bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
And the Newbery Goes To . . . A Picturebook?
Authors: Schreiber Mary
Published: June 2017

In 2016, the top prize for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children went to a picturebook: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. Previously, only one other picturebook had won the Newbery Medal.As a member of the 2016 Newbery Award Committee, I had a voice in selecting a picturebook for the coveted Newbery Medal. But after the announcement, I started to wonder just how many picturebooks had received either the medal or the honor title in the past.
Everyday Advocacy: Spheres of Transformation
Authors: Nemec-Loise Jenna
Published: June 2017

Everyday Advocacy empowers ALSC members to embrace their roles as library advocates by focusing on their daily efforts to serve kids and families. Each lighthearted column features easy-to-implement strategies and techniques for asserting the transformative power of libraries both within communities and beyond them. Please contact Jenna Nemec-Loise at jnemecloise@outlook.com with comments and ideas for future topics.
Anisotropy Enhanced Phase Separation in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals
Authors: Benmouna Farida , Benmouna Mustapha
Published: June 2017

Phase separated blends of polymers and low molecular weight liquid crystals, commonly known as polymer dispersed liquid crystals in short PDLCs, are investigated. These materials offer a realm of applications in modern technologies, including sensors, commutable windows, display devices and telecommunication systems. A particular attention is given to the effects of anisotropy of the liquid crystal on the phase behavior under equilibrium and non equilibrium conditions. The theoretical formalism used is based on the lattice model of isotropic mixing, combined with standards theories of nematic and smectic-A orders. Considering the equilibrium phase behavior, we find that the nematic order enhances the polymer / solvent phase separation, and that the osmotic pressure shows substantial changes for relatively small polymer volume fractions. We find that the anisotropy enhanced phase separation is more pronounced for a smectic-A liquid crystal, and the miscibility gap is widened. The kinetics of swelling by nematic LCs is examined using a linear solvent diffusion process, with a rate of swelling directly related to the derivative of the osmotic pressure. An abrupt swelling / de-swelling transition is found, due to overwhelming effects of the anisotropic interaction beyond the threshold LC concentration. Anisotropy enhanced phase separation is also investigated in the method of synthesis based on the polymerization induced phase separation mechanism. We find that the kinetics of separation during early stages of polymerization is faster, due to the anisotropic interaction of the low molecular weight solvent. The kinetics speed up is favored by the long range viscous flow effects due to hydrodynamic interactions. A limited selection of experimental data in the literature is chosen to validate some theoretical predictions obtained from the present formalisms.
Students’ Trust Formation and Credibility Judgements in Online Health Information – A Review Article
Authors: Khosrowjerdi Mahmood , Sundqvist Anneli
Published: June 2017

Health information is a frequent subject for online information seeking. Research on the phenomenon has to a certain extent included students. This review, based on an analysis of 61 articles, shows the current state of the art of research on students’ trust in online health information. The review covers methodological approaches and findings of previous previous empirical studies: research design; trustworthy health information sources; credibility assessment; and factors impacting on trust formation. The analysis of research designs reveals that the survey method was most frequent, but small qualitative studies were also occurring. More than half of the studies were administered in the USA, while only a smaller part concerned ‘non-Western’ countries. Female subjects were more frequent than male.The concept of trust was not always explicitly defined in the studies. The students' actual propensity to use internet was generally taken as an expression of trust. The antecedents of trust identified in the studies can be summarized as the perceived quality of the information, the perceived credibility of the source or source provider, the users’ general inclination to trust, the actual use of information, and the perceived intelligibility of the information. The findings show that Internet was among the main sources for health information, but parents or other family members, friends, schools, health professionals were also frequent sources of health information, and students were not immediately accepting online information as trustworthy. The students’ trust and credibility judgments were influenced by social and demographic, cultural, psychological, knowledge and skills-related, and source, system and content-related factors. Governmental and organizational websites were reported as the most trustful sources, although some issues regarding website features and presentation of content were reported as barriers. Easy access were of importance for using a particular resource, but there seemed to be a learning effect impacting on seeking behaviour and trust formation.
Tectonic tremor and LFEs on a reverse fault in Taiwan
Authors: Aguiar Ana C. , Chao Kevin , Beroza Gregory C.
Published: June 2017

We compare low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs) from triggered and ambient tremor under the southern Central Range, Taiwan. We apply the PageRank algorithm used by Aguiar and Beroza (2014) that exploits the repetitive nature of the LFEs to find repeating LFEs in both ambient and triggered tremor. We use these repeaters to create LFE templates and find that the templates created from both tremor types are very similar. To test their similarity, we use both interchangeably and find that most of both the ambient and triggered tremor match the LFE templates created from either data set, suggesting that LFEs for both events have a common origin. We locate the LFEs by using local earthquake P wave and S wave information and find that LFEs from triggered and ambient tremor locate to between 20 and 35 km on what we interpret as the deep extension of the Chaochou‐Lishan Fault.
Modeling wave attenuation by salt marshes in Jamaica Bay, New York, using a new rapid wave model
Authors: Marsooli Reza , Orton Philip M. , Mellor George
Published: June 2017

