bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposing biases in retrieved low cloud properties from CloudSat: A guide for evaluating observations and climate data
Authors: Christensen Matthew W. , Stephens Graeme L. , Lebsock Matthew D.
Published: October 2013

This study provides an assessment of low cloud properties retrieved from CloudSat, MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation with the goal of exposing biases that hinder meaningful comparisons with the simulated cloud properties in global climate models (GCMs). Being pertinent to GCM comparisons, CloudSat is the only satellite that can provide the vertical structure of cloud water and ice content from space. Biases in CloudSat low cloud properties are found to be tied to problems involving cloud detection and algorithm retrieval failures related to precipitation and strict cloud screening procedures. We show that MODIS and CloudSat cloud liquid water path (LWP) data agree when carefully screened for lack of precipitation but significantly depart in precipitating clouds due to rain water contamination of LWP in the CloudSat retrieval algorithm. The presence of drizzle and rain (occurring about 20% of the time) is associated with different mean LWP, mean particle sizes, and optical depths of all low clouds and therefore the radiative properties of the oceanic low clouds. Another more significant source of the LWP bias stems from the apparent lack of cloud detection. On average, the Cloud Profiling Radar misses clouds with adequate liquid and ice water retrievals as detected by MODIS in approximately 45% of warm clouds with the bulk of the bias occurring in clouds below 1 km in the so‐called “ground clutter zone.” By incorporating additional sensors such as MODIS, the following results suggest that this LWP bias can be greatly reduced.
Cultural Transmission
Authors: Gornick Laura Janelle , Conway Lucian Gideon , Cvasa Gregory Peter , Houck Shannon C.
Published: October 2013

Cultural transmission is the transference of belief, preferences, and social norms from one set of people to another. This broad definition includes a wide range of potential influences; thus, it is perhaps not surprising that research in cultural transmission spans many different disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology. Here, we provide a brief overview of this topic.
Emblematic Gestures (Emblems)
Authors: Matsumoto David , Hwang Hyi‐Sung
Published: October 2013

One type of gesture occurs independent of speech and conveys verbal meaning without words. These gestures are known as
symbolic gestures
,
emblematic gestures
, or
emblems
. Just as every culture has its own verbal language, every culture also develops its own emblem vocabulary in gestures. Although the meaning and function of emblems are similar across cultures, their form is different. Thus, emblematic gestures are culture specific (and some are gender specific within cultures). This is true not only of national cultures but also of organizational cultures (e.g., the military, sports teams). Unlike illustrators, emblems can stand on their own without speech and convey verbal meaning, such as the American A‐OK sign, the peace sign (two fingers up, palm facing outward), or OK (thumb up, hand in fist). Many of the emblems of most cultures are devoted to insults or obscenities. Emblems are true body language, with clear verbal meanings, for good or bad.
False Consensus Effect
Authors: Pope Jay W.
Published: October 2013

The false consensus effect refers to the tendency to overestimate the extent to which one's opinions are also shared by others. It was first formally addressed in an influential article by Ross, which drew from several social psychological and personality‐related themes, such as attribution theory and projection. In four carefully constructed experiments, the authors found “that raters’ perceptions of social consensus and their social inferences about actors reflect the raters’ own behavioral choices” (p. 294). They also observed that the phenomenon applied to numerous aspects of behavior, feelings, opinions, and characteristics, a finding that has been repeatedly supported in the literature. A meta‐analysis of 115 tests in 23 studies found that the false consensus effect is a robust and reliable phenomenon.
Gender Stereotypes
Authors: Koenig Anne M.
Published: October 2013

Gender stereotypes are beliefs about men and women. Gender stereotypes include positive and negative personality traits as well as physical attributes and skills. Two dimensions succinctly summarize the content of gender stereotypes: (a) agency, including traits such as assertiveness, competitiveness, dominance, and daring, which are more commonly ascribed to men than women; and (b) communion, including traits such as warm, nurturing, concerned with others, and emotionally expressive, which are more commonly ascribed to women than men. Agency and communion also include negative aspects.
Gielen, Uwe P
Authors: Brucato Gary , Hogan John D.
Published: October 2013

Uwe Gielen was born on August 15, 1940, in Berlin, Germany, to Ursula and Alfred Gielen, a housewife and civil servant, respectively. Following the destruction of their home in a bombing raid in the early 1940s, the family first relocated to the alpine farming village of Gailenberg, Bavaria, and in 1948 to the town of Lindau.
Irvine, Sidney H
Authors: Keith Kenneth D.
Published: October 2013

Sidney H. Irvine is professor emeritus at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. Born September 26, 1931 in Aberdeen, Scotland, he completed M.A. and M.Ed. degrees at the University of Aberdeen before going to Birkbeck College of the University of London, where he completed the Ph.D. under the direction of Alec Rodger. In 1967 he was U.S. Public Health Service Visiting Scholar at the Educational Testing Service, and spent 11 years working in Canadian universities before returning to the United Kingdom in 1979, when he was appointed professor of differential psychology at the University of Plymouth.
Low‐Context Cultures
Authors: Chung Leeva C.
Published: October 2013

