bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure-Function Dissection of Pseudorabies Virus Glycoprotein B Fusion Loops
Authors: Vallbracht Melina , Brun Delphine , Tassinari Matteo , Vaney Marie-Christine , Pehau-Arnaudet Gérard , Guardado-Calvo Pablo , Haouz Ahmed , Klupp Barbara G. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Rey Felix A. , Backovic Marija
Published: October 2017

Conserved across the family
Herpesviridae
, glycoprotein B (gB) is responsible for driving fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane for entry upon receptor binding and activation by the viral gH/gL complex. Although crystal structures of the gB ectodomains of several herpesviruses have been reported, the membrane fusion mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we report the X-ray structure of the pseudorabies virus (PrV) gB ectodomain, revealing a typical class III postfusion trimer that binds membranes via its fusion loops (FLs) in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Mutagenesis of FL residues allowed us to dissect those interacting with distinct subregions of the lipid bilayer and their roles in membrane interactions. We tested 15 gB variants for the ability to bind to liposomes and further investigated a subset of them in functional assays. We found that PrV gB FL residues Trp187, Tyr192, Phe275, and Tyr276, which were essential for liposome binding and for fusion in cellular and viral contexts, form a continuous hydrophobic patch at the gB trimer surface. Together with results reported for other alphaherpesvirus gBs, our data suggest a model in which Phe275 from the tip of FL2 protrudes deeper into the hydrocarbon core of the lipid bilayer, while the side chains of Trp187, Tyr192, and Tyr276 form a rim that inserts into the more superficial interfacial region of the membrane to catalyze the fusion process. Comparative analysis with gBs from beta- and gamma-herpesviruses suggests that this membrane interaction model is valid for gBs from all herpesviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Herpesviruses are common human and animal pathogens that infect cells by entering via fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Central to the membrane fusion event is glycoprotein B (gB), which is the most conserved envelope protein across the herpesvirus family. Like other viral fusion proteins, gB anchors itself in the target membrane via two polypeptide segments called fusion loops (FLs). The molecular details of how gB FLs insert into the lipid bilayer have not been described. Here, we provide structural and functional data regarding key FL residues of gB from pseudorabies virus, a porcine herpesvirus of veterinary concern, which allows us to propose, for the first time, a molecular model to understand how the initial interactions by gBs from all herpesviruses with target membranes are established.
Distribution of Hepatitis B Virus Nuclear DNA
Authors: Li Mingming , Sohn Ji A. , Seeger Christoph
Published: October 2017

Chronic hepatitis B affects over 300 million people who are at risk of developing liver cancer. The basis for the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatocytes, even in the presence of available antiviral therapies, lies in the accumulation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in nuclei of infected cells. While methods for cccDNA quantification from liver biopsy specimens and cell lines expressing the virus are known, information about cccDNA formation, stability, and turnover is lacking. In particular, little is known about the fate of cccDNA during cell division. To fill the gaps in knowledge concerning cccDNA biology, we have developed a fluorescence imaging
in situ
hybridization (FISH)-based assay for the detection of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) cccDNA and HBV nuclear DNA in established cell lines. Using FISH, we determined the distribution of cccDNA under conditions mimicking chronic infections with and without antiviral therapy, which prevents
de novo
viral replication. Our results showed that the copy numbers of viral nuclear DNA can vary by as much as 1.8 orders of magnitude among individual cells and that antiviral therapy leads to a reduction in nuclear DNA in a manner consistent with symmetrical distribution of viral DNA to daughter cells.

IMPORTANCE
A mechanistic understanding of the stability of HBV cccDNA in the presence of antiviral therapy and during cell division induced by immune-mediated lysis of infected hepatocytes will be critical for the future design of curative antiviral therapies against chronic hepatitis B. Current knowledge about cccDNA stability was largely derived from quantitative analyses of cccDNA levels present in liver samples, and little was known about the fate of cccDNA in individual cells. The development of a FISH-based assay for cccDNA tracking provided the first insights into the fate of DHBV cccDNA and nuclear HBV DNA under conditions mimicking antiviral therapy.
Resistance of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class B (MHC-B) to Nef-Mediated Downregulation Relative to that of MHC-A Is Conserved among Primate Lentiviruses and Influences Antiviral T Cell Responses in HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Mwimanzi Francis , Toyoda Mako , Mahiti Macdonald , Mann Jaclyn K. , Martin Jeffrey N. , Bangsberg David , Brockman Mark A. , Goulder Philip , Kirchhoff Frank , Brumme Zabrina L. , Ndung'u Thumbi , Ueno Takamasa
Published: October 2017

