Uniqueness of roots up to conjugacy for some affine and finite type Artin groups

Let $G$ be one of the Artin groups of finite type ${\mathbf B}_n={\mathbf C}_n$, and affine type $\tilde{\mathbf A}_{n-1}$ and $\tilde{\mathbf C}_{n-1}$. In this paper, we show that if $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are elements of $G$ such that $\alpha^k=\beta^k$ for some nonzero integer $k$, then $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are conjugate in $G$. For the Artin group of type $\mathbf A_n$, this was recently proved by J. Gonz\'alez-Meneses. In fact, we prove a stronger theorem, from which the above result follows easily by using descriptions of those Artin groups as subgroups of the braid group on $n+1$ strands. Let $P$ be a subset of $\{1,...,n\}$. An $n$-braid is said to be \emph{$P$-pure} if its induced permutation fixes each $i\in P$, and \emph{$P$-straight} if it is $P$-pure and it becomes trivial when we delete all the $i$-th strands for $i\not\in P$. Exploiting the Nielsen-Thurston classification of braids, we show that if $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are $P$-pure $n$-braids such that $\alpha^k=\beta^k$ for some nonzero integer $k$, then there exists a $P$-straight $n$-braid $\gamma$ with $\beta=\gamma\alpha\gamma^{-1}$. Moreover, if $1\in P$, the conjugating element $\gamma$ can be chosen to have the first strand algebraically unlinked with the other strands. Especially in case of $P=\{1,...,n\}$, our result implies the uniqueness of root of pure braids, which was known by V. G. Bardakov and by D. Kim and D. Rolfsen.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures; version published by Math.

Feasibility of Vermicomposting of Spent Coffee Grounds and Silverskin from Coffee Industries: A Laboratory Study

In the coffee industry, several by-products are generated during the production and consumption of coffee and represent an important waste from an environmental viewpoint. For improving the knowledge about this issue, a laboratory vermicomposting study of coffee silverskin (CS) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) spiked with mature horse manure (HM) in different proportions and using earthworm Eisenia andrei was carried out. The 60-day study focused on biological parameters such as total biomass gain, growth rate, cocoon production, and mortality. This study also investigated whether the vermicompost obtained could be useful and lacked toxicity through a seed germination test using hybrid wheat seeds. Results showed a disparity depending on the type of residue and the mixture used. Best options were those treatments with a medium–low amount of residue; 25% for SCG and 25% or 50% for CS. In addition, lack of toxicity was confirmed in all treatments. In conclusion, it is possible to carry out a vermicomposting of SCG and CS with some specific features.This research was funded by Government of Navarre and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant number VERMICOMPOSTAJE 4.0—VERMIOT (0011-1365-2019-000110), research project. The APC was funded by Fundación Euskoiker

The braid groups of the projective plane and the Fadell-Neuwirth short exact sequence

International audienceWe study the pure braid groups $P_n(RP^2)$ of the real projective plane $RP^2$, and in particular the possible splitting of the Fadell-Neuwirth short exact sequence $1 \to P_m(RP^2 \ {x_1,...,x_n} \to P_{n+m}(RP^2) \stackrel{p_{\ast}}{\to} P_n(RP^2) \to 1$, where $n\geq 2$ and $m\geq 1$, and $p_{\ast}$ is the homomorphism which corresponds geometrically to forgetting the last $m$ strings. This problem is equivalent to that of the existence of a section for the associated fibration $p: F_{n+m}(RP^2) \to F_n(RP^2)$ of configuration spaces. Van Buskirk proved in 1966 that $p$ and $p_{\ast}$ admit a section if $n=2$ and $m=1$. Our main result in this paper is to prove that there is no section if $n\geq 3$. As a corollary, it follows that $n=2$ and $m=1$ are the only values for which a section exists. As part of the proof, we derive a presentation of $P_n(RP^2)$: this appears to be the first time that such a presentation has been given in the literature

The insulin-like growth factor system is modulated by exercise in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abbreviations: CI, Confidence interval; ELISA, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IGF, Insulin-like growth factors; IGFBP, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein; MD, Mean difference; PEDro, Physiotherapy evidence database; RCT, Randomized controlled trials; SD, Standard deviation.Background: Insulin-like growth factors (IGF´s) play a crucial role in controlling cancer cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Exercise has been postulated as an effective intervention in improving cancerrelated outcomes and survival, although its effects on IGF´s are not well understood. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of exercise in modulating IGF´s system in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Databases of PuMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials. gov, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and Scopus were systematically searched up to November 2014. Effect estimates were calculated through a random-effects model of meta-analysis according to the DerSimonian and Laird method. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 test. Risk of bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the PEDro score. Results: Five randomized controlled trials (n = 235) were included. Most women were post-menopausal. Highquality and low risk of bias were found (mean PEDro score = 6.2 ± 1). Exercise resulted in significant improvements on IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-I, IGFBP-3, Insulin and Insulin resistance (P < 0.05). Non-significant differences were found for Glucose. Aerobic exercise improved IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and Insulin. No evidence of publication bias was detected by Egger´s test (p = 0.12). Conclusions: Exercise improved IGF´s in breast cancer survivors. These findings provide novel insight regarding the molecular effects of exercise on tumoral microenvironment, apoptosis and survival in breast cancer survivors

