bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dulce de leche‐like product enriched with emulsified pecan oil: Assessment of physicochemical characteristics, quality attributes, and shelf‐life
Authors: Ranalli Natalia , Andrés Silvina C. , Califano Alicia N.
Published: January 2017

“Dulce de leche” (DL) is a rich, creamy, caramel‐like milk‐based sauce or spread, prepared by concentrating whole milk with sucrose, reaching a lipid content of about 6% w/w. A DL‐like product with pre‐emulsified pecan oil as fat source was developed. Nonfat milk, xanthan gum, sugars, pecan oil, and natural tocopherols were included in the formulation prepared in a pilot‐plant scale and stored at room temperature. Pecan oil‐DL showed physicochemical and rheological characteristics similar to those of commercial DL containing ∼6% milk fat. A slight increase in viscosity was observed after 2 months of storage, remaining almost constant thereafter. Crystal formation was not observed and microbial counts were low. Slight lipid oxidation was experienced after 138 days. DL fatty acid (FA) profile showed high content of unsaturated FA (UFA, 89–90% w/w), mainly oleic and linoleic acids, effectively protected by both tocopherols and antioxidant compounds. Pecan oil‐DL presented good sensorial characteristics (above 7 points on a 10 point‐hedonic scale), with 82.6% less saturated FA and 200% more UFA than a traditional milk fat‐product, being an alternative product with lipid profile enriched in unsaturated fatty acids.

Practical applications: The “dulce de leche” (DL) jam‐like developed could be considered an alternative to the traditional DL, with better nutritional value considering its lipid composition. It has a fatty acid (FA) balance in favor of unsaturated FA as well as absence of cholesterol in the formulation because it is a product elaborated with nonfat milk. DL formulated with pecan oil showed physicochemical, rheological, and sensory characteristics similar to commercial products that contain about ∼6% milk fat. It showed good stability during storage at room temperature, with no lactose crystal formation, and only slight lipid oxidation. The product was successfully developed in the laboratory and also produced in a pilot plant scale, thus, it is feasible to produce it at an industrial scale.

A DL‐like product with pre‐emulsified pecan oil as fat source was developed. Pecan oil‐DL showed physicochemical and rheological characteristics similar to those of commercial DL containing ∼6% milk fat. DL fatty acid (FA) profile showed high content of unsaturated FA (UFA, 89–90% w/w), mainly oleic and linoleic acids, effectively protected by both tocopherols and antioxidant compounds. Pecan oil‐DL presented good sensorial characteristics, with 82.6% less saturated FA and 200% more UFA than a traditional milk fat‐product, being an alternative product with lipid profile enriched in unsaturated fatty acids.
Enantiospecific Syntheses of Hongoquercins A and B and Chromazonarol
Authors: Dethe Dattatraya H. , Murhade Ganesh M. , Dherange Balu D. , Sau Susanta Kumar
Published: January 2017

An environmentally benign and highly atom‐economical catalytic method for Friedel–Crafts alkylation and diastereoselective C–O bond formation has been developed. The scope and generality of this reaction is illustrated by the synthesis of chromazonarol, hongoquercins A and B, and their analogues.
The characterization of dissolved organic matter extracted from different sources and their influence on cadmium uptake by Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Ni Lixiao , Su Lili , Li Shiyin , Wang Peifang , Li Dandan , Ye Xiang , Li Yi , Li Yong , Li Yiping , Wang Chao
Published: January 2017

The present study examines the uptake of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) by Microcystis aeruginosa in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from different origins. The DOM used in the present study were extracted from soil, sediment taken from Meiliang Bay at Taihu Lake, and from M. aeruginosa cultured in the laboratory. The 3 different DOM samples were characterized using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy was used to characterize the interactions of DOM with Cd2+. The results showed that all types of DOM extracted from the 3 sources in the present study exhibited aliphatic and aromatic characteristics and contained hydroxyls, carbonyls, phenols, carboxyls, carbohydrates, amines, and ethers. Humic acids and fulvic acids proved to be the major components of DOM. The sediment DOM had the highest degrees of aromatization and humification among the samples. The results also showed that sediment and soil DOM samples had lower molecular weights than M. aeruginosa DOM. The DOM could react with Cd2+ by complexing to alter Cd speciation. When exposed to Cd, EEM fluorescence intensities of all 3 DOM types had a significant decrease, and the intracellular Cd content improved with increasing Cd concentrations. The addition of DOM greatly enhanced Cd uptake by M. aeruginosa compared with the control group. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1856–1863. © 2017 SETAC
Factors associated with brain volume in major depression in older adults without dementia: results from a large autopsy study
Authors: Nunes Paula Villela , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Leite Renata Elaine Paraizo , Ferretti‐Rebustini Renata Eloah de Lucena , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto , Nitrini Ricardo , Farfel Jose Marcelo , de Oliveira Katia Cristina , Grinberg Lea Tenenholz , da Costa Nicole Rezende , Nascimento Camila Fernandes , Salmasi Faraz , Kim Helena Kyunghee , Young Lionel Trevor , Jacob‐Filho Wilson , Lafer Beny
Published: January 2017

Objective

We examined brain volume and atrophy in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) without dementia that were referred to a large autopsy service. We also examined potential risk factors for brain atrophy, including demographics and clinical variables.

