bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid Hormone‐Related Protein Protects Osteoblastic Cells From Oxidative Stress by Activation of MKP1 Phosphatase
Authors: Ardura Juan A. , Portal‐Núñez Sergio , Castelbón‐Calvo Irantzu , Martínez de Toda Irene , De la Fuente Mónica , Esbrit Pedro
Published: June 2016

Oxidative damage is an important contributor to the morphological and functional changes in osteoporotic bone. Aging increases the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress and induce osteoblast apoptosis. ROS modify several signaling responses, including mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, related to cell survival. Both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its bone counterpart, PTH‐related protein (PTHrP), can regulate MAPK activation by modulating MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP1). Thus, we hypothesized that PTHrP might protect osteoblasts from ROS‐induced apoptosis by targeting MKP1. In osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 and MG‐63 cells, H2O2triggered p38, JNK, ERK and p66Shcphosphorylation, and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, PTHrP (1‐37) rapidly but transiently increased ERK and Akt phosphorylation without affecting p38, JNK, or p66Shcactivation. H2O2‐induced p38 and ERK phosphorylation and apoptosis were both decreased by pre‐treatment with specific kinase inhibitors or PTHrP (1‐37) in both osteoblastic cell types. These dephosphorylating and prosurvival actions of PTHrP (1‐37) were prevented by a phosphatase inhibitor cocktail, the phosphatase MKP1 inhibitor sanguinarine or a MKP1 siRNA. PTHrP (1‐37) promptly enhanced MKP1 protein and gene expression and MKP1‐dependent catalase activity in osteoblastic cells. Furthermore, exposure to PTHrP (1‐37) adsorbed in an implanted hydroxyapatite‐based ceramic into a tibial defect in aging rats increased MKP1 and catalase gene expression in the healing bone area. Our findings demonstrate that PTHrP counteracts the pro‐apoptotic actions of ROS by a mechanism dependent on MKP1‐induced dephosphorylation of MAPKs in osteoblasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 785–796, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retreatment efficacy and predictors of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir to HCV genotype 1 in Japan
Authors: Akuta Norio , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: June 2016

Predictors of treatment efficacy with ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir as direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimen for HCV infection are still unclear. Retreatment efficacy of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir for failures to prior DAA regimens, including NS5A inhibitors, are also unknown because resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) in NS5A have been shown to persist up to the long‐term of post‐treatment. One hundred seventy‐five patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, without decompensated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, were evaluated SVR12 by ledipasvir 90 mg plus sofosbuvir 400 mg once‐daily for 12 weeks. Overall, SVR12 were 92%, based on intention to treat analysis. In failures to daclatasvir plus asunaprevir, SVR12 were 71%. The study using ultra‐deep sequencing showed that ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir was effective to one case of failures to daclatasvir plus asunaprevir with multidrug RAVs (triple mutation in NS3‐D168/NS5A‐L31/NS5A‐Y93). Multivariate analysis identified FIB4 index (<3.25), IL28B rs8099917 (TT type), and NS5A‐L31 (Wild type) as significant determinants of SVR12. SVR12 rates in patients with three factors of poor response (RAVs Positive, IL28B non‐TT, and FIB4 index ≥3.25) simultaneously were significantly lower than those of the other patients. Prediction of response to therapy based on combination of three predictors had high sensitivity and positive predictive values. In conclusions, this study indicated the favorable efficacy of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir for HCV genotype 1 infection, including multidrug RAVs in Japan. Treatment efficacy could be predicted by the combination of viral and host factors. J. Med. Virol. 89:284–290, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Closed form of topographic elevation in the context of interferometric synthetic aperture
Authors: Maakouf Z. , Redada S. , Benslama M.
Published: June 2016

This article deals with the large problem of interferometric synthetic aperture. Our analysis begins with the study of transverse distance influence and the orientation of the interferometric baseline. The processing of elevation problem solving relative to the horizontal resolution of conventional synthetic aperture radar has been carried out, including its ambiguity to choose the optimum parameters of the interferometer and thus improve the surface topography. We found out indeed that when we take a picture of the earth's surface at an angle of inclination of the baseline α = π / 4, the best results are obtained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weighted differentiation composition operator from logarithmic Bloch spaces to Bloch‐type spaces
Authors: Liang Yu‐Xia , Zhou Ze‐Hua
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we give a new characterization for the boundedness of weighted differentiation composition operator from logarithmic Bloch spaces to Bloch‐type spaces and calculate its essential norm in terms of the n‐th power of induced analytic self‐map on the unit disk. From which a sufficient and necessary condition of compactness of this operator follows immediately.
Internal gravity–capillary solitary waves in finite depth
Authors: Nilsson Dag Viktor
Published: June 2016

