bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐communicable diseases and HIV care and treatment: models of integrated service delivery
Authors: Duffy Malia , Ojikutu Bisola , Andrian Soa , Sohng Elaine , Minior Thomas , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Non‐communicable diseases (NCD) are a growing cause of morbidity in low‐income countries including in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Integration of NCD and HIV services can build upon experience with chronic care models from HIV programmes. We describe models of NCD and HIV integration, challenges and lessons learned.

Methods

A literature review of published articles on integrated NCD and HIV programs in low‐income countries and key informant interviews were conducted with leaders of identified integrated NCD and HIV programs. Information was synthesised to identify models of NCD and HIV service delivery integration.

Results

Three models of integration were identified as follows: NCD services integrated into centres originally providing HIV care; HIV care integrated into primary health care (PHC) already offering NCD services; and simultaneous introduction of integrated HIV and NCD services. Major challenges identified included NCD supply chain, human resources, referral systems, patient education, stigma, patient records and monitoring and evaluation. The range of HIV and NCD services varied widely within and across models.

Conclusions

Regardless of model of integration, leveraging experience from HIV care models and adapting existing systems and tools is a feasible method to provide efficient care and treatment for the growing numbers of patients with NCDs. Operational research should be conducted to further study how successful models of HIV and NCD integration can be expanded in scope and scaled‐up by managers and policymakers seeking to address all the chronic care needs of their patients.
Time‐related changes in firing rates are influenced by recruitment threshold and twitch force potentiation in the first dorsal interosseous
Authors: Miller Jonathan D. , Herda Trent J. , Trevino Michael A. , Sterczala Adam J. , Ciccone Anthony B.
Published: May 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The influences of motor unit recruitment threshold and twitch force potentiation on the changes in firing rates during steady‐force muscular contractions are not well understood.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The behaviour of motor units during steady force was influenced by recruitment threshold, such that firing rates decreased for lower‐threshold motor units but increased for higher‐threshold motor units. In addition, individuals with greater changes in firing rates possessed greater twitch force potentiation.

There are contradictory reports regarding changes in motor unit firing rates during steady‐force contractions. Inconsistencies are likely to be the result of previous studies disregarding motor unit recruitment thresholds and not examining firing rates on a subject‐by‐subject basis. It is hypothesized that firing rates are manipulated by twitch force potentiation during contractions. Therefore, in this study we examined time‐related changes in firing rates at steady force in relationship to motor unit recruitment threshold in the first dorsal interosseous and the influence of twitch force potentiation on such changes in young versus aged individuals. Subjects performed a 12 s steady‐force contraction at 50% maximal voluntary contraction, with evoked twitches before and after the contraction to quantify potentiation. Firing rates, in relationship to recruitment thresholds, were determined at the beginning, middle and end of the steady force. There were no firing rate changes for aged individuals. For the young, firing rates decreased slightly for lower‐threshold motor units but increased for higher‐threshold motor units. Twitch force potentiation was greater for young than aged subjects, and changes in firing rates were correlated with twitch force potentiation. Thus, individuals with greater increases in firing rates of higher‐threshold motor units and decreases in lower‐threshold motor units possessed greater twitch force potentiation. Overall, changes in firing rates during brief steady‐force contractions are dependent on recruitment threshold and explained in part by twitch force potentiation. Given that firing rate changes were measured in relationship to recruitment threshold, this study illustrates a more complete view of firing rate changes during steady‐force contractions.
Numerical Study on Conjugated Laminar Mixed Convection of Alumina/Water Nanofluid Flow, Heat Transfer, and Entropy Generation Within a Tube-on-Sheet Flat Plate Solar Collector
Authors: Charjouei Moghadam Mohammad , Edalatpour Mojtaba , Solano Juan P.
Published: May 2017

In this research, an inclined three-dimensional nanofluid-based tube-on-sheet flat plate solar collector (FPSC) working under laminar conjugated mixed convection heat transfer is numerically modeled. The working fluid is selected to be alumina/water (Al2O3/water) and results from heat transfer, entropy generation, and pressure drop points of view are being presented for various prominent parameters, namely volume fraction, nanoparticles diameter, Richardson and Reynolds numbers. According to the simulations, Nusselt number decreases as the Richardson number or volume fraction of the nanofluid rises, whereas heat transfer coefficient experiences an augmentation when volume concentration and the Richardson number surge. Also, data reveal that total entropy generation rate of the system declines when the alumina/water nanofluid is utilized inside the system as the volume fraction or the Richardson number increases. Additionally, it is found that increasing the nanoparticle volume concentration or the Richardson number diminishes the pressure drop considerably, whereas friction factor substantially proliferates as the Richardson number or volume fraction rises. Eventually, employment of larger alumina nanoparticles mean diameter eventuates in providing lower Nusselt number and apparent friction factor while it increases the pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient. Finally, comparing the efficiency of the presented FPSC design with those available in the literature shows a superior performance by the present design with its maximum occurring at 2 vol %.
Protecting water resources calls for internationalefforts
Authors: Hoy Anne Q.
Published: May 2017

