Screening alloy electrocatalysts by combining magnetron sputtering and scanning electrochemical microscopy

A high-throughput approach for developing materials is revolutionizing the current trial-and-error mode with great potential for accelerating the process. Here, we propose a simple approach combining multitarget sputtering and scanning electrochemical microscopy for the screening of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. The ternary Co–Ni–Cu system is used as to demonstrate the feasibility of the strategy. The optimized composition for a HER catalyst is determined to be Co₁₄Ni₅₃Cu₃₃.     

Twinning in the structure of the ‘decagonal’ phase Al65Cu20Co15

Abstract

The existence of twinning in the pseudo-decagonal phase Al₆₅Cu₂₀Co₁₅ has been established through TEM studies. From electron diffraction patterns, a rhombic crystalline lattice with a very large unit cell is easily identified. Diffraction patterns for microtwinned regions exhibit splitting and distortion of the reflections which is a result of the overlap of lattices which are rotated by 36° with respect to one another. While patterns from single components of the twins exhibit only pseudo-tenfold symmetry, those from the microtwinned regions exhibit nearly perfect tenfold symmetry.     

A Bayesian Modeling Approach for Generalized Semiparametric Structural Equation Models

In behavioral, biomedical, and psychological studies, structural equation models (SEMs) have been widely used for assessing relationships between latent variables. Regression-type structural models based on parametric functions are often used for such purposes. In many applications, however, parametric SEMs are not adequate to capture subtle patterns in the functions over the entire range of the predictor variable. A different but equally important limitation of traditional parametric SEMs is that they are not designed to handle mixed data types—continuous, count, ordered, and unordered categorical. This paper develops a generalized semiparametric SEM that is able to handle mixed data types and to simultaneously model different functional relationships among latent variables. A structural equation of the proposed SEM is formulated using a series of unspecified smooth functions. The Bayesian P-splines approach and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are developed to estimate the smooth functions and the unknown parameters. Moreover, we examine the relative benefits of semiparametric modeling over parametric modeling using a Bayesian model-comparison statistic, called the complete deviance information criterion (DIC). The performance of the developed methodology is evaluated using a simulation study. To illustrate the method, we used a data set derived from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.     

Positive emotion modulates cognitive control: An event‐related potentials study

There is substantial evidence to indicate that negative emotion can modulate cognitive control processing. However, only a few studies have investigated this effect with positive emotion. Therefore, the present study explored the electrophysiological correlates of the impact of positive emotional stimuli on cognitive control, using event‐related potentials (ERPs). Sixteen healthy young adults completed a modified Simon task (Simon, 1969). Behavioral data indicated that reaction times were faster for positive emotional stimuli than for neutral emotional stimuli in the incongruent condition, but not in the congruent condition, which suggested that positive emotion expedited conflict resolution. The ERP data showed that two negative ERP components (N300–400 and N450–550) were associated with the positive emotional stimuli in the incongruent minus congruent condition. It is suggested that these components may respectively be related to the conflict monitoring (N300–400) and response selection (N450–550) stages of cognitive control processing. Overall, our results indicated that positive emotion could facilitate cognitive control processing. These results are in line with the neuropsychological theory, according to which, positive emotion could modulate cognitive control mediated by increased dopamine levels in frontal brain areas.     

Discriminant Analysis Using Mixed Continuous,Dichotomous, and Ordered Categorical Variables

This article proposes an intuitive approach for predictive discriminant analysis with mixed continuous, dichotomous, and ordered categorical variables that are defined via an underlying multivariate normal distribution with a threshold specification. The classification rule is based on the comparison of the observed data logarithm probability density functions. To reduce the computational burden, the analysis is conducted in the context of a confirmatory factor analysis model with independent error measurements. Identification of the dichotomous and ordered categorical variables is discussed. Results are obtained by implementations of a Monte Carlo expectation maximization (MCEM)algorithm and a path sampling procedure. Probabilities of misclassification are estimated via the idea of the “jackknife” method. A real example is given to illustrate the proposed method.     

