bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral predictors of improved speech output in minimally verbal children with autism
Authors: Chenausky Karen , Norton Andrea , Tager‐Flusberg Helen , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: September 2018

We investigated the relationship between eight theoretically motivated behavioral variables and a spoken‐language‐related outcome measure, after 25 sessions of treatment for speech production in 38 minimally verbal children with autism. After removing potential predictors that were uncorrelated with the outcome variable, two remained. We used both complete‐case and multiple‐imputation analyses to address missing predictor data and performed linear regressions to identify significant predictors of change in percent syllables approximately correct after treatment. Baseline phonetic inventory (the number of English phonemes repeated correctly) was the most robust predictor of improvement. In the group of 17 participants with complete data, ADOS score also significantly predicted the outcome. In contrast to some earlier studies, nonverbal IQ, baseline levels of expressive language, and younger age did not significantly predict improvement. The present results are not only consistent with previous studies showing that verbal imitation and autism severity significantly predict spoken language outcomes in preschool‐aged minimally verbal children with autism, but also extend these findings to older minimally verbal children with autism. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1356–1365. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We wished to understand what baseline factors predicted whether minimally verbal children with autism would improve after treatment for spoken language. The outcome measure was change in percentage (%) syllables approximately correct on a set of 30 two‐syllable words or phrases. Fifteen were both practiced in treatment and tested; the remainder were not practiced in treatment, but only tested, to assess how well children were able to generalize their new skills to an untrained set of words. Potential predictors tested were sex, age, expressive language, phonetic inventory (the number of English speech sounds repeated correctly), autism severity, and nonverbal IQ. Phonetic inventory and (for some children) autism severity predicted children's posttreatment improvement. Nonverbal IQ and expressive language ability did not predict improvement, nor did younger age, suggesting that some older children with autism may be candidates for speech therapy.
Status of population‐based birth defects surveillance programs before and after the Zika public health response in the United States
Authors: Anderka Marlene , Mai Cara T. , M. Judson Emily , Langlois Peter H. , Lupo Philip J. , Hauser Kimberlea , Salemi Jason L. , Correia Jane , A. Canfield Mark , Kirby Russell S. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Published: September 2018

Background

The 2016 Zika public health response in the United States highlighted the need for birth defect surveillance (BDS) programs to collect population‐based data on birth defects potentially related to Zika as rapidly as possible through enhanced case ascertainment and reporting. The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) assessed BDS program activities in the United States before and after the Zika response.

Methods

The NBDPN surveyed 54 BDS programs regarding activities before and after the Zika response, lessons learned, and programmatic needs. Follow‐up emails were sent and phone calls were held for programs with incomplete or no response to the online survey. Survey data were cleaned and tallied, and responses to open‐ended questions were placed into best‐fit categories.

Results

A 100% response rate was achieved. Of the 54 programs surveyed, 42 reported participation in the Zika public health response that included BDS activities. Programs faced challenges in expanding their surveillance effort given the response requirements but reported mitigating factors such as establishing and enhancing partnerships and program experience with surveillance and clinical activities. Beyond funding, reported program needs included training, surveillance tools/resources, and availability of clinical experts.

Conclusions

Existing BDS programs with experience implementing active case‐finding and case verification were able to adapt their surveillance efforts rapidly to collect and report data necessary for the Zika response. Program sustainability for BDS remains challenging; thus, continued support, training, and resource development are important to ensure that the infrastructure built during the Zika response is available for the next public health response.
Princesses are bigger than elephants: Effect size as a category error in evidence‐based education
Authors: Simpson Adrian
Published: September 2018

Much of the evidential basis for recent policy decisions is grounded in effect size: the standardised mean difference in outcome scores between a study's intervention and comparison groups. This is interpreted as measuring educational influence, importance or effectiveness of the intervention. This article shows this is a category error at two levels. At the individual study level, the intervention plays only a partial role in effect size, so treating effect size as a measure of the intervention is a mistake. At the meta‐analytic level, the assumptions needed for a valid comparison of the relative effectiveness of interventions on the basis of relative effect size are absurd. While effect size continues to have a role in research design, as a measure of the clarity of a study, policy makers should recognise the lack of a valid role for it in practical decision‐making.
Challenging discourses of aspiration: The role of expectations and attainment in access to higher education
Authors: Harrison Neil , Waller Richard
Published: September 2018

Raising the proportion of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds progressing to higher education has been a key policy objective for successive governments in the UK since the late 1990s. Often this has been conceptualised as a problem with their ‘aspirations’, with the solution being seen as the provision of ‘aspiration‐raising’ activities to promote higher education to those thought to have the potential to progress. Recent large‐scale studies cast strong doubt on this hypothesis by demonstrating that aspirations are not generally low, that different social groups have similar levels of aspiration and that school attainment accounts for nearly all the differences in participation rates between social groups.

