bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Complexity of vocal fish communities: a field and controlled validation
Authors: Bolgan Marta , Amorim M. Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J. , Di Iorio Lucia , Parmentier Eric
Published: July 2018

The Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI) is increasingly applied to the study of biodiversity in aquatic habitats. However, it remains unknown which types of acoustic information are highlighted by this index in underwater environments. This study explored the robustness of the ACI to fine variations in fish sound abundance (i.e. number of sounds) and sound diversity (i.e. number of sound types) in field recordings and controlled experiments. The ACI was found to be sensitive to variations in both sound abundance and sound diversity, making it difficult to discern between these variables. Furthermore, the ACI was strongly dependent on the settings used for its calculation (i.e. frequency and temporal resolution of the ACI algorithm, amplitude filter). Care should thus be taken when comparing ACI absolute values between studies, or between sites with site-specific characteristics (e.g. species diversity, fish vocal community composition). As the use of ecoacoustic indices presents a promising tool for the monitoring of vulnerable environments, methodological validations like those presented in this paper are of paramount importance in understanding which biologically important information can be gathered by applying acoustic indices to Passive Acoustic Monitoring data.
Oblique convergence and strain partitioning in the outer deformation front of NE Himalaya
Authors: Panda Dibyashakti , Kundu Bhaskar , Santosh M.
Published: July 2018

Himalayan-Tibetan orogeny has considered as a natural black box in the context of geodynamic evolution and tectonic complexity. The eastward extrusion model of Tibetan crust contradicts with the oblique convergence model in the NE-Himalaya (Bhutan/Arunachal region), where the overall convergence rate accommodated in the Himalaya is about 20–25% less than that in the neighbouring central Himalaya and Eastern Himalayan syntaxis (EHS). We propose that instead of partitioning in the backarc, the NE-Himalaya has developed an active sliver along the Assam-Brahmaputra valley in the outer deformation front, in order to accommodate the deficiency in long-term plate convergence between Himalaya and southern Tibet. We argue that the strong eastward extrusion of Tibetan crust along NE-Himalaya is the main driving force for the unusual development of the Assam-Brahmaputra sliver. This new hypothesis can explain active convergence along EHS, low convergence and subdued topography in Bhutan and Arunachal Himalaya, kinematic and space-problem of Indo-Burmese wedge, and finally solves the contradiction between Tibetan extrusion and oblique convergence model of the HimalayanTibetan orogeny.
Effect of unloading brace treatment on pain and function in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: the ROTOR randomized clinical trial
Authors: Thoumie Philippe , Marty Marc , Avouac Bernard , Pallez Adeline , Vaumousse Arnaud , Pipet Linh Pham Thi , Monroche André , Graveleau Nicolas , Bonnin Armand , Amor Cyrine Ben , Coudeyre Emmanuel
Published: July 2018

Evidence is still inconclusive for the benefits of bracing in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To assess the effect of REBEL RELIEVER unloading knee brace in conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in 67 patients with symptomatic medial knee osteoarthritis, who randomly received 6-week treatment with either REBEL RELIVER unloading knee brace + usual care (Brace group, N = 32) or usual care alone (Control group, N = 35). Primary outcome was the global last 24h-pain relief (100-mm visual analogic scale [VAS]) at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints included pain on motion (100-mm VAS), function (Lequesne index), safety and observance. At 6 weeks, mean [SD] last 24h-pain decreased significantly more in Brace group versus Control group (−41.35 [3.37] vs −15.37 [3.23], difference −25.98, 95% CI −41.64 to −10.33, P < 0.0001). Higher mean [SD] pain on motion decrease (−51.91 [3.49] vs −19.91 [3.34], difference −32.01, 95% CI −48.21 to −15.80, P < 0.0001) and better improvement of Lequesne index score (−5.8 [0.5] vs −2.3 [0.5], difference −3.5, 95% CI −5.0 to −2.0, P < 0.0001) were observed in Brace group. Safety and observance to the brace were excellent. The additive clinical benefit of wearing REBEL RELIEVER unloading knee brace was demonstrated in knee osteoarthritis patients.
Investigating molecular interactions between oxidized neuroglobin and cytochrome c
Authors: Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chapagain Prem P. , Üren Aykut
Published: July 2018

The formation of a complex between neuroglobin (Ngb) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) has an important biological role in preventing apoptosis. Binding of Ngb to Cyt c alone is sufficient to block the caspase 9 activation by ferric Cyt c that is released during ischemic insults. Therefore, a detailed information on the Ngb-Cyt c interactions is important for understanding apoptosis. However, the exact nature of the interactions between oxidized human neuroglobin (hNgb) and Cyt c is not well understood. In this work, we used a combination of computational modeling and surface plasmon resonance experiments to obtain and characterize the complex formation between oxidized hNgb and Cyt c. We identified important residues involved in the complex formation, including K72 in Cyt c, which is otherwise known to interact with the apoptotic protease-activation factor-1. Our computational results, together with an optimized structure of the hNgb-Cyt c complex, provide unique insights into how the hNgb-Cyt c complex can abate the apoptotic cascade without an hNgb-Cyt c redox reaction.
Myelin Measurement: Comparison Between Simultaneous Tissue Relaxometry, Magnetization Transfer Saturation Index, and T1w/T2w Ratio Methods
Authors: Hagiwara Akifumi , Hori Masaaki , Kamagata Koji , Warntjes Marcel , Matsuyoshi Daisuke , Nakazawa Misaki , Ueda Ryo , Andica Christina , Koshino Saori , Maekawa Tomoko , Irie Ryusuke , Takamura Tomohiro , Kumamaru Kanako Kunishima , Abe Osamu , Aoki Shigeki
Published: July 2018

Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging has been widely used for estimating myelin content in the brain. Recently, two other approaches, namely simultaneous tissue relaxometry of R1 and R2 relaxation rates and proton density (SyMRI) and the ratio of T1-weighted to T2-weighted images (T1w/T2w ratio), were also proposed as methods for measuring myelin. SyMRI and MT imaging have been reported to correlate well with actual myelin by histology. However, for T1w/T2w ratio, such evidence is limited. In 20 healthy adults, we examined the correlation between these three methods, using MT saturation index (MTsat) for MT imaging. After calibration, white matter (WM) to gray matter (GM) contrast was the highest for SyMRI among these three metrics. Even though SyMRI and MTsat showed strong correlation in the WM (r = 0.72), only weak correlation was found between T1w/T2w and SyMRI (r = 0.45) or MTsat (r = 0.38) (correlation coefficients significantly different from each other, with p values < 0.001). In subcortical and cortical GM, these measurements showed moderate to strong correlations to each other (r = 0.54 to 0.78). In conclusion, the high correlation between SyMRI and MTsat indicates that both methods are similarly suited to measure myelin in the WM, whereas T1w/T2w ratio may be less optimal.
Distinct Brain Areas involved in Anger versus Punishment during Social Interactions
Authors: Klimecki Olga M. , Sander David , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: July 2018

Although anger and aggression can have wide-ranging consequences for social interactions, there is sparse knowledge as to which brain activations underlie the feelings of anger and the regulation of related punishment behaviors. To address these issues, we studied brain activity while participants played an economic interaction paradigm called Inequality Game (IG). The current study confirms that the IG elicits anger through the competitive behavior of an unfair (versus fair) other and promotes punishment behavior. Critically, when participants see the face of the unfair other, self-reported anger is parametrically related to activations in temporal areas and amygdala – regions typically associated with mentalizing and emotion processing, respectively. During anger provocation, activations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area important for regulating emotions, predicted the inhibition of later punishment behavior. When participants subsequently engaged in behavioral decisions for the unfair versus fair other, increased activations were observed in regions involved in behavioral adjustment and social cognition, comprising posterior cingulate cortex, temporal cortex, and precuneus. These data point to a distinction of brain activations related to angry feelings and the control of subsequent behavioral choices. Furthermore, they show a contribution of prefrontal control mechanisms during anger provocation to the inhibition of later punishment.
Calibrating the Extended Hückel Method to Quantitatively Screen the Electronic Properties of Materials
Authors: Grabill Linda P. , Berger Robert F.
Published: July 2018

The extended Hückel (eH) tight-binding method has historically been prized for its computational ease and intuitive chemical clarity. However, its lack of quantitative predictiveness has prevented the eH method from being used as a tool for rapidly screening materials for desired electronic properties. In this work, we demonstrate that when eH input parameters are calibrated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations of carefully chosen sets of simple crystals, the eH parameters retain most of their quantitative accuracy when transferred to more complex, structurally related phases. Using solar-energy-relevant semiconductors and insulators in the Sr–Ti–O family as a case study, we show that calibrated eH parameters can match the features of DFT band structures within about two tenths of an eV, at a tiny fraction of the computational cost of DFT.
Genetic variation of SORBS1 gene is associated with glucose homeostasis and age at onset of diabetes: A SAPPHIRe Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Tien-Jyun , Wang Wen-Chang , Hsiung Chao A. , He Chih-Tsueng , Lin Ming-Wei , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Chang Yi-Cheng , Quertermous Tom , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Rotter Jerome I. , Chuang Lee-Ming ,   The SAPPHIRe Study Group, Hwu Chii-Min , Hung Yi-Jen , Lee Wen-Jane , Lee I-Te
Published: July 2018

TheSORBS1gene plays an important role in insulin signaling. We aimed to examine whether common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) ofSORBS1are associated with prevalence and incidence of diabetes, age at onset of diabetes, and the related traits of glucose homeostasis. A total of 1135 siblings from 492 ethnic Chinese families were recruited at baseline, and 630 were followed up for 5.19 ± 0.96 years. Nine SNPs including rs7081076, rs2281939, rs3818540, rs2274490, rs61739184, rs726176, rs2296966, rs17849148, and rs3193970 were genotyped and examined. To deal with correlated data of subjects within the same families, the generalized estimating equations approach was applied throughout all association analyses. TheGGgenotype of rs2281939 was associated with a higher risk of diabetes at baseline, an earlier onset of diabetes, and higher steady-state plasma glucose levels in the modified insulin suppression test. The minor alleleTof rs2296966 was associated with higher prevalence and incidence of diabetes, an earlier onset of diabetes, and higher 2-h glucose during oral glucose tolerance test. These two SNPs revealed independent associations with age of diabetes onset as well as risk of diabetes at baseline. These findings supported thatSORBS1gene participates in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of strains of the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi from Canadian emergence zones
Authors: Tyler Shaun , Tyson Shari , Dibernardo Antonia , Drebot Michael , Feil Edward J. , Graham Morag , Knox Natalie C. , Lindsay L. Robbin , Margos Gabriele , Mechai Samir , Van Domselaar Gary , Thorpe Harry A. , Ogden Nick H.
Published: July 2018

