bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate recognition and catalysis by LytB, a pneumococcal peptidoglycan hydrolase involved in virulence
Authors: Rico-Lastres Palma , Díez-Martínez Roberto , Iglesias-Bexiga Manuel , Bustamante Noemí , Aldridge Christine , Hesek Dusan , Lee Mijoon , Mobashery Shahriar , Gray Joe , Vollmer Waldemar , García Pedro , Menéndez Margarita
Published: November 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of life-threatening diseases worldwide. Here we provide an in-depth functional characterization of LytB, the peptidoglycan hydrolase responsible for physical separation of daughter cells. Identified herein as an N-acetylglucosaminidase, LytB is involved also in colonization and invasion of the nasopharynx, biofilm formation and evasion of host immunity as previously demonstrated. We have shown that LytB cleaves the GlcNAc-β-(1,4)-MurNAc glycosidic bond of peptidoglycan building units. The hydrolysis occurs at sites with fully acetylated GlcNAc moieties, with preference for uncross-linked muropeptides. The necessity of GlcN acetylation and the presence of a single acidic moiety (Glu585) essential for catalysis strongly suggest a substrate-assisted mechanism with anchimeric assistance of the acetamido group of GlcNAc moieties. Additionally, modelling of the catalytic region bound to a hexasaccharide tripentapeptide provided insights into substrate-binding subsites and peptidoglycan recognition. Besides, cell-wall digestion products and solubilisation rates might indicate a tight control of LytB activity to prevent unrestrained breakdown of the cell wall. Choline-independent localization at the poles of the cell, mediated by the choline-binding domain, peptidoglycan modification and choline-mediated (lipo)teichoic-acid attachment contribute to the high selectivity of LytB. Moreover, so far unknown chitin hydrolase and glycosyltransferase activities were detected using GlcNAc oligomers as substrate.
Capsular Outcomes Differ with Capsulorhexis Sizes after Pediatric Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Haotian , Tan Xuhua , Lin Zhuoling , Chen Jingjing , Luo Lixia , Wu Xiaohang , Long Erping , Chen Weirong , Liu Yizhi
Published: November 2015

Capsular outcomes of anterior/posterior capsulorhexis opening (ACO/PCO) are essential for performing a secondary in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation. To compare the capsular outcomes with different primary capsulorhexis sizes, Thirty-eight eligible patients (45 eyes) were randomly assigned to three groups by anterior capsulorhexis diameter (Group A: 3.0–3.9, Group B: 4.0–5.0 and Group C: 5.1–6.0 mm). The areas of ACO/PCO and posterior capsule opening opacity (PCOO) as primary outcomes, while, the incidence of visual axis opacity (VAO) as secondary outcome were measured at follow-up visits. Among the thirty eyes included in the final analysis, the mean area of the ACO decreased significantly, whereas the PCO enlarged with time. Group A had the highest anterior capsule constriction and percentage reduction, which increased with time. There were significant differences in the percentage reductions at 6 months and 1 year compared to 1 month in Group A and B. Group C had the highest posterior capsule enlargement. The percentage of PCOO to PCO area and the incidence of VAO was highest in Group A and lowest in Group C. Thus, Capsulorhexis diameter of 4.0–5.0 mm may yield better capsular outcomes, considering moderate contraction of ACO, moderate enlargement of PCO and lower percentage of PCOO and VAO.
Improving chemotherapeutic efficiency in acute myeloid leukemia treatments by chemically synthesized peptide interfering with CXCR4/CXCL12 axis
Authors: Li Xiaojin , Guo Hua , Duan Hongyang , Yang Yanlian , Meng Jie , Liu Jian , Wang Chen , Xu Haiyan
Published: November 2015

Bone marrow stroma can protect acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells against chemotherapeutic agents and provide anti-apoptosis and chemoresistance signals through secreting chemokine CXCL12 to activate its receptor CXCR4 on AML cells, resulting in minimal residual leukemia and relapse. Therefore disrupting the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis with antagonists is of great significance for improving chemosensitivity and decreasing relapse rate. In a previous study, we reported a novel synthetic peptide E5 with its remarkable effect on inhibiting CXCR4/CXCL12-mediated adhesion and migration of AML cells. Here we presented E5’s capacity of enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of various chemotherapeutics on AML in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that E5 can diminish bone marrow stromal cell-provided protection to leukemia cells, significantly increasing the apoptosis induced by various chemotherapeutics in multiple AML cell lines. In an AML mouse xenograft model, E5 induced 1.84-fold increase of circulating AML cells out of protective stroma niche. Combined with vincristine or cyclophosphamide, E5 inhibited infiltration of AML cells into bone marrow, liver and spleen, as well as prolonged the lifespan of AML mice compared with mice treated with chemotherapy alone. In addition, E5 presented no toxicity in vivo according to the histological analysis and routine clinical parameters of serum analysis.
Structural Characterization of a Newly Identified Component of α-Carboxysomes: The AAA+ Domain Protein CsoCbbQ
Authors: Sutter Markus , Roberts Evan W. , Gonzalez Raul C. , Bates Cassandra , Dawoud Salma , Landry Kimberly , Cannon Gordon C. , Heinhorst Sabine , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: November 2015

