bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IPads Enhance Social Interaction Skills among Hearing-Impaired Children of Low Income Families in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahatheg Raja Omar
Published: November 2015

This research tries to investigate the technical contribution on improving the social interaction of hearing-impaired children from low income families in Saudi Arabia. It compares the social interaction skills of hearing-impaired children who do and do not have access to IPads. To achieve the goals of the study; seventeen children aged five-years-old were given access for the first time to iPads to enhance their social skills.

The researcher downloaded 10 educational games on to the iPads and gave each family one iPad whom their child was required to play with the iPad for three hours daily. The researcher used the Child’s Social Interaction Scale CSIS as a pre- or post-application measurement to assess the hearing-impaired children’s social interaction skills.

Results of the study showed that hearing-impaired children can make all behaviours that are essential to successful social interaction. Also, these children become more sociable, saying thank you, apologising to others, following rules and waiting for a turn. In light of the results, the researcher recommended commercial companies who create games for children to pay attention to hearing-impaired children and develop techniques to help them play with these games in order to develop their interaction social skills alongside normally hearing children.
Teachers’ Attitudes toward Using Interactive Whiteboards in English Language Classrooms
Authors: Gashan Amani K. , Alshumaimeri Yousif A.
Published: November 2015

Educational technology plays an increasingly important role in the teaching and learning process. Successful integration is the goal of any new educational technology. The interactive whiteboard (IWB) can be effectively used by teachers to enhance the effectiveness of their lessons. This study explored the attitudes and insights of Saudi female teachers regarding the use of IWBs when teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). It also investigated possible obstacles they may face during their use of this novel technology.

Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to forty three teachers at different girls’ schools in Riyadh. The results indicated that participants in this study demonstrated positive attitudes toward using the IWB in the EFL classrooms. The results also showed that teachers consider IWBs to be useful devices for enhancing the teaching and learning process and for designing new instructional situations. IWB-based lessons were perceived to be more comfortable for teachers in teaching English. However, teachers stated that they faced some technical obstacles in their use of IWBs.

The current study recommended that EFL classes should be equipped with all supplicants of the IWBs. It also suggested that training is important for teachers to deal with the technological devices. EFL teachers need more training to learn how to resolve technical and system problems; they also need to understand how to use all the options offered by the IWBs.
The Ultimate Impacts for Thai Teachers: Teachers Development System in Learning Management
Authors: Boonmak Thikamporn , Tesaputa Kowat , Duangpaeng Amparn
Published: November 2015

This research was aimed to 1) study current conditions, problems, and needs of teachers for development and learning management in the extended educational opportunities schools (EEOSs: schools where they extended fundamental education from primary level of six years to lower secondary level of nine years), in Thailand, 2) develop the system of teacher development for the learning management, 3) implement and extend the results of study to other EEOSs. Research methodology was based on research and development approach which divided into three stages as follows: Stage 1) Preliminary study on current conditions, problems, and needs from related literature. The synthesis of related ideas and theories were then validated by the survey on the subjects representing school administrators and academic affairs teachers. Statistics used were percentage, means, and standard deviation. Stage 2) System development for the learning management was validated by nine educational experts. The validity of the system was based on feasibility and content appropriateness. Stage 3) Implementation of the system. The school performed teacher development program according to the procedures described in the manual. There were five research tools used which included: data survey, semi-structure interview, knowledge evaluation, learning management competency evaluation, and satisfaction evaluation. Research finding reported that the teachers needed professional development on professional training, study visit, and internal supervision. The system of teacher development has four main factors: input, process, output, and feedback. Overall, the system was the standard baseline for effective training in the EEOSs and possible to implement in other schools for learning management and student effectiveness.
A Management Strategy for the Improvement of Private Universities Lecturers’ Professional Competences
Authors: Suhaemi Mimin Emi , Aedi Nur
Published: November 2015

Lecturers are professional educators and scientists whose main job is to transform, develop, and disseminate knowledge, technology, and art through education, research and community services. As professionals, in Indonesia, lecturers are expected to possess pedagogic, personal, social, and professional competences. However, in reality, the professional competences of private university lecturers are still low. It has been established that the masterly of learning materials, the understanding of the pedagogic content and substance, and the use of appropriate teaching and learning methodologies are still low. Thus, the present study aimed to reveal, explain, and find a model of management which can better improve services in the private universities across Indonesia, especially, the improvement of lecturers’ professional competences. The research employed a descriptive-analytic method, which aimed to reveal current events that impact positively on the improvement of private university lecturers’ professional competences. This research, has revealed that the policies of lecturer planning and preparation by teacher training institutions are still weak and less concerned with the aspect of needs assessment or mapping; lecturer competence development has not been handled sufficiently thus, ignoring the stduents needs; the management strategy of lecturers’ competence improvement has not been well-coordinated; the management aspect as well as lecturer continuous professional development has failed to consider reward and punishment, hence affecting lecturer competences.  In the effort for further clarification, SWOT analysis was applied which also revealed that among the factors supporting lecturer development was the high motivation and othe inner personal factors. This means there should be special strategies of management development that positively influence lecturer professional competences and quality.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 8, No. 12
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: November 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 8, No. 12, 2015.
Exploring Critical Factors of Self Concept among High Income Community College Graduates
Authors: Rasul Mohamad Sattar , Mohd Nor Ahmad Rosli , Amat Salleh , Abdul Rauf Rose Amnah
Published: November 2015

