bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Loss of Insulated Pipes in Cross-Flow Winds
Authors: Kvamme Bjarte O. , Peechanatt Jino , Gudmestad Ove T. , Solberg Knut E. , Amith Yaaseen A.
Published: September 2018

In recent years, there has been unprecedented interest shown in the Arctic region by the industry as it has become increasingly accessible for oil and gas exploration. This paper reviews existing literature on heat transfer coefficients and presents a comprehensive study of the heat transfer phenomenon in horizontal pipes (single/multiple pipe configurations) subjected to cross-flow wind besides the test methodology used to determine heat transfer coefficients through experiments. In this study, cross-flow winds of 5 m/s, 10 m/s, and 15 m/s blowing over several single pipe and multiple pipe configurations of diameter 25 mm and 50 mm steel pipes with insulation are examined. Based on the findings, the best correlation for use by the industry for single and multiple pipe configurations was found to be Churchill–Bernstein correlation. The deviation from the theoretical calculations and the experimental data for this correlation was found to be in the range of 0.40–1.61% for a 50 mm insulated pipe and −3.86% to −2.79% for a 25 mm insulated pipe. In the case of a multiple pipe configurations, the deviation was in the range 0.5–2.82% for 50 mm insulated pipe and 12–14% for 25 mm insulated pipes.
Hybrid Polymer Gear Concepts to Improve Thermal Behavior
Authors: Fernandes Carlos M. C. G. , Rocha Diogo M. P. , Martins Ramiro C. , Magalhães Luís , Seabra Jorge H. O.
Published: September 2018

A drawback of polymer materials is their low thermal conductivity which affects the operating temperature of polymer gears. The mechanical properties of a polymer gear are critically dependent on the maximum operating temperature. In order to improve thermal behavior of polymer gears, a hybrid polymer gear concept is suggested which consists of a polymer gear tooth with a metallic insert to promote heat evacuation from the meshing surface. The material selection based on finite element method (FEM) simulations showed that an aluminum insert performed better than copper and steel for a hybrid polymer gear. The results show that an aluminum insert increases the mass by 9% in comparison with a standard polymer gear but it decreases the maximum operating temperature by 28%. Insert geometries of different complexity were studied and their influence on operating temperature assessed.
Investigation of cadmium telluride grown by molecular-beam epitaxy using micro-Raman spectroscopy below and above the laser damage threshold
Authors: Sohal Sandeep , Edirisooriya Madhavie , Myers Thomas , Holtz Mark
Published: September 2018

The effects of visible laser light on cadmium telluride (CdTe), grown by molecular beam epitaxy, are studied at low (48 μW/μm2) and high (480 μW/μm2) laser power densities using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum of CdTe shows no notable change at low power density ∼48 μW/μm2 for prolonged laser exposure. At higher power density ∼480 μW/μm2, the Raman spectrum is significantly changed and strong Te-related peaks appear in the spectrum, even for short laser exposure times suggesting that photo-induced Te enrichment happens at the CdTe surface at high laser power density. The temperature rise is estimated from observed shifts in the Te and CdTe optical phonon peaks and modeled using finite-element simulations. At laser power 480 μW/μm2, the CdTe exhibits a rise of ∼44 °C above room temperature while the observed change in Te temperature is significantly higher, ∼179 °C. The approach illustrates steps needed to establish the laser damage threshold for CdTe.
Where to live in Lisbon: urban habitat used by the introduced Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus)
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo , Sá-Sousa Paulo
Published: September 2018

Exotic animal invasions constitute a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Our assessment determined the core range occupied by the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) in the urban area of Parque das Nações (Lisbon, Portugal), where it was accidentally introduced two decades ago. Des-pite the apparent current scenario of non-expansion, the alien species interferes with the local distribution pattern of the native P. virescens, with both lizard species shown to use the available microhabitats differently. The native P. virescens population displays an overall heterogeneous distribution in the urban matrix. On the other hand, the occupancy of the exotic species clusters within the original area of introduction (garden in front of the Lisbon Oceanarium), as well as in adjacent gardens. There, P. siculus replaced the native P. virescens as the only lizard species present. Appa-rently, there is no known reason there that prevents the alien lizard from colonizing more available geographic area and expanding.
Frustration-induced phases in migrating cell clusters
Authors: Copenhagen Katherine , Malet-Engra Gema , Yu Weimiao , Scita Giorgio , Gov Nir , Gopinathan Ajay
Published: September 2018

Frustration due to differences in cell motility within clusters gives rise to novel collective motion of migrating cell clusters.
Learning of spatiotemporal patterns in a spiking neural network with resistive switching synapses
Authors: Wang Wei , Pedretti Giacomo , Milo Valerio , Carboni Roberto , Calderoni Alessandro , Ramaswamy Nirmal , Spinelli Alessandro S. , Ielmini Daniele
Published: September 2018

Resistive switching devices were used as technological synapses to learn about the spatial- and temporal-correlated neuron spikes.
The Complete Pathway for Thiosulfate Utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Zhang Xi , Li Huanjie , Liu Huaiwei , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying
Published: September 2018

