C1− Continuous crack propagation for mixed-mode fracture problems

In this work a C1− continuous crack propagation algorithm is proposed to improve the numerical simulation of localized deformation patterns, using higher order elements. The algorithm is applied for a standard smeared crack model and is validated by a mixed-mode fracture problem. From the results a reduction of mesh-induced directional bias is observed

Influence of nutrition on feline calcium oxalate urolithiasis with emphasis on endogenous oxalate synthesis

The prevalence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths detected in cats with lower urinary tract disease has shown a sharp increase over the last decades with a concomitant reciprocal decrease in the occurrence of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) uroliths. CaOx stone-preventative diets are available nowadays, but seem to be marginally effective, as CaOx urolith recurrence occurs in patients fed these diets. In order to improve the preventative measures against CaOx urolithiasis, it is important to understand its aetiopathogenesis. The main research focus in CaOx formation in cats has been on the role of Ca, whereas little research effort has been directed towards the role and origin of urinary oxalates. As in man, the exogenous origin of urinary oxalates in cats is thought to be of minor importance, although the precise contribution of dietary oxalates remains unclear. The generally accepted dietary risk factors for CaOx urolithiasis in cats are discussed and a model for the biosynthetic pathways of oxalate in feline liver is provided. Alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 1 (AGT1) in endogenous oxalate metabolism is a liver-specific enzyme targeted in the mitochondria in cats, and allows for efficient conversion of glyoxylate to glycine when fed a carnivorous diet. The low peroxisomal activity of AGT1 in cat liver is compatible with the view that felids utilised a low-carbohydrate diet throughout evolution. Future research should focus on understanding de novo biosynthesis of oxalate in cats and their adaptation(s) in oxalate metabolism, and on dietary oxalate intake and absorption by cats

Cellijnen en Salmonella

In human gastrointestinal disease caused by Salmonella, transepithelial migration of neutrophils follows the attachment of bacteria to epithelial tissue. This migration of neutrophils is stimulated by the release of chemokines, including interleukin-8 (Il -8), from the epithelial cells. We have developed an in vitro model system (human epithelial monolayers, among which Caco-2 cells grown on microtiter multiwell plates) for studying host-pathogen interactions. After infection with different pathogens we measured Il-8 production during time. Results showed that Il-8 release was time related and varied with the pathogen. Salmonella enteritidis (Se) did induce the highest response. Subsequently, three doses of this Se strain were used and the Il-8 response was measured at different time points. Caco-2 cells remained intact over a period of 24h, the production of Il-8 increased in time and was found to be Se dose-dependent. Other tested epithelial monolayers, such as HT29 colon cancer cells, gave similar results.Infectie met Salmonella kan gepaard gaan met de invasie van darmepitheelcellen. De aan de invasie voorafgaande aanhechting leidt reeds tot de transmigratie van witte bloedcellen (neutrofielen) vanuit de bloedbaan naar het epitheelweefsel. De migratie wordt gestimuleerd door de productie van chemokines, waaronder interleukine-8 (Il-8) door epitheelcellen. Wij hebben een in vitro model systeem ontwikkeld (humaan epitheelweefsel gekweekt in microtiterplaten) waarin gastheer - pathogeen interacties kunnen worden bestudeerd. Epitheelcellen zijn gedurende een uur blootgesteld aan verschillende pathogene micro-organismen, waarna de Il-8 response is gemeten. Als controle zijn meegenomen een Escherichia coli stam zonder LPS en een probiotische Lactobacillus. De resultaten laten zien dat de IL-8 productie per pathogeen varieert, waarbij Salmonella enteritidis de hoogste respons geeft. In vervolgexperimenten zijn drie concentraties S. enteritidis gebruikt, waarna de respons gedurende 24 uur is gemeten. De gebruikte cellijn bleek na 24 uur nog intact, de Il-8 productie correleerde met de doses, en nam toe in de tijd. Hieruit kan geconcludeerd worden dat het door ons ontwikkelde model gebruikt kan worden voor het bestuderen van factoren die van invloed zijn op dosis-respons relaties. De respons betreft dan prikkeling van het immuunsysteem ten gevolge van adhesie en invasie van darmepitheelcellen door salmonellae. Tenslotte wordt een benaderingwijze voorgesteld om resultaten van in vitro dosis-respons experimenten te vertalen naar de mens

