bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Glucose Metabolism and Dopaminergic Function in Patients with Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Mille Erik , Levin Johannes , Brendel Matthias , Zach Christian , Barthel Henryk , Sabri Osama , Bötzel Kai , Bartenstein Peter , Danek Adrian , Rominger Axel
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a clinical diagnosis that comprises a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases manifesting in movement disorder and cognitive impairment. While diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria, there have been a number of molecular imaging studies, albeit in rather small cohorts. Therefore, we investigated the pattern of cerebral glucose metabolism, as well as dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in a large and clinically well‐defined cohort.

METHODS

Thirty‐four patients fulfilling either the Armstrong or the Boeve criteria were assessed with [18F]‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and/or [123I]‐Ioflupane single‐photon‐emission‐computed tomography (SPECT) for DAT availability. A small subset of patients had also undergone D2/3 receptor imaging. Imaging data were analyzed using both statistical parametric mapping and a volume‐of‐interest‐based approach relative to data from healthy controls.

RESULTS

Significant reductions of the cortical glucose metabolism were observed in the central region and the adjacent frontal and parietal association areas contralateral to the side with predominant motor symptoms. Reductions were also evident in the basal ganglia, notably in the putamen contralateral to the clinically affected side, and in the bilateral thalamus. DAT availability was reduced bilaterally, most distinctly on the side contralateral to the main motor symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

We replicated and refined earlier findings of impaired glucose metabolism and nigrostriatal degeneration in CBS, highlighting asymmetric cortical and subcortical hypometabolism, symmetrically reduced metabolism in the thalamus, and only a slightly asymmetric reduction in DAT, while D2/3 receptors seem to be mainly preserved. These results provide systematic evidence for the usefulness of FDG PET and dopaminergic SPECT imaging to characterize CBS.
Factors affecting intra‐oral pH – a review
Authors: Loke C. , Lee J. , Sander S. , Mei L. , Farella M.
Published: August 2016

One of the greatest challenges to modern dentistry is the progressive destruction of tooth material due to chemical erosion. Dental erosion is the loss of dental hard tissue, without the action of bacteria, in which demineralisation of enamel and dentine results due to a decrease in intra‐oral pH. The aim of this review was to appraise the scientific literature on the factors that can affect intra‐oral pH. The review will examine (i) the protective role of human saliva, in terms of its mineral composition, flow rates and buffering systems and (ii) sources of in‐mouth acids such as extrinsic acids, which are derived from the diet and environment, as well as intrinsic acids, which are related to disorders of the gastro‐oesophageal tract. This review may assist clinicians to identify the risk factors for tooth wear and to recommend adequate preventive measures to patients.
Sound Production in Totally Edentulous Patients Before and After Prosthetic Treatment
Authors: Bulycheva Elena A. , Trezubov Vladimir N. , Alpateva Ulia V. , Bulycheva Darya S.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To study sound pronunciation in patients with total edentulism before and after prosthodontic treatment using complete removable dentures.

Materials and Methods

Recordings of phonetically balanced phrases were made using a headset connected to a dictaphone to assess specific pronunciation defects in patients with total edentulism before and after prosthodontic treatment. The obtained sets of sounds were investigated using spectral analysis by calculating the average power spectra. The data of the experimental group was compared to the data of the control group, regarded as the norm. Analysis of the trajectory of the average power spectra in the range of 5300 to 6700 Hz makes it possible to develop a test of the waveform spectrum of a standard pronunciation and that of the phonemes before and after treatment of completely edentulous patients, as well as to compare the phonograms before and after the prosthetics. The shape of the trajectory of the spectra in the specified frequency range was measured by the expectation value and standard deviation value. A confidence interval of 95% was used to test for significant changes in spectra.

Results

By applying the spectral analysis to sound pronunciation, it was possible to objectively, qualitatively, and quantitatively analyze sound characteristics. It can also be used to evaluate the quality of the prosthodontic treatment. For the control group the average power spectrum of sounds was 193.1 ± 11.6 (t = 2.1; < 0.05) for “S;” 74.4 ± 3.7 (t = 5.5; < 0.001) for “F;” and 17.6 ± 2.4 (t = 4.2; < 0.001) for “V.” The comparative analysis of the spectra of the experimental group patients showed that before treatment the average power spectrum of sounds was 91.7 ± 27.1 for “S;” 42.6 ± 3.6 for “F;” and 9.2 ± 0.5 for “V.” After the treatment the average power spectrum of sounds of the experimental group patients were 220.4 ± 25.9 (t = 2.4; p < 0.01) for “S;” 139.0 ± 27.7 (t = 4.9; p < 0.001) for “F;” and 24.7 ± 4.8 (t = 4.4; p < 0.001) for “V.”

Conclusions

Spectral analysis of the sounds emitted before and after treatment is an informative method for the differential diagnostics of pronunciation defects. Sound analysis can be used efficiently in different stages of prosthodontic treatment to assess quality of treatment.
Risk factors and prognosis of late acute rejection in Chinese kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Mok Maggie Ming Yee , Ma Maggie Kam Man , Yap Desmond Yat Hin , Chan Gavin Sheung Wai , Lam Man Fai , Kwok Janette Siu Yin , Kwan Lorraine Pui Yuen , Chan Gary Chi Wang , Choy Cindy Bo Ying , Tang Sydney Chi Wai , Chan Tak Mao
Published: September 2016

Aim

Accumulating literature indicates that late acute rejection (LAR) after kidney transplantation portends an unfavourable prognosis. There are no data on the incidence of LAR in Asian subjects, or its risk factors and associated clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective single‐centre case‐+control study to investigate the incidence, risk factors and prognosis of LAR in Chinese kidney transplant recipients. Subjects with or without LAR were matched for age, gender, era of transplantation, allograft type, and maintenance immunosuppression regimen.

