bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human MAF1 targets and represses active RNA polymerase III genes by preventing recruitment rather than inducing long-term transcriptional arrest
Authors: Orioli Andrea , Praz Viviane , Lhôte Philippe , Hernandez Nouria
Published: April 2016

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is tightly controlled in response to environmental cues, yet a genomic-scale picture of Pol III regulation and the role played by its repressor MAF1 is lacking. Here, we describe genome-wide studies in human fibroblasts that reveal a dynamic and gene-specific adaptation of Pol III recruitment to extracellular signals in an mTORC1-dependent manner. Repression of Pol III recruitment and transcription are tightly linked to MAF1, which selectively localizes at Pol III loci, even under serum-replete conditions, and increasingly targets transcribing Pol III in response to serum starvation. Combining Pol III binding profiles with EU-labeling and high-throughput sequencing of newly synthesized small RNAs, we show that Pol III occupancy closely reflects ongoing transcription. Our results exclude the long-term, unproductive arrest of Pol III on the DNA as a major regulatory mechanism and identify previously uncharacterized, differential coordination in Pol III binding and transcription under different growth conditions.
Effect of corrosion degree on different steel ductility parameters, based on “Equivalent Steel” criterion
Authors: Moreno Esther , Cobo Alfonso , Gonzalez Maria Nieves
Published: April 2016

Purpose

One of the meaningful effects of concrete reinforcement steel corrosion on concrete structures is the decrease of mechanical properties, specifically the ductility of steel. The term ductility of steel refers to a group of properties which determine the reinforced concrete structures and it is necessary to take this property into account for the recalculation of structures that have been already corroded until the point to condition in many occasions the analysis methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This research studies the variation on ductility of concrete embedded steels bars after going through an accelerated corrosion process. Tensile strength of high ductility reinforcements with different corrosion levels has been tested. Ductility was studied in terms of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, ultimate strain, energy density of deformation and “equivalent steel” criterion. It also makes some considerations about what is the best methodology of structural analysis according to the obtained results.

Findings

Based on the obtained results, conclusions are established that determine whether the corroded steel satisfy the requirements of different codes in order to identify them as “steels with special characteristics of ductility” assessing in each case the possibility of reallocating solicitations in structures which might need to be repaired.

Originality/value

The analysis of existing RC structures should address moment redistribution to be able to compare ultimate strength values, rather than to a single value obtained with elastic linear models to a range of values centred on the elastic and linear values obtained and defining an interval equal to double the value of the maximum redistribution capacity. This greatly enhances the possibility of “saving” a standing structure. In ductile structures the effect of actions can be distributed. The ascertainment of corroded reinforcement ductility variation is of key importance in structural re‐engineering and recalculation of structures. The research developed in this article is motivated by the need to contribute to knowledge of the behavior of reinforced concrete structures with reinforcement damaged.
The performance triangle: a model for corporate agility
Authors: Nold Herbert , Michel Lukas
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesize ten years of case studies and data analysis from which emerged an organizational design that facilitates adaptability, agility, and resilience. The resulting triangular model of culture, leadership, and systems is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analysis of over 100 case studies over ten years along with statistical analysis of survey data from 50 of those companies resulted in the emergence the triangular model and provides quantitative support for validity.

Findings

– People drive a complex and dynamic system with culture, leadership, and systems as key factors driving organizational success in a rapidly changing environment. The critical factor in adapting to change is designing organizations to maximize the vast tacit knowledge base within organizations. Diagnostic tools are necessary to identify underlying strengths and weaknesses to initiate targeted discussions and provide a baseline for measurement.

Research limitations/implications

– All of the organizations were from Europe, Africa, or the Middle East.

Practical implications

– The emergent people-centric triangular model with culture, leadership, and systems at the points along with the development of a diagnostic tool offers a methodology for executives to gain valuable insight into critical elements of their organizations from which to initiate constructive dialogue leading to effective action.

Originality/value

– Many authors have offered theories on developing agile organizations. The emergent people-centric performance triangle and evolving diagnostic instrument add to the body of existing literature and lays the groundwork for practical tools and methods to yield practical results.
Textile Dreamweavers
Authors: Aneja Arun Pal
Published: April 2016

Speculating about the future of textiles is an endeavor as old as the past. It is pursued by “experts” and laymen alike to one degree or another. The process consists of speculation, prediction, analysis, extrapolation and imagination resulting in only a marginal degree of success. Any vision of the future, no matter how carefully considered it may be, is seen – to quote the Apostle Paul – through a mirror, darkly.

Who were the textile dreamweavers through the ages that transformed our industry?

