bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automorphisms of blowups of threefolds being Fano or having Picard number 1
Authors: TRUONG TUYEN TRUNG
Published: May 2016

Let $X_{0}$ be a smooth projective threefold which is Fano or which has Picard number 1. Let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}:X\rightarrow X_{0}$ be a finite composition of blowups along smooth centers. We show that for ‘almost all’ of such $X$, if $f\in \text{Aut}(X)$, then its first and second dynamical degrees are the same. We also construct many examples of blowups $X\rightarrow X_{0}$, on which any automorphism is of zero entropy. The main idea is that, because of the log-concavity of dynamical degrees and the invariance of Chern classes under holomorphic automorphisms, there are some constraints on the nef cohomology classes. We will also discuss a possible application of these results to a threefold constructed by Kenji Ueno.
Sofic entropy of Gaussian actions
Authors: HAYES BEN
Published: May 2016

Associated to any orthogonal representation of a countable discrete group, is a probability measure-preserving action called the Gaussian action. Using the Polish model formalism we developed before, we compute the entropy (in the sense of Bowen [J. Amer. Math. Soc.23(2010) 217–245], Kerr and Li [Invent. Math.186(2011) 501–558]) of Gaussian actions when the group is sofic. Computation of entropy for Gaussian actions has only been done when the acting group is abelian and thus our results are new, even in the amenable case. Fundamental to our approach are methods of non-commutative harmonic analysis and$C^{\ast }$-algebras which replace the Fourier analysis used in the abelian case.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of ‘Time to Adjust’ a group-based cognitive-behavioural-therapy (CBT) programme for patients recovering from cancer
Authors: Likely N. , Switzer V.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

‘Time to Adjust’ (TTA) is a 6-week group-based cognitive-behavioural-therapy programme for patients recovering from cancer. The TTA intervention is designed to facilitate patient’s adjustment to life after cancer by enhancing existing coping skills, developing new coping skills and drawing on peer support within the context of group delivery of the programme. The study aims to explore patient psychological adjustment and to identify features of the intervention that patients find most beneficial.

Methods

This retrospective repeated measures design study represents a clinical evaluation of a group-based intervention routinely delivered by the Cancer Psychology Service at University Hospital Limerick. TTA was open to patients with a cancer diagnosis who had completed their surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment by the programme start date. Patients self-referred and suitability for the programme was assessed by pre-programme clinical interview. Pre- and post-intervention data from 59 participants was collected using self-report measures of stress and coping. A brief end-of-programme questionnaire provided descriptive feedback on patients’ experience of the programme.

Results

Findings revealed favourable trends in the psychological adjustment of patients. Self-reported depression, anxiety and negative adjustment was lower post-TTA.

Conclusions

This study indicates that TTA supports patients’ psychological recovery from cancer with multiple components of the programme facilitating psychological adjustment. Findings support the delivery of group-based therapeutic interventions for this patient group. Future research could use in-depth post-intervention interviews for a richer understanding of the programme benefits. Longer-term follow-up in could examine the degree to which benefits are maintained over time.
Paleoproterozoic evolution of the Guiana Shield in Suriname: A revised model
Authors: Kroonenberg S.B. , de Roever E.W.F. , Fraga L.M. , Reis N.J. , Faraco T. , Lafon J.-M. , Cordani U. , Wong T.E.
Published: May 2016

The Proterozoic basement of Suriname consists of a greenstone–tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite belt in the northeast of the country, two high-grade belts in the northwest and southwest, respectively, and a large granitoid–felsic volcanic terrain in the central part of the country, punctuated by numerous gabbroic intrusions. The basement is overlain by the subhorizontal Proterozoic Roraima sandstone formation and transected by two Proterozoic and one Jurassic dolerite dyke swarms. Late Proterozoic mylonitisation affected large parts of the basement. Almost 50 new U–Pb and Pb–Pb zircon ages and geochemical data have been obtained in Suriname, and much new data are also available from the neighbouring countries. This has led to a considerable revision of the geological evolution of the basement. The main orogenic event is the Trans-Amazonian Orogeny, resulting from southwards subduction and later collision between the Guiana Shield and the West African Craton. The first phase, between 2.18 and 2.09 Ga, shows ocean floor magmatism, volcanic arc development, sedimentation, metamorphism, anatexis and plutonism in the Marowijne Greenstone Belt and the adjacent older granites and gneisses. The second phase encompasses the evolution of the Bakhuis Granulite Belt and Coeroeni Gneiss Belt through rift-type basin formation, volcanism, sedimentation and, between 2.07 and 2.05 Ga, high-grade metamorphism. The third phase, between 1.99 and 1.95 Ga, is characterised by renewed high-grade metamorphism in the Bakhuis and Coeroeni belts along an anticlockwise cooling path, and ignimbritic volcanism and extensive and varied intrusive magmatism in the western half of the country. An alternative scenario is also discussed, implying an origin of the Coeroeni Gneiss Belt as an active continental margin, recording northwards subduction and finally collision between a magmatic arc in the south and an older northern continent. The Grenvillian collision between Laurentia and Amazonia around 1.2–1.0 Ga caused widespread mylonitisation and mica age resetting in the basement.
The importance of blood lipids in the association between BMI and blood pressure among Chinese overweight and obese children
Authors: Zou Zhi-yong , Yang Yi-de , Wang Shuo , Dong Bin , Li Xiao-hui , Ma Jun
Published: May 2016

