bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entwicklung eines linearen Verbindungsdetails für Faltwerke aus Glas
Authors: Schranz Christian , Marinitsch Stefan
Published: December 2016

Faltwerke sind ein idealer Tragwerkstyp für den flächigen Baustoff Glas. Die hierfür notwendige linienförmige Verbindung stellt eine Herausforderung für die konstruktive Umsetzung dar. Aufbauend auf der Diskussion vorhandener Detaillösungen und daraus abgeleiteten Entwurfszielen wird im folgenden Beitrag der Entwicklungsprozess für ein experimentelles Verbindungsdetail skizziert. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Zusammenfassung der erreichten Eigenschaften.

Development of a linear connection detail for Folded Plate Structures in Glass. Folded plate structures seem an optimal structural typology for the flat and thin material glass. The required linear connection is a challenge for the joint design. Following a review of existing connection details and derived design objectives the development process for a new connection detail is outlined. The paper closes with a summary of the achieved characteristics.
Komplettcharakterisierung der winkelselektiven Photovoltaik‐Verglasung PVShade®
Authors: Wilson Helen Rose , Sprenger Wendelin , Fath Karoline , Erban Christof , Kuhn Tilmann E.
Published: December 2016

Seit Sommer 2013 bieten 15 m2 winkelselektive PVShade®‐Verglasungen im Brüstungsbereich eines Seminarraums am Fraunhofer‐Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE in Freiburg saisonalen Sonnenschutz und selektive Durchsicht und erzeugen Strom photovoltaisch (PV). Das PVShade®‐Element wurde von einem der Autoren erfunden und patentiert. Während mehrerer Forschungsprojekte wurden die technischen, energetischen und ökonomischen Eigenschaften dieser PV‐Verglasungen durch Messungen und modellbasierte Simulationsrechnungen umfassend untersucht. Zu den untersuchten Eigenschaften gehören der winkelabhängige Gesamtenergiedurchlassgrad (g‐Wert), der Wärmedurchgangskoeffizient (U‐Wert), die Eignung als absturzsichernde Verglasung, die Auswirkung der Verglasungen auf den Energiebedarf im Seminarraum, die Strom‐Spannungskennlinien der PV‐Module, der elektrische Ertrag der PV‐Anlage, die Temperaturentwicklung der PV‐Ebenen und die Lebenszykluskosten. In diesem Beitrag werden sowohl die Untersuchungsmethoden als auch Ergebnisse der verschiedenen Charakterisierungsansätze für diese besonderen Verglasungen jeweils kurz vorgestellt.

Multi‐Facetted Characterisation of Angle‐Selective Photovoltaic PVShade® Glazing. Since summer 2013, 15 m2 of angle‐selective PVShade® glazing in the spandrel zone of a seminar room at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg has provided seasonal solar control and selective visual contact and generated electricity photovoltaically (PV). The PVShade® element was invented and patented by one of the authors. Over the course of several research projects, the technical, energy‐relevant and economic properties of this PV glazing were comprehensively investigated by measurement and model‐based simulation. The investigated properties include its angle‐selective g value (solar heat gain coefficient SHGC), thermal transmittance (U value), fall‐arresting capability, effect on the energy demand for the seminar room, angle‐dependent current‐voltage curves of the PV modules, electricity yield of the PV system, temperature of the photovoltaic layer and life‐cycle costs. This paper briefly presents both the underlying methods and the results of different characterisation approaches as applied to this special type of PV glazing.
Leichte Elementfassade auf Holzbasis zur Modernisierung von Nichtwohnhäusern
Authors: Tywoniak Jan , Bureš Michal , Volf Martin , Hejtmánek Petr , Nováček Jiří , Lupíšek Antonín
Published: December 2016

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Entwicklung einer Systemlösung für den Ersatz alter nichttragender Außenwände der Nichtwohnbauten aus den sechziger und siebziger Jahren des 20. Jahrhunderts. Die Hauptidee war, ein vorgefertigtes Produkt zu entwickeln, das moderne Holzprodukte benutzt, um eine Alternative zu üblichen metallischen Systemen anzubieten. Das System der Vorhangfassade auf Passivhausniveau wurde erfolgreich getestet. Die Montage der geschosshohen Elemente verläuft ohne Gerüst mit nachträglicher Ergänzung durch eine Vorsatzschale von Innen. Eine Zusammenfassung der Eigenschaften, wie Wärmeschutz, Brandverhalten, Akustik, Dichtigkeit der Fugen, und erste Pilotprojekte werden präsentiert.

