Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus succinus Strain CSM-77, a Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Isolated from a Triassic Salt Mine.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus succinus strain CSM-77. This moderately halophilic bacterium was isolated from the surface of a halite sample obtained from a Triassic salt mine.

Full-Duplex Spectrum Sharing in Cooperative Single Carrier Systems

We propose cyclic prefix single carrier full-duplex transmission in amplify-and-forward cooperative spectrum sharing networks to achieve multipath diversity and full-duplex spectral efficiency. Integrating full-duplex transmission into cooperative spectrum sharing systems results in two intrinsic problems: 1) the residual loop interference occurs between the transmit and the receive antennas at the secondary relays and 2) the primary users simultaneously suffer interference from the secondary source (SS) and the secondary relays (SRs). Thus, examining the effects of residual loop interference under peak interference power constraint at the primary users and maximum transmit power constraints at the SS and the SRs is a particularly challenging problem in frequency selective fading channels. To do so, we derive and quantitatively compare the lower bounds on the outage probability and the corresponding asymptotic outage probability for max–min relay selection, partial relay selection, and maximum interference relay selection policies in frequency selective fading channels. To facilitate comparison, we provide the corresponding analysis for half-duplex. Our results show two complementary regions, named as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) dominant region and the residual loop interference dominant region, where the multipath diversity and spatial diversity can be achievable only in the SNR dominant region, however the diversity gain collapses to zero in the residual loop interference dominant region.

Legionella pneumophila secretes a mitochondrial carrier protein during infection

The Mitochondrial Carrier Family (MCF) is a signature group of integral membrane proteins that transport metabolites across the mitochondrial inner membrane in eukaryotes. MCF proteins are characterized by six transmembrane segments that assemble to form a highly-selective channel for metabolite transport. We discovered a novel MCF member, termed Legionellanucleotide carrier Protein (LncP), encoded in the genome of Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire's disease. LncP was secreted via the bacterial Dot/Icm type IV secretion system into macrophages and assembled in the mitochondrial inner membrane. In a yeast cellular system, LncP induced a dominant-negative phenotype that was rescued by deleting an endogenous ATP carrier. Substrate transport studies on purified LncP reconstituted in liposomes revealed that it catalyzes unidirectional transport and exchange of ATP transport across membranes, thereby supporting a role for LncP as an ATP transporter. A hidden Markov model revealed further MCF proteins in the intracellular pathogens, Legionella longbeachae and Neorickettsia sennetsu, thereby challenging the notion that MCF proteins exist exclusively in eukaryotic organisms.

Cemento endodontico iniettabile: ricerca del "carrier" mediante osservazioni di microscopia elettronica a scansione e misure di micro-permeabilita'

Questa tesi si pone l’obiettivo di individuare il corretto veicolo “carrier” per un cemento bioceramico premiscelato, iniettabile e pronto all’uso. Il suddetto cemento è creato per applicazioni di chiusura e otturazioni permanenti del canale radicolare. A tale scopo è stato analizzato anatomicamente il dente e sono state approfondite le patologie. In seguito si è posta particolare attenzione per l’endodonzia e la terapia endodontica ortograda. L’attenzione si è poi focalizzata sui cementi endodontici allo scopo di ricercare lo stato dell’arte circa le proprietà chimico-fisiche di cementi ampiamente utilizzati in odontoiatria quali il mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) e il cemento da cui è derivato ossia il cemento Portland. La parte sperimentale dell’elaborato parte con l’idea di ricreare, presso il Centro di Ricerca Interdisciplinare di Biomineralogia, Cristallografia e Biomateriali del Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geologico-Ambientali dell’Università di Bologna, un prodotto con le stesse caratteristiche di un cemento ad uso endodontico iniettabile attualmente in commercio. Si è quindi studiato non solo il comportamento ma si sono anche analizzate le caratteristiche superficiali al SEM del suddetto cemento additivato con differenti sostanze (acqua, PEG 400, etil-lattato, glicerina) in diverse quantità. Si è passati di poi a testare il campione dalle caratteristiche più vicine all’obiettivo su disco di dentina con il permeabilimetro di Pashley e successivamente, si sono osservati dischi di dentina dopo l’applicazione del cemento e dopo attacco acido al SEM.

