bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esophageal dysmotility according to Chicago classification v3.0 vs v2.0: Implications for association with reflux, bolus clearance, and allograft failure post‐lung transplantation
Authors: Tangaroonsanti A. , Vela M. F. , Crowell M. D. , DeVault K. R. , Houghton L. A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Proximal reflux and incomplete transit of boluses swallowed are risk factors for obstructive chronic lung allograft dysfunction (o‐CLAD) post‐lung transplantation (LTx). Likewise, so is esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), but not hypo‐contractility, when diagnosed using Chicago Classification (CC) v3.0. Given, peristaltic breaks as defined using CCv2.0 can prolong esophageal clearance, both swallowed and refluxed, but which are deemed within normality using CCv3.0, our aim was to determine whether hypo‐contractility as diagnosed using CCv2.0, influences the association with reflux, along with its clearance, and that of boluses swallowed, and thus its association to allograft failure.

Methods

Esophageal motility abnormalities were classified using CC v3.0 and v2.0 in 50 patients post‐LTx (26 female, 55 years (20‐73 years)).

Results

Reclassification from CCv3.0 to v2.0 resulted in 7 patients with normal motility being reclassified to hypo‐contractility (n = 6) or hyper‐contractility (n = 1); 2 patients with hypo‐contractility to normal motility; and 3 patients with EGJOO without hyper‐contractility to EGJOO with hyper‐contractility. The main consequence of reclassification was that the sub‐group exhibiting hypo‐contractility became more likely to have abnormal numbers of reflux events (P = .025) and incomplete bolus transit (P = .002) than those with normal motility using CCv2.0; associations not seen using CCv3.0. Irrespective of CC used only patients with EGJOO appeared more likely to develop o‐CLAD than those with normal motility (P < .05).

Conclusions

Irrespective of CC used, o‐CLAD appears linked to EGJOO. CCv2.0 however, accentuates the increased reflux and incomplete bolus transit associated with hypo‐contractility post‐LTx, suggesting that these motor abnormalities, though considered minor, may be of importance after lung transplant.
Delayed gastric emptying and altered antrum protein metabolism during activity‐based anorexia
Authors: Nobis S. , Morin A. , Achamrah N. , Belmonte L. , Legrand R. , Chan P. , do Rego J.‐L. , Vaudry D. , Gourcerol G. , Déchelotte P. , Goichon A. , Coëffier M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Anorexia nervosa, a restrictive eating disorder, is often associated with gastrointestinal disorders, particularly a delayed gastric emptying. However, the mechanisms remained poorly documented. Thus, we aimed to evaluate gastric emptying and antrum protein metabolism in the Activity‐Based Anorexia model (ABA).

Methods

Females C57Bl/6 mice were randomized into 3 groups: Control, ABA, and Limited Food Access (LFA). Food access has been progressively limited from 6 h/day at day 6 to 3 h/day at day 9 and until day 17. ABA mice had free access to an activity wheel. Gastric emptying was assessed. On gastric extracts, a proteomic analysis was performed, as well as an evaluation of protein synthesis and protein oxidation.

Key Results

Both LFA and ABA mice exhibited a delayed gastric emptying compared with Controls (P < .05). Proteomic approach revealed 15 proteins that were differentially expressed. Among these proteins, we identified 2 clusters of interest contributing to (i) the organization of muscle fiber with ACTA2, VCL, KRT19, KRT8, and DES proteins and (ii) “heat shock proteins” with STIP1, HSPD1, and HSPA8 proteins. ABA mice specifically exhibited an increased rate of gastric oxidized proteins.

Conclusions and Inferences

Delayed gastric emptying observed in anorectic conditions appears to be secondary to malnutrition. However, an oxidative stress is specifically present in the stomach of ABA mice. Its role remains to be further studied.
Ectomycorrhizal host specificity in a changing world: can legacy effects explain anomalous current associations?
Authors: Lofgren Lotus , Nguyen Nhu H. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: February 2018

Despite the importance of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in forest ecosystems, knowledge about the ecological and co‐evolutionary mechanisms underlyingECMhost associations remains limited.

Using a widely distributed group ofECMfungi known to form tight associations with trees in the family Pinaceae, we characterized host specificity among three uniqueSuillus–host species pairs using a combination of field root tip sampling and experimental bioassays.

We demonstrate that theECMfungusS. subaureuscan successfully colonizeQuercushosts in both field and glasshouse settings, making this species unique in an otherwise Pinaceae‐specific clade. Importantly, however, we found that the colonization ofQuercusbyS. subaureusrequired co‐planting with a Pinaceae host.

