bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal fluorosis in relation to drinking water in rural areas of West Azerbaijan, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Ali Akbar , Yousefi Mahmood , Yaseri Mehdi , Jalilzadeh Mohsen , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: December 2017

Skeletal fluorosis resulting from high fluoride level in drinking water is a major public health problem. The present study evaluated the association between exposures to drinking water fluoride and skeletal fluorosis in 5 villages of Poldasht County, Iran. All the data and information on the prevalence of bone diseases were obtained from the Health Record Department, Poldasht Health Centre. To obtain the odds ratio of bone disease problem in different risk factors, when considering the cluster effect of rural area, logistic regression in a multilevel model was used. Results showed that skeletal fluorosis of people who live in areas with high fluoride concentration is 18.1% higher than that of individuals who live in areas with low fluoride concentration. Skeletal fluorosis (54.5%) was observed in the age group of 71 years and above, and was more commonly found in females than males. According to Unadjusted, individuals who consume ≤3 unit milk and dairy products per week have almost the same level of bone diseases as compared to those that consume more than 3 units. This study indicated that, skeletal fluorosis is a general health problem in these rural areas because the results revealed that high percentage of the studied population had symptoms of skeletal fluorosis.
The mating type locus protein MAT1-2-1 of Trichoderma reesei interacts with Xyr1 and regulates cellulase gene expression in response to light
Authors: Zheng Fanglin , Cao Yanli , Wang Lei , Lv Xinxing , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhang Weixin , Chen Guanjun , Liu Weifeng
Published: December 2017

Cellulase production in the model cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei is subject to a variety of environmental and physiological conditions involving an intricate regulatory network with multiple transcription factors. Here, we identified the mating type locus protein MAT1-2-1 as an interacting partner for the key transcriptional activator Xyr1 of T. reesei cellulase genes. Yeast two-hybrid and GST pulldown analyses revealed that MAT1-2-1 directly interacted with the putative transcription activation domain (AD, 767~940 aa) and the middle homology region (MHR2, 314~632 aa) of Xyr1. Disruption of the mat1-2-1 gene compromised the induced expression of cellulase genes with Avicel in response to light or with lactose. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated that MAT1-2-1 was recruited to the cbh1 (cellobiohydrolase 1-encoding) gene promoter in a Xyr1-dependent manner. These results strongly support an important role of MAT1-2-1 as a physiological cofactor of Xyr1, and suggest that MAT1-2-1 represents another regulatory node that integrates the light response with carbon source signaling to fine tune cellulase gene transcription.
Urinary endotrophin predicts disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Fenton Anthony , Jesky Mark , Ferro Charles , Boor Peter , Tepel Martin , Karsdal Morten Asser , Genovese Federica , Cockwell Paul
Published: December 2017

Renal fibrosis is the central pathogenic process in progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Collagen type VI (COL VI) is upregulated in renal fibrosis. Endotrophin is released from COL VI and promotes pleiotropic pro-fibrotic effects. Kidney disease severity varies considerably and accurate information regarding CKD progression may improve clinical decisions. We tested the hypothesis that urinary endotrophin derived during COL VI deposition in fibrotic human kidneys is a marker for progression of CKD in the Renal Impairment in Secondary Care (RIISC) cohort, a prospective observational study of 499 CKD patients. Endotrophin localised to areas of increased COL VI deposition in fibrotic kidneys but was not present in histologically normal kidneys. The third and fourth quartiles of urinary endotrophin:creatinine ratio (ECR) were independently associated with one-year disease progression after adjustment for traditional risk factors (OR (95%CI) 3.68 (1.06–12.83) and 8.65 (2.46–30.49), respectively). Addition of ECR quartiles to the model for disease progression increased prediction as seen by an increase in category-free net reclassification improvement (0.45, 95% CI 0.16–0.74, p = 0.002) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.04, 95% CI 0.02–0.06, p < 0.001). ECR was associated with development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is concluded that ECR predicts disease progression of CKD patients.
Investigations of the Optical Properties of GaNAs Alloys by First-Principle
Authors: Borovac Damir , Tan Chee-Keong , Tansu Nelson
Published: December 2017

We present a Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis of the optical properties of dilute-As GaN1−xAsx alloys with arsenic (As) content ranging from 0% up to 12.5%. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function are investigated, and the results are compared to experimental and theoretical values for GaN. The analysis extends to present the complex refractive index and the normal-incidence reflectivity. The refractive index difference between GaN and GaNAs alloys can be engineered to be up to ~0.35 in the visible regime by inserting relatively low amounts of As-content into the GaN system. Thus, the analysis elucidates on the birefringence of the dilute-As GaNAs alloys and comparison to other experimentally characterized III-nitride systems is drawn. Our findings indicate the potential of GaNAs alloys for III-nitride based waveguide and photonic circuit design applications.
Assessment of Lipid and Metabolite Changes in Obese Calf Muscle Using Multi-Echo Echo-planar Correlated Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Nagarajan Rajakumar , Carpenter Catherine L. , Lee Cathy C. , Michael Navin , Sarma Manoj K. , Souza Raissa , Xu Edward , Velan S. Sendhil , Hahn Theodore J. , Go Vay-Liang , Thomas M. Albert
Published: December 2017

Obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes are leading causes of preventable death. Recent evidence suggests that altered myocellular lipid metabolism in obesity may lead to increased insulin resistance (IR) that predisposes to these disorders. To test the hypothesis that muscles rich in type I vs. type II muscle fibers would exhibit similar changes in intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content in obesity, we utilized a new four-dimensional multi echo echo-planar correlated spectroscopic imaging technique that allows separate determination of IMCL and EMCL content in individual calf muscles in obese vs. normal healthy human subjects. Calf muscles were scanned in 32 obese and 11 healthy subjects using a 3T MRI/MRS scanner, and IR in the obese subjects was documented by glucose tolerance testing. In obese subjects, elevation of both IMCL and EMCL content was observed in the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles (with mixed type I and II fiber content), while a significant increase in only IMCL content (+48%, p < 0.001) was observed in the soleus muscle (predominantly type I fibers). These observations indicate unexpected differences in changes in myolipid metabolism in type I vs. type II rich muscle regions in obesity, perhaps related to IR, and warrant further investigation.
Single Crystal Organic Nanoflowers
Authors: Sasidharan Sajitha , P. C. Shyni , Chaudhary Nitin , Ramakrishnan Vibin
Published: December 2017

Nano-flowers reported so far were mostly constituted of inorganic or hybrid materials. We have synthesized and crystallized a new organic compound, 1, 2-bis(tritylthio)ethane forming an organic nano-flower consisting of single crystalline petals. Crystal structure at nano and micro level indicates that π-π stacking interactions between aromatic systems is the principal factor governing molecular recognition and assembly. Single crystal X-ray Diffraction (S-XRD) supported by Selective Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) experiments indicate the single crystalline nature of the flower-like assembly even at the nanoscale. In order to fabricate the nanoflower as a potential stimulus responsive material; the ‘petals’ were coated with magnetite nanoparticles, verified by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) analysis. Herein, we have further tested the potential utility of the hybrid material in water remediation as a nano-based adsorbent for removal of heavy metals like chromium.
Transfer of Minibeam Radiation Therapy into a cost-effective equipment for radiobiological studies: a proof of concept
Authors: Prezado Y. , Dos Santos M. , Gonzalez W. , Jouvion G. , Guardiola C. , Heinrich S. , Labiod D. , Juchaux M. , Jourdain L. , Sebrie C. , Pouzoulet F.
Published: December 2017

Minibeam radiation therapy (MBRT) is an innovative synchrotron radiotherapy technique able to shift the normal tissue complication probability curves to significantly higher doses. However, its exploration was hindered due to the limited and expensive beamtime at synchrotrons. The aim of this work was to develop a cost-effective equipment to perform systematic radiobiological studies in view of MBRT. Tumor control for various tumor entities will be addressable as well as studies to unravel the distinct biological mechanisms involved in normal and tumor tissues responses when applying MBRT. With that aim, a series of modifications of a small animal irradiator were performed to make it suitable for MBRT experiments. In addition, the brains of two groups of rats were irradiated. Half of the animals received a standard irradiation, the other half, MBRT. The animals were followed-up for 6.5 months. Substantial brain damage was observed in the group receiving standard RT, in contrast to the MBRT group, where no significant lesions were observed. This work proves the feasibility of the transfer of MBRT outside synchrotron sources towards a small animal irradiator.
Visible emission from bismuth-doped yttrium oxide thin films for lighting and display applications
Authors: Scarangella Adriana , Fabbri Filippo , Reitano Riccardo , Rossi Francesca , Priolo Francesco , Miritello Maria
Published: December 2017

Due to the great development of light sources for several applications from displays to lighting, great efforts are devoted to find stable and efficient visible emitting materials. Moreover, the requirement of Si compatibility could enlarge the range of applications inside microelectronic chips. In this scenario, we have studied the emission properties of bismuth doped yttrium oxide thin films grown on crystalline silicon. Under optical pumping at room temperature a stable and strong visible luminescence has been observed. In particular, by the involvement of Bi ions in the two available lattice sites, the emission can be tuned from violet to green by changing the excitation wavelength. Moreover, under electron beam at low accelerating voltages (3 keV) a blue emission with high efficiency and excellent stability has been recorded. The color is generated by the involvement of Bi ions in both the lattice sites. These peculiarities make this material interesting as a luminescent medium for applications in light emitting devices and field emission displays by opening new perspectives for the realization of silicon-technology compatible light sources operating at room temperature.
Multiple gene genealogy reveals high genetic diversity and evidence for multiple origins of Chinese Plasmopara viticola population
Authors: Zhang Wei , Manawasinghe Ishara S. , Zhao Wensheng , Xu Jianping , Brooks Siraprapa , Zhao Xueyan , Hyde Kevin D. , Chethana K. W. Thilini , Liu Jianhua , Li Xinghong , Yan Jiye
Published: December 2017

Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevines worldwide. So far, the genetic diversity and origin of the Chinese P. viticola population are unclear. In the present study, 103 P. viticola isolates were sequenced at four gene regions: internal transcribed spacer one (ITS), large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU), actin gene (ACT) and beta-tubulin (TUB). The sequences were analyzed to obtain polymorphism and diversity information of the Chinese population as well as to infer the relationships between Chinese and American isolates. High genetic diversity was observed for the Chinese population, with evidence of sub-structuring based on climate. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks showed evidence of close relationships between some American and Chinese isolates, consistent with recent introduction from America to China via planting materials. However, there is also evidence for endemic Chinese P. viticola isolates. Our results suggest that the current Chinese Plasmopara viticola population is an admixture of endemic and introduced isolates.
CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides developed for grouper toll-like receptor (TLR) 21s effectively activate mouse and human TLR9s mediated immune responses
Authors: Yeh Da-Wei , Lai Chao-Yang , Liu Yi-Ling , Lu Chih-Hao , Tseng Ping-Hui , Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Yu Guann-Yi , Liu Shih-Jen , Leng Chih-Hsiang , Chuang Tsung-Hsien
Published: December 2017

Synthetic phosphorothiolate-modified CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) are potent immune stimuli. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 and TLR21 are their cellular receptors in different species. The structural requirements for CpG-ODN to strongly activate TLR9 have been relatively well studied, but studies on TLR21 are in their infancy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the interaction between CpG-ODNs and TLR21s from groupers (Epinephelusspp.), which are economically important fish species. We cloned the cDNA of giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) TLR21, and compared its sequence with orange-spotted grouper (E. coioides) TLR21A and TLR21B. These three receptors were activated by CpG-ODNs containing the GTCGTT motif but not by those containing the GACGTT motif. We developed two CpG-ODNs that contained 19 phosphorothiolated deoxynucleotides with one or two GTCGTT motifs. These CpG-ODNs had better activity on grouper TLR21s than currently developed CpG-ODNs, and produced similar immune stimulatory profiles when applied to cells isolated from orange-spotted grouper. The developed CpG-ODNs also effectively activated both human and mouse TLR9-mediated NF-κB activation and cytokine productions. These findings suggest that the GTCGTT motif is required for CpG-ODNs to activate grouper TLR21s, and that the CpG-ODNs that were developed for grouper TLR21s contain structures that effectively activate human and mouse TLR9s.
Silica inhalation altered telomere length and gene expression of telomere regulatory proteins in lung tissue of rats
Authors: Shoeb Mohammad , Joseph Pius , Kodali Vamsi , Mustafa Gul , Farris Breanne Y. , Umbright Christina , Roberts Jenny R. , Erdely Aaron , Antonini James M.
Published: December 2017

Exposure to silica can cause lung fibrosis and cancer. Identification of molecular targets is important for the intervention and/or prevention of silica-induced lung diseases. Telomeres consist of tandem repeats of DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes, preventing chromosomal fusion and degradation. Regulator of telomere length-1 (RTEL1) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), genes involved in telomere regulation and function, play important roles in maintaining telomere integrity and length. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of silica inhalation on telomere length and the regulation of RTEL1 and TERT. Lung tissues and blood samples were collected from rats at 4, 32, and 44 wk after exposure to 15 mg/m3 of silica × 6 h/d × 5 d. Controls were exposed to air. At all-time points, RTEL1 expression was significantly decreased in lung tissue of the silica-exposed animals compared to controls. Also, significant increases in telomere length and TERT were observed in the silica group at 4 and 32 wk. Telomere length, RTEL1 and TERT expression may serve as potential biomarkers related to silica exposure and may offer insight into the molecular mechanism of silica-induced lung disease and tumorigeneses.
Resensitization of Akt Induced Docetaxel Resistance in Breast Cancer by ‘Iturin A’ a Lipopeptide Molecule from Marine Bacteria Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Dey Goutam , Bharti Rashmi , Das Anjan Kumar , Sen Ramkrishna , Mandal Mahitosh
Published: December 2017

Development of the resistance is the major problem in cancer therapy. Docetaxel is a taxol alkaloid that is frequently used in metastatic breast cancer. However, resistance often limits the usefulness of this drug in many breast cancer patients. Manipulation of resistant cells to re-sensitize to the therapeutic effect of docetaxel is current strategy to overcome this problem. Here, we have introduced ‘Iturin A’ as a potent chemosensitizer in docetaxel resistant breast cancer cells. Combination of Iturin A and docetaxel treatment significantly hampered the proliferation of docetaxel resistant MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Cell cycle analysis also showed massive amount of apoptotic population (Sub G0/G1) in combination therapy. A number of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins were significantly altered in dual drug treated groups. Caspase 3 dependent cell death was observed in dual treatment. Molecular mechanism study showed that over-expression of Akt and its downstream signaling pathway was associated with docetaxel resistance. Iturin A significantly reduced Akt signaling pathway in resistant cells. This mechanistic action might be the reason behind the chemo-sensitization effect of Iturin A in docetaxel resistant breast cancer cells. In conclusion, Iturin A resensitized the resistant breast cancer cells to docetaxel therapy by inhibiting Akt activity.
Dietary Habits and Cooking Methods Could Reduce Avoidable Exposure to PCBs in Maternal and Cord Sera
Authors: Jin Weiwei , Otake Masae , Eguchi Akifumi , Sakurai Kenichi , Nakaoka Hiroko , Watanabe Masahiro , Todaka Emiko , Mori Chisato
Published: December 2017

