bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degrons in cancer
Authors: Mészáros Bálint , Kumar Manjeet , Gibson Toby J. , Uyar Bora , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: March 2017

Understanding protein degradation signals and systems reveals targets for cancer therapy.
Focus Issue: Cancer—Beyond tumor genetics to protein landscapes
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Gough Nancy R.
Published: March 2017

Changes in the protein landscape of both the tumor and surrounding cells hold the keys to effectively treating cancer.
sTREM2 and neuroinflammation
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: March 2017

The soluble form of the innate immune receptor TREM2 promotes microglial survival and inflammatory responses in the brain.
Impact of Mucositis on Absorption and Systemic Drug Exposure of Isavuconazole
Authors: Kovanda Laura L. , Marty Francisco M. , Maertens Johan , Desai Amit V. , Lademacher Christopher , Engelhardt Marc , Lu Qiaoyang , Hope William W.
Published: March 2017

Isavuconazonium sulfate is the water-soluble prodrug of isavuconazole. Population analyses have demonstrated relatively predictable pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior in diverse patient populations. We evaluated the impact of mucositis on the oral isavuconazole exposure using population PK modeling. This study included patients treated in two phase 3 trials of isavuconazole, SECURE for treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and other filamentous fungi and VITAL for patients with mucormycosis, invasive fungal disease (IFD) caused by other rare fungi, or IA and renal impairment. Mucositis was reported by site investigators and its impact on oral bioavailability was assessed. Use of the oral formulation was at the discretion of the investigator. Patients with plasma samples collected during the use of isavuconazonium sulfate were included in the construction of population PK model. Of 250 patients included, 56 patients had mucositis at therapy onset or as an adverse event during oral isavuconazole therapy. Levels of oral bioavailability were comparable, at 98.3% and 99.8%, respectively. The average drug exposures (average area under the curve [AUC
ave
]) calculated from either the mean or median parameter estimates were not different between patients with and without mucositis. Mortality and overall clinical responses were similar between patients receiving oral therapy with and without mucositis. We found that isavuconazole exposures and clinical outcomes in this subset of patients with mucositis who were able to take oral isavuconazonium sulfate were comparable to those in patients without mucositis, despite the difference in oral bioavailability. Therefore, mucositis may not preclude use of the oral formulation of isavuconazonium sulfate.
Pilot Study of a Bayesian Approach To Estimate Vancomycin Exposure in Obese Patients with Limited Pharmacokinetic Sampling
Authors: Carreno Joseph J. , Lomaestro Ben , Tietjan John , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: March 2017

This study evaluated the predictive performance of a Bayesian PK estimation method (ADAPT V) to estimate the 24-h vancomycin area under the curve (AUC) with limited pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling in adult obese patients receiving vancomycin for suspected or confirmed Gram-positive infections. This was an Albany Medical Center Institutional Review Board-approved prospective evaluation of 12 patients. Patients had a median (95% confidence interval) age of 61 years (39 to 71 years), a median creatinine clearance of 86 ml/min (75 to 120 ml/min), and a median body mass index of 45 kg/m
2
(40 to 52 kg/m
2
). For each patient, five PK concentrations were measured, and four different vancomycin population PK models were used as Bayesian priors to estimate the vancomycin AUC (AUC
FULL
). Using each PK model as a prior, data-depleted PK subsets were used to estimate the 24-h AUC (i.e., peak and trough data [AUC
PT
], midpoint and trough data [AUC
MT
], and trough-only data [AUC
T
]). The 24-h AUC derived from the full data set (AUC
FULL
) was compared to the AUC derived from data-depleted subsets (AUC
PT
, AUC
MT
, and AUC
T
) for each model. For the four sets of analyses, AUC
FULL
estimates ranged from 437 to 489 mg·h/liter. The AUC
PT
provided the best approximation of the AUC
FULL
; AUC
MT
and AUC
T
tended to overestimate AUC
FULL
. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of AUC monitoring in clinical practice, but the findings from this study suggest that the vancomycin AUC can be estimated with good precision and accuracy with limited PK sampling using Bayesian PK estimation software.
WCK 5107 (Zidebactam) and WCK 5153 Are Novel Inhibitors of PBP2 Showing Potent “β-Lactam Enhancer” Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Including Multidrug-Resistant Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing High-Risk Clones
Authors: Moya Bartolome , Barcelo Isabel M. , Bhagwat Sachin , Patel Mahesh , Bou German , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Bonomo Robert A. , Oliver Antonio
Published: March 2017

Zidebactam and WCK 5153 are novel β-lactam enhancers that are bicyclo-acyl hydrazides (BCH), derivatives of the diazabicyclooctane (DBO) scaffold, targeted for the treatment of serious infections caused by highly drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. In this study, we determined the penicillin-binding protein (PBP) inhibition profiles and the antimicrobial activities of zidebactam and WCK 5153 against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing high-risk clones. MIC determinations and time-kill assays were conducted for zidebactam, WCK 5153, and antipseudomonal β-lactams using wild-type PAO1, MexAB-OprM-hyperproducing (
mexR
), porin-deficient (
oprD
), and AmpC-hyperproducing (
dacB
) derivatives of PAO1, and MBL-expressing clinical strains ST175 (
bla
VIM-2
) and ST111 (
bla
VIM-1
). Furthermore, steady-state kinetics was used to assess the inhibitory potential of these compounds against the purified VIM-2 MBL. Zidebactam and WCK 5153 showed specific PBP2 inhibition and did not inhibit VIM-2 (apparent

