bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Indicators of Low Energy Availability in Elite Female Sprinters
Authors: Sygo Jennifer , Coates Alexandra M. , Sesbreno Erik , Mountjoy Margo L. , Burr Jamie F.
Published: May 2018

Low energy availability (LEA), and subsequent relative energy deficiency in sport, has been observed in endurance, aesthetic, and team sport athletes, with limited data on prevalence in athletes in short-burst activities such as sprinting. We examined prevalence of signs and symptoms of LEA in elite female sprinters at the start of the training season (PRE), and at the end of a 5-month indoor training period (POST). Four of 13 female sprinters (31%) presented at PRE testing with at least one primary (amenorrhea, low bone mineral density, low follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or estradiol, resting metabolic rate ≤29 kcal/kg fat-free mass, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score ≥8) and one secondary indicator of LEA (fasting blood glucose <4 mmol/L, free triiodothyronine <3.5 pmol/L, ferritin <25 μg/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3.0 mmol/L, fasting insulin <20 pmol/L, low insulin-like growth factor-1, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg). At POST, seven out of 13 athletes (54%) presented with at least one primary and one secondary indicator of LEA, three of whom had also presented with indicators of LEA at PRE. Five out of 13 (39%) athletes had previous stress fracture history, though this was not associated with current indicators of LEA (PRE: r = .52, p = .07; POST: r = −.07, p = .82). In conclusion, elite female sprinters may present with signs and symptoms of LEA, even after off-season rest. Medical and coaching staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of LEA and relative energy deficiency in sport and should include appropriate screening and intervention strategies when working with sprinters.
Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition
Authors: Coswig Victor Silveira , Miarka Bianca , Pires Daniel Alvarez , da Silva Levy Mendes , Bartel Charles , Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo
Published: May 2018

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical–tactical/time–motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time–motion and technical–tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10–98] s and 32 [1–60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0–7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0–1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0–4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0–0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical–tactical and time–motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.
Influence of Inoculum Effect on the Efficacy of Daptomycin Monotherapy and in Combination with β-Lactams against Daptomycin-Susceptible Enterococcus faecium Harboring LiaSR Substitutions
Authors: Kebriaei Razieh , Rice Seth A. , Singh Kavindra V. , Stamper Kyle C. , Dinh An Q. , Rios Rafael , Diaz Lorena , Murray Barbara E. , Munita Jose M. , Tran Truc T. , Arias Cesar A. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: May 2018

Enterococcus faecium
isolates that harbor LiaFSR substitutions but are phenotypically susceptible to daptomycin (DAP) by current breakpoints are problematic, since predisposition to resistance may lead to therapeutic failure. Using a simulated endocardial vegetation (SEV) pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model, we investigated DAP regimens (6, 8, and 10 mg/kg of body weight/day) as monotherapy and in combination with ampicillin (AMP), ceftaroline (CPT), or ertapenem (ERT) against
E. faecium
HOU503, a DAP-susceptible strain that harbors common LiaS and LiaR substitutions found in clinical isolates (T120S and W73C, respectively).
Whole-Genome Analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis Revealing Partial Genes as a Source of Novel Cry Toxins
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Geng Ce , Li Miaomiao , Wang Yueying , Liu Hualin , Zheng Jinshui , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming
Published: May 2018

Genomic analysis revealed that coding sequences for N termini and C termini of crystal proteins are widely distributed in
B. thuringiensis
. We found Cry5B-like N terminus, lacking typical C terminus, was unable to be expressed in wild-type strain C15. However, its fusion with the C terminus of Cry5Ba not only was successfully expressed but also exhibited activity against the nematodes. This study provides insight into a potential source for novel Cry toxins.
Complex Control of a Genomic Island Governing Biofilm and Rugose Colony Development in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Chodur Daniel M. , Rowe-Magnus Dean A.
Published: May 2018

Biofilm and rugose colony formation are developmental programs that underpin the evolution of
Vibrio vulnificus
as a potent opportunistic human pathogen and successful environmental organism. A better understanding of the regulatory pathways governing theses phenotypes promotes the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate food chain contamination by this pathogen. c-di-GMP signaling is central to both pathways. We show that the molecule orchestrates the expression of 14 genes clustered in a 16-kb segment of the genome that governs biofilm and rugose colony development. This region exhibits the hallmarks of horizontal transfer, suggesting complex regulatory control of a recently assimilated genetic island governing the colonization response of
V. vulnificus
.
Reovirus Nonstructural Protein σNS Acts as an RNA Stability Factor Promoting Viral Genome Replication
Authors: Zamora Paula F. , Hu Liya , Knowlton Jonathan J. , Lahr Roni M. , Moreno Rodolfo A. , Berman Andrea J. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Dermody Terence S.
Published: May 2018

