bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll-like Receptor 4 Deficiency Reduces Oxidative Stress and Macrophage Mediated Inflammation in Hypertensive Kidney
Authors: Pushpakumar Sathnur , Ren Lu , Kundu Sourav , Gamon Alejandra , Tyagi Suresh C. , Sen Utpal
Published: July 2017

Oxidative stress and inflammation are integral to hypertension-induced renal injury. A unifying feature for the two components is Toll-like receptors (TLR), which are key regulators of the innate immune system. Recent studies implicate TLR4 activation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases and also as a link between inflammation and hypertension. However, its role in hypertension induced renal injury remains unexplored. In the present study, we investigated whether TLR-4 deficiency reduces Ang-II-induced renal injury and fibrosis by attenuating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammation. C3H/HeOuJ mice with normal TLR-4 and C3H/HeJLps-dwith dysfunctional TLR4 (TLR4 deficiency) were treated without or with Ang-II. In response to Ang-II, TLR4 deficient mice had reduced renal resistive index and increased renal cortical blood flow compared to mice with normal TLR4. Further, TLR4 deficiency reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant capacity (MnSOD, CuSOD and Catalase activity). TLR4 deficiency was also associated with reduced inflammation (MCP-1, MIP-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and CD68), decreased accumulation of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts and TGF-β expression. Our data suggests that in C3H/HeJLps-dmice, deficiency of functional TLR4 reduces oxidative stress and macrophage activation to decrease TGF-β-induced extracellular matrix protein deposition in the kidney in Ang-II induced hypertension.
Nano-plasmonic near field phase matching of attosecond pulses
Authors: Shaaran Tahir , Nicolas Rana , Iwan Bianca , Kovacev Milutin , Merdji Hamed
Published: July 2017

Nano-structures excited by light can enhance locally the electric field when tuned to plasmonic resonances. This phenomenon can be used to boost non-linear processes such as harmonic generation in crystals or in gases, Raman excitation, and four wave mixing. Here we present a theoretical investigation of the near-field phase matching of attosecond pulses emitted by high-order harmonic generation (HHG) of an atom immersed in a multi-cycle femtosecond infrared laser field and a spatially inhomogeneous plasmonic field. We demonstrate that the spatial inhomogeneity factor of the plasmonic field strongly affects the electron trajectory and recombination time which can be used to control the attosecond emission. For further insight into the plasmonic field effect, we monitor the phase of each quantum path as a function of the inhomogeneity strength. Moreover, we investigate the attosecond emission as a function of near-field phase matching effects. This is achieved by calculating the coherent field superposition of attosecond pulses emitted from various intensities or field inhomogeneities. Finally, far-field and near-field phase matching effects are combined to modulate the harmonic spectral phase towards the emission of a single attosecond pulse.
Origin of clay minerals in Early Eocene volcanic paleosols on King George Island, Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Spinola Diogo Noses , Pi-Puig Teresa , Solleiro-Rebolledo Elizabeth , Egli Markus , Sudo Masafumi , Sedov Sergey , Kühn Peter
Published: July 2017

The paleoclimate during the Early Eocene in Maritime Antarctica is characterized by cool conditions without a pronounced dry season. Soils formed on volcanic material under such climate conditions in modern analogue environments are usually Andosols rich in nanocrystalline minerals without pedogenic smectite. The paleosols formed on volcanic material on King Georges Island are covered by basalts, dated by 6 new 40Ar/39Ar datings to 51–48 Ma, and are rich in smectite. A pedogenic origin of the smectites would suggest a semi-arid rather than a wet non-seasonal humid paleoclimate. To investigate the origin of the smectites in these paleosols we used X-ray diffraction and microscopic techniques. Minor mineralogical changes between the volcanic parent material and the paleosols and a homogenous distribution of smectites throughout the paleosol horizons indicate that these smectites were mainly inherited from the pyroclastic parent material, which was altered prior to surficial weathering. Nevertheless, the mineralogical properties, such as degree of crystallinity and octahedral site occupancy, of these smectites were modified during the ancient soil formation. Our findings highlight that trioctahedral smectites were a product of deuteric alteration of pyroclastic rocks and were progressively transformed to dioctahedral smectites during weathering in a soil environment on King George Island.
ADME-Space: a new tool for medicinal chemists to explore ADME properties
Authors: Bocci Giovanni , Carosati Emanuele , Vayer Philippe , Arrault Alban , Lozano Sylvain , Cruciani Gabriele
Published: July 2017

We introduce a new chemical space for drugs and drug-like molecules, exclusively based on their in silico ADME behaviour. This ADME-Space is based on self-organizing map (SOM) applied to 26,000 molecules. Twenty accurate QSPR models, describing important ADME properties, were developed and, successively, used as new molecular descriptors not related to molecular structure. Applications include permeability, active transport, metabolism and bioavailability studies, but the method can be even used to discuss drug-drug interactions (DDIs) or it can be extended to additional ADME properties. Thus, the ADME-Space opens a new framework for the multi-parametric data analysis in drug discovery where all ADME behaviours of molecules are condensed in one map: it allows medicinal chemists to simultaneously monitor several ADME properties, to rapidly select optimal ADME profiles, retrieve warning on potential ADME problems and DDIs or select proper in vitro experiments.
Advantages of phylogenetic distance based constrained ordination analyses for the examination of microbial communities
Authors: Shankar V. , Agans R. , Paliy O.
Published: July 2017

