bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatically forced moisture supply, sediment flux and pedogenesis in Miocene mudflat deposits of south‐east Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Authors: Voigt Silke , Weber Yuki , Frisch Konstantin , Bartenstein Alexander , Hellwig Alexandra , Petschick Rainer , Bahr André , Pross Jörg , Koutsodendris Andreas , Voigt Thomas , Verestek Verena , Appel Erwin
Published: September 2017

The continental settings of Central Asia witnessed increased desertification during the Cenozoic as a result of mountain uplift and the Paratethys retreat. The interaction of these tectonic‐scale processes with orbitally forced climate change and their influence on Asia's atmospheric moisture distribution are poorly constrained. A Miocene succession of continental mudflat deposits, exposed in the Aktau Mountains (Ili Basin, south‐east Kazakhstan), has great potential as a terrestrial palaeoclimate archive. About 90 m of the 1700 m thick succession comprise alluvial mudflat deposits and appear as cyclic alternation of coarse sheet floods, mudflat fines and semi‐arid hydromorphic soils. In this study, bulk‐sediment mineralogy and geochemistry, magnetic susceptibility, sediment colour and palynology are used to reconstruct environmental conditions by determining changes and forcing mechanisms in the intensity of sediment discharge, weathering and pedogenesis. The results presented here indicate four major periods of arid soil formation and one palustrine interval characterized by higher evaporation rates under highly alkaline/saline conditions. A positive correlation between weathering indices and the Mg/Al ratio suggest that these horizons correspond to maximum rates of evapotranspiration and aridity. The formation of mudflat fines is, instead, interpreted as representing higher detrital sediment production by more intense alluvial fan activity during times of higher precipitation. Time series analysis of weathering indices, colour and magnetic susceptibility data yields cycle‐to‐frequency ratios with the potential to represent Milankovitch cyclicity with short and long eccentricity as dominant periodicities. Periods of pronounced aridity, paced by long eccentricity forcing, reflect changes in moisture availability. On longer tectonic timescales, the persistent appearance of gypsum indicates a shift towards more arid conditions. This trend in climate is considered to result from the closure of the eastern gateway of the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean that restricted circulation and enhanced salinity within the Eastern Paratethys.
Genetic variation of a foundation rockweed species affects associated communities
Authors: Jormalainen Veijo , Danelli Maria , Gagnon Karine , Hillebrand Helmut , Rothäusler Eva , Salminen Juha‐Pekka , Sjöroos Joakim
Published: September 2017

Genetic variation in a foundation species may affect the composition of associated communities as well as modify ecosystem function. While the ecological consequences of genetic diversity of foundation species have been widely reported, the ability of individual genotypes to support dissimilar communities has been documented only in forest ecosystems. Here, for the first time in a marine ecosystem, we test whether the different genotypes of the rockweedFucus vesiculosusharbor distinct community phenotypes and whether the genetic similarity of individual genotypes or their defensive compound content can explain the variation of the associated communities. We reared replicated genotypes in a common garden in the sea and analyzed their associated communities of periphytic algae and invertebrates as well as determined their contents of defense compounds, phlorotannins, and genetic distance based on neutral molecular markers. The periphytic community was abundant in mid‐summer and its biovolume, diversity and community composition varied among the rockweed genotypes. The diversity of the periphytic community decreased with its increasing biovolume. In autumn, when grazers were abundant, periphytic community biomass was lower and less variable among rockweed genotypes, indicating different relative importance of bottom‐up regulation through heritable variation of the foundation species and top‐down regulation through grazing intensity. Similarly, composition of the invertebrate community varied among the rockweed genotypes. Although the genotype explained about 10–18% of the variation in associated communities, the variation was explained neither by the genetic distance nor the phlorotannin content. Thus, neither neutral genetic markers nor a single phenotypic trait could provide a mechanistic understanding of the genetic basis of community specificity. Therefore, a more comprehensive mapping of quantitative trait variation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. The community specificity implies that genetic variation within a foundation species is crucial for the biodiversity and assembly of associated organisms and, thus, for the functioning of associated communities. The result highlights the importance of ensuring the genetic variation of foundation species as a conservation target.
11C‐Acetylation of Amines with [11C]Methyl Iodide with Bis(cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron) as the CO Source
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Nordeman Patrik
Published: September 2017

We describe herein a novel approach for the direct 11C‐acetylation of amines. The carbonylative protocol is palladium‐mediated, uses bis(cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron) as the CO source, and [11C]methyl iodide or [11C]methyl iodide‐D3 as a radioactive precursor. A set of functionalized primary and secondary amines was 11C‐labelled in radiochemical yields ranging from 7–85 %. The potential use of this method for positron emission tomography radiotracer production was additionally demonstrated by the radiosynthesis of [11C]lacosamide, [11C]melatonine, and [11C]acecainide in 44–55 % RCY.
Validating the semantic misattribution procedure as an implicit measure of gender stereotyping
Authors: Ye Yang , Gawronski Bertram
Published: September 2017

