bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on the Flow Characteristics of the Francis Turbine With Various Blade Profiles
Authors: Jeon J.-H. , Byeon S.-S. , Kim Y.-J.
Published: December 2013

The Francis turbine is a kind of reaction turbines, which means that the potential energy of water converted to rotational kinetic energy. In this study, the flow characteristics have been investigated numerically in a Francis turbine on the 15 MW hydropower generation with various blade profiles (NACA 65 and NACA 16 series) and discharge angles (14°, 15°, 17°, and 18°), using the commercial code, ANSYS CFX. The k-ω SST turbulence model is employed in the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The computing domain includes the spiral casing, guide vanes, and draft tube, which are discretized with a full three-dimensional mesh system of unstructured tetrahedral shapes. The results showed that the change of blade profiles and discharge angles significantly influenced the performance of the Francis turbine.
Cyclic Concentration Measurements for Characterizing Pulsating Flow
Authors: Bamberger Judith Ann
Published: December 2013

Slurry mixed in vessels via pulse jet mixers has a periodic, rather than steady, concentration profile. Measurements of local concentration taken at the center of the tank at a range of elevations within the mixed region were analyzed to obtain a greater understanding of how the periodic pulse jet mixing cycle affects the local concentration. Data were obtained at the critical suspension velocity, when all solids are suspended at the end of the pulse. The data at a range of solids loadings are analyzed to observe the effect of solids concentration during the suspension and settling portions of the mixing cycle.
Unsteady Forcing vs. Efficiency: The Effect of Clocking on a Transonic Industrial Compressor
Authors: Fruth Florian , Vogt Damian M. , Bladh Ronnie , Fransson Torsten H.
Published: December 2013

A numerical investigation on the impact of clocking on the efficiency and the aerodynamic forcing of the first 1.5 stages of an industrial transonic compressor was conducted. Using unsteady 3D Navier-Stokes equations, seven clocking positions were calculated and analyzed. Efficiency changes due to clocking were up to 0.125%, whereas modal excitation changes up to 31.7%. However, no direct correlation between the parameters of efficiency, stimulus and modal excitation was found as reported by others. It was found that potential forced response risks can be reduced by clocking, resulting only in minor efficiency penalties. Assuming almost sinusoidal behavior of efficiency and stimulus changes, as found in this investigation, both parameters can be set into correlation by using an ellipse interpolation. Direct impact of design changes on efficiency and stimulus through clocking can be deducted from that graph and quick estimations about extrema be made using only 5–6 transient simulations. Results however also stress the importance of considering modal excitation when optimizing for aerodynamic forcing, for which the ellipse interpolation is not necessarily possible. Highest efficiency is achieved with the IGV wake impinging on the stator blade leading edge at mid-span. It was found however that this alone is not a sufficient criteria in case of inclined wakes, as wake impingement at different span positions leads to different efficiencies.
Two-Pronged Jet Formation Caused by Droplet Impact on Anisotropic Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Pearson John T. , Maynes Daniel , Bilodeau David , Webb Brent W.
Published: December 2013

When a liquid droplet impacts a superhydrophobic surface with anisotropic surface patterning in the form of alternating ribs and cavities, the rebounding droplet may exhibit a unique two-pronged jet emission. Droplet impact experiments with eleven different fluids of viscosity that varied by more than three orders of magnitude were conducted, and this paper quantifies the Capillary number, Ca, and Ohnesorge number, Oh, ranges over which the two-pronged phenomenon occurs. For Oh > 0.0154, the behavior was never observed, while at lower values of Oh, the behavior occurs for an intermediate range of Ca that depends on Oh.
Influence of the emitted electron energy distribution from nanocathodes upon the current–voltage characteristics
Authors: Evtukh Anatoliy , Grygoriev Anton , Litovchenko Volodymyr , Steblova Olga , Yilmazoglu Oktay , Hartnagel Hans L. , Mimura Hidenori
Published: December 2013

The peculiarities of the electron field emission from silicon-based multilayer cathodes are investigated. Silicon tips are coated with a silicon-enriched SiOx film (d = 6.6 nm) via low-pressure chemical vapor deposition, and subsequent thermal annealing forms an SiO2-Si-SiO2 multilayer. The electron distribution in the silicon tip (three-dimensional) and electron transport through the quantized sub-band of a silicon nanocluster [quantum dot (zero-dimensional)] are taken into account during the calculation of the emission current. The emitted electron energy distribution is shown to have two peaks, and the emission current–voltage characteristics calculated based on the obtained electron energy distribution is found to be in good agreement with the experimental one.
Mutational Analysis Reveals the Origin and Therapy-Driven Evolution of Recurrent Glioma
Authors: Johnson Brett E. , Mazor Tali , Hong Chibo , Barnes Michael , Aihara Koki , McLean Cory Y. , Fouse Shaun D. , Yamamoto Shogo , Ueda Hiroki , Tatsuno Kenji , Asthana Saurabh , Jalbert Llewellyn E. , Nelson Sarah J. , Bollen Andrew W. , Gustafson W. Clay , Charron Elise , Weiss William A. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Song Jun S. , Olshen Adam B. , Cha Soonmee , Zhao Yongjun , Moore Richard A. , Mungall Andrew J. , Jones Steven J. M. , Hirst Martin , Marra Marco A. , Saito Nobuhito , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Mukasa Akitake , Berger Mitchel S. , Chang Susan M. , Taylor Barry S. , Costello Joseph F.
Published: December 2013

Back with a Vengeance

After surgery, gliomas (a type of brain tumor) recur in nearly all patients and often in a more aggressive form.