Patient-derived HIV-1 subtype B Nef clones downregulate HLA-A more efficiently than HLA-B. However, it remains unknown whether this property is common to Nef proteins across primate lentiviruses and how antiviral immune responses may be affected. We examined 263 Nef clones from diverse primate lentiviruses including different pandemic HIV-1 group M subtypes for their ability to downregulate major histocompatibility complex class A (MHC-A) and MHC-B from the cell surface. Though lentiviral Nef proteins differed markedly in their absolute MHC-A and MHC-B downregulation abilities, all lentiviral Nef lineages downregulated MHC-A, on average, 11 to 32% more efficiently than MHC-B. Nef genotype/phenotype analyses in a cohort of HIV-1 subtype C-infected patients (n= 168), together with site-directed mutagenesis, revealed Nef position 9 as a subtype-specific determinant of differential HLA-A versus HLA-B downregulation activity. Nef clones harboring nonconsensus variants at codon 9 downregulated HLA-B (though not HLA-A) significantly better than those harboring the consensus sequence at this site, resulting in reduced recognition of infected target cells by HIV-1-specific CD8+effector cellsin vitro. Among persons expressing protective HLA class I alleles, carriage of Nef codon 9 variants was also associated with reducedex vivoHIV-specific T cell responses. Our results demonstrate that Nef's inferior ability to downregulate MHC-B compared to that of MHC-A is conserved across primate lentiviruses and suggest that this property influences antiviral cellular immune responses.

IMPORTANCEPrimate lentiviruses encode the Nef protein that plays an essential role in establishing persistent infection in their respective host species. Nef interacts with the cytoplasmic region of MHC-A and MHC-B molecules and downregulates them from the infected cell surface to escape recognition by host cellular immunity. Using a panel of Nef alleles isolated from diverse primate lentiviruses including pandemic HIV-1 group M subtypes, we demonstrate that Nef proteins across all lentiviral lineages downregulate MHC-A approximately 20% more effectively than MHC-B. We further identify a naturally polymorphic site at Nef position 9 that contributes to the MHC-B downregulation function in HIV-1 subtype C and show that carriage of Nef variants with enhanced MHC-B downregulation ability is associated with reduced breadth and magnitude of MHC-B-restricted cellular immune responses in HIV-infected individuals. Our study underscores an evolutionarily conserved interaction between lentiviruses and primate immune systems that may contribute to pathogenesis.
In Vitro
Neutralization Is Not Predictive of Prophylactic Efficacy of Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies CR6261 and CR9114 against Lethal H2 Influenza Virus Challenge in Mice
Authors: Sutton Troy C. , Lamirande Elaine W. , Bock Kevin W. , Moore Ian N. , Koudstaal Wouter , Rehman Muniza , Weverling Gerrit Jan , Goudsmit Jaap , Subbarao Kanta
Published: October 2017

Influenza viruses of the H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2 subtypes have caused previous pandemics. H2 influenza viruses represent a pandemic threat due to continued circulation in wild birds and limited immunity in the human population. In the event of a pandemic, antiviral agents are the mainstay for treatment, but broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) may be a viable alternative for short-term prophylaxis or treatment. The hemagglutinin stem binding bNAbs CR6261 and CR9114 have been shown to protect mice from severe disease following challenge with H1N1 and H5N1 and with H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B viruses, respectively. Early studies with CR6261 and CR9114 showed weak
in vitro
activity against human H2 influenza viruses, but the
in vivo
efficacy against H2 viruses is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated these antibodies against human- and animal-origin H2 viruses A/Ann Arbor/6/1960 (H2N2) (AA60) and A/swine/MO/4296424/06 (H2N3) (Sw06).
In vitro
, CR6261 neutralized both H2 viruses, while CR9114 only neutralized Sw06. To evaluate prophylactic efficacy, mice were given CR6261 or CR9114 and intranasally challenged 24 h later with lethal doses of AA60 or Sw06. Both antibodies reduced mortality, weight loss, airway inflammation, and pulmonary viral load. Using engineered bNAb variants, antibody-mediated cell cytotoxicity reporter assays, and Fcγ receptor-deficient (
Fcer1g
−/−
) mice, we show that the
in vivo
efficacy of CR9114 against AA60 is mediated by Fcγ receptor-dependent mechanisms. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the
in vivo
efficacy of CR6261 and CR9114 against H2 viruses and emphasize the need for
in vivo
evaluation of bNAbs.

IMPORTANCE
bNAbs represent a strategy to prevent or treat infection by a wide range of influenza viruses. The evaluation of these antibodies against H2 viruses is important because H2 viruses caused a pandemic in 1957 and could cross into humans again. We demonstrate that CR6261 and CR9114 are effective against infection with H2 viruses of both human and animal origin in mice, despite the finding that CR9114 did not display
in vitro
neutralizing activity against the human H2 virus. These findings emphasize the importance of
in vivo
evaluation and testing of bNAbs.
MicroRNA gga-miR-130b Suppresses Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Replication via Targeting of the Viral Genome and Cellular Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling 5
Authors: Fu Mengjiao , Wang Bin , Chen Xiang , He Zhiyuan , Wang Yongqiang , Li Xiaoqi , Cao Hong , Zheng Shijun J.
Published: October 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally through silencing or degrading their targets, thus playing important roles in the immune response. However, the role of miRNAs in the host response against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection is not clear. In this study, we show that the expression of a series of miRNAs was significantly altered in DF-1 cells after IBDV infection. We found that the miRNA gga-miR-130b inhibited IBDV replication via targeting the specific sequence of IBDV segment A and enhanced the expression of beta interferon (IFN-β) by targeting suppressors of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5) in host cells. These findings indicate that gga-miR-130b-3p plays a crucial role in host defense against IBDV infection.