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), like other persistent organic pollutants, are accumulating throughout the food chain and pose health threats to humans, especially children and foetuses. There is no protocol for reducing the contamination levels of the PCBs in humans. This study identified food items and cooking methods that reduce serum PCB levels by analysing data collected from the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health. The sample size was 194 subjects. Serum PCB levels were measured using gas chromatography–electron capture negative ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry. Information on dietary habits was obtained from a brief diet history questionnaire that included questions about food items and cooking methods. Food items were categorized into food groups, and nutrient levels were calculated based on food item consumption. Principal component analysis and lasso regression were used as statistical methods. The analyses of food items and nutrients suggested that food items rich in dietary fibre reduce avoidable exposure to PCBs, as could grilling and deep frying of food, which could reduce avoidable exposure to serum PCBs in mothers and foetuses. (174 words).
Recombinant human osteopontin expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana stimulates osteogenesis related genes in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Rattanapisit Kaewta , Abdulheem Supaniga , Chaikeawkaew Daneeya , Kubera Anchanee , Mason Hugh S. , Ma Julian K-C , Pavasant Prasit , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo
Published: December 2017

Tissue engineering aims to utilise biologic mediators to facilitate tissue regeneration. Several recombinant proteins have potential to mediate induction of bone production, however, the high production cost of mammalian cell expression impedes patient access to such treatments. The aim of this study is to produce recombinant human osteopontin (hOPN) in plants for inducing dental bone regeneration. The expression host wasNicotiana benthamianausing a geminiviral vector for transient expression. OPN expression was confirmed by Western blot and ELISA, and OPN was purified using Ni affinity chromatography. Structural analysis indicated that plant-produced hOPN had a structure similar to commercial HEK cell-produced hOPN. Biological function of the plant-produced hOPN was also examined. Human periodontal ligament stem cells were seeded on an OPN-coated surface. The results indicated that cells could grow normally on plant-produced hOPN as compared to commercial HEK cell-produced hOPN determined by MTT assay. Interestingly, increased expression of osteogenic differentiation-related genes, includingOSX,DMP1, andWnt3a, was observed by realtime PCR. These results show the potential of plant-produced OPN to induce osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from periodontal ligamentin vitro, and suggest a therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration in the future.
Reference and Influential Factors of Serum Bone Markers in Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Liu Lichao , Li Ping , Ma Jie , Jiang Ranhua , Wang Renee , Li Ling , Guan Haixia
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to establish reference ranges of bone markers in Chinese adolescents between the age of 12 and 16, and to search these markers’ characteristics and influential factors. Personal information and fasting blood samples were collected from 174 healthy adolescents in Northeast China. Serum levels of PINP, ALP, β-CrossLaps, calcium, phosphate, PTH, 25(OH)D and TSH were measured. Reference ranges were established for PINP [(85.55–2,028.75)ng/ml], ALP [(53.88–463.63)U/L], β-CrossLaps [(0.16–1.19)ng/ml], calcium [(2.35–2.70)mmol/L], phosphate [(1.17–2.06)mmol/L] and PTH [(2.64–43.36)μg/L] in this population. We observed that bone formation markers PINP and ALP levels were evidently higher when compared to kit references for adults. Reference ranges for calcium, phosphate and PTH also differed from those provided by kit manuals. Serum ALP, PINP, phosphate and PTH changed with age (all P < 0.005), and were significantly higher in boys than in girls (all P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D and TSH levels didn’t correlate with PINP, ALP and β-CrossLaps (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, unique reference ranges should be provided for adolescents. BMI, sex and age independently influence certain serum bone markers in adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Serum levels of vitamin D and TSH may not influence bone turnover markers in this population.
Tunable liquid crystal multifocal microlens array
Authors: Algorri José Francisco , Bennis Noureddine , Urruchi Virginia , Morawiak Przemek , Sánchez-Pena José Manuel , Jaroszewicz Leszek R.
Published: December 2017

A novel liquid crystal microlens array with tunable multifocal capability, high optical power and fill-factor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A specific hole pattern design produces a multifocal array with only one voltage control. Three operations modes are possible, “Off”, “Tunable Multifocal” and “Unifocal”. The design is patterned in both substrates. Then, the substrates are arranged in symmetrical configuration. The result is a high optical power in comparison with typical hole patterned structures. Besides, it is proposed a hexagonal pattern that produces a high fill factor, specially indicated for some applications as Integral Imaging. The array has several useful characteristics for this type of application: tunability for the loss of resolution; multifocal for extended DOF; high fill factor for increase the number of views; and low power consumption for integration in portable devices. Moreover, the optical characteristics of the proposed device could bring new applications in other fields.
Molecular thresholds of ITS2 and their implications for molecular evolution and species identification in seed plants
Authors: Qin Ying , Li Meihui , Cao Yong , Gao Ya , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2017

