bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Vaccine Formulation against Streptococcus pneumoniae Based on Choline-Binding Proteins
Authors: Miyaji Eliane N. , Vadesilho Cintia F. M. , Oliveira Maria Leonor S. , Zelanis André , Briles David E. , Ho Paulo L.
Published: December 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniaehas proteins that are attached to its surface by binding to phosphorylcholine of teichoic and lipoteichoic acids. These proteins are known as choline-binding proteins (CBPs). CBPs are an interesting alternative for the development of a cost-effective vaccine, and PspA (pneumococcal surface protein A) is believed to be the most important protective component among the different CBPs. We sought to use CBPs eluted from pneumococci as an experimental vaccine. Since PspA shows variability between isolates, we constructed strains producing different PspAs. We used the nonencapsulated Rx1 strain, which produces PspA from clade 2 (PspA2), to generate apspA-knockout strain (Rx1 ΔpspA) and strains expressing PspA from clade 1 (Rx1pspA1) and clade 4 (Rx1pspA4). We grew Rx1, Rx1 ΔpspA, Rx1pspA1, and Rx1pspA4in Todd-Hewitt medium containing 0.5% yeast extract and washed cells in 2% choline chloride (CC). SDS-PAGE analysis of the proteins recovered by a CC wash showed few bands, and the CBPs PspA and PspC (pneumococcal surface protein C) were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with these full-length native proteins without adjuvant led to significantly higher rates of survival than immunization with diluent after an intranasal lethal challenge with two pneumococcal strains and also after a colonization challenge with one strain. Importantly, immunization with recombinant PspA4 (rPspA4) without adjuvant did not elicit significant protection.
Design and Implementation of an External Quality Assessment Program for HIV Viral Load Measurements Using Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Prach Lisa M. , Puren Adrian , Lippman Sheri A. , Carmona Sergio , Stephenson Sophie , Cutler Ewalde , Barnhart Scott , Liegler Teri
Published: December 2014

An external quality assurance program was developed for HIV-1 RNA viral load measurements taken from dried blood spots using a reference panel and field-collected specimens. The program demonstrated that accurate and reproducible quantitation can be obtained from field-collected specimens. Residual proviral DNA may confound interpretation in virologically suppressed subjects.
Rapid Identification of Microorganisms from Sterile Body Fluids by Use of FilmArray
Authors: Altun Osman , Almuhayawi Mohammed , Ullberg Måns , Özenci Volkan
Published: December 2014

We evaluated the clinical performance of the FilmArray blood culture identification (BCID) panel in the identification of microorganisms from positive blood culture bottles inoculated with sterile body fluids. All organisms included in the FA BCID panel were accurately identified in 84/84 (100%) and 18/24 (75%) samples with mono- and polymicrobial growth, respectively.
A Human Herpesvirus 6A-Encoded MicroRNA: Role in Viral Lytic Replication
Authors: Nukui Masatoshi , Mori Yasuko , Murphy Eain A.
Published: December 2014

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), a member of the betaherpesvirus family, is associated with several human diseases. Like all herpesviruses, HHV-6A establishes a lifelong, latent infection in its host. Reactivation of HHV-6A is frequent within the immunosuppressed and immunocompromised populations and results in lytic viral replication within multiple organs, often leading to severe disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of multiple cellular processes that regulate the translation of specific transcripts. miRNAs carried by herpesviruses play important roles in modulating the host cell, thereby facilitating a suitable environment for productive viral infection and/or latency. Currently, there are approximately 150 known human herpesvirus-encoded miRNAs, although an miRNA(s) encoded by HHV-6A has yet to be reported. We hypothesized that HHV-6A, like other members of the human herpesvirus family, encodes miRNAs, which function to promote viral infection. We utilized deep sequencing of small RNA species isolated from cells harboring HHV-6A to identify five novel small noncoding RNA species that originate from the viral genome, one of which has the characteristics of a viral miRNA. These RNAs are expressed during productive infection by either bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-derived virus in Jjhan cells or wild-type HHV-6A strain U1102 virus in HSB2 cells and are associated with the RNA induced silencing complex (RISC) machinery. Growth analyses of mutant viruses that lack each individual miRNA revealed that a viral miRNA candidate (miR-U86) targets the HHV-6A IE gene U86, thereby regulating lytic replication. The identification and biological characterization of this HHV-6A-specific miRNA is the first step to defining how the virus regulates its life cycle.

IMPORTANCE
A majority of the human population is infected with human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), a betaherpesvirus family member. Infections usually occur in young children, and upon resolution, the virus remains in a latent state within the host. Importantly, during times of weakened immune responses, the virus can reactivate and is correlated with significant disease states. Viruses encode many different types of factors that both undermine the host antiviral response and regulate viral replication, including small RNA species called microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we report that HHV-6A encodes at least one miRNA, which we named miR-U86. We have characterized the requirement of this viral miRNA and its impact on the viral life cycle and found that it functions to regulate a viral protein important for efficient viral replication. Our data suggest that viral miRNAs are important for HHV-6A and that they may serve as an important therapeutic target to inhibit the virus.
Role of Cdk1 in the p53-Independent Abrogation of the Postmitotic Checkpoint by Human Papillomavirus E6
Authors: Zhang Weifang , Liu Yingwang , Zhao Ning , Chen Hanxiang , Qiao Lijun , Zhao Weiming , Chen Jason J.
Published: December 2014

Specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are strongly associated with the development of cervical carcinoma. The HPV E6 oncoprotein from HPV degrades p53 and abrogates cell cycle checkpoints. Nonetheless, functional p53 has been observed in cervical cancer. We have previously identified a p53-independent function of E6 in attenuating the postmitotic G
1
-like checkpoint that can lead to polyploidy, an early event during cervical carcinogenesis that predisposes cells to aneuploidy. How E6 promotes cell cycle progression in the presence of p53 and its target, p21, remains a mystery. In this study, we examined the expression of cell cycle-related genes in cells expressing wild-type E6 and the mutant that is defective in p53 degradation but competent in abrogating the postmitotic checkpoint. Our results demonstrated an increase in the steady-state levels of G
1
- and G
2
-related cyclins/Cdks in E6-expressing keratinocytes. Interestingly, only Cdk1 remained active in E6 mutant-expressing cells while bypassing the postmitotic checkpoint. Furthermore, the downregulation of Cdk1 impaired the ability of both wild-type and mutant E6 to induce polyploidy. Our study thus demonstrated an important role for Cdk1, which binds p21 with lower affinity than Cdk2, in abrogating the postmitotic checkpoint in E6-expressing cells. We further show that E2F1 is important for E6 to upregulate Cdk1. Moreover, reduced nuclear p21 localization was observed in the E6 mutant-expressing cells. These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which HPV induces genomic instability and hold promise for the identification of drug targets.

IMPORTANCE
HPV infection is strongly associated with the development of cervical carcinoma. HPV encodes an E6 oncoprotein that degrades the tumor suppressor p53 and abrogates cell cycle checkpoints. Nonetheless, functional p53 has been observed in cervical cancer. We have recently demonstrated a p53-independent abrogation of the postmitotic checkpoint by HPV E6 that induces polyploidy. However, the mechanism is not known. In this study, we provide evidence that Cdk1 plays an important role in this process. Previously, Cdk2 was thought to be essential for the G
1
/S transition, while Cdk1 only compensated its function in the absence of Cdk2. Our studies have demonstrated a novel role of Cdk1 at the postmitotic G
1
-like checkpoint in the presence of Cdk2. These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which HPV induces genomic instability and hold promise for the identification of drug targets.
Structural Basis for the Development of Avian Virus Capsids That Display Influenza Virus Proteins and Induce Protective Immunity
Authors: Pascual Elena , Mata Carlos P. , Gómez-Blanco Josué , Moreno Noelia , Bárcena Juan , Blanco Esther , Rodríguez-Frandsen Ariel , Nieto Amelia , Carrascosa José L. , Castón José R.
Published: December 2014

Bioengineering of viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs) is a well-established approach in the development of new and improved vaccines against viral and bacterial pathogens. We report here that the capsid of a major avian pathogen, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), can accommodate heterologous proteins to induce protective immunity. The structural units of the ∼70-nm-diameter T=13 IBDV capsid are trimers of VP2, which is made as a precursor (pVP2). The pVP2 C-terminal domain has an amphipathic α helix that controls VP2 polymorphism. In the absence of the VP3 scaffolding protein, 466-residue pVP2 intermediates bearing this α helix assemble into genuine VLPs only when expressed with an N-terminal His
6
tag (the HT-VP2-466 protein). HT-VP2-466 capsids are optimal for protein insertion, as they are large enough (cargo space, ∼78,000 nm
3
) and are assembled from a single protein. We explored HT-VP2-466-based chimeric capsids initially using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The VLP assembly yield was efficient when we coexpressed EGFP-HT-VP2-466 and HT-VP2-466 from two recombinant baculoviruses. The native EGFP structure (∼240 copies/virion) was successfully inserted in a functional form, as VLPs were fluorescent, and three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy showed that the EGFP molecules incorporated at the inner capsid surface. Immunization of mice with purified EGFP-VLPs elicited anti-EGFP antibodies. We also inserted hemagglutinin (HA) and matrix (M2) protein epitopes derived from the mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 influenza virus and engineered several HA- and M2-derived chimeric capsids. Mice immunized with VLPs containing the HA stalk, an M2 fragment, or both antigens developed full protection against viral challenge.

IMPORTANCE
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multimeric protein cages that mimic the infectious virus capsid and are potential candidates as nonliving vaccines that induce long-lasting protection. Chimeric VLPs can display or include foreign antigens, which could be a conserved epitope to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies or several variable epitopes effective against a large number of viral strains. We report the biochemical, structural, and immunological characterization of chimeric VLPs derived from infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), an important poultry pathogen. To test the potential of IBDV VLPs as a vaccine vehicle, we used the enhanced green fluorescent protein and two fragments derived from the hemagglutinin and the M2 matrix protein of the human murine-adapted influenza virus. The IBDV capsid protein fused to influenza virus peptides formed assemblies able to protect mice against viral challenge. Our studies establish the basis for a new generation of multivalent IBDV-based vaccines.
Measles Virus Mutants Possessing the Fusion Protein with Enhanced Fusion Activity Spread Effectively in Neuronal Cells, but Not in Other Cells, without Causing Strong Cytopathology
Authors: Watanabe Shumpei , Ohno Shinji , Shirogane Yuta , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Koga Ritsuko , Yanagi Yusuke
Published: December 2014

