bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New insights into microstructure of irradiated beryllium based on experiments and computer simulations
Authors: Klimenkov M. , Vladimirov P. , Jäntsch U. , Kuksenko V. , Rolli R. , Möslang A. , Zimber N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe microstructural response of beryllium after neutron irradiation at various temperatures (643–923 K) was systematically studied using analytical transmission electron microscope that together with outcomes from advanced atomistic modelling provides new insights in the mechanisms of microstructural changes in this material. The most prominent feature of microstructural modification is the formation of gas bubbles, which is revealed at all studied irradiation temperatures. Except for the lowest irradiation temperature, gas bubbles have the shape of thin hexagonal prisms with average height and diameter increasing with temperature. A high number density of small bubbles is observed within grains, while significantly larger bubbles are formed along high-angle grain boundaries (GB). Denuded zones (DZ) nearly free from bubbles are found along both high- and low-angle grain boundaries. Precipitations of secondary phases (mainly intermetallic Al-Fe-Be) were observed inside grains, along dislocation lines and at GBs. EDX analysis has revealed homogeneous segregation of chromium and iron along GBs. The observed features are discussed with respect to the available atomistic modelling results. In particular, we present a plausible reasoning for the abundant formation of gas bubbles on intermetallic precipitates, observation of various thickness of zones denuded in gas bubbles and precipitates, and their relation to the atomic scale diffusion mechanisms of solute-vacancy clusters.
Prognostic value of pretreatment systemic inflammatory markers in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Liu Xing , Xu Meifang , Chen Kui , Li Shoufeng , Guan Guoxian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the most powerful systemic inflammation marker of survival in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients and construct prognostic nomograms. A total of 472 LARC patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and radical surgery from 2011 to 2015 were included. The optimal cutoff points for the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII); and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) ratios were calculated and determined by using the X-tile program. The cut-off values were 797.6. 2.3, 169.5, and 0.4, respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that higher pathological TNM stage, the AJCC tumor regression grade, and the NLR level were significantly associated with increased overall survival and disease-free survival. High NLR level (≥ 2.3) was associated with higher pre-NCRT CA19–9 levels, lower hemoglobin, larger tumor size, and more lymph nodes retrieved (p = 0.012, p = 0.024, and p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). High NRL scores were associated with poorer 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival (p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Predictive nomograms and time-independent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve that included the NLR score group were superior to those without NLR scores. Higher NLR scores (≥2 0.3) were associated with poorer DFS and OS in LARC patients. In addition, NLR was identified as the most effective marker for systemic inflammation, and the prognostic value was further confirmed by time-dependent ROC analysis. More intense adjuvant treatment could be considered for higher NLR score patients with LARC following NCRT.
Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants
Authors: Sach Fiona , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Langley-Evans Simon C. , Hamilton Elliott , Murray Lark R. , Yon Lisa , Watts Michael J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was two-fold: (1) identify suitable bio-indicators to assess elemental status in elephants using captive elephant samples, and (2) understand how geochemistry influences mineral intake. Tail hair, toenail, faeces, plasma and urine were collected quarterly from 21 elephants at five UK zoos. All elephant food, soil from enclosure(s), and drinking water were also sampled. Elemental analysis was conducted on all samples, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, focusing on biologically functional minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn) and trace metals (As, Cd, Pb, U and V). Linear mixed modelling was used to identify how keeper-fed diet, water and soil were reflected in sample bio-indicators. No sample matrix reflected the status of all assessed elements. Toenail was the best bio-indicator of intake for the most elements reviewed in this study, with keeper-fed diet being the strongest predictor. Calcium status was reflected in faeces, (p 0.019, R2between elephant within zoo - 0.608). In this study urine was of no value in determining mineral status here and plasma was of limited value. Results aimed to define the most suitable bio-indicators to assess captive animal health and encourage onward application to wildlife management.