Recently developed high throughput molecular techniques such as massively parallel sequencing and phylogenetic microarrays generate vast datasets providing insights into microbial community structure and function. Because of the high dimensionality of these datasets, multivariate ordination analyses are often employed to examine such data. Here, we show how the use of phylogenetic distance based redundancy analysis provides ecological interpretation of microbial community differences. We also extend the previously developed method of principal response curves to incorporate phylogenetic distance measure, and we demonstrate the improved ability of this approach to provide ecologically relevant insights into temporal alterations of microbial communities.
Formulating formation mechanism of natural gas hydrates
Authors: Palodkar Avinash V. , Jana Amiya K.
Published: July 2017

A large amount of energy, perhaps twice the total amount of all other hydrocarbon reserves combined, is trapped within gas hydrate deposits. Despite emerging as a potential energy source for the world over the next several hundred years and one of the key factors in causing future climate change, gas hydrate is poorly known in terms of its formation mechanism. To address this issue, a mathematical formulation is proposed in the form of a model to represent the physical insight into the process of hydrate growth that occurs on the surface and in the irregular nanometer-sized pores of the distributed porous particles. To evaluate the versatility of this rigorous model, the experimental data is used for methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrates grown in different porous media with a wide range of considerations.
Polymorphism in ERCC1 confers susceptibility of coronary artery disease and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Xue-bin , Han Ya-di , Xiong Chen-ling , Zhou Ye , Wang Chen , Liu Ze-jin , Yang Na , Zheng Fang
Published: July 2017

Excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1) gene encodes ERCC1 protein, which is mainly responsible for the repair of DNA damage in different diseases including coronary artery atherosclerosis by acting as a rate-limiting element in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Using a three-stage case-control study with 3037 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and 3002 controls, we investigated associations of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with CAD risk and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis in Chinese Han population. In the discovery set, the variant allele T of rs11615 was significantly associated with higher CAD risk (adjusted OR = 1.27, P = 0.006) and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis (adjusted OR = 1.54, P = 0.003). These associations were more remarkable in the merged set (adjusted OR = 1.23, P = 8 × 10−6 for CAD risk; adjusted OR = 1.36, P = 4.3 × 10−5 for severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis). And the expression level of ERCC1 was significantly higher in CAD cases than controls. Multiplicative interactions among SNP rs11615, alcohol drinking, history of T2DM, and history of hyperlipidemia could increase 5.06-fold risk of CAD (P = 1.59 × 10−9). No significant association of rs2298881 and rs3212986 with CAD risk was identified. Taken together, SNP rs11615 in ERCC1 gene might confer susceptibility to CAD and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in a Chinese Han population.
Lactate provides a strong pH-independent ventilatory signal in the facultative air-breathing teleost Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Authors: Thomsen Mikkel T. , Wang Tobias , Milsom William K. , Bayley Mark
Published: July 2017

Fish regulate ventilation primarily by sensing O2-levels in the water and arterial blood. It is well established that this sensory process involves several steps, but the underlying mechanisms remain frustratingly elusive. Here we examine the effect of increasing lactate ions at constant pH on ventilation in a teleost; specifically the facultative air-breathing catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. At lactate levels within the physiological range obtained by Na-Lactate injections (3.5 ± 0.8 to 10.9 ± 0.7 mmol L−1), gill ventilation increased in a dose-dependent manner to levels comparable to those elicited by NaCN injections (2.0 µmol kg−1), which induces a hypoxic response and higher than those observed in any level of ambient hypoxia (lowest PO2 = 20 mmHg). High lactate concentrations also stimulated air-breathing. Denervation of the first gill arch reduced the ventilatory response to lactate suggesting that part of the sensory mechanism for lactate is located at the first gill arch. However, since a residual response remained after this denervation, the other gill arches or extrabranchial locations must also be important for lactate sensing. We propose that lactate plays a role as a signalling molecule in the hypoxic ventilatory response in fish.
Covalent, Non-Covalent, Encapsulated Nanodrug Regulate the Fate of Intra- and Extracellular Trafficking: Impact on Cancer and Normal Cells
Authors: Kim Sang-Woo , Lee Yeon Kyung , Kim Sang-Hyun , Park Jun-Young , Lee Dong Un , Choi Jungil , Hong Jeong Hee , Kim Sanghyo , Khang Dongwoo
Published: July 2017

Drugs need to be designed to access the designated intracellular organelle compartments in order to maximize anticancer efficacy. This study identified that covalently conjugated, non-covalent polyethylene glycol coated and encapsulated nanodrugs selectively influence drug uptake, the intracellular and extracellular trafficking of cancer cells. The types of nano conjugation modulated intracellular dynamics associated with differential impact on anti-cancer efficacy, but also induced differential cytotoxicity on cancer versus normal cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of selecting the appropriate type of nano-conjugation for delivering organelle specific, active chemotherapeutic agents through controlled intracellular trafficking.
Uremia does not affect neointima formation in mice
Authors: Aarup Annemarie , Nielsen Carsten H. , Bisgaard Line S. , Bot Ilze , El-Ali Henrik H. , Kjaer Andreas , Nielsen Lars B. , Pedersen Tanja X.
Published: July 2017

