bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a new strategy of a chitosan‐based molecularly imprinted membrane for removal of 4‐nitrophenol in real water samples
Authors: Di Bello Maria Pia , Mergola Lucia , Scorrano Sonia , Del Sole Roberta
Published: March 2017

The issue of water contaminants, which affects human and environmental health, is not trivial. It is thus paramount to find new cheap and user friendly ways to detect and remove them from the environment. Here, the synthesis of a green chitosan (CS) based molecularly imprinted membrane for the detection and quantification of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NO2Ph) in aqueous media is proposed. The concentration of 4‐NO2Ph in a water solution was measured by HPLC analysis. CS as a functional polymer, 4‐NO2Ph as template, 4‐[(4‐hydroxy)phenylazo]benzenesulfonic acid as ligand, and glutaraldehyde as crosslinker in the presence of polyethylene glycol as porogen were used. The membrane was characterized by SEM and Fourier transform IR analyses, which confirmed the CS and polyethylene glycol backbone of the membrane. Kinetic studies of the detection system were performed by using pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order models. Then, the binding efficiency between 195.33 µmol L−1 and 9235.55 µmol L−1 of 4‐NO2Ph was evaluated, finding a maximum adsorption of 723.25 µmol 4‐NO2Ph per gram of membrane consistent with the Qmax calculated from the Langmuir isotherm. The selectivity of the membrane versus three phenolic competitor molecules, sharing very similar molecular structure to 4‐NO2Ph, was demonstrated. Finally, the applicability of the membrane to real‐world samples was evaluated, by using drinking water spiked with 7.19 µmol L−1 of 4‐NO2Ph, obtaining a removal efficiency of 70.6%. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Au–Cu–Ag Nanorods Synthesized by Seed‐Mediated Coreduction and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Chen Shutang , Reggiano Gabriella , Thota Sravan , Zhao Jing
Published: March 2017

Development of trimetallic nanoparticles can potentially broaden the optical window for plasmonic applications, but can also offer new photocatalysts for organic synthesis. The optical and catalytic properties can be tuned by the ratio between different components and how they are distributed in the nanoparticles, in addition to their size and shape. This work reports a seed‐mediated coreduction method for the fabrication of Au‐Cu‐Ag nanorods in oil phase. The composition and morphology of trimetallic Au‐Cu‐Ag nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting the injection temperature and the concentration of silver precursor. An additional peak (around 395 nm) is observed in extinction spectrum of trimetallic Au‐Cu‐Ag nanorods compared to that of bimetallic Au‐Cu nanorods, caused by the segregated silver composition in the trimetallic nanorods. The reported synthesis can be used to develop a wide range of trimetallic nanostructures with tunable optical properties and functionality.
Characterization of structural and immunological properties of a fusion protein between flagellin from Salmonella and lumazine synthase from Brucella
Authors: Hiriart Y. , Rossi A. H. , Biedma M. E. , Errea A. J. , Moreno G. , Cayet D. , Rinaldi J. , Blancá B. , Sirard J. C. , Goldbaum F. , Berguer P. , Rumbo M.
Published: March 2017

Aiming to combine the flexibility of Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS) to adapt different protein domains in a decameric structure and the capacity of BLS and flagellin to enhance the immunogenicity of peptides that are linked to their structure, we generated a chimeric protein (BLS‐FliC131) by fusing flagellin from Salmonella in the N‐termini of BLS. The obtained protein was recognized by anti‐flagellin and anti‐BLS antibodies, keeping the oligomerization capacity of BLS, without affecting the folding of the monomeric protein components determined by circular dichroism. Furthermore, the thermal stability of each fusion partner is conserved, indicating that the interactions that participate in its folding are not affected by the genetic fusion. Besides, either in vitro or in vivo using TLR5‐deficient animals we could determine that BLS‐FliC131 retains the capacity of triggering TLR5. The humoral response against BLS elicited by BLS‐FliC131 was stronger than the one elicited by equimolar amounts of BLS + FliC. Since BLS scaffold allows the generation of hetero‐decameric structures, we expect that flagellin oligomerization on this protein scaffold will generate a new vaccine platform with enhanced capacity to activate immune responses.
Raman and IR spectroscopic characterization of molybdenum disulfide under quasi‐hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic conditions
Authors: Shen Pengfei , Li Quanjun , Zhang Huafang , Liu Ran , Liu Bo , Yang Xigui , Dong Qing , Cui Tian , Liu Bingbing
Published: March 2017

Layered transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently attracted intense scientific and engineering interest because of their unique semiconducting and opto‐electronic properties. We investigated the pressure‐induced structural phase transition of layered semiconductor molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using Raman spectroscopy and studied its metallization using infrared (IR) spectroscopy under both non‐hydrostatic and quasi‐hydrostatic conditions. Under quasi‐hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic conditions, we found that the structural phase transition from 2Hc stacking to 2Ha stacking starts at approximately 16 and 21 GPa, respectively, and finishes at ∼35 and ∼41 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the structural phase transition was followed by a semiconductor‐to‐metal (S‐M) electronic transition. The pressure point of metallization under quasi‐hydrostatic conditions is ∼5 GPa lower than that under non‐hydrostatic conditions.
Distributed attitude and translation consensus for networked rigid bodies based on unit dual quaternion
Authors: Wang Yinqiu , Yu Changbin
Published: March 2017