Developmental mechanisms underlying webbed foot morphological diversity in waterbirds
Authors: Tokita Masayoshi , Matsushita Hiroya , Asakura Yuya 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe webbed feet of waterbirds are morphologically diverse and classified into four types: the palmate foot, semipalmate foot, totipalmate foot, and lobate foot. To understand the developmental mechanisms underlying this morphological diversity, we conducted a series of comparative analyses. Ancestral state reconstruction based on phylogeny assumed that the lobate feet possessed by the common coot and little grebe arose independently, perhaps through distinct developmental mechanisms. Gremlin1, which encodes a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist and inhibits interdigital cell death (ICD) in the foot plate of avian embryos, remained expressed in the interdigital tissues of webbed feet in the duck, common coot, little grebe, and great cormorant. Differences in Gremlin1 expression pattern and proliferating cell distribution pattern in the toe tissues of the common coot and little grebe support the convergent evolution of lobate feet. In the totipalmate-footed great cormorant, Gremlin1 was expressed in all interdigital tissues at St. 31, but its expression disappeared except along the toes by St. 33. The webbing of the cormorant’s totipalmate foot and duck’s palmate foot may have risen from distinct developmental mechanisms.
Fungal communities and their association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria affect early decomposition of Norway spruce deadwood
Authors: Gómez-Brandón María , Probst Maraike , Siles José A. , Peintner Ursula , Bardelli Tommaso , Egli Markus , Insam Heribert , Ascher-Jenull Judith 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDeadwood decomposition is relevant in nature and wood inhabiting fungi (WIF) are its main decomposers. However, climate influence on WIF community and their interactions with bacteria are poorly understood. Therefore, we set up an in-field mesocosm experiment in the Italian Alps and monitored the effect of slope exposure (north- vs. south-facing slope) on the decomposition of Picea abies wood blocks and their microbiome over two years. Unlike fungal richness and diversity, we observed compositional and functional differences in the WIF communities as a function of exposure. Wood-degrading operational taxonomic units (OTUs) such as Mycena, and mycorrhizal and endophytic OTUs were characteristic of the south-facing slope. On the north-facing one, Mucoromycota, primarily Mucor, were abundant and mixotrophic basidiomycetes with limited lignin-degrading capacities had a higher prevalence compared to the southern slope. The colder, more humid conditions and prolonged snow-coverage at north exposure likely influenced the development of the wood-degrading microbial communities. Networks between WIF and N2-fixing bacteria were composed of higher numbers of interacting microbial units and showed denser connections at the south-facing slope. The association of WIF to N2-fixing Burkholderiales and Rhizobiales could have provided additional competitive advantages, especially for early wood colonization.
Myocardial micro-biopsy procedure for molecular characterization with increased precision and reduced trauma
Authors: Grankvist Rikard , Chireh Arvin , Sandell Mikael , Mukarram Abdul Kadir , Jaff Nasren , Berggren Ingrid , Persson Hans , Linde Cecilia , Arnberg Fabian , Lundberg Johan , Ugander Martin , La Manno Gioele , Jonsson Stefan , Daub Carsten O. , Holmin Staffan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEndomyocardial biopsy is a valuable tool in cardiac diagnostics but is limited by low diagnostic yield and significant complication risks. Meanwhile, recent developments in transcriptomic and proteomic technologies promise a wealth of biological data from minimal tissue samples. To take advantage of the minimal tissue amount needed for molecular analyses, we have developed a sub-millimeter endovascular biopsy device, considerably smaller than current clinical equipment, and devised a low-input RNA-sequencing protocol for analyzing small tissue samples. In in vivo evaluation in swine, 81% of biopsy attempts (n = 157) were successful. High quality RNA-sequencing data was generated from 91% of the sequenced cardiac micro-biopsy samples (n = 32). Gene expression signatures of samples taken with the novel device were comparable with a conventional device. No major complications were detected either during procedures or during 7 days’ follow-up, despite acquiring a relatively large number of biopsies (median 30) in each animal. In conclusion, the novel device coupled with RNA-sequencing provides a feasible method to obtain molecular data from the myocardium. The method is less traumatic and has a higher flexibility compared to conventional methods, enabling safer and more targeted sampling from different parts of the myocardium.
