bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii metabolic network dynamic model to describe distinct phenotypes occurring at different CO2 levels
Authors: Mora Salguero Daniela Alejandra , Fernández-Niño Miguel , Serrano-Bermúdez Luis Miguel , Páez Melo David O. , Winck Flavia V. , Caldana Camila , González Barrios Andrés Fernando
Published: September 2018

The increase in atmospheric CO2 due to anthropogenic activities is generating climate change, which has resulted in a subsequent rise in global temperatures with severe environmental impacts. Biological mitigation has been considered as an alternative for environmental remediation and reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In fact, the use of easily adapted photosynthetic organisms able to fix CO2 with low-cost operation is revealing its high potential for industry. Among those organism, the algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have gain special attention as a model organism for studying CO2 fixation, biomass accumulation and bioenergy production upon exposure to several environmental conditions. In the present study, we studied the Chlamydomonas response to different CO2 levels by comparing metabolomics and transcriptomics data with the predicted results from our new-improved genomic-scale metabolic model. For this, we used in silico methods at steady dynamic state varying the levels of CO2. Our main goal was to improve our capacity for predicting metabolic routes involved in biomass accumulation. The improved genomic-scale metabolic model presented in this study was shown to be phenotypically accurate, predictive, and a significant improvement over previously reported models. Our model consists of 3726 reactions and 2436 metabolites, and lacks any thermodynamically infeasible cycles. It was shown to be highly sensitive to environmental changes under both steady-state and dynamic conditions. As additional constraints, our dynamic model involved kinetic parameters associated with substrate consumption at different growth conditions (i.e., low CO2-heterotrophic and high CO2-mixotrophic). Our results suggest that cells growing at high CO2 (i.e., photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions) have an increased capability for biomass production. In addition, we have observed that ATP production also seems to be an important limiting factor for growth under the conditions tested. Our experimental data (metabolomics and transcriptomics) and the results predicted by our model clearly suggest a differential behavior between low CO2-heterotrophic and high CO2-mixotrophic growth conditions. The data presented in the current study contributes to better dissect the biological response of C. reinhardtii, as a dynamic entity, to environmental and genetic changes. These findings are of great interest given the biotechnological potential of this microalga for CO2 fixation, biomass accumulation, and bioenergy production.
Estimating the frequency of multiplets in single-cell RNA sequencing from cell-mixing experiments
Authors: Bloom Jesse D.
Published: September 2018

In single-cell RNA-sequencing, it is important to know the frequency at which the sequenced transcriptomes actually derive from multiple cells. A common method to estimate this multiplet frequency is to mix two different types of cells (e.g., human and mouse), and then determine how often the transcriptomes contain transcripts from both cell types. When the two cell types are mixed in equal proportion, the calculation of the multiplet frequency from the frequency of mixed transcriptomes is straightforward. But surprisingly, there are no published descriptions of how to calculate the multiplet frequency in the general case when the cell types are mixed unequally. Here, I derive equations to analytically calculate the multiplet frequency from the numbers of observed pure and mixed transcriptomes when two cell types are mixed in arbitrary proportions, under the assumption that the loading of cells into droplets or wells is Poisson.
A Numerical Investigation on the Structural Behavior of Deficient Steel Frames Strengthened using CFRP Composite
Authors: Keykha Amir Hamzah
Published: September 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) is one of the materials that is used to strengthen steel structures. Most studies on CFRP strengthening steel on structures have been done on beams and steel columns. No independent study has studied the effect of CFRP strengthening on the structural behavior of steel frames having initial deficiency.The deficiency in steel structures may be created due to the errors caused by construction and others.This study aims to carry out a numerical study on the efficiency of CFRP sheet on strengthening square hollow section (SHS) steel frames having initial deficiency. Seven specimens, five of which were strengthened using CFRP sheets, were analyzed. ANSYS software was used to analyze the SHS steel frames. The results showed that the coverage length, the width, and the number of CFRP layers have a significant effect on increasing and recovering the ultimate load capacity of the SHS steel frames having initial deficiency.
Performance of an Existing Reinforced Concrete Building Designed in Accordance to Older Indonesian Seismic Code: A Case Study for a Hotel in Kupang, Indonesia
Authors: Pudjisuryadi Pamuda , Lumantarna Benjamin , Setiawan Ryan , Handoko Christian
Published: September 2018

