bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Efficacy of Cidofovir Combined with Vaccinia Immune Globulin in Treating Progressive Cutaneous Vaccinia Virus Infections in Immunosuppressed Hairless Mice
Authors: Smee Donald F. , Dagley Ashley , Downs Brittney , Hagloch Joseph , Tarbet E. Bart
Published: November 2014

The treatment of progressive vaccinia in individuals has involved antiviral drugs, such as cidofovir (CDV), brincidofovir, and/or tecovirimat, combined with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG). VIG is costly, and its supply is limited, so sparing the use of VIG during treatment is an important objective. VIG sparing was modeled in immunosuppressed mice by maximizing the treatment benefits of CDV combined with VIG to determine the effective treatments that delayed the time to death, reduced cutaneous lesion severity, and/or decreased tissue viral titers. SKH-1 hairless mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and hairless SCID mice (SHO strain) were infected cutaneously with vaccinia virus. Monotherapy, dual combinations (CDV plus VIG), or triple therapy (topical CDV, parenteral CDV, and VIG) were initiated 2 days postinfection and were given every 3 to 4 days through day 11. The efficacy assessment included survival rate, cutaneous lesion severity, and viral titers. Delays in the time to death and the reduction in lesion severity occurred in the following order of efficacy: triple therapy had greater efficacy than double combinations (CDV plus VIG or topical plus parenteral CDV), which had greater efficacy than VIG alone. Parenteral administration of CDV or VIG was necessary to suppress virus titers in internal organs (liver, lung, and spleen). The skin viral titers were significantly reduced by triple therapy only. The greatest efficacy was achieved by triple therapy. In humans, this regimen should translate to a faster cure rate, thus sparing the amount of VIG used for treatment.
Induction of Candida albicans Drug Resistance Genes by Hybrid Zinc Cluster Transcription Factors
Authors: Schneider Sabrina , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: November 2014

The pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
can develop resistance to azole antifungal drugs by overexpressing
ERG11
, which encodes the drug target, or the multidrug efflux pumps
MDR1
and
CDR1
/
CDR2
. The constitutive upregulation of these genes is usually caused by gain-of-function mutations in the zinc cluster transcription factors Upc2, Mrr1, and Tac1, respectively. These transcription factors are also required for the induction of their target genes in drug-susceptible strains in the presence of specific stimuli. By swapping the DNA-binding domains of Mrr1, Tac1, and Upc2 we investigated if the hybrid transcription factors could activate their new target genes in response to the same signals. When Tac1 was targeted to the
MDR1
and
ERG11
promoters, the expression of these genes became inducible by fluphenazine. Similarly,
MDR1
and
CDR2
were strongly upregulated by fluconazole when Upc2 was fused to the DNA-binding domains of Mrr1 and Tac1, respectively. In contrast, Mrr1 was unable to promote gene expression in response to benomyl when it was targeted to the
CDR2
and
ERG11
promoters instead of the
MDR1
promoter. These results suggest that Tac1 and Upc2 themselves are activated by the inducers fluphenazine and fluconazole, respectively, whereas benomyl does not activate Mrr1 itself but a coregulatory factor that is present at the promoters of Mrr1 target genes. Strains in which the expression levels of Mrr1 and Tac1 target genes were controlled by Upc2 exhibited increased fluconazole resistance, demonstrating that the ability to efficiently upregulate the expression of efflux pumps in the presence of the drug results in enhanced intrinsic fluconazole resistance.
Contribution of Veillonella parvula to Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Mediated Pathogenicity in a Murine Tumor Model System
Authors: Pustelny Christian , Komor Uliana , Pawar Vinay , Lorenz Anne , Bielecka Agata , Moter Annette , Gocht Benjamin , Eckweiler Denitsa , Müsken Mathias , Grothe Claudia , Lünsdorf Heinrich , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne
Published: November 2014

The recent finding that high numbers of strict anaerobes are present in the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has drawn attention to the pathogenic contribution of the CF microbiome to airway disease. In this study, we investigated the specific interactions of the most dominant bacterial CF pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, with the anaerobic bacterium
Veillonella parvula
, which has been recovered at comparable cell numbers from the respiratory tract of CF patients. In addition to growth competition experiments, transcriptional profiling, and analyses of biofilm formation by
in vitro
studies, we used our recently established
in vivo
murine tumor model to investigate mutual influences of the two pathogens during a biofilm-associated infection process. We found that
P. aeruginosa
and
V. parvula
colonized distinct niches within the tumor. Interestingly, significantly higher cell numbers of
P. aeruginosa
could be recovered from the tumor tissue when mice were coinfected with both bacterial species than when mice were monoinfected with
P. aeruginosa
. Concordantly, the results of
in vivo
transcriptional profiling implied that the presence of
V. parvula
supports
P. aeruginosa
growth at the site of infection in the host, and the higher
P. aeruginosa
load correlated with clinical deterioration of the host. Although many challenges must be overcome to dissect the specific interactions of coinfecting bacteria during an infection process, our findings exemplarily demonstrate that the complex interrelations between coinfecting microorganisms and the immune responses determine clinical outcome to a much greater extent than previously anticipated.
The Putative Eukaryote-LikeO-GlcNAc Transferase of the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 Hydrolyzes UDP-GlcNAc and Is Involved in Multiple Cellular Processes
Authors: Sokol Kerry A. , Olszewski Neil E.
Published: November 2014

