bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced light‐vapor interactions and all optical switching in a chip scale micro‐ring resonator coupled with atomic vapor
Authors: Stern Liron , Zektzer Roy , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel
Published: October 2016

The coupling of atomic and photonic resonances serves as an important tool for enhancing light‐matter interactions and enables the observation of multitude of fascinating and fundamental phenomena. Here, by exploiting the platform of atomic‐cladding wave guides, the resonant coupling of rubidium vapor and an atomic cladding micro ring resonator is experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, cavity‐atom coupling in the form of Fano resonances having a distinct dependency on the relative frequency detuning between the photonic and the atomic resonances is observed. Moreover, significant enhancement of the efficiency of all optical switching in the V‐type pump‐probe scheme is demonstrated. The coupled system of micro‐ring resonator and atomic vapor is a promising building block for a variety of light vapor experiments, as it offers a very small footprint, high degree of integration and extremely strong confinement of light and vapor. As such it may be used for important applications, such as all optical switching, dispersion engineering (e.g. slow and fast light) and metrology, as well as for the observation of important effects such as strong coupling, and Purcell enhancement.

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A Trifunctional, Modular Biomaterial Coating: Nonadhesive to Bacteria, Chlorhexidine‐Releasing and Tissue‐Integrating
Authors: Sjollema Jelmer , Keul Heidrun , van der Mei Henny , Dijkstra René , Rustema‐Abbing Minie , de Vries Joop , Loontjens Ton , Dirks Ton , Busscher Henk
Published: October 2016

Various potential anti‐infection strategies can be thought of for biomaterial implants and devices. Permanent, tissue‐integrated implants such as artificial joint prostheses require a different anti‐infection strategy than, for instance, removable urinary catheters. The different requirements set to biomaterials implants and devices in different clinical applications call for tailor‐made strategies. Here, a modular coating‐concept for biomaterials is reported, which in its full, trifunctional form comprises nonadhesiveness to bacteria and antimicrobial release, combined with enhanced tissue integration characteristics. Nonadhesiveness to proteins and bacteria is accomplished by a hydrophilic brush coating (Vitrostealth). The antimicrobial release module is constituted by a chlorhexidine releasing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylamide based‐coating that continues to release its antimicrobial content also when underneath the nonadhesive top‐coating. The third module, enhancing tissue integration, is realized by the incorporation of the penta‐peptide Glycine‐Arginine‐Glycine‐Aspartic acid‐Serine (GRGDS) within the nonadhesive top‐coating. Modules function in concert or independently of each other. Specifically, tissue integration by the GRGDS‐module does not affect the nonadhesiveness of the Vitrostealth‐module toward bovine serum albumin and Staphylococcus aureus, while the antimicrobial release module does not affect tissue‐integration by the GRGDS‐module. Uniquely, using this modular system, tailor‐made anti‐infection strategies can thus readily be made for biomaterials in different clinical applications.

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Polyvinyl Butyral Modified Polyvinylidene Fluoride Breathable–Waterproof Nanofibrous Membranes with Enhanced Mechanical Performance
Authors: Zhang Min , Sheng Junlu , Yin Xia , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: October 2016

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes with outstanding mechanical property, breathability, and waterproofness are critical in protective fields; however, great challenges still remain in creating such functional materials. A novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) breathable–waterproof membrane with robust mechanical performance is fabricated by introducing thermal post‐treatment into electrospun membranes. Embedding of PVB enriches the pristine PVdF nanofibrous membranes with bonded network, optimized pore size, and porosity. The composite membranes are endowed with robust tensile stress of 10.5 MPa and good breaking elongation of 64.5%, which are about four times that of the pure non‐bonded PVdF membranes. Apart from this, the bonded PVdF/PVB membranes express integrated properties of high water vapor transmittance rate (10.6 kg m−2d−1), modest air permeability (9.8 mm s−1), and good waterproofness (58 kPa). Furthermore, the convenience and efficient of this fabrication process will allow for large‐scale production of PVdF/PVB breathable–waterproof nanofibrous membranes with robust mechanical performance and board applications.

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Reasons for the Discoloration of Postconsumer Poly(ethylene terephthalate) during Reprocessing
Authors: Berg Dennis , Schaefer Karola , Koerner Andrea , Kaufmann Robert , Tillmann Walter , Moeller Martin
Published: October 2016

Gray and/or yellow discoloration may occur during repeated heating of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Both phenomena can cause problems in further application. In this work, the reasons for the discoloration of PET during reprocessing are investigated by physical and chemical analysis such as colorimetry, size exclusion chromatography, viscosimetry (ηinh.), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and MALDI‐ToF‐MS analysis. It is found that the antimony content which originates from catalyst residues used in PET synthesis has high influence on the gray discoloration obtained during reprocessing of PET. Antimony ions are reduced to elementary antimony during heating to temperatures above 230 °C as proven by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The yellow discoloration is partially generated by polyamide contaminants which are used as barrier layers in PET packaging materials such as soft drink bottles. In conclusion, to prevent discoloration of postconsumer PET during reprocessing different methods such as oxidation of gray metallic antimony or sorting out of polyamide contaminants are needed.