This article seeks to explore the common thread and textile-related scientific views that have changed our lives through the ages. In addition, we explore how we can use the teachings of sthese lessons to build novel platforms for innovations in textiles for the new century.
The Effective Thermal Resistance of Fibrous Layers in Sleeping Bags
Authors: Hes Luboš
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a simple method for evaluating the thermal insulation capacity of fibrous layers in sleeping bags. Our measurements have kept the thickness layer at 75per cent of the thickness when the sleeping bag is in free state. Thus, the expansion (volumetric)characteristics of the tested fibrous layers are respected, resulting in a more objective evaluation and comparison of the tested layers. The results were recalculated to the same square mass of layers. It was found that various layers differ substantively from one another, and that these first results also differ from those achieved under common testing procedures, where the tested layers are subjected to constant pressure between two plates of different temperature.
Forecast of Yarn Breakages During The Weaving Process
Authors: Cioară Ioan , Cioară Lucica , Onofrei Elena
Published: April 2016

Weaving process efficiency is determined by factors that take into account the technical condition of the weaving machine, the quality of the used yarns, the workers’ qualification and the climatic conditions. The breakage number of warp and weft yarns for every one metre of woven fabric or during unit time exerts a significant influence on a weaving machine's efficiency. Forecasting breakage number can be determined using different methods. Some of these methods are applied after assembling the article on the weaving machine, while others are applied before that stage.. The forecast of yarn behaviour on the weaving process can be expressed using calculated indexes considering specific elements of yarn stress distribution and breaking strength. The values of these indexes allow one to forecast warp and weft weaving processability and make better decisions in refusing yarnsthat cannot guaranty suitable efficiency.
Shedding Without Dynamic Warp Loading: The Possibility of Forming a New Woven Structure
Authors: Szosland Janusz
Published: April 2016

Shedding without dynamic warp loading is done by a loom using assemblies of polygonal shedding disks and disks for increasing weft density. The multiphase rotational loom allows completely new woven fabric structures to be manufactured, which until now was impossible to achieve using conventional looms. Woven fabrics can be manufactured with the use of warp and weft threads with extremely low tenacities, loose structures, and strong developed surfaces; as can grid structures and woven structures with pile loops. The possibility of utilizing unspinnable fibres, roving, and selvedges was demonstrated on a model of a multiphase rotational loom specially constructed for the tests.
Experimental and Theoretical Diffusion Modelling of Gas Filtration Processes
Authors: Wawszczak Włodzimierz , Strzembosz Wiktor
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the study of structures of random fibre arrangement with very high irregularity and textiles made of fibres with a very high level of parallelism, arranged in layers. Studying of textile materials by the proposed aerodynamic method, namely, the gas filtration modeling, enables the differentiation of their internal structure. Therefore, it can be applied to modern analysis and comparison of use characteristics of any textiles.

Gas filtration modeling consists of blowing an air stream through a textile sample of a porous structure. The flow is ruled by Darcy’s law and Poieuille’a-Hagen’s law and by mass, momentum and energy conservation laws. The theoretical model of studies assumes dividing the sample thickness into layers in which, on the basis of pressure Δpi and mass flux m measurements, we calculate: dk-diameter of ducts; f-specific surface, Ki-Darcy coefficient, Rei, Eui, Dai – Reynolds, Euler and Darcy numbers. There are inlet and outlet convection zones. Local studies of the structure are also analysed in relation to the whole sample and averaged in the form of global values.

The test stand includes a measuring cassette, manometers, an air blower, meters of air stream mass (turbine and El-flow ones) and control valves. Homogeneous and multi-layer materials of thickness up to 50 mm can be tested. Measurements are carried out for samples arranged at different angles and with air streams of different magnitude, dividing the sample into layers Agi. It enables the evaluation of properties of textile products, their axial and circumferential irregularity as well as the determination of new physical modelling factors. The studies can also be used for comparative analysis of various textiles and evaluation of their suitability for different industrial applications.
The Application of The Principle of Information Theory to Fabric Hand Evaluation
Authors: Hu Jin L.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the author applies the principle of information theory to probe the role that experience plays in the process of fabric hand evaluation. 8 experts and 8 non-experts, two group judges assessed 8 medium-weight worsted fabrics for men’s suiting. The results have
been analysed. The data show that the expert group has the higher ability of handling instinct attributes of a fabric than the non-expert group do. In other words, the experts seem to be more sensitive to the change of fabric physical and mechanical properties than the non-experts. And when a expert assesses a fabric by hand, he introduces few subjective factors, that is to say, the result of the evaluation of touch quality of a fabric by a expert has higher objectivity or reliability. This may provide a fundamental or a train of thought for the objective assessment of fabric hand in textile science and technology.
Fundamentals of Technologies for Textile Specialty Products
Authors: Matsuo Tatsuki
Published: April 2016

Many kinds of specialty products have been and will be commercialized in textile industry. But there have been no text in which fundamentals of technologies for textile specialty products is systematically discussed. In this paper, the author tries to present fundamental
method to develop specialty fabrics of apparel use. A method of material design for specialty textile products is proposed. The contents of attributive specialty items are systematically presented. Knowledge for fundamental principle of technology on attributive specialty items must be useful for conducting the design works. In this paper, the principles of attributive technologies for micro-climate comfort-ability and wearing comfort-ability are systematically explained.
Detecting Defects in Textile Products Based on Band-pass Filtering Techniques
Authors: Choi Ka-fai , Gong Yunan , Yeung Kwok-wing
Published: April 2016