Single-cell analysis of childhood leukemia reveals a link between developmental states and ribosomal protein expression as a source of intra-individual heterogeneity
Authors: Caron Maxime , St-Onge Pascal , Sontag Thomas , Wang Yu Chang , Richer Chantal , Ragoussis Ioannis , Sinnett Daniel , Bourque Guillaume 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChildhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. It is characterized by bone marrow lymphoid precursors that acquire genetic alterations, resulting in disrupted maturation and uncontrollable proliferation. More than a dozen molecular subtypes of variable severity can be used to classify cALL cases. Modern therapy protocols currently cure 85–90% of cases, but other patients are refractory or will relapse and eventually succumb to their disease. To better understand intratumor heterogeneity in cALL patients, we investigated the nature and extent of transcriptional heterogeneity at the cellular level by sequencing the transcriptomes of 39,375 individual cells in eight patients (six B-ALL and two T-ALL) and three healthy pediatric controls. We observed intra-individual transcriptional clusters in five out of the eight patients. Using pseudotime maturation trajectories of healthy B and T cells, we obtained the predicted developmental state of each leukemia cell and observed distribution shifts within patients. We showed that the predicted developmental states of these cancer cells are inversely correlated with ribosomal protein expression levels, which could be a common contributor to intra-individual heterogeneity in cALL patients.
Modulation of spin-dependent diffraction based on dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Zhou Huiying , Zhang Jin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe propose theoretically and realize experimentally a tunable single-slit diffraction based on dielectric metasurfaces. Our dielectric metasurfaces can be regarded as polarization converters to generate inhomogeneous polarized light periodically variant in x direction. Different from the well-known single-slit diffraction of the scalar light field, our diffraction patterns exhibit two columns of diffraction fringes, which conceals spin-dependent splitting phenomenon. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the inherent nature of the Pancharatnam-Berry phase in the inhomogeneous polarized light. Interestingly, the spin-dependent splitting can be enhanced by increasing the polarization rotation rate of the inhomogeneous polarized beam or the transmission distance. Further, tunable diffraction phenomenon is observed with different slit widths or variant rotation angles of the dielectric metasurface and the slit. Our results may offer potential applications in spin-controlled nanophotonics.
Superior Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Properties and Deformation Behavior of Equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy Additively Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Kim Young-Kyun , Yang Sangsun , Lee Kee-Ahn 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe microstructure, temperature-dependent mechanical properties and deformation behaviors of equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) additively manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) were investigated. SLM-built HEA had a face-centered cubic (FCC) single-phase random solid solution. In addition, SLM-built HEA was composed of epitaxial growth grains, dislocation network and nano-sized oxides. Room- and high-temperature compression tests confirmed that SLM-built HEA has outstanding mechanical properties in all temperature ranges compared to equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi HEAs reported up to the present. The excellent mechanical properties of SLM-built HEA were achieved with fine grains, high dislocation density and fine precipitates at low temperatures (25 °C to 600 °C), and by high dislocation density and fine precipitates at high temperatures (700 °C or higher). On the other hand, the deformation microstructure showed that slip and deformation twins are the main deformation mechanisms from 25 °C to 600 °C, and slip and partial recrystallization are the main deformation mechanisms above 700 °C. Based on the above findings, this study also discusses correlations among the microstructure, superior mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of SLM-built equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi HEA.
