bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid‐Crystal‐Mediated 3D Macrostructured Composite of Co/Co3O4 Embedded in Graphene: Free‐Standing Electrode for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Faisal Shaikh Nayeem , Akhter Taslima , Roy Anup Kumar , Minett Andrew I. , Konstantinov Konstantin , Dou Shi Xue
Published: March 2017

A free‐standing, 3D, macro/microstructured atomic‐cobalt/cobalt‐oxide–reduced‐graphene‐oxide (Co/Co3O4‐Gr) composite has been developed for complete water splitting. The self‐assembled porous morphology associated with the metal/metal oxide active sites makes the whole surface of the electrode conducive toward catalyzing hydrogen and oxygen evolution in alkaline media at a low onset potential. The liquid‐crystal‐mediated free‐standing electrocatalyst shows oxygen evolution at the onset potential of 1.38 V and at the potential of 1.66 V for a current density of 10 mA cm−2. These potentials are comparable to the corresponding values for Ru/C (1.46 and 1.62 V, respectively). In addition, the promising hydrogen evolution performance of our composite compared to Pt/C in alkaline media makes it an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for comprehensive water splitting, as well as provides guidance for future electrochemical energy material technologies.
Surface Engineering of Au36(SR)24 Nanoclusters for Photoluminescence Enhancement
Authors: Kim Ashley , Zeng Chenjie , Zhou Meng , Jin Rongchao
Published: March 2017

The luminescence of metal nanoparticles constitutes an area of significant interest in recent years, in particular the luminescence of ultrasmall gold and silver nanoparticles. Gold has particular surface characteristics and low toxicity compared to other luminescent nanoparticles. However, gold often has weaker luminescence; thus, a major goal of research is to enhance gold nanoparticle luminescence. In this work, surface ligand engineering is performed on atomically precise Au36(SR)24 nanocrystals (also called nanoclusters, whereSR represents thiolates) to determine different optical and luminescent properties affected by different ligands (i.e., the R groups). The gold nanocluster formula, structure, luminescence, and lifetime are characterized by techniques including electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. It is found that the surface ligands (i.e., different R groups) can affect the charge density transfer between the ligands and the metal core, which in turn influences the luminescence intensity. The luminescence intensity is found to correlate with the electronegativity of the surface ligands that are exchanged onto Au36. The effects of surface engineering on the luminescence properties of gold nanoclusters may open up exploration for applications such as biolabeling, luminescent probes, and other applications.
Picene thin films on metal surfaces: Impact of molecular shape on interfacial coupling
Authors: Wang Qi , Xin Qian , Wang Rong‐Bin , Oehzelt Martin , Ueno Nobuo , Kera Satoshi , Duhm Steffen
Published: March 2017

The energetics at organic‐metal interfaces are, to large extend, determined by the structure of the molecular adsorbate on the substrate surface. As shown by low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) the zigzag shape of picene leads to a peculiar monolayer structure on Ag(111), Ag(110), and Cu(111) with one molecule in the unit cell lying essentially flat and the other one adopting an edge‐on orientation. The adsorbate‐substrate coupling is weak as shown by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). This is in striking contrast to monolayers of straight pentacene, where all molecules lie flat and are strongly coupled, involving charge transfer complex formation on most of these surfaces.

The peculiar packing structure of picene leads to weak interfacial coupling on clean metal surfaces. In contrast, pentacene is chemisorbed on Ag and Cu surfaces involving electron transfer from the substrate.
Input‐to‐state stability of stochastic port‐Hamiltonian systems using stochastic generalized canonical transformations
Authors: Satoh Satoshi
Published: March 2017

As a practically important class of nonlinear stochastic systems, this paper considers stochastic port‐Hamiltonian systems (SPHSs) and investigates the stochastic input‐to‐state stability (SISS) property of a class of SPHSs. We clarify necessary conditions for the closed‐loop system of an SPHS to be SISS. Moreover, we provide a systematic construction of both the SISS controller and Lyapunov function so that the proposed necessary conditions hold. In the main results, the stochastic generalized canonical transformation plays a key role. The stochastic generalized canonical transformation technique enables to design both coordinate transformation and feedback controller with preserving the SPHS structure of the closed‐loop system. Consequently, the main theorem guarantees that the closed‐loop system obtained by the proposed method is SISS against both deterministic disturbance and stochastic noise. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclic analyses of corrugated steel plate shear walls
Authors: Zhao Qiuhong , Sun Junhao , Li Yanan , Li Zhongxian
Published: March 2017

Corrugated steel plate shear wall (CoSPSW), which consists of a steel boundary frame and a corrugated steel wall panel with the corrugation in the horizontal or vertical direction, is a new type of lateral load‐resisting system in the family of steel plate shear walls. Compared with the unstiffened special plate shear walls (SPSW), CoSPSW would have greater elastic buckling capacity and more resistance to the gravity loads transferred to the wall panel or neatly avoid them, depending on the corrugation direction. The main research contents of this paper is on the cyclic behavior of CoSPSWs and comparison with SPSWs. Nonlinear push‐over and cyclic analyses were conducted on a group of CoSPSW and SPSW models, and parametric studies were performed with different panel and frame configuration, as well as gravity load effects. It turns out that CoSPSWs with deep corrugation have higher lateral stiffness, lateral strength, and energy dissipation than SPSWs, whereas CoSPSWs with shallow corrugation have higher lateral stiffness and ductility, but lower lateral strength than SPSWs. For all cases investigated, CoSPSWs have stable hysteric curves with no almost pinching, and they are much less sensitive to the influence of gravity loads or weaker boundary frames, compared to SPSWs.
Thioether‐derived Macrocycle for Peptide Secondary Structure Fixation
Authors: Tian Yuan , Yang Dan , Ye Xiyang , Li Zigang
Published: March 2017