Following infection, viruses synthesize nonstructural proteins that mediate viral replication and promote dissemination. Viruses from the family
Reoviridae
encode nonstructural proteins that are required for the formation of progeny viruses. Although nonstructural proteins of different viruses in the family
Reoviridae
diverge in primary sequence, they are functionally homologous and appear to facilitate conserved mechanisms of dsRNA virus replication. Using
in vitro
and cell culture approaches, we found that the mammalian reovirus nonstructural protein σNS binds and stabilizes viral RNA and is required for genome synthesis. This work contributes new knowledge about basic mechanisms of dsRNA virus replication and provides a foundation for future studies to determine how viruses in the family
Reoviridae
assort and replicate their genomes.
Microscopic and Molecular Evidence of the First Elasmobranch Adomavirus, the Cause of Skin Disease in a Giant Guitarfish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis
Authors: Dill Jennifer A. , Camus Alvin C. , Leary John H. , Ng Terry Fei Fan
Published: May 2018

Only eight families of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses are known to infect vertebrate animals. During an investigation of papillomatous skin disease in an elasmobranch species, the giant guitarfish (
Rhynchobatus djiddensis
), a novel virus, distinct from all known viral families in regard to particle size, morphology, genome organization, and helicase phylogeny was discovered. Large inclusion bodies containing 75-nm icosahedral viral particles were present within epithelial cell nuclei in the proliferative skin lesions. Deep metagenomic sequencing revealed a 22-kb circular dsDNA viral genome, tentatively named guitarfish “adomavirus” (GAdoV), with only distant homology to two other fish viruses, Japanese eel endothelial cell-infecting virus (JEECV) and a recently reported marbled eel virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the helicase domain places the guitarfish virus in a novel clade that is equidistant between members of the
Papillomaviridae
and
Polyomaviridae
families. Specific PCR, quantitative PCR, and
in situ
hybridization were used to detect, quantify, and confirm that GAdoV DNA was localized to affected epithelial cell nuclei. Changes in the viral titer, as well as the presence of a hybridization signal, coincided with the progression and then final resolution of gross and microscopic lesions. The results indicate that GAdoV is the causative agent of the proliferative skin lesions.

IMPORTANCE
Cartilaginous fish, including the sharks and rays, evolved from ancestral fish species at least 400 million years ago. Even though they are the descendants of one of the most ancient vertebrate lineages, reports of viral diseases in these species are rare and poorly documented. Deep sequencing revealed a highly divergent virus, tentatively named guitarfish adomavirus, that is distantly related to known papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses. Out of the eight predicted viral genes, only the helicase could be identified as viral by sequence homology searches (BLAST), exemplifying the difficulties of discovering novel viruses within seas of unidentifiable “dark matter” associated with deep sequencing data. The novel adomavirus represents the first viral genome shown to cause clinical disease in a cartilaginous fish species, the giant guitarfish. Our findings demonstrate that emerging fish viruses are fertile ground to expand our understanding of viral evolution in vertebrates.
RECON-Dependent Inflammation in Hepatocytes Enhances Listeria monocytogenes Cell-to-Cell Spread
Authors: McFarland Adelle P. , Burke Thomas P. , Carletti Alexie A. , Glover Rochelle C. , Tabakh Hannah , Welch Matthew D. , Woodward Joshua J.
Published: May 2018

The oxidoreductase RECON is a high-affinity cytosolic sensor of bacterium-derived cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). CDN binding inhibits RECON’s enzymatic activity and subsequently promotes inflammation. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of RECON on the infection cycle of the intracellular bacteriumListeria monocytogenes, which secretes cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) into the cytosol of infected host cells. Here, we report that during infection of RECON-deficient hepatocytes, which exhibit hyperinflammatory responses,L. monocytogenesexhibits significantly enhanced cell-to-cell spread. Enhanced bacterial spread could not be attributed to alterations in PrfA or ActA, two virulence factors critical for intracellular motility and intercellular spread. Detailed microscopic analyses revealed that in the absence of RECON,L. monocytogenesactin tail lengths were significantly longer and there was a larger number of faster-moving bacteria. Complementation experiments demonstrated that the effects of RECON onL. monocytogenesspread and actin tail lengths were linked to its enzymatic activity. RECON enzyme activity suppresses NF-κB activation and is inhibited by c-di-AMP. Consistent with these previous findings, we found that augmented NF-κB activation in the absence of RECON caused enhancedL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread and thatL. monocytogenesspread correlated with c-di-AMP secretion. Finally, we discovered that, remarkably, increased NF-κB-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production were responsible for promotingL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread. The work presented here supports a model wherebyL. monocytogenessecretion of c-di-AMP inhibits RECON’s enzymatic activity, drives augmented NF-κB activation and nitric oxide production, and ultimately enhances intercellular spread.