Electroluminescence from μLED without external charge injection
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Ye , Wu Chaoxing , Li Dianlun , Lv Shanhong , Zhang Yongai , Zhou Xiongtu , Guo Tailiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractStable electroluminescence from micro-pixelated light-emitting diode (μLED) occurs when electrons and holes are continuously injected from external electrodes. Different from the general recognition, in this work, μLED works in an operation mode, namely, non-electrical contact and non-carrier injection mode, and can be ‘wirelessly’ lit up without external charge injection, which is different from the general recognition. Inherent holes and electrons in μLEDs can provide sufficient carriers for radiative recombination under alternating-current electric field. A possible model related to the diffusion of majority carrier and the drift of minority carrier in μLED was proposed, which is further confirmed by the employment of a ‘carrier pump’. Finally, the intrinsic characteristics of the device-in-capacitor, namely, self-protection against electrical breakdown, were discussed. This work demonstrates a new device configuration and an alternative operating mode for μLED and provides a research manner to obtain advanced μLED-based technology.
Tibet plateau probiotic mitigates chromate toxicity in mice by alleviating oxidative stress in gut microbiota
Authors: Feng Pengya , Ye Ze , Han Huawen , Ling Zhenmin , Zhou Tuoyu , Zhao Shuai , Virk Amanpreet Kaur , Kakade Apurva , Abomohra Abd El-Fatah , El-Dalatony Marwa M. , Salama EI-Sayed , Liu Pu , Li Xiangkai 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHeavy metal contamination in food endangers human health. Probiotics can protect animals and human against heavy metals, but the detoxification mechanism has not been fully clarified. Here, mice were supplemented withPediococcus acidilacticistrain BT36 isolated from Tibetan plateau yogurt, with strong antioxidant activity but no chromate reduction ability for 20 days to ensure gut colonization. Strain BT36 decreased chromate accumulation, reduced oxidative stress, and attenuated histological damage in the liver of mice. 16S rRNA and metatranscriptome sequencing analysis of fecal microbiota showed that BT36 reversed Cr(VI)-induced changes in gut microbial composition and metabolic activity. Specifically, BT36 recovered the expressions of 788 genes, including 34 inherent Cr remediation-relevant genes. Functional analysis of 10 unannotated genes regulated by BT36 suggested the existence of a new Cr(VI)-reduction gene in the gut microbiota. Thus, BT36 can modulate the gut microbiota in response to Cr(VI) induced oxidative stress and protect against Cr toxicity.
Integrative genome-wide analysis reveals the role of WIP proteins in inhibition of growth and development
Authors: Roldan Maria Victoria Gomez , Izhaq Farhaj , Verdenaud Marion , Eleblu John , Haraghi Aimen , Sommard Vivien , Chambrier Pierre , Latrasse David , Jégu Teddy , Benhamed Moussa , Szécsi Judit , Bendahmane Mohammed , Boualem Adnane , Bendahmane Abdelhafid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn cucurbits, CmWIP1 is a master gene controlling sex determination. To bring new insight in the function of CmWIP1, we investigated two Arabidopsis WIP transcription factors, AtWIP1/TT1 and AtWIP2/NTT. Using an inducible system we showed that WIPs are powerful inhibitor of growth and inducer of cell death. Using ChIP-seq and RNA-seq we revealed that most of the up-regulated genes bound by WIPs display a W-box motif, associated with stress signaling. In contrast, the down-regulated genes contain a GAGA motif, a known target of polycomb repressive complex. To validate the role of WIP proteins in inhibition of growth, we expressed AtWIP1/TT1 in carpel primordia and obtained male flowers, mimicking CmWIP1 function in melon. Using other promoters, we further demonstrated that WIPs can trigger growth arrest of both vegetative and reproductive organs. Our data supports an evolutionary conserved role of WIPs in recruiting gene networks controlling growth and adaptation to stress.
