bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Extracorporeal Proteome—The Significance of Selective Protein Removal During Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Kratochwill Klaus
Published: August 2018

Dialysis as renal replacement therapy aims excess water and waste solutes from the uremic patient while retaining proteins in the plasma. Irrespective of the dialysis modality, hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), the amount and composition of proteins that are removed are important determinants of the biocompatibility of the therapy. Although hemodialysis membranes would ideally be biologically inert filtration tubes, they are known to adsorb proteins. The part of the plasma proteome that is thereby removed during every dialysis session may be regarded as the extracorporeal proteome, which has to be kept in balance with the plasma proteome, regarding the individual proteins’ biological roles and activation states. In a recent study, Ronci et al. (Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2018, e1700140) comprehensively compare two hemodialyzer membrane materials by shotgun LC–MS proteomic analysis of adsorbed proteins and ultrafiltrates from four HD patients. While pathway analysis is an attractive tool to compare different proteomes on an abstract level, some challenges remain regarding the adaptation for such tools for special proteomes and the interpretation of relative changes compared absolute changes regarding their biological importance in dialysis techniques. In summary, selective protein removal may represent a yet unexploited therapeutic opportunity if the “right” proteins are removed from the blood.
Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel solanidine derivatives
Authors: Beaulieu Rémi , Grand Eric , Stasik Imane , Attoumbré Jacques , Chesnais Quentin , Gobert Virginie , Ameline Arnaud , Giordanengo Philippe , Kovensky José
Published: August 2018

Background

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the fourth culture in the world and is widely used in the agri‐food industries. They generate by‐products in which α‐chaconine and α‐solanine, the two major solanidine‐based glycoalkaloids of potato, are present. As secondary metabolites, they play an important role in the protection system of potato and are involved in plant protection against insects. To add value to these by‐products, we described here new glycoalkaloids that could have phytosanitary properties.

Results

Solanidine, as a renewable source, was modified with an azido linker and coupled by copper‐catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition to alkynyl derivatives of the monosaccharides found in the natural potato glycoalkakoids: D‐glucose, D‐galactose and L‐rhamnose. The efficacy of our compounds was evaluated on the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae. The synthetic compounds have stronger aphicidal properties against nymphs than unmodified solanidine. They also showed strong aphicidal activities on adults and a negative impact on fecundity.

Conclusion

Our synthetic neoglycoalkaloids affected Macrosiphum euphorbiae survival at the nymphal stage as well as at the adult stage. Furthermore, they induced a decrease in fecundity. Our results show that chemical modifications of by‐products may afford new sustainable compounds for crop and plant protection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ginkgolide B ameliorates oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced endothelial dysfunction via modulating Lectin‐like ox‐LDL‐receptor‐1 and NADPH oxidase 4 expression and inflammatory cascades
Authors: Feng Zhanbin , Yang Xiaofei , Zhang Long , Ansari Irfan A. , Khan M. Salman , Han Shuyi , Feng Yaoyu
Published: August 2018

The current study was undertaken to delineate the protective effect of Ginkgolide B, a phyto‐constituent from Ginkgo biloba, on oxidized (ox)‐LDL‐induced endothelial dysfunction via targeting Lectin‐like ox‐LDL‐receptor‐1 (LOX‐1), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX‐4), and other inflammatory proteins. Our results have shown that Ginkgolide B downregulated the expression of LOX‐1 in ox‐LDL‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and RAW246.7 murine macrophages which ultimately resulted in decreased cholesterol deposits in HUVECs and RAW264.7. Moreover, Ginkgolide B suppressed the enhanced NOX4 expression, which was associated with attenuation of ROS generation in ox‐LDL‐stimulated HUVECs and RAW264.7 cells. Ginkgolide B also ameliorated the endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting the augmented expression of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in ox‐LDL‐activated HUVECs. Furthermore, the enhanced expression of many inflammatory cytokines in ox‐LDL‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages, both at transcription and protein level, was significantly down‐regulated after Ginkgolide B treatment. Ginkgolide B also illustrated atheroprotective property via suppressing the augmented expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and cyclooxygenase‐2 in ox‐LDL‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In summary, our study has established that Ginkgolide B ameliorates endothelial dysfunction via targeting LOX‐1, NOX‐4, MCP‐1, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 along with the markers associated with inflammatory cascades and thus could be promoted as a valuable therapeutic agent in prevention and management of atherosclerosis.
Theoretical study of positron scattering by group 14 tetra hydrides: A quantum mechanical approach
Authors: Sinha Nidhi , Singh Suvam , Antony Bobby
Published: August 2018