Wood Based Curtain Wall for Retrofit of Nonresidential Buildings. The paper deals with a development of system solution for replacement of old curtain walls at nonresidential buildings from 60ies and 70ies 20th century. The main idea was to develop a prefabricated system using modern wood products as an alternative to usual metallic solutions. The system of curtain wall at passive house level was successfully tested. The assembling of elements which are floor height doesn’t need scaffolding. From the interior side a drywall lining is added. An overview of properties concerning thermal performance, fire safety, acoustics, air‐ and water tightness is presented here.
Adhäsive Verbindungen für punktuelle Befestigungssysteme in Fassaden und Glastragwerken
Authors: Kothe Christiane , Kothe Michael , Wünsch Jan , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2016

Im Bauwesen werden im Konstruktiven Glasbau sowie im Beton‐, Stahl‐, Holz‐, Kunststoff‐ und Gleisbau lastabtragende Klebverbindungen teilweise erfolgreich eingesetzt. Die Technologie des adhäsiven Verbindens mittels geklebter Punkthalter ist aber, auch auf Grund des hohen administrativen und experimentellen Aufwands zur Erlangung einer Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE), wenig verbreitet. Geklebte Punkthaltersysteme und Beschläge stellen ihrerseits aber eine vorteilhafte Alternative zu bisher üblichen Lochleibungsverbindungen dar. Der Wegfall von Bohrungen führt neben einer Kostenersparnis beim Glas vor allem zu konstruktiven Erleichterungen. Generell entstehen bei geklebten Punkthaltern homogenere Spannungsverteilungen im Lasteinleitungsbereich. Weitere Vorteile geklebter punktueller Befestigungselemente bilden die Reduzierung von Verbindungselementen, die damit verbundene höherwertige Ästhetik und die Zunahme an gestalterischer Freiheit bei der Fassadenkonstruktion.

Adhesive joints for bonded point fixings in façades and glass structures. Load‐bearing adhesive connections are used partially successful in civil engineering in glass construction as well as in concrete, steel, wood or plastic and track construction. However, the technology of adhesive bonding by means of bonded point fixings, is not common due to the high administrative and experimental effort for obtaining an individual technical approval (ZiE). Adhesively bonded point fixings and fittings represents an advantageous alternative to conventional bearing connections. In addition to cost savings, the absence of boreholes especially causes constructive facilitation. Generally, a more homogeneous stress distribution in the load introduction area arises by using bonded point fixings. Further benefits of bonded fixings are the reduction of mechanical connection elements, associated higher‐quality aesthetics and an increase of creative freedom in façade design.
Systemische Individualität: Schüco Parametric System
Authors: Fuchs Andreas , Peters Stefan , Hans Oliver , Möhring Jörg
Published: December 2016

Kontinuierlicher Fortschritt im Bereich der digitalen Werkzeuge bietet Architekten und Fachingenieuren heute wachsende Möglichkeiten in der Entwicklung und Umsetzung von Gebäude‐ und Fassadenentwürfen. Geometrisch komplexe Formen werden damit in der Planung zunehmend vereinfacht. Durch die Schaffung von Verknüpfungen und Gesetzmäßigkeiten zwischen einzelnen Entwurfselementen oder ganzen Fassadenbereichen lassen sich Änderungen im virtuellen Modell leichter und schneller umsetzen. Die Realisierung wird jedoch oft von Schnittstellenproblemen und aufwendigen Sonderlösungen geprägt. Mit dem “Parametric System“ wurden diese Probleme durch Entwicklung eines variablen Rahmensystems, einer geschlossenen digitalen und konstruktiven Prozesskette, einer parametrisierten Systemstatik und der “mass customization“ von Systemkomponenten gelöst.

Systemic Individuality: Schüco Parametric System. Steady progress in the field of digital tools provides architects and engineering specialists with growing opportunities in the development and implementation of building and façade designs. Geometrically complex shapes are increasingly simplified in the planning process. By creating links and regularities between individual design elements or entire facade areas, changes in the virtual model can be implemented more quickly and easily. The implementation however, is often characterized by interface problems and complex special solutions. These problems are addressed with the “Parametric System“, by developing a variable frame system, a closed digital and constructive process chain, parametric structural analysis and the “mass customization“ of system components.
Tragverhalten von ESG‐Verbundsicherheitsglas mit PVB‐Folie und SentryGlas® Ionoplast
Authors: Koll Bernhard , Hiss Stefan , Stelzer Ingo , Singh Malvinder
Published: December 2016

Verbundsicherheitsglas gewinnt im konstruktiven Glasbau immer mehr an Bedeutung. Immer komplexere Glasstrukturen in der Gebäudehülle verbunden mit aufwendigen Montage‐ und Halterungssystemen bedingen Verbundsicherheitsglas‐Folien mit größerer Struktursteifigkeit und verbessertem Schubmodul. Anhand von VSG‐Glasaufbauten mit ESG werden Ergebnisse von Penetrationstests und das Resttragverhalten in Abhängigkeit von der Zwischenschicht‐Folie und der Temperatur gezeigt und diskutiert.

Structural behavior of ESG‐laminated safety glass with PVB sheet and SentryGlas® Ionoplast. Laminated Safety Glass is more and more used as element in building glass constructions. Complex glass in the building skin combined with extensive assembly and mounting systems account for laminated glass interlayers with higher stiffness and improved shear strength. On the basis of tempered laminated safety glass results of penetration tests and residual load strength are shown dependant on interlayer type and testing temperature.
“Girasole“ – die Sonnenblume – Gebäudehülle der neuen Zentrale der Schweizer SBB in Bern‐Wankdorf/CH
Authors: Panneck Bianca , Hoymann Stefan
Published: December 2016

Der Neubau des Hauptsitzes der Schweizerischen Bundesbahnen SBB in Bern ist eine Glanzleistung zeitgemäßer Architektur mit vielen nützlichen und wegweisenden technischen Extras “Made in Switzerland“. Gleich auf den ersten Blick fällt das neuartige Fassadensystem aus verschiedenen farbigen Glaslamellen ins Auge, das von der Colt International GmbH entwickelt wurde. In einem Gesamtleistungswettbewerb wurden sowohl die Architekten als auch der Totalunternehmer in einem einzigen Verfahren ausgewählt. Gewinner des Verfahrens waren die Anliker AG aus Emmenbrücke als Generalunternehmerin und Lussi Halter Architekten aus Luzern. Zur Berechnung der bauphysikalischen Kennwerte für das Fassadensystem wurde das Ingenieurbüro für Bauphysik, Glas‐, Fenster‐ und Fassadenbau Buri Müller Partner GmbH aus Burgdorf als technische Spezialfirma einbezogen.

