bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratin 19 regulates cell cycle pathway and sensitivity of breast cancer cells to CDK inhibitors
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Alsharif Sarah , Bursch Karina , Parvathaneni Swetha , Anastasakis Dimitrios G. , Chahine Joeffrey , Fallatah Arwa , Nicolas Kevin , Sharma Sudha , Hafner Markus , Kallakury Bhaskar , Chung Byung Min
Published: October 2019

Keratin 19 (K19) belongs to the keratin family of proteins, which maintains structural integrity of epithelia. In cancer, K19 is highly expressed in several types where it serves as a diagnostic marker. Despite the positive correlation between higher expression of K19 in tumor and worse patient survival, the role of K19 in breast cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we ablated K19 expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells and found that K19 was required for cell proliferation. Transcriptome analyses ofKRT19knockout cells identified defects in cell cycle progression and levels of target genes of E2F1, a key transcriptional factor for the transition into S phase. Furthermore, proper levels of cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins, including D-type cyclins critical for E2F1 activation, were dependent on K19 expression, and K19-cyclin D co-expression was observed in human breast cancer tissues. Importantly, K19 interacts with cyclin D3, and a loss of K19 resulted in decreased protein stability of cyclin D3 and sensitivity of cells towards CDK inhibitor-induced cell death. Overall, these findings reveal a novel function of K19 in the regulation of cell cycle program and suggest that K19 may be used to predict the efficacy of CDK inhibitors for treatments of breast cancer.
An Evaluation of DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Chemotherapy-Associated Cognitive Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Yeo Angie , Shwe Maung , Tan Chia Jie , Foo Koon Mian , Chu Pat , Khor Chiea Chuen , Ho Han Kiat
Published: October 2019

Strong evidence suggests that genetic variations in DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) may alter the downstream expression and DNA methylation patterns of neuronal genes and influence cognition. This study investigates the association between a DNMT1 polymorphism, rs2162560, and chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment (CACI) in a cohort of breast cancer patients. This is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. From 2011 to 2017, 351 early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were assessed at baseline, the midpoint, and the end of chemotherapy. DNA was extracted from whole blood, and genotyping was performed using Sanger sequencing. Patients’ self-perceived cognitive function and cognitive performance were assessed at three different time points using FACT-Cog (v.3) and a neuropsychological battery, respectively. The association between DNMT1 rs2162560 and cognitive function was evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Overall, 33.3% of the patients reported impairment relative to baseline in one or more cognitive domains. Cognitive impairment was observed in various objective cognitive domains, with incidences ranging from 7.2% to 36.9%. The DNMT1 rs2162560 A allele was observed in 21.8% of patients and this was associated with lower odds of self-reported cognitive decline in the concentration (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25–0.82, P = 0.01) and functional interference (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24–0.95, P = 0.03) domains. No significant association was observed between DNMT1 rs2162560 and objective cognitive impairment. This is the first study to show a significant association between the DNMT1 rs2162560 polymorphism and CACI. Our data suggest that epigenetic processes could contribute to CACI, and further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Evaluation of Chitosan-based Dressings in a Swine Model of Artery-Injury-Related Shock
Authors: Wang Yao-Horng , Liu Chuan-Chieh , Cherng Juin-Hong , Fan Gang-Yi , Wang Yi-Wen , Chang Shu-Jen , Hong Zhi-Jie , Lin Yung-Chang , Hsu Sheng-Der
Published: October 2019

Uncontrolled haemorrhage shock is the highest treatment priority for military trauma surgeons. Injuries to the torso area remain the greatest treatment challenge, since external dressings and compression cannot be used here. Bleeding control strategies may thus offer more effective haemostatic management in these cases. Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide derived from chitin, has been considered as an ideal material for bleeding arrest. This study evaluated the potential of chitosan-based dressings relative to commercial gauze to minimise femoral artery haemorrhage in a swine model. Stable haemostasis was achieved in animals treated with chitosan fibre (CF) or chitosan sponge (CS), resulting in stabilisation of mean arterial pressure and a substantially higher survival rate (100% vs. 0% for gauze). Pigs receiving treatment with CF or CS dressings achieved haemostasis within 3.25 ± 1.26 or 2.67 ± 0.58 min, respectively, significantly more rapidly than with commercial gauze (>100 min). Moreover, the survival of animals treated with chitosan-based dressings was dramatically prolonged (>180 min) relative to controls (60.92 ± 0.69 min). In summary, chitosan-based dressings may be suitable first-line treatments for uncontrolled haemorrhage on the battlefield, and require further investigation into their use as alternatives to traditional dressings in prehospital emergency care.
Associations between tryptophan and iron metabolism observed in individuals with and without iron deficiency
Authors: Wenninger Julian , Meinitzer Andreas , Holasek Sandra , Schnedl Wolfgang J. , Zelzer Sieglinde , Mangge Harald , Herrmann Markus , Enko Dietmar
Published: October 2019

