bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on mechanical properties of laser welded joints for Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy
Authors: Zhao X , Zhang J , Song X , Guo W
Published: September 2013

Shear punch test was used to study the mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy laser welded joint. Meanwhile, microhardness test was used to further prove the results of the shear punch test. In order to get a better understanding of the reason why the highest mechanical properties are found in the coarse welded metal, the in situ method for viewing microvoid nucleation, growth and coalescence was applied. The in situ experiment showed that the crack in weld metal (WM) that was nucleated in the twin boundaries of the inner martensite (M) phase and the intersection of slip line and grain boundary grew rapidly once forming; in the heat affected zone (HAZ), there were three main cracks initiating, and only one propagated; microvoid was nucleated first along the interface between α and β phase in base metal (BM), the bluntness and expansion happening alternately. Except for a small amount of quasi-cleavage fracture in WM, the fracture appearance of the joint was all dimples. With the twin presented due to plastic deformation, the damage along the grain boundary area within HAZ and BM happened much more easily than in WM.
Microstructure and wear resistance of Fe based TiB2 composite coating
Authors: Guo L J , Wang L J , Di X J
Published: September 2013

Fe based TiB2 composite coating was in situ synthesised by plasma transferred arc cladding. The microstructure and microhardness of the composite coating were investigated by optical microscopy, SEM and microhardness tester. Sliding wear behaviour of the composite coating was investigated on a block on ring wear tester rubbing against GCr15 steel ring. Wear resistance of TiB2/Fe composite coating was 16–25 times than that of the uncoated iron matrix. The good interfacial bonding between TiB2 particles and iron matrix led to no transition from mild wear to severe wear over the applied load range. The sliding wear resistance of the composite coating decreased with increasing sliding speed and applied load. The wear mechanism of the composite coating was a comprehensive action of microcutting wear, surface flaking, adhesive wear, slight abrasive wear and fatigue wear. High applied loads resulted in particle detachment and accelerated the abrasive wear and the fatigue wear.
Effect of cooling rates from partial solution temperature and aging on γ′ precipitation in IN792 superalloy
Authors: Arabi H , Rastegari S , Mirhosseini M , Sadeghi B M
Published: September 2013

One of the important factors affecting the microstructure of Ni base superalloys is the cooling rate from partial solution temperature; therefore, the prime purpose of the present research is to investigate the effects of this factor on some microstructural features of superalloy IN792. The results showed that by increasing the cooling rate from 5 to 160°C min−1 after partial solution treatment at 1120°C for 2 h, the size and volume fraction of primary γ′ decreased, but during the subsequent aging the volume fraction of secondary γ′ increased initially exponentially and later linearly. When high cooling rates >90°C min−1 were applied, the formation of secondary γ′ was totally suppressed. However, after aging at 845°C for a period of 24 h, the amount of secondary γ′ increased with a decelerating rate up to 60°C min−1 and then with a linear rate up to 160°C min−1. The later observation has not been reported elsewhere.
Correlation of microstructures and low temperature toughness in low carbon Mn–Mo–Nb pipeline steel
Authors: Wang B X , Liu X H , Wang G D
Published: September 2013

By adjusting thermomechanical controlled processing parameters, different microstructures were obtained in a low carbon Mn–Mo–Nb pipeline steel. The microstructural characteristic and its effect on low temperature toughness were investigated. The results show that under higher reduction in austenite non-recrystallisation region and faster cooling rate during accelerated cooling, the microstructure is dominated by acicular ferrite (AF) accompanied by a small amount of fine martensite/austenite (M/A) islands. In contrast, lower reduction and slower cooling rate lead to a predominantly quasi-polygonal ferrite microstructure with coarse M/A islands. The fine effective grain size (EGS) and the high fraction of high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) make the cleavage crack propagation direction deflect frequently. The coarse M/A islands can lead to cleavage microcracks at the M–A/ferrite matrix interfaces. Compared with the microstructure mainly consisting of quasi-polygonal ferrite, the microstructure dominated by AF exhibits excellent low temperature toughness because of fine EGS, high fraction of HAGBs and fine M/A islands.
Effect of homogenisation cooling rate and press exit temperature on extrudability and T5 hardness of EN AW 6082 alloy
Authors: Birol Y
Published: September 2013

The effect of the homogenisation cooling rate on the extrudability of the soaked billet and of the press exit temperature on the age hardening capacity of the EN AW 6082 extrudates were investigated. The cooling rate in the range of 1000–150°C h−1 does not impact the T5 temper hardness owing to the propensity of dispersoids, which encourage precipitation already at 1000°C h−1. The press exit temperature has to be at least 500°C to ensure adequate hardening upon an artificial aging treatment. The reheating temperature to achieve a press exit temperature of 500°C, 460°C, does not lead to a measurable solution hardening. This is a further advantage from the extrudability standpoint.
Respiratory uncoupling by increased H+ or K+ flux is beneficial for heart mitochondrial turnover of reactive oxygen species but not for permeability transition
Authors: Morota Saori , Piel Sarah , Hansson Magnus J
Published: September 2013

Background

Ischemic preconditioning has been proposed to involve changes in mitochondrial H+ and K+ fluxes, in particular through activation of uncoupling proteins and ATP-sensitive K+ channels (MitoKATP). The objectives of the present study were to explore how increased H+ and K+ fluxes influence heart mitochondrial physiology with regard to production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), volume changes and resistance to calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT).

