bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of astrocytic PAR1 receptors in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract regulates breathing through modulation of presynaptic TRPV1
Authors: Huda Rafiq , Chang Zheng , Do Jeehaeh , McCrimmon Donald R. , Martina Marco
Published: December 2017

Key points

In the rat nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), activation of astrocytic proteinase‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1) receptors leads to potentiation of neuronal synaptic activity by two mechanisms, one TRPV1‐dependent and one TRPV1‐independent.

PAR1‐dependent activation of presynaptic TRPV1 receptors facilitates glutamate release onto NTS neurons.

The TRPV1‐dependent mechanism appears to rely on astrocytic release of endovanilloid‐like molecules.

A subset of NTS neurons excited by PAR1 directly project to the rostral ventral respiratory group.

The PAR1 initiated, TRPV1‐dependent modulation of synaptic transmission in the NTS contributes to regulation of breathing.

Many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying astrocytic modulation of synaptic function remain poorly understood. Recent studies show that G‐protein coupled receptor‐mediated astrocyte activation modulates synaptic transmission in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a brainstem nucleus that regulates crucial physiological processes including cardiorespiratory activity. By using calcium imaging and patch clamp recordings in acute brain slices of wild‐type and TRPV1−/− rats, we show that activation of proteinase‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1) in NTS astrocytes potentiates presynaptic glutamate release on NTS neurons. This potentiation is mediated by both a TRPV1‐dependent and a TRPV1‐independent mechanism. The TRPV1‐dependent mechanism appears to require release of endovanilloid‐like molecules from astrocytes, which leads to subsequent potentiation of presynaptic glutamate release via activation of presynaptic TRPV1 channels. Activation of NTS astrocytic PAR1 receptors elicits cFOS expression in neurons that project to respiratory premotor neurons and inhibits respiratory activity in control, but not in TRPV1−/− rats. Thus, activation of astrocytic PAR1 receptor in the NTS leads to a TRPV1‐dependent excitation of NTS neurons causing a potent modulation of respiratory motor output.
Coupling Effects of Double Lungs on Dynamic Characteristics of Volume-Controlled Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation Secretion Clearance System
Authors: Shen Dongkai , Zhou Yanjun , Shi Yan
Published: December 2017

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) secretion clearance system is usually utilized to help patients to clear secretion. In this paper, to obtain the essential dynamic characteristics of volume-controlled (VC) MI-E secretion clearance system with double lungs, a dimensionless model of the MI-E secretion clearance system is derived. Furthermore, for the validation of the mathematical model, a prototype VC MI-E secretion clearance system is proposed. Finally, to reveal the impact of key parameters on VC MI-E secretion clearance system, a dimensionless orthogonal experiment with four factors and five levels was processed. And then, coupling effects of two lungs on VC MI-E secretion clearance system were illustrated. This paper can be referred to in treatment of secretion clearance with VC secretion clearance system.
Finite Element Framework for Computational Fluid Dynamics in FEBio
Authors: Ateshian Gerard A. , Shim Jay J. , Maas Steve A. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2017

The mechanics of biological fluids is an important topic in biomechanics, often requiring the use of computational tools to analyze problems with realistic geometries and material properties. This study describes the formulation and implementation of a finite element framework for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in FEBio, a free software designed to meet the computational needs of the biomechanics and biophysics communities. This formulation models nearly incompressible flow with a compressible isothermal formulation that uses a physically realistic value for the fluid bulk modulus. It employs fluid velocity and dilatation as essential variables: The virtual work integral enforces the balance of linear momentum and the kinematic constraint between fluid velocity and dilatation, while fluid density varies with dilatation as prescribed by the axiom of mass balance. Using this approach, equal-order interpolations may be used for both essential variables over each element, contrary to traditional mixed formulations that must explicitly satisfy the inf-sup condition. The formulation accommodates Newtonian and non-Newtonian viscous responses as well as inviscid fluids. The efficiency of numerical solutions is enhanced using Broyden's quasi-Newton method. The results of finite element simulations were verified using well-documented benchmark problems as well as comparisons with other free and commercial codes. These analyses demonstrated that the novel formulation introduced in FEBio could successfully reproduce the results of other codes. The analogy between this CFD formulation and standard finite element formulations for solid mechanics makes it suitable for future extension to fluid–structure interactions (FSIs).
Dynamic Simulation of Human Gait Model With Predictive Capability
Authors: Sun Jinming , Wu Shaoli , Voglewede Philip A.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, it is proposed that the central nervous system (CNS) controls human gait using a predictive control approach in conjunction with classical feedback control instead of exclusive classical feedback control theory that controls based on past error. To validate this proposition, a dynamic model of human gait is developed using a novel predictive approach to investigate the principles of the CNS. The model developed includes two parts: a plant model that represents the dynamics of human gait and a controller that represents the CNS. The plant model is a seven-segment, six-joint model that has nine degrees-of-freedom (DOF). The plant model is validated using data collected from able-bodied human subjects. The proposed controller utilizes model predictive control (MPC). MPC uses an internal model to predict the output in advance, compare the predicted output to the reference, and optimize the control input so that the predicted error is minimal. To decrease the complexity of the model, two joints are controlled using a proportional-derivative (PD) controller. The developed predictive human gait model is validated by simulating able-bodied human gait. The simulation results show that the developed model is able to simulate the kinematic output close to experimental data.
Multibody Kinematics Optimization for the Estimation of Upper and Lower Limb Human Joint Kinematics: A Systematized Methodological Review
Authors: Begon Mickaël , Andersen Michael Skipper , Dumas Raphaël
Published: December 2017