We aimed to examine the contribution of blood lipids to the association between BMI and blood pressure (BP) in children with overweight and obesity. Data were collected in elementary and high schools of Chaoyang District, Beijing, China in 2012. Participants’ weight, height, BP and fasting plasma lipid profile were measured by standard protocols. Mediation analysis was used to examine the mediation role of blood lipids on the relation between BMI and BP, with age included as a covariate. We found that in boys 8·29 % (mediation effect=0·106, P=0·012) of the association between BMI and systolic BP was mediated through TAG. TAG mediated 12·53 % (mediation effect=0·093, P=0·018) and LDL-cholesterol mediated 7·75 % (mediation effect=0·57, P=0·046) of the association between BMI and diastolic BP was mediated by TAG and LDL-cholesterol, respectively. However, blood lipids did not show the mediation effect in girls. Our findings suggested that there was a sex difference in the contribution of blood lipids to the association between BMI and BP. Controlling TAG or LDL-cholesterol may be beneficial for reducing the risk of the BMI-related high BP in overweight boys; however, this outcome is not the case when controlling TAG or LDL-cholesterol in girls. This study may provide clues to explore the underlying mechanism of the association between obesity and hypertension.
Dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load among Australian children and adolescents: results from the 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey
Authors: Jones Molly , Barclay Alan W. , Brand-Miller Jennie C. , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to examine the dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) of Australian children and adolescents, as well as the major food groups contributing to GL, in the recent 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey. Plausible food intake data from 1876 children and adolescents (51 % boys), collected using a multiple-pass 24-h recall, were analysed. The GI of foods was assigned based on a step-wise published method using values from common GI databases. Descriptive statistics were calculated for dietary GI, GL and contribution to GL by food groups, stratified by age group and sex. Linear regression was used to test for trends across age groups for BMI, dietary GI and GL, and intakes of energy, nutrients and food groups. Pearson’sχ2test was used to test for differences between age groups for categorical subject characteristic variables. Mean dietary GI and GL of participants were 55·5 (sd5·3) and 137·4 (sd50·8), respectively. The main contributors to dietary GL were starchy foods: breads, cereal-based dishes, breakfast cereals, flours, grains and potatoes accounted for 41 % of total GL. Sweetened beverages, fruit and vegetable juices/drinks, cake-type desserts and sweet biscuits contributed 15 %. No significant difference (atP<0·001) was observed between sexes. In conclusion, Australian children and adolescents appear to consume diets with a lower GI than European children. Exchanging high-GI foods for low-GI alternatives within core and non-core foods may improve diet quality of Australian children and adolescents.
Pathological aspects of the assessment of head and neck cancers: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Helliwell T R , Giles T E
Published: May 2016

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. It introduces the current best practice in histopathology and cytopathology as it pertains to head and neck and thyroid cancers.

Recommendations

• Accurate diagnosis of the type of malignancy is a key component of effective management. (R)

• Surgeons and oncologists should understand the scope and limitations of cellular pathology in order to inform multidisciplinary discussions. (R)

• A clinically suspected diagnosis of malignancy should be confirmed by biopsy or cytology before operation. (R)

• Cytopathological diagnoses should be discussed with surgeons and radiologists to maximise the information gained from each modality of investigation. (R)

• Pathological investigations are the basis for accurate cancer staging and stratification of clinical outcomes. (R)
Management of Salivary Gland Tumours: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Sood S , McGurk M , Vaz F
Published: May 2016

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. Salivary gland tumours are rare and have very wide histological heterogeneity, thus making it difficult to generate high level evidence. This paper provides recommendations on the assessment and management of patients with cancer originating from the salivary glands in the head and neck.

Recommendations

• Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology is recommended for all salivary tumours and cytology should be reported by an expert histopathologist. (R)

• Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following surgery is recommended for all malignant submandibular tumours except in cases of small, low-grade tumours that have been completely excised. (R)

• For benign parotid tumours complete excision of the tumour should be performed and offers good cure rates. (R)

• In the event of intra-operative tumour spillage, most cases need long-term follow-up for clinical observation only. These should be raised in the multidisciplinary team to discuss the merits of adjuvant RT. (G)

• As a general principle, if the facial nerve function is normal pre-operatively then every attempt to preserve facial nerve function should be made during parotidectomy and if the facial nerve is divided intra-operatively then immediate microsurgical repair (with an interposition nerve graft if required) should be considered. (G)

• Neck dissection is recommended in all cases of malignant parotid tumours except for low-grade small tumours. (R)

• Where malignant parotid tumours lie in close proximity to the facial nerve there should be a low threshold for adjuvant RT. (G)

• Adjuvant RT should be considered in high grade or large tumours or in cases where there is incomplete or close resection margin. (R)

• Adjuvant RT should be prescribed on the basis of clinical factors in addition to histology and grade, e.g. stage, pre-operative facial weakness, positive margins, peri-neural invasion and extracapsular spread. (R)
Future perspectives: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: King E V , Harrington K
Published: May 2016

The multidisciplinary management of head and cancer has changed radically in the last decade. This paper provides a glimpse of the emerging surgical and oncological interventions that may play major roles in the treatment paradigms of tomorrow.
Head and neck melanoma (excluding ocular melanoma): United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Ahmed O A , Kelly C
Published: May 2016

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the United Kingdom. This paper provides consensus recommendations on the management of melanomas arising in the skin and mucosa of the head and neck region on the basis of current evidence.

