bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peatland plant communities under global change: negative feedback loops counteract shifts in species composition
Authors: Hedwall Per‐Ola , Brunet Jörg , Rydin Håkan
Published: October 2016

Mires (bogs and fens) are nutrient‐limited peatland ecosystems, the vegetation of which is especially sensitive to nitrogen deposition and climate change. The role of mires in the global carbon cycle, and the delivery of different ecosystem services can be considerably altered by changes in the vegetation, which has a strong impact on peat‐formation and hydrology. Mire ecosystems are commonly open with limited canopy cover but both nitrogen deposition and increased temperatures may increase the woody vegetation component. It has been predicted that such an increase in tree cover and the associated effects on light and water regimes would cause a positive feed‐back loop with respect to the ground vegetation. None of these effects, however, have so far been confirmed in large‐scale spatiotemporal studies. Here we analyzed data pertaining to mire vegetation from the Swedish National Forest Inventory collected from permanent sample plots over a period of 20 yr along a latitudinal gradient covering 14°. We hypothesized that the changes would be larger in the southern parts as a result of higher nitrogen deposition and warmer climate. Our results showed an increase in woody vegetation with increases in most ericaceous dwarf‐shrubs and in the basal area of trees. These changes were, in contrast to our expectations, evenly distributed over most of the latitudinal gradient. While nitrogen deposition is elevated in the south, the increase in temperatures during recent decades has been larger in the north. Hence, we suggest that different processes in the north and south have produced similar vegetation changes along the latitudinal gradient. There was, however, a sharp increase in compositional change at high deposition, indicating a threshold effect in the response. Instead of a positive feed‐back loop caused by the tree layer, an increase in canopy cover reduced the changes in composition of the ground vegetation, whereas a decrease in canopy cover lead to larger changes. Increased natural disturbances of the tree layer due to, for example, pathogens or climate is a predicted outcome of climate change. Hence, these results may have important implications for predictions of long‐term effects of increased temperature on peatland vegetation.
Luminescence Enhancement by p‐Substituent Variation
Authors: Utochnikova Valentina V. , Solodukhin Nikolay N. , Aslandukov Andrey A. , Zaitsev Kirill V. , Kalyakina Alena S. , Averin Aleksey A. , Ananyev Ivan A. , Churakov Andrei V. , Kuzmina Natalia P.
Published: October 2016

The search for precursors of luminescent biomarkers is carried out among highly luminescent, stable, and soluble lanthanide p‐substituted fluorobenzoates, which were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Examination of their crystal structure revealed the dependence of the structure on the lanthanide ion and on the separation method, because of the high acidity of the selected compounds. The brightness of the luminescence of the terbium and europium complexes varies significantly with both absorption and photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), and the latter reaches 62 %.
Iridium(III)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Carbenoid Insertion C–H Alkylation by α‐Diazotized Meldrum's Acid
Authors: Lv Honggui , Xu William L. , Lin Kunhua , Shi Jingjing , Yi Wei
Published: October 2016

A practical and straightforward protocol for IrIII‐catalyzed regioselective carbenoid insertion C–H alkylation mediated by α‐diazotized Meldrum's acid was developed. The assistance of external additives and oxidants was not needed, and the developed IrIII catalysis proceeds in a highly efficient manner (e.g., mild reaction conditions, short reaction times and excellent regioselectivity) and demonstrates good compatibility with several privileged substrates, such as valuable N‐(2‐pyrimidyl)indoles, phenylpyridines, and the marketed drug edaravone and its analogues, and thus provides a good complement to previous methods for the rapid construction of the corresponding alkylated products.
Investigator‐initiated randomized controlled trials in children with epilepsy: Mission impossible?
Authors: Weijenberg Amerins , Callenbach Petra M. C. , Brouwer Oebele F. ,   the LEV‐VPA Study Group
Published: October 2016

Objective

In children many antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are prescribed off‐label due to a lack of well‐designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a multicenter RCT in the Netherlands to compare levetiracetam and valproic acid as monotherapy in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. After 2 years, we had to stop this investigator‐initiated trial prematurely because the inclusion rate was too low. We analyzed the reasons for this failure, assessed the various issues involved in performing RCTs in children, and now give recommendations for future studies.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by all investigators involved in the study. It included questions about the motivation to participate and the perceived reasons for recruitment failure. We also studied literature about financial, logistic, legal, and ethical aspects of RCTs in children.

Results

Main reasons for recruitment failure were overestimation of the number of eligible AED‐naive children referred by general pediatricians; personal preferences of investigators for specific antiepileptic drugs; and the extensive administrative load due to extra regulations and guidelines for children. Fundraising for investigator‐initiated trials is difficult and the majority of RCTs concerning AEDs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Involving children requires balancing between protection and participation; the randomization procedure and obtaining informed consent are complex for both children and parents.

