bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating the redox reaction of polysulfides by an electrocatalytic layer-modified separator for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zuo Pengjian , Hua Junfu , He Mengxue , Zhang Han , Qian Zhengyi , Ma Yulin , Du Chunyu , Cheng Xinqun , Gao Yunzhi , Yin Geping
Published: May 2017

KB@Ir-modified separator shows outstanding capability in enhancing the physical/chemical adsorption and facilitating the redox reaction of polysulfide intermediates as an electrocatalytic layer.
Removal or storage of environmental pollutants and alternative fuel sources with inorganic adsorbents via host–guest encapsulation
Authors: Cramer Alisha J. , Cole Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2017

A review of the use of inorganic materials as host media for the storage of various wastes and alternative fuels.
Oxy phosphorus tetrabenzotriazacorrole: firming up the chemical structure and identifying organic photovoltaic functionality to leverage its unique dual absorbance
Authors: Raboui Hasan , Thibau Emmanuel S. , Josey David S. , Lu Zheng-Hong , Bender Timothy P.
Published: May 2017

Tetrabenzotriazacorroles are a family of molecules that exhibits dual absorbance in the visible spectrum. Here we identify their functionality in planar heterojunction organic photovoltaics for the first time.
Indacenodithiophene: a promising building block for high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Yongxi , Gu Minchao , Pan Zhe , Zhang Bin , Yang Xutong , Gu Junwei , Chen Yu
Published: May 2017

This review surveys recent research advances in the area of IDT-based conjugated materials for photovoltaic applications. The factors affecting the bandgaps, molecular energy levels, film morphologies, as well as the photovoltaic performance of these materials have also been discussed.
3,4,5-Trinitro-1-(nitromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (TNNMP): a perchlorate free high energy density oxidizer with high thermal stability
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Imler Gregory H. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: May 2017

A rare high energy density oxidizer with excellent thermal stability along with good oxygen balance and energetic properties was synthesized and fully characterized.
High performance graphene-based foam fabricated by a facile approach for oil absorption
Authors: Ji Cuihong , Zhang Ke , Li Le , Chen Xiaoxia , Hu Jinlong , Yan Deyue , Xiao Guyu , He Xiaohua
Published: May 2017

A superhydrophobic graphene-based foam with outstanding elasticity was prepared for the first time, indicating excellent application prospects.
Simple mono-halogenated perylene diimides as non-fullerene electron transporting materials in inverted perovskite solar cells with ZnO nanoparticle cathode buffer layers
Authors: Wu Jhao-lin , Huang Wen-Kuan , Chang Yu-Chia , Tsai Bo-Chou , Hsiao Yu-Cheng , Chang Chih-Yu , Chen Chin-Ti , Chen Chao-Tsen
Published: May 2017

Mono-halogenated perylene diimides as solution-processable electron transporting layers in perovskite solar cells with ZnO nanoparticle cathode buffer layers.
Self-template synthesis of hierarchical CoMoS3 nanotubes constructed of ultrathin nanosheets for robust water electrolysis
Authors: Guo Jinxue , Zhang Xinqun , Sun Yanfang , Tang Lin , Zhang Xiao
Published: May 2017

This paper reports hierarchical CoMoS3 nanotubes constructed of ultrathin nanosheet subunits as a dual-catalyst for robust electrochemical water splitting.
Keratin/chitosan UV-crosslinked composites promote the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells
Authors: Lin Yung-Hao , Huang Kai-Wen , Chen Shao-Yung , Cheng Nai-Chen , Yu Jiashing
Published: May 2017

A photocrosslinkable natural polymer, keratin/chitosan composite, promotes the aggregation and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells.
A 19F NMR probe for the detection of β-galactosidase: simple structure with low molecular weight of 274.2, “turn-on” signal without the background, and good performance applicable in cancer cell line
Authors: Hu Jie , Wu Qiong , Cheng Kai , Xie Yujun , Li Conggang , Li Zhen
Published: May 2017

Based on its triggered cleavage reaction of the C–O ether bond, β-gal could be detected by FB-βGal through the big difference in 19F NMR spectra without any background noise.
Galactose-functionalised PCL nanofibre scaffolds to attenuate inflammatory action of astrocytes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Maclean Francesca L. , Lau Chew L. , Ozergun Sam , O'Shea Ross D. , Cederfur Cecilia , Wang Jason , Healy Kevin E. , Walker Frederick R. , Tomas Doris , Horne Malcolm K. , Beart Philip M. , Nisbet David R.
Published: May 2017

Astrocytes represent an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of traumatic brain injury as the glial scar can inhibit functional repair and recovery if persistent.
Manganese-iron layered double hydroxide: a theranostic nanoplatform with pH-responsive MRI contrast enhancement and drug release
Authors: Huang Guoming , Zhang Kai-Long , Chen Shan , Li Shi-Hua , Wang Li-Li , Wang Li-Ping , Liu Rui , Gao Jinhao , Yang Huang-Hao
Published: May 2017