Inter-carrier interference mitigation for underwater acoustic communications

Communicating at a high data rate through the ocean is challenging. Such communications must be acoustic in order to travel long distances. The underwater acoustic channel has a long delay spread, which makes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) an attractive communication scheme. However, the underwater acoustic channel is highly dynamic, which has the potential to introduce significant inter-carrier interference (ICI). This thesis explores a number of means for mitigating ICI in such communication systems. One method that is explored is directly adapted linear turbo ICI cancellation. This scheme uses linear filters in an iterative structure to cancel the interference. Also explored is on-off keyed (OOK) OFDM, which is a signal designed to avoid ICI.

Carrier frequency effect on the MIMO eigenvalues in an indoor environment

El efecto de la frecuencia portadora sobre los valores propios de los sistemas MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) es investigado experimentalmente en un entorno indoor, considerando condiciones de línea de vista (LOS: line-of-sight) y sin línea de vista (NLOS: non-line-of-sight). Los resultados muestran una reducción en la potencia media de los valores propios del sistema MIMO, lo cual es debido a un incremento en la correlación espacial entre los sub-canales cuando la frecuencia portadora se incrementa. Este efecto causa una reducción en la capacidad del sistema MIMO.

Activity-based life cycle costing model for cost estimation and monitoring – Case: manned and autonomous dry bulk carrier

Recent developments in automation, robotics and artificial intelligence have given a push to a wider usage of these technologies in recent years, and nowadays, driverless transport systems are already state-of-the-art on certain legs of transportation. This has given a push for the maritime industry to join the advancement. The case organisation, AAWA initiative, is a joint industry-academia research consortium with the objective of developing readiness for the first commercial autonomous solutions, exploiting state-of-the-art autonomous and remote technology. The initiative develops both autonomous and remote operation technology for navigation, machinery, and all on-board operating systems. The aim of this study is to develop a model with which to estimate and forecast the operational costs, and thus enable comparisons between manned and autonomous cargo vessels. The building process of the model is also described and discussed. Furthermore, the model’s aim is to track and identify the critical success factors of the chosen ship design, and to enable monitoring and tracking of the incurred operational costs as the life cycle of the vessel progresses. The study adopts the constructive research approach, as the aim is to develop a construct to meet the needs of a case organisation. Data has been collected through discussions and meeting with consortium members and researchers, as well as through written and internal communications material. The model itself is built using activity-based life cycle costing, which enables both realistic cost estimation and forecasting, as well as the identification of critical success factors due to the process-orientation adopted from activity-based costing and the statistical nature of Monte Carlo simulation techniques. As the model was able to meet the multiple aims set for it, and the case organisation was satisfied with it, it could be argued that activity-based life cycle costing is the method with which to conduct cost estimation and forecasting in the case of autonomous cargo vessels. The model was able to perform the cost analysis and forecasting, as well as to trace the critical success factors. Later on, it also enabled, albeit hypothetically, monitoring and tracking of the incurred costs. By collecting costs this way, it was argued that the activity-based LCC model is able facilitate learning from and continuous improvement of the autonomous vessel. As with the building process of the model, an individual approach was chosen, while still using the implementation and model building steps presented in existing literature. This was due to two factors: the nature of the model and – perhaps even more importantly – the nature of the case organisation. Furthermore, the loosely organised network structure means that knowing the case organisation and its aims is of great importance when conducting a constructive research.

Nonlinear Optics and Carrier Dynamics in Nanostructured and Two-Dimensional Materials

