bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radial solutions to the Cauchy problem for □1+3U = 0 as limits of exterior solutions
Authors: Jenssen Helge Kristian , Tsikkou Charis
Published: December 2016

We consider the strategy of realizing the solution of a Cauchy problem (CP) with radial data as a limit of radial solutions to initial-boundary value problems posed on the exterior of vanishing balls centered at the origin. The goal is to gauge the effectiveness of this approach in a simple, concrete setting: the three-dimensional (3d), linear wave equation [Formula: see text] with radial Cauchy data [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We are primarily interested in this as a model situation for other, possibly nonlinear, equations where neither formulae nor abstract existence results are available for the radial symmetric CP. In treating the 3d wave equation, we therefore insist on robust arguments based on energy methods and strong convergence. (In particular, this work does not address what can be established via solution formulae.) Our findings for the 3d wave equation show that while one can obtain existence of radial Cauchy solutions via exterior solutions, one should not expect such results to be optimal. The standard existence result for the linear wave equation guarantees a unique solution in [Formula: see text] whenever [Formula: see text]. However, within the constrained framework outlined above, we obtain strictly lower regularity for solutions obtained as limits of exterior solutions. We also show that external Neumann solutions yield better regularity than external Dirichlet solutions. Specifically, for Cauchy data in [Formula: see text], we obtain [Formula: see text]-solutions via exterior Neumann solutions, and only [Formula: see text]-solutions via exterior Dirichlet solutions.
The Black Box behind Power Shifts and War — A Rational Choice Perspective
Authors: LIAO HSIAO-CHUAN
Published: December 2016

Among war scholars, power shifts between states have been a persuasive explanation of the occurrence of war, with Power Transition Theory (PTT), in particular, demonstrating powerful and systemic research. Their deduction of the conditions of war matches the empirical phenomena. However, extant studies fail to explain why in some cases power shifts and dissatisfaction lead to war while in some cases they do not. This paper argues that the story of power shifts and war is not completely told. There are other options that states can choose from in a period of power parity. For instance, the rational choice approach can discover and compare the utilities of the options. To be specific, scholars who are concerned for power shifts have taken states as individual actors in the international system for granted, but the goal, preference orders, and utilities of actors should be illuminated. Hence, this paper adopts an interaction framework of actors to demonstrate how states may act and react in a period of power shifts. Two cases, namely, Britain and Germany before WWII and the U.S. and Japan in 1980s, demonstrate how well the interaction framework fits the reality. Overall, the framework discloses the interaction of the players and strengthens the explanation of PTT. More importantly, the story behind power shifts and war is fully told.
Sustainable E-Waste Management in Asia: Analysis of Practices in Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia
Authors: Rasnan Mohammad Izzat , Mohamed Ahmad Fariz , Goh Choo Ta , Watanabe Kohei
Published: December 2016

The seriousness of e-waste problem is down to three realities: exponential increase in total amount, environmental degradation and health complications. A call for sustainable e-waste management is no longer a utopian ambition but an absolute necessity. In accordance to that, this study aims to evaluate e-waste management practices in three Asian countries: Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia, and consequently propose recommendations and insights for Malaysia on how to manage e-waste in a sustainable manner. The comparative analysis is conducted based on three central aspects comprising governance, infrastructure, and stakeholders’ participation. The outcome of this study indicates that e-waste management needs to be initiated by comprehensive regulations that are focussed on proper e-waste handling and stakeholders’ accountability. Besides, it has to be accompanied by robust infrastructure where appropriate mechanisms and effective enforcement are taking place. Finally, active participation from relevant stakeholders through involvement, support and compliance is crucial. On the whole, developing a sustainable e-waste management system is not an easy endeavour; it requires sufficient effort, capital, and time while complemented with continuous improvement.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TYPICAL CERVICAL VERTEBRAE IN THE WHITE NEW ZEALAND RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)
Authors: Kamal Basma , Rashed Reda , Erasha Atef
Published: December 2016

In order to study the pattern of ossification of the components of the postcranial axial skeleton of the white new Zeeland rabbit, intact embryos were isolated between days (d) 13 and 28 of pregnancy, and postnatal till three months old rabbit. All specimens were fixed in 95% ethanol for at least one week, a group was bulk-stained using alizarin and Alcian blue, in order to stain bone and cartilage, respectively, and cleared. Another group was histologically stained with H&E and Mason Trichrome. A third group was examined with CT and X-ray. The time of the first appearance of ossification centers of these prenatal and postnatal specimens was analyzed. The findings demonstrated that, with the exception of the atlas and axis, all of the cervical vertebrae studied had similar growth patterns. The time of appearance of the various centers of ossification in the skeletal elements studied proceeded in a similar order to that described by previous authors, although there were some discrepancies in the exact time of the first appearance of certain ossification centers. Secondary ossification for the epiphysis cranialis and caudalis (the bony collar) appear in cervical region and then extend in cephalocaudal direction till complete appearance at the age of 45-days old rabbit. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the typical cervical vertebrae and the characteristic growth pattern of the individual components in the rabbit.
BIOAEROSOL INVESTIGATION IN THREE VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITALS IN TAIWAN
Authors: Chen Chun-Ting , Liu Bang-Hung , Hsu Chia-Hsin , Liu Cheng-Chi , Liao Albert TC , Chou Chung-Hsi , Lin Chen-Si
Published: December 2016