Using a new rapid‐computation wave model, improved and validated in the present study, we quantify the value of salt marshes in Jamaica Bay—a highly urbanized estuary located in New York City—as natural buffers against storm waves. We augment the MDO phase‐averaged wave model by incorporating a vegetation‐drag‐induced energy dissipation term into its wave energy balance equation. We adopt an empirical formula from literature to determine the vegetation drag coefficient as a function of environmental conditions. Model evaluation using data from laboratory‐scale experiments show that the improved MDO model accurately captures wave height attenuation due to submerged and emergent vegetation. We apply the validated model to Jamaica Bay to quantify the influence of coastal‐scale salt marshes on storm waves. It is found that the impact of marsh islands is largest for storms with lower flood levels, due to wave breaking on the marsh island substrate. However, the role of the actual marsh plants, Spartina alterniflora, grows larger for storms with higher flood levels, when wave breaking does not occur and the vegetative drag becomes the main source of energy dissipation. For the latter case, seasonality of marsh height is important; at its maximum height in early fall, S. alterniflora causes twice the reduction as when it is at a shorter height in early summer. The model results also indicate that the vegetation drag coefficient varies 1 order of magnitude in the study area, and suggest exercising extra caution in using a constant drag coefficient in coastal wetlands.
Assessing marine gas emission activity and contribution to the atmospheric methane inventory: A multidisciplinary approach from the Dutch Dogger Bank seep area (North Sea)
Authors: Römer M. , Wenau S. , Mau S. , Veloso M. , Greinert J. , Schlüter M. , Bohrmann G.
Published: June 2017

We present a comprehensive study showing new results from a shallow gas seep area in ∼40 m water depth located in the North Sea, Netherlands sector B13 that we call “Dutch Dogger Bank seep area.” It has been postulated that methane presumably originating from a gas reservoir in ∼600 m depth below the seafloor is naturally leaking to the seafloor. Our ship‐based subbottom echosounder data indicate that the migrating gas is trapped in numerous gas pockets in the shallow sediments. The gas pockets are located at the boundary between the top of the Late Pliocene section and overlying fine‐grained sediments, which were deposited during the early Holocene marine transgression after the last glaciation. We mapped gas emissions during three R/V Heincke cruises in 2014, 2015, and 2016 and repeatedly observed up to 850 flares in the study area. Most of them (∼80%) were concentrated at five flare clusters. Our repeated analysis revealed spatial similarities of seep clusters, but also heterogeneities in emission intensities. A first calculation of the methane released from these clusters into the water column revealed a flow rate of 277 L/min (SD = 140), with two clusters emitting 132 and 142 L/min representing the most significant seepage sites. Above these two flare clusters, elevated methane concentrations were recorded in atmospheric measurements. Our results illustrate the effective transport of methane via gas bubbles through a ∼40 m water column, and furthermore provide an estimate of the emission rate needed to allow for a contribution to the atmospheric methane concentration.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Nanostructured Nitride Layer on Ti Plate Using Mechanical Shot Peening and Low‐Temperature Nitriding
Authors: Yao Quantong , Sun Jian , Shen Depeng , Tong Weiping , Zuo Liang
Published: June 2017

A nanostructured nitride layer is produced on a large titanium plate using mechanical shot peening (MSP) followed by a low‐temperature gaseous nitriding method. The combined effect of the MSP and low‐temperature nitriding on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties is investigated using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, as well as hardness, wear resistance, and toughness tests. The results of the characterization are compared to a coarse‐grained specimen produced by a standard nitriding process. The results show that a nitride layer with a thickness of 10–15 µm is produced on the MSP‐treated Ti plate after nitriding at 550 °C for 5 h. The nitride layer is composed of nanostructured ϵ‐TiN and γ‐Ti2N phases with a high supersaturation of nitrogen. The nitriding kinetics is significantly enhanced by the nanocrystalline structure. The surface hardness, thickness of the hardened layer, and wear resistance of the nitrided MSP Ti plate are all enhanced relative to the coarse‐grained nitrided sample. The toughness of the nanostructured nitrides is greatly improved compared with the conventional nitrided specimen.
Electrothermal Control of Graphene Plasmon–Phonon Polaritons
Authors: Guo Qiushi , Guinea Francisco , Deng Bingchen , Sarpkaya Ibrahim , Li Cheng , Chen Chen , Ling Xi , Kong Jing , Xia Fengnian
Published: June 2017

Graphene plasmons are known to offer an unprecedented level of confinement and enhancement of electromagnetic field. They are hence amenable to interacting strongly with various other excitations (for example, phonons) in their surroundings and are an ideal platform to study the properties of hybrid optical modes. Conversely, the thermally induced motion of particles and quasiparticles can in turn interact with electronic degrees of freedom in graphene, including the collective plasmon modes via the Coulomb interaction, which opens up new pathways to manipulate and control the behavior of these modes. This study demonstrates tunable electrothermal control of coupling between graphene mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) plasmons and IR active optical phonons in silicon nitride. This study utilizes graphene nanoribbons functioning as both localized plasmonic resonators and local Joule heaters upon application of an external bias. In the latter role, they achieve up to ≈100 K of temperature variation within the device area. This study observes increased modal splitting of two plasmon–phonon polariton hybrid modes with temperature, which is a manifestation of increased plasmon–phonon coupling strength. Additionally, this study also reports on the existence of a thermally excited hybrid plasmon–phonon mode. This work can open the door for future optoelectronic devices such as electrically switchable graphene mid‐infrared plasmon sources.
Electrospun Polymer Fiber Lasers for Applications in Vapor Sensing
Authors: Krämmer Sarah , Laye Fabrice , Friedrich Felix , Vannahme Christoph , Smith Cameron L. C. , Mendes Ana C. , Chronakis Ioannis S. , Lahann Joerg , Kristensen Anders , Kalt Heinz
Published: June 2017