“Girasole” − the sunflower − building envelope of the new headquarters of the Swiss SBB in Bern‐Wankdorf / CH. The new headquarter of Swiss Federal Railways SBB in Bern called “Girasole” is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Advanced technical solutions indicate the building envelope’s standard as “Made in Switzerland”. Colt International GmbH developed an eye‐catching façade system of different coloured glass blades. In a single competition, both the architects and the general contractor were selected. The jury awarded the Anliker AG from Emmenbrücke as general contractor and Lussi Halter Architekten from Lucerne to realize SBB’s headquarter. In addition, the office Buri Müller Partner GmbH from Burgdorf was involved as specialized engineers to calculate the structural‐physical characteristics of the façade system.
Pavillon mit aussteifender Holz‐Glas‐Verbundfassade
Authors: Nicklisch Felix , Hernández Sebastián , Schlehlein Maximilian , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2016

Holz‐Glas‐Verbundelemente gehören zu den neuen Entwicklungen im Glasbau. Mit dieser Bauweise, bei der Glas umlaufend mit einer Unterkonstruktion aus Holz verklebt wird, lassen sich bisher ungenutzte Tragpotenziale von Verglasungen zur Aussteifung von Gebäuden nutzen. Im Rahmen eines transnationalen Forschungsprojektes entstanden vielversprechenden Ansätze zur Anwendung dieser Elemente in Fassaden. Zur Demonstration und technischen Erprobung der entwickelten Lösungen wurde ein Pavillon realisiert. In diesem Versuchsobjekt werden zum ersten Mal die untersuchten, 2,40 x 2,40 m großen Fassadenelemente eingesetzt. Der Beitrag berichtet über die Versuche, die vor der Realisierung notwendig waren sowie über die Detailplanung und Ausführung des Vorhabens.

Pavillion with a load‐bearing timber‐glass composite façade. Load‐bearing timber‐glass composite elements belong to novel developments in the field of structural glass. Composite action is achieved by adhesively bonding the glass pane onto a timber substructure. Recent research works focus on shear walls in the building envelope. Glazing in façades and outer walls could contribute to the bracing of the structure or the stabilization of the façade itself. The paper presents a feasibility study of such timber‐glass composite elements with a size of approximately 2.40 x 2.40 m. Their full potential arises from the use of an adhesive of medium stiffness which exhibits rather small deformations compared to e.g. structural silicones. The performance of the components was assessed in several experiments. This work also aims at solving the main construction details of the application of such elements as a façade. Special attention has been taken into solving water and air tightness, and to reduce thermal bridges.
Bemessung sphärisch gebogener Isolierglasscheiben am Beispiel des Kasachstan – Pavillons der Expo 2017
Authors: Heinze Lisa , Baitinger Mascha , Wolkowicz Christian
Published: December 2016

Im Rahmen der Expo 2017 in Kasachstan wird im Mittelpunkt des Expo Geländes der Kasachstan – Pavillon, die “Sphäre“, errichtet. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Glas‐Stahl‐Konstruktion in Form einer Kugel mit einem Durchmesser von rund 80 m. Aufgrund der Kugelform liegen hier sphärisch gebogene, trapezoidale Isolierverglasungen vor. Um dem architektonischen Anspruch Folge zu leisten, werden die Gläser als Structural‐Glazing‐Verglasung mit Togglen im Randverbund ausgeführt. Die Herausforderung der Glasbemessung bestand darin, ein geeignetes Bemessungskonzept zu finden, welches zum einen diese komplexen Randbedingungen hinreichend genau und vollständig berücksichtigt und zum anderen zu einer wirtschaftlichen und konstruktiv umsetzbaren Lösung führt.

Calculation of spheric bended insulated glazing units for the Kazakhstan – pavilion, Expo 2017. For the Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan, the pavilion of the country Kazakhstan, named “The Sphere” is built in the middle of the Expo ‐ area. The pavilion is a steel – glass construction in shape of a sphere with a diameter of 80 m. Due to the shape of the sphere the insulated glazing units (IGU) are executed as spherical bended, trapezoidal glasses. In order to satisfy the architectural requirements, the IGU is executed as a structural glazing façade with mechanical fasteners (toggles) in the outer edge sealing. The challenge of the glass dimensioning was, to define a suitable design concept, which, on one hand, considers the complex boundary conditions in a sufficient way and, on the other hand, leads to an economic and structurally realizable solution.
Transparenz − Wohin mit den Kräften am Beispiel Columbia University Medical School
Authors: Schmitt Felix
Published: December 2016

