bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza D in Italy: towards a better understanding of an emerging viral infection in swine
Authors: Foni Emanuela , Chiapponi Chiara , Baioni Laura , Zanni Irene , Merenda Marianna , Rosignoli Carlo , Kyriakis Constantinos S. , Luini Mario Vittorio , Mandola Maria Lucia , Bolzoni Luca , Nigrelli Arrigo Daniele , Faccini Silvia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInfluenza D virus (IDV), a new member of the Orthomyxoviridae family, was first reported in 2011 in swine in Oklahoma, and consequently found in cattle across North America and Eurasia. To investigate the circulation of IDV among pigs in Italy, in the period between June 2015 and May 2016, biomolecular and virological tests were performed on 845 clinical samples collected from 448 pig farms affected by respiratory distress located in the Po Valley. Serological tests were conducted on 3698 swine sera, including archive sera collected in 2009, as well as samples collected in 2015 from the same region. Viral genome was detected in 21 (2.3%) samples from 9 herds (2%), while virus was successfully isolated from 3 samples. Genetic analysis highlighted that Italian swine IDVs are closely related to the D/swine/Oklahoma/1334/2011 cluster. Sera collected in 2015 showed a high prevalence of IDV antibody titers (11.7%), while archive sera from 2009 showed statistically significant lower positivity rates (0.6%). Our results indicate an increasing epidemiological relevance of the pathogen and the need for in-depth investigations towards understanding its pathogenesis, epidemiology and possible zoonotic potential of this emerging virus.
Vimentin knockout results in increased expression of sub-endothelial basement membrane components and carotid stiffness in mice
Authors: Langlois Benoit , Belozertseva Ekaterina , Parlakian Ara , Bourhim Mustapha , Gao-Li Jacqueline , Blanc Jocelyne , Tian Lei , Coletti Dario , Labat Carlos , Ramdame-Cherif Zhor , Challande Pascal , Regnault Véronique , Lacolley Patrick , Li Zhenlin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntermediate filaments are involved in stress-related cell mechanical properties and in plasticity via the regulation of focal adhesions (FAs) and the actomyosin network. We investigated whether vimentin regulates endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and thereby influences vasomotor tone and arterial stiffness. Vimentin knockout mice (Vim−/−) exhibited increased expression of laminin, fibronectin, perlecan, collagen IV and VE-cadherin as well as von Willebrand factor deposition in the subendothelial basement membrane. Smooth muscle (SM) myosin heavy chain, α-SM actin and smoothelin were decreased in Vim−/− mice. Electron microscopy revealed a denser endothelial basement membrane and increased SM cell-matrix interactions. Integrin αv, talin and vinculin present in FAs were increased in Vim−/− mice. Phosphorylated FA kinase and its targets Src and ERK1/2 were elevated in Vim−/− mice. Knockout of vimentin, but not of synemin, resulted in increased carotid stiffness and contractility and endothelial dysfunction, independently of blood pressure and the collagen/elastin ratio. The increase in arterial stiffness in Vim−/− mice likely involves vasomotor tone and endothelial basement membrane organization changes. At the tissue level, the results show the implication of FAs both in ECs and vascular SMCs in the role of vimentin in arterial stiffening.
Synthesis of ammonia using sodium melt
Authors: Kawamura Fumio , Taniguchi Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractResearch into inexpensive ammonia synthesis has increased recently because ammonia can be used as a hydrogen carrier or as a next generation fuel which does not emit CO2. Furthermore, improving the efficiency of ammonia synthesis is necessary, because current synthesis methods emit significant amounts of CO2. To achieve these goals, catalysts that can effectively reduce the synthesis temperature and pressure, relative to those required in the Haber-Bosch process, are required. Although several catalysts and novel ammonia synthesis methods have been developed previously, expensive materials or low conversion efficiency have prevented the displacement of the Haber-Bosch process. Herein, we present novel ammonia synthesis route using a Na-melt as a catalyst. Using this route, ammonia can be synthesized using a simple process in which H2-N2 mixed gas passes through the Na-melt at 500–590 °C under atmospheric pressure. Nitrogen molecules dissociated by reaction with sodium then react with hydrogen, resulting in the formation of ammonia. Because of the high catalytic efficiency and low-cost of this molten-Na catalyst, it provides new opportunities for the inexpensive synthesis of ammonia and the utilization of ammonia as an energy carrier and next generation fuel.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The melanocortin signaling cAMP axis accelerates repair and reduces mutagenesis of platinum-induced DNA damage
Authors: Jarrett Stuart G. , Carter Katharine M. , Shelton Brent J. , D’Orazio John A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUsing primary melanocytes and HEK293 cells, we found that cAMP signaling accelerates repair of bi- and mono-functional platinum-induced DNA damage. Elevating cAMP signaling either by the agonistic MC1R ligand melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) or by pharmacologic cAMP induction by forskolin enhanced clearance of intrastrand cisplatin-adducts in melanocytes or MC1R-transfected HEK293 cells. MC1R antagonists human beta-defensin 3 and agouti signaling protein blocked MSH- but not forskolin-mediated enhancement of platinum-induced DNA damage. cAMP-enhanced repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage was dependent on PKA-mediated phosphorylation of ATR on S435 which promoted ATR’s interaction with the key NER factor xeroderma pigmentosum A (XPA) and facilitated recruitment of an XPA-ATR-pS435 complex to sites of cisplatin DNA damage. Moreover, we developed an oligonucleotide retrieval immunoprecipitation (ORiP) assay using a novel platinated-DNA substrate to establish kinetics of ATR-pS435 and XPA’s associations with cisplatin-damaged DNA. Expression of a non-phosphorylatable ATR-S435A construct or deletion of A kinase-anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) impeded platinum adduct clearance and prevented cAMP-mediated enhancement of ATR and XPA’s associations with cisplatin-damaged DNA, indicating that ATR phosphorylation at S435 is necessary for cAMP-enhanced repair of platinum-induced damage and protection against cisplatin-induced mutagenesis. These data implicate cAMP signaling as a critical regulator of genomic stability against platinum-induced mutagenesis.
