bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population genetic structure and demographic history of the black fly vector, Simulium nodosum in Thailand
Authors: CHAIYASAN P. , PRAMUAL P.
Published: June 2016

An understanding of the genetic structure and diversity of vector species is crucial for effective control and management. In this study, mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to examine the genetic structure, diversity and demographic history of a black fly vector, Simulium nodosum Puri (Diptera: Simuliidae), in Thailand. A total of 145 sequences were obtained from 10 sampling locations collected across geographical ranges in the country. Low genetic diversity was found in populations of S. nodosum that could be explained by the recent population history of this species. Demographic history analysis revealed a signature of demographic expansion dating back to only 2600–5200 years ago. Recent population expansion in S. nodosum possibly followed an increase in agriculture that enabled its hosts', humans and domestic animals, densities to increase. Alternatively, the Thai populations could be a derivative of an older expansion event in the more northern populations. Mitochondrial DNA genealogy revealed no genetically divergent lineages, which agrees with the previous cytogenetic study. Genetic structure analyses found that only 27% of the pairwise comparisons were significantly different. The most likely explanation for the pattern of genetic structuring is the effect of genetic drift because of recent colonization.
Adverse Events in Young and Preterm Infants Receiving Topical Timolol for Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Frommelt Peter , Juern Anna , Siegel Dawn , Holland Kristen , Seefeldt Marcia , Yu JiaDe , Uhing Michael , Wade Kelly , Drolet Beth
Published: June 2016

Background

The success of oral propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has led practitioners to use topical β‐blockers. In preterm infants, clinicians frequently turn to topical timolol, with the presumption that topical application will result in less systemic absorption. We used Holter monitoring to assess for drug‐induced bradycardia in high‐risk infants.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 22 at‐risk infants who received a Holter monitor to assess for association between timolol administration and development of significant bradycardia.

Results

Four infants had episodic bradycardia detected by Holter monitoring. Two of these infants were full term; weighed more than 3,000 g; and had rare, brief, asymptomatic episodes unrelated to the timing of the timolol application. The other two infants had symptomatic bradycardia while on timolol and were the only two babies that weighed less than 2,500 g at initiation of therapy. Both were young (postmenstrual age [PMA] 34 and 37 wks) at initiation and had a timolol dose above the average exposure for the cohort.

Conclusion

In this cohort of at‐risk infants, topical timolol appeared to provide safe treatment for IHs in full‐term infants receiving a dose of less than 0.2 mg/kg/day, but infants with a PMA of less than 44 weeks and weight at treatment initiation of less than 2,500 g may be at risk of adverse events, including bradycardia, hypotension, apnea, and hypothermia. We recommend close monitoring of temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate in premature and low‐birthweight infants with IHs at initiation of and during therapy with topical timolol.
Searching Choices: Quantifying Decision‐Making Processes Using Search Engine Data
Authors: Moat Helen Susannah , Olivola Christopher Y. , Chater Nick , Preis Tobias
Published: June 2016

When making a decision, humans consider two types of information: information they have acquired through their prior experience of the world, and further information they gather to support the decision in question. Here, we present evidence that data from search engines such as Google can help us model both sources of information. We show that statistics from search engines on the frequency of content on the Internet can help us estimate the statistical structure of prior experience; and, specifically, we outline how such statistics can inform psychological theories concerning the valuation of human lives, or choices involving delayed outcomes. Turning to information gathering, we show that search query data might help measure human information gathering, and it may predict subsequent decisions. Such data enable us to compare information gathered across nations, where analyses suggest, for example, a greater focus on the future in countries with a higher per capita GDP. We conclude that search engine data constitute a valuable new resource for cognitive scientists, offering a fascinating new tool for understanding the human decision‐making process.
‘Mortgaged lives’: the biopolitics of debt and housing financialisation
Authors: García‐Lamarca Melissa , Kaika Maria
Published: June 2016

The paper expands the conceptual framework within which we examine mortgage debt by reconceptualising mortgages as a biotechnology: a technology of power over life that forges an intimate relationship between global financial markets, everyday life and human labour. Taking seriously the materiality of mortgage contracts as a means of forging new embodied practices of financialisation, we urge for the need to move beyond a policy‐ and macroeconomics‐based analysis of housing financialisation. We argue that more attention needs to be paid to how funnelling land‐related capital flows goes hand in hand with signing off significant parts of future labour, decisionmaking capacity and well‐being to mortgage debt repayments. The paper offers two key insights. First, it exemplifies how macroeconomic and policy changes could not have led to the financialisation of housing markets without a parallel biopolitical process that mobilised mortgage contracts to integrate the social reproduction of the workforce into speculative global real‐estate practices. Second, it expands the framework of analysis of emerging literature on financialisation and subjectification. Focusing on the mortgage defaults and evictions crisis in Spain, we document how during Spain's 1997–2007 real‐estate boom the promise of mortgages as a means to optimise income and wealth enrolled livelihoods into cycles of global financial and real‐estate speculation, as home security and future wealth became directly dependent on the fluctuations of financial products, interest rates and capital accumulation strategies rooted in the built environment. When, after 2008 unemployment escalated and housing prices collapsed, mortgages became a punitive technology that led to at least 500 000 foreclosures and over 250 000 evictions in Spain.
Geographic space: an ancient story retold
Authors: Smirnov Oleg A
Published: June 2016