IMPORTANCETo date, bacterial CDNs in eukaryotes are solely appreciated for their capacity to activate cytosolic sensing pathways in innate immunity. However, it remains unclear whether pathogens that actively secrete CDNs benefit from this process. Here, we provide evidence that secretion of CDNs leads to enhancement ofL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread. This is a heretofore-unknown role of these molecules and suggestsL. monocytogenesmay benefit from their secretion in certain contexts. Molecular characterization revealed that, surprisingly, nitric oxide was responsible for the enhanced spread. Pathogens act to prevent nitric oxide production or, likeL. monocytogenes, they have evolved to resist its direct antimicrobial effects. This study provides evidence that intracellular bacterial pathogens not only tolerate nitric oxide, which is inevitably encountered during infection, but can also capitalize on the changes this pleiotropic molecule enacts on the host cell.
Interaction between Host MicroRNAs and the Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yuan Ce , Burns Michael B. , Subramanian Subbaya , Blekhman Ran
Published: May 2018

Recent studies have found an association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gut microbiota. One potential mechanism by which the microbiota can influence host physiology is through affecting gene expression in host cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression and have important roles in cancer development. Here, we investigated the link between the gut microbiota and the expression of miRNA in CRC. We found that dozens of miRNAs are differentially regulated in CRC tumors and adjacent normal colon and that these miRNAs are correlated with the abundance of microbes in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we found that microbes that have been previously associated with CRC are correlated with miRNAs that regulate genes related to interactions with microbes. Notably, these miRNAs likely regulate glycan production, which is important for the recruitment of pathogenic microbial taxa to the tumor. This work provides a first systems-level map of the association between microbes and host miRNAs in the context of CRC and provides targets for further experimental validation and potential interventions.
Home oximetry to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea in Down syndrome
Authors: Hill Catherine M , Elphick Heather E , Farquhar Michael , Gringras Paul , Pickering Ruth M , Kingshott Ruth N , Martin Jane , Reynolds Janine , Joyce Anna , Gavlak Johanna C , Evans Hazel J
Published: May 2018

Objective

Children with Down syndrome are at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and screening is recommended. Diagnosis of OSA should be confirmed with multichannel sleep studies. We aimed to determine whether home pulse oximetry (HPO) discriminates children at high risk of OSA, who need further diagnostic multichannel sleep studies.

Design

Cross-sectional prospective study in a training sample recruited through three UK centres. Validation sample used single-centre retrospective analysis of clinical data.

Patients

Children with Down syndrome aged 0.5–6 years.

Intervention

Diagnostic multichannel sleep study and HPO.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity and specificity of HPO to predict moderate-to-severe OSA.

Results

161/202 children with Down syndrome met quality criteria for inclusion and 25 had OSA. In this training sample, the best HPO parameter predictors of OSA were the delta 12 s index >0.555 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 65%) and 3% oxyhaemoglobin (SpO2) desaturation index (3% ODI)>6.15 dips/hour (sensitivity 92%, specificity 63%). Combining variables (delta 12 s index, 3% ODI, mean and minimum SpO2) achieved sensitivity of 96% but reduced specificity to 52%. All predictors retained or improved sensitivity in a clinical validation sample of 50 children with variable loss of specificity, best overall was the delta 12 s index, a measure of baseline SpO2variability (sensitivity 92%; specificity 63%).

Conclusions

HPO screening could halve the number of children with Down syndrome needing multichannel sleep studies and reduce the burden on children, families and health services alike. This approach offers a practical universal screening approach for OSA in Down syndrome that is accessible to the non-specialist paediatrician.
Do highly physically active workers die early? A systematic review with meta-analysis of data from 193 696 participants
Authors: Coenen Pieter , Huysmans Maaike A , Holtermann Andreas , Krause Niklas , van Mechelen Willem , Straker Leon M , van der Beek Allard J
Published: May 2018

Objective

Recent evidence suggests the existence of a physical activity paradox, with beneficial health outcomes associated with leisure time physical activity, but detrimental health outcomes for those engaging in high level occupational physical activity. This is the first quantitative systematic review of evidence regarding the association between occupational physical activity and all-cause mortality.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data source

A literature search was performed in electronic databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We screened for peer reviewed articles from prospective studies assessing the association of occupational physical activity with all-cause mortality. A meta-analysis assessed the association of high (compared with low) level occupational physical activity with all-cause mortality, estimating pooled hazard ratios (HR) (with 95% CI).

Results

2490 unique articles were screened and 33 (from 26 studies) were included. Data from 17 studies (with 193 696 participants) were used in a meta-analysis, showing that men with high level occupational physical activity had an 18% increased risk of early mortality compared with those engaging in low level occupational physical activity (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.34). No such association was observed among women, for whom instead a tendency for an inverse association was found (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.01).

