bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of mechanical and informational modeling to predict hysteresis behavior of I beam‐to‐CFT column connection
Authors: Abdollahzadeh G.R. , Yapang‐Gharavi S. , Hoseinali‐Beygi M.
Published: November 2017

The behavior of beam‐to‐column connections is significantly complicated because it depends on the material, nonlinear relationship between different members, and contact of connecting elements. Their hysteretic response exhibits highly inelastic characteristics and continuous variation in stiffness, strength, and ductility. Therefore, accurate hysteretic models of bolted connections are essential to accurate seismic assessment and design. Composed (Hybrid) modeling approach is presented to represent the complex hysteretic behavior of I beam‐to‐concrete‐filled‐tube (CFT) column bolted connection. For the purpose in this study, experimental evaluation of I beam‐to‐CFT column connection with bolted end‐plate under cyclic loading is done. It must be mentioned to make the connection easily applicable practically and also prepare the column flanges continuity, a connection with the bolts penetrated into the CFT column are used since using the stiffeners in hollow sections is not easily applicable. In the composed mechanical–informational modeling framework, the conventional mechanical model is complemented by information‐based model components. Finally, moment–rotation curves of composed model have been compared with experimental results. Comparison showed that the composed model has a good agreement with experimental results. A newly designed specimen for validation purpose of the composed modeling was made and experimented. Composed model was well applied to predict the behavior of new connections. The presented results show that the composed model has a good ability to predict of hysteretic behavior.
The New Mixed Cluster Trielide K3Ga11–xInx (x = 1.16–1.36): Synthesis, Crystal Chemistry, and Chemical Bonding
Authors: Falk Martha , Meyer Carolin , Röhr Caroline
Published: November 2017

The new cluster compound K3Ga11–xInx, which exhibits a very small In/Ga phase width of x = 1.16 to 1.36 only, was obtained in the course of a systematic synthetic, crystallographic and bond theoretical investigation of mixed potassium trielides of the ternary system K‐In‐Ga. The compound, which was synthesized from nearly stoichiometric amounts of the elements at a maximum temperature of 500 °C, crystallizes in a new orthorhombic crystal structure type [space group Cmmm, a = 1577.9(5), b = 3355.1(8), c = 655.2(2) pm, Z = 10, R1 = 0.0471]. In the complex polyanion, the triels form two crystallographically different [Ga12] icosahedra, which are present in a 1:2 ratio, and a previously unknown [M13] “double‐cluster” consisting of two vertex‐sharing [M7] pentagonal bipyramids. All clusters are connected among each other and via a four‐bonded pure In and Ga atom [In(1), Ga(1)]. The polyanion of the compound with the overall formula K15M55 can thus be split up according to [Ga(1X)12][Ga(2X)12]2[M(3X)13]In(1)4Ga(1)2. Herein, the all‐exo bonded closo icosahedra carry a charge of –2, the six four‐bonded In/Ga contribute with a charge of –6 and the new [M13] “double‐cluster” thus carries a charge of –3. Under the reasonable assumption of an “intermediate” interaction between the two cluster fragements, this charge, i.e. the presence of 15 skeleton electron pairs, is in accordance with the mno electron counting rules. FP‐LAPW DFT band structure calculations of two ordered model compounds support this interpretation: The tDOS exhibits a small bandgap and the electron density map suggests a limited additional interaction between the Ga5 bases of the two bipyramidal cluster fragments.
Brine, englacial structure and basal properties near the terminus of McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Campbell S. , Courville Z. , Sinclair S. , Wilner J.
Published: November 2017

We collected ~1300 km of ground-penetrating radar profiles over McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, using frequencies between 40 and 400 MHz to determine extent, continuity and depth to the brine. We also used profiles to determine meteoric ice thickness and locate englacial features, which may suggest ice shelf instability. The brine extends 9–13 km inland from the ice shelf terminus and covers the entire region between Ross, White and Black Islands. Jump unconformities and basal fractures exist in the brine and ice shelf, respectively, suggesting prior fracturing and re-suturing. One 100 MHz profile, the most distal from the ice shelf edge while still being situated over the brine, simultaneously imaged the brine and bottom of meteoric ice. This suggests a negative brine salinity gradient moving away from the terminus. The meteoric ice bottom was also imaged in a few select locations through blue ice in the ablation zone near Black Island. We suggest that brine, sediment-rich ice and poor antenna coupling on rough ice attenuates the signal in this area. When combined with other recent mass-balance and structural glaciology studies of MIS, our results could contribute to one of the most high-resolution physical models of an ice shelf in Antarctica.
Threefold increase in marine-terminating outlet glacier retreat rates across the Atlantic Arctic: 1992–2010
Authors: Carr J. Rachel , Stokes Chris. R. , Vieli Andreas
Published: November 2017