Significance

Performing RCTs with AEDs in children is important but complicated by logistic, regulatory, legal, and ethical restrictions. Based on our recent experience, our advice to colleagues who are planning a similar trial would be to perform a feasibility pilot study; to set up intensive collaboration with referring pediatricians; to arrange support of a clinical trials unit and a local research nurse during the complete trial period; and to incorporate the possibility of extending the recruitment period. Major investments, both financially from governmental organizations and in time, are imperative for independent RCTs in children.
Can We Predict the Financial Markets Based on Google's Search Queries?
Authors: Perlin Marcelo S. , Caldeira João F. , Santos André A. P. , Pontuschka Martin
Published: October 2016

We look into the interaction of Google's search queries and several aspects of international equity markets. Using a novel methodology for selecting words and a vector autoregressive modeling approach, we study whether the search queries of finance‐related words can have an impact on returns, volatility of returns and traded volume in four different English‐speaking countries. We identify several words whose search frequency is associated with changes in the dependent variables. In particular, we find that increases in search queries including the word stock predict increased volatility and decreased index returns over the next week. On top of that, we investigate the performance of a market‐timing strategy based on the search frequency of this word and benchmark it against random words from the Word‐Net database and a naive buy‐and‐hold strategy. The results of this empirical application are positive and particularly stronger during the global crisis of 2009. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Src Family Kinase Links Insulin Signaling to Short Term Regulation of Na,K‐ATPase in Nonpigmented Ciliary Epithelium
Authors: Shahidullah Mohammad , Mandal Amritlal , Delamere Nicholas A.
Published: October 2016

Insulin has been shown to elicit changes of Na,K‐ATPase activity in various tissues. Na,K‐ATPase in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) plays a role in aqueous humor secretion and changes of Na,K‐ATPase activity impact the driving force. Because we detect a change of NPE Na,K‐ATPase activity in response to insulin, studies were carried out to examine the response mechanism. Ouabain‐sensitive rubidium (Rb) uptake by cultured NPE cells, measured as a functional index of Na,K‐ATPase‐mediated inward potassium transport, was found to increase in cells exposed for 5 min to insulin. The maximally effective concentration was 100 nM. An intrinsic increase of Na,K‐ATPase activity evident as a >2‐fold increase in the rate of ouabain‐sensitive ATP hydrolysis in homogenates obtained from cells exposed to 100 nM insulin for 5 min was also observed. Insulin‐treated cells exhibited Akt, Src family kinase (SFK), ERK1/2, and p38 activation, all of which were prevented by a pI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002. The Rb uptake and Na,K‐ATPase activity response to insulin both were abolished by PP2, an SFK inhibitor which also prevented p38 and ERK1/2 but not Akt activation. The Akt inhibitor MK‐2206 did not change the Na,K‐ATPase response to insulin. The findings suggest insulin activates pI3K‐dependent Akt and SFK signaling pathways that are separate. ERK1/2 and p38 activation is secondary to and dependent on SFK activation. The increase of Na,K‐ATPase activity is dependent on activation of the SFK pathway. The findings are consistent with previous studies that indicate a link between Na,K‐ATPase activity and SFK signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1489–1500, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of extracapsular extension in prostate cancer using qualitative and quantitative multiparametric MRI
Authors: Kim Wooil , Kim Chan Kyo , Park Jung Jae , Kim Minji , Kim Jae‐Hun
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To investigate the value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for extracapsular extension (ECE) in prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and Methods

In all, 292 patients who received radical prostatectomy and underwent preoperative mpMRI at 3T were enrolled retrospectively. For determining the associations with ECE, the likelihood of ECE was assessed qualitatively on T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) and combined T2WI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) or dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (DCEI). Quantitative MRI parameters were measured in PCa based on histopathological findings. Two models for detecting ECE including imaging and clinical parameters were developed using multivariate analysis: Model 1 excluding combined T2WI and DWI and DCEI and Model 2 excluding combined T2WI and DWI, and combined T2WI and DCEI. Diagnostic performance of imaging parameters and models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (Az).

Results

For detecting ECE, the specificity, accuracy, and Az of combined T2WI and DWI or DCEI were statistically better than those of T2WI (P < 0.05), and all quantitative MRI parameters showed a statistical difference between the patients with and without ECE (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, significant independent markers in Model 1 were combined T2WI and DWI, combined T2WI and DCEI, and Ktrans (P < 0.05). In Model 2, significant markers were combined T2WI and DWI and DCEI, Ktrans, Kep, and Ve (P < 0.05). The Az values of models 1 and 2 were 0.944 and 0.957, respectively.