Johnson
et al.

(p.
189
, published online 12 December 2013) used exome sequencing to explore whether recurrent tumors harbor different mutations than the primary tumors and whether the mutational profile in the recurrences is influenced by postsurgical treatment of patients with temozolomide (TMZ), a chemotherapeutic drug known to damage DNA. In more than 40% of cases, at least half of the mutations in the initial glioma were undetected at recurrence. The recurrent tumors in many of the TMZ-treated patients bore the signature of TMZ-induced mutagenesis and appeared to follow an evolutionary path to high-grade glioma distinct from that in untreated patients.
Effect of Collective Molecular Reorientations on Brownian Motion of Colloids in Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Turiv T. , Lazo I. , Brodin A. , Lev B. I. , Reiffenrath V. , Nazarenko V. G. , Lavrentovich O. D.
Published: December 2013

Confusing Colloids in Liquid Crystals

In a simple fluid, particle diffusion such as the motion of colloidal particles shows a change in the mean squared displacement that is proportional with time. Within a nematic liquid crystal, diffusion of the molecules may show anisotropic behavior.

Turiv
et al.

(p.
1351
; see the Perspective by

Abbott

) asked what happens to colloidal particles in a nematic liquid crystal. At short times, anomalous diffusion was observed with motion both slower and faster than the long-term behavior, indicative of a complex coupling between the diffusive motion of the colloidal particles and the motion of the liquid crystal molecules.
Self-Accelerating CO Sorption in a Soft Nanoporous Crystal
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Kosaka Wataru , Matsuda Ryotaro , Hori Akihiro , Hijikata Yuh , Belosludov Rodion V. , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Takata Masaki , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: December 2013

Soft, Selective CO Sorption

Many industrial processes produce CO, which could be used as a chemical feedstock, but separation of CO from other gases, especially N
2
, is too difficult to be economically viable.

Sato
et al.

(p.
167
, published online 12 December 2013) now report that a porous coordination polymer containing Cu
2+
ions can selectivity bind CO through serial structural changes reminiscent of allosteric effects in proteins. The separation of CO-N
2
mixtures can be achieved with a low input energy for CO desorption.
Genome-Scale CRISPR-Cas9 Knockout Screening in Human Cells
Authors: Shalem Ophir , Sanjana Neville E. , Hartenian Ella , Shi Xi , Scott David A. , Mikkelsen Tarjei S. , Heckl Dirk , Ebert Benjamin L. , Root David E. , Doench John G. , Zhang Feng
Published: December 2013

Improving Whole-Genome Screens

Improved methods are needed for the knockout of individual genes in genome-scale functional screens.

Wang
et al.

(p.
80
, published online 12 December) and

Shalem
et al.

(p.
84
, published online 12 December) used the bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system to power-screen protocols that avoid several of the pitfalls associated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) screens. Genome editing by these methods completely disrupts target genes, thus avoiding weak signals that can occur when transcript abundance is partially decreased by siRNA. Furthermore, gene targeting by the CRISPR system is more precise and appears to produce substantially fewer off-target effects than existing methods.
Cavefish Study Supports Controversial Evolutionary Mechanism
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Unleashed genetic changes may explain rapid loss of cavefish eyes.
Phase III Clinical Trials Comparing the Immunogenicity and Safety of the Vero Cell-Derived Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Encevac with Those of Mouse Brain-Derived Vaccine by Using the Beijing-1 Strain
Authors: Miyazaki Chiaki , Okada Kenji , Ozaki Takao , Hirose Mizuo , Iribe Kaneshige , Yokote Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Yuji , Togashi Takehiro , Ueda Kohji
Published: December 2013

The immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated cell culture Japanese encephalitis vaccine (CC-JEV) were compared with those of an inactivated mouse brain-derived Japanese encephalitis vaccine (MB-JEV) in phase III clinical multicenter trials conducted in children. The vaccines contain the same Japanese encephalitis virus strain, the Beijing-1 strain. Two independent clinical trials (trials 1 and 2) were conducted. Trial 1 was conducted in 468 healthy children. Each subject was injected with 17 μg per dose of either CC-JEV or MB-JEV, and the immunogenicity and safety of the vaccines were investigated. Trial 1 showed that CC-JEV was more immunogenic and reactive than MB-JEV at the same dose. Therefore, to adjust the immunogenicity of CC-JEV to that of MB-JEV, a vaccine that has had a good track record regarding its efficacy for a long time, trial 2 was conducted in 484 healthy children. To improve the stability, CC-JEV was converted from a liquid type to a freeze-dried type of vaccine. Each subject was injected subcutaneously with either 4 μg per dose of CC-JEV, 8 μg per dose of CC-JEV, or 17 μg per dose of MB-JEV twice, at an interval of 2 to 4 weeks, followed by an additional booster immunization 1 to 15 months after the primary immunization. Based on the results of trial 2, 4 μg per dose of the freeze-dried CC-JEV (under the label Encevac) was selected as a substitute for the MB-JEV. Encevac was approved and launched in 2011 and has since been in use as a 2nd-generation Japanese encephalitis vaccine in Japan. (These studies have been registered at the JapicCTI under registration no. JapicCTI-132063 and JapicCTI-080586 for trials 1 and 2, respectively.)
Enveloped Virus-Like Particle Expression of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Antigen Induces Antibodies with Potent and Broad Neutralizing Activity
Authors: Kirchmeier Marc , Fluckiger Anne-Catherine , Soare Catalina , Bozic Jasminka , Ontsouka Barthelemy , Ahmed Tanvir , Diress Abebaw , Pereira Lenore , Schödel Florian , Plotkin Stanley , Dalba Charlotte , Klatzmann David , Anderson David E.
Published: December 2013

