bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An apparatus for generation and quantitative measurement of homogeneous isotropic turbulence in He ii
Authors: Mastracci Brian , Guo Wei
Published: January 2018

The superfluid phase of helium-4, known as He ii, exhibits extremely small kinematic viscosity and may be a useful tool for economically producing and studying high Reynolds number turbulent flow. Such applications are not currently possible because a comprehensive understanding of the complex two-fluid behavior of He ii is lacking. This situation could be remedied by a systematic investigation of simple, well controlled turbulence that can be directly compared with theoretical models. To this end, we have developed a new apparatus that combines flow visualization with second sound attenuation to study turbulence in the wake of a mesh grid towed through a He ii filled channel. One of three mesh grids (mesh number M = 3, 3.75, or 5 mm) can be pulled at speeds between 0.1 and 60 cm/s through a cast acrylic flow channel which has a 16 mm × 16 mm cross section and measures 330 mm long. The motion of solidified deuterium tracer particles, with diameter of the order 1 μm, in the resulting flow is captured by a high speed camera, and a particle tracking velocimetry algorithm resolves the Lagrangian particle trajectories through the turbulent flow field. A pair of oscillating superleak second sound transducers installed in the channel allows complementary measurement of vortex line density in the superfluid throughout the turbulent decay process. Success in early experiments demonstrates the effectiveness of both probes, and preliminary analysis of the data shows that both measurements strongly correlate with each other. Further investigations will provide comprehensive information that can be used to address open questions about turbulence in He ii and move toward the application of this fluid to high Reynolds number fluid research.
Transition from convective to absolute Raman instability via the longitudinal relativistic effect by using Vlasov-Maxwell simulations
Authors: Wang Q. , Liu Z. J. , Zheng C. Y. , Xiao C. Z. , Feng Q. S. , Zhang H. C. , He X. T.
Published: January 2018

The longitudinal relativistic effect on stimulated Raman backscattering (SRBS) is investigated by using one-dimensional (1D) Vlasov-Maxwell simulations. Using a short backscattered light seed pulse with a very small amplitude, the linear gain spectra of SRBS in the strongly convective regime is presented by combining the relativistic and non-relativistic 1D Vlasov-Maxwell simulations, which is in agreement with the steady-state linear theory. More interestingly, by considering transition from convective to absolute instability due to electron trapping, we successfully predict the critical duration of the seed which can just trigger the kinetic inflation of the excited SRBS after the seed leaves the simulation box. The critical duration in the relativistic case is much shorter than that in the nonrelativistic case, which indicates that the kinetic inflation more easily occurs in the relativistic case than in the nonrelativistic case. In the weakly convective regime, the transition from convective to absolute instability for SRBS can directly occur in the linear regime due to the longitudinal relativistic modification. For the same pump, our simulations first demonstrate that the SRBS excited by a short and small seed pulse is a convective instability in the nonrelativistic case but becomes an absolute instability due to the decrease of the linear Landau damping from the longitudinal relativistic modification in the relativistic case. In more detail, the growth rate of the backscattered light is also in excellent agreement with theoretical prediction.
Short wavelength geodesic acoustic mode excitation by energetic particles
Authors: Chen Liu , Qiu Zhiyong , Zonca Fulvio
Published: January 2018

Taking the collisionless damping of the geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) in the short wavelength limit originally investigated in [Z. Qiu et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 51, 012001 (2009)] as an example, the physics processes underlying wave particle resonances in the short wavelength limit are clarified. As an illustrative application, GAM excitation by energetic particles in the short wavelength limit is investigated assuming a single pitch angle slowing-down fast ion equilibrium distribution function. Conditions for this energetic particle-induced GAM to be unstable are discussed.
Experimental validation of thermodynamic mixture rules at extreme pressures and densities
Authors: Bradley P. A. , Loomis E. N. , Merritt E. C. , Guzik J. A. , Denne P. H. , Clark T. T.
Published: January 2018

Accurate modeling of a mixed material Equation of State (EOS) at high pressures (∼1 to 100 Mbar) is critical for simulating inertial confinement fusion and high energy density systems. This paper presents a comparison of two mixing rule models to the experiment to assess their applicability in this regime. The shock velocities of polystyrene, aluminum, and nickel aluminide (NiAl) were measured at a shock pressure of ∼3 TPa (∼30 Mbar) on the Omega EP laser facility (Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, New York). The resultant shock velocities were compared to those derived from the RAGE (Eulerian) hydrodynamics code to validate various mixing rules used to construct an EOS for NiAl. The simulated shock transit time through the sample (Al or NiAl) matched the measurements to within the ±45ps measurement uncertainty. The law of partial volume (Amagat) and the law of partial pressure (Dalton) mixture rules provided equally good matches to the NiAl shock data. Other studies showed that the Amagat mixing rule is superior, and we recommend it since our results also show a satisfactory match. The comparable quality of the simulation to data for the Al and NiAl samples implies that a mixture rule can supply an EOS for plasma mixtures with adequate fidelity for simulations where mixing takes place, such as advective mix in an Eulerian code or when two materials are mixed together via diffusion, turbulence, or other physical processes.
Reconstruction-stabilized epitaxy of LaCoO3/SrTiO3(111) heterostructures by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Hu Minhui , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Guo Qinlin , Cao Yanwei , Kareev M. , Chakhalian J. , Guo Jiandong
Published: January 2018

