bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Gene Regulatory Networks—A Review
Authors: Cussat-Blanc Sylvain , Harrington Kyle , Banzhaf Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

In nature, gene regulatory networks are a key mediator between the information stored in the DNA of living organisms (their genotype) and the structural and behavioral expression this finds in their bodies, surviving in the world (their phenotype). They integrate environmental signals, steer development, buffer stochasticity, and allow evolution to proceed. In engineering, modeling and implementations of artificial gene regulatory networks have been an expanding field of research and development over the past few decades. This review discusses the concept of gene regulation, describes the current state of the art in gene regulatory networks, including modeling and simulation, and reviews their use in artificial evolutionary settings. We provide evidence for the benefits of this concept in natural and the engineering domains.
Spatial Structure Can Decrease Symbiotic Cooperation
Authors: Vostinar Anya E. , Ofria Charles
Published: January 2019

Mutualisms occur when at least two species provide a net fitness benefit to each other. These types of interactions are ubiquitous in nature, with more being discovered regularly. Mutualisms are vital to humankind: Pollinators and soil microbes are critical in agriculture, bacterial microbiomes regulate our health, and domesticated animals provide us with food and companionship. Many hypotheses exist on how mutualisms evolve; however, they are difficult to evaluate without bias, due to the fragile and idiosyncratic systems most often investigated. Instead, we have created an artificial life simulation, Symbulation, which we use to examine mutualism evolution based on (1) the probability of vertical transmission (symbiont being passed to offspring) and (2) the spatial structure of the environment. We found that spatial structure can lead to less mutualism at intermediate vertical transmission rates. We provide evidence that this effect is due to the ability of quasi species to purge parasites, reducing the diversity of available symbionts. Our simulation is easily extended to test many additional hypotheses about the evolution of mutualism and serves as a general model to quantitatively compare how different environments affect the evolution of mutualism.
Cocconeis scutellum var. parva (Bacillariophyceae) re-examination and typification
Authors: RIAUX-GOBIN CATHERINE , WITKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , IGERSHEIM ANTON
Published: January 2019

Electron microscope (EM) is essential for the morphological description of small taxa, but also reveals taxa hitherto grouped under the same name although presenting marked ultrastructural differences: e.g., Cocconeis scutellum var. parva. The latter taxon has been interpreted differently by authors, while no type has been examined since the original description. A slide from the Grunow’s collection in W, annotated by Albert Grunow as containing C. scutellum var. parva was examined and detailed for the first time. This slide allowed for a more precise definition of C. scutellum var. parva and is here designated as lectotype. This paper analyzes the history of C. scutellum var. parva and attempts to exclude definitions that are too far from the original drawings and from the lectotype illustration. A tropical–population from Rodrigues Island (Indian Ocean) composed of small specimens with stria densities significantly denser than observed on the nominate variety, is here described as an epitype of C. scutellum var. parva and is illustrated with SEM. A small taxon from Tahiti Island (South Pacific Ocean), seemingly close to C. scutellum var. parva, has unique raphe valve valvocopula with cupuliform papillae. The latter specificity is considered a simple variation and may illustrate the range of morphological variability admitted for a taxon.
A new species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from northwestern Ecuador
Authors: BAQUERO R. LUIS E.
Published: January 2019

A new species of Lepanthes form Ecuador, Lepanthes kayii, is described, illustrated and compared with other similar species. L. kayii is compared to the similar species L. saltatrix and is the latest discovered species from a group of species of this genus which share several unique features in flower and plant morphologies.
A new species of Dinotoperla Tillyard, 1921 from the Shoalhaven Catchment, New South Wales, Australia (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae)
Authors: THEISCHINGER GUNTHER , MYNOTT JULIA H.
Published: January 2019

Dinotoperla cherylae sp. nov. (Holotype ♂: New South Wales, Upper Kangaroo River, 34.672998oS/150.601391oE, 14-Dec-2017) is described from the Shoalhaven Catchment in New South Wales, Australia. The affinities and phylogenetic relationships of the new species are discussed.
The Abbreviated Vigilance Task and Its Attentional Contributors
Authors: Craig Curtis M. , Klein Martina I.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To measure contributing attentional processes, particularly that of executive attention, to two iterations of the abbreviated vigilance task.

Background:

Joel Warm was at the forefront of vigilance research for decades, and resource theory is currently the dominant explanation for the vigilance decrement. The underlying mechanisms contributing to both overall performance and the decrement are only partly understood.

Method:

Seventy-eight participants answered questionnaires about their attentional skills and stress state, performed the Attention Network Test and two blocks of the 12-min abbreviated vigilance task, with a brief break between the two vigils during which they viewed images intended to affect performance. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin were measured with functional near-infrared imaging.

Results:

Expected patterns were observed for both iterations of the abbreviated vigilance task, with performance declining after the first 2 min. Manipulations intended to evaluate whether executive processes contributed to vigilance performance failed to observe an effect. Other factors, particularly orienting and alerting attentional networks, task engagement, and subclinical ADHD symptomology were associated with performance. Significant factors for the first and second vigilance blocks were different.

