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Disease tolerance describes an infected host's ability to maintain health independently of the ability to clear microbe loads. The Jak/Stat pathway plays a pivotal role in humoral innate immunity by detecting tissue damage and triggering cellular renewal, making it a candidate tolerance mechanism. Here, we find that in Drosophila melanogaster infected with Pseudomonas entomophila disrupting ROS -producing dual oxidase (duox) or the negative regulator of Jak/Stat Socs36E, render male flies less tolerant. Another negative regulator of Jak/Stat , G9a - which has previously been associated with variable tolerance of viral infections – did not affect the rate of mortality with increasing microbe loads compared to flies with functional G9a , suggesting it does not affect tolerance of bacterial infection as in viral infection. Our findings highlight that ROS production and Jak/Stat signalling influence the ability of flies to tolerate bacterial infection sex-specifically and may therefore contribute to sexually dimorphic infection outcomes in Drosophila. • The Jak/Stat pathway impacts disease tolerance during systemic infection with Pseudomonas entomophila. • Disrupting Duox or Socs36E render males less tolerant to systemic bacterial infection. • G9a does not affect tolerance during bacterial infection as it does during viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent strides in vehicular networks have emerged as a convergence of multi radio access networks having different user preferences, multiple application requirements and multiple device types. In future Cognitive Radio (CR) vehicular networks deployment, multiple radio access networks may coexist in the overlapping areas having different characteristics in terms of multiple attributes. Hence, it becomes a challenge for CR vehicular node to select the optimal network for the spectrum handoff decision. A game theoretic auction theory approach is interdisciplinary effective approach to select the optimal network for spectrum handoff. The competition between different CR vehicular node and access networks can be formulated as multi-bidder bidding to provide its services to CR vehicular node. The game theory is the branch of applied mathematics which make intelligent decision to select the optimal alternative from predetermined alternatives. Hence, this paper investigates a spectrum handoff scheme for optimal network selection using game theoretic auction theory approach in CR vehicular networks. The paper has also proposed a new cost function based multiple attribute decision making method which outperforms other existing methods. Numerical results revel that the proposed scheme is effective for spectrum handoff for optimal network selection among multiple available networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel reconfigurable ultra wide band (UWB) antenna for intelligent transportation system (ITS) is proposed in this paper. This antenna has defected ground structure. The proposed antenna works on two centre frequencies of 24.2 GHz ( D 1 = on and D 2 = on) and 24.5 GHz ( D 1 = off and D 2 = on). Reconfigurability of antenna is achieved by pin diode. The measured result of proposed antenna achieves a very large bandwidth of 9.1 GHz and 8.8 GHz for 24.2 GHz and 24.5 GHz centre frequencies respectively. The measured gain for both these centre frequencies are 18 dBi and 18.7 dBi respectively. The proposed antenna is circularly polarized in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and chalcogenide prism based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor used for the detection of Pseudomonas and Pseudomonas-like bacteria is presented in this paper. Angular responses, sensitivity, detection accuracy and quality parameter of SPR biosensor is investigated. This biosensor comprises of chalcogenide prism which is coated with gold layer and graphene layers. The proposed biosensor uses Kretschmann configuration to detect the change in refractive index near the sensor surface. By comparing these results with the conventional surface plasmon resonance biosensor coated with gold layer and chalcogenide prism, it is observed that the proposed SPR biosensor has sensitivity 6.47 times greater than that of chalcogenide prism based conventional SPR sensor. Also, the dependence of sensitivity, detection accuracy and quality parameter on the number of graphene layers for the proposed sensor is plotted and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Presented a new method for multi-time-step integration for highly non-linear problems. [•] Dual-Schur domain decomposition is used with different time-steps between subdomains. [•] Numerical examples show that method is stable, accurate and computationally efficient. [•] Faster than using a single uniform time step for the entire mesh. [•] Multi-scale application of a sandwich plate under projectile impact confirms results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In insects, basal pathogen resistance and immune priming can evolve as mutually exclusive strategies, with distinct infection outcomes. However, the