bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical interactions between Saturn’s atmosphere and its rings
Authors: Waite J. H. , Perryman R. S. , Perry M. E. , Miller K. E. , Bell J. , Cravens T. E. , Glein C. R. , Grimes J. , Hedman M. , Cuzzi J. , Brockwell T. , Teolis B. , Moore L. , Mitchell D. G. , Persoon A. , Kurth W. S. , Wahlund J.-E. , Morooka M. , Hadid L. Z. , Chocron S. , Walker J. , Nagy A. , Yelle R. , Ledvina S. , Johnson R. , Tseng W. , Tucker O. J. , Ip W.-H.
Published: October 2018

Cassini's final phase of exploration

The Cassini spacecraft spent 13 years orbiting Saturn; as it ran low on fuel, the trajectory was changed to sample regions it had not yet visited. A series of orbits close to the rings was followed by a Grand Finale orbit, which took the spacecraft through the gap between Saturn and its rings before the spacecraft was destroyed when it entered the planet's upper atmosphere. Six papers in this issue report results from these final phases of the Cassini mission. Dougherty
et al.
measured the magnetic field close to Saturn, which implies a complex multilayer dynamo process inside the planet. Roussos
et al.
detected an additional radiation belt trapped within the rings, sustained by the radioactive decay of free neutrons. Lamy
et al.
present plasma measurements taken as Cassini flew through regions emitting kilometric radiation, connected to the planet's aurorae. Hsu
et al.
determined the composition of large, solid dust particles falling from the rings into the planet, whereas Mitchell
et al.
investigated the smaller dust nanograins and show how they interact with the planet's upper atmosphere. Finally, Waite
et al.
identified molecules in the infalling material and directly measured the composition of Saturn's atmosphere.

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Two-Site Evaluation of the Colistin Broth Disk Elution Test To Determine Colistin
In Vitro
Activity against Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Simner Patricia J. , Bergman Yehudit , Trejo Marisol , Roberts Ava A. , Marayan Remy , Tekle Tsigereda , Campeau Shelley , Kazmi Abida Q. , Bell Drew T. , Lewis Shawna , Tamma Pranita D. , Humphries Romney , Hindler Janet A.
Published: October 2018

Limited methods for colistin MIC determination are available to clinical microbiology laboratories. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the colistin broth disk elution (CBDE) test compared to that of broth microdilution (BMD) for identifying colistin MICs.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and MEK/ERK Signaling Pathways Facilitate Sapovirus Trafficking and Late Endosomal Acidification for Viral Uncoating in LLC-PK Cells
Authors: Soliman Mahmoud , Kim Deok-Song , Park Jun-Gyu , Kim Ji-Yun , Alfajaro Mia Madel , Baek Yeong-Bin , Cho Eun-Hyo , Park Chul-Ho , Kang Mun-Il , Park Sang-Ik , Cho Kyoung-Oh
Published: October 2018

Sapoviruses cause acute gastroenteritis in both humans and animals. However, the host signaling pathway(s) that facilitates host cell entry by sapoviruses remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that porcine sapovirus (PSaV) activates both PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK cascades at an early stage of infection. Removal of cell surface receptors decreased PSaV-induced early activation of both cascades. Moreover, blocking of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK cascades entrapped PSaV particles in early endosomes and prevented their trafficking to the late endosomes. PSaV-induced early activation of PI3K and ERK molecules further mediated V-ATPase-dependent late endosomal acidification for PSaV uncoating. This work unravels a new mechanism by which receptor-mediated early activation of both cascades may facilitate PSaV trafficking from early to late endosomes and late endosomal acidification for PSaV uncoating, which in turn can be a new target for treatment of sapovirus infection.
Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees: reflections on strengthening community health governance at scale in India
Authors: Ved Rajani , Sheikh Kabir , George Asha S , VR Raman
Published: October 2018

India’s National Health Mission constituted Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) as a key mechanism for community health governance. Health committees provide citizens with the opportunity to shape health systems and policies. Yet much remains to be learnt on how best to sustain health committees as vehicles for community health governance at scale. This paper reflects on the authors’ experiences of introducing revised guidelines and an institutional support package for VHSNCs in two pilot settings in India and outlines lessons we learnt for sustaining community health governance at geographic scale. We describe the importance of ensuring norms for equitable participation, aligning committee rules with existing forms of decentralised government and providing key supports in terms of engaging NGOs as key implementation facilitators. Integration with rigid and unresponsive government administrative structures however remains a persistent challenge for scaling up health committees. With sustained financial support and strategic deployment of key personnel, VHSNCs could pave the way for more equitable and effective community participation in health governance at scale.
Developmental outcomes of an individualised complementary feeding intervention for stunted children: a substudy from a larger randomised controlled trial in Guatemala
Authors: Martinez Boris , Cardona Sayra , Rodas Patricia , Lubina Meri , Gonzalez Ana , Farley Webb Meghan , Grazioso Maria del Pilar , Rohloff Peter
Published: October 2018

Objective

Stunting is a common cause of early child developmental delay; Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of stunting globally. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of an intensive community health worker-led complementary feeding intervention on early child development in Guatemala. We hypothesised that the intervention would improve child development over usual care.

