bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Sequential Total Knee Replacement versus Unilateral Total Knee Replacement in a High Volume Hospital
Authors: Pui-kan Chan Calvin , Quun-jid Lee , Yiu-chung Wong , Yuk-leung Wai
Published: September 2017

Background/Purpose

Bilateral simultaneous or sequential total knee replacement (TKR) is performed on a portion of patients but the benefits and risks remain controversial.

Methods

A total of 89 sequential bilateral TKR (BTKR) patients were compared with 89 unilateral TKR (UTKR) patients in our total joint replacement centre from October 2011 to October 2014. The baseline parameters were matched and postoperative results were compared.

Results

The BTKR group had a shorter length of stay per knee (4.8 days vs. 6.5 days) but with a higher total drain output, higher haemoglobin drop, higher transfusion rate, and more postoperative acute retention of urine. Both groups had similar major complication rates and no 90 days mortality.

Conclusion

BTKR is a safe surgery in selected patients performed in a high volume hospital with fast-track programme.
Fixation of Pelvic-Acetabular Fractures Using a Midline-Modified Stoppa Approach: Clinical and Operative Outcomes
Authors: Chan Kenneth Kin-yan , Chui King-him , Ip Ka-chun , Lee Kin-bong , Li Wilson
Published: September 2017

Background/Purpose

This served as the first report from our locality to evaluate the modified Stoppa approach, via a low-midline wound, for treating pelvic–acetabular fractures.

Methods

A total of 17 polytrauma patients with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures were consecutively treated using the modified Stoppa approach. They were followed up for at least 1 year postoperatively for radiographic and clinical assessments, which included the Modified Merle d'Aubigne Score, Harris Hip Score, and pain visual analogue scale.

Results

Among the 17 patients, 11 had pelvic ring fractures, two had isolated acetabular fractures, and four had a combination of both. Excellent and anatomical reduction was achieved in 73.3% of pelvic fractures and 71.4% of acetabular fractures. Functional outcomes simulated a bimodal distribution. Age of patient and Injury Severity Score were significant predictors for functional results, whereas fracture characteristics and quality of reduction were not correlated with clinical outcomes in this series. We experienced a low complication rate.

Conclusion

Excellent exposure for fracture reduction and fixation with low complication rate was achieved with the modified Stoppa approach. We were encouraged by the results of this preliminary series for treating pelvic–acetabular fractures in polytrauma patients.
Increasing convex order on generalized aggregation of SAI random variables with applications
Authors: Pan Xiaoqing , Li Xiaohu
Published: September 2017

In this paper we study general aggregation of stochastic arrangement increasing random variables, including both the generalized linear combination and the standard aggregation as special cases. In terms of monotonicity, supermodularity, and convexity of the kernel function, we develop several sufficient conditions for the increasing convex order on the generalized aggregations. Some applications in reliability and risks are also presented.
Large deviation principle for epidemic models
Authors: Pardoux Etienne , Samegni-Kepgnou Brice
Published: September 2017

We consider a general class of epidemic models obtained by applying the random time changes of Ethier and Kurtz (2005) to a collection of Poisson processes and we show the large deviation principle for such models. We generalise the approach followed by Dolgoarshinnykh (2009) in the case of the SIR epidemic model. Thanks to an additional assumption which is satisfied in many examples, we simplify the recent work of Kratz and Pardoux (2017).
Stochastic comparison of parallel systems with heterogeneous exponential components
Authors: Cheng Bin , Wang Jiantian
Published: September 2017

In this paper we provide a sufficient condition for mean residual life ordering of parallel systems with n ≥ 3 heterogeneous exponential components.
Re-thinking social exclusion in later life: a case for a new framework for measurement
Authors: MACLEOD CATHERINE A. , ROSS ANDY , SACKER AMANDA , NETUVELI GOPALAKRISHNAN , WINDLE GILL
Published: September 2017

Social exclusion is a dynamic multi-dimensional process that is interactive in nature. The complex interplay between domains, whereby each domain can act as a determinant, indicator and/or outcome of social exclusion, hinders understanding of the process and the mechanisms through which social exclusion exists. This article highlights the need to disentangle these pathways and move beyond descriptive accounts of social exclusion, presenting a new working framework that allows direct hypothesis testing of these between-domain relationships. Whilst this working framework can be applied to any population, this article focuses on older adults. Life events that can drive social exclusion such as bereavement and changes in health are more likely to occur in later life, and occur more frequently, increasing the risk of social exclusion for this population. Rooted in the new working framework, this article presents the construction of later life social exclusion measures for use with Understanding Society – the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study. The validity of these measures are considered by examining the characteristics of those aged 65 years and over who score the highest, and therefore experience the greatest level of exclusion. This new working framework and developed social exclusion measures provide a platform from which to explore the complex relationships between domains of social exclusion and ultimately provide a clearer understanding of this intricate multi-dimensional process.
Educator Readiness to Improve Gerontological Curricula in Health and Social Service Education
Authors: McCleary Lynn , Boscart Veronique , Donahue Peter , Harvey Kelsey
Published: September 2017