Im Norden von Manhattan entsteht derzeit für die Columbia University ein neues Schulgebäude der medizinischen Fakultät (CUMC). Das renommierte Design Studio “Diller Scofidio Renfro“ wurde dabei für die Gebäudeplanung beauftragt und erzielte mit dem Entwurf große Beachtung. Für die Planung der Fassaden des Gebäudes wurde die Firma Josef Gartner GmbH in der Design‐Phase eingebunden, um die Vorstellungen der Architekten umzusetzen. Neben den Vorhangfassaden aus Aluminium im Schulungsbereich ist die komplette Südseite über 14 Stockwerke als transparente Glasschwert‐Fassade ausgebildet. Projektspezifische Anforderungen verursachen hier bei der Planung ganz neue Überlegungen, wie man die Kräfte und Gebäudeverformungen unter Einhaltung der Transparenz umsetzen kann. Hierzu wurden Lösungen zu Problemen wie z.B. unterschiedliche Langzeitverformungen der vorgespannten Betondecken, Abtragung der Glaseigengewichte über die Glasschwerter, Aufnahme von Windsoglasten in den Gebäudeecken entwickelt.

Transparency – Find the load paths taking the example of Columbia University Medical School. In Northern Manhattan, the construction of a new 14‐story state‐of‐the‐art education building for the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) is underway. The design was led by the renowned design studio Diller Scofidio Renfro. The northern side of the building with the classrooms and offices consists of an aluminum curtain wall, whereas the complete southern part, the so‐called “Cascade”, is a highly transparent façade consisting of a glass wall that is supported by glass fins without steel mullions. During design phase, Josef Gartner GmbH, responsible for the glass fin wall, supported the façade planning so that the design intent of the architect could be realized. Project specific requirements on how to realize the forces and building deflections while keeping the requested transparency were new challenges during the planning phase. Solutions were elaborated for e.g. different long‐term deflections of the concrete structure, transfer of the glass dead load via the glass fins and transfer of the load from wind suction in the building corners.
Effect of enrichment with stabilized rice bran and extrusion process on gelatinization and retrogradation properties of rice starch
Authors: Wang Peng , Fu Yu , Wang Lijuan , Saleh Ahmed S.M. , Cao Huiying , Xiao Zhigang
Published: December 2016

Rice starch (RS) and blend of rice starch with 10% w/w of stabilized rice bran (SRB) were subjected to extrusion process in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. The effect of SRB addition and extrusion on gelatinization and retrogradation properties of RS was investigated. The results obtained from the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in viscosity of the extruded RS compared to the untreated RS. In addition, the viscosity was more decreased after enrichment of RS with SRB and extrusion. A similar decrease trend in gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHgel) of RS was also observed from data of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). On the other hand, the enrichment with SRB and extrusion led to significant changes in the crystalline structure of RS as observed from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the enrichment with SRB and extrusion generated a fibrous and porous structured starch gel with lower retrogradation rate, higher water‐holding capacity, and less syneresis during storage at 4°C for 7 days. Therefore, SRB can be recommended as functional food ingredient for enrichment and producing rice starch‐based extruded snacks and ready‐to‐eat food products.
Effects of high‐temperature air fluidization (HTAF) on eating quality, digestibility, and antioxidant activity of black rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Li Yongfu , Teng Fei , Shi Feng , Wang Li , Chen Zhengxing
Published: December 2016

Phytochemical‐rich black rice provides health benefits but is not consumed widely because of its poor eating quality. In this study, high‐temperature air fluidization (HTAF) was used to improve the eating quality of black rice. The changes in its digestibility and antioxidant activity were also investigated. Fissures appeared on HTAF‐treated black rice, and partial starch gelatinization took place. The thermal and pasting properties of black rice starch significantly improved due to the amylose–lipid complex that formed during starch gelatinization; this contributed to the improvement of the eating quality of black rice. In addition, the cooked HTAF‐treated black rice showed a lower hardness (748.30 g) and a higher sensory comprehensive score (77.37) than cooked untreated black rice (1320.66 g and 57.09, respectively). Most importantly, HTAF treatment significantly decreased rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) and increased resistant starch (RS) in black rice. The glycemic index (GI) of black rice was reduced from 88.60 to 85.49, but the antioxidant activity did not significantly decrease.
A new decoupling method for double‐circuit transmission lines with asymmetrical parameters
Authors: Fan Chunju , Xu Kan , Liu Qi
Published: December 2016

The six‐sequence component method is widely used in short‐circuit calculation of double‐circuit lines. However, this method can be used to decouple only two parallel transmission lines whose parameters are exactly the same. In this paper, a new sequence component method is introduced to deal with the lines whose parameters are not exactly the same. Mutual impedances between phases of the same line are decoupled first, and then the zero‐sequence mutual impedances between different lines are decoupled. Six new independent components are obtained after decoupling. System impedances are modified based on the relationship between voltages and currents of the new sequence components and the traditional sequence components. According to the boundary conditions of the faults, the characteristics of new sequence components are studied, and the corresponding sequence networks are discussed. According to the combined sequence network, new sequence currents can be calculated, and the phase currents can be obtained easily from the new sequence currents by a transformation matrix. PSCAD simulation results demonstrate that the short‐circuit calculation method proposed in this paper is appropriate and practical to deal with the two parallel transmission lines with different parameters and partially coupled transmission lines. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Facial expression recognition based on multi‐regional D–S evidences theory fusion
Authors: Huang Zhong , Ren Fuji
Published: December 2016

