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Protein SUMOylation is a prevalent stress-response posttranslational modification crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Herein, we report that protein SUMOylation modulates cellular signaling mediated by cAMP, an ancient and universal stress-response second messenger. We identify K561 as a primary SUMOylation site in exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC1) via site-specific mapping of SUMOylation using mass spectrometry. Sequence and site-directed mutagenesis analyses reveal that a functional SUMO-interacting motif in EPAC1 is required for the binding of SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9, formation of EPAC1 nuclear condensate, and EPAC1 cellular SUMOylation. Heat shock-induced SUMO modification of EPAC1 promotes Rap1/2 activation in a cAMP-independent manner. Structural modeling and molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrate that SUMO substituent on K561 of EPAC1 promotes Rap1 interaction by increasing the buried surface area between the SUMOylated receptor and its effector. Our studies identify a functional SUMOylation site in EPAC1 and unveil a novel mechanism in which SUMOylation of EPAC1 leads to its autonomous activation. The findings of SUMOylation-mediated activation of EPAC1 not only provide new insights into our understanding of cellular regulation of EPAC1 but also will open up a new field of experimentation concerning the cross-talk between cAMP/EPAC1 signaling and protein SUMOylation, two major cellular stress response pathways, during cellular homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro-structure parameters of Cs2CO3 solution (salt/water molar ratios are 1 : 15, 1 : 35, 1 : 50) at 323, 298, 273, and 248 K were obtained by model calculation with X' Pert Pro X-ray diffractometer. The obtained average Cs–O distance is 0.323 nm, and the corresponding coordination number is ~5.17. Interaction distance of Cs–C() is 0.318 nm, coordination number varies with the concentration. Molar ratio of 1:15 solution is nearly saturated, and there is a bigger probability to form contact ion pairs (Cs– ) with the coordination number 0.89 in average; the number of 1 : 35 is ~0.31, and the 1 : 50 samples are guaranteed to be fully hydrated with less contact ion pairs, resulting in an average coordination number of 0.03. Three different molar ratios represent three microstates of inside solutions, so there are differences in the microstructure parameters among samples. The coordination distance of O–O–(H-bonding) is ~0.275 nm and the coordination number is ~2.23. The interaction distance of C()–OH2 is ~0.374 nm and the number of the interaction is ~7.28. The carbonate ion as well as cesium ion exists in a hydrated cluster in the solution, and partly forming contact ions with each other. The interaction between oxygen atoms in and water molecules around is similar to the hydrogen bonds. In addition, it can be concluded that the parameters of intra-molecular interactions (O–H(H2O), C–O(), O–O()) change little with the changing temperature and concentration according to the model calculation results. For inter-molecular interactions (Cs–O(H2O), Cs–O(II), O–O(H-bonding)), the changing of coordination distances and numbers is obvious with temperature and concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a quantum computing method to calculate the structure of common borate anions B(OH)3, B(OH) , B3O3(OH) , B3O3(OH) , B4O5(OH) , B5O6(OH) , and so on and their corresponding characteristic vibrations of infrared, Raman, and NMR spectra as well as microstructural analysis. The characteristics of B in the boric acid unit are deeply involved in the individual groups, B position and structure (single ring/double ring, chain/ring) and so on. Some characteristics have a correlation connection with each other, such as charge density and NMR chemical shift of B in single ring boric acid. It is needful for multi-methods if one wants a definite structure of the actual solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlN particles are formed in liquid Al metals/alloys during liquid-dealing and casting. They may act as potential nucleation sites during solidification. Along its [0 0 0 1] axis, AlN consists of Al3+N3- dipolar double-atom layers in the ionic model. Thus, the AlN{0 0 0 1} substrates are terminated by either an Al3+ or a N3- layer, being polar. Here we investigate the atomic ordering at the interfaces between liquid-aluminum and AlN{0 0 0 1} using an ab initio molecular dynamics technique. We have observed a rich variety of interfacial chemistry and identified an ordered Al layer terminating the substrates. The newly formed terminating Al atoms are positively charged. The liquid Al adjacent to the interfaces exhibit strong layering but weak in-plane ordering. The obtained information helps get insight into the role of aluminum nitride as potential nucleation sites in solidification of Al-metals, and further enriches our knowledge about nucleation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and coalescence of microvoids nucleating in the second phase particles are the dominant mechanism of ductile fracture. The ductile fracture process is strongly influenced by the stress state. Based on a triaxiality dependent cohesive zone model, the ductile fracture process of zirconium alloys under different stress states is described in the present study. Under the condition of plane strain, a compact tension analysis configuration is established for hydrided zirconium alloys composed of matrix and hydrides. By comparing our prediction with the results based on the extended finite element method, we can calibrate model parameters and then verify the model. The results show that the presence of hydrides accelerates the crack propagation and decreases the post-peak load level. Moreover, we find that the fracture resistance of zirconium alloys is strongly affected by the length, arrangement, quantity, and spacing of the hydrides. Specifically, for hydrides with the length along the crack propagation path, the increase in their length enhances the peak load and reduces the corresponding boundary displacement. The increase in their quantity reduces the post-peak load level. Besides, the increase in their spacing enhances the boundary displacement corresponding to the sudden load drop. For the ductile fracture of zirconium alloys, these simulation results provide insights into their ability to resist crack propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hypoxia is associated with aggressive tumour behaviour and can influence response to systemic therapy and radiotherapy. The prevalence of hypoxia in metastatic colorectal cancer is poorly understood, and the