Ultrastructural Characterization of the Glomerulopathy in Alport Mice by Helium Ion Scanning Microscopy (HIM)
Authors: Tsuji Kenji , Suleiman Hani , Miner Jeffrey H. , Daley James M. , Capen Diane E. , Păunescu Teodor G. , Lu Hua A. Jenny 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe glomerulus exercises its filtration barrier function by establishing a complex filtration apparatus consisting of podocyte foot processes, glomerular basement membrane and endothelial cells. Disruption of any component of the glomerular filtration barrier leads to glomerular dysfunction, frequently manifested as proteinuria. Ultrastructural studies of the glomerulus by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been routinely used to identify and classify various glomerular diseases. Here we report the application of newly developed helium ion scanning microscopy (HIM) to examine the glomerulopathy in a Col4a3 mutant/Alport syndrome mouse model. Our study revealed unprecedented details of glomerular abnormalities in Col4a3 mutants including distorted podocyte cell bodies and disorganized primary processes. Strikingly, we observed abundant filamentous microprojections arising from podocyte cell bodies and processes, and presence of unique bridging processes that connect the primary processes and foot processes in Alport mice. Furthermore, we detected an altered glomerular endothelium with disrupted sub-endothelial integrity. More importantly, we were able to clearly visualize the complex, three-dimensional podocyte and endothelial interface by HIM. Our study demonstrates that HIM provides nanometer resolution to uncover and rediscover critical ultrastructural characteristics of the glomerulopathy in Col4a3 mutant mice.
De novo transcriptome of the cosmopolitan dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae to identify enzymes with biotechnological potential
Authors: Lauritano Chiara , De Luca Daniele , Ferrarini Alberto , Avanzato Carla , Minio Andrea , Esposito Francesco , Ianora Adrianna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDinoflagellates are phytoplanktonic organisms found in both freshwater and marine habitats. They are often studied because related to harmful algal blooms but they are also known to produce bioactive compounds for the treatment of human pathologies. The aim of this study was to sequence the full transcriptome of the dinoflagellateAmphidinium carteraein both nitrogen-starved and -replete culturing conditions (1) to evaluate the response to nitrogen starvation at the transcriptional level, (2) to look for possible polyketide synthases (PKSs) in the studied clone (genes that may be involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds), (3) if present, to evaluate if nutrient starvation can influence PKS expression, (4) to look for other possible enzymes of biotechnological interest and (5) to test strain cytotoxicity on human cell lines. Results showed an increase in nitrogen metabolism and stress response in nitrogen-starved cells and confirmed the presence of a type I β-ketosynthase. In addition, L-asparaginase (used for the treatment of Leukemia and for acrylamide reduction in food industries) and cellulase (useful for biofuel production and other industrial applications) have been identified for the first time in this species, giving new insights into possible biotechnological applications of dinoflagellates.
Association between cognitive deficits and suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Pu Shenghong , Setoyama Shiori , Noda Takamasa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe role of cognitive function in suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has not been adequately explored. This research sought to measure the relationship between suicidal ideation and cognitive function. Therefore, in this study, the association between cognitive function and suicidal ideation in patients with MDD was assessed. Cognitive function was evaluated in 233 patients with MDD using the Japanese version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Suicidal ideation was assessed using item 3 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Approximately 59.2% of the patients (138/233) expressed suicidal ideation. Among the BACS subtests, only the executive function scores were significantly lower in patients with MDD with than in those without (p < 0.005). In addition, the executive function, motor speed function, and composite scores correlated negatively with the severity of suicidal ideation in these patients. These results suggest that executive function, motor speed function, and global neuropsychological function are associated with suicidal ideation in patients with MDD and that the BACS neuropsychological battery is an efficient instrument for monitoring these characteristics. Moreover, specific BACS scores can potentially serve as cognitive biomarkers of suicide risk in patients with MDD.
Micro and nano hierachical structures of BiOI/activated carbon for efficient visible-light-photocatalytic reactions
Authors: Hou Jianhua , Jiang Kun , Shen Ming , Wei Rui , Wu Xiaoge , Idrees Faryal , Cao Chuanbao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractConstructing the heterojunctions or designing the novel nanostructures are thought as effective methods to improve photocatalytic activities of semiconductors. Herein, a one-step green route was developed to fabricate bismuth oxyiodide/activated carbon (BiOI/C) composite. The prepared BiOI/C exhibit obviously red shifts and increased absorption range of visible light. The presence of Bi-C bonds confirms the heterojunction, on account of which the BiOI nanosheets tightly grew on the surface of carbon and subsequently provided the hierarchical structure, sufficient interfacial interaction and high specific surface area. Significantly, the sufficient interracial interaction is beneficial to the detachment of electrons (e−)-holes (h+) pairs and the Bi-C bonds work like a bridge to rapidly transmit the e− from BiOI to carbon. What’s more, the hierarchical structure of BiOI/C efficiently shortened the diffusion pathways of pollutants and the high SBET provided more exposed reaction sites. Benefiting from multiple synergistic effects, the as-prepared BiOI/C exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) solution under visible light irradiation. The degradation rate of optimized BiOI/C reaches up to 95% in 120 min, and the efficiency is 3.36 times higher than pure BiOI. This study provides a promising strategy that activated carbon can be utilized in highly-efficiency photocatalysts.
Efficient and stable single-doped white OLEDs using a palladium-based phosphorescent excimer
Authors: Fleetham Tyler , Ji Yunlong , Huang Liang , Fleetham Trenten S. , Li Jian 
Published: September 2017

