bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orientation relationship of eutectoid FeAl and FeAl2
Authors: Scherf A. , Kauffmann A. , Kauffmann-Weiss S. , Scherer T. , Li X. , Stein F. , Heilmaier M.
Published: February 2016

Fe–Al alloys in the aluminium range of 55–65 at.% exhibit a lamellar microstructure of B2-ordered FeAl and triclinic FeAl2, which is caused by a eutectoid decomposition of the high-temperature Fe5Al8 phase, the so-called ∊ phase. The orientation relationship of FeAl and FeAl2 has previously been studied by Bastin et al. [J. Cryst. Growth (1978), 43, 745] and Hirata et al. [Philos. Mag. Lett. (2008), 88, 491]. Since both results are based on different crystallographic data regarding FeAl2, the data are re-evaluated with respect to a recent re-determination of the FeAl2 phase provided by Chumak et al. [Acta Cryst. (2010), C66, i87]. It is found that both orientation relationships match subsequent to a rotation operation of 180° about a 〈112〉 crystallographic axis of FeAl or by applying the inversion symmetry of the FeAl2 crystal structure as suggested by the Chumak data set. Experimental evidence for the validity of the previously determined orientation relationships was found in as-cast fully lamellar material (random texture) as well as directionally solidified material (∼〈110〉FeAl || solidification direction) by means of orientation imaging microscopy and global texture measurements. In addition, a preferential interface between FeAl and FeAl2 was identified by means of trace analyses using cross sectioning with a focused ion beam. On the basis of these habit planes the orientation relationship between the two phases can be described by ({\overline 1}01)FeAl || (114)_{{\rm FeAl}_2}^{\rm Chumak} and [111]FeAl || [1\overline{1}0]_{{\rm Fe Al}_2}^{\rm Chumak}. There is no evidence for twinning within FeAl lamellae or alternating orientations of FeAl lamellae. Based on the determined orientation and interface data, an atomistic model of the structure relationship of Fe5Al8, FeAl and FeAl2 in the vicinity of the eutectoid decomposition is derived. This model is analysed with respect to the strain which has to be accommodated at the interface of FeAl and FeAl2.
Twin structures in CuO nanowires
Authors: Sheng Huaping , Zheng He , Jia Shuangfeng , Li Lei , Cao Fan , Wu Shujing , Han Wei , Liu Huihui , Zhao Dongshan , Wang Jianbo
Published: February 2016

The structural characteristics of monoclinic CuO nanowires (NWs) fabricated by heating pure Cu in ambient air were investigated by electron microscopy. Besides the single-crystalline NW, four different twinned NWs with twinning planes of (11\bar 1), (002), (110) and {{(20\bar 2)}} have been found. The twin boundaries are generally in parallel with the NW axial direction. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the {{(11\bar 1)}} and (110) twins are reported for the first time in CuO. Moreover, the prevailing existence of {{(11\bar 1)}} and (002) twinned NWs could be closely related to the NW growth as well as the oxidation processes of Cu. The presented results provide a systematic investigation on the twin structures of CuO NWs, which may open up a pathway to explore new potential applications of CuO nanostructures.
Hydrogen Bonds Computing Server (HBCS): an online web server to compute hydrogen-bond interactions and their precision
Authors: Gurusaran M. , Sivaranjan P. , Dinesh Kumar K. S. , Radha P. , Thulaa Tharshan K. P. S. , Satheesh S. N. , Jayanthan K. , Ilaiyaraja R. , Mohanapriya J. , Michael Daliah , Sekar K.
Published: February 2016

Hydrogen bonds in biological macromolecules play significant structural and functional roles. They are the key contributors to most of the interactions without which no living system exists. In view of this, a web-based computing server, the Hydrogen Bonds Computing Server (HBCS), has been developed to compute hydrogen-bond interactions and their standard deviations for any given macromolecular structure. The computing server is connected to a locally maintained Protein Data Bank (PDB) archive. Thus, the user can calculate the above parameters for any deposited structure, and options have also been provided for the user to upload a structure in PDB format from the client machine. In addition, the server has been interfaced with the molecular viewers Jmol and JSmol to visualize the hydrogen-bond interactions. The proposed server is freely available and accessible via the World Wide Web at http://bioserver1.physics.iisc.ernet.in/hbcs/.
Bis(benzyltrimethylammonium) bis[(4SR,12SR,18RS,26RS)-4,18,26-trihydroxy-12-oxido-13,17-dioxaheptacyclo[14.10.0.03,14.04,12.06,11.018,26.019,24]hexacosa-1,3(14),6,8,10,15,19,21,23-nonaene-5,25-dione] sesquihydrate: dimeric structure formationvia[O—H—O]−negative charge-assisted hydrogen bonds (–CAHB)with benzyltrimethylammonium counter-ions
Authors: Bengiat Ravell , Gil Maayan , Klein Asne , Bogoslavsky Benny , Cohen Shmuel , Almog Joseph
Published: February 2016