Veterinary staff could be in frequent exposure to a variety of physical, chemical and biological hazards. Epidemiologic studies have showed that veterinarians are at increased risk of many occupational illnesses such as dermatoses, respiratory tract illnesses, zoonotic infections, acute pesticide-associated toxicity, fetal loss and site-specific cancers. Most biological hazards are distributed in the form of aerosols in the workplaces. This study intended to investigate the potential occupational hazards faced by veterinarians in small-animal practices through field sampling for microbial pathogens in their working environment. Sampling of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols was carried out using an SKCⓇstandard biostage impactor at an air-flow rate of 28.3[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] by a vacuum pump through 400 (0.25-mm) holes for 30[Formula: see text]s. Identification of microbial organisms was carried out by DNA extraction and sequencing for 16S and 18S ribosomal DNA of bacteria and fungi. The results showed the bacteria that occurred most frequently in the sampled hospitals were Micrococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., and the fungi were Coriolopsis spp. and Microporus spp. Although some of these microbiota were zoonotic, there were no virulent pathogens identified. Our results revealed the possible biological risks for the veterinary workers in small animal hospitals in Taiwan. Proper disinfection and sterilization procedures in workplaces with health education to the animal care workers shall protect them from the occupational injuries.
Anisotropic Swelling in Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogels: An Incremental Finite Element Method and Its Applications in Design of Bilayer Structures
Authors: Liu Yin , Zhang Hongwu , Wang Jianhua , Zheng Yonggang
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present a theoretical and finite element framework for the inhomogeneous swelling of fiber-reinforced anisotropic hydrogels and investigate the effects of their orientations and moduli on the swelling behaviors of hydrogel bilayers. The effects of fibers on swelling are incorporated into the constitutive equations by introducing the corresponding energy contribution, expressed as the invariants related to the deformation of fibers, into the Flory–Rehner model. Unified constitutive equations and corresponding tangent moduli for anisotropic hydrogels reinforced with two families of fibers are deduced. A nonlinear finite element procedure is developed to simulate the inhomogeneous steady anisotropic swelling, where the chemical potential is prescribed in an incremental way. The accuracy and effectiveness of the numerical procedure are demonstrated by the anisotropic swelling of hydrogel blocks with one or two families of fibers. Based on the numerical procedure, many kinds of swelling configurations for hydrogel bilayers with different fiber orientations and modulus coefficients can be obtained, ranging from pure bending, twisting or saddle-like to combinations of them, which provide systematic guidance for the design of anisotropic-hydrogel based bilayers.
Performance evaluation of the simplified spherical harmonics approximation for cone-beam X-ray luminescence computed tomography imaging
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Geng Guohua , Chen Yanrong , Zhao Fengjun , Hou Yuqing , Yi Huangjian , Zhang Shunli , Yu Jingjing , He Xiaowei
Published: December 2016