An efficient and stable palladium based excimer emitter was developed capable of exhibiting maximum EQE over 27% and achieved nearly 3000 h at 1000 cd m−2.
Input Subject Diversity Accelerates the Growth of Tense and Agreement: Indirect Benefits From a Parent-Implemented Intervention
Authors: Hadley Pamela A. , Rispoli Matthew , Holt Janet K. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This follow-up study examined whether a parent intervention that increased the diversity of lexical noun phrase subjects in parent input and accelerated children's sentence diversity (Hadley et al., 2017) had indirect benefits on tense/agreement (T/A) morphemes in parent input and children's spontaneous speech.

Method

Differences in input variables related to T/A marking were compared for parents who received toy talk instruction and a quasi-control group: input informativeness and full
is
declaratives. Language growth on tense agreement productivity (TAP) was modeled for 38 children from language samples obtained at 21, 24, 27, and 30 months. Parent input properties following instruction and children's growth in lexical diversity and sentence diversity were examined as predictors of TAP growth.

Results

Instruction increased parent use of full
is
declaratives (η
p
2
≥ .25) but not input informativeness. Children's sentence diversity was also a significant time-varying predictor of TAP growth. Two input variables, lexical noun phrase subject diversity and full
is
declaratives, were also significant predictors, even after controlling for children's sentence diversity.

