bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oriental Metrology and the Politics of Antiquity in Nineteenth-Century Survey Sciences
Authors: Schaffer Simon
Published: July 2017

Argument

Metrological techniques to establish shared quantitative measures have often been seen as signs of rational modernization. The cases considered here show instead the close relation of such techniques with antiquarian and revivalist programs under imperial regimes. Enterprises in survey sciences in Egypt in the wake of the French invasion of 1798 and in India during the East India Company's revenue surveys involved the promotion of a new kind oforiental metrologydesigned to represent colonizers’ measures as restorations of ancient values to be applied to current systems of survey and measurement. Surveyors’ practice and hardware help clarify the significance of the complex historical and political functions of scientific standards. The balance of the paper discusses the survey work of later nineteenth-century indigenous Egyptian astronomers at a conjuncture of major economic and political dislocation to explore the various versions of antiquity at stake in these metrological programs.
‘There Must Be a Poetry of Sound That None of Us Knows…’: Early British documentary film and the prefiguring of musique concrète
Authors: Cox Geoffrey
Published: July 2017

Standard histories of electronic music tend to trace the lineage of musique concrète as lying mainly in the Futurists’ declarations of the 1910s, through Cage’s ‘emancipation’ of noise in the 1930s, to Schaeffer’s work and codifications of the late 1940s and early 1950s. This article challenges this narrative by drawing attention to the work of filmmakers in the 1930s that foreshadowed the sound experiments of Pierre Schaeffer and thus offers an alternative history of their background. The main focus of the article is on the innovations withindocumentaryfilm and specifically the sonic explorations in early British documentary that prefigured musique concrète, an area ignored by electronic music studies. The theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the documentary movement’s members, particularly their leader John Grierson, will be compared with those of Pierre Schaeffer, and the important influence of Russian avant-garde filmmaking on the British (and musique concrète) will be addressed. Case studies will focus on the groundbreaking soundtracks of two films made by the General Post Office Film Unit that feature both practical and theoretical correspondences to Schaeffer:6.30 Collection(1934) andCoal Face(1935). Parallels between the nature and use of technologies and how this affected creative outputs will also be discussed, as will the relationship of the British documentary movement’s practice and ideas to post-Schaefferian ‘anecdotal music’ and the work of Luc Ferrari.
A History of Electronic Music at the University of Iowa
Authors: Duffy Paul
Published: July 2017

This article provides a close study of the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios. The point of such a detailed account of one studio is to shed light on activity within the field of electronic music that previously did not occupy a place in the literature. Few of the studios listed in Hugh Davies’s International Electronic Music Catalog have received detailed attention. Until a wider range of close studies that pay attention to the particularities of individual cases becomes available, it will be difficult to do the comparative work necessary to gain an appropriately textured overall account of the development of electronic music in the post-war period. As these detailed studies, based largely on first-hand documentation, increase the resolution of electronic music’s history, they may highlight significant but previously unnoticed, or at least under-appreciated, patterns in the development of electronic music and act as an effective barometer of changing trends.
Across Fields: Sound, art and technology from an electromechanical perspective
Authors: Pigott Jon
Published: July 2017

This article follows electromechanical technologies through different contexts of electronic and experimental music, sound art and kinetic art as well as through parts of their industrial development and application. The aim is to explore connections between these different fields which are often obscured by disciplinary and genre divides, and which are typically unrepresented by critical and historical accounts. The approach is influenced by the field of science and technology studies (STS, also science technology and society) where technical and cultural entanglements are seen as crafting particular truths, and where the method of following a technology across disciplinary boundaries is found. By taking this approach to identify connections between the areas of electronic music, sound art and kinetic art, new and rediscovered critical appraisals of the use of electromechanical technologies as tools in creative sound production are identified. These positions are then applied to a selection of contemporary practitioners who continue to work with and forefront electromechanical technologies within the fields of electronic music and sound art.
Measuring Age-Related Differences in Using a Simple Decision Strategy
Authors: Pohl Rüdiger F.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. According to the recognition heuristic, decision makers base their inferences on recognition alone, assuming that recognized objects have larger criterion values than unrecognized ones. Knowing that recognition is a valid cue and thus using the recognition heuristic should increase with age. This was tested in two experiments with preadolescents (N = 140), adolescents (N = 186), and adults (N = 78). The results show, as expected, a monotonic age-related trend in the improvement of domain-specific knowledge but, unexpectedly, a non-monotonic one for using the recognition heuristic. More specifically, use of the recognition heuristic increased from preadolescents to adolescents, but then dropped for adults.
LFA-1 activates focal adhesion kinases FAK1/PYK2 to generate LAT-GRB2-SKAP1 complexes that terminate T-cell conjugate formation
Authors: Raab Monika , Lu Yuning , Kohler Karsten , Smith Xin , Strebhardt Klaus , Rudd Christopher E.
Published: July 2017