Current literature proposes associations between tryptophan metabolism and anaemia. However, study cohorts are rather small and final conclusions are still lacking. Here, we evaluated potential associations of tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid with indicators of iron metabolism (i.e., mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation, serum iron, transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor, reticulocyte haemoglobin) and haemoglobin in 430 individuals grouped by the presence or absence of iron deficiency or anaemia. Indicators of tryptophan metabolism were positively correlated with haemoglobin and markers of iron metabolism (p-values: <0.001–0.038; r-values: 0.100–0.305). The strongest correlation was observed between tryptophan and haemoglobin (p < 0.001, r = 0.305). The cubic regression model yielded the highest R-square values between haemoglobin and tryptophan markers. Overall, 115 patients with iron deficiency showed lower tryptophan and kynurenic acid concentrations compared to 315 individuals without iron deficiency. Six patients with anaemia of chronic disease were observed with the lowest serum tryptophan levels and the highest kynurenine/tryptophan ratio compared to 11 individuals with iron deficiency anaemia and 413 non-anaemic patients. This study showed little/moderate associations between haemoglobin, biomarkers of iron metabolism and tryptophan markers. Further studies are needed to get better insight in the causality of these findings.
Winter warming is ecologically more relevant than summer warming in a cool-temperate grassland
Authors: Kreyling Juergen , Grant Kerstin , Hammerl Verena , Arfin-Khan Mohammed A. S. , Malyshev Andrey V. , Peñuelas Josep , Pritsch Karin , Sardans Jordi , Schloter Michael , Schuerings Jan , Jentsch Anke , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: October 2019

Climate change affects all seasons, but warming is more pronounced in winter than summer at mid- and high latitudes. Winter warming can have profound ecological effects, which are rarely compared to the effects of summer warming, and causal explanations are not well established. We compared mild aboveground infrared warming in winter to warming in summer in a semi-natural, cool-temperate grassland in Germany for four years. Aboveground plant biomass increased following winter warming (+18%) and was unaffected by summer warming. Winter warming affected the composition of the plant community more than summer warming, favoring productive species. Winter warming increased soil respiration more than summer warming. Prolonged growing seasons and changes in plant-community composition accounted for the increased aboveground biomass production. Winter warming stimulated ecological processes, despite causing frost damage to plant roots and microorganisms during an extremely cold period when warming reduced the thermal insulation provided by snow. Future warming beyond such intermittent frosts may therefore further increase the accelerating effects of winter warming on ecological processes.
Surgical and Functional Outcome after Resection of 57 Tentorial Meningiomas
Authors: Wagner Arthur , Joerger Ann-Kathrin , Lange Nicole , Meyer Bernhard , Shiban Ehab
Published: October 2019

Tentorial meningiomas (TMs) may challenge the surgeon with their close association to neurovascular structures. We analyzed a consecutive series with regard to surgical and functional outcome following microsurgical resection. We retrospectively reviewed patient charts and imaging data of every patient with a TM resected at a single institution and compared surgical and functional outcomes between groups stratified by choice of approach. 57 consecutive patients from October 2006 to September 2017 were included, of which 75.4% were female; mean age was 60 years (range 31–90), follow-up data was available for 85.4% and reached a mean of 18.3 (range 2–119) months with a median of 14.5 months. 54.4% of TMs were located at the medial compartments of the tentorium, 45.6% at the lateral edges. Complete resection defined as Simpson grades I and II was achieved in 72% of all cases, without statistically significant differences for both subgroups (p = 0.532). 9 patients (15.8%) developed a new cranial nerve palsy postoperatively with the vestibulocochlear nerve affected exclusively in the lateral subgroup (8.8% of total), followed by disturbances of oculomotion (5.4%). After 12 months, 93.0% of patients with available follow-up after 12 months retained fully independent functional status without deficit. Despite providing a surgical challenge due to potentially complicated anatomical relations, the choice of an appropriate surgical strategy overall results in favourable oncological and functional outcome after resection of TMs.
Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries induce persistent changes in plasma protein and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in the rat
Authors: Wright David K. , Brady Rhys D. , Kamnaksh Alaa , Trezise Jack , Sun Mujun , McDonald Stuart J. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Kolbe Scott C. , Law Meng , Johnston Leigh A. , O’Brien Terence J. , Agoston Denes V. , Shultz Sandy R.
Published: October 2019

A single mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) typically causes only transient symptoms, but repeated mTBI (RmTBI) is associated with cumulative and chronic neurological abnormalities. Clinical management of mTBI is challenging due to the heterogeneous, subjective and transient nature of symptoms, and thus would be aided by objective biomarkers. Promising biomarkers including advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plasma levels of select proteins were examined here in a rat model of RmTBI. Rats received either two mild fluid percussion or sham injuries administered five days apart. Rats underwent MRI and behavioral testing 1, 3, 5, 7, and 30 days after the second injury and blood samples were collected on days 1, 7, and 30. Structural and diffusion-weighted MRI revealed that RmTBI rats had abnormalities in the cortex and corpus callosum. Proteomic analysis of plasma found that RmTBI rats had abnormalities in markers indicating axonal and vascular injury, metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, and glial reactivity. These changes occurred in the presence of ongoing cognitive and sensorimotor deficits in the RmTBI rats. Our findings demonstrate that RmTBI can result in chronic neurological abnormalities, provide insight into potential contributing pathophysiological mechanisms, and supports the use of MRI and plasma protein measures as RmTBI biomarkers.
Neo-antigen specific T cell responses indicate the presence of metastases before imaging
Authors: Fear V. S. , Forbes C. A. , Chee J. , Ma S. , Neeve S. , Celliers L. , Fisher S. A. , Dick I. , Creaney J. , Robinson B. W. S.
Published: October 2019