Cultural anthropologist Edward T. Hall claimed that human interaction, can be divided into two cultural communication systems: low‐ and high‐context cultures. Low‐context cultures have a tendency to place emphasis on the intention or meaning expressed through explicit verbal messages. Furthermore, the structure of the language system itself may be more low‐context in expression. There are many implications of this context pattern, including individualistic values, linear logic, direct verbal style, verbal assertiveness and informal verbal style. Low‐context culture refers to the tendencies of a cultural group that does not place high importance on ingroups. Low‐context cultures such as the United States and Denmark do not rely on the context of a message but explain more via words and verbal communication.
Nisbett, Richard E
Authors: Keith Kenneth D.
Published: October 2013

Richard E. Nisbett is the Theodore M. Newcomb Distinguished Professor of Social Psychology and co‐director of the Culture and Cognition program at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He received the A.B. degree in psychology from Tufts University in 1962, and the Ph.D. from Columbia University in social psychology in 1966. From 1966 to1971, he served as assistant professor of psychology at Yale University, in 1971 moving to the University of Michigan, where he has occupied a variety of research roles, including research professor in the Institute for Social Research since 2003.
Racial Identity
Authors: Hammer Elliott D.
Published: October 2013

Racial identity is the extent to which one focuses on one's racial group as a central component of his or her self‐concept. As with most aspects of personal identity development, there is great diversity among members of racial and ethnic groups regarding the extent to which race plays a strong role in their lives. Racial identity theories represent this range by conceptualizing identity in terms of a number of stages or statuses.
Self‐Serving Bias
Authors: Cole Shana , Balcetis Emily
Published: October 2013

How do people explain good and bad outcomes in their lives? People tend to attribute their successes to internal factors but attribute their failures to external factors. That is, people may tout their own ability, effort, or determination when they succeed but point to luck, task difficulty, or other people when they fail. For example, when a student does well in an exam, she may attribute the success to her intelligence or hard work. When she does poorly, on the other hand, she may blame the failure on the teacher's unfair grading or her roommate's party the night before. This asymmetric explanatory pattern is known as theself‐serving bias.
Sexual Identity
Authors: Shelton Kimber , Corrales Arturo
Published: October 2013

Defining sexual identity proves to be challenging, given that multiple terms are frequently used to describe this construct, and that factors influencing sexual identity are multifaceted and can be either interrelated or distinct entities. Sexual identity, sexual orientation, sexual orientation identity and sexuality are often used interchangeably when referring to identity status, sexual behavior, preferences, attractions, and biological predispositions. Although some do not differentiate between the terms
sexual identity
and
sexual orientation
, literature that distinguishes between sexual identity and sexual orientation argues that the term sexual orientation refers to one's sexual predisposition. This type of definition may have negative connotations as it de‐emphasizes other aspects central to identity, and overemphasizes sexuality and sexual behavior.
Swāsthya and Stithaprajnatva
Authors: Salagame Kiran Kumar K.
Published: October 2013

Contemporary health and wellbeing have been the primary focus of two sub‐disciplines within psychology – health psychology and positive psychology. The former concerns itself with defining health, ways of preventing illness, and promoting health. The latter is preoccupied with defining wellbeing and ways of enhancing wellbeing. Important findings from these two fields of study point toward the need for a new vision of the way health and wellbeing are understood in mainstream medicine and psychology.
The Effect of Different Types of Leading Questions on Adult Eyewitnesses with Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Bowles Peter V. , Sharman Stefanie J.
Published: October 2013

Adults with an intellectual disability (ID) are often considered poor witnesses; however, this may depend on the type of questions asked during investigative interviews. We examined the impact of four different types of misleading questions commonly used in interviews. These questions varied in their specificity, presumptive knowledge and structure (open or closed). Forty‐one adults with a mild ID watched a short film; they were then interviewed about what had happened. Half of the questions contained misleading information. In a later recognition test, participants showed a misinformation effect: they correctly recognised more items about which they had received control information than the items about which they had received misleading information. Closer inspection of the data revealed that both closed and open presumptive questions generated the largest misinformation effects. These findings highlight the vulnerability of adults with an ID to misleading questions, specifically those that presume certain information to be true. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The View from the Driver's Seat: What Good Is Salience?
Authors: McCarley Jason S. , Steelman Kelly S. , Horrey William J.
Published: October 2013

A set of experiments gauged the value of salient and non‐salient visual information to drivers' decision making. Stimuli were images of traffic scenes viewed from a drivers' approximate perspective, and the subjects' task was to make stop‐or‐go driving judgments. Under some experimental conditions (Experiment 1), subjects viewed only the salient information from within each scene. Under other conditions (Experiments 2–3), they viewed only the non‐salient information. A signal detection measure of sensitivity served as the primary dependent measure. Data indicated that an above‐chance amount of the information needed for accurate judgments was contained within salient image regions and that some information was available only from the salient regions. Other critical information, however, was contained exclusively within non‐salient regions. Results suggest that an attentional bias toward visual salience would serve as an economical information‐seeking strategy for drivers but by itself would overlook many task‐critical cues. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Retrieval Practice in Primary School Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Goossens Nicole A. M. C. , Camp Gino , Verkoeijen Peter P. J. L. , Tabbers Huib K.
Published: October 2013

