bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of membrane-bound human immunodeficiency virus-1 Gag matrix with neutron reflectometry
Authors: Eells Rebecca , Barros Marilia , Scott Kerry M. , Karageorgos Ioannis , Heinrich Frank , Lösche Mathias
Published: May 2017

The structural characterization of peripheral membrane proteins represents a tremendous challenge in structural biology due to their transient interaction with the membrane and the potential multitude of protein conformations during this interaction. Neutron reflectometry is uniquely suited to address this problem because of its ability to structurally characterize biological model systems nondestructively and under biomimetic conditions that retain full protein functionality. Being sensitive to only the membrane-bound fraction of a water-soluble peripheral protein, neutron reflectometry obtains a low-resolution average structure of the protein-membrane complex that is further refined using integrative modeling strategies. Here, the authors review the current technological state of biological neutron reflectometry exemplified by a detailed report on the structure determination of the myristoylated human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) Gag matrix associated with phosphoserine-containing model membranes. The authors found that the HIV-1 Gag matrix is able to adopt different configurations at the membrane in a pH-dependent manner and that the myristate group orients the protein in a way that is conducive to PIP2-binding.
Design of robust concentric circular differential microphone arrays
Authors: Huang Gongping , Benesty Jacob , Chen Jingdong
Published: May 2017

Circular differential microphone arrays (CDMAs) have been extensively studied in speech and audio applications for their steering flexibility, potential to achieve frequency-invariant directivity patterns, and high directivity factors (DFs). However, CDMAs suffer from both white noise amplification and deep nulls in the DF and in the white noise gain (WNG) due to spatial aliasing, which considerably restricts their use in practical systems. The minimum-norm filter can improve the WNG by using more microphones than required for a given differential array order; but this filter increases the array aperture (radius), which exacerbates the spatial aliasing problem and worsens the nulls problem in the DF. Through theoretical analysis, this research finds that the nulls of the CDMAs are caused by the zeros in the denominators of the filters' coefficients, i.e., the zeros of the Bessel function. To deal with both the white noise amplification and deep nulls problems, this paper develops an approach that combines different rings of microphones together with appropriate radii. The resulting robust concentric circular differential microphone arrays (CCDMAs) can mitigate both problems. Simulation results justify the superiority of the robust CCDMA approach over the traditional CDMAs and robust CDMAs.
The cytotoxic type 3 secretion system 1 of
Vibrio
rewires host gene expression to subvert cell death and activate cell survival pathways
Authors: De Nisco Nicole J. , Kanchwala Mohammed , Li Peng , Fernandez Jessie , Xing Chao , Orth Kim
Published: May 2017

The pathogenic bacterium
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
manipulates death and survival networks in host cells to ensure its survival.
Nrf2 inactivation enhances placental angiogenesis in a preeclampsia mouse model and improves maternal and fetal outcomes
Authors: Nezu Masahiro , Souma Tomokazu , Yu Lei , Sekine Hiroki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Wei Andrew Zu-Sern , Ito Sadayoshi , Fukamizu Akiyoshi , Zsengeller Zsuzsanna K. , Nakamura Tomohiro , Hozawa Atsushi , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Suzuki Norio , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: May 2017

ROS promote blood vessel formation in the placenta, which protects against preeclampsia.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 16 May 2017:
Vibrio
rewires host cells
Authors: De Nisco Nicole J. , Orth Kim , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2017

The type 3 secretion system 1 of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
initially rewires host cell signaling networks to promote cell survival, then later kills the host cell (De Nisco
et al
. in 16 May 2017 issue).
Toxic Electrophiles Induce Expression of the Multidrug Efflux Pump MexEF-OprN in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through a Novel Transcriptional Regulator, CmrA
Authors: Juarez Paulo , Jeannot Katy , Plésiat Patrick , Llanes Catherine
Published: May 2017

The multidrug efflux system MexEF-OprN is produced at low levels in wild-type strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. However, in so-called
nfxC
mutants, mutational alteration of the gene
mexS
results in constitutive overexpression of the pump, along with increased resistance of the bacterium to chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim. In this study, analysis of
in vitro
-selected chloramphenicol-resistant clones of strain PA14 led to the identification of a new class of MexEF-OprN-overproducing mutants (called
nfxC2
) exhibiting alterations in an as-yet-uncharacterized gene, PA14_38040 (homolog of PA2047 in strain PAO1). This gene is predicted to encode an AraC-like transcriptional regulator and was called
cmrA
(for
c
hlora
m
phenicol
r
esistance
a
ctivator). In
nfxC2
mutants, the mutated CmrA increases its proper gene expression and upregulates the operon
mexEF-oprN
through MexS and MexT, resulting in a multidrug resistance phenotype without significant loss in bacterial virulence. Transcriptomic experiments demonstrated that CmrA positively regulates a small set of 11 genes, including PA14_38020 (homolog of PA2048), which is required for the MexS/T-dependent activation of
mexEF-oprN
. PA2048 codes for a protein sharing conserved domains with the quinol monooxygenase YgiN from
Escherichia coli
. Interestingly, exposure of strain PA14 to toxic electrophilic molecules (glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and cinnamaldehyde) strongly activates the CmrA pathway and upregulates MexEF-OprN and, thus, increases the resistance of
P. aeruginosa
to the pump substrates. A picture emerges in which MexEF-OprN is central in the response of the pathogen to stresses affecting intracellular redox homeostasis.
ERG11
Gene Mutations and
MDR1
Upregulation Confer Pan-Azole Resistance in Candida tropicalis Causing Disseminated Candidiasis in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient on Posaconazole Prophylaxis
Authors: You Liangshun , Qian Wenbin , Yang Qing , Mao Liping , Zhu Li , Huang Xianbo , Jin Jie , Meng Haitao
Published: May 2017

