bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steel slag amendment impacts on soil microbial communities and activities of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Das Suvendu , Gwon Hyo Suk , Khan Muhammad Israr , Jeong Seung Tak , Kim Pil Joo
Published: April 2020

With the increase in iron/steel production, the higher volume of by-products (slag) generated necessitates its efficient recycling. Because the Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag is rich in silicon (Si) and other fertilizer components, we aim to evaluate the impact of the LD slag amendment on soil quality (by measuring soil physicochemical and biological properties), plant nutrient uptake, and strengthens correlations between nutrient uptake and soil bacterial communities. We used 16 S rRNA illumine sequencing to study soil bacterial community and APIZYM assay to study soil enzymes involved in C, N, and P cycling. The LD slag was applied at 2 Mg ha−1 to Japonica and Indica rice cultivated under flooded conditions. The LD slag amendment significantly improved soil pH, plant photosynthesis, soil nutrient availability, and the crop yield, irrespective of cultivars. It significantly increased N, P, and Si uptake of rice straw. The slag amendment enhanced soil microbial biomass, soil enzyme activities and enriched certain bacterial taxa featuring copiotrophic lifestyles and having the potential role for ecosystem services provided to the benefit of the plant. The study evidenced that the short-term LD slag amendment in rice cropping systems is useful to improve soil physicochemical and biological status, and the crop yield.
Prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in patients with degenerative spinal disease
Authors: Aoki Yasuchika , Takahashi Hiroshi , Nakajima Arata , Kubota Go , Watanabe Atsuya , Nakajima Takayuki , Eguchi Yawara , Orita Sumihisa , Fukuchi Hiroyuki , Yanagawa Noriyuki , Nakagawa Koichi , Ohtori Seiji
Published: April 2020

Lumbar spondylolysis generally occurs in adolescent athletes. Bony union can be expected with conservative treatment, however, the fracture does not heal in some cases. When the fracture becomes a pseudoarthrosis, spondylolysis patients have the potential to develop isthmic spondylolisthesis. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the incidence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, and to elucidate when and how often spondylolisthesis occurs in patients with or without spondylolysis. Patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans of abdominal or lumbar regions for reasons other than low back pain were included (n = 580). Reconstruction CT images were obtained, and the prevalence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were evaluated. Of the 580 patients, 37 patients (6.4%) had spondylolysis. Of these 37 patients, 19 patients (51.4%) showed spondylolisthesis, whereas only 7.4% of non-spondylolysis patients showed spondylolisthesis (p < 0.05). When excluding unilateral spondylolysis, 90% (18/20) of spondylolysis patients aged ≥60 years-old showed spondylolisthesis. None of the patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis had received fusion surgery, suggesting that most of these patients didn’t have a severe disability requiring surgical treatment. Our results showed that the majority of bilateral spondylolysis patients aged ≥60 years-old show spondylolisthesis, and suggest that spondylolisthesis occurs very frequently and may develop at a younger age when spondylolysis exists.
The Prion-like protein Shadoo is involved in mouse embryonic and mammary development and differentiation
Authors: Passet Bruno , Castille Johan , Makhzami Samira , Truchet Sandrine , Vaiman Anne , Floriot Sandrine , Moazami-Goudarzi Katayoun , Vilotte Marthe , Gaillard Anne-Laure , Helary Louise , Bertaud Maud , Andréoletti Olivier , Vaiman Daniel , Calvel Pierre , Daniel-Carlier Nathalie , Moudjou Mohammed , Beauvallet Christian , Benharouga Mohamed , Laloé Denis , Mouillet-Richard Sophie , Duchesne Amandine , Béringue Vincent , Vilotte Jean-Luc
Published: April 2020

Shadoo belongs to the prion protein family, an evolutionary conserved and extensively studied family due to the implication of PrP in Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. However, the biological function of these genes remains poorly understood. While Sprn-knockdown experiments suggested an involvement of Shadoo during mouse embryonic development, Sprn-knockout experiments in 129Pas/C57BL/6J or 129Pas/FVB/NCr mice did not confirm it. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of Sprn gene invalidation in a pure FVB/NJ genetic background, using a zinc finger nuclease approach. The in-depth analysis of the derived knockout transgenic mice revealed a significant increase in embryonic lethality at early post-implantation stages, a growth retardation of young Sprn-knockout pups fed by wild type mice and a lactation defect of Sprn-knockout females. Histological and transcriptional analyses of knockout E7.5 embryos, E14.5 placentas and G7.5 mammary glands revealed specific roles of the Shadoo protein in mouse early embryogenesis, tissue development and differentiation with a potential antagonist action between PrP and Shadoo. This study thus highlights the entanglement between the proteins of the prion family.
Non-pharmacological treatment changes brain activity in patients with dementia
Authors: Shigihara Yoshihito , Hoshi Hideyuki , Shinada Keita , Okada Toyoji , Kamada Hajime
Published: April 2020