To achieve decision‐level fusion of multi‐regional features and highlight the credibility of different regional evidences, a facial expression recognition method based on multi‐regional evidence fusion is proposed. A block histogram of gradient Gabor features in three regions, namely eyebrows, eyes, and mouth, is extracted from a facial image and regarded as evidence in expression classification. Then, category membership and regional contribution are solved with the region‐weighted semisupervised fuzzy c‐means clustering algorithm to construct initial basic probability assignment (BPA) and emphasize the importance of different evidences, respectively. The initial BPA of evidence is further reassigned by combining region contribution and evidence supportability to reduce evidential conflict. Finally, the final decision‐level fusion of multi‐regional evidences is obtained based on the Dempster–Shafer (D–S) combination rule. The experimental results for the Cohn–Kanade expression database show that the BPA construction method based on category‐membership degree and the reassignment strategy based on region contribution and evidence supportability improves the recognition rate and maintains good robustness for all types of expressions. Compared with existing decision‐level fusion strategies and classification methods, the proposed recognition framework based on D–S evidences theory has the advantages in recognition performance and reliability, particularly in increasing the recognition rate for expressions that are difficult to distinguish, such as fear, sadness, and disgust. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel hybrid fix‐LLL lattice reduction algorithm for MIMO detection system
Authors: Lv Huazhang , Li Jianping
Published: December 2016

Lenstra–Lenstra–Lovász (LLL) is an effective lattice reduction algorithm for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, which was considered to achieve full diversity in the MIMO fading channel. In the LLL algorithm, size reduction is performed for pairs of consecutive basis vectors, and the concern of numerical stability is raised. However, the whole complexity of the LLL algorithm is of polynomial order, and its characteristics of the convergence perform poor in MIMO system. In this paper, a variant version, named the novel hybrid algorithm, which combines both fix measurement and round measurement, is proposed. By modifying the iteration criterion and choosing proper values of the parameters, the algorithm has a large probability to skip the size reduction and cause a faster convergence, It means in one algorithm iteration the LLL potential can be reduced as much as possible. Also, the performance bound derived by the proximity factor shows that the hybrid LLL has a minor performance loss compared to the LLL algorithm. As a direct consequence, in simulation results, the hybrid LLL algorithm can make a better compromise between the rate of convergence, complexity of the algorithm, and algorithmic performance. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prediction of two‐dimensional materials by the global optimization approach
Authors: Gu Teng , Luo Wei , Xiang Hongjun
Published: December 2016

Crystal structure prediction is one of the most fundamental challenges in the physics and chemistry sciences. In recent years, this problem has gained much practical success by the global optimization approach. Here, we survey some recent progress in finding the global minimum of two‐dimensional (2D) materials, and introduce some details of these global optimization approach. Then, we will give some typical examples to demonstrate their advantages for 2D crystal structure prediction. Finally, the future directions and challenges are briefly discussed. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1295. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1295

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Primate empathy: three factors and their combinations for empathy‐related phenomena
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya
Published: December 2016

Empathy as a research topic is receiving increasing attention, although there seems some confusion on the definition of empathy across different fields. Frans de Waal (de Waal FBM. Putting the altruism back into altruism: the evolution of empathy. Annu Rev Psychol 2008, 59:279–300. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.59.103006.093625) used empathy as an umbrella term and proposed a comprehensive model for the evolution of empathy with some of its basic elements in nonhuman animals. In de Waal's model, empathy consists of several layers distinguished by required cognitive levels; the perception‐action mechanism plays the core role for connecting ourself and others. Then, human‐like empathy such as perspective‐taking develops in outer layers according to cognitive sophistication, leading to prosocial acts such as targeted helping. I agree that animals demonstrate many empathy‐related phenomena; however, the species differences and the level of cognitive sophistication of the phenomena might be interpreted in another way than this simple linearly developing model. Our recent studies with chimpanzees showed that their perspective‐taking ability does not necessarily lead to proactive helping behavior. Herein, as a springboard for further studies, I reorganize the empathy‐related phenomena by proposing a combination model instead of the linear development model. This combination model is composed of three organizing factors: matching with others, understanding of others, and prosociality. With these three factors and their combinations, most empathy‐related matters can be categorized and mapped to appropriate context; this may be a good first step to discuss the evolution of empathy in relation to the neural connections in human and nonhuman animal brains. I would like to propose further comparative studies, especially from the viewpoint of Homo‐Pan (chimpanzee and bonobo) comparison. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1431. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1431

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Comparative Psychology

Neuroscience > Cognition
Medical students’ perceptions of the patient-centredness of the learning environment
Authors: Wilcox Mark V. , Orlando Megan S. , Rand Cynthia S. , Record Janet , Christmas Colleen , Ziegelstein Roy C. , Hanyok Laura A.
Published: December 2016

Background Patient-centred care is an important aspect of quality health care. The learning environment may impact medical students’ adoption of patient-centred behaviours.

