CMMSE2017: On two classes of fourth- and seventh-order vectorial methods with stable behavior

[EN] A family of fourth-order iterative methods without memory, for solving nonlinear systems, and its seventh-order extension, are analyzed. By using complex dynamics tools, their stability and reliability are studied by means of the properties of the rational function obtained when they are applied on quadratic polynomials. The stability of their fixed points, in terms of the value of the parameter, its critical points and their associated parameter planes, etc. give us important information about which members of the family have good properties of stability and whether in any of them appear chaos in the iterative process. The conclusions obtained in this dynamical analysis are used in the numerical section, where an academical problem and also the chemical problem of predicting the diffusion and reaction in a porous catalyst pellet are solved.This research was partially supported by Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad MTM2014-52016-C02-2-P and Generalitat Valenciana PROMETEO/2016/089.Cordero Barbero, A.; Guasp, L.; Torregrosa Sánchez, JR. (2018). CMMSE2017: On two classes of fourth- and seventh-order vectorial methods with stable behavior. Journal of Mathematical Chemistry. 56(7):1902-1923. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10910-017-0814-0S19021923567S. Amat, S. Busquier, Advances in Iterative Methods for Nonlinear Equations (Springer, Berlin, 2016)S. Amat, S. Busquier, S. Plaza, Review of some iterative root-finding methods from a dynamical point of view. Sci. Ser. A Math. Sci. 10, 3–35 (2004)S. Amat, S. Busquier, S. Plaza, A construction of attracting periodic orbits for some classical third-order iterative methods. Comput. Appl. Math. 189, 22–33 (2006)I.K. Argyros, Á.A. Magreñn, On the convergence of an optimal fourth-order family of methods and its dynamics. Appl. Math. Comput. 252, 336–346 (2015)D.K.R. Babajee, A. Cordero, J.R. Torregrosa, Study of multipoint iterative methods through the Cayley quadratic test. Comput. Appl. Math. 291, 358–369 (2016). doi: 10.1016/J.CAM.2014.09.020P. Blanchard, The dynamics of Newton’s method. Proc. Symp. Appl. Math. 49, 139–154 (1994)F.I. Chicharro, A. Cordero, J.R. Torregrosa, Drawing dynamical and parameters planes of iterative families and methods. Sci. World J. 2013, Article ID 780153 (2013)C. Chun, M.Y. Lee, B. Neta, J. Džunić, On optimal fourth-order iterative methods free from second derivative and their dynamics. Appl. Math. Comput. 218, 6427–6438 (2012)A. Cordero, E. Gómez, J.R. Torregrosa, Efficient high-order iterative methods for solving nonlinear systems and their application on heat conduction problems. Complexity 2017, Article ID 6457532 (2017)A. Cordero, J.R. Torregrosa, Variants of Newton’s method using fifth-order quadrature formulas. Appl. Math. Comput. 190, 686–698 (2007)R.L. Devaney, An Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, 1989)P.G. Logrado, J.D.M. Vianna, Partitioning technique procedure revisited: formalism and first application to atomic problems. Math. Chem. 22, 107–116 (1997)C.G. Jesudason, I. Numerical nonlinear analysis: differential methods and optimization applied to chemical reaction rate determination. Math. Chem. 49, 1384–1415 (2011)Á.A. Magreñán, Different anomalies in a Jarratt family of iterative root-finding methods. Appl. Math. Comput. 233, 29–38 (2014)M. Mahalakshmi, G. Hariharan, K. Kannan, The wavelet methods to linear and nonlinear reaction-diffusion model arising in mathematical chemistry. Math. Chem. 51(9), 2361–2385 (2013)K. Maleknejad, M. Alizadeh, An efficient numerical scheme for solving Hammerstein integral equation arisen in chemical phenomenon. Proc. Comput. Sci. 3, 361–364 (2011)B. Neta, C. Chun, M. Scott, Basins of attraction for optimal eighth-order methods to find simple roots of nonlinear equations. Appl. Math. Comput. 227, 567–592 (2014)M.S. Petković, B. Neta, L.D. Petković, J. Džunić, Multipoint Methods for Solving Nonlinear Equations (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2013)R.C. Rach, J.S. Duan, A.M. Wazwaz, Solving coupled Lane–Emden boundary value problems in catalytic diffusion reactions by the Adomian decomposition method. Math. Chem. 52(1), 255–267 (2014)R. Singh, G. Nelakanti, J. Kumar, A new effcient technique for solving two-point boundary value problems for integro-differential equations. Math. Chem. 52, 2030–2051 (2014

