bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Searching For Influential Actors in Co-Offending Networks: The Recruiter
Authors: Englefield Ashley , Ariel Barak
Published: April 2017

The co-offending literature research has recently unraveled the possible existence of a specific class of offenders commonly referred to as a “recruiter”: one who recruits others who are younger or less experienced for the purpose of offending. Yet the available evidence has focused on small or non-representative samples, and has supplied a limited conceptual scope for explaining how instigation takes place within co-offending groups. We provide evidence from population-level arrest records over eight years in Sacramento, California, is presented on 251,285 criminal charges (n=80,245 offenders). Social network analysis to used to study how “crime ideas” are transmitted. We identified 1,092 recruiters, yet this subgroup is responsible for 6% of arrest cases in Sacramento and a disproportionate number of younger and less experienced recruits. The data suggest a pattern of recruitment specialization in specific crime categories and wider age differentials in against-persons rather than property crime categories. We contextualize the findings within Dawkin’s (1976) meme theory as a more robust conceptual framework for explaining how recruitment takes place, why “crime ideas” can be seen as units of imitation, and under which conditions they are subsequently replicated, reproduced, and evolve. Directions for future research are then considered, with an emphasis on crime control initiatives.
Conditionality Contaminates Conservation: Structural Adjustment and Land Protection in Less-Developed Nations
Authors: Austin Kelly F. , Noble Mark D. , McCarthy Kellyn
Published: April 2017

The destruction that human beings cause the natural environment is so catastrophic that the current era has now been labeled the “Sixth Extinction.” Conservation and the preservation of species and ecosystems is a leading strategy in preventing biodiversity loss and preserving natural ecosystems. As threats to biodiversity mount, it is imperative that social scientists explore the macro-level processes that influence conservation areas, especially in poorer nations where the majority of biodiverse zones are located. This study explores the impact of structural adjustment policies on the ability of less-developed nations to designate land for conservation. We use ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to examine the influence of IMF conditionality on levels of terrestrial protected areas for 86 less-developed nations. The results confirm our hypothesis that nations undergoing IMF structural adjustment have a smaller percentage of land devoted to terrestrial protected areas than nations not undergoing structural adjustment. Neoliberal approaches that encourage privatization and deregulation ultimately impair less-developed nations’ abilities to make conservation a priority.
Theoretical investigations on the stability and electronic structures of two-dimensional group-IV ternary alloy monolayers
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Yoshimura Go , Nakamura Kohji , Ito Tomonori
Published: April 2017

The structural stability and electronic properties of group-IV ternary alloy monolayers are systematically investigated by using electronic structure calculations based on the density functional theory. Our calculations demonstrate that the buckled configuration is stabilized over a wide composition range with the exception of carbon-incorporated monolayers. The calculated excess energy is found to be comparable to that of the bulk phase, indicating that the miscibility of ternary alloy monolayers is similar to that of the bulk phase. The analysis of band structures also reveals that an almost linear band dispersion with a Dirac cone at the K point (similar to graphene) appears in the SixGeySn1−x−y monolayer, while an energy gap is formed in other monolayers. These results suggest that the ability to control composition is important for tailoring the electronic properties of group-IV ternary alloy monolayers.
Circuit design considerations for current preamplifiers for scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Petersen Jacob P. , Kandel S. Alex
Published: April 2017

Current-to-voltage preamplifiers for scanning tunneling microscopy were tested side-by-side using a consistent testing protocol, to optimize performance and understand potential design trade-offs. Current-to-voltage gain and voltage noise density were measured as functions of frequency for two different circuit architectures: the feedback transimpedance amplifier and the current-shunt electrometer. The effect of specific component choices—of the integrated circuits, resistors, and capacitors—was also investigated.
Effects of air loading on the acoustics of an Indian musical drum
Authors: Tiwari Sankalp , Gupta Anurag
Published: April 2017

The effects of air loading on the acoustical properties of tabla, an Indian musical drum, are investigated by idealizing it as a composite membrane backed by a rigid cylindrical cavity. The coupled boundary value problem for membrane vibration and acoustic pressure, assuming acoustic radiations to be the only source of dissipation, is solved using a Green's function method. It is shown that air loading helps in only fine tuning of the harmonicity of the composite membrane in the right hand tabla, but significantly improves the harmonicity in the left hand tabla. In both cases, it increases the decay time of the musically important modes. With a suitably defined error as the objective function, optimum tabla designs are found, which yield the most harmonic frequency spectrum. The obtained results are found to be consistent with the actual design of the tabla. Modal sound synthesis of the percussion instrument has also been attempted.
An extended surface target for high-frequency multibeam echo sounder calibration
Authors: Heaton John L. , Rice Glen , Weber Thomas C.
Published: April 2017

