bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holocene winter climate variability in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Perșoiu Aurel , Onac Bogdan P. , Wynn Jonathan G. , Blaauw Maarten , Ionita Monica , Hansson Margareta
Published: April 2017

Among abundant reconstructions of Holocene climate in Europe, only a handful has addressed winter conditions, and most of these are restricted in length and/or resolution. Here we present a record of late autumn through early winter air temperature and moisture source changes in East-Central Europe for the Holocene, based on stable isotopic analysis of an ice core recovered from a cave in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. During the past 10,000 years, reconstructed temperature changes followed insolation, with a minimum in the early Holocene, followed by gradual and continuous increase towards the mid-to-late-Holocene peak (between 4-2 kcal BP), and finally by a decrease after 0.8 kcal BP towards a minimum during the Little Ice Age (AD 1300–1850). Reconstructed early Holocene atmospheric circulation patterns were similar to those characteristics of the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), while in the late Holocene they resembled those prevailing in the positive NAO phase. The transition between the two regimes occurred abruptly at around 4.7 kcal BP. Remarkably, the widespread cooling at 8.2 kcal BP is not seen very well as a temperature change, but as a shift in moisture source, suggesting weaker westerlies and increased Mediterranean cyclones penetrating northward at this time.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MicroRNA-27a-3p Modulates the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway to Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Stem Cells by Targeting SFRP1
Authors: Qiao Bin , He Bao-Xia , Cai Jing-Hua , Tao Qian , King-yin Lam Alfred
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to elucidate how microRNA27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) modulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous carcinoma stem cells (OSCSCs) by targeting secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1). Flow cytometry was used to sort OSCSCs from the SCC-9 and Tca8113 cell lines. The OSCSCs were randomly assigned into the miR-27a-3p inhibitors group, the miR-27a-3p inhibitors-NC group, the si-SFRP1 group, the si-SFRP1 + miR-27a-3p inhibitors group and the blank group. A luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence and Transwell assays were performed to detect luciferase activity, SFRP1, and cell migration and invasion, respectively. The mRNA expression of miR-27a-3p, SFRP1 and EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB1) were detected using qRT-PCR. The protein expression of SFRP1, EMT markers and the proteins of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting. OSCSCs showed up-regulated miR-27a-3p, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, vimentin, N-cadherin and ZEB1 and down-regulated SFRP1 and E-cadherin. MiR-27a-3p targeted SFRP1. Down-regulated miR-27a-3p resulted in increased E-cadherin and SFRP1 but decreased vimentin, N-cadherin, ZEB1, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, and invasive and migratory cells. Silenced SFRP1 reversed this effect. We found that miR-27a-3p modulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote EMT in OSCSCs by down-regulating SFRP1.
Transcriptome Analysis of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruit Epidermal Peel to Identify Putative Cuticle-Associated Genes
Authors: Tafolla-Arellano Julio C. , Zheng Yi , Sun Honghe , Jiao Chen , Ruiz-May Eliel , Hernández-Oñate Miguel A. , González-León Alberto , Báez-Sañudo Reginaldo , Fei Zhangjun , Domozych David , Rose Jocelyn K. C. , Tiznado-Hernández Martín E.
Published: April 2017

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) are highly perishable and have a limited shelf life, due to postharvest desiccation and senescence, which limits their global distribution. Recent studies of tomato fruit suggest that these traits are influenced by the expression of genes that are associated with cuticle metabolism. However, studies of these phenomena in mango fruit are limited by the lack of genome-scale data. In order to gain insight into the mango cuticle biogenesis and identify putative cuticle-associated genes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of peels from ripe and overripe mango fruit using RNA-Seq. Approximately 400 million reads were generated and de novo assembled into 107,744 unigenes, with a mean length of 1,717 bp and with this information an online Mango RNA-Seq Database (http://bioinfo.bti.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/mango/index.cgi) which is a valuable genomic resource for molecular research into the biology of mango fruit was created. RNA-Seq analysis suggested that the pathway leading to biosynthesis of the cuticle component, cutin, is up-regulated during overripening. This data was supported by analysis of the expression of several putative cuticle-associated genes and by gravimetric and microscopic studies of cuticle deposition, revealing a complex continuous pattern of cuticle deposition during fruit development and involving substantial accumulation during ripening/overripening.
Invasion of Ancestral Mammals into Dim-light Environments Inferred from Adaptive Evolution of the Phototransduction Genes
Authors: Wu Yonghua , Wang Haifeng , Hadly Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2017