Location, as the fundamental concept in geography, is important for all sciences that study objects and behaviours in geo‐space. Although other disciplines are capable of formulating definitions of location and geo‐space, they nevertheless look up to geography to devise and articulate a comprehensive and practical concept of ‘everything geographic’. Essentially quantitative in its concern, geography has yet to quantify the concept of geo‐space in order to both fulfil the ancient Greeks' vision of geography and advance it for use in other disciplines. We revisit the epistemological and broader philosophical principles of geo‐space and apply these principles to identifying and quantifying the key aspects of geo‐space: topos, choros and geos. Rather than following the narrow numerical tradition of quantitative geography and GIS, we adopt broader philosophical perspective of Kant on Quantity (Unity, Multiplicity, Totality) and argue that the ‘natural’ extension of the classical approach to geo‐space necessitates its further philosophical quantification. We show that the ancient Greeks' concept maps into locations (topos), spatial relations (choros) and topology (geos). Extending the concept further necessitates the use of the language of set theory for defining basic concepts. We show that the result is both tractable and quantifiable, connects classical with modern and completes the definition of geo‐space on all three levels of Quantity (unity, multiplicity, totality). We demonstrate the tractability of thus defined concept by reinterpreting Tobler's First Law of geography in theoretically sound terms. We show that a refined, modern concept of geo‐space is both philosophically fulfilling and practically useful – some properties of geo‐space are too important to be ignored or distorted.
Selection pressure effects on the proportion and movement of resistance alleles introgressed from wheat in Aegilops cylindrica
Authors: Martins B A B , Leonard J M , Sun L , Zemetra R S , Mallory‐Smith C
Published: June 2016

In winter wheat in the USA, Aegilops cylindrica is one of the most troublesome weeds, while the pathogen Oculimacula spp. causes foot rot disease. Imazamox‐resistant (IR) and foot rot‐resistant (FR) wheat cultivars represent effective tools to control the weed and prevent disease infection. However, resistance allele (RA) movement between wheat and A. cylindrica facilitates the introgression process under herbicide and disease selection pressure. Field experiments using IR and FR A. cylindrica plants intermixed with susceptible plants were conducted to measure the proportion of the RAs in the progeny and RA movement with and without herbicide and disease selection. Yield components of A. cylindrica plants were determined across treatments. The herbicide RA proportion in the progeny was greater when plants were treated with the herbicide imazamox in both years. Disease RA proportion was greater with disease occurrence only in one year. Herbicide RA movement from resistant to susceptible plants was greater with herbicide than without it only in one year. Plants carrying the RAs had greater total spikelet weight and 1000‐spikelet weight compared with susceptible plants with or without selection. However, susceptible plants produced more spikelets than the resistant ones in the absence of selection. If plants within an A. cylindrica population acquire the herbicide RA, its proportion will increase each generation under selection. These findings contribute to the understanding of crop allele introgression into related species and the evolution of increased weediness, with weed management implications.
Three Days of Intermittent Fasting: Repeated-Sprint Performance Decreased by Vertical-Stiffness Impairment
Authors: Cherif Anissa , Meeusen Romain , Farooq Abdulaziz , Ryu Joong , Fenneni Mohamed Amine , Nikolovski Zoran , Elshafie Sittana , Chamari Karim , Roelands Bart
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To examine the effects of 3 d of intermittent fasting (3d-IF: abstaining from eating/drinking from dawn to sunset) on physical performance and metabolic responses to repeated sprints (RSs).

Methods:

Twenty-one active males performed an RS test (2 sets: 5 × 5-s maximal sprints with 25 s of recovery between and 3 min of recovery between sets on an instrumented treadmill) in 2 conditions: counterbalanced fed/control session (CS) and fasting session (FS). Biomechanical and biochemical markers were assessed preexercise and postexercise.

Results:

Significant main effects of IF were observed for sprints: maximal speed (P = .016), mean speed (P = .015), maximal power (P = .035), mean power (P = .049), vertical stiffness (P = .032), and vertical center-of-mass displacement (P = .047). Sprint speed and vertical stiffness decreased during the 1st (P = .003 and P = .005) and 2nd sprints (P = .046 and P = .048) of set 2, respectively. Postexercise insulin decreased in CS (P = .023) but not in FS (P = .230). Free-fatty-acid levels were higher in FS than in CS at preexercise (P < .001) and at postexercise (P = .009). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was higher at postexercise in FS (1.32 ± 0.22 mmol/L) than in CS (1.26 ± 0.21 mmol/L, P = .039). The triglyceride (TG) concentration was decreased in FS (P < .05) compared with CS.