K
i

[

K
i

app
] > 100 μM). MICs for zidebactam and WCK 5153 ranged from 2 to 32 μg/ml (amdinocillin MICs > 32 μg/ml). Time-kill assays revealed bactericidal activity of zidebactam and WCK 5153. LIVE-DEAD staining further supported the bactericidal activity of both compounds, showing spheroplast formation. Fixed concentrations (4 or 8 μg/ml) of zidebactam and WCK 5153 restored susceptibility to all of the tested β-lactams for each of the
P. aeruginosa
mutant strains. Likewise, antipseudomonal β-lactams (CLSI breakpoints), in combination with 4 or 8 μg/ml of zidebactam or WCK 5153, resulted in enhanced killing. Certain combinations determined full bacterial eradication, even with MDR MBL-producing high-risk clones. β-Lactam–WCK enhancer combinations represent a promising β-lactam “enhancer-based” approach to treat MDR
P. aeruginosa
infections, bypassing the need for MBL inhibition.
Assessment and Optimizations of Candida albicans
In Vitro
Biofilm Assays
Authors: Lohse Matthew B. , Gulati Megha , Valle Arevalo Ashley , Fishburn Adam , Johnson Alexander D. , Nobile Clarissa J.
Published: March 2017

Candida albicans
biofilms have a significant medical impact due to their rapid growth on implanted medical devices, their resistance to antifungal drugs, and their ability to seed disseminated infections. Biofilm assays performed
in vitro
allow for rapid, high-throughput screening of gene deletion libraries or antifungal compounds and typically serve as precursors to
in vivo
studies. Here, we compile and discuss the protocols for several recently published
C. albicans
in vitro
biofilm assays. We also describe improved versions of these protocols as well as novel
in vitro
assays. Finally, we consider some of the advantages and disadvantages of these different types of assays.
Reoxidation of the Thiol-Disulfide Oxidoreductase MdbA by a Bacterial Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase in the Biofilm-Forming Actinobacterium Actinomyces oris
Authors: Luong Truc Thanh , Reardon-Robinson Melissa E. , Siegel Sara D. , Ton-That Hung
Published: March 2017

Posttranslocational protein folding in the Gram-positive biofilm-forming actinobacterium
Actinomyces oris
is mediated by a membrane-bound thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase named MdbA, which catalyzes oxidative folding of nascent polypeptides transported by the Sec translocon. Reoxidation of MdbA involves a bacterial
v
itamin
K
ep
o
xide
r
eductase (VKOR)-like protein that contains four cysteine residues, C93/C101 and C175/C178, with the latter forming a canonical CXXC thioredoxin-like motif; however, the mechanism of VKOR-mediated reoxidation of MdbA is not known. We present here a topological view of the
A. oris
membrane-spanning protein VKOR with these four exoplasmic cysteine residues that participate in MdbA reoxidation. Like deletion of the VKOR gene, alanine replacement of individual cysteine residues abrogated polymicrobial interactions and biofilm formation, concomitant with the failure to form adhesive pili on the bacterial surface. Intriguingly, the mutation of the cysteine at position 101 to alanine (C101A mutation) resulted in a high-molecular-weight complex that was positive for MdbA and VKOR by immunoblotting and was absent in other alanine substitution mutants and the C93A C101A double mutation and after treatment with the reducing agent β-mercaptoethanol. Consistent with this observation, affinity purification followed by immunoblotting confirmed this MdbA-VKOR complex in the C101A mutant. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
VKOR analog in the
A. oris
VKOR deletion (ΔVKOR) mutant rescued its defects, in contrast to the expression of
M. tuberculosis
VKOR variants known to be nonfunctional in the disulfide relay that mediates reoxidation of the disulfide bond-forming catalyst DsbA in
Escherichia coli
. Altogether, the results support a model of a disulfide relay, from its start with the pair C93/C101 to the C175-X-X-C178 motif, that is required for MdbA reoxidation and appears to be conserved in members of the class
Actinobacteria
.

IMPORTANCE
It has recently been shown in the high-GC Gram-positive bacteria (or
Actinobacteria
)
Actinomyces oris
and
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
that oxidative folding of nascent polypeptides transported by the Sec machinery is catalyzed by a membrane-anchored oxidoreductase named MdbA. In
A. oris
, reoxidation of MdbA requires a bacterial VKOR-like protein, and yet, how VKOR mediates MdbA reoxidation is unknown. We show here that the
A. oris
membrane-spanning protein VKOR employs two pairs of exoplasmic cysteine residues, including the canonical CXXC thioredoxinlike motif, to oxidize MdbA via a disulfide relay mechanism. This mechanism of disulfide relay is essential for pilus assembly, polymicrobial interactions, and biofilm formation and appears to be conserved in members of the class
Actinobacteria
, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Growth Trade-Offs Accompany the Emergence of Glycolytic Metabolism in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Chubiz Lon M. , Marx Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