Nocturnality is a key evolutionary innovation of mammals that enables mammals to occupy relatively empty nocturnal niches. Invasion of ancestral mammals into nocturnality has long been inferred from the phylogenetic relationships of crown Mammalia, which is primarily nocturnal, and crown Reptilia, which is primarily diurnal, although molecular evidence for this is lacking. Here we used phylogenetic analyses of the vision genes involved in the phototransduction pathway to predict the diel activity patterns of ancestral mammals and reptiles. Our results demonstrated that the common ancestor of the extant Mammalia was dominated by positive selection for dim-light vision, supporting the predominate nocturnality of the ancestral mammals. Further analyses showed that the nocturnality of the ancestral mammals was probably derived from the predominate diurnality of the ancestral amniotes, which featured strong positive selection for bright-light vision. Like the ancestral amniotes, the common ancestor of the extant reptiles and various taxa in Squamata, one of the main competitors of the temporal niches of the ancestral mammals, were found to be predominate diurnality as well. Despite this relatively apparent temporal niche partitioning between ancestral mammals and the relevant reptiles, our results suggested partial overlap of their temporal niches during crepuscular periods.
Estimating the irreversible pressure drop across a stenosis by quantifying turbulence production using 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Ha Hojin , Lantz Jonas , Ziegler Magnus , Casas Belen , Karlsson Matts , Dyverfeldt Petter , Ebbers Tino
Published: April 2017

The pressure drop across a stenotic vessel is an important parameter in medicine, providing a commonly used and intuitive metric for evaluating the severity of the stenosis. However, non-invasive estimation of the pressure drop under pathological conditions has remained difficult. This study demonstrates a novel method to quantify the irreversible pressure drop across a stenosis using 4D Flow MRI by calculating the total turbulence production of the flow. Simulation MRI acquisitions showed that the energy lost to turbulence production can be accurately quantified with 4D Flow MRI within a range of practical spatial resolutions (1–3 mm; regression slope = 0.91, R2 = 0.96). The quantification of the turbulence production was not substantially influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), resulting in less than 2% mean bias at SNR > 10. Pressure drop estimation based on turbulence production robustly predicted the irreversible pressure drop, regardless of the stenosis severity and post-stenosis dilatation (regression slope = 0.956, R2 = 0.96). In vitro validation of the technique in a 75% stenosis channel confirmed that pressure drop prediction based on the turbulence production agreed with the measured pressure drop (regression slope = 1.15, R2 = 0.999, Bland-Altman agreement = 0.75 ± 3.93 mmHg).
Differences in salicylic acid glucose conjugations by UGT74F1 and UGT74F2 from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: George Thompson Alayna M. , Iancu Cristina V. , Neet Kenneth E. , Dean John V. , Choe Jun-yong
Published: April 2017

Salicylic acid (SA) is a signaling molecule utilized by plants in response to various stresses. Through conjugation with small organic molecules such as glucose, an inactive form of SA is generated which can be transported into and stored in plant vacuoles. In the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, SA glucose conjugates are formed by two homologous enzymes (UGT74F1 and UGT74F2) that transfer glucose from UDP-glucose to SA. Despite being 77% identical and with conserved active site residues, these enzymes catalyze the formation of different products: UGT74F1 forms salicylic acid glucoside (SAG), while UGT74F2 forms primarily salicylic acid glucose ester (SGE). The position of the glucose on the aglycone determines how SA is stored, further metabolized, and contributes to a defense response. We determined the crystal structures of the UGT74F2 wild-type and T15S mutant enzymes, in different substrate/product complexes. On the basis of the crystal structures and the effect on enzyme activity of mutations in the SA binding site, we propose the catalytic mechanism of SGE and SAG formation and that SA binds to the active site in two conformations, with each enzyme selecting a certain binding mode of SA. Additionally, we show that two threonines are key determinants of product specificity.
Fabrication of nanostructures through self-assembly of non-ionic amphiphiles for biomedical applications
Authors: Prasad Suchita , Achazi Katharina , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: April 2017

Non-cytotoxic and non-ionic amphiphiles having supramolecular aggregation behavior were synthesized from biocompatible starting materials using a “greener” chemo-enzymatic method.
Toward redesigning the PEG surface of nanocarriers for tumor targeting: impact of inner functionalities on size, charge, multivalent binding, and biodistribution
Authors: Heo Ju Young , Kang Se Hun , Kim Young-Hwa , You Suyeon , Jin Kyeong Sik , Kim Seung Won , Jung Hye-youn , Jung Kyung Oh , Lee Chul-Hee , Kim Mi Jung , Sung Soo-Eun , Kim Boram , Choi Insung S. , Youn Hyewon , Chung June-Key , Kim Seok-ki , Kim Yoonkyung
Published: April 2017

A simple strategy to enhance the tumor-targeting efficiency of PEGylated nanocarriers is demonstrated.
Total synthesis of nannocystin Ax
Authors: Zhang Yan-Hui , Liu Rong , Liu Bo
Published: April 2017

Total synthesis of nannocystin Ax has been accomplished concisely. The key elements in this total synthesis feature Kobayashi's remote asymmetric induction with vinylketene silyl N,O-acetal, Roush's asymmetric crotylboration of aldehyde, Mitsunobu's esterification and macrocyclization via Stille cross-coupling.
Iridium-catalysed asymmetric allylic alkylation of benzofuran γ-lactones followed by heteroaromatic Cope rearrangement: study of an unusual reaction sequence
Authors: Bos Maxence , Riguet Emmanuel
Published: April 2017

