bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 DNA Vaccine Induces Immunity Against Orf Virus and Inhibits Spermatogenesis In Rats
Authors: Wassie Teketay , Fanmei Zeng , Jiang Xunping , Liu Guiqiong , Girmay Shishay , Min Zhang , Chenhui Liu , Bo Dong Dong , Ahmed Sohail
Published: November 2019

Orf is a highly contagious zoonotic disease of small ruminants caused by Parapoxvirus. Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene with its cognate receptor GPR-54 is recognized as an upstream orchestrator in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study was designed to construct a DNA vaccine that produces a fused peptide composed of a major immunodominant protein of the orf virus (B2L) and kisspeptin-54, a neuropeptide with recognized roles in mammalian reproductive biology. The administration of this recombinant vaccine is shown to produce a significant antibody and cell-mediated immune response directed against B2L compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that rats inoculated with PBK-asd vaccine up-regulated antigen-mediated splenocyte proliferation and significantly raised antigen-specific tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα-), interferon-gamma (IFN-ϒ) and interleukin (IL-2) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This recombinant vaccine also stimulated antibody responses to kisspeptin and decreased serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels. Moreover, the current recombinant vaccine caused testicular atrophy and arrested spermatogenesis. It is concluded that this recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 vaccine could be a promising approach for construction of bivalent orf virus and immunocastration vaccine. Furthermore, we concluded that the orf virus envelope protein (B2L) could be used as an immunomodulator for kisspeptin-54 to produce a strong antibody response.
Rapid functionalisation and detection of viruses via a novel Ca2+-mediated virus-DNA interaction
Authors: Robb Nicole C. , Taylor Jonathan M. , Kent Amy , Pambos Oliver J. , Gilboa Barak , Evangelidou Maria , Mentis Alexios-Fotios A. , Kapanidis Achillefs N.
Published: November 2019

Current virus detection methods often take significant time or can be limited in sensitivity and specificity. The increasing frequency and magnitude of viral outbreaks in recent decades has resulted in an urgent need for diagnostic methods that are facile, sensitive, rapid and inexpensive. Here, we describe and characterise a novel, calcium-mediated interaction of the surface of enveloped viruses with DNA, that can be used for the functionalisation of intact virus particles via chemical groups attached to the DNA. Using DNA modified with fluorophores, we have demonstrated the rapid and sensitive labelling and detection of influenza and other viruses using single-particle tracking and particle-size determination. With this method, we have detected clinical isolates of influenza in just one minute, significantly faster than existing rapid diagnostic tests. This powerful technique is easily extendable to a wide range of other enveloped pathogenic viruses and holds significant promise as a future diagnostic tool.
Meta-modeling on detailed geography for accurate prediction of invasive alien species dispersal
Authors: Pepper Nick , Gerardo-Giorda Luca , Montomoli Francesco
Published: November 2019

Invasive species are recognized as a significant threat to biodiversity. The mathematical modeling of their spatio-temporal dynamics can provide significant help to environmental managers in devising suitable control strategies. Several mathematical approaches have been proposed in recent decades to efficiently model the dispersal of invasive species. Relying on the assumption that the dispersal of an individual is random, but the density of individuals at the scale of the population can be considered smooth, reaction-diffusion models are a good trade-off between model complexity and flexibility for use in different situations. In this paper we present a continuous reaction-diffusion model coupled with arbitrary Polynomial Chaos (aPC) to assess the impact of uncertainties in the model parameters. We show how the finite elements framework is well-suited to handle important landscape heterogeneities as elevation and the complex geometries associated with the boundaries of an actual geographical region. We demonstrate the main capabilities of the proposed coupled model by assessing the uncertainties in the invasion of an alien species invading the Basque Country region in Northern Spain.
Functional neuroanatomy of interoceptive processing in children and adolescents: a pilot study
Authors: Klabunde M. , Juszczak H. , Jordan T. , Baker J. M. , Bruno J. , Carrion V. , Reiss A. L.
Published: November 2019

In adults, interoception – the sense of the physiological condition of the body - appears to influence emotion processing, cognition, behavior and various somatic and mental health disorders. Adults demonstrate frontal-insula-parietal-anterior cingulate cortex activation during the heartbeat detection task, a common interoceptive measure. Little, however, is known about the functional neuroanatomy underlying interoception in children. The current pilot study examined interoceptive processing in children and adolescents with fMRI while using the heartbeat detection task. Our main findings demonstrate that children as young as the age of six activate the left insula, cuneus, inferior parietal lobule and prefrontal regions. These findings are similar to those in adults when comparing heartbeat and tone detection conditions. Age was associated with increased activation within the dACC, orbital frontal cortex and the mid-inferior frontal gyri. Thus, our pilot study may provide important information about the neurodevelopment of interoceptive processing abilities in children and a task for future interoception neuroimaging studies in children.
Genomic and phenotypic insights point to diverse ecological strategies by facultative anaerobes obtained from subsurface coal seams
Authors: Vick Silas H. W. , Greenfield Paul , Tetu Sasha G. , Midgley David J. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: November 2019