In this study, we present a rare case of fatal breakthrough
Candida tropicalis
infection in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) while on posaconazole prophylaxis. Then, we explore the mechanisms underlying azole resistance by focusing on enhanced efflux pumps and changes in the azole target enzyme Erg11p, which was encoded by the ERG11 gene. Our study demonstrates that Y132C substitution of Erg11p combined with MDR1 overexpression may be the pan-azole resistance mechanisms in
Candida tropicalis
.
MCR-1 and OXA-48
In Vivo
Acquisition in KPC-Producing Escherichia coli after Colistin Treatment
Authors: Beyrouthy Racha , Robin Frederic , Lessene Aude , Lacombat Igor , Dortet Laurent , Naas Thierry , Ponties Valérie , Bonnet Richard
Published: May 2017

The spread of
mcr-1
-encoding plasmids into carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
raises concerns about the emergence of untreatable bacteria. We report the acquisition of
mcr-1
in a carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
strain after a 3-week course of colistin in a patient repatriated to France from Portugal. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase-producing
E. coli
strain acquired two plasmids, an IncL OXA-48-encoding plasmid and an IncX4
mcr-1
-encoding plasmid. This is the first report of
mcr-1
in carbapenemase-encoding bacteria in France.
Genome-Wide Survey of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 Reveals a Role for the Glyoxylate Pathway and Extracellular Proteases in the Utilization of Mucin
Authors: Flynn Jeffrey M. , Phan Chi , Hunter Ryan C.
Published: May 2017

Chronic airway infections by the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are a major cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Although this bacterium has been extensively studied for its virulence determinants, biofilm growth, and immune evasion mechanisms, comparatively little is known about the nutrient sources that sustain its growth
in vivo
. Respiratory mucins represent a potentially abundant bioavailable nutrient source, although we have recently shown that canonical pathogens inefficiently use these host glycoproteins as a growth substrate. However, given that
P. aeruginosa
, particularly in its biofilm mode of growth, is thought to grow slowly
in vivo
, the inefficient use of mucin glycoproteins may be relevant to its persistence within the CF airways. To this end, we used whole-genome fitness analysis, combining transposon mutagenesis with high-throughput sequencing, to identify genetic determinants required for
P. aeruginosa
growth using intact purified mucins as a sole carbon source. Our analysis reveals a biphasic growth phenotype, during which the glyoxylate pathway and amino acid biosynthetic machinery are required for mucin utilization. Secondary analyses confirmed the simultaneous liberation and consumption of acetate during mucin degradation and revealed a central role for the extracellular proteases LasB and AprA. Together, these studies describe a molecular basis for mucin-based nutrient acquisition by
P. aeruginosa
and reveal a host-pathogen dynamic that may contribute to its persistence within the CF airways.
Mutations in the β-Subunit of the RNA Polymerase Impair the Surface-Associated Motility and Virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Pérez-Varela María , Corral Jordi , Vallejo Juan Andrés , Rumbo-Feal Soraya , Bou Germán , Aranda Jesús , Barbé Jordi
Published: May 2017

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a major cause of antibiotic-resistant nosocomial infections worldwide. In this study, several rifampin-resistant spontaneous mutants obtained from the
A. baumannii
ATCC 17978 strain that differed in their point mutations in the
rpoB
gene, encoding the β-subunit of the RNA polymerase, were isolated. All the mutants harboring amino acid substitutions in position 522 or 540 of the RpoB protein were impaired in surface-associated motility and had attenuated virulence in the fertility model of
Caenorhabditis elegans
. The transcriptional profile of these mutants included six downregulated genes encoding proteins homologous to transporters and metabolic enzymes widespread among
A. baumannii
clinical isolates. The construction of knockout mutants in each of the six downregulated genes revealed a significant reduction in the surface-associated motility and virulence of four of them in the
A. baumannii
ATCC 17978 strain, as well as in the virulent clinical isolate MAR002. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence of the connection between motility and virulence in this multiresistant nosocomial pathogen.
An RpoHI-Dependent Response Promotes Outgrowth after Extended Stationary Phase in the Alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Remes B. , Rische-Grahl T. , Müller K. M. H. , Förstner K. U. , Yu Sung-Huan , Weber L. , Jäger A. , Peuser V. , Klug G.
Published: May 2017