Bacteria increase their metabolic capacity via the acquisition of genetic material or by the mutation of genes already present in the genome. Here, we explore the mechanisms and trade-offs involved whenShewanella oneidensis, a bacterium that typically consumes small organic and amino acids, rapidly evolves to expand its metabolic capacity to catabolize glucose after a short period of adaptation to a glucose-rich environment. Using whole-genome sequencing and genetic approaches, we discovered that deletions in a region including the transcriptional repressor (nagR) that regulates the expression of genes associated with catabolism ofN-acetylglucosamine are the common basis for evolved glucose metabolism across populations. The loss ofnagRresults in the constitutive expression of genes for anN-acetylglucosamine permease (nagP) and kinase (nagK). We demonstrate that promiscuous activities of both NagP and NagK toward glucose allow for the transport and phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, the initial events of glycolysis otherwise thought to be absent inS. oneidensis.13C-based metabolic flux analysis uncovered that subsequent utilization was mediated by the Entner-Doudoroff pathway. This is an example whereby gene loss and preexisting enzymatic promiscuity, and not gain-of-function mutations, were the drivers of increased metabolic capacity. However, we observed a significant decrease in the growth rate on lactate after adaptation to glucose catabolism, suggesting that trade-offs may explain why glycolytic function may not be readily observed inS. oneidensisin natural environments despite it being readily accessible through just a single mutational event.

IMPORTANCEGains in metabolic capacity are frequently associated with the acquisition of novel genetic material via natural or engineered horizontal gene transfer events. Here, we explored how a bacterium that typically consumes small organic acids and amino acids expands its metabolic capacity to include glucose via a loss of genetic material, a process frequently associated with a deterioration of metabolic function. Our findings highlight how the natural promiscuity of transporters and enzymes can be a key driver in expanding metabolic diversity and that many bacteria may possess a latent metabolic capacity accessible through one or a few mutations that remove regulatory functions. Our discovery of trade-offs between growth on lactate and on glucose suggests why this easily gained trait is not observed in nature.
Pitch-side management of acute shoulder dislocations: a conceptual review
Authors: Shah Rohi , Chhaniyara Puja , Wallace W Angus , Hodgson Lisa
Published: March 2017

The shoulder, specifically the glenohumeral joint, by virtue of its anatomical characteristics and biomechanics confers a large range of movement, which ultimately results in a joint that is inherently prone to becoming unstable. The incidence of acute traumatic shoulder dislocation varies within the sporting environment, commonly occurring following direct trauma. Anterior dislocations account for nearly 90% of all dislocations. While most are referred and managed in the emergency department, pitch-side relocation by experienced clinicians does occur prior to referral. The aim of this study was to delineate a guideline specifically for the pitch-side management of this common injury. A literature search of PubMed and Medline using the keywords ‘prehospital’, ‘pitch-side’, ‘shoulder dislocation’and ‘reduction’or ‘relocation technique’was performed, and the available literature was reviewed and collated. Articles focusing on reduction techniques were then reviewed, with particular consideration on their applicability to a pitch-side setting. While studies exist that compare and contrast examination and reduction techniques, most are based in a hospital setting. To date, there is no standardised management protocol published for the initial management of an anterior dislocated shoulder in a pitch-side setting. This article addresses this discrepancy and proposes a structured, algorithmic approach to the pitch-side management of a shoulder dislocation. The article addresses factors to consider in a pitch-side setting, suitable techniques and postreduction care. While a systematic approach has been delineated in this article, we recommend those pitch-side medical practitioners who provide this form of support should have attended appropriate training and ensure adequate malpractice cover.
Effects of a systemic enzyme therapy in healthy active adults after exhaustive eccentric exercise: a randomised, two-stage, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Marzin Tobias , Lorkowski Gerhard , Reule Claudia , Rau Stefanie , Pabst Elisabeth , Vester Johannes C , Pabst Helmut
Published: March 2017

Background

Systemic enzyme therapy may improve symptoms of exhaustive eccentric exercise due to anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

In a randomised, placebo-controlled, two-stage clinical trial, systemic enzyme therapy (Wobenzym) was administered for 72 hours before and 72 hours following a day on which subjects performed an exhaustive eccentric exercise (isokinetic loading of the quadriceps). Efficacy criteria (maximal strength and pain) and time points were selected to account for the multidimensional nature of exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms. Subjects were randomised in a crossover (stage I, n=28) and parallel group design (stage II, n=44).

Results

Analysis of stage I data demonstrated a significant superiority (Mann-Whitney=0.6153; p=0.0332; one sided) for systemic enzyme therapy compared with placebo. Stage II was designed as a randomised controlled parallel group comparison. Heterogeneity (I2>0.5) between stages led to separate analyses of stage I (endurance-trained subjects) and stage II (strength-trained subjects). Combined analysis resulted in no evidence for corresponding treatment effects. Analysis of pooled biomarker data, however, demonstrated significant favourable effects for systemic enzyme therapy in both stages.