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A space‐time spectral method for one‐dimensional time fractional convection diffusion equations
Authors: Yu Zhe , Wu Boying , Sun Jiebao
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we propose a space‐time spectral method for solving a class of time fractional convection diffusion equations. Because both fractional derivative and spectral method have global characteristics in bounded domains, we propose a space‐time spectral‐Galerkin method. The convergence result of the method is proved by providing a priori error estimate. Numerical results further confirm the expected convergence rate and illustrate the versatility of our method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sarcopenia, age, atrophy, and myopathy: Mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities
Authors: Pestronk Alan , Keeling Richard , Choksi Rati
Published: October 2016

Introduction

We studied mitochondrial impairment as a factor in the pathologic equivalent of sarcopenia, muscle fiber atrophy associated with increased age.

Methods

Mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities and coenzyme Q10 levels were measured in frozen human proximal limb muscles with combined age and atrophy, age alone, atrophy alone, denervation, immune myopathies, and mitochondrial disorders with ophthalmoplegia.

Results

Sarcopenia (age and atrophy) had reduced mean activities of mitochondrial Complexes I, II, and II+III, with severe reduction of Complex I activity in 54% of patients. Atrophy, and specific denervation atrophy, had similar patterns of changes. Age alone had moderately reduced Complex I activity. Mitochondrial myopathies had mildly lower Complex IV activity. Immune myopathies had unchanged enzyme activities.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities, especially Complex I, but also Complexes II and II+III, are reduced in muscles with the pathologic equivalent of sarcopenia. Individually, atrophy and age have different patterns of oxidative enzyme changes. Muscle Nerve 56: 122–128, 2017.
γ‐sarcoglycan and dystrophin mutation spectrum in an Algerian cohort
Authors: Dalichaouche Imene , Sifi Yamina , Roudaut Carinne , Sifi Karima , Hamri Abdelmadjid , Rouabah Leila , Abadi Noureddine , Richard Isabelle
Published: October 2016

Introduction

We report the genetic analysis of a large series of 76 Algerian patients from 65 unrelated families who presented with early onset severe muscular dystrophy and a clinical phenotype resembling limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C.

Methods

To define the genetic basis of the diseases in these families, we undertook a series of analyses of the γ‐sarcoglycan (SGCG) and DMD genes.

Results

Fifteen families were shown to carry SGCG variants. Only 2 kinds of causative mutations were identified in the population, mostly in the homozygous state: the well‐known c.525delT and the previously described c.87dupT. In the DMD gene, 12 distinctive patterns of deletion were identified, mostly affecting the dystrophin central region.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a simple molecular screen consisting of 2 allele‐specific polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and a set of 3 multiplex PCRs can diagnose half of the patients who present with progressive muscular dystrophy in the developing nation of Algeria. Muscle Nerve 56: 129–135, 2017.
Fibroblast growth factors and pulmonary fibrosis: it's more complex than it sounds
Authors: Kim Kevin K , Sisson Thomas H , Horowitz Jeffrey C
Published: October 2016

Lung fibrosis results from the cumulative effect of dysfunctional wound repair involving multiple cell types, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages responding to an array of soluble and matrix‐mediated stimuli. Recent studies have shown that a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets FGF, VEGF, and PDGF receptors can slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, each of these growth factor families is comprised of multiple ligands and receptors with pleiotropic activities on different cell types such that their broad inhibition might have both pro‐fibrotic and anti‐fibrotic effects, limiting the potential therapeutic efficacy. Continued investigation and delineation of specific roles of individual proteins and receptors on different cell types hold promise for targeting specific pathways with precision and optimizing the potential efficacy of future approaches to lung fibrosis therapy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SILAC‐based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals widespread molecular alterations in human skin keratinocytes upon chronic arsenic exposure
Authors: Mir Sartaj Ahmad , Pinto Sneha M. , Paul Somnath , Raja Remya , Nanjappa Vishalakshi , Syed Nazia , Advani Jayshree , Renuse Santosh , Sahasrabuddhe Nandini A. , Prasad T. S. Keshava , Giri Ashok K. , Gowda Harsha , Chatterjee Aditi
Published: October 2016

Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with dermatological and nondermatological disorders. Consumption of arsenic‐contaminated drinking water results in accumulation of arsenic in liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Although arsenic is cleared from these sites, a substantial amount of residual arsenic is left in keratin‐rich tissues including skin. Epidemiological studies suggest the association of skin cancer upon arsenic exposure, however, the mechanism of arsenic‐induced carcinogenesis is not completely understood. We developed a cell line based model to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in arsenic‐mediated toxicity and carcinogenicity. Human skin keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, was chronically exposed to 100 nM sodium arsenite over a period of 6 months. We observed an increase in basal ROS levels in arsenic‐exposed cells. SILAC‐based quantitative proteomics approach resulted in identification of 2111 proteins of which 42 proteins were found to be overexpressed and 54 downregulated (twofold) upon chronic arsenic exposure. Our analysis revealed arsenic‐induced overexpression of aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member C2 (AKR1C2), aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) among others. We observed downregulation of several members of the plakin family including periplakin (PPL), envoplakin (EVPL), and involucrin (IVL) that are essential for terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. MRM and Western blot analysis confirmed differential expression of several candidate proteins. Our study provides insights into molecular alterations upon chronic arsenic exposure on skin.
On upstream blocking over heated mountain ridges
Authors: Kirshbaum Daniel J.
Published: October 2016

Nested large‐eddy simulations of heated flows over idealized mesoscale mountain ridges are conducted to investigate the impacts of diabatic surface heating on orographic blocking. Three specific heating‐related impacts are isolated and quantified: (i) destabilization of the impinging planetary boundary layer, (ii) upslope flow driven by elevated heating and (iii) erosion of blocked layers by buoyancy‐driven mixing. The heating gives rise to a manyfold enhancement of simulated flow‐over (the fraction of impinging momentum flux that surmounts the crest) in weaker flows over taller ridges, owing primarily to upslope flow driven by elevated heating. By contrast, the other two effects enhance flow‐over by up to ∼50%. Unexpectedly, complete neutralization of the subcrest boundary layer does not put an immediate end to upstream blocking–once entrenched, blocking can persist for several hours due to inertial effects, particularly in weaker flows. A simplified scaling is developed to predict mechanically and thermally induced pressure perturbations induced by the ridge. The scaling, which captures the magnitudes and sensitivities of the simulated pressure perturbations reasonably well, is used to formulate two non‐dimensional parameters, one the ratio of pressure‐induced upwind deceleration to the impinging momentum flux (J) and the other the ratio of thermal to mechanical pressure perturbations (R). A regime diagram of flow‐over, constructed in J–R parameter space, shows that blocking is minimized for small J (the mechanically unblocked regime) and/or large R (the thermally forced regime).
Drift tube ion mobility and four‐dimensional molecular feature extraction enable data‐independent tandem mass spectrometric ‘omics’ analysis without quadrupole selection
Authors: Ma Xin , Liu Jing , Zhang Zhengxiang , Bo Tao , Bai Yu , Liu Huwei
Published: October 2016

Rationale

Quadrupole‐based tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) plays a critical role in ‘omics’ studies. However, when a particular m/z precursor is selected by the quadrupole, ions other than the precursor are not transmitted through, and the sensitivity and dynamic range thus diminish. Therefore, separation techniques such as ion mobility (IM) are coupled with MS/MS to improve it.

Methods

In this workflow, every IM‐mass spectrometry (MS) scan was followed by one high‐voltage collision energy (CE) scan. The precursors were separated in IM drift time and dissociated after IM; the four‐dimensional molecular feature extraction (4D MFE) algorithm was used to align the precursors and their MS/MS spectra based on retention time and drift time distribution. A complicated peptide mixture was selected to exemplify the workflow in a proteomics study.

Results

The new IM‐MS‐based workflow achieved similar performance in finding proteins compared to the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method. However, a significant difference was found between the proteins found by these two methods. For the four concentration levels analyzed, at least 23% more proteins were found by combining the new methods than only using the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method.

Conclusions

The established workflow used the 4D MFE algorithm to analyze a complicated 4D dataset and was demonstrated to find more proteins not found by the traditional quadrupole‐based MS/MS method in proteomics application. It is thus an important complementary MS/MS mode for ‘omics’ studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic‐assisted minimally invasive surgery of the spine (RAMISS): a proof‐of‐concept study using carbon dioxide insufflation for multilevel posterior vertebral exposure via a sub‐paraspinal muscle working space
Authors: Howard Jason J. , Abinahed Julien , Navkar Nikhil , Peyrat Jean‐Marc , Al‐Ansari Abdulla , Sigalet David L. , Zarroug Abdalla E.
Published: October 2016

Background

Open posterior spinal procedures involve extensive soft tissue disruption, increased hospital length of stay, and disfiguring scars. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using robotic‐assistance for minimally invasive exposure of the posterolateral spine with and without carbon dioxide (CO2 ) insufflation.

Methods

Sheep specimens underwent minimally invasive subperiosteal dissection of the spine during three trials. The da Vinci S Surgical system was used for access with and without working space support via CO2 insufflation.

Results

Without insufflation, a sub‐paraspinal muscle tunnel measuring 16 cm was developed between two 5 cm incisions. With insufflation, the one‐sided tunnel length was 12.5 cm but without the soft tissue trauma and obstructed visualization experienced without CO2.