Although molecular data have revealed huge amounts of plant diversity, interpreting genetic diversity into entities corresponding to species is still challenging. Taxonomic ranking based on genetic distance has been used extensively, but the results have been open to dispute, while the application of the strategy to plants has been restricted to a small number of cases. Here, levels of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence variation were examined from 17,203 sequences, representing 5,439 species in 113 genera of seed plants, to ascertain the association between species status and their molecular divergence. Our results showed that, although the average genetic distances of sister species (AGDS) varied among angiosperms, the mean value was 3.98% and seemed not to be influenced by higher-level hierarchical classification or life history. AGDS was also stable within the major lineages of the gymnosperms but at approximately half the value of angiosperms, except for the Gnetidae, where the AGDS almost equaled that of angiosperms. We found that these AGDS discrepancies, associated with the rates of molecular evolution, cannot simply be attributed to generation-time differences, and highlight the complex life histories of plants. Our results provide general ITS2 thresholds in seed plants, and suggest their use in species identification.
Aneurysm Severity is Increased by Combined Mmp-7 Deletion and N-cadherin Mimetic (EC4-Fc) Over-Expression
Authors: Lyon Cressida A. , Williams Helen , Bianco Rosaria , Simmonds Steven J. , Brown Bethan A. , Wadey Kerry S. , Smith Frank C. T. , Johnson Jason L. , George Sarah J.
Published: December 2017

There is an unmet need for treatments to reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis precipitates AAA formation, whereas VSMC proliferation repairs the vessel wall. We previously demonstrated that over-expression of EC4-Fc (truncated N-cadherin), or deletion of matrix-metalloproteinase-7 (Mmp-7) reduced VSMC apoptosis in mouse atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, MMP-7 promotes VSMC apoptosis by cleavage of N-cadherin. We investigated their combined effect on AAA formation. Increased apoptosis and proliferation were observed in human AAA (HAAA) sections compared to normal aortae (HA). This coincided with increased MMP-7 activity and reduced N-cadherin protein levels in HAAA sections compared to HA. Using a mouse model of aneurysm formation, we showed that the combination of Mmp-7 deletion and EC4-Fc overexpression significantly increased AAA severity. Medial apoptosis and proliferation were both significantly reduced in these mice compared to control mice. In vitro, MMP-7 inhibition and EC4-Fc administration significantly supressed human aortic VSMC apoptosis (via activation of PI-3 kinase/Akt signalling) and proliferation. In conclusion, combined Mmp-7 deletion and systemic over-expression of EC4-Fc reduced both proliferation and apoptosis. Reduced proliferation-mediated repair over-rides any benefit of reduced apoptosis, increasing aneurysm severity. Future studies should therefore focus on retarding VSMC apoptosis whilst promoting VSMC proliferation.
Transcriptome and metabolome profiling of Narcissus pseudonarcissus ‘King Alfred’ reveal components of Amaryllidaceae alkaloid metabolism
Authors: Singh Aparna , Desgagné-Penix Isabel
Published: December 2017

Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) represent a diverse class of plant specialized metabolites and many display potent pharmacological activities. The AA metabolic pathway is poorly understood and resources are minimal. To enable AA pathway elucidation and novel biosynthetic enzymes discovery, we generated comprehensive metabolomic and corresponding transcriptomic datasets from different tissues of Narcissus pseudonarcissus ‘King Alfred’. In this study, we performed untargeted UPLC-QTOF-MS metabolite analysis from different tissues, which generated exhaustive list of compounds, including several AAs, most predominant and diverse in bulbs. RNA sequencing of N. pseudonarcissus ‘King Alfred’ bulbs yielded 195,347 transcripts, after assembly. Top expressed genes belong to process like metabolism, survival, and defense including alkaloid biosynthetic genes. The transcriptome contained complete sequences for all proposed genes encoding AA-biosynthetic enzymes such as tyrosine decarboxylase (TYDC1 and TYDC2), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL1 and PAL2) and phenolic acids hydroxylases (C4H and C3H) to name a few. Furthermore, transcriptome data were validated using RT-qPCR analysis and expression study in different tissues of N. pseudonarcissus ‘King Alfred’ was performed. Here, we present the first comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome study from N. pseudonarcissus ‘King Alfred’ providing invaluable resources for metabolic engineering and biotechnological applications.
Social learning may lead to population level conformity without individual level frequency bias
Authors: Eriksson Kimmo , Cownden Daniel , Strimling Pontus
Published: December 2017

A requirement of culture, whether animal or human, is some degree of conformity of behavior within populations. Researchers of gene-culture coevolution have suggested that population level conformity may result from frequency-biased social learning: individuals sampling multiple role models and preferentially adopting the majority behavior in the sample. When learning from a single role model, frequency-bias is not possible. We show why a population-level trend, either conformist or anticonformist, may nonetheless be almost inevitable in a population of individuals that learn through social enhancement, that is, using observations of others’ behavior to update their own probability of using a behavior in the future. The exact specification of individuals’ updating rule determines the direction of the trend. These results offer a new interpretation of previous findings from simulations of social enhancement in combination with reinforcement learning, and demonstrate how results of dynamical models may strongly depend on seemingly innocuous choices of model specifications, and how important it is to obtain empirical data on which to base such choices.
Mountain hare transcriptome and diagnostic markers as resources to monitor hybridization with European hares
Authors: Marques João P. , Ferreira Mafalda S. , Farelo Liliana , Callahan Colin M. , Hackländer Klaus , Jenny Hannes , Montgomery W. Ian , Reid Neil , Good Jeffrey M. , Alves Paulo C. , Melo-Ferreira José
Published: December 2017