The reaction between bis-ninhydrin resorcinol and benzyltrimethylammonium fluoride in ethanol has produced the title compound, 2C10H16N+·2C24H13O8−·1.5H2O, which contains a unique centrosymmetric supramolecular dimeric entity, where two deprotonated ligands are held togetherviatwo strong and short [O...O = 2.4395 (13) Å] [O—H—O]−bonds of the typenegative charge-assisted hydrogen bonds (–CAHB). The central aromatic rings of the ligands create parallel-displaced π–π stacking at an interplanar distance of 3.381 (1) Å, which helps stabilize the dimer. In the crystal, two symmetry-related solvent water molecules with a site occupancy of 0.75 are attached to the carbonyl groups of the dimer by weaker O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [101].
A framework to study vendors’ contribution in a client vendor relationship in information technology service outsourcing in India
Authors: Jain Daisy Mathur , Khurana Reema
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The information technology (IT) industry has been continuously expanding. This has resulted in promoting outsourcing of work by clients to vendors. Most of the published research has focussed on when clients should start outsourcing, what to outsource, criteria for vendor selection, etc., however the vendor side of the relationship has been mostly ignored. The purpose of this paper is to delve deep into the vendors’ side and what aspects a vendor needs to consider in order to maintain a good relationship with the clients.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design of the paper is to use literature survey to define the components of the client vendor relationship (CVR), identify the parameters impacting the relationship, establish correlation between the independent variables and the dependent variable; subsequently to propose a framework for the CVR.

Findings

– The findings have been that – communication, technical value addition, knowledge sharing and client vendor adaptability are vital to any outsourcing engagement and if the vendor is able to get good knowledge transfer of the application at hand and the business domain, it can perform better. Vendors, which proactively resolve issues, ensure stable deliveries before time and identify improvements in the software outside the work assigned maintain better relationship. Further a vendor must be adaptable to clients, cultural, time zone differences, should provide a good project manager and be ready to change tools, resources as per client needs. As long as the vendor is able to ensure the above, the stability of the client country and need for information security is not as important to vendors.

Research limitations/implications

– The study has limitations as it focusses on the vendors’ side and is inclined toward Indian vendors’ perspectives. Future research can include client as well and can be conducted for a different geography.

Originality/value

– The research work is original and adds value to the IT service outsourcing industry by identifying the parameters which need to be monitored for a sustainable CVR.
Development and implementation of product sustainment simulator utilizing fuzzy cognitive map (FCM)
Authors: Uzochukwu Benedict M. , Udoka Silvanus J. , Balogun Femi
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Managing product life cycle data is important for achieving design excellence, product continued operational performance, customer satisfaction and sustainment. As a result, it is important to develop a sustainment simulator to transform life cycle data into actionable design metrics. Currently, there is apparent lack of technologies and tools to synthesize product life time data. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of how a product sustainment simulator was developed using fuzzy cognitive map (FCM). As a proof of concept, and to demonstrate the utility of the simulator, an implementation example utilizing product life time data as input was demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sustainment simulator was developed using visual basic. The simulation experiment was accomplished using a FCM. The Statistical Analytical Software tool was used to run structural equation model programs that provided the initial input into the FCM and the simulator. Product life data were used as input to the simulator.

Findings

– There is an apparent lack of technologies and tools to synthesize product life time data. This constitutes an impediment to designing the next generation of sustainable products. Modern tools, technologies and techniques must be used if the goal of removing product design and sustainment disablers is to be achieved. Product sustainment can, therefore, be achieved using the simulator.

Research limitations/implications

– The sustainment simulator is a tool that demonstrates in a practical way how a product life time generated data can be transformed into actionable design parameters. This paper includes analysis of a sample generated using random numbers. The lack of actual data set is primarily due to reluctance of organizations to avail the public of actual product life time data. However, this paper provides a good demonstration of how product life time data can be transformed to ensure product sustainment.

Practical implications

– The technique used in this research paper would be very useful to product designers, engineers and research and development teams in developing data manipulation tools to improve product operational and sustainable life cycle performance. Sustainment conscious organizations will, no doubt, benefit from a strong comparative and competitive advantage over rivals.

Originality/value

– Utilizing the simulator to transform product life time data into actionable design metrics through the help of an efficient decision support tool like the FCM constitutes a step in supporting product life cycle management. The outcome of this paper alerts product designers on parameters which should be taken into account when designing a new generation of a given product(s).
New drivers and challenges in a multi-polar world
Authors: Caiazza Rosa
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore current trends in multi-polar world with the aim of assessing new drivers and challenges in cross-border M & A.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study analysis of cross-border M & A is described and discussed.

Findings

– The paper indicates strategic motivations and implementation challenges of cross-border M & A under current pressures of a world characterized by multiple centers of economic power.