Accelerated discharge through marine-terminating outlet glaciers has been a key component of the rapid mass loss from Arctic glaciers since the 1990s. However, glacier retreat and its climatic controls have not been assessed at the pan-Arctic scale. Consequently, the spatial and temporal variability in the magnitude of retreat, and the possible drivers are uncertain. Here we use remotely sensed data acquired over 273 outlet glaciers, located across the entire Atlantic Arctic (i.e. areas potentially influenced by North Atlantic climate and/or ocean conditions, specifically: Greenland, Novaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land and Svalbard), to demonstrate high-magnitude, accelerating and near-ubiquitous retreat between 1992 and 2010. Overall, mean retreat rates increased by a factor of 3.5 between 1992 and 2000 (−30.5 m a−1) and 2000–10 (−105.8 m a−1), with 97% of the study glaciers retreating during the latter period. The Retreat was greatest in northern, western and south-eastern Greenland and also increased substantially on the Barents Sea coast of Novaya Zemlya. Glacier retreat showed no significant or consistent relationship with summer air temperatures at decadal timescales. The rate of frontal position change showed a significant, but weak, correlation with changes in sea-ice concentrations. We highlight large variations in retreat rates within regions and suggest that fjord topography plays an important role. We conclude that marine-terminating Arctic outlet glaciers show a common response of rapid and accelerating retreat at decadal timescales.
Tilted incompressible Coriolis modes in spheroids
Authors: Ivers D. J.
Published: November 2017

The incompressible flow of a uniform fluid, which fills a rigid spheroid rotating about an arbitrary axis fixed in an inertial frame, is dominated at small Rossby and Ekman numbers by the rotation through the Coriolis force. The effects of rotation on the flow can be found by treating the Coriolis force modified by a pressure gradient as a skew-symmetric bounded linear operator $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ acting on smooth inviscid incompressible flows in the spheroid. It is shown that the space of incompressible polynomial flows of degree $N$ or less in the spheroid is invariant under $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ for any $N$. The skew symmetry of $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ implies the Coriolis operator $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ is non-defective for such flows with an orthogonal set of eigenmodes (inertial and geostrophic modes) which form a basis for the finite-dimensional space of spheroidal polynomial flows. The eigenmodes are tilted if the rotation axis is not aligned with the symmetry axis of the spheroid. The non-defective property of $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ enables enumeration of the modes and proof of their completeness using the Weierstrass polynomial approximation theorem. The fundamental tool, which is required to establish invariance of spheroidal polynomial flows under $\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$ and completeness of the Coriolis modes, is that the solution of the polynomial Poisson–Neumann problem, i.e. Poisson’s equation with Neumann boundary condition and polynomial data, in a spheroid is a polynomial. The Coriolis modes of degree one and all geostrophic modes are explicitly constructed. Only the modes of degree one have non-zero angular momentum in the boundary frame.
Flow-induced vibration of two cylinders in tandem and staggered arrangements
Authors: Griffith Martin D. , Lo Jacono David , Sheridan John , Leontini Justin S.
Published: November 2017

A numerical study of the flow-induced vibration of two elastically mounted cylinders in tandem and staggered arrangements at Reynolds number $Re=200$ is presented. The cylinder centres are set at a streamwise distance of 1.5 cylinder diameters, placing the rear cylinder in the near-wake region of the front cylinder for the tandem arrangement. The cross-stream or lateral offset is varied between 0 and 5 cylinder diameters. The two cylinders are identical, with the same elastic mounting, and constrained to oscillate only in the cross-flow direction. The variation of flow behaviours is examined for static cylinders and for elastic mountings of a range of spring stiffnesses, or reduced velocity. At least seven major modes of flow response are identified, delineated by whether the oscillation is effectively symmetric, and the strength of the influence of the flow through the gap between the two cylinders. Submodes of these are also identified based on whether or not the flow remains periodic. More subtle temporal behaviours, such as period doubling, quasi-periodicity and chaos, are also identified and mapped. Across all of these regimes, the amplitudes of vibration and the magnitude of the fluid forces are quantified. The modes identified span the parameter space between two important limiting cases: two static bodies at varying lateral offset; and two elastically mounted bodies in a tandem configuration at varying spring stiffnesses. Some similarity in the response of extremely stiff or static bodies and extremely slack bodies is shown. This is explained by the fact that the slack bodies are free to move to an equilibrium position and stop, effectively becoming a static system. However, the most complex behaviour appears between these limits, when the bodies are in reasonably close proximity, and the natural structural frequency is close to the vortex shedding frequency of a single cylinder. This appears to be driven by the interplay between a series of time scales, including the vortex formation time, the advection time across the gap between the cylinders and the oscillation period of both bodies. This points out an important difference between this multi-body system and the classic single-cylinder vortex-induced vibration: two bodies in close proximity will not oscillate in a synchronised, periodic manner when their natural structural frequencies are close to the nominal vortex shedding frequency of a single cylinder.
Molecular dynamics study of multicomponent droplet dissolution in a sparingly miscible liquid
Authors: Maheshwari Shantanu , van der Hoef Martin , Prosperetti Andrea , Lohse Detlef
Published: November 2017

