bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutronic Design Features of a Transportable Fluoride-Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor
Authors: Sun Kaichao , Hu Lin-Wen , Forsberg Charles
Published: February 2016

The fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR) is a new reactor concept, which combines low-pressure liquid salt coolant and high-temperature tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel. The refractory TRISO particle coating system and the dispersion in graphite matrix enhance safeguards (nuclear proliferation resistance) and security. Compared to the conventional high-temperature reactor (HTR) cooled by helium gas, the liquid salt system features significantly lower pressure, larger volumetric heat capacity, and higher thermal conductivity. The salt coolant enables coupling to a nuclear air-Brayton combined cycle (NACC) that provides base-load and peak-power capabilities. Added peak power is produced using jet fuel or locally produced hydrogen. The FHR is, therefore, considered as an ideal candidate for the transportable reactor concept to provide power to remote sites. In this context, a 20-MW (thermal power) compact core aiming at an 18-month once-through fuel cycle is currently under design at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). One of the key challenges of the core design is to minimize the reactivity swing induced by fuel depletion, since excessive reactivity will increase the complexity in control rod design and also result in criticality risk during the transportation process. In this study, burnable poison particles (BPPs) made of B4C with natural boron (i.e., 20% B10 content) are adopted as the key measure for fuel cycle optimization. It was found that the overall inventory and the individual size of BPPs are the two most important parameters that determine the evolution path of the multiplication factor over time. The packing fraction (PF) in the fuel compact and the height of active zone are of secondary importance. The neutronic effect of Li6 depletion was also quantified. The 18-month once-through fuel cycle is optimized, and the depletion reactivity swing is reduced to 1 beta. The reactivity control system, which consists of six control rods and 12 safety rods, has been implemented in the proposed FHR core configuration. It fully satisfies the design goal of limiting the maximum reactivity worth for single control rod ejection within 0.8 beta and ensuring shutdown margin with the most valuable safety rod fully withdrawn. The core power distribution including the control rod’s effect is also demonstrated in this paper.
Superlubricity of graphene nanoribbons on gold surfaces
Authors: Kawai Shigeki , Benassi Andrea , Gnecco Enrico , Söde Hajo , Pawlak Rémy , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Passerone Daniele , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Ruffieux Pascal , Fasel Roman , Meyer Ernst
Published: February 2016

A golden opportunity for graphene

Reducing friction can limit wear and improve the energy efficiency of mechanical devices. Graphene is a promising lubricant because the friction between sheets is minuscule under certain circumstances. Kawai
et al.
show that the same ultra-low frictional properties extend to other surfaces. They find ultralow friction when dragging graphene nanoribbons across a gold surface using an atomic force microscope. This discovery sets up the potential for developing nanographene frictionless coatings.

Science
, this issue p.
957
Comment on “Abrupt warming events drove Late Pleistocene Holarctic megafaunal turnover”
Authors: Rasmussen Sune O. , Svensson Anders M.
Published: February 2016

Cooper
et al
. (Research Article, 7 August 2015, p. 602) combined the annual-layer-counted Greenland Ice Core Chronology 2005 with chronological information from the Hulu Cave and Cariaco Basin records to produce a “revised” time scale. We argue that their time scale is incompatible with the nature of annual-layer-counted time scales and may lead to seriously flawed conclusions if used elsewhere at face value.
Direct CRISPR spacer acquisition from RNA by a natural reverse transcriptase–Cas1 fusion protein
Authors: Silas Sukrit , Mohr Georg , Sidote David J. , Markham Laura M. , Sanchez-Amat Antonio , Bhaya Devaki , Lambowitz Alan M. , Fire Andrew Z.
Published: February 2016

CRISPR-Cas captures invading RNA

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) system provides bacteria with an adaptive immune response. DNA captured from viruses and plasmids by CRISPR-associated protein 1 (Cas1) is used by bacteria to target the invaders' for destruction. Silas
et al.
discover that certain classes of the
Cas1
gene are fused to a reverse transcriptase gene (
RT-Cas1
) (see the Perspective by Sontheimer and Marraffini). These RT-Cas1 proteins are able to capture and directly incorporate both DNA and RNA into CRISPR loci. RT-Cas1 systems could be effective against parasitic RNA species, or even to modulate bacterial gene expression.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad4234
; see also p.
920
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Broad-Spectrum Virus Entry Inhibitor
Authors: Chou Yi-ying , Cuevas Christian , Carocci Margot , Stubbs Sarah H. , Ma Minghe , Cureton David K. , Chao Luke , Evesson Frances , He Kangmin , Yang Priscilla L. , Whelan Sean P. , Ross Susan R. , Kirchhausen Tom , Gaudin Raphaël
Published: February 2016