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) affinity and avidity changes have been assumed to mediate adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 for T-cell conjugation to dendritic cells (DC). Although the T-cell receptor (TCR) and LFA-1 can generate intracellular signals, the immune cell adaptor protein linker for the activation of T cells (LAT) couples the TCR to downstream events. Here, we show that LFA-1 can mediate both adhesion and de-adhesion, dependent on receptor clustering. Although increased affinity mediates adhesion, LFA-1 cross-linking induced the association and activation of the protein-tyrosine kinases FAK1/PYK1 that phosphorylated LAT selectively on a single Y-171 site for the binding to adaptor complex GRB-2-SKAP1. LAT-GRB2-SKAP1 complexes were distinct from canonical LAT-GADs-SLP-76 complexes. LFA-1 cross-linking increased the presence of LAT-GRB2-SKAP1 complexes relative to LAT-GADs-SLP-76 complexes. LFA-1-FAK1 decreased T-cell-dendritic cell (DC) dwell times dependent on LAT-Y171, leading to reduced DO11.10 T cell binding to DCs and proliferation to OVA peptide. Overall, our findings outline a new model for LFA-1 in which the integrin can mediate both adhesion and de-adhesion events dependent on receptor cross-linking.
Loss of mTORC1 signalling impairs β-cell homeostasis and insulin processing
Authors: Blandino-Rosano Manuel , Barbaresso Rebecca , Jimenez-Palomares Margarita , Bozadjieva Nadejda , Werneck-de-Castro Joao Pedro , Hatanaka Masayuki , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Sonenberg Nahum , Liu Ming , Rüegg Markus A. , Hall Michael N. , Bernal-Mizrachi Ernesto
Published: July 2017

Deregulation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling increases the risk for metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Here we show that β-cell-specific loss of mTORC1 causes diabetes and β-cell failure due to defects in proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis and insulin secretion by using mice with conditional (βraKO) and inducible (MIP-βraKOf/f) raptor deletion. Through genetic reconstitution of mTORC1 downstream targets, we identify mTORC1/S6K pathway as the mechanism by which mTORC1 regulates β-cell apoptosis, size and autophagy, whereas mTORC1/4E-BP2-eIF4E pathway regulates β-cell proliferation. Restoration of both pathways partially recovers β-cell mass and hyperglycaemia. This study also demonstrates a central role of mTORC1 in controlling insulin processing by regulating cap-dependent translation of carboxypeptidase E in a 4EBP2/eIF4E-dependent manner. Rapamycin treatment decreases CPE expression and insulin secretion in mice and human islets. We suggest an important role of mTORC1 in β-cells and identify downstream pathways driving β-cell mass, function and insulin processing.
A novel ADOA-associated OPA1 mutation alters the mitochondrial function, membrane potential, ROS production and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Liu Xiaoling , Liang Xiaoyang , Lu Yuanyuan , Zhu Ling , Fu Runing , Ji Yanchun , Fan Wenlu , Chen Jie , Lin Bing , Yuan Yimin , Jiang Pingping , Zhou Xiangtian , Guan Min-Xin
Published: July 2017

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is a dominantly inherited optic neuropathy, affecting the specific loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The majority of affected cases of ADOA are associated with mutations in OPA1 gene. Our previous investigation identified the c.1198C > G (p.P400A) mutation in the OPA1 in a large Han Chinese family with ADOA. In this report, we performed a functional characterization using lymphoblostoid cell lines derived from affected members of this family and control subjects. Mutant cell lines exhibited the aberrant mitochondrial morphology. A ~24.6% decrease in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was observed in mutant cell lines, as compared with controls. Western blotting analysis revealed the variable reductions (~45.7%) in four mtDNA-encoded polypeptides in mutant cell lines. The impaired mitochondrial translation caused defects in respiratory capacity. Furthermore, defects in mitochondrial ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were observed in mutant cell lines. These abnormalities resulted in the accumulation of oxidative damage and increasing of apoptosis in the mutant cell lines, as compared with controls. All those alterations may cause the primary degeneration of RGCs and subsequent visual loss. These data provided the direct evidence for c.1198C > G mutation leading to ADOA. Our findings may provide new insights into the understanding of pathophysiology of ADOA.
Nanoplasmonic fiber tip probe detects significant reduction of intracellular Alzheimer’s disease-related oligomers by curcumin
Authors: Liang Feng , Wan Yu , Schaak Diane , Ward Joseph , Shen Xunuo , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Zhang Can , Quan Qimin
Published: July 2017

Considerable evidence shows critical roles of intracellular pathogenic events of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In particular, intracellular amyloid-β accumulation and oligomerization are early AD pathologic processes, which may lead to changes in inflammatory molecules and other AD-related pathological components. Curcumin and its analogs have been identified as potential drug candidates for AD. However, the effects of curcumin on intracellular AD pathologic processes remain largely unknown. Here we utilized a recently developed nanoplasmonic fiber tip probe (nFTP) technology and investigated whether curcumin leads to intracellular AD pathologic changes. We showed that our nFTP technology could robustly detect intracellular AD-related protein changes caused by a well-known inflammation inducer and a familial AD mutation. Intriguingly, curcumin remarkably reduced the level of intracellular oligomers while modestly reduced the level of an inflammatory cytokine. Thus, our results provided evidence that curcumin’s mechanism of action in attenuating AD pathology is through a major role of decreasing oligomerization.
Iron overload exacerbates age-associated cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model of hemochromatosis
Authors: Sukumaran Abitha , Chang JuOae , Han Murui , Mintri Shrutika , Khaw Ban-An , Kim Jonghan
Published: July 2017