Carboxysomes are bacterial microcompartments that enhance carbon fixation by concentrating ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) and its substrate CO2 within a proteinaceous shell. They are found in all cyanobacteria, some purple photoautotrophs and many chemoautotrophic bacteria. Carboxysomes consist of a protein shell that encapsulates several hundred molecules of RuBisCO and contain carbonic anhydrase and other accessory proteins. Genes coding for carboxysome shell components and the encapsulated proteins are typically found together in an operon. The α-carboxysome operon is embedded in a cluster of additional, conserved genes that are presumably related to its function. In many chemoautotrophs, products of the expanded carboxysome locus include CbbO and CbbQ, a member of the AAA+ domain superfamily. We bioinformatically identified subtypes of CbbQ proteins and show that their genes frequently co-occur with both Form IA and Form II RuBisCO. The α-carboxysome-associated ortholog, CsoCbbQ, from Halothiobacillus neapolitanus forms a hexamer in solution and hydrolyzes ATP. The crystal structure shows that CsoCbbQ is a hexamer of the typical AAA+ domain; the additional C-terminal domain, diagnostic of the CbbQ subfamily, structurally fills the inter-monomer gaps, resulting in a distinctly hexagonal shape. We show that CsoCbbQ interacts with CsoCbbO and is a component of the carboxysome shell, the first example of ATPase activity associated with a bacterial microcompartment.
Trends in presentation, management and survival of patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer in a Southeast Asian setting
Authors: Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala , Verkooijen Helena Marieke , Tan Ern-Yu , Miao Hui , Taib Nur Aishah Mohd , Brand Judith S. , Dent Rebecca A. , See Mee-Hoong , Subramaniam ShriDevi , Chan Patrick , Lee Soo-Chin , Hartman Mikael , Yip Cheng-Har
Published: November 2015

Up to 25% of breast cancer patients in Asia present with de novo metastatic disease. We examined the survival trends of Asian patients with metastatic breast cancer over fifteen years. The impact of changes in patient’s demography, tumor characteristics, tumor burden and treatment on survival trend were examined. Patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer from three hospitals in Malaysia and Singapore (N = 856) were grouped by year of diagnosis: 1996–2000, 2001–2005 and 2006–2010. Step-wise multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the contribution of above-mentioned factors on the survival trend. Proportions of patients presenting with metastatic breast cancer were 10% in 1996–2000, 7% in 2001–2005 and 9% in 2006–2010. Patients in 2006–2010 were significantly older, appeared to have higher disease burden and received more chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and surgery of primary tumor. The three-year relative survival in the above periods were 20·6% (95% CI: 13·9%–28·2%), 28·8% (95% CI: 23·4%–34·2%) and 33·6% (95% CI: 28·8%–38·5%), respectively. Adjustment for treatment considerably attenuated the relative excess risk of mortality in recent years, compared to other factors. Substantial improvements in survival were observed in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer in this study.
Manual control of catalytic reactions: Reactions by an apoenzyme gel and a cofactor gel
Authors: Kobayashi Yuichiro , Takashima Yoshinori , Hashidzume Akihito , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Harada Akira
Published: November 2015

Enzymes play a vital role in catalysing almost all chemical reactions that occur in biological systems. Some enzymes must form complexes with non-protein molecules called cofactors to express catalytic activities. Although the control of catalytic reactions via apoenzyme–cofactor complexes has attracted significant attention, the reports have been limited to the microscale. Here, we report a system to express catalytic activity by adhesion of an apoenzyme gel and a cofactor gel. The apoenzyme and cofactor gels act as catalysts when they form a gel assembly, but they lose catalytic ability upon manual dissociation. We successfully construct a system with switchable catalytic activity via adhesion and separation of the apoenzyme gel with the cofactor gel. We expect that this methodology can be applied to regulate the functional activities of enzymes that bear cofactors in their active sites, such as the oxygen transport of haemoglobin or myoglobin and the electron transport of cytochromes.
Substrates of the ASB2α E3 ubiquitin ligase in dendritic cells
Authors: Spinner Camille A. , Uttenweiler-Joseph Sandrine , Metais Arnaud , Stella Alexandre , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Moog-Lutz Christel , Lamsoul Isabelle , Lutz Pierre G.
Published: November 2015

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) comprise distinct populations with specialized immune functions that are mediators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Transcriptomic and proteomic approaches have been used so far to identify transcripts and proteins that are differentially expressed in these subsets to understand the respective functions of cDCs subsets. Here, we showed that the Cullin 5-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) ASB2α, by driving degradation of filamin A (FLNa) and filamin B (FLNb), is responsible for the difference in FLNa and FLNb abundance in the different spleen cDC subsets. Importantly, the ability of these cDC subsets to migrate correlates with the level of FLNa. Furthermore, our results strongly point to CD4 positive and double negative cDCs as distinct populations. Finally, we develop quantitative global proteomic approaches to identify ASB2α substrates in DCs using ASB2 conditional knockout mice. As component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are amenable to pharmacological manipulation, these approaches aimed to the identification of E3 substrates in physiological relevant settings could potentially lead to novel targets for therapeutic strategies.
2A self-cleaving peptide-based multi-gene expression system in the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Yuancheng , Wang Feng , Wang Riyuan , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou
Published: November 2015