This paper provides unified solutions for distributed attitude and translation consensus problems for networked fully actuated rigid bodies under the fixed and undirected communication topology with the tool of unit dual quaternion. We investigate two kinds of consensus, that is, leaderless consensus and leader‐following consensus with a static leader. Firstly, the dynamics of rigid bodies are presented by unit dual quaternion. The control inputs of rigid bodies are also obtained from unit dual quaternion. Secondly, we propose a distributed consensus law in the form of dual quaternion to guarantee that the attitudes and translations of all rigid bodies reach consensus, respectively, without a leader. Thirdly, the leader‐following consensus problem with a static leader is studied. With the proposed leader‐following consensus law, the states of all rigid bodies converge to the corresponding states of the static leader, including the attitude and the translation. Finally, numerical examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Fisichella P. Marco , Andolfi Ciro , Orthopoulos George
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may present with heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chronic cough, laryngitis, or even asthma. The clinical presentation of GERD is therefore varied and poses certain challenges to the physician, especially given the limitations of the diagnostic testing.

Discussion

The evaluation of patients with suspected GERD might be challenging. It is based on the evaluation of clinical features, objective evidence of reflux on diagnostic testing, correlation of symptoms with episodes of reflux, evaluation of anatomical abnormalities, and excluding other causes that might account for the presence of the patient’s symptoms.

Conclusions

The diagnostic evaluation should include multiple tests, in addition to a thorough clinical examination.
Ljusternik–Schnirelmann theory on $C^1$-manifolds
Authors: Szulkin Andrzej
Published: March 2017

Let

\mathrm M

be a complete Finsler manifold of class

\mathrm C^1

. It is shown that if

\mathrm M

contains a compact subset of category

k

(in

\mathrm M

), then each function

f \in \mathrm{C}^{1}\left(\mathrm{M},\:ℝ\right)

which is bounded below and satisfies the Palais–Smale condition must necessarily have

k

critical points. This should be compared with the known result that

f

has at least

\mathrm{cat}(\mathrm M)

critical points provided

\mathrm M

is of class

\mathrm C^2

. An application is given to an eigenvalue problem for a quasilinear differential equation involving the

p

-Laplacian

−\mathrm{div}(|∇u|^{p−2}∇u)

,

1 < p < ∞

.

Soit

\mathrm M

une variété de Finsler complète de classe

\mathrm C^1

. On démontre que si

\mathrm M

contient un sous-ensemble compacte de catégorie

k

(dans

\mathrm M

), alors toute fonction

f \in \mathrm{C}^{1}(\mathrm{M},\:ℝ)

qui est bornée inférieurement et satisfait à la condition de Palais–Smale doit nécessairement avoir

k

point critique. Ce résultat est à rapprocher du théorème connu selon lequel

f

a au moins

\mathrm{cat}(\mathrm M)

point critique lorsque

\mathrm M

est de classe

\mathrm C^2

. On donne une application à un problème de valeur propre pour une équation différentielle quasi-linéaire faisant intervenir le

p

-Laplacien

−\mathrm{div}(|∇u|^{p−2}∇u)

,

1 < p < ∞

.
The porous medium equation as a finite-speed approximation to a Hamilton-Jacobi equation
Authors: Aronson D.G. , Vazquez J.L.
Published: March 2017

It is known that solutions of the porous medium equation

u_t = (u^m)_{xx}

converge to solutions of the heat equation

u_t = u_{xx}

as

m ↓ 1

if the initial datum

u(x, 0)

is kept fixed. For porous medium flow

u

represents a suitably scaled density and

v = mu^{m − 1}/(m − 1)

represents the pressure. We prove that

v

converges to a solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation

v_t = (v_x)^2

as

m ↓ 1

if

v(x, 0)

is fixed. Moreover, if

v(x, 0)

has compact support the interface for the porous medium equation tends to the interface for the latter equation. The limit

m ↑ 1

is also discussed. In this fast-diffusion case no interfaces appear.

On sait que les solutions de l’equation des milieux poreux

u_t = (u^m)_{xx}

convergent quand

m ↓ 1

vers des solutions de l’équation de la chaleur

u_t = u_{xx}

si l’on fixe la donnée initiale

u(x, 0)

. Comme modèle de l’écoulement d’un gaz dans un milieu poreux

u

représente la densité et

v = mu^{m − 1}/(m − 1)

est la pression. Nous démontrons que

v

converge quand

m ↓ 1

vers une solution de l’équation de Hamilton–Jacobi

v_t = (v_x)^2

si

v(x, 0)

reste fixée. Si en plus

v(x, 0)

est à support compact alors l’interface de la solution de l’équation des milieux poreux tend vers celle correspondant à

v_t = (v_x)^2

. On discute aussi le cas de diffusion rapide

m ↑ 1

où il n’y a pas d’interfaces.
Large scale oscillatory behaviour in loaded asymmetric systems
Authors: Lazer A.C. , Mckenna P.J.
Published: March 2017

We consider equations

u'' + g(u) = s(\mathbf 1 + ε h(t))

, where

s ≠ 0

is a constant,

ε

a small parameter,

h(t)

a

2π

-periodic function, and

g'(−∞) ≠ g'(+∞)

. According to the values of

g'(+∞)

and

g'(−∞)

, we show that there exist many

2π

-periodic solutions, the amplitude which are close to

s

.

