bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple Shape Memory Polymers: Constitutive Modeling and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Moon S. , Rao I. J. , Chester S. A.
Published: April 2016

Recently, triple shape memory polymers (TSMPs) have been discovered; these materials can be programmed to switch between three distinct shapes. Previously, we introduced a model to describe the mechanical behavior of TSMPs; however, the earlier study was limited in scope to simple cases of uniaxial deformation. In this work, we build upon our prior work, and develop robust numerical methods and constitutive equations to model complex mechanical behavior of TSMPs in inhomogeneous deformations and loading conditions using a framework based on the theory of multiple natural configurations. The model has been calibrated to uniaxial experiments. In addition, the model has been implemented as a user material subroutine (UMAT) in the finite element package abaqus. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed constitutive model, we have numerically simulated two cases of three-dimensional bodies undergoing triple-shape cycles; triple-shape recovery response of a complex TSMP geometry and the triple-shape recovery response of a stent when it is inserted in an artery modeled as a compliant elastomeric tube.
Optimization of Composite Fracture Properties: Method, Validation, and Applications
Authors: Gu Grace X. , Dimas Leon , Qin Zhao , Buehler Markus J.
Published: April 2016

A paradigm in nature is to architect composites with excellent material properties compared to its constituents, which themselves often have contrasting mechanical behavior. Most engineering materials sacrifice strength for toughness, whereas natural materials do not face this tradeoff. However, biology's designs, adapted for organism survival, may have features not needed for some engineering applications. Here, we postulate that mimicking nature's elegant use of multimaterial phases can lead to better optimization of engineered materials. We employ an optimization algorithm to explore and design composites using soft and stiff building blocks to study the underlying mechanisms of nature's tough materials. For different applications, optimization parameters may vary. Validation of the algorithm is carried out using a test suite of cases without cracks to optimize for stiffness and compliance individually. A test case with a crack is also performed to optimize for toughness. The validation shows excellent agreement between geometries obtained from the optimization algorithm and the brute force method. This study uses different objective functions to optimize toughness, stiffness and toughness, and compliance and toughness. The algorithm presented here can provide researchers a way to tune material properties for a vast number of engineering problems by adjusting the distribution of soft and stiff materials.
Symbolic Computation of Quantities Associated With Time-Periodic Dynamical Systems1
Authors: Grant Kirkland W. , Sinha S. C.
Published: April 2016

Many dynamical systems can be modeled by a set of linear/nonlinear ordinary differential equations with periodic time-varying coefficients. The state transition matrix (STM) Φ(t,α), associated with the linear part of the equation, can be expressed in terms of the periodic Lyapunov–Floquét (L-F) transformation matrix Q(t,α) and a time-invariant matrix R(α) containing a set of symbolic system parameters α. Computation of Q(t,α) and R(α) in symbolic form as a function of α is of paramount importance in stability, bifurcation analysis, and control system design. In earlier studies, since Q(t,α) and R(α) were available only in numerical forms, general results for parameter unfolding and control system design could not be obtained in the entire parameter space. In 2009, an attempt was made by Butcher et al. (2009, “Magnus' Expansion for Time-Periodic Systems: Parameter Dependent Approximations,” Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul., 14(12), pp. 4226–4245) to compute the Q(t,α) matrix in a symbolic form using the Magnus expansions with some success. In this work, an efficient technique for symbolic computation of Q(t,α) and R(α) matrices is presented. First, Φ(t,α) is computed symbolically using the shifted Chebyshev polynomials and Picard iteration method as suggested in the literature. Then, R(α) is computed using a Gaussian quadrature integral formula. Finally, Q(t,α) is computed using the matrix exponential summation method. Using mathematica, this approach has successfully been applied to the well-known Mathieu equation and a four-dimensional time-periodic system in order to demonstrate the applications of the proposed method to linear as well as nonlinear problems.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation of Single and Two-Phase Vortex Flow—A Comparison of Flow Field and Energy Separation
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Ghosh Sumana , Karmakar Srinibas
Published: April 2016

In the present work, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation has been performed to investigate single and two-phase vortex tube. Air in compressed form and partially condensed phase are used as working fluid, respectively. Simulation has been carried out using commercial CFD software package fluent 6.3.26. A detailed study has been performed to generate the profiles of velocity, pressure, and pathlines. These profiles provide an insight on how the process of energy separation as well as the flow field in the vortex tube gets affected on introduction of a liquid phase. The result shows that in case of cryogenic vortex tube, the flow reversal takes place closer to wall due to presence of a very thin wall adhering liquid film, while, in single-phase flow vortex tube, flow reversal is observed at the central portion. The model also predicts that presence of recirculation zone near warm end diminishes the refrigeration effect of vortex tube for two-phase flow.
Drying Kinetics Comparison of Methylcellulose Gel Versus Mango Fruit in Forced Convective Drying With and Without Electrohydrodynamic Enhancement
Authors: Bardy Erik , Manai Sabrine , Havet Michel , Rouaud Olivier
Published: April 2016

