bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lattice point sets for state sampling in approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Cervellera Cristiano , Gaggero Mauro , Macciò Danilo
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates the use of lattice point sets as an efficient method to sample uniformly the state space of discrete‐time dynamic systems for the solution of finite‐horizon optimal control problems using approximate dynamic programming. Lattice point sets are a kind of discretization method, commonly employed for efficient numerical integration, providing a regular and balanced sampling of the state space based on the repetition of elementary unit cells. A convergence analysis of the approximate solution of the control problem to the optimal one is provided, pointing out that such sampling schemes allow one to efficiently exploit possible regularities of the cost‐to‐go functions. Furthermore, it is shown that a higher accuracy may be obtained through suitable transformations of the state vector of the dynamic system. Another advantage of lattice point sets over other sampling schemes is the possibility of evaluating a priori the goodness of a given set over another through the explicit computation of a specific parameter. Simulation results concerning the optimal control of a water reservoirs system are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Optimization of tribological behavior of nano clay particle with sisal/jute/glass/epoxy polymer hybrid composites using RSM
Authors: Ragunath S. , Velmurugan C. , Kannan T.
Published: May 2017

The tribological properties are one of the most significant properties in many automobile components such as clutch plate, break shoe, engine liner, piston pin, etc. At present work, attempt on nano clay is loaded with natural fibers (sisal and jute), artificial fiber (E‐glass), and epoxy resin. In this investigation, the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction are analyzed by pin on disc apparatus under dry sliding conditions. The experiment design carried by Box–Behnken design on design of experiment techniques with influence wear parameters, namely, filler content, applied load, sliding distance, and sliding velocity; its responses are analyzed by response surface methodology. The regression mathematical models performed for all the responses, and the most influential factors determined by analysis of variance technique, S/N ratio. The results indicate that the coefficient of friction and specific wear rates are minimized with the addition of filler content to the developed composites and further increasing, the response of composites may be varied. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring the desired optical and mechanical performance of polyester‐plasticized PVC films: the role of different light stabilizers on the photo‐degradation
Authors: Yin Xiuping , Zhang Jun , Zhang Zhen , Xu Guozhong
Published: May 2017

Effect of hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS: C944) and ultraviolet absorbers (UVAs: UV326, UV531) on the photo‐stabilities of polyester‐plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polyester‐plasticized PVC/pigment yellow (PY) films were studied systematically. Both ultraviolet absorbers (UVAs) and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) could slow down the discoloration of polyester‐plasticized PVC and polyester‐plasticized PVC/PY films. However, the addition of UVAs protected polyester‐plasticized PVC films from being discolored and its efficiency is higher than HALS. The specific order of stabilizing effect on the photo‐oxidation is UV326 > UV531 > C944. For the optical performance, both UVAs and HALS could help to maintain the transmittance of visible light after photo‐degradation. The former could effectively adsorb ultraviolet (UV) light and resulted in lower transmittance of UV light. For the polyester‐plasticized PVC/PY systems, even though HALS and UVAs cannot help to maintain the shielding ability in high‐energy visible region after UV irradiation, they can help prevent the loss in transmittance of visible light. The surface morphology exhibited small holes on the surface of the films that contain UV531 or UV326; while large and deep holes were observed on the surface of PVC films without additives, C944‐doped and C944/PY‐doped films, indicating the higher UV‐stabilizing effect of UVAs. With regard to mechanical properties, UVAs and HALS can help to prevent the loss. Our present study systematically revealed the role of different stabilizers on the polyester‐plasticized PVC and polyester‐plasticized PVC/PY systems and paved the way to offer PVC materials with functional optical performance and desired long‐term performance using different light stabilizers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A parametric investigation of the friction performance of PC‐ABS parts processed by FDM additive manufacturing process
Authors: Mohamed Omar Ahmed , Masood Syed Hasan , Bhowmik Jahar Lal
Published: May 2017

The friction performance is an important factor of parts processed by fused deposition modeling (FDM) for various engineering applications. It is one type of failure made of surface contact. The proper use of FDM process parameters can bring a significant reduction in friction and the amount of wear, thereby leading to a reduction in the material waste. To date, very little studies have been performed in this area. This paper investigates the effect of FDM manufacturing parameters on the friction performance of polycarbonate‐acrylonitrile butadiene styrene prototypes processed by FDM using definitive screening design and partial least squares method. The observation of surface morphology was obtained by the scanning electron microscopy to examine the effect of process parameters on the microstructure. The experimental results have shown that layer thickness, air gap, raster angle, and build orientation are the most influential factors affecting the friction performance of FDM manufactured parts. The proposed approach presented in this study provides an impetus to develop analytical modeling and functional relationships between FDM manufacturing parameters and friction performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel homozygous splice‐site mutation in RYR1 causes fetal hydrops and affects skeletal and smooth muscle development
Authors: Meier Nicole , Bruder Elisabeth , Filges Isabel
Published: May 2017

What's already known about this topic?

