bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MgO‐Based Binder for Treating Contaminated Sediments: Characteristics of Metal Stabilization and Mineral Carbonation
Authors: Hwang Kyung‐Yup , Seo Jeong‐Yun , Phan Hoang Q. H. , Ahn Jun‐Young , Hwang Inseong
Published: April 2013

We developed a novel mixed binder of MgO (magnesia) and supplementary cementitious materials that can solidify sediments contaminated with heavy metals as well as store CO2 through mineral carbonation reactions. The optimal MgO‐based binder consisted of MgO, lime (L), fly ash (FA), and blast furnace slag (BFS) with a formula of MgO0.5–(L0.1–(FA0.4BFS0.6)0.9)0.5. The binder exhibited a compressive strength of 11.9 MPa, which was similar to that of Portland cement. Sequential extraction of treated sediments showed that the stabilization capacity of the MgO‐based binder for heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was two times higher than that of PC. Results also show that more than 50% of the stabilized heavy metals existed within very persistent solid phases that were not disintegrated during the final step of the sequential extraction procedure using a HNO3/HClO4/HF solution. The hydration products of MgO that contributed to strength development and metal stabilization included brucite (Mg(OH)2), magnesium–silicate–hydrates (M–S–H), and lansfordite (MgCO3 · 5 H2O). Lansfordite was a major carbonation product in the treated sediments. By use of thermogravimetric analyses, we found that 58 kg of CO2 could be sequestrated within the solidified sediment when a ton of dredged sediment was treated.
Fractionation of Ni, Cr and Cu from Soil by Sequential Extraction Procedure and Determination by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Akkus Sukran , Bal Tulin , Karaaslan Nagihan M. , Yaman Emre , Kilinc Ersin , Yaman Mehmet
Published: April 2013

Five‐step sequential extractions were employed to fractionation of Ni, Cr and Cu in soil polluted by anthropogenic activities and determine the mobility of the metals. Twelve samples were collected on an agricultural area that was located near an airport and intercity roads in Elazig‐Turkey. Exchangeable, organically bounded, carbonate bounded, adsorbed species on Fe and Mn oxides and residual species (except silicates) of Ni, Cr and Cu were extracted into solution by using CaCl2, Na4P2O7, Na2EDTA, NH2OH–HCl and HNO3–H2O2, respectively. Mobile metal concentrations in fractions and total recoverable in soils were determined by using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Total recoverable Ni, Cr and Cu concentrations were in the range of 40–119, 45–126 and 23–72 mg kg−1, respectively. It was observed that total concentrations of metals in some of the samples were higher than the permitted values. The sum of the mobile percentages of metals was found to be lower than 50%. The Ni, Cr and Cu percentages for exchangeable species are in the ranges of 0.18–1.64, 0.03–0.59 and 0.42–2.53%, respectively.
The Preparation and Characterization of a Laccase Nanogel and Its Application in Naphthoquinone Synthesis
Authors: Jia Honghua , Zhong Chao , Huang Fan , Wang Chunming , Jia Lisha , Zhou Hua , Wei Ping
Published: April 2013

Laccase from Trametes versicolor 51639 was encapsulated on the nanoscale. The laccase nanogel was prepared by polyacrylamide encapsulation as a result of N‐acryloxysuccinimide modification and in situ polymerization. Size‐exclusion chromatography, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the laccase nanogel. Higher thermal, pH, and storage stability and organic‐solvent tolerance of the laccase nanogel were indicated without activity loss. Moreover, the laccase nanogel was used to synthesize naphthoquinones from hydroquinones with a 10–15 % greater overall yield than that of native laccase.
Determination of changes in the metabolic profile of avocado fruits (Persea americana) by two CE‐MS approaches (targeted and non‐targeted)
Authors: Contreras‐Gutiérrez Paulina K. , Hurtado‐Fernández Elena , Gómez‐Romero María , Hormaza José Ignacio , Carrasco‐Pancorbo Alegría , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto
Published: April 2013

A CZE method with two different MS detection conditions (MRM and Full Scan) was developed to determine qualitative and quantitative changes in the metabolic profile of avocado fruits (Persea americana). LODs in MRM approach were found between 20.1 and 203.0 ppb for abscisic acid and perseitol, respectively, whilst in Full Scan, varied within the range 0.22–1.90 ppm for the same metabolites. The RSDs for reproducibility test did not exceed 11.45%. The two MS approaches were used to quantify 10 metabolites (phenolic acids, flavonoids, a carbohydrate, an organic acid, a vitamin and a phytohormone) in 18 samples of avocado at different ripening states, and the achieved results were compared. Perseitol, quinic, chlorogenic, trans‐cinnamic, pantothenic and abscisic acids, as well as epicatechin and catechin decreased during the ripening process, whereas ferulic and p‐coumaric acids showed the opposite trend. Moreover, some other unknown compounds whose concentration changed largely during ripening were also studied by MS/MS and QTOF MS to get a tentative identification.
A preliminary life cycle assessment of biofuels produced by the IH2 ™ process
Authors: Maleche Edwin , Glaser Ryan , Marker Terry , Shonnard David
Published: April 2013