The posttranslational addition of a single O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) to serine or threonine residues regulates numerous metazoan cellular processes. The enzyme responsible for this modification,O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), is conserved among a wide variety of organisms and is critical for the viability of many eukaryotes. Although OGTs with domain structures similar to those of eukaryotic OGTs are predicted for many bacterial species, the cellular roles of these OGTs are unknown. We have identified a putative OGT in the cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusPCC 7942 that shows active-site homology and similar domain structure to eukaryotic OGTs. An OGT deletion mutant was created and found to exhibit several phenotypes. Without agitation, mutant cells aggregate and settle out of the medium. The mutant cells have higher free inorganic phosphate levels, wider thylakoid lumen, and differential accumulation of electron-dense inclusion bodies. These phenotypes are rescued by reintroduction of the wild-type OGT but are not fully rescued by OGTs with single amino acid substitutions corresponding to mutations that reduce eukaryotic OGT activity.S. elongatusOGT purified fromEscherichia colihydrolyzed the sugar donor, UDP-GlcNAc, while the mutant OGTs that did not fully rescue the deletion mutant phenotypes had reduced or no activity. These results suggest that bacterial eukaryote-like OGTs, like their eukaryotic counterparts, influence multiple processes.
ThetrpEGene Negatively Regulates Differentiation of Heterocysts at the Level of Induction in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120
Authors: Videau Patrick , Cozy Loralyn M. , Young Jasmine E. , Ushijima Blake , Oshiro Reid T. , Rivers Orion S. , Burger Andrew H. , Callahan Sean M.
Published: November 2014

Levels of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG) reflect nitrogen status in many bacteria. In heterocystous cyanobacteria, a spike in the 2-OG level occurs shortly after the removal of combined nitrogen from cultures and is an integral part of the induction of heterocyst differentiation. In this work, deletion of one of the two annotatedtrpEgenes inAnabaenasp. strain PCC 7120 resulted in a spike in the 2-OG level and subsequent differentiation of a wild-type pattern of heterocysts when filaments of the mutant were transferred from growth on ammonia to growth on nitrate. In contrast, 2-OG levels were unaffected in the wild type, which did not differentiate under the same conditions. An inverted-repeat sequence located upstream oftrpEbound a central regulator of differentiation, HetR,in vitroand was necessary for HetR-dependent transcription of a reporter fusion and complementation of the mutant phenotypein vivo. Functional complementation of the mutant phenotype with the addition of tryptophan suggested that levels of tryptophan, rather than the demonstrated anthranilate synthase activity of TrpE, mediated the developmental response of the wild type to nitrate. A model is presented for the observed increase in 2-OG in thetrpEmutant.
Nonacetogenic Growth of the Acetogen Acetobacterium woodii on 1,2-Propanediol
Authors: Schuchmann Kai , Schmidt Silke , Martinez Lopez Antonio , Kaberline Christina , Kuhns Martin , Lorenzen Wolfram , Bode Helge B. , Joos Friederike , Müller Volker
Published: November 2014

Acetogenic bacteria can grow by the oxidation of various substrates coupled to the reduction of CO2in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Here, we show that growth of the acetogenAcetobacterium woodiion 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) as the sole carbon and energy source is independent of acetogenesis. Enzymatic measurements and metabolite analysis revealed that 1,2-PD is dehydrated to propionaldehyde, which is further oxidized to propionyl coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA) with concomitant reduction of NAD. NADH is reoxidized by reducing propionaldehyde to propanol. The potential gene cluster coding for the responsible enzymes includes genes coding for shell proteins of bacterial microcompartments. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of microcompartments as well as storage granules in cells grown on 1,2-PD. Gene clusters coding for the 1,2-PD pathway can be found in other acetogens as well, but the distribution shows no relation to the phylogeny of the organisms.
The efficacy of a supervised and a home-based core strengthening programme in adults with poor core stability: a three-arm randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chuter V H , de Jonge X A K Janse , Thompson B M , Callister R
Published: November 2014

Background

Poor core stability is linked to a range of musculoskeletal pathologies and core-strengthening programmes are widely used as treatment. Treatment outcomes, however, are highly variable, which may be related to the method of delivery of core strengthening programmes. We investigated the effect of identical 8 week core strengthening programmes delivered as either supervised or home-based on measures of core stability.

Methods

Participants with poor core stability were randomised into three groups: supervised (n=26), home-based (n=26) or control (n=26). Primary outcomes were the Sahrmann test and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic core stability and three endurance tests (side-bridge, flexor and Sorensen) for static core stability. The exercise programme was devised and supervised by an exercise physiologist.

Results

Analysis of covariance on the change from baseline over the 8 weeks showed that the supervised group performed significantly better on all core stability measures than both the home-based and control group. The home-based group produced significant improvements compared to the control group in all static core stability tests, but not in most of the dynamic core stability tests (Sahrmann test and two out of three directions of the SEBT).

