bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience to drought of dryland wetlands threatened by climate change
Authors: Sandi Steven G. , Rodriguez Jose F. , Saintilan Neil , Wen Li , Kuczera George , Riccardi Gerardo , Saco Patricia M.
Published: August 2020

Dryland wetlands are resilient ecosystems that can adapt to extreme periodic drought–flood episodes. Climate change projections show increased drought severity in drylands that could compromise wetland resilience and reduce important habitat services. These recognized risks have been difficult to evaluate due to our limited capacity to establish comprehensive relationships between flood–drought episodes and vegetation responses at the relevant spatiotemporal scales. We address this issue by integrating detailed spatiotemporal flood–drought simulations with remotely sensed vegetation responses to water regimes in a dryland wetland known for its highly variable inundation. We show that a combination of drought tolerance and dormancy strategies allow wetland vegetation to recover after droughts and recolonize areas invaded by terrestrial species. However, climate change scenarios show widespread degradation during drought and limited recovery after floods. Importantly, the combination of degradation extent and increase in drought duration is critical for the habitat services wetland systems provide for waterbirds and fish.
Nature of the Dirac gap modulation and surface magnetic interaction in axion antiferromagnetic topological insulator $${\hbox {MnBi}}_2 {\hbox {Te}}_4$$
Authors: Shikin A. M. , Estyunin D. A. , Klimovskikh I. I. , Filnov S. O. , Schwier E. F. , Kumar S. , Miyamoto K. , Okuda T. , Kimura A. , Kuroda K. , Yaji K. , Shin S. , Takeda Y. , Saitoh Y. , Aliev Z. S. , Mamedov N. T. , Amiraslanov I. R. , Babanly M. B. , Otrokov M. M. , Eremeev S. V. , Chulkov E. V.
Published: August 2020

Modification of the gap at the Dirac point (DP) in axion antiferromagnetic topological insulator $${\hbox {MnBi}}_2 {\hbox {Te}}_4$$

MnBi
2

Te
4

and its electronic and spin structure have been studied by angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) under laser excitation at various temperatures (9–35 K), light polarizations and photon energies. We have distinguished both large (60–70 meV) and reduced ($$<20~ \hbox {meV}$$

<
20

meV

) gaps at the DP in the ARPES dispersions, which remain open above the Neél temperature ($$T_{\mathrm{N}} = 24.5~ \hbox {K}$$

T
N

=
24.5

K

). We propose that the gap above $$T_{\mathrm{N}}$$

T
N

remains open due to a short-range magnetic field generated by chiral spin fluctuations. Spin-resolved ARPES, XMCD and circular dichroism ARPES measurements show a surface ferromagnetic ordering for the “large gap” sample and apparently significantly reduced effective magnetic moment for the “reduced gap” sample. These observations can be explained by a shift of the Dirac cone (DC) state localization towards the second Mn layer due to structural disturbance and surface relaxation effects, where DC state is influenced by compensated opposite magnetic moments. As we have shown by means of ab-initio calculations surface structural modification can result in a significant modulation of the DP gap.
A FACS-based approach to obtain viable eosinophils from human adipose tissue
Authors: Hernandez James D. , Tew Ben Yi , Li Ting , Gooden Gerald C. , Ghannam Hamza , Masuda Mia , Madura James , Salhia Bodour , Jacobsen Elizabeth A. , De Filippis Eleanna
Published: August 2020

Eosinophils have been widely investigated in asthma and allergic diseases. More recently, new insights into the biology of these cells has illustrated eosinophils contribute to homeostatic functions in health such as regulation of adipose tissue glucose metabolism. Human translational studies are limited by the difficulty of obtaining cells taken directly from their tissue environment, relying instead on eosinophils isolated from peripheral blood. Isolation techniques for tissue-derived eosinophils can result in unwanted cell or ribonuclease activation, leading to poor cell viability or RNA quality, which may impair analysis of effector activities of these cells. Here we demonstrate a technique to obtain eosinophils from human adipose tissue samples for the purpose of downstream molecular analysis. From as little as 2 g of intact human adipose tissue, greater than 104 eosinophils were purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) protocol resulting in ≥ 99% purity and ≥ 95% viable eosinophils. We demonstrated that the isolated eosinophils could undergo epigenetic analysis to determine differences in DNA methylation in various settings. Here we focused on comparing eosinophils isolated from human peripheral blood vs human adipose tissue. Our results open the door to future mechanistic investigations to better understand the role of tissue resident eosinophils in different context.
A biochemical network modeling of a whole-cell
Authors: Burke Paulo E. P. , Campos Claudia B. de L. , Costa Luciano da F. , Quiles Marcos G.
Published: August 2020