A manganese-iron layered double hydroxide serves as a pH-responsive nanoplatform for simultaneous MRI contrast enhancement and drug delivery.
Application of composition controlled nickel-alloyed iron sulfide pyrite nanocrystal thin films as the hole transport layer in cadmium telluride solar cells
Authors: Bastola Ebin , Bhandari Khagendra P. , Ellingson Randy J.
Published: May 2017

The solution-processed colloidal NixFe1−xS2 nanocrystal based thin films serve as the hole transport layers in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells.
Benzyl viologen-assisted simultaneous exfoliation and n-doping of MoS2nanosheets via a solution process
Authors: Jo Kiyoung , Choi Jaeyoo , Kim Heesuk
Published: May 2017

Simultaneous exfoliation and n-doping of a TMD,i.e., MoS2, is achievedviaa solution process using benzyl viologen (BV) and hydrazine.
Protective effects of coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol on oxidative stress induced by various dioxins on transheterozigot larvae of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Çolak Deniz Altun , Uysal Handan
Published: May 2017

Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds are known as a class of highly toxic and persistent environmental contaminants threatening human and animal health.
Acute Hematological and Inflammatory Responses to High-intensity Exercise Tests: Impact of Duration and Mode of Exercise
Authors: Minuzzi Luciele , Carvalho Humberto , Brunelli Diego , Rosado Fatima , Cavaglieri Cláudia , Gonçalves Carlos , Gaspar Joana , Rama Luís , Teixeira Ana
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hematological and inflammatory responses to 4 maximal high-intensity protocols, considering energy expenditure in each test. 9 healthy volunteers performed 4 high-intensity exercise tests of short [Wingate (WANT); Repeated-sprints (RSA)] and long durations [Continuous VO2 test (VCONT); intermittent VO2 test (VINT)] in a cycle-ergometer, until exhaustion. Hematological parameters and IL-6, IL-10 and creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined before (PRE), POST, 30 min, 1, 2, 12 and 24 h after the end of the protocols. Additionally, energy expenditure was determined. Leucocytes, erythrocytes and lymphocytes increased at POST and returned to PRE values at 30 min for all protocols. Lymphocytes had a second decreased at 2 h and granulocytes increased at 2 h when compared to PRE. Both variables returned to PRE values between 12–24 h into recovery. The magnitude of response for IL-6 was greater in VINT and for IL-10 in VCONT. There was no association of energy expenditure within each exercise protocol with the pattern of IL-6, IL-10 and CK responses to the exercise protocols. The present finding support that similar responses after continuous or intermittent acute protocols are observed when exercises are performed to volitional failure, regardless of the duration and mode of exercise.
Two Genetic Loci associated with Medial Collateral Ligament Injury
Authors: Roos Andrew , Avins Andy , Ahmed Marwa , Kleimeyer John , Roos Thomas , Fredericson Michael , Ioannidis John , Dragoo Jason , Kim Stuart
Published: May 2017

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are a common knee injury, especially in competitive athletes. Identifying genetic loci associated with MCL injury could shed light on its etiology. A genome-wide association screen was performed using data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) including 1 572 cases of MCL injury and 100 931 controls. 2 SNPs (rs80351309 and rs6083471) showed an association with MCL injury at genome-wide significance (p<5×10−8) with moderate effects (odds ratios=2.12 and 1.57, respectively). For rs80351309, the genotypes were imputed with only moderate accuracy, so this SNP should be viewed with caution until its association with MCL injury can be validated. The SNPs rs80351309 and rs6083471 show a statistically significant association with MCL injury. It will be important to replicate this finding in future studies.
Politics and Social Theory
Authors: Leggett Will
Published: May 2017

Under present social conditions, neither social theorists nor political scientists can afford to ignore one another. This book is a clear, structured account of the relationship between politics and social theory, examining both the political content of social theory, and how social theory has illuminated our understanding of politics.
Opening the Floodgates: The Implications of Increasing Platform Openness in Crowdfunding
Authors: Wessel Michael , Thies Ferdinand , Benlian Alexander
Published: May 2017

Managing platform ecosystems requires providers to govern the permeability of platform boundaries in order to strike a balance between openness and control. But is it worthwhile for platform providers to conduct screening processes for third-party offerings, or should they rather apply a laissez-faire approach and let the market determine winners and losers? In this study, we compare the market conditions on Kickstarter, one of the world's largest crowdfunding platforms, before and after a policy change that relaxed the previously stringent screening process for new campaigns. By analyzing over 230,000 crowdfunding campaigns with a combined funding of over $1.9 billion that cover a 4-year period around the policy change, we find that increasing platform openness was a double-edged sword for the platform's ecosystem. While Kickstarter's revenue from commissions surged after the policy change due to an increase in the number of campaigns available on the platform, funding conditions for project creators and backers deteriorated. Project creators have to cope with lower success rates and an intensified competition due to a growing disproportion of backers to campaigns, while backers face higher uncertainties as project creators invest less in reducing information asymmetries. Our evidence from this natural experiment therefore suggests that increasing platform openness for third-party offerings can destabilize a platform's ecosystem. We thus extend the literature on platform openness and on the implications of policy changes on platform ecosystems. Our findings also provide practical insights for different platform stakeholders into possible “ripple effects” that are triggered when policy changes alter platform openness.
Entropic rectification and current inversion in a pulsating channel
Authors: Carusela M. Florencia , Rubí J. Miguel
Published: May 2017