Electrohydrodynamic convective drying (EHD drying) is a novel drying method used to enhance forced convection drying (FC drying) by using a wire-electrode to create an electrostatic field. In a previous study, the efficiency of EHD drying (using three different wire-electrode configurations) was compared to classical FC drying by measuring the drying rate of methylcellulose gel. Efficiency was quantified in terms of exergy (transient exergetic efficiency) through the use of a proposed model. In that previous study, it was stated that methylcellulose gel can be used to simulate a food product and can be controlled to a predetermined moisture content. The purpose of this current work was to compare how methylcellulose gel compares to a real food product (mango fruit) in terms of drying kinetics for both EHD and FC drying. Drying kinetics were quantified in terms of a per unit area measurement of the exergetic efficiency, exergy supplied and used, drying rate, and total drying time to reach a moisture content of 50%. Initial results show that for both EHD and FC drying, methylcellulose gel and mango fruit exhibit similar drying kinetics.
Fundamental Study on Laser Interactions With Nanoparticles-Reinforced Metals—Part I: Effect of Nanoparticles on Optical Reflectivity, Specific Heat, and Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Ma Chao , Zhao Jingzhou , Cao Chezheng , Lin Ting-Chiang , Li Xiaochun
Published: April 2016

It is of tremendous interest to apply laser to process nanoparticles-reinforced metals for widespread applications. However, little fundamental understanding has been obtained on the underlining physics of laser interactions with nanoparticles-reinforced metals. In this work, fundamental study was carried out to understand the effects of nanoparticles on the optical and thermophysical properties of the base metal, the corresponding heat transfer and melt pool flow processes, and the consequent surface property in laser melting. Part I presents both experimental and theoretical results on the effects of nanoparticles on the optical reflectivity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity. Electrocodeposition was used to produce nickel samples with nanoparticles. Using a power meter, the reflectivity of Ni/Al2O3 (1.8 vol. %) was measured to be 65.8% while pure Ni was at 67.4%, indicating that the Al2O3 nanoparticles did not change the reflectivity substantially. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the heat capacity of the nanocomposites. The specific heat capacities of the Ni/Al2O3 (4.4 vol. %) and Ni/SiC (3.6 vol. %) at room temperature were 0.424 ± 0.013 J/g K and 0.423 ± 0.014 J/g K, respectively, close to that of pure Ni, 0.424 ± 0.008 J/g K. An experimental setup was developed to measure thermal conductivity based on the laser flash method. The thermal conductivities of these Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/SiC nanocomposites at room temperature were 84.1 ± 3.4 W/m K and 87.3 ± 3.4 W/m K, respectively, less than that of pure Ni, 91.7 ± 2.8 W/m K. Theoretical models based on the effective medium approximation theory were also used to predict the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles-reinforced nickel. The theoretical results match well with the measurements. The knowledge of the optical and thermophysical properties of nanoparticles-reinforced metals would provide valuable insights to understand and control laser processing of metal matrix nanocomposites.
Synthesizing Functional Mechanisms From a Link Soup1
Authors: Tavousi Pouya , Kazerounian Kazem , Ilies Horea
Published: April 2016

The synthesis of functional molecular linkages is constrained by difficulties in fabricating nanolinks of arbitrary shapes and sizes. Thus, classical mechanism synthesis methods, which assume the ability to manufacture any designed links, cannot provide a systematic process for assembling such linkages. We propose a new approach to building functional mechanisms with prescribed mobility by using only elements from a predefined “link soup.” First, we enumerate an exhaustive set of topologies, while employing divide-and-conquer algorithms to control the generation and elimination of redundant topologies. Then, we construct the linkage arrangements for each valid topology. Finally, we output a set of feasible geometries through a positional analysis step that minimizes the error associated with closure of the loops in the linkage while avoiding geometric interference. The proposed systematic approach outputs the ATLAS of candidate mechanisms, which can be further processed for downstream applications. The resulting synthesis procedure is the first of its kind that is capable of synthesizing functional linkages with prescribed mobility constructed from a soup of primitive entities.
Generation of Noncircular Bevel Gears With Free-Form Tooth Profile and Curvilinear Tooth Lengthwise
Authors: Zheng Fangyan , Hua Lin , Han Xinghui , Chen Dingfang
Published: April 2016

Noncircular bevel gear is applied to intersecting axes, realizing given function of transmission ratio. Currently, researches are focused mainly on gear with involute tooth profile and straight tooth lengthwise, while that with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise are seldom touched upon. Based on screw theory and equal arc-length mapping method, this paper proposes a generally applicable generating method for noncircular bevel gear with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise, covering instant screw axis, conjugate pitch surface, as well as the generator with free-form tooth profile and curvilinear tooth lengthwise. Further, the correctness of the proposed method is verified through illustrations of computerized design.
Static and Dynamic Modeling Comparison of an Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage System
Authors: Mazloum Youssef , Sayah Haytham , Nemer Maroun
Published: April 2016