Results

Thirty‐two episodes of LAR occurred within an observation period of 12 years giving an incidence rate of 0.46 episodes per 1000 patient‐years. Acute rejection within the first year after transplantation was associated with an increased risk of LAR (OR 3.59, P = 0.041). In patients receiving maintenance immunosuppression regimen with steroid, cyclosporin A (CsA) and mycophenolate or an m‐TOR inhibitor, patients with LAR showed lower trough CsA levels prior to and at the time of rejection compared to Controls (86.0 ± 26.1 vs. 105.6 ± 13.3 μg/L, P = 0.049; and 75.7 ± 35.7 vs. 106.0 ± 20.5 μg/L, P = 0.032, respectively). Trough CsA level below 80 μg/L was associated with the development of LAR (OR 10.82, P = 0.032). Patients with LAR showed an inferior allograft survival (P < 0.001) while patient survival rates were similar (P = 0.122).

Conclusions

Late acute rejection is uncommon in Chinese kidney transplant recipients but is associated with reduced allograft survival. Risk factors include acute rejection in the first post‐transplant year and trough CsA level below 80 μg/L in patients on CsA‐based maintenance immunosuppression. Minimization of immunosuppression in apparently stable kidney transplant recipients must be exercised with caution.
Understanding local‐scale drivers of biodiversity outcomes in terrestrial protected areas
Authors: Barnes Megan D. , Craigie Ian D. , Dudley Nigel , Hockings Marc
Published: September 2016

Conservation relies heavily on protected areas (PAs) maintaining their key biodiversity features to meet global biodiversity conservation goals. However, PAs have had variable success, with many failing to fully maintain their biodiversity features. The current literature concerning what drives variability in PA performance is rapidly expanding but unclear, sometimes contradictory, and spread across multiple disciplines. A clear understanding of the drivers of successful biodiversity conservation in PAs is necessary to make them fully effective. Here, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of knowledge concerning the drivers of biological outcomes within PAs, focusing on those that can be addressed at local scales. We evaluate evidence in support of potential drivers to identify those that enable more successful outcomes and those that impede success and provide a synthetic review. Interactions are discussed where they are known, and we highlight gaps in understanding. We find that elements of PA design, management, and local and national governance challenges, species and system ecology, and sociopolitical context can all influence outcomes. Adjusting PA management to focus on actions and policies that influence the key drivers identified here could improve global biodiversity outcomes.
Does Duration of Neuropathic Pain Impact the Effectiveness of Pregabalin?
Authors: Pérez Concepción , Latymer Mark , Almas Mary , Ortiz Marie , Clair Andrew , Parsons Bruce , Varvara Roxana
Published: September 2016

Background

Patients with chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain frequently experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ideally, all patients should be treated in a timely manner, but in those patients with more established disease it is important to know that approved treatments remain effective.

Methods

This was a pooled analysis of 19 randomized placebo‐controlled trials of pregabalin for peripheral neuropathic pain conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and post‐traumatic/postsurgical pain. Patients were divided into 5 pain duration categories based on time since onset of pain (< 6 months, 6 months to < 1 year, 1 year to < 2 years, 2 years to < 5 years, and ≥ 5 years). Mean change in pain score at endpoint, vs. placebo, was assessed for each category, together with changes in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) responders (“very much” or “much” improved at endpoint).

Results

The analysis included 5,783 patients (n = 3,619 pregabalin; n = 2,164 placebo). Mean baseline pain scores were similar across the pain duration categories (range 6.3 to 6.5). Pregabalin significantly improved pain score at endpoint, vs. placebo, in all patients together (treatment difference [95% confidence interval], −0.59 [−0.67, −0.52], P < 0.0001) and similarly in each pain duration category (P < 0.0001 for each). There were significantly more PGIC responders with pregabalin, vs. placebo, for all patients (45.0% vs. 30.9%, P < 0.0001) and each category separately (P < 0.001 for each). There were no consistent, significant differences in treatment response between the different pain duration categories.

Conclusions

Pregabalin significantly improves pain irrespective of the length of time since onset of neuropathic pain.
Prepubertal Melanoma Arising within a Medium‐Sized Congenital Melanocytic Nevus
Authors: Lalor Leah , Busam Klaus , Shah Kara
Published: August 2016

We report the case of an 8‐year‐old child who developed a 9.4‐mm‐deep melanoma within a medium‐sized congenital melanocytic nevus on the scalp. Genetic analysis revealed an activating NRAS Q61R mutation within the melanoma, which is more commonly associated with large or giant congenital melanocytic nevi. This case demonstrates that even a “low‐risk” congenital melanocytic nevus at a “low‐risk” age must be monitored regularly for the development of malignancy.
Commentary: Public Policy Is Messy: Three Studies in Water Management
Authors: Isenberg Phillip L.
Published: August 2016

Related Content: Berardo and Lubell (PAR September/October 2016)
Cytokine Levels After Consumption of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill‐Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™, in Patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single‐Blinded Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Therkelsen S. P. , Hetland G. , Lyberg T. , Lygren I. , Johnson E.
Published: September 2016