Conclusion:

We suggest that (a) cognitive control is not a predominant factor, at least for the abbreviated vigilance task, and (b) attentional mechanisms and stress states affecting performance on the abbreviated vigilance task change over time.

Application:

Potential applications of this research include the use of breaks for sustained attention tasks involving high sensory load, and implications for the use of the abbreviated vigilance task as a proxy for general vigilance processes.
NLRP12 Attenuates Inflammatory Bone Loss in Experimental Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Taira T.M. , Lima V. , Prado D.S. , Silva T.A. , Issa J.P.M. , da Silva L.A.B. , Zamboni D.S. , Cunha F.Q. , Fukada S.Y.
Published: January 2019

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder that results from the host immune response to microbial infection through the dental pulp, leading to alveolar bone destruction. The nod-like receptor 12 (NLRP12) is an atypical intracellular sensor of the NLR family that is involved in the negative regulation of several inflammatory conditions and also osteoclastogenesis. However, the role of NLRP12 in the regulation of immune response and bone loss induced by bacterial infection remains unclear. Here we investigated the development of apical periodontitis in wild-type (WT) and NLRP12 knockout (NLRP12–/–) mice by using micro–computed tomography together with histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses. We found that NLRP12–/– mice are highly susceptible to apical periodontitis induced by bacterial infection, which is associated with an elevated infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, periapical lesion extension, and alveolar bone destruction. Furthermore, NLRP12–/– mice showed a high expression of inflammatory cytokines ( Il1b, Il6, and Tnfa) and the osteoclastogenic markers ( Rankl and Acp5) in the periapical tissues. Consistent with this observation, NLRP12–/– mice showed an increased number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive cells lining the apical periodontitis site, which was associated with augmented expression of the osteoclast effector genes, Ctsk and Mmp9. Mechanistically, NLRP12-deficient preosteoclasts showed elevated IκB-α degradation and p65 phosphorylation when stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)–κB ligand (RANKL). Similarly, increased IκB-α degradation was observed in the periapical tissue of NLRP12–/– mice. Furthermore, our in vitro study showed that preosteoclasts from NLRP12–/– mice exhibited higher RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, which was synergistically amplified by interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (mimicking an inflammatory periapical milieu). In conclusion, our data show that NLRP12 exhibits a protective role in the periapical bone destruction by attenuating inflammation and osteoclastogenesis through negative regulation of the NF-κB pathway.
Impact of Carbamide Peroxide Whitening Agent on Dentinal Collagen
Authors: Redha O. , Strange A. , Maeva A. , Sambrook R. , Mordan N. , McDonald A. , Bozec L.
Published: January 2019

Carbamide peroxide (CP) is widely used as a tooth-whitening agent in self-administered tooth-bleaching products. In this study, the effects of 5% and 10% CP on dentinal collagen structure and chemical properties were evaluated in vitro. Thirty-five intact teeth were exposed to 2 whitening protocols (2 or 4 h daily) with either 5% or 10% CP gel for 1 wk. Shade changes before and after the whitening protocol were captured colorimetrically using a spectroshade. Collagen scaffold models and demineralized dentine disc samples were prepared and exposed to CP droplets (5% or 10%). Structural changes were investigated using electron microscopy. Finally, mineralized dentine disc samples were prepared postbleaching to assess chemical changes resulting from CP exposure in dentinal collagen using Raman spectroscopy. Results showed a difference in tooth shade when exposed to 5% and 10% CP whitening protocols, with a significantly ( P ≤ 0.01) greater change reported for the 10% CP/4-h group. Imaging of the collagen scaffold model following exposure to CP showed a gelatinization process indicating that the free radical by-products from CP are able to disrupt the quaternary structure of noncrosslinked collagen. The most significant damage on the collagen scaffold was seen for the 10% CP exposure for 4 h. Imaging of the demineralized discs displayed the same glassy amorphous layer appearance as found in the collagen scaffold. Raman spectra of the mineralized dentine discs showed a significant decrease ( P ≤ 0.01) in the integrated area of amide I and amide III values in the 4 test groups following CP application. Amide I was more affected as both the exposure time and concentration of CP increased. Despite the claimed safety of whitening agents, this in vitro study concludes that even low concentrations of CP result in a deleterious change in dentinal collagen.
Spectrum of neurological complications in chikungunya fever: experience at a tertiary care centre and review of literature
Authors: Anand Kuljeet Singh , Agrawal Arun Kumar , Garg Jyoti , Dhamija Rajinder K , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar
Published: January 2019