The current research tested the validity of the semantic misattribution procedure (SMP)—a variant of the affect misattribution procedure—as an implicit measure of gender stereotyping. In three studies (N = 604), prime words of gender‐stereotypical occupations (e.g., nurse, doctor) influenced participants' guesses of whether unknown Chinese ideographs referred to male or female names in a stereotype‐congruent manner. Priming scores of gender stereotyping showed high internal consistency and construct‐valid correlations with explicit measures of sexism. Discriminant validity of gender stereotyping scores was tested by investigating relations with priming effects involving grammatical gender (e.g., mother, father). Evidence for discriminant validity was obtained when (1) trials from the two priming measures were presented in a blocked rather than interspersed manner and (2) the measure of stereotypical gender priming preceded the measure of grammatical gender priming. Overall, the SMP showed good psychometric properties and construct validity for the assessment of gender stereotyping.
Voltammetric Determination of Captopril on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Copper Metal‐organic Framework
Authors: Silva Vasconcelos Wellyton , da Silva Gilvaldo Gentil , Alves Junior Severino , dos Anjos Janaína Versiani , da Cunha Areias Madalena Carneiro
Published: September 2017

We report in this work, a new method for the determination of captopril by differential pulse voltammetry using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a copper metal‐organic framework (H‐Kust‐1 or Cu3(BTC)2 or Cu‐BTC), immobilized on the surface by a copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acrylate. This compound is detected by the formation of a copper(II)‐captopril complex that is observed in an oxidation potential at ca. +0.28 V vs. Ag/AgCl. A linear dynamic range is obtained for a captopril concentration of 0.5 μM to 7.0 μM and the voltammetric response is highly reproducible within 3.52 % error. The sensitivity of 9.71±0.37 nA μM−1 and the limit of detection of 0.20±0.01 μM make this methodology highly applicable for practical applications. The determination of captopril in a commercial pharmaceutical sample showed a recovery of 93.3 %.
A two‐step method for rapid characterization of electroosmotic flows in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , He Muyi , Yuan Tao , Xu Wei
Published: September 2017

The measurement of electroosmotic flow (EOF) is important in a capillary electrophoresis (CE) experiment in terms of performance optimization and stability improvement. Although several methods exist, there are demanding needs to accurately characterize ultra‐low electroosmotic flow rates (EOF rates), such as in coated capillaries used in protein separations. In this work, a new method, called the two‐step method, was developed to accurately and rapidly measure EOF rates in a capillary, especially for measuring the ultra‐low EOF rates in coated capillaries. In this two‐step method, the EOF rates were calculated by measuring the migration time difference of a neutral marker in two consecutive experiments, in which a pressure driven was introduced to accelerate the migration and the DC voltage was reversed to switch the EOF direction. Uncoated capillaries were first characterized by both this two‐step method and a conventional method to confirm the validity of this new method. Then this new method was applied in the study of coated capillaries. Results show that this new method is not only fast in speed, but also better in accuracy.
Recent advances in metal‐organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks for sample preparation and chromatographic analysis
Authors: Wang Xuan , Ye Nengsheng
Published: September 2017

In the field of analytical chemistry, sample preparation and chromatographic separation are two core procedures. The means by which to improve the sensitivity, selectivity and detection limit of a method have become a topic of great interest. Recently, porous organic frameworks, such as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have been widely used in this research area because of their special features, and different methods have been developed. This review summarizes the applications of MOFs and COFs in sample preparation and chromatographic stationary phases. The MOF‐ or COF‐based solid‐phase extraction (SPE), solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), gas chromatography (GC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) methods are described. The excellent properties of MOFs and COFs have resulted in intense interest in exploring their performance and mechanisms for sample preparation and chromatographic separation.
Advanced immunocapture of milk‐borne Salmonella by microfluidic magnetically stabilized fluidized bed
Authors: Srbova Jana , Krulisova Pavla , Holubova Lucie , Pereiro Iago , Bendali Amel , Hamiot Audrey , Podzemna Veronika , Macak Jan , Dupuy Bruno , Descroix Stephanie , Viovy Jean‐Louis , Bilkova Zuzana
Published: September 2017