The complete pathway of thiosulfate assimilation in baker's yeast is determined. The finding reveals the extensive overlap between sulfate and thiosulfate assimilation. Rhodanese is the only additional enzyme for thiosulfate utilization. The common presence of rhodanese in most organisms, including
Bacteria
,
Archaea
, and
Eukarya
, suggests that most organisms with the sulfate assimilation system also use thiosulfate. Since it takes less energy to reduce thiosulfate than sulfate for assimilation, thiosulfate has the potential to become a choice of sulfur in optimized media for industrial fermentation.
Improved Assembly of Reference Genome Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Strain Fol4287
Authors: Ayhan Dilay Hazal , López-Díaz Cristina , Di Pietro Antonio , Ma Li-Jun
Published: September 2018

Fusarium oxysporum
is a pathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species. This paper reports the improved genome assembly of a reference strain,
F. oxysporum
f.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. HMA207, a Strain That Exhibits β-
d
-Galactosidase Activity To Release Pyruvylated Galactose
Authors: Higuchi Yujiro , Matsufuji Hitomi , Mori Kazuki , Matsunaga Emiko , Tashiro Kosuke , Takegawa Kaoru
Published: September 2018

The genome sequence of the
Bacillus
sp. strain HMA207, the culture supernatant of which exhibited β-
d
-galactosidase activity to release pyruvylated galactose (PvGal), was examined to identify a PvGal-ase-encoding gene.
Bladder calculi causing irreducible urogenital prolapse
Authors: Thompson Charles D , Henderson Bennett E , Stanley Russell
Published: September 2018

Over 200 000 surgeries for vaginal prolapse are done annually, and these are rarely urgent. However, when the rare event of bladder stones causes incarcerated procidentia, surgical intervention should not be delayed, due to unrelenting pain and end-organs effects. We present such a case below. A 71-year-old woman presents to our department with massive uterovaginal and rectal procidentia. This massive prolapse was found to be irreducible due to numerous dahllite stones in the bladder, and was causing obstructive uropathy with left-sided hydronephrosis. A multidisciplinary approach was necessary to surgically correct the prolapse and implement complete removal of all the stones. The simultaneous occurrence of uterovaginal prolapse, rectal prolapse and urolithiasis is uncommon. Stone formation is a result of chronically infected urine presenting a nidus for stone formation. This presentation has occurred very rarely over the last 70 years of the world’s literature. Surgical cures can be achieved by either the vaginal or abdominal routes but should be treated emergently to alleviate pain, prevent renal impairment from obstructive uropathy and decrease infectious morbidity.
Handover training for medical students: a controlled educational trial of a pilot curriculum in Germany
Authors: Thaeter Laura , Schröder Hanna , Henze Lina , Butte Jennifer , Henn Patrick , Rossaint Rolf , Sopka Saša
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a newly developed standardised handover curriculum for medical students. We sought to assess its effect on students’ awareness, confidence and knowledge regarding handover.

Design

A controlled educational research study.

Setting

The pilot handover training curriculum was integrated into a curriculum led by the Departments of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (AI) at the University Hospital. It consisted of three modules integrated into a 4-week course of AI. Multiple types of handover settings namely end-of-shift, operating room/postanaesthesia recovery unit, intensive care unit, telephone and discharge were addressed.

Participants

A total of n=147 fourth-year medical students participated in this study, who received either the current standard existing curriculum (no teaching of handover, n=78) or the curriculum that incorporated the pilot handover training (n=69).

Outcome measures

Paper-based questionnaires regarding attitude, confidence and knowledge towards handover and patient safety were used for pre-assessment and post-assessment.

Results

Students showed a significant increase in knowledge (p<0.01) and self-confidence for the use of standardised handover tools (p<0.01) as well as accurate handover performance (p<0.01) among the pilot group.

Conclusion

We implemented and evaluated a pilot curriculum for undergraduate handover training. Students displayed a significant increase in knowledge and self-confidence for the use of standardised handover tools and accuracy in handover performance. Further studies should evaluate whether the observed effect is sustained across time and is associated with patient benefit.
Coronary artery bypass graft versus percutaneous coronary intervention in acute heart failure
Authors: Lee Sang Eun , Lee Hae-Young , Cho Hyun-Jai , Choe Won-Seok , Kim Hokon , Choi Jin Oh , Jeon Eun-Seok , Kim Min-Seok , Hwang Kyung-Kuk , Chae Shung Chull , Baek Sang Hong , Kang Seok-Min , Choi Dong-Ju , Yoo Byung-Su , Kim Kye Hun , Cho Myeong-Chan , Kim Jae-Joong , Oh Byung-Hee
Published: September 2018

Objective

Myocardial ischaemia is a leading cause of acute heart failure (AHF). However, optimal revascularisation strategies in AHF are unclear. We aimed to compare two revascularisation strategies, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in patients with AHF.

Methods

Among 5625 consecutive patients enrolled prospectively in the Korean Acute Heart Failure registry from March 2011 to February 2014, 717 patients who received CABG or PCI during the index hospitalisation for AHF were included in this analysis. We compared adverse outcomes (death, rehospitalisation for HF aggravation or cardiovascular causes, ischaemic stroke and a composite outcome of death and rehospitalisation for HF aggravation or cardiovascular causes) with the use of propensity score matching.