Two dimensional band-pass filters can be used to enhance the edges of the defects contained in fabric images. In this paper, we designed two types of 2D band-pass filters for the automatic detection of defects. One is the matched Gabor filter, and the other is the matched
Mexican hat wavelet. Experiments show that the matched Gabor filter is more suitable for defects of higher frequency, while the matched Mexican hat wavelet is more effective for defects of lower frequency. Based on the two types of band-pass filters, an automatic fabric defect detection system was designed which boasts good accuracy and high speed.
Measuring and Rendering Spatially-Varying Fabrics
Authors: McAllister David K. , Lastra Anselmo
Published: April 2016

Most surfaces, including most fabrics, have different reflectance at different points on the surface. The reflectance also varies based on the incident and exitant light directions. This spatially and angularly varying surface appearance is a 6D function, sometimes called the Spatial Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (SBRDF). We present a system for measuring the SBRDF of real fabrics in a lab setting. Our system is able to capture distinct anisotropic BRDFs at each point on the fabric.

The measurement device yields from 300 MB to 8 GB of reflectance data for complex fabrics. We compress the SBRDF using a sum of very few nonlinear bases suited to BRDFs, yielding a highly compact texture map of from 2 to 20 MB, suitable for accurately visualizing articles made of specific fabrics interactively using commodity graphics hardware. We provide an online database of sampled SBRDFs, both in raw form and as final texture maps.
A Virtual Clothing System for Retail and Design
Authors: Spanlang Bernhard , Vassilev Tzvetomir , Walters Jonathan , Buxton Bernard F.
Published: April 2016

In this paper we describe a virtual clothing system for retail and design, created for Bodymetrics Ltd., at their request. In the retail setup we installed the system at Selfridges, a well known department store in London. To our knowledge this is a world first installation of a fully automatic virtual try-on system. Sizing and body landmark information is extracted from 3D scanner data in a fully automatic process and customers can try-on garments from a database on their virtual selves within seconds. The system uses very fast numerical methods and collision detection mechanisms that harness the capabilities of graphics hardware for cloth body collision detection and response. Fabric property measurements from a Kawabata evaluation system are mapped onto our cloth model to ensure appropriate virtual drape behaviour. The information required in order to simulate particular garments is provided in a format tailored to the computational requirements for defining the garment pieces, seaming, partitioning on the body, cloth reflectance and patterning, and location of accessories such as buttons, etc. Based on the realistic visual feedback customers are able to decide whether to buy or not. The whole process in which a customer is scanned, registered to the system, and virtually tries on ten different garments in different sizes takes less than ten minutes. The acceptance of the system is shown by the high interest and demand, the willingness of customers to pay for the service, and an increased sale of items available in the virtual garment database. The system was also designed to be usable over the Internet and has been made freely available. We show that the same system in combination with global illumination for near photo-realistic augmented reality is also of interest for garment designers.
Investigation of European Female Classical Jackets Forming In XX-XX1 Centuries
Authors: HONGGUANG YE , KOLODEZNAYA O.N. , KUZMICHEV V.E.
Published: April 2016

The mathematical description of clothes shape change is made by the example of a European female classical jacket. As objects of research photographs of female classical jackets have been taken from women's fashion magazines of the middle XX - the beginnings of XXI centuries published in France, Germany, Russia, Poland, Italy, U.S.A. For visual identification of female jacket models of the different time we product the nomenclature of the quantitative parameters of the internal form with use of the chosen more important information points is developed. Revealing of objectively existing laws of jacket form constructions is carried out with use of correlative and regressive analyses. The system of a few linear equations for the description, constructions and comparisons of jacket form characteristics of the researched periods are received. Graphic forms of representation of possible zones for information points moving are offered. Using quantitative information about this parameters changed in the period with 1955 on 2002 received by means of our special instrument we proved the constant cyclic character of change them. Due to establishing rules that took place in forming European female jacket during latest 50 years almost we offered the instrument for predicting the main possible changes in composite-structural construction until 10th of XXI century. The program for the constructive modeling, developed in the CAD-system "GRAZIAW" based on use of received dependences between form parameters, allows avoiding mistakes by search of the classical form.
Effect of Liquids on the Electrical Resistance of Polypyrrole-Coated Fabrics
Authors: Cheng X.Y. , Leung M.Y. , Tao X.M. , Yuen C.W. , Kwok W.Y. , Xue P.
Published: April 2016

