bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral Testimony: Transmission Versus Propagation
Authors: Hills Alison
Published: May 2019

The status of moral testimony has recently been challenged, for both epistemic and non‐epistemic reasons. This paper distinguishes two methods of teaching: transmission, “classic” learning from testimony, that results in second hand knowledge, and propagation which results in first hand knowledge and understanding. Moral propagation avoids most of the epistemic and non‐epistemic problems of transmission. Moreover, moral propagation can develop and refine non‐cognitive attitudes too. Therefore moral testimony should (and normally does) take the form of moral propagation, not transmission.
‘The self‐destruction force is so strong’: male survivors’ experience of suicidal thoughts following sexual violence
Authors: Tryggvadottir Elisa Drofn V. , Sigurdardottir Sigrun , Halldorsdottir Sigridur
Published: May 2019

Suicidal thoughts are common among male sexual violence survivors. However, very few studies have focused specifically on this aspect. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of male survivors themselves of suicidal thoughts following sexual violence within the framework of men and masculinity. The research methodology was The Vancouver School of Doing Phenomenology, and a total of 17 interviews were conducted with seven male survivors. The main findings of the study are that the source of the suicidal thoughts after sexual violence is based on an experienced strong self‐destruction force that involves almost unbearable and unexpressed suffering. The strong self‐destruction force appeared among other things in risk behaviour and negligence towards own life and health. Participants all agreed that the thought of suicide was a certain escape route, that is to be constantly trying to escape from oneself and inner suffering. Negative thoughts that were difficult to suppress developed into suicidal thoughts that developed into thinking about the best possible way to commit suicide. Shattered self‐esteem, shame and loneliness characterised the lives of participants, and they felt disgusting and worthless as human beings. Much self‐degradation was characteristic. Perceived common societal norms about male masculinity had major negative impact on participants, for example that they should not show emotions because they were men and therefore should not express emotional pain or disclose their traumas. This resulted in emotional silencing. Disclosing the violence proved extremely difficult for all participants, but they experienced a high level of positive energy following disclosure. Participants experienced lack of knowledge, understanding and appropriate support from healthcare professionals and felt that sexual violence survivors’ trauma history needed to be better explored within health care. It is important that professionals acquire knowledge and understanding of male sexual violence survivors, and their suicidal thoughts, and become able to provide trauma‐specific support.
A new approach to estimate aerobic fitness using the NHANES dataset
Authors: Lu Kim D. , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen , Radom‐Aizik Shlomit , Cooper Dan M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Physical activity and fitness are essential for healthy growth in children. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) evaluated fitness by estimating V̇O2max from submaximal measurements of heart rate (HR) during graded treadmill exercise. Our aims were (a) to examine how well NHANES methodology used to estimate V̇O2max correlated with actual VO2max and (b) to evaluate a novel fitness metric using actual data collected during exercise and its relationship to physical activity and sedentary time, lipid profiles, and body composition.

Methods

Fifty‐three adolescents completed NHANES submaximal exercise protocol and maximal graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing. We used a novel approach to quantifying fitness (Δvelocity × incline × body mass (VIM)/ΔHR slopes) and evaluated its relationship to physical activity and sedentary time using NHANES data (n = 4498). In a subset (n = 740), we compared ΔVIM/ΔHR slopes to NHANES estimated V̇O2max and examined their relationship to cardiovascular risk factors (BMI percentiles and lipid levels).

Results

Measured V̇O2peak was moderately correlated with NHANES estimated V̇O2max (r = 0.53, P < 0.01). Significantly higher ΔVIM/ΔHR slopes were associated with increased physical activity and decreased sedentary time. ΔVIM/ΔHR slopes were negatively associated with LDL, triglycerides, and BMI percentiles (P < 0.01). In general, the two fitness models were similar; however, ΔVIM/ΔHR was more discriminating than NHANES in quantifying the relationship between fitness and LDL levels.

Conclusion

We found that the NHANES estimated V̇O2max accounted for approximately 28% of the variability in the measured V̇O2peak. Our approach to estimating fitness (ΔVIM/ΔHR slopes) using actual data provided similar relationships to lipid levels. We suggest that fitness measurements based on actually measured data may produce more accurate assessments of fitness and, ultimately, better approaches linking exercise to health in children.
Prisons as LULUs: Understanding the Parallels between Prison Proliferation and Environmental Injustices
Authors: Opsal Tara , Malin Stephanie A.
Published: May 2019