Chikungunya (CHIK) has re-emerged as a potential neurotropic virus, with outbreaks recently being reported from many parts of India. The present study was conducted to study the spectrum and outcome of neurological complications in patients of CHIK during the 2016 outbreak in Delhi. A total of 42 cases seropositive for IgM CHIK antibodies by MAC-ELISA and developing neurological complications were enrolled. The male:female ratio was 1:2 (age range = 18–90 years). The neurological manifestations observed were encephalitis (n = 12), bulbar palsy (n = 3), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n = 1), cerebellitis (n = 1), myelopathy (n = 1), radiculoneuropathy (n = 3), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 9) and tremors (n = 1). Ten patients reported worsening of pre-existing neuropathic symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (n = 4) and carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 6). One patient had aggravation of myasthenia gravis leading to respiratory failure. The majority of patients (n = 32) showed a good outcome; ten had a poor prognosis, out of which four died, all from the encephalitis group, particularly the elderly with co-morbidities.
Reducing Uncertainty in EQ-5D Value Sets: The Role of Spatial Correlation
Authors: Shams Shahriar , Pullenayegum Eleanor
Published: January 2019

Objective. Scoring algorithms for the EQ-5D-3L are constructed subject to a large degree of uncertainty (a credible interval width of 0.152, which is significant in comparison to the reported minimal important differences). The purpose of this work is to explore modeling techniques that will reduce the extent of this uncertainty. Methods. We used the US valuation study data. A Bayesian approach was used to calculate predicted utilities and credible intervals. A spatial Gaussian correlation structure was used to model correlation among health states (HS), thus allowing directly valued HS to contribute to the predicted utility of nearby unvalued HS. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to compare model performances. Results. The average posterior standard deviation was 0.039 for the unvalued health states and 0.011 for the valued health states. Using cross-validation, the US D1 model had 31% coverage probability. Models with independent and Gaussian correlation had coverage probabilities of 95% and 93%, respectively. Moreover, the Gaussian correlation structure resulted in a 25.6% reduction in mean squared error (SE) and 13.2% reduction in mean absolute error (AE) compared to the independent correlation structure (mean SE of 0.00131 v. 0.00176 and mean AE of 0.02818 v. 0.03248). Conclusion. Uncertainty was substantially lower for the directly valued HS compared to unvalued HS, suggesting direct valuation of as many health states as possible. Incorporation of a spatial correlation significantly reduced uncertainty. Hence, we suggest incorporating this when constructing scoring algorithms.
Perspectives of non-specialists on the potential to serve as ethics committee members
Authors: Kane Chikako , Takechi Kenshi , Chuma Masayuki , Nokihara Hiroshi , Takagai Tomoko , Yanagawa Hiroaki
Published: January 2019

Objective

In Japan, under the new Clinical Trials Act pertaining to investigator-initiated clinical trials that came into effect on 1 April 2018, review boards should review proposed clinical trials while considering written opinions from specialists. Additionally, involvement of non-specialists is mandatory, and attention is being placed on their effective contributions. This study was performed to determine representative key issues with which to promote these contributions.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in 2018 using a focus group interview of six non-specialists regarding perspectives on clinical research itself and research ethics committees.

Results

For perspectives on clinical research itself, 33 codes were established and sorted into 2 categories and 6 subcategories relating to ambivalence toward clinical research. For perspectives on research ethics committees, 54 codes were established and sorted into 3 categories and 10 subcategories relating to the theme “knowledge and an environment that promotes non-specialist members’ participation.” One notable result was the willingness of participants to obtain details about a study should they be selected.

Conclusions

The results suggest that detailed explanation of a particular study would encourage non-specialist members to participate in a clinical research review committee. Education aimed at non-specialist participation should therefore be considered in future studies.
An Integrated Mechanics-of-Materials Model for the Elastic Stiffness of Composites
Authors: Lim Teik Cheng
Published: January 2019

An integrated mechanics-of-materials model is developed herein for three classes of composites, namely continuous unidirectional fibre composites, particulate reinforced composites and periodically bilaminate composites. Through a judicious choice of expressing the model, a new parameter, which describes the effect of reinforcing geometry on the composite stiffness in the direction of interest, was extracted. The reinforcement parameter ranges from zero (for the lowest possible reinforcing efficiency) to unity (for the highest possible reinforcing efficiency). The reinforcement parametric values for all the three classes of composites, both parallel and transverse to the reinforcement axis-of-symmetry, are presented. Finally the possible reinforcement parameter range for unidirectional short fibre composites and aligned flake composites are suggested based upon the reinforcement parameter of the three presently considered special cases.
Stiffness Reduction of Composite Laminates under Combined Cyclic Stresses
Authors: Philippidis T. P. , Vassilopoulos A. P.
Published: January 2019

Stiffness reduction due to fatigue of a [0/(±45)2/0]T Glass/Polyester (GRP) laminate under combined cyclic stress is investigated in this experimental study. Stress states combining all three components of in-plane stress tensor are induced by uniaxially testing specimens cut off-axis at various angles from the principal material coordinate system. Modulus reduction is related to the various failure modes exhibited under different states of combined stress. It is verified that shear and transverse normal stress induce more severe stiffness degradation compared to stress states where normal stress in the main fibre direction is dominant. For every loading condition and stress state, it is observed in general that stiffness decrease is more pronounced under lower stress levels than these inducing low cycle fatigue.
An Investigation of the Effect of Processing Conditions on the Interface of Flax/Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Zafeiropoulos N. E. , Baillie C. A. , Matthews F. L.
Published: January 2019