Virus entry into cells is a multistep process that often requires the subversion of subcellular machineries. A more complete understanding of these steps is necessary to develop new antiviral strategies. While studying the potential role of the actin network and one of its master regulators, the small GTPase Cdc42, during Junin virus (JUNV) entry, we serendipitously uncovered the small molecule ZCL278, reported to inhibit Cdc42 function as an entry inhibitor for JUNV and for vesicular stomatitis virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and dengue virus but not for the nonenveloped poliovirus. Although ZCL278 did not interfere with JUNV attachment to the cell surface or virus particle internalization into host cells, it prevented the release of JUNV ribonucleoprotein cores into the cytosol and decreased pH-mediated viral fusion with host membranes. We also identified SVG-A astroglial cell-derived cells to be highly permissive for JUNV infection and generated new cell lines expressing fluorescently tagged Rab5c or Rab7a or lacking Cdc42 using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-caspase 9 (Cas9) gene-editing strategies. Aided by these tools, we uncovered that perturbations in the actin cytoskeleton or Cdc42 activity minimally affect JUNV entry, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of ZCL278 is not mediated by ZCL278 interfering with the activity of Cdc42. Instead, ZCL278 appears to redistribute viral particles from endosomal to lysosomal compartments. ZCL278 also inhibited JUNV replication in a mouse model, and no toxicity was detected. Together, our data suggest the unexpected antiviral activity of ZCL278 and highlight its potential for use in the development of valuable new tools to study the intracellular trafficking of pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
The Junin virus is responsible for outbreaks of Argentine hemorrhagic fever in South America, where 5 million people are at risk. Limited options are currently available to treat infections by Junin virus or other viruses of the
Arenaviridae
, making the identification of additional tools, including small-molecule inhibitors, of great importance. How Junin virus enters cells is not yet fully understood. Here we describe new cell culture models in which the cells are susceptible to Junin virus infection and to which we applied CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering strategies to help characterize early steps during virus entry. We also uncovered ZCL278 to be a new antiviral small molecule that potently inhibits the cellular entry of the Junin virus and other enveloped viruses. Moreover, we show that ZCL278 also functions
in vivo
, thereby preventing Junin virus replication in a mouse model, opening the possibility for the discovery of ZCL278 derivatives of therapeutic potential.
Functional Dissection of an Alternatively Spliced Herpesvirus Gene by Splice Site Mutagenesis
Authors: Schommartz Tim , Loroch Stefan , Alawi Malik , Grundhoff Adam , Sickmann Albert , Brune Wolfram
Published: February 2016

Herpesviruses have large and complex DNA genomes. The largest among the herpesviruses, those of the cytomegaloviruses, include over 170 genes. Although most herpesvirus gene products are expressed from unspliced transcripts, a substantial number of viral transcripts are spliced. Some viral transcripts are subject to alternative splicing, which leads to the expression of several proteins from a single gene. Functional analysis of individual proteins derived from an alternatively spliced gene is difficult, as deletion and nonsense mutagenesis, both common methods used in the generation of viral gene knockout mutants, affect several or all gene products at the same time. Here, we show that individual gene products of an alternatively spliced herpesvirus gene can be inactivated selectively by mutagenesis of the splice donor or acceptor site and by intron deletion or substitution mutagenesis. We used this strategy to dissect the essential M112/113 gene of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), which encodes the MCMV Early 1 (E1) proteins. The expression of each of the four E1 protein isoforms was inactivated individually, and the requirement for each isoform in MCMV replication was analyzed in fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. We show that the E1 p87 isoform, but not the p33, p36, and p38 isoforms, is essential for viral replication in cell culture. Moreover, the presence of one of the two medium-size isoforms (p36 or p38) and the presence of intron 1, but not its specific sequence, are required for viral replication. This study demonstrates the usefulness of splice site mutagenesis for the functional analysis of alternatively spliced herpesvirus genes.

IMPORTANCE
Herpesviruses include up to 170 genes in their DNA genomes. The functions of most viral gene products remain poorly defined. The construction of viral gene knockout mutants has thus been an important tool for functional analysis of viral proteins. However, this strategy is of limited use when viral gene transcripts are alternatively spliced, leading to the expression of several proteins from a single gene. In this study, we showed, as a proof of principle, that each protein product of an alternatively spliced gene can be eliminated individually by splice site mutagenesis. Mutant viruses lacking individual protein products displayed different phenotypes, demonstrating that the products of alternatively spliced genes have nonredundant functions.
Design and Characterization of a Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Hemagglutinin Vaccine for H1N1 Influenza Viruses
Authors: Carter Donald M. , Darby Christopher A. , Lefoley Bradford C. , Crevar Corey J. , Alefantis Timothy , Oomen Raymond , Anderson Stephen F. , Strugnell Tod , Cortés-Garcia Guadalupe , Vogel Thorsten U. , Parrington Mark , Kleanthous Harold , Ross Ted M.
Published: February 2016