Conclusions

The use of robot‐assistance for minimally invasive access to the posterior spine appears to be feasible. The use of CO2 insufflation greatly improved our ability to visualize and access the posterior vertebral elements.
The structural evaluation of amyloid beta on lipid membranes
Authors: Aoyagi Satoka , Iwamura Miki , Shimanouchi Toshinori , Yokoyama Yuta , Iwai Hideo
Published: October 2016

Amyloid beta (Aβ) adsorption onto lipid membranes depending on the condition of a lipid was investigated by means of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). Aβ aggregation depending on the different hardness of lipid membrane has not been clarified yet although it is important to understand Alzheimer's disease. Aβ (1–40) on three different lipid membranes having different transition temperatures has been evaluated using ToF‐SIMS in the previous study, and in this study, the differences between Aβ on liquid crystalline‐phase lipid membranes and that on gel‐phase lipid membranes were investigated in order to clarify the mechanisms of aggregation and peptide folding change. ToF‐SIMS secondary ion images clearly showed Aβ distribution on lipid membranes. Because ToF‐SIMS data is extremely complicated although it contains rich information, it was analysed by principal component analysis (PCA). Score images indicated by PCA are consistent with the images of secondary ions related to Aβ and are clearer than the secondary ion images. Moreover, PCA results suggest the difference between Aβ on different lipid membranes in terms of amino acid fragment ions, and the orientation of Aβ on 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine was indicated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overwritable liquid selective open channel
Authors: Ito Shuto , Ishii Daisuke
Published: October 2016

We fabricated an overwritable liquid channel with liquid selectivity and design flexibility inspired by a coastal animal. The animal has pairs of legs on which open‐air capillary structures, what we call open channel, uptake water spontaneously using interfacial free energy. We extracted an essential mechanism controlling this phenomenon and applied it to artificial open channels, aiming at transport and manipulating a variety of liquids without using external energies. After surface modifications, the artificial open channels were able to transport a variety of liquids against gravity by the synergetic effect of surface chemistry and structure, and the surface energy contrast induced by partial modifications lets a certain liquid spread through on specific areas of the channel. In addition, these wetting properties and shapes of the liquid channels were found to be overwritten over multiple times with a set of surface modifications. These rewritable open channels with liquid selectivity are applicable to a wide variety of microstructure surfaces, opening the way for its application of reusable microfluidics and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous Adjustment of Size and Helical Sense of Chiral Nanospheres and Nanotubes Derived from an Axially Racemic Poly(phenylacetylene)
Authors: Arias Sandra , Núñez‐Martínez Manuel , Quiñoá Emilio , Riguera Ricardo , Freire Félix
Published: October 2016

Nanospheres and nanotubes with full control of their size and helical sense are obtained in chloroform from the axially racemic chiral poly(phenylacetylene) poly‐(R)‐1 using either Ag+ as both chiral inducer and cross‐linking agent or Na+ as chiral inducer and Ag+ as cross‐linking agent. The size is tuned by the polymer/ion ratio while the helical sense is modulated by the polymer/cosolvent (i.e., MeCN) ratio. In this way, the helicity and the size of the nanoparticles can be easily interconverted by very simple experimental changes.
Genossenschaftliche Prinzipien und genossenschaftliche Alltagspraxis – der gemeinschaftliche Wohnungssektor in Leipzig
Authors: Wiest Karin , Baldin Marie-Luise , Hildebrandt Sophia , Montanari Giulia
Published: October 2016

Shortage of housing, rising real estate prices and discussions about the ‘Right to the City’ build the background to a revival of cooperative housing models in German cities. Associative forms of housing, traditionally represented by housing cooperatives, seem to be especially suited to respond to the newly arising housing needs of an individualised and aging society. Still, the collective organization of housing appears in diverse forms and partly appeals to quite different target groups. At the same time, opportunities to act for cooperative players are greatly influenced by regional and local conditions. In former Eastern Germany long prevailing phenomena such as vacancy and deconstruction are lately being replaced by new social challenges such as the increasing tendencies to segregation and the change of generation of the housing association members. Against this backdrop, the following article is dealing with the relation between cooperative principles and the everyday needs, interest and practice of the members of a traditional housing cooperative in the city of Leipzig. The collective housing projects that were established on the local housing market in recent years serve as a frame of reference for the findings on the self-conceptions of the surveyed housing cooperatives.
Feminismo y visualidad: reseña del libro Soft Fiction. Políticas visuales de la emocionalidad, la memoria y el deseo. Un homenaje al cine de Chick Strand
Authors: López Helena
Published: October 2016