Conclusion

Systemic enzyme therapy before and after exhaustive eccentric exercise resulted in higher maximal concentric strength in the less strength-trained subjects (stage I) and in significant favourable effects on biomarkers (inflammatory, metabolic and immune) in all subjects. The application of these findings needs further evaluation.
Multiple signals at the extended 8p23 locus are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Demirci F Yesim , Wang Xingbin , Morris David L , Feingold Eleanor , Bernatsky Sasha , Pineau Christian , Clarke Ann , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind , Manzi Susan , Vyse Timothy J , Ilyas Kamboh M
Published: March 2017

Background

A major systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility locus lies within a common inversion polymorphism region (encompassing 3.8 – 4.5  Mb) located at 8p23. Initially implicated genes includedFAM167A-BLKandXKR6, of whichBLKreceived major attention due to its known role in B-cell biology. Recently, additional SLE risk carried in non-inverted background was also reported.

Objective and methods

In this case –control study, we further investigated the ‘extended’ 8p23 locus (~ 4  Mb) where we observed multiple SLE signals and assessed these signals for their relation to the inversion affecting this region. The study involved a North American discovery data set (~1200  subjects) and a replication data set (> 10 000  subjects) comprising European-descent individuals.

Results

Meta-analysis of 8p23 SNPs, with p < 0.05 in both data sets, identified 51 genome-wide significant SNPs (p < 5.0 × 10−8). While most of these SNPs were related to previously implicated signals (XKR6-FAM167A-BLKsubregion), our results also revealed two ‘new’ SLE signals, includingSGK223-CLDN23-MFHAS1(6.06 × 10−9≤ meta p ≤ 4.88 × 10−8) andCTSB(meta p = 4.87 × 10−8) subregions that are located > 2 Mb upstream and ~ 0.3  Mb downstream from previously reported signals. Functional assessment of relevant SNPs indicated putativecis-effects on the expression of various genes at 8p23. Additional analyses in discovery sample, where the inversion genotypes were inferred, replicated the association of non-inverted status with SLE risk and suggested that a number of SLE risk alleles are predominantly carried in non-inverted background.

Conclusions

Our results implicate multiple (known+novel) SLE signals/genes at the extended 8p23 locus, beyond previously reported signals/genes, and suggest that this broad locus contributes to SLE risk through the effects of multiple genes/pathways.
Topical drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus isolated to the hands
Authors: Ramachandran Sarika M , Leventhal Jonathan S , Franco Loren G , Mir Adnan , Walters Ruth F , Franks Andrew G
Published: March 2017

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a well-defined subtype of lupus erythematosus, characterised by photosensitivity, annular and/or psoriasiform lesions, variable systemic involvement and presence of circulating SSA/anti-Ro antibodies. SCLE may be idiopathic or drug-induced. Both the idiopathic and drug-induced forms of SCLE are analogous in their clinical, serological and histological features. Drug-induced SCLE has been reported with various oral agents, but to our knowledge this is the first reported case due to a topical medication. A 34-year-old female foot masseuse presented with a 2-month history of scaly, erythematous lesions isolated to the dorsal hands and interdigital spaces. She had used topical terbinafine, a topical antifungal cream, to her clients’ feet for a number of years. ANA and anti-SSA/Ro antibodies were positive. Physical examination, serology and histopathology were consistent with SCLE. We propose that our patient's unique presentation of SCLE may be explained by a prolonged occupational exposure to topical terbinafine as a foot masseuse. While oral terbinafine is a drug known to cause drug-induced SCLE, to our knowledge, this is the first topically induced form of the disease.
Experimental validation of the tuneable diaphragm effect in modern acoustic stethoscopes
Authors: Nowak Karolina M , Nowak Lukasz J
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The force with which the diaphragm chestpiece of a stethoscope is pressed against the body of a patient during an auscultation examination introduces the initial stress and deformation to the diaphragm and the underlying tissues, thus altering the acoustic parameters of the sound transmission path. If the examination is performed by an experienced physician, he will intuitively adjust the amount of the force in order to achieve the optimal sound quality. However, in case of becoming increasingly popular auto-diagnosis and telemedicine auscultation devices with no such feedback mechanisms, the question arises regarding the influence of the possible force mismatch on the parameters of the recorded signal.

Design

The present study describes the results of the experimental investigations on the relation between pressure applied to the chestpiece of a stethoscope and parameters of the transmitted bioacoustic signals. The experiments were carried out using various stethoscopes connected to a force measurement system, which allowed to maintain fixed pressure during auscultation examinations. The signals were recorded during examinations of different volunteers, at various auscultation sites.

Results

The obtained results reveal strong individual and auscultation-site variability.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the underlying tissue deformation is the primary factor that alters the parameters of the recorded signals.
Severe bradycardia after hypoxaemia and endotracheal intubation and cardiac arrest following glycopyrrolate in a dog
Authors: Scarabelli Stefania , Rigotti Clara , Alderson Briony
Published: March 2017

A nine‐year‐old neutered male Yorkshire terrier with history of chronic cough underwent bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage; general anaesthesia was maintained with a variable rate infusion of propofol, and oxygen was insufflated via a urinary catheter in the trachea. At the end of the procedure, desaturation occurred; endotracheal intubation was performed and was immediately followed by severe bradycardia and respiratory arrest. Glycopyrrolate (5 µg/kg) was administered leading to cardiac arrest. Apnoea and asystole were quickly treated with manual positive pressure ventilation, external chest compressions and intravenous administration of 0.04 mg/kg of atropine. This case describes vagally induced bradycardia after intubation, possible predisposing factors and its treatment/prevention with antimuscarinic drugs.
An investigation of Renyi entropy in high-energy nucleus–nucleus collisions
Authors: Bhattacharyya Swarnapratim , Haiduc Maria , Neagu Alina Tania , Firu Elena
Published: March 2017

