The holistic phase model of early adult crisis

The objective of the current study was to explore the structural, temporal and experiential manifestations of crisis episodes in early adulthood, using a holistic-systemic theoretical framework. Based on an analysis of 50 interviews with individuals about a crisis episode between the ages of 25 and 35, a holistic model was developed. The model comprises four phases: (1) Locked-in, (2) Separation/Time-out, (3) Exploration and (4) Rebuilding, which in turn have characteristic features at four levels—person-in-environment, identity, motivation and affect-cognition. A crisis starts out with a commitment at work or home that has been made but is no longer desired, and this is followed by an emotionally volatile period of change as that commitment is terminated. The positive trajectory of crisis involves movement through an exploratory period towards active rebuilding of a new commitment, but ‘fast-forward’ and ‘relapse’ loops can interrupt Phases 3 and 4 and make a positive resolution of the episode less likely. The model shows conceptual links with life stage theories of emerging adulthood and early adulthood, and it extends current understandings of the transitional developmental challenges that young adults encounter

Predicting the behaviour of near-critical and supercritical alcohols at microwave frequencies: Validation of molecular dynamic simulations as a tool that can substitute for measurements under extreme experimental conditions

Equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamic simulations, predicting the dielectric properties of near-critical and supercritical methanol and ethanol at microwave frequencies have been carried out. The autocorrelation functions of the dielectric relaxation, show dependency on the slow component at the near-critical region for both alcohols. At the supercritical region, two competing relaxation mechanisms are observed, related to the large breakdown of the hydrogen-bonding network and the degree of clustering between the molecules. This approach closely matches experimental data at microwave frequencies and identical temperature and pressure conditions, validating the predictions of how the molecular structure and dynamics manifest themselves into the complex permittivity and dielectric relaxation behaviour. Thus, introducing a modelling-based solution to deliver accurate dielectric property values for materials at supercritical conditions for “a priori” screening of solvents, whilst removing the need to overcome engineering and safety challenges associated with the development of experimental equipment to practically generate such data

Dissecting the role of iASPP, a novel crucial regulator of epidermal homeostasis, in squamous cell carcinoma

Funding via British Skin FoundationFunding via British Skin FoundationFunding via British Skin FoundationPrevious data have unveiled a novel autoregulatory feedback loop between iASPP and p63 in the stratified epithelia; this involves two microRNAs, miR-574-3p and miR-720, and is critical for epidermal homeostasis. The iASPP oncoprotein, an inhibitory member of the ASPP (apoptosis stimulating protein of p53) family, is a key inhibitor of p53 and NF-κB and is highly expressed in many cancers. Non-melanoma skin cancer, comprising of cutaneous squamous carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma, is currently the most common malignancy in the UK. In view of this newly-identified iASPP-p63 axis, I hypothesised a potential role for dysregulation of this feedback loop in the pathogenesis of cSCC and aimed to assess the role of iASPP in human cSCC. Protein and mRNA expression patterns were assessed in a panel of 10 cSCC cell lines generated by our group. In addition, immunostaining of iASPP and p63 was performed in 107 cSCC clinical samples of variable differentiation status. The data reveal an overall increase in expression of iASPP and ΔNp63 in cSCC but also suggest a significant alteration of the cellular localisation of iASPP dependent on the differentiation status of the tumour. To further assess the effects mediated by the iASPP/p63 axis, iASPP and p63 have been silenced by RNAi technology in a subset of cSCC cell lines. Whilst data shows the direct effects of iASPP and p63 upon each other’s expression are maintained in cSCC, epigenetic dysregulation of the feedback loop at the microRNA level may be occurring via a novel p63 regulator, miR-211-5p. Functionality of iASPP in cSCC (proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility/migration and invasiveness) provides evidence for a role of iASPP in preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cSCC via a p63/miR-205-5. These findings provide potential future directions for development of clinical biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cSCC and may ultimately provide the tools for tackling the increasing morbidity and mortality associated with this malignancy.British Skin Foundatio

Precise predictions for Λb → Λc semileptonic decays

We calculate the Λb→Λc?ν form factors and decay rates for all possible b→c?ν four-Fermi interactions beyond the Standard Model, including nonzero charged lepton masses and terms up to order αsΛQCD/mc,b and ΛQCD2/mc2 in the heavy quark effective theory. At this order, we obtain model independent predictions for semileptonic Λb→Λc decays in terms of only two unknown sub-subleading Isgur-Wise functions, which can be determined from fitting LHCb and lattice QCD data. We thus obtain model independent results for Λb→Λc?ν decays, including predictions for the ratio R(Λc)=B(Λb→Λcτν)/B(Λb→Λcμν) in the presence of new physics, that are more precise than prior results in the literature, and systematically improvable with better data on the decays with μ (or e) in the final state. We also explore tests of factorization in Λb→Λcπ decays, and we emphasize the importance of measuring at LHCb the double differential rate d2Γ(Λb→Λc?ν)/(dq2dcosθ), in addition to the q2 spectrum

Understanding Lateritic Ore Agglomeration Behaviour as a Precursor to Enhanced Heap Leaching