Conclusions

The results of this review indicate detrimental health consequences associated with high level occupational physical activity in men, even when adjusting for relevant factors (such as leisure time physical activity). These findings suggest that research and physical activity guidelines may differentiate between occupational and leisure time physical activity.
Persistent variations in national asthma mortality, hospital admissions and prevalence by socioeconomic status and region in England
Authors: Gupta Ramyani P , Mukherjee Mome , Sheikh Aziz , Strachan David P
Published: May 2018

Background

The UK-wide National Review of Asthma Deaths sought to identify avoidable factors from the high numbers of deaths, but did not examine variation by socioeconomic status (SES) or region.

Methods

We used asthma deaths in England over the period 2002–2015 obtained from national deaths registers, summarised by quintiles of Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and Government Office Region. Emergency asthma admissions were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics for England 2001–2011. The prevalence of asthma was derived from the Health Survey for England 2010. Associations of mortality, admissions and prevalence with IMD quintile and region were estimated cross-sectionally using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) adjusted for age and sex and, where possible, smoking.

Results

Asthma mortality decreased among more deprived groups at younger ages. Among 5–44 year olds, those in the most deprived quintile, mortality was 19% lower than those in the least deprived quintile (IRR 0.81 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.96). In older adults, this pattern was reversed (45–74 years: IRR 1.37 (1.24–1.52), ≥75 years: IRR 1.30 (1.22–1.39)). In 5–44 year olds the inverse trend with asthma mortality contrasted with large positive associations for admissions (IRR 3.34 (3.30–3.38)) and prevalence of severe symptoms (IRR 2.38 (1.70–3.33)). Prevalence trends remained after adjustment for smoking. IRRs for asthma mortality, admissions and prevalence showed significant heterogeneity between English regions.

Conclusions

Despite asthma mortality, emergency admissions and prevalence decreasing over recent decades, England still experiences significant SES and regional variations. The previously undocumented inverse relation between deprivation and mortality in the young requires further investigation.
1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose from Galla rhois Ameliorates Renal Tubular Injury and Microvascular Inflammation in Acute Kidney Injury Rats
Authors: Park Ji Hun , Kho Min Chol , Oh Hyun Cheol , Kim Youn Chul , Yoon Jung Joo , Lee Yun Jung , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: May 2018

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), an important cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), causes increased renal tubular injury and microvascular inflammation. 1,[Formula: see text]2,[Formula: see text]3,[Formula: see text]4,[Formula: see text]6-penta-O-galloyl-[Formula: see text]-D-glucose (PGG) from Galla rhois has anticancer, anti-oxidation and angiogenesis effects. We examined protective effects of PGG on IRI-induced acute AKI. Clamping both renal arteries for 45[Formula: see text]min induced isechemia and then reperfusion. Treatment with PGG (10[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day and 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day for four days) significantly ameliorated urine volume, urine osmolality, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In addition, PGG increased aquaporine 1/2/3, Na[Formula: see text]-K[Formula: see text]-ATPase and urea transporter (UT-B) and decreased ICAM-1, MCP-1, and HMGB-1 expression. In this histopathologic study, PGG improved glomerular and tubular damage. Immunohistochemistry results showed that PGG increased aquaporine 1/2, and Na[Formula: see text]-K[Formula: see text] ATPase and decreased ICAM-1 expression. These findings suggest that PGG ameliorates tubular injury including tubular dysfunction and microvascular inflammation in IRI-induced AKI rats.
Hirsutella sinensis Inhibits Lewis Lung Cancer via Tumor Microenvironment Effector T Cells in Mice
Authors: Fu Huiying , Jin Lu , Shao Xia , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Fangming , Shou Zhiqiang , Tang Xiaofang , Ji Bing , Shou Qiyang
Published: May 2018

Hirsutella sinensis fungus (HSF) is an artificial substitute of the well-known medicine Cordyceps sinensis with similar beneficial effects in humans. We previously found that HSF can regulate immune function and inhibit tumor growth; however, the mechanisms involved in these effects were still unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the effects of HSF on immune cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment in mice. The results showed that HSF inhibited Lewis lung cancer growth, alleviated abnormalities in routine blood tests, and enhanced tumor-infiltrating T cells, particularly the proportion of effector CD8[Formula: see text] T cells. In addition, HSF also ameliorated the immune-suppressive microenvironment and decreased the proportions of regulatory T cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations. To confirm the effects of HSF on promotion of effector CD8[Formula: see text] T-cell production, we further evaluated changes in postoperative metastasis following treatment with HSF. Indeed, orthotopic lung metastasis was significantly suppressed, and survival times were increased in HSF-treated mice. Taken together, our findings suggested that HSF inhibited Lewis lung cancer by enhancing the population of effective CD8[Formula: see text] T cells.
A New Proof for Global Convergence of a Smoothing Homotopy Method for the Nonlinear Complementarity Problem
Authors: Fan Xiaona , Yan Qinglun
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we propose a new proof for smoothing homotopy method based on the Fischer–Burmeister function to solve the nonlinear complementarity problem under a nonmonotone solution condition. Under this assumption condition imposed on the defined mapping [Formula: see text], global convergence of a smooth curve determined by the referred homotopy equation is established for almost all initial points in [Formula: see text] and it is actually regarded as an interior point method. Besides, if the initial point is expanded to [Formula: see text], the global convergence of the homotopy method is ensured under a similar condition. The numerical results are reported and illustrate that the method is efficient for some nonlinear complementarity problems.
Finiteness for mapping class group representations from twisted Dijkgraaf–Witten theory
Authors: Gustafson Paul P.
Published: May 2018

