bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of emerging dechloranes in human serum using modulated gas chromatography coupled to electron capture negative ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Brasseur Catherine , Pirard Catherine , L'homme Benjamin , De Pauw Edwin , Focant Jean‐François
Published: September 2016

Rationale

Quite recently, the presence of significant amounts of several emerging Dechlorane (Dec) flame retardants (FRs) was reported in environmental and biota samples, principally from Canada and China, but also from Europe. Several molecules were identified, e.g. Dec 602, 603, 604, Dechlorane Plus (DP), and Chlordene Plus (CP). Gas chromatography (GC) coupled to electron ionization (EI) high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is typically used for their measurement in various matrices based on hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCPD) fragment ions at m/z 271.8102/273.8072.

Methods

We investigated the use of GC with cryogenic zone compression and electron capture negative ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (CZC‐GC/ECNI‐TOFMS) to measure Dechlorane compounds at low levels in human serum. The TOFMS instrument provided a resolving power of 5000 (FWHM) with an acquisition rate of 25 Hz and was equipped with a specific low thermal emission filament, which allowed it to perform reproducibly in ECNI mode at ion source temperatures as low as 140°C, thus yielding a signal for the molecular ion cluster.

Results

The method provided comparable sensitivity to the GC/EI‐SectorHRMS technique used in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode, and specificity for the target Dechlorane compounds. The method was applied on human serum samples and quantification was performed for Dec 602, Dec 603, and CP, ranging from 0.1 to 10 ng/g lipid weight levels. The main drawbacks of the method are the high instrument detection limits (IDLs) obtained for DP and Dec 604. The method would benefit from even softer ionization and better ion transmission.

Conclusions

The main advantages of the present method are the selectivity, as detection is based on the molecular ion signal, and the use of good mass accuracy combined with isotopic distribution calculation for molecular formulae investigation of halogenated compounds. This methodology should facilitate the monitoring of emerging Dechlorane contaminants in future studies, and possibly extend the scope to untargeted emerging analogues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust containment of uncertain linear multi‐agent systems under adaptive protocols
Authors: Wen Guanghui , Hu Guoqiang , Zuo Zhiqiang , Zhao Yu , Cao Jinde
Published: September 2016

In this paper, robust containment problem is investigated for a class of multi‐leader multi‐agent linear systems in the presence of time‐varying uncertainties. To achieve containment, a new kind of adaptive containment protocols are proposed for the multi‐agent systems. Specifically, the designed protocols consist of a continuous linear term and a discontinuous term. The linear term of the designed protocol is employed to achieve containment while the discontinuous term is utilized to eliminate the effect of uncertain dynamics on the achievement of containment. By using tools from non‐smooth analysis and algebraic graph theory, some efficient criteria for achieving robust containment in the closed‐loop multi‐agent systems are obtained and analyzed. One favorable property of the designed protocol is that containment in the closed‐loop multi‐agent systems can be achieved in a fully distributed fashion over any given connected and detail‐balanced communication graph without using any global information about the communication graph. The effectiveness of the analytical results is finally verified by performing numerical simulations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H‐Bond: Τhe Chemistry‐Biology H‐Bridge
Authors: Pairas George N. , Tsoungas Petros G.
Published: September 2016

H‐bonding, as a non covalent stabilizing interaction of diverse nature, has a central role in the structure, function and dynamics of chemical and biological processes, pivotal to molecular recognition and eventually to drug design. Types of conventional and non conventional (H−H, dihydrogen, H‐ π, CH‐ π, anti‐ , proton coordination and H−S) H‐bonding interactions are discussed as well as features emerging from their interplay, such as cooperativity (σ‐ and π‐) effects and allostery.

Its utility in many applications is described. Catalysis, proton and electron transfer processes in various materials or supramolecular architectures of preorganized hosts for guest binding, are front‐line technology.

The H‐bond–related concept of proton transfer (PT) addresses energy issues or deciphering the mechanism of many natural and synthetic processes. PT is also of paramount importance in the functions of cells and is assisted by large complex proteins embedded in membranes. Both intermolecular and intramolecular PT in H‐bonded systems has received attention, theoretically and experimentally, using prototype molecules. It is found in rearrangement reactions, protein functions, and enzyme reactions or across proton channels and pumps.

Investigations on the competition between intra‐ and intermolecular H bonding are discussed. Of particular interest is the H‐bond furcation, a common phenomenon in protein‐ligand binding. Multiple H‐bonding (H‐bond furcation) is observed in supramolecular structures.
87Sr, 119Sn, 127I Single and {1H/19F}‐Double Resonance Solid‐State NMR Experiments: Application to Inorganic Materials and Nanobuilding Blocks
Authors: Laurencin Danielle , Ribot François , Gervais Christel , Wright Adrian J. , Baker Annabelle R. , Campayo Lionel , Hanna John V. , Iuga Dinu , Smith Mark E. , Nedelec Jean‐Marie , Renaudin Guillaume , Bonhomme Christian
Published: September 2016