The iridium-catalysed asymmetric allylic alkylation of benzofuran γ-lactones produces 1,5-hexadienes that were found to be excellent substrates for an unusual heteroaromatic Cope rearrangement.
Conjunctive functionalization of vinyl boronate complexes with electrophiles: a diastereoselective three-component coupling
Authors: Armstrong Roly J. , Sandford Christopher , García-Ruiz Cristina , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: April 2017

A conjunctive functionalization process enables a diastereoselective three-component coupling of vinyl boronate complexes with a range of electrophiles.
Ligand influence in Li-ion battery hybrid active materials: Ni methylenediphosphonate vs. Ni dimethylamino methylenediphosphonate
Authors: Schmidt S. , Sallard S. , Sheptyakov D. , Novák P. , Villevieille C.
Published: April 2017

The electrochemical performances of polyanions type conversion materials can be tuned by varying the diphosphonate ligand.
O vacancy formation in (Pr/Gd)BaCo2O5.5 and the role of antisite defects
Authors: Omotayo Akande Salawu , Chroneos Alexander , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: April 2017

The role of antisite defects for the O vacancy formation in the double perovskites (Pr/Gd)BaCo2O5.5 is investigated.
Correction: Elastic strain effects on catalysis of a PdCuSi metallic glass thin film
Authors: Yang Yiyi , Adit Maark Tuhina , Peterson Andrew , Kumar Sharvan
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘Elastic strain effects on catalysis of a PdCuSi metallic glass thin film’ by Yiyi Yang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 1746–1754.
Artificial molecular motors
Authors: Kassem Salma , van Leeuwen Thomas , Lubbe Anouk S. , Wilson Miriam R. , Feringa Ben L. , Leigh David A.
Published: April 2017

Artificial molecular motors take inspiration from motor proteins, nature's solution for achieving directional molecular level motion. An overview is given of the principal designs of artificial molecular motors and their modes of operation. We identify some key challenges remaining in the field.
Pb2+complexes of small-cavity azamacrocyclic ligands: thermodynamic and kinetic studies
Authors: Liberato A. , Aguinaco A. , Clares M. P. , Delgado-Pinar E. , Pitarch-Jarque J. , Blasco S. , Basallote M. G. , García-España E. , Verdejo B.
Published: April 2017

The synthesis and Pb2+coordination of azamacrocyclic ligands have been described. This paper includes one of the few kinetic studies so far reported on the acid-promoted dissociation of Pb2+macrocyclic complexes.
An amidato divalent ytterbium cluster: synthesis and molecular structure, its reactivity to carbodiimides and application in the guanylation reaction
Authors: Gong Chao , Ding Hao , Lu Chengrong , Zhao Bei , Yao Yingming
Published: April 2017

An amidato Yb(ii) cluster 1 was synthesized and well characterized. Cluster 1 reacted with DIC to provide three new Yb(iii) complexes, and it was found to be an excellent pre-catalyst for the guanylation reaction.
Fibre fortification of wheat bread: impact on mineral composition and bioaccessibility
Authors: Martins Zita E. , Pinto Edgar , Almeida Agostinho A. , Pinho Olívia , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: April 2017

In this work, wheat bread was fortified with fibre enriched extracts recovered from agroindustry by-products, namely, elderberry skin, pulp and seeds (EE); orange peel (OE); pomegranate peel and interior membranes (PE); and spent yeast (YE).
Cellulose and lignin colocalization at the plant cell wall surface limits microbial hydrolysis of Populus biomass
Authors: Dumitrache Alexandru , Tolbert Allison , Natzke Jace , Brown Steven D. , Davison Brian H. , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: April 2017

Biorefining of plant feedstocks into fuels and specialty chemicals, using biological conversion, requires the solubilization of lignocellulosics into simpler oligomeric compounds.
Manipulating selective dispersion of reduced graphene oxide in polycarbonate/nylon 66 based blend nanocomposites for improved thermo-mechanical properties
Authors: Tiwari Santosh Kr. , Verma Kartikey , Saren Pupulata , Oraon Ramesh , De Adhikari Amrita , Nayak Ganesh Chandran , Kumar Vijay
Published: April 2017

Selective dispersion of rGO in PC/nylon blend by varying mixing sequence of rGO during melt mixing.
Is iron unique in promoting electrical conductivity in MOFs?
Authors: Sun Lei , Hendon Christopher H. , Park Sarah S. , Tulchinsky Yuri , Wan Ruomeng , Wang Fang , Walsh Aron , Dincă Mircea
Published: April 2017

Identifying the metal ions that optimize charge transport and charge density in metal–organic frameworks is critical for systematic improvements in the electrical conductivity in these materials.
Beyond traditional light-emitting electrochemical cells – a review of new device designs and emitters
Authors: Fresta Elisa , Costa Rubén D.
Published: April 2017

This review provides a general overview about the definition, history and mechanism, as well as in depth summary of new emitters and designs for LECs.
A comparative study of carbazole-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with different steric hindrance
Authors: Wang Kai , Liu Wei , Zheng Cai-Jun , Shi Yi-Zhong , Liang Ke , Zhang Ming , Ou Xue-Mei , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: April 2017