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in using natural fibres as potential reinforcements for polymers. It is well known that the properties of composite materials are controlled by the properties of the matrix and the fibre, as well as of the interface. The most usual methods of strengthening the interface involve the application of surface modification methods on the fibres, or the application of compatibilisers in the matrix. However, it may be possible that one may achieve similar results just by simply controlling the processing conditions, and thus avoiding the application of chemicals that tend to increase the cost. In the present study the effect of cooling rates upon the interface in flax fibre/iPP composites was investigated by means of fragmentation tests. It was found that slower cooling leads to a stronger interface for two different grades of flax fibres; dew retted and green flax.
Damping Performance of Thermoplastic-Elastomer Interleaved Cfrp - Effect of Viscoelasticity of the Inter-Laminar Films and Stiffness of the Intra-Laminar Region -
Authors: Kishi Hajime , Kuwata Manabu , Matsuda Satoshi , Asami Toshihiko , Murakami Atsushi
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study is to characterize damping performance of carbon-fibre reinforced interleaved toughened laminates using two types of thermoplastic-elastomer films as the interleaf materials. The damping properties of interleaved laminates depend not only on the viscoelastic properties of the interleaf films but also on the laminate sequence. The stiffness of the intra-laminar region, which can be determined by the fibre volume fraction, the elastic modulus of the fibres and the fibre arrangements, would give considerable effect on the local strain of the interleaf films and control the damping properties of the whole interleaved laminates.
Mechanical and Morphological Characterization of Selected Natural Fibres
Authors: Schledjewski Ralf , Medina Luisa , Schlarb Alois K.
Published: January 2019

The present work aims to characterize the morphological and mechanical properties of hemp and kenaf fibres. The mechanical properties of natural fibres highly depend on many factors like soil, growth conditions, harvest time or fibre treatment. Since the mechanical properties of the composite are highly conditioned by the characteristics of the fibres, a comprehensive study of the mechanical properties of the fibres is required in order to optimize the composite's properties.

The fibres were characterized by single fibre tensile testing. Due to the high standard deviation of the measurements, the tensile strength data were statistically assessed. To describe strength data the Weibull distribution function was used. It has been assumed that the fracture stresses of natural fibres are distributed according to the two-parametric Weibull distribution.
A Study on the Interfacial Structure of Spray-Deposited SiCP / Al-Fe-V-Si Composite
Authors: Yiqiang He , Qiao Bin , Wang Na , Yang Jianming , Chen Jinsong , Chen Zhen-hua
Published: January 2019

SiCP/Al-Fe-V-Si composite was prepared by spray-deposition. Two kinds of interfaces between SiC particle and the Al matrix were observed in the composite. One was constituted by the glassy silica which could decrease the formation of Al4C3, improve wettability, avoid particle consumption and increase the interfacial strength. The other was a diffusion interface without any interfacial phase which resulted in a high strength bonding at the SiC interface. Fine twinned Al4C3 phases formed in the matrix near the interface, then strengthened the composite further.
Analysis of Defects during the Preforming of a Woven Flax Reinforcement
Authors: Ouagne P. , Soulat D. , Hivet G. , Allaoui S. , Duriatti D.
Published: January 2019

This paper presents one of the first experimental investigations to analyze the formability of dry woven preform made of flax yarns. A defect analysis at the preform scale, such as wrinkling or buckling is conducted. This work indicates the mechanisms at the origin of these defects. To form complex shapes without generation of defects, the constitution and the architecture of the yarns constituting the woven fabric should be optimised.
Influence of Styrene Maleic Anhydride Compatibilizer on the Properties of Polyurethane Carbon Nanocomposites
Authors: Mariappan Bharathi , Jaisankar Sellamuthu N.
Published: January 2019

In this study styrene maleic anhydride polymer was used as compatibilizer in making nanocomposites of polyurethane with carbon nanotubes (single walled) using twin screw extruder. The dispersion of nanotubes in polymer matrix was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties were analysed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyser. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites was estimated using Instron tensile testing machine. The result reveals that the addition of compatibilizer increases the tensile strength and the degradation temperature. In addition the energy calculation shows by using the compatibilizer the energy consumption of the extruder can be reduced.
Synthesis and Properties of Highly Conducting Natural Flake Graphite/Phenolic Resin Composite Bipolar Plates for Pem Fuel Cells
Authors: Gautam Rajeev K. , Kar Kamal K.
Published: January 2019