Biofuels are alternatives for vehicular transportation that have the promise of reducing imported petroleum, creating regional agricultural and energy sector employment, and decreasing emission of greenhouse gases. This study analyses greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production and delivery of biofuels using the IH2 process. The IH2 process is a new technology for the conversion of a broad range of biomass types into liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels spanning the range of gasoline and diesel. A cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing and using IH2 biofuels from diverse feedstocks. The biomass feedstocks analyzed include algae (microalgae), bagasse from sugar cane (Brazil or southeast US), corn stover from Midwest US locations, and forest feedstocks from northern Wisconsin. Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings of 30–96% were calculated for IH2 gasoline and diesel compared to fossil fuels. Different scenarios were investigated to understand the uncertainties in key inputs to the LCA model; in feedstock production, the IH2 biofuel production, and IH2 biofuel transportation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 322–329, 2014
California foreshock sequences suggest aseismic triggering process
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Shearer Peter M.
Published: April 2013

Foreshocks are one of the few well‐documented precursors to large earthquakes; therefore, understanding their nature is very important for earthquake prediction and hazard mitigation. However, the triggering role of foreshocks is not yet clear. It is possible that foreshocks are a self‐triggering cascade of events that simply happen to trigger an unusually large aftershock; alternatively, foreshocks might originate from an external aseismic process that ultimately triggers the mainshock. In the former case, the foreshocks will have limited utility for forecasting. The latter case has been observed for several individual large earthquakes; however, it remains unclear how common it is and how to distinguish foreshock sequences from other seismicity clusters that do not lead to large earthquakes. Here we analyze foreshocks of three M>7 mainshocks in southern California. These foreshock sequences appear similar to earthquake swarms, in that they do not start with their largest events and they exhibit spatial migration of seismicity. Analysis of source spectra shows that all three foreshock sequences feature lower average stress drops and depletion of high‐frequency energy compared with the aftershocks of their corresponding mainshocks. Using a longer‐term stress‐drop catalog, we find that the average stress drop of the Landers and Hector Mine foreshock sequences is comparable to nearby swarms. Our observations suggest that these foreshock sequences are manifestations of aseismic transients occurring close to the mainshock hypocenters, possibly related to localized fault zone complexity, which have promoted the occurrence of both the foreshocks and the eventual mainshock.
Double diffusive convection of a micropolar fluid saturated in a sparsely packed porous medium
Authors: Liu I‐Chung , Umavathi J.C.
Published: April 2013

This study examines the double diffusive convection of a sparsely packed micropolar fluid‐saturated porous medium by using a linear stability analysis. The Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model is employed for the porous fluid layer. The stability criterion is sought analytically with the simple free‐free, iso‐thermal, and iso‐solutal boundary conditions. The dependence of stationary or oscillatory convection on the porous parameter, Lewis number, solutal Rayleigh number, and parameters involved in micropolar fluids is drawn and discussed. The results show that the critical wave number is found to be insensitive to the variation of governing parameters except for the porous parameter. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21052
Hydrolysis profiling: An in vitro methodology to predict in vivo absorption time
Authors: Fitz Benjamin D. , Jamiolkowski Dennis D.
Published: April 2013

An in vitro method was developed for estimating in vivo degradation time of sutures made from synthetic bioresorbable polyesters. Model compounds and a number of commercially available bioresorbable suture products were used to establish the applicability of this hydrolysis profile methodology. Hydrolysis profiles on tested bioresorbable sutures were determined as a function of size and chemical composition. This method of accelerated absorption testing may shorten product development time and reduce the need for animal testing. In addition, the methodologies presented have the potential to provide insight into the loss of mechanical properties with time. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Optimized quantification of diffusional non‐gaussianity in the human brain
Authors: Kristoffersen Anders
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To test the performance of three existing models of diffusional non‐Gaussianity and introduce a new model.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative measures of diffusional non‐Gaussianity provide clinically useful information. Three‐parameter mathematical models are particularly relevant, because they assign one parameter to non‐Gaussianity, one to diffusivity and one to the signal in the absence of diffusion weighting. One such model is the cumulant expansion, where the logarithm of the signal is approximated by a Taylor series. Convergence may be blocked by singularities in the complex b‐plane. To overcome this problem, we replace the Taylor series by a Padé approximant, which can model singularities. The resulting signal model is denoted the Padé exponent model. Analyzing diffusion‐weighted brain data from four volunteers, we compare the performance of the Padé exponent model with the statistical model, the stretched exponential model and the cumulant expansion. With voxelwise hypothesis testing, we calculate the fraction of voxels where the models fail to describe the data.