We report the first mountain hare (Lepus timidus) transcriptome, produced by de novo assembly of RNA-sequencing reads. Data were obtained from eight specimens sampled in two localities, Alps and Ireland. The mountain hare tends to be replaced by the invading European hare (Lepus europaeus) in their numerous contact zones where the species hybridize, which affects their gene pool to a yet unquantified degree. We characterize and annotate the mountain hare transcriptome, detect polymorphism in the two analysed populations and use previously published data on the European hare (three specimens, representing the European lineage of the species) to identify 4 672 putative diagnostic sites between the species. A subset of 85 random independent SNPs was successfully validated using PCR and Sanger sequencing. These valuable genomic resources can be used to design tools to assess population status and monitor hybridization between species.
Collagen-binding VEGF targeting the cardiac extracellular matrix promotes recovery in porcine chronic myocardial infarction
Authors: Shi Chunying , Zhao Yannan , Yang Yun , Chen Cheng , Hou Xianglin , Shao Jun , Yao Hao , Li Qingguo , Xia Yujun , Dai Jianwu
Published: December 2017

An effective therapy for chronic myocardial infarction (MI) has yet to be developed.
Rainbows, supernumerary rainbows and interference effects in the angular scattering of chemical reactions: an investigation using Heisenberg'sSmatrix programme
Authors: Shan Xiao , Xiahou Chengkui , Connor J. N. L.
Published: December 2017

Rainbow and supernumerary rainbow in the angular scattering of a state-to-state chemical reaction.
Two-step synthesis and characterization of vertically stacked SnS–WS2 and SnS–MoS2 p–n heterojunctions
Authors: Sukma Aji Adha , Izumoto Masanori , Suenaga Kenshiro , Yamamoto Keisuke , Nakashima Hiroshi , Ago Hiroki
Published: December 2017

A robust way to synthesize bottom-up p–n junction based on SnS–WS2 and SnS–MoS2 heterostructures by two-step CVD.
A SIMS study of cation and anion diffusion in tantalum oxide
Authors: Gries U. N. , Schraknepper H. , Skaja K. , Gunkel F. , Hoffmann-Eifert S. , Waser R. , De Souza R. A.
Published: December 2017

Diffusion experiments reveal that anions are more mobile than cations in L-Ta2O5; together with literature data, they suggest that oxygen interstitials are the defects responsible for anion diffusion.
Enhanced charge carrier mobility and lifetime suppress hysteresis and improve efficiency in planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Turren-Cruz Silver-Hamill , Saliba Michael , Mayer Matthew T. , Juárez-Santiesteban Hector , Mathew Xavier , Nienhaus Lea , Tress Wolfgang , Erodici Matthew P. , Sher Meng-Ju , Bawendi Moungi G. , Grätzel Michael , Abate Antonio , Hagfeldt Anders , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo
Published: December 2017

Planar perovskite solar cells yield efficiency of over 20%.
X-ray crystal structures and anti-breast cancer property of 3-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-arylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids
Authors: Jagtap Rohidas M. , Thorat Shridhar H. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Khan Ayesha A. , Pardeshi Satish K.
Published: December 2017

The present article encompasses resolution and X-ray crystallographically confirmed absolute stereochemistry-correlated anticancer activity of diastereomeric 3-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(2-aryl)thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids against MCF7 breast cancer cells.
Excitation wavelength dependent photon anti-bunching/bunching from single quantum dots near gold nanostructures
Authors: Dey Swayandipta , Zhou Yadong , Sun Yonglei , Jenkins Julie A. , Kriz David , Suib Steven L. , Chen Ou , Zou Shengli , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2017

In this study, we investigate the change in photon emission statistics of single CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) on dielectric modified gold nanoparticle (NP) substrates as a function of the excitation wavelength.
Nanoparticle binding attenuates the pathobiology of gastric cancer-associatedHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Westmeier Dana , Posselt Gernot , Hahlbrock Angelina , Bartfeld Sina , Vallet Cecilia , Abfalter Carmen , Docter Dominic , Knauer Shirley K. , Wessler Silja , Stauber Roland H.
Published: December 2017

Binding of nanoparticles on the surface ofH. pyloriresults in the attenuation of bacterial cancer-associated pathobiology.
Stability of plant virus-based nanocarriers in gastrointestinal fluids
Authors: Berardi Alberto , Evans David J. , Baldelli Bombelli Francesca , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: December 2017

Viral nanoparticles in gastric and intestinal fluids: evaluation of digestion, denaturation, aggregation and protein corona formation.
Synthesis and structural investigation of a series of mannose-containing oligosaccharides using mass spectrometry
Authors: Daikoku S. , Pendrill R. , Kanie Y. , Ito Y. , Widmalm G. , Kanie O.
Published: December 2017