87Sr, 127I and 119Sn wideline NMR spectroscopy was successfully applied to inorganic and hybrid materials: (i) Sr derivatives of medicinal interest (Sr‐malonate, Sr‐pyrophosphates, mixed Ca,Sr‐fluoroapatites); (ii) apatitic structures acting as host matrices for iodine; and (iii) Sn‐derived oxo‐clusters which can be used as inorganic nanobuilding blocks. The BRAIN (BRoadband Adiabatic INversion) CP (Cross Polarization) approach (by Schurko et al.) was applied to a non integer quadrupolar nucleus (87Sr, I=9/2). The sequence was used in combination with WURST (Wideband Uniform‐Rate Smooth‐Truncation) QCPMG (Quadrupolar Carr‐Purcell Meiboom‐Gill) for optimal sensitivity. We showed that 127I WURST QCPMG experiments were sufficiently sensitive to allow rapid characterization of the incorporation of iodide (I−) anions in lead vanadate/phosphate apatites, and that 127I acted as a sensitive probe for the description of local disorder. 1H/19F → 119Sn BRAIN CP was successfully applied to the detailed characterization of tin oxo‐clusters, using 1H and 19F as spin baths. We demonstrated that BRAIN CP can be effectively used as a tool of spectral editing leading to the estimation of spatial proximities between 119Sn and 1H/19F nuclei.
Scoping Studies into the Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR) of Phenylephrine‐Derived Analogues as Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Authors: Cullen Danica R. , Pengon Jutharat , Rattanajak Roonglawan , Chaplin Jason , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Mocerino Mauro
Published: September 2016

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei and is classified as a neglected tropical disease of concern in sub‐Saharan Africa. A scoping study has been undertaken to develop a preliminary structure activity relationship of a tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold. Fourteen compounds based around this core scaffold were synthesised and evaluated for their activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in vitro. Initial results are promising with a number of analogues showing low micromolar inhibition of T.b.rhodesiense with acceptable selectivity over mammalian cells. The most promising is a secondary amine analogue showing the most potent inhibition of T.b.rhodesiense, with an IC50 value of 0.25 ± 0.02 μM, while also showing low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells.
The Green Attitude in Art Conservation: Polyhydroxybutyrate–based Gels for the Cleaning of Oil Paintings
Authors: Samorì Chiara , Galletti Paola , Giorgini Loris , Mazzeo Rocco , Mazzocchetti Laura , Prati Silvia , Sciutto Giorgia , Volpi Francesca , Tagliavini Emilio
Published: September 2016

Fully biodegradable novel bio‐based organogels were developed for removing aged protective films from the surfaces of paintings, aiming at providing effective cleaning tools, easily controllable by reducing the solvent permeation into underlying paint layers and not dangerous for human health and the environment. The gels were based on poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) as gelling agent, γ‐valerolactone (GVL) as solvent and triethyl citrate (TEC) as plasticizer. PHB‐gels were able to completely remove protective varnishes on real oil paintings, without affecting the pictorial layer and leaving negligible residues after the application. Moreover, the gels showed good mechanical and handling properties, they were fully composed by non‐toxic ingredients and resulted readily biodegradable in water, therefore easily disposable after the use.
Palladium–catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck Reaction Using Imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines
Authors: Yagishita Fumitoshi , Nomura Koh , Shiono Saki , Nii Chiho , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami , Kawamura Yasuhiko
Published: September 2016

We designed a new class of N‐type ligands bearing an imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine moiety and synthesized seven imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives. The palladium‐catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck reaction of aryl bromides and chlorides with alkenes using our imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine‐PdCl2 system afforded the desired products in good‐to‐high yields with the low palladium loadings and short reaction times.
Reversible Boronic Ester Formation of Ribopyranosylated Glycopeptides
Authors: Kirschner Romina A. , Geyer Armin
Published: September 2016

Six natural amino acids bearing hydroxy or thiol groups are transformed into N‐Fmoc and O‐acetyl protected ribopyranosylated amino acids (Raa) for further use in solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Although the different O‐ and S‐glycosidic bonds influence the 1C4/4C1 equilibrium of the ribopyranosyl side chain significantly, the oligopeptides containing Raa are capable of spontaneous boronic ester formation. Ligation of model peptides with pyrene boronic acid and competition experiments between different peptides are monitored by NMR spectroscopy. In addition to boronic ester formation, we further propose ribopyranosylated peptides with adjustable orientation of the trihydroxy ax‐eq‐ax disposition for other applications.
Modelling the Limits of Bioenergy
Authors: Strapasson Alexandre
Published: September 2016

This note offers a glimpse of the author's PhD thesis on the Limits of Bioenergy, which was defended at Imperial College London in 2014. The thesis was also presented as a conference paper in the 59th Annual Meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences in Berlin, 2015, receiving the Sir Geoffrey Vickers Memorial Award. This research note gives a brief overview on the proposed complex systems approach to land use dynamics and constraints, as a contribution to the climate change debate. A full scientific article with the whole methodology and original results is already under publication process by the author and his colleagues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐634 exhibits anti‐tumor activities toward hepatocellular carcinoma via Rab1A and DHX33
Authors: Zhang Chris Zhiyi , Cao Yun , Fu Jia , Yun Jing-Ping , Zhang Mei-Fang
Published: September 2016