Methods

In this study, 1373 participants (787 male) aged 50 years or older who died from natural causes were included. Participants with no reliable informant, with cognitive impairment or dementia, with a medical history of severe chronic disease, or with prolonged agonal state were excluded. Presence of MDD at least once in their lifetime was defined according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM. Brain volume was measured immediately after removal from the skull.

Results

Mean age at death was 68.6 ± 11.6, and MDD was present in 185 (14%) individuals. Smaller brain volume was associated with older age (p < 0.001), lower education (years; p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.006), and female gender (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for sociodemographics and cardiovascular risk factors, smaller brain volume was not associated with major depression (β = −0.86, 95% CI = −26.50 to 24.77, p = 0.95).

Conclusions

In this large autopsy study of older adults, MDD was not associated with smaller brain volumes. Regardless of the presence of MDD, in this sample of older adults without dementia, we found that smaller brain volumes were associated with risk factors for brain neurodegeneration such as older age, diabetes, hypertension, and lower education. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidepressant use and risk of hip fractures among community‐dwelling persons with and without Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Torvinen‐Kiiskinen Sanna , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Koponen Marjaana , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Hartikainen Sirpa , Taipale Heidi
Published: January 2017

Objective

To study whether antidepressant use is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture among community‐dwelling persons with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to compare the risk according to duration of use and between antidepressant groups.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study, including 50,491 persons with AD (mean age 80) and 100,982 comparison persons without AD from Finnish register‐based MEDALZ cohort. Antidepressant use was compared with nonuse with Cox proportional hazard models. Incident users were identified with a one year washout period from Prescription register data. Main outcome was hospitalization due to hip fracture.

Results

During antidepressant use, the age‐adjusted rate of hip fractures per 100 person‐years was 3.01 (95% CI 2.75–3.34) among persons with and 2.28 (1.94–2.61) among persons without AD. Antidepressant use was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture among persons with and without AD (adjusted HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.45–1.80 and 2.71, 2.35–3.14, respectively) compared with nonuse. The risk was most prominent in the beginning of use and was elevated even up to 4 years. The risk was increased with all of the most frequently used antidepressants.

Conclusion

Antidepressant use is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture among older persons. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of dengue NS1 antigen rapid diagnostic test for use in difficult to reach areas and its comparison with dengue NS1 ELISA and qRT‐PCR
Authors: Shukla Mohan K. , Singh Neeru , Sharma Ravendra K. , Barde Pradip V.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of dengue virus (DENV) non structural protein 1 (NS1) based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for use in tribal and difficult to reach areas for early dengue (DEN) diagnosis in acute phase patients and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity against DENV NS1 enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The DENV NS1 RDT was used for preliminary diagnosis during outbreaks in difficult to reach rural and tribal areas. The diagnosis was confirmed by DENV NS1 ELISA in the laboratory. The samples were also tested and serotyped by qRT‐PCR. The results were evaluated using statistical tests. The DENV NS1 RDT showed 99.2% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity when analyzed using DENV NS1 ELISA as standard. The specificity and sensitivity of the RDT when compared with qRT‐PCR was 93.6% and 91.1%, respectively. The serotype specific evaluation showed more than 90% sensitivity and specificity for DENV‐1, 2, and 3. The RDT proved a good diagnostic tool in difficult to reach rural and tribal areas. Further evaluation studies with different commercially available RDTs in different field conditions are essential, that will help clinicians and patients for treatment and programme managers for timely intervention.
Towards a personalized surgical margin for breast conserving surgery—Implications of field cancerization in local recurrence
Authors: Lebya Katarina , Garcia‐Smith Randi , Swaminathan Radha , Jones Anna , Russell John , Joste Nancy , Bisoffi Marco , Trujillo Kristina
Published: January 2017

The amount of normal tissue that should be excised during breast conserving surgery is widely debated. Tissue adjacent to breast tumors, although histologically normal, possesses many of the molecular abnormalities found in tumor tissues. Here, we propose that the ideal physical distance for a surgical margin may not be universal. Rather, an adequate surgical margin likely varies from patient to patient, depending on the biology of the tissue that remains after surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:109–115. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intermittent pneumatic compression in combination with low‐molecular weight heparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolic events in esophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Parry Kevin , Sadeghi Amir‐Hossein , van der Horst Sylvia , Westerink Jan , Ruurda Jelle P. , van Hillegersberg Richard
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) in the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer.

Methods

From a prospective database, all patients operated between 2010 and 2014 received IPC in addition to LMWH and were compared to a historical cohort of patients treated LMWH only (2004–2009).