Gas-phase collision-induced dissociation and acid hydrolysis of mannose-containing oligosaccharides were performed, which revealed the reactivity order of linkage isomers.
Versatile preparation of surface-skinless particles of epoxy resin-based monoliths using a well-defined diblock copolymer surfactant
Authors: Sakakibara Keita , Konishi Kyoko , Ishizuka Norio , Goto Atsushi , Tsujii Yoshinobu
Published: December 2017

This is the first report on a versatile and facile preparation method for well-defined and surface-skinless epoxy resin-based monolithic particles by polymerization-induced phase separation in an oil-in-oil emulsion system in the presence of a designed block copolymer.
Behavior of H2O surrounding NH4+and Al3+in NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O by1H MAS NMR,14N NMR, and27Al NMR
Authors: Lim Ae Ran
Published: December 2017

In order to understand the thermodynamic properties and structural geometry of NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O, we studied the magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and static NMR as a function of temperature.
Electronic and photocatalytic properties of N/F co-doped anatase TiO2
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Wang Wei , Li Can , He Liang
Published: December 2017

The band structures of undoped, Ns doped, Ns–Fs co-doped, Ns–Fi co-doped, Ni–Fs co-doped and Ni–Fi co-doped TiO2.
A pH and salt dually responsive emulsion in the presence of amphiphilic macromolecules
Authors: Hu Guangxin , Yang Hui , Hou Qingfeng , Guo Donghong , Chen Gang , Liu Fanghui , Chen Ting , Shi Xuefeng , Su Yu , Wang Jinben
Published: December 2017

A pH and salt dually responsive emulsion has been designed on the basis of a novel amphiphilic macromolecule.
MOF-based ternary nanocomposites for better CO2photoreduction: roles of heterojunctions and coordinatively unsaturated metal sites
Authors: He Xiang , Wang Wei-Ning
Published: December 2017

With increased charge carrier density and efficient CO2activation, the MOF-based hybrid ternary nanocomposite exhibits a high CO2conversion efficiency and preferential formation of CH4.
Organic cation steered interfacial electron transfer within organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Javaid Saqib , Myung Chang Woo , Yun Jeonghun , Lee Geunsik , Kim Kwang S.
Published: December 2017

The proton proximity arising from methylamine (MA) at TiO2/MAPbI3interface plays a vital role in facilitating interfacial electron transfer process
Structural effects of phosphate groups on apatite formation in a copolymer modified with Ca2+in a simulated body fluid
Authors: Hamai Ryo , Maeda Hirotaka , Sawai Hikaru , Shirosaki Yuki , Kasuga Toshihiro , Miyazaki Toshiki
Published: December 2017

Complex formation of the phosphate on polymers with Ca2+and subsequent reaction with HPO42−govern apatite formation in SBF.
Enhanced Identification of Long Versus Short Voice Onset Time Consonant–Vowel Syllables in a Dichotic Listening Task
Authors: Moncrieff Deborah , Dubyne Lauren
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study investigated the influence of voice onset time (VOT) on the perception of consonant–vowel (CV) signals during a dichotic listening (DL) task.

Method

Sixty-two young adults with normal hearing were tested with the English language version of the Hugdahl Dichotic CV (DCV) Test. They were asked to identify 1 CV syllable during 3 DL conditions: free recall (report the syllable heard most clearly), forced right (report the syllable in the right ear), and forced left (report the syllable in the left ear). Averages for number and percent correct syllables were recorded under each condition and across the entire test.

Results

All subjects demonstrated an overall right-ear advantage (REA) when scores from all 3 listening conditions were averaged. The REA occurred for all VOT pairings except when the long VOT was presented to the left ear, whereas the short VOT was presented to the right ear when subjects produced an average left-ear advantage. The left-ear advantage overcame the structural advantage of the right ear even when subjects were directed to attend to the right ear. This result was consistent with findings of earlier studies done with Norwegian and Australian subjects.

Conclusions

Listeners' REA may be overcome by interaural temporal differences that favor processing in the listener's nondominant ear during the DCV test. Balanced VOT conditions across the DCV test prevent this effect from producing an overall bias toward the left ear, but clinical DL tests with consonant–vowel–consonant words should be examined for effects of the long VOT on laterality of performance.
Early Development of Emotional Competence (EDEC) Assessment Tool for Children With Complex Communication Needs: Development and Evidence
Authors: Na Ji Young , Wilkinson Krista , Liang Jiali
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This article introduces and provides initial data supporting “The Early Development of Emotional Competence (EDEC): A tool for children with complex communication needs (CCNs).” The EDEC was developed to raise awareness about the relation of language and emotional competence and to maximize the likelihood that intervention includes language to discuss emotions in ways that are consistent with the values and goals of the family.

Method

First, the theoretical and clinical foundations of the EDEC development were discussed. Then, a description of preferred translation practices was provided, with examples of Korean and Mandarin Chinese translations. Finally, initial data from a pilot study with two sociocultural communities (i.e., 10 American and 10 Korean mothers of children developing typically) were presented to demonstrate the potential of the tool.

Results

The pilot test offered preliminary support for the sensitivity of the EDEC. The tool solicited responses reflecting cultural differences between American and Korean mothers' perception of a child's emotional skills and mother-child conversation about emotions as predicted based on many cross-cultural studies in emotion.