Deregulation of microRNAs contributes to the aberrant growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we showed that miR‐634 expression was frequently decreased in HCC. Low miR‐634 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size, poorer tumor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, vascular invasion, absence of tumor capsule and unfavorable overall survival. Overexpression of miR‐634 markedly attenuated cell viability, colony formation, tumor growth and metastasis, whereas miR‐634 inhibition resulted in the opposite phenotypes. Furthermore, re‐introduction of miR‐634 induced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR‐634 inhibited the expression of Rab1A and DHX33 via directly binding to the 3′‐UTR of both genes. In clinical samples, the expression of Rab1A or DHX33 was reversely correlated with miR‐634. Re‐expression of Rab1A or DHX33 abrogated the miR‐634‐mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Collectively, our data suggest a tumor suppressor role of miR‐634 in HCC. The newly identified miR‐634/Rab1A or miR‐634/DHX33 axis serves as a potential therapeutic target for the clinical management.
mRNA expression profiles of colorectal liver metastases as a novel biomarker for early recurrence after partial hepatectomy
Authors: van der Stok E.P. , Smid M. , Sieuwerts A.M. , Vermeulen P.B. , Sleijfer S. , Ayez N. , Grünhagen D.J. , Martens J.W.M. , Verhoef C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Identification of specific risk groups for recurrence after surgery for isolated colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Classical clinicopathologic parameters have limited prognostic value. The aim of this study was to identify a gene expression signature measured in CRLM discriminating early from late recurrence after partial hepatectomy.

Methods

CRLM from two patient groups were collected: I) with recurrent disease ≤12 months after surgery (N = 33), and II) without recurrences and disease free for ≥36 months (N = 30). The patients were clinically homogeneous; all had a low clinical risk score (0–2) and did not receive (neo‐) adjuvant chemotherapy. Total RNA was hybridised to Illumina arrays, and processed for analysis. A leave‐one‐out cross validation (LOOCV) analysis was performed to identify a prognostic gene expression signature.

Results

LOOCV yielded an 11‐gene profile with prognostic value in relation to recurrent disease ≤12 months after partial hepatectomy. This signature had a sensitivity of 81.8%, with a specificity of 66.7% for predicting recurrences (≤12 months) versus no recurrences for at least 36 months after surgery (X2 P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The current study yielded an 11‐gene signature at mRNA level in CRLM discriminating early from late or no relapse after partial hepatectomy.
Nineteenth Century Wood Engraving: its commercial decline
Authors: Conway Jan
Published: September 2016

The use of wood engraving as a method of graphic reproduction for books, periodicals and newspapers continued for a surprisingly long time after the development of photographic methods. End-grain boxwood engraving was a truly Victorian phenomenon and an understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, versatility and limitations of this technique may perhaps best be reached through an exploration of its commercial decline. The period 1860–1900 saw a combination of competing technical, economic and aesthetic demands influencing the development of illustrative processes and eventually led to the end of commercial wood engraving. A form of engraving closer to Bewick's original interpretation of the craft re-emerged through the arts and crafts movement and the establishment of private presses during the inter-war period.
The Great Book of Ireland - Leabhar Mór na hÉireann
Authors: Doibhlin Crónán Ó
Published: September 2016

The Great Book of Ireland, Leabhar Mór na hÉireann, is an extraordinary modern vellum manuscript in a single volume which comprises the original work of 120 artists, 140 poets and nine composers. Produced in Dublin between 1989 and 1991, it has been acquired by University College Cork to be preserved in posterity on behalf of the Irish people.

Conceived originally as a venture to create a saleable artefact which would help to fund the development plans of two arts organizations in Ireland, the original architects of the idea and editors of the end product were Theo Dorgan of Poetry Ireland and Gene Lambert of Clashganna Mills, with Eamonn Martin as business manager. Out of their initial meeting in March 1989 came the first tentative idea of producing an original artefact that would raise substantial funds for their charitable-status arts organizations, while at the same time being a venture worthwhile in itself. What was to emerge was a project of breath-taking ambition and scale – The Great Book of Ireland, Leabhar Mór na hÉireann, completed in 1991.

Artists, poets, and composers were asked to contribute in their own medium what they believed represented their hopes, fears, dreams, or imaginings in the Ireland of that particular time, and which would have resonance in a thousand years - as the longevity of vellum allows. Each page of The Great Book is a unique artefact in itself, often multi-layered or palimpsestial in nature. The whole “united” in design by the work of the scribe, Denis Brown.