We show the existence of a resonant behavior of the current of Brownian particles confined in a pulsating channel. The interplay between the periodic oscillations of the shape of the channel and a force applied along its axis leads to an increase of the particle current as a function of the diffusion coefficient. A regime of current inversion is also observed for particular values of the oscillation frequency and the applied force. The model proposed is based on the Fick-Jacobs equation in which the entropic barrier and the effective diffusion coefficient depend on time. The phenomenon observed could be used to optimize transport in microfluidic devices or biological channels.
Picosecond sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy with applications to excited state proton transfer
Authors: Van Kuiken Benjamin E. , Ross Matthew R. , Strader Matthew L. , Cordones Amy A. , Cho Hana , Lee Jae Hyuk , Schoenlein Robert W. , Khalil Munira
Published: May 2017

Picosecond X-ray absorption (XA) spectroscopy at the S K-edge (∼2.4 keV) is demonstrated and used to monitor excited state dynamics in a small organosulfur molecule (2-Thiopyridone, 2TP) following optical excitation. Multiple studies have reported that the thione (2TP) is converted into the thiol (2-Mercaptopyridine, 2MP) following photoexcitation. However, the timescale and photochemical pathway of this reaction remain uncertain. In this work, time-resolved XA spectroscopy at the S K-edge is used to monitor the formation and decay of two transient species following 400 nm excitation of 2TP dissolved in acetonitrile. The first transient species forms within the instrument response time (70 ps) and decays within 6 ns. The second transient species forms on a timescale of ∼400 ps and decays on a 15 ns timescale. Time-dependent density functional theory is used to identify the first and second transient species as the lowest-lying triplet states of 2TP and 2MP, respectively. This study demonstrates transient S K-edge XA spectroscopy as a sensitive and viable probe of time-evolving charge dynamics near sulfur sites in small molecules with future applications towards studying complex biological and material systems.
Strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density at Fe alloy/HfO2 interfaces
Authors: Ou Yongxi , Ralph D. C. , Buhrman R. A.
Published: May 2017

We report on the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) behavior of heavy metal (HM)/Fe alloy/MgO thin film heterostructures when an ultrathin HfO2 passivation layer is inserted between the Fe alloy and MgO. This is accomplished by depositing one to two atomic layers of Hf onto the Fe alloy before the subsequent rf sputter deposition of the MgO layer. This Hf layer is fully oxidized during the subsequent deposition of the MgO layer, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The HfO2 insertion generates a strong interfacial perpendicular anisotropy energy density without any post-fabrication annealing treatment, for example, 1.7 erg/cm2 for the Ta/Fe60Co20B20/HfO2/MgO heterostructure. We also demonstrate PMA even in Ni80Fe20/HfO2/MgO structures for low-damping, low-magnetostriction Ni80Fe20 thin films. Depending on the choice of the HM, further enhancements of the PMA can be realized by thermal annealing to at least 400 oC. We show that ultra-thin HfO2 layers offer a range of options for enhancing the PMA properties of magnetic heterostructures for spintronics applications.
On-chip density-based purification of liposomes
Authors: Deshpande Siddharth , Birnie Anthony , Dekker Cees
Published: May 2017

Due to their cell membrane-mimicking properties, liposomes have served as a versatile research tool in science, from membrane biophysics and drug delivery systems to bottom-up synthetic cells. We recently reported a novel microfluidic method, Octanol-assisted Liposome Assembly (OLA), to form cell-sized, monodisperse, unilamellar liposomes with excellent encapsulation efficiency. Although OLA provides crucial advantages over alternative methods, it suffers from the presence of 1-octanol droplets, an inevitable by-product of the production process. These droplets can adversely affect the system regarding liposome stability, channel clogging, and imaging quality. In this paper, we report a density-based technique to separate the liposomes from droplets, integrated on the same chip. We show that this method can yield highly pure (>95%) liposome samples. We also present data showing that a variety of other separation techniques (based on size or relative permittivity) were unsuccessful. Our density-based separation approach favourably decouples the production and separation module, thus allowing freshly prepared liposomes to be used for downstream on-chip experimentation. This simple separation technique will make OLA a more versatile and widely applicable tool.
Homogeneous Degradation of Cellulose in Its Aqueous Solution at Mild Temperature under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Tu Le-zhi , Yan Li-feng
Published: May 2017

Degradation of cellulose to chemicals is one of major routes for biomass conversion. Here, a new simple and two-step method has been developed to convert cellulose in its homogeneously alkaline solution to organic acids under atmospheric pressure at mild temperature. At first, cellulose was degraded to small molecular intermediates at 110 °C for 3 h under atmospheric pressure, and then it was oxidized with H2O2 at 50 °C for 4 h. Under the optimal condition, 73.5% conversion of cellulose could be achieved, and the yield of organic acids was 32.8% (formic acid), 11.6% (lactic acid), and 2.3% (oxalic acid), respectively. It is noteworthy that the new strategy reduces energy consumption in the process of reaction, unlike the hydrothermal reaction under high temperature and high pressure.
Influence of Poly(methyl metacrylate) Addition on Resistive Switching Performance of P3HT/P(VDF-TrFE) Blend Films
Authors: Weng Jun-hui , Hu Jing-hang , Zhang Jian-chi , Jiang Yu-long , Zhu Guo-dong
Published: May 2017