Design

A substudy from a larger individually randomised (1:1 allocation ratio), parallel-group superiority trial, with blinding of study staff collecting outcomes data.

Setting

Rural, indigenous Maya communities in Guatemala.

Participants

210 stunted children (height-for-age z-score ≤−2.5) aged 6–24 months, previously randomised to usual care (106) or an intensive complementary feeding intervention (104). 84 in the intervention and 91 in the usual care arm agreed to participate.

Interventions

Community health workers conducted monthly home visits for 6 months, providing usual care or individualised complementary feeding education.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes were change in z-scores for the subscales of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), Third Edition.

Results

100 individuals were included in the final analysis, 47 in the intervention and 53 in the usual care arm. No statistically significant differences in age-adjusted scores between the arms were observed for any subscale. However, improvements within-subjects in both arms were observed (median duration between measurements 189 days (IQR 182–189)). Mean change for subscales was 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.67) z-scores in the intervention, and 0.43 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.61) in the usual care arm.

Conclusions

An intensive complementary feeding intervention did not significantly improve developmental outcomes more than usual care in stunted, indigenous Guatemalan children. However, both interventions had significant positive impacts on developmental outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT02509936.

Stage

Results.
Plasma Haptoglobin Level can Augment NT-proBNP to Predict Poor Outcome in Patients with Severe Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Lu Dai-Yin , Lin Chih-Pei , Wu Cheng-Hsueh , Cheng Tsai-Mu , Pan Ju-Pin
Published: October 2018

To evaluate the use of plasma haptoglobin (Hp) levels and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting survival in patients with severe acute decompensated heart failure (AHF). Management of AHF is challenging. Identifying markers associated with patient prognosis in this disease is clinically important. In this prospective observational study, plasma Hp and NT-proBNP levels were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify cut-offs of Hp and NT-proBNP with the greatest specificity and sensitivity for predicting overall survival and cardiovascular-related survival. The cut-off values were tested in patients with AHF (n=41). The cut-off value with the greatest specificity and sensitivity with respect to overall survival and for cardiovascular-related survival for Hp was 177. 1 ng/mL for both outcomes and for NT-proBNP was 34 246.0 pg/mL and 11 848.5 ng/mL, respectively. Using these cut-off values, this study found that patients with lower baseline Hp levels (<177. 1 ng/mL) or higher baseline NT-proBNP (≥34 246 pg/mL) were more likely to have shorter overall survival. Similarly, patients with <177. 1 ng/mL of Hp and ≥11 848.5 pg/mL of NT-proBNP had the highest risk of death related to cardiovascular disease. Our findings indicate that Hp and NT-proBNP using specific cut-off values for AHF can be used to determine risk of survival in these patients.
Effects of artificial sweeteners on feed palatability and performance in weaned pigs
Authors: Lee Chang Hee , Yun Won , Lee Ji Hwan , Kwak Woo Gi , Oh Han Jin , An Ji Seon , Liu Shu Dong , Cho Jin Ho
Published: October 2018

In experiment 1, a total of 30 weaning pigs were allotted to three dietary treatments to check the palatability of the dietary feed. Diet treatments were as follows: reference diets = basal diets + 0.05% saccharin (50% Saccharin-natrium), TRT1 = 0.03% saccharin–neotame mix (50% Saccharine-natrium + 2% Neotame), TRT2 = 0.02% neotame (10% Neotame), and TRT3 = 0.02% saccharin–neotame mix (10% Saccharine-natrium + 10% Neotame). TRT2 group was significantly higher than other treatments in palatability (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, a total of 52 weaning pigs were allotted to four dietary treatments. In the average daily gain and average daily feed intake over 1 wk, the TRT2 group was significantly higher than the TRT1 and TRT3 groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of triglyceride in the blood was highest in the TRT1 treated group and the lowest in the TRT2 group (P < 0.05). The Lactobacillus was significantly higher in the TRT2 and TRT3 treatments compared with 0.05% saccharin (50% Saccharine-natrium) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of Escherichia coli (P < 0.05). In conclusion, diets supplemented with neotame could improve palatability, and artificial sweeteners can affect nutrient digestibility, blood characteristic, and fecal microbiota.
Higher dimensional shear-free radiating collapse
Authors: Shah Hassan , Ahmad Zahid , Khan Suhail
Published: October 2018