A prophylactic vaccine to prevent the congenital transmission of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in newborns and to reduce life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed recipients of HCMV-infected solid organ transplants is highly desirable. Neutralizing antibodies against HCMV confer significant protection against infection, and glycoprotein B (gB) is a major target of such neutralizing antibodies. However, one shortcoming of past HCMV vaccines may have been their failure to induce high-titer persistent neutralizing antibody responses that prevent the infection of epithelial cells. We used enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs), in which particles were produced in cells after the expression of murine leukemia virus (MLV) viral matrix protein Gag, to express either full-length CMV gB (gB eVLPs) or the full extracellular domain of CMV gB fused with the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G protein (gB-G eVLPs). gB-G-expressing eVLPs induced potent neutralizing antibodies in mice with a much greater propensity toward epithelial cell-neutralizing activity than that induced with soluble recombinant gB protein. An analysis of gB antibody binding titers and T-helper cell responses demonstrated that high neutralizing antibody titers were not simply due to enhanced immunogenicity of the gB-G eVLPs. The cells transiently transfected with gB-G but not gB plasmid formed syncytia, consistent with a prefusion gB conformation like those of infected cells and viral particles. Two of the five gB-G eVLP-induced monoclonal antibodies we examined in detail had neutralizing activities, one of which possessed particularly potent epithelial cell-neutralizing activity. These data differentiate gB-G eVLPs from gB antigens used in the past and support their use in a CMV vaccine candidate with improved neutralizing activity against epithelial cell infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Opportunistic Marine Pathogen Vibrio harveyi Strain E385
Authors: Yu Mingjia , Ren Chunhua , Qiu Jinrong , Luo Peng , Zhu Ruyi , Zhao Zhe , Hu Chaoqun
Published: December 2013

Vibrio harveyi
strain E385 was isolated from a diseased cage-cultured grouper in Daya Bay, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed similarity with
V. harveyi
strain BAA-1116. We sequenced the pathogenic strain
V. harveyi
E385 and compared the genome with that of the nonpathogenic strain
V. harveyi
BAA-1116.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Escherichia
Phage Lw1, a New Member of the RB43 Group of Pseudo T-Even Bacteriophages
Authors: Kushkina Alla I. , Tovkach Fedor I. , Comeau André M. , Kostetskii Igor E. , Lisovski Igor , Ostapchuk Andriy M. , Voychuk Sergiy I. , Gorb Tetiana I. , Romaniuk Liudmyla V.
Published: December 2013

RB43-related bacteriophages have a specific genome type that clearly distinguishes them from other T4-like viruses. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a new virulent phage, Lw1, isolated as an
Escherichia coli
BL21(DE3) contaminant. Lw1 shares an RB43-like genome organization, but it does not contain putative AP2-domain endonuclease genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
testudinum
Strain 03-427
T
Authors: Gilbert Maarten J. , Miller William G. , Yee Emma , Blaser Martin J. , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Duim Birgitta
Published: December 2013

Campylobacter fetus
subsp.
testudinum
has been isolated from reptiles and humans. This
Campylobacter
subspecies is genetically distinct from other
C. fetus
subspecies. Here, we present the first whole-genome sequence for this
C. fetus
subspecies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae Strain A026, a Clinical Multidrug-Resistant Isolate Carrying Tn
2010
Authors: Sui Zhihai , Zhou Wenqing , Yao Kaihu , Liu Li , Zhang Gang , Yang Yonghong , Feng Jie
Published: December 2013

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a primary cause of bacterial infection in humans. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
S. pneumoniae
strain A026, which is a multidrug-resistant strain isolated from cerebrospinal fluid.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas alfalfae subsp.
alfalfae
Strain CFBP 3836
Authors: Jacques M. A. , Bolot S. , Charbit E. , Darrasse A. , Briand M. , Arlat M. , Gagnevin L. , Koebnik R. , Noël L. D. , Portier P. , Carrère S. , Boureau T.
Published: December 2013

We report the high-quality draft genome sequence of
Xanthomonas alfalfae
subsp.
alfalfae
strain CFBP 3836, the causal agent of bacterial leaf and stem spot in lucerne (
Medicago sativa
). Comparative genomics will help to decipher the mechanisms provoking disease and triggering the defense responses of this pathogen of the model legume
Medicago truncatula
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Serratia
sp. Strain ATCC 39006, a Model Bacterium for Analysis of the Biosynthesis and Regulation of Prodigiosin, a Carbapenem, and Gas Vesicles
Authors: Fineran Peter C. , Iglesias Cans Marina C. , Ramsay Joshua P. , Wilf Nabil M. , Cossyleon Desiree , McNeil Matthew B. , Williamson Neil R. , Monson Rita E. , Becher S. Anette , Stanton Jo-Ann L. , Brügger Kim , Brown Steven D. , Salmond George P. C.
Published: December 2013