Originality/value

– This paper evidence new direction in cross-border M & A research for reinterpreting existing paradigms and developing new ones.
Viscous Dissipation Effect on Streamwise Entropy Generation of Nanofluid Flow in Microchannel Heat Sinks
Authors: Wei Ting Tiew , Mun Hung Yew , Guo Ningqun
Published: February 2016

The effects of viscous dissipation on the entropy generation of water–alumina nanofluid convection in circular microchannels subjected to exponential wall heat flux are investigated. Closed-form solutions of the temperature distributions in the streamwise direction are obtained for the models with and without viscous dissipation term in the energy equation. The two models are compared by analyzing their relative deviations in entropy generation for different Reynolds numbers and nanoparticle volume fractions. The incorporation of viscous dissipation prominently affects the temperature distribution and consequently the entropy generation. When the viscous dissipation effect is neglected, the total entropy generation and the fluid friction irreversibility are nearly twofold overrated while the heat transfer irreversibility is underestimated significantly. By considering the viscous dissipation effect, the exergetic effectiveness for forced convection of nanofluid in microchannels attenuates with the increasing nanoparticle volume fraction and nanoparticle diameter. The increase in the entropy generation of nanofluid is mainly attributed to the intensification of fluid friction irreversibility. From the aspect of the second-law of thermodynamics, the widespread conjecture that nanofluids possess advantage over pure fluid associated with higher overall effectiveness is invalidated.
Polytope Sector-Based Synthesis and Analysis of Microstructural Architectures With Tunable Thermal Conductivity and Expansion
Authors: Hopkins Jonathan B. , Song Yuanping , Lee Howon , Fang Nicholas X. , Spadaccini Christopher M.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this paper is to (1) introduce an approach, called polytope sector-based synthesis (PSS), for synthesizing 2D or 3D microstructural architectures that exhibit a desired bulk-property directionality (e.g., isotropic, cubic, orthotropic, etc.), and (2) provide general analytical methods that can be used to rapidly optimize the geometric parameters of these architectures such that they achieve a desired combination of bulk thermal conductivity and thermal expansion properties. Although the methods introduced can be applied to general beam-based microstructural architectures, we demonstrate their utility in the context of an architecture that can be tuned to achieve a large range of extreme thermal expansion coefficients—positive, zero, and negative. The material-property-combination region that can be achieved by this architecture is determined within an Ashby-material-property plot of thermal expansion versus thermal conductivity using the analytical methods introduced. These methods are verified using finite-element analysis (FEA) and both 2D and 3D versions of the design have been fabricated using projection microstereolithography.
Composition and surface deformation variance in highly strained InxGa1−xSb structures on (100) GaSb
Authors: Wolenski Connor , Zhang Weinan , Meyer Charles , Triplett Gregory , Cole Nicholas
Published: February 2016

InxGa1−xSb is a ternary semiconductor material that offers excellent electronic properties as well as a widely tunable bandgap range (1.7–7.3 μm). However, because of the potentially large lattice mismatch between InxGa1−xSb and GaSb (up to ∼6%), it is inherently difficult to produce large area, high-quality, defect-free InxGa1−xSb epilayers. Studying crystal deformation processes that ultimately enable gliding dislocations in InxGa1−xSb epilayers, as well as the morphologies that result from these processes, is critical for controlling quantum properties in InxGa1−xSb devices. In this study, InxGa1−xSb nanostructures were produced by a solid-source molecular beam epitaxy on undoped GaSb (100) substrates and were examined using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and (micro) Raman spectroscopy. Characterization data demonstrates that with increasing lattice mismatch (compressive strain), there are two distinct regions across the sample, specifically along the 〈110〉 dislocation direction: those with and without epilayer strain. Both regions can be exploited and exhibit high-quality single crystal material, but the strained regions also consist of a wetting layer, strained alloys, and clusters. Epilayer strain, lateral compositional gradients, and biaxial stress were analyzed as a function of Raman shift in these layers and revealed dependencies on the influence of dislocation slip planes.
Mystery solved: Trehalose kickstarts autophagy by blocking glucose transport
Authors: Mardones Pablo , Rubinsztein David C. , Hetz Claudio
Published: February 2016

Trehalose may be a silver bullet in the therapeutic arsenal against proteostasis and metabolic disorders.
Differential
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Toxicities of Antimicrobial Peptide Prodrugs for Potential Use in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Forde Éanna , Schütte André , Reeves Emer , Greene Catherine , Humphreys Hilary , Mall Marcus , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre , Devocelle Marc
Published: February 2016