Multibody kinematics optimization (MKO) aims to reduce soft tissue artefact (STA) and is a key step in musculoskeletal modeling. The objective of this review was to identify the numerical methods, their validation and performance for the estimation of the human joint kinematics using MKO. Seventy-four papers were extracted from a systematized search in five databases and cross-referencing. Model-derived kinematics were obtained using either constrained optimization or Kalman filtering to minimize the difference between measured (i.e., by skin markers, electromagnetic or inertial sensors) and model-derived positions and/or orientations. While hinge, universal, and spherical joints prevail, advanced models (e.g., parallel and four-bar mechanisms, elastic joint) have been introduced, mainly for the knee and shoulder joints. Models and methods were evaluated using: (i) simulated data based, however, on oversimplified STA and joint models; (ii) reconstruction residual errors, ranging from 4 mm to 40 mm; (iii) sensitivity analyses which highlighted the effect (up to 36 deg and 12 mm) of model geometrical parameters, joint models, and computational methods; (iv) comparison with other approaches (i.e., single body kinematics optimization and nonoptimized kinematics); (v) repeatability studies that showed low intra- and inter-observer variability; and (vi) validation against ground-truth bone kinematics (with errors between 1 deg and 22 deg for tibiofemoral rotations and between 3 deg and 10 deg for glenohumeral rotations). Moreover, MKO was applied to various movements (e.g., walking, running, arm elevation). Additional validations, especially for the upper limb, should be undertaken and we recommend a more systematic approach for the evaluation of MKO. In addition, further model development, scaling, and personalization methods are required to better estimate the secondary degrees-of-freedom (DoF).
Multiscale Poroviscoelastic Compressive Properties of Mouse Supraspinatus Tendons Are Altered in Young and Aged Mice
Authors: Connizzo Brianne K. , Grodzinsky Alan J.
Published: December 2017

Rotator cuff disorders are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability in the aging population but, unfortunately, the etiology is still unknown. One factor thought to contribute to the progression of disease is the external compression of the rotator cuff tendons, which can be significantly increased by age-related changes such as muscle weakness and poor posture. The objective of this study was to investigate the baseline compressive response of tendon and determine how this response is altered during maturation and aging. We did this by characterizing the compressive mechanical, viscoelastic, and poroelastic properties of young, mature, and aged mouse supraspinatus tendons using macroscale indentation testing and nanoscale high-frequency AFM-based rheology testing. Using these multiscale techniques, we found that aged tendons were stiffer than their mature counterparts and that both young and aged tendons exhibited increased hydraulic permeability and energy dissipation. We hypothesize that regional and age-related variations in collagen morphology and organization are likely responsible for changes in the multiscale compressive response as these structural parameters may affect fluid flow. Importantly, these results suggest a role for age-related changes in the progression of tendon degeneration, and we hypothesize that decreased ability to resist compressive loading via fluid pressurization may result in damage to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ultimately tendon degeneration. These studies provide insight into the regional multiscale compressive response of tendons and indicate that altered compressive properties in aging tendons may be a major contributor to overall tendon degeneration.
Numerical Study of Transport of Anticancer Drugs in Heterogeneous Vasculature of Human Brain Tumors Using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bhandari Ajay , Bansal Ankit , Singh Anup , Sinha Niraj
Published: December 2017

Systemic administration of drugs in tumors is a challenging task due to unorganized microvasculature and nonuniform extravasation. There is an imperative need to understand the transport behavior of drugs when administered intravenously. In this study, a transport model is developed to understand the therapeutic efficacy of a free drug and liposome-encapsulated drugs (LED), in heterogeneous vasculature of human brain tumors. Dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data is employed to model the heterogeneity in tumor vasculature that is directly mapped onto the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Results indicate that heterogeneous vasculature leads to preferential accumulation of drugs at the tumor position. Higher drug accumulation was found at location of higher interstitial volume, thereby facilitating more tumor cell killing at those areas. Liposome-released drug (LRD) remains inside the tumor for longer time as compared to free drug, which together with higher concentration enhances therapeutic efficacy. The interstitial as well as intracellular concentration of LRD is found to be 2–20 fold higher as compared to free drug, which are in line with experimental data reported in literature. Close agreement between the predicted and experimental data demonstrates the potential of the developed model in modeling the transport of LED and free drugs in heterogeneous vasculature of human tumors.
A Re-Engineered Software Interface and Workflow for the Open-Source SimVascular Cardiovascular Modeling Package
Authors: Lan Hongzhi , Updegrove Adam , Wilson Nathan M. , Maher Gabriel D. , Shadden Shawn C. , Marsden Alison L.
Published: December 2017