All cellular processes can be ultimately understood in terms of respective fundamental biochemical interactions between molecules, which can be modeled as networks. Very often, these molecules are shared by more than one process, therefore interconnecting them. Despite this effect, cellular processes are usually described by separate networks with heterogeneous levels of detail, such as metabolic, protein–protein interaction, and transcription regulation networks. Aiming at obtaining a unified representation of cellular processes, we describe in this work an integrative framework that draws concepts from rule-based modeling. In order to probe the capabilities of the framework, we used an organism-specific database and genomic information to model the whole-cell biochemical network of the Mycoplasma genitalium organism. This modeling accounted for 15 cellular processes and resulted in a single component network, indicating that all processes are somehow interconnected. The topological analysis of the network showed structural consistency with biological networks in the literature. In order to validate the network, we estimated gene essentiality by simulating gene deletions and compared the results with experimental data available in the literature. We could classify 212 genes as essential, being 95% of them consistent with experimental results. Although we adopted a relatively simple organism as a case study, we suggest that the presented framework has the potential for paving the way to more integrated studies of whole organisms leading to a systemic analysis of cells on a broader scale. The modeling of other organisms using this framework could provide useful large-scale models for different fields of research such as bioengineering, network biology, and synthetic biology, and also provide novel tools for medical and industrial applications.
Resistance to deltamethrin and fenitrothion in dubas bug, Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin (Homoptera: Tropiduchidae) and possible biochemical mechanisms
Authors: Khan Rashad Rasool , Al-Ghafri Thuwaini Hashil Abdullah , Al-Khatri Salim Ali Humaid , Al-Mazidi Ibtisam Salim Suliman , Al-Rawahi Fatma Gharib
Published: August 2020

Environmental pollution, ill-effects on human health, insecticide resistance development and insect pest resurgence are some serious problems that may arise due to excessive chemical spraying for pest control. Despite of heavy aerial and surface insecticide spraying, incomplete control of Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin 1930 (Homoptera: Tropiduchidae) is reported in Oman every year, which requires investigation of insecticides resistance in pest. Fifteen populations of O. lybicus, collected from diverse vicinities were exposed along with a deltamethrin-selected (DEL-SEL) and lab-susceptible (LAB-SUS) strain to deltamethrin and fenitrothion insecticides in bioassay tests for estimation of their resistance status. All the field populations of O. lybicus, exhibited minor (RR = 3–5-folds) to low (RR = 5–10-folds) levels of resistance to deltamethrin, however, two out fifteen populations collected from Al-Hajir and Sint were found susceptible against fenitrothion (RR < 3-folds). Enzyme assays were conducted to detect the activities of cytochrome p-450-reductase (CPR), glutathione s-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the field collected, DEL-SEL and LAB-SUS strains of O. lybicus. Results revealed significantly increased activities of all enzymes in the field collected as well as DEL-SEL strains of O. lybicus when compared with LAB-SUS strains.
An intelligent platform for ultrasound diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Ye Heng , Hang Jing , Chen Xiaowei , Di Xu  , Chen Jie , Ye Xinhua , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2020

This paper proposed a non-segmentation radiological method for classification of benign and malignant thyroid tumors using B mode ultrasound data. This method aimed to combine the advantages of morphological information provided by ultrasound and convolutional neural networks in automatic feature extraction and accurate classification. Compared with the traditional feature extraction method, this method directly extracted features from the data set without the need for segmentation and manual operations. 861 benign nodule images and 740 malignant nodule images were collected for training data. A deep convolution neural network VGG-16 was constructed to analyze test data including 100 malignant nodule images and 109 benign nodule images. A nine fold cross validation was performed for training and testing of the classifier. The results showed that the method had an accuracy of 86.12%, a sensitivity of 87%, and a specificity of 85.32%. This computer-aided method demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance with the result reported by an experienced radiologist based on American college of radiology thyroid imaging reporting and data system (ACR TI-RADS) (accuracy: 87.56%, sensitivity: 92%, and specificity: 83.49%). The automation advantage of this method suggested application potential in computer-aided diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
Metabolic radiogenomics in lung cancer: associations between FDG PET image features and oncogenic signaling pathway alterations
Authors: Kim Gahyun , Kim Jinho , Cha Hongui , Park Woong-Yang , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung-Ju , Park Keunchil , Park Yong-Jin , Choi Joon Young , Lee Kyung-Han , Lee Se-Hoon , Moon Seung Hwan
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the associations between image features extracted from tumor 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and genetic alterations in patients with lung cancer. A total of 137 patients (age, 62.7 ± 10.2 years) who underwent FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and targeted deep sequencing analysis for a tumor lesion, comprising 61 adenocarcinoma (ADC), 31 squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC), and 45 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, were enrolled in this study. From the tumor lesions, 86 image features were extracted, and 381 genes were assessed. PET features were associated with genetic mutations: 41 genes with 24 features in ADC; 35 genes with 22 features in SQCC; and 43 genes with 25 features in SCLC (FDR < 0.05). Clusters based on PET features showed an association with alterations in oncogenic signaling pathways: Cell cycle and WNT signaling pathways in ADC (p = 0.023, p = 0.035, respectively); Cell cycle, p53, and WNT in SQCC (p = 0.045, 0.009, and 0.029, respectively); and TGFβ in SCLC (p = 0.030). In addition, SUVpeak and SUVmax were associated with a mutation of the TGFβ signaling pathway in ADC (FDR = 0.001, < 0.001). In this study, PET image features had significant associations with alterations in genes and oncogenic signaling pathways in patients with lung cancer.
Low temperature preservation of porcine semen: influence of short antimicrobial lipopeptides on sperm quality and bacterial load
Authors: Hensel B. , Jakop U. , Scheinpflug K. , Mühldorfer K. , Schröter F. , Schäfer J. , Greber K. , Jung M. , Schulze M.
Published: August 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is a steadily increasing problem and poses a serious threat to global public health. Therefore, it is highly necessary to advance the development of novel antimicrobial compounds and semen preservation strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate a low temperature, antibiotic-free preservation procedure using Androstar Premium (ASP) extender (Minitüb) with antimicrobial lipopeptides. Firstly, seven lipopeptides in two concentrations (1 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/2 × MIC) were tested on their sperm-compatibility at 17 °C. Two lipopeptides, C16-KKK-NH2 and C16-KKKK-NH2, did not negatively affect sperm quality and were further evaluated for their efficiency of bacterial growth inhibition at 5 °C. Besides an overall diminution of colony forming units, both peptides showed a reduction of bacterial subcultures (n = 103) with a decrement in Gram-positive rods from 65 (ASP w/o supplements) to 39/52 (ASP w/ C16-KKK-NH2/C16-KKKK-NH2), in Gram-positive cocci from 21 to 9/10 and in Gram-negative species from 17 to 8/5 total subcultures. Furthermore, lipopeptides revealed activity towards selected bacteria of potential concern in artificial insemination like Trueperella pyogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (not C16-KKK-NH2), Pasteurella sp., Providencia stuartii, Escherichia coli (not C16-KKKK-NH2) and Streptococcus porcinus (not C16-KKKK-NH2). Consequently, both tested lipopeptides are promising candidates for alternative antibiotic-free preservation techniques of boar semen.
The effect of reduced RDI of chemotherapy on the outcome of breast cancer patients
Authors: Qi Wanwan , Wang Xiaoyi , Gan Lu , Li Yunhai , Li Hongyuan , Cheng Qiao
Published: August 2020

