bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeostatic Cytokines Induce CD4 Downregulation in African Green Monkeys Independently of Antigen Exposure To Generate Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Resistant CD8αα T Cells
Authors: Perkins Molly R. , Briant Judith A. , Calantone Nina , Whitted Sonya , Vinton Carol L. , Klatt Nichole R. , Ourmanov Ilnour , Ortiz Alexandra M. , Hirsch Vanessa M. , Brenchley Jason M.
Published: July 2014

African green monkeys (AGMs; genus
Chlorocebus
) are a natural host of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV
AGM
). As they do not develop simian AIDS, there is great interest in understanding how this species has evolved to avoid immunodeficiency. Adult African green monkeys naturally have low numbers of CD4 T cells and a large population of major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted CD8α
dim
T cells that are generated through CD4 downregulation in CD4
+
T cells. Mechanisms that drive this process of CD4 downregulation are unknown. Here, we show that juvenile AGMs accelerate CD4-to-CD8αα conversion upon SIV infection and avoid progression to AIDS. The CD4 downregulation induced by SIV infection is not limited to SIV-specific T cells, and vaccination of an adult AGM who had a negligible number of CD4 T cells demonstrated that CD4 downregulation can occur without antigenic exposure. Finally, we show that the T cell homeostatic cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, and IL-15 can induce CD4 downregulation
in vitro
. These data identify a mechanism that allows AGMs to generate a large, diverse population of T cells that perform CD4 T cell functions but are resistant to SIV infection. A better understanding of this mechanism may allow the development of treatments to induce protective CD4 downregulation in humans.

IMPORTANCE
Many African primate species are naturally infected with SIV. African green monkeys, one natural host species, avoid simian AIDS by creating a population of T cells that lack CD4, the human immunodeficiency virus/SIV receptor; therefore, they are resistant to infection. However, these T cells maintain properties of CD4
+
T cells even after receptor downregulation and preserve immune function. Here, we show that juvenile AGMs, who have not undergone extensive CD4 downregulation, accelerate this process upon SIV infection. Furthermore, we show that
in vivo
, CD4 downregulation does not occur exclusively in antigen-experienced T cells. Finally, we show that the cytokines IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15, which induce homeostatic T cell proliferation, lead to CD4 downregulation
in vitro
; therefore, they can provide signals that lead to antigen-independent CD4 downregulation. These results suggest that if a similar process of CD4 downregulation could be induced in humans, it could provide a cure for AIDS.
Snow Goose Hepatitis B Virus (SGHBV) Envelope and Capsid Proteins Independently Contribute to the Ability of SGHBV To Package Capsids Containing Single-Stranded DNA in Virions
Authors: Greco Natalie , Hayes Michael H. , Loeb Daniel D.
Published: July 2014

Hepadnaviruses selectively package capsids containing mature double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes in virions. Snow goose hepatitis B virus (SGHBV) is the only known hepadnavirus that packages capsids containing single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in virions. We found that cells replicating SGHBV produce virions containing ssDNA as efficiently as virions containing mature dsDNA. We determined that SGHBV capsid and envelope proteins independently contribute to the production of virions containing ssDNA, with the capsid protein (Cp) making a larger contribution. We identified that amino acid residues 74 and 107 of SGHBV Cp contribute to this feature of SGHBV. When we changed these residues in duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) Cp, capsids containing immature ssDNA were packaged in virions. This result suggests that residues 74 and 107 contribute to the appearance of the “capsid packaging signal” on the surface of capsids and interact with the envelope proteins during virion formation. We also found that cells replicating SGHBV package a larger fraction of the total dsDNA they synthesize into virions than do those replicating DHBV. We determined that the SGHBV envelope proteins are responsible for this property of SGHBV. Determining if the ability of SGHBV envelope proteins to cause the formation of virions containing ssDNA is related to its ability to support high levels of virion production or if these two properties are mechanistically distinct will provide insights into virion morphogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Cells replicating hepadnaviruses contain cytoplasmic capsids that contain mature and immature genomes. However, only capsids containing mature dsDNA genomes are packaged in virions. A mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon, which is currently lacking, is critical to understanding the process of hepadnaviral virion morphogenesis. In this study, we determined that the envelope proteins contribute to the ability of hepadnaviruses to selectively produce virions containing mature dsDNA genomes. Our finding sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying virion morphogenesis and challenges the dogma that “capsid maturation,” and therefore the capsid protein (Cp), is solely responsible for the selective production of virions containing mature dsDNA genomes. Further, we identified amino acid residues of Cp that contribute to its ability to cause the selective production of virions containing mature dsDNA genomes. Future studies on the role of these residues in selective secretion will broaden our understanding of this poorly understood aspect of virus replication.
Massive splenomegaly in rural Malawi: new wine, old wineskins and the importance of collaboration
Authors: Venkatraman Navin , White Charlotte , Haensel Joanne
Published: July 2014

