bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of RasV12-transformed cells requires the mechanosensitive channel Piezo
Authors: Lee Jiae , Cabrera Alejandra J. H. , Nguyen Cecilia M. T. , Kwon Young V.
Published: July 2020

Dissemination of transformed cells is a key process in metastasis. Despite its importance, how transformed cells disseminate from an intact tissue and enter the circulation is poorly understood. Here, we use a fully developed tissue, Drosophila midgut, and describe the morphologically distinct steps and the cellular events occurring over the course of RasV12-transformed cell dissemination. Notably, RasV12-transformed cells formed the Actin- and Cortactin-rich invasive protrusions that were important for breaching the extracellular matrix (ECM) and visceral muscle. Furthermore, we uncovered the essential roles of the mechanosensory channel Piezo in orchestrating dissemination of RasV12-transformed cells. Collectively, our study establishes an in vivo model for studying how transformed cells migrate out from a complex tissue and provides unique insights into the roles of Piezo in invasive cell behavior.
Nonequilibrium continuous phase transition in colloidal gelation with short-range attraction
Authors: Rouwhorst Joep , Ness Christopher , Stoyanov Simeon , Zaccone Alessio , Schall Peter
Published: July 2020

The dynamical arrest of attractive colloidal particles into out-of-equilibrium structures, known as gelation, is central to biophysics, materials science, nanotechnology, and food and cosmetic applications, but a complete understanding is lacking. In particular, for intermediate particle density and attraction, the structure formation process remains unclear. Here, we show that the gelation of short-range attractive particles is governed by a nonequilibrium percolation process. We combine experiments on critical Casimir colloidal suspensions, numerical simulations, and analytical modeling with a master kinetic equation to show that cluster sizes and correlation lengths diverge with exponents  ~1.6 and 0.8, respectively, consistent with percolation theory, while detailed balance in the particle attachment and detachment processes is broken. Cluster masses exhibit power-law distributions with exponents  −3/2 and  −5/2 before and after percolation, as predicted by solutions to the master kinetic equation. These results revealing a nonequilibrium continuous phase transition unify the structural arrest and yielding into related frameworks.
Printed elastic membranes for multimodal pacing and recording of human stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Athanasiadis Markos , Afanasenkau Dzmitry , Derks Wouter , Tondera Christoph , Murganti Francesca , Busskamp Volker , Bergmann Olaf , Minev Ivan R.
Published: July 2020

Bioelectronic interfaces employing arrays of sensors and bioactuators are promising tools for the study, repair and engineering of cardiac tissues. They are typically constructed from rigid and brittle materials processed in a cleanroom environment. An outstanding technological challenge is the integration of soft materials enabling a closer match to the mechanical properties of biological cells and tissues. Here we present an algorithm for direct writing of elastic membranes with embedded electrodes, optical waveguides and microfluidics using a commercial 3D printing system and a palette of silicone elastomers. As proof of principle, we demonstrate interfacing of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which are engineered to express Channelrhodopsin-2. We demonstrate electrical recording of cardiomyocyte field potentials and their concomitant modulation by optical and pharmacological stimulation delivered via the membrane. Our work contributes a simple prototyping strategy with potential applications in organ-on-chip or implantable systems that are multi-modal and mechanically soft.
Increased in carbon isotope ratios of Brazilian fingernails are correlated with increased in socioeconomic status
Authors: Nardoto Gabriela Bielefeld , Sena-Souza João Paulo , Kisaka Tiago Borges , Costa Fábio José Viana , Duarte-Neto Paulo José , Ehleringer James , Martinelli Luiz A.
Published: July 2020

High δ13C in human tissues in Brazil indicate high consumption of C4-based sources due to the consumption of highly processed food and animal protein. The significant positive correlation between the human developed index (HDI) developed by the United Nations Development Program, and fingernail δ13C at the county level proved to be useful as a new proxy in tracking human nutrition. Regions with higher HDI are those with higher consumption of highly processed food.
Microbial niche nexus sustaining biological wastewater treatment
Authors: Wu Guangxue , Yin Qidong
Published: July 2020

Biological wastewater treatment has developed for more than 100 years, and new concepts about future wastewater treatment have been put forward worldwide. Environmental biotechnology is still the key contributor for wastewater management. However, these biotechnologies are facing challenges due to stringent discharging standards and the removal of emerging pollutants. Here, a new concept of microbial niche nexus sustaining biological wastewater treatment was proposed, which can achieve the efficient removal of known and unknown pollutants through tuning microbial niches to accommodate diverse microbial communities. Microbial niche nexus could be applied to solve emerging challenges besides infrastructure construction. In addition, the co-enrichment of r/K-strategists and the establishment of microenvironments with substrate gradients could be adopted for the design and operation of biological wastewater treatment processes. Finally, future development and perspectives were presented through aspects of microbial enrichment, microbial function and metabolism identification, system design and operation control, and new technology development and application.
Microfluidic fabrication of microcarriers with sequential delivery of VEGF and BMP-2 for bone regeneration
Authors: Dashtimoghadam Erfan , Fahimipour Farahnaz , Tongas Nikita , Tayebi Lobat
Published: July 2020