Results

Isolated rat heart mitochondria were exposed to a wide concentration range of the protonophore CCCP or the potassium ionophore valinomycin to induce increased H+ and K+ conductance, respectively. Simultaneous monitoring of mitochondrial respiration and calcium retention capacity (CRC) demonstrated that the relative increase in respiration caused by valinomycin or CCCP correlated with a decrease in CRC, and that no level of respiratory uncoupling was associated with enhanced resistance to mPT. Mitochondria suspended in hyperosmolar buffer demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in CRC with increasing osmolarity. However, mitochondria in hypoosmolar buffer to increase matrix volume did not display increased CRC. ROS generation was reduced by both K+- and H+-mediated respiratory uncoupling. The ability of heart mitochondria to detoxify H2O2 was substantially greater than the production rate. The H2O2 detoxification was dependent on respiratory substrates and was dramatically decreased following calcium-induced mPT, but was unaffected by uncoupling via increased K+ and H+ conductance.

Conclusion

It is concluded that respiratory uncoupling is not directly beneficial to rat heart mitochondrial resistance to calcium overload irrespective of whether H+ or K+ conductance is increased. The negative effects of respiratory uncoupling thus probably outweigh the reduction in ROS generation and a potential positive effect by increased matrix volume, resulting in a net sensitization of heart mitochondria to mPT activation.
Evolution of mate-harm, longevity and behaviour in male fruit flies subjected to different levels of interlocus conflict
Authors: Nandy Bodhisatta , Gupta Vanika , Sen Sharmi , Udaykumar Niveda , Samant Manas Arun , Ali Syed Zeeshan , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: September 2013

Background

Interlocus conflict predicts (a) evolution of traits, beneficial to males but detrimental to females and (b) evolution of aging and life-span under the influence of the cost of bearing these traits. However, there are very few empirical investigations shedding light on these predictions. Those that do address these issues, mostly reported response of male reproductive traits or the lack of it and do not address the life-history consequence of such evolution. Here, we test both the above mentioned predictions using experimental evolution on replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster. We present responses observed after >45 generations of altered levels of interlocus conflict (generated by varying the operational sex ratio).

Results

Males from the male biased (high conflict, M-regime) regime evolved higher spontaneous locomotor activity and courtship frequency. Females exposed to these males were found to have higher mortality rate. Males from the female biased regime (low conflict, F-regime) did not evolve altered courtship frequency and activity. However, progeny production of females continuously exposed to F-males was significantly higher than the progeny production of females exposed to M-males indicating that the F-males are relatively benign towards their mates. We found that males from male biased regime lived shorter compared to males from the female biased regime.

Conclusion

F-males (evolving under lower levels of sexual conflict) evolved decreased mate harming ability indicating the cost of maintenance of the suit of traits that cause mate-harm. The M-males (evolving under higher levels sexual conflict) caused higher female mortality indicating that they had evolved increased mate harming ability, possibly as a by product of increased reproduction related activity. There was a correlated evolution of life-history of the M and F-males. M-regime males lived shorter compared to the males from F-regime, possibly due to the cost of investing more in reproductive traits. In combination, these results suggest that male reproductive traits and life-history traits can evolve in response to the altered levels of interlocus sexual conflict.
Custom microarray construction and analysis for determining potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure in the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Authors: Brockmeier Erica K , Yu Fahong , Amador David Moraga , Bargar Timothy A , Denslow Nancy D
Published: September 2013

Background

The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) has the potential to become a bioindicator organism of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to its androgen-driven secondary sexual characteristics. However, the lack of molecular information on G. holbrooki hinders its use as a bioindicator coupled with biomarker data. While traditional gene-by-gene approaches provide insight for biomarker development, a holistic analysis would provide more rapid and expansive determination of potential biomarkers. The objective of this study was to develop and utilize a mosquitofish microarray to determine potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure. To achieve this objective, two specific aims were developed: 1) Sequence a G. holbrooki cDNA library, and 2) Use microarray analysis to determine genes that are differentially regulated by subchronic androgen exposure in hepatic tissues of 17β-trenbolone (TB) exposed adult female G. holbrooki.