In this paper, shear-free gravitational collapse with heat flux is discussed by considering higher dimensional spherically symmetric space–time as interior metric and higher dimensional Vaidya space–time as exterior metric. The effects of dissipation on collapse are investigated. A simple approximate higher dimensional conformally flat model is proposed that satisfies the junction conditions. Temperature profile of the proposed model is also calculated. It is concluded that dissipation decreases the collapsing rate and temperature profile of the suggested model.
Antidepressant Effects of Vaccinium bracteatum via Protection Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Oh Dool-Ri , Kim Yujin , Choi Eun-Jin , Jo Ara , Shin Jawon , Kang Huwon , Lee Seul-Gi , Kim Jaeyong , Kim Young Ran , Choi Chul Yung
Published: October 2018

The present study evaluates the anti-oxidative stress activity of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. fruit extract (VBFW) to identify the mechanisms responsible for its antidepressant-like effects. To evaluate the antidepressant and anti-oxidant effects of VBFW, malondialdehyde (MDA), serotonin transporter (SERT), and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels were measured in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress (CRS). The underlying mechanisms preventing oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis were investigated using in vitro models of hydrogen peroxide (H2O[Formula: see text]-induced neuronal damage. The results showed that VBFW treatment (200[Formula: see text]mg/kg) significantly reduced MDA, SERT, and MAO-A levels in the prefrontal cortex of CRS mice. Furthermore, VBFW (30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) exhibited protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death via inhibition of the H2O2-induced increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 levels within the mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, VBFW (10 and 30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) exerted protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death through inhibition of key mitochondria-associated apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome c, caspase-3 and PARP. Additionally, VBFW (10 and 30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) could improve the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (such as SOD and catalase) in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that the antidepressant and anti-oxidant effects of VBFW might be mediated by the regulation of SERT and MAO-A, and possibly associated with regulation of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
Analysis of a Tollbooth Tandem Queue with Two-Class Customers and Two Heterogeneous Dedicated Servers
Authors: Jiang Tao
Published: October 2018

Do [European Journal of Operational Research, 247, 672–675] discussed a tollbooth tandem queue with two heterogeneous servers, where customers arrive the system according to a Poisson process and the service times at the two heterogeneous servers follow an exponential distribution. In this present paper, we aim to consider a tollbooth tandem queue with two-class customers and two heterogeneous dedicated servers, i.e., different types of customers should be served by their dedicated servers. Using matrix analytic method and spectral expansion method, we derive the steady state probabilities, which are then used for the computation of other performance measures and the Laplace–Stieltjes transform (LST) of the sojourn time of an arbitrary customer. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the impact of several system parameters to the performance measures.
A note on Dehn colorings and invariant factors
Authors: Smith Derek A. , Traldi Lorenzo , Watkins William
Published: October 2018

If [Formula: see text] is an abelian group and [Formula: see text] is an integer, let [Formula: see text] be the subgroup of [Formula: see text] consisting of elements [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We prove that if [Formula: see text] is a diagram of a classical link [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the invariant factors of an adjusted Goeritz matrix of [Formula: see text], then the group [Formula: see text] of Dehn colorings of [Formula: see text] with values in [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the direct product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It follows that the Dehn coloring groups of [Formula: see text] are isomorphic to those of a connected sum of torus links [Formula: see text].
Comparing powers of edge ideals
Authors: Janssen Mike , Kamp Thomas , Vander Woude Jason
Published: October 2018

Given a nontrivial homogeneous ideal [Formula: see text], a problem of great recent interest has been the comparison of the [Formula: see text]th ordinary power of [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text]th symbolic power [Formula: see text]. This comparison has been undertaken directly via an exploration of which exponents [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] guarantee the subset containment [Formula: see text] and asymptotically via a computation of the resurgence [Formula: see text], a number for which any [Formula: see text] guarantees [Formula: see text]. Recently, a third quantity, the symbolic defect, was introduced; as [Formula: see text], the symbolic defect is the minimal number of generators required to add to [Formula: see text] in order to get [Formula: see text]. We consider these various means of comparison when [Formula: see text] is the edge ideal of certain graphs by describing an ideal [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text] is the edge ideal of an odd cycle, our description of the structure of [Formula: see text] yields solutions to both the direct and asymptotic containment questions, as well as a partial computation of the sequence of symbolic defects.
Infinite groups whose group algebras satisfy the converse of Schur’s lemma
Authors: El Badry Mohammed , Alaoui Abdallaoui Mostafa , Haily Abdelfattah
Published: October 2018

In this work, we give some necessary and/or sufficient conditions for a group algebra of infinite group to satisfy the converse of Schur’s Lemma. Many classes of groups are investigated such as abelian groups, hypercentral groups, groups having abelian subgroup of finite index and finitely generated soluble groups.
Fractionally delineate the neuroprotective function of calbindin-D28k in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Joshi Hardik , Jha Brajesh Kumar
Published: October 2018