We consider a two‐dimensional inviscid irrotational flow in a two layer fluid under the effects of gravity and interfacial tension. The upper fluid is bounded above by a rigid lid, and the lower fluid is bounded below by a rigid bottom. We use a spatial dynamics approach and formulate the steady Euler equations as a Hamiltonian system, where we consider the unbounded horizontal coordinate x as a time‐like coordinate. The linearization of the Hamiltonian system is studied, and bifurcation curves in the (β,α)‐plane are obtained, where α and β are two parameters. The curves depend on two additional parameters ρ and h, where ρ is the ratio of the densities and h is the ratio of the fluid depths. However, the bifurcation diagram is found to be qualitatively the same as for surface waves. In particular, we find that a Hamiltonian‐Hopf bifurcation, Hamiltonian real 1:1 resonance, and a Hamiltonian 02‐resonance occur for certain values of (β,α). Of particular interest are solitary wave solutions of the Euler equations. Such solutions correspond to homoclinic solutions of the Hamiltonian system. We investigate the parameter regimes where the Hamiltonian‐Hopf bifurcation and the Hamiltonian real 1:1 resonance occur. In both these cases, we perform a center manifold reduction of the Hamiltonian system and show that homoclinic solutions of the reduced system exist. In contrast to the case of surface waves, we find parameter values ρ and h for which the leading order nonlinear term in the reduced system vanishes. We make a detailed analysis of this phenomenon in the case of the real 1:1 resonance. We also briefly consider the Hamiltonian 02‐resonance and recover the results found by Kirrmann. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards analytical model optimization in atmospheric tomography
Authors: Helin Tapio , Kindermann Stefan , Saxenhuber Daniela
Published: June 2016

Modern ground‐based telescopes rely on a technology called adaptive optics in order to compensate for the loss of angular resolution caused by atmospheric turbulence. Next‐generation adaptive optics systems designed for a wide field of view require a stable and high‐resolution reconstruction of the turbulent atmosphere. By introducing a novel Bayesian method, we address the problem via reconstructing the atmospheric turbulence strength profile and the turbulent layers simultaneously, where we only use wavefront measurements of incoming light from guide stars. Most importantly, we demonstrate how this method can be used for model optimization as well. We propose two different algorithms for solving the maximum a posteriori estimate: the first approach is based on alternating minimization and has the advantage of integrability into existing atmospheric tomography methods. In the second approach, we formulate a convex non‐differentiable optimization problem, which is solved by an iterative thresholding method. This approach clearly illustrates the underlying sparsity‐enforcing mechanism for the strength profile. By introducing a tuning/regularization parameter, an automated model reduction of the layer structure of the atmosphere is achieved. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate the performance of our method in practice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed subgradient method for multi‐agent optimization with quantized communication
Authors: Li Jueyou , Chen Guo , Wu Zhiyou , He Xing
Published: June 2016

This paper focuses on a distributed optimization problem associated with a time‐varying multi‐agent network with quantized communication, where each agent has local access to its convex objective function, and cooperatively minimizes a sum of convex objective functions of the agents over the network. Based on subgradient methods, we propose a distributed algorithm to solve this problem under the additional constraint that agents can only communicate quantized information through the network. We consider two kinds of quantizers and analyze the quantization effects on the convergence of the algorithm. Furthermore, we provide explicit error bounds on the convergence rates that highlight the dependence on the quantization levels. Finally, some simulation results on a l1‐regression problem are presented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite time blow‐up for a kind of initial‐boundary value problem of semilinear damped wave equation
Authors: Lai Ningan , Yin Silu
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider the initial‐boundary value problem of semilinear damped wave equation utt−Δu + ut=|u|p with power
in an exterior domain. Blow‐up result in a finite time will be established in higher dimensions (n≥3), no matter how small the initial data are. A special test function will be constructed, and then, we obtain the blow‐up result by a contradiction argument. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new one‐shot pointwise source reconstruction method
Authors: Machado Thiago J. , Angelo Jaqueline S. , Novotny Antonio A.
Published: June 2016

In this work, a new pointwise source reconstruction method is proposed. From a single pair of boundary measurements, we want to completely characterize the unknown set of pointwise sources, namely, the number of sources and their locations and intensities. The idea is to rewrite the inverse source problem as an optimization problem, where a Kohn‐Vogelius type functional is minimized with respect to a set of admissible pointwise sources. The resulting second‐order reconstruction algorithm is non‐iterative and thus very robust with respect to noisy data. Finally, in order to show the effectiveness of the devised reconstruction algorithm, some numerical experiments into two spatial dimensions are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on the Neumann eigenvalues of the biharmonic operator
Authors: Provenzano Luigi
Published: June 2016

We study the dependence of the eigenvalues of the biharmonic operator subject to Neumann boundary conditions on the Poisson's ratio σ. In particular, we prove that the Neumann eigenvalues are Lipschitz continuous with respect to σ∈[0,1[and that all the Neumann eigenvalues tend to zero as σ→1−. Moreover, we show that the Neumann problem defined by setting σ = 1 admits a sequence of positive eigenvalues of finite multiplicity that are not limiting points for the Neumann eigenvalues with σ∈[0,1[as σ→1− and that coincide with the Dirichlet eigenvalues of the biharmonic operator. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Availability and dose response of phytophenols from a wheat bran rich cereal product in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Neacsu Madalina , McMonagle Jolene , Fletcher Reg J. , Hulshof Toine , Duncan Sylvia H. , Scobbie Lorraine , Duncan Gary J. , Cantlay Louise , Horgan Graham , de Roos Baukje , Duthie Garry G. , Russell Wendy R.
Published: June 2016

Scope

Phytophenols present in cereals are metabolised to compounds that could be partly responsible for the reduced risk of chronic diseases and all‐cause mortality associated with fibre‐rich diets. The bioavailability, form and in vivo concentrations of these metabolites require to be established.