The large-scale production of renewable energy is limited by the intermittence nature of the renewable energy sources. Moreover, the electricity production of the thermal and nuclear power plants is not flexible with the electricity demand. Hence, the integration of energy storage technologies into the grid has become crucial as it creates a balance between supply and demand for electricity and protects thereby the electrical grid. Among the large-scale energy storage technologies, a novel adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) system will be developed in this paper. This storage system is characterized, compared to the conventional compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, by the recovery and the reuse of the compression heat in order to improve the system efficiency and avoid the use of fossil fuel sources. This paper discusses a comparison between the static and dynamic modeling of the A-CAES system performed by a computer simulation using “Modelica.” Unlike the static model, the dynamic model takes into account the mechanical inertia of the turbomachinery (compressors and turbines) as well as the thermal inertia of the heat exchangers. Consequently, it enables studying the flexibility of the storage system and its ability to meet the electrical grid requirements (primary and secondary reserves) by evaluating the duration of the transient states. Furthermore, the comparison between the static and dynamic models permits to estimate the efficiency losses due to the transient evolutions.The results show that the storage system needs more than 2 min before being able to consume all the excess energy available on the electrical grid and more than 5 min before being able to produce all the energy required by the electrical grid. These time frames are due especially to the transient states (start-up) of the turbomachines. Finally, the system efficiency is 64.7%, the transient states of the system cause losses of 0.9%. These small losses are explained by the short duration of the transient states relative to that of the steady states (15 hrs).
Interfacial Contamination Between Batches of Crude Oil Due to Dead-Legs in Pump Station Piping
Authors: Botros K. K. , Clavelle E. J. , Vogt G. M.
Published: April 2016

Some oil pump station design layouts may contain multiple dead-legs. During the transportation of heavy crude through the pump station, these dead-legs will be filled with this crude. When a light crude batch is introduced next into the pipeline, following the heavy crude ahead, two phenomena will occur. First, contamination between batches at the interface of the two crudes will occur due to axial turbulent diffusion along the length of the pipeline itself. Second, as the light crude flows through the pump station and passes by each dead-leg containing still heavy crude from the preceding batch, the heavy crude trapped in these dead-legs will start to drain out into the passing light crude in the main run. This causes further contamination and spreading of the mixing zone between the two batches. These two different sources of contamination are addressed in this paper with the objective of accurately quantifying the extent of the contamination, with particular emphasis on the second phenomenon which could cause appreciable contamination particularly for large size and number of these dead-legs. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to quantify the drainage rate of the contaminating crude into the main stream and its impact on widening the mixed zone (contamination spread) between the two batches. Two drainage mechanisms of the heavy crude in the dead-legs into the main stream of the light crude have been identified and quantified. The initial phase is a gravity-current-induced outflow of the initially stagnant fluid in the dead-leg, followed by a subsequent draining mechanism primarily induced by turbulent mixing and diffusion at the mouth of the dead-leg penetrating slightly into the dead-leg. It was found that the second mechanism takes a much longer time to drain the first, and that the break point in time where drainage switches from a predominantly gravity current to a turbulent diffusion appears to be at a specific time normalized with respect to the length of the dead-leg and the gravity current speed. The results show a consistent trend with actual interface contamination data obtained from the Keystone 2982 km pipeline from Hardisty (Canada) to the Patoka Terminal (U.S.A.).
Investigation on the Optimum Volume-Filling Ratio of a Loop Thermosyphon Solar Water-Heating System
Authors: Zhang Tao , Pei Gang , Zhu Qunzhi , Ji Jie
Published: April 2016

Volume-filling ratio of the working fluid has a predominant effect on the system performance of a closed two-phase solar water-heating (SWH) system. To study this effect, a prototype of a loop thermosyphon SWH system, which uses remolded flat-plate solar collector as the evaporator and the coil pipe in the water tank as the condenser, was set up. A set of long-term outdoor experiments under 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 70% volume-filling ratios were conducted in this paper. R600a was used as working fluid. Loop thermosyphon solar collector thermal performance and system thermal performance under different volume-filling ratios, including the temperature distribution of loop thermosyphon evaporator, were presented. It is shown that the loop thermosyphon solar collector and the system had a better thermal performance than the conventional ones under 30% and 50% volume-filling ratio, and the loop thermosyphon evaporator had an even temperature distribution when the volume-filling ratio was higher than 30%. The optimum volume filing ratio lies in between 30% and 50% of the whole system volume.
Forensic Examination and Failure Analysis of a 220-MVA Step-Up Transformer Fire
Authors: Ibrahim Zuhair , Stepan Jeremiah , Reza Ali , Slee Daren
Published: April 2016

The paper presents the results of investigation and engineering analysis by Exponent of the failure of a 220-MVA generator step-up transformer in Southern California. The incident was caused by a dielectric breakdown from the high-side C-phase bushing to the side wall of the transformer. The ensuing fire continued for 27 hrs, fueled by approximately 11,000 gal of dielectric HYTRANS 61 oil. The paper will discuss the investigation conducted as per the IEEE C57.125 “Guide for Failure Investigation, Documentation, and Analysis for Power Transformers and Shunt Reactors,” [1] and the engineering review and analysis to identify the likely failure scenario(s).
Integrated Control of Thermally Induced Vibration and Quasi-Static Deformation of Space Truss
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Dongxu , Jiang Jianping
Published: April 2016