Results

For the propensity score-matched cohort with 190 patients, CABG had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than PCI (83 vs 147 deaths per 1000 patient-years; HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.96, p=0.033) during the median follow-up of 4 years. There was also a trend towards lower rates of rehospitalisation due to cardiovascular events or HF aggravation. Subgroup analysis revealed that the adverse outcomes were significantly lower in the CABG group than in PCI group, especially in patients with old age, three-vessel diseases, significant proximal left anterior descending artery disease and those without left main vessel disease or chronic total occlusion.

Conclusions

Compared with PCI, CABG is associated with significant lower all-cause mortality in patients with AHF. Further studies should evaluate proper revascularisation strategies in AHF.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01389843; Results.
Discharge against medical advice after hospitalisation for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Walsh Mary Norine , Volgman Annabelle , Alasnag Mirvat , Martin Glen Philip , Barker Diane , Patwala Ashish , Bagur Rodrigo , Fischman David L , Mamas Mamas A
Published: September 2018

Background

Discharge against medical advice (AMA) occurs infrequently but is associated with poor outcomes. There are limited descriptions of discharges AMA in national cohorts of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to evaluate discharge AMA in AMI and how it affects readmissions.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of patients with AMI in USA in the Nationwide Readmission Database who were admitted between the years 2010 and 2014. Descriptive statistics were presented for variables according to discharge home or AMA. The primary end point was all-cause 30-day unplanned readmissions and their causes.

Results

2663 019 patients were admitted with AMI of which 10.3% (n=162 070) of 1569 325 patients had an unplanned readmission within 30 days. The crude rate of discharge AMA remained stable between 2010 and 2014 at 1.5%. Discharge AMA was an independent predictor of unplanned all-cause readmissions (OR 2.27 95% CI 2.14 to 2.40); patients who discharged AMA had >twofold increased crude rate of readmission for AMI (30.4% vs 13.4%) and higher crude rate of admissions for neuropsychiatric reasons (3.2% vs 1.3%). After adjustment, discharge AMA was associated with increased odds of readmissions for AMI (OR 3.65 95% CI 3.31 to 4.03, p<0.001). We estimate that there are 1420 excess cases of AMI among patients who discharged AMA.

Conclusions

Discharge AMA occurs in 1.5% of the population with AMI and these patients are at higher risk of early readmissions for re-infarction. Interventions should be developed to reduce discharge AMA in high-risk groups and initiate interventions to avoid adverse outcomes and readmission.
Decrease in exhaled hydrogen as marker of congestive heart failure
Authors: Shibata Atsushi , Sugano Yasuo , Shimouchi Akito , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Jinno Naoya , Kanzaki Hideaki , Ohta-Ogo Keiko , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Okada Hideshi , Aiba Takeshi , Kusano Kengo , Shirai Mikiyasu , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Yasuda Satoshi , Ogawa Hisao , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: September 2018

Objective 

Hydrogen excretion is thought to be related to systemic antioxidation activity. H2selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical of free hydrogen (·OH), a highly cytotoxic form of reactive oxygen species, in cultured cells.

Methods

We investigated whether exhaled H2decreased during night sleep, reflected ·OH production and was associated with heart failure severity. We enrolled 108 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and 15 control participants without CHF. H2concentration was measured by gas chromatography in exhaled breath collected before sleep and in the morning after overnight fasting. Overnight change in H2concentration (ΔH2) was calculated. Mitochondrial morphology evaluated by transmission electron microscopy in endomyocardial biopsies collected from 18 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Results

ΔH2was significantly lower in patients with CHF compared with controls (−4.3±1.0 vs 2.0±2.1 ppm, p=0.030) and was positively correlated with cardiac index (CI; r = −0.285, p=0.003). Patients with a ΔH2<0 ppm had a significantly lower CI compared with those who had a ΔH2>0 ppm (2.85±0.61 vs 3.24±0.65 L/min/m2, p=0.005). ΔH2was negatively correlated with both the percentage of vacuole-containing mitochondria and indices of cristae remodelling (r = −0.61, p=0.007).

Conclusions

Decrease in exhaled H2during night sleep was associated with CHF severity. ΔH2warrants investigation as marker of CHF severity.
Prognostic relevance of the right ventricular myo-mechanical index (RV-MMI) in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Greiner Sebastian , Goppelt Ferdinand , Aurich Matthias , Katus Hugo A , Mereles Derliz
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of the prospective New-RV study was to evaluate a parameter for non-invasive quantification of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) that yields prognostic information and is applicable in daily clinical routine.

