Effects Of Intrinsic Factors Research Articles

Microwave dielectric properties and sintering behavior of a novel low-cost lightweight,middle-εr Na2Ti6O13 ceramics

In order to develop novel lightweight low-cost microwave dielectric ceramics (MDCs), middle-εr Na2Ti6O13 ceramics were prepared by a traditional solid-state reaction method and the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties ((MDPs) were investigated. The detailed structural parameters of the Na2Ti6O13 ceramics were obtained by X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement, and the chemical bond characteristics of the structures were further studied using Raman spectroscopy. The relative density of the ceramics and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that density and porosity are important factors affecting the dielectric properties of the samples. Based on the acquired Raman spectra and complex chemical bond theory (P–V–L theory), the chemical bond properties were calculated and analyzed, and the effects of intrinsic factors on the MDPs were investigated. The MDPs of Na2Ti6O13 ceramic sintered at 1025 °C were as follows: εr = 34.3, Q×f = 33660 GHz, and τf = 40.3 ppm/°C.

Contrasting patterns of population structure of Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) between oceans revealed by statistical phylogeography

The patterns of population divergence of mid-latitude marine birds are impacted by only a few biogeographic barriers to dispersal and the effect of intrinsic factors, such as fidelity to natal colonies or wintering grounds, may become more conspicuous. Here we describe, for the first time, the phylogeographic patterns and historical demography of Bulwer’s petrel Bulweria bulwerii and provide new insights regarding the drivers of species diversification in the marine environment. We sampled Bulwer’s petrels from the main breeding colonies and used a statistical phylogeography approach based on surveying nuclear and mitochondrial loci (~ 9100 bp) to study its mechanisms of global diversification. We uncovered three highly differentiated groups including the Western Pacific, the Central Pacific and the Atlantic. The older divergence occurred within the Pacific Ocean, ca. 850,000 ya, and since then the W Pacific group has been evolving in isolation. Conversely, divergence between the Central Pacific and Atlantic populations occurred within the last 200,000 years. While the Isthmus of Panama is important in restricting gene flow between oceans in Bulwer’s petrels, the deepest phylogeographic break is within the Pacific Ocean, where oceanographic barriers are key in driving and maintaining the remarkable structure found in this highly mobile seabird. This is in contrast with the Atlantic, where no structure was detected. Further data will provide insights regarding the extent of lineage divergence of Bulwer’s petrels in the Western Pacific.

Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in blood from red deer developing antlers

Sexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the stag reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler development are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT-PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine antler development in red deer.

Correlation between crystal structure and enhanced microwave dielectric characteristics of wolframite-structure Mg0.5Zr0.5NbO4 ceramics

An effective and simple synthesis of high-performance materials exerts a significant influence on low-cost commercial production with high production efficiency. In the present work, the effects of intrinsic factors on the microwave dielectric properties of reaction-sintering Mg0.5Zr0.5NbO4 ceramics were quantified through crystal chemistry, Raman analysis, and bond characteristics. Pure-phase and low-loss Mg0.5Zr0.5NbO4 ceramics were synthesized with an effective and simple reaction-sintering procedure. Detailed Raman vibrations with complete mode assignments were firstly investigated to characterize the lattice vibration. Rietveld refinement and Raman analysis confirmed the formation of pure-phase MgZrNb2O8 ceramics even with the reaction-sintering process. Moreover, well-distributed microstructure with enhanced densification (nearly full density) was verified through SEM and element mapping. Through the chemical bond theory, the dielectric constant was dominated by the Nb–O bond ionicity (fiNb-O). The Q × f was strongly related to the lattice energy (UNb–O) and bond energy (ENb-O) of the Nb–O bond, while the τf value was influenced by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the Mg–O bond (αMg-O), providing guidance for performance modification of Mg0.5Zr0.5NbO4 systems. Excellent microwave dielectric properties for the samples sintered at 1350 °C: εr = 28.6, Q × f = 82,000 GHz (7.1 GHz) and τf = −47 ppm/°C were obtained via the reaction sintering process, exhibiting enormous potential for industrial production.