Ingestion of the Agaricus blazei Murill‐based mushroom extract AndoSan™ has been shown in randomized placebo‐controlled studies to improve symptoms in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and also fatigue and quality of life in the latter patients. The aim was to examine whether this clinical impact of AndoSan™ intake could be explained by influence on foremost pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the patients. Fifty patients with symptomatic UC and CD were randomized and blinded for oral daily intake of AndoSan™ or placebo. Blood samples taken before (visit 1) and after 21 days’ (visit 3) consumption were analysed for cytokines IL‐1ß, IL‐2, IL‐4‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12‐13, IL‐17, G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, MCP‐1, MIP‐1ß and TNF‐α. Baseline cytokine levels were similar in CD and UC. In CD, cytokine levels at visit 1 versus visit 3 were unaltered within the AndoSan™ and the placebo groups. Only IL‐2 was significantly reduced at visit 3 in the Andosan™ compared with the placebo group. However, when combining IL‐1ß, IL‐6 and G‐CSF in the patients with CD, the cytokine levels were significantly lower in the AndoSanTM ‐ versus the placebo group, visit 3. In UC, levels of IL‐2, IL‐5 and MIP‐1ß were reduced within the AndoSan™ group. IL‐5 was also reduced at visit 3 compared with placebo. Generally, the effect on reduction in systemic cytokine levels by consumption of AndoSan™ was limited and supported only marginally anti‐inflammatory effects in these patients. Therefore, other explanations behind the clinical anti‐inflammatory effects than the contribution of cytokines seem more pertinent, including anti‐allergic and antioxidant activities.
Der Halo‐Effekt: Diffuses Bedrohungsempfinden und SVP‐Wähleranteil
Authors: Martig Noemi , Bernauer Julian
Published: September 2016

Die Wählerstärke rechtspopulistischer Parteien wird regelmässig entweder auf ein Bedrohungsempfinden durch einen hohen lokalen Ausländeranteil oder aber geringe Kontaktmöglichkeiten zwischen Mehrheit und Minderheit zurückgeführt. Dieser Beitrag stützt sich theoretisch auf eine Synthese dieser Perspektiven, die als Halo‐Effekt bezeichnet wird. Demnach ist es weniger die lokale Grösse der lokalen, als fremd wahrgenommenen Bevölkerung als vielmehr deren relativer Anteil im Umland, der zu einem diffusen Bedrohungsgefühl führt. Der Wahlerfolg der Schweizerischen Volkspartei (SVP) auf Ebene der schweizerischen Gemeinden dient als Grundlage der empirischen Untersuchung, die alternativ mit Anteilen der ausländischen und muslimischen Bevölkerung durchgeführt wird. Räumliche Mehrebenen‐Regressionsmodelle liefern für beide Gruppen Hinweise auf eine Koexistenz von direkten negativen Effekten der Bevölkerungsanteile der Minderheiten auf den Anteil der SVP (im Sinne der Kontakthypothese) sowie von Halo‐Effekten, wobei die direkten Effekte etwas ausgeprägter auszufallen scheinen. Sozio‐strukturelle Faktoren können diese Zusammenhänge reduzieren (eine hohe Arbeitslosigkeit neutralisiert den negativen Effekt des Anteils Ausländer) oder verstärken (ein höheres Einkommensniveau akzentuiert den Halo‐Effekt für Muslime).
Elastic Full‐Field Strain Analysis and Microdamage Progression in the Vertebral Body from Digital Volume Correlation
Authors: Tozzi G. , Danesi V. , Palanca M. , Cristofolini L.
Published: September 2016

The strain distribution in vertebral body has been measured in vitro in the elastic regime but only on the bone surface by means of strain gauges and digital image correlation. Digital volume correlation (DVC) based on micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) images allowed measurements of the internal strain distribution in bone at both tissue (trabecular and cortical bone) and organ (vertebra) levels. However, DVC has been mainly used to investigate failure of the vertebral body but has not yet been deployed to investigate the internal strain distribution in the elastic regime. The aim of this study was to investigate strain in the elastic regime and up to failure inside the vertebral body, including analysis of strain in all directions. Three porcine thoracic vertebrae were loaded in a step‐wise fashion at increasing steps of compression (5, 10 and 15%). Micro‐CT images were acquired at each step of compression. DVC successfully provided the internal strain distribution both in the elastic regime and up to failure. Micro‐CT images successfully identified regions of failure initiation and progression, which were well quantified by DVC‐computed strains. Interestingly, the same regions where failure eventually occurred experienced the largest strain magnitude also for the lowest degrees of compression (yet in the elastic regime).
De algunos usos de la fotografía en la literatura hispanoamericana contemporánea
Authors: Olivier Florence
Published: September 2016

A la hora de la desmaterialización de la imagen fotográfica digital, ¿cómo y con qué renovados propósitos insertan fotografías impresas en sus ficciones y ensayos ciertos escritores latinoamericanos? Como breve muestrario de algunos usos de la fotografía en la actual literatura hispanoamericana, se aborda en esta contribución la porosa frontera entre documentación y construcción ficcional, y en especial el irónico cuestionamiento de la identidad del autor, en obras de Alan Pauls, Jorge Volpi y Mario Bellatin.
 