Cardiac damage associated with iron overload is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis, but the precise mechanisms leading to disease progression are largely unexplored. Here we investigated the effects of iron overload and age on cardiac hypertrophy using 1-, 5- and 12-month old Hfe-deficient mice, an animal model of hemochromatosis in humans. Cardiac iron levels increased progressively with age, which was exacerbated in Hfe-deficient mice. The heart/body weight ratios were greater in Hfe-deficient mice at 5- and 12-month old, compared with their age-matched wild-type controls. Cardiac hypertrophy in 12-month old Hfe-deficient mice was consistent with decreased alpha myosin and increased beta myosin heavy chains, suggesting an alpha-to-beta conversion with age. This was accompanied by cardiac fibrosis and up-regulation of NFAT-c2, reflecting increased calcineurin/NFAT signaling in myocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, there was an age-dependent increase in the cardiac isoprostane levels in Hfe-deficient mice, indicating elevated oxidative stress. Also, rats fed high-iron diet demonstrated increased heart-to-body weight ratios, alpha myosin heavy chain and cardiac isoprostane levels, suggesting that iron overload promotes oxidative stress and cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings provide a molecular basis for the progression of age-dependent cardiac stress exacerbated by iron overload hemochromatosis.
Hypertonic saline infusion suppresses apoptosis of hippocampal cells in a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Liu Yong , Huang Yang , Zhu ShuiBo , Zhu Jian , Wang RongPing
Published: July 2017

Hypertonic saline (HS) attenuates cerebral edema, improves microcirculation perfusion and alleviates inflammation. However, whether the beneficial effect of HS on neurological function after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) is mediated via attenuating apoptosis of neurons is not known. We studied the neuroprotective effect of HS in rats after CA and CPR, and explored the likely underlying mechanisms. Animals were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups (n = 15 each) according to the different infusions administered during resuscitation: control (C), normal saline (NS), hypertonic saline (HS), and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) groups. NDS at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-ROSC in the HS group were significantly higher than those in the NS and HES groups. Western blot analysis demonstrated a significant increase in Bcl-2 expression in HS, as compared to that in the NS and HES groups. However, Bax and Caspase-3 expressions in HS were significantly lower than that in the NS and HES groups. The apoptosis rate in HS was significantly lower than that in the NS and HES groups, suggesting HS treatment during resuscitation could effectively suppress neuronal cell apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 post-ROSC and improve neuronal function.
Spatio-temporal variations of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in Zhejiang Province, China from 2005 to 2015
Authors: Gu Hua , Fan Wenjie , Liu Kui , Qin Shuwen , Li Xiuyang , Jiang Jianmin , Chen Enfu , Zhou Yibiao , Jiang Qingwu
Published: July 2017

Typhoid and paratyphoid are two common enteric infectious diseases with serious gastrointestinal symptoms. Data was collected of the registered cases in Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2015. The epidemiological characteristics were investigated and high-risk regions were detected with descriptive epidemiological methods and in-depth spatio-temporal statistics. A sharp decline in the incidences of both diseases was observed. The seasonal patterns were identified with typhoid and paratyphoid, one in summer from May to September was observed from 2005 to 2010 and the other lesser one in spring from January to March only observed from 2005 to 2007. The men were more susceptible and the adults aged 20 to 60 constituted the major infected population. The farmers were more likely to get infected, especially to typhoid. The Wilcoxon sum rank test proved that the incidences in the coastal counties were significantly higher than the inland. Besides, a positive autocorrelation was obtained with typhoid fever in global autocorrelation analysis but not with paratyphoid fever. Local autocorrelation analysis and spatio-temporal scan statistics revealed that high-risk clusters were located mainly in the coastal regions with typhoid fever but scattered across the province with paratyphoid fever. The spatial risks were evaluated quantitatively with hierarchical Bayesian models.
Influence of Cu on modifying the beta phase and enhancing the mechanical properties of recycled Al-Si-Fe cast alloys
Authors: Basak C. B. , Babu N. Hari
Published: July 2017

High iron impurity affects the castability and the tensile properties of the recycled Al-Si alloys due to the presence of the Fe containing intermetallic β-Al9Fe2Si2 phase. To date only Mn addition is known to transform the β-Al9Fe2Si2 phase in the Al-Si-Fe system. However, for the first time, as reported here, it is shown that β-phase transforms to the ω-Al7Cu2Fe phase in the presence of Cu, after solutionization at 793 K. The ω-phase decomposes below 673 K resulting into the formation of θ-Al2Cu phase. However, the present thermodynamic description of the Al-Si-Fe-Cu system needs finer tuning to accurately predict the stability of the ω-phase in these alloys. In the present study, an attempt was made to enhance the strength of Al-6wt%Si-2wt%Fe model recycled cast alloy with different amount of Cu addition. Microstructural and XRD analysis were carried out in detail to show the influence of Cu and the stability range of the ω-phase. Tensile properties and micro-hardness values are also reported for both as-cast and solutionized alloys with different amount of Cu without and with ageing treatment at 473 K. The increase in strength due to addition of Cu, in Fe-rich Al-Si alloys is promising from the alloy recyclability point of view.
Pixuna virus modifies host cell cytoskeleton to secure infection
Authors: Gil Pedro Ignacio , Albrieu-Llinás Guillermo , Mlewski Estela Cecilia , Monetti Marina , Fozzatti Laura , Cuffini Cecilia , Fernández Romero José , Kunda Patricia , Paglini María Gabriela
Published: July 2017