Fundamental and applied studies of silkworms have entered the functional genomics era. Here, we report a multi-gene expression system (MGES) based on 2A self-cleaving peptide (2A), which regulates the simultaneous expression and cleavage of multiple gene targets in the silk gland of transgenic silkworms. First, a glycine-serine-glycine spacer (GSG) was found to significantly improve the cleavage efficiency of 2A. Then, the cleavage efficiency of six types of 2As with GSG was analyzed. The shortest porcine teschovirus-1 2A (P2A-GSG) exhibited the highest cleavage efficiency in all insect cell lines that we tested. Next, P2A-GSG successfully cleaved the artificial human serum albumin (66 kDa) linked with human acidic fibroblast growth factor (20.2 kDa) fusion genes and vitellogenin receptor fragment (196 kD) of silkworm linked with EGFP fusion genes, importantly, vitellogenin receptor protein was secreted to the outside of cells. Furthermore, P2A-GSG successfully mediated the simultaneous expression and cleavage of a DsRed and EGFP fusion gene in silk glands and caused secretion into the cocoon of transgenic silkworms using our sericin1 expression system. We predicted that the MGES would be an efficient tool for gene function research and innovative research on various functional silk materials in medicine, cosmetics and other biomedical areas.
Insights into immune responses in oral cancer through proteomic analysis of saliva and salivary extracellular vesicles
Authors: Winck Flavia V. , Prado Ribeiro Ana Carolina , Ramos Domingues Romênia , Ling Liu Yi , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio , Rivera César , Brandão Thaís Bianca , Gouvea Adriele Ferreira , Santos-Silva Alan Roger , Coletta Ricardo D. , Paes Leme Adriana F.
Published: November 2015

The development and progression of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) involves complex cellular mechanisms that contribute to the low five-year survival rate of approximately 20% among diagnosed patients. However, the biological processes essential to tumor progression are not completely understood. Therefore, detecting alterations in the salivary proteome may assist in elucidating the cellular mechanisms modulated in OSCC and improve the clinical prognosis of the disease. The proteome of whole saliva and salivary extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with OSCC and healthy individuals were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and label-free protein quantification. Proteome data analysis was performed using statistical, machine learning and feature selection methods with additional functional annotation. Biological processes related to immune responses, peptidase inhibitor activity, iron coordination and protease binding were overrepresented in the group of differentially expressed proteins. Proteins related to the inflammatory system, transport of metals and cellular growth and proliferation were identified in the proteome of salivary EVs. The proteomics data were robust and could classify OSCC with 90% accuracy. The saliva proteome analysis revealed that immune processes are related to the presence of OSCC and indicate that proteomics data can contribute to determining OSCC prognosis.
Development of a reusable protein G based SPR immunosensor for direct human growth hormone detection in real samples
Authors: Makaraviciute A. , Ramanavicius A. , Ramanaviciene A.
Published: November 2015

The manuscript focuses on investigating some points in employing protein G based antibody immobilization for the development of a reusable SPR immunosensor aimed at human growth hormone detection in real samples. Following our findings a model immunosensor was developed, tested and adapted for human serum analysis.
Certification of reference materials for analysis of isoflavones genistin and genistein in soy products
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Yang Shiying , Zhang Baoxi , Lu Yang
Published: November 2015

Genistin and genistein, the two highest amount active ingredients in soy isoflavones, were developed into two new certified reference materials (CRMs). These CRMs can be applied to the analysis of soy isoflavones in related products, such as (fermenting) soybean foods or medicines.
Green, fast and selective preconcentration of lead ions from various matrices using a novel magnetic sheet-like resin
Authors: Beyki Mostafa Hossein , Alijani Hassan , Fazli Yousef
Published: November 2015

A Fe3O4@citric–ascorbic acid based resin was synthesized by a solvent-free route and employed for the green and fast preconcentration of Pb(ii).
A polymorphism-dependent T1/2 shift of 100 K in a hysteretic spin-crossover complex related to differences in intermolecular weak CH⋯X hydrogen bonds (X = S vs. S and N)
Authors: Hagiwara Hiroaki , Okada Shohei
Published: November 2015

[FeIILMe(NCS)2] crystallizes in two solvent-free polymorphs and shows hysteretic spin crossover with polymorphism-dependent T1/2 shift of 100 K spanning room temperature.
Modeling of strontium chloride hexahydrate growth during unseeded batch cooling crystallization by two-dimensional population balance equation
Authors: Qian Yuanyuan , Lu Guimin , Sun Yuzhu , Song Xingfu , Yu Jianguo
Published: November 2015

The growth of strontium chloride hexahydrate during unseeded batch cooling crystallization was modeled by the two-dimensional population balance equation.
C–S@PANI composite with a polymer spherical network structure for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Junkai , Yue Kaiqiang , Zhu Xiaodan , Wang Kang L. , Duan Lianfeng
Published: November 2015