As an emerging molecular imaging modality, cone-beam X-ray luminescence computed tomography (CB-XLCT) uses X-ray-excitable probes to produce near-infrared (NIR) luminescence and then reconstructs three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the probes from surface measurements. A proper photon-transportation model is critical to accuracy of XLCT. Here, we presented a systematic comparison between the common-used Monte Carlo model and simplified spherical harmonics (SPN). The performance of the two methods was evaluated over several main spectrums using a known XLCT material. We designed both a global measurement based on the cosine similarity and a locally-averaged relative error, to quantitatively assess these methods. The results show that the SP3 could reach a good balance between the modeling accuracy and computational efficiency for all of the tested emission spectrums. Besides, the SP1 (which is equivalent to the diffusion equation (DE)) can be a reasonable alternative model for emission wavelength over 692[Formula: see text]nm. In vivo experiment further demonstrates the reconstruction performance of the SP3 and DE. This study would provide a valuable guidance for modeling the photon-transportation in CB-XLCT.
On Nadler type results in ultrametric spaces with application to well-posedness
Authors: Pitchaimani M. , Ramesh Kumar D.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we generalize Nadler’s result by establishing the existence and uniqueness of coincidence and common fixed points of Nadler’s type set-valued mappings in ultrametric spaces. Examples are given to illustrate the results. As an application, well-posedness of a common fixed point problem is proved. The presented results generalize many known results in literature in the framework of ultrametric spaces.
The total graph of unfaithful submodules of a module over reversible rings
Authors: Alibemani A. , Hashemi E.
Published: December 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative ring with identity. A ring [Formula: see text] is called reversible if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. The total graph of unfaithful submodules of a module [Formula: see text] over a reversible ring [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is a graph whose vertices are all nonzero unfaithful submodules of [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if [Formula: see text] is unfaithful. In this paper, we determine the diameter and girth of [Formula: see text]. Also, we study some combinatorial properties of [Formula: see text] such as independence number and clique number. Moreover, we study the case that the degree of a vertex of [Formula: see text] is finite.
Dunkl generalization of Kantorovich type Szász–Mirakjan operators via q-calculus
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Nasiruzzaman Md.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we construct Kantorovich type Szász–Mirakjan operators generated by Dunkl generalization of the exponential function via [Formula: see text]-integers. We obtain some approximation results via well-known Korovkin’s type theorem for these operators and study convergence properties by using the modulus of continuity. Furthermore, we obtain the rate of convergence in terms of the classical, second-order, and weighted modulus of continuity.
Effect of Al addition on superelastic properties of Ti–Zr–Nb-based alloys
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Nakai Keisuke , Fu Jie , Miyazaki Shuichi
Published: December 2016

The effects of Al addition on the superelastic properties of Ti–Zr–Nb alloys were investigated. Ti–18Zr–(12–16)Nb–(0–4)Al (at.%) alloys were prepared by the Ar arc melting method and superelastic properties, transformation temperature, and transformation strain were investigated quantitatively. The superelastic strain increased by the addition of Al and a large recovery strain of 6.1% was observed in a Ti–18Zr–13.5Nb–3Al alloy. The large superelastic strain of Al-added alloys was found to be due to a large transformation strain and a strong recrystallization texture.
Micro pulling down growth of very thin shape memory alloys single crystals
Authors: López-Ferreño I. , Juan J. San , Breczewski T. , López G. A. , Nó M. L.
Published: December 2016

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have attracted much attention in the last decades due to their thermo-mechanical properties such as superelasticity and shape memory effect. Among the different families of SMAs, Cu–Al–Ni alloys exhibit these properties in a wide range of temperatures including the temperature range of 100–200[Formula: see text]C, where there is a technological demand of these functional materials, and exhibit excellent behavior at small scale making them more competitive for applications in Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). However, polycrystalline alloys of Cu-based SMAs are very brittle so that they show their best thermo-mechanical properties in single-crystal state. Nowadays, conventional Bridgman and Czochralski methods are being applied to elaborate single-crystal rods up to a minimum diameter of 1[Formula: see text]mm, but no works have been reported for smaller diameters. With the aim of synthesizing very thin single-crystals, the Micro-Pulling Down ([Formula: see text]-PD) technique has been applied, for which the capillarity and surface tension between crucible and the melt play a critical role. The [Formula: see text]-PD method has been successfully applied to elaborate several cylindrical shape thin single-crystals down to 200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m in diameter. Finally, the martensitic transformation, which is responsible for the shape memory properties of these alloys, has been characterized for different single-crystals. The experimental results evidence the good quality of the grown single-crystals.
A note on iterated galileo sequences
Authors: Eğecioğlu Ömer
Published: December 2016

Galileo sequences are generalizations of a simple sequence of integers that Galileo used in early 17th century for describing his law of falling bodies. The curious property he noted happens to be exactly what is needed to quantify his observation that the acceleration of falling bodies is uniform. Among the generalizations and extensions later given are iterated Galileo sequences. We show that these are closely related to polynomials that arise in enumerating integers by their Hamming weight.
3D printing process selection model based on triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers in cloud manufacturing
Authors: Shi Ce , Zhang Lin , Mai Jingeng , Zhao Zhen
Published: December 2016

The distributed and customized 3D printing can be realized by 3D printing services in a cloud manufacturing environment. As a growing number of 3D printers are becoming accessible on various 3D printing service platforms, there raises the concern over the validation of virtual product designs and their manufacturing procedures for novices as well as users with 3D printing experience before physical products are produced through the cloud platform. This paper presents a 3D model to help users validate their designs and requirements not only in the traditional digital 3D model properties like shape and size, but also in physical material properties and manufacturing properties when producing physical products like surface roughness, print accuracy and part cost. These properties are closely related to the process of 3D printing and materials. In order to establish the 3D model, the paper analyzes the model of the 3D printing process selection in the cloud platform. Triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are applied to generate a set of 3D printers with the same process and material. Based on the 3D printing process selection model, users can establish the 3D model and validate their designs and requirements on physical material properties and manufacturing properties before printing physical products.
A cost-effective micromilling platform for rapid prototyping of microdevices
Authors: Yen Daniel P. , Ando Yuta , Shen Keyue
Published: December 2016