Criminologists who examine prison siting and proliferation often take two approaches. On one hand, researchers explore citizens’ perceptions of prison siting in their community. Alternatively, they unpack consequences a prison brings to a region—often with attention toward whether they fuel economic growth. This discussion occasionally invokes the concept environmental sociologists commonly used to examine environmental injustices: LULUs (locally undesirable land uses). However, criminologists have not drawn on this concept to consider how environmental contamination and prison proliferation dovetail in the context of mass incarceration. Relatedly, environmental justice scholars have begun to suggest that prisons are rife with environmental justice issues that scholars in that subdiscipline should take seriously. Here, we draw these subfields into conversation with one another, as we see several important synergies. In particular, we heed Eason's (2017,Big House on the Prairie: Rise of the Rural Ghetto and Prison Proliferation. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press) call for a more robust theoretical framework interrogating the causes and consequences of the prison boom by making a case that environmental justice work on LULUs provides criminology an opportunity to understand prison proliferation more critically. In turn, we make the case that environmental justice scholars have inroads into the study of mass incarceration—especially as it relates to prison proliferation.
“Shifting the Power”: Youth Activists’ Narrative Reframing of the Immigrant Rights Movement
Authors: Cabaniss Emily R.
Published: May 2019

This article explores collective efforts by undocumented youth activists to use storytelling to reframe the debates around immigration reform and discursively position themselves as the rightful leaders of a movement that had been dominated by adult citizen‐advocates. Drawing on 19 months of fieldwork, 37 in‐depth interviews, and hundreds of pages of movement documents, I show how youth activists in the United States worked together to develop stories that: (1) drew into question the legitimacy of adult citizen‐advocates to speak on issues of immigration and (2) cast undocumented immigrant youth as the proper authorities on these matters. I argue that through collective storytelling and character work, the activists were able to subvert adult citizen authority and construct themselves as powerful, new collective actors in the contemporary immigrant rights movement. I conclude by discussing some of the practical implications and limitations of using narrative reframing strategies to advance the social change agendas of marginalized movement factions.
The Hybrid Theory of Stories and Arguments Applied to the Simonshaven Case
Authors: Bex Floris J.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the hybrid theory of stories and arguments for reasoning with evidence in legal cases and applies this theory to the Simonshaven case. In the hybrid theory, alternative hypothetical stories about “what happened” in a case are constructed and discussed in a dialectical process of argument and counterargument. After informally explaining stories, arguments, and the ways in which they interact, this paper gives a method for rational proof based on critical questions and shows how this method can be used in the Simonshaven case.
A predicted plastid rhomboid protease affects phosphatidic acid metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lavell Anastasiya , Froehlich John E. , Baylis Olivia , Rotondo Anthony D. , Benning Christoph
Published: May 2019

The thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast harbor the photosynthetic machinery that converts light into chemical energy. Chloroplast membranes are unique in their lipid makeup, which is dominated by the galactolipids mono‐ and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG and DGDG). The most abundant galactolipid, MGDG, is assembled through both plastid and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathways in Arabidopsis, resulting in distinguishable molecular lipid species. Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the first glycerolipid formed by the plastid galactolipid biosynthetic pathway. It is converted to substrate diacylglycerol (DAG) for MGDG Synthase (MGD1) which adds to it a galactose from UDP‐Gal. The enzymatic reactions yielding these galactolipids have been well established. However, auxiliary or regulatory factors are largely unknown. We identified a predicted rhomboid‐like protease 10 (RBL10), located in plastids of Arabidopsis thaliana, that affects galactolipid biosynthesis likely through intramembrane proteolysis. Plants with T‐DNA disruptions in RBL10 have greatly decreased 16:3 (acyl carbons:double bonds) and increased 18:3 acyl chain abundance in MGDG of leaves. Additionally, rbl10‐1 mutants show reduced [14C]–acetate incorporation into MGDG during pulse−chase labeling, indicating a reduced flux through the plastid galactolipid biosynthesis pathway. While plastid MGDG biosynthesis is blocked in rbl10‐1 mutants, they are capable of synthesizing PA, as well as producing normal amounts of MGDG by compensating with ER‐derived lipid precursors. These findings link this predicted protease to the utilization of PA for plastid galactolipid biosynthesis potentially revealing a regulatory mechanism in chloroplasts.
Structure of membrane tethers and their role in fusion
Authors: Ungermann Christian , Kümmel Daniel
Published: May 2019

Vesicular transport between different membrane compartments is a key process in cell biology required for the exchange of material and information. The complex machinery that executes the formation and delivery of transport vesicles has been intensively studied and yielded a comprehensive view of the molecular principles that underlie the budding and fusion process. Tethering also represents an essential step in each trafficking pathway. It is mediated by Rab GTPases in concert with so‐called tethering factors, which constitute a structurally diverse family of proteins that share a similar role in promoting vesicular transport. By simultaneously binding to proteins and/or lipids on incoming vesicles and the target compartment, tethers are thought to bridge donor and acceptor membrane. They thus provide specificity while also promoting fusion. However, how tethering works at a mechanistic level is still elusive. We here discuss the recent advances in the structural and biochemical characterization of tethering complexes that provide novel insight on how these factors might contribute the efficiency of fusion.
A case of hypercalcemia in a heifer presumably due to mammary carcinoma bovine hypercalcemia of malignancy
Authors: Varvil Mara S. , Haanen Gillian , Sola Mario F. , Lin Tsang , Kritchevsky Janice E. , Christian John A.
Published: May 2019