There has been considerable interest in the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as antimicrobial agents for the treatment of many conditions, including cystic fibrosis (CF). The challenging conditions of the CF patient lung require robust AMPs that are active in an environment of high proteolytic activity but that also have low cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Previously, we developed prodrugs of AMPs that limited the cytotoxic effects of AMP treatment by rendering the antimicrobial activity dependent on the host enzyme neutrophil elastase (NE). However, cytotoxicity remained an issue. Here, we describe the further optimization of the AMP prodrug (pro-AMP) model for CF to produce pro-WMR, a peptide with greatly reduced cytotoxicity (50% inhibitory concentration against CFBE41o- cells, >300 μM) compared to that of the previous group of pro-AMPs. The bactericidal activity of pro-WMR was increased in NE-rich bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from CF patients (range, 8.4% ± 6.9% alone to 91.5% ± 5.8% with BAL fluid;
P
= 0.0004), an activity differential greater than that of previous pro-AMPs. In a murine model of lung delivery, the pro-AMP modification reduced host toxicity, with pro-WMR being less toxic than the active peptide. Previously, host toxicity issues have hampered the clinical application of AMPs. However, the development of application-specific AMPs with modifications that minimize toxicity similar to those described here can significantly advance their potential use in patients. The combination of this prodrug strategy with a highly active AMP has the potential to produce new therapeutics for the challenging conditions of the CF patient lung.
The Central Hinge Link Truncation of the Antimicrobial Peptide Fowlicidin-3 Enhances Its Cell Selectivity without Antibacterial Activity Loss
Authors: Qu Pei , Gao Wei , Chen Huixian , Li Dan , Yang Na , Zhu Jian , Feng Xingjun , Liu Chunlong , Li Zhongqiu
Published: February 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been paid considerable attention because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and a reduced possibility of the development of bacterial drug resistance. Fowlicidin-3 (Fow-3) is an identified type of chicken cathelicidin AMP that has exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. To reduce cell toxicity and improve cell selectivity, several truncated peptides of fowlicidin-3, Fow-3(1-15), Fow-3(1-19), Fow-3(1-15-20-27), and Fow-3(20-27), were synthesized. Our results indicated that neither the N- nor C-terminal segment alone [Fow-3(1-15), Fow-3(1-19), Fow-3(20-27)] was sufficient to confer antibacterial activity. However, Fow-3(1-19) with the inclusion of the central hinge link (-AGIN-) retained substantial cell toxicity, which other analogs lost. Fow-3(1-15-20-27) displayed potent antimicrobial activity for a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and no obvious hemolytic activity or cytotoxicity. The central link region was shown to be critically important in the function of cell toxicity but was not relevant to antibacterial activity. Fow-3(1-15-20-27) maintained antibacterial activity in the presence of physiological concentrations of salts. The results from fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microcopy, and transmission electron microcopy showed that Fow-3(1-15-20-27) as well as fowlicidin-3 killed bacterial cells by increasing membrane permeability and damaging the membrane envelope integrity. Fow-3(1-15-20-27) could be a promising antimicrobial agent for clinical application.
Model-Based Phase 3 Dose Selection for HIV-1 Attachment Inhibitor Prodrug BMS-663068 in HIV-1-Infected Patients: Population Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of the Active Moiety, BMS-626529
Authors: Landry Ishani , Zhu Li , Abu Tarif Malaz , Hruska Matthew , Sadler Brian M. , Pitsiu Maria , Joshi Samit , Hanna George J. , Lataillade Max , Boulton David W. , Bertz Richard J.
Published: February 2016

BMS-663068 is an oral prodrug of the HIV-1 attachment inhibitor BMS-626529, which prevents viral attachment to host CD4
+
T cells by binding to HIV-1 gp120. To guide dose selection for the phase 3 program, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling was performed using data from two phase 2 studies with HIV-1-infected subjects (
n
= 244). BMS-626529 population pharmacokinetics were described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination from the central compartment, zero-order release of prodrug from the extended-release formulation into a hypothetical absorption compartment, and first-order absorption into the central compartment. The covariates of BMS-663068 formulation type, lean body mass, baseline CD8
+
T-cell percentage, and ritonavir coadministration were found to be significant contributors to intersubject variability. Exposure-response analyses showed a relationship between the log

e

-transformed concentration at the end of a dosing interval (
C
tau
) normalized for the protein binding-adjusted BMS-626529 half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (PBAIC
50
) and the change in the HIV-1 RNA level from the baseline level after 7 days of BMS-663068 monotherapy. The probability of achieving a decline in HIV-1 RNA level of >0.5 or >1.0 log
10
copies/ml as a function of the log

e

-transformed PBAIC
50
-adjusted
C
tau
after 7 days of monotherapy was 99 to 100% and 57 to 73%, respectively, for proposed BMS-663068 doses of 400 mg twice daily (BID), 600 mg BID (not studied in the phase 2b study), 800 mg BID, 600 mg once daily (QD), and 1,200 mg QD. On the basis of a slight advantage in efficacy of BID dosing over QD dosing, similar responses for the 600- and 800-mg BID doses, and prior clinical observations, BMS-663068 at 600 mg BID was predicted to have the optimal benefit-risk profile and selected for further clinical investigation. (The phase 2a proof-of-concept study AI438006 and the phase 2b study AI438011 are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under numbers NCT01009814 and NCT01384734, respectively.)
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of pKOI-34, an IncL/M Plasmid Carrying
bla
IMP-34
in Klebsiella oxytoca Isolated in Japan
Authors: Shimada Norimitsu , Kayama Shizuo , Shigemoto Norifumi , Hisatsune Junzo , Kuwahara Ryuichi , Nishio Hisaaki , Yamasaki Katsutoshi , Wada Yasunao , Sueda Taijiro , Ohge Hiroki , Sugai Motoyuki
Published: February 2016

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a self-transmissible IncL/M plasmid, pKOI-34, from a
Klebsiella oxytoca
isolate. pKOI-34 possessed the core structure of an IncL/M plasmid found in
Erwinia amylovora
, pEL60, with two mobile elements inserted, a transposon carrying the arsenic resistance operon and a Tn
21
-like core module (
tnp
and
mer
modules) piggybacking
bla
IMP-34
as a class 1 integron, In
808
, where
bla
IMP-34
confers a resistance to carbapenems in
K. oxytoca
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Its Bacterial Components Influence the Cytokine Response in Thymocytes and Splenocytes
Authors: Weber Andreas , Zimmermann Corinna , Mausberg Anne K. , Dehmel Thomas , Kieseier Bernd C. , Hartung Hans-Peter , Hofstetter Harald H.
Published: February 2016