Wound instability and poor functional vascularization in bone tissue engineering lead to lack of tissue integration and ultimate failure of engineered grafts. In order to harness the regenerative potential of growth factors and stimulate bone healing, present study aims to design multifunctional cell therapy microcarriers with the capability of sequential delivery of essential growth factors, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). An on-chip double emulsion method was implemented to generate monodisperse VEGF encapsulated microcarriers. Bio-inspired poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) (PDA) was then functionalized to the microcarriers surface for BMP-2 conjugation. The microcarriers were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a dynamic culture technique for cells expansion. Finally, the microcarriers were incorporated into an injectable alginate-RGD hydrogel laden with endothelial cells (ECs) for further analysis. The DNA and calcium content, as well as ALP activity of the construct were analyzed. The confocal fluorescent microscopy was employed to monitor the MSCs and tunneling structure of ECs. Eventually, the capability of developed microcarriers for bone tissue formation was examined in vivo. Microfluidic platform generated monodisperse VEGF-loaded PLGA microcarriers with size-dependent release patterns. Microcarriers generated with the on-chip technique showed more sustained VEGF release profiles compared to the conventional bulk mixing method. The PDA functionalization of microcarriers surface not only provided immobilization of BMP-2 with prolonged bioavailability, but also enhanced the attachment and proliferation of MSCs. Dynamic culturing of microcarriers showcased their great potential to boost MSCs population required for stem cell therapy of bone defects. ALP activity and calcium content analysis of MSCs-laden microcarriers loaded into injectable hydrogels revealed their capability of tunneling formation, vascular cell growth and osteogenic differentiation. The in vivo histology and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that transplantation of MSC-laden microcarriers supports ectopic bone formation in the rat model. The presented approach to design bioactive microcarriers offer sustained sequential delivery of bone ECM chemical cues and offer an ideal stabilized 3D microenvironment for patient-specific cell therapy applications. The proposed methodology is readily expandable to integrate other cells and cytokines in a tuned spatiotemporal manner for personalized regenerative medicine.
Seasonal and environmental variation in volatile emissions of the New Zealand native plant Leptospermum scoparium in weed-invaded and non-invaded sites
Authors: Effah Evans , Barrett D. Paul , Peterson Paul G. , Potter Murray A. , Holopainen Jarmo K. , Clavijo McCormick Andrea
Published: July 2020

The New Zealand tea tree Leptospermun scoparium (mānuka) is widely known for the antimicrobial properties of its honey. Mānuka is native to New Zealand, growing in a range of environments, including the Central Volcanic Plateau of the North Island, where it is currently threatened by the spread of exotic invasive weeds such as heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). Here, we characterise for the first time the aboveground volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by mānuka in this area, during summer and winter seasons, in weed-invaded and non-invaded stands. We measured plant volatiles at four sites, each with a distinct combination of woody species: (1) conspecific stands of mānuka; (2) mānuka and another native species (Dracophyllum subulatum); and mānuka with one of two European invasive plants, (3) heather or (4) Scotch broom. We also quantified herbivore damage on target mānuka plants and analysed microclimatic variables (soil nutrients, air temperature and soil water content) to investigate their impact on volatile emissions. Our results reveal a strong seasonal effect on volatile emissions, but also significant differences between sites associated with biotic and abiotic changes partly driven by invasive plants. Overall, volatile emission rates from mānuka were typically lower at sites where invaders were present. We point to several factors that could contribute to the observed emission patterns and areas of interest for future research to provide a comprehensive understanding of VOC emissions in nature. Given the vital role of volatile compounds in plant communication, we also recommend future studies to be performed in multiple seasons, with larger sample sizes and more study sites to expand on these findings and explore the ecological impacts of changes in VOC emissions during plant invasion.
Species identification, phylogenetic analysis and detection of herbicide-resistant biotypes of Amaranthus based on ALS and ITS
Authors: Xu Han , Pan Xubin , Wang Cong , Chen Yan , Chen Ke , Zhu Shuifang , van Klinken Rieks D.
Published: July 2020

The taxonomically challenging genus Amaranthus (Family Amaranthaceae) includes important agricultural weed species that are being spread globally as grain contaminants. We hypothesized that the ALS gene will help resolve these taxonomic challenges and identify potentially harmful resistant biotypes. We obtained 153 samples representing 26 species from three Amaranthus subgenera and included in that incorporated ITS, ALS (domains C, A and D) and ALS (domains B and E) sequences. Subgen. Albersia was well supported, but subgen. Amaranthus and subgen. Acnida were not. Amaranthus tuberculatus, A. palmeri and A. spinosus all showed different genetic structuring. Unique SNPs in ALS offered reliable diagnostics for most of the sampled Amaranthus species. Resistant ALS alleles were detected in sixteen A. tuberculatus samples (55.2%), eight A. palmeri (27.6%) and one A. arenicola (100%). These involved Ala122Asn, Pro197Ser/Thr/Ile, Trp574Leu, and Ser653Thr/Asn/Lys substitutions, with Ala122Asn, Pro197Thr/Ile and Ser653Lys being reported in Amaranthus for the first time. Moreover, different resistant mutations were present in different A. tuberculatus populations. In conclusion, the ALS gene is important for species identification, investigating population genetic diversity and understanding resistant evolution within the genus Amaranthus.
Functional expression of Δ12 fatty acid desaturase modulates thermoregulatory behaviour in Drosophila
Authors: Suito Takuto , Nagao Kohjiro , Takeuchi Kenichi , Juni Naoto , Hara Yuji , Umeda Masato
Published: July 2020

