bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Velocity-Dependent Soil Resistance in Finite Element Analysis of Pipeline Walking
Authors: Carneiro Daniel , Rathbone Andrew , Soon Kok Siong , Viecelli Graham
Published: September 2016

Soil resistance to pipeline axial displacement plays a key role in the ratcheting process known as “pipeline walking.” Still, it is not yet fully understood. New frameworks to address the different geotechnical aspects involved have recently been published. However, the current practice has been to lump all the time-dependent effects back into a single “equivalent” friction factor, based on a representative pipeline velocity. This paper argues that defining a single velocity as representative of the pipeline expansion (or contraction) is not trivial. While the pipeline ends might move a couple of meters in the few hours it takes to heat up, somewhere close to the middle it will move a few millimeters only. As a result, different levels of soil drainage, for example, are observed along the same pipeline, during the same loading. This paper presents the results of “true” velocity-dependent pipeline walking analyses and compares them to those obtained using constant equivalent friction factors. For the particular cases analyzed, the difference between the results obtained with the two approaches ranged from negligible up to about 30%. Examples show that the results of velocity-dependent pipeline walking analyses are significantly influenced by how the temperature changes over time along the pipeline length. The velocity-dependent model employed describes the axial soil resistance as a hyperbolic function of the pipe velocity. Additional aspects which are expected to influence the soil response (e.g., consolidation time between movements, progressive compression, and consolidation hardening) have been neglected.
A complex baleen whale call recorded in the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument
Authors: Nieukirk Sharon L. , Fregosi Selene , Mellinger David K. , Klinck Holger
Published: September 2016

In fall 2014 and spring 2015, passive acoustic data were collected via autonomous gliders east of Guam in an area that included the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. A short (2–4 s), complex sound was recorded that features a ∼38 Hz moan with both harmonics and amplitude modulation, followed by broad-frequency metallic-sounding sweeps up to 7.5 kHz. This sound was recorded regularly during both fall and spring surveys. Aurally, the sound is quite unusual and most resembles the minke whale “Star Wars” call. It is likely this sound is biological and produced by a baleen whale.
Spatial attention in bilateral cochlear-implant users
Authors: Goupell Matthew J. , Kan Alan , Litovsky Ruth Y.
Published: September 2016

Cochlear-implant (CI) users have difficulty understanding speech in the presence of interfering sounds. This study was designed to determine if binaural unmasking of speech is limited by peripheral or central encoding. Speech was presented to bilateral CI listeners using their clinical processors; unprocessed or vocoded speech was presented to normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Performance was worst for all listener groups in conditions where both the target and interferer were presented monaurally or diotically (i.e., no spatial differences). Listeners demonstrated improved performance compared to the monaural and diotic conditions when the target and interferer were presented to opposite ears. However, only some CI listeners demonstrated improved performance if the target was in one ear and the interferer was presented diotically, and there was no change for the group on average. This is unlike the 12-dB benefit observed in the NH group when presented the CI simulation. The results suggest that CI users can direct attention to a target talker if the target and interferer are presented to opposite ears; however, larger binaural benefits are limited for more realistic listening configurations, likely due to the imprecise peripheral encoding of the two sounds.
Targeting the kinase activities of ATR and ATM exhibits antitumoral activity in mouse models of
MLL
-rearranged AML
Authors: Morgado-Palacin Isabel , Day Amanda , Murga Matilde , Lafarga Vanesa , Anton Marta Elena , Tubbs Anthony , Chen Hua-Tang , Ergen Aysegul V. , Anderson Rhonda , Bhandoola Avinash , Pike Kurt G. , Barlaam Bernard , Cadogan Elaine , Wang Xi , Pierce Andrew J. , Hubbard Chad , Armstrong Scott A. , Nussenzweig André , Fernandez-Capetillo Oscar
Published: September 2016

Chemotherapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia may respond to inhibition of ATR or ATM.
Hypoxia limits IgG-producing B cells
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2016

Naturally occurring variations in oxygen availability in germinal centers regulate antibody class switching in B cells.
Bedaquiline Targets the ε Subunit of Mycobacterial F-ATP Synthase
Authors: Kundu Subhashri , Biukovic Goran , Grüber Gerhard , Dick Thomas
Published: September 2016

The tuberculosis drug bedaquiline inhibits mycobacterial F-ATP synthase by binding to its c subunit. Using the purified ε subunit of the synthase and spectroscopy, we previously demonstrated that the drug interacts with this protein near its unique tryptophan residue. Here, we show that replacement of ε's tryptophan with alanine resulted in bedaquiline hypersusceptibility of the bacteria. Overexpression of the wild-type ε subunit caused resistance. These results suggest that the drug also targets the ε subunit.
Critical Role for Interleukin-25 in Host Protective Th2 Memory Response against Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri
Authors: Pei Chenlin , Zhao Chao , Wang An-Jiang , Fan Anya X. , Grinchuk Viktoriya , Smith Allen , Sun Rex , Xie Yue , Lu Nonghua , Urban Joseph F. , Shea-Donohue Terez , Zhao Aiping , Yang Zhonghan
Published: September 2016