The success of microfluidic immunocapture based on magnetic beads depends primarily on a sophisticated microscale separation system and on the quality of the magnetic immunosorbent. A microfluidic chip containing a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (μMSFB), developed for the capture and on‐chip amplification of bacteria, was recently described by Pereiro et al.. The present work shows the thorough development of anti‐Salmonella magnetic immunosorbents with the optimal capture efficiency and selectivity. Based on the corresponding ISO standards, these parameters have to be high enough to capture even a few cells of bacteria in a proper aliquot of sample, e.g. milk. The selection of specific anti‐Salmonella IgG molecules and the conditions for covalent bonding were the key steps in preparing an immunosorbent of the desired quality. The protocol for immunocapturing was first thoroughly optimized and studied in a batchwise arrangement, and then the carrier was integrated into the μMSFB chip. The combination of the unique design of the chip (guaranteeing the collision of cells with magnetic beads) with the advanced immunosorbent led to a Salmonella cell capture efficiency of up to 99%. These high values were achieved repeatedly even in samples of milk differing in fat content. The rate of nonspecific capture of Escherichia coli (i.e. the negative control) was only 2%.
Micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in fishes from the Great Lakes Basin, USA
Authors: Braham Ryan P. , Blazer Vicki S. , Shaw Cassidy H. , Mazik Patricia M.
Published: September 2017

Biological markers (biomarkers) sensitive to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination in fishes are widely used to identify exposure effects in aquatic environments. The micronucleus assay was incorporated into a suite of indicators to assess exposure to genotoxic and mutagenic contamination at five Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), as well as one non‐AOC (reference) site. The assay allowed enumeration of micronuclei as well as other nuclear abnormalities for both site and species comparisons. Erythrocyte abnormality data was also compared to skin and liver tumor prevalence and hepatic transcript abundance. Erythrocyte abnormalities were observed at all sites with variable occurrence and severity among sites and species. Benthic‐oriented brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) expressed lower rates of erythrocyte abnormalities, but higher rates of skin and liver neoplasms, when compared to pelagic‐oriented largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) at the same site. The reduced erythrocyte abnormalities, increased transcript abundance associated with Phase I and II toxicant responsive pathways, and increased neoplastic lesions among benthic‐oriented taxa may indicate the development of contaminant resistance of these species to more acute effects. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:570–581, 2017. © 2017 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society
Polyimide‐Based Self‐Standing Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ailian , Xu Hao , Liu Fulin , Liu Xu , Wang Shi , Zhou Qian , Chen Jie , Yang Shiyong , Zhang Liaoyun
Published: September 2017

A new solid polymer electrolyte composed of a polyimide matrix, an ionic liquid additive (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, [Bmim][TFSI]), and a lithium salt (lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, LiTFSI) is fabricated by the solution‐casting technique. The obtained self‐standing polyimide (PI)‐based polymer electrolyte (PI‐100 %BmimTFSI‐60 %LiTFSI) membranes show a great flexibility, transparency, and infiltration ability. As a result of the high thermal stability of the polyimide matrix, the thermal decomposition temperature of the electrolyte is high (420 °C). The ionic conductivity can be up to 1.73×10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature and reaches 1.26×10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C. In addition, the PI‐100 %BmimTFSI‐60 %LiTFSI electrolytes have a wide electrochemical stability window of 4.8 V, a general lithium ion transference number of 0.12, and good interfacial stability and compatibility. In particular, the assembled LiFePO4/Li half cells made from this polyimide‐based electrolyte can light up a light‐emitting diode lamp at room temperature.
Europe and the Integrative Power of Science
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: September 2017

Stifling populism, authoritarian Caesarism, technocratic reductionism: the crisis of Europe and its union is also affecting the freedom and pluralism of science and research. If Europe were to recall the intellectual and cultural diversity of the sciences, then these very things could advance European integration.
On Homo migrans
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: September 2017

Mobility and migration are an integral aspect of the human experience. A look at the findings of the CRC “Our Way to Europe” and their presentation at the Neanderthal Museum.
Self‐reported personality traits are prospectively associated with proxy‐reported behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia at the end of life
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: September 2017

Objective

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are among the most challenging aspects of Alzheimer disease for patients and their families. Previous studies have found associations between informant‐reported retrospective personality and BPSD; we test whether prospective, self‐reported personality predicts who will experience these symptoms.

Methods

Deceased participants from the Health and Retirement Study who had evidence of cognitive impairment at the end of life (N = 1988) were selected to examine whether self‐reported five‐factor model personality traits, measured up to 8 years before death, were associated with proxy‐reported BPSD.

Results

Neuroticism was associated with increased risk of the 7 BPSD: got lost in familiar places, wandered off, were not able to be left alone, experienced hallucinations, suffered from depression, had periodic confusion, and an uncontrolled temper. These associations were not moderated by age, gender, race, or education. Conscientiousness was associated with fewer symptoms overall and especially with lower risk of getting lost in familiar places and not being able to be left alone.