We show that any twisted Dijkgraaf–Witten representation of a mapping class group of an orientable, compact surface with boundary has finite image. This generalizes work of Etingof et al. showing that the braid group images are finite [P. Etingof, E. C. Rowell and S. Witherspoon, Braid group representations from twisted quantum doubles of finite groups, Pacific J. Math. 234 (2008)(1) 33–42]. In particular, our result answers their question regarding finiteness of images of arbitrary mapping class group representations in the affirmative.

Our approach is to translate the problem into manipulation of colored graphs embedded in the given surface. To do this translation, we use the fact that any twisted Dijkgraaf–Witten representation associated to a finite group [Formula: see text] and 3-cocycle [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a Turaev–Viro–Barrett–Westbury (TVBW) representation associated to the spherical fusion category [Formula: see text] of twisted [Formula: see text]-graded vector spaces. The representation space for this TVBW representation is canonically isomorphic to a vector space of [Formula: see text]-colored graphs embedded in the surface [A. Kirillov, String-net model of Turaev-Viro invariants, Preprint (2011), arXiv:1106.6033 ]. By analyzing the action of the Birman generators [J. Birman, Mapping class groups and their relationship to braid groups, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 22 (1969) 213–242] on a finite spanning set of colored graphs, we find that the mapping class group acts by permutations on a slightly larger finite spanning set. This implies that the representation has finite image.
Bisected vertex leveling of plane graphs: Braid index, arc index and delta diagrams
Authors: No Sungjong , Oh Seungsang , Yoo Hyungkee
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we introduce a bisected vertex leveling of a plane graph. Using this planar embedding, we present elementary proofs of the well-known upper bounds in terms of the minimal crossing number on braid index [Formula: see text] and arc index [Formula: see text] for any knot or non-split link [Formula: see text], which are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also find a quadratic upper bound of the minimal crossing number of delta diagrams of [Formula: see text].
An explicit relation between knot groups in lens spaces and those in S3
Authors: Nozaki Yuta
Published: May 2018

For a cyclic covering map [Formula: see text] between two pairs of a 3-manifold and a knot each, we describe the fundamental group [Formula: see text] in terms of [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, we give an alternative proof for the fact that certain knots in [Formula: see text] cannot be represented as the preimage of any knot in a lens space, which is related to free periods of knots. In our proofs, the subgroup of a group [Formula: see text] generated by the commutators and the [Formula: see text]th power of each element of [Formula: see text] plays a key role.
ELECTROCHEMICAL MIGRATION BEHAVIOR OF Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu SOLDER ALLOY UNDER THIN ELECTROLYTE LAYERS
Authors: LIAO BOKAI , JIA WENFENG , SUN RUIYAN , CHEN ZHENYU , GUO XINGPENG
Published: May 2018

The electrochemical migration (ECM) behavior of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder alloy under thin electrolyte layers was investigated using a technique based on the coupling of in situ electrochemical measurements and optical observation. Results showed that the mean time to failure first increased and then decreased as thickness of the electrolyte layer increased, the maximum value was present at 200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The higher the bias voltage applied, the faster was the rate of dendrite growth. And, Sn leaded the ECM of SAC305 solder alloy. Mechanisms relevant have been proposed to explain the ECM behavior of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder alloy.
LOCAL RISK-MINIMIZATION WITH MULTIPLE ASSETS UNDER ILLIQUIDITY WITH APPLICATIONS IN ENERGY MARKETS
Authors: CHRISTODOULOU PANAGIOTIS , DETERING NILS , MEYER-BRANDIS THILO
Published: May 2018