Infection with parasitic nematodes, especially gastrointestinal geohelminths, affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and thus poses a major risk to global health. The host mechanism of defense against enteric nematode infection remains to be fully understood, but it involves a polarized type 2 immunity leading to alterations in intestinal function that facilitate worm expulsion. We investigated the role of interleukin-25 (IL-25) in host protection againstHeligmosomoides polygyrus bakeriinfection in mice. Our results showed thatIl25and its receptor subunit,Il17rb, were upregulated during a primary infection and a secondary challenge infection withH. polygyrus bakeri. Genetic deletion of IL-25 (IL-25−/−) led to an attenuated type 2 cytokine response and increased worm fecundity in mice with a primaryH. polygyrus bakeriinfection. In addition, the full spectrum of the host memory response against a secondary infection withH. polygyrus bakeriwas severely impaired in IL-25−/−mice, including delayed type 2 cytokine responses, an attenuated functional response of the intestinal smooth muscle and epithelium, diminished intestinal smooth muscle hypertrophy/hyperplasia, and impaired worm expulsion. Furthermore, exogenous administration of IL-25 restored the host protective memory response againstH. polygyrus bakeriinfection in IL-25−/−mice. These data demonstrate that IL-25 is critical for host protective immunity againstH. polygyrus bakeriinfection, highlighting its potential application as a therapeutic agent against parasitic nematode infection worldwide.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Recognizes Orientia tsutsugamushi and Increases Susceptibility to Murine Experimental Scrub Typhus
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad , Hagedorn Monica , Lilla Stefanie , Hauptmann Matthias , Heine Holger , Fleischer Bernhard , Keller Christian
Published: September 2016

Scrub typhus is a potentially lethal infection that is caused by the obligate intracellular bacteriumOrientia tsutsugamushi. The roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 in innate recognition ofO. tsutsugamushihave not been elucidated. By overexpression of TLR2 or TLR4 in HEK293 cells, we demonstrated that TLR2, but not TLR4, recognizes heat-stable compounds ofO. tsutsugamushithat were sensitive to treatment with sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and proteinase K. TLR2 was required for the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by dendritic cells. In an intradermal mouse infection model, TLR2-deficient mice did not show impaired control of bacterial growth or reduced survival. Moreover, after intraperitoneal infection, TLR2-deficient mice were even more resistant to lethal infection than C57BL/6 wild-type mice, which showed stronger symptoms and lower survival rates during the convalescent phase. Compared to the time of reduction of bacterial loads in TLR2-deficient mice, the reduction of bacterial loads in infected organs was accelerated in wild-type mice. The higher mortality of wild-type mice was associated with increased concentrations of serum alkaline phosphatase but not aspartate aminotransferase. The transcription of mRNA for TNF-α and IL-6 decreased more rapidly in peritoneum samples from wild-type mice than in those from TLR2-deficient mice and was therefore not a correlate of increased susceptibility. Thus, although TLR2 is an important mediator of the early inflammatory response, it is dispensable for protective immunity againstO. tsutsugamushi. Increased susceptibility toO. tsutsugamushiinfection in TLR2-competent mice rather suggests a TLR2-related immunopathologic effect.
Temperature and salinity of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway
Authors: Petersen Sierra V. , Tabor Clay R. , Lohmann Kyger C. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Meyer Kyle W. , Carpenter Scott J. , Erickson J. Mark , Matsunaga Kelly K.S. , Smith Selena Y. , Sheldon Nathan D.
Published: September 2016

The Western Interior Seaway (WIS) was a shallow and expansive body of water that covered the central United States during the Late Cretaceous. Attempts to reconstruct temperatures in the seaway using the oxygen isotopic composition of biogenic carbonates have suffered from uncertainty in the oxygen isotopic composition of seawater (δ18Ow) in the semi-restricted basin. We present new reconstructed temperature and δ18Ow data from marine and estuarine environments in the WIS and freshwater environments in WIS source rivers, derived from clumped isotope analyses of bivalve and gastropod shells. We find temperatures of 5–21 °C, δ18Ow values below contemporaneous Gulf of Mexico marine sites, and a strong correlation between δ18Ow and environmental setting. We propose that decreasing δ18Ow values reflect decreasing salinity driven by an increasing contribution of continental runoff. Using a two-end-member salinity-δ18Ow mixing model, we estimate salinities of 29–35 psu (practical salinity units) for the deep marine, 20–32 psu for the shallow marine, and 11–26 psu for the estuarine environments of the WIS. New climate model simulations agree with reconstructed temperatures and salinities and suggest the presence of salinity driven stratification within the seaway.
Sub–ice shelf ironstone deposition during the Neoproterozoic Sturtian glaciation
Authors: Lechte Maxwell , Wallace Malcolm
Published: September 2016