A study of Renyi entropy of shower particles has been carried out using 16O, 28Si, and 32S projectiles in interaction with AgBr and CNO target present in nuclear emulsion at an incident momentum of 4.5 AGeV/c. The analysis reveals interesting experimental observations for both groups of targets. A comparison of the experimental results with the results obtained from analyzing the event sample generated by the UrQMD code is also presented. Renyi entropy values increase with the increase of projectile mass. This increase is weaker in case of CNO target. The calculated values of second-order Renyi entropy H2 are shown to vary linearly with the logarithm of average particle multiplicity ln⟨n⟩ for both targets. The dependence of Renyi entropy on the logarithm of average particle multiplicity ln⟨n⟩ indicates the presence of long-range correlation in high-energy nucleus–nucleus interactions. The variation is found to be stronger in the case of experimental events in comparison to the UrQMD simulated events indicating stronger long-range correlation for the experimental data.
Carbon cycle implications of terrestrial weathering changes since the last glacial maximum
Authors: Brault M.-O. , Mysak L.A. , Matthews H.D.
Published: March 2017

We examine the importance of the rock weathering feedback mechanism during the last deglacial period (∼16 000–4000 BCE) using an Earth system model of intermediate complexity (the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM)) with four box-model parameterizations of terrestrial weathering. The deglacial climate change is driven by changes in orbital parameters, ice core reconstructions of atmospheric CO2 variability, and prescribed removal of continental ice sheets. Over the course of the 12 000 year simulation period, increases in weathering provide a mechanism that slowly removes CO2 from the atmosphere, in opposition to the observed atmospheric CO2 increase during this period. These processes transfer both carbon and alkalinity to the ocean, the combination of which results in as much as a 1000 Pg C increase in total ocean carbon, relative to a control simulation with constant weathering. However, the rapid expansion of northern hemisphere vegetation introduces a significant uncertainty among the weathering parameterizations. Further experiments to test the individual impacts of weathering dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity fluxes on ocean biogeochemistry suggest that the worldwide distribution of rock types and the ratio of carbonate to silicate weathering may be crucially important in obtaining an accurate estimate of changes in global weathering rates.
Scheduling with Rejection and a Deteriorating Maintenance Activity on a Single Machine
Authors: Li Shi-Sheng , Chen Ren-Xia
Published: March 2017

We study single-machine scheduling problems with job rejection and a deteriorating maintenance activity, where the impact of performing this activity is reflected in a reduction of the job processing times. The duration of the maintenance activity is a linear increasing function of its starting time. The aim is to determine the location of the maintenance activity and the job sequence of the accepted jobs so as to minimize scheduling cost of the accepted jobs plus total penalty of the rejected jobs. When the scheduling measures are the makespan, total completion time and combination of earliness, tardiness and due date cost, we provide polynomial time algorithms to solve these problems, respectively. When the scheduling measures are the maximum tardiness and total weighted completion time under the agreeable ratio assumption, we introduce pseudo-polynomial time algorithms to solve these [Formula: see text]-hard problems, respectively.
τ mass andR-value measurements at BES
Authors: Zheng Zhipeng , Fang Shuangshi , Huang Guangshun
Published: March 2017

A comprehensive review of the measurements of [Formula: see text] lepton mass and R-values in the energy region between 2–5 GeV, achieved at the BES experiment, is presented. In addition to the evaluation of their impact on the test of Standard Model, we also highlighted the present status and the most recent developments. In particular, we made an extensive discussion on the prospects for future improvements at the BESIII experiment.
Holographic Schwinger effect with a deformed AdS background
Authors: Sadeghi J. , Pourhassan B. , Tahery S. , Razavi F.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we consider a deformed AdS background and study the effect of deformation parameter on the pair production rate of the Schwinger effect. The electrostatic potential is important for the pair production in the holographic Schwinger effect. In this paper, we analyze the electrostatic potential in a deformed AdS background and investigate the effect of deformation parameter which may be useful to test the AdS/QCD. In the case of zero temperature, we find that the larger value of the deformation parameter leads to a smaller value of separation length of the test particles on the probe. Also, we find a finite maximum of separation length in the presence of modification parameter.
Dynamical and quenched random matrices and homolumo gap
Authors: Andrić Ivan , Jonke Larisa , Jurman Danijel , Nielsen Holger Bech
Published: March 2017

We consider a rather general type of matrix model, where the matrix M represents a Hamiltonian of the interaction of a bosonic system with a single fermion. The fluctuations of the matrix are partly given by some fundamental randomness and partly dynamically, even quantum mechanically. We then study the homolumo-gap effect, which means that we study how the level density for the single-fermion Hamiltonian matrix M gets attenuated near the Fermi surface. In the case of the quenched randomness (the fundamental one) dominating the quantum mechanical one we show that in the first approximation the homolumo gap is characterized by the absence of single-fermion levels between two steep gap boundaries. The filled and empty level densities are in this first approximation just pushed, each to its side. In the next approximation these steep drops in the spectral density are smeared out to have an error-function shape. The studied model could be considered as a first step toward the more general case of considering a whole field of matrices — defined say on some phase space — rather than a single matrix.
Simulation, modeling and dynamical analysis of multibody flows
Authors: Blackmore Denis , Rosato Anthony , Sen Surajit , Wu Hao
Published: March 2017