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) causes 19% of all Australian cancer deaths, with a 5-year survival post-resection of around 60%. Post-operative recurrence is due to metastases that were undetectable pre-operatively, or growth of microscopic locoregional residual disease. However, post-operative imaging modalities typically only detect more advanced tumours; where PET-CT has a detection limit of 6–7 mm. Detection of small deposits of lung metastatic disease is of importance in order to facilitate early and potentially more effective treatment. In this study, in a murine model of lung metastatic disease, we explore whether neo-antigen specific T cells are a sensitive marker for the detection of lung cancer after primary tumour resection. We determine lung metastatic disease by histology, and then compare detection by PET-CT and neo-antigen specific T cell frequency. Detection of lung metastatic disease within the histology positive group by PET-CT and neo-antigen specific T cell frequency were 22.9% and 92.2%, respectively. Notably, neo-antigen specific T cells in the lung draining lymph node were indicative of metastatic disease (82.8 ± 12.9 spots/105 cells; mean ± SE), compared to healthy lung control (28.5 ± 8.6 spots/105 cells; mean ± SE). Potentially, monitoring tumour neo-antigen specific T cell profiles is a highly sensitive method for determining disease recurrence.
Endophyte Bacillus subtilis evade plant defense by producing lantibiotic subtilomycin to mask self-produced flagellin
Authors: Deng Yun , Chen Hanqiao , Li Congzhi , Xu Jianyi , Qi Qingdong , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhu Yiguang , Zheng Jinshui , Peng Donghai , Ruan Lifang , Sun Ming
Published: October 2019

Microbes can enter into healthy plants as endophytes and confer beneficial functions. The entry of commensal microbes into plants involves penetrating plant defense. Most mechanisms about overcoming plant defense are focused on adapted pathogens, while the mechanism involved in beneficial endophyte evades plant defense to achieve harmonious commensalism is unclear. Here, we discover a mechanism that an endophyte bacterium Bacillus subtilis BSn5 reduce to stimulate the plant defensive response by producing lantibiotic subtilomycin to bind self-produced flagellin. Subtilomycin bind with flagellin and affect flg22-induced plant defense, by which means promotes the endophytic colonization in A. thaliana. Subtilomycin also promotes the BSn5 colonization in a distinct plant, Amorphophallus konjac, where the BSn5 was isolated. Our investigation shows more independent subtilomycin/-like producers are isolated from distinct plants. Our work unveils a common strategy that is used for bacterial endophytic colonization.
DNA enrichment and tagmentation method for species-level identification and strain-level differentiation using ON-rep-seq
Authors: Krych Łukasz , Castro-Mejía Josué L. , Forero-Junco Laura M. , Moesby Daniel N. , Mikkelsen Morten B. , Rasmussen Morten A. , Sykulski Maciej , Nielsen Dennis S.
Published: October 2019

Despite the massive developments within culture-independent methods for detection of microorganisms during the last decade, culture-based methods remain a cornerstone in microbiology. Yet, the problem of rapid, accurate and inexpensive identification of bacterial isolates down to species/strain level remains unresolved. We have developed a new method for bacterial DNA enrichment and tagmentation allowing fast (<24 h) and cost-effective species level identification and strain level differentiation using the MinION portable sequencing platform (ON-rep-seq). DNA library preparation for 96 isolates takes less than 5 h and ensures highly reproducible distribution of reads that can be used to generate strain level specific read length counts profiles (LCp). We have developed a pipeline that by correcting reads error within peaks of LCp generates a set of high quality (>99%) consensus reads. Whereas, the information from high quality reads is used to retrieve species level taxonomy, comparison of LCp allows for strain level differentiation.
High-fidelity endonuclease variant HypaCas9 facilitates accurate allele-specific gene modification in mouse zygotes
Authors: Ikeda Arisa , Fujii Wataru , Sugiura Koji , Naito Kunihiko
Published: October 2019

CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used for the efficient generation of genetically modified animals; however, this system could have unexpected off-target effects. In the present study, we confirmed the validity of a high-fidelity Cas9 variant, HypaCas9, for accurate genome editing in mouse zygotes. HypaCas9 efficiently modified the target locus while minimizing off-target effects even in a single-nucleotide mismatched sequence. Furthermore, by applying HypaCas9 to the discrimination of SNP in hybrid strain-derived zygotes, we accomplished allele-specific gene modifications and successfully generated mice with a monoallelic mutation in an essential gene. These results suggest that the improved accuracy of HypaCas9 facilitates the generation of genetically modified animals.
Binding consistency of anions by the effect of aromatic meta-substitution of bis-urea receptors: entrapment of hexafluorosilicate clusters
Authors: Nayak Biswajit , Halder Senjuti , De Sagnik , Das Gopal
Published: October 2019

The solid as well as solution state preferential and discriminating binding of hexafluorosilicate anions depending on aromatic meta-substitution with respect to adjacent urea moieties by self-assembly of isomeric neutral bis-urea acyclic receptors.
Unveiling the benefits of potassium doping on the structural integrity of Li–Mn-rich layered oxides during prolonged cycling by dual-mode EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jianyin , Yang Mengchu , Zhao Chong , Hu Bei , Lou Xiaobing , Geng Fushan , Tong Wei , Hu Bingwen , Li Chao
Published: October 2019

The migration of transition-metal ions and oxygen vacancies in the Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 cathode is mitigated after K+ bulk doping.
Mode-specific quantum dynamics and kinetics of the hydrogen abstraction reaction OH + H2O → H2O + OH
Authors: Zheng Rui , Zhu Yongfa , Song Hongwei
Published: October 2019