The present work provides a comprehensive set of positron impact scattering cross sections for group 14 tetrahydrides, namely, SiH4, GeH4, SnH4, and PbH4. The well‐established spherical complex optical potential and complex scattering potential‐ionization contribution methods are modified to incorporate positron scattering in the present work to calculate various cross sections. The positronium formation channel is adequately included through an improved inelastic threshold. The energy range chosen for the direct ionization cross section is from the respective ionization potential (I) of the molecule to 5 keV. Likewise, positronium formation and total ionization cross sections are reported from the positronium formation threshold to 300 eV and 5 keV, respectively, and the total cross section is computed for an extensive energy range of 1 eV to 5 keV. The positron impact total cross section for stannane molecule is computed for the first time. A characteristic valley is observed in the total cross sections with minima close to the positronium formation threshold. Further increase of cross section signifies the opening of inelastic channels especially positronium formation. In general, a reasonable agreement is found between the present results and other comparisons, wherever available. Furthermore, this is the first report of the inelastic cross sections (direct ionization, positronium formation, and total ionization) for the present set of targets.
Triple oxygen isotope analysis of nitrate using isotope exchange cavity ringdown laser spectroscopy
Authors: Gázquez Fernando , Claire Mark W.
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Triple oxygen isotopes (16O/17O/18O) in nitrate are a valuable tool to ascertain the pathways of nitrate formation in the atmosphere and the fate of nitrate in ecosystems. Here we present a new method for determining Δ17O values in nitrates, based on nitrate‐water isotope equilibration (IE) and subsequent isotopic analysis of water using cavity ringdown laser spectroscopy (CRDS).

Methods

Nitrate oxygen (O‐NO3−) is equilibrated with water oxygen (O‐H2O) at low pH and 80°C. Subsequently, the δ17O and δ18O values of equilibrated water are determined by CRDS, scaled to V‐SMOW and V‐SLAP and calibrated against nitrate standards (USGS‐34, USGS‐35 and IAEA‐NO3). We provide isotopic measurements of synthetic and natural nitrates and a direct inter‐lab comparison with the classic method of thermal‐decomposition of nitrate followed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry of O2 (TD‐IRMS).

Results

For synthetic NaNO3, the precision (1SD) of the IE‐CRDS method is 0.8‰ for δ17O values, 1.7‰ for δ18O values and 0.2‰ for Δ17O values when using an O‐NO3−/O‐H2O ratio greater than 0.0114 ± 0.0001 (e.g. 12 μmol of NO3− in 50 μL of acid solution). For natural samples, after purification of nitrates by column chemistry and reprecipitation as AgNO3, the precision is better than 1.8‰ for δ17O values, 3.2‰ for δ18O values and 1‰ for Δ17O values. IE‐CRDS and TD‐IRMS yield Δ17O values within the analytical errors of the two methods.

Conclusions

The IE‐CRDS method for determining Δ17O values in nitrates utilizes a user‐friendly and relatively cheaper benchtop analytical instrument, representing an alternative to IRMS‐based methods for certain applications.
Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) of human fingernail clippings reveal multiple location signals
Authors: Mancuso Christy J. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in human fingernail keratin tissues have been underexplored for region of origin and travel history reconstruction studies. Here we investigated 87Sr/86Sr ratios in fingernail keratin to establish baseline measurements in a resident group and to examine how 87Sr/86Sr ratios changed with relocation.

Methods

Fingernail clippings were collected from resident (n = 10) and non‐resident/traveler groups (n = 4 and n = 4) that were part of a larger study in Salt Lake City (UT, USA) from 2015 to 2016. Strontium abundance and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were determined via multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS). 87Sr/86Sr and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios from the traveler participants were compared to examine temporal patterns.

Results

Strontium abundance and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in fingernails from the resident group established a baseline against which we could evaluate potential differences in non‐resident/traveler groups. Resident 87Sr/86Sr ratios remained constant over the study period and were consistent with previously measured tap waters for the area. 87Sr/86Sr ratio changes in non‐resident/traveler groups were rapid and reflected the current location of the individual within 4–5 weeks of arrival. Lastly, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the same fingernail clippings did not exhibit similar temporal patterns, since fingernail δ18O ratios required more time to attain values characteristic of the new environment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that strontium is incorporated into fingernail tissues differently from hair and this could be advantageous to forensic investigations. We found that 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O ratios of the same fingernail clippings revealed two different time points reflecting an individual's residence over short‐ (4–5 weeks, 87Sr/86Sr ratios) and long‐term (3–5 months, δ18O values) time scales. It is likely that the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of fingernail clippings reflect exogenous signals that are incorporated through bathing waters and that these signals change rapidly with movement to a new location. Our results may aid future forensic studies in the determination of region of origin in unidentified remains.
Properties of zinc coatings electrochemically passivated in sodium molybdate
Authors: Akulich N. , Ivanova N. , Zharskii I. , Jönsson‐Niedziółka M.
Published: August 2018