While our experimental results indicate that gymnosperms are required for the establishment of newS. subaureuscolonies, Pineaceae hosts are locally absent at both our field sites. Given the historical presence of Pineaceae hosts before human alteration, it appears the currentS. subaureus–Quercusassociations represent carryover from past host presence. Collectively, our results suggest that patterns ofECMspecificity should be viewed not only in light of current forest community composition, but also as a legacy effect of host community change over time.
Biogeographic constraints to marine conservation in a changing climate
Authors: Fredston‐Hermann Alexa , Gaines Steven D. , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: February 2018

The siting of protected areas to achieve management and conservation objectives draws heavily on biogeographic concepts of the spatial distribution and connectivity of species. However, the marine protected area (MPA) literature rarely acknowledges how biogeographic theories underpin MPA and MPA network design. We review which theories from biogeography have been incorporated into marine spatial planning and which relevant concepts have yet to be translated to inform the next generation of design principles. This biogeographic perspective will only become more relevant as climate change amplifies these spatial and temporal dynamics, and as species begin to shift in and out of existing MPAs. The scale of climate velocities predicted for the 21st century dwarfs all but the largest MPAs currently in place, raising the possibility that in coming decades many MPAs will no longer contain the species or assemblages they were established to protect. We present a number of design elements that could improve the success of MPAs and MPA networks in light of biogeographic processes and climate change. Biogeographically informed MPA networks of the future may resemble the habitat corridors currently being considered for many terrestrial regions.
Treatment patterns, costs, and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with CIED infection
Authors: Greenspon Arnold J. , Eby Elizabeth L. , Petrilla Allison A. , Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: February 2018

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a serious adverse event, but there are limited contemporary real‐world data on treatment pathways and associated costs in the Medicare population following diagnosis of CIED infection. Hence, this study evaluates postinfection treatment pathways and associated healthcare expenditures and mortality among Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries with CIED infection.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of 5,401 beneficiaries who developed a device‐related infection in the year following implantation/upgraded CIED (1/1/2010–12/31/2012). Patients were followed‐up to 12 months/death following diagnosis of infection and were divided into mutually exclusive groups based on whether they underwent CIED system removal (Group I), or no CIED system intervention (Group II; IIA with or IIB without infection hospitalization). All‐cause healthcare resource utilization/expenditures were also measured.

Results

In the year following infection, 64.1% of patients underwent device extraction, of who 2,109 (39.0%) had their device replaced (Group IA) and 1,355 (25.1%) had their device extracted without replacement (Group IB); 62.2% of patients were hospitalized and 25.3% of patients died. Mean Medicare payments‐per‐patient for facility‐based services by group were: IA = $62,638 (standard deviation [SD]: $46,830), IB = $50,079 (SD: $45,006), IIA = $77,397 (SD: $79,130), and IIB = $22,856 (SD: $31,167).

Conclusions

Hospitalizations were the largest cost driver; infection‐related costs, including cost of extraction/replacement, accounted for >50% of expenditures for patients with surgical/hospital intervention. Management of CIED infection in Medicare beneficiaries is associated with high healthcare expenditures in the year following infection. Additional measures to prevent device infection are needed to improve the outcomes and reduce costs in these patients.
Maternal supplementation alone with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 during pregnancy and breastfeeding does not reduce infant eczema
Authors: Wickens Kristin , Barthow Christine , Mitchell Edwin A. , Stanley Thorsten V. , Purdie Gordon , Rowden Judy , Kang Janice , Hood Fiona , van den Elsen Lieke , Forbes‐Blom Elizabeth , Franklin Isobel , Barnes Phillipa , Fitzharris Penny , Maude Robyn M. , Stone Peter , Abels Peter , Murphy Rinki , Crane Julian
Published: February 2018

Background

In a randomized placebo‐controlled trial, we previously found that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) taken by mothers from 35 weeks of gestation until 6 months post‐partum if breastfeeding and their child from birth to age 2 years halved the risk of eczema during the first 2 years of life. We aimed to test whether maternal supplementation alone is sufficient to reduce eczema and compare this to our previous study when both the mother and their child were supplemented.

Methods

In this 2‐centre, parallel double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial, the same probiotic as in our previous study (HN001, 6 × 109 colony‐forming units) was taken daily by mothers from 14‐16 weeks of gestation till 6 months post‐partum if breastfeeding, but was not given directly to the child. Women were recruited from the same study population as the first study, where they or their partner had a history of treated asthma, eczema or hay fever.

Results

Women were randomized to HN001 (N = 212) or placebo (N = 211). Maternal‐only HN001 supplementation did not significantly reduce the prevalence of eczema, SCORAD ≥ 10, wheeze or atopic sensitization in the infant by 12 months. This contrasts with the mother and child intervention study, where HN001 was associated with reductions in eczema (hazard ratio (HR): 0.39, 95% CI 0.19‐0.79, P = .009) and SCORAD (HR = 0.61, 95% 0.37‐1.02). However, differences in the HN001 effect between studies were not significant. HN001 could not be detected in breastmilk from supplemented mothers, and breastmilk TGF‐β/IgA profiles were unchanged.