Results

Of the 313 included patients, 195 (62%) received IPC. Patients with IPC received neoadjuvant chemoradiation more often (45% vs. 3%, P < 0.001), whereas, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was equally distributed (31% vs. 34%, P = 0.631). There were no differences with regard to surgical approach, operative time, blood loss, and ICU stay. Patients treated without IPC had a longer hospital stay (18 vs. 15 days, P = 0.014). Overall, 12 clinical VTE's occurred in 11 patients, which consisted of two deep venous thromboses and 10 pulmonary embolisms. In the group of patients, who received IPC 1.5% developed a symptomatic VTE compared to 6.8% in patients without IPC (OR = 0.215; 95% CI = 0.06–0.83). Multivariate analysis identified IPC as the only independent prognostic factor correlated with a reduction in postoperative VTE's (OR = 0.225; 95% CI = 0.06–0.88).

Conclusion

The addition of IPC in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer was associated with a reduction in symptomatic VTE's. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:181–185. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of surgery type on survival and recurrence in very young women with breast cancer
Authors: Quan May Lynn , Paszat Lawrence Frank , Fernandes Kimberly A. , Sutradhar Rinku , McCready David R. , Rakovitch Eileen , Warner Ellen , Wright Frances C. , Hodgson Nicole , Brackstone Muriel , Baxter Nancy N.
Published: January 2017

Background

The impact of surgical treatment on outcomes in breast cacner in very young women remains unclear. We sought to determine the effect of surgery type on risk of recurrence and survival in a population‐based cohort.

Methods

All women diagnosed with breast cancer aged ≤35 (1994–2003) were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Patient, tumor, and treatment variables, including primary surgery, recurrences, and death were abstracted from chart review. Cox regression models were fit to determine the effect of surgery type on recurrence and overall survival.

Results

We identified 1,381 patients with 11‐year median follow‐up of which 793 (57%) had BCS. Of the remaining mastectomy patients, 52% had postmastectomy radiation. Overall, 41% of patients sustained a recurrence of any type and 31% died. Controlling for known confounders, there was no association between type of surgery and death from any cause (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.78, 1.25) or first recurrence (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.75, 1.14). Distant recurrence was most common (13% in BCS; 25.3% in mastectomy) with local recurrence 12.4% after BCS and 7.5% after mastectomy.

Conclusions

In this cohort of very young women who were selected for treatment with BCS and mastectomy, we found similar oncologic outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:122–130. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fe3O4/polyethylene glycol nanocomposite as a solid‐phase microextraction fiber coating for the determination of some volatile organic compounds in water
Authors: Farjaminezhad Manoochehr , Tehrani Mohammad Saber , Aberoomand Azar Parviz , Bohlooli Shahab , Hussain Syed Waqif
Published: January 2017

A high‐performance metal oxide polymer magnetite/polyethylene glycol nanocomposite was prepared and coated in situ on the surface of the optical fiber by sol–gel technology. The magnetite nanoparticles as nanofillers were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and bonded with polyethylene glycol as a polymer. The chemically bonded coating was evaluated for the headspace solid–phase microextraction of some environmentally important volatile organic compounds from aqueous samples in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The prepared fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mass ratio of nanofiller and polymer on the coating extraction efficiency, morphology, and stability were investigated. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, including the extraction time and temperature, the ionic strength, desorption temperature, and time were optimized. The sol–gelized fiber showed excellent chemical stability and longer lifespan. It also exhibited high extraction efficiency compared to the two types of commercial fibers. For volatile organic compounds analysis, the new fiber showed low detection limits (0.008–0.063 ng/L) and wide linearity (0.001–450 × 104 ng/L) under the optimized conditions. The repeatability (interday and intraday) and reproducibility were 4.13–10.08 and 5.98–11.61%, and 7.35–14.79%, respectively (n = 5). For real sample analysis, three types of water samples (ground, surface, and tap water) were studied.
Alpha invariant for general polarizations of del Pezzo surfaces of degree 1
Authors: Hong Kyusik , Won Joonyeong
Published: January 2017

For an arbitrary ample divisor A in smooth del Pezzo surface S of degree 1, we verify the condition of the polarization to be K‐stable and it is a simple numerical condition.
Rough norms in spaces of operators
Authors: Haller Rainis , Langemets Johann , Põldvere Märt
Published: January 2017

We investigate sufficient and necessary conditions for the space of bounded linear operators between two Banach spaces to be rough or average rough. Our main result is that is δ‐average rough whenever is δ‐average rough and Y is alternatively octahedral. This allows us to give a unified improvement of two theorems by Becerra Guerrero, López‐Pérez, and Rueda Zoca [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 427 (2015)].
Dietary total flavonoids intake and risk of mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease in the general population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Liu Xue‐ming , Liu Yu‐jian , Huang Yao , Yu Hong‐jie , Yuan Shuai , Tang Bo‐wen , Wang Pei‐gang , He Qi‐qiang
Published: January 2017

Scope

Epidemiologic studies assessing the association between dietary total flavonoids intake and the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all causes have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a dose‐response meta‐analysis to investigate this association.