Recently, we developed methods to stabilize peptides into various secondary structures, including α‐helix, type III turn and β‐hairpin via proper thioether based macrocyclization. These conformationally constrained peptidomimetics confer enhanced biophysical properties and provide a valuable avenue towards clinically‐relevant therapeutic molecules. In this personal account, thioether‐derived macrocyclization methods developed by our group for stabilization of α‐helix, type‐III β turn and β‐hairpin conformations are discussed.
To educate engineers or to engineer educators?: Exploring access to engineering careers
Authors: Eastman Michael G. , Christman Jeanne , Zion George H. , Yerrick Randy
Published: March 2017

Although studies claim increases in underrepresented populations choosing STEM majors, barriers to retention, and higher education degree completion in STEM still exist. This study examined efforts of a prominent technical university to attract and retain urban high school graduates through a tuition scholarship program. We sought to determine the trajectories of recruited urban high school graduates and explored students reasoning behind their choice of STEM majors. Findings revealed unforeseen obstacles prohibiting students from pursuing STEM degrees despite free tuition and other benefits of the diversity recruitment program. Student obstacles included: (i) logistic barriers; (ii) academic resources access; and (iii) social/cultural support. A secondary but related finding was the self‐realization of engineering faculty culpability in the attrition they observed. This critical account of race and privilege told by insiders to the engineering discipline speaks directly to the failure of educational institutions to address essential components of the economic and academic segregation which currently exists against a backdrop of reform calls which aim to diversify the engineering workforce. Implications for future research and recruitment efforts are discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 884–913, 2017
Arene Complexes of Divalent Tin Bromoaluminates
Authors: Schleep Mario , Ludwig Thilo , Hettich Clarissa , Leone Selina , Krossing Ingo
Published: March 2017

Numerous arene complexes of tin(II) are well known with [AlCl4]– as counterion, but none with the analogous [AlBr4]– ion. Herein we report on new crystal structures containing arene complexes of tin and the tetrabromoaluminate anion obtained out of the reactions between SnBr2 and AlBr3 in the respective arene as solvent. Additionally, powder diffraction data and FIR spectra of the bulk products of these reactions are discussed.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Predictive Factors for Weight Loss and Band Removal After More than 10 Years’ Follow‐Up in a Single University Unit
Authors: Tammaro Pasquale , Hansel Boris , Police Andrea , Kousouri Marina , Magnan Christophe , Marmuse Jean Pierre , Arapis Konstantinos
Published: March 2017

Background

Weight loss and overall outcomes following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are more variable than with other bariatric procedures. Our aim was to investigate the predictive value of certain parameters in a cohort of 794 patients with 10 years’ minimum follow‐up after LAGB.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 794 patients undergoing LAGB performed by the authors between April 1996 and December 2004. We collected patients’ data on weight loss and band‐related complications and performed logistic regression modelling and calculated Kaplan–Meier curves for band preservation.

Results

The follow‐up rate at 10 years was 90.4%. The mean follow‐up duration was 15.1 years (range, 120–228 months). Overall band removal with or without conversion or replacement was required in 304 (38.2%) patients. The mean survival time of the band was 148.4 months (95% confidence interval: 138.3–167.4), and there was no difference in the rate of removal by operative technique (p = 0.7). The highest rate of band removal occurred in female patients (p = 0.05), those with BMI > 50 kg/m2 (p = 0.005) and in those <40 years of age (p = 0.04). For patients with the band in situ, the success rate was significantly lower in patients with initial BMI > 50 kg/m2. Conversely, differences in success rate were not statistically significant for age (using 50 years as the cut‐off), technique or sex.

Conclusions

Higher rates of removal occurred in women, younger patients and those with BMI > 50 kg/m2. Regardless of these criteria, the rate of band removal for complications rose over time. Patients should be informed of the high risk of the need for band removal long‐term.
Does Nissen Fundoplication Provide Lifelong Reflux Control? Symptomatic Outcome After 31–33 Years
Authors: Neuvonen P. , Sand J. , Matikainen M. , Rantanen T.
Published: March 2017

Background

A substantial number of people are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The indication for surgical treatment is the failure of medical treatment in patients with objectively verified GERD. The use of PPIs has been noted to increase with the length of follow‐up after fundoplication, raising questions concerning the durability of surgical results. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) over a follow‐up of more than 31 years.

Methods

ONF was performed for 38 consecutive patients. Questionnaires concerning long‐term outcome were sent on December 14, 2015, to the 24 patients still living. Long‐term symptom evaluation was carried out using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Visick grading, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the DeMeester–Johnson reflux scale, and the 15D tool.