Mammary carcinoma is rare in cattle with only a handful of cases found in the literature, and none have reported an associated hypercalcemia. An 8‐year‐old Holstein‐Friesian heifer was presented to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's Large Animal Hospital with a 3‐month history of lethargy. Laboratory abnormalities included ionized hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia (2.28 mmol/L and 1.8 mg/dL, respectively). Physical examination revealed a mammary mass that was cytologically described as a suspected mammary carcinoma, which was later confirmed by histologic evaluation. On surgical removal of the mass, calcium initially decreased rapidly, and within a few days was within the RI, further supporting a diagnosis of hypercalcemia of malignancy in a heifer. However, attempts to confirm this using hormone profiles (parathyroid hormone [PTH], parathyroid hormone‐related protein [PTHrp], and calcitriol) were inconclusive due to the lack of validated assays and RIs for cattle. Immunohistochemical staining for PTHrP showed scattered cytoplasmic staining among the neoplastic cells, suggesting PTHrP production by these cells.
Simplified Testing Method for Direct Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms from Positive Blood Cultures Using the NG-Test Carba 5 Assay
Authors: Giordano Liliana , Fiori Barbara , D’Inzeo Tiziana , Parisi Gabriella , Liotti Flora Marzia , Menchinelli Giulia , De Angelis Giulia , De Maio Flavio , Luzzaro Francesco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella , Spanu Teresa
Published: May 2019

We directly tested 484 organisms from clinical (
n
 = 310) and simulated (
n
 = 174) positive blood cultures using the NG-Test Carba 5 assay for carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
detection. The assay identified all but 4 of the KPC (170/171), OXA-48-like (22/22), VIM (19/21), and NDM (14/15) producers with no false positives.
Sam68 Promotes Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Interaction with Stem-Loop 2 of Viral 5′ Untranslated Region
Authors: Qin Yuwen , Xun Zhen , Guo Yanxia , Chen Shengwen , Zhu Haizhen
Published: May 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of the
Flaviviridae
family, and its infection causes chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. No vaccine is available. Many host factors may be implicated in the pathogenesis of HCV-related diseases. This study discloses a new host factor that binds to the HCV 5′ UTR and promotes HCV replication. Sam68 may play an important role in HCV-related diseases, and further investigation is highly encouraged to explore its specific actions in HCV pathogenesis.
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting New Sites of Vulnerability in Hepatitis C Virus E1E2
Authors: Colbert Michelle D. , Flyak Andrew I. , Ogega Clinton O. , Kinchen Valerie J. , Massaccesi Guido , Hernandez Mayda , Davidson Edgar , Doranz Benjamin J. , Cox Andrea L. , Crowe James E. , Bailey Justin R.
Published: May 2019

Worldwide, more than 70 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. Despite the development of potent direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV treatment, a vaccine is urgently needed due to the high cost of treatment and the possibility of reinfection after cure. Induction of multiple broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that target distinct epitopes on the HCV envelope proteins is one approach to vaccine development. However, antigenic sites targeted by bNAbs in individuals with spontaneous control of HCV have not been fully defined. In this study, we characterize 13 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) from a single person who cleared an HCV infection without treatment, and we identify 3 new sites targeted by neutralizing antibodies. The sites targeted by these MAbs could inform HCV vaccine development.
Сквозной метод расчета уравнений переноса многокомпонентной гетерогенной системы на фиксированных эйлеровых сетках
Authors: Чжан Чао , Zhang Chao , Меньшов Игорь Станиславович , Menshov Igor Stanislavovich
Published: May 2019

Рассматривается новый численный метод для решения уравнений переноса многокомпонентной гетерогенной системы на фиксированных эйлеровых сетках. Система состоит из произвольного числа компонент. Любые две компоненты разделены границей (интерфейсом). Каждая компонента характеризуется характеристической функцией - объемной долей, которая переносится в заданном поле скорости и определяет мгновенное распределение компоненты в пространстве. Особенность данной системы состоит в том, что при еe решении требуется выполнение двух условий. Во-первых, объемная доля каждого компонента должна быть в интервале [0,1] и, во-вторых, любая частичная сумма объемных долей не должна превышать единицы. Для обеспечения этих условий мы вводим специальные характеристические функции вместо объемных долей и предлагаем решать относительно них уравнения переноса. Доказывается, что при таком подходе гарантировано выполнение указанных выше условий. При этом метод совместим с различными TVD схемами (MINMOD, Van Leer, Van Albada, Superbee) и способами разрешения межфазной границы (Limited downwind, THINC, Anti-diffusion, Artifical compression). Метод верифицируется на расчетах ряда тестовых задач с использованием всех упомянутых выше схем. Численные результаты показывают точность и надежность предложенного метода.
Molecular imaging of metastatic atrial angiosarcoma with positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 3′-deoxy-3′[(18)F]-fluorothymidine, [(18)F]-FLT imaging and early response evaluation
Authors: Kairemo Kalevi , Subbiah Vivek
Published: May 2019