Methods

Sixty-five consecutive patients with precapillary PH under guideline conform therapy (43 women, 22 men) underwent clinical assessment, serological testing, as well as a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography including strain imaging and a detailed assessment of RV haemodynamics.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 844 days. Sixteen patients died during clinical follow-up. Right ventricular myo-mechanical index (RV-MMI) was calculated by right atrial size, mean RV pressure gradient and strain imaging of the RV free wall, and was measurable in all examinations. RV-MMI was tested for its diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 73% for an optimal cut-off value of ≤0.31 mm Hg*%; area under the curve=0.85), as well as its predictive value (HR=3.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 7.0, p<0.001), and was compared in detail with established parameters. RV-MMI and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP)were independent predictors of survival (HR=2.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 6.2, p=0.006; and HR=2.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.6, p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

In a cohort of patients with precapillary PH, the RV-MMI differentiates the outcome of patients better than other available non-invasive parameters of RV function by preload and afterload adjusted quantification.

Trial registration number

NCT01230294.
Utility of current thrombophilia screening in young patients with stroke and TIA
Authors: Alakbarzade Vafa , Taylor Alice , Scully Marie , Simister Robert , Chandratheva Arvind
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Approximately 40% of strokes in young adults are cryptogenic. The diagnostic yield of thrombophilia screening remains controversial. We aimed to determine utility of current thrombophilia testing for young patients with stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Methods

We present a retrospective review of all patients with stroke and TIA ≤60 years presenting to University College London Hospital stroke unit and daily TIA clinic from 1 January 2015 to 1 August 2016. Consecutive clinical records and thrombophilia tests, including factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin G20210A mutation (PGM), antiphospholipid antibody (APA), and protein S, C and antithrombin (AT) levels, were reviewed.

Results

The mean age of 628 patients with stroke and TIA was 49.1 years (SD 9.2). Thrombophilia testing was performed in 360 (57%) patients, including 171 with stroke and 189 with TIA. Positive tests were found in 50 (14%) patients, of whom 24 patients were <50 years. Positive results were found in 36 (10%) with acute ischaemic stroke, 4 (1%) with haemorrhagic stroke and 10 (3%) with TIA. Thirteen patients (4%) had homozygous/heterozygous FVL or PGM, and 27 (7.5%) had positive APA (anticardiolipin antibody, anti-β2 glycoprotein antibody or lupus anticoagulant). Of 27 (7.5%) patients with protein C, S or AT deficiency, 10 (2.8%) had primary deficiency, presumed hereditary with other secondary causes excluded. 9% of patients with protein C, S or AT and 27% with APA were followed by confirmatory testing.

Conclusion

Thrombophilia testing was positive in only 14% of cases overall. Thrombophilia mutations and protein C, S or AT abnormalities were found rarely and were very uncommon in patients with TIA. Follow-up of abnormal results was generally poor for all groups, which further limited the impact of the thrombophilia testing policy.
Accuracy and precision of transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Conway Aaron , Tipton Elizabeth , Liu Wei-Hong , Conway Zachary , Soalheira Kathleen , Sutherland Joanna , Fingleton James
Published: September 2018

Background

Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcCO2) monitoring is a non-invasive alternative to arterial blood sampling. The aim of this review was to determine the accuracy and precision of TcCO2 measurements.

Methods

Medline and EMBASE (2000–2016) were searched for studies that reported on a measurement of PaCO2 that coincided with a measurement of TcCO2. Study selection and quality assessment (using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2)) were performed independently. The Grading Quality of Evidence and Strength of Recommendation approach was used to summarise the strength of the body of evidence. Pooled estimates of the mean bias between TcCO2 and PaCO2 and limits of agreement with outer 95% CIs (termed population limits of agreement) were calculated.

Results

The mean bias was −0.1 mm Hg and the population limits of agreement were −15 to 15 mm Hg for 7021 paired measurements taken from 2817 participants in 73 studies, which was outside of the clinically acceptable range (7.5 mm Hg). The lowest PaCO2 reported in the studies was 18 mm Hg and the highest was 103 mm Hg. The major sources of inconsistency were sensor location and temperature. The population limits of agreement were within the clinically acceptable range across 3974 paired measurements from 1786 participants in 44 studies that applied the sensor to the earlobe using the TOSCA and Sentec devices (−6 to 6 mm Hg).

Conclusion

There are substantial differences between TcCO2 and PaCO2 depending on the context in which this technology is used. TcCO2 sensors should preferentially be applied to the earlobe and users should consider setting the temperature of the sensor higher than 42°C when monitoring at other sites.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO; CRD42017057450.
Heated tobacco products: another tobacco industry global strategy to slow progress in tobacco control
Authors: Bialous Stella A , Glantz Stanton A
Published: September 2018

There has been a global decline in tobacco consumption that, if continued, will negatively impact the tobacco industry’s profits. This decline led the industry to invent and market new products, including heated tobacco products (HTP). HTP are an extension of the industry’s strategies to undermine government’s tobacco regulatory efforts as they are being promoted as part of the solution for the tobacco epidemic. Under the moniker of ‘harm reduction’, the tobacco companies are attempting to rehabilitate their reputation so they can more effectively influence governments to roll back existing tobacco control policies or create exemptions for their HTP. Rolling back tobacco control policies will make it easier for the companies to renormalise tobacco use to increase social acceptability for all their products. When regulations are absent or when loopholes exist in classifying HTP as a tobacco product (thus subject to all tobacco control regulations), the industry’s marketing of HTP is making these products more visible to the public and more accessible. Governments need to ensure that HTP are regulated as tobacco products or drugs and reject partnerships with the tobacco companies to promote ‘harm reduction’. The tobacco companies remain the vector of the tobacco-caused epidemic and cannot be part of the global tobacco control solution.
Gearbox fault diagnosis via generalized velocity synchronous Fourier transform and order analysis
Authors: Guan Yunpeng , Shi Juanjuan , Liang Ming , Necsulescu Dan-Sorin
Published: September 2018