Materials and methods

Eight healthy volunteers consumed a test meal containing a recommended dose (40 g) and high dose (120 g) of ready‐to‐eat wheat bran cereal and the systemic and colonic metabolites determined quantitatively by LC‐MS.

Conclusion

Analysis of the systemic metabolomes demonstrated that a wide range of phytophenols were absorbed/excreted (43 metabolites) within 5 h of consumption. These included 16 of the 21 major parent compounds identified in the intervention product and several of these were also found to be significantly increased in the colon. Not all of the metabolites were increased with the higher dose, suggesting some limitation in absorption due to intrinsic factors and/or the food matrix. Many compounds identified (e.g. ferulic acid and major metabolites) exhibit anti‐inflammatory activity and impact on redox pathways. The combination of postprandial absorption and delivery to the colon, as well as hepatic recycling of the metabolites at these concentrations, is likely to be beneficial to both systemic and gut health.
A phase II study of clinical activity of SCH 717454 (robatumumab) in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Anderson Peter M. , Bielack Stefan S. , Gorlick Richard G. , Skubitz Keith , Daw Najat C. , Herzog Cynthia E. , Monge Odd R. , Lassaletta Alvaro , Boldrini Erica , Pápai Zsuzanna , Rubino Joseph , Pathiraja Kumudu , Hille Darcy A. , Ayers Mark , Yao Siu‐Long , Nebozhyn Michael , Lu Brian , Mauro David
Published: June 2016

Background

Robatumumab (19D12; MK‐7454 otherwise known as SCH717454) is a fully human antibody that binds to and inhibits insulin‐like growth factor receptor‐1 (IGF‐1R). This multiinstitutional study (P04720) determined the safety and clinical efficacy of robatumumab in three separate patient groups with resectable osteosarcoma metastases (Group 1), unresectable osteosarcoma metastases (Group 2), and Ewing sarcoma metastases (Group 3).

Procedure

Robatumumab infusions were administered every 2 weeks and were well tolerated with minimal toxicity. Centrally reviewed response data were available for 144 patients.

Results

Low disease burden was important for osteosarcoma response: three of 31 patients had complete response or partial response (PR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) in resectable patients (Group 1) versus zero of 29 in unresectable patients (Group 2); median overall survival was 20 months in Group 1 versus 8.2 months in Group 2. In centrally reviewed patients with Ewing sarcoma with PET‐CT data (N = 84/115), there were six PR, 23 stable disease, and 55 progression of disease by RECIST at 2 months. Patients with Ewing sarcoma had a median overall survival of 6.9 months. However, responding patients with Ewing sarcoma were allowed to continue on treatment after study closure. A minority of patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma showed clinical responses and have remained healthy after receiving 25–115 doses of robatumumab with remissions of >4 years duration (N = 6).

Conclusions

These findings show that although the IGF‐1R remains an attractive treatment target, additional research is needed to identify responders and/or means to achieve durable remissions in order to successfully exploit IGF‐1R signal blockade in Ewing sarcoma (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00617890).
Hybrids of aluminum hypophosphite and ammonium polyphosphate: Highly effective flame retardant system for unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Lin Yongqiang , Jiang Saihua , Hu Yuan , Chen Guohua , Shi Xingxing , Peng Xiangfang
Published: June 2016