Micromilling has great potential in producing microdevices for lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip applications, but has remained under-utilized due to the high machinery costs and limited accessibility. In this paper, we assessed the machining capabilities of a low-cost 3-D mill in polycarbonate material, which were showcased by the production of microfluidic devices. The study demonstrates that this particular mill is well suited for the fabrication of multi-scale microdevices with feature sizes from micrometers to centimeters.
Evaluating Green Infrastructure Stormwater Capture Performance under Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Catalano de Sousa Maria Raquel , Montalto Franco Andre , Gurian Patrick
Published: December 2016

The use of green infrastructure (GI) for urban stormwater management has become a big industry, with cities like New York and Philadelphia planning to invest more than a billion dollars over multiple decades into this distributed approach to runoff reduction. Throughout the northeast US, GI systems are typically sized to fully capture all runoff generated within their tributary areas during approximately 90 percent of all wet weather events occurring annually (e.g., [Formula: see text] 25–30[Formula: see text]mm of precipitation). Though many claim that retrofitting such GI systems into urban landscapes will also help cities adapt to climate change, few researchers have actually attempted to document GI facility performance during more extreme precipitation. In this study, the stormwater capture performance of a bioretention facility located in Queens, New York City was evaluated under non-extreme and extreme precipitation conditions occurring between 2011 and 2014, including Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. Performance was found to be highly variable from event to event. The site rarely ponded, and overflowed only once (during Irene), for a short time (e.g., 10[Formula: see text]min), generating an insignificant volume (0.085[Formula: see text]m3) of overflow, likely because of the high infiltration capacity of in-situ, sandy soils and the facility’s low hydraulic loading ratio (3.8:1). Though the facility was able to infiltrate nearly all the runoff that it receives through its inlet, field monitoring suggests that site performance is often hindered by inlet bypass, not soil saturation or overflow. The site captures 70, 77, and 60 percent of all runoff generated within its tributary area during all events ([Formula: see text]), just the non-extreme events ([Formula: see text]), and just the extreme events ([Formula: see text]). The facility also regularly receives and infiltrates runoff originating outside of its designed tributary area. A regression analysis suggests that storm duration, total amount of precipitation and peak-hourly intensity are significant predictors (p-value [Formula: see text]) of, and negatively correlated with, the facility’s stormwater capture performance. The analysis also anecdotally suggests that performance might improve as vegetation gets established and/or as the frequency of maintenance visits are increased. Though this study suggests that this facility does attenuate a significant amount of runoff extreme precipitation, future work will investigate factors other than the climate which could be triggering inlet bypass occurrence, in particular GI maintenance frequency.
An Economic Framework for Sharing Water Within a River Catchment
Authors: Farquharson R. J. , Freebairn J. W. , Webb J. A. , Stewardson M. J. , Ramilan T.
Published: December 2016

A framework for sharing a limited quantity, but also a variable quantity, of water between irrigation and the environment to maximize social wellbeing is developed and illustrated. The optimal water allocation equates the marginal social value of water across different uses. A simplified illustration allocates water from the Goulburn River in northern Victoria, Australia, between environmental water to increase numbers of Golden Perch (GP) fish stocks and irrigation demand for water for dairy farmers. The value of water for GP is developed using a combination of fish numbers as an ecological response function of water and Choice Model estimates of willingness to pay by Victorian households for improved fish stocks. Irrigation demand for water by dairy farmers is developed using a Linear Programming study. The complex ecological response functions require a numerical search model to evaluate the socially efficient allocation of water between the different uses. The shadow price of water as optimally allocated between the environmental and agricultural uses is developed as seasonal water availability varies. Further development of the framework could include identifying dependencies within the ecological responses and incorporating multiple ecological and agricultural responses in an expanded model. The policy implications include information on the socially efficient allocation of limited water between irrigation and the environment and the value of water when shared optimally between uses.
Analytical treatment on the effective material properties of a composite material with spheroidal and ellipsoidal inhomogeneities in an isotropic matrix
Authors: Mikata Y.
Published: December 2016