This study was undertaken to explore the critical factors influencing the self-concept of community college graduates in the development of their careers. Individuals with a positive self-concept are often associated with a good career choices and a well-panned career development path. Hence community college students should be girded with a positive self-concept to ensure success in their future careers. This qualitative research using multiple case study methods involved 15 community college graduates who have been relatively successful in their respective careers and were able to generate high incomes. Further data obtained were analysed using NVivo 8.0 to determine the relevant themes that emerged. The study observed the presence of five critical internal factors influencing self-concept: congruence, boldness in facing a challenge, vision, skills and experience.
Common Diseases and Some Demographic Characteristics among Saudi Women
Authors: Al-Haramlah Ahmed Abdulrahman , Al-Bakr Fawziah , Merza Haniah
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to detect the common diseases among Saudi women and their relationship with the level of physical activity and some variables. This study was applied to 1233 Saudi woman in different regions of the Kingdom, and adopted to explore the common diseases: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and asthma.

The study results showed the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the common diseases among Saudi women and the variables of educational level, the nature of the profession, the social status, the justification of the practice of physical activity, the rate of participation in physical activity per week, the practice of physical activity in relation to asthma and the number of children with regard to obesity.

The study provided a number of recommendations including: the need to strengthen the role of culture in promoting physical activity by women, through health education via the health centers in the Kingdom.
Being Irrationally Funny as a Cognitive Psychologist: Interview With Dan Ariely
Authors: Ariely Dan , Popescu Beatrice
Published: November 2015

The idea of interviewing Dan Ariely was somehow latent on my mind since I started being interested in cognitive psychology and cognitive behavior psychotherapy, but actually got more ardent ever since irrationality became a research topic for his team at Duke University. I picked him as an interviewee thinking not only at his exceptional skills as a researcher and as Kahnemann ‘disciple’, but mainly for his fantastic wit, true modesty and utmost interest in making people’s lives easier and more comfortable, by creating awareness on a lot of topics otherwise neglected. Dan Ariely’s very agreeable personality and humor would not let you think of him as a burnt casualty who, in his youth struggled to survive a personal drama, so well-documented in his paper “Painful lessons” posted on the MIT website (http://web.mit.edu/ariely/www/MIT/Papers/mypain.pdf). I think reading his paper and also this transcribed interview with him would be also comforting for people who found out about Bucharest fire incident that rocked our society and also for people who are personally related to this tragedy.
Emotional, Cognitive and Self-Enhancement Processes in Aggressive Behavior After Interpersonal Rejection and Exclusion
Authors: Rajchert Joanna
Published: November 2015

The relationship between exclusion or rejection and aggression is already well documented, but there is still a debate about the mechanisms that underlie this effect. In two studies we focused on the propensity to react aggressively (readiness for aggression) on the bases of emotional, cognitive or self-enhancement (personality-immanent) processes. In both studies we first measured readiness for aggression and then ego-depleted participants. Next, in Study 1 we excluded participants (n = 96) using an online ball throwing game and measured displaced aggressive behavior - intensity and duration of an unpleasant noise administrated to a stranger. In Study 2 participants (n = 140) were rejected by a peer on the basis of an interview that they gave and then could retaliate by reducing peer's chance for getting a job. The results show that exclusion effect on displaced aggression was moderated by cognitive readiness for aggression, while rejection effect on retaliatory aggression was shaped by emotional and personality-immanent readiness for aggression as well as ego-depletion. The results were discussed in light of the strength model of self-control by Baumeister, Vohs, and Tice (2007).
Linguistic Markers of Processing Trauma Experience in Women’s Written Narratives During Different Breast Cancer Phases: Implications for Clinical Interventions
Authors: Martino Maria Luisa , Onorato Raffaella , Freda Maria Francesca
Published: November 2015

Research into the change processes underlying the benefits of expressive writing is still incomplete. To fill this gap, we investigated the linguistic markers of change in cognitive and emotional processing among women with breast cancer, highlighting the differences and peculiarities during different treatment phases. A total of 60 writings were collected from 20 women: 10 receiving chemotherapy and 10 receiving biological therapy. We performed a series of repeated measures ANOVA for the most meaningful LIWC linguistic categories, including positive/negative emotions and cognitive processes, to assess change over three sessions. Results demonstrated a significant increase in the positive emotions category for the entire group of women, with particular relevance for the biological therapy group of women, and a marginally significant (p = .07) greater use of words indicating cognitive processes for women receiving biological therapy. For the negative emotions category time was significant for the whole group of women, showing a peak of use in the second session of writing. Peculiar differences in the linguistic markers of processing trauma were observed between the two groups. Although the writing intervention is a support for both groups of women, it seems to be beneficial when there is a large time gap since the administration of chemotherapy and, thus, when the patient can revisit the experience. The relationship of the illness with life can be rearticulated, and the writing becomes a space for resignifying the traumatic cancer experience.
Distinct functional determinants of influenza hemagglutinin-mediated membrane fusion
Authors: Ivanovic Tijana , Harrison Stephen C
Published: November 2015

