bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PATHOLOGIC BASIS FOR RIM ENHANCEMENT OBSERVED IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF FELINE NASOPHARYNGEAL POLYPS
Authors: Lamb Christopher R. , Sibbing Kendall , Priestnall Simon L.
Published: January 2016

In postcontrast computed tomographic (CT) images, feline nasopharyngeal polyps typically demonstrate enhancement of the peripheral rim. Computed tomographic images and histologic specimens of a case series of 22 cats with surgically removed nasopharyngeal polyps were reviewed retrospectively in an attempt to elucidate the origin of rim enhancement. Polyps were present in the tympanic cavity in 15 (68%) cats (three with extension into the nasopharynx), only in the nasopharynx in four (18%) cats, and only in the external ear canal in the remaining three (14%) cats. All polyps had variable degrees of epithelial injury. Hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltration were significantly more marked in the superficial stroma whereas edema was significantly more marked in the core stroma. In noncontrast CT images (n = 22), the tympanic bulla was thickened in all 15 cats with a polyp in the tympanic cavity and enlarged in eight (53%) of these cats. In postcontrast CT images (n = 15), an outer zone of relatively increased attenuation compatible with a rim was observed in 11 (73%) polyps. The magnitude and extent of rim enhancement in CT images was positively correlated with the histologic grade of inflammation in the superficial stroma and negatively correlated with the grade of edema in the superficial stroma. It appears that inflammation is the major determinant of contrast medium accumulation in feline nasopharyngeal polyps, and the tendency for inflammation to affect predominantly the superficial layers explains the frequent observation of a rim in postcontrast CT images.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN THE SPINE OF SIX DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHOMA
Authors: Allett Brian , Hecht Silke
Published: January 2016

Lymphoma is one of the most common neoplasms in the dog. Despite its prevalence and the increasing use of advanced diagnostic imaging in veterinary patients only few reports of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in spinal lymphoma have been published to date. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe the MRI findings in dogs with confirmed lymphoma affecting the spine and/or paraspinal soft tissues. Medical records were searched for patients that had MRI of the spine and a diagnosis of lymphoma during the period of 2005–2015. Data recorded from retrieved MRI studies were presence of focal or multifocal disease, structures involved, and signal characteristics on T2‐W, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and T1‐W sequences prior to and following intravenous contrast medium administration. Six dogs met the inclusion criteria. Common findings included multifocal disease (4/6), vertebral involvement (5/6), spinal cord compression (4/6), and involvement of more than one spinal compartment (medullary cavity, vertebral canal, paraspinal soft tissues) (6/6). Vertebral changes were confined to the medullary cavity without evidence of cortical osteolysis. There was questionable involvement of the spinal cord in one case. All spinal and paraspinal lesions identified were T2‐W isointense to hyperintense, STIR hyperintense, T1‐W hypointense to isointense, and showed variable moderate to strong contrast enhancement. Additional lesions identified were enlarged intraabdominal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and a splenic nodule. The STIR and T1‐W postcontrast sequences were subjectively the most useful in identification of the spinal and paraspinal lesions.
N‐Acetylcysteine reduces hyperacute intermittent hypoxia‐induced sympathoexcitation in human subjects
Authors: Jouett Noah P. , Moralez Gilbert , White Daniel W. , Eubank Wendy L. , Chen Shande , Tian Jun , Smith Michael L. , Zimmerman Matthew C. , Raven Peter B.
Published: January 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study evaluated the following central question: does N‐acetylcysteine (N‐AC), an antioxidant that readily penetrates the blood–brain barrier, have the capability to reduce the increase in sympathetic nerve activity observed during hyperacute intermittent hypoxia?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrate that N‐AC decreases muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to hyperacute intermittent hypoxia versus placebo control. This finding suggests that antioxidants, such as N‐AC, have therapeutic potential in obstructive sleep apnoea.

This investigation tested the following hypotheses: that (i) N‐acetylcysteine (N‐AC) attenuates hyperacute intermittent hypoxia‐induced sympathoexcitation, (ii) without elevating superoxide measured in peripheral venous blood. Twenty‐eight healthy human subjects were recruited to the study. One hour before experimentation, each subject randomly ingested either 70 mg kg−1 of N‐AC (n = 16) or vehicle placebo (n = 12). Three‐lead ECG and arterial blood pressure, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (n = 17) and whole‐blood superoxide concentration (using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy; n = 12) were measured. Subjects underwent a 20 min hyperacute intermittent hypoxia training (hAIHT) protocol that consisted of cyclical end‐expiratory apnoeas with 100% nitrogen. N‐AC decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity after hAIHT compared with placebo (P < 0.02). However, N‐AC did not alter superoxide concentrations in venous blood compared with placebo (P > 0.05). Moreover, hAIHT did not increase superoxide concentrations in the peripheral circulation as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (P > 0.05). Based on these findings, we contend that (i) hAIHT and (ii) the actions of N‐AC in hAIHT are primarily mediated centrally rather than peripherally, although central measurements of reactive oxygen species are difficult to obtain in human subjects, thus making this assertion difficult to verify. This investigation suggests the possibility of developing a pharmaceutical therapy to inhibit the sympathoexcitation associated with obstructive sleep apnoea.
Continuous attractor network models of grid cell firing based on excitatory–inhibitory interactions
Authors: Shipston‐Sharman Oliver , Solanka Lukas , Nolan Matthew F.
Published: January 2016