relationship of hypoxia to patient outcomes has not been clearly established. The aims of the study were to evaluate hypoxia in metastatic colorectal cancer with [18F]Fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO PET) and correlate these findings with glycolytic metabolism ([18F]FDG PET) and angiogenic blood biomarkers and patient outcomes. Methods: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received routine staging investigations and both [18F] FMISO PET and [18F] FDG PET scans. Correlative blood specimens were also obtained at the time of the [18F] FMISO PET scan. Patient follow-up was performed to establish progression-free survival. Results: A total of 40 patients were recruited into the trial. [18F]FMISO and [18F]FDG PET scans showed a significant correlation of SUVmax (p = 0.003). A significant correlation of progression-free survival and [18F] FMISO TNR (p = 0.02) and overall survival with [18F]FMISO TNR (p = 0.003) and [18F]FDG TGV (p = 0.02) was observed. Serum levels of osteopontin, but not VEGF, correlated with [18F] FMISO and [18F]FDG PET scan parameters. Conclusion: [18F]FMISO PET uptake in metastatic colorectal cancer significantly correlates with glycolytic metabolism and is predictive of progression-free and overall survival. These findings have implications for the assessment and treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients with novel therapies which affect tumour angiogenesis and hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgAl2O4 spinel particles exist inevitably in Al-Mg alloy melts and may act as potential substrates for heterogeneous nucleation of solid aluminum during solidification processing. In this paper, we investigated systematically the atomic ordering of liquid Al adjacent to liquid-Al/MgAl2O4{1 1 1} interfaces using an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation technique. Our simulations revealed that the interaction between the liquid metal and the spinel surface results in the formation of an ordered metal layer that terminates the substrate. This new terminating layer is positively charged, chemically bonded to the substrate, topologically rough, and structurally coupled with the metal sublayers beneath the outmost oxygen layer. The present results may shed new light on the role of spinel particles in Al-Mg alloys and on heterogeneous nucleation processes in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nest-founding in the fungus-growing ant Mycocepurus smithii is typically by single queens (monogyny) and colonies transition to multiple queens (polygyny) as they grow larger. Here, we study the transition from monogyny to polygyny of M. smithii under lab conditions. We hypothesize that the worker-to-queen ratio affects colony growth, fungus-garden growth, and colony survival. Monogyne colonies with small gardens (0.1 g) had greater garden growth than polygyne colonies, suggesting that monogyny may be the superior strategy for small colonies after initial nest establishment. In monogyne colonies with small gardens and either 30, 60, or 90 workers, colonies with 60 workers produced the largest gardens, suggesting that an intermediate worker-to-queen ratio is optimal for monogyne colonies with small gardens. For monogyne colonies with larger gardens (0.45 g) and with either 6, 18, 60, or 90 workers, colonies with 60 or 90 workers had significantly greater garden growth than those with 6 or 18 workers. New daughter queens were produced only by colonies with a worker-to-queen ratio of 60 or 90, suggesting that only colonies with sufficient worker numbers and garden growth are stimulated to produce new queens. A single queen lays only 1.12 ± 0.06 (SE) eggs within 24 h, therefore, limiting growth of monogyne colonies. The transition from monogyny to polygyny through the addition of supernumary queens, as well as a worker-to-queen ratio of around 60, are, therefore, critical for colony growth and reproduction in M. smithii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesia (MgO) particles inevitably exist in liquid Mg and may be used as potential sites for heterogeneous nucleation to achieve effective grain refinement. Understanding of the atomic configurations on MgO surfaces and in the liquid Mg adjacent to the liquid Mg/MgO interfaces is therefore of both scientific and practical interests. We investigate the surface structures of MgO in liquid Mg and the atomic arrangements of liquid Mg adjacent to liquid/substrate interfaces, using an ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. We find that an atomically rough terminating Mg layer forms on the {1 1 1} terminated MgO substrate (octahedral MgO) in liquid Mg. The simulations also reveal that on the structurally flat {0 0 1} terminated MgO substrate (cubic MgO) a rough Mg layer forms due to the unique chemical interactions between the ions on the substrate and the liquid metals. The surface roughness together with the large lattice misfits with solid Mg makes both octahedral and cubic MgO substrates impotent for heterogeneous nucleation of α-Mg. The present results may shed new light on grain refinement of Mg-alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the fungus-growing ant genus Atta, foundress queens nourish their brood and incipient fungus gardens with nutrients derived from trophic eggs. We discovered a third kind of egg laid by Atta foundresses in addition to reproductive and trophic eggs. We use fluorescent microscopy to show that this third type of eggs represents reproductive eggs that are unviable and fail to develop. Unviable reproductive eggs are somewhat larger (≈ 490 µm × 317 µm) than regular reproductive eggs (≈ 425 µm × 240 µm), but smaller than trophic eggs (≈ 640 µm × 530 µm). Trophic eggs liquify by some endogenous process within 24 h after oviposition to release nutrient contents. Unviable reproductive eggs do not liquify, but unviable reproductive eggs can be digested by the fungus, whereas reproductive eggs are not digested by the fungus to complete their development. We also report the first observation for A. texana of nanitic males (presumably diploid males) that were killed by the foundress queen shortly after the males' eclosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal patients with a tunnelled haemodialysis line are at risk of fibrin 'sheath' formation which can lead to occlusion. Dysfunctional lines are best treated by catheter exchange with a new subcutaneous tunnel; however, there is a risk of scarring, venous stenosis, potential loss of valuable access as well as the risk of infection. Method: We report a retrospective review of our experience using tunnelled line intraluminal plasty (TuLIP) in 11 patients over 16 months with fibrin sheath formation on pre-existing tunnelled