Membrane fusion is the critical step for infectious cell penetration by enveloped viruses. We have previously used single-virion measurements of fusion kinetics to study the molecular mechanism of influenza-virus envelope fusion. Published data on fusion inhibition by antibodies to the 'stem' of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) now allow us to incorporate into simulations the provision that some HAs are inactive. We find that more than half of the HAs are unproductive even for virions with no bound antibodies, but that the overall mechanism is extremely robust. Determining the fraction of competent HAs allows us to determine their rates of target-membrane engagement. Comparison of simulations with data from H3N2 and H1N1 viruses reveals three independent functional variables of HA-mediated membrane fusion closely linked to neutralization susceptibility. Evidence for compensatory changes in the evolved mechanism sets the stage for studies aiming to define the molecular constraints on HA evolvability.
Recycled oceanic crust and marine sediment in the source of alkali basalts in Shandong, eastern China: Evidence from magma water content and oxygen isotopes
Authors: Liu Jia , Xia Qun‐Ke , Deloule Etienne , Chen Huan , Feng Min
Published: November 2015

The magma water contents and cpx δ18O values in alkali basalts from the Fuyanyshan (FYS) volcano in Shandong, eastern China, were investigated by an inverse calculation based on the water content of clinopyroxene (cpx) phenocrysts, the ivAlcpx‐dependent water partitioning coefficient
, and secondary ion mass spectrometer, respectively. The calculated water content (H2O wt.) of magma ranges from 0.58% to 3.89%. It positively correlates with heavy rare earth element concentrations and bulk rock 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and it negatively correlates with Nb/U ratios. However, it is not correlated with bulk Mg# (Mg# = 100 × Mg / (Mg + Fe)) and (La/Yb)n (n represents primitive mantle normalization). Combined with the rather homogenous distribution of water content within cpx grains, these correlations indicate that the water variations among different samples represent the original magma signature, rather than results of a shallow process, such as degassing and diffusion. The δ18O of cpx phenocrysts varies from 3.6‰ to 6.3‰ (±0.5‰, 2SD), which may be best explained by the involvement of components from the lower and upper oceanic crust with marine sediments within the mantle source. The H2O/Ce ratios of the calculated melts range from 113 to 696 and form a positive trend with bulk rock 87Sr/86Sr, which cannot be explained by the recycled Sulu eclogite or by the metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Our modeling calculation shows that the decoupling of εHf and εNd could be caused by the involvement of marine sediments. Combing the high Ba/Th ratios, positive Sr spikes, and low Ce/Pb ratios for the Fuyanshan basalts, we suggest that the hydrous nature of the FYS basalts was derived from the hydrous mantle transition zone with ancient sediments.
Radar‐observed diurnal cycle and propagation of convection over the Pearl River Delta during Mei‐Yu season
Authors: Chen Xingchao , Zhao Kun , Xue Ming , Zhou Bowen , Huang Xuanxuan , Xu Weixin
Published: November 2015

Using operational Doppler radar and regional reanalysis data from 2007–2009, the climatology and physical mechanisms of the diurnal cycle and propagation of convection over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region of China during the Mei‐Yu seasons are investigated. Analyses reveal two hot spots for convection: one along the south coastline of PRD and the other on the windward slope of mountains in the northeastern part of PRD. Overall, convection occurs most frequently during the afternoon over PRD due to solar heating. On the windward slope of the mountains, convection occurrence frequency exhibits two daily peaks, with the primary peak in the afternoon and the secondary peak from midnight to early morning. The nighttime peak is shown to be closely related to the nocturnal acceleration and enhanced lifting on the windward slope of southwesterly boundary layer flow, in the form of boundary layer low‐level jet. Along the coastline, nighttime convection is induced by the convergence between the prevailing onshore wind and the thermally induced land breeze in the early morning. Convection on the windward slope of the mountainous area is more or less stationary. Convection initiated near the coastline along the land breeze front tends to propagate inland from early morning to early afternoon when land breeze cedes to sea breeze and the prevailing onshore flow.
Characterizing the lifetime and occurrence of stratospheric‐tropospheric exchange events in the rocky mountain region using high‐resolution ozone measurements
Authors: Sullivan John T. , McGee Thomas J. , Thompson Anne M. , Pierce R. Bradley , Sumnicht Grant K. , Twigg Laurence W. , Eloranta Edwin , Hoff Raymond M.
Published: November 2015