One of the challenges of developing influenza A vaccines is the diversity of antigenically distinct isolates. Previously, a novel hemagglutinin (HA) for H5N1 influenza was derived from a methodology termed computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA). This COBRA HA elicited a broad antibody response against H5N1 isolates from different clades. We now report the development and characterization of a COBRA-based vaccine for both seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza virus isolates. Nine prototype H1N1 COBRA HA proteins were developed and tested in mice using a virus-like particle (VLP) format for the elicitation of broadly reactive, functional antibody responses and protection against viral challenge. These candidates were designed to recognize H1N1 viruses isolated within the last 30 years. In addition, several COBRA candidates were designed based on sequences of H1N1 viruses spanning the past 100 years, including modern pandemic H1N1 isolates. Four of the 9 H1N1 COBRA HA proteins (X1, X3, X6, and P1) had the broadest hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity against a panel of 17 H1N1 viruses. These vaccines were used in cocktails or prime-boost combinations. The most effective regimens that both elicited the broadest HAI response and protected mice against a pandemic H1N1 challenge were vaccines that contained the P1 COBRA VLP and either the X3 or X6 COBRA VLP vaccine. These mice had little or no detectable viral replication, comparable to that observed with a matched licensed vaccine. This is the first report describing a COBRA-based HA vaccine strategy that elicits a universal, broadly reactive, protective response against seasonal and pandemic H1N1 isolates.

IMPORTANCE
Universal influenza vaccine approaches have the potential to be paradigm shifting for the influenza vaccine field, with the goal of replacing the current standard of care with broadly cross-protective vaccines. We have used COBRA technology to develop an HA head-based strategy that elicits antibodies against many H1 strains that have undergone genetic drift and has potential as a “subtype universal” vaccine. Nine HA COBRA candidates were developed, and these vaccines were used alone, in cocktails or in prime-boost combinations. The most effective regimens elicited the broadest hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) response against a panel of H1N1 viruses isolated over the past 100 years. This is the first report describing a COBRA-based HA vaccine strategy that elicits a broadly reactive response against seasonal and pandemic H1N1 isolates.
Two-Component Signaling Regulates Osmotic Stress Adaptation via SskA and the High-Osmolarity Glycerol MAPK Pathway in the Human Pathogen
Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Boyce Kylie J. , Cao Cunwei , Andrianopoulos Alex
Published: February 2016

This is the first study in a dimorphic fungal pathogen to investigate the role of a response regulator downstream of two-component signaling systems and its connection to the high-osmolarity glycerol pathway. This study will inspire further research into the downstream components of two-component signaling systems and their role during pathogenic growth.
Purification and Characterization of Botulinum Neurotoxin FA from a Genetically Modified Clostridium botulinum Strain
Authors: Pellett Sabine , Tepp William H. , Bradshaw Marite , Kalb Suzanne R. , Dykes Janet K. , Lin Guangyun , Nawrocki Erin M. , Pier Christina L. , Barr John R. , Maslanka Susan E. , Johnson Eric A.
Published: February 2016

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by anaerobic bacteria, are the cause of the potentially deadly, neuroparalytic disease botulism. BoNTs have been classified into seven serotypes, serotypes A to G, based upon their selective neutralization by homologous antiserum, which is relevant for clinical and diagnostic purposes. Even though supportive care dramatically reduces the death rate of botulism, the only pharmaceutical intervention to reduce symptom severity and recovery time is early administration of antitoxin (antiserum raised against BoNTs). A recent report of a novel BoNT serotype, serotype H, raised concern of a “treatment-resistant” and highly potent toxin. However, the toxin’s chimeric structure and characteristics indicate a chimeric BoNT/FA. Here we describe the first characterization of this novel toxin in purified form. BoNT/FA was neutralized by available antitoxins, supporting classification as BoNT/FA. BoNT/FA required proteolytic activation to achieve full toxicity and had relatively low potency in mice compared to BoNT/A1 but surprisingly high activity in cultured neurons.
Adaptation: a contemporary view, revisiting Crichton-Miller's 1925 paper
Authors: Music Graham
Published: February 2016

In this paper I discuss a contemporary ‘take’ on the concept of adaptation in light of Crichton-Miller's original 1926 paper. I look briefly at some of the ways that contemporary thinking is both similar to and different from ideas of 90 years ago. In particular I think about how recent neurobiological findings, epigenetic research and attachment theory have cast new light on our understanding of the ways humans adapt to social and emotional environments. It looks at how psychiatric presentations which are seen as maladaptive might well have an adaptive origin in early life. In this account I emphasise how a more modern version of evolutionary theory can be developed, particularly one influenced by life history theory, and suggest that such ideas have powerful explanatory power as well as being based solidly in good research.
Optimal Bounds for the Similarity Density of the Thue-Morse Word with Overlap-Free and 73-Power-Free Infinite Binary Words
Authors: Du Chen Fei , Shallit Jeffrey , Shur Arseny M.
Published: February 2016