On considère des équations du type

u'' + g(u) = s(\mathbf 1 + ε h(t))

, où

s ≠ 0

est une constante,

ε

un petit paramètre,

h(t)

une fonction

2π

-périodique, et où la fonction

g

vérifie

g'(-∞) ≠ g'(+∞)

. Suivant les valeurs de

g'(+∞)

et

g'(-∞)

, on montre l’existence d’un grand nombre de solutions

2π

-périodiques d’amplitude voisine de

s

.
Methods guiding stakeholder engagement in planning a pragmatic study on changing stroke systems of care
Authors: Gesell Sabina B. , Klein Karen Potvin , Halladay Jacqueline , Bettger Janet Prvu , Freburger Janet , Cummings Doyle M. , Lutz Barbara J. , Coleman Sylvia , Bushnell Cheryl , Rosamond Wayne , Duncan Pamela W. ,   COMPASS Study Investigators
Published: March 2017

Background: The Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) Study is one of the first large pragmatic randomized-controlled clinical trials using comparative effectiveness research methods, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. In the COMPASS Study, we compare the effectiveness of a patient-centered, transitional care intervention versus usual care for stroke patients discharged home from acute care. Outcomes include stroke patient post-discharge functional status and caregiver strain 90 days after discharge, and hospital readmissions. A central tenet of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute-funded research is stakeholder engagement throughout the research process. However, evidence on how to successfully implement a pragmatic trial that changes systems of care in combination with robust stakeholder engagement is limited. This combination is not without challenges. Methods: We present our approach for broad-based stakeholder engagement in the context of a pragmatic trial with the participation of patients, caregivers, community stakeholders, including the North Carolina Stroke Care Collaborative hospital network, and policy makers. To maximize stakeholder engagement throughout the COMPASS Study, we employed a conceptual model with the following components: (1) Patient and Other Stakeholder Identification and Selection; (2) Patient and Other Stakeholder Involvement Across the Spectrum of Research Activities; (3) Dedicated Resources for Patient and Other Stakeholder Involvement; (4) Support for Patient and Other Stakeholder Engagement Through Organizational Processes; (5) Communication with Patients and Other Stakeholders; (6) Transparent Involvement Processes; (7) Tracking of Engagement; and (8) Evaluation of Engagement. Conclusion: In this paper, we describe how each component of the model is being implemented and how this approach addresses existing gaps in the literature on strategies for engaging stakeholders in meaningful and useful ways when conducting pragmatic trials.
A Process Model of Dynamic Capability Development: Evidence from the Chinese Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Zeng Jing , Simpson Colin , Dang Binh-Le
Published: March 2017

Based on longitudinal case studies of manufacturing strategy and implementation at two Chinese manufacturing firms, this paper investigates how these firms develop, manage, and deploy dynamic capabilities to renew their resource bases in order to respond to the operational challenges associated with radical technological development. Our analysis suggests that dynamic capability development is not simply about renewing one specific type of capability, but rather, it is a meta-capability to learn how to repeatedly renew the firm's overall capability set as a fully integrated package. We further highlight the importance of looking beyond the property of the firm to understand the network level of capability development, including the capabilities of the firm's partners. This is particularly salient in the context of smart manufacturing where a high level of connectivity among a broader network of partners is required to reap the benefits generated by new technological advances. Our findings provide an important contribution to our knowledge of dynamic capability development in emerging economies in the era of digitalized manufacturing.
Ammonius, Teacher of Origen
Authors: Edwards Mark
Published: March 2017

Porphyry and Eusebius, antagonistic witnesses, agree that one of Origcn’s early tutors was called Ammonius. This was also the name of the tutor of Origen’s younger contemporary Plot in us, and it. has long been the fashion to argue or assume that they were pupils of the same man. Heinrich Dörrie perhaps remains alone in his view that the two men called Ammonius were distinct, a view for which I shall argue in this article, though not entirely on Döme’s grounds. In the first part I shall present the available evidence, and in the second use it to defend Döme’s position against its detractors; in the third part I shall argue that the confusion of the two began in the early Christian centuries, through a mixture of knowledge and pardonable ignorance, and finally I shall advance another candidate, whose credentials for the position of Origen’s tutor have not been adequately examined in modern discussion.
Gaudeamus Muziekweek, Utrecht
Authors: O'Callaghan James
Published: March 2017

The Gaudeamus Muziekweek is now in its sixty-ninth year and, as ever, it focuses on young music pioneers, in hopes of presenting a snapshot of the newest ideas in contemporary music being developed across the world. The festival's dense and diverse programming is compressed into five full days, in 2016 from 7 to 11 September, squeezed principally within one labyrinthian building, the TivoliVredenburg, whose impressive monolithic glass exterior imposes itself as a pillar of cultural life in central Utrecht. Amid this density, it is impossible to provide anything but a partial account of the festival, and my presentation is far from impartial, as I was one of the five nominated composers for this year's Gaudeamus Award. If only from these fragments and particular foci, then, I will present my own reactions and estimations of how the festival has highlighted some of the innovations and interests of a few of the newest practitioners of new new music.
Donaueschinger Musiktage 2016
Authors: Engström Andreas
Published: March 2017