Recent particulate flow research using a discrete element simulation-dynamical systems approach is described. The simulation code used is very efficient and the mathematical model is an integro-partial differential equation. Examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the approach.
Geometry-dependent constitutive law for granular slow frictional drag
Authors: Furuta T. , Katou K. , Itoh S. , Tachibana K. , Ishikawa S. , Katsuragi H.
Published: March 2017

Frictional constitutive law for very slow vertical withdrawing of a thin rod from a granular bed is experimentally studied. Using a very precise creep meter, geometry-dependent granular frictional constitutive law is particularly examined. In some previous works, a dimensionless number [Formula: see text] has been used to characterize granular frictional constitutive laws, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are the shear strain rate, grain diameter, confining pressure, and bulk density of granular bed, respectively. It has been considered that granular frictional constitutive law expressed by [Formula: see text] is universal (almost geometry-independent) in dense flow regime. In this study, however, we find that the geometry of the system is much more crucial to characterize granular friction in a very slow withdrawing regime. Specifically, the ratio between rod and grain diameters must be an essential parameter to describe the granular frictional constitutive law. Physical meaning of the geometry-dependent constitutive law is discussed on the basis of grains-contact-number dependence of granular behavior.
Spin–curvature interaction from curved Dirac equation: Application to single-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhang Erhu , Chen Huawei , Zhang Shengli
Published: March 2017

The spin–curvature interaction (SCI) and its effects are investigated based on curved Dirac equation. Through the low-energy approximation of curved Dirac equation, the Hamiltonian of SCI is obtained and depends on the geometry and spinor structure of manifold. We find that the curvature can be considered as field strength and couples with spin through Zeeman-like term. Then, we use dimension reduction to derive the local Hamiltonian of SCI for cylinder surface, which implies that the effective Hamiltonian of single-wall carbon nanotubes results from the geometry and spinor structure of lattice and includes two types of interactions: one does not break any symmetries of the lattice and only shifts the Dirac points for all nanotubes, while the other one does and opens the gaps except for armchair nanotubes. At last, analytical expressions of the band gaps and the shifts of their positions induced by curvature are given for metallic nanotubes. These results agree well with experiments and can be verified experimentally.
Cutoff frequency in metamaterials photonic crystals within Terahertz frequencies
Authors: Aly Arafa H. , Sabra Walied , Elsayed Hussein A.
Published: March 2017

By employing the characteristics matrix method, we have investigated the transmission properties of one-dimensional dielectric–semiconductor metamaterial photonic crystals (PC) at Terahertz (THz) range theoretically. The numerical results show the appearance of cutoff frequency within THz range. Furthermore, the thicknesses of the constituents materials and the filling factor have a significant effect on the cutoff frequency. The proposed structure may be useful in many applications, particularly in THz frequency regions.
Infinite Elements and Their Influence on Normal and Radiation Modes in Exterior Acoustics
Authors: Moheit Lennart , Marburg Steffen
Published: March 2017

Acoustic radiation modes (ARMs) and normal modes (NMs) are calculated at the surface of a fluid-filled domain around a solid structure and inside the domain, respectively. In order to compute the exterior acoustic problem and modes, both the finite element method (FEM) and the infinite element method (IFEM) are applied. More accurate results can be obtained by using finer meshes in the FEM or higher-order radial interpolation polynomials in the IFEM, which causes additional degrees of freedom (DOF). As such, more computational cost is required. For this reason, knowledge about convergence behavior of the modes for different mesh cases is desirable, and is the aim of this paper. It is shown that the acoustic impedance matrix for the calculation of the radiation modes can be also constructed from the system matrices of finite and infinite elements instead of boundary element matrices, as is usually done. Grouping behavior of the eigenvalues of the radiation modes can be observed. Finally, both kinds of modes in exterior acoustics are compared in the example of the cross-section of a recorder in air. When the number of DOF is increased by using higher-order radial interpolation polynomials, different eigenvalue convergences can be observed for interpolation polynomials of even and odd order.
Damage-Based Inelastic Seismic Spectra
Authors: Greco Rita , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Fiore Alessandra
Published: March 2017

Current inelastic seismic spectra suffer from a conceptual limitation: they are significant only on the maximum demand of ductility and they do not include any influence of the number of response cycles, yield excursions, stiffness and strength degradation and damage potential to structures. This paper presents a stochastic approach for obtaining damage-based inelastic seismic spectra. In order to consider the cumulative damage phenomenon in structural systems under strong ground motions, the authors adopt the Park and Ang damage model that includes the displacement ductility and the hysteretic energy. The novelty is that the peak theory of random processes is adopted to achieve damage-based seismic spectra. This approach has some advantages compared with the standard statistical approaches based on a large number of recorded accelerograms. First, it drastically reduces the computational effort, while allowing us to typify the seismic motion by some parameters such as the frequency content, peak acceleration, energy content and strong motion duration, i.e. all the parameters that affect the structural response under seismic actions. Besides, it allows to obtain the following stochastic inelastic seismic response spectra: damage-based (i) displacement and acceleration inelastic spectra, (ii) response modification factor spectra, (iii) yield strength demand spectra, and (iv) damage-based inelastic displacement ratio spectra.
Particle Swarm Optimization with Intelligent Mutation for Nonlinear Mixed-Integer Reliability-Redundancy Allocation
Authors: Sheikhpour Saeide , Mahani Ali
Published: March 2017

