bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy eating for 1–3 year‐olds: A food‐based guide
Authors: Benelam B. , Gibson‐Moore H. , Stanner S.
Published: March 2015

The UK's eatwell plate is a visual representation of the types and proportions of foods needed for a healthy, balanced diet. The Department of Health states that it can be gradually applied from the age of 2 years and applied in full from 5 years. However, there are currently no widely available specific food‐based models for 1–3 year‐olds (toddlers). The British Nutrition Foundation, with advice from an expert group, reviewed current dietary guidelines in the UK for 1–3 year‐olds in order to develop a visual food‐based resource depicting the main messages around healthy eating for toddlers. This article provides a summary of the development of this resource, which was produced to help parents, carers, health professionals and early years providers to understand and communicate the basics of healthy eating for this age group and consider other issues such as suitable snacking, healthy hydration, suitable portion sizes and advice regarding supplementation. It is hoped that this resource will help toddlers to establish good dietary habits that will persist into later life.
Inferential Justification and the Transparency of Belief
Authors: James Barnett David
Published: March 2015

This paper critically examines currently influential transparency accounts of our knowledge of our own beliefs that say that self‐ascriptions of belief typically are arrived at by “looking outward” onto the world. For example, one version of the transparency account says that one self‐ascribes beliefs via an inference from a premise to the conclusion that one believes that premise. This rule of inference reliably yields accurate self‐ascriptions because you cannot infer a conclusion from a premise without believing the premise, and so you cannot infer from a premise that you believe the premise unless you do believe it. I argue that this procedure cannot be a source of justification, however, because one can be justified in inferring from p that q only if p amounts to strong evidence that q is true. This is incompatible with the transparency account because p often is not very strong evidence that you believe that p. For example, unless you are a weather expert, the fact that itwillrain is not very strong evidence that youbelieveit will rain. After showing how this intuitive problem can be made precise, I conclude with a broader lesson about the nature of inferential justification: that beliefs, when justified, must be underwritten by beliefs, when justified, must be underwritten by evidential relationships between the facts or propositions which those beliefs represent.
The tomato I‐3 gene: a novel gene for resistance to Fusarium wilt disease
Authors: Catanzariti Ann‐Maree , Lim Ginny T. T. , Jones David A.
Published: March 2015

Plant resistance proteins provide race‐specific immunity through the recognition of pathogen effectors. The resistance genes I, I‐2 and I‐3 have been incorporated into cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from wild tomato species to confer resistance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) races 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Although the Fol effectors corresponding to these resistance genes have all been identified, only the I‐2 resistance gene has been isolated from tomato.

To isolate the I‐3 resistance gene, we employed a map‐based cloning approach and used transgenic complementation to test candidate genes for resistance to Fol race 3.

Here, we describe the fine mapping and sequencing of genes at the I‐3 locus, which revealed a family of S‐receptor‐like kinase (SRLK) genes. Transgenic tomato lines were generated with three of these SRLK genes and one was found to confer Avr3‐dependent resistance to Fol race 3, confirming it to be I‐3.

The finding that I‐3 encodes an SRLK reveals a new pathway for Fol resistance and a new class of resistance genes, of which Pi‐d2 from rice is also a member. The identification of I‐3 also allows the investigation of the complex effector–resistance protein interaction involving Avr1‐mediated suppression of I‐2‐ and I‐3‐dependent resistance in tomato.
Impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity: the role of species mobility, degree of specialisation and spatial scale
Authors: Concepción Elena D. , Moretti Marco , Altermatt Florian , Nobis Michael P. , Obrist Martin K.
Published: March 2015

Urbanisation has an important impact on biodiversity, mostly driving changes in species assemblages, through the replacement of specialist with generalist species, thus leading to biotic homogenisation. Mobility is also assumed to greatly affect species’ ability to cope in urban environments. Moreover, specialisation, mobility and their interaction are expected to greatly influence ecological processes such as metacommunity dynamics and assembly processes, and consequently the way and the spatial scale at which organisms respond to urbanisation. Here we investigate urbanisation impacts on distinct characteristics of species assemblages – namely specialisation degree in resource use, mobility and number of species, classified according to both characteristics and their combination – for vascular plants, butterflies and birds, across a range of spatial scales (from 1 × 1 km plots to 5 km‐radius buffers around them).