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play crucial roles in adaptation to cold environments in a wide variety of animals and plants. However, the mechanisms by which PUFAs affect thermoregulatory behaviour remain elusive. Thus, we investigated the roles of PUFAs in thermoregulatory behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, we generated transgenic flies expressing Caenorhabditis elegans Δ12 fatty acid desaturase (FAT-2), which converts mono-unsaturated fatty acids to PUFAs such as linoleic acid [C18:2 (n-6)] and linolenic acid [C18:3 (n-3)]. Neuron-specific expression of FAT-2 using the GAL4/UAS expression system led to increased contents of C18:2 (n-6)-containing phospholipids in central nerve system (CNS) and caused significant decreases in preferred temperature of third instar larvae. In genetic screening and calcium imaging analyses of thermoreceptor-expressing neurons, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of FAT-2 in TRPA1-expressing neurons led to decreases in preferred temperature by modulating neuronal activity. We conclude that functional expression of FAT-2 in a subset of neurons changes the thermoregulatory behaviour of D. melanogaster, likely by modulating quantities of PUFA-containing phospholipids in neuronal cell membranes.
Are endemic species necessarily ecological specialists? Functional variability and niche differentiation of two threatened Dianthus species in the montane steppes of northeastern Iran
Authors: Behroozian Maryam , Ejtehadi Hamid , Memariani Farshid , Pierce Simon , Mesdaghi Mansour
Published: July 2020

Endemic species are believed to converge on narrow ranges of traits, with rarity reflecting adaptation to specific environmental regimes. We hypothesized that endemism is characterized by limited trait variability and environmental tolerances in two Dianthus species (Dianthus pseudocrinitus and Dianthus polylepis) endemic to the montane steppes of northeastern Iran. We measured leaf functional traits and calculated Grime’s competitor/stress-tolerator/ruderal (CSR) adaptive strategies for these and co-occurring species in seventy-five 25-m2 quadrats at 15 sites, also measuring a range of edaphic, climatic, and topographic parameters. While plant communities converged on the stress-tolerator strategy, D. pseudocrinitus exhibited functional divergence from S- to R-selected (C:S:R = 12.0:7.2:80.8% to 6.8:82.3:10.9%). Canonical correspondence analysis, in concert with Pearson’s correlation coefficients, suggested the strongest associations with elevation, annual temperature, precipitation seasonality, and soil fertility. Indeed, variance (s2) in R- and S-values for D. pseudocrinitus at two sites was exceptionally high, refuting the hypothesis of rarity via specialization. Rarity, in this case, is probably related to recent speciation by polyploidy (neoendemism) and dispersal limitation. Dianthus polylepis, in contrast, converged towards stress-tolerance. ‘Endemism’ is not synonymous with ‘incapable’, and polyploid neoendemics promise to be particularly responsive to conservation.
A new nickel-based co-crystal complex electrocatalyst amplified by NiO dope Pt nanostructure hybrid; a highly sensitive approach for determination of cysteamine in the presence of serotonin
Authors: Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Karimi Fatemeh , Orooji Yasin , Mansouri Ghobad , Razmjou Amir , Aygun Aysenur , Sen Fatih
Published: July 2020

A highly sensitive electrocatalytic sensor was designed and fabricated by the incorporation of NiO dope Pt nanostructure hybrid (NiO–Pt–H) as conductive mediator, bis (1,10 phenanthroline) (1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) nickel(II) hexafluorophosphate (B,1,10,P,1,10, PDNiPF6), and electrocatalyst into carbon paste electrode (CPE) matrix for the determination of cysteamine. The NiO–Pt–H was synthesized by one-pot synthesis strategy and characterized by XRD, elemental mapping analysis (MAP), and FESEM methods. The characterization data, which confirmed good purity and spherical shape with a diameter of ⁓ 30.64 nm for the synthesized NiO–Pt–H. NiO–Pt–H/B,1,10, P,1,10, PDNiPF6/CPE, showed an excellent catalytic activity and was used as a powerful tool for the determination of cysteamine in the presence of serotonin. The NiO–Pt–H/B,1,10, P,1,10, PDNiPF6/CPE was able to solve the overlap problem of the two drug signals and was used for the determination of cysteamine and serotonin in concentration ranges of 0.003–200 µM and 0.5–260 µM with detection limits of 0.5 nM and 0.1 µM, using square wave voltammetric method, respectively. The NiO–Pt–H/B,1,10,P,1,10,PDNiPF6/CPE showed a high-performance ability for the determination of cysteamine and serotonin in the drug and pharmaceutical serum samples with the recovery data of 98.1–103.06%.
Mutational analysis on predicting the impact of high-risk SNPs in human secretary phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1)
Authors: Khalid Zoya , Almaghrabi Omar
Published: July 2020