Neuron is a fundamental unit of the brain, which is specialized to transmit information throughout the body through electrical and chemical signals. Calcium ([Formula: see text]) ions are known as second messengers which play important roles in the movement of the neurotransmitter. Calbindin-[Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] binding protein which is involved in regulation of intracellular [Formula: see text] ions and maintains [Formula: see text] homeostasis level, it also alters the cytosolic calcium concentration ([[Formula: see text]]) in nerve cells to keep the cell alive. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder of the nervous system. Several regions of the brain indicate the hallmark of the PD. The symptoms of PD are plainly linked with the degeneration and death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta located in midbrain which is accompanied by depletion in calbindin-[Formula: see text]. In the present paper, the neuroprotective role of calbindin-[Formula: see text] in the cytoplasmic [[Formula: see text]] distribution is studied. The elicitation in [[Formula: see text]] is due to the presence of low amount of calbindin-[Formula: see text] which can be portrayed and is a hallmark of PD. A one-dimensional space time fractional reaction diffusion equation is designed by keeping in mind the physiological condition taking place inside Parkinson’s brain. Computational results are performed in MATLAB.
Biological control of a predator–prey system through provision of an infected predator
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Genjiu , Sun Hao
Published: October 2018

Epidemic transmission has a substantial effect on the dynamics and stability of the predator–prey system, in which the transmission rate plays an important role. The probabilistic cellular automaton (PCA) approach is used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of a predator–prey system with the infected predator. Remarkably, it is impossible to achieve a coexistence state of prey, susceptible predators, and infected predators in a spatial population. This is different from the analysis from a non-spatial population with the mean-field approximation, where Hopf bifurcation arises and the interior equilibrium becomes unstable, and a periodic solution appears with the increasing infection rate. The results show that the introduction of the infected predator with a high transmission rate is beneficial for the persistence of the prey population in space. However, a low transmission rate will promote the coexistence state of the prey and the susceptible predator populations. In summary, it is possible to develop management strategies to manipulate the transmission rate of the infected predator for the benefit of biological control.
A Functional Angle of Up to 35° at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint Can Be Achieved with Headless Compression Screw Fusion
Authors: Ingoe Helen M. A. , O’Hare Jonathan F. , Middleton Alan
Published: October 2018

Background: Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint reliably improves symptomatic arthritis. A range of successful surgical techniques including tension band wiring, plate fixation and headless compression screws have been described and produce stable painless unions. For best functional outcome, the fusion angle should be between 10 and 61 degrees. In the past, it has been difficult to achieve more than 10 degrees of flexion with a headless compression screw. Higher fusion angles have been reported using tension band wiring techniques. However, metalwork prominence is a common problem and may require revision surgery to rectify this. Headless compression screws are reported to cause iatrogenic fractures due to the size of the screw relative to the small diameter of the phalanx. This case series achieves an angle of up to 35 degrees with a good functional outcome.

Methods: Open fusion of the DIP joint with a headless cannulated compression screw, of 2.2 mm in diameter, was undertaken in fifteen digits. Patients received standard departmental follow up to radiographic union. Patients self-reported function using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire post operatively. The fusion angles achieved were assessed on postoperative radiographs.

Results: All patients went on to a stable union without any patients requiring revision surgery as a result of fracture or protrusion of metalwork. Complications were observed in two patients which included one superficial infection (n = 1) and a discomfort requiring removal of metalwork (n = 1). Functional scores measured post operatively showed favourable outcomes.

Conclusions: In this series, successful fusions of the DIP joints, at an angle up to 35 degrees were achieved using small diameter headless compression screws, which provided benefits including early mobilization and favourable functional outcome scores.
Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection with Precise Needle Length Adjusted by Silicone Tube Interposition for Dupuytren Contracture
Authors: Kanatani Takako , Nagura Issei , Harada Yoshifumi
Published: October 2018

We describe our injection method for Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum using a medical silicone tube after determining the optimal depth by ultrasonography. This procedure adjusts the exposed needle length to the planned injection depth by placing a sterilized silicone tube over the needle. The restricted depth provides not only precise injection into the middle of the cords but also avoids needle tip migration through the cord and into the vital structures, which prevents possible complications. This method is safe and simple.
Ulnar Subluxation of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon as a Cause of Congenital Clasped Thumb: A Case Report
Authors: Wakasugi Takuma , Shirasaka Ritsuro
Published: October 2018

A 15-year-old male patient presented with difficulty extending his right thumb due to subluxation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. Physical examination showed that active motion of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint was 76° in flexion and -58° in extension. During active extension, the EPL tendon shifted onto the ulnar aspect of the MP joint, and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon shifted onto the central dorsal course of the MP joint. After repositioning by adducting the thumb into the palm to extend the MP joint (dynamic tenodesis effect), active extension of the MP joint increased to -12°. Corrective surgery was performed under local anesthesia and radial sensory nerve block. Following plication of the attenuated dorsal capsule and sagittal band between the EPB and EPL, we confirmed that the patient could flex and extend the thumb smoothly. One year postoperatively, the extension deficit of the MP joint had not recurred.
Milk-Derived Exosomes and Metabolic Regulation
Authors: Zempleni Janos , Sukreet Sonal , Zhou Fang , Wu Di , Mutai Ezra
Published: October 2018