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma, the most common primary cardiac sarcoma has an incidence ranging from 0.001% to 0.028% in autopsy reports with around 200 cases reported in literature. Since a diagnosis of cardiac angiosarcoma portends a poor prognosis, it is vital to ascertain the precise extent of the lesions for follow-up. Imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose in cardiac angiosarcoma is challenging as myocardium takes up glucose and delineation of tumour becomes difficult. Cell proliferation rate in normal cardiac muscular tissue is low whereas cardiac tumours display a higher proliferation rate. This aspect could be exploited by use of 3′-deoxy-3′[(18)F]-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (18F-FLT PET/CT] in cardiac tumours where the cell proliferation could be measured. Herein, we imaged an index case of cardiac angiosarcoma using18F-FLT PET/CT and report the findings.
Ocular ischaemia due to a spontaneous carotid artery dissection
Authors: Frazão Sara , Perry da Câmara Catarina , Pinto Proença Rita , Tavares Ferreira Joana
Published: May 2019

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is caused by the disruption of the tunica intima, with the formation of an intramural haematoma that can cause stenosis or occlusion of the artery’s lumen, leading to reduced blood flow and secondary thrombus formation. Up to two-thirds of patients with ICAD show ophthalmological symptoms or signs, which are, frequently, the first manifestations of this clinical condition, often preceding for weeks the neurological signs of cerebral infarction. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare complication of ICAD, secondary either to haemodynamic compromise, with ocular hypoperfusion and reverse flow within the ophthalmic artery, or to thromboembolic events, in rarer cases. We report a case of CRAO secondary to a spontaneous ICAD, in an otherwise healthy middle-aged patient.
Perforated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon contained within an inguinal hernia sac
Authors: Piszker Alexander J , Lee Yongjin F , Roberts Jacob E , Cleary Robert K
Published: May 2019

We present a patient with perforated diverticulitis contained within an inguinal hernia sac—a diagnostic and treatment dilemma. A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency department with left testicular and groin pain, and loose stool. CT imaging showed a left inguinal hernia containing a perforated segment of sigmoid colon. A segmental sigmoidcolectomyy and end colostomy Hartmannn’s procedure) was performed after reducing the incarcerated inguinal contents. The inguinal hernia was not repaired because of faecal contamination of the hernia sac and risk for recurrence. Pathological examination of theresectedd bowel specimen showed perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in an inguinal hernia sac. The patient had an uneventful recovery and is awaiting definitive inguinal hernia repair andtakedownn of his colostomy.
Evaluation of the iPACK block injectate spread: a cadaveric study
Authors: Tran John , Giron Arango Laura , Peng Philip , Sinha Sanjay Kumar , Agur Anne , Chan Vincent
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

Ultrasound-guided infiltration of the interspace between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (iPACK) block, a new regional analgesic technique, is believed to relieve posterior knee pain, after total knee arthroplasty, by targeting the articular branches innervating posterior aspect of the joint. The extent of injectate spread and the number of articular branches affected is currently unknown. This cadaveric study aimed to compare the area of dye spread and frequency of articular branches staining following a proximal versus distal injection technique.

Methods

An ultrasound-guided iPACK injection (10 mL of methylene blue dye solution) was performed in 14 lightly embalmed specimens: 7 injected using a proximal injection technique (1 fingerbreadth above base of patella) and 7 using a distal injection technique (at the superior border of the femoral condyles). Following injection, dissection, digitization, and 3D modeling were performed to map the area of dye spread and determine the frequency of nerve staining.

Results

Both injection techniques achieved a similar mean area of injectate spread. Of the four articular branches supplying the posterior knee joint capsule, the genicular branch of posterior division of obturator nerve was stained in all specimens. The proximal injection resulted in staining of superior medial genicular nerve, due to dye spread through the adductor hiatus, whereas superior lateral genicular nerve and anterior branch of common fibular nerve were consistently stained following distal injection. Other articular branches were stained with variable frequency.

Conclusions

Both proximal and distal iPACK injection techniques provided a similar area of dye spread in the popliteal region and extensive staining of the articular branches supplying the posterior capsule. The proximal injection technique promoted greater anteromedial dye spread, while the distal injection had more anterolateral spread. Further clinical study is required to confirm our cadaveric findings.
The impact of implementation of a national smoke-free prisons policy on indoor air quality: results from the Tobacco in Prisons study
Authors: Semple Sean , Dobson Ruaraidh , Sweeting Helen , Brown Ashley , Hunt Kate
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine secondhand smoke (SHS) concentrations in prisons during the week of implementation of a new, national prisons smoke-free policy.

Design

Repeated measurement of SHS concentrations immediately before and after implementation of smoke-free policies across all 15 prisons in Scotland, and comparison with previously gathered baseline data from 2016.

Methods

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements at a fixed location over a continuous 6-day period were undertaken at the same site in each prison as previously carried out in 2016. Outdoor air quality data from the nearest local authority measurement station were acquired to determine the contribution of outdoor air pollution to indoor prison measurement of PM2.5.