evolutionary drivers of such diverse immune functions remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed this key issue by systematically analyzing the differential fitness costs and benefits of priming vs resistance evolution in Tribolium beetle populations infected with Bacillus thuringiensis. Surprisingly, resistant beetles had increased post-infection reproduction and a longer lifespan under both starving as well as fed conditions, with no other measurable costs. In contrast, priming reduced offspring early survival, development rate and reproduction. Priming did improve post-infection survival of offspring, but this added trans-generational benefit of immune priming might not compensate for its pervasive costs. Resistance was thus consistently more beneficial. Overall, our work demonstrates the evolutionary change in trans-generational priming response, and provides a detailed comparison of the complex fitness consequences of evolved priming vs resistance. • Divergent costs and benefits of experimentally evolved immune priming vs resistance. • Increased reproduction and lifespan in resistant populations. • No other hidden costs of resistance. • In contrast, reduced juvenile fitness and reproduction in primed populations. • Evidence for evolutionary change in trans-generational immune priming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, it was assumed that insects lack immune memory since they do not have vertebrate-like specialized memory cells. Therefore, their most well studied evolutionary response against pathogens was increased basal immunity. However, growing evidence suggests that many insects also exhibit a form of immune memory (immune priming), where prior exposure to a low dose of infection confers protection against subsequent infection by the same pathogen that acts both within and across generations. Most strikingly, they can rapidly evolve as a highly parallel and mutually exclusive strategy from basal immunity, under different selective conditions and with divergent evolutionary trade-offs. However, the relative importance of priming as an optimal immune strategy also has contradictions, primarily because supporting mechanisms are still unclear. In this review, we adopt a comparative approach to highlight several emerging evolutionary, ecological and mechanistic features of priming vs basal immune responses that warrant immediate attention for future research. • Distinct evolutionary origin of insect immune priming from basal immunity. • Different selective conditions and divergent evolutionary trade-offs. • Integrated framework of evolution and mechanisms to understand why priming evolve. • Explaining emerging features of priming in the light of general immune strategies. • Outlining possible interactions between immunity, epigenetics and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type I interferon (IFN) is synthesized by most nucleated cells following viral infection. Robust IFN production in cell culture requires positive feedback expression of inducible signaling components, such as the transcription factor IRF7. However, the role of positive feedback and IRF7 in vivo may be more complex. We found that IFN produced locally in the respiratory tract of influenza virus-infected mice displayed characteristics of positive feedback, including Stat1-dependent induction of IRF7 and 1FN gene expression. IRF7 expression was similarly stimulus-dependent in most tissues. However, lymphoid tissue constitutively expressed high levels of IRF7 in the absence of induction or positive feedback, and this expression was largely confined to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC). These cells rapidly produced large quantities of multiple IFNα species following viral infection without positive feedback, whereas other hematopoietic cells, including other DC subtypes, expressed little IRF7 and were poor IFN producers in the absence of positive feedback. These data reveal a dual mechanism for the regulation of IFN production by differential expression of IRF7, involving positive feedback at local sites of infection combined with robust systemic production by IRF7-expressing plasmacytoid DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-band Ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass microstrip filter with triangular dumbbell shaped defected ground structure (DB-DGS) for wireless local area network applications in DSRC band is proposed in this article. The proposed dual-band filter has center frequencies at 2.67 GHz and 4.68 GHz, return loss obtained is −33.40 dB and −16.55 dB respectively, wide bandwidth of 1.21 GHz (26%), pass band between 2.14 GHz and 6.44 GHz and high gain of 10.30 dB which makes it suitable for modern applications in dedicated short range communication operating in 5.8 GHz band. To further validate the design concept, a microstrip UWB filter is designed, fabricated and tested. Comparison is made among circular, square and triangular dumbbell shaped DGS on the basis of scattering parameters and bandwidth, in which triangular shaped DB-DGS outperforms the other two. Further, parametric analysis of triangular DB-DGS