Lyme disease is emerging in southern Canada due to range expansion of the tick vector, followed by invasion of the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Strain diversity, as determined by Multi Locus Sequence Typing, occurs in this zone of emergence, and this may have its origins in adaptation to ecological niches, and have phenotypic consequences for pathogenicity and serological test performance. Sixty-four unique strains were cultured from ticks collected in southern Canada and the genomes sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of the chromosome revealed two large clades with multiple subclades. Consistent with previous studies on this species, the clades were not geographically defined, and some Canadian strains were highly divergent from previously sequenced US strains. There was evidence for recombination in the chromosome but this did not affect the phylogeny. Analysis of chromosomal genes indicated that these are under intense purifying selection. Phylogenies of the accessory genome and chromosome were congruent. Therefore strain differences identified in the phylogeny of chromosomal genes likely act as a proxy for genetic determinants of phenotypic differences amongst strains that are harboured in the accessory genome. Further studies on health implications of strain diversity are needed.
Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Leads to Non-monotonic Modulation of DNA and RNA (hydroxy)methylation in a Rat Model
Authors: Duca Radu-Corneliu , Grova Nathalie , Ghosh Manosij , Do Jean-Mikael , Hoet Peter H. M. , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A. J. , Appenzeller Brice M. R. , Godderis Lode
Published: July 2018

Besides genetic modifications, rapidly growing evidence has linked environmental pollutants with epigenetic variations. To date, only a few studies have been performed on DNA methylation changes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which showed contradictory results. These discrepancies might be partially explained by differences in used agents. Generally in in vitro studies, a single compound is used, while in humans environmental studies, multi-residue exposure is investigated. The present study aimed to study epigenetic alterations induced by multi-residue exposure to PAH. Female Long Evans rats were exposed to a mixture of 16 US-EPA priority PAH, 3 times per week over a 90-day period. The livers were used to assess the (hydroxy)methylation status of genomic DNA/RNA, together with reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione. The results of this study demonstrate that a multi-residue exposure to PAH affects glutathione status, DNA (hydroxy)methylation, and RNA (hydroxy)methylation, together with DNA PAH-adducts formation. In addition, a non-monotonic response relationship was demonstrated between PAH concentration, the levels of glutathione and DNA (hydroxy)methylation levels at environmental relevant doses. This hormetic response gives a novel insight concerning the toxicity of environmental pollutants such as PAH and the biological response that may be different depending on the level of exposure.
Risk factors for breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in age-related macular degeneration with submacular hemorrhage
Authors: Shin Yong-Il , Sung Jae-Yun , Sagong Min , Lee Young-Hoon , Jo Young-Joon , Kim Jung-Yeul
Published: July 2018

To investigate the risk factors for breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage (VH) after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) accompanied by submacular hemorrhage (SMH). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with AMD combined with SMH, and enrolled 31 patients. We formed an age- and sex-matched control group of patients with submacular hemorrhage who did not develop breakthrough VH after intravitreal injection during 6 month follow-up. The mean patient age was 70.8 ± 10.3 years in the breakthrough VH group. Of the 31 patients, 8 were diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 22 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and 1 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). PCV was associated with a significantly higher incidence of VH (odds ratio, 35.01; p = 0.001). The size of the SMH was 22.7 ± 12.4 disc areas (DAs) in the breakthrough VH group and 5.4 ± 6.9 DAs in the control group, and was thus significantly related to the development of VH (p < 0.001). The risk of VH was significantly higher in those taking anticoagulants (p = 0.014). There was no significant difference between the types of anti-VEGF agents. When taking anticoagulant medications, a SMH of large diameter, and PCV subtype were risk factors for breakthrough VH after anti-VEGF injection.
Mechanisms and Signaling Associated with LPDBD Plasma Mediated Growth Improvement in Wheat
Authors: Rahman Md. Mosiur , Sajib Salek Ahmed , Rahi Md. Sifat , Tahura Sharaban , Roy Nepal Chandra , Parvez Sarwar , Reza Md. Abu , Talukder Mamunur Rashid , Kabir Ahmad Humayan
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the effect and mechanisms of low pressure dielectric barrier discharge (LPDBD) produced with Ar/O2 and Ar/Air technique causing biological stimulation leading to improved germination and growth in wheat. Both plasma treatments caused rougher and chapped seed surface along with noticeable improvement in seed germination in wheat. Beside this, seed H2O2 concentration significantly increased compared to controls subjected to Ar/O2 and Ar/Air while this phenomenon was more pronounced due to Ar/Air plasma. Analysis of plants grown from the plasma treated seeds showed significant improvement in shoot characteristics, iron concentration, total soluble protein and sugar concentration in comparison with the controls more efficiently due to Ar/O2 plasma than that of Ar/Air. Further, none of the plasma treatments caused membrane damage or cell death in root and shoot of wheat. Interestingly, Ar/O2 treated plants showed a significant increase (2-fold) of H2O2 compared to controls in both root and shoot, while Ar/Air plasma caused no changes in H2O2. This phenomenon was supported by the biochemical and molecular evidence of SOD, APX and CAT in wheat plants. Plants derived from Ar/O2 treated seeds demonstrated a significant increase in SOD activity and TaSOD expression in roots of wheat, while APX and CAT activities along with TaCAT and TaAPX expression showed no significant changes. In contrast, Ar/Air plasma caused a significant increase only in APX activity in the shoot. This suggests that Ar/O2 plasma caused a slight induction in H2O2 accumulation without triggering the H2O2 scavengers (APX and CAT) and thus, efficiency affect growth and development in wheat plants. Further, grafting of control and Ar/O2 treated plants showed a significant increase in shoot biomass and H2O2 concentration in grafts having Ar/O2 rootstock regardless of the type scion attached to it. It indicates that signal driving Ar/O2 plasma mediated growth improvement in wheat is possibly originated in roots. Taken together, this paper delivers new insight into the mechanistic basis for growth improvement by LPDBD technique.
Senescent tumor cells building three-dimensional tumor clusters
Authors: Lee Hyun-Gyu , Kim June Hoan , Sun Woong , Chi Sung-Gil , Choi Wonshik , Lee Kyoung J.
Published: July 2018