Patient-specific simulation plays an important role in cardiovascular disease research, diagnosis, surgical planning and medical device design, as well as education in cardiovascular biomechanics. simvascular is an open-source software package encompassing an entire cardiovascular modeling and simulation pipeline from image segmentation, three-dimensional (3D) solid modeling, and mesh generation, to patient-specific simulation and analysis. SimVascular is widely used for cardiovascular basic science and clinical research as well as education, following increased adoption by users and development of a GATEWAY web portal to facilitate educational access. Initial efforts of the project focused on replacing commercial packages with open-source alternatives and adding increased functionality for multiscale modeling, fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and solid modeling operations. In this paper, we introduce a major SimVascular (SV) release that includes a new graphical user interface (GUI) designed to improve user experience. Additional improvements include enhanced data/project management, interactive tools to facilitate user interaction, new boundary condition (BC) functionality, plug-in mechanism to increase modularity, a new 3D segmentation tool, and new computer-aided design (CAD)-based solid modeling capabilities. Here, we focus on major changes to the software platform and outline features added in this new release. We also briefly describe our recent experiences using SimVascular in the classroom for bioengineering education.
Hydrogen passivation of silicon/silicon oxide interface by atomic layer deposited hafnium oxide and impact of silicon oxide underlayer
Authors: Oudot Evan , Gros-Jean Mickael , Courouble Kristell , Bertin Francois , Duru Romain , Rochat Névine , Vallée Christophe
Published: December 2017

HfO2 synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be used as a passivation material for photodetectors. This paper shows a significant reduction of density of interface traps at the Si/SiO2 interface using ALD HfO2. This is explained by a chemical passivation effect due to presence of hydrogen from water used in the ALD process. Furthermore, ALD HfO2 layers appear negatively charged which generate an additional field effect passivation. The impact of the SiO2 underlayer is also discussed by comparing a chemical silicon oxide to a standard thermal silicon oxide. It is shown that chemical silicon oxide can act as a reservoir of hydrogen atoms which helps to reduce the density of defects close to the Si/SiO2 interface. This result demonstrates the importance of the surface preparation before the ALD of HfO2 in the passivation scheme. Finally, this work shows the correlation between negatively charged defects and Si–O–Hf bonds at the SiO2/HfO2 interface. A passivation stack composed of chemical oxide permits to reach both a low density of interface traps (∼1.0 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1) and a negative charge density (∼−1.0 × 1011 cm−2). This stack provides both chemical and field effect passivation of the silicon surface.
Complete Genome Sequence of the New Urolithin-Producing Bacterium Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens DSM 27213
T
Authors: Martinez-Blanch Juan F. , Ramón Daniel , Beltrán David , Romo-Vaquero María , García-Villalba Rocío , Espín Juan C. , Tomás-Barberán Francisco A. , Codoñer Francisco M. , Selma María V.
Published: December 2017

Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens
DSM 27213
T
was isolated from human feces and is able to metabolize ellagic acid (a dietary phenolic compound present in various fruits) to urolithins. Here, we report the finished and annotated genome sequence of this organism.
Heterobasidion Partitivirus 13 Mediates Severe Growth Debilitation and Major Alterations in the Gene Expression of a Fungal Forest Pathogen
Authors: Vainio Eeva J. , Jurvansuu Jaana , Hyder Rafiqul , Kashif Muhammad , Piri Tuula , Tuomivirta Tero , Poimala Anna , Xu Ping , Mäkelä Salla , Nitisa Dina , Hantula Jarkko
Published: December 2017

The fungal genus
Heterobasidion
includes some of the most devastating conifer pathogens in the boreal forest region. In this study, we showed that the alphapartitivirus Heterobasidion partitivirus 13 from
Heterobasidion annosum
(HetPV13-an1) is the main causal agent of severe phenotypic debilitation in the host fungus. Based on RNA sequencing using isogenic virus-infected and cured fungal strains, HetPV13-an1 affected the transcription of 683 genes, of which 60% were downregulated and 40% upregulated. Alterations observed in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism suggest that the virus causes a state of starvation, which is compensated for by alternative synthesis routes. We used dual cultures to transmit HetPV13-an1 into new strains of
H. annosum
and
Heterobasidion parviporum
. The three strains of
H. parviporum
that acquired the virus showed noticeable growth reduction on rich culturing medium, while only two of six
H. annosum
isolates tested showed significant debilitation. Based on reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis, the response toward HetPV13-an1 infection was somewhat different in
H. annosum
and
H. parviporum
. We assessed the effects of HetPV13-an1 on the wood colonization efficacy of
H. parviporum
in a field experiment where 46 Norway spruce trees were inoculated with isogenic strains with or without the virus. The virus-infected
H. parviporum
strain showed considerably less growth within living trees than the isolate without HetPV13-an1, indicating that the virus also causes growth debilitation in natural substrates.