Dynamic vibration and quasi-static deformation will occur simultaneously for flexible space structures subjected to sudden thermal loads. In this paper, the integrated controller based on modified positive position feedback (PPF) compensator is proposed as an innovative controller for active deformation reduction in flexible space trusses. The controller uses the concept of positive acceleration feedback combined with integral position feedback to provide effective vibration suppression of multiple modes and compensator of quasi-static deformation. To solve the problem of placement optimization for both sensors and actuators, the discrete glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm based on genic binary coding is suggested. A cantilevered truss is taken as an example for numerically evaluating the performance of the controller for thermally induced deformation control. Numerical results demonstrate that the discrete GSO algorithm is feasible in solving the combinatorial optimization problem. And the proposed controller is significantly effective in controlling both steady-state deformation and transient vibration.
Blood compatibility assessment of polymers used in drug eluting stent coatings
Authors: Szott Luisa Mayorga , Irvin Colleen A. , Trollsas Mikael , Hossainy Syed , Ratner Buddy D.
Published: April 2016

Differences in thrombosis rates have been observed clinically between different drug eluting stents. Such differences have been attributed to numerous factors, including stent design, injury created by the catheter delivery system, coating application technologies, and the degree of thrombogenicity of the polymer. The relative contributions of these factors are generally unknown. This work focuses on understanding the thrombogenicity of the polymer by examining mechanistic interactions with proteins, human platelets, and human monocytes of a number of polymers used in drug eluting stent coatings, in vitro. The importance for blood interactions of adsorbed albumin and the retention of albumin was suggested by the data. Microscopic imaging and immunostaining enhanced the interpretation of results from the lactate dehydrogenase cell counting assay and provided insight into platelet interactions, total quantification, and morphometry. In particular, highly spread platelets may be surface-passivating, possibly inhibiting ongoing thrombotic events. In many of the assays used here, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) showed a differentiated protein deposition pattern that may contribute to the explanation of the consistently thromboresistant blood–materials interaction for fluororpolymers cited in literature. These results are supportive of one of several possible factors contributing to the good thromboresistant clinical safety performance of PVDF-HFP coated drug eluting stents.
No Change in Running Mechanics With Live High—Train Low Altitude Training in Elite Distance Runners
Authors: Stickford Abigail S.L. , Wilhite Daniel P. , Chapman Robert F.
Published: April 2016

Investigations into ventilatory, metabolic, and hematological changes with altitude training have been completed; however, there is a lack of research exploring potential gait-kinematic changes after altitude training, despite a common complaint of athletes being a lack of leg "turnover" on return from altitude training.

Purpose:

To determine if select kinematic variables changed in a group of elite distance runners after 4 wk of altitude training.

Methods:

Six elite male distance runners completed a 28-d altitude-training intervention in Flagstaff, AZ (2150 m), following a modified “live high–train low” model, wherein higherintensity runs were performed at lower altitudes (945–1150 m) and low-intensity sessions were completed at higher altitudes (1950–2850 m). Gait parameters were measured 2–9 d before departure to altitude and 1 to 2 d after returning to sea level at running speeds of 300–360 m/min.

Results:

No differences were found in ground-contact time, swing time, or stride length or frequency after altitude training (P > .05).

Conclusions:

Running mechanics are not affected by chronic altitude training in elite distance runners. The data suggest that either chronic training at altitude truly has no effect on running mechanics or completing the live high–train low model of altitude training, where higher-velocity workouts are completed at lower elevations, mitigates any negative mechanical adaptations that may be associated with chronic training at slower speeds.
Self-Selected Intensity and Adherence in a Campus Recreation Center with Novice, Female Weight Lifters: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Faries Mark D. , Lutz Rafer
Published: April 2016

In response to reports of lower resistance exercise participation in college-aged women, the present, preliminary investigation sought to examine the popular recommendation that self-selected intensity can have a positive impact on resistance exercise adherence. Fifty-three novice female weight lifters were asked to complete three sessions per week for six weeks in a campus recreation center. Results support previous research that novice or untrained individuals do not appear to self-select an intensity that meets common resistance training guidelines for strength and/or hypertrophic gains, although only slightly missing this mark. No differences were found in self-selection between weight or instruction types. Unlike previous anecdotal suggestions, self-selected intensity was not related to adherence; the average attendance was approximately seven sessions. Attrition was linear, and by week six, 95% of all participants had dropped out. In conclusion, despite popular thought, the present results do not support the concept that allowing students to choose their own intensity, alone, will enhance adherence to resistance exercise. Collegiate recreational staff and administrators can use these findings for novel ideas and directed efforts to enhance resistance exercise efforts in women.
Motivational Differences of Swimming Participants in the Campus Environment
Authors: Edelbrock Kellen C. , Anderson Austin R. , Ramos William D.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess motives of swimming participants within the university campus environment and to examine whether differences in swimmers' gender, age, affiliation status within the university, frequency of participation, and classification varied in their participation objectives. One hundred and ninety-two swimmers at a Midwestern university completed a motivation questionnaire designed to assess 35 objectives for participation. Participants self-identified as a member of one of three teams (varsity, recreational club sport, or masters) or as an informal swimming participant. Descriptive statistics and univariate statistical techniques where used in the analysis of the data. Many differences in participation motives were evident from the analysis of independent variables. Results of the study were examined using tenants of the athlete situation interaction model of motivation. Translational outcomes discovered and outlined from the research include implications for coaches and administrators at all levels within the university setting.
Exploring NIRSA Championship Series Professional Development Opportunities: Understanding Their Perceived Value to the Association
Authors: Tingle Jacob K. , Hazlett Dan , Flint April
Published: April 2016