Organic semiconducting/ferroelectric blend films attracted much attention due to their electrical bistability and rectification properties and thereof the potential in resistive memory devices. Blend films were usually deposited from solution, during which phase separation occurred, resulting in discrete semiconducting phase whose electrical property was modulated by surrounding ferroelectric phase. However, phase separation resulted in rough surface and thus large leakage current. To further improve electrical properties of such blend films, poly(methyl metacrylate) (PMMA) was introduced as additive into P3HT/P(VDF-TrFE) semiconducting/ferroelectric blend films in this work. It indicated that small amount of PMMA addition could effectively enhance the electrical stability to both large electrical stress and electrical fatigue and further improve retention performance. Overmuch PMMA addition tended to result in the loss of resistive switching property. A model on the configuration of three components was also put forward to well understand our experimental observations.
π-Electron-Assisted Relaxation of Spin Excited States in Cobalt Phthalocyanine Molecules on Au(111) Surface
Authors: Liu Xiao-gang , Du Hong-jian , Li Bin , Zhao Ye-liang , Zhao Ai-di , Wang Bing
Published: May 2017

We present our investigation on the spin relaxation of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films on Au(111) (CoPc/Au(111)) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The spin relaxation time derived from the linewidth of spin-flip inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy is quantitatively analyzed according to the Korringa-like formula. We find that although this regime of the spin relaxation time calculation by just considering the exchange interaction between itinerant conduction electrons and localized d-shells (s-d exchange interaction) can successfully reproduce the experimental value of the adsorbed magnetic atom, it fails in our case of CoPc/Au(111). Instead, we can obtain the relaxation time that is in good agreement with the experimental result by considering the fact that the π electrons in CoPc molecules are spin polarized, where the spin polarized π electrons extended at the Pc macrocycle may also scatter the conduction electrons in addition to the localized d spins. Our analyses indicate that the scattering by the π electrons provides an efficient spin relaxation channel in addition to the s-d interaction and thus leads to much short relaxation time in such a kind of molecular system on a metal substrate.
Anomalous and Normal Diffusion of Tracers in Crowded Environments: Effect of Size Disparity between Tracer and Crowders
Authors: Ma Yi-ding , Luo Kai-fu
Published: May 2017

The dynamics of tracers in crowded matrix is of interest in various areas of physics, such as the diffusion of proteins in living cells. By using two-dimensional (2D) Langevin dynamics simulations, we investigate the diffusive properties of a tracer of a diameter in crowded environments caused by randomly distributed crowders of a diameter. Results show that the emergence of subdiffusion of a tracer at intermediate time scales depends on the size ratio of the tracer to crowders δ. If δ falls between a lower critical size ratio and a upper one, the anomalous diffusion occurs purely due to the molecular crowding. Further analysis indicates that the physical origin of subdiffusion is the “cage effect”. Moreover, the subdiffusion exponent α decreases with the increasing medium viscosity and the degree of crowding, and gets a minimum αmin=0.75 at δ=1. At long time scales, normal diffusion of a tracer is recovered. For δ≤1, the relative mobility of tracers is independent of the degree of crowding. Meanwhile, it is sensitive to the degree of crowding for δ>1. Our results are helpful in deepening the understanding of the diffusive properties of biomacromolecules that lie within crowded intracellular environments, such as proteins, DNA and ribosomes.
Long-Lived Coherence Originating from Electronic-Vibrational Couplings in Light-Harvesting Complexes
Authors: Liang Xian-ting
Published: May 2017

We theoretically investigate the evolutions of two-dimensional, third-order, nonlinear photon echo rephasing spectra with population time by using an exact numerical path integral method. It is shown that for the same system, the coherence time and relaxation time of excitonic states are short, however, if the couplings of electronic and intra-pigment vibrational modes are considered, the coherence time and relaxation time of this vibronic states are greatly extended. It means that the couplings between electronic and vibrational modes play important roles in keeping long-lived coherence in light-harvesting complexes. Particularly, by using the method we can fix the transition path of the energy transfer in bio-molecular systems.
Efficient Mass Transport and Electrochemistry Coupling Scheme for Reliable Multiphysics Modeling of Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Li Ang , Lin Zi-jing
Published: May 2017

A multiphysics model for a production scale planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack is important for the SOFC technology, but usually requires an unpractical amount of computing resource. The major cause for the huge computing resource requirement is identified as the need to solve the cathode O2 transport and the associated electrochemistry. To overcome the technical obstacle, an analytical model for solving the O2 transport and its coupling with the electrochemistry is derived. The analytical model is used to greatly reduce the numerical mesh complexity of a multiphysics model. Numerical test shows that the analytical approximation is highly accurate and stable. A multiphysics numerical modeling tool taking advantage of the analytical solution is then developed through Fluent®. The numerical efficiency and stability of this modeling tool are further demonstrated by simulating a 30-cell stack with a production scale cell size. Detailed information about the stack performance is revealed and briefly discussed. The multiphysics modeling tool can be used to guide the stack design and select the operating parameters.
Surface Plasmon Assisted Directional Rayleigh Scattering
Authors: Jiang Shen-long , Chen Lu , Yu Xin-xin , Zheng Hong-jun , Lin Ke , Zhang Qun , Wang Xiao-ping , Luo Yi
Published: May 2017