Cette étude visait à évaluer le contenu actuel de la formation en santé et services sociaux dans les programmes ontariens (au Canada) en gérontologie, et les indicateurs de réceptivité au changement chez les administrateurs et dans les facultés. Un sondage a été réalisé chez les professeurs universitaires (n = 100) et chez les doyens ou directeurs (n = 56) de 89 programmes de formation. Les résultats sont mitigés concernant la réceptivité au changement. La plupart des répondants considéraient que les programmes étaient adéquats, mais qu’ils avaient besoin d’être améliorés. Cependant, ils n’étaient pas au courant des publications concernant les compétences en gérontologie qui leur permettraient d’évaluer leurs programmes. Les croyances associées à la l’aptitude au changement étaient variables ; près de la moitié des participants ont indiqué que leurs programmes faisaient appel à un corps professoral possédant une expertise suffisante en gérontologie et gériatrie. Certains facteurs contextuels ont pu influencer la réceptivité au changement dans cette étude : manque d’expertise en gérontologie, besoins associés au soutien institutionnel et administratif, besoins additionnels liés aux ressources pédagogiques, attitudes envers le changement et reconnaissance de la nécessité de changer les programmes de formation. On note cependant une opportunité associée à la forte proportion de professeurs et d’administrateurs qui pensent que leurs programmes devraient être améliorés. L’allocation de ressources et du temps nécessaires au développement des capacités, ainsi qu’à l’évaluation et à la modification du curriculum permettraient de concrétiser cette opportunité.
Executing Humanity: Legal Consciousness and Capital Punishment in the United States, 1915–1940
Authors: LaChance Daniel
Published: September 2017

From the 1830s to the 1930s, elites across the United States increasingly privatized executions and standardized execution protocols. These changes reflected and reinforced a more bureaucratic image of the state as an abstract entity run by professionals operating in rule-bound roles rather than particular actors governing in an unsystematic way. After this period of change, the aesthetics of the execution ceremony had so thoroughly changed that the death penalty had the potential to inspire critiques of the modern state as cold, detached, and callous. It rarely did, however. Changes to state killing threatened to diminish the recognition of human dignity in the nation's execution chambers were countered by melodramatic popular renderings of executions that preserved their sacred, traditional character. Toward the end of this period of change, from 1915 to 1940, playwrights, screenwriters, and journalists maintained executions as events in which the humanity of the state that killed and the condemned who died was constantly foregrounded, even as execution modes and protocols became rationalized and machine-like. Reflecting this ethos, images of condemned men in the nation's collective imagination became disproportionately white.
The unexpectedly talkative ‘dumb son’: the Italian Constitutional Court’s dialogue with the European Court of Justice in protecting temporary workers’ rights in the public education sector
Authors: Guastaferro Barbara
Published: September 2017

Judicial cooperation – Italian Constitutional Court – National Constitutional Courts’ attitude towards preliminary reference to the European Court of Justice – First and second preliminary reference of the Italian Constitutional Court inindirectproceedings – Constitutional review of national legislation inconsistent with EU law – Relationship between EU law and constitutional concerns – Added value of Constitutional Courts in protecting constitutional identity – Multilevel protection of fundamental rights – EU Framework agreement on fixed-term work and European Court of Justice case law – Italian legislation on fixed-term work – Italian legislation on recruitment in State schools – Abuse arising from the use of successive fixed-term employment contracts – Judicial defence of workers’ rights – Cooperation between judges and legislators – Balancing between social rights and budgetary constraints –Mascolocase –Tariccocase
The EFTA Court and Fundamental Rights
Authors: Spano Robert
Published: September 2017

Fundamental rights – EFTA Court – Multilevel normative frameworks of human rights protections – General and unwritten principles of EEA law – Impact of the EU Charter on EEA fundamental rights – The European Convention on Human Rights as the dispositive normative basis for the EFTA Court’s resolution of a case – Fundamental rights operationalising the principle of homogeneity between EEA and EU law – Restriction of a fundamental freedom to further an aim based on fundamental rights.
Bell Pepper and Weed Response to Dimethyl Disulfide plus Chloropicrin and Herbicide Systems
Authors: Eure Peter M. , Culpepper A. Stanley
Published: September 2017