Conclusions:

3d-IF impaired speed and power through a decrease in vertical stiffness during the initial runs of the 2nd set of RS. The findings of the current study confirmed the benefits of 3d-IF: improved HDL-C and TG profiles while maintaining total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, improving muscle power might be a key factor to retain a higher vertical stiffness and to partly counteract the negative effects of intermittent fasting.
rRNA Binding Sites and the Molecular Mechanism of Action of the Tetracyclines
Authors: Chukwudi Chinwe U.
Published: June 2016

The tetracycline antibiotics are known to be effective in the treatment of both infectious and noninfectious disease conditions. The 16S rRNA binding mechanism currently held for the antibacterial action of the tetracyclines does not explain their activity against viruses, protozoa that lack mitochondria, and noninfectious conditions. Also, the mechanism by which the tetracyclines selectively inhibit microbial protein synthesis against host eukaryotic protein synthesis despite conservation of ribosome structure and functions is still questionable. Many studies have investigated the binding of the tetracyclines to the 16S rRNA using the small ribosomal subunit of different bacterial species, but there seems to be no agreement between various reports on the exact binding site on the 16S rRNA. The wide range of activity of the tetracyclines against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, as well as noninfectious conditions, indicates a more generalized effect on RNA. In the light of recent evidence that the tetracyclines bind to various synthetic double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of random base sequences, suggesting that the double-stranded structures may play a more important role in the binding of the tetracyclines to RNA than the specific base pairs, as earlier speculated, it is imperative to consider possible alternative binding modes or sites that could help explain the mechanisms of action of the tetracyclines against various pathogens and disease conditions.
Role of Metal-Dependent Regulation of ESX-3 Secretion in Intracellular Survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tinaztepe Emir , Wei Jun-Rong , Raynowska Jenelle , Portal-Celhay Cynthia , Thompson Victor , Philips Jennifer A.
Published: June 2016

More people die every year from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection than from infection by any other bacterial pathogen. Type VII secretion systems (T7SS) are used by both environmental and pathogenic mycobacteria to secrete proteins across their complex cell envelope. In the nonpathogen
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, the ESX-1 T7SS plays a role in conjugation, and the ESX-3 T7SS is involved in metal homeostasis. In
M. tuberculosis
, these secretion systems have taken on roles in virulence, and they also are targets of the host immune response. ESX-3 secretes a heterodimer composed of EsxG (TB9.8) and EsxH (TB10.4), which impairs phagosome maturation in macrophages and is essential for virulence in mice. Given the importance of EsxG and EsxH during infection, we examined their regulation. With
M. tuberculosis
, the secretion of EsxG and EsxH was regulated in response to iron and zinc, in accordance with the previously described transcriptional response of the
esx-3
locus to these metals. While iron regulated the
esx-3
expression in both
M. tuberculosis
and
M. smegmatis
, there is a significant difference in the dynamics of this regulation. In
M. smegmatis
, the
esx-3
locus behaved like other iron-regulated genes such as
mbtB
. In
M. tuberculosis
, both iron and zinc modestly repressed
esx-3
expression. Diminished secretion of EsxG and EsxH in response to these metals altered the interaction of
M. tuberculosis
with macrophages, leading to impaired intracellular
M. tuberculosis
survival. Our findings detail the regulatory differences of
esx-3
in
M. tuberculosis
and
M. smegmatis
and demonstrate the importance of metal-dependent regulation of ESX-3 for virulence in
M. tuberculosis
.
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) Mediates Susceptibility to Visceral Leishmaniasis by Suppressing the IL-17–Neutrophil Response
Authors: Quirino Gustavo F. S. , Nascimento Manuela S. L. , Davoli-Ferreira Marcela , Sacramento Lais A. , Lima Mikhael H. F. , Almeida Roque P. , Carregaro Vanessa , Silva João Santana
Published: June 2016

The relationship established betweenLeishmania infantumand the vertebrate host can lead to a self-healing infection or to the manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis, a chronic systemic infection associated with high rates of mortality. We hypothesized that regulatory cytokines, such as interleukin-27 (IL-27), play a role in susceptibility toL. infantuminfection. IL-27 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of IL-27p28 and EBi3 subunits which, when combined, bind to IL-27R, leading to STAT-1 and -3 activation, playing a role in the regulation of the immune response. We observed in this work that IL-27 regulates the Th1/Th17 profiles in a mouse model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused byL. infantum. We showed here that the pathogen recognition by endosomal Toll-like receptors triggers a type I interferon (IFN) response, which acts through the type I IFN receptor and interferon regulatory factor 1 to induce IL-27 production by macrophages. Furthermore, IL-27 plays a major regulatory rolein vivo, becauseEbi3−/−mice can efficiently control parasite replication despite reduced levels of IFN-γ compared to wild-type mice. On the other hand, the absence ofEbi3leads to exacerbated IL-17A production in the infected organs as well as in a coculture system, suggesting a direct regulatory action of IL-27 duringL. infantuminfection. As a consequence of exacerbated IL-17A inEbi3−/−mice, a greater neutrophil influx was observed in the target organs, playing a role in parasite control. Thus, this work unveiled the molecular steps of IL-27 production afterL. infantuminfection and demonstrated its regulatory role in the IL-17A–neutrophil axis.
Indications for gastrointestinal endoscopy in childhood
Authors: Belsha D , Bremner R , Thomson M
Published: June 2016

Endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for diagnostics and therapy in children has evolved markedly over the last 20 or so years and is now usually undertaken by paediatric endoscopists. Updated diagnostic and management guidelines for common disorders including coeliac disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic oesophagitis and inflammatory bowel disease highlight the central role of endoscopy. Therapeutic endoscopic approaches are also now widely available and further broaden the referral spectrum to include treatment of GIT bleeding, gastrostomy insertion, dilation of strictures and polypectomy. Lastly, the advent of newer technologies allows the examination of hitherto inaccessible areas of the GIT such as the mid-small bowel by wireless capsule video-endoscopy and enteroscopy. We summarise recent current practice and clinical guidelines, focussing on the key indications for referrals that are likely to require endoscopic assessment.
Vitamin D in corticosteroid-naïve and corticosteroid-treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy: what dose achieves optimal 25(OH) vitamin D levels?
Authors: Alshaikh Nahla , Brunklaus Andreas , Davis Tracey , Robb Stephanie A , Quinlivan Ros , Munot Pinki , Sarkozy Anna , Muntoni Francesco , Manzur Adnan Y
Published: June 2016

Aim

Assessment of the efficacy of vitamin D replenishment and maintenance doses required to attain optimal levels in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Method

25(OH)-vitamin D levels and concurrent vitamin D dosage were collected from retrospective case-note review of boys with DMD at the Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre. Vitamin D levels were stratified as deficient at <25 nmol/L, insufficient at 25–49 nmol/L, adequate at 50–75 nmol/L and optimal at >75 nmol/L.

Result

617 vitamin D samples were available from 197 boys (range 2–18 years)—69% from individuals on corticosteroids. Vitamin D-naïve boys (154 samples) showed deficiency in 28%, insufficiency in 42%, adequate levels in 24% and optimal levels in 6%. The vitamin D-supplemented group (463 samples) was tested while on different maintenance/replenishment doses. Three-month replenishment of daily 3000 IU (23 samples) or 6000 IU (37 samples) achieved optimal levels in 52% and 84%, respectively. 182 samples taken on 400 IU revealed deficiency in 19 (10%), insufficiency in 84 (47%), adequate levels in 67 (37%) and optimal levels in 11 (6%). 97 samples taken on 800 IU showed deficiency in 2 (2%), insufficiency in 17 (17%), adequate levels in 56 (58%) and optimal levels in 22 (23%). 81 samples were on 1000 IU and 14 samples on 1500 IU, with optimal levels in 35 (43%) and 9 (64%), respectively. No toxic level was seen (highest level 230 nmol/L).

Conclusions

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in DMD is high. A 2-month replenishment regimen of 6000 IU and maintenance regimen of 1000–1500 IU/day was associated with optimal vitamin D levels. These data have important implications for optimising vitamin D dosing in DMD.
Weekday of oesophageal cancer surgery in relation to early postoperative outcomes in a nationwide Swedish cohort study
Authors: Lagergren Jesper , Mattsson Fredrik , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Later weekday of surgery for oesophageal cancer seems to increase 5-year mortality, but the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesised that early postoperative reoperations and mortality might explain this association, since reoperation after oesophagectomy decreases long-term prognosis, and later weekday of elective surgery increases 30-day mortality.

Design

This was a population-based cohort study during the study period 1987–2014.

Setting

All Swedish hospitals conducting elective surgery for oesophageal cancer in Sweden.

Participants

Included were 1748 patients, representing almost all (98%) patients who underwent elective surgery for oesophageal cancer in Sweden during 1987–2010, with follow-up until 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The risk of reoperation or mortality within 30 days of oesophageal cancer surgery was assessed in relation to weekday of surgery by calculating ORs with 95% CIs using multivariable logistic regression. ORs were adjusted for age, comorbidity, tumour stage, histology, neoadjuvant therapy and surgeon volume.

Results

Surgery Wednesday to Friday did not increase the risk of reoperation or mortality compared with surgery Monday to Tuesday (OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.31). A decreased point estimate of reoperation (OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.21) was counteracted by an increased point estimate of mortality (OR=1.28, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.99). ORs did not increase from Monday to Friday when each weekday was analysed separately. There was no association between weekday of surgery and reoperation specifically for anastomotic leak, laparotomy or wound infection. Stratification for surgeon volume did not reveal any clear associations between weekday of surgery and risk of 30-day reoperation or mortality.

Conclusions

Weekday of oesophageal cancer surgery does not seem to influence the risk of reoperation or mortality within 30 days of surgery, and thus cannot explain the association between weekday of surgery and long-term prognosis.
Characteristics of the case mix, organisation and delivery in cancer palliative care: a challenge for good-quality research
Authors: Hjermstad M J , Aass N , Aielli F , Bennett M , Brunelli C , Caraceni A , Cavanna L , Fassbender K , Feio M , Haugen D F , Jakobsen G , Laird B , Løhre E T , Martinez M , Nabal M , Noguera-Tejedor A , Pardon K , Pigni A , Piva L , Porta-Sales J , Rizzi F , Rondini E , Sjøgren P , Strasser F , Turriziani A , Kaasa S
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Palliative care (PC) services and patients differ across countries. Data on PC delivery paired with medical and self-reported data are seldom reported. Aims were to describe (1) PC organisation and services in participating centres and (2) characteristics of patients in PC programmes.

