bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐education after high‐frequency versus low‐frequency volume‐matched handgrip training
Authors: Boyes Natasha G. , Yee Peter , Lanovaz Joel L. , Farthing Jonathan P.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Cross‐education training programs cause interlimb asymmetry of strength and hypertrophy. We examined the cross‐education effects from a high‐frequency (HF) versus a low‐frequency (LF) volume‐matched handgrip training program on interlimb asymmetry. Methods: Right‐handed participants completed either HF (n = 10; 2 × 6 repetitions 10 times per week) or LF (n = 9; 5 × 8 repetitions 3 times per week) training. Testing occurred twice before and once after 4 weeks of right‐handed isometric handgrip training totaling 120 weekly repetitions. Measures were maximal isometric handgrip and wrist flexion torque, muscle thickness, and muscle activation (electromyography; EMG). Results: Grip strength was greater in both limbs posttraining, pooled across groups (P < 0.001). Trained limb muscle thickness increased in both groups (P < 0.05; untrained, P = 0.897). EMG and wrist flexion torque did not change (all P > 0.103). Discussion: Both LF and HF induced cross‐education of grip strength to the untrained limb, but HF did not reduce asymmetry. These findings have implications for injury rehabilitation. Muscle Nerve 56: 689–695, 2017
Lagrangian modelling of large deformation induced by progressive failure of sensitive clays with elastoviscoplasticity
Authors: Zhang Xue , Sheng Daichao , Sloan Scott W. , Bleyer Jeremy
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a Lagrangian formulation of elastoviscoplasticity, on the basis of the particle finite element method, for progressive failure analysis of sensitive clays. The sensitive clay is represented by an elastoviscoplastic model that is a mixture of the Bingham model, for describing rheological behaviour, and the Tresca model with strain softening for capturing the progressive failure behaviour. The finite element formulation for the incremental elastoviscoplastic analysis is reformulated, through the application of the Hellinger–Reissner variational theorem, as an equivalent optimisation program that can be solved efficiently using modern algorithms such as the interior‐point method. The recast formulation is then incorporated into the framework of the particle finite element method for investigating progressive failure problems related to sensitive clays, such as the collapse of a sensitive clay column and the retrogressive failure of a slope in sensitive clays, where extremely large deformation occurs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure analysis of the Nol‐ring polymer matrix composites under thermal cycling
Authors: Ghasemi A.R. , Moradi M.
Published: March 2017

In this research, the effects of thermal cycling loading on the failure analysis of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) pipes are investigated. The [902/±30/902]T ring specimens were loaded using developed thermal cycling apparatus and tested using NOL‐ring tensile testing method. The specimens are categorized to un‐notched and different diameter open‐hole specimens. The rings subjected up to 200 thermal cycles between 0°C and 50°C with constant cooling/heating rates of 17°C/min. Then the tensile strength of carbon/epoxy laminated composite materials was obtained using tensile testing. The results showed that tensile strength of un‐notched and open hole specimens were decreased under thermal cycling. Also, thermal wrapping and fracture analysis of the specimens are studied. Finally, some suggestions are presented in the Conclusion section. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3140–3146, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
ACE inhibitors and the risk of acute pancreatitis—a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Kuoppala Jaana , Enlund Hannes , Pulkkinen Jukka , Kastarinen Helena , Jyrkkä Johanna , Happonen Pertti , Paajanen Hannu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the association between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use and the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Information on all 4966 cases hospitalized in 2008–2010 for acute pancreatitis was retrieved from the Finnish national registers on hospital discharges and prescriptions. A total of 24 788 age and sex‐matched population‐based controls were randomly selected using density sampling. ACE inhibitor use between 1 January 2003 and the index date were determined by the date of hospitalization for acute pancreatitis among the cases. The incidence rate ratios of acute pancreatitis not diagnosed as biliary or alcohol‐induced were modeled by conditional logistic regression and adjusted for comorbidities.

Results

A total of 1276 (26%) cases and 3946 (16%) controls had been exposed to ACE inhibitors. The use of ACE inhibitors was associated with an increased incidence rate of acute pancreatitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59–1.95). The increase was slightly higher among current new users (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.65–2.09) and somewhat lower among current prevalent (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.35–1.75) and former users (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.31–1.74).

Conclusions

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor use seems to be associated with a moderately increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Image, Volume 66, Issue 4
Authors: Jennings Abby R , Morey Aimee M , Guenthner Andrew J , Iacono Scott T
Published: March 2017

The cover image, by Abby R Jennings et al., of an artist's conception of the NASA “HIAD” which uses a variety of polymeric materials for construction is based on the Research Article Synthesis and characterization of siloxane‐based cyanate ester elastomers from readily available materials: a top‐down approach, DOI: 10.1002/pi.5276. Photo Credit: NASA/JPL‐Caltech.

image
Heparin‐induced amyloid fibrillation of β2‐microglobulin explained by solubility and a supersaturation‐dependent conformational phase diagram
Authors: So Masatomo , Hata Yasuko , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji
Published: March 2017