We propose a hedging approach for general contingent claims when liquidity is a concern and trading is subject to transaction cost. Multiple assets with different liquidity levels are available for hedging. Our risk criterion targets a tradeoff between minimizing the risk against fluctuations in the stock price and incurring low liquidity costs. We work in an arbitrage-free setting assuming a supply curve for each asset. In discrete time, we prove the existence of a locally risk-minimizing strategy under mild conditions on the price process. Under stochastic and time-dependent liquidity risk we give a closed-form solution for an optimal strategy in the case of a linear supply curve model. Finally we show how our hedging method can be applied in energy markets where futures with different maturities are available for trading. The futures closest to their delivery period are usually the most liquid but depending on the contingent claim not necessarily optimal in terms of hedging. In a simulation study, we investigate this tradeoff and compare the resulting hedge strategies with the classical ones.
Researching on X-Band Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency of MWCNTs Buckypapers Inserted with Mn Nanopowder
Authors: Lu Shaowei , Bai Yaoyao , Wang Jijie , Zhao Chenxu , Li Wei , Wang Xiaoqiang , Huang Zhenwei
Published: May 2018

Ultrathin multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) buckypapers inserted with Mn nanopowder were fabricated via vacuum filtration method, at a lower manufacturing cost and easier operation. The buckypapers were characterized structurally using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of MWCNTs buckypapers inserted with Mn nanopowder (0–30[Formula: see text]wt.%) were tested in X-band (8.2–12.4[Formula: see text]GHz). When the blended Mn nanopowder content is 20[Formula: see text]wt.%, the buckypaper exhibits much higher EMI SE of average value up to 42[Formula: see text]dB with the thickness of only 0.11[Formula: see text]mm. Further, this buckypaper is flexible and lightweight, and can be integrated with resin matrix composites. Thus, the results and techniques promise a simple and effective approach to achieve lightweight and ultrathin composite films for a wide application prospect in the field of EMI shielding and microwave absorption.
The Construction of the Heterostructural Bi2O3/g-C3N4 Composites with an Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Qian Huiyue , Liu Wencheng , Chen Hao , Qu Yang , Lin Zhidong
Published: May 2018

A heterostructural composite composed of g-C3N4 and Bi2O3 was achieved by the one-pot and thermal-induced polycondensation method using melamine and Bi(NO[Formula: see text] as precursor at 550[Formula: see text]C under air atmosphere. The crystalline phase, components and morphologies of the as-prepared composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of composites was evaluated by degrading RhB aqueous solution at room temperature under visible light irradiation. Compared with bulk g-C3N4, the photocatalytic efficiency of the 0.5% Bi2O3/g-C3N4 (Bi–CN) was increased by up to four times. The introduction of Bi2O3 enhances not only the light absorption ability, but also the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.
A Na-Rich Nanocomposite of Na1.83Ni0.12Mn0.88Fe(CN)6/RGO as Cathode for Superior Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Shimeng , Li Danting , Zhang Yan , Wang Hui , Quan Junjie , Xu Enze , Jiang Yang
Published: May 2018

Prussian blue analogs are receiving intense attention due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost, but their real applications are still hampered by poor electronic conductivity and cycling stability. Here, Na[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]Fe(CN)6 wrapped with graphene was synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method. The existence of RGO not only significantly increases the conductivity of the cathode, but also makes the framework much more robust during long cycling process. As the cathode, the Na[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]Fe(CN)6/RGO is able to deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 120[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 20[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] with superior capacity retention of 96.7% after 100 cycles. Even at a current density of 1000[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], the cell still delivers a capacity of 86[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], indicating outstanding rate capability. The results and the facile synthesis method enable Na[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]Fe(CN)6/RGO to the competitive for a future energy storage system.
Continuous Estimation Prediction of Knee Joint Angles Using Fusion of Electromyographic and Inertial Sensors for Active Transfemoral Leg Prostheses
Authors: López-Delis Alberto , Miosso Cristiano J. , Carvalho João L. A. , da Rocha Adson F. , Borges Geovany A.
Published: May 2018

Information extracted from the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals can allow for the detection of movement intention in transfemoral prostheses. The sEMG can help estimate the angle between the femur and the tibia in the sagittal plane. However, algorithms based exclusively on sEMG information can lead to inaccurate results. Data captured by inertial-sensors can improve this estimate. We propose three myoelectric algorithms that extract data from sEMG and inertial sensors using Kalman-filters. The proposed fusion-based algorithms showed improved performance compared to methods based exclusively on sEMG data, generating improvements in the accuracy of knee joint angle estimation and reducing estimation artifacts.
The development of the manufactured gas industry in Europe
Authors: Thomas Russell
Published: May 2018