Non-pharmacological treatment (NPT) improves cognitive functions and behavioural disturbances in patients with dementia, but the underlying neural mechanisms are unclear. In this observational study, 21 patients with dementia received NPTs for several months. Patients were scanned using magnetoencephalography twice during the NPT period to evaluate NPT effects on resting-state brain activity. Additionally, cognitive functions and behavioural disturbances were measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-J) and a short version of the Dementia Behaviour Disturbance Scale (DBD-13) at the beginning and the end of the NPT period. In contrast to the average DBD-13 score, the average MMSE-J score improved after the NPT period. Magnetoencephalography data revealed a reduced alpha activity in the right temporal lobe and fusiform gyrus, as well as an increased low-gamma activity in the right angular gyrus. DBD-13 score changes were correlated with beta activity in the sensorimotor area. These findings corroborate previous studies confirming NPT effects on brain activity in healthy participants and people at risk of dementia. Our results provide additional evidence that brains of patients with dementia have the capacity for plasticity, which may be responsible for the observed NPT effects. In dementia, NPT might lead to improvements in the quality of life.
The role of human serum and solution chemistry in fibrinogen peptide–nanoparticle interactions
Authors: Zapata Angela , Nguyen Mai-Loan , Ling Caleb , Rogers Jacqueline , Domiano Sangeetha , Hayzelden Clive , Wheeler Korin E.
Published: April 2020

In living systems, biomolecule–nanoparticle interactions are mediated by proteins, like those in human serum, and by solutes.
Fast chemical force microscopy demonstrates that glycopeptidolipids define nanodomains of varying hydrophobicity on mycobacteria
Authors: Viljoen Albertus , Viela Felipe , Kremer Laurent , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: April 2020

We use chemical force microscopy with high spatiotemporal resolution to study the nanoscale distribution of hydrophobicity on living mycobacterial cells.
A fluorescent molecular imaging probe with selectivity for soluble tau aggregated protein
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Tietz Ole , Kuan Wei-Li , Haji-Dheere Abdul K. , Thompson Stephen , Vallin Benjamin , Ronchi Elisabetta , Tóth Gergely , Klenerman David , Aigbirhio Franklin I.
Published: April 2020

pTP-TFE imaging probe can distinguish soluble tau aggregated proteins from other aggregated proteins enabling earlier detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Antibiofilm coatings based on protein-engineered polymers and antimicrobial peptides for preventing implant-associated infections
Authors: Acosta Sergio , Ibañez-Fonseca Arturo , Aparicio Conrado , Rodríguez-Cabello J. Carlos
Published: April 2020

Protein-engineered polymers can be used as multivalent platforms for AMP tethering on implant surfaces as cytocompatible coatings with strong antibiofilm properties.
Enhancing aqueous pollutant photodegradation via a Fermi level matched Z-scheme BiOI/Pt/g-C3N4 photocatalyst: unobstructed photogenerated charge behavior and degradation pathway exploration
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Song Yueyu , Wang Xingyue , Li Tianren , Li Mingyu , Lin Yanhong , Xie Tengfeng , Dong Shuangshi
Published: April 2020

Unobstructed photogenerated charge separation and transfer occurred in the photodegradation process over a Fermi level matched Z-scheme BiOI/Pt/g-C3N4 photocatalyst.
Combination of solid-state NMR and 1H NMR relaxometry for the study of intercalated saponite clays with the macrocyclic derivatives of Gd(iii) and Y(iii)
Authors: Lalli Daniela , Marchesi Stefano , Carniato Fabio , Bisio Chiara , Tei Lorenzo , Marchese Leonardo , Botta Mauro
Published: April 2020

A combination of solid-state NMR and 1H-NMR relaxometric investigations has been employed to characterize the structure and physico-chemical properties of a novel synthetic saponite intercalated with Gd(iii) and Y(iii) chelates.
Enzyme-assisted mineralization of calcium phosphate: exploring confinement for the design of highly crystalline nano-objects
Authors: Colaço E. , Lefèvre D. , Maisonhaute E. , Brouri D. , Guibert C. , Dupont-Gillain C. , El Kirat K. , Demoustier-Champagne S. , Landoulsi J.
Published: April 2020

Calcium phosphate mineralization is initiated through heterogenous enzymatic catalysis, resulting in the formation of highly ordered anisotropic nanostructures. The mineral phase features are modulated by physicochemical factors and confinement.
Pt nanoparticle-decorated two-dimensional oxygen-deficient TiO2 nanosheets as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Naik Keerti M. , Higuchi Eiji , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Platinum nanoparticles dispersed on oxygen-deficient TiO2−x nanosheets exhibited high mass activity and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Transition metal based heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction at near-neutral pH
Authors: Dong Yan , Oloman Colin W. , Gyenge Elod L. , Su Jianwei , Chen Liang
Published: April 2020

Transition metal (e.g.Co, Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe and binary TM) based catalysts achieve high OER performance in near neutral electrolyte, such as phosphate (Pi) buffer solution, borate (Bi) buffer solution, and carbonate (Ci) buffer solution.
Pillar[5]arene-based self-assembled linear supramolecular polymer driven by guest halogen–halogen interactions in solid and solution states
Authors: Al-Azemi Talal F. , Vinodh Mickey
Published: April 2020

A pillar[5]arene-based linear supramolecular polymer mediated by guest halogen–halogen interactions (C–Br⋯Br–C) was studied in both the solution and solid states.
Amide transformation as an efficient postpolymerization modification approach for the synthesis of functional polyacetylenes
Authors: Ren Juntao , Liu Heng , Zhang Xuequan , Hu Yanming , Zhou Guangyuan , Masuda Toshio
Published: April 2020