The synergistic effect between the reactant stretching and bending modes on promoting the reaction.
Emerging investigator series: mercury mobility and methylmercury formation in a contaminated agricultural flood plain: influence of flooding and manure addition
Authors: Gygax Sebastian , Gfeller Lorenz , Wilcke Wolfgang , Mestrot Adrien
Published: October 2019

We investigated the release of mercury from soil to soil solution and the formation of methylmercury in polluted agricultural floodplain fields during a flooding incubation experiment.
Synthesis of Au@TiO2 core–shell nanoparticles with tunable structures for plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Tian-Ming , Xu Ge-Yang , Ren He , Zhang Hua , Tian Zhong-Qun , Li Jian-Feng
Published: October 2019

Au@TiO2 core–shell nanocomposites with tunable morphology, shell thickness, and crystallinity are developed as effective catalysts for plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis.
Amino-functionalized hypercrosslinked polymers for highly selective anionic dye removal and CO2/N2 separation
Authors: Su Pengcheng , Zhang Xu , Xu Zehai , Zhang Guoliang , Shen Chong , Meng Qin
Published: October 2019

Recently, great improvements have been achieved in the fabrication of adsorbents.
Modulated thermal conductivity of 2D hexagonal boron arsenide: a strain engineering study
Authors: Raeisi Mostafa , Ahmadi Somaieh , Rajabpour Ali
Published: October 2019

The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of promising monolayer h-BAs; a comprehensive phonon transport analysis under uniaxial loading.
Direct imaging of the nitrogen-rich edge in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride and its band structure tuning
Authors: Liu Peizhi , Tian Huifeng , Windl Wolfgang , Gu Gong , Duscher Gerd , Wu Yucheng , Zhao Min , Guo Junjie , Xu Bingshe , Liu Lei
Published: October 2019

A nitrogen-terminated zigzag edge of monolayer h-BN is identified, and our results lead to self-doped nitrogen-rich h-BN nanosheets with photoresponsive properties.
Pb3Ba3Zn6(BO3)8and α-BaZn2(BO3)2: new members of the zincoborates containing two different dimensional Zn–O units
Authors: Pan Xiaobo , Wu Hongping , Cheng Shichao , Wang Zhengping
Published: October 2019

Two new zincoborates, namely, Pb3Ba3Zn6(BO3)8and α-BaZn2(BO3)2, were synthesized by the high-temperature solution method and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction for the first time.
1,1′-Bi(2-naphthol-4,5-dicarboximide)s: blue emissive axially chiral scaffolds with aggregation-enhanced emission properties
Authors: Chen Meng-Ting , Zhang Yang , Vysotsky Myroslav O. , Lindner Joachim O. , Li Meng-Hua , Lin Mei-Jin , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2019

Novel electron-deficient 1,1′-binaphthol derivatives bearing two dicarboximide groups at the peri-positions show intense blue luminescence and aggregation-enhanced emission characteristics.
Efficient methane-to-acetylene conversion using low-current arcs
Authors: Dinh Duy Khoe , Lee Dae Hoon , Song Young-Hoon , Jo Sungkwon , Kim Kwan-Tae , Iqbal Muzammil , Kang Hongjae
Published: October 2019

The arc control, optimization of the reaction condition, and a full understanding of the reaction pathway are viable means for the energy-efficient direct conversion of methane to acetylene.
Facile synthesis of novel dithioacetal–naphthalene derivatives as potential activators for plant resistance induction
Authors: Ji R. J. , Shi W. M. , Tian D. Y. , Zhang G. P. , Wang H.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a series of novel dithioacetal–naphthalenes were designed and synthesized for plant immunity.
Suzuki coupling-based synthesis of VATPase inhibitor archazolid natural product derived fragments
Authors: Vincent Cooper T. , Long Evan T. , Jones Holly C. , Young Jeffrey C. , Spiegel P. Clint , O'Neil Gregory W.
Published: October 2019

An archazolid natural product fragment that displays dose-dependent inhibition of the vacuolar-type ATPase (VATPase) has been synthesized by a high-yielding Suzuki coupling of two complex subunits.
Assembly of gold nanoparticles using turnip yellow mosaic virus as an in-solution SERS sensor
Authors: Nguyen Ha Anh , Jupin Isabelle , Decorse Philippe , Lau-Truong Stephanie , Ammar Souad , Ha-Duong Nguyet-Thanh
Published: October 2019

3D-assembly of gold nanoparticles onto turnip yellow mosaic virus.
Mesoporous palladium–boron alloy nanospheres
Authors: Lv Hao , Sun Lizhi , Xu Dongdong , Henzie Joel , Yamauchi Yusuke , Liu Ben
Published: October 2019

This work presents a surfactant-directed aqueous synthesis to generate binary Pd–B mesoporous nanospheres for boosting ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis.
Hydrophobicity or superhydrophobicity—which is the right choice for stabilizing underwater superoleophilicity?
Authors: Parbat Dibyangana , Das Avijit , Maji Kousik , Manna Uttam
Published: October 2019

Hydrophobic multilayers chemically optimized with discontinuous metastable trapped air displayed highly unusual and superior oil wettability underwater in comparison to the superhydrophobic interface and were unprecedentedly extended for filtration-based oil-in-water emulsion separation at diverse and severe settings.
Strategic hierarchical improvement of superprotonic conductivity in a stable metal–organic framework system
Authors: Li Xiao-Min , Liu Jiang , Zhao Chen , Zhou Jia-Lin , Zhao Ling , Li Shun-Li , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: October 2019

