bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial properties of polymeric complex coacervates from simulation and theory
Authors: Lytle Tyler K. , Salazar Anthony J. , Sing Charles E.
Published: July 2018

Polymeric complex coacervation occurs when two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes undergo an associative phase separation in aqueous salt solution, resulting in a polymer-dense coacervate phase and a polymer-dilute supernatant phase. This phase separation process represents a powerful way to tune polymer solutions using electrostatic attraction and is sensitive to environmental conditions such as salt concentration and valency. One area of particular research interest is using this to create nanoscale polymer assemblies, via (for example) block copolymers with coacervate-forming blocks. The key to understanding coacervate-driven assembly is the formation of the interface between the coacervate and supernatant phases and its corresponding thermodynamics. In this work, we use recent advances in coacervate simulation and theory to probe the nature of the coacervate-supernatant interface. First, we show that self-consistent field theory informed by either Monte-Carlo simulations or transfer matrix theories is capable of reproducing interfacial features present in large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. The quantitative agreement between all three methods gives us a way to efficiently explore interfacial thermodynamics. We show how salt affects the interface, and we find qualitative agreement with literature measurements of interfacial tension. We also explore the influence of neutral polymers, which we predict to drastically influence the phase behavior of coacervates. These neutral polymers can significantly alter the interfacial tension in coacervates; this has a profound effect on the design and understanding of coacervate-driven self-assembly, where the equilibrium structure is tied to interfacial properties.
Magnetotransport properties of perovskite EuNbO3 single-crystalline thin films
Authors: Maruyama Takahiro , Chikamatsu Akira , Onozuka Tomoya , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: July 2018

We investigated the magnetic and transport properties of perovskite EuNbO3 single-crystalline thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition. The EuNbO3 thin films showed metallic transport properties and ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature (TC) of ∼6 K. The carrier concentration and the mobility of the EuNbO3 thin films were nearly independent of temperature, suggesting that the excess oxygen in the films behaves as a scattering center. The sign of magnetoresistance changed around TC, possibly due to competition between the weak anti-localization effect and the magnetic coupling between Eu2+ 4f localized spins and Nb4+ 4d itinerant electrons.
Effect of temperature on the structure and dynamics of triblock polyelectrolyte gels
Authors: Rahalkar Anand , Wei Guangmin , Nieuwendaal Ryan , Prabhu Vivek M. , Srivastava Samanvaya , Levi Adam E. , de Pablo Juan J. , Tirrell Matthew V.
Published: July 2018

Triblock polyelectrolyte gels were characterized by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The oppositely charged end blocks self-assemble into polyelectrolyte complex cores, while the neutral poly(ethylene oxide) middle block bridges adjacent cores. The size of the polyelectrolyte complex core does not change with temperature. However, the neutral middle block displays a temperature-dependent conformation. The liquid-like order of the complex core within the gel phase leads to stretched bridging chains that approach their unperturbed dimensions with increasing concentration. A stretch ratio for bridging chains was defined as the ratio between stretched and unperturbed dimensions. A further reduction in the chain stretching occurs with increasing temperature due to solvent quality. DLS observes multiple modes consistent with a collective diffusion (fast mode) and diffusion of clusters (slow mode). The dynamics of these clusters are at length scales associated with the SANS excess scattering, but with relaxation time near the crossover frequency observed by mechanical spectroscopy.
Site-specific perspective on interactions in polyelectrolyte complexes: Toward quantitative understanding
Authors: Schlenoff Joseph B.
Published: July 2018

The composition and properties of hydrated polyelectrolyte complexes, PECs, depend strongly on the salt concentration of solutions in which they are immersed. This fascinating and polyelectrolyte-specific behavior is often treated with extensions of theory developed for single-component polyelectrolyte solutions. As an alternative, the response of PECs to salt (i.e., small ions) may be treated as a competition between the pairing of positive, Pol+, and negative, Pol−, repeat units and their salt counterions. Simple equilibrium expressions provide the degree of reversible Pol+Pol− pair breaking as more salt is added. This work summarizes the site-specific ion pairing view of PECs.
Comparison of KBr and NaCl effects on the glass transition temperature of hydrated layer-by-layer assemblies
Authors: O’Neal Joshua T. , Wilcox Kathryn G. , Zhang Yanpu , George Ian M. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: July 2018