Feminismo y visualidad: reseña del libro Soft Fiction. Políticas visuales de la emocionalidad, la memoria y el deseo. Un homenaje al cine de Chick Strand
Monocarboxylate transporter 4 as a prognostic biomarker in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases
Authors: Petrides Christos , Neofytou Kyriakos , Agrogiannis Georgios , Petrou Athanasios , Angelou Anastasios , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Papalambros Alexandros , Felekouras Evangelos , Liakakos Theodoros , Pikoulis Emmanouel
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to validate the prognostic significance of the expression of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 (MCT4) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study investigated the correlation between MCT4 expression in stromal and tumor cells of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in liver-only colorectal metastases treated with liver resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 107 patients with colorectal liver metastases. MCT4 expression in both stromal and tumor cells was studied by immunohistochemistry. The staining was scored semiquantitatively as weak or strong. DFS and OS were calculated using both Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox-regression methods

Results

Specimens from 57 patients (53.27%) showed weak levels of stromal MCT4 staining, whereas 50 patients (46.73%) showed strong levels of MCT4 staining. From the statistical analysis, strong stromal MCT4 expression was associated with decreased DFS (HR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12–2.85; P = 0.014) and OS (HR 3.81 95% CI, 1.88–7.72; P < 0.001) in univariate analysis. This finding remained significant in multivariate analysis for both DFS and OS (HR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.19–3.17; P = 0.007, and HR 4.38; 95% CI, 2.15–8.92; P < 0.001 respectively). Tumeur MCT4 expression was not associated with DFS and OS. Five-years DFS and OS rates were 43% and 78% respectively in patients with weak and 15% and 37% respectively in patients with strong stromal MCT4 expression.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that strong expression of stromal MCT4 in CRLM was associated with poor prognosis in patients who undergo liver resection for liver-only colorectal metastases. This finding could be furthermore validated in independent studies and MCT4 could be used as a new biomarker in CRLM and creates the possibility of new studies in targeted therapies.

Highlights
Unusual gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the gastric fundus
Authors: Komatsubara Toshihide , Zuiki Toru , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Hirota Norio , Oki Jun
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Introduction

Intussusception is uncommon in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Although there are a few case reports of gastroduodenal intussusception, it is extremely rare that a tumor located in the gastric fundus causes gastroduodenal intussusception. We report a patient with gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the gastric fundus.

Presentation of case

A 90-year-old woman was admitted with appetite loss and recurrent vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed cord-like mucosa of the gastric fundus pulled into the duodenal bulb. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a well demarcated round tumor in the duodenum. The patient underwent a laparotomy, since endoscopic reduction of the tumor was not successful. The tumor was reduced by gently reducing the mass. A small incision was made in the anterior wall of the stomach, and the tumor was resected. The pathological findings of the tumor showed GIST. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Discussion

There were only eight patients in the world literature, including the present case, reported with gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a GIST in the gastric fundus. All patients presented with ball valve syndrome, known as a cause of acute abdomen. Three tumors were reducible preoperatively. Five of the eight tumors were resected with an intra-gastric open surgical approach.

Conclusion

We report a patient with gastroduodenal intussusception caused by a rare GIST in the gastric fundus, which needed resection.

Highlights
Hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: van der Velpen Isabelle F. , Feleus Stephanie , Bertens Anne Suzanne , Sabayan Behnam
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Cardiac function is a key player in maintaining energy homeostasis in the brain. Heart failure is closely related to higher risk of neurocognitive disorders. Recent evidence shows that this relationship might not be limited to patients with advanced heart failure, and even suboptimal cardiac functioning is associated with accelerated brain aging. Hence, hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers may provide valuable information about the risk of dementia.

Methods

We provide an overview on the link between cardiac markers and cognitive function by a systematic search in five databases. Furthermore, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of this link and highlight the pertinent clinical and public health implications.

Results

Increasing evidence supports the associations of hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers with accelerated cognitive decline.

Discussion

Hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers are closely linked with risk of cognitive impairment. This highlights the significance of the heart–brain connection in reducing the burden of dementia.
IMAGES OF KINGS OF ADIABENE: NUMISMATIC AND SCULPTURAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Marciak Michał , Wójcikowski Robert S.
Published: October 2016

This paper offers the first ever discussion of all extant images of Abdissar, Monobazos I and ’tlw (Attalos), Kings of Adiabene. In analysing the numismatic and sculptural data, a few conclusions on the historical context are suggested. First, it is argued that stylistic features of the coinage of Abdissar suggest a date in the first half of the second centuryb.c.e., and this dating bears upon the question of the historical origin of the Kingdom of Adiabene. Adiabene originated as one of many “post-Seleucid” states which arose in the Near East when the Seleucid kingdom started to crumble, before the advent of the Parthians. This suggestion is also corroborated by stylistic features of the coinage which accentuate the divine investiture of royal power in Abdissar. It is also held that the Batas-Herir monument depicts King Abdissar. Second, the images on the coin of Monobazos I clearly reflect the time of Adiabene's economic prosperity and political rise to significance among Parthian “lesser kings” in the first half of the first centuryc.e. Third, the reign of King ’tlw (Attalos) remains largely obscure, but the placement of his sculpture in Hatra clearly shows good political relations and close cultural ties between the kingdoms of Adiabene and Hatra in the first half of the third centuryc.e. Additionally, the authors argue that the images of Oriental kings on the coins of Septimius Severus do not represent any particular Oriental rulers (of Edessa, Adiabene or Hatra), but are merely stereotypical images of what the Romans considered to be typical Oriental royal outfits.
Analysis and characterisation of momentum and thermal wakes of elliptic cylinders
Authors: Paul I. , Arul Prakash K. , Vengadesan S. , Pulletikurthi V.
Published: October 2016