Cellular senescence, a permanent cell-cycle arrest, is a common yet intriguing phenomenon, in which its beneficial significance for biological organisms has only begun to be explored. Among others, senescent cells are able to transform tissue structures around them. Tumor cells, whose hallmark is their ability to proliferate indefinitely, are not free from the phenomenon. Here, we report a remarkable observation where senescent cells in a dense mono-layer of breast cancer colony act as aggregating centers for non-senescent cells in their vicinity. Consequently, the senescent cells actively form localized 3D cell-clusters in a confluent 2D tumor layer. The biophysical mechanism underpinning the surprising phenomenon primarily involves mitotic cell-rounding, dynamic and differential cell attachments, and cellular chemotaxis. By incorporating these few biophysical factors, we were able to recapitulate the experimental observation via a cellular Potts Model.
An electrochemical sensor based on the composite of molybdenum carbides and a multiwalled carbon nanotube modified electrode for the ultrasensitive detection of rifampicin
Authors: Huang Qing , Li Xiaokun , Feng Suxiang , Zhuge Wenfeng , Liu Fengping , Peng Jinyun , Mo Shancai
Published: July 2018

The composite of molybdenum carbides and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs–Mo2C) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed to prepare an electrochemical sensor for the ultrasensitive detection of rifampicin.
Monitoring surface transformations of metal carbodiimide water oxidation catalysts byoperandoXAS and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Müller Rafael J. , Lan Jinggang , Lienau Karla , Moré René , Triana C. A. , Iannuzzi Marcella , Patzke Greta R.
Published: July 2018

Chemical and structural transformations at the electrode surface of metal carbodiimides MNCN (M = Co, Ni, Mn, Cu), were studied byoperandoRaman and XAS spectroscopy during electrocatalytic water oxidation
Synthesis, electronic structure and redox properties of the diruthenium sandwich complexes [Cp*Ru(μ-C10H8)RuCp*]x (x = 0, 1+; Cp* = C5Me5; C10H8 = naphthalene)
Authors: Herrmann Dirk , Rödl Christian , de Bruin Bas , Hartl František , Wolf Robert
Published: July 2018

Strong electronic coupling was observed between the metal centers in a naphthalene-bridged diruthenium complex.
Preclinical safety evaluation of the ethanolic extract fromCampomanesia pubescens(Mart. ex DC.) O.BERG (guavira) fruits: analysis of genotoxicity and clastogenic effects
Authors: Villas Boas Gustavo Roberto , Souza de Araújo Flávio Henrique , Moreira Marcelino Jhony , Almeida Castro Luis Henrique , Stefanello da Silveira Ana Paula , Silva Nacer Renato , Rodrigues de Souza Fabio , Cardoso Claudia Andréa Lima , Boerngen de Lacerda Roseli , Guterres Zaira da Rosa , Oesterreich Silvia Aparecida
Published: July 2018

Genotoxicity studies of medicinal plants are recommended by international regulatory agencies as part of the risk assessment.
Chiral metamaterialsviaMoiré stacking
Authors: Wu Zilong , Liu Yaoran , Hill Eric H. , Zheng Yuebing
Published: July 2018

With their highly tunable chiroptical responses in combination with cost-effective and scalable fabrication, chiral metamaterialsviamoiré stacking are promising for a wide range of applications.
Correction: An injectable hyaluronic acid/PEG hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering formed by integrating enzymatic crosslinking and Diels–Alder “click chemistry”
Authors: Yu Feng , Cao Xiaodong , Li Yuli , Zeng Lei , Yuan Bo , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘An injectable hyaluronic acid/PEG hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering formed by integrating enzymatic crosslinking and Diels–Alder “click chemistry”’ by Feng Yu et al., Polym. Chem., 2014, 5, 1082–1090.
A Br− anion adsorbed porous Ag nanowire film: in situ electrochemical preparation and application toward efficient CO2 electroreduction to CO with high selectivity
Authors: Qiu Weibin , Liang Ruping , Luo Yonglan , Cui Guangwei , Qiu Jianding , Sun Xuping
Published: July 2018