We found that the degree of specialisation, mobility and their interaction, greatly influenced species’ responses to urbanisation, with highly mobile specialist species of all taxonomic groups being affected most. Two different patterns were found: for plants, urbanisation induced trait divergence by favouring highly mobile species with narrow habitat ranges. For birds and butterflies, however, it reduced the number of highly mobile specialist species, thus driving trait convergence. Mobile organisms, across and within taxonomic groups, tended to respond at larger spatial scales than those that are poorly mobile. These findings emphasize the need to take into consideration species’ ecological aspects, as well as a wide range of spatial scales when evaluating the impact of urbanisation on biodiversity. Our results also highlight the harmful impact of widespread urban expansion on organisms such as butterflies, especially highly mobile specialists, which were negatively affected by urban areas even at great distances.
Fertilization affects the establishment ability of species differing in seed mass via direct nutrient addition and indirect competition effects
Authors: Bergholz Kolja , Jeltsch Florian , Weiss Lina , Pottek Janine , Geißler Katja , Ristow Michael
Published: March 2015

Fertilization causes species loss and species dominance changes in plant communities worldwide. However, it still remains unclear how fertilization acts upon species functional traits, e.g. seed mass. Seed mass is a key trait of the regeneration strategy of plants, which influences a range of processes during the seedling establishment phase. Fertilization may select upon seed mass, either directly by increased nutrient availability or indirectly by increased competition. Since previous research has mainly analyzed the indirect effects of fertilization, we disentangled the direct and indirect effects to examine how nutrient availability and competition influence the seed mass relationships on four key components during seedling establishment: seedling emergence, time of seedling emergence, seedling survival and seedling growth. We conducted a common garden experiment with 22 dry grassland species with a two‐way full factorial design that simulated additional nutrient supply and increased competition. While we found no evidence that fertilization either directly by additional nutrient supply or indirectly by increased competition alters the relationship between seed mass and (time of) seedling emergence, we revealed that large seed mass is beneficial under nutrient‐poor conditions (seedlings have greater chances of survival, particularly in nutrient‐poor soils) as well as under competition (large‐seeded species produced larger seedlings, which suffered less from competition than small‐seeded species). Based on these findings, we argue that both factors, i.e. nutrient availability and competition intensity, ought to be considered to understand how fertilization influences seedling establishment and species composition with respect to seed mass in natural communities. We propose a simple conceptual model, in which seed mass in natural communities is determined by competition intensity and nutrient availability. Here, we hypothesize that seed mass shows a U‐shaped pattern along gradients of soil fertility, which may explain the contrasting soil fertility‐seed mass relationships found in the recent literature.
Primary osteolysis syndromes: beware of difficult airway
Authors: Herd R. Scott , Sprung Juraj , Weingarten Toby N.
Published: March 2015

Background

Primary osteolysis syndromes represent a number of rare conditions characterized by destruction and resorption of bone that is unrelated to neoplasia, infection, or trauma.

Aim

To characterize the periprocedural course of patients with primary osteolysis syndrome undergoing procedures that require anesthesia care.

Methods

The medical records database from our institution was searched from 1976 to 2013 to identify patients with primary osteolysis syndromes who received anesthesia care. We reviewed demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and perioperative course of patients with different forms of primary osteolysis. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify reports describing the anesthetic management of patients with these conditions.

Results

We identified 11 patients with a primary osteolysis syndrome who received 111 anesthetics. The patients' ages at the time of surgery ranged from 3 to 62 years. Difficult airway management was a common finding. On preoperative examination, difficulty with endotracheal intubation was predicted in 8 of 11 patients. Three patients had preexisting tracheostomies. One patient required multiple awake fiberoptic intubations. Another two patients where successfully intubated early in life via direct laryngoscopy, but eventually required awake fiberoptic intubations as the disease process caused progressive distortion of airway structures. Intraoperative complications were absent. In the postoperative period, three patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation due to airway swelling, respiratory failure, and infection.

Conclusions

Airway management may be challenging in patients with primary osteolysis syndromes. Because the osteolytic process advances with aging and craniofacial dysmorphism may progressively worsen, the airway should always be reassessed before surgery with an appropriate strategy for potentially difficult intubation. In all patients with primary osteolysis, a potential for pathologic fracture must be considered and careful intraoperative positioning is warranted.
Regulation of the alkaloid biosynthesis by miRNA in opium poppy
Authors: Boke Hatice , Ozhuner Esma , Turktas Mine , Parmaksiz Iskender , Ozcan Sebahattin , Unver Turgay
Published: March 2015

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is an important medicinal plant producing benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs (sRNAs) of approximately 21 nucleotides. They are noncoding, but regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Although many studies have been conducted on the identification and functions of plant miRNA, scarce researches on miRNA regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis have been reported. In this study, a total of 316 conserved and 11 novel miRNAs were identified in opium poppy using second‐generation sequencing and direct cloning. Tissue‐specific regulation of miRNA expression was comparatively analysed by miRNA microarray assays. A total of 232 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed among four tissues. Likewise, 1469 target transcripts were detected using in silico and experimental approaches. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicated that miRNA putatively regulates carbohydrate metabolism and genetic‐information processing. Additionally, miRNA target transcripts were mostly involved in response to stress against various factors and secondary‐metabolite biosynthesis processes. Target transcript identification analyses revealed that some of the miRNAs might be involved in BIA biosynthesis, such as pso‐miR13, pso‐miR2161 and pso‐miR408. Additionally, three putatively mature miRNA sequences were predicted to be targeting BIA‐biosynthesis genes.
The space‐time continuum: the effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on trees and the importance of scaling
Authors: WAY DANIELLE A. , OREN RAM , KRONER YULIA
Published: March 2015