Neurons in the medial entorhinal cortex encode location through spatial firing fields that have a grid‐like organisation. The challenge of identifying mechanisms for grid firing has been addressed through experimental and theoretical investigations of medial entorhinal circuits. Here, we discuss evidence for continuous attractor network models that account for grid firing by synaptic interactions between excitatory and inhibitory cells. These models assume that grid‐like firing patterns are the result of computation of location from velocity inputs, with additional spatial input required to oppose drift in the attractor state. We focus on properties of continuous attractor networks that are revealed by explicitly considering excitatory and inhibitory neurons, their connectivity and their membrane potential dynamics. Models at this level of detail can account for theta‐nested gamma oscillations as well as grid firing, predict spatial firing of interneurons as well as excitatory cells, show how gamma oscillations can be modulated independently from spatial computations, reveal critical roles for neuronal noise, and demonstrate that only a subset of excitatory cells in a network need have grid‐like firing fields. Evaluating experimental data against predictions from detailed network models will be important for establishing the mechanisms mediating grid firing.

image
Durability of Low Melt Alloys as Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Roy Chandan K. , Bhavnani Sushil , Hamilton Michael C. , Wayne Johnson R. , Knight Roy W. , Harris Daniel K.
Published: January 2016

This study investigates the reliability of low melt alloys (LMAs) containing gallium (Ga), indium (In), bismuth (Bi), and tin (Sn) for the application as Thermal interface materials (TIMs). The analysis described herein involved the in situ thermal performance of the LMAs as well as performance evaluation after accelerated life cycle testing, which included high temperature aging at 130 °C and thermal cycling from −40 °C to 80 °C. Three alloys (75.5Ga & 24.5In, 100Ga, and 51In, 32.5Bi & 16.5Sn) were chosen for testing the thermal performance. Testing methodologies used follow ASTM D5470 protocols and the performance of LMAs is compared with some high-performing commercially available TIMs. Results show that LMAs can offer extremely low (<0.01 cm2 °C/W) thermal resistance compared to any commercial TIMs. The LMA–substrate interactions were explored using different surface treatments (copper and tungsten). Measurements show that depending on the substrate–alloy combinations, the proposed alloys survive 1500 hrs of aging at 130 °C and 1000 cycles from −40 °C to 80 °C without significant performance degradation. The obtained results indicate the LMAs are very efficient as TIMs.
Functional Control of Stance in Older Adults
Authors: Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: January 2016

It is widely assumed that healthy aging includes a decline in the stability of standing body sway. Certainly, the spatial magnitude of postural sway increases with age. However, the interpretation of this effect as a decline in the ability to stabilize posture rests, in part, on assumptions about the nature and definition of stability in stance. In this article, I review data on the control of standing posture in healthy older adults. I focus on a growing list of studies that demonstrate the retention, among healthy older adults, of the ability functionally to modulate postural sway in support of “suprapostural” activities. I address laboratory research, but also field studies carried out in a setting that dramatically challenges the control of stance: life on ships at sea. I argue that it may be possible, and certainly will be useful, to address directly the functional control of stance in older adults.
Repetitive blast exposure in mice and combat veterans causes persistent cerebellar dysfunction
Authors: Meabon James S. , Huber Bertrand R. , Cross Donna J. , Richards Todd L. , Minoshima Satoshi , Pagulayan Kathleen F. , Li Ge , Meeker Kole D. , Kraemer Brian C. , Petrie Eric C. , Raskind Murray A. , Peskind Elaine R. , Cook David G.
Published: January 2016

Ventral regions of the cerebellum in combat veterans and mice are vulnerable to long-term traumatic brain injury caused by repetitive blast exposure.
Clocking in to the brain’s activity
Authors: Ju Yo-El
Published: January 2016

Aging alters the circadian rhythmicity of gene expression in the human brain.
An integrative analysis sheds light on methylation profiles
Authors: Suzuki Masako
Published: January 2016

Genetic influence is not negligible for testing DNA methylation profiles in human studies.
Mononucleated Blood Cell Populations Display Different Abilities To Transmit Prion Disease by the Transfusion Route
Authors: Douet Jean-Yves , Lacroux Caroline , Litaise Claire , Lugan Séverine , Corbière Fabien , Arnold Mark , Simmons Hugh , Aron Naima , Costes Pierrette , Tillier Cécile , Cassard Hervé , Andréoletti Olivier
Published: January 2016