As improving system reliability in a basic system has been always one of the important concerns in reliability engineering; many studies have been developed in this regard. In this paper, a novel intelligent PSO (PSO-IM) is proposed. In suggested approach two different types of mutation operator, which controlled by Fuzzy controller, are applied to standard PSO for finding the best solution of reliability-redundancy allocation problems (RRAP). Also a heuristic inertia weight equation is introduced in our proposed PSO-IM. The main objective of our solution is to achieve maximum reliability in a basic system with acceptable redundancy allocation subject to cost, weight, volume. The proposed method (PSO-IM) significantly improves the search ability of basic PSO and finds the maximum reliability in comparison with previous works.
Ground state properties of actinide dioxides: A self-consistent Hubbard U approach with spin orbit coupling
Authors: Bouasria A. , Zaoui A. , Ait Abderrahmane S. , Kacimi S. , Boukortt A. , Bejar M. , Dhahri E.
Published: March 2017

Using Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof [Formula: see text] formalism, we present a systematic study of the magnetic phase stability, mechanical properties, electronic density of states and band gaps of actinide dioxides ([Formula: see text]). Relativistic effects are also considered via the spin orbit coupling. The [Formula: see text] electrons behavior has been investigated as a function of the Coulomb repulsion [Formula: see text]. Lattice parameters, elastic constants and band gaps of [Formula: see text] are consistently in good agreement with the available experimental data. From [Formula: see text] calculations, all [Formula: see text] are found to be semiconductors or insulators. Our results show that the strong correlation treatment by the Coulomb potential and the spin orbit interactions are necessary to predict the accurate electronic structure of this series of materials.
Effect of inertial coefficients in the propagation of plane waves in micropolar porous materials
Authors: Lianngenga R.
Published: March 2017

The problem of phase velocities and attenuations of plane body waves and its reflection from a stress-free surface has been investigated in the micropolar porous materials. The amplitude and energy ratios of reflected waves are obtained analytically. The effect of inertial coefficients in the propagation of plane body waves is computed numerically for a particular model.
Optimization of tolerability and efficacy of the novel dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist KBP-089 through dose escalation and combination with a GLP-1 analog
Authors: Gydesen Sofie , Andreassen Kim Vietz , Hjuler Sara Toftegaard , Hellgren Lars I. , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim
Published: March 2017

Amylin and GLP-1 agonism induce a well-known anorexic effect at dose initiation, which is managed by dose escalation. In this study we investigated how to optimize tolerability while maintaining efficacy of a novel, highly potent dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA), KBP-089. Furthermore, we tested the GLP-1 add-on potential of KBP-089 in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. KBP-089 potently activated both the amylin and calcitonin receptors in vitro and demonstrated a prolonged receptor activation as well as a potent reduction of acute food intake. HFD rats dosed every day or every second day obtained equal weight loss at study end, albeit with an uneven reduction in both food intake and body weight in rats dosed every second day. In a 4-fold dose escalation, KBP-089 induced a transient reduction in food intake at every escalation step, with reducing magnitude over time, and the following treatment with 2.5, 10, and 40 µg/kg resulted in an ~15% vehicle-corrected weight loss, a corresponding reduction in adipose tissue (AT), and, in all treatment groups, improved oral glucose tolerance ( P < 0.01). Twofold and linear escalations suppressed body weight evenly with no significant reduction in food intake at either escalation step. KBP-089 (1.25 µg/kg) and liraglutide (50 µg/kg) reduced 24-h food intake by 29% and 37% compared with vehicle, respectively; however, when they were combined, 24-h food intake was reduced by 87%. Chronically, KBP-089 (1.25 µg/kg) and liraglutide (50 µg/kg) lowered body weight 8% and 2% in HFD rats, respectively, whereas the combination resulted in a 12% body weight reduction. Moreover, the combination improved glucose tolerance ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, DACRAs act complementarily with GLP-1 on food intake and body weight. Furthermore, on escalation, KBP-089 was well tolerated and induced and sustained a significant weight loss and a reduction in AT in lean and HFD rats, underscoring the potential of KBP-089 as an anti-obesity agent.
A Comparative Study of Oral Microbiota in Infants with Complete Cleft Lip and Palate or Cleft Soft Palate
Authors: Machorowska-Pieniążek Agnieszka , Mertas Anna , Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata , Tanasiewicz Marta , Morawiec Tadeusz
Published: March 2017