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD leads to uremia, which modulates the phenotype of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Phenotypic modulation of SMCs plays a key role in accelerating atherosclerosis. We investigated the hypothesis that uremia potentiates neointima formation in response to vascular injury in mice. Carotid wire injury was performed on C57BL/6 wt and apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe−/−) mice two weeks after induction of uremia by 5/6 nephrectomy. Wire injury led to neointima formation and downregulation of genes encoding classical SMC markers (i.e., myocardin, α-smooth muscle actin, SM22-alpha, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain) in both wt and Apoe−/− mice. Contrary to our expectations, uremia did not potentiate neointima formation, nor did it affect intimal lesion composition as judged from magnetic resonance imaging and histological analyses. Also, there was no effect of uremia on SMC marker gene expression in the injured carotid arteries, suggesting that there may be different effects of uremia on SMCs in different vascular beds. In conclusion, uremia does not accelerate neointima formation in response to wire injury of the carotid artery in mice.
Pupil adaptation corresponds to quantitative measures of autism traits in children
Authors: DiCriscio Antoinette Sabatino , Troiani Vanessa
Published: July 2017

The pupil is known to reflect a range of psychological and physiological variables, including cognitive effort, arousal, attention, and even learning. Within autism spectrum disorder (ASD), some work has used pupil physiology to successfully classify patients with or without autism. As we have come to understand the heterogeneity of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, the relationship between quantitative traits and physiological markers has become increasingly more important, as this may lead us closer to the underlying biological basis for atypical responses and behaviors. We implemented a novel paradigm designed to capture patterns of pupil adaptation during sustained periods of dark and light conditions in a pediatric sample that varied in intellectual ability and clinical features. We also investigate the relationship between pupil metrics derived from this novel task and quantitative behavioral traits associated with the autism phenotype. We show that pupil metrics of constriction and dilation are distinct from baseline metrics. Pupil dilation metrics correlate with individual differences measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), a quantitative measure of autism traits. These results suggest that using a novel, yet simple, paradigm can result in meaningful pupil metrics that correlate with individual differences in autism traits, as measured by the SRS.
3D semiconducting nanostructures via inverse lipid cubic phases
Authors: Burton M. R. , Lei C. , Staniec P. A. , Terrill N. J. , Squires A. M. , White N. M. , Nandhakumar Iris S.
Published: July 2017

Well-ordered and highly interconnected 3D semiconducting nanostructures of bismuth sulphide were prepared from inverse cubic lipid mesophases. This route offers significant advantages in terms of mild conditions, ease of use and electrode architecture over other routes to nanomaterials synthesis for device applications. The resulting 3D bicontinous nanowire network films exhibited a single diamond topology of symmetry Fd3m (Q227) which was verified by Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and holds great promise for potential applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics and thermoelectrics.
Active Tuberculosis Incidence and Characteristics in Patients Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists According to Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Kang Young Ae , Leem Ah Young , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Kim Se Kyu , Chang Joon , Kim Song Yee
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to determine the incidence and characteristics of active tuberculosis (TB) in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists according to baseline latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Data were retrospectively obtained from 702 patients aged ≥20 years treated with TNF antagonists between November 2005 and June 2016 at Severance Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul, South Korea. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) with or without a tuberculin skin test (TST) was used to diagnose LTBI. Of the total of 702 patients, LTBI was diagnosed in 255 (36.3%) patients. 23.9% (168/702) had positive IGRA results, and 32.2% (165/512) had positive TST results. Five patients developed active TB after LTBI treatment, and 6 developed TB despite baseline negative LTBI results. After adjustment for age and sex, the standardized TB incidence ratio was 6.01 (95% CI 1.94–14.04) in the LTBI group and 5.14 (95% CI 1.88–11.18) in the baseline negative LTBI group. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of active TB in patients treated with TNF antagonists despite baseline negative LTBI screening results. Regular monitoring and serial tests should be considered during long-term TNF antagonist therapy, especially in intermediate to high TB burden country.
Altered visual cortical processing in a mouse model of MECP2 duplication syndrome
Authors: Zhang Dinghong , Yu Bin , Liu Jing , Jiang Weiqian , Xie Taorong , Zhang Ran , Tong Dali , Qiu Zilong , Yao Haishan
Published: July 2017

As an epigenetic modulator of gene expression, Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is essential for normal neurological function. Dysfunction of MeCP2 is associated with a variety of neurological disorders. MECP2 gene duplication in human causes neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mental retardation and autism. MeCP2 overexpression in mice results in neurobehavioural disorders, dendritic abnormalities, and synaptic defects. However, how gain of MeCP2 function influences cortical processing of sensory information remains unclear. In this study, we examined visual processing in a mouse model of MECP2 duplication syndrome (MECP2 Tg1 mouse) at 8 and 14 weeks, which were before and after the onset of behavioural symptoms, respectively. In vivo extracellular recordings from primary visual cortex (V1) showed that neurons in Tg1 mice at both adult ages preferred higher spatial frequencies (SFs) than those in wild-type (WT) littermate controls, and the semi-saturation contrasts of neurons were lower in Tg1 mice at 8 weeks but not at 14 weeks. Behavioural experiments showed that the performance for visual detection at high SFs and low contrasts was higher in MECP2 Tg1 mice. Thus, MeCP2 gain-of-function in mice leads to higher visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, both at the levels of cortical response and behavioural performance.
Genome-wide Analysis and Expression Divergence of the Trihelix family in Brassica Rapa: Insight into the Evolutionary Patterns in Plants
Authors: Wang Wenli , Wu Peng , Liu TongKong , Ren Haibo , Li Ying , Hou Xilin
Published: July 2017