The testing effect refers to the finding that retrieval practice leads to better long‐term retention than additional study of course material. In the present study, we examined whether this finding generalizes to primary school vocabulary learning. We also manipulated the word learning context. Children were introduced to 20 words by listening to a story in which novel words were embedded (story condition) or by listening to isolated words (word pairs condition). The children practised the meaning of 10 words by retrieval practice and 10 words by restudy. After 1 week, they completed a cued recall test and a multiple choice test. Words learned by retrieval practice were recalled better than words learned by additional study, but there was no difference in recognition. Furthermore, the children in the word pairs condition outperformed the children in the story condition. These results show that retrieval practice may improve vocabulary learning in children. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Interruptions and Contextual Associations in Delayed‐Execute Prospective Memory
Authors: Cook Gabriel I. , Meeks J. Thadeus , Clark‐Foos Arlo , Merritt Paul S. , Marsh Richard L.
Published: October 2013

We conducted three experiments to examine the dynamics of a delayed‐execute prospective memory task involving task interruptions. In the delayed‐execute paradigm, participants must delay a response until some future condition is met. After an intention was formed to a salient cue, an interruption reduced prospective memory relative to a no‐interruption condition. Prospective memory for cues encountered during an interrupting task was worse than for cues occurring before an interruption, but the location of the cue in either the ongoing task or the interruption did not affect prospective memory. Importantly, reinstating the prevailing context after the interruption alleviated the negative influence of the interruption. Providing participants with information about the future context for making the delayed‐execute response also alleviated some of these deficits presumably because participants could encode more specific features of the performance context. These results highlight the potential importance of contextual associations and reminders in completing everyday intentions successfully. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decohesion Kinetics of PEDOT:PSS Conducting Polymer Films
Authors: Dupont Stephanie R. , Novoa Fernando , Voroshazi Eszter , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: October 2013

The highly conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS is a widely used hole transport layer and transparent electrode in organic electronic devices. To date, the mechanical and fracture properties of this conductive polymer layer are not well understood. Notably, the decohesion rate of the PEDOT:PSS layer and its sensitivity to moist environments has not been reported, which is central in determining the lifetimes of organic electronic devices. Here, it is demonstrated that the decohesion rate is highly sensitive to the ambient moisture content, temperature, and mechanical stress. The kinetic mechanisms are elucidated using atomistic bond rupture models and the decohesion process is shown to be facilitated by a chemical reaction between water molecules from the environment and strained hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are the predominant bonding mechanism between individual PEDOT:PSS grains within the layer and cause a significant loss in cohesion when they are broken. Understanding the decohesion kinetics and mechanisms in these films is essential for the mechanical integrity of devices containing PEDOT:PSS layers and yields general guidelines for the design of more reliable organic electronic devices.
Genome‐wide association study of atypical psychosis
Authors: Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Ikeda Masashi , Glatt Stephen J. , Tsutsumi Atsushi , Kikuyama Hiroki , Kawamura Yoshiya , Nishida Nao , Miyagawa Taku , Hashimoto Ryota , Takeda Masatoshi , Sasaki Tsukasa , Tokunaga Katsushi , Koh Jun , Iwata Nakao , Yoneda Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

Atypical psychosis with a periodic course of exacerbation and features of major psychiatric disorders [schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD)] has a long history in clinical psychiatry in Japan. Based upon the new criteria of atypical psychosis, a Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) was conducted to identify the risk gene or variants. The relationships between atypical psychosis, SZ and BD were then assessed using independent GWAS data. Forty‐seven patients with solid criteria of atypical psychosis and 882 normal controls (NCs) were scanned using an Affymetrics 6.0 chip. GWAS SZ data (560 SZ cases and 548 NCs) and GWAS BD (107 cases with BD type 1 and 107 NCs) were compared using gene‐based analysis. The most significant SNPs were detected around the CHN2/CPVL genes (rs245914, P = 1.6 × 10−7), COL21A1 gene (rs12196860, P = 2.45 × 10−7), and PYGL/TRIM9 genes (rs1959536, P = 7.73 × 10−7), although none of the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms exhibited genome‐wide significance (P = 5 × 10−8). One of the highest peaks was detected on the major histocompatibility complex region, where large SZ GWASs have previously disclosed an association. The gene‐based analysis suggested significant enrichment between SZ and atypical psychosis (P = 0.01), but not BD. This study provides clues about the types of patient whose diagnosis lies between SZ and BD. Studies with larger samples are required to determine the causal variant. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What can we learn about schizophrenia from studying the human model, drug‐induced psychosis?
Authors: Murray Robin M. , Paparelli Alessandra , Morrison Paul D. , Marconi Arianna , Di Forti Marta
Published: October 2013