This article draws on data from a national project exploring efforts to widen participation across two generations of practitioner‐managers in England, focusing on their conceptualisations of the field and their constructions of ‘successful’ activities. It uses the lens of ‘possible selves’ (Markus & Nurius, ) to argue that too much policy emphasis has been placed on the aspirations of young people, rather than either their academic attainment or their expectations, which are shaped by the normative expectations of the adults surrounding them. In addition, the more expansive concepts of widening participation that were present a decade ago have become less common, with a shift towards activities with a clear role in institutional recruitment rather than social transformation. The article concludes with alternative suggestions for policy and practice.
Sensory manipulation results in increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation during static postural balance in sedentary older adults: An fNIRS study
Authors: Teo Wei‐Peng , Goodwill Alicia M. , Hendy Ashlee M. , Muthalib Makii , Macpherson Helen
Published: September 2018

Background

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is involved with allocating attentional resources to maintain postural control. However, it is unknown whether age‐related structural and functional declines of the DLPFC may impair postural control during sensory manipulation. In this study, we aim to understand the effects of aging on the DLPFC when sensory cues were removed or presented inaccurately (i.e., increased sensory complexity) during the sensory orientation test (SOT).

Methods

Twenty young (18–25 years) and 18 older (66–73 years) healthy adults were recruited to undertake the SOT, which consisted of six conditions aimed at removing or disrupting the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses. During these six SOT conditions, functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), consisting of eight transmitter‐receiver optode pairs (four channels over the left and right DLPFC), was used to measure hemodynamic responses (i.e., changes in oxy‐ [O2Hb] and deoxyhemoglobin [HHb]) from the bilateral DLPFC.

Results

Our results show an increase in bilateral DLPFC activation (i.e., increase in O2Hb and concomitant smaller decrease in HHb) with increasing sensory complexity in both young and older adults. The increase in left and right DLPFC activation during more complex sensory conditions was greater, which was concomitant with reduced balance performance in older adults compared to younger adults. Furthermore, we observed a right lateralized DLPFC activation in younger adults. Finally, a significant positive association was observed between balance performance and increased bilateral DLPFC activation particularly for SOT conditions with greater sensory disruptions.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the involvement of the DLPFC in maintaining postural control, particularly during complex sensory tasks, and provide direct evidence for the role of the DLPFC during postural control of a clinically relevant measure of balance.
Helical Poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s Bearing 1,2,3‐Triazole Pendants: Synthesis by CuAAC and Use as Reusable Abnormal NHC Ligands in Gold Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Pinglu , Yamamoto Takeshi , Suginome Michinori
Published: September 2018

Poly(quinoxaline‐2,3‐diyl)s (PQXs) bearing 1,2,3‐triazole pendants were synthesized by living copolymerization of achiral 1,2‐diisocyanobenzenes or by post‐polymerization functionalization of PQXs bearing alkyne pendants through copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition. Thus prepared PQXs bearing 1,2,3‐triazole pendants were treated with MeI, Ag2O, and AuCl successively, giving polymer‐supported gold complexes bearing 1,2,3‐triazolylidenes as abnormal N‐heterocyclic carbene (aNHC) ligands. The polymer‐based aNHC ligand served as a catalyst for the reaction of styrene with a propargylic ester to form a cyclopropane derivative. The catalyst could be reused at least eight times without loss of activity.
Pseudocapacitive Lithium Storage in Three‐Dimensional Cobalt‐Doped MnO/Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogels as High‐Rate Anode Material
Authors: Yao Wei , Qiu Weijie , Xie Yu , Xu Zixuan , Xu Jianguang , Zhang Dewei , Wen Yongchun
Published: September 2018

Structural design and modification are effective measures to improve the lithium storage performance of electrode materials. Herein, three‐dimensional (3D) porous Co‐doped MnO/nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide aerogels (Co−MnO/NG‐G) have been prepared by successive self‐assembly processes, including the self‐assembly nucleation of Co−MnO on GO in H2O/N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF) mixed solvent, and the 3D reduction‐assembly of hydrogels accompanied with nucleation‐inducing growth of Co−MnO nanocrystals. Due to high‐efficient electron/ion transport channels dating from the novel 3D porous microstructure and improved electron/ion conductivity deriving from doping MnO with Co, the 3D Co−MnO/NG‐G electrode demonstrates high pseudocapacitive lithium storage behavior with 88.3 % at 2 mV s−1. As an anode in lithium‐ion battery, the 3D Co−MnO/NG‐G shows a high capacity of 982.8 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 100 cycles, outstanding rate capability with 424.0 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1, as well as superior cycle stability with 508.9 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at 4 A g−1. This work demonstrates that the synergistic strategy between cation doping and 3D porous channels for electron/ion transport is an effective way to design high‐rate anode materials.
Infrared Microscopy as a Probe of Composition within a Model Biofuel Cell Electrode Prepared from Trametes versicolor Laccase
Authors: Liang Ying , Cai Rong , Hickey David P. , Kitt Jay P. , Harris Joel M. , Minteer Shelley D. , Korzeniewski Carol
Published: September 2018