The influence of assembly and post-assembly conditions on the glass transition temperature of free-standing poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium) (PDADMA)/poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) layer-by-layer (LbL) films assembled in 0.5M NaCl and 0.5M KBr are explored using modulated differential scanning calorimetry. Upon completion, PDADMA/PSS LbL assemblies are hydrated using solutions containing various concentrations of KBr. The data indicate that water provides the primary driving force for changes in the glass transition temperature of completed films rather than the post-assembly salt type. However, upon changing the assembly salt conditions from NaCl to KBr, the glass transition temperature shows a decrease of nearly 20 °C. Additionally, the composition of the films upon analysis with 1H NMR spectroscopy and neutron activation analysis indicates an elevated number of extrinsic binding sites within the film structure when KBr is the assembly salt. This shows a clear link between the assembly conditions and the internal structure and, therefore, the thermal properties of PDADMA/PSS LbL assemblies.
Quantum dynamics calculations reveal temperature independence of kinetic isotope effect of the OH + HBr/DBr reaction
Authors: Wang Yuping , Wang Dunyou
Published: July 2018

The reaction of OH radicals with HBr plays a key role in atmospheric chemistry as the reaction, OH + HBr → Br + H2O, produces Br atoms that destroy ozone. The experimental measurements of the kinetic isotope effect of k(OH + HBr)/k(OH + DBr) found that the kinetic isotope effects are temperature-independent. However, previous quasi-classical trajectory calculations on an accurate ab initio potential energy surface showed that the kinetic isotope effect is temperature-dependent. By contrast, the present full-dimensional time-dependent quantum dynamics calculations on the same potential energy surface find that the kinetic isotope effect is temperature-independent, agreeing well with the experimental studies both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, the rate constants from both quantum dynamics and quasi-classical trajectory calculations have a peak at around 15 K whereas the experimental data are not available in this low temperature range. The good agreement of the temperature-dependence of kinetic isotope effects between the present quantum dynamics calculations and the experimental measurements indicates that the kinetic isotope effect of k(OH + HBr)/k(OH + DBr) should be temperature-independent and the peak of the rate constants from the theoretical calculations call for experimental measurements at a very low temperature range.
Monovalent ions modulate the flux through multiple folding pathways of an RNA pseudoknot
Authors: Roca Jorjethe , Hori Naoto , Baral Saroj , Velmurugu Yogambigai , Narayanan Ranjani , Narayanan Prasanth , Thirumalai D. , Ansari Anjum
Published: July 2018

Significance

The assembly mechanism of RNA, vital to describing its functions, depends on both the sequence and the metal ion concentration. How the latter influences the folding trajectories remains an important unsolved problem. Here, we examine the folding pathways of an RNA pseudoknot (PK) with key functional roles in transcription and translation, using a combination of experiments and simulations. We demonstrate that the PK, consisting of two hairpins with differing stabilities, folds by parallel pathways. Surprisingly, the flux between them is modulated by monovalent salt concentration. Our work shows that the order of assembly of PKs is determined by the relative stability of the hairpins, implying that the folding landscape can be controlled by sequence and ion concentration.
Specific cardiolipin–SecY interactions are required for proton-motive force stimulation of protein secretion
Authors: Corey Robin A. , Pyle Euan , Allen William J. , Watkins Daniel W. , Casiraghi Marina , Miroux Bruno , Arechaga Ignacio , Politis Argyris , Collinson Ian
Published: July 2018

Significance

Many proteins are located in lipid membranes surrounding cells and subcellular organelles. The membrane can impart important structural and functional effects on the protein, making understanding of this interaction critical. Here, we apply computational simulation to the identification of conserved lipid binding sites on an important highly conserved bacterial membrane protein, the Sec translocase (SecA-SecYEG), which uses ATP and the proton-motive force (PMF) to secrete proteins across the bacterial plasma membrane. We experimentally validate these binding sites and use functional analyses to investigate the biological significance of the interactions. We demonstrate that these interactions are specific, transient, and critical for both ATP- and PMF-driven protein secretion.
Aspirin binds to PPARα to stimulate hippocampal plasticity and protect memory
Authors: Patel Dhruv , Roy Avik , Kundu Madhuchhanda , Jana Malabendu , Luan Chi-Hao , Gonzalez Frank J. , Pahan Kalipada
Published: July 2018