Results

Air quality improved in all prisons comparing 2016 data with the first full working day postimplementation (overall median reduction −81%, IQR −76% to −91%). Postimplementation indoor PM2.5 concentrations were broadly comparable with outdoor concentrations suggesting minimal smoking activity during the period of measurement.

Conclusions

This is the first evaluation of changes in SHS concentrations across all prisons within a country that has introduced nationwide prohibition of smoking in prisons. All prisons demonstrated immediate substantial reductions in PM2.5 following policy implementation. A smoke-free prisons policy reduces the exposure of prison staff and prisoners to SHS.
Soil curling process and its influencing factors
Authors: Tran Khoa M. , Bui Ha H. , Kodikara Jayantha , Sánchez Marcelo
Published: May 2019

Soil curling is a common phenomenon in nature due to the rearrangement of soil particles caused by moisture loss. The occurrence of curling in soils significantly affects soil performance in various disciplines. Despite its importance, most existing studies describe the soil curling process within the context of soil desiccation cracking, where boundary conditions facilitating soil curling are not well controlled, or often use the final stage of the desiccation process to infer the soil curling behaviour. Consequently, the underlying soil curling mechanism, the state of the curled soil, and the influencing factors (i.e., clay type, drying temperature, initial water content, and sand content) are not fully understood. In this study, soil curling tests were conducted to study the above-mentioned issues in different types of soils under well-controlled boundary and environmental conditions. It was found that natural clays consisting of higher portions of smectite underwent both upward curling (concave-up) and downward curling (convex-up), while artificial clay experienced only concave-up curling. Concave-up curling initiated when the samples were almost in the saturated condition, while convex-up curling started when the water content of samples was close to their plastic limits. The influencing factors had a profound effect on the moisture evaporation and thus on the soil curling state and its lift-off height. Finally, a conceptual model isproposed to explain the soil curling mechanism and factors influencing soil curling.
Graded Lie Algebras of Dimension Five and Some Artin–Schelter Regular Algebras
Authors: Shen Yuan
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we show that there are only seven graded Lie algebras of dimension 5 generated in degree 1 up to isomorphism. By parameterizing the relations of the universal enveloping algebras of three of those graded Lie algebras, we construct some new Artin–Schelter regular algebras of global dimension 5. We prove that those algebras are all strongly noetherian, Auslander regular and Cohen–Macaulay, and describe their Nakayama automorphisms.
Reflecting on the Presence of Science Fiction Robots in Computing Literature
Authors: Mubin Omar , Wadibhasme Kewal , Jordan Philipp , Obaid Mohammad
Published: May 2019

Depictions of robots and AIs in popular science fiction movies and shows have the potential to showcase visions of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) to the general public and computer science researchers alike. In contrast, studies on the referral, usage, and appropriation of these portrayals by computer scientists in their research publications is an academic void at present. However, such investigations are critical to better understand the potential utility and latent shortcomings of science fiction robots for future HRI research, innovation, and education. To address this research gap, this study investigates the overall presence, nature, and frequency of referrals of 18 popular science fiction robots in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library. These robots were either portrayed in various movies and subsequently inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame, created by Carnegie Mellon University in 2003, or were top-ranked in a user-curated Internet Movie Database (IMDB) list. To do so, we performed full-text search and retrieval queries of all 18 robots in the ACM Digital Library. In total, we identified 121 relevant mentions, across 102 individual publications, in a time span from 1973 to 2017. These 121 mentions were then qualitatively analysed to determine the nature of the robot mentions. Our results indicate that the robot attributes of voice or dialogue were emerging as a popularly mentioned element. In addition, we find that research papers of philosophical nature mention sci-fi robots more frequently than papers of technical or theoretical nature. We also observe that the dystopian element of science fiction is under-utilised, with the majority of robot mentions exhibiting neutral or utopian characteristics. In conclusion, we speculate on our results and present possible avenues of future HRI research on the topic.
Exact and Practical Modulo Scheduling for High-Level Synthesis
Authors: Oppermann Julian , Reuter-Oppermann Melanie , Sommer Lukas , Koch Andreas , Sinnen Oliver
Published: May 2019

Loop pipelining is an essential technique in high-level synthesis to increase the throughput and resource utilisation of field-programmable gate array--based accelerators. It relies on modulo schedulers to compute an operator schedule that allows subsequent loop iterations to overlap partially when executed while still honouring all precedence and resource constraints. Modulo schedulers face a bi-criteria problem: minimise the initiation interval (II; i.e., the number of timesteps after which new iterations are started) and minimise the schedule length.

We present Moovac, a novel exact formulation that models all aspects (including the II minimisation) of the modulo scheduling problem as a single integer linear program, and discuss simple measures to prevent excessive runtimes, to challenge the old preconception that exact modulo scheduling is impractical.