Recommendations

• At-risk individuals should be warned about the correlation between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and skin cancer, and should be given advice on UVR protection. (R)

• Dermatoscopy can aid in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. (R)

• Histological examination after biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and the tumour thickness. (G)

• Excisional biopsy is method of choice. (G)

• Staging investigations can be performed for both regional and distant disease. (R)

• Scanning (computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging) is recommended for patients with high-risk melanoma. (G)

• Patients with signs or symptoms of disease relapse should be investigated by imaging. (R)

• Imaging of the brain should be performed in patients who have stage IV disease. (G)

• Patients with melanoma of unknown primary should be thoroughly examined and investigated for a potential primary source. (R)

• Primary cutaneous invasive melanoma should be excised with a surgical margin of at least 1 cm. (G)

• The maximum recommended excision margin is 3 cm. (R)

• The actual margin of excision depends upon the depth of the melanoma and its anatomical site. (G)

• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy of suspected lymphadenopathy is more accurate than ‘blind’ biopsy. (R)

• Open biopsy should only be performed if FNA or core biopsy is inadequate or equivocal. (R)

• Prior to lymph node dissection, staging by CT scan should be carried out. (R)

• If parotid disease is present without neck involvement, both parotidectomy and neck dissection should ideally be performed. (R)

• There is no role for elective lymph node dissection. (R)

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be considered in stage IB and above by specialist skin cancer multidisciplinary teams. (G)

• Patients should be made aware that SLNB is a staging procedure, and should understand that it has, as yet, no proven therapeutic value. (R)

• All patients with cutaneous melanoma should have their original tumour checked for BRAF gene status, and their subsequent targeted biological therapy based on this. (R)

• Patients who develop brain metastases should be considered for stereotactic radio-surgery. (R)
The metaphorical expression of Nature in Jørn Utzon's design for the Sydney Opera House
Authors: Chen-Yu Chiu , Goad Philip , Myers Peter
Published: May 2016

Both before and after his forced resignation from the charge of the Sydney Opera House (1956–66)in 1966, Danish Architect Jørn Utzon (1918–2008) has cited Chinese architecture as one of the most important inspirational sources of his unfinished masterpiece. However, the significance of Chinese building culture has largely been overlooked in historical accounts of Utzon's Opera House design. This is despite ample evidences suggesting several direct analogies of Chinese architecture in Utzon's design proposals. The evidence also indicates that one of the key Chinese sources for Utzon comes from the written works of Finland-born and Sweden-based art historian Osvald Sirén 喜龍仁 (1879–1966). Accordingly, this paper aims to identify Utzon's perception of Chinese architecture from Sirén's interpretation of this subject, and Utzon's eventual reinterpretation of this notion in his design of the Sydney Opera House.

The article poses four questions. First, what were the socio-political contexts both of Sirén and Utzon's approach to Chinese architecture? Second, how did Sirén interpret Chinese architecture in his scholarly work? Third, what was the interrelationship between Sirén and Utzon? And fourth, how did Utzon reinterpret Sirén's concept in his design for the Sydney Opera House? To respond to these questions, the authors surveyed the literature associated with Sirén and Utzon, reviewed their private collections, and undertook interviews with their friends, colleagues and followers. On this basis, the authors constructed a series of ideological analogies between Sirén and Utzon's work, with particular emphasis on Utzon's design for the Sydney Opera House.
INTERCHANGE RINGS
Authors: EDMUNDS CHARLES C.
Published: May 2016

An interchange ring,$(R,+,\bullet )$, is an abelian group with a second binary operation defined so that the interchange law$(w+x)\bullet (y+z)=(w\bullet y)+(x\bullet z)$ holds. An interchange near ring is the same structure based on a group which may not be abelian. It is shown that each interchange (near) ring based on a group $G$ is formed from a pair of endomorphisms of $G$ whose images commute, and that all interchange (near) rings based on $G$ can be characterized in this manner. To obtain an associative interchange ring, the endomorphisms must be commuting idempotents in the endomorphism semigroup of $G$. For $G$ a finite abelian group, we develop a group-theoretic analogue of the simultaneous diagonalization of idempotent linear operators and show that pairs of endomorphisms which yield associative interchange rings can be diagonalized and then put into a canonical form. A best possible upper bound of $4^{r}$ can be given for the number of distinct isomorphism classes of associative interchange rings based on a finite abelian group $A$ which is a direct sum of $r$ cyclic groups of prime power order. If $A$ is a direct sum of $r$ copies of the same cyclic group of prime power order, we show that there are exactly ${\textstyle \frac{1}{6}}(r+1)(r+2)(r+3)$ distinct isomorphism classes of associative interchange rings based on $A$. Several examples are given and further comments are made about the general theory of interchange rings.
Revealing the mechanism of passive transport in lipid bilayers via phonon-mediated nanometre-scale density fluctuations
Authors: Zhernenkov Mikhail , Bolmatov Dima , Soloviov Dmitry , Zhernenkov Kirill , Toperverg Boris P. , Cunsolo Alessandro , Bosak Alexey , Cai Yong Q.
Published: May 2016