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is caused by persistent measles virus (MV) infection in the central nervous system (CNS). Since human neurons, its main target cells, do not express known MV receptors (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule [SLAM] and nectin 4), it remains to be understood how MV infects and spreads in them. We have recently reported that fusion-enhancing substitutions in the extracellular domain of the MV fusion (F) protein (T461I and S103I/N462S/N465S), which are found in multiple SSPE virus isolates, promote MV spread in human neuroblastoma cell lines and brains of suckling hamsters. In this study, we show that hyperfusogenic viruses with these substitutions also spread efficiently in human primary neuron cultures without inducing syncytia. These substitutions were found to destabilize the prefusion conformation of the F protein trimer, thereby enhancing fusion activity. However, these hyperfusogenic viruses exhibited stronger cytopathology and produced lower titers at later time points in SLAM- or nectin 4-expressing cells compared to the wild-type MV. Although these viruses spread efficiently in the brains of SLAM knock-in mice, they did not in the spleens. Taken together, the results suggest that enhanced fusion activity is beneficial for MV to spread in neuronal cells where no cytopathology occurs, but detrimental to other types of cells due to strong cytopathology. Acquisition of enhanced fusion activity through substitutions in the extracellular domain of the F protein may be crucial for MV's extensive spread in the CNS and development of SSPE.

IMPORTANCE
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal disease caused by persistent measles virus (MV) infection in the central nervous system (CNS). Its cause is not well understood, and no effective therapy is currently available. Recently, we have reported that enhanced fusion activity of MV through the mutations in its fusion protein is a major determinant of efficient virus spread in human neuronal cells and brains of suckling hamsters. In this study, we show that those mutations render the conformation of the fusion protein less stable, thereby making it hyperfusogenic. Our results also show that enhanced fusion activity is beneficial for MV to spread in the CNS but detrimental to other types of cells in peripheral tissues, which are strongly damaged by the virus. Our findings provide important insight into the mechanism for the development of SSPE after MV infection.
Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Inflammatory Response in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zhu Shi-Feng , Guo Hui , Zhang Rong-Rong , Zhang Yumei , Li Juan , Zhao Xian-Lin , Chen Tian-Rong , Wan Mei-Hua , Chen Guang-Yuan , Tang Wen-Fu
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory responses in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

Eighty patients with mild or severe AP were randomly allocated to a control group or an EA group. All patients were managed conservatively. In addition, the EA group received acupuncture for 30 min per day for 7 days at bilateral points ST36, LI4, TE6, ST37 and LR3. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured on admission and on day 7. The time to re-feeding and length of stay in hospital were also recorded.

Results

A total of 58 patients provided complete data. The characteristics of the patients in the EA and control groups were similar. After 7 days the serum concentrations of IL-10 were higher in the EA group than in the control group (mild AP: 6.2±1.2 vs 5.2±0.9 pg/mL, p<0.05; severe AP: 14.9±7.8 vs 7.9±6.3 pg/mL, p<0.05). For patients with severe AP, the CRP level in the EA group was lower than in the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

EA may reduce the severity of AP by inducing anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the time to re-feeding; however, it did not reduce the length of hospital stay.

Trial Registration Number

ChiCTR-TRC-13003572.
Body mass index is associated with the maternal lines but height is heritable across family lines in the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Kelly Gabrielle E , Murrin Celine , Viljoen Karien , O'Brien John , Kelleher Cecily
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Overweight and obesity is a problem in children in particular and determining pathways of transmission is important in prevention. We aimed to examine associations for body mass index (BMI) across three generations of the same families.

Participants

Members of 556 families in the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study 2001–2014.

Setting

Community-based study with linkage to health records in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Employing a novel mixed-method approach which adjusts for age and familial group, BMI correlations were estimated at three ages of the index child, that is, at birth and at ages 5 and 9. Height was also examined for comparative purposes.

Results

Correlation of offspring's BMI with that of the mother increased with age (correlation coefficient 0.15 increasing to 0.28, p value <0.001 in all cases) while no consistent pattern was seen with offspring and fathers. There was an association also with each parent and their own mother. Offspring's BMI was correlated to a lesser extent with that of the maternal grandmother while for girls only there was an association with that of the paternal grandmother at ages 0 and 5 (correlation coefficients 0.25, 0.28, p values 0.02, 0.01, respectively). In contrast, height of the child was strongly associated with those of all family members at age 5, but at birth and at age 9 only there was an association with those of the parents and the paternal grandfather. Correlation of offspring's height with those of the mother and father increased with age.

Conclusions

The results suggest that BMI is predominantly associated with the maternal line, possibly either with intrauterine development, or inherited through the X chromosome, or both, while height is a more complex trait with genetic influences of the parents and that of the paternal grandfather predominating.
Republished: Intracranial pseudoaneurysm after intracranial pressure monitor placement
Authors: Shah Kushal J , Jones Aaron M , Arnold Paul M , Ebersole Koji
Published: December 2014

Traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms are a rare but severe complication following arterial injury. Pseudoaneurysm formation can occur secondary to blunt or penetrating trauma or iatrogenic injury. We report a case of traumatic pseudoaneurysm secondary to placement of an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor. A 27-year-old man was involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in multiple intracranial hemorrhages. The patient underwent craniectomy and placement of an ICP monitor. 17 days later he developed dilation of his left pupil, with imaging demonstrating a new hemorrhage in the vicinity of the previous ICP monitor. A cerebral angiogram confirmed a left-sided distal M4 pseudoaneurysm which was treated by n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization. Intracranial pseudoaneurysm formation following neurosurgical procedures is uncommon. Delayed intracranial hemorrhage in a region of prior intracranial manipulation, even following a procedure as ‘routine’ as placement of an ICP monitor, should raise the suspicion for this rare but potentially lethal complication.
Numerical simulation of a freeze–thaw testing procedure for borehole heat exchanger grouts
Authors: Anbergen Hauke , Rühaak Wolfram , Frank Jens , Sass Ingo
Published: December 2014