Despite its long history, until now, no receptor has been identified for aspirin, one of the most widely used medicines worldwide. Here we report that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear hormone receptor involved in fatty acid metabolism, serves as a receptor of aspirin. Detailed proteomic analyses including cheminformatics, thermal shift assays, and TR-FRET revealed that aspirin, but not other structural homologs, acts as a PPARα ligand through direct binding at the Tyr314 residue of the PPARα ligand-binding domain. On binding to PPARα, aspirin stimulated hippocampal plasticity via transcriptional activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Finally, hippocampus-dependent behavioral analyses, calcium influx assays in hippocampal slices and quantification of dendritic spines demonstrated that low-dose aspirin treatment improved hippocampal plasticity and memory in FAD5X mice, but not in FAD5X/
Ppara
-null mice. These findings highlight a property of aspirin: stimulating hippocampal plasticity via direct interaction with PPARα.
Hippocampus-dependent emergence of spatial sequence coding in retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Mao Dun , Neumann Adam R. , Sun Jianjun , Bonin Vincent , Mohajerani Majid H. , McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a major relay of hippocampal formation output to other neocortical areas and is critical for spatial and some other forms of learning. We show here that the sparse, orthogonal, “place cell” sequence activity in RSC develops gradually over several days and is severely attenuated by hippocampal damage. These data support the theory that hippocampus endows RSC (and possibly other cortical areas) with an index-like, continuous representation of the context in which events occur, that could support coordinated retrieval of recent memory.
Wafer-recyclable, environment-friendly transfer printing for large-scale thin-film nanoelectronics
Authors: Wie Dae Seung , Zhang Yue , Kim Min Ku , Kim Bongjoong , Park Sangwook , Kim Young-Joon , Irazoqui Pedro P. , Zheng Xiaolin , Xu Baoxing , Lee Chi Hwan
Published: July 2018

Significance

The ability to endow the surface of existing objects with desired electronic features enables many emerging applications such as Internet of Things (IoT). Despite significant progress in the optimization of thin-film materials and construction schemes, the realization of high-performance thin-film electronics on arbitrary place through a wafer-scale batch process is limited. This paper presents a wafer-recyclable, environment-friendly transfer printing process that enables the physical delivery of large-scale thin-film integrated circuits with various combinations of active nanomaterials from their fabrication wafer to nearly any kind of places. Detailed experimental and theoretical studies reveal the essential attributes of this approach. Demonstrations in electronics and sensors realized on the surface of commercial appliances to meet the user-specific needs illustrate the utility.
Species diversity concurrently dilutes and amplifies transmission in a zoonotic host–pathogen system through competing mechanisms
Authors: Luis Angela D. , Kuenzi Amy J. , Mills James N.
Published: July 2018

Significance

There has been an impassioned debate in recent years about whether biodiversity is negatively or positively correlated to wildlife and zoonotic disease transmission and risk, suggesting a “dilution” or “amplification” effect, respectively. Here, we demonstrate for an important zoonotic disease (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) that species diversity can act differently on competing drivers of disease transmission (host density, contact rates, transmissibility) and may cause increases and decreases in transmission, concurrently in the same host–pathogen system. The net effect (dilution, amplification, or no effect) is determined by the strength of the competing mechanisms. Therefore, to move forward, researchers should focus on how biodiversity affects individual mechanisms separately and their net effects if we want to make generalizable predictions across systems.
Biogenesis of a 22-nt microRNA in Phaseoleae species by precursor-programmed uridylation
Authors: Fei Qili , Yu Yu , Liu Li , Zhang Yu , Baldrich Patricia , Dai Qing , Chen Xuemei , Meyers Blake C.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Plant
nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat
(
NB-LRR
s) are suppressed by phased, secondary siRNAs, triggered by 22-nt miRNAs; in soybean, the major trigger of Phased, secondary siRNAs (phasiRNAs) from
NB-LRR
s is miR1510. Unlike other miRNAs, 21-nt miR1510 is partially 2′-
O
-methylated at the 3′ terminus, enabling HESO1-mediated uridylation because of a terminal mispairing in the miR1510/miR1510* duplex. miR1510 is specific to Phaseoleae species, and uridylation to produce the 22-nt isoform is conserved across species that also contain the 3′-terminal mispairing. Among the Phaseoleae, mung bean has a miR1510 variant directly processed to 22 nt, suggesting that mung bean adapted a more direct route for the biogenesis of the 22-nt miR1510, demonstrating how selection optimizes the structural features of a recently emerged plant miRNA.
The temporal uses of French devoir and Estonian pidama (‘must’)
Authors: Treikelder Anu , Amon Marri
Published: July 2018

Using a parallel corpus, we compare the temporal uses of devoir in French and pidama (‘must’) in Estonian in order to identify possible correspondences in their future time reference. While they share similar properties in their root modality, they differ in their epistemic and postmodal uses. For French, we mostly follow the analysis of Hans Kronning (2001) who distinguishes three types of future-tense uses of devoir: alethic future, “subjective” and “objective” alethic future in the past. Our analysis demonstrates that unlike devoir, pidama does not have the “objective future in the past”. In contrast, the data reveal a high degree of correspondence between the two verbs in the other future-related uses reported for devoir and generally absent in Estonian descriptions.
Expressing sources of information, knowledge and belief in English and Spanish informative financial texts
Authors: Carretero Marta , Berdasco-Gancedo Yolanda
Published: July 2018