Recruitment of men to a multi-centre diabetes prevention trial: an evaluation of traditional and online promotional strategies

Background: Effective interventions are required to prevent the current rapid increase in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials of large-scale interventions to prevent Type 2 diabetes are essential but recruitment is challenging and expensive, and there are limited data regarding the most cost-effective and efficient approaches to recruitment. This paper aims to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of a range of promotional strategies used to recruit men to a large Type 2 diabetes prevention trial. Methods: An observational study was conducted nested within the Testosterone for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes (T4DM) study, a large, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of testosterone treatment for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes in men aged 50–74 years at high risk of developing diabetes. Study participation was promoted via mainstream media—television, newspaper and radio; direct marketing using mass mail-outs, publicly displayed posters and attendance at local events; digital platforms, including Facebook and Google; and online promotions by community organisations and businesses. For each strategy, the resulting number of participants and the direct cost involved were recorded. The staff effort required for each strategy was estimated based on feedback from staff. Results: Of 19,022 men screened for the study, 1007 (5%) were enrolled. The most effective recruitment strategies were targeted radio advertising (accounting for 42% of participants), television news coverage (20%) and mass mail-outs (17%). Other strategies, including radio news, publicly displayed posters, attendance at local events, newspaper advertising, online promotions and Google and Facebook advertising, each accounted for no more than 4% of enrolled participants. Recruitment promotions cost an average of AU$594 per randomised participant. The most cost-effective paid strategy was mass mail-outs by a government health agency (AU$745 per participant). Other paid strategies were more expensive: mail-out by general practitioners (GPs) (AU$1104 per participant), radio advertising (AU$1081) and newspaper advertising (AU$1941). Conclusion: Radio advertising, television news coverage and mass mail-outs by a government health agency were the most effective recruitment strategies. Close monitoring of recruitment outcomes and ongoing enhancement of recruitment activities played a central role in recruitment to this RCT.Karen Bracken, Wendy Hague, Anthony Keech, Ann Conway, David J. Handelsman, Mathis Grossmann, David Jesudason, Bronwyn Stuckey, Bu B. Yeap, Warrick Inder, Carolyn Allan, Robert McLachlan, Kristy P. Robledo and Gary Witter

Evaluating the effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike mutation D614G on transmissibility and pathogenicity

SummaryGlobal dispersal and increasing frequency of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein variant D614G are suggestive of a selective advantage but may also be due to a random founder effect. We investigate the hypothesis for positive selection of Spike D614G in the United Kingdom using more than 25,000 whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Despite the availability of a large data set, well represented by both Spike 614 variants, not all approaches showed a conclusive signal of positive selection. Population genetic analysis indicates that 614G increases in frequency relative to 614D in a manner consistent with a selective advantage. We do not find any indication that patients infected with the Spike 614G variant have higher COVID-19 mortality or clinical severity, but 614G is associated with higher viral load and younger age of patients. Significant differences in growth and size of 614G phylogenetic clusters indicate a need for continued study of this variant.</jats:p

Evaluating the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutation D614G on Transmissibility and Pathogenicity.