A theme for the festival in Donaueschingen was popular music, or so I heard in a radio broadcast on the six-hour drive from Berlin to that little Southern German new music metropole. But in Donaueschingen, there really wasn't that much pop music; the theme was actually a kind of after-construction, something that had, according to the festival director Björn Gottstein, crystallised as a kind of a common denominator in several of the works that had been commissioned. For me this felt like grabbing something out of the void; in the three days of the usual intense programme, it hardly shone through as something specific.
Head Injuries in Skiers and Snowboarders in British Columbia
Authors: Hentschel Stephen , Hader Walter , Boyd Michael
Published: March 2017

Background:

At the Vancouver General Hospital Neurosurgical Service there have been a significant number of seriously brain injured snowboarders, seemingly out of proportion to the number of skiers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether snowboarders suffered more serious head injuries than skiers in the Vancouver catchment area.

Methods:

The British Columbia Trauma Registry was searched for patients incurring head injuries while skiing or snowboarding on British Columbia mountains during the period from January 1992 to December 1997. Patients were included if they were admitted to hospital and underwent neurosurgical consultation.

Results:

A total of 40 skiers and 14 snowboarders met the above criteria. Of the skiers, 15% sustained a severe head injury by Glasgow Coma Score, another 30% sustaining moderate head injuries, while 29% of snowboarders had a severe injury and 36% a moderate injury. A concussion was present in 60% of the skiers and 21% of the snowboarders. Snowboarders suffered an intracranial hemorrhage in 71% of the cases compared to 28% of the skiers. A craniotomy was performed acutely in 10% of skiers and in 29% of snowboarders. Three deaths occurred as a direct result of head injury, one while snowboarding. All but one of the surviving skiers were able to return home, whereas four of 13 surviving snowboarders required additional inpatient rehabilitation or transfer to another acute hospital for ongoing care.

Conclusions:

Snowboarders suffer more significant head injuries compared to skiers in this series and are much more likely than skiers to require an intracranial procedure. In our opinion, this indicates that additional safety measures, in particular the use of mandatory helmets, should be considered by ski areas and their patrons.
Gait Analysis in Advanced Parkinson's Disease – Effect of Levodopa and Tolcapone
Authors: Shan Din-E , Lee Shwn-Jen , Chao Ling-Yi , Yeh Shyh-Ing
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To determine the therapeutic effect of levodopa/benserazide and tolcapone on gait in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Methods:

Instrumental gait analysis was performed in 38 out of 40 patients with wearing-off phenomenon during a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tolcapone.

Results:

Gait analysis disclosed a significant improvement by levodopa/benserazide in walking speed, stride length and the range of motion of hip, knee and ankle joints. At the end of the study, both the UPDRS motor scores during off-period and the percentage of off time improved significantly using tolcapone. However, gait analysis could not confirm this improvement. With respect to levodopa/benserazide effect, the reduction in rigidity correlated with improved angular excursion of the ankle, whereas the decreased bradykinesia correlated with improved stride length and angular excursion of the hip and knee joints.

Conclusion:

The results of our gait analysis confirmed that in parkinsonian patients with fluctuating motor symptoms levodopa/benserazide, but not tolcapone, produced a substantial improvement.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy Following Gastroplasty for Morbid Obesity
Authors: Toth Cory , Voll Chris
Published: March 2017

Background:

The syndrome of Wernicke's encephalopathy consists of two of four features of (1) dietary deficiency; (2) oculomotor abnormality; (3) cerebellar dysfunction; and (4) confusion or mild memory impairment. Predisposing risk factors include alcoholism, hyperemesis gravidarum and prolonged intravenous feeding.

Methods:

A 35-year-old female developed refractory emesis, severe weight loss, and hypokalemia following banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity. Reversal of gastroplasty was performed four months following initial surgery. Following reversal, the patient developed confusion, ataxia, leg weakness and nystagmus.

Results:

Examination of the patient demonstrated disorientation with confusion, vertical nystagmus worse on downgaze, diffuse weakness of the lower extremities, and bilateral dysmetria. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated symmetrical areas of increased T2 signal present bilaterally in the medial thalamic nuclei. The patient did not demonstrate any initial improvement with intravenous thiamine but improved over two months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Wernicke's encephalopathy has been reported in the European literature as a complication of gastroplasty, with rare recognition of this clinical entity in the North American literature. This potential complication of gastroplasty may be preventable by nutritional intervention in subjects experiencing severe weight loss and emesis following surgery.
The Pediatric Neurologist as Expert Witness with Particular Reference to Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Shevell Michael I.
Published: March 2017

The frequency of litigation related to alleged medical malpractice is increasing in Canada. For the neurologist, involvement in such litigation most often takes place in the context of acting as an expert witness and, for the pediatric neurologist, the most common clinical situation for which expertise is requested is that of possible perinatal asphyxia. The medical expert's primary role is to provide necessary guidance and assistance to the court, which may permit the rendering of decisions that are scientifically valid. This article will review the attributes of the medical expert witness. Aspects of perinatal asphyxia cases under litigation that commonly require the assistance of pediatric neurology expertise such as etiology, timing, extent of disability and life expectancy will also be reviewed in detail. The aim is to provide for the neurologist a clearer understanding of the responsibilities inherent in this increasing professional role.
Modified Brooks PosteriorWiring Technique for Three-Point C1-C2 Arthrodesis
Authors: Vecil Giacomo G. , Chan Clayton F.G. , Hurlbert R. John
Published: March 2017

Background:

The optimal surgical treatment of atlanto-axial instability remains controversial despite the variety of modifications and supplemental techniques currently available.