IMPORTANCE
A biocontrol method restricting the spread of
Heterobasidion
species would be highly beneficial to forestry, as these fungi are difficult to eradicate from diseased forest stands and cause approximate annual losses of €800 million in Europe. We used virus curing and reintroduction experiments and RNA sequencing to show that the alphapartitivirus HetPV13-an1 affects many basic cellular functions of the white rot wood decay fungus
Heterobasidion annosum
, which results in aberrant hyphal morphology and a low growth rate. Dual fungal cultures were used to introduce HetPV13-an1 into a new host species,
Heterobasidion parviporum
, and field experiments confirmed the capability of the virus to reduce the growth of
H. parviporum
in living spruce wood. Taken together, our results suggest that HetPV13-an1 shows potential for the development of a future biocontrol agent against
Heterobasidion
fungi.
EvaLuation Using Cardiac Insertable Devices And TelephonE in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (ELUCIDATE HCM)—rationale and design: a prospective observational study on incidence of arrhythmias in Sweden
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Mörner Stellan
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous disease associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) mainly due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation even though life-threatening bradycardia occurs. Risk stratification takes several variables into consideration including non-sustained VT (NSVT). An implantable cardioverter defibrillator effectively prevents SCD.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common among patients with HCM and warrants anticoagulation even without conventional risk factors according to European guidelines. Routinely, the evaluation of arrhythmias using a 48-hour ambulatory external monitor takes place every 6–24 months if patients do not report palpitations. The remaining time the potential burden arrhythmia is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to assess NSVT and AF incidence during 18 months by an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Methods

Adult patients, aged 18–65 years, with a validated diagnosis of HCM are eligible for the study. The study sample is planned to include 30 patients. A Confirm Rx is implanted at the level of the fourth rib on the left side subcutaneously after local anaesthesia. The application for monitoring is installed in the patients’ smartphone and symptoms registered by the patient activation and VT detection programmed as 160 bpm during ≥8 intervals. An AF episode is recorded based on ≥2 min duration. Bradycardia is recorded at ≤40 bpm or pause ≥3.0 s. The patients are followed during 18 months before explant.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by The Regional Ethical Committee in Umeå (protocol number 2017/13–31). The study protocol, including variables and prespecified research questions, the study was registered at Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT03259113. Each patient is informed about the study in both oral and written form by a physician and included after written consent.
Influence on Characteristics of RTD Due to Variation of Different Parameters and Material Properties
Authors: Das Banasree , Parai Manas Kumar
Published: December 2017

In this paper, novel features offered by Resonant Tunneling Diode (RTD) are reviewed by simulating it under different conditions. GaAs/AlGaAs based RTD is used as the reference one to obtain the characteristics due to parametric variations. To fulfil this purpose a simple model of resonant electronic transport through a double-barrier structure is developed. I-V characteristics are studied by varying barrier parameters and well width. Different peak and valley currents are measured under these conditions. For the same set of parameters both symmetric and asymmetric cases are considered. Different materials of lower effective mass are also taken into consideration to improve Peak to Valley Ratio (PVR). The Indium (In) based materials are considered to compare the characteristics obtained from the conventional GaAs based RTD structure. All these proposed structures are simulated using Silvaco Atlas software.
Fisher information of accelerated two-qubit systems
Authors: Metwally N.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, Fisher information for an accelerated system initially prepared in the X-state is discussed. An analytical solution, which consists of three parts: classical, the average over all pure states and a mixture of pure states, is derived for the general state and for Werner state. It is shown that the Unruh acceleration has a depleting effect on the Fisher information. This depletion depends on the degree of entanglement of the initial state settings. For the X-state, for some intervals of Unruh acceleration, the Fisher information remains constant, irrespective to the Unruh acceleration. In general, the possibility of estimating the state’s parameters decreases as the acceleration increases. However, the precision of estimation can be maximized for certain values of the Unruh acceleration. We also investigate the contribution of the different parts of the Fisher information on the dynamics of the total Fisher information.
A Multiagent-Based Approach for Vehicle Routing by Considering Both Arriving on Time and Total Travel Time
Authors: Cao Zhiguang , Guo Hongliang , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2017

Arriving on time and total travel time are two important properties for vehicle routing. Existing route guidance approaches always consider them independently, because they may conflict with each other. In this article, we develop a semi-decentralized multiagent-based vehicle routing approach where vehicle agents follow the local route guidance by infrastructure agents at each intersection, and infrastructure agents perform the route guidance by solving a route assignment problem. It integrates the two properties by expressing them as two objective terms of the route assignment problem. Regarding arriving on time, it is formulated based on the probability tail model, which aims to maximize the probability of reaching destination before deadline. Regarding total travel time, it is formulated as a weighted quadratic term, which aims to minimize the expected travel time from the current location to the destination based on the potential route assignment. The weight for total travel time is designed to be comparatively large if the deadline is loose. Additionally, we improve the proposed approach in two aspects, including travel time prediction and computational efficiency. Experimental results on real road networks justify its ability to increase the average probability of arriving on time, reduce total travel time, and enhance the overall routing performance.
Separate, Measure and Conquer
Authors: Gaspers Serge , Sorkin Gregory B.
Published: December 2017