This paper will describes the creation process of the book, its subsequent history, and future plans for the book at University College Cork.
Do we need a new manifesto for an art libraries society?
Authors: Foden-Lenahan Erica
Published: September 2016

First of all an apology is in order for everyone who was expecting a special fashion issue. I had to split issue three into issues three and four to avoid going over our total page count, which pushes the fashion issue into 2017. I promise, though, it is coming.
Closest integer polynomial multiple recurrence along shifted primes
Authors: KOUTSOGIANNIS ANDREAS
Published: September 2016

Following an approach presented by Frantzikinakiset al[The polynomial multidimensional Szemerédi theorem along shifted primes.Israel J. Math.194(1) (2013), 331–348], we show that the parameters in the multidimensional Szemerédi theorem for closest integer polynomials have non-empty intersection with the set of shifted primes$\mathbb{P}-1$(or, similarly, of$\mathbb{P}+1$). Using the Furstenberg correspondence principle, we show this result by recasting it as a polynomial multiple recurrence result in measure ergodic theory. Furthermore, we obtain integer part polynomial convergence results by the same method, which is a transference principle that enables one to deduce results for$\mathbb{Z}$-actions from results for flows. We also give some applications of our approach to Gowers uniform sets.
Beyond primitivity for one-dimensional substitution subshifts and tiling spaces
Authors: MALONEY GREGORY R. , RUST DAN
Published: September 2016

We study the topology and dynamics of subshifts and tiling spaces associated to non-primitive substitutions in one dimension. We identify a property of a substitution, which we call tameness, in the presence of which most of the possible pathological behaviours of non-minimal substitutions cannot occur. We find a characterization of tameness, and use this to prove a slightly stronger version of a result of Durand, which says that the subshift of a minimal substitution is topologically conjugate to the subshift of a primitive substitution. We then extend to the non-minimal setting a result obtained by Anderson and Putnam for primitive substitutions, which says that a substitution tiling space is homeomorphic to an inverse limit of a certain finite graph under a self-map induced by the substitution. We use this result to explore the structure of the lattice of closed invariant subspaces and quotients of a substitution tiling space, for which we compute cohomological invariants that are stronger than the Čech cohomology of the tiling space alone.
Bluff body drag manipulation using pulsed jets and Coanda effect
Authors: Barros Diogo , Borée Jacques , Noack Bernd R. , Spohn Andreas , Ruiz Tony
Published: September 2016

The impact of fluidic actuation on the wake and drag of a three-dimensional blunt body is investigated experimentally. Jets blowing tangentially to the main flow force the wake with variable frequency and amplitude. Depending on the forcing conditions, two flow regimes can be distinguished. First, in the case of broadband actuation with frequencies comprising the natural wake time scale, the convection of the jet structures enhances wake entrainment, shortens the length of the recirculating flow and increases drag. Secondly, at higher actuation frequencies, shear-layer deviation leads to fluidic boat tailing of the wake. It additionally lowers its turbulent kinetic energy thus reducing the entrainment of momentum towards the recirculating flow. The combination of both mechanisms produces a rise in the base pressure and reduces the drag of the model. Both actuation regimes are characterized by complementary velocity, pressure and drag measurements at several upstream conditions and control parameters. By adding curved surfaces to deviate the jets by the Coanda effect, periodic actuation is reinforced and drag reductions of approximately 20 % are achieved. The unsteady Coanda blowing not only intensifies the flow deviation and the base pressure recovery but also preserves the unsteady high-frequency forcing effect on the turbulent field. The present results encourage further development of fluidic control to improve the aerodynamics of road vehicles and provide a complementary insight into the relation between wake dynamics and drag.
Adaptively constraining radar attenuation and temperature across the Thwaites Glacier catchment using bed echoes
Authors: SCHROEDER DUSTIN M. , SEROUSSI HELENE , CHU WINNIE , YOUNG DUNCAN A.
Published: September 2016

Englacial temperature is a major control on ice rheology and flow. However, it is difficult to measure at the glacier to ice-sheet scale. As a result, ice-sheet models must make assumptions about englacial temperature and rheology, which affect sea level projections. This is problematic if fundamental processes are not captured by models due to a lack of observationally constrained ice temperature values. Although radar sounding data have been exploited to constrain the temperature structure of the Greenland ice sheet using englacial layers, this approach is limited to areas and depths where these layers exist intact. In order to extend empirical radar-based temperature estimation beyond this limitation, we present a new technique for estimating englacial attenuation rates for the entire ice column using adaptive fitting of unfocused radar bed echoes based on the correlation of ice thickness and corrected bed echo power. We apply this technique to an airborne survey of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica and compare the results with temperatures and attenuation rates from a numerical ice-sheet model. We find that the estimated attenuation rates reproduce modelled patterns and values across the catchment with the greatest differences near steeply sloping bed topography.
Grounding line migration from 1992 to 2011 on Petermann Glacier, North-West Greenland
Authors: HOGG ANNA E. , SHEPHERD ANDREW , GOURMELEN NOEL , ENGDAHL MARCUS
Published: September 2016