When drug‐induced psychoses were first identified in the mid‐20th century, schizophrenia was considered a discrete disease with a likely genetic cause. Consequently, drug‐induced psychoses were not considered central to understanding schizophrenia as they were thought to be phenocopies rather than examples of the illness secondary to a particular known cause. However, now that we know that schizophrenia is a clinical syndrome with multiple component causes, then it is clear that the drug‐induced psychoses have much to teach us. This article shows how the major neuropharmacological theories of schizophrenia have their origins in studies of the effects of drugs of abuse. Research into the effects of LSD initiated the serotonergic model; amphetamines the dopamine hypothesis, PCP and ketamine the glutamatergic hypothesis, while most recently the effects of cannabis have provoked interest in the role of endocannabinoids in schizophrenia. None of these models account for the complete picture of schizophrenia; rather the various drug models mimic different aspects of the illness. Determining the different molecular effects of those drugs whose pharmacological effects do and do not mimic the various aspects of schizophrenia has much to teach us concerning the pathogenesis of the illness. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of liability syndromes for schizophrenia: Where did they come from and where are they going?
Authors: Stone William S. , Giuliano Anthony J.
Published: October 2013

Three decades after Paul Meehl proposed the term “schizotaxia” to describe a conceptual framework for understanding the liability to schizophrenia, Ming Tsuang et al. at Harvard University reformulated the concept as a clinical syndrome with provisional research criteria. The reformulated view relied heavily on more recent data showing that many non‐psychotic, un‐medicated biological relatives of individuals with schizophrenia showed difficulties in cognitive and other clinical functions that resembled those seen in their ill relatives. The reformulation raised questions about both whether and when liability could be assessed validly in the absence of psychosis, and about the extent to which symptoms of liability are reversible. Both questions bear on the larger issue of early intervention in schizophrenia. This article reviews the efforts of Tsuang et al. to conceptualize and validate schizotaxia as one such syndrome of liability. Towards this end, liability is considered first more generally as an outcome of interactive genetic and environmental factors. Liability is then considered in the context of endophenotypes as a concept that is both broader and is potentially more specific (and predictive) than many DSM or ICD diagnostic symptoms. Liability syndromes are then considered in the context of their proximity to illness, first by reviewing prodromal syndromes (which are more proximal), and then by considering schizotaxia, which, as it is currently formulated, is pre‐prodromal and, therefore, less proximal. Finally, challenges to validation and future directions for research are considered. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sexual dimorphism in relative sacral breadth among catarrhine primates
Authors: Moffett Elizabeth A. , Maddux Scott D. , Ward Carol V.
Published: October 2013

As the sacrum contributes to the size and shape of the birth canal, the sexually dimorphic sacrum of humans is frequently interpreted within obstetric contexts. However, while the human sacrum has been extensively studied, comparatively little is known about sacral morphology in nonhuman primates. Thus, it remains unclear whether sacral sexual dimorphism exists in other primates, and whether potential dimorphism is primarily related to obstetrics or other factors such as body size dimorphism. In this study, sacra of Homo sapiens, Hylobates lar, Nasalis larvatus, Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pygmaeus, Pan troglodytes, and Pan paniscus were evaluated for sexual dimorphism in relative sacral breadth (i.e., the ratio of overall sacral breadth to first sacral vertebral body breadth). Homo sapiens, H. lar, N. larvatus, and G. gorilla exhibit dimorphism in this ratio. Of these, the first three species have large cephalopelvic proportions, whereas G. gorilla has small cephalopelvic proportions. P. pygmaeus, P. troglodytes, and P. paniscus, which all have small cephalopelvic proportions, were not dimorphic for relative sacral breadth. We argue that among species with large cephalopelvic proportions, wide sacral alae in females facilitate birth by increasing the pelvic inlet's transverse diameter. However, given the small cephalopelvic proportions among gorillas, an obstetric basis for dimorphism in relative sacral breadth appears unlikely. This raises the possibility that sacral dimorphism in gorillas is attributable to selection for relatively narrow sacra in males rather than relatively broad sacra in females. Accordingly, these results have implications for interpreting pelvic dimorphism among fossil primates, including hominins. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:435–446, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hominoid humeral morphology: 3D morphometric analysis
Authors: Holliday Trenton W. , Friedl Lukáš
Published: October 2013