C–S@PANI composite with conductive polymer spherical network was synthesized. Its 3D structure inhibits the dissolution and migration of polysulfides into electrolyte, delivering high specific capacity and a stable cycling performance.
Oxidative potential of coarse particulate matter (PM10–2.5) and its relation to water solubility and sources of trace elements and metals in the Los Angeles Basin
Authors: Shirmohammadi Farimah , Hasheminassab Sina , Wang Dongbin , Saffari Arian , Schauer James J. , Shafer Martin M. , Delfino Ralph J. , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: November 2015

Elemental composition of CPM was highly associated with ROS activity.
Survey of green building water systems reveals elevated water age and water quality concerns
Authors: Rhoads William J. , Pruden Amy , Edwards Marc A.
Published: November 2015

Widespread adoption of innovative water conservation strategies has potential unintended consequences for aesthetics and public health.
Green tea beverages enriched with catechins with a galloyl moiety reduce body fat in moderately obese adults: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Kobayashi Makoto , Kawano Takanori , Ukawa Yuuichi , Sagesaka Yuko M. , Fukuhara Ikuo
Published: November 2015

We investigated the effects of ingesting a green tea beverage enriched with catechins with a galloyl moiety during a meal on body fat reduction in moderately obese adults.
Phenolic-rich lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp extracts offer hepatoprotection against restraint stress-induced liver injury in mice by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Su Dongxiao , Zhang Ruifen , Zhang Cuilan , Huang Fei , Xiao Juan , Deng Yuanyuan , Wei Zhencheng , Zhang Yan , Chi Jianwei , Zhang Mingwei
Published: November 2015

The pulp from lychee, a tropical to subtropical fruit, contains large quantities of phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo.
Isolation of prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory peptides from a sodium caseinate hydrolysate
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Hong , Wang Tzu-Yuan , Hung Chuan-Chuan , Hsieh You-Liang , Hsu Kuo-Chiang
Published: November 2015

Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders, and the PEP inhibitors can restore the memory loss caused by amnesic compounds.
Bio-renewable enantioselective aldol reaction in natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Martínez Regina , Berbegal Lucía , Guillena Gabriela , Ramón Diego J.
Published: November 2015

A recoverable glucose based eutectic solvent/l-proline system has been used as a reaction medium to perform the enantioselective organocatalysed aldol reaction.
A degradable polydopamine coating based on disulfide-exchange reaction
Authors: Hong Daewha , Lee Hojae , Kim Beom Jin , Park Taegyun , Choi Ji Yu , Park Matthew , Lee Juno , Cho Hyeoncheol , Hong Seok-Pyo , Yang Sung Ho , Jung Sun Ho , Ko Sung-Bo , Choi Insung S.
Published: November 2015

A universal coating method with stimuli-responsive degradability was developed based on a disulfide-linked dopamine derivative, inspired by mussel-adhesive proteins.
Bio-nanoplatforms based on carbon dots conjugating with F-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite for cellular imaging
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Shi Liyi , Fang Jianhui , Feng Xin
Published: November 2015

Bio-nanoplatforms based on carboxyl-functionalized carbon dots conjugating with amino terminated F-substituted hydroxyapatite were assembled for cellar imaging.
Flexible synthesis of polyfunctionalised 3-fluoropyrroles
Authors: Cogswell Thomas J. , Donald Craig S. , Marquez Rodolfo
Published: November 2015

Convergent synthesis of polyfunctionalised 3-fluoropyrroles.
Cyclopent-2-enylaluminium as allylzinc precursor for the diastereoselective allylmetallation of non-racemic imines: applications to the synthesis of enantiomerically enriched heterocycles
Authors: Coffinet Michaël , Lamy Samantha , Jaroschik Florian , Vasse Jean-Luc
Published: November 2015

A sequential titanium-catalyzed/hydroalumination/transmetallation/allylation of non-racemic imines which provides tunable homoallylamines for heterocyclic synthesis is presented.
Tetraphenylethene-containing supramolecular hyperbranched polymers: aggregation-induced emission by supramolecular polymerization in aqueous solution
Authors: Xing Ling-Bao , Wang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Jing-Li , Zhou Ziyan , Zhuo Shuping
Published: November 2015

Supramolecular hyperbranched polymers have been constructed, by using host-enhanced π–π interactions between CB[8] and a TPE derivative, with aggregation-induced emission.
Fabrication of suspended, three-dimensional chiral plasmonic nanostructures with single-step electron-beam lithography
Authors: Leong Eunice Sok Ping , Deng Jie , Khoo Eng Huat , Wu Siji , Phua Wee Kee , Liu Yan Jun
Published: November 2015

Suspended 3D chiral plasmonic nanostructure fabricated with only one-step electron-beam lithography.
Methylsulfonylmethane-loaded electrospun poly(lactide-co-glycolide) mats for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Zongliang , Wang Yu , Zhang Peibiao , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2015

The electrospun MSM-loaded PLGA mat is a promising candidate for cartilage regeneration.
Continuous in situ electrogenaration of a 2-pyrrolidone anion in a microreactor: application to highly efficient monoalkylation of methyl phenylacetate
Authors: Matsumura Yoshimasa , Kakizaki Yoshinobu , Tateno Hiroyuki , Kashiwagi Tsuneo , Yamaji Yoshiyuki , Atobe Mahito
Published: November 2015

