bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel cellular structure in the retina of insectivorous birds
Authors: Tyrrell Luke P. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Pita Diana , Baumhardt Patrice , Moore Bret A. , Fernández-Juricic Esteban 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe keen visual systems of birds have been relatively well-studied. The foundations of avian vision rest on their cone and rod photoreceptors. Most birds use four cone photoreceptor types for color vision, a fifth cone for achromatic tasks, and a rod for dim-light vision. The cones, along with their oil droplets, and rods are conserved across birds – with the exception of a few shifts in spectral sensitivity – despite taxonomic, behavioral and ecological differences. Here, however, we describe a novel photoreceptor organelle in a group of New World flycatchers (Empidonax spp.) in which the traditional oil droplet is replaced with a complex of electron-dense megamitochondria surrounded by hundreds of small, orange oil droplets. The photoreceptors with this organelle were unevenly distributed across the retina, being present in the central region (including in the fovea), but absent from the retinal periphery and the area temporalis of these insectivorous birds. Of the many bird species with their photoreceptors characterized, only the two flycatchers described here (E. virescens and E. minimus) possess this unusual retinal structure. We discuss the potential functional significance of this unique sub-cellular structure, which might provide an additional visual channel for these small predatory songbirds.
Impact of Synaptic Device Variations on Classification Accuracy in a Binarized Neural Network
Authors: Kim Sungho , Kim Hee-Dong , Choi Sung-Jin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBrain-inspired neuromorphic systems (hardware neural networks) are expected to be an energy-efficient computing architecture for solving cognitive tasks, which critically depend on the development of reliable synaptic weight storage (i.e., synaptic device). Although various nanoelectronic devices have successfully reproduced the learning rules of biological synapses through their internal analog conductance states, the sustainability of such devices is still in doubt due to the variability common to all nanoelectronic devices. Alternatively, a neuromorphic system based on a relatively more reliable digital-type switching device has been recently demonstrated, i.e., a binarized neural network (BNN). The synaptic device is a more mature digital-type switching device, and the training/recognition algorithm developed for the BNN enables the task of facial image classification with a supervised training scheme. Here, we quantitatively investigate the effects of device parameter variations on the classification accuracy; the parameters include the number of weight states (Nstate), the weight update margin (ΔG), and the weight update variation (Gvar). This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of the BNN and introduces a practical neuromorphic system based on mature, conventional digital device technologies.
Antigen array for serological diagnosis and novel allergen identification in severe equine asthma
Authors: White S. J. , Moore-Colyer M. , Marti E. , Hannant D. , Gerber V. , Coüetil L. , Richard E. A. , Alcocer M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSevere equine asthma (sEA), which closely resembles human asthma, is a debilitating and performance-limiting allergic respiratory disorder which affects 14% of horses in the Northern Hemisphere and is associated with increased allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against a range of environmental proteins. A comprehensive microarray platform was developed to enable the simultaneous detection of allergen-specific equine IgE in serum against a wide range of putative allergenic proteins. The microarray revealed a plethora of novel pollen, bacteria, mould and arthropod proteins significant in the aetiology of sEA. Moreover, the analyses revealed an association between sEA-affected horses and IgE antibodies specific for proteins derived from latex, which has traditionally been ubiquitous to the horse’s environment in the form of riding surfaces and race tracks. Further work is required to establish the involvement of latex proteins in sEA as a potential risk factor. This work demonstrates a novel and rapid approach to sEA diagnosis, providing a platform for tailored management and the development of allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Histological evidence of chitosan-encapsulated curcumin suppresses heart and kidney damages on streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes in mice model
Authors: Sudirman Sabri , Lai Ching-Shu , Yan Yi-Ling , Yeh Hung-I , Kong Zwe-Ling 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHigh blood glucose in diabetic patients often causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that threats to human life. Curcumin (Cur) is known as an antioxidant agent, possesses anti-inflammatory activity, and prevents CVDs. However, the clinical application of curcumin was limited due to its low bioavailability. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of chitosan-encapsulated curcumin (CEC) on heart and kidney damages in streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes C57BL/6 mice model. The results showed that Cur- and CEC-treatments downregulated the blood sugar and total cholesterol level as well as enhanced insulin secretion. However, blood pressure, triglycerides content, and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol content were not changed. Histochemistry analysis revealed that both curcumin and chitosan-encapsulated curcumin ameliorated cell hypertrophy and nucleus enlargement in the left ventricular of heart and reduced fibrosis in the kidney, especially after the chitosan-encapsulated curcumin treatment. Our study suggested that chitosan can effectively enhance the protective effect of curcumin on the heart and kidney damages in type-1 diabetes mice model.
Development of a high-productivity, halophilic, thermotolerant microalga Picochlorum renovo
Authors: Dahlin Lukas R. , Gerritsen Alida T. , Henard Calvin A. , Van Wychen Stefanie , Linger Jeffrey G. , Kunde Yuliya , Hovde Blake T. , Starkenburg Shawn R. , Posewitz Matthew C. , Guarnieri Michael T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMicroalgae are promising biocatalysts for applications in sustainable fuel, food, and chemical production. Here, we describe culture collection screening, down-selection, and development of a high-productivity, halophilic, thermotolerant microalga, Picochlorum renovo. This microalga displays a rapid growth rate and high diel biomass productivity (34 g m−2 day−1), with a composition well-suited for downstream processing. P. renovo exhibits broad salinity tolerance (growth at 107.5 g L−1 salinity) and thermotolerance (growth up to 40 °C), beneficial traits for outdoor cultivation. We report complete genome sequencing and analysis, and genetic tool development suitable for expression of transgenes inserted into the nuclear or chloroplast genomes. We further evaluate mechanisms of halotolerance via comparative transcriptomics, identifying novel genes differentially regulated in response to high salinity cultivation. These findings will enable basic science inquiries into control mechanisms governing Picochlorum biology and lay the foundation for development of a microalga with industrially relevant traits as a model photobiology platform.
Reprogramming bacteria with RNA regulators
Authors: Apura Patrícia , Domingues Susana , Viegas Sandra C. , Arraiano Cecília M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The revolution of genomics and growth of systems biology urged the creation of synthetic biology, an engineering discipline aiming at recreating and reprogramming cellular functions for industrial needs. There has been a huge effort in synthetic biology to develop versatile and programmable genetic regulators that would enable the precise control of gene expression. Synthetic RNA components have emerged as a solution, offering a diverse range of programmable functions, including signal sensing, gene regulation and the modulation of molecular interactions. Owing to their compactness, structure and way of action, several types of RNA devices that act on DNA, RNA and protein have been characterized and applied in synthetic biology. RNA-based approaches are more ‘economical' for the cell, since they are generally not translated. These RNA-based strategies act on a much shorter time scale than transcription-based ones and can be more efficient than protein-based mechanisms. In this review, we explore these RNA components as building blocks in the RNA synthetic biology field, first by explaining their natural mode of action and secondly discussing how these RNA components have been exploited to rewire bacterial regulatory circuitry.
The Effects of Duration and Level on Spectral Modulation Perception
Authors: Isarangura Sittiprapa , Eddins Ann C. , Ozmeral Erol J. , Eddins David A. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Spectral modulation detection is an increasingly common assay of suprathreshold auditory perception and has been correlated with speech perception performance. Here, the potential effects of stimulus duration and stimulus presentation level on spectral modulation detection were investigated.

