bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermally stimulated depolarization current properties of Co4Nb2O9 ceramics
Authors: Xie Yuanmiao , Zang Hao , Ceng Wendan , Wang CunCang 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThermally stimulated depolarization current in magnetoelectric antiferromagnet Co4Nb2O9 were investigated above Néel temperature, and five current peaks (denoted as P0 ~ P4 in the order of ascending temperature) were observed. These peaks are related to holes which can be trapped by cobalt vacancies, their surrounding medium (self‐trapped), internal, and surface barrier layers. In low‐temperature range, the holes are bound to cobalt vacancies. The polarization caused by bound holes yields P0 peak at 46 K. In middle‐temperature range, the holes are localized by the surrounding medium forming polarons. The hopping motions of the self‐trapped holes create P2 peak at ~120 K. The microdisplacements around their locating positions for the self‐trapped holes lead to P1 peak, whose peak temperature strongly depends on the poling temperature but lower than that of P2 peak. In high‐temperature range, the holes are trapped by internal and surface barrier layers giving rise to P3 peak at ~150 K and P4 peak at ~230 K, respectively.
Growth rate effect on colony formation in directional solidification of Al2O3/YAG/ZrO2
Authors: Stelian Carmen , Cherif Maya , Carroz Laurent , Barhalay Nicolas , Duffar Thierry 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMechanical properties of Al2O3/Y3Al5O12/ZrO2 ternary eutectic ceramics are strongly affected by structural defects as pores or colonies. Experimental investigation of the microstructure of this ternary composite indicates that the colonies are generally observed when the solidification occurs at high rates. In this work, the influence of the growth rate on the solid‐liquid interface shape and formation of colonies in directional solidification of Al2O3/Y3Al5O12/ZrO2 by Bridgman, Edge‐defined Film‐fed Growth (EFG), and Czochralski (Cz) methods is numerically and experimentally investigated. Numerical modeling of the Bridgman growth process shows large curvatures of the solid‐liquid interface when the pulling rate is increased up to 80 mm/h. The ingots solidified at rates between 5 and 80 mm/h exhibit colony type microstructure. The analysis of EFG growth of ceramic ribbons reveals less curved solid‐liquid interfaces in this system. Numerical modeling shows significant increase in the interface curvature with increasing pulling rate. The microstructure of ribbons grown at pulling rates between 6 and 12 mm/h exhibits colonies only for the ingots solidified at higher rate. Simulations carried out for Czochralski growth process show that the solidification front is almost plane in this system. These results are in agreement with experimental observations showing good structural quality of Cz grown crystals with a flat solid‐liquid interface. Finally it is concluded that formation of colonies in directional solidification of this ternary eutectic composite is linked to large curvatures of the growth interface.
Bandwidth controlled metal‐insulator transition in Au–VO2 nanocomposite thin films
Authors: Fu Guangsheng , Ning Xingkun , Chen Mingjing , Wang Shufang , Liu Peng , Wang Jianglong , Li Xiaowei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecognizing and controlling the metal‐insulator transition (MIT) in VO2 transition‐metal oxides is interesting for the future electronic devices. However, the effect of the electron correlation for the structure‐coupled MIT in VO2 is as yet an open question. In this study, we present for the first time direct spectroscopic evidence for the charge‐transfer assistance bandwidth controlled MIT (BC‐MIT) in Au–VO2 nanocomposite thin films (NCTFs). A significantly enhancement of the MIT temperature (about 350 K) is realized in Au–VO2 films with Au volume ratio of 1.1 mol%. However, by further increasing Au ratios, the MIT temperature in Au–VO2 NCTFs is downward shifted by ~16 K and forward shifted 6 K. The V L‐edge and O K‐edge have been investigated. The basic electronic parameters such as the covalency (W) have been tuned. The relationship between bandwidth and the MIT temperature has been clearly elucidated a linear relationship. The experimental results demonstrate that MIT in VO2 is BC‐MIT which improved our understanding of the electron correlation effect in VO2 systems.
Empirical models for layered A‐site ordering in perovskite titanates
Authors: Smith Evan , Ubic Rick 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn industry and labs, predictive models describing processing‐structure relationships are inherently valuable, yet few exist for cation ordering in perovskites. In this work, 15 compositions in the [(NayLi1−y)(1−3x)/2La(1+x)/2]TiO3 (NLLT) system (y = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75; x = 0, 0.0533, 0.1, 0.1733, and 0.225) were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state mixed‐oxide method. X‐ray diffraction data show that some degree of long‐range ordering of A‐site cations exists for x ≥ 0.1, although electron‐diffraction data indicate that short‐range ordering exists even for x < 0.1, with the degree of ordering decreasing as the value of x increases. Empirical models have been derived for the A‐site ordering parameter (η) as well as the resultant expansion (ΔrA) for each y series in the NLLT system, from which two general models were derived for perovskites with any arbitrary degree of 1:1 layered A‐site ordering. These general models allow for the prediction of the order parameter and resulting expansion using only published ionic radii data.