AAAS symposium sheds light on potential disasters—and remedies
Ancestral alliances: Plant mutualistic symbioses with fungi and bacteria
Authors: Martin Francis M. , Uroz Stéphane , Barker David G.
Published: May 2017

Taking a look at plant-microbe relationships

Ever since plants colonized land, they have evolved a range of mutualistic associations with bacteria and fungi. Indeed, such associations were probably required for plants to grow on harsh, nutrient-poor surfaces. Martin
et al.
review the spectrum of plant-microbe symbioses and their evolution, including evidence from the Rhynie Chert of the Devonian period and modern associations. Surprisingly, diverse functional plant-microbial symbioses have several common conserved features, including signaling pathways, immune evasion, and root development.

Science
, this issue p.
eaad4501
An on/off Berry phase switch in circular graphene resonators
Authors: Ghahari Fereshte , Walkup Daniel , Gutiérrez Christopher , Rodriguez-Nieva Joaquin F. , Zhao Yue , Wyrick Jonathan , Natterer Fabian D. , Cullen William G. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Levitov Leonid S. , Zhitenev Nikolai B. , Stroscio Joseph A.
Published: May 2017

Flicking the Berry phase switch

When an electron completes a cycle around the Dirac point (a particular location in graphene's electronic structure), the phase of its wave function changes by π. This so-called Berry phase is tricky to observe directly in solid-state measurements. Ghahari
et al.
built a graphene nanostructure consisting of a central region doped with positive carriers surrounded by a negatively doped background. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy revealed sudden jumps in conductivity as the external magnetic field was increased past a threshold value. The jumps occurred when electron orbits started encompassing the Dirac point, reflecting the switch of the Berry phase from zero to π. The tunability of conductivity by such minute changes in magnetic field is promising for future applications.

Science
, this issue p.
845
Rapid binge-like eating and body weight gain driven by zona incerta GABA neuron activation
Authors: Zhang Xiaobing , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: May 2017

A neuronal circuit for overeating

Recurrent binge eating is a common eating disorder. Zhang and van den Pol investigated an understudied brain region known as the zona incerta and found that it projects inhibitory inputs to the paraventricular thalamus, a brain region involved in suppressing feeding behavior. In mice, acute stimulation of this inhibitory projection resulted within seconds in overeating, especially high-fat food. Chronic stimulation induced persistent overeating and weight gain.

Science
, this issue p.
853
How to fight corruption
Authors: Fisman Raymond , Golden Miriam
Published: May 2017

Anticorruption efforts must minimize unintended effects
Do not publish
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Scheele Ben
Published: May 2017

Limiting open-access information on rare and endangered species will help to protect them
High fidelity
Darwin's Unfinished Symphony: How Culture Made the Human Mind
Kevin N. Laland
Princeton University Press, 2017. 464 pp.
Authors: Henrich Joseph
Published: May 2017

Better social learning may have made all the difference in human evolution
Point-of-Care Testing for Infectious Diseases: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Kozel Thomas R. , Burnham-Marusich Amanda R.
Published: May 2017

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics provide rapid actionable information for patient care at the time and site of an encounter with the health care system. The usual platform has been the lateral flow immunoassay. Recently, emerging molecular diagnostics have met requirements for speed, low cost, and ease of use for POC applications. A major driver for POC development is the ability to diagnose infectious diseases at sites with a limited infrastructure. The potential use in both wealthy and resource-limited settings has fueled an intense effort to build on existing technologies and to generate new technologies for the diagnosis of a broad spectrum of infectious diseases.
Rapid and Accurate Molecular Identification of the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Kordalewska Milena , Zhao Yanan , Lockhart Shawn R. , Chowdhary Anuradha , Berrio Indira , Perlin David S.
Published: May 2017

Candida auris
is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen causing nosocomial and invasive infections associated with high mortality.
C. auris
is commonly misidentified as several different yeast species by commercially available phenotypic identification platforms. Thus, there is an urgent need for a reliable diagnostic method. In this paper, we present fast, robust, easy-to-perform and interpret PCR and real-time PCR assays to identify
C. auris
and related species:
Candida duobushaemulonii
,
Candida haemulonii
, and
Candida lusitaniae
. Targeting rDNA region nucleotide sequences, primers specific for
C. auris
only or
C. auris
and related species were designed. A panel of 140 clinical fungal isolates was used in both PCR and real-time PCR assays followed by electrophoresis or melting temperature analysis, respectively. The identification results from the assays were 100% concordant with DNA sequencing results. These molecular assays overcome the deficiencies of existing phenotypic tests to identify
C. auris
and related species.
Contribution of Human Lung Parenchyma and Leukocyte Influx to Oxidative Stress and Immune System-Mediated Pathology following Nipah Virus Infection
Authors: Escaffre Olivier , Saito Tais B. , Juelich Terry L. , Ikegami Tetsuro , Smith Jennifer K. , Perez David D. , Atkins Colm , Levine Corri B. , Huante Matthew B. , Nusbaum Rebecca J. , Endsley Janice J. , Freiberg Alexander N. , Rockx Barry
Published: May 2017

