bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aqueous fractionation of hardwood: selective glucuronoxylan solubilisation and purification of the reaction products
Authors: Rivas Sandra , Santos Valentín , Parajó Juan Carlos
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The solubilisation of hardwood glucuronoxylan using hot, compressed water is an environmentally friendly technology for biorefineries. Upon processing, most cellulose and lignin remain in the solid phase and can be further separated, enabling the integral benefit of the feedstock.

RESULTS

The combined effects of time and temperature on the aqueous, non‐isothermal processing of Betula alba wood have been assessed in selected experiments. Operating at temperatures within the range 190–230 °C, sugars and higher saccharides derived from glucuronoxylan were the major reaction products, whereas cellulose and lignin were scarcely affected. Refining treatments by membranes and ion‐exchange resulted in mixtures of partially acetylated, acidic oligo‐ and polysaccharides made up of xylose.

CONCLUSION

The processing scheme proposed in this work enabled the production of separate streams containing substituted hemicellulosic saccharides with different average polymerisation degrees, which show potential as co‐products for biorefineries. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Testicular microlithiasis: Correlation with doppler sonography of testicular arteries and sperm function
Authors: Mahafza Waleed S. , Alarini Mahmoud Y. , Awadghanem Ahmed F. , Odwan Ghazi , Juweid Malik E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis and its correlation with Doppler parameters of testicular arteries and sperm function.

Methods

Reports of 1,200 consecutive scrotal sonographic examinations performed at our hospital were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis were recalled for detailed scrotal sonographic examination, including Doppler sonography and sperm function. The same examinations were performed in an age‐matched control group and the findings compared.

Results

Testicular microlithiasis was found in 64 cases (5.3%). Doppler sonography showed mean resistance index, Vmax, and Vmin of 61.1 ± 9.3%, 18.2 ± 4.7 cm/s, and 7.7 ± 2.3 cm/s, respectively, in the testicular microlithiasis group versus 62.4 ± 10.4%, 18.4 ± 5.7 cm/s, and 7.3 ± 2.4 cm/s, respectively, in the control group (p = 0.49, 0.84 and 0.35, respectively). Sperm function tests demonstrated sperm count, motility, and normal morphology (normal oval head) of 29.6 ± 20.4 × 106/mL, 35.3 ± 16.2%, and 44.4 ± 12%, respectively, in patients with testicular microlithiasis versus 54.3 ± 22.4 × 106 /mL, 50.2% ± 14.4%, and 66.4 ± 11.6% in control subjects (p < 0.02).

Conclusions

Prevalence of testicular microlithiasis of 5.3% in Jordanian patients is similar to what has been reported in the literature. Testicular microlithiasis does not have a significant effect on Doppler parameters of testicular arteries. The apparent impairment of sperm function in patients with testicular microlithiasis warrants further studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:474–479, 2016
Validation of PI‐RADS v.2 for prostate cancer diagnosis with MRI at 3T using an external phased‐array coil
Authors: Baldisserotto Matteo , Neto Eurico J. Dornelles , Carvalhal Gustavo , de Toledo Aloyso F. , de Almeida Clovis M. , Cairoli Carlos E.D. , de Silva Daniel O. , Carvalhal Eduardo , Paganin Ricardo P. , Agra Alexandre , de Santos Francisco S. , Noronha Jorge A.P.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To date, few studies have validated the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2 (PI‐RADS v. 2) for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our aim was to validate PI‐RADS v.2 using 3 Tesla (T) MRI.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study of 54 consecutive patients who underwent 3T MRI with a body‐array coil for diagnostic confirmation of prostate cancer or cancer staging between June 2013 and June 2015. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement were calculated based on a criterion of PI‐RADS score = 3. Inter‐examiner agreement was determined by the weighted kappa statistic.

Results

Histological findings were positive for cancer in 33 patients and negative in 21 patients. Considering a PI‐RADS score of 3 as positive for cancer, the accuracy of each reader was 85.20% and 70.40%, respectively, and agreement coefficients were κ = 0.69 and κ = 0.35. Considering PI‐RADS 3 as absence of cancer, the accuracy of each reader was 77.80% and 77.80%, respectively, and agreement was κ = 0.55 and κ = 0.54. Inter‐reader agreement was moderate/good (weighted κ = 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.66; P = 0.038).

Conclusion

High accuracy was obtained for the diagnosis of prostate cancer using 3T MRI with a body coil and the PI‐RADS v.2 score. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1354–1359.
An efficient encoding and decoding algorithm for tracking circulation of commodity by discretizing information matrix
Authors: Wan Guochun , Lu Dongjie , Tong Meisong
Published: April 2016

In this paper, an efficient encoding and decoding algorithm is developed for tracking circulation of commodity. We take a discrete and optimized approach to construct the encoding and decoding method by using a matrix as an information carrier. This method is more durable against the damage of outer packages and can obtain a high recovery rate of commodity's information. Generally, it is very diffcult to track the original information in the circulation of commodity. We use the optimized encoding method to link the original information of commodity with a database so that the commodity can be pinpointed in the whole circulation. Also, the original information can be restored by an efficient decoding algorithm whenever necessary. The optimized method is designed based on two traditional encoding and decoding methods, and these methods are compared by running certain simulations with a large number of testing data. The results show that the improved and optimized method can obtain a much higher recovery rate of commodity's information and is more durable against the damage of outer packages. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Northward shift in circulation system over the Asian mid‐latitudes linked to an increasing heating anomaly over the northern Tibetan Plateau during the past two decades
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tang Qun , Chen Haishan , Liu Shimeng
Published: April 2016