A novel flame‐retardant unsaturated polyester (UP) was obtained by introducing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) into UP matrix. The UP/APP/AHP composites obtained were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR). From limiting oxygen index (LOI), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), and UL‐94 tests, the UP/APP/AHP composites present significantly enhanced flame retardancy when compared to pure UP, such as passed UL‐94 V‐0 classification, decreased peak heat release rate (PHRR) maximally by 50.0% and total heat release (THR) maximally by 22.0%, and increased LOI by 34.8%. Thermal degradation behaviors of composites studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggest that APP/AHP hybrids have a higher catalytic charring efficiency than APP alone. Char morphology investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that the UP/APP/AHP composites form a compact and intumescent char on the sample surface during combustion, which could retard the transfer of heat and oxygen. Thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGIR) results reveal that the APP/AHP hybrids reduce the release amount of combustible gas from polymer matrix during combustion. The UP/APP/AHP system acts in gas phase through flame inhibition and in condensed phase through charring, resulting in significantly enhanced flame retardancy. This work combining condensed‐phase mechanisms with gas‐phase mechanisms in flame retardance of UP would stimulate more efforts to explore highly effective flame‐retardant system of polymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1763–1770, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Impaired glucose metabolism and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in obese prepubertal asthmatic children
Authors: Karampatakis Nikolaos , Karampatakis Theodoros , Galli‐Tsinopoulou Assimina , Kotanidou Eleni P. , Tsergouli Katerina , Eboriadou‐Petikopoulou Maria , Haidopoulou Katerina
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The prevalence of asthma and obesity has risen in parallel over the last decades, but the exact mechanisms linking these two diseases still remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), impaired glucose metabolism, obesity, and asthma in prepubertal children. Methods: A total of 71 prepubertal children were included in the study and divided in four groups according to the presence of asthma and their Body Mass Index (BMI): Group 1‐Healthy Controls (HC), Group 2‐Non Obese Asthmatics (NOA), Group 3‐Obese Non Asthmatics (ONA), Group 4‐Obese Asthmatics (OA) Αll children underwent spirometry and bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing by using the cumulative Provoking Dose of mannitol (PD15, primary study variable); homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index was calculated in order to evaluate insulin resistance. Obese children also underwent an oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Results: A statistically significant difference in bronchial hyperreactivity (mean ± SD) was detected in the group of obese asthmatic children who had lower values ​​of PD15, (174.16 ± 126.42) as compared to normal weight asthmatic children (453.93 ± 110.27), (P < 0.001). Moreover, obese asthmatic children with confirmed insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR ≥2.5), had significantly lower PD15 values (89.05 ± 42.75) as ​​compared to those with HOMA‐IR <2.5 (259.27 ± 125.75), (P = 0.006). Finally, obese asthmatic children with impaired OGTT had likewise significantly lower PD15 (81.02 ± 42.16) measurements as compared to children with normal OGTT (267.3 ± 112.62), (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that obesity per se does not correlate to airway hyperreactivity unless it is accompanied by glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:160–166. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lead‐free mesoscopic Cs2SnI6 perovskite solar cells using different nanostructured ZnO nanorods as electron transport layers
Authors: Qiu Xiaofeng , Jiang Yanan , Zhang Hailiang , Qiu Zhiwen , Yuan Shuai , Wang Ping , Cao Bingqiang
Published: June 2016

Lead‐free and more air‐stable perovskite Cs2SnI6 absorber with a direct bandgap of 1.48 eV is synthesized via a modified solution process. Different nanostructured ZnO nanorod arrays as electron transport layers and hole blocking layers are grown by controlling the seed layer and used to fabricate mesoscopic perovskite solar cells with Cs2SnI6 as light absorber layer. The influences of ZnO seed layers and nanorod morphology on the device photovoltaic performance were also investigated. With careful control of ZnO nanorod length and pore size to ensure high loading of the Cs2SnI6 absorber, we achieved power conversion efficiency of near 1%.

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Organic Dots Based on AIEgens for Two‐Photon Fluorescence Bioimaging
Authors: Lou Xiaoding , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2016

Two‐photon fluorescence imaging technique is a powerful bioanalytical approach in terms of high photostability, low photodamage, high spatiotemporal resolution. Recently, fluorescent organic dots comprised of organic emissive cores and a polymeric matrix are emerging as promising contrast reagents for two‐photon fluorescence imaging, owing to their numerous merits of high and tunable fluorescence, good biocompatibility, strong photobleaching resistance, and multiple surface functionality. The emissive core is crucial for organic dots to get high brightness but many conventional chromophores often encounter a severe problem of fluorescence quenching when they form aggregates. To solve this problem, fluorogens featuring aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) can fluoresce strongly in aggregates, and thus become ideal candidates for fluorescent organic dots. In addition, two‐photon absorption property of the dots can be readily improved by just increase loading contents of AIE fluorogen (AIEgen). Hence, organic dots based on AIEgens have exhibited excellent performances in two‐photon fluorescence in vitro cellular imaging, and in vivo vascular architecture visualization of mouse skin, muscle, brain and skull bone. In view of the rapid advances in this important research field, here, we highlight representative fluorescent organic dots with an emissive core of AIEgen aggregate, and discuss their great potential in bioimaging applications.
Performance‐based plastic design method for tall hybrid coupled walls
Authors: Chan‐Anan Watchara , Leelataviwat Sutat , Goel Subhash C.
Published: June 2016