Infrared microscopy was applied in the study of laccase biofuel cell electrodes that demonstrated high current and power densities traceable to the use of a low equivalent weight (EW), short side chain (Aquivion) ionomer in the catalyst layer. The electrodes were prepared from a biocatalyst ink composed of orientation‐directing anthracene‐modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (An‐MWCNTs) in a dispersion of ionomer exchanged by hydrophobic cations. The ink was applied to an electronically conductive carbon felt support that was hot‐pressed to a Nafion‐NRE 212 (51 μm thickness) membrane, forming the framework for an air‐breathing biofuel cell cathode. Infrared microscopy sampling was performed with the use of a micro‐attenuated total reflection probe that enabled spectra to be recorded from ∼32 μm diameter circular spatial regions on the materials investigated. Sensitivity to deformation of the soft polymer membrane‐based materials was assessed through trial experiments on pure membrane samples before approaching the compositionally more complex biofuel cell electrodes. In studies of laccase cathodes, infrared spectral features of enzyme, buffer anions and surrounding An‐MWCNTs were identified. Heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of components and unexpected bands traceable to insoluble copper salts were detected. The results suggest directions for improving electrode activity and bring to light needs for advancing quantitative interpretations.
Pharmacokinetics, Excretion, and Mass Balance of [14C]‐Batefenterol Following a Single Microtracer Intravenous Dose (Concomitant to an Inhaled Dose) or Oral Dose of Batefenterol in Healthy Men
Authors: Ambery Claire , Young Graeme , Fuller Teresa , Lazaar Aili L. , Pereira Adrian , Hughes Adam , Ramsay David , van den Berg Frans , Daley‐Yates Peter
Published: September 2018

Inhaled batefenterol is an investigational bifunctional molecule for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The excretion balance and pharmacokinetics of batefenterol using [14C]‐radiolabeled drug administered orally and as intravenous (IV) infusion were assessed. In this 2‐period, open‐label study, 6 healthy male subjects received a single IV microtracer 1‐hour infusion of 4 μg [14C]‐batefenterol concomitant with inhaled nonradiolabeled batefenterol (1200 μg) followed by oral [14C]‐batefenterol (200 μg) in period 2 after a 14‐day washout. The primary end points included: the area under the concentration‐time curve from time zero to last time of quantifiable concentration (AUC0‐t); maximum observed concentration (Cmax); and time of occurrence of maximum observed concentration. Following IV administration, the geometric mean AUC0‐t of [14C]‐batefenterol was 121.9 pgEq • h/mL; maximum observed concentration and time of occurrence of maximum observed concentration were 92.7 pgEq/mL and 0.8 hours, respectively; absolute oral bioavailability was 0.012%. The mean AUC0‐t ratio indicated that [14C]‐batefenterol accounted for 85% of total circulating radioactivity in the plasma initially and declined rapidly following IV administration, but only ∼0.2% of total circulating radioactivity following oral administration. Cumulative mean recovery of total radioactive [14C]‐batefenterol in urine and feces was 6.31% and 77.6%, respectively. Overall, batefenterol exhibited low systemic bioavailability after inhaled and oral administration, and high fecal excretion and low urinary excretion following IV and oral administration.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the Gut Microbiome for Toxicologists
Authors: Nichols Robert G. , Cai Jingwei , Murray Iain A. , Koo Imhoi , Smith Philip B. , Perdew Gary H. , Patterson Andrew D.
Published: September 2018

Characterizing the reciprocal interactions between toxicants, the gut microbiota, and the host, holds great promise for improving our mechanistic understanding of toxic endpoints. Advances in culture‐independent sequencing analysis (e.g., 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) combined with quantitative metabolite profiling (i.e., metabolomics) have provided new ways of studying the gut microbiome and have begun to illuminate how toxicants influence the structure and function of the gut microbiome. Developing a standardized protocol is important for establishing robust, reproducible, and importantly, comparative data. This protocol can be used as a foundation for examining the gut microbiome via sequencing‐based analysis and metabolomics. Two main units follow: (1) analysis of the gut microbiome via sequencing‐based approaches; and (2) functional analysis of the gut microbiome via metabolomics. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Automated Bright Field Segmentation of Cells and Vacuoles Using Image Processing Technique
Authors: Chiang Pei‐Ju , Wu Shao‐Ming , Tseng Min‐Jen , Huang Pin‐Jie
Published: September 2018

Understanding the mechanisms and other variants of programmed cell death will help provide deeper insight into various disease processes. Although complex procedures are required to distinguish each type of cell death, the formation of vacuoles is one of the important features in some process of cell death under different conditions. Thus, monitoring and counting the number of vacuoles and the ratio of cells with vacuoles is a commonly used method to indicate and quantify the efficacy of the therapy. Several studies have shown that image processing can provide a quick, convenient and precise mean of performing cell detection. Hence, this study uses an image processing technique to detect and quantify vacuolated cells without the need for dyes. The system both counts the number of vacuolated cells and determines the ratio of cells with vacuoles. The performance of the proposed image processing system was evaluated using 38 images. It has been shown that a strong correlation exists between the automated counts and the manual counts. Furthermore, the absolute percentage errors between automated counts and manual counts for cell detection and vacuolated cell detection using data pooled from all images are 3.61 and 3.33%, respectively. A user‐friendly graphical user interface (GUI) is also developed and freely available for download, providing researchers in biomedicine with a more convenient instrument for vacuolization analysis.
2.0 academic management: Reimagining departments and colleges for the 21st century
Authors: Chu Don
Published: September 2018