Serratia
sp. strain ATCC 39006 is a Gram-negative bacterium and a member of the
Enterobacteriaceae
that produces various bioactive secondary metabolites, including the tripyrrole red pigment prodigiosin and the β-lactam antibiotic 1-carbapenen-2-em-3-carboxylic acid (a carbapenem). This strain is the only member of the
Enterobacteriaceae
known to naturally produce gas vesicles, as flotation organelles. Here we present the genome sequence of this strain, which has served as a model for analysis of the biosynthesis and regulation of antibiotic production.
Genome Sequence of a Thermophilic Bacillus, Geobacillus thermodenitrificans DSM465
Authors: Yao Nana , Ren Yi , Wang Wei
Published: December 2013

Geobacillus thermodenitrificans
NG80-2 encodes a LadA-mediated alkane degradation pathway, while
G. thermodenitrificans
DSM465 cannot utilize alkanes. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
G. thermodenitrificans
DSM465, which may help reveal the genomic differences between these two strains in regards to the biodegradation of alkanes.
Pathogenicity and Phenotypic Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolates from a Birth Cohort of Children in Rural Egypt
Authors: Mansour Adel , Shaheen Hind I. , Amine Mohamed , Hassan Khaled , Sanders John W. , Riddle Mark S. , Armstrong Adam W. , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Sebeny Peter J. , Klena John D. , Young Sylvia Y. N. , Frenck Robert W.
Published: December 2013

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) has consistently been the predominant bacterial cause of diarrhea in many birth cohort- and hospital-based studies conducted in Egypt. We evaluated the pathogenicity of ETEC isolates in a birth cohort of children living in a rural community in Egypt. Between 2004 and 2007, we enrolled and followed 348 children starting at birth until their second year of life. A stool sample and two rectal swabs were collected from children during twice-weekly visits when they presented with diarrhea and were collected every 2 weeks if no diarrhea was reported. From routine stool cultures, five
E. coli
-like colonies were screened for ETEC enterotoxins using a GM1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The isolates were screened against a panel of 12 colonization factor antigens (CFAs) by a dot blot assay. A nested case-control study evaluated the association between initial or repeat excretion of ETEC and the occurrences of diarrhea. The pathogenicity of ETEC was estimated in symptomatic children compared to that in asymptomatic controls. ETEC was significantly associated with diarrhea (crude odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 1.52). The distribution of ETEC enterotoxins varied between the symptomatic children (44.2% heat-labile toxin [LT], 38.5% heat-stable toxin [ST], and 17.3% LT/ST) and asymptomatic children (55.5% LT, 34.6% ST, and 9.9% LT/ST) (
P
< 0.001). The CFAs CFA/I (
n
= 61), CS3 (
n
= 8), CS1 plus CS3 (
n
= 24), CS2 plus CS3 (
n
= 18), CS6 (
n
= 45), CS5 plus CS6 (
n
= 11), CS7 (
n
= 25), and CS14 (
n
= 32) were frequently detected in symptomatic children, while CS6 (
n
= 66), CS12 (
n
= 51), CFA/I (
n
= 43), and CS14 (
n
= 20) were detected at higher frequencies among asymptomatic children. While all toxin phenotypes were associated with diarrheal disease after the initial exposure, only ST and LT/ST-expressing ETEC isolates (
P
< 0.0001) were associated with disease in repeat infections. The role of enterotoxins and pathogenicity during repeat ETEC infections appears to be variable and dependent on the coexpression of specific CFAs.
Primary Cerebral Alveolar Echinococcosis: Mycology to the Rescue
Authors: Debourgogne Anne , Goehringer François , Umhang Gérald , Gauchotte Guillaume , Hénard Sandrine , Boué Franck , May Thierry , Machouart Marie
Published: December 2013

A case of primary cerebral alveolar echinococcosis with a favorable outcome is reported. A universal fungal PCR enabled this diagnosis, while the initial serological analysis remained noncontributive.
Aerosolized Rift Valley Fever Virus Causes Fatal Encephalitis in African Green Monkeys and Common Marmosets
Authors: Hartman Amy L. , Powell Diana S. , Bethel Laura M. , Caroline Amy L. , Schmid Richard J. , Oury Tim , Reed Douglas S.
Published: December 2013

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a veterinary and human disease in Africa and the Middle East. The causative agent, RVF virus (RVFV), can be naturally transmitted by mosquito, direct contact, or aerosol. We sought to develop a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of severe RVF in humans to better understand the pathogenesis of RVF and to use for evaluation of medical countermeasures. NHP from four different species were exposed to aerosols containing RVFV. Both cynomolgus and rhesus macaques developed mild fevers after inhalation of RVFV, but no other clinical signs were noted and no macaque succumbed to RVFV infection. In contrast, both marmosets and African green monkeys (AGM) proved susceptible to aerosolized RVF virus. Fever onset was earlier with the marmosets and had a biphasic pattern similar to what has been reported in humans. Beginning around day 8 to day 10 postexposure, clinical signs consistent with encephalitis were noted in both AGM and marmosets; animals of both species succumbed between days 9 and 11 postexposure. Marmosets were susceptible to lower doses of RVFV than AGM. Histological examination confirmed viral meningoencephalitis in both species. Hematological analyses indicated a drop in platelet counts in both AGM and marmosets suggestive of thrombosis, as well as leukocytosis that consisted mostly of granulocytes. Both AGM and marmosets would serve as useful models of aerosol infection with RVFV.
Innate Immune Response Induced by Baculovirus Attenuates Transgene Expression in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Ono Chikako , Ninomiya Akinori , Yamamoto Satomi , Abe Takayuki , Wen Xiauyu , Fukuhara Takasuke , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro , Saitoh Tatsuya , Satoh Takashi , Kawai Taro , Ishii Ken J. , Akira Shizuo , Okamoto Toru , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: December 2013