The northward shift in circulation exhibited by a geopotential height of 5700‐gpm at 500 hPa and the westerly jet at 200 hPa covers more than 40° of longitude (80°–120°E) in Asia. The northward shift in circulation is also exhibited by a northward shift in eddy, showing the ascending (descending) motion anomalies on the north of the previous convergence (divergence) regions. The latitude position of circulation correlates well with the northern ridge and the central latitude of the South Asian High (SAH), which shows weak negative correlation with the eastern Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), the potential connection with the La Nina SST pattern and the negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation pattern, and positively correlated with the land surface temperatures over North America, Eastern Europe and the region between the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the Lake Baikal in Asia. The local thermal forcing of the TP (north of 33°N) leads to increasing convergence in the lower troposphere, contributing to a positive latent heat of condensation, higher temperatures in the middle‐upper troposphere, a stronger SAH, as well as northward secondary circulation in the middle troposphere. The northward extension of the SAH and a south wind anomaly encourage warming convection towards the north in the middle‐upper troposphere, which leads to northward shift in atmospheric baroclinicity, and further be helpful to northward shift in eddy. These coupled thermodynamic and dynamic processes contribute to a northward shift in circulation in the mid‐latitudes.
Factors regulating bone remodeling processes in aseptic implant loosening
Authors: Hartmann Eliza S. , Köhler Miriam I. , Huber Felicitas , Redeker Julia I. , Schmitt Baerbel , Schmitt‐Sody Marcus , Summer Burkhard , Fottner Andreas , Jansson Volkmar , Mayer‐Wagner Susanne
Published: April 2016

This study was undertaken to screen periprosthetic tissues (PPTs) under specified conditions for a series of molecular components and describe them in bone remodeling processes within aseptic loosening. PPT samples were obtained from patients undergoing revision surgery of endoprostheses (n = 24) and synovial tissues from patients with OA (control) (n = 18), patients with any form of inflammatory arthritides were excluded. Tissue samples were examined via microbiology, histology (H&E, TRAP), immunohistochemistry (CD68/anti‐S100a4), quantitative real‐time PCR (ALP, COL1A1, cathepsin K, M‐CSF, MMP13, OPG, RANK, RANKL, TNF‐α, and TRAP) and an endotoxin‐assay. PPT samples contained a variety of cellular components and stained positive for TRAP (56%), CD68 (100%), and S100a4 (100%). Wear debris were found in cells staining positive for CD68 and S100a4. In PPTs significantly higher ALP, COL1A1, MMP‐13, RANK, RANKL, and TRAP expression were found along with a significantly higher RANKL/OPG ratio and a significantly lower OPG expression. No significant difference was observed for M‐CSF, TNF‐α, cathepsin K, and endotoxin levels. In conclusion we found osteogenic proteins (ALP, COL1A1), a proteolytic enzyme (MMP‐13), markers for osteoclast differentiation (RANK, RANKL), and osteoclast activity (TRAP) to be increased in PPT, whereas OPG expression decreased significantly in comparison to control. We present data about a large series of molecular components in PPT and describe novel and key findings about their expression levels in regards to aseptic implant loosening. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:248–257, 2017.
On solvability of three spectra problem
Authors: Boyko Olga , Pivovarchik Vyacheslav , Yang Chuan Fu
Published: April 2016

Three spectral problems generated by the same Sturm–Liouville equation are considered: Neumann–Dirichlet problem (the Neumann condition at the left end and the Dirichlet condition at the right end) on the whole interval [0, a], Neumann–Dirichlet problem on and Dirichlet–Dirichlet problem on . The three spectra inverse problem, i.e. the problem of recovering the Sturm–Liuville equation using the three spectra of these boundary value problems is completely solved.
Constructing a short form of the hierarchical personality inventory for children (HiPIC): the HiPIC‐30
Authors: Vollrath Margarete E. , Hampson Sarah E. , Torgersen Svenn
Published: April 2016

Children's personality traits are invaluable predictors of concurrent and later mental and physical health. Several validated longer inventories for assessing the widely recognized Five‐Factor Model of personality in children are available, but short forms are scarce. This study aimed at constructing a 30‐item form of the 144‐item Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (HiPIC) (Mervielde & De Fruyt, ). Participants were 1543 children aged 6–12 years (sample 1) and 3895 children aged 8 years (sample 2). Sample 1 completed the full HiPIC, from which we constructed the HiPIC‐30, and the Child Behaviour Checklist (Achenbach, ). Sample 2 completed the HiPIC‐30. The HiPIC‐30 personality domains correlated over r = .90 with the full HiPIC domains, had good Cronbach's alphas and correlated similarly with CBCL behaviour problems and gender as the full HiPIC. The factor structures of the HiPIC‐30 were convergent across samples, but the imagination factor was not clear‐cut. We conclude that the HiPIC‐30 is a reliable and valid questionnaire for the Five‐Factor personality traits in children. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Deep Groundwater Influx be Detected from the Geochemistry of Thermokarst Lakes in Arctic Alaska?
Authors: Hinkel Kenneth M. , Arp Christopher D. , Townsend‐Small Amy , Frey Karen E.
Published: April 2016