Bell pepper producers are faced with the challenge of controlling weeds following the phase-out of methyl bromide (MBr). Numerous attempts have been made to find a single fumigant or herbicide to control a broad spectrum of weeds. Adequate weed control in bell pepper will likely require weed management systems utilizing both fumigant and herbicide options. A weed management system including the fumigant dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) plus chloropicrin (Pic) plus the herbicide napropamide prior to transplant followed byS-metolachlor POST may be necessary to replace MBr. Field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 near Ty Ty, Georgia to determine bell pepper and weed response to DMDS plus Pic or in systems with napropamide and/orS-metolachlor. Bell pepper were not significantly injured by DMDS plus Pic or napropamide. Injury caused byS-metolachlor was transient and plants fully recovered by 4 weeks after treatment (WAT). Yellow nutsedge control 6 WAT using DMDS plus Pic applied at 468 or 560 L ha−1controlled yellow nutsedge 91 to 95%. Large crabgrass control 6 WAT was 92 to 100% when DMDS plus Pic was applied at 468 or 560 L ha−1with or without a(n) herbicide (S-metolachlor or napropamide). Palmer Amaranth control prior to harvest was 21, 64, and 85% using DMDS plus Pic at 374, 468, or 560 L ha−1, respectively. DMDS plus Pic applied at 468 or 560 L ha-1with napropamide followed byS-metolachlor POST gave 95 to 99% control of Palmer amaranth 6 WAT. Consistent weed control and optimum yields were obtained when DMDS plus Pic was used at 468 L ha−1plus napropamide beneath plastic mulch followed byS-metolachlor POST.
Neuropsychological Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hansen Sascha , Lautenbacher Stefan
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Neuropsychological deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) are common. Over the past decades, many different procedures have been employed in diagnosing these deficits. Even though certain aspects of cognitive performance such as information processing speed and working memory may be affected more frequently than other cognitive functions, no specific deficit profile has been established in MS. This article provides an overview of the neuropsychological diagnostic procedures in MS and allows the reader to reach an informed decision on the applicability of specific procedures and the availability of study data in the context of MS. Additionally, it makes recommendations on the compilation of both screening procedures and extensive test batteries.
Prevalence of poor effort and malingered neurocognitive dysfunction in litigating patients in Switzerland
Authors: M. Plohmann Andrea , Hurter Max
Published: September 2017

Abstract. To determine the prevalence of inauthentic cognitive test results, the data of 455 examinees who had finished at least two performance validity tests (PVTs) were analyzed retrospectively. The PVTs administered were the WMT, MSVT, NV-MSVT, ASTM, BSV, RMT, and RDS. Classification as “definite” or “probable” malingering was done according to the Slick criteria. Sociodemographic variables and diagnoses were described using binary logistic regression. Poor effort in at least two PVTs correlated significantly with education levels, immigration, and origin. Irrespective of education level, the highest risk of definite malingering was found in first-generation migrants. Cervical spine dysfunction, normal cerebral imaging, PTSD, somatoform, and/or depressive disorders also correlated with negative response bias. The probability that psychiatric patients fulfill criteria of probable malingering was higher than in patients with isolated organic mental disorders.
Erfassung der Stressverarbeitungsstrategien Regenerations- und Resistenzorientierung
Authors: Otto Josephine , Linden Michael
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der Auseinandersetzung mit Stressoren lässt sich grob zwischen der Tendenz zur Selbstpflege („Regenerationsorientierung“) und Förderung positiven emotionalen Erlebens sowie der Verhaltenstendenz zur kontinuierlichen Zielverfolgung trotz aversiven inneren Erlebens unterscheiden. Dies findet Eingang in bisherige Forschungstätigkeiten seit den 1980er Jahren. Ein Messinstrument zur stressorunabhängigen Erfassung fehlt bisher, weshalb die ReRe-Skala entwickelt wurde. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war die Entwicklung und Überprüfung einer neu entwickelten Skala zur Erfassung der Stressverarbeitungsstrategien Regenerations- und Resistenzorientierung an einer Stichprobe mit Patienten einer psychosomatischen Rehabilitationsklinik. Im Bezug auf die Itemkennwerte und die faktorielle Validität sind vor allem die Ergebnisse der Skala Regenerationsorientierung/Selbstpflege vielversprechend, die Ergebnisse für die Skala Resistenzorientierung/Verausgabungsbereitschaft uneindeutiger. Weitere Untersuchungen, insbesondere an nicht-klinischen Stichproben, stehen aus.
Problematizing Men's Suicide, Mental Health, and Well-Being
Authors: Roy Philippe , Tremblay Gilles , Duplessis-Brochu Émilie
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Background: The Province of Quebec, Canada (PQ), witnessed a drastic rise in suicide among adult men between 1990 and 2000, followed by a continuous drop since then. At the end of the 1990s, men's suicide became recognized as a social issue, leading to implementation of gender-responsive strategies focusing on positive aspects of masculinity. Many of these strategies received positive assessments. Aims: This article offers a critical overview of the evolution of social responses to men's suicide in PQ. Method: We highlight elements of success with examples of interventions targeting men directly, professionals who work with men, and natural support networks of men. Results: Results and discussion suggest the benefits to shift towards salutogenic, gender-transformative approach to men's suicide prevention. Conclusion: Closing remarks question the current gaps and upcoming challenges in suicide prevention among men.
Metabolite toxicity slows local diversity loss during expansion of a microbial cross-feeding community
Authors: Goldschmidt Felix , Regoes Roland R , Johnson David R
Published: September 2017