The amount of research conducted on geothermal energy as a source for heating and cooling demands of buildings, as well as for electrical energy production, has increased substantially in the past decades. The simulation of freezing and thawing is important for geothermal applications involving ground coupled heat pumps. One area of research is the development of grout cements for borehole heat exchangers (BHE). In many cases, BHEs are operated at temperatures below 0° C due to manifold reasons. Hence, the simulation of freezing and thawing cycles (FTC) is important for such geothermal applications, especially in cold regions. Recently, a testing device for measuring and quantifying the influence of FTC stresses on the mechanical integrity and hydraulic properties of BHE grouts was developed (Anbergen, published in 2014). The testing procedure simulates the downhole in situ conditions as confining radial earth pressure, freezing, and thawing directions from the inside to the outside and under saturated conditions. The hydraulic conductivity can be measured in axial flow direction. Thus, statements regarding the susceptibility of grouts against cyclic freezing and thawing stresses can be made. These results differ substantially from earlier findings, as in situ boundary conditions were not simulated sufficiently. For the verification of the procedure’s thermal process, temperature logs were recorded using thermocouples and thermography imaging. The thermal process was simulated using the finite element method (FEM) groundwater, heat, and mass modeling software FEFLOW. FEFLOW is a common software solution for thermohydraulic coupled groundwater applications with mass transport, as well as geothermal applications. However, up until now, the program could not yet simulate phase changes between solid and liquid phases. To enable the program for such simulations, a plug-in was developed. To do this, a C++ code was written and coupled to the simulation routine of the FEM software. The code is based on a modification of the material parameters of fluid and the incorporation of the latent heat effects in the fluid heat capacity. A linear and an exponential approach for the latent heat release were implemented and benchmarked. The code was verified using different analytical solutions and other FEM codes. Finally, the experimental results of the test procedure could be successfully computed using the new plug-in. Thus, it is now possible to compute phase changes with FEFLOW for geothermal applications as well as other applications like permafrost research.
Short- and long-term nutritional effects and retention of potassium derived from fertilizer in a sugar maple stand in southern Quebec
Authors: McMillan Chloé , Côté Benoît , Hendershot William H.
Published: December 2014

The short-term (1–3 years) and long-term (23 years) effects of liming combined with potassium (K) fertilization on forest nutrition and K cycling were examined in a sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) stand in southern Quebec. Sugar maple leaves were sampled annually from 1988 (prefertilization year) to 1991 and in 2011–2012. Ten understory plant species, sugar maple sapwood, and soils were also sampled in 2012 and analyzed for K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and rubidium (Rb). The recovery of fertilizer K was determined using the Rb/K reverse tracer method. Fertilization neither increased growth nor maintained higher sugar maple leaf K levels over the long term; however, leaf K to Ca and K to Mg ratios were still higher in fertilized plots than in control plots in 2012. The percentage of leaf K derived from fertilizer peaked 3 years after fertilization (36% ± 5%) and was down to 1989 levels by 2012 (15% ± 6%). Understory vegetation generally showed no differences in leaf K concentration between treatments, but percent K from fertilizers was greater than 25% in several species. There was no significant effect of fertilization on soil K, Ca, and Mg availability by 2012. Our results suggest that significant amounts of fertilizer K are still present on the site after 23 years but that base cation levels in leaves and upper soil horizons have returned to near prefertilization levels except for a slight enrichment in K. Although small, the effects of fertilization with liming on soil fertility and plant nutrient status in a maple stand can be long lasting.
Kernel Collaborative Representation-Based Automatic Seizure Detection in Intracranial EEG
Authors: Yuan Shasha , Zhou Weidong , Yuan Qi , Li Xueli , Wu Qi , Zhao Xiuhe , Wang Jiwen
Published: December 2014