Molybdenum compounds are considered to be promising, environmentally friendly substances for passivation of zinc coatings. Conversion coatings on electroplated zinc coatings obtained by cathodic polarization of a solution of molybdate of sodium with the addition of phosphoric acid are studied. These coatings had a pronounced needle‐shaped structure and were homogeneous. X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy analysis showed that zinc hydroxides and phosphates, Mo (VI), and Mo (V) compounds are present in the conversion coating. As part of this study, the influence of the current density and deposition time of the coating on the surface morphology and the chemical composition of conversion films was determined. Polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have shown that the investigated coatings significantly increase the corrosion resistance of galvanized steel in chloride‐containing solution.
Viscosity and Structure of CaO–SiO2–“FeO”–Al2O3–MgO System during Iron‐Extracting Process from Nickel Slag by Aluminum Dross. Part 1: Coupling Effect of “FeO” and Al2O3
Authors: Zhang Guangzong , Wang Nan , Chen Min , Li Hui
Published: August 2018

Nickel slag can be recycled as one of excellent secondary sources due to valuable amounts of iron contents. Viscosity of CaO–SiO2–“FeO”–Al2O3–MgO slag system during iron‐extracting process from nickel slag by aluminum dross is investigated from 1723 to 1873 K. Evolution of viscosity and structure are studied with “FeO”/Al2O3 ratio decreasing from 1.69 to 0.48. Under the coupling effect of “FeO” and Al2O3, the viscosity increases slowly before the reduction degree of 60% following by a significant increase. Structure investigation shows that Al2O3 is always acting as the network former, and the transition of dominant role from “FeO” to Al2O3 not only leads to the disappearance of structural unit Q0 in Raman spectra, but also the occurrence of more complex unit Q3, signifying an evident increase in the degree of polymerization (DOP) of the slag. Additionally, the viscosity evolution during the reduction process is calculated upon the non‐isothermal thermodynamic model.
Effect of the turbine scale on yaw control
Authors: Ciri Umberto , Rotea Mario A. , Leonardi Stefano
Published: August 2018

Yaw misalignment between the incoming wind and the rotor of a turbine causes a lateral displacement of the wake. This effect can be exploited to avoid or mitigate wake interactions in wind farms, so that power losses are minimized. We performed large‐eddy simulations to evaluate yaw control for a three‐turbine wind farm. We used two different turbine models to assess how the size of the turbine rotor affects the farm efficiency and the effectiveness of the control strategy. A utility‐scale wind turbine with rotor diameter of 126 m is compared with a scaled research wind turbine with rotor diameter of 27 m. In both cases, a model‐free algorithm is used to determine the turbine yaw set point, which maximizes total power production. The algorithm is the nested extremum‐seeking control (NESC), which allows for the coordinated optimization of the wind turbine operating points. The results achieved with NESC are validated by computing a static performance map for different yaw angles. NESC converges to optimal operating conditions, which are in good agreement with the static map benchmark. Numerical results show that a larger rotor diameter induces larger wake deflection, thus achieving higher power improvements. From the analysis of the turbine structural loads, an increase in damage equivalent load is observed for both the yawed turbine and the waked one. Present results suggest that there is a cost‐effective trade‐off between performance and loads for large turbines.
Spinorial geometry, off-shell Killing spinor identities and higher derivative 5D supergravities
Authors: Bonetti Federico , Klemm Dietmar , Sabra Wafic A. , Sloane Peter
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Killing spinor identities relate components of equations of motion to each other for supersymmetric backgrounds. The only input required is the field content and the supersymmetry transformations of the fields, as long as an on-shell supersymmetrization of the action without additional fields exists. If we consider off-shell supersymmetry it is clear that the same relations will occur between components of the equations of motion independently of the specific action considered, in particular the Killing spinor identities can be derived for arbitrary, including higher derivative, supergravities, with a specified matter content. We give the Killing spinor identities for five-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

ungauged supergravities coupled to Abelian vector multiplets, and then using spinorial geometry techniques so that we have explicit representatives for the spinors, we discuss the particular case of the time-like class of solutions to theories with perturbative corrections at the four derivative level. We also discuss the maximally supersymmetric solutions in the general off-shell case.
An open-label, single-dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cinacalcet in pediatric subjects aged 28 days to < 6 years with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis
Authors: Sohn Winnie Y. , Portale Anthony A. , Salusky Isidro B. , Zhang Hao , Yan Lucy L. , Ertik Bella , Shahinfar Shahnaz , Lee Edward , Dehmel Bastian , Warady Bradley A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Calcimimetics, shown to control biochemical parameters of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), have well-established safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in adult end-stage renal disease subjects treated with dialysis; however, such studies are limited in pediatric subjects.

Methods

In this study, the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of cinacalcet were evaluated in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and SHPT receiving dialysis. Twelve subjects received a single dose of cinacalcet (0.25 mg/kg) orally or by nasogastric or gastric tube. Subjects were randomized to one of two parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium sampling sequences: [(1) 2, 8, 48 h; or (2) 2, 12, 48 h] and assessed for 72 h after dosing.

