²³⁰Th normalization: New insights on an essential tool for quantifying sedimentary fluxes in the modern and Quaternary ocean

²³⁰Th‐normalization is a valuable paleoceanographic tool for reconstructing high‐resolution sediment fluxes during the late Pleistocene (last ~500,000 years). As its application has expanded to ever more diverse marine environments, the nuances of ²³⁰Th systematics, with regards to particle type, particle size, lateral advective/diffusive redistribution, and other processes, have emerged. We synthesized over 1000 sedimentary records of ²³⁰Th from across the global ocean at two time slices, the Late Holocene (0‐5000 years ago, or 0‐5 ka) and the Last Glacial Maximum (18.5‐23.5 ka), and investigated the spatial structure of ²³⁰Th‐normalized mass fluxes. On a global scale, sedimentary mass fluxes were significantly higher during the Last Glacial Maximum (1.79‐2.17 g/cm²kyr, 95% confidence) relative to the Holocene (1.48‐1.68 g/cm²kyr, 95% confidence). We then examined the potential confounding influences of boundary scavenging, nepheloid layers, hydrothermal scavenging, size dependent sediment fractionation, and carbonate dissolution on the efficacy of ²³⁰Th as a constant flux proxy. Anomalous ²³⁰Th behavior is sometimes observed proximal to hydrothermal ridges and in continental margins where high particle fluxes and steep continental slopes can lead to the combined effects of boundary scavenging and nepheloid interference. Notwithstanding these limitations, we found that ²³⁰Th‐normalization is a robust tool for determining sediment mass accumulation rates in the majority of pelagic marine settings (> 1000 m water depth)

Quartic anomalous couplings at LEP

The search for quartic anomalous gauge couplings at LEP requires appropriate predictions for the radiative processes e+ e- \to \nu\bar\nu \gamma\gamma, e+ e- \to q\bar{q}\gamma\gamma and e+ e- \to 4 fermions+\gamma. Matrix elements are exactly computed at the tree level, and the effects of anomalous couplings and initial-state radiation are included. Comparisons with results and approximations existing in the literature are shown and commented. Improved versions of the event generators NUNUGPV and WRAP are made available for experimental analysis.Comment: LaTeX, 12 pages, 5 figures. Minor changes, version to appear in Phys. Lett.

Magic mirror on the wall: Selfie-related behavior as mediator of the relationship between narcissism and problematic smartphone use

Objective: Recent research has suggested that problematic smartphone use is associated with several psychological factors and that mobile apps and smartphone-related behavior (i.e. selfi e behavior) may encourage the development of problematic smartphone use. However, little is known about how the interplay between dysfunctional personality characteristics and selfi e-related behavior can infl uence problematic smartphone use. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between narcissism and problematic smartphone use, as well as the mediating role of selfi e-related behavior in this relationship among young men and women. Method: In the current study, a total of 627 undergraduate students (283 males and 344 females) completed a cross-sectional survey. A structural equation model was tested separately for males and females in order to evaluate the associations between narcissism, selfi e-related behavior and problematic smartphone use. Results: The results showed that greater narcissism was related to increased selfi e-related behavior, which in turn were positively associated with problematic smartphone use both for males and females. However, selfi e-related behavior mediated the relationship between narcissism and problematic smartphone use only for females. Conclusions: The study provides fresh insight into our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying problematic smartphone use, which may inform prevention and treatment interventions