We have successfully demonstrated effective generation of an electrogenerated base (EGB) such as the 2-pyrrolidone anion and its rapid use for the following alkylation reaction in a flow microreactor system without the need for severe reaction conditions.
Hyperlipidemia affects the absorption, distribution and excretion of seven catechins in rats following oral administration of tea polyphenols
Authors: Xu Liwei , Liang Yuhong , Chen Xin , Chen Bo , Han Yuhui , Zhang Liang
Published: November 2015

To explore the effects of hyperlipidemia on the pharmacokinetics of tea polyphenols, a comparative pharmacokinetics study of seven catechins between normal and obese rats was conducted.
Key role of the linker in pyrene-linker-carboxylate surfactants for the efficient aqueous dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Welsh Daniel J. , O'Driscoll Luke J. , Bailey Steven W. D. , Visontai David , Howes Kara , Frampton Harry , Bryce Martin R. , Lambert Colin J.
Published: November 2015

This study establishes that the structure of the linker group between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic units in the new surfactants 1–13 plays an important role in the dispersibility of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in water.
Properties of compressible elastica from relativistic analogy
Authors: Oshri Oz , Diamant Haim
Published: November 2015

An extension of Kirchhoff's kinetic analogy relates the deformation of compressible filaments to relativistic dynamics.
Masking Release in Children and Adults With Hearing Loss When Using Amplification
Authors: Brennan Marc , McCreery Ryan , Kopun Judy , Lewis Dawna , Alexander Joshua , Stelmachowicz Patricia
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This study compared masking release for adults and children with normal hearing and hearing loss. For the participants with hearing loss, masking release using simulated hearing aid amplification with 2 different compression speeds (slow, fast) was compared.

Method

Sentence recognition in unmodulated noise was compared with recognition in modulated noise (masking release). Recognition was measured for participants with hearing loss using individualized amplification via the hearing-aid simulator.

Results

Adults with hearing loss showed greater masking release than the children with hearing loss. Average masking release was small (1 dB) and did not depend on hearing status. Masking release was comparable for slow and fast compression.

Conclusions

The use of amplification in this study contrasts with previous studies that did not use amplification. The results suggest that when differences in audibility are reduced, participants with hearing loss may be able to take advantage of dips in the noise levels, similar to participants with normal hearing. Although children required a more favorable signal-to-noise ratio than adults for both unmodulated and modulated noise, masking release was not statistically different. However, the ability to detect a difference may have been limited by the small amount of masking release observed.
Racial Variations in Velopharyngeal and Craniometric Morphology in Children: An Imaging Study
Authors: Kollara Lakshmi , Perry Jamie L. , Hudson Suzanne
Published: November 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine craniometric and velopharyngeal anatomy among young children (4–8 years of age) with normal anatomy across Black and White racial groups.

Method

Thirty-two healthy children (16 White and 16 Black) with normal velopharyngeal anatomy participated and successfully completed the magnetic resonance imaging scans. Measurements included 11 craniofacial and 9 velopharyngeal measures.

Results

Two-way analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of race and sex on velopharyngeal measures and all craniometric measures except head circumference. Head circumference was included as a covariate to control for overall cranial size. Sex did not have a significant effect on any of the craniometric measures. Significant racial differences were demonstrated for face height. A significant race effect was also observed for mean velar length, velar thickness, and velopharyngeal ratio.

Conclusion

The present study provides separate craniofacial and velopharyngeal values for young Black and White children. Data from this study can be used to examine morphological variations with respect to race and sex.
Learning and Remembering New Words: Clinical Illustrations From Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Komesidou Rouzana , Storkel Holly L.
Published: November 2015

The learning of a new word involves at least two processes: learning from input and memory evolution in the absence of input. The authors will review the literature and describe the relationship between these two processes and novel word learning by children with specific language impairment (SLI). Cases from an ongoing preliminary clinical trial of word learning in kindergarten children with SLI will serve as clinical illustrations. In particular, one case will be used to demonstrate a pattern of good learning from input and good memory retention (i.e., desirable learning pattern during treatment). Three additional cases will be used to illustrate patterns indicative of poor learning from input and/or poor memory retention. Suggestions will be provided concerning how treatment can be altered when these patterns appear, to promote desirable learning outcomes.
Morphological Awareness Intervention to Improve Vocabulary and Reading Success
Authors: Gibson Frances E. , Wolter Julie A.
Published: November 2015

The application of a morphological awareness strategy can be used to improve vocabulary and reading skills in school-age students. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the evidence for using a morphological awareness strategy and provide an example for how a speech-language pathologist can integrate such a skill in practice.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Dizziness: Roles of Audiology and Physical Therapy
Authors: Akin Faith W. , Hall Courtney D. , Riska Kristal M.
Published: November 2015

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care, and because there are many causes of dizziness, management of these patients requires an interdisciplinary approach. Peripheral vestibular dysfunction is the most common cause of dizziness/vertigo diagnosed in specialty clinics. The purpose of this article is to present an interdisciplinary approach to the management of patients with vestibular dysfunction with a focus on the unique and overlapping contributions of audiology and physical therapy to vestibular assessment and rehabilitation.
Audiologists’ Role in Assessing Risk of Falls
Authors: Criter Robin E. , Patterson Jessie N. , Honaker Julie A.
Published: November 2015