Two carbazole-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence D–A structure emitters with different steric hindrance were designed and compared.
Statistical estimator for simultaneous noise and mismatch suppression in SAR ADC
Authors: Banerjee I. , Sanyal A.
Published: April 2017

A statistical estimator based on maximum‐likelihood estimation theory is developed to simultaneously reduce capacitor mismatch and noise in a successive approximation register analogue‐to‐digital converter (SAR ADC). After the SAR ADC has finished quantisation, the residue voltage is available at the comparator input and is estimated accurately by using the statistical estimator. The ADC resolution is improved by subtracting the estimated residue from the digital output. The same technique of residue extraction is used to estimate mismatches in the capacitive digital‐to‐analogue converter. A 7 dB improvement is shown in signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐distortion ratio by using the statistical estimator for an 11‐bit SAR over a wide range of capacitance mismatch and ADC noise.
Analytical calculation of the torque produced by transverse flux machines
Authors: Renedo Anglada Jaime , Sharkh Suleiman M.
Published: April 2017

An analytical technique for the calculation of torque produced by a transverse flux machine is developed in this study. In this technique, the magnets are replaced by their equivalent current sheets and the torque is calculated using the Lorentz force equation. The flux density distribution is calculated using a conformal mapping method that takes into account curvature and slotting. The result is a relatively simple equation that relates torque to the electric and magnetic loadings of the machine and a flux factor that depends on key machine geometrical parameters. The results of the analytical model are verified using finite‐element analysis and experimental data.
MPC‐based microgrid control with supplementary fault current limitation and smooth transition mechanisms
Authors: Babqi Abdulrahman J. , Etemadi Amir H.
Published: April 2017

This study presents a control strategy for a microgrid that consists of multiple distributed generators (DGs), for both grid‐connected and islanded modes of operation, where every DG is interfaced to the main grid via a voltage sourced inverter (VSI). finite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) is used as the primary controller to regulate the output power of each DG (in the grid‐connected mode) or the voltage of the point of DG coupling (in the islanded mode of operation). In the grid‐connected mode, direct power model predictive control (DPMPC) is implemented to manage the power flow between each DG and the main grid. In the islanded mode, voltage model predictive control (VMPC), as the primary control, and droop control, as the secondary control, are employed to control the output voltage of each DG and system frequency. The controller is equipped with a supplementary current limiting technique to limit the output current of each DG in case of overcurrent scenarios. The control approach also enables a smooth transition between the two modes. The performance of the control strategy is investigated and verified using PSCAD/EMTDC software platform.
Lipid–Cell-Penetrating-Peptide Conjugates as Effective Delivery Systems
Authors: Li Zi-Gang , Jiang Yan-Hong , Zhao Hui , Tian Yuan
Published: April 2017

A lipid–cell-penetrating-peptide (CPP) conjugate was designed to deliver cargoes with poor cellular permeability, including peptides or small-molecule therapeutics, into cells. The lipid–CPP conjugate facilitated the cellular uptake of cargoes noncovalently through an ATP-dependent micropinocytosis mechanism. This delivery system is simple, efficient, has minimal cellular toxicity, and might be useful in a wide range of biological research.
Temperature dependence of the photodissociation of CO2 from high vibrational levels: 205-230 nm imaging studies of CO(X1Σ+) and O(3P, 1D) products
Authors: Sutradhar S. , Samanta B. R. , Samanta A. K. , Reisler H.
Published: April 2017

The 205-230 nm photodissociation of vibrationally excited CO2 at temperatures up to 1800 K was studied using Resonance Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization (REMPI) and time-sliced Velocity Map Imaging (VMI). CO2 molecules seeded in He were heated in an SiC tube attached to a pulsed valve and supersonically expanded to create a molecular beam of rotationally cooled but vibrationally hot CO2. Photodissociation was observed from vibrationally excited CO2 with internal energies up to about 20 000 cm−1, and CO(X1Σ+), O(3P), and O(1D) products were detected by REMPI. The large enhancement in the absorption cross section with increasing CO2 vibrational excitation made this investigation feasible. The internal energies of heated CO2 molecules that absorbed 230 nm radiation were estimated from the kinetic energy release (KER) distributions of CO(X1Σ+) products in v″ = 0. At 230 nm, CO2 needs to have at least 4000 cm−1 of rovibrational energy to absorb the UV radiation and produce CO(X1Σ+) + O(3P). CO2 internal energies in excess of 16 000 cm−1 were confirmed by observing O(1D) products. It is likely that initial absorption from levels with high bending excitation accesses both the A1B2 and B1A2 states, explaining the nearly isotropic angular distributions of the products. CO(X1Σ+) product internal energies were estimated from REMPI spectroscopy, and the KER distributions of the CO(X1Σ+), O(3P), and O(1D) products were obtained by VMI. The CO product internal energy distributions change with increasing CO2 temperature, suggesting that more than one dynamical pathway is involved when the internal energy of CO2 (and the corresponding available energy) increases. The KER distributions of O(1D) and O(3P) show broad internal energy distributions in the CO(X1Σ+) cofragment, extending up to the maximum allowed by energy but peaking at low KER values. Although not all the observations can be explained at this time, with the aid of available theoretical studies of CO2 VUV photodissociation and O + CO recombination, it is proposed that following UV absorption, the two lowest lying triplet states, a3B2 and b3A2, and the ground electronic state are involved in the dynamical pathways that lead to product formation.
Electronic and magnetic properties of graphene, silicene and germanene with varying vacancy concentration
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Pi Xiaodong , Liu Yong , Yang Deren
Published: April 2017