Unlike widely explored complex oxide heterostructures grown along [001], the study of [111]-oriented heterointerfaces is very limited thus far. One of the main challenges is to overcome the polar discontinuity that hinders the epitaxy of atomically sharp interfaces. Here, by taking LaCoO3/SrTiO3(111) as a prototype, we show that the reconstruction, which effectively compensates the surface polarity, can stabilize the epitaxy of the heterostructure with polar discontinuity. A reconstructed substrate surface is prepared, while the growth is controlled to form reconstruction on the film surface. To suppress the chemical diffusion across the interface, the growth is interrupted between each unit cell layer to allow the lattice relaxation at a lowered temperature. In this way, high quality two-dimensional growth is realized and the heterointerfaces exhibit sharpness at the atomic scale. Our work provides a path to precisely control the growth of complex oxide heterostructures along polar orientations that exhibit emergent quantum phenomena.
Rare earth doped M-type hexaferrites; ferromagnetic resonance and magnetization dynamics
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Kumari Shweta , Kuanr Bijoy K.
Published: January 2018

M-type hexagonal barium ferrites come in the category of magnetic material that plays a key role in electromagnetic wave propagation in various microwave devices. Due to their large magnetic anisotropy and large magnetization, their operating frequency exceeds above 50 GHz. Doping is a way to vary its magnetic properties to such an extent that its ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) response can be tuned over a broad frequency band. We have done a complete FMR study of rare earth elements neodymium (Nd) and samarium (Sm), with cobalt (Co) as base, doped hexaferrite nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffractometry, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) techniques were used to characterize the microstructure and magnetic properties of doped hexaferrite nanoparticles. Using proper theoretical electromagnetic models, various parameters are extracted from FMR data which play important role in designing and fabricating high-frequency microwave devices.
Visualizing hidden electron trap levels in Gd3Al2Ga3O12:Ce crystals using a mid-infrared free-electron laser
Authors: Kitaura Mamoru , Zen Heishun , Kamada Kei , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Watanabe Shinta , Ohnishi Akimasa , Hara Kazuhiko
Published: January 2018

The energy levels of electron traps (namely, defect complexes associated with oxygen vacancies) in Gd3Al2Ga3O12:Ce (GAGG:Ce) were studied at 12 K using mid-infrared (MIR) light pulses from a free-electron laser (FEL) as the probe light. Ce3+ 5d–4f luminescence was stimulated by the MIR light pulse following an ultraviolet light pulse. Stimulation of Ce3+ 5d–4f luminescence by MIR light pulses was pronounced above 0.31 eV. This result is consistent with that of previous work based on a trap-mediated luminescence model. It is concluded that the electron trap levels are located 0.31 eV below the bottom of the conduction band. This study demonstrates that MIR-FEL is applicable for the determination of hidden electron trap levels.
Helical micropumps near surfaces
Authors: Dauparas Justas , Das Debasish , Lauga Eric
Published: January 2018

Recent experiments proposed to use confined bacteria in order to generate flows near surfaces. We develop a mathematical and a computational model of this fluid transport using a linear superposition of fundamental flow singularities. The rotation of a helical bacterial flagellum induces both a force and a torque on the surrounding fluid, both of which lead to a net flow along the surface. The combined flow is in general directed at an angle to the axis of the flagellar filament. The optimal pumping is thus achieved when bacteria are tilted with respect to the direction in which one wants to move the fluid, in good agreement with experimental results. We further investigate the optimal helical shapes to be used as micropumps near surfaces and show that bacterial flagella are nearly optimal, a result which could be relevant to the expansion of bacterial swarms.
Fluid modeling of radical species generation mechanism in dense methane-air mixture streamer discharge
Authors: Qian Muyang , Li Gui , Kang Jinsong , Liu Sanqiu , Ren Chunsheng , Zhang Jialiang , Wang Dezhen
Published: January 2018

Atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was found to be promising in the context of plasma chemistry, plasma medicine, and plasma-assisted combustion. In this paper, we present a detailed fluid modeling study of abundant radical species produced by a positive streamer in atmospheric dense methane-air DBD. A two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid model is constructed, in which 82 plasma chemical reactions and 30 different species are considered. Spatial and temporal density distributions of dominant radicals and ions are presented. We lay our emphasis on the effect of varying relative permittivity (εr = 2, 4.5, and 9) on the streamer dynamics in the plasma column, such as electric field behavior, production, and destruction pathways of dominant radical species. We find that higher relative permittivity promotes propagation of electric field and formation of conduction channel in the plasma column. The streamer discharge is sustained by the direct electron-impact ionization of methane molecule. Furthermore, the electron-impact dissociation of methane (e + CH4 = >e + H+CH3) is found to be the dominant reaction pathway to produce CH3 and H radicals. Similarly, the electron-impact dissociations of oxygen (e + O2 = >e + O+O(1D), e + O2 = >e + O+O) are the major routes for O production.
Dirac structures in nonequilibrium thermodynamics
Authors: Gay-Balmaz François , Yoshimura Hiroaki
Published: January 2018

Dirac structures are geometric objects that generalize both Poisson structures and presymplectic structures on manifolds. They naturally appear in the formulation of constrained mechanical systems. In this paper, we show that the evolution equations for nonequilibrium thermodynamics admit an intrinsic formulation in terms of Dirac structures, both on the Lagrangian and the Hamiltonian settings. In the absence of irreversible processes, these Dirac structures reduce to canonical Dirac structures associated with canonical symplectic forms on phase spaces. Our geometric formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamic thus consistently extends the geometric formulation of mechanics, to which it reduces in the absence of irreversible processes. The Dirac structures are associated with the variational formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamics developed in the work of Gay-Balmaz and Yoshimura, J. Geom. Phys. 111, 169–193 (2017a) and are induced from a nonlinear nonholonomic constraint given by the expression of the entropy production of the system.
Involvement of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in myelination and in human nerve sheath tumorigenesis
Authors: Shackleford Ghjuvan’Ghjacumu , Sampathkumar Nirmal Kumar , Hichor Mehdi , Weill Laure , Meffre Delphine , Juricek Ludmila , Laurendeau Ingrid , Chevallier Aline , Ortonne Nicolas , Larousserie Frédérique , Herbin Marc , Bièche Ivan , Coumoul Xavier , Beraneck Mathieu , Baulieu Etienne-Emile , Charbonnier Frédéric , Pasmant Eric , Massaad Charbel
Published: January 2018

Significance

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is well known to mediate xenobiotic metabolism in vertebrates. Growing evidence reveals that AHR seems to have endogenous roles in the development and functioning of different organs. In our current study, we describe a role of AHR in peripheral myelination and in nerve sheath tumors. We show that the AHR pathway is dysregulated in human biopsies of nerve tumors. The blockade of AHR provokes cell death in nerve tumors, suggesting a therapeutic avenue in the treatment of this invasive cancer. Furthermore, the inhibition of
Ahr
in mice provokes locomotor defects and alteration of myelin structure. This work unravels an endogenous role of
Ahr
in peripheral myelination and a potential treatment of nerve tumours.
Saa3 is a key mediator of the protumorigenic properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic tumors
Authors: Djurec Magdolna , Graña Osvaldo , Lee Albert , Troulé Kevin , Espinet Elisa , Cabras Lavinia , Navas Carolina , Blasco María Teresa , Martín-Díaz Laura , Burdiel Miranda , Li Jing , Liu Zhaoqi , Vallespinós Mireia , Sanchez-Bueno Francisco , Sprick Martin R. , Trumpp Andreas , Sainz Bruno , Al-Shahrour Fátima , Rabadan Raul , Guerra Carmen , Barbacid Mariano
Published: January 2018

Significance

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most malignant human tumors for which there are no efficacious therapeutic strategies. This tumor type is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic stroma that promotes tumor progression. Yet recent studies have shown that physical or genetic elimination of the stroma leads to more aggressive tumor development. Here, we decided to reprogram the stromal tissue by identifying and subsequently targeting genes responsible for their protumorigenic properties. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed several genes overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts compared with those present in normal pancreata. We provide genetic evidence that one of these genes,
Saa3
, plays a key role on the protumorigenic properties of the stroma, opening the door to the design of future therapeutic strategies.
Lexical semantics in language shift
Authors: Ponsonnet Maïa
Published: January 2018

This article analyzes some of the lexical semantic features of Barunga Kriol, an Australian creole language (Northern Territory, Australia), in comparison with Dalabon, one of the Australian Aboriginal languages replaced by Barunga Kriol. Focusing on the semantic domain of emotions, this study offers insights into how creole languages select and organize semantic meanings, and to what extent this results in lexical loss or retention. I spell out the exact nature of the lexical resemblances between the two languages, and highlight major differences as well. The conclusions of the study are two-fold. Firstly, I show that the Barunga Kriol emotion lexicon shares a great many properties with the Dalabon emotion lexicon. As a result, speakers in Barunga Kriol and Dalabon respectively are often able to package meaning in very similar ways: the two languages offer comparable means of describing events in the world. From that point of view, language shift can be considered to have a lesser impact. Secondly, I show that the lexical resemblances between Barunga Kriol and Dalabon are not limited to simple cases where the lexemes in each language share the same forms and/or meanings. Instead, lexical resemblances relate to a number of other properties in semantics and combinatorics, and I devise a preliminary typology of these lexical resemblances. Beyond the comparison between Barunga Kriol and Dalabon, this typology may tentatively serve as a grid to evaluate lexical resemblances between languages more generally.
Baba Malay
Authors: Lee Nala H.
Published: January 2018