Previous experiments carried out in a sheep scrapie model demonstrated that the transfusion of 200 μl of prion-infected whole blood has an apparent 100% efficacy for disease transmission. These experiments also indicated that, despite the apparent low infectious titer, the intravenous administration of white blood cells (WBC) resulted in efficient disease transmission. In the study presented here, using the same transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) animal model, our aim was to determine the minimal number of white blood cells and the specific abilities of mononucleated cell populations to transmit scrapie by the transfusion route. Our results confirmed that the transfusion of 100 μl, but not 10 μl, of fresh whole blood collected in asymptomatic scrapie-infected donor sheep can transmit the disease. The data also show that the intravenous administration of 10
5
WBCs is sufficient to cause scrapie in recipient sheep. Cell-sorted CD45R
+
(predominantly B lymphocytes), CD4
+
/CD8
+
(T lymphocytes), and CD14
+
(monocytes/macrophages) blood cell subpopulations all were shown to contain prion infectivity by bioassays in ovine PrP transgenic mice. However, while the intravenous administration of 10
6
CD45
+
or CD4
+
/8
+
living cells was able to transmit the disease, similar numbers of CD14
+
cells failed to infect the recipients. These data support the contention that mononucleated blood cell populations display different abilities to transmit TSE by the transfusion route. They also represent an important input for the risk assessment of blood-borne prion disease transmission and for refining the target performance of leukoreduction processes that currently are applied to mitigate the transmission risk in transfusion medicine.

IMPORTANCE
Interindividual variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) transmission through blood and blood-derived products is considered a major public health issue in transfusion medicine. Over the last decade, TSE in sheep has emerged as a relevant model for assessing the blood-borne vCJD transmission risk. In this study, using a sheep TSE model, we characterized the ability of different peripheral blood mononucleated cell populations to infect TSE-free recipients by the transfusion route. Our results indicate that as little as 10
5
WBC and 100 μl of blood collected from asymptomatic scrapie infected animals can transmit the disease. They also demonstrate unambiguously that peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations display dramatically different abilities to transmit the disease. These data represent an important input for the risk assessment of blood-borne prion disease transmission and for refining the target performance of leukoreduction processes that currently are applied to mitigate the transmission risk in transfusion medicine.
Chronic refractory myofascial pain and denervation supersensitivity as global public health disease
Authors: Chu J , Bruyninckx F , Neuhauser D V
Published: January 2016

Chronic pain with a 30.3% global prevalence significantly impacts universal health. Low back pain has a 9.4% prevalence worldwide causing the most widespread disability. Neck pain ranks 4th highest regarding years lived with disability with a 4.9% prevalence worldwide. The principal cause of pain in 85% of patients visiting a tertiary pain clinic has a myofascial origin. The root cause is multifocal neuromuscular ischaemia at myofascial trigger points from muscle tightening and shortening following spondylotic radiculopathy induced partial denervation. Chronic refractory myofascial pain (CRMP) is a neuromusculoskeletal disease needing management innovations. Using electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (eToims), we provide objective evidence of denervation supersensitivity in multiple myotomes as cause, aggravation and maintenance of CRMP. This study underscores our previous findings that eToims is safe and efficacious for long-term use in CRMP. eToims aids potential prevention (pre-rehabilitation), simultaneous diagnosis, treatment (rehabilitation) and prognosis in real time for acute and CRMP management.
Tubercular osteomyelitis of the lateral-third of the clavicle
Authors: Pal Chandra Prakash , Kumar Harish , Kumar Suneel , Hussain Asif
Published: January 2016

An elderly women with a chronic history of pain and swelling of the right clavicle was investigated. She also had constitutional symptoms. Clinical examination showed mild inflammatory signs over the lateral one-third of the clavicle and the swelling was hard. Clavicle X-ray showed a lytic lesion in the lateral-third of the clavicle and MRI revealed a focal hyperintense area with cortical breach involving the superior cortex of the clavicle. The diagnosis was confirmed as tubercular osteomyelitis after the biopsy, which showed chronic granulomatous inflammation, and the culture was positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. Pain resolved by 6 weeks, swelling by 4 months and complete radiological resolution was seen at 15 months after the initiation of antitubercular therapy. No deficit in function was seen. No relapse was noted at 1-year follow-up.
The NHS Health Check in England: an evaluation of the first 4 years
Authors: Robson John , Dostal Isabel , Sheikh Aziz , Eldridge Sandra , Madurasinghe Vichithranie , Griffiths Chris , Coupland Carol , Hippisley-Cox Julia
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To describe implementation of a new national preventive programme to reduce cardiovascular morbidity.

Design

Observational study over 4 years (April 2009—March 2013).

Setting

655 general practices across England from the QResearch database.

Participants

Eligible adults aged 40–74 years including attendees at a National Health Service (NHS) Health Check.

Intervention

NHS Health Check: routine structured cardiovascular check with support for behavioural change and in those at highest risk, treatment of risk factors and newly identified comorbidity.