The baculovirus
Autographa californica
nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV) has been widely used to achieve a high level of foreign gene expression in insect cells, as well as for efficient gene transduction into mammalian cells without any replication. In addition to permitting efficient gene delivery, baculovirus has been shown to induce host innate immune responses in various mammalian cells and in mice. In this study, we examined the effects of the innate immune responses on gene expression by recombinant baculoviruses in cultured cells. The reporter gene expression in IRF3-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) infected with the recombinant baculovirus was shown to be enhanced in accordance with the suppression of beta interferon (IFN-β) production. Furthermore, efficient gene transduction by the recombinant baculovirus was achieved in MEFs deficient for stimulator of interferon genes (STING), TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), or IFN-β promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1), but not in those deficient for IRF7, MyD88, or Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1)/DAI. Enhancement of gene expression by the recombinant baculovirus was also observed in human hepatoma cell lines replicating hepatitis C virus (HCV), in which innate immunity was impaired by the cleavage of IPS-1 by the viral protease. In addition, infection with the recombinant baculovirus expressing the BH3-only protein, BIM
S
, a potent inducer of apoptosis, resulted in a selective cell death in the HCV replicon cells. These results indicate that innate immune responses induced by infection with baculovirus attenuate transgene expression, and this characteristic might be useful for a selective gene transduction into cells with impaired innate immunity arising from infection with various viruses.
Specific Nucleoprotein Residues Affect Influenza Virus Morphology
Authors: Bialas Kristy M. , Bussey Kendra A. , Stone Raychel L. , Takimoto Toru
Published: December 2013

Influenza virus strains are often pleiomorphic, a characteristic that is largely attributed to specific residues in matrix protein 1 (M1). Although the mechanism by which M1 controls virion morphology has not yet been defined, it is suggested that the M1 interaction with other viral proteins plays an important role. In this study, we rescued recombinant virus WSN-AichiM1 containing the spherical A/WSN/33 (WSN) backbone and the M1 protein from A/Aichi/2/68 (Aichi). Aichi M1 differs from WSN M1 by 7 amino acids but includes those identified to be responsible for filamentous virion formation. Interestingly, Aichi virus produced spherical virions, while WSN-AichiM1 exhibited a long filamentous morphology, as detected by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Additional incorporation of Aichi nucleoprotein (NP) but not the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), or M2 gene to WSN-AichiM1 abrogated filamentous virion formation, suggesting that specific M1-NP interactions affect virion morphology. Further characterization of viruses containing WSN/Aichi chimeric NPs identified residues 214, 217, and 253 of Aichi NP as necessary and sufficient for the formation of spherical virions. NP residues 214 and 217 localize at the minor groove between the two opposite-polarity NP helical strands of viral ribonucleocapsids, and residue 253 also localizes near the surface of the groove. These findings indicate that NP plays a critical role in influenza virus morphology, possibly through its interaction with the M1 layer during virus budding.
Single versus multiple-family intervention in childhood overweight—Finnmark Activity School: a randomised trial
Authors: Kokkvoll Ane , Grimsgaard Sameline , Ødegaard Rønnaug , Flægstad Trond , Njølstad Inger
Published: December 2013

Objective

To compare a new comprehensive lifestyle programme performed in groups of families with overweight (included obese) children with a more conventional single-family programme. The study design and interim anthropometrical results after 12 months are presented.

Design

Altogether 97 overweight and obese children aged 6–12 years with body mass index (BMI) corresponding to cut-off point ≥27.5 in adults were included. Study participants were randomised to multiple-family intervention (MUFI) or single-family intervention (SIFI) in a parallel design. MUFI comprised a 3-day inpatient programme at the hospital with other families and a multidisciplinary team, follow-up visits in their hometown individually and in groups, organised physical activity twice weekly and a 4-day family camp after 6 months. SIFI comprised individual counselling by paediatric nurse, paediatric consultant and nutritionist at the hospital and follow-up by public health nurse in the community. Solution focused approach was applied in both interventions. Primary outcome measures were change in BMI kg/m2 and BMI SD score (BMI SDS).

Results

BMI increased by 0.37 units in the MUFI compared to 0.77 units in the SIFI (p=0.18). BMI SDS decreased by 0.16 units in the MUFI group compared to 0.07 units in the SIFI group (p=0.07). Secondary endpoint waist circumference decreased 0.94 cm in the multiple-family group and increased 0.95 cm in the single-family group, p=0.04.

Conclusions

Interim analysis after 12 months showed no between-group difference in terms of BMI or BMI SDS. The MUFI group had a significant decrease in waist circumference compared to the SIFI group.