Modification of a precursor polyacetylene with various amines and alcohols through amide transformation gives access to a series of functional polymers showing nonlinear optical, luminescence, enhanced surface energy, and redox active properties.
Polymersome formation induced by encapsulation of water-insoluble molecules within ABC triblock terpolymers
Authors: Takahashi Rintaro , Miwa Shotaro , Rössel Carsten , Fujii Shota , Lee Ji Ha , Schacher Felix H. , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: April 2020

We found a morphological transition from spherical micelles to polymersomes induced by encapsulation of hydrophobic guest molecules.
Alternating ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides with saturated and unsaturated cyclic anhydrides: reduced viscosity poly(propylene fumarate) oligomers for use in cDLP 3D printing
Authors: Shin Yongjun , Becker Matthew L.
Published: April 2020

A ring-opening copolymerization of propylene oxide with saturated and unsaturated anhydrides using Mg(BHT)2(THF)2 catalyst followed by an isomerization yields poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) oligomers with improved properties for 3D printing.
Synthesis, photo and acidochromic properties of spiropyran-containing methanofullerenes
Authors: Khuzin A. A. , Tuktarov A. R. , Barachevsky V. A. , Valova T. M. , Tulyabaev A. R. , Dzhemilev U. M.
Published: April 2020

Spiropyran-containing methanofullerenes able to rapidly and reversibly respond to optical and chemical stimuli were synthesized for the first time by the Bingel–Hirsch reaction and catalytic cycloaddition of diazo compounds to carbon clusters.
Mixing and jetting analysis using continuous flow microfluidic sample delivery devices
Authors: Hejazian Majid , Darmanin Connie , Balaur Eugeniu , Abbey Brian
Published: April 2020

Design schematics of microfluidic mix- and-jet devices for serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) at X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs).
Structure and glass transition of amorphous materials composed of titanium-oxo oligomers chemically modified with benzoylacetone
Authors: Oda Shinya , Kohara Shinji , Tsutsui Ryo , Kasasaku Mamoru , Kozuka Hiromitsu
Published: April 2020

Titanium-n-butoxide was hydrolyzed in the presence of benzoylacetone, and the resulting solution was concentrated and dried at 120 or 140 °C to obtain transparent amorphous materials.
Synthesis of polyacrylonitrile nanoflowers and their controlled pH-sensitive drug release behavior
Authors: Lian Qi , Liu Han , Zheng Xuefang , Jia Dandan , Liu Chun , Wang Dongjun
Published: April 2020

The schematic preparation of a new kind of pH-sensitive PAN nanoflower and its potential application for UC therapy. PAN (TBP) nanoflowers at pH 7.4 showed good sustained-release (t83% = 260 h), which best fitted the Riger–Peppas model.
Substrate controlled, regioselective carbopalladation for the one-pot synthesis of C4-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline analogues
Authors: Krishna Reddy Singarajanahalli Mundarinti , Suresh Pavithira , Thamotharan Subbiah , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Suresh Surisetti , Selva Ganesan Subramaniapillai
Published: April 2020

6-Exo-trig cyclization reaction through regioselective carbopalladation was demonstrated with N-(2-halobenzyl)-N-allylamines to furnish the corresponding C4-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives.
Effects of electrodeposition time on a manganese dioxide supercapacitor
Authors: Dai Xiaoli , Zhang Ming , Li Jitao , Yang Dingyu
Published: April 2020

As is well known that the specific capacitance of supercapacitors cannot be improved by increasing the mass of the deposited MnO2 films, which means an appropriate deposition duration is important.
A hybrid lipid membrane coating “shape-locks” silver nanoparticles to prevent surface oxidation and silver ion dissolution
Authors: Miesen Thomas J. , Engstrom Arek M. , Frost Dane C. , Ajjarapu Ramya , Ajjarapu Rohan , Lira Citlali Nieves , Mackiewicz Marilyn R.
Published: April 2020

Hybrid lipid membranes shields and protects silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from surface oxidation, Ag+ion release, aging, and shape conversion.
Soluble asphaltene oxide: a homogeneous carbocatalyst that promotes synthetic transformations
Authors: Jung Hyosic , Bielawski Christopher W.
Published: April 2020

Soluble carbocatalysts, materials which are predominantly composed of carbon and catalyze the synthesis of organic or inorganic compounds, are promising alternatives to metal-based analogues.
Phase composition and genesis of pyroxenic jadeite from Guatemala: insights from cathodoluminescence
Authors: Lin Chenlu , He Xuemei , Lu Zhiyun , Yao Yuwei
Published: April 2020

This paper introduces two studies that combine CL microscopy: phase investigation of green pyroxenic jadeite from Guatemala, and jadeite generations.
Synthesis andin vitroanti-proliferative evaluation of naphthalimide–chalcone/pyrazoline conjugates as potential SERMs with computational validation
Authors: Shalini  , Pankaj  , Saha Sourav Taru , Kaur Mandeep , Oluwakemi Ebenezer , Awolade Paul , Singh Parvesh , Kumar Vipan
Published: April 2020

Design, synthesis and anti-proliferative evaluation of naphthalimide–chalcone/pyrazoline conjugates.
In vivo selective imaging of metabolic glycosylation with a tetrazine-modified upconversion nanoprobe
Authors: Zhang Ruijing , Zheng Judun , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2020