Results

A normalized library of multiple organs of male and female G. holbrooki was prepared and sequenced by the Illumina GA IIx and Roche 454 XLR70. Over 30,000 genes with e-value ≤ 10-4 were annotated and 14,758 of these genes were selected for inclusion on the microarray. Hepatic microarray analysis of adult female G. holbrooki exposed to the vehicle control or 1 μg/L of TB (a potent anabolic androgen) revealed 229 genes upregulated and 279 downregulated by TB (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05, FDR α = 0.05, fold change > 1.5 and < −1.5). Fifteen gene ontology biological processes were enriched by TB exposure (Fisher’s Exact Test, p < 0.05). The expression levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 and zona pellucida glycoprotein 2 were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (Student’s t-test, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Coupling microarray data with phenotypic changes driven by androgen exposure in mosquitofish is key for developing this organism into a bioindicator for EDCs. Future studies using this array will enhance knowledge of the biology and toxicological response of this species. This work provides a foundation of molecular knowledge and tools that can be used to delve further into understanding the biology of G. holbrooki and how this organism can be used as a bioindicator organism for endocrine disrupting pollutants in the environment.
Transcriptome sequencing and whole genome expression profiling of chrysanthemum under dehydration stress
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Gao Shan , Yang Yingjie , Huang Mingyun , Cheng Lina , Wei Qian , Fei Zhangjun , Gao Junping , Hong Bo
Published: September 2013

Background

Chrysanthemum is one of the most important ornamental crops in the world and drought stress seriously limits its production and distribution. In order to generate a functional genomics resource and obtain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms regarding chrysanthemum responses to dehydration stress, we performed large-scale transcriptome sequencing of chrysanthemum plants under dehydration stress using the Illumina sequencing technology.

Results

Two cDNA libraries constructed from mRNAs of control and dehydration-treated seedlings were sequenced by Illumina technology. A total of more than 100 million reads were generated and de novo assembled into 98,180 unique transcripts which were further extensively annotated by comparing their sequencing to different protein databases. Biochemical pathways were predicted from these transcript sequences. Furthermore, we performed gene expression profiling analysis upon dehydration treatment in chrysanthemum and identified 8,558 dehydration-responsive unique transcripts, including 307 transcription factors and 229 protein kinases and many well-known stress responsive genes. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and biochemical pathway analyses showed that dehydration stress caused changes in hormone response, secondary and amino acid metabolism, and light and photoperiod response. These findings suggest that drought tolerance of chrysanthemum plants may be related to the regulation of hormone biosynthesis and signaling, reduction of oxidative damage, stabilization of cell proteins and structures, and maintenance of energy and carbon supply.

Conclusions

Our transcriptome sequences can provide a valuable resource for chrysanthemum breeding and research and novel insights into chrysanthemum responses to dehydration stress and offer candidate genes or markers that can be used to guide future studies attempting to breed drought tolerant chrysanthemum cultivars.
Social capital and health among older adults in South Africa
Authors: Ramlagan Shandir , Peltzer Karl , Phaswana-Mafuya Nancy
Published: September 2013

Background

Little is known about social capital and health among older adults in South Africa. This study investigates the association between social capital and several health variables, namely: self-rated health, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning and physical inactivity, among older South Africans.

Methods

We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a national probability sample of 3840 individuals aged 50 years or older who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE wave 1) in 2008 in South Africa. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, cognitive functioning and physical activity. Social capital was assessed with six components, namely: marital status, social action, sociability, trust and solidarity, safety, and civic engagement.

Results

The social capital assessment revealed that 56% of the respondents were married or cohabiting, 45% reported low (0) social action, 42% reported medium (2–3) sociability, 43% reported high (2) trust and solidarity, 50% reported high (2–4) civic engagement and 42% reported medium (6) psychological resources. In multivariate analysis, self-reported good health was associated with younger age, having secondary education and higher social capital (being married or cohabiting, high trust and solidarity and greater psychological resources). Depressive symptoms were associated with lower social capital (not being married or cohabiting, lack of high trust and solidarity and low psychological resources). Better cognitive functioning was associated with younger age, higher educational level, greater wealth and higher social capital (being married or cohabiting, high trust and solidarity, lack of safety, higher civic engagement and greater psychological resources). Physical inactivity was associated with older age and lower social capital (lower social action, lack of safety, lower civic engagement and poorer psychological resources).

Conclusions

Given the basis of these findings on cross sectional data and subsequent limitation, it was found that these study findings mimic the findings of many European and American studies. Social capital among the elderly generation in South Africa is imperative for better health.
Cycle scheduling for in vitro fertilization with oral contraceptive pills versus oral estradiol valerate: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hauzman Erik E , Zapata Azucena , Bermejo Alfonso , Iglesias Carlos , Pellicer Antonio , Garcia-Velasco Juan A
Published: September 2013

Background

Both oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and estradiol (E2) valerate have been used to schedule gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and, consequently, laboratory activities. However, there are no studies comparing treatment outcomes directly between these two pretreatment methods. This randomized controlled trial was aimed at finding differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between GnRH antagonist IVF cycles scheduled with OCPs or E2 valerate.

Methods

Between January and May 2012, one hundred consecutive patients (nonobese, regularly cycling women 18–38 years with normal day 3 hormone levels and <3 previous IVF/ICSI attempts) undergoing IVF with the GnRH antagonist protocol were randomized to either the OCP or E2 pretreatment arms, with no restrictions such as blocking or stratification. Authors involved in data collection and analysis were blinded to group assignment. Fifty patients received OCP (30 μg ethinyl E2/150 μg levonorgestrel) for 12–16 days from day 1 or 2, and stimulation was started 5 days after stopping OCP. Similarly, 50 patients received 4 mg/day oral E2 valerate from day 20 for 5–12 days, until the day before starting stimulation.