The origin of the Rayleigh scattering ring effect has been experimentally examined on a quantum dot/metal film system, in which CdTe quantum dots embedded in PVP are spin-coated on a thin Au film. On the basis of the angle-dependent, optical measurements under different excitation schemes (i.e., wavelength and polarization), we demonstrate that surface plasmon assisted directional radiation is responsible for such an effect. Moreover, an interesting phase-shift behavior is addressed.
Accurate Theoretical Study of LiS Radical and Its Singly Charged Cation and Anion in their Ground Electronic State
Authors: Cao En , Liu Shuang , Song Yu-zhi
Published: May 2017

Potential energies of LiS(2Π), LiS−(1Σ+) and LiS+(3Σ−) are calculated by using the multireference configuration interaction method including Davidson correction and the augmented correlation-consistent basis sets aug-cc-PV(X+d)Z (X=T, Q). Such obtained potential energies are subsequently extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. Both the core-valence correction and the relativistic effect are also considered. The analytical potential energy functions are then obtained by fitting such accurate energies utilizing a least-squares fitting procedure. By using such analytical potential energy functions, we obtain the accurate spectroscopic parameters, complete set of vibrational levels and classical turning points. The present results are compared well with the experimental and other theoretical work.
Stem lodging parameters of the basal three internodes associated with plant population densities and developmental stages in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) cultivars differing in resistance to lodging
Authors: Tian Bohong , Liu Yanli , Zhang Lixin , Li Hongjie
Published: May 2017

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.) is a soft-stemmed summer cereal crop that is grown at a high crop density; however, stem lodging is recognised as a serious yield-limiting factor. The stem-breaking strength of the third to fifth basal internodes has previously been identified as the most important factor in determining the lodging resistance of foxtail millet. We measured variation in stem-breaking strength, length and weight of these internodes at different developmental stages and in response to different crop densities by using foxtail millet cultivars that differed in lodging resistance. The stem-breaking strength of the third internode was greater than of the fourth and fifth internodes, which had comparable stem-breaking strengths; this result was independent of genotype and developmental stage. The stem-breaking strengths of the three internodes were significantly correlated with each other and linearly related across different developmental stages and crop densities. The stem-breaking strength of the three internodes at hard dough stage (Zadoks growth stage Z87, at 30 days after flowering) was less than at other developmental stages in the lodging-resistant genotypes. Stem-breaking strength for the three internodes was correlated with fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) per cm. The variation of FW and DW per cm of the internodes in response to crop density was attributed to the change of FW and DW of the corresponding internodes, rather than to variation in their length. Results from this study showed that the fourth or fifth basal internode was more prone to lodging than the third basal internode because of their lesser stem-breaking strength. Crop density linearly influenced the stem-breaking strength of the three basal internodes. Reducing crop density enhanced stem-breaking strength of third to fifth internodes, which may reduce the risk of stem lodging in this crop. Based on the findings, the stem-breaking strength of the fourth or fifth basal internode measured at the late grain-filling stage from Z77 (late milk) to Z87 (hard dough) differentiated stem-breaking strength, the most important stem lodging associated parameter, in the foxtail millet genotypes.
Changing Fortunes: a Brief History of CSIRO Funding from Treasury and External Sources, 1926 to 2015
Authors: Lefroy Ted , Porfirio Luciana L.
Published: May 2017

The proportion of funds received by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organisation (CSIRO) from sources other than Treasury, referred to as external earnings, has been used by the Australian government as an indicator of CSIRO's engagement with industry and contribution to the economy. Two periods of decline in external earnings in the 1940s and the 1980s were followed by enquiries into the organisation's purpose and operation, amendments to CSIRO's enabling legislation and introduction of measures to improve industry engagement. After 1988 these measures included a 30% external earnings target. External earnings subsequently rose from 24% of total revenue in 1988/89 to average 36% over the period to 2014/15, peaking at 51% in 2011. Following a review in 2002 the target was removed due to its unintended consequences that included encouraging competition with private industry, placing emphasis on earning capacity over public good, and acting as a disincentive to innovation and collaboration.
Ian Mackay Ritchie 1936–2014
Authors: Power Gregory P. , Ritchie M. Ann , Drok Kitty J. , Macleod FTSE Ian D.
Published: May 2017