An AgBr-derived porous Ag nanowire film with adsorbed Br− anions shows a low onset overpotential of only 296 mV and a high CO faradaic efficiency of 96.2% at −0.6 V in CO2-saturated 0.5 M KHCO3.
Graphene/cardanol modified phenolic resin for the development of carbon fiber paper-based composites
Authors: Sang Mingzhu , Meng Yahui , Wang Shihua , Long Zhu
Published: July 2018

Carbon fiber paper-based composites (GCPC) were prepared by impregnating carbon fiber papers in a solution of graphene and cardanol modified phenolic resin (GCP).
ZnS coating for enhanced environmental stability and improved properties of ZnO thin films
Authors: Baranowska-Korczyc Anna , Kościński Mikołaj , Coy Emerson L. , Grześkowiak Bartosz F. , Jasiurkowska-Delaporte Małgorzata , Peplińska Barbara , Jurga Stefan
Published: July 2018

ZnS coating improves mechanical, electrical, antibacterial properties and environmental stability of ZnO nanofilms.
Synthesis, characterization, physical and thermodynamic properties of a novel anionic surfactant derived fromSapindus laurifolius
Authors: Saxena Neha , Pal Nilanjan , Ojha Keka , Dey Swapan , Mandal Ajay
Published: July 2018

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization, physical and thermodynamic properties of a novel anionic surfactant derived fromSapindus laurifoliusfor its potential application against conventional non-biodegradable surfactants.
Excellent binding effect ofl-methionine for immobilizing silver nanoparticles onto cotton fabrics to improve the antibacterial durability against washing
Authors: Zhou Jing , Cai Dongrong , Xu Qingbo , Zhang Yanyan , Fu Feiya , Diao Hongyan , Liu Xiangdong
Published: July 2018

l-Methionine has excellent binding ability with Ag NPs on antimicrobial cotton fabrics.
Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 2-chloro-3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline derivatives as antitumor agents: in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity, cell cycle arrest and apoptotic response
Authors: Kuang Wen-Bin , Huang Ri-Zhen , Fang Yi-Lin , Liang Gui-Bin , Yang Chen-Hui , Ma Xian-Li , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2018

A series of novel 2-chloro-3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline derivatives were designed and synthesized as antitumor agents under the combination principle. The antitumor activity and mechanisms were then evaluated.
Pyrrolidine and oxazolidine ring transformations in proline and serine derivatives of α-hydroxyphosphonates induced by deoxyfluorinating reagents
Authors: Kaczmarek Patrycja , Rapp Magdalena , Koroniak Henryk
Published: July 2018

Diastereoselective reactions of hydroxyphosphonates from proline or serine with fluorinating agents yielding piperidine-, oxazolidine-, aziridine- or sulfonate phosphonates were reported.
Systematic study of the structural parameters affecting the self-assembly of cyclic peptide–poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates
Authors: Mansfield Edward D. H. , Hartlieb Matthias , Catrouillet Sylvain , Rho Julia Y. , Larnaudie Sophie C. , Rogers Sarah E. , Sanchis Joaquin , Brendel Johannes C. , Perrier Sébastien
Published: July 2018

Self-assembling cyclic peptides (CP) consisting of amino acids with alternating d- and l-chirality form nanotubes by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and π–π stacking in solution.
A substrate-influenced three-dimensional unoriented dispersion pathway for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes
Authors: Hu Mengfei , Yuan Yuan , Guo Man , Pan Yankai , Long Donghui
Published: July 2018

MnO2–Cu leads to a new substrate-influenced deposition strategy, changing the Li deposition pathway into a 3D unoriented-dispersion deposition.
Peptide functionalized magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles obtained by microfluidics for inhibition of β-amyloid aggregation
Authors: Hassan N. , Cordero M. L. , Sierpe R. , Almada M. , Juárez J. , Valdez M. , Riveros A. , Vargas E. , Abou-Hassan A. , Ruso J. M. , Kogan M. J.
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for the inhibition of β-amyloid fibril formation.
Correlating the effective work function at buried organic/metal interfaces with organic solar cell characteristics
Authors: Shamieh Basel , Anselmo Ana S. , Vogel Uwe , Lariou Eirini , Hayes Sophia C. , Koch Norbert , Frey Gitti L.
Published: July 2018

Self-generated interlayers provide insight on the energy level alignment at the organic semiconductor/back contact interface in organic solar cells.
Silicate conductive filament assisted broadband light emission of HfO2 high-k solid state incandescent devices
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Niu Gang , Yang Can , Wu Shengli , Dai Liyan , Wu Haitao , Zhang Jintao
Published: July 2018

High-k material based solid state incandescent devices (SSI-LEDs) have attracted intense attention as a promising candidate for future broadband light emitting devices.
Ferromagnetic behavior induced by La-doping in SrCo2As2
Authors: Shen Shijie , Feng Shangshen , Lin Zhiping , Wang Zongpeng , Zhong Wenwu
Published: July 2018

The extremely chemically sensitive magnetic behavior changing from paramagnetism to ferromagnetism induced by incorporation of La (2.5%) in SrCo2As2 is shown.
Mitochondrial DNA transcription and translation: clinical syndromes
Authors: Boczonadi Veronika , Ricci Giulia , Horvath Rita
Published: July 2018

