bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A science faculty's transformation of nature of science understanding into his teaching graduate level chemistry course
Authors: Aydin Sevgi
Published: November 2014

This is an interpretive case study to examine the teaching of an experienced science faculty who had a strong interest in teaching undergraduate and graduate science courses and nature of science specifically. It was interested in how he transformed knowledge from his experience as a scientist and his ideas about nature of science into forms accessible to his students. Data included observations (through the 12-week semester) and field notes, Views of Nature of Science-Form B, as well as semi-structured interview. Deductive analysis based on existing codes and categories was applied. Results revealed that robust SMK and interest in nature of science helped him address the different nature of science aspects, and produce original content-embedded examples for teaching nature of science. Although he was able to include nature of science as a part of a graduate course and to address nature of science myths that graduate students had, nature of science assessment was missing in his teaching. When subject matter knowledge and nature of science understanding support each other, it may be a key element in successful nature of science learning and teaching. Similar to science teachers, the development of assessment of nature of science may take more time than the development of other components of instruction (i.e., instructional strategy) for science faculties. Hence, this result may be an indication of the specific need for support to develop this component of teaching.
Carbo-cyclohexadienes vs. carbo-benzenes: structure and conjugative properties
Authors: Rives Arnaud , Baglai Iaroslav , Barthes Cécile , Maraval Valérie , Saffon-Merceron Nathalie , Saquet Alix , Voitenko Zoia , Volovenko Yulian , Chauvin Remi
Published: November 2014

Stable dichromic carbo-cyclohexadiene chromophores are synthesised, selectively with respect to the corresponding carbo-benzenes, by fluorine “chemical locking”.
Nucleation, aggregative growth and detachment of metal nanoparticles during electrodeposition at electrode surfaces
Authors: Lai Stanley C. S. , Lazenby Robert A. , Kirkman Paul M. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: November 2014

A nucleation-aggregative growth-detachment mechanism is proposed as an important feature of the electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles on basal plane highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
Directed evolution of GFP with non-natural amino acids identifies residues for augmenting and photoswitching fluorescence
Authors: Reddington Samuel C. , Baldwin Amy J. , Thompson Rebecca , Brancale Andrea , Tippmann Eric M. , Jones D. Dafydd
Published: November 2014

Genetic code reprogramming allows proteins to sample new chemistry through targeted introduction of non-natural amino acids. By combining with random codon replacement, residues traditionally overlooked can be identified as instilling new properties on a target protein.
Effects of topological constraints on globular polymers
Authors: Imakaev Maxim V. , Tchourine Konstantin M. , Nechaev Sergei K. , Mirny Leonid A.
Published: November 2014

Topological constraints can affect equilibrium properties of polymer systems and can play a role in the organization of chromosomes.
Amphiphilized poly(ethyleneimine) nanoparticles: a versatile multi-cargo carrier with enhanced tumor-homing efficiency and biocompatibility
Authors: Park Solji , Jeong Keunsoo , Lee Eunjung , Lee Jae Hyuk , Yhee Ji Young , Singh Ajay , Koh Joonseok , Lee Sangyoup , Kim Kwangmeyung , Chan Kwon Ick , Park Chong Rae , Kim Jungahn , Kim Sehoon
Published: November 2014

Amphiphilized PEI forms stable self-assembled nanoparticles capable of prolonged blood circulation and efficient tumor delivery of the loaded multi-cargos.
Synthesis of binary solid solution Cu–Pd nanoparticles by DMF reduction for enhanced photoluminescence properties
Authors: Chiba Masashi , Thanh Mai Nguyen , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Obora Yasushi , Kawasaki Hideya , Yonezawa Tetsu
Published: November 2014

Solid solution Cu–Pd nanoparticles (NPs), with uniform size (less than 2.5 nm), tunable composition, and photoluminescence properties being nonlinear in composition, could be successfully obtained by the DMF reduction process.
Automated pathologies detection in retina digital images based on complex continuous wavelet transform phase angles
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Gargour Christian S. , Gabrea Marcel
Published: November 2014

An automated diagnosis system that uses complex continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to process retina digital images and support vector machines (SVMs) for classification purposes is presented. In particular, each retina image is transformed into two one‐dimensional signals by concatenating image rows and columns separately. The mathematical norm of phase angles found in each one‐dimensional signal at each level of CWT decomposition are relied on to characterise the texture of normal images against abnormal images affected by exudates, drusen and microaneurysms. The leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method was adopted to conduct experiments and the results from the SVM show that the proposed approach gives better results than those obtained by other methods based on the correct classification rate, sensitivity and specificity.
Approach for torque ripple reduction for brushless DC motor based on three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped inverter with DC–DC converter
Authors: Viswanathan V. , Jeevananthan S.
Published: November 2014