Under unfavorable growth conditions, bacteria enter stationary phase and can maintain cell viability over prolonged periods with no increase in cell number. To obtain insights into the regulatory mechanisms that allow bacteria to resume growth when conditions become favorable again (outgrowth), we performed global transcriptome analyses at different stages of growth for the alphaproteobacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. The majority of genes were not differentially expressed across growth phases. After a short stationary phase (about 20 h after growth starts to slow down), only 7% of the genes showed altered expression (fold change of >1.6 or less than −1.6, corresponding to a log
2
fold change of >0.65 or less than −0.65, respectively) compared to expression at exponential phase. Outgrowth induced a distinct response in gene expression which was strongly influenced by the length of the preceding stationary phase. After a long stationary phase (about 64 h after growth starts to slow down), a much larger number of genes (15.1%) was induced in outgrowth than after a short stationary phase (1.7%). Many of those genes are known members of the RpoHI/RpoHII regulons and have established functions in stress responses. A main effect of RpoHI on the transcriptome in outgrowth after a long stationary phase was confirmed. Growth experiments with mutant strains further support an important function in outgrowth after prolonged stationary phase for the RpoHI and RpoHII sigma factors.

IMPORTANCE
In natural environments, the growth of bacteria is limited mostly by lack of nutrients or other unfavorable conditions. It is important for bacterial populations to efficiently resume growth after being in stationary phase, which may last for long periods. Most previous studies on growth-phase-dependent gene expression did not address outgrowth after stationary phase. This study on growth-phase-dependent gene regulation in a model alphaproteobacterium reveals, for the first time, that the length of the stationary phase strongly impacts the transcriptome during outgrowth. The alternative sigma factors RpoHI and RpoHII, which are important regulators of stress responses in alphaproteobacteria, play a major role during outgrowth following prolonged stationary phase. These findings provide the first insight into the regulatory mechanisms enabling efficient outgrowth.
Mitral valve vegetation diagnosed with oesophageal ultrasound with bronchoscope (EUS-B)
Authors: Kattoor Ajoe John , Rochlani Yogita M , Kuriakose Kevin , Meena Nikhil K
Published: May 2017

Oesophageal ultrasound with bronchoscope (EUS-B) is designed to evaluate mediastinal structures. We describe a case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with altered mental status for 2 weeks. CT head revealed a subacute infarct in the right middle cerebral artery distribution. She was also found to have a lung mass on chest imaging. EUS-B-guided fine needle aspiration demonstrated the presence of adenocarcinoma in station 7 lymph node and in the mass. Immunohistochemistry confirmed it to be a lung primary as the Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 (TTF-1) was strongly positive. During the procedure, the cardiac valves were evaluated, and a mitral valve vegetation was noted. Formal echocardiography confirmed the presence of the vegetation. During hospital stay, the patient developed fever. Her blood cultures grew oxacillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus.She was subsequently treated for infective endocarditis. We suggest that the use of EUS-B to routinely scan adjacent structures during a procedure may help obtain additional clinical information that may be critical to patient management.
Efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid–choline–vitamin E in paediatric NASH: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zöhrer Evelyn , Alisi Anna , Jahnel Jörg , Mosca Antonella , Della Corte Claudia , Crudele Annalisa , Fauler Günter , Nobili Valerio
Published: May 2017

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is one of the most common hepatic diseases in children. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on children with biopsy-proven NASH based on a combinatorial nutritional approach compared with placebo. Participants were assigned to lifestyle modification plus placebo or lifestyle modification plus a mix containing docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and vitamin E (DHA–CHO–VE). Forty children and adolescents participated in the entire trial. The primary outcome was the improvement of liver hyperechogenicity. Secondary outcomes included alterations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and other metabolic parameters. Furthermore, changes of serum bile acids (BA) and plasma fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) levels were evaluated as inverse biomarkers of disease severity. At the end of the study, we observed a significant decrease in severe steatosis in the treatment group (50% to 5%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, although the anthropometric and biochemical measurements in the placebo and DHA–CHO–VE groups were comparable at baseline, at the end of the study ALT and fasting glucose levels improved only in the treatment group. Finally, we found that BA levels were not influenced whereas FGF19 levels were significantly increased by DHA–CHO–VE. The results suggest that a combination of DHA, VE, and CHO could improve steatosis and reduce ALT and glucose levels in children with NASH. However, further studies are needed to assess the impact of a DHA and VE combination on repair of liver damage in paediatric NASH.
A simple and effective approach for catalytic reductive dechlorination of aromatic compounds
Authors: Youssef Tamer E. , Mohamed Hanan H.
Published: May 2017

An efficient process for the preparation of 2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-octa(n-hexyl)cobalt(II)phthalocyanine, ((n-hexyl)8CoPc) (2) was described. The novel cobalt(II)phthalocyanine was characterized by spectroscopic methods. It was employed as a catalyst for the room temperature reductive dechlorination of chlorinated aromatic compounds (CACs). The results were showed that the CACs were completely dechlorinated within 110–120 min.
A simple azoquinoline based highly selective colorimetric sensor for CN− anion in aqueous media
Authors: Koc Omer Kaan , Ozay Hava
Published: May 2017