To predict how forests will respond to rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations, we need to understand how trees respond to both of these environmental factors. In this review, we discuss the importance of scaling, moving from leaf‐level responses to those of the canopy, and from short‐term to long‐term responses of vegetation to climate change. While our knowledge of leaf‐level, instantaneous responses of photosynthesis, respiration, stomatal conductance, transpiration and water‐use efficiency to elevated CO2 and temperature is quite good, our ability to scale these responses up to larger spatial and temporal scales is less developed. We highlight which physiological processes are least understood at various levels of study, and discuss how ignoring differences in the spatial or temporal scale of a physiological process impedes our ability to predict how forest carbon and water fluxes forests will be altered in the future. We also synthesize data from the literature to show that light respiration follows a generalized temperature response across studies, and that the light compensation point of photosynthesis is reduced by elevated growth CO2. Lastly, we emphasize the need to move beyond single factorial experiments whenever possible, and to combine both CO2 and temperature treatments in studies of tree performance.
Steady‐State Spectroscopy of the 2‐(N‐methylacetimidoyl)‐1‐naphthol Molecule
Authors: del Valle Juan Carlos , Díaz‐Oliva Cristina
Published: March 2015

The steady‐state spectroscopy of 2‐(N‐methylacetimidoyl)‐1‐naphthol (MAN) reveals composite absorption and emission spectra from 298 to 193 K in hexane. The ground electronic state (So) absorption can be assigned to the sum of three molecular structures: the OH normal tautomer, and two NH proton transfer tautomers. The NH‐structures are the most stable ones in equilibrium with the OH tautomer for the S0 state. On photoexcitation of the OH tautomer the excited state intramolecular proton transfer is undergone, and the corresponding NH emission is monitored at 470 nm. On photoexcitation of the NH tautomers the previous emission is monitored in addition to another emission at 600 nm, which is ascribed to intramolecular hydrogen‐bonded (IHB) nonplanar NH structures generated from the IHB planar NH tautomers. A Jabłoński diagram is introduced which gathers all the experimental evidence as well as the theoretical calculations executed at the DFT‐B3LYP and TD‐DFT levels. The MAN molecule is compared with other analogs such as 1‐hydroxy‐2‐acetonaphthone (HAN), 2‐(1΄‐hydroxy‐2΄‐naphthyl)benzimidazole and methyl 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoate to validate the theoretical calculations. Photoexcitation of MAN generates two emission bands at longer wavelengths than that of the emission band of HAN. The MAN molecule exhibits a great photostability in hydrocarbon solution which depends on the photophysics of the NH tautomers (keto forms).
The more, the better? The impact of closure collaboration network and network structures on technology‐based new ventures' performance
Authors: Wang Ming‐Chao , Chen Ming‐Huei
Published: March 2015

Prior research suggests that a large number of new venture collaborators in networks and a great number of interfirm network structures influence the performance of a new venture. However, few studies have considered the negative aspect of large numbers in a closure collaboration network, and even fewer have considered the influences of different types of network structures. To demonstrate the influence of different network structures on new venture performance, we divide network structures into two different types: network centrality and partnership networks. Using a questionnaire survey of 189 technology‐based new ventures, we propose that new venture performance is maximized through an optimal and effective number of collaborative firms, and that different network structures have different impacts on new venture performance. While network centrality has a positive influence on performance, partnership networks have a negative influence. The implications of these findings for managerial practice and theories on interfirm networks are discussed.
The effect of collaborative relationship between medical doctors and engineers on the productivity of developing medical devices
Authors: Yoda Tatsuro
Published: March 2015

Previous research on medical devices research and development (R&D) paid close attention to the role of medical doctors as users of medical devices, but they did not examine enough the interdisciplinary collaboration between medical doctors and engineers as a team of developing a medical device. In this paper, I looked at the effect of collaborative relationship between medical doctors and engineers on the productivity of the development based on interviews on R&D of artificial retina and bibliometric analysis on R&D of cochlear implant. In the interviews with medical doctors and engineers involved in R&D of artificial retina in the United States, Germany, and Japan, we found that medical doctors and engineers perceive that the collaboration is one of the key factors to the success in inventing and developing medical devices, but that the good collaborative relationship is difficult to maintain. Next we examined such collaboration quantitatively by conducting bibliometric analysis of research articles and patents related to the development of cochlear implant, and found the important role played by medical doctors and their collaboration with engineers when designing and improving the medical device, and that more collaboration between medical doctors and engineers is seen in the more productive R&D group. Considering those findings, development of a medical device needs not only the ‘user‐led’ forces of medical doctors but also close interdisciplinary collaboration between medical doctors and engineers as a team. For such collaborative team effort to succeed, absorptive capacity of both sides and proximity between them are important, while there are barriers between a medical doctor and an engineer including cognitive, organizational, social, and institutional factors. To overcome those barriers, experiences of cooperation, education, geographic proximity, good leadership, or member's personality can promote some elements of proximity to compensate for lack or shortage of other elements of proximity.
Protecting Nature for the Sake of Human Beings
Authors: James Simon P.
Published: March 2015