The evolution of a Stratospheric‐Tropospheric Exchange (STE) event from 4 to 8 August 2014 at Fort Collins, Colorado, is described. The event is characterized with observations from the Goddard Space Flight Center TROPospheric OZone (TROPOZ) Differential Absorption Lidar, the University of Wisconsin High Spectral Resolution Lidar, and multiple ozonesondes during NASA's Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality and the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE) campaigns. Based on the extended TROPOZ observations throughout the entire campaign, it was found that STE events have largely contributed to an additional 10–30 ppbv of ozone at Fort Collins. Additional measurements of ozone and relative humidity from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder are characterize the transport of the intrusion. The Real‐time Air Quality Modeling System simulated ozone agrees well with the TROPOZ ozone concentrations and altitude during the STE event. To extend the analysis into other seasons and years, the modeled ozone to potential vorticity ratio is used as a tracer for stratospheric air residing below the tropopause. It is found that at Fort Collins, CO, and depending on season from 2012 to 2014, between 18 and 31% of tropospheric ozone corresponds to stratospheric air. A relationship to determine the lifetime of stratospheric air below the tropopause is derived using the simulated ratio tracer. Results indicate that throughout summer 2014, 43% of stratospheric air resided below the tropopause for less than 12 h. However, nearly 39% persisted below the tropopause for 12–48 h and likely penetrated deeper in the troposphere.
The carbon balance pivot point of southwestern U.S. semiarid ecosystems: Insights from the 21st century drought
Authors: Scott Russell L. , Biederman Joel A. , Hamerlynck Erik P. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A.
Published: November 2015

Global‐scale studies indicate that semiarid regions strongly regulate the terrestrial carbon sink. However, we lack understanding of how climatic shifts, such as decadal drought, impact carbon sequestration across the wide range of structural diversity in semiarid ecosystems. Therefore, we used eddy covariance measurements to quantify how net ecosystem production of carbon dioxide (NEP) differed with relative grass and woody plant abundance over the last decade of drought in four Southwest U.S. ecosystems. We identified a precipitation “pivot point” in the carbon balance for each ecosystem where annual NEP switched from negative to positive. Ecosystems with grass had pivot points closer to the drought period precipitation than the predrought average, making them more likely to be carbon sinks (and a grass‐free shrubland, a carbon source) during the current drought. One reason for this is that the grassland located closest to the shrubland supported higher leaf area and photosynthesis at the same water availability. Higher leaf area was associated with a greater proportion of evapotranspiration being transpiration (T/ET), and therefore with higher ecosystem water use efficiency (gross ecosystem photosynthesis/ET). Our findings strongly show that water availability is a primary driver of both gross and net semiarid productivity and illustrate that structural differences may contribute to the speed at which ecosystem carbon cycling adjusts to climatic shifts.
Isotropic Holographic Metasurfaces for Dual‐Functional Radiations without Mutual Interferences
Authors: Li Yun Bo , Cai Ben Geng , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: November 2015

The dual‐functional and/or multifunctional devices have huge fascinations and prospects to conveniently integrate complex systems with low costs. However, most of such devices are based on anisotropic media or anisotropic structures. Here, a new method is proposed to design planar dual‐functional devices using an isotropic holographic metasurface, in which two different functions are written on the same holographic interference pattern with no mutual coupling. When the metasurface is excited by two orthogonally ported sources, the corresponding dual functions can be controlled by the object waves, which are not affected by each other due to suppression of mutual interference. The proposed metasurface is composed of subwavelength‐scale isotropic metallic patches on a grounded dielectric. In this specific design, double‐beam and double‐polarization radiate devices are realized independently by the orthogonal excitations. Based on the theoretical analysis, scanning radiate beams that are only controlled by frequency with different performances under orthogonal polarizations are demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time for actualizing dual‐functional devices using isotropic textures. Full‐wave simulations and experimental results in the microwave frequencies are presented to validate the proposed theory and confirm the corresponding physical phenomena.
Synthesis of D‐Desosamine and Analogs by Rapid Assembly of 3‐Amino Sugars
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Fukuzaki Takehiro , Myers Andrew G.
Published: November 2015

D‐Desosamine is synthesized in 4 steps from methyl vinyl ketone and sodium nitrite. The key step in this chromatography‐free synthesis is the coupling of (R)‐4‐nitro‐2‐butanol and glyoxal (trimeric form) mediated by cesium carbonate, which affords in crystalline form 3‐nitro‐3,4,6‐trideoxy‐α‐D‐glucose, a nitro sugar stereochemically homologous to D‐desosamine. This strategy has enabled the syntheses of an array of analogous 3‐nitro sugars. In each case the 3‐nitro sugars are obtained in pure form by crystallization.
Incorporation of a Non‐Natural Arginine Analogue into a Cyclic Peptide Leads to Formation of Positively Charged Nanofibers Capable of Gene Transfection
Authors: Li Mao , Ehlers Martin , Schlesiger Stefanie , Zellermann Elio , Knauer Shirley K. , Schmuck Carsten
Published: November 2015