We use satellite radar interferometry to investigate changes in the location of the Petermann Glacier grounding line between 1992 and 2011. The grounding line location was identified in 17 quadruple-difference interferograms produced from European Remote Sensing (ERS)-1/2 data – the most extensive time series assembled at any ice stream to date. There is close agreement (20.6 cm) between vertical displacement of the floating ice shelf and relative tide amplitudes simulated by the Arctic Ocean Dynamics-based Tide Model 5 (AODTM-5) Arctic tide model. Over the 19 a period, the groundling line position varied by 470 m, on average, with a maximum range of 7.0 km observed on the north-east margin of the ice stream. Although the mean range (2.8 km) and variability (320 m) of the grounding line position is considerably lower if the unusually variable north-east sector is not considered, our observations demonstrate that large, isolated movements cannot be precluded, thus sparse temporal records should be analysed with care. The grounding line migration observed on Petermann Glacier is not significantly correlated with time (R2 = 0.22) despite reported ice shelf thinning and episodes of large iceberg calving, which suggests that unlike other ice streams, on the south-west margin of the Greenland ice sheet, Petermann Glacier is dynamically stable.
Ernietta from the late Edicaran Nama Group, Namibia
Authors: Elliott David A. , Trusler Peter W. , Narbonne Guy M. , Vickers-Rich Patricia , Morton Nicole , Hall Mike , Hoffmann Karl H. , Schneider Gabi I.C.
Published: September 2016

Ernietta plateauensis Pflug, 1966 is the type species of the Erniettomorpha, an extinct clade of Ediacaran life. It was likely a gregarious, partially infaunal organism. Despite its ecological and taxonomic significance, there has not been an in-depth systematic description in the literature since the original description fell out of use. A newly discovered field site on Farm Aar in southern Namibia has yielded dozens of specimens buried in original life position. Mudstone and sandstone features associated with the fossils indicate that organisms were buried while still exposed to the water column rather than deposited in a flow event. Ernietta plateauensis was a sac-shaped erniettomorph with a body wall constructed from a double layer of tubes. It possessed an equatorial seam lying perpendicular to the tubes. The body is asymmetrical on either side of this seam. The tubes change direction along the body length and appear to be constricted together in the dorsal part of the organism.
ADOPTION OF RICE VARIETIES – I. AGE OF VARIETIES AND PATTERNS OF VARIABILITY
Authors: WITCOMBE J. R. , KHADKA K. , PURI R. R. , KHANAL N. P. , SAPKOTA A. , JOSHI K. D.
Published: September 2016

Farmers who continue to grow old and obsolete varieties do not gain the benefits they could get from growing newer ones. Given the potential large scale of these foregone benefits, relatively few studies have examined the age of varieties that farmers grow. In three surveys, members of over 3300 households were interviewed to find the rice varieties they grew in 2008 and 2011 in 18 districts in the Terai, the low-altitude region of Nepal. This provided the first description of detailed geographical patterns of adoption of rice varieties and their ages that were repeated over time. There were large differences between district and individual varieties that showed specific geographical patterns of adoption. Such detailed knowledge on spatial diversity of varieties is invaluable for planning extension activities and developing breeding programmes, and cheaper ways than household surveys of collecting this information are discussed. Some of the factors considered important in determining this complex pattern of adoption were seed availability, growing environments that differed from east to west and the continued popularity of varieties once they had established markets. Rice diversity was low because a small number of rice varieties occupied large areas. In 2011, nine varieties covered at least 75% of the total rice area in western districts, just four in central districts and eight in eastern districts. Of these, most were released before 1995 resulting in a high average age of the predominant varieties – they always had an average age of over 20 years no matter which region or year was considered. Even though there were some large changes in varietal composition from 2008 to 2011, the average age of the predominant varieties remained almost the same. In a second paper in this series, we examine how these very low varietal replacement rates, that reduce yields and increase risk to farmers, can be accelerated using a participatory research for development approach called Informal Research and Development (IRD) (Joshi et al., 2012).
Social cognition in people with schizophrenia: a cluster-analytic approach
Authors: Rocca P. , Galderisi S. , Rossi A. , Bertolino A. , Rucci P. , Gibertoni D. , Montemagni C. , Sigaudo M. , Mucci A. , Bucci P. , Acciavatti T. , Aguglia E. , Amore M. , Bellomo A. , De Ronchi D. , Dell'Osso L. , Di Fabio F. , Girardi P. , Goracci A. , Marchesi C. , Monteleone P. , Niolu C. , Pinna F. , Roncone R. , Sacchetti E. , Santonastaso P. , Zeppegno P. , Maj M. ,   the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: September 2016

Background

The study aimed to subtype patients with schizophrenia on the basis of social cognition (SC), and to identify cut-offs that best discriminate among subtypes in 809 out-patients recruited in the context of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses.

Method

A two-step cluster analysis of The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT), the Facial Emotion Identification Test and Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test scores was performed. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to identify the cut-offs of variables that best discriminated among clusters.

Results

We identified three clusters, characterized by unimpaired (42%), impaired (50.4%) and very impaired (7.5%) SC. Three theory-of-mind domains were more important for the cluster definition as compared with emotion perception and emotional intelligence. Patients more able to understand simple sarcasm (⩾14 for TASIT-SS) were very likely to belong to the unimpaired SC cluster. Compared with patients in the impaired SC cluster, those in the very impaired SC cluster performed significantly worse in lie scenes (TASIT-LI <10), but not in simple sarcasm. Moreover, functioning, neurocognition, disorganization and SC had a linear relationship across the three clusters, while positive symptoms were significantly lower in patients with unimpaired SC as compared with patients with impaired and very impaired SC. On the other hand, negative symptoms were highest in patients with impaired levels of SC.