Results

With 16 b‐values in the range [0,5000] s/mm2, the fractions of rejected voxels in white / gray matter are: statistical model, 41 / 20%; stretched exponential model, 68 / 16.6%; cumulant expansion, 58 / 37%; Padé exponent, 5.2 / 16.1%. The parameters of the Padé exponent model do not depend strongly on the range of measured b‐values.

Conclusion

The Padé exponent model describes non‐Gaussian diffusion data with high precision over a wide range of b‐values. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1434–1444. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat fraction bias correction using T1 estimates and flip angle mapping
Authors: Yang Issac Y. , Cui Yifan , Wiens Curtis N. , Wade Trevor P. , Friesen‐Waldner Lanette J. , McKenzie Charles A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To develop a new method of reducing T1 bias in proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measured with iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (IDEAL).

Materials and Methods

PDFF maps reconstructed from high flip angle IDEAL measurements were simulated and acquired from phantoms and volunteer L4 vertebrae. T1 bias was corrected using a priori T1 values for water and fat, both with and without flip angle correction. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) maps were used to measure precision of the reconstructed PDFF maps. PDFF measurements acquired using small flip angles were then compared to both sets of corrected large flip angle measurements for accuracy and precision.

Results

Simulations show similar results in PDFF error between small flip angle measurements and corrected large flip angle measurements as long as T1 estimates were within one standard deviation from the true value. Compared to low flip angle measurements, phantom and in vivo measurements demonstrate better precision and accuracy in PDFF measurements if images were acquired at a high flip angle, with T1 bias corrected using T1 estimates and flip angle mapping.

Conclusion

T1 bias correction of large flip angle acquisitions using estimated T1 values with flip angle mapping yields fat fraction measurements of similar accuracy and superior precision compared to low flip angle acquisitions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:217–223. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation and purification of flavonoid from Taxus remainder extracts free of taxoids using polystyrene and polyamide resin
Authors: Xiao Ruan , Li‐mei Zhan , Xing‐xing Gao , Liu‐ye Yan , Huan Zhang , Zhi‐yong Zhu , Qiang Wang , De‐an Jiang
Published: April 2013

An efficient separation process of flavonoid from Taxus wallichiana var. mairei remainder extracts free of taxoids was developed in this study. AB‐8 macroporous resin and polyamide resin offered the fine adsorption capacity, and its adsorption rate at 30°C fitted well to the Langmuir and Freundich isotherms. Resin dynamic adsorption and desorption experiments were conducted to optimize the separation process of total flavonoids from T. wallichiana var. mairei remainder extracts free of taxoids. The optimum parameters for adsorption by AB‐8 resin were as follows: (1) the concentration of flavonoids in a sample solution of 5.61 mg/mL with a processing volume of 2 bed volume (BV) (60 mL); (2) for desorption, ethanol–water (80:20, v/v), with 6 BV as an eluent at a flow rate of 2 BV/h. After a one‐run treatment with AB‐8 resin, the content of flavonoids was increased 5.10‐fold from 4.05 to 20.65%. The optimum parameters for adsorption by polyamide resin were as follows: processing volume of 2 BV (30 mL); for desorption, ethanol–water (70:30, v/v), with 8 BV as an eluent at a flow rate of 2 BV/h. After one‐run treatment with polyamide resin, the content of total flavonoids increased from 20.65 to 65.21%. The method will provide a potential approach for large‐scale separation and purification of flavonoid for its wide pharmaceutical use.
Clinical Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Citrus Polyphenolic Extract of Red Orange, Grapefruit, and Orange (Sinetrol‐XPur) on Weight Management and Metabolic Parameters in Healthy Overweight Individuals
Authors: Dallas Constantin , Gerbi Alain , Elbez Yves , Caillard Philippe , Zamaria Nicolas , Cloarec Maurice
Published: April 2013

The present study investigated the efficacy and safety effects of Sinetrol‐XPur (polyphenolic citrus dry extract) in weight management; metabolic parameters; and inflammatory, glycemic and oxidative status. In a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, Sinetrol‐XPur was given to overweight subjects twice daily with meals in the tested group (N = 47) versus a placebo group (N = 48). Waist and hip circumference and abdominal fat were decreased in the Sinetrol‐XPur group as compared with the placebo group (p < 0.0001) (−5.71% vs −1.56% for waist, −4.71% vs −1.35% for hip and −9.73% vs −3.18% for fat). Inflammatory markers were reduced (C‐reactive protein: −22.87% vs +61%; fibrinogen: −19.93% vs −1.61%, p < 0.01). Oxidative stress was lowered as seen by the reduction of malondialdehyde (−14.03% vs 2.76%) and the increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione (17.38% vs 2.19% and 4.63% vs −2.36%, respectively, p < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed. Kidney, liver, and lipid panels remained unchanged. These results indicated that Sinetrol‐XPur supplementation is a viable option for reducing abdominal fat, waist and hip circumference, and body weight and for improving inflammatory, glycemic, and oxidative status in healthy overweight individuals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Mineral Extract from red Algae Ameliorates Chronic Spontaneous Colitis in IL‐10 Deficient Mice in a Mouse Strain Dependent Manner
Authors: Aviello Gabriella , Amu Sylvie , Saunders Sean P. , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: April 2013