Infections with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
may cause many different diseases. The spectrum of such infections in general includes inflammation and bacterial sepsis. Hospital-acquired pneumonia, naturally resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, is associated with a particularly high mortality rate in mechanically ventilated patients. The pathogenesis of
P. aeruginosa
is complex and mediated by several virulence factors, as well as cell-associated factors. We have previously demonstrated that stimulation with different bacteria triggers the cytokine response of thymocytes. In this study, we investigated the effect of
P. aeruginosa
and its different components on the cytokine production of immature and mature immune cells. We found that the induced cytokine pattern in the thymus and the spleen after infections with
P. aeruginosa
is primarily mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the outer cell membrane, but other components of the bacterium can influence the cytokine secretion as well. Stimulation with heat-killed
P. aeruginosa
and LPS does not influence the amount of cytokine-producing CD4
+
T cells but instead suppresses the emergence of Th17 cells. However, stimulation with
P. aeruginosa
or its components triggers the interleukin-17 (IL-17) response both in thymocytes and in splenocytes. We conclude that infections with
P. aeruginosa
affect the cytokine secretion of immature and mature cells and that IL-17 and Th17 cells play only a minor role in the development of pathological systemic inflammatory disease conditions during
P. aeruginosa
infections. Therefore, other inflammatory immune responses must be responsible for septic reactions of the host.
Linocin and OmpW Are Involved in Attachment of the Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Pathogen Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Lung Epithelial Cells and Protect Mice against Infection
Authors: McClean Siobhán , Healy Marc E. , Collins Cassandra , Carberry Stephen , O'Shaughnessy Luke , Dennehy Ruth , Adams Áine , Kennelly Helen , Corbett Jennifer M. , Carty Fiona , Cahill Laura A. , Callaghan Máire , English Karen , Mahon Bernard P. , Doyle Sean , Shinoy Minu
Published: February 2016

Members of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) cause chronic opportunistic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), resulting in a gradual lung function decline and, ultimately, patient death. The Bcc is a complex of 20 species and is rarely eradicated once a patient is colonized; therefore, vaccination may represent a better therapeutic option. We developed a new proteomics approach to identify bacterial proteins that are involved in the attachment of Bcc bacteria to lung epithelial cells. Fourteen proteins were reproducibly identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis from four Bcc strains representative of two Bcc species:
Burkholderia cenocepacia
, the most virulent, and
B. multivorans
, the most frequently acquired. Seven proteins were identified in both species, but only two were common to all four strains, linocin and OmpW. Both proteins were selected based on previously reported data on these proteins in other species.
Escherichia coli
strains expressing recombinant linocin and OmpW showed enhanced attachment (4.2- and 3.9-fold) to lung cells compared to the control, confirming that both proteins are involved in host cell attachment. Immunoproteomic analysis using serum from Bcc-colonized CF patients confirmed that both proteins elicit potent humoral responses
in vivo
. Mice immunized with either recombinant linocin or OmpW were protected from
B. cenocepacia
and
B. multivorans
challenge. Both antigens induced potent antigen-specific antibody responses and stimulated strong cytokine responses. In conclusion, our approach identified adhesins that induced excellent protection against two Bcc species and are promising vaccine candidates for a multisubunit vaccine. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of our proteomics approach to identify potent antigens against other difficult pathogens.
Profoundly Reduced CD1c
+
Myeloid Dendritic Cell HLA-DR and CD86 Expression and Increased Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in Experimental Human Blood-Stage Malaria Infection
Authors: Loughland Jessica R. , Minigo Gabriela , Burel Julie , Tipping Peta E. , Piera Kim A. , Amante Fiona H. , Engwerda Christian R. , Good Michael F. , Doolan Denise L. , Anstey Nicholas M. , McCarthy James S. , Woodberry Tonia
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinels of the immune system that uniquely prime naive cells and initiate adaptive immune responses. CD1c (BDCA-1) myeloid DCs (CD1c
+
mDCs) highly express HLA-DR, have a broad Toll-like receptor (TLR) repertoire, and secrete immune modulatory cytokines. To better understand immune responses to malaria, CD1c
+
mDC maturation and cytokine production were examined in healthy volunteers before and after experimental intravenous
Plasmodium falciparum
infection with 150- or 1,800-parasite-infected red blood cells (pRBCs). After either dose, CD1c
+
mDCs significantly reduced HLA-DR expression in prepatent infections. Circulating CD1c
+
mDCs did not upregulate HLA-DR after pRBC or TLR ligand stimulation and exhibited reduced CD86 expression. At peak parasitemia, CD1c
+
mDCs produced significantly more tumor necrosis factor (TNF), whereas interleukin-12 (IL-12) production was unchanged. Interestingly, only the 1,800-pRBC dose caused a reduction in the circulating CD1c
+
mDC count with evidence of apoptosis. The 1,800-pRBC dose produced no change in T cell IFN-γ or IL-2 production at peak parasitemia or at 3 weeks posttreatment. Overall, CD1c
+
mDCs are compromised by
P. falciparum
exposure, with impaired HLA-DR and CD86 expression, and have an increased capacity for TNF but not IL-12 production. A first prepatent
P. falciparum
infection is sufficient to modulate CD1c
+
mDC responsiveness, likely contributing to hampered effector T cell cytokine responses and assisting parasite immune evasion.
Rare case of bilateral perforated corneal ulcer due to gonococcal infection, managed with temporary periosteal graft
Authors: Samira Nuriadara , Puspitasari Bani Anna , Susiyanti Made
Published: February 2016