A comprehensive study of pyrazine-contained and low-temperature curable polyimide

One challenge in tailoring polyimide (PI) for microelectronics is to obtain excellent properties of films when cured at low temperature. To meet this challenge, this study put forwards an investigation of pyrazine moieties incorporated polyimide, which is comprehensively investigated on curing temperature dependence with thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. Self-catalytic effect stemming from pyrazine moiety has a significant improvement on imidization degree of PI films from 10.1% to 13.3% under 200 °C as revealed with ATR-FTIR spectrum. The resulting low temperature cured polyimide films with higher imidization degree exhibit excellent comprehensively properties. It is demonstrated that PI-1 shows high tensile strength (136 MPa), high Young's modulus (3.4 GPa) and low CTE value (4.7 ppm/°C) when cured at 200 °C. Besides, the temperature for 5% weight loss as high as 556 °C and glass transition temperature (Tg) as 367 °C of the PI film turn out to be superior thermal stability. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to get a theoretical perspective on the effect of intrinsic factors on a microscopic level associated with the molecular structure of the polyimides to gain a deeper view on the effect of imidizaiton degree on the Tg, chain mobility and conformational rigidity. This research gives a comprehensive study of pyrazine constructed polyimide for low-temperature cured polyimide and paves a way for its application in the microelectronics.

Effect of intrinsic factors on farmers’ willingness to pay on the success of artificial insemination of Bali cattle

Willingness to pay (WTP) or willingness to pay is the willingness of individuals to issue rewards for services they obtain. WTP analysis is used to find out how far each farmer is willing to pay or spend money in the context of compensation for inseminator services according to the desired conditions. Usually, inseminators receive operational costs from farmers, but in an unspecified or voluntary amount. This study aims to determine the amount of breeders PAP value on Artificial Insemination (AI) of Bali cattle and examine what factors influence the PAP of farmers. This research was conducted in Libureng district, Bone regency. Data analysis using multiple linear regression analysis. The research results show that Factor age, length of education, knowledge about IB, have a significant effect on the WTP of farmers.

Identifying the influencing factors controlling the spatial variation of heavy metals in suburban soil using spatial regression models

Determining the factors that control the spatial variation of heavy metals in suburban soil is important in identifying and preventing pollution sources. Soil intrinsic factors combined with environmental variables can effectively explain the spatial distribution of heavy metals. Compared with classical statistical methods, such as multiple linear regression (MLR) models, spatial regression models that can cope with the spatial dependence of heavy metals have greater potential in establishing an accurate relationship between influencing factors and heavy metals. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the spatial variation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in 138 topsoil samples from the suburbs of Wuhan City, China, by using spatial regression models with MLR as the reference. Moran's I values reveal the spatial autocorrelation of Pb and Cd. The spatial lag model (SLM) outperforms MLR and has higher R2 and lower spatial dependence of residuals. The significant coefficients of the spatial lag term in SLMs indicate that the spatial variation of Pb and Cd depends on their surrounding observations. SLM results show that Pb content depends on the distance from the nearest industrial enterprises and suggest that industrial pollution is the main source of Pb. Cd content depends on pH, soil organic matter, and the topographic wetness index, indicating that intrinsic and topographical factors contribute to the spatial variation of Cd. Parent materials and application of phosphorus fertilizer are the most likely sources of Cd. The findings highlight the spatial autocorrelation of heavy metals and the effects of intrinsic factors and environmental variables on the spatial variation of such metals. Moreover, this study reveals the effectiveness of spatial regression models in identifying the influencing factors of heavy metals.

Body size, but not age‐at‐maturation or context, affects the expression of predator‐induced behavioural plasticity in female green swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii)

AbstractBehavioural plasticity is a form of reversible phenotypic plasticity in which a genotype can express different behavioural phenotypes under different environmental conditions. Though an interest in among‐individual differences in behavioural plasticity has flourished in recent decades, few studies have considered the effects of intrinsic factors, such as life‐history or morphological traits, in tandem with extrinsic factors, such as presence of conspecifics in different social contexts, on predator‐induced behavioural plasticity. Here, we present a study conducted with female green swordtail fishes, Xiphophorus hellerii, designed to assess the effects of age‐at‐maturation and body size on the expression of predator‐induced behavioural plasticity in two social contexts: (a) female‐only (two females) and (b) female‐and‐male (two females and a male). We further examined the extent to which individual expression of behavioural plasticity is consistent across these two social contexts. We found that in the presence of a predator, focal females were more timid in response to the stimulus and more tolerant of the non‐focal female, and small females expressed this change from bold/less tolerant to timid/more tolerant to a greater degree than large females, regardless of age‐at‐maturation. However, individuals were not consistent in the degree or direction of plasticity expressed in the behaviours of interest between the female‐only and the female‐and‐male context. Here, we show that within‐ and among‐individual differences in behavioural expression are common but inconsistent. How intrinsic and extrinsic factors independently or together drive expression of plasticity in antipredator and agonistic behaviours is varied and warrants further study.