Conclusions

Our results support the use of a supervised core-strengthening programme over a home-based programme to maximise improvements in core stability, especially in its dynamic aspects. Based on our findings in healthy individuals with low core stability, further research is recommended on potential therapeutic benefits of supervised core-strengthening programmes for pathologies associated with low core stability.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613000233729.
Biceps femoris and semitendinosus—teammates or competitors? New insights into hamstring injury mechanisms in male football players: a muscle functional MRI study
Authors: Schuermans Joke , Van Tiggelen Damien , Danneels Lieven , Witvrouw Erik
Published: November 2014

Background

The hamstring injury mechanism was assessed by investigating the exercise-related metabolic activity characteristics of the hamstring muscles using a muscle functional MRI (mfMRI) protocol.

Methods

27 healthy male football players and 27 football players with a history of hamstring injuries (recovered and playing fully) underwent standardised mfMR Imaging. The mfMRI protocol consisted of a resting scan, a strenuous bilateral eccentric hamstring exercise and a postexercise scan. The exercise-related T2 increase or the signal intensity shift between both scans was used to detect differences in metabolic activation characteristics (1) between the different hamstring muscle bellies and (2) between the injury group and the control group.

Results

A more symmetrical muscle recruitment pattern corresponding to a less economic hamstring muscle activation was demonstrated in the formerly injured group (p<0.05). The injured group also demonstrated a significantly lower strength endurance capacity during the eccentric hamstring exercise.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the vulnerability of the hamstring muscles to football-related injury is related to the complexity and close coherence in the synergistic muscle recruitment of the biceps femoris and the semitendinosus. Discrete differences in neuromuscular coordination and activity distribution, with the biceps femoris partly having to compensate for the lack of endurance capacity of the semitendinosus, probably increase the hamstring injury risk.
Sports medicine ultrasound (US) beyond the musculoskeletal system: use in the abdomen, solid organs, lung, heart and eye
Authors: Berkoff David J , English Joy , Theodoro Daniel
Published: November 2014

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (US) by non-radiologists is not new and the expansion into sports medicine practice is relatively young. US has been used extensively to evaluate the musculoskeletal system including the diagnosis of muscle, tendon and bone injuries. However, as sports medicine practitioners we are responsible for the care of the entire athlete. There are many other non-musculoskeletal applications of US in the evaluation and treatment of the athlete. This paper highlights the use of US in the athlete to diagnose pulmonary, cardiac, solid organ, intra-abdominal and eye injuries.
Population-based cohort study on the risk of pneumonia in patients with non-traumatic intracranial haemorrhage who use proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Ho Sai-Wai , Tsai Ming-Che , Teng Ying-Hock , Yeh Ying-Tung , Wang Yu-Hsun , Yang Shun-Fa , Yeh Chao-Bin
Published: November 2014

Objectives

This nationwide cohort study investigated the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage and the risk of pneumonia in patients with non-traumatic intracranial haemorrhage (ICH).

Design

Nationwide population-based cohort study.

Setting

Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2010 (LHID2010) sampled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

4644 patients with non-traumatic ICH from 2010 to 2011 were identified. Patients aged <18 years and newly diagnosed with non-traumatic ICH complicated with pneumonia during the same admission period were excluded. A total of 2170 participants were eligible for the final analysis.

Main outcome measure

Patients using PPIs or not during the study period were tracked to identify the occurrence of any type of pneumonia.

Results

The adjusted HR of the risk of pneumonia for ICH patients who used PPIs was 1.61 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.97, p<0.001). The risk of pneumonia was positively associated with the administration of PPIs. We observed a greater risk of pneumonia in patients who used PPIs than in those who did not. Moreover, we observed that the risk of pneumonia in patients who used PPIs was 2.60 and 2.04 (95% CI 2.01 to 3.38, p<0.001; 95% CI 1.34 to 3.10, p<0.001) greater than that in patients who did not use PPIs when the defined daily dose was <30 and 30−60, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the use of PPIs in patients with non-traumatic ICH is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, and the severity of this risk depends on the defined daily dose. Physicians should exercise caution when prescribing PPIs for patients with non-traumatic ICH.
Behavioural and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite responses of single caging in six cats over 30 days
Authors: Ellis J. J. , Protopapadaki V. , Stryhn H. , Spears J. , Cockram M. S.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The aim was to characterize the behaviour and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) responses of six cats (Felis catus) to single caging for 30 days.

Design

In this observational study, changes in outcome measures were monitored with habituation to caging. Continuous focal observations of the activity, location in the cage, and posture were conducted from video recordings for one 24‐hour period/week/cat. Cat‐Stress‐Scores were recorded daily. All faecal samples were collected for analysis of FGM.

Results

The percentage time spent eating increased, while percentage time spent grooming decreased, from week 1 to week 2. Cat‐Stress‐Score declined significantly from week 1 to week 2. FGM concentrations were significantly greater in week 1 than in week 5. A posthabituation time budget of the behaviour of the cats in the single cages showed that inactivity dominated the time budget and the cats were located on the shelf almost half of the time.