This article sheds light on the systematic differences between the variety of Baba Malay spoken in Malacca and that spoken in Singapore. In the literature, the creole is usually discussed as if it is a single homogeneous variety. Language documentation work conducted in both Malacca and Singapore shows that there are crucial differences between how Baba Malay is spoken in both places. These differences are systematic, and they pervade areas of morphology and syntax. All differences lead to the same conclusions. Evidence shows that the variety of Baba Malay in Malacca is much more heavily influenced by its lexifier, Malay, than the variety that is spoken in Singapore. Singapore Baba Malay is also more influenced by its substrate, Hokkien, than Malacca Baba Malay. This divergence between the two varieties is attributed to their specific ecologies. Crucially, the impetus for establishing two varieties of Baba Malay becomes even more vital than ever, given the fact that both varieties are highly endangered, and that researchers engaged in research on Baba Malay should be aware of both varieties and their social environments in order to fully represent the creole.
Intralingual dubbing as a tool for developing speaking skills
Authors: Sánchez-Requena Alicia
Published: January 2018

Communicating verbally with others is one of the main features of human behaviour, but the time employed in class to practise this skill is often insufficient. In an attempt to overcome the need to practise oral conversations and help students feel less anxious in foreign language (FL) contexts, new didactic approaches are being considered. Amongst those, the active use of techniques traditionally employed in audiovisual translation (AVT) has proved to have a positive impact on FL learning.

This paper examines the relationship between intralingual dubbing (students' replacement of the original voices of actors in 1 minute long clips) and FL oral expression. The main aim is to provide objective evidence that the use of intralingual dubbing can enhance speed, intonation and pronunciation when speaking spontaneously in Spanish as a FL. A total of 47 participants aged 16–18 with a B1 level of Spanish dubbed videos for 12 weeks. Data is triangulated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results confirm the main hypothesis and serve as evidence to support theoretical aspects of the inclusion of active AVT techniques in FL speaking classes.
A Dietary Pattern of Higher Fish, Egg, Milk, Nut, Vegetable and Fruit, and Lower Salt Intake Correlates With the Prevalence and Control of Hypertension
Authors: Yu Guiquan , Fu Hang , Huang Wei , Zhang Nan , Deng Dan , Li Ge , Lei Han
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The effects of food on the prevalence and control of hypertension are unclear. We aimed to investigate whether a dietary pattern of higher fish, egg, milk, nut, vegetable and fruit consumption, and lower salt intake was associated with hypertension in China.

METHODS

A total of 15,303 subjects were recruited from September 2012 to December 2014. Groups with (n = 1,604) and without (n = 13,660) hypertension were formed for a case–control study. The hypertensive participants were classified into the controlled blood pressure (BP) subgroup (n = 397) and the uncontrolled BP subgroup (n = 1,207). Data on the average weekly intake of fish, eggs, milk, nuts, vegetables, fruit, and salt in the past year were collected. Higher intake was defined as greater than or equal to median food intake.

RESULTS

Higher fish, egg, milk, nut, vegetable, and fruit intake correlated with lower hypertension prevalence, and fish and fruit intake were the strongest associated factors. Meanwhile, higher fruit intake, the highest quartile of egg or milk intake, and the lowest quartile of salt intake correlated with better BP control. Furthermore, the dietary pattern was associated with lower hypertension prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–0.92; P < 0.001) and better BP control (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.21; P = 0.011). However, the dietary pattern did not correlate with BP control after excluding fruit intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary pattern correlated with lower hypertension prevalence and better BP control, and its association with BP control might be driven by higher fruit consumption.
DincRNA: a comprehensive web-based bioinformatics toolkit for exploring disease associations and ncRNA function
Authors: Cheng Liang , Hu Yang , Sun Jie , Zhou Meng , Jiang Qinghua
Published: January 2018

DincRNA aims to provide a comprehensive web-based bioinformatics toolkit to elucidate the entangled relationships among diseases and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) from the perspective of disease similarity. The quantitative way to illustrate relationships of pair-wise diseases always depends on their molecular mechanisms, and structures of the directed acyclic graph of Disease Ontology (DO). Corresponding methods for calculating similarity of pair-wise diseases involve Resnik’s, Lin’s, Wang’s, PSB and SemFunSim methods. Recently, disease similarity was validated suitable for calculating functional similarities of ncRNAs and prioritizing ncRNA–disease pairs, and it has been widely applied for predicting the ncRNA function due to the limited biological knowledge from wet lab experiments of these RNAs. For this purpose, a large number of algorithms and priori knowledge need to be integrated. e.g. ‘pair-wise best, pairs-average’ (PBPA) and ‘pair-wise all, pairs-maximum’ (PAPM) methods for calculating functional similarities of ncRNAs, and random walk with restart (RWR) method for prioritizing ncRNA–disease pairs. To facilitate the exploration of disease associations and ncRNA function, DincRNA implemented all of the above eight algorithms based on DO and disease-related genes. Currently, it provides the function to query disease similarity scores, miRNA and lncRNA functional similarity scores, and the prioritization scores of lncRNA–disease and miRNA–disease pairs.