Diagnosing primary mitochondrial diseases is challenging in clinical practice. Although, defective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the common final pathway, it is unknown why different mtDNA or nuclear mutations result in largely heterogeneous and often tissue -specific clinical presentations. Mitochondrial tRNA (mt-tRNA) mutations are frequent causes of mitochondrial diseases both in children and adults. However numerous nuclear mutations involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis affecting ubiquitously expressed genes have been reported in association with very tissue specific clinical manifestations suggesting that there are so far unknown factors determining the tissue specificity in mitochondrial translation. Most of these gene defects result in histological abnormalities and multiple respiratory chain defects in the affected organs. The clinical phenotypes are usually early-onset, severe, and often fatal, implying the importance of mitochondrial translation from birth. However, some rare, reversible infantile mitochondrial diseases are caused by very specific defects of mitochondrial translation. An unbiased genetic approach (whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing) combined with proteomics and functional studies revealed novel factors involved in mitochondrial translation which contribute to the clinical manifestation and recovery in these rare reversible mitochondrial conditions.
Biomarkers for mitochondrial energy metabolism diseases
Authors: Boenzi Sara , Diodato Daria
Published: July 2018

Biomarkers are an indicator of biologic or pathogenic processes, whose function is indicating the presence/absence of disease or monitoring disease course and its response to treatment. Since mitochondrial disorders (MDs) can represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians, due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity, the identification of easily measurable biomarkers becomes a high priority. Given the complexity of MD, in particular the primary mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) diseases due to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) dysfunction, a reliable single biomarker, relevant for the whole disease group, could be extremely difficult to find, most of times leading the physicians to better consider a ‘biosignature’ for the diagnosis, rather than a single biochemical marker. Serum biomarkers like lactate and pyruvate are largely determined in the diagnostic algorithm of MD, but they are not specific to this group of disorders. The concomitant determination of creatine (Cr), plasma amino acids, and urine organic acids might be helpful to reinforce the biosignature in some cases. In recent studies, serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (sFGF21) and serum growth differentiation factor 15 (sGDF15) appear to be promising molecules in identifying MD. Moreover, new different approaches have been developed to discover new MD biomarkers. This work discusses the most important biomarkers currently used in the diagnosis of MRC diseases, and some approaches under evaluation, discussing both their utility and weaknesses.
Effects of Second Language Proficiency and Linguistic Uncertainty on Recognition of Speech in Native and Nonnative Competing Speech
Authors: Francis Alexander L. , Tigchelaar Laura J. , Zhang Rongrong , Zekveld Adriana A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2nd language proficiency and linguistic uncertainty on performance and listening effort in mixed language contexts.

Method

Thirteen native speakers of Dutch with varying degrees of fluency in English listened to and repeated sentences produced in both Dutch and English and presented in the presence of single-talker competing speech in both Dutch and English. Target and masker language combinations were presented in both blocked and mixed (unpredictable) conditions. In the blocked condition, in each block of trials the target–masker language combination remained constant, and the listeners were informed of both prior to beginning the block. In the mixed condition, target and masker language varied randomly from trial to trial. All listeners participated in all conditions. Performance was assessed in terms of speech reception thresholds, whereas listening effort was quantified in terms of pupil dilation.

Results

Performance (speech reception thresholds) and listening effort (pupil dilation) were both affected by 2nd language proficiency (English test score) and target and masker language: Performance was better in blocked as compared to mixed conditions, with Dutch as compared to English targets, and with English as compared to Dutch maskers. English proficiency was correlated with listening performance. Listeners also exhibited greater peak pupil dilation in mixed as compared to blocked conditions for trials with Dutch maskers, whereas pupil dilation during preparation for speaking was higher for English targets as compared to Dutch ones in almost all conditions.

Conclusions

Both listener's proficiency in a 2nd language and uncertainty about the target language on a given trial play a significant role in how bilingual listeners attend to speech in the presence of competing speech in different languages, but precise effects also depend on which language is serving as target and which as masker.
Short-Term Memory, Inhibition, and Attention in Developmental Stuttering: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ofoe Levi C. , Anderson Julie D. , Ntourou Katerina
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study presents a meta-analytic review of differences in verbal short-term memory, inhibition, and attention between children who stutter (CWS) and children who do not stutter (CWNS).

Method

Electronic databases and reference sections of articles were searched for candidate studies that examined verbal short-term memory, inhibition, and attention using behavioral and/or parent report measures. Twenty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria, which included, among other things, children between the ages of 3 and 18 years and the availability of quantitative data for effect size calculations. Data were extracted, coded, and analyzed, with the magnitude of the difference between the 2 groups of children being estimated using Hedge's
g
(Hedges & Olkin, 1985).

Results

Based on the random-effects model (Hunter & Schmidt, 2004), findings revealed that CWS scored lower than CWNS on measures of nonword repetition (Hedges'
g
= −0.62), particularly at lengths of 2 and 3 syllables (Hedges'
g
= −0.62 and − 0.50, respectively), and forward span (Hedges'
g
= −0.40). Analyses further revealed that the parents of CWS rated their children as having weaker inhibition (Hedges'
g
= −0.44) and attentional focus/persistence (Hedges'
g
= −0.36) skills than the parents of CWNS, but there were no significant differences between CWS and CWNS in behavioral measures of inhibition and attention.