Since Henry Ford's time, the world has changed. In the last 100 years, how much has changed in how colleges are run? When asked whether the current higher education system is preparing students for the future former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich and current professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley replied, “Absolutely not. I'm going to make a crass generalization about the current system of higher education in general, but I think it's accurate. It is still wedded to a 20th century model of education, which in turn comes to us from the 18th century.”
Create an innovative, hands‐on program from scratch
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2018

One thing Jenna P. Carpenter, Ph.D. and fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education, likes about being an administrator is that she's in a position to advocate for the faculty and students.
Primary diagnosis of ruptured biceps tendon “Baker's‐type cyst” using fine needle aspiration biopsy: A case report
Authors: Fels Elliott Daffolyn R. , Ljung Britt‐Marie , Patel Rina , Iezza Gioia
Published: September 2018

Biceps tendon rupture is generally a clinical and radiographic diagnosis, and only rarely presents to the cytopathologist for fine needle aspiration biopsy. We present a case of ruptured biceps tendon associated with a cystic mass of the upper arm that was diagnosed using fine needle aspiration biopsy, and confirmed with subsequent MRI scan. We describe the clinical presentation, cytomorphology, and immunohistochemical profile of the marked chronic inflammatory infiltrate within the synovial fluid. We also provide a discussion of the differential diagnosis for a cystic mass associated with the biceps tendon on cytology.
Case Study: Atypical δ13C values of urinary norandrosterone
Authors: Hülsemann Frank , Gougoulidis Vassilios , Schertel Thomas , Fusshöller Gregor , Flenker Ulrich , Piper Thomas , Thevis Mario
Published: September 2018

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) has been established in doping control analysis to identify the endogenous or exogenous origin of a variety of steroidal analytes including the 19‐norsteroid metabolite norandrosterone (NorA). NorA can be found naturally in human urine in trace amounts due to endogenous demethylation or in situ microbial degradation. The administration of nortestosterone (nandrolone) or different prohormones results in the excretion of urinary NorA. Usually, this can be detected by IRMS due to differing δ13C values of synthetic 19‐norsteroids compared to endogenous reference compounds. The consumption of uncastrated pig edible parts like offal or even meat may also lead to a urinary excretion of NorA. In order to determine the δ13C values of such a scenario, urine samples collected after consumption of a wild‐boar‐testicle meal were analyzed. IRMS revealed highly enriched δ13C values for urinary NorA, which could be related to the completely corn‐based nutrition of the animal. Isotopic analysis of the boar's bristles demonstrated a dietary change from C3‐based forage, probably in winter and spring, to a C4‐based diet in the last weeks to months prior to death. These results supported the interpretation of an atypical test result of a Central European athlete's doping control sample with δ13C values for NorA of −18 ‰, most probably caused by the consumption of a wild boar ragout. As stated before, athletes should be fully aware of the risk that consumption of wild boar may result in atypical or even adverse analytical findings in sports drug testing.
Validation of the clinical perfectionism questionnaire in an eating disorder sample: A bifactor approach
Authors: Prior Kathryn L. , Erceg‐Hurn David M. , Raykos Bronwyn C. , Egan Sarah J. , Byrne Sue , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Clinical perfectionism is involved in the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders. Limited research has examined the factor structure of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ) in clinical eating disorder samples. The aim of this research was to examine the validity and reliability of the CPQ in a mixed eating disorder sample.

Method

Patients (N = 211) with an eating disorder completed the CPQ at pretreatment. A bifactor model was tested that included a general clinical perfectionism factor and two group factors; overevaluation of striving and concern over mistakes. The unique contributions that general and group factors make to the prediction of eating disorder symptoms were also investigated. Unidimensional, correlated two‐factor, and bifactor models were tested using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

A bifactor structure for a revised 10‐item version of the CPQ provided the best fit, with a strong and reliable general clinical perfectionism factor. The general clinical perfectionism factor and the overevaluation of striving group factor explained reliable variance in the CPQ, and but only the general factor predicted eating disorder symptoms.

Discussion

The results suggested that a total score is generally appropriate for assessing clinical perfectionism in a clinical eating disorder sample.
Control of soil N cycle processes by Pteridium aquilinum and Erica cinerea in heathlands along a pH gradient
Authors: Bardon Clément , Misery Boris , Piola Florence , Poly Franck , Le Roux Xavier
Published: September 2018