Methods All medical students at a single institution received an anonymous, modified version of the Communication, Curriculum, and Culture instrument that measures patient-centredness in the training environment along three domains: role modelling, students’ experience, and support for patient-centred behaviours. We compared domain scores and individual items by class year and gender, and qualitatively analyzed responses to two additional items that asked students to describe experiences that demonstrated varying degrees of patient-centredness.

Results Year 1 and 2 students reported greater patient-centredness than year 3 and 4 students in each domain: role modelling (p = 0.03), students’ experience (p = <0.001), and support for patient-centred behaviours (p < 0.001). Female students reported less support for patient-centred behaviours compared with male students (p = 0.03). Qualitative analysis revealed that explicit patient-centred curricula and positive role modelling fostered patient-centredness. Themes relating to low degrees of patient-centredness included negative role modelling and students being discouraged from being patient-centred.

Conclusions Students’ perceptions of the patient-centredness of the learning environment decreased as students progressed through medical school, despite increasing exposure to patients. Qualitative analysis found that explicit patient-centred curricula cultivated patient-centred attitudes. Role modelling impacted student perceptions of patient-centredness within the learning environment.
Age at menarche predicts age at onset of major affective and anxiety disorders
Authors: Tondo L. , Pinna M. , Serra G. , De Chiara L. , Baldessarini R.J.
Published: December 2016

Background

Menarche age has been associated inconsistently with the occurrence, timing or severity of major depressive disorder (MDD), but rarely studied in women with bipolar (BDs) or anxiety disorders.

Methods

We investigated women patients at a Sardinian mood disorder center for associations of age at menarche with age at illness onset for major affective or anxiety disorders, year of birth, and other selected factors, using bivariate comparisons and multivariate regression modeling.

Results

Among women (n = 1139) with DSM-IV MDD (n = 557), BD-I (n = 223), BD-II (n = 178), or anxiety disorders (n = 181), born in 1904–1998, of mean age 42.9 years, menarche age averaged 12.8 [CI: 12.7–12.9] years. Illness onset age averaged 30.9 [30.1–31.8] years, ranking: BD-I, 25.8; anxiety disorders, 28.0; BD-II, 30.3; MDD, 34.1 years. Menarche age declined secularly over birth years, and was associated with younger illness-onset, having no or fewer siblings, more psychiatrically ill first-degree relatives, living in rural environments, being suicidal, substance abuse, and being unemployed. Earlier menarche and earlier illness-onset were significantly associated for onset age groups of ≤ 20, 20–39, and > 40 years. Menarche age versus diagnosis ranked: BD-II < BD-I < anxiety disorders < MDD.

Conclusions

Age at menarche in Sardinia, as elsewhere, has declined over the past decades. It was strongly associated with age at onset of bipolar and anxiety, as well as major depressive disorders across the age range, suggesting sustained effects of biological maturational factors.
A gene expression inflammatory signature specifically predicts multiple myeloma evolution and patients survival
Authors: Botta C , Di Martino M T , Ciliberto D , Cucè M , Correale P , Rossi M , Tagliaferri P , Tassone P
Published: December 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is closely dependent on cross-talk between malignant plasma cells and cellular components of the inflammatory/immunosuppressive bone marrow milieu, which promotes disease progression, drug resistance, neo-angiogenesis, bone destruction and immune-impairment. We investigated the relevance of inflammatory genes in predicting disease evolution and patient survival. A bioinformatics study by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis on gene expression profiling dataset of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smoldering and symptomatic-MM, identified inflammatory and cytokine/chemokine pathways as the most progressively affected during disease evolution. We then selected 20 candidate genes involved in B-cell inflammation and we investigated their role in predicting clinical outcome, through univariate and multivariate analyses (log-rank test, logistic regression and Cox-regression model). We defined an 8-genes signature (IL8, IL10, IL17A, CCL3, CCL5, VEGFA, EBI3 and NOS2) identifying each condition (MGUS/smoldering/symptomatic-MM) with 84% accuracy. Moreover, six genes (IFNG, IL2, LTA, CCL2, VEGFA, CCL3) were found independently correlated with patients’ survival. Patients whose MM cells expressed high levels of Th1 cytokines (IFNG/LTA/IL2/CCL2) and low levels of CCL3 and VEGFA, experienced the longest survival. On these six genes, we built a prognostic risk score that was validated in three additional independent datasets. In this study, we provide proof-of-concept that inflammation has a critical role in MM patient progression and survival. The inflammatory-gene prognostic signature validated in different datasets clearly indicates novel opportunities for personalized anti-MM treatment.
Dengue virus antibodies enhance Zika virus infection
Authors: Paul Lauren M , Carlin Eric R , Jenkins Meagan M , Tan Amanda L , Barcellona Carolyn M , Nicholson Cindo O , Michael Scott F , Isern Sharon
Published: December 2016