Inflammatory bowel disease is an urgent public health problem with a high incidence in developed countries. Alterations of lifestyle or dietary interventions may attenuate the disease progression and increase the efficacy of current therapies. Here we tested the effect of chronic supplementation with a mineral extract from red marine algae – rich in calcium (34%), magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and other trace minerals – in a clinically relevant model of spontaneous enterocolitis, interleukin (IL)‐10‐/‐ mice. The mineral extract was administered in the drinking water of Il10‐/‐ mice on C57BL/6 J and BALB/c strain backgrounds for 25 weeks commencing from 3 to 4 weeks of age. The mineral extract ameliorated the spontaneous development of colitis and severity of disease in Il10‐/‐ mice on a C57BL/6 J background. Mineral extract‐treated Il10‐/‐ C57BL/6 J strain mice had significantly reduced mortality, circulating levels of serum Amyloid A and reduced colonic tissue damage. In contrast, comparable treatment of Il10‐/‐ mice on a BALB/c background with the mineral extract did not alter the course of colitis. These data demonstrate that chronic supplementation with a natural mineral extract selectively ameliorates spontaneous mild–moderate colitis in Il10‐/‐ mice on a C57BL/6 J, but does not attenuate more moderate–severe colitis in BALB/c strain animals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine Vasculature Remodeling in Human Pregnancy Involves Functional Macrochimerism by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells of Fetal Origin
Authors: Sipos Peter I. , Rens Willem , Schlecht HÉlène , Fan Xiaohu , Wareing Mark , Hayward Christina , Hubel Carl A. , Bourque Stephane , Baker Philip N. , Davidge Sandra T. , Sibley Colin P. , Crocker Ian P.
Published: April 2013

The potency of adult-derived circulating progenitor endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) is drastically surpassed by their fetal counterparts. Human pregnancy is associated with robust intensification of blood flow and vascular expansion in the uterus, crucial for placental perfusion and fetal supply. Here, we investigate whether fetal ECFCs transmigrate to maternal bloodstream and home to locations of maternal vasculogenesis, primarily the pregnant uterus. In the first instance, endothelial-like cells, originating from mouse fetuses expressing paternal eGFP, were identified within uterine endothelia. Subsequently, LacZ or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-labeled human fetal ECFCs, transplanted into immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) fetuses on D15.5 pregnancy, showed similar integration into the mouse uterus by term. Mature endothelial controls (human umbilical vein endothelial cells), similarly introduced, were unequivocally absent. In humans, SRY was detected in 6 of 12 myometrial microvessels obtained from women delivering male babies. The copy number was calculated at 175 [IQR 149–471] fetal cells per millimeter square endothelium, constituting 12.5% of maternal vessel lumina. Cross-sections of similar human vessels, hybridized for Y-chromosome, positively identified endothelial-associated fetal cells. It appears that through ECFC donation, fetuses assist maternal uterine vascular expansion in pregnancy, potentiating placental perfusion and consequently their own fetal supply. In addition to fetal growth, this cellular mechanism holds implications for materno-fetal immune interactions and long-term maternal vascular health.
A patient tumor transplant model of squamous cell cancer identifies PI3K inhibitors as candidate therapeutics in defined molecular bins
Authors: Keysar Stephen B. , Astling David P. , Anderson Ryan T. , Vogler Brian W. , Bowles Daniel W. , Morton J. Jason , Paylor Jeramiah J. , Glogowska Magdalena J. , Le Phuong N. , Eagles-Soukup Justin R. , Kako Severine L. , Takimoto Sarah M. , Sehrt Daniel B. , Umpierrez Adrian , Pittman Morgan A. , Macfadden Sarah M. , Helber Ryan M. , Peterson Scott , Hausman Diana F. , Said Sherif , Leem Ted H. , Goddard Julie A. , Arcaroli John J. , Messersmith Wells A. , Robinson William A. , Hirsch Fred R. , Varella-Garcia Marileila , Raben David , Wang Xiao-Jing , Song John I. , Tan Aik-Choon , Jimeno Antonio
Published: April 2013