The dissolution of a multicomponent nanodrop in a sparingly miscible liquid is studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We studied both binary and ternary systems, in which nanodroplets are formed from one and two components, respectively. Whereas for a single-component droplet the dissolution can easily be calculated, the situation is more complicated for a multicomponent drop, as the interface concentrations of the drop constituents depend on the drop composition, which changes with time. In this study, the variation of the interface concentration with the drop composition is determined from independent ‘numerical experiments’, which are then used in the theoretical model for the dissolution dynamics of a multicomponent drop. The MD simulations reveal that when the interaction strengths between the drop constituents and the surrounding bulk liquid are significantly different, the concentration of the more soluble component near the drop interface may become larger than in the drop bulk. This effect is the larger the smaller the drop radius. While the present study is limited to binary and ternary systems, the same method can be easily extended to a larger number of components.
Giardia lamblia: missing evidence for a canonical thioredoxin system
Authors: Leitsch David , Rout Samuel , Lundström-Stadelmann Britta , Balmer Vreni , Hehl Adrian , Müller Norbert
Published: November 2017

The microaerophilic protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia occurs globally and causes dysentery in humans and animals. Since it is very sensitive to oxygen and reactive oxygen species, G. lamblia disposes over several enzymatic pathways to counter oxidative stress. One of the enzymes involved is thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a central redox regulator that indirectly reduces peroxiredoxins via thioredoxin, an electron shuttle protein. Interestingly, the components of the TrxR-mediated redox system, including functional thioredoxins, have so far not been described despite their surmised importance for parasite survival. We aimed at filling this gap and attempted to identify functional thioredoxins and other interaction partners of TrxR in G. lamblia. To this end, we conducted database searches and expressed three recombinant candidate thioredoxins in Escherichia coli for ensuing enzyme assays. Further, co-immunoprecipitation experiments were conducted in order to identify further components of the thioredoxin redox network. Finally, the cellular localization of TrxR and peroxiredoxin 1 was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Surprisingly, our endeavours did not result in the identification of a functional thioredoxin or other credible interaction partners of TrxR. We, therefore, conclude that there is currently no evidence for a canonical thioredoxin redox network in G. lamblia.
Eolian sand and loess deposits indicate west-northwest paleowinds during the Late Pleistocene in western Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Schaetzl Randall J. , Larson Phillip H. , Faulkner Douglas J. , Running Garry L. , Jol Harry M. , Rittenour Tammy M.
Published: November 2017

Our study adds to the Quaternary history of eolian systems and deposits in western Wisconsin, USA, primarily within the lower Chippewa River valley. Thickness and textural patterns of loess deposits in the region indicate transport by west-northwesterly and westerly winds. Loess is thickest and coarsest on the southeastern flanks of large bedrock ridges and uplands, similar in some ways to shadow dunes. In many areas, sand was transported up and onto the western flanks of bedrock ridges as sand ramps, presumably as loess was deposited in their lee. Long, linear dunes, common on the sandy lowlands of the Chippewa valley, also trend to the east-southeast. Small depressional blowouts are widespread here as well and often lie immediately upwind of small parabolic dunes. Finally, in areas where sediment was being exposed by erosion along cutbanks of the Chippewa River, sand appears to have been transported up and onto the terrace treads, forming cliff-top dunes. Luminescence data indicate that this activity has continued throughout the latest Pleistocene and into the mid-Holocene. Together, these landforms and sediments paint a picture of a locally destabilized landscape with widespread eolian activity throughout much of the postglacial period.
Molecular cloning of heat shock protein 10 (Hsp10) and 60 (Hsp60) cDNAs from Galeruca daurica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and their expression analysis
Authors: Tan Y. , Zhang Y. , Huo Z.-J. , Zhou X.-R. , Pang B.-P.
Published: October 2017

Galeruca daurica (Joannis) is a new outbreak pest in the Inner Mongolia grasslands in northern China. Heat shock protein 10 and 60 (Hsp10 and Hsp60) genes of G. daurica, designated as GdHsp10 and GdHsp60, were cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends techniques. Sequence analysis showed that GdHsp10 and GdHsp60 encoded polypeptides of 104 and 573 amino acids, respectively. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis clearly revealed that the amino acids of GdHsp10 and GdHsp60 had high homology and were clustered with other Hsp10 and Hsp60 genes in insects which are highly relative with G. daurica based on morphologic taxonomy. The mRNA expression analysis by real-time PCR revealed that GdHsp10 and GdHsp60 were expressed at all development stages and in all tissues examined, but expressed highest in eggs and in adults’ abdomen; both heat and cold stresses could induce mRNA expression of GdHsp10 and GdHsp60 in the 2nd instar larvae; the two Hsp genes were expressed from high to low with the extension of treatment time in G. daurica eggs exposed to freezing point. Overall, our study provides useful information to understand temperature stress responses of Hsp60 and Hsp10 in G. daurica, and provides a basis to further study functions of Hsp60/Hsp10 relative to thermotolerance and cold hardiness mechanism.
Isorchis cannonin. sp. (Digenea: Atractotrematidae) from Great Barrier Reef rabbitfishes and the molecular elucidation of its life cycle
Authors: Huston D.C. , Cutmore S.C. , Cribb T.H.
Published: November 2017