Results

Pretreatment with OCP (mean±SD, 14.5±1.7 days) was significantly longer than with E2 (7.8±1.9 days). Stimulation and embryological characteristics were similar. Ongoing pregnancy rates (46.0% vs. 44.0%; risk difference, –2.0% [95% CI –21.2% to 17.3%]), as well as implantation (43.5% vs. 47.4%), clinical pregnancy (50.0% vs. 48.0%), clinical miscarriage (7.1% vs. 7.7%), and live birth (42.0% vs. 40.0%) rates were comparable between groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study to directly compare these two methods of cycle scheduling in GnRH antagonist cycles. Our results fail to show statistically significant differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between pretreatment with OCP and E2 for IVF with the GnRH antagonist protocol. Although the study is limited by its sample size, our results may contribute to a future meta-analysis. An interesting future direction would be to extend our study to women with decreased ovarian reserve, as these are the patients in whom an increase in oocyte yield—due to the hypothetical beneficial effect of steroid pretreatment on follicular synchronization—could more easily be demonstrated.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01501448
Kennedy disease misdiagnosed as polymyositis: a case report
Authors: Harutunian Grigor M , Beydoun Said R , Rison Richard A
Published: September 2013

Background

Polymyositis is an immune-mediated myopathy with clinical features of proximal muscle weakness. Dysphagia and neck flexor weakness can develop along with respiratory muscle weakness as the disease progresses. Kennedy disease or X-linked spinobulbar muscular atrophy is a rare X-linked recessive disorder with clinical features of slowly progressive atrophy and weakness of limb and bulbar muscles. These two disorders may have overlapping clinical manifestations.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 52-year-old Filipino man with chronic weakness involving his proximal muscle groups who carried the diagnosis of polymyositis and was refractory to multiple immunomodulatory therapies. Further neurologic examination and history taking along with selective serologic and electrodiagnostic studies instead confirmed the diagnosis of Kennedy disease.

Conclusions

Distinction between polymyositis and Kennedy disease may be difficult given the potential overlapping clinical manifestations. However, with careful neurological history taking, examination, and selective serologic plus electrodiagnostic investigations the correct diagnosis may be made, thus sparing the patient ineffective therapy. One must always be sure of the diagnosis of polymyositis before it’s classified as refractory.
The favorable kinetics and balance of nebivolol-stimulated nitric oxide and peroxynitrite release in human endothelial cells
Authors: Mason R Preston , Jacob Robert F , Corbalan J Jose , Szczesny Damian , Matysiak Kinga , Malinski Tadeusz
Published: September 2013

Background

Nebivolol is a third-generation beta-blocker used to treat hypertension. The vasodilation properties of nebivolol have been attributed to nitric oxide (NO) release. However, the kinetics and mechanism of nebivolol-stimulated bioavailable NO are not fully understood.

Methods

Using amperometric NO and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) nanosensors, β3-receptor (agonist: L-755,507; antagonists: SR59230A and L-748,337), ATP efflux (the mechanosensitive ATP channel blocker, gadolinium) and P2Y-receptor (agonists: ATP and 2-MeSATP; antagonist: suramin) modulators, superoxide dismutase and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor (VAS2870), we evaluated the kinetics and balance of NO and ONOO- stimulated by nebivolol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). NO and ONOO- were measured with nanosensors (diameter ~ 300 nm) placed 5 ± 2 μm from the cell membrane and ATP levels were determined with a bioluminescent method. The kinetics and balance of nebivolol-stimulated NO and ONOO- were compared with those of ATP, 2-MeSATP, and L-755,507.

Results

Nebivolol stimulates endothelial NO release through β3-receptor and ATP-dependent, P2Y-receptor activation with relatively slow kinetics (75 ± 5 nM/s) as compared to the kinetics of ATP (194 ± 10 nM/s), L-755,507 (108 ± 6 nM/s), and 2-MeSATP (105 ± 5 nM/s). The balance between cytoprotective NO and cytotoxic ONOO- was expressed as the ratio of [NO]/[ONOO-] concentrations. This ratio for nebivolol was 1.80 ± 0.10 and significantly higher than that for ATP (0.80 ± 0.08), L-755,507 (1.08 ± 0.08), and 2-MeSATP (1.09 ± 0.09). Nebivolol induced ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion

The two major pathways (ATP efflux/P2Y receptors and β3 receptors) and several steps of nebivolol-induced NO and ONOO- stimulation are mainly responsible for the slow kinetics of NO release and low ONOO-. The net effect of this slow kinetics of NO is reflected by a favorable high ratio of [NO]/[ONOO-] which may explain the beneficial effects of nebivolol in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, heart failure, and angiogenesis.
Marshalin, a microtubule minus-end binding protein, regulates cytoskeletal structure in the organ of Corti
Authors: Zheng Jing , Furness David , Duan Chongwen , Miller Katharine K. , Edge Roxanne M. , Chen Jessie , Homma Kazuaki , Hackney Carole M. , Dallos Peter , Cheatham Mary Ann
Published: September 2013