Conclusion

mpMRI may be useful to improve diagnostic accuracy of the models for determining the associations with ECE in PCa.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1760–1770
Fracture healing physiology and the quest for therapies for delayed healing and nonunion
Authors: Kostenuik Paul , Mirza Faisal M.
Published: October 2016

Delayed healing and nonunion of fractures represent enormous burdens to patients and healthcare systems. There are currently no approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of established nonunions, or for the acceleration of fracture healing, and no pharmacological agents are approved for promoting the healing of closed fractures. Yet several pharmacologic agents have the potential to enhance some aspects of fracture healing. In preclinical studies, various agents working across a broad spectrum of molecular pathways can produce larger, denser and stronger fracture calluses. However, untreated control animals in most of these studies also demonstrate robust structural and biomechanical healing, leaving unclear how these interventions might alter the healing of recalcitrant fractures in humans. This review describes the physiology of fracture healing, with a focus on aspects of natural repair that may be pharmacologically augmented to prevent or treat delayed or nonunion fractures (collectively referred to as DNFs). The agents covered in this review include recombinant BMPs, PTH/PTHrP receptor agonists, activators of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and recombinant FGF‐2. Agents from these therapeutic classes have undergone extensive preclinical testing and progressed to clinical fracture healing trials. Each can promote bone formation, which is important for the stability of bridged calluses, and some but not all can also promote cartilage formation, which may be critical for the initial bridging and subsequent stabilization of fractures. Appropriately timed stimulation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the fracture callus may be a more effective approach for preventing or treating DNFs compared with stimulation of osteogenesis alone. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:213–223, 2017.
Influence of vineyard altitude on Glera grape ripening (Vitis vinifera L.): effects on aroma evolution and wine sensory profile
Authors: Alessandrini Massimiliano , Gaiotti Federica , Belfiore Nicola , Matarese Fabiola , D'Onofrio Claudio , Tomasi Diego
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Environmental factors have been acknowledged to greatly influence grape and wine aromas. Among them, the effect of altitude on grape aroma compounds has scarcely been debated in literature available to date. In the present study, we investigated the influence of altitude on grape composition and aroma evolution during ripening of Vitis vinifera L. cultivar Glera grown in Conegliano‐Valdobbiadene DOCG area (Italy).

RESULTS

The site at highest altitude (380 m above sea level) was warmer than the lowest site (200 m above sea level) and, even with differences in temperature in the range 1.5–2 °C, the impact of the cultivation site on grape ripening and aroma accumulation and preservation was significant. The lowest site demonstrated slower grape ripening, and grapes at harvest accumulated lower amounts of all of the main classes of aroma compounds typical of the Glera variety. Wines produced from the highest site were preferred in tasting trials for their more patent floral notes and elegance.

CONCLUSION

Altitude strongly influences grape ripening evolution and flavour accumulation in the Glera grape, and this result accounts for the different styles in the sparkling wines subsequently produced. Moreover, the present study shows that aroma compound biosynthesis, particularly that of benzenoides, starts before véraison in Glera. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation between three glycometabolic‐related hormones and muscle glycolysis, as well as meat quality, in three pig breeds
Authors: Luo Jia , Shen Yuan L , Lei Gang H , Zhu Ping K , Jiang Zhi Y , Bai Lin , Li Zhou M , Tang Qing G , Li Wei X , Zhang Hua S , Zhu Li
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the correlations among muscle concentrations of three glycometabolic‐related hormones (insulin, epinephrine and glucagon), muscle glycolysis and meat quality in representative muscles of either glycolytic or oxidative types. Moreover, the relative glycometabolic‐related gene expression was measured. One Western crossbreed DLY (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)), one crossbreed with half‐Chinese native‐pig origin DL (Duroc × LiangShan) and one pure Chinese native pig TP (Tibetan pig) were used in the present study.

RESULTS

Among the three breeds, DLY had the greatest glucagon and epinephrine (P < 0.01). Compared with DLY, TP and DL had lower lactic acid concentrations, showing lower glycolytic potentials (GP), greater ultimate pH values (P < 0.01) and lower relative expression levels of glycometabolic‐related genes (GYS1, PRKAG3 and PKM2). Compared with the glycolytic muscle (musculus longissimus dorsi), oxidative muscle PM (musculus psoas major) had lower glucagon and epinephrine contents, lower GP and better meat quality. The concentration of glycometabolic‐related hormones in the muscle had significant correlations with muscle glycolysis, meat pH and lightness.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study imply that glucagon and epinephrine levels could be used to indicate early glycolytic metabolism during postmortem. These findings may be helpful in identifying pork with undesirable quality traits. 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Correction of profiles of in‐situ chlorophyll fluorometry for the contribution of fluorescence originating from non‐algal matter
Authors: Xing Xiaogang , Claustre Hervé , Boss Emmanuel , Roesler Collin , Organelli Emanuele , Poteau Antoine , Barbieux Marie , D'Ortenzio Fabrizio
Published: October 2016