A novel nanoprobe (UCNP-T) for the specific labeling and real-time imaging of glycans on the cell membrane via ratiometric UCL imaging was developed.
Anti-HIV drug repurposing against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sang Peng , Tian Shu-Hui , Meng Zhao-Hui , Yang Li-Quan
Published: April 2020

A novel severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus (SARS HCoV) was identified from respiratory illness patients (named SARS-CoV-2 by ICTV) in December 2019 and has recently emerged as a serious threat to world public health.
A PANI-Fe3O4@ZnO nanocomposite: a magnetically separable and applicable catalyst for the synthesis of chromeno-pyrido[d]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Chaghari-Farahani Fatemeh , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Kia-Kojoori Reza
Published: April 2020

A PANI-Fe3O4@ZnO nanocomposite is used to prepare a series of novel chromeno-pyrido[d]pyrimidine derivatives in an aqueous medium at room temperature.
Doxorobicin as cargo in a redox-responsive drug delivery system capped with water dispersible ZnS nanoparticles
Authors: Žid Lukáš , Zeleňák Vladimír , Girman Vladimír , Bednarčík Jozef , Zeleňáková Adriana , Szűcsová Jaroslava , Hornebecq Virginie , Hudák Alexander , Šuleková Monika , Váhovská Lucia
Published: April 2020

Redox-responsive drug delivery system was studied. ZnS nanoparticles served as pore capping agent to prevent premature release of anticancer drug. Such cargo can be monitored by magnetic field which opens possibilities its use in theranostics.
Drying-induced back flow of colloidal suspensions confined in thin unidirectional drying cells
Authors: Inoue Kai , Inasawa Susumu
Published: April 2020

Gravity-driven back flow is spontaneously generated even in a thin drying colloidal suspension in a Hele-Shaw cell.
Recent advances in continuous-flow organocatalysis for process intensification
Authors: De Risi Carmela , Bortolini Olga , Brandolese Arianna , Di Carmine Graziano , Ragno Daniele , Massi Alessandro
Published: April 2020

The progresses on continuous-flow organocatalysis from 2016 to early 2020 are reviewed with focus on transition from batch to flow.
Beyond electrolysis: old challenges and new concepts of electricity-driven chemical reactors
Authors: Stankiewicz Andrzej I. , Nigar Hakan
Published: April 2020

With renewable electricity becoming the most widely available, versatile energy form on Earth, the electricity-driven chemical reactors will play crucial role in the transition to green, environmentally-neutral manufacturing of fuels and chemicals.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-myrifabral A and B
Authors: Fulton Tyler J. , Chen Anthony Y. , Bartberger Michael D. , Stoltz Brian M.
Published: April 2020

A catalytic enantioselective approach to the Myrioneuron alkaloids (−)-myrifabral A and (−)-myrifabral B is described.
Ultrathin two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic framework single-crystalline nanosheets enabled by surfactant-assisted synthesis
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Wang Gang , Qi Haoyuan , Wang Mao , Wang Mingchao , Park SangWook , Wang Huaping , Yu Minghao , Kaiser Ute , Fery Andreas , Zhou Shengqiang , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang
Published: April 2020

Ultrathin and large-sized 2D conjugated MOF single-crystalline nanosheets are synthesized, which allow fast ion diffusion and high utilization of active sites, and therefore exhibit remarkable performance for Li-ion batteries.
A highly stable RNA aptamer probe for the retinoblastoma protein in live cells
Authors: Le Thao T. , Bruckbauer Andreas , Tahirbegi Bogachan , Magness Alastair J. , Ying Liming , Ellington Andrew D. , Cass Anthony E. G.
Published: April 2020

An RNA G-quadruplex aptamer, specific for the human retinoblastoma protein (RB) and highly stable inside cells, is selected and its application to live cell probing of the protein illustrated.
Hexagonal MoO3 as a zinc intercalation anode towards zinc metal-free zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Xiong Ting , Zhang Yaoxin , Wang Yinming , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xue Junmin
Published: April 2020

Hexagonal MoO3 is proposed as an intercalation anode as a potential replacement for Zn metal plates for the first time.
Boosting chem-insertion and phys-adsorption in S/N co-doped porous carbon nanospheres for high-performance symmetric Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Yan Dong , Zhang Jian , Xiong Dongbin , Huang Shaozhuan , Hu Junping , Pam Mei Er , Fang Daliang , Wang Ye , Shi Yumeng , Yang Hui Ying
Published: April 2020

Li-ion capacitors (LICs) are seen as promising energy devices that combine the advantages of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs).
Synchronous surface and bulk composition management for red-shifted light absorption and suppressed interfacial recombination in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhong Jun-Xing , Liao Jin-Feng , Jiang Yong , Wang Lianzhou , Kuang Dai-Bin , Wu Wu-Qiang
Published: April 2020

Perovskite solar cells with a reverse vertical gradient distribution of α/δ-FAPbI3 achieved a record efficiency of up to 21.9% owing to synergistic advantages of expanded photon harvesting and robust surface defect passivation.
Hydrogen generation from toxic formaldehyde catalyzed by low-cost Pd–Sn alloys driven by visible light
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Wang Meng , Ma Jiantai , Lu Gongxuan
Published: April 2020