We describeIsorchis cannonin. sp. from the rabbitfishesSiganus fuscescens(Houttuyn) andSiganus lineatus(Valenciennes) (Siganidae) collected off Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia and, using molecular data, demonstrate that ‘Cercariae queenslandaeII’ of Cannon (1978) from the gastropodClypeomorus batillariaeformisHabe & Kosuge (Cerithiidae) is the larval form of this new species. The cercariae ofI.cannonin. sp. develop in rediae, encyst in the environment after emergence, and are inferred to then be consumed by grazing rabbitfish. Additionally, we provide a new report ofIsorchis curraniAndres, Pulis & Overstreet, 2016 from the type host,Selenotoca multifasciata(Richardson) (Scatophagidae) collected in Moreton Bay, south-east Queensland, Australia, greatly expanding the known geographical range of this species. Molecular sequence data (ITS1, ITS2 and 28S rDNA) generated forI.cannonin. sp. and the new specimens ofI.currani, confirm the identification ofI.curraniand demonstrate a distinct genotype forI.cannonin. sp. relative to other species ofIsorchisDurio & Manter, 1969, for which molecular data are available.Isorchis cannonin. sp. is morphologically distinct from all other species in the genus, and is further distinguished by utilizing species of Siganidae as definitive hosts, rather than species of Chanidae or Scatophagidae. Because haploporid and atractotrematid cercariae have well-developed reproductive organs, we find cercariae of these closely related families morphologically distinguishable in the same way as adult trematodes: atractotrematids have two symmetrical testes and haploporids have a single testis or, rarely, two tandem or oblique testes.
Magnetized Kelvin–Helmholtz instability: theory and simulations in the Earth’s magnetosphere context
Authors: Faganello Matteo , Califano Francesco
Published: November 2017

The Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, proposed a long time ago for its role in and impact on the transport properties at magnetospheric flanks, has been widely investigated in the Earth’s magnetosphere context. This review covers more than fifty years of theoretical and numerical efforts in investigating the evolution of Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices and how the rich nonlinear dynamics they drive allow solar wind plasma bubbles to enter into the magnetosphere. Special care is devoted to pointing out the main advantages and weak points of the different plasma models that can be adopted for describing the collisionless magnetospheric medium and in underlying the important role of the three-dimensional geometry of the system.
Variations in the community structure of biofilm-dwelling protozoa at different depths in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China
Authors: Abdullah Al Mamun , Gao Yangyang , Xu Guangjian , Wang Zheng , Xu Henglong , Warren Alan
Published: November 2017

Biofilm-dwelling protozoa are a primary component of microbiota and play important roles in the functioning of microbial food webs such as the mediation of carbon and energy flux from plankton to benthos in marine ecosystems. To demonstrate the vertical pattern of the protozoan communities, a 1-month baseline survey was carried out in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. A total of 40 samples were collected using glass slides as artificial substrates at four depths: 1, 2, 3.5 and 5 m. A total of 50 species were identified, comprising seven dominant and eight commonly distributed species. Species richness and individual species abundances showed a clear decreasing trend down the water column from 1 to 5 m, although the former peaked at a depth of 2 m. Multivariate approaches revealed that protozoan community structure differed significantly among the four depths, except for those at 2 and 3.5 m. Maximum values of species richness, diversity and evenness generally decreased with depth although they peaked at either 2 or 3.5 m. These results suggest that water depth may significantly shape the community patterns of biofilm-dwelling protozoa in marine ecosystems.
Ontogenetic trajectories in Callinectes danae (Crustacea: Brachyura): sex and age polymorphism
Authors: Shinozaki-Mendes R.A. , Lessa R.
Published: October 2017

We analysed the morphological variations through geometric morphometric approaches of the dorsal and ventral views of growing male and female Callinectes danae Smith 1869, based on the hypothesis that swimming crabs present polymorphism during growth. Our research identified six instars for females, seven instars for males and one instar for unsexed individuals (young). The sixth instar of females and the seventh instar of males were composed of adults. We identified 20 landmarks from the dorsal view, and 16 landmarks from the ventral view. Based on canonical analysis and Procrustes distance, we observed the formation of clearly separated instars (both views), indicating a significant change during ontogeny, not only in the pubertal moult. The most prevalent changes occurred in the abdomen, with males thinning and females broadening the abdomen during growth. In the dorsal view, we observed a displacement of anterolateral spines to the posterior region throughout the growth period and that the anterolateral and frontal teeth of juveniles were more ornate than those of adults. The ontogenetic trajectories for males and females have similar origins and follow different directions over the instars, with maximum distance after the pubertal moult (P < 0.05).
Changing the food environment: the effect of trained volunteers on mealtime care for older people in hospital
Authors: Roberts Helen C.
Published: October 2017