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic emerging paramyxovirus that can cause fatal respiratory illness or encephalitis in humans. Despite many efforts, the molecular mechanisms of NiV-induced acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclear. We previously showed that NiV replicates to high titers in human lung grafts in NOD-SCID/γ mice, resulting in a robust inflammatory response. Interestingly, these mice can undergo human immune system reconstitution by the bone marrow, liver, and thymus (BLT) reconstitution method, in addition to lung tissue engraftment, giving altogether a realistic model to study human respiratory viral infections. Here, we characterized NiV Bangladesh strain (NiV-B) infection of human lung grafts from human immune system-reconstituted mice in order to identify the overall effect of immune cells on NiV pathogenesis of the lung. We show that NiV-B replicated to high titers in human lung grafts and caused similar cytopathic effects irrespective of the presence of human leukocytes in mice. However, the human immune system interfered with virus spread across lung grafts, responded to infection by leukocyte migration to small airways and alveoli of the lung grafts, and accelerated oxidative stress in lung grafts. In addition, the presence of human leukocytes increased the expression of cytokines and chemokines that regulate inflammatory influx to sites of infection and tissue damage. These results advance our understanding of how the immune system limits NiV dissemination and contributes to ALI and inform efforts to identify therapeutic targets.

IMPORTANCE
Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging paramyxovirus that can cause a lethal respiratory and neurological disease in humans. Only limited data are available on NiV pathogenesis in the human lung, and the relative contribution of the innate immune response and NiV to acute lung injury (ALI) is still unknown. Using human lung grafts in a human immune system-reconstituted mouse model, we showed that the NiV Bangladesh strain induced cytopathic lesions in lung grafts similar to those described in patients irrespective of the donor origin or the presence of leukocytes. However, the human immune system interfered with virus spread, responded to infection by leukocyte infiltration in the small airways and alveolar area, induced oxidative stress, and triggered the production of cytokines and chemokines that regulate inflammatory influx by leukocytes in response to infection. Understanding how leukocytes interact with NiV and cause ALI in human lung xenografts is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets.
Mimic Phosphorylation of a βC1 Protein Encoded by TYLCCNB Impairs Its Functions as a Viral Suppressor of RNA Silencing and a Symptom Determinant
Authors: Zhong Xueting , Wang Zhan Qi , Xiao Ruyuan , Cao Linge , Wang Yaqin , Xie Yan , Zhou Xueping
Published: May 2017

Phosphorylation of the βC1 protein encoded by the betasatellite of tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNB-βC1) by SNF1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) plays a critical role in defense of host plants against geminivirus infection in
Nicotiana benthamiana
. However, how phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 impacts its pathogenic functions during viral infection remains elusive. In this study, we identified two additional tyrosine residues in TYLCCNB-βC1 that are phosphorylated by SnRK1. The effects of TYLCCNB-βC1 phosphorylation on its functions as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) and a symptom determinant were investigated via phosphorylation mimic mutants in
N. benthamiana
plants. Mutations that mimic phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 at tyrosine 5 and tyrosine 110 attenuated disease symptoms during viral infection. The phosphorylation mimics weakened the ability of TYLCCNB-βC1 to reverse transcriptional gene silencing and to suppress posttranscriptional gene silencing and abolished its interaction with
N. benthamiana
ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 1 in
N. benthamiana
leaves. The mimic phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 had no impact on its protein stability, subcellular localization, or self-association. Our data establish an inhibitory effect of phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 on its pathogenic functions as a VSR and a symptom determinant and provide a mechanistic explanation of how SnRK1 functions as a host defense factor.

IMPORTANCE
Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV), which causes a severe yellow leaf curl disease in China, is a monopartite geminivirus associated with the betasatellite (TYLCCNB). TYLCCNB encodes a single pathogenicity protein, βC1 (TYLCCNB-βC1), which functions as both a viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) and a symptom determinant. Here, we show that mimicking phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 weakens its ability to reverse transcriptional gene silencing, to suppress posttranscriptional gene silencing, and to interact with
N. benthamiana
ASYMMETRIC LEAVES 1. To our knowledge, this is the first report establishing an inhibitory effect of phosphorylation of TYLCCNB-βC1 on its pathogenic functions as both a VSR and a symptom determinant and to provide a mechanistic explanation of how SNF1-related protein kinase 1 acts as a host defense factor. These findings expand the scope of phosphorylation-mediated defense mechanisms and contribute to further understanding of plant defense mechanisms against geminiviruses.
Virological Control by the CD4-Binding Site Antibody N6 in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Julg Boris , Pegu Amarendra , Abbink Peter , Liu Jinyan , Brinkman Amanda , Molloy Katherine , Mojta Shanell , Chandrashekar Abishek , Callow Katherine , Wang Keyun , Chen Xuejun , Schmidt Stephen D. , Huang Jinghe , Koup Richard A. , Seaman Michael S. , Keele Brandon F. , Mascola John R. , Connors Mark , Barouch Dan H.
Published: May 2017