Targeted therapy development in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenging given the rarity of activating mutations. Additionally, HNSCC incidence is increasing related to human papillomavirus (HPV). We sought to develop an in vivo model derived from patients reflecting the evolving HNSCC epidemiologic landscape, and use it to identify new therapies. Primary and relapsed tumors from HNSCC patients, both HPV+ and HPV−, were implanted on mice, giving rise to 25 strains. Resulting xenografts were characterized by detecting key mutations, measuring protein expression by IHC and gene expression/pathway analysis by mRNA‐sequencing. Drug efficacy studies were run with representative xenografts using the approved drug cetuximab as well as the new PI3K inhibitor PX‐866. Tumors maintained their original morphology, genetic profiles and drug susceptibilities through serial passaging. The genetic makeup of these tumors was consistent with known frequencies of TP53, PI3KCA, NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 mutations. Because the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab is a standard HNSCC therapy, we tested its efficacy and observed a wide spectrum of efficacy. Cetuximab‐resistant strains had higher PI3K/Akt pathway gene expression and protein activation than cetuximab‐sensitive strains. The PI3K inhibitor PX‐866 had anti‐tumor efficacy in HNSCC models with PIK3CA alterations. Finally, PI3K inhibition was effective in two cases with NOTCH1 inactivating mutations. In summary, we have developed an HNSCC model covering its clinical spectrum whose major genetic alterations and susceptibility to anticancer agents represent contemporary HNSCC. This model enables to prospectively test therapeutic‐oriented hypotheses leading to personalized medicine.
An elementary differential extension of odd K-theory
Authors: Tradler Thomas , Wilson Scott O. , Zeinalian Mahmoud
Published: April 2013

There is an equivalence relation on the set of smooth maps of a manifold into the stable unitary group, defined using a Chern-Simons type form, whose equivalence classes form an abelian group under ordinary block sum of matrices. This construction is functorial, and defines a differential extension of odd K-theory, fitting into natural commutative diagrams and exact sequences involving K-theory and differential forms. To prove this we obtain along the way several results concerning even and odd Chern and Chern-Simons forms.
Activity patterns of the water opossum Chironectes minimus in Atlantic Forest rivers of south-eastern Brazil
Authors: de Souza Leite Melina , Queiroz Thiago Lopes , Galliez Maron , de Mendonça Patrícia Pinto , Fernandez Fernando A. S.
Published: April 2013

The activity of the water opossum Chironectes minimus was studied in Atlantic forest rivers in south-eastern Brazil using radiotracking, from October 2004 to October 2008. There were 439 nocturnal fixes of 11 males and four females. Activity patterns of the water opossum were compared among sexes and seasons, using linear and generalized linear mixed models. The water opossum is active mostly at night, showing a unimodal pattern, with activity increasing after sunset and decreasing thereafter along the night. Females were more active in the first quarter of the night and males in the second one. The activity period of males was longer in the dry season, while for females it was longer in the wet season. Sex and season were important determinants of the water opossum activity patterns, mainly because of different sex strategies in a promiscuous/polygynous mating system. However, despite those influences the overall distribution of activity along the night was similar to most Neotropical marsupials. Therefore, similarities in the activity patterns are probably due to phylogenetic constraints and to the absence or weakness of selective pressures modifying the activity of the water opossum.
‘When I Marry a Mohammedan’: Migration and the Challenges of Interethnic Marriages in Post-War Germany
Authors: WOESTHOFF JULIA
Published: April 2013

Discussions about intermarriage between foreign Muslim men and German Christian women from the 1950s to the 1970s shaped concepts of Islam, gender and difference found in more recent integration debates. Those insisting on inherent incompatibilities between Germans and Turks since the 1970s have drawn on these tropes developed decades earlier. Yet the post-war context differed from the later period in three important ways: the Muslim foreigners were students and interns, not guestworkers; it was German Christian women (not foreign Muslim women in Germany) who were the presumed victims of Muslim men; and it was principally national church institutions that formulated the language about difference.
The Politics of Discourse
Authors: EDER FRANZ X.
Published: April 2013

What can we expect from Dagmar Herzog's book on Sexuality in Europe: A Twentieth-Century History, published in a series on ‘new approaches to European history’? First, the series title suggests new approaches to this booming historical subdiscipline. There are plenty of burning questions about the history of sexuality waiting to be answered: the specificity of European sexuality or, perhaps better, sexualities, during the twentieth century, in comparison to the US, in a global context, and even the differences between the twentieth century and earlier periods. On our wish list we also have a comparative view of regional and national sexual cultures during the ‘century of sex’. A range of studies has been published on the history of sexuality in Europe during the last two decades, which could be used for reference and as templates. According to the mission statement of the Cambridge book series Herzog has to write about all these complex questions at the level of undergraduates. Therefore the bar is set really high for a historian of sexuality. To get straight to the point, Herzog has managed most of these requirements well over most passages of her book. It presents a successful combination of general introduction and historical explanation richly illustrated with numerous examples and historical images. The volume therefore offers an easy entrance into this up till now fairly confusing topic. But, as will be shown, she gives only a rather one-sided insight into the state of the art of recent historical research on European sexuality in the twentieth century.
What Incredible Yearnings Human Beings Have
Authors: HERZOG DAGMAR
Published: April 2013