IMPORTANCE
This work shows that gga-miR-130b suppresses IBDV replication via directly targeting the viral genome and cellular SOCS5, the negative regulator for type I interferon expression, revealing the mechanism underlying gga-miR-130-induced inhibition of IBDV replication. This information will be helpful for the understanding of how host cells combat pathogenic infection by self-encoded small RNA and furthers our knowledge of the role of microRNAs in the cell response to viral infection.
Norovirus Escape from Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Is Limited to Allostery-Like Mechanisms
Authors: Kolawole Abimbola O. , Smith Hong Q. , Svoboda Sophia A. , Lewis Madeline S. , Sherman Michael B. , Lynch Gillian C. , Pettitt B. Montgomery , Smith Thomas J. , Wobus Christiane E.
Published: October 2017

The simplest and most common way for viruses to escape antibody neutralization is by mutating residues that are essential for antibody binding. Escape mutations are strongly selected for by their effect on viral fitness, which is most often related to issues of protein folding, particle assembly, and capsid function. The studies presented here demonstrated that a broadly neutralizing antibody to mouse norovirus binds to an exposed surface but that the only escape mutants that arose were distal to the antibody binding surface. To understand this finding, we performed an
in silico
analysis that suggested that those escape mutations blocked antibody binding by affecting structural plasticity. This kind of antigenic region—one that gives rise to broadly neutralizing antibodies but that the virus finds difficult to escape from—is therefore ideal for vaccine development.
Corneal complications after orbital radiotherapy for primary epithelial malignancies of the lacrimal gland
Authors: Gore Sri K , Plowman Nicholas P , Dharmasena Aruna , Verity David H , Rose Geoffrey E
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To review the long-term corneal complications after high-dose external beam orbital radiotherapy given to patients for lacrimal gland carcinomas. The impact of prophylactic measures to improve long-term ocular surface health is also assessed.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Participants

Patients under the care of Moorfields Eye Hospital and receiving external beam radiotherapy for primary epithelial lacrimal gland carcinoma between 1975 and 2014.

Methods

Retrospective review of ophthalmic case notes at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and oncology and general physician records.

Main outcome measures

The occurrence of corneal perforation, and time to perforation.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were included in this study, of whom nine (13%) developed corneal perforation at a median time of 10.4 months after radiotherapy (mean 35; range 3.2 months to 14.5 years); the majority (7/9; 78%) perforated within 36 months of radiotherapy. The mean follow-up interval of the whole cohort was 8.2 years (median 4.6; range, 2 months to 30.7 years).

Conclusions

Although most patients with globe-sparing treatment of lacrimal gland carcinoma did not suffer corneal perforation, they usually require long-term therapy to maintain the ocular surface. The high-dose external beam radiotherapy needed for lacrimal gland carcinoma can produce significant ocular surface morbidity, and the 13% incidence of corneal perforation was greatest in the first 3 years after irradiation.
The effects of brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario) on habitat selection by larval Fire Salamanders (Salamandra salamandra): a predator-avoidance strategy
Authors: Bylak Aneta
Published: October 2017

Predatory fish can have a major impact on aquatic amphibian assemblages. Knowledge regarding the influence of habitat heterogeneity on predator–prey dynamics is extensive, but not much is published on how the habitat structure influences the co-occurrence of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758 morpha fario) and Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758)). I examined the microhabitat distribution of larval salamanders relative to the presence of brown trout and stream morphology, hypothesizing that larval salamanders will increase their habitat use in the presence of trout to avoid predation. Fish and salamanders were sampled with an electroshocker in 62 instream habitat patches. In the stream zone populated by brown trout, larval salamanders avoided high-quality habitats such as pools, whereas they strongly preferred them in the fishless zone (their densities were ∼10 times lower in pools than in riffles). Brown trout mainly occupied deeper pools. The co-occurrence of larval Fire Salamanders with trout suggests the presence of an effective predator-avoidance strategy. The predator-avoidance response and habitat-use pattern decreased interspecific overlap, leading to the use of different instream spaces. Heterogeneous habitats enable habitat partitioning between larval salamanders and brown trout, which means that the natural characteristics of streams promote coexistence between fish and amphibians.
First-principles study of the high-pressure behavior of crystalline benzoic acid
Authors: Chen Limin , Qu Jie , Tao Zhikuo , Xie Qiyun , Xie Guozhi , Chen Jiangwei
Published: October 2017