Model for prediction of the carbonyl value of frying oil from the initial composition

To construct a model for predicting the carbonyl compound content of oil during frying, changes in the unsaturated fatty acid, tocopherol, and carbonyl value (CV) of 10 commercial edible oils during frying at 180 °C were investigated. The initial contents of total unsaturated fatty acid, total tocopherol (TToc), and carbonyl value (CV0) in 10 oils were distributed in the range of 83.49%–95.28%, 16.40–236.05 mg/100 g, and 2.36–6.30 μmol/g, respectively. During frying, the CV of 10 oils increased linearly with heating time at different rates. The effects of intrinsic factors (unsaturated fatty acid and tocopherol) on the CV increase were revealed by using multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and γ-tocopherol had the greatest effects on the CV increase, respectively. Based on these results, the ratio of the initial content of PUFA to that of TToc was selected as a prediction index and a prediction model, CVt=[4.37(PUFATToc)2−5.64(PUFATToc)+3.36]t+CV0, was established. Using this model, the CV of edible oil during frying at 180 °C can be predicted from the initial composition of the oil, or the frying life of edible oil can be inferred according to the maximum allowable CV (50 μmol/g) stipulated by regulations.

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and hormonal analysis of captive Louisiana pine snakes (Pituophis ruthveni): effects of intrinsic factors and analytical methodology

Blood analyte data are useful in health assessments and management of reptiles. There is a knowledge gap for blood analyte data of the endangered Louisiana pine snake (LPS; Pituophis ruthveni). The objectives of this study were to provide baseline hematology, plasma biochemical, and hormone data of captive LPS, to compare the data in juvenile and adult snakes and in adult snakes by sex, and to investigate methodological differences in hormone (serum vs. plasma) and protein analyses (total solids versus total protein). Blood samples from apparently healthy captive LPS were analyzed for hematology and plasma biochemistry (n = 11) and plasma and serum hormone analyses (n = 9). Packed cell volume (PCV) and absolute heterophils were significantly higher in adult compared with juvenile LPS, while PCV, white blood cell count, and absolute lymphocytes were higher in adult males compared with adult females. Significantly higher plasma concentrations were found in adults compared with juveniles for calcium, total protein, total solids, albumin, globulins, and bile acids. No significant differences were observed in 17β-estradiol measured in serum and plasma when comparing adults and juveniles and for 17β-estradiol in adult males and females. Plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol were significantly lower than in serum. Serum testosterone in two adult males was 8.33 and 35.53 nmol/L, respectively, while it was undetectable in females and juveniles (n = 5). This study is the first to provide baseline information on blood analytes in endangered LPS, which will be useful for individual animals in managed care and as baseline for future population-level assessments.

Vertical dynamics of soil organic carbon and its influence on Chengdu Plain paddy soils from the 1980s to the 2010s

ABSTRACTThe vertical dynamics of paddy soil organic carbon (SOC) play an important role in soil quality and carbon cycling. In this study, we used an exponential decay function to estimate the vertical dynamics of SOC content and determined its influencing factors in a typical paddy soil area of the Chengdu Plain from the 1980s to the 2010s. Our results show an overall increase in SOC stocks at 0–100 cm from 11.8 Tg in the 1980s to 13.7 Tg in the 2010s. SOC content increased at depths of 0–40 cm and declined at depths of 40–100 cm over the past three decades. The exponential decay function parameters C0 and k significantly increased by 31.4% and 18.2% respectively, which suggests the vertical pattern of SOC distribution changed. The increase in nugget effects of C0 and k and the decrease in the relative contributions of the parent material, subgroup and distance-to-river indicate that extrinsic factors played increasing roles in the vertical variation of SOC content. Our study concludes that rice planting has led to vertical variations of SOC content and decreased the effects of intrinsic factors on the vertical variation of SOC content of Chengdu Plain paddy soils over the past three decades.

Factors associated with lumbar spinal stenosis in a large-scale, population-based cohort: The Wakayama Spine Study.