During a voluntary placement in rural Malawi, we assessed a 21-year-old man who presented with dyspnoea and lethargy secondary to a chronic refractory anaemia associated with massive splenomegaly. He was initially treated at the rural hospital for a presumptive diagnosis of hyper-reactive malarial syndrome (HMS) with long-term malarial prophylaxis. There was inadequate provision of blood products and the availability of suitable donors was limited by the high local prevalence of blood-borne viruses. He was transferred to the district hospital for further investigations after transfusion of three units of blood. Unfortunately, he self-discharged without receiving appropriate investigations and medical treatment. Subsequently, his family sought help from the local traditional healer who performed scarification to attempt to treat him. Further efforts to emphasise the importance of hospital-based care proved unsuccessful, and sadly this man died at his family home 3 months after his initial presentation.
Subdural haemorrhage and severe coagulopathy resulting in transtentorial uncal herniation in a neonate undergoing therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Wang Dianna , McMillan Hugh , Bariciak Erika
Published: July 2014

Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to be efficacious for improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following perinatal asphyxia. Thus, cooling protocols have been adopted at most tertiary neonatal centres. We present a case of a term neonate who underwent therapeutic whole-body cooling for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy following a difficult forceps delivery. She abruptly deteriorated, exhibiting signs of transtentorial uncal herniation and severe disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. CT of the head confirmed a life-threatening subdural haematoma and a concealed skull fracture. Hypothermia has been shown to impair haemostasis in vivo and thus may potentially exacerbate occult haemorrhages in a clinical setting. Newborns that require instrument-assisted delivery are a particularly high-risk group for occult head injuries and should undergo careful clinical assessment for fractures and intracranial haemorrhage prior to initiation of therapeutic hypothermia.
The effect of a school-based educational intervention on menstrual health: an intervention study among adolescent girls in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Syed Emdadul , Rahman Mosiur , Itsuko Kawashima , Mutahara Mahmuda , Sakisaka Kayako
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the impact of a school-based menstrual education programme on: (1) menstrual knowledge, beliefs and practices, (2) menstrual disorders experienced, and (3) restrictions on menstruating adolescents.

Design

Intervention study.

Setting

Araihazar area, Bangladesh.

Participants

416 adolescent female students aged 11–16 years, in grade 6–8, and living with their parents.

Interventions

A school-based health education study conducted from April 2012 to April 2013.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We randomly selected 3 of 26 high schools in the study area. We delivered 6 months of educational intervention by trained (by an obstetrician and gynaecologist) research assistants (RAs) on menstrual hygiene among school girls. RAs read the questionnaire and participants answered. The changes in knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding menstruation, menstrual disorders experienced, and the restrictions and behaviours practiced by menstruating adolescents were compared between the baseline and the follow-up assessments.

Results

After health education, participants reported a significant improvement (p<0.001) in ‘high knowledge and beliefs’ scores compared to baseline (51% vs 82.4%). Significant improvement was also observed in overall good menstrual practices (28.8% vs 88.9%), including improvements in using sanitary pads (22.4% change after the intervention), frequency of changing pads/cloths per day (68.8%), drying the used absorbent (77.6%), methods of disposing of the used absorbent (25.5%), and cleaning of genitalia (19.2%). During the follow-up, the participants reported significant improvements in the regularity of their menstrual cycle (94.5% vs 99.5%) and fewer complications during menstruation (78.6% vs 59.6%).

Conclusions

The programme produced significant changes in the knowledge, beliefs and practices of menstrual hygiene, complications from lack of hygiene, and the behaviour and restrictions of the menstruating adolescents. These results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a health education programme for adolescents on menstrual hygiene in secondary schools serving rural Bangladesh.
Impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management ofStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia in children
Authors: Saunderson Rebecca B , Gouliouris Theodore , Cartwright Edward J , Nickerson Emma J , Aliyu Sani H , O'Donnell D Roddy , Kelsall Wilf , Limmathurotsakul D , Peacock Sharon J , Török M Estée
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Infectious diseases consultation (IDC) in adults withStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia (SAB) has been shown to improve management and outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management of SAB in children.

Study design

Observational cohort study of children with SAB.

Setting

Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, a large acute NHS Trust in the UK.

Participants

All children with SAB admitted to the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between 16 July 2006 and 31 December 2012.

Methods

Children with SAB between 2006 and 31 October 2009 were managed by routine clinical care (pre-IDC group) and data were collected retrospectively by case notes review. An IDC service for SAB was introduced in November 2009. All children with SAB were reviewed regularly and data were collected prospectively (IDC group) until 31 December 2012. Baseline characteristics, quality metrics and outcome were compared between the pre-IDC group and IDC group.