It is often assumed that to say that nature should be protected for the sake of human beings just is to say that it should be protected because it is a means to one or more anthropocentric ends. I argue that this assumption is false. In some contexts, claims that a particular natural X should be protected for our sakes mean that X should be protected, not because it is a means to anthropocentric ends, but because it is part of something about human life that is of value: because, that is, its value is anthropocentric and constitutive rather than anthropocentric and instrumental. It follows, I suggest, that one does not need to endorse the non‐anthropocentric claim that nature should be protected for its own sake in order to challenge the instrumentalist notion that it should be protected simply because it is a means to anthropocentric ends (as, say, a provider of ecosystem services). To make my case, I consider the UK Government's failed attempt to sell off England's publicly‐owned forests.
Inflammatory markers and mortality amongUSadults with obstructive lung function
Authors: Ford Earl S. , Cunningham Timothy J. , Mannino David M.
Published: March 2015

Background and objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by an inflammatory state of uncertain significance. The objective of this study was to examine the association between elevated inflammatory marker count (white blood cell count,C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen) on all‐cause mortality in a national sample ofUSadults with obstructive lung function (OLF).

Methods

Data for 1144 adults aged 40–79 years in theNationalHealth andNutritionExaminationSurveyIII LinkedMortalityStudy were analysed. Participants entered the study from 1988 to 1994, and mortality surveillance was conducted through 2006. White blood cell count and fibrinogen were dichotomized at their medians, andC‐reactive protein was divided into >3 and ≤3 g/L. The number of elevated inflammatory markers was summed to create a score of 0–3.

Results

The age‐adjusted distribution of the number of elevated inflammatory markers differed significantly among participants with normal lung function, mildOLF, and moderate or worseOLF. Of the three dichotomized markers, only fibrinogen was significantly associated with mortality among adults with anyOLF(maximally adjusted hazard ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–1.91). The maximally adjusted hazard ratios for having 1, 2 or 3 elevated markers were 1.17 (95%CI: 0.71–1.94), 1.44 (95%CI: 0.89–2.32) and 2.08 (95%CI: 1.29–3.37), respectively (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

An index of elevated inflammatory markers predicted all‐cause mortality among adults withOLF.
Systematic position of the enigmatic African cycad moths: an integrative approach to a nearly century old problem (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Diptychini)
Authors: SIHVONEN PASI , STAUDE HERMANN S. , MUTANEN MARKO
Published: March 2015

The systematic position and hierarchical level of the moth taxon Diptychini Janse (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), the cycad moths, has remained controversial. This is partly due to their unique morphological and biological characteristics. To study the systematics, comprehensive molecular analyses of eight genes, in total 6157 bp, were carried out. We used Bayesian inference to construct phylogenetic trees. The first analysis (46 Geometridae and 7 non‐Geometridae taxa, representing all recently recognised Geometridae subfamilies) demonstrated that the Diptychini belong to the Geometridae subfamily Ennominae. The second analysis, focused on the Ennominae (70 taxa, representing 28 of 30 recently recognised Ennominae tribes worldwide), found that the Diptychini are nested well within the Ennominae; it is monophyletic and associated with the complex of southern Hemisphere Nacophorini, refuting many of the earlier hypotheses about Diptychini relationships. The Diptychini are considered tentatively valid at the tribe level, but relationships with the Nacophorini and the Lithinini need further research. The molecular findings were evaluated from a morphological point of view, which are mostly in agreement with the molecular results. The Diptychini genera are illustrated and characterised using morphological and life‐history traits. Within the Diptychini, three genera are considered valid. Durbana Warren (described in 1904) is proposed as a junior synonym of Veniliodes Warren (described in 1894) (n.syn.). Monotypic Larentioides Prout is combined with the tribe Lithinini (n.comb.). Homonymy of Diptychini Mirza (described in 1991) (Pisces: Cyprinidae, Schizothoracinae) with Diptychini Janse (described in 1933) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae) is noted, the former requiring a replacement name.
Equivalences in Euler-based diagram systems through normal forms
Authors: Fish Andrew , Taylor John
Published: March 2015