Metabolic interactions between populations can influence patterns of spatial organization and diversity within microbial communities. Cross-feeding is one type of metabolic interaction that is pervasive within microbial communities, where one genotype consumes a resource into a metabolite while another genotype then consumes the metabolite. A typical feature of cross-feeding is that the metabolite may impose toxicity if it accumulates to sufficient concentrations. However, little is known about the effect of metabolite toxicity on spatial organization and local diversity within microbial communities. We addressed this knowledge gap by experimentally varying the toxicity of a single cross-fed metabolite and measuring the consequences on a synthetic microbial cross-feeding community. Our results demonstrate that metabolite toxicity slows demixing and thus slows local diversity loss of the metabolite-producing population. Using mathematical modeling, we show that this is because toxicity slows growth, which enables more cells to emigrate from the founding region and contribute towards population expansion. Our results show that metabolite toxicity is an important factor affecting local diversity within microbial communities and that spatial organization can be affected by non-intuitive mechanisms.
An engineered bispecific DNA-encoded IgG antibody protects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a pneumonia challenge model
Authors: Patel Ami , DiGiandomenico Antonio , Keller Ashley E. , Smith Trevor R. F. , Park Daniel H. , Ramos Stephanie , Schultheis Katherine , Elliott Sarah T. C. , Mendoza Janess , Broderick Kate E. , Wise Megan C. , Yan Jian , Jiang Jingjing , Flingai Seleeke , Khan Amir S. , Muthumani Kar , Humeau Laurent , Cheng Lily I. , Wachter-Rosati Leslie , Stover C. Kendall , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Weiner David B.
Published: September 2017

The impact of broad-spectrum antibiotics on antimicrobial resistance and disruption of the beneficial microbiome compels the urgent investigation of bacteria-specific approaches such as antibody-based strategies. Among these, DNA-delivered monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs), produced by muscle cells in vivo, potentially allow the prevention or treatment of bacterial infections circumventing some of the hurdles of protein IgG delivery. Here, we optimize DNA-delivered monoclonal antibodies consisting of two potent human IgG clones, including a non-natural bispecific IgG1 candidate, targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The DNA-delivered monoclonal antibodies exhibit indistinguishable potency compared to bioprocessed IgG and protect against lethal pneumonia in mice. The DNA-delivered monoclonal antibodies decrease bacterial colonization of organs and exhibit enhanced adjunctive activity in combination with antibiotics. These studies support DNA-delivered monoclonal antibodies delivery as a potential strategy to augment the host immune response to prevent serious bacterial infections, and represent a significant advancement toward broader practical delivery of monoclonal antibody immunotherapeutics for additional infectious pathogens.
Simultaneous entanglement swapping of multiple orbital angular momentum states of light
Authors: Zhang Yingwen , Agnew Megan , Roger Thomas , Roux Filippus S. , Konrad Thomas , Faccio Daniele , Leach Jonathan , Forbes Andrew
Published: September 2017

High-bit-rate long-distance quantum communication is a proposed technology for future communication networks and relies on high-dimensional quantum entanglement as a core resource. While it is known that spatial modes of light provide an avenue for high-dimensional entanglement, the ability to transport such quantum states robustly over long distances remains challenging. To overcome this, entanglement swapping may be used to generate remote quantum correlations between particles that have not interacted; this is the core ingredient of a quantum repeater, akin to repeaters in optical fibre networks. Here we demonstrate entanglement swapping of multiple orbital angular momentum states of light. Our approach does not distinguish between different anti-symmetric states, and thus entanglement swapping occurs for several thousand pairs of spatial light modes simultaneously. This work represents the first step towards a quantum network for high-dimensional entangled states and provides a test bed for fundamental tests of quantum science.
Multipurpose silicon photonics signal processor core
Authors: Pérez Daniel , Gasulla Ivana , Crudgington Lee , Thomson David J. , Khokhar Ali Z. , Li Ke , Cao Wei , Mashanovich Goran Z. , Capmany José
Published: September 2017

Integrated photonics changes the scaling laws of information and communication systems offering architectural choices that combine photonics with electronics to optimize performance, power, footprint, and cost. Application-specific photonic integrated circuits, where particular circuits/chips are designed to optimally perform particular functionalities, require a considerable number of design and fabrication iterations leading to long development times. A different approach inspired by electronic Field Programmable Gate Arrays is the programmable photonic processor, where a common hardware implemented by a two-dimensional photonic waveguide mesh realizes different functionalities through programming. Here, we report the demonstration of such reconfigurable waveguide mesh in silicon. We demonstrate over 20 different functionalities with a simple seven hexagonal cell structure, which can be applied to different fields including communications, chemical and biomedical sensing, signal processing, multiprocessor networks, and quantum information systems. Our work is an important step toward this paradigm.
Combined activation of MAP kinase pathway and β-catenin signaling cause deep penetrating nevi
Authors: Yeh Iwei , Lang Ursula E. , Durieux Emeline , Tee Meng Kian , Jorapur Aparna , Shain A. Hunter , Haddad Veronique , Pissaloux Daniel , Chen Xu , Cerroni Lorenzo , Judson Robert L. , LeBoit Philip E. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Bastian Boris C. , de la Fouchardière Arnaud
Published: September 2017

Deep penetrating nevus (DPN) is characterized by enlarged, pigmented melanocytes that extend through the dermis. DPN can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma but rarely displays aggressive biological behavior. Here, we identify a combination of mutations of the β-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways as characteristic of DPN. Mutations of the β-catenin pathway change the phenotype of a common nevus with BRAF mutation into that of DPN, with increased pigmentation, cell volume and nuclear cyclin D1 levels. Our results suggest that constitutive β-catenin pathway activation promotes tumorigenesis by overriding dependencies on the microenvironment that constrain proliferation of common nevi. In melanoma that arose from DPN we find additional oncogenic alterations. We identify DPN as an intermediate stage in the step-wise progression from nevus to melanoma. In summary, we delineate specific genetic alterations and their sequential order, information that can assist in the diagnostic classification and grading of these distinctive neoplasms.
Oxygen evolution reaction dynamics monitored by an individual nanosheet-based electronic circuit
Authors: Wang Peiyao , Yan Mengyu , Meng Jiashen , Jiang Gengping , Qu Longbing , Pan Xuelei , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Mai Liqiang
Published: September 2017