Results

There were 66 episodes of SAB in 63 children—28 patients (30 episodes) in the pre-IDC group, and 35 patients (36 episodes) in the IDC group. The median age was 3.4 years (IQR 0.2–10.7 years). Patients in the IDC group were more likely to have echocardiography performed, a removable focus of infection identified and to receive a longer course of intravenous antimicrobial therapy. There were no differences in total duration of antibiotic therapy, duration of hospital admission or outcome at 30 or 90 days following onset of SAB.

Conclusions

IDC resulted in improvements in the investigation and management of SAB in children.
Supporting Policy In health with Research: an Intervention Trial (SPIRIT)—protocol for a stepped wedge trial
Authors:   The CIPHER Investigators
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Governments in different countries have committed to better use of evidence from research in policy. Although many programmes are directed at assisting agencies to better use research, there have been few tests of the effectiveness of such programmes. This paper describes the protocol for SPIRIT (Supporting Policy In health with Research: an Intervention Trial), a trial designed to test the effectiveness of a multifaceted programme to build organisational capacity for the use of research evidence in policy and programme development. The primary aim is to determine whether SPIRIT results in an increase in the extent to which research and research expertise is sought, appraised, generated and used in the development of specific policy products produced by health policy agencies.

Methods and analysis

A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial involving six health policy agencies located in Sydney, Australia. Policy agencies are the unit of randomisation and intervention. Agencies were randomly allocated to one of three start dates (steps) to receive the 1-year intervention programme, underpinned by an action framework. The SPIRIT intervention is tailored to suit the interests and needs of each agency and includes audit, feedback and goal setting; a leadership programme; staff training; the opportunity to test systems to assist in the use of research in policies; and exchange with researchers. Outcome measures will be collected at each agency every 6 months for 30 months (starting at the beginning of step 1).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the University of Western Sydney Human Research and Ethics Committee HREC Approval H8855. The findings of this study will be disseminated broadly through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences and used to inform future strategies.
Presence of superantigen genes and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus isolates obtained from the uteri of dairy cows with clinical endometritis
Authors: Zhao J.‐L. , Ding Y.‐X. , Zhao H.‐X. , He X.‐L. , Li Pei‐Feng , Li Z.‐F. , Guan H. , Guo X.
Published: July 2014

Clinical endometritis is an important disease of dairy cattle and results in decreased reproductive performance. This disease is caused by contamination of the uterus with a broad spectrum of microorganisms after calving. In this study, staphylococcal isolates from the uterus of dairy cows with clinical endometritis were tested for their distribution of superantigen (SAg) genes and antimicrobial resistance. Between the 127 staphylococcal isolates collected in this study, 10 species were identified. The predominant strain identified was Staphylococcus aureus (n=53), followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n=38) and Staphylococcus chromogenes (n=22). PCR analysis demonstrated that most isolates (63.0 per cent) harboured at least one SAg gene. The most commonly observed SAg gene and genotype was selj (38.6 per cent) and sec‐selj‐seln (24.0 per cent), respectively. Most isolates were resistant to penicillin (79.5 per cent), ampicillin (71.7 per cent), erythromycin (56.7 per cent), and tetracycline (52.0 per cent). PCR analysis demonstrated that the antimicrobial resistance determinants ermA, ermB, ermC, tetK, tetM and blaZ were detected in 0 per cent, 44.4 per cent, 51.4 per cent, 68.2 per cent, 13.6 per cent and 86.1 per cent of the erythromycin, tetracycline and β‐lactam resistant isolates, respectively. There were 22 (17.3 per cent of all isolates) coagulase‐negative staphylococci shown to be methicillin resistant. In the methicillin‐resistant isolates, significant resistances to ampicillin, erythromycin and penicillin were observed (P<0.01). The results of this study demonstrate that staphylococci recovered from dairy cows with clinical endometritis contain an extensive and complex prevalence of SAg genes. Significant resistances to antibiotics were also seen, highlighting the need for the rational appliance of antibiotics in veterinary medicine.
Finite element modeling of partially embedded pipelines in clay seabed using Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method
Authors: Dutta Sujan , Hawlader Bipul , Phillips Ryan
Published: July 2014

Vertical seabed penetration and lateral movement of deep-water offshore pipelines are simulated using the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) approach in Abaqus finite element (FE) software. Abaqus CEL has been used in some previous studies to simulate large-deformation behavior of offshore pipelines; however, the effects of strain rate and strain-softening on undrained shear strength (su) have not been considered. In this study, the effects of these factors are critically examined. The available built-in models in Abaqus CEL cannot account for these factors directly, especially the strain rate; therefore, the development of user subroutines is required. In the present study, a simple but realistic soil constitutive model (published by Zhou and Randolph in 2007) that considers the effects of strain rate and strain-softening on su is implemented in Abaqus CEL. The effects of FE mesh size and shear band formation on penetration resistance are discussed based on a comprehensive FE simulation. Lateral analyses are performed for “light” and “heavy” pipes in clay seabed having a linearly increasing undrained shear strength profile for smooth and rough pipe–soil interface conditions. The FE results are compared with previous theoretical, numerical, and centrifuge test results. Based on the present FE analyses, it is shown that, similar to the remeshing and interpolation techniques with small strain (RITSS) technique developed at the The University of Western Australia, the Abaqus CEL can successfully simulate the response of partially embedded pipelines in deep-water clay seabed, provided strain rate and softening dependent clay models are implemented. A methodology to implement such a model using Abaqus user subroutine is also presented.
Estimating slope of critical state line from cone penetration test — an update
Authors: Reid David
Published: July 2014