Gearboxes have essential roles in many types of industrial equipment. Fault detection for gearboxes is important yet extremely difficult because volatile working conditions lead to nonstationary vibration signals. Order tracking is a classic and effective technique for nonstationary vibration analysis and fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. Many order tracking methods that do not require a tachometer have been proposed, such as methods based on re-sampling. However, most are complex and often introduce interpolation errors. To avoid such difficulties, a simple yet effective method is proposed in this paper. This method employs the generalized demodulation approach to extract a component with a frequency proportional to the instantaneous shaft rotational frequency from the vibration signal. Then, demodulating the extracted component recovers the instantaneous shaft rotational phase. With such information the order spectrum can be directly obtained via a velocity synchronous discrete Fourier transform. Finally, the fault can be diagnosed by order spectrum analysis. The effectiveness of this method is validated with both simulated and lab experimental vibration signals of a gearbox under time-varying rotational speed conditions.
Thermo-Mechanical Buckling of CFRP Cylindrical Shells with FGPM Coating
Authors: Xu Kai , Zhou Zhenhuan , Lu Qingzhen , Sun Jiabin , Jia Ziguang
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the buckling behaviors of cylindrical shells made of a new kind of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and coated with functionally graded polymeric material (FGPM) are investigated. The fundamental equations of a moderately-thick shell are established within the framework of Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The material model is derived by combining the conventional micro-mechanical CFRP model with the hybrid FGPM model. Micro-crack damage in CFRP core is included via the damage variables. The buckling compressive stresses of the shells exposed to the thermal environment are obtained by the Galerkin’s method. The solutions reveal that the lay-up sequence of the laminas and the thickness ratio of the FGPM coating to CFRP core have significant influence on the computed results. The variation of the buckling loads with respect to the content of carbon fiber and distributed profile of the FGPM components follows some nonlinear laws. The structural instability induced by damages appear to be more remarkable with the increased shell thickness. However, this effect can be reduced by optimizing the ply angles of the stacking laminas. More factors, such as geometric parameters, numbers of fiber layers, lamina stacking sequences, damage, material properties and thermal loads, are also discussed in detail.
Saturation in Regular, Exotic and Random Pore Networks
Authors: Vizi Máté Benjámin , Mizsák Péter Árpád , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: September 2018

Porcolation simulations were carried out on various networks: both regular and irregular. The saturation curve was obtained for cubic networks, localized and completely random 3D networks and networks based on exotic graphs like Sierpiński triangle and carpet. For the random graph generation, a modification of the cell list algorithm was introduced, which is capable of generating local random graphs efficiently. With the help of this graph generation method, the effect of locality was investigated, and it was proven to be an important property of random networks from the viewpoint of liquid propagation. The saturation curves of local random networks with different prescribed pore degree distributions were also obtained.
The relative cohomology of the Lie superalgebra of contact vector fields on S1|2
Authors: Fraj N. Ben , Khalfoun H. , Faidi T.
Published: September 2018

Over the [Formula: see text]-dimensional supercircle [Formula: see text], we investigate the first [Formula: see text]-relative cohomology space associated with the embedding of the Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] of contact vector fields in the Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] of superpseudodifferential operators with smooth coefficients, where [Formula: see text] is the orthosymplectic Lie superalgebra. Likewise, we study the same problem for the affine Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] instead of [Formula: see text]. We classify generic formal [Formula: see text]-trivial deformations of the [Formula: see text]-module structure on the superspace of the supercommutative algebra [Formula: see text] of pseudodifferential symbols on [Formula: see text].
The Limiting Shape of the Transversely Isotropic Elastically Similar Solids in Fretting
Authors: Argatov Ivan I. , Bae Joon Woo , Chai Young Suck
Published: September 2018

Two transversely isotropics elastically similar semi-infinite solids in partial slip tangential contact are considered in the framework of the Cattaneo–Mindlin theory. The problem of limiting shape of the contacting surfaces due to wear in the slip zone is solved under the assumption of constant normal force and oscillating tangential force with a constant amplitude. It has been shown that both the stick zone and the limiting shape do not depend on the orientation of the tangential force. The novelty of the present study is not only in finding an exact analytical solution to the problem of limiting shape in fretting but also in extending the Cattaneo–Mindlin theory of local tangential contact to transversely isotropic, elastically similar solids.
Long-term evolution of the West African transform margin: estimates of denudation from Benin using apatite thermochronology
Authors: Wildman M. , Webster D. , Brown R. , Chardon D. , Rouby D. , Ye J. , Huyghe D. , Dall'Asta M.
Published: September 2018