Polypyrrole (PPy)-coated fabric can be produced by means of chemical vapour deposition using pyrrole in the presence of an oxidizing agent. This electrically conductive fabric can be used as a strain sensor, and has high potential for producing wearable sensors that can detect
the movements of the wearer. Since direct contact between this conductive fabric and human body will be involved, an investigation of the effect of different types of liquids such as sweat, rain water, drinking water, etc. on the electrical conductivity of fabric sensors is critical. Changes in the conductivity and surface morphology of the PPy-coated textile were analysed by placing few drops of liquid onto the fabrics. The results showed that the electrical resistance of the PPy-coated fabrics was different when the fabrics came into contact with different types of liquid. The phenomenon can be explained by both the fibre/fibre contact and yarn/yarn contact models as well as by the uniformity of the PPy-coating layer on the surface of the fibre.
Objective Measurement of Wool Fibre Fineness Using 2-D Gabor Filter
Authors: She F.H. , Xia F. , Zhang W.S. , Kong L.X.
Published: April 2016

There is a huge demand for objective on-farm techniques, which would enable identification of the ‘outliers’ of sheep for the purpose of breeding selection, reducing the fineness (or diameter) of woolgrowers’ flocks with greater confidence, and maintaining the uniform quality throughout the wool clips. In this study, the concept of texture analysis based on Gabor filtering is employed and textural features are extracted from the images of wool staples with different fineness. It is justified by the experiments that those textural features are rotation invariant and also sensitive to the fineness of wool staples and efficient in discrimination of wool staples with different fineness. Since it requires minimum manual operations, this approach has a great potential to be applied on farm or in shearing shed.
Fibre Thermal Damage in Ring Spinning
Authors: Gong R.H. , Shekhani A.K.
Published: April 2016

Synthetic fibres are more susceptible to thermal damage and have to be processed at lower spindle speeds than cotton on ring spinning machines. Blends of polyester-cotton were spun using ring spinning machine at various spindle speeds. Analysis of the properties of the yarns and the fibres in the yarn revealed that spinning fibre blends with a high polyester content at higher spindle speeds resulted in weaker yarns. Thermal damage of the polyester fibre in the yarn could be seen from SEM photographs. Blending polyester with cotton significantly reduced the risk of thermal damage to the polyester fibre. Yarn hairiness decreased with the increase of spindle speed, but this reduction could not be attributed to
fibre thermal damage alone.
Bilinear Approximation of Anisotropic Stress-Strain Properties of Woven Fabrics
Authors: Ng Sun-pui , Ng Roger , Yu Winnie
Published: April 2016

In the theoretical derivation of the anisotropic model of the woven fabric, Kilby (1963) achieved the symmetric anisotropy model. Yet, in practice, the warp behavior of a woven fabric is rarely identical to the weft behavior, even in the case of plain weave fabric of identical yarns in both warp and weft directions because of the manufacturing process. The closed form analytic solution of the asymmetric anisotropic behaviour is very difficult to find for real fabric, due to its nonlinear properties. Therefore, it is important to derive an efficient and accurate method to approximate the nonlinear fabric anisotropy. This paper discusses the issue of incorporating the tensile fabric properties and the bias angle effect into a bilinear stress-strain model. The stress-strain relationship is divided into two regions, below and above the elastic limit. Within each region, a basis function, based on three data points, is used to approximate the angular effect. The advantages of this method include: (1) its simplicity, (2) robust 2-step lookup operation to obtain the answer, (3) full coverage of both linear and nonlinear elastic regions, and (4) ability to achieve high degree of accuracy with only three data points.
Increased risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder associated with exposure to organophosphate pesticide in Taiwanese children
Authors: Yu C.‐J. , Du J.‐C. , Chiou H.‐C. , Chung M.‐Y. , Yang W. , Chen Y.‐S. , Fuh M.‐R. , Chien L.‐C. , Hwang B. , Chen M.‐L.
Published: April 2016

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is male predominated, and the etiology of this disorder remains unclear. Past studies have assessed the association of low‐level organophosphate pesticide exposure with childhood ADHD cross‐sectionally and prospectively. However, the results have been inconsistent. A first case–control study was performed to investigate the relationship between organophosphate pesticide exposure and ADHD with adjusted covariates. We recruited 97 doctor‐diagnosed ADHD cases and 110 non‐ADHD controls who were 4–15 years of age. Exposure was assessed using urinary levels of dialkylphosphate metabolites, which are biomarkers of OP pesticide exposure. Blood lead levels and polymorphisms of two commonly verified dopaminergic‐related genes (the D4 dopamine receptor gene DRD4 and the dopamine transporter gene DAT1) were also analyzed. The sociodemographics and lifestyles of the children and of the mothers during pregnancy were collected using a questionnaire. The blood lead levels of both groups were similar (1.57 ± 0.73 vs. 1.73 ± 0.77 μg/dL, p = 0.15). Significant urinary concentration differences in one of the six dialkylphosphate metabolites, dimethylphosphate (DMP), were found between ADHD and control subjects (322.92 ± 315.68 vs. 224.37 ± 156.58 nmol/g cr., p < 0.01). A dose–response relationship was found between urinary concentrations of DMP and ADHD in both crude and adjusted analyses (p for trend<0.05). Children with higher urinary DMP concentrations may have a twofold to threefold increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. We report a dose–response relationship between child DMP levels and ADHD. Organophosphate pesticide exposure may have deleterious effects on children's neurodevelopment, particularly the development of ADHD.
Immune gene variability influences roe deer natal dispersal
Authors: Vanpé Cécile , Debeffe Lucie , Galan Maxime , Hewison A. J. Mark , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Gilot‐Fromont Emmanuelle , Morellet Nicolas , Verheyden Hélène , Cosson Jean‐François , Cargnelutti Bruno , Merlet Joël , Quéméré Erwan
Published: April 2016