I was preoccupied by a number of puzzles during the time I was researching and writingSexuality in Europe: A Twentieth-Century History. Among other things, I was interested in the puzzle of historical causation. I was curious to use the tools of comparative history as well as the study of transnational flows of people and ideas, and of market forces and wars and diplomatic pressures, to understand what particular conjunctions of multiple factors may have caused sexual cultures (including laws, behaviours, and values) to move either in more liberal-progressive or more neotraditionalist-conservative or overtly repressive directions. At the same time, and throughout, I was all too acutely aware that ‘sexuality’ – that elusive and contested ‘it’ – was and is precisely one of those realms of human existence that continually defy and confuse our assumptions about what exactly constitutes restriction or liberation. I was thus also especially interested to reconstruct as well as possible, using the broadest range of types of sources, how exactly people in the past expressed how they imagined and experienced whatever they thought sexuality was and, in addition, how they battled over the ethics of sexual matters. On the one hand, sexuality – like faith or work – is one of those phenomena in which representations and reality are inevitably inextricable, and I was constantly fascinated with how people grappled with that inextricability, in all its complex manifestations. After all, not only what was considered appropriate or normal or good (in the eyes of God, or the neighbours, or the doctors, or the activists, or the popular advice-writers), but also what was considered (or even physiologicallyfelt) as anxiety-producing or immoral and/or – not least – as sexually thrilling or deeply satisfying has clearly varied considerably across time and place. On the other hand, I was particularly interested in the recurrent and remarkable gaps between lived experiences and personal, private insights, and that which was perceived to be publicly, politically defensible. The gap between the quietly lived and the openly articulable could be stark; it often took tremendous courage to defend sexual freedom, in dictatorships certainly, but also in democracies. I therefore also paid special attention to how those defences were framed, in each place and moment, and with what intended and unintended effects. So while the twentieth century in Europe is often called ‘the century of sex’ and seen as an era of increasing liberalisation, I was convinced of the need to complicate the liberalisation paradigm.
Analysis of the forward-backward trajectory solution for the mixed quantum-classical Liouville equation
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Yu , Kapral Raymond
Published: April 2013

Mixed quantum-classical methods provide powerful algorithms for the simulation of quantum processes in large and complex systems. The forward-backward trajectory solution of the mixed quantum-classical Liouville equation in the mapping basis [C.-Y. Hsieh and R. Kapral, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 22A507 (2012)]10.1063/1.4736841 is one such scheme. It simulates the dynamics via the propagation of forward and backward trajectories of quantum coherent state variables, and the propagation of bath trajectories on a mean-field potential determined jointly by the forward and backward trajectories. An analysis of the properties of this solution, numerical tests of its validity and an investigation of its utility for the study of nonadiabtic quantum processes are given. In addition, we present an extension of this approximate solution that allows one to systematically improve the results. This extension, termed the jump forward-backward trajectory solution, is analyzed and tested in detail and its various implementations are discussed.
On anomalous temporal evolution of gas pressure in inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Seo B. H. , You S. J. , Kim J. H. , Seong D. J. , Chang H. Y.
Published: April 2013

The temporal measurement of gas pressure in inductive coupled plasma revealed that there is an interesting anomalous evolution of gas pressure in the early stage of plasma ignition and extinction: a sudden gas pressure change and its relaxation of which time scales are about a few seconds and a few tens of second, respectively, were observed after plasma ignition and extinction. This phenomenon can be understood as a combined result between the neutral heating effect induced by plasma and the pressure relaxation effect for new gas temperature. The temporal measurement of gas temperature by laser Rayleigh scattering and the time dependant calculations for the neutral heating and pressure relaxation are in good agreement with our experimental results. This result and physics behind are expected to provide a new operational perspective of the recent plasma processes of which time is very short, such as a plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition/etching, a soft etch for disposal of residual by-products on wafer, and light oxidation process in semiconductor manufacturing.
The use of amorphous boron powder enhances mechanical alloying in soft magnetic FeNbB alloy: A magnetic study
Authors: Ipus J. J. , Blázquez J. S. , Franco V. , Conde A.
Published: April 2013

Saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy have been studied during mechanical alloying of Fe75Nb10B15 alloys prepared using crystalline and commercial amorphous boron. The evolution of saturation magnetization indicates a more efficient dissolution of boron into the matrix using amorphous boron, particularly for short milling times. The magnetization of the crystalline phase increases as boron is incorporated into this phase. Two milling time regimes can be used to describe the evolution of magnetic anisotropy: a first regime governed by microstrains and a second one mainly governed by crystal size and amorphous fraction.
Hopping conduction distance dependent activation energy characteristics of Zn:SiO2 resistance random access memory devices
Authors: Chen Kai-Huang , Zhang Rui , Chang Ting-Chang , Tsai Tsung-Ming , Chang Kuan-Chang , Lou J. C. , Young Tai-Fa , Chen Jung-Hui , Shih Chih-Cheng , Tung Cheng-Wei , Syu Yong-En , Sze Simon M.
Published: April 2013