Non-canonical wakes of two-dimensional elliptic cylinders are analysed numerically for their near- and far-wake characteristics. The governing equations are solved using an immersed boundary method based projection scheme. The wakes are then classified into three distinct types according to diverse flow and thermal properties. An unexpected mean temperature evolution along the centreline of the wake is observed for certain wake states. In order to explain this unusual variation, novel heat transport models are constructed based on the vortex dynamics. These models are derived by considering vorticity is acted by flow, which has shear and swirl. Mechanisms of the primary vortex street breakdown and formation of the secondary vortex street are also proposed based on these models. A new phenomenon namely ‘dual near-wall instantaneous recirculation’ is observed, and its appearance is found to be a function of length of the primary von Kármán vortex street. The same phenomenon is also found to be responsible for the secondary peak in the Nusselt number variation along the circumference of the cylinder. Despite varied differences between the wake types, it is observed that the transitions occur through a supercritical Hopf bifurcation in all of them, at least in the von Kármán region of the wake. Low-frequency unsteadiness observed in the far wakes is examined through a signal decomposition method. Our results show that the secondary low frequency is resulting from the transition region which has a negative instability slope. Finally, onset of the primary vortex street breakdown and its scale in terms of Reynolds number is computed.
A CHARACTERISATION OF CENTRAL ELEMENTS IN -ALGEBRAS
Authors: MOLNÁR LAJOS
Published: October 2016

Wu [‘An order characterization of commutativity for$C^{\ast }$-algebras’,Proc. Amer. Math. Soc.129(2001), 983–987] proved that if the exponential function on the set of all positive elements of a$C^{\ast }$-algebra is monotone in the usual partial order, then the algebra in question is necessarily commutative. In this note, we present a local version of that result and obtain a characterisation of central elements in$C^{\ast }$-algebras in terms of the order.
WHEN IS THE INTEGRAL CLOSURE COMPARABLE TO ALL INTERMEDIATE RINGS
Authors: BEN NASR MABROUK , ZEIDI NABIL
Published: October 2016

Let $R\subset S$ be an extension of integral domains, with $R^{\ast }$ the integral closure of $R$ in $S$. We study the set of intermediate rings between $R$ and $S$. We establish several necessary and sufficient conditions for which every ring contained between $R$ and $S$ compares with $R^{\ast }$ under inclusion. This answers a key question that figured in the work of Gilmer and Heinzer [‘Intersections of quotient rings of an integral domain’, J. Math. Kyoto Univ.7 (1967), 133–150].
REMARKS ON THE MIXED JOINT UNIVERSALITY FOR A CLASS OF ZETA FUNCTIONS
Authors: KAČINSKAITĖ ROMA , MATSUMOTO KOHJI
Published: October 2016

Two results related to the mixed joint universality for a polynomial Euler product $\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(s)$ and a periodic Hurwitz zeta function $\unicode[STIX]{x1D701}(s,\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC};\mathfrak{B})$, when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ is a transcendental parameter, are given. One is the mixed joint functional independence and the other is a generalised universality, which includes several periodic Hurwitz zeta functions.
STRUCTURE TOPOLOGY AND EXTREME OPERATORS
Authors: CABRERA-SERRANO ANA M. , MENA-JURADO JUAN F.
Published: October 2016

We say that a Banach space $X$ is ‘nice’ if every extreme operator from any Banach space into $X$ is a nice operator (that is, its adjoint preserves extreme points). We prove that if $X$ is a nice almost $CL$-space, then $X$ is isometrically isomorphic to $c_{0}(I)$ for some set $I$. We also show that if $X$ is a nice Banach space whose closed unit ball has the Krein–Milman property, then $X$ is $l_{\infty }^{n}$ for some $n\in \mathbb{N}$. The proof of our results relies on the structure topology.
The Politics of Territorial Claims: A Geospatial Approach Applied to Africa
Authors: Goemans Hein E. , Schultz Kenneth A.
Published: October 2016