haemodialysis catheters. Result: All patients responded well to treatment with median line patency post TuLIP reaching 112 days. Conclusion: TuLIP may have a role in extending catheter lifespan and delaying more invasive intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding atomic ordering in a metallic liquid adjacent to a solid substrate is of both scientific and technological importance. In this study, we used ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate systematically the effect of substrate chemistry on atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to artificially created substrates that have the same crystal structure as the solid phase upon solidification but different chemical characteristics. We found that for a given liquid, an attractive chemical interaction (negative heat of mixing) between the liquid and the substrate strengthens atomic ordering in the liquid at the interface, while a repulsive interaction (positive heat of mixing) weakens atomic ordering. It is realized that although both structure and chemistry of the substrate affect atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to the liquid/substrate interface, the structural effect dominates the atomic ordering process, while the chemical effect is but a secondary factor and affects atomic ordering through either strengthening or weakening the structural templating. Such knowledge of atomic ordering may help us to understand both prenucleation and heterogeneous nucleation, and to develop more effective approaches to grain refinement during solidification through effective manipulation of the interplay between structural and chemical effects of the substrate on atomic ordering in the liquid adjacent to the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an inexpensive auxiliary tool vibration device is described that improves the efficiency of deep groove electrical discharge machining (EDM). Titanium alloy samples (Ti-6Al-4V) were machined using two different methods: unassisted normal EDM and vibration-assisted EDM, using copper, copper-tungsten, and graphite tool electrode materials. The vibration-assisted EDM machining was done at 40, 90, and 140 Hz, and the material removal rate, tool electrode wear rate, and surface roughness of the specimens were compared. Experimental results revealed that the material removal rate with vibration-assisted EDM was better than that obtained using unassisted EDM with copper and copper-tungsten electrodes. In this study, the vibration frequency was found to have an optimum value of 90 Hz with respect to surface roughness. It was found that the machining time for a groove 10 mm deep with vibration-assisted EDM was reduced by 200% compared to unassisted EDM. This new vibration device can help in the development of a more efficient deep groove EDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a technique that has developed as an adjunct to conventional ultrasound. CEUS offers a number of benefits over conventional axial imaging with computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, primarily as a “beside” test, without ionising radiation or the safety concerns associated with iodinated/gadolinium-based contrast agents. Intravascular use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is widespread with extensive evidence for effective use. Despite this, the potential utility of UCAs in physiological and non-physiological cavities has not been fully explored. The possibilities for endocavitary uses of CEUS are described in this review based on a single-centre experience including CEUS technique and utility in confirming drain placement, as well as within the biliary system, urinary system, gastrointestinal tract and intravascular catheters.Teaching Points: • CEUS offers an excellent safety profile, spatial resolution and is radiation free.• Endocavitary CEUS provides real-time imaging similar to fluoroscopy in a portable setting.• Endocavitary CEUS can define internal architecture of physiological cavities.• Endocavitary CEUS can confirm drain position in physiological and non-physiological cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-light flares are the flares with emissions visible in the optical continuum. They are thought to be rare and pose the most stringent requirements in energy transport and heating in the lower atmosphere. Here we present a nearly circular white-light flare on 10 March 2015 that was well observed by the Optical and Near-infrared Solar Eruption Tracer and Solar Dynamics Observatory. In this flare, there appear simultaneously both impulsive and gradual white-light kernels. The generally accepted thick-target model would be responsible for the impulsive kernels but not sufficient to interpret the gradual kernels. Some other mechanisms including soft X-ray backwarming or downward-propagating Alfvén waves, acting jointly with electron beam bombardment, provide a possible interpretation. However, the origin of this kind of white-light kernel is still an open question that induces more observations and researches in the future to decipher it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate integration of GABAergic interneurons into nascent cortical circuits is critical for ensuring normal information processing within the brain. Network and cognitive deficits associated with neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, that result from NMDA receptor-hypofunction have been mainly attributed to dysfunction of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons that paradoxically express low levels of synaptic NMDA receptors. Here, we reveal that throughout postnatal development, thalamic, and entorhinal cortical inputs onto hippocampal neurogliaform cells are characterized by a large NMDA receptor-mediated component. This NMDA receptor-signaling is prerequisite for developmental programs ultimately responsible for the appropriate long-range AMPAR-mediated recruitment of neurogliaform cells. In contrast, AMPAR-mediated input at local Schaffer-collateral synapses on neurogliaform cells remains normal following NMDA receptor-ablation. These afferent specific deficits potentially impact neurogliaform cell mediated inhibition within the hippocampus and our findings reveal circuit loci implicating this relatively understudied interneuron subtype in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by NMDA receptor-hypofunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In quantum field theory, Lorentz invariance leads to three types of fermion-Dirac, Weyl and Majorana. Although the existence of Weyl and Majorana fermions as elementary particles in high-energy physics is debated, all three types of fermion have been proposed to exist as low-energy, long-wavelength quasiparticle excitations