Variation in humeral morphology among hominoids has long been recognized in relation to both phylogeny and behavior. Here, we use 3D landmark data to analyze humeral shape among hominoids, including hylobatids (n = 37), Pongo (n = 33), Homo (n = 74), Pan (n = 55), and Gorilla (n = 45) to examine the relative influence of phylogenetic history vs. locomotor adaptation on humeral shape. Principal components analysis (PCA) of Procrustes shape data derived from 19 humeral type II or type III landmarks (Bookstein, 1991) for these taxa reveals the following: PC1, which primarily reflects the humeral torsion (or lack thereof) and relative diaphyseal and epiphyseal breadths, separates the relatively narrow‐shafted, small articular dimensions and low humeral torsion Hylobates, and to a lesser extent, Pongo, humeri from those of the African hominoids. PC2, which largely contrasts shafts that are posteriorly convex (high PC2 scores) with antero‐posteriorly straight humeral shafts (low PC2 scores) separates Homo, who tend to have A‐P straighter shafts, from the more A‐P bowed humeral shafts of the apes. These shape patterns suggest that the bowed shafts of Pan, Pongo, and Gorilla (and to a lesser extent, hylobatids) are due to the fact that in each of these taxa, the humerus is a weight‐bearing bone, whereas the shafts of Homo are freed from locomotion. More subtle behavioral indicators are also elucidated, whereas cluster analyses (minimum spanning tree fit to a principal coordinates [PCO] plot and UPGMA dendrogram) reveal strong phylogenetic signals in the hominoid humerus as well. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:506–515, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ cross‐linked‐PDMS/BPPO membrane for the recovery of butanol by pervaporation
Authors: Liu Wei , Ji Shu‐Lan , Guo Hong‐Xia , Gao Jing , Qin Zhen‐Ping
Published: October 2013

In this study, an in situ crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane/brominated polyphenylene oxide (c‐PDMS/BPPO) membrane on ceramic tube has been prepared for the recovery of butanol by pervaporation. A series of BPPO with different bromide‐substituted ratio were firstly synthesized through Wohl–Ziegler reaction. BPPO and PDMS were sequentially assembled and in situ crosslinked to form the final c‐PDMS/BPPO membrane. The results of solid‐state NMR and Differential Scanning Calorimeter demonstrated that the c‐PDMS/BPPO copolymer has a crosslinking structure and the SEM result proved the coverage of ceramic tube by copolymer layer. The effects of preparation conditions including dipping time and bromide‐substituted ratio of BPPO on the membrane performance were studied. The pervaporation experiments of butanol–water mixture indicated that the c‐PDMS/BPPO membrane exhibited an acceptable flux of 220 g·m−2·h−1 and high separation factor of 35 towards butanol, when the bromide‐substituted ratio was 34 wt % and the dipping time was 1.33 h. Moreover, the c‐PDMS/BPPO membrane performed excellent stability in an about 200 h continuous butanol recovery, as compared to the PDMS membrane. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40004.
Photocuring of cycloaliphatic epoxy formulations using polyesters with multiarm star topology as additives
Authors: Flores Marjorie , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier , Sangermano Marco , Ferrando Francesc , Serra Àngels
Published: October 2013

Multiam star polyesters were synthesized by growing poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) arms from hyperbranched polyesters cores of different molecular weight and used as polymeric modifiers in UV‐curable cationic formulations based on a biscycloaliphatic epoxy resin. The effect of the multiarm stars on the curing kinetics has been investigated by real‐time FTIR. The thermal‐mechanical properties of the photocured thermosets have been studied with calorimetry and dynamomechanical and thermogravimetric analysis. Impact strength tests have been performed to assess their effect on the toughness of the cured materials. An accelerative effect of these modifiers has been observed as a consequence of the participation of the hydroxyl groups of the modifiers in the cationic curing of the epoxy resin. A modest increase in toughness accompanied by a decrease in the glass transition are observed, as a consequence of the incorporation of the modifiers into the network structure, leading to homogeneous, in situ reinforced materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40005.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of low viscosity tetra‐functional epoxy resin N,N,N′,N′‐ tetraglycidyl‐3,3′‐diethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane
Authors: Zheng Fuqin , Zhao Xiaojuan , Yang Xin , Zhang Ying , Huang Wei
Published: October 2013

Tetra‐functional epoxy resin N,N,N′,N′‐tetraglycidyl‐3,3′‐diethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDEDDM) was synthesized and characterized. The viscosity of TGDEDDM at 25°C was 7.2 Pa·s, much lower than that of N,N,N′,N′‐tetraglycidyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM). DSC analysis revealed that the reactivity of TGDEDDM with curing agent 4,4′‐diamino diphenylsulfone (DDS) was significantly lower than that of TGDDM. Owing to its lower viscosity and reactivity, TGDEDDM/DDS exhibited a much wider processing temperature window compared to TGDDM/DDS. Trifluoroborane ethylamine complex (BF3‐MEA) was used to promote the curing of TGDEDDM/DDS to achieve a full cure, and the thermal and mechanical properties of the cured TGDEDDM were investigated and compared with those of the cured TGDDM. It transpired that, due to the introduction of ethyl groups, the heat resistance and flexural strength were reduced, while the modulus was enhanced. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40009.
Mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(trimethylene carbonate)/talc composite films
Authors: Qin Yuyue , Yang Jiyi , Yuan Minglong , Xue Jing , Chao Jianxin , Wu Yan , Yuan Mingwei
Published: October 2013

Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLA) is now a very attractive polymer for food packaging applications. In this study, PLA/poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC)/talc composite films were prepared by solvent casting. The influence of the talc loading (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt %) on the phase morphology of the PLA/PTMC/talc composites and the improvement in the resulting properties are reported in this article. The scanning electron microscopy images of the composite films demonstrated good compatibility between the PLA and PTMC, whereas talc was not thoroughly distributed in the PLA matrix at talc contents exceeding 3 wt %. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite films significantly improved (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the water vapor permeability and oxygen properties of the composite films decreased by 24.7 and 39.2%, respectively, at the 2 wt % talc loading. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the crystallinity of the PLA phase increased with the presence of talc filler in the PLA/PTMC/talc composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40016.
Lap shear strength and thermal stability of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a/epoxy novolac adhesives with nanoreinforcing fillers
Authors: Mansourian‐Tabaei Mohammad , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: October 2013

Nanoreinforcing fillers have shown outstanding mechanical properties and widely used as reinforcing materials associated to polymeric matrices for high performance applications. In this study, a series of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐, nano‐Al2O3‐, nano‐SiO2‐, and talc‐reinforced epoxy resin adhesives composites were developed. The influence of different types and contents of nanofillers on adhesion, elongation at break, and thermal stability (under air and nitrogen atmospheres) of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/epoxy novolac adhesives was investigated. A simple and effective approach to prepare adhesives with uniform and suitable dispersion of nanofillers into epoxy matrix was found to be mechanical stirring combined with ultrasonication. Transmission electron microscopic and scanning electron microscopic investigations revealed that nanofillers were homogeneously dispersed in epoxy matrix at optimized nanofiller loadings. Adhesion strength was measured by lap shear strength test as a function of nano‐Al2O3 and MWCNTs loadings. The results indicated that the lap shear strength was significantly increased by about 50% and 70% with addition of MWCNTs and nano‐Al2O3 up to a certain level, respectively. The highest lap shear strength was reached at 1.5 wt % of nano‐Al2O3 loading. MWCNTs at all loadings (except 3 wt %) and nano‐Al2O3 have enhanced onset of degradation temperature and char yield of the adhesives. By combined incorporation of 0.75 wt % nano‐Al2O3 and 0.75 wt % MWCNTs into the epoxy novolac/DGEBA blend adhesives a synergistic effect was observed in the thermal stability of the adhesives at high temperatures (800°C). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40017.
Novel strategy for the ionotropic crosslinking of chitosan–alginate polyelectrolyte complexes
Authors: Türkoğlu Tunçer , Taşcıoğlu Senay
Published: October 2013

The formation kinetics of chitosan–alginate polyelectrolyte complex (CAPEC) was investigated in the presence of various ionic crosslinkers. The effects of binary mixtures of some anions with Ca2+ cations were also studied as a novel application. CAPEC gelation was enhanced in cases where Ca2+ ions coexisted with anionic crosslinkers compared to their conventional individual use, and this resulted in dispersions with higher stability. We demonstrated that the effects of some anions on CAPEC gelation could be reversed in the presence of Ca2+ ions, such that the inhibitory anions became enhancers. The results also revealed that Ca2+ ions, the most widely used ionic crosslinkers in CAPEC synthesis, exerted inhibitory effect on CAPEC gelation at low concentrations; in addition, the use of Ca2+ ions alone resulted in decreased dispersion stability. The effects of the binary crosslinker on the structure and properties of CAPEC were studied by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and ζ‐potential analyses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40019.
Population genetic structure of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Adriatic Sea and contiguous regions: implications for international conservation
Authors: Gaspari Stefania , Holcer Draško , Mackelworth Peter , Fortuna Caterina , Frantzis Alexandros , Genov Tilen , Vighi Morgana , Natali Chiara , Rako Nikolina , Banchi Elisa , Chelazzi Guido , Ciofi Claudio
Published: October 2013

Habitat diversity plays a significant role in shaping the genetic structure of cetacean populations. However, the processes involved in defining the genetic differentiation of these highly mobile marine mammals are still largely unknown.

Levels of genetic differentiation and dispersal patterns of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were assessed in the north‐eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on the Adriatic Sea. This is a region characterized by diverse marine ecosystems and high levels of human‐induced habitat degradation.

Although this species seems almost uniformly distributed throughout the Adriatic Basin, genetic evidence rejected the hypothesis of a single stock. Pairwise estimates of genetic differentiation at 12 microsatellite loci, and mitochondrial DNA (entire control region, 920bp), revealed diverse levels of genetic differentiation among five putative populations from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Aegean Sea.

A fine‐scale genetic structure was recorded within the Adriatic Sea, where females appear to be the principal gene flow mediators. The assessment of recent migration rates indicates a relatively high level of gene flow from the North Adriatic towards adjacent areas.