In situ chlorophyll fluorometers have been widely employed for more than half a century, and to date, it still remains the most used instrument to estimate chlorophyll‐a concentration in the field, especially for measurements onboard autonomous observation platforms, e.g., Bio‐Argo floats and gliders. However, in deep waters (> 300 m) of some specific regions, e.g., subtropical gyres and the Black Sea, the chlorophyll fluorescence profiles frequently reveal “deep sea red fluorescence” features. In line with previous studies and through the analysis of a large data set (cruise transect in the South East Pacific and data acquired by 82 Bio‐Argo floats), we show that the fluorescence signal measured by a humic‐like DOM fluorometer is highly correlated to the “deep sea red fluorescence.” Both fluorescence signals are indeed linearly related in deep waters. To remove the contribution of non‐algal organic matter from chlorophyll fluorescence profiles, we introduce a new correction. Rather that removing a constant value (generally the deepest chlorophyll a fluorescence value from the profile, i.e., so‐called “deep‐offset correction”), we propose a correction method which relies on DOM fluorometry and on its variation with depth. This new method is validated with chlorophyll concentration extracted from water samples and further applied on the Bio‐Argo float data set. More generally, we discuss the potential of the proposed method to become a standard and routine procedure in quality‐control and correction of chlorophyll a fluorescence originating from Bio‐Argo network.
An extra virgin olive oil rich diet intervention ameliorates the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a high‐fat “Western‐type” diet in mice
Authors: Jurado‐Ruiz Enrique , Varela Lourdes M. , Luque Amparo , Berná Genoveva , Cahuana Gladys , Martinez‐Force Enrique , Gallego‐Durán Rocío , Soria Bernat , de Roos Baukje , Romero Gómez Manuel , Martín Franz
Published: October 2016

Scope

We evaluated the protective effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in high‐fat diets (HFDs) on the inflammatory response and liver damage in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mouse model.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard diet or a lard‐based HFD (HFD‐L) for 12 wk to develop NAFLD. HFD‐fed mice were then divided into four groups and fed for 24 wk with the following: HFD‐L, HFD‐EVOO, HFD based on phenolics‐rich EVOO, and reversion (standard diet). HFD‐L‐induced metabolic disorders were alleviated by replacement of lard with EVOO. EVOO diets improved plasma lipid profile and reduced body weight, plasma and epididymal fat INF‐γ, IL‐6 and leptin levels, and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, NAFLD activity scores were reduced. The liver lipid composition showed an increase in MUFAs, especially oleic acid, and a decrease in saturated fatty acids. Hepatic adiponutrin and Cd36 gene expression was upregulated in the EVOO groups. Liver ingenuity pathway analysis revealed in EVOO groups regulation of proteins involved in lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, gastrointestinal disease, and liver regeneration.

Conclusion

Dietary EVOO could repair HFD‐induced hepatic damage, possibly via an anti‐inflammatory effect in adipose tissue and modifications in the liver lipid composition and signaling pathways.
Language‐related differential item functioning between English and German PROMIS Depression items is negligible
Authors: Fischer H. Felix , Wahl Inka , Nolte Sandra , Liegl Gregor , Brähler Elmar , Löwe Bernd , Rose Matthias
Published: October 2016

To investigate differential item functioning (DIF) of PROMIS Depression items between US and German samples we compared data from the US PROMIS calibration sample (n = 780), a German general population survey (n = 2,500) and a German clinical sample (n = 621). DIF was assessed in an ordinal logistic regression framework, with 0.02 as criterion for R2‐change and 0.096 for Raju's non‐compensatory DIF. Item parameters were initially fixed to the PROMIS Depression metric; we used plausible values to account for uncertainty in depression estimates. Only four items showed DIF. Accounting for DIF led to negligible effects for the full item bank as well as a post hoc simulated computer‐adaptive test (< 0.1 point on the PROMIS metric [mean = 50, standard deviation =10]), while the effect on the short forms was small (< 1 point). The mean depression severity (43.6) in the German general population sample was considerably lower compared to the US reference value of 50. Overall, we found little evidence for language DIF between US and German samples, which could be addressed by either replacing the DIF items by items not showing DIF or by scoring the short form in German samples with the corrected item parameters reported.
The probability of the existence of a feasible flow in a stochastic transportation network
Authors: Shu Jia , Heng Haiqing
Published: October 2016

Stochastic transportation networks arise in various real world applications, for which the probability of the existence of a feasible flow is regarded as an important performance measure. Although the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a feasible flow represented by an exponential number of inequalities is a well‐known result in the literature, the computation of the probability of all such inequalities being satisfied jointly is a daunting challenge. The state‐of‐the‐art approach of Prékopa and Boros, Operat Res 39 (1991) 119–129 approximates this probability by giving its lower and upper bounds using a two‐part procedure. The first part eliminates all redundant inequalities and the second gives the lower and upper bounds of the probability by solving two well‐defined linear programs with the inputs obtained from the first part. Unfortunately, the first part may still leave many non‐redundant inequalities. In this case, it would be very time consuming to compute the inputs for the second part even for small‐sized networks. In this paper, we first present a model that can be used to eliminate all redundant inequalities and give the corresponding computational results for the same numerical examples used in Prékopa and Boros, Operat Res 39 (1991) 119–129. We also show how to improve the lower and upper bounds of the probability using the multitree and hypermultitree, respectively. Furthermore, we propose an exact solution approach based on the state space decomposition to compute the probability. We derive a feasible state from a state space and then decompose the space into several disjoint subspaces iteratively. The probability is equal to the sum of the probabilities in these subspaces. We use the 8‐node and 15‐node network examples in Prékopa and Boros, Operat Res 39 (1991) 119–129 and the Sioux‐Falls network with 24 nodes to show that the space decomposition algorithm can obtain the exact probability of these classical examples efficiently. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 479–491, 2016
Renal cell carcinoma harboring somatic TSC2 mutations in a child with methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Potter Samara L. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Wenderfer Scott , Graham Brett H. , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Sher Andrew , Wu Hao , Wheeler David A. , Yang Yaping , Eng Christine M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Roy Angshumoy , Plon Sharon E. , Parsons D. Williams
Published: October 2016