In this study, the hopping conduction distance variation of Zn:SiO2 resistance random access memory (RRAM) devices with different operating compliance currents was discussed and verified. To investigate and determine the hopping conduction distance dependent activation energy characteristics, the Arrhenius plot of low resistance state of Zn:SiO2 RRAM devices was applied, from which we proposed carrier conduction model. With the increase of current compliance, more metal ions would accumulate to form precipitates with larger diameter, which in turn resulted in the shortening of hopping distance. Because of shorter hopping distance, activation energy for carrier hopping would decrease.
Quasi-two-dimensional electron gas behavior in doped LaAlO3 thin films on SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Gray M. T. , Sanders T. D. , Wong F. J. , Grutter A. J. , Alaan U. S. , He C. , Jenkins C. A. , Arenholz E. , Suzuki Y.
Published: April 2013

We have demonstrated the growth of Tm and Lu doped LaAlO3 epitaxial thin films on single crystal (001) SrTiO3 substrates. These rare-earth dopants potentially act as sources of localized moment and spin-orbit scattering centers at the interface. Through structural and chemical characterization, we confirm the incorporation of Tm and Lu dopants into highly crystalline LaAlO3 films. The rare earth doping of the La site does not significantly modify the sheet carrier concentration or mobility compared to undoped samples despite the evolution of sheet carrier concentration, mobility, and sheet resistance with LaAlO3 thickness in undoped LaAlO3 films on SrTiO3.
Overcoming restoration thresholds and increasing revegetation success for a range of canopy species in a degraded urban Mediterranean-type woodland ecosystem
Authors: Ruthrof Katinka X. , Renton Michael , Dixon Kingsley
Published: April 2013

Widespread decline of Mediterranean-type ecosystem (MTE) woodlands can result in a loss of soil- and canopy-stored seed banks. This can drive woodlands across a biotic threshold, where natural regeneration cannot occur. Without management intervention, these woodlands will suffer local extinction. Using a Mediterranean-type, degraded woodland as a case study, we undertook field trials over 3 years, with the aim of increasing revegetation success by (1) introducing propagules of key canopy species to overcome this biotic threshold and (2) applying commonly used revegetation treatments (abiotic treatments such as the addition of nutrient and water resources, two types of tree guards, and combinations of these). We found that (1) control plants had low establishment success, confirming the crossing of a biotic threshold and the practical irreversibility of the degraded state without intervention, (2) plant establishment was often significantly higher for treated than for control seedlings and (3) supplementation of nutrient and water resources seems to be critical in terms of increasing early seedling establishment for some species. We suggest that in declining woodlands that have crossed biotic thresholds, merely adding propagules does not ensure successful revegetation. The present study has practical implications for restoration activities in degraded MTE communities where biotic thresholds may have already been crossed.
Yarning about health checks: barriers and enablers in an urban Aboriginal medical service
Authors: Jennings Warren , Spurling Geoffrey K. , Askew Deborah A.
Published: April 2013

The annual health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People has been welcomed as a means of conducting a comprehensive assessment to address preventive health care delivery, identify new diagnoses and initiate new treatments. Rates of health check uptake across Australia have been poor with less than 12% of the eligible population receiving one during 2009/10. This qualitative study sought to identify barriers and enablers to undertaking health checks in an urban Aboriginal Medical Service through semistructured interviews with 25 clinical staff (doctors, nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers). Clinical systems for conducting health checks were unclear to staff, with barriers relating to time pressures for both patients and clinic staff, and lack of clarity about staff responsibilities for initiating and conducting the health check. Additionally some staff perceived some content as sensitive, invasive, culturally inappropriate and of questionable value. Other barriers included concerns about community health literacy, disengagement with preventative health care, and suspicion about confidentiality and privacy. The development of clear service-wide systems that support the conduct of health checks are required to increase uptake, combined with supportive local clinical leadership and audit and feedback systems. Staff training, consideration of culture and roles, and critical review of health check content may improve staff confidence and community acceptance. Community-based health education and promotion is strongly supported by staff to increase client engagement, knowledge and acceptance of the health check.
Inflated population density of island antechinus: a case of allochthonous marine inputs leading to increased food availability?
Authors: Sale M. G. , Arnould J. P. Y.
Published: April 2013