Conclusions

Results suggests that a shelf was a resource of value to the cats, and that its inclusion in enclosure design is important. Quantitative and qualitative behavioural data indicated that there was an initial stress response to caging that stabilised after the first week, while FGM concentration took longer to stabilise.
The spatial distribution of salmon and steelhead redds and optimal sampling design
Authors: Liermann Martin C. , Rawding Dan , Pess George R. , Glaser Bryce
Published: November 2014

Redd surveys are used extensively to estimate spawner population size for Pacific salmon (Onchorynchus spp.). Because redds tend to be spatially aggregated, estimates of total redds based on subsamples of the potential spawning grounds can be uncertain unless the spatial structure is accounted for. Here we use known redd locations for three populations over several years to compare five different probability sampling designs through simulation. The coefficient of variation (CV) for estimates based on simple random sampling was high, with values well over 15% when sampling a third of the reaches. Moving to a spatially balanced sampling design (generalized random tessellation stratified; GRTS) produced improvements in two of the three watersheds (16%–22% reduction in CV). Estimates based on a stratified GRTS design and a GRTS design that included a census of all reaches close to the peak count had higher accuracy, with an approximate CV of one-half to one-third of GRTS alone. We show how these improvements are predicted by theory and under which conditions the different approaches are likely to perform well.
Spreading Codes Enables the Blind Estimation of the Hemodynamic Response with Short-Events Sequences
Authors: Lopez-Gordo M. A. , Sánchez-Morillo D. , Van Gerven Marcel A. J.
Published: November 2014

Finite impulse response (FIR) filters are considered the least constrained option for the blind estimation of the hemodynamic response function (HRF). However, they have a tendency to yield unstable solutions in the case of short-events sequences. There are solutions based on regularization, e.g. smooth FIR (sFIR), but at the cost of a regularization penalty and prior knowledge, thus breaking the blind principle. In this study, we show that spreading codes (scFIR) outperforms FIR and sFIR in short-events sequences, thus enabling the blind and dynamic estimation of the HRF without numerical instabilities and the regularization penalty. The scFIR approach was applied in short-events sequences of simulated and experimental functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In general terms, scFIR performed the best with both simulated and experimental data. While FIR was unable to compute the blind estimation of two simulated target HRFs for the shortest sequences (15 and 31 events) and sFIR yielded shapes barely correlated with the targets, scFIR achieved a normalized correlation coefficient above 0.9. Furthermore, scFIR was able to estimate in a responsive way dynamic changes of the amplitude of a simulated target HRF more accurately than FIR and sFIR. With experimental fMRI data, the ability of scFIR to estimate the real HRF obtained from a training data set was superior in terms of correlation and mean-square error. The use of short-events sequences for the blind estimation of the HRF could benefit patients in terms of scanning time or intensity of magnetic field in clinical tests. Furthermore, short-events sequences could be used, for instance, on the online detection of rapid shifts of visual attention that, according to literature, entails rapid changes in the amplitude of the HRF.
Central exclusive production and the Durham model
Authors: Harland-Lang L. A. , Khoze V. A. , Ryskin M. G.
Published: November 2014

We review some selected results within the Durham model of central exclusive production. We discuss the theoretical aspects of this approach and consider the phenomenological implications for a selection of processes.
Central exclusive production at RHIC
Authors: Adamczyk Leszek , Guryn Włodek , Turnau Jacek
Published: November 2014

The present status and future plans of the physics program of Central Exclusive Production (CEP) at RHIC are described. The measurements are based on the detection of the forward protons from the Double Pomeron Exchange (DPE) process in the Roman Pot system and of the recoil system of charged particles from the DPE process measured in the STAR experiment's Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The data described here were taken using polarized proton–proton collisions at [Formula: see text]. The preliminary spectra of two-pion mass reconstructed by STAR TPC in central region of pseudorapidity |η| < 1, are presented. Near future plans to take data with the current system at center-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] and plans to upgrade the forward proton tagging system are presented. Also a possible addition of the RPs to the sPHENIX detector is discussed.
Exclusive production in CMS
Authors: Hollar J. ,   (On behalf of the CMS Collaboration)
Published: November 2014

This paper reviews measurements of exclusive production performed by the CMS experiment in proton–proton collisions during Run 1 of the LHC. The results include photon-induced production of μ+μ-, e+e- and W+W- pairs, and a search for strong Central Exclusive Production of γγ pairs.
Review of central exclusive production of the Higgs boson beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Taševský Marek
Published: November 2014

We review activities in the field of theoretical, phenomenological and experimental studies related to the production of the Higgs boson in central exclusive processes at LHC in models beyond Standard Model. Prospects in the context of the Higgs boson discovery at LHC in 2012 and of proposals to build forward proton detectors at ATLAS and CMS side are summarized.
Holographic double diffraction of Higgs and the AdS/CFT graviton/Pomeron
Authors: Brower Richard , Djuric Marko , Tan Chung-I.
Published: November 2014