The recent seismic code SNI 1726-2012 is significantly different compared to the older code SNI 1726-2002. The seismic hazard map was significantly changed and the level of maximum considered earthquake was significantly increased. Therefore, buildings designed according to outdated code may not resist the higher demand required by newer code. In this study, seismic performance of Hotel X in Kupang, Indonesia which was designed based on SNI-1726-2002 is investigated. The structure was analyzed using Nonlinear Time History Analysis. The seismic load used was a spectrum consistent ground acceleration generated from El-Centro 18 May 1940 North-South component in accordance to SNI 1726-2012. The results show that Hotel X can resist maximum considered earthquake required by SNI 1726-2012. The maximum drift ratio is 0.81% which is lower than the limit set by FEMA 356-2000 (2%). Plastic hinge damage level is also lower than the allowance in ACMC 2001.
The Value Relevance of IFRS Adoption in Indonesia
Authors: Juniarti Juniarti , Helena Ferbiana , Novitasari Karina , Tjamdinata Wenny
Published: September 2018

Pros and cons of the benefits of IFRS adoption have become an ongoing debate following the inconclusive results of prior studies. Whether IFRS increase value relevance of account­ing information or not, especially in developing countries is an interesting and relevance research question. Indonesia as one of the developing countries that committed to adopting IFRS has an interest in obtaining empiric evidence on the value relevance of accounting information after nearly five years of IFRS implementation.  This study aims to fill the need to enhance adopters' compliance with the standard. Ohlson Modified Model (1995) is used to test the value relevance of accounting information. Using longitudinal data of listed manu­facturing companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), this study confirms that value relevance of accounting information increase after  IFRS adoption than before adoption. The results robust using Pooled Least Square and Random effect model.
PERCEPTION OF EUROPEAN TOURIST TOWARD BALI AS TOURISM DESTINATION
Authors: Utama I Gusti Bagus Rai
Published: September 2018

This research aimed to determine main attractor factors of Bali tourism and pre­do­minantly factors that determine the European travel to Bali. It was designed by using research sur­vey that in­volving 167 European tourist selected purposively. Con­fir­ma­to­ry factor analysis techniques were used to analyse a wide range of variables Balinese charm. The re­sults showed the main attractor factors of Bali tourism are (1) Immigration, security of destin­ation, and travel agencies, (2) The prices, the accommodation, food and transportation, (3) The history, cul­ture, and na­tural beauty. While the most dominant factor in de­ter­mi­ning European tourists travelled to Bali were immi­gra­tion, security of destination, and travel agencies. The findings also indicated that the images of Bali tourism are the destination's history, culture, and na­ture. These three variables were in accordance with ex­pectations of Euro­pean tourists who have been known as travellers who like the interested on history, culture, and the beauty of the scenery.
EFFECT OF 2008 AND 2016 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN THE INDONESIAN STOCK MARKET
Authors: Evelyn Evelyn , Basana Sautma Ronni
Published: September 2018

The U.S. Presidential election was an event that received widespread attention across the globe. In the 2008 presidential campaign, Barrack Obama nominated to be the first black President. In 2016, Hillary Clinton poten­tially becomes the first woman President in American history, while the other can­di­da­te, Donald Trump, ma­de some unpopular and controversial proposals. The purpose of this paper is to ana­­­lyse whether the 2008 and 2016 election were considered as the rele­vant information in the Indonesian Stock Market (IDX). The daily closing prices of all all share listed in IDX wo­uld be examined used event stu­­­dy method. The results provide insight about the res­pon­si­­­veness of IDX parti­ci­pants to the U.S. Pre­si­den­­tial election event that could be used in decision making.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTOR INFLUENCE ICT ADOPTION: A CASE of INDONESIAN SMEs
Authors: Chairoel Lucy , Riski Tri Rachmat
Published: September 2018

The using of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the industry is growing fast. Ne­ver­theless, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia do not follow these conditions. The in­fluen­cing factor of ICT adoption has been identified as internal and external factors. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to identify the influence factor of using ICT adoption in Indonesian SMEs. The conceptual model in this study was the combination between Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and The Technology-Or­ganization-Environment (TEO) theory. The survey method for 146 SMEs selected conve­nient­ly in Indonesia. The distribution of data by online and data obtained is analysed using SEM/Smart-PLS program. The study has exogenous variable including technology, organization, mana­ge­rial charac­te­ris­tic, and envi­ron­ment. The endogen variable is ICT adoption. The research found that ICT used was pre­dic­ted by charac­teristic of management, organizational and technology.
Tracking of power quality disturbances using sparse model–based extended Kalman filters
Authors: Sahoo Harish Kumar , Subudhi Umamani , Mishra Sanjeev Kumar
Published: September 2018