Nitrate is a limiting resource in heathland acid soils. Nitrate levels increase in heathland soils after Pteridium aquilinum invasions, and this species is assumed to biologically control nitrogen cycle processes, thus increasing nitrate availability. We compared how P. aquilinum (bracken) and Erica cinerea (bell heather) modify processes driving nitrate availability along a soil pH gradient in a Natura 2000 reserve facing bracken invasion. Soil nitrate and ammonium concentrations, substrate‐induced respiration (SIR), denitrification and nitrification enzyme activities (DEA and NEA, respectively), root procyanidin concentrations, and denitrification inhibition by procyanidins were measured on five sites under P. aquilinum and E. cinerea stands. NEA and nitrate levels were higher, and ammonium levels and SIR lower, for P. aquilinum in the most acid soils. Procyanidins from both species induced the same level of denitrification inhibition, soil nitrate being correlated with root procyanidin concentration for both species. Soil nitrate correlated with NEA only for P. aquilinum. Our results show that both species increased procyanidin production in the most acid soils, thereby reducing denitrification and decreasing nitrate loss, this process being more efficient for E. cinerea. However, P. aquilinum additionally increased nitrification, and this double control on nitrification and denitrification was very efficient to increase soil nitrate availability in the most acid soils. This may participate to the success of P. aquilinum invasions in heathlands. This shows that approaches for bracken control in heathlands should better account for belowground processes and, more generally, that biological denitrification inhibition by plants may be a widespread phenomenon influencing soil N dynamics in N‐poor environments.
Rapid release of labile components limits the accumulation of humic substances in decomposing litter in an alpine forest
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Yang Wanqin , Liao Shu , Li Han , Tan Bo , Yue Kai , Xu Zhenfeng , Zhang Li , Wu Fuzhong
Published: September 2018

Recent evidence suggests that recalcitrant compounds are not selectively preserved in soils and that labile components are the precursors of humic substances, but the relationship between the slow accumulation of humic substances and the rapid release of labile components during litter decomposition is not well understood. In an in situ litterbag experiment, we quantified the litter mass loss, release of acid‐soluble labile components, and accumulation of alkali‐soluble humic substances during four years of decomposition of fir (Abies faxoniana) needle and twig litters in an alpine coniferous forest. We found that fresh litter had high contents of humic substances (121 and 151 mg/g for needle and twig litters, respectively), with needle litter showing increases in humic substances contents at the early decomposition stage and decrease later, whereas twig litter showed the reverse pattern. However, the net accumulation of humic substances in both needle and twig litters decreased during decomposition, and the decrease was related to the rapid release of labile components. We conclude that the rapid release of labile components limits the accumulation of humic substances in plant litter during decomposition in this alpine coniferous forest.
Ecosystem engineering by bison (Bison bison) wallowing increases arthropod community heterogeneity in space and time
Authors: Nickell Zachary , Varriano Sofia , Plemmons Eric , Moran Matthew D.
Published: September 2018

Ecosystem engineers have important effects on abundance and diversity of organisms and are vital for conservation efforts. Some large mammalian grazers are engineers because their grazing activity radically changes plant community structure, an effect which then cascades to other consumers. Many large grazers also behaviorally modify the physical environment. American bison (Bison bison) are known for their wallowing, a behavior that creates distinct areas of high disturbance with modified biological and physical characteristics, but how this behavior affects other consumers is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated arthropod abundance and diversity patterns in active and abandoned wallows compared to those in surrounding tallgrass prairie. We found that active wallows contained lower arthropod abundance and diversity compared to surrounding prairie. Herbivorous arthropods were particularly affected and only about 50% as abundant in wallows, while carnivores and detritivores were affected similarly, but to a lesser degree. In contrast, abandoned wallows had higher arthropod abundance seasonally and higher species richness in several feeding groups. Because of arthropod differences in active and abandoned wallows compared to adjacent prairie, it appears that the impact of wallowing is dependent on time since occurrence, with long‐term effects creating patches of higher arthropod abundance and richness. These patches are likely important, at least seasonally, for other consumers higher on the food web. Together with publications documenting positive effects of bison grazing on arthropod abundance and diversity, our results indicate that wallowing effects are potentially additive. These results suggest that physical changes caused by bison behavior are important for maintaining arthropod biodiversity of tallgrass prairies, and bison may therefore be valuable conservation tools. Bison have been proposed as important candidates for rewilding portions of North America, and our results suggest that they could indeed be valuable toward this end.
Genotoxicity and mutagenicity assessment of food contaminant mixtures present in the French diet
Authors: Kopp B. , Vignard J. , Mirey G. , Fessard V. , Zalko D. , Le Hgarat L. , Audebert M.
Published: September 2018

Through diet, people are exposed simultaneously to a variety of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides) that could have combined adverse effects on human health. A previous study identified six main mixtures of food contaminants to which French adult consumers are exposed. These complex mixtures are comprised of 11 to 19 chemicals that have numerous toxic properties. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic effects of these food contaminants, as single molecules and in mixtures that reflect their occurrence in the French diet, using the γH2AX assay in two human cell lines (HepG2, LS‐174 T). Results of detailed analysis of the 49 individual contaminants (including 21 tested in this study) demonstrated a positive genotoxic response to 14 contaminants in HepG2 and 12 in LS‐174 T cells. Next, our results indicated that two mixtures out of six triggered significant γH2AX induction after 24 hr of treatment, at concentrations for which individual compounds did not induce any DNA damage, suggesting more than additive interactions between chemicals. γH2AX positive mixtures were then tested for mutagenicity with the innovative in vitro PIG‐A assay in HepG2 cells coupled with the soft agar colony formation assay. The two γH2AX positive mixtures led to a significant increase in the frequency of PIG‐A GPI‐deficient cells and in the number of colonies formed in soft agar. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that two mixtures of contaminants present in the French diet induce genotoxicity and mutagenicity, and that the combined effects of single molecules present in these mixtures are likely not additive, highlighting potential problems for hazard assessment of mixtures. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:742–754, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does the Time Between Scoring Sessions Impact Scoring Accuracy? An Evaluation of Constructed‐Response Essay Responses on theGRE® General Test
Authors: Finn Bridgid , Wendler Cathy , Ricker‐Pedley Kathryn L. , Arslan Burcu
Published: September 2018