The Neoproterozoic Sturtian glaciation is considered to be among the most severe glaciations in Earth history, possibly encompassing the entire planet and lasting for more than 50 m.y. Iron formations are globally associated with Sturtian glacial successions, although the influence of glaciation on the genesis of these iron formations remains contentious. Here we examine the Sturtian iron formations of Namibia and Australia that feature finely laminated ironstones containing up to 55% total iron. These ironstones are repeatedly interbedded with massive diamictites, yet dropstones and other clastic input are nearly absent in the laminated ironstone facies. Intercalated diamictites are variably ferruginous and characterized by a strong glacial influence with evidence of glaciotectonism. The ferruginous facies are laterally discontinuous and commonly occupy paleobathymetric depressions. Rare earth element signatures from these iron formations are similar to those from modern seawater but lack cerium anomalies. The paradox of dropstone-free, laminated sediments intimately interlaminated with massive ice-proximal diamictites can be resolved by deposition under an ice shelf. Polynya activity and the mixing of cold, oxygenated glacial fluids with ferruginous seawater via an ice pump mechanism may explain the deposition of these iron formations and their restriction to Sturtian glacial successions globally.
Spinal cord infarction as a rare complication of fat embolism syndrome following bilateral intramedullary nailing of femur fractures
Authors: Kearsley RoseMarie , Galbraith John , Dalton David , Motherway Catherine
Published: September 2016

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare and potentially fatal complication occurring most often after long bone or pelvic fractures and orthopaedic procedures. It can consist of pulmonary, central nervous system and cutaneous manifestations. The exact pathophysiology of emboli reaching the arterial circulation is poorly understood.1 It is suggested that this may occur by either ‘paradoxical’ embolism or microembolism.2 3 Its true incidence is unknown but increases in the presence of multiple closed fractures. It can be a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians and if suspected diffusion-weighted MRI is the modality of choice for the investigation of the central nervous system.4 We present the case of a 22-year-old man who developed multifocal cerebral infarcts, a right-sided cerebellar infarct and an infarct in the anterior cord bilaterally at the level of C5–C6 as a result of FES.
Familial hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocalcaemia
Authors: Patel Sabina , Rayanagoudar Girish , Gelding Susan
Published: September 2016

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and plays an essential role in neuronal, skeletal and cardiac tissue. Hypomagnesaemia can cause hypocalcaemia by inhibiting parathyroid hormone release and inducing resistance at its receptor sites. Untreated hypomagnesaemia can lead to tetany, recurrent seizures, status epilepticus and life-threatening arrhythmias. Primary hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocalcaemia (HSH) is a rare metabolic disorder of intestinal magnesium absorption. The condition typically presents in the neonatal period with neuromuscular excitability and seizures refractory to antiepileptic therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt magnesium replacement are essential to prevent death or long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. Fewer than a hundred cases are reported in the literature. Recent advances have added significantly to our understanding of the genetic basis of HSH. We report the presentation and long-term follow-up of an affected female who was found to have a mutation in the transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6) gene, encoding a transient receptor potential cation channel.
Diagnosis and treatment of a rare sinonasal neuroendocrine tumour: adding to the evidence
Authors: Gudlavalleti Aashrai , Dean Ryan , Liu Yuxin , Dhamoon Amit S
Published: September 2016

Sinonasal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare, aggressive neoplasms with a high recurrence potential. There are no robust protocols for the management of these tumours. An 81-year-old man presented with an incidental sinonasal mass visualised on CT scan of head. Over the next few weeks he developed new onset, progressively worsening headache, right eye ptosis and restricted extraocular movements. Imaging confirmed a rapidly enlarging tumour involving the right nasal cavity and the orbit. Biopsy showed a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right ethmoidal sinus. The patient was treated with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation. Repeat imaging showed decrease in tumour volume. The patient continues to do well and follows up regularly with our oncology service. Current protocols comprising chemotherapy after radiation are based on limited studies. A regimen involving concurrent chemoradiation also appears to aid in tumour volume reduction. Additional studies are required to formulate robust clinical protocols for management of sinonasal NETs.
Multicentre, open-label, randomised, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the efficacy of octreotide therapy 40 mg monthly versus standard of care in patients with refractory anaemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding from small bowel angiodysplasias: a protocol of the OCEAN trial
Authors: Grooteman K V , van Geenen E J M , Drenth J P H
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias are an important cause of difficult-to-manage bleeding, especially in older patients. Endoscopic coagulation of angiodysplasias is the mainstay of treatment, but may be difficult for small bowel angiodysplasias because of the inability to reach them for endoscopic intervention. Some patients are red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependent due to frequent rebleeding despite endoscopic treatment. In small cohort studies, octreotide appears to decrease the number of bleeding episodes in patients with RBC transfusion dependency due to gastrointestinal angiodysplasias. This trial will assess the efficacy of octreotide in decreasing the need for RBC transfusions and parenteral iron in patients with anaemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding of small bowel angiodysplasias despite endoscopic intervention.