In this work, a detailed study of the structural, electronic and optical absorption properties of crystalline benzoic acid in the pressure range of 0–300[Formula: see text]GPa is performed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We found that occur complex transformations in benzoic acid under compression occurs, by analyzing the variation tendencies of the lattice constants, bond lengths and bond angles under different pressures. In the pressure range 0–280[Formula: see text]GPa, repeated formations and disconnections of hydrogen bonds between H1(P1) atom and O1(P1), O2(P4-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) atoms occur several times, and a new eight-atom ring (benzoic acid dimer) forms at 100[Formula: see text]GPa and 280[Formula: see text]GPa. Then, by analyzing the band gap and density of states (DOS) of benzoic acid, it is found that the crystal undergoes a phase transformation from insulator to semiconductor at 240[Formula: see text]GPa and it even becomes metal phase at 280[Formula: see text]GPa. In addition, the relatively high optical activity with the pressure increases of benzoic acid is seen from the absorption spectra, and three obvious structural transformations are also observed at 110, 240 and 290[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively.
Research on an Adaptive Algorithm for Indoor Bluetooth Positioning
Authors: Luo Heng , Niu Xiaobo , Li Junchen , Chen Jianping , Zou Youmin , Shen Yunmeng
Published: October 2017

Building structure and other factors lead to the performance deterioration of global postioning system (GPS) positioning systems indoors. An adaptive model for Bluetooth-based indoor positioning is proposed in this paper, targeting at the complex indoor environment, to improve the performance of Bluetooth-oriented indoor positioning systems. More accurate Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) calibration which is optimized via Gaussian filtering, together with the environment-dependent attenuation coefficient optimization, results in a more precise hybrid model in the complicated indoor environment. Experiment results show that the difference between the estimated results and the measured samples is less than 0.25[Formula: see text]m as the target node and reference node is less than 1.5[Formula: see text]m far from each other. As the distance increases to more than 1.5[Formula: see text]m, the relative difference between the estimated values and the measured ones decreases to 7.8% at most, satisfying the requirements for indoor positioning applications.
Single Trajectory Learning: Exploration Versus Exploitation
Authors: Fu Qiming , Liu Quan , Zhong Shan , Luo Heng , Wu Hongjie , Chen Jianping
Published: October 2017

In reinforcement learning (RL), the exploration/exploitation (E/E) dilemma is a very crucial issue, which can be described as searching between the exploration of the environment to find more profitable actions, and the exploitation of the best empirical actions for the current state. We focus on the single trajectory RL problem where an agent is interacting with a partially unknown MDP over single trajectories, and try to deal with the E/E in this setting. Given the reward function, we try to find a good E/E strategy to address the MDPs under some MDP distribution. This is achieved by selecting the best strategy in mean over a potential MDP distribution from a large set of candidate strategies, which is done by exploiting single trajectories drawn from plenty of MDPs. In this paper, we mainly make the following contributions: (1) We discuss the strategy-selector algorithm based on formula set and polynomial function. (2) We provide the theoretical and experimental regret analysis of the learned strategy under an given MDP distribution. (3) We compare these methods with the “state-of-the-art” Bayesian RL method experimentally.
Speeding up Search-Based Algorithms for Level Generation in Physics-Based Puzzle Games
Authors: Pereira Leonardo T. , Toledo Claudio F. M.
Published: October 2017

This research uses Machine Learning (ML) techniques in order to aid search-based (SB) algorithms to improve level generation for physics-based puzzle games. These algorithms’ performance are improved by reducing simulation time when the ML techniques are applied. Classification algorithms prevent levels with undesired traits to be evaluated during the simulation phase of the SB procedures. An Angry Birds clone is used for conducting the experiments and results report improvement using the combined approach against every SB algorithm by itself.
Improving the Generation of Infoboxes from Data Silos through Machine Learning and the Use of Semantic Repositories
Authors: Garrido Angel L. , Sangiao Susana , Cardiel Oscar
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, both public and private organizations own large private text-based data repositories with critical information. The information stored in these data silos is usually queried through information retrieval systems based on indexes, which yield hundreds or thousands of results when interrogated using keywords. In order to improve data accessibility when searching for specific information, the use of infoboxes can be very useful. The generation such infoboxes is by itself a complex problem, but in this type of isolated environments, it becomes even harder as the selection of the entities and their attributes can be conditioned by local and very specific parameters. In this work, we propose a methodology to tackle this special problem, combining classical approaches with machine learning, and leveraging the resources provided by the Semantic Web. The working methodology has been applied to two well-known datasets, and also it has been tested on a real environment scenario, showing the feasibility of our approach.
MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF TITANIUM ALLOY GEAR USING WEDM PROCESS
Authors: MOHAPATRA K. D. , SAHOO S. K.
Published: October 2017