La barbarie entre la minucia y la alegoría: Diario de la guerra del cerdo, de Adolfo Bioy Casares
Authors: Calabrese Elisa
Published: September 2016

Si bien Adolfo Bioy Casares es reconocido unánimemente como un narrador importante, su novela Diario de la guerra del cerdo (1969) no ha concitado la atención de la crítica de modo comparable a otras ficciones del autor. Este trabajo postula la hipótesis de la existencia de una tradición alegórica en la literatura argentina moderna considerando a Diario…una de las ficciones centrales de esa corriente que si bien se desvía del realismo, no podría ser leída como fantástica. Con ese fin, se expone una lectura política del texto para mostrar cómo en él se puede explorar una singular construcción de la barbarie ubicada en el peronismo. 
Imaginaciones rurales argentinas. El campo como zona de cruce en expresiones artísticas contemporáneas
Authors: De Leone Lucía
Published: September 2016

En los últimos años, puede identificarse en las artes argentinas un creciente interés en  motivos rurales, que coincide, en el plano político y económico, con un momento en que el campo se afirma como un foco de interés, un agente de disputa entre sectores y  materia productora de nuevos relatos; y en el plano cultural, con un conjunto de especulaciones teórico-críticas que se interrogan sobre el estado del arte del presente. En este trabajo se indagan algunos modos como la imaginación artística contemporánea (literatura, cine, teatro) procesa esta revisibilización del campo, que alcanza también otros formatos y productos mediáticos (un reality show); y cómo estas expresiones conviven muchas veces sin diálogo ni engarces pero también sin conflicto. 
Resonancias y ocupación. La cuestión del “arte fuera de sí” en Spam, de Rafael Spregelburd y Federico Zypce
Authors: Carranza Luz Rodríguez
Published: September 2016

Spam (2013), ópera hablada de Rafael Spregelburd y Federico Zypce, pone en escena la experiencia y los afectos que resuenan en un mundo virtual, anestesiado, de desechos auditivos, particularmente verbales. En este trabajo, después de confrontar la obra con otros esfuerzos contemporáneos de contacto con los espectadores, he analizado una red de repeticiones de sonidos y palabras que sacude al protagonista y al espectador. Como en las óperas de Wagner –denostadas durante décadas como estructuras totalitarias– el procedimiento evita la síntesis. El resultado es cómico y evita toda manipulación emocional porque lo que se repite, como en otras obras de Spregelburd, son restos de construcciones identitarias desvalorizadas. Algunas palabras, pronunciadas por él mismo, acosan sin embargo al protagonista y ocupan una grieta imposible de suturar. Aunque el humor es constante, Spam es una tragedia contemporánea, en la que no sólo los héroes o los villanos sino cualquiera es responsable. 
Resistencias y variaciones del ensayo en Argentina. Sobre la teoría de la forma y los ensayos en la prensa periódica
Authors: Juárez Laura , Dalmaroni Miguel
Published: September 2016

El artículo explora dos cuestiones alrededor de ciertas puntualizaciones teóricas recientes sobre el ensayo de los escritores en la crítica argentina. Se trata de dos modos de resistencia de la teoría. La productividad escrituraria y las vueltas al texto de Adorno en los estudios que asumen perspectivas formales sobre el ensayo (o que entienden el ensayo como una forma). Luego, lo que puede leerse como una operación de escamoteo de la crítica y la teoría que se asienta en esa confianza formal a la hora de pensar el ensayo en sus vinculaciones con sus espacios de producción efectivos, es decir, con la escritura de ensayos en la prensa. Se analiza esa inflexión sobre el ensayo un tanto desatendida: el lugar en donde los ensayos se publican y qué sucede cuando ese lugar es la prensa periódica y cultural. 
LA APLICACIÓN PÚBLICA DE LAS NORMAS DE LIBRE COMPETENCIA EN LA COMUNIDAD ANDINA Y SUS PAÍSES INTEGRANTES
Authors: Ortiz Baquero Ingrid S. , Solano Osorio Diego A.
Published: September 2016

La introducción de la aplicación privada o private enforcement en los diferentes sistemas jurídicos de derecho de la competencia presentes en el mundo, se ha dado tras un largo y consolidado desarrollo de la aplicación pública o public enforcement, que ve las acciones de daños como su complemento, más allá de considerarlas como su detractor. En este sentido, el presente documento pretende analizar el sistema público de cumplimiento de las normas del derecho de la competencia preponderante tanto en la Comunidad Andina, como en sus países integrantes y, de esta manera, identificar sus elementos característicos y evaluar las ventajas que ha traído a estos países el mantenimiento de este sistema. 
Novel Nanocomposite Fiber-Laden Viscoelastic Fracturing Fluid for Coal Bed Methane Reservoir Stimulation
Authors: Xiao Bo , Jiang Tingxue , Zhang Shicheng
Published: August 2016