This chapter presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of expressions of sources of information, knowledge and belief and their combination with grammaticalized devices of future time from the perspective of the present and the past (‘will’, ‘would’ and their Spanish equivalents) in a corpus of English and Spanish informative financial texts belonging to two levels of specialization. The qualitative analysis describes the expressions concerned and their use in the corpus. The quantitative analysis uncovers the influence of language and level of specialization on the relative frequency of different expressions of source of information, knowledge and belief, a tendency for future time devices to occur within their scope, and a positive relation between the relative frequencies of both kinds of expressions.
Embedding evidence in Tagalog and German
Authors: Tan Jennifer , Mursell Johannes
Published: July 2018

We compare two particles with similar meaning contributions from two different languages, German wohl and Tagalog yata, both roughly translatable as ‘I infer’. Based on their context usage, we claim that both are inferential evidentials. Despite their identical meaning, we assume a non-uniform treatment of evidentials, in view of their differing behaviors. By applying well-established tests, we determine the level of meaning they operate on, the propositional level for yata and the illocutionary level for wohl. Our data show that the embeddability test needs modification, allowing for illocutionary operators to be embedded, but only in root-like clauses, as wohl does. Yata, being embeddable in both root and non-root clauses, operates on a propositional level, and is thus a modal evidential.
Questions as indirect speech acts in surprise contexts
Authors: Celle Agnès
Published: July 2018

This chapter offers an analysis of two types of interrogatives used as indirect speech acts in surprise contexts in English – unresolvable questions and rhetorical questions. The function of these questions is not to request information that is unknown to the speaker. It is argued that surprise-induced unresolvable questions are expressive speech acts devoid of epistemic goals. Surprise-induced rhetorical questions are shown not to suggest an obvious answer, but to request a commitment update from the addressee. Adopting a schema-theoretic approach to surprise, it is shown that unresolvable questions and rhetorical questions can express mirativity, the former at the initial stage of the cognitive processing of unexpectedness, the latter at the last stage.
The perfect in Avar and Andi
Authors: Verhees Samira
Published: July 2018

This chapter deals with perfect forms of the verb in Avar and Andi, two East Caucasian languages. The presence of an ergative agent is shown to be an important parameter in distinguishing resultative constructions from resultative perfects in these languages. This distinction is relevant to determine whether current relevance meanings of the perfect are at all represented in these languages, alongside resultative proper and evidential usages. Based on elicitation as well as corpus data, this study shows that the Avar perfect represents a highly polysemic verb form that combines resultative proper, current relevance and indirect evidentiality, while its Andi counterpart shows a more advanced stage of grammaticalization of the indirect evidential meaning.
Reading and digital media
Authors: Deszcz-Tryhubczak Justyna , Huysmans Frank
Published: July 2018

The on-going discussion between parents, educators, politicians and academics on the consequences of screen reading as compared to reading from paper is filled with controversy. This chapter aims at providing a factual context for these debates. We first focus on early studies concerning children’s use of media. We then summarise available data on children’s digital media use and media preferences based on national and cross-national surveys conducted in Europe since 2010, including reading in a family context. We also look at evidence related to digital reading in public and school libraries. We conclude by discussing limitations in the available methodologies and possible new approaches to be taken to enhance our understanding of the ways in which reading is changing.
Comprehension processes in digital reading
Authors: Salmerón Ladislao , Strømsø Helge I. , Kammerer Yvonne , Stadtler Marc , van den Broek Paul
Published: July 2018

The Internet offers readers the unique opportunity to access rich information scenarios, but doing so requires the use of advanced digital reading skills. Examples of such scenarios are searching and acquiring information from multiple sources (e.g., hypertext, images, videos) and participating in the social exchange of information (e.g., web forums, social networks, commenting newspapers). In such scenarios, the reader has to cope with (a) the constantly growing number of available information sources, (b) the different formats in which digital information is presented, and (c) the varying quality of the information available. To deal with these affordances, individuals need to possess reading skills that go beyond what is needed to understand a single text alone. Such advanced reading skills include: (a) search and navigation skills to select relevant web pages and hyperlinks and to avoid getting lost in hyperspace; (b) the ability to integrate multiple pieces of information and multiple presentation formats (texts from different web pages, text and animations); and (c) critical evaluation skills (e.g., assessing the trustworthiness of information on a web page and evaluating the quality of a comment from a social network). Existing literature suggests that children and adolescents possess some of these skills, but that students at all levels struggle to apply them in complex scenarios. In the present chapter, we aim to review the literature regarding the skills needed to master the affordances of advanced digital reading scenarios.
Learning of Korean honorifics through collaborative tasks
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Hakyoon , Kim YouJin
Published: July 2018