The passive transport of molecules through a cell membrane relies on thermal motions of the lipids. However, the nature of transmembrane transport and the precise mechanism remain elusive and call for a comprehensive study of phonon excitations. Here we report a high resolution inelastic X-ray scattering study of the in-plane phonon excitations in 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine above and below the main transition temperature. In the gel phase, for the first time, we observe low-frequency transverse modes, which exhibit a phonon gap when the lipid transitions into the fluid phase. We argue that the phonon gap signifies the formation of short-lived nanometre-scale lipid clusters and transient pores, which facilitate the passive molecular transport across the bilayer plane. Our findings suggest that the phononic motion of the hydrocarbon tails provides an effective mechanism of passive transport, and illustrate the importance of the collective dynamics of biomembranes.
Crystal structure of an invertebrate cytolysin pore reveals unique properties and mechanism of assembly
Authors: Podobnik Marjetka , Savory Peter , Rojko Nejc , Kisovec Matic , Wood Neil , Hambley Richard , Pugh Jonathan , Wallace E. Jayne , McNeill Luke , Bruce Mark , Liko Idlir , Allison Timothy M. , Mehmood Shahid , Yilmaz Neval , Kobayashi Toshihide , Gilbert Robert J. C. , Robinson Carol V. , Jayasinghe Lakmal , Anderluh Gregor
Published: May 2016

The invertebrate cytolysin lysenin is a member of the aerolysin family of pore-forming toxins that includes many representatives from pathogenic bacteria. Here we report the crystal structure of the lysenin pore and provide insights into its assembly mechanism. The lysenin pore is assembled from nine monomers via dramatic reorganization of almost half of the monomeric subunit structure leading to a β-barrel pore ∼10 nm long and 1.6–2.5 nm wide. The lysenin pore is devoid of additional luminal compartments as commonly found in other toxin pores. Mutagenic analysis and atomic force microscopy imaging, together with these structural insights, suggest a mechanism for pore assembly for lysenin. These insights are relevant to the understanding of pore formation by other aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins, which often represent crucial virulence factors in bacteria.
Large Fermi Surface of Heavy Electrons at the Border of Mott Insulating State in NiS2
Authors: Friedemann S. , Chang H. , Gamża M. B. , Reiss P. , Chen X. , Alireza P. , Coniglio W. A. , Graf D. , Tozer S. , Grosche F. M.
Published: May 2016

One early triumph of quantum physics is the explanation why some materials are metallic whereas others are insulating. While a treatment based on single electron states is correct for most materials this approach can fail spectacularly, when the electrostatic repulsion between electrons causes strong correlations. Not only can these favor new and subtle forms of matter, such as magnetism or superconductivity, they can even cause the electrons in a half-filled energy band to lock into position, producing a correlated, or Mott insulator. The transition into the Mott insulating state raises important fundamental questions. Foremost among these is the fate of the electronic Fermi surface and the associated charge carrier mass, as the Mott transition is approached. We report the first direct observation of the Fermi surface on the metallic side of a Mott insulating transition by high pressure quantum oscillatory measurements in NiS2. Our results point at a large Fermi surface consistent with Luttinger’s theorem and a strongly enhanced quasiparticle effective mass. These two findings are in line with central tenets of the Brinkman-Rice picture of the correlated metal near the Mott insulating state and rule out alternative scenarios in which the carrier concentration vanishes continuously at the metal-insulator transition.
Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in a Community in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Pei-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Su Ta-Chen , Chien Kuo-Liong , Lee Yuan-Teh
Published: May 2016

The authors investigated the association between progression of carotid atherosclerosis and incidence of cardiovascular disease in a community cohort in Taiwan. Data has rarely been reported in Asian populations. Study subjects were 1,398 participants who underwent ultrasound measures of common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and extracranial carotid artery plaque score at both 1994–1995 and 1999–2000 surveys. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the risk of incident cardiovascular disease. During a median follow-up of 13 years (1999–2013), 71 strokes and 68 coronary events occurred. The 5-year individual IMT change was not associated with development of cardiovascular events in unadjusted and adjusted models. Among subjects without plaque in 1994–1995, we observed elevated risk associated with presence of new plaque (plaque score >0 in 1999–2000) in a dose-response manner in unadjusted and age- and sex- adjusted models. The associations attenuated and became statistically non-significant after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for plaque score >2 vs. 0: stroke, 1.61 [0.79–3.27], coronary events, 1.13 [0.48–2.69]). This study suggested that carotid plaque formation measured by ultrasound is associated increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular risk factors explain the associations to a large extent.
ALPK1 phosphorylates myosin IIA modulating TNF-α trafficking in gout flares
Authors: Lee Chi-Pin , Chiang Shang-Lun , Ko Albert Min-Shan , Liu Yu-Fan , Ma Che , Lu Chi-Yu , Huang Chung-Ming , Chang Jan-Gowth , Kuo Tzer-Min , Chen Chia-Lin , Tsai Eing-Mei , Ko Ying-Chin
Published: May 2016