PLA2R1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as an endogenous ligand which stimulates the processes including cell proliferation and cell migration. The SNPs in PLA2R1 is associated with idiopathic membranous nephropathy which is an autoimmune kidney disorder. The present study aimed to explore the structure–function analysis of high risk SNPs in PLA2R1 by using 12 different computational tools. First the functional annotation of SNPs were carried out by sequence based tools which were further subjected to evolutionary conservation analysis. Those SNPs which were predicted as deleterious in both categories were further considered for structure based analysis. The resultant SNPs were C1096S, C545S, C664S, F1257L, F734S, I1174T, I1114T, P177S, P384S, W1198G, W1328G, W692C, W692L, W962R, Y499H. One functional domain of PLA2R1 is already modelled in PDB (6JLI), the full 3D structure of the protein was predicted using I-TASSER homology modelling tool. The stability analysis, structure superimposition, RMSD calculation and docking studies were carried out. The structural analysis predicted four mutations F734S, F1246L, I1174T, W1198G as damaging to the structure of the protein. All these mutations are occurring at the conserved region of CTL domain hence are more likely to abolish the function of the protein. Up to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides in-depth and in-silico analysis of deleterious mutations on structure and function of PLA2R1.
Preliminary results in the analysis of the immune response after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Roa Jorge A. , Sarkar Deepon , Zanaty Mario , Ishii Daizo , Lu Yongjun , Karandikar Nitin J. , Hasan David M. , Ortega Sterling B. , Samaniego Edgar A.
Published: July 2020

Cerebral vasospasm (VSP) is a common phenomenon after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and contributes to neurocognitive decline. The natural history of the pro-inflammatory immune response after aSAH has not been prospectively studied in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this pilot study, we aimed to identify specific immune mediators of VSP after aSAH. Peripheral blood (PB) and CSF samples from patients with aSAH were prospectively collected at different time-points after hemorrhage: days 0–1 (acute); days 2–4 (pre-VSP); days 5–9 (VSP) and days 10 + (post-VSP peak). Presence and severity of VSP was assessed with computed tomography angiography/perfusion imaging and clinical examination. Cytokine and immune mediators’ levels were quantified using ELISA. Innate and adaptive immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry, and cell counts at different time-points were compared with ANOVA. Confocal immunostaining was used to determine the presence of specific immune cell populations detected in flow cytometry. Thirteen patients/aneurysms were included. Five (38.5%) patients developed VSP after a mean of 6.8 days from hemorrhage. Flow cytometry demonstrated decreased numbers of CD45+ cells during the acute phase in PB of aSAH patients compared with healthy controls. In CSF of VSP patients, NK cells (CD3-CD161 +) were increased during the acute phase and progressively declined, whereas CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes significantly increased at days 5–9. Microglia cells (CD45dimCD11b +) increased over time after SAH. This increase was particularly significant in patients with VSP. Levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were consistently higher in VSP patients, with the highest difference occurring at the acute phase. Confocal immunostaining demonstrated the presence of CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes in the arterial wall of two unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In this preliminary study, human CSF showed active presence of innate and adaptive immune cells after aSAH. CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes may have an important role in the inflammatory response after aneurysmal rupture and were identified in the aneurysmal wall of unruptured brain aneurysms. Microglia activation occurs 6 + days after aSAH.
Two-dimensional forms of robust CO2 reduction photocatalysts
Authors: Torrisi Steven B. , Singh Arunima K. , Montoya Joseph H. , Biswas Tathagata , Persson Kristin A.
Published: July 2020

Photoelectrocatalysts that use sunlight to power the CO2 reduction reaction will be crucial for carbon-neutral power and energy-efficient industrial processes. Scalable photoelectrocatalysts must satisfy a stringent set of criteria, such as stability under operating conditions, product selectivity, and efficient light absorption. Two-dimensional materials can offer high specific surface area, tunability, and potential for heterostructuring, providing a fresh landscape of candidate catalysts. From a set of promising bulk CO2 reduction photoelectrocatalysts, we screen for candidate monolayers of these materials, then study their catalytic feasibility and suitability. For stable monolayer candidates, we verify the presence of visible-light band gaps, check that band edges can support CO2 reduction, determine exciton binding energies, and compute surface reactivity. We find visible light absorption for SiAs, ZnTe, and ZnSe monolayers, and that due to a lack of binding, CO selectivity is possible. We thus identify SiAs, ZnTe, and ZnSe monolayers as targets for further investigation, expanding the chemical space for CO2 photoreduction candidates.
pKa of the ligand water molecules in the oxygen-evolving Mn4CaO5 cluster in photosystem II
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Nakagawa Minesato , Ishikita Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Release of the protons from the substrate water molecules is prerequisite for O2 evolution in photosystem II (PSII). Proton-releasing water molecules with low pKa values at the catalytic moiety can be the substrate water molecules. In some studies, one of the ligand water molecules, W2, is regarded as OH−. However, the PSII crystal structure shows neither proton acceptor nor proton-transfer pathway for W2, which is not consistent with the assumption of W2 = OH−. Here we report the pKa values of the four ligand water molecules, W1 and W2 at Mn4 and W3 and W4 at Ca2+, of the Mn4CaO5 cluster. pKa(W1) ≈ pKa(W2) << pKa(W3) ≈ pKa(W4) in the Mn4CaO5 cluster in water. However, pKa(W1) ≈ pKa(D1-Asp61) << pKa(W2) in the PSII protein environment. These results suggest that in PSII, deprotonation of W2 is energetically disfavored as far as W1 exists.
A smartphone-supported portable micro-spectroscopy/imaging system to characterize morphology and spectra of samples at the microscale
Authors: Chen Gang , Chai Hui Hui , Fu Jing Jing , Yu Ling , Fang Can
Published: July 2020