Indication of a fine‐scale population structure across the Adriatic Sea is a factor to be carefully considered in the emerging marine management scenario set by the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/CE), particularly when it comes to assessing and managing direct mortality caused by human activities (e.g. fisheries or maritime traffic). A good knowledge of population structure at the basin level is also fundamental for the identification of potential Adriatic Special Areas of Conservation for the bottlenose dolphin under the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of a Camptothecin Prodrug with Glutathione‐Responsive Disulfide Linker for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Wang Dongdong , Xu Shuang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Haixia
Published: October 2013

We present here a novel camptothecin (CPT) prodrug based on polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether‐block‐poly(2‐methacryl ester hydroxyethyl disulfide‐graft‐CPT) (MPEG‐SS‐PCPT). It formed biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters of approximately 122 nm with a CPT loading content as high as approximately 25 wt % in aqueous solution. In in vitro release studies, these MPEG‐SS‐PCPT NPs could undergo triggered disassembly and much faster release of CPT under glutathione (GSH) stimulus than in the absence of GSH. The CPT prodrug had high antitumor activity, and another anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX⋅HCl), could also be introduced into the prodrug with a high loading amount. The DOX⋅HCl‐loaded CPT prodrug could deliver two anticancer drugs at the same time to produce a collaborative cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, which suggested that this GSH‐responsive NP system might become a promising carrier to improve drug‐delivery efficacy.
‘A different kind of reading’: the emergent literacy practices of a school‐based graphic novel club
Authors: Sabeti Shari
Published: October 2013

This paper explores the possibilities for pedagogy inherent in the reading practices which emerged from an extra‐curricular graphic novel reading group set up in a Scottish secondary school. The research is presented within the framework of the new literacy studies and its focus on ‘practices’ and ‘events’ but, more specifically, it uses the framework developed by researchers working on the Literacies for Learning in Further Education Project conducted recently in the United Kingdom. This framework allows a more detailed exploration of ‘events’ by unpacking the fine‐grained aspects that compose a literacy practice. This paper aims to identify, trace and analyse the aspects of the emerging new practice of this reading group. While the framework it employs is based on an opposition between curricular and non‐curricular practices, the data presented in this paper derives from an extra‐curricular activity uniquely positioned inside the school but outside of the official curriculum. By focusing on notions of identity and process in particular, the paper presents a critique of the ways in which literacy practices which take place outside of the classroom have been undervalued or ignored by educational policy and practice.
Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on damages of mouse cortical neurons induced by β‐amyloid through activation of SIRT1/Akt1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Feng Xiaowen , Wu Jintao , Xu Hongyan , Li Guibao , Zhu Dexiao , Yue Qingwei , Liu Haili , Zhang Yi , Sun Dong , Wang Hui , Sun Jinhao
Published: October 2013

Resveratrol (3,5,4'‐tihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene), a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in the skin and seeds of grapes, has been reported to possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimutagenic effects. The present study intended to explore the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against Aβ25–35‐induced neurotoxicity of cultured mouse cortical neurons and the possible mechanisms involved. For this purpose, mouse cortical neurons were cultured and exposed to 30 μM Aβ25–35 in the absence or presence of resveratrol (5, 10, and 25 μM). In addition, the potential contribution of the SIRT1/Akt1 neuroprotective pathway in resveratrol‐mediated protection against Aβ25–35‐induced neurotoxicity was also investigated. The results showed that resveratrol dose‐dependently increased cell viability and reduced the number of apoptotic cells as measured by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity assay, and Hoechst/PI double staining. Further study revealed that resveratrol through activation of SIRT1/Akt1 to avert apoptosis. These findings raise the possibility that resveratrol may be a potent therapeutic compound against the neurodegenerative diseases. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(2):258–267, 2014
Determination of different forms of aminothiols in red blood cells without washing erythrocytes
Authors: Dellanoce Cinzia , Cozzi Lorena , Zuddas Stefania , Pratali Lorenza , Accinni Roberto
Published: October 2013

Detection and quantification of different aminothiols forms (reduced and total) in biological fluids are important for the investigation of oxidative stress‐related diseases and cell homeostasis study. The aim of this study was to optimize a HPLC method in order to determine both reduced and total thiol forms in red blood cells (RBC) at low temperature without washing erythrocytes. Analytical recoveries for total and reduced thiols were 91.6–98.5 and 94.9–98.2% respectively. The relative standard deviations intra‐assay for total and reduced thiols were 1.14–3.64 and 0.83–2.3% respectively and the relative standard deviations inter‐assay for total and reduced thiols were 1.12–3.54 and 0.84–2.03%, respectively. This method allows specific analysis of the aminothiol state inside the RBC, as a model of intracellular metabolism functioning. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderating influence of socio‐demographic factors on the relationship between consumer psychographics and the attitude towards private label brands
Authors: Shukla Paurav , Banerjee Madhumita , Adidam Phani Tej
Published: October 2013