This report investigates whether the time between scoring sessions has an influence on operational and nonoperational scoring accuracy. The study evaluates raters' scoring accuracy on constructed‐response essay responses for theGRE® General Test. Binomial linear mixed‐effect models are presented that evaluate how the effect of various predictors, such as time spent scoring each response, days in a scoring gap, and number of consecutive days of scoring, relate to scoring accuracy. Results suggest that for operational scoring, the number of days in a scoring gap has a negative influence on performance. The findings, as well as other results from the models, are discussed in the context of cognitive influences on knowledge and skill retention.
Ultrathin‐Film Titania Photocatalyst on Nanocavity for CO2 Reduction with Boosted Catalytic Efficiencies
Authors: Song Haomin , Wu Wei , Liang Jian‐Wei , Maity Partha , Shu Yuying , Wang Nam Sun , Mohammed Omar F. , Ooi Boon S. , Gan Qiaoqiang , Liu Dongxia
Published: September 2018

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction with water to hydrocarbons represents a viable and sustainable process toward greenhouse gas reduction and fuel/chemical production. Development of more efficient catalysts is the key to mitigate the limits in photocatalytic processes. Here, a novel ultrathin‐film photocatalytic light absorber (UFPLA) with TiO2 films to design efficient photocatalytic CO2 conversion processes is created. The UFPLA structure conquers the intrinsic trade‐off between optical absorption and charge carrier extraction efficiency, that is, a solar absorber should be thick enough to absorb majority of the light allowable by its bandgap but thin enough to allow charge carrier extraction for reactions. The as‐obtained structures significantly improve TiO2 photocatalytic activity and selectivity to oxygenated hydrocarbons than the benchmark photocatalyst (Aeroxide P25). Remarkably, UFPLAs with 2‐nm‐thick TiO2 films result in hydrocarbon formation rates of 0.967 mmol g−1 h−1, corresponding to 1145 times higher activity than Aeroxide P25. This observation is confirmed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic experiments where longer charge carrier lifetimes are recorded for the thinner films. The current work demonstrates a powerful strategy to control light absorption and catalysis in CO2 conversion and, therefore, creates new and transformative ways of converting solar energy and greenhouse gas to alcohol fuels/chemicals.
Pancreatic cancer and autoimmune diseases: An association sustained by computational and epidemiological case–control approaches
Authors: Gomez‐Rubio Paulina , Piñero Janet , Molina‐Montes Esther , Gutiérrez‐Sacristán Alba , Marquez Mirari , Rava Marta , Michalski Christoph W. , Farré Antoni , Molero Xavier , Löhr Matthias , Perea José , Greenhalf William , O'Rorke Michael , Tardón Adonina , Gress Thomas , Barberá Victor M. , Crnogorac‐Jurcevic Tatjana , Muñoz‐Bellvís Luís , Domínguez‐Muñoz Enrique , Balsells Joaquim , Costello Eithne , Yu Jingru , Iglesias Mar , Ilzarbe Lucas , Kleeff Jörg , Kong Bo , Mora Josefina , Murray Liam , O'Driscoll Damian , Poves Ignasi , Lawlor Rita T. , Ye Weimin , Hidalgo Manuel , Scarpa Aldo , Sharp Linda , Carrato Alfredo , Real Francisco X. , Furlong Laura I. , Malats Núria ,   on behalf of the PanGenEU Study Investigators
Published: September 2018

Deciphering the underlying genetic basis behind pancreatic cancer (PC) and its associated multimorbidities will enhance our knowledge toward PC control. The study investigated the common genetic background of PC and different morbidities through a computational approach and further evaluated the less explored association between PC and autoimmune diseases (AIDs) through an epidemiological analysis. Gene‐disease associations (GDAs) of 26 morbidities of interest and PC were obtained using the DisGeNET public discovery platform. The association between AIDs and PC pointed by the computational analysis was confirmed through multivariable logistic regression models in the PanGen European case–control study population of 1,705 PC cases and 1,084 controls. Fifteen morbidities shared at least one gene with PC in the DisGeNET database. Based on common genes, several AIDs were genetically associated with PC pointing to a potential link between them. An epidemiologic analysis confirmed that having any of the nine AIDs studied was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PC (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.93) which decreased in subjects having ≥2 AIDs (OR = 0.39, 95%CI 0.21–0.73). In independent analyses, polymyalgia rheumatica, and rheumatoid arthritis were significantly associated with low PC risk (OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.19–0.89, and OR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.53–1.00, respectively). Several inflammatory‐related morbidities shared a common genetic component with PC based on public databases. These molecular links could shed light into the molecular mechanisms underlying PC development and simultaneously generate novel hypotheses. In our study, we report sound findings pointing to an association between AIDs and a reduced risk of PC.
Frequency and clinical significance of NF1 mutation in lung adenocarcinomas from East Asian patients
Authors: Pan Yunjian , Yuan Chongze , Cheng Chao , Zhang Yiliang , Ma Yuan , Zheng Difan , Zheng Shanbo , Li Yuan , Jin Yan , Sun Yihua , Chen Haiquan
Published: September 2018