An efficient strategy to hierarchically improve the proton conductivity of MOFs by increasing the number of proton sources and hopping sites has been proposed.
Correction: Hydrogels from natural egg white with extraordinary stretchability, direct-writing 3D printability and self-healing for fabrication of electronic sensors and actuators
Authors: Chang Qiang , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Liu Yuqing , He Yunfan , Zhong Wen , Mequanint Kibret , Li Bingyun , Lu Feng , Xing Malcolm M. Q.
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Hydrogels from natural egg white with extraordinary stretchability, direct-writing 3D printability and self-healing for fabrication of electronic sensors and actuators’ by Qiang Chang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9ta06233e.
Gate-controlled multi-bit nonvolatile ferroelectric organic transistor memory on paper substrates
Authors: Xu Meili , Zhang Xindong , Li Shizhang , Xu Ting , Xie Wenfa , Wang Wei
Published: October 2019

A high-performance multi-bit organic transistor nonvolatile-memory, with good mechanical durability and environmental stability, was prepared for the first time on a paper substrate.
Predicting the yield of ion pair formation in molecular electrical doping: redox-potentials versus ionization energy/electron affinity
Authors: Wegner Berthold , Grubert Lutz , Dennis Chercka , Opitz Andreas , Röttger Adriana , Zhang Yadong , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Hecht Stefan , Müllen Klaus , Koch Norbert
Published: October 2019

Redox potentials of molecular semiconductors and dopants are useful for predicting ion pair formation yield, even in the solid state.
Novel hierarchical RGO/MoS2/K-αMnO2 composite architectures with enhanced broadband microwave absorption performance
Authors: Hu Qi , Fang Yi , Wang Jingjing , Du Zhao , Song Qianqian , Guo Zhonglu , Huang Yang , Lin Jing , Tang Chengchun
Published: October 2019

The ternary RGO/MoS2/K-αMnO2 composites with particular antenna-like structures have been successfully prepared and exhibit excellent broadband microwave absorption performance.
Two-dimensional CdX (X = Se, Te) nanosheets: controlled synthesis and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Haleem Yasir A. , Di Qiumei , Bai Bing , Xu Meng , Chen Wenxing , Liu Jiajia , Liu Jia , Rong Hongpan , Zhang Jiatao
Published: October 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) CdX (X = Se, Te) nanosheets are potential candidates for novel optoelectronic applications.
The Effect of Vocabulary Intervention on Text Comprehension: Who Benefits?
Authors: Duff Dawna
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Vocabulary intervention can improve comprehension of texts containing taught words, but it is unclear if all middle school readers get this benefit. This study tests 2 hypotheses about variables that predict response to vocabulary treatment on text comprehension: gains in vocabulary knowledge due to treatment and pretreatment reading comprehension scores.

Method

Students in Grade 6 (
N
= 23) completed a 5-session intervention based on robust vocabulary instruction (RVI). Knowledge of the semantics of taught words was measured pre- and posttreatment. Participants then read 2 matched texts, 1 containing taught words (treated) and 1 not (untreated). Treated texts and taught word lists were counterbalanced across participants. The difference between text comprehension scores in treated and untreated conditions was taken as a measure of the effect of RVI on text comprehension.

Results

RVI resulted in significant gains in knowledge of taught words (

d
RM

= 2.26) and text comprehension (

d
RM

= 0.31). The extent of gains in vocabulary knowledge after vocabulary treatment did not predict the effect of RVI on comprehension of texts. However, untreated reading comprehension scores moderated the effect of the vocabulary treatment on text comprehension: Lower reading comprehension was associated with greater gains in text comprehension. Readers with comprehension scores below the mean experienced large gains in comprehension, but those with average/above average reading comprehension scores did not.

Conclusion

Vocabulary instruction had a larger effect on text comprehension for readers in Grade 6 who had lower untreated reading comprehension scores. In contrast, the amount that children learned about taught vocabulary did not predict the effect of vocabulary instruction on text comprehension. This has implications for the identification of 6th-grade students who would benefit from classroom instruction or clinical intervention targeting vocabulary knowledge.
Spoken Word Learning Differences Among Children With Dyslexia, Concomitant Dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorder, and Typical Development
Authors: Alt Mary , Gray Shelley , Hogan Tiffany P. , Schlesinger Nora , Cowan Nelson
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to test the hypotheses (a) that children with dyslexia have spoken word learning deficits primarily related to phonology and (b) that children with dyslexia and concomitant developmental language disorder (DLD) have word learning deficits related to both phonology and semantic processing when compared to peers with typical development (TD).

Method

Second-graders with dyslexia (
n
= 82), concomitant dyslexia and DLD (dyslexia + DLD;
n
= 40), and TD (
n
= 167) learned names and semantic features for cartoon monsters in 5 carefully controlled word learning tasks that varied phonological and semantic demands. The computer-based tasks were played in 6 different word learning games. We analyzed results using Bayesian statistics.

Results

In general, the dyslexia + DLD group showed lower accuracy on tasks compared to the dyslexia and TD groups. As predicted, word learning tasks that taxed phonology revealed deficits in the dyslexia group, although there were some exceptions related to visual complexity. Word learning deficits in the dyslexia + DLD group were present in tasks that taxed phonology, semantic processing, or both.