Ian Ritchie AO, BA, MA, MEng, PhD, ScD, FTSE, FRACI, FAIMM; scientist, engineer, teacher and humanist, brought fresh understanding and relevance to the relationships between metals and fluids through his work on metal oxidation, electrochemistry and hydrometallurgy. Passionate about education, society and the environment, he constantly sought new ways to interest young people in science and its role in the future wellbeing of human society and the fragile Earth. He served the community with energy and dedication as a valued advisor to government, industry and academia. He contributed much to the establishment of air quality standards in Western Australia, and is credited with preventing the dismantling of the WA Government Chemical Laboratories and steering them to rebirth as the ChemCentre. He was the founding CEO of the AJ Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy, which became the world's foremost centre for hydrometallurgical research under his inspirational leadership. Ian was a kind and humble man with huge talent who was always ready to share his wisdom. He was a passionate and prolific scientist, but his greatest joy came from his family—Ann, the love of his life, and his three wonderful children, Kathy, Andrew and Alex. Driven by a deep sense of fairness, he railed against injustice and stupidity wherever he saw it. All who knew him will miss his ready wit, awesome erudition and endless creativity, but the imprint of his contribution and influence will never fade. He was inducted to theWestern Australian Science Hall of Fame in 2016.
Building the History of Australian Science: Five Projects of Professor R.W. Home (1980–present)
Authors: Maroske Sara , Robin Libby , McCarthy Gavan
Published: May 2017

R. W. Home was appointed the first and, up to 2016, the only Professor of History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) at the University of Melbourne. A pioneering researcher in the history of Australian science, Rod believes in both the importance and universality of scientific knowledge, which has led him to focus on the international dimensions of Australian science, and on a widespread dissemination of its history. This background has shaped five major projects Rod has overseen or fostered: the Australasian Studies in History and Philosophy of Science (a monograph series), Historical Records of Australian Science (a journal), the Australian Science Archives Project (now a cultural informatics research centre), the Australian Encyclopedia of Science (a web resource), and the Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller Project (an archive, series of publications and a forthcoming web resource). In this review, we outline the development of these projects (all still active), and reflect on their success in collecting, producing and communicating the history of science in Australia.
John Melvin Swan 1924–2015
Authors: Collins David J. , Rae Ian D.
Published: May 2017

John Swan began his career as a chemist working in an explosives factory during World War 2, and attending evening classes at the Melbourne Technical College. His subsequent studies at the University of Melbourne and the University of London were followed by employment at CSIRO before he moved to Monash University in 1966 as Professor of Organic Chemistry. He was subsequently Pro-Vice-Chancellor and then Dean of Science at Monash before ‘retiring'. His involvement in broader fields of science and technology, that had begun during his university years, then expanded and he made significant contributions to marine ecology, wool scouring and other fields. His was, from start to finish, an astonishing career, one that brought him great satisfaction as he worked with colleagues in government, industry, education and environment.
Species richness in the genus Microplana (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Microplaninae) in Europe: as yet no asymptote in sight
Authors: Mateos Eduardo , Sluys Ronald , Riutort Marta , Álvarez-Presas Marta
Published: May 2017

This study forms a major step towards a comprehensive morphological and molecular analysis of the species diversity of European microplanid land planarians. It presents a molecular phylogenetic tree on the basis of information from the genes Cox1, 18S, 28S and elongation factor 1-α, and applies molecular and morphological species delimitation methodologies for Microplana specimens sampled over a wide geographic range within Europe. The study suggests that as yet there is no plateau or asymptote in the accumulation curve for European Microplana species, as our results facilitated an integrative delimitation of seven new species as well as the diagnosis of new populations of three already known species and one doubtful or problematic species. In some cases, the new records considerably enlarged the known range of a species. An integrative account is provided of each of these species. Molecular sequence information on newly collected land flatworms may quickly point the planarian systematist to taxa that need to be examined morphologically and thus may considerably reduce laborious and time-consuming histological analyses.
Commissioning: perspectives from the ground
Authors: Dawda Paresh , True Angelene , Wells Leanne
Published: May 2017

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been tasked with two key objectives to be achieved through commissioning. Public value aims can be achieved by developing operational capability in the context of an authorising environment. Public value will need to focus on system level outcomes from multiple perspectives, including a consumer perspective. The authorising environment will require policymakers to allow time for PHNs to mature into their role. It will require an environment of effective collaboration amongst multiple stakeholders including consumers. The operational capability will need to ensure highly competent managers and clinical leadership working in a symbiotic relationship. Although some Medicare Locals demonstrated commissioning capacity and capability, this will need to be scaled up at-pace in the new healthcare landscape in order for PHNs to optimally fulfil their roles.
Increasing syphilis rates among men who have sex with men and screening to detect asymptomatic infection
Authors: Chen Marcus , Guy Rebecca
Published: May 2017

With reports of increasing syphilis rates among men who have sex with men in various countries and complications such as ocular syphilis and neurosyphilis, greater efforts for promoting frequent syphilis screening of higher risk men are required. This should include serological testing for syphilis every time HIV testing is undertaken and each time HIV viral load testing is performed in HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Systems-based approaches tailored to particular contexts should be explored, evaluated and, if shown to be effective, implemented.
The effect of interpreting modes on witness credibility assessments
Authors: Hale Sandra Beatriz , Martschuk Natalie , Ozolins Uldis , Stern Ludmila
Published: May 2017