Conclusions

The information elicited from the EDEC shows promise for enabling culturally natural conversation about emotions with appropriate vocabulary and phrases in their augmentative and alternative communication systems.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5643076
Percent Grammatical Responses as a General Outcome Measure: Initial Validity
Authors: Eisenberg Sarita L. , Guo Ling-Yu
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This report investigated the validity of using percent grammatical responses (PGR) as a measure for assessing grammaticality. To establish construct validity, we computed the correlation of PGR with another measure of grammar skills and with an unrelated skill area. To establish concurrent validity for PGR, we computed the correlation of PGR with a previously validated measure of grammaticality, percent grammatical utterances (PGU), and examined the extent to which PGR and PGU agreed upon pass/fail decisions for children.

Method

Participants included 79 3-year-olds from mostly middle socioeconomic status homes. Language samples were elicited by asking children to describe 15 pictures in response to 4 questions per picture. To calculate PGU, children's responses to all 4 questions were segmented into communication units, and each communication unit was evaluated for grammatical errors. To calculate PGR, the entire response to just the first question was evaluated for grammatical errors.

Results

PGR scores significantly correlated with a standardized test of grammar (
r
= .70), but not with a measure of vocabulary (i.e., type–token ratio;
r
= .11). In addition, PGR scores were significantly correlated with PGU scores (
r
= .88). Agreement between PGR and PGU was 92% for pass decisions and 94% for fail decisions.

Conclusions

The current study establishes the construct validity of PGR as a measure of grammar and supports the use of PGR as a measure to assess grammaticality.
Implementation of CS coefficient calculation based on dual‐operator engines in multimode spaceborne SAR imaging systems
Authors: Yang Zhu , Ding Zegang , Chen Liang , Long Teng
Published: December 2017

To provide an optimised implementation aimed at calculating the chirp scaling (CS) coefficients used in state‐of‐the‐art spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging systems. Built on the core concept of breaking down the CS coefficient calculation into basic operations, we propose a new architecture that adopts a dual‐operator engine as the basic processing unit and seeks to optimise the switching network of operator engines through an appropriately interconnected grouping of various calculations. A wide variety of SAR imaging architectures based on fast Fourier transformation‐CS operations may benefit from this work. The proposed architecture is implemented in a Xilinx Virtex‐7 FPGA process; a comparison between test results and results obtained from an off‐the‐shelf counterpart confirms the efficacy of the proposed architecture.
MOSnet: moving object segmentation with convolutional networks
Authors: Jeong J. , Yoon T.S. , Park J.B.
Published: December 2017

Identifying moving objects is considered a difficult problem owing to camera motion, motion blur and appearance changes. To solve these problems, a moving object segmentation method based on a convolutional neural network is presented. The proposed network takes successive image pairs as input, and predicts the per‐pixel motion status. This process consists of three streams: one that learns appearance features, another that learns motion features and a third that combines both features. Therefore, a joint model is learned for segmenting a moving object, because appearance and motion features complement each other. Experimental results, based on a challenging dataset, demonstrate that the proposed method has superior performance over state‐of‐the‐art methods, with respect to intersection over union and F‐measure scores.
Transmission rates over state‐dependent diamond channel
Authors: Al‐Jaafreh Moha'med , Al‐qudah Zouhair
Published: December 2017

This study considers the state‐dependent diamond channel (DC) in which the transmission is affected by another source, the interferer. Basically, the transmission from the source to its destination is carried out with the help of two parallel relays. All nodes forming the DC are assumed to be cognitive in the sense that these nodes can estimate the interference signal and then cooperate to remove its effect. For this channel model, the authors initially establish the achievable rate in the case that different noisy versions of the interference signal are non‐casually available at all nodes. Then, a three‐phase practical transmission scheme is proposed such that these nodes may estimate the interference signal causally and then start transmission. The authors' numerical results show that it is sufficient to have the interference signal at both the relays to get an interference‐free achievable rate. In addition, the achievable rate of the DC channel is inversely proportional to the interference coding rate.
Practical relay code design based on protograph codes
Authors: Noor‐A‐Rahim Md. , Ali G.G.Md. Nawaz , Guan Yong Liang
Published: December 2017

The low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) code design for three‐terminal (namely, source, relay, and destination) relay network while considering decode‐and‐forward protocol is studied. Numerous works have been done on LDPC relay code design with parity bits forwarding approach, where additional parity bits are generated at the relay and forwarded to the destination. Most of the previous works assume that the forwarded parity bits are received perfectly at the destination and hence ignore the impact of relay–destination channel. This assumption is unrealistic in practical/finite‐length codeword scenario. In this study, a protograph based LDPC code design is proposed while lifting the above unrealistic assumption. A Gaussian approximated density evolution is presented for the proposed scheme, which considers that the overall codeword experiences source–destination and relay–destination channels. For various designed codes with different rates, the authors show that the asymptotic thresholds of the designed codes are very close to the corresponding capacity bounds. Asymptotically, our designed code gives similar decoding threshold compared to the existing optimised irregular LDPC codes, while protograph codes are simpler to optimise and encode than the irregular LDPC codes. More importantly, proposed code performs better than the existing LDPC‐based relay codes for finite‐length scenarios.