Conclusion

Maternal probiotic supplementation without infant supplementation may not be effective for preventing infant eczema.
Both Wittgenstein and Kant Beg the Question
Authors: Li Jing
Published: February 2018

I shall show that the main argument forms of Wittgenstein's Tractatus and Kant's Critique of Pure Reason are Modus Tollens. I shall then argue that the main arguments of both books beg the question by addressing only one sub‐argument in each, although it is still in controversy whether begging the question is a genuine fallacy.
Revisiting the Mechanism of Hydrolysis of Betanin
Authors: Esteves Larissa C. , Pinheiro Amanda C. , Pioli Renan M. , Penna Tatiana C. , Baader Wilhelm J. , Correra Thiago C. , Bastos Erick L.
Published: February 2018

Betanin (betanidin 5‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside) is a water‐soluble plant pigment used as a color additive in food, drugs and cosmetic products. Despite its sensitivity to light and heat, betanin maintains appreciable tinctorial strength in low acidic and neutral conditions, where the color of other plant pigments, such as anthocyanins, quickly fades. However, betanin is an iminium natural product that experiences acid‐ and base‐catalyzed hydrolysis to form the fairly stable betalamic acid and cyclo‐DOPA‐5‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside. Here, we show that the decomposition of betanin in aqueous phosphate solution pH 2–11 is subject to general base catalysis by hydrogen phosphate ion and intramolecular general acid and base catalysis, providing new insights on the mechanism of betanin hydrolysis. UV/Vis absorption spectrophotometry, 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry were used to investigate product formation. Furthermore, theoretical calculations support the hypothesis that the nitrogen atom of the tetrahydropyridine ring of betanin is doubly protonated, as observed for structurally simpler amino dicarboxylic acids. Our results contribute to the study of betanin and other pigments belonging to the class of betalains and to deepen the knowledge on the chemical properties of imino acids as well as on iminium‐catalyzed modifications of carbonyl compounds in water.
Variation in the angiosperm ionome
Authors: Neugebauer Konrad , Broadley Martin R. , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , George Timothy S. , McNicol James W. , Moraes Milton F. , White Philip J.
Published: February 2018

The ionome is defined as the elemental composition of a subcellular structure, cell, tissue, organ or organism. The subset of the ionome comprising mineral nutrients is termed the functional ionome. A ‘standard functional ionome’ of leaves of an ‘average’ angiosperm, defined as the nutrient composition of leaves when growth is not limited by mineral nutrients, is presented and can be used to compare the effects of environment and genetics on plant nutrition. The leaf ionome of a plant is influenced by interactions between its environment and genetics. Examples of the effects of the environment on the leaf ionome are presented and the consequences of nutrient deficiencies on the leaf ionome are described. The physiological reasons for (1) allometric relationships between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and (2) linear relationships between leaf calcium and magnesium concentrations are explained. It is noted that strong phylogenetic effects on the mineral composition of leaves of angiosperm species are observed even when sampled from diverse environments. The evolutionary origins of traits including (1) the small calcium concentrations of Poales leaves, (2) the large magnesium concentrations of Caryophyllales leaves and (3) the large sulphur concentrations of Brassicales leaves are traced using phylogenetic relationships among angiosperm orders, families and genera. The rare evolution of hyperaccumulation of toxic elements in leaves of angiosperms is also described. Consequences of variation in the leaf ionome for ecology, mineral cycling in the environment, strategies for phytoremediation of contaminated land, sustainable agriculture and the nutrition of livestock and humans are discussed.
PtxtPME1 and homogalacturonans influence xylem hydraulic properties in poplar
Authors: Allario Thierry , Tixier Aude , Awad Hosam , Lemaire Cedric , Brunel Nicole , Badel Eric , Barigah Têtè S. , Julien Jean‐Louis , Peyret Pierre , Mellerowicz Ewa J. , Cochard Herve , Herbette Stephane
Published: February 2018

While the xylem hydraulic properties, such as vulnerability to cavitation (VC), are of paramount importance in drought resistance, their genetic determinants remain unexplored. There is evidence that pectins and their methylation pattern are involved, but the detail of their involvement and the corresponding genes need to be clarified. We analyzed the hydraulic properties of the 35S::PME1 transgenic aspen that ectopically under‐ or over‐express a xylem‐abundant pectin methyl esterase, PtxtPME1. We also produced and analyzed 4CL1::PGII transgenic poplars expressing a fungal polygalacturonase, AnPGII, under the control of the Ptxa4CL1 promoter that is active in the developing xylem after xylem cell expansion. Both the 35S::PME1 under‐ and over‐expressing aspen lines developed xylem with lower‐specific hydraulic conductivity and lower VC, while the 4CL1::PGII plants developed xylem with a higher VC. These xylem hydraulic changes were associated with modifications in xylem structure or in intervessel pit structure that can result in changes in mechanical behavior of the pit membrane. This study shows that homogalacturonans and their methylation pattern influence xylem hydraulic properties, through its effect on xylem cell expansion and on intervessel pit properties and it show a role for PtxtPME1 in the xylem hydraulic properties.
Three species of Ulva (Ulvophyceae) from the Persian Gulf as potential sources of protein, essential amino acids and fatty acids
Authors: Pirian Kiana , Piri Khosro , Sohrabipour Jelveh , Blomster Jaanika
Published: February 2018