in condensed-matter systems. The existence of Dirac and Weyl fermions in condensed-matter systems has been confirmed experimentally, and that of Majorana fermions is supported by various experiments. However, in condensed-matter systems, fermions in crystals are constrained by the symmetries of the 230 crystal space groups rather than by Lorentz invariance, giving rise to the possibility of finding other types of fermionic excitation that have no counterparts in high-energy physics. Here we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to demonstrate the existence of a triply degenerate point in the electronic structure of crystalline molybdenum phosphide. Quasiparticle excitations near a triply degenerate point are three-component fermions, beyond the conventional Dirac-Weyl-Majorana classification, which attributes Dirac and Weyl fermions to four- and two-fold degenerate points, respectively. We also observe pairs of Weyl points in the bulk electronic structure of the crystal that coexist with the three-component fermions. This material thus represents a platform for studying the interplay between different types of fermions. Our experimental discovery opens up a way of exploring the new physics of unconventional fermions in condensed-matter systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: After the implementation of the multidisciplinary geriatric hip fracture clinical pathway in 2007, the hospital length of stay and the clinical outcomes improves. Moreover, the cost of manpower for each hip fracture decreases. It proves that this care model is cost-effective. Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and the cost of manpower before and after the implementation of the multidisciplinary geriatric hip fracture clinical pathway (GHFCP). Methods: The hip fracture data from 2006 was compared with the data of four consecutive years since 2008. The efficiency of the program is assessed using the hospital length of stay. The clinical outcomes include mortality rates and complication rates are compared. Cost of manpower was also analysed. Results: After the implementation of the GHFCP, the preoperative length of stay shortened significantly from 5.8 days in 2006 to 1.3 days in 2011. The total length of stay in both acute and rehabilitation hospitals were also shortened by 6.1 days and 14.2 days, respectively. The postoperative pneumonia rate also decreased from 1.25 to 0.25%. The short- and long-term mortalities also showed a general improvement. Despite allied health manpower was increased to meet the increased workload, the shortened length of stay accounted for a mark decrease in cost of manpower per hip fracture case. Conclusion: This study proves that the GHFCP shortened the geriatric hip fracture patients' length of stay and improves the clinical outcomes. It is also cost-effective which proves better care is less costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial communities in anode microbial fuel cells (MFC) obtained from anaerobic digester sludge in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (Nanjing, China) were investigated. Glucose, propyl alcohol and methanol were used as sole carbon source in two-chamber MFC. The results showed that a reproducible cycle of power production can be formed in MFC fed with 3 substrates and glucose-fed MFC had the highest peak power density of 1499 ± 33 mW/m, followed by methanol- (1264 ± 47 mW/m) and propyl alcohol-fed MFC (1192 ± 36 mW/m). Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes and Armatimonadetes were dominant phyla in 3 MFC. Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum in glucose-fed MFC samples and Bacteroidetes prevailed in methanol- and propyl alcohol-fed MFC. These data indicate that propyl alcohol and methanol along with glucose can be used as substrates of MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of stationary 'EIT waves' about 16 years ago posed a big challenge to the then favorite fast-mode wave model for coronal 'EIT waves'. It encouraged various non-wave models and played an important role in convergence of the opposing viewpoints toward the recent consensus that there are two types of EUV waves. However, it was recently discovered that a stationary wave front can also be generated when a fast-mode wave passes through a magnetic quasi-separatrix layer (QSL). In this article, we perform a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulation of the interaction between a fast-mode wave and a magnetic QSL, and a stationary wave front is reproduced. The analysis of the numerical results indicates that near the plasma beta ${\sim}\, 1$ layer in front of the magnetic QSL, part of the fast-mode wave is converted to a slow-mode MHD wave, which is then trapped inside the magnetic loops, forming a stationary wave front. Our results imply that we have to be cautious in identifying the nature of a wave, since there may be mode conversion during the propagation of the waves driven by solar eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a detailed investigation of Ni(II) hydration in water solutions was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The hydrated characteristics of [Ni(HO)] clusters, such as energy parameters, atomic charge distributions, and bond parameters, were explored using DFT with Becke's three-parameter exchange potential and the Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP). DFT calculations indicated that the preferred structure of the first hydration shell of Ni(II) generally has a coordination number of six and is almost unaffected by the water molecules in the outer solvation shell, whereas the structure of the second solvation shell varies as the hydration proceeds. EXAFS measurements are reported for aqueous NiSO and Ni(NO) solutions and the Ni(NO)·6HO crystal. Analysis of the EXAFS spectra of these three systems using a multiparameter fitting procedure showed that, in each case, the first coordination shell consists of six water molecules with a Ni-O coordination distance of 2.04 Å, and that there is no Ni-S or Ni-N coordination in the first shell. There was no evidence of outer-shell SO or NO ions substituting inner-sphere water molecules in NiSO and Ni(NO). The characteristics of Ni(II) hydration obtained from DFT calculations agreed well with those obtained experimentally using EXAFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the roles of miR-448 in ovarian cancer. Methods: miR-448 and CXCL12 mRNA expression were examined using qRT-PCR. CXCL12 promoter activity was detected by luciferase activity system. Cell proliferation was assayed by MTT or colony formation. Migration and invasion was assayed by transwell chamber. Results: miR-448 expression was usually under-expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines compared with their normal ones. Ectopic expression of miR-448 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, bioinformatic prediction suggested that CXCL12 was a target gene of miR-448. We also demonstrated that restored expression of CXCL12 dampened miR-448-mediated suppression of tumor progression, which suggests the important role of miR-448 in tumor progression. Conclusion: Our data indicate that miR-448 functions as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer, which exerts its activity by suppressing the expression of CXCL12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ITER correction coil (CC) cases have characteristics of small cross section, large dimensions, and complex structure. The cases are made of heavy thick (20 mm), high strength and high toughness 316LN austenitic stainless steel. The laser welding is used for the case closure welding, due to its low heat input and deformation. According to the structural size and feature of the two types of cases, a set of laser welding workstation for the ITER CC case closure welding is designed. A slip plate module for the welding robot is designed to increase its workspace. According to the result of the movement simulation of the welding robots, the workstation is successful to cover all weld seams on the cases. Also, the welding platform and fixtures (includes the special welding tilter of the SCC) of the BTCC case and the SCC cases are designed. To verify the design structural feasibility of the welding tilter of SCC, the structural analysis for the rotating process has been formed in detail by using ANSYS. The simulating results show that the stress of the welding tilter can meet both static and fatigue criteria, and thus the basic structure is valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an online approach for the optimal coordination and control of ramp metering. The ramp metering problem is formulated in a decision network and subsequently solved by iterative dynamic programming (IDP), where a near optimal ramp metering policy is obtained by minimizing the total travel time spent (TTS). The optimal metering policy is implemented under the framework of receding horizon control. In this study, by incorporating METANET for traffic flow model, a study location is simulated and the performance of the proposed algorithm is measured and compared to those without ramp metering and with a local uncoordinated ramp metering. Results show that the proposed method is able to improve traffic conditions and prevent recurrent congestion under certain ramp queue constrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper calculates the form factor and multiple scattering in metal-stub photonic structures for a wave of 94 GHz. Form factor and multiple scattering which affect the pattern and intensity of the diffraction peaks will be shown. In addition, this work examines five Bravais lattices made of metal stubs with a computer-controlled equipment. The new experimental system significantly shortens the data acquisition time and enhances the stability of the measurement. The diffraction pattern and intensity of the calculated results matched well with the experimental ones. With properly designing the model crystal, this instrument can be used to study scattering, diffraction, and terahertz photonic crystal in a parallel-plate configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that infection with human polyomavirus, such as JCPyV and BKPyV, might be associated with various human tumors. However, an association between human JCPyV and BKPyV infection and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine DLBCLs of the gastrointestinal tract for evidence of human polyomavirus infection. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing were employed for viral DNA detection and viral genotype identification. In addition, two viral proteins, the large tumor antigen (LT) and the major structural protein (VP1), were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Human JCPyV and BKPyV DNA was detected in 14 out of 16 tissue samples (87.5 %), whereby nine cases were infected with JCPyV and five cases were infected with BKPyV. Both archetypal and rearranged genotypes of JCPyV and BKPyV were detected in the tissues. LT was detected in 11 tissue samples (68.75 %). However, VP1 was not detected in any of the tissue samples. The presence of human JCPyV and BKPyV DNA and protein in DLBCL tissues of gastrointestinal tract were first reported in this study. The current results provide evidence of a possible association between human JCPyV and BKPyV infection and DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a method to automatically detect and trace solar filaments in Hα full-disk images. The program is able not only to recognize filaments and determine their properties, such as the position, the area, the spine, and other relevant parameters, but also to trace the daily evolution of the filaments. The program consists of three steps: First, preprocessing is applied to correct the original images; second, the Canny edge-detection method is used to detect filaments; third, filament properties are recognized through morphological operators. To test the algorithm, we successfully applied it to observations from the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO). We analyzed Hα images obtained by the MLSO from 1998 to 2009 and obtained a butterfly diagram of filaments. This shows that the latitudinal migration of solar filaments has three trends in Solar Cycle 23: The drift velocity was fast from 1998 to the solar maximum, after which it became relatively slow. After 2006, the migration became divergent, signifying the solar minimum. About 60 % of the filaments with latitudes higher than 50 migrate toward the polar regions with relatively high velocities, and the latitudinal migrating speeds in the northern and the southern hemispheres do not differ significantly in Solar Cycle 23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effective material properties of particle-reinforced composites. The Mori-Tanaka approach overstates the strain of inclusions and therefore underestimates the resulting effective rigidity of composite materials. We propose an iteration method for the Mori-Tanaka approach. Initially, the effective elastic tensor of a composite material is found by using the Mori-Tanaka approach. Then the new composite is taken as a background material, and the inclusions and matrix are both embedded into it. The resulting material is softer than predicted by the self-consistent approach, but stiffer than forecasted by the Mori-Tanaka method. The predictions are compared with data from the literature and are shown to be very accurate over wide ranges of