Pediatric renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare cancer that can be associated with inherited diseases including tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) caused by germline mutations in TSC1 or TSC2. Somatic mutations in TSC1 and TSC2 have also been reported in adult RCC, which predict response to mTOR inhibitors. Here, we present the first case of RCC in a child with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). Clinical whole exome sequencing of blood and tumor samples confirmed the diagnosis of MMA and revealed two somatic inactivating mutations in TSC2, suggesting the potential consideration of an mTOR inhibitor in the event of tumor recurrence.
Breastfeeding and Adult Personality
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio
Published: October 2016

Five–Factor Model personality traits are implicated in long–term health–risk behaviours and outcomes. Less research has addressed how early life experiences are associated with individual differences in these traits in adulthood. We examine whether having been breastfed is associated with adult personality and well–being in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. At Wave 1, caregivers reported whether the target child had been breastfed. At Wave 4, participants ( N = 13,113; 53% female; Mage = 28.98) completed measures of psychological functioning. We tested for mean–level differences in the traits by breastfeeding status (yes/no) and by the duration of breastfeeding, controlling for basic demographic factors and early life factors that could confound the breastfeeding–personality association (e.g. mother education). Participants who had been breastfed scored lower in neuroticism, anxiety, and hostility and higher in openness and optimism than those not breastfed. A curvilinear relation suggested that neuroticism was lowest for those breastfed for 9–12 months and highest for those either breastfed for >24 months or exclusively bottle–fed. Breastfeeding was unrelated to conscientiousness or state psychological functioning. This research suggests long–term psychological benefits to breastfeeding and indicates that early life experiences are associated with traits that are consequential for adult health. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Surface patch binding‐induced exfoliation of nanoclays and enhancement of physical properties of gelatin organogels
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Rawat Kamla , Solanki Pratima R , Bohidar Himadri B
Published: October 2016

Nanoclay‐containing organogels were prepared by exfoliating layered silicate nanoclay (Laponite® and montmorillonite, aspect ratio 30 and 250) in organogels made in glycerol solutions. Zeta potential of the binding profile between clay and gelatin chains in the milieu of glycerol was consistent with a surface patch binding mechanism. To achieve customized thermal and viscoelastic properties, optimum binding of nanoclay to gelatin was probed, and it was noticed that [clay] = 0.03% (w/v) and [glycerol] = 30% (v/v) produced the best results. Gelation temperature Tgel (Laponite organogels) increased from 28 to 34 °C (ca 21% change) with a concomitant increase in gel elastic modulus from 400 to 1200 Pa (ca 300% change). For montmorillonite organogels, it was possible to raise Tgel further to 43 °C (56% change). X‐ray diffraction data and Cole–Cole plots indicated that clay platelets were homogeneously exfoliated in the organogel matrix. Thus, the thermoviscoelastic properties of gelatin organogels could be modulated to raise the gelation temperature to 43 °C, and gel strength to 1200 Pa by the addition of nanoclay whose concentration may not exceed 0.03% (w/v). Considering the wide application of gelatin gels in pharmaceuticals, food preservation and personal care products, the aforesaid enhancement in physical properties is significant. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Lattice deformation in silicon and germanium nanocrystals
Authors: Gert A. V. , Prokofiev A. A. , Yassievich I. N.
Published: October 2016

We present a theoretical study of lattice deformation and its influence on the electronic states and the optical transitions in Si and Ge nanocrystals covered by hydrogen. The lattice of Si and Ge nanocrystals has been optimized by Merck molecular force field method. The semiempirical tight‐binding computer simulation has shown that the lattice optimization reduces effective energy band gap in silicon nanocrystals and increases it in germanium nanocrystals. This is similar to the effect of the hydrostatic compression of bulk Si and Ge. The sketch of the state density distribution in k‐space is presented. It demonstrates the orbital‐valley mixing, that appears due to space‐quantization and lattice deformation influence.
Algebraic and geometric properties of equilibria in cyclic switched dynamic systems
Authors: Becerra Gerardo , Patino Diego , Minh Tu Pham , Lin‐Shi Xuefang
Published: October 2016