As coal has strong adsorption characteristics and well-developed natural fracture systems, an improper choice of fracturing fluid can result in significant challenges for coal bed methane exploitation, including damage to the coal formation and ineffective creation and propagation of hydraulic fractures. Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluid has become a preferred option because of its easy flowback and the resultant minimal damage. A novel nanocomposite fiber with substantially improved functional and structural properties was synthesized by introducing nanoparticles into conventional polyester fiber. Subsequently, a nanocomposite fiber-laden VES (NFVES) fracturing fluid was developed and evaluated in the laboratory. The results show that the fiber disperses well in the fluid and that the addition of a small amount (0.5%) of fiber substantially enhances the proppant-carrying capacity of the fluid. To achieve a proppant-carrying capacity equivalent to a standard VES, the surfactant concentration can be decreased from 2.5% to 1%, which not only reduces costs but also significantly lowers adsorption of the surfactant by the seam and rock surfaces. In addition, rod micelles with less surfactant added are more easily broken. Addition of 0.7% nanocomposite fiber reduced the tube friction by 20% at shearing rate of 5000 s−1. The nanocomposite fiber also effectively prevents backflow of the proppant and mitigates leak-off of fluid and aggregation of coal scraps. Continuous degradation of the fiber occurs over time at formation temperatures, thus reducing the potential damage to the coal seam. The strong performance of this NFVES fracturing fluid in the laboratory evaluations indicates the great potential and development prospects for coal bed methane reservoir stimulation using this fluid.
Exergy Analysis of an Industrial Baking Process
Authors: Skop H. , Morosuk T.
Published: August 2016

To sustain product quality, baking cycles have been historically developed by trial-and-error. Energy consumption and rational energy distribution in baking equipment has not been studied enough. Thus, the current baking industry is low energy-efficient. Nowadays, product quality depends on unstable properties of dough and season conditions and is on a top priority list for baking technologies. In this paper the exergy analysis has been presented in order to evaluate the quality and quantity of energy transfer processes in a typical bread baking process. Main part of wasted heat from the baking process is carried by the water evaporated during the process. The consideration of evaporated water as wasted water and main “energy losses” of energy-intensive baking processes helped to find an appealing solution involving integration of water (vapor) and energy recovery process in one system. Such a system will become feasible if combined with the air pollution control function.
Dryout Avoidance Control for Multi-Evaporator Vapor Compression Cycles With Transient Heat Flux
Authors: Pollock Daniel T. , Yang Zehao , Wen John T.
Published: August 2016

Multiple-evaporator vapor compression cycles may be used for distributed cooling of high heat-flux systems, such as arrays of high-power electronics. Under transient heating conditions, these systems must be carefully controlled to avoid critical heat flux (CHF) due to evaporator dryout. An active control strategy is presented that regulates two-phase flow quality in multiple evaporators in order to avoid critical quality under transient heating conditions. A two-loop control system is used, in which an outer loop uses model-based feedforward combined with evaporator wall temperature feedback to determine the necessary coolant flow rate to avoid CHF, while an inner loop uses system actuators (variable speed compressor, electronic expansion valves) to track to the desired flow rate. An advantage of this approach is that the inner-loop control handles the system complexity arising from pressure coupling and actuator nonlinearity. Additionally, the outer-loop quality control may be applied to other two-phase cooling schemes, for instance pumped systems, by providing coolant flow rate setpoints. Simulations and corresponding experimental controller validation were conducted using a three-evaporator vapor compression testbed with transient imposed heat-flux.
Validation of TRACE in the Field of Liquid Metal Heat Transfer
Authors: Jaeger Wadim , Hering Wolfgang , Diez de los Rios Nerea , Gonzalez Antonio
Published: August 2016

The validation of system codes like TRACE is an ongoing task especially in areas with limited or almost no application like liquid metal flow. Therefore, extensive validation efforts are necessary to increase the confidence in the code predictions. TRACE has been successfully validated and applied to lead-alloy cooled systems. The results gained with lead-alloy coolants could be extrapolated to other liquid metals with the necessary care. Nevertheless, dedicated investigations with the different liquid metals are mandatory to confirm the extrapolations. In the present case, the validation work focuses on liquid metal heat transfer in pipes and rod bundles under forced convection. To take advantage of a greater data base, several liquid metals have been implemented into the code. In addition, new coolants allow supporting analysis of liquid metals loops which are in the design or construction stage. Concerning the validation, several experiments have been found, conducted by other investigators, which are modeled with the modified TRACE version. The results indicate that the chosen heat transfer models for pipe and bundle flow are applicable. In case of deviations, physical sound reasons can be provided to explain them.
Do Children Have the Same Capacity to Perceive Affordances as Adults? An Investigation of Tool Selection and Use
Authors: Scharoun Sara M. , Bryden Pamela J. , Cinelli Michael E. , Gonzalez David A. , Roy Eric A.
Published: September 2016

This study investigated whether 5- to 11-year-old children perceive affordances in the same way as adults (Mage = 22.93, SD = 2.16) when presented with a task and four tools (nail in a block of wood and a hammer, rock, wrench, and comb; bucket of sand and a shovel, wooden block, rake, and tweezers; and a screw in a block of wood and a screwdriver, knife, dime, and crayon). Participants were asked to select the best tool and act on an object until all four assigned tools had been selected. No explicit instructions were provided because we were interested in how task perception would influence tool selection and action. Results support the notion that the capacity to perceive affordances increases with age. Furthermore, differences in the way in which 5-year-olds acted on the screw in a block of wood demonstrated that the ability to detect some affordances takes longer to refine. Findings help to further the understanding of the development of perception-action coupling.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2016

This week’s articles describe potential strategies to suppress chronic inflammation and myeloma-induced bone destruction.
DNA memories for mating
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: August 2016