NF1 is a tumor suppressor gene that negatively regulates Ras signaling. NF1 deficiency plays an important role in carcinogenesis. To investigate the frequency and clinical significance of NF1 mutation, we examined mutation status of NF1, TP53, LKB1 and RB1 in 704 surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas from East Asian patients using semiconductor‐based Ion Torrent sequencing platform. Common driver events, including mutations in EGFR, KRAS, HER2, BRAF, MET, and fusions affecting ALK, RET and ROS1, were also concurrently detected. The correlation between NF1 mutations and clinicomolecular features of patients was further evaluated. Among 704 patients, 42 NF1 mutations were found in 33 patients (33/704, 4.7%), including 14 patients harboring EGFR/NF1 comutations (14/33, 42.4%). Comparing with EGFR‐mutant patients, patients harboring NF1 mutations were closely associated with solid component subtype (p = 0.028). Comparing with KRAS mutations, NF1 mutations were found more common in female and never smokers (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that patients harboring NF1 mutation had similar disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) with patients with KRAS mutation. Although frequently overlapped with EGFR mutation, patients harboring NF1 mutation had significantly shorter DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.004) than patients with EGFR mutation. During follow‐up, one female patient with EGFR exon 19 deletion and NF1 Q1815X comutation showed poor response to EGFR TKIs (Gefitinib and Osimertinib) after disease relapse. In conclusion, NF1 mutations define a unique molecular and clinicopathologic subtype of lung adenocarcinoma. Examination of NF1 mutation may contribute to molecular subtyping and therapeutic intervention of lung adenocarcinoma.
HPV16 E6 promotes cervical cancer cell migration and invasion by downregulation of NHERF1
Authors: Wang Qiqi , Song Ran , Zhao Chunjuan , Liu Hua , Yang Ying , Gu Siyu , Feng Duiping , He Junqi
Published: September 2018

HPV16 is the predominant type of HPV causing invasive cervical cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the unparalleled carcinogenic power of HPV16 compared to other types of high‐risk (HR)‐HPV including HPV18 remains elusive. The PDZ binding motif (PBM) of high‐risk HPV E6 plays an important role in neoplasia and progression of cervical cancer. HPV16 E6 rather than HPV18 E6, interacted with NHERF1 by its PBM region, and induced degradation of NHERF1. NHERF1 retarded the assembly of cytoskeleton by downregulation of ACTN4, thereby inhibited the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells in both cell and mouse model. HPV16 E6 was confirmed to enhance actin polymerization with increased ACTN4 level by downregulation of NHERF1, and result in enhanced migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. GSEA analysis of cervical cancer specimens also showed that HPV16 E6 rather than HPV18 E6, was significantly associated with actin cytoskeleton assembly. That downregulation of NHERF1 by HPV16 E6 promoted cytoskeleton assembly and cell invasion, was an important cause in cervical cancer carcinogenesis. These findings provided the differential mechanism between HPV16 E6 and HPV18 E6 in the development and progression of cervical cancer, which may partially explain the differences of carcinogenic power between these two types of HR‐HPVs.
Circulating sCD27 and sCD30 in pre‐diagnostic samples collected fifteen years apart and future non‐Hodgkin lymphoma risk
Authors: Purdue Mark P. , Lan Qing , Hoffman‐Bolton Judith , Hildesheim Allan , Callahan Catherine L. , Strickland Paul , Visvanathan Kala , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: September 2018

Elevated serum sCD27 and sCD30 from a single banked sample have been associated with future non‐Hodgkin lymphoma risk (NHL); however, the etiologic relevance of this finding is unclear. To address this question, we conducted a case–control study (235 cases, 235 controls) nested within the CLUE‐I and CLUE‐II cohorts, which enrolled participants in 1974 and 1989 respectively in Washington County, Maryland. Our study features a subset of 102 cases and 102 controls with two banked pre‐diagnostic samples each, collected 15 years apart. In analyses involving an individual sample per subject, both sCD27 and sCD30 were associated with NHL diagnosed up to 20 years later. In analyses involving repeated samples, cases were significantly more likely than controls to have higher analyte levels in the CLUE‐II vs. CLUE‐I sample for sCD27 (p = 0.006) but not sCD30 (p = 0.16). In joint analyses of dichotomized analyte levels in both samples, the strongest NHL association observed for sCD27 was for having below‐median levels in CLUE‐I and above‐median levels in CLUE‐II [odds ratio (OR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–9.2 vs. below‐median levels in both). In joint analyses for sCD30, the strongest NHL association was observed for having above‐median levels in both samples (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.8–3.7), particularly for cases diagnosed >10 years after the CLUE‐II sample (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.9–6.7). Our findings suggest that sCD27 is a disease marker for NHL and add to the weight of evidence that elevated circulating sCD30 is a marker of increased NHL susceptibility.
Structural and Dynamic Aspects of Palladium(II)‐Based Self‐Assembled Binuclear Coordination Complexes
Authors: Dasary Hareesha , Chand Dillip Kumar
Published: September 2018