Azoquinoline based sensor AZQ was designed and synthesized as a new molecular ion sensor containing an azo group in its structure. The structural characterization of AZQ was carried out using FTIR, NMR, mass, and elemental analysis. Then, the interaction of AZQ with anions was observed visually and UV–vis measurements were made in EtOH/H2O (1:1, v/v) solvent mixture. As a result of this investigation, it was determined that AZQ is a fast and highly selective sensor for CN− ions. The solution colour of AZQ changed from light yellow to orange only in the presence of CN− ions. The limit of detection of AZQ was calculated as 2.6 μmol/L from anion titration experiments. Also, to identify the interaction mechanism of AZQ with CN− ions, 1H NMR spectra of AZQ in the presence of CN− anions were recorded and the structure was proposed for AZQ-CN− host–guest complex.
A simple method for determining seismic demands on gravity load frames
Authors: Beauchamp J. , Paultre P. , Léger P.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a simple method based on modal response spectrum analysis to compute internal forces in structural elements belonging to gravity framing not part of the seismic force resisting system (SFRS). It is required that demands on these gravity load resisting system (GLRS) be determined according to the design displacement profile of the SFRS. The proposed new method uses the fact that if the linear stiffness properties of the GLRS not part of the SFRS have negligible values compared to those of the SFRS, only the latter will provide lateral resistance. Displacements of the GLRS then correspond to those of the SFRS alone. The new method is illustrated by computing the seismic responses of a symmetric and an asymmetric multi-storey reinforced concrete building. These results are compared to those obtained from the application of the simplified analysis method proposed in the Canadian standard for the design of concrete structures. Nonlinear time history analyses are also performed to provide a benchmark for comparison. Results show that the new method can predict shear and bending moment in all members at once with ease. Therefore, this new simplified method can effectively be used to predict seismic forces in elements not considered part of the SFRS.
BIM-based model for quantifying the design change time ripple effect
Authors: Moayeri Valeh , Moselhi Osama , Zhu Zhenhua
Published: May 2017

Design changes by owners are common to many construction projects and can cause severe delays if owners do not consider that a change in one part of the project may cause a series of changes in other parts of that project. The impact of a changed component on other unchanged components is known as the “change ripple effect”. To efficiently manage design changes, the ripple effect should be quantified and impact evaluated. This paper presents a building information modeling (BIM)-based quantification model to quantify the ripple effect of owner-requested design changes. The developed model calculates the impact of design changes and their ripple effect on a project’s total duration. After analyzing the ripple effect over time, the model updates the project schedule accordingly. To demonstrate its usefulness and illustrate its essential features, the model is applied to a case study.
Canopy closure after four decades of postlogging riparian forest regeneration reduces cutthroat trout biomass in headwater streams through bottom-up pathways
Authors: Kaylor Matthew J. , Warren Dana R.
Published: May 2017

Recovery from timber harvest is widespread across North America, but few studies have evaluated long-term stream responses to riparian harvest. We revisited five stream reach pairs where in 1976, periphyton chlorophyll a, predatory invertebrate biomass, and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) biomass were elevated in reaches where canopies were more open following timber harvest. After four decades of riparian regeneration, mean canopy openness, chlorophyll a, predatory invertebrate biomass, and cutthroat trout biomass declined in harvested reaches relative to paired old-growth reference reaches. In one reach pair, the harvested reach remained more open than the control reach. In accordance with the hypothesis that light exerts strong controls on predator biomass via bottom-up processes in these forested headwaters, trout biomass was also greater in the harvested reach in this pair in 2014. Changes in large wood and pool area over this time interval do not account for chlorophyll a, predatory invertebrate biomass, or cutthroat trout biomass responses. These results provide empirical support for conceptual models relating changes in riparian canopy cover to primary production and bottom-up controls on consumer populations.
Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on food packaging and in cow milk by exposure to a Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Yasmin N. , Hameed S. , Javed R. , Ahmed S. , Imran M.
Published: May 2017

This study demonstrates the inhibition of selective foodborne pathogenic bacteria by exposure to a 355 and 266 nm Nd:YAG laser. In baseline assay P. aeruginosa showed maximum inhibition followed by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes grown on agar surface. Cell lysis was confirmed by confocal microscopy for all pathogens. In liquid media, P. aeruginosa was irradiated with the third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser pulse energy of 185 mJ, which was able to reduce the population of 1.65 × 105 by 4.7 logs, while P. aeruginosa could only be reduced by 0.73 log/cm2 on packaging material surface. In the final phase, the laser’s potential was preliminarily tested for sterilization of raw cow milk. The reduction patterns of E. coli, Salmonella sp. yeasts and Lactobacillus sp. were 30%, 25%, 47%, and 30%, respectively, in raw milk, moreover, laser exposure had no significant impact on physio-chemistry of milk. Therefore, results indicate the potential application of laser in packing materials and milk sterilization at the industrial level.
HDAC2 is required by the physiological concentration of glucocorticoid to inhibit inflammation in cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Haining , He Yanhua , Zhang Guiping , Li Xiaobin , Yan Suikai , Hou Ning , Xiao Qing , Huang Yue , Luo Miaoshan , Zhang Genshui , Yi Quan , Chen Minsheng , Luo Jiandong
Published: May 2017