Mutations in the RYR1 gene can cause variable phenotypes including autosomal dominant malignant hyperthermia, multi‐minicore disease, core‐rod myopathy and autosomal recessive lethal multiple pterygium syndrome at the severe end of the spectrum.

What does this study add?

Autosomal recessive mutations in RYR1 cause non‐immune fetal hydrops more often than previously thought. These mutations affect skeletal muscle development but also impact smooth muscle tissue in early human development. RYR1 should be added to sequencing panels in prenatal diagnostics.
Immobilization and high platelet count are associated with thromboembolic complications in heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bolbrinker Juliane , Garbe Edeltraut , Douros Antonios , Huber Matthias , Bronder Elisabeth , Klimpel Andreas , Andersohn Frank , Meyer Oliver , Salama Abdulgabar , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Immune‐mediated heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT type II, HIT) is a potentially serious adverse drug reaction characterized by an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of these complications.

Methods

Our study cohort included patients with HIT assembled in our pharmacovigilance center by reports from 51 collaborating hospitals in Berlin, Germany. To identify risk factors for thromboembolic complications, patients with thromboembolic events (cases) were compared to those without thromboembolic events (controls) in a case‐control design. We applied univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for potential risk factors of thromboembolic complications.

Results

Our cohort comprised 209 HIT patients. Of those, 53 developed thromboembolic complications. Most HIT patients received heparin for medical indications (42.1%) or in the context of cardiovascular surgery (40.2%). Of the 78 thromboembolic complications, 49 (63%) and 29 (37%) were observed in the venous and arterial vascular bed, respectively. The main locations were deep vein thrombosis (39.7%), pulmonary embolism (16.7%), and limb artery thrombosis (16.7%). In multivariable analysis, immobilization prior to HIT (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.2‐18.0; P = .026) and higher platelet counts before initiation of heparin therapy (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.000‐1.008; P = .046) were independently associated with the occurrence of thromboembolic events.

Conclusions

Immobilization and a high platelet count (with a low effect size) are additional risk factors of thromboembolic complications in the course of HIT.
Genetic ancestry and prostate cancer susceptibility SNPs in Puerto Rican and African American men
Authors: Irizarry‐Ramírez Margarita , Kittles Rick A. , Wang Xuemei , Salgado‐Montilla Jeannette , Nogueras‐González Graciela M. , Sánchez‐Ortiz Ricardo , Guerrios Lourdes , Rivera Keila , Shah Ebony , Prokhorova Ina , Roberson Pamela , Troncoso Patricia , Pettaway Curtis A.
Published: May 2017

Background

The Puerto Rican (PR) population is a racially admixed population that has a high prostate cancer (PCa) mortality rate. We hypothesized in this pilot study that West African Ancestry (WAA) was associated with PCa in this heterogeneous (PR) population.

Methods

A case/case and case/control study was performed. Controls, 207 African American (AA) and 133 PR were defined as men with no PCa, a serum PSA < 2.5 ng/mL and a negative rectal examination. Cases were patients with pathological specimens from radical prostatectomies (RP) (291 PR and 200 AA). DNA was extracted from whole blood of controls and from paraffin embedded normal seminal vesicle from the RPs. We assessed the association of PCa and aggressiveness with genetic ancestry using an ancestry informative marker panel (AIMs) and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and the association of PCa and aggressiveness with 15 previously PCa associated SNPs using Chi square test. Gleason Score (GS) and tumor stage (TS) were used to define low risk (GS ≤ 7[3 + 4]), TS ≤ pT2) and high risk (GS≥ 7[4 + 3], TS > pT2) PCa. Statistical analyses were done using SAS.

Results

No difference in overall percent WAA was found between PR cases and controls. Among PR or AA cases WAA was not associated with disease severity based upon risk group, Gleason score or stage. Among AA controls WAA was significantly higher than in cases. The SNP rs7824364 (chromosome 8q24) PCa risk allele was significantly increased among cases versus controls for both AA (P < 0.0001) and PR (P = 0.0001) men. PR men with ≥1 risk allele exhibited a higher percent of WAA (39% vs 29%, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

The SNP rs7824364, a local marker of WAA in the 8q24 region was associated with PCa among both AA and PR men and with increased WAA among PR men. This novel relationship of PCA risk loci, WAA with PCa and its phenotype among PR men deserves further study.
Identification and analysis of 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene from glyphosate‐resistant Ochrobactrum intermedium Sq20
Authors: Firdous Sadiqa , Iqbal Samina , Anwar Samina , Jabeen Hina
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate is a herbicide that acts by inhibition of the enzyme, 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS), involved in the catalysis of an essential step in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. The objective of this study was the isolation of glyphosate‐resistant bacterial strains and subsequent characterization of the gene(s) encoding glyphosate resistance in these isolates. Using an enrichment culture technique, a glyphosate‐resistant bacterium, Ochrobactrum intermedium Sq20 was isolated from glyphosate‐contaminated indigenous soil and characterized.