The manufactured gas industry was one of the great technological innovations of the industrial revolution. Whilst it was developed in Great Britain, this was not in isolation, and required the input of many European engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs for its success. Although the innovation of making inflammable gas for lighting may now seem quite simple, it brought considerable change to society. Initially, gas was used for lighting, replacing candles and oil lamps, greatly improving safety within factories by reducing the occurrence of fires. The concerns over street crime and the potential benefits of brighter gas street lights were key factors in its wider uptake. Lighting was its primary use for the first 70 years. As competition emerged from electricity, the gas industry found new markets in heat and power. Gas manufacturing also produced a range of by-products which were later found to have some very useful properties and became important feedstocks to the chemical industry. Manufactured gas was the first integrated utility energy network and its success in Britain led to a rapid spread across Europe. Since its demise and replacement by natural gas, it has left a shared but unique legacy in each country.
Deglacial sequences and glacio-isostatic adjustment: Quaternary compared with Ordovician glaciations
Authors: Dietrich Pierre , Ghienne Jean-François , Lajeunesse Patrick , Normandeau Alexandre , Deschamps Rémy , Razin Philippe
Published: May 2018

Deglacial sedimentary sequences recording the decay and final demise of ice sheets result from intricate interactions between the pattern of ice margin retreat, inherited basin physiography and relative sea-level (RSL) changes. A specific emphasis is here given to the glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA), which may force postglacial local RSL fall in spite of concomitant glacio-eustatic rise. In this contribution, we characterize a Quaternary deglacial succession emplaced in such a setting, subsequently used as an analogue to interpret an end-Ordovician deglacial record. The Quaternary deglacial succession, tens of metres thick, formed under condition of RSL fall forced by the GIA in
c.
10 000 years in the aftermath of the deglaciation. This sedimentary succession consists of a lower, fining-upward sequence representing the backstepping of ice-contact depocentres following the retreat of the ice margin, and an upper, coarsening-upward sequence that relates to the subsequent progradation of a glaciofluvial delta system. A very similar stratigraphic stacking pattern characterizes the Ordovician analogue, suggesting a comparable deglacial sequence. By analogy with the Quaternary succession, this ancient deglacial record would have hence been emplaced under conditions of RSL fall forced by the GIA. Moreover, it must only represent a very short time interval that could be viewed as virtually instantaneous regarding the Late Ordovician glaciation. Such a vision is at odds with commonly accepted interpretations for such successions.
Exposure
Authors: Hu Yuanming , He Hao , Xu Chenxi , Wang Baoyuan , Lin Stephen
Published: May 2018

Retouching can significantly elevate the visual appeal of photos, but many casual photographers lack the expertise to do this well. To address this problem, previous works have proposed automatic retouching systems based on supervised learning from
paired
training images acquired before and after manual editing. As it is difficult for users to acquire paired images that reflect their retouching preferences, we present in this article a deep learning approach that is instead trained on
unpaired
data, namely, a set of photographs that exhibits a retouching style the user likes, which is much easier to collect. Our system is formulated using deep convolutional neural networks that learn to apply different retouching operations on an input image. Network training with respect to various types of edits is enabled by modeling these retouching operations in a unified manner as resolution-independent differentiable filters. To apply the filters in a proper sequence and with suitable parameters, we employ a deep reinforcement learning approach that learns to make decisions on what action to take next, given the current state of the image. In contrast to many deep learning systems, ours provides users with an understandable solution in the form of conventional retouching edits rather than just a “black-box” result. Through quantitative comparisons and user studies, we show that this technique generates retouching results consistent with the provided photo set.
A Decision Model Assessing the Owner and Contractor’s Conflict Behaviors in Construction Projects
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Wang Huanming , Chang Ruidong
Published: May 2018

Considering the effects of the contractor’s conflict behaviors on the project benefit, a decision model between the owner and contractor’s conflict behaviors in construction projects was constructed using the principal‐agent theory and game theory. The model was analyzed under nonconflicting and conflicting conditions, and a numerical simulation and example analysis were proposed to verify the constructed model’s conclusion. The results showed that the effort levels of the owner and contractor not only relate to benefit‐sharing coefficient and effort outcome coefficient but also depend on the contractor’s ability of converting the conflict into benefit and the loss caused by conflict behaviors. A higher ability of converting conflicts into benefits and lower levels of the loss caused by conflict behaviors for the contractor lead to lower levels of the net benefit of the owner, conversely higher levels of the net benefit of the contractor. Balancing the contractor’s ability of converting conflicts into benefits and the loss caused by conflict behaviors lead to a more reasonable risk allocation between the owner and contractor, improving the effort level and net benefit. To add value to the construction project, the owner should establish an impartial and reasonable benefit‐sharing mechanism, optimize the owner and contractor’s resource arrangement, maximize the positive effect of conflict on project benefits, and avoid the negative effect of conflict. Few studies to date have investigated the effects of conflict behaviors on project benefits in terms of modeling and simulation in construction projects. As such, this study bridges this gap and contributes significant theoretical and practical insights about managing conflict behaviors in an interorganizational context, thus enhancing performance in construction projects.
Stochastic Collocation Applications in Computational Electromagnetics
Authors: Poljak Dragan , Šesnić Silvestar , Cvetković Mario , Šušnjara Anna , Dodig Hrvoje , Lalléchère Sébastien , El Khamlichi Drissi Khalil
Published: May 2018