Methods:

We describe a modification of the Brooks posterior wiring technique supplemented with transarticular screws for C1-C2 instability.

Results:

This method has been implemented in 30 patients in our institution with no radiological failures.

Conclusions:

The modification provides several technical advantages and potentially stronger fixation compared to methods currently in use.
A Case-Control Study of Parkinson's Disease in Urban Population of Southern Israel
Authors: Herishanu Yuval O. , Medvedovski Mordechai , Goldsmith John R. , Kordysh Ella
Published: March 2017

Background:

In recent years, an increased prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in southern Israel was observed. The aim of this study was to determine which exposures are associated with PD in the urban population of this region.

Methods:

Ninety-three PD patients living in towns were compared to 93 age and sex matched controls. A previously validated questionnaire, including demographic data, education, data on exposures, previous diseases, family history and habits, was administered.

Results:

In multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that history of work in construction sites was the strongest predictor of PD risk, followed by exposure to pesticides. In contrast, there was a negative association with smoking and history of mechanical factory employment. When the same statistical analysis was limited to association of PD with smoking, pesticides and construction work, the latter was found to be the strongest risk factor.

Conclusion:

The risk factors for PD in this population are work on a construction site and exposure to pesticides.
Subacute Femoral Compressive Neuropathy from Iliacus Compartment Hematoma
Authors: Pirouzmand Farhad , Midha Rajiv
Published: March 2017

Background:

Traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma in the iliacus muscle is an unusual but potentially serious cause of femoral compression neuropathy.

Case report:

We describe the clinical, imaging, and management features of a case of traumatic iliacus retroperitoneal hematoma with delayed manifestation of femoral neuropathy.

Discussion:

The anatomical substrate for hematoma formation with subacute compression of the femoral nerve is emphasized. A subacute compartment syndrome with progressive edema, swelling and ischemia of iliacus compartment is suggested as the underlying cause. Early fasciotomy with or without hematoma evacuation should be considered in order to provide rapid decompression and to minimize the chance of permanent nerve injury.
Affektive Belastungen der Mutter in der Schwangerschaft und assoziierte epigenetische Veränderungen beim Kind: Eine Übersicht
Authors: Stonawski Valeska , Frey Stefan , Golub Yulia , Moll Gunther H. , Heinrich Hartmut , Eichler Anna
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Schwangerschaft stellt einen Lebensabschnitt der Frau dar, der mit körperlichen und hormonellen Veränderungen sowie einer erhöhten emotionalen und psychischen Beanspruchung einhergeht. Für das Kind gilt die Zeit im Mutterleib dabei als besonders sensible Phase, in der ungünstige intrauterine Bedingungen sowohl die fetale als auch die postnatale Entwicklung und Gesundheit langfristig beeinflussen können. So haben sich Depression, Angst und Stress in der Schwangerschaft als Risikofaktoren für Entwicklungsverzögerungen sowie emotionale und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten erwiesen. Epigenetische Veränderungen, insbesondere die DNA-Methylierung, werden als Wirkmechanismus für den Einfluss pränataler affektiver Belastungen auf das Kind diskutiert. Diese Arbeit soll einen Überblick geben, welche Veränderungen in der kindlichen DNA-Methylierung mit affektiven Belastungen in der Schwangerschaft assoziiert sind. Dabei werden Ergebnisse aus genspezifischen und epigenomweiten Studien vorgestellt, Problemfelder diskutiert und Anregungen für zukünftige Fragestellungen gegeben.
Wann und wie soll eine sekundäre Hypertonie gesucht werden?
Authors: Kuhn Eric , Suter Paolo M.
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Mini-Review wird aufgezeigt, dass die Diagnostik der sekundären Hypertonie eigentlich eine relativ einfache Unternehmung ist. Neben einer umfassenden Anamnese sowie einer korrekt durchgeführten klinischen Untersuchung muss bei jeder Diagnosestellung einer arteriellen Hypertonie an die Möglichkeit einer sekundären Ursache gedacht werden. Oft ist es auch kostengünstiger, beim geringsten Verdacht direkt nach einer sekundären Ursache zu suchen, als durch langwierige Umstellungen der Therapie und damit auch Verunsicherung des Patienten die Diagnostik zu verzögern.
Ungewöhnliche Thoraxschmerzen bei einem	Jugendlichen
Authors: di Natale Anthony , Descloux Alexandre , Schramm Beate , Schwendinger Markus , Nocito Antonio
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Bei 6–8 % der jungen Erwachsenen sind Thoraxschmerzen Anlass für eine notfallmässige Konsultation. Thoraxschmerzen sind bei jungen Patienten meist unspezifisch, in der Regel benigner Ätiologie und ohne vitale Bedrohung. Wir berichten von einem 16-jährigen Patienten mit thorakalen Schmerzen nach sportlicher Tätigkeit. Radiologisch zeigte sich freie Luft im Mediastinum ohne begleitenden Pneumothorax oder mediastinale Organpathologie. Nachfolgend konnte die Diagnose eines spontanen Pneumomediastinums (PM) gestellt werden. Das spontane oder primäre PM ist eine seltene klinische Entität, die ohne Therapie selbstlimitierend ist. Essenziell ist dabei die Differenzierung vom sekundären PM, dem gefährliche Organläsionen zugrundeliegen und das unbehandelt mit einer hohen Mortalität einhergeht.
After Decades, High-Altitude Observations Revived at Jicamarca
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: March 2017