We previously suggested that endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) may inhibit myocardial inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo. However, the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms were poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of physiological concentration of GCs in inflammation induced by LPS in cardiac fibroblasts and explored the possible mechanisms. The results showed that hydrocortisone at the dose of 127 ng/mL (equivalent to endogenous basal level of GCs) inhibited LPS (100 ng/mL)-induced productions of TNF-α and IL-1β in cardiac fibroblasts. Xanthine oxidase/xanthine (XO/X) system impaired the anti-inflammatory action of GCs through downregulating HDAC2 activity and expression. Knockdown of HDAC2 restrained the anti-inflammatory effects of physiological level of hydrocortisone, and blunted the ability of XO/X system to downregulate the inhibitory action of physiological level of hydrocortisone on cytokines. These results suggested that HDAC2 was required by the physiological concentration of GC to inhibit inflammatory response. The dysfunction of HDAC2 induced by oxidative stress might be account for GC resistance and chronic inflammatory disorders during the cardiac diseases.
Weak solutions of the Monge–Ampère equation on compact Hermitian manifolds
Authors: Kołodziej Sławomir
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we describe how pluripotential methods can be applied to study weak solutions of the complex Monge–Ampère equation on compact Hermitian manifolds. We indicate the differences between Kähler and non-Kähler setting. The results include a priori estimates, existence and stability of solutions.
Sobolev spaces for the weighted ∂¯-Neumann operator
Authors: Haslinger Friedrich
Published: May 2017

We discuss compactness of the [Formula: see text]-Neumann operator in the setting of weighted [Formula: see text]-spaces on [Formula: see text] In addition we describe an approach to obtain the compactness estimates for the [Formula: see text]-Neumann operator. For this purpose we have to define appropriate weighted Sobolev spaces and prove an appropriate Rellich–Kondrachov lemma.
3D model of filler melting with micro-beam plasma arc based on additive manufacturing technology
Authors: Chen Weilin , Yang Tao , Yang Ruixin
Published: May 2017

Additive manufacturing technology is a systematic process based on discrete-accumulation principle, which is derived by the dimension of parts. Aiming at the dimension mathematical model and slicing problems in additive manufacturing process, the constitutive relations between micro-beam plasma welding parameters and the dimension of part were investigated. The slicing algorithm and slicing were also studied based on the dimension characteristics. By using the direct slicing algorithm according to the geometric characteristics of model, a hollow thin-wall spherical part was fabricated by 3D additive manufacturing technology using micro-beam plasma.
The effect of temperature on the SCC behavior of AISI301L stainless steel welded joints in 3.5% NaCl solution
Authors: Fu Z. H. , Gou G. Q. , Xiao J. , Qiu S. Y. , Wang W. J.
Published: May 2017

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors at slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test of AISI301L stainless steel laser–MIG welded joints in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 20[Formula: see text]C, 40[Formula: see text]C and 60[Formula: see text]C were investigated. The results showed that the weld metal composed of as-cast with [Formula: see text]-Fe and austenite. The base metal (BM) and heat affected zone (HAZ) contained strain-induced M phase. The stress and strain decreased with the increasing temperature. The SCC cracks are initiated by anodic dissolution at 20[Formula: see text]C. Besides the anodic dissolution mechanism, hydrogen-induced SCC mechanism had appeared in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 40[Formula: see text]C and 60[Formula: see text]C.
A QR code identification technology in package auto-sorting system
Authors: Di Yi-Juan , Shi Jian-Ping , Mao Guo-Yong
Published: May 2017

Traditional manual sorting operation is not suitable for the development of Chinese logistics. For better sorting packages, a QR code recognition technology is proposed to identify the QR code label on the packages in package auto-sorting system. The experimental results compared with other algorithms in literatures demonstrate that the proposed method is valid and its performance is superior to other algorithms.
A fast learning-based super-resolution method for copper strip defect image
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Fan Xinnan , Zhang Xuewu
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a fast pre-classified-based super-resolution model has been proposed to overcome the problems of degraded imaging in weak-target real-time detection system, specialized to copper defect detection. To accurately characterize the defected image, textural features based on the statistical function of gray-gradient are presented. Furthermore, to improve the effectiveness and practicality of the online detection, a concept of pre-classified learning is introduced and an edge smoothness rule is designed. Some experiments are carried out on defect images in different environments and the experimental results show the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm.
High Power Density Three-Phase Shunt Active Power Filter Design Based on Multiple Magnetic Integrations of LCL Filter
Authors: Xu Qunwei , Chen Dongdong , Xu Peng , Chen Guozhu
Published: May 2017

The LCL filter has been widely used in inverter design due to its excellent attenuation capability for the switching harmonics. Nevertheless, the large cost associated with the conventional three-phase LCL filter has limited its usage. This paper proposes a multiple magnetic integration strategy of the LCL filter to reduce the cost while increasing power density. In the new design, an EIE-type magnetic core is put forward for the single-phase LCL filter, where the magnetic fluxes generated by the two discrete inductors cancel out mostly and the residual flux is mainly related to the small capacitor branch current. The magnetic integration is then extended to three-phase by adopting the three-phase three-limb core. Due to the coupling among phases, the equivalent inductance is much larger than the self-inductance such that the self-inductance can be reduced dramatically. An experimental prototype is developed which demonstrates the validity of the proposed method.
A 1.4mW 900MHz LNA with Noise-Canceling Technique in 130nm CMOS Process
Authors: Huang Shaomin , Yang Zhongpan , Hua Chao
Published: May 2017