Estimation of density from cone penetration test (CPT) results is challenging, as cone resistance is a function of a number of soil properties, particularly compressibility. While many of the relevant soil properties can be determined from laboratory testing of recovered samples, this process is not feasible when investigating a deposit of soil with significant variations in gradation and (or) properties across depth and lateral extent. To provide a first-order estimate of density from CPT results alone, a number of correlations have been developed to ascertain other soil properties, particularly compressibility, from CPT data. In particular, friction ratio and soil behaviour type index have been suggested as providing indications of soil compressibility, referenced as the slope of the critical state line. Two of these correlations are critically assessed through the identification and analysis of data from 31 sites where both CPT and relevant laboratory testing were conducted. This process indicates that while the additional data analyzed in this study are generally consistent with previous correlations in terms of trend, significant scatter is evident. In addition, the difficulty in directly relating recovered samples to specific CPT data is outlined.
A site-specific comparative study of Au102 and Au25 nanoclusters using theoretical EXAFS and l-DOS
Authors: Christensen Stephen L. , Cho Peter , Chatt Amares , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2014

Recent advances in Au–thiolate nanocluster synthesis have allowed the total structural determination of several nanoclusters by X-ray crystallography. The high-precision structural information of these nanoclusters enables atomic site-specific analysis of local structure and electronic character. In this work, a site-specific comparative study of Au102(SR)44 and Au25(SR)18 was conducted to elucidate the size and site effects on the local environment and electronic character of their common surface structural unit, the –SR–Au–SR–Au–SR– “double-staple” motif. Simulation of the pseudo-radial distribution function from extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) shows a significant difference in their local environments despite their identical geometric shape. Local density of states (l-DOS) calculations consistently reveal the difference in their electronic characters for gold d-electron density and d-DOS position. These differences are then related to the unique aurophilic interactions and size- or site-dependent electronic character of Au atoms in the double-staple motif. The differing local structure and electronic behaviour of the “double-staple” motif in Au102(SR)44 and Au25(SR)18 highlight the significance of both size and site effects on the surface structure and electronic property of Au–thiolate nanoclusters. The theoretical results may also be useful in the interpretation of future experimental XAFS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data of these nanoclusters.
EARLY PREDICTION OF MEDICATION REFRACTORINESS IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY BASED ON SCALP EEG ANALYSIS
Authors: LIN LUNG-CHANG , OUYANG CHEN-SEN , CHIANG CHING-TAI , YANG REI-CHENG , WU RONG-CHING , WU HUI-CHUAN
Published: July 2014

Refractory epilepsy often has deleterious effects on an individual's health and quality of life. Early identification of patients whose seizures are refractory to antiepileptic drugs is important in considering the use of alternative treatments. Although idiopathic epilepsy is regarded as having a significantly lower risk factor of developing refractory epilepsy, still a subset of patients with idiopathic epilepsy might be refractory to medical treatment. In this study, we developed an effective method to predict the refractoriness of idiopathic epilepsy. Sixteen EEG segments from 12 well-controlled patients and 14 EEG segments from 11 refractory patients were analyzed at the time of first EEG recordings before antiepileptic drug treatment. Ten crucial EEG feature descriptors were selected for classification. Three of 10 were related to decorrelation time, and four of 10 were related to relative power of delta/gamma. There were significantly higher values in these seven feature descriptors in the well-controlled group as compared to the refractory group. On the contrary, the remaining three feature descriptors related to spectral edge frequency, kurtosis, and energy of wavelet coefficients demonstrated significantly lower values in the well-controlled group as compared to the refractory group. The analyses yielded a weighted precision rate of 94.2%, and a 93.3% recall rate. Therefore, the developed method is a useful tool in identifying the possibility of developing refractory epilepsy in patients with idiopathic epilepsy.
Flavor constraints on new physics
Authors: Kamenik Jernej F.
Published: July 2014

We review the recent progress in our theoretical understanding of flavor-changing processes. The overall excellent agreement with the corresponding measurements allows to derive severe constraints on possible extensions of the Standard Model (SM). The important interplay between flavor, electroweak (EW) and Higgs boson probes of new phenomena is emphasized. Once the EW hierarchy problem is confronted with null results from searches for direct production of new particles at the LHC, a case can be made against purely flavor trivial new physics (NP) at the TeV scale. Theory implications of the few open experimental flavor puzzles are also briefly discussed.
Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 spinels via coprecipitation precursor
Authors: Maklad M. H. , Shash N. M. , Abdelsalam H. K.
Published: July 2014