Results

Seventeen (70.8%) of the 24 patients still living participated in the study. The typical symptoms of GERD had resolved significantly. Dysphagia was graded as none or minimal by 13 (81.3%) patients. The mean 15D score of the patient group was clinically and statistically the same (0.896 vs. 0.899) as that of the age‐ and sex‐standardized general population (p = 0.912). Six (15.8%) patients had used antireflux medication after the operation and 4 of them (10.6%) continuously.

Conclusions

Patients in the present study used PPIs less frequently than what has been reported in previous long‐term follow‐up studies. Our results indicate that successful surgery may provide lifelong relief of GERD symptoms and normalize the health‐related quality of life in GERD patients.
Clinical Prediction Rules for Appendicitis in Adults: Which Is Best?
Authors: Kularatna Malsha , Lauti Melanie , Haran Cheyaanthan , MacFater Wiremu , Sheikh Laila , Huang Ying , McCall John , MacCormick Andrew D.
Published: March 2017

Background

Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) provide an objective method of assessment in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. There are a number of available CPRs for the diagnosis of appendicitis, but it is unknown which performs best.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify what CPRs are available and how they perform when diagnosing appendicitis in adults.

Method

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that derived or validated a CPR were included. Their performance was assessed on sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) values.

Results

Thirty‐four articles were included in this review. Of these 12 derived a CPR and 22 validated these CPRs. A narrative analysis was performed as meta‐analysis was precluded due to study heterogeneity and quality of included studies. The results from validation studies showed that the overall best performer in terms of sensitivity (92%), specificity (63%) and AUC values (0.84–0.97) was the AIR score but only a limited number of studies investigated at this score. Although the Alvarado and Modified Alvarado scores were the most commonly validated, results from these studies were variable. The Alvarado score outperformed the modified Alvarado score in terms of sensitivity, specificity and AUC values.

Conclusion

There are 12 CPRs available for diagnosis of appendicitis in adults. The AIR score appeared to be the best performer and most pragmatic CPR.
Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules in Resected Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Comparison of Patient Outcomes
Authors: Robertson V. , Neal C. P. , Jones M. , Dennison A. R. , Garcea G.
Published: March 2017

Aims

Hepatic metastasectomy remains the only potentially curative treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Some of these patients develop indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs). This study aimed to compare outcomes of patients with and without IPN undergoing resection of CRLM to ascertain whether their presence is clinically significant.

Methods

Cases and controls were identified from a prospectively maintained database of CRLM resections. Patients with staging radiology demonstrating IPNs were included as cases. Controls were matched to the cases by four primary factors: age, type of resection (primary or redo), clinical risk score (CRS) and chemotherapy.

Results

The median disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for the cases were 7.0 months (95% CI 4.8–9.2) and 28.6 months (95% CI 21.2–36.0), respectively, and 12.0 months (95% CI 10.7–13.2) and 30.5 months (95% CI 19.4–41.6) for the controls. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 92.7, 39.7 and 0.0% for the IPN group, and 92.4, 32.9 and 21.9% for those without. In total, 60.7% of IPN patients progressed to lung metastases, of which 39.3% underwent pulmonary resections. DFS was significantly shorter in the IPN group (p = 0.022), but OS was not significantly different (p = 0.421). The presence of IPN was independently associated with a shortened DFS (p = 0.027), as was a CRS of 3 or greater (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This study suggests that IPN does not significantly affect OS, but may predict earlier disease recurrence. IPN presence alone should not preclude radical resection but could be used to prompt more careful post‐operative surveillance to detect lung metastases at a potentially operable stage.
Bounded random walks as a null model for evaluating population trends
Authors: Loehle Craig , Arghami Nasser
Published: March 2017

Management of wildlife and protection of endangered species depend on determination of population trends. Because population changes are stochastic and autoregressive, there is reason to believe that population trends might not be properly determined by simple regression over short time periods. A bounded random walk (BRW) model is introduced as a null model for evaluating population trends. The BRW model shows long‐term stability but rising and falling sequences of up to many decades. For a given variability and survey length, there will be an expected probability of finding a greater than X% slope simply by chance. This false positive probability needs to be considered when evaluating trends. Breeding Bird Survey data for 128 species over 46 years for two states were analyzed for trends for different series lengths. Trends estimated from short series were likely to not agree with the 46‐year trends. Very short series (e.g., 5 years) tended to indicate no trend due to loss of statistical power. A 101‐year series for sandwich term (Sterna sandvicensis) revealed that even for 40 year‐long series, 33% of subset series had a negative trend compared to the strong 101 year full series positive trend. The BRW model simulations and both data sets pointed to 20 years as a minimum time period for estimating trends reliably, though this can be longer for species that tend to cycle. Proper inference should thus consider the implications of inherent time series variability.
Biotransformation of menadione to its prenylated derivative MK-3 using recombinant Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Zhemin , Zhao Genhai , Liu Hui , Guo Yugang , Wu Hefang , Sun Xiaowen , Wu Xihua , Zheng Zhiming
Published: March 2017