The oxygen evolution reaction involves complex interplay among electrolyte, solid catalyst, and gas-phase and liquid-phase reactants and products. Monitoring catalysis interfaces between catalyst and electrolyte can provide valuable insights into catalytic ability. But it is a challenging task due to the additive solid supports in traditional measurement. Here we design a nanodevice platform and combine on-chip electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement, temporary I-V measurement of an individual nanosheet, and molecular dynamic calculations to provide a direct way for nanoscale catalytic diagnosis. By removing O2 in electrolyte, a dramatic decrease in Tafel slope of over 20% and early onset potential of 1.344 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode are achieved. Our studies reveal that O2 reduces hydroxyl ion density at catalyst interface, resulting in poor kinetics and negative catalytic performance. The obtained in-depth understanding could provide valuable clues for catalysis system design. Our method could also be useful to analyze other catalytic processes.
Phenotype-driven identification of modules in a hierarchical map of multifluid metabolic correlations
Authors: Do Kieu Trinh , Pietzner Maik , Rasp David JNP , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Kocher Thomas , Suhre Karsten , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O. , Kastenmüller Gabi , Krumsiek Jan
Published: September 2017

The identification of phenotype-driven network modules in complex, multifluid metabolomics data poses a considerable challenge for statistical analysis and result interpretation. This is the case for phenotypes with only few associations ('sparse' effects), but, in particular, for phenotypes with a large number of metabolite associations ('dense' effects). Herein, we postulate that examining the data at different layers of resolution, from metabolites to pathways, will facilitate the interpretation of modules for both the sparse and the dense cases. We propose an approach for the phenotype-driven identification of modules on multifluid networks based on untargeted metabolomics data of plasma, urine, and saliva samples from the German Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) study. We generated a hierarchical, multifluid map of metabolism covering both metabolite and pathway associations using Gaussian graphical models. First, this map facilitates a fundamental understanding of metabolism within and across fluids for our study, and can serve as a valuable and downloadable resource. Second, based on this map, we then present an algorithm to identify regulated modules that associate with factors such as gender and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as examples of traits with dense and sparse associations, respectively. We found IGF-I to associate at the rather fine-grained metabolite level, while gender shows well-interpretable associations at pathway level. Our results confirm that a holistic and interpretable view of metabolic changes associated with a phenotype can only be obtained if different layers of metabolic resolution from multiple body fluids are considered.
Overexpression of annexin gene AnnSp2, enhances drought and salt tolerance through modulation of ABA synthesis and scavenging ROS in tomato
Authors: Ijaz Raina , Ejaz Javeria , Gao Shenghua , Liu Tengfei , Imtiaz Muhammad , Ye Zhibiao , Wang Taotao
Published: September 2017

Drought and high salinity are two major abiotic stresses that significantly affect agricultural crop productivity worldwide. Annexins are a multigene family that plays an essential role in plant stress responses and various cellular processes. Here, the AnnSp2 gene was cloned from drought-resistant wild tomato (Solanum pennellii) and functionally characterized in cultivated tomato. AnnSp2 protein was localized in the nucleus and had higher expression in leave, flower and fruit. It was induced by several phytohormones and some abiotic stresses. Tomato plants overexpressing AnnSp2 had increased tolerance to drought and salt stress, as determined by analysis of various physiological parameters. AnnSp2-transgenic plants were less sensitive to ABA during the seed germination and seedling stages. However, under drought stress, the ABA content significantly increased in the AnnSp2-overexpressing plants, inducing stomatal closure and reducing water loss, which underlay the plants’ enhanced stress tolerance. Furthermore, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), higher total chlorophyll content, lower lipid peroxidation levels, increased peroxidase activities (including APX, CAT and SOD) and higher levels of proline were observed in AnnSp2-overexpressing plants. These results indicate that overexpression of AnnSp2 in transgenic tomato improves salt and drought tolerance through ABA synthesis and the elimination of ROS.
A brain-targeting lipidated peptide for neutralizing RNA-mediated toxicity in Polyglutamine Diseases
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yang Mengbi , Sørensen Kasper K. , Madsen Charlotte S. , Boesen Josephine T. , An Ying , Peng Shao Hong , Wei Yuming , Wang Qianwen , Jensen Knud J. , Zuo Zhong , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Ngo Jacky Chi Ki
Published: September 2017

Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases are progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by both protein- and RNA-mediated toxicities. We previously showed that a peptidyl inhibitor, P3, which binds directly to expanded CAG RNA can inhibit RNA-induced nucleolar stress and suppress RNA-induced neurotoxicity. Here we report a N-acetylated and C-amidated derivative of P3, P3V8, that showed a more than 20-fold increase in its affinity for expanded CAG RNA. The P3V8 peptide also more potently alleviated expanded RNA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro, and suppressed polyQ neurodegeneration in Drosophila with no observed toxic effects. Further N-palmitoylation of P3V8 (L1P3V8) not only significantly improved its cellular uptake and stability, but also facilitated its systemic exposure and brain uptake in rats via intranasal administration. Our findings demonstrate that concomitant N-acetylation, C-amidation and palmitoylation of P3 significantly improve both its bioactivity and pharmacological profile. L1P3V8 possesses drug/lead-like properties that can be further developed into a lead inhibitor for the treatment of polyQ diseases.
Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and status of HBV care among rural women who planned to conceive in China
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Hong , Zhang Long , Zhong Qiuyue , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Man , Huang Yanjie , Wang Anqi , Nelson Kenrad , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Peng Zuoqi , Zhang Ya , Xin Xiaona , Zhang Hongguang , Zhao Jun , Wang Yan , Yang Ying , He Yuan , Xu Jihong , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Yan , Ma Xu
Published: September 2017

Globally, one third of prevalent chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection (HBV) occurred in China. Assessing the prevalence of CHB infesction and status of HBV-related services among pre-conception women will provide insight into risks of mother to child transmission (MTCT). A cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkups (NFPC) program in 2010–2014 was conducted. A standardized questionnaire which collected demographic information and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) which tested serological HBV markers were applied. A total of 16,051,850 rural women aged 15–49 years were included. 5.2% of women were infected with CHB, among whom, 28.6% were also hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive. The most CHB concentrated places were distributed in southeastern coastal provinces. Women born after 1992 did not experience a higher level of vaccine-induced immunity compared to those born before 1992. Nine in ten rural women with CHB were not aware of their HBV status and a very small proportion of women (0.22%) had received antiviral treatment. Our data demonstrated an overall high-intermediate burden of CHB. Heterogeneity of geographic distribution, high proportion of HBeAg, insufficient awareness of HBV status, and low access to HBV treatment are challenges for preventing the MTCT.
Impacts of no-tillage management on nitrate loss from corn, soybean and wheat cultivation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Daryanto Stefani , Wang Lixin , Jacinthe Pierre-André
Published: September 2017

Although no-till (NT) has been promoted as an alternative land management practice to conventional tillage (CT), its impact on water quality, especially nitrate (NO3−) loss remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare NO3− concentration and load in NT and CT systems via two major transport pathways: runoff and leaching. Rainfall variability, aridity, soil texture, tillage duration, crop species, and fertilizer type were used as co-varying factors. In comparison to CT, NT resulted in an overall increase of runoff NO3− concentration, but similar runoff NO3− load. In contrast, leachate NO3− load was greater under NT than under CT, although leachate NO3− concentration was similar under both tillage practices, indicating that the effect of NT on NO3− load was largely determined by changes in water flux. Some deviations from these overall trends, however, were recorded with different co-varying variables. In comparison to CT, NT, for example, generated lower leachate NO3− concentration and similar (instead of elevated) NO3− leachate load from soybean fields (no N fertilizer applied). These results suggest NT needs to be complemented with other practices (e.g., cover crops, reduced N rate, split N application) in order to improve soil N retention and water quality benefits.
Ethyl cellulose nanodispersions as stabilizers for oil in water Pickering emulsions
Authors: Wu Xia , Zhang Li , Zhang Xingzhong , Zhu Ya , Wu Yuehan , Li Yan , Li Bin , Liu Shilin , Zhao Jinping , Ma Zhaocheng
Published: September 2017

Ethyl cellulose (EC) nanodispersions have been prepared through a facile procedure, a process involved the dissolution of EC into ethanol, followed by dipping it in Xanthan Gum ﻿(XG) solution (0.1%, used as anti-solvent), and then removed the ethanol. The influences of preparation conditions on the structure and properties of the EC nanodispersions were investigated. The prepared EC nanodispersion had a negative surface potential, which contributed to its stabilization. The particle size of the nanodispersions could be controlled by changing the concentration of EC. Furthermore, the EC nanodispersions had a potential application for the stabilization of oil/water Pickering emulsion. The obtained Pickering emulsions showed high stability.
Exploring genetic influences underlying acute aerobic exercise effects on motor learning
Authors: Mang Cameron S. , McEwen Lisa M. , MacIsaac Julia L. , Snow Nicholas J. , Campbell Kristin L. , Kobor Michael S. , Ross Colin J. D. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: September 2017

The objective of the current work was to evaluate whether the effects of acute aerobic exercise on motor learning were dependent on genetic variants impacting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF val66met polymorphism) and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2/ANKK1 glu713lys polymorphism) in humans. A retrospective analysis was performed to determine whether these polymorphisms influence data from our two previous studies, which both demonstrated that a single bout of aerobic exercise prior to motor practice enhanced implicit motor learning. Here, our main finding was that the effect of acute aerobic exercise on motor learning was dependent on DRD2/ANKK1 genotype. Motor learning was enhanced when aerobic exercise was performed prior to skill practice in glu/glu homozygotes, but not lys allele carriers. In contrast, the BDNF val66met polymorphism did not impact the exercise effect. The results suggest that the dopamine D2 receptor may be involved in acute aerobic exercise effects on motor learning. Such genetic information could inform the development of individualized aerobic exercise strategies to promote motor learning.
Combined measurement of directional Raman scattering and surface-plasmon-polariton cone from adsorbates on smooth planar gold surfaces
Authors: Nyamekye Charles K. A. , Weibel Stephen C. , Bobbitt Jonathan M. , Smith Emily A.
Published: September 2017