Research into court interpreting has shown that interpreters can have an impact on the case in many different ways. However, the extent to which this occurs depends on several factors, including the interpreter’s competence, ethics and specialized training in court interpreting, as well as working conditions. One little explored aspect is whether use of consecutive vs. simultaneous interpreting can impact jurors’ perception of a witness or other interpreted party. This paper reports on the results of a large-scale experimental study, with a simulated trial run in different conditions, involving a total of 447 mock jurors. The aim was to identify any differences in the way jurors in Australian courts might assess the evidence of an accused called as a witness, in a monolingual hearing as well as when interpreted consecutively and simultaneously from Spanish to English. Overall, jurors’ recollection of case facts did not differ significantly for the three conditions, though it was lower for consecutive during the afternoon. Jurors also found consecutive more distracting; on the other hand, the consecutive mode was associated with significantly more favourable perception of the accused’s evidence than simultaneous interpreting or monolingual communication. Although jurors found the prosecution to be less convincing when the accused’s evidence was interpreted consecutively compared to the other proceedings, the interpretation mode made no difference to the verdict.
Effect of silicon and aluminium in ferrite on tensile and impact properties
Authors: Pang J. C. , Xu B. Y. , Wang G. D. , Lu Q. , Wang J. F. , Yi H. L.
Published: May 2017

Two ferritic interstitial-free steels with approximately the same amount of solid solution strengthening by addition of 2 wt-% silicon and 4 wt-% aluminium are investigated using quasi-static tensile and dynamic impact tests. The addition of 2 wt-% silicon (2Si) results in brittle fracture in V-notched Charpy impact tests at ambient temperature, whilst the 4 wt-% aluminium-containing (4Al) steel has high absorbed energy of 320 ± 12 J cm−2. In addition, the 4Al steel has a ductile-to-brittle-transition temperature (DBTT) ∼60°C lower than the 2Si steel. It is proposed that the addition of silicon suppresses dislocation cross-slip at high strain rate and is responsible for the observed cleavage fracture and high DBTT in the 2Si steel. The ease of dislocation slip in the 4Al steel increases the impact toughness.
Characterisation of PTA processed overlays without and with WC nanoparticles
Authors: Molina-Claros J. , Hdz-García H. M. , Alvarez-Vera M. , Pech-Canul M. I. , Muñoz-Arroyo R. , García-Vázquez F. , Hernández-García F. A. , Díaz-Guillen J. C.
Published: May 2017

Mixtures of Ni-based filler metal without and with 0.5, 1, and 2% WC nanoparticles (NPs) were methodologically tested in order to improve the wear behaviour of WC/Ni-based overlays deposited on low carbon steel by the plasma transferred arc (PTA) process. On adding 2% WC NPs, the longitudinal direction overlay microstructure was modified to have a fibrous appearance. The mechanism to improve WC particle distribution and thus prevent microcrack propagation in the overlays implies a liquid-phase viscosity change. Results of pin-on-disk tests in the overlay using filler metal with 2% WC NPs show that the combined effect of fibrous microstructure and W-rich phases in the overlay, decreases the volume loss by 76% and 78% in comparison with overlays without WC NPs for a 1 and 5 N load, respectively. These outcomes might be of interest for the mining industry, where machinery and equipment are exposed to extreme wear conditions.
‘It Would Be without Error’: Automated Technology and the Pursuit of Correct Performance in the French Enlightenment
Authors: Cypess Rebecca
Published: May 2017

Marie-Dominique-Joseph Engramelle's treatise La tonotechnie, ou l'art de noter les cylindres (1775) claimed that automated instruments driven by pinned cylinders would grant listeners direct access to music as the composer conceived it. Standard notation was insufficient, as it did not capture the music's mouvement – its temporal flexibility from moment to moment. Denis Diderot provided an aesthetic justification for automated instruments in terms that linked them to materialist philosophy. Like android automata, which simulated life through automated motion, automated musical instruments encoded live music to simulate the ideal performance of a composer. Yet Engramelle's collaboration with the composer Claude Balbastre, which resulted in a pinned-cylinder notage of one of Balbastre's keyboard pieces, raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of the technology and its notation, and about Engramelle's claims and his own musical skill. Engramelle's project is best understood as a performance unto itself – a manifestation of the cultures of public science that were widespread in the European Enlightenment.
Memories Spoken and Unspoken: Hearing the Narrative Voice in Dichterliebe
Authors: Weaver Andrew H.
Published: May 2017

The question of what happens when a composer alters a poet's poetic cycle haunts examinations of many song cycles and has proven especially problematic for Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe. The long-held view that Schumann crafted a clear plot from Heine's non-narrative Lyrisches Intermezzo has recently been questioned in favour of a view of the cycle as an incoherent fragment. Using the tools of narratology, this article argues that Dichterliebe is both a fragment and a coherent whole, a string of memories held together by a distinct narrative logic. Identifying two poetic voices illuminates the cycle's narrative strategy and also sheds light on problematic aspects of the music, including Schumann's deletion of four songs, the voice–piano relationship and the enigmatic final postlude. This article proposes answers to age-old questions about Dichterliebe while also offering a fresh approach to the study of song cycles.
Nietzsche's Critique of Musical Decadence: The Case of Wagner in Historical Perspective
Authors: Fry Katherine
Published: May 2017