State space c-reductions for concurrent systems in rewriting logic

We present c-reductions, a state space reduction technique. The rough idea is to exploit some equivalence relation on states (possibly capturing system regularities) that preserves behavioral properties, and explore the induced quotient system. This is done by means of a canonizer function, which maps each state into a (non necessarily unique) canonical representative of its equivalence class. The approach exploits the expressiveness of rewriting logic and its realization in Maude to enjoy several advantages over similar approaches: exibility and simplicity in the definition of the reductions (supporting not only traditional symmetry reductions, but also name reuse and name abstraction); reasoning support for checking and proving correctness of the reductions; and automatization of the reduction infrastructure via Maude's meta-programming features. The approach has been validated over a set of representative case studies, exhibiting comparable results with respect to other tools

Group sexual offending by juvenile females

This study examined all group sexual offending cases in the Netherlands between 1995 and 2009 (n = 26) in which at least one juvenile female offender (n = 35) had been adjudicated. Information from court files showed that the majority of juvenile female group sexual offenders have (inter)personal problems and (sexual) abuse experiences. The aims of the offender groups in committing the offense could be categorized in three themes: harassing the victim, sexual gratification, and taking revenge. The reasons why juvenile female offenders participated in a group could be categorized into group dynamics versus instrumental reasons. The findings are contrasted with findings on juvenile male group sexual offenders. Implications of the findings for research and treatment are discussed

Projected free energies for polydisperse phase equilibria

A `polydisperse' system has an infinite number of conserved densities. We give a rational procedure for projecting its infinite-dimensional free energy surface onto a subspace comprising a finite number of linear combinations of densities (`moments'), in which the phase behavior is then found as usual. If the excess free energy of the system depends only on the moments used, exact cloud, shadow and spinodal curves result; two- and multi-phase regions are approximate, but refinable indefinitely by adding extra moments. The approach is computationally robust and gives new geometrical insights into the thermodynamics of polydispersity.Comment: 4 pages, REVTeX, uses multicol.sty and epsf.sty, 1 postscript figure include

Tonometry to assess the adequacy of splanchnic oxygenation in the critically ill patient

Tonometry, a relatively non-invasive technique for indirectly measuring the intramucosal pH (pHi) of the gastrointestinal tract, has recently been developed for use in critically ill patients. Reports in the literature suggest that the technique is of greatest benefit to patients at risk of developing reductions in splanchnic oxygenation (decreased O2 delivery) in whom early detection of the ischemic episode could possibly guide treatment. Tonometry, although still at a relatively early stage in its clinical development, could be of value for selected patient groups although further evaluation of the technique is necessary

Literatuurscan oorzaken geweld tegen kinderen en jongeren in afhankelijkheidsrelaties

Naar aanleiding van het rapport van de Commissie Seksueel misbruik van minderjarigen in de Rooms-Katholieke Kerk (Commissie Deetman), heeft de Minster van Veiligheid en Justitie, mede namens de Staatssecretaris van VWS, een onderzoek naar dieperliggende oorzaken van seksueel geweld en andere vormen van geweld in afhankelijkheidsrelaties toegezegd aan de Tweede Kamer. Dit onderzoek heeft betrekking op de eerste fase van het onderzoek. Het betreft een literatuurscan die de stand van de wetenschappelijke kennis op hoofdlijnen in kaart moet brengen met betrekking tot de etiologie van seksueel geweld en fysiek geweld tegen kinderen en jongeren, binnen afhankelijkheidsrelaties. De volgende deelvragen staan daarbij centraal: - Wat is de stand van de kennis over de etiologie van fysieke kindermishandeling en seksueel misbruik? - Waar liggen grofweg de mogelijkheden om te interveniëren? - Op welke thema's zou nader, al dan niet empirisch, onderzoek in Nederland wenselijk zijn en hoe zou dat er idealiter uitzien