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of the relative dose intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), to identify the optimal RDI cut-off points with the docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) regimen for stage I–III breast cancer patients and to explore the adverse events in these patients. To achieve this, we performed a retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in 2011. The results showed that among 293 patients with the TEC regimen, 85% and 80% were the cut-off points at which a high RDI was associated with better overall survival (HR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.13, 3.70; p = 0.02) and disease-free survival (HR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.14–3.42; p = 0.02), respectively. Among 169 HR(+) patients, 80% was the cut-off point for DFS (HR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.07–5.08; p = 0.03), and 85% was the cut-off point for OS (HR = 3.00; 95% CI 1.24–7.26; p = 0.02). Among 105 HR(−) patients, 80% was the cut-off point for OS (HR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.05–7.80; p = 0.04). Of 293 patients, neutropenia, nausea, and vomiting were found to be correlated with the level of RDI. In conclusion, a higher RDI of chemotherapy is associated with better survival but with a higher probability of causing adverse events. To optimize survival benefits, the RDI should be maintained ≥ 85% for HR(+) patients and ≥ 80% for HR(−) patients.
Triglycerides are related to left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients independently of other cardiometabolic risk factors: the effect of gender
Authors: Pietri Panagiota , Georgiopoulos George , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Kordalis Athanasios , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Vyssoulis Gregory , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: August 2020

Given the inconsistent results on the prognostic significance of triglycerides (TGs), the purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of plasma TGs with left ventricular mass (LVM) in hypertensive patients. We studied 760 never treated, non diabetic, hypertensive patients. Τransthoracic echocardiography was performed and LVMI was calculated according to the Devereux formula, adjusted to body surface area. Triglycerides were associated with LVMI after adjustment for age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), smoking and fasting glucose (b = 0.08, p = 0.009). This relationship remained significant even after adjustment for BMI, LDL-C and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (b = 0.07, p = 0.04). Gender-stratified analysis indicated that TGs were related to LVMI in men (p = 0.001) but not in women (p = NS). In addition, TGs were related with LV hypertrophy (LVH) in men, increasing the odds by 7% to present LVMI over 115 g/m2 (OR = 1.07 per 10 mg/dl increase in TGs, p = 0.01). In conclusion, TGs are associated with LVMI in hypertensive patients, independently of other risk factors, including LDL-C. Given the prognostic significance of LVH, it might be suggested that TGs may serve as a useful marker for indentifying hypertensive patients at high risk. The gender discrepancy may suggest a possible gender-specific modulatory effect of TGs on LV structure.
The pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is an independent prognostic factor in patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: Hayama Tamuro , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Okada Yuka , Tsukamoto Mitsuo , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Shimada Ryu , Nozawa Keijiro , Matsuda Keiji , Fujii Shoichi , Hashiguchi Yojiro
Published: August 2020

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a marker of nutrition and is associated with poor survival in various kinds of cancers. However, no reports have yet compared risk factors for colorectal cancer recurrence using a nutritional index. We assessed the predictive value of the CONUT score compared with the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the medical records of 336 consecutive patients with stage I-I I I CRC who underwent curative resection at a single institution in 2012–2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors associated with relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The low CONUT score group exhibited higher RFS and longer OS compared to the high CONUT score group (82.2% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.002 and 95.5% and 86.2%, p = 0.005, respectively). The Akaike’s information criterion values of each index for RFS and OS were superior in CONUT score (723.71 and 315.46, respectively) compared to those of PNI (726.95 and 316.52) and mGPS (728.15 and 318.07, respectively). The CONUT score was found to be a good predictor of RFS and OS in patients with resectable CRC.
Interannual monsoon wind variability as a key driver of East African small pelagic fisheries
Authors: Jebri Fatma , Jacobs Zoe L. , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Srokosz Meric , Painter Stuart C. , Kelly Stephen , Roberts Michael J. , Scott Lucy , Taylor Sarah F. W. , Palmer Matthew , Kizenga Hellen , Shaghude Yohana , Wihsgott Juliane , Popova Ekaterina
Published: August 2020