Microbes in subsurface coal seams are responsible for the conversion of the organic matter in coal to methane, resulting in vast reserves of coal seam gas. This process is important from both environmental and economic perspectives as coal seam gas is rapidly becoming a popular fuel source worldwide and is a less carbon intensive fuel than coal. Despite the importance of this process, little is known about the roles of individual bacterial taxa in the microbial communities carrying out this process. Of particular interest is the role of members of the genus Pseudomonas, a typically aerobic taxa which is ubiquitous in coal seam microbial communities worldwide and which has been shown to be abundant at early time points in studies of ecological succession on coal. The current study performed aerobic isolations of coal seam microbial taxa generating ten facultative anaerobic isolates from three coal seam formation waters across eastern Australia. Subsequent genomic sequencing and phenotypic analysis revealed a range of ecological strategies and roles for these facultative anaerobes in biomass recycling, suggesting that this group of organisms is involved in the degradation of accumulated biomass in coal seams, funnelling nutrients back into the microbial communities degrading coal to methane.
Author Correction: Phosphopantetheinyl transferase (Ppt)-mediated biosynthesis of lysine, but not siderophores or DHN melanin, is required for virulence of Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat
Authors: Derbyshire Mark C. , Gohari Amir Mirzadi , Mehrabi Rahim , Kilaru Sreedhar , Steinberg Gero , Ali Solaf , Bailey Andy , Hammond-Kosack Kim , Kema Gert H. J. , Rudd Jason J.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Polar cod in jeopardy under the retreating Arctic sea ice
Authors: Huserbråten Mats Brockstedt Olsen , Eriksen Elena , Gjøsæter Harald , Vikebø Frode
Published: November 2019

The Arctic amplification of global warming is causing the Arctic-Atlantic ice edge to retreat at unprecedented rates. Here we show how variability and change in sea ice cover in the Barents Sea, the largest shelf sea of the Arctic, affect the population dynamics of a keystone species of the ice-associated food web, the polar cod (Boreogadus saida). The data-driven biophysical model of polar cod early life stages assembled here predicts a strong mechanistic link between survival and variation in ice cover and temperature, suggesting imminent recruitment collapse should the observed ice-reduction and heating continue. Backtracking of drifting eggs and larvae from observations also demonstrates a northward retreat of one of two clearly defined spawning assemblages, possibly in response to warming. With annual to decadal ice-predictions under development the mechanistic physical-biological links presented here represent a powerful tool for making long-term predictions for the propagation of polar cod stocks.
Direct evidence for eudicot pollen-feeding in a Cretaceous stinging wasp (Angiospermae; Hymenoptera, Aculeata) preserved in Burmese amber
Authors: Grimaldi David A. , Peñalver Enrique , Barrón Eduardo , Herhold Hollister W. , Engel Michael S.
Published: November 2019

Angiosperms and their insect pollinators form a foundational symbiosis, evidence for which from the Cretaceous is mostly indirect, based on fossils of insect taxa that today are anthophilous, and of fossil insects and flowers that have apparent anthophilous and entomophilous specializations, respectively. We present exceptional direct evidence preserved in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, 100 mya, for feeding on pollen in the eudicot genusTricolporoiditesby a basal new aculeate wasp,Prosphex anthophilos, gen. et sp. nov., in the lineage that contains the ants, bees, and other stinging wasps. Plume of hundreds of pollen grains wafts from its mouth and an apparent pollen mass was detected by micro-CT in the buccal cavity: clear evidence that the wasp was foraging on the pollen. Eudicots today comprise nearly three-quarters of all angiosperm species.Prosphexfeeding onTricolporoiditessupports the hypothesis that relatively small, generalized insect anthophiles were important pollinators of early angiosperms.
Optimizing bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for the modification of late transition metal surfaces – new insights through theory
Authors: Börner Melanie C. , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: November 2019

We identify key factors determining the adsorption behaviour of bidentate NHCs on noble metal surfaces.
Band-like electron transport in 2D quantum dot periodic lattices: the effect of realistic size distributions
Authors: Skibinsky-Gitlin E. S. , Rodríguez-Bolívar S. , Califano M. , Gómez-Campos F. M.
Published: November 2019

In this work we calculate temperature-dependent band-like electronic mobilities in 2D quantum dot arrays with realistic size distributions.
Enhancing the luminescence of carbon nanodots in films by tailoring the functional groups through alkylamine-functionalization and reduction
Authors: Kim Minsu , Kang Phil Woong , Park Sunjoong , Jeon Duk Young , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: November 2019

The luminescence of carbon nanodots in films was enhanced by tailoring functional groups because the energy levels could be significantly simplified.
Band alignment and optical features in Janus-MoSeTe/X(OH)2 (X = Ca, Mg) van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Vo Dat D. , Vu Tuan V. , Hieu Nguyen V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Binh Nguyen T. T. , Phuong Le T. T. , Idrees M. , Amin B. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: November 2019

van der Waals heterostructures can be effectively used to enhance the electronic and optical properties and extend the application range of two-dimensional materials.
New layered chromium chalcogenides CsLiCrSe2, RbLiCrS2 and CsLiCrS2: structures and properties
Authors: Sun Xiaoning , Song Yanpeng , Deng Jun , Jin Shifeng , Chen Xiaolong
Published: November 2019

The synthesis and characterization of the first ThCr2Si2-type chromium chalcogenides with intimate correlation between Cr concentration and spin-glass transition temperature.
Reversible photo-isomerization of cis-[Pd(L-κS,O)2] (HL = N,N-diethyl-N′-1-naphthoylthiourea) to trans-[Pd(L-κS,O)2] and the unprecedented formation of trans-[Pd(L-κS,N)2] in solution
Authors: Nkabyo Henry A. , Procacci Barbara , Duckett Simon B. , Koch Klaus R.
Published: November 2019