Trihelix gene family is an important transcription factor (TF) family involved in plants’ growth and development. This extensive study of trihelix genes from Arabidopsis thaliana to Brassica rapa could shed light on the evolution in plants and support crop breeding. In this study, a total of 52 trihelix genes were identified in B.rapa. Whole-genome annotation, molecular-evolution and gene-expression analyses of all known trihelix genes were conducted. By statistics of the number of trihelix genes in each species, we found the expansion of trihelix gene family started with angiosperm evolution. And SIP1 was more preferentially retained than other subgroups (GT-1, GT-2, GTγ, SH4), consistent with the gene dosage hypothesis. Then we investigated the evolutionary patterns, footprints and conservation of trihelix genes in selected plants. The putative trihelix proteins were highly conserved, but their expression patterns varied. Half of these genes were highly expressed in all the selected organs but some showed tissue-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, among six abiotic stresses (Cold, Heat, PEG, NaCl, ABA and GA), most trihelix genes were activated by salt and ABA treatment. In summary, the phylogenetic, evolution and expression analyses of trihelix gene family in B.rapa establish a solid foundation for future comprehensive functional analysis of BraTHs.
Autistic traits and positive psychotic experiences modulate the association of psychopathic tendencies with theory of mind in opposite directions
Authors: Gillespie Steven M. , Mitchell Ian J. , Abu-Akel Ahmad M.
Published: July 2017

Various clinical disorders, including psychopathy, and autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, have been linked with impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM). However, although these conditions can co-occur in the same individual, the effect of their inter-play on ToM abilities has not been investigated. Here we assessed ToM abilities in 55 healthy adults while performing a naturalistic ToM task, requiring participants to watch a short film and judge the actors’ mental states. The results reveal for the first time that autistic traits and positive psychotic experiences interact with psychopathic tendencies in opposite directions to predict ToM performance—the interaction of psychopathic tendencies with autism traits was associated with a decrement in performance, whereas the interaction of psychopathic tendencies and positive psychotic experiences was associated with improved performance. These effects were specific to cognitive rather than affective ToM. These results underscore the importance of the simultaneous assessment of these dimensions within clinical settings. Future research in these clinical populations may benefit by taking into account such individual differences.
Association of microRNAs with Argonaute proteins in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae after blood ingestion
Authors: Fu Xiaonan , Dimopoulos George , Zhu Jinsong
Published: July 2017

Drastic changes in gene expression occur after adult female mosquitoes take a blood meal and use the nutrients for egg maturation. A growing body of evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to this tightly controlled tissue- and stage-specific gene expression. To investigate the role of miRNAs, we monitored miRNA expression in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae during the 72-h period immediately after blood feeding. We also measured the association of miRNAs with Argonaute 1 (Ago1) and Argonaute 2 (Ago2) to assess the functional status of individual miRNA species. Overall, 173 mature miRNAs were precipitated with Ago1 and Ago2, including 12 new miRNAs, the orthologs of which are found thus far only in other Anopheles species. Ago1 is the predominant carrier of miRNAs in Anopheles gambiae. The abundance and Ago loading of most of the mature miRNAs were relatively stable after blood ingestion. However, miRNAs of the miR-309/286/2944 cluster were considerably upregulated after blood feeding. Injection of the specific antagomir for miR-309 resulted in smaller developing oocytes and ultimately fewer eggs. In addition, the Ago association of some miRNAs was not proportional to their cellular abundance, suggesting that integration of miRNAs into the Ago complexes is regulated by additional mechanisms.
Discrete microfluidics for the isolation of circulating tumor cell subpopulations targeting fibroblast activation protein alpha and epithelial cell adhesion molecule
Authors: Witek Małgorzata A. , Aufforth Rachel D. , Wang Hong , Kamande Joyce W. , Jackson Joshua M. , Pullagurla Swathi R. , Hupert Mateusz L. , Usary Jerry , Wysham Weiya Z. , Hilliard Dawud , Montgomery Stephanie , Bae-Jump Victoria , Carey Lisa A. , Gehrig Paola A. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Perou Charles M. , Soper John T. , Whang Young E. , Yeh Jen Jen , Martin George , Soper Steven A.
Published: July 2017