A sensing approach based on laser emissionfrom polymer fiber networks is presented. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers doped with a laser dye are fabricated by electrospinning. They form random loop resonators, which show laser emission upon optical pumping. The shift of the spectral position of the narrow lasing modes upon uptake of alcohol vapors (model vapors are methanol and ethanol) serves as sensor signal. Thus, the high sensitivity related to the spectral line shifts of cavity‐based transducers can be combined with the fiber's large surface to volume ratio. The resulting optical sensors feature excellent sensing performance due to the large overlap (more than 80%) of light field and transducer. The shift of the laser modes results from the swelling of the polymer when exposed to solvent vapors. Due to distinctly different diffusion coefficients in polymers, the uptake dynamics reflected in the transient shift of the lasing peaks can be used to discriminate ethanol and methanol vapor in mixtures of them. The sensing mechanism is expected to be applicable to other solvent vapors that cause polymer swelling.
Hybrid Photovoltaics – from Fundamentals towards Application
Authors: Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Thelakkat Mukundan , Fässler Thomas F. , Stutzmann Martin
Published: June 2017

In hybrid photovoltaics, an organic and an inorganic semiconductor are combined in the active layer, with the advantages of both material classes in a single device. The organic component contributes towards the possibility for wet chemical device preparation with potentially low costs in combination with achieving flexible devices. From the inorganic component an increase in stability, as well as superior opto‐electronic properties, is added. Given the large diversity of organic and inorganic semiconductors, a large number of possible realizations of hybrid solar cells emerge. In the present review, we limit to hybrid solar cells which combine conjugated polymers with inorganic materials such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silicon, germanium and quantum dots to keep focused. Particular emphasis is put on different routes to tailor nanostructures, such as the use of semiconductor block copolymers. The inorganic component is either synthesized directly in one of the blocks or added as a pre‐synthesized nanomaterial to form the hybrid material. Alternatively, the block copolymer is used as a structure‐directing template in a sol–gel synthesis approach to have tailored inorganic nanostructures, which are back‐filled with the organic component to fabricate the hybrid material. Hybrid solar cells based on crystalline Si are discussed for comparison.
Full‐Spectrum Solar‐Light‐Activated Photocatalysts for Light–Chemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Wang Fulei , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong
Published: June 2017

The realization of light–chemical energy conversion using solar light is an ideal goal in renewable energy studies. Many reports are concerned with extracting energy from solar light and the use/storage of the converted energy. Due to the progress in solar light absorption with various photocatalysts, the various energy conversion mechanisms using different photonic energies should be summarized. Therefore, the photocatalytic work that light can achieve with a certain photonic energy range, from UV light to visible light to near‐infrared light, is summarized in this review, including the most recent progress concerning light–chemical conversion mechanisms, classified as photocatalytic redox and photothermal catalysis. This review mostly concerns the mechanisms and specific strategies of light–chemical energy conversion based on various photonic energies.
A framework for ammonia supply chain optimization incorporating conventional and renewable generation
Authors: Allman Andrew , Daoutidis Prodromos , Tiffany Douglas , Kelley Stephen
Published: June 2017

Ammonia is an essential nutrient for global food production brought to farmers by a well‐established supply chain. This article introduces a supply chain optimization framework which incorporates new renewable ammonia plants into the conventional ammonia supply chain. Both economic and environmental objectives are considered. The framework is then applied to two separate case studies analyzing the supply chains of Minnesota and Iowa, respectively. The base case results present an expected trade‐off between cost, which favors purchasing ammonia from conventional plants, and emissions, which favor building distributed renewable ammonia plants. Further analysis of this trade‐off shows that a carbon tax above $25/t will reduce emissions in the optimal supply chain through building large renewable plants. The importance of scale is emphasized through a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, as the largest scale renewable plants are selected most often in the optimal supply chain. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4390–4402, 2017
Maize (Zea mays) consumption in the southern andes (30°–31° S. Lat): Stable isotope evidence (2000 BCE–1540 CE)
Authors: Alfonso‐Durruty Marta , Troncoso Andrés , Larach Pablo , Becker Cristian , Misarti Nicole
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The timing and dietary role of maize agriculture is central to archaeological discussions in the Andean region. In the semi‐arid region of northern Chile (SARNC), archaeological models propose that maize was adopted during the Early Ceramic period in tandem with pottery and sedentism. Through stable isotope (SI) analyses, of bone collagen and apatite, this study assesses the timing of maize introduction, diachronic changes (2,000 BCE to 1,540 CE.), and synchronic dietary variability in the prehistoric SARNC.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐two prehistoric individuals from SARNC were analyzed for δ13Cap, δ13Ccol, and δ15N. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the results by period and location (inland and coast). Between‐periods (ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis tests), and synchronic comparisons (inland vs. coast; Student's t‐tests), were conducted. A SIAR model was run to further evaluate dietary changes. Dietary interpretations are based on food web data.