The research presented herein involves a performance‐based design method for a tall hybrid coupled wall (HCW) system. For this study, HCW structures were designed with a performance‐based plastic design (PBPD) method. This approach directly accounts for inelastic structural behavior and considers design lateral force distribution at ultimate limit state. The design concept uses a pre‐selected target drift and yield mechanism as key performance limit states. The yield mechanism consists of shear yielding in the coupling beams and flexural yielding of reinforced concrete walls at the bases. HCW structures with varying heights and coupling ratios (CRs) were designed and subjected to a series of nonlinear dynamic analyses. The results indicated that the CR strongly influences the response of the structure. The structures could also be under‐designed when the inelastic distribution of lateral forces owing to higher modes was not properly considered. Finally, a design method to account for higher mode effects within the PBPD framework was presented. The method was validated using the results from nonlinear analyses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using network coding to achieve the capacity of deterministic relay networks with relay messages
Authors: Zewail Ahmed A. , Mohasseb Yahya , Nafie Mohammed , El Gamal Hesham
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we derive the capacity of the deterministic relay networks with relay messages. We consider a network that consists of five nodes, four of which can only communicate via the fifth one. However, the fifth node is not merely a relay as it may exchange private messages with the other network nodes. First, we develop an upper bound on the capacity region based on the notion of a single‐sided genie. In the course of the achievability proof, we also derive the deterministic capacity of a four‐user relay network (without private messages at the relay). The capacity achieving schemes use a combination of two network coding techniques: the simple ordering scheme and detour scheme. In the simple ordering scheme, we order the transmitted bits at each user such that the bi‐directional messages will be received at the same channel level at the relay, while the basic idea behind the detour scheme is that some parts of the message follow an indirect paths to their respective destinations. This paper, therefore, serves to show that user cooperation and network coding can enhance throughput, even when the users are not directly connected to each other. Finally, we make a conjecture about the capacity region of the general K‐node relay network with relay messages. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Root biomass distribution of planted Haloxylon ammodendron in a duplex soil in an oasis: desert boundary area
Authors: Zhou Hai , Zhao Wenzhi , Yang Qiyue
Published: June 2016

Duplex soils, consisting of a sandy surface soil (A‐horizon) and silty‐clay subsoil (B‐horizon), occur in a boundary area between oasis and desert in northwestern China and create a challenging habitat for restoration of plant growth. We conducted an experiment in a 10‐year‐old H. ammodendron plantation forest to determine the influence of physical properties of duplex soil on water infiltration and plant root growth. We used a trenching method to assess root biomass, and classified roots into two diameter classes: fine (<2 mm) and coarse (>2 mm). Following a 26.7 mm rain event, water infiltrated to the B‐ horizon; further deep percolation was hindered by low hydraulic conductivity, so that B horizon remained at high available soil moisture for an extended period of time. Root biomass increased rapidly in, or very close to the B horizon, especially for coarse roots. The subsoil formed a barrier to root penetration, but may also reflect the accumulation of water resources at the boundary between the A‐ and B‐horizon. Shoot growth and root distribution, shrub height and canopy area, and total root biomass were negatively correlation with depth to the B horizon, and that was reflected by quadratic functions. We conclude that the texture and structure of duplex soils influenced the soil environment for water infiltration and storage, indicating that the B‐horizon underlying sand in duplex soils is advantageous for the growth, and development of planted sand‐stabilizing vegetation. These results have important implications for sustainable development of sand‐fixing plantations in desert ecosystems.
Raw Data Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Common Principal Component Models: A State Space Approach
Authors: Gu Fei , Wu Hao
Published: June 2016

The specifications of state space model for some principal component-related models are described, including the independent-group common principal component (CPC) model, the dependent-group CPC model, and principal component-based multivariate analysis of variance. Some derivations are provided to show the equivalence of the state space approach and the existing Wishart-likelihood approach. For each model, a numeric example is used to illustrate the state space approach. In addition, a simulation study is conducted to evaluate the standard error estimates under the normality and nonnormality conditions. In order to cope with the nonnormality conditions, the robust standard errors are also computed. Finally, other possible applications of the state space approach are discussed at the end.
Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Phoenix Tree Seed and its Oil
Authors: Sun Shangde , Li Xulei
Published: June 2016

Various components of Phoenix tree (Firmiana simplex) seed were determined. Oil, protein, moisture, ash, and fiber accounted for 27.8 ± 0.3, 19.7 ± 0.4, 7.5 ± 0.2, 4.4 ± 0.3, and 31.23 ± 0.93 % (w/w) of the seed, respectively. The acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter content of Phoenix tree seed oil extracted using the Soxhlet method were 3.73 ± 0.02 mg KOH/g, 1.97 ± 0.21 mmol/kg, 183.74 ± 2.37 mg KOH/g, and 0.90 ± 0.05 g/100 g, respectively. The total tocopherol content was 54.5 ± 0.5 mg/100 g oil, which consisted mainly of δ‐tocopherol (29.5 ± 0.6 mg/100 g oil) and γ‐tocopherol (13.8 ± 0.8 mg/100 g oil). Linoleic acid (L, 30.2 %), oleic acid (O, 22.2 %), and sterculic acid (S, 23.2 %) were the main unsaturated fatty acids of Phoenix tree seed oil. The saturated fatty acids included palmitic acid (17.4 %) and stearic acid (St, 2.9 %). The work shows the first report of sterculic acid in seeds of this species. This oil can be used as a raw material to produce sterculic acid.
Regional Distribution of Ambulant Nursing Services in Germany. A GIS Accessibility Analysis
Authors: Neumeier Stefan
Published: June 2016