A 17-year-old female patient was referred to Kirana Ophthalmology Unit, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, with a 10-day history of redness and swelling of the eyes, and inability to open them. Other symptoms included pain, blurred vision and excessive yellowish-white discharge from both eyes. There was a history of multiple sexual partners. The patient was assessed with bilateral perforated corneal ulcer due to gonococcal infection, based on the findings of intracellular and extracellular Gram-negative diplococci found on the Gram staining examination. The cornea in both eyes showed perforation with iris prolapse inferiorly. The perforations were treated with temporary periosteal grafts. The grafts remained in place after the surgery. Final uncorrected visual acuity was 6/20 in the right eye and 6/24 in the left eye, a few months after surgery.
Unilateral giant peripapillary drusen and retinal drusenoid deposits in a case of X-linked retinoschisis
Authors: Tripathy Koushik , Chawla Rohan , Meena Seema , Agarwal Pulak
Published: February 2016

A 25-year-old man with X-linked retinoschisis presented with multiple giant optic nerve head drusen and multiple retinal drusenoid deposits in one eye. There was an area of coarse pigmentation in the lower half of the retina, with convex upper borders extending on either side of the optic disc, suggestive of a spontaneously resolved retinal detachment. The possible aetiopathogenesis of such occurrence is discussed.
Impact on smoking of England's 2012 partial tobacco point of sale display ban: a repeated cross-sectional national study
Authors: Kuipers Mirte A G , Beard Emma , Hitchman Sara C , Brown Jamie , Stronks Karien , Kunst Anton E , McNeill Ann , West Robert
Published: February 2016

Background

A partial tobacco point of sale (PoS) display ban was introduced in large shops (>280 m2floor area) in England on 6 April 2012. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term effects of the partial tobacco PoS display ban on smoking in England.

Methods

Data were used from 129 957 respondents participating in monthly, cross-sectional household surveys of representative samples of the English adult population aged 18+ years from January 2009 to February 2015. Interrupted-time series regression models assessed step changes in the level of current smoking and cigarette consumption in smokers and changes in the trends postban compared with preban. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic variables and e-cigarette use, seasonality and autocorrelation. Potential confounding by cigarette price was accounted for by time, as price was almost perfectly correlated with time.

Results

Following the display ban, there was no immediate step level change in smoking (−3.69% change, 95% CI −7.94 to 0.75, p=0.102) or in cigarette consumption (β −0.183, 95% CI −0.602 to 0.236). There was a significantly steeper decline in smoking post display ban (−0.46% change, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.20, p=0.001). This effect was demonstrated by respondents in manual occupations (−0.62% change, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.20, p=0.001), but not for those in non-manual occupations (−0.42, 95% CI −0.90 to 0.06, p=0.084). Cigarette consumption declined preban period (β −0.486, 95% CI −0.633 to −0.339, p<0.001), but no significant change in cigarette consumption trend was observed (β 0.019, 95% CI −0.006 to 0.042, p=0.131).

Conclusions

The partial tobacco PoS display ban introduced in England in April 2012 did not lead to an immediate decline in smoking, but was followed by a decline in the trend of smoking prevalence that could not be accounted for by seasonal factors, e-cigarette use or price changes.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation in coastal sage scrub restoration
Authors: Aprahamian Amanda M. , Lulow Megan E. , Major Matthew R. , Balazs Kathleen R. , Treseder Kathleen K. , Maltz Mia R.
Published: February 2016

We tested the hypothesis that field applications of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inocula would increase root colonization and plant performance in a coastal sage scrub (CSS) restoration project in Southern California. We applied commercial or native inocula (from nearby reference shrublands) as we seeded plots with native shrubs, forbs, and grasses. A control treatment was seeded but received no inocula. After 6 months, AM root colonization did not differ significantly among treatments. Likewise, neither inoculum type significantly altered shoot biomass of native shrubs and forbs at 6 months, or density of adult and seedling shrubs at 10 months. Notably, shoot height at 10 months was shorter in plots treated with commercial inoculum compared with the controls. In addition, flower and flower bud production by Salvia columbariae did not significantly respond to either inoculum type. Altogether, we found no evidence that AM inoculation improved restoration success in our CSS system.
Foliar colleters in Anacardiaceae: first report for the family
Authors: Lacchia Ana Paula Stechhahn , Tölke Elisabeth E.A. Dantas , Carmello-Guerreiro Sandra M. , Ascensão Lia , Demarco Diego
Published: February 2016