The present paper deals with the microstructural analysis of Titanium alloy gears (Ti-6Al-4V) by wire EDM process machined by both brass and combii wire electrodes. The objective of the present paper is to investigate the surface characteristics of both the wires and to analyze the effects on the material surface. Two types of wires i.e. brass wire and combii wires were selected for the analysis and the experiment was carried out using a full factorial design having 81 sets of combinations. Pulse on time, pulse off time, wire feed rate and servo voltage were taken as the input parameters and kerf width, material removal rate, surface roughness and wire wear rate were taken as the response parameters for the experiment. The output responses were optimized by using MOORA-based GA methodology. Microstructural analysis was carried out at the optimized settings obtained by two types of wires to investigate the surface defects and analysis present in the work-piece and the wire. The microstructural analysis for the brass wire was investigated depicting the formation of micro cracks, dendrites, spherical globules, melted debris, recast layer and wire rupture on the wire surface after the machining operation. Similarly the microstructural analysis for the combii wire was analyzed out depicting the formation of wire rupture, melted debris, spherical globules, cracks and wire burr formed on the wire after the machining process. The optical image confirms that brass wire has more rupture than the combii wire due to the spark efficiency of brass wire being more than the combii wire. The EDS of material and the wires have been analyzed depicting the presence of element and weight % in the sample. From the performance analysis and the present experiment attained, it was concluded that the combii wire is more desirable to produce high quality gears than the brass wires at the obtained optimized settings of the response.
MICROSTRUCTURES AND SALT SPRAY CORROSION BEHAVIORS OF COLD SPRAYED Al COATINGS ON S355 STEEL IN MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: ZHANG JING , KONG DEJUN
Published: October 2017

An Al coating was sprayed on S355 steel using a cold spraying. The surface–interface morphologies, chemical compositions, and phases of the obtained Al coating were analyzed using a field emission scanning electronic microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively, and the chemical element distributions of Al coating surface and interface were also analyzed using a plane scan, and line scan, respectively. The salt spray corrosion (SSC) of cold sprayed Al coating was investigated using a neutral salt spray (NSS) test, the corrosion products on the Al coating were also analyzed using an EDS and XRD. The result shows that the cold sprayed Al coating is composed of Al phase, the Al particles are distorted when colliding with the substrate, the interface bonding mode is a mechanical bonding. The cold sprayed Al coating is covered with a stable corrosion products, which effectively prevents the coating from further SSC, showing an excellent corrosion resistance. The Al coating has appropriate cathodal protection potential, the corrosion rate of Al coating declines with the time in the electrochemical test.
On transfer of annihilator conditions of rings
Authors: Alhevaz Abdollah , Hashemi Ebrahim , Mohammadi Rasul
Published: October 2017

It is well known that a polynomial [Formula: see text] over a commutative ring [Formula: see text] with identity is a zero-divisor in [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] has a non-zero annihilator in the base ring, where [Formula: see text] is the polynomial ring with indeterminate [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]. But this result fails in non-commutative rings and in the case of formal power series ring. In this paper, we consider the problem of determining some annihilator properties of the formal power series ring [Formula: see text] over an associative non-commutative ring [Formula: see text]. We investigate relations between power series-wise McCoy property and other standard ring-theoretic properties. In this context, we consider right zip rings, right strongly [Formula: see text] rings and rings with right Property [Formula: see text]. We give a generalization (in the case of non-commutative ring) of a classical results related to the annihilator of formal power series rings over the commutative Noetherian rings. We also give a partial answer, in the case of formal power series ring, to the question posed in [1 Question, p. 16].
Preparation of Fenpropathrin Nanoemulsion by Phase Inversion Temperature Method and Its Study on Performance
Authors: Qian Kun , Zhao Hengke , He Lin
Published: October 2017

In this study, 8% fenpropathrin nanoemulsion was prepared by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method with 8% xylene and 4% solvent oil 150# as the solvent. The characteristics of this nanoemulsion were tested and compared with emulsifiable concentrate (EC). The size of 8% fenpropathrin nanoemulsion was 62.99[Formula: see text]nm, which was much smaller than that of 20% fenpropathrin EC (459.00[Formula: see text]nm). The mixed surfactants were added in fenpropathrin nanoemulsion with DBS-Ca:LAE at 1:2 to increase the stability, and the concentration of the mixed surfactants at 10[Formula: see text]wt.% showed the highest stability and much better synergism and surface activity. The absolute zeta potential of fenpropathrin nanoemulsion was much higher than that of EC, which can effectively prevent the cohesion between particles. Field control test also revealed that the 200[Formula: see text]mg/L, 100[Formula: see text]mg/L and 50[Formula: see text]mg/L fenpropathrin nanoemulsion had higher efficacy than 100[Formula: see text]mg/L fenpropathrin EC (contrast pesticide) in 4th, 7th, 15th days, respectively. In conclusion, nanoemulsion has a great application prospective in the future.
Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue Using Magnetic Biochar Derived from Agricultural Waste Biomass: Equilibrium, Isotherm, Kinetic Study
Authors: Ruthiraan M. , Abdullah E. C. , Mubarak N. M. , Nizamuddin Sabzoi
Published: October 2017