Prenylated quinones, especially menaquinones, have significant physiological activities, but are arduous to synthesize efficiently. Due to the relaxed aromatic substrate specificity and prenylation regiospecificity at the ortho- site of the phenolic hydroxyl group, the aromatic prenyltransferase NovQ from Streptomyces may be useful in menaquinone synthesis from menadione. In this study, NovQ was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris. After fermentation optimization, NovQ production increased by 1617%. Then the different effects of metal ions, detergents and pH on the activity of purified NovQ were investigated to optimize the prenylation reaction. Finally, purified NovQ and cells containing NovQ were used for menadione prenylation in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Menaquinone-1 (MK-1) was detected as the only product in vitro with γ,γ-dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and menadione hydroquinol substrates. MK-3 at a concentration of 90.53 mg/L was detected as the major product of whole cell catalysis with 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol and menadione hydroquinol substrates. This study realized whole cell catalysis converting menadione to menaquinones.
Clinical utility of pretreatment prediction of chemoradiotherapy response in rectal cancer: a review
Authors: Yoo Byong Chul , Yeo Seung-Gu
Published: March 2017

Approximately 20% of all patients with locally advanced rectal cancer experience pathologically complete responses following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and standard surgery. The utility of radical surgery for patients exhibiting good CRT responses has been challenged. Organ-sparing strategies for selected patients exhibiting complete clinical responses include local excision or no immediate surgery. The subjects of this tailored management are patients whose presenting disease corresponds to current indications of neoadjuvant CRT, and their post-CRT tumor response is assessed by clinical and radiological examinations. However, a model predictive of the CRT response, applied before any treatment commenced, would be valuable to facilitate such a personalized approach. This would increase organ preservation, particularly in patients for whom upfront CRT is not generally prescribed. Molecular biomarkers hold the greatest promise for development of a pretreatment predictive model of CRT response. A combination of clinicopathological, radiological, and molecular markers will be necessary to render the model robust. Molecular research will also contribute to the development of drugs that can overcome the radioresistance of rectal tumors. Current treatments for rectal cancer are based on the expected prognosis given the presenting disease extent. In the future, treatment schemes may be modified by including the predicted CRT response evaluated at presentation.
The impact of automated hippocampal volumetry on diagnostic confidence in patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease: A European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium study
Authors: Bosco Paolo , Redolfi Alberto , Bocchetta Martina , Ferrari Clarissa , Mega Anna , Galluzzi Samantha , Austin Mark , Chincarini Andrea , Collins D. Louis , Duchesne Simon , Maréchal Bénédicte , Roche Alexis , Sensi Francesco , Wolz Robin , Alegret Montserrat , Assal Frederic , Balasa Mircea , Bastin Christine , Bougea Anastasia , Emek‐Savaş Derya Durusu , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Grimmer Timo , Grosu Galina , Kramberger Milica G. , Lawlor Brian , Mandic Stojmenovic Gorana , Marinescu Mihaela , Mecocci Patrizia , Molinuevo José Luis , Morais Ricardo , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , Nobili Flavio , Ntovas Konstantinos , O'Dwyer Sarah , Paraskevas George P. , Pelini Luca , Picco Agnese , Salmon Eric , Santana Isabel , Sotolongo‐Grau Oscar , Spiru Luiza , Stefanova Elka , Popovic Katarina Surlan , Tsolaki Magda , Yener Görsev G. , Zekry Dina , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Hippocampal volume is a core biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its contribution over the standard diagnostic workup is unclear.

Methods

Three hundred fifty‐six patients, under clinical evaluation for cognitive impairment, with suspected AD and Mini–Mental State Examination ≥20, were recruited across 17 European memory clinics. After the traditional diagnostic workup, diagnostic confidence of AD pathology (DCAD) was estimated by the physicians in charge. The latter were provided with the results of automated hippocampal volumetry in standardized format and DCAD was reassessed.

Results

An increment of one interquartile range in hippocampal volume was associated with a mean change of DCAD of −8.0% (95% credible interval: [−11.5, −5.0]). Automated hippocampal volumetry showed a statistically significant impact on DCAD beyond the contributions of neuropsychology, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/single‐photon emission computed tomography, and cerebrospinal fluid markers (−8.5, CrI: [−11.5, −5.6]; −14.1, CrI: [−19.3, −8.8]; −10.6, CrI: [−14.6, −6.1], respectively).

Discussion

There is a measurable effect of hippocampal volume on DCAD even when used on top of the traditional diagnostic workup.
Two‐level diagnostic classification using cerebrospinal fluid YKL‐40 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Baldacci Filippo , Toschi Nicola , Lista Simone , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Kilimann Ingo , Teipel Stefan , Cavedo Enrica , dos Santos Antonio Melo , Epelbaum Stéphane , Lamari Foudil , Dubois Bruno , Floris Roberto , Garaci Francesco , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Hampel Harald
Published: March 2017

Introduction

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) YKL‐40 in discriminating (1) clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) from cognitively healthy controls (HCs) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (level I) and (2) patients stratified by different pathophysiological profiles from HCs and FTD following a novel unbiased/descriptive categorization based on CSF biomarkers, independent of cognitive impairment severity (level II).