Electrically conductive composite bipolar plates consisting of resole-typed phenol formaldehyde resin and natural flake graphite (NFG) have been fabricated by compression molding technique at room temperature. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of NFG content, molding pressure, and nano-sized carbon black (NCB) on the properties of composite bipolar plates. The NFG/resin composite plates have been studied for various properties including electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. It has been observed that the composite plates prepared at NFG content of 45 wt%, NCB content of 4.5 wt%, and molding pressure of 15 MPa have optimum properties. Under optimal conditions, bipolar plates showed better properties at bulk density 1.79 g/cc, electrical conductivity 358 S/cm, flexural strength 29.3 MPa, compressive strength 43.6 MPa, water absorption 0.34% and surface microhardness 72.6 HV. Additionally, the plates were thermally stable up to 300°C. Hence, NFG/resin composites successfully fulfil the DOE-2015 requirements for bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells.
Experimental Study on Fibre Reinforced Resin-Based Composite Stiffened Panel with Low Velocity Impact Damage under Shearing Load
Authors: An Tao , Feng Yv , He Yvting
Published: January 2019

Drop hammer impact tests on the Fibre Reinforced Resin-Based composite stiffened panels are used to make low velocity impact damage. And then shearing experiments on impacted specimen and intact ones are conducted to obtain the buckling load and failure load. Test results of impacted specimens and intact ones are compared to analyse the effect of damage on the carrying capacity of the structure. The results show that there is no obvious buckling during the tests for two kinds of panels. But the low velocity impact damage on the panel can reduce the failure load of the structure a lot. The failure modes mainly contain damage of four corners, cleaving of skin and deformation of specimen and so on. The experimental results offer some valuable references to engineering application of the structure.
Iosipescu Shear Test of Composite Joint Specimens in Tensile Loading
Authors: Kim Jang-Kyo , Park Joo Hyuk
Published: January 2019

The stress field arising in tensile loading of the Iosipescu shear test is analyzed by means of finite element method. In a parametric study on a composite laminates-adhesive joint, the tensile loading method is shown more effective in creating a pure shear stress field with negligible normal stresses in the notched area than the conventional compressive loading method, although the maximum shear stress is marginally higher for the former method than the latter.
Sand Erosion Behaviour of Alumina - Filled Epoxy Resin
Authors: Saputra Asep Handaya , Kubouchi Masatoshi , Tsuda Ken , Arai Kazuyoshi , Mitomo Nobuo
Published: January 2019

Alumina-filled epoxy resin in which erosion phenomena occurred is one typical particulate-filled composite and has been used in applications such as insulation material of the magnetic coil in linear motor car. In this study, the effect of attack angle, the content and shape of filler on erosion damage were investigated.
Points-Based Reward Systems in Gamification Impact Children’s Physical Activity Strategies and Psychological Needs
Authors: Ahn Sun Joo (Grace) , Johnsen Kyle , Ball Catherine
Published: January 2019

Gamification is an increasingly popular form of health intervention but its efficacy remains elusive due to a lack of clarity in its conceptualization and operationalization. This study aimed to isolate and determine the direct causal effect of one of the most popular game elements used in gamified interventions, the points-based reward system, on physical activity (PA) in children. A 72-hour field study with children aged 9 to 13 ( N = 67) was conducted using a digital PA intervention featuring a virtual dog, with and without a points-based reward system. PA was assessed with an activity monitor, and overall PA, three levels of PA intensity, and PA strategies during the 3-day intervention were measured. Guided by self-determination theory, the impact of the points-based reward system on children’s basic psychological needs was also investigated. Results indicated that the points-based reward system briefly increased PA engagement but did not significantly affect overall PA over time. When given equal number of points regardless of intensity, children approached the PA intervention strategically by engaging in significantly more light intensity and significantly less vigorous intensity PA than children who did not receive points. Results also suggested that the points-based reward system might promote perceptions of relatedness with the virtual agent featured in the gamified intervention.
Influence of elevated water levels on wind field characteristics at a bridge site
Authors: Jing Hongmiao , Liao Haili , Ma Cunming , Chen Kejian
Published: January 2019

The influence of elevated water levels on wind field characteristics at bridge sites owing to hydroelectric power stations plays an important role in bridge engineering, particularly in mountainous valley regions. To investigate this issue, a comparative experimental study, which uses a topographic model with two water level states for determining the influence on wind field characteristics at the proposed bridge site located in a mountainous valley area, was conducted in the XNJD-3 wind tunnel at Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, PR China. The altitude difference between the two water level states was approximately 200 m, whereas uniform and D-type boundary layer air inflow conditions were adopted during the wind tunnel test, respectively. The wind speed at the bridge girder and profile of the 1/4, mid, and 3/4 spans were recorded during the experiment. The test results indicated that after the water level was raised, the mean wind speed (or speed-up factor) along the bridge girder decreased by approximately 10%, and the values of the wind profile also decreased. However, the wind profile curve shapes remained approximately unchanged, and the wind attack angle was significantly transformed by approximately 5° in certain locations of the bridge girder. Moreover, the variation in the water level had a negligible influence on the turbulence intensities, turbulence integral length scales, probability distribution of fluctuating wind components, and turbulent wind spectra along the bridge girder. Therefore, as the water level in the canyon rises, the wind field characteristics at the bridge site tend to be conducive to bridge safety. Therefore, long-span bridges located in mountainous valley areas should be designed appropriately according to the expected minimum water level of the river.
The barycentric interpolation collocation method for a class of nonlinear vibration systems
Authors: Wu Hongchun , Wang Yulan , Zhang Wei , Wen Tao
Published: January 2019