Dispersal is a key life‐history trait governing the response of individuals, populations and species to changing environmental conditions. In the context of global change, it is therefore essential to better understand the respective role of condition‐, phenotype‐ and genetic‐dependent drivers of dispersal behaviour. Although the importance of immune function and pathogen infestation in determining patterns of dispersal is increasingly recognised, no study to our knowledge has yet investigated the influence of immune gene variability on dispersal behaviour. Here, we filled this knowledge gap by assessing whether individual heterozygosity at five immune gene loci (one from the Major histocompatibility complex and four from encoding Toll‐like receptors) influences roe deer natal dispersal. We found that dispersal propensity was affected by immune gene diversity, suggesting potential pathogen‐mediated selection through over‐dominance. However, the direction of this effect differed between high and low quality individuals, suggesting that dispersal propensity is driven by two different mechanisms. In support of the condition‐dependent dispersal hypothesis, dispersal propensity increased with increasing body mass and, among high quality individuals only (standardized body mass > 18 kg), with increasing immune gene diversity. However, among poor quality individuals, we observed the opposite pattern such that dispersal propensity was higher for individuals with lower immune gene diversity. We suggest that these poor quality individuals expressed an emergency dispersal tactic in an attempt to escape a heavily infested environment associated with poor fitness prospects. Our results have potentially important consequences in terms of population genetics and demography, as well as host–pathogen evolution.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Falling Film Type Plate-Fin Condenser/Reboiler
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Yu Jianlin
Published: April 2016

Falling film type condensers/reboilers applied to cryogenic air separation units (ASUs) have drawn more attentions in recent years. This paper presents and analyzes a mathematical model for the falling film plate-fin condensers/reboilers (FPCR). In the modeling, both the laminar falling film evaporation and condensation processes, incorporating with interference of mass transfer and interfacial shear stress, are considered, and related to a plate-fin heat exchanger (PHX). The liquid film flow and heat transfer characteristics of oxygen and nitrogen fluids in the PHX are analyzed under given conditions by solving the model with a numerical iteration method. The variations of liquid film thicknesses and local heat transfer coefficients of oxygen and nitrogen as well as the total local heat transfer coefficient have been obtained. Furthermore, the effects of the inlet mass flow rate allocation ratio (i.e., the ratio of inlet mass flow rate of oxygen liquid over the base plate to that over the fin surfaces) on the wetted length of the heat transfer surfaces, the heat transfer performance, and the oxygen liquid circulation ratio (i.e., the ratio of the inlet liquid mass flow rate to the generated vapor mass flow rate) are also discussed. A proper inlet mass flow rate allocation ratio of oxygen liquid is presented. The wave effects are further considered and analyzed through the inclusion of a model for the wave factor.
Flow Boiling in a Heat Sink Embedded With Hexagonally Linked Minichannels
Authors: Chakraborty Shubhankar , Sahu Omprakash , Das Prasanta Kr.
Published: April 2016

The thermal hydraulic performance of a miniature heat sink during flow boiling of distilled water is presented in this article. The unique design of the heat sink contains a number of microchannels of 1 mm × 1 mm cross section arranged in a regular hexagonal array. The design facilitates repeated division and joining of individual streams from different microchannels and thereby can enhance heat transfer. Individual slug bubble experiences a typical route of break up, coalescence, and growth. The randomness of these processes enhances the transport of heat. With the increase of vapor quality the heat transfer coefficient increases, reaches the maximum value, and then drops. The maximum heat transfer coefficient occurs at an exit vapor quality much higher than that observed in conventional parallel microchannel heat sinks. Repeated redistribution of the coolant in the interlinked channels and the restricted growth of the slug bubbles may be responsible for this trend.
Optimal Damping of a Taut Cable Under Random Excitation
Authors: Sinha Alok
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the optimal damping of a taut cable when the excitation is random in nature. Both white noise and narrow band (NB) random excitations are considered. Effects of spatial correlations of random excitations on the taut cable and the external damper's support flexibility are studied. A general procedure to construct a root loci plot is developed. Numerical results are presented and compared with optimal damping values for free vibration.
Multiwalled carbon nanotube and graphene–polystyrene nanocomposites for bolometric detection
Authors: El-chami Ibrahim , Dixon-Luinenburg Oberon , Bahreyni Behraad
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the authors report on the use of multilayered carbon nanotubes and graphene films for the fabrication of temperature sensitive resistors. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes- and graphene-based films possess moderate temperature coefficients of resistance and wideband infrared absorption efficiency. This work demonstrates that by incorporating these nanoparticles into a thermally and electrically insulating polymer, polystyrene, the temperature sensitivity significantly improves. Experimental results show temperature coefficients of resistances for these films as high as −0.7%/K. The layers were deposited using a spraying setup without further chemical or thermal treatment. The low cost, simple, and versatile deposition process, in addition to the high temperature coefficients of resistances for these films, makes them suitable alternatives for infrared image sensors as well as many other sensing applications.
Resonance frequency of fluid-filled and prestressed spherical shell—A model of the human eyeball
Authors: Shih Po-Jen , Guo Yi-Ren
Published: April 2016