Methods

YKL‐40 was compared among HCs (n = 21), mild cognitive impairment (n = 41), AD (n = 35), and FTD (n = 9) (level I) and among HCs (n = 21), AD pathophysiology (tau and amyloid β) negative (n = 15), tau positive (n = 15), amyloid β positive (n = 13), AD pathophysiology positive (n = 33), and FTD (n = 9) (level II).

Results

Level I: YKL‐40 discriminated AD from HC and FTD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves [AUROCs] = 0.69, 0.71). Level II: YKL‐40 discriminated tau‐positive individuals and AD pathophysiology–positive individuals from HC, AD pathophysiology–positive patients from FTD (AUROCs = 0.76, 0.72, 0.73).

Discussion

YKL‐40 demonstrates fair performance in distinguishing tau‐positive patients from HCs, suggesting it may aid clinical diagnosis and support a biomarker‐guided pathophysiological stratification.
Asymptotic behaviour of minimal graphs over exterior domains
Authors: Simon L.
Published: March 2017

It is proved that if

u

is a

C^2(ℝ^n \sim Ω)

solution of the minimal surface equation, if

Ω

is bounded, and if

n ≦ 7

, then

Du(x)

has a limit (in

ℝ^n

) as

\left|x\right|\rightarrow ∞

. This extends a result of L. Bers for the case

n = 2

. The result here is actually obtained as a special application of a more general result valid for all

n

.

On démontre que si

u

est une solution

C^2(ℝ^n ~ Ω)

de l’équation de la surface minimale, si

Ω

est borné

n ≦ 7

, alors

Du(x)

a une limite (dans

ℝ^n

) telle que

\left|x\right|\rightarrow ∞

. Ceci etend un resultat de L. Bers dans le cas

n = 2

. Notre résultat est en fait un corollaire d’un résultat plus général, valable quel que soit

n

.
Solutions with minimal period for Hamiltonian systems in a potential well
Authors: Ambrosetti Antonio , Zelati Vittorio Coti
Published: March 2017

Let

\mathrm U \in C^2(Ω)

, where

Ω

is a bounded set in

ℝ^N

. Suppose that

\mathrm U(x)

tends to

+ ∞

as

x

tends to

∂Ω

. Our main results concern the existence of periodic solutions of

−\"x = \mathrm{U}'(x)

having a prescribed number

\mathrm T

as minimal period. The results are also generalized to first order Hamiltonian systems.

Soit

\mathrm U \in C^2(Ω)

, où

Ω

est un ouvert donné de

ℝ^N

. On suppose que

\mathrm U(x) → + ∞

quand

x → ∂Ω

. On montre l’existence de solutions périodiques de

\"x + \mathrm{U}'(x) = 0

, de période minimale prescrite. On étend ces résultats aux systèmes hamiltoniens du premier ordre.
A community-based approach to identifying defence of microalgae against protozoan grazing
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xu Guangjian , Zhao Lu , Gao Yangyang , Al Mamun Abdullah , Xu Henglong
Published: March 2017

It has increasingly been recognized that defence of microalgae against predator grazing is a passive response to increase algal population density by excreting chemicals with a change in physical properties. As common biological pollutants in the cultivation of the microalgae, the community-based method was used to identify the ability of two microalgae, Chlorella sp. and Nannochloropsis oceanica, to defend against protozoan grazing. Mature protozoan samples with 14-day age were collected, using microscopy glass slides, in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. For both microalgae, a gradient of concentrations was designed as 100 (control), 104, 105, 106 and 107 cell ml−1, respectively. Results showed that both test algal species represented strong defence effects on protozoan grazing, especially at high density levels. Species richness, abundance and taxonomic distinctness of the protozoan assemblages showed a sharp decrease at high concentration level (107 cell ml−1) of both algae. A significant variation in protozoan community structures was found to be driven by the gradient of the algal concentrations. The paired taxonomic distinctness indices of the protozoan communities showed an increasing trend of departure from the expected taxonomic pattern with increase of algal concentrations. Based on the results, we suggest that the community-based bioassay might be used as a feasible tool for identifying defence against protozoan grazing of microalgae.
EDITORIAL: WHAT'S THE POINT OF PRIZES?
Authors: Fox Christopher
Published: March 2017

The winner of the 2016 Turner Prize, the UK's most widely publicised prize for visual artists, is Helen Martens; earlier in the year she also won the Hepworth Prize. On both occasions she announced that she would share her prize money with her fellow nominees, a generous yet provocative gesture. It's good to share, of course, but isn't the point of prizes that someone should win? And if the prizewinner is selected from a group of possible prizewinners who are themselves selected from the much larger pool of all those eligible why not share the prize with everyone?
ELECTROACOUSTIC VOICES: SOUNDS QUEER, AND WHY IT MATTERS
Authors: Woloshyn Alexa
Published: March 2017

Queer processes abound in fixed media electroacoustic music with voice, in both the composition and listening processes. ‘Queer’ means transgressive, unstable, and disruptive, and queer processes break down restrictive traditional binaries. In this article, I name the queer where some may have thought it does not or could not exist, in well-known works by Berio, Stockhausen and Lucier, as well as lesser-known works by Truax, Normandeau and Westerkamp. Any claim to the queer in these electroacoustic works is inherently political because the core of the term's meaning is to disrupt and perturb the status quo, which is maintained by existing power structures. I outline how composers unsettle the gendered voice and exploit its mediating role between the body and language. Studio manipulation is further enhanced by the acousmatic listening context, which is intimate and unsettling (‘queer’), and can depict the ‘third space’ between the bodies of the voice and listener.
Thomas Adès, The Exterminating Angel, Haus für Mozart, Salzburg
Authors: Venn Edward
Published: March 2017