Method and results

We searched PubMed and Embase databases from January 1966 through May 2016 and examined the references of retrieved articles to identify relevant prospective cohort studies. The random‐effect model was used to calculate the summary risk estimates and dose‐response analysis was performed. Ten studies were included in the present meta‐analysis. The relative risk (RR) of all‐cause mortality for the highest versus lowest category of total flavonoids intake was 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72–0.92). Dose‐response analysis showed that those consuming 200 mg/day of total flavonoids had the lowest risk of all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, a marginally significant association was found between dietary total flavonoids consumption and risk of death from CVD (summary RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.70–1.03; P = 0.099) and coronary heart diseases (summary RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54–1.02; P = 0.069), respectively.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis provides strong evidence for the recommendation of consuming flavonoids‐rich food to reduce risks of mortality from all causes as part of a healthy diet among general adults.
The importance of being Aib. Aggregation and self‐assembly studies on conformationally constrained oligopeptides
Authors: Venanzi Mariano , Gatto Emanuela , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio
Published: January 2017

The role of the conformationally constrained α‐aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residue in the aggregation and self‐assembly properties of oligopeptides is discussed, critically reviewing our recent work in the field. In this connection, three significant case studies are presented: (i) aggregation propensity of Aib homo‐oligopeptides of different length; (ii) perturbation of the conformational and aggregation properties of Ala‐based pentapeptides by a single Aib versus Ala substitution; and (iii) build up of self‐assembled monolayers formed by Aib homo‐hexapeptide building blocks. The peptides investigated were all functionalized by a fluorescent probe, that is, a naphthyl group in the first case‐study and a pyrenyl group in the other two, with the aim at applying optical spectroscopy techniques and evaluating the relevance of aromatic interactions in the aggregation process. Microscopy techniques at nanometric resolution and results of molecular dynamics simulations are also presented to analyze how the conformational properties of the peptide building blocks would affect the morphology of the peptide aggregates from the nanoscale to the mesoscale. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of working pressure on the structure and properties of ZnO film
Authors: Fan Xiaoling , Liu Juncheng , Zhai Shenqiu
Published: January 2017

ZnO thin films were prepared via RF magnetron sputtering from a ZnO ceramic target. The effects of the working pressure on the ZnO film structure, surface morphology, and photoelectrical properties were investigated. The films were all compact, and composed of polycrystalline grains with hexagonal wurtzite structures and a c‐axis preference. The film crystal size first increased and then decreased with increasing pressure, so did the Hall mobility. In contrast, the carrier concentration and body resistivity initially decreased before increasing. Moreover, the film's inner compressive stress first decreased before increasing with increasing working pressure. All of the thin films exhibited high transmittances averaging 85% in the visible region. The band gap for the films ranged from 3.26 to 3.28 eV.
Networked control of battery‐powered systems with communication scheduling and power allocation
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Guo Ge , Zhuang Yan
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates networked control of a collection of battery‐powered systems with seriously limited communication capacity and power resources. We aim to stabilize the systems by effectively assigning the communication channels and appropriately allocating the transmission powers so that the energy consumption is within an energy budget. The role of channel assignment is to guarantee network access for all plants when needed; the mission of power allocation is to ensure a desired rate of successful packet transmission for each channel. These two aspects are achieved by a scheduling policy and a power allocation method, respectively, each of which is derived based on stability and schedulability requirements. An interesting co‐design framework is derived for communication scheduling, transmission power allocation and stabilizing control. The presented methodology can guarantee a desired decay rate and a given energy consumption for each plant. The effectiveness of the results is demonstrated by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and High Tibial Osteotomy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Varus Knees
Authors: Ebied Ayman M. , Azim Foda Adel Abdel
Published: January 2017

Background

The presence of varus deformity in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees can be a source of persistent knee pain owing to medial compartment overload. This deformity may threaten the outcome of ACL reconstruction because of increased tension on the graft.

Methods

In the period between June 2006 to January 2013, 12 patients with ACL deficiency and genu varus were treated by anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction and open medial wedge high tibial osteotomy. The selected patients had manifestations of ACL deficiency in association with medial joint line pain with or without lateral thrust.

Results

Prospective evaluation using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was performed. The mean follow-up period was 56 months (range, 26–74 months). This technique achieved knee stability and realignment to normal values. The IKDC score has significantly improved from 37 (pre-operation) to 78 (post-operation) ( p<0.05).

Conclusion

The combined procedure of ACL reconstruction and high tibial osteotomy restored knee stability and reduced pain over the medial compartment. Although the combined procedure has a longer period of rehabilitation than an isolated ACL reconstruction, the elimination of lateral thrust and preservation of articular cartilage of the medial compartment are of paramount importance to the future of these knees.
Preferential Use of Nitrofurantoin Over Fluoroquinolones for Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis and Outpatient Escherichia coli Resistance in an Integrated Healthcare System
Authors: Pedela Rebecca L. , Shihadeh Katherine C. , Knepper Bryan C. , Haas Michelle K. , Burman William J. , Jenkins Timothy C.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate changes in outpatient fluoroquinolone (FQ) and nitrofurantoin (NFT) use and resistance among E. coli isolates after a change in institutional guidance to use NFT over FQs for acute uncomplicated cystitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective preintervention–postintervention study.

SETTING

Urban, integrated healthcare system.

PATIENTS

Adult outpatients treated for acute cystitis.