Nanocrystalline Ni 1-x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) spinels are synthesized with a crystallite size range 5–2.2 nm, using different annealing temperatures. The influence of zinc content as well as grain size of ferrite on the ferrite microstructure, therefore on the physical properties of ferrite, are investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), thermal analysis (TG, DTG, DSC) and infrared microscopy (IR). XRD results confirm single phase spinel structure for ferrite with Zn content x = 0.1 whereas second phase appears in higher zinc content ferrites. Thermal analysis shows an endothermic peak at ~ 720°C–750°C reveals the removal of defective surface layer existed on the surface of ferrite grains, which leads to cation redistribution. This is supported by the shift observed in IR bands as a result of the increase in zinc content or calcination temperature. Ferrite with composition Ni 0.7 Zn 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 calcined at 1000°C has the maximum saturation magnetization Ms among various compositions at different calcination temperatures. The Ms and the coercivity Hc of the ferrites nanoparticles are different from their corresponding bulk, which attributes to a defective surface layer, controlling the ultrafine particle behavior.
Structural stability of WS2 under high pressure
Authors: Bandaru Nirup , Kumar Ravhi S. , Baker Jason , Tschauner Oliver , Hartmann Thomas , Zhao Yusheng , Venkat Rama
Published: July 2014

Structural behavior of bulk WS 2 under high pressure was investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and diamond anvil cell up to 52 GPa along with high temperature X-ray diffraction and high pressure Raman spectroscopy analysis. The high pressure results obtained from X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis did not show any pressure induced structural phase transformations up to 52 GPa. The high temperature results show that the WS 2 crystal structure is stable upon heating up to 600°C. Furthermore, the powder X-ray diffraction obtained on shock subjected WS 2 to high pressures up to 10 GPa also did not reveal any structural changes. Our results suggest that even though WS 2 is less compressible than the isostructural MoS 2, its crystal structure is stable under static and dynamic compressions up to the experimental limit.
Non-universality in the 2D flocking model
Authors: Tarras I. , Mazroui M. , Moussa N. , Boughaleb Y.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we discuss the universality of the critical exponents β and δ found in the Viscek model for one zone of interaction in the 2D flocking model. Within the framework of this model, the particles move with the same absolute velocity v0 and interact locally by trying to align their direction with that of neighbors. In this paper, we include a second zone of interaction named zone of repulsion R1, where each agent attempts to maintain a minimum distance from the others. Our model results show that in order to maintain an order in a flock with higher density, it is necessary to decrease the region of repulsion around each individual. Depending on the noise and on the density, the order parameter va is found to scale as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Our findings show that the exponents β and δ depend strongly on the size of the repulsion zone and on the density ρ, indicating the non-universality of these critical exponents. The analysis is performed over different situations by using a numerical simulation technique.
First-principles study of the stability of silicane and germanane under strain
Authors: Du T. Y. , Zhao J. , Liu G. , Le J. X. , Xu B.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we investigate the structural stability of silicane and germanane under biaxial strain by employing the lattice dynamics calculations within the frame of density functional theory. Our results show that silicane and germanane become unstable even under 1% compressive strain, while maintaining stable under tensile strain. Further calculations about the thermodynamical properties of silicane and germanane show that the phonon contribution to Helmholtz free energy, entropy and specific capacity are insensitive to the tensile strain.
First-principles investigation of the structural, electronic and optical properties of V-doped single-walled ZnO nanotube (8, 0)
Authors: Mendi R. Taghavi , Elahi S. M. , Abolhassani M. R.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the structural, electronic and optical properties of V -doped single-walled ZnO nanotube (8, 0) ( SWZnONT (8, 0)) were investigated by the first principles. The calculated formation energy shows that V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0) is more stable than pure SWZnONT (8, 0). Our results show that pure SWZnONT (8, 0) has a direct bandgap about 1.443 eV in Γ point. In the V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0), some bands in both spin down and up cross the Fermi level and the calculated total spin magnetic momentum was obtained about 2.345 μ B . So we expect that the V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0) exhibits magnetic and metallic behavior. These results are in agreement with other theoretical works. The optical properties such as dielectric function, energy loss function, optical conductivity, refractive index and reflectivity are calculated. Redshift, metallic behavior and anisotropic property were observed in the V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0). Our results suggest that the V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0) can be used in magneto-optical devices. The results showed that the reflectivity of pure and V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0) in the wide energy range is low, therefore, pure and V -doped SWZnONT (8, 0) can be used in transparent coating.
Structural and electronic properties of InPBi alloys
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Lu Pengfei , Han Lihong , Yu Zhongyuan , Chen Jun , Wang Shumin
Published: July 2014