Although philosophical and biographical accounts of Nietzsche and Wagner abound, the musical issues at stake in the late text Der Fall Wagner (The Case of Wagner, 1888) have rarely been addressed within their wider cultural context. This article explores the nineteenth-century concepts of decadence and degeneration as relevant for understanding the ambivalence of Nietzsche's late critique of Wagner. Emphasizing his affinity with contemporary French criticism, it argues that his late texts advance a theory of decadence pertinent to current music history and criticism. It locates The Case of Wagner within the larger discourse of degeneration, probing similarities to and differences from the work of surrounding critics of Wagnerism. Nietzsche's critique combines a condemnation of Wagner's music with a more positive appreciation of the composer's historical relevance. Yet his writings also reveal a fundamental conflict between his personal involvement with Wagner's music and his philosophical quest to analyse this music as expressive of modernity.
Confronting Opera in the 1960s: Birtwistle's Punch and Judy
Authors: Wiebe Heather
Published: May 2017

Birtwistle's Punch and Judy arrived at a crucial moment for new opera. It premièred in 1968 at the Aldeburgh Festival, the home of a vision of British opera that Punch and Judy seemed actively to confront. However, Punch and Judy also engaged closely with operatic traditions and institutions, and while its Aldeburgh première is remembered as a scandalous provocation, a closer look at this event suggests that the opera was welcomed as a subtle intervention into the British operatic scene rather than a repudiation of it. The opera itself, moreover, performs a similar sense of revolt as inseparable from tradition, of individuality as inseparable from institutions and audiences, and of the supports for artistic production as necessarily also constraints.
‘It’s hard to write a good article’: The online comprehension of excuses as indirect replies
Authors: Stewart Andrew J , Wood Jeffrey S , Le-luan Elizabeth , Yao Bo , Haigh Matthew
Published: May 2017

In an eye-tracking experiment, we examined how readers comprehend indirect replies when they are uttered in reply to a direct question. Participants read vignettes that described two characters engaged in dialogue. Each dialogue contained a direct question (e.g., How are you doing in Chemistry?) answered with an excuse (e.g., The exams are not fair). In response to direct questions, such indirect replies are typically used to avoid a face-threatening disclosure (e.g., doing badly on the Chemistry course). Our goal was to determine whether readers are sensitive during reading to the indirect meaning communicated by such replies. Of the three contexts we examined, the first described a negative, face-threatening situation and the second a positive, non-face threatening situation, while the third was neutral. Analysis of reading times to the replies provides strong evidence that readers are sensitive online to the face-saving function of indirect replies.
Testing the limits of contextual constraint: Interactions with word frequency and parafoveal preview during fluent reading
Authors: Sereno Sara C , Hand Christopher J , Shahid Aisha , Yao Bo , O’Donnell Patrick J
Published: May 2017

Contextual constraint is a key factor affecting a word’s fixation duration and its likelihood of being fixated during reading. Previous research has generally demonstrated additive effects of predictability and frequency in fixation times. Studies examining the role of parafoveal preview have shown that greater preview benefit is obtained from more predictable and higher frequency words versus less predictable and lower frequency words. In two experiments, we investigated effects of target word predictability, frequency and parafoveal preview. A 3 (Predictability: low, medium, high) × 2 (Frequency: low, high) design was used with Preview (valid, invalid) manipulated between experiments. With valid previews, we found main effects of Predictability and Frequency in both fixation time and fixation probability measures, including an interaction in early fixation measures. With invalid preview, we again found main effects of Predictability and Frequency in fixation times, but no evidence of an interaction. Fixation probability showed a weak Predictability effect and Predictability–Frequency interaction. Predictability interacted with Preview in early fixation time and fixation probability measures. Our findings suggest that high levels of contextual constraint exert an early influence during lexical processing in reading. Results are discussed in terms of models of language processing and eye movement control.
Gender Differences in Longitudinal Trajectories of Change in Physical, Social, and Cognitive/Sedentary Leisure Activities
Authors: Finkel Deborah , Andel Ross , Pedersen Nancy L
Published: May 2017

Objective

We examined changes in participation in cognitive, social, and physical leisure activities across middle and older adulthood and tested moderation of trajectories of change in participation by gender.

Method

In all, 1,398 participants in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) completed a 7-item leisure activity questionnaire up to 4 times over 17 years. Mean baseline age was 64.9 years (range = 36–91); 59% were women. Factor analysis identified physical, social, and cognitive/sedentary leisure activity participation factors. Age-based latent growth curve models adjusted for marital status, gender, education, depressive symptoms, and physical health were used.

Results

Overall, results indicated stability in social activities, increase in cognitive/sedentary activities, and decrease in physical activities, as well as accelerated decline in all three types of activities after about the age of 70 years. Social activity remained mostly stable for women and declined for men. Women reported higher levels of cognitive/sedentary leisure activity across the study. Both men and women declined in physical leisure activity. Variance in leisure activities increased with age; men demonstrated more variance in social activities and women in physical activities.

Conclusions

Understanding change in leisure activities with age and by gender can have important implications for interventions and for use of leisure activity data in epidemiological research.