The trial is registered

at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00872807)
One College – consulting on a new Royal Charter
Authors: Stace Nick
Published: December 2013

At its meeting in November, the RCVS Council agreed that the College should consult with the profession and the public on proposals for a new Royal Charter (see VR, November 23, 2013, vol 173, pp 493‐496). Nick Stace, the RCVS's chief executive, explains why it believes a new charter is needed and what it aims to achieve
DEFECT PHYSICS AND INTRINSIC p-TYPE CONDUCTIVITY IN TOPOLOGICAL INSULATOR AuTlS2
Authors: ZHANG JIAN-MIN , FENG WANGXIANG , YANG PEI , SHI LIJIE , ZHANG YING
Published: December 2013

Using first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the defect physics in topological insulator AuTlS 2. An optimal growth condition is explicitly proposed to guide for the experimental synthesis. The stabilities of various native point defects under different growth conditions and different carrier environments are studied in detail. We show that the p-type conductivity is strongly preferred in AuTlS 2, and the band gap can be engineered by the control of intrinsic defects. Our results demonstrate that AuTlS 2 is an ideal p-type topological insulator which can be easily integrated with traditional semiconductor.
CHAOS AND ADAPTIVE SYNCHRONIZATIONS IN FRACTIONAL-ORDER SYSTEMS
Authors: LIU XIAOJUN , HONG LING
Published: December 2013

In this paper, chaos and adaptive synchronization for a fractional-order Genesio–Tesi system with fifth order nonlinearity are investigated. The minimum effective dimension for the system to remain chaotic is 2.784 in the commensurate-order case and 2.793 in the incommensurate-order case. A period-doubling bifurcation and an interior crisis from single-scroll to double-scroll attractors are also found with the variation of derivative order. Furthermore, based on the stability theory of fractional-order systems, the adaptive synchronization of the system with unknown parameters is realized by designing appropriated controllers. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the controllers.
IDENTIFYING PHASE SYNCHRONOUS REGIMES IN NON-COHERENT AND MULTIPLE SCROLL ATTRACTOR SYSTEMS
Authors: FOLLMANN ROSANGELA , ROSA EPAMINONDAS , MACAU ELBERT E. N. , PIQUEIRA JOSÉ ROBERTO CASTILHO
Published: December 2013

This work discusses the applicability of a method for phase determination of scalar time series from nonlinear systems. We apply the method to detect phase synchronization in different scenarios, and use the phase diffusion coefficient, the Lyapunov spectrum, and the similarity function to characterize synchronization transition in nonidentical coupled Rössler oscillators, both in coherent and non-coherent regimes. We also apply the method to detect phase synchronous regimes in systems with multiple scroll attractors as well as in experimental time series from coupled Chua circuits. The method is of easy implementation, requires no attractor reconstruction, and is particularly convenient in the case of experimental setups with a single time series data output.
CHAOS AND MUSIC: FROM TIME SERIES ANALYSIS TO EVOLUTIONARY COMPOSITION
Authors: KALIAKATSOS-PAPAKOSTAS MAXIMOS A. , EPITROPAKIS MICHAEL G. , FLOROS ANDREAS , VRAHATIS MICHAEL N.
Published: December 2013

Music is an amalgam of logic and emotion, order and dissonance, along with many combinations of contradicting notions which allude to deterministic chaos. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that several research works have examined the utilization of dynamical systems for symbolic music composition. The main motivation of the paper at hand is the analysis of the tonal composition potentialities of several discrete dynamical systems, in comparison to genuine human compositions. Therefore, a set of human musical compositions is utilized to provide "compositional guidelines" to several dynamical systems, the parameters of which are properly adjusted through evolutionary computation. This procedure exposes the extent to which a system is capable of composing tonal sequences that resemble human composition. In parallel, a time series analysis on the genuine compositions is performed, which firstly provides an overview of their dynamical characteristics and secondly, allows a comparative analysis with the dynamics of the artificial compositions. The results expose the tonal composition capabilities of the examined iterative maps, providing specific references to the tonal characteristics that they can capture.
GLOBAL PERIODICITY CONDITIONS FOR MAPS AND RECURRENCES VIA NORMAL FORMS
Authors: CIMA ANNA , GASULL ARMENGOL , MAÑOSA VÍCTOR
Published: December 2013

We face the problem of characterizing the periodic cases in parametric families of rational diffeomorphisms of 𝕂k, where 𝕂 is ℝ or ℂ, having a fixed point. Our approach relies on the Normal Form Theory, to obtain necessary conditions for the existence of a formal linearization of the map, and on the introduction of a suitable rational parametrization of the parameters of the family. Using these tools we can find a finite set of values p for which the map can be p-periodic, reducing the problem of finding the parameters for which the periodic cases appear to simple computations. We apply our results to several two- and three-dimensional classes of polynomial or rational maps. In particular, we find the global periodic cases for several Lyness-type recurrences.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ADOPTERS AND NONADOPTERS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Authors: AJJAN HAYA , KUMAR RAM L. , SUBRAMANIAM CHANDRASEKAR
Published: December 2013

With the increased interest among organizations in managing Information Technology (IT) projects as a portfolio, there has been a growing need for research on factors influencing adoption of IT Project Portfolio Management (ITPPM). ITPPM allows organizations to improve the alignment of IT projects with organizational strategy, by balancing the risks and returns from inter-related projects. To contribute to our understanding of ITPPM, this study examines the adoption of ITPPM through the theoretical lens of diffusion of innovation. Using the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework, we model ITPPM adoption and test our model using survey data from 302 project managers. Our results show that an organization's external pressure, ITPPM costs, organizational support, quality of data on existing IT projects, number of IT projects within the organization, and business resistance are significantly related to the adoption decision. We also find interesting results in how expected benefits of ITPPM and compatibility are perceived as equally important by both adopters and nonadopters. In light of the increasingly complex IT project management environment faced by organizations, our paper helps managers to understand and focus on key enablers of ITPPM adoption and better manage ITPPM inhibitors.
A MULTI-CLASS SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE: THEORY AND MODEL
Authors: SUN MINGHE
Published: December 2013