Functionalization of the tetracationic cyclic peptide (Ka)4 with a single guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole (GCP) moiety, a weakly basic but highly efficient arginine analogue, completely alters the self‐assembly properties of the peptide. In contrast to the nonfunctionalized peptide 2, which does not self‐assemble, GCP‐containing peptide 1 forms cationic nanofibers of micrometer length. These aggregates are efficient gene transfection vectors. DNA binds to their cationic surface and is efficiently delivered into cells.
Magnetic “Molecular Oligomers” Based on Decametallic Supertetrahedra: A Giant Mn49 Cuboctahedron and its Mn25Na4 Fragment
Authors: Manoli Maria , Alexandrou Sofia , Pham Linh , Lorusso Giulia , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Evangelisti Marco , Christou George , Tasiopoulos Anastasios J.
Published: November 2015

Two nanosized Mn49 and Mn25Na4 clusters based on analogues of the high‐spin (S=22) [MnIII6MnII4(μ4‐O)4]18+ supertetrahedral core are reported. Mn49 and Mn25Na4 complexes consist of eight and four decametallic supertetrahedral subunits, respectively, display high virtual symmetry (Oh), and are unique examples of clusters based on a large number of tightly linked high nuclearity magnetic units. The complexes also have large spin ground‐state values (Mn49: S=61/2; Mn25Na4: S=51/2) with the Mn49 cluster displaying single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior and being the second largest reported homometallic SMM.
Hydrogen Bond Fluctuations Control Photochromism in a Reversibly Photo‐Switchable Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Morozov Dmitry , Groenhof Gerrit
Published: November 2015

Reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) are essential for high‐resolution microscopy of biological samples, but the reason why these proteins are photochromic is still poorly understood. To address this problem, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the fast switching Met159Thr mutant of the RSFP Dronpa. Our simulations revealed a ground state structural heterogeneity in the chromophore pocket that consists of three populations with one, two, or three hydrogen bonds to the phenolate moiety of the chromophore. By means of non‐adiabatic quantum mechanics/molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrated that the subpopulation with a single hydrogen bond is responsible for off‐switching through photo‐isomerization of the chromophore, whereas two or more hydrogen bonds inhibit the isomerization and promote fluorescence instead. While rational design of new RSFPs has so far focused on structure alone, our results suggest that structural heterogeneity must be considered as well.
Concise Asymmetric Construction of C2‐symmetric 1,9‐Diarylnonanoids Using a Hypervalent Silicon Complex: Total Synthesis of (−)‐Ericanone
Authors: Kotani Shunsuke , Kai Kosuke , Shimoda Yasushi , Hu Hao , Gao Shen , Sugiura Masaharu , Ogasawara Masamichi , Nakajima Makoto
Published: November 2015

By using a phosphine oxide‐catalyzed enantioselective double aldol reaction, we achieved the concise construction of C2‐symmetric 1,9‐diarylnonanoids, enabling the synthesis of (−)‐ericanone from p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde in 6 steps with 65 % overall yield. The enantioselective double aldol reaction is useful for establishing C2‐symmetric 1,9‐diaryl‐3,7‐dihydroxy‐5‐nonanones with a single operation. Furthermore, the use of o‐nosyl‐protected p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and a 4,4′‐disubstituted BINAP dioxide catalyst dramatically improved the reactivity and selectivity in the double aldol reaction, enabling the total synthesis of (−)‐ericanone with high yield and with excellent enantiopurity.
Stability of diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder between 18 and 36 months in a high‐risk cohort
Authors: Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bryson Susan E. , Brian Jessica , Smith Isabel M. , Roberts Wendy , Szatmari Peter , Roncadin Caroline , Garon Nancy , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: November 2015

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are diagnosed, on average, around the age of 4 years. However, previous research has shown that the diagnosis can be made as early as 2 years, and that if the child is seen a year or more later, it is highly likely that the diagnosis will be confirmed. In this study, to examine whether diagnoses made as early as 18 months of age are also “stable,” we followed a group of younger siblings of children with ASD (who are known to be at higher risk). We also examined whether the age of ASD diagnosis within this high‐risk group was related to the severity of children's ASD symptoms or developmental delays. Participants (n = 381) were seen at three ages: 18 months, 24 months, and 3 years. ASD symptoms, general development, and adaptive functioning were assessed at each time point. Twenty‐three children were diagnosed with ASD at 18 months and a total of 61 at 24 months. Of these diagnoses, 19/23 (82.6%) and 56/61 (91.8%), respectively, were confirmed independently at 3 years. However, 45 children were diagnosed with ASD at 3 years who had not been identified at earlier visits. Children diagnosed at 18 months, in comparison to those diagnosed at 24 months, had less advanced language and adaptive skills at 18 months. Children not diagnosed with ASD until 3 years, compared with those diagnosed earlier, had more advanced language and adaptive skills, and milder ASD symptoms. Autism Res 2016, 9: 790–800. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rationale, design and methodology of the image analysis protocol for studies of patients with cerebral small vessel disease and mild stroke
Authors: Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Armitage Paul A. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Chappell Francesca , Sandeman Elaine , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Shuler Kirsten , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: November 2015

Rationale

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is common in ageing and patients with dementia and stroke. Its manifestations on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, microbleeds, perivascular spaces, small subcortical infarcts, and brain atrophy. Many studies focus only on one of these manifestations. A protocol for the differential assessment of all these features is, therefore, needed.