Methods

This was an international prospective multicentre study with a single web-based survey on PC organisation, services and academics and patients' self-reported symptoms collected at baseline and monthly thereafter, with concurrent registrations of medical data by healthcare providers. Participants were patients ≥18 enrolled in a PC programme.

Results

30 centres in 12 countries participated; 24 hospitals, 4 hospices, 1 nursing home, 1 home-care service. 22 centres (73%) had PC in-house teams and inpatient and outpatient services. 20 centres (67%) had integral chemotherapy/radiotherapy services, and most (28/30) had access to general medical or oncology inpatient units. Physicians or nurses were present 24 hours/7 days in 50% and 60% of centres, respectively. 50 centres (50%) had professorships, and 12 centres (40%) had full-time/part-time research staff. Data were available on 1698 patients: 50% females; median age 66 (range 21–97); median Karnofsky score 70 (10–100); 1409 patients (83%) had metastatic/disseminated disease; tiredness and pain in the past 24 hours were most prominent. During follow-up, 1060 patients (62%) died; 450 (44%) <3 months from inclusion and 701 (68%) within 6 months. ANOVA and χ2tests showed that hospice/nursing home patients were significantly older, had poorer performance status and had shorter survival compared with hospital-patients (p<.0.001).

Conclusions

There is a wide variation in PC services and patients across Europe. Detailed characterisation is the first step in improving PC services and research.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01362816.
An Improved Zero Voltage Transition PWM Boost Converter with an Active Snubber Cell
Authors: Cetin Sevilay
Published: June 2016

This study presents an improved zero voltage switching (ZVS) boost converter with an active snubber cell providing soft switched operation for all semiconductors. The active snubber cell reduces the reverse recovery loss of the boost diode and also provides the zero voltage transition (ZVT) Turn-on and ZVS Turn-off for the boost switch. The zero current switching (ZCS) Turn-on and ZVS Turn-off for the snubber switch is also achieved. All diodes in the converter can be operated with soft switching (SS). In the snubber cell, SS energy can be transfered effectively to the output by the use of a snubber inductor and a capacitor. This energy transfer allows the use of additional parallel connected capacitor to the boost switch to provide ZVS turning off. There is no additional voltage and current stress on the boost switch and boost diode. The voltage stress of the snubber switch is also limited by the output voltage and the current stress of the snubber switch is reduced by the energy transfer to the output. SS operating of the semiconductors is maintained at very wide load ranges. The operation of the proposed converter is presented with a detailed steady state analysis. The predicted theoretical analysis is validated by a prototype with 500[Formula: see text]W output power and 100[Formula: see text]kHz operating frequency. The measured maximum efficiency values are obtained as approximately 97% and 85.4% at full load and 10% load conditions, respectively.
Finite element approximations of symmetric tensors on simplicial grids in ℝn: The lower order case
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhang Shangyou
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we construct, in a unified fashion, lower order finite element subspaces of spaces of symmetric tensors with square-integrable divergence on a domain in any dimension. These subspaces are essentially the symmetric tensor finite element spaces of order [Formula: see text] from [Finite element approximations of symmetric tensors on simplicial grids in [Formula: see text]: The higher order case, J. Comput. Math. 33 (2015) 283–296], enriched, for each [Formula: see text]-dimensional simplex, by [Formula: see text] face bubble functions in the symmetric tensor finite element space of order [Formula: see text] from [Finite element approximations of symmetric tensors on simplicial grids in [Formula: see text]: The higher order case, J. Comput. Math. 33 (2015) 283–296] when [Formula: see text], and by [Formula: see text] face bubble functions in the symmetric tensor finite element space of order [Formula: see text] from [Finite element approximations of symmetric tensors on simplicial grids in [Formula: see text]: The higher order case, J. Comput. Math. 33 (2015) 283–296] when [Formula: see text]. These spaces can be used to approximate the symmetric matrix field in a mixed formulation problem where the other variable is approximated by discontinuous piecewise [Formula: see text] polynomials. This in particular leads to first-order mixed elements on simplicial grids with total degrees of freedom per element [Formula: see text] plus [Formula: see text] in 2D, 48 plus 6 in 3D. The previous record of the degrees of freedom of first-order mixed elements is, 21 plus 3 in 2D, and 156 plus 6 in 3D, on simplicial grids. We also derive, in a unified way which is completely different from those used in [D. Arnold, G. Awanou and R. Winther, Finite elements for symmetric tensors in three dimensions, Math. Comput. 77 (2008) 1229–1251; D. N. Arnold and R. Winther, Mixed finite element for elasticity, Number Math. 92 (2002) 401–419], a family of Arnold–Winther mixed finite elements in any space dimension. One example in this family is the Raviart–Thomas elements in one dimension, the second example is the mixed finite elements for linear elasticity in two dimensions due to Arnold and Winther, the third example is the mixed finite elements for linear elasticity in three dimensions due to Arnold, Awanou and Winther.
Uniqueness issues for evolution equations with density constraints
Authors: Di Marino Simone , Mészáros Alpár Richárd
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present some basic uniqueness results for evolution equations under density constraints. First, we develop a rigorous proof of a well-known result (among specialists) in the case where the spontaneous velocity field satisfies a monotonicity assumption: we prove the uniqueness of a solution for first-order systems modeling crowd motion with hard congestion effects, introduced recently by Maury et al. The monotonicity of the velocity field implies that the [Formula: see text]-Wasserstein distance along two solutions is [Formula: see text]-contractive, which in particular implies uniqueness. In the case of diffusive models, we prove the uniqueness of a solution passing through the dual equation, where we use some well-known parabolic estimates to conclude an [Formula: see text]-contraction property. In this case, by the regularization effect of the nondegenerate diffusion, the result follows even if the given velocity field is only [Formula: see text] as in the standard Fokker–Planck equation.
Sensibility of grey particle production system to energy and centrality in 60A and 200A GeV 16O–Nucleus interactions
Authors: Abdelsalam A. , El–Nagdy M. S. , Badawy B. M. , Osman W. , Fayed M.
Published: June 2016