This study examines the effects of collaborative writing tasks on the development of Korean honorifics among heritage language (HL) and foreign language (FL) learners. Participants were 14 HL learners (HLLs) and 32 FL learners (FLLs) of Korean (i.e., 14 HLL-FLL and 9 FLL-FLL dyads) in beginning-level language classrooms at a university in the U.S.A. They completed a pretest, two collaborative writing tasks, immediate posttests, delayed posttests (administered three weeks after immediate posttests), and a post-interaction questionnaire in their regular classes. Learning outcomes were measured by discourse completion tests and acceptability judgment tests. Interactions of HLL-FLL and FLL-FLL dyads were analyzed for the occurrence of pragmatic related episodes (PREs; Taguchi & Kim, 2016). Findings indicated that both HLLs and FLLs developed their receptive and productive knowledge of Korean honorifics over time. It was also found that HLLs in HLL-FLL dyads had an advantage over FLLs in FLL-FLL dyads in improving their productive knowledge of Korean honorifics in the immediate posttests, but not in the delayed posttests. In terms of PRE occurrences, both HLL-FLL and FLL-FLL dyads focused more on honorific nouns and honorific verb suffixes than honorific verbs and honorific subject particles. In addition, HLLs and FLLs alike had positive attitudes towards their partners in completing collaborative tasks. This study highlights the benefits of collaborative writing tasks for learning pragmatics in FL classrooms where HLLs and FLLs coexist.
Task design and validity evidence for assessment of L2 pragmatics in interaction
Authors: Youn Soo Jung
Published: July 2018

This study examines how clear communicative goals and authentic interaction are ensured in task-based pragmatic assessment practices, particularly in designing role-play assessment tasks and developing task-appropriate rating criteria. Employing a concurrent mixed methods design, conversation analysis (CA) and multi-faceted Rasch measurement were used to investigate whether task-independent interactional features are elicited from role-play interactions and how interaction-specific rating categories function quantitatively. The CA findings indicated that various interactional organizations emerged from role-play task interactions as examinees oriented to the different degree of imposition and contextual variables embedded in the role-plays. Further, the interactional features included in the rating criteria created a substantial amount of variance in distinguishing varying degrees of pragmatic performance. The findings are discussed in terms of designing valid pragmatic assessment tasks and what features need to be included in developing rating criteria to ensure the validity evidence of task-based pragmatic assessment.
The effects of task type and L2 proficiency on discourse appropriacy in oral task performance
Authors: Ekiert Monika , Lampropoulou Sofia , Révész Andrea , Torgersen Eivind
Published: July 2018

Conceived within the TBLT framework, the present study examined pedagogic tasks as vehicles for demonstrating L2 learners’ discourse appropriacy in oral production. Eighty ESL learners’ discourse appropriacy was measured using three pragmatically-oriented task types (complaint, refusal, and advice) across four different proficiency levels. The findings showed that, for all task types, as general proficiency increased, ratings of discourse appropriacy also increased. We found that there was a pronounced difference in discourse appropriacy between the intermediate and advanced proficiency levels, and that for learners at higher levels of proficiency, discourse appropriacy did not vary from task to task. In contrast, task type made a difference for less proficient learners in that the refusal task was particularly challenging compared with other tasks.
How important are political interest and internal political efficacy in the prediction of political participation? Longitudinal evidence from Germany / La importancia del interés en la polític y dae la eficacia política interna en la predicción de la participación política. Datos longitudinales originados en Alemania
Authors: Reichert Frank
Published: July 2018

This study aims to disentangle the effects of interest in politics and internal political efficacy in the prediction of different political activities. The analysis examines the hypothesis that political interest is a more important precursor of electoral and unconventional political participation, and that both political interest and efficacy are required to promote participation in political parties. Using the German Longitudinal Election Study, multiple regression analyses yield that political efficacy is a strong and positive predictor of intentions to participate in party politics and unconventional political behaviour. Political interest has differential effects on voting conditional on whether respondents are surveyed before or after elections, and differential moderated effects appear for conventional and unconventional political action. The findings are discussed with respect to the importance of political interest and efficacy for citizen participation.
Predicting attitudes and behavioural intentions towards social entrepreneurship: the role of servant leadership in young people / Predicción de las actitudes y las intenciones conductuales hacia el emprendimiento social: el papel del liderazgo de servicio en los jóvenes
Authors: Rivera Reynaldo G. , Santos David , Martín-Fernández Manuel , Requero Blanca , Cancela Ana
Published: July 2018