A nonlinear vibration system arises in physics. Besides its mathematical model, it is of great importance to have an accurate and reliable solution to the system. Though there are many analytical methods, such as the variational iteration method and the homotopy perturbation method, numerical approaches are rare. This paper suggests the barycentric interpolation collocation method to solve nonlinear oscillators. The Duffing equation is adopted as an example to elucidate the solution process. Some numerical examples are studied to demonstrate the accuracy of the present method. Results obtained by the method indicate the method is simple and effective.
A macroscopic and hierarchical location model of regional road traffic disaster relief material repository
Authors: Xi Jianfeng , Mu Kai , Ding Tongqiang , Zhang Chengyuan , Guo Hongyu
Published: January 2019

Since the disaster point of road traffic emergency and the emergency demand were uncertain, the demand weighting model and the hierarchical location model are suitable for the characteristics of road traffic emergency. According to the requirements for coverage area of the macroscopic-location of the large area of disaster relief material repository, the demand weighting model and the hierarchical location model were established in this article. Among them, the demand weight model was solved by modeling, and the demand weight of each disaster point was obtained; the location model was combined with immune algorithm and ant colony algorithm to get the hierarchical location scheme. Finally, Jing-jin-ji that represented China’s “capital circle” was taken as an example, the model was solved using MATLAB, the mathematical software, and provided scientific and reasonable decision-making support for location selection. Moreover, it also provided a basis for the classification of the road traffic disaster relief material repository.
The application of omics techniques to understand the role of the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Segal Jonathan P. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Acharjee Animesh , Williams Horace R. T. , Iqbal Tariq , Hart Ailsa L. , Marchesi Julian R.
Published: January 2019

The aetiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involves the complex interaction between a patient’s genetic predisposition, environment, gut microbiota and immune system. Currently, however, it is not known if the distinctive perturbations of the gut microbiota that appear to accompany both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the cause of, or the result of, the intestinal inflammation that characterizes IBD.

With the utilization of novel systems biology technologies, we can now begin to understand not only details about compositional changes in the gut microbiota in IBD, but increasingly also the alterations in microbiota function that accompany these. Technologies such as metagenomics, metataxomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabonomics are therefore allowing us a deeper understanding of the role of the microbiota in IBD. Furthermore, the integration of these systems biology technologies through advancing computational and statistical techniques are beginning to understand the microbiome interactions that both contribute to health and diseased states in IBD.

This review aims to explore how such systems biology technologies are advancing our understanding of the gut microbiota, and their potential role in delineating the aetiology, development and clinical care of IBD.
Exploring and Preparing for Successful Cross-continental Knowledge and Technology Transfer: A Case Study on International Open Innovation
Authors: Barrell Alan , Hsu Joanne
Published: January 2019

Shanghai Energy Corporation—SHEnergy Group, a major Chinese enterprise in energy provision and the development of continuous improvements in energy conservation within urban development, is undertaking a major initiative in establishing the Shanghai International Energy Innovation Centre (SIEIC). Within the programme, study visits to London and Cambridge in the UK led to a decision to seek close collaboration with established and mature centres of excellence in technology transfer and the support of new company development and scale up, providing the rapid transfer of methodology and process and in addition to establishing longer term connections and relationships enabling the identification, curation, funding and eventual adoption of promising new technology from Cambridgexf and other UK and Western centres by SIEIC—in ways bringing benefits to all parties.
Multiscale uncertainty assessment in geostatistical seismic inversion
Authors: Azevedo Leonardo , Demyanov Vasily
Published: January 2019

Geostatistical seismic inversion is commonly used to infer the spatial distribution of the subsurface petroelastic properties by perturbing the model parameter space through iterative stochastic sequential simulations/co-simulations. The spatial uncertainty of the inferred petroelastic properties is represented with the updated a posteriori variance from an ensemble of the simulated realizations. Within this setting, petroelastic realizations are generated assuming stationary and known large-scale geologic parameters (metaparameters), such as the spatial correlation model and the global a priori distribution of the properties of interest, for the entire inversion domain. This assumption leads to underestimation of the uncertainty associated with the inverted models. We have developed a practical framework to quantify uncertainty of the large-scale geologic parameters in geostatistical seismic inversion. The framework couples geostatistical seismic inversion with a stochastic adaptive sampling and Bayesian inference of the metaparameters to provide a more accurate and realistic prediction of uncertainty not restricted by heavy assumptions on large-scale geologic parameters. The proposed framework is illustrated with synthetic and real case studies. The results indicate the ability to retrieve more reliable acoustic impedance models with a more adequate uncertainty spread when compared with conventional geostatistical seismic inversion techniques. The proposed approach accounts for geologic uncertainty at the large scale (metaparameters) and the local scale (trace-by-trace inversion).
Genomic Assessment of Blood-Derived Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Colorectal Cancers: Correlation With Tissue Sequencing, Therapeutic Response, and Survival
Authors: Kato Shumei , Schwaederlé Maria C. , Fanta Paul T. , Okamura Ryosuke , Leichman Lawrence , Lippman Scott M. , Lanman Richard B. , Raymond Victoria M. , Talasaz AmirAli , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Genomic alterations in blood-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with colorectal cancers were correlated with clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Next-generation sequencing of ctDNA (54- to 73-gene panel) was performed in 94 patients with colorectal cancer.