Results

Coastal groups show significant changes in the diet during the Middle (900‐1,000CE; enrichment in δ13C), and Late Intermediate periods (100‐1450CE; when the Δ13Cap‐col is above 5.2‰). In the inland, significant changes in SI occurred in the Late Intermediate period (δ13C enrichment). In the Late period, the inland diet became enriched for δ15N. Synchronic comparisons showed coastal individuals to have higher δ15N.

Discussion

The popularization of maize in the SARNC was not associated with the appearance of pottery and/or sedentism, and its role as a dietary staple was a late phenomenon (c.a. 1,000CE). The results obtained in this study show that the adoption and consumption of maize varied dramatically in the Southern Andes.
Raw material procurement for termite fishing tools by wild chimpanzees in the Issa valley, Western Tanzania
Authors: Almeida‐Warren Katarina , Sommer Volker , Piel Alex K. , Pascual‐Garrido Alejandra
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Chimpanzee termite fishing has been studied for decades, yet the selective processes preceding the manufacture of fishing tools remain largely unexplored. We investigate raw material selection and potential evidence of forward planning in the chimpanzees of Issa valley, western Tanzania.

Materials and Methods

Using traditional archaeological methods, we surveyed the location of plants from where chimpanzees sourced raw material to manufacture termite fishing tools, relative to targeted mounds. We measured raw material abundance to test for availability and selection. Statistics included Chi‐Squared, two‐tailed Wilcoxon, and Kruskall–Wallace tests.

Results

Issa chimpanzees manufactured extraction tools only from bark, despite availability of other suitable materials (e.g., twigs), and selected particular plant species as raw material sources, which they often also exploit for food. Most plants were sourced 1–16 m away from the mound, with a maximum of 33 m. The line of sight from the targeted mound was obscured for a quarter of these plants.

Discussion

The exclusive use of bark tools despite availability of other suitable materials indicates a possible cultural preference. The fact that Issa chimpanzees select specific plant species and travel some distance to source them suggests some degree of selectivity and, potentially, forward planning. Our results have implications for the reconstruction of early hominin behaviors, particularly with regard to the use of perishable tools, which remain archaeologically invisible.
Metallfreier, durch [Si2Ox].+ (x=2–5) katalysierter Sauerstofftransfer im N2O/CO‐Redoxpaar bei Raumtemperatur
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Zhou Shaodong , Yue Lei , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: June 2017

Die durch die metallfreien, kationischen Cluster [Si2Ox].+ (x=2–5) vermittelte Reduktion von N2O durch CO wurde unter thermischen Bedingungen in der Gasphase mit Fouriertransformations‐Ionencyclotronresonanz(FT‐ICR)‐Massenspektrometrie und quantenchemischen Rechnungen untersucht. Ausgehend von [Si2O2].+ und N2O entsteht in drei Oxidations‐/Reduktionsschritten [Si2O5].+. Dieser und die intermediären Oxidcluster reagieren der Reihe nach mit CO unter Rückbildung von [Si2O2].+, d. h., es finden unter thermischen Bedingungen in der Gasphase vollständige Katalysezyklen statt. Mechanistische Aspekte dieser konsekutiven Redoxprozesse wurden untersucht, um die elektronischen Ursachen dieser beispiellosen Reaktionen aufzuklären.
Operando 3D Visualization of Migration and Degradation of a Platinum Cathode Catalyst in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Authors: Matsui Hirosuke , Ishiguro Nozomu , Uruga Tomoya , Sekizawa Oki , Higashi Kotaro , Maejima Naoyuki , Tada Mizuki
Published: June 2017

The three‐dimensional (3D) distribution and oxidation state of a Pt cathode catalyst in a practical membrane electrode assembly (MEA) were visualized in a practical polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) under fuel‐cell operating conditions. Operando 3D computed‐tomography imaging with X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy (CT‐XANES) clearly revealed the heterogeneous migration and degradation of Pt cathode catalyst in an MEA during accelerated degradation test (ADT) of PEFC. The degradative Pt migration proceeded over the entire cathode catalyst layer and spread to MEA depth direction into the Nafion membrane.
Rational Engineering of a Dynamic, Entropy‐Driven DNA Nanomachine for Intracellular MicroRNA Imaging
Authors: Liang Cheng‐Pin , Ma Pei‐Qiang , Liu Hui , Guo Xinggang , Yin Bin‐Cheng , Ye Bang‐Ce
Published: June 2017