We show a method resulting in the improvement of several polynomial-space, exponential-time algorithms. The method capitalizes on the existence of small balanced separators for sparse graphs, which can be exploited for branching to disconnect an instance into independent components. For this algorithm design paradigm, the challenge to date has been to obtain improvements in worst-case analyses of algorithms, compared with algorithms that are analyzed with advanced methods, notably Measure and Conquer. Our contribution is the design of a general method to integrate the advantage from the separator-branching into Measure and Conquer, for a more precise and improved running time analysis.

We illustrate the method with improved algorithms for M
ax
(
r
,2)-C
sp
and #D
ominating
S
et
. An instance of the problem M
ax
(
r
,2)-C
SP
, or simply M
ax
2-CSP, is parameterized by the domain size
r
(often 2), the number of variables
n
(vertices in the constraint graph
G
), and the number of constraints
m
(edges in
G
). When
G
is cubic, and omitting sub-exponential terms here for clarity, we give an algorithm running in time
r

(1/5)
n

=
r

(2/15)
m

the previous best was
r

(1/4)
n

=
r

(1/6)
m

. By known results, this improvement for the cubic case results in an algorithm running in time
r

(9/50)
m

for general instances; the previous best was
r

(19/100)
m

. We show that the analysis of the earlier algorithm was tight: our improvement is in the algorithm, not just the analysis. The same running time improvements hold for M
ax
C
ut
, an important special case of M
ax
2-CSP, and for Polynomial and Ring CSP, generalizations encompassing graph bisection, the Ising model, and counting.

We also give faster algorithms for #D
ominating
S
et
, counting the dominating sets of every cardinality 0, … ,
n
for a graph
G
of order
n
. For cubic graphs, our algorithm runs in time 3

(1/5)
n

the previous best was 2

(1/2)
n

. For general graphs, we give an unrelated algorithm running in time 1.5183

n

the previous best was 1.5673

n

.

The previous best algorithms for these problems all used local transformations and were analyzed by the Measure and Conquer method. Our new algorithms capitalize on the existence of small balanced separators for cubic graphs—a non-local property—and the ability to tailor the local algorithms always to “pivot” on a vertex in the separator. The new algorithms perform much as the old ones until the separator is empty, at which point they gain because the remaining vertices are split into two independent problem instances that can be solved recursively. It is likely that such algorithms can be effective for other problems too, and we present their design and analysis in a general framework.
Competitive Algorithms from Competitive Equilibria
Authors: Im Sungjin , Kulkarni Janardhan , Munagala Kamesh
Published: December 2017

We introduce and study a general scheduling problem that we term the Polytope Scheduling problem (PSP). In this problem, jobs can have different arrival times and sizes, and the rates assigned by the scheduler to the jobs are subject to arbitrary packing constraints. The PSP framework captures a variety of scheduling problems, including the classical problems of unrelated machines scheduling, broadcast scheduling, and scheduling jobs of different parallelizability. It also captures scheduling constraints arising in diverse modern environments ranging from individual computer architectures to data centers. More concretely, PSP models multidimensional resource requirements and parallelizability, as well as network bandwidth requirements found in data center scheduling.

We show a surprising result—there is a
single
algorithm that is
O
(1) competitive for
all
PSP instances when the objective is total completion time, and
O
(1) competitive for a large sub-class of PSP instances when the objective is total flow time. This algorithm simply uses the well-known Proportional Fairness (PF) algorithm to perform allocations each time instant. Though P
F
has been extensively studied in the context of maximizing fairness in resource allocation, we present the
first
analysis in adversarial and general settings for optimizing job latency. Further, P
F
is non-clairvoyant, meaning that the algorithm doesn’t need to know jobs sizes until their completion. We establish our positive results by making novel connections with Economics, in particular, the notions of market clearing, Gross Substitutes, and Eisenberg-Gale markets.