Conclusions

If replicated, the identification of such subtypes in clinical practice may help in tailoring rehabilitation efforts to the person's strengths to gain more benefit to the person.
RECREATION OR DECORATION: WHAT WERE THE GLASS COUNTERS FROM POMPEII USED FOR?
Authors: Cool H.E.M.
Published: September 2016

This paper considers the small glass objects often called counters, which are common finds at Pompeii, and normally thought to have been used in playing games. An assemblage of over 500 stratigraphically dated examples from Insula VI.1 are examined, and the colour and size of this group are compared to a dataset of first-centuryadglass counters found in graves where they can be shown with certainty to be part of gaming sets. The comparisons show that the bulk of the Pompeii counters are very unlikely to have been used in gaming, a conclusion that is supported by the types of counters that would have been necessary to play games such asludus latrunculorumandludus duodecim scriptorum. Other functions are considered and it is suggested that many of the Pompeiian counters might have been used for interior decoration. The rise of a specialist production of counters that could have been used in gaming is demonstrated, and it is suggested this might have implications for the development of craft specialization and demonstrate the rise of leisure time in the first centuryad.
A 30-year experience with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a word of caution
Authors: Kogon Brian , Fernandez Jan , Shashidharan Subhadra , Kanter Kirk , Alsoufi Bahaaldin
Published: September 2016

Background

Patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection can be problematic, particularly those with mixed-type pathology. We aimed to describe a cohort of patients with mixed-type anomalous drainage, highlighting the treatment challenges, and identifying risk factors for poor outcome.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of patients who underwent repair for mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection between 1986 and 2015.

Results

A total of 19 patients were identified. The median age and weight of patients at surgery were 18 days (with a range from 1 to 185) and 3.4 kg (with a range from 1.9 to 6.5), respectively. Venous anatomy included a combination of duplicate supracardiac (four), supracardiac and cardiac (11), and supracardiac and infracardiac (four) drainage. Out of 19 patients, six (32%) died within 30 days or the initial hospital stay; two additional patients died from progressive pulmonary vein stenosis at 72 and 201 days, respectively, resulting in 42% mortality within the 1st year. Follow-up data were available for 8/11 long-term survivors. The median follow-up period was 7.3 years (with a range from 1.8 to 15.7). Only one patient underwent re-intervention for recurrent pulmonary vein stenosis. For surgical mortality, no statistically significant risk factors were identified, although the risk trended to be higher (p⩽0.1) with lower age and weight, an infracardiac component, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. For 1-year mortality, the risk became significant (p⩽0.05) with a lower weight (p=0.01), an infracardiac component (p=0.03), and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (p=0.04).

Conclusion

The surgical and 1-year mortality in patients with mixed-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is high. On the other hand, among patients who survive past the 1st year, most have good outcomes without subsequent sequelae.
Band-stop filter with suppression of requested number of spurious stopbands
Authors: Nesic Dusan A. , Kolundzija Branko M.
Published: September 2016

Design method for band-stop filters (BSFs) that suppress a requested number of spurious bandstops and reduce ripples in the passbands below ~1 dB is proposed. BSF is designed in a form of a cascade of cells, each consisting of steps of equal electrical length, where the number of steps is used to control the number of suppressed spurious bandstops. Analytical formulas are developed that enable initial design of BSF for a given central frequency, depth, and bandwidth of the stopband. Varying the minimum characteristic impedances of initial cells, through an optimization using circuit simulation, the ripples in passbands are reduced below ~1 dB. Using the proposed theory, three filters in microstrip technology, with suppression of 3, 5, and 7 spurious stopbands respectively, were designed, fabricated, and measured. Good agreement between simulated and measured results has been observed. The proposed design can be recommended for filters having broad stop bandwidths, between 40 and 100%.
Modifying Evaluations and Decisions in Risky Situations
Authors: Maldonado Antonio , Serra Sara , Catena Andrés , Cándido Antonio , Megías Alberto
Published: September 2016