Gout is characterized by the monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU)-induced arthritis. Alpha kinase-1 (ALPK1) has shown to be associated with MSU-induced inflammation and gout. Here, we used bioinformatics, proteomics, cell models, and twenty in vitro human assays to clarify some of its role in the inflammatory response to MSU. We found myosin IIA to be a frequent interacting protein partner of ALPK1, binding to its N-terminal and forming a protein complex with calmodulin and F-actin, and that MSU-induced ALPK1 phosphorylated the myosin IIA. A knockdown of endogenous ALPK1 or myosin IIA significantly reduced the MSU-induced secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Furthermore, all gouty patients expressed higher basal protein levels of ALPK1, myosin IIA, and plasma TNF-α, however those medicated with colchicine has shown reduced myosin IIA and TNF-α but not ALPK1. The findings suggest ALPK1 is a kinase that participates in the regulation of Golgi-derived TNF-α trafficking through myosin IIA phosphorylation in the inflammation of gout. This novel pathway could be blocked at the level of myosin by colchicine in gout treatment.
Novel Rechargeable M3V2(PO4)3//Zinc (M = Li, Na) Hybrid Aqueous Batteries with Excellent Cycling Performance
Authors: Zhao H. B. , Hu C. J. , Cheng H. W. , Fang J. H. , Xie Y. P. , Fang W. Y. , Doan T. N. L. , Hoang T. K. A. , Xu J. Q. , Chen P.
Published: May 2016

A rechargeable hybrid aqueous battery (ReHAB) containing NASICON-type M3V2(PO4)3 (M = Li, Na) as the cathodes and Zinc metal as the anode, working in Li2SO4-ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte, has been studied. Both of Li3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes can be reversibly charge/discharge with the initial discharge capacity of 128 mAh g−1 and 96 mAh g−1 at 0.2C, respectively, with high up to 84% of capacity retention ratio after 200 cycles. The electrochemical assisted ex-XRD confirm that Li3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)3 are relative stable in aqueous electrolyte and Na3V2(PO4)3 showed more complicated electrochemical mechanism due to the co-insertion of Li+ and Na+. The effect of pH of aqueous electrolyte and the dendrite of Zn on the cycling performance of as designed MVP/Zn ReHABs were investigated and weak acidic aqueous electrolyte with pH around 4.0–4.5 was optimized. The float current test confirmed that the designed batteries are stable in aqueous electrolytes. The MVP//Zn ReHABs could be a potential candidate for future rechargeable aqueous battery due to their high safety, fast dynamic speed and adaptable electrochemical window. Moreover, this hybrid battery broadens the scope of battery material research from single-ion-involving to double-ions -involving rechargeable batteries.
C4.4A gene ablation is compatible with normal epidermal development and causes modest overt phenotypes
Authors: Kriegbaum Mette Camilla , Jacobsen Benedikte , Füchtbauer Annette , Hansen Gert Helge , Christensen Ib Jarle , Rundsten Carsten Friis , Persson Morten , Engelholm Lars Henning , Madsen Andreas Nygaard , Di Meo Ivano , Lund Ida Katrine , Holst Birgitte , Kjaer Andreas , Lærum Ole Didrik , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Ploug Michael
Published: May 2016

C4.4A is a modular glycolipid-anchored Ly6/uPAR/α-neurotoxin multidomain protein that exhibits a prominent membrane-associated expression in stratified squamous epithelia. C4.4A is also expressed in various solid cancer lesions, where high expression levels often are correlated to poor prognosis. Circumstantial evidence suggests a role for C4.4A in cell adhesion, migration and invasion, but a well-defined biological function is currently unknown. In the present study, we have generated and characterized the first C4.4A-deficient mouse line to gain insight into the functional significance of C4.4A in normal physiology and cancer progression. The unchallenged C4.4A-deficient mice were viable, fertile, born in a normal Mendelian distribution and, surprisingly, displayed normal development of squamous epithelia. The C4.4A-deficient mice were, nonetheless, significantly lighter than littermate controls predominantly due to differences in fat mass. Congenital C4.4A deficiency delayed migration of keratinocytes enclosing incisional skin wounds in male mice. In chemically induced bladder carcinomas, C4.4A deficiency attenuated the incidence of invasive lesions despite having no effect on total tumour burden. This new C4.4A-deficient mouse line provides a useful platform for future studies on functional aspects of C4.4A in tumour cell invasion in vivo.
Homozygous mutation of VPS16 gene is responsible for an autosomal recessive adolescent-onset primary dystonia
Authors: Cai Xiaodong , Chen Xin , Wu Song , Liu Wenlan , Zhang Xiejun , Zhang Doudou , He Sijie , Wang Bo , Zhang Mali , Zhang Yuan , Li Zongyang , Luo Kun , Cai Zhiming , Li Weiping
Published: May 2016

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Herein, we report the identification a novel homozygous missense mutation, c.156 C > A in VPS16, co-segregating with disease status in a Chinese consanguineous family with adolescent-onset primary dystonia by whole exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping. To assess the biological role of c.156 C > A homozygous mutation of VPS16, we generated mice with targeted mutation site of Vps16 through CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing approach. Vps16 c.156 C > A homozygous mutant mice exhibited significantly impaired motor function, suggesting that VPS16 is a new causative gene for adolescent-onset primary dystonia.
Pilot study of adrenal steroid hormones in hair as an indicator of chronic mental and physical stress
Authors: Ullmann E. , Barthel A , Petrowski K. , Stalder T. , Kirschbaum C. , Bornstein S. R.
Published: May 2016