The Benin continental margin was formed during the breakup of Gondwana through oblique rifting along transform faults. The evolution of topography following breakup directly affects the evolution of sedimentary basins, which has major implications for hydrocarbon exploration in the region. Quantitative constraints on erosion across Benin are limited to the Cenozoic, based on analysis of dissected lateritic palaeolandscapes. To resolve the Mesozoic erosion history, we have obtained apatite fission-track and single-grain (U–Th–Sm)/He data from 18 samples collected across a 600 km long transect through Benin. We invert these data, including available geological and geomorphological constraints, to obtain time–temperature paths, which are used to estimate magnitudes of denudation over the last 200 myr. Our study suggests that denudation was focused over a
c.
300 km long seaward sloping limb of the marginal upwarp and at the southern margin of the interior Iullemmeden Basin from 140 to 100 Ma with lower magnitudes of denudation characterizing the continental interior and post-Cretaceous evolution of the margin. Models are consistent with modest burial (
c.
1 km) of the Iullemmeden Basin between 120 and 85 Ma, and of the continental margin between 85 and 45 Ma. By the Eocene the first-order relief of Benin had developed, with regional erosion rates <20 m Ma
−1
since then.

Supplementary information:
Full details of the analytical data and modelling results, including the various constraints, and further data on denudation and burial magnitudes and rates are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4220804
Chromosome Dynamics in Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Seeber Andrew , Hauer Michael H. , Gasser Susan M.
Published: September 2018

Recent advances in both the technologies used to measure chromatin movement and the biophysical analysis used to model them have yielded a fuller understanding of chromatin dynamics and the polymer structure that underlies it. Changes in nucleosome packing, checkpoint kinase activation, the cell cycle, chromosomal tethers, and external forces acting on nuclei in response to external and internal stimuli can alter the basal mobility of DNA in interphase nuclei of yeast or mammalian cells. Although chromatin movement is assumed to be necessary for many DNA-based processes, including gene activation by distal enhancer–promoter interaction or sequence-based homology searches during double-strand break repair, experimental evidence supporting an essential role in these activities is sparse. Nonetheless, high-resolution tracking of chromatin dynamics has led to instructive models of the higher-order folding and flexibility of the chromatin polymer. Key regulators of chromatin motion in physiological conditions or after damage induction are reviewed here.
Nuclear Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Lost in Translation
Authors: Moutinho Miguel , Codocedo Juan F. , Puntambekar Shweta S. , Landreth Gary E.
Published: September 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons that leads to a broad range of disabilities, including severe cognitive decline and motor impairment, for which there are no effective therapies. Several lines of evidence support a putative therapeutic role of nuclear receptors (NRs) in these types of disorders. NRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate the expression of a wide range of genes linked to metabolism and inflammation. Although the activation of NRs in animal models of neurodegenerative disease exhibits promising results, the translation of this strategy to clinical practice has been unsuccessful. In this review we discuss the role of NRs in neurodegenerative diseases in light of preclinical and clinical studies, as well as new findings derived from the analysis of transcriptomic databases from humans and animal models. We discuss the failure in the translation of NR-based therapeutic approaches and consider alternative and novel research avenues in the development of effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
NIX-mediated mitophagy protects against proteinuria-induced tubular cell apoptosis and renal injury
Authors: Xu Dan , Chen Panpan , Wang Bao , Wang Yanzhe , Miao Naijun , Yin Fan , Cheng Qian , Zhou Zhuanli , Xie Hongyan , Zhou Li , Liu Jun , Wang Xiaoxia , Zent Roy , Lu Limin , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2018

Proteinuria, the most common symptom of renal injury, is an independent factor for renal tubular injury. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. Mitochondrion is an important target for proteinuria-induced renal tubular cell injury. Insufficient mitophagy exacerbates cell injury by initiating mitochondrial dysfunction-related cell apoptosis. In the experiment, the role of NIP3-like protein X (NIX)-mediated mitophagy was investigated in proteinuria-induced renal injury. In this study, we demonstrated that NIX expression was reduced in renal tubules and correlated with the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate and increase of the proteinuria in patients. In proteinuric mice, NIX-mediated mitophagy was significantly suppressed. Meanwhile, the proteinuric mice exhibited renal dysfunction, increased mitochondrial fragmentation, and tubular cell apoptosis. Overexpression of NIX attenuated those disruptions in proteinuric mice. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells, albumin induced a decrease in NIX-mediated mitophagy and an increase in cell apoptosis. Overexpression of NIX attenuated albumin-induced cell apoptosis, whereas NIX siRNA aggravated these perturbations. These results indicate that proteinuria suppresses NIX-mediated mitophagy in the renal tubular epithelial cell, which triggers the cell undergoing mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis. Collectively, our finding suggests that restoration of NIX-mediated mitophagy might be a novel therapeutic target for alleviating proteinuria-induced kidney injury.
Experience-related reductions of myelin and axon diameter in adulthood
Authors: Lazari Alberto , Koudelka Sigrid , Sampaio-Baptista Cassandra
Published: September 2018