Ex-situ with polychromatic or in-situ laser light irradiation of solutions of pure cis-[Pd(L-κS,O)2] leads to the formation of trans-[Pd(L-κS,O)2] species that in the dark reverts via an unprecedented trans-[Pd(L-κS,N)2] cleanly to the cis-[Pd(L-κS,O)2].
Using low-cost sensors to monitor indoor, outdoor, and personal ozone concentrations in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Meichen , Barkjohn Karoline K. , Norris Christina , Schauer James J. , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Yinping , Hu Min , Bergin Michael
Published: November 2019

Performance of low-cost O3 monitors is evaluated in Beijing, China, and they are used indoors, outdoors, and for personal exposure.
Revealing the intrinsic differences between static and flow electrode capacitive deionization by introducing semi-flow electrodes
Authors: Fang Kuo , Gong Hui , He Wenyan , Peng Fei , Wang Kaijun
Published: November 2019

▯ A semi-flow mode FCDI system was first designed and the results indicated that the adsorption capacity was recovered by electrode slurry replacement.
Stevia residue extract increases intestinal uric acid excretionviainteractions with intestinal urate transporters in hyperuricemic mice
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Zhao Lei , Wang Chengtao , Hossen Imam , Raka Rifat Nowshin , Zhang Huimin
Published: November 2019

The supplementation of STVRE significantly attenuated hyperuricemia and oxidative stress, upregulated ABCG2 and downregulated GLUT9 (protein and mRNA) expression in hyperuricemic mice.
Endosperm prevents toxic amounts of Zn from accumulating in the seed embryo – an adaptation to metalliferous sites in metal-tolerant Biscutella laevigata
Authors: Babst-Kostecka Alicja , Przybyłowicz Wojciech J , van der Ent Antony , Ryan Chris , Dietrich Charlotte C , Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz Jolanta
Published: November 2019

Seed germination represents the first crucial stage in the life cycle of a plant, and the seed must contain all necessary transition elements for the development and successful establishment of the seedling. Problematically, seed development and germination are often hampered by elevated metal(loid) concentrations in industrially polluted soils, making their revegetation a challenging task. Biscutella laevigata L. (Brassicaceae) is a rare perennial pseudometallophyte that can tolerate high concentrations of trace metal elements. Yet, the strategies of this and other plant species to ensure reproductive success at metalliferous sites are poorly understood. Here we characterized several parameters of germination and used synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy to investigate the spatial distribution and concentration of elements within B. laevigata seeds from two metallicolous and two non-metallicolous populations. We find that average germination time was shorter and the seed weight was lower in the metallicolous compared to the non-metallicolous populations. By allowing for at least two generations within one growth season, relatively fast germination at metalliferous sites accelerates microevolutionary processes and likely enhances the potential of metallicolous accessions to adapt to environmental stress. We also identified different strategies of elemental accumulation within seed tissues between populations. Particularly interesting patterns were observed for zinc, which was found in 6-fold higher concentrations in the endosperm of metallicolous compared to non-metallicolous populations. This indicates that the endosperm protects the seed embryo from accumulating toxic concentrations of metal(loid)s, which likely improves reproductive success. Hence, we conclude that elemental uptake regulation by the seed endosperm is associated with enhanced metal tolerance and adaptation to metalliferous environments in B. laevigata.
Synthesis of microporous silica nanoparticles to study water phase transitions by vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Rosenberg Daniel J. , Alayoglu Selim , Kostecki Robert , Ahmed Musahid
Published: November 2019

The evolution of hollow microporous silica nanoparticles for a vibrational spectroscopy study of confined water.
Activation of atom-precise clusters for catalysis
Authors: Sudheeshkumar V. , Sulaiman Kazeem O. , Scott Robert W. J.
Published: November 2019

This review details methods used to activate Au and Ag clusters for catalysis and routes that have been effective in mitigating sintering.
Ambient oxidation of Ti3C2 MXene initialized by atomic defects
Authors: Xia Fanjie , Lao Junchao , Yu Ruohan , Sang Xiahan , Luo Jiayan , Li Yu , Wu Jinsong
Published: November 2019

The mechanism of Ti3C2-MXene ambient oxidation has been revealed by electron microscopy, disclosing the effects of defects and Ti-ion diffusion.
Dual pH-triggered catalytic selective Mn clusters for cancer radiosensitization and radioprotection
Authors: Lv Shuxin , Long Wei , Chen Junchi , Ren Qinjuan , Wang Junying , Mu Xiaoyu , Liu Haile , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Ruiping
Published: November 2019

Mn clusters with pH-triggered catalytic selective capacity could optimize the effects of radiotherapy in the acidic tumor microenvironment, while protecting normal tissues from radiation in neutral circumstances simultaneously.
Palladium nanosheet-knotted injectable hydrogels formed via palladium–sulfur bonding for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Jiang Yao-Wen , Gao Ge , Hu Pengcheng , Liu Jia-Bao , Guo Yuxin , Zhang Xiaodong , Yu Xin-Wang , Wu Fu-Gen , Lu Xiaolin
Published: November 2019