Circulating tumor cells consist of phenotypically distinct subpopulations that originate from the tumor microenvironment. We report a circulating tumor cell dual selection assay that uses discrete microfluidics to select circulating tumor cell subpopulations from a single blood sample; circulating tumor cells expressing the established marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule and a new marker, fibroblast activation protein alpha, were evaluated. Both circulating tumor cell subpopulations were detected in metastatic ovarian, colorectal, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer patients and 90% of the isolated circulating tumor cells did not co-express both antigens. Clinical sensitivities of 100% showed substantial improvement compared to epithelial cell adhesion molecule selection alone. Owing to high purity (>80%) of the selected circulating tumor cells, molecular analysis of both circulating tumor cell subpopulations was carried out in bulk, including next generation sequencing, mutation analysis, and gene expression. Results suggested fibroblast activation protein alpha and epithelial cell adhesion molecule circulating tumor cells are distinct subpopulations and the use of these in concert can provide information needed to navigate through cancer disease management challenges.
Detection of a cancer biomarker protein on modified cellulose paper by fluorescence using aptamer-linked quantum dots
Authors: Das Pradip , Krull Ulrich J.
Published: July 2017

Paper substrate for a bioassay of a biomarker for cancer using fluorescence of quantum dots and selectivity of an aptamer.
A sensitive colorimetric aptasensor with a triple-helix molecular switch based on peroxidase-like activity of a DNAzyme for ATP detection
Authors: Shahsavar Kosar , Hosseini Morteza , Shokri Ehsan , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Ju Huangxian
Published: July 2017

A DNAzyme-based colorimetric aptasensor has been fabricated for fast readout and facile detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Different catalytic behaviors of Pd and Pt metals in decalin dehydrogenation to naphthalene
Authors: Kim Kyeounghak , Oh Jinho , Kim Tae Wan , Park Ji Hoon , Han Jeong Woo , Suh Young-Woong
Published: July 2017

Decalin is more easily dehydrogenated on Pt catalyst than Pd while the dehydrogenation of tetralin is more facile on Pd than Pt.
Two dimensional covalent organic framework materials for chemical fixation of carbon dioxide: excellent repeatability and high selectivity
Authors: Xu Kaikai , Dai Yihu , Ye Benfei , Wang Hongming
Published: July 2017

Two dimensional (2D) metalloporphyrin-based covalent organic framework (COF) composites were synthesized and employed to catalyze the coupling of CO2 and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates.
Layered silicate RUB-15 for efficient removal of UO22+ and heavy metal ions by ion-exchange
Authors: Chen Zhe , Liang Yu , Jia Dashuang , Chen Wanying , Cui Zhimin , Wang Xiangke
Published: July 2017

Layered silicate RUB-15 exhibited high adsorption abilities for not only UO22+ but also heavy metal ions through ion-exchange.
A novel strategy to immobilize bacteria on polymer particles for efficient adsorption and biodegradation of soluble organics
Authors: Cai Yahui , Yang Shun , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: July 2017

A novel strategy was used to immobilize bacterial cells on the surface of functional polymer particles for the efficient adsorption and biodegradation of organics in wastewater.
Functionalized mesoporous silica thin films as a tunable nonlinear optical material
Authors: Laskowska Magdalena , Kityk Iwan , Dulski Mateusz , Jędryka Jarosław , Wojciechowski Artur , Jelonkiewicz Jerzy , Wojtyniak Marcin , Laskowski Łukasz
Published: July 2017

The article is about a novel material for application in optoelectronic devices: mesoporous silica in the form of thin films with vertically aligned channels containing anchored propyl-copper-phosphonate functional groups.
Anisotropic enhancement of Yb3+ luminescence by disordered plasmonic networks self-assembled on RbTiOPO4 ferroelectric crystals
Authors: Sánchez-García L. , Ramírez M. O. , Tserkezis C. , Sole R. , Carvajal J. J. , Aguiló M. , Díaz F. , Bausá L. E.
Published: July 2017

Disordered plasmonic networks of Ag nanoparticles assembled on Yb3+:RTP crystals produce a remarkable enhancement of the Yb3+ excitation rate increasing the photoluminescence 5-times.
Cobalt(ii)/nickel(ii) separation from sulfate media by solvent extraction with an undiluted quaternary phosphonium ionic liquid
Authors: Onghena Bieke , Valgaeren Stijn , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Binnemans Koen
Published: July 2017

Co(ii) is separated from Ni(ii) in sulfate media by extraction with the ionic liquid Cyphos IL 101 in its chloride and thiocyanate form.
Effect of oxygen vacancy segregation in Au or Pt/oxide hetero-interfaces on electronic structures
Authors: Shitara K. , Kuwabara A. , Fisher C. A. J. , Ogawa T. , Asano T. , Kaneko Y. , Omote A. , Moriwake H.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the effects of oxygen vacancy segregation on electronic structures in the vicinity of hetero-interfaces between noble metals (Au and Pt) and yttria stabilized zirconia by performing first-principles calculations and Bader analysis.
Preparation and therapeutic evolution of Ficus benjamina solid lipid nanoparticles against alcohol abuse/antabuse induced hepatotoxicity and cardio-renal injury
Authors: Sharma Arun K. , Kumar Ashish , Kumar Shantanu , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Nagpal Dheeraj , Nagaich Upendra , Rajput Satyendra K.
Published: July 2017

Chronic alcoholism destroys the propensity for hepatic detoxification of toxic substances, which further promotes the rapid and intense accumulation of aldehydes in the liver.
Activation of chrysocolla flotation by organic chelating agents
Authors: Jiang D. , Lan J. , Zhao W. , Zhang Z. , Lan Y.
Published: July 2017