Effective material properties of a composite with spheroidal and ellipsoidal inhomogeneities in an isotropic matrix are investigated analytically using the dilute approximation and the Mori–Tanaka approximation together with the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method. Both uniaxially aligned and uniformly randomly oriented spheroidal and ellipsoidal inhomogeneities are treated. For a spheroid, both oblate and prolate spheroidal inhomogeneities are considered. It is analytically shown that a composite with uniaxially aligned anisotropic ellipsoidal inhomogeneities in an isotropic matrix is anisotropic in general in thermal conductivity. It is also analytically shown that a composite with uniformly randomly oriented anisotropic ellipsoidal inhomogeneities in an isotropic matrix is exactly isotropic in thermal conductivity. Various special cases are also treated for the effective thermal conductivity of a composite with ellipsoidal and spheroidal inhomogeneities. Similar results are also obtained for the effective elastic moduli. Newly obtained expressions for the effective elastic moduli of a composite with isotropic spheroidal inhomogeneities are rather involved. Conversely, an effective thermal conductivity of a composite with anisotropic ellipsoidal inhomogeneities is relatively simple. An effective thermal conductivity of a composite with isotropic spheroidal inhomogeneities reduces to a known result (Kerner, E. H. [1956] “The electrical conductivity of composite media,” Proceedings of the Physical Society London Section B 69, 802–807; Hashin, Z. and Shtrikman, S. [1962] “A variational approach to the theory of the effective magnetic permeability of multiphase materials,” Journal of Applied Physics 33, 3125–3131.) as the spheroid aspect ratio approaches 1 (i.e., a sphere). The effective thermal conductivity of a composite with uniformly randomly oriented isotropic spheroidal inhomogeneities in an isotropic matrix obtained in this paper as a special case is similar to the one obtained by Hatta and Taya (Hatta, H. and Taya, M. [1985] “Effective thermal conductivity of a misoriented short fiber composite,” Journal Applied Physics 58, 2478–2486.) in some respects, but is different. Numerical results are shown for a composite with oblate spheroidal voids in an isotropic matrix.
Igneous sill and finger emplacement mechanism in shale-dominated formations: a field study at Cuesta del Chihuido, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Spacapan Juán B. , Galland Olivier , Leanza Héctor A. , Planke Sverre
Published: December 2016

Seismic reflection data and field observations have revealed the presence of voluminous igneous sill complexes emplaced into organic-rich shale formations in sedimentary basins worldwide. Damage and structures associated with sills have major implications for fluid flow through basins. Constraining the distribution of these structures requires a good understanding of the sill emplacement mechanism. However, most mechanical models of sill emplacement assume elastic host behaviour, whereas shale is expected to deform inelastically. This contradiction calls for new field observations to better constrain sill emplacement mechanisms. In this paper, we report on detailed field observations of spectacularly exposed fingers and a sill emplaced in shale at Cuesta del Chihuido, in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina. Exceptional outcrop conditions allow detailed descriptions of both (1) the entire cross-section of the intrusions, and (2) the deformation structures accommodating intrusion propagation in the host rock. All intrusions exhibit irregular, blunt or rectangular tips. The structures accommodating the tip propagation are systematically compressional, including reverse faults, folding and imbricate thrust system. Our observations suggest that the studied intrusions have propagated by pushing the host rock ahead, as a viscous indenter. Our observations suggest that the viscous indenter model is probably a dominant mechanism of sill emplacement in shale.
Assessing sampling of the fossil record in a geographically and stratigraphically constrained dataset: the Chalk Group of Hampshire, southern UK
Authors: Walker Fiona M. , Dunhill Alexander M. , Woods Mark A. , Newell Andrew J. , Benton Michael J.
Published: December 2016

Taphonomic, geological and sampling processes have been cited as biasing richness measurements in the fossil record, and sampling proxies have been widely used to assess this. However, the link between sampling and taxonomic richness is poorly understood, and there has been much debate on the equivalence and relevance of proxies. We approach this question by combining both historical and novel data: a historical fossil occurrence dataset with uniquely high spatial resolution from the Upper Cretaceous Chalk Group of Hampshire, UK, and a newly compiled 3D geological model that maps subsurface extent. The geological model provides rock volumes, and these are compared with exposure and outcrop area, sampling proxies that have often been conflated in previous studies. The extent to which exposure area (true rock availability) has changed over research time is also tested. We find a trend of low Cenomanian to high Turonian to Campanian raw richness, which correlates with, and is possibly driven by, the number of specimens found. After sampling standardization, an unexpected mid-Turonian peak diversity is recovered, and sampling-standardized genus richness is best predicted by rock volume, suggesting a species–area (or ‘genus–area’) effect. Additionally, total exposure area has changed over time, but relative exposure remains the same.