Developing scandium and yttrium coordination chemistry to advance theranostic radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Carter Korey P. , Deblonde Gauthier J.-P. , Lohrey Trevor D. , Bailey Tyler A. , An Dahlia D. , Shield Katherine M. , Lukens Wayne W. , Abergel Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe octadentate siderophore analog 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO), denoted 343-HOPO hereafter, is known to have high affinity for both trivalent and tetravalent lanthanide and actinide cations. Here we extend its coordination chemistry to the rare-earth cations Sc3+ and Y3+ and characterize fundamental metal–chelator binding interactions in solution via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and spectrofluorimetric metal-competition titrations, as well as in the solid-state via single crystal X-ray diffraction. Sc3+ and Y3+ binding with 343-HOPO is found to be robust, with both high thermodynamic stability and fast room temperature radiolabeling, indicating that 343-HOPO is likely a promising chelator for in vivo applications with both metals. As a proof of concept, we prepared a 86Y-343-HOPO complex for in vivo PET imaging, and the results presented herein highlight the potential of 343-HOPO chelated trivalent metal cations for therapeutic and theranostic applications.
Measuring Speech Intelligibility in Children With Motor Speech Disorders
Authors: Allison Kristen M. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Reduced speech intelligibility limits functional communication for many children with motor speech disorders, and improving intelligibility is often a primary goal of intervention. Objective measurement of intelligibility is important for quantifying severity of speech impairment and tracking progress in therapy; however, there is little standardization of methods for measuring speech intelligibility in clinical settings. The purpose of this tutorial is to review different approaches to measuring speech intelligibility in children with motor speech disorders and to discuss the benefits and limitations of using each approach in clinical practice.

Method
Intelligibility is defined and compared to related constructs. Factors affecting intelligibility of children with motor speech disorders are reviewed. Methods for measuring intelligibility using word identification approaches and scaled ratings are discussed in detail, and their utility in clinical practice is compared.

Results
Word identification approaches to intelligibility measurement are optimal for tracking progress in therapy but are relatively time consuming. Scaled rating approaches may be adequate in cases where the goal is to obtain an overall measure of severity or for children who are unable to participate in structured testing.

Conclusion
Different approaches to intelligibility assessment are warranted depending on the clinical goal and characteristics of the child. Speech-language pathologists should consider multiple factors when selecting and interpreting intelligibility measures for their clients.
Early Achievements for Education Settings: An Embedded Teacher-Implemented Social Communication Intervention for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Engelstad Anne-Michelle , Holingue Calliope , Landa Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Early Achievements for Education Settings (EA-ES) is a teacher-implemented naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) targeting core social communication impairments. The purpose of this pilot randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) was to examine promise of efficacy of this iteratively developed intervention when implemented in authentic education settings. We examined (1a) whether a high level of implementation fidelity was attained by EA-ES trained teachers and (1b) whether their fidelity attainment differed from that of untrained teachers; and (2) whether the EA-ES intervention showed promise of improving child social, communication, and cognitive outcomes as determined by within- and between-group comparisons of children in EA-ES classrooms and children in classrooms randomized to the business as usual condition.

Method
Participants included six preschool teachers and 43 eligible preschoolers with ASD. Classrooms were randomized to EA-ES or business as usual. Analyses of intervention effects using baseline and postintervention data were conducted on teachers' fidelity of EA-ES implementation and children's performance on a proximal measure of social and communication behavior and on a distal standardized measure of verbal and nonverbal functioning.

Results
Teachers trained to implement EA-ES attained a high level of implementation fidelity, with significantly greater gains compared to untrained teachers. Children receiving EA-ES showed significantly greater gain from baseline to postintervention in frequency of produced initiation of joint attention and nonverbal cognitive functioning compared to children in business-as-usual classrooms. A trend toward significance for Group × Time effects was detected for frequency of spontaneous verbalizations produced, favoring the EA-ES group.

Conclusions
EA-ES shows promise of feasibility for teacher implementation in group contexts and for improving social communication and cognitive skills in preschoolers with ASD. Implications of results for future research and speech-language pathologist–teacher collaboration to increase language intervention dosage are discussed.