A nanoparticle-crosslinked, near-infrared laser-activatable and injectable photothermal hydrogel prepared via dynamic Pd–S bonding realizes enhanced chemo-phototherapy.
Supramolecular neuromuscular blocker inhibition by a pillar[5]arene through aqueous inclusion of rocuronium bromide
Authors: Shurpik Dmitriy N. , Mostovaya Olga A. , Sevastyanov Denis A. , Lenina Oksana A. , Sapunova Anastasiya S. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Petrov Konstantin A. , Kovyazina Irina V. , Cragg Peter J. , Stoikov Ivan I.
Published: November 2019

A water-soluble pillar[5]arene with thioether and carboxylate fragments was synthesized and its ability to encapsulate rocuronium bromide was demonstrated.
Forming a water-soluble supramolecular polymer and an AIEE hydrogel: two novel approaches for highly sensitive detection and efficient adsorption of aldehydes
Authors: Fan Yan-Qing , Huang Qing , Zhang You-Ming , Wang Jiao , Guan Xiao-Wen , Chen Yan-Yan , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao , Lin Qi
Published: November 2019

Two novel approaches for highly sensitive detection and efficient adsorption of aldehydes by forming a water-soluble supramolecular polymer and an AIEE hydrogel.
Significant improvement of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based donor–acceptor conjugated polymers through side-chain engineering
Authors: Diao Ruimin , Ye Haonan , Yang Zhicheng , Zhang Shicong , Kong Kangyi , Hua Jianli
Published: November 2019

The hydrogen evolution rate of PDPP3B-O4 with butoxy chain was 5.53 mmol h−1 g−1 with 1% Pt loading (λ > 400 nm), increased 110 times than PDPP3B-C8 with octyl chain due to wider absorption spectrum and better wettability via side chain engineering.
Light and ferric ion responsive fluorochromic hydrogels with high strength and self-healing ability
Authors: Wang Beibei , Liu Lijian , Liao Liqiong
Published: November 2019

Here, light and ferric ion (Fe3+) responsive fluorochromic hydrogels with high strength and self-healing ability were designed and synthesized.
Interaction of U(vi) with α-MnO2@layered double hydroxides by combined batch experiments and spectroscopy studies
Authors: Ma Junping , Wang Chen , Zhao Qiuyu , Ren Jianlin , Chen Zhe , Wang Jianjun
Published: November 2019

Uranium is of high concern in the field of environmental remediation because of its high fluidity, radioactivity, biological toxicity and long life. Removing U(vi) from wastewater is of great significance to both environment and biology.
One pot synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]phenanthridines from 7-phenylindoles via tandem C–H olefination/aza-Michael addition
Authors: Yuan Yumeng , Pan Guoshuai , Zhang Xiaofeng , Huang Qiufeng
Published: November 2019

An unprecedented one-pot C–H olefination/aza-Michael addition tandem process has been developed for the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]phenanthridines from 7-phenylindoles and alkenes using a [Cp*RhCl2]2/AgOAc/Me4NOAc catalytic system.
Percolation analysis of the electrical conductive network in a polymer nanocomposite by nanorod functionalization
Authors: Ma Ruibin , Mu Guangyao , Zhang Huan , Liu Jun , Gao Yangyang , Zhao Xiuying , Zhang Liqun
Published: November 2019

Chemical functionalization of nanofillers is an effective strategy to benefit the formation of the conductive network in the matrix which can enhance the electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs).
Grafting and stabilization of ordered mesoporous silica COK-12 with graphene oxide for enhanced removal of methylene blue
Authors: Henning Laura M. , Simon Ulla , Gurlo Aleksander , Smales Glen J. , Bekheet Maged F.
Published: November 2019

Grafting of environmentally friendly produced ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) COK-12 with graphene oxide yields a superior OMS/GO adsorbent for methylene blue.
Interface tailoring through the supply of optimized oxygen and hydrogen to semiconductors for highly stable top-gate-structured high-mobility oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Ko Jong Beom , Lee Seung-Hee , Park Kyung Woo , Park Sang-Hee Ko
Published: November 2019

By supplying optimized oxygen and hydrogen, the highly stable and high mobility oxide TFTs with the top-gate structure were fabricated.
Tailoring pore structure and properties of waste-derived ceramic foams for lightweight construction
Authors: Jiang Congcong , Huang Shifeng , Zhang Xiuzhi , Cheng Xin
Published: November 2019

Ceramic foams (CFs) are manufactured by recycling granite waste, coal gangue, and cullet.
Spontaneous precipitation pattern formation by crystallites of Mn–Fe-based Prussian blue analogues in agarose gel
Authors: Hayashi Hisashi , Aoki Saya , Suzuki Tomoko
Published: November 2019

Precipitation patterns spontaneously formed by Mn–Fe PBAs in agarose gel were investigated over wide concentrations ranges for the outer (0.10 ≤ [Mn2+] ≤ 0.70 M) and inner electrolytes (0.01 ≤ [[Fe(CN)6]3−] ≤ 0.35 M) by visual/SEM observations.
Biomass-derived carbon-supported Ni catalyst: an effective heterogeneous non-noble metal catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitro compounds
Authors: Tang Qingjie , Yuan Ziliang , Jin Shiwei , Yao Kaiyue , Yang Hanmin , Chi Quan , Liu Bing
Published: November 2019

The biomass-derived carbon material supported Ni catalysts (Ni/C) demonstrated a high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of nitro compounds into primary amines at room temperature.
Accelerative oxygen evolution by Cu-doping into Fe-Co oxides
Authors: Zhang Qiaoqiao , Liu Ning , Guan Jingqi
Published: November 2019