Method

Spectral modulation detection thresholds were measured as a function of modulation frequency in young, normal-hearing listeners. The standard stimulus was a bandpass noise, and signal stimuli were created by superimposing sinusoidal spectral modulation on the bandpass noise carrier. The modulation was sinusoidal on a log
2
frequency axis and a log
10
(dB) amplitude scale with a random starting phase (0–2π radians). In 1 experiment, stimulus durations were 50, 100, 200, or 400 ms (at fixed level 81 dB SPL). In a 2nd experiment, stimuli were presented at sensation levels of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 dB SL (fixed at a duration of 400 ms).

Results
Spectral modulation detection thresholds were similarly low for the 400- and 200-ms durations, increased slightly for the 100-ms duration, and increased markedly for the 50-ms duration. Thresholds were lowest for 40 dB SL; increased slightly for 20, 30, and 60 dB SL; and markedly higher for the 10–dB SL condition.

Conclusions
The increase in thresholds for the shortest durations and lowest sensational levels is consistent with previous investigations of auditory spectral profile analysis. The effects of presentation level and stimulus duration are important considerations in the context of understanding potential relationships between the perception of spectral cues and speech perception, when designing investigations and interpreting data related to spectral envelope perception, and in the context of models of auditory perception. As examples, 2 simple models based on auditory nerve output that have been used to explain spectrotemporal modulation in previous investigations produced an output inconsistent with the present results.