We substantiate this claim by conducting an experimental study covering 188 loops from two established high-level synthesis benchmark suites, four different time limits, and three bounds for the schedule length, to compare our approach against a highly tuned exact formulation and a state-of-the-art heuristic algorithm. In the fastest configuration, an accumulated runtime of under 16 minutes is spent on scheduling all loops, and proven optimal IIs are found for 179 test instances.
Cervical Cancer Cells Express Markers Associated with Immunosurveillance
Authors: Gutiérrez-Hoya Adriana , Zerecero-Carreón Octavio , Valle-Mendiola Arturo , Moreno-Lafont Martha , López-Santiago Rubén , Weiss-Steider Benny , Soto-Cruz Isabel
Published: May 2019

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in Mexico, and its development depends on the presence of human papillomaviruses in the uterine cervix. These oncogenic viruses transform cells where the control over cell cycle disappears, and the capacity to induce apoptosis is absent. On the other hand, some mutations confer to the transformed cells the ability to evade recognition by the immune system. The expression of markers of the immune system such as CD95, MICA/B, CD39, CD73, NKp30, NKp46, CD44, CD24, NKG2A, and CTLA-4 was analysed by flow cytometry on cervical cancer cells INBL (HPV 18, stage IVB), HeLa (HPV 18), CaSki (HPV 16), and C33A (HPV-). Our results showed the presence of atypical markers on cervical cancer cells; some of them are molecules involved in tumour cell recognition such as MICA/B and CD95. Other markers associated with immune system escape, such as CD39, CD73, and CTLA-4, were also present. Furthermore, we found that some cervical cancer cells expressed typical markers of NK cells like NKp30, NKp46, NKG2A, and KIR3DL1. It is not clear whether these molecules confer any gain to the tumour cells or if they represent a disadvantage, but we hypothesise that these molecules that are present in cervical cancer cells allow them to mimic in front of the immune system.
The Influence of Cell Source and Donor Age on the Tenogenic Potential and Chemokine Secretion of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Zarychta-Wiśniewska Weronika , Burdzińska Anna , Zielniok Katarzyna , Koblowska Marta , Gala Kamila , Pędzisz Piotr , Iwanicka- Nowicka Roksana , Fogtman Anna , Aksamit Aleksandra , Kulesza Agnieszka , Zołocińska Aleksandra , Pączek Leszek
Published: May 2019

Background. Cellular therapy is proposed for tendinopathy treatment. Bone marrow- (BM-MSC) and adipose tissue- (ASC) derived mesenchymal stromal cells are candidate populations for such a therapy. The first aim of the study was to compare human BM-MSCs and ASCs for their basal expression of factors associated with tenogenesis as well as chemotaxis. The additional aim was to evaluate if the donor age influences these features. Methods. Cells were isolated from 24 human donors, 8 for each group: hASC, hBM-MSC Y (age≤45), and hBM-MSC A (age>45). The microarray analysis was performed on RNA isolated from hASC and hBM-MSC A cells. Based on microarray results, 8 factors were chosen for further evaluation. Two genes were additionally included in the analysis: SCLERAXIS and PPARγ. All these 10 factors were tested for gene expression by the qRT-PCR method, and all except of RUNX2 were additionally evaluated for protein expression or secretion. Results. Microarray analysis showed over 1,400 genes with a significantly different expression between hASC and hBM-MSC groups. Eight of these genes were selected for further analysis: CXCL6, CXCL12, CXCL16, TGF-β2, SMAD3, COLLAGEN 14A1, MOHAWK, and RUNX2. In the subsequent qRT-PCR analysis, hBM-MSCs showed a significantly higher expression than did hASCs in following genes: CXCL12, CXCL16, TGF-β2, SMAD3, COLLAGEN 14A1, and SCLERAXIS (p<0.05, regardless of BM donor age). In the case of CXCL12, the difference between hASC and hBM-MSC was significant only for younger BM donors, whereas for COLLAGEN 14A1—only for elder BM donors. PPARγ displayed a higher expression in hASCs compared to hBM-MSCs. In regard to CXCL6, MOHAWK, and RUNX2 gene expression, no statistically significant differences between groups were observed. Conclusions. In the context of cell-based therapy for tendinopathies, bone marrow appears to be a more attractive source of MSCs than does adipose tissue. The age of cell donors seems to be less important than cell source, although cells from elder donors show slightly higher basal tenogenic potential than do cells from younger donors.
ANCA-Associated Vasculitides and Hematologic Malignancies: Lessons from the Past and Future Perspectives
Authors: Folci Marco , Ramponi Giacomo , Shiffer Dana , Zumbo Aurora , Agosti Michele , Brunetta Enrico
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this paper is to collect and summarize all evidences relating to an association between ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAVs) and hematologic malignancies, in the form of either a paraneoplastic vasculitis or leukemias and lymphomas developing on a preexisting vasculitis. Additionally, the role of cyclophosphamide in vasculitis treatment has been assessed and compared to rituximab. Paraneoplastic AAV seems to be an uncommon presentation of hemopathies. Hematologic malignancy risk in AAV is more likely to be increased by cyclophosphamide, although not yet definitely proven. Furthermore, the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis has been reviewed with particular emphasis on the role of proteinase 3 (PR3) in fuelling granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) inflammation. PR3 is a bactericidal protein expressed by neutrophilic granules and on their plasma membrane. Derangements in its expression and function have been linked to leukemias and GPA alike. PR3-derived PR1 peptide is being studied as an immunotherapy target in leukemia and multiple myeloma. This study is aimed at bringing together various evidences from the field of immunological and hematological research, at exposing contradictions, and at revealing novel insights on the association between ANCA-associated vasculitis and hematologic malignancies.
Relaying Communications in Energy Scavenging Cognitive Networks: Secrecy Outage Probability Analysis
Authors: Ho-Van Khuong , Do-Dac Thiem
Published: May 2019