Dramatic structural changes in microtubules (MT) and the assembly of complicated intercellular connections are seen during the development of the cellular matrix of the sense organ for hearing, the organ of Corti. This report examines the expression of marshalin, a minus-end binding protein, during this process of cochlear development. We discovered that marshalin is abundantly expressed in both sensory hair cells and supporting cells. In the adult, prominent marshalin expression is observed in the cuticular plates of hair cells and in the noncentrosomal MT organization centers (MTOC) of Deiters' and pillar cells. Based upon differences in marshalin expression patterns seen in the organ of Corti, we identified eight isoforms ranging from 863 to 1280 amino acids. mRNAs/proteins associated with marshalin's isoforms are detected at different times during development. These isoforms carry various protein–protein interacting domains, including coiled-coil (CC), calponin homology (CH), proline-rich (PR), and MT-binding domains, referred to as CKK. We, therefore, examined membranous organelles and structural changes in the cytoskeleton induced by expressing two of these marshalin isoforms in vitro. Long forms containing CC and PR domains induce thick, spindle-shaped bundles, whereas short isoforms lacking CC and PR induce more slender variants that develop into densely woven networks. Together, these data suggest that marshalin is closely associated with noncentrosomal MTOCs, and may be involved in MT bundle formation in supporting cells. As a scaffolding protein with multiple isoforms, marshalin is capable of modifying cytoskeletal networks, and consequently organelle positioning, through interactions with various protein partners present in different cells.
Fascin 1 is dispensable for developmental and tumour angiogenesis
Authors: Ma Yafeng , Reynolds Louise E. , Li Ang , Stevenson Richard P. , Hodivala-Dilke Kairbaan M. , Yamashiro Shigeko , Machesky Laura M.
Published: September 2013

The actin bundling protein fascin 1 is not expressed in adult epithelial tissues, but during development it is transiently expressed in many different cell types, and later in adults it is expressed in a subset of immune cells, nervous tissues, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and pericytes. In contrast to the wealth of knowledge about the role of fascin 1 in cancer cell migration and invasion, little is known about the involvement of fascin 1 in angiogenesis. We speculated that as angiogenesis involves migration and invasion of tissues by endothelial cells, fascin 1 might have a role in both normal and tumour angiogenesis. Here, we provide evidence that loss of fascin 1 causes relatively minor reductions to angiogenesis during embryonic, postnatal and cancerous development by examining E12.5 hindbrains, postnatal retinas and B16F0 tumour cell allografts in fascin 1-null mice. We also find that in fascin 1 null tissues, endothelial cells display reduced filopodia formation during sprouting. We thus propose that fascin 1 expression promotes angiogenesis via filopodia formation, but is largely dispensable for both normal and tumour angiogenesis.
Dimerization Reactions of 2-Bromo-3,5,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone
Authors: Azuma Shuhei , Ota Motohiro , Ishida Akito , Isozaki Katsuhiro , Takaya Hikaru , Nakamura Masaharu , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Kuramochi Kouji , Tsubaki Kazunori
Published: September 2013

The dimerization reactions of 2-bromo-3,5,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone have been examined. 2,2′-Dimeric benzoquinone was prepared via a Stille-type homocoupling, whereas an oxepin was formed by the treatment of the title quinone with hexamethylditin, CuI, and (±)-BINAP in DMF. Two dimerization reactions involving a hetero Diels–Alder reaction between quinones and quinone methides were also observed.
New NMR Tools for Characterizing the Dynamic Conformations and Interactions of Oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yamaguchi Takumi , Kato Koichi
Published: September 2013

Oligosaccharides play pivotal roles in various molecular recognition events on cell surfaces and in intracellular environments. Although information about the three-dimensional structure of oligosaccharides is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying their biological functions and for designing drugs targeting carbohydrate recognition systems, their inherent flexibility hampers detailed conformational analysis. NMR spectroscopy has immense potential for providing atomic details of oligosaccharide structures in solution as well as in complexes with other biomolecules. However, the traditional NMR approach based on local conformational information provided by the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) is often precluded by insufficient information about long interatomic distances and hydrogen bonds involving hydroxy groups. To address these issues, new NMR techniques have recently been developed, exploiting the effects of introduced paramagnetic probes and stable isotopes to target oligosaccharides. Lanthanoid tagging and the spin labeling of oligosaccharides induce paramagnetic effects such as pseudocontact shift and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, offering NOE-independent sources of long-distance information. Deuterium-induced isotope shifts of neighboring 13C resonances provide an experimental tool for the identification of hydrogen bonds involving oligosaccharide hydroxy groups. The uniform and position-selective 13C enrichment of oligosaccharides can be achieved by metabolic labeling using genetically engineered yeast cells. Furthermore, small ganglioside-embedding bicelles have been used for detailed NMR analyses of intermolecular interactions involving glycolipids in membrane environments. These NMR approaches, in conjunction with computational simulation, have opened up new vistas for the analysis of oligosaccharide conformations and interactions at atomic level.
Is Transparent Intensional Logic a non-classical logic?
Authors: Materna Pavel
Published: September 2013