Automatic seizure detection is of great significance in the monitoring and diagnosis of epilepsy. In this study, a novel method is proposed for automatic seizure detection in intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) recordings based on kernel collaborative representation (KCR). Firstly, the EEG recordings are divided into 4s epochs, and then wavelet decomposition with five scales is performed. After that, detail signals at scales 3, 4 and 5 are selected to be sparsely coded over the training sets using KCR. In KCR, l2-minimization replaces l1-minimization and the sparse coefficients are computed with regularized least square (RLS), and a kernel function is utilized to improve the separability between seizure and nonseizure signals. The reconstructed residuals of each EEG epoch associated with seizure and nonseizure training samples are compared and EEG epochs are categorized as the class that minimizes the reconstructed residual. At last, a multi-decision rule is applied to obtain the final detection decision. In total, 595 h of iEEG recordings from 21 patients with 87 seizures are employed to evaluate the system. The average sensitivity of 94.41%, specificity of 96.97%, and false detection rate of 0.26/h are achieved. The seizure detection system based on KCR yields both a high sensitivity and a low false detection rate for long-term EEG.
A note on Weingarten hypersurfaces in the warped product manifold
Authors: Li Haizhong , Wei Yong , Xiong Changwei
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we consider the closed embedded hypersurface Σ in the warped product manifold [Formula: see text] equipped with the metric g = dr2 + λ(r)2 gN. We give some characterizations of slice {r} × N by the condition that Σ has constant weighted higher-order mean curvatures (λ′)αpk, or constant weighted higher-order mean curvature ratio (λ′)αpk/p1, which generalize Brendle's [Constant mean curvature surfaces in warped product manifolds, Publ. Math. Inst. Hautes Études Sci. 117 (2013) 247–269] and Brendle–Eichmair's [Isoperimetric and Weingarten surfaces in the Schwarzschild manifold, J. Differential Geom. 94(3) (2013) 387–407] results. In particular, we show that the assumption convex of Brendle–Eichmair's result [Isoperimetric and Weingarten surfaces in the Schwarzschild manifold, J. Differential Geom. 94(3) (2013) 387–407] is unnecessary. Here pk is the kth normalized mean curvature of the hypersurface Σ. As a special case, we also give some characterizations of geodesic spheres in ℝn, ℍn and [Formula: see text], which generalize the classical Alexandrov-type results.
Homotopical height
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Mj Mahan , Pancholi Dishant
Published: December 2014

Given a group G and a class of manifolds 𝒞 (e.g. symplectic, contact, Kähler, etc.), it is an old problem to find a manifold MG ∈ 𝒞 whose fundamental group is G. This article refines it: for a group G and a positive integer r find MG ∈ 𝒞 such that π1(MG) = G and πi(MG) = 0 for 1 < i < r. We thus provide a unified point of view systematizing known and new results in this direction for various different classes of manifolds. The largest r for which such an MG ∈ 𝒞 can be found is called the homotopical height ht 𝒞(G). Homotopical height provides a dimensional obstruction to finding a K(G, 1) space within the given class 𝒞, leading to a hierarchy of these classes in terms of "softness" or "hardness" à la Gromov. We show that the classes of closed contact, CR, and almost complex manifolds as well as the class of (open) Stein manifolds are soft. The classes 𝒮𝒫 and 𝒞𝒜 of closed symplectic and complex manifolds exhibit intermediate "softness" in the sense that every finitely presented group G can be realized as the fundamental group of a manifold in 𝒮𝒫 and a manifold in 𝒞𝒜. For these classes, ht 𝒞(G) provides a numerical invariant for finitely presented groups. We give explicit computations of these invariants for some standard finitely presented groups. We use the notion of homotopical height within the "hard" category of Kähler groups to obtain partial answers to questions of Toledo regarding second cohomology and second group cohomology of Kähler groups. We also modify and generalize a construction due to Dimca, Papadima and Suciu to give a potentially large class of projective groups violating property FP.
Neutrino mass generation with extra right-handed fields in a Dirac scenario via the type-I seesaw mechanism
Authors: Matute Ernesto A.
Published: December 2014

An extension of the Standard Model (SM) is studied in which two right-handed (RH) neutrinos per generation are incorporated, but considering the hypothesis of the symmetry of lepton and quark contents in order to deprive the number of RH neutrinos of freedom, generate Dirac neutrinos and accommodate naturally tiny values for their masses. The high scale type-I seesaw regime is applied to the first, ordinary RH neutrino, whereas a low scale pseudo-Dirac scenario is used for the second, adulterant RH neutrino, implying that the first RH neutrino decouples at the high scale, while the second RH neutrino survives down to the low scale to pair off in a Dirac-like form with the corresponding left-handed (LH) neutrino. The small mass and couplings of this extra RH neutrino are explained by means of the statement of the symmetry of fermionic content, only regarded as a guideline to the natural choice of parameters since it is not a proper symmetry in the Lagrangian.
Effects of level density parameter on the superheavy production in cold fusion
Authors: Pahlavani M. R. , Alavi S. A.
Published: December 2014

By using semiclassical method and considering Woods–Saxon and Coulomb potentials, the level density parameter a was calculated for three superheavy nuclei 270110, 278112 and 290116. Obtained results showed that the value of level density parameter of these nuclei is near to the simple relation a ≈ A/10. In framework of the dinuclear system model, the effects of level density parameter on the probability of the formation of a compound nucleus, the ratio of neutron emission width and fission width, and evaporation residue cross-section of three cold fusion reactions 62 Ni +208 Pb , 70 Zn +208 Pb and 82 Se +208 Pb , leading to superheavy elements were investigated. The findings indicate that the level density parameter play a significant role in calculations of heavy-ion fusion–fission reactions. The obtained results in the case of a = A/12 have larger values in comparison with calculated level density parameter with Woods–Saxon potential (a WS ) and a = A/10. The theoretical results of the evaporation residue cross-section are very sensitive to the choice of level density parameter. The calculated values with a WS are in good agreement with experimental values.
MICZ-Kepler systems in noncommutative space and duality of force laws
Authors: Guha Partha , Harikumar E. , Zuhair N. S.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we analyze the modification of integrable models in the κ-deformed space–time. We show that two-dimensional isotropic oscillator problem, Kepler problem and MICZ-Kepler problem in κ-deformed space–time admit integrals of motion as in the commutative space. We also show that the duality equivalence between κ-deformed Kepler problem and κ-deformed two-dimensional isotropic oscillator explicitly, by deriving Bohlin–Sundman transformation which maps these two systems. These results are valid to all orders in the deformation parameter.
Doping effect on the physical properties of LixFe2-xAs
Authors: Han W. , Wang X. C. , Gu J. J. , Liu Q. Q. , Deng Z. , Jin C. Q.
Published: December 2014