Wastewater discharge from textile industries contribute much to water pollution and threaten the aqua ecosystem balance. Synthesis of agriculture waste based adsorbent is a smart move toward overcoming the critical environmental issues as well as a good waste management process implied. This research work describes the adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution on nickel oxide attached magnetic biochar derived from mangosteen peel. A series of characterization methods was employed such as FTIR, FESEM analysis and BET surface area analyzer to understand the adsorbent behavior produced at a heating temperature of 800[Formula: see text]C for 20[Formula: see text]min duration. The adsorbate pH value was varied to investigate the adsorption kinetic trend and the isotherm models were developed by determining the equilibrium adsorption capacity at varied adsorbate initial concentration. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm models were measured for single component system and the calculated data were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm equations. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm model exhibit a promising R2-correlation value of more than 0.95 for all three isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model reflectsan equilibrium adsorption capacity of 22.883[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text].
A Method to Diagnose Public Administration Interoperability Capability Levels Based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Cestari José Marcelo Almeida Prado , Loures Eduardo de Freitas Rocha , Santos Eduardo Alves Portela
Published: October 2017

Interoperability is a critical factor for public administration-related entities operating in collaborative/cooperative environments. Thus, performing an interoperability diagnosis, with respect to other usual assessment approaches, provides a more adequate and extended view in establishing qualities and gaps, and helping to prioritize actions to increase performance and maturity of a government-related organization. This paper presents a diagnosis method called Public Administration Interoperability Diagnosis Method (PAIDM), using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as multi-criteria decision-making structure to calculate the capability levels diagnosed. A proposed development framework guides a systematic literature review, followed by a survey of experts and a set of quantitative and qualitative methods related to the extraction and modeling of the knowledge from the public administration domain mapped into theoretical, conceptual, and practical outputs devoted to PAIDM execution. The paper also raises a public administration interoperability capability model used as a reference for the diagnosis and presents general results of two public administration application cases regarding their capability levels.
Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Possibility Degree-Based Linear Assignment Method for Multiple Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Gou Xunjie , Xu Zeshui , Liao Huchang
Published: October 2017

Hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS), as a flexible tool to represent people’s uncertain cognition, has attracted lots of scholars’ research interests, and a series of methodologies have been proposed to deal with a variety of decision-making problems. In this paper, we develop a hesitant fuzzy linguistic possibility degree-based linear assignment (HFL-PDLA) method to tackle the multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems under hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment. Firstly, we define the possibility degree of hesitant fuzzy linguistic element (HFLE). Additionally, some relevant concepts related to the HFL-PDLA method are proposed, such as the relative difference matrix, the rank contribution matrix, the optimal permutation matrix, etc. Furthermore, the algorithm of the HFL-PDLA method is given to deal with hesitant fuzzy linguistic MCDM problems. Moreover, we apply the HFL-PDLA method to deal with a practical case which is to select the optimal treatment technology for disposing the outspent or old medical apparatuses and instruments in West China Hospital (WCH). Finally, we show the advantages of the HFL-PDLA method by making some comparative analyses with the TOPSIS method, the VIKOR method the PROMETHEE method and the LINMAP method.
Factorial-Quality Scalar and an Extension of ELECTRE in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Qu Guohua , Qu Weihua , Wang Junmei , Zhou Haisheng , Liu Zengliang
Published: October 2017

A great number of real-world problems can be associated with multi-criteria decision-making. These problems are often characterized by a high degree of uncertainty. Intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) are a generalized form of an ordinal fuzzy set to deal with this natural uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a hybrid version of the intuitionistic fuzzy ELECTRE based on VIKOR method, which was never considered before. The advantage and strengths of the intuitionistic fuzzy ELECTRE based on VIKOR method as decision aid technique and IFS as an uncertain framework make the proposed method a suitable choice in solving practical problems. Finally, a numerical example for engineering manager choice is given to illustrate the application of proposed method. The paper also gives a special view of point to the research along IFSs: It can be viewed as a kind of factorial scalar theory in factor space, which helps the authors to complete the paper with clear ideas.
In silicoevaluation of the interactions among two selected single chain variable fragments (scFvs) and ESAT-6 antigen ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bandehpour Mojgan , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad , Yarian Fatemeh , Lari Arezou , Farnia Poopak
Published: October 2017

Nowadays antibody engineering is an important approach in the design and manufacture of therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies. The study of interactions between antibodies and antigens is the critical step in the design of antibodies with desirable properties. Computational docking is a useful tool for structural characterization of bimolecular interactions. Docking is the process of predicting bound conformations and binding enthalpy of antibody–antigen complexes. In this study, the three-dimensional structures of two ribosome displayed-selected scFv antibodies were constructed by Kotai Antibody Builder. By using ClusPro 2.0 web server, the ESAT-6 antigen (a tuberculosis-specific antigen) structure was docked to both scFv models to obtain the structures of the binding complexes and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed using GROMACS 4.5.3 package. By analyzing of the ESAT-scFv complexes, important amino acids involved in antigen–antibody interactions were identified which were Asn164 in VL3, Ser164 in VL7 and Asn55 in VH7. All three amino acids belonged to the CDRs. In conclusion, results achieved from this bioinformatics study can help in the design and development of novel antibodies with improved affinities for tuberculosis diagnosis.
Efficient RNA structure comparison algorithms
Authors: Arslan Abdullah N. , Anandan Jithendar , Fry Eric , Monschke Keith , Ganneboina Nitin , Bowerman Jason
Published: October 2017