METHODS

We compared 2 time periods: January 2003–June 2007 when FQs were recommended as first-line therapy, and July 2007–December 2012, when NFT was recommended. The main outcomes were changes in FQ and NFT use and FQ- and NFT-resistant E. coli by time-series analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 5,714 adults treated for acute cystitis and 11,367 outpatient E. coli isolates were included in the analysis. After the change in prescribing guidance, there was an immediate 26% (95% CI, 20%–32%) decrease in FQ use (P<.001), and a nonsignificant 6% (95% CI, −2% to 15%) increase in NFT use (P=.12); these changes were sustained over the postintervention period. Oral cephalosporin use also increased during the postintervention period. There was a significant decrease in FQ-resistant E. coli of −0.4% per quarter (95% CI, −0.6% to −0.1%; P=.004) between the pre- and postintervention periods; however, a change in the trend of NFT-resistant E. coli was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In an integrated healthcare system, a change in institutional guidance for acute uncomplicated cystitis was associated with a reduction in FQ use, which may have contributed to a stabilization in FQ-resistant E. coli. Increased nitrofurantoin use was not associated with a change in NFT resistance.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:461–468
Scalar gradients in stirred mixtures and the deconstruction of random fields
Authors: Le Borgne T. , Huck P. D. , Dentz M. , Villermaux E.
Published: January 2017

A general theory for predicting the distribution of scalar gradients (or concentration differences) in heterogeneous flows is proposed. The evolution of scalar fields is quantified from the analysis of the evolution of elementary lamellar structures, which naturally form under the stretching action of the flows. Spatial correlations in scalar fields, and concentration gradients, hence develop through diffusive aggregation of stretched lamellae. Concentration levels at neighbouring spatial locations result from a history of lamella aggregation, which is partly common to the two locations. Concentration differences eliminate this common part, and thus depend only on lamellae that have aggregated independently. Using this principle, we propose a theory which envisions concentration increments as the result of a deconstruction of the basic lamella assemblage. This framework provides analytical expressions for concentration increment probability density functions (PDFs) over any spatial increments for a range of flow systems, including turbulent flows and low-Reynolds-number porous media flows, for confined and dispersing mixtures. Through this deconstruction principle, scalar increment distributions reveal the elementary stretching and aggregation mechanisms building scalar fields.
Intermittency of laminar separation bubble on a sphere during drag crisis
Authors: Deshpande Rahul , Kanti Vivek , Desai Aditya , Mittal Sanjay
Published: January 2017

The phenomenon of drag crisis for uniform flow past a smooth sphere is investigated via experiments in a low-turbulence wind tunnel for$1.5\times 10^{5}\leqslant Re\leqslant 5.0\times 10^{5}$. The Reynolds number,$Re$, is based on the free-stream speed and the diameter of the sphere. Based on the activity related to the laminar separation bubble (LSB), the critical regime for the occurrence of drag crisis ($3.4\times 10^{5}<Re<4.4\times 10^{5}$) is further divided into three subregimes. The gradual decrease of mean drag coefficient ($\overline{C}_{D}$) with$Re$, in subregime I, is due to the increase of base pressure and suction near the shoulder of the sphere. The flow is devoid of an LSB in this regime. The coefficient$\overline{C}_{D}$decreases very rapidly with increase in$Re$in subregime II primarily due to the increase in mean base pressure ($\overline{C}_{P,b}$). This subregime is characterized by intermittent switching of$C_{D}$and$C_{P,b}$between bistable states. Statistical analysis of the surface-pressure and force coefficients relates this behaviour to the intermittent appearance/disappearance of the LSB. The two states of the flow are referred to as the LSB and non-LSB states. The frequency of appearance of the LSB and the duration of its stay increase with increase in$Re$. An intermittency factor$I_{f}$, defined as the fraction of time during which the LSB exists in the flow, is estimated at each$Re$. The value of$I_{f}$is zero in subregime I and increases from zero to one, with increase in$Re$, in subregime II. The variation of$\overline{C}_{D}$with$Re$is found to follow the variation of ($1-I_{f}$) with$Re$. This shows that the decrease of$\overline{C}_{D}$with increase in$Re$, during drag crisis, is primarily due to the increased probability of the LSB state as opposed to the non-LSB state. A spatio-temporal analysis of the surface pressure measured at various polar locations on the surface of the sphere confirms the axisymmetric nature of the intermittent LSB. In subregime III of the critical regime, the LSB exists at all time instants ($I_{f}=1$). The$\overline{C}_{D}$value continues to decrease with$Re$in this subregime due to increase in$\overline{C}_{P,b}$. Unlike the general belief that the decrease in$\overline{C}_{D}$with increase in$Re$is due only to the increase in$\overline{C}_{P,b}$, it is found that the increase in suction upstream of the shoulder of the sphere, with increase in$Re$, also plays an important role. In particular, in the high subcritical regime ($2.5\times 10^{5}<Re<3.4\times 10^{5}$), the gradual decrease in$\overline{C}_{D}$with increase in$Re$is due solely to the increase in suction in a region upstream of the shoulder of the sphere.
Characterization of the Chloroform-Based Pretreatment Method for14C Dating of Restored Wooden Samples
Authors: Liccioli Lucia , Fedi Mariaelena , Carraresi Luca , Mandò Pier Andrea
Published: January 2017