ObjectivePatients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who have radiographically similar degrees of stenosis may not necessarily exhibit equivalent symptoms. As part of a cross-sectional study, we examined factors associated with symptomatic LSS (sLSS) in the general population of Japan.MethodsWe evaluated 968 participants (men, 319; women, 649) between 2008 and 2010. Orthopedic surgery specialists diagnosed sLSS using interview results, medical examinations, and imaging findings. LSS was radiographically graded using a 4-level scale. Additionally, we examined basic anthropometry, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, ankle-brachial index values (ABI), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. We grouped patients with moderate and severe radiographic LSS, and compared the indicated factors on the basis of the presence/absence of sLSS. Data were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsRadiographically, 451 participants had moderate and 288 severe stenosis. Clinically, 92 participants were diagnosed with sLSS, including 36 with moderate and 52 with severe stenosis. In the moderate stenosis group, participants with sLSS had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) and lower ABIs than did non-LSS participants. Although sLSS participants tended to be older (p = 0.19), there were no significant differences in the sex distribution, body mass index values, or in the percentages of participants who were drinkers/smokers. In the severe stenosis group, there were no differences in any of the evaluated factors. Multiple logistic regression showed that DM (odds ratio [OR], 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52–9.34]) and low ABI (1 SD = 0.09; OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04–1.81) were significantly associated with LSS in the moderate stenosis group.ConclusionsDM and low ABIs are significantly associated with sLSS in patients with moderate radiographic stenosis. Neither factor is associated with sLSS in patients with severe stenosis. Notably, the effects of intrinsic factors on symptomology may be masked when anatomic stenosis is severe.

Influence of cation doping (Li+, Na+, K+) on photocatalytic activity of MIL-53(Fe)

The work highlights the influence of cation doping on photocatalytic activity of MIL-53(Fe) in artificial light. The effect of intrinsic factors, viz. band-gap energy, electron conductivity and surface area, influencing photocatalysis was studied in detail w.r.t. the degradation of brilliant green dye both in the presence and in the absence of H2O2 as an electron scavenger. Reduction in band gap after cation doping was observed for Li+ (1.81 eV), Na+ (1.875 eV) and K+ (1.89 eV) when compared with the parent MIL-53(Fe) (1.95 eV). However, the photoactivity of the synthesized materials was in the following progression: MIL-53(Fe)(81.6%) > Li-MIL-53(Fe)(27.6%) > Na-MIL-53(Fe)(25.77%) > K-MIL-53(Fe) (24.18%). Effect of structural distortions in the octahedral backbone of MIL-53(Fe) due to cation doping was inferred as the plausible reason behind such behavior. The degree of electron delocalization and specific surface areas were found to be in the following progression: Na-MIL-53(Fe) (very low, 7.72 m2 g−1) < K-MIL-53(Fe) (low, 28.38 m2 g−1) < Li-MIL-53(Fe) (moderate, 42.14 m2 g−1) < MIL-53(Fe) (high, 51.71 m2 g−1), indicating that the intrinsic material properties have combinatorial influence on photocatalytic activity.

Is bigger really better? Towards improved models for testing how Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolt size affects marine survival.

A general framework is presented that should enhance our understanding of how intrinsic factors, such as body size, and extrinsic factors, such as climate, affect the dynamics and demographics of fish populations. Effects of intrinsic factors, notably studies relating juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar body size to their probability to return as an adult, are often context-dependent and anecdotal, due to data constraints. By merit of its flexible specification, this framework should admit datasets with a range of situation-specific nuances, collected using different approaches, and thereby deliver more general and robust findings for more effective population management.

Ontogeny, tissue, and species but not sex influence stable isotopic values of three albatross species

The use of indirect dietary markers, including stable isotopes, has immensely improved our knowledge of seabird trophic ecology throughout their annual cycle. Important aspects include differences in trophic niche between adults and chicks at the intra- and inter-specific levels and tissue-dependent differentiation in chicks. Using stable isotopic niche as a proxy for trophic ecology, we investigated how three closely related albatross species co-exist in the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. The effects of age, sex, tissue, and species on the isotopic niche were observed for Grey-headed Thalassarche chrysostoma, Sooty Phoebetria fusca, and Light-mantled Phoebetria palpebrata Albatrosses breeding on Marion Island. At the end of chick-rearing, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values differed according to age, tissue, and species but not the sex of either adults or chicks. A complex pattern was revealed as the three species exhibited contrasting results. For example, values for δ13C or δ15N of chick blood could be depleted, enriched or similar relative to that of adults, depending on species. Stable isotope differences between blood and feathers likely reflect differences in their amino acid composition, while adult/chick differences will relate to their different physiological needs and diet. The results indicate that co-existence of the three species on the island is facilitated through resource partitioning among species in terms of foraging areas and in the trophic levels at which adults feed for themselves and their chicks. This work brings new insights into the effect of intrinsic factors on the foraging ecology of marine top predators.

Role of intrinsic factors in impulsive buying decision: An empirical study of young consumers

The primary aim of the current research was to study the effect of various intrinsic factors on consumer decision making vis-à-vis impulsive buying tendencies. After employing EFA and CFA on 630 consumers in the different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, results showed that intrinsic factors significantly influence the Impulsive Buying Decision. The application of Structural Equation Modeling disintegrated intrinsic factors into positive and negative influencers of impulsive buying behaviour. The present study has significant bearing in consumer world as it has highlighted through a model for how intrinsic factors shape the buying tendencies of a young consumer. Through the application of Multi Group Analysis, a comparison has been drawn between impulsive buying behaviour and various intrinsic factors across males and females taken as two different consumer groups. Overall results have been found significant and could well be adopted for strategy making by various stake holders in the field of consumer psychology and consumer behaviour to figure out the effects of intrinsic factors on buying behaviour.

Does stream structure affect dispersal by water? A case study of the invasive tree Ailanthus altissima in Spain

Riparian zones are highly susceptible to invasion by alien plants. For both invasive and non-invasive plants, water has been proved to be an important vector for seed dispersal, connecting distant populations and, therefore, contributing to the downstream expansion of invaders. However, the effect of intrinsic factors of watercourses, such as habitat quality, on the invaders’ dispersal ability is largely unknown. We compared the dispersal ability of Ailanthus altissima fruits through a release experiment in two contrasting 100 m-long stretches of a nearnatural and a degraded reach of the same river. One hundred fruits were released in the centre of the channel and allowed to float during 90 minutes. Results showed that fruit retention was five times lower in the degraded reach, suggesting that the loss of complexity in the fluvial habitat structure may increase dispersal distances of A. altissima fruits in headwater streams of similar characteristics. The lack of potential depositional zones, such as pools, meanders, or biological structures in the degraded reach increased the water dispersal success of A. altissima fruits. Among the studied retentive structures, macrophytes were found to be the main natural barrier to limit dispersal of A. altissima fruits. Velocities of dispersed fruits were highly variable within each reach but did not depend on the habitat quality. This study provides reasons to consider the heterogeneity and complexity of riparian and fluvial habitat to control the dispersion of fruits of the invasive tree A. altissima.

Variations of PM10 concentrations in Wuhan, China

Concentrations of PM(10) (particulate matter as a key urban air pollutant) were obtained from nine monitor stations within the city of Wuhan for analysis after an intensive observational data collection period that commenced in January 2006 and concluded in December 2008. According to our data, PM(10) pollution intensified and reached a high alert level of air pollution during the month of November each year. It remained at a high alert level until the following April where it again decreased to a low alert level during the summer months. During the winter and spring months, the occurrence rate (in percent)of PM(10) was five to eight times higher (high alert level) than measurements detected during the summer months. The effects of intrinsic factors (pollution sources) and remote preconditions (dust storm propagation and formation of secondary aerosol) on severe PM(10) concentrations in Wuhan are first analyzed. After which, suggestions to reduce PM(10) pollutants are provided.

Reiteration in the short lived root-sprouting herb Rorippa palustris: does the origin of buds matter?

Regrowth of injured plants occurs from dormant meristems. Its success is known to be dependent on extrinsic factors, such as the severity of an injury and nutrient availability, although little is known about the effect of intrinsic factors. We conducted a growth-chamber experiment with the short-lived root-sprouting herb Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser, where we evaluated the role of bud origin on plant regrowth after disturbance. In particular, we investigated whether shoots sprouting from either axillary or adventitious buds differ in compensatory growth and architecture. We triggered resprouting from axillary versus adventitious buds by two levels of disturbance: (i) removal of the whole aboveground biomass, with axillary buds on the stem base and adventitious buds on roots left intact; and (ii) removal of whole aboveground biomass including axillary buds on the stem base, and only adventitious buds left intact. Despite the fact that the adventitious buds were larger and contained more leaf primordia than axillary buds at the time of disturbance, the latter preferentially resprouted when both types of buds were present. Both axillary and adventitious shoots compensated for lost aboveground biomass; nevertheless, only axillary shoots compensated for fruit production. Shoot reiteration after injury was only partial in both types of shoot; however, adventitious shoots in differed more in their architectural characteristics than axillary shoots did. We confirmed that the output of plant regeneration after disturbance depends also on intrinsic factors such as the origin of the buds.

A mathematical model of nanoparticulate mixed oxide pseudocapacitors; part II: the effects of intrinsic factors

Our previously reported mathematical model for a mixed oxide nanoparticulate-based supercapacitor containing RuO2·xH2O and MO2·yH2O (M being another suitable transition metal) was analyzed. Both double-layer and faradaic processes responsible for charge/discharge were considered. The effects of the intrinsic factors, unit cell length, state of charge, and the exchange current densities of the electrochemical processes of the constituents on the performance of the model supercapacitor were clarified. Compensation effects where each constituent compensates the shortcomings of the other at specific conditions of discharge are analyzed in the light of the model.