Passive immunotherapy against HIV-1 will most likely require broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) with maximum breadth and potency to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Recently, the novel CD4 binding site antibody N6 demonstrated extraordinary neutralization breadth and potency against large panels of cross-clade pseudoviruses. We evaluated the
in vivo
antiviral activity of N6-LS, alone or in combination with the established V3-glycan antibody PGT121, in chronically simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-SF162P3-infected macaques. A single dose of N6-LS suppressed plasma viral loads in 4 out of 5 animals at day 7, while the combination of both antibodies suppressed all animals. The combination of both antibodies had no additive antiviral effect compared to a single dose of PGT121, potentially reflecting the nearly 10-fold-higher potency of PGT121 against this SHIV. Viral rebound occurred in the majority of suppressed animals and was linked to declining plasma bnAb levels over time. In addition to the effect on plasma viremia, bnAb administration resulted in significantly reduced proviral DNA levels in PBMCs after 2 weeks and in lymph nodes after 10 weeks. Autologous neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses and CD8
+
T-cell responses were not significantly enhanced in the bnAb-treated animals compared to control animals, arguing against their contribution to the viral effects observed. These results confirm the robust antiviral activity of N6-LS
in vivo
, supporting the further clinical development of this antibody.

IMPORTANCE
Monocloncal antibodies (MAbs) are being considered for passive immunotherapy of HIV-1 infection. A critical requirement for such strategies is the identification of MAbs that recognize the diversity of variants within circulating but also reservoir viruses, and MAb combinations might be needed to achieve this goal. This study evaluates the novel bnAb N6-LS alone or in combination with the bnAb PGT121, in rhesus macaques that were chronically infected with SHIV. The results demonstrate that N6-LS potently suppressed plasma viral loads in the majority of animals but that the combination with PGT121 was not superior to PGT121 alone in delaying time to viral rebound or reducing peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) or lymph node proviral DNA levels. The occurrence of viral escape variants in an N6-LS-monotreated animal, however, argues for the need to maximize breadth and antiviral efficacy by combining bnAbs for therapeutic indications.
Uncovering the Repertoire of Endogenous Flaviviral Elements in Aedes Mosquito Genomes
Authors: Suzuki Yasutsugu , Frangeul Lionel , Dickson Laura B. , Blanc Hervé , Verdier Yann , Vinh Joelle , Lambrechts Louis , Saleh Maria-Carla
Published: May 2017

Endogenous viral elements derived from nonretroviral RNA viruses have been described in various animal genomes. Whether they have a biological function, such as host immune protection against related viruses, is a field of intense study. Here, we investigated the repertoire of endogenous flaviviral elements (EFVEs) in
Aedes
mosquitoes, the vectors of arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya viruses. Previous studies identified three EFVEs from
Aedes albopictus
cell lines and one from
Aedes aegypti
cell lines. However, an in-depth characterization of EFVEs in wild-type mosquito populations and individual mosquitoes
in vivo
has not been performed. We detected the full-length DNA sequence of the previously described EFVEs and their respective transcripts in several
A. albopictus
and
A. aegypti
populations from geographically distinct areas. However, EFVE-derived proteins were not detected by mass spectrometry. Using deep sequencing, we detected the production of PIWI-interacting RNA-like small RNAs, in an antisense orientation, targeting the EFVEs and their flanking regions
in vivo
. The EFVEs were integrated in repetitive regions of the mosquito genomes, and their flanking sequences varied among mosquito populations. We bioinformatically predicted several new EFVEs from a Vietnamese
A. albopictus
population and observed variation in the occurrence of those elements among mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analysis of an
A. aegypti
EFVE suggested that it integrated prior to the global expansion of the species and subsequently diverged among and within populations. The findings of this study together reveal the substantial structural and nucleotide diversity of flaviviral integrations in
Aedes
genomes. Unraveling this diversity will help to elucidate the potential biological function of these EFVEs.