At INFN-LABEC (Florence, Italy), a new pretreatment for radiocarbon dating based on chloroform has been recently set up. This method aims to remove the synthetic resins used for artwork restoration, which otherwise could alter the original14C content. The present study characterizes the efficiency of the process when applied to wood. We have verified whether the effectiveness of the pretreatment depends on the number of extractions in chloroform. We prepared samples by applying different volumes of Paraloid B-72®, one of the most widespread products used in restoration, on poplar wood of known age. Contaminated samples were artificially aged in a climatic chamber. A fraction from each sample was collected before any treatment and after respectively 1, 2, 3, and 4 extractions in chloroform, and14C dating by AMS, the resin appears to be already removed after the first two extractions. Furthermore, the extracted mixtures of chloroform and possible removed Paraloid were measured by FTIR spectroscopy, the results of which confirmed the14C results. The efficiency of the pretreatment was also verified on historical wooden materials that had been previously restored. In these cases, a higher number of extractions is required, suggesting a careful approach when dealing with “real” artworks.
RECURSIVE BACKWARD SCHEME FOR THE SOLUTION OF A BSDE WITH A NON LIPSCHITZ GENERATOR
Authors: Tardelli Paola
Published: January 2017

On an incomplete financial market, the stocks are modeled as pure jump processes subject to defaults. The exponential utility maximization problem is investigated characterizing the value function in term of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (BSDEs), driven by pure jump processes. In general, in this setting, there is no unique solution. This is the reason why, the value function is proven to be the limit of a sequence of processes. Each of them is the solution of a Lipschitz BSDE and it corresponds to the value function associated with a subset of bounded admissible strategies. Given a representation of the jump processes driving the model, the aim of this note is to give a recursive backward scheme for the value function of the initial problem.
A REPLY TO PETER LYTH ON WHETHER AN INFINITE TEMPORAL REGRESS OF EVENTS IS POSSIBLE
Authors: Ter Ern Loke Andrew
Published: January 2017

Peter Lyth claimed that my argument against an infinite temporal regress of events conflates number as an abstract entity with number as a number of events or things. I show that my argument does not depend on such a conflation.
Verwendung ökonomischer Spiele für die Diagnostik psychischer Erkrankungen
Authors: Kupferberg Aleksandra , Preuss Nora , Hasler Gregor
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung. Ein zentraler Aspekt vieler psychischer Erkrankungen ist die Störung eines oder mehrerer Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse in sozialen Interaktionen. Die neuartige Kombination aus ökonomischer Spieltheorie und Neurowissenschaft ermöglicht es, aufgrund der Spieltheorie Abweichungen im Sozialverhalten psychischer Patienten „komputational“ zu untersuchen. In laufenden Studien untersuchen wir das soziale Entscheidungsverhalten von Patienten mit unipolarer Depression, Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung und Autismus-Spektrum Störung mittels einfacher sozialer Experimente. Bei der Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung hat sich gezeigt, dass das Vertrauensverhalten, Kooperationsverhalten und Bestrafungsverhalten der Betroffenen inkonsistent ist. Patienten mit Autismus-Spektrum Störung unterschieden sich nicht von gesunden Kontrollpersonen in Bezug auf Vertrauen und Kooperation, teilen aber deutlich weniger Belohnung mit anderen, wenn sie nicht dafür bestraft werden konnten. Die Verwendung des Wettbewerbsparadigmas hat gezeigt, dass Individuen mit Depression den Wettbewerb mehr scheuen als gesunde Kontrollpersonen. In einer aktuellen fMRI-Studie kombinieren wir das Wettbewerbsparadigma mit funktioneller Kernspintomographie, um Veränderungen der Hirnaktivität zu untersuchen, die den veränderten Wettbewerbspräferenzen bei Depression zugrunde liegen.
Globozoospermia and lack of acrosome formation in GM130-deficient mice
Authors: Han Feng , Liu Chunyi , Zhang Lianjun , Chen Min , Zhou Yang , Qin Yan , Wang Yaqing , Chen Min , Duo Shuguang , Cui Xiuhong , Bao Shilai , Gao Fei
Published: January 2017

Globozoospermia is a common reproductive disorder that causes male infertility in humans, and the malformation or loss of acrosomes is the prominent feature of this disease. Although the acrosome is thought to be derived from the Golgi apparatus, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. GM130 is a cis-side localized Golgi matrix protein,whereas the physiological functions of this protein remain elusive. Here we showed that inactivation of GM130-caused male infertility in mouse model. The primary defects were the absence of acrosomes, round sperm heads, and aberrant assembly of the mitochondrial sheath, which comprise the characteristic features of human globozoospermia. Further investigation indicated that loss of GM130 did not affect the secretion of pro-acrosomic vesicles, whereas the vesicles failed to fuse into a single large acrosome vesicle. Co-localization of the adaptor protein complex AP1 and trans-Golgi network (TGN) protein TGN46 was disrupted, suggesting that the malformation of acrosomes is most likely due to the defect in the sorting and coating of Golgi-derived pro-acrosomic vesicles. Thus, the GM130-deficient mouse provides a valuable model for investigating the etiology of human globozoospermia.
Temporal gradients limit the accumulation of neutrophils toward sources of chemoattractant
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arvind , Ellett Felix , Jorgensen Julianne , Irimia Daniel
Published: January 2017