The form of information presented can influence its utility for the conveying of knowledge by affecting an interpreter’s ability to reason with the information. There are distinct types of representational systems (for example, symbolic versus diagrammatic logics), various sub-systems (for example, propositional versus predicate logics), and even within a single representational system there may be different means of expressing the same piece of information content. Thus, to display information, choices must be made between its different representations, depending upon many factors such as: the context, the reasoning tasks to be considered, user preferences or desires (for example, for short symbolic sentences or minimal clutter within diagrammatic systems). The identification of all equivalent representations with the same information content is a sensible precursor to attempts to minimise a metric over this class. We posit that defining notions of semantic redundancy and identifying the syntactic properties that encapsulate redundancy can help in achieving the goal of completely identifying equivalences within a single notational system or across multiple systems, but that care must be taken when extending systems, since refinements of redundancy conditions may be necessary even for conservative system extensions. We demonstrate this theory within two diagrammatic systems, which are Euler-diagram-based notations. Such notations can be used to represent logical information and have applications including visualisation of database queries, social network visualisation, statistical data visualisation, and as the basis of more expressive diagrammatic logics such as constraint languages used in software specification and reasoning. The development of the new associated machinery and concepts required is important in its own right since it increases the growing body of knowledge on diagrammatic logics. In particular, we consider Euler diagrams with shading, and then we conservatively extend the system to include projections, which allow for a much greater degree of flexibility of representation. We give syntactic properties that encapsulate semantic equivalence in both systems, whilst observing that the same semantic concept of redundancy is significantly more difficult to realise as syntactic properties in the extended system with projections.
Effect of Crystallographic Quality of Grain Boundaries on Both Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Electroplated Copper Thin Film Interconnections
Authors: Murata Naokazu , Saito Naoki , Tamakawa Kinji , Suzuki Ken , Miura Hideo
Published: March 2015

Effects of crystallographic quality of grain boundaries on mechanical and electrical properties were investigated experimentally. A novel method using two parameters of image quality (IQ) and confidence index (CI) values based on electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis was proposed in order to evaluate crystallographic quality of grain boundaries. IQ value was defined as an index to evaluate crystallinity in region irradiated with electron beam. CI value determined existence of grain boundaries in the region. It was found that brittle intergranular fatigue fracture occurred in the film without annealing and the film annealed at 200 °C because network of grain boundaries with low crystallinity remained in these films. On the other hand, the film annealed at 400 °C caused only ductile transgranular fatigue fracture because grain boundaries with low crystallinity almost disappeared. From results of measurement of electrical properties, electrical resistivity of copper interconnection annealed at 400 °C with high crystallinity (2.09 × 10−8 Ωm) was low and electron migration (EM) resistance was high compared with an copper interconnection without annealing with low crystallinity (3.33 × 10−8 Ωm). It was clarified that the interconnection with high crystallinity had superior electrical properties. Thus, it was clarified that the crystallographic quality of grain boundaries has a strong correlation of mechanical and electrical reliability.
High-Speed Fabrication of Microchannels Using Line-Based Laser Induced Plasma Micromachining
Authors: Saxena Ishan , Malhotra Rajiv , Ehmann Kornel , Cao Jian
Published: March 2015

Microtexturing of surfaces has various applications that often involve texturing over large (macroscale) areas with high precision and resolution. This demands scalability and speed of texturing while retaining feature sizes of the order of a few microns. Microchannels are a versatile microfeature, which are often used in microfluidic devices and can be arrayed or joined to form patterns and free-form geometries. We present a technique to fabricate microchannels on surfaces with high-speed and by using a multimaterial process, namely, laser induced plasma micromachining (LIPMM). The process has the potential to machine metals, ceramics, polymers, and other transparent, brittle, and hard-to-machine materials. The presented technique uses an optical system to modify the laser spot into the shape of a line, to fabricate microchannels directly without scanning as in the case of a regular circular spot. The process schematics are shown, and micromachining experiments on polished aluminum are discussed. Moreover, it is shown that the depth and width of the channels may be varied by changing process parameters like the pulse energy, pulse frequency, and number of exposures.
The Application of Micropipette Aspiration in Molecular Mechanics of Single Cells
Authors: Lee Lap Man , Liu Allen P.
Published: March 2015

Micropipette aspiration is arguably the most classical technique in mechanical measurements and manipulations of single cells. Despite its simplicity, micropipette aspiration has been applied to a variety of experimental systems that span different length scales to study cell mechanics, nanoscale molecular mechanisms in single cells, bleb growth, and nucleus dynamics, to name a few. Enabled by micro/nanotechnology, several novel microfluidic devices have been developed recently with better accuracy, sensitivity, and throughput. Further technical advancements of microfluidics-based micropipette aspiration would have broad applications in both fundamental cell mechanics studies and for disease diagnostics.
Effect of Impact Angle on the Erosion–Corrosion Behavior of AISI 420 Stainless Steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl Solution
Authors: Ranjbar M. , Ghasemi H. M. , Abedini M.
Published: March 2015