Aims

To identify ways of quantifying imaging markers in research of patients with SVD and operationalize the recommendations from the STandards for ReportIng Vascular changes on nEuroimaging guidelines. Here, we report the rationale, design, and methodology of a brain image analysis protocol based on our experience from observational longitudinal studies of patients with nondisabling stroke.

Design

The MRI analysis protocol is designed to provide quantitative and qualitative measures of disease evolution including: acute and old stroke lesions, lacunes, tissue loss due to stroke, perivascular spaces, microbleeds, macrohemorrhages, iron deposition in basal ganglia, substantia nigra and brain stem, brain atrophy, and white matter hyperintensities, with the latter separated into intense and less intense. Quantitative measures of tissue integrity such as diffusion fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and the longitudinal relaxation time are assessed in regions of interest manually placed in anatomically and functionally relevant locations, and in others derived from feature extraction pipelines and tissue segmentation methods. Morphological changes that relate to cognitive deficits after stroke, analyzed through shape models of subcortical structures, complete the multiparametric image analysis protocol.

Outcomes

Final outcomes include guidance for identifying ways to minimize bias and confounds in the assessment of SVD and stroke imaging biomarkers. It is intended that this information will inform the design of studies to examine the underlying pathophysiology of SVD and stroke, and to provide reliable, quantitative outcomes in trials of new therapies and preventative strategies.
Unravelling Surface Composition of Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Ching‐Hsiang , Pan Chun‐Jern , Su Wei‐Nien , Sarma Loka Subramanyam , Andra Cun Cun Al , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Liu Din‐Goa , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Hwang Bing‐Joe
Published: November 2015

Accurately determining the surface composition of bimetallic nanoparticles (bi‐MNPs) is crucial in assessing their catalytic potential for energy applications and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Despite its importance, characterizing the surface composition of bi‐MNPs is still extremely difficult with existing techniques. Here, we show that the challenge is approached by combining extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses and modeling calculations. A generally applicable methodology using an ethylene glycol‐assisted redox transmetallation (EG‐RTM) strategy has been used to deduce the surface Pt composition of various Pt–Ru bi‐MNPs to facilitate discussion of their electrochemical catalytic efficiency. Further discussion is focused on SERS, related to the surface Ag content of various Ag–Pt bi‐MNPs formed in ethylene glycol solutions at controlled pH values. Although the present methodology is demonstrated on fcc structured bi‐MNPs it should be transferable to bi‐MNP structures with different shapes and also to ternary nanoparticles. The proposed methodology enables us to deduce the surface composition of bi‐MNPs from experimental data directly and to estimate the surface composition under real conditions, when compared to simulation. The ability of the present combined modeling and experimental approach makes it a unique tool in our quest to understand the physical and chemical properties of NPs.
Alkanes from Bioderived Furans by using Metal Triflates and Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrodeoxygenation of Cyclic Ethers
Authors: Song Hai‐Jie , Deng Jin , Cui Min‐Shu , Li Xing‐Long , Liu Xin‐Xin , Zhu Rui , Wu Wei‐Peng , Fu Yao
Published: November 2015

Using a metal triflate and Pd/C as catalysts, alkanes were prepared from bioderived furans in a one‐pot hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process. During the reaction, the metal triflate plays a crucial role in the ring‐opening HDO of furan compounds. The entire reaction process has goes through two major phases: at low temperatures, saturation of the exocyclic double bond and furan ring are catalyzed by Pd/C; at high temperatures, the HDO of saturated furan compounds is catalyzed by the metal triflate. The reaction mechanism was verified by analyzing the changes of the intermediates during the reaction. In addition, different metal triflates, solvents, and catalyst recycling were also investigated.
Hetropolyacid‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Glycerol into Lactic Acid under Mild Base‐Free Conditions
Authors: Tao Meilin , Yi Xiaohu , Delidovich Irina , Palkovits Regina , Shi Junyou , Wang Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile platform molecule owing to the opportunity to transform this compound into useful chemicals and materials. Therefore, efficient production of LA based on inexpensive renewable feedstocks is of utmost importance for insuring its market availability. Herein, we report the efficient conversion of glycerol into LA catalyzed by heteropolyacids (HPAs) under mild base‐free conditions. The catalytic performance of molecular HPAs appears to correlate with their redox potential and Brønsted acidity. Namely, H3PMo12O40 (HPMo) exhibits the best selectivity towards LA (90 %) with 88 % conversion of glycerol. Loading of HPMo onto a carbon support (HPMo/C) further improves LA productivity resulting in 94 % selectivity at 98 % conversion under optimized reaction conditions. The reaction takes place through the formation of dihydroxyacetone/glyceraldehyde and pyruvaldehyde as intermediates. No leaching of HPMo was observed under the applied reaction conditions and HPMo/C could be recycled 5 times without significant loss of activity.
AuPt Alloy on TiO2: A Selective and Durable Catalyst for l‐Sorbose Oxidation to 2‐Keto‐Gulonic Acid
Authors: Chan‐Thaw Carine E. , Chinchilla Lidia E. , Campisi Sebastian , Botton Gianluigi A. , Prati Laura , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Villa Alberto
Published: November 2015