First-principle calculations have been performed to systematically investigate structural and electronic properties of InPBi alloys. The formation energy of seven different configurations is studied. The strength of covalent bonding largely depends on the strong s–p hybridization among In -5s, P -3p and Bi -6p states. The band gap of InPBi shrinks clearly with the increasing Bi concentration and the band edge shifts when spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is considered. The insertion of Bi atom leads to hybridization of In / P / Bi p states which contributes a lot around Fermi level. In addition, our results show that the biaxial strain is an effective method to tune the electronic properties of the system.
Information entropy of diffusion processes on complex networks
Authors: Zhang Zhanli
Published: July 2014

Diffusion processes have been widely investigated to understand some essential features of complex networks, and have attracted much attention from physicists, statisticians and computer scientists. In order to understand the evolution of the diffusion process and design the optimal routing strategy according to the maximal entropic diffusion on networks, we propose the information entropy comprehending the structural characteristics and information propagation on the network. Based on the analysis of the diffusion process, we analyze the coupling impact of the structural factor and information propagating factor on the information entropy, where the analytical results fit well with the numerical ones on scale-free complex networks. The information entropy can better characterize the complex behaviors on networks and provides a new way to deepen the understanding of the diffusion process.
Phase segregation and the effect of high pressure on the electro-transport in Y0.95Pr0.05Ba2Cu3O7-δ single crystals
Authors: Vovk Ruslan V. , Khadzhai Georgij Ya. , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V.
Published: July 2014

The effect of high hydrostatic pressures of up to 17 kbar on the basal ab-plane conductivity of lightly praseodymium-doped (x ≈ 0.05) Y 1-x Pr x Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ single crystals with unidirectional twin boundaries (TBs) is investigated. It is observed that the application of a high pressure leads to a doubling of the pressure derivative value dTc/dP for Pr -doped samples compared to non-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ samples with optimal oxygen content. Possible mechanisms of the high pressure effect on the critical temperature Tc and the phase segregation in the sample volume are discussed.
Goldstones with extended shift symmetries
Authors: Hinterbichler Kurt , Joyce Austin
Published: July 2014

We consider scalar field theories invariant under extended shift symmetries consisting of higher order polynomials in the spacetime coordinates. These generalize ordinary shift symmetries and the linear shift symmetries of the galileons. We find Wess–Zumino Lagrangians which transform up to total derivatives under these symmetries, and which possess fewer derivatives per field and lower order equations of motion than the strictly invariant terms. In the nonrelativistic context, where the extended shifts are purely spatial, these theories may describe multi-critical Goldstone bosons. In the relativistic case, where the shifts involve the full spacetime coordinate, these theories generally propagate extra ghostly degrees of freedom.
COMPUTER SIMULATIONS UNVEIL THE DYNAMICS OF AUTOPHAGY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CELLULAR QUALITY CONTROL
Authors: HAN KYUNGREEM , KIM JINWOONG , CHOI MOOYOUNG
Published: July 2014

Since the discovery of autophagy half a century ago, a number of physiological and molecular-level studies of autophagy have been carried out, revealing the basic mechanism and role of autophagy in the protein and organelle quality control. However, a reliable assessment method for the autophagy-mediated protein/organelle quality control with the help of an adequate mathematical model has not yet been reported. Based on the previous mathematical modeling of autophagy, we have carried out simulations to prove whether and how basal autophagy achieves substrate specificity and contributes to the cellular protein/organelle quality control. By means of numerical simulations, we probe the selective autophagic mode and observe that autophagic fluxes from abnormal protein/organelle are much greater than those from resident protein/organelle. Such a selective autophagic mode is found to correlate with the fractional abnormal protein/organelle concentration. Finally, it is shown that the fractional abnormal protein/organelle concentration against cellular damaging is efficiently controlled and regulated by suppression or promotion of the autophagosome formation rate. Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations allow one to analyze the autophagic protein/organelle quality control in a specific and quantitative manner and disclose that autophagy serves as a critical cellular quality control mechanism.
CONTROL OF DISEASE IN PREY POPULATION BY SUPPLYING ALTERNATIVE FOOD TO PREDATOR
Authors: SAMANTA SUDIP , MANDAL AKSHYAY K. , KUNDU KUSUMIKA , CHATTOPADHYAY J.
Published: July 2014

A simple predator–prey system with disease in prey population and alternative food for the predator is proposed and analyzed. The main objective of the present investigation is to observe the conditions for which the disease in prey population will be controlled. It is observed that supply of alternative food to the predator population can make the system disease free. Enrichment also plays an important role in suppressing the infected population in the presence of alternative food. However, in the absence of predator population, enrichment increases the disease prevalence instead of reducing it. We finally conclude that supply of alternative food to the predator provides a healthy disease free system.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR RESISTANCE OF CHROMIUM CARBIDE COATING IN SITU SYNTHESIZED BY VEB
Authors: LU BINFENG , LI LIPING , LU FENGGUI , TANG XINHUA
Published: July 2014