Recently proposed relative addressing-based ([Formula: see text]) RNA secondary structure representation has important features by which an RNA structure database can be stored into a suffix array. A fast substructure search algorithm has been proposed based on binary search on this suffix array. Using this substructure search algorithm, we present a fast algorithm that finds the largest common substructure of given multiple RNA structures in [Formula: see text] format. The multiple RNA structure comparison problem is NP-hard in its general formulation. We introduced a new problem for comparing multiple RNA structures. This problem has more strict similarity definition and objective, and we propose an algorithm that solves this problem efficiently. We also develop another comparison algorithm that iteratively calls this algorithm to locate nonoverlapping large common substructures in compared RNAs. With the new resulting tools, we improved the RNASSAC website (linked from http://faculty.tamuc.edu/aarslan ). This website now also includes two drawing tools: one specialized for preparing RNA substructures that can be used as input by the search tool, and another one for automatically drawing the entire RNA structure from a given structure sequence.
Interacting cosmological viscous fluid with Little Rip and Pseudo Rip solutions in f(R) gravity
Authors: Boko R. D. , Houndjo M. J. S. , Tossa J.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigate the evolution of the equation of state of the interacting viscous dark energy in [Formula: see text] gravity. We first consider the case when the dark energy does not interact with the dark matter and after, the case where there is a coupling between these dark components. The viscosity and the interaction between the two fluids are parameterized by constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively for which a detailed investigation on the cosmological implications has been done. In the later part of the paper, we explore some bulk viscosity models with Little and Pseudo Rip infinite time singularities within [Formula: see text] modified gravity. We obtain analytic expressions for characteristic properties of these cosmological models.
Semi-symmetric almost coKähler 3-manifolds
Authors: Wang Yaning
Published: October 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an almost coKähler [Formula: see text]-manifold such that the vertical Ricci curvatures are invariant along the Reeb vector field. In this paper, we prove that [Formula: see text] is semi-symmetric if and only if it is coKähler.
Congruences for Andrews singular overpartition pairs
Authors: Mahadeva Naika M. S. , Shivashankar C.
Published: October 2017

Andrews defined the combinatorial objects called singular overpartitions denoted by [Formula: see text], which counts the number of overpartitions of [Formula: see text] in which no part is divisible by [Formula: see text] and only parts [Formula: see text] may be overlined. In this paper, we investigate the arithmetic properties of Andrews singular overpartition pairs. Let [Formula: see text] be the number of overpartition pairs of [Formula: see text] in which no part is divisible by [Formula: see text] and only parts [Formula: see text] may be overlined. We will prove a number of Ramanujan like congruences and infinite families of congruences for [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], infinite families of congruences for [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], infinite families of congruences for [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Ultra-Easy and Fast Method for Transferring Graphene Grown on Metal Foil
Authors: Kim Wungyeon , Kim Hyunjeong , Kim Gyu Tae
Published: October 2017

Growing graphene on a large scale is the first step towards its industrial application. The most widely used large-scale graphene growth method is chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on metal foil. Transferring large-scale graphene without damaging it or degrading its performance is also very important. Generally, techniques for transferring CVD-grown graphene involve metal-foil etching. In this case, the metal etchant can chemically alter the graphene and small amounts of metal residue still remain after etching. These metal residues change the properties of the transferred graphene. In this paper, we demonstrate a new technique for transferring CVD-grown graphene films onto arbitrary substrates using Crystalbond, an off-the-shelf adhesive material. This new method is very simple, easy, and fast. It also solves the aforementioned problems associated with metal etching, by using mechanical exfoliation of graphene via the high adhesive strength of Crystalbond. We transferred a [Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]cm size piece of graphene, which exhibited reasonable optical and electrical properties, as observed using Raman spectroscopy and field effect transistor (FET) measurements, respectively.
An analytical study of drug release kinetics from a degradable polymeric matrix
Authors: Chakravarty Koyel , Dalal D. C.
Published: October 2017