Directors skill and financial reporting quality
Authors: Rubin Amir , Segal Dan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMotivated by theoretical models in economics which show that there is matching between CEO skill and firm size, we introduce a new measure of director skill which is based on the aggregate size of firms on which the director serves as an independent director. We validate our measure by showing that it is positively associated with director experience, financial expertise, industry expertise and managerial experience. We then examine whether our average measure of skill across board members is positively associated with monitoring quality. Controlling for the endogenous relationships between board composition and financial reporting quality, we find a positive association between our board measure for skill and monitoring quality, and we show that directors have a causal impact on monitoring effort and outcomes. Furthermore, consistent with the enhanced monitoring provided by skilled directors, we document a positive association between the level of and changes in our measure and firm value.
Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dunning Darren L. , Griffiths Kirsty , Kuyken Willem , Crane Catherine , Foulkes Lucy , Parker Jenna , Dalgleish Tim 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundMindfulness based interventions (MBIs) are an increasingly popular way of attempting to improve the behavioural, cognitive and mental health outcomes of children and adolescents, though there is a suggestion that enthusiasm has moved ahead of the evidence base. Most evaluations of MBIs are either uncontrolled or nonrandomized trials. This meta‐analysis aims to establish the efficacy of MBIs for children and adolescents in studies that have adopted a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) design.MethodsA systematic literature search of RCTs of MBIs was conducted up to October 2017. Thirty‐three independent studies including 3,666 children and adolescents were included in random effects meta‐analyses with outcome measures categorized into cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors. Separate random effects meta‐analyses were completed for the seventeen studies (n = 1,762) that used an RCT design with an active control condition.ResultsAcross all RCTs we found significant positive effects of MBIs, relative to controls, for the outcome categories of Mindfulness, Executive Functioning, Attention, Depression, Anxiety/Stress and Negative Behaviours, with small effect sizes (Cohen's d), ranging from .16 to .30. However, when considering only those RCTs with active control groups, significant benefits of an MBI were restricted to the outcomes of Mindfulness (d = .42), Depression (d = .47) and Anxiety/Stress (d = .18) only.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis reinforces the efficacy of using MBIs for improving the mental health and wellbeing of youth as assessed using the gold standard RCT methodology. Future RCT evaluations should incorporate scaled‐up definitive trial designs to further evaluate the robustness of MBIs in youth, with an embedded focus on mechanisms of action.
Evaluation and modeling of a microwave‐assisted unit for continuous flow pasteurization of liquid foods: Residence time distribution, time–temperature history, and integrated lethality
Authors: Siguemoto Érica Sayuri , Pires Marcos Neves , Funcia Eduardo dos Santos , Gut Jorge Andrey Wilhelms 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFocused microwave heaters have potential to replace heat exchangers in continuous flow pasteurization of liquid foods. The objective of this work was to evaluate a pilot scale unit used for microwave assisted pasteurization of low viscosity liquid foods in order to model the heat transfer and residence time distribution (RTD) to, subsequently, predict the average time–temperature history and estimate the level of heat treatment of the process and contributions from each step. RTD data using water showed that it was possible to assume plug‐flow (negligible axial dispersion). Heat transfer experiments using water provided heat transfer coefficients as functions of Reynolds number and microwave power absorption. Mathematical modeling was used to determine the temperature distribution along the product path, and results were validated. Integrated lethality calculated from the time–temperature histories (pasteurization at 70 °C) revealed the contribution of each process step. Results showed that focused microwave heating provided the necessary temperature increase in a very short time, with a lethality contribution of only 0.7% as compared to 59–68% when using only the conventional heat exchanger. The methods described can be useful for the evaluation of other continuous flow pasteurization units processing low viscosity liquid foods.Practical applicationsThe mathematical modeling approach and experimental methods presented herein can be used for the analysis of continuous flow pasteurization systems based on tubular heat exchangers and with low axial dispersion (plug flow), providing temperature and lethality distribution along the product path, showing the contribution from each section on inactivation. Specifically for the equipment used in the experiments, the obtained heat transfer and resident time distribution parameters will be useful to study the processing of low viscosity foods such as fruit juices and nectars on ongoing works from the group.
Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characterization of ‘Nduja, a typical sausage from Calabria, southern Italy
Authors: Chiavari Cristiana , Grazia Luigi , Benevelli Marzia , Faustini Lorena , Coloretti Fabio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPhysicochemical parameters, microbiota, and sensory profile of 13 samples of ‘Nduja, a typical sausage from Calabria, Southern Italy, were determined. The chemical composition is characterized by a wide variability, confirming the differences between the producers' recipes. A common feature is the presence of fibers and sugars due to the addition of pepper (about 25%). The presence of sugars in the ripened product confirms that the fermentations were incomplete, as evidenced by the low counts of lactic acid bacteria and coagulase negative cocci. No spoilage bacteria were found. It has been verified that the pepper limit microbial growth, lowering pH and Aw in the mixture, so that Nduja may be considered a meat preserve, not a fermented sausage. Total biogenic amines content was <200 mg/kg, mainly cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine. Finally, as regards the sensory aspect, a trained panel identified 12 specific descriptors.Practical applicationsAlthough ‘Nduja is produced artisanally and in a circumscribed area, having followed the migratory flows of Calabrian people it is known and diffused worldwide. Despite this diffusion, however, studies of the chemical composition, the microbiological, and the sensory characteristics are poor. This study provides information about the chemical and microbiological composition of different samples of ‘Nduja. The safety aspects, due to the massive addition of peppers, have also been verified. These traits are useful for producers who must guarantee a safe product to consumers. This paper is the first to show the sensory aspects of ‘Nduja in detail, creating a specific sensory profile with proper descriptors. All this information could help in drafting a protocol for Community Protected Geographical Indication when required.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Sometimes more portal than hepatic
Authors: Aller Maria‐Angeles , Arias Natalia , Blanco‐Rivero Javier , Arias Jorge L , Arias Jaime 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHepatic encephalopathy is a severe complication of both chronic and acute liver diseases. The term hepatic encephalopathy stems from the belief that hepatic insufficiency is its fundamental etiopathogenic factor. However, most clinical cases show liver failure along with mesenteric venous portal hypertension. This portal hypertension would explain the abnormal mechanical forces suffered by the digestive tract in the early stages of the disorder. These forces could regulate some gut biochemical pathological pathways in a process known as mechanotransduction. Thus, portal hypertension would begin with the establishment of a mechanotransduced afferent or sensory inflammatory gut‐brain pathway, resulting in functional and structural changes in the central nervous system. In this review, we will revisit the term “hepatic encephalopathy” in light of new results where portal hypertension occurs before liver failure and is accompanied by brain changes. Moreover, we will point out cellular links that can explain the microbiota, immune, gut, and brain axis disturbances found in this disorder.
Comparison of semen characteristics and sperm cryopreservation in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and black‐tufted‐ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata)
Authors: Arakaki Paloma Rocha , Nichi Marcílio , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros , Muniz José Augusto Pereira Carneiro , Guimarães Marcelo Alcindo de Barros Vaz , Valle Rodrigo del Rio do 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is one of the most studied Neotropical primates regarding reproduction. However, little has been reported on the black‐tufted‐ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), which may produce fertile hybrids with other Callithrix. This is the first study to evaluate sperm freezing from black‐tufted‐ear marmoset.MethodsTesticles from all animals were measured, and semen was collected by penile vibrostimulation. Samples were analyzed after collection, after chilling and addition of glycerol, and after thawing.Results and ConclusionsFresh semen from both species was similar in many aspects. Additionally, there is a relationship between total motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity observed in sperm samples from both species. We managed to evaluate fresh and thawed sperm with suitable methods for use under zoo or field conditions. However, TEST egg yolk with glycerol at 4% and 6% concentration was not effective for sperm protection in both species during cryopreservation.
Primed From the Start: Syntactic Priming During the First Days of Language Learning
Authors: Weber Kirsten , Christiansen Morten H. , Indefrey Peter , Hagoort Peter 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNew linguistic information must be integrated into our existing language system. Using a novel experimental task that incorporates a syntactic priming paradigm into artificial language learning, we investigated how new grammatical regularities and words are learned. This innovation allowed us to control the language input the learner received, while the syntactic priming paradigm provided insight into the nature of the underlying syntactic processing machinery. The results of the present study pointed to facilitatory syntactic processing effects within the first days of learning: Syntactic and lexical priming effects revealed participants’ sensitivity to both novel words and word orders. This suggested that novel syntactic structures and their meaning (form–function mapping) can be acquired rapidly through incidental learning. More generally, our study indicated similar mechanisms for learning and processing in both artificial and natural languages, with implications for the relationship between first and second language learning.
Egalitarianism: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Bagnoli Lidia , Negroni Giorgio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTwo parties bargain over a pie, the size of which is determined by their previous investment decisions. Investment costs are heterogenoeus. The bargaining rule is sensitive to investment behavior. Our main result is that egalitarianism is more likely to emerge in situations in which private property over the fruits of one's own independent investment is not secured.