The holographic approach to double diffractive Higgs production is presented in terms of exchanging the AdS graviton/Pomeron. The goal is to provide a simple framework for central exclusive production from a dual strong coupling perspective.
Double pomeron exchange at the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings and $Sp\bar{p}S$ Collider
Authors: Albrow Michael
Published: November 2014

The CERN Intersecting Storage Rings, with [Formula: see text] from 22 GeV to 63 GeV and [Formula: see text], allowed the first observations of p + p → p + X + p with two leading protons (xF > 0.95) or two rapidity gaps Δy > 3. Studies of the central hadronic system (X) were made to search for glueballs, finding f0 and f2 resonances, and to advance our understanding of hadronic diffraction. I review the experiments, not including those at the Split Field Magnet (SFM) facility covered elsewhere in this volume. Some double pomeron exchange studies at the CERN [Formula: see text] Collider are also covered.
Potential of central exclusive production studies in high β* runs at the LHC with CMS-TOTEM
Authors: Österberg Kenneth ,   (On behalf of TOTEM Collaboration)
Published: November 2014

At CERNs Large Hadron Collider, a unique possibility to study central exclusive processes such as the production of low mass resonances, charmonium states and jets, as well as to search for missing mass or momentum signatures opens up by the detection of both leading protons with the special β* = 90 m optics. At [Formula: see text] with that optics the leading proton acceptance of the TOTEM Roman Pots covers all diffractive masses, provided that the proton four-momentum transfer |t| ≳ 0.04 GeV 2. This paper describes the physics potential with an integrated luminosity of 10 pb-1 and 100 pb-1 for common CMS and TOTEM data taking at β* = 90 m optics.
A systematic study of finite BRST-BV transformations in field–antifield formalism
Authors: Batalin Igor A. , Lavrov Peter M. , Tyutin Igor V.
Published: November 2014

We study systematically finite BRST-BV transformations in the field–antifield formalism. We present explicitly their Jacobians and the form of a solution to the compensation equation determining the functional field dependence of finite Fermionic parameters, necessary to generate arbitrary finite change of gauge-fixing functions in the path integral.
A systematic study of finite field-dependent BRST-BV transformations in Sp(2) extended field–antifield formalism
Authors: Batalin Igor A. , Bering Klaus , Lavrov Peter M. , Tyutin Igor V.
Published: November 2014

In the framework of Sp(2) extended Lagrangian field–antifield BV formalism, we study systematically the role of finite field-dependent BRST-BV transformations. We have proved that the Jacobian of a finite BRST-BV transformation is capable of generating arbitrary finite change of the gauge-fixing function in the path integral.
Electronic properties of disordered zigzag carbon nanotubes
Authors: Rezania Hamed
Published: November 2014

We study the density of states of zigzag carbon nanotube (CNT) doped with both Boron and nitrogen atoms as donor and acceptor impurities, respectively. The effect of scattering of the electrons on the electronic spectrum of the system can be obtained via adding random on-site energy term to the tight binding model Hamiltonian which describes the clean system. Green's function approach has been implemented to find the behavior of electronic density. Due to Boron (Nitrogen) doping, Fermi surface tends to the valence (conduction) band of semiconductor CNT so that the energy gap width reduces. Furthermore the density of states of disordered metallic zigzag CNTs includes a peak near the Fermi energy.
Energy gain of a thin DT shell target in inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Khoshbinfar Soheil
Published: November 2014

Estimation of maximum possible energy gain for a given energy of driver has always become a key point in inertial confinement fusion. It has direct impact on the cost of produced electricity. Here, we employ a hydrodynamics model to assess energy gain in the case of a symmetrical hydrodynamics implosion where a narrow fuel shell consisting of deuterium–tritium (DT), can experience an isentropic compression in a self-similar regime. Introducing a set of six state parameters {H hs , T hs , U imp , αc, ξhs and μhs}, the final fuel state close to ignition is fully described. It enables us to calculate energy gain curves for specific set of these state variables. The envelope of the energy gain family curves provide a limiting gain curve [Formula: see text]. Next, we took into account the inertial of cold surrounding fuel on the ignition process. It changes the limiting gain curve slope to 0.41. Finally, the analytical model results assessed and validated using numerical simulation code.
Different void fluctuation in ring-like events and jet-like events in 16O–AgBr interactions at 60 AGeV
Authors: Mondal M. , Ghosh S. Biswas , Mondal A. , Ghosh D. , Deb A.
Published: November 2014

This paper reports a study of fluctuations and possible signature of quark–hadron phase transition in high energy collisions. The study is based on the ring-like and jet-like events for pions produced in 16 O – AgBr interactions at 60 AGeV. We have performed two-dimensional analysis (η-φ space) of fluctuation of voids for two types of azimuthal substructures of produced pions (ring-like and jet-like) following connecting void approach given by R. C. Hwa and Q. H. Zhang. The values of two parameters "c" and "s" reveal different void pattern fluctuation in ring-like and jet-like events, which hints toward different mechanism in their production process.
Dimension-independent bounds for Hardy's experiment
Authors: Xu Zhen-Peng , Su Hong-Yi , Chen Jing-Ling
Published: November 2014