This study proposes a novel topology for reducing commutation torque ripple in a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive system using a three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped (NPC) inverter combined with single‐ended primary‐inductor converter (SEPIC) converters. In the BLDCM, current ripples arise because of the influence of stator winding inductance, which generates torque ripples. The torque ripple that is generated in the commutation period prevents the use of BLDCM in high‐precision servo drive systems. In this study, two‐stage converters are proposed to reduce the torque ripple. The first stage consists of two SEPIC converters to obtain the desired commutation voltage according to motor speed. A dc‐link voltage selection circuit is combined with the SEPIC converters to apply the optimised voltage during the commutation interval. To reduce the torque ripple further, a three‐level NPC inverter is used to apply a half dc‐link voltage across the motor winding and this effectively reduces the torque ripple. Experimental results show that the proposed topology is able to reduce commutation torque ripple significantly under both low‐speed and high‐speed operation.
High step‐up DC–DC converter with ripple free input current and soft switching
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Taheri Meghdad , MiliMonfared Jafar , Abbasi Bijan , Behbahani Mohammad Reza Mohammadian
Published: November 2014

Fuel cells are used as a power generator in distributed generation and aircrafts applications. This paper proposes a new high step‐up DC–DC converter with zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) of switches and zero current switching (ZCS) of diodes, to be used as fuel cell's power conditioner. To have a ripple free input current, a coupled inductor can be used at the input side of the converter. The voltage gain of the converter is calculated and required conditions for soft switching have been presented. The voltage stress of elements of the proposed converter is discussed, the efficiency of converter is derived and finally experimental results have been used to validate the properties of the converter.
Load mitigation of unbalanced wind turbines using PI‐R individual pitch control
Authors: Zhang Yunqian , Cheng Ming , Chen Zhe
Published: November 2014

This study discusses the load mitigation of unbalanced wind turbines, including balanced and unbalanced loads. Regarding the wind turbine load reduction, it has been shown that individual pitch control (IPC) is more promising in comparison with collective pitch control. However, wind turbine unbalance will cause extra loads and fatigue on the wind turbine rotor, which has not been taken into consideration by the traditional IPC method. This study presents a new control strategy to mitigate the loads of the unbalance wind turbines. An IPC scheme consisting of a proportional–integral (PI) controller and two resonant (R) compensators is presented. The PI‐R regulator is implemented in the hub reference frame to reduce both the balanced and unbalanced loads of the turbine. The wind turbine code FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structures and turbulence) is used for the wind turbine load modelling. The simulations are conducted on the NREL upwind 1.5 MW wind turbine model. Elimination of both the balanced and unbalanced loads of the wind turbine has been achieved, so that PI‐R IPC is demonstrated as an effective means for load mitigation of unbalanced wind turbines.
A new method for polychromatic X-ray μLaue diffraction on a Cu pillar using an energy-dispersive pn-junction charge-coupled device
Authors: Abboud A. , Kirchlechner C. , Send S. , Micha J. S. , Ulrich O. , Pashniak N. , Strüder L. , Keckes J. , Pietsch U.
Published: November 2014

μLaue diffraction with a polychromatic X-ray beam can be used to measure strain fields and crystal orientations of micro crystals. The hydrostatic strain tensor can be obtained once the energy profile of the reflections is measured. However, this remains a challenge both on the time scale and reproducibility of the beam position on the sample. In this review, we present a new approach to obtain the spatial and energy profiles of Laue spots by using a pn-junction charge-coupled device, an energy-dispersive area detector providing 3D resolution of incident X-rays. The morphology and energetic structure of various Bragg peaks from a single crystalline Cu micro-cantilever used as a test system were simultaneously acquired. The method facilitates the determination of the Laue spots’ energy spectra without filtering the white X-ray beam. The synchrotron experiment was performed at the BM32 beamline of ESRF using polychromatic X-rays in the energy range between 5 and 25 keV and a beam size of 0.5 μm × 0.5 μm. The feasibility test on the well known system demonstrates the capabilities of the approach and introduces the “3D detector method” as a promising tool for material investigations to separate bending and strain for technical materials.
∼2 μm emission properties and non-radiative processes of Tm3+ in germanate glass
Authors: Gao Song , Liu Xueqiang , Fan Xiaokang , Li Xia , Xue Tianfeng , Li Kefeng , Liao Meisong , Hu Lili
Published: November 2014