Supplementary materials
: A locality list, abundance matrix and all correlation and modelling results are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3592208
.
Water and the city of Milan at the end of the nineteenth century
Authors: Porro Alessandro , Franchini Antonia Francesca , Falconi Bruno , Galimberti Paolo Maria , Lorusso Lorenzo
Published: December 2016

Since the Middle Ages Milan obtained its water supply satisfactorily from shallow wells. Significant problems developed during the nineteenth century, however, prompting the Lombard Institute to announce the Cagnola Award for a three-year study project to analyse the water both chemically and physically and to remedy the problem of pollution. The award was made to Angelo Pavesi (1830–96), a chemist, and Ermenegildo Rotondi (1845–1915), a civil engineer. They concluded that cemetery wastewater should be prevented from entering the city and that the number of deep artesian wells should be increased. Some years later, another problem regarding hygiene and water supply arose and it seemed doubtful whether the principal hospital of the city could fulfil the new hygiene requirements. Pietro Canetta (1836–1903) studied the records of the main hospital's water supply and disposal from 1457, demonstrating that it could be regarded as a model for the supply of good-quality water and for wastewater disposal without polluting the city. Since 1906 all of Milan's drinking water has been derived from groundwater; untreated wastewater continued to be discharged into rivers until 2004 but since then all water has been treated.
The role of sympathetic and vagal cardiac control on complexity of heart rate dynamics
Authors: Silva Luiz Eduardo Virgilio , Silva Carlos Alberto Aguiar , Salgado Helio Cesar , Fazan Rubens
Published: December 2016

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) by nonlinear approaches has been gaining interest due to their ability to extract additional information from heart rate (HR) dynamics that are not detectable by traditional approaches. Nevertheless, the physiological interpretation of nonlinear approaches remains unclear. Therefore, we propose long-term (60 min) protocols involving selective blockade of cardiac autonomic receptors to investigate the contribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic function upon nonlinear dynamics of HRV. Conscious male Wistar rats had their electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded under three distinct conditions: basal, selective (atenolol or atropine), or combined (atenolol plus atropine) pharmacological blockade of autonomic muscarinic or β1-adrenergic receptors. Time series of RR interval were assessed by multiscale entropy (MSE) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). Entropy over short (1 to 5, MSE1–5) and long (6 to 30, MSE6–30) time scales was computed, as well as DFA scaling exponents at short (αshort, 5 ≤ n ≤ 15), mid (αmid, 30 ≤ n ≤ 200), and long (αlong, 200 ≤ n ≤ 1,700) window sizes. The results show that MSE1–5 is reduced under atropine blockade and MSE6–30 is reduced under atropine, atenolol, or combined blockade. In addition, while atropine expressed its maximal effect at scale six, the effect of atenolol on MSE increased with scale. For DFA, αshort decreased during atenolol blockade, while the αmid increased under atropine blockade. Double blockade decreased αshort and increased αlong. Results with surrogate data show that the dynamics during combined blockade is not random. In summary, sympathetic and vagal control differently affect entropy (MSE) and fractal properties (DFA) of HRV. These findings are important to guide future studies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although multiscale entropy (MSE) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) are recognizably useful prognostic/diagnostic methods, their physiological interpretation remains unclear. The present study clarifies the effect of the cardiac autonomic control on MSE and DFA, assessed during long periods (1 h). These findings are important to help the interpretation of future studies.
Activation of PPAR-α in the early stage of heart failure maintained myocardial function and energetics in pressure-overload heart failure
Authors: Kaimoto Satoshi , Hoshino Atsushi , Ariyoshi Makoto , Okawa Yoshifumi , Tateishi Shuhei , Ono Kazunori , Uchihashi Motoki , Fukai Kuniyoshi , Iwai-Kanai Eri , Matoba Satoaki
Published: December 2016

Failing heart loses its metabolic flexibility, relying increasingly on glucose as its preferential substrate and decreasing fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) is a key regulator of this substrate shift. However, its role during heart failure is complex and remains unclear. Recent studies reported that heart failure develops in the heart of myosin heavy chain-PPAR-α transgenic mice in a manner similar to that of diabetic cardiomyopathy, whereas cardiac dysfunction is enhanced in PPAR-α knockout mice in response to chronic pressure overload. We created a pressure-overload heart failure model in mice through transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and activated PPAR-α during heart failure using an inducible transgenic model. After 8 wk of TAC, left ventricular (LV) function had decreased with the reduction of PPAR-α expression in wild-type mice. We examined the effect of PPAR-α induction during heart failure using the Tet-Off system. Eight weeks after the TAC operation, LV construction was preserved significantly by PPAR-α induction with an increase in PPAR-α-targeted genes related to fatty acid metabolism. The increase of expression of fibrosis-related genes was significantly attenuated by PPAR-α induction. Metabolic rates measured by isolated heart perfusions showed a reduction in FAO and glucose oxidation in TAC hearts, but the rate of FAO preserved significantly owing to the induction of PPAR-α. Myocardial high-energy phosphates were significantly preserved by PPAR-α induction. These results suggest that PPAR-α activation during pressure-overloaded heart failure improved myocardial function and energetics. Thus activating PPAR-α and modulation of FAO could be a promising therapeutic strategy for heart failure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrates the role of PPAR-α activation in the early stage of heart failure using an inducible transgenic mouse model. Induction of PPAR-α preserved heart function, and myocardial energetics. Activating PPAR-α and modulation of fatty acid oxidation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for heart failure.
Maternal-engineered nanomaterial exposure disrupts progeny cardiac function and bioenergetics
Authors: Hathaway Quincy A. , Nichols Cody E. , Shepherd Danielle L. , Stapleton Phoebe A. , McLaughlin Sarah L. , Stricker Janelle C. , Rellick Stephanie L. , Pinti Mark V. , Abukabda Alaeddin B. , McBride Carroll R. , Yi Jinghai , Stine Seth M. , Nurkiewicz Timothy R. , Hollander John M.
Published: December 2016