Three species of the cosmopolitan genus Ulva (U. paschima, U. chaugulii and U. ohnoi) from the Persian Gulf were identified using morphological and molecular markers, and were analyzed for total lipids, fatty acids, proteins and amino acid profiles. Our results show that the studied Ulva species have high protein content (9−25% dry weight), contain essential fatty acids and nearly all essential amino acids. This suggests Ulva could have potential as a form of human nutrition and animal feed with a low carbon footprint.
The Contemporary Presidency: Organizing the Trump Presidency
Authors: Pfiffner James P.
Published: February 2018

President Trump differed significantly from other recent presidents in his management of the White House staff, domestic cabinet appointments, and relations with his national security team. This article traces the roots of White House dysfunction, particularly the lack of a strong chief of staff, the absence of a regular policy process, and the factions that fought for control of policy. It then examines President Trump's unusual approach of appointing domestic cabinet secretaries hostile to the traditional missions of their departments. Finally, it analyzes the fractious relations between President Trump and his national security cabinet secretaries.
Prevalence of hyperphagia in Alzheimer’s disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shea Yat‐Fung , Lee Shui‐Ching , Chu Leung‐Wing
Published: February 2018

Background

Unlike other behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, hyperphagia is less recognized among patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The prevalence of hyperphagia varies among studies, but there has been no systematic review or meta‐analysis.

Methods

An extensive search on the literature on hyperphagia in AD published between 1 January 1980 and 30 October 2017 was conducted. Data on the prevalence were retrieved. Meta‐analysis with a random effect model was performed to determine the pooled estimate of prevalence. Meta‐regression analysis was performed based on study characteristics, population demographics, or condition information.

Results

Results from 20 studies were extracted. Twenty‐six reported cases of hyperphagia were identified. The mean age of onset was 70.7 ± 8.9 years, with a male predominance (68.4%). Hyperphagia occurred in all stages of AD. Only eight studies reported the prevalence of hyperphagia. Meta‐analysis showed a pooled prevalence of hyperphagia of 18.6%. Publication bias may have been present. Meta‐regression showed that ethnicity accounted for the variance among studies (coefficient: −1.247 (95% confidence interval: −1.978 to −0.516), R2 analogue: 0.77, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hyperphagia occurs in all stages of AD. In this meta‐analysis of eight published studies, the prevalence of hyperphagia was 18.6%. In view of the possible publication bias, a large‐scale study on hyperphagia is recommended in the future.
Issue Proximity and Policy Response in Local Governments
Authors: Hughes Sara , Miller Runfola Daniel , Cormier Benjamin
Published: February 2018

The policy choices of local governments are highly relevant today, but we know relatively little about how or when local governments choose to respond to a given issue and why this might vary between policy areas. A key variant for local governments is the proximity of policy issues: they are engaged in solving local, regional, and global problems. Using evidence from the United States on the policy issues of social inclusion, watershed management, and climate change, we demonstrate that the drivers of policy response vary with the proximity of the problem. When an issue is highly local, policy response is influenced by problem severity; when an issue is global, policy response is influenced by local political leanings; and when an issue is regional, policy response is driven by the actions of neighboring and state level governments. Local governments consider different factors and respond to different cues when engaging with different types of policy issues. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of sustainability policy adoption in local governments, and further our understanding of the domain‐contingent nature of policy response in local governments and the structuring role of problem proximity.
Surprise, Recipes for Surprise, and Social Influence
Authors: Loewenstein Jeffrey
Published: February 2018

Surprising people can provide an opening for influencing them. Surprises garner attention, are arousing, are memorable, and can prompt shifts in understanding. Less noted is that, as a result, surprises can serve to persuade others by leading them to shifts in attitudes. Furthermore, because stories, pictures, and music can generate surprises and those can be widely shared, surprise can have broad social influence. People also tend to share surprising items with others, as anyone on social media has discovered. This means that in addition to broadcasting surprising information, surprising items can also spread through networks. The joint result is that surprise not only has individual effects on beliefs and attitudes but also collective effects on the content of culture. Items that generate surprise need not be random or accidental. There are predictable methods or recipes for generating surprise. One such recipe is discussed, the repetition‐break plot structure, to explore the psychological and social possibilities of examining surprise. Recipes for surprise offer a useful means for understanding how surprise works and offer prospects for harnessing surprise to a wide array of ends.
On the relationship between the breadth of preferential trading arrangements and trade flows
Authors: Falvey Rod , Foster‐McGregor Neil
Published: February 2018

This paper uses matching econometrics to extend the literature investigating the impact of preferential trading arrangements (PTAs) on goods trade flows. Heterogeneity in PTAs is accounted for through a “provision count index” derived from data provided in a recent World Bank study. PTA formation now involves two separate, sequential decisions—first, whether two trading partners should form a PTA, and second, if they do, how broad that agreement should be. We find our explanatory variables are significant for both decisions, but often have opposing effects on each. Using matched PTA and non‐PTA groups of country pairs, we estimate a dose–response function which indicates that arrangements with few provisions and arrangements with many provisions do not appear to have a significant impact on goods trade flows between their members. PTAs in an intermediate range are shown to have a significant positive effect. We then relate these outcomes to the actual content of the PTAs using the concept of “provision intensity.”
Corpus onomasiology in world Englishes and the concrete verbsmakeandgive
Authors: Mehl Seth
Published: February 2018