Exosomes are natural nanoparticles that play an important role in cell-to-cell communication. Communication is achieved through the transfer of cargos, such as microRNAs, from donor to recipient cells and binding of exosomes to cell surface receptors. Exosomes and their cargos are also obtained from dietary sources, such as milk. Exosome and cell glycoproteins are crucial for intestinal uptake. A large fraction of milk exosomes accumulates in the brain, whereas the tissue distribution of microRNA cargos varies among distinct species of microRNA. The fraction of milk exosomes that escapes absorption elicits changes in microbial communities in the gut. Dietary depletion of exosomes and their cargos causes a loss of circulating microRNAs and elicits phenotypes such as loss of cognitive performance, increase in purine metabolites, loss of fecundity, and changes in the immune response. Milk exosomes meet the definition of bioactive food compounds.
Response Systems: The Syntax and Semantics of Fragment Answers and Response Particles
Authors: Espinal M.Teresa , Tubau Susagna
Published: October 2018

This article critically reviews the main research issues raised in the study of response systems in natural languages by addressing the syntax and semantics of fragment answers and yes/no response particles. Fragment answers include replies that do not have a sentential form, whereas response particles consist solely of an affirmative or a negative adverb. While the main research question in the syntax of fragments and response particles has been whether these contain more syntactic structure than what is actually pronounced, the key issues in the study of their semantics are question–answer congruence, the anaphoric potential of response particles, and the meaning of fragments in relation to positive and negative questions. In connection to these issues, this review suggests some interesting avenues for further research: ( a) providing an analysis of particles other than yes/no, ( b) choosing between echoic versus nonechoic forms as answers to polar questions, and ( c) deciding whether some non-lexically-based or nonverbal responses are systematically used in combination with polar particles to express (dis)agreement.
Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: State of the Art
Authors: Smith C.I. Edvard , Zain Rula
Published: October 2018

Oligonucleotides (ONs) can interfere with biomolecules representing the entire extended central dogma. Antisense gapmer, steric block, splice-switching ONs, and short interfering RNA drugs have been successfully developed. Moreover, antagomirs (antimicroRNAs), microRNA mimics, aptamers, DNA decoys, DNAzymes, synthetic guide strands for CRISPR/Cas, and innate immunity-stimulating ONs are all in clinical trials. DNA-targeting, triplex-forming ONs and strand-invading ONs have made their mark on drug development research, but not yet as medicines. Both design and synthetic nucleic acid chemistry are crucial for achieving biologically active ONs. The dominating modifications are phosphorothioate linkages, base methylation, and numerous 2′-substitutions in the furanose ring, such as 2′-fluoro, O-methyl, or methoxyethyl. Locked nucleic acid and constrained ethyl, a related variant, are bridged forms where the 2′-oxygen connects to the 4′-carbon in the sugar. Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, carrying a modified heterocyclic backbone ring, have also been commercialized. Delivery remains a major obstacle, but systemic administration and intrathecal infusion are used for treatment of the liver and brain, respectively.
Dynamic Model and Mechanical Properties of the Two Parallel-Connected CRLD Bolts Verified with the Impact Tensile Test
Authors: Hao Liangjun , Gong Weili , He Manchao , Song Yanqi , Wang Jiong
Published: October 2018

Dynamic model was theoretically established for the two parallel-connected constant-resistance-large-deformation (CRLD) bolts, and the theoretical results were experimentally verified with impact tensile tests on the CRLD bolts samples. The dynamic responses of the double CRLD bolts were investigated under the impact loads with different intensities. The theoretical analyses showed that (1) under relatively small loading the CRLD bolts deform elastically and the deformation finally returns to zero and (2) under the high impact load, including the stable impact load and unstable impact load, the CRLD bolts export structural deformation after the initial elastic deformation. The deformation of the bolts eventually stabilizes at a certain amount of the elongation caused by the relative sliding of the sleeves and rebars. The essential difference between the stable impact load and unstable impact load is that, under the stable impact load, no structural deformation will occur after the impact load ends; under the unstable impact load, the structural deformation will still occur after the impact load ends. The obtained results are of theoretical implications for rock support design with CRLD bolts under the dynamical loading condition.
Solution of the Rovibrational Schrödinger Equation of a Molecule Using the Volterra Integral Equation
Authors: Korek Mahmoud , El-Kork Nayla
Published: October 2018

