Microgranitic Enclaves as Products of Self-mixing Events: a Study of Open-system Processes in the Maua Granite, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Based on in situ Isotopic and Trace Elements in Plagioclase

Felsic microgranular enclaves with structures indicating that they interacted in a plastic state with their chemically similar host granite are abundant in the Maua Pluton, SE Brazil. Larger plagioclase xenocrysts are in textural disequilibrium with the enclave groundmass and show complex zoning patterns with partially resorbed An-rich cores (locally with patchy textures) surrounded by more sodic rims. In situ laser ablation-(multi-collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry trace element and Sr isotopic analyses performed on the plagioclase xenocrysts indicate open-system crystallization; however, no evidence of derivation from more primitive basic melts is observed. The An-rich cores have more radiogenic initial Sr isotopic ratios that decrease towards the outermost part of the rims, which are in isotopic equilibrium with the matrix plagioclase. These profiles may have been produced by either (1) diffusional re-equilibration after rim crystallization from the enclave-forming magma, as indicated by relatively short calculated residence times, or (2) episodic contamination with a decrease of the contaminant ratio proportional to the extent to which the country rocks were isolated by the crystallization front. Profiles of trace elements with high diffusion coefficients would require unrealistically long residence times, and can be modeled in terms of fractional crystallization. A combination of trace element and Sr isotope data suggests that the felsic microgranular enclaves from the Maua Pluton are the products of interaction between end-member magmas that had similar compositions, thus recording `self-mixing` events.

On the discrete time dynamics of a self-stabilizing MCA learning algorithm

The stability of minor component analysis (MCA) learning algorithms is an important problem in many signal processing applications. In this paper, we propose an effective MCA learning algorithm that can offer better stability. The dynamics of the proposed algorithm are analyzed via a corresponding deterministic discrete time (DDT) system. It is proven that if the learning rate satisfies some mild conditions, almost all trajectories of the DDT system starting from points in an invariant set are bounded, and will converge to the minor component of the autocorrelation matrix of the input data. Simulation results will be furnished to illustrate the theoretical results achieved.

Avoiding Stereotyping and enhancing intercultural understanding

Anecdotally, language learners often struggle to acquire in­tercultural understanding. Teaching intercultural understanding presents significant challenges for language teachers. This article offers some in-sights into language learners' intercultural understanding and strategies to help enhance intercultural understanding that seek to promote analyti­cal and critical thinking. The aim is to build on the principles of the emerging pedagogy of Intercultural Language Learning (1cLL). IcLL suggests there is a 'third place', where cultures overlap. IcLL acknowl­edges the importance of identifying with the 'other', whilst not denying the 'self'. Intercultural competence requires sensitivity to difference, an ability to identify with others and to critically reflect on one's own cul­tural background.

Psychometric validation of the Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R) in UK adults with type 2 diabetes using data from the AT.LANTUS follow-on study.

Background:
Achieving optimal outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involves several demanding self-care behaviours, e.g. managing diet, activity, medications, monitoring glucose levels, footcare. The Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R) is valid for use in people with T2DM in the US. Our aim was to determine its suitability for use in the UK.

Self-regulation of older drivers with cognitive impairment : a systematic review

Background
Cognitive decline contributes significantly to the safety risk of older drivers. Some drivers may be able to compensate for the increased crash risk by avoiding complex driving situations or restricting their driving.

Objective and Method
A comprehensive English-language systematic review was conducted to determine the level of evidence for older adult drivers with cognitive impairment engaging in self-regulation.

Results
Twelve studies were included in the review. The majority of studies investigated driver avoidance, followed by driver restriction. Few studies ascertained the reasons for changing driving behaviour.

Conclusions
The evidence supports the view that drivers with cognitive impairment do restrict their driving and avoid complex driving situations. However, it remains to be determined whether the drivers who do engage in self-regulation require insight into their own driving abilities or whether external factors result in self-regulation of driving behaviour.

Barriers to avoiding fast-food consumption in an environment supportive of unhealthy eating

Objective
To investigate factors (ability, motivation and the environment) that act as barriers to limiting fast-food consumption in women who live in an environment that is supportive of poor eating habits.

Design
Cross-sectional study using self-reports of individual-level data and objectively measured environmental data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with frequency of fast-food consumption.

Setting
Socio-economically disadvantaged areas in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

Subjects
Women (n 932) from thirty-two socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods living within 3 km of six or more fast-food restaurants. Women were randomly sampled in 2007–2008 as part of baseline data collection for the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI) study.