Conclusion

The present findings were taken to suggest that cognitive processes are important variables associated with developmental stuttering.
Wait…What??? Guiding Intervention Principles for Students With Verbal Working Memory Limitations
Authors: Singer Bonnie D. , Bashir Anthony S.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical focus article is to present 5 guiding principles for the development of interventions for children with limited verbal working memory abilities.

Method

Summarizing and synthesizing previously reported theories and empirical data, we present a framework intended to guide working memory interventions.

Results

Existing research and theory support a comprehensive, multidimensional treatment model that considers the knowledge and abilities of the student and the language-learning demands they face in the various contexts of a school day.

Conclusion

The clinical framework for which we are advocating is one that embodies the characteristics of complex interventions—those made up of many individual components that work synchronously in conjunction with each other.
Decoding: It's Not All About the Letters
Authors: Squires Katie E.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Reading requires the ability to decode and comprehend. Impairments in working memory (WM) are often implicated in students who are poor decoders. It is unclear whether this is a domain-specific issue or a task-specific issue. Therefore, this study examined how auditory–verbal (AV) WM, visual–spatial (VS) WM, and cognitive load affected the decoding skills of students identified as poor readers.

Method

Twenty-five 2nd-grade and 23 fifth-grade students completed 3 different measures requiring various levels of cognitive demand for each domain of WM, and their decoding skills were assessed with word identification and word attack measures.

Results

AV WM measures with moderate and high cognitive demands were correlated with 2nd-grade students' abilities to decode words. AV WM measures also predicted their performance on decoding tasks. For 5th-grade students, the AV WM measure with simple cognitive load was correlated with ability to decode words. The VS WM measures were not correlated with word identification or word attack at either level.

Conclusions

This study has implications for training instruction in reading. Because the AV WM measures and not the VS WM measures predicted decoding performance in second graders, a greater emphasis on language-rich reading programs could be beneficial in scaffolding early academic achievement and reading performance.
Do Bilingual Children Have an Executive Function Advantage? Results From Inhibition, Shifting, and Updating Tasks
Authors: Arizmendi Genesis D. , Alt Mary , Gray Shelley , Hogan Tiffany P. , Green Samuel , Cowan Nelson
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in performance between monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual second graders (aged 7–9 years old) on executive function tasks assessing inhibition, shifting, and updating to contribute more evidence to the ongoing debate about a potential bilingual executive function advantage.

Method

One hundred sixty-seven monolingual English-speaking children and 80 Spanish–English bilingual children were administered 7 tasks on a touchscreen computer in the context of a pirate game. Bayesian statistics were used to determine if there were differences between the monolingual and bilingual groups. Additional analyses involving covariates of maternal level of education and nonverbal intelligence, and matching on these same variables, were also completed.

Results

Scaled-information Bayes factor scores more strongly favored the null hypothesis that there were no differences between the bilingual and monolingual groups on any of the executive function tasks. For 2 of the tasks, we found an advantage in favor of the monolingual group.

Conclusions

If there is a bilingual advantage in school-aged children, it is not robust across circumstances. We discuss potential factors that might counteract an actual advantage, including task reliability and environmental influences.
Lithium in the Hyades L5 brown dwarf 2MASS J04183483+2131275
Authors: Lodieu N. , Rebolo R. , Pérez-Garrido A.
Published: July 2018

Aims. From the luminosity, effective temperature and age of the Hyades brown dwarf 2MASS J04183483+2131275 (2M0418), substellar evolutionary models predict a mass in the range 39−55 Jupiter masses (MJup) which is insufficient to produce any substantial lithium burning except for the very upper range >53 MJup. Our goal is to measure the abundance of lithium in this object, test the consistency between models and observations and refine constraints on the mass and age of the object.

Methods. We used the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) with its low-dispersion optical spectrograph to obtain ten spectra of 2277 s each covering the range 6300–10 300 Å with a resolving power of R ~ 500.

Results. In the individual spectra, which span several months, we detect persistent unresolved Hα in emission with pseudo equivalent widths (pEW) in the range 45–150 Å and absorption lines of various alkalis with the typical strengths found in objects of L5 spectral type. The lithium resonance line at 6707.8 Å is detected with pEW of 18 ± 4 Å in 2M0418 (L5).

Conclusions. We determine a lithium abundance of log N(Li) = 3.0 ± 0.4 dex consistent with a minimum preservation of 90% of this element which confirms 2M0418 as a brown dwarf with a maximum mass of 52 MJup. We infer a maximum age for the Hyades of 775 Myr from a comparison with the BHAC15 models. Combining recent results from the literature with our study, we constrain the mass of 2M0418 to 45–52 MJup and the age of the cluster to 580–775 Myr (1σ) based on the lithium depletion boundary method.
A novel endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle microbiopsy procedure improves diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions
Authors: Kovacevic Bojan , Klausen Pia , Hasselby Jane Preuss , Karstensen John Gásdal , Rift Charlotte Vestrup , Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Toxværd Anders , Hansen Carsten Palnæs , Storkholm Jan , Hassan Hazem , Vilmann Peter
Published: July 2018

Background Pancreatic cystic lesions represent a diagnostic dilemma as some may harbor malignancy or have potential for malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to present our experience with a novel endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided microbiopsy procedure enabling procurement of tissue from the wall of the cystic lesion.