Resource availability and other processes that affect maintenance, growth and decline of animal populations are central to ecology and conservation. This study quantified features indicative of population fitness and the availability of food resources for island and mainland populations of an insectivorous marsupial, the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus). The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that colonial seabirds increase productivity of island habitats, ultimately providing greater food resources. The study found that antechinus biomass density was 4–13 times greater on the island site compared with the mainland site and was associated with higher recapture rates, suggesting that more individuals were surviving on the island during spring and summer months. An index of antechinus food availability (abundance and biomass of invertebrates) was also higher on the island site. Island antechinus also accessed marine food subsidies, in the form of seabird carrion, during the energetically demanding post-weaning growth period in spring and summer. Furthermore, based on soil nutrient and stable isotope analyses, there was strong evidence of nutrient enrichment from marine sources in the island ecosystem, commonly linked to increased productivity. Therefore, greater antechinus biomass and abundance on offshore islands are likely to be, in part, due to greater survival caused by higher availability of food resources.
Promoting happiness: The malleability of individual and societal subjective wellbeing
Authors: Tay Louis , Kuykendall Lauren
Published: April 2013

Is it possible to enhance the subjective wellbeing of individuals and societies? If so, what are the mental health interventions and economic mechanisms by which subjective wellbeing could be enhanced? We address these questions in our review of the literature on subjective wellbeing. Research now shows that although subjective wellbeing is heritable and stable, it can change substantially over time. Long‐term changes can be affected by positive or negative life events; subjective wellbeing interventions have also proved to be effective for boosting wellbeing for as long as six months. At the societal level, economic factors matter for the subjective wellbeing of citizens. Economic wealth is shown to be a predictor of societal wellbeing across countries and over time. Also, high unemployment severely lowers the wellbeing of individuals and has spillover effects on other societal members, such as the employed. Given the weight of evidence, we are optimistic that subjective wellbeing can be enhanced. For practitioners, policy makers, and economists interested in the wellbeing of individuals, we propose that these findings have implications for mental health practice and economic policies. Future research and methodological issues are discussed.
Training Addiction Professionals in Empirically Supported Treatments: Perspectives from the Treatment Community
Authors: Hartzler Bryan , Rabun Carl
Published: April 2013

Background

Large-scale dissemination efforts seek to expand opportunities for the addiction treatment community to receive training in empirically supported treatments (ESTs). Prospective consumers of such training are valuable sources of input about content of interest, preferences for how training events are structured, and obstacles that deter receipt of training.

Methods

In this mixed-method study, data were collected in 64 semistructured individual interviews with personnel during site visits to 16 community opioid treatment programs (OTPs). At each OTP, interviews were completed with the executive director, a clinical supervisor, and 2 direct-service clinicians. Topical interests were analyzed qualitatively in a cultural domain analysis. Likert ratings of training event preferences were analyzed via generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), and unstructured interviewee comments were analyzed via narrative analysis. Obstacles to training receipt were analyzed qualitatively with both content coding and narrative analysis.

Results

Based on topics of reported interest, cultural domain analysis suggests as ESTs of note: Multidimensional Family Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Relapse Prevention Therapy, “Seeking Safety,” and broad addiction-focused pharmacotherapy. Regarding training event preferences, GLMMs and narrative analysis revealed clear preferences for time-distributed trainings and use of participatory activities (e.g., trainer demonstrations, role plays, small group exercises). Content coding identified cost as the primary obstacle to receipt of EST trainings, followed by lack of time, logistical challenges, and disinterest, and narrative analysis elaborated on contextual issues underlying these obstacles.

Conclusions

As primary consumers of EST technologies, the treatment community has valuable input to offer. Dissemination efforts may be enhanced by greater consideration of their preferences for training content and event structure, as well as practical obstacles that challenge their receipt of training.
Effects of different instructional constraints on task performance and emergence of coordination in children
Authors: Chow Jia Yi , Koh Michael , Davids Keith , Button Chris , Rein Robert
Published: April 2013

The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of different instructional constraints on standing board jump (sbj) performance in children and understand the underlying changes in emergent movement patterns. Two groups of novice participants were provided with either externally or internally focused attentional instructions during an intervention phase. Pre‐ and post‐test sessions were undertaken to determine changes to performance and movement patterns. Thirty‐six primary fourth‐grade male students were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to either an external, internal focus or control group. Different instructional constraints with either an external focus (image of the achievement) or an internal focus (image of the act) were provided to the participants. Performance scores (jump distances), and data from key kinematic (joint range of motion, ROM) and kinetic variables (jump impulses) were collected. Instructional constraints with an emphasis on an external focus of attention were generally more effective in assisting learners to improve jump distances. Intra‐individual analyses highlighted how enhanced jump distances for successful participants may be concomitant with specific changes to kinematic and kinetic variables. Larger joint ROM and adjustment to a comparatively larger horizontal impulse to a vertical impulse were observed for more successful participants at post‐test performance. From a constraints‐led perspective, the inclusion of instructional constraints encouraging self‐adjustments in the control of movements (i.e., image of achievement) had a beneficial effect on individuals performing the standing broad jump task. However, the advantage of using an external focus of attentional instructions could be task‐ and individual‐specific.