Results

Most patients (96%) had metastatic or recurrent disease at the time of blood draw. The median number of nonsynonymous alterations per patient was three (range, zero to 30). The most frequently aberrant genes were TP53 (52.1% of patients), KRAS (34%), and APC (28.7%). Concordance between tissue and blood next-generation sequencing ranged from 63.2% ( APC) to 85.5% ( BRAF). Altogether, 74 patients (79%) had one or more nonsynonymous alterations, 69 (73%) had one or more potentially actionable alterations, and 61 (65%) had an alteration actionable by a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (on or off label). Lung metastases correlated with improved survival from diagnosis in univariable analysis. ctDNA of 5% or more from blood tests as well as EGFR and ERBB2 (HER2) nonsynonymous alterations correlated with worse survival (but only ERBB2 remained significant in multivariable analysis). No two patients had identical molecular portfolios. Overall, 65% versus 31% of patients treated with matched (n = 17) versus unmatched therapy (n = 18) after ctDNA testing achieved stable disease for 6 months or more, partial response, or complete response ( P = .045); progression-free survival, 6.1 versus 2.3 months ( P = .08); and survival not reached versus 9.4 months ( P = .146; all by multivariable analysis).

Conclusion

Patients with colorectal cancer have heterogeneous ctDNA profiles, and most harbor potentially actionable ctDNA alterations. Matched therapy yielded higher rates of stable disease for 6 months or more, partial response, or complete response. ctDNA assessment may have clinical utility and merits further investigation.
Early and late endothelial response in breast cancer metastasis in mice: simultaneous quantification of endothelial biomarkers using mass spectrometry-based method
Authors: Suraj Joanna , Kurpińska Anna , Zakrzewska Agnieszka , Sternak Magdalena , Stojak Marta , Jasztal Agnieszka , Walczak Maria , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: January 2019

The endothelium plays an important role in cancer metastasis, but the mechanisms involved are still not clear. In the present work, we characterised the changes in endothelial function at early and late stages of breast cancer progression in an orthotopic model of murine mammary carcinoma (4T1 cells). Endothelial function was analysed based on simultaneous microLC/MS-MRM quantification of 12 endothelium-related biomarkers reflecting glycocalyx disruption [syndecan-1 (SDC-1), endocan (ESM-1)], endothelial inflammation [vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin (E-sel)], endothelial permeability [fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT-1), angiopoietin 2 (Angpt-2)], haemostasis [von Willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1)] and others pathophysiologically linked to endothelial function [e.g. adrenomedullin (ADM), adiponectin (ADN)].

The early phase of metastasis in mouse plasma was associated with glycocalyx disruption (increased SDC-1 and ESM-1), endothelial inflammation (increased sVCAM-1) and increased vascular permeability (Angpt-2). During the late phase of metastasis, additional alterations in haemostasis (increased PAI-1 and vWF), as well as a rise in ADM and substantial fall in ADN concentration were observed.

In conclusion, in a murine model of breast cancer metastasis, we identified glycocalyx disruption, endothelial inflammation and increased endothelial permeability as important events in early metastasis, while the late phase of metastasis was additionally characterised by alterations in haemostasis.
Functional Design of Ionic Liquids: Unprecedented Liquids that Contribute to Energy Technology, Bioscience, and Materials Sciences
Authors: Ohno Hiroyuki , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro , Kohno Yuki
Published: January 2019

There are increasing numbers of studies on the design and evaluation of functional ionic liquids (ILs). Recent progress of functional ILs has been reviewed here. Applications of ILs as solvents for hardly-soluble materials in ordinary solvents are discussed mainly from the viewpoint of energy conversion. We focus on a potential application of ILs as electrolyte solution substituents not only for battery but also other electrochemical devices. Also, the uses of ILs as solvents for biomolecules, especially for dissolution of proteins are summarized. Recent progress with zwitterionic ILs and polymerized ILs are also reviewed as unique morphology ILs. Mixtures of molecular liquids and ILs are quite interesting systems, and thermotropic phase change of these mixtures is described including some applications.
Recent advances in the understanding and management of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Krzastek Sarah C , Bopp Justin , Smith Ryan P , Kovac Jason R
Published: January 2019