Conclusions

The dyslexia + DLD group demonstrated word learning deficits across the range of word learning tasks that tapped phonology and semantic processing, whereas the dyslexia group primarily struggled with the phonological aspects of word learning.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9807929
Distributed event‐triggered algorithm for unconstrained convex optimisation over weight‐balanced directed networks
Authors: Hayashi Naoki , Sugiura Tomohiro , Kajiyama Yuichi , Takai Shigemasa
Published: October 2019

In this study, the authors propose a distributed discrete‐time algorithm for unconstrained optimisation with event‐triggered communication over weight‐balanced directed networks. They consider a multi‐agent system where each agent has a state and an auxiliary variable for the estimates of the optimal solution and the average gradient of the entire cost function. Agents send the states and auxiliary variables to their neighbours when their trigger errors exceed thresholds. They derive a convergence rate of the proposed algorithm which shows faster convergence to the optimal solution compared to the subgradient‐based method.
Assessment and recommendations for a consolidated European approach to space weather – as part of a global space weather effort
Authors: Opgenoorth Hermann J. , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F. , Belehaki Anna , Berghmans David , Hapgood Mike , Hesse Michael , Kauristie Kirsti , Lester Mark , Lilensten Jean , Messerotti Mauro , Temmer Manuela
Published: October 2019

Over the last 10–20 years there has been an ever-increasing international awareness of risks to modern society from adverse and potentially harmful – and in extreme cases even disastrous – space weather events. Many individual countries and even international organisations like the United Nations (UN) have begun to increase their activities in preparing for and mitigating effects of adverse space weather. As in the rest of the world there is also in Europe an urgent need for coordination of Space Weather efforts in individual countries as well as in and among European organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union (EU). This coordination should not only improve our ability to meet space weather risks, but also enable Europe to contribute to on-going global space weather efforts. While space weather is a global threat, which needs a global response, it also requires tailored regional and trans-regional responses that require coordination at all levels. Commissioned by the European Space Science Committee (ESSC) of the European Science Foundation, the authors – together with ex-officio advice from ESA and the EU – have over two years assessed European activities in the realm of space weather and formulated a set of recommendations to ESA, the EU and their respective member states, about how to prepare Europe for the increasing impact of adverse space weather effects on man-made infrastructure and our society as a whole. We have also analysed parallel international activities worldwide, and we give advice how Europe could incorporate its future activities into a global scheme.
Internet-Interventionen in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Berger Thomas , Bur Oliver , Krieger Tobias
Published: October 2019

Die Erforschung und Anwendung internetbasierter psychosozialer Interventionen hat in den letzten Jahren rapide zugenommen. Das neue Behandlungsformat bietet viele Chancen, weckt aber auch Skepsis und Bedenken. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über verschiedene Formen von Internet-Interventionen, neuere Entwicklungen und den aktuellen Stand in Forschung und Praxis.
Erhöhte NF-κB- und iNOS-Expression in Keratozyten von Keratokonuspatienten – Hinweise auf eine entzündliche Komponente?
Authors: Stachon Tanja , Latta Lorenz , Kolev Krasimir , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund In den letzten Jahren mehren sich Hinweise auf eine entzündliche Komponente beim Keratokonus (KC). Ein Schlüsselgen bei entzündlichen Prozessen ist der Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB ist ein Transkriptionsfaktor, der unter anderem das Enzym Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), das mit dem konkurrierenden Enzym Arginase (Arg) bei entzündlichen Prozessen involviert ist, aktiviert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Isotypen von NOS und Arginase zu analysieren, die Expression NF-κB, NOS und Arginase sowie den regulativen Mechanismus von NOS und Arginase in Keratozyten von Keratokonuspatienten mithilfe des Inhibitors 1400W in vitro zu untersuchen.

Methoden Primäre humane Keratozyten wurden durch enzymatische Behandlung mit Kollagenase A aus humanen Korneoskleralscheiben (n = 8) und von Explantaten von geplanten perforierenden Keratoplastiken (KC-Patienten) isoliert (n = 8) und in DMEM/F12-Kulturmedium, versetzt mit 5% fetalem Kälberserum, kultiviert. Die Expression von NF-κB, NOS und Arginase wurden mit quantitativer PCR (qPCR) und Westernblot-Analyse (WB) untersucht. Nitrit- und Ureakonzentrationen im Zellkulturüberstand wurden nach Zugabe des NOS-Inhibitors 1400W (0 – 40 µM) analysiert.

Ergebnisse In den Keratozyten wurden ausschließlich die Isotypen iNOS (induzierbare NO-Synthase) und Arg-II nachgewiesen. Die mRNA-Expression von NF-κB und iNOS waren in KC-Keratozyten höher als in normalen Zellen (p = 0,0135 und p = 0,0001), während in der Arg-II-Expression keine Unterschiede messbar waren. Im WB war bei NF-κB eine höhere Bandenintensität messbar (p = 0,0012), bei iNOS konnten keine Unterschiede in der Bandenintensität nachgewiesen werden. Im Überstand der KC-Keratozyten wurden geringere Konzentrationen von Nitrit und Urea nach Zugabe des Inhibitors 1400W gemessen (p = ≤ 0,014), nicht jedoch bei normalen Zellen (p ≥ 0,178).

Schlussfolgerung Aufgrund der erhöhten Expression von NF-κB und iNOS muss von einer inflammatorischen Komponente beim Keratokonus ausgegangen werden. Die unterschiedliche Regulation der KC-Keratozyten durch den iNOS-Inhibitor 1400W legt eine veränderte metabolische Aktivität nahe, die durch entzündliche Prozesse hervorgerufen werden kann.
Relationship between Duration of Infant Exposure to a Moderate-to-Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus Shunt and the Risk of Developing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Death Before 36 Weeks
Authors: Clyman Ronald I. , Hills Nancy K. , Liebowitz Melissa , Johng Sandy
Published: October 2019

Objective This study was aimed to examine the relationship between duration of infant exposure to a moderate-to-large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt and the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death before 36 weeks (BPD/death).