A noise-canceling low noise amplifier (LNA) structure is proposed in this paper. The LNA works in the 900[Formula: see text]MHz ISM band. The techniques of noise canceling and current-reusing are proposed to improve the noise performance and reduce the power dissipation. The noise cancellation schema is realized by mutually canceling the noise currents of the common-source and common-gate amplifiers. A prototype of the LNA is designed and fabricated in a standard 130[Formula: see text]nm CMOS process. Measurement results under a 1.2[Formula: see text]V supply voltage show that the proposed LNA achieves a voltage gain of 18[Formula: see text]dB and a noise figure of 2[Formula: see text]dB. The whole circuit only consumes a power dissipation of 1.4[Formula: see text]mW.
NEW FINDINGS ON RIVER NETWORK ORGANIZATION: LAW OF EIGENAREA AND RELATIONSHIPS AMONG HORTONIAN SCALING RATIOS
Authors: YANG SOOHYUN , PAIK KYUNGROCK
Published: May 2017

Horton’s laws have long served as fundamental principles for fractal organization of a drainage basin. Scaling ratios of stream number, length, area, and side tributary have been proposed but the definitions of these basic variables are inconsistent. The concept of eigenarea can be utilized to resolve this issue. Here, we investigated the relationships among Hortonian scaling ratios using the concept of eigenarea. We found that the eigenarea ratio, likewise other scaling ratios, is invariant within a stream network, the law of eigenarea. We analytically revealed that the eigenarea ratio is equivalent to the stream length ratio. Our examination implies that Horton’s original two ratios of stream number and length can represent most Hortonian scaling ratios except Tokunaga ratio.
Motor and Sensory Cortical Changes after Contralateral Cervical Seventh Nerve Root (CC7) Transfer in Patients with Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: Kakinoki Ryosuke , Duncan Scott F.M. , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Ohta Souichi , Nankaku Manabu , Sakai Hiroshi , Noguchi Takashi , Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Akagi Masao
Published: May 2017

Background: Previous animal studies demonstrated that the sensory and motor functions in ipsilesional upper limbs that had been reconstructed by CC7 transfer eventually associated with the contralesional brain cortices that had originally mediated the functions of the ipsilesional upper limbs before brachial plexus injury (BPI). Our hypothesis was that the same findings would be seen in humans.

Methods: Four patients with total BPI treated with CC7 transfer were included. Changes in the locations of the activated areas in the primary motor (M1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices corresponding to the motor outputs to and sensory inputs from the ipsilesional limbs were investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) 2–3 years and 6–7 years after surgery.

Results: One patient was excluded from the evaluation of motor function after CC7 transfer. The motor and sensory functions of the ipsilesional upper limb in all patients were still controlled by the ipsilesional brain hemisphere 2–3 years after CC7 transfer. The reconstructed motions of the ipsilesional upper limbs correlated with the contralesional M1 in one patient and the bilateral M1s in another patient (both of whom demonstrated good motor recovery in the ipsilesional upper limbs) and with the ipsilesional M1 in a third patient with poor motor recovery in the ipsilesional upper limb. Sensory stimulation of the ipsilesional hands 6–7 years after CC7 transfer activated the contralesional S1 in two patients who achieved good sensory recovery in the ipsilesional hands but activated the ipsilesional S1 in the other two patients with poor sensory recovery of the ipsilesional hands.

Conclusions: Transhemispheric transposition of the activated brain cortices associated with the recovery of motor and sensory functions of the ipsilesional upper limbs was seen in patients with CC7 transfer as has been reported for animal models of CC7 transfer.
A Protocol for Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Distal Radius Fractures Using Sensorimotor Input: A Case Series
Authors: Wollstein Ronit , Michael Dafna , Harel Hani
Published: May 2017

Background: Proprioception and sensorimotor input are used to treat neurological and joint injuries. Following distal radius fractures (DRF) there is a temporary loss of proprioception that should be addressed. We created a protocol for evaluation, and a treatment plan following wrist surgery that is based on proprioceptive and sensorimotor input. We describe a series of patients undergoing surgery for DRF that were evaluated and treated with these protocols.

Methods: Both evaluation and treatment protocols included comprehensive sensorimotor procedures performed with eyes open and closed. These included Semmes- Weinstein, static and moving 2-point discrimination, vibration, temperature testing, Moberg pick-up- test, stereognosis and proprioception.

Results: A series of twelve patients was evaluated and treated with the protocol following surgical treatment for DRF. Patients demonstrated significant sensorimotor deficits, which improved utilizing the comprehensive sensorimotor treatment protocol.