We complement these positive results with a negative result: We show that for the total flow time objective, any non-clairvoyant algorithm for
general
PSP has a strong lower bound on the competitive ratio unless given a poly-logarithmic speed augmentation. This motivates the need to consider sub-classes of PSP when studying flow time. The sub-class for which we obtain positive results not only captures several well-studied models, such as scheduling with speedup curves and related machine scheduling, but also captures as special cases hitherto unstudied scheduling problems, such as single source flow routing, routing multicast (video-on-demand) trees, and resource allocation with substitute resources.
Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Humidity-Dependent Electrical Properties of Undoped and Niobium Oxide-Doped TiO2 : WO3 Mixed Powders
Authors: Faia Pedro M. , Libardi Juliano , Barbosa Itamar , Araújo Evando S. , de Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: December 2017

The study of selective metal oxide-based binary/ternary systems has received increasing interest in recent years due to the possibility of producing efficient new ceramic materials for relative humidity (RH) detection, given the superior properties of the mixed compounds in comparison with pristine ones. The aim of this work was focused on preparation and characterization of non-doped and Nb2O5-doped TiO2 : WO3 pair (in the pellet form) and evaluation of corresponding humidity-dependent electrical properties. The microstructure of the samples was analyzed from scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman spectra, BET surface area analysis, and porosimetry. The electrical characterization was obtained from impedance spectroscopy (100 Hz to 40 MHz) in the 10–100% RH range. The results showed that adequate doping levels of Nb2O5 introduce important advantages due to the atomic substitution of Ti by Nb atoms in highly doped structures with different levels of porosity and grain sizes. These aspects introduced a key role in the excursion (one order of magnitude) in the bulk resistance and grain boundary resistance, which characterizes these composite ceramics as a promising platform for RH identification.
Nonlinear Hydroelastic Waves Generated due to a Floating Elastic Plate in a Current
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Yongyan , Su Chuanqi , Yang Yanzhao
Published: December 2017

Effects of underlying uniform current on the nonlinear hydroelastic waves generated due to an infinite floating plate are studied analytically, under the hypotheses that the fluid is homogeneous, incompressible, and inviscid. For the case of irrotational motion, the Laplace equation is the governing equation, with the boundary conditions expressing a balance among the hydrodynamics, the uniform current, and elastic force. It is found that the convergent series solutions, obtained by the homotopy analysis method (HAM), consist of the nonlinear hydroelastic wave profile and the velocity potential. The impacts of important physical parameters are discussed in detail. With the increment of the following current intensity, we find that the amplitudes of the hydroelastic waves decrease very slightly, while the opposing current produces the opposite effect on the hydroelastic waves. Furthermore, the amplitudes of waves increase very obviously for higher opposing current speed but reduce very slightly for higher following current speed. A larger amplitude of the incident wave increases the hydroelastic wave deflections for both opposing and following current, while for Young’s modulus of the plate there is the opposite effect.
New Designs of Reduced‐Order Observer‐Based Controllers for Singularly Perturbed Linear Systems
Authors: Yoo Heonjong , Gajic Zoran
Published: December 2017

The slow and fast reduced‐order observers and reduced‐order observer‐based controllers are designed by using the two‐stage feedback design technique for slow and fast subsystems. The new designs produce an arbitrary order of accuracy, while the previously known designs produce the accuracy of O(ϵ) only where ϵ is a small singular perturbation parameter. Several cases of reduced‐order observer designs are considered depending on the measured state space variables: only all slow variables are measured, only all fast variables are measured, and some combinations of the slow and fast variables are measured. Since the two‐stage methods have been used to overcome the numerical ill‐conditioning problem for Cases (III)–(V), they have similar procedures. The numerical ill‐conditioning problem is avoided so that independent feedback controllers can be applied to each subsystem. The design allows complete time‐scale separation for both the reduced‐order observer and controller through the complete and exact decomposition into slow and fast time scales. This method reduces both offline and online computations.
Thunbergia laurifolia Exhibits Antifibrotic Effects in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Namsen Ratchadaporn , Rojanasthien Noppamas , Sireeratawong Seewaboon , Rojsanga Piyanuch , Nimlamool Wutigri , Potikanond Saranyapin
Published: December 2017

Leaves of Thunbergia laurifolia (TL) have been reported to have antioxidation, anti‐inflammatory, detoxifying, and hepatoprotective effects. However, studies relating to antifibrotic activity have not been reported. Currently, there is no standard treatment for hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic activity of TL in human hepatic stellate LX‐2 cells. Results from cell viability and cell death assays showed that the extract at high concentrations was toxic to LX‐2 cells. TL extract reversed the transformation of LX‐2 cells to myofibroblast‐like characteristics in response to stimulation by transforming growth factor‐beta 1. This action may be associated with the effect of TL in suppressing α‐SMA and collagen‐I production observed by immunofluorescence study and western blot analysis. Additionally, TL extract significantly decreased MMP‐9 activity which is consistent with the reduction of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 gene expression. The effect of TL in suppressing fibrosis may be associated with its ability to inhibit the activation of p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 kinases as examined by western blot analysis. Our study provides convincing evidence that TL possesses antifibrotic activity which may be through the suppression of TGF‐β1‐mediated production of MMPs, collagen‐1, and α‐SMA in hepatic stellate cells.
Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Infection: The Role of Debudding and Roguing as Control Options within a Mixed Cultivar Plantation
Authors: Nakakawa Juliet , Mugisha Joseph Y. T. , Shaw Michael W. , Tinzaara William , Karamura Eldad
Published: December 2017