Amyloid fibrils are fibrillar deposits of denatured proteins associated with amyloidosis and are formed by a nucleation and growth mechanism. We revisited an alternative and classical view of amyloid fibrillation: amyloid fibrils are crystal‐like precipitates of denatured proteins formed above solubility upon breaking supersaturation. Various additives accelerate and then inhibit amyloid fibrillation in a concentration‐dependent manner, suggesting that the combined effects of stabilizing and destabilizing forces affect fibrillation. Heparin, a glycosaminoglycan and anticoagulant, is an accelerator of fibrillation for various amyloidogenic proteins. By using β2‐microglobulin, a protein responsible for dialysis‐related amyloidosis, we herein examined the effects of various concentrations of heparin on fibrillation at pH 2. In contrast to previous studies that focused on accelerating effects, higher concentrations of heparin inhibited fibrillation, and this was accompanied by amorphous aggregation. The two‐step effects of acceleration and inhibition were similar to those observed for various salts. The results indicate that the anion effects caused by sulfate groups are one of the dominant factors influencing heparin‐dependent fibrillation, although the exact structures of fibrils and amorphous aggregates might differ between those formed by simple salts and matrix‐forming heparin. We propose that a conformational phase diagram, accommodating crystal‐like amyloid fibrils and glass‐like amorphous aggregates, is important for understanding the effects of various additives.
Sea lice infestation levels decrease with deeper ‘snorkel’ barriers in Atlantic salmon sea‐cages
Authors: Oppedal Frode , Samsing Francisca , Dempster Tim , Wright Daniel W , Bui Samantha , Stien Lars H
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are the most important parasites of farmed salmon. Infective larvae position themselves in the upper part of the water column to increase encounter probabilities with potential hosts. Previous studies have shown that a ‘snorkel’ sea‐cage technology protects salmon from infection in surface waters. We tested whether deep snorkels would more effectively reduce lice infestation than shallow snorkels and still uphold adequate conditions for the fish. Five sea‐cages (12 m × 12 m) each holding approximately 3000 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (53 ± 10 g) were fitted with snorkels that gave protection from infection for 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16 m. We tested whether reductions in the settlement of new salmon lice copepodids were consistent among four separate infection periods.

RESULTS

Lice infestation decreased exponentially with depth in all time periods. Infection levels in shallow snorkels (0 and 4 m) were consistently 4–10 times higher than those in deep snorkels (12 and 16 m). Key welfare and production performance indices were similar across all snorkel depths.

CONCLUSION

Deeper snorkels dramatically and consistently reduced infection levels of salmon lice compared with shallow snorkels, without consequences for fish welfare and production performance. Therefore, reducing salmon sea lice encounters using a depth‐based barrier is a powerful management tool for salmon farming. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Flow Phenomena in the Dripping Zone of Blast Furnace − A Review
Authors: Ghosh Snigdha , Viswanathan Nurni Nilekantan , Ballal N. Bharath
Published: March 2017

Dripping zone plays a crucial role in modern high productivity blast furnaces; it affects production rate, hot metal quality, and process efficiency. This is a four phase region, where gas, solid, liquid, and powder coexist with each other. Solid and liquid flow downward driven by gravity, whereas gas and powder suspended in the gas flow upward due to the pressure force. The flow of four phases in this region is considerably different from that in the upper shaft region due to the geometry and the presence of deadman zone at the center and discrete raceways at the periphery. This paper presents the review of the current status of the understanding of this flow phenomena of different phases namely, granular solids, dripping liquids, powder, and gas. Discussion on the fundamental aspects of the flow of each phase are followed by review of the current status of experimental investigations and modeling efforts. Gaps in understanding and challenges ahead for future investigations are suggested.
Altered translational repression of an RNA‐binding protein, Elav by AOA2‐causative Senataxin mutation
Authors: Choudhury Saumitra Dey , VS Ancy , Mushtaq Zeeshan , Kumar Vimlesh
Published: March 2017

Mutations in Senataxin (SETX) gene causes two types of neurological disorders, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS4) and Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia type 2 (AOA2). Recent studies in cultured cells suggest that SETX plays a crucial role at the interface of transcription and the DNA damage response. Whether SETX can alter translational of specific RNA is not known. In this study, we report that expressing AOA2‐causative truncated form of human SETX in Drosophila neurons alters the development of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapses. Interestingly, we found that expressing this truncated form of SETX in Drosophila muscles resulted in an alteration of translational repression of an RNA‐binding protein, Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (Elav). Elav is transcribed in all tissues but remains translationally repressed except in neurons. Thus, our data suggest that an altered repression profile of RNA by SETX mutants could be one of the mechanisms underlying ALS4 or AOA2 pathogenesis.
Brain translocator protein occupancy by ONO‐2952 in healthy adults: A Phase 1 PET study using [11C]PBR28
Authors: Frankle W. Gordon , Narendran Rajesh , Wood Andrew T. , Suto Fumitaka , Himes Michael L. , Kobayashi Michiyoshi , Ohno Tomoya , Yamauchi Akinori , Mitsui Katsukuni , Duffy Kevin , Bruce Mark
Published: March 2017