Small pelagic fisheries provide food security, livelihood support and economic stability for East African coastal communities—a region of least developed countries. Using remotely- sensed and field observations together with modelling, we address the biophysical drivers of this important resource. We show that annual variations of fisheries yield parallel those of chlorophyll-a (an index of phytoplankton biomass). While enhanced phytoplankton biomass during the Northeast monsoon is triggered by wind-driven upwelling, during the Southeast monsoon, it is driven by two current induced mechanisms: coastal “dynamic uplift” upwelling; and westward advection of nutrients. This biological response to the Southeast monsoon is greater than that to the Northeast monsoon. For years unaffected by strong El-Niño/La-Niña events, the Southeast monsoon wind strength over the south tropical Indian Ocean is the main driver of year-to-year variability. This has important implications for the predictability of fisheries yield, its response to climate change, policy and resource management.
Zinc-mediated conformational preselection mechanism in the allosteric control of DNA binding to the zinc transcriptional regulator (ZitR)
Authors: He Xinheng , Ni Duan , Zhang Hao , Li Xinyi , Zhang Jian , Fu Qiang , Liu Yaqin , Lu Shaoyong
Published: August 2020

The zinc transcriptional regulator (ZitR) functions as a metalloregulator that fine tunes transcriptional regulation through zinc-dependent DNA binding. However, the molecular mechanism of zinc-driven allosteric control of the DNA binding to ZitR remains elusive. Here, we performed enhanced sampling accelerated molecular dynamics simulations to figure out the mechanism, revealing the role of protein dynamics in the zinc-induced allosteric control of DNA binding to ZitR. The results suggest that zinc-free ZitR samples distinct conformational states, only a handful of which are compatible with DNA binding. Remarkably, zinc binding reduces the conformational plasticity of the DNA-binding domain of ZitR, promoting the population shift in the ZitR conformational ensemble towards the DNA binding-competent conformation. Further co-binding of DNA to the zinc–ZitR complex stabilizes this competent conformation. These findings suggest that ZitR–DNA interactions are allosterically regulated in a zinc-mediated conformational preselection manner, highlighting the importance of conformational dynamics in the regulation of transcription factor family.
Preparation and characterization of diatomite and hydroxyapatite reinforced porous polyurethane foam biocomposites
Authors: Mustafov Sibel Demiroglu , Sen Fatih , Seydibeyoglu M. Ozgur
Published: August 2020

Porous three-dimensional (3D) polyurethane-based biocomposites were produced utilizing diatomite and hydroxyapatite as fillers. Diatomite and Hydroxyapatite (HA) were utilized to reinforce the morphological, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyurethane foam (PUF). Diatomite and Hydroxyapatite were added into polyurethane at variable percentages 0, 1, 2, and 5. The mechanical properties of PUF were analyzed by the compression test. According to the compression test results, the compressive strength of the polyurethane foam is highest in the reinforced foam at 1% by weight hydroxyapatite compared to other reinforced PUFs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images presented structural differences on foam by adding fillers. Functional groups of PUF were defined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the thermal behavior of PUF was studied with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The obtained results revealed that PUF/HA biocomposites indicated higher thermal degradation than PUF/Diatomite biocomposites.
Comparison of pediatric and adult medullary thyroid carcinoma based on SEER program
Authors: Zhao Zhuang , Yin Xiang-dang , Zhang Xu-he , Li Zhi-wen , Wang Dun-wei
Published: August 2020

To compare the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of children and adult diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MTC patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 1998 to 2016, followed by stratification into pediatric (< 20 years) or adult (≥ 20 years) groups. In total, 2,197 patients (110 pediatric and 2087 adult) with MTC were identified. Pediatric patients were more likely to have localized stage (70.0% vs. 51.6%), negative regional nodes (48.2% vs. 30.8%) and receive total/subtotal thyroidectomy surgery (97.3% vs. 85.3%). Moreover, CSS and OS rates were significantly higher in pediatric patients (both P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that adult patients were significantly correlated with worse CSS and OS rates [(CSS: HR 11.60, 95% CI 1.62–83.02, P = 0.015); (OS: HR 5.63, 95% CI 2.08–15.25, P = 0.001)]. Further stratified analysis indicated that pediatric group might have significant better CSS and OS for patients with more advanced stage. Patients in the pediatric group were more likely to have earlier stage. Moreover, the prognosis of pediatric MTC patients was significantly better than that in adult patients.
Single-cell analysis of EphA clustering phenotypes to probe cancer cell heterogeneity
Authors: Ravasio Andrea , Myaing Myint Z. , Chia Shumei , Arora Aditya , Sathe Aneesh , Cao Elaine Yiqun , Bertocchi Cristina , Sharma Ankur , Arasi Bakya , Chung Vin Yee , Greene Adrienne C. , Tan Tuan Zea , Chen Zhongwen , Ong Hui Ting , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Huang Ruby YunJu , DasGupta Ramanuj , Groves Jay T. , Viasnoff Virgile
Published: August 2020