A novel portable smartphone-based micro-spectroscopy/imaging system comprising a mini wireless spectrometer as an optical sensor and a compact homemade microscope to precisely acquire the spectra and image of micron-scale regions.
Quinoline-triazole half-sandwich iridium(iii) complexes: synthesis, antiplasmodial activity and preliminary transfer hydrogenation studies
Authors: Melis Diana R. , Barnett Christopher B. , Wiesner Lubbe , Nordlander Ebbe , Smith Gregory S.
Published: July 2020

Iridium(iii) half-sandwich complexes containing 7-chloroquinoline-1,2,3-triazole hybrid ligands were synthesised and their inhibitory activities evaluated against the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite.
Atomically dispersed Fe–N–C decorated with Pt-alloy core–shell nanoparticles for improved activity and durability towards oxygen reduction
Authors: Ao Xiang , Zhang Wei , Zhao Bote , Ding Yong , Nam Gyutae , Soule Luke , Abdelhafiz Ali , Wang Chundong , Liu Meilin
Published: July 2020

An efficient, stable, and cost-effective ORR catalyst composed of core–shell Pt-alloy and non-Pt-group-metal single atoms is reported for PEMFCs.
The interaction of surface electron distribution-polarized Fe/polyimide hybrid nanosheets with organic pollutants driving a sustainable Fenton-like process
Authors: Lyu Lai , Deng Kanglan , Liang Junrong , Lu Chao , Gao Tingting , Cao Wenrui , Hu Chun
Published: July 2020

By constructing surface DRCs, using the electron compensation effect of pollutants, and utilizing the Fe–N–C electron transfer bridge and electron storage carrier, the Fenton reaction rate is 7–10 times higher than that of the conventional Fe-based catalyst.
Short-range ordered 2D nanoholes: lattice-model and novel insight into the impact of coordination geometry and packing on their propagating-mode transmittance features
Authors: Cesaria Maura , Taurino Antonietta , Manera Maria Grazia , Rella Roberto
Published: July 2020

The lattice-model, periodicity length-scale and impact of the transition from quasi-hexagonal to quasi-cubic packing coordination geometry on the propagating-mode transmittance feature of short-range ordered metal nanoholes.
Releasing the light field in subwavelength grating slot microring resonators for athermal and sensing applications
Authors: Ruan Zhengsen , Zhou Nan , Zheng Shuang , Cao Xiaoping , Long Yun , Chen Lin , Wang Jian
Published: July 2020

Subwavelength grating slot (SWGS) microring resonators on a silicon platform, releasing the light field out of the silicon region, show favorable performance in athermal and sensing applications.
Pristine edge structures of T′′-phase transition metal dichalcogenides (ReSe2, ReS2) atomic layers
Authors: Chen Xiya , Lei Bao , Zhu Yong , Zhou Jiadong , Liu Zheng , Ji Wei , Zhou Wu
Published: July 2020

Atomically sharp pristine edges of ReSe2atomic layers were identified with scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging and density functional theory calculations.
Predicting Literacy Skills at 8 Years From Preschool Language Trajectories: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Jin Fufen , Schjølberg Synnve , Wang Mari Vaage , Eadie Patricia , Nes Ragnhild Bang , Røysamb Espen , Tambs Kristian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article explored the predictive values of three main language delay (LD) trajectories (i.e., persistent, late onset, and transient) across 3–5 years on poor literacy at 8 years. Additionally, the effect of gender was assessed, using both gender-neutral and gender-specific thresholds.

Method

The data comprised mother-reported questionnaire data for 8,371 children in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study. Analyses were conducted using binary logistic regression in SPSS to make predictions about risk.

Results

LD reported at preschool age was associated with excess risk of poor literacy at 8 years with odds ratios ranging from 3.19 to 9.75 dependent on trajectory, persistent LD being the strongest predictor. The odds ratio of transient LD was similar to that of late-onset LD. Gender was not found to play an important role in the association between oral language and literacy, as the gender difference disappeared when gender-specific deficit criterion was used.

Conclusion

Our study supports the longitudinal association between preschool oral language and school-aged literacy skills and highlights the importance of different LD trajectories across preschool ages in predicting later literacy. Furthermore, practitioners are recommended to consider gender-specific cutoffs in relation to language and literacy measures.
A Dynamic Measure of Morphological Awareness and First-Grade Literacy Skill
Authors: Wolter Julie A. , Gibson Frances E. , Slocum Timothy A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this feasibility study was to investigate an early dynamic measure of morphological awareness (MA) involving graduated prompts to measure early MA skill and determine whether this task relates to and predicts performance on other language and/or literacy measures in first-grade children with language abilities typically found in the classroom.

Method

In addition to a battery of language and literacy measures, a dynamic assessment of MA was designed and administered to 74 first-grade children with a range of language abilities.

Results

The dynamic measure of MA was found to be valid, reliable, and measured early school–age MA performance for children with typical language and those at risk for developmental language disorder. For children with typical language, the developed dynamic MA measure was related to and predictive of performance on other language and literacy measures above and beyond static phonological and MA measures.