Although nickel (Ni) laterite ores constitute the majority of Ni mineralization resource world-wide, in contrast to Ni sulphides, their processing via conventional beneficiation (e.g. multi-gravity and flotation) and hydrometallurgical routes is intractable as they are predominantly low grade and complex, both mineralogically and chemically. Due to their physico-chemical character-istics, low grade lateritic ores require more aggressive but costly chemical and hydrometallurgical techniques (e.g., leaching in high pressurized tanks) for value metal (Ni and Co) extraction. Processing such ores through cost-competitive heap (4-10 m high) leaching as an alternative, requires successful agglomeration of the feed into robust and porous granules. To date, produc-ing of granules with desirable attributes poses a major geotechnical challenge to industry. In the present work, we investigate agglomeration behaviour of siliceous goethite Ni laterite ore and selected oxides and clay minerals (hematite, quartz and kao-linite) which constitute the predominant host gangue phases of typical low grade Ni laterite ores. Fundamental knowledge and understanding of the agglomeration mechanisms and kinetics which are essential for producing robust real ore granules, and pivotal to the subsequent heap leaching process, are gleaned. Isothermal, batch agglomeration tests involving 30 and 44 % w/w sulphuric acid solution as a binder indicated that 5 – 40 mm granules of differing roughness and morphologies were produced in 8-14 min. The results showed feed characteristics (e.g., mineralogy and particle size distribution) and binder content (15-25 wt.%) dependent agglomeration behaviour. Slow agglomerate nucleation and growth were displayed by the kaolinite clay min-eral whilst the oxides exhibited faster agglomeration kinetics. Siliceous goethite feed ore fine/coarse ratio, H2SO4 binder dosage and acid content, product drying temperature and aging conditions, all showed significant impact on agglomeration mecha-nisms (e.g., particle wetting, nucleation and growth processes) and granule attributes (e.g., size and strength). Agglomerates strength increased with increasing fine/coarse particle ratio

Urban water demand forecasting and demand management: Research needs review and recommendations

Urban Water Demand Forecasting and Demand Management - Research Needs Review and Recommendations This study undertook a preliminary investigation of current research into urban water demand. The objective was to conduct a preliminary review of this field, to provide the beginnings of a comprehensive database of industry knowledge in this area and to identify research gaps. It is anticipated that this will lead to a more considered approach to research funding by the Australian water industry and maximise the potential for transparency and collaboratio

Psychopharmacological characterisation of the successive negative contrast effect in rats

Rationale Successive negative contrast (SNC) describes a change in the behaviour of an animal following a downshift in the quantitative or qualitative value of an expected reward. This behavioural response has been hypothesised to be linked to affective state, with negative states associated with larger and/or prolonged shifts in behaviour. Objective This study has investigated whether different psychopharmacological treatments have dissociable actions on the SNC effect in rats and related these findings to their actions on different neurotransmitter systems and affective state. Methods Animals were trained to perform a nose-poke response to obtain a high-value food reward (four pellets). SNC was quantified during devalue sessions in which the reward was reduced to one pellet. Using a within-subject study design, the effects of acute treatment with anxiolytic, anxiogenic, antidepressant and dopaminergic drugs were investigated during both baseline (four pellets) or devalue sessions (one pellet). Results The indirect dopamine agonist, amphetamine, attenuated the SNC effect whilst the D1/D2 antagonist, alpha-flupenthixol, potentiated it. The antidepressant citalopram, anxiolytic buspirone and anxiogenic FG7142 had no specific effects on SNC, although FG7142 induced general impairments at higher doses. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, increased premature responding but had no specific effect on SNC. Results for the anxiolytic diazepam were mixed with one group showing an attenuation of the SNC effect whilst the other showed no effect. Conclusions These data suggest that the SNC effect is mediated, at least in part, by dopamine signalling. The SNC effect may also be attenuated by benzodiazepine anxiolytics

Global data for ecology and epidemiology: a novel algorithm for temporal Fourier processing MODIS data

Background. Remotely-sensed environmental data from earth-orbiting satellites are increasingly used to model the distribution and abundance of both plant and animal species, especially those of economic or conservation importance. Time series of data from the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors on-board NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites offer the potential to capture environmental thermal and vegetation seasonality, through temporal Fourier analysis, more accurately than was previously possible using the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor data. MODIS data are composited over 8- or 16-day time intervals that pose unique problems for temporal Fourier analysis. Applying standard techniques to MODIS data can introduce errors of up to 30% in the estimation of the amplitudes and phases of the Fourier harmonics. Methodology/Principal Findings. We present a novel spline-based algorithm that overcomes the processing problems of composited MODIS data. The algorithm is tested on artificial data generated using randomly selected values of both amplitudes and phases, and provides an accurate estimate of the input variables under all conditions. The algorithm was then applied to produce layers that capture the seasonality in MODIS data for the period from 2001 to 2005. Conclusions/Significance. Global temporal Fourier processed images of 1 km MODIS data for Middle Infrared Reflectance, day- and night-time Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) are presented for ecological and epidemiological applications. The finer spatial and temporal resolution, combined with the greater geolocational and spectral accuracy of the MODIS instruments, compared with previous multi-temporal data sets, mean that these data may be used with greater confidence in species' distribution modelling

Drivers of menstrual material disposal and washing practices: A systematic review

Background Disposal and washing facilities and services for menstrual materials are often designed based upon technical specifications rather than an in-depth understanding of what drives peoples’ choices of practices. Objectives and data sources This systematic review identified and summarised the main behavioural drivers pertaining to the choice of disposal and washing practices of menstrual materials through the thematic content analysis and study appraisal of 82 publications (80 studies) on menstrual health and hygiene published since 1999, reporting the outcomes of primary research across 26 countries. Results Disposal and washing behaviours are primarily driven by the physical state of sanitation facilities; however, this is intrinsically linked to taboos surrounding and knowledge of menstruation. Implications Using reasons given for disposal and washing practices by menstruators or those who know them well, or inferred by authors of the reviewed studies, we identify the key considerations needed to design facilities and services which best suit the desired behaviours of both planners and those who menstruate. Inclusivity The term menstruators is used throughout to encompass all those mentioned in the studies reviewed (girls and women); although no studies explicitly stated including non-binary or transgender participants, this review uses inclusive language that represents the spectrum of genders that may experience menstruation. Registration The review protocol is registered on PROSPERO: 42019140029