The analysis of some properties for the equilibria of switched dynamic systems is addressed. In particular, the geometric properties of the equilibrium region in state space and the algebraic properties of the equations defining it are studied. Based on fundamental results from algebraic geometry, the equilibria properties of switched dynamic systems are analyzed. This alternative approach allows to obtain information about the set of equilibrium points without explicitly computing it. This study is developed for three different formulations of switched dynamic systems, revealing some interesting algebraic and geometric relations in their corresponding equilibria. Some examples, including the case of a power converter, are presented for illustration purposes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Priority Areas for the Conservation of Stream Fish Assemblages: Implications for River Management in France
Authors: Maire A. , Laffaille P. , Maire J.‐F. , Buisson L.
Published: October 2016

Financial and human resources allocated to biodiversity conservation are often limited, making it impossible to protect all natural places, and priority areas for protection must be identified. In this study, we applied ecological niche models to predict fish assemblages in the stream network of France. Four non‐correlated conservation objectives were derived from these species assemblages: taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, natural heritage importance and socio‐economic value. We proposed a multi‐objective prioritization method based on the Pareto optimality principle to rank the planning units (i.e. 6097 subcatchments) according to their inherent trade‐offs between the four conservation objectives. Four types of hydrosystems of great conservation importance presenting specific fish assemblages were identified: (i) the most upstream areas of large catchments; (ii) the most downstream areas of large catchments; (iii) the small coastal catchments of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean; and (iv) the Mediterranean streams of medium altitude. The fish assemblages characterizing these hydrosystems were complementary and representative of the entire fish fauna of France. Most of these priority subcatchments were found to be practically suitable for the implementation of conservation actions, which is very promising for the protection of river biodiversity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low temperature plasma for the preparation of crater walls for compositional depth profiling of thin inorganic multilayers
Authors: Muramoto Shin , Bennett Joe
Published: October 2016

An indirect, compositional depth profiling of an inorganic multilayer system using a helium low temperature plasma (LTP) containing 0.2% (v/v) SF6 was evaluated. A model multilayer system consisting of four 10 nm layers of silicon separated by four 50 nm layers of tungsten was plasma‐etched for (10, 20, 30) s at substrate temperatures of (50, 75, and 100) °C to obtain crater walls with exposed silicon layers that were then visualized using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) to determine plasma‐etching conditions that produced optimum depth resolutions. At a substrate temperature of 100 °C and an etch time of 10 s, the FWHM of the second, third, and fourth Si layers were (6.4, 10.9, and 12.5) nm, respectively, while the 1/e decay lengths were (2.5, 3.7, and 3.9) nm, matching those obtained from a SIMS depth profile. Though artifacts remain that contribute to degraded depth resolutions, a few experimental parameters have been identified that could be used to reduce their contributions. Further studies are needed, but as long as the artifacts can be controlled, plasma etching was found to be an effective method for preparing samples for compositional depth profiling of both organic and inorganic films, which could pave the way for an indirect depth profile analysis of inorganic–organic hybrid structures that have recently evolved into innovative next‐generation materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parents’ Understanding of Genetics and Heritability
Authors: Harding Brittany , Egan Rylan , Kannu Peter , MacKenzie Jennifer J.
Published: October 2016

Parents have the opportunity to educate their children to facilitate behaviours and lifestyle habits that may prevent or delay genetic disease, or mitigate predispositions within the family. We sought to determine parents’ understanding of genetic knowledge and heritability. Using a quantitative survey methodology 108 volunteer participants were surveyed from a convenience sample of all parents/caregivers within the waiting room of a general children's outpatient clinic. Results indicated that average genetic knowledge levels were fairly high, with the majority of participants scoring 70–80 % correct on knowledge‐based questions. Further, scores were found to be positively correlated with education, but inversely correlated with self‐perceived knowledge. This finding suggests that participants with less experience tended to overestimate their knowledge. We suggest that gaps in knowledge of genetics and heritability could be improved by using educational interventions such as media campaigns, provision of informational brochures, or changes to current high school curriculum which would increase exposure to genetics and heritability for both parents and children.
“Every coin has two sides”: The effects of dialectical thinking and attitudinal ambivalence on psychological discomfort and consumer choice
Authors: Pang Jun , Keh Hean Tat , Li Xiuping , Maheswaran Durairaj
Published: October 2016

Prior research suggests that consumers experience psychological discomfort when they make a choice under attitudinal ambivalence. The research reported here examines systematic cross‐cultural variations in psychological discomfort as a function of dialectical thinking and attitudinal ambivalence in the context of choice. It shows that compared to nondialectical (Western) consumers, dialectical (Eastern) consumers experience less psychological discomfort when they hold bivalent evaluations of the focal object, but more psychological discomfort when they hold univalent evaluations (Study 1). It also identifies “uncertainty about making the correct choice” as the underlying process that accounts for these findings (Study 2). In addition, this research explores the downstream effects of psychological discomfort on choice deferral in the context of free choice (Study 3) and preference reversal in the context of forced choice (Study 4). Contributions to and implications for research on attitudinal ambivalence, choice behavior, and dialectical thinking are discussed.
Turing's Imitation Game
Authors: Warwick Kevin , Shah Huma
Published: October 2016