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary support for the use of dynamic assessment to measure MA in first-grade children with a range of language abilities.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12591767
Late Triassic (Tuvalian – Carnian,Tropites subbullatus/Anatropites spinosuszones) ostracods from Monte Gambanera (Castel di Iudica, Central-Eastern Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Crasquin Sylvie , Sciuto Francesco , Reitano Agatino , Coco Rosa Maria
Published: July 2020

Ostracod associations coming from the Upper Triassic (Tropites subbullatus/Anatropites spinosuszones of the Tuvalian substage) clays and sandstones of the Mufara Formation outcropping along the west side of Monte Gambanera (Castel di Iudica, central-eastern Sicily) have been analysed for the first time. The specimens are relatively abundant, silicified, well preserved and often preserved as complete carapaces. Over 200 specimens have been determined. They belong to the families Healdiidae, Bairdiidae, Bythocyprididae, Acratiidae, Cytheruridae, Limnocytheridae, Candonidae, Cavellinidae, Polycopidae and Thaumatocyprididae. Thirty-seven species are identified of which nine species are new:Hungarella forelaen.sp.,Hungarella siciliiensisn.sp.,Bairdia andrecrasquinin.sp.,Bairdia gambaneraensisn.sp.,Ptychobairdia iudicaensisn.sp.,Ptychobairdia leonardoin.sp.,Petasobairdia jeandercourtin.sp.,Kerocythere dittainoensisn.sp. andMockella barbroaen.sp.
Evidenz der Effektivität von Spiegeltherapie bei Phantomschmerzen nach Amputation
Authors: Lemlein Tomas
Published: July 2020

Über die Hälfte der Patienten nach einer Amputation leidet an Phantomschmerzen, deren Entstehung bislang nicht vollständig geklärt ist. Seit 2019 existiert eine aktualisierte S2k-Leitlinie zur Behandlung neuropathischer Schmerzen 1. Hier wird die Behandlung von Phantomschmerzen mit einem Verweis auf die unzureichende Datenlage nachrangig erwähnt. Die Spiegeltherapie ist eine verbreitet angewandte Behandlung im Rahmen eines multimodalen Konzepts. Zur Klärung der Evidenz für deren Wirksamkeit wurde in drei Datenbanken ausschließlich nach randomisierten klinischen Studien (RCT) gesucht, die die Spiegeltherapie mit einer Kontrollgruppe oder anderen Therapieformen verglichen. Die Schmerzreduktion wurde anhand der visuellen Analogskala, die Studienqualität mithilfe der PEDro-Skala bewertet.

Von den sechs in die Analyse eingeschlossenen Studien wiesen fünf einen positiven Effekt der Spiegeltherapie bezüglich der Schmerzstärke und eine Studie eine reduzierte Häufigkeit von Schmerzepisoden nach.

Somit besteht moderate Evidenz für die Reduktion von Phantomschmerzen nach Amputation durch die Spiegeltherapie. Zur Bestätigung sind weitere qualitative Studien mit aussagekräftigen Fallzahlen notwendig.
Kinematic and EMG Comparison Between Variations of Unilateral Squats
Under Different Stabilities
Authors: van den Tillaar Roland , Larsen Stian
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to compare kinematics and muscle activity
between two variations of unilateral squats under different stability
conditions. Twelve male volunteers (age: 23±5 years, mass:
80±17 kg, height: 1.81±0.11 m, strength-training experience:
4.3±1.9 years) performed four repetitions with the same external
load (≈4RM). Two variations (with the non-stance leg forwards vs.
backwards) were performed in a Smith-machine and free-weight condition. The
variables were barbell velocity, lifting time and surface electromyography
activity of the lower extremity and trunk muscles during the descending and
ascending phase. The main findings were 1) peak force was higher when
performing the unilateral squats in the Smith machine; 2) peak ascending
barbell velocity increased from repetition 3–4 with free weight; and
3) muscle activity from the rectus femoris, vastus lateral, biceps femoris,
gluteus medius, and erector spinae increased with repetitions, whereas
gluteus, and medial vastus and shank muscles were affected by the
conditions. It was concluded that more peak force could be produced because
of increased stability. However, peak barbell velocity increased from
repetition to repetition in free-weight unilateral squats, which was
probably because the participants grew more comfortable. Furthermore,
increased instability causes more gluteus and vastus medial activation and
foot variations mainly affected the calf muscles.
ECMO als Therapie des schweren Lungenversagens bei COVID-19
Authors: Schmauss M. , Müller E. , Schwamborn M. , Giesa C. , Ewig S.
Published: July 2020