Activation of chrysocolla by organic Cu-chelating agents was studied using a series of test and analysis methods, revealing that the performance of these agents was related to their chemical activity and chrysocolla dissolution properties.
Reactions of hydroxyl radicals with benzoic acid and benzoate
Authors: Wu Chongchong , De Visscher Alex , Gates Ian Donald
Published: July 2017

Density functional theory was used to study the mechanism and kinetics of benzoic acid with hydroxyl radicals in both gas and aqueous phases as well as benzoate with hydroxyl radicals in the aqueous phase at the M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory.
Numerical investigation into the vapor-liquid flow in the mixer of a liquid metal Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic system
Authors: Lu Peng , Zheng Xingwen , Yang Peijie , Fang Lulu , Huang Hulin
Published: July 2017

Liquid Metal Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (LMMHD) power generation is a promising technology for waste heat recovery, solar thermal utilization,etc.
The peak shift and evolution of upconversion luminescence from CsPbBr3nanocrystals under femtosecond laser excitation
Authors: Han Qiuju , Wu Wenzhi , Liu Weilong , Yang Yanqiang
Published: July 2017

Compared with normal PL, a red shift of upconversion PL spectrum is observed. Time-resolved PL and TA spectroscopies show FWHM and peak position are changed at various times, which suggest the existence of more than single excited state.
From a silane monomer to anisotropic buckled silica nanospheres: a polymer-mediated, solvent-free and one-pot synthesis
Authors: Lo Chih-Hui , Hu Teh-Min
Published: July 2017

Silica nanospheres with surface buckling and NO releasing properties are efficiently synthesized using a one-step, polymer-assisted, and solvent-free approach.
Applying an Integrative Framework of Executive Function to Preschoolers With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Kapa Leah L. , Plante Elena , Doubleday Kevin
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The first goal of this research was to compare verbal and nonverbal executive function abilities between preschoolers with and without specific language impairment (SLI). The second goal was to assess the group differences on 4 executive function components in order to determine if the components may be hierarchically related as suggested within a developmental integrative framework of executive function.

Method

This study included 26 4- and 5-year-olds diagnosed with SLI and 26 typically developing age- and sex-matched peers. Participants were tested on verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention, working memory, inhibition, and shifting.

Results

The SLI group performed worse compared with typically developing children on both verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention and working memory, the verbal inhibition task, and the nonverbal shifting task. Comparisons of standardized group differences between executive function measures revealed a linear increase with the following order: working memory, inhibition, shifting, and sustained selective attention.

Conclusion

The pattern of results suggests that preschoolers with SLI have deficits in executive functioning compared with typical peers, and deficits are not limited to verbal tasks. A significant linear relationship between group differences across executive function components supports the possibility of a hierarchical relationship between executive function skills.
Tense Marking in the English Narrative Retells of Dual Language Preschoolers
Authors: Gusewski Svenja , Rojas Raúl
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This longitudinal study investigated the emergence of English tense marking in young (Spanish–English) dual language learners (DLLs) over 4 consecutive academic semesters, addressing the need for longitudinal data on typical acquisition trajectories of English in DLL preschoolers.

Method

Language sample analysis was conducted on 139 English narrative retells elicited from 39 preschool-age (Spanish–English) DLLs (range = 39–65 months). Growth curve models captured within- and between-individual change in tense-marking accuracy over time. Tense-marking accuracy was indexed by the finite verb morphology composite and by 2 specifically developed adaptations. Individual tense markers were systematically described in terms of overall accuracy and specific error patterns.

Results

Tense-marking accuracy exhibited significant growth over time for each composite. Initially, irregular past-tense accuracy was higher than regular past-tense accuracy; over time, however, regular past-tense marking outpaced accuracy on irregular verbs.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that young DLLs can achieve high tense-marking accuracy assuming 2 years of immersive exposure to English. Monitoring the growth in tense-marking accuracy over time and considering productive tense-marking errors as partially correct more precisely captured the emergence of English tense marking in this population with highly variable expressive language skills.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5176942
Speech-Language Assessment Considerations for American Indian and Alaska Native Children Who Are Dual Language Learners
Authors: Vining Christine , Long Edgarita , Inglebret Ella , Brendal Megan
Published: July 2017

The overrepresentation of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in special education, including children who are dual language learners (DLLs), is a major concern. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can play a critical role in reducing this overrepresentation. Using a holistic assessment process that is responsive to the communication patterns of home and community contexts provides a framework for distinguishing actual language disorders from differences associated with cultural and linguistic diversity. This article presents current trends in Native communities that may impact the speech-language assessment process, including a shift from indigenous languages to English and/or Native language revitalization efforts. It also provides a framework for guiding assessment in a manner that considers cultural and linguistic factors in speech-language assessment for AI/AN children who are DLLs.
Use of the SMiLE Program for Communication Treatment of a Bangladeshi Muslim Adult With Autism
Authors: Tessel Carol A. , Clark Terry
Published: July 2017