The process of transcribing a long noncoding RNA lets yeast control the response to mating signals.
High-Quality Genome Assembly and Annotation for Plasmodium coatneyi, Generated Using Single-Molecule Real-Time PacBio Technology
Authors: Chien Jung-Ting , Pakala Suman B. , Geraldo Juliana A. , Lapp Stacey A. , Humphrey Jay C. , Barnwell John W. , Kissinger Jessica C. , Galinski Mary R.
Published: September 2016

Plasmodium coatneyi
is a protozoan parasite species that causes simian malaria and is an excellent model for studying disease caused by the human malaria parasite,
P. falciparum
. Here we report the complete (nontelomeric) genome sequence of
P. coatneyi
Hackeri generated by the application of only Pacific Biosciences RS II (PacBio RS II) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) high-resolution sequence technology and assembly using the Hierarchical Genome Assembly Process (HGAP). This is the first
Plasmodium
genome sequence reported to use only PacBio technology. This approach has proven to be superior to short-read only approaches for this species.
Improved Complete Genome Sequence of the Extremely Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans R1 Obtained Using PacBio Single-Molecule Sequencing
Authors: Hua Xiaoting , Hua Yuejin
Published: September 2016

The genome sequence of
Deinococcus radiodurans
R1 was published in 1999. We resequenced
D. radiodurans
R1 using PacBio and compared the sequence with the published one. Large insertions and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed among the genome sequences. A more accurate genome sequence will be helpful to studies of
D. radiodurans
.
Complete Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Viadribacter manganicus” Isolated from a German Floodplain Area
Authors: Braun Burga , Szewzyk Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Iron- and manganese-depositing bacteria occur in many soils and all water systems, and their biogenic depositions of ochre in technical systems may cause severe clogging problems and monetary losses. “
Candidatus
Viadribacter manganicus” is a small coccoid, iron- and manganese-depositing bacterium isolated from the Lower Oder Valley National Park, Germany.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila Strain AH-1 (Serotype O11)
Authors: Forn-Cuní Gabriel , Tomás Juan M. , Merino Susana
Published: September 2016

Aeromonas hydrophila
is an emerging pathogen of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including humans. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of the septicemic
A. hydrophila
AH-1 strain, belonging to the serotype O11, and the first mesophilic
Aeromonas
with surface layer (S-layer) to be sequenced.
A practical guide to thiopurine prescribing and monitoring in IBD
Authors: Warner Ben , Johnston Emma , Arenas-Hernandez Monica , Marinaki Anthony , Irving Peter , Sanderson Jeremy
Published: August 2016

Thiopurines are often the mainstay of treatment for many patients with inflammatory bowel disease. As such, a general understanding of the evidence behind their use and of their metabolism is extremely useful in clinical practice. This review gives a practical overview of thiopurine metabolism, the importance of thiopurine S-methyltransferase testing prior to the start of therapy and the monitoring of thioguanine nucleotide levels while on treatment, guiding a personalised approach to optimising thiopurine therapy.
Low back pain among office workers in three Spanish-speaking countries: findings from the CUPID study
Authors: Campos-Fumero Adriana , Delclos George L , Douphrate David I , Felknor Sarah A , Vargas-Prada Sergio , Serra Consol , Coggon David , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To assess the differences in the prevalence and incidence of low back pain (LBP) and associated disability among office workers in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Spain.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline (n=947, 93% response) in November 2007 and at follow-up after 12 months (n=853, 90% response). Six outcome measures were examined: baseline prevalence of (1) LBP in the past 12 months, (2) LBP in the past month and (3) disabling LBP in the past month; and at follow-up: (4) incidence of new LBP in the past month, (5) new disabling LBP and (6) persistent LBP. Differences in prevalence by country were characterised by ORs with 95% CIs, before and after adjustment for covariates.

Results

Prevalence of LBP in the past month among office employees in Costa Rica (46.0%) and Nicaragua (44.2%) was higher than in Spain (33.6%). Incidence of new LBP was 37.0% in Nicaragua (OR=2.49; 95% CI 1.57 to 3.95), 14.9% in Costa Rica (OR=0.74; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.34) and 19.0% in Spain (reference). Incidence of new disabling LBP was higher in Nicaragua (17.2%; OR=2.49; 95% CI 1.43 to 4.34) and Costa Rica (13.6%; OR=1.89; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.48) than Spain (7.7%), while persistence of LBP was higher only in Nicaragua.

Conclusions

Prevalence of LBP and disabling LBP was higher in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan office workers than in Spain, but the incidence was higher mainly in Nicaragua. Measured sociodemographic, job-related and health-related variables only partly explained the differences between countries, and further research is needed to explore reasons for the remaining differences.
Age and tectonic setting of granitoid plutons in the Chéticamp belt, western Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Slaman L.R. , Barr S.M. , White C.E. , van Rooyen D.
Published: August 2016