A multi-class support vector machine (M-SVM) is developed, its dual is derived, its dual is mapped to high dimensional feature spaces using inner product kernels, and its performance is tested. The M-SVM is formulated as a quadratic programming model. Its dual, also a quadratic programming model, is very elegant and is easier to solve than the primal. The discriminant functions can be directly constructed from the dual solution. By using inner product kernels, the M-SVM can be built and nonlinear discriminant functions can be constructed in high dimensional feature spaces without carrying out the mappings from the input space to the feature spaces. The size of the dual, measured by the number of variables and constraints, is independent of the dimension of the input space and stays the same whether the M-SVM is built in the input space or in a feature space. Compared to other models published in the literature, this M-SVM is equally or more effective. An example is presented to demonstrate the dual formulation and solution in feature spaces. Very good results were obtained on benchmark test problems from the literature.
Self-organization principles in the formation of multiporphyrin complexes and "semiconductor quantum dot-porphyrin" nanoassemblies
Authors: Zenkevich Eduard I. , von Borczyskowski Christian
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we review several aspects of molecular recognition (based on non-covalent binding interactions) occurring between meso-pyridyl substituted tetrapyrrole extra-ligands and chemical dimers of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles containing central Zn ions and spacers of various nature and flexibility. Experimental results obtained by us earlier are analyzed using a novel approach (based on steady-state absorption/fluorescence measurements) for the evaluation of complexation constants KC for the formation of porphyrin triads. It was found that KC values [ KC ~ (0.5 – 70) × 106 M-1] show noticeable dependence on the structural parameters of the interacting subunits as well as on the solvent nature. The same self-assembly approach has been used to attach meso-pyridyl substituted porphyrins to the surface of semiconductor CdSe / ZnS quantum dots (QD). It was comparatively found that in contrast to self-assembled porphyrin triads, the formation of "QD-porphyrin" nanoassemblies takes place in competition with surface stabilizing tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) ligand molecules and attached porphyrin molecules. It manifests in a temporal dynamics of QD photoluminescence caused by ligand exchange, TOPO layer reorganization, QD surface reconstruction, solvent properties. It was shown that the sensitivity of QD surface morphology to attached organic ligands (e.g. porphyrins) provides an opportunity to control the dynamics and pathways of the exciton relaxation in "QD-dye" nanoassemblies by changing the structure and electronic properties of these ligands.
Restoration of the External Caledonides, Finnmark, North Norway
Authors: Rice A. H. N.
Published: December 2013

Branch line restoration of the external Finnmark Caledonides, northern Norway, gives 232 km linear displacement of the Middle Allochthon, rising to 252 km when including thrusting-direction changes. A 108 km SSE/SE-directed deformation, mostly ductile, and 144 km ENE/ESE-directed deformation, mostly brittle, occurred. The North Varanger Region/Terrane restores to under Porsangerhalvøya, with the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault a possible precursor of the Kokelv Fault. Dextral offset on the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault was
c.
207 km. Three major sediment depositional areas are recognized: Timan Basin (including Barents Sea–Løkvikfjellet, Einovskaya–Manjunnas–Digermulen and Laksefjord sub-basins); Gaissa Basin (including Finnmark Ridge and Baltica Coast); and Gaissa Promontory. The Barents Sea–Løkvikfjellet Sub-basin comprises 15.9 km of sediments of the North Varanger Terrane. The Einovskaya–Manjunnas–Digermulen Sub-basin comprises 4 km of Rybachi Terrane sediments overlain by the Manjunnas Group (3 km) and then a Gaissa Basin equivalent succession (4.2 km). The 7.7 km-thick Laksefjord Group (Laksefjord Sub-basin) lies directly WNW of the Finnmark Ridge. Maximum clastic sedimentation (
c.
3.7 km) in the Gaissa Basin was in the NE and maximum dolomite accumulation (235 m) in the SW, where the basin closed off. The Finnmark Ridge and Baltica Coast have condensed Gaissa Basin successions. The Gaissa Promontory lies north of the Gaissa Basin, probably with the same lithostratigraphy.
Conditions that promote primary human skeletal myoblast culture and muscle differentiation in vitro
Authors: Cheng Cindy S. , El-Abd Yasser , Bui Khanh , Hyun Young-Eun , Hughes Rebecca Harbuck , Kraus William E. , Truskey George A.
Published: December 2013