ONO‐2952, a novel antagonist of translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), binds with high affinity to TSPO in rat brain and human tumor cell line membrane preparations. This study used the TSPO‐specific PET radioligand [11 C]PBR28 to confirm binding of ONO‐2952 to brain TSPO in human subjects, and evaluate brain TSPO occupancy and its relationship with ONO‐2952 plasma concentration. Sixteen healthy subjects received a single oral dose of 200, 60, 20, or 6 mg ONO‐2952 (n = 4 per dose). Two PET scans with [11 C]PBR28 were conducted ≤7 days apart: at baseline and 24 h after ONO‐2952 administration. [11 C]PBR28 regional distribution volume (VT) was derived with kinetic modeling using the arterial input function and a two tissue compartment model. Nonspecific binding (VND) was obtained on an individual basis for each subject using linear regression as the x‐intercept of the Lassen plot. The binding potential relative to VND (BPND) was derived as the difference between VT in the ROI (VT ROI) and VND, normalized to VND; BPND = (VT ROI – VND)/VND. TSPO occupancy was calculated as the change in BPND (ΔBPND) from individual's baseline scan to the on‐medication scan to the baseline BPND value. TSPO occupancy by ONO‐2952 was dose dependent between 20–200 mg, approaching saturation at 200 mg both in the whole brain and in 15 anatomic regions of interest (ROI). Estimated Ki values ranged from 24.1 to 72.2 nM. This open‐label, single‐center, single‐dose study demonstrated engagement of ONO‐2952 to brain TSPO. The relationship between pharmacokinetics and TSPO occupancy observed in this study support the hypothesis that ONO‐2952 could potentially modulate neurosteroid production by binding to brain TSPO.
Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Surgical and Genetic Enigma
Authors: Naar Leon , Spanomichou Despoina‐Amalia , Mastoraki Aikaterini , Smyrniotis Vassilios , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos
Published: March 2017

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are rare tumors accounting for 1–2% of pancreatic exocrine neoplasms. This entity was first described by Dr. Frantz in 1959 and was defined by the World Health Organization in 1996 as “solid pseudopapillary tumor.” It is most often a benign neoplasm, but 10–15% of the cases are malignant. Over the past decades, the incidence of this tumor is increasing. However, many surgeons are still unfamiliar with this neoplasm and its unique characteristics, which can lead to pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment. The correct diagnosis of SPNP is of utmost importance since it has a low malignant potential and with the appropriate treatment, patients have a long life expectancy. There are many genetic alterations, involving various signaling pathways that have been associated with SPNP and are very important in diagnosing the tumor. The cornerstone of SPNP treatment includes surgical excision of the tumor, preserving as much pancreatic tissue as possible. We review the information in the literature regarding more organ‐preserving techniques and possible clinical features that might indicate a malignant potential, thus demanding a more radical intraoperative excision.
Individual and contextual factors associated with tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use among Chilean adolescents: A multilevel study
Authors: Gaete Jorge , Araya Ricardo
Published: March 2017

We studied the association between individual and contextual variables and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis in the last 30 days preceding the study, considering the hierarchical nature of students nested in schools. We used the 7th Chilean National School Survey of Substance Use (2007) covering 45,273 students (aged 12–21 years old) along with information from 1465 schools provided by the Chilean Ministry of Education. Multilevel univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed. We found a significant intra‐class correlation within schools for all substances in the study. Common (e.g., availability of pocket money, more time spent with friends, poor parental monitoring, poor school bonding, bullying others, and lower risk perception of substance use) and unique predictors (e.g., school achievement on national tests) were identified. These findings may help in planning and conducting preventive interventions to reduce substance use.
Radiology Implanted Forearm Ports: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Burbridge Brent , Chan Ian Y. M. , Bryce Rhonda , Lee Chel-Hee , Lim Hyun J.
Published: March 2017

Background: Insertion of totally implanted venous access devices; that is, port systems, in the forearm is an option for long-term venous access. To better understand the radiology literature reported for this anatomic location, we performed a search for, and an analysis of, previous publications related to forearm implantation of these devices by interventional radiology department personnel.

Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was performed for articles describing radiology implantation of forearm ports. Articles published between 1990 and 2015 were reviewed.

Results: Eleven articles were found that met the review criteria. None were randomized studies and only 1 was a prospective study. All of the other studies were retrospective reviews of a variety of different port devices. An analysis of these articles was performed.

Conclusions: Forearm port implantation had high technical success rates (range, 98%–100%; mean, 99.7%). A wide variety of complications were encountered, none of which exceeded the Society of Interventional Radiology threshold levels for complications associated with port insertion. A subset of the studies were upper arm venipunctures with the port catheter and housing subsequently implanted in the forearm distal to the antecubital fossa.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Induced Right Atrium Thrombosis and Superior Vena Cava Dissection
Authors: Shah Priyank , Vasudev Rahul , Pullatt Raja , Shamoon Fayez
Published: March 2017