Pixuna virus (PIXV) is an enzootic member of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus complex and belongs to the New World cluster of alphaviruses. Herein we explore the role of the cellular cytoskeleton during PIXV replication. We first identified that PIXV undergoes an eclipse phase consisting of 4 h followed by 20 h of an exponential phase in Vero cells. The infected cells showed morphological changes due to structural modifications in actin microfilaments (MFs) and microtubules (MTs). Cytoskeleton-binding agents, that alter the architecture and dynamics of MFs and MTs, were used to study the role of cytoskeleton on PIXV replication. The virus production was significantly affected (p < 0.05) after treatment with paclitaxel or nocodazole due to changes in the MTs network. Interestingly, disassembly of MFs with cytochalasin D, at early stage of PIXV replication cycle, significantly increased the virus yields in the extracellular medium (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the stabilization of actin network with jasplakinolide had no effect on virus yields. Our results demonstrate that PIXV relies not only on intact MTs for the efficient production of virus, but also on a dynamic actin network during the early steps of viral replication.
Polarization-entangled photon pair sources based on spontaneous four wave mixing assisted by polarization mode dispersion
Authors: Kultavewuti Pisek , Zhu Eric Y. , Xing Xingxing , Qian Li , Pusino Vincenzo , Sorel Marc , Aitchison J. Stewart
Published: July 2017

Photonic-based qubits and integrated photonic circuits have enabled demonstrations of quantum information processing (QIP) that promises to transform the way in which we compute and communicate. To that end, sources of polarization-entangled photon pair states are an important enabling technology. However, such states are difficult to prepare in an integrated photonic circuit. Scalable semiconductor sources typically rely on nonlinear optical effects where polarization mode dispersion (PMD) degrades entanglement. Here, we directly generate polarization-entangled states in an AlGaAs waveguide, aided by the PMD and without any compensation steps. We perform quantum state tomography and report a raw concurrence as high as 0.91 ± 0.01 observed in a 1,100-nm-wide waveguide. The scheme allows direct Bell state generation with an observed maximum fidelity of 0.90 ± 0.01 from another (800-nm-wide) waveguide. Our demonstration paves the way for sources that allow for the implementation of polarization-encoded protocols in large-scale quantum photonic circuits.
GSK-3β deletion in dentate gyrus excitatory neuron impairs synaptic plasticity and memory
Authors: Liu Enjie , Xie Ao-Ji , Zhou Qiuzhi , Li Mengzhu , Zhang Shujuan , Li Shihong , Wang Weijin , Wang Xiaochuan , Wang Qun , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: July 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative/psychiatric disorders, while pan-neural knockout of GSK-3β also shows detrimental effects. Currently, the function of GSK-3β in specific type of neurons is elusive. Here, we infused AAV-CaMKII-Cre-2A-eGFP into GSK-3βlox/loxmice to selectively delete the kinase in excitatory neurons of hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and studied the effects on cognitive/psychiatric behaviors and the molecular mechanisms. We found that mice with GSK-3β deletion in DG excitatory neurons displayed spatial and fear memory defects with an anti-anxiety behavior. Further studies demonstrated that GSK-3β deletion in DG subset inhibited hippocampal synaptic transmission and reduced levels of GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B (NMDAR subunits), GluA1 (AMPAR subunit), PSD93 and drebrin (postsynaptic structural proteins), and synaptophysin (presynaptic protein). GSK-3β deletion also suppressed the activity-dependent neural activation and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)/CaMKIV-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling. Our data suggest that GSK-3β in hippocampal DG excitatory neurons is essential for maintaining synaptic plasticity and memory.
Negative Reflecting Meta-Mirrors
Authors: Yang Rui , Li Dong , Gao Dongxing , Zhang Aofang , Hu Bowei , Yang Pei , Lei Zhenya , Li Jiacheng
Published: July 2017

Using the gradient phase discontinuities that meta-mirrors provide, we show that the incident wave can be reflected anomalously with a broad angle range of negative reflections. Such reversed behaviors promote the immediate applications for the planar meta-mirrors to steer the signals more arbitrarily and the convex meta-mirrors to focus and collimate electromagnetic fields. We practically implement these negative reflecting meta-mirrors through an arrangement of subwavelength ring patches and generate the desired phase distribution by also considering the incident angle. Finally, the experiments are carried out to verify the functionality of the convex meta-mirror firstly, and the performances of the planar meta-mirror are also tested by further building up a dual reflector system with the demonstration of obtaining the plane wave from the convex meta-mirror and then having the well collimated beam negative reflected by the planar meta-mirror. The proposed design should be readily applicable to a wide range of electromagnetic problems, especially for devising smart planar illusion devices, and highly directive antennas mounting on convex surfaces of various platforms.
Optimization of microfluidic biosensor efficiency by means of fluid flow engineering
Authors: Selmi Marwa , Gazzah Mohamed Hichem , Belmabrouk Hafedh
Published: July 2017

