2D FSI model for paper webs and fabrics moving close to each other in complex geometries

In the present article we develop a two-dimensional computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model for small transverse deflections of a moving paper web, supported on one side by a fabric, both moving in an arbitrary geometry containing boundaries and nips (e.g. as in the drying section of a paper machine). In our FSI model, the transverse deflections of the paper web and those of the fabric are individually assumed to satisfy an equation of motion for axially moving membranes

Transient 2D paper web drying model based on CFD

In the present article, a model combining the benefits of the small scale and large scale approaches towards modeling paper drying in a paper machine dryer section environment is described. The model is transient and two-dimensional, taking into account the MD and the thickness directions but neglecting the phenomena in the CD direction.The combined model consists of two parts:1. A large scale CFD model of the surroundings of the paper web solving the RANS equations2. A specific-purpose small scale model for heat and moisture transport phenomena inside the paper web.The model is aimed at predicting the drying process in a paper production environment. The present model can be combined with a separate paper web deflection model in order to simulate the drying process and the paper web runnability simultaneously

Integration of molecular profiles in a longitudinal wellness profiling cohort

An important aspect of precision medicine is to probe the stability in molecular profiles among healthy individuals over time. Here, we sample a longitudinal wellness cohort with 100 healthy individuals and analyze blood molecular profiles including proteomics, transcriptomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, autoantibodies and immune cell profiling, complemented with gut microbiota composition and routine clinical chemistry. Overall, our results show high variation between individuals across different molecular readouts, while the intra-individual baseline variation is low. The analyses show that each individual has a unique and stable plasma protein profile throughout the study period and that many individuals also show distinct profiles with regards to the other omics datasets, with strong underlying connections between the blood proteome and the clinical chemistry parameters. In conclusion, the results support an individual-based definition of health and show that comprehensive omics profiling in a longitudinal manner is a path forward for precision medicine

An Integrated Understanding of the Rapid Metabolic Benefits of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on Hepatic Steatosis in Humans

A carbohydrate-restricted diet is a widely recommended intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but a systematic perspective on the multiple benefits of this diet is lacking. Here, we performed a short-term intervention with an isocaloric low-carbohydrate diet with increased protein content in obese subjects with NAFLD and characterized the resulting alterations in metabolism and the gut microbiota using a multi-omics approach. We observed rapid and dramatic reductions of liver fat and other cardiometabolic risk factors paralleled by (1) marked decreases in hepatic de novo lipogenesis; (2) large increases in serum beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, reflecting increased mitochondrial beta-oxidation; and (3) rapid increases in folate-producing Streptococcus and serum folate concentrations. Liver transcriptomic analysis on biopsy samples from a second cohort revealed downregulation of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and upregulation of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and fatty acid oxidation pathways. Our results highlight the potential of exploring diet-microbiota interactions for treating NAFLD.Peer reviewe

Intestinal Ralstonia pickettii augments glucose intolerance in obesity

An altered intestinal microbiota composition has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Low grade inflammation, potentially initiated by the intestinal microbiota, has been suggested to be a driving force in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Here, we report that bacterial DNA is present in mesenteric adipose tissue of obese but otherwise healthy human subjects. Pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes revealed that DNA from the Gram-negative species Ralstonia was most prevalent. Interestingly, fecal abundance of Ralstonia pickettii was increased in obese subjects with pre-diabetes and T2DM. To assess if R. pickettii was causally involved in development of obesity and T2DM, we performed a proof-of-concept study in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Compared to vehicle-treated control mice, R. pickettii-treated DIO mice had reduced glucose tolerance. In addition, circulating levels of endotoxin were increased in R. pickettii-treated mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that intestinal Ralstonia is increased in obese human subjects with T2DM and reciprocally worsens glucose tolerance in DIO mice.Peer reviewe