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases is crucial for assembly and maintenance of healthy tissues. Dysfunction in Eph signaling is causally associated with cancer progression. In breast cancer cells, dysregulated Eph signaling has been linked to alterations in receptor clustering abilities. Here, we implemented a single-cell assay and a scoring scheme to systematically probe the spatial organization of activated EphA receptors in multiple carcinoma cells. We show that cancer cells retain EphA clustering phenotype over several generations, and the degree of clustering reported for migration potential both at population and single-cell levels. Finally, using patient-derived cancer lines, we probed the evolution of EphA signalling in cell populations that underwent metastatic transformation and acquisition of drug resistance. Taken together, our scalable approach provides a reliable scoring scheme for EphA clustering that is consistent over multiple carcinomas and can assay heterogeneity of cancer cell populations in a cost- and time-effective manner.
A computational and experimental study of the fragmentation of l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-allo-isoleucine under collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Candy , Arthur Christopher J. , Gates Paul J.
Published: August 2020

The computational rationalisation of the different MS/MS fragmentation of the isomeric amino acids, l-leucine and l-isoleucine is presented.
C(sp3)–H activation-enabled cross-coupling of two aryl halides: an approach to 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes
Authors: Gu Yichao , Sun Xueliang , Wan Bin , Lu Zhuoer , Zhang Yanghui
Published: August 2020

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with 2-chlorobenzoic acids has been developed through C(sp3)–H activation, which provides an innovative method for the synthesis of 9,10-dihydrophenanthren.
Reactivity triggered by an organic microcrystal interface: a case study involving an environmentally benign, aromatic boric acid reaction
Authors: Ji Xiaonan , Xu Wei , Zhao Huarui , Mei Fen , Fu YanYan , He Qingguo , Cao Huimin , Cheng Jiangong
Published: August 2020

At a self-assembled {002} crystal-solution interface, inactive 9-anthracene boric acid was transformed into a highly active state, for catalyst-free aromatic substitution and oxidation.
Hexagonal ordering of racemic Ni(ii) complexes in the interlayer space of a clay mineral
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Tateyama Kazunori , Yuge Hidetaka , Hara Mitsuo
Published: August 2020

Racemic nickel complexes spontaneously form a double-molecular layer with a hexagonal arrangement in the interlayer space of a clay mineral.
Oleic acid-induced, controllable surface oxidation to enhance the photoresponse performance of Sb2Se3 nanorods
Authors: Guan Fan , Li Linjie , Cui Yusong , Wang Tingting , Li Shaopeng , Li Longhua , Zhang Junhao , Wang Junli
Published: August 2020

The surface oxidation level of Sb2Se3 nanorods is tunable by varying the volume ratio of oleic acid during the synthesis and a modest oxidation level (20–30%) is found to be favorable for the optoelectronic properties of Sb2Se3.
Chemophysical acetylene-sensing mechanisms of Sb2O3/NaWO4-doped WO3 heterointerfaces
Authors: Kotchasak Nataporn , Inyawilert Kanittha , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Tuantranont Adisorn , Phanichphant Sukon , Channei Duangdao , Yordsri Visittapong , Liewhiran Chaikarn
Published: August 2020

Sb2O3-Loaded NaWO4-doped WO3 nanorods were fabricated with varying Sb contents from 0 to 2 wt% by precipitation/impregnation methods and their p-type acetylene (C2H2) gas-sensing mechanisms were rigorously analyzed.
Structure of supported DPPC/cholesterol bilayers studiedviaX-ray reflectivity
Authors: Vega Michael , Lurio Laurence , Lal Jyotsana , Karapetrova Evguenia A. , Gaillard Elizabeth R.
Published: August 2020

Analysis of X-ray reflectivity from DPPC/cholesterol bilayers indicates that silica-bilayer interactions shift the melting transitions to higher temperatures.
Destabilization potential of phenolics on Aβ fibrils: mechanistic insights from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Gupta Shivani , Dasmahapatra Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2020

Ellagic acid from pomegranate and walnuts is found to destabilize Aβ fibrils. It can be a potential drug to treat AD.
Tuning the properties of hydrogels made from poly(acrylic acid) and calcium salts
Authors: Fuhrer Lisa M. , Sun Shengtong , Boyko Volodymyr , Kellermeier Matthias , Cölfen Helmut
Published: August 2020

We show how the macroscopic properties of hydrogels consisting of PAA and calcium ions with shapeable, stretchable and self-healing behaviour can be adjusted and thus a rational basis for targeted design of such materials with tailor-made characteristics is established.
Effects of compositional engineering and surface passivation on the properties of halide perovskites: a theoretical understanding
Authors: Liu Junxian , Kang Jian , Chen Shan , White Jessica Jein , Yin Huajie , Liu Porun , Zhao Huijun , Wang Yun
Published: August 2020

Halide perovskite solar cells have demonstrated high performance and moisture stability via compositional engineering and surface passivation.
The influence of alkyl chain branching on the properties of pyrrolidinium-based ionic electrolytes
Authors: Al-Masri Danah , Yunis Ruhamah , Hollenkamp Anthony F. , Doherty Cara M. , Pringle Jennifer M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction of a branched alkyl chain onto the widely used pyrrolidinium cation has produced a new family of ionic liquids and plastic crystals with advantageous physical, thermal and electrochemical properties.
A comparative perspective of electrochemical and photochemical approaches for catalytic H2O2 production
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Han Lei , Strasser Peter
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in the design, preparation, and applications of different catalysts for electrochemical and photochemical H2O2 production are summarized, and some invigorating perspectives for future developments are also provided.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetism of BCC KIrO3
Authors: Guo Shu , Powderly Kelly M. , Cava R. J.
Published: August 2020