RESULTS

An open reading frame (ORF) comprising of 1353 bp potentially encoding aroAO. intermedium Sq20 was amplified from O. intermedium Sq20. It showed 97% homology with aroA genes from other Ochrobactrum spp. Physicochemical characterization revealed that aroAO. intermedium Sq20 encodes a polypeptide of 450 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 48.9782 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.21. Secondary structure prediction of AroAO. intermedium Sq20 demonstrated a high percentage of random coils and α helices. Methodical optimization and validation of the protein structure helped to build a reliable protein model indicating the presence of 91.8% amino acid residues in most favoured regions. In addition, strain Sq20 was found to be capable of complete degradation of glyphosate at 500 mg L–1 initial concentration as the sole carbon and energy source within 4 days.

CONCLUSION

A glyphosate‐resistant bacterial strain O. intermedium Sq20 was discovered. Sequence analysis and structure modelling demonstrated that AroAO. intermedium Sq20 closely resembles class II EPSPS and possesses high glyphosate resistance. This provides a good foundation for functional analysis of experimentally derived crystal structures. The cloning and characterization of AroAO. intermedium Sq20 will further help in understanding its role at the molecular level and its potential use in the production of glyphosate‐resistant transgenic crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ensemble simulations of inertial confinement fusion implosions
Authors: Nora Ryan , Peterson Jayson Luc , Spears Brian Keith , Field John Everett , Brandon Scott
Published: May 2017

The achievement of inertial confinement fusion ignition on the National Ignition Facility relies on the collection and interpretation of a limited (and expensive) set of experimental data. These data are therefore supplemented with state‐of‐the‐art multidimensional radiation‐hydrodynamic simulations to provide a better understanding of implosion dynamics and behavior. We present a relatively large number (∼ 4000) of systematically perturbed 2D simulations to probe our understanding of low‐mode fuel and ablator asymmetries seeded by asymmetric illumination. We find that Gaussian process surrogate models are able to predict both the total neutron yield and the degradation in performance due to asymmetries. The surrogates are then applied to simulations containing new sources of degradation to quantify the impact of the new source.
Labelling relevant events to support the crisis management operator
Authors: Zoppi Tommaso , Ceccarelli Andrea , Lo Piccolo Francesco , Lollini Paolo , Giunta Gabriele , Morreale Vito , Bondavalli Andrea
Published: May 2017

Thanks to the large availability of portable devices and the growing interest in the Internet of Things, during crises, social networks, or alerts sent through mobile devices or sensor networks are available and can be matched each other to perform situational analysis. However, the inclusion of multiple heterogeneous sources in situational analyses leads to 2 main issues: (1) a source could deliver (voluntarily or erroneously) wrong data damaging the integrity and the correctness of the analysis, and (2) a significant amount of heterogeneous data need to be processed. As a consequence, the crisis management operator faces a large amount of potentially unreliable data. In this paper, we present a relevance labelling strategy to process information gathered from heterogeneous data streams to select the most relevant events. These are presented to the crisis management operator with the highest priority. Our strategy is evaluated using events collected by the Secure! crisis management system, considering 3 real crisis scenarios happened in Italy in 2015. Results show that our strategy is able to correctly identify sets of relevant events, supporting the activities of the crisis management operator.
Investigation of the Gas‐Jet Wiping Process − Two‐Phase Large Eddy Simulations Elucidate Impingement Dynamics and Wave Formation on Zinc Coatings
Authors: Pfeiler Claudia , Eßl Werner , Reiss Georg , Riener Christian K. , Angeli Gerhard , Kharicha Abdellah
Published: May 2017

In addition to corrosion resistance and processing properties, high coating uniformity is a key quality criterion for galvanized steel sheets. Hydrodynamic gas jet wiping has proved to be an efficient method to control the coating thickness. However, the occurrence of non‐uniformities is attributed to the unsteadiness of the impinging jet. For the first time, vertical surface non‐uniformities resulting from the interaction of the impinging jet with the liquid coating are numerically predicted under industrial boundary conditions using the ANSYS Fluent®. The turbulent flow field of the compressible wiping gas is accomplished by the LES (Large‐Eddy‐Simulation) turbulence model, whereas the interphase between the wiping gas and the liquid coating is modeled by the VOF (Volume‐of‐Fluid) method. It is found that the liquid coating reacts relatively slowly to the high frequent flapping gas jet. Only, when the jet is deflected for a comparatively long period, significant waves are able to develop. The waviness predicted by the simulation model is in good agreement with experimental results. Thus, the model enables a careful study of process settings on the vertical coating uniformity characteristics. For the studied case, an increase of nozzle inclination is found to enhance the performance in terms of coating uniformity significantly.
The evolution of stories: from mimesis to language, from fact to fiction
Authors: Boyd Brian
Published: May 2017