Few reports have been published on the early microbiota in infants with various types of cleft palate. We assessed the formation of the oral microbiota in infants with complete cleft lip and palate (CLPn=30) or cleft soft palate (CSPn=25) in the neonatal period (T1 time) and again in the gum pad stage (T2 time). Culture swabs from the tongue, palate, and/or cleft margin at T1 and T2 were taken. We analysed the prevalence of the given bacterial species (the percentage) and the proportions in which the palate and tongue were colonised by each microorganism. At T1,Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis)were the most frequently detected in subjects with CLP or CSP (63% and 60%, resp.). A significantly higher frequency of methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureusMSSA) was observed in CLP compared to the CSP group. At T2, significantly higher percentages ofS. mitis,S. aureusMSSA,Staphylococcus epidermidis, and members of the Enterobacteriaceae family were noted in CLP infants compared to the CSP.S. mitisandStreptococcus sanguinisappeared with the greatest frequency on the tongue, whereasStreptococcus salivariuswas predominant on the palate. The development of the microbiota in CLP subjects was characterised by a significant increase in the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria.
The Nutritional Composition of Maca in Hypocotyls (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) Cultivated in Different Regions of China
Authors: Chen Longfei , Li Jieying , Fan Liuping
Published: March 2017

Maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) was introduced to China in the recent two decades. Proximate compositions and secondary metabolites in dried maca tuber powders of different cultivation areas and colour types were analyzed and compared in order to provide the scientific guideline for its application. Cultivation region significantly affects the compositions of maca. The protein content of maca ranged from 9.31% to 21.02% by dry basis of maca powders and Xiaopingba-Y, Yulong-Y, and Pamirs-Y have the higher protein contents. The essential amino acids (EAA) contents ranged from 189.19 to 312.90 mg/g protein. The crude lipid content of different maca ranged from 0.59% to 1.00% and has no significant difference (P>0.05). The total dietary fiber (TDF) contents ranged from 17.82% to 26.00% and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) ranged from 2.46% to 7.88%, respectively. Maca samples were rich in Na, Mg, Ca, and K elements which ranged 138.3–187.8, 625.2–837.2, 3838.9–4502.7, and 5394.8–8063.3 mg/kg dry matter (DM). Xiaopingba-Y has the highest benzyl glucosinolate content which was 2.31 mg/g DM. Peru-Y and Xiaopingba have the higher contents of total alkaloids contents which was 2.61 and 2.56 mg/kg DM. Yongsheng-Y, Yulong-Y, and Pamirs-Y were rich in N-benzyl hexadecanamide contents, which were 0.164, 0.174, and 0.173 mg/g DM, respectively. Significant higher protein, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, total alkaloids, and benzyl glucosinolate contents were found in purple and black maca compared to yellow maca in Pamirs, while there was no significant difference in N-benzyl hexadecanamide content.
In Vitro Susceptibility ofMycobacterium ulceransIsolates to Selected Antimicrobials
Authors: Owusu Enid , Newman Mercy J. , Addo Kwesi K. , Addo Phyllis
Published: March 2017

Background.The current definitive treatment of Buruli ulcer with antibiotics makes the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance an unavoidable one. This is as a result of drug misuse by health personnel and patients’ noncompliance to treatment regimen. Monitoring of these factors and screening for new effective antimicrobials are crucial to effective management of Buruli ulcer disease. This study therefore investigated the inhibitory activity of some antibiotics against isolates ofMycobacterium ulcerans.Methods.Activity of eight antibiotics was tested against twelveM. ulceransisolates (2 reference strains and 10 clinical isolates). The anti-M. ulceransactivities were determined by the agar dilution method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the agar proportion method.Results.All antimicrobials investigated had activity againstM. ulceransisolates tested. The MICs ranged from 0.16 μg/mL to 2.5 μg/mL. Azithromycin recorded the highest inhibitory activity at a mean MIC of 0.39 μg/mL, whilst clofazimine a second-line antileprosy drug, recorded the lowest at a mean MIC of 2.19 μg/mL. Among the four antituberculosis drugs, rifampicin had the highest activity with a mean MIC of 0.81 μg/mL.Conclusion.Azithromycin could be considered as a lucrative alternative to existing treatment methods for inhibitingM. ulceransin Ghana.
Fault Identification of Rotor System Based on Classifying Time-Frequency Image Feature Tensor
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Xiaofeng , Bo Lin
Published: March 2017

In the field of rotor fault pattern recognition, most of classical pattern recognition methods generally operate in feature vector spaces where different feature values are stacked into one-dimensional (1D) vector and then processed by the classifiers. In this paper, time-frequency image of rotor vibration signal is represented as a texture feature tensor for the pattern recognition of rotor fault states with the linear support higher-tensor machine (SHTM). Firstly, the adaptive optimal-kernel time-frequency spectrogram visualizes the unique characteristics of rotor fault vibration signal; thus the rotor fault identification is converted into the corresponding time-frequency image (TFI) pattern recognition. Secondly, in order to highlight and preserve the TFI local features, the TFI is divided into some TFI subzones for extracting the hierarchical texture features. Afterwards, to avoid the information loss and distortion caused by stacking multidimensional features into vector, the multidimensional features from the subzones are transformed into a feature tensor which preserves the inherent structure characteristic of TFI. Finally, the feature tensor is input into the SHTM for rotor fault pattern recognition and the corresponding recognition performance is evaluated. The experimental results showed that the method of classifying time-frequency texture feature tensor can achieve higher recognition rate and better robustness compared to the conventional vector-based classifiers, especially in the case of small sample size.