KIrO3 in the body-centered cubic variant of the KSbO3-type structure is reported.
Enhancement of ozonation efficiency employing dead-end hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Kaprara Efthimia , Kostoglou Margaritis , Koutsiantzi Chrysovalantou , Psaltou Savvina , Zouboulis Anastasios I. , Mitrakas Manassis
Published: August 2020

Dead end membrane operation maximizes O3 dissolution.
Avoiding high ozone pollution in Delhi, India
Authors: Chen Ying , Beig Gufran , Archer-Nicholls Scott , Drysdale Will , Acton W. Joe F. , Lowe Douglas , Nelson Beth , Lee James , Ran Liang , Wang Yu , Wu Zhijun , Sahu Saroj Kumar , Sokhi Ranjeet S. , Singh Vikas , Gadi Ranu , Nicholas Hewitt C. , Nemitz Eiko , Archibald Alex , McFiggans Gordon , Wild Oliver
Published: August 2020

Quantify the influence of aerosol light extinction on surface ozone photochemistry, highlight controlling VOC for improving air quality in Delhi.
Synthesis and biological screening of a library of macamides as TNF-α inhibitors
Authors: Tena Pérez Víctor , Apaza Ticona Luis , Serban Andreea Madalina , Acero Gómez Javier , Rumbero Sánchez Ángel
Published: August 2020

Thirty-five macamide analogues were synthesised by modifying the initial molecular structure.
Gene expression profiling of copper-resistant Caco-2 clones
Authors: O’Doherty Charles , Keenan Joanne , O’Neill Fiona , Clynes Martin , Sinkunaite Indre , Horgan Karina , Murphy Richard , O’Sullivan Finbarr
Published: August 2020

The Caco-2 cell line is composed of a heterogeneous mix of cells; isolation of individual clonal populations from this mix allows for specific mechanisms and phenotypes to be further explored. Previously we exposed Caco-2 cells to inorganic copper sulphate or organic copper proteinate to generate resistant variant populations. Here we describe the isolation and characterisation of clonal subpopulations from these resistant variants to organic (clone Or1, Or2, Or3) or inorganic (clone In1 and In2) copper. The clones show considerable homogeneity in response to Cu-induced toxicity and heterogeneity in morphology with variations in level of cross-resistance to other metals and doxorubicin. Population growth was reduced for Cu-resistant clones In2 and Or3 in selective pressure relative to parental Caco-2 cells. Gene expression analysis identified 4026 total (2102 unique and 1924 shared) differentially expressed genes including those involved in the MAP Kinase and Rap1 signalling pathways, and in the focal adhesion and ECM-receptor contact pathways. Gene expression changes common to all clones included upregulation of ANXA13 and GPx2. Our analysis additionally identified differential expression of multiple genes specific to copper proteinate exposure (including overexpressed UPK1B) in isolated clones Or1, Or2 and Or3 and CuSO4 exposure (including decreased AIFM2 expression) in isolated clones In1 and In2. The adaptive transcriptional responses established in this study indicate a cohort of genes, which may be involved in copper resistance regulation and chronic copper exposure.
Iron(ii) coordination pyrazole complexes with aromatic sulfonate ligands: the role of ether
Authors: Kumar Varun , El-Massaoudi Mohamed , Radi Smaail , Van Hecke Kristof , Rotaru Aurelian , Garcia Yann
Published: August 2020

Diethyl ether altered the usual homoleptic FeN6 self-assembly of Fe(ii) mononuclear complexes to yield an FeN4O2 heteroleptic coordination environment.
Two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheet-modified oxygen defect-rich TiO2 nanoparticles for light emission and photocatalytic applications
Authors: Singh Jaspal , Soni R. K.
Published: August 2020

MoS2/TiO2 nanohybrids efficiently decompose organic pollutants under sunlight due to the combined effects of defect creation and hetero-junction formation.
Electronic structures, and optical and photocatalytic properties of the BP–BSe van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Pham Khang D. , Tan Lam V. , Idrees M. , Amin Bin , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hoa Le T. , Chuong Nguyen V.
Published: August 2020

The combination of two-dimensional materials in the form of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures has been shown to be an effective method for designing electronic and optoelectronic equipment.
A good-performance glucose sensor fabricated via rationally designing a new cobalt–metal–organic framework precursor
Authors: Han Chao , Nie Lei , Han Xiao , Zhuang Xiaoli , Zhang Jingrui , Rui Yulan , Meng Wei
Published: August 2020

A good-performance glucose sensor based on Co3O4 has been first synthesized by rationally designing a new cobalt–metal–organic framework precursor.
Observing dynamic molecular changes at single-molecule level in a cucurbituril based plasmonic molecular junction
Authors: Ai Qiushuang , Zhou Jianghao , Guo Jing , Pandey Popular , Liu Simin , Fu Qiang , Liu Yichong , Deng Chengji , Chang Shuai , Liang Feng , He Jin
Published: August 2020