Accurate estimation and tracking of power quality (PQ) disturbances requires efficient adaptive model‐based techniques, which should have elegant structures to be applicable in practical systems. Though extended Kalman filter (EKF) has been used as a popular estimator to track the time‐varying PQ events, the performance is limited due to higher‐order nonlinearity exists in system dynamics. Moreover, the computational complexity and sensitivity to the measurement noise affect the estimation accuracy and error convergence properties. If the underlying sparse behavior of adaptive filters can be exploited through norm penalty, then significant improvement can be achieved in terms of convergence speed, stability, and steady state excess mean square error performance. In this paper, a modification to EKF is proposed by using sparse model to estimate PQ disturbances with better estimation accuracy and faster convergence speed. A thorough comparison is presented in terms of simulation results by using a family of existing algorithms like least mean square, recursive least square, and EKF. Adaptive estimation model incorporates real and complex state space representations to represent discrete time PQ disturbances. The convergence of the proposed sparse model–based filter is also mathematically proved considering the mean square error performance.
Dopaminergic Neurons Transplanted Using Cell‐Instructive Biomaterials Alleviate Parkinsonism in Rodents
Authors: Adil Maroof M. , Rao Antara T. , Ramadoss Gokul N. , Chernavsky Nicole E. , Kulkarni Rishikesh U. , Miller Evan W. , Kumar Sanjay , Schaffer David V.
Published: September 2018

Cell replacement therapy (CRT) is a promising treatment for degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, CRT is in general hindered by poor graft survival, limited cell dispersion, modest cell integration, and delayed therapeutic efficacy. These challenges need to be addressed to enhance the clinical translation of CRT. Here, key bioactive factors that increase the survival and dispersion of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, the primary type of cells lost in PD, are identified. mDA neurons cotransplanted with survival and dispersion factors within a protective hyaluronic acid hydrogel, optimized for controlled factor release and cell spread, alleviate disease symptoms in PD model rats. Importantly, treatment benefits correlate with increased graft survival, dispersion, and integration. Optimally engineered cell‐instructive transplantation platforms thus offer promise for enhancing CRT in PD and potentially a range of degenerative diseases or trauma.
Retraction: Guiding Cell Migration Using One‐Way Micropattern Arrays
Authors: Kumar Girish , Ho Chia‐Chi , Co Carlos C.
Published: September 2018

Adv. Mater. 2007, 19, 1084–1090

The above article, published online on March 20, 2007 in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com) has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, and the publisher. The retraction has been agreed following an internal review by the University of Cincinnati wherein it was found that there were problems with Figure 2 and 3 and also with the microscope metadata for Figures 2, 3A, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 4.

G. Kumar, C.‐C. Ho, C. C. Co, Adv. Mater. 2007, 19, 1084–1090; DOI: 10.1002/adma.200601629
Long‐Term Stable and Tunable High‐Performance Photodetectors Based on Perovskite Microwires
Authors: Chen Yantao , Zhang Junyao , Zhou Jiachen , Chu Yingli , Zhou Bilei , Wu Xiaohan , Huang Jia
Published: September 2018

Oraganolead halide perovskites (OHPs) present remarkable optoelectronic properties, and thus possess extensive applications in photovoltaic devices and photodetectors. However, the OHP‐based devices severely suffer from low environmental stability because of water invasion and oxygen erosion to the materials. In this work, this challenge is overcome by utilizing the unique advantages of the microwire structure. OHP microwires, which can be fabricated by simple and low‐cost dip coating method, present superior resistance to moisture as compare to conventional OHP films or nanowires, thanks to their combined properties of high‐crystallinity and low surface‐to‐volume ratio. Photodetectors based on the OHP microwires show outstanding long‐term stability over 90 d even stored with high relative humidity, which is among the highest stability according to the literature reports. Meanwhile, the photodetectors exhibit high and tunable sensory performance by adjusting the distribution of OHP microwires through changing the dip‐coating parameters, for example, the light‐to‐dark current ratio of the device can be over 20 000. The photodetectors with OHP microwaves deposited on polymer substrates also exhibit great mechanical flexibility. Therefore, this work reveals the unique advantages of the low‐cost and readily‐fabricated OHP microwires, and demonstrates their promising applications in optoelectronic devices by developing long‐term stable and tunable high‐performance photodetectors.
Examining the osteological paradox: Skeletal stress in mass graves versus civilians at the Greek colony of Himera (Sicily)
Authors: Kyle Britney , Reitsema Laurie J. , Tyler Janelle , Fabbri Pier Francesco , Vassallo Stefano
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Bioarchaeologists interpret skeletal stress as evidence of resilience or frailty, where absence of lesions might result from lack of exposure to pathogens (i.e., good health) or extreme vulnerability (i.e., selection). We examine physiological stress in two skeletal series from Greek Himera: (1) nine mass graves from the battles of Himera (480 and 409 BCE) and (2) Himeran civilians (648‐409 BCE). Civilians are assumed to have died from multiple causes, including ill health leading to their deaths. Individuals from the battles presumably died while in relatively good health, in battle. More skeletal stress among civilians than battle casualties would support the idea that skeletal stress is a sign of frailty at Himera. We compare variation in skeletal stress between and among civilians and battle casualties.