IMPORTANCE
Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are whole or partial viral sequences integrated in host genomes. Interestingly, some EVEs have important functions for host fitness and antiviral defense. Because mosquitoes also have EVEs in their genomes, characterizing these EVEs is a prerequisite for their potential use to manipulate the mosquito antiviral response. In the study described here, we focused on EVEs related to the
Flavivirus
genus, to which dengue and Zika viruses belong, in individual
Aedes
mosquitoes from geographically distinct areas. We show the existence
in vivo
of flaviviral EVEs previously identified in mosquito cell lines, and we detected new ones. We show that EVEs have evolved differently in each mosquito population. They produce transcripts and small RNAs but not proteins, suggesting a function at the RNA level. Our study uncovers the diverse repertoire of flaviviral EVEs in
Aedes
mosquito populations and contributes to an understanding of their role in the host antiviral system.
Interactions between HIV-1 Gag and Viral RNA Genome Enhance Virion Assembly
Authors: Dilley Kari A. , Nikolaitchik Olga A. , Galli Andrea , Burdick Ryan C. , Levine Louis , Li Kelvin , Rein Alan , Pathak Vinay K. , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: May 2017

Most HIV-1 virions contain two copies of full-length viral RNA, indicating that genome packaging is efficient and tightly regulated. However, the structural protein Gag is the only component required for the assembly of noninfectious viruslike particles, and the viral RNA is dispensable in this process. The mechanism that allows HIV-1 to achieve such high efficiency of genome packaging when a packageable viral RNA is not required for virus assembly is currently unknown. In this report, we examined the role of HIV-1 RNA in virus assembly and found that packageable HIV-1 RNA enhances particle production when Gag is expressed at levels similar to those in cells containing one provirus. However, such enhancement is diminished when Gag is overexpressed, suggesting that the effects of viral RNA can be replaced by increased Gag concentration in cells. We also showed that the specific interactions between Gag and viral RNA are required for the enhancement of particle production. Taken together, these studies are consistent with our previous hypothesis that specific dimeric viral RNA-Gag interactions are the nucleation event of infectious virion assembly, ensuring that one RNA dimer is packaged into each nascent virion. These studies shed light on the mechanism by which HIV-1 achieves efficient genome packaging during virus assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Retrovirus assembly is a well-choreographed event, during which many viral and cellular components come together to generate infectious virions. The viral RNA genome carries the genetic information to new host cells, providing instructions to generate new virions, and therefore is essential for virion infectivity. In this report, we show that the specific interaction of the viral RNA genome with the structural protein Gag facilitates virion assembly and particle production. These findings resolve the conundrum that HIV-1 RNA is selectively packaged into virions with high efficiency despite being dispensable for virion assembly. Understanding the mechanism used by HIV-1 to ensure genome packaging provides significant insights into viral assembly and replication.
Genomewide Mutational Diversity in Escherichia coli Population Evolving in Prolonged Stationary Phase
Authors: Chib Savita , Ali Farhan , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain
Published: May 2017

Prolonged stationary phase in bacteria, contrary to its name, is highly dynamic, with extreme nutrient limitation as a predominant stress. Stationary-phase cultures adapt by rapidly selecting a mutation(s) that confers a growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP). The phenotypic diversity of starving
E. coli
populations has been studied in detail; however, only a few mutations that accumulate in prolonged stationary phase have been described. This study documented the spectrum of mutations appearing in
Escherichia coli
during 28 days of prolonged starvation. The genetic diversity of the population increases over time in stationary phase to an extent that cannot be explained by random, neutral drift. This suggests that prolonged stationary phase offers a great model system to study adaptive evolution by natural selection.
Therapeutic effect of anti-IL-5 on eosinophilic myocarditis with large pericardial effusion
Authors: Song Tengyao , Jones David Micheal , Homsi Yamen
Published: May 2017

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare myocardial disease that results from various eosinophilic diseases, such as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, helminth infection, medications and vasculitis. Patients with EM may present with different severities, ranging from mild symptoms to a life-threatening condition. Diagnosis of EM is a challenge and requires an extensive workup, including endomyocardial biopsy. Treatment options are limited because EM is rare and there is a lack of randomised controlled trials. We report a case of EM that presented as cardiac tamponade, which was initially treated with high-dose prednisone and immunosuppressant medications without significant improvement. Mepolizumab (anti-interleukin (IL)-5 antibody) was then applied, leading to an increased ejection fraction and stabilised cardiac function. This case report shows, for the first time, that mepolizumab has novel effects in treating EM. Our findings suggest that mepolizumab can be used as a steroid-sparing agent for treating EM.
MicroRNA-34a protects myocardial cells against ischemia–reperfusion injury through inhibiting autophagy via regulating TNFα expression
Authors: Shao Haifeng , Yang Lili , Wang Li , Tang Bozan , Wang Jian , Li Qiang
Published: May 2017