We rationally engineered an elegant entropy‐driven DNA nanomachine with three‐dimensional track and applied it for intracellular miRNAs imaging. The proposed nanomachine is activated by target miRNA binding to drive a walking leg tethered to gold nanoparticle with a high density of DNA substrates. The autonomous and progressive walk on the DNA track via the entropy‐driven catalytic reaction of intramolecular toehold‐mediated strand migration leads to continuous disassembly of DNA substrates, accompanied by the recovery of fluorescence signal due to the specific release of a dye‐labeled substrate from DNA track. Our nanomachine outperforms the conventional intermolecular reaction‐based gold nanoparticle design in the context of an improved sensitivity and kinetics, attributed to the enhanced local effective concentrations of working DNA components from the proximity‐induced intramolecular reaction. Moreover, the nanomachine was applied for miRNA imaging inside living cells.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Generation of α‐Ketoradicals from Vinyl‐bromides and Molecular Oxygen: Synthesis of Indenones and Dihydroindeno[1,2‐c]chromenes
Authors: Pagire Santosh K. , Kreitmeier Peter , Reiser Oliver
Published: June 2017

Ortho‐alkynylated α‐bromocinnamates can be converted by a visible‐light‐mediated photocascade reaction with molecular oxygen into either indenones or dihydroindeno[1,2‐c]chromenes. The one‐step process features key photochemical steps, that is, the initial activation of vinyl bromides through energy transfer to give α‐ketoradicals in a reaction with molecular oxygen, followed by α‐oxidation of an arene moiety by 6‐π electrocyclization, and subsequent hydroxylation by an electron‐transfer process from the same photocatalyst leads to the dihydroindeno[1,2‐c]chromenes.
Polarization and space charge performance in PVDF with MPB composition BCZT doped composite films
Authors: Lu Haowei , Liu Lizhu , Lin Jiaqi , Yang Wenlong , Weng Ling , Zhang Xiaorui , Chen Gaoru , Huang Wei
Published: June 2017

The morphotropic phase boundary composition 47(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3–0.53Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (calcium barium zirconate titanate, BCZT) were doped in poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix by solution casting method. The effect of BCZT particles on polarization characteristics of composite films were investigated through dielectric spectra, hysteresis, and thermally stimulated discharge current measurements. It reveals that relative dielectric constant, remnant polarization, and energy storage density gradually increase and reach the maximum value with 39 at 100 Hz, 1.17 μC/cm2, and 3.69 J/cm3 at the concentration of 20 vol % BCZT. The Gaussian method was employed to decompose thermally stimulated discharge current composite peaks and an approximate model was used to analyze the activation energy levels of these films. The results indicated that the introduction of BCZT is effective for the charge carrier traps and activation energy distribution in the relaxation process of composite films. The decreased molecular movements, and increased interfaces formed between the BCZT grains and the poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix may be responsible for these performances. And a new relaxation peak appeared at about 370 K in composites when BCZT concentration exceeded 20 vol %, which was considered to be caused by the ferroelectric‐paraelectric phase transition of BCZT. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45362.
Enhancement of the hydrophobicity of recycled polystyrene films using a spin coating unit
Authors: Patiño‐Herrera Rosalba , Catarino‐Centeno R. , González‐Alatorre Guillermo , Gama Goicochea Armando , Pérez Elías
Published: June 2017

This article describes a technique for recycling polystyrene cups (PSr) mixed with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) to produce PSr/PBMA films and subsequently PSr films by removing PBMA with a selective solvent (acetic acid), with the benefit of a reduction in environmental pollution generated by polystyrene waste. Removal of PBMA increases roughness, which generates a significant increase (
34°) in the water contact angle, reaching its highest value at 128°. By increasing the hydrophobicity of surfaces, properties with important technical applications are acquired such as those used in antifouling paints, stain‐resistant surfaces, and surfaces that avoid the formation and accretion of ice on microelectronic devices. Roughness of PSr/PBMA films is significantly affected by the concentration of both polymers and by the spin rate, reaching its highest value at 2% PSr and 3% PBMA at 2000
. For optimal film deposition, a cheap spin coating unit was designed and built, with a price less than 4% of that of a commercially available spin coating unit. Lastly, it was found that the data obtained with our spin coating unit is described by the Meyerhofer model with accuracy of 88% ± 3%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45365.
A Seasonal and Age‐Related Study of Interstitial Cells in the Pineal Gland of Male Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus)
Authors: Busolini Fabricio Ivan , Rosales Gabriela Judith , Filippa Verónica Palmira , Mohamed Fabian Heber
Published: June 2017

The pineal gland of viscacha exhibits histophysiological variations throughout the year, with periods of maximal activity in winter and minimal activity in summer. The aim of this work is to analyze the interstitial cells (IC) in the pineal gland of male viscachas in relation to season and age. The S‐100 protein, glio‐fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin were detected in adult and immature animals by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Double‐IHC was also performed. The S‐100 protein was localized within both, IC nucleus and cytoplasm. GFAP was present only in the cytoplasm. Vimentin was expressed in some IC, besides endothelial cells, and perivascular spaces. In the adult males, the morphometric parameters analyzed for the S‐100 protein and GFAP exhibited seasonal variations with higher values of immunopositive area percentage in winter and lower values in summer, whereas the immature ones showed the lowest values for all the adult animals studied. Colocalization of S‐100 protein and GFAP was observed. The IC exhibited differential expression for the proteins studied, supporting the hypothesis of the neuroectodermal origin. The IC generate an intraglandular communication network, suggesting its participation in the glandular activity regulation processes. The results of double‐IHC might indicate the presence of IC in different functional stages, probably related to the needs of the cellular microenvironment. The morphometric variations in the proteins analyzed between immature and adult viscachas probed to be more salient in the latter, suggesting a direct relationship between the expression of the S‐100 protein and GFAP, and animal age. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. Anat Rec, 300:1847–1857, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The adipokinetic hormone of the coleopteran suborder Adephaga: Structure, function, and comparison of distribution in other insects
Authors: Gäde Gerd , Marco Heather G.
Published: June 2017