The Salzburg Festival publicity office knew that it had a major musical event on its hands. Before the premiere of Thomas Adès's The Exterminating Angel on 28 July 2016, they held a reception for the world's press on a rooftop balcony overlooking the old town (which, in the name of investigative journalism, your intrepid TEMPO correspondent attended). The procession from such genteel surroundings and through the bustling Hofstallgasse into the auditorium, in which bells were already chiming in the orchestral pit and sheep were standing patiently on stage, enacted one of the central themes of the opera: that of the passage from bourgeois respectability (and, let's be frank, privilege) into a world that is less predictable, less explicable.
Rett Syndrome: Review of Biological Abnormalities
Authors: Dunn Henry G. , MacLeod Patrick M.
Published: March 2017

The Rett syndrome (RS) is a peculiar, sporadic, atrophic disorder, almost entirely confined to females. After the first six months of life there is developmental slowing with reduced communication and head growth for about one year. This is followed by a rapid destructive stage with severe dementia and loss of hand skills (with frequent hand wringing), apraxia and ataxia, autistic features and irregular breathing with hyperventilation. Seizures often supervene. Subsequently there is some stabilization in a pseudo-stationary stage during the preschool to school years, associated with more emotional contact but also abnormalities of the autonomic and skeletal systems. After the age of 15-20 years, a late motor deterioration occurs with dystonia and frequent spasticity but seizures become milder. RS has generally been considered an X-linked disorder in which affected females represent a new mutation, with male lethality. Linkage studies suggested a critical region at Xq28. In 1999, mutations in the geneMECP2encoding X-linked methyl cytosine-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) were found in a proportion of Rett girls. This protein can bind methylated DNA. Analyses are leading to much further investigation of mutants and their effects on genes. Neuropathological and electrophysiological studies of RS are described. Description of neurometabolic factors includes reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in brain, also estimation of nerve growth factors, endorphin, substance P, glutamate and other amino acids and their receptor levels. The results of neuroimaging are surveyed, including volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).
Outpatient Craniotomy for Brain Tumor: A Pilot Feasibility Study in 46 Patients
Authors: Bernstein Mark
Published: March 2017

Background:

Since 1991 the author has routinely performed awake craniotomy for intra-axial brain tumors with low complication rate and low resource utilization. In late 1996 a pilot study was initiated to assess the feasibility of performing craniotomy for tumor resection as an outpatient procedure.

Methods:

A rigorous protocol was developed and adhered to, based around the patient's arrival at hospital at 6:00 a.m, undergoing image-guided awake craniotomy with cortical mapping, and being discharged by 6:00 p.m.

Results:

During the 48 month period from December 1996 to December 2000, 245 awake craniotomies were performed and of those, 46 patients were entered into the outpatient craniotomy protocol. Pathology in the 46 intent-to-treat group was: 21 metastasis, 19 glioma, and six miscellaneous. Four patients required conversion to inpatients and one patient was readmitted later the same evening due to headache. Thus 41/46 patients successfully completed the protocol (89%). There were five complications in the 46 intent-to-treat group (10.9%).

Conclusions:

Outpatient craniotomy for brain tumor is a feasible option which appears safe and effective for selected patients. Besides being resource-friendly, the procedure may be psychologically less traumatic to patients than standard craniotomy for brain tumor. Proper prospective studies including satisfaction surveys would help resolve these issues and will be the next step.
Intrauterine Wachstumsretardierung als lebenslanges Risiko für	das Kind
Authors: Burkhardt Tilo
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Epidemiologische sowie tierexperimentelle Studien erbrachten den Nachweis, dass ein zu niedriges Geburtsgewicht ein Risikofaktor für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen im Erwachsenenalter darstellt. Die Diagnose einer intrauterinen Wachstumsretardierung (IUGR) erfolgt vorgeburtlich mittels Ultraschall. Bei einem Neugeborenen ist die Differenzierung zwischen einer Wachstumsretardierung und einem konstitutionell kleinem Kind schwierig. Hierfür, wie auch für die pathophysiologische Verbindung zwischen einer IUGR und einer späteren kardiovaskulären Erkrankung, ist die Erforschung der physiologischen, endokrinen und morphologischen Anpassungen des Föten an eine Mangelversorgung essenziell.
Vom Schockraum-Management bis zur definitiven Versorgung in der	Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Neuhaus Valentin , Simmen Hans-Peter
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Versorgung von schwerverletzten Patienten stellt eine Hauptaufgabe der Unfallchirurgie dar. Aufgrund einer hohen Mortalität, insbesondere in den ersten 24 h nach Unfall, und Morbidität dieser Patienten ist initial ein gezieltes Vorgehen nach dem ABCDE-Algorithmus (ATLS®) notwendig. Nachdem lebensbedrohliche Verletzungen behandelt oder ausgeschlossen wurden, können weitere Verletzungen gesucht und therapiert werden. Das Timing und Ausmass dieser Therapien richtet sich nach pathophysiologischen Kriterien, den Verletzungen und den geplanten Eingriffen. Beim Vorliegen von negativen Prädiktoren sollte lediglich ein verkürztes operatives Vorgehen, sogenannte «damage control surgery», angewendet werden. Die definitive Versorgung erfolgt nach einer Phase der intensivmedizinischen Stabilisierung und Normalisierung der pathophysiologischen Werte (Körpertemperatur, pH, Gerinnung). Es folgt eine Anschlussbehandlung mit dem Ziel, den Patienten wieder möglichst gut in sein Leben zu integrieren.
Ancestry and demography and descendants of Iron Age nomads of the Eurasian Steppe
Authors: Unterländer Martina , Palstra Friso , Lazaridis Iosif , Pilipenko Aleksandr , Hofmanová Zuzana , Groß Melanie , Sell Christian , Blöcher Jens , Kirsanow Karola , Rohland Nadin , Rieger Benjamin , Kaiser Elke , Schier Wolfram , Pozdniakov Dimitri , Khokhlov Aleksandr , Georges Myriam , Wilde Sandra , Powell Adam , Heyer Evelyne , Currat Mathias , Reich David , Samashev Zainolla , Parzinger Hermann , Molodin Vyacheslav I. , Burger Joachim
Published: March 2017