Plain language summary
Intensity variations across audio frequency lead to spectral shapes that are essential and sometimes signature features of various sounds in the environment, including speech. Here, we show how laboratory measures of spectral shape perception depend on presentation level and stimulus duration.
Graduate Students' Perspectives on Integrating Clinical Experiences and Coursework on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Benigno Joann P. , McCarthy John , Reese Pam Britton , Wright Bridget M. , Tewanger Carley 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The aim of this study was to examine the goals, outcomes, and skills attained by graduate students participating in a clinical experience paired with a course on autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method
Twenty-four graduate student clinicians (23 females, 1 male) participated in the experience. Students provided services within social communication groups for children with ASD. Students were assigned 1 of 4 primary service-roles: communication partner, parent educator, lesson planner, and support staff. All student clinicians completed pre- and posttest assessments regarding their goals and desired outcomes. Students also rated the value and importance of clinical skills and integrating classroom content with clinical experiences.

Results
Students' ratings of the value and confidence of the clinical skills queried did not change from pre- to posttest. However, significant differences emerged between students' value and confidence ratings within the pre- and posttest time points. Students achieved the majority of the goals and desired outcomes for learning more about ASD and gaining clinical and treatment skills by the end of the experience. All students rated the importance of integrating clinical and classroom experience highly at both pre- and posttest.

Conclusion
Clinical experiences that infuse and reinforce classroom material support students' goal attainment and clinical skill development. Further research exploring graduate students' perspectives on training programs such as the one described in this study is warranted.
Developing a Culture of Successful Communication in Acute Care Settings: Part II. Solving Institutional Issues
Authors: Marshall Sarah , Hurtig Richard R. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Establishing services for hospitalized patients with complex communication needs (CCNs) requires identifying and addressing both patient-based and institutional barriers. Although the previous paper (
Marshall & Hurtig, 2019
) focused on patient-based barriers, this paper addresses overcoming institutional barriers.

Method
We present a series of cases to illustrate the institutional challenges in meeting the CCNs of patients in an acute care setting.

Results
Each case illustrates how the deployment of augmentative and alternative communication tools required addressing institutional/systems barriers and how critical collaborations help patients with CCNs to more effectively communicate with caregivers and participate in their care.

Conclusion
Building a culture of improved patient–provider communication involves establishing a wider range of interprofessional collaborations and shared resources in order to effectively provide patients with CCNs the tools to summon assistance and communicate with their caregivers.
American Speech-Language Pathologists' Training and Legislative Knowledge When Working With Immigrant and Refugee Populations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Maldonado Camilo , Ashe Alejandro , Bubar Kerri , Chapman Jessica 
Published: October 2019

Background
American educational legislation suggests culturally competent speech and language services should be provided in a child's native language, but the number of multilingual speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is negligible. Consequently, many monolingual English-speaking practitioners are being tasked with providing services to these populations. This requires that SLPs are educated about cultural and linguistic diversity as well as the legislation that concerns service provision to non-English or limited English proficiency speakers.

Purpose
This qualitative study explored the experiences of monolingual, American, English-speaking SLPs and clinical fellows who have worked with immigrant and refugee families within a preschool context. It investigated what training SLPs received to serve this population and what knowledge these SLPs possessed with regard to federal legislation governing the provision of services to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities.

Method
Ten American clinicians with experience treating CLD children of refugee and immigrant families in the context of preschool service provision participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were utilized to better understand the type of training clinicians received prior to and during their service delivery for CLD populations. Additionally, questions were asked to explore the degree to which practitioners understood federal mandates for ethical and effective service provision. The data collected from these interviews were coded and analyzed using the principles of grounded theory.

Findings
The results of this study revealed that there was a general sense of unpreparedness when working with CLD clients. This lack of training also attributed to a deficiency of knowledge surrounding legislation governing service provision to CLD populations.
Treating Velopharyngeal Inadequacy Using Bilateral Buccal Flap Revision Palatoplasty
Authors: Napoli Joseph A. , Vallino Linda D. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The 2 most commonly used operations to treat velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) are superiorly based pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty, both of which may result in hyponasal speech and airway obstruction. The purpose of this article is to (a) describe the bilateral buccal flap revision palatoplasty (BBFRP) as an alternative technique to manage VPI while minimizing these risks and (b) conduct a systematic review of the evidence of BBFRP on speech and other clinical outcomes. A report comparing the speech of a child with hypernasality before and after BBFRP is presented.

Method
A review of databases was conducted for studies of buccal flaps to treat VPI. Using the principles of a systematic review, the articles were read, and data were abstracted for study characteristics that were developed a priori. With respect to the case report, speech and instrumental data from a child with repaired cleft lip and palate and hypernasal speech were collected and analyzed before and after surgery.

Results
Eight articles were included in the analysis. The results were positive, and the evidence is in favor of BBFRP in improving velopharyngeal function, while minimizing the risk of hyponasal speech and obstructive sleep apnea. Before surgery, the child's speech was characterized by moderate hypernasality, and after surgery, it was judged to be within normal limits.