Wir berichten über den Fall einer 60-jährigen Patientin mit fortgeschrittenem schwerem Lungenversagen bei COVID-19-assoziierter Pneumonie. Die Patientin erhielt zuerst 2 Tage eine (Highflow-)Sauerstoff-Therapie (HFNC) und CPAP, anschließend musste sie intubiert und invasiv beatmet werden. Nach dem Scheitern einer invasiven Beatmung mit schwerster Hypoxämie erfolgte der Anschluss an eine vv-ECMO. Diese wurde über 24 Tage durchgeführt. Die prognostischen Parameter zeigten ab Tag 14 eine günstige Tendenz. Nach Beendigung der ECMO und insgesamt 11 Tagen stundenweiser assistierter Beatmung über Tracheostoma und Sauerstoff (1 l/min) konnte die Patientin in die Rehabilitationsbehandlung verlegt werden. Die letzte Röntgenthoraxaufnahme zeigte eine nahezu vollständige Rückbildung der initialen ausgedehnten beidseitigen Verschattungen. Unser Fall zeigt, dass auch nach einer prolongierten ECMO-Therapie eine Ausheilung der schweren COVID-assoziierten Lungenschäden möglich ist.
Innovatives Arbeitszeitmodell: Flexibel und individuell
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Viele ungeliebte Dienste, Unvereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf aufgrund des Dreischichtmodells, häufiges Einspringen für kranke Kollegen. Das macht den Pflegeberuf nicht gerade attraktiv. Hexagon heißt die Lösung der Universitäts- und Rehabilitationskliniken Ulm gGmbH (RKU), mit der sich die Arbeitszeiten der Pflegekräfte der ihren beruflichen Wünschen und ihren privaten Situationen anpassen lassen.
Dedalus: Auf dem Weg zum Global Player
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: July 2020

Seit Anfang Mai ist die Übernahme von Agfa HealthCare durch Dedalus perfekt. Winfried Post, bislang Geschäftsführer DACH bei Agfa HealthCare und in gleicher Position zu Dedalus gewechselt, über neue Chancen im europäischen Markt, warum Dedalus unter die Top-3 Health-IT-Unternehmen der Welt will – und Private Equity nun auch den lukrativen Markt der Health IT entdeckt.
Prostatakarzinom: Mit KI den Krebs früher und besser erkennen
Authors: Franiel Tobias , Reimers-Kipping Sabrina , Goldner Moritz
Published: July 2020

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) hat abgesehen von singulären Forschungsprojekten noch keinen Einzug in die medizinische Regelversorgung der Krankenhäuser gehalten. Dabei kann die KI-Methode „Deep Learning“ Ärzte bei einer Vielzahl von Anwendungsmöglichkeiten unterstützen. Ein Beispiel dafür ist MRT-gestützte Diagnostik des Prostatakarzinoms.
Data promiscuity: how the public–private distinction shaped digital data infrastructures and notions of privacy
Authors: Hoeyer Klaus
Published: July 2020

This essay discusses the performative effects of the public–private distinction on digital data infrastructures in healthcare. The words ‘public’ and ‘private’ hold many meanings. This analysis focuses on how they are used both in an informational sense (what is kept secret or strictly controlled versus what is out in the open or shared) and an institutional sense (issues of ownership and purpose such as being state-owned and governed for the common good or privately owned and aimed at generating profit). In the political construction of digital infrastructures, the two senses are deeply intertwined: changes in relation to ownership and purpose affect what is kept secret and what is shared. Furthermore, when policymakers search for ways to protect one aspect (privacy) they sometimes opt for tools from the other (by conceiving of data as private property). The informational interconnectedness facilitated by digital infrastructures produces a form of ‘data promiscuity’. Data promiscuity is a condition where data are indiscriminate in the choice of partners: what is seen as data on a thing for one purpose can always become seen as data on another aspect of that thing and be used for another purpose and by another user. Data are set free to pursue gain or pleasure, but this freedom involves certain dangers for the persons from whom they derive. Data promiscuity is the contemporary condition of possibility for health research. By unpacking the wholesale categories of public and private through which the contemporary situation came about, there is a better chance of rethinking the problems it involves, and for suggesting new solutions to ensure social sustainability. The argument is based on developments in one of the most fiercely digitalised and datafied countries in the world: Denmark.
An intermediate catalytic crystal helps semiconductors grow epitaxially on 2D substrates
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: July 2020

By a “transfer of epitaxy,” a catalyst that is well-aligned with a 2D material like graphene encourages a growing crystal to inherit its orientation.
Strain-driven quantum dot self-assembly by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Sautter Kathryn E. , Vallejo Kevin D. , Simmonds Paul J.
Published: July 2020

Research into self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has helped advance numerous optoelectronic applications, ranging from solid-state lighting to photodetectors. By carefully controlling molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth parameters, we can readily tune QD light absorption and emission properties to access a broad portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Although this field is now sufficiently mature that QDs are found in consumer electronics, research efforts continue to expand into new areas. By manipulating MBE growth conditions and exploring new combinations of materials, substrate orientations, and the sign of strain, a wealth of opportunities exist for synthesizing novel QD nanostructures with hitherto unavailable properties. As such, QDs are uniquely well positioned to make critical contributions to the development of future quantum technologies. In this tutorial, we summarize the history of self-assembled QDs, outline some examples of quantum optics applications based on QDs, discuss the science that explains the spontaneous formation of QDs, and provide recipes for successful QD growth by MBE for some of the most commonly used semiconductor materials systems. We hope that compiling this information in one place will be useful both for those new to QD self-assembly and for experienced researchers, ideally supporting the community’s efforts to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this important field.
Electrical fatigue in 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3: Influence of the surface layer
Authors: Shi Xi , Kumar Nitish , Hoffman Mark
Published: July 2020