: Social entrepreneurship (SE) refers to the development of innovative projects whose main aim is not individual profit but the transformation of society. The issue is particularly important for promoting youth development and participation. This research offers insights from two studies designed from a multi-dimensional perspective analysing attitudes and behavioural intentions towards social ventures built upon the constructs of servant leadership and lifestyles. Results of Study 1 indicated that servant leadership is a key predictor of attitudes and behavioural intentions towards social entrepreneurship, while having a violent lifestyle is negatively associated with these attitudes and intentions. Study 2 showed that servant leadership style predicted attitudes towards social entrepreneurship over and above other types of leadership (i.e., transformational, transactional and laissez-faire). These studies demonstrate the importance of considering servant leadership and relational styles as key factors in predicting attitudes and behavioural intentions regarding social and active participation of young people. Limitations of the study and applications to designing interventions aimed at improving attitudes and behavioural intentions towards social entrepreneurship are discussed.
Water circulation in Toronto Harbour
Authors: Hlevca Bogdan , Wells Matthew G. , Cruz Font Liset , Doka Susan E. , Portiss Rick , St. John Meg , Cooke Steven J.
Published: July 2018

We present an overview of physical processes that drive water circulation within the extended system of coastal embayments in the Toronto Harbour. The different water circulation patterns occur at various spatial and temporal scales, and our article provides context for the various efforts to improve water quality by the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan. Velocity profiles and water level measurements showed that the harbour’s Helmholtz pumping mode drives a 1-h period oscillation, which can influence flushing of the shallow embayments. This process likely persists year-round and would lead to flushing time-scales of between 1–11 days for these shallow embayments. If this ubiquitous pumping is combined with solar heat fluxes, it partially explains the persistent temperature gradients amongst the shallow embayments. In the larger and deeper (∼10 m) Inner Harbour, the prevailing westerly winds drive most of the mean circulation, with a current entering through the Western Gap and leaving through the Eastern Gap. This wind driven circulation leads to a residence time of water in the Inner Harbour between 7–14 days. In addition, periodic strong and sustained westerly winds can induce frequent upwelling events in Lake Ontario (between 4 to 10 times during the stratified season) that mildly increase the exchange flow and help maintain good water quality by exchange nearshore waters with cleaner hypolimentic waters. The intrusion of cold water into the harbour can also lead to highly variable temperature regimes with sudden drops in temperature that could have negative effects on aquatic organisms.
PLC and IP3-evoked Ca2+ release initiate the fast block to polyspermy in Xenopus laevis eggs
Authors: Wozniak Katherine L. , Tembo Maiwase , Phelps Wesley A. , Lee Miler T. , Carlson Anne E.
Published: July 2018

The prevention of polyspermy is essential for the successful progression of normal embryonic development in most sexually reproducing species. In external fertilizers, the process of fertilization induces a depolarization of the egg’s membrane within seconds, which inhibits supernumerary sperm from entering an already-fertilized egg. This fast block requires an increase of intracellular Ca2+ in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, which in turn activates an efflux of Cl− that depolarizes the cell. Here we seek to identify the source of this intracellular Ca2+. Using electrophysiology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and developmental biology, we explore the requirement for both Ca2+ entry into the egg from the extracellular milieu and Ca2+ release from an internal store, to mediate fertilization-induced depolarization. We report that although eggs express Ca2+-permeant ion channels, blockade of these channels does not alter the fast block. In contrast, insemination of eggs in the presence of Xestospongin C—a potent inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)—completely inhibits fertilization-evoked depolarization and increases the incidence of polyspermy. Inhibition of the IP3-generating enzyme phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 similarly prevents fertilization-induced depolarization and increases polyspermy. Together, these results demonstrate that fast polyspermy block after fertilization in X. laevis eggs is mediated by activation of PLC, which increases IP3 and evokes Ca2+ release from the ER. This ER-derived Ca2+ then activates a Cl− channel to induce the fast polyspermy block. The PLC-induced cascade of events represents one of the earliest known signaling pathways initiated by fertilization.
After the Drought: The Impact of Microinsurance on Consumption Smoothing and Asset Protection
Authors: Janzen Sarah A. , Carter Michael R.
Published: July 2018

To cope with shocks, poor households with inadequate access to financial markets can sell assets to smooth consumption and, or reduce consumption to protect assets. Both coping strategies can be economically costly and contribute to the transmission of poverty, yet limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of insurance to mitigate these costs in risk‐prone developing economies. Utilizing data from an RCT in rural Kenya, this paper estimates that on average an innovative microinsurance scheme reduces both forms of costly coping. Threshold econometrics grounded in theory reveal a more complex pattern: (i) wealthier households primarily cope by selling assets, and insurance makes them 96 percentage points less likely to sell assets following a shock; (ii) poorer households cope primarily by cutting food consumption, and insurance reduces by 49 percentage points their reliance on this strategy.
A Non-varying Phenomenon with an Application to the Wind-Tree Model
Authors: Pardo Angel
Published: July 2018