Global dispersal and increasing frequency of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variant D614G are suggestive of a selective advantage but may also be due to a random founder effect. We investigate the hypothesis for positive selection of spike D614G in the United Kingdom using more than 25,000 whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Despite the availability of a large dataset, well represented by both spike 614 variants, not all approaches showed a conclusive signal of positive selection. Population genetic analysis indicates that 614G increases in frequency relative to 614D in a manner consistent with a selective advantage. We do not find any indication that patients infected with the spike 614G variant have higher COVID-19 mortality or clinical severity, but 614G is associated with higher viral load and younger age of patients. Significant differences in growth and size of 614G phylogenetic clusters indicate a need for continued study of this variant

Genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in renal dialysis units - a high risk community-hospital interface

OBJECTIVES: Patients requiring haemodialysis are at increased risk of serious illness with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To improve the understanding of transmission risks in six Scottish renal dialysis units, we utilised the rapid whole-genome sequencing data generated by the COG-UK consortium. METHODS: We combined geographical, temporal and genomic sequence data from the community and hospital to estimate the probability of infection originating from within the dialysis unit, the hospital or the community using Bayesian statistical modelling and compared these results to the details of epidemiological investigations. RESULTS: Of 671 patients, 60 (8.9%) became infected with SARS-CoV-2, of whom 16 (27%) died. Within-unit and community transmission were both evident and an instance of transmission from the wider hospital setting was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Near-real-time SARS-CoV-2 sequencing data can facilitate tailored infection prevention and control measures, which can be targeted at reducing risk in these settings

Nutraceutical agents with anti-inflammatory properties prevent dietary saturated-fat induced disturbances in blood-brain barrier function in wild-type mice

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that disturbances in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may be pivotal to the pathogenesis and pathology of vascular-based neurodegenerative disorders. Studies suggest that heightened systemic and central inflammations are associated with BBB dysfunction. This study investigated the effect of the anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals garlic extract-aged (GEA), alpha lipoic acid (ALA), niacin, and nicotinamide (NA) in a murine dietary-induced model of BBB dysfunction. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFA, 40% fat of total energy) for nine months to induce systemic inflammation and BBB disturbances. Nutraceutical treatment groups included the provision of either GEA, ALA, niacin or NA in the positive control SFA-group and in low-fat fed controls. Brain parenchymal extravasation of plasma derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) and large macromolecules (apolipoprotein (apo) B lipoproteins) measured by quantitative immunofluorescent microscopy, were used as markers of disturbed BBB integrity. Parenchymal glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were considered in the context of surrogate markers of neurovascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Total anti-oxidant status and glutathione reductase activity were determined in plasma.Results: Brain parenchymal abundance of IgG and apoB lipoproteins was markedly exaggerated in mice maintained on the SFA diet concomitant with significantly increased GFAP and COX-2, and reduced systemic antioxidative status. The nutraceutical GEA, ALA, niacin, and NA completely prevented the SFA-induced disturbances of BBB and normalized the measures of neurovascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory nutraceutical agents GEA, ALA, niacin, or NA are potent inhibitors of dietary fat-induced disturbances of BBB induced by systemic inflammations

A Switch in the Control of Growth of the Wing Imaginal Disks of Manduca sexta

Background: Insulin and ecdysone are the key extrinsic regulators of growth for the wing imaginal disks of insects. In vitro tissue culture studies have shown that these two growth regulators act synergistically: either factor alone stimulates only limited growth, but together they stimulate disks to grow at a rate identical to that observed in situ. It is generally thought that insulin signaling links growth to nutrition, and that starvation stops growth because it inhibits insulin secretion. At the end of larval life feeding stops but the disks continue to grow, so at that time disk growth has become uncoupled from nutrition. We sought to determine at exactly what point in development this uncoupling occurs. Methodology: Growth and cell proliferation in the wing imaginal disks and hemolymph carbohydrate concentrations were measured at various stages in the last larval instar under experimental conditions of starvation, ligation, rescue, and hormone treatment. Principal Findings: Here we show that in the last larval instar of M. sexta, the uncoupling of nutrition and growth occurs as the larva passes the critical weight. Before this time, starvation causes a decline in hemolymph glucose and trehalose and a cessation of wing imaginal disks growth, which can be rescued by injections of trehalose. After the critical weight the trehalose response to starvation disappears, and the expression of insulin becomes decoupled from nutrition. After the critical weight the wing disks loose their sensitivity to repression by juvenile hormone, and factors from the abdomen, bu