We consider a measure of similarity for infinite words that generalizes the usual number-theoretic notion of asymptotic or natural density for subsets of natural numbers. We show that every [Formula: see text]-power-free infinite binary word, other than the Thue-Morse word t and its complement [Formula: see text], has this measure of similarity with t between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and that this bound is optimal in a strong sense just for the class of overlap-free words. This is a generalization of a classical 1927 result of Kurt Mahler.
Recovery of Low Rank Symmetric Matrices via Schatten p Norm Minimization
Authors: Cui Li , Liu Lu , Chen Di-Rong , Xie Jian-Feng
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we give an application of the perturbation inequality to the low rank matrix recovery problem and provide a condition on the linear map of underdetermined linear system that every minimal rank symmetric matrix [Formula: see text] can be exactly recovered from the linear measurement [Formula: see text] via some Schatten [Formula: see text] norm minimization. Moreover it is shown that the explicit bound on exponent [Formula: see text] in the Schatten [Formula: see text] norm minimization can be exactly extracted.
Examining the Role of Management Control Systems in the Creation of an Innovative Culture
Authors: Mackey James T. , Deng F. Johnny
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the association between a differentiation strategy and the emergence of innovation using a package of management control systems (MCS) tools at the operational level. We empirically test theory developed by Simons [(2005). Levers of Organizational Design. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA (2010). Accountability and control as catalysts for strategic exploration and exploitation: Field study results. Harvard Working Paper 10-051.] and Chenhall et al. [(2011). Journal of Management Accounting Research, 23: 99–128.] to examine organic innovation culture, formal controls, and an entrepreneurial gap job design (EG), as a package of MCS tools at the operational level. There is evidence that all three MCS tools are both selected or are effective in enhancing innovation. However, internally, staff activities, and line activities show significant variation in their use of MCS tools. Formal controls and EG are effective for staff activities but not for line activities. For line activities organic culture is effective but formal controls are detrimental.
Chronic recordings reveal tactile stimuli can suppress spontaneous activity of neurons in somatosensory cortex of awake and anesthetized primates
Authors: Qi Hui-Xin , Reed Jamie L. , Franca Joao G. , Jain Neeraj , Kajikawa Yoshinao , Kaas Jon H.
Published: February 2016

In somatosensory cortex, tactile stimulation within the neuronal receptive field (RF) typically evokes a transient excitatory response with or without postexcitatory inhibition. Here, we describe neuronal responses in which stimulation on the hand is followed by suppression of the ongoing discharge. With the use of 16-channel microelectrode arrays implanted in the hand representation of primary somatosensory cortex of New World monkeys and prosimian galagos, we recorded neuronal responses from single units and neuron clusters. In 66% of our sample, neuron activity tended to display suppression of firing when regions of skin outside of the excitatory RF were stimulated. In a small proportion of neurons, single-site indentations suppressed firing without initial increases in response to any of the tested sites on the hand. Latencies of suppressive responses to skin indentation (usually 12–34 ms) were similar to excitatory response latencies. The duration of inhibition varied across neurons. Although most observations were from anesthetized animals, we also found similar neuron response properties in one awake galago. Notably, suppression of ongoing neuronal activity did not require conditioning stimuli or multi-site stimulation. The suppressive effects were generally seen following single-site skin indentations outside of the neuron's minimal RF and typically on different digits and palm pads, which have not often been studied in this context. Overall, the characteristics of widespread suppressive or inhibitory response properties with and without initial facilitative or excitatory responses add to the growing evidence that neurons in primary somatosensory cortex provide essential processing for integrating sensory stimulation from across the hand.
Neutrophil Functions in Periodontal Homeostasis
Authors: Cortés-Vieyra Ricarda , Rosales Carlos , Uribe-Querol Eileen
Published: February 2016

Oral tissues are constantly exposed to damage from the mechanical effort of eating and to microorganisms, mostly bacteria. In healthy gingiva tissue remodeling and a balance between bacteria and innate immune cells are maintained. However, excess of bacteria biofilm (plaque) creates an inflammation state that recruits more immune cells, mainly neutrophils to the gingiva. Neutrophils create a barrier for bacteria to reach inside tissues. When neutrophils are insufficient, bacteria thrive causing more inflammation that has been associated with systemic effects on other conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. But paradoxically when neutrophils persist, they can also promote a chronic inflammatory state that leads to periodontitis, a condition that leads to damage of the bone-supporting tissues. In periodontitis, bone loss is a serious complication. How a neutrophil balance is needed for maintaining healthy oral tissues is the focus of this review. We present recent evidence on how alterations in neutrophil number and function can lead to inflammatory bone loss, and how some oral bacteria signal neutrophils to block their antimicrobial functions and promote an inflammatory state. Also, based on this new information, novel therapeutic approaches are discussed.
A Dynamic Probabilistic Based Broadcasting Scheme for MANETs
Authors: Shanmugam Kannan , Subburathinam Karthik , Velayuthampalayam Palanisamy Arunachalam
Published: February 2016