The aim of the current study is to identify the adipokinetic hormone(s) (AKHs) of a basal suborder of the species‐rich Coleoptera, the Adephaga, and possibly learn more about the ancestral AKH of beetles. Moreover, we wanted to compare the ancestral AKH with AKHs of more advanced beetles, of which a number are pest insects. This would allow us to assess whether AKH mimetics would be suitable as insecticides, that is, be harmful to the pest species but not to the beneficial species. Nine species of the Adephaga were investigated and all synthesize only one octapeptide in the corpus cardiacum, as revealed by Edman degradation sequencing techniques or by mass spectrometry. The amino acid sequence pGlu‐Leu‐Asn‐Phe‐Ser‐Thr‐Gly‐Trp corresponds to Schgr‐AKH‐II that was first identified in the desert locust. It is assumed that Schgr‐AKH‐II—the peptide of a basal beetle clade—is the ancestral AKH for beetles. Some other beetle families, as well as some Hymenoptera (including honey bees) also contain this peptide, whereas most of the pest beetle species have different AKHs. This argues that those peptides and their receptors should be explored for developing mimetics with insecticidal properties. A scenario where Schgr‐AKH‐II (the only AKH of Adephaga) is used as basic molecular structure to derive almost all other known beetle AKHs via single step mutations is very likely, and supports the interpretation that Schgr‐AKH‐II is the ancestral AKH of Coleoptera.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Tyrosine‐Based DNA Gyrase B Inhibitors
Authors: Cotman Andrej E. , Trampuž Marko , Brvar Matjaž , Kikelj Danijel , Ilaš Janez , Peterlin‐Mašič Lucija , Montalvão Sofia , Tammela Päivi , Frlan Rok
Published: June 2017

The discovery and synthesis of new tyrosine‐based inhibitors of DNA gyrase B (GyrB), which target its ATPase subunit, is reported. Twenty‐four compounds were synthesized and evaluated for activity against DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV. The antibacterial properties of selected GyrB inhibitors were demonstrated by their activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis in the low micromolar range. The most promising compounds, 8a and 13e, inhibited Escherichia coli and S. aureus GyrB with IC50 values of 40 and 30 µM. The same compound also inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. faecalis with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) of 14 and 28 µg/mL, respectively.
Intestinal Metabolites Are Profoundly Altered in the Context of HLA–B27 Expression and Functionally Modulate Disease in a Rat Model of Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Asquith Mark , Davin Sean , Stauffer Patrick , Michell Claire , Janowitz Cathleen , Lin Phoebe , Ensign‐Lewis Joe , Kinchen Jason M. , Koop Dennis R. , Rosenbaum James T.
Published: June 2017

Objective

HLA–B27–associated spondyloarthritides are associated with an altered intestinal microbiota and bowel inflammation. We undertook this study to identify HLA–B27–dependent changes in both host and microbial metabolites in the HLA–B27/β2‐microglobulin (β2m)–transgenic rat and to determine whether microbiota‐derived metabolites could impact disease in this major model of spondyloarthritis.

Methods

Cecal contents were collected from Fischer 344 33–3 HLA–B27/β2m–transgenic rats and wild‐type controls at 6 weeks (before disease) and 16 weeks (with active bowel inflammation). Metabolomic profiling was performed by high‐throughput gas and liquid chromatography–based mass spectrometry. HLA–B27/β2m–transgenic rats were treated with the microbial metabolites propionate or butyrate in drinking water for 10 weeks, and disease activity was subsequently assessed.

Results

Our screen identified 582 metabolites, of which more than half were significantly altered by HLA–B27 expression at 16 weeks. Both microbial and host metabolites were altered, with multiple pathways affected, including those for amino acid, carbohydrate, xenobiotic, and medium‐chain fatty acid metabolism. Differences were even observed at 6 weeks, with up‐regulation of histidine, tyrosine, spermidine, N‐acetylmuramate, and glycerate in HLA–B27/β2m–transgenic rats. Administration of the short‐chain fatty acid propionate significantly attenuated HLA–B27–associated inflammatory disease, although this was not associated with increased FoxP3+ T cell induction or with altered expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) or IL‐33 or of the tight junction protein zonula occludens 1. HLA–B27 expression was also associated with altered host expression of messenger RNA for the microbial metabolite receptors free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), FFAR3, and niacin receptor 1.