Why a species as successful asHomo sapiensshould spend so much time in fiction, in telling one another stories that neither side believes, at first seems an evolutionary riddle. Because of the advantages of tracking and recombining true information, capacities for event comprehension, memory, imagination, and communication evolved in a range of animal species—yet even chimpanzees cannot communicate beyond the here and now. ByHomo erectus, our forebears had reached an increasing dependence on one another, not least in sharing information in mimetic, prelinguistic ways. As Daniel Dor shows, the pressure to pool ever more information, even beyond currently shared experience, led to the invention of language. Language in turn swiftly unlocked efficient forms of narrative, allowing early humans to learn much more about their kind than they could experience at first hand, so that they could cooperate and compete better through understanding one another more fully. This changed the payoff of sociality for individuals and groups. But true narrative was still limited to what had already happened. Once the strong existing predisposition to play combined with existing capacities for event comprehension, memory, imagination, language, and narrative, we could begin to invent fiction, and to explore the full range of human possibilities in concentrated, engaging, memorable forms. First language, then narrative, then fiction, created niches that altered selection pressures, and made us ever more deeply dependent on knowing more about our kind and our risks and opportunities than we could discover through direct experience.WIREs Cogn Sci2018, 9:e1444. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1444

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Linguistics > Evolution of Language

Neuroscience > Cognition
Phenotypic plasticity and remodeling in the stress‐inducedCaenorhabditis elegansdauer
Authors: Androwski Rebecca J. , Flatt Kristen M. , Schroeder Nathan E.
Published: May 2017

Organisms are often capable of modifying their development to better suit their environment. Under adverse conditions, the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansdevelops into a stress‐resistant alternative larval stage called dauer. The dauer stage is the primary survival stage forC. elegansin nature. Large‐scale tissue remodeling during dauer conveys resistance to harsh environments. The environmental and genetic regulation of the decision to enter dauer has been extensively studied. However, less is known about the mechanisms regulating tissue remodeling. Changes to the cuticle and suppression of feeding in dauers lead to an increased resistance to external stressors. Meanwhile reproductive development arrests during dauer while preserving the ability to reproduce once favorable environmental conditions return. Dramatic remodeling of neurons, glia, and muscles during dauer likely facilitate dauer‐specific behaviors. Dauer‐specific pulsation of the excretory duct likely mediates a response to osmotic stress. The power ofC. elegansgenetics has uncovered some of the molecular pathways regulating dauer tissue remodeling. In addition to genes that regulate single remodeling events, several mutants result in pleiotropic defects in dauer remodeling. This review details the individual aspects of morphological changes that occur during dauer formation and discusses molecular mechanisms regulating these processes. The dauer stage provides us with an excellent model for understanding phenotypic plasticity and remodeling from the individual cell to an entire animal.WIREs Dev Biol2017, 6:e278. doi: 10.1002/wdev.278

This article is categorized under:

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms

Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems
A review on the generalization of sufficient dimension reduction methods with the additional information
Authors: Hung Hung , Lu Henry Horng‐Shing
Published: May 2017

Sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) has been shown to be a powerful statistical method that is able to reduce the dimension of covariates without losing information with respect to the response. Subsequent analysis can then be based on a lower dimensional transformations of covariates, which has the potential to assist model building and to increase the estimation efficiency. In some situations, the additional information could be also available during the data collection process. Although one can proceed with the conventional method, properly utilizing the additional information can greatly improve making statistical inference. It is thus of interest to incorporate the additional information into the practice of SDR methods. In this article, we review the generalizations of SDR methods that are able to utilize different types of the additional information. One will see that, depending on the sources of the additional information, different techniques are required to modify conventional SDR methods to improve estimating the target of interest. WIREs Comput Stat 2017, 9:e1401. doi: 10.1002/wics.1401

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Mathematics

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational and Molecular Biology

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction
Non‐local dynamic solution to a Mode‐I crack in an orthotropic medium
Authors: Liu Hai‐Tao
Published: May 2017

The paper presents the dynamic solution of a Mode‐I crack in an orthotropic medium by use of the non‐local theory, the generalized Almansi's theorem and the Schmidt method. By using Fourier transform, this problem is converted to a pair of dual integral equations. Different from the classical elasticity solution, the present solution exhibits no stress singularity at the crack tips because of the incorporation of non‐local effects. Numerical examples are provided to show the effects of the crack length, the circular frequency of the incident waves and the lattice parameter on the stress field near the crack tips in an orthotropic medium.
Pediatric Predispositional Genetic Risk Communication: Potential Utility for Prevention and Control of Melanoma Risk as an Exemplar
Authors: Wu Yelena P. , Mays Darren , Kohlmann Wendy , Tercyak Kenneth P.
Published: May 2017