Falls are a significant problem for older individuals and a growing medical concern with the projected increase in individuals over the age of 65. Falls can result in serious consequences such injury or death; however, residual psychological effects include reduction in independence and emotional well-being. Audiologists may be at a unique position given the relatively high number of falls reported in the audiology clinic and must be alert to possible risk factors for falls and aware of the resources available to help our patients on a path to prevention. Audiological risk factors and fall risk screening tools are discussed. Falls are multi-faceted and require a multi-disciplinary approach to assessment, management, and prevention; audiologists can provide unique clinical recommendations and expertise to reduce falling risk. A movement of our profession towards better understanding of falling risk factors, and initiating research aimed at identifying sensitive and specific time efficient measures to incorporate into any audiology practice, are necessary steps to putting our patients on the path to fall prevention.
Fall Risk Assessment and Intervention
Authors: Smith Angela K. , Porter Amy
Published: November 2015

Falls are a substantial hazard to the health and independence of older adults in the United States. It is purported that one in every three older adults fall annually, generally resulting in devastating injuries. A number of factors have been identified that influence the risk of falling in the elderly population. It is believed that providing assessments to identify an individual’s risk factors ahead of time and addressing these factors, to reduce or eliminate the risk(s), will reduce the frequency and severity of falls. Identifying and addressing these risk factors is a multifaceted concept, which requires a collaborative solution. It is the purpose of this article to emphasize the audiologist’s unique position to take part in implementing a much needed fall risk assessment in the elderly, as well as to highlight components of an effective fall risk assessment and treatment protocol.
Assessing the effect of wind power peaking characteristics on the maximum penetration level of wind power
Authors: Jiang Xin , Chen Hongkun , Xiang Tieyuan
Published: November 2015

A probabilistic approach with considering the peaking characteristics of wind power is proposed to determine the maximum wind power penetration level (WPPL). To evaluate the effect wind peaking characteristics brought to the hosting capacity of systems, a detailed simulation of wind speed/load distributions over a long period is required. Thus, taking an hour as the time scale, the time‐sharing peaking characteristics of wind power are discussed by describing the hourly distribution of wind output and load. Based on the chance constrained programming, a WPPL model is established in this study. The optimisation process is achieved using the improved particle swarm optimisation algorithm based on Monte–Carlo simulation. This proposed approach has been applied to an actual power system in central China. Simulation results show that the WPPL would be too optimistic without considering the anti‐peaking characteristics of wind power. Besides various sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the effect of other parameters on the maximum penetration level.
Integral electrical characteristics and local plasma parameters of a RF ion thruster
Authors: Masherov P. E. , Riaby V. A. , Godyak V. A.
Published: November 2015

Comprehensive diagnostics has been carried out for a RF ion thruster based on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source with an external flat antenna coil enhanced by ferrite core. The ICP was confined within a cylindrical chamber with low aspect ratio to minimize plasma loss to the chamber wall. Integral diagnostics of the ICP electrical parameters (RF power balance and coil current) allowed for evaluation of the antenna coils, matching networks, and eddy current loss and the true RF power deposited to plasma. Spatially resolved electron energy distribution functions, plasma density, electron temperatures, and plasma potentials were measured with movable Langmuir probes.
Short-time dynamics of 2-thiouracil in the light absorbing S2(ππ∗) state
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zhang Teng-shuo , Xue Jia-dan , Zheng Xuming , Cui Ganglong , Fang Wei-hai
Published: November 2015

Ultrahigh quantum yields of intersystem crossing to the lowest triplet state T1 are observed for 2-thiouracils (2TU), which is in contrast to the natural uracils that predominantly exhibit ultrafast internal conversion to the ground state upon excitation to the singlet excited state. The intersystem crossing mechanism of 2TU has recently been investigated using second-order perturbation methods with a high-level complete-active space self-consistent field. Three competitive nonadiabatic pathways to the lowest triplet state T1 from the initially populated singlet excited state S2 were proposed. We investigate the initial decay dynamics of 2TU from the light absorbing excited states using resonance Raman spectroscopy, time-dependent wave-packet theory in the simple model, and complete-active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and time dependent-Becke’s three-parameter exchange and correlation functional with the Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (TD-B3LYP) calculations. The obtained short-time structural dynamics in easy-to-visualize internal coordinates were compared with the CASSCF(16,11) predicted key nonadiabatic decay routes. Our results indicate that the predominant decay pathway initiated at the Franck-Condon region is toward the S2/S1 conical intersection point and S2T3 intersystem crossing point, but not toward the S2T2 intersystem crossing point.
Adenine adlayers on Cu(111): XPS and NEXAFS study
Authors: Tsud Nataliya , Bercha Sofiia , Ševčíková Klára , Acres Robert G. , Prince Kevin C. , Matolín Vladimír
Published: November 2015