Why do states make claims to some border areas and not others? We articulate three models of territorial claims and test them using a novel geospatial data set that precisely maps disputed and undisputed border segments in post-independence Africa. The geospatial approach helps eliminate problems of aggregation by permitting an analysis of variation both within and between dyadic borders. We find that ethnic political considerations are the most important driver of territorial claims in Africa, while institutional features of the border play a secondary role. Border segments that partition ethnic groups are at greatest risk of being challenged when the partitioned groups are politically powerful in ethnically homogeneous societies. Border segments that follow well-established and clear focal principles such as rivers and watersheds are significantly less likely to be disputed, while changes to the border in the colonial period created opportunities for later disputes to arise. Power considerations or resources play only a minor role in explaining the location of territorial claims.
First formal estimate of the world population of the Critically Endangered spoon-billed sandpiper Calidris pygmaea
Authors: Clark Nigel A. , Anderson Guy Q. A. , Li Jing , Syroechkovskiy Evgeny E. , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Zöckler Christoph , Lee Rebecca , Green Rhys E.
Published: October 2016

The spoon-billed sandpiper Calidris pygmaea is a Critically Endangered shorebird that breeds in the Russian arctic and winters in coastal and estuarine habitats in South-east Asia. We report the first formal estimate of its global population size, combining a mark–resighting estimate of the number of leg-flagged individuals alive in autumn 2014 with an estimate of the proportion of birds with flags from scan surveys conducted during the same period at a migration stop-over site on the Jiangsu coast of China. We estimate that the world breeding population of spoon-billed sandpipers in 2014 was 210–228 pairs and the post-breeding population of all age classes combined was 661–718 individuals. This and related methods have considerable potential for surveillance of the population size of other globally threatened species, especially widely dispersed long-distance migrants.
The association between maternal postnatal depressive symptoms and offspring sleep problems in adolescence
Authors: Taylor A. K. , Netsi E. , O'Mahen H. , Stein A. , Evans J. , Pearson R. M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Sleep problems are associated with increased risk of physical and mental illness. Identifying risk factors is an important method of reducing public health impact. We examined the association between maternal postnatal depression (PND) and offspring adolescent sleep problems.

Method

The sample was derived from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) participants. A sample with complete data across all variables was used, with four outcome variables. A sensitivity analysis imputing for missing data was conducted (n = 9633).

Results

PND was associated with increased risk of sleep problems in offspring at ages 16 and 18 years. The most robust effects were sleep problems at 18 years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1 s.d. increase in PND, 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.39, p < 0.001] and waking more often (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05–1.25, p = 0.003). This remained after controlling for confounding variables including antenatal depression and early sleep problems in infancy.

Conclusions

PND is associated with adolescent offspring sleep problems. Maternal interventions should consider the child's increased risk. Early sleep screening and interventions could be introduced within this group.
Academic literacy across the curriculum: Towards a collaborative instructional approach
Authors: Wingate Ursula
Published: October 2016

I respond to the conference theme ‘English across the Curriculum’ by suggesting that ‘Academic literacy’ should be taught across the curriculum. I first explain the concept of academic literacy, which describes the range of abilities that students have to acquire when starting out in a new academic discipline. I then discuss the dominant instructional provision at universities. As this provision fails to address students’ real learning needs, I argue for curriculum-integrated academic literacy instruction that is based on the collaboration between English for academic purposes (EAP) specialists and subject lecturers. I provide examples of collaborative, discipline-specific approaches to supporting student learning, and present some insights from an intervention study that I have carried out to explore feasible ways of teaching and collaboration. Finally, I discuss the need for lecturer training to achieve a curriculum-integrated approach, and report on my experience of running a professional development module which aimed to enable lecturers to embed academic literacy development into their teaching practice.
Forest foods and healthy diets: quantifying the contributions
Authors: ROWLAND DOMINIC , ICKOWITZ AMY , POWELL BRONWEN , NASI ROBERT , SUNDERLAND TERRY
Published: October 2016

Forested landscapes provide a source of micronutrient rich food for millions of people around the world. A growing evidence base suggests these foods may be of great importance to the dietary quality of people living in close proximity to forests – especially in communities with poor access to markets. Despite widespread evidence of the consumption of forest foods around the world, to date, few studies have attempted to quantify the nutritional contributions these foods make. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the consumption of forest foods can make important contributions to dietary quality. We investigated the dietary contributions of wild forest foods in smallholder dominated forested landscapes from 37 sites in 24 tropical countries, using data from the Poverty and Environment Network (PEN). We compared quantities of forest foods consumed by households with dietary recommendations and national average consumption patterns. In addition, we compared the relative importance of forests and smallholder agriculture in supplying fruits, vegetables, meat and fish for household consumption. More than half of the households in our sample collected forest foods for their own consumption, though consumption patterns were skewed towards low-quantity users. For high-quantity consuming households, however, forest foods made a substantial contributions to their diets. The top quartile of forest food users in each site obtained 14.8% of the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, and 106% of the reference quantity of meat and fish from forests. In 13 sites, the proportion of meat and fish coming from forests was greater than from domestic livestock and aquaculture, while in 11 sites, households procured a greater proportion of fruits and vegetables from forests than from agriculture. Given high levels of heterogeneity in forest food consumption, we identify four forest food use site typologies to characterize the different use patterns: ‘forest food dependent’, ‘limited forest food use’, ‘forest food supplementation’ and ‘specialist forest food consumer’ sites. Our results suggest that while forest foods do not universally contribute significantly to diets, in some sites where large quantities of forest foods are consumed, their contribution towards dietary adequacy is substantial.
Differences inNeisseria gonorrhoeaepopulation structure and antimicrobial resistance pattern between men who have sex with men and heterosexuals
Authors: SERRA-PLADEVALL J. , BARBERÁ M. J. , CALLARISA A. E. , BARTOLOMÉ-COMAS R. , ANDREU A.
Published: October 2016