Currently, the quantitative analysis of moderators affecting the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis in health and sickness is still unreliable. This is, in particular, due to physiological factors such as pulsatile ultradian and circadian glucocorticoid secretion as well as to methodological limitations of the current techniques for steroid hormone determination. Based on this background, the determination of long-term hair steroid concentrations is an important methodological improvement allowing for the quantitative analysis of chronic HPA axis-activation. In order to determine the relationship between chronic mental and physical stress and a chronic activation of the HPA axis, we performed a cross-sectional pilot-study with 40 healthy students and examined the relationships between physical activity, mental burden(s), subjective stress perceptions, depressiveness, anxiety, physical complaints, sense of coherence, resilience and the long-term integrated steroid hormone levels in hair. The results showed that the concentrations of cortisol, cortisone and dehydroepiandrosterone in hair were significantly correlated to mental (p = 0.034) and physical stress (p = 0.001) as well as to subjective stress perception (p = 0.006). We conclude that steroid concentrations in hair are decisive predictors for an increase in the long-term-HPA axis activity. Moreover, this biomarker is suitable for capturing the stresslevel after burdening events and physical activity.
Fast Determination of Flip Angle and T1 in Hyperpolarized Gas MRI During a Single Breath-Hold
Authors: Zhong Jianping , Ruan Weiwei , Han Yeqing , Sun Xianping , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: May 2016

MRI of hyperpolarized media, such as 129Xe and 3He, shows great potential for clinical applications. The optimal use of the available spin polarization requires accurate flip angle calibrations and T1 measurements. Traditional flip angle calibration methods are time-consuming and suffer from polarization losses during T1 relaxation. In this paper, we propose a method to simultaneously calibrate flip angles and measure T1in vivo during a breath-hold time of less than 4 seconds. We demonstrate the accuracy, robustness and repeatability of this method and contrast it with traditional methods. By measuring the T1 of hyperpolarized gas, the oxygen pressure in vivo can be calibrated during the same breath hold. The results of the calibration have been applied in variable flip angle (VFA) scheme to obtain a stable steady-state transverse magnetization. Coupled with this method, the ultra-short TE (UTE) and constant VFA (CVFA) schemes are expected to give rise to new applications of hyperpolarized media.
Perovskites and metal nitrides as catalysts in the base-catalysed aldol addition of isobutyraldehyde to formaldehyde
Authors: Kleineberg Henrike , Eisenacher Matthias , Lange Horst , Strutz Heinz , Palkovits Regina
Published: May 2016

Hydroxypivaldehyde represents an important intermediate in the production of neopentyl glycol, which in turn is widely applied in the production of e.g. polyesters, plasticizers, synthetic resin paints and lubricants.
A label-free fluorescent adenosine triphosphate biosensor via overhanging aptamer-triggered enzyme protection and target recycling amplification
Authors: Wang Zhaoyin , Zhao Jian , Dai Zhihui
Published: May 2016

A label-free fluorescent adenosine triphosphate aptasensor is fabricated using an overhanging aptamer that can trigger enzyme protection and target recycling amplification.
Identification of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in illegally distributed products by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and double-injection capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Durgaryan Andranik , Rundlöf Torgny , Lavén Martin , Amini Ahmad
Published: May 2016

MALDI-TOF-MS and double injection capillary zone electrophoresis (DICZE) were used for the identification of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in illegally distributed products.
Spin-crossover complex encapsulation within a magnetic metal–organic framework
Authors: Abhervé Alexandre , Grancha Thais , Ferrando-Soria Jesús , Clemente-León Miguel , Coronado Eugenio , Waerenborgh João C. , Lloret Francesc , Pardo Emilio
Published: May 2016

We report the solid-state incorporation of a mononuclear iron(iii) spin-crossover (SCO) complex within the pores of a magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF).
Distribution pattern and allocation of defects in hydrogenated ZnO thin films
Authors: Gurylev Vitaly , Su Chung-Yi , Perng Tsong-Pyng
Published: May 2016

A polycrystalline ZnO thin film prepared by atomic layer deposition was annealed in hydrogen at 10 bar and 350–450 °C.
Location of deuterium sites at operating temperature from neutron diffraction of BaIn0.6Ti0.2Yb0.2O2.6−n(OH)2n, an electrolyte for proton-solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Jarry Angélique , Joubert Olivier , Suard Emmanuelle , Zanotti Jean Marc , Quarez Eric
Published: May 2016

A fundamental understanding of the doping effect on the hydration mechanism and related proton diffusion pathways are keys to the progress of Proton-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (H+-SOFC) technologies.
Legitimate intermediates of oxygen evolution on iridium oxide revealed by in situ electrochemical evanescent wave spectroscopy
Authors: Ooka Hideshi , Wang Yuanqing , Yamaguchi Akira , Hatakeyama Makoto , Nakamura Shinichiro , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Nakamura Ryuhei
Published: May 2016