The experimental realization of two-dimensional materials such as graphene, silicene and germanene has attracted incredible interest ranging from understanding their physical properties to device applications. During the fabrication and processing of these two-dimensional materials, structural defects such as vacancies may be produced. In this work we have systemically investigated the formation energies, electronic and magnetic properties of graphene, silicene and germanene with vacancies in the framework of spin polarized density functional theory. It is found that the magnetic moment of graphene and silicene with vacancies decreases with the increase in the concentration of vacancies. However, germanene remains non-magnetic irrespective of the vacancy concentration. Low-buckled silicene and germanene with vacancies may possess remarkable band gaps, in contrast to planar graphene with vacancies. With the formation of vacancies silicene and germanene demonstrate a transition from semimetal to semiconductor, while graphene turns to be metallic.
Graphene-based tunable SQUIDs
Authors: Thompson M. D. , Ben Shalom M. , Geim A. K. , Matthews A. J. , White J. , Melhem Z. , Pashkin Yu. A. , Haley R. P. , Prance J. R.
Published: April 2017

The superconducting proximity effect in graphene can be used to create Josephson junctions with critical currents that can be tuned using local field-effect gates. These junctions have the potential to add functionality to existing technologies; for example, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers with adaptive dynamic range and superconducting qubits with fast electrical control. Here, we present measurements of graphene-based superconducting quantum interference devices incorporating ballistic Josephson junctions that can be controlled individually. We investigate the magnetic field response of the SQUIDs as the junctions are gated and as the device is tuned between symmetric and asymmetric configurations. We find a highest transfer function ≈ 300 μV/Φ0, which compares favorably with conventional, low temperature DC SQUIDs. With low noise readout electronics and optimised geometries, devices based on ballistic graphene Josephson junctions have the potential to match the sensitivity of traditional SQUIDs while also providing additional functionality.
COPII-coated membranes function as transport carriers of intracellular procollagen I
Authors: Gorur Amita , Yuan Lin , Kenny Samuel J. , Baba Satoshi , Xu Ke , Schekman Randy
Published: April 2017

The coat protein complex II (COPII) is essential for the transport of large cargo, such as 300-nm procollagen I (PC1) molecules, from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi. Previous work has shown that the CUL3-KLHL12 complex increases the size of COPII vesicles at ER exit sites to more than 300 nm in diameter and accelerates the secretion of PC1. However, the role of large COPII vesicles as PC1 transport carriers was not unambiguously demonstrated. In this study, using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, correlated light electron microscopy, and live-cell imaging, we demonstrate the existence of mobile COPII-coated vesicles that completely encapsulate the cargo PC1 and are physically separated from ER. We also developed a cell-free COPII vesicle budding reaction that reconstitutes the capture of PC1 into large COPII vesicles. This process requires COPII proteins and the GTPase activity of the COPII subunit SAR1. We conclude that large COPII vesicles are bona fide carriers of PC1.
The lexical semantic variation hypothesis
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

This chapter lays out the main hypothesis about variation in the form of property concept sentences explored in the book—the Lexical Semantic Variation Hypothesis—and introduces the semantics of qualities that underlies the analyses developed in the rest of the book. The hypothesis is that property concept lexemes can have two different kinds of denotation: sets of individuals or qualities. Building on the observation that quality-denoting property concept lexemes, when nominal, have mass noun characteristics, we propose an explicit semantics of qualities is proposed, showing how it captures the facts of possessive property concept sentences and comparatives in Ulwa. The semantic structure of qualities is compared to that of degrees on scales, and motivations for an ontology of qualities are discussed.
Meaning and category: Semantic constraints on parts of speech
Authors: Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: April 2017

Taking the Lexical Semantic Variation Hypothesis and the well-known fact that property concept lexemes vary in lexical category as the points of departure, it is considered whether there is any correlation between the meaning of a property concept lexeme and its lexical category. A novel observation is made about a lexical gap: while nouns across languages can denote qualities as well as sets of individuals, adjectives can never denote qualities. A derivation of this gap is proposed from the assumption that lexical adjectives must be able to affect non-trivial subsective modification.
Importing Coordination
Authors: Page John
Published: April 2017

Recent writing on industrial policy stresses the need for coordination between the public and private sectors. This chapter examines the performance of one public–private coordination mechanism, Presidential Investors’ Advisory Councils (PIACs), in Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. It finds that the councils have been better at focusing attention on a donor-driven agenda of regulatory reforms than they have been at addressing the binding constraints to private investment. Notwithstanding their name, the actual level of presidential commitment to the PIACs varies quite substantially. None have established a track record of experimentation, effective implementation, and evaluation of the impact of decisions taken.
A Dictionary of Disaster Management
Authors: Rubin Olivier , Dahlberg Rasmus
Published: April 2017

Over 200 entries

This new dictionary provides definitions of terms covering disaster research and management. It features practical terms, key concepts in disaster research from a social science perspective, and key organizations involved in disaster management, allowing readers to access definitions on the most important topics within this developing field.