New high active low-cost Pd-Sn alloy catalyst for hydrogen evolution from toxic formaldehyde driven by visible light was developed via alloying of Pd with abundance element Sn.
Nanoscale dual-enzyme cascade metal–organic frameworks through biomimetic mineralization as ROS generators for synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Jin Shuiling , Weng Lanling , Li Zhi , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhu Lili , Shi Jianxiang , Tang Wenxue , Ma Wang , Zong Hong , Jiang Wei
Published: April 2020

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been critically challenged by insufficient H2O2 in cancer tissues and inefficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
Discrimination of cysteamine from mercapto amino acids through isoelectric point-mediated surface ligand exchange of β-cyclodextrin-modified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Quanbao , Fang Xun , Zhang Junting , Zhu Lili , Rao Xiabing , Lu Qi , Sun Zhijun , Yu Huan , Zhang Qunlin
Published: April 2020

A pI-mediated R6G-β-CD@AuNPs system was designed for the first time for the discrimination of CA from GSH/Cys/Hcy in human serum samples.
Enabling dynamic ultralong organic phosphorescence in molecular crystals through the synergy between intramolecular and intermolecular interactions
Authors: Yang Zhan , Ubba Eethamukkala , Huang Qiuyi , Mao Zhu , Li Wenlang , Chen Junru , Zhao Juan , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo
Published: April 2020

Dynamic ultralong organic phosphorescence in molecular crystals is enabled through the synergy between intramolecular and intermolecular interactions.
Bioinspired ultra-thin polyurethane/MXene nacre-like nanocomposite films with synergistic mechanical properties for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Liu Zongxu , Wang Wenyan , Tan Jiaojun , Liu Jin , Zhu Meifang , Zhu Baolei , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: April 2020

An ultrathin polyurethane/MXene flexible nanocomposite film with synergistic mechanical properties and superior electromagnetic interference shielding is fabricated via a nacre-mimetic strategy.
High performance broadband photo and soft X-ray detectors based on two dimensional CrSiTe3
Authors: Li Yun , Liu Jingying , Su Xin , Ou Qingdong , Wan Zhichen , Wu Yingjie , Yu Wenzhi , Bao Xiaozhi , Huang Yamin , Wang Xiaomu , Tadich Anton , Shabbir Babar , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: April 2020

Here we demonstrate a room temperature, high performance broadband photodetector based on van der Waals magnetic material CrSiTe3 that can efficiently detect both soft X-rays and light in the near-infrared (NIR) and visible wavelength ranges.
The Utility of an English Semantics Measure for Identifying Developmental Language Disorder in Spanish–English Bilinguals
Authors: Jasso Javier , McMillen Stephanie , Anaya Jissel B. , Bedore Lisa M. , Peña Elizabeth D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

We examined the English semantic performance of three hundred twenty-seven 7- to 10-year-old Spanish–English bilinguals with (
n
= 66) and without (
n
= 261) developmental language disorder (DLD) with varying levels of English experience to classify groups.

Method

English semantic performance on the Bilingual English–Spanish Assessment—Middle Extension Experimental Test Version (Peña et al., 2008) was evaluated by language experience, language ability, and task type. Items that best identified DLD for children with balanced and high English experience were selected. Separately, items that best identified children with high Spanish experience were selected.

Results

Typically developing bilingual children performed significantly higher than their peers with DLD across semantic tasks, with differences associated with task type. Classification accuracy was fair when item selection corresponded to balanced or high level of experience in English, but poor for children with high Spanish experience. Selecting items specifically for children with high Spanish experience improved classification accuracy.

Conclusions

Tailoring semantic items based on children's experience is a promising direction toward organizing items on a continuum of exposure. Here, classification effectively ruled in impairment. Future work to refine semantic items that more accurately represent the continuum of exposure may help rule out language impairment.
A Cross-Lagged Analysis of Emotion Regulation, Peer Problems, and Emotional Problems in Children With and Without Early Language Difficulties: Evidence From the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Forrest Claire L. , Gibson Jenny L. , Halligan Sarah L. , St Clair Michelle C.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Adolescents with a history of language difficulties are at risk for increased social and emotional difficulties; however, the pathways involved are unclear. We examine the contribution of poor emotion regulation by comparing longitudinal data from children at risk of developmental language disorder (rDLD) and the general population.

Method

Data from the Millennium Cohort Study were analyzed at ages 3, 5, 7, 11, and 14 years. The rDLD group (children with parent-reported difficulties and/or a score of −1.5
SD
s on the Naming Vocabulary subtest at age 5 years) was compared to a general population group on parent reports of emotion regulation, peer problems, and emotional problems.

Results

In line with the established literature, increased socioemotional problems in individuals with language difficulties were reported. Poor emotion regulation consistently predicted subsequent peer and emotional problems throughout development in both groups. Stronger cross-lag effects were found in the rDLD group for poor emotion regulation at age 3 years predicting age 5 years emotional problems and age 5 years emotional problems predicting age 7 years emotion regulation difficulties. Stronger reciprocal cross-lag effects were also observed in the rDLD group between peer and emotional problems at ages 3 and 5 years. No significant group differences were found in adolescence.