Results

Of 1.68 million people eligible for an NHS Health Check, 214 295 attended in the period 2009–12. Attendance quadrupled as the programme progressed; 5.8% in 2010 to 30.1% in 2012. Attendance was relatively higher among older people, of whom 19.6% of those eligible at age 60–74 years attended and 9.0% at age 40–59 years. Attendance by population groups at higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, such as the more socially disadvantaged 14.9%, was higher than that of the more affluent 12.3%. Among attendees 7844 new cases of hypertension (38/1000 Checks), 1934 new cases of type 2 diabetes (9/1000 Checks) and 807 new cases of chronic kidney disease (4/1000 Checks) were identified. Of the 27 624 people found to be at high CVD risk (20% or more 10-year risk) when attending an NHS Health Check, 19.3% (5325) were newly prescribed statins and 8.8% (2438) were newly prescribed antihypertensive therapy.

Conclusions

NHS Health Check coverage was lower than expected but showed year-on-year improvement. Newly identified comorbidities were an important feature of the NHS Health Checks. Statin treatment at national scale for 1 in 5 attendees at highest CVD risk is likely to have contributed to important reductions in their CVD events.
When in Rome…
Authors: Brown Richard
Published: January 2016

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘When in Rome. . . ’, was submitted and is discussed by Richard Brown. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Delivering profit?’, which was published in the November/December issue of In Practice, appears on page 47.

The series is being coordinated by Steven McCulloch. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practitioners find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Buying and selling a veterinary practice
Authors: Jenkins Tim
Published: January 2016

The sale or purchase of a veterinary practice is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions that a vet will make. Whether selling or buying, it helps to be prepared in terms of understanding the process and the logistics involved. Tim Jenkins summarises some of the key considerations.
Canine head trauma: an update
Authors: Platt Simon , Freeman Courtenay , Beltran Elsa
Published: January 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in up to 25 per cent of dogs following severe blunt head trauma and can result in post‐traumatic epilepsy. Therefore, after TBI, a clinical assessment for other systemic injuries and a neurological evaluation are critical and frequent reassessment is required. This article gives an update on the imaging techniques that are currently available for assessing TBIs and describes a progressive tiered system for determining treatment.
Predictive and prognostic values of ERCC1 and XRCC1 in biliary tract cancers
Authors: Mian Muhtashim , McNamara Mairéad G , Doherty Mark , Hedley David , Knox Jennifer J , Serra Stefano
Published: January 2016

Aims

To investigate the predictive and prognostic values of DNA repair genes excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in tumour samples from patients with a diagnosis of biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

Expressions of ERCC1 and XRCC1 were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 160 patients with BTC and association with clinicopathological features and patient survival was performed to evaluate their predictive and prognostic values.

Results

Neoplastic tissue showed much lower nuclear expression compared with non-neoplastic tissue for ERCC1 (median immunostaining score (IS)=0.7 (95% CI 0.2 to 1.3) vs 8.0 (95% CI 5.5 to 8.0), p<0.001) and XRCC1 (median IS=4.0 (95% CI 3.0 to 5.5) vs 8.0 (95% CI 8.0 to 12.0), p<0.001). High nuclear expression of both proteins was able to predict better overall survival (OS) in patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma, distal bile duct and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing gemcitabine as adjuvant therapy (ERCC1: median OS estimate=39.7 vs 22.9 months, p=0.011; XRCC1: median OS estimate=33.8 vs 14.6 months, p=0.005). Intense cytoplasmic expression of XRCC1 was found in 12 patients; these patients had significantly more frequent lymph node metastasis (90.0% vs 48.1%, p=0.017) and worse OS (median estimate=12.6 months vs 25.6 months, p=0.004) and recurrence-free survival (median estimate=5.7 months vs 15.1 months, p=0.011). Vascular invasion was significantly more frequent in patients with low nuclear expression for ERCC1 (58.7% vs 20.9%, p<0.001) and XRCC1 (69.6% vs 30.3%, p=0.001).

Conclusions

IHC expression of ERCC1 and XRCC1 has some predictive and prognostic values in patients with BTC. Nuclear expression of ERCC1 and XRCC1 may be used to predict therapeutic response in patients undergoing gemcitabine monotherapy.
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MARKETIZATION IN CHINA’S INDUSTRIAL CONTESTABILITY
Authors: HOU XIAOHUI , LI CHENG , WANG QING
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we investigate how the marketization of financial institutions affects China’s industrial contestability. Our empirical results show that a higher degree of marketization of financial institutions is significantly associated with both the operation of more firms and the smaller average size of firms. Moreover, the lower and upper quartiles of the conditional distribution of firm size are all significantly negatively associated with the higher marketization degree of financial institutions, whereas increased financial institution competition and market-oriented allocation of credit funds have greater negative effect on the average size of larger firms, relative to smaller firms. In sum, improvements on the degree of marketization of financial institutions lead to an increase in the number of firms and a reduction in the average size of firms in China’s industry. Therefore, the marketization of financial institutions has a significant positive impact on China’s industrial contestability.
3D Face Detection via Reconstruction Over Hierarchical Features for Single Face Situations
Authors: Yu Bo , Lane Ian , Chen Fang
Published: January 2016