By using the Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory the rovibrational wave function is expanded in terms of the series of functions ϕ0,ϕ1,ϕ2,…ϕn, where ϕ0 is the pure vibrational wave function and ϕι are the rotational harmonics. By replacing the Schrödinger differential equation by the Volterra integral equation the two canonical functions α0 and β0 are well defined for a given potential function. These functions allow the determination of (i) the values of the functions ϕι at any points; (ii) the eigenvalues of the eigenvalue equations of the functions ϕ0,ϕ1,ϕ2,…ϕn which are, respectively, the vibrational energy Ev, the rotational constant Bv, and the large order centrifugal distortion constants Dv,Hv,Lv….. Based on these canonical functions and in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation these constants can be obtained with accurate estimates for the low and high excited electronic state and for any values of the vibrational and rotational quantum numbers v and J even near dissociation. As application, the calculations have been done for the potential energy curves: Morse, Lenard Jones, Reidberg-Klein-Rees (RKR), ab initio, Simon-Parr-Finlin, Kratzer, and Dunhum with a variable step for the empirical potentials. A program is available for these calculations free of charge with the corresponding author.
Failure Law and Mechanism of the Rock‐Loose Coal Composite Specimen under Combined Loading Rate
Authors: Wu Genshui , Yu Weijian , Liu Ze , Tang Zhu
Published: October 2018

The surrounding rock deformation in the underground mining roadway increases rapidly during excavation and mining disturbance. The semirock and coal roadway, which is formed by the rock and coal composite system, will show different mechanical properties. Therefore, loading rate and anchoring or not are critical to grasp the stability law of the rock‐coal combination system under different conditions. The uniaxial mechanical test under the constant loading rate and combined loading rate is carried out in the static loading range (0.01∼10 mm·min−1) of the rock‐loose coal composite specimen (RCCS). The test results show that the rock and loose coal composite specimen without bolt (RCB(0) specimen) are abnormal, and the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and residual strength (RS) of the specimen do not increase but decrease with the increase of loading rate. In contrast, the UCS of the rock‐loose coal composite specimen with the bolt (RCB(1∼2) specimen) is consistent with that of the ordinary hard and brittle rock, which increases with the increase of loading rate. To a certain extent, the initial damage and the development of microcracks in loose coal bodies are limited by bolts. Finally, the deformation mechanism and constitutive equation of the rock‐loose coal composite system are discussed.
Bulk Handling Facility Modeling and Simulation for Safeguards Analysis
Authors: Cipiti Benjamin B. , Shoman Nathan
Published: October 2018

The Separation and Safeguards Performance Model (SSPM) uses MATLAB/Simulink to provide a tool for safeguards analysis of bulk handling nuclear processing facilities. Models of aqueous and electrochemical reprocessing, enrichment, fuel fabrication, and molten salt reactor facilities have been developed to date. These models are used for designing the overall safeguards system, examining new safeguards approaches, virtually testing new measurement instrumentation, and analyzing diversion scenarios. The key metrics generated by the models include overall measurement uncertainty and detection probability for various material diversion or facility misuse scenarios. Safeguards modeling allows for rapid and cost-effective analysis for Safeguards by Design. The models are currently being used to explore alternative safeguards approaches, including more reliance on process monitoring data to reduce the need for destructive analysis that adds considerable burden to international safeguards. Machine learning techniques are being applied, but these techniques need large amounts of data for training and testing the algorithms. The SSPM can provide that training data. This paper will describe the SSPM and its use for applying both traditional nuclear material accountancy and newer machine learning options.
Seismic Performance Evaluation of Footing‐to‐Circular RC Pier Connection Reinforced by High‐Manganese Steel Bars (HMSBs)
Authors: Kim Jung-Kyun , Lee Hak-Eun , Kim Jongmin , Moon Jiho
Published: October 2018

A footing‐to‐reinforced concrete (RC) pier connection resists the lateral load induced by earthquakes as well as the gravity load. The footing‐to‐RC pier connection is the vulnerable part to strong earthquake loading. Several studies have been conducted on improving the seismic performance of the connection by using high‐strength reinforcing bars and by adding special structural components, such as steel tube and fiber‐reinforced polymer sheet. In this study, reinforcing bars made of high‐manganese steel (HMSBs) with high strength and ductility were installed in the connection instead of conventional reinforcing bars to improve the seismic performance. Test specimens were fabricated with HMSBs, and the strength, ductility, and dissipated energy of the connection were evaluated through a cyclic loading test. Three‐dimensional finite‐element analysis was also performed to investigate the effects of various axial forces on the behavior of the connection with HMSBs. The results show that the connection with HMSBs exhibits better seismic performance, represented by flexural strength, ductility, and energy dissipation, than that with ordinary reinforcing bars.
A Novel Technique for the Construction of Safe Substitution Boxes Based on Cyclic and Symmetric Groups
Authors: Razaq Abdul , Al-Olayan Hanan A. , Ullah Atta , Riaz Arshad , Waheed Adil
Published: October 2018