Results

Median plasma cinacalcettmaxwas 1 h (range 0.5–4.0 h); mean (SD)Cmaxand AUClastwere 2.83 (1.98) ng/mL and 11.8 (8.74) h*ng/mL, respectively; mean (SD) half-life (t1/2) was 3.70 (2.57) h. Dose adjustments, based upon body weight (mg/kg), minimized the effects of age, body weight, body surface area, and body mass index on cinacalcet PK. Reductions in serum PTH levels from baseline were observed at 2 to 8 h post-dose (median 10.8 and 29.6%, respectively), returned towards baseline by 12–72 h and were inversely related to changes in the plasma cinacalcet PK profile. Single-dose cinacalcet was well-tolerated with no unexpected safety findings and a PK/PD, safety profile similar to adults.

Conclusions

In conclusion, a single 0.25 mg/kg dose of cinacalcet was evaluated to be a safe starting dose in these children aged < 6 years.
FAITH AND EPISTEMOLOGY
Authors: Ichikawa Jonathan Jenkins
Published: August 2018

I offer an epistemic framework for theorising about faith. I suggest that epistemic faith is a disposition to believe or infer according to particular methods, despite a kind of tendency to perceive an epistemic shortcoming in that method. Faith is unjustified, and issues into unjustified beliefs, when the apparent epistemic shortcomings are actual; it is justified when the epistemic worries are unfounded.

Virtuous faith is central to a great deal of epistemology. A rational agent will manifest faith in their perceptual abilities, in determining which experts and testifiers to trust, in their a priori reasoning, and in the epistemic capacities that are specific to their social environment. To ignore faith is to ignore a crucial element of our social and individualistic epistemic lives.

One exercises faith when one forms beliefs despite a kind of apparent epistemic shortcoming, which may or may not correspond to a genuine weakness in evidential support. For example, standing on a bridge one knows to be safe, despite one's natural but irrational fear, can manifest a kind of epistemic faith. So too can forming perceptual beliefs, or engaging in logical inferences, despite lacking a dialectically satisfying response to skeptical arguments. The same goes for beliefs that are informed by one's ideological stance – these too count as manifestations of faith, and under some circumstances, such faith is epistemically appropriate. One upshot of my project will be that an intuitively appealing neutrality ideal for education and discourse is untenable. I'll conclude with some discussion of practical questions about whether, when, and why it can be worthwhile engaging seriously with people who have radically opposed views and frameworks.
High frequency resonant response of a monopile in irregular deep water waves
Authors: Riise Bjørn Hervold , Grue John , Jensen Atle , Johannessen Thomas B.
Published: August 2018

Experiments with a weakly damped monopile, either fixed or free to oscillate, exposed to irregular waves in deep water, obtain the wave-exciting moment and motion response. The nonlinearity and peak wavenumber cover the ranges: $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}_{P}\sim 0.10{-}0.14$ and $k_{P}r\sim 0.09{-}0.14$ where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}_{P}=0.5H_{S}k_{P}$ is an estimate of the spectral wave slope, $H_{S}$ the significant wave height, $k_{P}$ the peak wavenumber and $r$ the cylinder radius. The response and its statistics, expressed in terms of the exceedance probability, are discussed as a function of the resonance frequency, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{0}$ in the range $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{0}\sim 3{-}5$ times the spectral peak frequency, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{P}$. For small wave slope, long waves and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{0}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{P}=3$, the nonlinear response deviates only very little from its linear counterpart. However, the nonlinearity becomes important for increasing wave slope, wavenumber and resonance frequency ratio. The extreme response events are found in a region where the Keulegan–Carpenter number exceeds $KC>5$, indicating the importance of possible flow separation effects. A similar region is also covered by a Froude number exceeding $Fr>0.4$, pointing to surface gravity wave effects at the scale of the cylinder diameter. Regarding contributions to the higher harmonic forces, different wave load mechanisms are identified, including: (i) wave-exciting inertia forces, a function of the fluid acceleration; (ii) wave slamming due to both non-breaking and breaking wave events; (iii) a secondary load cycle; and (iv) possible drag forces, a function of the fluid velocity. Also, history effects due to the inertia of the moving pile, contribute to the large response events. The ensemble means of the third, fourth and fifth harmonic wave-exciting force components extracted from the irregular wave results are compared to the third harmonic FNV (Faltinsen, Newman and Vinje) theory as well as other available experiments and calculations. The present irregular wave measurements generalize results obtained in deep water regular waves.
Optimal mixing in two-dimensional stratified plane Poiseuille flow at finite Péclet and Richardson numbers
Authors: Marcotte F. , Caulfield C. P.
Published: August 2018