Conclusions

The present research indicates that self‐reported personality, particularly Neuroticism, is associated prospectively with risk for a wide range of behavioral symptoms for individuals who had cognitive impairment at the end of life. The use of self‐reported personality traits can help aid in identifying who is most at risk for behavioral symptoms. Such information may be useful for nonpharmacological interventions tailored to the individual's personality to reduce the prevalence and burden of these BPSD.
Predicting hemispheric dominance for language production in healthy individuals using support vector machine
Authors: Zago Laure , Hervé Pierre‐Yves , Genuer Robin , Laurent Alexandre , Mazoyer Bernard , Tzourio‐Mazoyer Nathalie , Joliot Marc
Published: September 2017

We used a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to assess hemispheric pattern of language dominance of 47 individuals categorized as non‐typical for language from their hemispheric functional laterality index (HFLI) measured on a sentence minus word‐list production fMRI‐BOLD contrast map. The SVM classifier was trained at discriminating between Dominant and Non‐Dominant hemispheric language production activation pattern on a group of 250 participants previously identified as Typicals (HFLI strongly leftward). Then, SVM was applied to each hemispheric language activation pattern of 47 non‐typical individuals. The results showed that at least one hemisphere (left or right) was found to be Dominant in every, except 3 individuals, indicating that the “dominant” type of functional organization is the most frequent in non‐typicals. Specifically, left hemisphere dominance was predicted in all non‐typical right‐handers (RH) and in 57.4% of non‐typical left‐handers (LH). When both hemisphere classifications were jointly considered, four types of brain patterns were observed. The most often predicted pattern (51%) was left‐dominant (Dominant left‐hemisphere and Non‐Dominant right‐hemisphere), followed by right‐dominant (23%, Dominant right‐hemisphere and Non‐Dominant left‐hemisphere) and co‐dominant (19%, 2 Dominant hemispheres) patterns. Co‐non‐dominant was rare (6%, 2 Non‐Dominant hemispheres), but was normal variants of hemispheric specialization. In RH, only left‐dominant (72%) and co‐dominant patterns were detected, while for LH, all types were found, although with different occurrences. Among the 10 LH with a strong rightward HFLI, 8 had a right‐dominant brain pattern. Whole‐brain analysis of the right‐dominant pattern group confirmed that it exhibited a functional organization strictly mirroring that of left‐dominant pattern group. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5871–5889, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel trade of pharmaceuticals: The Danish market for statins
Authors: Méndez Susan J.
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates and quantifies the impact of parallel trade in markets for pharmaceuticals. The paper develops a structural model of demand and supply using data on price, sales, and the characteristics of statins in Denmark and simulates outcomes under a complete ban of parallel imports, keeping other regulatory schemes unchanged. There are two sets of key results. The first set focuses on price effects. On average, prices increase more in markets where the molecule has lost patent protection; wholesale prices for both generic and original products increase after competition from parallel importers is removed, but the final price paid by consumers (after deducting reimbursement) increases more for original products than for generics because most changes in wholesale prices are absorbed by the prevailing reimbursement rules. The second set of results reports the effects on market participants. My model takes into consideration consumers' preferences, allowing them to substitute between products. Prohibiting parallel imports induces consumers to substitute towards original products for which they have stronger preferences. In sum, banning parallel imports leads to (a) an increase in variable profits for original producers and a decrease for generic firms, (b) an increase in governmental health‐care expenditures, and (c) a decrease in the welfare of Danish patients and firms.
Employment insecurity and employees' health in Denmark
Authors: Cottini Elena , Ghinetti Paolo
Published: September 2017

We use register data for Denmark (IDA) merged with the Danish Work Environment Cohort Survey (1995, 2000, and 2005) to estimate the effect of perceived employment insecurity on perceived health for a sample of Danish employees. We consider two health measures from the SF‐36 Health Survey Instrument: a vitality scale for general well‐being and a mental health scale. We first analyse a summary measure of employment insecurity. Instrumental variables‐fixed effects estimates that use firm workforce changes as a source of exogenous variation show that 1 additional dimension of insecurity causes a shift from the median to the 25th percentile in the mental health scale and to the 30th in that of energy/vitality. It also increases by about 6 percentage points the probability to develop severe mental health problems. Looking at single insecurity dimensions by naïve fixed effects, uncertainty associated with the current job is important for mental health. Employability has a sizeable relationship with health and is the only insecurity dimension that matters for the energy and vitality scale. Danish employees who fear involuntary firm internal mobility experience worse mental health.
Strategic HR system differentiation between jobs: The effects on firm performance and employee outcomes
Authors: Schmidt Joseph A. , Pohler Dionne , Willness Chelsea R.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this research was to understand whether firms apply different human resource management systems to different occupations within the same organization (HR differentiation) and how the extent to which they do so may influence firm and employee outcomes. We conducted two studies pertaining to these questions. The first study was based on data collected from managers, and the results suggest that firms differentiate their HR investments based on the strategic value of occupations to the firm, which was further associated with the human capital of those occupations. Differentiation in human capital was also associated with firm performance. The second study was based on data obtained from nonmanagement employees. The findings indicated that employees who were recipients of less HR system investment had lower fairness perceptions, which were further associated with higher turnover intentions and lower organizational citizenship behavior. Although the evidence from these studies suggests that firms may realize benefits from strategic HR system differentiation, managers should carefully consider how to balance the effects of differentiation on firm performance and employee well‐being before implementing such systems.
Putting human capital analytics to work: Predicting and driving business success
Authors: Schiemann William A. , Seibert Jerry H. , Blankenship Mark H.
Published: September 2017