Geological mapping in the Chéticamp granitoid belt in combination with petrographic and geochemical studies and U–Pb (zircon) dating by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry have resulted in major reinterpretation of the geology in the western part of the Ganderian Aspy terrane of Cape Breton Island. Nine new U–Pb (zircon) ages show that the former “Chéticamp pluton” consists of 10 separate plutons of five different ages: late Neoproterozoic (ca. 567 Ma), Cambrian–Ordovician (490–482 Ma), Ordovician–Silurian (442–440 Ma), mid-Silurian (ca. 428 Ma), and late Devonian (366 Ma). The three late Neoproterozoic granodioritic to monzogranitic plutons are older than the adjacent metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Jumping Brook Metamorphic Suite, whereas the tonalitic to quartz dioritic Cambrian–Ordovician plutons intruded those metamorphic rocks. Petrographic characteristics and approximately 100 whole-rock chemical analyses show that with the exception of the mid-Silurian Grand Falaise alkali-feldspar granite, which has A-type within-plate characteristics, the plutonic units have calc-alkaline affinity and were emplaced in a volcanic-arc tectonic setting. These results are evidence that fragments of a long history of episodic subduction-related magmatism and terrane collision are preserved in this small part of Ganderia. Eight new Sm–Nd isotopic analyses are consistent with the Ganderian affinity of the Chéticamp plutonic belt. The ca. 490–482 Ma plutons are the first direct evidence in Cape Breton Island for the Penobscottian event recognized in the Exploits Subzone of central Newfoundland and in New Brunswick. However, the structural relationship of the Chéticamp plutonic belt to the rest of the Aspy and Bras d’Or terranes remains enigmatic, as is the apparent absence of effects of Devonian deformation and metamorphism in the older plutonic units.
Impacts of global climate change mitigation scenarios on forests and harvesting in Sweden
Authors: Nordström Eva-Maria , Forsell Nicklas , Lundström Anders , Korosuo Anu , Bergh Johan , Havlík Petr , Kraxner Florian , Frank Stefan , Fricko Oliver , Lundmark Tomas , Nordin Annika
Published: August 2016

Under climate change, the importance of biomass resources is likely to increase and new approaches are needed to analyze future material and energy use of biomass globally and locally. Using Sweden as an example, we present an approach that combines global and national land-use and forest models to analyze impacts of climate change mitigation ambitions on forest management and harvesting in a specific country. National forest impact analyses in Sweden have traditionally focused on supply potential with little reference to international market developments. In this study, we use the global greenhouse gas concentration scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change to estimate global biomass demand and assess potential implications on harvesting and biodiversity in Sweden. The results show that the short-term demand for wood is close to the full harvesting potential in Sweden in all scenarios. Under high bioenergy demand, harvest levels are projected to stay high over a longer time and particularly impact the harvest levels of pulpwood. The area of old forest in the managed landscape may decrease. This study highlights the importance of global scenarios when discussing national-level analysis and pinpoints trade-offs that policy making in Sweden may need to tackle in the near future.
The HtrA2 Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease is suppressed by the pro-survival Bcl-2 Buffy
Authors: M’Angale P. Githure , Staveley Brian E.
Published: August 2016

Mutations in High temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2), also designated PARK13, which lead to the loss of its protease activity, have been associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). HtrA2 is a mitochondrial protease that translocates to the cytosol upon the initiation of apoptosis where it participates in the abrogation of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) inhibition of caspases. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of the HtrA2 function in the dopaminergic neurons of Drosophila melanogaster results in PD-like phenotypes, and we attempt to restore the age-dependent loss in locomotor ability by co-expressing the sole pro-survival Bcl-2 homologue Buffy. The inhibition of HtrA2 in the dopaminergic neurons of Drosophila resulted in shortened lifespan and impaired climbing ability, and the overexpression of Buffy rescued the reduction in lifespan and the age-dependent loss of locomotor ability. In supportive experiments, the inhibition of HtrA2 in the Drosophila eye results in eye defects, marked by reduction in ommatidia number and increased disruption of the ommatidial array; phenotypes that are suppressed by the overexpression of Buffy.
Torsion or not torsion, that is the question
Authors: Bonder Yuri
Published: September 2016

A hypothesis of general relativity (GR) is that spacetime torsion vanishes identically. This assumption has no empirical support; in fact, a nonvanishing torsion is compatible with all the experimental tests of GR. The first part of this essay specifies the framework that is suitable to test the vanishing-torsion hypothesis, and an interesting relation with the gravitational degrees of freedom is suggested. In the second part, some original empirical tests are proposed based on the observation that torsion induces new interactions between different spin-polarized particles.
Inflationary dynamics in f(𝒢) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Ikram Ayesha
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates inflationary dynamics for isotropic and homogeneous universe model in the background of [Formula: see text] gravity. We construct Hubble-flow functions, slow-roll parameters, amplitude of scalar power spectrum, spectral index and tensor–scalar ratio for a particular form of equation of state which describes quasi-de Sitter expansion. The dynamics of inflationary epoch is analyzed for scalar field as well as fluid cosmology with viable power-law [Formula: see text] model. We obtain different potential functions that correspond to chaotic inflation and Starobinsky type models. The graphical behavior of these parameters shows compatible results with observational Planck 2015 data in this gravity.
Excitation of 11/2− isomeric state in 137Ce in (γ,n) reaction within 10–22MeV energy range
Authors: Mazur V. M. , Bigan Z. M. , Derechkey P. S. , Symochko D. M.
Published: September 2016

Isomeric yields ratios and energy differential cross-section of metastable state excitation in the [Formula: see text] reaction has been studied in the 10–22[Formula: see text]MeV end-point energy range of bremsstrahlung beams. Experimental data are compared with Hauser–Feshbach calculations performed with TALYS-1.6 statistical model code.
Comparison of alpha decay with fission for isotopes of superheavy nuclei Z = 124
Authors: Manjunatha H. C.
Published: September 2016