An acoustic tonometer that measures shifts in resonance frequencies associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) could provide an opportunity for a type of tonometer that can be operated at home or worn by patients. However, there is insufficient theoretical background, especially with respect to the uncertainty in operating frequency ranges and the unknown relationships between IOPs and resonance frequencies. The purpose of this paper is to develop a frequency function for application in an acoustic tonometer. A linear wave theory is used to derive an explicit frequency function, consisting of an IOP and seven other physiological parameters. In addition, impulse response experiments are performed to measure the natural frequencies of porcine eyes to validate the provided function. From a real-time detection perspective, explicitly providing a frequency function can be the best way to set up an acoustic tonometer. The theory shows that the resonance oscillation of the eyeball is mainly dominated by liquid inside the eyeball. The experimental validation demonstrates the good prediction of IOPs and resonance frequencies. The proposed explicit frequency function supports further modal analysis not only of the dynamics of eyeballs, but also of the natural frequencies, for further development of the acoustic tonometer.
The Relationships Among Youth Running Programs’ Multidimensional Climates and Social Responsibility and Belonging
Authors: Byrd Brigid , Martin Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to predict feelings of belonging and social responsibility based on climate perceptions of youth participating in a middle school running program. Method: Seventy-four youth from a middle school track and cross country program in the Midwest participated. Results: Based on multiple regression analyses we predicted 52% of the variance in feelings of belonging largely due to perceptions of leadership emotional support and task climate and 25% of the variance in feelings of social responsibility largely due to perceptions of a caring climate. Conclusions: Our findings support the importance of middle school running programs which offered an environment allowing multiple psychosocial benefits, such as nurturing feelings of belonging and social responsibility.
Dominant-negative Gα subunits are a mechanism of dysregulated heterotrimeric G protein signaling in human disease
Authors: Marivin Arthur , Leyme Anthony , Parag-Sharma Kshitij , DiGiacomo Vincent , Cheung Anthony Y. , Nguyen Lien T. , Dominguez Isabel , Garcia-Marcos Mikel
Published: April 2016

Mutations in the G protein subunit Gα
i3
prevent the endothelin receptor from coupling to the appropriate G protein in patients with auriculo-condylar syndrome.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 12 April 2016: G proteins in auriculo-condylar syndrome
Authors: Garcia-Marcos Mikel , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2016

Mutations that cause a GPCR to couple to the wrong G protein cause auriculo-condylar syndrome.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2016

This week’s articles describe why androgen receptors may fail to prevent relapsing prostate cancer, a more physiologically relevant way to study neurotoxicity, and how cyclodextrin causes macrophages to rid blood vessels of cholesterol plaques.
Spatially restricting caspase activation
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2016

A Krebs cycle protein enables the caspase-dependent elimination of spermatid mitochondria without killing the cell.
Repurposing an HIV drug for melanoma
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2016

The HIV drug nelfinavir overcomes resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors in melanoma.
PTEN as a tumor promoter
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: April 2016

Because it enhances the survival of pre-B cells, PTEN could be targeted to treat pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Impact of Cefepime Susceptible-Dose-Dependent MIC for Enterobacteriaceae on Reporting and Prescribing
Authors: Rivera Christina G. , Narayanan Prasanna P. , Patel Robin , Estes Lynn L.
Published: April 2016

The CLSI cefepime breakpoints were revised to include a susceptible-dose-dependent (SDD) category for
Enterobacteriaceae
, with the intention that higher cefepime doses be used for these isolates. In this study, 1.6% of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates were reported as SDD, with
Escherichia coli
the most common SDD organism. Cefepime was prescribed in three cases (4.8%); the majority of SDD isolates were treated with a carbapenem.
Enterobacteriaceae
with cefepime SDD MICs were not commonly treated with cefepime at our institution.
Single Amino Acid Substitutions at Specific Positions of the Heptad Repeat Sequence of Piscidin-1 Yielded Novel Analogs That Show Low Cytotoxicity and
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Antiendotoxin Activity
Authors: Kumar Amit , Tripathi Amit Kumar , Kathuria Manoj , Shree Sonal , Tripathi Jitendra Kumar , Purshottam R. K. , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Mitra Kalyan , Ghosh Jimut Kanti
Published: April 2016