SERS is combined with the electrochemical single-entity techqniue to probe the dynamic molecular changes in the transiently formed gold–CB[7]–gold junctions.
W-Doped TiO2 for photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Li Yingying , Walsh Andrew G. , Li Dashuai , Do David , Ma He , Wang Changhua , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xintong
Published: August 2020

TiO2 is one of the most widely used photocatalysts and photothermocatalysts.
Processable dispersions of photocatalytically active nanosheets derived from titanium diboride: self assembly into hydrogels and paper-like macrostructures
Authors: James Asha Liza , Lenka Manis , Pandey Nidhi , Ojha Abhijeet , Kumar Ashish , Saraswat Rohit , Thareja Prachi , Krishnan Venkata , Jasuja Kabeer
Published: August 2020

An aqueous peroxo-route to synthesize processable dispersions of nanosheets from titanium diboride in high yields and their assembly into hydrogels and freestanding paper-like macrostructures.
Inkjet-defined site-selective (IDSS) growth for controllable production of in-plane and out-of-plane MoS2 device arrays
Authors: Ryu Byunghoon , Yoon Jeong Seop , Kazyak Eric , Chen Kuan-Hung , Park Younggeun , Dasgupta Neil P. , Liang Xiaogan
Published: August 2020

Controllable production of in-plane and out-of-plane MoS2 structures at designated locations using inkjet-defined site-selective (IDSS) growth method.
Visible-light-induced [4 + 2] cycloaddition of pentafulvenes by organic photoredox catalysis
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Asada Yosuke , Hoshino Yujiro , Honda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2020

We have developed thioxanthylium photoredox catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloaddition of pentafulvenes at room temperature under green light irradiation, which affords tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]chromenes with high regioselectivities.
Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) – a structural analogue to poly(vinyl azlactone) with Orthogonal Reactivity
Authors: Leiske Meike N. , Mahmoud Ayaat M. , Warne Nicole M. , Goos Jeroen A. C. M. , Pascual Sagrario , Montembault Véronique , Fontaine Laurent , Davis Thomas P. , Whittaker Michael R. , Kempe Kristian
Published: August 2020

A modular copolymer platform based on two oxazole derivatives is presented. Post-polymerisation modifications revealed the potential to selectively modify the individual side groups, providing access to functional copolymer libraries in the future.
A concise and unexpected one-pot methodology for the synthesis of pyrazinone-fused pyridones
Authors: Lei Jie , Xu Jia , Tang Dian-Yong , Shao Jing-Wei , Li Hong-yu , Chen Zhong-Zhu , Xu Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2020

A post-Ugi/Michael/Retro-Michael reaction, aromatization and 5-exo-dig cyclization cascade reaction was developed and utilized for the synthesis of pyrazinone-fused pyridone derivatives under mild reaction conditions in one-pot.
Organic polymorphs based on an AEE-active tetraphenylethene salicylaldehyde Schiff-base derivative: the effect of molecular conformation on luminescence properties
Authors: Liang Chunshuang
Published: August 2020

Organic polymorphs displaying different emission colors and intensities were obtained from aggregation-enhanced emission (AEE)-active tetraphenylethene derivatives, and their luminescent properties were affected mainly by molecular conformation.
Nutrient removal by Rotala rotundifolia: a superior candidate for ecosystem remediation at low temperatures
Authors: Yang Yunlong , Zhang Xiaying , Xiao Jibo , Chu Shuyi , Huang Zhida
Published: August 2020

Temperature is an extremely important factor affecting the nutrient (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) removal of aquatic macrophytes.
Correction: Sustainable waste management and recycling of Zn–Al layered double hydroxide after adsorption of levofloxacin as a safe anti-inflammatory nanomaterial
Authors: Mahgoub Samar M. , Shehata Mohamed R. , Abo El-Ela Fatma I. , Farghali Ahmed , Zaher Amal , Mahmoud Rehab K.
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘Sustainable waste management and recycling of Zn–Al layered double hydroxide after adsorption of levofloxacin as a safe anti-inflammatory nanomaterial’ by Samar M. Mahgoub et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 27633–27651. DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04898D.
Photo-triggered hydrogen atom transfer from an iridium hydride complex to unactivated olefins
Authors: Schreier Mirjam R. , Pfund Björn , Guo Xingwei , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: August 2020

Upon irradiation with visible light, an iridium hydride complex undergoes hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) to unactivated olefins in presence of a sacrificial electron donor and a proton source.
Pinkment: a synthetic platform for the development of fluorescent probes for diagnostic and theranostic applications
Authors: Weber Maria , Han Hai-Hao , Li Bo-Han , Odyniec Maria L. , Jarman Charlotte E. F. , Zang Yi , Bull Steven D. , Mackenzie Amanda B. , Sedgwick Adam C. , Li Jia , He Xiao-Peng , James Tony D.
Published: August 2020

Pinkment, a resorufin based ONOO−selective and sensitive ‘plug and play’ fluorescence-based platform forin vitroandin vivouse, enables facile functionalisation for various imaging and theranostic applications.
Extraordinary electrochemical stability and extended polaron delocalization of ladder-type polyaniline-analogous polymers
Authors: Ji Xiaozhou , Leng Mingwan , Xie Haomiao , Wang Chenxu , Dunbar Kim R. , Zou Yang , Fang Lei
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical stability and state delocalization critically impact the functions and practical applications of electronically active polymers.
Aster swarming by symmetry breaking of cortical dynein transport and coupling kinesins
Authors: Khetan Neha , Athale Chaitanya A.
Published: August 2020