A 42-year-old woman with past medical history of intravenous drug abuse was admitted to hospital with fever and heart murmur. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted because the patient had poor venous access. Transesophageal echocardiography was done to rule out infective endocarditis. The test showed thrombus attached to the PICC line. Thrombus arising from a catheter is known complication of PICCs. Classifications of right heart thromboembolism (RHTE) are based on morphology. Type A thrombi are highly mobile and may prolapse through the tricuspid valve. Conversely, type B thrombi are attached to the right atrial or ventricular wall and may originate in association with foreign bodies or in structurally abnormal chambers. RHTEs are associated with pulmonary embolism in approximately 4%–6% of cases and increase the 3-month mortality rate from 16% to 29%. On echocardiography, partial dissection of the superior vena cava (SVC) was also noted. This is a very rare complication of PICC. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of PICC-induced thrombosis with partial dissection of SVC. The PICC line was removed and echocardiography postremoval did not show any thrombus. The patient remained asymptomatic without any signs of hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism. SVC dissection was also managed conservatively. Use of central venous catheters in clinical practice is increasing but it is not a benign procedure. It may be associated with serious complications.
Paradoxical Electrocardiographic Rhythm During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Insertion from Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Mifflin Nicholas , Sou Vanno , Alexandrou Evan , Stewart Antony , Catt Jules
Published: March 2017

Introduction: A persistent left superior vena cava is one of the most common thoracic vascular anomalies, present in approximately 0.5% of the general population. The most common presentation is both a right and left superior vena cava, communicating through an innominate vein. In rare cases, complete absence of a right sided superior vena cava may have dispersion of pacemaker and conduction tissue leading to abnormal electrocardiography readings.

Case Description: This case report describes the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter via the right basilic vein utilising ultrasound and electrocardiographic guidance during which atypical P-waves were noted. Post procedure chest x-ray found the catheter to be positioned to the left side of the chest.

Discussion and Evaluation: Initial management was to assess whether the catheter was placed in the arterial system. Catheter transduction and blood gas analysis demonstrated the peripherally inserted central catheter was situated in the venous system. Computer tomography was then used to assess the patient's vasculature, demonstrating a persistent left vena cava with absence of a right vena cava.

Conclusion: This case describes the successful placement of a right basilic peripherally inserted central catheter in a patient with a persistent left vena cava with an absent right superior vena cave using ultrasound and electrocardiographic guidance.
In Situ Activation of Penile Progenitor Cells with Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Authors: Lin Guiting , Reed-Maldonado Amanda B. , Wang Bohan , Lee Yung-chin , Zhou Jun , Lu Zhihua , Wang Guifang , Banie Lia , Lue Tom F.
Published: March 2017

Background

We previously reported that progenitor cells, or stem cells, exist within penile tissue. We hypothesized that acoustic wave stimulation by low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) would activate local stem or progenitor cells within the penis, producing regenerative effects.

Aims

To study the feasibility of in situ penile progenitor cell activation by Li-ESWT.

Methods

We performed a cohort analysis of young and middle-age male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) pulse followed by Li-ESWT. In addition, Li-ESWT was applied to cultured Schwann cells and endothelial cells to study the molecular mechanism involved in cell proliferation. Thirty minutes before Li-ESWT, each rat received an intraperitoneal injection of EdU. Li-ESWT was applied to the penis at very low (0.02 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz for 300 pulses) or low (0.057 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz for 500 pulses) energy levels. The endothelial and Schwann cells were treated with very low energy (0.02 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz for 300 pulses) in vitro.

Outcomes

At 48 hours or 1 week after Li-ESWT, penile tissues were harvested for histologic study to assess EdU+ and Ki-67+ cells, and cell proliferation, Ki-67 expression, Erk1/2 phosphorylation, translocation, and angiogenesis were examined in cultured Schwann and endothelial cells after Li-ESWT.

Results

Li-ESWT significantly increased EdU+ cells within penile erectile tissues (P < .01) at 48 hours and 1 week. There were more cells activated in young animals than in middle-age animals, and the effect depended on dosage. Most activated cells were localized within subtunical spaces. In vitro studies indicated that Li-ESWT stimulated cell proliferation through increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2.

Clinical Translation

The present results provide a possible explanation for the clinical benefits seen with Li-ESWT.

Strengths and Limitations

The main limitation of the present project was the short period of study and the animal model used. Li-ESWT could be less effective in improving erectile function in old animals because of the decreased number and quality of penile stem or progenitor cells associated with aging.

Conclusion

Li-ESWT activation of local penile progenitor cells might be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction, which represents a non-invasive alternative to exogenous stem cell therapy.
Surgical management of urinary stones with abnormal kidney anatomy
Authors: Ergin Giray , Kirac Mustafa , Unsal Ali , Kopru Burak , Yordam Mustafa , Biri Hasan
Published: March 2017

In spite of the fact that urologic surgical techniques used by urologists are becoming more and more minimally invasive and easier because of developing technologies, surgical approaches for the urinary stones in kidneys with abnormal anatomy are still confusing. The objective of this article is to determine the treatment options in these kidneys. For this purpose, between 2005 and 2015, we retrospectively evaluated patients operated for urolithiasis with various congenital renal anomalies in five referral urology clinics in our country. Of the 178 patients (110 male, 60 female), 96 had horseshoe kidneys, 42 had pelvic ectopic kidneys (PEKs), and 40 had isolated rotation anomalies (IRAs) of the kidney. We evaluated the patients for stone‐free rate (SFR), mean operation time, mean hospitalization time, and complication rate. In horseshoe kidney, SFRs for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) groups were 72.2% and 90%, respectively. In PEKs, these rates were 83.6% and 100% for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. SFRs in kidneys with IRA were 75% for RIRS and 83.3% for PNL. The mean operation time for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidney was 40.5 ± 11.2 minutes and 74.5 ± 19.3 minutes, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 52.1 ± 19.3 minutes and 53.1 ± 24.3 minutes for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 48.7 ± 14.4 minutes for RIRS and 53.2 ± 11.3 minutes for PNL. Mean hospitalization times for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidneys were 1.4 ± 0.7 days and 2.2 ± 1.4 days, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 2.7 ± 1.8 days and 1.9 ± 0.4 days for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 1.5 ± 0.9 days for RIRS and 1.8 ± 0.6 days for PNL. The results of our study showed that RIRS could be used in all of types of abnormal kidneys with small‐ and medium‐sized renal calculi safely and satisfactorily.
Comparison results for elliptic and parabolic equations via Schwarz symmetrization
Authors: Lions P.-L. , Alvino A. , Trombetti G.
Published: March 2017