In this paper, 80GeO2-8Ga2O3-10BaO-2Nb2O5-6PbO (in mol%) glass samples with different Tm2O3 concentrations (0, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5 mol. %) were prepared by traditional melt-quenching method. According to the measurement of thermal properties of the host glass, the glass transition temperature is 596.7 °C and no crystallization peak is observed. Judd–Ofelt parameters Ωt (t = 2, 4, 6) and fluorescent lifetimes were obtained by Judd-Ofelt theory. The similar values of Judd–Ofelt parameters and the full-width at half-maximums of ∼1800 nm indicate the local environment of Tm3+ changes little with increment of Tm2O3 concentrations. Maximum stimulated emission cross-section of ∼1800 nm is 6.22 × 10−21 cm2 as calculated by Fuchtbauer–Ladenburg formula. Energy migration among Tm3+ ions was analyzed by the extended overlap integral method. The non-radiative transition rates between mainly energy levels of Tm3+ were calculated. Non-radiative transition rate of 3F4 energy level caused by OH was analyzed by rate equation and deduced by fitting the fluorescence decay curve.
Strain measurement of objects subjected to aerodynamic heating using digital image correlation: Experimental design and preliminary results
Authors: Pan Bing , Jiang Tianyun , Wu Dafang
Published: November 2014

In thermomechanical testing of hypersonic materials and structures, direct observation and quantitative strain measurement of the front surface of a test specimen directly exposed to severe aerodynamic heating has been considered as a very challenging task. In this work, a novel quartz infrared heating device with an observation window is designed to reproduce the transient thermal environment experienced by hypersonic vehicles. The specially designed experimental system allows the capture of test article's surface images at various temperatures using an optical system outfitted with a bandpass filter. The captured images are post-processed by digital image correlation to extract full-field thermal deformation. To verify the viability and accuracy of the established system, thermal strains of a chromiumnickel austenite stainless steel sample heated from room temperature up to 600 °C were determined. The preliminary results indicate that the air disturbance between the camera and the specimen due to heat haze induces apparent distortions in the recorded images and large errors in the measured strains, but the average values of the measured strains are accurate enough. Limitations and further improvements of the proposed technique are discussed.
Simplified continuum solvent model with a smooth cavity based on volumetric data
Authors: Held Alexander , Walter Michael
Published: November 2014

We present a continuum solvent model (CSM) with a smooth cavity for the application in grid-based electronic structure methods. The cavity is identified with the inherently smooth distribution function of a binary mixture at infinite dilution. We obtain a cavity model based on atomic van der Waals radii and one free parameter controlling the overall size. This single parameter is sufficient to adequately reproduce experimental partial molar volumes. The CSM based on this cavity is of similar accuracy in the prediction of aqueous solvation Gibbs energies of small neutral molecules and ions as other CSMs with a smooth cavity. We apply the model to systems in non-aqueous solution, i.e., spiropyran/merocyanin energetics, a proton transfer reaction in dimethyl sulfoxide, and the electrostatic screening of charged gold clusters in an ionic liquid.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of dilute polymer solutions in flow
Authors: Latinwo Folarin , Hsiao Kai-Wen , Schroeder Charles M.
Published: November 2014

Modern materials processing applications and technologies often occur far from equilibrium. To this end, the processing of complex materials such as polymer melts and nanocomposites generally occurs under strong deformations and flows, conditions under which equilibrium thermodynamics does not apply. As a result, the ability to determine the nonequilibrium thermodynamic properties of polymeric materials from measurable quantities such as heat and work is a major challenge in the field. Here, we use work relations to show that nonequilibrium thermodynamic quantities such as free energy and entropy can be determined for dilute polymer solutions in flow. In this way, we determine the thermodynamic properties of DNA molecules in strong flows using a combination of simulations, kinetic theory, and single molecule experiments. We show that it is possible to calculate polymer relaxation timescales purely from polymer stretching dynamics in flow. We further observe a thermodynamic equivalence between nonequilibrium and equilibrium steady-states for polymeric systems. In this way, our results provide an improved understanding of the energetics of flowing polymer solutions.
Gyrotactic trapping in laminar and turbulent Kolmogorov flow
Authors: Santamaria Francesco , De Lillo Filippo , Cencini Massimo , Boffetta Guido
Published: November 2014

Phytoplankton patchiness, namely the heterogeneous distribution of microalgae over multiple spatial scales, dramatically impacts marine ecology. A spectacular example of such heterogeneity occurs in thin phytoplankton layers (TPLs), where large numbers of photosynthetic microorganisms are found within a small depth interval. Some species of motile phytoplankton can form TPLs by gyrotactic trapping due to the interplay of their particular swimming style (directed motion biased against gravity) and the transport by a flow with shear along the direction of gravity. Here we consider gyrotactic swimmers in numerical simulations of the Kolmogorov shear flow, both in laminar and turbulent regimes. In the laminar case, we show that the swimmer motion is integrable and the formation of TPLs can be fully characterized by means of dynamical systems tools. We then study the effects of rotational Brownian motion or turbulent fluctuations (appearing when the Reynolds number is large enough) on TPLs. In both cases, we show that TPLs become transient, and we characterize their persistence.
Optimizing white light luminescence in Dy3+-doped Lu3Ga5O12 nano-garnets
Authors: Haritha P. , Martín I. R. , Linganna K. , Monteseguro V. , Babu P. , León-Luis S. F. , Jayasankar C. K. , Rodríguez-Mendoza U. R. , Lavín V. , Venkatramu V.
Published: November 2014