This review will describe the evidence for changing the hospital environment to improve nutrition of older people, with particular emphasis on the role of additional mealtime assistance. Poor nutrition among older people in hospital is well recognised in many countries and is associated with poor outcomes of hospital care including increased mortality and longer lengths of stay. Factors recognised to contribute to poor dietary intake include acute illness, co-morbidities, cognitive impairment, low mood and medication. The hospital environment has also been scrutinised with reports from many countries of food being placed out of reach or going cold because time-pressured ward and catering staff often struggle to help an increasingly dependent group of patients at mealtimes. Routine screening in hospital for people at risk of under nutrition is recommended. Coloured trays and protected mealtimes are widespread although there is relatively little evidence for their impact on dietary intake. Volunteers can be trained to sfely give additional mealtime assistance including feeding to older patients on acute medical wards. They can improve the quality of mealtime care for patients and nursing staff although the evidence for improved dietary intake is mixed. In conclusion, improving the nutrition of older patients in hospital is challenging. Initiatives such as routine screening, the use of coloured trays, protected mealtimes and additional mealtime assistance can work together synergistically. Volunteers are likely to be increasingly important in an era when healthcare systems are generally limited in both financial resources and the ability to recruit sufficient nursing staff.
Attitude–Scenario–Emotion (ASE) sentiments are superficial
Authors: Adair Heather , Carruthers Peter
Published: November 2017

Gervais & Fessler's (G&F's) Attitude–Scenario–Emotion (ASE) model reduces sentiments to superficial patterns of emotional responding that emerge when an underlying evaluative attitude interacts with appraisals of a range of specific scenarios. Thus construed, sentiments are epiphenomenal. We argue that G&F would do better to identify each sentiment (love, say) with the attitude that underlies and explains the patterns of emotional responding (in the case of love, this might be the attitude of valuing the good of a specific other).
Are sentiments subject to selection pressures? The case of oxytocin
Authors: Christie Chelsea D. , Chen Frances S.
Published: November 2017

We argue that natural selection operates on emotional and cognitive capacities supporting the subjective experience of sentiments, rather than on discrete sentiments themselves. We support this argument by examining the case of oxytocin in relation to the sentiment of love. We also explore future directions for health psychology research that includes “cold” aspects of contempt in conjunction with “hot” aspects.
A sentimental education: The place of sentiments in personality and social psychology
Authors: Haslam Nick
Published: November 2017

“Sentiment” is a potentially appealing concept for social and personality psychologists. It can render some complex affective phenomena theoretically tractable, help refine accounts of social perception, and illuminate some personality dispositions. The success of a future sentimental psychology depends on whether “sentiment” can be delimited as a distinct domain, and whether a credible classification of sentiments can be developed.
Differential effects of internal and external factors in early bilingual vocabulary learning: The case of Singapore
Authors: SUN HE , YIN BIN , AMSAH NUR FARINA BEGUM BINTE , O'BRIEN BETH ANN
Published: November 2017

Both internal factors (e.g., nonverbal intelligence) and external factors (e.g., input quantity) are claimed to affect the rate of children's vocabulary development. However, it remains an open question whether these variables work similarly on bilingual children's dual language learning. The current paper examined this issue on 805 Singapore children (4 years, 1 month to 5 years, 8 months) who are learning English (societal language) and an ethnic language (Mandarin/Malay/Tamil). Singapore is a bilingual society; however, there is an inclination for English use at home in recent years, resulting in a discrepancy of input between English and ethnic languages in many families. In this study, internal and external factors were examined comprehensively with standardized tests and a parental questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to address the questions. There were statistically significant differences in language input quantity, quality, and output between English and ethnic language learning environments. Singapore children are learning English in an input-rich setting while learning their ethnic language in a comparatively input-poor setting. Multiple regressions revealed that while both sets of factors explained lexical knowledge in each language, the relative contribution is different for English and ethnic languages: internal factors explained more variance in English language vocabulary, whereas external factors were more important in explaining ethnic language knowledge. We attribute this difference to a threshold effect of external factors based on the critical mass hypothesis and call for special attention to learning context (input-rich vs. input-poor settings) for specific bilingual language studies.
PRIORITIES FOR HEALTH ECONOMIC METHODOLOGICAL RESEARCH: RESULTS OF AN EXPERT CONSULTATION
Authors: Tordrup David , Chouaid Christos , Cuijpers Pim , Dab William , van Dongen Johanna Maria , Espin Jaime , Jönsson Bengt , Léonard Christian , McDaid David , McKee Martin , Miguel José Pereira , Patel Anita , Reginster Jean-Yves , Ricciardi Walter , Rutten-van Molken Maureen , Rupel Valentina Prevolnik , Sach Tracey , Sassi Franco , Waugh Norman , Bertollini Roberto
Published: October 2017

Background: The importance of economic evaluation in decision making is growing with increasing budgetary pressures on health systems. Diverse economic evidence is available for a range of interventions across national contexts within Europe, but little attention has been given to identifying evidence gaps that, if filled, could contribute to more efficient allocation of resources. One objective of the Research Agenda for Health Economic Evaluation project is to determine the most important methodological evidence gaps for the ten highest burden conditions in the European Union (EU), and to suggest ways of filling these gaps.

Methods: The highest burden conditions in the EU by Disability Adjusted Life Years were determined using the Global Burden of Disease study. Clinical interventions were identified for each condition based on published guidelines, and economic evaluations indexed in MEDLINE were mapped to each intervention. A panel of public health and health economics experts discussed the evidence during a workshop and identified evidence gaps.