We study various extensions to general linear or nonlinear, elliptic or parabolic operators of a celebrated result due to G. Talenti. We give several comparison results for solutions of such problems involving the solutions of conveniently symmetrized problems, using Schwarz spherical symmetrization.

Nous étudions diverses extensions à des opérateurs elliptiques ou paraboliques généraux, linéaires ou non linéaires, d’un résultat célèbre dû à G. Talenti. Nous donnons aussi divers résultats de majoration des solutions de tels problèmes par les solutions de problèmes convenablement symétrisés, à l’aide de la symétrisation de Schwarz.
On minimal laminations of the torus
Authors: Bangert V.
Published: March 2017

We investigate functions

u: \mathbf R^n → \mathbf R

which minimize a variational integral

\int \mathrm{F}(x,\:u(x),u_{x}(x))dx

where

\mathrm F: \mathbf R^n × \mathbf R × \mathbf R^n → \mathbf R

is periodic in

(x, u) \in \mathbf R^{n + 1}

and uniformly convex in

u_x \in \mathbf R^n

. We restrict attention to non-selfintersecting minimizers

u

, i.e. we require that the hypersurface graph

(u) ⫅ \mathbf R^{n + 1}

does not have selfintersections when projected into

\mathbf{R}^{n\: + \:1}/ \mathbf{Z}^{n\: + \:1}

. For such

u

there exists a “rotation vector”

α = α(u) \in \mathbf{R}^{n}

such that

u(x) - α·x

is bounded. Our main result determines the structure of the set of non-selfintersecting minimizers with fixed commensurable rotation vector

α

. The are classified by secondary invariants. The projected graphs of the with certain types of secondary invariants form foliations or laminations (i.e. foliations with gaps) of

\mathbf{R}^{n\: + \:1}/ \mathbf{Z}^{n\: + \:1}

.

On étudie des fonctions

u: \mathbf R^n → \mathbf R

qui minimisent une intégrale variationelle

\int \mathrm{F}(x,\:u(x),\:u_{x}(x))dx

où

\mathrm{F}:\mathbf{R}^{n} \times \mathbf{R} \times \mathbf{R}^{n}\rightarrow \mathbf{R}

est périodique en

(x,\:u) \in \mathbf{R}^{n + 1}

et uniformément convexe en

u_{x} \in \mathbf{R}^{n}

. On s’intéresse aux

u

pour lesquelles la projection du graphe de

u

dans

\mathrm{T}^{n + 1} = \mathbf{R}^{n + 1}/ \mathbf{Z}^{n + 1}

est l’image d’une immersion injective. Cette condition implique que

u(x)−α \cdot x

soit bornée pour un

α = α(u) \in \mathbf{R}^{n}

. Cet

α

est appelé vecteur de rotation de

u

. Le résultat principal détermine la structure de l’ensemble formé des minimales à vecteur de rotation α commensurable. Les sont classifiées par des invariants secondaires. Après projection dans

T^{n + 1}

les graphes des à invariants secondaires d’un certain type forment soit un feuilletage de

T^{n + 1}

soit une «lamination» ( = feuilletage à creux) de

T^{n + 1}

.
On a regularizing effect of Schrödinger type groups
Authors: Balabane Mikhaël
Published: March 2017

We give estimates for the regularity in the space variables of solutions of Schrödinger type evolution equation with Cauchy Data in

\mathrm L^1(\mathbf R^n)

. We study the behaviour of these estimates with respect to the time variable, near the origin and at infinity. This is done under the assumption of non degeneracy of the curvature of the wave surfaces. A local decay result is also given. These results are first steps in the study of nonlinear Schrödinger type evolution equations.

Nous estimons la régularité dans les variables spatiales des solutions d’équations de type de Schrödinger non stationnaire pour des données initiales dans

\mathrm L^1(\mathbf R^n)

. Nous analysons le comportement de ces solutions pour les valeurs de la variable temporelle au voisinage de l’origine et de l’infini. L’hypothèse de base concerne le non-dégénérescence de la courbure des surfaces d’ondes. Puis nous déduisons un résultat de décroissance locale des solutions. Ceci fournit la première étape d’une analyse des opérateurs non linéaires du type de Schrödinger.
Salt Tectonics
Authors: Jackson Martin P. A. , Hudec Michael R.
Published: March 2017