Much of the current multicultural research in communication disorders is focused on the Latino and East Asian communities; however, the Muslim immigrant community is a fast-growing community with a specific set of cultural and linguistic characteristics that affect service delivery. Previous research provided information regarding a set of Muslim families and their feelings, goals, and views on having young children with autism. This report provides information on how one family with an adult child with autism feels in regard to their experiences with service providers and their goals for the future. To this end, the authors provide the responses from an in-depth interview with the family of a 24-year-old, nonverbal, male with autism. Responses can assist clinicians in understanding this culture's perspective on disability and how their goals might change with time. Furthermore, the authors provide the outcomes for two semesters of a structured program for verbal language instruction (SMiLE; Wolf-Schein, 2011) completed with a culturally Bangladeshi Muslim adult with autism. Results demonstrated increased verbal production of consonant-vowel (CV) syllables, word approximations, and ability to associate these productions with functional associations. These results suggest that focus on verbal production, even for nonverbal adults, can still result in functional outcomes.
Adaptive Weberfaces for occlusion‐robust face representation and recognition
Authors: Li Xiao‐Xin , He Lin , Hao Pengyi , Liu Zhiyong , Li Jingjing
Published: July 2017

In order to deal with facial occlusion effectively, the authors propose a powerful but simple face representation method, called adaptive Weberfaces (AdapWeber), based on human visual perception change model and the Weber ratio R implied in Weber's law. Specifically, human perception is naturally highly selective and robust to occlusions, and the Weber ratio R is very important to enhance feature redundancy. As feature redundancy and locality are two guiding principles against facial occlusion, they further develop eight variants of AdapWeber, collectively referred to as single‐scale and single‐orientation (SSSO) AdapWeber, by shrinking the kernel locality and varying the kernel orientation of the original AdapWeber, and integrate them to formulate a multi‐scale and multi‐orientation (MSMO) AdapWeber. A natural by‐product of MSMO AdapWeber is MSMO Weberfaces. Experiments on four benchmark databases, including Extended Yale B, AR, UMB‐DB, and LFW, showed that MSMO AdapWeber/Weberfaces, rather than any variant of SSSO AdapWeber/Weberfaces, outperformed several popular feature extraction approaches in many scenarios, especially when the occlusion level is very high or the image dimension is very low. This result demonstrates that several occlusion‐weak features can be combined together to construct an occlusion‐robust feature.
Understanding evacuation and impact of a metro collision on ridership using large‐scale mobile phone data
Authors: Duan Zhengyu , Lei Zengxiang , Zhang Michael , Li Weifeng , Fang Jia , Li Jian
Published: July 2017

As randomly occurring events, traffic accidents pose serious challenges to the collection of comprehensive data to understand how travellers respond to them and to quantify their impacts. The advent of mobile phones, with their wide spatial/temporal coverage and ubiquitous presence in metro areas, offers a new source of data to conduct such studies. In this study, the collision accident of Metro Line 10 in Shanghai, China on 27 September 2011 is carefully investigated based on data derived from anonymous mobile phone records. The evacuation process of the accident is studied, followed by an analysis of the impact of this accident on commuting in the city. After analysing 7 billion of mobile phone records for an 11‐day period, the authors find that the evacuation follows a two‐stage pattern. They then identify the commuters of Line 10 and study their commuting patterns in the day of accident and also in the subsequent days. They find that most of Line 10 commuters still preferred to use metro to complete their travels during the disruption period of Line 10, and returned to their typical commuting patterns immediately after Line 10 resumed service.
Planar thinned array design by hybrid analytical‐stochastic optimisation
Authors: Salucci Marco , Gottardi Giorgio , Anselmi Nicola , Oliveri Giacomo
Published: July 2017

The integration of analytical strategies and global optimisation techniques is proposed to address the limitations of current almost difference sets (ADSs) methods for thinning planar apertures. Three design problems associated to these limitations are formulated and the customisation of the optimisation operators to exploit the a‐priori information provided by ADS sequences is presented. A numerical validation, including full‐wave simulations and comparisons with state‐of‐the‐art methods, is illustrated.
Gaussian mixture multitarget–multisensor Bernoulli tracker for multistatic sonobuoy fields
Authors: Ristic Branko , Angley Daniel , Suvorova Sofia , Moran Bill , Fletcher Fiona , Gaetjens Han , Simakov Sergey
Published: July 2017

Sonobuoy fields, consisting of a large network of emitter and receiver sonar sensors on buoys, are increasingly being used for detection and tracking of underwater targets in a defined maritime area. This study presents a Gaussian mixture version of a multitarget–multisensor (MS) Bayesian‐type tracker developed specifically for multistatic sonobuoy fields. Its foundation is the optimal Bayesian MS filter for a single target in clutter. The multi target feature is incorporated using the linear‐multitarget paradigm, which is a fast and accurate approximation assuming the density of underwater targets is low. Reliable track initiation and false track discrimination for low signal‐to‐noise ratio targets are achieved using the amplitude feature of reported detections. The developed tracker is capable of processing measurements with different modalities, depending on the transmitted signal waveform. It is integrated and tested within a realistic multistatic sonar emulator developed by DST Group.
Desymmetrization of Symmetrical Triarylcarbinols: Synthesis of 7-Arylfluorenes and a C
2-Symmetric Chiral BIFOL Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Ramanathan Chinnasamy , Someshwar Nagamalla , Karthick Muthupandi
Published: July 2017