Background: ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) is a consequence of restored blood supply after myocardial infarction. Myocardial I/R injury can be alleviated by reducing autophagy in heart tissue. MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been shown to regulate autophagy in a renal model of I/R, but it is not known whether it can protect cardiac tissues from I/R injury. This study investigated how miR-34a protects myocardial cells from I/R injury by inhibiting autophagy via regulation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Methods: we constructed an I/R model in vivo using Langendorff perfusion, and we constructed an in vivo model by treating neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) with hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R method). Transfected adenoviral-overexpressed miR-34a mimics and controlled NRCMs after H/R. We analyzed cell viability using the MTT assay and a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Changes in the rate of apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. We investigated the effect mechanisms of miR-34a with Western blot and luciferase assays. Results: miR-34a expression decreased after in vivo reperfusion of the myocardial cells and heart tissues of neonatal rats. MiR-34a reduced apoptosis of the NRCMs and autophagy levels, simultaneously, after H/R injury. Further, miR-34a decreased the expression of Lc3-II and p62, indicating that miR-34a reduces myocardial I/R injury by decreasing TNFα expression. Conclusion: miR-34a can inhibit autophagy levels after I/R by targeting TNFα, thereby reducing myocardial injury.
Photoionization of Cl-like Ni XII using relativistic R-matrix close-coupling method
Authors: Khatri Indu , Goyal Arun , Singh A.K. , Singh Narendra , Mohan Man
Published: May 2017

In this study, photoionization (PI) of nickel ions Ni XII is performed using the relativistic close-coupling Breit–Pauli R-matrix method. The calculation includes 47 lowest target states of Ni XIII, which have been evaluated using a sophisticated configuration interaction technique. Results for the PI of the ground state 3s23p5 (2[Formula: see text]) and first excited state 3s23p5 (2[Formula: see text]) are provided. The PI of this Cl-like ion is characterized by multiple Rydberg series of autoionizing resonances converging to various ionic states of Ni XIII. Our background cross section agrees well with that obtained using the Los Almos National Laboratory PI code. The resonance energy levels and widths of the Rydberg series are presented using the Quigley and Berrington approach. We believe that our results will be useful for astrophysical plasma research.
Time-dependent interaction between a two-level atom and a su(1,1) Lie algebra quantum system
Authors: Abdalla M. Sebaweh , Khalil E. M. , Obada A.-S. F.
Published: May 2017

The problem of the interaction between a two-level atom and a two-mode field in the parametric amplifier-type is considered. A similar problem appears in an ion trapped in a two-dimensional trap. The problem is transformed into an interaction governed by su(1,1) Lie algebraic operators with phase and coupling parameter depending on time. Under an integrability condition, that relates phase and coupling, a solution to the wavefunction is obtained using the Schrödinger equation. The effects of the functional dependence of the coupling and the initial state of the two-level atom on atomic inversion, the degree of entanglement, the fidelity and the Glauber second-order correlation function are investigated. It is shown that the acceleration term plays an important role in controlling the function behavior of the considered quantities.
Analysis of Simultaneous Switching Noise and IR-Drop in Side-Contact Multilayer Graphene Nanoribbon Power Distribution Network
Authors: Bhattacharya Sandip , Das Debaprasad , Rahaman Hafizur
Published: May 2017

The work in this paper presents the analyses of temperature-dependent simultaneous switching noise (SSN) and IR-Drop in multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) power interconnects for 16[Formula: see text]nm ITRS technology node. A [Formula: see text] standard cell-based integrated circuit is designed to analyze the SSN and IR-Drop using the proposed temperature-dependent model of MLGNR and Cu interconnect for 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m interconnect length at temperatures (233[Formula: see text]K, 300[Formula: see text]K and 378[Formula: see text]K). Our analysis shows that MLGNR exhibits ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) less SSN and ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) less IR-Drop as compared with traditional Cu-based power interconnects. Our analysis also shows that the average percentage of reduction in peak SSN is 52–32% (at 233[Formula: see text]K), 53–32% (at 300[Formula: see text]K) and 52–30% (at 378[Formula: see text]K) less in MLGNR compared with traditional Cu-based power interconnect and the average percentage of reduction in peak IR-Drop in MLGNR is 54–31% (at 233[Formula: see text]K), 57–29% (at 300[Formula: see text]K) and 57–26% (at 378[Formula: see text]K) less than that of Cu-based power interconnects.
Cost and Effectiveness of Search-Based Techniques for Model-Based Testing: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Saeed Aneesa , Ab Hamid Siti Hafizah , Sani Asmiza Abdul
Published: May 2017

Model-based testing (MBT) seems to be gaining interest in industry and academia due to its provision of systematic, automated and comprehensive testing. The challenge in MBT is to generate optimal test data to execute test cases. Recently, researchers have successfully applied search-based techniques (SBTs) by automating the search for an optimal set of test data at reasonable cost compared to other more expensive techniques. In real complex systems, effectiveness and cost of SBTs for MBT in industrial context are little known. The objective of this study is to empirically evaluate the cost and the effectiveness of SBTs for MBT on industrial case studies. We applied a model-driven approach and SBTs to automatically generate executable feasible test cases. The results show that the model-driven approach generated high number of infeasible test cases with less time while genetic algorithm (GA) and simulating annealing (SA) outperformed significantly random search (RS) with high generation time. We concluded that local SBTs are more appropriate to generate test data when the type of the constraints is simple. Current work on analyzing the cost and effectiveness on SBTs for MBT indicates possible enhancement using the model-driven approach to detect the infeasible paths and SBTs to achieve optimal success rate.
The constraint of H0 from galaxy clusters and Hubble parameter data
Authors: Huang Hai , Huang Long
Published: May 2017