The grey particle production following 60 A and 200[Formula: see text]A GeV [Formula: see text]O interactions with emulsion nuclei is investigated at different centralities. The evaporated target fragment multiplicity is voted as a centrality parameter. The target size effect is examined over a wide range, where the C, N and O nuclei present the light target group while the Br and Ag nuclei are the heavy group. In the framework of the nuclear limiting fragmentation hypothesis, the grey particle multiplicity characteristics depend only on the target size and centrality while the projectile size and energy are not effective. The grey particle is suggested to be a multisource production system. The emission direction in the 4[Formula: see text] space depends upon the production source. Either the exponential decay or the Poisson’s peaking curves are the usual characteristic shapes of the grey particle multiplicity distributions. The decay shape is suggested to be a characteristic feature of the source singularity while the peaking shape is a multisource super-position. The sensibility to the centrality varies from a source to other. The distribution shape is identified at each centrality region according to the associated source contribution. In general, the multiplicity characteristics seem to be limited w.r.t. the collision system centrality using light target nuclei. The selection of the black particle multiplicity as a centrality parameter is successful through the collision with the heavy target nuclei. In the collision with the light target nuclei it may be qualitatively better to vote another centrality parameter.
PREPARATION OF GRAYISH BLACK FILM ON AM50 MAGNESIUM ALLOY BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION–MICRO-ARC OXIDATION
Authors: SHAO ZHONGCAI , ZHANG FEIFEI , ZHANG QINGFANG , YANG LI , SHEN XIAOYI
Published: June 2016

The grayish black film was prepared on AM50 magnesium alloy with a new method which combined chemical conversion with micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The optimum formula of chemical conversion was obtained by L9(34) orthogonal test. Meanwhile, the morphology, structure, composition and corrosion resistance of films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrum analysis (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical tests and CuSO4 drip experiment. The results indicated that Mo element was introduced into the MAO film by chemical conversion pretreatment. The surface of composite film was smooth and compact. The main phase composition of the composite film were SiO2, Mo9O[Formula: see text], MgSiO[Formula: see text] Mg2SiO4 and Mo9O[Formula: see text] was identified to be responsible for giving color to the film. The corrosion resistance of the grayish black film was improved obviously.
Axial Compression Buckling of Castellated Columns at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Lei Jin-Song , Yuan Wei-Bin , Li Long-Yuan
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the axial compression buckling problem of castellated columns about the major axis when exposed to a fire is investigated. An analytical formula for calculating the critical buckling load of castellated columns is derived, which considers not only the shear deformation effect of web openings but also the non-uniform cross-section temperature distribution due to non-symmetric fire exposure. The results show that for the same average temperature, the critical buckling load of a castellated column with non-uniform temperature distribution is smaller than that of a castellated column with uniform temperature distribution. The web shear effect caused due to web openings can significantly reduce the critical buckling load of the castellated column, particularly for the columns with shorter lengths or wider flanges. However, the change of the shear effect on the critical load with different temperature distributions is very small and can be generally ignored.
Fatigue Crack Growth Analysis of Functionally Graded Materials by EFGM and XFEM
Authors: Pant Mohit , Bhattacharya Somnath
Published: June 2016

The present work investigates the fatigue life of a functionally graded material (FGM) made of aluminum alloy and alumina (ceramic) under cyclic mixed mode loading. Both element free Galerkin method (EFGM) and extended finite element method (XFEM) are employed to simulate and compare the fatigue crack growth. Partition of unity is used to track the crack path in XFEM while a new enrichment criterion is proposed to track the crack path in EFGM. The fatigue lives of aluminum alloy, FGM and an equivalent composite (having the same composition as of FGM) are compared for a major edge crack and center crack in a rectangular domain. The proposed enrichment criterion not only simulates the crack propagation but it also extends the applicability and robustness of EFGM for accurate estimation of fatigue life of component.
COMMINUTED FRACTURE OF RIGHT TARSAL BONES WITH OLD CALLUS FORMATION IN A SLAUGHTERED PIG
Authors: Hsu Julia Chu-Ning , Chang Hao-Kai , Ho Chia-Lin , Chen Kuan-Sheng , Wu Hung-Yi , Hsu Tien-Huan , Lin Cheng-Chung
Published: June 2016