The NIRSA Championship Series (Series) is a significant component of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation (NIRSA). Demonstrated, in part, by the fact that many campus recreational professionals contend the events directly relate to both their institution and the association's mission. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how NIRSA professionals perceive the value of volunteer experiences at Series events. The research team conducted semistructured interviews with thirteen campus recreation directors. The participants had a median of 28 years in the profession, ( SD = 7.4), and represented all six NIRSA regions. In describing the benefits of volunteerism at Series events, the directors identified three broad themes, each with numerous subthemes: Personal Experience (Lifelong learner, Mentors, and Networking), Professional Development (Teamwork, Leadership, Communication, and Training), and Ideal Job Characteristics (Attitude and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors). The themes, subthemes, and implications for Series events are discussed. In addition, the authors present suggestions for future research.
Helminth infection promotes colonization resistance via type 2 immunity
Authors: Ramanan Deepshika , Bowcutt Rowann , Lee Soo Ching , Tang Mei San , Kurtz Zachary D. , Ding Yi , Honda Kenya , Gause William C. , Blaser Martin J. , Bonneau Richard A. , Lim Yvonne A.L. , Loke P’ng , Cadwell Ken
Published: April 2016

Parasitic worms affect gut microbes

Improved hygiene practices in high-income countries may come with an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other similar disorders. Ramanan
et al.
show that intestinal helminth infection, caused by parasitic worms, protects IBD-susceptible mice from developing the disease. The infection increases specific protective species and limits other inflammatory members of the microbiota. People from helminth-endemic regions harbored a similar protective microbiota, and their deworming led to an increase in inflammatory Bacteroidales species, similar to what the authors observed in the mice. Thus, a changing microbial environment may shape susceptibility to inflammatory disease.

Science
, this issue p.
608
Draft Genome Sequence of an Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae Isolate Lacking Pigmentation
Authors: Singh Pallavi , Aronoff David M. , Davies H. Dele , Manning Shannon D.
Published: April 2016

This report provides the whole-genome sequence of
Streptococcus agalactiae
isolate GB00037 isolated from a newborn in Calgary, Canada. This serotype V isolate is unique because it lacks pigment production previously shown to be critical for
S. agalactiae
virulence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pyrodictium occultum PL19
T
, a Marine Hyperthermophilic Species of
Archaea
That Grows Optimally at 105°C
Authors: Utturkar Sagar M. , Huber Harald , Leptihn Sebastian , Loh Belinda , Brown Steven D. , Stetter Karl O. , Podar Mircea
Published: April 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Pyrodictium occultum
PL19
T
, a marine hyperthermophilic archaeon. The genome provides insights into molecular and cellular adaptation mechanisms to life in extreme environments and the evolution of early organisms on Earth.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pantoea ananatis GB1, a Plant-Growth-Promoting Hydrocarbonoclastic Root Endophyte, Isolated at a Diesel Fuel Phytoremediation Site Planted with
Populus
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Van Hamme Jonathan D. , Bottos Eric M. , Thijs Sofie , Balseiro-Romero Maria , Monterroso Carmela , Kidd Petra Suzan , Rineau Francois , Weyens Nele , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: April 2016

We report the 4.76-Mb draft genome of
Pantoea ananatis
GB1, a Gram-negative bacterium of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
, isolated from the roots of poplars planted for phytoremediation of a diesel-contaminated plume at the Ford Motor Company site in Genk, Belgium. Strain GB1 promotes plant growth in various hosts and metabolizes hydrocarbons.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus mycoides M2E15, a Strain Isolated from the Endosphere of Potato
Authors: Yi Yanglei , de Jong Anne , Spoelder Jan , Elzenga J. Theo M. , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: April 2016

We present the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus mycoides
M2E15, a bacterium isolated from potato endosphere. Analysis of the 6.08-Mbp draft genome sequence identified 6,386 protein-encoding sequences, including potential plant growth promoting genes. Specifically, genes for proteins involved in phosphate utilization, iron acquisition, and bacteriocin production were identified.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 8, Which Reemerged in France in August 2015
Authors: Bréard Emmanuel , Sailleau Corinne , Quenault Hélène , Lucas Pierrick , Viarouge Cyril , Touzain Fabrice , Fablet Aurore , Vitour Damien , Attoui Houssam , Zientara Stéphan , Blanchard Yannick
Published: April 2016