Low overpotentials of 256, 271, and 226 mV at 10 mA cm−2can be achieved over FeCoCuOxsupported on a GCE, a Pt electrode, and Ni foam, respectively, in an alkaline electrolyte.
Colloidal crystals of compliant microgel beads to study cell migration and mechanosensitivity in 3D
Authors: Wagner Katrin , Girardo Salvatore , Goswami Ruchi , Rosso Gonzalo , Ulbricht Elke , Müller Paul , Soteriou Despina , Träber Nicole , Guck Jochen
Published: November 2019

We present a novel 3D colloidal crystal made of polyacrylamide microgel beads with variable stiffness. The beads can be functionalized with ECM proteins and used to study mechanosensing responses of cells to varying stiffness in a 3D context.
Social Judgments of Digitally Manipulated Stuttered Speech: An Evaluation of Self-Disclosure on Cognition
Authors: Ferguson Ashley M. , Roche Jennifer M. , Arnold Hayley S.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Persons who stutter (PWS) may be susceptible to discrimination because of negative judgments made by listeners. The current study sought to determine how the cognitive system's explicit (i.e., conscious) and implicit (i.e., nonconscious) biases about PWS are impacted by self-disclosure.

Method

A computer mouse–tracking paradigm was used to evaluate categorical social judgments about PWS. Computer mouse trajectories, which have been shown to reveal underlying cognitive pull or competition between opposing concepts, were used to measure implicit bias (i.e., nonconscious stereotypes). Participants were asked to explicitly categorize the speaker as either intelligent or unintelligent before and after listening to a speaker self-disclose. Mouse cursor trajectories during the explicit response categorization were used to evaluate implicit bias associated with the decision-making process.

Results

Results indicated that participants chose “intelligent” for a higher proportion of the trials in the disclosure condition compared to baseline, showing that listeners' explicit biases changed after listening to a self-disclosure that the speaker stutters. Results also indicated listeners exhibited a more negative implicit bias, based on computer mouse trajectories, when rating the PWS relative to the “persons who do not stutter” talker, but this negative implicit bias did seem to reduce over time after the disclosure was made.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that, even though explicit and implicit biases were evident when listeners heard stuttering, both explicit and implicit biases seemed to extinguish over time after a self-disclosure. Although the bias was not completely extinguished, these results provide promising evidence toward developing methods to reduce negative beliefs and reactions toward PWS.

Supplemental Material

http://osf.io/mwrp7/
Using Computer Programs for Language Sample Analysis
Authors: Pezold Mollee J. , Imgrund Caitlin M. , Storkel Holly L.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Although language sample analysis is widely recommended for assessing children's expressive language, few school-based speech-language pathologists routinely use it, citing a lack of time, resources, and training (
Pavelko, Owens, Ireland, & Hahs-Vaughn, 2016
). The purpose of this clinical tutorial is (a) to describe options for language sample analysis using computer programs and (b) to demonstrate a process of using language sample analysis focused on the assessment of 2 preschool children as case studies.

Method

We provide an overview of collecting and analyzing child language samples and describe 3 programs for language sample analysis: 2 dedicated software programs (Computerized Language Analysis [
MacWhinney, 2000
] and Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts [
Miller & Iglesias, 2015
]) and 1 protocol for using word processing software to analyze language samples (Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised;
Pavelko & Owens, 2017
). We also present analysis results from each program for play-based language samples from 2 preschool children and detailed analysis of the samples with potential treatment goals.

Results

Each program offers different analyses, comparison databases, and sampling contexts. We present options for additional analysis, clinical interpretations, and potential treatment goals based on the 2 preschool cases.

Conclusion

Clinicians can use computer programs for language sample analysis as part of a process to make naturalistic language assessment more feasible.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.10093403
Fused voxel autoencoder for single image to 3D object reconstruction
Authors: Guzel Turhan C. , Bilge H.S.
Published: November 2019

The encoder–decoder based models become popular for many computer vision problems from image generation to image segmentation tasks. Due to the impressive performance of these models and Generative Adversarial Networks on image generation, these models have also adopted to 3D domains for 3D reconstruction and generation tasks. In this Letter, the authors have also attempted to solve a single image to 3D reconstruction problem by a novel encoder–decoder based model that is based on a fusion of encoders with the weak‐supervision approach. Thus, they have focused on multi‐category models inspiring the outstanding single‐category models on literature for real‐world tasks. In the experiments, it is seen that the proposed model is capable of generating the 3D objects from a single image by benefiting a wide range of features with weak class annotations.
The effect of diffuse background on the spatially-resolved Schmidt relation in nearby spiral galaxies
Authors: Kumari Nimisha , Irwin Mike J. , James Bethan L.
Published: November 2019

Context. The global Schmidt law of star formation provides a power-law relation between the surface densities of star-formation rate (SFR) and gas, and successfully explains plausible scenarios of galaxy formation and evolution. However, star formation being a multi-scale process, requires spatially-resolved analysis for a better understanding of the physics of star formation.

Aims. It has been shown that the removal of a diffuse background from SFR tracers, such as Hα, far-ultraviolet (FUV), infrared, leads to an increase in the slope of the sub-galactic Schmidt relation. We reinvestigate the local Schmidt relations in nine nearby spiral galaxies taking into account the effect of inclusion and removal of diffuse background in SFR tracers as well as in the atomic gas.