We have studied the physical properties of Li -doped compound Fe 2 As , which is isostructural to the famous iron-based superconductor LiFeAs . The results indicate that both a-axis and c-axis of Li x Fe 2-x As increases with the increase in Li content when it is less than 0.2. The Néel temperature of Li x Fe 2-x As decreases with the increase in Li content, which may be related to the changes of distance for Fe II – Fe II layers. The resistivity of Li x Fe 2-x As is similar to that of Fe 2 As at low doping level 0–0.2. As the doping amount is increased to 0.9, the resistivity of Li x Fe 2-x As approaches the value of LiFeAs .
Spin-scattering at the interface of normal and spin–orbit interaction heterostructure
Authors: Zhang Yongmei , Qin Zhijie
Published: December 2014

Rashba spin–orbit interaction (RSOI) in two-dimensional electron gas is illustrated. When electron wave transmits through a semiconductor heterojunctions, spin flip and spin birefringence occur at the interface. According to the continuity conditions, we study how incident angle or the strength of spin–orbit interaction affects the scatter coefficients. Totally reflection of spin-up chirality is explained. This work will enlighten proposals of spin devices for spin filtration.
Rectangular diagrams of Legendrian graphs
Authors: Prasolov Maxim
Published: December 2014

In this paper Legendrian graphs in (ℝ3, ξst) are considered modulo Legendrian isotopy and edge contraction. To a Legendrian graph we associate a (generalized) rectangular diagram — a purely combinatorial object. Moves of rectangular diagrams are introduced so that equivalence classes of Legendrian graphs and rectangular diagrams coincide. Using this result we prove that the classes of Legendrian graphs are in one-to-one correspondence with fence diagrams modulo fence moves introduced by Rudolph.
The energy dependence of antiparticle to particle ratios in high energy pp collisions
Authors: Jiang-Ling Wang , Di-Kai Li , Hai-Jun Li , Gang Chen
Published: December 2014

The energy dependence of the ratio for antiparticle to particle in pp collisions of high energy is studied using the parton and hadron cascade and dynamically constrained phase-space coalescence models. The yield ratios of antimatter and matter for different masses are measured at various c.m energies. It is found that the yield ratios of antimatter and matter increase with the increase of the c.m energy of pp collisions until they gradually approach to 1 after the c.m energy is more than 200 GeV. The distribution of transverse momentum also has significant dependence on the energy and mass, i.e., the average transverse momentum increases when the c.m energy of pp collisions increase. The model results are compatible with the STAR and ALICE preliminary data.
An Efficient Approach for Mining Weighted Approximate Closed Frequent Patterns Considering Noise Constraints
Authors: Yun Unil , Yoon Eunchul
Published: December 2014

Based on the frequent pattern mining, closed frequent pattern mining and weighted frequent pattern mining have been studied to reduce the search space and discover important patterns. In the previous definition of weighted closed patterns, supports of patterns are only considered to compute the closures of the patterns. It means that the closures of weighted frequent patterns cannot be perfectly checked. Moreover, the usefulness of weighted closed frequent patterns depends on the presence of frequent patterns that have supersets with the exactly same weighted support. However, from the errors such as noise, slight changes in items' supports or weights by them have significantly negative effects on the mining results, which may prevent us from obtaining exact and valid analysis results since the errors can break the original characteristics of items and patterns. In this paper, to solve the above problems, we propose a concept of robust weighted closed frequent pattern mining, and an approximate bound is defined on the basis of the concept, which can relax requirements for precise equality among patterns' weighted supports. Thereafter, we propose a weighted approximate closed frequent pattern mining algorithm which not only considers the two approaches but also suggests fault tolerant pattern mining in the noise constraints. To efficiently mine weighted approximate closed frequent patterns, we suggest pruning and subset checking methods which reduce search space. We also report extensive performance study to demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, memory usage, scalability, and quality of patterns in our algorithm.
Relational Fuzzy Self-Organizing Maps for Cluster Visualization and Summarization
Authors: Khalilia Mohammed A. , Popescu Mihail
Published: December 2014

The notion of Best-Matching Unit (BMU) in the proposed Fuzzy Relational Self-Organizing (FRSOM) algorithm is replaced by a membership function where every neuron has a certain degree of matching to an input object. The FRSOM is an extension of the relational self-organizing map. In the proposed FRSOM we incorporate a monotonically increasing fuzzifier and a monotonically decreasing neighborhood kernel. Initially, FRSOM assigns winning neurons. However, as time progresses adjacent neurons begin communicating and sharing information about the stimulus received. The amount of information being shared at a given time is governed by the fuzzifier and the number of neurons sharing information is controlled by the neighborhood kernel. Additionally, in this paper we show that FRSOM is the relational dual of Fuzzy Batch SOM (FBSOM) followed by experimental results comparing both FBSOM and FRSOM on synthetic datasets. Then we will demonstrate the visualization and summarization capabilities of FRSOM on two real relational datasets, Gene Ontology and a patient data consisting of Activity of Daily Living score trajectories.
Validation of signalling pathways: Case study of the p16-mediated pathway
Authors: Akçay Nimet İlke , Bashirov Rza , Tüzmen Şükrü
Published: December 2014