Hardy's paradox is of fundamental importance in quantum information theory. So far, there have been two types of its extensions into higher dimensions: in the first type the maximum probability of nonlocal events is roughly 9% and remains the same as the dimension changes (dimension-independent), while in the second type the probability becomes larger as the dimension increases, reaching approximately 40% in the infinite limit. Here, we (i) give an alternative proof of the first type, (ii) study the situation in which the maximum probability of nonlocal events can also be dimension-independent in the second type and (iii) conjecture how the situation could be changed in order that (ii) still holds.
Engineering nonlinear coherent states as photon-added and photon-subtracted coherent states
Authors: Ramos-Prieto I. , Rodríguez-Lara B. M. , Moya-Cessa H. M.
Published: November 2014

We propose a class of nonlinear coherent states which are experimentally feasible in cavity or ion-trap quantum electrodynamics. These quantum field states arise from a new type of photon addition and subtraction based on London phase operators, also known as Susskind–Glogower operators, that just displaces the mean photon number without scaling the photon distribution.
Further Results on Stability and Stabilization of T–S Fuzzy Neutral Systems with Time-Varying Delays Using Delay Dividing Approach
Authors: Song Min Kook , Park Jin Bae , Joo Young Hoon
Published: November 2014

This paper is concerned with the stability and the stabilization problem for Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy systems with neutral time delays. The sufficient stability conditions are derived using novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals (LKFs). The stability conditions are expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and hence easily tractable numerically. These conditions are easily extended to the sufficient conditions for the existence of stabilizing state-feedback fuzzy gains for T–S fuzzy neutral systems with time-varying delays. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Optimization Design for Spur Gear with Stress-Relieving Holes
Authors: Van Thoan Pham , Wen Guilin , Yin Hanfeng , Ld Hieu , Sy Nguyen Van
Published: November 2014

By designing stress-relieving holes in the stressed zone, an optimization design for reduction of root fillet stress in spur gear is presented based on the stress redistribution techniques. The design method consists of two parts as follows. In the first part, a finite element model that is combined with two gear segments for pinion gear and driven gear is built and the bending stress is analyzed. In the second part, the sizes and the locations of the stress-relieving holes of the gear teeth are optimized in order to reduce the root fillet stress. In the procedures of optimization design, the numerical simulation results by using Ansys Workbench are first used to construct the metamodels which can reduce the computational cost of the finite element analysis (FEA). In the metamodeling process, the optimal Space-Filling design (SFD) method is employed for the selection of sampling design points in design space, and the polynomial response surface (PRS) is utilized to formulate the design objective σmax. Based on the metamodels of the design objective, the genetic algorithm (GA) methodology is employed to find out the optimized locations and sizes of the holes at the root fillet. An illustrated example shows that the maximum principal stress in gear root fillet has been reduced by 14.69% based on the proposed optimization design. This implies the feasibility of the optimization design for increasing the life of gear by designing stress-relieving holes.
ANALYSING BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATIONS: INNOVATION SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: LAUKKANEN MINTTU , PATALA SAMULI
Published: November 2014

Business model innovations are recognised as a key to the creation of sustainable business, but their adoption by firms has been slow. Organisations can only be sustainable when the whole societal system is sustainable. Both structural and cultural changes are required to facilitate firm- and system-level sustainability. The central idea of this paper is to examine how societal transition towards sustainable business models (SBMs) can be achieved. Through a qualitative Delphi study, we assess and categorise the key structural and cultural barriers to sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). By applying the innovation system approach, we explain how to overcome existing barriers by strengthening the functions of the innovation system. We analyse how these barriers can be overcome through the activities of governments, firms, and consumers, and discuss the wider implications of our research for practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers.
Development, Regeneration, and Evolution of Feathers
Authors: Chen Chih-Feng , Foley John , Tang Pin-Chi , Li Ang , Jiang Ting Xin , Wu Ping , Widelitz Randall B. , Chuong Cheng Ming
Published: November 2014

The feather is a complex ectodermal organ with hierarchical branching patterns. It provides functions in endothermy, communication, and flight. Studies of feather growth, cycling, and health are of fundamental importance to avian biology and poultry science. In addition, feathers are an excellent model for morphogenesis studies because of their accessibility, and their distinct patterns can be used to assay the roles of specific molecular pathways. Here we review the progress in aspects of development, regeneration, and evolution during the past three decades. We cover the development of feather buds in chicken embryos, regenerative cycling of feather follicle stem cells, formation of barb branching patterns, emergence of intrafeather pigmentation patterns, interplay of hormones and feather growth, and the genetic identification of several feather variants. The discovery of feathered dinosaurs redefines the relationship between feathers and birds. Inspiration from biomaterials and flight research further fuels biomimetic potential of feathers as a multidisciplinary research focal point.
Trail Pheromones: An Integrative View of Their Role in Social Insect Colony Organization
Authors: Czaczkes Tomer J. , Grüter Christoph , Ratnieks Francis L.W.
Published: November 2014