Piscidin-1 possesses significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. To recognize the primary amino acid sequence(s) in piscidin-1 that could be important for its biological activity, a long heptad repeat sequence located in the region from amino acids 2 to 19 was identified. To comprehend the possible role of this motif, six analogs of piscidin-1 were designed by selectively replacing a single isoleucine residue at a d (5th) position or at an a (9th or 16th) position with either an alanine or a valine residue. Two more analogs, namely, I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 and V12I-piscidin-1, were designed for investigating the effect of interchanging an alanine residue at a d position with an adjacent phenylalanine residue and replacing a valine residue with an isoleucine residue at another d position of the heptad repeat of piscidin-1, respectively. Single alanine-substituted analogs exhibited significantly reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells compared with that of piscidin-1 but appreciably retained the antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities of piscidin-1. All the single valine-substituted piscidin-1 analogs and I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 showed cytotoxicity greater than that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, antibacterial activity marginally greater than or similar to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, and also antiendotoxin activity superior to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs. Interestingly, among these peptides, V12I-piscidin-1 showed the highest cytotoxicity and antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities. Lipopolysaccharide (12 mg/kg of body weight)-treated mice, further treated with I16A-piscidin-1, the piscidin-1 analog with the highest therapeutic index, at a single dose of 1 or 2 mg/kg of body weight, showed 80 and 100% survival, respectively. Structural and functional characterization of these peptides revealed the basis of their biological activity and demonstrated that nontoxic piscidin-1 analogs with significant antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities can be designed by incorporating single alanine substitutions in the piscidin-1 heptad repeat.
Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury among Patients Receiving Concomitant Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam: Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Karino Shigehiko , Kaye Keith S. , Navalkele Bhagyashri , Nishan Bakht , Salim Madiha , Solanki Shantanu , Pervaiz Amina , Tashtoush Nader , Shaikh Hamadullah , Koppula Sunitha , Martin Emily T. , Mynatt Ryan P. , Murray Kyle P. , Rybak Michael J. , Pogue Jason M.
Published: April 2016

Despite their common use as an empirical combination therapy for the better part of a decade, there has been a recent association between combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and high rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). The reasons for this increased association are unclear, and this analysis was designed to investigate the association. Retrospective cohort and case-control studies were performed. The primary objective was to assess if there is an association between extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam in combination with vancomycin and development of AKI. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for AKI in patients on the combination, regardless of infusion strategy, and to evaluate the impact of AKI on clinical outcomes. AKI occurred in 105/320 (33%) patients from the cohort receiving combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, with similar rates seen in those receiving intermittent (53/160 [33.1%]) and extended infusions (52/160 [32.5%]) of piperacillin-tazobactam. Independent risk factors for AKI in the cohort included having a documented Gram-positive infection, the presence of sepsis, receipt of a vancomycin loading dose (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 4.71), and receipt of any concomitant nephrotoxin (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.41 to 4.22). For at-risk patients remaining on combination therapy, the highest rates of AKI occurred on days 4 (10.7%) and 5 (19.3%). The incidence of AKI in patients on combination therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam is high, occurring in 33% of patients. Receipt of piperacillin-tazobactam as an extended infusion did not increase this risk. Modifiable risk factors for AKI include receipt of a vancomycin loading dose, concomitant nephrotoxins, and longer durations of therapy.
Role of Host Type IA Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway Components in Invasin-Mediated Internalization of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Dowd Georgina C. , Bhalla Manmeet , Kean Bernard , Thomas Rowan , Ireton Keith
Published: April 2016

Many bacterial pathogens subvert mammalian type IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in order to induce their internalization into host cells. How PI3K promotes internalization is not well understood. Also unclear is whether type IA PI3K affects different pathogens through similar or distinct mechanisms. Here, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi)-based screen to identify components of the type IA PI3K pathway involved in invasin-mediated entry of
Yersinia enterocolitica
, an enteropathogen that causes enteritis and lymphadenitis. The 69 genes targeted encode known upstream regulators or downstream effectors of PI3K. A similar RNAi screen was previously performed with the food-borne bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
. The results of the screen with
Y. enterocolitica
indicate that at least nine members of the PI3K pathway are needed for invasin-mediated entry. Several of these proteins, including centaurin-α1, Dock180, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Grp1, LL5α, LL5β, and PLD2 (phospholipase D2), were recruited to sites of entry. In addition, centaurin-α1, FAK, PLD2, and mTOR were required for remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during entry. Six of the human proteins affecting invasin-dependent internalization also promote InlB-mediated entry of
L. monocytogenes
. Our results identify several host proteins that mediate invasin-induced effects on the actin cytoskeleton and indicate that a subset of PI3K pathway components promote internalization of both
Y. enterocolitica
and
L. monocytogenes
.
Primary hypercortisolism and phaeochromocytoma next to, but not related to, each other
Authors: Winter Elizabeth M , Pereira Alberto M , Corssmit Eleonora P
Published: April 2016