Study Design Infants <28 weeks' gestation who survived ≥7 days (n = 423) had echocardiograms performed on day 7 and at planned intervals.

Results In multivariable regression models, BPD/death did not appear to be increased until infants had been exposed to a moderate-to-large PDA for at least 7–13 days: OR (95%CI) (referent = closed or small PDA): moderate-to-large PDA exposure for <7 days: 0.38 (range, 0.10–1.46); for 7 to 13 days = 2.12 (range, 1.04–4.32); for ≥14 days = 3.86 (range, 2.15–6.96). Once the threshold of 7 to 13 days had been reached, additional exposure (≥14 days) did not significantly add to the increased incidence of BPD/death: (referent exposure = 7–13 days) exposure for 14 to 27 days = 1.34 (range, 0.52–3.45); for 28 to 48 days = 2.34 (range, 0.88–6.19); for ≥49 days = 1.80 (range. 0.59–5.47). A similar relationship was found for the outcome of BPD-alone.

Conclusion Infants < 28 weeks' gestation required at least 7 to 13 days of exposure to a moderate-to-large PDA before a significant increase in the incidence of BPD/death was apparent. Once this threshold was reached additional exposure to a moderate-to-large PDA did not significantly add to the increased incidence of BPD/death.
Epidural versus PCA Pain Management after Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Multi-Institutional Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Sujka Joseph A. , Dekonenko Charlene , Millspaugh Daniel L. , Doyle Nichole M. , Walker Benjamin J. , Leys Charles M. , Ostlie Daniel J. , Aguayo Pablo , Fraser Jason D. , Alemayehu Hanna , Peter Shawn D. St.
Published: October 2019

Introduction Postoperative pain control remains the primary reason for inpatient stay after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. In a previous study, our group reported that early pain control was better in patients managed with a thoracic epidural, while late pain control was better in patients managed with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). After revising our epidural transition and modifying the PCA protocol, we conducted a multi-institutional prospective randomized trial to evaluate these two pain control strategies.

Materials and Methods Patients were randomized to epidural or PCA following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum with standard protocols for each arm. Primary outcome was length of stay with secondary variables including mean patient pain scores, complications, and parental satisfaction. Scores were pooled for the two groups and reported as means with standard deviation. Results were compared using t-tests and one-way analysis of variance with p-value < 0.05 determining significance.

Results Sixty-five patients were enrolled, 32 epidural and 33 PCA. Enrollment was stopped early when we developed an alternative strategy for controlling these patients' pain. There was no difference in length of stay in hours between the two arms; epidural 111.3 ± 18.5 versus PCA 111.4 ± 51.4, p = 0.98. Longer operative time was found in the epidural group. Nine patients in the epidural group (28%) required a PCA in addition to epidural for adequate pain control. Mean pain scores were lower on postoperative day 0 in the epidural group compared with the PCA groups, but were otherwise similar.

Conclusion In our prospective randomized trial, PCA is just as effective as thoracic epidural in decreasing early postoperative pain scores after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.
Rationally weighted Hurwitz numbers, Meijer G-functions and matrix integrals
Authors: Bertola M. , Harnad J.
Published: October 2019

The quantum spectral curve equation associated with KP τ-functions of hypergeometric type serving as generating functions for rationally weighted Hurwitz numbers is solved by generalized hypergeometric series. The basis elements spanning the corresponding Sato Grassmannian element are shown to be Meijer G-functions, or their asymptotic series. Using their Mellin integral representation, the τ-function, evaluated at the trace invariants of an externally coupled matrix, is expressed as a matrix integral.
Laser-generated focused ultrasound transmitters with frequency-tuned outputs over sub-10-MHz range
Authors: Joo Min Gyu , Lee Kyu-Tae , Sang Pilgyu , Heo Jeongmin , Park Hui Joon , Baac Hyoung Won
Published: October 2019

Previous laser-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) systems have been operated with >15 MHz frequency, allowing for high spatial precision (<100 μm). However, they have been limited only to proximal biomedical applications ex vivo with treatment depths smaller than 10 mm from the lens surface. Although the low-megahertz frequency operation has the advantage of a longer range of therapy, this requires a proper photoacoustic lens made of a nanocomposite coating over a spherically curved substrate whose transmission layer is physically designed for frequency-tuned outputs. This demands a fabrication method that can provide such a nanocomposite structure. We demonstrate photoacoustic lenses operated in an unexplored frequency range of 1–10 MHz, which can simultaneously produce high-amplitude pressure outputs sufficient for pulsed acoustic cavitation. We physically design a spatially elongated photoacoustic output and then fabricate a transmitter by controlling the density of light-absorbing nanoscale elements in a solution form and by using a replica mold to shape the lens curvature. Our approach is validated by fabricating and characterizing planar transmitters and then applied to focal configurations. This offers various possibilities for LGFU-based treatments (e.g., pulsed cavitational therapy such as histotripsy) over the low-megahertz frequency range, which has not been realized by conventional LGFU systems.
X-ray tomography in micro-gravity
Authors: Menendez Harol Torres , Heckel Michael , Sack Achim , Pöschel Thorsten
Published: October 2019