An extended calibration target has been developed for calibrating the intensity output of a multibeam echo sounder (MBES). The target was constructed of chain links arranged similar to a curtain, providing an extended surface target with a mean scattering strength of −17.8 dB at 200 kHz. The target was used to calibrate a 200 kHz MBES, and the MBES was subsequently used to collect seafloor backscatter over sand and gravel seafloors. Field results were compared with calibrated split-beam echo sounder measurements at an incidence angle of 45°. The results suggest that the chain target is a viable MBES calibration tool.
Dual angiopoietin-2 and VEGFA inhibition elicits antitumor immunity that is enhanced by PD-1 checkpoint blockade
Authors: Schmittnaegel Martina , Rigamonti Nicolò , Kadioglu Ece , Cassará Antonino , Wyser Rmili Céline , Kiialainen Anna , Kienast Yvonne , Mueller Hans-Joachim , Ooi Chia-Huey , Laoui Damya , De Palma Michele
Published: April 2017

Combination of antiangiogenic treatment and immune checkpoint inhibition improves antitumor immunity.
Targeting Energy Metabolism in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, a New Paradigm in Antimycobacterial Drug Discovery
Authors: Bald Dirk , Villellas Cristina , Lu Ping , Koul Anil
Published: April 2017

Drug-resistant mycobacterial infections are a serious global health challenge, leading to high mortality and socioeconomic burdens in developing countries worldwide. New innovative approaches, from identification of new targets to discovery of novel chemical scaffolds, are urgently needed. Recently, energy metabolism in mycobacteria, in particular the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, has emerged as an object of intense microbiological investigation and as a novel target pathway in drug discovery. New classes of antibacterials interfering with elements of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway are highly active in combating dormant or latent mycobacterial infections, with a promise of shortening tuberculosis chemotherapy. The regulatory approval of the ATP synthase inhibitor bedaquiline and the discovery of Q203, a candidate drug targeting the cytochrome
bc
1
complex, have highlighted the central importance of this new target pathway. In this review, we discuss key features and potential applications of inhibiting energy metabolism in our quest for discovering potent novel and sterilizing drug combinations for combating tuberculosis. We believe that the combination of drugs targeting elements of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway can lead to a completely new regimen for drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Forest Soil Bacteria: Diversity, Involvement in Ecosystem Processes, and Response to Global Change
Authors: Lladó Salvador , López-Mondéjar Rubén , Baldrian Petr
Published: April 2017

The ecology of forest soils is an important field of research due to the role of forests as carbon sinks. Consequently, a significant amount of information has been accumulated concerning their ecology, especially for temperate and boreal forests. Although most studies have focused on fungi, forest soil bacteria also play important roles in this environment. In forest soils, bacteria inhabit multiple habitats with specific properties, including bulk soil, rhizosphere, litter, and deadwood habitats, where their communities are shaped by nutrient availability and biotic interactions. Bacteria contribute to a range of essential soil processes involved in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. They take part in the decomposition of dead plant biomass and are highly important for the decomposition of dead fungal mycelia. In rhizospheres of forest trees, bacteria interact with plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi as commensalists or mycorrhiza helpers. Bacteria also mediate multiple critical steps in the nitrogen cycle, including N fixation. Bacterial communities in forest soils respond to the effects of global change, such as climate warming, increased levels of carbon dioxide, or anthropogenic nitrogen deposition. This response, however, often reflects the specificities of each studied forest ecosystem, and it is still impossible to fully incorporate bacteria into predictive models. The understanding of bacterial ecology in forest soils has advanced dramatically in recent years, but it is still incomplete. The exact extent of the contribution of bacteria to forest ecosystem processes will be recognized only in the future, when the activities of all soil community members are studied simultaneously.
Endocervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma, an unrelated HPV tumour: difficulties in screening and diagnosis
Authors: Lima Priscila Carneiro , Teixeira Julio , Aires Guilherme Nogueira , Andrade Liliana De Angelo
Published: April 2017

Gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix (GAS) is an uncommon and aggressive tumour unrelated to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with distinctive histological and immunohistochemical characteristics. GAS may be associated with lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH), another unusual lesion. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with screening cytology 'AGC-Neo' and cervical conisation exhibiting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1, extensive LEGH and canal sampling with abundant mucinous cells. Based on the possible association between LEGH and GAS, a total hysterectomy was performed. The histological diagnosis revealed a morphological gradient of lesions: LEGH, minimal deviation adenocarcinoma and GAS with lymphatic invasion. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong MUC6 expression and no p16 staining. After pelvic radiotherapy, the patient continues follow-up evaluation. The diagnostic difficulties of GAS and its relationship with LEGH are discussed. This rare tumour is important because it is poorly symptomatic and potentially aggressive. In addition, the methods for cancer control related to HPV do not affect this tumour.
Influence of genetic variants on renal uric acid handling in response to frusemide: an acute intervention study
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Allan Jordyn , Gamble Gregory D , Phipps-Green Amanda , Flynn Tanya J , Mihov Borislav , Horne Anne , Doughty Robert , Stamp Lisa K , Merriman Tony R
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Genetic variation in the renal urate transportersSLC2A9(GLUT9) andSLC22A11(OAT4) has been reported to interact with diuretics to increase the risk of developing gout. The aim of this study was to determine whether variation inSLC2A9orSLC22A11influences acute renal handling of uric acid in response to frusemide.

Methods

Following an overnight fast, healthy participants (n=100) attended a study visit with oral intake of 40 mg frusemide. Blood and urine samples were obtained at baseline and 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after frusemide intake. The primary end point was change in fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA).

Results

Following intake of frusemide, FEUA initially increased (mean (SD) change from baseline +1.9% (3.0%) at 60 min, p<0.001) and then decreased (mean (SD) change from baseline −1.5% (2.1%) at 180 min, p<0.001). A very small increase in serum urate was observed over the study period (mean (SD) change from baseline 0.007 (0.01) mmol/L at 180 min, p<0.001). The presence of the urate-lowering and gout-protective alleles forSLC2A9(rs11942223andrs13129697) andSLC22A11(rs207826) did not significantly alter the FEUA following a frusemide load. At both 60 and 180 min, change in fractional excretion of sodium was independently associated with change in FEUA (standardised β≥0.40, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The tested variants inSLC2A9andSLC22A11do not influence acute changes in renal handling of uric acid in response to frusemide.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000871640; Results.
Flavour chemicals in a sample of non-cigarette tobacco products without explicit flavour names sold in New York City in 2015
Authors: Farley Shannon M , Schroth Kevin RJ , Grimshaw Victoria , Luo Wentai , DeGagne Julia L , Tierney Peyton A , Kim Kilsun , Pankow James F
Published: April 2017

Background

Youth who experiment with tobacco often start with flavoured products. In New York City (NYC), local law restricts sales of all tobacco products with ‘characterising flavours’ except for ‘tobacco, menthol, mint and wintergreen’. Enforcement is based on packaging: explicit use of a flavour name (eg, ‘strawberry’) or image depicting a flavour (eg, a fruit) is presumptive evidence that a product is flavoured and therefore prohibited. However, a tobacco product may contain significant levels of added flavour chemicals even when the label does not explicitly use a flavour name.

Methods

Sixteen tobacco products were purchased within NYC in 2015 that did not have explicit flavour names, along with three with flavour names. These were analysed for 92 known flavour chemicals plus triacetin by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

14 of the 16 products had total determined flavour chemical levels that were higher (>0.3 mg/g) than in previously studied flavour-labelled products and of a chemical profile indicating added flavour chemicals.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the tobacco industry has responded to sales restrictions by renaming flavoured products to avoid explicitly identifying them as flavoured. While chemical analysis is the most precise means of identifying flavours in tobacco products, federal tobacco laws pre-empt localities from basing regulations on that approach, limiting enforcement options. If the Food and Drug Administration would mandate that all tobacco products must indicate when flavourings are present above a specific level, local jurisdictions could enforce their sales restrictions. A level of 0.1 mg/g for total added flavour chemicals is suggested here as a relevant reference value for regulating added flavour chemicals in tobacco products.
Impacts of variations in snow cover on permafrost stability, including simulated snow management, Dempster Highway, Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories
Authors: O’Neill H. Brendan , Burn Chris R.
Published: April 2017

Permafrost conditions were examined near the Dempster Highway embankment on Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories. Ground temperatures were recorded in 2013–2015 at five sites at the embankment toe and at two sites in undisturbed (control) tundra. Annual mean ground temperatures at approximately 5 m depth ranged from −2.2 to 0.0 °C at the embankment toe and were −1.8 and −2.6 °C at control sites. Permafrost is degrading beside the road at four of five sites. Thaw depths are greater at the embankment toe, where deep snow accumulates, than in undisturbed tundra. A numerical model was used to examine the influence of varying snow cover properties on the ground thermal regime. Simulations indicated that delaying the onset of deep (1 m) snow accumulation and (or) prolonging the duration of the same total accumulation accelerates removal of latent heat from the active layer, increases sensible ground cooling, and results in reduced thaw depth. Furthermore, reducing snow depth and increasing snow density may rapidly raise the permafrost table, lower ground temperatures at the embankment toe, and cool permafrost at depth over several years. In consequence, mechanical snow removal and (or) compaction should be investigated as an active management strategy for mitigating permafrost degradation in ice-rich settings.
Fuel accumulation in a high-frequency boreal wildfire regime: from wetland to upland
Authors: Thompson D.K. , Parisien M.-A. , Morin J. , Millard K. , Larsen C.P.S. , Simpson B.N.
Published: April 2017

Although it is increasingly accepted that young (e.g., ≤30 years) stands originating from wildfire are considerably less flammable than older stands in the boreal forest of North America, the role of fuel availability and structure in this phenomenon has not been thoroughly investigated. As a regional study in a high-frequency fire regime, detailed wildfire fuel loading and structure were measured in 66 sites including both wetlands and uplands in the Boreal Plains landscape of Wood Buffalo National Park in northwestern Canada. Overall, a significant increase in total flammable biomass occurred in upland sites over 97 years, but this increase was not consistently observed in wetlands, except where there was dense tree cover. Fuel accumulation was highly moderated by canopy fuels, as surface fuels were relatively constant across differing site types and time since fire, averaging 0.4 kg·m−2. Significant but gradual canopy fuel accumulation was observed in moist conifer upland forests dominated by mature black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) or white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) over 100 years since fire. Outside of these mature moist conifer uplands, there was no difference in total fuel loading between other upland forests and across the gradient of treed to open wetlands.
Seed production of sugar maple and American beech in northern hardwood forests, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Cleavitt Natalie L. , Fahey Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

Mast seeding is the synchronous production of large seed crops in plant populations and for many tree species is known to be determined by the interaction between weather cues and internal plant resources. We use a 24-year record of seedfall for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) across a northern hardwood forest landscape to quantify their masting patterns and explore the relationship between mast years, resources, and weather cues, particularly the difference between summer temperatures in the two years prior to the seedfall year (ΔT). We found clear evidence of masting in these species, and mast years were often coincident in the two species; masting was best predicted by ΔT or ΔT plus previous-year seedfall. We saw no evidence for correspondence of masting in these trees to precipitation cues. A soil calcium addition modified elevation effects on seed production. Clarification of the controls on mast seeding for these important tree species will aid in predicting such resources as mast for wildlife and maple sugar production in northern hardwood forests.
Effect of pores on the micromechanics of plasma-sprayed Cr3C2–NiCr coating in the nanoindentation testing
Authors: Zhang Yongang , Wang Yinzhen , Feng Tao , Sun Yongxing , Dong Junzhe , Gao Wei
Published: April 2017

The elastoplastic properties of plasma-sprayed Cr3C2–NiCr coatings were obtained through the dimension analysis and inverse analysis by combining the experimental nanoindentation tests and numerical modeling. The digital image processing technique was used to extract the pore distribution inside the coatings based on the actual microstructure. Finally, the effect of pore distribution on the coating residual stress during nanoindentation process was analyzed through simulations. The anisotropic pore microstructure shows different mechanical responses and stress propagation behaviors during nanoindentation process. The elastic modulus of the coating demonstrates anisotropy along the spraying direction and the transverse directions due to the presence of pores.
SAR Image Segmentation by Selected Principal Components and Kernel Graph Cuts Ensembles
Authors: Yang Dongdong , Yu Changqing , Lv Lintao , Huang Wenzhun , Wu Wei
Published: April 2017

Graph cuts (GC) have become one of the most important methodologies in image segmentation. Recently, some researches tend to study GC and kernel mapping of the image pixels. However, most of the methods of existing kernel GC (KGC) image segmentation not only suffers from different types of noise, but also suffers from the settings of the regularizing parameter, which is used to balance the edge and region terms in the existing KGC. This paper is to investigate the image segmentation via principal component analysis and KGC ensemble. The principal components are selected by the estimated strength of introduced noise, which is calculated by the maximum statistics of variation coefficient. Besides, the regularization term of KGC is difficult to choose the appropriate scaling factor value for the regularization term, and it is always obtained by experience. Here, we aim to present KGC ensemble strategy to combine the segmenting results under different settings of scaling parameter. Furthermore, to achieve higher segmenting accuracy, the KGC is implemented in the projected lower dimensional subspace by selected principal components. Experiments on synthetic image, nature image, medical image and real SAR images demonstrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm over the existing KGC, two variants of fuzzy c-means not only in region consistence but also in the boundary localization.
Reduced fluid models for self-propelled particles interacting through alignment
Authors: Bostan Mihai , Carrillo Jose Antonio
Published: April 2017

The asymptotic analysis of kinetic models describing the behavior of particles interacting through alignment is performed. We will analyze the asymptotic regime corresponding to large alignment frequency where the alignment effects are dominated by the self-propulsion and friction forces. The former hypothesis leads to a macroscopic fluid model due to the fast averaging in velocity, while the second one imposes a fixed speed in the limit, and thus a reduction of the dynamics to a sphere in the velocity space. The analysis relies on averaging techniques successfully used in the magnetic confinement of charged particles. The limiting particle distribution is supported on a sphere, and therefore we are forced to work with measures in velocity. As for the Euler-type equations, the fluid model comes by integrating the kinetic equation against the collision invariants and its generalizations in the velocity space. The main difficulty is their identification for the averaged alignment kernel in our functional setting of measures in velocity.
Photospheric emission in gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Pe’er Asaf , Ryde Felix
Published: April 2017

A major breakthrough in our understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) prompt emission physics occurred in the last few years, with the realization that a thermal component accompanies the over-all nonthermal prompt spectra. This thermal part is important by itself, as it provides direct probe of the physics in the innermost outflow regions. It further has an indirect importance, as a source of seed photons for inverse-Compton scattering, thereby it contributes to the nonthermal part as well. In this short review, we highlight some key recent developments. Observationally, although so far it was clearly identified only in a minority of bursts, there is indirect evidence that a thermal component exists in a very large fraction of GRBs, possibly close to 100%. Theoretically, the existence of a thermal component has a large number of implications as a probe of underlying GRB physics. Some surprising implications include its use as a probe of the jet dynamics, geometry and magnetization.
Damping Effect of a Passing Vehicle for Indirectly Measuring Bridge Frequencies by EMD Technique
Authors: Yang Judy P. , Lee Wei-Chun
Published: April 2017

The indirect approach for measuring bridge frequencies from a passing vehicle has become an attractive method recently because it provides mobility, reliability, and safety for setting up sensors in comparison with the traditional method for measurement. In the vehicle–bridge interaction system, it is realized that the bridge frequencies can be identified from the spectral analysis of the passing vehicle. However, there exist many factors affecting the identified results of bridge frequencies, and one key factor is the vehicle damping. This study investigates the effect of vehicle damping on the identification of the first bridge frequency for three different levels of road surface roughness by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique. The numerical experimentation shows the following properties that can be utilized in a field measurement: (1) higher vehicle damping tends to suppress the vehicle frequency, and (2) the use of vehicle damping helps to suppress the effect of rough surface roughness and make the first bridge frequency visible.
Dynamic Response of a Railway Bridge to Heavy Axle-Load Trains Considering Vehicle–Bridge Interaction
Authors: Ticona Melo Ladislao R. , Bittencourt Tulio N. , Ribeiro Diogo , Calçada Rui
Published: April 2017

Railway bridges can be particularly sensitive to dynamic effects induced by trains owing to the resonance phenomena originated by periodic loading associated with the passage of regularly spaced train’s axles groups. The increase of these dynamic effects in bridges located in freight railway lines, due to heavy axle-loads, higher circulation speeds, and the existence of track irregularities or wheel defects, can lead to excessive bridge vibrations, that can put in risk the structural safety, mainly due to the fatigue phenomena, and wheel–rail contact stability. In this study, the dynamic response of the Suaçuí railway bridge to heavy axle-load trains (HAL) considering the vehicle–structure interaction was analyzed. For this purpose, three-dimensional finite element models of the truss bridge, including the track, and train were developed. The dynamic response was obtained using ABAQUS[Formula: see text] software based on an iterative uncoupled method for the vehicle–structure interaction and considering track irregularities. The validation of the numerical models was performed through a comparison between the numerical and experimental dynamic responses, in terms of displacements and accelerations of the bridge for the passage of DASH 9[Formula: see text]W Locomotives and GDE wagons. The experimental response obtained from a dynamic test under railway traffic revealed a good agreement with the numerical response.
Meshfree Method in Geophysical Electromagnetic Prospecting: The 2D Magnetotelluric Example
Authors: Ji Yanju , Huang Tingzhe , Huang Wanyu , Rong Liangliang
Published: April 2017

As an important supplement and development of traditional methods, the meshfree method has received a great deal of attention in the field of engineering calculation, and has been successfully used to solve many problems which traditional methods have difficulty in solving. However, the application of meshfree method is relatively less in the area of geophysics. In this paper, we apply the meshfree method to the numerical simulation of geophysical electromagnetic prospecting, taking the 2D magnetotelluric as an example and deduce the corresponding meshfree radial point interpolation method (RPIM) equivalent linear equations in detail. The high-efficiency and accurate solutions of large-scale sparse linear equations are solved by the quasi-minimal residual method based on Krylov subspace. The optimal values of the shape parameters are given by numerical experiments. The correctness of the meshfree method is verified by a layered model. The root mean square error of the calculation results is no more than 0.35%, its accuracy is superior to the finite element method. We also compare the meshfree solution with FEM solution by calculating an inclined vein body model, and the calculation results are in good agreement. A continuously changing fault model and undulating terrain model which traditional methods have difficulty in simulating are respectively calculated, the sectional profiles of the apparent resistivity accurately reflect the trend of the anomalies. The meshfree method does not require the complicated mesh generation, and the physical parameters are loaded at a series of points, thus it is especially suitable for the calculation of the complex geological models. With the rapid development of computational science, the meshfree techniques will certainly become a new robust numerical simulation method in geophysical electromagnetic prospecting.
Polymorph growth of inorganic functional materials
Authors: Sun Congting , Xue Dongfeng
Published: April 2017

Continuous development of liquid/solid interface towards the liquid side promotes crystal growth under the chemical reaction among crystal constituents. Here, factors that determine inorganic functional materials are analyzed by establishing the chemical reaction equations at liquid/solid interface. The linear growth velocity along the [uvw] direction is directly determined by the chemical bonds formed in chemical reaction at the growing interface. In the present chemical bonding growth model, both thermodynamic and kinetic controls are integrated, which can also be classified in particular materials growth system. Taking Cu2O as an example, we demonstrate that the critical control factor is the bonding mode in linking Cu2O growth units controlled by chemical reaction, and various bonding modes promote the polymorph growth of inorganic functional materials.
Two-dimensional hexagonal symmetry diffraction pattern by SiO2 photonic structures fabricated by hot embossing
Authors: Wang Liangwei , Guo Shuai , Chai Ke , Liang Liang , li An , Zhao Fangyin , li Ya , Liu Ruibin
Published: April 2017

Using synthesized sol–gel nanoimprint resist, large-area, ordered SiO2 cylindrical and stripe photonic nanostructures with constant aspect ratio have been fabricated by a single-step soft stamp hot embossing nanoimprint. Different from the traditional hot embossing nanoimprint technique, in our imprint process, the external force applied to the soft stamp is provided just by using our hand. Since the stress can be well released, the stamp can be easily released after the hot stage cooling down. So the optical window (K9 glass) substrates with imprinted two-dimensional SiO2 cylindrical photonic nanostructures show good light diffraction property. Also, our experiment demonstrates that with the imprinted sample annealing at 200[Formula: see text]C, the density of SiO2 will be increased and the diffraction efficiency can be further enhanced. In addition, the light splitting characteristic can still keep good for a larger (6 inch) substrate, which has a certain radian. This illustrates that this nanoimprint method can be compatible with the fluctuation of the imprinted substrates. Furthermore, as the distance between two adjacent feature nanostructures is in sub-micro scale, hexagonal symmetry diffraction pattern by the cylindrical photonic structures was realized at normal incidence of monochromatic laser ([Formula: see text]532[Formula: see text]nm). The diffraction efficiency of first order is about 11.2%. Morever, the diffraction pattern and the intensity of the first diffraction order can be modulated just by changing the incident angle of the input laser.
An adaptive SVM-based real-time scheduling mechanism and simulation for multiple-load carriers in automobile assembly lines
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Xu Jiahui
Published: April 2017

Multiple-load carriers are widely introduced for material delivery in manufacturing systems. The real-time scheduling of multiple-load carriers is so complex that it deserves attention to pursue higher productivity and better system performance. In this paper, a support vector machine (SVM)-based real-time scheduling mechanism was proposed to tackle the scheduling problem of parts replenishment with multiple-load carriers in automobile assembly plants under dynamic environment. The SVM-based scheduling mechanism was trained first and then used to make the optimal real-time decisions between “wait” and “deliver” on the basis of real-time system states. An objective function considering throughput and delivery distances was established to evaluate the system performance. Moreover, a simulation model in eM-Plant software was developed to validate and compare the proposed SVM-based scheduling mechanism with the classic minimum batch size (MBS) heuristic. It simulated both the steady and dynamic environments which are characterized by the uncertainty of demands or scheduling criteria. The simulation results demonstrated that the SVM-based scheduling mechanism could dynamically make optimal real-time decisions for multiple-load carriers and outperform the MBS heuristic as well.
Online Algorithms with Advice
Authors: Boyar Joan , Favrholdt Lene M. , Kudahl Christian , Larsen Kim S. , Mikkelsen Jesper W.
Published: April 2017

In online scenarios requests arrive over time, and each request must be serviced in an irrevocable manner before the next request arrives. Online algorithms with advice is an area of research where one attempts to measure how much knowledge of future requests is necessary to achieve a given performance level, as defined by the competitive ratio. When this knowledge, the advice, is obtainable, this leads to practical algorithms, called semi-online algorithms. On the other hand, each negative result gives robust results about the limitations of a broad range of semi-online algorithms. This survey explains the models for online algorithms with advice, motivates the study in general, presents some examples of the work that has been carried out, and includes an extensive set of references, organized by problem studied.
Teaching Old Dyes New Tricks: Biological Probes Built from Fluoresceins and Rhodamines
Authors: Lavis Luke D.
Published: April 2017

Small-molecule fluorophores, such as fluorescein and rhodamine derivatives, are critical tools in modern biochemical and biological research. The field of chemical dyes is old; colored molecules were first discovered in the 1800s, and the fluorescein and rhodamine scaffolds have been known for over a century. Nevertheless, there has been a renaissance in using these dyes to create tools for biochemistry and biology. The application of modern chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and optical physics to these old structures enables and drives the development of novel, sophisticated fluorescent dyes. This critical review focuses on an important example of chemical biology—the melding of old and new chemical knowledge—leading to useful molecules for advanced biochemical and biological experiments.
Gene Regulatory Elements, Major Drivers of Human Disease
Authors: Chatterjee Sumantra , Ahituv Nadav
Published: April 2017

Gene expression changes, the driving forces for cellular diversity in multicellular organisms, are regulated by a diverse set of gene regulatory elements that direct transcription in specific cells. Mutations in these elements, ranging from chromosomal aberrations to single-nucleotide polymorphisms, are a major cause of human disease. However, we currently have a very limited understanding of how regulatory element genotypes lead to specific phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the various methods of regulatory element identification, the different types of mutations they harbor, and their impact on human disease. We highlight how these variations can affect transcription of multiple genes in gene regulatory networks. In addition, we describe how novel technologies, such as massively parallel reporter assays and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, are beginning to provide a better understanding of the functional roles that these elements have and how their alteration can lead to specific phenotypes.
Western-diet consumption induces alteration of barrier function mechanisms in the ileum that correlates with metabolic endotoxemia in rats
Authors: Guerville Mathilde , Leroy Anaïs , Sinquin Annaëlle , Laugerette Fabienne , Michalski Marie-Caroline , Boudry Gaëlle
Published: April 2017

Obesity and its related disorders have been associated with the presence in the blood of gut bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPS). However, the factors underlying this low-grade elevation in plasma LPS, so-called metabolic endotoxemia, are not fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effects of Western diet (WD) feeding on intestinal and hepatic LPS handling mechanisms in a rat model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). Rats were fed either a standard chow diet (C) or a Western Diet (WD, 45% fat) for 6 wk. They were either fed ad libitum or pair-fed to match the caloric intake of C rats for the first week, then fed ad libitum for the remaining 5 wk. Six-week WD feeding led to a mild obese phenotype with increased adiposity and elevated serum LPS-binding protein (LBP) levels relative to C rats, irrespective of initial energy intake. Serum LPS was not different between dietary groups but exhibited strong variability. Disrupted ileal mucus secretion and decreased ileal Reg3-γ and -β gene expression along with high ileal permeability to LPS were observed in WD compared with C-fed rats. Ileal and cecal intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity as well as Verrucomicrobia and Bifidobacterium cecal levels were increased in WD-fed rats compared with C-fed rats. WD consumption did not impact mRNA levels of LPS-handling hepatic enzymes. Correlation analysis revealed that ileal passage of LPS, IAP activity, Proteobacteria levels and hepatic aoah gene expression correlated with serum LPS and LBP, suggesting that ileal mucosal defense impairment induced by WD feeding contribute to metabolic endotoxemia.
Reprogramming Interferon Regulatory Factor Signaling in Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yaxing , Li Hongliang
Published: April 2017

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins expressed not only in immune cells but also in other tissues and organs outside the immune system. In this review, we discuss mechanisms responsible for IRF-mediated innate immune responses and the function and mechanism of IRFs in cardiometabolic diseases. We focus on the role of IRFs in innate immunity and cardiometabolic homeostasis, and highlight reprogrammed IRF signaling.
A Rare Case of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma with Epstein-Barr Virus-Negative Reed-Sternberg-Like B-Cells, Chylous Ascites, and Chylothorax
Authors: Willemsen Mathijs , Dielis Arne W. J. H. , Samarska Iryna V. , Koster Ad , van Marion Arienne M.
Published: April 2017

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma with dismal prognosis. The median age of presentation ranges from 62 to 69 years with generalized lymphadenopathy, B symptoms, and hepatosplenomegaly as the most prevalent symptoms. The combination of B-cell and T-cell proliferations is common in AITL and the B-cell component may resemble Reed-Sternberg-like B-cells. Epstein-Barr virus is estimated to be present in 80–95% of AITL biopsies. Only a handful of EBV-negative AITL cases with EBV-negative RS-like B-cells have been reported over the last decade. We present a rare case of EBV-negative AITL with chylous ascites and chylothorax. Microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of EBV-negative Reed-Sternberg-like B-cells in the tumor.
Bilateral Breast Metastases from Vulvar Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Papatheodorou D. C. , Liakou C. G , Kalogerakos K. , Dimopoulos Johannes Carl Athanasios , Kalinoglou N.
Published: April 2017

Vulvar carcinoma is a rare disease that accounts for 3–5% of all gynecologic malignancies. Breast represents an unusual site of metastasis and only a few cases are reported. We describe the first case of bilateral metastatic breast carcinoma of vulvar origin, at an 80-year-old female patient. Six months after treatment of her primary disease, she presented with bilateral metastatic squamous cell breast carcinoma. Diagnosis was based on clinical, radiological, and histological facts. Breast although rare is another potential site of metastasis in vulvar cancer and thus mammary gland examination should be considered in the follow-up of these patients. Differential diagnosis between primary and metastatic lesions is of utmost importance for appropriate management.
Active Razor Shell CaO Catalyst Synthesis for Jatropha Methyl Ester Production via Optimized Two-Step Transesterification
Authors: Reddy A. N. R. , Saleh A. A. , Islam M. S. , Hamdan S.
Published: April 2017