We announce here the complete genome sequence (coding and noncoding) of the bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8, isolated from a ram in Allier department, France, 2015. Sequence analysis confirms the reemergence of the BTV-8 strain that previously circulated in France until 2009 and other European countries until 2010.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Ralstonia solanacearum
Strain Rs-T02, Which Represents the Most Prevalent Phylotype in Guangxi, China
Authors: Zou Chengwu , Wang Kaihao , Meng Jiaorong , Yuan Gaoqing , Lin Wei , Peng Haowen , Li Qiqin
Published: April 2016

Ralstonia solanacearum
strain Rs-T02 was originally isolated from a bacterial wilt of tomato plant in Nanning City of Guangxi Province, China. It represents the most prevalent phylotype in Guangxi. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of this strain, which comprises 5,225 genes and 5,976,011 nucleotides with an average G+C content of 66.79%. There are 968 different genes between this isolate and the previously reported genome sequence of
Ralstonia solanacearum
GMl l000 (race l, biovar 3, phylotype I), and the genome sequence information of this isolate may be useful for comparative genomic studies to determine the genetic diversity in this species.
Complete Genome Characterization of Two Wild-Type Measles Viruses from Vietnamese Infants during the 2014 Outbreak
Authors: Oude Munnink Bas B. , Phan My V. T. , Kellam Paul , Cotten Matthew ,   the VIZIONS Consortium
Published: April 2016

A large measles virus outbreak occurred across Vietnam in 2014. We identified and obtained complete measles virus genomes in stool samples collected from two diarrheal pediatric patients in Dong Thap Province. These are the first complete genome sequences of circulating measles viruses in Vietnam during the 2014 measles outbreak.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus crispatus
JCM5810, Which Can Reduce
Campylobacter jejuni
Colonization in Chicken Intestine
Authors: Wooten Jessica , Liu Xiaoji , Miller Michael J.
Published: April 2016

We present the 2.05-Mb draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus crispatus
JCM5810, a chicken intestinal isolate with the ability to reduce
Campylobacter jejuni
colonization in chickens. The genome sequence will provide insights on the probiotic mechanisms of
L. crispatus
JCM5810.
Draft Genome Sequences of 11 Clinical Isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Higgins P. G. , Chan J. Z.-M. , Seifert H. , Pallen M. J. , Millard A. D.
Published: April 2016

The development of multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
is of serious concern in the hospital setting. Here, we report draft genome sequences of 11
A. baumannii
isolates that were isolated from a single patient over a 65-day period, during which time the isolates exhibited increased antimicrobial resistance.
Genome Sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain HUK16, Isolated from Hexachlorocyclohexane-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Gasc Cyrielle , Richard Jean-Yves , Peyret Pierre
Published: April 2016

Staphylococcus aureus
strain HUK16 has been isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-long-term contaminated soil. The genome of strain HUK16 was sequenced to understand the genetic basis of its adaptation to HCH and to find the potential metabolic pathways allowing it to degrade the pesticide. Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence (~2.7 Mbp) of this strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Providencia heimbachae
, Isolated from a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Jneid Joanne , Benamar Samia , Pagnier Isabelle , Levy Pierre-Yves , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , La Scola Bernard
Published: April 2016

Providencia
spp. are ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
that are common opportunistic pathogens. In the present work, we have sequenced, annotated, and compared the draft genome of
Providencia heimbachae
, which was recovered from a diabetic foot ulcer. It is composed of 4.22 Mb and encodes 3,843 protein-coding genes and 79 RNA genes, including 11 rRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Environmental
trh
+
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
K23 Strain Isolated from Kerala, India
Authors: Prabhakaran Divya Meparambu , Chowdhury Goutam , Pazhani Gururaja Perumal , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2016

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is the leading cause of seafood-related gastroenteritis. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a
trh
+
strain,
V. parahaemolyticus
K23, isolated from seafood. The sequence will be useful for comparative analysis between environmental and clinical isolates of
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alkane-Degrading
Acinetobacter venetianus
JKSF02, Isolated from Contaminated Sediment of the San Jacinto River in Houston, Texas
Authors: Iyer Rupa , Damania Ashish
Published: April 2016

Acinetobacter venetianus
JKSF02 was isolated from contaminated sediment in eastern Houston, Texas along the San Jacinto River. This microorganism specializes in n-alkane degradation and is well suited for bioremediation of the petroleum hydrocarbon deposited throughout the region by shipping and industrial activity from the Houston Ship Channel.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces albus
SM254, a Potent Antagonist of Bat White-Nose Syndrome Pathogen
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Badalamenti Jonathan P. , Erickson Joshua D. , Salomon Christine E.
Published: April 2016

We sequenced and annotated the complete 7,170,504-bp genome of a novel secondary metabolite-producing
Streptomyces
strain,
Streptomyces albus
SM254, isolated from copper-rich subsurface fluids at ~220-m depth within the Soudan Iron Mine (Soudan, MN, USA).
Genomic Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae IIEMP-3, a Vitamin B
12
-Producing Strain from Indonesian Tempeh
Authors: Yulandi Adi , Sugiokto Febri Gunawan , Febrilina  , Suwanto Antonius
Published: April 2016

Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain IIEMP-3, isolated from Indonesian tempeh, is a vitamin B
12
-producing strain that exhibited a different genetic profile from pathogenic isolates. Here we report the draft genome sequence of strain IIEMP-3, which may provide insights on the nature of fermentation, nutrition, and immunological function of Indonesian tempeh.
Characterization of the Δ7 Mutant of Cupriavidus metallidurans with Deletions of Seven Secondary Metal Uptake Systems
Authors: Große Cornelia , Herzberg Martin , Schüttau Marcel , Wiesemann Nicole , Hause Gerd , Nies Dietrich H.
Published: April 2016

Bacteria, including pathogenic strains, need to make use of the metal composition and speciation of their environment to fulfill the requirement of the cytoplasmic metal content and composition. This task is performed by the bacterial metal transportome, composed of uptake and efflux systems. Seven interacting secondary metal uptake systems are at the core of the metal transportome in
C. metallidurans
. This publication verifies that posttranscriptional events are responsible for activation of even more, yet-unknown, metal import systems in the 7-fold deletion mutant Δ7. Two P-type ATPases were identified as new members of the metal uptake transportome. This publication demonstrates the complexity of the metal transportome and the regulatory processes involved.
A rare complication resulting in a rare disease: radiation-induced male breast cancer
Authors: Alazhri Jamila , Saclarides Constantine , Avisar Eli
Published: April 2016

The increase in survival after childhood radiation therapy for some blood malignancies has led to an increase in the diagnosis of radiation-induced secondary solid malignancies (SSM). We report a young man presenting with invasive breast cancer 19 years after receiving radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant for acute lymphocytic leukaemia in childhood. This latency period is longer than previously reported. Therefore, survivors of radiation-treated primary cancer should be closely monitored for SSM, including breast cancer, for the rest of their lives.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in changing mountain grassland ecosystems: a challenge for research
Authors: Wahl Anne-Lena , Spiegelberger Thomas
Published: April 2016

Even though arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are present from foothills to all alpine habitats, research on their role in mountain ecosystems remains incomplete. Here we provide a literature review of the ecology and functioning of AMF in mountain ecosystems, as well as their response to global change. We investigated how AM fungal abundance, community composition, and fungal traits are studied under field conditions and are affected by altitude, habitat patchiness, succession, host identity, seasonality, and interaction with other living organisms. The effects of climate change, nutrient enrichment, land-use change, and their interactions are also addressed in this review, as well as the possible applications of AMF for grassland restoration. We show that altitudinal effects on AMF are blurred by other environmental gradients and by host-plant identity. The benefits to plants and possible facilitation effects by AMF in mountain ecosystems have not yet been identified. Based on the stress-gradient hypothesis, the symbiosis between plants and AMF should become more mutualistic with increasing environmental stress. We propose a working hypothesis for the functioning of the AMF–plant interaction along altitudinal gradients by grading it along the mutualism–parasitism continuum, considering current and global climate and environmental change conditions. We conclude by suggesting further research directions.
Expression study of soybean germin-like gene family reveals a role ofGLP7gene in various abiotic stress tolerances
Authors: Li Yongguang , Zhang Dayong , Li Weina , Mallano Ali Inayat , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Tao , Lu Mo , Qin Zhiwei , Li Wenbin
Published: April 2016

Germin-like proteins (GLPs) are ubiquitous plant glycoproteins (belonging to the cupin super family) that play diverse roles, including abiotic stress resistance in many plant species. To identify the molecular functions underlying abiotic stress responses, the expression of germin-like protein encoding genes of soybean GmGLPs was analyzed. qRT-PCR analyses of 21 GmGLPs transcripts abundances were conducted in soybean leave tissues. The results showed that GmGLPs transcripts were highly abundant upon treatments with high salinity, PEG6000, abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl viologen (MV). The peaks of transcript copiousness induced by PEG6000 and NaCl were mostly observed after 18 h, while some genes expressed earlier than 4 h after abiotic stress treatment. A specific GmGLP7 gene, that was highly abundant under salinity, drought, ABA and MV conditions, was further characterized. The ectopic overexpression of GmGLP7 (Glyma.08G226800.1) in transgenic Arabidopsis enhanced drought, salt, and oxidative tolerance and resulted in hypersensitive phenotypes toward ABA-mediated seed germination and primary root elongation, compared to the wild-type. Taken together, these results suggest that GmGLP7 positively confers abiotic tolerance in plants.
Vertical and lateral subsurface preferential flow along an agricultural catena
Authors: Allaire Suzanne E. , Sylvain Claudia , Lange Sébastien F.
Published: April 2016