The adsorption of adenine on Cu(111) was studied by photoelectron and near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Disordered molecular films were deposited by means of physical vapor deposition on the substrate at room temperature. Adenine chemisorbs on the Cu(111) surface with strong rehybridization of the molecular orbitals and the Cu 3d states. Annealing at 150 °C caused the desorption of weakly bonded molecules accompanied by formation of a short-range ordered molecular adlayer. The interface is characterized by the formation of new states in the valence band at 1.5, 7, and 9 eV. The present work complements and refines existing knowledge of adenine interaction with this surface. The coverage is not the main parameter that defines the adenine geometry and adsorption properties on Cu(111). Excess thermal energy can further rearrange the molecular adlayer and, independent of the initial coverage, the flat lying stable molecular adlayer is formed.
Coarse-grained electrostatic interactions of coronene: Towards the crystalline phase
Authors: Heinemann Thomas , Palczynski Karol , Dzubiella Joachim , Klapp Sabine H. L.
Published: November 2015

In this article, we present and compare two different, coarse-grained approaches to model electrostatic interactions of disc-shaped aromatic molecules, specifically coronene. Our study builds on our previous work [T. Heinemann et al., J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214110 (2014)], where we proposed, based on a systematic coarse-graining procedure starting from the atomistic level, an anisotropic effective (Gay-Berne-like) potential capable of describing van der Waals contributions to the interaction energy. To take into account electrostatics, we introduce, first, a linear quadrupole moment along the symmetry axis of the coronene disc. The second approach takes into account the fact that the partial charges within the molecules are distributed in a ring-like fashion. We then reparametrize the effective Gay-Berne-like potential such that it matches, at short distances, the ring-ring potential. To investigate the validity of these two approaches, we perform many-particle molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the crystalline phase (karpatite) where electrostatic interaction effects are expected to be particularly relevant for the formation of tilted stacked columns. Specifically, we investigate various structural parameters as well as the melting transition. We find that the second approach yields consistent results with those from experiments despite the fact that the underlying potential decays with the wrong distance dependence at large molecule separations. Our strategy can be transferred to a broader class of molecules, such as benzene or hexabenzocoronene.
Low edge safety factor operation and passive disruption avoidance in current carrying plasmas by the addition of stellarator rotational transform
Authors: Pandya M. D. , ArchMiller M. C. , Cianciosa M. R. , Ennis D. A. , Hanson J. D. , Hartwell G. J. , Hebert J. D. , Herfindal J. L. , Knowlton S. F. , Ma X. , Massidda S. , Maurer D. A. , Roberds N. A. , Traverso P. J.
Published: November 2015

Low edge safety factor operation at a value less than two (q(a)=1/ι̷tot(a)<2) is routine on the Compact Toroidal Hybrid device with the addition of sufficient external rotational transform. Presently, the operational space of this current carrying stellarator extends down to q(a)=1.2 without significant n = 1 kink mode activity after the initial plasma current rise phase of the discharge. The disruption dynamics of these low edge safety factor plasmas depend upon the fraction of helical field rotational transform from external stellarator coils to that generated by the plasma current. We observe that with approximately 10% of the total rotational transform supplied by the stellarator coils, low edge q disruptions are passively suppressed and avoided even though q(a) < 2. When the plasma does disrupt, the instability precursors measured and implicated as the cause are internal tearing modes with poloidal, m, and toroidal, n, helical mode numbers of m/n=3/2 and 4/3 observed on external magnetic sensors and m/n=1/1 activity observed on core soft x-ray emissivity measurements. Even though the edge safety factor passes through and becomes much less than q(a) < 2, external n = 1 kink mode activity does not appear to play a significant role in the disruption phenomenology observed.
Communication: Dynamical and structural analyses of solid hydrogen under vapor pressure
Authors: Hyeon-Deuk Kim , Ando Koji
Published: November 2015

Nuclear quantum effects play a dominant role in determining the phase diagram of H2. With a recently developed quantum molecular dynamics simulation method, we examine dynamical and structural characters of solid H2 under vapor pressure, demonstrating the difference from liquid and high-pressure solid H2. While stable hexagonal close-packed lattice structures are reproduced with reasonable lattice phonon frequencies, the most stable adjacent configuration exhibits a zigzag structure, in contrast with the T-shape liquid configuration. The periodic angular distributions of H2 molecules indicate that molecules are not a completely free rotor in the vapor-pressure solid reflecting asymmetric potentials from surrounding molecules on adjacent lattice sites. Discrete jumps of librational and H–H vibrational frequencies as well as H–H bond length caused by structural rearrangements under vapor pressure effectively discriminate the liquid and solid phases. The obtained dynamical and structural information of the vapor-pressure H2 solid will be useful in monitoring thermodynamic states of condensed hydrogens.
Friedel–Crafts Chemistry. Part 46. Unprecedented Construction of Tricyclic Pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines, -[1,8]naphthyridines, -azepines, -azocines, -pyrido[3,2-g]azocines, and pyrazolo[3,4-b]azonines via Friedel–Crafts Ring Closures
Authors: Abd El-Aal Hassan A. K. , Khalaf Ali A.
Published: November 2015