An enlarged and hard right hind limb of a condemned lame pig from a local slaughterhouse was submitted to National Chung Hsing University for pathological examination on 29 May 2015. Gross examination revealed brush burn and skin abscess. The radiography of the affected foot showed enlarged hock joint, collapsed tarsal joint with bony proliferation, and a soft tissue mass extending from the lateral to the tarsal bones. After the sample was split between the third and fourth metatarsal bone longitudinally, the calcaneus, talus, and the fourth tarsal bone were shown to be broken and damaged. Histopathological findings were as follows. First, the fractured bones showed the formation of callus and multiple small bone fragments were found. Second, osteoclasts and osteogenesis with bone remodeling were discovered at the edge of the bone fragments. Third, the skin abscess showed well-encapsulated clumps of bacteria and cellular debris. Trueperella pyogenes was identified from skin abscess and bone marrow. We speculate that the neglected fractures might have been related to crush injury inflicted by a sow or possible damage caused by the floor of the crate. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high standard of animal welfare and once a lesion has occurred in food-producing animals, medication or elimination should be considered to avoid the long-term suffering of the animals.
Modelling response of groundwater nitrate concentration in public supply wells to land-use change
Authors: Zhang Han , Hiscock K. M.
Published: June 2016

As Britain's second largest aquifer, the Sherwood Sandstone is confronted by the threat of high nitrate concentrations caused by intensive agricultural activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the response of groundwater nitrate concentration in a public supply well to land-use change, discussing the effect of land-use change in tackling agricultural nitrate pollution in the aquifer. Six land-use scenarios were examined in predictive simulations of groundwater nitrate concentration. Groundwater flow modelling (MODFLOW) and mass transport modelling (MT3DMS), incorporating results from an export coefficient model, were used to predict groundwater nitrate concentration in the public supply well by 2025. Results from the quantitative comparison of scenarios revealed that the greatest decrease in nitrate concentration (35%) by 2025 in the public supply well was associated with the entire target zone being covered with forest, whereas a decrease dependent on the application of best agricultural practice achieved no more than a 20% reduction. It is concluded that the modelling framework constructed in this study is a useful tool for assessment of the impact of changes in land use and management on groundwater nitrate concentration in public supply wells.
Hepcidin and 1,25(OH)2D3effectively restore Ca2+transport in β-thalassemic mice: reciprocal phenomenon of Fe2+and Ca2+absorption
Authors: Kraidith Kamonshanok , Svasti Saovaros , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Vadolas Jim , Chaimana Rattana , Lapmanee Sarawut , Suntornsaratoon Panan , Krishnamra Nateetip , Fucharoen Suthat , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: June 2016

Previously, β-thalassemia, an inherited anemic disorder with iron overload caused by loss-of-function mutation of β-globin gene, has been reported to induce osteopenia and impaired whole body calcium metabolism, but the pathogenesis of aberrant calcium homeostasis remains elusive. Herein, we investigated how β-thalassemia impaired intestinal calcium absorption and whether it could be restored by administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] or hepcidin, the latter of which was the liver-derived antagonist of intestinal iron absorption. The results showed that, in hemizygous β-globin knockout (BKO) mice, the duodenal calcium transport was lower than that in wild-type littermates, and severity was especially pronounced in female mice. Both active and passive duodenal calcium fluxes in BKO mice were found to be less than those in normal mice. This impaired calcium transport could be restored by 7-day 1,25(OH)2D3treatment. The 1,25(OH)2D3-induced calcium transport was diminished by inhibitors of calcium transporters, e.g., L-type calcium channel, NCX1, and PMCA1b, as well as vesicular transport inhibitors. Interestingly, the duodenal calcium transport exhibited an inverse correlation with transepithelial iron transport, which was markedly enhanced in thalassemic mice. Thus, 3-day subcutaneous hepcidin injection and acute direct hepcidin exposure in the Ussing chamber were capable of restoring the thalassemia-associated impairment of calcium transport; however, the positive effect of hepcidin on calcium transport was completely blocked by proteasome inhibitors MG132 and bortezomib. In conclusion, both 1,25(OH)2D3and hepcidin could be used to alleviate the β-thalassemia-associated impairment of calcium absorption. Therefore, our study has shed light on the development of a treatment strategy to rescue calcium dysregulation in β-thalassemia.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia accelerates coronary microcirculatory dysfunction in insulin-resistant Goto-Kakizaki rats
Authors: Chen Yi Ching , Inagaki Tadakatsu , Fujii Yutaka , Schwenke Daryl O. , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Edgley Amanda J. , Umetani Keiji , Zhang Yuan , Kelly Darren J. , Yoshimoto Misa , Nagai Hisashi , Evans Roger G. , Kuwahira Ichiro , Shirai Mikiyasu , Pearson James T.
Published: June 2016