In the continuous permafrost zone, unfrozen ground may exist beneath large lakes and streams. Sub‐lake taliks that extend through permafrost provide a potential conduit for subpermafrost groundwater to reach the surface, increasing dissolved ion concentrations in lake water. Twenty‐eight lakes on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska were sampled in 2013–14 to determine whether a difference in ionic concentration could be detected between lakes with and without through taliks. A thermal model originally developed by J. Ross Mackay indicated that 20 of the lakes may have a talik that penetrates the permafrost. Lake water samples were analysed for a variety of ions and geochemical properties. Generally, there was little interannual variation in ion concentration, pH and specific conductivity of lake water. Proximal lakes tended to have similar chemical signatures, but there were large variations across the study region. Local factors appeared largely to control lake water chemistry. Lakes with suspected through taliks did not demonstrate a hydrochemical signature distinct from nearby lakes lacking a through talik. This suggests that either: (1) there is no hydrological connection with subpermafrost groundwater due to aquicludes in the subsurface; (2) the flux of groundwater is too small to have a measurable impact on lake water chemistry; or (3) the steady‐state condition for talik configuration assumed in the thermal model is not justified. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hermetic Thermal Behavior of 3,4‐Diaminofurazan (DAF)
Authors: Li Yanfeng , Wang Xiaofeng , Xu Kangzhen , Wang Bozhou , Song Jirong , Zhao Fengqi
Published: April 2016

Hermetic thermal behavior of 3,4‐diaminofurazan (DAF) was studied by DSC method with special high‐pressure hermetic crucibles. The complete exothermic decomposition process of DAF can be provided. The extrapolated onset temperature, peak temperature, and enthalpy of decomposition at a heating rate of 10 K min−1 are 238.7 °C, 253.0 °C, and −1986 J g−1, respectively. Self‐accelerating decomposition temperature and critical temperature of thermal explosion of DAF are 232.3 and 253.1 °C, respectively. Specific heat capacity of DAF was determined with a micro DSC method and the molar heat capacity is 140.78 J mol−1 K−1 at 298.15 K. Adiabatic time‐to‐explosion of DAF is about 90 s. The thermal stability of DAF is good.
Attribution in cyberspace: techniques and legal implications
Authors: Shamsi Jawwad A. , Zeadally Sherali , Sheikh Fareha , Flowers Angelyn
Published: April 2016

Attribution of cybercrimes is significant in limiting the rate of crime as well as in preparing the required level of response. Motivated by this significance, we introduce a level‐based approach for achieving attribution. In our proposed approach, attribution consists of three steps: (1) identification of the cyberweapon used; (2) determination of the origin of the attack; and (3) identification of the actual attacker. We conduct an in‐depth analysis of recently proposed attribution techniques. Our analysis reveals that indirect methods of attribution are particularly effective when attributing cybercrimes; many of them remain unattributed. We also discuss some of the legal issues pertaining to attribution, and we argue that well‐defined international laws for cyberspace along with strong cooperation among governments are needed to track down and punish cybercriminals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binder‐Free and Carbon‐Free 3D Porous Air Electrode for Li‐O2 Batteries with High Efficiency, High Capacity, and Long Life
Authors: Luo Wen‐Bin , Gao Xuan‐Wen , Shi Dong‐Qi , Chou Shu‐Lei , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Liu Hua‐Kun
Published: April 2016

Pt‐Gd alloy polycrystalline thin film is deposited on 3D nickel foam by pulsed laser deposition method serving as a whole binder/carbon‐free air electrode, showing great catalytic activity enhancement as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in lithium oxygen batteries. The porous structure can facilitate rapid O2 and electrolyte diffusion, as well as forming a continuous conductive network throughout the whole energy conversion process. It shows a favorable cycle performance in the full discharge/charge model, owing to the high catalytic activity of the Pt‐Gd alloy composite and 3D porous nickel foam structure. Specially, excellent cycling performance under capacity limited mode is also demonstrated, in which the terminal discharge voltage is higher than 2.5 V and the terminal charge voltage is lower than 3.7 V after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. Therefore, this electrocatalyst is a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for lithium oxygen batteries and this depositing high‐efficient electrocatalyst on porous substrate with polycrystalline thin film by pulsed laser deposition is also a promising technique in the future lithium oxygen batteries research.
Structural insights into ribosome translocation
Authors: Ling Clarence , Ermolenko Dmitri N.
Published: April 2016

During protein synthesis, tRNA and mRNA are translocated from the A to P to E sites of the ribosome thus enabling the ribosome to translate one codon of mRNA after the other. Ribosome translocation along mRNA is induced by the universally conserved ribosome GTPase, elongation factor G (EF‐G) in bacteria and elongation factor 2 (EF‐2) in eukaryotes. Recent structural and single‐molecule studies revealed that tRNA and mRNA translocation within the ribosome is accompanied by cyclic forward and reverse rotations between the large and small ribosomal subunits parallel to the plane of the intersubunit interface. In addition, during ribosome translocation, the ‘head’ domain of small ribosomal subunit undergoes forward‐ and back‐swiveling motions relative to the rest of the small ribosomal subunit around the axis that is orthogonal to the axis of intersubunit rotation. tRNA/mRNA translocation is also coupled to the docking of domain IV of EF‐G into the A site of the small ribosomal subunit that converts the thermally driven motions of the ribosome and tRNA into the forward translocation of tRNA/mRNA inside the ribosome. Despite recent and enormous progress made in the understanding of the molecular mechanism of ribosome translocation, the sequence of structural rearrangements of the ribosome, EF‐G and tRNA during translocation is still not fully established and awaits further investigation. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:620–636. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1354