Understanding and measuring the interaction of light with sub-wavelength structures and atomically thin materials is of critical importance for the development of next generation photonic devices.  One approach to achieve the desired optical properties in a material is to manipulate its mesoscopic structure or its composition in order to affect the properties of the light-matter interaction.  There has been tremendous recent interest in so called two-dimensional materials, consisting of only a single to a few layers of atoms arranged in a planar sheet.  These materials have demonstrated great promise as a platform for studying unique phenomena arising from the low-dimensionality of the material and for developing new types of devices based on these effects.  A thorough investigation of the optical and electronic properties of these new materials is essential to realizing their potential.  In this work we present studies that explore the nonlinear optical properties and carrier dynamics in nanoporous silicon waveguides, two-dimensional graphite (graphene), and atomically thin black phosphorus. We first present an investigation of the nonlinear response of nanoporous silicon optical waveguides using a novel pump-probe method. A two-frequency heterodyne technique is developed in order to measure the pump-induced transient change in phase and intensity in a single measurement. The experimental data reveal a characteristic material response time and temporally resolved intensity and phase behavior matching a physical model dominated by free-carrier effects that are significantly stronger and faster than those observed in traditional silicon-based waveguides.  These results shed light on the large optical nonlinearity observed in nanoporous silicon and demonstrate a new measurement technique for heterodyne pump-probe spectroscopy. Next we explore the optical properties of low-doped graphene in the terahertz spectral regime, where both intraband and interband effects play a significant role. Probing the graphene at intermediate photon energies enables the investigation of the nonlinear optical properties in the graphene as its electron system is heated by the intense pump pulse. By simultaneously measuring the reflected and transmitted terahertz light, a precise determination of the pump-induced change in absorption can be made. We observe that as the intensity of the terahertz radiation is increased, the optical properties of the graphene change from interband, semiconductor-like absorption, to a more metallic behavior with increased intraband processes. This transition reveals itself in our measurements as an increase in the terahertz transmission through the graphene at low fluence, followed by a decrease in transmission and the onset of a large, photo-induced reflection as fluence is increased.  A hybrid optical-thermodynamic model successfully describes our observations and predicts this transition will persist across mid- and far-infrared frequencies.  This study further demonstrates the important role that reflection plays since the absorption saturation intensity (an important figure of merit for graphene-based saturable absorbers) can be underestimated if only the transmitted light is considered. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of new optoelectronic devices designed to operate in the mid- and far-infrared frequency range.  Lastly we discuss recent work with black phosphorus, a two-dimensional material that has recently attracted interest due to its high mobility and direct, configurable band gap (300 meV to 2eV), depending on the number of atomic layers comprising the sample. In this work we examine the pump-induced change in optical transmission of mechanically exfoliated black phosphorus flakes using a two-color optical pump-probe measurement. The time-resolved data reveal a fast pump-induced transparency accompanied by a slower absorption that we attribute to Pauli blocking and free-carrier absorption, respectively. Polarization studies show that these effects are also highly anisotropic - underscoring the importance of crystal orientation in the design of optical devices based on this material. We conclude our discussion of black phosphorus with a study that employs this material as the active element in a photoconductive detector capable of gigahertz class detection at room temperature for mid-infrared frequencies.

Crassaminicella profunda gen. nov., sp nov., an anaerobic marine bacterium isolated from deep-sea sediments

A novel, anaerobic, chemo-organotrophic bacterium, designated strain Ra1766HT, was isolated from sediments of the Guaymas basin (Gulf of California, Mexico) taken from a depth of 2002 m. Cells were thin, motile, Gram-stain-positive, flexible rods forming terminal endospores. Strain Ra1766H(T) grew at temperatures of 25-45 degrees C (optimum 30 degrees C), pH 6.7-8.1 (optimum 7.5) and in a salinity of 5-60 g l(-1) NaCl (optimum 30 g l(-1)). It was an obligate heterotrophic bacterium fermenting carbohydrates (glucose and mannose) and organic acids (pyruvate and succinate). Casamino acids and amino acids (glutamate, aspartate and glycine) were also fermented. The main end products from glucose fermentation were acetate, butyrate, ethanol, H-2 and CO2. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, fumarate, nitrate, nitrite and Fe(III) were not used as terminal electron acceptors. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C-14 : 0, C-16:1 omega 7, C-16:1 omega 7 DMA and C-16:0. The main polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phospholipids. The G +C content of the genomic DNA was 33.7 molo/o. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain Ra1766H(T) was affiliated to cluster XI of the order Clostridia les, phylum Firmicutes. The closest phylogenetic relative of Ra1766H(T) was Geosporobacter subterraneus (94.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phylogenetic inference and phenotypic properties, strain Ra1766H(T) (=DSM 27501(T)=JCM 19377(T)) is proposed to be the type strain of a novel species of a novel genus, named Crassaminicella pro funda.