Neutrophil trafficking during inflammation is a highly orchestrated process, coordinating neutrophil recruitment, sterilization of the wound, and inflammation resolution. Although the chemotactic signals guiding neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation are relatively well understood, our knowledge of mechanisms controlling cessation of neutrophil recruitment and return to normal tissue physiology remains incomplete. To gain insights into these processes, we designed a microfluidic device with an array of chemoattractant reservoirs, which mimics the microenvironment in infected tissues, when multiple clusters of microbes are present. We monitored the temporal dynamics of neutrophil recruitment toward the chemoattractant reservoirs at single cell resolution, for 3 h. We observed robust neutrophil recruitment that reached a plateau after 1.5 h, despite the continuous presence of strong chemoattractant gradients around the reservoirs. The timing of the plateau was dependent on the geometry of the devices and was independent from the number of neutrophils. On the basis of these observations, we ruled out sub-population sensitivity, chemoattractant scavenging, and production of a self-limiting stop signal as potential mechanisms underpinning the plateau in neutrophil recruitment. We found a strong correlation between the temporal stabilization of concentration changes and the plateau in neutrophils recruitment. These results suggest that dynamic aspects of chemoattractant gradients are key for maximizing recruitment during the acute phase of infections and limiting the accumulation of neutrophils as soon as the infection is contained.
Identifying possible asthma–COPD overlap syndrome in patients with a new diagnosis of COPD in primary care
Authors: Baarnes Camilla Boslev , Kjeldgaard Peter , Nielsen Mia , Miravitlles Marc , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: January 2017

The asthma–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) remains poorly characterised. Our aim was to describe an algorithm for identifying possible ACOS in adults with newly diagnosed COPD in primary care. General practitioners (n=241) consecutively recruited subjects ⩾35 years, with tobacco exposure, at least one respiratory symptom and no previous diagnosis of obstructive lung disease. Possible ACOS was defined as chronic airflow obstruction, i.e., post-bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume 1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio<0.70, combined with wheeze (ACOS wheeze) and/or significant BD reversibility (ACOS BD reversibility). Of 3,875 (50% females, mean age 57 years) subjects screened, 700 (18.1%) were diagnosed with COPD, i.e., symptom(s), tobacco exposure and chronic airflow obstruction. Indications for ACOS were found in 264 (38%) of the COPD patients. The prevalence of ACOS wheeze and ACOS BD reversibility was 27% (n=190) and 16% (n=113), respectively (P<0.001), and only 6% (n=39) of the COPD patients fulfilled both criteria for ACOS. Patients with any ACOS were younger (P=0.04), had more dyspnoea (P<0.001), lower FEV1%pred (67% vs. 74%; P<0.001) and lower FEV1/FVC ratio (P=0.001) compared with COPD-only patients. Comparing subjects fulfilling both criteria for ACOS with those fulfilling criteria for ACOS wheeze only (n=151) and those fulfilling criteria for ACOS BD reversibility only (n=74) revealed no significant differences. Irrespective of the applied ACOS definition, no significant difference in life-time tobacco exposure was found between ACOS- and COPD-only patients. In subjects with a new diagnosis of COPD, the prevalence of ACOS is high. When screening for COPD in general practice among patients with no previous diagnosis of obstructive lung disease, patients with possible ACOS may be identified by self-reported wheeze and/or BD reversibility.
Inefficient co-feeding transmission of Borrelia afzelii in two common European songbirds
Authors: Heylen Dieter J. A. , Sprong Hein , Krawczyk Aleksandra , Van Houtte Natalie , Genné Dolores , Gomez-Chamorro Andrea , van Oers Kees , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: January 2017

The spirochete bacterium Borrelia afzelii is the most common cause of Lyme borreliosis in Europe. This tick-borne pathogen can establish systemic infections in rodents but not in birds. However, several field studies have recovered larval Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with B. afzelii from songbirds suggesting successful transmission of B. afzelii. We reviewed the literature to determine which songbird species were the most frequent carriers of B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus larvae and nymphs. We tested experimentally whether B. afzelii is capable of co-feeding transmission on two common European bird species, the blackbird (Turdus merula) and the great tit (Parus major). For each bird species, four naïve individuals were infested with B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus nymphal ticks and pathogen-free larval ticks. None of the co-feeding larvae tested positive for B. afzelii in blackbirds, but a low percentage of infected larvae (3.33%) was observed in great tits. Transstadial transmission of B. afzelii DNA from the engorged nymphs to the adult ticks was observed in both bird species. However, BSK culture found that these spirochetes were not viable. Our study suggests that co-feeding transmission of B. afzelii is not efficient in these two songbird species.
The RhoA/ROCK Pathway Ameliorates Adhesion and Inflammatory Infiltration Induced by AGEs in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Rao Jialing , Ye Zengchun , Tang Hua , Wang Cheng , Peng Hui , Lai Weiyan , Li Yin , Huang Wanbing , Lou Tanqi
Published: January 2017