The main aim of this research was to investigate the decision making process in risky situations. We studied how different types of feedback on risky driving behaviors modulate risk evaluation and risk-taking. For a set of risky traffic situations, participants had to make evaluative judgments (judge the situation as risky or not) and urgent decisions (brake or not). In Experiment 1, participants received feedback with and without negative emotional content when they made risky behaviors. In Experiment 2 we investigated the independent effects of feedback and negative emotional stimuli. The results showed three important findings: First, urgent decisions were faster [F(1, 92) = 6.76, p = .01] and more cautious [F(1, 92) = 17.16, p < .001] than evaluative judgments. These results suggest that evaluative judgments of risk and actual risk-taking may not always coincide, and that they seem to be controlled by two different processing systems as proposed by dual process theories. Second, feedback made participants’ responses even faster [F(1, 111) = 71.53, p < .001], allowing greater risk sensitivity [F(1, 111) = 22.12, p < .001] and skewing towards more cautious responses [F(1, 111) = 14.09, p < .001]. Finally, emotional stimuli had an effect only when they were presented as feedback. The results of this research increase our understanding of the processes involved in risky driving behavior and suggest efficient ways to control risk taking through the use of feedback.
Die Check-up-Untersuchung
Authors: Zimmerli Lukas Urs , Zeller Andreas
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die «Check-up»-Untersuchung ist eine der häufigsten Konsultationsgründe in der ambulanten Medizin. Dabei stehen eine periodische medizinische Untersuchung («Periodic Health Exam») mit auf Evidenz beruhenden Vorsorgeuntersuchungen und das «Case finding», die individuelle Risikobeurteilung, im Vordergrund. Bei einer periodischen medizinischen Untersuchung sollten folgende Massnahmen durchgeführt werden: Beratung, Impfung und Screening. Beim Screening geht es um die Identifikation einer Erkrankung im vorklinischen Stadium oder eines Risikofaktors bei asymptomatischen Personen mit dem Ziel eine Behandlung resp. Intervention anzubieten, welche die Prognose der Person verbessert. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden vor allem Daten der U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) verwendet und unterschiedliche Ansichten des Swiss Medical Board (SMB) dargestellt. Häufig wünschen Patienten jedoch eine Check-up-Untersuchung nicht aus präventivem Interesse. Daher muss er Arzt auch an das Vorhandensein einer möglichen «Hidden Agenda» denken.
Allergisches Asthma und allergische Rhinitis
Authors: Gerhards Claudia , Gregoriano Claudia , Moser Claudia , Dieterle Thomas , Leuppi Jörg
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die allergische Rhinitis und das allergische Asthma werden im Volksmund unter dem Begriff «Heuschnupfen» zusammengefasst und sind in der Schweizer Bevölkerung sehr prävalent. Die Behandlung mit «over the counter» Medikamenten ist sehr verbreitet und oft nicht nachhaltig. Die sich saisonal oft häufenden Hausarzt-Konsultationen belasten die Kosten im Schweizer Gesundheitswesen erheblich. Das evidenzbasierte Herangehen hat viele Vorteile: durch ein wissensbasiertes und standardisiertes Vorgehen können die Folgen von Anpassungen im Diagnose- und Behandlungsprozess nachvollzogen werden und wiederum Anpassungen getätigt werden. Diese Aufwärtsspirale führt zu einer besseren und kosteneffizienteren Behandlung der für die Patienten oft unangenehmen Erkrankung. Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit den aktuellen Guidelines über die allergische Rhinitis und das allergische Asthma und dem Stand von deren Umsetzung.
Erratum: Nuclear localization of platelet-activating factor receptor controls retinal neovascularization
Authors: Bhosle Vikrant K , Rivera José Carlos , Zhou Tianwei , Omri Samy , Sanchez Melanie , Hamel David , Zhu Tang , Rouget Raphael , Rabea Areej Al , Hou Xin , Lahaie Isabelle , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: September 2016

Correction to: Cell Discovery (2016) 2, 16017; doi:10.1038/celldisc.2016.17; published online 12 July 2016 In the initial publication of this article, the abbreviation of the first author’s name in citation ‘K Bhosle V’ was incorrect, which should be ‘Bhosle VK’. The error has now been rectified. The article with the corrected author name in citation is now online, together with this corrigendum.
Differential requirements for the canonical NF‐κB transcription factors c‐REL and RELA during the generation and activation of mature B cells
Authors: Milanovic Maja , Heise Nicole , De Silva Nilushi S , Anderson Michael M , Silva Kathryn , Carette Amanda , Orelli Fabiano , Bhagat Govind , Klein Ulf
Published: September 2016

Signaling through the canonical nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway is critical for the generation and maintenance of mature B cells and for antigen‐dependent B‐cell activation. c‐REL (rel) and RELA (rela) are the downstream transcriptional activators of the canonical NF‐κB pathway. Studies of B cells derived from constitutional rel knockout mice and chimeric mice repopulated with rela–/– fetal liver cells provided evidence that the subunits can have distinct roles during B‐cell development. However, the B cell‐intrinsic functions of c‐REL and RELA during B‐cell generation and antigen‐dependent B‐cell activation have not been determined in vivo. To clarify this issue, we crossed mice with conditional rel and rela alleles individually or in combination to mice that express Cre‐recombinase in B cells. We here report that, whereas single deletion of rel or rela did not impair mature B‐cell generation and maintenance, their simultaneous deletion led to a dramatic reduction of follicular and marginal zone B cells. Upon T cell‐dependent immunization, B cell‐specific deletion of the c‐REL subunit alone abrogated the formation of germinal centers (GCs), whereas rela deletion did not affect GC formation. T‐independent responses were strongly impaired in mice with B cell‐specific deletion of rel, and only modestly in mice with RELA‐deficient B cells. Our findings identify differential requirements for the canonical NF‐κB subunits c‐REL and RELA at distinct stages of mature B‐cell development. The subunits are jointly required for the generation of mature B cells. During antigen‐dependent B‐cell activation, c‐REL is the critical subunit required for the initiation of the GC reaction and for optimal T‐independent antibody responses, with RELA being largely dispensable at this stage.
Eukaryotic microbes, principally fungi and labyrinthulomycetes, dominate biomass on bathypelagic marine snow
Authors: Bochdansky Alexander B , Clouse Melissa A , Herndl Gerhard J
Published: September 2016