MANET is commonly known as Mobile Ad Hoc Network in which cluster of mobile nodes can communicate with each other without having any basic infrastructure. The basic characteristic of MANET is dynamic topology. Due to the dynamic behavior nature, the topology of the network changes very frequently, and this will lead to the failure of the valid route repeatedly. Thus, the process of finding the valid route leads to notable drop in the throughput of the network. To identify a new valid path to the targeted mobile node, available proactive routing protocols use simple broadcasting method known as simple flooding. The simple flooding method broadcasts the RREQ packet from the source to the rest of the nodes in mobile network. But the problem with this method is disproportionate repetitive retransmission of RREQ packet which could result in high contention on the available channel and packet collision due to extreme traffic in the network. A reasonable number of routing algorithms have been suggested for reducing the lethal impact of flooding the RREQ packets. However, most of the algorithms have resulted in considerable amount of complexity and deduce the throughput by depending on special hardware components and maintaining complex information which will be less frequently used. By considering routing complexity with the goal of increasing the throughput of the network, in this paper, we have introduced a new approach called Dynamic Probabilistic Route (DPR) discovery. The Node’s Forwarding Probability (NFP) is dynamically calculated by the DPR mobile nodes using Probability Function (PF) which depends on density of local neighbor nodes and the cumulative number of its broadcast covered neighbors.
Effect of Kuijie Granule on the Expression of TGF‐β/Smads Signaling Pathway in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Xu Xinjie , Xu Chunhua , Saud Shakir M. , Lu Xiaoming , Liu Lei , Fang Li , Zhang Xiaowei , Hu Jiangong , Li Weidong
Published: February 2016

The dysregulation of TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway has been postulated to contribute to the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) and the manifestation of clinical symptoms. Kuijie Granule is a prescription medicine used clinically in China to alleviate the symptoms associated with UC. To evaluate whether the clinical benefit of Kuijie Granule is associated with TGF‐β/Smads signaling, we measured the expression levels of TGF‐β/Smads signaling proteins (TGF‐β1, TGF‐βRII, Smad2, Smad4, Smad6, and Smad7) in the intestinal mucosa of 72 patients with UC treated with Kuijie Granule for 60 days. Colonic tissues were obtained by a virtual colonoscopy guided biopsy before and after Kuijie Granule treatment followed by pathological analysis and quantitative analysis of TGF‐β/Smads using immunohistochemistry. Kuijie Granule treatment significantly improved symptoms associated with UC, which include diarrhea, mucus production, pus and blood in stool, abdominal pain and distention, and tenesmus. The clinical benefit of Kuijie Granule treatment correlated with decreased expression of TGF‐β1 and Smad7 and increased expression of TGF‐βRII and Smad4. These clinical results indicate that Kuijie Granule can alleviate the symptoms associated with UC and modulate TGF‐β/Smads signaling.
TLR Stimulation Dynamically Regulates Heme and Iron Export Gene Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Philip Mary , Chiu Edison Y. , Hajjar Adeline M. , Abkowitz Janis L.
Published: February 2016

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved multiple mechanisms to capture iron or iron-containing heme from host tissues or blood. In response, organisms have developed defense mechanisms to keep iron from pathogens. Very little of the body’s iron store is available as free heme; rather nearly all body iron is complexed with heme or other proteins. The feline leukemia virus, subgroup C (FeLV-C) receptor, FLVCR, exports heme from cells. It was unknown whether FLVCR regulates heme-iron availability after infection, but given that other heme regulatory proteins are upregulated in macrophages in response to bacterial infection, we hypothesized that macrophages dynamically regulate FLVCR. We stimulated murine primary macrophages or macrophage cell lines with LPS and found thatFlvcris rapidly downregulated in a TLR4/MD2-dependent manner; TLR1/2 and TLR3 stimulation also decreasedFlvcrexpression. We identified several candidate TLR-activated transcription factors that can bind to theFlvcrpromoter. Macrophages must balance the need to sequester iron from systemic circulating or intracellular pathogens with the macrophage requirement for heme and iron to produce reactive oxygen species. Our findings underscore the complexity of this regulation and point to a new role for FLVCR and heme export in macrophages responses to infection and inflammation.
Unexpected Selectivity of UV Light Activated Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Gas Sensors by Two Different Redox Processes
Authors: Li Wenting , Xu Gu
Published: February 2016

The conflict between the two existing models was resolved, to provide a clear explanation for the unexpected “selectivity” found in UV light activated metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors during the detection of reducing agents. A new model based on the dynamic equilibrium of adsorbed oxygen concentration was constructed by two types of responses: (1) when the MOS surface is adsorbed with oxygen, the conductance of the sensor increases upon injection of reducing agents (RA) (α-type) and (2) when the MOS surface is not covered by oxygen, the conductance decreases upon injection of RA (β-type). The proposed model was verified by the experiments of ZnO based MOS gas sensors, to reveal the origin of the unexpected “selectivity” found by the optimum intensity, where the current drop, due to the reaction between RA and MOS, which increases with UV power and levels with the reciprocal background current, which decreases with the UV power.
3D-2D Deformable Image Registration Using Feature-Based Nonuniform Meshes
Authors: Zhong Zichun , Guo Xiaohu , Cai Yiqi , Yang Yin , Wang Jing , Jia Xun , Mao Weihua
Published: February 2016