Terms include famine, disaster diplomacy, event-tree analysis, and humanitarian principles. Some are short and concise, while others elaborate on the history and diversity of complex concepts such as resilience or climate change. Illustrations and weblinks offer additional context and resources.

This work focuses on the practical managerial dimension of disaster management and covers terms that a student of disaster management will need to understand. It is an essential reference source for students and professionals in this area.
2. Land warfare
Authors: Roland Alex
Published: April 2017

Land warfare, the oldest and most complex form, has the longest history. ‘Land warfare’ subdivides this physical realm into traditional periodization and further delineates it by two “combined arms paradigms” and two “military revolutions”—the introduction of the chariot and of gunpowder. It begins with wooden spears used in prehistoric warfare, then moves into ancient warfare during the Neolithic revolution. The vast majority of prehistoric weapons were dual-use technologies that served both military and civilian purposes. Siege warfare of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the technologies of classical warfare during Greek and Roman times, the heavily armed and armored mounted knight of medieval warfare, and the gunpowder revolution are also described.
3. Naval, air, space, and modern warfare
Authors: Roland Alex
Published: April 2017

‘Naval, air, space, and modern warfare’ looks into each realm in turn. Naval warfare has been conducted on three classes of ship—galleys, sail, and steam—each with its own characteristic technologies and ways of warfare. Unlike galleys and sailing ships, airplanes as platforms for warfare were custom-designed from the outset for their particular weapons and missions. The origins of space warfare paralleled aviation in many ways. Both airplanes and spacecraft are dual-use technologies that found applications from both demand pull and technology push. Finally, total warfare is discussed and how since World War II nuclear technology has deterred great-power wars.
Conclusion
Authors: Roland Alex
Published: April 2017

Technological change continues at an increasing pace, especially for military technology, with its widespread, institutionalized research and development. Near-future technologies include true drones, robotic weapon systems, nanotechnologies of warfare, and autonomous weapon systems. The conclusion shows that although warfare technologies are now more effective, there is less warfare in the world—based on casualties as a percentage of population—than ever before. Armed conflict between developed and undeveloped states will remain predominantly asymmetric. But it is impossible to predict what technologies developed states will employ or what low-tech innovations the have-nots will deploy. Nuclear weapons and symmetrical arsenals among the developed states will likely deter interstate war indefinitely, barring some technological breakthrough.
The pre-Industrial Revolution, 1500–1700
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: April 2017

‘The pre-Industrial Revolution, 1500–1700’ uses the cloth industry in Witney, a small Oxfordshire market town, as an example of the many themes of both the pre- and main Industrial Revolution. During the Industrial Revolution, the technology changed and so did the organization of work, but these changes did not benefit the workforce. Despite the decline in employment and real wages, the woven blanket industry remained the economic basis of the town for two more centuries. England’s success in the global economy had important effects beyond the growth of cities and rural manufacturing. These include the agricultural revolution, the coal revolution, the high wage economy, and the expansion of literacy.
Why the Industrial Revolution was British
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: April 2017

‘Why the Industrial Revolution was British’ shows that the Industrial Revolution was Britain’s response to the challenges of globalization. First, world trade brought new products to Britain including Chinese porcelain and Indian cotton cloth. They were in high demand and British firms sought to imitate them. Second, growth in trade and empire opened new markets for British products, and the ensuing expansion of production and commerce generated high wages and cheap energy. Competing in that environment was the overriding engineering challenge that British industry so creatively met. Third, commercial expansion and increased wages aided British industry in meeting the challenge of foreign competition by improving workforce health, literacy, and skills.
The condition of England
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: April 2017

‘The condition of England’ considers why the upswing in technological progress caused such widespread suffering for so many people for so long. It begins with a broad question: how did the technological revolution change the structure of society? It looks at social tables, dividing the population into six social classes—the landed classes, bourgeoisie, lower middle class, farmers, workers, and cottagers and paupers—and how they changed from 1688 to 1867. It is no surprise that the share of national income going to farmers and land owners declined during the Industrial Revolution, but why did workers fall behind capitalists and why did some workers do so much better than others?
Water as a liquid—and as glass(es)
Authors: Finney John
Published: April 2017

For a liquid to flow, the molecules must move. So can a liquid have a structure? ‘Water as a liquid—and as glass(es)’ illustrates that it can; under normal temperature and pressure conditions, the structure of liquid is represented by the random network model. Important structural data on water have been obtained from the scattering of neutrons and X-rays: the four-fold tetrahedral motif dominates, but the data also tell us how the real structure differs from the reference random network, both under normal conditions and as temperature and pressure changes. Water’s dynamical aspects when it is heated, put under pressure, becomes supercritical, and is supercooled are considered. Three distinct amorphous ice structures are also discussed.
3. Words, contexts, and purposes
Authors: Reynolds Matthew
Published: April 2017