Trivalent dysprosium-doped Lu3Ga5O12 nano-garnets have been prepared by sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and laser excited spectroscopy. Under a cw 457 nm laser excitation, the white luminescence properties of Lu3Ga5O12 nano-garnets have been studied as a function of the optically active Dy3+ ion concentration and at low temperature. Decay curves for the 4F9/2 level of Dy3+ ion exhibit non-exponential nature for all the Dy3+ concentrations, which have been well-fitted to a generalized energy transfer model for a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction between Dy3+ ions without diffusion. From these data, a simple rate-equations model can be applied to predict that intense white luminescence could be obtained from 1.8 mol% Dy3+ ions-doped nano-garnets, which is in good agreement with experimental results. Chromaticity color coordinates and correlated color temperatures have been determined as a function of temperature and are found to be within the white light region for all Dy3+ concentrations. These results indicate that 2.0 mol% Dy3+ ions doped nano-garnet could be useful for white light emitting device applications.
Self-compression of intense short laser pulses in relativistic magnetized plasma
Authors: Olumi M. , Maraghechi B.
Published: November 2014

The compression of a relativistic Gaussian laser pulse in a magnetized plasma is investigated. By considering relativistic nonlinearity and using non-linear Schrödinger equation with paraxial approximation, a second-order differential equation is obtained for the pulse width parameter (in time) to demonstrate the longitudinal pulse compression. The compression of laser pulse in a magnetized plasma can be observed by the numerical solution of the equation for the pulse width parameter. The effects of magnetic field and chirping are investigated. It is shown that in the presence of magnetic field and negative initial chirp, compression of pulse is significantly enhanced.
Room temperature spin-polarizations of Mn-based antiferromagnetic nanoelectrodes
Authors: Yamada Toyo Kazu , Vazquez de Parga Amadeo L.
Published: November 2014

Antiferromagnets produce no stray field, and therefore, a tip electrode made of antiferromagnetic material has been considered to be the most suitable choice to measure such as magnetoresistance (MR) through single isolated magnetic nanoparticles, molecules, and ultrathin films. Spin polarizations (P) of antiferromagnetic 3-nm, 6-nm, and annealed 3-nm Mn films grown on W tips with a bcc(110) apex as well as bulk-NiMn tips were obtained at 300 K by measuring MR in ultrahigh vacuum by means of spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy using a layerwise antiferromagnetically stacking bct-Mn(001) film electrode. The Mn-coated tips with coverages of 3 and 6 nm exhibited P values of 1 ± 1% and 3 ± 2%, respectively, which tips likely contain α- or strained Mn. With a thermal assist, the crystalline quality and the magnetic stability of the film could increase. The annealed tip exhibited P = 9 ± 2%. The bulk-NiMn tips exhibit spin polarizations of 0 or 6 ± 2% probably depending on the chemical species (Mn or Ni) present at the apex of the tip. Fe-coated W tips were used to estimate the bct-Mn(001) film spin polarization.
Understanding the bond-energy, hardness, and adhesive force from the phase diagram via the electron work function
Authors: Lu Hao , Huang Xiaochen , Li Dongyang
Published: November 2014

Properties of metallic materials are intrinsically determined by their electron behavior. However, relevant theoretical treatment involving quantum mechanics is complicated and difficult to be applied in materials design. Electron work function (EWF) has been demonstrated to be a simple but fundamental parameter which well correlates properties of materials with their electron behavior and could thus be used to predict material properties from the aspect of electron activities in a relatively easy manner. In this article, we propose a method to extract the electron work functions of binary solid solutions or alloys from their phase diagrams and use this simple approach to predict their mechanical strength and surface properties, such as adhesion. Two alloys, Fe-Ni and Cu-Zn, are used as samples for the study. EWFs extracted from phase diagrams show same trends as experimentally observed ones, based on which hardness and surface adhesive force of the alloys are predicted. This new methodology provides an alternative approach to predict material properties based on the work function, which is extractable from the phase diagram. This work may also help maximize the power of phase diagram for materials design and development.
Effects of initial radius of the interface and Atwood number on nonlinear saturation amplitudes in cylindrical Rayleigh-Taylor instability
Authors: Liu Wanhai , Yu Changping , Li Xinliang
Published: November 2014