inclusion concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact and efficient 593.5 nm orange-yellow laser is realized using doubly resonant intracavity sum frequency mixing. Two Nd: YVO crystals are employed as the gain crystals. In two sub-cavities, 1064 nm radiation from one Nd: YVO and 1342 nm radiation from the other Nd: YVO are mixed to generate 593.5 nm orange-yellow laser. In the overlapping of the two cavities, sum frequency mixing is achieved in a type I critical phase matching (CPM) LBO crystal. An output power of 3.2 W at the wavelength of 593.5 nm is obtained with total incident pump power of 38 W. The optical to optical conversion efficiency is up to 8.4% and the stability of the output power is better than 2.48% in 8 h. To the best knowledge, this it the highest watt-level laser at 593.5 nm generated by diode end pump all-solid-state technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and compact red laser at 660 nm is generated by intracavity frequency doubling of continuous wave (CW) laser operation of a diode pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1319 nm under the condition of suppression the higher gain transition near 1064 and 1319 nm under the condition of suppression the higher gain transition near 1064 and 1338 nm. With 40 W diode pump power and a frequency doubling crystal LBO, as high as 8.6 W of CW output power at 660 nm is achieved, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 21.5% and the output power stability in 8 h is better than 2.73%. To the best of our knowledge, this it the highest conversion efficiency of watt-level laser at 660 nm generated by intracavity frequency doubling of a diode end pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1319 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and validate prediction rules to identify the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection among community patients who have healthcare-associated (HA) exposure and S. aureus bacteremia. A total of 1,166 adults with community-onset S. aureus bacteremia were retrospectively enrolled. The background prevalence of community MRSA infection was extrapolated from 392 community-associated S. aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB) patients without HA exposure. Complete and clinical risk scores were derived and tested using data from 774 healthcare-associated S. aureus bacteremia (HA-SAB) patients. The risk scores were modeled with and without incorporating previous microbiological data as a model predictor and stratified patients to low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups for MRSA infection. The clinical risk score included five independent predictors and the complete risk score included six independent predictors. The clinical and complete risk scores stratified 32.7 % and 42.0 % of HA-SAB patients to the low-risk group for MRSA infection respectively. The prevalence of MRSA infection in score-stratified low-risk groups ranged from 16.3 % to 23.3 %, comparable to that of CA-SAB patients (13.8 %). Simple decision rules allow physicians to stratify the risk of MRSA infection when treating community patients with prior HA exposure and possible S. aureus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IRF-5 is a transcription factor activated by toll like receptor (TLR)7 and TLR9 during innate immune responses. IRF-5 activates not only Type I IFN, but also inflammatory cytokines. Most importantly, a genetic variation in the IRF-5 gene shows a strong association with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. Here, we report that IRF5-deficient mice have attenuated IgG2a/c responses to T-cell-dependent and -independent antigens and to polyoma virus infection. This defect is due to the intrinsic deletion of IRF-5 in B cells, as SCID mice reconstituted with Irf5−/− B cells show a decrease in IgG2a/c expression after viral infection compared with mice that received wild-type B cells. Irf5−/−B cells in vitro have diminished TLR and cytokine-induced class switching to IgG2a/c. Addressing the molecular mechanism, we show that IRF-5 regulates IgG2a/c expression by decreasing Ikaros expression; reconstitution of IRF-5 in Irf5−/− B cells downregulates Ikaros levels and increases switching to IgG2a/c. The IRF site in ikzf1 promoter binds IRF-5, IRF-4 and IRF-8. We show that IRF-8 but not IRF-4 activates the ikzf1 promoter, and IRF-5 inhibits the transcriptional activity of IRF-8. Collectively, these results identify the IRF-5-Ikaros axis as a critical modulator of IgG2a/c class switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted for 2D circular cylinders at Reynolds numbers in the range of 1.73 × 10-5.86 × 10. In the experiment, two circular cylinder models made of acrylic and stainless steel, respectively, were employed, which have similar dimensions but different surface roughness. Particular attention was paid to the unsteady flow behaviors inferred by the signals obtained from the pressure taps on the cylinder models and by a hot-wire probe in the near-wake region. At Reynolds numbers pertaining to the initial transition from the subcritical to the critical regimes, pronounced pressure fluctuations were measured on the surfaces of both cylinder models, which were attributed to the excursion of unsteady flow separation over a large circumferential region. At the Reynolds numbers almost reaching the one-bubble state, it was noted that the development of separation bubble might switch from one side to the other with time. Wavelet analysis of the pressure signals measured simultaneously at θ = ±90° further revealed that when no separation bubble was developed, the instantaneous vortex-shedding frequencies could be clearly resolved, about 0.2, in terms of the Strouhal number. The results of oil-film flow visualization on the stainless steel cylinder of the one-bubble and two-bubble states showed that the flow reattachment region downstream of a separation bubble appeared not uniform along the span of the model. Thus, the three dimensionality was quite evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of nano-TiO particles on the interfacial microstructures and bonding strength of Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu composite solder joints in ball grid array packages with immersion Sn surface finishes have been investigated. Metallography reveals that addition of nano-TiO particle retarded wicker-CuSn IMC formed in the Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu composite solder joints. The thickness of the interfacial intermetallic compounds of the solder joint was reduced with increased additions of nano-TiO particles (0.25-1.0 wt%), but further additions up to 1.25 wt% decreased the beneficial influence. This indicates that the presence of