In the literature, different algebraic techniques have been applied on Galois field GF(28) to construct substitution boxes. In this paper, instead of Galois field GF(28), we use a cyclic group C255 in the formation of proposed substitution box. The construction proposed S-box involves three simple steps. In the first step, we introduce a special type of transformation T of order 255 to generate C255. Next, we adjoin 0 to C255 and write the elements of C255∪0 in 16×16 matrix to destroy the initial sequence 0,1,2,…,255. In the 2nd step, the randomness in the data is increased by applying certain permutations of the symmetric group S16 on rows and columns of the matrix. In the last step we consider the symmetric group S256, and positions of the elements of the matrix obtained in step 2 are changed by its certain permutations to construct the suggested S-box. The strength of our S-box to work against cryptanalysis is checked through various tests. The results are then compared with the famous S-boxes. The comparison shows that the ability of our S-box to create confusion is better than most of the famous S-boxes.
A New Approach to Determine Gas Diffusion Coefficients in Porous Solids by EIS: Application for NH3 and CO2 Adsorption on Zirconia and Zeolite Type 5A
Authors: Nguyen Tien-Quang , Glorius Maja , Breitkopf Cornelia
Published: October 2018

A new theoretical approach has been established to define transport coefficients of charge and mass transport in porous materials directly from impedance data; thus four transport coefficients could be determined. In case of ammonia adsorption on sulfated zirconia, the diffusion coefficient was figured out to be approximately the mobility diffusion coefficient of ammonium ions: 1.2 x 10-7 cm2/s. The transport of carbon dioxide was examined for samples of zeolite type 5A in different hydration states. By impedance spectroscopy measurements, the diffusion coefficient of water vapor at 373 K is estimated to be about 7 x 10-6 cm2/s. The influence of carbon dioxide adsorption on diffusion coefficients is studied based on two pellet types of zeolite 5A. The difference between polar and non-polar gas adsorption in porous solids is considered as changed characteristic of impedance.
Existence and Attractivity Results for Coupled Systems of Nonlinear Volterra–Stieltjes Multidelay Fractional Partial Integral Equations
Authors: Abbas Saïd , Benchohra Mouffak , Hamidi Naima , N’Guérékata Gaston
Published: October 2018

We are concerned with some existence and attractivity results of a coupled fractional Riemann–Liouville–Volterra–Stieltjes multidelay partial integral system. We prove the existence of solutions using Schauder’s fixed point theorem; then we show that the solutions are uniformly globally attractive.
The Gut Microbiota and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Challenges and Potentials
Authors: Noor Fozia , Kaysen Anne , Wilmes Paul , Schneider Jochen G.
Published: October 2018

The human gut microbiota gained tremendous importance in the last decade as next-generation technologies of sequencing and multiomics analyses linked the role of the microbial communities to host physiology and pathophysiology. A growing number of human pathologies and diseases are linked to the gut microbiota. One of the main mechanisms by which the microbiota influences the host is through its interactions with the host immune system. These interactions with both innate and adaptive host intestinal and extraintestinal immunity, although usually commensalistic even mutualistic with the host, in some cases lead to serious health effects. In the case of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), the disruption of the intestinal microbiota diversity is associated with acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Causing inflammation of the liver, skin, lungs, and the intestine, GvHD occurs in 40–50% of patients undergoing allo-HSCT and results in significant posttransplantation mortality. In this review, we highlight the impact of the gut microbiota on the host immunity in GvHD and the potential of microbiota in alleviation or even prevention of GvHD.
Pancreatic Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone and Mechanism of Insulin Secretion
Authors: Štrbák Vladimír 
Published: October 2018

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH; pGlu-His-ProNH2) is expressed also in pancreatic β cells where it is colocalized in secretory granules with insulin. High perinatal changes of the TRH gene expression and TRH concentrations in rat pancreatic islets coincide with the perinatal maturation of the adequate insulin secretory responsiveness to glucose and other nutrient secretagogues. TRH secretion from pancreatic islets is stimulated by glucose and inhibited by insulin. Disruption of the TRH gene in knockout mice results in hyperglycemia accompanied by impaired insulin secretory response to glucose. Progress in understanding TRH - insulin relations may be substantial for improving knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms included in changes of insulin secretion with possible clinical impact. Block of the last step of biosynthesis of α-amidated peptides, including TRH by disulfiram (DS) treatment of adult male rats subcutaneously with 200 mg/kg for five days in our experiments resulted in barely detectable levels of peptidyl-glycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) in their pancreatic islets. TRH in physiological concentration (1 nM) does not affect basal insulin secretion from intact rat pancreatic islets. In contrast, basal insulin secretion from islets of DS-treated rats is four times higher compared to controls and could not be further stimulated by high-glucose. The addition of 1 nM TRH into medium decreased immediately basal insulin secretion in DS (TRH lacking) islets to control level and normalized also their response to glucose. Interestingly, absence of the secretory response to glucose in islets from TRH depleted rats was connected with their increase of insulin content during stimulation. Glucose stimulation together with 1 nM TRH normalized also insulin content in DS islets. Apparently, high insulin content in islets from TRH depleted animals is a result of block of regulatory secretion pathway redirected to constitutional secretion which was corrected by the addition of TRH. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by various range from predominant insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency to a predominant secretory defect with insulin resistance. These symptoms suggest a possible role of TRH dysregulation. In conclusion, presence of TRH in β cells ensures appropriate low basal (constitutive) insulin secretion. Release of TRH induced by glucose and possibly by other secretagogues has autocrine effect resulting in directing insulin secretion to regulatory pathway reacting to stimulation. If some defects of insulin secretion could be treated by TRH, various ways of applications (also oral and nasal) could be utilized. Moreover, positive side effects shown in animal experiments may accompany the treatment: TRH has the potential to prevent apoptosis and promotes insulin-producing cell proliferation and has also aging-reversing properties.
Omega-3 Therapy Is Associated With Reduced Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Nguyen Ann , Rodgers Daniel , Kim Gene , Raikhelkar Jayant , Sarswat Nitasha , Kalantari Sara , Smith Bryan , Chung Ben , Narang Nikhil , Juricek Colleen , Burkhoff Daniel , Song Tae , Ota Takeyoshi , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: October 2018