p16 is recognized as a tumor suppressor gene due to the prevalence of its genetic inactivation in all types of human cancers. Additionally, p16 gene plays a critical role in controlling aging, regulating cellular senescence, detection and maintenance of DNA damage. The molecular mechanism behind these events involves p16-mediated signaling pathway (or p16- Rb pathway), the focus of our study. Understanding functional dependence between dynamic behavior of biological components involved in the p16-mediated pathway and aforesaid molecular-level events might suggest possible implications in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human cancer. In the present work, we employ reverse-engineering approach to construct the most detailed computational model of p16-mediated pathway in higher eukaryotes. We implement experimental data from the literature to validate the model, and under various assumptions predict the dynamic behavior of p16 and other biological components by interpreting the simulation results. The quantitative model of p16-mediated pathway is created in a systematic manner in terms of Petri net technologies.
Entanglement generation in the ultra-strongly coupled Rabi model
Authors: Bina Matteo , Felis Stefano Maffezzoli , Olivares Stefano
Published: December 2014

We analyze the dynamics of the quantum Rabi model for two qubits interacting through a common bosonic field (resonator), focusing on the generation and detection of maximally entangled states. We obtain analytical results for the unitary dynamics of this system in the slow-qubit (or degenerate) regime, considering ultra-strong coupling between qubits and resonator mode, for which the rotating wave approximation (RWA) is no longer applicable. We also numerically investigate the dynamics beyond the slow-qubit condition in order to study the validity of the model in the presence of less strict conditions.
Mist Flow Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of Thin Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Fe18 Clusters as the Catalyst Precursor
Authors: Sun Yun , Nakayama Takuya
Published: December 2014

An investigation about the fabrication of thin single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using Fe 18 clusters as the catalyst precursor by means of mist flow chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been carried out. The advantage of Fe 18 clusters is the uniform and small particle size. As a result, choosing the acetonitrile (MeCN), the original solvent for preparing Fe 18 clusters, as the carbon source can lead to the mean diameter of as-grown SWCNTs around 0.81 nm and thinner than some published results (zeolite-supported CVD and HiPco). In addition, according to the measured diameter distribution of as-grown SWCNTs, we are aware that thin SWCNTs less than 1.0 nm are dominant within the as-grown products corresponding to photoluminescence (PL) map indicating that mist flow CVD could be another option for the fabrication of thin SWCNTs in a floating CVD system and beneficial for the application of SWCNTs and development of CNT-based semiconducting electronic devices.
Biomathematical analysis of carbon nanotubes due to ciliary motion
Authors: Sher Akbar Noreen
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the consequences of cilia motion are reflected by the CNTs nanoparticles. The problem is expressed in a symmetric channel with ciliated walls. Exact solutions of the governing flow problem are obtained for pressure gradient, temperature and velocities of the fluid. Streamlines for the velocity profile are plotted to discuss the trapping phenomenon.
Entropy and enthalpy for triggering cutaneous erythema
Authors: Jacques Steven L. , Walsh Joseph T.
Published: December 2014

The molar entropy (ΔS) and molar enthalpy (ΔH) for the denaturation event that triggers cutaneous erythema was determined to be ΔS = 190 J/(mole K) and ΔH = 146.9 × 103 J/mole. The experiment involved placing heated water against the skin of the forearm, for a range of temperatures and exposure times. Exposing the skin to 45°C for 22 s was at the threshold for producing erythema, which was similar to the threshold for a slight degree of pain.
HADRONIC CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENT AT CMD-3
Authors: AKHMETSHIN R. R. , ANISENKOV A. V. , AULCHENKO V. M. , BANZAROV V. S. , BARKOV L. M. , BASHTOVOY N. S. , BERKAEV D. E. , BRAGIN A. V. , EIDELMAN S. I. , EPIFANOV D. A. , EPSHTEYN L. B. , EROFEEV A. L. , FEDOTOVICH G. V. , GAYAZOV S. E. , GREBENUK A. A. , GRIGORIEV D. N. , GROMOV E. M. , IGNATOV F. V. , KARPOV S. V. , KAZANIN V. F. , KHAZIN B. I. , KIRPOTIN A. N. , KOOP I. A. , KOVALENKO O. A. , KOZYREV A. N. , KOZYREV E. A. , KROKOVNY P. P. , KUZMENKO A. E. , KUZMIN A. S. , LOGASHENKO I. B. , LUKIN P. A. , LYSENKO A. P. , MIKHAILOV K. Yu. , OKHAPKIN V. S. , PESTOV Yu. N. , PEREVEDENTSEV E. A. , POPOV A. S. , POPOV Yu. S. , RAZUVAEV G. P. , ROGOVSKY Yu. A. , ROMANOV A. L. , RUBAN A. A. , RYSKULOV N. M. , RYZHENENKOV A. E. , SHEBALIN V. E. , SHEMYAKIN D. N. , SHWARTZ B. A. , SHWARTZ D. B. , SIBIDANOV A. L. , SHATUNOV P. Yu. , SHATUNOV Yu. M. , SOLODOV E. P. , TITOV V. M. , TALYSHEV A. A. , VOROBIOV A. I. , YUDIN Yu. V. , ZHARINOV Yu. M.
Published: December 2014