Salt tectonics is the study of how and why salt structures evolve and the three-dimensional forms that result. A fascinating branch of geology in itself, salt tectonics is also vitally important to the petroleum industry. Covering the entire scale from the microscopic to the continental, this textbook is an unrivalled consolidation of all topics related to salt tectonics: evaporite deposition and flow, salt structures, salt systems, and practical applications. Coverage of the principles of salt tectonics is supported by more than 600 color illustrations, including 200 seismic images captured by state-of-the-art geophysical techniques and tectonic models from the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory at the University of Texas, Austin. These combine to provide a cohesive and wide-ranging insight into this extremely visual subject. This is the definitive practical handbook for professional geologists and geophysicists in the petroleum industry, an invaluable textbook for graduate students, and a reference textbook for researchers in various geoscience fields.
Olive oil bioactive compounds increase body weight, and improve gut health and integrity in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Gisbert Enric , Andree Karl B. , Quintela José C. , Calduch-Giner Josep A. , Ipharraguerre Ignacio R. , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: March 2017

An olive oil bioactive extract (OBE) rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, triterpenic acids, long-chain fatty alcohols, unsaturated hydrocarbons, tocopherols and sterols was tested (0, 0·08, 0·17, 0·42 and 0·73 % OBE) in diets fed to sea bream (Sparus aurata) (initial weight: 5·4 (sd1·2) g) during a 90-d trial (four replicates). Fish fed diets containing 0·17 and 0·42 % OBE were 5 % heavier (61·1 (sd1·6) and 60·3 (sd1·1) g, respectively) than those of the control group (57·0 (sd0·7) g), although feed conversion ratio and specific feed intake did not vary. There were no differences in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathioneS-transferase activities in the intestine and liver, although there was a tendency of lower intestinal and hepatic LPO levels in fish fed OBE diets. No differences in villus size were found among treatments, whereas goblet cell density in the control group was on average14·3 % lower than in fish fed OBE diets. The transcriptomic profiling of intestinal markers, covering different biological functions like (i) cell differentiation and proliferation, (ii) intestinal permeability, (iii) enterocyte mass and epithelial damage, (iv) IL and cytokines, (v) pathogen recognition receptors and (vi) mitochondria function, indicated that among the eighty-eight evaluated genes, twenty-nine were differentially expressed (0·17 % OBE diet), suggesting that the additive has the potential of improving the condition and defensive role of the intestine by enhancing the maturation of enterocytes, reducing oxidative stress, improving the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and enhancing the intestinal innate immune function, as gene expression data indicated.
Commentary: Mobility, contexts, and the chronotope
Authors: Blommaert Jan
Published: March 2017

Mobility raises specific issues with regard to what we understand by ‘context’, and in this commentary I suggest that Bakhtin's concept of chronotope could be a useful instrument enabling a precise and detailed, mobile, unit of ‘context’. This unit connects specific time-space arrangements with ideological and moral orders, projecting possible and preferred identities. The articles in this issue offer rich material in this direction.
CALCULATING QALYS: LIBERALISM AND THE VALUE OF HEALTH STATES
Authors: MacKay Douglas
Published: March 2017

The value of health states is often understood to depend on their impact on the goodness of people's lives. As such, prominent health states metrics are grounded in particular conceptions of wellbeing – e.g. hedonism or preference satisfaction. In this paper, I consider how liberals committed to the public justification requirement – the requirement that public officials choose laws and policies that are justifiable to their citizens – should evaluate health states. Since the public justification requirement prohibits public officials from appealing to controversial conceptions of the good life, liberals committed to this principle face a significant puzzle.
Divisor function inequalities, entropy, and the chance of being below average
Authors: BRADY ZARATHUSTRA
Published: March 2017

We extend a lower bound of Munshi on sums over divisors of a number n which are less than a fixed power of n from the squarefree case to the general case. In the process we prove a lower bound on the entropy of a geometric distribution with finite support, as well as a lower bound on the probability that a random variable is less than its mean given that it satisfies a natural condition related to its third cumulant.
Comparison of different extenders on the recovery and longevity of epididymal sperm from Spix's yellow-toothed cavies (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)
Authors: da Silva Andréia Maria , Sousa Patrícia Cunha , Campos Lívia Batista , Bezerra José Artur Brilhante , de Araújo Lago Arthur Emannuel , de Oliveira Moacir Franco , Silva Alexandre Rodrigues
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of cavy (Galea spixii) epididymal sperm following addition to TES or TRIS extenders and using a thermal resistance test (TRT), as well as fluorescence analysis as a complementary method to predict the viability of these gametes. Nine testicle–epididymis complexes were used for sperm collection using a flotation method. Epididymis tails were sliced and one was immersed in 3 ml of TRIS buffer, and the other in 3 ml of TES, for 5 min. After sperm recovery, the samples were subjected to a TRT which involved incubation in a water bath at 37°C for 3 h. During incubation, sample parameters were assessed at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 min intervals. Results indicated that the TRIS diluent was more efficient than TES (P < 0.05) for the maintenance of sperm parameters in Spix's yellow-toothed cavies over the whole TRT, maintaining sperm longevity for an extended time. In conclusion, we indicate the use of TRIS diluent for recovery and maintenance of longevity of epididymal sperm from cavies (G. spixii).
A comparison of the Pāli and Chinese versions of the Kassapa Saṃyutta, a collection of early Buddhist discourses on the Venerable Kāśyapa
Authors: MUN-KEAT CHOONG
Published: March 2017