Can you tell the difference between talking to a human and talking to a machine? Or, is it possible to create a machine which is able to converse like a human? In fact, what is it that even makes us human? Turing's Imitation Game, commonly known as the Turing Test, is fundamental to the science of artificial intelligence. Involving an interrogator conversing with hidden identities, both human and machine, the test strikes at the heart of any questions about the capacity of machines to behave as humans. While this subject area has shifted dramatically in the last few years, this book offers an up-to-date assessment of Turing's Imitation Game, its history, context and implications, all illustrated with practical Turing tests. The contemporary relevance of this topic and the strong emphasis on example transcripts makes this book an ideal companion for undergraduate courses in artificial intelligence, engineering or computer science.
Developmental Trends in Children's Internal Body Knowledge
Authors: Sterk Jisca , Mertin Peter
Published: October 2016

Literature on children's internal body knowledge has consistently indicated that knowledge about the body develops in an orderly sequence with increasing age. How much children currently know about their internal organs, however, may be influenced by the increase in health and body information available through school education programmes. As there is little recent research in this area, the present study aimed to provide an update on what Australian children currently understand about their anatomy, and to corroborate the developmental trends found in previous research. One hundred and eighty-nine school children aged 7 to 12 years were asked to draw the interior of the body in a body outline provided, with a subset of 54 children also being interviewed about their understanding of their anatomy. The developmental trends found in this study were broadly consistent with those reported in the existing literature on children's inside body knowledge, and are similar to those documented with children's human figure drawing; namely, that children's body knowledge and understanding increased with age. Although awareness of the integration of internal body parts amongst children in the present study seemed more developed than suggested in previous studies, the availability of educational resources influencing children's knowledge about their internal organs remains equivocal. Nevertheless, this research has relevance for those involved in children's health awareness and education, as well as direct implications for paediatric health care procedures.
Fundamentality without Metaphysical Monism: Response to Critics of Reason in the World
Authors: Kreines James
Published: October 2016

This article is a reply to comments by Franz Knappik and Robert Stern on my book, Reason in the World: Hegel’s Metaphysics and its Philosophical Appeal. Issues addressed include the systematicity of Hegel’s philosophy, the prioritizing of metaphysical over epistemological questions in his arguments, Hegel’s response to Kant’s Antinomy of Pure Reason, and my conclusion that there are senses in which Hegel’s own position is both ambitiously metaphysical and also monist, but that the monism present there is epistemological, and the ambitious metaphysics is non-monist.
An Experiment in Conservative Modernity: Interwar Conservatism and Henry Ford's English Farms
Authors: Kowol Kit
Published: October 2016

Between 1931 and 1947, the American industrialist Henry Ford financed a British agricultural experiment at the Fordson Estate in the Essex countryside. This article analyses the Fordson experiment as it developed from a limited attempt to test the merits of American farming methods into a wider model for remaking British industry and society. Focusing closely on Sir Percival Perry, a Conservative Party activist and Ford's partner in the venture, it explores the extent to which the experiment sought to harmonize modern technology with traditional patterns of life. In doing so, the article places the history of the Fordson Estate within the paradigm of interwar conservative modernity. By tracing Perry's participation within a network of industrial paternalist organizations and delineating his connection to the interwar conservative movement, the article demonstrates that conservative modernity stood largely outside formal party politics but was central to the praxis of interwar conservatism. It highlights an experimental, radical, and utopian form of conservative politics that aimed to foster conservative rural citizens.
The Size-Dependent Electromechanical Coupling Response in Circular Micro-Plate due to Flexoelectricity
Authors: Ji X. , Li A.-Q.
Published: October 2016

Flexoelectricity, the coupling of strain gradient to polarization, enhances the properties of piezoelectric response desirable for advanced MEMS dramatically even in centrosymmetric dielectrics. In this paper, the general formulations of the flexoelectric couple stress theory presented by Hadjesfandiari in orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system are derived, and are then specified for the case of cylindrical coordinates. A size-dependent flexoelectric model of circular plate is established based on the current formulations in cylindrical coordinates. The governing equations, boundary conditions and initial conditions are derived by applying Hamilton's principle. The static bending and free vibration problems of a simply supported axisymmetric circular plate are carried out to illustrate the applicability of the present model. Numerical results reveal that a homogeneous electric field between the up and down surfaces of the circular plate is induced indeed. The generated deflection, induced voltage and natural frequency show obvious size effect, but the size effect is almost diminishing as the thickness of the plate is far greater than the material length scale parameter. As the increase of the flexoelectric coefficient, the induced voltage increases evidently and the generated deflection and the natural frequency increase weakly.
Inspiring Teachers
Authors: Neumann Peter
Published: October 2016