Trail pheromones do more than simply guide social insect workers from point A to point B. Recent research has revealed additional ways in which they help to regulate colony foraging, often via positive and negative feedback processes that influence the exploitation of the different resources that a colony has knowledge of. Trail pheromones are often complementary or synergistic with other information sources, such as individual memory. Pheromone trails can be composed of two or more pheromones with different functions, and information may be embedded in the trail network geometry. These findings indicate remarkable sophistication in how trail pheromones are used to regulate colony-level behavior, and how trail pheromones are used and deployed at the individual level.
H7N9: Preparing for the Unexpected in Influenza
Authors: Jernigan Daniel B. , Cox Nancy J.
Published: November 2014

In the years prior to 2013, avian influenza A H7 viruses were a cause of significant poultry mortality; however, human illness was generally mild. In March 2013, a novel influenza A(H7N9) virus emerged in China as an unexpected cause of severe human illness with 36% mortality. Chinese and other public health officials responded quickly, characterizing the virus and identifying more than 400 cases through use of new technologies and surveillance tools made possible by past preparedness and response efforts. Genetic sequencing, glycan-array receptor-binding assays, and ferret studies reveal the H7N9 virus to have increased binding to mammalian respiratory cells and to have mutations associated with higher virus replication rates and illness severity. New risk-assessment tools indicate H7N9 has the potential for further mammalian adaptation with possible human-to-human transmission. Vigilant virologic and epidemiologic surveillance is needed to monitor H7N9 and detect other unexpected novel influenza viruses that may emerge.
T Cell–Mediated Hypersensitivity Reactions to Drugs
Authors: Pavlos Rebecca , Mallal Simon , Ostrov David , Buus Soren , Metushi Imir , Peters Bjoern , Phillips Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

The immunological mechanisms driving delayed hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to drugs mediated by drug-reactive T lymphocytes are exemplified by several key examples and their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations: abacavir and HLA-B*57:01, carbamazepine and HLA-B*15:02, allo-purinol and HLA-B*58:01, and both amoxicillin-clavulanate and nevirapine with multiple class I and II alleles. For HLA-restricted drug HSRs, specific class I and/or II HLA alleles are necessary but not sufficient for tissue specificity and the clinical syndrome. Several models have been proposed to explain the immunopathogenesis of severe T cell–mediated drug HSRs, and our increased understanding of the risk factors and mechanisms involved in the development of these reactions will further the development of sensitive and specific strategies for preclinical screening that will lead to safer and more cost-effective drug design.
Leukocyte Chemoattractant Receptors in Human Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Zabel Brian A. , Rott Alena , Butcher Eugene C.
Published: November 2014

Combinations of leukocyte attractant ligands and cognate heptahelical receptors specify the systemic recruitment of circulating cells by triggering integrin-dependent adhesion to endothelial cells, supporting extravasation, and directing specific intratissue localization via gradient-driven chemotaxis. Chemoattractant receptors also control leukocyte egress from lymphoid organs and peripheral tissues. In this article, we summarize the fundamental mechanics of leukocyte trafficking, from the evolution of multistep models of leukocyte recruitment and navigation to the regulation of chemoattractant availability and function by atypical heptahelical receptors. To provide a more complete picture of the migratory circuits involved in leukocyte trafficking, we integrate a number of nonchemokine chemoattractant receptors into our discussion. Leukocyte chemoattractant receptors play key roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. We review recent advances in our understanding of chemoattractant receptors in disease pathogenesis, with a focus on genome-wide association studies in humans and the translational implications of mechanistic studies in animal disease models.
Regeneration and Repair of the Exocrine Pancreas
Authors: Murtaugh L. Charles , Keefe Matthew D.
Published: November 2014

Pancreatitis is caused by inflammatory injury to the exocrine pancreas, from which both humans and animal models appear to recover via regeneration of digestive enzyme–producing acinar cells. This regenerative process involves transient phases of inflammation, metaplasia, and redifferentiation, driven by cell-cell interactions between acinar cells, leukocytes, and resident fibroblasts. The NFκB signaling pathway is a critical determinant of pancreatic inflammation and metaplasia, whereas a number of developmental signals and transcription factors are devoted to promoting acinar redifferentiation after injury. Imbalances between these proinflammatory and prodifferentiation pathways contribute to chronic pancreatitis, characterized by persistent inflammation, fibrosis, and acinar dedifferentiation. Loss of acinar cell differentiation also drives pancreatic cancer initiation, providing a mechanistic link between pancreatitis and cancer risk. Unraveling the molecular bases of exocrine regeneration may identify new therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of both of these deadly diseases.
Homeostatic Control of Presynaptic Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Davis Graeme W. , Müller Martin
Published: November 2014