Availability and implementation

http://bio-annotation.cn:18080/DincRNAClient/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Host immune responses toToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Sasai Miwa , Pradipta Ariel , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: January 2018

Toxoplasma gondii can infect homoeothermic animals including humans and cause lethal toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals. When hosts are infected with T. gondii, the cells induce immune responses against T. gondii. The pathogen infection is recognized by immune sensors that directly detect T. gondii structural components, leading to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells strongly activate T cells and induce development of Th1 cells and antigen-specific killer CD8 T cells. These T cells and Group 1 innate lymphoid cells are main producers of IFN-γ, which robustly stimulates cell-autonomous immunity in cells infected with T. gondii. IFN-γ-inducible effectors such as IFN-inducible GTPases, inducible nitric oxide synthase and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase differentially play important roles in suppression of T. gondii growth and its direct killing in anti-T. gondii cell-autonomous immune responses. In this review, we will describe our current knowledge of innate, adaptive and IFN-γ-mediated cell-autonomous immunity against T. gondii infection.
Low cholesterol, impulsivity and violence revisited
Authors: Tomson-Johanson Katrin , Harro Jaanus
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

To summarize the recent findings on the association of cholesterol levels with impulsivity and violence.

Recent findings

Several authors have recently highlighted the importance of confounding factors that mask the association between cholesterol and impulsivity or violent behaviour. In particular, demographic factors and presence of psychiatric disorders can play a role in the discrepancies present in literature. Men seem to be more sensitive to low cholesterol levels as the association between low cholesterol levels and aggression is found mostly in men. Cholesterol may play a role as a moderator of the serotonergic function and interact with associations between relevant gene variants and impulsivity. Lowering cholesterol levels with statins brings about several changes in the serotonergic system, nerve cell membrane microviscosity and behaviour, and needs to be done with precaution in susceptible individuals. Cholesterol levels could serve as a biological risk marker for violence and suicidal tendencies in psychiatric patients with depression and schizophrenia.

Future studies should consider the potential nonlinearity in the association of cholesterol levels with impulsivity, and dependence of the association on gender, psychiatric condition, and environmental factors.
Clinical Characteristics of Anorectal Mycoplasma genitalium Infection and Microbial Cure in Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Ong Jason J. , Aung Ei , Read Tim R.H. , Fairley Christopher K. , Garland Suzanne M. , Murray Gerald , Chen Marcus Y. , Chow Eric P.F. , Bradshaw Catriona S.
Published: January 2018

Background

We report clinical characteristics of proctitis caused solely by Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) compared with chlamydia and gonococcus. We determined the proportions cured with first-line (azithromycin) and second-line antimicrobials (moxifloxacin, pristinamycin).

Methods

A total of 166 patients attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from 2012 to 2016 with symptoms of proctitis were tested for MG, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, clinical symptoms, and signs were recorded. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was used to test for significant differences in symptoms and signs for the pathogens detected.

Results

Seventeen percent of men had MG (95% confidence interval, 12–24), 21% had chlamydia (15–27), and 40% had gonococcal monoinfection (32–48), whereas 22% had MG coinfection (16–29). Relative to men with MG monoinfection, those with chlamydial monoinfection reported more anal pain (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR), 4.68 [1.41–14.19]), whereas men with gonococcal monoinfection reported more anal pain (aPOR, 6.75 [2.21–20.55]) and tenesmus (aPOR, 15.44 [1.62–146.90]), but less anal itch (aPOR, 0.32 [0.11–0.93]). The microbiological cure for MG using azithromycin was low at 35% (22–50), whereas moxifloxacin subsequently cured 92% (64–100) and pristinamycin cured 79% (54–94) of infections.