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

Translation > Ribosome Structure/Function

Translation > Translation Mechanisms
Defining occult injuries of the distal forearm and wrist in children
Authors: Elvey Michael , Patel S. , Avisar Erez , White W. J. , Sorene E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The nonspecific terms “wrist sprain” and “suspected occult bony injury” are frequently documented as diagnoses in occult paediatric wrist injuries. To date, however, no one has accurately defined their true underlying pathology. The primary objective of this study was to identify the true pathoanatomy of occult acute paediatric wrist injuries. Our secondary objective was to compare our findings with existing adult data in order to determine any population differences that might be clinically relevant.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective case series evaluating MRI findings in acute paediatric wrist injuries presenting to the hand injury unit between 2011 and 2014. All patients underwent standardised radiographs of the wrist and, where clinically indicated, of the scaphoid. Where no bony anomaly was identified, MRI scanning was offered. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to calculate the agreement between clinical and MRI diagnosis.

Results

57 patients met the final inclusion criteria. Occult fractures and bony contusions comprised the majority of the pathologies, at 36.5 and 35.0 %, respectively. There were no cases of isolated soft-tissue injury. MRI effected management change in 35.1 % of cases. Paediatric wrists demonstrated differences in injury pattern and distribution when compared to an adult population.

Conclusion

This study defines for the first time the true pathology of occult paediatric wrist injuries. The current definition of a wrist sprain was not applicable to a single case and therefore appears to be inappropriate for use in the paediatric population. A precise knowledge of the likely pathology facilitates accurate information delivery whilst reducing parental uncertainty and treatment variation.
Acritarchs from the Hanford Brook Formation, New Brunswick, Canada: new biochronological constraints on theProtolenus elegansZone and the Cambrian Series 2–3 transition
Authors: PALACIOS TEODORO , JENSEN SÖREN , BARR SANDRA M. , WHITE CHRIS E. , MILLER RANDALL F.
Published: April 2016

Diverse and well-preserved acritarchs are reported from the type section of the Cambrian Hanford Brook Formation at Hanford Brook, southern New Brunswick. This section fills an important gap in acritarch studies by providing the first detailed picture of changing acritarch associations close to the traditional lower–middle Cambrian boundary in Avalonia. Acritarchs from the St Martins Member, at the base of the succession, includeSkiagia ciliosa, Heliosphaeridium notatum, H. longumandLiepaina planaand suggest attribution to Cambrian Stage 4. Acritarchs from the Somerset Street Member, in the middle of the formation, includeEliasum llaniscumandComasphaeridium silesiense. This information adds new biochronological context to an ash bed in the Somerset Street Member previously dated asc. 510 Ma or 508 Ma, and to the endemic trilobites from the same member, includingProtolenus elegans. It also places absolute ages on the basal range of stratigraphically important acritarchs. Both the acritarch assemblage and the radiometric age are consistent with a position very close to the traditional lower–middle Cambrian transition and likely within Cambrian Stage 5. Acritarchs from the Long Island Member, at the top of the succession, include additional taxa demonstrating assignment to Cambrian Stage 5. Both the Somerset Street and Long Island members probably correlate with theMorocconus notabilisZone. The new acritarch speciesRetisphaeridium striatumPalacios is described. New data are presented on acritarchs from the upper part of the Hell's Mouth Formation, Wales, and correlation proposed with the Long Island Member.
RECONSIDERING THE AUSTRALIAN FORUM (NON) CONVENIENS DOCTRINE
Authors: Arzandeh Ardavan
Published: April 2016

A quarter of a century after the High Court of Australia's landmark ruling in Voth v Manildra Flour Mills Pty Ltd, this article examines the application of the modern-day forum (non) conveniens doctrine in Australia. It outlines the prevailing view in the academic literature which claims that the Australian doctrine is functionally different from its English counterpart, articulated in Spiliada Maritime Corporation v Cansulex Ltd. Through a detailed assessment of the case law and commentary, this article questions that widely accepted orthodoxy and demonstrates it to be unpersuasive and reconceptualizes our understanding of the forum (non) conveniens doctrine in Australia. Its main contention is that while, theoretically, there may be a narrow conceptual space between Spiliada and Voth, it is so narrow as to be practically non-existent.
Electoral Innovation in Competitive Authoritarian States: A Case for the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) in Singapore
Authors: ABDULLAH WALID JUMBLATT
Published: April 2016

This article investigates the efficacy of a form of electoral innovation unique to the island-state of Singapore, the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme, and its impact on democratic governance, in light of the changing political landscape. A comparative perspective will be employed and broader conclusions on electoral engineering will be reached, especially for democratizing countries. Contrary to conventional scholarly wisdom, I argue that the NMP scheme can actually boost democratic representation in the country, considering the changing political landscape in the state previously dominated by a hegemonic party. This is via two ways: firstly, NMPs could better represent the voices of the people at the margins of society and, secondly, they could be better positioned to raise issues that are deemed too ‘sensitive’ to be raised by opposition parties. NMPs can enhance democratic governance by promoting deliberation, accountability, and representation.
Guidance on conducting systematic reviews/meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes: the gap is now filled
Authors: Cortese S.
Published: April 2016