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is important to a man’s well-being and health, since it not only affects the individual but also causes strain on a couple’s lifestyle and relationship. There are multiple non-invasive treatments that exist for ED including lifestyle changes, oral medications (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors), vacuum-assisted erectile devices, and intraurethral suppositories. While lifestyle changes and oral medications are typically first-line treatments for ED, more-invasive treatments including intracavernosal injections and surgically implanted prosthetic devices may be required for the management of complex cases. Additionally, novel therapies are currently being developed, and future treatment options may include shock-wave therapy, external prosthetic devices, and injection of stem cells or platelet-rich plasma. The current manuscript seeks to highlight advances in management and may eventually alter the treatment paradigm to allow more-inclusive care pathways.
Schizophrenia liability shares common molecular genetic risk factors with sleep duration and nightmares in childhood
Authors: Reed Zoe E. , Jones Hannah J. , Hemani Gibran , Zammit Stanley , Davis Oliver S. P.
Published: January 2019

Background: Sleep abnormalities are common in schizophrenia, often appearing before psychosis onset; however, the mechanisms behind this are uncertain. We investigated whether genetic risk for schizophrenia is associated with sleep phenotypes.

Methods: We used data from 6,058 children and 2,302 mothers from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We examined associations between a polygenic risk score for schizophrenia and sleep duration in both children and mothers, and nightmares in children, along with genetic covariances between these traits.

Results: Polygenic risk for schizophrenia was associated with increased risk of nightmares (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14, p=0.02) in children, and also with less sleep (β=-44.52, 95% CI: −88.98, −0.07; p=0.05). We observed a similar relationship with sleep duration in mothers, although evidence was much weaker (p=0.38). Finally, we found evidence of genetic covariance between schizophrenia risk and reduced sleep duration in children and mothers, and between schizophrenia risk and nightmares in children.

Conclusions: These molecular genetic results support recent findings from twin analysis that show genetic overlap between sleep disturbances and psychotic-like experiences. They also show, to our knowledge for the first time, a genetic correlation between schizophrenia liability and risk of nightmares in childhood.
СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ РЫНКА ГОСТИНИЧНЫХ УСЛУГ Г. КРАСНОЯРСКА
Authors: Safronova Tatyana Nikolaevna , Evtukhova Olga Mikhailovna , Kamoza Tatiana Leontievna
Published: January 2019

Проведен анализ рынка гостиничных услуг г. Красноярска в преддверии Всемирной Универсиады 2019 года. Представлены социально-экономические показатели г. Красноярска, в том числе по деятельности гостиниц и общественного питания. Проанализированы количественные показатели рынка гостиничных услуг 2017–2018 годов, его структура, типы размещения, дополнительные услуги и услуги предприятий общественного питания при гостиницах и иных средствах размещения. Представлена структура потребителей по возрастным группам, а также их оценка услуг гостиниц и других мест размещения в г. Красноярске.Цель – анализ текущего состояния рынка гостиничных услуг г. Красноярска в преддверии Всемирной Универсиады 2019 года.Объекты и методы проведения работы: объектом исследования явились гостиничные предприятия г. Красноярска. Анализ проведен с использованием статистических данных собственных исследований авторов, официальных данных Крайстата, а также контента www.booking.com, использовались статистические, общенаучные методы анализа.Результаты: в результате проведенного анализа можно сделать вывод о медленном, но неуклонном росте показателей гостиничного рынка г. Красноярска. Несмотря, на негативные экономические процессы в стране, гостиничный рынок г. Красноярска в настоящее время восстановился благодаря, в основном, росту спроса на апартаментное размещение. Перспектива развития рынка гостиничных услуг в г. Красноярске связана с проведением в 2019 году XXIX Всемирной зимней универсиады.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять региональным властям г. Красноярска, инвесторам, а также студентам направления обучения «Гостиничное дело».
O „cudownych formacjach”, czyli rzecz o językach kreolskich
Authors: Hlibowicka-Węglarz Barbara
Published: January 2019

What Shall be Understood under Creole Language?Creole languages are being formed as a result of language contact in multicultural and multilingual societies. Why is it that some circumstances are advantageous for their formation while others do not positively influence their formation? Which circumstances are crucial in order for a creole language to be formed? What does the entire process look like? Is the formation of a creole language a universal phenomenon or does it depend on the era and the place? Which creole languages are the most common in the world? Where do they come from? Do they have any characteristic features? These are the key questions that this paper attempts to answer.
Etniczny charakter Epirotów i Macedończyków
Authors: Witczak Krzysztof Tomasz
Published: January 2019

The Ethnic Character of Ancient Epirotes and MacedoniansThe inhabitants of Epirus and Macedonia were treated as “barbarians” by ancient Greeks (so Hecataeus of Miletus, Herodotus, Thucydides, Ps.-Scylax, Ps.-Scymnus, Strabo, and others). According to Plutarch (Pyrrhus I 3), the intensive hellenization of Epirus started with Tharrypas’ reign in the end of fifth century BC. According to Strabo (VII 7.8), ancient Epirotes and Macedonians spoke the same language but some of them were bilingual. This means that the original language of Epirotes and Macedonians was non-Greek, but they used Greek in the capacity of the international language of the East Mediterranean area. Numerous preserved glosses demonstrate an Indo-European (and non-Greek) origin of Epirotes and Macedonians.