This is the first report of unilateral hypercortisolism and phaeochromocytoma that cannot be explained by medullary tumourigenic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) excretion. The patient was referred for an adrenal incidentaloma with hypertension but no Cushingoid features, disturbed glucose tolerance and osteopaenia. Additional testing revealed hypercortisolism with suppressed ACTH, and a right-sided phaeochromocytoma with typical radiographic appearance. Resection of the right adrenal completely normalised the clinical symptoms and biochemistry, and increased ACTH concentrations, implicating initial suppression. Histology revealed a tumour consisting of chromaffin cells, with only pre-existing cortical tissue containing groups of ACTH-positive cells. Recent human studies in primary Cushing's syndrome demonstrated that a paracrine effect of these aberrant cells, assumed to be Leydig cells in origin, results in hypercortisolism by stimulation of surrounding steroidogenic cells, leading to systemic ACTH suppression. We propose that 2 diagnoses within 1 adrenal, being phaeochromocytoma and autonomous cortisol overproduction due to adjoining aberrant ACTH-producing cells, explain the clinical picture.
Improved incidence of end-stage renal disease of type 1 diabetes in Japan, from a hospital-based survey
Authors: Otani Toshika , Yokoyama Hiroki , Ohashi Yasuo , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: April 2016

Objective

To explore whether the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was lowered over time, and how the baseline characteristics and risk factor management during follow-up were associated with the incident ESRD.

Research design and methods

An observational cohort study was performed in 1014 patients with T1DM diagnosed from 1961 to 1999, who were admitted to the diabetes center. The incidence of ESRD up to 2010 and the effect of risk factors, including annual mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure, were investigated.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 19.3 years, with 88.3% follow-up rate, the incidence of ESRD was significantly lower in T1DM diagnosed in 1985–1999 than in 1961–1984 (0.8 vs 5.0 per 1000 person-years, p<0.0001), which was not precluded by preceding death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the former group (vs the latter) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of ESRD independent of baseline variables of age, duration and gender (p<0.01). The continuous variable of year of T1DM diagnosis remained significant after adjustment for the above variables plus baseline proteinuria and retinopathy (p=0.02). Time-dependent Cox regression analysis indicated that ESRD was associated with annual mean HbA1c (p<0.01), systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and baseline proteinuria (p<0.001), followed by continuous variable of year of T1DM diagnosis (p=0.09).

Conclusions

Our data indicate that incidence of ESRD is decreasing over time, coinciding with enhanced glycemic and blood pressure controls. The incidence of ESRD in recently diagnosed T1DM appears to be much lower than previously reported ESRD incidence.
Retrospective cohort study of cancer incidence and mortality by HIV status in a Georgia, USA, prisoner cohort during the HAART era
Authors: Zlotorzynska Maria , Spaulding Anne C , Messina Lauren C , Coker Daniella , Ward Kevin , Easley Kirk , Baillargeon Jacques , Mink Pamela J , Simard Edgar P
Published: April 2016

Objective

Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) have emerged as significant contributors to cancer mortality and morbidity among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Because NADCs are also associated with many social and behavioural risk factors that underlie HIV, determining the extent to which each of these factors contributes to NADC risk is difficult. We examined cancer incidence and mortality among persons with a history of incarceration, because distributions of other cancer risk factors are likely similar between prisoners living with HIV and non-infected prisoners.

Design

Registry-based retrospective cohort study.

Participants

Cohort of 22 422 persons incarcerated in Georgia, USA, prisons on 30 June 1991, and still alive in 1998.

Outcome measures

Cancer incidence and mortality were assessed between 1998 and 2009, using cancer and death registry data matched to prison administrative records. Age, race and sex-adjusted standardised mortality and incidence ratios, relative to the general population, were calculated for AIDS-defining cancers, viral-associated NADCs and non-infection-associated NADCs, stratified by HIV status.

Results

There were no significant differences in cancer mortality relative to the general population in the cohort, regardless of HIV status. In contrast, cancer incidence was elevated among the PLWH. Furthermore, incidence of viral-associated NADCs was significantly higher among PLWH versus those without HIV infection (standardised incidence ratio=6.1, 95% CI 3.0 to 11.7, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Among PLWH with a history of incarceration, cancer incidence was elevated relative to the general population, likely related to increased prevalence of oncogenic viral co-infections. Cancer prevention and screening programmes within prisons may help to reduce the cancer burden in this high-risk population.