Until recently, no comprehensive guidance specifically on the conduction of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes was available. In December 2015, the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharamacovigilance (ENCePP), a network coordinated by the European Medicines Agency, published their ‘Guidance on conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of completed comparative pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes’, filling an important gap in the field. This paper highlights the ENCePP recommendations in terms of study identification, data extraction, study quality appraisal and analytical plan. Although the ENCePP document should not be considered as definitive, since it will likely be refined following researchers’ feedback, it is expected that it will be highly influential and useful for the field, with the ultimate goal to improve and standardise the conduction and reporting of systematic reviews/meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes.
Brazilian Twin Registry: A Bright Future for Twin Studies/Twin Research: Twin Study of Alcohol Consumption and Mortality; Oxygen Uptake in Adolescent Twins/In the News: Superfecundated Twins In Vietnam; Adolescent Twin Relations; Twin and Triplet Co-Workers; A Special Twin Ultrasound; Monozygotic Twins With Different Skin Color; Identical Twin Returns from Space
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: April 2016

The establishment of the Brazilian Twin Registry for the study of genetic, social, and cultural influences on behavior is one of eleven newly funded projects in the Department of Psychology at the University of São Paulo. These 11 interrelated projects form the core of the university's Center for Applied Research on Well-Being and Human Behavior. An overview of the planned twin research and activities to date is presented. Next, two recent twin studies are reviewed, one on the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality, and the other on factors affecting maximal oxygen uptake. Twins cited in the media include the first identified superfecundated twins in Vietnam, adolescent twin relations, twins and triplets who work together, monozygotic twins with different skin tones and a co-twin control study that addresses the effects of space travel.
Bauchweh beim Kind – harmlos oder ernst?
Authors: Furlano Raoul Ivano
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Bauchschmerzen gehören zu den häufigsten Symptomen im Kindesalter. Mehrheitlich steckt keine lebensbedrohende Erkrankung dahinter, sondern eine funktionelle Erkrankung. Dadurch sind aber Alltagsaktivitäten der Kinder und Jugendlichen oft stark eingeschränkt, es kommt zu Kindergarten- und Schulabsenzen, häufigen Arztbesuchen mit oft unnötigen und teuren Therapieversuchen. Sind primär organische Ursachen der Beschwerden durch eine systematische Anamnese und einen klinischen Status ausgeschlossen, sind Aufklärung und das Ernstnehmen der Schmerzen durch den betreuenden Arzt erste Schritte zu einer möglichen Schmerzlinderung. Verhaltenstherapeutische Interventionen können folgen, die jetzige Studienlage zeigt keine Evidenz für eine erfolgreiche medikamentöse, diätetische, alternativmedizinische oder komplementäre Therapie.
Homotypic cell competition regulates proliferation and tiling of zebrafish pigment cells during colour pattern formation
Authors: Walderich Brigitte , Singh Ajeet Pratap , Mahalwar Prateek , Nüsslein-Volhard Christiane
Published: April 2016

The adult striped pattern of zebrafish is composed of melanophores, iridophores and xanthophores arranged in superimposed layers in the skin. Previous studies have revealed that the assembly of pigment cells into stripes involves heterotypic interactions between all three chromatophore types. Here we investigate the role of homotypic interactions between cells of the same chromatophore type. Introduction of labelled progenitors into mutants lacking the corresponding cell type allowed us to define the impact of competitive interactions via long-termin vivoimaging. In the absence of endogenous cells, transplanted iridophores and xanthophores show an increased rate of proliferation and spread as a coherent net into vacant space. By contrast, melanophores have a limited capacity to spread in the skin even in the absence of competing endogenous cells. Our study reveals a key role for homotypic competitive interactions in determining number, direction of migration and individual spacing of cells within chromatophore populations.
Integrative genomics analyses unveil downstream biological effectors of disease-specific polymorphisms buried in intergenic regions
Authors: Li Haiquan , Achour Ikbel , Bastarache Lisa , Berghout Joanne , Gardeux Vincent , Li Jianrong , Lee Younghee , Pesce Lorenzo , Yang Xinan , Ramos Kenneth S , Foster Ian , Denny Joshua C , Moore Jason H , Lussier Yves A
Published: April 2016

Functionally altered biological mechanisms arising from disease-associated polymorphisms, remain difficult to characterise when those variants are intergenic, or, fall between genes. We sought to identify shared downstream mechanisms by which inter- and intragenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contribute to a specific physiopathology. Using computational modelling of 2 million pairs of disease-associated SNPs drawn from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), integrated with expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) and Gene Ontology functional annotations, we predicted 3,870 inter–intra and inter–intra SNP pairs with convergent biological mechanisms (FDR<0.05). These prioritised SNP pairs with overlapping messenger RNA targets or similar functional annotations were more likely to be associated with the same disease than unrelated pathologies (OR>12). We additionally confirmed synergistic and antagonistic genetic interactions for a subset of prioritised SNP pairs in independent studies of Alzheimer’s disease (entropy P=0.046), bladder cancer (entropy P=0.039), and rheumatoid arthritis (PheWAS case–control P<10−4). Using ENCODE data sets, we further statistically validated that the biological mechanisms shared within prioritised SNP pairs are frequently governed by matching transcription factor binding sites and long-range chromatin interactions. These results provide a ‘roadmap’ of disease mechanisms emerging from GWAS and further identify candidate therapeutic targets among downstream effectors of intergenic SNPs.
Neonicotinoids target distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and neurons, leading to differential risks to bumblebees
Authors: Moffat Christopher , Buckland Stephen T. , Samson Andrew J. , McArthur Robin , Chamosa Pino Victor , Bollan Karen A. , Huang Jeffrey T.-J. , Connolly Christopher N.
Published: April 2016