Binding reaction kinetics of analyte-ligand at the level of a sensitive membrane into a microchannel of a biosensor has been limited by the formation of the boundary diffusion layer. Therefore, the response time increases and affects the overall performance of a biosensor. In the present work, we develop an approach to engineer fluid streams into a complex configuration in order to improve the binding efficiency. We investigate numerically the flow deformations around a parallelepiped with square cross-section inside the microfluidic channel and exploit these deformations to simulate the analyte transport to the sensitive membrane and enhance both association and dissociation processes. The effect of several parameters on the binding reaction is provided such as: the obstacle location from the inlet of the microchannel, the average flow velocity, and the inlet analyte concentration. The optimal position of the obstacle is determined. An appropriate choice of the inlet flow velocity and inlet analyte concentration may reduce significantly the response time.
Detailed phytochemical characterization and bioactive properties of Myrtus nivelii Batt & Trab
Authors: Rached Wahiba , Bennaceur Malika , Barros Lillian , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Heleno Sandrina , Alves Maria José , Carvalho Ana Maria , Marouf Abderrazak , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: July 2017

Myrtus niveliiBatt & Trab is a rich source of flavonols and ellagitannin derivatives. The tested extract and purified fractions revealed excellent bioactivity and ethyl acetate fraction resulted to be the most potential source in bioactives.
Correlations between preparation methods, structural features and electrochemical Li-storage behavior of reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Sonia Farjana J. , Kalita Hemen , Aslam M. , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: July 2017

Reductionviaannealing treatment at just 500 °C for graphene oxide (GO) leads to uniformity in the graphene interlayer spacing (similar to graphite), thus aiding facile Li-transport and accordingly as-desired electrochemical performances, unlike chemically reduced GO.
Hydrogen gas sensor of Pd‐functionalised AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with high sensitivity and low‐power consumption
Authors: Choi J.‐H. , Jo M.‐G. , Han S.‐W. , Kim H. , Kim S.‐H. , Jang S. , Kim J.‐S. , Cha H.‐Y.
Published: July 2017

A Pd‐functionalised hydrogen gas sensor based on an AlGaN/GaN heterostruture platform was investigated. The optimum bias voltage and reaction temperature were 0.1 V and 200°C, respectively, with which a wide range of hydrogen concentration from 0.1–4% in the air (i.e. 1000–40,000 ppm) was detectable. Not only low‐power consumption but also high sensitivity with fast response was achieved due to the excellent properties of the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure platform. The sensitivity was 72.8% with a response time of ∼3 s in 4% hydrogen concentration.
Asymmetric Tibial Component Improved the Coverage and Rotation of the Tibial Component in a Medial Pivot Total Knee Prosthesis
Authors: Ikebuchi Mitsuhiko , Mizokawa Shigekazu , Ohta Yoichi , Nakamura Hiroaki , Minoda Yukihide
Published: July 2017

Malrotation of tibial components is one of the important causes of failure in total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between tibial rotational positioning and coverage of the tibial surface during the operation, using a symmetric and newly introduced asymmetric medial pivot tibial components. The coverage and overhang were compared between a symmetric component (Advance medial pivot) and a newly introduced asymmetric medial pivot tibial component (Evolution medial pivot) in 31 knees during the operation. When the tibial component was placed parallel to the anteroposterior (AP) axis, the uncovered width in the posteromedial part using a symmetric design was larger than that using an asymmetric design (p < 0.01). Overhang in the posterolateral part was observed in 42% for a symmetric design and 3% for an asymmetric design (p < 0.01). When the component was placed in malrotation (10 degrees internal to the AP axis), overhang in the posteromedial part was observed in 6% for a symmetric design and in 71% for an asymmetric design (p < 0.01). The tibial rotation parallel to the AP axis and maximizing coverage of the tibial surface conflict in a symmetric design, but are compatible in an asymmetric design. An asymmetric tibial component is expected to improve the coverage and the rotational positioning of medial pivot total knee prosthesis.
Apple Pomace as Potential Source of Natural Active Compounds
Authors: Waldbauer Katharina , McKinnon Ruxandra , Kopp Brigitte
Published: July 2017

Apple pomace is a waste product of the apple manufacturing industry that has been in the focus of life sciences as it represents a low-cost source of fruit-derived compounds. High fruit consumption is associated with beneficial health effects, and therefore, apple pomace and its constituents raise therapeutic interest. The present work reviews (i) the chemical constituents of apple pomace, (ii) optimized extraction methods of apple pomace compounds, and (iii) biological activities of apple pomace. Current evidence of apple pomace influence on digestion and metabolism, cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis, diabetes, and sex hormones is summarized. Furthermore, studies regarding its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antibacterial and antiviral effects are presented. The review concludes that apple pomace is an underutilized waste product of the apple industry with the potential of being processed for its nutritional and pharmaceutical value.
Die Forschung der Dermatologischen Klinik heute – Fokus Immuntherapien in Dermatoonkologie und schweren entzündlichen Hautkrankheiten
Authors: Kündig T.
Published: July 2017