Conclusions

Poor emotion regulation makes a small but significant contribution to later peer and emotional difficulties, and this relationship is stronger in children at rDLD. Early reciprocal peer and emotional difficulties are also stronger in the rDLD group, but these effects dissipate in midchildhood. Nevertheless, the consistent relationship between early emotion regulation difficulties and socioemotional problems throughout development warrants further investigation in individuals with lower language skills.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12142059
Non‐linear optimal control for multi‐DOF electro‐hydraulic robotic manipulators
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Zervos Nikolaos , Abbaszadeh Masoud , Pomares Jorge , Wira Patrice
Published: April 2020

A non‐linear optimal (H‐infinity) control approach is proposed for the dynamic model of multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) electro‐hydraulic robotic manipulators. Control of electro‐hydraulic manipulators is a non‐trivial problem because of their non‐linear and multi‐variable dynamics. In this study, the considered robotic system consists of a multi‐link robotic manipulator that receives actuation from rotary electro‐hydraulic drives. The article's approach relies first on approximate linearisation of the state‐space model of the electro‐hydraulic manipulator, according to first‐order Taylor series expansion and the computation of the related Jacobian matrices. For the approximately linearised model of the manipulator, a stabilising H‐infinity feedback controller is designed. To compute the controller's gains, an algebraic Riccati equation is solved at each time‐step of the control algorithm. The global stability properties of the control scheme are proven through Lyapunov analysis. The proposed control method retains the advantages of typical optimal control, i.e. fast and accurate tracking of the reference setpoints under moderate variations of the control inputs.
Searching for obscured AGN in z ∼ 2 submillimetre galaxies
Authors: Chen H. , Garrett M. A. , Chi S. , Thomson A. P. , Barthel P. D. , Alexander D. M. , Muxlow T. W. B. , Beswick R. J. , Radcliffe J. F. , Wrigley N. H. , Guidetti D. , Bondi M. , Prandoni I. , Smail I. , McHardy I. , Argo M. K.
Published: April 2020

Aims. Submillimetre-selected galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift (z ∼ 2) are potential host galaxies of active galactic nuclei (AGN). If the local Universe is a good guide, ∼50% of the obscured AGN amongst the SMG population could be missed even in the deepest X-ray surveys. Radio observations are insensitive to obscuration; therefore, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) can be used as a tool to identify AGN in obscured systems. A well-established upper limit to the brightness temperature of 105 K exists in star-forming systems, thus VLBI observations can distinguish AGN from star-forming systems via brightness temperature measurements.

Methods. We present 1.6 GHz European VLBI Network (EVN) observations of four SMGs (with measured redshifts) to search for evidence of compact radio components associated with AGN cores. For two of the sources, e-MERLIN images are also presented.

Results. Out of the four SMGs observed, we detect one source, J123555.14, that has an integrated EVN flux density of 201 ± 15.2 μJy, corresponding to a brightness temperature of 5.2 ± 0.7 × 105 K. We therefore identify that the radio emission from J123555.14 is associated with an AGN. We do not detect compact radio emission from a possible AGN in the remaining sources (J123600.10, J131225.73, and J163650.43). In the case of J131225.73, this is particularly surprising, and the data suggest that this may be an extended, jet-dominated AGN that is resolved by VLBI. Since the morphology of the faint radio source population is still largely unknown at these scales, it is possible that with a ∼10 mas resolution, VLBI misses (or resolves) many radio AGN extended on kiloparsec scales.
Living on the edge: Rossby wave instability and HFQPOs in black hole binaries
Authors: Varniere P. , Vincent F. H. , Casse F.
Published: April 2020

Context. The Rossby wave instability (RWI) has been proposed to explain the origin of the high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations observed in the X-ray emission of astrophysical systems harbouring black holes. Recent numerical computations have proven that the RWI does exist in a general relativistic context and that its presence is associated with a time-variable X-ray emission from the disc.

Aims. Using our new Numerical Observatory of Violent Accreting system, NOVAs, we explore the way the RWI impacts an accretion disc orbiting a spinning black hole under realistic astrophysical conditions. Our aim is to study the impact of the presence of the RWI in the very inner part of the accretion disc on known observables and explore some possibly new ones.

Methods. We present the first full general relativistic hydrodynamical simulations of the RWI occurring at the last stable orbit of an accretion disc orbiting around a Kerr black-hole. Those simulations, coupled with a full general relativistic ray-tracing, have allowed us to directly compare our simulations with the observables we obtained from the X-ray emission of the disc.

Results. Our study shows, for the first time, that the RWI naturally arises near the inner edge of an accretion disc whenever it gets close to its last stable orbit, as predicted analytically. From there, we show that not only does the RWI create a visible timing feature but it also impacts the energy spectrum of the source, which exhibits a high energy extension due to the presence of hot vortices generated by the RWI in the disc. Our study also shows that systems with the RWI present at the inner edge of the disc only exhibit similar behavior to systems in which HFQPOs have been detected.
Random forests for time-dependent processes
Authors: Goehry Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Random forests were introduced by Breiman in 2001. We study theoretical aspects of both original Breiman’s random forests and a simplified version, the centred random forests. Under the independent and identically distributed hypothesis, Scornet, Biau and Vert proved the consistency of Breiman’s random forest, while Biau studied the simplified version and obtained a rate of convergence in the sparse case. However, the i.i.d hypothesis is generally not satisfied for example when dealing with time series. We extend the previous results to the case where observations are weakly dependent, more precisely when the sequences are stationary β−mixing.
Societal uncertainties recognised in recent nuclear and radiological emergencies
Authors: Tomkiv Y. , Perko T. , Sala R. , Zeleznik N. , Maitre M. , Schneider T. , Oughton D.H.
Published: April 2020