Conclusion

HLA–B27 expression profoundly impacts the intestinal metabolome, with changes evident in rats even at age 6 weeks. Critically, we demonstrate that a microbial metabolite, propionate, attenuates development of HLA–B27–associated inflammatory disease. These and other microbiota‐derived bioactive mediators may provide novel treatment modalities in HLA–B27–associated spondyloarthritides.
Break‐induced replication links microsatellite expansion to complex genome rearrangements
Authors: Leffak Michael
Published: June 2017

The instability of microsatellite DNA repeats is responsible for at least 40 neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, Mirkin and co‐workers presented a novel mechanism for microsatellite expansions based on break‐induced replication (BIR) at sites of microsatellite‐induced replication stalling and fork collapse. The BIR model aims to explain single‐step, large expansions of CAG/CTG trinucleotide repeats in dividing cells. BIR has been characterized extensively in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a mechanism to repair broken DNA replication forks (single‐ended DSBs) and degraded telomeric DNA. However, the structural footprints of BIR‐like DSB repair have been recognized in human genomic instability and tied to the etiology of diverse developmental diseases; thus, the implications of the paper by Kim et al. (Kim JC, Harris ST, Dinter T, Shah KA, et al., Nat Struct Mol Biol 24: 55–60) extend beyond trinucleotide repeat expansion in yeast and microsatellite instability in human neurological disorders. Significantly, insight into BIR‐like repair can explain certain pathways of complex genome rearrangements (CGRs) initiated at non‐B form microsatellite DNA in human cancers.
Fast precision estimation in high‐dimensional multivariate joint models
Authors: Nassiri Vahid , Ivanova Anna , Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert
Published: June 2017

A fast way is proposed based on the multiple outputation idea (Hoffman et al., ; Follmann et al., ) to calculate the precision of parameter estimates for high‐dimensional multivariate joint models using a pairwise approach (Fieuws and Verbeke, ; Fieuws et al., ). Simulation results as well as data analysis shows possibly more than 2500 times faster computations using the proposed method. In our real data illustration, the time gain is more than 330 times.
Simultaneous quantification of imatinib and its main metabolite N‐demethyl‐imatinib in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application to therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Qiu Hai‐Bo , Chen Xin‐Meng , Yuan Xiu‐Hong , Yang Li‐Fang , Sun Xiao‐Wei , Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Huang Min , Wang Xue‐Ding , Zhou Zhi‐Wei
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to improve and validate a more stable and less time‐consuming method based on liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ MS/MS) for the quantitative measurement of imatinib and its metabolite N‐demethyl‐imatinib (NDI) in human plasma. Separation of analytes was performed on a Waters XTerra RP18 column (50 × 2.1 mm i.d., 3.5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–acetonitrile–water (65:20:15, v/v/v) with 0.05% formic acid at a flow‐rate of 0.2 mL/min. The Quattro MicroTM triple quadruple mass spectrometer was operated in the multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mode via positive electrospray ionization interface using the transitions m/z 494.0 → 394.0 for imatinib, m/z 479.6 → 394.0 for NDI and m/z 488.2 → 394.0 for IS. The method was linear over 0.01–10 μg/mL for imatinib and NDI. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were all <15% in terms of relative standard deviation, and the accuracy was within ±15% in terms of relative error for both imatinib and NDI. The lower limit of quantification was identifiable and reproducible at 10 ng/mL. The method was sensitive, specific and less time‐consuming and it was successfully applied in gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients treated with imatinib.
Pharmacokinetic comparison of two phenolic acids after oral administration of Typhae pollen to normal rats and rats with acute cold blood stasis
Authors: Pan Yingni , Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Wei , Bai Xuewei , Ren Shumeng , Zheng Jiang , Wang Dongmei , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: June 2017

Typhae Pollen, dried pollen of Typha angustifolia L., Typha orientalis Presl or other plants of the same genus (Typhaeceae), has the effect of activating the circulation to cure blood stasis in traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this study was to set up an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography method that could determine p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillic acid simultaneously in rat plasma, and to compare their pharmacokinetics in normal rats and rats with acute cold blood stasis, and further to investigate the influence of different dosages of oral administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained showed that both of the phenolic acids had a higher bioavailability in rats with cold blood stasis than that in normal rats with a higher area under the concentration–time curve and longer mean residence time, and the high dose oral administration group had a higher capacity in blood stasis rats than in normal rats. These results reminded us that changes in health condition could alter the absorption and elimination of both phenolic acids in vivo, and the pharmacokinetic study under pathological conditions provides important information for more rational drug use in clinical situations.
Migration of the distal catheter of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt in hydrocephalus
Authors: Allouh Mohammed Z. , Al Barbarawi Mohammed M. , Asfour Hasan A. , Said Raed S.
Published: June 2017

There have been many reports on migration of the distal catheter of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) since this phenomenon was recognized 50 years ago. However, there have been no attempts to analyze its different patterns or to assess these patterns in terms of potential risk to patients. We comprehensively reviewed all reports of distal VPS catheter migration indexed in PubMed and identified three different anatomical patterns of migration based on catheter extension and organs involved: (1) internal, when the catheter invades any viscus inside the thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic cavity; (2) external, when the catheter penetrates through the body wall either incompletely (subcutaneously) or completely (outside the body); and (3) compound, when the catheter penetrates a hollow viscus and protrudes through a pre‐existing anatomical orifice. We also analyzed the association between each migration type and several key factors. External migration occurred mostly in infants. In contrast, internal migration occurred mostly in adults. A body wall weakness was not a risk factor for catheter protrusion. Shunt duration was a critical factor in the migration pattern, as most newly‐replaced shunts tended to migrate externally. Clinicians must pay close attention to cases of large bowel perforation, since they were most often associated with intracranial infections. The organ involved in compound migration could determine the route of extrusion, as the bowel was involved in all trans‐anal migrations and the stomach in most trans‐oral cases. Clin. Anat. 30:821–830, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gain insight into the legal aspects of intellectual property as it relates to coaches
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: June 2017