Workforce analytics have evolved considerably in the past two decades and yet application in many organizations is scant. Some organizations, however, are reaping the benefits of using more‐sophisticated, but practical, workforce tools and measures to understand, predict, and control important business outcomes. In this article, we will share some of the work that has been done using several human capital and business frameworks, including the service‐profit chain and People Equity, to show how such frameworks can be used to understand and predict revenue, profit, customer satisfaction, and employee turnover. We also provide recommendations for how organizations can secure senior leader support that leads to actions and improvements.
Conditional altruism: Effects of HRM practices on the willingness of host‐country nationals to help expatriates
Authors: Shen Jie , Kang Haiying , Dowling Peter J.
Published: September 2017

The assistance of host‐country nationals (HCNs) both within the workplace and in the external environment plays a significant role in expatriate adjustment and work performance on international assignments. Extant research exploring antecedents of HCNs' attitudes and behaviors toward expatriates focuses on personal and intrapersonal factors but overlooks organizational contextual effects. In this study, we propose and test a model that HCNs' willingness to help expatriates is influenced by HRM practices in international subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Results of analyzing data collected from Chinese subsidiaries of South Korean MNEs showed that high‐commitment HRM practices directly and indirectly influence HCNs' willingness to help expatriates through the mediation of perceived organizational support (POS). Socially responsible HRM indirectly influences the criterion variable through the mediation of organizational identification. Moreover, POS and organizational identification sequentially mediate the effect of high‐commitment HRM on HCNs' willingness to help expatriates. These findings shed some light on organizational antecedents that go beyond personal and intrapersonal factors of HCN attitudes and behavior toward expatriates.
Numerical analysis of peridynamic and classical models in transient heat transfer, employing Galerkin approach
Authors: Jafari Akbar , Bahaaddini Reza , Jahanbakhsh Hasan
Published: September 2017

The main scope of this research is to study transient heat transfer based on combined peridynamic theory and classical model. The principle of the energy conservation is used to develop the governing equation in case of existing both classical and peridynamic heat transfer mechanisms. The integro‐differential equation is developed containing the classical coefficient of heat conduction and peridynamic kernel function. To solve the equation, a spectral method based on a series solution in accordance with Gelerkin approach is implemented. Trapezoidal method is employed to compute the integral terms. Implicit Euler method is used to numerically solve the problem in time domain. In part of numerical studies, different kernel functions are attributed to the peridynamic coefficient of heat transfer. Relevant constraints are applied for making equivalency between classical and each of the peridynamic kernel functions. To ensure the accuracy of the numerical results, adequate convergence analyses are conducted. The results related to a few cases are compared to relevant data reported in the open literature showing good agreements. Moreover, comparisons are made to observe probable variations versus time. In case studies, effects of the nonlocal range on the heat transfer were studied.
A hydraulic invariance‐based methodology for the implementation of storm‐water release restrictions in urban land use master plans
Authors: Pappalardo Viviana , Campisano Alberto , Martinico Francesco , Modica Carlo , Barbarossa Luca
Published: September 2017

A hydraulic invariance (HI)‐based methodology was developed as a tool to support implementation of storm flow control measures into land use master plans (LUMPs) for urban catchments. The methodology is based on the use of simple hydrologic analysis to compare predevelopment and postdevelopment catchment flow release scenarios. Differently from previous literature examples, for which the parcel scale is usually considered for the analysis, HI was pursued assuming the LUMP areas of transformation as the basic units for assigning storm water control measures in the form of flow release restrictions. The methodology was applied to a case study catchment in the southern part of the City of Catania (Italy), for which the LUMP re‐design has been recently proposed. Simulations were run based on the use of the EPA‐Storm Water Management Model and allowed deriving flow release restrictions in order to achieve HI at the subcatchment level for design events of different return period.
Embracing the Other in Gothic Texts: Cultivating Understanding in the Reading Classroom
Authors: Del Nero Jennifer Renner
Published: September 2017

This case study explores the understandings that seventh graders constructed with Gothic texts in a reading unit designed by the researcher. Gothic is a fictional genre defined by horror and mystery. The stories’ protagonists are often marginalized individuals. The genre was selected due to its popularity with adolescents. Qualitative data were collected and reviewed using thematic analysis. The results of the study reveal that as a result of grappling with the societal other, participants gleaned meaningful knowledge that enriched them personally and socially.
Teaching conversational speech to children with autism spectrum disorder using text‐message prompting
Authors: Grosberg Denise , Charlop Marjorie H.
Published: September 2017