There are multiple challenges in face detection, including illumination conditions and diverse poses of the user. Prior works tend to detect faces by segmentation at pixel level, which are generally not computationally efficient. When people are sitting in the car, which can be regarded as single face situations, most face detectors fail to detect faces under various poses and illumination conditions. In this paper, we propose a simple but efficient approach for single face detection. We train a deep learning model that reconstructs face directly from input image by removing background and synthesizing 3D data for only the face region. We apply the proposed model to two public 3D face datasets, and obtain significant improvements in false rejection rate (FRR) of 4.6% (from 4.6% to 0.0%) and 21.7% (from 30.2% to 8.5%), respectively, compared with state-of-art performances in two datasets. Furthermore, we show that our reconstruction approach can be applied using 1/2 the time of a widely used real-time face detector. These results demonstrate that the proposed Reconstruction ConNet (RN) is both more accurate and efficient for real-time face detection than prior works.
Design of an I-Shaped Less-Than-Truckload Cross-Dock: A Simulation Experiment Study
Authors: Leng Kaijun , Shi Wen , Chen Jinbo , Lv Zhihan
Published: January 2016

The most important decision in cross-docking design is the number of unloading and loading doors. This paper focuses on the design issues of unloading and loading doors of symmetric-I-shaped (I-LTL) cross-docks pervasive in the Chinese auto-part supplying chain which is obviously a very complex system. First of all, this paper analyzes the operation process of I-LTL cross-docking in detail and completes the construction of discrete event simulation that conforms to I-LTL cross-docking operation on the basis of practical details in reality through ARENA platform. In the simulation analysis, this paper selects the physical flow of parts (supporting for arrival frequency and loading capacity of transport vehicles) and I-LTL cross-docking as the simulation experimental factors and applies multilevel factorial design to carry out a large-scale simulation experiment. The results suggest that the required number of receiving dock doors is determined by the arrival frequency of storage vehicles and loading capacity. Moreover, the effect of arrival frequency index is far greater than the loading capacity index. On the other hand, the required number of shipping dock doors primarily depends on the cross-docking consolidation rate and vehicle arrival frequency. Moreover, the index action of consolidation rate is greater than the effect of arriving frequency linearity.
Convergence of Numerical Approximations for a Non-Newtonian Model of Suspensions
Authors: Kapustyan O. V. , Valero J. , Kasyanov P. O. , Giménez A. , Amigó J. M.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we prove the convergence of the numerical approximations of a scalar parabolic equation modeling a non-Newtonian fluid. We use finite-difference schemes and the well-known method of external approximations.
Nonlinear Differential Equations and Feedback Control Design for the Urban–Rural Resident Pension Insurance in China
Authors: Wang Lijian
Published: January 2016

Facing many problems of the urban–rural resident pension insurance system in China, one should firstly make sure that this system can be optimized. This paper, based on the modern control theory, sets up differential equations as models to describe the urban–rural resident pension insurance system, and discusses the globally asymptotic stability in the sense of Liapunov for the urban–rural resident pension insurance system in the new equilibrium point. This research sets the stage for our further discussion, and it is theoretically important and convenient for optimizing the urban–rural resident pension insurance system.
A Food Chain Algorithm for Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Recycling in Reverse Logistics
Authors: Song Qiang , Gao Xuexia , Santos Emmanuel T.
Published: January 2016

This paper introduces the capacitated vehicle routing problem with recycling in reverse logistics, and designs a food chain algorithm for it. Some illustrative examples are selected to conduct simulation and comparison. Numerical results show that the performance of the food chain algorithm is better than the genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization as well as quantum evolutionary algorithm.
Analytical Study of Periodic Solutions on Perturbed Equatorial Two-Body Problem
Authors: Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Mortari Daniele , Selim Hadia H.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents analytical derivations to study periodic solutions for the two-body problem perturbed by the first zonal harmonic parameter. In particular, three different semianalytical approaches to solve this problem have been studied: (1) the classic perturbation theory, (2) the Lindstedt–Poincaré technique, and (3) the Krylov–Bogoliubov–Mitropolsky method. In addition, the numerical integration by Runge–Kutta algorithm is established. However, the numerical comparison tests show that by increasing the value of angular momentum the solutions provided by Lindstedt–Poincaré and Krylov–Bogoliubov–Mitropolsky methods become similar, and they provide almost identical results using a smaller value for the perturbed parameter which quantify the dynamical flattening of the main body, the Krylov–Bogoliubov–Mitropolsky provides more accurate results to design elliptical periodic solutions than Lindstedt–Poincaré technique when the perturbed parameter has a relatively large value, regardless of the value of angular momentum. This study can be applied to equatorial orbits to obtain closed-form analytical solutions.
Knot invariants arising from homological operations on Khovanov homology
Authors: Putyra Krzysztof K. , Shumakovitch Alexander N.
Published: January 2016