Quantitative study of the full surface-plasmon-polariton cone and monolayer-sensitive directional Raman signal as a function of incident angle.
Simultaneous speciation of chromate, arsenate, molybdate and vanadate in alkaline samples by HPLC-ICP-MS at different concentration levels of vanadate
Authors: Drinčić Ana , Ščančar Janez , Zuliani Tea , Nikolić Irena , Milačič Radmila
Published: September 2017

Flay ash, cement and electric arc furnace (EAF) dust are frequently mixed in building composites.
Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis
Authors: Liu Yong , Jiang Xingyu
Published: September 2017

Microfluidic platforms provide endless possibilities for synthetic chemistry.
Correction: Substituent effects on the basicity (pKa) of aryl guanidines and 2-(arylimino)imidazolidines: correlations of pH-metric and UV-metric values with predictions from gas-phase ab initio bond lengths
Authors: Dardonville Christophe , Caine Beth A. , Navarro de la Fuente Marta , Martín Herranz Guillermo , Corrales Mariblanca Beatriz , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: September 2017

Correction for ‘Substituent effects on the basicity (pKa) of aryl guanidines and 2-(arylimino)imidazolidines: correlations of pH-metric and UV-metric values with predictions from gas-phase ab initio bond lengths’ by Christophe Dardonville et al., New J. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7nj02497e.
The role of metal oxide interactions: revisiting Pt growth on the TiO2 surface in the process of impregnation method
Authors: Jiang Zhi , Sun Zhongti , Yang Yuqi , Chen Siyu , Shangguan Wenfeng , Wu Xiaojun
Published: September 2017

First-principles calculations and experiments illustrated that the metal oxide interaction introduced by calcinations process plays a critical role in controlling the PtOx dispersion over titania, which will further influence the growth pattern of Pt on the titania surface.
Evaluation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for oral drug delivery – current status and perspective of MSNs drug carriers
Authors: Florek Justyna , Caillard Romain , Kleitz Freddy
Published: September 2017

Mesoporous silica nanocarriers are discussed as potential oral drug delivery systems, focusing on their advantages and limitations, and future perspectives.
Efficient electro-optic modulation in low-loss graphene-plasmonic slot waveguides
Authors: Ding Y. , Guan X. , Zhu X. , Hu H. , Bozhevolnyi S. I. , Oxenløwe L. K. , Jin K. J. , Mortensen N. A. , Xiao S.
Published: September 2017

Surface plasmon polaritons enable light concentration within subwavelength regions, and here we demonstrate efficient and compact graphene-plasmonic modulators fully integrated in the silicon-on-insulator platform.
Hierarchical cobalt–nitride and –oxide co-doped porous carbon nanostructures for highly efficient and durable bifunctional oxygen reaction electrocatalysts
Authors: Lee Kyung Jin , Shin Dong Yun , Byeon Ayeong , Lim Ahyoun , Jo Young Suk , Begley Alina , Lim Dong-Hee , Sung Yung-Eun , Park Hyun S. , Chae Keun Hwa , Nam Suk Woo , Lee Kwan-Young , Kim Jin Young
Published: September 2017

Here we report hierarchical cobalt–nitride and –oxide co-doped porous carbon nanostructures with enhanced bifunctional oxygen electrochemical performance.
Synthesis of surfactant-free micro- and nanolatexes from Pickering emulsions stabilized by acetylated cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Werner A. , Schmitt V. , Sèbe G. , Héroguez V.
Published: September 2017

Surfactant-free micro- and nanolatexes from Pickering emulsions stabilized by acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).
Pickering emulsions stabilized by a metal–organic framework (MOF) and graphene oxide (GO) for producing MOF/GO composites
Authors: Zhang Fanyu , Liu Lifei , Tan Xiuniang , Sang Xinxin , Zhang Jianling , Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Bingxing , Han Buxing , Yang Guanying
Published: September 2017

The Pickering emulsion stabilized by metal–organic framework (MOF) and graphene oxide (GO) offers a facile route for fabricating MOF/GO composite with a macroporous network structure.
Estimating Nonorganic Hearing Thresholds Using Binaural Auditory Stimuli
Authors: Norrix Linda W. , Rubiano Vivian , Muller Thomas
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Minimum contralateral interference levels (MCILs) are used to estimate true hearing thresholds in individuals with unilateral nonorganic hearing loss. In this study, we determined MCILs and examined the correspondence of MCILs to true hearing thresholds to quantify the accuracy of this procedure.

Method

Sixteen adults with normal hearing participated. Subjects were asked to feign a unilateral hearing loss at 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz. MCILs were determined. Subjects also made lateralization judgments for simultaneously presented tones with varying interaural intensity differences.

