Long lived multi-isotype anti-HIV antibody responses following a prime-double boost immunization strategy

Despite decades of work, an effective HIV vaccine remains elusive. In an effort to elicit protective immunity, investigators have sought to define vaccines able to elicit durable HIV-specific B-cell and T-cell activities. Additionally, vaccines are sought which can induce antibodies of a variety of isotypes, as each isotype possesses unique attributes in terms of opsonization, Fc receptor binding capacity, complement fixation and location. One prominent new vaccine strategy, applied to numerous distinct antigenic systems is the prime boost-regimen, with DNA, vaccinia virus (VV), and/or purified recombinant protein. To examine the durability, location and isotype distribution of responses induced by prime-boost regimens, we tested successive immunizations with DNA, VV and protein (D-V-P), comparing three forms of protein inoculations: (i) purified protein administered intramuscularly with complete Freunds adjuvant, (ii) purified protein administered intranasally, and (iii) purified protein conjugated to oxidized mannan, administered intranasally. We found that all three protocols elicited serum antibodies of multiple isotypes, with serum IgA being most prominent among mice immunized with mannan-conjugated protein. All D-V-P protocols, regardless of protein form or route, also elicited antibody responses at mucosal surfaces. In bronchoalveolar lavage, a tendency toward IgA production was again most prominent in mice boosted with the protein–mannan conjugate. Both B-cell and T-cell responses were sustained for more than 1 year post-immunization following each form of vaccination. Contemporaneous with long-lasting serum and mucosal antibodies were antibody forming cells in the bone marrow of primed animals. Results highlight the D-V-P vaccination strategy as a promising approach for attaining durable, multi-isotype B-cell and T-cell activities toward HIV.

Internationalization of boost juice to Malaysia

This case describes the process that the Australian juice retail chain, Boost Juice, has used to internationalize to Malaysia. The main objective of this case is to demonstrate good practice in regard to internationalization. The case provides the background of the juice bar industry in Malaysia and determines that it is an attractive market for new start-up juice bars. An analysis of Boost Juice's capability determined that the company utilized the skills of its staff, product innovations, branding and marketing as core competencies to support its internationalization into Malaysia. In particular, the company's distinctive capabilities of organizational flexibility, management skill, brand and communication enabled it to convert these core competencies into competitive advantage and secure market share in Malaysia. The Boost Juice franchise process is analysed and the control and management tools that Boost Juice utilized to support its internationalization into Malaysia are identified. © 2014 World Scientific Publishing Co.

Full converter based wind turbine generator system generic modelling: Variations and applicability

Wind energy system integration can lead to adverse effects on modern electric grid so it is imperative toassess their dynamic performance before actual plant startup. Transmission system operators all over theworld stress the need for a proper wind turbine generator model for dynamic performance as well asancillary service assessments. Due to the bulk power system assessment requirements, developmentof suitable generic modeling has gained high priority. Generic modeling of type 4 full converter wind turbinegenerator system for application in frequency ancillary service investigations under varying windspeed and varying reference power has been presented in this study. Prevalent generic model, manufacturerspecific proprietary generic model along with detailed wind turbine model with synchronous generatoris also provided to highlight various modelling framework difference. Descriptions of individualsub models of proposed generic model are presented in detail and performance results are comparedand validated with GE’s proprietary generic model and detailed WTG model by means of simulationsin the MATLAB Power System Block set.