The human secretome

The proteins secreted by human cells (collectively referred to as the secretome) are important not only for the basic understanding of human biology but also for the identification of potential targets for future diagnostics and therapies. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of proteins predicted to be secreted in human cells, which provides information about their final localization in the human body, including the proteins actively secreted to peripheral blood. The analysis suggests that a large number of the proteins of the secretome are not secreted out of the cell, but instead are retained intracellularly, whereas another large group of proteins were identified that are predicted to be retained locally at the tissue of expression and not secreted into the blood. Proteins detected in the human blood by mass spectrometry-based proteomics and antibody-based immuno-assays are also presented with estimates of their concentrations in the blood. The results are presented in an updated version 19 of the Human Protein Atlas in which each gene encoding a secretome protein is annotated to provide an open-access knowledge resource of the human secretome, including body-wide expression data, spatial localization data down to the single-cell and subcellular levels, and data about the presence of proteins that are detectable in the blood

Thinking Outside a Less Intact Box: Thalamic Dopamine D2 Receptor Densities Are Negatively Related to Psychometric Creativity in Healthy Individuals

Several lines of evidence support that dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a role in creative thought and behavior. Here, we investigated the relationship between creative ability and dopamine D2 receptor expression in healthy individuals, with a focus on regions where aberrations in dopaminergic function have previously been associated with psychotic symptoms and a genetic liability to schizophrenia. Scores on divergent thinking tests (Inventiveness battery, Berliner Intelligenz Struktur Test) were correlated with regional D2 receptor densities, as measured by Positron Emission Tomography, and the radioligands [11C]raclopride and [11C]FLB 457. The results show a negative correlation between divergent thinking scores and D2 density in the thalamus, also when controlling for age and general cognitive ability. Hence, the results demonstrate that the D2 receptor system, and specifically thalamic function, is important for creative performance, and may be one crucial link between creativity and psychopathology. We suggest that decreased D2 receptor densities in the thalamus lower thalamic gating thresholds, thus increasing thalamocortical information flow. In healthy individuals, who do not suffer from the detrimental effects of psychiatric disease, this may increase performance on divergent thinking tests. In combination with the cognitive functions of higher order cortical networks, this could constitute a basis for the generative and selective processes that underlie real life creativity

Biotic dynamics and carbonate microfacies of the conspicuous Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) 'Taljsten' interval, south-central Sweden

Enclosed in the Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) part of the reddish 'orthoceratite limestone' of Baltoscandia is a conspicuous c. 1.5 m thick unit colloquially known as the 'Taljsten' interval. It has a wide geographical distribution in the Baltoscandian paleocontinent but is particularly well exposed in south-central Sweden. The unit is characterized by its deviant gray color and beds with a mass occurrence of cystoid echinoderms. Moreover, the recent discovery of an anomalous abundance of extraterrestrial chromite grains and micrometeorites in the 'Taljsten' and immediately adjacent strata bear witness of a time of deposition correlating to an increased influx of extraterrestrial matter to Earth. In this study we analyze the faunal dynamics, based primarily on microfossils and carbonate microfacies, across this intriguing interval. Generally known as a macrolithologically monotonous succession, the 'Taljsten' proved more heterogeneous than previously believed in terms of fossil content and preservation, as well as mineral content and composition. The general texture is wackestone/packstone, but local heterogeneities are frequent. A microfaunal reorganization occurred with a transition from a trilobite- and brachiopod-dominated community to one dominated by echinoderms, which is mirrored also macroscopically by the cystoids. The latter pelmatozoans seem to have flourished and might even have aided in the formation of the numerous hardgrounds. The increase in echinoderms is linked to a Volkhovian increase in echinoderms in eastern Baltica. In the immediate post-'Taljsten' strata there is no distinct change back to the pre-'Taljsten' biota. Conodont and ostracod faunal diversity data reveal peak values in the 'Taljsten' compared to the enclosing strata, suggesting that the paleoenvironment was more suitable for higher diversity faunas of these metazoan groups. All data collectively support a regression in the beginning of the 'Taljsten', likely followed by transgression in its upper part. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved