Pattern Matching and Membership for Hierarchical Message Sequence Charts

Several formalisms and tools for software development use hierarchy in system design, for instance statecharts and diagrams in UML. Message sequence charts (MSCs) are a standardized notation for asynchronously communicating processes. The norm Z.120 also includes hierarchical HMSCs. Algorithms on MSCs rarely take into account all possibilities covered by the norm. In particular, hierarchy is not taken into account since the models that are usually considered are (flat) MSC-graphs, that correspond to the unfolding of hierarchical HMSCs. However, complexity can increase exponentially by unfolding. The aim of this paper is to show that basic algorithms can be designed such that they avoid the costly unfolding of hierarchical MSCs and HMSCs. We show this for the membership and the pattern matching problem. We prove that the membership problem for hierarchical HMSCs is PSPACE-complete. Then we describe a polynomial time algorithm for the pattern matching problem on hierarchical MSCs. The results were obtained while B. Genest was affiliated with LIAFA, Université Paris 7.     

Surface and interface properties of functionalized polysulfones: Cell‐material interaction and antimicrobial activity

Quaternized polysulfones with different ionic chlorine content tested for biomedical applications were obtained by quaternization reaction of chloromethylated polysulfones with N,N‐dimethylethanolamine. The relationship between the different physical and chemical characteristics of these polymers and their biocompatible and antimicrobial properties was established for maximizing the selectivity and performance of these materials for biomedical applications. Therefore, topographic reorganization of the polysulfonic films induced by the type of nonsolvent in casting solutions of polymer significantly influences films morphology, depending on the charge density of polyelectrolytes, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics, as well as on the history of the formed films. Furthermore, the study of the adhesion of red blood cells and cohesion of platelets on the surface of quaternized polysulfone films, as well as analysis of antibacterial activity, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 microorganisms, contribute to extending the possible applications of quaternized polysulfones as semipermeable membranes in biomedical domains. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2184–2194, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Dopamine Photochemical Behaviour under UV Irradiation

To understand the photochemical behaviour of the polydopamine polymer in detail, one would also need to know the behaviour of its building blocks. The electronic absorption, as well as the fluorescence emission and excitation spectra of the dopamine were experimentally and theoretically investigated considering time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and first-principles quantum theory methods. The shape of the experimental absorption spectra obtained for different dopamine species with standard, zwitterionic, protonated, and deprotonated geometries was interpreted by considering the advanced equation-of-motion coupled-cluster theory of DLPNO-STEOM. Dynamical properties such as fluorescence lifetimes or quantum yield were also experimentally investigated and compared with theoretically predicted transition rates based on Fermi’s Golden Rule-like equation. The results show that the photochemical behaviour of dopamine is strongly dependent on the concentration of dopamine, whereas in the case of a high concentration, the zwitterionic form significantly affects the shape of the spectrum. On the other hand, the solvent pH is also a determining factor for the absorption, but especially for the fluorescence spectrum, where at lower pH (5.5), the protonated and, at higher pH (8.0), the deprotonated forms influence the shape of the spectra. Quantum yield measurements showed that, besides the radiative deactivation mechanism characterized by a relatively small QY value, non-radiative deactivation channels are very important in the relaxation process of the electronic excited states of different dopamine species.     

Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment

Anemia, characterized by a decrease of the hemoglobin level in the blood and a reduction in carrying capacity of oxygen, is a major public health problem which affects people of all ages. The methods used to treat anemia are blood transfusion and oral administration of iron-based supplements, but these treatments are associated with a number of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, which limit its long-term use. In addition, oral iron supplements are poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract, due to overexpression of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that plays a central role in iron homeostasis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the literature on biologically active compounds and plant extracts used in the treatment of various types of anemia. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the use of these compounds and plant extracts, in order to explore their therapeutic potential. The advantage of using them is that they are available from natural resources and can be used as main, alternative, or adjuvant therapies in many diseases, such as various types of anemia.     

Neutrophils in Tuberculosis: Cell Biology,Cellular Networking and Multitasking in Host Defense

Neutrophils readily infiltrate infection foci, phagocytose and usually destroy microbes. In tuberculosis (TB), a chronic pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), neutrophils harbor bacilli, are abundant in tissue lesions, and their abundances in blood correlate with poor disease outcomes in patients. The biology of these innate immune cells in TB is complex. Neutrophils have been assigned host-beneficial as well as deleterious roles. The short lifespan of neutrophils purified from blood poses challenges to cell biology studies, leaving intracellular biological processes and the precise consequences of Mtb–neutrophil interactions ill-defined. The phenotypic heterogeneity of neutrophils, and their propensity to engage in cellular cross-talk and to exert various functions during homeostasis and disease, have recently been reported, and such observations are newly emerging in TB. Here, we review the interactions of neutrophils with Mtb, including subcellular events and cell fate upon infection, and summarize the cross-talks between neutrophils and lung-residing and -recruited cells. We highlight the roles of neutrophils in TB pathophysiology, discussing recent findings from distinct models of pulmonary TB, and emphasize technical advances that could facilitate the discovery of novel neutrophil-related disease mechanisms and enrich our knowledge of TB pathogenesis.     

Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption—A review providing an evidence-based analysis of risk factors

Nontyphoidal salmonellae are among the most prevalent foodborne pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections worldwide. A high number of cases and outbreaks of salmonellosis are associated with the consumption of eggs and egg products, and several of these occur at the household level. The aim of the current study is to critically evaluate the current status of knowledge on Salmonella in eggs from a consumer's perspective, analyzing the hazard occurrence and the good practices that should be applied to reduce salmonellosis risk. Following a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) based approach, some steps along the food journey were identified as Critical Consumer Handling (CCH)—steps in which consumers, through their behavior or choice, can significantly reduce the level of Salmonella in eggs and egg products. From shopping/collecting to consumption, each of these steps is discussed in this review to provide an evidence-based overview of risk factors of human salmonellosis related to egg consumption. The main message to consumers is to choose Salmonella-free eggs (those that some official entity or producer guarantees that does not contain Salmonella), when available, especially for dishes that are not fully heat treated. Second, as guaranteed Salmonella-free eggs are only available in a few countries, refrigerated storage from the point of collection and proper cooking will significantly reduce the risk of salmonellosis. This will require a revision of the actual recommendations/regulations, as not all ensure that eggs are maintained at temperatures that prevent growth of Salmonella from collection until the time of purchasing.     

Wood-plastic composites based on HDPE and ionic liquid additives

The improvement of wood-plastic composites properties by additives and compatibilizers is a critical issue to produce value-added materials. High-density polyethylene-wood composites have been obtained through compression molding at 140 °C, using two types of additives, namely methyltrioctylammonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate room temperature ionic liquids. The ionic liquids improve the interfacial adhesion between the wood and the polymer phases, contributing to an increased stability of the material to water action and to an improved impact resistance and tensile strength in comparison with the reference. Also, the FTIR spectroscopy tests have proven a higher resistance of the ionic liquid-containing composites to accelerated photooxidation. Preliminary screening tests have also proven the antifungal character of the ionic liquids used in this study against brown rot (Postia placenta). This study opens new insights in the domain of polymeric composite materials, through documenting the possibility of blending new types of chemically distinct materials, difficult to be achieved by traditional functionalization/derivatization routes.     

Particle-induced network formation in linear PDMS filled with silica

We study the formation of permanent elastomers from linear PDMS chains by solution blending with up to 25 wt% fumed silica. The physical networks are characterized by time-domain multiple-quantum NMR. Based upon dynamic parameters measured for the linear precursor polymer, we develop a reliable strategy for component separation in this complex heterogeneous system, providing information on the amount of monomers involved in network-like material, in elastically inactive yet entangled linear chains, and isotropically mobile chain ends, as well as on the effective network chain length as measured via the average residual dipolar coupling constant. The use of untreated silica leads to permanent networks, for which the NMR results correlate well with macroscopic determinations of the relaxed Young modulus and the degree of swelling. Surface-modified silicas do not lead to percolated network structures, but still lead to the formation of 20–40% network-like material, with effective network chain lengths that depend on the surface functionalization and thus on the nanoparticle dispersion. Characteristic changes in the mobile chain end fraction with temperature, in particular its decrease with increasing degree of filling are interpreted as a consequence of altered contour-length fluctuations. An aging experiment conducted on a sample prepared by melt blending reveals the microscopic changes in the network structure occurring over many months.     

Impact of window blinds on daylight-linked dimming and automatic on/off lighting controls

This paper presents the field-measured performance of two commercial photocontrolled lighting systems, continuous dimming and automatic on/off, as a function of various configurations of manual and photocontrolled automatic venetian blinds. The performance indicators considered were the space illumination and the electric lighting consumption as a function of blind slat angle and retraction area. The results showed that under clear sky and without blinds both lighting control systems reduced the lighting energy consumption on average by 50–60% when compared to lights fully on from 6 AM to 6 PM. These savings, however, dropped by 5–45% for the dimming system, and by 5–80% for the automatic on/off system with the introduction of various static window blind configurations. The savings in lighting energy were more significant when the lighting control systems were used with photocontrolled blinds. This was due to the capability of the blinds to adjust their position automatically in direct response to the variable daylight levels.     

Computational modelling of shaped metal deposition

Shaped metal deposition (SMD) is a novel process for rapid prototyping that employs tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding controlled by a robot inside an inert gas chamber to build parts by successive layer deposition. This process can be enhanced through modelling and control. Industries are interested in developing systematized models to explain observed phenomena and to predict processing conditions for process planning and optimization. In this work, thermal and mechanical finite element (FE) modelling of SMD is presented. The thermal problem is solved with linear tetrahedral finite FEs that take into account the liquid/solid phase change phenomenon. The mechanical problem is solved with hexahedral elements with tri‐linear interpolation of displacements and constant interpolation of mean stresses (Q1– P0). Special techniques to account for material addition were developed, based on activation/deactivation of FEs. Numerical tests were conducted to determine the heat source model parameters. An experiment using Ti‐6Al‐4V material was developed to validate the formulation. The test consisted of a TIG‐wash procedure (arc passing without wire feeding to preheat the plate) followed by a single welding layer. The results, including temperatures and residual displacements, are compared with those obtained with the finite element method (FEM) code. Finally, a multilayer SMD numerical example is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.