The present study was designed to teach conversational speech using text‐message prompts to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in home play settings with siblings and peers. A multiple baseline design across children was used. Children learned conversational speech through the text‐message prompts, and the behavior generalized across peers and settings. Maintenance of treatment gains was seen at 1‐month follow‐up probes. Social validity measures indicated that parents of typically developing children viewed the participants' conversational speech as much improved after the intervention. Results are discussed in terms of the efficacy of text‐message prompts as a promising way to improve conversational speech for children with ASD.
Self‐employment among women: Do children matter more than we previously thought?
Authors: Semykina Anastasia
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an estimation approach that addresses the problems of sample selection and endogeneity of fertility decisions when estimating the effect of young children on women's self‐employment. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, 1982–2006, we find that ignoring self‐selection and endogeneity leads to underestimating the effect of young children. Once both sources of biases are accounted for, the estimated effect of young children roughly triples when compared to uncorrected results. This finding is robust to several changes in the specification and to the use of a different dataset.
Eliminating glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films using supercritical CO2
Authors: Casali Dominic M. , Yost Michael J. , Matthews Michael A.
Published: September 2017

Collagen has received considerable attention as a biomaterial for tissue engineering because of its low immunogenicity, controllable biodegradation, and ability to influence cell growth and proliferation. Frequently, collagen scaffolds require crosslinking to improve mechanical strength, requiring agents like glutaraldehyde that have high residual cytotoxicity. A novel method for extracting residual glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films with supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) is presented. CO2 is a nontoxic, nonflammable substance that is relatively inert and can be used to process biomaterials at mild pressures and physiologic temperatures. In this work, it was first determined that type I collagen is chemically compatible with both liquid and supercritical CO2. Treated collagen showed minimal changes in physicochemical properties as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, gel electrophoresis, and circular dichroism. CO2 was subsequently used to extract residual glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films. Glutaraldehyde concentration was reduced by over 95%, from over 20 ppm before treatment to about 1 ppm, in only 1 h. CO2 treatment caused negligible alteration of thermal stability but did significantly increase film stiffness and tensile strength. However, these changes were minor compared to heat‐based removal of glutaraldehyde. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 86–94, 2018.
Removal and Spectrophotometric Determination of Anionic Dye Using a Polymeric Nanocomposite
Authors: Ali Omnia I.M. , El‐Sheikh Said M.
Published: September 2017

Removal and spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of methyl orange (MO) in tap and Nile water using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported over polyurethane foam were successfully carried out. AgNPs and samples of a nanocomposite of polyurethane foam and silver nanoparticles (PUF/AgNPs) were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Several parameters affecting dye removal such as pH, contact time, initial dye concentration were investigated. Sorption isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics, desorption, and nanocomposite reusability were investigated. Error analysis data showed the high suitability of the Freundlich model and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model for better interpretation of the experimental data. The sorbed MO was desorbed and determined spectrophotometrically. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curve was linear from 50 to 1000 μg/L with a correlation coefficient 0.9987. The recoveries of the dye ranged from 96.43% to 103.65%, indicating the excellent performance of the proposed method for MO determination in real samples.
Basic Copper Carbonate‐Catalyzed Silyl Conjugate Additions to α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyls in Water
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Bo‐Jie , Xiao Zu‐Feng , Yan Feng , Wei Peng‐Ren , Wang Lian‐Sheng , Zhu Lei
Published: September 2017

We report here the silylation of α,β‐unsaturated acceptors in water at room temperature using a copper catalyst. A broad substrate scope, including chalcone derivatives, esters, nitrile, and dienones, has been explored. In all cases, the reaction proceeded well to give the desired products in good to excellent yield.
Construction of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Decorated Gold Nanostructures as Nanomedical Agents
Authors: Luo Cheng‐Hung , Yeh Chen‐Sheng
Published: September 2017

Gold nanoparticles provide promising applications based on their versatile properties of electromagnetic scattering and absorption and the capability of photothermal transduction relying on their size and shape. Because of their high tolerance to the environment and their excellent biocompatibility, gold nanoparticles are the most recognized nanomaterial applied in biomedicine. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a native biomaterial that stores genetic information in living organisms. Naturally, DNA can be combined with gold nanoparticles for a variety of biomedical purposes. For example, the reversible hydrogen bonding of the complementary double‐stranded structures has been employed to serve as a gate keeper for the control of drug release on demand. Besides, the complementary hybridization behavior has given the specific recognition in nucleic acid for sensing feature. Accordingly, this mini‐review describes how DNA–gold nanoconjugates have been formulated and aimed for drug release and sensing analysis as well as the hybrids of aptamer–gold analogy for biomedical studies. These nanoconjugates show the potential for preclinical and clinical treatments.
Psychotherapy clients’ recalled treatment experiences: A survey of perceived evidence‐based practice elements
Authors: Chen Yadi , Boswell James F. , Schwartzman Carly M. , Iles Brittany R.
Published: September 2017