The paper aims to stimulate reflection and debate on the issue of uncertainty as a key component of nuclear or radiological emergency management. It identifies and discusses different types of uncertainties that appeared during and after real emergencies. For this, seven different case studies of nuclear and radiological events have been analysed using three separate methodological approaches: i) case descriptions (document review); ii) media analysis; and iii) semi-structured interviews. The overall objective was to elucidate the understanding and response to scientific and social uncertainties, and related ethical issues. A range of different uncertainties were identified and roughly grouped into categories related to: 1) technical and measurement uncertainties; 2) societal impacts and societal framing; 3) contradictory information and communication aspects; 4) ethical aspects. This analysis intends to inform emergency managers on the types of uncertainties that may appear to different actors during nuclear or radiological emergency. The results should serve to stimulate preparation on the uncertainty response and by this also to reduce some of the identified uncertainties.
Impact of an input-output specification on efficiency scores in data envelopment analysis: A banking case study
Authors: Boďa Martin , Piklová Zuzana
Published: April 2020

The paper stresses the importance of making an appropriate specification of inputs and outputs in technical efficiency measurement and provides empirical evidence that this initial step of an efficiency measurement project should not be underestimated. Oriented on a case study of Slovak commercial banks for the period from 2005 to 2016, the paper explores to what extent different input-output specifications affect the comparability or congruence of technical efficiency scores in a banking application produced by four different data envelopment models differing in the efficiency measure and orientation. Building on the long-standing controversy in the banking literature about the most appropriate description of banking production, the paper compares technical efficiency scores for 9 input-output specifications of the intermediation approach, 9 specifications of the production-like approaches and 3 network integrated specifications. All these specifications were empirically applied earlier in the literature. The efficiency scores produced by different input-output specifications and models are confronted by six measures of association or dependence, and their levels are explained in a regression framework. The results attest that the choice of the input-output set is a critical judgemental input to efficiency measurement since there is vast diversity in efficiency scores of input-output sets coming from different approaches but also for input-output sets associated with the same approach. In addition, intermediation input-output specifications tend to produce higher efficiency scores than production-like specifications.
Umgang mit datenschutzrechtlichen Herausforderungen in
ausgewählten Phasen des Reha-Prozesses
Authors: Sutorius Mathias
Published: April 2020

Erfolgreiche Rehabilitation zur Sicherung von selbstbestimmter Teilhabe eines
Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen hängt von vielen Faktoren
ab. Wichtig sind insbesondere individuelle und abgestimmte Leistungen.
Dafür bedarf es z. B. einer umfassenden Bedarfsermittlung
sowie der Zusammenarbeit verschiedener Akteure. Die Ermittlung des
Reha-Bedarfs ist ohne Datenerhebung, eine Zusammenarbeit im Reha-Prozess ist
ohne Datenübermittlungen und -erhebungen nicht möglich.
Nicht zuletzt deshalb sind im Reha-Geschehen stets datenschutzrechtliche
Anforderungen zu beachten. Der Beitrag fokussiert eine Auswahl
datenschutzrechtlicher Herausforderungen im Reha-Prozess und hierzu
entsprechende Lösungsansätze.
Second Opinions before Surgery Have the Potential to Reduce Costs – An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Weyerstraß Jan , Prediger Barbara , Neugebauer Edmund , Pieper Dawid
Published: April 2020

Aim In this study cost data of patientʼs first and second opinion of a German second opinion program of patients with orthopedic indications are raised and compared.

Methods Anonymized patient data were used from a second opinion program gathered in the period from 2013 to 2015. Costs of the first and second opinion were raised using DRG, the EBM catalog, the remuneration agreement on physical therapy and the price of drugs. In order to increase transferability, initial therapy recommendation and second opinion were compared in a cost analysis to determine a theoretical savings potential.

Results A total of 170 consecutive patients with orthopedic indication and first and second opinion were analyzed in this study. Only one out of three initial therapy recommendations was confirmed by the second opinion. In the second opinion, physiotherapy and pain therapy were often suggested for indications which received a surgery referral by the initial therapy recommendation. In scenario 1 (average resource use), the costs of the first therapy recommendation in median was 5020.96 € (IQR = 961.71 – 7342.66), the second opinion was 322.07 € (IQR = 146.39 – 1341.32). In median, the operation costs of the initial therapy recommendation were equal to 156.12 physiotherapeutic sessions and 26.02 N3 packs Ibuprofen 800.