The superiority of three‐dimensional physical models to two‐dimensional computer presentations in anatomy learning
Authors: Wainman Bruce , Wolak Liliana , Pukas Giancarlo , Zheng Eric , Norman Geoffrey R 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundAlthough several studies (Anat Sci Educ, 8 [6], 525, 2015) have shown that computer‐based anatomy programs (three‐dimensional visualisation technology [3DVT]) are inferior to ordinary physical models (PMs), the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we explored three mechanisms: haptic feedback, transfer‐appropriate processing and stereoscopic vision.MethodsThe test of these hypotheses required nine groups of 20 students: two from a previous study (Anat Sci Educ, 6 [4], 211, 2013) and seven new groups. (i) To explore haptic feedback from physical models, participants in one group were allowed to touch the model during learning; in the other group, they could not; (ii) to test ‘transfer‐appropriate processing’ (TAP), learning ( PM or 3DVT) was crossed with testing (cadaver or two‐dimensional display of cadaver); (iii) finally, to examine the role of stereo vision, we tested groups who had the non‐dominant eye covered during learning and testing, during learning, or not at all, on both PM and 3DVT. The test was a 15‐item short‐answer test requiring naming structures on a cadaver pelvis. A list of names was provided.ResultsThe test of haptic feedback showed a large advantage of the PM over 3DVT regardless of whether or not participants had haptic feedback: 67% correct for the PM with haptic feedback, 69% for PM without haptic feedback, versus 41% for 3DVT (p < 0.0001). In the study of TAP, the PM had an average score of 74% versus 43% for 3DVT (p < 0.0001) regardless of two‐dimensional versus three‐dimensional test outcome. The third study showed that the large advantage of the PM over 3DVT (28%) with binocular vision nearly disappeared (5%) when the non‐dominant eye was covered for both learning and testing.ConclusionsA physical model is superior to a computer projection, primarily as a consequence of stereoscopic vision with the PM. The results have implications for the use of digital technology in spatial learning.
Challenges, success factors and pitfalls: implementation of distributed medical education
Authors: Saxena Anurag , Lawrence Kathy , Desanghere Loni , Smith‐Windsor Tom , White Gill , Florizone Dan , McGartland Sinead , Stobart Kent 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThere are only a few descriptive reports on the implementation of distributed medical education (DME) and these provide accounts of successful implementation from the senior leadership perspective. In Saskatchewan, over a period of 4 years (2010–2014), four family medicine residency sites were established and two additional sites could not be developed. The aim of this study was to identify challenges, success factors and pitfalls in DME implementation based upon experiences of multiple stakeholders with both successful and unsuccessful outcomes.MethodsData were obtained through document analysis (n = 64, spanning 2009–2016; perspectives of government, senior leadership, management and learners), focus groups of management and operations personnel (n = 10) and interviews of senior leaders (n = 4). Challenges and success factors were ascertained through categorisation. Iterative coding guided by three sensitising frameworks was used to determine themes in organisational dynamics.ResultsBoth challenges and success factors included contextual variables, governance, inter‐ and intra‐organisational relationships (most common success factor), resources (most common challenge), the learning environment and pedagogy. Management and operations were only a challenge. Organisational themes affecting the outcome and the pitfalls included the pace of development across multiple sites, collaborative governance, continuity in senior leadership, operations alignment and reconciliation of competing goals.ConclusionsEmerging opportunities for DME can be leveraged through collaborative governance, aligned operations and resolution of competing goals, even in constrained contexts, to translate political will into success; however, there are pitfalls that need to be avoided. Our findings based upon multi‐stakeholder perspectives add to the body of knowledge on deployment, carefully considering the conditions for success and associated pitfalls.
Baseline concentration of misfolded α‐synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid predicts risk of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ning H. , Wu Q. , Han D. , Yao T. , Wang J. , Lu W. , Lv S. , Jia Q. , Li X. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe prognostic significance of misfolded α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) aggregates in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been well investigated. The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between misfolded α‐Syn aggregate concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cognitive decline risk in PD.MethodsA total of 278 patients with PD were retrospectively included. They were diagnosed between 2011 and 2013. The end‐point was 2016, and the follow‐up period was 54.3 ± 10.0 months. Cognitive decline was defined as a 4‐point decrease in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score during follow‐up. Misfolded α‐Syn aggregate concentration in baseline CSF was measured using the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique. Time to reach 50% of the maximum fluorescence value was recorded.ResultsThe PMCA technique successfully detected the level of misfolded α‐Syn aggregates in CSF with a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 91.4%. The time to reach 50% of the maximum fluorescence value was shorter in the patients with cognitive decline than in the patients without cognitive decline (190.7 ± 40.1 h vs. 240.8 ± 45.6 h, P < 0.001). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that reaching 50% of the maximum fluorescence value in ≤219 h at baseline was associated with increased risk of cognitive decline during the follow‐up (HR: 4.90, 95% CI: 2.75–8.74, P < 0.001).ConclusionBaseline concentration of misfolded α‐Syn aggregates in CSF measured by the PMCA technique predicts risk of cognitive decline in PD.