During the 1st millennium before the Common Era (BCE), nomadic tribes associated with the Iron Age Scythian culture spread over the Eurasian Steppe, covering a territory of more than 3,500 km in breadth. To understand the demographic processes behind the spread of the Scythian culture, we analysed genomic data from eight individuals and a mitochondrial dataset of 96 individuals originating in eastern and western parts of the Eurasian Steppe. Genomic inference reveals that Scythians in the east and the west of the steppe zone can best be described as a mixture of Yamnaya-related ancestry and an East Asian component. Demographic modelling suggests independent origins for eastern and western groups with ongoing gene-flow between them, plausibly explaining the striking uniformity of their material culture. We also find evidence that significant gene-flow from east to west Eurasia must have occurred early during the Iron Age.
The pro-inflammatory signalling regulator Stat4 promotes vasculogenesis of great vessels derived from endothelial precursors
Authors: Meng Zhao-Zheng , Liu Wei , Xia Yu , Yin Hui-Min , Zhang Chi-Yuan , Su Dan , Yan Li-Feng , Gu Ai-Hua , Zhou Yong
Published: March 2017

Vasculogenic defects of great vessels (GVs) are a major cause of congenital cardiovascular diseases. However, genetic regulators of endothelial precursors in GV vasculogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we show that Stat4, a transcription factor known for its regulatory role of pro-inflammatory signalling, promotes GV vasculogenesis in zebrafish. We findstat4transcripts highly enriched innkx2.5+endothelial precursors in the pharynx and demonstrate that genetic ablation ofstat4causes stenosis of pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs) by suppressing PAAs 3–6 angioblast development. We further show thatstat4is a downstream target ofnkx2.5and that it autonomously promotes proliferation of endothelial precursors of the mesoderm. Mechanistically,stat4regulates the emerging PAA angioblasts by inhibiting the expression ofhdac3and counteracting the effect ofstat1a. Altogether, our study establishes a role for Stat4 in zebrafish great vessel development, and suggests that Stat4 may serve as a therapeutic target for GV defects.
Delayed entanglement echo for individual control of a large number of nuclear spins
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yu , Casanova Jorge , Plenio Martin B.
Published: March 2017

Methods to selectively detect and manipulate nuclear spins by single electrons of solid-state defects play a central role for quantum information processing and nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, with standard techniques, no more than eight nuclear spins have been resolved by a single defect centre. Here we develop a method that improves significantly the ability to detect, address and manipulate nuclear spins unambiguously and individually in a broad frequency band by using a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre as model system. On the basis of delayed entanglement control, a technique combining microwave and radio frequency fields, our method allows to selectively perform robust high-fidelity entangling gates between hardly resolved nuclear spins and the NV electron. Long-lived qubit memories can be naturally incorporated to our method for improved performance. The application of our ideas will increase the number of useful register qubits accessible to a defect centre and improve the signal of nanoscale NMR.
Strengthening North Pacific Influences on United States Temperature Variability
Authors: Schulte Justin A. , Lee Sukyoung
Published: March 2017

Changes in the frequency of occurrence of atmospheric circulation patterns under a changing climate system has important implications for regional climate variability. While many studies have focused on understanding the trends in the atmospheric pattern amplitudes and probabilities of occurrence, little attention has been given to how the linkages between climate variables and the large-scale patterns have been changing. Here we first document the strengthening relationship between an important North Pacific teleconnection - the East Pacific/North Pacific (EP/NP) pattern – and United States (US) temperature variability since the 1950s. The EP/NP pattern is linked to tropical convection, and consistently the coherence between US temperature anomalies and tropical convection anomalies has also been increasing during the same time period. This upward trend in convection-temperature alignment is most notable during autumn and winter and is absent during the summer. The relationship strengths and trends further suggest that the EP/NP pattern should be incorporated into monthly and seasonal outlooks that are of broad importance to agriculture, industry, and fisheries.
Elemental vs. phase composition of breast calcifications
Authors: Scott Robert , Kendall Catherine , Stone Nicholas , Rogers Keith
Published: March 2017