Predispositional genetic testing among minor children is intensely debated due to the potential benefits and harms of providing this type of genetic information to children and their families. Existing guidelines on pediatric genetic testing state that predispositional testing could be appropriate for minors if preventive services exist that mitigate children's risk for or severity of the health condition in question. We use the example of hereditary melanoma to illustrate the rationale for and potential application of genetic risk communication for an adult‐onset cancer to a pediatric population where childhood behaviors may reduce risk of disease later in life. We draw from the adult melanoma genetic risk communication and pediatric health behavior change literatures to suggest ways in which genetic test reporting and complementary education could be delivered to children who carry a hereditary risk for melanoma and their families in order to foster children's engagement in melanoma preventive behaviors. Genetic discoveries will continue to yield new opportunities to provide predispositional genetic risk information to unaffected individuals, including children, and could be delivered within programs that provide personalized and translational approaches to cancer prevention.
Sequential Feeding of Lipid Supplement Enriches Beef Adipose Tissues with 18:3n‐3 Biohydrogenation Intermediates
Authors: Vahmani P. , Aalhus J. L. , Rolland D. C. , McAllister T. A. , Prieto N. , Block H. C. , Proctor S. D. , Guan L. L. , Dugan M. E. R.
Published: May 2017

The present study was designed to determine if feeding steers extruded flaxseed and hay (25 and 75%; DM basis) together as a total mixed ration (TMR), or sequentially (non‐TMR) would result in different enrichments of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their biohydrogenation intermediates (BHI) in beef adipose tissues [subcutaneous (SC) vs perirenal (PR) fat]. Forty‐eight Angus cross steers (325 ± 16 kg) were stratified by weight to six pens, and pens were randomized to either TMR or non‐TMR and fed ad libitum for an average of 242 days. The concentrations of α‐linolenic acid increased by 18 mol% in both SC and PR in non‐TMR steers compared to TMR steers (P < 0.01). trans 18:1 isomers were more concentrated in PR than SC (14.4 vs 9.5 mol%; P < 0.01) and increased by 10 mol% in both fat depots for non‐TMR (P < 0.01). Other BHI including non‐methylene‐interrupted 18:2 (atypical dienes), conjugated linoleic acids and conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) were affected by diet × tissue interactions (P < 0.01). The CLnA and CLA contents were higher in both fat depots when feeding the non‐TMR, but the effect of diet was more pronounced in PR than in SC (P < 0.01). Atypical dienes were highest in PR from non‐TMR and lowest in TMR fed steers (4.3 and 3.6 mol%) with SC contents being intermediate. The sequential feeding of lipid supplement can thus profoundly affect the enrichment of PUFA and their BHI in beef fat and their differentially enrichment is also fat depot dependant.
Cerebral oxygenation for pain monitoring in adults is ineffective: A sequence-randomized, sham controlled study in volunteers
Authors: Meyer-Frießem Christine H. , Jess Gunnar , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther M. , Zahn Peter K.
Published: May 2017

Background

Pain assessment by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is considered to be good clinical practice, but objective pain assessment is still a challenge. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) that increases with cortical-neuronal activity and may provide point-of-care bedside pain monitoring. Analogous to promising studies in newborns, we hypothesize that different levels of SctO2 can probably quantify pain intensity. SctO2 may increase following painful in contrast to non-painful or sham stimuli and may correlate with pain intensity as assessed by NRS in volunteers.

Methods

Twenty healthy male students (24.2±1.9 years), recruited via local advertising, were consecutively included in a sequence-randomized, sham-controlled, single-blinded study. SctO2 was recorded continuously with two NIRS sensors on the forehead. After resting, four stimuli were applied in a random order on the right forearm (unexpected and expected electrical pain, expected non-painful and sham stimuli). Blinded subjects were asked to rate each stimulus on NRS. Statistics: RM-ANOVA; Wilcoxon or paired Student t-test; Spearman’s rank correlation; P < .05.

Results

Resting volunteers showed SctO2 of 72.65%±3.39. SctO2 significantly increased for about 60 to 70s until a maximum after unexpected painful (74.62%±3.9; P = .022) and sham stimuli (74.07%±3.23; P =.014). Expected painful (P =.139) and non-painful stimuli (P =.455) resulted in no changes in SctO2. NRS scores (median, IQR) were rated significantly higher after expected (5.25, 3.5 to 6.75) than after unexpected (4.5, 3 to 5; P = .008) pain. No strong correlation was found between NRS and SctO2.