In this paper, ( Cr , Fe )7 C 3( M 7 C 3)/γ- Fe composite layer has been in situ fabricated on a low carbon steel surface by vacuum electron beam irradiation (VEB). Three kinds of powder mixtures were placed on a low carbon steel substrate, which was then irradiated with electron beam in vacuum condition. The microstructure and wear resistance of the composite layers has been studied by means of optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), microhardness tester and tribological tester. The chemical composition of all specimens were carefully analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) technique. Depending on three different powder mixtures, hypereutectic and hypoeutectic microstructures were obtained on surface composite layers. No pores and cracks were found on the coatings. The amount of carbides formed in the surface composite layer was mainly determined by carbon concentration. The microstructure close to the fusion line was largely primary austenite dendrite. The hardness and wear resistance of the surface composite layer has been greatly improved due to the extensive distribution of carbides.
EFFECT OF THE TEMPERATURE ON THE FRICTION AND WEAR PROPERTIES OF BULK AMORPHOUS ALLOY
Authors: SEGU DAWIT ZENEBE , HWANG PYUNG , KIM SEOCK-SAM
Published: July 2014

The present paper report the results of an experimental investigation of the temperature effect on the sliding friction and wear properties of the bulk metallic glass (BMG). To improve the friction and wear properties of the BMG, the disk specimens were developed in the alloy system of Fe 67.6 C 7.1 Si 3.3 B 5.5 P 8.7 Cr 2.3 Mo 2.6 Al 2 Co 1.0 using hot metal and industrial ferro-alloys. The friction and wear test was performed using flat-on-flat contact configuration of unidirectional tribometer and Si 3 N 4 ceramic disk used as a counterpart. The worn surfaces of the BMG were observed by using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicated that the friction and wear properties of the BMG depend on the glass transition and the formation of protective oxide film. The friction coefficient decreased with increasing temperature, while it increased slightly when the temperature passed the glass transition temperature (Tg). The worn specimens were exposed to abrasion, adhesion, oxidation and plastic deformation. In addition, obvious surface flow characteristics was accompany during wear test.
Potential Application in Energy Harvesting of Intermodal Energy Exchange in a Frame: FEM Analysis
Authors: Iliuk Itamar , da Fonseca Brasil Reyolando Manoel Lopes Rebello , Balthazar José Manoel , Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Piccirillo Vinicius , Piqueira José Roberto Castilho
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of modal energy exchange and harvesting in a simple portal frame structure. We consider both horizontal and vertical support excitations resonant first with the first mode (sway mode) and latter with the second mode (the first symmetrical mode). As 2:1 internal resonance is present between these two modes, the phenomena of mode saturation and energy exchange (modal coupling) may occur. Thus, energy pumped into the system through one of the modes, is partially transferred to the other mode, not directly excited. An evaluation of the energy available for harvesting in each of the considered mode is computed.
CONTRIBUTION OF MUSCLE TENSION FORCE TO MEDIAL KNEE CONTACT FORCE AT FAST WALKING SPEED
Authors: OGAYA S. , NAITO H. , OKITA Y. , IWATA A. , HIGUCHI Y. , FUCHIOKA S. , TANAKA M.
Published: July 2014

Fast walking is considered as a factor that causes pain in patients suffering from knee disorders. This study examined the effect of walking speed on the medial knee contact force and identified contributions to the muscle tension on the medial knee contact force during fast walking using musculoskeletal simulation analysis. The muscle contribution to the medial knee contact force was calculated based on the joint angles and ground reaction force for the normal and fast walking experiments of seven subjects. The muscle force and joint reaction force were used to estimate the medial knee contact force. Results showed, in average, 70% increase in medial knee contact force at the first peak and 34% increase at the second peak with a fast walking speed, compared to when they walked at a normal walking speed. The remarkable increase in the first peak was mainly contributed by the increase in the quadriceps force resisting the external knee flexion moment. In contrast, the moderate increase of second peak was contributed by the increase in the gastrocnemius muscle force. These results suggest that the increase in medial knee contact force at fast walking speeds is caused by the increased muscle force.
A theoretical study on the stability and intramolecular interaction in 5-nitrotetrazolates with the DFT and DFT-D methods
Authors: Yang Junqing , Gong Xuedong , Wang Guixiang
Published: July 2014