We present an X-ray device for use under conditions of weightlessness to produce high-speed radiograms and tomograms. The device is equipped with two detectors of different resolutions, a high temporal resolution-small area detector (4 Mpix within 13 × 13 mm2) and a low temporal resolution-large area detector (3 Mpix within 145 × 115 mm2). Using the high temporal resolution detector, the device achieves a recording rate of up to 25 655 radiograms per second, while using a low temporal resolution detector, up to 86 radiograms can be recorded per second. For the first time, we could record complete X-ray tomograms in microgravity aboard a parabolic flight in 16 s using a laboratory microfocus X-ray source. We demonstrate the operation of the device by analyzing the three-dimensional packing of particles (tomograms) and structure formation in a granular gas under periodic excitation (radiograms).
Investigation of dry-etch-induced defects in >600 V regrown, vertical, GaN, p-n diodes using deep-level optical spectroscopy
Authors: Pickrell G. W. , Armstrong A. M. , Allerman A. A. , Crawford M. H. , Glaser C. E. , Kempisty J. , Abate V. M.
Published: October 2019

The impact of dry-etch-induced defects on the electrical performance of regrown, c-plane, GaN p-n diodes where the p-GaN layer is formed by epitaxial regrowth using metal-organic, chemical-vapor deposition was investigated. Diode leakage increased significantly for etched-and-regrown diodes compared to continuously grown diodes, suggesting a defect-mediated leakage mechanism. Deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) techniques were used to identify energy levels and densities of defect states to understand etch-induced damage in regrown devices. DLOS results showed the creation of an emergent, mid-gap defect state at 1.90 eV below the conduction band edge for etched-and-regrown diodes. Reduction in both the reverse leakage and the concentration of the 1.90 eV mid-gap state was achieved using a wet chemical treatment on the etched surface before regrowth, suggesting that the 1.90 eV deep level contributes to increased leakage and premature breakdown but can be mitigated with proper post-etch treatments to achieve >600 V reverse breakdown operation.
Electromodulation spectroscopy of highly mismatched alloys
Authors: Kudrawiec Robert , Walukiewicz Wladek
Published: October 2019

The electronic band structure of highly mismatched alloys (HMAs) was very successfully explored using electromodulation (EM) spectroscopy, i.e., photoreflectance (PR), electroreflectance, and contactless electroreflectance (CER). With these techniques, the optical transitions between the valence band and the E− and E+ bands, which are formed in the conduction band of dilute nitrides and dilute oxides, were observed and used to formulate the band anticrossing model, which well describes the electronic band structure of HMAs. In this tutorial, principles of EM spectroscopy are presented and shortly discussed. Special attention is focused on PR and CER techniques, which are nondestructive and have recently been widely applied to study the electronic band structure of HMAs and low dimensional heterostructures containing HMAs. For these methods, experimental setups are described, and theoretical approaches to analyze the experimental data are introduced. Finally, to show the utility of EM spectroscopy, selected examples of the application of this method to study various issues in HMAs are presented and briefly discussed.
A newly designed actively water-cooled Langmuir probe for tokamak devices
Authors: Wang Xingli , Li Qiang , Chen Zhen , Wang Wanjing , Xie Chunyi , Wang Jichao , Gao Qingran , Peng Wuqingliang , Geng Xiang , Luo Guang-Nan
Published: October 2019

Conventional Langmuir probes used in tokamak devices get damaged easily and even melt when exposed to divertor plasma with high thermal and particle loads. Recently, the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, aimed to overcome this issue by designing and manufacturing an uncompensated tungsten/oxygen-free copper (OFC)/CuCrZr-alloy structure-based actively water-cooled Langmuir probe, which showed excellent heat removal capability in finite element analyses (FEA). The heat resistance and antiheat fatigue property of the proposed probe were verified by conducting electron beam high heat flux (HHF) tests. Results show that the maximum temperatures of the probe’s tungsten surface were approximately 445 °C and 875 °C under heat loads of 10 and 20 MW/m2, respectively. The probe successfully passed 600 cycles of 10 and 20 MW/m2 thermal fatigue HHF tests. Moreover, no obvious damages were found on the tungsten surface and W/OFC/CuCrZr joints. FEA and HHF test results proved the reliability of the newly designed uncompensated probe. In view of this progress, it is promising to apply this actively water-cooled probe in tokamak devices for plasma diagnostics.
Raman spectra and dimensional effect on the charge density wave transition in GdTe3
Authors: Chen Yani , Wang Peipei , Wu Minghui , Ma Jinlong , Wen Shihao , Wu Xuefeng , Li Gaomin , Zhao Yue , Wang Kedong , Zhang Liyuan , Huang Li , Li Wu , Huang Mingyuan
Published: October 2019

The studies of the dimensional effect on the charge density wave (CDW) transition have attracted a lot of attention since the rise of 2D materials. In this paper, we synthesize high-quality single-crystal GdTe3, a member of the layered rare-earth metal tritelluride family with CDW transitions, and systematically study the temperature-dependent Raman spectra of bulk and few-layer GdTe3. Combining with first-principle calculations, the CDW and phonon Raman peaks are distinguished and characterized. We demonstrate that the CDW order can be enhanced in few-layer GdTe3, and the CDW transition temperature increases from 377 K to 431 K as the thickness reduces from the bulk to 10 nm. We speculate that this enhancement of the CDW order in the GdTe3 thin layer is likely due to the chemical pressure release. Our studies demonstrate that the dimensionality provides a valuable tuning parameter for manipulating the CDW properties of GdTe3.