An IrV species with a UV-Vis absorption maximum at 450 nm mediates O–O bond formation through a spin transition mechanism.
Selective recognition of uranyl ions from bulk of thorium(iv) and lanthanide(iii) ions by tetraalkyl urea: a combined experimental and quantum chemical study
Authors: Vats Bal Govind , Das Debasish , Sadhu Biswajit , Kannan S. , Pius I. C. , Noronha D. M. , Sundararajan Mahesh , Kumar Mukesh
Published: May 2016

A selectivity for uranyl ions in the presence of interfering Th(iv) and other lanthanide ions from a nitric acid medium was exclusively achieved using tetraalkyl urea.
Regioisomerism in cationic sulfonyl-substituted [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)]+ complexes: its influence on photophysical properties and LEC performance
Authors: Ertl Cathrin D. , Gil-Escrig Lidón , Cerdá Jesús , Pertegás Antonio , Bolink Henk J. , Junquera-Hernández José M. , Prescimone Alessandro , Neuburger Markus , Constable Edwin C. , Ortí Enrique , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: May 2016

In a series of regioisomeric [Ir(C^N)2(bpy)]+ complexes containing methylsulfonyl groups on the cyclometallating ligands, the influence of the substitution position on photophysical, electrochemical and LEC device properties is investigated.
Grape powder attenuates the negative effects of GLP-1 receptor antagonism by exendin-3 (9–39) in a normoglycemic mouse model
Authors: Haufe T. C. , Gilley A. D. , Goodrich K. M. , Ryan C. M. , Smithson A. T. , Hulver M. W. , Liu D. , Neilson A. P.
Published: May 2016

Acute oral administration of grape powder attenuates the hyperglycemic effects of GLP-1 receptor antagonism in rats.
A lipase–glucose oxidase system for the efficient oxidation of N-heteroaromatic compounds and tertiary amines
Authors: Yang Fengjuan , Zhang Xiaowen , Li Fengxi , Wang Zhi , Wang Lei
Published: May 2016

In this work, a lipase–glucose oxidase system has been designed and proven to be an efficient system for the oxidation of N-heteroaromatic compounds and tertiary amines.
Synthetic analogues of marine alkaloid clathrodin differently induce phosphatidylserine exposure in monocytic cancer cells then in cancer stem cell lines
Authors: Nabergoj Dominik , Vrbek Sanja , Zidar Nace , Tomašić Tihomir , Kikelj Danijel , Mašič Lucija Peterlin , Muller Christian D.
Published: May 2016

Activation of apoptosis in cancer cells could stop the development of several cancers.
Accessible bidentate diol functionality within highly ordered composite periodic mesoporous organosilicas
Authors: Reid Lacey M. , Wu Gang , Crudden Cathleen M.
Published: May 2016

Periodic mesoporous organosilicas containing biphenol bridging groups were modified post-synthesis to prepare aryl phosphate esters from the free diols.
Expedient synthesis of densely substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles
Authors: Dethe Dattatraya H. , Boda Raghavender
Published: May 2016

The strategy was further applied for the synthesis of optically active pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles in >97% de using the chiral auxiliary based approach.
Correction: Comparison of strategies for non-perturbing labeling of α-synuclein to study amyloidogenesis
Authors: Haney Conor M. , Wissner Rebecca F. , Warner John B. , Wang Yanxin J. , Ferrie John J. , Covell Dustin J. , Karpowicz Richard J. , Lee Virginia M.-Y. , Petersson E. James
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Comparison of strategies for non-perturbing labeling of α-synuclein to study amyloidogenesis’ by Conor M. Haney, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, 14, 1584–1592.
Bespoke cationic nano-objects via RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerisation
Authors: Williams M. , Penfold N. J. W. , Lovett J. R. , Warren N. J. , Douglas C. W. I. , Doroshenko N. , Verstraete P. , Smets J. , Armes S. P.
Published: May 2016

Cationic diblock copolymer spheres, worms and vesicles are synthesised via polymerisation-induced self-assembly; worms form soft, thermoresponsive anti-bacterial gels at 20 °C.
Luminescence studies for energy transfer of lead sulfide QD films
Authors: Wang Joanna S. , Ullrich Bruno , Das Anirban , Wai Chien M. , Brown Gail J. , Dass Chandriker K. , Hendrickson Joshua R.
Published: May 2016

PbS QDs of different sizes are deposited with supercritical fluid CO2 to form laterally uniform PbS QD films as compared to other deposition methods. Luminescence studies show FRET process and different transient life times.
Enhanced crystallization kinetics of poly(lactide) with oxalamide compounds as nucleators: effect of spacer length between the oxalamide moieties
Authors: Shen Tianfeng , Xu Yunsheng , Cai Xiaoxia , Ma Piming , Dong Weifu , Chen Mingqing
Published: May 2016

Crystallization kinetics of poly (lactide) were enhanced by using oxalamide compounds as nucleators and the nucleation efficiency can be well tailored by tuning the aliphatic spacer length between the oxalamide moieties.
One pot oxidative esterification of benzaldehyde over a supported Cs-salt of mono nickel substituted phosphotungstate
Authors: Patel Anjali , Pathan Soyeb , Prakashan Pravya
Published: May 2016