Die nachfolgend vorgestellten Publikationen dienen exemplarisch zur Beleuchtung des Fokus der Forschung der Dermatologischen Klinik des UniversitätsSpitals Zürich auf schwere entzündliche Hautkrankheiten und auf die Dermatoonkologie. Sie reflektieren beispielhaft die umfangreiche publizistische Aktivität der Klinik und geben Einblick in die Forschungsschwerpunkte wie metastasierendes Melanom, schwere entzündliche Hautkrankheiten wie beispielsweise Pyoderma gangrenosum und der Mycosis fungoides/dem Sézary Syndrom.
Sonografie in der Onkologie, eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Trenker Corinna , Görg Christian , Jenssen Christian , Klein Stefan , Neubauer Andreas , Wagner Uwe , Dietrich Christoph
Published: July 2017

In der Tumordiagnostik, insbesondere in der Ausbreitungsdiagnostik bei Tumorpatienten, stellt die Sonografie im Zeitalter moderner Schnittbildverfahren (Computertomografie (CT)/Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT)/Positronenemissionstomografie (PET-CT)) überwiegend eine additive Untersuchungsmethode dar, da die Methode u. a. durch Interobservervaribilität und Schallbedingungen limitiert ist. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, spezielle onkologische Fragestellungen an die Sonografie herauszuarbeiten und die Anforderungen an die Sonografie und den Stellenwert der Methode in der Diagnostik von Tumorerkrankungen im Zeitalter von CT, MRT und PET-CT darzustellen. Grundsätzlich sind Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Sonografie in der Primärdiagnostik, Ausbreitungsdiagnostik, der Beurteilung des Therapieansprechens und in der Tumornachsorge zu differenzieren. Diese werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Leitlinien der European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) und der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e. V. 1 sowie der Anforderungen im klinischen Alltag erörtert.
Action Plan for Prolongation of Nephrogenesis in Preterm and Growth Restricted Babies: Explore Ultrastructure of the Nephrogenic Zone, Identify a Molecular Target, Select a Viable Drug and Find a Path for Administration
Authors: Minuth Will
Published: July 2017

A large amount of investigations informs about primary steps of mammalian kidney development such as anlage of the organ and initial nephron formation, while only few data exists about the late phase of human kidney development. In particular, little attention was up to date addressed to the decrease of morphogenic activity in the nephrogenic zone short before birth and the vanishing of all stem cell niches aligned beyond the organ capsule. There is evidence that molecular controlling of this normal but degenerative developmental process also plays a decisive role in the kidneys of preterm and growth restricted babies. Although they are born in a phase of active nephrogenesis, a substantial percentage of them evolves oligonephropathy, formation of atypical glomeruli and immaturity of parenchyma. Pathologic findings point out that independent from chemical nature all suspected hampering influences sublimate in the nephrogenic zone. However, it is unknown, whether impaired nephrogenesis is locally caused by harming interstitial fluid, disturbance of morphogen signaling, unbalanced synthesis of extracellular matrix or limited cell to cell communication. Thus, first of all these issues must be resolved, then save application of medicines prolonging nephrogenesis waits for realization. Due to the unexpectedly complex microanatomy and physiology of the nephrogenic zone, it will be a particular challenge for the future.
Modeling of stresses and electric fields in piezoelectric multilayer: Application to multi quantum wells
Authors: Mishra Dhaneshwar , Lee Soong Hyeong , Seo Youjung , Pak Y. Eugene
Published: July 2017

Exact closed-form expressions have been derived for the stresses and the electric fields induced in piezoelectric multilayers deposited on a substrate with lattice misfit and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch. The derived formulations can model any number of layers using recursive relations that minimize the computation time. A proper rotation matrix has been utilized to generalize the expressions so that they can be used for various growth orientations with each layer having hexagonal crystal symmetry. As an example, the influence of lattice misfit and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch on the state of electroelastic fields in different layers of GaN multi quantum wells has been examined. A comparison with the finite element analysis results showed very close agreement. The analytical expressions developed herein will be useful in designing optoelectronic devices as well as in predicting defect density in multi quantum wells.
Microwave-assisted boron and nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide as a transparent conductive electrode
Authors: Umrao Sima , Mishra Himanshu , Srivastava Anchal , Lee Sungjoo
Published: July 2017

A crystalline Boron (B)- and Nitrogen (N)-co-doped microwave-assisted reduced graphene oxide (BNMRGO) film was investigated as a potential transparent conducting electrode (TCE) material. X-ray diffraction results revealed the good crystallinity of the BNMRGO film, and the presence of a (0004) reflection plane indicated the formation of a few small domains of hexagonal boron nitride in the microwave assisted reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) sheets under the co-doping process. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results indicated a reduction of sp3 carbon centers upon co-doping. The ID/IG ratio decreased after co-doping from 0.89 to 0.24, indicating a low average defect density of ∼1.01 × 1010 cm−2. Optoelectronic characterization of the BNMRGO film on a glass substrate revealed a high optical transparency of 82% at 550 nm and a low sheet resistance (Rsh) of 355 Ω/sq, which was lower than that observed from the MRGO sheets (Rsh = 719 Ω/sq). BNMRGO provided a ratio between the direct conductivity (σdc) to the optical conductivity (σoc), that is, the figure of merit of a TCE material, of 5.96. Overall, this work paves the way toward developing a manufacturable TCE.
Low-temperature (<200 oC) solid-phase crystallization of high substitutional Sn concentration (∼10%) GeSn on insulator enhanced by weak laser irradiation
Authors: Moto Kenta , Sugino Takayuki , Matsumura Ryo , Ikenoue Hiroshi , Miyao Masanobu , Sadoh Taizoh
Published: July 2017