Conclusion
Based on clinical experience and results from the systematic review, there is sufficient evidence that the buccal flap is effective in improving resonance and minimizing obstructive sleep apnea. We recommend BBFRP as another approach in selected patients to manage VPI.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9919352
Multi-wavelength campaign on NGC 7469
Authors: Arav N. , Xu X. , Kriss G. A. , Chamberlain C. , Miller T. , Behar E. , Kaastra J. S. , Ely J. C. , Peretz U. , Mehdipour M. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Bianchi S. , Cappi M. , Costantini E. , De Marco B. , di Gesu L. , Ebrero J. , Kaspi S. , Middei R. , Petrucci P.-O. , Ponti G. 
Published: October 2019

Context. AGN outflows are thought to influence the evolution of their host galaxies and their super massive black holes. To better understand these outflows, we executed a deep multiwavelength campaign on NGC 7469. The resulting data, combined with those of earlier epochs, allowed us to construct a comprehensive physical, spatial, and temporal picture for this AGN wind.
Aims. Our aim is to determine the distance of the UV outflow components from the central source, their abundances and total column-density, and the mechanism responsible for their observed absorption variability.
Methods. We studied the UV spectra acquired during the campaign as well as from three previous epochs (2002–2010). Our main analysis tools are ionic column-density extraction techniques and photoionization models (both equilibrium and time-dependent models) based on the code CLOUDY.
Results. For component 1 (at –600 km s−1) our findings include the following: metallicity that is roughly twice solar; a simple model based on a fixed total column-density absorber, reacting to changes in ionizing illumination that matches the different ionic column densities derived from four spectroscopic epochs spanning 13 years; and a distance of R = 6+2.5−1.5 pc from the central source. Component 2 (at –1430 km s−1) has shallow troughs and is at a much larger R. For component 3 (at –1880 km s−1) our findings include: a similar metallicity to component 1; a photoionization-based model can explain the major features of its complicated absorption trough variability and an upper limit of 60 or 150 pc on R. This upper limit is consistent and complementary to the X-ray derived lower limit of 12 or 31 pc for R. The total column density of the UV phase is roughly 1% and 0.1% of the lower and upper ionization components of the warm absorber, respectively.
Conclusions. The NGC 7469 outflow shows super-solar metallicity similar to the outflow in Mrk 279, carbon and nitrogen are twice and four times more abundant than their solar values, respectively. Similar to the NGC 5548 case, a simple model can explain the physical characteristics and the variability observed in the outflow.
New concept of vine grape protection – knowledge-based approach & high tech
Authors: Gabel B. 
Published: October 2019

Protection of grape vine against pests and pathogens translates into heavy environmental burden – more than 100 kg of toxic chemicals per hectare every year. Limiting factor to ensuring long-term sustainability of plant production are answers to two fundamental questions: WHEN (advisory platform – DSS) and WHAT phytosanitary measures must be taken (NDM – zero toxicity concept). DSS: If we want to reduce the number of phytosanitary interventions and reduce toxicological burden in agrocenosis, but simultaneously guarantee rentability of winegrower's work, it is necessary to enter decision-making process of phytosanitary measures with accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information that are personalized for given vineyard. Advisory platform VITIPORT brings globally applicable protection for viticulture. Its software is based on original algorithms that integrate key abiotic parameters related with pathogens development. They enter mathematical equations in form of coefficients and thus make Vitiport an unique advisory tool built on causal mathematical models. The platform is built on cutting-edge web technologies: SaaS solution using the CLOUD architecture, fast access to data inputs from satellites and terrestrial radar systems. During the whole vegetation period phytosanitary decision-making process is guided by predictions of infection risks for key pathogens for specific “GPS” of the vineyard. End-user information, received a week ahead, is clear, concise, understandable, but most of all personalized. NDM: Methods of plant protection that have been used for decades are based on following formula: plant crop – pathogen – eradication of the pathogen by chemical and/or biological means. NDM concept changes paradigms of plant protection by initiating defense mechanisms of the plant itself instead of using a direct pesticide intervention to fight pathogens. The preparation of NDM substances is a multi-step process employing the most recent knowledge and processes of quantum physics. Diluted concentrate based on natural atomic matrix of plant antibodies is, prior to its use in vineyard, activated with an ultrasonic generator, thereby providing transfer of information about launching plant's defense mechanisms against specific pathogen into water with specific physical parameters. Activated concentrate is finally diluted in the sprayer tank or irrigation system and such final product is applied in the vineyard. Application of NDM substances in agrocenosis does not result in residual contamination of the environment. NDM is therefore a RESIDUE-FREE phytosanitary product, a kind of “vaccine” that activates immune system of the plant.