The production of new myelin has been highlighted as an underappreciated mechanism of brain plasticity, but whether plastic decreases in myelin also happen in the adult brain has been largely unexplored. Recently, Sinclair et al. (Sinclair JS, Fischl MJ, Alexandrova O, Heß M, Grothe B, Leibold C, and Kopp-Scheinpflug C. J Neurosci 37: 8239–8255, 2017) have shown that auditory deprivation can lead to decrease in myelination and axon caliber even in healthy adulthood. These findings show that activity-regulated myelination is more complex than previously thought and expand our knowledge of how adult brain plasticity could operate on a cellular level.
Dynamic population coding and its relationship to working memory
Authors: Meyers Ethan M.
Published: September 2018

For over 45 years, neuroscientists have conducted experiments aimed at understanding the neural basis of working memory. Early results examining individual neurons highlighted that information is stored in working memory in persistent sustained activity where neurons maintained elevated firing rates over extended periods of time. However, more recent work has emphasized that information is often stored in working memory in dynamic population codes, where different neurons contain information at different periods in time. In this paper, I review findings that show that both sustained activity as well as dynamic codes are present in the prefrontal cortex and other regions during memory delay periods. I also review work showing that dynamic codes are capable of supporting working memory and that such dynamic codes could easily be “readout” by downstream regions. Finally, I discuss why dynamic codes could be useful for enabling animals to solve tasks that involve working memory. Although additional work is still needed to know definitively whether dynamic coding is critical for working memory, the findings reviewed here give insight into how different codes could contribute to working memory, which should be useful for guiding future research.
Operant conditioning of the tibialis anterior motor evoked potential in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Thompson Aiko K. , Cote Rachel H. , Sniffen Janice M. , Brangaccio Jodi A.
Published: September 2018

The activity of corticospinal pathways is important in movement control, and its plasticity is essential for motor skill learning and re-learning after central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Therefore, enhancing the corticospinal function may improve motor function recovery after CNS injuries. Operant conditioning of stimulus-induced muscle responses (e.g., reflexes) is known to induce the targeted plasticity in a targeted pathway. Thus, an operant conditioning protocol to target the corticospinal pathways may be able to enhance the corticospinal function. To test this possibility, we investigated whether operant conditioning of the tibialis anterior (TA) motor evoked potential (MEP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation can enhance corticospinal excitability in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The protocol consisted of 6 baseline and 24 up-conditioning/control sessions over 10 wk. In all sessions, TA MEPs were elicited at 10% above active MEP threshold while the sitting participant provided a fixed preset level of TA background electromyographic activity. During baseline sessions, MEPs were simply measured. During conditioning trials of the conditioning sessions, the participant was encouraged to increase MEP and was given immediate feedback indicating whether MEP size was above a criterion. In 5/8 participants without SCI and 9/10 with SCI, over 24 up-conditioning sessions, MEP size increased significantly to ~150% of the baseline value, whereas the silent period (SP) duration decreased by ~20%. In a control group of participants without SCI, neither MEP nor SP changed. These results indicate that MEP up-conditioning can facilitate corticospinal excitation, which is essential for enhancing motor function recovery after SCI.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether operant conditioning of the motor evoked potential (MEP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation can systematically increase corticospinal excitability for the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (TA) in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. We found that up-conditioning can increase the TA MEP while reducing the accompanying silent period (SP) duration. These findings suggest that MEP up-conditioning produces the facilitation of corticospinal excitation as targeted, whereas it suppresses inhibitory mechanisms reflected in SP.
Cortico-cerebellar network involved in saccade adaptation
Authors: Guillaume Alain , Fuller Jason R. , Srimal Riju , Curtis Clayton E.
Published: September 2018

Saccade adaptation is the learning process that ensures that vision and saccades remain calibrated. The central nervous system network involved in these adaptive processes remains unclear because of difficulties in isolating the learning process from the correlated visual and motor processes. Here we imaged the human brain during a novel saccade adaptation paradigm that allowed us to isolate neural signals involved in learning independent of the changes in the amplitude of corrective saccades usually correlated with adaptation. We show that the changes in activation in the ipsiversive cerebellar vermis that track adaptation are not driven by the changes in corrective saccades and thus provide critical supporting evidence for previous findings. Similarly, we find that activation in the dorsomedial wall of the contraversive precuneus mirrors the pattern found in the cerebellum. Finally, we identify dorsolateral and dorsomedial cortical areas in the frontal and parietal lobes that encode the retinal errors following inaccurate saccades used to drive recalibration. Together, these data identify a distributed network of cerebellar and cortical areas and their specific roles in oculomotor learning.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The central nervous system constantly learns from errors and adapts to keep visual targets and saccades in registration. We imaged the human brain while the gain of saccades adapted to a visual target that was displaced while the eye was in motion, inducing retinal error. Activity in the cerebellum and precuneus tracked learning, whereas parts of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial frontal and parietal cortex encoded the retinal error used to drive learning.
Early Diagnosis of Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Recurrence with Raw EEG of a Bispectral Index Monitor
Authors: Ntahe Aristide
Published: September 2018