Low temperature (<200 oC) crystallization of GeSn (substitutional Sn concentration: >8%) on insulating substrates is essential to realize next generation flexible electronics. To achieve this, a growth method of high quality GeSn films on insulating substrates by combination of laser irradiation and subsequent thermal annealing is developed. Here, the laser fluence is chosen as weak, which is below the critical fluence for crystallization of GeSn. It is clarified that for samples irradiated with weak laser fluence, complete crystallization of GeSn films is achieved by subsequent thermal annealing at ∼170 oC without incubation time. In addition, the quality of GeSn films obtained by this method is higher compared with conventional growth techniques such as melting growth by pulsed laser annealing or solid-phase crystallization (SPC) without pre-laser irradiation. Substitutional Sn concentrations in the grown layers estimated by Raman spectroscopy measurements are 8-10%, which far exceed thermal equilibrium solid-solubility of Sn in Ge (∼2%). These phenomena are explained by generation of a limited number of nuclei by weak laser irradiation and lateral SPC by subsequent thermal annealing. This method will facilitate realization of next-generation high performance devices on flexible insulating substrates.
Molecular dynamics investigation of the physisorption and interfacial characteristics of NBR chains on carbon nanotubes with different characteristics
Authors: Li Kun , Gu Boqin
Published: July 2017

The present study investigates the physisorption and interfacial interactions between multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with different characteristics, including different numbers of walls and different functional groups, and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) polymer chains based on molecular dynamics simulations performed using modeled MWNT/NBR compound systems. The effects of the initial orientation of NBR chains and their relative distances to nanotubes, number of nanotube layers, and the surface functional groups of nanotubes on nanotube/polymer interactions are examined. Analysis is conducted according to the final configuration obtained in conjunction with the binding energy (Eb), radius of gyration (Rg) and end-to-end distance (h). The results show that the final conformations of NBR chains adsorbed on MWNT surfaces is associated with the initial relative angle of the NBR chains and their distance from the nanotubes. For non-functionalized MWNTs, Eb is almost directly proportional to Rg under equivalent parameters. Moreover, it is observed that functional groups hinder the wrapping of NBR chains on the MWNT surfaces. This indicates that functional groups do not always benefit the macro-mechanical properties of the composites. Moreover, the type of the major interaction force has been dramatically changed into electrostatic force from vdW force because of functionalization.
Influence of Pyrolytic Biochar on Settleability and Denitrification of Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Sima Xiao-feng , Li Bing-bing , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2017

Biochar is a massively produced by-product of biomass pyrolysis to obtain renewable energy and has not been fully used. Incomplete separation of sludge and effluent and insufficient denitrification of sewage are two of main factors that influence the efficiency of activated sludge process. In this work, we proposed a new utilization of biochar and investigated the effect of biochar addition on the performance of settleability and denitrification of activated sludge. Results show that the addition of biochar can improve the settleability of activated sludge by changing the physicochemical characteristics of sludge (e.g., flocculating ability, zeta-potential, hydrophobicity, and extracellular polymeric substances constituents). Moreover, the dissolved organic carbon released from biochar obtained at lower pyrolysis temperature can improve the nitrate removal efficiency to a certain extent.
A New kHz Velocity Map Ion/Electron Imaging Spectrometer for Femtosecond Time-Resolved Molecular Reaction Dynamics Studies
Authors: He Zhi-gang , Chen Zhi-chao , Yang Dong-yuan , Dai Dong-xu , Wu Guo-rong , Yang Xue-ming
Published: July 2017

A new velocity map imaging spectrometer is constructed for molecular reaction dynamics studies using time-resolved photoelectron/ion spectroscopy method. By combining a kHz pulsed valve and an ICCD camera, this velocity map imaging spectrometer can be run at a repetition rate of 1 kHz, totally compatible with the fs Ti:Sapphire laser system, facilitating time-resolved studies in gas phase which are usually time-consuming. Time-resolved velocity map imaging study of NH3 photodissociation at 200 nm was performed and the time-resolved total kinetic energy release spectrum of H+NH2 products provides rich information about the dissociation dynamics of NH3. These results show that this new apparatus is a powerful tool for investigating the molecular reaction dynamics using time-resolved methods.
Low-Storage Runge-Kutta Method for Simulating Time-Dependent Quantum Dynamics
Authors: Yan Yun-an
Published: July 2017