Multiple microtubule (MT) asters in a confined cell spontaneously swarm with rotational motion due to a combination of local coupling by kinesin-5 motors, active boundary driven by cortical dynein and ‘noise’ due to stochasticity of MT lengths.
High-value utilization of biomass waste: from garbage floating on the ocean to high-performance rechargeable Zn–MnO2 batteries with superior safety
Authors: Zhao Jiangqi , Wu Wanlin , Jia Xiwen , Xia Tian , Li Qingye , Zhang Jian , Wang Qunhao , Zhang Wei , Lu Canhui
Published: August 2020

A high-performance rechargeable Zn–MnO2 battery derived from biomass garbage floating on the ocean demonstrates superb safety during service.
Evaluation procedure of photocatalysts for VOCs degradation from the view of density functional theory calculations: g-C3N4 dots/graphene as an example
Authors: Jing Binghua , Ao Zhimin , Zhao Weina , Xu Ying , Chen Zhongfang , An Taicheng
Published: August 2020

Various techniques have been utilized in experiments to evaluate the performance of photocatalysts and to understand the corresponding catalytic mechanism.
Speech Prosody Interventions for Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Holbrook Sarai , Israelsen Megan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may demonstrate abnormal prosodic patterns in conversational speech, which can negatively affect social interactions. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify interventions measuring the improvement of expressive speech prosody in persons with ASD in order to support clinician's evidence-based decision making.

Method

We used 13 electronic databases to search for relevant articles using terms related to autism, intervention, and speech prosody. The databases identified a total of nine articles for the title, abstract, and full-text reviews. Five more articles were included after performing descendant and reference searches. One peer-reviewed article was excluded due to insufficient data received from the authors. We coded the resulting 13 articles for report, setting, intervention, outcome, and results characteristics and methodological quality.

Results

Results showed that interventions specifically targeting speech prosody using established and emerging evidence-based practices across more than 1 treatment day resulted in moderate to large improvements in speech prosody in persons with ASD. Interventions that indirectly targeted prosody or were very short resulted in small or nonsignificant effects.

Discussion

The results of this literature review suggest that interventions that directly target speech prosody using established evidence-based practices for ASD may be most effective for increasing typical prosodic patterns during speech for persons with ASD. Further research is needed to establish which interventions are most effective for each age range and context.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12735926
Developing Evidence-Based Assessment to Prevent Over- or Underidentification of Disorders for New Language Learners
Authors: Levey Sandra , Cheng Li-Rong Lilly , Almodovar Diana
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder.

Conclusions

Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development.

Learning Goal

Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.
Electromagnetic and thermal analyses of surface‐mounted permanent magnet motor with flux‐absorbing structure for enhancing overhang effect
Authors: Lee Jae‐Gil , Kim Rae‐Eun , Jung Hyun‐Kyo , Yeo Han‐Kyeol
Published: August 2020

Robot joint drive motors require high‐torque and power densities due to their limited space. Surface mounted permanent magnet (SPM) motors are appropriate for a robot joint drive due to their advantages of ease of construction, high productivity, and high controllability. To utilise the limited space effectively, a rotor overhang structure (OS) is frequently used in SPM motors due the performance enhancement and simple fabrication. However, the OS effects do not increase linearly but converge when it becomes longer. To deal with problem, a flux‐absorbing structure (FAS), which can effectively improve the performances even in case of a quite long OS by forming an effective flux path between the OS and stator can be used. However, the FAS results in different electromagnetic and thermal characteristics. In particular, there have been few studies on the thermal characteristics of the FAS, which can change motor performance considerably. Hence, a lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) which can effectively consider the heat sources and heat transfer characteristics influenced by the use of FAS, is proposed. The feasibility of the FAS and the usefulness of the proposed LPTN was verified experimentally. The presented analyses and results here can be utilised in various high‐torque‐density application.
Multi‐objective hybrid decomposition and local dominance based meter placement for distribution system state estimation
Authors: Chintala Bhanu Prasad , Vinod Kumar D.M.
Published: August 2020

The study proposes a new hybrid multi‐objective evolutionary optimisation algorithm based on decomposition and local dominance for meter placement in distribution system state estimation. The evenly distributed qualitative and diverse solutions on the Pareto front are required for a decision‐maker for selecting a final optimal solution. Such a Pareto front can be achieved by obtaining the balance between convergence and diversity of multi‐objective optimisation algorithm. Therefore, the proposed method combined dominance and decomposition techniques, modelled meter placement as a constrained combinatorial multi‐objective optimisation. The meter placement is designed as a trade‐off between three objectives that are minimising the cost of the meters, average relative percentage error (ARPE) of voltage magnitude and ARPE of voltage angle. As the meter placement problem is a combinatorial optimisation, the binomial distribution‐based Monte Carlo method is utilised to initialise the population, which aims to improve the diversity, as a consequence it improves the convergence, which is a by‐product of this method. The results of the proposed method are compared with multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition, non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II and with multi‐objective hybrid particle swarm optimisation‐krill herd algorithm, multi‐objective hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm‐interior point method and demonstrated on PG&E 69‐bus distribution system and Practical Indian 85‐bus distribution system.