Results
Consuming low amounts of fast food was less likely in women with lower perceived ability to shop for and cook healthy foods, lower frequency of family dining, lower family support for healthy eating, more women acquaintances who eat fast food regularly and who lived further from the nearest supermarket. When modelled with the other significant factors, a lower perceived shopping ability, mid levels of family support and living further from the nearest supermarket remained significant. Among those who did not perceive fruits and vegetables to be of high quality, less frequent fast-food consumption was further reduced for those with the lowest confidence in their shopping ability.

Conclusions
Interventions designed to improve women's ability and opportunities to shop for healthy foods may be of value in making those who live in high-risk environments better able to eat healthily.

Non-suicidal self-injury : attachment in specific relationships and experiences of emotion and coping

 Two studies examined associations between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), emotion dysregulation, attachment, and alexithymia. Using cross-sectional and ecological momentary assessment methods, results revealed that attachment variables were correlated with NSSI, and that emotion dysregulation partially explained this association, with participants with NSSI reporting higher levels of negative affect and greater fluctuations in affect across time.

Individual differences in intention to fake job interviews: Personality, self-monitoring, and the theory of planned behaviour

When job applicants lie in job interviews, they can deprive a more honest candidate of a job and deprive an organisation of the best employees. To better understand job interview faking, the present study examined the effect of general dispositions and domain-specific beliefs on the intention to fake job interviews. A community sample of 313 participants completed measures of personality (i.e., extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness) and self-monitoring, and a domain-specific measure of beliefs about faking job interviews based on the theory of planned behaviour, which measured attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. Results indicated that the measure of attitudes was the strongest predictor of intention to fake. In line with the compatibility principle, the domain-specific measures based on the theory of planned behaviour correlated much more strongly with intentions to fake job interviews than did the general measures of personality or self-monitoring. Of the dispositional measures, lower conscientiousness, higher neuroticism, and higher self-monitoring was associated with greater intention to fake job interviews. The findings support a model whereby the effect of personality on intentions is partially mediated by domain-specific beliefs.

Fear of self, doubt and obsessive compulsive symptoms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Following observations in the literature that obsessions often contain or imply negative evaluative information about the self, Aardema et al. (2013) recently developed a measure of feared-self relevant to OCD. The current study aimed to provide further examination of the relevance of such feared self-beliefs to obsessive compulsive processes - in particular whether they partially underlie doubt in OCD-relevant situations. METHOD: Nonclinical participants (N = 463; 291 females; Mage = 25.17, SD = 7.47), were presented with three vignettes, related to washing, checking and non-OCD relevant themes, which assessed doubt through providing alternating sensory and possibility-based information. RESULTS: Higher levels of OCD symptoms and feared-self beliefs both significantly predicted both higher baseline levels of doubt and greater fluctuation in levels of doubt in both the contamination and checking scenarios, and to a much lesser extent in the control scenario. Feared-self beliefs did not predict fluctuation in doubt over-and-above OCD symptoms, consistent with a mediation model. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation was the use of a non-clinical sample, although this allowed sufficient participant numbers to test hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provided further experimental support for reasoning processes in OCD, and suggested that feared self-beliefs may make individuals vulnerable to experiencing doubt. Additionally, these results suggested that individuals with high OCD symptoms and those with high feared self-beliefs are unable to recognise the improbable nature of possibility-based statements. Implications for treatment and theory are discussed.

Estudo exploratório da deposição de filmes de diamante em alguns substratos cerâmicos

o presente trabalho é um estudo exploratório a respeito da síntese de filmes de diamante via deposiçãoquímica a vapor (CVD) sobre alguns substratos cerâmicos: diboreto de titânio (TiB2), ítria (Y20a), zircão (ZrSi04), zircônia parcialmente e totalmente estabilizada com ítria (Zr02), pirofilita ( Al2Si4OlO(OHh), .alumina (Al2Oa) e nitreto de boro hexagonal (h-BN). Estes substratos foram produzidos, em sua maioria, a partir da sinterização de pós micrométricos em altas temperaturas. Além do estudo em relação a possíveis candidatos alternativos ao tradicional silício para o crescimento de filmes auto-sustentáveis, procuramos encontrar substratos onde o filme aderisse bem e cujas propriedades tribológicas pudessem ser melhoradas com o recobrimento com filme de diamante.Dentre os materiais selecionados, constatamos que a topografia da superfície relacionada à densidade de contornos de grão, desempenha um papel relevante na nucleação do diamante. Além disso, os materiais que favorecem a formação de carbonetos conduziram a melhores resultados na nucleação e crescimento do filme, indicando que a ação da atmosfera reativa do CVD com o substrato também contribui decisivamente para o processo de nucleação. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluímos que a aderência do filme de diamante ao zircão é excelente, assim como a qualidade do filme, o que pode serexplorado convenientemente caso as propriedades mecânicas do sinterizado de zircão sejam adequadas. No caso da zircônia parcialmente estabilizada, os resultados obtidos foram surpreendentes e este material poderia substituir o convencional substrato de silício para a deposição de filmes auto-sustentados de diamante, com inúmeras vantagens, dentre elas o fato de ser reutilizável e de não ser necessário ataque com ácidos para remoção do substrato, o que evita a geração de resíduos químicos.

