: rice, soybean and maize. Then a virtual experiment was designed in order to simulate various scenarios combining crop species and sowing date with climatic data accounting for variability of climate across years, location and elevation. Completed with a sensitivity analysis, it allowed to define favourable ‘sowing windows’ for non-water limited environments, based on the three following criteria: high average yield, low incidence over years of lethally cold events and low incidence over years of delays in the maturity of the spring crop. The length of this sowing window varied greatly across the scenarios tested. The widest was obtained for the case of soybean whatever the location and elevation, which makes it the less risky of the tested options. The approach followed proved effective to identify favourable and unfavourable environments in order to help better targeting the policy in support to the introduction of a spring crop in the mountains of Vietnam.
ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF ADULT TREES OF CRIOLLO COCOA CULTIVARS (THEOBROMA CACAOL.) FROM A GERMPLASM BANK IN VENEZUELA
Authors: ÁVILA-LOVERA ELEINIS , CORONEL ILSA , JAIMEZ RAMÓN , URICH ROSA , PEREYRA GABRIELA , ARAQUE OSMARY , CHACÓN IRAIMA , TEZARA WILMER
Published: January 2015

We studied physiological traits of 12 Criollo cocoa cultivars growing in a germplasm bank in the southern region of Maracaibo Lake Basin, during the rainy (RS) and dry seasons (DS) of 2007. A further evaluation of photosynthetic responses to changes in environmental parameters was done on three cultivars: Los Caños 001 (LCA001), Sur Porcelana 010 (SP010) and Escalante 001 (ESC001) in 2009 and 2010. Leaf water potential (ΨL) of most cultivars decreased during the DS of 2007, with the exception of ESC001. Maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), stomatal conductance and water use efficiency varied among cultivars and seasons. The CO2-saturated photosynthetic rate (ACO2sat) was higher in LCA001 and ESC001 than in SP010, with no differences in carboxylation efficiency. Light curve responses of the three cultivars were similar. In all cultivars, no evidence of chronic photoinhibition was observed, since maximum quantum yield of photosystem II was high (0.77–0.81). We conclude that ESC001 has the best physiological performance (ΨLremained unchanged, highest Amax, ACO2satand photochemical activity), and it seems to be a promising cultivar for cocoa agroforestry systems in the southern region of Maracaibo.
Distinction Matters: Rethinking the Protection of Civilian Objects in Non-International Armed Conflicts
Authors: Zamir Noam
Published: January 2015

Under treaty law all civilian objects are protected in international armed conflicts (IAC) whereas it is only certain civilian objects that enjoy protection under treaty law in non-international armed conflicts (NIAC). However, it is commonly argued that all civilian objects are protected in NIAC under customary law. This article examines the reasons for the differences in the protection of civilian objects under treaty law and the argument that customary law now provides equal protection for all civilian objects under both IAC and NIAC. The article argues that this equal protection may hinder the ability of states to maintain law and order under their domestic law in NIAC in situations where they may need to destroy property which belongs to armed opposition groups. The article advances the argument that the law regarding targeting should be that all civilian objects are protected in NIAC but, unlike the protection of civilian objects in IAC, this protection does not bar a state from destroying in its territory objects which were considered to be illegal under domestic law before the commencement of the NIAC, in accordance with international human rights law as lex specialis.
CONSANGUINITY AND HOMOZYGOSITY AMONG TUNISIAN PATIENTS WITH AN AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE DISORDER
Authors: KELMEMI WIDED , CHELLY IMENE , KHARRAT MAHER , CHAABOUNI-BOUHAMED HABIBA
Published: January 2015

Consanguineous unions are a deeply rooted social practice among traditional societies. Despite their presumed social advantages, they can result in several health conditions. The aim of this study was: i) to compare consanguinity levels between Tunisian patients affected with autosomal recessive disorders (ARDs) and those with a chromosomal abnormality; and ii) to gain more insight into the mutational status of patients affected with ARDs. Data were collected from 290 files of patients affected by one of five ARDs confirmed by molecular analysis and 248 files of patients with confirmed Down syndrome. Information on the disease, mutation defining the disease, parents' relatedness and geographical origin was gathered. Consanguinity was found among 58% of the ARD patients and among 22% of Down syndrome patients, and a homozygous status was found in 90% of the patients born to related parents and in 70% of patients born to unrelated parents. Also, children from unrelated parents from the same geographical background were found to be more frequently affected by homozygous mutations than those from unrelated parents from different geographical backgrounds. The present study shows how marriage practices affect patterns of genetic variations and how they can lead to homogenization in the genetic pool.
A remarkable newRamonia(Gyalectaceae) from Brazil, with a key to the species
Authors: APTROOT André , SOBREIRA Priscylla Nayara Bezerra , CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva
Published: January 2015