This study examines the moderating influence of socio‐demographic variables (gender, age, education, income and family size) on the relationship between psychographic measures (general deal proneness, price‐related deal proneness, end‐of‐aisle display proneness, impulsiveness, smart‐shopper self‐perceptions and brand loyalty) and consumers' attitude towards private label brands. The proposed hypotheses are tested by collecting data at three different British supermarkets and assessed using structural equation modelling. The study reveals findings contrary to the prevailing views about consumer psychographics and socio‐demographics, including the following: (i) the significance of deal proneness among high‐income consumers; (ii) the end‐of‐aisle display proneness among older, high‐income and highly educated consumers; and (c) the relationship between impulsiveness and brand attitude among low‐income and less‐educated consumers. The study also provides multiple insights relating to psycho‐demographic targeting and display strategies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bimetallic–Organic Framework as a Zero‐Leaching Catalyst in the Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexene
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ya , Leus Karen , Bogaerts Thomas , Hemelsoet Karen , Bruneel Els , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: October 2013

A gallium 2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate metal–organic framework (MOF), denoted as COMOC‐4, has been synthesized by solvothermal synthesis. This MOF exhibits the same topology as MOF‐253. CuCl2 was incorporated into COMOC‐4 by a post‐synthetic modification (PSM). The spectroscopic absorption properties of the MOF framework before and after PSM were compared with theoretical data obtained by employing molecular dynamics combined with time‐dependent DFT calculations on both the as‐synthesized and functionalized linker. The catalytic behavior of the resulting Cu2+@COMOC‐4 material was evaluated in the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexene with isobutyraldehyde as a co‐oxidant. In addition, the catalytic performance of Cu2+@COMOC‐4 was compared with that of the commercially available Cu‐BTC (BTC=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate) MOF. Cu2+@COMOC‐4 exhibits a good cyclohexene conversion and an excellent selectivity towards cyclohexene oxide in comparison to the Cu‐based reference catalyst. Furthermore, no leaching of the active Cu sites was observed during at least four consecutive runs.
Waste Gaseous Streams: From Environmental Issue to Source of Water by Using Membrane Condensers
Authors: Brunetti Adele , Santoro Sergio , Macedonio Francesca , Figoli Alberto , Drioli Enrico , Barbieri Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

In this work, the use of “membrane condensers” as new technology for the separation and recovery of evaporated “waste” water contained in the gaseous streams coming out from the chimneys of industrial plants is proposed. The proposed technology allows the condensation of this water by using hydrophobic membranes in a configuration where water condensation and recovery happens on one side of the membrane, whereas the dehydrated stream, passing through the membrane, is purged on the other side, under a temperature difference between the feed gas and the membrane condenser. Polyvinylidene fluoride microporous hydrophobic fibers were assembled in a module that operated for more than 150 days treating a saturated gaseous stream, while analyzing the effect of the main process variables such as temperature, feed flow rate, etc. Around 25% of the vapor contained in the feed was recovered as liquid under a temperature difference of 8°C and more than the 60% when the temperature decrease was of around 15°C. The “traditional” data analysis has been “helped” by an alternative analysis based on the use of two process intensification metrics, mass and energy intensities. This analysis provided additional indications to that obtained by the more conventional analysis, confirming the importance of including this new approach in the design of the membrane process.
Synthesis and Properties of a Bio‐Based Epoxy Resin with High Epoxy Value and Low Viscosity
Authors: Ma Songqi , Liu Xiaoqing , Fan Libo , Jiang Yanhua , Cao Lijun , Tang Zhaobin , Zhu Jin
Published: October 2013

A bio‐based epoxy resin (denoted TEIA) with high epoxy value (1.16) and low viscosity (0.92 Pa s, 25 °C) was synthesized from itaconic acid and its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Its curing reaction with poly(propylene glycol) bis(2‐aminopropyl ether) (D230) and methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA) was investigated. For comparison, the commonly used diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) was also cured with the same curing agents. The results demonstrated that TEIA showed higher curing reactivity towards D230/MHHPA and lower viscosity compared with DGEBA, resulting in the better processability. Owing to its high epoxy value and unique structure, comparable or better glass transition temperature as well as mechanical properties could be obtained for the TEIA‐based network relative to the DGEBA‐based network. The results indicated that itaconic acid is a promising renewable feedstock for the synthesis of bio‐based epoxy resin with high performance.
Molecular Genetics of Dyslexia: An Overview
Authors: Carrion‐Castillo Amaia , Franke Barbara , Fisher Simon E.
Published: October 2013

Dyslexia is a highly heritable learning disorder with a complex underlying genetic architecture. Over the past decade, researchers have pinpointed a number of candidate genes that may contribute to dyslexia susceptibility. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art, describing how studies have moved from mapping potential risk loci, through identification of associated gene variants, to characterization of gene function in cellular and animal model systems. Work thus far has highlighted some intriguing mechanistic pathways, such as neuronal migration, axon guidance, and ciliary biology, but it is clear that we still have much to learn about the molecular networks that are involved. We end the review by highlighting the past, present, and future contributions of the Dutch Dyslexia Programme to studies of genetic factors. In particular, we emphasize the importance of relating genetic information to intermediate neurobiological measures, as well as the value of incorporating longitudinal and developmental data into molecular designs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.