Conclusions

M. genitalium was almost as common as chlamydia in men presenting to a sexual health center with symptoms of proctitis. Men with anorectal MG monoinfection were less likely to have symptoms and signs compared with those with chlamydia or gonococcus monoinfection. Cure for men with symptomatic anorectal MG by azithromycin was low. We suggest routine testing for MG in cases of proctitis, with test of cure after treatment being essential.
Fatal Sickling Triggered by Massive Foreign Particle Embolism
Authors: Febres-Aldana Christopher A. , Hernandez Howard Lydia
Published: January 2018

Sickle cell disease (SCD) manifests itself with vaso-occlusive episodes leading to infarction. Placement of intravascular catheters provides a useful route for management of pain crises as well as other complications. However, catheter misuse is a commonly unrecognized problem, which can have lethal consequences. We present a case of fatal splenic sequestration/hyperhemolysis secondary to foreign body pulmonary and systemic embolization due to intravenous administration of hydromorphone pills in a young woman with SCD. Morphological identification of the embolized particles (crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and hydrophilic polymer) was key in understanding the mechanism of death. Foreign particle deposition induced a granulomatous inflammatory response that resulted in obliteration and distortion of the microvasculature, thus triggering sickling with subsequent organ damage. Despite clinical evidence of asplenia and microscopic white pulp fibrosis with Gamna-Gandy body formation, unexpectedly for the patient's age, the spleen was enlarged by entrapped sickle cells. The findings support the possibility that loss of function can coexist with increased splenic activity under certain circumstances, an overlooked clinical phenotype of SCD. This case illustrates the teaching value of classic autopsy in addition to its crucial role in understanding the natural history of complex heterogeneous diseases.
The Management of Partial Zone II Intrasynovial Flexor Tendon Lacerations: A Literature Review of Biomechanics, Clinical Outcomes, and Complications
Authors: Lineberry Kyle D. , Shue Shirley , Chepla Kyle J.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Penetrating trauma or lacerations within zone II of the flexor sheath may result in partial tendon injury. The proper management of this injury is controversial; the literature contains differing indications for surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods:

A literature review of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was performed using the following search criteria: partial, flexor, tendon, and laceration. All English language studies that evaluated biomechanical strength, complications, and outcomes after partial tendon injury in human and animal studies were included and reviewed by two of the authors.

Results:

Animal and cadaveric biomechanical studies have demonstrated that partial lacerations involving up to 95 percent of the tendon cross-sectional area can safely tolerate loads generated through unresisted, active finger flexion. Suture tenorrhaphy of partial tendon injury is associated with decreased tendon tensile strength, increased resistance, and decreased tendon gliding. Complications of nonsurgical management include triggering and entrapment, which can be managed by tendon beveling or pulley release. Late rupture is extremely uncommon (one report).

Conclusions:

Partial tendon lacerations involving 90 percent of the cross-sectional area can be safely treated without surgical repair and immediate protected active motion. Indications for exploration and treatment include concern for complete injury, triggering of the involved digit, or entrapment of the tendon. Surgical treatment for tendon triggering or entrapment with less than 75 percent cross-sectional injury is beveling of the tendon edges and injuries greater than 75 percent should be repaired with a noncircumferential, simple epitendinous suture. All patients should be allowed to perform early protected active motion after surgery.
Facial Reanimation in the Seventh and Eighth Decades of Life
Authors: Hembd Austin , Harrison Bridget , Rocha Cynthia Souza Martins , Rocha Franklin de Souza , Chamseddin Khalil , Labbé Daniel , Cárdenas-Mejía Alexander , Rozen Shai M.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Treatment of facial paralysis in the older population is often relegated to static rather than dynamic reanimation for fear of poor outcomes. This pervasive approach lacks physiologic foundation and is not evidence based. Thus, the authors present an extensive literature review demonstrating weak evidence supporting this misguided concept, followed by detailed outcomes from three centers of the largest reported series to date of patients older than 60 years after reanimation performed using three techniques—lengthening temporalis myoplasty, free functional muscle, and nerve transfers.

Methods:

A PubMed search spanning over 40 years identified all reports on reanimation in patients older than 60 years. In addition, detailed demographics, surgical techniques, and outcomes of 30 patients older than 60 years were analyzed.

Results:

Of 629 articles, only 45 patients were identified, described in case reports or small series, lacking details or consistent long-term follow-up. In the clinical series, average age, preoperative House-Brackmann score, and comorbidities were similar among the groups. Highest excursion was observed in the free functional muscle group, followed by nerve transfer and temporalis myoplasty, averaging 10.4, 6.8, and 3.1 mm, respectively. The most notable philtral deviation correction was in the lengthening temporalis myoplasty group, followed by the free muscle and nerve transfer groups, averaging 5.6, 2.2, and 1.13 mm, respectively. Complication rates were highest in the free functional muscle group.