In modern days, biodegradable polymeric matrix used as the kingpin of local drug delivery system is in the center of attention. This work is concentrated on the formulation of mathematical model elucidating degradation of drug-loaded polymeric matrix followed by drug release to the adjacent biological tissues. Polymeric degradation is penciled with mass conservation equations. Drug release phenomenon is modeled by considering solubilization dynamics of drug particles, diffusion of the solubilized drug through polymeric matrix along with reversible dissociation/recrystallization process. In the tissue phase, reversible dissociation/association along with internalization processes of drug are taken into account. For this, a two-phase spatio-temporal model is postulated, which has ensued to a system of partial differential equations. They are solved analytically with appropriate choice of initial, interface and boundary conditions. In order to reflect the potency of the advocated model, the simulated results are analogized with corresponding experimental data and found laudable agreement so as to validate the applicability of the model considered. This model seems to foster the delicacy of the mantle enacted by important drug kinetic parameters such as diffusion coefficients, mass transfer coefficients, particle binding and internalization parameters, which is illustrated through local sensitivity analysis.
On min–max distance degree index
Authors: Baidari Ishwar , Savant Preeti
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present a new index called min–max distance degree index, [Formula: see text] for molecular graphs. It appears that this index correlates well with properties of 33 and 28 nonanes like, energy of formation and density, and its correlation coefficient is 0.812 and 0.754, respectively. The basic mathematical features and graph operations are presented. In addition, the linear regression analysis of predicted and experimental boiling point of acyclic hydrocarbons is shown, where predicted boiling point is determined by implementing this index with Wiener’s model.
In vivo magnetofection: a novel approach for targeted topical delivery of nucleic acids for rectoanal motility disorders
Authors: Singh Jagmohan , Mohanty Ipsita , Rattan Satish
Published: October 2017

In these studies, we developed a novel approach of in vivo magnetofection for localized delivery of nucleic acids such as micro-RNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p; which is known to target Rho kinase2) to the circular smooth muscle layer of the internal anal sphincter (IAS). The IAS tone is known to play a major role in the rectoanal continence via activation of RhoA-associated kinase (RhoA/ROCK2). These studies established an optimized protocol for efficient gene delivery using an assembly of equal volumes of in vivo PolyMag and miR139-5p or anti-miR-139-5p (100 nM each) injected in the circular smooth muscle layer in the pinpointed areas of the rat perianal region and then incubated for 20 min under magnetic field. Magnetofection efficiency was confirmed and analyzed by confocal microscopy of FITC-tagged siRNA. Using physiological and biochemical approaches, we investigated the effects of miR-139-5p and anti-miR-139-5p on basal intraluminal IAS pressure (IASP), fecal pellet count, IAS tone, agonist-induced contraction, contraction-relaxation kinetics, and RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Present studies demonstrate that magnetofection-mediated miR-139-5p delivery significantly decreased RhoA/ROCK2, p-MYPT1, and p-MLC20 signaling, leading to decreases in the basal IASP and IAS tone and in rates of contraction and relaxation associated with increase in fecal pellet output. Interestingly, anti-miR-139-5p transfection had opposite effects on these parameters. Collectively, these data demonstrate that magnetofection is a promising novel method of in vivo gene delivery and of nucleotides to the internal anal sphincter for the site-directed and targeted therapy for rectoanal motility disorders.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY These studies for the first time demonstrate the success of topical in vivo magnetofection (MF) of nucleic acids using perianal injections. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we used FITC-tagged siRNA via immunofluorescence microcopy and functional and biochemical evidence using miR-139-5p (which is known to target ROCK2). In conclusion, MF allows safe, convenient, efficient, and targeted delivery of oligonucleotides such as siRNAs and microRNAs. These studies have direct therapeutic implications in rectoanal motility disorders especially associated with IAS.
Gravity outweighs the contribution of structure to passive ventilation-perfusion matching in the supine adult human lung
Authors: Kang W. , Clark A. R. , Tawhai M. H.
Published: October 2017

Gravity and matched airway/vascular tree geometries are both hypothesized to be key contributors to ventilation-perfusion (V̇/Q̇) matching in the lung, but their relative contributions are challenging to quantify experimentally. We used a structure-based model to conduct an analysis of the relative contributions of tissue deformation (the “Slinky” effect), other gravitational mechanisms (weight of blood and gravitational gradient in tissue elastic recoil), and matched airway and arterial tree geometry to V̇/Q̇ matching and therefore to total lung oxygen exchange. Our results showed that the heterogeneity in V̇ and Q̇ were lowest and the correlation between V̇ and Q̇ was highest when the only mechanism for V̇/Q̇ matching was either tissue deformation or matched geometry. Heterogeneity in V̇ and Q̇ was highest and their correlation was poorest when all mechanisms were active (that is, at baseline). Eliminating the contribution of matched geometry did not change the correlation between V̇ and Q̇ at baseline. Despite the much larger heterogeneities in V̇ and Q̇ at baseline, the contribution of in-common (to V̇ and Q̇) gravitational mechanisms provided sufficient compensatory V̇/Q̇ matching to minimize the impact on oxygen transfer. In summary, this model predicts that during supine normal breathing under gravitational loading, passive V̇/Q̇ matching is predominantly determined by shared gravitationally induced tissue deformation, compliance distribution, and the effect of the hydrostatic pressure gradient on vessel and capillary size and blood pressures. Contribution from the matching airway and arterial tree geometries in this model is minor under normal gravity in the supine adult human lung.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We use a computational model to systematically analyze contributors to ventilation-perfusion matching in the lung. The model predicts that the multiple effects of gravity are the predominant mechanism in providing passive ventilation-perfusion matching in the supine adult human lung under normal gravitational loads, while geometric matching of airway and arterial trees plays a minor role.