Study design

Randomised controlled, superiority, open-label multicentre trial.

Participants

62 patients will be included with refractory anaemia due to small bowel angiodysplasias, who are RBC transfusion or iron infusion dependent despite endoscopic intervention and oral iron supplementation.

Intervention

Patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to standard care or 40 mg long-acting octreotide once every 4 weeks for 52 weeks, in addition to standard care. The follow-up period is 8 weeks.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome is the difference in the number of blood and iron infusions between the year prior to inclusion and the treatment period of 1 year. Important secondary outcomes are the per cent change in the number of rebleeds from baseline to end point, adverse events and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial received ethical approval from the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects and from the local accredited Medical Research Ethics Committee of the region Arnhem-Nijmegen, the Netherlands (reference number: 2014-1433). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02384122; Pre-results.
Protocol for a systematic review of preference-based instruments for measuring care-related outcomes and their suitability for the palliative care setting
Authors: McCaffrey Nikki , Al-Janabi Hareth , Currow David , Hoefman Renske , Ratcliffe Julie
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Despite informal caregivers' integral role in supporting people affected by disease or disability, economic evaluations often ignore the costs and benefits experienced by this group, especially in the palliative setting. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify preference-based instruments for measuring care-related outcomes and provide guidance on the selection of instrument in palliative care economic evaluations.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of the literature will be conducted from database inception (ASSIA; CINAHL; Cochrane library including DARE, NHS EED, HTA; Econlit; Embase; PsychINFO; PubMed). Published peer-reviewed, English-language articles reporting preference-based instruments for measuring care-related outcomes in any clinical area will be included. One researcher will complete the searches and screen the results for potentially eligible studies. A randomly selected subset of 10% citations will be independently screened by two researchers. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus among the research team. Subsequently, a supplementary search will identify studies detailing the development, valuation, validation and application of the identified instruments. The degree of suitability of the instruments for palliative economic evaluations will be assessed using criteria in the International Society for Quality of Life Research minimum standards for patient-reported outcome measures, the checklist for reporting valuation studies of multiattribute utility-based instruments and information on the development of the instrument in the palliative setting. A narrative summary of the included studies and instruments will be provided; similarities and differences will be described and possible reasons for variations explored. Recommendations for practice on selection of instruments in palliative care economic analyses will be provided.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a planned systematic review of published literature. Therefore, ethics approval to conduct this research is not required. Findings will be presented at leading palliative care and health economic conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

CRD42016034188.
Effect of exercise-based management on multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: a pilot randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Warby Sarah A , Ford Jon J , Hahne Andrew J , Watson Lyn , Balster Simon , Lenssen Ross , Pizzari Tania
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The most commonly recommended treatment for multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is exercise. Despite this recommendation, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of exercise. The aim of this paper is to describe a pilot randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of 2 exercise programmes on outcomes of participants with MDI.

Methods and analysis

Consenting participants between 12 and 35 years, with non-traumatic MDI will be randomly allocated to participate in either the Rockwood Instability programme or the Watson MDI programme. Both programmes involve 1 consultation per week for 12 weeks with a physiotherapist to prescribe and progress a home exercise programme. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 24 and 52 weeks. Primary outcome measures include the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score and Western Ontario Shoulder Index. Secondary outcomes include scapular coordinates, scapular upward rotation angles, muscle strength, symptomatic onset, limiting factor and angle of limiting factor in abduction range, incidence of complete glenohumeral joint dislocation, global rating of change, satisfaction scores, the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, adverse events and compliance with the home exercise programme. Data will be analysed on intention-to-treat principles and a per protocol basis.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate whether there are differences in outcomes between the Rockwood and the Watson MDI programmes for participants with MDI.

Ethics and dissemination

Participant confidentiality will be maintained with publication of results. Ethics approval: Faculty of Health Sciences (FHEC12/201).