Evidence‐based practice (EBPs) elements can be observed across treatment approaches for commonly occurring problems. Little is known about the prevalence or pervasiveness of EBP elements from the routine client's perspective. We assessed psychotherapy clients’ self‐reported retrospective treatment experiences with regard to common EBP elements. Participants (N = 592) were consenting university undergraduate students who accessed a web survey that included (a) demographic items; (b) an item assessing the problem domain(s) of focus during their therapy; and (c) the presence/absence of 8 EBP elements and the extent to which they were a focus of their psychotherapy. Overall, routine psychotherapy clients recalled receiving a variety of EBP elements, the most common being a focus on positive emotions. Future work should continue to focus on clients’ experience of psychotherapy elements, including what was/is most and least helpful to assist in the refinement and implementation of EBPs.
An efficient new method for the synthesis of 3‐[18F]fluoro‐4‐aminopyridine via Yamada‐Curtius rearrangement
Authors: Basuli Falguni , Zhang Xiang , Brugarolas Pedro , Reich Daniel S. , Swenson Rolf E.
Published: September 2017

4‐Aminopyridine is a clinically approved drug to improve motor symptoms in multiple sclerosis. A fluorine‐18‐labeled derivative of this drug, 3‐[18F]fluoro‐4‐aminopyridine, is currently under investigation for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of demyelination. Herein, the Yamada‐Curtius reaction has been successfully applied for the preparation of this PET radioligand with a better radiochemical yield and improved specific activity. The overall radiochemical yield was 5 to 15% (n = 12, uncorrected) with a specific activity of 37 to 148 GBq/μmol (end of synthesis) in a 90 minute synthesis time. It is expected that this 1 pot Yamada‐Curtius reaction can be used to prepare similar fluorine‐18‐labeled amino substituted heterocycles.
Reduction of [11C]CO2 to [11C]CO using solid supported zinc
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Ulin Johan , Schou Magnus , Halldin Christer
Published: September 2017

A new method for the reduction of no‐carrier‐added [11C]carbon dioxide into [11C]carbon monoxide ([11C]CO) is described, in which the reductant (zinc) is supported on fused silica particles. Using this setup, which allows for a reduction temperature (485°C) well above the melting point for zinc (420°C), radiochemical yields of up to 96% (decay‐corrected) were obtained. A slight decrease in radiochemical yield was observed upon repeated [11C]CO productions (93 ± 3%, n = 20). The methodology is convenient and efficient and provides a straightforward path to no‐carrier‐added production of [11C]CO.
Trends of intraseasonal descriptors of wet and dry spells over equatorial eastern Africa
Authors: Gitau Wilson , Camberlin Pierre , Ogallo Laban , Bosire Emily
Published: September 2017

Many African countries whose economies are largely based on weather/climate sensitive sectors are vulnerable to long‐term changes in weather and climate. This study is aimed at assessing whether the recent decades have observed any significant trend in the intraseasonal descriptors (ISDs) of wet and dry spells at local and sub‐regional levels at seasonal and monthly timescales over equatorial eastern Africa (EEA). Daily rainfall observations over 36 stations and spanning a period of 51 years (1962–2012) were used.

The study has expanded on previous results that showed contrasting trends on seasonal totals between the two rainfall seasons by demonstrating that this also affects the ISDs. At the local level, it was observed that during the long rainfall season, a given ISD would have a significant trend over several neighbouring locations, which was not the case during the short rainfall season. Secondly, for the short rainfall season, a given location would have significant trend in several ISDs. Finally, when a given ISD had a significant trend at seasonal timescale during the long rainfall season, the same ISD would have significant trends in the second and third months of the season and rarely in the first month. Such a feature was not observed for the short rainfall season. Binomial probability distribution assessment confirmed that the significant trends in the various ISDs during the long rainfall season did not occur by mere chance.
Extreme tropical cyclone activities in the southern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Hoarau Karl , Chalonge Ludovic , Pirard Florence , Peyrusaubes Daniel
Published: September 2017