Does translation translate the meanings of words? The relationship between words and meanings is very complex. ‘Words, contexts, and purposes’ explains that there are many aspects of the meanings of words from propositional meaning and prototypes to expressive meaning and connotational meaning. Even within a language a word’s meanings shift as it is used in different circumstances; when it is translated into another language more radically different meanings will appear. Words need to be placed in context and the purpose of the translation is crucial too. Purpose influences what particular kind of freedom or closeness a translation pursues.
1. How animals behave (and why)
Authors: Wyatt Tristram D.
Published: April 2017

Behaviour is a key way in which animals interact with their world: how animals find and choose mates, look after their young, find food, avoid becoming food for predators, and build nests and burrows. ‘How animals behave (and why)’ describes how the study of animals has changed through time and highlights some key figures in the development of the science, including Margaret Washburn, Charles H. Turner, Ivan Pavlov, and Richard Dawkins. It also considers Niko Tinbergen’s four questions for examining animal behaviour: What is it for? How did it develop during the lifetime of the individual? What mechanisms control the behaviour? How did it evolve over evolutionary time?
5. Signals for survival
Authors: Wyatt Tristram D.
Published: April 2017

Animals communicate in numerous ways. Usually, when animals communicate, the receiver of the communication responds by changing its behaviour. Communication can use any one or more of the senses including vision, hearing, smell and taste, touch, and electric senses. ‘Signals for survival’ explains that across the animal kingdom, signals within a species are generally honest. Cheating is pointless when the benefits from a signal are mutual, but broadcast signals can be eavesdropped by other species. Communication is risky when a signal appears to be from a potential mate, but is instead being made by a deceptive predator. Interspecies communication is also discussed, along with details of honeybee dances and vervet monkey alarm calls.
1. Circadian rhythms
Authors: Foster Russell G. , Kreitzman Leon
Published: April 2017

‘Circadian rhythms: A 24-hour phenomenon’ explains the internally generated ‘clock’ that almost all living beings on Earth possess, which allows them to optimize a vast array of physiological processes and behaviour in advance of the varied demands of the daily solar cycle. Circadian rhythms are encoded in organisms’ genes, endogenously generated, and show near 24-hour rhythms in biological processes. They persist under constant conditions for several cycles, are entrained to the astronomical day via synchronizing zeitgebers, and show temperature compensation such that the period of the oscillation does not alter appreciably with changes in environmental temperature.
5. The tick-tock of the molecular clock
Authors: Foster Russell G. , Kreitzman Leon
Published: April 2017

Circadian clocks in animals and plants arise from multiple and interconnected transcription–translation feedback loops that ensure the proper oscillation of thousands of genes in a tissue-specific manner. ‘The tick-tock of the molecular clock’ explains the transcription–translation feedback loop by describing the studies of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly. The generation of a robust circadian rhythm entrained by the environment is achieved via multiple elements including the rate of transcription, translation, protein complex assembly, phosphorylation, other post-translation modification events, movement into the nucleus, transcriptional inhibition, and protein degradation. Similar mechanisms have been found in mammals, and insight is provided regarding research into how the mammalian molecular clock is entrained by light.
Epilogue
Authors: Antognazza Maria Rosa
Published: April 2017

The ‘Epilogue’ concludes that it is possible to trace important elements of Leibniz’s way of thinking back to many different traditions, all of them reshaped and remodelled with the help of conversations with many hundreds of individuals, into a strikingly original outlook. It was in order to explain the actual world as we experience it, and what good and evil we find in it, that Leibniz took us on a journey through possible worlds and the mind of God. This theoretical understanding was for him at the core of an ultimately practical project of scientific advancement for the benefit of humankind.
2. First rocks on a dead Earth
Authors: Zalasiewicz Jan
Published: April 2017

‘First rocks on a dead Earth’ describes the formation of the planet Earth from the collision of the precursor planets Tellus and Theia. The surface of the newly born Earth had a surface magma ocean. As this magma cooled, the first minerals formed. The earliest rocks on Earth date back to the Archaeon Eon. During that time, plate tectonics started up, which determined the nature of all subsequent rocks on Earth. The processes of fractional melting and impact of cooling rate on crystal sizes is explained along with the different types of igneous rocks—basalts, andesites, diorites, rhyolites, and granites—formed at mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and plate collision zones.
7. Rocks on other planets
Authors: Zalasiewicz Jan
Published: April 2017

Rocks are not just an Earthly phenomenon. They make up the surfaces of some of the planets of the solar system and, in one form or another, those all of the many moons, innumerable comets, and other small objects that orbit out to great distances from the Sun. They likely also lie deep beneath the immensely thick fluid envelopes of the gas giants. ‘Rocks on other planets’ describes what scientists have discovered about the rocks of Mercury, Venus, Mars, our moon, the giant gas planets, and distant moons and planets. The early exploration of exoplanets suggests that an even wider variety of rock formations likely exists on star systems other than ours.
3. The psychology of ageing
Authors: Pachana Nancy A.
Published: April 2017