This paper exploits a self-powered secondary relay to not only maintain but also secure communications between a secondary source and a secondary destination in cognitive radio networks when source-destination channel is unavailable. The relay scavenges energy from radio frequency (RF) signals of the primary transmitter and the secondary source and consumes the scavenged energy for its relaying activity. Under the maximum transmit power constraint, Rayleigh fading, the primary outage constraint, and the interference from the primary transmitter, this paper suggests an accurate closed-form expression of the secrecy outage probability to promptly assess the security performance of relaying communications in energy scavenging cognitive networks. The validity of the proposed expression is verified by computer simulations. Numerous results demonstrate the security performance saturation in the range of large maximum transmit power or high required outage probability of primary users. Moreover, the security performance is a function of several system parameters among which the relay’s position, the power splitting factor, and the time splitting factor can be optimized to achieve the minimum secrecy outage probability.
Numerical Studies on Forecast Error Correction of GRAPES Model with Variational Approach
Authors: He Dengxin , Zhou Zhimin , Kang Zhaoping , Liu Lin
Published: May 2019

To implement deterministic short-range numerical weather forecast error correction, this study develops a novel approach using the variational method and historical data. Based on time-dependency characteristic of nonsystematic forecast error, variational approach is adopted to establish the mapping relation between nonsystematic error series and the prior period nonsystematic error series, so as to estimate nonsystematic error in the future and revise the forecast under the premise of the revision for forecast systematic forecast error. According to the hindcast daily data of geopotential height on 500 hPa generated by GRAPES model on January and July from 2002 to 2010, preliminary analysis is carried out on characteristics of forecast error in East Asia. Further estimation and forecast correction test are conducted for nonsystematic error. The result shows that the nonsystematic forecast error in the GRAPES model has obvious characteristic of state dependency. Nonsystematic forecast error changes along season and the state of weather and accounts for great proportion in total forecast error. Nonsystematic forecast error estimated by variational approach is relatively close to the real forecast error. After nonsystematic correction, the corrected 24 h and 48 h forecast of majority samples has a smaller RMSE. Further study on temperature shows a similar result, even comparing to the observational upper air MICAPS data.
Vitamin D as a Principal Factor in Mediating Rheumatoid Arthritis-Derived Immune Response
Authors: Aslam Muhammad M. , John Peter , Bhatti Attya , Jahangir Sidrah , Kamboh M. I.
Published: May 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic multifactorial autoimmune disorder. The interactions between diverse environmental and genetic factors lead to the onset of this complex autoimmune disorder. Serum levels of vitamin D (VD) are involved in the regulation of various immune responses. Vitamin D is a key signaling molecule in the human body that maintains calcium as well as phosphate homeostasis. It also regulates the functions of the immune system and, thus, can play a substantial role in the etiology of various autoimmune disorders, including RA. Low serum VD levels have been found to be associated with a higher risk of RA, although this finding has not been replicated consistently. The molecular mechanisms by which VD influences autoimmunity need to be further explored to understand how variation in plasma VD levels could affect the pathogenesis of RA. This mini-review focuses on the influence of VD and its serum levels on RA susceptibility, RA-associated complexities, treatment, and transcriptome products of key proinflammatory cytokines, along with other cytokines that are key regulators of inflammation in rheumatoid joints.
Demographics and Clinical and Endoscopic Characteristics of Patients withHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mari Amir , Mahroum Naim , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Shalaata Mahran , Khoury Tawfik , Watad Abdulla , Mahamid Mahmud
Published: May 2019

