High-Reynolds-number turbulent cavity flow using the lattice Boltzmann method

We present a boundary condition scheme for the lattice Boltzmann method that has significantly improved stability for modeling turbulent flows while maintaining excellent parallel scalability. Simulations of a three-dimensional lid-driven cavity flow are found to be stable up to the unprecedented Reynolds number Re = 5 x 10(4) for this setup. Excellent agreement with energy balance equations, computational and experimental results are shown. We quantify rises in the production of turbulence and turbulent drag, and determine peak locations of turbulent production.

Gene Regulatory Network Modeling of Macrophage Differentiation Corroborates the Continuum Hypothesis of Polarization States

Macrophages derived from monocyte precursors undergo specific polarization processes which are influenced by the local tissue environment: classically-activated (M1) macrophages, with a pro-inflammatory activity and a role of effector cells in Th1 cellular immune responses, and alternatively-activated (M2) macrophages, with anti-inflammatory functions and involved in immunosuppression and tissue repair. At least three different subsets of M2 macrophages, namely M2a, M2b and M2c, are characterized in the literature based on their eliciting signals.

A rare mutation model in a spatial heterogeneous environment

We propose a stochastic model in evolutionary game theory where individuals (or subpopulations) can mutate changing their strategies randomly (but rarely) and explore the external environment. This environment affects the selective pressure by modifying the payoff arising from the interactions between strategies. We derive a Fokker-Planck integro-differential equation and provide Monte Carlo simulations for the Hawks vs Doves game. In particular we show that, in some cases, taking into account the external environment favors the persistence of the low-fitness strategy.

Estimates for fully anisotropic elliptic equations with a zero order term

Integral estimates for weak solutions to a class of Dirichlet problems for nonlinear, fully anisotropic, elliptic equations with a zero order term are obtained by symmetrization techniques. The anisotropy of the principal part of the operator is governed by a general n-dimensional Young function of the gradient which is not necessarily of polynomial type and need not satisfy the $\Delta_2$-condition.

A priori bounds for solutions to fully anisotropic elliptic equations

We are concerned with a priori estimates, in rearrangement form, for weak solutions to fully anisotropic, nonlinear elliptic equations with lower-order terms whose prototype is \begin{equation*} \left\{ \begin{array} [c]{lll} -\hbox{\rm div} \; (a(x, u, \nabla u)) + b(u)=f(x) & \qquad\hbox{\rm in\ } \Omega \\ u=0 & \qquad\text{on}\;\partial\Omega. \end{array} \right. \end{equation*} Here, $\Omega$ is an open bounded set in $\mathbb{R}^{N}$, with $N\geq2$, $a(x, \eta, \xi)$ is a Carath\'{e}odory function fulfilling \begin{equation*} a(x,\eta,\xi)\cdot\xi\geq\Phi\left( \xi\right) \qq

microRNAs as biomarkers in Pompe disease

Purpose: We studied microRNAs as potential biomarkers for Pompe disease. Methods: We analyzed microRNA expression by small RNA-seq in tissues from the disease murine model at two different ages (3 and 9 months), and in plasma from Pompe patients. Results: In the mouse model we found 211 microRNAs that were differentially expressed in gastrocnemii and 66 in heart, with a different pattern of expression at different ages. In a preliminary analysis in plasma from six patients 55 microRNAs were differentially expressed.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and lactate dehydrogenase are targets for therapy of acute liver failure

Background & Aims: Acute liver failure is a rapidly progressive deterioration of hepatic function resulting in high mortality and morbidity. Metabolic enzymes can translocate to the nucleus to regulate histone acetylation and gene expression. Methods: Levels and activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated in nuclear fractions of livers of mice exposed to various hepatotoxins including CD95-antibody, ?-amanitin, and acetaminophen.

Comparison of various urban distribution systems supporting e-commerce. Point-to-point vs collection-point-based deliveries

E-commerce is a sector in continual growth in all countries and, in particular, the increase in B2C (Business to Consumer) e-commerce market has important effects on last-mile deliveries in city areas. The delivery of a parcel to a consumer's address involves not only high costs for both couriers (extended car routes) and consumers (high prices) and also greater environmental pollution. The growing demand for deliveries in urban areas involves increases in traffic and congestion problems and, consequently, environmental issues.