Results: The literature analysis contributed to identifying cross-cutting methodological and technical issues, which were considered by the expert panel to derive methodological research priorities.

Conclusions: The panel suggests a research agenda for health economics which incorporates the use of real-world evidence in the assessment of new and existing interventions; increased understanding of cost-effectiveness according to patient characteristics beyond the “-omics” approach to inform both investment and disinvestment decisions; methods for assessment of complex interventions; improved cross-talk between economic evaluations from health and other sectors; early health technology assessment; and standardized, transferable approaches to economic modeling.
Cardiovascular adaptation to extrauterine life after intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Rodriguez-Guerineau Luciana , Perez-Cruz Miriam , Gomez Roig María D. , Cambra Francisco J. , Carretero Juan , Prada Fredy , Gómez Olga , Crispi Fátima , Bartrons Joaquim
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The adaptive changes of the foetal heart in intrauterine growth restriction can persist postnatally. Data regarding its consequences for early circulatory adaptation to extrauterine life are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac morphometry and function in newborns with late-onset intrauterine growth restriction to test the hypothesis that intrauterine growth restriction causes cardiac shape and functional changes at birth.

Methods

A comprehensive echocardiographic study was performed in 25 neonates with intrauterine growth restriction and 25 adequate-for-gestational-age neonates.

Results

Compared with controls, neonates with intrauterine growth restriction had more globular ventricles, lower longitudinal tricuspid annular motion, and higher left stroke volume without differences in the heart rate. Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction also showed subclinical signs of diastolic dysfunction in the tissue Doppler imaging with lower values of early (e′) diastolic annular peak velocities in the septal annulus. Finally, the Tei index in the tricuspid annulus was higher in the intrauterine growth restriction group.

Conclusion

Neonates with history of intrauterine growth restriction showed cardiac remodelling and signs of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Overall, there was a significant tendency to worse cardiac function results in the right heart. The adaptation to extrauterine life occurred with more globular hearts, higher stroke volumes but a similar heart rate compared to adequate-for-gestational-age neonates.
The French national survey on food consumption of children under 3 years of age – Nutri-Bébé 2013: design, methodology, population sampling and feeding practices
Authors: Chouraqui Jean-Pierre , Tavoularis Gabriel , Emery Yves , Francou Aurée , Hébel Pascale , Bocquet Magali , Hankard Régis , Turck Dominique
Published: November 2017

Objective

To update the data on food consumption and practices in children under 3 years of age in metropolitan France.

Design

The Nutri-Bébé 2013 cross-sectional study selected a random sample, according to the quota sampling method. After giving their informed consent, parents had to record the food consumption during three non-consecutive days framed by two face-to-face interviews, using for quantitative information different portion size measurement aids.

Results

One thousand one hundred and eighty-four children were enrolled. Mothers’ mean age was 30·8 (sd 5·4) years; 38 % were primiparous; 89 % lived with a partner; 60 % had an occupation. Of the infants younger than 4 months, 31 % were breast-fed. One thousand and thirty-five children consumed infant formula followed by growing-up milk in 63 % of them; solid foods were introduced at a mean age of 5·4 (sd 2·13) months. From 8 months onwards, 25 % of children consumed the same foods as their parents on a more or less regular basis; 29 % ate in front of a screen, with a daily average screen time of 43·0 (sd 40·4) min.

Conclusions

This robust survey highlights the low prevalence and duration of breast-feeding in France and shows a modest improvement since the previous survey of 2005 in the observance of recommendations concerning other feeding practices. The frequent consumption of adult foods and the screen time are of concern.
Prevalence of child-directed and general audience marketing strategies on the front of beverage packaging: the case of Chile
Authors: Mediano Stoltze Fernanda , Barker Joshua O , Kanter Rebecca , Corvalán Camila , Reyes Marcela , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Dillman Carpentier Francesca R
Published: November 2017

Objective

Front-of-package (FOP) marketing strategies of a wide variety of beverages were catalogued to examine the prevalence of each strategy prior to a sweeping Chilean restriction of child-directed marketing aimed at reducing obesity-related disease among Chile’s youth.

Design

Photographs of 1005 beverage packages were quantitatively content-analysed to code whether a variety of child-directed, health-oriented and other marketing strategies (e.g. sales promotions) were present on each product’s FOP. Strategies were then analysed based on beverages’ product category, total sugar, energy and tax status (beverages with added sugars are taxed at different rates).

Setting

Photographs were taken in six urban supermarkets in Santiago, Chile, representing five different supermarket chains.

Results

Beverages using child-directed characters or nature/fruit references were higher in total sugar and beverages with child-directed characters or childhood/family references were higher in energy than beverages without these respective strategies. Of the beverages taxed at the highest rate (greatest amount of added sugars), 49 % used nutrition and health appeals and 80 % used nature or fruit appeals. Plain waters and plain milks were less likely than other selected product categories to use health-oriented appeals or multiple FOP strategies in combination.

Conclusions

FOP marketing on beverages varied according to the nutritional quality of the product, with heavier use of health-oriented and child-directed strategies in less healthy products. Marketing activities warrant continued observation to evaluate how industry responds to new marketing restrictions as these restrictions are evaluated in the light of existing taxes and other regulatory efforts to improve diets and reduce obesity-related disease.
Imaging dose of megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) for treatment verification in the tomotherapy of breast cancer
Authors: Cheung K. W. , Sang K. K. , Lam H. I. , Chan W. M. , Wu P. M. , Choi H. F. , Ho Y. W. , Law M. Y. Y.
Published: November 2017

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether significant difference exists on radiation dose delivered to organs at risks in megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) verification using three predefined scanning modes, namely fine (2 mm), normal (4 mm) and coarse (6 mm). This will provide information for the imaging protocol of tomotherapy for the left breast.

Materials and methods

Organ doses were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100) placed within a female Rando phantom for MVCT imaging. Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted with p<0·05 to evaluate the significant difference between the three MVCT scanning modes.

Results

Statistically significant difference existed in organ absorbed dose between different scan mode selections (p<0·001). Relative to the normal scan selection (4 mm), the absorbed dose to the organs of interests can be scaled down by 0·7 and scaled up by 2·1 for coarse (6 mm) and fine scans (2 mm) respectively.

Conclusions

Optimisation of imaging protocols is of paramount importance to keep the radiation exposure ‘as low as reasonably achievable’. The recommendation of undergoing daily coarse mode for MVCT verification in breast tomotherapy not only mitigates the radiation exposure to normal tissues, but also trims the scan-acquisition time.
A new molecular mechanism underlying the EGCG-mediated autophagic modulation of AFP in HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhao Lin , Liu Shengtang , Xu Jiaying , Li Wei , Duan Guangxin , Wang Haichao , Yang Huilin , Yang Zaixing , Zhou Ruhong
Published: November 2017

Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) is a major bioactive component of green tea and is associated with health benefits against multiple diseases including cancer. As an indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high levels of α-fetal protein (AFP) are related to malignant differentiation and poor prognosis of cancer cells. In this study, EGCG can effectively reduce AFP secretion and simultaneously induce AFP aggregation in human HCC HepG2 cells. EGCG-stimulated autophagy induces the degradation of AFP aggregates in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, we thoroughly studied the underlying molecular mechanisms behind EGCG-stimulated autophagy by using large-scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed a novel molecular mechanism. EGCG directly interacts with LC3-I protein, readily exposing the pivotal Gly-120 site of the latter to other important binding partners such as 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and promoting the synthesis of LC3-II, a characteristic autophagosomal marker. Our results suggest that EGCG is critical in regulating AFP secretion and in modulating autophagic activities of HepG2 cells, providing a molecular basis for potentially preventing and treating HCC.
Multiple mechanisms mediating carbon monoxide inhibition of the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.5
Authors: Al-Owais Moza M , Hettiarachchi Nishani T , Boyle John P , Scragg Jason L , Elies Jacobo , Dallas Mark L , Lippiat Jon D , Steele Derek S , Peers Chris
Published: November 2017

The voltage-gated K+ channel has key roles in the vasculature and in atrial excitability and contributes to apoptosis in various tissues. In this study, we have explored its regulation by carbon monoxide (CO), a product of the cytoprotective heme oxygenase enzymes, and a recognized toxin. CO inhibited recombinant Kv1.5 expressed in HEK293 cells in a concentration-dependent manner that involved multiple signalling pathways. CO inhibition was partially reversed by superoxide dismutase mimetics and by suppression of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. CO also elevated intracellular nitric oxide (NO) levels. Prevention of NO formation also partially reversed CO inhibition of Kv1.5, as did inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase. CO also elevated intracellular peroxynitrite levels, and a peroxynitrite scavenger markedly attenuated the ability of CO to inhibit Kv1.5. CO caused nitrosylation of Kv1.5, an effect that was also observed in C331A and C346A mutant forms of the channel, which had previously been suggested as nitrosylation sites within Kv1.5. Augmentation of Kv1.5 via exposure to hydrogen peroxide was fully reversed by CO. Native Kv1.5 recorded in HL-1 murine atrial cells was also inhibited by CO. Action potentials recorded in HL-1 cells were increased in amplitude and duration by CO, an effect mimicked and occluded by pharmacological inhibition of Kv1.5. Our data indicate that Kv1.5 is a target for modulation by CO via multiple mechanisms. This regulation has important implications for diverse cellular functions, including excitability, contractility and apoptosis.
Melatonin promotes triacylglycerol accumulation via MT2 receptor during differentiation in bovine intramuscular preadipocytes
Authors: Yang Wucai , Tang Keqiong , Wang Yaning , Zhang Yingying , Zan Linsen
Published: November 2017