Conclusion Therapy costs for the initial therapy recommendation are clearly exceeding the therapy costs of the second opinion. This assumes a potential to reduce therapy costs with the use of a second opinion. This study lays the foundation to carry out further conclusive analyses concerning this matter.
Clinical and Cytogenomic Characterization of De Novo 11p14.3-p15.5 Duplication Associated with 18q23 Deletion in an Egyptian Female Infant
Authors: Afifi Hanan H. , El-Kamah Ghada Y. , Kamel Alaa K. , Abd Allah Sally G. , Hammad Sayda , Sayed-Ahmed Mohammed M. , Hussein Shymaa H. , Mohamed Amal M.
Published: April 2020

Paternal microduplication of 11p14.3-p15.5 causes the clinical manifestations of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), while microdeletion of 18q23-ter is clinically characterized by short stature, congenital malformations, and developmental delay. We describe a 15-month-old girl presenting with protruding tongue, dysmorphic facial features, moderate developmental delay, umbilical hernia, hypotonia, mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension, small patent ductus arteriosus, and mild ventricular septal hypertrophy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed mild atrophic changes. Chromosomal analysis revealed 46, XX, add(18)(q23). Fluorescence in situ hybridization using subtelomere 18q and whole chromosome painting 18 showed subtelomere deletion in 18q, and the add segment was not derived from chromosome 18. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization detected a 22 Mb duplication of chromosome 11p15.5p14.3 and a 3.7 Mb deletion of chromosome 18q23. The phenotype of the chromosomal rearrangements is probably resulted from a combination of dosage-sensitive genes. Our patient had clinical manifestations of both 18q deletion and BWS.
A Study on Knowledge and Practice on Maternal Bed sharing Among Mothers in A Selected Hospital at Mangalore
Authors: Nongkynrih Rikynti , Cutinho Savitha Pramilda , D'almeida Victoria
Published: April 2020

A non-experimental descriptive correlative research design was used to assess the knowledge and practice of 100 mothers whose babies are within 0-3 ½ months of age regarding maternal bed sharing. The sample was recruited by purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire and a self report practice checklist were used to collect the data. The finding in the current study reveals that 50% of the mothers had an average knowledge and 46% had poor knowledge whereas 4% had very good knowledge on maternal bed sharing and the mean on safe practice (14.42) is more than that of unsafe practice (12.52) which shows that the mothers were following safe practices. There was no significant association of knowledge and practice of mothers with selected demographic variables; however there is an association on practice of maternal bed sharing with educational status and number of children. The results showed that although the mothers had an average knowledge regarding maternal bed sharing but their practices were safe. Mothers with good knowledge can bring down the Sudden Infant death rate.
Prevalence of voice disorders in the Department of Speech- Language Pathology of a tertiary care hospital of Mangaluru: A retrospective study of 11 years
Authors: Dodderi Thejaswi , Philip Nikita Elsa , Mutum Kalpana
Published: April 2020

Background: Voice disorder is now considered a 'public health concern'. Epidemiological studies of yesteryears performed in the West disseminate the importance of prevention and early identification of the change in voice. In India 'Vocology' or study of voice production is slowly emerging with specific attention to vocal health and voice care. Aim of the study: The present study implemented a retrospective observational design to identify prevalence of voice disorders in a tertiary care hospital.

Method: The Diagnostic register of Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of a semi-urban hospital was accessed from January 1st 2007 till January 31st 2018. Patients diagnosed with a voice disorder, in-isolation and/or in conjunction to a medical condition, were tabulated. The data was tallied under the following categories: type of voice disorder; nature of voice disorder; age of onset; gender and perceptual features.

Results: Results of the study suggested 21.4% prevalence of voice disorder. In addition the study also noted maximum prevalence of vocal nodule; adult male subjects exhibited a higher rate of vocal fold pathology and increased prevalence of perceptually hoarse voice.

Conclusion: The data from the study accounts voice problems to be on higher side with vocal fold hyper-function disorder topping the chart.
A Study on Contributing Factors of Nurses Migration to Overseas among the Staff Nurses Working In Selected Hospital at Mangalore
Authors: Philip Harit , P. Bindhu P , Babu Aswathi , Cutinha Elveera , Joseph Jeena , Vas Jasmine Sarita
Published: April 2020

Nurses are the backbone of the health care sector. They have a vital role in the patient care as well as in the maintenance of standards in their profession. A significant shortage exists in India where nurses are migrating to other countries due to various reasons. This is important globally because countries with the lowest nursing and health care workforce capacities have the poorest health outcomes. Objective: To find the contributing factors for nurses migration to overseas among the staff nurses' Materials and Methods: A descriptive approach was adopted for this study. The study was conducted in Father Muller Medical College Hospital at Mangaluru. The study sample was 103 staff nurses'. A baseline proforma and a checklist were used to collect the data to assess the contributing factors of nurses' migration to overseas. The subjects were selected by using convenient random sampling technique. Results: The data in the present study revealed that, staff nurses 71.84% were between the age group of 21-25 years. Most (88.35%) of the subjects were females. Majorities (82.53%) of the subjects were single. 90.30% of the subjects belong to Christian religion and rest of them belongs to Hindu religion. Proportionately (67.97%) of the subjects who participated were had the qualification of B.Sc (N). Quiet a more number of staff Nurses' (78.64%) was having the work experience between 1- 3 years. The data from the checklist of contributing factors revealed that the majority (95.14%) of them said that less salary in India is the major contributing factor for migration. The second reason given by the subjects was better employment opportunity (92.23%). The third most reason indicated by the subject was the opportunity to improve the professional skill and practice in abroad (92.21%). The marriage as a contributing factor to migrate was least by only (25.24%). The next least was additional payment for extra hours (45.63%). Interpretation and conclusion: After conducting the study the result showed that, The main contributing factors of nurses migration are less salary in India (95.14%), Better employment opportunities in abroad (92.23%) and the opportunity to improve the professional skill and practice in abroad (92.21%). Also we found that there is no specific contributing factor rather they had variety of contributing factors which influences the nurses for migration.