NAV-KIDS(2) trial: protocol for a multi-centre, staggered randomised controlled trial of a patient navigator intervention in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating illness associated with increased mortality, reduced quality of life, impaired growth, neurocognitive impairment and psychosocial maladjustment in children. There is growing evidence of socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes among children with CKD. Patient navigators are trained non-medical personnel who assist patients with chronic conditions journey through the continuum of care and transit across different care settings. They help vulnerable and underserved populations to better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and available resources, guide them through complex medical systems, and help them to overcome barriers to health care access. Given the complexity and chronicity of the disease process and concerns that current models of care may not adequately support the provision of high-level care in children with CKD from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, a patient navigator program may improve the provision of care and overall health of children with CKD. METHODS:The NAV-KIDS2 trial is a multi-centre, staggered entry, waitlisted randomised controlled trial assessing the health benefits and costs of a patient navigator program in children with CKD (stages 3-5, on dialysis, and with kidney transplants), who are of low socioeconomic backgrounds. Across 5 sites, 210 patients aged from 3 to 17 years will be randomised to immediate receipt of a patient navigator intervention for 24 weeks or waitlisting with standard care until receipt of a patient navigator at 24 weeks. The primary outcome is child self-rated health (SRH) 6-months after completion of the intervention. Other outcomes include utility-based quality of life, caregiver SRH, satisfaction with healthcare, progression of kidney dysfunction, other biomarkers, missed school days, hospitalisations and mortality. The trial also includes an economic evaluation and process evaluation, which will assess the cost-effectiveness, fidelity and barriers and enablers of implementing a patient navigator program in this setting. DISCUSSION:This study will provide clear evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a new intervention aiming to improve overall health and well-being for children with CKD from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, through a high quality, well-powered clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Prospectively registered (12/07/2018) on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12618001152213 ).Anita van Zwieten, Patrina Caldwell, Kirsten Howard, Allison Tong, Jonathan C. Craig ... Shilpa Jesudason ... et al

Interferon-γ and Proliferation Responses to Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi Proteins in Patients with S. Typhi Bacteremia in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi infection is a significant global public health problem and the cause of typhoid fever. Salmonella are intracellular pathogens, and cellular immune responses are required to control and clear Salmonella infections. Despite this, there are limited data on cellular immune responses during wild type S. Typhi infection in humans. Here we report the assessment of cellular immune responses in humans with S. Typhi bacteremia through a screening approach that permitted us to evaluate interferon-γ and proliferation responses to a number of S. Typhi antigens. We detected significant interferon-γ CD4 and CD8 responses, as well as proliferative responses, to a number of recombinantly purified S. Typhi proteins as well as membrane preparation in infected patients. Antigen-specific interferon-γ responses were present at the time of clinical presentation in patients and absent in healthy controls. These observations could assist in the development of interferon-γ-based diagnostic assays for typhoid fever

Internalisation Theory and outward direct investment by emerging market multinationals

The rise of multinational enterprises from emerging countries (EMNEs) poses an important test for theories of the multinational enterprise such as internalisation theory. It has been contended that new phenomena need new theory. This paper proposes that internalisation theory is appropriate to analyse EMNEs. This paper examines four approaches to EMNEs—international investment strategies, domestic market imperfections, international corporate networks and domestic institutions—and three case studies—Chinese outward FDI, Indian foreign acquisitions and investment in tax havens—to show the enduring relevance and predictive power of internalisation theory. This analysis encompasses many other approaches as special cases of internalisation theory. The use of internalisation theory to analyse EMNEs is to be commended, not only because of its theoretical inclusivity, but also because it has the ability to connect and to explain seemingly desperate phenomena