In the bathypelagic realm of the ocean, the role of marine snow as a carbon and energy source for the deep-sea biota and as a potential hotspot of microbial diversity and activity has not received adequate attention. Here, we collected bathypelagic marine snow by gentle gravity filtration of sea water onto 30 μm filters from ~1000 to 3900 m to investigate the relative distribution of eukaryotic microbes. Compared with sediment traps that select for fast-sinking particles, this method collects particles unbiased by settling velocity. While prokaryotes numerically exceeded eukaryotes on marine snow, eukaryotic microbes belonging to two very distant branches of the eukaryote tree, the fungi and the labyrinthulomycetes, dominated overall biomass. Being tolerant to cold temperature and high hydrostatic pressure, these saprotrophic organisms have the potential to significantly contribute to the degradation of organic matter in the deep sea. Our results demonstrate that the community composition on bathypelagic marine snow differs greatly from that in the ambient water leading to wide ecological niche separation between the two environments.
Engineering surface atomic structure of single-crystal cobalt (II) oxide nanorods for superior electrocatalysis
Authors: Ling Tao , Yan Dong-Yang , Jiao Yan , Wang Hui , Zheng Yao , Zheng Xueli , Mao Jing , Du Xi-Wen , Hu Zhenpeng , Jaroniec Mietek , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: September 2016

Engineering the surface structure at the atomic level can be used to precisely and effectively manipulate the reactivity and durability of catalysts. Here we report tuning of the atomic structure of one-dimensional single-crystal cobalt (II) oxide (CoO) nanorods by creating oxygen vacancies on pyramidal nanofacets. These CoO nanorods exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability towards oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. The combined experimental studies, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the origins of the electrochemical activity of single-crystal CoO nanorods are in the oxygen vacancies that can be readily created on the oxygen-terminated {111} nanofacets, which favourably affect the electronic structure of CoO, assuring a rapid charge transfer and optimal adsorption energies for intermediates of oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. These results show that the surface atomic structure engineering is important for the fabrication of efficient and durable electrocatalysts.
Erratum: Interaction of single and multi wall carbon nanotubes with the biological systems: tau protein and PC12 cells as targets
Authors: Zeinabad Hojjat Alizadeh , Zarrabian Alireza , Saboury Ali Akbar , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Falahati Mojtaba
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26508; published online: 24 May 2016; updated: 21 September 2016 This Article contains discrepancies between the HTML and PDF versions of Figures 14 and 15. The correct Figures 14 and 15, with their accompanying legends appear below as Figures 1 and 2 respectively.
Mechanochemical route to the synthesis of nanostructured Aluminium nitride
Authors: Rounaghi S. A. , Eshghi H. , Scudino S. , Vyalikh A. , Vanpoucke D. E. P. , Gruner W. , Oswald S. , Kiani Rashid A. R. , Samadi Khoshkhoo M. , Scheler U. , Eckert J.
Published: September 2016

Hexagonal Aluminium nitride (h-AlN) is an important wide-bandgap semiconductor material which is conventionally fabricated by high temperature carbothermal reduction of alumina under toxic ammonia atmosphere. Here we report a simple, low cost and potentially scalable mechanochemical procedure for the green synthesis of nanostructured h-AlN from a powder mixture of Aluminium and melamine precursors. A combination of experimental and theoretical techniques has been employed to provide comprehensive mechanistic insights on the reactivity of melamine, solid state metal-organic interactions and the structural transformation of Al to h-AlN under non-equilibrium ball milling conditions. The results reveal that melamine is adsorbed through the amine groups on the Aluminium surface due to the long-range van der Waals forces. The high energy provided by milling leads to the deammoniation of melamine at the initial stages followed by the polymerization and formation of a carbon nitride network, by the decomposition of the amine groups and, finally, by the subsequent diffusion of nitrogen into the Aluminium structure to form h-AlN.
Role of C/EBP-α in Adriamycin-induced podocyte injury
Authors: Zhong Fang , Wang Weiming , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang , Chen Nan
Published: September 2016

Podocytes are terminally differentiated epithelial cells in the kidney glomeruli that act as a key component of the glomerular filtration barrier. Although the inciting injury to the podocyte may vary between various glomerular diseases, the inevitable consequence of podocyte injury results in their loss, leading to progressive kidney disease. Here, we report that the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), a transcription factor known to interact with and activate PPAR-γ and NF-κB, is suppressed in the glomerular cells, particularly in podocytes, in human kidneys with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Genetic ablation of C/EBP-α in podocytes resulted in increased proteinuria, increased podocyte foot process effacement, and to decreased podocyte number in the setting of Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy. Overexpression of C/EBP-α in human podocytes in vitro led to an inhibition of MCP-1 and IL-6 expression in response to TNF-α and IL-1β treatments. Conversely, augmented production of MCP-1 and IL-6 was observed in the glomeruli of C/EBP-α knockout mice and was associated increased infiltration of macrophages in vivo. Together, our data suggest that C/EBP-α mediates anti-inflammatory effects in podocytes to confer protection against podocyte injury and loss that may contribute to worsening glomerulosclerosis.