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613001240730; Pre-results.
Characterization of high-performance organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell: a DFT/TDDFT study
Authors: Lambert Christopher , Mao Yu , Zheng Yanzhen , Tao Xia , Hu P. , Huang Meilan
Published: September 2016

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is currently a promising technology that makes solar energy efficient and cost-effective to harness. In DSSC, metal-free dyes such as indoline-containing D149 and D205 have been proven to be potential alternatives for traditional metal organic dyes. In this work, a DFT/TDDFT characterization for D149 and D205 was carried out using different functionals, including B3LYP, MPW1K, CAM–B3LYP, and PBE0. Three different conformers for D149 and four different conformers for D205 were identified and calculated in a vacuum. The performance of different functionals on calculating the maximum absorbance of the dyes in a vacuum and five common solvents (acetonitrile, chloroform, ethanol, methanol, and THF) were examined and compared to determine the suitable computational setting for predicting properties of these two dyes. Furthermore, deprotonated D149 and D205 in solvents were also considered, and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were calculated, which elucidates the substitution effect on the rhodanine ring of D149 and D205 dyes on their efficiency. Finally, D149 and D205 molecules were confirmed to be firmly anchored on ZnO surface by periodic DFT calculations. These results shed light on the design of new, highly efficient metal-free dyes.
Spatial diffusion modelling of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) shows ontogenetic increase in movement rates
Authors: Foldvik A. , Einum S. , Finstad A.G.
Published: September 2016

For organisms with extensive ontogenetic changes in phenotypes, knowledge of how movement of individuals changes throughout life is pivotal to understanding ecological processes. Here, we study the spatial distribution of a cohort of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from hatching to their third summer of juvenile life, during which they go through a fourfold change in body size. The fish originated from three distinct breeding sites, and their distribution was mapped using electrofishing throughout the river at 10 sampling periods. The spatial distribution throughout ontogeny was analysed using diffusion models. The distribution changed from three distinct nonoverlapping distributions centred on the individual breeding sites at the early first summer stage to a single continuous distribution at the end of the study. The diffusion coefficient increased throughout ontogeny, and spatial distributions were well-described using diffusion models, explaining 46%–89% of the variation. This highlights the utility of diffusion models when considering spatial habitat structure both in conservation and research.
Parametric study of hyperfine structure of Zr II even-parity levels
Authors: Bouazza Safa
Published: September 2016

Until now experimental hyperfine structure (hfs) data of 12 even-parity Zr II levels were given in the literature. Recently new hyperfine splitting measurements of 11 other Zr II levels, of the same parity are achieved, applying fast-ion-beam laser-fluorescence spectroscopy. The hfs of these 23 gathered levels has been analysed by simultaneous parametrisation of the one- and two-body interactions, first in model space (4d + 5s)3 and secondly in extended space. For the three lowest configurations, radial parameters of the magnetic dipole A and quadrupole electric B factors are deduced in their entirety for 91Zr II, compared and discussed with calculated values, available in the literature, and also with ours, computed by means of the ab initio method. For instance we give the main experimental values of the extracted single-electron hfs parameters of 4d25s: [Formula: see text] = –2701 MHz, [Formula: see text] = –122.4 MHz, and [Formula: see text] = –113.5 MHz.
Updated determination of αs(mτ2) from τ decays
Authors: Pich Antonio , Rodríguez-Sánchez Antonio
Published: September 2016

Using the most recent release of the ALEPH [Formula: see text] decay data, we present a very detailed phenomenological update of the [Formula: see text] determination. We have exploited the sensitivity to the strong coupling in many different ways, exploring several complementary methodologies. All determinations turn out to be in excellent agreement, allowing us to extract a very reliable value of the strong coupling. We find [Formula: see text] which implies [Formula: see text]. We critically revise previous work, and point out the problems flawing some recent analyses which claim slightly smaller values.
Updated pseudoscalar contributions to the hadronic light-by-light of the muon (g − 2)
Authors: Sanchez-Puertas Pablo , Masjuan Pere
Published: September 2016

In this work, we present our recent results on a new and alternative data-driven determination for the hadronic light-by-light pseudoscalar pole contribution to the muon (g − 2). Our approach is based on Canterbury approximants, a rational approach to describe the required transition form factors, which provides a systematic and model-independent framework beyond traditional large-[Formula: see text] approaches. As a result, we obtain a competitive determination with errors according to future (g − 2) experiments including, for the first time, a well-defined systematic uncertainty.
Classical conformality in the Standard Model from Coleman’s theory
Authors: Kawana Kiyoharu
Published: September 2016

The classical conformality (CC) is one of the possible candidates for explaining the gauge hierarchy of the Standard Model (SM). We show that it is naturally obtained from the Coleman’s theory on baby universe.
Scaling laws of gelatin hydrogels for steady dynamic friction
Authors: Gupta Vinit , Singh Arun K.
Published: September 2016

In this article, we use population balance based dynamic friction model for steady sliding to develop scaling laws in the terms of mesh size of gelatin hydrogels. First of all, it is observed in the sliding experiments that shear modulus of gelatin hydrogels depends on sliding velocity. This dependence is more evident in the case of low sliding velocity. Moreover, relaxation time constant of a dangling chain at the sliding interface scales with the same exponent as its stiffness. The scaling law is also developed for chain density and viscous retardation at the sliding interface. It is also established that the Hookean-based dynamic friction model is sufficient to study frictional behaviour of hydrogels. The reason for this observation is attributed to the weak bonding between a gelatin hydrogel and glass interface.
Pulse duration dependence of atomic sequential double ionization by circular laser pulses
Authors: Tong Aihong , Chen Liangyuan , Li Yingbin
Published: September 2016