Traditional theoretical frameworks for world Englishes (WEs) such as Moag's (1982) and Kachru's (1985) have not explicitly noted a role for lexical semantics. Schneider's (2007) dynamic model, however, explicitly defines specific phases of WE development in terms of lexical semantics, and Brutt‐Griffler's (2002) model emphasizes semantic change. This paper fills a gap in the literature by presenting corpus studies into the concrete senses of the highly frequent, highly polysemous transitive verbsmakeandgive, in the International Corpus of English (ICE) components representing Singapore, Hong Kong, and Great Britain. Via onomasiological corpus methods, I show that register differentiation for the alternation between Germanic, monosyllabic formsmakeandgiveand their Latinate, polysyllabic alternates is not as extensive in ICE‐HK as in ICE‐SIN and ICE‐GB. I interpret these findings in relation to the models of Brutt‐Griffler (2002), Schneider (2007), and Kachru (1985).
Effect of Public Investment on Private Investment and Economic Growth: Evidence From Vietnam by Economic Industries
Authors: Canh Nguyen Thi , Phong Nguyen Anh
Published: February 2018

This study is to assess the impact of public investment on private investment and economic growth in Vietnam based on data from 22 economic industries over a 27-year period (1990-2016) by applying PVAR model combined with GMM. The results show that public investment and state sector investment (including public investment and state-owned enterprise investment for production and business activities) has the same positive impact economic growth in most economic industries in the long term, but state sector investment also creates more growth effects in the short term. Public investment has a cyclical impact on private capital stock (domestic private + FDI capital stock) and FDI investment; it has the effect of boosting domestic private investment, FDI investment in the short and long term. Meanwhile, state-sector investment has decreased the private capital stock in the short term, crowds out domestic private and FDI investments in the short term, and in the long term. Both public investment and state sector investment has the effect of increasing public debt in the long term. Based on these results we have some policy recommendations to increase efficiency of public investment and state sector investment.
The Role of Investment in Human Capital: Evolution Between Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Approach
Authors: NDIAYE Babacar
Published: February 2018

It has been acknowledged for a long time that labour factor quality plays a significant role in the process of economic growth. The human capital theory that gained prominence notably with the works of Schultz (1961) and Becker (1964) underline that the knowledge gained by people is crucial to society, for education is an investment and a tool for improving productivity. The objective of this paper is to propose, in the neoclassical vision, a critical analysis of the developments and controversies surrounding human capital investment
Integer and Fractional Order-Based Viscoelastic Constitutive Modeling to Predict the Frequency and Magnetic Field-Induced Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomer
Authors: Poojary Umanath R. , Gangadharan K. V.
Published: February 2018

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE)-based semi-active vibration mitigation device demands a mathematical representation of its smart characteristics. To model the material behavior over broadband frequency, the simplicity of the mathematical formulation is very important. Material modeling of MRE involves the theory of viscoelasticity, which describes the properties intermediate between the solid and the liquid. In the present study, viscoelastic property of MRE is modeled by an integer and fractional order derivative approaches. Integer order-based model comprises of six parameters, and the fraction order model is represented by five parameters. The parameters of the model are identified by minimizing the error between the response from the model and the dynamic compression test data. Performance of the model is evaluated with respect to the optimized parameters estimated at different sets of regularly spaced arbitrary input frequencies. A linear and quadratic interpolation function is chosen to generalize the variation of parameters with respect to the magnetic field and frequency. The predicted response from the model revealed that the fractional order model describes the properties of MRE in a simplest form with reduced number of parameters. This model has a greater control over the real and imaginary part of the complex stiffness, which facilitates in choosing a better interpolating function to improve the accuracy. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the realistic assessment on the performance of a model is based on its ability to reproduce the results obtained from optimized parameters.
First-Crossing Problem of Weakly Coupled Strongly Nonlinear Oscillators Subject to a Weak Harmonic Excitation and Gaussian White Noises
Authors: Wu Y. J. , Wang H. Y.
Published: February 2018

We study first-crossing problem of two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) strongly nonlinear mechanical oscillators analytically. The excitation is the combination of a deterministic harmonic function and Gaussian white noises (GWNs). The generalized harmonic function is used to approximate the solutions of the original equations. Four cases are studied in terms of the types of resonance (internal or external or both). For each case, the method of stochastic averaging is used and the stochastically averaged Itô equations are obtained. A backward Kolmogorov (BK) equation is set up to yield the failure probability and a Pontryagin equation is set up to yield average first-crossing time (AFCT). A 2DOF Duffing-van der Pol oscillator is chosen as an illustrative example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the analytical method. Numerically analytical solutions are obtained and validated by digital simulation. It is shown that the proposed method has high efficiency while still maintaining satisfactory accuracy.
Unsteady Behaviors of Steam Flow in a Control Valve With T-Junction Discharge Under the Choked Condition: Detached Eddy Simulation and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Wang Peng , Ma Hongyu , Liu Yingzheng
Published: February 2018