Pt nanoparticles were prepared by a sol immobilization route, deposited on supports with different acid/base properties (MgO, activated carbon, TiO2, Al2O3, H‐Mordenite), and tested in the selective oxidation of sorbose to 2‐keto‐gulonic acid (2‐KGUA), an important precursor for vitamin C. In general, as the basicity of the support increased, a higher catalytic activity occurred. However, in most cases, a strong deactivation was observed. The best selectivity to 2‐KGUA was observed with acidic supports (TiO2 and H‐Mordenite) that were able to minimize the formation of C1/C2 products. We also demonstrated that, by alloying Pt to Au, it is possible to enhance significantly the selectivity of Pt‐based catalysts. Moreover, the AuPt catalyst, unlike monometallic Pt, showed good stability in recycling because of the prevention of metal leaching during the reaction.
Silver Nanowire Top Electrodes in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells using Titanium Metal as Substrate
Authors: Lee Minoh , Ko Yohan , Min Byoung Koun , Jun Yongseok
Published: November 2015

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have various applications such as wearable electronic textiles and portable devices. In this work, we demonstrate FPSCs on a titanium metal substrate employing solution‐processed silver nanowires (Ag NWs) as the top electrode. The Ag NW electrodes were deposited on top of the spiro‐MeOTAD hole transport layer by a carefully controlled spray‐coating method at moderate temperatures. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 7.45 % under AM 1.5 100 mW cm−2 illumination. Moreover, the efficiency for titanium‐based FPSCs decreased only slightly (by 2.6 % of the initial value) after the devices were bent 100 times. With this and other advances, fully solution‐based indium‐free flexible photovoltaics, advantageous in terms of price and processing, have the potential to be scaled into commercial production.
Aqueous Modification of Nano‐ and Microfibrillar Cellulose with a Click Synthon
Authors: Hettegger Hubert , Beaumont Marco , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: November 2015

The modification of cellulose as a renewable resource has received wide attention in research and industry. A major problem regarding chemical modification, including heating and drying, is related to hornification that causes pore‐system collapse and results in decreased reactivity and changes in the 3D structure of the material. A mild and green approach for the modification of different never‐dried and thus wet cellulose substrates (pulp, nanostructured celluloses, and viscose fibers) by an alkoxysilane‐azide in water is presented. A kinetic study of the silanization reaction demonstrates that alkoxy‐trans‐silanization of the cellulose surface is accomplished in water as a suspension medium within a few hours at room temperature. The resulting, azido‐equipped celluloses are widely applicable precursor materials for subsequent functionalization by so‐called click chemistry, for example, with a fluorescent Rhodamine derivative as a representative reagent. Successful covalent bonding was shown by GPC and a model reaction. The 3D structure of the materials remained intact, as was inter alia visualized by optical and fluorescence microscopy.
Correlation of cervical cytology with high‐risk HPV molecular diagnosis, genotypes, and histopathology—A four year study from the UAE
Authors: Krishnan Kavita , Thomas Antony
Published: November 2015

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world and in the Middle East. Its prevention and screening strategies assume great importance especially in view of the ability to identify the illness at an early stage and disrupt its progression toward neoplasia. Cervical cancer screening program of our center in UAE as well as this study is oriented in this direction.

Methods

Cervical cytology data encompassing 4 years (2011–2014) was compiled and analyzed for 14,950 cases to assess the abnormal smear reporting pattern, correlation with biopsy histopathology, HPV high‐risk screening data, and HPV genotype prevalence among patients with abnormal smear test, as well as in relation to the respective nationalities of patients.

Results

Abnormal smear rates as well as HPV high‐risk positivity correlated well with established data. Cytology–histology correlation was good. HPV high‐risk type 16 was the commonest, type 18 which is the second common type worldwide was less frequently detected, several other high risk subtypes such as 51, 31 as well as rare types such as 66, 56, and 59 were detected in a significant number of patients.