A recent study demonstrated that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a role in monocyte infiltration in mesangial areas in diabetic nephropathy. The Ras homolog gene family, member A Rho kinase (RhoA/ROCK) pathway plays a role in regulating cell migration. We hypothesized that the RhoA/ROCK pathway affects adhesion and inflammation in endothelial cells induced by AGEs. Rat glomerular endothelial cells (rGECs) were cultured with AGEs (80 μg/ml) in vitro. The ROCK inhibitor Y27632 (10 nmol/l) and ROCK1-siRNA were used to inhibit ROCK. We investigated levels of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein1 (MCP-1) in rGECs. Db/db mice were used as a diabetes model and received Fasudil (10 mg/kg/d, n = 6) via intraperitoneal injection for 12 weeks. We found that AGEs increased the expression of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in rGECs, and the RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibitor Y27632 depressed the release of adhesion molecules. Moreover, blocking the RhoA/ROCK pathway ameliorated macrophage transfer to the endothelium. Reduced expression of adhesion molecules and amelioration of inflammatory cell infiltration in the glomerulus were observed in db/db mice treated with Fasudil. The RhoA/ROCK pathway plays a role in adhesion molecule expression and inflammatory cell infiltration in glomerular endothelial cells induced by AGEs.
Experimental investigation of the hydraulic and heat-transfer properties of artificially fractured granite
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhu Yongqiang , Guo Qinghai , Tan Long , Zhuang Yaqin , Liu Mingliang , Zhang Canhai , Xiang Wei , Rohn Joachim
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the hydraulic and heat-transfer properties of two sets of artificially fractured granite samples are investigated. First, the morphological information is determined using 3D modelling technology. The area ratio is used to describe the roughness of the fracture surface. Second, the hydraulic properties of fractured granite are tested by exposing samples to different confining pressures and temperatures. The results show that the hydraulic properties of the fractures are affected mainly by the area ratio, with a larger area ratio producing a larger fracture aperture and higher hydraulic conductivity. Both the hydraulic apertureand the hydraulic conductivity decrease with an increase in the confining pressure. Furthermore, the fracture aperture decreases with increasing rock temperature, but the hydraulic conductivity increases owing to a reduction of the viscosity of the fluid flowing through. Finally, the heat-transfer efficiency of the samples under coupled hydro-thermal-mechanical conditions is analysed and discussed.
The combined effects of sediment accretion (burial) and nutrient enrichment on the growth and propagation of Phalaris arundinacea
Authors: Chen Xinsheng , Liao Yulin , Xie Yonghong , Wu Chao , Li Feng , Deng Zhengmiao , Li Xu
Published: January 2017

Sediment accretion (burial) and nutrient enrichment occur concurrently in lacustrine wetlands, but the role of these two aspects of sedimentation on macrophyte performance has rarely been examined. Here, we investigated the concurrent effects of sediment accretion and nutrient enrichment on the growth and propagation of Phalaris arundinacea L. using a factorial sediment burial by nutrient addition experimental design. Regardless of burial depth, nutrient addition increased biomass accumulation, shoot mass ratio, the number of rhizomes, and the length of ramets and rhizomes. While burial had little effect on plant growth and propagation, it had an interactive effect with nutrient addition on belowground growth and ramet production. These results indicate that P. arundinacea is tolerant to burial, which allows it to grow in habitats with high sedimentation rates. However, the enhanced growth and propagation of P. arundinacea following sedimentation were primarily related to nutrient enrichment. This suggests that nutrient enrichment of sediments, which occurs in many lacustrine wetlands, increases the risk of invasion by P. arundinacea.
High Shear Stresses under Exercise Condition Destroy Circulating Tumor Cells in a Microfluidic System
Authors: Regmi Sagar , Fu Afu , Luo Kathy Qian
Published: January 2017

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the primary targets of cancer treatment as they cause distal metastasis. However, how CTCs response to exercise-induced high shear stress is largely unknown. To study the effects of hemodynamic microenvironment on CTCs, we designed a microfluidic circulatory system that produces exercise relevant shear stresses. We explore the effects of shear stresses on breast cancer cells with different metastatic abilities, cancer cells of ovarian, lung and leukemic origin. Three major findings were obtained. 1) High shear stress of 60 dynes/cm2 achievable during intensive exercise killed more CTCs than low shear stress of 15 dynes/cm2 present in human arteries at the resting state. 2) High shear stress caused necrosis in over 90% of CTCs within the first 4 h of circulation. More importantly, the CTCs that survived the first 4 h-circulation, underwent apoptosis during 16–24 h of post-circulation incubation. 3) Prolonged high shear stress treatment effectively reduced the viability of highly metastatic and drug resistant breast cancer cells. As high shear stress had much less damaging effects on leukemic cells mimicking the white blood cells, we propose that intensive exercise may be a good strategy for generating high shear stress that can destroy CTCs and prevent cancer metastasis.