Due to the practical space limitation, the control valve in industrial utilities is usually immediately followed by a short flow passage, which would introduce considerable complexity into highly unsteady flow behaviors, along with the flow noise and structure vibration. In the present study, the unsteady behaviors of the steam flow inside a control valve with a T-junction discharge, when the valve operates under the choked condition, are numerically simulated. Toward this end, the detached eddy simulation (DES) is used to capture the spatiotemporally varying flow field in the serpentine flow passage. The results show periodic fluctuations of the aerodynamic forces on the valve spindle and periodic fluctuations of the pressure and flow rate at the two discharge outlets. Subsequently, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis is conducted using the velocity field and pressure field, identifying, respectively, the dominant coherent structures and energetic pressure fluctuation modes. Finally, the extended-POD method is used to delineate the coupling between the pressure fluctuations with the dominant flow structures superimposed in the highly unsteady flow field. The fourth velocity mode at St = 0.1, which corresponds to the alternating oscillations of the annular wall-attached jet, is determined to cause the periodic flow imbalance at the two discharge outlets, whereas signatures of the first three modes are found to be dissipated in the spherical chamber. Such findings could serve as facts for vibration prediction and optimization design. Particularly, the POD and extended-POD techniques were demonstrated to be effective methodologies for analyzing the highly turbulent flows in engineering fluid mechanics.
Numerical Uncertainty Analysis in Regular Wave Modeling
Authors: Silva Monica C. , Vitola Marcelo A. , Eça Luís , Esperança Paulo de Tarso T. , Sphaier Sergio H.
Published: February 2018

In recent decades, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in many areas of engineering as a research and development tool has seen remarkable growth. Recently, an increasing concern with the assessment of the quality of CFD results has been observed. Wave modeling is an important task in many ocean engineering applications. Although numerical modeling studies of waves can be found in the literature for many applications, it is hard to find studies that present the numerical uncertainties of the results. In this study, the numerical uncertainties in mean wave parameters simulated using a viscous model were estimated using a procedure based on grid/time refinement studies and power series expansions. starccm+ software was used to simulate wave propagation. The computational domain was discretized using a trimmer mesh. The results obtained for a regular wave with a wave steepness (H/L) equal to 0.025 are presented. The numerical uncertainties in mean wave height and mean wave period were estimated along the computational domain. The results indicate that the convergence properties of the mean wave parameters with the grid refinement depended on both position in the domain and the selected wave parameter.
Comparison of Near-Nozzle Spray Performance of Gas-to-Liquid and Jet A-1 Fuels Using Shadowgraph and Phase Doppler Anemometry
Authors: Kannaiyan Kumaran , Sadr Reza
Published: February 2018

The gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel, a liquid fuel synthesized from natural gas through Fischer–Tropsch process, exhibits better combustion and, in turn, lower emission characteristics than the conventional jet fuels. However, the GTL fuel has different fuel properties than those of regular jet fuels, which could potentially affect its atomization and combustion aspects. The objective of the present work is to investigate the near-nozzle atomization characteristics of GTL fuel and compare them with those of the conventional Jet A-1 fuel. The spray experiments are conducted at different nozzle operating conditions under standard ambient conditions. The near-nozzle macroscopic spray characteristics are determined from the shadowgraph images. Near the nozzle exit, a thorough statistical analysis shows that the liquid sheet dynamics of GTL fuel is different from that of Jet A-1 fuel. However, further downstream, the microscopic spray characteristics of GTL fuel are comparable to those of the Jet A-1 fuel.
Application of Energy Conservation Measures and Their Impact on the Thermal-Energetic Performance of a Building in the Brazilian Amazon Region: A Case Study
Authors: Aguilar Heliana M. C. , Galhardo Marcos A. B. , Pinho João T.
Published: February 2018

This paper focuses on the thermal and energetic behavior of a building located in the Brazilian Amazon Region, a region climatically characterized by elevated temperatures and high humidity levels, where achieving adequate thermal comfort demands a high-energy consumption due to the use of air-conditioning systems. Therefore, different energy conservation measures (ECMs) need to be evaluated to reduce the thermal load for cooling. The use of a thermal insulation material on the west wall and on the roof, and a photovoltaic (PV) system integrated as an architectural element and adapted to the roof of the building are considered. The building is simulated with the software energyplus, with its thermal behavior and energy consumption analyzed for an entire year and for a chosen design day, defined with data measured by a weather station installed close to the building. According to the evaluations carried out, it is determined that the ECMs have a direct and major influence on the reduction of the thermal load for cooling, on the reduction of the effects caused by radiation with the shading on the eaves, and the reduction of the transmittance on the surfaces that were modified in the study. In terms of energy consumption and economic feasibility, the ECMs reach an annual energy saving percentage of 74% for the building chosen as the case study, and the solutions adopted provide the return of the financial investment, proving suitable for energy saving and economically viable for regions with similar climatic characteristics.
Inverse Design of Spectrally Selective Thickness Sensitive Pigmented Coatings for Solar Thermal Applications
Authors: Yalçın Refet A. , Ertürk Hakan
Published: February 2018