has been performed and comparison is made with filters of similar nature. Experimental results are in good agreement with simulations. The fabricated filter is compact in size, has low insertion loss, exhibits high selectivity and demonstrates excellent out of-band performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genes for type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) are rapidly induced in response to viral infection. IFN regulatory factor (IRF) proteins are key to the regulation of IFN gene expression; the early response to virus results in secretion of a subset of IFN genes through the action of IRF3 in conjunction with additional transcription factors, such as NF-κB and AP-1 (c-jun–ATF2). This early IFN acts in an autocrine manner to stimulate the production of IRF7, a transcription factor capable of activating the many additional members of the IFN-α gene family. The dependence of IRF7 on virus-induced phosphorylation for its activity ensures that IFN production is limited to virus-infected cells. Additional members of the IRF family may provide additional levels of control, in both a cell-type and virus-specific manner, particularly in dendritic cells that serve as major producers of IFN and a key interface between innate and adaptive immunity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Synthesis of novel quinolin-4(3 H)-one based ligand and its Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. • X-ray crystal structure of ligand was determined. • Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used to test the antitumor potential of the compounds. • DFT calculations are performed to know the chemical reactivity of the ligand and its complexes. This work reports the synthesis of a novel quinolin-4(3H)-one based Schiff base ligand 3-[(E)-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino-2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (DMPAQ) and its coordination complexes of the type [M(DMPAQ)(phen)]X (1a-1c) , where M = Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline. All the synthesized compounds were characterized using UV–Visible, elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, Mass spectroscopy and TGA techniques. The triclinic structure of the DMPAQ is determined by employing single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The characterization results suggested that the ligand, DMPAQ is bidentate and coordinate to the metal center through the lactum oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen. The synthesized DMPAQ ligand and complexes (1a-1c) were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, MCF-7. The complexes 1a and 1b displayed significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells even at lower GI50 value (GI 50 = 0.016 µM) than the standard drug doxorubicin (GI 50 = 0.018 µM). Further, we have performed computational DFT studies on the chemical reactivity of the ligand and the three complexes by means of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) through the "Koopmans in DFT" (KID) approximation to support the experimentally obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A dual band inset fed rectangular patch antenna array has been proposed for intelligent transportation system (ITS) application. This paper proposes 8–element patch array antenna with defected ground structure (DGS). The simulated results of 2, 4 and 8 element patch with and without DGS are also compared. Proposed antenna gets dual band of 5.02 GHz and 5.92 GHz centre frequency with DGS. The 8–element patch array antenna with DGS is fabricated and its result is compared with simulation result. 26.5 dBi and 24.9 dBi is measured gain of the proposed antenna structure for 5.02 GHz and 5.92 GHz centre frequency respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a case of sexual assault in a 60-year-old male with no history of mental illness. The lack of memory about the time of the assault and the patient's uncharacteristic behaviour suggested sexual deviant behaviour secondary to a brain lesion. Further investigations revealed a lentiform stroke. A possibility of abnormal sexual behaviour due to an epileptic seizure and/or a destructive brain lesion is suggested. We summarized the history of our patient in this paper and provided a review of the medico-legal aspects of hypersexuality and sexual deviant behaviors due to brain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluation technique for the assessment of defects in brazed joints is presented in this paper. It is based on the analysis of infrared thermography (IRT) images, which produces two-dimensional temperature fingerprints to qualitatively see the invisible defects. This feature is fruitfully exploited to detect the significant faults in the brazed joints between the cooling tube and heat sink of the plasma facing components (PFC). Three-dimensional finite element (FE) analyses have been performed to simulate the brazing defects. Additional investigations like non-destructive radiographic test also confirms the experimental observations obtained from IRT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]