In many rural areas in Europe a spatial concentrating of basic services can be observed due to interacting socioeconomic and demographic processes. At the European level, territorial cohesion policy aims at mitigating the consequences of this development. Additionally, in Germany, this development is a greatly discussed topic. However, little data exists at the country level on the dimensions and consequences of this spatial concentration process. This limitation makes it difficult to realistically assess the situation and identify the regions and basic services where intervention may be required. As a contribution to bridging this knowledge gap, we used a GIS accessibility analysis to analyse the regional distribution of ambulant nursing services throughout Germany and to estimate the availability of such services near patients’ places of residence. Ambulant nursing care is an important basic service of the German health care system; such services allow disabled or elderly people who are not able to fully care for themselves to stay in their homes and living environments. The analysis results lead us to conclude that although ambulant nursing services must cover greater distances to reach customers in rural areas, at present such services are nationally available in rural areas as well as in urban areas.
Examining Social Desirability in Measures of Religion and Spirituality Using the Bogus Pipeline
Authors: Jones Ann E. , Elliott Marta
Published: June 2016

A primary concern in the psychology of religion is the distinct possibility that responses to empirical assessments of individuals’ degree and type of religiosity and spirituality are exaggerated owing to social desirability bias. In spite of increased secularization in American culture and a growing distrust of organized religion, religious involvement, personal religiosity, and spirituality are still viewed as highly desirable characteristics. This study estimates the extent of social desirability biases that affect self-reports of religion and spirituality by utilizing a bogus pipeline procedure. In this procedure, participants are convinced that experimenters can detect disingenuous responses to individual items on questionnaires through the use of physiological measures, although no physiological data are actually collected. If the self-reports of participants in the bogus pipeline condition indicate greater religiosity or spirituality than those in the control condition, self-report bias is indicated. The bogus pipeline procedure has been used in other areas of study to increase veracity of self-reports when social desirability effects are present (such as reporting sexual behaviors or prejudice). The results indicate that social desirability biases influence multiple constructs including religious orientations, religious coping, and daily spiritual experiences. Implications for future research relying on self-reports of religion and spirituality are discussed.
Aβ-Immunotherapeutic strategies: a wide range of approaches for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Montoliu-Gaya Laia , Villegas Sandra
Published: June 2016

Current therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) are focused on ameliorating symptoms instead of treating the underlying causes of AD. The accumulation of amyloidβ(Aβ) oligomers, whether by an increase in production or by a decrease in clearance, has been described as the seed that initiates the pathological cascade in AD. Developing therapies to target these species is a vital step in improving AD treatment. Aβ-immunotherapy, especially passive immunotherapy, is a promising approach to reduce the Aβburden. Up to now, several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been tested in clinical trials on humans, but none of them have passed Phase III. In all likelihood, these trials failed mainly because patients with mild-to-moderate AD were recruited, and thus treatment may have been too late to be effective. Therefore, many ongoing clinical trials are being conducted in patients at the prodromal stage. New structures based on antibody fragments have been engineered intending to improve efficacy and safety. This review presents the properties of this variety of developing treatments and provides a perspective on state-of-the-art of passive Aβ-immunotherapy in AD.
Dense gas effects in inviscid homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Sciacovelli L. , Cinnella P. , Content C. , Grasso F.
Published: June 2016

A detailed numerical study of the influence of dense gas effects on the large-scale dynamics of decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence is carried out by using the van der Waals gas model. More specifically, we focus on dense gases of the Bethe–Zel’dovich–Thompson type, which may exhibit non-classical nonlinearities in the transonic and supersonic flow regimes, under suitable thermodynamic conditions. The simulations are based on the inviscid conservation equations, solved by means of a ninth-order numerical scheme. The simulations rely on the numerical viscosity of the scheme to dissipate energy at the finest scales, while leaving the larger scales mostly unaffected. The results are systematically compared with those obtained for a perfect gas. Dense gas effects are found to have a significant influence on the time evolution of the average and root mean square (r.m.s.) of the thermodynamic properties for flows characterized by sufficiently high initial turbulent Mach numbers (above 0.5), whereas the influence on kinematic properties, such as the kinetic energy and the vorticity, are smaller. However, the flow dilatational behaviour is very different, due to the non-classical variation of the speed of sound in flow regions where the dense gas is characterized by a value of the fundamental derivative of the gas dynamics (a measure of the variation of the speed of sound in isentropic compressions) smaller than one or even negative. The most significant differences between the perfect and the dense gas case are found for the repartition of dilatation levels in the flow field. For the perfect gas, strong compressions occupy a much larger volume fraction than expansion regions, leading to probability distributions of the velocity divergence highly skewed toward negative values. For the dense gas, the volume fractions occupied by strong expansion and compression regions are much more balanced; moreover, strong expansion regions are characterized by sheet-like structures, unlike the perfect gas which exhibits tubular structures. In strong compression regions, where compression shocklets may occur, both the dense and the perfect gas exhibit sheet-like structures. This suggests the possibility that expansion eddy shocklets may appear in the dense gas. This hypothesis is also supported by the fact that, in dense gas, vorticity is created with equal probability in strong compression and expansion regions, whereas for a perfect gas, vorticity is more likely to be created in the strong compression ones.
The history effect in bubble growth and dissolution. Part 1. Theory
Authors: Peñas-López Pablo , Parrales Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Javier , van der Meer Devaraj
Published: June 2016