Two new salts 3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazolium 5-nitrotetrazolate and 1-methyl-3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazolium 5-nitrotetrazolate were designed based on the structures of experimentally synthesized 3-azido-1,2,4-triazolium 5-nitro-tetrazolate and 1-methyl-3-azido-1,2,4-triazolium 5-nitro-tetrazolate, to explore new promising candidates for energetic materials and to investigate the influences of the substituents (- CH 3 and - N 3) and solvent (water) on the intramolecular interactions and properties. The intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions were investigated by the natural bond orbital (NBO) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses using the density functional theory (DFT) and the dispersion correction DFT (DFT-D) methods. The low-lying singlet electronic transitions were estimated using the time-dependent DFT. All four examined salts exist as ionic structures in aqueous solution while acid–base molecular complexes form in gas phase. The hydrogen bond energy (E H ) obtained with the DFT-D method is larger than that obtained with the DFT method, but the trend is consistent, i.e. - N 3 increases while - CH 3 decreases E H . In addition, the position of the strongest electronic absorption peak has a little correlation with the number of - N 3 and - CH 3 groups. 3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazolium 5-nitrotetrazolate is a valuable energetic salt with the highest nitrogen content, oxygen coefficient and density and the second highest heat of formation and chemical stability.
Extended gravity
Authors: Fatibene Lorenzo , Garruto Simon
Published: July 2014

We shall show equivalence between Palatini-f(ℛ) theories and Brans–Dicke (BD) theories at the level of action principles in generic dimension with generic matter coupling. We do that by introducing the Helmholtz Lagrangian associated to Palatini-f(ℛ) theory and then performing frame transformations in order to recover Einstein frame and BD frame. This clarifies the relation among different formulations and the transformations among different frames. Additionally, it defines a formulation a lá Palatini for the BD theory which is dynamically equivalent to metric BD (unlike the standard Palatini-formulation of metric BD theory which are not dynamically equivalent). In conclusion, we discuss interpretation of extended theories of gravitation and perspectives.
Parity results for broken 5-diamond, 7-diamond and 11-diamond partitions
Authors: Ahmed Zakir , Baruah Nayandeep Deka
Published: July 2014

We find several new parity results for broken 5-diamond, 7-diamond and 11-diamond partitions.
Efficiency decomposition in parallel production systems with shared sources on interval data: An illustration of Iranian Banks
Authors: Kordrostami Sohrab
Published: July 2014

In real-world applications, some systems are composed of independent production units that use different inputs to produce outputs. The conventional data envelopment analysis model measures the relative efficiencies of a set of decision-making units with exact values of both inputs and outputs. In this paper, we propose an approach to assess parallel production systems with shared sources and bounded interval data, and also we provide a model that focuses on calculating the efficiency of the whole of a system along with the efficiencies of its components.
GENERATION OF OPTICAL VORTEX BEAMS BY COMPACT STRUCTURES
Authors: MEHMOOD M. Q. , QIU CHENG-WEI , DANNER AARON , TENG JINGHUA
Published: July 2014

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been an enthralling topic of research from fundamental physics to technological applications since its discovery in 1992. Many techniques have been developed to generate OAM such as using spiral phase plates (SPPs), computer-generated holograms (CGH) and cylindrical mode converters, etc. However, these methods are based on bulky optics that cause a major hindrance for their exploitation in the emerging area of micron-nanophotonics. Recently, generation of such helical beams by micron-sized structures has gained momentous interest to make their appliance possible at small scale. This paper recapitulates these endeavors of minuscule optical vortex generation. Five different types of compact optical vortex generators, i.e., downscaling of conventional OAM generators, plasmonic vortex lens (PVLs), metasurfaces, integrated OAM emitters and subwavelength apertures are brought under discussion.
Early effects of ageing on the mechanical performance of isolated locomotory (EDL) and respiratory (diaphragm) skeletal muscle using the work-loop technique
Authors: Tallis Jason , James Rob S. , Little Alexander G. , Cox Val M. , Duncan Michael J. , Seebacher Frank
Published: July 2014

Previous isolated muscle studies examining the effects of ageing on contractility have used isometric protocols, which have been shown to have poor relevance to dynamic muscle performance in vivo. The present study uniquely uses the work-loop technique for a more realistic estimation of in vivo muscle function to examine changes in mammalian skeletal muscle mechanical properties with age. Measurements of maximal isometric stress, activation and relaxation time, maximal power output, and sustained power output during repetitive activation and recovery are compared in locomotory extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and core diaphragm muscle isolated from 3-, 10-, 30-, and 50-wk-old female mice to examine the early onset of ageing. A progressive age-related reduction in maximal isometric stress that was of greater magnitude than the decrease in maximal power output occurred in both muscles. Maximal force and power developed earlier in diaphragm than EDL muscle but demonstrated a greater age-related decline. The present study indicates that ability to sustain skeletal muscle power output through repetitive contraction is age- and muscle-dependent, which may help rationalize previously reported equivocal results from examination of the effect of age on muscular endurance. The age-related decline in EDL muscle performance is prevalent without a significant reduction in muscle mass, and biochemical analysis of key marker enzymes suggests that although there is some evidence of a more oxidative fiber type, this is not the primary contributor to the early age-related reduction in muscle contractility.