The VEPP-2000 electron-positron collider was commissioned in 2010. About 60 pb-1 were collected so far by CMD-3 detector in the whole available c.m. energy range from 0.32 GeV to 2.0 GeV. The preliminary results of data analysis for various modes of e+e− → hadrons are discussed.
A GLANCE BEYOND THE STANDARD MODEL: LATEST RESULTS FROM THE MEG EXPERIMENT
Authors: DUSSONI SIMEONE
Published: December 2014

The MEG experiment started taking data in 2009 looking for the Standard Model suppressed decay μ → e + γ, which, if observed, can reveal Beyond Standard Model physics. It makes use of state-of-the art detectors optimized for operating in conditions of very high intensity, rejecting as much background as possible. The data taking ended August 2013 and an upgrade R&D is started to push the experimental sensitivity. The present upper limit on the decay Branching Ratio (BR) is presented, obtained with the subset of data from 2009 to 2011 run, together with a description of the key features of the upgraded detector.
LEPTON MIXING UNDER THE LEPTON CHARGE NONCONSERVATION, NEUTRINO MASSES AND OSCILLATIONS AND THE "FORBIDDEN" DECAY μ- → e- + γ
Authors: LYUBOSHITZ VALERY V. , LYUBOSHITZ VLADIMIR L.
Published: December 2014

The lepton-charge (Le, Lμ, Lτ) nonconserving interaction leads to the mixing of the electron, muon and tau neutrinos, which manifests itself in spatial oscillations of a neutrino beam, and also to the mixing of the electron, negative muon and tau lepton, which, in particular, may be the cause of the "forbidden" radiative decay of the negative muon into the electron and γ quantum. Under the assumption that the nondiagonal elements of the mass matrices for neutrinos and ordinary leptons, connected with the lepton charge nonconservation, are the same, and by performing the joint analysis of the experimental data on neutrino oscillations and experimental restriction for the probability of the decay μ- → e- + γ per unit time, the following estimate for the lower bound of neutrino mass has been obtained: [Formula: see text].
GAMMA GAMMA PHYSICS AT BELLE
Authors: UEHARA SADAHARU ,   for the Belle Collaboration
Published: December 2014

We report a high-statistics measurement of the differential cross section of the process [Formula: see text] with the Belle detector. We study spectroscopy of light-quark resonances and charmonia and test QCD models using the data. We summarize our systematic measurements of different processes of γγ → meson-pair production based on the parameterization of the cross sections and comparison with QCD models. We also report on the measurement of the two-photon π0 transition form factor at Belle.
UNIFIED DISPERSIVE APPROACH TO γ* → γππ AND γγ → ππ
Authors: MOUSSALLAM B.
Published: December 2014

A representation of the amplitude γ*(q2) → γππ is proposed which combines large Nc chiral resonance Lagrangian modelling with general unitarity and analyticity properties. The amplitude is constrained from γγ scattering results and e+e− → γπ0π0 measurements by the CMD-2 and SND collaborations. As an application, the contribution of the ππ + γ states in the HVP contribution to the muon g - 2 are reconsidered, taking into account the effect of the strong S-wave ππ rescattering in a model independent way.
HADRONIC CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENT AT BES-III
Authors: SCHUMANN SVEN ,   for the BES-III collaboration
Published: December 2014

Measurements of the R ratio are closely related to two pre quantities, the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (g - 2), and the value of the electromagnetic fine structure constant [Formula: see text]. Hadronic contributions to both quantities can be derived via dispersion integrals, using experimental R data as input. For the phenomenological evaluations of these contributions, different energy ranges of hadronic cross section data are required. At BES-III, Initial State Radiation (ISR) from an existing Ψ(3770) dataset will be used for measurements of hadronic cross sections below [Formula: see text], while for higher energies a dedicated energy scan program will be performed up to [Formula: see text].
PION FORM FACTOR AND REACTIONS e+e− → ωπ0 AND e+e− → π+π−π+π− AT ENERGIES UP TO 2 – 3 GEV IN THE MANY-CHANNEL APPROACH
Authors: ACHASOV N. N. , KOZHENIKOV A. A.
Published: December 2014

Using the field-theory-inspired expression for the pion electromagnetic form factor Fπ, a good description of the data in the range -10 < s < 1 GeV2 is obtained upon taking into account the pseudoscalar-pseudoscalar (PP) loops. When the vector-pseudoscalar (VP) and the axial vector-pseudoscalar (AP) loops are taken into account in addition to the PP ones, a good description of the BABAR data on the reaction e+e− → π+π− is obtained at energies up to 3 GeV. The inclusion of the VP and AP loops demands the treatment of the reactions e+e− → ωπ0 and e+e− → π+π−π+π−. This task is performed with the SND data on ωπ0 production and the BABAR data on π+π−π+π− production, both in e+e− annihilation, by taking into account ρ(770) and the heavier ρ(1450), ρ(1700), and ρ(2100) resonances. The problems arising from including of the VP and AP loops are pointed out and discussed.
CHARM PHYSICS AT BESIII
Authors: ZHAO GUANG ,   on behalf of BESIII Collaboration
Published: December 2014

We present a selection of recent charm results from the BESIII Collaboration. The topics include measurements of strong phase in D0 → Kπ decay and yCP, decay constant fD+ measurement from D+ → μ+ν, form-factors measurement in D0 → K−e+ν, π−e+ν, Dalitz plot analysis of [Formula: see text], search for D0 → γγ rare decay and Ds decays.