By using prior information of planning CT images and feature-based nonuniform meshes, this paper demonstrates that volumetric images can be efficiently registered with a very small portion of 2D projection images of a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. After a density field is computed based on the extracted feature edges from planning CT images, nonuniform tetrahedral meshes will be automatically generated to better characterize the image features according to the density field; that is, finer meshes are generated for features. The displacement vector fields (DVFs) are specified at the mesh vertices to drive the deformation of original CT images. Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) of the deformed anatomy are generated and compared with corresponding 2D projections. DVFs are optimized to minimize the objective function including differences between DRRs and projections and the regularity. To further accelerate the above 3D-2D registration, a procedure to obtain good initial deformations by deforming the volume surface to match 2D body boundary on projections has been developed. This complete method is evaluated quantitatively by using several digital phantoms and data from head and neck cancer patients. The feature-based nonuniform meshing method leads to better results than either uniform orthogonal grid or uniform tetrahedral meshes.
AntStar: Enhancing Optimization Problems by Integrating an Ant System andA⁎Algorithm
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Mathkour Hassan , Alsulaiman Mansour
Published: February 2016

Recently, nature-inspired techniques have become valuable to many intelligent systems in different fields of technology and science. Among these techniques, Ant Systems (AS) have become a valuable technique for intelligent systems in different fields. AS is a computational system inspired by the foraging behavior of ants and intended to solve practical optimization problems. In this paper, we introduce the AntStar algorithm, which is swarm intelligence based. AntStar enhances the optimization and performance of an AS by integrating the AS andA⁎algorithm. Applying the AntStar algorithm to the single-source shortest-path problem has been done to ensure the efficiency of the proposed AntStar algorithm. The experimental result of the proposed algorithm illustrated the robustness and accuracy of the AntStar algorithm.
Use of an Esophageal Heat Exchanger to Maintain Core Temperature during Burn Excisions and to Attenuate Pyrexia on the Burns Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Williams David , Leslie Gordon , Kyriazis Dimitrios , O’Donovan Benjamin , Bowes Joanne , Dingley John
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Burns patients are vulnerable to hyperthermia due to sepsis and SIRS and to hypothermia due to heat loss during excision surgery. Both states are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We describe the first use of a novel esophageal heat exchange device in combination with a heater/cooler unit to manage perioperative hypothermia and postoperative pyrexia.Material and Methods. The device was used in three patients with full thickness burns of 51%, 49%, and 45% body surface area to reduce perioperative hypothermia during surgeries of >6 h duration and subsequently to control hyperthermia in one of the patients who developed pyrexia of 40°C on the 22nd postoperative day due toE. coli/Candidasepticaemia which was unresponsive to conventional cooling strategies.Results. Perioperative core temperature was maintained at 37°C for all three patients, and it was possible to reduce ambient temperature to 26°C to increase comfort levels for the operating team. The core temperature of the pyrexial patient was reduced to 38.5°C within 2.5 h of instituting the device and maintained around this value thereafter.Conclusion. The device was easy to use with no adverse incidents and helped maintain normothermia in all cases.
Effect of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor on Endothelial Cells and Osteoblasts
Authors: Liu Xi Ling , Hu Xiang , Cai Wei Xin , Lu Weijia William , Zheng Li Wu
Published: February 2016

Objectives. Some animal studies showed that granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) provides beneficial environment for bone healing. It has been well documented that endothelial cells and osteoblasts play critical roles in multiple phases of bone healing. However, the biological effects of G-CSF on these cells remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate the influence of G-CSF at various concentrations on endothelial cells and osteoblasts.Materials and Methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human osteoblasts (hOBs) were treated with G-CSF at 1000, 100, 10, and 0 ng/mL, respectively. The capacity of cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs was evaluated at 72, 8, and 6 hours after treatment, respectively. The capacity of proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of hOBs was evaluated at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 21 days after treatment, respectively.Results. HUVECs treated with 100 and 1000 ng/mL G-CSF showed a significantly higher value comparing with controls in migration assay (p<0.001,p<0.01, resp.); the group treated with 1000 ng/mL G-CSF showed a significantly lower value on tube formation. No significant difference was detected in groups of hOBs.Conclusions. G-CSF showed favorable effects only on the migration of HUVECs, and no direct influence was found on hOBs.
Microbiological Quality Assessment of Frozen Fish and Fish Processing Materials from Bangladesh
Authors: Sanjee Sohana Al , Karim Md. Ekramul
Published: February 2016