There is growing concern over the risk to bee populations from neonicotinoid insecticides and the long-term consequences of reduced numbers of insect pollinators to essential ecosystem services and food security. Our knowledge of the risk of neonicotinoids to bees is based on studies of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and these findings are extrapolated to clothianidin based on its higher potency at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This study addresses the specificity and consequences of all three neonicotinoids to determine their relative risk to bumblebees at field-relevant levels (2.5 ppb). We find compound-specific effects at all levels (individual cells, bees and whole colonies in semi-field conditions). Imidacloprid and clothianidin display distinct, overlapping, abilities to stimulate Kenyon cells, indicating the potential to differentially influence bumblebee behavior. Bee immobility was induced only by imidacloprid, and an increased vulnerability to clothianidin toxicity only occurred following chronic exposure to clothianidin or thiamethoxam. At the whole colony level, only thiamethoxam altered the sex ratio (more males present) and only clothianidin increased queen production. Finally, both imidacloprid and thiamethoxam caused deficits in colony strength, while no detrimental effects of clothianidin were observed. Given these findings, neonicotinoid risk needs to be considered independently for each compound and target species.
Rapid Stencil Mask Fabrication Enabled One-Step Polymer-Free Graphene Patterning and Direct Transfer for Flexible Graphene Devices
Authors: Yong Keong , Ashraf Ali , Kang Pilgyu , Nam SungWoo
Published: April 2016

We report a one-step polymer-free approach to patterning graphene using a stencil mask and oxygen plasma reactive-ion etching, with a subsequent polymer-free direct transfer for flexible graphene devices. Our stencil mask is fabricated via a subtractive, laser cutting manufacturing technique, followed by lamination of stencil mask onto graphene grown on Cu foil for patterning. Subsequently, micro-sized graphene features of various shapes are patterned via reactive-ion etching. The integrity of our graphene after patterning is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. We further demonstrate the rapid prototyping capability of a stretchable, crumpled graphene strain sensor and patterned graphene condensation channels for potential applications in sensing and heat transfer, respectively. We further demonstrate that the polymer-free approach for both patterning and transfer to flexible substrates allows the realization of cleaner graphene features as confirmed by water contact angle measurements. We believe that our new method promotes rapid, facile fabrication of cleaner graphene devices and can be extended to other two dimensional materials in the future.
Estimation of Discriminative Feature Subset Using Community Modularity
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Liu Sanming
Published: April 2016

Feature selection (FS) is an important preprocessing step in machine learning and data mining. In this paper, a new feature subset evaluation method is proposed by constructing a sample graph (SG) in differentk-features and applying community modularity to select highly informative features as a group. However, these features may not be relevant as an individual. Furthermore, relevant in-dependency rather than irrelevant redundancy among the selected features is effectively measured with the community modularity Q value of the sample graph in thek-features. An efficient FS method calledk-features sample graph feature selection is presented. A key property of this approach is that the discriminative cues of a feature subset with the maximum relevant in-dependency among features can be accurately determined. This community modularity-based method is then verified with the theory of k-means cluster. Compared with other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed approach is more effective, as verified by the results of several experiments.
Triple-acting Lytic Enzyme Treatment of Drug-Resistant and Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Becker Stephen C. , Roach Dwayne R. , Chauhan Vinita S. , Shen Yang , Foster-Frey Juli , Powell Anne M. , Bauchan Gary , Lease Richard A. , Mohammadi Homan , Harty William J. , Simmons Chad , Schmelcher Mathias , Camp Mary , Dong Shengli , Baker John R. , Sheen Tamsin R. , Doran Kelly S. , Pritchard David G. , Almeida Raul A. , Nelson Daniel C. , Marriott Ian , Lee Jean C. , Donovan David M.
Published: April 2016

Multi-drug resistant bacteria are a persistent problem in modern health care, food safety and animal health. There is a need for new antimicrobials to replace over used conventional antibiotics. Here we describe engineered triple-acting staphylolytic peptidoglycan hydrolases wherein three unique antimicrobial activities from two parental proteins are combined into a single fusion protein. This effectively reduces the incidence of resistant strain development. The fusion protein reduced colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in a rat nasal colonization model, surpassing the efficacy of either parental protein. Modification of a triple-acting lytic construct with a protein transduction domain significantly enhanced both biofilm eradication and the ability to kill intracellular S. aureus as demonstrated in cultured mammary epithelial cells and in a mouse model of staphylococcal mastitis. Interestingly, the protein transduction domain was not necessary for reducing the intracellular pathogens in cultured osteoblasts or in two mouse models of osteomyelitis, highlighting the vagaries of exactly how protein transduction domains facilitate protein uptake. Bacterial cell wall degrading enzyme antimicrobials can be engineered to enhance their value as potent therapeutics.
Discovery of new MD2 inhibitor from chalcone derivatives with anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Zhang Yali , Wu Jianzhang , Ying Shilong , Chen Gaozhi , Wu Beibei , Xu Tingting , Liu Zhiguo , Liu Xing , Huang Lehao , Shan Xiaoou , Dai Yuanrong , Liang Guang
Published: April 2016