For decades, human infections with Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito‐transmitted flavivirus, were sporadic, associated with mild disease, and went underreported since symptoms were similar to other acute febrile diseases. Recent reports of severe disease associated with ZIKV have greatly heightened awareness. It is anticipated that ZIKV will continue to spread in the Americas and globally where competent Aedes mosquito vectors are found. Dengue virus (DENV), the most common mosquito‐transmitted human flavivirus, is both well‐established and the source of outbreaks in areas of recent ZIKV introduction. DENV and ZIKV are closely related, resulting in substantial antigenic overlap. Through antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE), anti‐DENV antibodies can enhance the infectivity of DENV for certain classes of immune cells, causing increased viral production that correlates with severe disease outcomes. Similarly, ZIKV has been shown to undergo ADE in response to antibodies generated by other flaviviruses. We tested the neutralizing and enhancing potential of well‐characterized broadly neutralizing human anti‐DENV monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) and human DENV immune sera against ZIKV using neutralization and ADE assays. We show that anti‐DENV HMAbs, cross‐react, do not neutralize, and greatly enhance ZIKV infection in vitro. DENV immune sera had varying degrees of neutralization against ZIKV and similarly enhanced ZIKV infection. Our results suggest that pre‐existing DENV immunity may enhance ZIKV infection in vivo and may lead to increased disease severity. Understanding the interplay between ZIKV and DENV will be critical in informing public health responses and will be particularly valuable for ZIKV and DENV vaccine design and implementation strategies.
Immunopathogenesis of granulomas in chronic autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Timmermans Wilhelmina Maria Cornelia , van Laar Jan Alexander Michael , van Hagen Petrus Martinus , van Zelm Menno Cornelis
Published: December 2016

Granulomas are clusters of immune cells. These structures can be formed in reaction to infection and display signs of necrosis, such as in tuberculosis. Alternatively, in several immune disorders, such as sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease and common variable immunodeficiency, non‐caseating granulomas are formed without an obvious infectious trigger. Despite advances in our understanding of the human immune system, the pathogenesis underlying these non‐caseating granulomas in chronic inflammatory diseases is still poorly understood. Here, we review the current knowledge about the immunopathogenesis of granulomas, and we discuss how the involved immune cells can be targeted with novel therapeutics.
Electron energy-loss spectroscopy of branched gap plasmon resonators
Authors: Raza Søren , Esfandyarpour Majid , Koh Ai Leen , Mortensen N. Asger , Brongersma Mark L. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: December 2016

The miniaturization of integrated optical circuits below the diffraction limit for high-speed manipulation of information is one of the cornerstones in plasmonics research. By coupling to surface plasmons supported on nanostructured metallic surfaces, light can be confined to the nanoscale, enabling the potential interface to electronic circuits. In particular, gap surface plasmons propagating in an air gap sandwiched between metal layers have shown extraordinary mode confinement with significant propagation length. In this work, we unveil the optical properties of gap surface plasmons in silver nanoslot structures with widths of only 25 nm. We fabricate linear, branched and cross-shaped nanoslot waveguide components, which all support resonances due to interference of counter-propagating gap plasmons. By exploiting the superior spatial resolution of a scanning transmission electron microscope combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we experimentally show the propagation, bending and splitting of slot gap plasmons.
GALNT14 promotes lung-specific breast cancer metastasis by modulating self-renewal and interaction with the lung microenvironment
Authors: Song Ki-Hoon , Park Mi So , Nandu Tulip S. , Gadad Shrikanth , Kim Sang-Cheol , Kim Mi-Young
Published: December 2016

Some polypeptide N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferases (GALNTs) are associated with cancer, but their function in organ-specific metastasis remains unclear. Here, we report that GALNT14 promotes breast cancer metastasis to the lung by enhancing the initiation of metastatic colonies as well as their subsequent growth into overt metastases. Our results suggest that GALNT14 augments the self-renewal properties of breast cancer cells (BCCs). Furthermore, GALNT14 overcomes the inhibitory effect of lung-derived bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) on self-renewal and therefore facilitates metastasis initiation within the lung microenvironment. In addition, GALNT14 supports continuous growth of BCCs in the lung by not only inducing macrophage infiltration but also exploiting macrophage-derived fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Finally, we identify KRAS-PI3K-c-JUN signalling as an upstream pathway that accounts for the elevated expression of GALNT14 in lung-metastatic BCCs. Collectively, our findings uncover an unprecedented role for GALNT14 in the pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Release of Plasmodium sporozoites requires proteins with histone-fold dimerization domains
Authors: Currà Chiara , Gessmann Renate , Pace Tomasino , Picci Leonardo , Peruzzi Giulia , Varamogianni-Mamatsi Vassiliki , Spanos Lefteris , Garcia Célia R. S. , Spaccapelo Roberta , Ponzi Marta , Siden-Kiamos Inga
Published: December 2016

The sporozoite, the stage of the malaria parasite transmitted by the mosquito, first develops for ∼2 weeks in an oocyst. Rupture of the oocyst capsule is required for release of sporozoites, which then transfer to the salivary gland where they are injected into a new host. Here we identify two parasite proteins that we call oocyst rupture proteins 1 (ORP1) and ORP2. These proteins have a histone-fold domain (HFD) that promotes heterodimer formation in the oocyst capsule at the time of rupture. Oocyst rupture is prevented in mutants lacking either protein. Mutational analysis confirms the HFD as essential for ORP1 and ORP2 function, and heterodimer formation was verified in vitro. These two proteins are potential targets for blocking transmission of the parasite in the mosquito.
Enhanced stability of freestanding lipid bilayer and its stability criteria
Authors: Jeong Dae-Woong , Jang Hyunwoo , Choi Siyoung Q. , Choi Myung Chul
Published: December 2016