a small amount of nano-TiO particles is effective in suppressing the growth of the intermetallic compounds layer. In addition, the shear strength of the soldered joints was improved by larger nano-TiO particle additions, with the peak shear strength occurring at 1.0 wt% of nano-TiO particles into the Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu solder. The fracture mode also changed with increased amounts of nano-TiO particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By applying nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism combined with first-principles density functional theory, we investigate the effects of contact atomic structure on the electron transport of pyridine-substituted dithienylethene optical molecules with open- and closed-ring forms. The motivation for this study is the variable situations that may arise in break junction experiments. Three kinds of molecule-metal interface conformations including the hollow, bridge and top sites are studied. Theoretical results show that the conductance of the closed-ring is always larger than that of open-ring for all three connecting sites. When the molecule is located at the hollow site, this will lead to negative differential resistance under applied bias, while it cannot be found in the bridge and top sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shakedown of a functionally graded (FG) plate subjected to coupled constant mechanical load and cyclically varying temperature is analyzed comprehensively. The material of the plate is composed of an elastoplastic matrix and elastic particles, and the particle volume fraction varies through the thickness. The distributions of the effective mechanical and thermal properties of the composites through the thickness are evaluated with mean-field approaches and described with an exponential law. The temperature dependence of the material properties is taken into account. The distribution of temperature change and the shakedown of a typical FG Bree plate are analyzed. The comparison with the results of its homogeneous counterpart and that without considering the temperature dependence of the material properties exhibits marked qualitative and quantitative difference. The effect of the temperature dependence of the elastic properties of materials is also investigated. Since FG structures are usually subject to severe coupled thermal-mechanical loadings, the approach developed and the results obtained are significant for the analysis and design of such kind of structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the revised Goodman–Cowin theory, dry granular mass flows are modeled as elasto-visco-plastic continua with microstructural effects. In particular, hypoplasticity is incorporated to account for the plastic deformations and internal-friction characteristics of the material. The constitutive equations comprise of the equilibrium and non-equilibrium parts. A thermodynamic analysis, based on the Müller–Liu entropy principle, is performed to derive the ultimate equilibrium expressions of the constitutive variables, while the non-equilibrium responses are postulated by use of a quasi-linear theory. Results show that the revised Goodman–Cowin theory can appropriately be extended to take the frictional and plastic effects into account. These are revealed in the additonal plastic contributions in the equilibrium expressions of the Cauchy stress tensor and the balance equations of two internal variables. It is also shown that the present model is capable of describing the complex elasto-viscous-plastic behaviour of granular materials in static/quasi-static as well as in dynamic situations. This paper is devoted to the derivation of the thermodynamically consistent constitutive model. Its applications to benchmark problems and the justified evaluation of its performance and limitations are deferred to the other further paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present multi-wavelength observations of a complicated solar eruption event to associate with an X1.2 flare and a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on 2003 October 26. The soft X-ray profile shows a possibility for occurrence of two flares with peaks around 06:20 and 07:00 UT. According to our observations, there are many evidences to show that they are corresponding to two energy releases. The first one produces type II, type III, moving type IV continua, a decimetric burst (DCIM) and strong emissions at H α, 195 and 1600 Å; While the second energy release only produces a group of RS-III bursts, DCIM and H α emissions. It appears that the first energy release is associated with a CME, while the second CME is quiet. Such observational difference between two energy releases is found indicating two magnetic reconnection processes occurrence with different plasma situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) is common but underestimated in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we reported 898 in-hospital patients with primary hypertension (PH) at the university hospitals in developed regions of China. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in those without known type-2 diabetes mellitus (2-DM). A total of 158 patients had known 2-DM and 32 were newly diagnosed as 2-DM by fasting blood glucose (FBG). OGTT revealed that 83 had 2-DM and 296 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The proportion of 2-DM and AGM increased from 21.2 to 30.4% and from 57.5 to 68.7% upon OGTT. Prevalence of AGM and 2-DM increased with the increase of age, and incidence of AGM and 2-DM was significant higher in patients with risk factors (including CHD, overweight, hyperlipidaemia, proteinuria) than those without risk factors mentioned above. Glucose was not sufficiently controlled in 55.1% of the patients with 2-DM upon treatment, well controlled in 35.4% and not controlled in 9.5%. So AGM is also prevalent in PH patients especially the elders and those with risk factors, which was underestimated in most cases. Moreover, much lower awareness, treatment and control of 2-DM occurred in some regions of China, thus strengthening health education for patients and heightening consciousness of doctor are very important and eminent. Except for FBG, more attention should be paid to postprandial blood glucose ignored before, and OGTT should be a routine procedure in PH patients, especially in older patients and those with the factors mentioned above.Journal of Human Hypertension (2008) 22, 346–351; doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1002327; published online 17 January 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomerase activity is suppressed in normal somatic tissues but is activated in most cancer cells. We have previously found