The term ‘history effect’ refers to the contribution of any past mass transfer events between a gas bubble and its liquid surroundings towards the current diffusion-driven growth or dissolution dynamics of that same bubble. The history effect arises from the (non-instantaneous) development of the dissolved gas concentration boundary layer in the liquid in response to changes in the concentration at the bubble interface caused, for instance, by variations of the ambient pressure in time. Essentially, the history effect amounts to the acknowledgement that at any given time the mass flux across the bubble is conditioned by the preceding time history of the concentration at the bubble boundary. Considering the canonical problem of an isolated spherical bubble at rest, we show that the contribution of the history effect in the current interfacial concentration gradient is fully contained within a memory integral of the interface concentration. Retaining this integral term, we formulate a governing differential equation for the bubble dynamics, analogous to the well-known Epstein–Plesset solution. Our equation does not make use of the quasi-static radius approximation. An analytical solution is presented for the case of multiple step-like jumps in pressure. The nature and relevance of the history effect is then assessed through illustrative examples. Finally, we investigate the role of the history effect in rectified diffusion for a bubble that pulsates under harmonic pressure forcing in the non-inertial, isothermal regime.
The effect of dietary changes on distinct components of the metabolic syndrome in a young Sri Lankan population at high risk of CVD
Authors: Guess Nicola , Wijesuriya Mahen , Vasantharajah Laksha , Gulliford Martin , Viberti Giancarlo , Gnudi Luigi , Karalliedde Janaka
Published: June 2016

South Asian populations are predisposed to early onset of the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle intervention programmes have demonstrated a reduction in the metabolic syndrome and CVD risk; however, the most effective components of the multi-faceted lifestyle interventions are unknown. We studied 2637 Sri Lankan males (n 1237) and females (n 1380), with a mean BMI of 23·9 (sd 4·2) kg/m2, aged 22·5 (sd 10·0) years, who had participated in a 5-year lifestyle-modification programme to examine the effect of dietary changes on distinct components of the metabolic syndrome. The dietary intervention comprised advice to replace polished starches with unpolished starches, high-fat meat and dairy products with low-fat products and high-sugar beverages and snacks with low-sugar varieties. For the purposes of this analysis, data from the control and intensive lifestyle groups were combined. Anthropometric and biochemical data were recorded, and a FFQ was completed annually. Multiple regression was used to determine the effect of the dietary changes on distinct components of the metabolic syndrome. The ratio unpolished:polished rice was inversely related to change in fasting glucose (β=−0·084, P=0·007) and TAG (β=−0·084, P=0·005) and positively associated with change in HDL-cholesterol (β=0·066, P=0·031) at the 5-year follow-up after controlling for relevant confounders. Red meat intake was positively associated with fasting glucose concentrations (β=0·05, P=0·017), whereas low-fat (β=−0·046, P=0·018) but not high-fat dairy products (β=0·003, P=0·853) was inversely related to glucose tolerance at the follow-up visit. Replacement of polished with unpolished rice may be a particularly effective dietary advice in this and similar populations.
Worldwide burden of gastric cancer in 2010 attributable to high sodium intake in 1990 and predicted attributable burden for 2030 based on exposures in 2010
Authors: Peleteiro Bárbara , Barros Susana , Castro Clara , Ferro Ana , Morais Samantha , Lunet Nuno
Published: June 2016

Assessing the impact that patterns of Na intake may have on gastric cancer will provide a more comprehensive estimation of Na reduction as a primary prevention approach. We aimed to estimate the proportion of gastric cancer cases that are attributable to Na intake above the recommendation by the WHO (≤2 g/d) throughout the world in 2010, as well as expected values for 2030. Population attributable fractions (PAF) were computed for 187 countries, using Na intakes in 1990 and 2010 and estimates of the association between Na intake and gastric cancer, assuming a time lag of 20 years. Median PAF ranged from 10·1% in low to 22·5 % in very high Human Development Index (HDI) countries in men (P<0·001) and from 7·2 to 16·6 %, respectively, among women (P<0·001). An increase in median PAF until 2030 is expected in most settings, except for countries classified as low HDI, in both sexes. High Na intakes account for a large proportion of gastric cancer cases, and proportions are expected to increase in almost all of the countries. Intensified efforts to diminish Na intake in virtually all populations are needed to further reduce gastric cancer burden.
Age at introduction of solid foods and feeding difficulties in childhood: findings from the Southampton Women’s Survey
Authors: Hollis J. L. , Crozier S. R. , Inskip H. M. , Cooper C. , Godfrey K. M. , Robinson S. M. ,   Southampton Women’s Survey Study Group
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to determine whether age at introduction of solid foods was associated with feeding difficulties at 3 years of age. The present study was carried out using data from the Southampton Women’s Survey (SWS). Women enrolled in the SWS who subsequently became pregnant were followed-up during pregnancy and postpartum, and the offspring have been studied through childhood. Maternal socio-demographic and anthropometric data and child anthropometric and feeding data were collected through interviews and self-administered questionnaires. When the children were 3 years of age, mothers/carers rated six potential child feeding difficulty questions on a four-point Likert scale, including one general question and five specific feeding difficulty questions. Age at introduction of solids as a predictor of feeding difficulties was examined in 2389 mother–child pairs, adjusting for child (age last breast fed, sex, gestation) and maternal characteristics (parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, age, education, employment, parenting difficulties, diet quality). The majority of mothers/carers (61 %) reported some feeding difficulties (general feeding difficulty question) at 3 years of age, specifically with their child eating enough food (61 %), eating the right food (66 %) and being choosy with food (74 %). Children who were introduced to solids ≥6 months had a lower risk of feeding difficulties (RR 0·73; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·91, P=0·004) than children who were introduced to solids between 4 and 6 months. No other significant associations were found. There were few associations between feeding difficulties in relation to age at introduction of solid foods. However, general feeding difficulties were less common among infants introduced to solid foods ≥6 months of age.
An alternative approach to a problem by A. de Moivre
Authors: Doumas Aristides V.
Published: June 2016