Conclusions and Implications

Contrary to our expectations, measuring SctO2 via a two-channel NIRS is not able to remediate the lack of objective bedside pain assessment under standardized experimental conditions in alert adults.
Young People Leading Change in Domestic Violence Prevention: R4Respect
Authors: Struthers Karen , Tilbury Clare , Williams Grace
Published: May 2017

Active youth participation models that tackle major social problems can promote positive youth development and wellbeing. Implementation and evaluation of youth participation models to curtail violence in families and other intimate relationships is limited. The present study reports on a process evaluation of a new youth participation model called R4Respect that features a peer-led approach to respectful relationships education, which is aimed at preventing domestic violence. The evaluation uses qualitative methods, based on interviews with youth participants and adult external stakeholders, drawing on the Tiffany–Eckenrode Program Participation Scale. The evaluation demonstrates that R4Respect is successfully engaging young people as decision-makers and peer-educators in strategies aimed at improving the understanding young people have of what constitutes respect in relationships. The R4Respect model shows that young people can fulfil an important role in the prevention of domestic violence.
On the influence of viscosity and caustics on acoustic streaming in sessile droplets: an experimental and a numerical study with a cost-effective method
Authors: Riaud A. , Baudoin M. , Bou Matar O. , Thomas J.-L. , Brunet P.
Published: May 2017

When an acoustic wave travels in a lossy medium such as a liquid, it progressively transfers its pseudo-momentum to the fluid, which results in a steady flow called acoustic streaming. This phenomenon involves a balance between sound attenuation and shear, such that the streaming flow does not vanish in the limit of vanishing viscosity. Hence, the effect of viscosity has long been ignored in acoustic streaming experiments. Here, we investigate the acoustic streaming in sessile droplets exposed to surface acoustic waves. According to experimental data, the flow structure and velocity magnitude are both strongly influenced by the fluid viscosity. We compute the sound wave propagation and hydrodynamic flow motion using a numerical method that reduces memory requirements via a spatial filtering of the acoustic streaming momentum source terms. These calculations agree qualitatively well with experiments and reveal how the acoustic field in the droplet, which is dominated by a few caustics, controls the flow pattern. We evidence that chaotic acoustic fields in droplets are dominated by a few caustics. It appears that the caustics drive the flow, which allows for qualitative prediction of the flow structure. Finally, we apply our numerical method to a broader span of fluids and frequencies. We show that the canonical case of the acoustic streaming in a hemispherical sessile droplet resting on a lithium niobate substrate only depends on two dimensionless numbers related to the surface and bulk wave attenuation. Even in such a baseline configuration, we observe and characterize four distinct flow regimes.
Scaling of small vortices in stably stratified shear flows
Authors: Deguchi Kengo
Published: May 2017

The present paper treats the large Reynolds number scaling of coherent structures in stably stratified flows sheared between two horizontally placed walls. Three-dimensional steady solutions are used to confirm the theoretical scaling. For small values of the Richardson number, the previously known scaling based on the vortex–wave interaction/self-sustaining process is found to give excellent predictions of the numerical results. When the Richardson number is increased, the maximum size of the vortices is limited by the Ozmidov scale. The largest possible Richardson number to sustain the vortices is predicted to be of order unity when the typical length scale of the vortices reaches the Kolmogorov scale. The minimum-scale vortices are governed by unit Reynolds number Navier–Stokes equations.
Mixed convection in turbulent channels with unstable stratification
Authors: Pirozzoli Sergio , Bernardini Matteo , Verzicco Roberto , Orlandi Paolo
Published: May 2017

We study turbulent flows in pressure-driven planar channels with imposed unstable thermal stratification, using direct numerical simulations in a wide range of Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers and reaching flow conditions which are representative of fully developed turbulence. The combined effect of forced and free convection produces a peculiar pattern of quasi-streamwise rollers occupying the full channel thickness, with aspect ratio considerably higher than unity; it has been observed that they have an important redistributing effect on temperature and momentum, providing for a substantial fraction of the heat and momentum flux at bulk Richardson numbers larger than$0.01$. The mean values and the variances of the flow variables do not appear to follow Prandtl’s scaling in the free-convection regime, except for the temperature and vertical velocity fluctuations, which are more directly affected by wall-attached turbulent plumes. We find that the Monin–Obukhov theory nevertheless yields a useful representation of the main flow features. In particular, the widely used Businger–Dyer flux-profile relationships are found to provide a convenient way of approximately accounting for the bulk effects of friction and buoyancy, although the individual profiles may have wide scatter from the alleged trends. Significant deviations are found in direct numerical simulations with respect to the commonly used parametrization of the momentum flux in the light-wind regime, which may have important practical impact in wall models of atmospheric dynamics. Finally, for modelling purposes, we devise a set of empirical predictive formulae for the heat flux and friction coefficients, which are within approximately$10\,\%$standard deviation from the numerical results in a wide range of flow parameters.
Dynamics of a treadmilling microswimmer near a no-slip wall in simple shear
Authors: Ishimoto Kenta , Crowdy Darren G.
Published: May 2017