A simple and an efficient method for the synthesis of 7-arylfluorenes by intramolecular cyclization of the corresponding triarylcarbinols in the presence of the solid-acid catalyst NaHSO4/SiO2 has been developed. By using this method, a new chiral diol with a C
2-symmetric bisfluorenyl unit, 7,7′-diphenyl-7H,7′H-5,5′-bibenzo[c]fluorene-6,6′-diol (BIFOL), having central chirality was synthesized in an optically active form from (S)-(–)-BINOL-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid. The absolute configuration of the chiral bisfluorene derivative BIFOL was ascertained by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Furthermore, a new chiral phosphoric acid was synthesized from BIFOL and evaluated for enantioselective transfer hydrogenation.
Synthesis of N-Aryl and N-Heteroaryl γ-, δ-, and ε-Lactams Using Deprotometalation–Iodination and N-Arylation, and Properties Thereof
Authors: Bentabed-Ababsa Ghenia , Nassar Ekhlass , Fajloun Ziad , Mongin Florence , Amara Rim , Hedidi Madani , Khoury Joseph , Awad Haçan , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Chevallier Floris
Published: July 2017

Xanthone, thioxanthone, fluorenone, benzophenone, 2-benzoylpyridine, dibenzofuran, and dibenzothiophene were deprotonated using a base prepared in situ from MCl2·TMEDA (M = Zn or Cd; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) and lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide in a 1:3 ratio, as demonstrated by subsequent iodolysis. The different aryl halides were involved as partners in the N-arylation of pyrrolidin-2-one. In the presence of copper(I) iodide and tripotassium phosphate, and using dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent, the reactions could be performed in yields ranging from 40 to 70%. Most of the products were tested for their antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and cytotoxic (MCF-7) activity.
Rare Etiology of Acute Embolic Stroke in a 17-Year-Old Girl: Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma
Authors: Cooke Susan , Shillingford Michael , Ceithaml Eric , Chadha Tanya
Published: July 2017

A cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a benign, pedunculated tumor with strand-like projections arising from the endocardium. While often discovered incidentally, these tumors can embolize resulting in major neurologic events. There is a dearth of pediatric literature describing the necessity and optimal timing of surgical intervention for this rare primary cardiac tumor after a cerebrovascular event. We report an interesting case and the subsequent management dilemma in a teenage patient presenting with acute embolic strokes secondary to an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma. Despite its rarity, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for such tumors in previously healthy children presenting with acute stroke.
Hook Plate Fixation for the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Fracture-Avulsion
Authors: Tabrizi Ali , Afshar Ahmadreza
Published: July 2017

During a taekwondo competition, a 20-year-old female competitor injured her left thumb. There was pain, swelling, and tenderness at the ulnar side of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Plain radiography demonstrated an avulsion fracture with a small-size fragment at the base of the proximal phalanx. A mini hook plate was used to repair the lesion. The patient was satisfied with the results and returned to her sports activities after 2 months.
The Spectrum of Vitamin D Deficiency: Description of a Family
Authors: Vierucci Francesco , Del Pistoia Marta , Randazzo Emioli , Massart Francesco , Federico Giovanni
Published: July 2017

Background Vitamin D deficiency represents a global health problem, affecting children and adolescents worldwide.

Objects To confirm that vitamin D deficiency can present as a spectrum of clinical pictures.

Methods We diagnosed nutritional rickets in a 10-month-old infant of Senegal origin with several risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. As many of these factors affected also his cohabitant relatives, we evaluate infant’s family members (mother and 4 brothers) looking for other vitamin D deficiency-related comorbidities.

Results 3 brothers had asymptomatic vitamin D deficiency and 2 of them (9.8 and 13.4 years-old) showed secondary hyperparathyroidism. The fourth brother (11.3 years-old) had nutritional rickets. Their mother was affected by osteomalacia. None of them received vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency may present as a spectrum of clinical pictures, representing a continuum ranging from asymptomatic/subtle conditions to overt rickets/osteomalacia. Immigrant families are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency at every age. If a case of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency is recognized, then the evaluation of the all family members is recommended, as they can have the same and/or other risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
Ppb-level H2S detection for SF6 decomposition based on a fiber-amplified telecommunication diode laser and a background-gas-induced high-Q photoacoustic cell
Authors: Yin Xukun , Dong Lei , Wu Hongpeng , Ma Weiguang , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang , Tittel Frank K.
Published: July 2017

A ppb-level hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas sensor for sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) decomposition analysis was developed by means of a background-gas-induced high-Q differential photoacoustic cell (PAC) and a fiber-amplified telecommunication diode laser. The watt-level excitation laser power compensates the sensitivity loss as a result of using a low cost, near-IR laser source. The differential design with a large cylindrical resonator diameter allows the PAC to accommodate the high power beam and maintain a low noise level output. The theory of background-gas-induced high-Q PAC is provided and was verified experimentally. A H2S detection limit (1σ) of 109 ppb in a SF6 buffer gas was achieved for an averaging time of 1 s, which corresponds to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 2.9 × 10−9 cm−1 W Hz−1/2.