Conclusions
These findings establish a link between children's sentence diversity and the development of T/A morphemes and provide evidence about characteristics of input that facilitate growth in this grammatical system.
Model for Vocabulary Selection of Sensitive Topics: An Example from Pain-Related Vocabulary
Authors: Bornman Juan , Tönsing Kerstin , Johnson Ensa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVocabulary selection for graphic symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication systems is important to enable persons with significant communication difficulties to express a variety of communication functions to indicate needs and wants, to develop social closeness, and to fulfill social etiquette. For persons who experience pain, abuse, bullying, or neglect, it is essential to be able to communicate about sensitive issues. However, published core vocabulary lists allow limited scope for communicating about sensitive topics, due mainly to the techniques employed to determine such lists (e.g., observations or recording of communication patterns of peers with typical development during fun-based or daily activities). This article is based on the outcome of a study of children's pain-related vocabulary. Based on the study, we propose a model for selecting vocabulary on sensitive topics. The model consists of four phases: (1) using hypothetical scenarios; (2) considering different perspectives that may affect vocabulary selection; (3) involving direct stakeholders, and (4) customizing vocabulary.
When You Can't Touch a Touch Screen
Authors: Boster Jamie , McCarthy John 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA touch screen can be an intuitive interface method for many people. Mobile phones, tablets, and tablet computer combinations have made this technology part of daily use. Touchscreen technologies are common and present unique difficulties for individuals who require alternative access methods. Dedicated augmentative and alternative communication systems continue to offer a range of access methods, but it is also important to examine existing accessibility options from mainstream companies (e.g., Microsoft [Redmond, WA], Apple [Cupertino, CA]) and how current tools can be used to allow individuals to interact with touch screen technologies. An overview of current accessibility features available on popular mainstream devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface, Apple iPad) is provided along with discussion of alternative access methods for current technologies, future research directions, and the potential impact of speech recognition, virtual reality, and augmented reality for interfacing with multiple devices.
Repurposing Consumer Products as a Gateway to Just-in-Time Communication
Authors: O'Brien Meghan , Schlosser Ralf , Yu Christina , Allen Anna , Flynn Suzanne , Costello John , Shane Howard , O'Brien Amanda 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe rich feature set and flexibility of mobile technology offers a host of novel opportunities to provide specific and timely supports to individuals with communication and memory disorders. These “just-in-time” (JIT) supports can be used as prompts, reminders, rewards, strategies to increase independence, and expressive language supports for children and adults with communication and memory disorders. The purpose of this article is to examine current research on, and propose future directions for, repurposing consumer products to enhance JIT communication within the field of augmentative and alternative communication. Initially, a brief history of JIT supports will be reviewed, including a timeline and history of JIT-enabling technology. Next, the taxonomy of JIT supports will be applied to current research in both individuals with autism spectrum disorder and individuals with acquired communication disorders (e.g., acquired brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) to illustrate current clinical implications and evaluate current limitations of JIT supports. Finally, future directions for research and expanded use of consumer products to provide JIT supports will be discussed.
Family Leisure as a Context to Support Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Young Children with Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Mandak Kelsey , Wilkinson Krista , O'Neill Tara 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFamilies are often the most significant communication partners for children who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Because family-centered approaches are recommended practice in speech-language pathology, a primary role for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serving children who require AAC is to support families in integrating communication into highly valued, existing family activities. Family leisure activities can provide a naturally supportive context for AAC, because they provide multiple opportunities for children to interact and practice using AAC with natural communication partners. This article aims to guide SLPs in utilizing family leisure as a context for AAC intervention. We describe the benefits and constraints of engaging in leisure for families with children with disabilities. We define family leisure, which includes two distinct types of leisure activities: core and balance. Finally, we provide a case example of a family that highlights the integration of AAC into both types of leisure activities.
Does injustice reduce cognitive performance? An experimental test / ¿Provoca la injusticia una disminución en el rendimiento cognitivo? Una prueba empírica
Authors: Correia Isabel , Lopes Ana-Raquel , Alcântara Patrícia , Alves Hélder 
Published: September 2017

In this paper we report two experimental studies showing for the first time that injustice causes a reduction in cognitive performance in complex tasks. The two experiments (Study 1, n = 106, Study 2, n = 90) used two different paradigms. In Study 1 participants were exposed to injustice happening to other people. In Study 2 participants themselves were the targets of injustice. In both studies the dependent variable was cognitive performance in a complex task. Specifically, in Study 1, participants solved anagrams, and in Study 2, they solved several Raven matrices. The dependent measures were the number of anagrams and Raven matrices solved correctly. We found that cognitive performance was worse in the unjust condition compared to the just condition (i.e., fewer items solved correctly). These results imply that unfairness in everyday life may have a deleterious effect on individuals’ capacity to think in a complex way. Possible mediators for this effect are proposed.
Impact of a rural solar electrification project on the level and structure of women’s empowerment
Authors: Burney Jennifer , Alaofè Halimatou , Naylor Rosamond , Taren Douglas 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Although development organizations agree that reliable access to energy and energy services—one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals—is likely to have profound and perhaps disproportionate impacts on women, few studies have directly empirically estimated the impact of energy access on women’s empowerment. This is a result of both a relative dearth of energy access evaluations in general and a lack of clarity on how to quantify gender impacts of development projects. Here we present an evaluation of the impacts of the Solar Market Garden—a distributed photovoltaic irrigation project—on the level and structure of women’s empowerment in Benin, West Africa. We use a quasi-experimental design (matched-pair villages) to estimate changes in empowerment for project beneficiaries after one year of Solar Market Garden production relative to non-beneficiaries in both treatment and comparison villages (n = 771). To create an empowerment metric, we constructed a set of general questions based on existing theories of empowerment, and then used latent variable analysis to understand the underlying structure of empowerment locally. We repeated this analysis at follow-up to understand whether the structure of empowerment had changed over time, and then measured changes in both the levels and likelihood of empowerment over time. We show that the Solar Market Garden significantly positively impacted women’s empowerment, particularly through the domain of economic independence. In addition to providing rigorous evidence for the impact of a rural renewable energy project on women’s empowerment, our work lays out a methodology that can be used in the future to benchmark the gender impacts of energy projects.