Methods. We used multiwavelength data obtained as part of the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey, Key Insights on Nearby Galaxies: a Far-Infrared Survey with Herschel, The H I Nearby Galaxy Survey, and HERA CO-Line Extragalactic Survey. Making use of a novel split of the overall light distribution as a function of spatial scale, we subtracted the diffuse background in the SFR tracers as well as the atomic gas. Using aperture photometry, we study the Schmidt relations on background subtracted and unsubtracted data at physical scales varying between 0.5–2 kpc.

Results. The fraction of diffuse background varies from galaxy to galaxy and accounts to ∼34% in Hα, ∼43% in FUV, ∼37% in 24 μm, and ∼75% in H I on average. We find that the inclusion of diffuse background in SFR tracers leads to a linear molecular gas Schmidt relation and a bimodal total gas Schmidt relation. However, the removal of diffuse background in SFR tracers leads to a super-linear molecular gas Schmidt relation. A further removal of the diffuse background from atomic gas results in a slope ∼1.4 ± 0.1, which agrees with dynamical models of star formation accounting for flaring effects in the outer regions of galaxies.
Improved detection of far-side solar active regions using deep learning
Authors: Felipe T. , Asensio Ramos A.
Published: November 2019

Context.The analysis of waves on the visible side of the Sun allows the detection of active regions on the far side through local helioseismology techniques. Knowing the magnetism in the whole Sun, including the non-visible hemisphere, is fundamental for several space weather forecasting applications.

Aims.Seismic identification of far-side active regions is challenged by the reduced signal-to-noise ratio, and only large and strong active regions can be reliable detected. Here we develop a new method to improve the identification of active region signatures in far-side seismic maps.

Methods.We constructed a deep neural network that associates the far-side seismic maps obtained from helioseismic holography with the probability that active regions lie on the far side. The network was trained with pairs of helioseismic phase-shift maps and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetograms acquired half a solar rotation later, which were used as a proxy for the presence of active regions on the far side. The method was validated using a set of artificial data, and it was also applied to actual solar observations during the period of minimum activity of solar cycle 24.

Results.Our approach shows a higher sensitivity to the presence of far-side active regions than standard methods that have been applied up to date. The neural network can significantly increase the number of detected far-side active regions, and will potentially improve the application of far-side seismology to space weather forecasting.
Nouveaux risques dans les bas-fonds des terroirs soudaniens. Une étude de cas au Burkina Faso
Authors: Serpantié Georges , Dorée Augustine , Fusillier Jean-Louis , Moity-Maizi Pascale , Lidon Bruno , Douanio Manaka , Sawadogo Abdraime , Bossa Aymar Yaovi , Hounkpè Jean
Published: November 2019

Dans la région soudanienne du Burkina Faso riche en bas-fonds, ces derniers représentent une facette du paysage inondable et fertile, ayant une fonction contre-aléatoire à travers des productions diversifiées en milieu humide en saison des pluies, et en contre-saison. Les activités de bas-fond permettent de réduire la vulnérabilité des groupes les plus exposés, comme les petites exploitations, les femmes et les jeunes, mais les arrangements fonciers restent précaires. C’est aussi un paysage particulièrement changeant avec des actions d’aménagement collectif hydraulique, rizicole et maraîcher. Les changements climatiques en cours atténuent l’aléa de la sécheresse sauf en début de saison, et un risque accru d’inondations est apparu. Ces tendances renforcent l’aléa du régime de l’eau, limitant les rendements, ce qui requiert des innovations dans les domaines technique et organisationnel, qui devront prendre en compte explicitement la dimension sociale et environnementale des bas-fonds.
Immediate vs. delayed toe-to-thumb transfer: Is the infection rate greater?
Authors: Ornelli Matteo , Ruocco Giovanni , Kaciulyte Juste , Lazzaro Lara , Felici Nicola
Published: November 2019

Background After loss of a thumb, the big toe is a possible donor site for reconstruction with wrap-around free flap and trimmed-toe transfer techniques. Early reconstructions seem to reduce the risk of post-operative infections, despite several studies that show different infection rates of the recipient site in immediate toe-to-hand transfer. The authors carried out a retrospective analysis of their experience in thumb reconstruction with big toe transfer and evaluated the results achieved with both immediate and delayed reconstructions in terms of infection occurrence.

Patients and Methods From 2000 to 2017, patients who presented cut, crush and avulsion injuries in the thumb were selected and 33 toe-to-thumb transfers were performed. Patients were divided into two groups: in group A, patients underwent immediate reconstruction, while in group B delayed reconstructions were performed. The two groups received identical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Reliability of the immediate or delayed reconstruction was compared in terms of flap survival, requirement for a secondary intention healing and, in particular, rate of infection.

Results 29 male and 4 female patients were treated. Toe-to-thumb transfers were performed in both groups: in group A, 8 wrap-around free flaps and 4 trimmed toe transfers; in group B, 11 wrap-around and 10 trimmed toe transfers. No flap loss occurred in either groups. No cases of infection were detected in the transferred toes.