Characteristics and Outcome of Acute Heart Failure in Infective Endocarditis: Focus on Cardiogenic Shock

Spanish Collaboration on Endocarditis—Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis Infecciosa en España (GAMES).[Background] Studies investigating the impact of cardiogenic shock (CS) on endocarditis are lacking.[Methods] Prospectively collected cohort from 35 Spanish centers (2008-2018). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for developing CS and predictors of mortality.[Results] Among 4856 endocarditis patients, 1652 (34%) had acute heart failure (AHF) and 244 (5%) CS. Compared with patients without AHF and AHF but no CS, patients with CS presented higher rates of surgery (40.5%, 52.5%, and 68%; P < .001) and in-hospital mortality (16.3%, 39.1%, and 52.5%). Compared with patients with septic shock, CS patients presented higher rates of surgery (42.5% vs 68%; P < .001) and lower rates of in-hospital and 1-year mortality (62.3% vs 52.5%, P = .008, and 65.3% vs 57.4%, P = .030). Severe aortic and mitral regurgitation (OR [95% CI], 2.47 [1.82-3.35] and 3.03 [2.26-4.07]; both P < .001), left-ventricle ejection fraction <60% (1.72; 1.22-2.40; P = .002), heart block (2.22; 1.41-3.47; P = .001), tachyarrhythmias (5.07; 3.13-8.19; P < .001), and acute kidney failure (2.29; 1.73-3.03; P < .001) were associated with higher likelihood of developing CS. Prosthetic endocarditis (2.03; 1.06 -3.88; P = .032), Staphylococcus aureus (3.10; 1.16 -8.30; P = .024), tachyarrhythmias (3.09; 1.50-10.13; P = .005), and not performing cardiac surgery (11.40; 4.83-26.90; P < .001) were associated with a higher risk of mortality.[Conclusions] AHF is common among patients with endocarditis. CS is associated with high mortality and should be promptly identified and assessed for cardiac surgery.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo of Spain (grant number FIS NCT00871104; Instituto de Salud Carlos III). Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) provided J. M. M. with a persobal IDIBAPS 80:20 research grant during 2017–2021. M. H. M. held a Rio Hortega Research Grant (CM17/00062) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Madrid (Spain) in 2018–2020.Peer reviewe

Novel association of severe neonatal encephalopathy and Hirschsprung disease in a male with a duplication at the Xq28 region

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a neurocristopathy characterized by the absence of parasympathetic intrinsic ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses along a variable portion of the intestinal tract. In approximately 18% of the cases HSCR also presents with multiple congenital anomalies including recognized syndromes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A combination of MLPA and microarray data analysis have been undertaken to refine a duplication at the Xq28 region.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study we present a new clinical association of severe neonatal encephalopathy (Lubs syndrome) and HSCR, in a male patient carrying a duplication at the Xq28 region which encompasses the <it>MECP2 </it>and <it>L1CAM </it>genes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>While the encephalopathy has been traditionally attributed to the <it>MECP2 </it>gene duplication in patients with Lubs syndrome, here we propose that the enteric phenotype in our patient might be due to the dosage variation of the L1CAM protein, together with additional molecular events not identified yet. This would be in agreement with the hypothesis previously forwarded that mutations in <it>L1CAM </it>may be involved in HSCR development in association with a predisposing genetic background.</p

The Fourteenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: First Spectroscopic Data from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey and from the second phase of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment

The fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) has been in operation since July 2014. This paper describes the second data release from this phase, and the fourteenth from SDSS overall (making this, Data Release Fourteen or DR14). This release makes public data taken by SDSS-IV in its first two years of operation (July 2014-2016). Like all previous SDSS releases, DR14 is cumulative, including the most recent reductions and calibrations of all data taken by SDSS since the first phase began operations in 2000. New in DR14 is the first public release of data from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS); the first data from the second phase of the Apache Point Observatory (APO) Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE-2), including stellar parameter estimates from an innovative data driven machine learning algorithm known as "The Cannon"; and almost twice as many data cubes from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey as were in the previous release (N = 2812 in total). This paper describes the location and format of the publicly available data from SDSS-IV surveys. We provide references to the important technical papers describing how these data have been taken (both targeting and observation details) and processed for scientific use. The SDSS website (www.sdss.org) has been updated for this release, and provides links to data downloads, as well as tutorials and examples of data use. SDSS-IV is planning to continue to collect astronomical data until 2020, and will be followed by SDSS-V.Comment: SDSS-IV collaboration alphabetical author data release paper. DR14 happened on 31st July 2017. 19 pages, 5 figures. Accepted by ApJS on 28th Nov 2017 (this is the "post-print" and "post-proofs" version; minor corrections only from v1, and most of errors found in proofs corrected