Equilibrium states for potentials with \sup\phi - \inf\phi < \htop(f)

In the context of smooth interval maps, we study an inducing scheme approach to prove existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states for potentials $\phi$ with he `bounded range' condition \sup \phi - \inf \phi < \htop, first used by Hofbauer and Keller. We compare our results to Hofbauer and Keller's use of Perron-Frobenius operators. We demonstrate that this `bounded range' condition on the potential is important even if the potential is H\"older continuous. We also prove analyticity of the pressure in this context.Comment: Added Lemma 6 to deal with the disparity between leading eigenvalues and operator norms. Added extra references and corrected some typo

Dual tasking under compromised visual and somatosensory input in elderly fallers and non-fallers

Background: Performance of additional tasks disturbs postural control in elderly. It is unknown, however, how postural control is affected in elderly fallers and non-fallers in a reduced sensory situation. Objective: To compare differences between single and dual tasking in three test conditions; (1) no-vision, (2) under reduced somatosensory information and (3) with a combination of both conditions. Design: An observational cohort study with participants assigned to a 12-month pretest fall assessment and a postural balance assessment. Methods: Fifteen independently living elderly participated (77.5 ± 7.0 [63-87] years). Falls were pre-assessed with a 1- year monthy “fall calendar”. Postural control was analyzed by means of a force platform. Participants were standing quiet (first task) while counting backwards (second task). A 2-factor (group x condition) ANOVA was performed at p<.05. Differences of postural (DTCp) and cognitive dual task costs (DTCc) between test conditions were analyzed (one-way ANOVA). Results: The analysis showed significant group (fallers/non-fallers) and condition effects. Post hoc analyses indicated that the postural control variables were significantly different during the concurrent reduced vision and somatosensory information. Dual task costs showed a significant difference between normal (N) and the combined condition (NV+RP) in non-fallers. Conclusion: The combination of reduced visual and somatosensory information causes a larger disturbance of postural stability compared with the reduction of visual or somatosensory information alone. Non-fallers seem to have no threats to the postural control stability in this combined reduced sensory situation. They reduce their postural control, which leaves them enough resources to compensate for the reduced sensory information

Evidence for local inflammation in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) is still a matter of debate. Peripheral afferent, efferent and central mechanisms are supposed. Based on clinical signs and symptoms (e.g. oedema, local temperature changes and chronic pain) local inflammation is suspected. AIM: To determine the involvement of neuropetides, cytokines and eicosanoids as locally formed mediators of inflammation. METHODS: In this study, nine patients with proven CRPS 1 were included. Disease activity and impairment was determined by means of a Visual Analogue Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the difference in volume and temperature between involved and uninvolved extremities, and the reduction in active range of motion of the involved extremity. Venous blood was sampled from and suction blisters made on the involved and uninvolved extremities for measurement of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, II-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), the neuropetides NPY and CRGP, and prostaglandin E2RESULTS: The patients included in this study did have a moderate to serious disease activity and impairment. In plasma, no changes of mediators of inflammation were observed. In blister fluid, however, significantly higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the involved extremity were observed in comparison with the uninvolved extremity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that involvement of mediators of inflammation in CRPS 1 has been so clearly and directly demonstrated. This observation opens new approaches for the succesful use and development of immunosuppressives in CRPS 1

CRISPR-Cas system:A new paradigm for bacterial stress response through genome rearrangement

Bacteria can receive genetic material from other bacteria or invading bacteriophages primarily through horizontal gene transfer. These genetic exchanges can result in genome rearrangement and the acquisition of novel traits that assist cells with stresses and adverse environmental conditions. Bacteria have a relatively small genome with >90% of sequences consisting of protein coding genes, stable RNA biomolecules, and gene regulatory sequences. The remaining genome fraction is primarily large repeat elements, such as retrotransposons, interspersed repeat elements, insertion sequences, and the more recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), with CRISPR-associated gene sequences (cas) that code for various Cas proteins. The CRISPR genetic locus is a series of direct repeats that are interspersed by unique spacer sequences. These unique spacer sequences represent signatures of bacteriophage genomes as the "working memory" for a bacterium to identify and destroy an invading phage genome that has previously infected the host. The protective function of the CRISPR-Cas systems are found in ∼40% of sequenced bacterial genomes, and it is often defined as bacterial acquired immunity. This chapter will elaborate the origin, structure, and function of CRISPR-Cas genetic systems acquired by bacteria, and their role in adaptive fitness while being subjected to environmental stress conditions

Preoperative dietary intake of low-dose sulforaphane induces no clinically significant effect in living donor kidney transplantation

Introduction: Sulforaphane (SFN) has anti-inflammatory properties, and is found in broccoli sprouts. Studies suggest that it protects against disease due to its anti-inflammatory activity. The impact of SFN on healthy people undergoing a surgical procedure has not been investigated. Objective: To explore the effect of SFN in living kidney donors on the postoperative inflammatory response and recovery. Methods: We performed a double-blind randomised controlled trial where donors followed a SFN-enriched (8 mg) preoperative diet. Results:A total of 42 donors were included, there were no significant differences at baseline. Postoperative inflammatory response was consistent among both arms and subjective recovery showed no significant difference. Findings regarding postoperative kidney function suggest no consistently significant impact. Discussion: A well-defined SFN-enriched diet did not have anti-inflammatory or a clinically relevant effect on the outcome. Due to the complexity of dietary modification of the inflammatory response, additional research is needed.</p