Despite the importance of calcifications in early detection of breast cancer, and their suggested role in modulating breast cancer cell behaviour, very little detail is known about their chemical composition or how this relates to pathology. We measured the elemental composition of calcifications contained within histological sections of breast tissue biopsies, and related this to both crystallographic parameters measured previously in the same specimens, and to the histopathology report. The Ca:P ratio is of particular interest since this theoretically has potential as a non-invasive aid to diagnosis; this was found to lie in a narrow range similar to bone, with no significant difference between benign and malignant. The Mg:Ca ratio is also of interest due to the observed association of magnesium whitlockite with malignancy. The initially surprising inverse correlation found between whitlockite fraction and magnesium concentration can be explained by the location of the magnesium in calcified tissue. Sodium was also measured, and we discovered a substantial and significant difference in Na:Ca ratio in the apatite phase between benign and malignant specimens. This has potential for revealing malignant changes in the vicinity of a core needle biopsy.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Prevented High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Improved Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Muratsu Jun , Iwabayashi Masaaki , Sanada Fumihiro , Taniyama Yoshiaki , Otsu Rei , Rakugi Hiromi , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: March 2017

Obesity and its associated chronic inflammation in adipose tissue initiate insulin resistance, which is related to several pathologies including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Previous reports demonstrated that circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) level was associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, its precise role in obesity and related-pathology is unclear. In this experiment, cardiac-specific over-expression of human HGF in mice (HGF-Tg mice) which showed 4–5 times higher serum HGF levels than wild-type mice were used. While body weight in wild-type mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks was significantly increased accompanied with insulin resistance, HGF-Tg mice prevented body weight gain and insulin resistance. The accumulation of macrophages and elevated levels of inflammatory mediators in adipose tissue were significantly inhibited in HGF-Tg mice as compared to wild-type mice. The HFD-induced obesity in wild-type mice treated with HGF-neutralizing antibody showed an exacerbated response to the glucose tolerance test. These gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that the elevated HGF level induced by HFD have protective role against obesity and insulin resistance.
An electrochemical method for sensitive and rapid detection of FAM134B protein in colon cancer samples
Authors: Islam Farhadul , Haque Md Hakimul , Yadav Sharda , Islam Md Nazmul , Gopalan Vinod , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Lam Alfred K. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: March 2017

Despite the excellent diagnostic applications of the current conventional immunoassay methods such as ELISA, immunostaining and Western blot for FAM134B detection, they are laborious, expensive and required a long turnaround time. Here, we report an electrochemical approach for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of FAM134B protein in biological (colon cancer cell extracts) and clinical (serum) samples. The approach utilises a differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in the presence of the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox system to quantify the FAM134B protein in a two-step strategy that involves (i) initial attachment of FAM134B antibody on the surface of extravidin-modified screen-printed carbon electrode, and (ii) subsequent detection of FAM134B protein present in the biological/clinical samples. The assay system was able to detect FAM134B protein at a concentration down to 10 pg μL−1 in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) with a good inter-assay reproducibility (% RSD = <8.64, n = 3). We found excellent sensitivity and specificity for the analysis of FAM134B protein in a panel of colon cancer cell lines and serum samples. Finally, the assay was further validated with ELISA method. We believe that our assay could potentially lead a low-cost alternative to conventional immunological assays for target antigens analysis in point-of-care applications.
Selection, Characterization and Application of Artificial DNA Aptamer Containing Appended Bases with Sub-nanomolar Affinity for a Salivary Biomarker
Authors: Minagawa Hirotaka , Onodera Kentaro , Fujita Hiroto , Sakamoto Taiichi , Akitomi Joe , Kaneko Naoto , Shiratori Ikuo , Kuwahara Masayasu , Horii Katsunori , Waga Iwao
Published: March 2017

We have attained a chemically modified DNA aptamer against salivary α-amylase (sAA), which attracts researchers’ attention as a useful biomarker for assessing human psychobiological and social behavioural processes, although high affinity aptamers have not been isolated from a random natural DNA library to date. For the selection, we used the base-appended base (BAB) modification, that is, a modified-base DNA library containing (E)-5-(2-(N-(2-(N6-adeninyl)ethyl))carbamylvinyl)-uracil in place of thymine. After eight rounds of selection, a 75 mer aptamer, AMYm1, which binds to sAA with extremely high affinity (Kd < 1 nM), was isolated. Furthermore, we have successfully determined the 36-mer minimum fragment, AMYm1-3, which retains target binding activity comparable to the full-length AMYm1, by surface plasmon resonance assays. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analysis indicated that the minimum fragment forms a specific stable conformation, whereas the predicted secondary structures were suggested to be disordered forms. Thus, DNA libraries with BAB-modifications can achieve more diverse conformations for fitness to various targets compared with natural DNA libraries, which is an important advantage for aptamer development. Furthermore, using AMYm1, a capillary gel electrophoresis assay and lateral flow assay with human saliva were conducted, and its feasibility was demonstrated.