Effect of partially demineralized dentin beneath the hybrid layer on dentin-adhesive interface micromechanics

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Self-Organizing Maps of Molecular Descriptors for Sesquiterpene Lactones and Their Application to the Chemotaxonomy of the Asteraceae Family

The Asteraceae, one of the largest families among angiosperms, is chemically characterised by the production of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs). A total of 1,111 SLs, which were extracted from 658 species, 161 genera, 63 subtribes and 15 tribes of Asteraceae, were represented and registered in two dimensions in the SISTEMATX, an in-house software system, and were associated with their botanical sources. The respective 11 block of descriptors: Constitutional, Functional groups, BCUT, Atom-centred, 2D autocorrelations, Topological, Geometrical, RDF, 3D-MoRSE, GETAWAY and WHIM were used as input data to separate the botanical occurrences through self-organising maps. Maps that were generated with each descriptor divided the Asteraceae tribes, with total index values between 66.7% and 83.6%. The analysis of the results shows evident similarities among the Heliantheae, Helenieae and Eupatorieae tribes as well as between the Anthemideae and Inuleae tribes. Those observations are in agreement with systematic classifications that were proposed by Bremer, which use mainly morphological and molecular data, therefore chemical markers partially corroborate with these classifications. The results demonstrate that the atom-centred and RDF descriptors can be used as a tool for taxonomic classification in low hierarchical levels, such as tribes. Descriptors obtained through fragments or by the two-dimensional representation of the SL structures were sufficient to obtain significant results, and better results were not achieved by using descriptors derived from three-dimensional representations of SLs. Such models based on physico-chemical properties can project new design SLs, similar structures from literature or even unreported structures in two-dimensional chemical space. Therefore, the generated SOMs can predict the most probable tribe where a biologically active molecule can be found according Bremer classification.

Nanotechnology control of self organized biomolecules and biomaterials for medical research

Nanotechnology entails the manufacturing and manipulation of matter at length scales ranging from single atoms to micron-sized objects. The ability to address properties on the biologically-relevant nanometer scale has made nanotechnology attractive for Nanomedicine. This is perceived as a great opportunity in healthcare especially in diagnostics, therapeutics and more in general to develop personalized medicine. Nanomedicine has the potential to enable early detection and prevention, and to improve diagnosis, mass screening, treatment and follow-up of many diseases. From the biological standpoint, nanomaterials match the typical size of naturally occurring functional units or components of living organisms and, for this reason, enable more effective interaction with biological systems. Nanomaterials have the potential to influence the functionality and cell fate in the regeneration of organs and tissues. To this aim, nanotechnology provides an arsenal of techniques for intervening, fabricate, and modulate the environment where cells live and function. Unconventional micro- and nano-fabrication techniques allow patterning biomolecules and biocompatible materials down to the level of a few nanometer feature size. Patterning is not simply a deterministic placement of a material; in a more extended acception it allows a controlled fabrication of structures and gradients of different nature. Gradients are emerging as one of the key factors guiding cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and even differentiation in the case of stem cells. The main goal of this thesis has been to devise a nanotechnology-based strategy and tools to spatially and temporally control biologically-relevant phenomena in-vitro which are important in some fields of medical research.

Fluctuation properties in random walks on networks and simple integrate and fire models

In questa tesi si è studiato l’insorgere di eventi critici in un semplice modello neurale del tipo Integrate and Fire, basato su processi dinamici stocastici markoviani definiti su una rete. Il segnale neurale elettrico è stato modellato da un flusso di particelle. Si è concentrata l’attenzione sulla fase transiente del sistema, cercando di identificare fenomeni simili alla sincronizzazione neurale, la quale può essere considerata un evento critico. Sono state studiate reti particolarmente semplici, trovando che il modello proposto ha la capacità di produrre effetti "a cascata" nell’attività neurale, dovuti a Self Organized Criticality (auto organizzazione del sistema in stati instabili); questi effetti non vengono invece osservati in Random Walks sulle stesse reti. Si è visto che un piccolo stimolo random è capace di generare nell’attività della rete delle fluttuazioni notevoli, in particolar modo se il sistema si trova in una fase al limite dell’equilibrio. I picchi di attività così rilevati sono stati interpretati come valanghe di segnale neurale, fenomeno riconducibile alla sincronizzazione.