Recent upgrades to the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in Peru allow it to probe electron densities several thousand kilometers above Earth, a feat it hasn't accomplished in 50 years.
Cities Smarten Up and Go Green
Authors: Seifert-Dähnn Isabel , Millstein Marianne , Røe Per Gunnar
Published: March 2017

CIENS Urban Conference 2016: Smart and Green Cities – For Whom?; Oslo, Norway, 13 October 2016
Genetic and regulatory mechanism of susceptibility to high-hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at 10q21.2
Authors: Studd James B. , Vijayakrishnan Jayaram , Yang Minjun , Migliorini Gabriele , Paulsson Kajsa , Houlston Richard S.
Published: March 2017

Despite high-hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (HD-ALL) being the most common subgroup of paediatric ALL, its aetiology remains unknown. Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated association at 10q21.2. Here, we sought to determine how this region influences HD-ALL risk. We impute genotypes across the locus, finding the single nucleotide polymorphism rs7090445 highly associated with HD-ALL (P=1.54 × 10−38), and residing in a predicted enhancer element. We show this region physically interacts with the transcription start site of ARID5B, that alleles of rs7090445 have differential enhancer activity and influence RUNX3 binding. RUNX3 knock-down reduces ARID5B expression and rs7090445 enhancer activity. Individuals carrying the rs7090445-C risk allele also have reduced ARID5B expression. Finally, the rs7090445-C risk allele is preferentially retained in HD-ALL blasts consistent with inherited genetic variation contributing to arrest of normal lymphocyte development, facilitating leukaemic clonal expansion. These data provide evidence for a biological mechanism underlying hereditary risk of HD-ALL at 10q21.2.
Conductive porous vanadium nitride/graphene composite as chemical anchor of polysulfides for lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , Zhang Jingqi , Yin Lichang , Hu Guangjian , Fang Ruopian , Cheng Hui-Ming , Li Feng
Published: March 2017

Although the rechargeable lithium–sulfur battery is an advanced energy storage system, its practical implementation has been impeded by many issues, in particular the shuttle effect causing rapid capacity fade and low Coulombic efficiency. Herein, we report a conductive porous vanadium nitride nanoribbon/graphene composite accommodating the catholyte as the cathode of a lithium–sulfur battery. The vanadium nitride/graphene composite provides strong anchoring for polysulfides and fast polysulfide conversion. The anchoring effect of vanadium nitride is confirmed by experimental and theoretical results. Owing to the high conductivity of vanadium nitride, the composite cathode exhibits lower polarization and faster redox reaction kinetics than a reduced graphene oxide cathode, showing good rate and cycling performances. The initial capacity reaches 1,471 mAh g−1 and the capacity after 100 cycles is 1,252 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, a loss of only 15%, offering a potential for use in high energy lithium–sulfur batteries.
Rational design of inducible CRISPR guide RNAs for de novo assembly of transcriptional programs
Authors: Ferry Quentin R. V. , Lyutova Radostina , Fulga Tudor A.
Published: March 2017

CRISPR-based transcription regulators (CRISPR-TRs) have transformed the current synthetic biology landscape by allowing specific activation or repression of any target gene. Here we report a modular and versatile framework enabling rapid implementation of inducible CRISPR-TRs in mammalian cells. This strategy relies on the design of a spacer-blocking hairpin (SBH) structure at the 5′ end of the single guide RNA (sgRNA), which abrogates the function of CRISPR-transcriptional activators. By replacing the SBH loop with ligand-controlled RNA-cleaving units, we demonstrate conditional activation of quiescent sgRNAs programmed to respond to genetically encoded or externally delivered triggers. We use this system to couple multiple synthetic and endogenous target genes with specific inducers, and assemble gene regulatory modules demonstrating parallel and orthogonal transcriptional programs. We anticipate that this ‘plug and play’ approach will be a valuable addition to the synthetic biology toolkit, facilitating the understanding of natural gene circuits and the design of cell-based therapeutic strategies.
Protection of calves by a prefusion-stabilized bovine RSV F vaccine
Authors: Zhang Baoshan , Chen Lei , Silacci Chiara , Thom Michelle , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Druz Aliaksandr , Joyce M. Gordon , Guzman Efrain , Kong Wing- Pui , Lai Yen-Ting , Stewart-Jones Guillaume B. E. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Yang Yongping , Zhou Tongqing , Baxa Ulrich , Mascola John R. , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Taylor Geraldine , Kwong Peter D.
Published: March 2017