The present study aims at the microbiological analysis of export oriented frozen fishes, namely, Jew fish, Tongue Sole fish, Cuttle fish, Ribbon fish, Queen fish, and fish processing water and ice from a view of public health safety and international trade. Microbiological analysis includes the determination of total viable aerobic count by standard plate count method and enumeration of total coliforms and fecal coliforms by most probable number method. The presence of specific fish pathogens such asSalmonellaspp. andVibrio choleraewere also investigated. The TVAC of all the samples was estimated below5×105 cfu/g whereas the total coliforms and fecal coliforms count were found below 100 MPN/g and 10 MPN/g, respectively, which meet the acceptable limit specified by International Commission of Microbiological Specification for Food. The microbiological analysis of water and ice also complies with the specifications havingTVAC<20 cfu/mL, and total coliforms and fecal coliforms count were below the limit detection of the MPN method. Specific fish pathogens such asSalmonellasp. andV. choleraewere found absent in all the samples under the investigation. From this study, it can be concluded that the investigated frozen fishes were eligible for export purpose and also safe for human consumption.
The Effect of Photovoltaic Panels on the Rooftop Temperature in the EnergyPlus Simulation Environment
Authors: Peng Changhai , Yang Jianqiang
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the effects that photovoltaic (PV) panels have on the rooftop temperature in the EnergyPlus simulation environment were investigated for the following cases: with and without PV panels, with and without exposure to sunlight, and using roof materials with different thermal conductivities and for different climatic zones. The results demonstrate that heat transfer by convection, radiation, and conduction in the air gaps between PV panels and the building envelope can be simulated in the EnergyPlus environment when these air gaps are in the “air conditioning zone.” Nevertheless, in most cases, particularly on the rooftop, the air gaps between the PV panels and the building envelope cannot be set as the “air conditioning zone.” Therefore, in this case, none of the EnergyPlus models are appropriate to simulate the effect that PV panels have on the rooftop temperature. However, all the terms of the Heat Balance Model, including the absorbed direct and diffuse solar radiation, net long-wave radiation with the air and surroundings, convective exchange with the outside air, and conduction flux in or out of the surface, can still be used to calculate the temperature and heat flux within the BIPV’s air gap.
Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Rectal Polyp
Authors: Fitzgerald Erin , Chen Lilian , Guelrud Moises , Allison Harmony , Zuo Tao , Suarez Yvelisse , Yoo James
Published: February 2016

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma typically presents as an incidentally noted appendiceal mass, or with symptoms of right lower quadrant pain that can mimic appendicitis, but local involvement of adjacent organs is uncommon, particularly as the presenting sign. We report on a case of a primary appendiceal cancer initially diagnosed as a rectal polyp based on its appearance in the rectal lumen. The management of the patient was in keeping with standard practice for a rectal polyp, and the diagnosis of appendiceal adenocarcinoma was made intraoperatively. The operative strategy had to be adjusted due to this unexpected finding. Although there are published cases of appendiceal adenocarcinoma inducing intussusception and thus mimicking a cecal polyp, there are no reports in the literature describing invasion of the appendix through the rectal wall and thus mimicking a rectal polyp. The patient is a 75-year-old female who presented with spontaneous hematochezia and, on colonoscopy, was noted to have a rectal polyp that appeared to be located within a diverticulum. When endoscopic mucosal resection was not successful, she was referred to colorectal surgery for a low anterior resection. Preoperative imaging was notable for an enlarged appendix adjacent to the rectum. Intraoperatively, the appendix was found to be densely adherent to the right lateral rectal wall. An en bloc resection of the distal sigmoid colon, proximal rectum and appendix was performed, with pathology demonstrating appendiceal adenocarcinoma that invaded through the rectal wall. The prognosis in this type of malignancy weighs heavily on whether or not perforation and spread throughout the peritoneal cavity have occurred. In this unusual presentation, an en bloc resection is required for a complete resection and to minimize the risk of peritoneal spread. Unusual appearing polyps do not always originate from the bowel wall. Abnormal radiographic findings adjacent to an area of gastrointestinal pathology may signify locally advanced disease from a surrounding organ that secondarily involves the gastrointestinal tract. These findings warrant further investigation prior to any intervention to ensure appropriate treatment.
Estrutura formal e semântica do argumento autogenealógico em Nietzsche
Authors: Viesenteiner Jorge Luiz
Published: February 2016

O objetivo do texto é analisar a estrutura formal e semântica daquilo que denomino de argumento autogenealógico em Nietzsche, culminando com um breve esboço das suas formas de comunicabilidade. Do ponto de vista formal, trata-se de compreender o conceito de genealogia em seu registro crítico, em estreita conexão com uma práxis interrogativa fomentadora de um distanciamento metódico; do ponto de vista semântico, trata-se de compreender que aquilo que era elaborado por Nietzsche até 1887 em Para genealogia da moral com vistas à cultura, realiza-se nos textos de 1888 com vistas a si mesmo. Finalizo com um breve e plausível sentido de autoencenação, na medida em que Nietzsche transforma a si mesmo em figura de pensamento, especialmente em Ecce homo.
Transcendentes ou transcendentais? Um ensaio sobre Kant e o erro dos escolásticos
Authors: Paiva Gustavo Barreto Vilhena de
Published: February 2016