Using classical ensemble method, we have investigated the pulse duration dependence of sequential double ionization (SDI) of Ar atoms driven by circularly polarized laser pulses. The results show that the ion momentum distribution of Ar atoms depends strongly on the pulse duration. As the pulse duration increases, the ion momentum distribution changes from single-ring to double-ring structure, and finally to the single-ring structure. Back analysis of double ionization trajectories shows that the variation of the ring structure originates from the dependence of the ionization time of the second electron on the pulse duration. Moreover, our calculations clearly manifest the subcycle electron emission in sequential double ionization by circularly polarized laser pulses.
Anisotropic diffusion of conduction electron under antiferromagnetic spin configuration
Authors: Okabayashi Akira , Morinari Takao
Published: September 2016

We consider a conduction electron that couples with the localized spins, which are close to the antiferromagnetic ordered state. We show that the hopping of the conduction electron is possible even if the neighboring spins are almost antiparallel, and the difference in the relative angles between the neighboring spins leads to anisotropic diffusion of the conduction electron. Our calculation supports the presence of the spinmotive force in antiferromagnets.
Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Buildings in Thimphu, Bhutan
Authors: Thinley Kinzang , Hao Hong , Tashi Choki
Published: September 2016

Inspite of its location in one of the most active seismic zones in the world, Bhutan has no seismic design code of its own and no detailed study on the performance of buildings under expected earthquake ground excitation has been carried out. In this study, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is first carried out to predict the design ground motions in Thimphu, Bhutan for the return periods (RPs) of 475 and 2475 years. These ground motions are then used to assess the performance of three typical RC buildings in the capital city, Thimphu. Soil–structure interaction (SSI) is incorporated at different soil sites and the effects of SSI are discussed. Adequacy of using Indian Seismic Code in Bhutan is also studied and discussed. The study suggests that the typical buildings in Bhutan could undergo moderate to severe damages under the 475 year RP and could even collapse under the 2475 year RP ground motions. This study is the first such effort in predicting the design ground motions and then assessing the performance of the general building stocks in Bhutan. The result can guide the seismic preparedness of the country through proper design and mitigation measures.
Trajectory Identification as Proxies for Discerning the Dynamic Nature of Technological Change — The Case of Electric Vehicles Industry
Authors: Yuan Fei , Miyazaki Kumiko
Published: September 2016

Technological changes of electric vehicles (EVs) have been taking place along ordered and selective patterns in the potential paradigmatic shift. Together with a network-based method and an empirical study on the technology evolution of EVs, this paper not only proposes a dynamic identification method of technological trajectory, but also describes the process of technology changes in detail. This paper highlights the dynamic nature of technological evolution and improves the accuracy of analyzing the key technological trajectories. In addition, this approach helps to position the development path of an object technology and thus is utilized in designing the R&D strategy.
China to Emphasise Innovative Development in the 13th Five-Year Programme Period
Authors: TONG Sarah Y
Published: September 2016

The guideline for the 13th Five-Year Programme (FYP) is an important document, which sets as its top agenda promoting innovative development to sustain China’s long-term prosperity. The government also identified key task areas such as reforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs), overhauling China’s fiscal arrangement and promoting further economic opening. However, the government’s commitment to reform China’s zombie SOEs remains doubtful. Moreover, the implementation faces challenges, including ambiguity in guiding principles and bureaucratic inertia.
Xi Jinping’s Leadership Style
Authors: SHAN Wei
Published: September 2016

Chinese President Xi Jinping has demonstrated a distinctive leadership style and established his personal dominance by setting up a number of small leading groups, reducing the decision-making authority of his politburo colleagues. He has also made himself a populist leader by using the whole party-state propaganda machine to promote his personality. The power concentration and a distinct personal leadership may help Xi push long-delayed reforms, while making decision-making more vulnerable to mistakes and power abuse.
New Energy Vehicles Industry in China: Developments and Challenges
Authors: KONG Tuan Yuen
Published: September 2016

China’s development of its New Energy Vehicles industry since 2009 has been strengthened through the “Made in China 2025” plan in 2015. The Chinese authorities have provided numerous supporting policies, but the high financial burden, inconvenience of use, technical uncertainty on the demand side, high battery cost and imperfect competitive domestic market on the supply side have impeded the development of the industry.
The Nature and Dimensions of Complexity in Morphology
Authors: Stump Gregory
Published: September 2016