When John Calipari sought trademark protection for the phrase “Refuse to Lose” in the early 1990s, at least a few people were flabbergasted. As it turns out, Calipari was prescient about the future use and value of similar trademarks in college athletics.
Crisis management of food security scandals in China: Motivations and solutions towards purchase intention
Authors: Li Yufeng , Phau Ian , Lu Wei , Teah Min
Published: June 2017

This research employs 2 studies to investigate the changes in consumers' purchase intention after food safety scandals. The first study investigates changes in consumer behavior directly after a food scandal. The second study takes a follow‐up investigation on consumer reactions to 6 hypothetical scenarios. The respondents were recruited from large universities and career training centers of Chinese corporations through a convenience sample. Six hundred forty‐nine valid responses were obtained. The data were analyzed using SPSS and structural equation modelling. Consumers' purchase intention declines rapidly in the short term after a food safety scandal. The decline in purchase intention mainly depends on consumer's individual attitude and subjective norm, which are largely affected by the perceived risk, negative emotion, trust in the enterprise, self‐esteem, present temporal orientation, and hedonic consumption with food. Furthermore, government regulation, corporate crisis management, and media coverage affect the consumers' purchase intention.
Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Phenolic‐Rich Fraction from Cauline Leaves of Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) Growing in Sicily, Italy
Authors: Miceli Natalizia , Filocamo Angela , Ragusa Salvatore , Cacciola Francesco , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi , Celano Marilena , Maggisano Valentina , Taviano Maria Fernanda
Published: June 2017

The present work focused on the evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the phenolic‐rich fraction (ItJ‐EAF) obtained from cauline leaves collected in January from Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) growing wild around Acireale (Sicily, Italy). The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the fraction were determined spectrophotometrically, whereas the phenolic profile was assessed by HPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MS analysis. A total of 20 compounds were positively identified and twelve out of them were never previously reported in I. tinctoria leaves. The fraction exhibited good radical scavenging activity in DPPH test (IC50 = 0.6657 ± 0.0024 mg/ml) and reducing power (3.87 ± 0.71 ASE/ml), whereas, it neither showed chelating activity nor was able to counteract H2O2 induced oxidative stress damage in Escherichia coli. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated in vitro on two human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines (CAL‐62 and 8505C) by MTT assay. At the highest tested concentration ItJ‐EAF significantly reduced (80%) the growth of CAL‐62 cells. No cytotoxicity against Artemia salina was observed. It can be concluded that I. tinctoria cauline leaves represent a source of phenolic compounds which could be potentially used as chemopreventive or adjuvant agents against cancer.
Bioactive Neolignans and Other Compounds from Magnolia grandiflora L.: Isolation and Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Latif Abdul , Du Yongle , Dalal Seema R. , Fernández‐Murga Maria L. , Merino Emilio F. , Cassera Maria B. , Goetz Michael , Kingston David G. I.
Published: June 2017

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of a methanol extract of Magnolia grandiflora against Plasmodium falciparum yielded two new (1 and 2) and six known (3 – 8) bioactive compounds. The structures of the new compounds were assigned by mass spectrometric and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data. Known compounds were identified by comparison of 1H‐NMR and MS data with literature data. The two known neolignans 3 and 4 showed moderate antiplasmodial activity with the IC50 values of 2.8 ± 0.1 and 3.4 ± 0.1 μm, respectively. Weak antiplasmodial activity was recorded for compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, with the IC50 values of 38 ± 2, 23 ± 2, 16.5 ± 0.2, 86 ± 1, 44 ± 4, and 114 ± 9 μm, respectively.
Isomerizing Hydroformylation of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid
Authors: Pandey Swechchha , Shinde Dinesh R. , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: June 2017

A small library of bisphosphorus ligands was evaluated in the rhodium‐catalyzed isomerizing hydroformylation (I‐HF) of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The rhodium complex of 1,2‐bis((di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)methyl)benzene (BDTBPMB; L4) outperformed the other bisphosphite and bisphosphine ligands and unveiled a moderate selectivity of 28 % and 50 % in the I‐HF of CNSL monoene and methoxy‐protected monoene, respectively. The resultant aldehyde 16‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)hexadecanal P1′ was isolated and its identity was fully established. Application of bis‐phosphine ligand L4 in the I‐HF of highly challenging CNSL cardanol (S3) and methoxy‐protected CNSL cardanol yielded a linear selectivity of 74 %, although with reduced conversion. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of our strategy, the obtained aldehyde (derived from S3) was subjected to hydrogenation and the resultant 3‐(16‐hydroxyhexadecyl) phenol (P8) was isolated in 89 % isolated yield. High‐pressure NMR investigation revealed selective formation of a bis‐equatorial BDTBPMB–rhodium complex, which might be responsible for the excellent linear selectivity.