Conclusions:

Facial palsy patients should not be denied dynamic restoration based on age alone. Although surgical technique may vary based on duration of palsy, surgeon experience, and preference, with each presenting advantages and disadvantages, dynamic restoration is feasible regardless of age.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Identification of powdery mildew resistance QTL inFragaria x ananassa
Authors: Cockerton Helen M. , Vickerstaff Robert J. , Karlström Amanda , Wilson Fiona , Sobczyk Maria , He Joe Q. , Sargent Daniel J. , Passey Andy J. , McLeary Kirsty J. , Pakozdi Katalin , Harrison Nicola , Lumbreras-Martinez Maria , Antanaviciute Laima , Simpson David W. , Harrison Richard J.
Published: January 2018

The obligate biotrophic fungusPodosphaera aphanisis the causative agent of powdery mildew on cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Genotypes from two bi-parental mapping populations ‘Emily’ x ‘Fenella’ and ‘Redgauntlet’ x ‘Hapil’ were phenotyped for powdery mildew disease severity in a series of field trials. Here we report multiple QTL associated with resistance to powdery mildew, identified in ten phenotyping events conducted across different years and locations. Seven QTL show a level of stable resistance across multiple phenotyping events however many other QTL were represented in a single phenotyping event and therefore must be considered transient. One of the identified QTL was closely linked to an associated resistance gene across the wider germplasm. Furthermore, a preliminary association analysis identified a novel conserved locus for further investigation. Our data suggests that resistance is highly complex and that multiple additive sources of quantitative resistance to powdery mildew exist across strawberry germplasm. Implementation of the reported markers in marker-assisted breeding or genomic selection would lead to improved powdery mildew resistant strawberry cultivars, particularly where the studied parents, progeny and close pedigree material are included in breeding germplasm.

Key Message

Powdery mildew resistance in two strawberry mapping populations is controlled by both stable and transient novel QTL of moderate effect. Some transferability of QTL across wider germplasm was observed.
Estimating the distance to an epidemic threshold
Authors: O’Dea Eamon B. , Park Andrew W. , Drake John M.
Published: January 2018

The epidemic threshold of the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model is a boundary separating parameters that can permit epidemics from those that cannot. This threshold corresponds to points where the stability of the system’s equilibrium reaches zero. Consequently, we use the average rate at which deviations from the equilibrium shrink to define a distance to this threshold. However, the vital dynamics of the host population may occur slowly even when transmission is far from threshold levels. Here we show analytically how such slow dynamics can prevent estimation of the distance to the threshold for some individual variables of the model. Although these results are exact only in the limit of long-term observation of a large system, we find that they still provide useful insight into the behaviour of estimates from simulations with a range of population sizes, environmental noise, and observation schemes. Having established some guidelines about when estimates are accurate, we then illustrate how multiple distance estimates can be used to estimate the rate of approach to the threshold. The estimation approach is general and may be applicable to zoonotic pathogens such as MERS-CoV as well as vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
Reduced expression of C/EBPβ-LIP extends health- and lifespan in mice
Authors: Müller Christine , Zidek Laura M. , Ackermann Tobias , de Jong Tristan , Liu Peng , Kliche Verena , Zaini Mohamad Amr , Kortman Gertrud , Harkema Liesbeth , Verbeek Dineke S. , Tuckermann Jan P. , von Maltzahn Julia , de Bruin Alain , Guryev Victor , Wang Zhao-Qi , Calkhoven Cornelis F.
Published: January 2018

Ageing is associated with physical decline and the development of age-related diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancer. Few conditions are known that attenuate the adverse effects of ageing, including calorie restriction (CR) and reduced signalling through the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Synthesis of the metabolic transcription factor C/EBP β ‐LIP is stimulated by mTORC1, which critically depends on a short upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the C/EBP β-mRNA. Here we describe that reduced C/EBP β ‐LIP expression due to genetic ablation of the uORF delays the development of age-associated phenotypes in mice. Moreover, female C/EBP βΔuORFmice display an extended lifespan. Since LIP levels increase upon aging in wt mice, our data reveal an important role for C/EBPβ in the aging process and suggest that restriction of LIP expression sustains health and fitness. Thus, therapeutic strategies targeting C/EBP β ‐LIP may offer new possibilities to treat age-related diseases and to prolong healthspan.
Passive Audio Vocal Capture and Measurement in the Evaluation of Selective Mutism
Authors: Xu Helen Y , Stroud Jacob , Jozanovic Renee K , Clucas Jon , Son Jake , Koo Bonhwang , Schwarz Juliet , Klein Arno , Busman Rachel , Milham Michael P
Published: January 2018

Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder often diagnosed in early childhood and characterized by persistent failure to speak in certain social situations but not others. Diagnosing SM and monitoring treatment response can be quite complex, due in part to changing definitions of and scarcity of research about the disorder. Subjective self-reports and parent/teacher interviews can complicate SM diagnosis and therapy, given that similar speech problems of etiologically heterogeneous origin can be attributed to SM. The present perspective discusses the potential for passive audio capture to help overcome psychiatry’s current lack of objective and quantifiable assessments in the context of SM. We present evidence from two pilot studies indicating the feasibility of using a digital wearable device to quantify child vocalization features affected by SM. We also highlight limitations in the design and implementation of this preliminary work that can help guide future efforts.
Oncohistones: drivers of pediatric cancers
Authors: Mohammad Faizaan , Helin Kristian
Published: January 2018