The multifacetedness of morphological complexity stems partly from the fact that linguistic complexity can be construed in more than one way, but also from the very nature of morphology. The complexity of morphological systems can be compared with respect to their morphotactics, to their word forms’ morphosyntactic content, to their exponence relations, to their derivational semantics, to their reliance on morphomic patterns, to the implicative relations among the forms in their inflectional paradigm, to their interfaces with other grammatical components, and to the relative parsability of their word forms. Recent research on morphological complexity has led to a precise proposal for quantifying complexity in some of these different dimensions; some dimensions, however, lend themselves to quantification more straightforwardly than others.
Computational Learning of Syntax
Authors: Clark Alexander
Published: September 2016

Learnability has traditionally been considered to be a crucial constraint on theoretical syntax; however, the issues involved have been poorly understood, partly as a result of the lack of simple learning algorithms for various types of formal grammars. Here I discuss the computational issues involved in learning hierarchically structured grammars from strings of symbols alone. The methods involved are based on an abstract notion of the derivational context of a syntactic category, which in the most elementary case of context-free grammars leads to learning algorithms based on a form of traditional distributional analysis. Crucially, these techniques can be extended to work with mildly context-sensitive grammars (and beyond), thus leading to learning methods that can in principle learn classes of grammars that are powerful enough to represent all natural languages. These learning methods require that the syntactic categories of the grammars be visible in a certain technical sense: They must be well characterized either by the sets of symbols that they generate or by the sets of contexts in which they can appear. However, there are still significant gaps between these theoretical results and their direct implementation as models of language acquisition; I discuss how these remaining problems can be overcome.
Plastics in the Marine Environment
Authors: Law Kara Lavender
Published: September 2016

Plastics contamination in the marine environment was first reported nearly 50 years ago, less than two decades after the rise of commercial plastics production, when less than 50 million metric tons were produced per year. In 2014, global plastics production surpassed 300 million metric tons per year. Plastic debris has been detected worldwide in all major marine habitats, in sizes from microns to meters. In response, concerns about risks to marine wildlife upon exposure to the varied forms of plastic debris have increased, stimulating new research into the extent and consequences of plastics contamination in the marine environment. Here, I present a framework to evaluate the current understanding of the sources, distribution, fate, and impacts of marine plastics. Despite remaining knowledge gaps in mass budgeting and challenges in investigating ecological impacts, the increasing evidence of the ubiquity of plastics contamination in the marine environment, the continued rapid growth in plastics production, and the evidence—albeit limited—of demonstrated impacts to marine wildlife support immediate implementation of source-reducing measures to decrease the potential risks of plastics in the marine ecosystem.
Natural Variability and Anthropogenic Trends in the Ocean Carbon Sink
Authors: McKinley Galen A. , Fay Amanda R. , Lovenduski Nicole S. , Pilcher Darren J.
Published: September 2016

Since preindustrial times, the ocean has removed from the atmosphere 41% of the carbon emitted by human industrial activities. Despite significant uncertainties, the balance of evidence indicates that the globally integrated rate of ocean carbon uptake is increasing in response to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the equatorial Pacific dominates interannual variability of the globally integrated sink. Modes of climate variability in high latitudes are correlated with variability in regional carbon sinks, but mechanistic understanding is incomplete. Regional sink variability, combined with sparse sampling, means that the growing oceanic sink cannot yet be directly detected from available surface data. Accurate and precise shipboard observations need to be continued and increasingly complemented with autonomous observations. These data, together with a variety of mechanistic and diagnostic models, are needed for better understanding, long-term monitoring, and future projections of this critical climate regulation service.
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Screening, Surveillance, and Management
Authors: Mansour Nabil M. , Groth Shawn S. , Anandasabapathy Sharmila
Published: September 2016

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a growing problem with a rapidly rising incidence. Risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease, central obesity, and smoking. The prognosis of EAC remains poor because it is usually diagnosed late, and many efforts have been made to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment. Acid suppression, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and statins may play a role in chemoprevention. Screening for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the only known precursor lesion of EAC, is indicated for individuals with increased risk. Endoscopic surveillance of patients with BE likely improves overall outcomes. Endoscopic ablation and resection is highly effective for treating dysplastic BE and early EAC, whereas esophagectomy is indicated for patients with locally advanced disease. This review covers epidemiology, staging, screening, and prevention of EAC as well as endoscopic and surgical management.
Strategies to Develop Inhibitors of Motif-Mediated Protein-Protein Interactions as Drug Leads
Authors: Corbi-Verge Carles , Garton Michael , Nim Satra , Kim Philip M.
Published: September 2016