Conditions under which skeletal myoblasts are cultured in vitro are critical to growth and differentiation of these cells into mature skeletal myofibers. We examined several culture conditions that promoted human skeletal myoblast (HSkM) culture and examined the effect of microRNAs and mechanical stimulation on differentiation. Culture conditions for HSkM are different from those that enable rapid C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Culture on a growth factor-reduced Matrigel (GFR-MG)-coated surface in 2% equine serum-supplemented differentiation medium to promote HSkM differentiation under static conditions was compared with culture conditions used for C2C12 cell differentiation. Such conditions led to a >20-fold increase in myogenic miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 expression, a >2-fold increase in myogenic transcription factor Mef-2C expression, and an increase in sarcomeric α-actinin protein. Imposing ±10% cyclic stretch at 0.5 Hz for 1 h followed by 5 h of rest over 2 wk produced a >20% increase in miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 expression in 8% equine serum and a >35% decrease in 2% equine serum relative to static conditions. HSkM differentiation was accelerated in vitro by inhibition of proliferation-promoting miR-133a: immunofluorescence for sarcomeric α-actinin exhibited accelerated development of striations compared with the corresponding negative control, and Western blotting showed 30% more α-actinin at day 6 postdifferentiation. This study showed that 100 μg/ml GFR-MG coating and 2% equine serum-supplemented differentiation medium enhanced HSkM differentiation and myogenic miR expression and that addition of antisense miR-133a alone can accelerate primary human skeletal muscle differentiation in vitro.
Fluorofenidone attenuates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Peng Yu , Yang Huixiang , Wang Nasui , Ouyang Yan , Yi Yanrong , Liao Litao , Shen Hong , Hu Gaoyun , Wang Zhaohe , Tao Lijian
Published: December 2013

Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone agent. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of AKF-PD on liver fibrosis in rats and the involved molecular mechanism related to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Rats treated with dimethylnitrosamine or CCl4were randomly divided into normal, model, AKF-PD treatment, and pirfenidone (PFD) treatment groups. The isolated primary rat HSCs were treated with AKF-PD and PFD respectively. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by bromodeoxyuridine and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were determined by Western blot, immunohistochemical staining, and real-time RT-PCR. The expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and p27kip1and phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, Akt, and 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) were detected by Western blot. AKF-PD significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced HSC proliferation and activation by attenuating the expression of collagen I and α-SMA, causing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, reducing expression of cyclin D1and cyclin E, and promoting expression of p27kip1. AKF-PD also downregulated PDGF-BB-induced MEK, ERK, Akt, and p70S6K phosphorylation in HSCs. In rat liver fibrosis, AKF-PD alleviated hepatic fibrosis by decreasing necroinflammatory score and semiquantitative score, and reducing expression of collagen I and α-SMA. AKF-PD attenuated the progression of hepatic fibrosis by suppressing HSCs proliferation and activation via the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. AKF-PD may be used as a potential novel therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis.
Effect of collecting duct-specific deletion of both Rh B Glycoprotein (Rhbg) and Rh C Glycoprotein (Rhcg) on renal response to metabolic acidosis
Authors: Lee Hyun-Wook , Verlander Jill W. , Handlogten Mary E. , Han Ki-Hwan , Weiner I. David
Published: December 2013

The Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, Rh B and Rh C Glycoprotein (Rhbg and Rhcg, respectively), are ammonia-specific transporters expressed in renal distal nephron and collecting duct sites that are necessary for normal rates of ammonia excretion. The purpose of the current studies was to determine the effect of their combined deletion from the renal collecting duct (CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO) on basal and acidosis-stimulated acid-base homeostasis. Under basal conditions, urine pH and ammonia excretion and serum HCO3−were similar in control (C) and CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO mice. After acid-loading for 7 days, CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO mice developed significantly more severe metabolic acidosis than did C mice. Acid loading increased ammonia excretion, but ammonia excretion increased more slowly in CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO and it was significantly less than in C mice on days 1–5. Urine pH was significantly more acidic in CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO mice on days 1, 3, and 5 of acid loading. Metabolic acidosis increased phosph enolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Na+/H+exchanger NHE-3 and decreased glutamine synthetase (GS) expression in both genotypes, and these changes were significantly greater in CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO than in C mice. We conclude that 1) Rhbg and Rhcg are critically important in the renal response to metabolic acidosis; 2) the significantly greater changes in PEPCK, NHE-3, and GS expression in acid-loaded CD-Rhbg/Rhcg-KO compared with acid-loaded C mice cause the role of Rhbg and Rhcg to be underestimated quantitatively; and 3) in mice with intact Rhbg and Rhcg expression, metabolic acidosis does not induce maximal changes in PEPCK, NHE-3, and GS expression despite the presence of persistent metabolic acidosis.
Enhancement of satellite cell differentiation and functional recovery in injured skeletal muscle by hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Authors: Horie Masaki , Enomoto Mitsuhiro , Shimoda Manabu , Okawa Atsushi , Miyakawa Shumpei , Yagishita Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2013

Recently, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatments by elite athletes to accelerate recovery from muscle injuries has become increasingly popular. However, the mechanism of promoting muscle regeneration under HBO conditions has not yet been defined. In this study, we investigated whether HBO treatments promoted muscle regeneration and modulated muscle regulatory factor expression in a rat skeletal muscle injury model. Muscle injury was induced by injecting cardiotoxin (CTX) into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. As the HBO treatment, rats were placed in an animal chamber with 100% oxygen under 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 2 h/day, 5 days/wk for 2 wk. We then performed histological analyses, measured the maximum force-producing capacity of the regenerating muscle fibers, and performed quantitative RT-PCR analysis of muscle regulatory factor mRNAs. The cross-sectional areas and maximum force-producing capacity of the regenerating muscle fibers were increased by HBO treatment after injury. The mRNA expression of MyoD, myogenin, and IGF-1 increased significantly in the HBO group at 3 and 5 days after injury. The number of Pax7+/MyoD+, Pax7−/MyoD+, and Pax7+/BrdU+-positive nuclei was increased by HBO treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that HBO treatment accelerated satellite cell proliferation and myofiber maturation in rat muscle that was injured by a CTX injection. These results suggest that HBO treatment accelerates healing and functional recovery after muscle injury.