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication seen in patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and is related to increased inflammation and angiogenesis. Omega-3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. This study aims to assess the prophylactic efficacy of treatment with omega-3 on the incidence of GIB in LVAD patients.

Methods and Results

Among consecutive 166 LVAD patients enrolled in this analysis, 30 patients (49 years old and 26 male) received 4 g/d of omega-3 therapy for 310±87 days and 136 patients in the control group (58 years old and 98 male) were observed for 302±102 days. One-year GIB-free rate was significantly higher in the omega-3 group as compared with the control group (97% versus 73%;
P
=0.02). Omega-3 therapy was associated with the occurrence of GIB in both the univariate (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.91;
P
=0.040) and multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02–0.98;
P
=0.047). The frequency of GIB was significantly lower in the omega-3 group (0.08±0.42 versus 0.37±0.93 events/y;
P
=0.01), accompanied by significantly lower blood product transfusion and shorter days in the hospital. The frequency of GIB remained lower among the omega-3 group after matching for patient background characteristics (96% versus 73%,
P
=0.028).

Conclusions

LVAD patients treated with omega-3 had a significant increase in freedom from GIB. A randomized controlled study is warranted to evaluate the use of omega-3 in LVAD patients.
Holopothrips diversity—a Neotropical genus of gall-inducing insects (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: LINDNER MARIANA F. , FERRARI AUGUSTO , MOUND LAURENCE A. , CAVALLERI ADRIANO
Published: October 2018

The genus Holopothrips represents the main Neotropical group of thrips associated with plant galls, and several of the 36 currently described species are known to induce or invade galls of other organisms. The existence of several Holopothrips specimens in collections that do not belong to any of the already described species, allied to the absence of basic biological information for several species, such as host plants and habit, shows that the current knowledge on the genus is severely lacking. Here we start addressing these problems, by describing 24 new species: H. acrioris, H. atlanticus, H. bicolor, H. brevicapitatum, H. cardosoi, H. curiosus, H. flavisetis, H. graziae, H. inconspicuus, H. infestans, H. irregularis, H. johanseni, H. kaminskii, H. longihamus, H. longisetus, H. magnus, H. maiae, H. nigrisetis, H. nigrum, H. punctatus, H. reticulatus, H. singularis, H. spermathecus, H. varicolor. This study also includes information on galls for several species; an updated and illustrated key to species; and comments on the morphological diversity of the group. With that, we hope to lay the taxonomic and morphological bases for future studies in this group, focusing on its diversity, ecology and phylogenetic relationships.
Later Wet Seasons with More Intense Rainfall over Africa under Future Climate Change
Authors: Dunning Caroline M. , Black Emily , Allan Richard P.
Published: October 2018

Changes in the seasonality of precipitation over Africa have high potential for detrimental socioeconomic impacts due to high societal dependence upon seasonal rainfall. Here, for the first time we conduct a continental-scale analysis of changes in wet season characteristics under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate projection scenarios across an ensemble of CMIP5 models using an objective methodology to determine the onset and cessation of the wet season. A delay in the wet season over West Africa and the Sahel of over 5–10 days on average, and later onset of the wet season over southern Africa, is identified and associated with increasing strength of the Saharan heat low in late boreal summer and a northward shift in the position of the tropical rain belt over August–December. Over the Horn of Africa rainfall during the “short rains” season is projected to increase by over 100 mm on average by the end of the twenty-first century under the RCP8.5 scenario. Average rainfall per rainy day is projected to increase, while the number of rainy days in the wet season declines in regions of stable or declining rainfall (western and southern Africa) and remains constant in central Africa, where rainfall is projected to increase. Adaptation strategies should account for shorter wet seasons, increasing rainfall intensity, and decreasing rainfall frequency, which will have implications for crop yields and surface water supplies.