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus, a major cause of respiratory disease in calves, is closely related to human RSV, a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants. Recently, promising human RSV-vaccine candidates have been engineered that stabilize the metastable fusion (F) glycoprotein in its prefusion state; however, the absence of a relevant animal model for human RSV has complicated assessment of these vaccine candidates. Here, we use a combination of structure-based design, antigenic characterization, and X-ray crystallography to translate human RSV F stabilization into the bovine context. A “DS2” version of bovine respiratory syncytial virus F with subunits covalently fused, fusion peptide removed, and pre-fusion conformation stabilized by cavity-filling mutations and intra- and inter-protomer disulfides was recognized by pre-fusion-specific antibodies, AM14, D25, and MPE8, and elicited bovine respiratory syncytial virus-neutralizing titers in calves >100-fold higher than those elicited by post-fusion F. When challenged with a heterologous bovine respiratory syncytial virus, virus was not detected in nasal secretions nor in respiratory tract samples of DS2-immunized calves; by contrast bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected in all post-fusion- and placebo-immunized calves. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept that DS2-stabilized RSV F immunogens can induce highly protective immunity from RSV in a native host with implications for the efficacy of prefusion-stabilized F vaccines in humans and for the prevention of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in calves.
Sorghum DW1 positively regulates brassinosteroid signaling by inhibiting the nuclear localization of BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 2
Authors: Hirano Ko , Kawamura Mayuko , Araki-Nakamura Satoko , Fujimoto Haruka , Ohmae-Shinohara Kozue , Yamaguchi Miki , Fujii Akihiro , Sasaki Hiroaki , Kasuga Shigemitsu , Sazuka Takashi
Published: March 2017

Semi-dwarf traits have been widely introgressed into cereal crops to improve lodging resistance. In sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. Moench), four major unlinked dwarfing genes,Dw1-Dw4, have been introduced to reduce plant height, and among them,Dw3andDw1have been cloned.Dw3encodes a gene involved in auxin transport, whereas,Dw1was recently isolated and identified as a gene encoding a protein of unknown function. In this study, we show that DW1 is a novel component of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Sorghum possessing the mutated allele ofDw1(dw1), showed similar phenotypes to rice BR-deficient mutants, such as reduced lamina joint bending, attenuated skotomorphogenesis, and insensitivity against feedback regulation of BR-related genes. Furthermore, DW1 interacted with a negative regulator of BR signaling, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2), and inhibited its nuclear localization, indicating that DW1 positively regulates BR signaling by inhibiting the function of BIN2. In contrast to rice and wheat breeding which used gibberellin (GA) deficiency to reduce plant height, sorghum breeding modified auxin and BR signaling. This difference may result from GA deficiency in rice and wheat does not cause deleterious side effects on plant morphology, whereas in sorghum it leads to abnormal culm bending.
Complete mitochondrial sequences from Mesolithic Sardinia
Authors: Modi Alessandra , Tassi Francesca , Susca Roberta Rosa , Vai Stefania , Rizzi Ermanno , Bellis Gianluca De , Lugliè Carlo , Gonzalez Fortes Gloria , Lari Martina , Barbujani Guido , Caramelli David , Ghirotto Silvia
Published: March 2017

Little is known about the genetic prehistory of Sardinia because of the scarcity of pre-Neolithic human remains. From a genetic perspective, modern Sardinians are known as genetic outliers in Europe, showing unusually high levels of internal diversity and a close relationship to early European Neolithic farmers. However, how far this peculiar genetic structure extends and how it originated was to date impossible to test. Here we present the first and oldest complete mitochondrial sequences from Sardinia, dated back to 10,000 yBP. These two individuals, while confirming a Mesolithic occupation of the island, belong to rare mtDNA lineages, which have never been found before in Mesolithic samples and that are currently present at low frequencies not only in Sardinia, but in the whole Europe. Preliminary Approximate Bayesian Computations, restricted by biased reference samples for Mesolithic Sardinia (the two typed samples) and Neolithic Europe (limited to central and north European sequences), suggest that the first inhabitants of the island have had a small or negligible contribution to the present-day Sardinian population, which mainly derives its genetic diversity from continental migration into the island by Neolithic times.
Astrocyte pathology in a human neural stem cell model of frontotemporal dementia caused by mutant TAU protein
Authors: Hallmann Anna-Lena , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Mavrommatis Lampros , Ehrlich Marc , Röpke Albrecht , Brockhaus Johannes , Missler Markus , Sterneckert Jared , Schöler Hans R. , Kuhlmann Tanja , Zaehres Holm , Hargus Gunnar
Published: March 2017

Astroglial pathology is seen in various neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can be caused by mutations in the gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein TAU (MAPT). Here, we applied a stem cell model of FTD to examine if FTD astrocytes carry an intrinsic propensity to degeneration and to determine if they can induce non-cell-autonomous effects in neighboring neurons. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to repair the FTD-associated N279K MAPT mutation. While astrocytic differentiation was not impaired in FTD NPCs derived from one patient carrying the N279K MAPT mutation, FTD astrocytes appeared larger, expressed increased levels of 4R-TAU isoforms, demonstrated increased vulnerability to oxidative stress and elevated protein ubiquitination and exhibited disease-associated changes in transcriptome profiles when compared to astrocytes derived from one control individual and to the isogenic control. Interestingly, co-culture experiments with FTD astrocytes revealed increased oxidative stress and robust changes in whole genome expression in previously healthy neurons. Our study highlights the utility of iPS cell-derived NPCs to elucidate the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of FTD.
Transcript profiling of two potato cultivars during glycoalkaloid-inducing treatments shows differential expression of genes in sterol and glycoalkaloid metabolism
Authors: Nahar Nurun , Westerberg Erik , Arif Usman , Huchelmann Alexandre , Olarte Guasca Alexandra , Beste Lisa , Dalman Kerstin , Dutta Paresh C. , Jonsson Lisbeth , Sitbon Folke
Published: March 2017