Conclusion For toe-to-thumb transfer, there are published reports of a wide range of infection rates of the recipient sites. The authors compared their results in terms of infection rate between immediate reconstruction, group A, and delayed reconstruction, group B. Immediate toe-to-thumb transfer showed equal success rates to delayed transfer. No statistically significant difference in risk of infection between the two groups was found. Results showed that the immediate reconstruction was as safe and reliable as the delayed one.
Internetbezogene Störungen
Authors: Wölfling Klaus
Published: November 2019

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

seit 30 Jahren durchdringt das Internet zunehmend alle unsere Lebensbereiche und wird omnipräsent in allen Alters- und Bevölkerungsgruppen genutzt. Seit etwa 20 Jahren wird im wissenschaftlichen Sinn die suchtartige Nutzung des Internets mit ihren negativen Auswirkungen auf die Psyche, die geistigen Funktionen und den Körper diskutiert. Vor 6 Jahren wurde im DSM-5 die Forschungsdiagnose Internet Gaming Disorder als erste Unterform der suchtartigen Internetnutzung in ein Klassifikationssystem psychischer Erkrankungen aufgenommen.
Wirtschaftlichkeit der rekonstruktiven Mikrochirurgie: Positionspapier der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie – (DAM)
Authors: Bergmeister Konstantin D. , Fansa Hisham , Lehnhardt Markus , Djedovic Gabriel , Harder Yves , Schaefer Dirk Johannes , Vogt Peter Maria
Published: November 2019

Die Wirtschaftlichkeit von Therapien hat im Gesundheitswesen zunehmenden Stellenwert erlangt und wird dadurch auch für Mikrochirurgen ein relevanterer Aspekt ihrer Arbeit. Vor allem der verbundene Kostendruck, langfristig wirtschaftlich zu agieren, nötigt Mikrochirurgen ihre oftmals komplexen Behandlungen gegenüber Krankenversicherungen und Krankenhausträgern zu rechtfertigen. In diesem Positionspaper der deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie (DAM) wird der derzeitige Status Quo der Wirtschaftlichkeit in der mikrochirurgischen Extremitäten- und Brustrekonstruktion analysiert, sowie auch die daraus resultierenden Konsequenzen auf Therapiewahl und Weiterbildung. Ebenfalls wurde eine Analyse der Literatur gelegt, welche oftmals gesenkte Folgekosten nach komplexen Rekonstruktionen im Vergleich zu chirurgisch günstigeren Alternativverfahren beschreibt. Die beschriebenen Inhalte wurden auf einem Konsensusworkshop anlässlich der 40. Jahrestagung der DAM 2018 in Lugano erarbeitet.
3-Iodothyronamine Induces Diverse Signaling Effects at Different
Aminergic and Non-Aminergic G-Protein Coupled Receptors
Authors: Biebermann Heike , Kleinau Gunnar
Published: November 2019

The thyroid hormone metabolite 3-iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) exerts diverse
physiological reactions such as a decrease of body temperature, and negative
inotropic and chronotropic effects. This observed pleomorphic effect in
physiology can be barely explained by interaction with only one target protein
such as the trace-amine receptor 1 (TAAR1), a class A G-protein coupled receptor
(GPCR). Moreover, Taar1 knock-out mice still react to 3-T1AM through
physiological responses with a rapid decrease in body temperature. These facts
propelled our group and others to search for further targets for this
molecule.

The group of TAARs evolved early in evolution and, according to sequence
similarities, they are closely related to adrenoceptors and other aminergic
receptors. Therefore, several of these receptors were characterized by their
potential to interplay with 3-T1AM. Indeed, 3-T1AM acts as a positive allosteric
modulator on the beta2-adrenoceptor (ADRB2) and as a biased agonist on the
serotonin receptor 1B (5HT1b) and the alpha2-adrenoceptor (ADRA2A). In addition,
3-T1AM was reported to be a weak antagonist at a non-aminergic muscarinic
receptor (M3).

These findings impressively reflect that such trace amines can unselectively and
simultaneously function at different receptors expressed by one cell or at
different tissues. In conclusion, the role of 3-T1AM is hypothesized to concert
the fine-tuning of specific cell reactions by the accentuation of certain
pathways dependent on distinct receptors. 3-T1AM acts as a regulator of signals
by blocking, modulating, or inducing simultaneously distinct intracellular
signaling cascades via different GPCRs.
Structure and Mechanism of Iodothyronine Deiodinases – What
We Know, What We Don’t Know, and What Would Be Nice to
Know
Authors: Steegborn Clemens , Schweizer Ulrich
Published: November 2019

Deiodinases catalyze the specific removal of iodine atoms from one of the two
iodinated phenyl rings in iodothyronines. They thereby fine-regulate local
thyroid hormone concentrations in organs or cells. The chemical reaction is
unique in the sense that in metazoans the reductive elimination of iodide
depends on the rare amino acid selenocysteine in the enzymes’ active
centers. While there is no prokaryotic homologue of such deiodinases, the
solution of the crystal structure of a catalytic domain of mouse deiodinase 3
has revealed that the ancient peroxiredoxin structure has been repurposed, and
improved using selenocysteine, as a deiodinase during metazoan evolution.
Likewise, many biochemical findings obtained over decades can now be interpreted
in light of the molecular structure. Despite this leap in our understanding of
deiodinase structure, there are still several open questions that need to be
addressed in order to fully understand substrate binding, catalytic mechanism,
and regulation of deiodinases. We surmise that these issues as well as
differences between the three highly homologous isoenzymes must be understood in
order to develop modulators of deiodinases that could be valuable in clinical
use.
Factors Affecting Hospital Length of Stay following Total Knee Replacement: A Retrospective Analysis in a Regional Hospital
Authors: Scholes Corey , Cowley MacDougal , Ebrahimi Milad , Genon Michel , Martin Samuel J.
Published: November 2019