Despite all efforts, agricultural contaminants remain at alarming concentrations in Quebec surface waters. Preferential flow (PF) of soluble contaminants has been suggested as a contributing factor but has not been specifically studied in the humid climate of eastern Canadian soils. Three tracers were surface applied on plots along a catena on a loamy sand under intensive agricultural production in Beauce, Quebec. Tracer distribution in soil profiles was monitored three times over a 12-month period. At the summit, finger flow rapidly transported tracers into the subsurface. The subsurface preferential lateral flow rapidly brought the tracers downslope. Narrow points of preferential seepage and discharge and underground lateral PF were observed at the footslope. The summit and the backslope of the catena showed strong vertical and lateral subsurface PF, which made their contribution to subsurface tracer movement toward surface water equal to or greater than that of the footslope, in part because of the hydrological connectivity between summit, backslope, and surface water. PF and matrix flow were both significant in all parts of the catena. Therefore, all parts of a catena, even those far from surface water, should be considered when evaluating potential belowground contaminant transport toward surface water.
Oscillation-Driven Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity Allows Multiple Overlapping Pattern Recognition in Inhibitory Interneuron Networks
Authors: Garrido Jesús A. , Luque Niceto R. , Tolu Silvia , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: April 2016

The majority of operations carried out by the brain require learning complex signal patterns for future recognition, retrieval and reuse. Although learning is thought to depend on multiple forms of long-term synaptic plasticity, the way this latter contributes to pattern recognition is still poorly understood. Here, we have used a simple model of afferent excitatory neurons and interneurons with lateral inhibition, reproducing a network topology found in many brain areas from the cerebellum to cortical columns. When endowed with spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) at the excitatory input synapses and at the inhibitory interneuron–interneuron synapses, the interneurons rapidly learned complex input patterns. Interestingly, induction of plasticity required that the network be entrained into theta-frequency band oscillations, setting the internal phase-reference required to drive STDP. Inhibitory plasticity effectively distributed multiple patterns among available interneurons, thus allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple overlapping patterns. The addition of plasticity in intrinsic excitability made the system more robust allowing self-adjustment and rescaling in response to a broad range of input patterns. The combination of plasticity in lateral inhibitory connections and homeostatic mechanisms in the inhibitory interneurons optimized mutual information (MI) transfer. The storage of multiple complex patterns in plastic interneuron networks could be critical for the generation of sparse representations of information in excitatory neuron populations falling under their control.
Alpha-Actinin-4 is a Possible Target Protein for Aristolochic Acid I in Human Kidney CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Xiao-Wei , Wang Xuan , Tan Huan-Ran , Jia Yan , Yang Li , Li Xiao-Mei , Shang Ming-Ying , Xu Feng , Yang Xing-Xin , Shoyama Yukihiro , Cai Shao-Qing
Published: April 2016

Aristolochic acid I (AA-I) is a strong nephrotoxin, carcinogen, and mutagen found in plants such as the Aristolochia species. The mechanisms underlying AA-I toxicity in the kidneys are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the mechanism of AA-I nephrotoxicity by analyzing the uptake, subcellular distribution, and intracellular targets of AA-I in the human kidney cell line HK-2 using immunocytochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and LC-MS/MS. In HK-2 cells incubated with 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL AA-I for different periods of time (up to 12[Formula: see text]h), AA-I was detected by a specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) against AA-I, both in the cytoplasm and nuclei. Nuclear localization depended on the exposure time. A protein with the molecular weight of 100 kDa was immunoprecipitated with the anti-AA-I MAb from the AA-I-treated cell lysates and was identified by LC-MS/MS as [Formula: see text]-actinin-4 after digestion of the protein, and was confirmed by immunoblotting with a specific anti-[Formula: see text]-actinin-4 MAb. This evidence shows, for the first time, that [Formula: see text]-actinin-4 is a protein targeted by AA-I in kidney cells. Our findings strongly suggest an association between [Formula: see text]-actinin-4 and AA-I nephrotoxic activity.
Beneficial Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on Penile Erection in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Li Xiang , Lee Yun Jung , Kim Hye Yoom , Tan Rui , Park Min Cheol , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: April 2016

We have reported that ethanol extracts of the root from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (ESB) relax cavernous smooth muscles via the NO/cGMP system and Ca[Formula: see text]-sensitive K[Formula: see text] channels in the rabbit corpus cavernosum. In the present study, erectile function was assessed by intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The ICP/MAP ratio was dose-dependently increased by the treatment of ESB in normal SD rats ([Formula: see text]). To investigate the beneficial effect of ESB on erectile dysfunction in a diabetic animal model, male SD rats were injected with streptozotocin (60[Formula: see text]mg/kg) and then 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day ESB was administered daily for eight weeks. In our in vivo study, administration of ESB in STZ rats significantly increased the ICP, ICP/MAP ratio, area under the curve (AUC), as well as the cavernous cGMP levels. Morphometric analyses showed that ESB administration increased both smooth muscle volume and the regular arrangement of collagen fibers compared to the STZ group. The protein expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and SM [Formula: see text]-actin from penile tissues were also significantly increased in the ESB-treated rats. Taken together, these results suggest that ESB ameliorates penile erectile dysfunction via the activation of the NO/cGMP pathways of the penile corpus cavernosum in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.