中学生学习倦怠与未来时间洞察力、成就目标取向的关系

采用问卷调查法对989名中学生进行施测,探讨了学习倦怠及其与未来时间洞察力和成就目标趋向的关系.结果发现:(1)未来时间洞察力与成绩趋近、掌握趋近和掌握回避有显著的正相关,并具有显著的预测作用:未来时间洞察力与成绩回避取向和学习倦怠具有显著的负相关,并具有显著的预测作用; (2)掌握趋近取向与学习倦怠具有显著的负相关,并有预测作用:成绩回避和掌握回避与学习倦怠有显著的正相关,并具有显著的预测作用; (3)掌握趋近、成绩回避和掌握回避取向在未来时间洞察力与学习倦怠之间有部分中介作用.     

Statistical extraction affects visually guided action

The visual system summarizes average properties of ensembles of similar objects. We demonstrated an adaptation aftereffect of one such property, mean size, suggesting it is encoded along a single visual dimension (Corbett, et al., 2012), in a similar manner as basic stimulus properties like orientation and direction of motion. To further explore the fundamental nature of ensemble encoding, here we mapped the evolution of mean size adaptation over the course of visually guided grasping. Participants adapted to two sets of dots with different mean sizes. After adaptation, two test dots replaced the adapting sets. Participants first reached to one of these dots, and then judged whether it was larger or smaller than the opposite dot. Grip apertures were inversely dependent on the average dot size of the preceding adapting patch during the early phase of movements, and this aftereffect dissipated as reaches neared the target. Interestingly, perceptual judgements still showed a marked aftereffect, even though they were made after grasping was completed more-or-less veridically. This effect of mean size adaptation on early visually guided kinematics provides novel evidence that mean size is encoded fundamentally in both perception and action domains, and suggests that ensemble statistics not only influence our perceptions of individual objects but can also affect our physical interactions with the external environment.     

An Assessment of Robert Jenson's Hermeneutics on Divine Im/Passibility and the Emotions of God

The term apatheia, ‘impassibility’, has had varied meanings in Christian history. While some theologians have dismissed this attribute due to its Greek origins – as Paul Gavrilyuk states, a classic case of committing the genetic fallacy – Robert Jenson has prudently noted that for some of the church Fathers impassibility did not mean God was affectionless as the Greeks proposed; rather, it meant eternal faithfulness. This essay examines whether Jenson's appropriation of the early church's understanding of apatheia is true to the Fathers' original intentions. I first identify Jenson's assumptions regarding his interpretation of Scripture that causes him to conclude that God is im/passible. I then assess the validity of Jenson's claim that his own view is the same as the early church Fathers.     

Impact of the Talent Development Environment on Achievement Goals and Life Aspirations in Singapore

Producing successful athletes in Singapore is a high priority, and the financial rewards for those that make it are great. In light of such an extrinsically motivated structure, the purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of the talent development environment on the goal pursuits and life aspirations of young athletes. Intrinsic goal striving was predicted by a mastery approach and an environment that prioritized long-term development and fundamentals, and provided a good support network. On the contrary, a lack of quality preparation and understanding of athletes promoted extrinsic goal-striving, as did both performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals.     

Post‐purchase disadvantages of a less preferred brand and how they can be overcome: an examination of regret and attribution

This research examines the post‐purchase experience after choosing the most preferred brand versus a less preferred brand. When they experience positive product outcomes, those who chose their most preferred brand tend to give credit to the brand, whereas those who chose a less preferred brand attribute it to their smart choice. In contrast, with negative outcomes, those with the most preferred brand place the blame on themselves, whereas those with a less preferred brand blame the brand. Nevertheless, a silver lining emerges when brand attribution and satisfaction increase to the level of the most preferred brand after two consecutive positive experiences with a less preferred brand. Repeated positive experience could turn people's attention to more on good product quality of a less preferred brand than on cheaper price.