The synthesized mono Ni(ii)-substituted phosphotungstate supported on zirconia was used as a catalyst for the one pot oxidative esterification of benzaldehyde.
Construction of portable electrochemical immunosensors based on graphene hydrogel@polydopamine for microcystin-LR detection using multi-mesoporous carbon sphere-enzyme labels
Authors: Gan Cuifen , Sun Zihong , Ling Li , He Zuyu , Lei Hongtao , Liu Yingju
Published: May 2016

A portable electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for the detection of microcystin-LR by using graphene hydrogel@polydopamine as the substrate material and multi-HRP-(MCSs/Thi@AuNPs)-Ab2as the signal label.
Doping effect of copper ion (Cu2+) on the conductivity behaviour of ceria (Ce1−xCuxO1−δ) electrolyte
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Singh Nitish Kumar , Park Hong-Seok , Parkash Om
Published: May 2016

The doping effect of Cu2+ in a ceria matrix has been studied using a microwave assisted synthesis technique.
Study of double core hole excitations in molecules by X-ray double-quantum-coherence signals: a multi-configuration simulation
Authors: Hua Weijie , Bennett Kochise , Zhang Yu , Luo Yi , Mukamel Shaul
Published: May 2016

All-X-ray four-wave-mixing double-quantum-coherence signals are predicted at the RASSCF level for core excitations. Single and double core hole resonances are captured in this novel spectroscopy.
Process techniques for human thoracic electrical bio‐impedance signal in remote healthcare systems
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Zia Ur , Mirza Shafi Shahsavar
Published: May 2016

Analysis of thoracic electrical bio‐impedance (TEB) facilitates heart stroke volume in sudden cardiac arrest. This Letter proposes several efficient and computationally simplified adaptive algorithms to display high‐resolution TEB component. In a clinical environment, TEB signal encounters with various physiological and non‐physiological phenomenon, which masks the tiny features that are important in identifying the intensity of the stroke. Moreover, computational complexity is an important parameter in a modern wearable healthcare monitoring tool. Hence, in this Letter, the authors propose a new signal conditioning technique for TEB enhancement in remote healthcare systems. For this, the authors have chosen higher order adaptive filter as a basic element in the process of TEB. To improve filtering capability, convergence speed, to reduce computational complexity of the signal conditioning technique, the authors apply data normalisation and clipping the data regressor. The proposed implementations are tested on real TEB signals. Finally, simulation results confirm that proposed regressor clipped normalised higher order filter is suitable for a practical healthcare system.
Heart rate variability estimation in photoplethysmography signals using Bayesian learning approach
Authors: Alqaraawi Ahmed , Alwosheel Ahmad , Alasaad Amr
Published: May 2016

Heart rate variability (HRV) has become a marker for various health and disease conditions. Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors integrated in wearable devices such as smart watches and phones are widely used to measure heart activities. HRV requires accurate estimation of time interval between consecutive peaks in the PPG signal. However, PPG signal is very sensitive to motion artefact which may lead to poor HRV estimation if false peaks are detected. In this Letter, the authors propose a probabilistic approach based on Bayesian learning to better estimate HRV from PPG signal recorded by wearable devices and enhance the performance of the automatic multi scale‐based peak detection (AMPD) algorithm used for peak detection. The authors’ experiments show that their approach enhances the performance of the AMPD algorithm in terms of number of HRV related metrics such as sensitivity, positive predictive value, and average temporal resolution.
Collecting smart meter data via public transportation buses
Authors: Bilgin Bilal Erman , Baktir Selcuk , Gungor Vehbi Cagri
Published: May 2016

With advances in technology, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have found new applications and their popularity has increased dramatically. In several applications, WSNs have the potential to replace wired data communication systems, e.g. in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) they are the natural option for data communication. WSNs are also proposed for data communication in the emerging smart grid. In this study, the authors merge these two application domains, i.e. VANET and smart grids, and propose a novel solution for effective smart grid data communication. The authors’ proposed scheme achieves the task of collecting data from smart meters by utilising VANETs. Using network simulator‐2 and with different routing protocols, the authors have performed simulations and shown the efficacy of their scheme in terms of average end‐to‐end delay and delivery ratio.
Overall power control strategy for small‐scale WECS incorporating flux weakening operation
Authors: Shafiei Ahmadreza , Dehkordi Behzad Mirzaeian , Farhangi Shahrokh , Kiyoumarsi Arash
Published: May 2016

This study presents an overall power control strategy for control of fixed‐pitch small‐scale wind energy conversion system (WECS). The overall power control strategy is designed in such a way that the WECS efficiently operates for both underrated and overrated wind speeds. At underrated wind speeds, maximum power point tracking is achieved through a proportional–integral (PI) mechanical torque controller while no wind speed sensor is required. The PI mechanical torque controller together with a high‐gain observer, estimating mechanical torque, generates the reference electrical torque. At overrated wind speed, the control strategy limits the generated power to rated power of generator via an anti‐windup algorithm. In this case, the flux weakening strategy then is invoked. The optimal (reference) flux magnitude is provided by off‐line numerically solving an optimisation problem. An space‐vector modulation (SVM)‐based direct‐torque control (DTC) is used to track the electrical torque and flux references. In particular, the SVM‐DTC is composed of a reference voltage vector calculator providing a desired voltage vector. The effectiveness of the proposed overall power control strategy is verified by applying the strategy to a commercial 10 kW wind turbine simulated in MATLAB/Simulink.