Colleters are secretory structures widely distributed in eudicots and with taxonomic value in many families. Although glandular trichomes have been described in some Anacardiaceae species, the chemical characterization of their secretions is scarce and to date there are no reports on colleters. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the distribution and structure of colleters on the vegetative buds of Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil., Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl., Spondias dulcis Parkinson, and Tapirira guianensis Aubl., and to characterize their secretory products histochemically. In all of these Anacardiaceae species, colleters are multicellular and multiseriate ovoid or club-shaped glandular trichomes of protodermic origin, present on both surfaces of leaf primordia. They reach the secretory phase at early stages of leaf development, after which they gradually degenerate, become brown, and fall off. Histochemical tests indicate that the secretion within the glandular cells and outside the trichomes is a complex mixture containing mucilage, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, which are secretory products that can play an important role in the protection of meristems against desiccation and attack by pathogens. Therefore, the distribution of these glandular trichomes, their short-life, the chemical nature of their secretions and their presumed functions support their being classified as colleters.
Growth release of stunted black spruce (Picea mariana) in Kalmia heath: the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi and near-ground microclimate
Authors: St. Martin Philippe , Mallik Azim U.
Published: February 2016

Naturally regenerating and planted black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) in post-fire landscapes in eastern Canada often exhibit stunted growth in the presence of ericaceous shrubs such as Kalmia angustifolia L. After a period of stunted growth, some seedlings experience a growth release, exhibiting growth rates closer to normally growing seedlings. We hypothesized that an increase in colonization of root tips by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi is responsible for this release and that the percentage of root tips colonized by ECM fungi would be higher on seedlings that had a released or normally growing neighbour within close proximity. We quantified ECM fungi diversity and abundance from 255 soil cores from stunted, released, and normally growing black spruce seedlings sampled in two Kalmia-dominated sites in Newfoundland. Growth and microsite characteristics around each seedling were also measured. We found that normal and released seedlings had significantly higher proportions of ECM fungi root tips than stunted seedlings, supporting our final hypothesis; however, there was no significant difference in distance between neighbours. Soil chemical properties are thought to inhibit the vegetative spread of ECM fungi species in this particular system and are identified as an important topic for further research.
Halosulfuron tankmixes applied preplant incorporated for weed control in white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Li Zhenyi , Acker Rene Van , Robinson Darren E. , Soltani Nader , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: February 2016

Six field experiments were conducted over a two-year period (2013 and 2014) to evaluate the tolerance of white bean and spectrum of weeds controlled with halosulfuron applied preplant incorporated (PPI) alone or tankmixed with trifluralin, pendimethalin, EPTC, dimethenamid-P, or S-metolachlor. Halosulfuron applied alone or in tankmix with trifluralin, pendimethalin, EPTC, dimethenamid-P, or S-metolachlor caused 2% or less visible injury 1 and 4 weeks after emergence (WAE). Halosulfuron applied PPI controlled common lamb's-quarters, wild mustard, redroot pigweed, and common ragweed greater than 90% and green foxtail less than 60% 4 and 8 WAE. Weed biomass and density followed a similar pattern. White bean yield with halosulfuron applied alone or in tankmix with the same herbicides was equivalent to the weed-free control.
Sweet potato production in a short-season area utilizing black plastic mulch: effects of cultivar, in-row plant spacing, and harvest date on yield parameters
Authors: Wees David , Seguin Philippe , Boisclair Josée
Published: February 2016

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) requires a long, hot growing season to attain good yields. In a cool climate, the use of black plastic mulch to heat the soil can improve growth but cultivars, plant spacing, and harvest date must be carefully selected to optimize yields and to attain market quality standards. In this two-year study in Quebec, Canada, two sweet potato cultivars (‘Georgia Jet’ and ‘Beauregard’) were grown at four in-row spacings (15, 30, 45, and 60 cm) and harvested at three dates (mid September, late September, and early October). Cumulative growing degree-days (GDD) with base temperatures of 10°C and 15.5°C were calculated for each harvest date. ‘Georgia Jet’ had higher total and marketable yields than ‘Beauregard’. In-row spacing had no effect on yields per hectare of ‘Beauregard’ and only affected ‘Georgia Jet’ in one year of the study. Average root weight of sweet potatoes, yields per plant, and number of roots per plant increased with wider spacing. Delaying harvest by one or two weeks had little effect on ‘Beauregard’ but increased yields of ‘Georgia Jet’. GDD may be a useful predictor of optimum harvest date but a lower base temperature used to calculate GDD may be desirable with ‘Georgia Jet’ as its yields continued to increase even when growing under cool conditions of late September and early October.
Dynamic route guidance strategy in a two-route pedestrian-vehicle mixed traffic flow system
Authors: Liu Mianfang , Xiong Shengwu , Li Bixiang
Published: February 2016