Conclusion

Assessment of cervical cytology reporting pattern, correlation of cervical cytology with HPV molecular diagnosis, and biopsy histopathology is a useful way to audit our work and a good quality control practice. Higher prevalence of HPV HR types such as type 51, 31 as well as 66, 56, and 59 found in the present as well as many similar other studies apart from the commonest subtype 16 may imply necessity for development of more targeted and multivalent anti‐HPV vaccines for protection of women in our region. HPV genotypes correlation with the nationalities of patients is useful from an epidemiological standpoint to plan preventive strategies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:91–97. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cyclo­addition–Aromatization of 1,6‐Di­ynes with Cyclic Enol Ethers at Room Temperature
Authors: Aida Yukimasa , Tooriyama Shino , Kimura Yuki , Hara Hiromi , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: November 2015

A cationic rhodium(I)/BINAP [2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl] complex is capable of catalyzing the [2+2+2] cycloaddition–aromatization of 1,6‐diynes with cyclic enol ethers (2,3‐dihydrofuran and dihydropyran) at room temperature to produce the corresponding aryl alkanol derivatives in good yields. In this process, a conjugated dihydrofuran showed a significantly higher reactivity than a nonconjugated one.
Relations between rainfall–runoff‐induced erosion and aeolian deposition at archaeological sites in a semi‐arid dam‐controlled river corridor
Authors: Collins Brian D. , Bedford David R. , Corbett Skye C. , Cronkite‐Ratcliff Collin , Fairley Helen C.
Published: November 2015

Process dynamics in fluvial‐based dryland environments are highly complex with fluvial, aeolian, and alluvial processes all contributing to landscape change. When anthropogenic activities such as dam‐building affect fluvial processes, the complexity in local response can be further increased by flood‐ and sediment‐limiting flows. Understanding these complexities is key to predicting landscape behavior in drylands and has important scientific and management implications, including for studies related to paleoclimatology, landscape ecology evolution, and archaeological site context and preservation. Here we use multi‐temporal LiDAR surveys, local weather data, and geomorphological observations to identify trends in site change throughout the 446‐km‐long semi‐arid Colorado River corridor in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA, where archaeological site degradation related to the effects of upstream dam operation is a concern. Using several site case studies, we show the range of landscape responses that might be expected from concomitant occurrence of dam‐controlled fluvial sand bar deposition, aeolian sand transport, and rainfall‐induced erosion. Empirical rainfall‐erosion threshold analyses coupled with a numerical rainfall–runoff–soil erosion model indicate that infiltration‐excess overland flow and gullying govern large‐scale (centimeter‐ to decimeter‐scale) landscape changes, but that aeolian deposition can in some cases mitigate gully erosion. Whereas threshold analyses identify the normalized rainfall intensity (defined as the ratio of rainfall intensity to hydraulic conductivity) as the primary factor governing hydrologic‐driven erosion, assessment of false positives and false negatives in the dataset highlight topographic slope as the next most important parameter governing site response. Analysis of 4+ years of high resolution (four‐minute) weather data and 75+ years of low resolution (daily) climate records indicates that dryland erosion is dependent on short‐term, storm‐driven rainfall intensity rather than cumulative rainfall, and that erosion can occur outside of wet seasons and even wet years. These results can apply to other similar semi‐arid landscapes where process complexity may not be fully understood. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Factors controlling the formation of coppice dunes (nebkhas) in the Negev Desert
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Zohar Motti
Published: November 2015

Due to their role in increasing fertility, coppice dunes (nebkhas) are regarded by many researchers as important contributors to aridland ecosystems. Yet, despite their frequent occurrence, little information exists regarding the rate and factors that control their formation. The goal of the current study is to examine the formation rate and factors that determine the establishment of coppice dunes in the Hallamish dune field in the western Negev Desert. The rate in which sand and fines, hereafter aeolian input (AI) was trapped and its particle size distribution (PSD) were examined by means of the solidification of 2 m × 2 m plots using surface stabilizers, and by the installation of three pairs of artificial shrubs (SH), three pairs of artificial trees (TR), and a pair of control (CT) plots. Measurements were annually conducted during June 2004 and June 2008, with monthly collection during June 2004 and May 2006. The PSD was compared to coppice dunes located on the fine‐grained playa surface. AI was trapped at SH, while it was not trapped at TR and CT. The annual rate of AI accretion under the canopy was highly variable ranging between 1405 and 13 260 g m−2, with a four‐year average of 5676 g m−2, i.e. 3.8 mm a−1. It depended upon the wind power, with drift potential having a threshold velocity of Ut > 10 m s−1 yielding the higher correlations with the monthly AI (r2 = 0.59–0.84). No significant relations were obtained between the monthly AI and shrub height. Sand saltation, suspension and creep are seen responsible for mound formation, which based on the current rates of sand accretion are relatively fast with a 60 cm‐high coppice dune forming within ~150–160 years. The current data highlight the problematic design of some previous research using conventional traps and confining the measurements only to certain seasons. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.