Conclusions: Further study is necessary to validate the results of this pilot series. Use of proprioception and sensorimotor input may improve outcomes of rehabilitation following DRF.
Trigger Finger: An Atraumatic Medical Phenomenon
Authors: Vasiliadis Angelo V. , Itsiopoulos Iraklis
Published: May 2017

Trigger finger is a mechanical problem with many etiological factors as possible causes, such as diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive finger movements. Although it can afflict anyone, it is much commoner in middle-aged women than men and the most commonly involved digit is reported to be the thumb. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms during examination and first-line treatment is conservative with splinting and corticosteroid injections. Surgical open release is the “gold standard” of trigger finger treatment because it allows more careful inspection of the surgical area and is highly effective with low complication rates.
Symmetric Peripheral Running Sutures are Superior to Asymmetric Peripheral Running Sutures for Increasing the Tendon Strength in Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: Takeuchi N. , Okada T. , Kozono N. , Shimoto T. , Higaki H. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: May 2017

Background: The fatigue strength of three peripheral suture techniques for flexor tendon repair was compared by cyclic loading of the repairs in the porcine flexor digitorum tendon.

Methods: Thirty-six tendons were sutured using only peripheral sutures with 6-0 Nylon. An initial cyclic load of 10 N for 500 cycles was applied and increased by 10 N for an additional 500 cycles at each new load until rupture.

Results: The fatigue strength of the symmetric running peripheral suture was 85.0% and 144.8% greater than that of the two kinds of the asymmetric running peripheral sutures.

Conclusions: Symmetric running sutures can enhance the suture strength and appears to be a useful technique for increasing the strength of the peripheral suture.
Semantic Analysis of RESTful APIs for the Detection of Linguistic Patterns and Antipatterns
Authors: Palma Francis , Gonzalez-Huerta Javier , Founi Mohamed , Moha Naouel , Tremblay Guy , Guéhéneuc Yann-Gaël
Published: May 2017

Identifier lexicon may have a direct impact on software understandability and reusability and, thus, on the quality of the final software product. Understandability and reusability are two important characteristics of software quality. REpresentational State Transfer (REST) style is becoming a de facto standard adopted by software organizations to build their Web applications. Understandable and reusable Uniform Resource Identifers (URIs) are important to attract client developers of RESTful APIs because good URIs support the client developers to understand and reuse the APIs. Consequently, the use of proper lexicon in RESTful APIs has also a direct impact on the quality of Web applications that integrate these APIs. Linguistic antipatterns represent poor practices in the naming, documentation, and choice of identifiers in the APIs as opposed to linguistic patterns that represent the corresponding best practices. In this paper, we present the Semantic Analysis of RESTful APIs (SARA) approach that employs both syntactic and semantic analyses for the detection of linguistic patterns and antipatterns in RESTful APIs. We provide detailed definitions of 12 linguistic patterns and antipatterns and define and apply their detection algorithms on 18 widely-used RESTful APIs, including Facebook, Twitter, and Dropbox. Our detection results show that linguistic patterns and antipatterns do occur in major RESTful APIs in particular in the form of poor documentation practices. Those results also show that SARA can detect linguistic patterns and antipatterns with higher accuracy compared to its state-of-the-art approach — DOLAR.
Heat Transfer Enhancement Analysis of Al2O3-Water Nanofluid Through Parallel and Counter Flow in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: Nallusamy S. , Manikanda Prabu N.
Published: May 2017

Heat exchanger plays an essential part in industrial sector in transferring the heat energy. Heat is exchanged between fluids in convection and conduction mode through the walls of the heat exchanger. If the heat transfer medium has low thermal conductivity, it will greatly limit the efficiency of the heat exchanger. Whenever the system acts subjected to an increase in the heat load, heat fluxes caused by more power and smaller size, cooling is one of the technical challenges faced by the industries. The objective of this research work is to evaluate the overall heat transfer coefficient through an experimental analysis on the convective heat transfer and flow characteristics of a nanofluid. In our experiment, the nanofluid consists of water and one percentage volume concentration of Al2O3-water nanofluid flowing through parallel and counter flow in shell and tube heat exchangers. About 50[Formula: see text]nm diameter of Al2O3 nanoparticles was used in this analysis and found that the overall heat transfer coefficient and convective heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid were slightly higher than those of the base liquid at same mass flow rate and inlet temperature. Here, there are three samples of dissimilar mass flow rates, which have been identified for conducting the experiments and their results are continuously monitored and reported. Finally, the observed results through an experimental investigation were presented and concluded that the enhancement of overall heat transfer coefficient is likely to be feasible by means of increasing the mass flow rate of base fluid and prepared nanofluid on the proportional basis.
Global existence theory for general hyperbolic-parabolic balance laws with application
Authors: Zeng Yanni
Published: May 2017

We study a general system of hyperbolic-parabolic balance laws in [Formula: see text] space dimensions ([Formula: see text]). The system has rank deficient viscosity matrices and a lower order term whose Jacobian matrix is rank deficient as well. We consider the Cauchy problem when initial data are small perturbations of a constant equilibrium state. Under a set of reasonable assumptions including Kawashima–Shizuta condition, we establish the existence of solution global in time via energy method. The proposed assumptions are sufficiently general for applications to physical models such as electro-magneto flows and physical gas flows. In particular, we study the gas flow with an internal non-equilibrium mode besides the translational non-equilibrium. The general result in this paper recovers the existing results in literature on hyperbolic-parabolic conservation laws and hyperbolic balance laws, respectively, as two special cases.
Carbon Quantum Dots/Bi2WO6 Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic Pollutant Degradation and Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Zheng Tingting , Xu Jiayue , Zeng Haibo , Zhang Na
Published: May 2017