This study compared the antimicrobial susceptibility and genotypes of strains ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeisolated from men who have sex with men (MSM) and from heterosexuals. One hundred and eleven strains were characterized from 107 patients, comprising 57 strains from 54 heterosexuals and 54 strains from 53 MSM. Antimicrobial resistance rates were higher in strains from heterosexual patients, with resistance to cefixime (P= 0·0159) and ciprofloxacin (P= 0·002) being significantly higher. Typing byN. gonorrhoeaemulti-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) showed that the most prevalent sequence types (ST) and genogroups (G) respectively were ST2400, ST2992, and ST5793, and G1407, G2992, and G2400. A statistically significant association was observed for MSM and genogroups G2400 (P= 0·0005) and G2992 (P= 0·0488), and G1407 with heterosexuals (P= 0·0002). We conclude that in our region distinct populations of gonococci are circulating among subjects with different sexual practices, with their corresponding transmission patterns. Furthermore, the high prevalence of genotype G2400 in MSM, has not to our knowledge been previously described.
Calibrating word problems of groups via the complexity of equivalence relations
Authors: NIES ANDRÉ , SORBI ANDREA
Published: October 2016

(1) There is a finitely presented group with a word problem which is a uniformly effectively inseparable equivalence relation. (2) There is a finitely generated group of computable permutations with a word problem which is a universal co-computably enumerable equivalence relation. (3) Each c.e. truth-table degree contains the word problem of a finitely generated group of computable permutations.
C-terminal 'Tails' of Tubulin Revealed by Negative Stain EM Tomography
Authors: Fera A. , Sackett D.L. , Reese T.S.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Measurement and Visualization of Cell Thickness and Volume by Transmission-Through-Dye Microscopy
Authors: Model M.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
The Effect of 17-β-estradiol on Cellular Proliferation Mediated by Protein Disulfide Isomerase and the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)
Authors: Patel P. , Calabro A. , Queenan C. , Leonardi D.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
in-situ TEM observation of rechargeable LiMn2O4 nanowire-battery
Authors: Lee S. , Oshima Y. , Hosono E. , Zhou H. , Kim K. , Chang H. , Kanno R. , Takayanagi K.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
In-situ SEM/TEM observation of platinum catalysts on carbon support in a gaseous atmosphere using a 300 kV CFE TEM/SEM
Authors: Matsumoto H. , Sato T. , Nakano K. , Yaguchi T. , Nagaoki I. , Nagakubo Y.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Estimating the Local Gas Pressure in a Gas Flow Cell Stage In Situ using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Colby R. , Kabius B. , Alsem D.H.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Compressed Sensing Electron Tomography: Theory and Applications
Authors: Leary R. , Saghi Z. , Midgley P.A. , Holland D.J.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Nano- scale X-ray Computed Tomography: Morphological Analysis of Fuel Cell Electrodes
Authors: Mandal P. , Epting W.K. , Litster S.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Micro and nano-CT as a valuable and complimentary tool for life science research
Authors: Faillace M.E. , Rudolph R.A. , Brunke O.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Transmission EBSD - Bridging the Gap between SEM and TEM
Authors: Avishai A. , Carter J. , Zahiri Azar M. , Narayanan B. , Heuer A.H.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Improving the Accuracy of Orientation Measurements using EBSD
Authors: Thomsen K. , Schmidt N.H. , Bewick A. , Larsen K. , Goulden J.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Filling the Missing Wedge in Tomography: A Constraint-based Reconstruction Method for 3D TEM/STEM Imaging
Authors: Jiang Y. , Hovden R. , Ercius P. , Wang D. , Yu Y. , Abruña H.D. , Muller D.A. , Elser V.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
pyMonteCarlo: A Common Programming Interface for Running Identical Simulations using Different Monte Carlo Programs
Authors: Pinard P.T. , Demers H. , Gauvin R. , Richter S.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Electron Microprobe Quantitative Mapping vs. Defocused Beam Analysis
Authors: Barkman J.E. , Carpenter P. , Zhao J.-C. , Donovan J.J.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Orion NanoFab - 2nd Generation Helium Ion Microscope
Authors: Joy D.C. , Griffin B.J.
Published: October 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.