We consider the nonlinear optimisation of irreversible mixing induced by an initial finite amplitude perturbation of a statically stable density-stratified fluid with kinematic viscosity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ and density diffusivity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$. The initial diffusive error function density distribution varies continuously so that $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\in [\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{0}/2,\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}+\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{0}/2]$. A constant pressure gradient is imposed in a plane two-dimensional channel of depth $2h$. We consider flows with a finite Péclet number $Pe=U_{m}h/\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}=500$ and Prandtl number $Pr=\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}=1$, and a range of bulk Richardson numbers $Ri_{b}=g\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{0}h/(\bar{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}}U^{2})\in [0,1]$ where $U_{m}$ is the maximum flow speed of the laminar parallel flow, and $g$ is the gravitational acceleration. We use the constrained variational direct-adjoint-looping (DAL) method to solve two optimisation problems, extending the optimal mixing results of Foures et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 748, 2014, pp. 241–277) to stratified flows, where the irreversible mixing of the active scalar density leads to a conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy. We identify initial perturbations of fixed finite kinetic energy which maximise the time-averaged perturbation kinetic energy developed over a finite time interval, and initial perturbations that minimise the value (at a target time, chosen to be $T=10$) of a ‘mix-norm’ as first introduced by Mathew et al. (Physica D, vol. 211, 2005, pp. 23–46), further discussed by Thiffeault (Nonlinearity, vol. 25, 2012, pp. 1–44) and shown by Foures et al. (2014) to be a computationally efficient and robust proxy for identifying perturbations that minimise the long-time variance of a scalar distribution. We demonstrate, for all bulk Richardson numbers considered, that the time-averaged kinetic-energy maximising perturbations are significantly suboptimal at mixing compared to the mix-norm minimising perturbations, and also that minimising the mix-norm remains (for density-stratified flows) a good proxy for identifying perturbations which minimise the variance at long times. Although increasing stratification reduces the mixing in general, mix-norm minimising optimal perturbations can still trigger substantial mixing for $Ri_{b}\lesssim 0.3$. By considering the time evolution of the kinetic energy and potential energy reservoirs, we find that such perturbations lead to a flow which, through Taylor dispersion, very effectively converts perturbation kinetic energy into ‘available potential energy’, which in turn leads rapidly and irreversibly to thorough and efficient mixing, with little energy returned to the kinetic-energy reservoirs.
A volume integral implementation of the Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy for unsteady flow simulations
Authors: Semiletov Vasily A. , Karabasov Sergey A.
Published: August 2018

A new volume integral method based on the Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy is developed and directly applied with large-eddy simulation (LES). In comparison with the existing Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy implementations, the current method does not require the computation and recording of the expensive fluctuating stress autocovariance function in the seven-dimensional space–time. Until now, the multidimensional complexity of the generalised acoustic analogy source term has been the main barrier to using it in routine engineering calculations. The new method only requires local pointwise stresses as an input that can be routinely computed during the flow simulation. On the other hand, the new method is mathematically equivalent to the original Goldstein acoustic analogy formulation, and, thus, allows for a direct correspondence between different effective noise sources in the jet and the far-field noise spectra. The implementation is performed for conditions of a high-speed subsonic isothermal jet corresponding to the Rolls-Royce SILOET experiment and uses the LES solution based on the CABARET solver. The flow and noise solutions are validated by comparison with experiment. The accuracy and robustness of the integral volume implementation of the generalised acoustic analogy are compared with those based on the standard Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings surface integral method and the conventional Lighthill acoustic analogy. As a demonstration of its capabilities to investigate jet noise mechanisms, the new integral volume method is applied to analyse the relative importance of various noise generation and propagation components within the Goldstein generalised acoustic analogy model.
Large-eddy simulation of flow over an axisymmetric body of revolution
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Mahesh Krishnan
Published: August 2018

Wall-resolved large-eddy simulation (LES) is used to simulate flow over an axisymmetric body of revolution at a Reynolds number,$Re=1.1\times 10^{6}$, based on the free-stream velocity and the length of the body. The geometry used in the present work is an idealized submarine hull (DARPA SUBOFF without appendages) at zero angle of pitch and yaw. The computational domain is chosen to avoid confinement effects and capture the wake up to fifteen diameters downstream of the body. The unstructured computational grid is designed to capture the fine near-wall flow structures as well as the wake evolution. LES results show good agreement with the available experimental data. The axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer has higher skin friction and higher radial decay of turbulence away from the wall, compared to a planar turbulent boundary layer under similar conditions. The mean streamwise velocity exhibits self-similarity, but the turbulent intensities are not self-similar over the length of the simulated wake, consistent with previous studies reported in the literature. The axisymmetric wake shifts from high-$Re$to low-$Re$equilibrium self-similar solutions, which were only observed for axisymmetric wakes of bluff bodies in the past.
An elaborate experiment on the single-mode Richtmyer–Meshkov instability
Authors: Liu Lili , Liang Yu , Ding Juchun , Liu Naian , Luo Xisheng
Published: August 2018