Nonlinear saturation amplitudes (NSAs) of the first two harmonics in classical Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in cylindrical geometry for arbitrary Atwood numbers have been analytically investigated considering nonlinear corrections up to the fourth-order. The NSA of the fundamental mode is defined as the linear (purely exponential) growth amplitude of the fundamental mode at the saturation time when the growth of the fundamental mode (first harmonic) is reduced by 10% in comparison to its corresponding linear growth, and the NSA of the second harmonic can be obtained in the same way. The analytic results indicate that the effects of the initial radius of the interface (r0) and the Atwood number (A) play an important role in the NSAs of the first two harmonics in cylindrical RTI. On the one hand, the NSA of the fundamental mode first increases slightly and then decreases quickly with increasing A. For given A, the smaller the r0/λ (with λ perturbation wavelength) is, the larger the NSA of the fundamental mode is. When r0/λ is large enough (r0≫λ), the NSA of the fundamental mode is reduced to the prediction of previous literatures within the framework of third-order perturbation theory [J. W. Jacobs and I. Catton, J. Fluid Mech. 187, 329 (1988); S. W. Haan, Phys. Fluids B 3, 2349 (1991)]. On the other hand, the NSA of the second harmonic first decreases quickly with increasing A, reaching a minimum, and then increases slowly. Furthermore, the r0 can reduce the NSA of the second harmonic for arbitrary A at r0≲2λ while increase it for A ≲ 0.6 at r0≳2λ. Thus, it should be included in applications where the NSA has a role, such as inertial confinement fusion ignition target design.
Reduced thermal conductivity in niobium-doped calcium-manganate compounds for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Graff Ayelet , Amouyal Yaron
Published: November 2014

Reduction of thermal conductivity is essential for obtaining high energy conversion efficiency in thermoelectric materials. We report on significant reduction of thermal conductivity in niobium-doped CaO(CaMnO3)m compounds for thermoelectric energy harvesting due to introduction of extra CaO-planes in the CaMnO3-base material. We measure the thermal conductivities of the different compounds applying the laser flash analysis at temperatures between 300 and 1000 K, and observe a remarkable reduction in thermal conductivity with increasing CaO-planar density, from a value of 3.7 W·m−1K−1 for m = ∞ down to 1.5 W·m−1K−1 for m = 1 at 400 K. This apparent correlation between thermal conductivity and CaO-planar density is elucidated in terms of boundary phonon scattering, providing us with a practical way to manipulate lattice thermal conductivity via microstructural modifications.
Substrate integrated waveguide isolator based on ferromagnetic nanowires in porous alumina template
Authors: Van Kerckhoven Vivien , Piraux Luc , Huynen Isabelle
Published: November 2014

We demonstrate the operation of a fully integrated and miniaturized waveguide based on ferromagnetic nanowires as a promising alternative to macroscopic ferrite slab-loaded metallic rectangular waveguides used as microwave isolators. Nanowires of various heights are selectively grown at dedicated areas into a low-loss nanoporous alumina template in order to create the shielding walls of a Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) topology and the ferromagnetic slab supporting a circularly polarized nonreciprocal propagation. A model is proposed for the microwave response of the SIW and its non-reciprocity, which takes into account the substrate permittivity and the tensorial permeability of the ferromagnetic nanowires, and its predictions are validated by measurements. A significant isolation of 7 dB/cm is obtained experimentally at 13.5 GHz, without the need of a DC bias magnetic field.
Oscillating acoustic streaming jet
Authors: Moudjed Brahim , Botton Valéry , Henry Daniel , Millet Séverine , Garandet Jean-Paul , Ben-Hadid Hamda
Published: November 2014

The present paper provides the first experimental investigation of an oscillating acoustic streaming jet. The observations are performed in the far field of a 2 MHz circular plane ultrasound transducer introduced in a rectangular cavity filled with water. Measurements are made by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in horizontal and vertical planes near the end of the cavity. Oscillations of the jet appear in this zone, for a sufficiently high Reynolds number, as an intermittent phenomenon on an otherwise straight jet fluctuating in intensity. The observed perturbation pattern is similar to that of former theoretical studies. This intermittently oscillatory behavior is the first step to the transition to turbulence.
Experiences of sexual coercion in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships
Authors: de Visser Richard O. , Badcock Paul B. , Rissel Chris , Richters Juliet , Smith Anthony M. A. , Grulich Andrew E. , Simpson Judy M.
Published: November 2014

Background It is important to have current reliable estimates of the prevalence, correlates and consequences of sexual coercion among a representative sample of Australian adults and to identify changes over time in prevalence and consequences. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 Australian men and women aged 16–69 years. The participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Results: Sexual coercion (i.e. being forced or frightened into sexual activity) was reported by 4.2% of men and 22.4% of women. Sexual coercion when aged ≤16 years was reported by 2.0% of men and 11.5% of women. Correlates of sexual coercion were similar for men and women. Those who had been coerced reported greater psychosocial distress, were more likely to smoke, were more anxious about sex and more likely to have acquired a sexually transmissible infection. Few people had talked to others about their experiences of sexual coercion and fewer had talked to a professional. There were no significant differences between the First and Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships in whether men or women had experienced coercion, talked to anyone about this or talked to a counsellor or psychologist. Conclusion: Sexual coercion has detrimental effects on various aspects of people’s lives. It usually occurs at the ages at which people become sexually active. There is a need to reduce the incidence of sexual coercion, better identify experiences of sexual coercion, and provide accessible services to minimise the detrimental effects of sexual coercion.
Masturbation, paying for sex, and other sexual activities: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships
Authors: Richters Juliet , de Visser Richard O. , Badcock Paul B. , Smith Anthony M. A. , Rissel Chris , Simpson Judy M. , Grulich Andrew E.
Published: November 2014