Nanomaterial production is expanding as new industrial and consumer applications are introduced. Nevertheless, the impacts of exposure to these compounds are not fully realized. The present study was designed to determine whether gestational nano-sized titanium dioxide exposure impacts cardiac and metabolic function of developing progeny. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to nano-aerosols (~10 mg/m3, 130- to 150-nm count median aerodynamic diameter) for 7–8 nonconsecutive days, beginning at gestational day 5–6. Physiological and bioenergetic effects on heart function and cardiomyocytes across three time points, fetal (gestational day 20), neonatal (4–10 days), and young adult (6–12 wk), were evaluated. Functional analysis utilizing echocardiography, speckle-tracking based strain, and cardiomyocyte contractility, coupled with mitochondrial energetics, revealed effects of nano-exposure. Maternal exposed progeny demonstrated a decrease in E- and A-wave velocities, with a 15% higher E-to-A ratio than controls. Myocytes isolated from exposed animals exhibited ~30% decrease in total contractility, departure velocity, and area of contraction. Bioenergetic analysis revealed a significant increase in proton leak across all ages, accompanied by decreases in metabolic function, including basal respiration, maximal respiration, and spare capacity. Finally, electron transport chain complex I and IV activities were negatively impacted in the exposed group, which may be linked to a metabolic shift. Molecular data suggest that an increase in fatty acid metabolism, uncoupling, and cellular stress proteins may be associated with functional deficits of the heart. In conclusion, gestational nano-exposure significantly impairs the functional capabilities of the heart through cardiomyocyte impairment, which is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiac function is evaluated, for the first time, in progeny following maternal nanomaterial inhalation. The findings indicate that exposure to nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) during gestation negatively impacts cardiac function and mitochondrial respiration and bioenergetics. We conclude that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation contributes to adverse cardiovascular health effects, lasting into adulthood.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/gestational-nanomaterial-exposure-and-cardiac-dysfunction/ .
A keratan sulfate disaccharide prevents inflammation and the progression of emphysema in murine models
Authors: Gao Congxiao , Fujinawa Reiko , Yoshida Takayuki , Ueno Manabu , Ota Fumi , Kizuka Yasuhiko , Hirayama Tetsuya , Korekane Hiroaki , Kitazume Shinobu , Maeno Toshitaka , Ohtsubo Kazuaki , Yoshida Keiichi , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Lepenies Bernd , Aretz Jonas , Rademacher Christoph , Kabata Hiroki , Hegab Ahmed E. , Seeberger Peter H. , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Kida Kozui , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: December 2016

Emphysema is a typical component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive and inflammatory airway disease. However, no effective treatment currently exists. Here, we show that keratan sulfate (KS), one of the major glycosaminoglycans produced in the small airway, decreased in lungs of cigarette smoke-exposed mice. To confirm the protective effect of KS in the small airway, a disaccharide repeating unit of KS designated L4 ([SO3−-6]Galβ1–4[SO3−-6]GlcNAc) was administered to two murine models: elastase-induced-emphysema and LPS-induced exacerbation of a cigarette smoke-induced emphysema. Histological and microcomputed tomography analyses revealed that, in the mouse elastase-induced emphysema model, administration of L4 attenuated alveolar destruction. Treatment with L4 significantly reduced neutrophil influx, as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines, tissue-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases), and myeloperoxidase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, suggesting that L4 suppressed inflammation in the lung. L4 consistently blocked the chemotactic migration of neutrophils in vitro. Moreover, in the case of the exacerbation model, L4 inhibited inflammatory cell accumulation to the same extent as that of dexamethasone. Taken together, L4 represents one of the potential glycan-based drugs for the treatment of COPD through its inhibitory action against inflammation.
B-type natriuretic peptide increases cortisol and catecholamine concentrations in healthy subjects
Authors: Grimm Gabriele , Resl Michael , Heinisch Birgit B. , Hülsmann Martin , Luger Anton , Clodi Martin , Vila Greisa
Published: December 2016