Similar to several Pb-based relaxor ferroelectrics, 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 is reported to have a micrometer-sized surface layer. We hypothesize that since this layer has structural properties distinct from the bulk, it would undergo a different property degradation than the bulk during cyclic electrical loading or fatigue. First, we show the existence of a surface layer by comparing X-ray diffraction patterns of the ceramic surface and powders. Then, we show that fatigue damage is mainly localized in the surface layers, and thus, property degradation due to fatigue can be recovered on removing the affected surface layer. We also show that ion migration may be occurring in the surface layer during fatigue experiments using secondary ion mass spectroscopy, where the ion sources may be the sample itself, the electrode layer or the insulating oil in which the experiment is performed. Finally, we show that permanent fatigue damage such as microcracks is dependent on the choice of electrodes. While permanent damage was observed for Pt electrodes, it was not present for oxide electrodes, suggesting that oxygen permeation and accumulation at the electrode/surface interface may play a role in the formation of observed microcracks. In summary, we have shown that fatigue is influenced by the surface layer, and surface layer damage can be controlled using the selection of electrodes.
Numerical study of flow effect on internal kink mode in finite beta plasmas
Authors: Guo W. , Ma J.
Published: July 2020

The linear stability analysis of the m = n = 1 (where m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number) resistive internal kink mode and its high order harmonics (m = n = 2) in the presence of the flow is numerically investigated in a cylinder with a newly developed full resistive magnetohydrodynamic eigenvalue code for finite beta plasmas. At least two modes for both m = n = 1 and m = n = 2 harmonics are observed to be unstable. Combined with the resistivity scaling law and mode structure, it indicates that the most unstable mode is the pressure driven ideal mode with the rigid displacement within the q = 1 surface. The second unstable mode is the resistive mode featured with the localized displacement around the q = 1 rational surface. For m = n = 2, one is the conventional constant ψ mode with a η3/5 scaling law and one is a new branch mode due to the finite beta also featured with a localized non-monotonic perturbed radial magnetic field around the rational surface. The finite beta generally destabilizes every modes of both m = n = 1 and its high order harmonics in a cylindrical geometry. However, the finite beta has very little effect on the mode structure of the most unstable modes and it broadens the localized non-monotonic perturbed radial magnetic field of the second unstable modes, for both m = n = 1 and m = n = 2. Based on the clarity and understanding of the finite beta effect, we study the effect of sheared plasma flow on the linear stability of both the m = n = 1 and m = n = 2 harmonics for finite beta plasmas in the cylindrical geometry.
Generalized Einstein’s and Brinkman’s solutions for the effective viscosity of nanofluids
Authors: Solyaev Y. O. , Lurie S. A. , Semenov N. A.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we derived closed form analytical solutions for the effective viscosity of the suspensions of solid spheres that take into account size effects. This result was obtained by using the solution for the effective shear modulus of particulate composites developed in the framework of the strain gradient elasticity theory. Assuming the incompressibility of the matrix and the rigid behavior of particles and using a mathematical analogy between the theories of elasticity and viscous fluids, we derived generalized Einstein’s formula for effective viscosity. Then, generalized Brinkman’s solution for the concentrated suspensions was derived using the differential method. The obtained solutions contain a single additional length scale parameter, which can be related to the interactions between the base liquid and solid particles in the suspensions. In the case of a large ratio between the diameter of the particles and the length scale parameter, the developed solutions were reduced to the classical solutions. However, for the small relative diameter of particles, an increase of the effective viscosity was predicted. It was shown that the developed models agree well with the known experimental data. Solutions for the fibrous suspensions were also derived and validated.
Energy considerations regarding pulsed arc production of nanomaterials
Authors: Corbella Carles , Portal Sabine , Kundrapu Madhusudhan N. , Keidar Michael
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric arc discharge volumes have been estimated from the light distribution emitted during evaporation of graphite and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) anodes. These data have been correlated to the peak power in the case of pulsed arc discharge held at different frequencies (1, 2, and 5 Hz). The measured power density values and the corresponding specific energies per particle have been compared to DC values and showed that pulsed arc discharges deliver electrical power more efficiently than DC arc discharges do with yet lower thermal loads. In particular, the power density of approximately 1 kW/cm3 characteristic of pulsed arcs (10–20 kW/cm3 in DC) suffices to provide 15 eV/particle to the arc plasma (approximately 10 eV/particle or less in DC). Such an energy balance resulted in high ionization rates of the ablated material and production yields of carbon nanotubes around 1011 cm−2 kW h−1. Finally, in situ probe experiments showed that pulsed arcs enhance the transport to the substrate of the generated nanoparticles, such as graphene and MoS2 monolayers. Pulsed anodic arcs open the possibility to generate further nanomaterials thanks to a more rational power investment and a better control of the discharge region.
The problem of distinguishing between a centre and a focus in the space of vector fields with given Newton diagram
Authors: Medvedeva N. B.
Published: July 2020

We investigate the problem of distinguishing between a centre and a focus in the class of analytic vector fields with fixed Newton diagram, which satisfy certain natural conditions of general position. A method is proposed for constructing explicit expressions for the coefficients in the asymptotic representation of the monodromy transformation, known as the Dulac series. These are analogous to the Lyapunov focal quantities. These coefficients make it possible — up to an infinite-codimensional set of exceptional cases — to complete the stability analysis for a compound monodromic (that is, centre-focus) singular point. A computer-aided calculation of formulae for coefficients of the Dulac series is presented. Examples are treated of Newton diagrams with two and three edges.

Bibliography: 30 titles.