Background
This study describes the prevalence of (solo) masturbation, paying for sex and a range of other sexual practices among Australians. Methods: A representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years (participation rate among eligible people, 66.2%) were recruited by landline and mobile phone random-digit dialling and computer-assisted telephone interviews in 2012–13. Results: Many respondents (men, 72%; women, 42%) had masturbated in the past year. Half (51%) of the men and 24% of women had masturbated in the past 4 weeks. In the past year, more than two-fifths of respondents (men, 63%; women, 20%) had looked at pornography in any medium. Approximately 15% of men and 21% of women had used a sex toy. Digital-anal stimulation with a partner was practised by 19% of men and 15% of women, and oral-anal stimulation by 7% of men and 4% of women. Sexual role playing or dressing up were engaged in by 7–8%. Online sex, swinging, group sex, BDSM (bondage and discipline, ‘sadomasochism’ or dominance and submission) and fisting (rectal or vaginal) were each engaged in by less than 3% of the sample. Seventeen per cent of men said they had ever paid for sex; 2% had done so in the past year. Conclusion: Most of the solo practices studied were engaged in by more men than women, but women were more likely to have used a sex toy. Autoerotic activities are both substitutes for partnered sex and additional sources of pleasure for people with sexual partners.
Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships
Authors: Grulich Andrew E. , de Visser Richard O. , Badcock Paul B. , Smith Anthony M. A. , Richters Juliet , Rissel Chris , Simpson Judy M.
Published: November 2014

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.
Homosexual experience and recent homosexual encounters: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships
Authors: Grulich Andrew E. , de Visser Richard O. , Badcock Paul B. , Smith Anthony M. A. , Heywood Wendy , Richters Juliet , Rissel Chris , Simpson Judy M.
Published: November 2014

Background The aim of this study is to describe homosexual experience and characteristics of recent homosexual encounters among Australian adults and identify changes between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years and the participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated the number of same-sex partners they had had in their lifetime and in the last 12 months. Those who reported any homosexual experience were asked the age at which this first occurred and about characteristics of the first and most recent homosexual encounter. Results: Reporting ever having same-sex experience was more common in women (13.5%) than in men (6.5%, P < 0.001). Among these people, men reported more lifetime and recent same-sex partners than women (P < 0.001). Same-sex experience was associated with some but not all indices of higher socioeconomic status. In men, it was associated with living in a major city (P = 0.02) and in women, it was associated with younger (<30 years) age and with very low income (P < 0.001). Men were younger than women at their first homosexual encounter (P = 0.005). Women were more likely than men to have their first same-sex encounter with a regular partner. For women but not men, there was a significant increase in the proportion reporting same-sex experience since 2001–02. Conclusion: Same-sex experience is not uncommon and is increasing in prevalence in young Australian women. The high number of same-sex partners among homosexual and bisexual men places them at greater risk of sexually transmissible infection.
Angelman syndrome imprinting center encodes a transcriptional promoter
Authors: Lewis Michael W. , Brant Jason O. , Kramer Joseph M. , Moss James I. , Yang Thomas P. , Hansen Peter J. , Williams R. Stan , Resnick James L.
Published: November 2014

Clusters of imprinted genes are often controlled by an imprinting center that is necessary for allele-specific gene expression and to reprogram parent-of-origin information between generations. An imprinted domain at 15q11–q13 is responsible for both Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), two clinically distinct neurodevelopmental disorders. Angelman syndrome arises from the lack of maternal contribution from the locus, whereas Prader–Willi syndrome results from the absence of paternally expressed genes. In some rare cases of PWS and AS, small deletions may lead to incorrect parent-of-origin allele identity. DNA sequences common to these deletions define a bipartite imprinting center for the AS–PWS locus. The PWS–smallest region of deletion overlap (SRO) element of the imprinting center activates expression of genes from the paternal allele. The AS–SRO element generates maternal allele identity by epigenetically inactivating the PWS–SRO in oocytes so that paternal genes are silenced on the future maternal allele. Here we have investigated functional activities of the AS–SRO, the element necessary for maternal allele identity. We find that, in humans, the AS–SRO is an oocyte-specific promoter that generates transcripts that transit the PWS–SRO. Similar upstream promoters were detected in bovine oocytes. This result is consistent with a model in which imprinting centers become DNA methylated and acquire maternal allele identity in oocytes in response to transiting transcription.
SUMOylation at K340 inhibits tau degradation through deregulating its phosphorylation and ubiquitination
Authors: Luo Hong-Bin , Xia Yi-Yuan , Shu Xi-Ji , Liu Zan-Chao , Feng Ye , Liu Xing-Hua , Yu Guang , Yin Gang , Xiong Yan-Si , Zeng Kuan , Jiang Jun , Ye Keqiang , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: November 2014