Erosion, erosion–corrosion, and synergistic behaviors of AISI 420 stainless steel were studied in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution containing silica sand with the size of 250–500 μm as erodent particle. The erosion and erosion–corrosion tests were carried out according to ASTM G11909 standard and the synergism was calculated. The tests were performed using a slurry jet apparatus at a jet velocity of 6.5 m/s, sand concentration of 90 g/l, and various impinging angles of 20 deg–90 deg. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the eroded surfaces and erosion mechanisms. The SEM images showed that under low impacting angles, cutting deformation was the main erosion mechanism while impact and work hardening could be responsible for material removal at high impacting angles. The results showed that the maximum erosion–corrosion and synergism rates occurred at an impingement angle of about 50 deg while the maximum pure erosion rate was obtained at impingement angle of about 35 deg. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis showed that an oxide layer was formed on the surfaces of the samples during erosion–corrosion tests. This oxide layer could make the surface more brittle and could lead to an increment of about 15 deg in the angle of the maximum removal rate. The formation and the subsequent removal of the nonprotective oxide layer as well as possible initiation and propagation of pits during erosion–corrosion tests could lead to higher erosion–corrosion rate compared to pure erosion resulting in a positive synergism under the conditions tested.
Friction and Wear Characteristics of Magneto-Rheological Elastomers Based on Silicone/Polyurethane Hybrid
Authors: Lian Chenglong , Lee Kwang-Hee , Lee Chul-Hee
Published: March 2015

The friction and wear properties of four different types of magneto-rheological (MR) elastomer were investigated. The MR elastomers have different matrix materials and structures. Most MR elastomers have a silicone matrix, since it has a more significant MR effect under a magnetic field compared to other materials. The mechanical properties of silicone, however, are poor compared to other materials, so it is difficult to use them in engineering applications. Therefore, a new polyurethane matrix material was used to enhance the friction and wear properties of MR elastomer. Additionally, two different matrix materials (silicone and polyurethane) were synthesized, and MR elastomers were structurally combined to improve the friction and wear performance. The friction characteristics of each MR elastomer were evaluated under reciprocating operating conditions. Wear depth was also measured to estimate the wear resistance. The test results show that the friction and wear performance of the modified MR elastomers are enhanced compared with the silicone-based MR elastomer.
Dynamic Coefficients of a Tilting Pad With Active Lubrication: Comparison Between Theoretical and Experimental Results
Authors: Cerda Varela Alejandro , Ferreira Santos Ilmar
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the validation of the mathematical model for predicting the equivalent stiffness and damping of an active tilting-pad bearing. The active bearing design includes an injection nozzle in the pad and a hydraulic supply system featuring a servovalve, which enables to modify the pressurized oil flow into the bearing clearance. The servovalve is governed by a control signal, obtained in open- or closed-loop configuration. The mathematical model includes the dynamics related to journal, tilting pads, and associated hydraulic system. First, the model results are tested against experimental results from the literature for industrial grade passive tilting pad bearings. This initial validation is followed by a comparison with experimental identification results obtained from a test rig featuring the active bearing design. Good overall agreement is observed in both configurations. The results provide an overview about the feasibility of modifying the bearing impedance by means of the active lubrication system, both in open-loop (fixed control signal), or closed-loop, as a function of the journal position and proportional derivative (PD) controller gains.
Carrier transport analysis of n-ZnO:Al/p-GaN:Mg heterojunction light-emitting diodes
Authors: Jeong Seonghoon , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: March 2015

Carrier transport mechanisms of n-ZnO:Al/p-GaN:Mg heterojunction light-emitting diodes (HJ-LEDs) were investigated. HJ-LEDs exhibited a typical diode behavior with a large forward voltage of ∼6.0 V (due to the poor p-contact resistance and current crowding effect), a high reverse leakage current of −2.5 × 10−4 A at −5 V, and injection-current-dependent electroluminescent spectra, which shifted from 430 (emitted from the p-GaN side at low currents) to 380 nm (from the n-ZnO side at high currents). Analysis of temperature-dependent reverse leakage current revealed that the predominant transport mechanism was variable range hopping conduction in the low temperature range (<260 K) and Poole–Frenkel conduction in the high temperature range (>260 K). The thermal activation energy at zero bias, which is comparable to the built-in potential, was as low as 114 meV, suggesting that tunneling played a crucial role in carrier transport under forward bias conditions.
A synthetic fibrin cross-linking polymer for modulating clot properties and inducing hemostasis
Authors: Chan Leslie W. , Wang Xu , Wei Hua , Pozzo Lilo D. , White Nathan J. , Pun Suzie H.
Published: March 2015