Protein-protein interactions are fundamental for virtually all functions of the cell. A large fraction of these interactions involve short peptide motifs, and there has been increased interest in targeting them using peptide-based therapeutics. Peptides benefit from being specific, relatively safe, and easy to produce. They are also easy to modify using chemical synthesis and molecular biology techniques. However, significant challenges remain regarding the use of peptides as therapeutic agents. Identification of peptide motifs is difficult, and peptides typically display low cell permeability and sensitivity to enzymatic degradation. In this review, we outline the principal high-throughput methodologies for motif discovery and describe current methods for overcoming pharmacokinetic and bioavailability limitations.
Changing Provider Behavior in the Context of Chronic Disease Management: Focus on Clinical Inertia
Authors: Lavoie Kim L. , Rash Joshua A. , Campbell Tavis S.
Published: September 2016

Widespread acceptance of evidence-based medicine has led to the proliferation of clinical practice guidelines as the primary mode of communicating current best practices across a range of chronic diseases. Despite overwhelming evidence supporting the benefits of their use, there is a long history of poor uptake by providers. Nonadherence to clinical practice guidelines is referred to as clinical inertia and represents provider failure to initiate or intensify treatment despite a clear indication to do so. Here we review evidence for the ubiquity of clinical inertia across a variety of chronic health conditions, as well as the organizational and system, patient, and provider factors that serve to maintain it. Limitations are highlighted in the emerging literature examining interventions to reduce clinical inertia. An evidence-based framework to address these limitations is proposed that uses behavior change theory and advocates for shared decision making and enhanced guideline development and dissemination.
The Psychology of Close Relationships: Fourteen Core Principles
Authors: Finkel Eli J. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Eastwick Paul W.
Published: September 2016

Relationship science is a theory-rich discipline, but there have been no attempts to articulate the broader themes or principles that cut across the theories themselves. We have sought to fill that void by reviewing the psychological literature on close relationships, particularly romantic relationships, to extract its core principles. This review reveals 14 principles, which collectively address four central questions: (a) What is a relationship? (b) How do relationships operate? (c) What tendencies do people bring to their relationships? (d) How does the context affect relationships? The 14 principles paint a cohesive and unified picture of romantic relationships that reflects a strong and maturing discipline. However, the principles afford few of the sorts of conflicting predictions that can be especially helpful in fostering novel theory development. We conclude that relationship science is likely to benefit from simultaneous pushes toward both greater integration across theories (to reduce redundancy) and greater emphasis on the circumstances under which existing (or not-yet-developed) principles conflict with one another.
RK-33 Radiosensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells by Blocking the RNA Helicase DDX3
Authors: Xie Min , Vesuna Farhad , Tantravedi Saritha , Bol Guus M. , Heerma van Voss Marise R. , Nugent Katriana , Malek Reem , Gabrielson Kathleen , van Diest Paul J. , Tran Phuoc T. , Raman Venu
Published: September 2016

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in males and the second highest cause of cancer-related mortality. We identified an RNA helicase gene, DDX3 (DDX3X), which is overexpressed in prostate cancers, and whose expression is directly correlated with high Gleason scores. Knockdown of DDX3 in the aggressive prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and 22Rv1 resulted in significantly reduced clonogenicity. To target DDX3, we rationally designed a small molecule, RK-33, which docks into the ATP-binding domain of DDX3. Functional studies indicated that RK-33 preferentially bound to DDX3 and perturbed its activity. RK-33 treatment of prostate cancer cell lines DU145, 22Rv1, and LNCaP (which have high DDX3 levels) decreased proliferation and induced a G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. Conversely, the low DDX3–expressing cell line, PC3, exhibited few changes following RK-33 treatment. Importantly, combination studies using RK-33 and radiation exhibited synergistic effects both in vitro and in a xenograft model of prostate cancer demonstrating the role of RK-33 as a radiosensitizer. Taken together, these results indicate that blocking DDX3 by RK-33 in combination with radiation treatment is a viable option for treating locally advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6340–50. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting CD96 and TIGIT for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Blake Stephen J. , Dougall William C. , Miles John J. , Teng Michele W.L. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: September 2016

The receptors CD96 and TIGIT are expressed on the surface of T and natural killer (NK) cells, and recent studies suggest both play important inhibitory roles in immune function. CD96 has been shown to modulate immune cell activity in mice, with Cd96−/− mice displaying hypersensitive NK-cell responses to immune challenge and significant tumor resistance. TIGIT overexpression has been shown to reduce NK-cell–mediated cytotoxicity. TIGIT is also upregulated on T cells during cancer and chronic viral infection, with expression associated with effector T-cell exhaustion and increased regulatory T-cell suppression. The counterbalance between the putative inhibitory CD96 and TIGIT receptors and the activating receptor, CD226, offers unique strategies for immuno-oncology drug development. Blocking CD96 or TIGIT with mAbs has been shown to improve tumor control in mice, in particular when used in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. These results have highlighted these pathways as promising new targets for immune modulation. This review will examine the rationale behind targeting CD96 and TIGIT, and discuss the potential approaches in translating these preclinical findings into novel clinical agents. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5183–8. ©2016 AACR.