We exhibit a non-varying phenomenon for the counting problem of cylinders, weighted by their area, passing through two marked (regular) Weierstrass points of a translation surface in a hyperelliptic connected component $\mathcal{H}^{hyp}(2g-2)$ or $\mathcal{H}^{hyp}(g-1,g-1)$, $g> 1$. As an application, we obtain the non-varying phenomenon for the counting problem of (weighted) periodic trajectories on the Ehrenfest wind-tree model, a billiard in the plane endowed with $\mathbb{Z}^2$-periodically located identical rectangular obstacles.
Herpes Zoster: Epidemiological Links With Stroke and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Warren-Gash Charlotte
Published: July 2018

Routine data from electronic health records (EHRs) provide insights into links between herpes zoster (HZ) and cardiovascular complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) in different populations worldwide. Evidence from large EHR studies using both self-controlled case series and traditional cohort designs suggests that there is a transient increase in the risk of stroke after HZ, which gradually resolves over 6–12 months. In these studies, herpes zoster ophthalmicus was associated with a higher risk of stroke than HZ at other sites. A larger effect size was seen in people aged under 40 years. Existing studies also suggest that HZ may have a triggering effect on MI, although fewer studies examined this outcome. Further evidence is needed on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vaccine and antiviral drugs to reduce cardiovascular complications after HZ from studies that are designed to minimize selection biases and confounding by indication.
The Impact of Marijuana on Mental Health
Authors: Miller Christine L.
Published: July 2018

The association between marijuana use and several mental health outcomes is examined, with particular reference to commonly held views on the lack of proof for a causal basis. Rather than relying on a single, key criterion for proof of causation, a collective approach is taken to the question through reviewing studies testing different criteria. Exploration of the psychiatric epidemiology on marijuana reveals trends in early reports that have been confirmed through more detailed studies in recent years and further bolstered by clinical findings. A significant, causal role for marijuana use in chronic psychotic disorders is substantiated by the literature, as well as a strong association with mood disorders and suicidal behaviors. This chapter reinforces the importance of considering marijuana’s mental health impacts when formulating appropriate public health programs and when fashioning drug control policies concerning its legal status.
Status Update on the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Budney Alan J. , Stanger Catherine , Knapp Ashley A. , Walker Denise D.
Published: July 2018

This chapter provides an overview of the research-based clinical literature on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions for those with a cannabis use disorder. The discussion focuses on recently published review articles of controlled studies on psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for adult and adolescent populations, as a number of comprehensive reviews have recently been published. In addition, we discuss select findings on two promising approaches—technological-delivered interventions and brief interventions. Concluding comments remind the reader that cannabis use disorders, like all other substance use disorders, are not easily treated and that alternative and more potent interventions are needed to continue to build more effective strategies to address this growing public health issue.
Policy Implications
Authors: Sabet Kevin A. , Winters Ken C.
Published: July 2018

This chapter reviews policy implications associated with legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. The authors discuss the current landscape and attitudes toward marijuana use and review the enforcement polices of the federal government, including the impact of policies within the United States Department of Justice and the United States Government Accountability Office. The chapter also examines the expanding marijuana industry and warns against the growth of ‘Big Marijuana’ and the industry’s ability to influence policy. Finally, after reviewing the important pros and cons of legalizing this drug, the authors offer several guidelines for states to optimize care when legalization is implemented.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Johnston Charlotte , Colalillo Sara
Published: July 2018

Abstract: The chapter focuses on the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in clinical settings and on measures appropriate for youth. Six- to 12-year-old children are the group most frequently referred for assessment and treatment of ADHD; therefore, literatures regarding assessment at other ages are not as well developed and not reviewed in this chapter. However, consistent with the recent adoption of a lifespan perspective on ADHD, this chapter also includes information pertaining to the assessment of ADHD in adulthood. The chapter begins with a review of the nature of the disorder, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the assessment purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing ADHD in a clinically sensitive manner.
Adult Depression
Authors: Persons Jacqueline B. , Fresco David M. , Ernst Juliet Small
Published: July 2018

Abstract: This chapter focuses on the assessment of depression in adults. It focuses on major depressive disorder (MDD) because the empirical support for the tools and theories and therapies described in this chapter focuses most frequently on MDD. Many other disorders, as well as phenomena that are not disorders (e.g., grief), share features with MDD, and many of the assessment tools described in this chapter will be helpful in those cases as well. The chapter begins with an overview of the nature of the disorder, which is followed by reviews of assessment instruments designed for the purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. We include recommendations for instruments that have the greatest scientific support and that assess depression in a clinically sensitive manner.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Dugas Michel J. , Charette Catherine A. , Gervais Nicole J.
Published: July 2018

Abstract: Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic condition (minimum duration of 6 months) involving excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about a number of events or activities and leading to significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. This chapter focuses on the assessment of generalized anxiety disorder. It begins with a review of the nature of the disorder, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing generalized anxiety disorder in a clinically sensitive manner.
Schizophrenia
Authors: Glynn Shirley M. , Mueser Kim T.
Published: July 2018