It is shown that:(a) classicality is connected with various criteria some of which are fulfilled by TIL while some other are not;(b) some more general characteristic of classicality connects it with philosophical realism whereas (radical) anti-realism is connected with non-classical logics;(c) TIL is highly expressive due to its hyperintensionality, which makes it possible to handle procedures as objects sui generis.Thus TIL is classical in obeying principles of realism and non-classical in transcending some principles taught by textbooks of classical logic.
Understanding the Effect of Advertising on Stock Returns and Firm Value: Theory and Evidence from a Structural Model
Authors: Vitorino Maria Ana
Published: September 2013

This paper brings structural modeling to the literature on financial research in marketing. I propose a dynamic investment-based model to understand the impact of advertising expenditures on stock returns and firm value. In addition, by interpreting advertising expenditures as an investment in brand capital, the approach in this paper provides a novel way to measure brand equity grounded in economic theory. Using the Euler equations from the firm's maximization problem, I derive closed-form expressions for the firm's equilibrium stock returns and market value, which depend on observable firm characteristics. I test the model's predictions by the generalized method of moments and data from a large cross section of publicly traded firms. The model is able to match simultaneously the pattern of average stock returns and firm values of portfolios sorted on advertising expenditures that standard asset pricing models cannot. The estimation results also show that brand equity accounts for a substantial fraction of firm market value (about 23%), and that this value varies substantially across industries. Implications of the findings for research at the intersection of marketing and finance are discussed.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Optimal Capacity Conversion for Product Transitions Under High Service Requirements
Authors: Li Hongmin , Graves Stephen C. , Huh Woonghee Tim
Published: September 2013

We consider the capacity planning problem during a product transition in which demand for a new-generation product gradually replaces that for the old product. Capacity for the new product can be acquired both by purchasing new production lines and by converting existing production lines for the old product. Furthermore, in either case, the new product capacity is “retrofitted” to be flexible, i.e., to be able to also produce the old product. This capacity planning problem arises regularly at Intel, which served as the motivating context for this research. We formulate a two-product capacity planning model to determine the equipment purchase and conversion schedule, considering (i) time-varying and uncertain demand, (ii) dedicated and flexible capacity, (iii) inventory and equipment costs, and (iv) a chance-constrained service-level requirement. We develop a solution approach that accounts for the risk-pooling benefit of flexible capacity (a closed-loop planning approach) and compare it with a solution that is similar to Intel's current practice (an open-loop planning approach). We evaluate both approaches with a realistic but disguised example and show that the closed-loop planning solution leads to savings in both equipment and inventory costs and matches more closely the service-level targets for the two products. Our numerical experiments illuminate the cost trade-offs between purchasing new capacity and converting old capacity and between a level capacity plan versus a chase capacity plan.
Conference Review
Authors: Goldthorpe Charlotte
Published: September 2013

The First International Symposium for Creative Pattern Cutting, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK, 6–7 February 2013
Tolerance ofEscherichia colito Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Depends on Specific Components of the SOS Response Pathway
Authors: Theodore Alyssa , Lewis Kim , Vulić Marin
Published: September 2013

Bacteria exposed to bactericidal fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics can survive without becoming genetically resistant. Survival of these phenotypically resistant cells, commonly called “persisters,” depends on the SOS gene network. We have examined mutants in all known SOS-regulated genes to identify functions essential for tolerance in Escherichia coli. The absence of DinG and UvrD helicases and the Holliday junction processing enzymes RuvA and RuvB leads to a decrease in survival. Analysis of the respective mutants indicates that, in addition to repair of double-strand breaks, tolerance depends on the repair of collapsed replication forks and stalled transcription complexes. Mutation in recF results in increased survival, which identifies RecAF recombination as a poisoning mechanism not previously linked to FQ lethality. DinG acts upstream of SOS promoting its induction, whereas RuvAB participates in repair only. UvrD directly promotes all repair processes initiated by FQ-induced damage and prevents RecAF-dependent misrepair, making it one of the crucial SOS functions required for tolerance.
Adaptive Divergence in Experimental Populations ofPseudomonas fluorescens. V. Insight into the Niche Specialist Fuzzy Spreader Compels Revision of the ModelPseudomonasRadiation
Authors: Ferguson Gayle C , Bertels Frederic , Rainey Paul B
Published: September 2013