that all six telomerase subunit proteins, including hTERT and hsp90 are needed for full enzyme activity. Telomerase activity has been reported to be upregulated by protein kinase C (PKC), but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we examined how PKC regulates telomerase activity in head and neck cancer cells. PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I (BIS), inhibited telomerase activity but had no effect on the expressions of telomerase core subunits. RNA interference (RNAi) and in vitro phosphorylation studies revealed that PKC isoforms α, β, δ, ɛ, ζ specifically involved in telomerase regulation, and the phosphorylation target was on hTERT. Treatment with the hsp-90 inhibitor novobiocin dissociated hsp90 and hTERT as revealed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis and reduced telomerase activity. Treatment with the PKC activator SC-10 restored the association of hsp90 and hTERT and reactivate telomerase, suggesting that hTERT phosphorylation by PKC is essential for telomerase holoenzyme integrity and function. Analysis on clinical normal and tumour tissues reveal that the expressions of PKC α, β, δ, ɛ, ζ were higher in the tumour tissues, correlated with telomerase activity. Disruption of PKC phosphorylation by BIS significantly increased chemosensitivity to cisplatin. In conclusion, PKC isoenzymes α, β, δ, ɛ, ζ regulate telomerase activity in head and neck cancer cells by phosphorylating hTERT. This phosphorylation is essential for telomerase holoenzyme assembly, leading to telomerase activation and oncogenesis. Manipulation of telomerase activity by PKC inhibitors is worth exploring as an adjuvant therapeutic approach.British Journal of Cancer (2006) 94, 870–878. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603008 www.bjcancer.com Published online 28 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “BF14/16×HF2/7” mapping population of meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis Huds.) was characterised for number of panicles produced by non-vernalised plants in the field, vernalisation requirement (number of weeks at 6°C and 8 h photoperiod), as well as days to heading, number of panicles and proportion of shoots heading after a 12 weeks vernalisation treatment. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified and compared to QTLs and genes related to the induction of flowering in cereals and grasses. A region on chromosome 1F affected days to heading and the proportion of shoots heading. Chromosome 4F appeared to have several genes with a strong effect on vernalisation requirement. The strongest effects were located in the proximal end of 4F and may correspond to the earliness per se (eps) QTL eps6L.2 in barley and a heading time QTL in perennial ryegrass. A part of the meadow fescue orthologue of VRN1 was sequenced and mapped to another region of 4F that also had a strong effect on vernalisation requirement. The proximal end of chromosome 5F had QTLs for days to heading and proportion of heading shoots. Syntenic regions in wheat and barley contain eps-loci. A QTL for number of panicles in the field and a QTL for proportion of heading shoots were present on chromosome 6. A region on 7F affected the variation in number of panicles among plants without a vernalisation requirement, and is syntenic to regions in perennial ryegrass, barley and rice containing orthologues of Arabidopsis thaliana CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Insulin resistance is concomitant with metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and cardiac contractile dysfunction. However, the causal relationship between oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction is unknown. This study was designed to determine the impact of overexpression of the cardiac antioxidant metallothionein on cardiac dysfunction induced by insulin resistance in mice. Methods: Whole-body insulin resistance was generated in wild-type FVB and metallothionein transgenic mice by feeding them with sucrose for 12 weeks. Contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated in ventricular myocytes using an IonOptix system. The contractile indices analysed included: peak shortening (PS), time to 90% PS (TPS90), time to 90% relengthening (TR90), half-width duration, maximal velocity of shortening (+dL/dt) and relengthening (-dL/dt), fura-fluorescence intensity change (ΔFFI) and decay rate (τ). Results: The sucrose-fed mice displayed glucose intolerance, enhanced oxidative stress, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and normal body weight. Compared with myocytes in starch-fed mice, those from sucrose-fed mice exhibited depressed PS, +dL/dt, -dL/dt, prolonged TR90 and decay rate, and reduced ΔFFI associated with normal TPS90 and half-width duration. Western blot analysis revealed enhanced basal, but blunted insulin (15 mU/g)-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. It also showed elevated expression of insulin receptor β, insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ?, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and phosphorylation of the transcription factor c-Jun, associated with a reduced fold increase of insulin-stimulated insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in sucrose-fed mice. All western blot findings may be attenuated or ablated by metallothionein. Conclusions/interpretation: These data indicate that oxidative stress may play an important role in cardiac contractile dysfunction associated with glucose intolerance and possibly related to alteration in insulin signalling at the receptor and post-receptor levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft X-ray (SXR) waves, EIT waves, and Hα Moreton waves are all associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The knowledge of the characteristics about these waves is crucial for the understanding of CMEs, and hence for the space weather researches. MHD numerical simulation is performed, with the consideration of the quiet Sun atmosphere, to investigate the CME/flare processes. On the basis of the numerical results, SXR, EUV, and Hα images of the eruption are synthesized, where SXR waves, EIT waves, and Hα Moreton waves are identified. It confirms that the EIT waves, which border the expanding dimmming region, are produced by the successive opening (or stretching) of the closed magnetic field lines. Hα Moreton waves are found to propagate outward synchronously with the SXR waves, lagging behind the latter spatially by ∼27 Mm in the simulated scenario. However, the EIT wave velocity is only a third of the Moreton wave velocity. The synthesized results also suggest that Hα± 0.45Å would be the best off-band for the detection of Hα Moreton waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]