We construct an algebra of nontrivial homological operations on Khovanov homology with coefficients in [Formula: see text] generated by two Bockstein operations. We use the unified Khovanov homology theory developed by the first author to lift this algebra to integral Khovanov homology. We conjecture that these two algebras are infinite and present evidence in support of our conjectures. Finally, we list examples of knots that have the same even and odd Khovanov homology, but different actions of these homological operations. This confirms that the unified theory is a finer knot invariant than the even and odd Khovanov homology combined. The case of reduced Khovanov homology is also considered.
Moderate deviations for fourth-order stochastic heat equations with fractional noises
Authors: Yang Juan , Jiang Yiming
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we obtain a central limit theorem and prove a moderate deviation principle for fourth-order stochastic heat equations with fractional noises.
Almost sure convergence of the clustering factor in α-mixing processes
Authors: Abadi Miguel , Saussol Benoît
Published: January 2016

Abadi and Saussol (2011) have proved that the first time a dynamical system, starting from its equilibrium measure, hits a target set [Formula: see text] has approximately an exponential law. These results hold for systems satisfying the [Formula: see text]-mixing condition with rate function [Formula: see text] decreasing to zero at any rate. The parameter of the exponential law is the product [Formula: see text], where the latter is the measure of the set [Formula: see text]; only bounds for [Formula: see text] were given. In this note we prove that, if the rate function [Formula: see text] decreases algebraically and if the target set is a sequence of nested cylinders sets [Formula: see text] around a point [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] converges to one for almost every point [Formula: see text]. As a byproduct, we obtain the corresponding result for return times.
Distorted Copula-Based Probability Distribution of a Counting Hierarchical Variable: A Credit Risk Application
Authors: Bernardi Enrico , Romagnoli Silvia
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for the computation of the probability distribution of a counting variable linked to a multivariate hierarchical Archimedean copula function. The hierarchy has a twofold impact: it acts on the aggregation step but also it determines the arrival policy of the random event. The novelty of this work is to introduce this policy, formalized as an arrival matrix, i.e., a random matrix of dependent 0–1 random variables, into the model. This arrival matrix represents the set of distorted (by the policy itself) combinatorial distributions of the event, i.e., of the most probable scenarios. To this distorted version of the [Formula: see text] approach [see Ref. 7 and Ref. 27], we are now able to apply a pure hierarchical Archimedean dependence structure among variables. As an empirical application, we study the problem of evaluating the probability distribution of losses related to the default of various type of counterparts in a structured portfolio exposed to the credit risk of a selected set among the major banks of European area and to the correlations among these risks.
Atomistic Activation Energy Criteria for Multi-Scale Modeling of Dislocation Nucleation in FCC Metals
Authors: Burbery Nathaniel , Das Raj , Ferguson W. George , Po Giacomo , Ghoniem Nasr
Published: January 2016

This study contributes to the development of a ‘fundamental, atomistic basis’ to inform macro-scale models that can provide significant insights about the effect of dislocation microstructure evolution during plastic deformation. Within a mesoscale model, multi-dislocation interactions can be studied which are capable of driving high-stress effects such as dislocation nucleation under low applied stresses, due to stress-concentration in dislocation pile-ups at interfaces. This study establishes a methodology to evaluate a phenomenological model for atomic-scale crystal defect interactions from molecular dynamics simulations, which is a critical step for mesoscale studies of plastic deformation in metals. Dislocations are affected by thermally activated processes that become energetically favorable as the stress approaches a threshold value. The nudged elastic band technique is ideal for evaluating the energetic activation parameters from atomic simulations. With this method, the activation energy and volume were obtained for the process of homogeneous nucleation of a full dislocation loop in pure FCC aluminum. Using the (atomistic) activation parameters, a constitutive mathematical model is developed for simulations at the mesoscale, to evaluate the critical (local) shear stress threshold. The constitutive model is effective for extrapolating from an atomistic timeframe of femtoseconds to experimentally accessible timespans of seconds.
On the order of a modulo n, on average
Authors: Kim Sungjin
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be an integer. Denote by [Formula: see text] the multiplicative order of [Formula: see text] modulo integer [Formula: see text]. We prove that there is a positive constant [Formula: see text] such that if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] It was known for [Formula: see text] in [P. Kurlberg and C. Pomerance, On a problem of Arnold: The average multiplicative order of a given integer, Algebra Number Theory 7 (2013) 981–999] in which they refer to [F. Luca and I. E. Shparlinski, Average multiplicative orders of elements modulo [Formula: see text], Acta Arith. 109(4) (2003) 387–411.
Divisibility properties for weakly holomorphic modular forms with sign vectors
Authors: Zhang Yichao
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we prove some divisibility results for the Fourier coefficients of reduced modular forms with sign vectors. More precisely, we generalize a divisibility result of Siegel on constant terms when the weight [Formula: see text], which is related to the weight of Borcherds lifts when [Formula: see text]. In particular, we see that such divisibility of the weight of Borcherds lifts only exists for [Formula: see text]. By considering Hecke operators for the spaces of weakly holomorphic modular forms with sign vectors, we obtain divisibility results in an “orthogonal” direction on reduced modular forms.
Algebraic independence of certain Mahler numbers
Authors: Väänänen Keijo
Published: January 2016