This research concerning the South Pacific Ocean shows the 10‐year and interannual variability of extreme cyclones (categories 4 and 5). The intensity of these cyclones has been reanalysed on the basis of GMS, GOES and NOAA satellite images with the Dvorak technique. In the period 1980–2016, 63 cyclones reached categories 4 and 5. During the decade 1980–1989, the intensity of cyclones of at least 115 knots over 1 min (100 knots over 10 min used by the meteorological centres in the South Pacific) was underestimated: we found 19 such cyclones, as opposed to 11 in IBTrACS, and 6 in the SPEArTC and in the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) databases. Between 1980 and 2016, the number of extreme cyclones did not show any tendency to increase. The 1983 season was the most active, with six cyclones of categories 4 and 5 that do not figure in the JTWC database for the South Pacific. Only one intense cyclone has been reported in the SPEArTC and five cyclones in IBTrACS in 1983. El Niño episodes concurred with a much higher number of cyclones of at least 115 knots than La Niña episodes. More than half of the category 5 (at least 140 knots) cyclones were observed during El Niño years. The South Pacific Ocean is the theatre of very intense cyclones, comparable to those in the western or eastern North Pacific. Thus, by reanalysing satellite images, an intensity of 170 knots was attributed to cyclone Hina (March 1985), which was probably one of the strongest in the southern hemisphere since 1980.
High‐performance liquid chromatography thermodynamic study of new potential antiepileptic compounds on a cholesterol column using isocratic elution with methanol/water and acetonitrile/water eluent systems
Authors: Flieger Jolanta , Trębacz Hanna , Pizoń Magdalena , Kowalska Anna , Szczęsna Agnieszka , Plech Tomasz
Published: September 2017

Basic thermodynamic functions responsible for retention of new 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives exhibiting varied antiepileptic activity on cholesterol‐based stationary phase were determined. Evaluation of the Gibbs energy change, the change in enthalpy and the change in entropy was based on the van't Hoff relationship representing lnk versus 1/T. A detailed discussion of the van't Hoff equation, exploring the influence of the phase ratio on deviations from linearity in a van't Hoff plot is presented. We show chromatographic evidence to the question of how a varied mobile phase composition may cause different thermodynamic phase ratios. The analysis of data from a differential scanning calorimetry excluded any phase transitions of either the individual solutes or cholesterol stationary phase suspended in the mobile phase components within the studied temperature range.
Development of multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the sensitive monitoring of aminoglycosides in honey and milk samples
Authors: Chen Lei , Mei Meng , Huang Xiaojia
Published: September 2017

A simple and sensitive method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of six aminoglycosides in honey and milk samples was developed using multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The multiple monolithic fibers based on poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐ethylenedimethacrylate) monolith as the extraction medium was used to concentrate target analytes. Because there were abundant carboxyl groups in the monolith, the monolithic fibers could extract aminoglycosides effectively through cation‐exchange and hydrophobic interactions. To obtain optimum extraction performance, several extraction parameters including desorption solvent, adsorption and desorption time, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix, were investigated in detail. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the limits of detection of the proposed method were 0.10–0.30 and 0.23–0.59 μg/kg for honey and milk samples, respectively. Satisfactory linearity was achieved for analytes with the coefficients of determination above 0.99. At the same time, the developed method showed acceptable method repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of aminoglycosides in real honey and milk samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of six target analytes in spiking samples ranged from 67.9 to 110%, and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.2–11%.
Prophylactic immunization with human papillomavirus vaccines induces oral immunity in mice
Authors: Ahn Julie , Peng Shiwen , Hung Chien‐Fu , Roden Richard B. S. , Best Simon R.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Although it has been shown that prophylactic vaccination can induce genital immunity, there is inadequate information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine‐induced oral immunity, which is of particular interest due to HPV‐associated oropharyngeal malignancies and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of various HPV vaccines against oral HPV pseudovirus (PsV) infection in mice.

Study Design

Preclinical scientific investigation.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated three times at 2‐week intervals with either Gardasil (Merck, Kenilworth, NJ) (50 µL intramuscular injection) or a candidate pan‐HPV L2 vaccine with alum adjuvant (25 µg subcutaneous injection). Additional mice were immunized with passive transfer of either Gardasil (Merck) human antisera or nonimmunized sera (100 µL intraperitoneal injection). All vaccinated and naïve control mice were then challenged with HPV16 E6E7 luciferase PsV in the oral mucosa. Visualization of HPV PsV infection was monitored through in vivo luciferase imaging.

Results

Oral luciferase‐expressing HPV16 PsV infection was not detected in Gardasil (Merck), L2 vaccine, and Gardasil (Merck) antisera‐immunized mice, whereas robust luciferase expression was observed in all control mice. An in vitro neutralization assay from sera of Gardasil‐vaccinated (Merck) mice confirmed that vaccine efficacy was due to neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusion

Oral HPV16 PsV infection in mice was completely prevented with all methods of prophylactic HPV immunization. These findings provide preliminary evidence that human vaccines induce protection against oral HPV infection, which has significant public health implications for HPV‐associated oropharyngeal malignancies.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E16–E20, 2018