Induction of flow is commonly used to control the migration of a microswimmer in a confined system such as a microchannel. The motion of a swimmer, in general, is governed by nonlinear equations due to non-trivial hydrodynamic interactions between the flow and the swimmer near a wall. This paper derives analytical expressions for the equations of motion governing a circular treadmilling swimmer in simple shear near a no-slip wall by combining the reciprocal theorem for Stokes flow with an exact solution for the dragging problem of a cylinder near a wall. We demonstrate that the reduced dynamical system possesses a Hamiltonian structure, which we use to show that the swimmer cannot migrate stably at a constant distance from a wall but only exhibit periodic oscillatory motion along the wall, or to escape from it. A treadmilling swimmer with the lowest two treadmilling modes is investigated in detail by means of a bifurcation analysis of the reduced dynamical system. It is found that the swimming direction of oscillatory motion is clarified by the sign of the Hamiltonian in the absence of flow, and that the induction of the flow suppresses upstream migration but aligns swimmer orientations in downstream migration. These results could inform strategies for the transport and control of micro-organisms and micromachines.
From active stresses and forces to self-propulsion of droplets
Authors: Kree R. , Burada P. S. , Zippelius A.
Published: May 2017

We study the self-propulsion of spherical droplets as simplified hydrodynamic models of swimming micro-organisms or artificial micro-swimmers. In contrast to approaches that start from active velocity fields produced by the system, we consider active interface tractions, body force densities and active stresses as the origin of autonomous swimming. For negligible Reynolds number and given activity, we compute the external and internal flow fields as well as the centre of mass velocity and angular velocity of the droplet at fixed time. To construct trajectories from single time snapshots, the evolution of active forces or stresses must be determined in the laboratory frame. Here, we consider the case of active matter, which is carried by a continuously distributed rigid but sparse (cyto)-skeleton that is immersed in the droplet interior. We calculate examples of trajectories of a droplet and its skeleton from force densities or stresses, which may be explicitly time-dependent in a frame fixed within the skeleton.
Grandiose Citizenship and the Dialectic of the Citizen and the Self
Authors: Gagnon Jean-Paul
Published: May 2017

Democracy depends on a competent citizenry. Individuals composing the citizenry, for instance, need to have the knowledge, skill set and disposition that will allow them to professionally engage their elected representatives, to deeply understand the characteristics of their polities, to meaningfully participate in the public sphere and, overall, to collectively embody a shared life observable to others as being democratic in its nature. Yet we are confronted with the realization that an institution of the citizenry, as here expressed, is not observable in any democracy. This reflects badly for practised democracies today. If anything it brings their democratic credentials into doubt.
Revisiting Connell: competition but not as we know it
Authors: Gordon Jenna M. , Knights Antony M.
Published: May 2017

Space is one of the primary limiting resources for organisms on the intertidal rocky shore. This paper examined the effect of reduced density on key traits (mortality and growth) on the intertidal barnacles, Chthamalus montagui and Semibalanus balanoides, on the mid-shore in Plymouth, UK. Intra- and interspecific treatments comprising of C. montagui and S. balanoides were manipulated to reduce densities at two similar sites. Changes in mortality and operculum growth were assessed over an 8-week period using digital photography. Covariates of growth included nearest neighbour distance, competition between closest pairs and initial size. Conflicting patterns were observed when comparing growth rates between treatments and sites. At Site 1, interspecific treatments had a lower growth rate than intraspecific treatments, whereas at Site 2, interspecific growth rates were higher. ANCOVA showed that nearest neighbour distance had no significant effect on growth, but when comparing differences in growth of closest neighbouring pairs, C. montagui treatment showed evidence of competition whereas S. balanoides did not. ANCOVA analysis indicated no difference in growth between each outcome of pair competition, suggesting winners are initially bigger than losers. Comparisons of mortality between treatments indicated mortality over time with no significant differences observed between treatments, but response surface methodology (RSM) revealed no effects of competition on mortality of S. balanoides, but negative effects of both intra- and interspecific competition on C. montagui survivorship. Examination of natural populations of barnacles in the mid-shore indicated there was strong spatial variation in growth rates, perhaps driven by small-scale differences within sites.
When Teachable Moments Become Ethically Problematic
Authors: DZENG ELIZABETH
Published: May 2017

There is frequently tension in medical education between teaching moments that provide skills and knowledge for medical trainees, and instrumentalizing patients for the purpose of teaching. In this commentary, I question the ethical acceptability of the practice of providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to dying patients who would be unlikely to survive resuscitation, as a teaching opportunity for medical trainees. This practice violates the principle of informed consent, as the patient agreed to resuscitation for the purpose of potentially prolonging life rather than to futile resuscitation as a teaching opportunity. Justifying futile resuscitation in order to practice normalizes deceptive and nonconsensual teaching cases in medical training. Condoning these behaviors as ethically acceptable trains physicians to believe that core ethical principles are relative and fluid to suit one’s purpose. I argue that these practices are antithetical to the principles espoused by both medical ethics and physician professionalism.
A 1.4-Billion-Pixel Map of the Gulf of Mexico Seafloor
Authors: Kramer K. , Shedd W.
Published: May 2017

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management releases the highest-resolution bathymetry map of the region to date.
Unseasonable Weather Entrenches Climate Opinions
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: May 2017