One of the most striking results in the area of chromatin and cancer in recent years has been the identification of recurrent mutations in histone genes in pediatric cancers. These mutations occur at high frequency and lead to the expression of mutant histones that exhibit oncogenic features. Thus, they are termed oncohistones. Thus far, mutations have been found in the genes encoding histone H3 and its variants. The expression of the oncohistones affects the global chromatin landscape through mechanisms that have just begun to be unraveled. In this review, we provide an overview of histone mutations that have been identified and discuss the possible mechanisms by which they contribute to tumor development. We further discuss the targeted therapies that have been proposed to treat cancers expressing oncohistones.
2-({6-[5-Methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-5-yl}methylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide dimethylformamide 0.25-solvate
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: January 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title solvate, C17H16N8S2·0.25C3H7NO, consists of two C17H16N8S2 molecules and a dimethylformamide molecule disordered about a crystallographic inversion centre. Both triazole molecules feature an intramolecular C—H...N interaction, which generates an S(6) ring in each case. In the crystal, the components are linked by N—H...N and N—H...S hydrogen bonds to form [001] chains, which are cross-linked by weak C—H...O, C—H...N and C—H...S interactions.
Bis(nitrilotriacetamide-κ4
N,O,O′,O′′)silver(I) nitrate
Authors: Ren Min , Yue Ming , Ran Jingwen
Published: January 2018

In the centrosymmetric cation of the title compound, [Ag(C6H12N4O3)2]NO3, the AgI ion, lying on a threefold rotoinversion axis, is coordinated by two N atoms and six O atoms from two nitrilotriacetamide ligands, forming a distorted dodecahedral environment. In the crystal, cations and anions are linked through N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions, leading to a three-dimensional network structure.
Solitary wave collisions by double-dam-broken simulations with the MPS method
Authors: Sanchez-Mondragon Joel , Vazquez-Hernandez Alberto Omar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to apply a modified version of the MPS method to a double-dam-breaking test in which high dispersion zones and high natural clusterization zones are present, such as when the water column collapses into two sides and the two solitary waves collide, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The work takes advantage of the mixed source term from the cheaper computational version of the moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method to reduce one step from the MPS classical algorithm. The proposed test can be successfully simulated by applying modifications to the variance parameter in the Laplacian operator and gradient model.

Findings

The results show stable behavior in dispersion and clusterization zones. Also, the collision and merging produced by solitary waves was successfully simulated.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation in this work was the development of a comparison between the obtained results and the simulations with the original cheaper computational version of the MPS, this limitation is due to the overestimation of inter particle repulsive forces from its gradient model.

Practical implications

The application of solitary waves is of paramount importance in a number of applications, and this stems from the fact that the interaction of solitary waves with ships and other floating structures could generate highly deformed and complex free surface flows.

Social implications

For future work, the modified version of the MPS method can be applied in flow over sill base simulations, in close and open channels, and in simulating breaking waves to determine impact pressures by using solitary wave propagation.

Originality/value

The simulation of interaction of large groups of particles as in the case when two solitary waves collide could cause severe instability problems in pressure, causing the computer analysis to stop. MPS classical algorithm takes into account an explicit step that, in this case, may provoke the problem. For this reason, the cheaper version of MPS method is used to correctly simulate solitary wave interactions.
Numerical investigation of flow features in the vaneless region of a centrifugal pump by large eddy simulation
Authors: Huang Xianbei , Li Yaojun , Liu Zhuqing , Yang Wei
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a better understanding of the rotor–stator interaction in the vaneless region of a centrifugal pump.

Design/methodology/approach

A third-order sub-grid scale (SGS) model containing the rotation rate tensor named the dynamic cubic non-linear model (DCNM) is used for simulating the flow field in a centrifugal pump with a vaned diffuser. The pressure coefficient and velocity distributions are compared with the experimental data. Focusing on the vaneless region, the pressure pulsation, Reynolds stress pulsation and Reynolds stress transport equation are analyzed.

Findings

The comparison of the calculation results with the experimental data indicates that the DCNM can accurately capture the distributions of pressure and velocity in the vaneless region. Based on the instantaneous pressure signals, the pressure pulsation is analyzed to show that in the vaneless region, the dominant frequency near the impeller is twice the blade passing frequency, whereas it is equal to the blade passing frequency near the diffuser. Further exploration of the Reynolds stress pulsation shows the correlation between the two variables. Additionally, the extreme low frequency of Reynolds stress near the diffuser is found to be related to the rotation instability. To explore the turbulence characteristics in the vaneless region, the Reynolds stress transportation equation is studied. In the vaneless region, the rotation term of the Reynolds stress transport equation is negligible compared to the production term, although the rotation instability is obvious near the diffuser. The production of the Reynolds stress plays the role of redistributing the energy from the uu component to the vv component, except for the region near the impeller outlet.

Originality/value

The third-order SGS model DCNM has proved to be promising in simulating the rotor–stator interaction. The analysis of the rotation instability and the Reynolds stress transport equation shed light on the further understanding of the rotor–stator interaction.