High-fidelity experiments of Richtmyer–Meshkov instability on a single-mode air/$\text{SF}_{6}$ interface are carried out at weak shock conditions. The soap-film technique is extended to create single-mode gaseous interfaces which are free of small-wavelength perturbations, diffusion layers and three-dimensionality. The interfacial morphologies captured show that the instability evolution evidently involves the smallest experimental uncertainty among all existing results. The performances of the impulsive model and other nonlinear models are thoroughly examined through temporal variations of the perturbation amplitude. The individual growth of bubbles or spikes demonstrates that all nonlinear models can provide a reliable forecast of bubble development, but only the model of Zhang & Guo (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 786, 2016, pp. 47–61) can reasonably predict spike development. The distinct images of the interface morphology obtained also provide a rare opportunity to extract interface contours such that a spectral analysis of the interfacial contours can be performed, which realizes the first direct validation of the high-order nonlinear models of Zhang & Sohn (Phys. Fluids, vol. 9, 1997, pp. 1106–1124) and Vandenboomgaerde et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 14 (3), 2002, pp. 1111–1122) in terms of the fundamental mode and high-order harmonics. It is found that both models show a very good and almost identical accuracy in predicting the first two modes. However, the model of Zhang & Sohn (1997) becomes much more accurate in modelling the third-order harmonics due to the fewer simplifications used.
Influence of increasing surface melt over decadal timescales on land-terminating Greenland-type outlet glaciers
Authors: GAGLIARDINI OLIVIER , WERDER MAURO A.
Published: August 2018

Over recent decades, Greenland ice sheet surface melt has shown an increase both in intensity and spatial extent. Part of this water probably reaches the bed and can enhance glacier speed, advecting a larger volume of ice into the ablation area. In the context of a warming climate, this mechanism could contribute to the future rate of thinning and retreat of land-terminating glaciers of Greenland. These changes in ice flow conditions will in turn influence surface crevassing and thus the ability of water to reach the bed at higher elevations. Here, using a coupled basal hydrology and prognostic ice flow model, the evolution of a Greenland-type glacier subject to increasing surface melt is studied over a few decades. For different scenarios of surface melt increase over the next decades, the evolution of crevassed areas and the ability of water to reach the bed is inferred. Our results indicate that the currently observed crevasse distribution is likely to extend further upstream which will allow water to reach the bed at higher elevations. This will lead to an increase in ice flux into the ablation area which, in turn, accelerates the mass loss of land-terminating glaciers.
Lactoperoxidase immobilization on silver nanoparticles enhances its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sheikh Ishfaq Ahmad , Yasir Muhammad , Khan Imran , Khan Sher Bahadur , Azum Naveed , Jiffri Essam Hussain , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Beg Mohd Amin
Published: August 2018

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is an antimicrobial protein present in milk that plays an important role in natural defence mechanisms during neonatal and adult life. The antimicrobial activity of LPO has been commercially adapted for increasing the shelf life of dairy products. Immobilization of LPO on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a promising way to enhance the antimicrobial activity of LPO. In the current study, LPO was immobilized on AgNPs to form LPO/AgNP conjugate. The immobilized LPO/AgNP conjugate was characterized by various biophysical techniques. The enhanced antibacterial activity of the conjugate was tested against E. coli in culture at 2 h intervals for 10 h. The results showed successful synthesis of spherical AgNPs. LPO was immobilized on AgNPs with agglomerate sizes averaging approximately 50 nm. The immobilized conjugate exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against E. coli in comparison to free LPO. This study may help in increasing the efficiency of lactoperoxidase system and will assist in identifying novel avenues to enhance the stability and antimicrobial function of LPO system in dairy and other industries.
Collisional transport of impurities with flux-surface varying density in stellarators
Authors: Buller S. , Smith H. M. , Helander P. , Mollén A. , Newton S. L. , Pusztai I.
Published: August 2018

High-$Z$impurities in magnetic-confinement devices are prone to develop density variations on the flux surface, which can significantly affect their transport. In this paper, we generalize earlier analytic stellarator calculations of the neoclassical radial impurity flux in the mixed-collisionality regime (collisional impurities and low-collisionality bulk ions) to include the effect of such flux-surface variations. We find that only in the homogeneous density case is the transport of highly collisional impurities (in the Pfirsch–Schlüter regime) independent of the radial electric field. We study these effects for a Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) vacuum field, with simple analytic models for the potential perturbation, under the assumption that the impurity density is given by a Boltzmann response to a perturbed potential. In the W7-X case studied, we find that larger amplitude potential perturbations cause the radial electric field to dominate the transport of the impurities. In addition, we find that classical impurity transport can be larger than the neoclassical transport in W7-X.
Heart rate and high frequency heart rate variability during stress as biomarker for clinical depression. A systematic review
Authors: Schiweck Carmen , Piette Deborah , Berckmans Daniel , Claes Stephan , Vrieze Elske
Published: August 2018

The interaction of physical and mental vulnerability and environmental constraints is thought to foster the development of psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD). A central factor in the development of psychopathology is mental stress. Despite some evidence for parasympathetic withdrawal and sympathetic overactivity in MDD, the psychophysiological response to stress in depression is not clear-cut. Given the growing interest in heart rate and heart rate variability as indicators for remote monitoring of patients, it is important to understand how patients with MDD react to stress in a laboratory-controlled environment. We conducted a systematic review of studies using electrocardiography to derive heart rate and heart rate variability during stress in patients with clinical depression. We focused on well-validated stress tasks- the mental arithmetic stress task, the Trier social stress task and public speaking task- to minimize confounding effects due to the nature of the stressor. The majority of studies found hypo-reactivity during stress as a hallmark of depression as evidenced by lower fluctuation in heart rate and heart rate variability in the high-frequency band. We address the potential underlying biological mechanisms, the influence of covariates on these measures and briefly discuss the specificity and potential for remote monitoring by using these variables.
NUDGE VERSUS BOOST: A DISTINCTION WITHOUT A NORMATIVE DIFFERENCE
Authors: Sims Andrew , Müller Thomas Michael
Published: August 2018