This article first briefly examines the textual structure of the Kassapa Saṃyutta of the Pāli Saṃyutta-nikāya in conjunction with two other versions preserved in Chinese translation in a collection entitled 大迦葉相應 Dajiashe Xiangying (Skt. Mahākāśyapa Saṃyukta) in Taishō vol. 2, nos 99 and 100. Then it compares the main teachings contained in the three versions. It reveals similarities and differences in structure and doctrinal content, thus advancing the historical/critical study of early Buddhist doctrine in this area.
Sansanmycin natural product analogues as potent and selective anti-mycobacterials that inhibit lipid I biosynthesis
Authors: Tran Anh T. , Watson Emma E. , Pujari Venugopal , Conroy Trent , Dowman Luke J. , Giltrap Andrew M. , Pang Angel , Wong Weng Ruh , Linington Roger G. , Mahapatra Sebabrata , Saunders Jessica , Charman Susan A. , West Nicholas P. , Bugg Timothy D. H. , Tod Julie , Dowson Christopher G. , Roper David I. , Crick Dean C. , Britton Warwick J. , Payne Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for enormous global morbidity and mortality, and current treatment regimens rely on the use of drugs that have been in use for more than 40 years. Owing to widespread resistance to these therapies, new drugs are desperately needed to control the TB disease burden. Herein, we describe the rapid synthesis of analogues of the sansanmycin uridylpeptide natural products that represent promising new TB drug leads. The compounds exhibit potent and selective inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of TB, both in vitro and intracellularly. The natural product analogues are nanomolar inhibitors of Mtb phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of lipid I in mycobacteria. This work lays the foundation for the development of uridylpeptide natural product analogues as new TB drug candidates that operate through the inhibition of peptidoglycan biosynthesis.
PNPLA1 has a crucial role in skin barrier function by directing acylceramide biosynthesis
Authors: Hirabayashi Tetsuya , Anjo Tatsuki , Kaneko Arisa , Senoo Yuuya , Shibata Akitaka , Takama Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Kohei , Nishito Yasumasa , Ono Tomio , Taya Choji , Muramatsu Kazuaki , Fukami Kiyoko , Muñoz-Garcia Agustí , Brash Alan R. , Ikeda Kazutaka , Arita Makoto , Akiyama Masashi , Murakami Makoto
Published: March 2017

Mutations in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 1 (PNPLA1) cause autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, but the mechanism involved remains unclear. Here we show that PNPLA1, an enzyme expressed in differentiated keratinocytes, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of ω-O-acylceramide, a lipid component essential for skin barrier. Global or keratinocyte-specific Pnpla1-deficient neonates die due to epidermal permeability barrier defects with severe transepidermal water loss, decreased intercellular lipid lamellae in the stratum corneum, and aberrant keratinocyte differentiation. In Pnpla1−/− epidermis, unique linoleate-containing lipids including acylceramides, acylglucosylceramides and (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acids are almost absent with reciprocal increases in their putative precursors, indicating that PNPLA1 catalyses the ω-O-esterification with linoleic acid to form acylceramides. Moreover, acylceramide supplementation partially rescues the altered differentiation of Pnpla1−/− keratinocytes. Our findings provide valuable insight into the skin barrier formation and ichthyosis development, and may contribute to novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of epidermal barrier defects.
Identifying differentially coexpressed module during HIV disease progression: A multiobjective approach
Authors: Ray Sumanta , Maulik Ujjwal
Published: March 2017

Microarray analysis based on gene coexpression is widely used to investigate the coregulation pattern of a group (or cluster) of genes in a specific phenotype condition. Recent approaches go one step beyond and look for differential coexpression pattern, wherein there exists a significant difference in coexpression pattern between two phenotype conditions. These changes of coexpression patterns generally arise due to significant change in regulatory mechanism across different conditions governed by natural progression of diseases. Here we develop a novel multiobjective framework DiffCoMO, to identify differentially coexpressed modules that capture altered coexpression in gene modules across different stages of HIV-1 progression. The objectives are built to emphasize the distance between coexpression pattern of two phenotype stages. The proposed method is assessed by comparing with some state-of-the-art techniques. We show that DiffCoMO outperforms the state-of-the-art for detecting differential coexpressed modules. Moreover, we have compared the performance of all the methods using simulated data. The biological significance of the discovered modules is also investigated using GO and pathway enrichment analysis. Additionally, miRNA enrichment analysis is carried out to identify TF to miRNA and miRNA to TF connections. The gene modules discovered by DiffCoMO manifest regulation by miRNA-28, miRNA-29 and miRNA-125 families.
Region specific Raman spectroscopy analysis of the femoral head reveals that trabecular bone is unlikely to contribute to non-traumatic osteonecrosis
Authors: Pascart Tristan , Falgayrac Guillaume , Migaud Henri , Quinchon Jean-François , Norberciak Laurène , Budzik Jean-François , Paccou Julien , Cotten Anne , Penel Guillaume , Cortet Bernard
Published: March 2017