Calcium based catalysts have been studied as promising heterogeneous catalysts for production of methyl esters via transesterification; however a few were explored on catalyst synthesis with high surface area, less particle size, and Ca leaching analysis. In this work, an active Razor shell CaO with crystalline size of 87.2 nm, SBET of 92.63 m2/g, pore diameters of 37.311 nm, and pore volume of 0.613 cc/g was synthesized by a green technique “calcination-hydro aeration-dehydration.” Spectrographic techniques TGA/DTA, FTIR, SEM, XRD, BET&BJH, and PSA were employed for characterization and surface morphology of CaO. Two-step transesterification of Jatropha curcas oil was performed to evaluate CaO catalytic activity. A five-factor-five-level, two-block, half factorial, central composite design based response surface method was employed for experimental analysis and optimization of Jatropha methyl ester (JME) yield. The regression model adequacy ascertained thru coefficient of determination (R2: 95.81%). A JME yield of 98.80% was noted at C (3.10 wt.%), M (54.24 mol./mol.%), T (127.87 min), H (51.31°C), and R (612 rpm). The amount of Ca leached to JME during 1st and 4th reuse cycles was 1.43 ppm ± 0.11 and 4.25 ppm ± 0.21, respectively. Higher leaching of Ca, 6.67 ppm ± 1.09, was found from the 5th reuse cycle due to higher dispersion of Ca2+; consequently JME yield reduces to 76.40%. The JME fuel properties were studied according to biodiesel standards EN 14214 and comply to use as green biodiesel.
Number of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Procedures Required for Short Biliary Cannulation Time
Authors: Mandai Koichiro , Uno Koji , Fujii Yasutoshi , Kawamura Takuji , Yasuda Kenjiro
Published: April 2017

Background. Several previous studies assessed the competence in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using the bile duct cannulation success rate. However, the cannulation time is also important, because a long cannulation time was reported to be a risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis. Aim. To determine the number of ERCP procedures required for short cannulation time of the bile duct. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 605 ERCP procedures performed for bile duct cannulation in patients with native papilla at our institution between March 2012 and December 2015. The successful procedures were divided into 2 groups: group L and group S (cannulation time>15 minutes and ≤15 minutes, resp.). An analysis of the relationship among the biliary cannulation time, ERCP experience, and other factors was then conducted. Results. Multivariate analysis showed that the ERCP experience of ≤300 procedures (odds ratio, 2.080; 95% confidence interval, 1.337–3.142; P=0.001) and malignant biliary stricture due to pancreatic cancer (odds ratio, 1.912; 95% confidence interval, 1.072–3.412; P=0.028) were found to be significantly associated with a cannulation time of >15 minutes. Conclusions. Our findings suggested that an ERCP experience of ≤300 procedures and malignant biliary stricture due to pancreatic cancer were associated with prolonged biliary cannulation time.
Therapeutic Effect and Location of GFP-Labeled Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Yu Jiong , Hao Guangshu , Wang Dan , Liu Jingqi , Dong Xiaotian , Sun Yanni , Pan Qiaoling , Li Yang , Shi Xiaowei , Li Lanjuan , Cao Hongcui
Published: April 2017

Background. Liver fibrosis is a chronic progressive liver disease, but no established effective treatment exists except for liver transplantation. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of human placenta mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) on carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis in rats.Methods. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection with CCl4; hPMSCs were directly transplanted into rats through the caudal vein. The therapeutic efficacy of hPMSCs on liver fibrosis was measured by liver function tests, liver elastography, histopathology, Masson’s trichrome and Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemical studies. The expression levels of fibrotic markers, transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) andα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results. We demonstrated that liver fibrosis was significantly dampened in the hPMSC transplantation group according to the Laennec fibrosis scoring system and histological data. The Sirius red-stained collagen area and the elastography score were significantly reduced in the hPMSC-treated group. Meanwhile, hPMSC administration significantly decreased TGF-β1 andα-SMA expression and enhanced liver functions in CCl4-induced fibrotic rats.Conclusion. This study indicates that transplantation of hPMSCs could repair liver fibrosis induced by CCl4in rats, which may serve as a valuable therapeutic approach to treat liver diseases.
Cl II Malocclusion Treatment, Using the Modified Twin Block Appliance Coordinated with Fixed Orthodontics in a Postmenarche Patient
Authors: Aminian Amin , Sarvareh Azimzadeh Shahriar , Rahmanian Elina
Published: April 2017

Functional appliances have been used for treatment of Class II patients for a long time. The main objective of therapy with functional appliances is to induce supplementary lengthening of the mandible by stimulating increased growth at the condylar cartilage. The Twin Block appliance is one of the most commonly used functional appliances. The aim of this paper is to present a case report of mandibular deficiency treatment with Twin Block appliance in a female patient whose sexual maturation (one and a half years after menarche) and cervical vertebral maturation stage indicated the end of the growth peak. The treatment started with bonding 0.022 in MBT prescription brackets on the upper arch in order to align upper teeth and create a symmetric overjet. When reaching alignment, a modified Twin Block was given to the patient for 8 months. Final coordination was achieved with fixed appliances in both arches. At the end of the treatment, profile of the patient improved, crowding was relieved, and Cl I relationship with normal overjet and overbite was achieved.