Democrats and Republicans double down on their climate change opinions when faced with slightly cooler or warmer weather.
JAK/STAT signaling is necessary for cell monosis prior to epithelial cell apoptotic extrusion
Authors: Torres Alba Y , Malartre Marianne , Pret Anne-Marie , Agnès François
Published: May 2017

Epithelial cell extrusion is crucial for proper development and tissue homeostasis. High-resolution 3D reconstruction and 4D imaging, combined with genetic analyis, have allowed us to reveal the highly-sterotyped morphogenetic events controlled by JAK/STAT signaling in a developmentally-programmed case of epithelial cell extrusion. Specialized somatic cells, Polar Cells (PCs), are produced in excess and then undergo apoptotic elimination from the follicular epithelium in the Drosophila ovary. We show that supernumerary PCs are first systematically enveloped by PC neighbors on all sides, first laterally, then apically in conjunction with highly-reinforced adherens junctions, and finally basally. The PC to be removed thus loses all contact with follicle cells, germline cells and the basement membrane in a process we have called cell ‘monosis’, for ‘isolation’ in Greek. PC monosis takes several hours, and always precedes, and is independent of, activation of apoptosis. JAK/STAT signaling is necessary within the surrounding follicular epithelium for PC monosis. Minutes after monosis is complete, PC apoptotic corpses are formed and extruded laterally within the epithelium, in contrast to the apical and basal extrusions described to date. These apoptotic corpses are engulfed and eliminated by surrounding follicle cells, which are thus acting as non-professional phagocytes. This study therefore shows the non cell-autonomous impact of an epithelium, via JAK/STAT signaling activation, on cell morphogenesis events leading to apoptotic extrusion. It is likely that the use of high-resolution 3D and 4D imaging, which allows for better spatio-temporal understanding of morphogenetic events, will reveal that cell monosis and lateral extrusion within an epithelium are pertinent for other cases of epithelial cell extrusion as well.
Restricting the induction of NGF in ovarian stroma engenders selective follicular activation through the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: He Yuanlin , Peng Xiaoxu , Wu Tinghe , Yang Weijie , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Jing , Su Yiping , Kong Feifei , Dou Xiaowei , Li Jing
Published: May 2017

In mammalian ovaries, primordial follicles remain in a quiescent state until activation by the surrounding microenvironment. Ovarian intervention, for example, ovarian cystectomy, ovarian wedge resection or laser drilling therapies for polycystic ovarian syndrome, has long been reported to change follicular development by an unknown mechanism(s). Herein, we established a murine model with partial ovarian resection of one ovary unilaterally, with the contralateral ovary undamaged. We found the injury accelerated follicular activation and development through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the stimulation of primordial follicles was restricted near the incision site where the mTORC1 pathway showed sequential activation beginning at the interstitial cells and proceeding to the primordial follicles. Total and polysome-associated RNA-seq revealed the increase of the nerve growth factor (NGF) family member, in both two fractions and immunostaining showed the restricted induction of NGF near the incision site. In cultured newborn ovaries, NGF demonstrated increase of follicular activation, and moreover, the NGF inhibitor K252a effectively blocked activation of primordial follicles stimulated by the surgery. We liken ovulation in mammals to minor tissue trauma, which happens naturally and cyclically in the body. As the increase in NGF accompanied the accumulation of activated primordial follicles after ovulation, our study may represent a common mechanism for selective follicular activation induced by a localized increase in NGF in interstitial cells and mediated via the mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, the NGF inhibitor K252a and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin constitute good candidates for protecting follicular reserve against over exhaustion after ovarian surgery.
Dicer and microRNAs protect adult dopamine neurons
Authors: Chmielarz Piotr , Konovalova Julia , Najam Syeda Sadia , Alter Heike , Piepponen Timo Petteri , Erfle Holger , Sonntag Kai C , Schütz Günther , Vinnikov Ilya A , Domanskyi Andrii
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs (miRs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression implicated in neuronal development, differentiation, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Several miRs have been linked to PD-associated genes, apoptosis and stress response pathways, suggesting that deregulation of miRs may contribute to the development of the neurodegenerative phenotype. Here, we investigate the cell-autonomous role of miR processing RNAse Dicer in the functional maintenance of adult dopamine (DA) neurons. We demonstrate a reduction of Dicer in the ventral midbrain and altered miR expression profiles in laser-microdissected DA neurons of aged mice. Using a mouse line expressing tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase under control of the DA transporter promoter, we show that a tissue-specific conditional ablation of Dicer in DA neurons of adult mice led to decreased levels of striatal DA and its metabolites without a reduction in neuronal body numbers in hemizygous mice (DicerHET) and to progressive loss of DA neurons with severe locomotor deficits in nullizygous mice (DicerCKO). Moreover, we show that pharmacological stimulation of miR biosynthesis promoted survival of cultured DA neurons and reduced their vulnerability to thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our data demonstrate that Dicer is crucial for maintenance of adult DA neurons, whereas a stimulation of miR production can promote neuronal survival, which may have direct implications for PD treatment.