In an effort to reduce hospital length of stay (LoS) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patient management strategies have evolved over time. The aims of this study were threefold: first, to quantify the reduction in LoS for TKA in a regional hospital; second, to identify the patient, surgical and management factors associated with hospital LoS; and lastly, to assess the change in complications incidence and hospital readmission as a function of LoS. A retrospective chart review was conducted on a consecutive series of primary and revision TKAs from January 2012 to March 2018. Factors describing patient demographics, as well as preoperative, intraoperative, surgical, and postoperative management, were extracted from paper and electronic medical records by a team of reviewers. Multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the association between these factors and LoS. In total, 362 procedures were included, which were reduced to 329 admissions once simultaneous bilateral procedures were taken into account. Median LoS reduced significantly (p = 0.001) from 6 to 2 days over the period of review. A stepwise regression analysis identified patient characteristics (age, gender, comorbidities, discharge barriers), perioperative management (anesthesia type), surgical characteristics (approach, alignment method), and postoperative management (mobilization timing, postoperative narcotic use, complication prior to discharge) as factors explaining 58.3% of the variance in LoS. Representation to emergency (6%) and hospital readmission (3%) remained low for the reviewed period. Efforts to reduce hospital LoS following TKA within a regional hospital setting can be achieved over time without significant increases in the rate or severity of complications or representation to acute care and subsequent readmission. The findings establish the role of patient, surgical and management factors in the context of agreed discharge criteria between care providers.
Femoral Trochlear Geometry in Patients with Trochlear Dysplasia Using MRI Oblique Trochlear View
Authors: Ambra Luiz Felipe , Galvão Pedro Henrique Schmidt Alves Ferreira , Mameri Enzo Salviatto , Farr Jack , Gomoll Andreas H.
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate trochlear morphology in patients with trochlear dysplasia using a new oblique trochlear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) view (OTV) in comparison with standard axial MRI sequences. MRI exam of 73 patients with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and the same number of controls were retrospectively reviewed. The oblique trochlear sequence was acquired by inclining the axial plane parallel to the intercondylar roof of the sagittal image, showing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in its entire length. Trochlear morphology was assessed on axial and oblique trochlear sequences at three levels: level 1 at 25%, level 2 at 50%, and level 3 at 75% of the length of the trochlear groove. Trochlear sulcus angle and sulcus depth were measured at these three levels and compared between the new trochlear and standard axial sequences. Trochlear sulcus angle and sulcus depth were statistically different between axial and oblique trochlear views at all three levels (p < 0,05). Additionally, OTV displayed more uniform sulcus angle and depth along the trochlea. The oblique trochlear view on the MRI can more accurately evaluate trochlear morphology and also better characterize trochlear dysplasia in patients with PFI. This is Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Excitation-intensity dependence of shallow and deep-level photoluminescence transitions in semiconductors
Authors: Spindler Conrad , Galvani Thomas , Wirtz Ludger , Rey Germain , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: November 2019

Photoluminescence characterization of semiconductors is a powerful tool for studying shallow and deep defects. Excitation-intensity-dependent measurements at low temperatures are typically analyzed to distinguish between exciton and defect related transitions. We have extended existing models based on rate equations to include the contribution of deep defects. Generally, it is observed that the photoluminescence intensity IPL follows a power law IPL∝ϕk with the excitation intensity ϕ. We show that the exponent k takes on values of multiples of 1/2. The values depend on the availability of additional recombination channels. Defect levels can saturate at high enough excitation intensities, leading to one or several crossover points from one power law behavior to another. Power law exponents different from n/2 can result from the transition region between two limiting cases of linear power laws. Model functions for the analytical description of these transitional excitation dependencies are derived and the analysis is applied to chalcopyrite thin films and to numerical data. The saturation effects of defects by excess carriers as well as the influence of deep recombination centers can be extracted with the help of the presented model, which extends existing theories.
Analysis by synchrotron X-ray scattering of the kinetics of formation of an Fe-based metal-organic framework with high CO2 adsorption
Authors: Godfrey Harry G. W. , Briggs Lydia , Han Xue , Trenholme William J. F. , Morris Christopher G. , Savage Mathew , Kimberley Louis , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Drakopoulos Michael , Murray Claire A. , Tang Chiu C. , Frogley Mark D. , Cinque Gianfelice , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: November 2019

Understanding the mechanism of assembly and function of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is important for the development of practical materials. Herein, we report a time-resolved diffraction analysis of the kinetics of formation of a robust MOF, MFM-300(Fe), which shows high adsorption capacity for CO2 (9.55 mmol g−1 at 293 K and 20 bar). Applying the Avrami-Erofe’ev and the two-step kinetic Finke-Watzky models to in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data obtained during the synthesis of MFM-300(Fe) enables determination of the overall activation energy of formation (50.9 kJ mol−1), the average energy of nucleation (56.7 kJ mol−1), and the average energy of autocatalytic growth (50.7 kJ mol−1). The synthesis of MFM-300(Fe) has been scaled up 1000-fold, enabling the successful breakthrough separations of the CO2/N2 mixture in a packed-bed with a selectivity for CO2/N2 of 21.6. This study gives an overall understanding for the intrinsic behaviors of this MOF system, and we have determined directly the binding domains and dynamics for adsorbed CO2 molecules within the pores of MFM-300(Fe).