Behavioural public policy (BPP) has come under fire by critics who claim that it is illiberal. Some authors recently suggest that there is a type of BPP – boosting – that is not as vulnerable to this normative critique. Our paper challenges this claim: there's no non-circular way to draw the distinction between nudge and boost that would make the normative difference required to infer the permissibility of a policy intervention from its type-membership. We consider two strategies: paradigmatic examples and causal mechanisms. We conclude by sketching some suggestions about the right way to approach the normative issues.
Emerging ofptxP3 lineage inBordetella pertussis strains circulating in a population in northeastern Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ferman J. L. , Villarreal-Treviño L. , Ramírez-Aranda J. M. , Camacho-Ortiz A. , Ballesteros-Elizondo M. R. , Moreno-Juárez M. R. , Mendoza-Olazarán S. , de la O Cavazos M. E. , Villarreal-Pérez J. Z. , Gómez-Govea M. A. , Garza-González E.
Published: August 2018

We determined the molecular epidemiology ofBordetella pertussisisolates to evaluate its potential impact on pertussis reemergence in a population of Mexico. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases were included. Pertussis infection was confirmed by culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SelectedB. pertussisisolates were further analysed; i.e. clonality was analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) andptxP-ptxA, prn,fim2 andfim3 typing was performed by PCR and sequencing. Out of 11 864 analysed samples, 687 (5.8%) were positive for pertussis, with 244 (36%) confirmed by both culture and PCR whereas 115 (17%) were positive only by culture and 328 (48%) were positive only by PCR. One predominant clone (clone A,n= 62/113; 55%) and three major subtypes (A1, A2 and A3) were identified by PFGE. All 113 selected isolates had the allelic combinationptxP3-ptxA1.The predominant clone A and the three major subtypes (A1, A2 and A3) corresponded to the emerging genotypesptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-2 andptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-1. In conclusion, the presence of an endemic clone and three predominant subtypes belonging to the genotypesptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-2andptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-1were detected. This finding supports the global spread/expansion reported for these outbreaks associated genotypes.
Implementing large Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination programmes for smallholder farmers: lessons from Lao PDR
Authors: Nampanya S. , Khounsy S. , Abila R. , Windsor P. A.
Published: August 2018

This study assessed smallholder finances and their attitudes towards the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme, when 1 620 000 vaccine doses were provided for strategic administration in large ruminants in FMD ‘high-risk’ areas in Laos between 2012 and 2016. Farmers (n= 168) in the provinces of Xayyabouli (XYL), Xiengkhoung (XK) and Huaphan (HP), were interviewed. Over 91% of the farmers responded that their livestock were vaccinated for FMD, with over 86% ranking FMD vaccination as a good or very good intervention. No FMD cases were reported from the vaccinated provinces after May 2013. Examination of the total income per household in XYL, XK and HP indicated earnings of US$5060(±650), US$4260(±294) and US$1691(±676), respectively (P= 0.001), with 23%, 28% and 68% of the total incomes from annual sales of large ruminant, respectively. Of the farmers in XYL, XK and HP, 83%, 93% and 70% (P= 0.009) said their annual income increased compared with 2012, and 47%, 64% and 41%, respectively (P= 0.005), indicated this increase was from additional large ruminant sales. The study indicated that this large FMD vaccination programme was well regarded by participating farmers and may have provided satisfactory suppression of the disease in Laos, despite not achieving the preferred vaccination coverage. Continuation of the vaccination programme in FMD high-risk areas is suggested as desirable.
De minimis non curat lex: A Profound Juridical Unity?
Authors: Morgan Edward
Published: August 2018

In recent years, those involved in regulating, forming or advising faith communities have had much to contend with: the expansion of the vicarious liability doctrine, the status of ministers of religion and the decision in Shergill v Khaira, not to mention the General Data Protection Regulation. These issues share a common denominator: they require faith communities to give close consideration to the values which they seek to articulate and foster in the expression of their own autonomy and right of self-determination. That is, they serve as a prompt to reconnect with the intellectus and vinculo iuris of their own ecclesial norms. This article is intended to encourage such an exercise and to contribute to a discussion of the potential points of collaboration between the civil law and faith communities in securing dispute resolution by which ecclesial values may be accommodated.
The Statement of Principles of Christian Law: A Quaker Perspective
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: August 2018

An ecumenical group of experts in church law produced a Statement of Principles of Christian Law based on a comparative examination of the internal regulations of their respective churches. This article examines the detail of the Statement from the point of view of the regulations and practice of Quakers in Britain and concludes that, based as it is on a Trinitarian, sacramental view of ‘the Church’, while there is much in it with which Friends – and members of other non-sacramental, non-hierarchical denominations – would agree, there is also much which has little resonance for them.
Preparing for the Next Coronation
Authors: Morris R M
Published: August 2018