With the rapid development of transportation, traffic questions have become the major issue for social, economic and environmental aspects. Especially, during serious emergencies, it is very important to alleviate road traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of evacuation to reduce casualties, and addressing these problems has been a major task for the agencies responsible in recent decades. Advanced road guidance strategies have been developed for homogeneous traffic flows, or to reduce traffic congestion and enhance the road capacity in a symmetric two-route scenario. However, feedback strategies have rarely been considered for pedestrian-vehicle mixed traffic flows with variable velocities and sizes in an asymmetric multi-route traffic system, which is a common phenomenon in many developing countries. In this study, we propose a weighted road occupancy feedback strategy (WROFS) for pedestrian-vehicle mixed traffic flows, which considers the system equilibrium to ease traffic congestion. In order to more realistic simulating the behavior of mixed traffic objects, the paper adopted a refined and dynamic cellular automaton model (RDPV_CA model) as the update mechanism for pedestrian-vehicle mixed traffic flow. Moreover, a bounded rational threshold control was introduced into the feedback strategy to avoid some negative effect of delayed information and reduce. Based on comparisons with the two previously proposed strategies, the simulation results obtained in a pedestrian-vehicle traffic flow scenario demonstrated that the proposed strategy with a bounded rational threshold was more effective and system equilibrium, system stability were reached.
An Evolutionary Algorithm Using Parameter Space Searching for Interval Linear Fractional Bilevel Programming Problems
Authors: Li Hecheng , Wang Zhicang
Published: February 2016

Interval programming is one of main approaches treating imprecise and uncertain elements involved in optimization problems. In this paper, an interval linear fractional bilevel program is considered, which is characterized in that both objective coefficients and the right-hand side vector are interval numbers, and an evolutionary algorithm (EA) is proposed to solve the problem. First, the interval parameter space of the follower’s problem is taken as the search space of the proposed EA. For each individual, one can evaluate it by dealing with a simplified interval bilevel program in which only the leader’s objective involves interval parameters. In addition, the optimality conditions of linear fractional programs are applied to convert and solve the simplified problem. Finally, some computational examples were solved and the results show that the proposed algorithm is efficient and robust.
A Markov System Dynamics Approach for Repairable Systems Reliability Modeling
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Meesala , Naikan V. N. A.
Published: February 2016

The study and analysis of repairable systems is an important topic in reliability. Analytical techniques become very complicated and unrealistic especially for modern complex systems. There have been attempts in the literature to evolve more realistic techniques using simulation approach for reliability analysis of systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel Markov system dynamics (MSD) simulation framework for the reliability modeling and analysis of a repairable system. This paper proposes a hybrid approach called as MSD approach which combines the Markov approach with system dynamics simulation approach for reliability modeling. This approach will have the advantages of both Markov as well as system dynamics methodologies. The proposed framework is illustrated for a repairable two component system. The results of the simulation obtained in this work when compared with that obtained by traditional Markov analysis clearly validate that this novel MSD approach is an alternative approach for reliability modeling and analysis.
A REVIEW OF ECG-BASED DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Authors: FAUST OLIVER , ACHARYA U. RAJENDRA , NG E. Y. K. , FUJITA HAMIDO
Published: February 2016

Humans need sleep. It is important for physical and psychological recreation. During sleep our consciousness is suspended or least altered. Hence, our ability to avoid or react to disturbances is reduced. These disturbances can come from external sources or from disorders within the body. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is such a disorder. It is caused by obstruction of the upper airways which causes periods where the breathing ceases. In many cases, periods of reduced breathing, known as hypopnea, precede OSA events. The medical background of OSA is well understood, but the traditional diagnosis is expensive, as it requires sophisticated measurements and human interpretation of potentially large amounts of physiological data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements have the potential to reduce the cost of OSA diagnosis by simplifying the measurement process. On the down side, detecting OSA events based on ECG data is a complex task which requires highly skilled practitioners. Computer algorithms can help to detect the subtle signal changes which indicate the presence of a disorder. That approach has the following advantages: computers never tire, processing resources are economical and progress, in the form of better algorithms, can be easily disseminated as updates over the internet. Furthermore, Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) reduces intra- and inter-observer variability. In this review, we adopt and support the position that computer based ECG signal interpretation is able to diagnose OSA with a high degree of accuracy.
The geometry of branch lines
Authors: Yielding Graham
Published: February 2016

A branch line is the line of intersection between two hard-linked fault planes, or between two parts of a single fault plane of more complex geometry. Of interest is whether they provide any information about the kinematic development of the fault system to which they belong. Analysis of branch lines from a variety of normal fault networks, interpreted on seismic reflection datasets, shows that the branch lines are generally aligned parallel to the extension direction. This relationship is shown to be a feature of polymodal (orthorhombic) fault systems produced by three-dimensional strain. Branch lines between bimodal faults (conjugate, with opposing dip) tend to be perpendicular to the slip direction.
A Novel Approach of Equivalence Class Partitioning for Numerical Input
Authors: Nautiyal Lata , Preeti
Published: February 2016

Software testing is an indispensible phase of software development that supports not only productivity but also quality assurance from small to large scale software products. Software Systems essentially need an effective way to develop a strategy for testing various aspects of the system. When we are testing software the first and potentially most critical step is to design test cases. There are many methods which assist test case design. This paper will document the approach known as Equivalence class partitioning. We have partitioned the input into two classes Even and Odd. The proposed approach works for integer inputs only. Partitioning is done on basis of assessment of input conditions that serves as a set of valid as well as invalid set of input values for a test case