Using comoving distance [Formula: see text] and angular diameter distance [Formula: see text], we recalculate parameters describing kinematical state of the universe, still combining the kinematical model of universe but not relying on dynamical equations for gravity. Comoving distance [Formula: see text] comes from Hubble data [Formula: see text] and is more reliable. Angular diameter distance [Formula: see text] comes from SZE (Sunyaev–Zel’dovich Effect) and X-ray data, and needs calibration. In low redshift case, we use expansion of relation between luminosity distance and redshift about redshift [Formula: see text]; in high redshift case, we take variable substitution [Formula: see text], and expand the relation between luminosity distance and redshift about variable [Formula: see text] in order to reduce computational errors. Finally, we get the more precise value of Hubble parameter [Formula: see text] km ⋅ s[Formula: see text], corresponding to [Formula: see text] uncertainty in [Formula: see text] confidence region, also deceleration factor [Formula: see text] and acceleration rate [Formula: see text], and their statistical values and probability graph. We compare the values of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with those obtained from other observation data and model.
Development of a Novel Dual-Belt Van Doorne's Continuously Variable Transmission for Automobiles — A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wong Pak Kin , Xie Zhengchao , Chen Yueqiao , Tam Lap Mou
Published: May 2017

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is one of the prevailing automotive transmissions. Nowadays, the most popular design is Van Doorne's CVT with single metal pushing V-belt. However, it is only applicable to low-power passenger cars because of its low torque capacity. To overcome this limitation of traditional single-belt Van Doorne's CVT, this research proposes a novel parallel Van Doorne's dual-belt CVT system which can be applied to heavy-duty vehicles. As the first attempt, an analytical model for both torque capacity and power efficiency based on effective radii instead of traditional working radii for the single-belt CVT is developed for this novel CVT system, and this newly developed model is experimentally validated. Evaluation result reveals that the new analytical model based on effective radii is more accurate than that based on working radii. Experimental and simulation results show that the proposed dual-belt CVT system can greatly improve the torque capacity as compared with the single-belt CVT. Moreover, the newly proposed analytical model can provide a foundation for further study of multi-belt CVTs.
Stochastic Stability of Gyroscopic Systems Under Bounded Noise Excitation
Authors: Deng Jian
Published: May 2017

Dynamic stochastic stability of a two-degree-of-freedom gyroscopic system under bounded noise parametric excitation is studied in this paper through moment Lyapunov exponent and the largest Lyapunov exponent. A rotating shaft subject to stochastically fluctuating thrust is taken as a typical example. To obtain these two exponents, the gyroscopic differential equation of motion is first decoupled into Itô stochastic differential equations by using the method of stochastic averaging. Then mathematical transformations are used in these Itô equation to obtain a partial differential eigenvalue problem governing moment Lyapunov exponents, the slope of which at the origin is equal to the largest Lyapunov exponent. Depending upon the numerical relationship between the natural frequency and the excitation frequencies, the gyroscopic system may fall into four types of parametric resonance, i.e. no resonance, subharmonic resonance, combination additive resonance, and combination differential resonance. The effects of noise and frequency detuning parameters on the parametric resonance are investigated. The results pave the way to utilize or control the vibration of gyroscopic systems under stochastic excitation.
State-of-the-Art Review on Modal Identification and Damage Detection of Bridges by Moving Test Vehicles
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Yang Judy P.
Published: May 2017

In 2004, Yang and co-workers proposed the extraction of bridge frequencies from the dynamic response of a moving test vehicle [Y. B. Yang, C. W. Lin and J. D. Yau, Extracting bridge frequencies from the dynamic response of a passing vehicle, J. Sound Vib. 272 (2004) 471–493] and verified the technique by a field test [C. W. Lin and Y. B. Yang, Use of a passing vehicle to scan the bridge frequencies — An experimental verification, Eng. Struct. 27(13) (2005) 1865–1878]. This technique was extended to construction of mode shapes [Y. B. Yang, Y. C. Li and K. C. Chang, Constructing the mode shapes of a bridge from a passing vehicles: A theoretical study, Smart Struct. Syst. 13(5) (2014) 797–819] and damage identification of bridges. It was referred to as the indirect method for bridge measurement because no vibration sensors are needed for installation on the bridge, but it only requires one or few vibration sensors on the test vehicle. When compared with the conventional direct method that relies fully on the response of the bridge fitted with vibration sensors, the advantage of the indirect method is clear: mobility, economy, and efficiency. Over the past years, many research studies were conducted along the lines of the indirect method for bridge measurement. Significant advances have been made on various aspects of application. This paper represents a state-of-the-art review of the related research works conducted worldwide. Comments and recommendations will be made at proper places, while concluding remarks including future research directions will be presented at the end of the paper.
Symmetric graphs of order four times a prime power and valency seven
Authors: Pan J. M. , Yin F. G.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study symmetric graphs of valency seven and order [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a prime and [Formula: see text] an arbitrary positive integer. It is proved that no such graph exists for any prime [Formula: see text], thus reducing the study to the case [Formula: see text]. The result is then used to determine all such graphs of order [Formula: see text], and such graphs of order [Formula: see text] with ‘[Formula: see text]’ can be inductively investigated similarly.
Superficial ideals for monomial ideals
Authors: Rajaee Saeed , Nasernejad Mehrdad , Al-Ayyoub Ibrahim
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two ideals in a commutative Noetherian ring [Formula: see text]. We say that [Formula: see text] is a superficial ideal for [Formula: see text] if the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes a minimal set of generators of an ideal [Formula: see text]. (ii) [Formula: see text] for all positive integers [Formula: see text].