In this study, we report the facile fabrication of carbon quantum dots (CQDs)/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites, as well as their effective photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen production. The observed results here revealed that CQDs/Bi2WO6 composites possessed much higher photocatalytic activity in the degradation of both rhodamine B and phenol under simulated solar light after optimizing the hybridization with CQDs, which was attributed to the excellent up-converted photoluminescence, photo-induced electron transfer and electron reservoir properties of CQDs. Significantly different from pure Bi2WO6, the CQDs/Bi2WO6 composites also displayed excellent photocatalytic H2 production activity, which can be ascribed to the suitable conduction band edge and sufficient reduction ability of CQDs.
Emission of SiOx Nanowires Resulting from Pressure Changes in a Closed System Comparable to a Tungsten Electron Gun at a High Voltage
Authors: Jung Taek-Kyun , Ryou Min , Lee Ji-Woon , Hyun Soong-Keun , Na Han Gil , Choe Kyeonghwan , Jin Changhyun
Published: May 2017

SiOx nanowire emission with changes in the vapor pressure of Sn metal results in a screw motion of SiOx nanowires in a closed system consisting of Sn and SiOx. A convoluted flouncing-off process is elucidated here, in which the elementary particles are not electrons, but nanowires. In order to understand the unprecedented synthetic phenomena, the system that emits SiOx nanowires is compared with tungsten electron gun by comparing the component, functionalization, and theoretical background of both the techniques. The results so obtained, which are the first of its kind, open the way not only to produce three-dimensional micro- and nano-structures from one-dimensional nanostructures without requiring any additional artificial manipulation process but also to focus them onto a desired small region for elaborate deposition.
Scalable Synthesis of Dual-Carbon Enhanced Silicon-Suboxide/Silicon Composite as Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Xuejiao , Cui Hongmin , Li Zhenming , Miao Rongrong , Yan Nanfu
Published: May 2017

The SiOx/Si composite enhanced by dual-carbon (i.e., multiwall carbon nanotubes and carbon) was fabricated from the micro silicon monoxide (SiO) by the combination of high-energy mechanical milling, spray drying and pyrolysis. The obtained SiOx/Si particles were composed of Si-suboxide and embedded nano-sized Si crystallites. As one of dual-carbons, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes were directly scaffolded of anchoring the SiOx/Si composite particles through spray drying. Another carbon source was directly deposited on the surface of the SiOx/Si by means of the carbonization of phenol–formaldehyde resin. Nano-sized silicon embedded in the Si-suboxide matrix and dual-carbon provided a compromise between the reversible capacity and cycle stability related to the volume change. The obtained SiOx/Si/MWCNT/PC-1 electrode delivered an initial capacity of 936.5[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] and the reversible capacity was maintained at 825.9[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] with excellent capacity retention of 87.5% on the 200th cycle versus the 6th one (compared with the same current rate). In contrast, although the SiOx/Si presented the higher initial capacity of 1271.4[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text], its capacity dropped quickly after several cycles and capacity retention was only 25.6% versus the 6th cycle after 100 cycles.
Photoacoustic molecular imaging with functional nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Liming , Qin Huan
Published: May 2017

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) breaks through the optical diffusion limit by making use of the PA effect. By converting incident photons into ultrasonic waves, PAI combines high contrast of optical imaging and high spatial resolution in depth tissue of ultrasound imaging in a single imaging modality. This imaging modality has now shown potential for molecular imaging, which enables visualization of biological processes with systemically introduced functional nanoparticles. In the current review, the potentials of different optical nanoprobes as PAI contrast agents were elucidated and discussed.
Photoacoustic viscoelasticity imaging dedicated to mechanical characterization of biological tissues
Authors: Shi Yujiao , Yang Fen , Wang Qian
Published: May 2017

Since changes in mechanical properties of biological tissues are often closely related to pathology, the viscoelastic properties are important physical parameters for medical diagnosis. A photoacoustic (PA) phase-resolved method for noninvasively characterizing the biological tissue viscoelasticity has been proposed by Gao et al. [G. Gao, S. Yang, D. Xing, “Viscoelasticity imaging of biological tissues with phase-resolved photoacoustic measurement,” Opt. Lett. 36, 3341–3343 (2011)]. The mathematical relationship between the PA phase delay and the viscosity–elasticity ratio has been theoretically deduced. Moreover, systems of PA viscoelasticity (PAVE) imaging including PAVE microscopy and PAVE endoscopy were developed, and high-PA-phase contrast images reflecting the tissue viscoelasticity information have been successfully achieved. The PAVE method has been developed in tumor detection, atherosclerosis characterization and related vascular endoscopy. We reviewed the development of the PAVE technique and its applications in biomedical fields. It is believed that PAVE imaging is of great potential in both biomedical applications and clinical studies.