Abstract: Schizophrenia is a major mental illness characterized by psychosis, apathy and social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment, which often results in impaired functioning in the areas of work, school, parenting, self-care, independent living, interpersonal relationships, and leisure time. This chapter focuses on the assessment of schizophrenia in adults. It begins with a review of the nature of the disorder, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the assessment purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing schizophrenia in a clinically sensitive manner.
Couple Distress
Authors: Snyder Douglas K. , Heyman Richard E. , Haynes Stephen N. , Balderrama-Durbin Christina
Published: July 2018

Assessment of couple distress shares basic principles of assessing individuals. However, couple assessment differs from individual assessment in that couple assessment strategies focus specifically on relationship processes and the interactions between individuals, provide an opportunity for direct observation of target complaints involving communication and other interpersonal exchanges, and must be sensitive to potential challenges unique to establishing a collaborative alliance when assessing highly distressed or antagonistic partners. This chapter focuses on the assessment of couple distress. It begins with a review of the nature of couple conflict and distress, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the assessment purposes of (a) determining couple functioning, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing couple functioning in a clinically sensitive manner.
Eating Disorders
Authors: Sysko Robyn , Alavi Sara
Published: July 2018

In comparison to other psychiatric diagnoses, eating disorders are relatively rare among the population, but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This chapter focuses on the assessment of eating disorders in adults and youth, including individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. It begins with a review of the nature of the disorders, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the assessment purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing eating disorders in a clinically sensitive manner.
Insomnia Disorder
Authors: Morin Charles M. , Beaulieu-Bonneau Simon , Maich Kristin , Carney Colleen E.
Published: July 2018

Sleep complaints are extremely common in clinical practice. They may present as a clinical feature or symptom of another co-occurring disorder or may represent a sleep–wake disorder. There are multiple types of sleep–wake disorders, which may involve, for example, trouble sleeping at night (insomnia), problems with breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), or abnormal events during sleep (nightmares). This chapter focuses on the assessment of insomnia disorder in adults. It begins with a review of the nature of the disorder, which is followed by a review of clinical assessment instruments designed for the assessment purposes of (a) diagnosis, (b) case conceptualization and treatment planning, and (c) treatment monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations are included for instruments with the greatest scientific support and for assessing insomnia disorder in a clinically sensitive manner.
Session 3: Conducting the Interpersonal Inventory
Authors: Dietz Laura J.
Published: July 2018

Chapter 7 of Family-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) for Depressed Preadolescents presents the third session of family-based interpersonal psychotherapy (FB-IPT), in which the therapist begins by orienting both the preadolescent and the parent to the structure of treatment. The therapist has already made the mood thermometer a part of the common language in the check-in and continues linking shifts in the preteen’s mood with particular interpersonal events. The therapist begins conducting the interpersonal inventory with the preadolescent and continues to do so in the next session. The therapist also has obtained information from the parent about the relationship with his or her child as well as the parental perspective about the preadolescent’s peer relationships. An understanding of how the preadolescent’s depression has affected the parent–child relationship provides a context for discussing Parent Tips in the next session.
Session 5: Formulating the Problem Area
Authors: Dietz Laura J.
Published: July 2018

Chapter 9 of Family-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) for Depressed Preadolescents concludes the initial phase of family-based interpersonal therapy (FB-IPT). In this fifth session, the therapist presents the formulation of the problem area; elicits feedback from the preadolescent and parent; and makes sure that the therapist, preadolescent, and parent are all working from a common understanding of the child’s depression. The therapist introduces the treatment contract and clarifies how the problem area will be addressed in the middle phase of FB-IPT. This session concludes with a discussion of new communication skills and problem-solving strategies that will be introduced to both the preadolescent and the parent in ensuing sessions.
Session 6: Introducing the Tween Tips and “Use Good Timing”
Authors: Dietz Laura J.
Published: July 2018

Chapter 10 of Family-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) for Depressed Preadolescents introduces the middle phase of family-based interpersonal therapy (FB-IPT), in which the therapist uses identified the problem area to further explore ways disruptions in interpersonal relationships have contributed to or currently maintain the preadolescent’s depressive symptoms. In session six, the therapist provides the structure for the middle phase sessions and begins to address aspects of the problem area. Using an example of a recent interaction with a family member or friend, the therapist introduces a focus on communication skills and demonstrates the effects of communication on the preadolescent’s mood through construction of a depression circle. Tween Tips (communication strategies) are introduced using role-play to rehearse new communication skills in sessions. Therapist initiates dyadic practice with the “Use Good Timing” Tween Tip and assigns home practice.