Significance

Intracellular accumulation of the abnormally modified tau is hallmark pathology of AD, but the mechanism leading to tau aggregation is not fully characterized. In the present study, we studied the effects of tau SUMOylation on its phosphorylation, ubiquitination, degradation, and aggregation. We discovered that sumoylation competes with ubiquitination in modifying tau, correlating with tau hyperphosphorylation. Identification of the posttranslational modification on tau provides the new insight into the molecular mechanism in tau aggregation.
Days to heading 7
, a major quantitative locus determining photoperiod sensitivity and regional adaptation in rice
Authors: Gao He , Jin Mingna , Zheng Xiao-Ming , Chen Jun , Yuan Dingyang , Xin Yeyun , Wang Maoqing , Huang Dongyi , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Kunneng , Sheng Peike , Ma Jin , Ma Weiwei , Deng Huafeng , Jiang Ling , Liu Shijia , Wang Haiyang , Wu Chuanyin , Yuan Longping , Wan Jianmin
Published: November 2014

Significance

Flowering time is one of the best studied ecologically important traits under natural or human selection for adaptation of plants to specific local environments. Photoperiodic sensitivity is a major agronomic trait that tailors vegetative and reproductive growth to local climates and is thus particularly important for crop yield and quality. This study not only identifies a major quantitative trait locus underlying photoperiod sensitivity in rice (
Days to heading 7
,
DTH7
) but also demonstrates that various haplotype combinations of
DTH7
with
Grain number, plant height, and heading date 7
(
Ghd7
) and
DTH8
correlate well with the flowering time and grain yield of rice varieties under diverse cultivating conditions. Our results build a foundation for breeding of high-yield rice varieties with desired photosensitivity and optimum adaptation to the target environments.
Osteoblast regulation via ligand-activated nuclear trafficking of the oxytocin receptor
Authors: Di Benedetto Adriana , Sun Li , Zambonin Carlo G. , Tamma Roberto , Nico Beatrice , Calvano Cosima D. , Colaianni Graziana , Ji Yaoting , Mori Giorgio , Grano Maria , Lu Ping , Colucci Silvia , Yuen Tony , New Maria I. , Zallone Alberta , Zaidi Mone
Published: November 2014

Significance

We have shown previously that oxytocin (Oxt), other than regulating lactation and social bonding, is a potent stimulator of bone formation by the osteoblast. Here, we present evidence that this action is exerted through the nuclear localization of the Oxt receptor (Oxtr). Our findings prompt additional studies into the contribution of nuclear Oxtr signaling in regulating lactation and social bonding.
Protein body-inducing fusions for recombinant protein production in plants.
Authors: Gutiérrez S. , Menassa R.
Published: November 2014

This chapter focuses on the use of plants as bioreactors for the production of recombinant proteins. The feasibility and promise of the use of protein body-inducing fusion tags in transient expression and in stable transgenic plants (i.e. tobacco) are also discussed.
Case study 2: Plant-made HIV vaccines and neutralizing antibodies.
Authors: Marusic C. , Donini M.
Published: November 2014

This chapter provides an up-to-date overview of plant-based anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strategies for the production of both vaccine components and neutralizing antibodies. The importance of plants as ideal, safe and economic alternatives to traditional production systems for the large-scale production of HIV vaccine components and biopharmaceuticals is also discussed.
Case study 3: The search for a plant-made vaccine for pandemic influenza virus.
Authors: Hefferon K. L.
Published: November 2014

This chapter highlights some of the progress made with respect to the development of a plant-made vaccine to combat pandemic influenza virus. A discussion of some of the events necessary and obstacles to be considered to ensure that plant-derived vaccines and other pharmaceuticals make a difference for those in need and become a reality for the developing world is also presented.
Inducible and repressible systems for transgene expression.
Authors: Lees R. S. , D'Amato R. , Benedict M. Q.
Published: November 2014

This chapter provides an overview of inducible and repressible gene expression, with particular focus on those that have been demonstrated in insects or which merit consideration for further development. It focuses on versatile systems where some externally applied condition can be applied to a transgenic insect that either up- or downregulates gene expression, the removal of which returns expression to the previous state. Naturally occurring and synthetic systems of conditional expression are described.
Tephritid fruit fly transgenesis and applications.
Authors: Handler A. M. , Schetelig M. F.
Published: November 2014