In May 2014, soon after the MA Conference in Nottingham, and soon after the passing of Roger Wheeler, a staunch member of the MA, who had been my teacher at school, I had the idea that my presidential address in April 2016 might be entitled ‘Inspiring Teachers’. The concept was a talk that might trace my mathematical experiences from grammar school sixth form, through my development in retirement as a contributor to masterclasses for the UK Mathematics Trust and the Royal Institution, learning from the students and from the inspiring teachers at whose masterclasses I assist, to the small understanding of Key Stage 2 Mathematics that I am gradually acquiring through an hour a week with some Year 6 students and their remarkable teachers in a local primary school.

A month or so later, when the organising committee was giving shape to Conference 2016, my words were taken as the title of the conference itself. It is deliberately ambiguous and it was gratifying to me to find this last April that its ambiguity had struck melodious chords with other speakers. My presidential address, however, was conceived as a lecture. Like all my lectures it was designed to be an oral presentation. It was not designed to be written down and published as an article. Please bear that in mind gentle reader, and judge accordingly. If you find something of value here I shall be delighted; if not, I shall not be surprised.
The dice-and-numbers game
Authors: Járai Antal A.
Published: October 2016

In maths lessons in secondary school, on certain occasions my teacher entertained our class with the following game. Each player starts with an empty 2 × 5 grid, as shown in Figure 1(a). In each round of the game, a die is rolled, and each player has to choose one of the empty boxes in their grid and fill it with the number rolled. For example, after 3 rounds, a player's grid may look like the one in Figure 1(b). After 10 rounds everyone's grid is filled, forming two 5-digit numbers. A player's score is the sum of her/his two 5-digit numbers. Players with the largest sum win the game. We shall call this the ‘dice-and-numbers game’. It is easy to think of other variants. Any child who is comfortable with column addition and understands how place value affects the size of numbers will develop a reasonable strategy for the game.
Identities connecting the Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Griffiths Jonny
Published: October 2016

There are many families of polynomials in mathematics, and they often occur naturally in pairs. The Fibonacci polynomials and the Lucas polynomials, for example, are generated by the same recurrence relation but with different starting values, and there are many identities that link the two families [1]. The same is true for the Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kinds, Tn (x) and Un (x) [2], respectively. There are two further polynomial families that are less well-known, the Chebyshev polynomials of the third and fourth kinds, Vn (x) and Wn (x) [3], respectively. Each of the four kinds is an example of an orthogonal polynomial family Pn (x), where for some appropriate weight function W (x), whenever n ≠ m. The families Tn (x) and Un (x) in particular are ubiquitous in their mathematical uses, in approximation theory, in differential equations, and in solving the Pell equation, to name but three. There are also many connections between Tn (x), Un (x), Vn (x) and Wn (x), some of which are explored here, and some of which we hope are new.
Online 13C and 14C Gas Measurements by EA-IRMS–AMS at ETH Zürich
Authors: McIntyre Cameron P , Wacker Lukas , Haghipour Negar , Blattmann Thomas M , Fahrni Simon , Usman Muhammed , Eglinton Timothy I , Synal Hans-Arno
Published: October 2016

Studies using carbon isotopes to understand the global carbon cycle are critical to identify and quantify sources, sinks, and processes and how humans may impact them. 13C and 14C are routinely measured individually; however, there is a need to develop instrumentation that can perform concurrent online analyses that can generate rich data sets conveniently and efficiently. To satisfy these requirements, we coupled an elemental analyzer to a stable isotope mass spectrometer and an accelerator mass spectrometer system fitted with a gas ion source. We first tested the system with standard materials and then reanalyzed a sediment core from the Bay of Bengal that had been analyzed for 14C by conventional methods. The system was able to produce %C, 13C, and 14C data that were accurate and precise, and suitable for the purposes of our biogeochemistry group. The system was compact and convenient and is appropriate for use in a range of fields of research.
Emission spectra of noble gases and their mixtures under ion beam excitation
Authors: Khasenov M.U.
Published: October 2016

The luminescence spectra of noble gases and their binary mixtures were measured using heavy ion beam excitation from a DC-60 accelerator. Spectra were measured in the range of 200–975 nm; the gas spectra were dominated by lines ofp–sandd–patomic transitions; in neon and argon, lines from atomic oxygen, N2, N2+, and OH radical bands were also observed. The ultraviolet region of the spectra was represented by a “third continuum” of noble gases. In krypton, the band of the KrO excimer molecule with a maximum at 557 nm was also observed. The maxima of the heteronuclear ionic molecules bands were located at wavelengths of 329 and 506 nm (Ar–Xe), 491 nm (Kr–Xe), and 642 nm (Ar–Kr). The relative intensities of the 2p–1stransitions of the noble gases atoms were measured and are discussed.