Inverse design of thickness sensitive spectrally selective pigmented coatings that are used in absorbers of solar thermal collectors is considered. The objective is to maximize collection efficiency by achieving high absorptance at solar wavelengths and low emittance at the infrared (IR) wavelengths to minimize heat loss. Radiative properties of these coatings depend on coating thickness, pigment size, concentration, and the optical properties of binder and pigment materials, and a unified radiative transfer model of the pigmented coatings is developed in order to understand the effect of these parameters on the properties. The unified model (UM) relies on Lorenz–Mie theory (LMT) for independent scattering regime in conjunction with extended Hartel theory (EHT) to incorporate the multiple scattering effects, T-matrix method (TMM) for dependent scattering, and effective medium theory (EMT) for very small particles. A simplified version of the UM (SUM) ignoring dependent scattering is also developed for improving computational efficiency. Through the solution of the radiative transfer equation by the four flux method (FFM), spectral properties are predicted. The developed model is used in conjunction with inverse design for estimating design variables yielding the desired spectral emittance of the ideal coating. The nonlinear inverse design problem is solved by optimization by using simulated annealing (SA) method that is capable of finding global minimum regardless of initial guess.
Unraveling the CNOT: A new player in the autophagy–cell death nexus
Authors: Das Saumya
Published: February 2018

Cardiac function and homeostasis require limiting the abundance of the autophagy factor Atg7 through mRNA deadenylation (Yamaguchi
et al
., in 6 February 2018 issue).
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Fish-Associated
Streptococcus agalactiae
Isolates
Authors: Jaglarz Anita , Gurgul Artur , Leigh William J. , Costa Janina Z. , Thompson Kim D.
Published: February 2018

The whole-genome sequences are described here for three group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) (
S. agalactiae
) serotype Ib isolates obtained from tilapia (
Oreochromis niloticus
) farmed at sites in Honduras, Costa Rica, and the United States. The bacteria were isolated from the brains of fish displaying signs of streptococcosis.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia
sp. Strain WAC0059, a Bacterium Isolated from the Medicinal Fungus
Antrodia cinnamomea
Authors: Cho Shu-Ting , Chen Chia-Ling , Yang Yin , Wang Ting-Fang , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: February 2018

Burkholderia
sp. strain WAC0059 was isolated from a fruiting body of the medicinal fungus
Antrodia cinnamomea
collected in Taiwan. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacterium to facilitate the investigation of its biology.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Active Heterotrophic Nitrifier-Denitrifier,
Cupriavidus pauculus
UM1
Authors: Putonti Catherine , Polley Nathaniel , Castignetti Domenic
Published: February 2018

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Cupriavidus pauculus
UM1, a metal-resistant heterotrophic nitrifier-denitrifier capable of synthesizing nitrite from pyruvic oxime. The size of the genome is 7,402,815 bp with a GC content of 64.8%. This draft assembly consists of 38 scaffolds.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Recombinant GII.P16-GII.1 Norovirus Associated with a Gastroenteritis Outbreak in Shandong Province, China, in 2017
Authors: Wang Chunrong , Ao Yuanyun , Yu Jiemei , Xie Xiaolu , Deng Hongyan , Jin Miao , Liu Lanzheng , Duan Zhaojun
Published: February 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of a novel recombinant GII.P16-GII.1 norovirus identified from eight fecal samples collected during an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, in 2017. The virus had nucleotide identities of 99% and 91% in the ORF1 and ORF2 genes of related strains, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Novel Cellulolytic, Anaerobic, Thermophilic Bacterium
Herbivorax saccincola
Type Strain GGR1, Isolated from a Lab Scale Biogas Reactor as Established by Illumina and Nanopore MinION Sequencing
Authors: Pechtl Alexander , Rückert Christian , Maus Irena , Koeck Daniela E. , Trushina Nataliya , Kornberger Petra , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Schlüter Andreas , Liebl Wolfgang , Zverlov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2018

The cellulolytic bacterium
Herbivorax saccincola
strain GGR1, which represents the type strain of this species, was isolated from the
in vivo
enriched cellulose-binding community of a lab scale thermophilic biogas reactor. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
H. saccincola
GGR1
T
, the first isolated member of the genus
Herbivorax
.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Human Metapneumovirus Isolate Collected in Brazil
Authors: Di Paola Nicholas , Cunha Marielton dos Passos , Durigon Giuliana Stravinskas , Berezin Eitan Naaman , Durigon Edison , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal , Zanotto Paolo Marinho de Andrade
Published: February 2018

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a human metapneumovirus isolate collected from a hospitalized infant suffering from acute respiratory disease. This is the first complete genome sequence of human metapneumovirus originating from Brazil.
Laser Adjuvant-Assisted Peptide Vaccine Promotes Skin Mobilization of Dendritic Cells and Enhances Protective CD8+TEMand TRMCell Responses against Herpesvirus Infection and Disease
Authors: Lopes Patricia P. , Todorov George , Pham Thanh T. , Nesburn Anthony B. , Bahraoui Elmostafa , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: February 2018