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGA) are sterol-derived neurotoxic defence substances present in several members of the Solanaceae. In the potato (Solanum tuberosum), high SGA levels may render tubers harmful for consumption. Tuber SGA levels depend on genetic factors, and can increase as a response to certain stresses and environmental conditions. To identify genes underlying the cultivar variation in tuber SGA levels, we investigated two potato cultivars differing in their SGA accumulation during wounding or light exposure; two known SGA-inducing treatments. Using microarray analysis coupled to sterol and SGA quantifications, we identified a small number of differentially expressed genes that were associated with increased SGA levels. Two of these genes, encoding distinct types of sterol Δ24-reductases, were by sense/antisense expression in transgenic potato plants shown to have differing roles in sterol and SGA metabolism. The results show that an increased SGA level in potato tubers during both wounding and light exposure is mediated by coordinated expression of a set of key genes in isoprenoid and steroid metabolism, and suggest that differences in this expression underlie cultivar variations in SGA levels. These results may find use within potato breeding and quality assessment.
The influence of haemoglobin and iron on in vitro mycobacterial growth inhibition assays
Authors: Tanner Rachel , O’Shea Matthew K. , White Andrew D. , Müller Julius , Harrington-Kandt Rachel , Matsumiya Magali , Dennis Mike J. , Parizotto Eneida A. , Harris Stephanie , Stylianou Elena , Naranbhai Vivek , Bettencourt Paulo , Drakesmith Hal , Sharpe Sally , Fletcher Helen A. , McShane Helen
Published: March 2017

The current vaccine against tuberculosis, live attenuatedMycobacterium bovisBCG, has variable efficacy, but development of an effective alternative is severely hampered by the lack of an immune correlate of protection. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in functionalin vitromycobacterial growth inhibition assays (MGIAs), which provide a measure of a range of different immune mechanisms and their interactions. We identified a positive correlation between mean corpuscular haemoglobin andin vitrogrowth of BCG in whole blood from healthy UK human volunteers. Mycobacterial growth in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both humans and macaques was increased following the experimental addition of haemoglobin (Hb) or ferric iron, and reduced following addition of the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO). Expression of Hb genes correlated positively with mycobacterial growth in whole blood from UK/Asian adults and, to a lesser extent, in PBMC from South African infants. Taken together our data indicate an association between Hb/iron levels and BCG growthin vitro, which may in part explain differences in findings between whole blood and PBMC MGIAs and should be considered when using such assays.
Towards an accurate description of perovskite ferroelectrics: exchange and correlation effects
Authors: Yuk Simuck F. , Pitike Krishna Chaitanya , Nakhmanson Serge M. , Eisenbach Markus , Li Ying Wai , Cooper Valentino R.
Published: March 2017

Using the van der Waals density functional with C09 exchange (vdW-DF-C09), which has been applied to describing a wide range of dispersion-bound systems, we explore the physical properties of prototypical ABO3 bulk ferroelectric oxides. Surprisingly, vdW-DF-C09 provides a superior description of experimental values for lattice constants, polarization and bulk moduli, exhibiting similar accuracy to the modified Perdew-Burke-Erzenhoff functional which was designed specifically for bulk solids (PBEsol). The relative performance of vdW-DF-C09 is strongly linked to the form of the exchange enhancement factor which, like PBEsol, tends to behave like the gradient expansion approximation for small reduced gradients. These results suggest the general-purpose nature of the class of vdW-DF functionals, with particular consequences for predicting material functionality across dense and sparse matter regimes.
Tuning coercive force by adjusting electric potential in solution processed Co/Pt(111) and the mechanism involved
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hsun-Tony , Kuo Wei-Hsu , Chang Yu-Chieh , Tsay Jyh-Shen , Yau Shueh-Lin
Published: March 2017

A combination of a solution process and the control of the electric potential for magnetism represents a new approach to operating spintronic devices with a highly controlled efficiency and lower power consumption with reduced production cost. As a paradigmatic example, we investigated Co/Pt(111) in the Bloch-wall regime. The depression in coercive force was detected by applying a negative electric potential in an electrolytic solution. The reversible control of coercive force by varying the electric potential within few hundred millivolts is demonstrated. By changing the electric potential in ferromagnetic layers with smaller thicknesses, the efficiency for controlling the tunable coercive force becomes higher. Assuming that the pinning domains are independent of the applied electric potential, an electric potential tuning-magnetic anisotropy energy model was derived and provided insights into our knowledge of the relation between the electric potential tuning coercive force and the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer. Based on the fact that the coercive force can be tuned by changing the electric potential using a solution process, we developed a novel concept of electric-potential-tuned magnetic recording, resulting in a stable recording media with a high degree of writing ability.