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening acute inflammatory disease with limited options available for therapy. Myeloid differentiation protein 2, a co-receptor of TLR4, is absolutely required for TLR4 sense LPS, and represents an attractive target for treating severe inflammatory diseases. In this study, we designed and synthesized 31 chalcone derivatives that contain the moiety of (E)-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one, which we consider the core structure of current MD2 inhibitors. We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds in MPMs. For the most active compound 20, we confirmed that it is a specific MD2 inhibitor through a series of biochemical experiments and elucidated that it binds to the hydrophobic pocket of MD2 via hydrogen bonds with Arg90 and Tyr102 residues. Compound 20 also blocked the LPS-induced activation of TLR4/MD2 -downstream pro-inflammatory MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways. In a rat model with ALI induced by intracheal LPS instillation, administration with compound 20 exhibited significant protective effect against ALI, accompanied by the inhibition of TLR4/MD2 complex formation in lung tissues. Taken together, the results of this study suggest the specific MD2 inhibitor from chalcone derivatives we identified is a potential candidate for treating acute inflammatory diseases.
FET proteins regulate lifespan and neuronal integrity
Authors: Therrien Martine , Rouleau Guy A. , Dion Patrick A. , Parker J. Alex
Published: April 2016

The FET protein family includes FUS, EWS and TAF15 proteins, all of which have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Here, we show that a reduction of FET proteins in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans causes synaptic dysfunction accompanied by impaired motor phenotypes. FET proteins are also involved in the regulation of lifespan and stress resistance, acting partially through the insulin/IGF-signalling pathway. We propose that FET proteins are involved in the maintenance of lifespan, cellular stress resistance and neuronal integrity.
Zn/Cd ratios and cadmium isotope evidence for the classification of lead-zinc deposits
Authors: Wen Hanjie , Zhu Chuanwei , Zhang Yuxu , Cloquet Christophe , Fan Haifeng , Fu Shaohong
Published: April 2016

Lead-zinc deposits are often difficult to classify because clear criteria are lacking. In recent years, new tools, such as Cd and Zn isotopes, have been used to better understand the ore-formation processes and to classify Pb-Zn deposits. Herein, we investigate Cd concentrations, Cd isotope systematics and Zn/Cd ratios in sphalerite from nine Pb-Zn deposits divided into high-temperature systems (e.g., porphyry), low-temperature systems (e.g., Mississippi Valley type [MVT]) and exhalative systems (e.g., sedimentary exhalative [SEDEX]). Our results showed little evidence of fractionation in the high-temperature systems. In the low-temperature systems, Cd concentrations were the highest, but were also highly variable, a result consistent with the higher fractionation of Cd at low temperatures. The δ114/110Cd values in low-temperature systems were enriched in heavier isotopes (mean of 0.32 ± 0.31‰). Exhalative systems had the lowest Cd concentrations, with a mean δ114/110Cd value of 0.12 ± 0.50‰. We thus conclude that different ore-formation systems result in different characteristic Cd concentrations and fraction levels and that low-temperature processes lead to the most significant fractionation of Cd. Therefore, Cd distribution and isotopic studies can support better understanding of the geochemistry of ore-formation processes and the classification of Pb-Zn deposits.
Synthesis of aryl anilinomaleimide based derivatives as glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors with potential role as antidepressant agents
Authors: Tantray Mushtaq A. , Khan Imran , Hamid Hinna , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Dhulap Abhijeet , Kalam Abul
Published: April 2016

Novel anilinomaleimide based derivatives were found to inhibit GSK-3β activity in vitro and demonstrate anti-depressant effects in animal models.
Electronic structures of CuTPP and CuTPP(F) complexes. A combined experimental and theoretical study I
Authors: Mangione Giulia , Carlotto Silvia , Sambi Mauro , Ligorio Giovanni , Timpel Melanie , Vittadini Andrea , Nardi Marco Vittorio , Casarin Maurizio
Published: April 2016

CuTPP and CuTPP(F) core levels and valence band states are consistently investigated in great detail.
Ab initio molecular dynamics investigation of structural, dynamic and spectroscopic aspects of Se(vi) species in the aqueous environment
Authors: Borah Sangkha , Padma Kumar P.
Published: April 2016

Microscopic investigation of selenic acid in aqueous environment is carried out. Hydrogen bonding and spectroscopic signatures of HSeO4−and SeO42−species are discussed.
Synthesis of nano-SSZ-13 and its application in the reaction of methanol to olefins
Authors: Li Z. , Navarro M. T. , Martínez-Triguero J. , Yu J. , Corma A.
Published: April 2016

Nanosized zeolite SSZ-13 (Vmeso 0, 45 cm3 g−1) synthesized in the presence of a surfactant greatly increases the lifetime of conventional zeolite for methanol conversion.
Crotonaldehyde hydrogenation on platinum–titanium oxide and platinum–cerium oxide catalysts: selective CO bond hydrogen requires platinum sites beyond the oxide–metal interface
Authors: Yang Xin , Mueanngern Yutichai , Baker Quinn A. , Baker L. Robert
Published: April 2016