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone released by the heart in response to volume load and exerts natriuretic properties. It is clinically used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and investigated as a pharmacological agent in the therapy of heart failure. Here we investigate the changes in pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid hormones in response to BNP administration in a randomized single-blinded crossover study conducted in ten healthy men aged 21–29 yr. Participants received in two study sessions a continuous intravenous infusion during 4 h (once placebo and once 3 pmol·kg−1·min−1 BNP) and remained in supine position throughout the study. Circulating concentrations of pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and hourly afterwards. BNP prevented the physiological decrease in cortisol during the late morning hours leading to elevated serum cortisol levels ( P = 0.022) and increased circulating epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations ( P = 0.018 and P = 0.036, respectively). These hormone changes were accompanied by an increase in heart rate ( P = 0.019) but no differences in blood pressure. Taken together, the impact of BNP on the endocrine system extends beyond the well-known inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and includes increased adrenergic activity and cortisol concentrations. This neuroendocrine activation might impact the outcome of therapeutical BNP administrations and should be further investigated in conditions associated with increased BNP secretion.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The heart hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in patients with heart failure, where it is thought to have beneficial effects by reducing the preload. Here we report that intravenous administration of BNP in men leads to increases in adrenal hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Cortisol and catecholamine levels are independent predictors of increased cardiovascular mortality risk; therefore, drugs targeting the BNP system should be evaluated regarding their effects on the neuroendocrine activation accompanying heart failure.
Velopharyngeal mucosal surface topography in healthy subjects and subjects with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lambeth Christopher , Amatoury Jason , Wang Ziyu , Foster Sheryl , Amis Terence , Kairaitis Kristina
Published: December 2016

Macroscopic pharyngeal anatomical abnormalities are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of upper airway (UA) obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Microscopic changes in the UA mucosal lining of OSA subjects are reported; however, the impact of these changes on UA mucosal surface topography is unknown. This study aimed to 1) develop methodology to measure UA mucosal surface topography, and 2) compare findings from healthy and OSA subjects. Ten healthy and eleven OSA subjects were studied. Awake, gated (end expiration), head and neck position controlled magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the velopharynx (VP) were obtained. VP mucosal surfaces were segmented from axial images, and three-dimensional VP mucosal surface models were constructed. Curvature analysis of the models was used to study the VP mucosal surface topography. Principal, mean, and Gaussian curvatures were used to define surface shape composition and surface roughness of the VP mucosal surface models. Significant differences were found in the surface shape composition, with more saddle/spherical and less flat/cylindrical shapes in OSA than healthy VP mucosal surface models ( P < 0.01). OSA VP mucosal surface models were also found to have more mucosal surface roughness ( P < 0.0001) than healthy VP mucosal surface models. Our novel methodology was utilized to model the VP mucosal surface of OSA and healthy subjects. OSA subjects were found to have different VP mucosal surface topography, composed of increased irregular shapes and increased roughness. We speculate increased irregularity in VP mucosal surface may increase pharyngeal collapsibility as a consequence of friction-related pressure loss.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new methodology was used to model the upper airway mucosal surface topography from magnetic resonance images of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy adults. Curvature analysis was used to analyze the topography of the models, and a new metric was derived to describe the mucosal surface roughness. Increased roughness was found in the obstructive sleep apnea vs. healthy group, but further research is required to determine the functional effects of the measured difference on upper airway airflow mechanics.
Melatonin protects against uric acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and triglyceride accumulation in C2C12myotubes
Authors: Maarman Gerald J. , Andrew Brittany M. , Blackhurst Dee M. , Ojuka Edward O.
Published: December 2016

Excess uric acid has been shown to induce oxidative stress, triglyceride accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver and is an independent predictor of type-2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle plays a dominant role in type 2 diabetes and presents a large surface area to plasma uric acid. However, the effects of uric acid on skeletal muscle are underinvestigated. Our aim was therefore to characterize the effects of excessive uric acid on oxidative stress, triglyceride content, and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle C2C12myotubes and assess how these are modulated by the antioxidant molecule melatonin. Differentiated C2C12myotubes were exposed to 750 µM uric acid or uric acid + 10 nM melatonin for 72 h. Compared with control, uric acid increased triglyceride content by ~237%, oxidative stress by 32%, and antioxidant capacity by 135%. Uric acid also reduced endogenous ROUTINE respiration, complex II-linked oxidative phosphorylation, and electron transfer system capacities. Melatonin counteracted the effects of uric acid without further altering antioxidant capacity. Our data demonstrate that excess uric acid has adverse effects on skeletal muscle similar to those previously reported in hepatocytes and suggest that melatonin at a low physiological concentration of 10 nM may be a possible therapy against some adverse effects of excess uric acid.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Few studies have investigated the effects of uric acid on skeletal muscle. This study shows that hyperuricemia induces mitochondrial dysfunction and triglyceride accumulation in skeletal muscle. The findings may explain why hyperuricemia is an independent predictor of diabetes.