Background. The correlation betweenHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex. Some studies showed a protective role ofH. pyloriinfection against GERD. This study was aimed at assessing the role ofH. pyloriinfection in GERD utilizing a large cohort of patients diagnosed with GERD.Methods and Materials. All patients who underwent gastroscopy for an indication of GERD during the study period between 2015 and 2017 at the EMMS Nazareth Hospital were considered eligible for the study and therefore were included.H. pyloriinfection was determined by the rapid urease test or histology. Severity of esophagitis was assessed using the Los Angeles classification. Univariate analysis was performed to figure out differences between patients according toH. pyloriinfection status. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to illustrate the predictors of positivity forH. pyloriinfection.Results. 2,508 GERD patients were included with a median age of49.42±17.96years.H. pyloriinfection was detected in 299 (11.9%) patients. GERD patients withH. pyloriinfection were found to be younger (48.83±17.42years versus44.57±17.69years,p<0.001), have the tendency to smoke more (1406 (63.6%) versus 266 (89.0%),p<0.001), and use more proton pump inhibitors or PPIs (1314 (59.5%) versus 242 (80.9%),p<0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, age (OR 0.987,p<0.001), smoking status (OR 0.190,p<0.001), use of ASA/NSAIDs (OR 1.652,p=0.004), and use of statins (OR 0.499 (95%CI 0.295-0.846),p=0.010) were found significant amongH. pylori-positive individuals.H. pylori-positive subjects have less severe esophagitis and more hiatus hernia.Conclusion. Patients with GERD andH. pyloriinfection were significantly younger, tended to smoke more, and used more PPIs and had significantly lower grades of esophagitis compared to noninfected ones.
Serviceability Assessment Method of Stay Cables with Vibration Control Using First‐Passage Probability
Authors: Jeong Seunghoo , Lee Young-Joo , Sim Sung-Han
Published: May 2019

As the construction of long‐span bridges such as cable‐stayed bridges increases worldwide, maintaining bridge serviceability and operability has become an important issue in civil engineering. The stay cable is a principal component of cable‐stayed bridges and is generally lightly damped and intrinsically vulnerable to vibration. Excessive vibrations in stay cables can potentially cause long‐term fatigue accumulation and serviceability issues. Previous studies have mainly focused on the mitigation of cable vibration within an acceptable operational level, while little attention has been paid to the quantitative assessment of serviceability enhancement provided by vibration control. This study accordingly proposed and evaluated a serviceability assessment method for stay cables equipped with vibration control. Cable serviceability failure was defined according to the range of acceptable cable responses provided in most bridge design codes. The cable serviceability failure probability was then determined by means of the first‐passage problem using VanMarcke’s approximation. The proposed approach effectively allows the probability of serviceability failure to be calculated depending on the properties of any installed vibration control method. To demonstrate the proposed method, the stay cables of the Second Jindo Bridge in South Korea were evaluated and the analysis results accurately reflected cable behavior during a known wind event and show that the appropriate selection of vibration control method and properties can effectively reduce the probability of serviceability failure.
Mixed Mode I-II Fracture Path and Initiation Angle of Concrete at Mesoscale Level
Authors: Li Guodong , Ren Zhengyi , Wang Zhiyuan , Yu Jiangjiang , Zhao Zhimeng
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the mesolevel numerical simulation and experimental verification of mixed mode I-II fracture for the four-point shearing beam with a single-side notch based on the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) method and the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) random aggregate method. And it discusses the influence of volume rate and maximum size of the coarse aggregate on the fracture path and the initiation angle of concrete mixed mode I-II fracture. The results show that the coarse aggregate has a significant influence on the distribution width, average length, and the dispersion degree of the fracture path, the distribution of which can be fitted by a normal distribution function. Also, the distribution width of the fracture path has a quadratic function relationship with the height along the failure direction. The distribution of coarse aggregates at the top of the reserved notch also has a significant influence on the initiation angle, which determines the initiation crack direction of mixed mode I-II fracture in concrete. The initiation angle distributes near the failure direction and follows a normal distribution function.
Retrospective Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block: Effect of Experience of Anesthesiologists on Volume of Local Anesthetic Administered
Authors: Yeniocak Tugce , Canbolat Nur
Published: May 2019

Performing a block under ultrasound guidance effectively requires skill; however, inexperienced anesthesiologists often use high-dose LA to ensure success. We aimed to share our experience with the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block (USGICB) for upper extremity surgeries and to determine changes in failure rate and local anesthetic dose administered with gaining adequate experience. With approval from the local ethics committee, a retrospective review of records of 2953 patients who underwent USGICB between November 2011 and March 2015 was performed for evaluating the following data: age, sex, height, weight, operation type, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, local anesthetic volume, complications, and success of USGICB. The patients were divided into 4 groups of 10 months each from November 2011 to March 2015: first 10-month period, 628 cases (group I); second 10-month period, 672 (group II); third 10-month period, 720 (group III); and the fourth 10-month period, 933 cases (group IV). Nine anesthesiologists with the same baseline experience in USG performed the blocks. During the initial period, when anesthesiologists had insufficient experience, local anesthetic (LA) dose, success rate, failed blocks, and complications were investigated. The LA volume administered in group I (33.7 ± 4.2 ml) was significantly higher than that in groups II, III, and IV (p<0.05). Although a reduction in LA volume administered with increasing anesthesiologist experience was not statistically significant, a volume reduction of over 30 ml was observed in groups II, III, and IV compared with group I. Furthermore, in group I, failure rate (3.2%) was higher than that in groups II, III, and IV (p<0.05). We concluded that sonographic guidance ensures a high success rate and that increased experience of anesthesiologists is associated with reduced complications and failure rate of blocks, in addition to prevention of LA overdose.