We have studied the [Formula: see text]-decay properties of superheavy nuclei (SHN) [Formula: see text] in the range [Formula: see text] using the Coulomb and proximity potential model for deformed nuclei (CPPMDN). The calculated [Formula: see text] half-lives agree with the values computed using the Viola–Seaborg systematic, the universal curve of Poenaru et al. [Phys. Rev. C 83 (2011) 014601; 85 (2012) 034615] and the analytical formulas of Royer [J. Phys. G[Formula: see text] Nucl. Part. Phys. 26 (2000) 1149]. To identify the mode of decay of these isotopes, the spontaneous-fission half-lives were also evaluated using the semiempirical relation given by Xu et al. [Phys. Rev. C 78 (2008) 044329]. The calculated half-lives help to predict the possible isotopes of this superheavy element [Formula: see text]. As we could observe [Formula: see text] chain consistently from the nuclei [Formula: see text]124, we have predicted that these nuclei could not be synthesized and detected experimentally via [Formula: see text] decay as their decay half-lives are too small. The nuclei [Formula: see text]124 were found to have long half-lives and hence could be sufficient to detect them if synthesized in a laboratory.
Lattice-based Dynamical and Anonymous Broadcast Encryption Scheme for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: WANG FENGHE , WANG XU AN , WANG CHUNXIAO
Published: September 2016

A lattice-based broadcast encryption scheme is proposed for ad hoc networks in this paper. The proposed scheme is dynamical and anonymous simultaneously. The achievements of the dynamic and anonymity properties are efficient. In fact, the broadcaster can send the message to any receivers set without any added operations. The anonymity properties of the proposed scheme can protect the identity of an authorized receiver. Both dynamic and anonymity properties are important for broadcast encryption to used in many cases like wireless ad hoc network. The semantic security of the proposed scheme is proven in the standard model under the hardness of the learning with errors problem (LWE). Compared with known lattice-based broadcast encryption schemes, the proposed scheme shares some advantages with respect to the ciphtertext length and the message-ciphtertext expanse factor.
Extremal Properties of an Intermittent Poisson Process Generating 1/f Noise
Authors: Grüneis Ferdinand
Published: September 2016

It is well-known that the total power of a signal exhibiting a pure [Formula: see text] shape is divergent. This phenomenon is also called the infrared catastrophe. Mandelbrot claims that the infrared catastrophe can be overcome by stochastic processes which alternate between active and quiescent states. We investigate an intermittent Poisson process (IPP) which belongs to the family of stochastic processes suggested by Mandelbrot. During the intermission [Formula: see text] (quiescent period) the signal is zero. The active period is divided into random intervals of mean length [Formula: see text] consisting of a fluctuating number of events; this is giving rise to so-called clusters. The advantage of our treatment is that the spectral features of the IPP can be derived analytically. Our considerations are focused on the case that intermission is only a small disturbance of the Poisson process, i.e., to the case that [Formula: see text]. This makes it difficult or even impossible to discriminate a spike train of such an IPP from that of a Poisson process. We investigate the conditions under which a [Formula: see text] spectrum can be observed. It is shown that [Formula: see text] noise generated by the IPP is accompanied with extreme variance. In agreement with the considerations of Mandelbrot, the IPP avoids the infrared catastrophe. Spectral analysis of the simulated IPP confirms our theoretical results. The IPP is a model for an almost random walk generating both white and [Formula: see text] noise and can be applied for an interpretation of [Formula: see text] noise in metallic resistors.
Subdividing three-dimensional Riemannian disks
Authors: Glynn-Adey Parker , Zhu Zhifei
Published: September 2016

Papasoglu asked whether for any Riemannian 3-disk [Formula: see text] with diameter [Formula: see text], boundary area [Formula: see text] and volume [Formula: see text], there exists a homotopy [Formula: see text] contracting the boundary to a point so that the area of [Formula: see text] is bounded by [Formula: see text] for some function [Formula: see text]. He further asks whether it is possible to subdivide [Formula: see text] by a disk [Formula: see text] into two regions of volume [Formula: see text] so that the area of [Formula: see text] is bounded by some function [Formula: see text].

In this paper, we answer the questions above in the negative: We prove that given [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], one can construct a metric [Formula: see text] so that any 2-disk [Formula: see text] subdividing [Formula: see text] into two regions of volume at least [Formula: see text], the area of [Formula: see text] is greater than [Formula: see text]. We further prove that for any Riemannian 3-sphere [Formula: see text], there is a surface that subdivides the disk into two regions of volume no less than [Formula: see text], and the area of this surface is bounded by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the homological filling function of [Formula: see text].
The bordism group of unbounded KK-cycles
Authors: Deeley Robin J. , Goffeng Magnus , Mesland Bram
Published: September 2016

We consider Hilsum’s notion of bordism as an equivalence relation on unbounded [Formula: see text]-cycles and study the equivalence classes. Upon fixing two [Formula: see text]-algebras, and a ∗-subalgebra dense in the first [Formula: see text]-algebra, a [Formula: see text]-graded abelian group is obtained; it maps to the Kasparov [Formula: see text]-group of the two [Formula: see text]-algebras via the bounded transform. We study properties of this map both in general and in specific examples. In particular, it is an isomorphism if the first [Formula: see text]-algebra is the complex numbers (i.e. for [Formula: see text]-theory) and is a split surjection if the first [Formula: see text]-algebra is the continuous functions on a compact manifold with boundary when one uses the Lipschitz functions as the dense ∗-subalgebra.