We have investigated a series of Pt–TiO2 and Pt–CeO2 catalysts for crotonaldehyde hydrogenation with the goal of better understanding the kinetics of CO bond hydrogenation.
A high-nuclearity metal-cyanide cluster [Mo6Cu14] with photomagnetic properties
Authors: Bridonneau N. , Chamoreau L.-M. , Gontard G. , Cantin J.-L. , von Bardeleben J. , Marvaud V.
Published: April 2016

A high-nuclearity metal-cyanide cluster [Mo6Cu14] has been prepared and its photomagnetic properties investigated.
Tricarboxylate-based GdIII coordination polymers exhibiting large magnetocaloric effects
Authors: Liu Sui-Jun , Cao Chen , Xie Chen-Chao , Zheng Teng-Fei , Tong Xiao-Lan , Liao Jin-Sheng , Chen Jing-Lin , Wen He-Rui , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: April 2016

Hydrothermal reactions of Gd2O3 and two tricarboxylates generated two carboxylate-bridged 2D/3D GdIII coordination polymers with large magnetocaloric effects.
Synthesis and NO2 sensing properties of indium oxide nanorod clusters via a simple solvothermal route
Authors: Xu Xiumei , Zhang Haijiao , He Chaozheng , Pu Chunying , Leng Yumin , Li Genquan , Hou Shujin , Zhu Yongsheng , Fu Ling , Lu Geyu
Published: April 2016

In this work, a low-cost and environmentally friendly solvothermal route to the synthesis of indium oxide nanorod clusters was described in the presence of sodium chlorate and urea.
Fabrication of a micro-nano structure on steel surface and surface wetting
Authors: Luo Song , Zheng Qiongbin , Jie Xiaohua , Zhang Liuyan
Published: April 2016

Micro-shot peening (MSP) was combined with subsequent anodization to produce a micro-nano structure on a carbon steel surface.
Smart flocculant with temperature and pH response derived from starch
Authors: Wang Yu , Shi Yuling , Xu Mengyao , Wu Liang , Jia Xin , Wei Tingting , Zhang Shufen , Guo Xuhong
Published: April 2016

Smart flocculant derived from starch with temperature and pH dual response was prepared which can be easily regenerated and separated from contaminating dye solution by triggering the temperature and pH.
Synthesis and characterization of hydrophobic association hydrogels with tunable mechanical strength
Authors: Gao T. T. , Niu N. , Liu Y. D. , Liu X. L. , Gao G. , Liu F. Q.
Published: April 2016

Tunable tough HA-gels are designed: straight gels remain in water for 160 days as branched ones degrade within two months.
High contrast off–on fluorescence photo-switching via copper ion recognition, trans–cis isomerization and ring closure of a thiosemicarbazide Schiff base
Authors: Li Wei , Gan Xiaoping , Liu Dan , Tian Xiaohe , Yu Jianhua , Tian Yupeng , Wu Jieying , Zhou Hongping
Published: April 2016

Two independently addressable photochromic systems based on distinct mechanisms and selective recognition for Cu2+were investigated in detail.
ADMET polymerization of biobased monomers deriving from syringaresinol
Authors: Hollande Louis , Jaufurally Abdus Samad , Ducrot Paul-Henri , Allais Florent
Published: April 2016

Renewable α,ω-dienes have been prepared from syringaresinol, a naturally occurring bisphenol deriving from sinapyl alcohol, and further studied as monomers in ADMET polymerizations.
Entry of water into the distal heme pocket of soluble guanylate cyclase β1 H-NOX domain alters the ligated CO structure: a resonance Raman and in silico simulation study
Authors: Xu Haoran , Zhang Yuebin , Chen Lei , Li Yan , Li Chen , Liu Li , Ogura Takashi , Kitagawa Teizo , Li Zhengqiang
Published: April 2016

Water accessing into the heme pocket and alters the structures of CO–sGC (heme), exhibiting two different vFe–CO stretching modes.
Recent developments in multicomponent synthesis of structurally diversified tetrahydropyridines
Authors: Khan Md. Musawwer , Khan Sarfaraz , Saigal Saigal , Iqbal Safia
Published: April 2016

Tetrahydropyridines (THPDs) have recognized as a major constituent of naturally occurring alkaloids and exhibits various biological and pharmacological profiles. For their synthesis, MCRs are employed as an excellent tool to generate vast libraries.
Efficient, robust surface functionalization and stabilization of gold nanorods with quaternary ammonium-containing ionomers as multidentate macromolecular ligands
Authors: Dong Zhongmin , Xiang Peng , Huang Lingqi , Ye Zhibin
Published: April 2016

Quaternary ammonium-containing ionomers are a novel class of multidentate macromolecular surface ligands for efficient functionalization and stabilization of gold nanorods.
Synthesis of multi-ion imprinted polymers based on dithizone chelation for simultaneous removal of Hg2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions
Authors: Fu Junqing , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Jinhua , Ding Yangjun , Chen Lingxin
Published: April 2016

A multi-ion imprinted polymer strategy based on dithizone chelation for simultaneous removal of multiple ions in aqueous solution.
Electrochemically fabricated electrochromic films from 4-(N-carbazolyl)triphenylamine and its dimethoxy derivative
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Huei , Wang Hui-Min
Published: April 2016

4-(N-Carbazolyl)triphenylamine (TPACz) and its methoxy derivative MeOTPACz could be facilely fabricated into redox-active and electrochromic PTPACz polymer and (MeOTPACz)2 dimer films via electrochemical polymerization.