Self‐assembled binuclear complexes of Pd2L′2L2 and Pd2L4 type formulations have been achieved by combining the cis‐protected palladium(II) component i. e., [PdL′]2+ (where L′ stands for tmeda) and naked palladium(II) separately with a 3‐pyridyl appended non‐chelating bidentate ligand, L under suitable conditions. Supramolecular fusion of the Pd2L4 and PdL′2 type complexes have been demonstrated that provided the corresponding Pd2L′2L2 type complex. One pot synthesis of the binuclear Pd2L′2L2 type complex is achieved by combining palladium(II), L′ and L at equimolar ratio, however, along with an unidentified trap. The crystal structure of a Pd2L4 type complex confirmed the binuclear architecture of the cage. Intermolecular H‐bonding and π‐π stacking interactions are analyzed from the crystal structure and the extended intermolecular interactions apparently generated a grid pattern.
Impact of Defects on Pyrazolate Based Metal Organic Frameworks
Authors: Navarro Jorge A. R.
Published: September 2018

The high strength of the metal‐pyrazolate coordination bond allows the deliberate introduction of defects on pyrazolate based metal‐organic frameworks without affecting the integrity of the porous crystalline network. Yet the presence of defects has a major impact on the properties of these systems which include higher pore accessibility and increased interactions with guest molecules, higher ion/electronic mobility and enhanced catalytic properties. In this review selected examples of the impact of the presence of defects in the capture of environmentally relevant gases, ion and electronic conductivity and catalytic properties of defective pyrazolate based metal organic frameworks are given.
Causal mechanisms and institutionalisation of open government data in Kenya
Authors: Mungai Paul W.
Published: September 2018

Open data—including open government data (OGD)—has become a topic of prominence during the last decade. However, most governments have not realised the desired value streams or outcomes from OGD. The Kenya Open Data Initiative (KODI), a Government of Kenya initiative, is no exception with some moments of success but also sustainability struggles. Therefore, the focus for this paper is to understand the causal mechanisms that either enable or constrain institutionalisation of OGD initiatives. Critical realism is ideally suited as a paradigm to identify such mechanisms, but guides to its operationalisation are few. This study uses the operational approach of Bygstad, Munkvold & Volkoff's six‐step framework, a hybrid approach that melds concepts from existing critical realism models with the idea of affordances. The findings suggest that data demand and supply mechanisms are critical in institutionalising KODI and that, underpinning basic data‐related affordances, are mechanisms engaging with institutional capacity, formal policy, and political support. It is the absence of such elements in the Kenya case which explains why it has experienced significant delays.
Design Features of a Professional Development Program in Digital Literacy
Authors: Hobbs Renee , Coiro Julie
Published: September 2018

The authors introduce readers to three design features of the University of Rhode Island's Summer Institute in Digital Literacy, a 42‐hour, weeklong professional learning experience in digital literacy for educators, librarians, college faculty, and other adult learners. The program is explicitly designed to promote reflection on one's motivations for advancing digital literacy, deepen appreciation for collaborative inquiry, and focus on how educators and learners (not machines) personalize learning. Evidence of how these themes are developed through practice illustrates the design philosophy that is embedded in the program. Digital media platforms, texts, and technologies enable pedagogical practices that put learners and teachers at the center of an increasingly networked social world, but these approaches also require respect for diverse perspectives, deliberative dialogue, and collaborative inquiry to bring them into the mainstream educational practice of schools, libraries, universities, and communities.
First trimester expression of anorectal malformation: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Liberty Gad , Bardin Ron , Gilboa Yinon , Tover Ana , Mashiach Reuven , Mazaki Eyal , Shen Ori
Published: September 2018

A 26‐years‐old woman, underwent an ultrasound examination at 13.4 weeks. A cystic structure was identified in the right lower abdomen. Gradually, the cystic mass was replaced by echogenic content and eventually attained the appearance of hyperechoic bowel. At 21.2 weeks, the anal sphincter could not be demonstrated which was consistent with the diagnosis of isolated anal agenesis. Amniocentesis revealed 46XY karyotype with normal comparative genomic hybridization. After termination of pregnancy at 23 weeks, an autopsy revealed an isolated high type anorectal malformation (ARM) without fistula. We reviewed all 14 cases reported in the literature of first trimester sonographic expression of ARM.