A series of keto-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines, pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,8]naphthyridines, benzo[e]pyrazolo[3,4-b]azepines, benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]azocines, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrido[3,2-g]azocines, and benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]azonines scaffolds were synthesized via a Friedel–Crafts cyclialkylation approach. The precursor acids were obtained by utilizing the modified Ullman coupling reactions of 5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid with different aryl amines followed by ring closures in the presence of AlCl3/CH3NO2 or P2O5 or polyphosphoric acid catalysts. Particular attention is given to the novel structures especially in regard to the promising pharmaceutical and therapeutic values associated with their skeletons.
Unexpected Isomerisation of a Fragment Analogue During Fragment-Based Screening of HIV Integrase Catalytic Core Domain
Authors: Ryan John H. , Jarvis Karen E. , Mulder Roger J. , Francis Craig L. , Savage G. Paul , Dolezal Olan , Peat Thomas S. , Deadman John J.
Published: November 2015

Fragment-based screening of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) integrase revealed several aromatic carboxylic acid fragment hits, some of which bound weakly at the site on the HIV-integrase catalytic core domain that binds the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF). Virtual screening of an internal database identified an analogue that bound with higher affinity and in an isomerised form to the LEDGF binding site. The starting lactone was stable in CDCl3; however, an unexpected isomerisation process occurred in [D6]DMSO to give the same isomer found in the LEDGF binding site. This hit led directly to a series of low-micromolar LEDGF inhibitors and, via a scaffold hop, to a series of allosteric binding site inhibitors.
Evaluation in health promotion: thoughts from inside a human research ethics committee
Authors: Allen Judy , Flack Felicity
Published: November 2015

Health promotion research, quality improvement and evaluation are all activities that raise ethical issues. In this paper, the Chair and a member of human research ethics committees provide an insiders' point of view on how to demonstrate ethical conduct in health promotion research and quality improvement. Several common issues raised by health promotion research and evaluation are discussed including researcher integrity, conflicts of interest, use of information, consent and privacy.
On artifacts in single-molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Cossio Pilar , Hummer Gerhard , Szabo Attila
Published: November 2015

Significance

The response of single molecules to applied forces can be probed using atomic force microscopes and laser tweezers. In these experiments, a biomolecule is attached, for example, to a mesoscopic (approximately micron size) bead that is trapped in the focus of a laser, via a long intervening polymer. To interpret such experiments, one must know the extent that the measured data reflect the behavior of the molecule of interest. Here, we develop an analytically tractable theory that can be used to determine the influence of the pulling device (apparatus) on the measured quantities, such as the rates of conformational changes. Our theory allows one to make the appropriate corrections when necessary.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the activism and radicalism intention scale / Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la escala de intención de activismo y radicalismo
Authors: Trujillo Humberto M. , Prados Manuel , Moyano Manuel
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study is to adapt the Activism and Radicalism Intention Scale to Spanish. To do so, two studies were performed. In the first, which had a sample of 514 participants, the instrument was adapted to Spanish and a confirmatory factorial analysis was conducted. The psychometric results obtained were similar to those of the original version, and the scale’s two-dimensional structure was replicated. In the second study, the psychometric characteristics of the original instrument were also replicated, but in this case with a sample of 133 participants comprised of sympathizers and activists in the 15-M anti-austerity movement. Regarding the validity of the scale, both studies provide evidence on the coherence of the construct in terms of both its internal structure and its theoretical relationship with other psychosocial variables. The reliability of the instrument obtained in both samples studied was acceptable. In short, this study presents a tool in Spanish which can be useful for studying individuals’ and groups’ predisposition towards more or less violent political mobilization.
Trade unions, the state and ‘casino capitalism’ in South Africa's clothing industry
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , Seekings Jeremy
Published: November 2015

Relationships between trade unions, the state and capital in South Africa have changed dramatically, especially in the clothing sector. The clothing workers’ union became heavily dependent on its political alliances with the governing party, not only for the regulation of wages and industrial policies, but also for Black Economic Empowerment policies that helped it to acquire massive shareholdings, including in the largest clothing manufacturer. In terms of both its exposure to capitalist risk and its investments in the casino industry specifically, the union acquired a stake in ‘casino capitalism’, whilst relying on government to stack the odds in its favour.
Generation of a glucose de-repressed mutant of Trichoderma reesei using disparity mutagenesis
Authors: Iwakuma Hidekazu , Koyama Yoshiyuki , Miyachi Ayako , Nasukawa Masashi , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Yano Shuntaro , Ogihara Jun , Kasumi Takafumi
Published: November 2015

We obtained a novel glucose de-repressed mutant of Trichoderma reesei using disparity mutagenesis. A plasmid containing DNA polymerase δ lacking proofreading activity, and AMAI, an autonomously replicating sequence was introduced into T. reesei ATCC66589. The rate of mutation evaluated with 5-fluoroorotic acid resistance was approximately 30-fold higher than that obtained by UV irradiation. The transformants harboring incompetent DNA polymerase δ were then selected on 2-deoxyglucose agar plates with hygromycin B. The pNP-lactoside hydrolyzing activities of mutants were 2 to 5-fold higher than the parent in liquid medium containing glucose. Notably, the amino acid sequence of cre1, a key gene involved in glucose repression, was identical in the mutant and parent strains, and further, the cre1 expression levels was not abolished in the mutant. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the strains of T. reesei generated by disparity mutagenesis are glucose de-repressed variants that contain mutations in yet-unidentified factors other than cre1.