O termo “transcendental” tem sido de fundamental importância para a discussão produzida nos mais variados campos da filosofia contemporânea. Isso se deve, em larga medida, ao fato de a filosofia de Kant ser a inegável e constante referência para autores dos séculos XIX a XXI. Daí se derivou uma problemática projeção da noção de “transcendental” sobre a filosofia de autores escolásticos medievais. Embora estes últimos se valessem do termo “transcendente”, eles nem mesmo conheciam o termo “transcendental”. A confusão entre ambos os termos não poderia ser mais prejudicial para a leitura de autores medievais.
Shameless and Guiltless: The Role of Two Emotions in the Context of the Absence of God in Public Practice in the Indonesian Context
Authors: Pakpahan Binsar Jonathan
Published: February 2016

God is very much present in the public domain in Indonesia. Even so, honesty and integrity are absent in public practices, especially with regard to the high number of corruption cases. Biblical communities show that the two character traits were originally inseparable in a shame-based society when acted out as both personal and public conscience by doing what God wanted them to do. In the development of Christian theology, and also specifically in the Indonesian context, the two emotions became separated. Such separation has led to the evidential lack of both of these emotions and has shown to be inoperative in the convicted corruptors in Indonesia. Anton Houtepen says that we can trace God from operative emotions. The lack of emotions of shame and guilt shows that public religiosity does not correlate with the presence of God in public practices in Indonesia.
The Impact of African Philosophy on the Realisation of International Community and the Observance of International Law
Authors: Ipinyomi Foluke Ifejola
Published: February 2016

The legal nature of international law is uncertain, despite being the foundation of the international community. Its non-universality questions the cohesion and efficacy of the international community. The international community operates as an exclusive club, coalescing around certain shared values, like liberal democracy and free market economy. Sub-Saharan Africa is usually excluded from being an active part of the international community due to differing values; a shared understanding of community which conflicts with the shared values of the core of the international community. Furthermore, their post-colonial nature deters African states from choosing their own path or adopting the norms of the ‘international community.’ A paradigmatic shift in research into sub-Saharan Africa and the international community is necessary to ensure a truly effective international community and wider observance of international law.
Correcting twail’s Blind Spots
Authors: Hippolyte Antonius R.
Published: February 2016

Third World Approaches to International Law (twail) may serve as an apt critique for examination of international economic governance from a Third World angle, given its intimate concern for the welfare of these States in international law. twail’s critique has improved significantly in terms of quality and quantity. Nevertheless, the critique continues to be plagued by a fundamental shortcoming, namely, it merely critiques international law systems and fails to provide suggestions for reforming them to suit the needs of Third World States. This is particularly true in relation to its critique of international economic governance. While twail has produced numerous critiques of the foreign investment and international trade regimes since its emergence, these have failed to provide any constructive suggestions for improvement in these areas. twail should therefore aspire to be more than a tool of system criticism and offer practical solutions to improve Third World States’ place within this system.
The Rights Granted to Indigenous Peoples under International Law
Authors: Lee Taryn
Published: February 2016

Indigenous peoples in Australia have been adversely affected by the process of colonisation by the British Crown. Despite Australia’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (‘Declaration’), there is little evidence that it is an effective means of redressing the historical wrongs suffered by Indigenous communities in Australia. This essay outlines the experience of Indigenous peoples in Australia and examines the utility of the Declaration in international law. While observing that Indigenous peoples have had limited engagement with the Declaration, there is still potential for the Declaration to affect change through its underpinning principles of the right to self-determination and the status of Indigenous peoples as distinct political groups.
Legal Measures for Efficient Environmental Regulations of Oil and Gas Industry in Western Siberia
Authors: Gladun Elena , Chebotarev Gennadii
Published: February 2016

Most of Russia’s oil and gas resources are located in Western Siberia, which is an environmentally fragile area, a home for indigenous peoples, and one of the world’s greatest land-based sinks for carbon dioxide emissions. Russian oil and gas development over the last fifty years has had significant environmental impacts on Western Siberia and may also have affected the world environment by adding to global warming. The Tyumen Region is one of the biggest administrative regions in the area. 60 per cent of Russia’s oil reserves and 80 per cent of Russia’s gas reserves are located in the northern territories of the Tyumen Region, much on its continental shelf. The legislation governing environmental protection on the federal and regional level lacks clear-cut rules and measures that can safeguard one of the world’s most valuable environmental areas. Another negative impact of oil and gas development is the disturbance to indigenous peoples who have populated the northern Siberian territories for thousands of years. Today, protection of their territories and traditional way of life in the areas of industrial development is insufficient. The authors analyse the Russian environmental regulations of oil and gas, outline main shortcomings and formulate some legal measures that should be incorporated into federal legislation and legislation of the Tyumen Region.