Methods We collected data from 31 consecutive patients with pancreatic cystic lesions who underwent an EUS-guided microbiopsy procedure at our institution. Records were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database.

Results The technical success was 87.1 %. Diagnostic yield of microbiopsies was 71.0 %. Microbiopsies offered sufficient tissue for morphological and immunohistochemical characterization of the lesions, as well as determination of grade of dysplasia. Furthermore, evaluation of microbiopsies changed the clinical management in six patients (19.4 %). Three nonsevere adverse events were observed (9.7 %): two cases of mild infection and one case of mild pancreatitis. All three patients recovered completely.

Conclusions EUS-guided microbiopsy procedure was technically feasible, with a high diagnostic yield. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these promising results.
Increased Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Levels in Uremic Patients on Regular Hemodialysis
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Matsuo Takefumi , Yamada Tsutomu , Matsuo Miyako
Published: July 2018

We investigated tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels in 44 non-dialysis uremic patients and 36 chronic dialysis patients, as well as the changes of TFPI levels during hemodialysis sessions using heparin (n = 14), low molecular weight heparin (n = 7), nafamostat mesilate (n = 5), and argatroban (n = 2). In non-dialysis uremic patients, TFPI levels increased (mean ± SD: 178 ± 37% of control pooled plasma) along with the impairment of renal function. In chronic hemodialysis patients, TFPI levels were even higher (265 ± 72%) before dialysis, but did not depend on the etiology of renal failure (diabetic or non-diabetic), the interval between dialysis sessions (twice or three times a week), and the duration of hemodialysis. During hemodialysis sessions using heparin, TFPI levels increased 1.2-to 3.5-fold compared with the level before hemodialysis and the degree of increase in TFPI was correlated with the heparin concentration (r = 0.648, p = 0.0001, n = 29). During dialysis sessions using low molecular weight heparin, TFPI levels also increased, but the change was less marked than during dialysis with heparin. TFPI levels did not change during dialysis sessions using nafamostat mesilate or argatroban. In conclusion, TFPI levels were increased by renal failure and by long-term repeated injection of heparin, but the hemodialysis procedure itself did not alter the TFPI level.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of a Low Molecular Weight Heparin (Enoxaparin) after Subcutaneous Injection, Comparison with Unfractionated Heparin – A Three Way Cross Over Study in Human Volunteers
Authors: Bendetowicz Ana Victoria , Béguin Suzette , Caplain H , Hemker H Coenraad
Published: July 2018

We determined, in volunteers, the plasma levels of heparin above and below the critical chainlength necessary for thrombin inhibition (ACLM and BCLM), from 1 to 24 h after subcutaneous injection of 5000IU unfractionated heparin (UFH), 40 mg enoxaparin and 1 mg/kg body weight of enoxaparin (LMWH) (n = 12 for each dose). The levels were calculated from the antithrombin- and anti-Xa activities using the specific activities of the materials injected. We also determined the course of thrombin- and of factor Xa generation after triggering the extrinsic system in the same samples. From the thrombin generation curves, we calculated the course of prothrombinase activity.

When the ACLM and BCLM plasma-levels are plotted against the inhibition of thrombin- and factor Xa generation, it appears that:

a) There is a unique dose response relationship between ACLM level and the inhibition of thrombin generation, independent of whether the ACLM is derived from UFH or LMWH. This relationship is not significantly altered by the BCLM appearing after LMWH injection.

b) There is a similar unique relationship between ACLM level and the inhibition of factor Xa generation, again independent of BCLM.

c) Inhibition of prothrombin activation hardly contributes to the overall effect on thrombin formation and is again independent of the source of ACLM.

d) ACLM levels were significantly higher after injection of LMWH than after UFH injection, even though the amounts of ACLM injected with the highest dose of LMWH were smaller than those administered in the UFH injection.

We conclude that the only functional difference between LMWH and UFH is the much higher bioavailability of the former. We surmise that, from the UFH injected, only the lower molecular weight species reach the circulation, i. e. a fraction similar to the ACLM injected with enoxaparin.
DX-9065a, a New Synthetic, Potent Anticoagulant and Selective Inhibitor for Factor Xa
Authors: Hara Tsuyoshi , Yokoyama Asako , Ishihara Hiroaki , Yokoyama Yukio , Nagahara Takayasu , Iwamoto Masahiro
Published: July 2018

DX-9065a is an orally active newly synthesized and specific inhibitor for factor Xa. We have examined the property of DX-9065a in vitro and ex vivo. DX-9065a prolonged human plasma recalcification time, APTT and PT. Its doubling concentrations for clotting times of each coagulation assay were 0.49, 0.97 and 0.52 μM, respectively. Kinetic study revealed that DX-9065a inhibited competitively human factor Xa (Ki value: 41 μM). Ki values (pM) for other human serine proteases were as follows; thrombin >2000, trypsin 0.62, chymotrypsin >2000, plasmin 23, t-PA 21, plasma kallikrein 2.3 and tissue kallikrein 1000. DX-9065a up to 100 μM had no effects on human platelet aggregation. After intravenous or oral administration, DX-9065a significantly prolonged APTT and PT with a dose dependent manner. These effects were well correlated with anti-Xa activity in plasma. These results suggest that DX-9065a may become an anticoagulant by means of the specific inhibition of factor Xa.