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is a common disease affecting a young population as the peak age of diagnosis is in the 40 s. The natural history of non-traumatic ON leads to a collapse of the femoral head requiring prosthetic replacement in a 60% of cases. Although trabecular bone involvement in the collapse is suspected, the underlying modifications induced at a molecular level have not been explored in humans. Here, we examine changes in the molecular composition and structure of bone as evaluated by Raman spectroscopy in human end-stage ON. Comparing samples from femoral heads harvested from 11 patients and 11 cadaveric controls, we show that the mineral and organic chemical composition of trabecular bone in ON is not modified apart from age-related differences. We also show that the molecular composition in the necrotic part of the femoral head is not different from the composition of the remaining ‘healthy’ trabecular bone of the femoral head. These findings support that quality of trabecular bone is not modified during ON despite extensive bone marrow necrosis and osteocyte death observed even in the ‘healthy’ zones on histological examination.
High quality transparent conductive Ag-based barium stannate multilayer flexible thin films
Authors: Wu Muying , Yu Shihui , He Lin , Yang Lei , Zhang Weifeng
Published: March 2017

Transparent conductive multilayer thin films of silver (Ag)-embedded barium stannate (BaSnO3) structures have been deposited onto flexible polycarbonate substrates by magnetron sputtering at room temperature to develop an indium free transparent flexible electrode. The effect of thicknesses of Ag mid-layer and barium stannate layers on optical and electrical properties were investigated, and the mechanisms of conduction and transmittance were discussed. The highest value of figure of merit is 25.5 × 10−3 Ω−1 for the BaSnO3/Ag/BaSnO3 multilayer flexible thin films with 9 nm thick silver mid-layer and 50 nm thick barium stannate layers, while the average optical transmittance in the visible range from 380 to 780 nm is above 87%, the resistivity is 9.66 × 10−5 Ω · cm, and the sheet resistance is 9.89 Ω/sq. The change rate of resistivity is under 10% after repeated bending of the multilayer flexible thin films. These results indicate that Ag-based barium stannate multilayer flexible thin films can be used as transparent flexible electrodes in various flexible optoelectronic devices.
Structural Phase Transition of ThC Under High Pressure
Authors: Yu Cun , Lin Jun , Huai Ping , Guo Yongliang , Ke Xuezhi , Yu Xiaohe , Yang Ke , Li Nana , Yang Wenge , Sun Baoxing , Xie Ruobing , Xu Hongjie
Published: March 2017

Thorium monocarbide (ThC) as a potential fuel for next generation nuclear reactor has been subjected to its structural stability investigation under high pressure, and so far no one reported the observation of structure phase transition induced by pressure. Here, utilizing the synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique, we for the first time, experimentally revealed the phase transition of ThC from B1 to P4/nmm at pressure of ~58 GPa at ambient temperature. A volume collapse of 10.2% was estimated during the phase transition. A modulus of 147 GPa for ThC at ambient pressure was obtained and the stoichiometry was attributed to the discrepancy of this value to the previous reports.
Data Sources for Herbal and Traditional Medicines
Authors: Juan Hsueh-Fen
Published: March 2017

Traditional herbal medicines are naturally occurring, plant-derived substances used to promote health and treat diseases. Chinese herbs are important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been used for thousands of years. With the development of integrative medicine, the integration of TCM and modern technologies is increasing rapidly. Currently, systems biology, integrating omics data such as the genome, proteome, and metabolome provides a comprehensive view revealing the molecular mechanism and components of TCM, as well as improving our knowledge of health and disease. In this chapter, TCM databases and omics data in TCM are introduced. Furthermore, information on how to deposit the transcriptomic and proteomic data into public databases is presented.
Chemical–Disease Category Linkage (CDCL): Computational Methods Linking Traditional Chinese Medicines and Western Therapeutics
Authors: Johnson Dale E. , Cheung Kit Wun Kathy
Published: March 2017

The therapeutic use of herbs and other natural products has been a fundamental part of many cultures for thousands of years. The systems pharmacology linkage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) categories, diseases, and the molecular basis of therapeutic intervention, called chemical-disease category linkage (CDCL) in this chapter, has been the basis of combining TCM with conventional (Western) medicine to form the practice of integrated medicine, which encompasses the use of both conventional and alternative therapies. This chapter highlights data sources for identifying the active ingredients (phytochemicals) in herbs and recipes of multiple herbs, the molecular basis for potential activity in various diseases, and the Western therapeutics used for the same diseases. In addition, the concepts of combinations are reviewed in terms of potential interactions—both negative and positive—and how ethnic differences may alter responses to certain TCM formulations.
Nanocapsules engineered from polyhedral ZIF-8 templates for bone-targeted hydrophobic drug delivery
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Miao Dandan , Liang Xiaoyu , Liang Jiayi , Zhang Chao , Yang Jing , Kong Deling , Wang Chun , Sun Hongfan
Published: March 2017

Biodegradable nanocapsules for bone-targeted simvastatin delivery were developed by using catechol modified gelatin as wall material and ZIF-8 as templates.
Metal-free pincer ligand chemistry polycationic phosphonium Lewis acids
Authors: Szkop Kevin M. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: March 2017

Oxidation with or without subsequent methylation of the pyridine of 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphine)methyl pyridine affords di- and tricationic phosphonium salts. These species are used as Lewis acid catalysts for the dimerization of 1,1-diphenylethylene, the hydrodefluorination of 1-fluoroadamantane, and the dehydrocoupling of phenol and silane.