Background. Seizures are frequent in ICU and their diagnosis is challenging, often delayed or missed. Their diagnosis requires a conventional EEG recording. When cEEG is not available, there is no consensus on how patients should be monitored when there is high risk of seizure. This case illustrates how a bispectral index monitor allowed an early diagnosis of an NCSE recurrence. Case Presentation. A NCSE was diagnosed at the admission. cEEG was not available and then a bispectral index (BIS) monitor was placed and processed parameters were monitored as usual. During the first and second day, both conventional and BIS’s EEG showed patterns of burst suppression and the BIS value varied between 25 and 35 while the suppression ratio (SR) varied between 20 and 35. On the third day, while hypnotic drugs were withdrawn progressively, raw EEG of the BIS monitor showed spikes, spikes waves, and polyspikes without significant variation of BIS and SR values. Even if processed parameters stayed between their usual ranges, the typical aspect of the real time EEG raised concern for NCSE recurrence. An unplanned conventional EEG recording was urgently requested, and the diagnosis was confirmed and treated. Conclusion. Primitive and secondary brain injuries can lead to seizures which are often purely electrical. Even though BIS monitors cannot substitute the conventional EEG, processed parameters and raw EEG should be always analysed jointly. In the present case, seizure was suspected only on the aspect of real time EEG which showed spikes, spikes waves, and polyspikes.
Base Isolation of Buildings with Curved Surface Sliders: Basic Design Criteria and Critical Issues
Authors: Saitta Fernando , Clemente Paolo , Buffarini Giacomo , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Salvatori Antonello , Grossi Cristian
Published: September 2018

Curved surface sliders are being used more and more in the seismic isolation of buildings. They are preferred not only because of their lower cost with respect to elastomeric isolators but also of their technical characteristics, such as the fact that the value of the period of vibration is independent of the mass and the automatic coincidence between the gravity mass center of the superstructure and the stiffness center of the isolation system. In this paper, these features are analysed with reference to simple structures, pointing out the possibility of rotations of the superstructure and the loss of contact in some devices. Finally, the importance of the static friction is also emphasized showing the experimental seismic response of an isolation system under a low‐energy earthquake. For all these reasons, the use of nonlinear analysis, revised and detailed in this paper, is advisable for the isolation system made of curved surface sliders.
A Decomposition‐Based Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm with Adaptive Weight Adjustment
Authors: Dai Cai , Lei Xiujuan
Published: September 2018

Recently, decomposition‐based multiobjective evolutionary algorithms have good performances in the field of multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) and have been paid attention by many scholars. Generally, a MOP is decomposed into a number of subproblems through a set of weight vectors with good uniformly and aggregate functions. The main role of weight vectors is to ensure the diversity and convergence of obtained solutions. However, these algorithms with uniformity of weight vectors cannot obtain a set of solutions with good diversity on some MOPs with complex Pareto optimal fronts (PFs) (i.e., PFs with a sharp peak or low tail or discontinuous PFs). To deal with this problem, an improved decomposition‐based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm with adaptive weight adjustment (IMOEA/DA) is proposed. Firstly, a new method based on uniform design and crowding distance is used to generate a set of weight vectors with good uniformly. Secondly, according to the distances of obtained nondominated solutions, an adaptive weight vector adjustment strategy is proposed to redistribute the weight vectors of subobjective spaces. Thirdly, a selection strategy is used to help each subobjective space to obtain a nondominated solution (if have). Comparing with six efficient state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, for example, NSGAII, MOEA/D, MOEA/D‐AWA, EMOSA, RVEA, and KnEA on some benchmark functions, the proposed algorithm is able to find a set of solutions with better diversity and convergence.
Craniofacial Brown Tumor in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism to Chronic Renal Failure: Report of Two Cases in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital
Authors: Kartini Diani , Siswiandari Maria K. , Wibisana Gunawan , Yulian Erwin D. , Kurnia Ahmad , Panigoro Sonar S. , Albar Azdi Z. , Ramli Muchlis
Published: September 2018

Brown tumor is a bone lesion that arises in the setting of excess osteoclast activity in hyperparathyroidism. It consists of fibrous tissue, woven bone, and supporting vasculature, while contains no matrix. The characteristic of brown-colored lesion is a result of hemosiderin deposition into the osteolytic cysts. Two cases of young women aged 26 and 29 years old, respectively, are known with a history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dialysis is performed two times/week over the last 7 years. Our patients presented with an intraoral mass of the hard palate since 12 months ago and decreased body height of 10 cm. The lesion causes difficulties in swallowing and talking. Laboratory workup showed elevated parathormone or PTH (3.391 pg/mL and >5.000 pg/mL). Neck ultrasound showed enlargement of the parathyroid glands. Supporting examination to diagnose brown tumor are neck ultrasound, CT of the neck, and parathyroid sestamibi scan. We performed parathyroidectomy. Pathology revealed hyperplasia of the parathyroid. The tumor regressed significantly within 2 weeks following the surgery, and we still observe tumor regression as well as reduction in PTH level. As clinicians, we should be alert to other possible causes of bony lesions. Clinical examination, laboratory finding, and imaging present important information to diagnose brown tumor.