In this note, we prove algebraic independence results for the values of a special class of Mahler functions. In particular, the generating functions of Thue–Morse, regular paperfolding and Cantor sequences belong to this class, and we obtain the algebraic independence of the values of these functions at every non-zero algebraic point in the open unit disk. The proof uses results on Mahler's method.
3D Cd–MoS2 Porous Monolith Fabricated Through a Self-Assembly Between Cd2+ Cations and MoS2 Nanoflakes
Authors: Ji Tianhao , Zou Lifeng , Xia Hongkun , Wu You
Published: January 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) Cd–MoS2 monolith was fabricated at room temperature using 2D MoS2 nanoflakes as precursor and Cd[Formula: see text] cations through an interaction between the S atoms on the surface of the MoS2 nanoflakes and the Cd[Formula: see text] cations. Then, the Cd–MoS2 was measured by various techniques. The measurement results show that, to some extent, the Cd–MoS2 structure is still amorphous like that of the MoS2 nanoflakes, and it is also a kind of mesoporous material with a mean diameter of 15.70[Formula: see text]nm and specific surface area of 22.01[Formula: see text]m2/g. The adsorption results of Rhodamine B and Cu[Formula: see text] solutions demonstrate that such material exhibits relatively strong adsorption behaviors and high adsorption capability, and also it can be reused for the adsorption after the adsorbates are taken out.
The Synthesis of CuS Hexagonal Nanosheet-Graphene for Use as a High Performance Photocatalyst
Authors: Zeng Bin , Yin Yang
Published: January 2016

CuS hexagonal nanosheet/graphene was fabricated by a facile one-pot microwave-thermal method. The samples possess excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic pollutant under visible light. The high photocatalytic activity was attributed to the deposition of CuS hexagonal nanosheet onto graphene. CuS nanosheet serves as a transporter which efficiently inhibits the recombination of the photo-induced charge carriers in the nanocomposites. The developed method demonstrates a facile approach towards the synthesis of two-dimensional semiconductor-graphene nanocomposites with excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light.
The 0–1 inverse maximum independent set problem on forests and unicyclic graphs
Authors: Liu Shuaifu , Zhang Zhao
Published: January 2016

Given a graph [Formula: see text] and an independent set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the 0–1 inverse maximum independent set problem (IMIS[Formula: see text]) is to delete as few vertices as possible such that [Formula: see text] becomes a maximum independent set of [Formula: see text]. It is known that IMIS[Formula: see text] is NP-hard even when the given independent set has a bounded size. In this paper, we present linear-time algorithms for IMIS[Formula: see text] on forests and unicyclic graphs.
The spectral radius of maximum weighted cycle
Authors: Lu Lu , Huang Qiongxiang , Chen Lin
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] denote the set of all weighted cycles with vertex set [Formula: see text], edge set [Formula: see text] and positive weight set [Formula: see text]. A weighted cycle [Formula: see text] is called maximum if [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give some properties of the Perron vector for the maximum weighted graphs and then determine the maximum weighted cycle in [Formula: see text].
Mechanism Design with Strategic Mediators
Authors: Babaioff Moshe , Feldman Moran , Tennenholtz Moshe
Published: January 2016

We consider the problem of designing mechanisms that interact with strategic agents through
strategic
intermediaries (or mediators), and investigate the cost to society due to the mediators’ strategic behavior. Selfish agents with private information are each associated with exactly one strategic mediator, and can interact with the mechanism exclusively through that mediator. Each mediator aims to optimize the combined utility of
his
agents, while the mechanism aims to optimize the combined utility of
all
agents. We focus on the problem of facility location on a metric induced by a publicly known tree. With nonstrategic mediators, there is a dominant strategy mechanism that is optimal. We show that when both agents and mediators act strategically, there is no dominant strategy mechanism that achieves
any
approximation. We, thus, slightly relax the incentive constraints, and define the notion of a
two-sided incentive compatible
mechanism. We show that the 3-competitive
deterministic
mechanism suggested by Procaccia and Tennenholtz [2013] and Dekel et al. [2010] for lines extends naturally to trees, and is still 3-competitive as well as two-sided incentive compatible. This is essentially the best possible (follows from Dekel et al. [2010] and Procaccia and Tennenholtz [2013]). We then show that by allowing randomization one can construct a 2-competitive
randomized
mechanism that is two-sided incentive compatible, and this is also essentially tight. This result also reduces a gap left in the work of Procaccia and Tennenholtz [2013] and Lu et al. [2009] for the problem of designing strategy-proof mechanisms for weighted agents with no mediators on a line. We also investigate a generalization of the preceding setting where there are multiple levels of mediators.
Delayed growth, motor function and learning in preterm pigs during early postnatal life
Authors: Andersen Anders D. , Sangild Per T. , Munch Sara L. , van der Beek Eline M. , Renes Ingrid B. , Ginneken Chris van , Greisen Gorm O. , Thymann Thomas
Published: January 2016