An optimal control framework is designed in which the use of clean planting materials, debudding, disinfection of tools, and roguing are considered as control measures of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) within a plantation of multiple cultivars. A model for a special case of two cultivars (AAA- and ABB-genome cultivars) was analyzed. By Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, we characterized and discussed possible control strategies that substantially reduce the infection levels of BXW within a plantation of ABB- and AAA-genome cultivars. A combination of both prevention and containment controls yielded the greatest decline in the infection levels in both cultivars. Additionally, for effective BXW management, it is important to assess the endemic level of the plantation before application of controls, and once implemented, this should be maintained even when the disease is undetectable to eliminate possible resurgence.
Chemical Composition and Nutritive Benefits of Chicory(Cichorium intybus)as an Ideal Complementary and/or Alternative Livestock Feed Supplement
Authors: Nwafor Ifeoma Chinyelu , Shale Karabo , Achilonu Matthew Chilaka
Published: December 2017

Chicory is a perennial plant grown in different parts of the world, used as forage for livestock, as folklore remedies, or as a vegetable addition in human diets. There are several varieties of the chicory plant, known differently globally due to its numerous medicinal, culinary, and nutritional qualities. Most parts of the plant contain a potpourri of nutrients ranging within carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, trace elements, and bioactive phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the various nutritive, prophylactic, and therapeutic qualities of chicory. Inulin, coumarins, tannins, monomeric flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones are some of the major phytocompounds mostly found in chicory plants. The health-promoting activities attributed to chicory comprise, among others, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antibacterial, antimutagenic, antifungal, anthelmintic, immune-stimulating, and antihepatotoxic and its antioxidative qualities. As a versatile plant, chicory’s chemical composition and use as a suitable livestock feed supplement or as an alternative feed ingredient (AFI) are thus reviewed.
A dialética do latifúndio e minifúndio: A política agrária boliviana nos últimos 50 anos
Authors: Gil Aldo Duran
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise da política agrária boliviana pós-1953. Para entendermos o conteúdo dessa política estatal e sua natureza de classe, buscamos caracterizar seus os principais aspectos estruturais de longo prazo, tomando em conta o contexto de transformações sócio-econômicas e políticas pós-1953, passando rapidamente pelos regimes populista, militar e neoliberal. Partimos da hipótese segundo a qual a política agrária boliviana adotou um padrão estrutural de Reforma Agrária conhecido como modelo junker, reproduzindo a longo prazo o grande latifúndio e o minifúndio.
Cultura e revanche na guerra social: comentários sobre Branco sai, preto fica, de Adirley Queirós
Authors: Oliveira Taiguara Belo de , Maciel Danielle Edite Ferreira
Published: December 2017

Este ensaio propõe uma reflexão sobre o longa-metragem brasileiro Branco sai, preto fica (2014), dirigido por Adirley Queirós, e sua pertinência histórica ao capturar o drama atingido pela dinâmica política e cultural do país. O híbrido de documentário e ficção formaliza embates com a nova forma de produção artística que se difunde junto aos coletivos culturais desde a década de 1990, ao passo que discute as vicissitudes da experiência social periférica. Por fim, o ensaio sugere que a ousadia estética do filme apreende um movimento contemporâneo de ruptura – não isento de impasses – com mediações emergenciais que deram alento ao capitalismo no Brasil nos últimos anos.
Cartas e diários de mulheres: uma função memorialística?
Authors: Simonet-Tenant Françoise
Published: December 2017

Cartas e diários íntimos são peças de arquivos privados, ou mesmo documentos da intimidade. Que valor as mulheres atribuem a seus diários e correspondências? Elas se empenham em sua conservação, atribuindo a esses papéis alguma função memorialística? Pretendemos focalizar três mulheres que muito se devotaram à escrita, a exemplo de homens célebres com quem elas conviveram: Juliette Drouet (1806-1883), companheira de Victor Hugo durante 50 anos, endereçou 22.000 cartas ao famoso escritor; Catherine Pozzi (1882- 1934), mulher letrada, epistológrafa e cultora do diário, viveu com o poeta Paul Valéry uma relação amorosa e intelectual, cujos traços ficaram profundamente gravados na obra de ambos; Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), intelectual renomada, parceira de Sartre, também se dedicou à epistolografia e à escrita de diários. O que nos dizem esses três casos acerca do eventual interesse feminino em relação ao arquivamento de si, ao cuidado na conservação desses escritos pessoais e às suas modalidades de uso?
Statin Effects on Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Kofink Daniel , Eppinga Ruben N. , van Gilst Wiek H. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Dullaart Robin P.F. , van der Harst Pim , Asselbergs Folkert W.
Published: December 2017

Background—

Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the metabolic pathway that produces cholesterol and other isoprenoids. Little is known about their effects on metabolite and lipoprotein subclass profiles. We, therefore, investigated the molecular changes associated with pravastatin treatment compared with placebo administration using a nuclear magnetic resonance–based metabolomics platform.