There is an urgent need for chemical-free and biological-free safe adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines against widespread viral pathogens, such as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), that infect a large proportion of the world human population. In the present study, we investigated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of a laser adjuvant-assisted peptide (LAP) vaccine in the B6 mouse model of genital herpes. This LAP vaccine and its laser-free peptide (LFP) vaccine analog contain the immunodominant HSV-2 glycoprotein B CD8+T cell epitope (HSV-gB498–505) covalently linked with the promiscuous glycoprotein D CD4+T helper cell epitope (HSV-gD49–89). Prior to intradermal delivery of the LAP vaccine, the lower-flank shaved skin of B6 or CD11c/eYFP transgenic mice received a topical skin treatment with 5% imiquimod cream and then was exposed for 60 s to a laser, using the FDA-approved nonablative diode. Compared to the LFP vaccine, the LAP vaccine (i) triggered mobilization of dendritic cells (DCs) in the skin, which formed small spots along the laser-treated areas, (ii) induced phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs, (iii) stimulated long-lasting HSV-specific effector memory CD8+T cells (TEMcells) and tissue-resident CD8+T cells (TRMcells) locally in the vaginal mucocutaneous tissues (VM), and (iv) induced protective immunity against genital herpes infection and disease. As an alternative to currently used conventional adjuvants, the chemical- and biological-free laser adjuvant offers a well-tolerated, simple-to-produce method to enhance mass vaccination for widespread viral infections.

IMPORTANCEHerpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infect a large proportion of the world population. There is an urgent need for chemical-free and biological-free safe adjuvants that would advance mass vaccination against the widespread herpes infections. The present study demonstrates that immunization with a laser-assisted herpes peptide vaccine triggered skin mobilization of dendritic cells (DCs) that stimulated strong and long-lasting HSV-specific effector memory CD8+T cells (TEMcells) and tissue-resident CD8+T cells (TRMcells) locally in the vaginal mucocutaneous tissues. The induced local CD8+T cell response was associated with protection against genital herpes infection and disease. These results draw attention to chemical- and biological-free laser adjuvants as alternatives to currently used conventional adjuvants to enhance mass vaccination for widespread viral infections, such as those caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Spinal cord compression secondary to epidural abscess: the importance of prompt diagnosis and management
Authors: Thomson Chloe
Published: February 2018

A 66-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of fever, lethargy, neck and lower back pain. Neurological examination revealed mild quadraparesis. In view of this, MRI whole spine with contrast was performed and showed extensive spinal epidural abscess extending from the cervical to lumbar region causing compression of the thecal sac, spinal cord and nerves. The patient received multiple laminectomies to decompress the spinal cord and required a prolonged course of intravenous flucloxacillin asStaphylococcus aureuswas cultured from three sets of blood cultures. Although spinal epidural abscess is rare, it is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion; so appropriate imaging is performed to determine the diagnosis. Patient age, degree of thecal sac compression and duration of symptoms are all independently associated with poor outcome.1
Evidence for genetic anticipation in vonHippel-Lindau syndrome
Authors: Aronoff Laura , Malkin David , van Engelen Kalene , Gallinger Bailey , Wasserman Jonathan , Kim Raymond H , Villani Anita , Meyn M Stephen , Druker Harriet
Published: February 2018

Background

von Hippel-Lindau (vHL) syndrome is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder that confers a lifelong risk for developing both benign and malignant tumours in multiple organs. Recent evidence suggests that vHL may exhibit genetic anticipation (GA). The aim of this study was to determine if GA occurs in vHL, and if telomere shortening may be a factor in GA.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of vHL families seen at The Hospital for Sick Children between 1984 and 2016 was performed. Age of onset (AOO, defined as the age of first physician-diagnosed vHL-related manifestation) was confirmed for 96 patients from 20 unrelated families (80 clinically affected and 16 unaffected carriers). Flow-FISH(flow cytometry sorting of cells whose telomeres are labeled by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) was used to measure mean telomere length of six white blood cell subtypes from 14 known VHL pathogenic variant carriers.

Results

The median AOO for generations I, II and III were 32.5, 22.5 and 12.0 years, respectively. The differences in the AOO between generations were highly significant using a Cox proportional hazards model (P=6.00×10-12). Telomere lengths were significantly different for granulocytes and natural killer lymphocytes of patients with vHL compared with age-matched controls. For six vHL parent–child pairs, median white blood cell telomere lengths between parent and child were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that vHL telomere abnormalities may be primarily somatic in origin rather than a cause of GA. As tumour development exhibits GA in our cohort, vHL surveillance guidelines may need to account for a patient’s generational position within a vHL pedigree.
The influence of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on sedentary time in overweight and obese adults
Authors: Nugent Sean F. , Jung Mary E. , Bourne Jessica E. , Loeppky Jason , Arnold Abigail , Little Jonathan P.
Published: February 2018

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) elicits health benefits but it is unclear how HIIT impacts sedentary behaviour. In this preliminary study, we compared the effects of supervised HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on sedentary time in overweight/obese adults. In both groups, percentage of time spent in sedentary activities was significantly reduced during the supervised exercise intervention (time main effect, P = 0.03), suggesting that both HIIT and MICT replaced time spent previously being sedentary.