Results

The 90% confidence intervals, calculated for the distributions, indicate that the MCIL in 90% of cases would be expected to be very close to threshold to approximately 17–19 dB poorer than the true hearing threshold. How close the MCIL is to true threshold appears to be based on the individual's response criterion.

Conclusions

Response bias influences the MCIL and how close an MCIL is to true hearing threshold. The clinician can never know a client's response bias and therefore should use a 90% confidence interval to predict the range for the expected true threshold. On the basis of this approach, a clinician may assume that true threshold is at or as much as 19 dB better than MCIL.
Children's Comprehension of Object Relative Sentences: It's Extant Language Knowledge That Matters, Not Domain-General Working Memory
Authors: Rusli Yazmin Ahmad , Montgomery James W.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether extant language (lexical) knowledge or domain-general working memory is the better predictor of comprehension of object relative sentences for children with typical development. We hypothesized that extant language knowledge, not domain-general working memory, is the better predictor.

Method

Fifty-three children (ages 9–11 years) completed a word-level verbal working-memory task, indexing extant language (lexical) knowledge; an analog nonverbal working-memory task, representing domain-general working memory; and a hybrid sentence comprehension task incorporating elements of both agent selection and cross-modal picture-priming paradigms. Images of the agent and patient were displayed at the syntactic gap in the object relative sentences, and the children were asked to select the agent of the sentence.

Results

Results of general linear modeling revealed that extant language knowledge accounted for a unique 21.3% of variance in the children's object relative sentence comprehension over and above age (8.3%). Domain-general working memory accounted for a nonsignificant 1.6% of variance.

Conclusions

We interpret the results to suggest that extant language knowledge and not domain-general working memory is a critically important contributor to children's object relative sentence comprehension. Results support a connectionist view of the association between working memory and object relative sentence comprehension.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5404573
The Influence of Executive Functions on Phonemic Processing in Children Who Do and Do Not Stutter
Authors: Sasisekaran Jayanthi , Basu Shriya
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate dual-task performance in children who stutter (CWS) and those who do not to investigate if the groups differed in the ability to attend and allocate cognitive resources effectively during task performance.

Method

Participants were 24 children (12 CWS) in both groups matched for age and sex. For the primary task, participants performed a phoneme monitoring in a picture–written word interference task. For the secondary task, participants made pitch judgments on tones presented at varying (short, long) stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) from the onset of the picture.

Results

The CWS were comparable to the children who do not stutter in performing the monitoring task although the SOA-based performance differences in this task were more variable in the CWS. The CWS were also significantly slower in making tone decisions at the short SOA and showed a trend for making more errors in this task.

Conclusions

The findings are interpreted to suggest higher dual-task cost effects in CWS. A potential explanation for this finding requiring further testing and confirmation is that the CWS show reduced efficiency in attending to the tone stimuli while simultaneously prioritizing attention to the phoneme-monitoring task.
Developmental Stuttering in Children Who Are Hard of Hearing
Authors: Arenas Richard M. , Walker Elizabeth A. , Oleson Jacob J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

A number of studies with large sample sizes have reported lower prevalence of stuttering in children with significant hearing loss compared to children without hearing loss. This study used a parent questionnaire to investigate the characteristics of stuttering (e.g., incidence, prevalence, and age of onset) in children who are hard of hearing (CHH).

Method

Three hundred three parents of CHH who participated in the Outcomes of Children With Hearing Loss study (Moeller & Tomblin, 2015) were sent questionnaires asking about their child's history of stuttering.

Results

One hundred ninety-four parents of CHH responded to the survey. Thirty-three CHH were reported to have stuttered at one point in time (an incidence of 17.01%), and 10 children were still stuttering at the time of survey submission (a prevalence of 5.15%). Compared to estimates in the general population, this sample displayed a significantly higher incidence and prevalence. The age of onset, recovery rate, and other characteristics were similar to hearing children.

Conclusions

Based on this sample, mild to moderately severe hearing loss does not appear to be a protective factor for stuttering in the preschool years. In fact, the incidence and prevalence of stuttering may be higher in this population compared to the general population. Despite the significant speech and language needs that children with mild to moderately severe hearing loss may have, speech-language pathologists should appropriately prioritize stuttering treatment as they would in the hearing population.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5397154
Interprofessional Education: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Implementation With Older Adults
Authors: Wallace Sarah E. , Manspeaker Sarah A. , Matthews Lauren
Published: September 2017

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an educational requirement for many health care professions, including speech-language pathology and audiology. Interprofessional approaches to education may be a valuable asset for improving services provided to older adults due to their complex and unique needs required over a longer period of time compared to a younger individual. Studies have also shown that IPE activities may elicit positive changes in student perceptions toward older adults and other professions. However, research describing the best educational practices for conducting IPE aimed at preparing professionals to work with older adults is limited, and many educational programs lack exposure and practice for IPE as their focus is on a single profession. Educators can use information related to the IPE Competency Domains and outcome measurement tools provided in this article to develop IPE experiences. Evaluation of IPE experiences will increase the evidence base and address a critical need in health care for older adults.