In this paper, by using some monomial operators, we first introduce several methods for constructing new ideals which have superficial ideals. In the sequel, we present some examples of monomial ideals which have superficial ideals. Next, we discuss on the relation between superficiality and normality. Finally, we explore the relation between normally torsion-freeness and superficiality.
A uniform general Neron desingularization in dimension one
Authors: Khalid Asma , Pfister Gerhard , Popescu Dorin
Published: May 2017

We give a uniform General Neron Desingularization (GND) for one-dimensional local rings with respect to morphisms which coincide modulo a high power of the maximal ideal. The result has interesting applications in the case of Cohen–Macaulay rings.
Microscopes and technologies for imaging cells and their protein networks: From nano to atomic scale resolution
Authors: Belizário José E. , Sangiuliano Beatriz A. , Viana-Santos Beatriz , Pérez-Sosa Marcela , Caldeira Izabela
Published: May 2017

Advances in the high resolution microscopes and digital imaging technologies have allowed us to visualize diffusible signaling cascades from the protein receptors in the cell membrane to the nucleus. As multi-omics biology evolves over time, building predictable DNA-RNA-protein expression, protein-protein interaction networks and thereby spatiotemporal dynamics of molecular events will help us to uncover differences on cell morphology and physiology between normal and disease states. Here we present an update on optical, fluorescence and electron transmitted microscopes and mass spectrometer imaging technologies and various ways we can apply them for biological discovery and diagnose of human diseases.
Geomechanical characterization of mud volcanoes using P-wave velocity datasets
Authors: Gulmammadov Rashad , Covey-Crump Stephen , Huuse Mads
Published: May 2017

Mud volcanoes occur in many petroliferous basins and are associated with significant drilling hazards. To illustrate the type of information that can be extracted from limited petrophysical datasets in such geomechanically complex settings, we use P-wave velocity data to calculate the mechanical properties and stresses on a two-dimensional vertical section across a mud volcano in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshly field, South Caspian Basin. We find that: (1) the values of the properties and stresses calculated in this way have realistic magnitudes; (2) the calculated pore fluid pressures show spatial variations around the mud volcano that potentially highlight areas of fluid recharging after the most recent eruption; and (3) the information obtained is sufficient to provide helpful indications of the width of the drilling window. Although calculations of this kind may be readily improved with more sophisticated petrophysical datasets, the simplicity of this approach makes it attractive for reconnaissance surveys designed to identify targets worthy of further investigation in developing our understanding of mud volcano geomechanics, or which could be used to help formulate drilling strategies.
The edge of failure: critical stress overpressure states in different tectonic regimes
Authors: Sibson Richard H.
Published: May 2017

Earth's seismogenic crust is partitioned into the three Andersonian stress domains critically organized to the edge of failure both along plate boundaries and within plate interiors. Brittle/frictional failure in rocks (the formation and reactivation of faults and fractures) may be induced by two principal drivers: increasing differential stress (σ
1
–σ
3
) and/or pore fluid pressure,
P
f
, defined relative to vertical stress by λ
v
=
P
f
/σ
v
. Borehole measurements suggest the presence of hydrostatic-Byerlee conditions (the stress governed by the frictional strength of optimally oriented faults with Byerlee friction (0.6<μ
s
<0.85) under hydrostatic fluid pressure), sometimes postulated as the standard state for fractured seismogenic crust with a bulk permeability too high to allow fluid overpressuring. However, especially in areas of crust undergoing shortening and fluid release under compression, pore fluids are likely to be overpressured above the hydrostatic pressure (i.e. λ
v
>0.4) in the lower seismogenic zone (
c. T
>200°C), where hydrothermal circulation and cementation reduces fracture permeability. In such regions, critical stress overpressure states prevail with differential stress inversely related to the degree of fluid overpressuring. Failure criteria on plots of (σ
1
–σ
3
) v. λ
v
constructed for particular depths can be used to explore critical stress overpressure states, loading paths to failure and potential mineralizing scenarios in different settings.