Pseudomonas fluorescens is a model for the study of adaptive radiation. When propagated in a spatially structured environment, the bacterium rapidly diversifies into a range of niche specialist genotypes. Here we present a genetic dissection and phenotypic characterization of the fuzzy spreader (FS) morphotype—a type that arises repeatedly during the course of the P. fluorescens radiation and appears to colonize the bottom of static broth microcosms. The causal mutation is located within gene fuzY (pflu0478)—the fourth gene of the five-gene fuzVWXYZ operon. fuzY encodes a β-glycosyltransferase that is predicted to modify lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O antigens. The effect of the mutation is to cause cell flocculation. Analysis of 92 independent FS genotypes showed each to have arisen as the result of a loss-of-function mutation in fuzY, although different mutations have subtly different phenotypic and fitness effects. Mutations within fuzY were previously shown to suppress the phenotype of mat-forming wrinkly spreader (WS) types. This prompted a reinvestigation of FS niche preference. Time-lapse photography showed that FS colonizes the meniscus of broth microcosms, forming cellular rafts that, being too flimsy to form a mat, collapse to the vial bottom and then repeatably reform only to collapse. This led to a reassessment of the ecology of the P. fluorescens radiation. Finally, we show that ecological interactions between the three dominant emergent types (smooth, WS, and FS), combined with the interdependence of FS and WS on fuzY, can, at least in part, underpin an evolutionary arms race with bacteriophage SBW25Φ2, to which mutation in fuzY confers resistance.
Noncoding RNAs of the Ultrabithorax Domain of the Drosophila Bithorax Complex
Authors: Pease Benjamin , Borges Ana C , Bender Welcome
Published: September 2013

RNA transcripts without obvious coding potential are widespread in many creatures, including the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Several noncoding RNAs have been identified within the Drosophila bithorax complex. These first appear in blastoderm stage embryos, and their expression patterns indicate that they are transcribed only from active domains of the bithorax complex. It has been suggested that these noncoding RNAs have a role in establishing active domains, perhaps by setting the state of Polycomb Response Elements A comprehensive survey across the proximal half of the bithorax complex has now revealed nine distinct noncoding RNA transcripts, including four within the Ultrabithorax transcription unit. At the blastoderm stage, the noncoding transcripts collectively span ∼75% of the 135 kb surveyed. Recombination-mediated cassette exchange was used to invert the promoter of one of the noncoding RNAs, a 23-kb transcript from the bxd domain of the bithorax complex. The resulting animals fail to make the normal bxd noncoding RNA and show no transcription across the bxd Polycomb Response Element in early embryos. The mutant flies look normal; the regulation of the bxd domain appears unaffected. Thus, the bxd noncoding RNA has no apparent function.
Regulation of Toll Signaling and Inflammation by β-Arrestin and the SUMO Protease Ulp1
Authors: Anjum Saima G , Xu Wenjian , Nikkholgh Niusha , Basu Sukanya , Nie Yingchao , Thomas Mary , Satyamurti Mridula , Budnik Bogdan A , Ip Y Tony , Veraksa Alexey
Published: September 2013

The Toll signaling pathway has a highly conserved function in innate immunity and is regulated by multiple factors that fine tune its activity. One such factor is β-arrestin Kurtz (Krz), which we previously implicated in the inhibition of developmental Toll signaling in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo. Another level of controlling Toll activity and immune system homeostasis is by protein sumoylation. In this study, we have uncovered a link between these two modes of regulation and show that Krz affects sumoylation via a conserved protein interaction with a SUMO protease, Ulp1. Loss of function of krz or Ulp1 in Drosophila larvae results in a similar inflammatory phenotype, which is manifested as increased lamellocyte production; melanotic mass formation; nuclear accumulation of Toll pathway transcriptional effectors, Dorsal and Dif; and expression of immunity genes, such as Drosomycin. Moreover, mutations in krz and Ulp1 show dosage-sensitive synergistic genetic interactions, suggesting that these two proteins are involved in the same pathway. Using Dorsal sumoylation as a readout, we found that altering Krz levels can affect the efficiency of SUMO deconjugation mediated by Ulp1. Our results demonstrate that β-arrestin controls Toll signaling and systemic inflammation at the level of sumoylation.
Coffee seedlings in different substrates and protected environments
Authors: Silva Arthur P. da , Costa Edilson , Espírito Santo Tiago L. do , Silva Luan E. da , Martins Roberta F.
Published: September 2013

The production of high-quality seedlings is a critical factor for successful implementation of a determined crop in the field. In order to evaluate the production of coffee seedlings, experiments were conducted with different substrates and in different protected environments. Treatments consisted of evaluation of the following substrates: 50% cattle manure + 50% commercial substrate, 50% cattle manure + 50% vermiculite, 50% commercial substrate + 50% vermiculite, 1/3 cattle manure + 1/3 commercial substrate + 1/3 vermiculite, 50% cattle manure + 50% sand, 1/3 sand + 1/3 cattle manure + 1/3 commercial substrate and 50% commercial substrate + 50% sand. These substrates were tested in different protected environments: agricultural greenhouse, mesh screen with 50% shading, aluminized screen with 50% shading, black screen with 30% shading, black screen with 70% shading, nursery with a buriti straw roof and full sunlight. In each environment, the experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with five replicates of four plants each followed by joint analysis. The substrates containing 50% cattle manure associated with vermiculite or the commercial substrate may be indicated for production of coffee seedlings. Screened environments with 30, 50 and 70% shading resulted in the highest quality seedlings.
Root system distribution of sugarcane irrigated with domestic sewage effluent aplication by subsurface drip system
Authors: Sousa Allan C. M. de , Matsura Edson E. , Elaiuy Marcelo L. C. , Santos Leonardo N. S. dos , Montes Célia R. , Pires Regina C. de M.
Published: September 2013