Suppose n (fair) dice each having m faces marked with numbers 1 to m, are thrown at random. The problem of determining the number of ways in which the sum of the numbers exhibited by the dice will be equal to a given number k has a very long history. In particular, the three dice problem (i.e. the case where m = 6, n = 3), goes back to the 13th century (see [1]). Later, it was Cardano and Galileo who solved it (see [2, 3]). The general case was stated without proof in A. de Moivre's first work on probability, De Mensura Sortis, (1712, p.220). De Moivre was the first who published a proof (using generating functions) in Miscellanea Analytica (1730, p. 196). Furthermore, Montmort had also the solution (via inclusion-exclusion) by 1713, and independently of De Moivre (see [4, 2]).
Divisibility properties for Fibonacci and related numbers
Authors: Sadek Jawad , Euler Russell
Published: June 2016

Although it is an old one, the fascinating world of Fibonnaci numbers and Lucas numbers continues to provide rich areas of investigation for professional and amateur mathematicians. We revisit divisibility properties for t0hose numbers along with the closely related Pell numbers and Pell-Lucas numbers by providing a unified approach for our investigation.

For non-negative integers n, the recurrence relation defined by

with initial conditions

can be used to study the Pell (Pn), Fibonacci (Fn), Lucas (Ln), and Pell-Lucas (Qn) numbers in a unified way. In particular, if a = 0, b = 1 and c = 1, then (1) defines the Fibonacci numbers xn = Fn. If a = 2, b = 1 and c = 1, then xn = Ln. If a = 0, b = 1 and c = 2, then xn = Pn. If a =b = c = 2, then xn = Qn [1].
Fun with Sign
Authors: Zhou Li
Published: June 2016

When I was teaching calculus recently, an exercise in the textbook [1, p. 687, qn. 3] asked students to find the Taylor series of cosx centred at π/4. My students were able to find the series

but wondered how to take care of the sign changes, in order to express the series in I.-notation. They were quite puzzled after finding that the answer given in [I] is

The exponent n (n + 1)/2 seemed a rabbit out of the hat! This article is the result of trying to answer their question satisfactorily, and to have some serious fun. Readers are invited to try two teasers first before reading for their solutions.
Sliding in rough convex bowls
Authors: Hennings Mark , Ingram Jon
Published: June 2016

It is an elementary fact that a particle sliding on a rough horizontal table experiences a deceleration of magnitude μg, where μ is the coefficient of friction between the particle and the table. Thus, if the initial speed u of the particle and the braking distance d are both known, then μ can be determined by the formula

The idea of using braking distances to determine the coefficient of friction led the second author to ask the following question:

A particle slides on the interior surface of a rough hemispherical bowl starting from rest. If the starting point of the particle and the point at which it comes to instantaneous rest after its slide are both known, is it possible to determine the coefficient of friction between the particle and the bowl?
Wind over tide
Authors: Mahony John D.
Published: June 2016

The article ‘Reflections on the Woolwich Ferry’ [1] brought back some childhood memories. I remember being whisked away with my siblings from the verdant pastures of north-west Kent by bus and tram to Woolwich for a ride on one of the ‘Free Ferry’ paddle steamers; there were four of them and their passing in the mid 1960s was not universally welcomed. It was indeed a real treat that consumed just a little more than a full working day. The depths of a winter school holiday could find us huddled, privileged below the ferry decks on a gantry near the fire hole to receive the welcoming hot blast as its doors opened to accommodate the hand-stoked coke. It was hand-stoked to reduce smoke output, and each steamer could make about eight knots. Presumably health and safety considerations now would not allow for such a luxury of positioning.

However, it was not always wine and roses. To borrow a phrase from one of Kipling's poems, it was sometimes a case of ‘not with this wind blowing, and this tide’, for there were rare occasions when journeys were temporarily delayed by exceptionally windy weather. The elements below (river velocity effect) conspired with the elements above (wind velocity effect) to delay ferry movements. The earlier article proposed a velocity model to deal with effects due only to the river flow and it is the purpose of this note to extend that argument by considering also a velocity effect due to the wind, because the superstructure on a ferry can be as susceptible to the wind as is the keel to the tide.