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which impair vascular endothelial function. Long-term insulin resistance also leads to endothelial dysfunction. We determined, in vivo, whether the effects of chronic IH and insulin resistance on endothelial function augment each other. Male 12-wk-old Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and Wistar control rats were subjected to normoxia or chronic IH (90-s N2, 5% O2 at nadir, 90-s air, 20 cycles/h, 8 h/day) for 4 wk. Coronary endothelial function was assessed using microangiography with synchrotron radiation. Imaging was performed at baseline, during infusion of acetylcholine (ACh, 5 μg·kg−1·min−1) and then sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 5 μg·kg−1·min−1), after blockade of both nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 50 mg/kg) and cyclooxygenase (COX, meclofenamate, 3 mg/kg), and during subsequent ACh. In GK rats, coronary vasodilatation in response to ACh and SNP was blunted compared with Wistar rats, and responses to ACh were abolished after blockade. In Wistar rats, IH blunted the ability of ACh or SNP to increase the number of visible vessels. In GK rats exposed to IH, neither ACh nor SNP were able to increase visible vessel number or caliber, and blockade resulted in marked vasoconstriction. Our findings indicate that IH augments the deleterious effects of insulin resistance on coronary endothelial function. They appear to increase the dependence of the coronary microcirculation on NO and/or vasodilator prostanoids, and greatly blunt the residual vasodilation in response to ACh after blockade of NOS/COX, presumably mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors.
Water Properties of Soft Contact Lenses: A Comparative Near-Infrared Study of Two Hydrogel Materials
Authors: Munćan Jelena , Mileusnić Ivana , Šakota Rosić Jovana , Vasić-Milovanović Aleksandra , Matija Lidija
Published: June 2016

The functionality of soft contact lenses depends strongly on the water content and their water-transport ability. This study was conducted in order to examine the state of water in two sets of soft contact lenses: VSO38, pHEMA Filcon I 1, and VSO50, copolymer of HEMA and VP Filcon II 1 (HEMA = 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate; VP = vinyl pyrrolidone). Hydrogel lenses were studied using near-infrared spectroscopy and the novel Aquaphotomics approach in order to determine the state of water in materials based on their near-infrared spectra. Aquaphotomics approach investigates absorption at specific vibrational bands of water’s covalent and hydrogen bonds which can provide information on how the water structure changes with the structural change of the polymer network. Principal component analysis and specific star-chart “aquagram” were used to analyse water spectral pattern in hydrogel materials. The findings show that material VSO38 has water predominantly organized in bound state, while material with higher water content, VSO50, has more free and weakly hydrogen bonded water. Our findings define in detail exact water species existing and interacting with the polymer network. The results show qualitative and quantitative possibilities of Aquaphotomics for better modelling and understanding water behaviour in hydrogel materials.
Computational Screening of MOF-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2Separations
Authors: Sumer Zeynep , Keskin Seda
Published: June 2016

Atomically detailed simulations were used to examine CO2/N2separation potential of metal organic framework- (MOF-) based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) in this study. Gas permeability and selectivity of 700 new MMMs composed of 70 different MOFs and 10 different polymers were calculated for CO2/N2separation. This is the largest number of MOF-based MMMs for which computational screening is done to date. Selecting the appropriate MOFs as filler particles in polymers resulted in MMMs that have higher CO2/N2selectivities and higher CO2permeabilities compared to pure polymer membranes. We showed that, for polymers that have low CO2permeabilities but high CO2selectivities, the identity of the MOF used as filler is not important. All MOFs enhanced the CO2permeabilities of this type of polymers without changing their selectivities. Several MOF-based MMMs were identified to exceed the upper bound established for polymers. The methods we introduced in this study will create many opportunities to select the MOF/polymer combinations with useful properties for CO2separation applications.
Follicular B Lymphomas Generate Regulatory T Cells via the ICOS/ICOSL Pathway and Are Susceptible to Treatment by Anti-ICOS/ICOSL Therapy
Authors: Le Kieu-Suong , Thibult Marie-Laure , Just-Landi Sylvain , Pastor Sonia , Gondois-Rey Françoise , Granjeaud Samuel , Broussais Florence , Bouabdallah Reda , Colisson Renaud , Caux Christophe , Ménétrier-Caux Christine , Leroux Dominique , Xerri Luc , Olive Daniel
Published: June 2016

The prognosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) patients is suspected to be influenced by tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Treg). The mechanism of Treg enrichment in FL and their impact on malignant FL B cells remains to be elucidated. We analyzed 46 fresh lymph node biopsy samples, including FL (n = 20), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 10), classical Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 9), and reactive lymphadenitis (n = 7). Using multicolor flow cytometry and cell sorting, we observed an accumulation of CD25highCD127low/neg Tregs in FL tissues. These Tregs comprised activated ICOS+ Tregs that were able to suppress not only conventional T cells, but also FL B cells. These FL B cells were able to express ICOSL in vitro and to generate CD25highFoxP3high Tregs expressing ICOS. Treg generation was associated with ICOS/ICOSL engagement and was abrogated by antagonist anti-ICOS and anti-ICOSL antibodies. Interactions between Tregs and FL B cells resulted in ICOSL downregulation on FL B cells. Our results highlight a key role for Tregs in FL pathogenesis and suggest that targeting the ICOS/ICOSL pathway may be a promising immunotherapy for FL treatment. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4648–60. ©2016 AACR.