This chapter focuses on the first transformation experiments for a particular vector system for tephritid species in which it has been tested. Additional experiments are discussed as they relate to new marker systems and vectors developed for particular applications. These include vector stabilization systems, site-specific genomic targeting and the development of tephritid transgenic strains for control applications.
Assessing risk of transgenic insects.
Authors: Quinlan M. M.
Published: November 2014

This chapter focuses on the development of transgenic insects for facilitating laboratory research in gene regulation, control or mitigation of injurious species of insects, including agricultural pests and vectors of animal and human diseases. The assessment of the risks posed by transgenic insects and various approaches in assessing this risk are discussed and various social and economic issues affecting risk assessment are highlighted.
Generalizing attentional control across dimensions and tasks: Evidence from transfer of proportion-congruent effects
Authors: Wühr Peter , Duthoo Wout , Notebaert Wim
Published: November 2014

Three experiments investigated transfer of list-wide proportion congruent (LWPC) effects from a set of congruent and incongruent items with different frequency (inducer task) to a set of congruent and incongruent items with equal frequency (diagnostic task). Experiments 1 and 2 mixed items from horizontal and vertical Simon tasks. Tasks always involved different stimuli that varied on the same dimension (colour) in Experiment 1 and on different dimensions (colour, shape) in Experiment 2. Experiment 3 mixed trials from a manual Simon task with trials from a vocal Stroop task, with colour being the relevant stimulus in both tasks. There were two major results. First, we observed transfer of LWPC effects in Experiments 1 and 3, when tasks shared the relevant dimension, but not in Experiment 2. Second, sequential modulations of congruency effects transferred in Experiment 1 only. Hence, the different transfer patterns suggest that LWPC effects and sequential modulations arise from different mechanisms. Moreover, the observation of transfer supports an account of LWPC effects in terms of list-wide cognitive control, while being at odds with accounts in terms of stimulus–response (contingency) learning and item-specific control.
Living in One World: Searle’s Social Ontology and Semiotics
Authors: Msimang Phila Mfundo
Published: November 2014

Searle’s social ontology concerns the question of how it is that we are to reconcile different aspects of reality but takes for granted a particular kind of naturalism based on his unexplicated “basic facts” of nature. The consequence of this approach is that Searle’s ontology deals specifically with social reality and its institutions, and never directly with the basic facts upon which his position rests. Paradoxically, this naturalistic assumption alienates his theory from its connection with the basic facts because the nature of this connection is taken for granted and not explicitly shown how nature is connectable to the social world. I hope to show that Searle’s project is redeemed by biosemiotic theory that makes an explicit connection between the beginnings of sociality, which is where Searle’s work starts off, and the biological and physical nature of things, which is what Searle’s work takes for granted but what biosemiotics explicates.
Indian Market: A Tournament of Values
Authors: Rosenstein Carole
Published: November 2014

Following Bourdieu, the process of commoditization has been understood to be the most socially significant process that art undergoes. That understanding presupposes the power of economic value, the order of value that all other values must resist or be overtaken by. This article analyzes the Santa Fe Indian Market as a tournament of values, where various orders of value compete for legitimacy and authority. While opposed aesthetic and economic orders frame evaluations at Indian Market, they serve primarily as background. At Indian Market, evaluations that use an administrative order of value are the site of intense contest and have great social significance both to this art world and to broader social, political, and economic concerns. A social theory of art relevant to many different art forms and traditions must take into account multiple orders of value and provide a method for analyzing their potential significance to participants.
Metapragmatics in Archaeological Analysis: Interpreting Classic Maya Patron Deity Veneration
Authors: Baron Joanne
Published: November 2014

Anthropological archaeology has long had an interest in understanding the semiotic properties of material objects, since it is through such objects that most archaeological analysis takes place. In recent decades, a new emphasis on materiality has focused attention on the links between material objects and social relationships in the past. In this article I argue that, just as in modern societies, the indexical meaning of material objects, and their role in social relations, were shaped by metapragmatic discourses in the past. Thus, in order to understand the role of material objects within ancient societies, it is necessary to analyze these discourses by means of historical records, their archaeological context, and analogical examples. I give an example of this method by analyzing Classic Maya inscriptions and the ways that the discourses recorded in them characterize material objects such as temples, cult objects, and tribute payments.
Transcendence and Transgression in Religious Processions
Authors: Leone Massimo
Published: November 2014

This article analyzes the phenomenology and semiotics of religious processions. On the one hand, these rituals succeed in congregating several individual agencies, thus helping them to obliterate the frontier between the sacred environment of the place of worship and the profane environment of the space surrounding it. Consequently, in religious processions, subjects experience an enlargement of the environment of the sacred that encourages them to believe in its omnipresence, in the reassuring idea that their entire existence takes place (literally and metaphorically) under the protection of transcendence. On the other hand, “accidents” caused by the persistence of individual agencies within the collective one constantly “threaten” the symbolic efficacy of religious processions: the tentative expansion of the sacred environment into the profane results in a symmetrical expansion of the latter into the former.