Preterm birth interrupts normal fetal growth with consequences for postnatal growth and organ development. In preterm infants, many physiological deficits adapt and disappear with advancing postnatal age, but some may persist into childhood. We hypothesized that preterm birth would induce impaired organ growth and function during the first postnatal week in pigs, while motor abilities and behavioral characteristics would show more persistent developmental delay. Cesarean-delivered preterm ( n = 112, 90% gestation) or term ( n = 56, 100% gestation) piglets were reared under identical conditions and euthanized for blood and organ collection on postnatal days 0, 5, or 26. Body weight gain remained lower in preterm vs. term pigs up to day 26 (25.5 ± 1.5 vs. 31.0 ± 0.5 g·kg−1·day−1, P < 0.01) when relative weights were higher for brain and kidneys and reduced for liver and spleen. Neonatal preterm pigs had reduced values for blood pH, Po2, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, and cortisol, but at day 26, most values were normalized, although plasma serotonin and IGF 1 levels remained reduced. Preterm pigs showed delayed neonatal arousal and impaired physical activity, coordination, exploration, and learning, relative to term pigs (all P < 0.05). Supplementation of parenteral nutrition during the first 5 days with an enteral milk diet did not affect later outcomes. In preterm pigs, many physiological characteristics of immaturity disappeared by 4 wk, while some neurodevelopmental deficits remained. The preterm pig is a relevant animal model to study early dietary and pharmacological interventions that support postnatal maturation and neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation inhibited high salt-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the renal medulla in Dahl S rats
Authors: Zhu Qing , Li Xiao-Xue , Wang Weili , Hu Junping , Li Pin-Lan , Conley Sabena , Li Ningjun
Published: January 2016

Inflammasomes activate caspase-1 to produce interleukin (IL)-1β. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in various renal pathological conditions. It remains unknown whether the NLRP3 inflammasome activation participates in the abnormal renal response to high-salt (HS) diet in Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats. In addition, our lab recently showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuated HS-induced inflammation in the renal medulla in Dahl S rat. However, it is unclear whether the anti-inflammatory action of MSCs is associated with inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The present study determined the response of the NLRP3 inflammasome to HS intake and the effect of MSC transplantation on the NLRP3 inflammasome in the renal medulla in Dahl S rats. Immunostaining showed that the inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 were mainly present in distal tubules and collecting ducts. Interestingly, the renal medullary levels of these inflammasome components were remarkably increased after a HS diet in Dahl S rats, while remaining unchanged in normal rats. This HS-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly blocked by MSC transplantation into the renal medulla in Dahl S rats. Furthermore, infusion of a caspase-1 inhibitor into the renal medulla significantly attenuated HS-induced hypertension in Dahl S rats. These data suggest that HS-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may contribute to renal medullary dysfunction in Dahl S rats and that inhibition of inflammasome activation may be one of the mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects of stem cells in the renal medulla in Dahl S rats.
A mild reduction of food intake slows disease progression in an orthologous mouse model of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Kipp Kevin R. , Rezaei Mina , Lin Louis , Dewey Elyse C. , Weimbs Thomas
Published: January 2016

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common cause of end-stage renal disease, and no approved treatment is available in the United States to slow disease progression. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in renal cysts, and while mTOR inhibitors are highly effective in rodent models, clinical trials in ADPKD have been disappointing due to dose-limiting extrarenal side effects. Since mTOR is known to be regulated by nutrients and cellular energy status, we hypothesized that dietary restriction may affect renal cyst growth. Here, we show that reduced food intake (RFI) by 23% profoundly affects polycystic kidneys in an orthologous mouse model of ADPKD with a mosaic conditional knockout of PKD1. This mild level of RFI does not affect normal body weight gain, cause malnutrition, or have any other apparent side effects. RFI substantially slows disease progression: relative kidney weight increase was 41 vs. 151% in controls, and proliferation of cyst-lining cells was 7.7 vs. 15.9% in controls. Mice on an RFI diet maintained kidney function and did not progress to end-stage renal disease. The two major branches of mTORC1 signaling, S6 and 4EBP1, are both suppressed in cyst-lining cells by RFI, suggesting that this dietary regimen may be more broadly effective than pharmacological mTOR inhibition with rapalogs, which primarily affects the S6 branch. These results indicate that polycystic kidneys are exquisitely sensitive to minor reductions in nutrient supply or energy status. This study suggests that a mild decrease in food intake represents a potential therapeutic intervention to slow disease progression in ADPKD patients.