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)nanocapsules as carrier systems for herbicides: Physico-chemical characterization and genotoxicity evaluation

The toxicity of herbicides used in agriculture is influenced by their chemical stability, solubility, bioavailability, photodecomposition, and soil sorption. Possible solutions designed to minimize toxicity include the development of carrier systems able to modify the properties of the compounds and allow their controlled release. Polymeric poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules containing three triazine herbicides (ametryn, atrazine, and simazine) were prepared and characterized in order to assess their suitability as controlled release systems that could reduce environmental impacts. The association efficiencies of the herbicides in the nanocapsules were better than 84%. Assessment of stability (considering particle diameter, zeta potential, polydispersity, and pH) was conducted over a period of 270 days, and the particles were found to be stable in solution. In vitro release kinetics experiments revealed controlled release of the herbicides from the nanocapsules, governed mainly by relaxation of the polymer chains. Microscopy analyses showed that the nanocapsules were spherical, dense, and without aggregates. In the infrared spectra of the PCL nanocapsules containing herbicides, there were no bands related to the herbicides, indicating that interactions between the compounds had occurred. Genotoxicity tests showed that formulations of nanocapsules containing the herbicides were less toxic than the free herbicides. The results indicate that the use of PCL nanocapsules is a promising technique that could improve the behavior of herbicides in environmental systems. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carrier Selection for Multi-commodity Flow Optimization in Cooperative Environments

Part 18: Optimization in Collaborative Networks

Association of the solute carrier family 11 member 1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to leprosy in a Brazilian sample

Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1/solute carrier family 11 member 1 gene (Nramp1/Slc11a1) is a gene that controls the susceptibility of inbred mice to intracellular pathogens. Polymorphisms in the human Slc11a1/Nramp1 gene have been associated with host susceptibility to leprosy. This study has evaluated nine polymorphisms of the Slc11a1/Nramp1 gene [(GT)n, 274C/T, 469+14G/C, 577-18G/A, 823C/T, 1029 C/T, 1465-85G/A, 1703G/A, and 1729+55del4] in 86 leprosy patients (67 and 19 patients had the multibacillary and the paucibacillary clinical forms of the disease, respectively), and 239 healthy controls matched by age, gender, and ethnicity. The frequency of allele 2 of the (GT)n polymorphism was higher in leprosy patients [p = 0.04, odds ratio (OR) = 1.49], whereas the frequency of allele 3 was higher in the control group (p = 0.03; OR = 0.66). Patients carrying the 274T allele (p = 0.04; OR = 1.49) and TT homozygosis (p = 0.02; OR = 2.46), such as the 469+14C allele (p = 0.03; OR = 1.53) of the 274C/T and 469+14G/C polymorphisms, respectively, were more frequent in the leprosy group. The leprosy and control groups had similar frequency of the 577-18G/A, 823C/T, 1029C/T, 1465-85G/A, 1703G/A, and 1729+55del4 polymorphisms. The 274C/T polymorphism in exon 3 and the 469+14G/C polymorphism in intron 4 were associated with susceptibility to leprosy, while the allele 2 and 3 of the (GT)n polymorphism in the promoter region were associated with susceptibility and protection to leprosy, respectively.

Effect of diazotrophic bacterium inoculation and organic fertilization on yield of Champaka pineapple intercropped with irrigated sapota.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the Champaka pineapple to inoculation with the diazotrophic bacterium Asaia bogorensis (strain 219) when grown with organic fertilizer in an irrigated sapota orchard. Plantlets were transplanted to tubes containing a mixture of worm compost and vermiculite and inoculated with 108 bacterial cells. After five and a half months of acclimatization the plantlets were transplanted in furrows in the sapota orchard. Fertilizer was placed at the bottom of the furrows and covered with three doses (2.5; 5.0 and 7.5 L linear m−1 row) of three organic composts. The successful association of the plantlets with the diazo-trophic bacterium was confirmed by most probable number analysis before transferring to the field. Plants inoculated with strain AB219 showed the greatest initial leaf growth and produced the heaviest fruits compared to uninoculated plants. Plant growth and fruit yield increased with increasing compost dosages. The results suggested that Champaka pineapple benefited from the association of A. bogorensis (strain 219) when grown under irrigation and with organic fertilizer.

Minority-carrier effects in poly-phenylenevinylene as studied by electrical characterization

Electrical measurements have been performed on poly[2-methoxy, 5 ethyl (2' hexyloxy) paraphenylenevinylene] in a pn junction with silicon. These included current-voltage measurements, capacitance-voltage measurements, capacitance-transient spectroscopy, and admittance spectroscopy. The measurements show evidence for large minority-carrier injection into the polymer possibly enabled by interface states for which evidence is also found. The shallow acceptor level depth (0.12 eV) and four deep trap level activation energies (0.30 and 1.0 eV majority-carrier type; 0.48 and 1.3 eV minority-carrier type) are found. Another trap that is visible at room temperature has point-defect nature. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.