By cross-linking fibrin, intravenously injected factor XIII–inspired hemostatic polymers stabilize clots and reduce bleeding in a rat model of trauma and fluid resuscitation.
Immunological mechanisms of the antitumor effects of supplemental oxygenation
Authors: Hatfield Stephen M. , Kjaergaard Jorgen , Lukashev Dmitriy , Schreiber Taylor H. , Belikoff Bryan , Abbott Robert , Sethumadhavan Shalini , Philbrook Phaethon , Ko Kami , Cannici Ryan , Thayer Molly , Rodig Scott , Kutok Jeffrey L. , Jackson Edwin K. , Karger Barry , Podack Eckhard R. , Ohta Akio , Sitkovsky Michail V.
Published: March 2015

Respiratory hyperoxia stimulates lung tumor regression by promoting T cell infiltration into the tumors and decreasing immunosuppression.
Moving medicine forward faster
Authors: Rietschel Ernst Th. , Bruckner-Tuderman Leena , Schütte Georg , Wess Günther
Published: March 2015

Participants at the recent Translate! 2014 meeting in Berlin, Germany, discussed initiatives to bridge gaps in the biomedical translation process.
Convergent Adaptation in the Dominant Global Hospital Clone ST239 of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Baines Sarah L. , Holt Kathryn E. , Schultz Mark B. , Seemann Torsten , Howden Brian O. , Jensen Slade O. , van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Coombs Geoffrey W. , Firth Neville , Powell David R. , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: March 2015

Infections caused by highly successful clones of hospital-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(HA-MRSA) are a major public health burden. The globally dominant sequence type 239 (ST239) HA-MRSA clone has persisted in the health care setting for decades, but the basis of its success has not been identified. Taking a collection of 123 ST239 isolates spanning 32 years, we have used population-based functional genomics to investigate the evolution of this highly persistent and successful clone. Phylogenetic reconstruction and population modeling uncovered a previously unrecognized distinct clade of ST239 that was introduced into Australia from Asia and has perpetuated the epidemic in this region. Functional analysis demonstrated attenuated virulence and enhanced resistance to last-line antimicrobials, the result of two different phenomena, adaptive evolution within the original Australian ST239 clade and the introduction of a new clade displaying shifts in both phenotypes. The genetic diversity between the clades allowed us to employ genome-wide association testing and identify mutations in other essential regulatory systems, including
walKR
, that significantly associate with and may explain these key phenotypes. The phenotypic convergence of two independently evolving ST239 clades highlights the very strong selective pressures acting on HA-MRSA, showing that hospital environments have favored the accumulation of mutations in essential MRSA genes that increase resistance to antimicrobials, attenuate virulence, and promote persistence in the health care environment. Combinations of comparative genomics and careful phenotypic measurements of longitudinal collections of clinical isolates are giving us the knowledge to intelligently address the impact of current and future antibiotic usage policies and practices on hospital pathogens globally.

IMPORTANCE
Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is responsible for innumerable drug-resistant health care-associated infections globally. This study, the first to investigate the evolutionary response of hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) over many decades, demonstrates how MRSA can persist in a region through the reintroduction of a previously unrecognized distinct clade. This study also demonstrates the crucial adaptive responses of HA-MRSA to the highly selective environment of the health care system, the evolution of MRSA isolates to even higher levels of antibiotic resistance at the cost of attenuated virulence. However,
in vivo
persistence is maintained, resulting in a clone of HA-MRSA able to resist almost all antimicrobial agents and still cause invasive disease in the heavily compromised hosts found in modern health care settings.
Structural Basis for Metallic-Like Conductivity in Microbial Nanowires
Authors: Malvankar Nikhil S. , Vargas Madeline , Nevin Kelly , Tremblay Pier-Luc , Evans-Lutterodt Kenneth , Nykypanchuk Dmytro , Martz Eric , Tuominen Mark T. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: March 2015

Direct measurement of multiple physical properties of
Geobacter sulfurreducens
pili have demonstrated that they possess metallic-like conductivity, but several studies have suggested that metallic-like conductivity is unlikely based on the structures of the G. sulfurreducens pilus predicted from homology models. In order to further evaluate this discrepancy, pili were examined with synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction and rocking-curve X-ray diffraction. Both techniques revealed a periodic 3.2-Å spacing in conductive, wild-type G. sulfurreducens pili that was missing in the nonconductive pili of strain Aro5, which lack key aromatic acids required for conductivity. The intensity of the 3.2-Å peak increased 100-fold when the pH was shifted from 10.5 to 2, corresponding with a previously reported 100-fold increase in pilus conductivity with this pH change. These results suggest a clear structure-function correlation for metallic-like conductivity that can be attributed to overlapping π-orbitals of aromatic amino acids. A homology model of the G. sulfurreducens pilus was constructed with a
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
pilus model as a template as an alternative to previous models, which were based on a
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
pilus structure. This alternative model predicted that aromatic amino acids in G. sulfurreducens pili are packed within 3 to 4 Å, consistent with the experimental results. Thus, the predictions of homology modeling are highly sensitive to assumptions inherent in the model construction. The experimental results reported here further support the concept that the pili of G. sulfurreducens represent a novel class of electronically functional proteins in which aromatic amino acids promote long-distance electron transport.