Psychological theories of ageing encompass mental health and emotional well-being as well as changes in these states, at individual as well as interpersonal levels, associated with increasing age. ‘The psychology of ageing’ reviews different ways of studying changes in functioning: cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential study designs; the varying psychological theories of ageing, including the disengagement theory, activity theory, continuity theory, socioemotional selectivity theory, convoy theory, and social identity theory; and the cognitive aspects of ageing, including changes in thinking and behaviour as a result of both primary and secondary ageing. It also considers how personality and emotions are expressed in later life and the treatment of mental disorders.
5. Positive and successful ageing
Authors: Pachana Nancy A.
Published: April 2017

‘Positive and successful ageing’ examines how, as a society, we can promote positive and successful ageing in terms of physical, mental, and social well-being in later life. It addresses current findings and directions in research, interventions, and social policy, which have focused more strongly on health and well-being, rather than disease and disability, in the last few decades. Attention is paid to the contributions of the environment, lifestyle factors, meaning and engagement in life, resilience, and wisdom that support a successful move through the latter stages of life. Successful ageing is now the subject of policy frameworks, lifespan theories of development, and actions—large and small—affecting older adults globally.
Introduction
Authors: Bull Anna Cento
Published: April 2017

The ‘Introduction’ outlines the aims of this volume. It explores the country’s difficulties in developing and disseminating strong and credible national visions for a domestic and international audience, but also its extraordinary ability to seduce the world thanks to the ‘soft’ power of its culture and the ‘Made in Italy’ brand. It argues that its political class—with the exception of the fascist period—has tended to overcome internal divisions through ruling by consensus and relying on economic growth and prosperity to bind Italians together, explaining its current predicament. Finally, it probes the extent to which modernity still represents a shared vision among Italian intellectuals, political leaders and ordinary people.
1. Modernity and resurgence in the making of Italy
Authors: Bull Anna Cento
Published: April 2017

‘Modernity and resurgence in the making of Italy’ explains that the history of modern Italy has been characterized by recurrent cultural and political projects of modernity, rejuvenation, and regeneration. The Risorgimento (Resurgence), the movement leading to the Italian Unification in 1861, explicitly linked the quest for national unity to a process of moral regeneration and progress. Later forms of nationalism and the rise of fascism in the first two decades of the 20th century advocated a spiritual revolution and the molding of new Italians through war and violence as the only means of creating a modernized, but also spiritually reborn, nation at the forefront of a new European civilization.
3. Governing Italy
Authors: Bull Anna Cento
Published: April 2017

One strand of controversy and debate concerning Italy’s path to modernity has focused on its political system and style of government. In liberal Italy, there are two styles of governing: ruling with an iron fist at home and promoting an aggressive foreign and colonial policy; and governing by consensus through compromise with social forces and reliance on a parliamentary practice known as trasformismo (‘transformism’). ‘Governing Italy’ shows that these governing styles were replicated (and exacerbated) after the fall of the liberal state. It describes the origins of trasformismo, the breakdown of governance following World War I, the ‘blocked democracy’ of the Christian Democratic Party (1945–92), and Italy’s Second Republic.
The emergence and state of the HIV and AIDS epidemic
Authors: Whiteside Alan
Published: April 2017

‘The emergence and state of the HIV and AIDS epidemic’ outlines the emergence of HIV/AIDS, charting the current state of the disease globally. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) virus. The spread of AIDS is a complex, long-wave, epidemic event, with waves of spread followed by waves of impact. The future of HIV/AIDS is, epidemiologically, reasonably predictable. Unless the virus mutates and becomes more easily transmitted it will be contained. Science is advancing, with new treatments becoming available and technological prevention methods, microbicides, and vaccines in the pipeline. The impacts are less certain, but will be confined to the worst affected countries and most marginal groups.
Illness, death, and the demographic impact
Authors: Whiteside Alan
Published: April 2017

‘Illness, death, and the demographic impact’ outlines how the effects of AIDS can be measured through demographic indicators. Demographic consequences of AIDS may include: increased deaths especially among adults; rising infant and child mortality; falling life expectancy; changes in the population size, growth, and structure; and growing numbers of orphans. How serious these impacts are depends on the location, size, and age of the epidemic; the underlying demographics of a country; and, increasingly, the availability and uptake of treatment. The impacts of AIDS continue to be felt by families and communities after death. There is evidence that AIDS deaths have more serious consequences for survivors than deaths from other causes.
Development, numbers, and politics
Authors: Whiteside Alan
Published: April 2017

‘Development, numbers, and politics’ first considers the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations in 2000 and explains how achieving some of them was difficult due to high HIV prevalence in some countries. It goes on to discuss the changing viewpoints of the links between AIDS, conflict, and security, and why accurate data on HIV/AIDS are important for its management. There is limited potential political impact from AIDS, but what is important is ensuring treatment is available and affordable. Political and economic failure has widespread implications for the health system and is harder to manage.