Finite Element Convergence for the Joule Heating Problem with Mixed Boundary Conditions

We prove strong convergence of conforming finite element approximations to the stationary Joule heating problem with mixed boundary conditions on Lipschitz domains in three spatial dimensions. We show optimal global regularity estimates on creased domains and prove a priori and a posteriori bounds for shape regular meshes.Comment: Keywords: Joule heating problem, thermistors, a posteriori error analysis, a priori error analysis, finite element metho

Evaluating the validity of the Automated Working Memory Assessment

The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct stability and diagnostic validity of a standardised computerised tool for assessing working memory: the Automated Working Memory Assessment (AWMA). The purpose of the AWMA is to provide educators with a quick and effective tool to screen for and support those with memory impairments. Findings indicate that working memory skills in children with memory impairments are relatively stable over the course of the school year. There was also a high degree of convergence in performance between the AWMA and the WISC-IV Working Memory Index. The educational implications are discussed

Surface critical exponents at a uniaxial Lifshitz point

Using Monte Carlo techniques, the surface critical behaviour of three-dimensional semi-infinite ANNNI models with different surface orientations with respect to the axis of competing interactions is investigated. Special attention is thereby paid to the surface criticality at the bulk uniaxial Lifshitz point encountered in this model. The presented Monte Carlo results show that the mean-field description of semi-infinite ANNNI models is qualitatively correct. Lifshitz point surface critical exponents at the ordinary transition are found to depend on the surface orientation. At the special transition point, however, no clear dependency of the critical exponents on the surface orientation is revealed. The values of the surface critical exponents presented in this study are the first estimates available beyond mean-field theory.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures include

Vibrational properties of the one-component σ\sigma phase

A structural model of a one-component $\sigma$-phase crystal has been constructed by means of molecular dynamics simulation. The phonon dispersion curves and the vibrational density of states were computed for this model. The dependence of the vibrational properties on the thermodynamical parameters was investigated. The vibrational density of states of the $\sigma$-phase structure is found to be similar to that of a one-component glass with icosahedral local order. On the basis of this comparison it is concluded that the $\sigma$ phase can be considered to be a good crystalline reference structure for this glass

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

Sex-related differences in oncologic outcomes, operative complications and health-related quality of life after curative-intent oesophageal cancer treatment: multicentre retrospective analysis

Background: Oesophageal cancer, in particular adenocarcinoma, has a strong male predominance. However, the impact of patient sex on operative and oncologic outcomes and recovery of health-related quality of life is poorly documented, and was the focus of this large multicentre cohort study. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent oncological oesophagectomy from 2009 to 2015 in the 20 European iNvestigation of SUrveillance after Resection for Esophageal cancer study group centres were assessed. Clinicopathologic variables, therapeutic approach, postoperative complications, survival and health-related quality of life data were compared between male and female patients. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, tumour histology, treatment protocol and major complications. Specific subgroup analyses comparing adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell cancer for all key outcomes were performed. Results: Overall, 3974 patients were analysed, 3083 (77.6%) male and 891 (22.4%) female; adenocarcinoma was predominant in both groups, while squamous cell cancer was observed more commonly in female patients (39.8% versus 15.1%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated improved outcomes in female patients for overall survival (HRmales 1.24, 95% c.i. 1.07 to 1.44) and disease-free survival (HRmales 1.22, 95% c.i. 1.05 to 1.43), which was caused by the adenocarcinoma subgroup, whereas this difference was not confirmed in squamous cell cancer. Male patients presented higher health-related quality of life functional scores but also a higher risk of financial problems, while female patients had lower overall summary scores and more persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: This study reveals uniquely that female sex is associated with more favourable long-term survival after curative treatment for oesophageal cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, although long-term overall and gastrointestinal health-related quality of life are poorer in women

24-hour blood pressure control: its relevance to cardiovascular outcomes and the importance of long-acting antihypertensive drugs

This review article outlines the evidence that 24 h blood pressure (BP) measurements are particularly important predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcome. In turn, there is supportive evidence from a range of studies that 24 h BP control should be an integral part of the antihypertensive drug treatment strategy. Furthermore, since not all once daily antihypertensive agents can provide such 24 h control, there is a requirement for careful drug (and/or dosage) selection. Although the clinic (office) BP continues to be the standard measurement by which hypertension is diagnosed and treatment monitored, there is now clear evidence of the superiority of 24 h BP assessments. Although there are not yet prospective, outcome clinical trails which have relied upon 24 h BP values there is clear evidence that 24 h BP values correlate much more closely than conventional clinic BP values with measurements such as left ventricular hypertrophy, cerebral vascular damage (lacunar infarcts), renal damage (microalbuminuria) and vascular damage (carotid artery intima media thickness). In turn, there is evidence that during drug treatment, when achieved clinic blood pressures appear to be comparable, there is improved outcome in those patients whose 24 h BP values are significantly lower. Not all antihypertensive drugs are equivalent, however, in their abilities to reduce 24 h BP and the clinician needs to be aware of possible shortcomings when considering the choice of drug. In this respect, intrinsically long-acting agents are best equipped to provide sustained and consistent BP control throughout 24 h