Preoperative dietary intake of low-dose sulforaphane induces no clinically significant effect in living donor kidney transplantation

Introduction: Sulforaphane (SFN) has anti-inflammatory properties, and is found in broccoli sprouts. Studies suggest that it protects against disease due to its anti-inflammatory activity. The impact of SFN on healthy people undergoing a surgical procedure has not been investigated. Objective: To explore the effect of SFN in living kidney donors on the postoperative inflammatory response and recovery. Methods: We performed a double-blind randomised controlled trial where donors followed a SFN-enriched (8 mg) preoperative diet. Results:A total of 42 donors were included, there were no significant differences at baseline. Postoperative inflammatory response was consistent among both arms and subjective recovery showed no significant difference. Findings regarding postoperative kidney function suggest no consistently significant impact. Discussion: A well-defined SFN-enriched diet did not have anti-inflammatory or a clinically relevant effect on the outcome. Due to the complexity of dietary modification of the inflammatory response, additional research is needed.</p

Versatile Coordination of Cyclopentadienyl-Arene Ligands and Its Role in Titanium-Catalyzed Ethylene Trimerization

Cationic titanium(IV) complexes with ansa-(η5-cyclopentadienyl,η6-arene) ligands were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The strength of the metal-arene interaction in these systems was studied by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy. Complexes with a C1 bridge between the cyclopentadienyl and arene moieties feature hemilabile coordination behavior of the ligand and consequently are active ethylene trimerization catalysts. Reaction of the titanium(IV) dimethyl cations with CO results in conversion to the analogous cationic titanium(II) dicarbonyl species. Metal-to-ligand backdonation in these formally low-valent complexes gives rise to a strongly bonded, partially reduced arene moiety. In contrast to the η6-arene coordination mode observed for titanium, the more electron-rich vanadium(V) cations [cyclopentadienyl-arene]V(NiPr2)(NC6H4-4-Me)+ feature η1-arene binding, as determined by a crystallographic study. The three different metal-arene coordination modes that we experimentally observed model intermediates in the cycle for titanium-catalyzed ethylene trimerization. The nature of the metal-arene interaction in these systems was studied by DFT calculations.

Do I-Pass for FAIR?:A self-assessment tool to measure the FAIR-ness of an organization

The 15 FAIR data principles are intended to be applied to a dataset, but the acronym FAIR is also used as an adjective for other (digital) matters, such as FAIR data stewardship, FAIR data infrastructure and FAIR data services. Moreover, in the context of Open Science and scientific integrity, more and more Dutch universities and research organizations discuss a FAIR organization as an important goal, thus implementing RDM practices and support with the FAIR principles as a main driver. Triggered by this use of the acronym FAIR for organizations, an LCRDM (National Coordination Point Research Data Management) task group explored the definition, characteristics and principles of a so-called ‘FAIR enabling organization’. The task group delivered two products: (1) a definition for a FAIR enabling organization and (2) a self-assessment tool to evaluate the FAIR-ness of a research organization (research institute, university or university of applied sciences). This self-assessment tool is a simple instrument, presented in an editable PDF form. By answering the questions and evaluating the level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) at which you assess the performance of your organization, you will be able to define the actual FAIR-ness. In addition you can define a Road Map to become a FAIR Enabling Research Organization using the information in de more advances level(s)

Гарантоздатність як фундаментальний узагальнюючий та інтегруючий підхід

Представлені головні принципи та умови становлення і етапи розвитку фундаментальної теорії і практики узагальнюючих та інтегруючих концепцій гарантоздатності, починаючи з першої об’єднаної конференції двох наукових шкіл Дж. фон Неймана і Н. Вінера. Приведені основні положення розвитку теоретичних засад і результатів прикладних досліджень інтеграційних процесів безвідмовності (надійності), відмовостійкості та гарантоздатності інформаційно-управляючих комп’ютерних систем (ІУКС).Представлены главные принципы, условия становления и этапы развития фундаментальной теории и практики обобщающих и интегрирующих концепций гарантоспособности, начиная с первой объединённой конференции двух научных школ Дж. фон Неймана и Н. Винера. Приведены основные положения развития теоретических основ и результатов прикладных исследований интеграционных процессов безотказности (надёжности), отказоустойчивости и гарантоспособности информационно-управляющих компьютерных систем (ИУКС).The main principles and conditions of formation and stages of development of the fundamental theory and practice of the generalizing and integrating concepts of dependability were presented after the leadthrough the first joint conference of two scientific schools of J. von Neumann and N. Wiener. The basic aspects of development of theoretical principles and results of applied researches of integration processes of reliability (fail-safety)