We present a new strategy to dramatically enhance the stability of freestanding lipid bilayers. We found that an addition of a water in oil emulsion stabilizer, SPAN 80 to a solvent phase guarantees nearly millimeter-scale stable freestanding lipid bilayers. The water permeability, bilayer area, contact angle, and interfacial tension were measured as a function of time and SPAN 80-to-lipid weight ratio (ΦSPAN 80) with several different solvents. Surprisingly, the SPAN 80, instead of remaining in the bilayer, was moved out of the bilayer during the bilayer formation. Also we studied the effect of solvent on freestanding bilayer formation, and found that squalene was the only solvent that was not incorporated into the bilayer. The regime of stable bilayer formation was experimentally determined to be 3/1 < ΦSPAN 80 < 15/1, and we suggest general stability criteria for bilayer formation. This technique and the suggested stability criteria can be potentially helpful to many model membrane-based researches in life sciences, physical sciences and biomedical engineering fields.
Phosphorylation of SKAP by GSK3β ensures chromosome segregation by a temporal inhibition of Kif2b activity
Authors: Qin Bo , Cao Dan , Wu Huihui , Mo Fei , Shao Hengyi , Chu Jane , Powell Michael , Aikhionbare Felix , Wang Dongmei , Fu Chuanhai , He Ping , Pan Weijun , Wang Wenwen , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao
Published: December 2016

Chromosome segregation in mitosis is orchestrated by the dynamic interactions between the kinetochore and spindle microtubules. Our recent study shows SKAP is an EB1-dependent, microtubule plus-end tracking protein essential for kinetochore oscillations during mitosis. Here we show that phosphorylation of SKAP by GSK3β regulates Kif2b depolymerase activity by competing Kif2b for microtubule plus-end binding. SKAP is a bona fide substrate of GSK3β in vitro and the phosphorylation is essential for an accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachment in cells. The GSK3β-elicited phosphorylation sites were mapped by mass spectrometry and the phosphomimetic mutant of SKAP can rescue the phenotype of chromosome missegregation in SKAP-suppressed cells. Importantly, GSK3β-elicited phosphorylation promotes SKAP binding to Kif2b to regulate its depolymerase activity at the microtubule plus-ends. Based on those findings, we reason that GSK3β-SKAP-Kif2b signaling axis constitutes a dynamic link between spindle microtubule plus-ends and mitotic chromosomes to achieve faithful cell division.
A dissociation between consolidated perceptual learning and sensory adaptation in vision
Authors: Censor Nitzan , Harris Hila , Sagi Dov
Published: December 2016

Perceptual learning refers to improvement in perception thresholds with practice, however, extended training sessions show reduced performance during training, interfering with learning. These effects were taken to indicate a tight link between sensory adaptation and learning. Here we show a dissociation between adaptation and consolidated learning. Participants trained with a texture discrimination task, in which visual processing time is limited by a temporal target-to-mask window defined as the Stimulus-Onset-Asynchrony (SOA). An initial training phase, previously shown to produce efficient learning, was followed by training structures with varying numbers of SOAs. Largest interference with learning was found in structures containing the largest SOA density, when SOA was gradually decreased. When SOAs were largely kept unchanged, learning was effective. All training structures yielded the same within-session performance reduction, as expected from sensory adaptation. The results point to a dissociation between within-day effects, which depend on the number of trials per se regardless of their temporal structure, and consolidation effects observed on the following day, which were mediated by the temporal structure of practice. These results add a new dimension to consolidation in perceptual learning, suggesting that the degree of its effectiveness depends on variations in temporal properties of the visual stimuli.
Lateral optical binding between two colloidal particles
Authors: Wei Ming-Tzo , Ng Jack , Chan C. T. , Ou-Yang H. Daniel
Published: December 2016

An optical binding force between two nearby colloidal particles trapped by two coherent laser beams is measured by phase-sensitive detection. The binding force is long-range and spatially oscillatory. For identical linearly-polarized incident beams, the oscillation period is equal to the optical wavelength. For mutually perpendicular polarizations, a new force appears with half-wavelength periodicity, caused by double inter-particle scattering. This force is observable only with cross-polarized incident beams, for which the stronger single-scattering forces are forbidden by parity.
Pan- and core- network analysis of co-expression genes in a model plant
Authors: He Fei , Maslov Sergei
Published: December 2016

Genome-wide gene expression experiments have been performed using the model plant Arabidopsis during the last decade. Some studies involved construction of coexpression networks, a popular technique used to identify groups of co-regulated genes, to infer unknown gene functions. One approach is to construct a single coexpression network by combining multiple expression datasets generated in different labs. We advocate a complementary approach in which we construct a large collection of 134 coexpression networks based on expression datasets reported in individual publications. To this end we reanalyzed public expression data. To describe this collection of networks we introduced concepts of ‘pan-network’ and ‘core-network’ representing union and intersection between a sizeable fractions of individual networks, respectively. We showed that these two types of networks are different both in terms of their topology and biological function of interacting genes. For example, the modules of the pan-network are enriched in regulatory and signaling functions, while the modules of the core-network tend to include components of large macromolecular complexes such as ribosomes and photosynthetic machinery. Our analysis is aimed to help the plant research community to better explore the information contained within the existing vast collection of gene expression data in Arabidopsis.