Methods and Results—

We performed metabolic profiling of 231 lipoprotein and metabolite measures in the PREVEND IT (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease Intervention Trial) study, a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial designed to test the effects of pravastatin (40 mg once daily) on cardiovascular risk. Metabolic profiles were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Pravastatin lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (change in SD units [95% confidence interval]: −1.01 [−1.14, −0.88]), remnant cholesterol (change in SD units [95% confidence interval]: −1.03 [−1.17, −0.89]), and apolipoprotein B (change in SD units [95% confidence interval]: −0.98 [−1.11, −0.86]) with similar effect magnitudes. In addition, pravastatin globally lowered levels of lipoprotein subclasses, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein subclasses, which displayed a more heterogeneous response pattern. The lipid-lowering effect of pravastatin was accompanied by selective changes in lipid composition, particularly in the cholesterol content of very-low-density lipoproteinparticles. In addition, pravastatin reduced levels of several fatty acids but had limited effects on fatty acid ratios.

Conclusions—

These randomized clinical trial data demonstrate the widespread effects of pravastatin treatment on lipoprotein subclass profiles and fatty acids.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03073018.
Stress Echocardiography Positivity Predicts Cancer Death
Authors: Carpeggiani Clara , Landi Patrizia , Michelassi Claudio , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Sicari Rosa , Picano Eugenio
Published: December 2017

Background

Stress echocardiography (
SE
) predicts cardiac death, but an increasing share of cardiac patients eventually die of cancer. The aim of the study was to assess whether
SE
positivity predicts cancer death.

Methods and Results

In a retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired single‐center, observational data, we evaluated 4673 consecutive patients who underwent
SE
from 1983 to 2009. All patients were cancer‐free at index
SE
and were followed up for a median of 131 months (interquartile range 134). We separately analyzed predetermined end points: cardiovascular, cancer, and noncardiovascular, noncancer death, with and without competing risk.
SE
was positive in 1757 and negative in 2916 patients; 869 cardiovascular, 418 cancer, and 625 noncardiovascular, noncancer deaths were registered. The 25‐year mortality was higher in
SE
‐positive than in
SE
‐negative patients, considering cardiovascular (40% versus 31%;
P
<0.001) and cancer mortality (26% versus 17%;
P
<0.01).
SE
positivity was a strong predictor of cancer (cause‐specific hazard ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.73;
P
=0.05) and cardiovascular mortality (1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.35;
P
=0.02). Fine–Gray analysis to account for competing risk gave similar results. Cancer risk diverged after 15 years, whereas differences were already significant at 5 years for cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions

SE
results predict cardiovascular and cancer mortality.
SE
may act as a proxy of the shared risk factor milieu for cancer or cardiovascular death.
Dublin iv and excom: Aspirational Blunders and Illusive Solidarity
Authors: Capicchiano Young Sophie
Published: December 2017

The Dublin iv proposal of 2016 was ostensibly made necessary by the lack of functional and effective burden-sharing between eu Member States. Dublin iv purports to ameliorate this inequality by instituting a series of mechanisms that would ensure that any increase in the rate of migration to the eu territory would be met with collective action. However, an analysis of the Dublin iv provisions reveals that in its operation it would do no such thing. Also in 2016, the Executive Committee of the unhcr provided conclusions on burden-sharing and youth respectively. Though considered by some national judiciaries and human rights treaty bodies to be of significant value to the development of international refugee law, the conclusions of the Executive Committee on burden-sharing and youth are not reflective of eu State practice. Rather, eu State practice is revealed in the Dublin iv proposal and the inequality that it promotes. This article comparatively analyses the 2016 excom Conclusions and the Dublin iv proposal and makes the case that the conclusion of excom are purely aspirational and lack substantive value, and that Dublin iv illustrates that lack of substantive value through the potential future operation of its provisions.
The Problem of Exclusion from Refugee Status on the Grounds of Being Guilty of Terrorist Acts in the cjeu Case-law
Authors: Kosińska Anna Magdalena
Published: December 2017

The current article provides a critical analysis of the rulings of the European Court of Justice with regard to the exclusion of third-country nationals from the possibility of applying for refugee status on the grounds of serious reasons for considering that a person is being guilty of terrorist acts. The cjeu examined the grounds for exclusion in Cases B. and D. (C-57/09), H.T. (C-373/13) and also in the judgment of 21 January 2017 passed in the Lounani case (C-573/14) and conducted a complex analysis of Article 12 of the Qualification Directive. The instrument of exclusion is, as such, applied in exceptional cases under strictly defined legal circumstances, depriving at the same time a third-country national of the guarantees under Article 18 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The cjeu has proposed an interesting legislative acquis, which is worth putting under discussion. On the one hand, the Court has highlighted the necessity to individually examine each case and, on the other, the possibility of excluding a person posing a threat to the receiving country. The balance between these two values—the safety of the receiving community and the protection of fundamental rights of third-country nationals seems to be especially significant in the current situation, when the eu faces an increased influx of persons seeking international protection due to the migration crisis.