It is well established that the active properties of nerve and muscle cells are stabilized by homeostatic signaling systems. In organisms ranging from Drosophila to humans, neurons restore baseline function in the continued presence of destabilizing perturbations by rebalancing ion channel expression, modifying neurotransmitter receptor surface expression and trafficking, and modulating neurotransmitter release. This review focuses on the homeostatic modulation of presynaptic neurotransmitter release, termed presynaptic homeostasis. First, we highlight criteria that can be used to define a process as being under homeostatic control. Next, we review the remarkable conservation of presynaptic homeostasis at the Drosophila, mouse, and human neuromuscular junctions and emerging parallels at synaptic connections in the mammalian central nervous system. We then highlight recent progress identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms. We conclude by reviewing emerging parallels between the mechanisms of homeostatic signaling and genetic links to neurological disease.
How to See More in Observational Studies: Some New Quasi-Experimental Devices
Authors: Rosenbaum Paul R.
Published: November 2014

In a well-conducted, slightly idealized, randomized experiment, the only explanation of an association between treatment and outcome is an effect caused by the treatment. However, this is not true in observational studies of treatment effects, in which treatment and outcomes may be associated because of some bias in the assignment of treatments to individuals. When added to the design of an observational study, quasi-experimental devices investigate empirically a particular rival explanation or counterclaim, often attempting to preempt anticipated counterclaims. This review has three parts: a discussion of the often misunderstood logic of quasi-experimental devices; a brief overview of the important work of Donald T. Campbell and his colleagues (excellent expositions of this work have been published elsewhere); and its main topic, descriptions and empirical examples of newer devices, including evidence factors, differential effects, and the computerized construction of quasi-experiments.
Fuzzy PID Feedback Control of Piezoelectric Actuator with Feedforward Compensation
Authors: Chi Ziqiang , Jia Minping , Xu Qingsong
Published: November 2014

Piezoelectric actuator is widely used in the field of micro/nanopositioning. However, piezoelectric hysteresis introduces nonlinearity to the system, which is the major obstacle to achieve a precise positioning. In this paper, the Preisach model is employed to describe the hysteresis characteristic of piezoelectric actuator and an inverse Preisach model is developed to construct a feedforward controller. Considering that the analytical expression of inverse Preisach model is difficult to derive and not suitable for practical application, a digital inverse model is established based on the input and output data of a piezoelectric actuator. Moreover, to mitigate the compensation error of the feedforward control, a feedback control scheme is implemented using different types of control algorithms in terms of PID control, fuzzy control, and fuzzy PID control. Extensive simulation studies are carried out using the three kinds of control systems. Comparative investigation reveals that the fuzzy PID control system with feedforward compensation is capable of providing quicker response and better control accuracy than the other two ones. It provides a promising way of precision control for piezoelectric actuator.
Modeling of Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of ZrB2-SiC Ceramics after High Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Wei Jun , Dharani Lokeswarappa R. , Chandrashekhara K. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: November 2014

The effects of oxidation on heat transfer and mechanical behavior of ZrB2-SiC ceramics at high temperature are modeled using a micromechanics based finite element model. The model recognizes that when exposed to high temperature in air ZrB2-SiC oxidizes into ZrO2, SiO2, and SiC-depleted ZrB2 layer. A steady-state heat transfer analysis was conducted at first and that is followed by a thermal stress analysis. A “global-local modeling” technique is used combining finite element with infinite element for thermal stress analysis. A theoretical formulation is developed for calculating the thermal conductivity of liquid phase SiO2. All other temperature dependent thermal and mechanical properties were obtained from published literature. Thermal stress concentrations occur near the pore due to the geometric discontinuity and material properties mismatch between the ceramic matrix and the new products. The predicted results indicate the development of thermal stresses in the SiO2 and ZrO2 layers and high residual stresses in the SiC-depleted ZrB2 layer.
Using Genetic Algorithm to Minimize False Alarms in Insider Threats Detection of Information Misuse in Windows Environment
Authors: Bin Ahmad Maaz , Akram Adeel , Asif M. , Ur-Rehman Saeed
Published: November 2014

Insider threats detection problem has always been one of the most difficult challenges for organizations and research community. Effective behavioral categorization of users plays a vital role for the success of any detection mechanisms. It also helps to reduce false alarms in case of insider threats. In order to achieve this, a fuzzy classifier has been implemented along with genetic algorithm (GA) to enhance the efficiency of a fuzzy classifier. It also enhances the functionality of all other modules to achieve better results in terms of false alarms. A scenario driven approach along with mathematical evaluation verifies the effectiveness of the modified framework. It has been tested for the enterprises having critical nature of business. Other organizations can adopt it in accordance with their specific nature of business, need, and operational processes. The results prove that accurate classification and detection of users were achieved by adopting the modified framework which in turn minimizes false alarms.
Self-Administered Ethanol Enema Causing Accidental Death
Authors: Peterson Thomas , Rentmeester Landen , Judge Bryan S. , Cohle Stephen D. , Jones Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2014

Excessive ethanol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Much of the harm from ethanol comes from those who engage in excessive or hazardous drinking. Rectal absorption of ethanol bypasses the first pass metabolic effect, allowing for a higher concentration of blood ethanol to occur for a given volume of solution and, consequently, greater potential for central nervous system depression. However, accidental death is extremely rare with rectal administration. This case report describes an individual with klismaphilia whose death resulted from acute ethanol intoxication by rectal absorption of a wine enema.