This comment is based on two recently published reports from the Constitution Unit, University College London, prepared by Professor Robert Hazell and the writer. This work followed a 2016 study ‘The Queen at ninety: the changing role of the monarchy, and future challenges’, which charted the further decline of the sovereign's personal constitutional powers and analysed the remaining functions. While the subsequent exercise was principally directed at examining the royal accession and coronation oaths, work was also undertaken to research the context of the oaths. The outcome was the two reports published in May 2018: ‘Swearing in the new king’, on the oaths, and ‘Inaugurating a new reign’, an account of past coronations and an analysis of the factors that might influence the shape of the next coronation. This article is in two parts: the first concentrates on the next coronation; the second examines the three statutory oaths that a new sovereign must swear, taking in also the traditional non-statutory personal declaration made at the sovereign's first Privy Council meeting. The first part concludes that the next coronation cannot be on the scale of the last and that the rite, although remaining Anglican-led, must find ways to reflect Britain's greater religious diversity. On the oaths, the second part points out that their imposition of personal duties was predicated on a constitutional situation where the sovereign was still head of the executive, rather than now, at most, speaking on its behalf. Granted the present, utterly changed position of the sovereign, alternative reformulations are offered for discussion and, absent amending legislation, suggestions are examined for how announcement clarifying their current meaning might be undertaken.
Learning from a clinical microsystems quality improvement initiative to promote integrated care across a falls care pathway
Authors: Gerrish Kate , Keen Carol , Palfreyman Judith
Published: August 2018

Aim

To identify learning from a clinical microsystems (CMS) quality improvement initiative to develop a more integrated service across a falls care pathway spanning community and hospital services.

Background

Falls present a major challenge to healthcare providers internationally as populations age. A review of the falls care pathway in Sheffield, United Kingdom, identified that pathway implementation was constrained by inconsistent co-ordination and integration at the hospital–community interface.

Approach

The initiative utilised the CMS quality improvement approach and comprised three phases. Phase 1 focussed on developing a climate for change through engaging stakeholders across the existing pathway and coaching frontline teams operating as microsystems in quality improvement. Phase 2 involved initiating change by working at the mesosystem level to identify priorities for improvement and undertake tests of change. Phase 3 engaged decision makers at the macrosystem level from across the wider pathway in achieving change identified in earlier phases of the initiative.

Findings

The initiative was successful in delivering change in relation to key aspects of the pathway, engaging frontline staff and decision makers from different services within the pathway, and in building quality improvement capability within the workforce. Viewing the pathway as a series of interrelated CMS enabled stakeholders to understand the complex nature of the pathway and to target key areas for change. Particular challenges encountered arose from organisational reconfiguration and cross-boundary working.

Conclusion

CMS quality improvement methodology may be a useful approach to promoting integration across a care pathway. Using a CMS approach contributed towards clinical and professional integration of some aspects of the service. Recognition of the pathway operating at meso- and macrosystem levels fostered wider stakeholder engagement with the potential of improving integration of care across a range of health and care providers involved in the pathway.
Countergeoengineering Could Ease or Escalate Climate Tensions
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: August 2018

Researchers systematically consider the feasibility and political implications of future strategies to counteract temperature-lowering solar geoengineering efforts.
Ambient Noise Tomography of the Shandong Province and its Implication for Cenozoic Intraplate Volcanism in Eastern China
Authors: Li Cuilin , Chen Chuanxu , Dong Dongdong , Kuponiyi Ayodeji Paul , Dosso Stan E. , Su Daolei
Published: August 2018

New images of shear wave velocity (VS) structure of the crust and uppermost mantle in the Shandong province of China are presented based on inversion of ambient seismic noise data from 47 broadband stations. Interstation Rayleigh wave phase‐velocity dispersion curves for periods of 1–40 s are obtained from noise cross correlations between stations. Two‐dimensional phase‐velocity maps at periods of 5–30 s are obtained by tomographic inversion of these dispersion curves, which are then inverted for 3‐D Vs heterogeneity to ~80‐km depth. Our results show clear indications of Moho uplift and crustal thinning beneath the northern segment of the Yishu fault zone and the Jiaobei uplift, thus providing seismological evidence for the steep geometry and deep penetration of the fault system. Instead of large‐scale, low‐velocity anomalies beneath eastern China as imaged by previous regional tomography, our high‐resolution Vs results reveal fine‐scale focused low‐velocity anomalies beneath the isolated Cenozoic basalts. There are strong spatial correlations between the narrow low Vs zones in the uppermost mantle and the thinned crust, as well as the locations of the isolated Cenozoic volcanism in the study area. Our results suggest that the asthenosphere upwelling possibly originating from the stagnant Pacific slab is focused into localized features at 50‐ to 80‐km depth that supply the isolated Cenozoic volcanoes of the eastern China continental margin.