IMPORTANCE
The mechanism for long-range electron transport along the conductive pili of
Geobacter sulfurreducens
is of interest because these “microbial nanowires” are important in biogeochemical cycling as well as applications in bioenergy and bioelectronics. Although proteins are typically insulators, G. sulfurreducens pilus proteins possess metallic-like conductivity. The studies reported here provide important structural insights into the mechanism of the metallic-like conductivity of G. sulfurreducens pili. This information is expected to be useful in the design of novel bioelectronic materials.
Switching from a Unicellular to Multicellular Organization in an Aspergillus niger Hypha
Authors: Bleichrodt Robert-Jan , Hulsman Marc , Wösten Han A. B. , Reinders Marcel J. T.
Published: March 2015

Pores in fungal septa enable cytoplasmic streaming between hyphae and their compartments. Consequently, the mycelium can be considered unicellular. However, we show here that Woronin bodies close ~50% of the three most apical septa of growing hyphae of
Aspergillus niger
. The incidence of closure of the 9th and 10th septa was even ≥94%. Intercompartmental streaming of photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (PA-GFP) was not observed when the septa were closed, but open septa acted as a barrier, reducing the mobility rate of PA-GFP ~500 times. This mobility rate decreased with increasing septal age and under stress conditions, likely reflecting a regulatory mechanism affecting septal pore diameter. Modeling revealed that such regulation offers effective control of compound concentration between compartments. Modeling also showed that the incidence of septal closure in A. niger had an even stronger impact on cytoplasmic continuity. Cytoplasm of hyphal compartments was shown not to be in physical contact when separated by more than 4 septa. Together, data show that apical compartments of growing hyphae behave unicellularly, while older compartments have a multicellular organization.

IMPORTANCE
The hyphae of higher fungi are compartmentalized by porous septa that enable cytosolic streaming. Therefore, it is believed that the mycelium shares cytoplasm. However, it is shown here that the septa of
Aspergillus niger
are always closed in the oldest part of the hyphae, and therefore, these compartments are physically isolated from each other. In contrast, only part of the septa is closed in the youngest part of the hyphae. Still, compartments in this hyphal part are physically isolated when separated by more than 4 septa. Even open septa act as a barrier for cytoplasmic mixing. The mobility rate through such septa reduces with increasing septal age and under stress conditions. Modeling shows that the septal pore width is set such that its regulation offers maximal control of compound concentration levels within the compartments. Together, we show for the first time that Aspergillus hyphae switch from a unicellular to multicellular organization.
RIG-I ATPase Activity and Discrimination of Self-RNA versus Non-Self-RNA
Authors: Anchisi Stéphanie , Guerra Jessica , Garcin Dominique
Published: March 2015

Many RNA viruses are detected by retinoic acid-inducible gene i (RIG-I), a cytoplasmic sensor that triggers an antiviral response upon binding non-self-RNA that contains a stretch of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) bearing a base-paired 5′ ppp nucleotide. To gain insight into how RIG-I discriminates between self-RNA and non-self-RNA, we used duplexes whose complementary bottom strand contained both ribo- and deoxynucleotides. These duplexes were examined for their binding to RIG-I and their relative abilities to stimulate ATPase activity, to induce RIG-I dimerization on the duplex, and to induce beta interferon (IFN-β) expression. We show that the chemical nature of the bottom strand is not critical for RIG-I binding. However, two key ribonucleotides, at positions 2 and 5 on the bottom strand, are minimally required for the RIG-I ATPase activity, which is necessary but not sufficient for IFN-β stimulation. We find that duplexes with shorter stretches of dsRNA, as model self-RNAs, bind less stably to RIG-I but nevertheless have an enhanced ability to stimulate the ATPase. Moreover, ATPase activity promotes RIG-I recycling on RIG-I/dsRNA complexes. Since pseudo-self-RNAs bind to RIG-I less stably, they are preferentially recycled by ATP hydrolysis that weakens the helicase domain binding of dsRNA. Our results suggest that one function of the ATPase is to restrict RIG-I signaling to its interaction with non-self-RNA. A model of how this discrimination occurs as a function of dsRNA length is presented.

IMPORTANCE
The innate immune response to pathogens is based on the discrimination between self-RNA and non-self-RNA. The main determinants of this detection for RNA viruses are specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of RNA, which are detected by dedicated cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). RIG-I is a PRR that specifically detects short viral dsRNAs amid a sea of cellular RNAs. Here we study the determinants of this discrimination and how RIG-I ATPase activity, the only enzymatic activity of this sensor, contributes to its activation in a manner restricted to its interaction with non-self-RNAs. We also show how the innate immune response evolves during infection via IFN expression, from a state in which discrimination of self-RNA from non-self-RNA is most important to one in which this discrimination is sacrificed for the effectiveness of the antiviral response.