Irrigation with domestic sewage effluent (DSE) has been recommended by subsurface dripping, as it can obtain a high rate of irrigation efficiency and faster use of salts in comparison with other irrigation methods. The study aimed at evaluating the area, the length and the effective depth of the root system of sugarcane irrigated with DSE by subsurface drip system and with different irrigation rates at depths of 0.00-0.20, 0.20-0.40, 0.40-0.60 and 0.60-0.80m. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Piracicaba, in the state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, in a sugarcane area irrigated with DSE in a completely randomized blocks set up in furrows, with three replications and four treatments, which are: one area without irrigation (AWI) and three irrigated areas meeting 50% (T50%), 100% (T100%) and 200% (T200%) of the crop's water need between each round of irrigation. T100% and T200% provided smaller areas and lengths of roots in the two deepest layers, as compared to AWI and T50%, which stimulated the development of deeper roots due to the water stress. TWI, T100% and T200% presented 80% of the roots up to a depth of 0.40m and T50% treatment presented 76.43% of roots total.
Crop residues on short-term CO2 emissions in sugarcane production areas
Authors: Corradi Mariana M. , Panosso Alan R. , Martins Filho Marcílio V. , La Scala Junior Newton
Published: September 2013

The proper management of agricultural crop residues could produce benefits in a warmer, more drought-prone world. Field experiments were conducted in sugarcane production areas in the Southern Brazil to assess the influence of crop residues on the soil surface in short-term CO2 emissions. The study was carried out over a period of 50 days after establishing 6 plots with and without crop residues applied to the soil surface. The effects of sugarcane residues on CO2 emissions were immediate; the emissions from residue-covered plots with equivalent densities of 3 (D50) and 6 (D100) t ha-1 (dry mass) were less than those from non-covered plots (D0). Additionally, the covered fields had lower soil temperatures and higher soil moisture for most of the studied days, especially during the periods of drought. Total emissions were as high as 553.62 ± 47.20 g CO2 m-2, and as low as 384.69 ± 31.69 g CO2 m-2 in non-covered (D0) and covered plot with an equivalent density of 3 t ha-1 (D50), respectively. Our results indicate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, indicating conservation of soil carbon over the short-term period following the application of sugarcane residues to the soil surface.
Efficiency of water use in sunflower grown in hydroponic system under saline stress
Authors: Santos Júnior José Amilton , Gheyi Hans R. , G. Filho Doroteu H. , Soares Frederico A. L. , Dias Nildo da S.
Published: September 2013

In order to identify alternatives for the use of saline water in agricultural production, the effects of the use of brackish water in the preparation of the nutrient solution for the cultivation of sunflower (cv. EMBRAPA 122-V2000) were studied in hydroponic system on consumption and efficiency of water use for the production of achenes and biomass. A completely randomized design was used, analyzed in a 5x2 factorial scheme with three replications. The factors studied were five levels of salinity of nutrient solution (1.7 - control; 4.3; 6.0; 9.0; and 11.5dS m-1) and two plant densities - one or two plants per vessel. It was concluded that the water consumption of sunflower is a variable sensitive to the salinity of the nutrient solution, especially after the fourth week of crop, and that the efficiency of water use in the production of achenes and biomass of sunflower is greater when the plant density increases from one to two plants per vessel, even under saline stress.
Influences of two CO2 concentrations and water availability on bean crop
Authors: Silva João B. L. da , Ferreira Paulo A. , Pires Luanna C. , Pereira Eduardo G. , Carneiro José E. S.
Published: September 2013

This study was carried out to determine some physiological and phenological responses of the bean under high [CO2] and drought stress. The experiment was conducted from April to July 2009 in Viçosa, Brazil. The open-top chambers were used to enrich the air with CO2, whereas the drought stress was applied between the flowering and the ripening. The randomized block design was used, with four replicates in the subplots. The following plots were [CO2] at 700ppm (F1) and [CO2] environmental (F2) and the subplots were well watering (S1) and drought stress (S2). The results were subjected to Anova and the Tukey test (P < 0.05). For the treatments F1S1 and F1S2 the photosynthetic rate showed increments of 59% and the transpiration reduction of 12%. The yield, leaf temperature and stomatal conductance were not significant different to high [CO2], different from the dry matter, who showed increment of 20% (F1S1) and the water use efficiency who showed increase of 90% for high [CO2]. The osmotic potential was lower in plants under drought stress (F2S2 and F1S2), followed by plants under high [CO2] (F1S1). Despite the increment in photosynthesis, high [CO2] does not guarantee higher yield.