A new corticolous lichen speciesRamonia variosporais described from Brazil. It has a verrucose thallus, concave, initally almost closed apothecia and variably 8 orc.32–64, 1-septate ascospores per ascus; when 8 per ascus, ellipsoid and 16–22×6–10 µm; whenc.32–64 per ascus, broadly ellipsoid and 10–14×6–8 µm. A revised world key is given to all currently known species ofRamonia.
A new species ofAllocetraria(Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in China
Authors: WANG Rui-Fang , WEI Xin-Li , WEI Jiang-Chun
Published: January 2015

Allocetraria yunnanensisR. F. Wang, X. L. Wei & J. C. Wei is described as a new species from the Yunnan Province of China, and is characterized by having a shiny upper surface, strongly wrinkled lower surface, and marginal pseudocyphellae present on the lower side in the form of a white continuous line or spot. The phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA ITS sequences suggests that the new species is related toA. sinensisX. Q. Gao.
Three new lichen species from Nicaragua, with keys to the known species of Eugeniella and Malmidea
Authors: BREUSS Othmar , LÜCKING Robert
Published: January 2015

Eugeniella palleola, Graphis paraschiffneri, and Malmidea cineracea are described from Nicaragua. Eugeniella palleola is characterized by having pale apothecial discs and prominent, white margins, and producing a complex chemistry including atranorin, stictic and norstictic acids, and an unknown substance. Graphis paraschiffneri has lirellae with a lateral thalline margin, striate labia, a completely carbonized excipulum, transversely septate ascospores, and contains norstictic acid in the thallus. Malmidea cineracea is characterized by a granulose-isidiate thallus with a yellowish medulla and a compact, crystal-encrusted excipulum. Malmidea nigromarginata and M. piperina are proposed as new combinations. Keys are presented to all known species of Eugeniella (9) and Malmidea (50).
Parasites in fisheries and mariculture
Authors: TIMI J. T. , MACKENZIE K.
Published: January 2015

Traditionally, parasitology has been concerned with the harmful effects of parasitic organisms; it is basically an applied science. Since its founding in the field of medicine, and later in veterinary medicine, parasitology has been mainly devoted to generating knowledge, which is applicable to parasite control and management, and eventually to their eradication. However, the complexity of parasitism, as revealed over recent decades by workers in various specialisms of parasitology, makes the application of management and control measures very difficult in natural environments. This is particularly true in the marine realm, where however some applied aspects of parasitology, other than those devoted to control and management of parasites, have been shown to be of great importance for fisheries, human health, biological control of introduced species and environmental sciences (Rohde, 2002). The relationship of parasitology with mariculture practices, which are carried out mostly on artificial and controlled systems, follows a more classical approach, focusing on the development of strategies of prevention, management and control of pathogens.
A Numerical Lower Bound for the Spectral Radius of Random Walks on Surface Groups
Authors: GOUEZEL S.
Published: January 2015

Estimating numerically the spectral radius of a random walk on a non-amenable graph is complicated, since the cardinality of balls grows exponentially fast with the radius. We propose an algorithm to get a bound from below for this spectral radius in Cayley graphs with finitely many cone types (including for instance hyperbolic groups). In the genus 2 surface group, it improves by an order of magnitude the previous best bound, due to Bartholdi.
Progress in Cosmology: an Environmental and Fundamental Science
Authors: Rees Martin
Published: January 2015

Cosmology is a subject that interacts closely with particle physics. But as well as being a fundamental science, it is also the grandest of the environmental sciences: it is concerned with the complex structures that constitute our present cosmos, and how these gradually emerged during the 13.8 billion years that separates us from the ‘big bang’.
The Standard Model of Particle Physics
Authors: Kibble Tom W.B.
Published: January 2015

This is a historical account from my personal perspective of the development over the last few decades of the standard model of particle physics. The model is based on gauge theories, of which the first was quantum electrodynamics, describing the interactions of electrons with light. This was later incorporated into the electroweak theory, describing electromagnetic and weak nuclear interactions. The standard model also includes quantum chromodynamics, the theory of the strong nuclear interactions. The final capstone of the model was the Higgs particle discovered in 2012 at CERN. But the model is very far from being the last word; there are still many gaps in our understanding.