A wide range of quantum systems are time-invariant and the corresponding dynamics is dictated by linear differential equations with constant coefficients. Although simple in mathematical concept, the integration of these equations is usually complicated in practice for complex systems, where both the computational time and the memory storage become limiting factors. For this reason, low-storage Runge-Kutta methods become increasingly popular for the time integration. This work suggests a series of s-stage sth-order explicit Runge-Kutta methods specific for autonomous linear equations, which only requires two times of the memory storage for the state vector. We also introduce a 13-stage eighth-order scheme for autonomous linear equations, which has optimized stability region and is reduced to a fifth-order method for general equations. These methods exhibit significant performance improvements over the previous general-purpose low-stage schemes. As an example, we apply the integrator to simulate the non-Markovian exciton dynamics in a 15-site linear chain consisting of perylene-bisimide derivatives.
Numerical Investigation on 1,3-Butadiene/Propyne Co-pyrolysis and Insight into Synergistic Effect on Aromatic Hydrocarbon Formation
Authors: Li Tian-yu , Zou Jia-biao , Zhang Yan , Cao Chuang-chuang , Li Wei , Yuan Wen-hao
Published: July 2017

A numerical investigation on the co-pyrolysis of 1,3-butadiene and propyne is performed to explore the synergistic effect between fuel components on aromatic hydrocarbon formation. A detailed kinetic model of 1,3-butadiene/propyne co-pyrolysis with the sub-mechanism of aromatic hydrocarbon formation is developed and validated on previous 1,3-butadiene and propyne pyrolysis experiments. The model is able to reproduce both the single component pyrolysis and the co-pyrolysis experiments, as well as the synergistic effect between 1,3-butadiene and propyne on the formation of a series of aromatic hydrocarbons. Based on the rate of production and sensitivity analyses, key reaction pathways in the fuel decomposition and aromatic hydrocarbon formation processes are revealed and insight into the synergistic effect on aromatic hydrocarbon formation is also achieved. The synergistic effect results from the interaction between 1,3-butadiene and propyne. The easily happened chain initiation in the 1,3-butadiene decomposition provides an abundant radical pool for propyne to undergo the H-atom abstraction and produce propargyl radical which plays key roles in the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Besides, the 1,3-butadiene/propyne co-pyrolysis includes high concentration levels of C3 and C4 precursors simultaneously, which stimulates the formation of key aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and naphthalene.
Effects of Oxygen Vacancy on the Adsorption of Formaldehyde on Rutile TiO2(110) Surface
Authors: Liu Li-ming , Zhao Jin
Published: July 2017

Oxygen vacancy (Ov) has significant influence on physical and chemical properties of TiO2 systems, especially on surface catalytic processes. In this work, we investigate the effects of Ov on the adsorption of formaldehyde (HCHO) on TiO2(110) surfaces through first-principles calculations. With the existence of Ov, we find the spatial distribution of surface excess charge can change the relative stability of various adsorption configurations. In this case, the bidentate adsorption at five-coordinated Ti (Ti5c) can be less stable than the monodentate adsorption. And HCHO adsorbed in Ov becomes the most stable structure. These results are in good agreement with experimental observations, which reconcile the long-standing deviation between the theoretical prediction and experimental results. This work brings insights into how the excess charge affects the molecule adsorption on metal oxide surface.
UriSwab: an effective transport medium for nucleic acid detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Costa Anna-Maria G. , Garland Suzanne M. , Guy Rebecca , Wand Handan , Tabrizi Sepehr N.
Published: July 2017

Background
Patient self-sampling allows for remote collection and return to clinic or laboratory by post. Urine samples, although convenient, are challenging to post. This study evaluated UriSwab (Copan, Brescia, Italy) as a collection and transport vessel for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) detection by polymerase chain reaction, compared with flocked swab and neat urine. Methods: Five replicates of each specimen type were prepared from previously characterised urine samples (n = 330), stored at room temperature (RT) or 37°C, then extracted on day 1, 3, 7, 10 and 16 (VERSANT kPCR Sample Prep System, Siemens, Munich, Germany). Crossing thresholds (Cq) from CT and NG detection (VERSANT CT/GC DNA 1.0 assay kit, Siemens) and MG detection (real-time polymerase chain reaction assay) were compared using logistic regression, stratified by sample type, temperature and analyte. Mixed-model statistical techniques were used to assess correlation between repeated observations. Results: UriSwab showed an increasing trend in Cq values at RT and 37°C for CT and NG, and RT for MG (all P < 0.01). UriSwab was not statistically significantly different to neat urine, except CT at RT (0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–1.15). Flocked swab similarly showed increasing Cq values at 37°C for CT, a significant decreasing trend at RT for MG and increasing trend at 37°C for MG. Flocked swab was not statistically significantly different from neat urine at RT and 37°C for CT and MG. Conclusion: UriSwab allows transport of urine for CT, NG and MG detection regardless of storage time or temperature, suggesting that CT and NG are stable for up to 16 days and MG up to 10 days.
Phonetic convergence towards American English by Indian agents in international service encounters
Authors: Cowie Claire , Pande Anna
Published: July 2017

In outsourced voice-based services (call centres are a typical example), an agent providing a service is likely to accommodate their speech to that of the customer. In services outsourced to India, as in other postcolonial settings, the customer accent typically does not have a place in that agent’s repertoire. This presents an opportunity to test whether exposure to the customer accent through telephone work promotes phonetic convergence, and/or whether social factors are implicated in convergence. In this map task experiment, 16 IT workers from Pune (half of whom regularly spoke to American colleagues on the telephone) gave directions to American followers. There was evidence of imitation of thebathvowel with an American addressee. However, imitation did not depend on exposure alone. Attitudes to American English, social networks and individuals’ sense of themselves as performers affected their behaviour in the experiment.