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a derivative of tryptophan which is produced and secreted mainly by the pineal gland and regulates a variety of important central and peripheral actions. To examine the potential effects of melatonin on the proliferation and differentiation of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes (BIPs), BIPs were incubated with different concentrations of melatonin. Melatonin supplementation at 1 mM significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β, and C/EBPα expression and promoted the differentiation of BIPs into adipocytes with large lipid droplets and high cellular triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. Melatonin also significantly enhanced lipolysis and up-regulated the expression of lipolytic genes and proteins, including hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and perilipin 1 (PLIN1). Moreover, melatonin reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by increasing the expression levels and activities of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Finally, the positive effects of melatonin on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and redox status were reversed by treatment with luzindole, anantagonist of nonspecific melatonin receptors 1 (MT1) and 2 (MT2), and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetraline (4P-PDOT), a selective MT2 antagonist. These results reveal that melatonin promotes TAG accumulation via MT2 receptor during differentiation in BIPs.
Anaerobic digestion of pig manure supernatant at high ammonia concentrations characterized by high abundances of Methanosaeta and non-euryarchaeotal archaea
Authors: Nordgård Anna Synnøve Røstad , Bergland Wenche Hennie , Vadstein Olav , Mironov Vladimir , Bakke Rune , Østgaard Kjetill , Bakke Ingrid
Published: November 2017

We examined the effect of ammonium and temperature on methane production in high rate upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactors treating pig manure supernatant. We operated four reactors at two ammonium concentrations (‘low’ at 1.9, ‘high’ at 3.7 g L−1, termed LA and HA reactors, respectively) and at variable temperatures over 358 days. Archaeal and bacterial communities were characterized by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. Ammonium was a major selective factor for bacterial and archaeal community structure. After ~200 days of adaptation to high ammonium levels, acetate and propionate removal and methane production improved substantially in HA reactors. Aceticlastic Methanosaeta was abundant and positively correlated to methane yield in the HA reactors, whereas Methanosarcina was more abundant in LA reactors. Furthermore, a group of monophyletic OTUs that was related to Thaumarchaeota in phylogenetic analysis was highly abundant in the archaeal communities, particularly in the HA reactors. The most abundant bacterial OTU in LA reactors, representing Syntrophomonadaceae, was also positively correlated to methane yield in the HA reactors, indicating its importance in methane production under ammonia stress. In conclusion, efficient methane production, involving aceticlastic methanogenesis by Methanosaeta took place in the reactors at free ammonia concentrations as high as 1 g L−1.
Genome-wide Association Study of Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Sakamoto Yuma , Yamamoto Takuaki , Sugano Nobuhiko , Takahashi Daisuke , Watanabe Toshiyuki , Atsumi Takashi , Nakamura Junichi , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Akashi Koichi , Narita Ichiei , Miyamoto Takeshi , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Ikari Katsunori , Amano Koichi , Fujie Atsuhiro , Kubo Toshikazu , Tada Yoshifumi , Kaneuji Ayumi , Nakamura Hiroaki , Miyamura Tomoya , Kabata Tamon , Yamaji Ken , Okawa Takahiro , Sudo Akihiro , Ohzono Kenji , Tanaka Yoshiya , Yasunaga Yuji , Matsuda Shuichi , Imai Yuuki ,   Japanese Research Committee on Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head, Nakashima Yasuharu , Motomura Goro , Ikemura Satoshi , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Karasuyama Kazuyuki , Sonoda Kazuhiko , Nishii Takashi , Sakai Takashi , Takao Masaki , Irie Tohru , Asano Tsuyoshi , Iwasaki Norimasa , Atsumi Tatsuya , Tamaoki Satoshi , Nakanishi Ryosuke , Tanabe Satoe , Kishida Shunji , Hagiwara Shigeo , Seki Taisuke , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Niiro Hiroaki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Mitoma Hiroshi , Ayano Masahiro , Kuroda Takeshi , Toyama Yoshiaki , Funayama Atsushi , Hanaoka Hironari , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Yamanaka Hisashi , Hosozawa Tetsuji , Momohara Shigeki , Chino Kentaro , Fujioka Mikihiro , Ueshima Keichiro , Ishida Masashi , Saito Masazumi , Hayashi Shigeki , Ikegami Akira , Ichiseki Toru , Mizokawa Shigekazu , Ohta Yoichi , Kajino Yoshitomo , Sekiya Fumio , Higuchi Fujio , Hasegawa Masahiro , Miyamoto Noriki , Miyazaki Shinichi , Yamaguchi Toshio , Ando Wataru , Saito Kazuyoshi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Kuroda Yutaka , Yamasaki Takuma , Akiyama Masato , Kubo Michiaki , Kamatani Yoichiro , Iwamoto Yukihide , Ikegawa Shiro
Published: November 2017

Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (IONFH) is an ischemic disorder that causes bone necrosis of the femoral head, resulting in hip joint dysfunction. IONFH is a polygenic disease and steroid and alcohol have already known to increase its risk; however, the mechanism of IONFH remains to be elucidated. We performed a genome-wide association study using ~60,000 subjects and found two novel loci on chromosome 20q12 and 12q24. Big data analyses identified LINC01370 as a candidate susceptibility gene in the 20q12 locus. Stratified analysis by IONFH risk factors suggested that the 12q24 locus was associated with IONFH through drinking capacity. Our findings would shed new light on pathophysiology of IONFH.