The paper reviews the application of deterministic-stochastic models in some areas of computational electromagnetics. Namely, in certain problems there is an uncertainty in the input data set as some properties of a system are partly or entirely unknown. Thus, a simple stochastic collocation (SC) method is used to determine relevant statistics about given responses. The SC approach also provides the assessment of related confidence intervals in the set of calculated numerical results. The expansion of statistical output in terms of mean and variance over a polynomial basis, via SC method, is shown to be robust and efficient approach providing a satisfactory convergence rate. This review paper provides certain computational examples from the previous work by the authors illustrating successful application of SC technique in the areas of ground penetrating radar (GPR), human exposure to electromagnetic fields, and buried lines and grounding systems.
Ion Migration Polarization in the Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Based Metal-Oxide-Metal and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Stacks for Resistive Memory
Authors: Tikhov Stanislav , Gorshkov Oleg , Antonov Ivan , Morozov Alexander , Koryazhkina Maria , Filatov Dmitry
Published: May 2018

We report the investigations of the ion migration polarization in the yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin films in the Metal-Oxide-Metal (MOM) and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) stacks due to the drift of the oxygen vacancies under the external bias voltage applied between the electrodes. The parameters characterizing the drift of the oxygen vacancies in YSZ such as the ion drift activation energy, mobile ion concentration, and the drift mobility have been determined in the temperature range 300–500 K. These data are important for deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the electroforming and resistive switching in the YSZ-based MOM and MOS stacks, which are promising for the Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) and other memristor device applications.
Runaway Train: A Leaky Radiosensitive SCID with Skin Lesions and Multiple Lymphomas
Authors: Fevang Børre , Fagerli Unn Merete , Sorte Hanne , Aarset Harald , Hov Håkon , Langmyr Marit , Keil Thomas Morten , Bjørge Ellen , Aukrust Pål , Stray-Pedersen Asbjørg , Gedde-Dahl Tobias
Published: May 2018

The nuclease Artemis is essential for the development of T-cell and B-cell receptors and repair of DNA double-strand breaks, and a loss of expression or function will lead to a radiosensitive severe combined immunodeficiency with no functional T-cells or B-cells (T-B-SCID). Hypomorphic mutations in the Artemis gene can lead to a functional, but reduced, T-cell and B-cell repertoire with a more indolent clinical course called “leaky” SCID. Here, we present the case of a young man who had increasingly aggressive lymphoproliferative skin lesions from 2 years of age which developed into multiple EBV+ B-cell lymphomas, where a hypomorphic mutation in the Artemis gene was found in a diagnostic race against time using whole exome sequencing. The patient was given a haploidentical stem cell transplant while in remission for his lymphomas and although the initial course was successful, he succumbed to a serious Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia 5 months after the transplant. The case underscores the importance of next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of patients with suspected severe immunodeficiency.
Robust Adaptive Control for Coordinated Constrained Multiple Flexible Joint Manipulators with Hysteresis Loop
Authors: Li Shurong , Shao Zhulong , Xu Pandeng , Yin Huaiqiang
Published: May 2018

This paper focuses on the position/force tracking control problem for constrained multiple flexible joint manipulators system with nonlinear input of hysteresis loop. Firstly, the dynamic model is given in the task space and the input of hysteresis loop model is approximated by a differential equation. Secondly, considering the disturbance with unknown bounds, a robust adaptive control strategy based on the sliding mode which consists of constraint force error and position error is designed. The proposed approach can not only compensate the model error, external disturbance, and flexible parameter uncertainties, but also drive the closed-loop system variables to reach the sliding model surface. Then it can be proved that both position and constraint force errors can be guaranteed to converge to zero. Finally, the simulation results can verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Combined Modal Correlation Criterion for Structural Damage Identification with Noisy Modal Data
Authors: Georgioudakis Manolis , Plevris Vagelis
Published: May 2018

Structural damage identification is a scientific field that has attracted a lot of interest in the scientific community during the recent years. There have been many studies intending to find a reliable method to identify damage in structural elements both in location and extent. Most damage identification methods are based on the changes of dynamic characteristics and static responses, but the incompleteness of the test data is a great obstacle for both. In this paper, a structural damage identification method based on the finite element model updating is proposed, in order to provide the location and the extent of structural damage using incomplete modal data of a damaged structure. The structural damage identification problem is treated as an unconstrained optimization problem which is solved using the differential evolution search algorithm. The objective function used in the optimization process is based on a combination of two modal correlation criteria, providing a measure of consistency and correlation between estimations of mode shape vectors. The performance and robustness of the proposed approach are evaluated with two numerical examples: a simply supported concrete beam and a concrete frame under several damage scenarios. The obtained results exhibit high efficiency of the proposed approach for accurately identifying the location and extent of structural damage.