Materials and methods

Cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), and sub‐periosteal new bone formation, were examined in 474 individuals (mass graves n = 64; civilians n = 410).

Results

Chi‐square tests showed significantly higher prevalence of LEH (p = 0.04) and sub‐periosteal new bone formation (p = 0.05) among young and mid‐aged adult male civilians than mass grave casualties. Skeletal stress was also lower in the earlier battle, and varied among civilians with burial style.

Discussion

Our findings generally support the hypothesis that skeletal stress is evidence of frailty (i.e., leading to greater risk of mortality). However, the relationship between stress and frailty is complicated by social factors, when considering historical context. In particular, a possible “soldier‐class” may have experienced less stress than the overall civilian population.
Synthesis and evaluation of interaction parameters of synthetic elastin‐derived polypentapeptide with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) in solution and solid phase
Authors: Mahesh B. , Nanjundaswamy G. S. , Gowda D. Channe , Siddaramaiah
Published: September 2018

The parent repeating sequence of elastin, poly(GVGVP) has been synthesized by solution phase method and characterized by 13C and1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The poly(GVGVP) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) interactions have been examined in solution phase by the viscometric method at 24 °C. The interaction parameters such as α, β, µ, and Δ[η]mindicated the miscible nature of poly(GVGVP)/PVP blends. Immiscibility occurred when the quantity of poly(GVGVP) is lesser than 60%. In the solid phase, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic scrutiny of the thin films of poly(GVGVP)/PVP blends indicated the presence of strong intermolecular interaction such as hydrogen bonds linking the blend components. This result was further supported by glass transition temperature (Tg), scanning electron microscopic, and X‐ray diffraction studies. The blending of poly(GVGVP) with PVP may provide an opportunity to produce new materials for potential biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46699.
High‐performance polyimide nanofibers reinforced polyimide nanocomposite films fabricated by co‐electrospinning followed by hot‐pressing
Authors: Xu W. , Ding Y. , Huang R. , Zhu Z. , Fong H. , Hou H.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to develop aligned electrospun polyimide (PI) nanofibers (with rigid macromolecular backbone) reinforced PI (with flexible macromolecular backbone) nanocomposite films. Owing to uniform dispersion of aligned PI nanofibers and excellent interfacial adhesion/interaction between filler and matrix, the resulting nanocomposite films exhibited superior mechanical and thermal properties. The nanocomposite films were fabricated by co‐electrospinning of two polyamic acids (PAAs) including a rigid PAA of poly(p‐phenylene biphenyltetracarboximide) (BPDA‐PDA) and a flexible PAA of poly(1,4‐bis (3′,4′‐dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyldiphenyl ether tetramine) (HQDA‐ODA); upon thermal imidization, hybrid PAA nanofiber belts (with different weight ratios of BPDA‐PDA/HQDA‐ODA) were converted into hybrid PI nanofiber belts. Subsequently, these nanofiber belts were hot‐pressed to fabricate HQDA‐ODA PI nanocomposite films reinforced with BPDA‐PDA PI nanofibers; in specific, the nanocomposite film consisting of 80 wt % BP‐PI nanofibers exhibited the highest tensile strength and modulus of 957 ± 18 MPa and 12.32 ± 0.32 GPa, respectively. The nanocomposite films also possessed excellent thermal/thermomechanical properties. Therefore, these fiber‐reinforced PI nanocomposite films might be promising high‐performance structural/engineering materials that would be particularly useful for high‐temperature applications. Moreover, the strategy of co‐electrospinning hybrid nanofiber belts followed by hot‐pressing could provide an innovative approach for making high‐performance polymer‐matrix composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46849.
Role of solvent on structure, viscoelasticity, and mechanical compressibility in nanocellulose‐reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels
Authors: Tummala G. K. , Bachi I. , Mihranyan A.
Published: September 2018

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based hydrogels with high water content and tunable mechanical properties that can be molded in to any desired shape are presented in this work. Freeze thawing of PVA‐CNC solutions in a mixed solvent system of dimethyl sulfoxide and water enabled to produce a set of physically crosslinked hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties. It was observed that the composition of the solvent altered the mechanical properties and network structure in the hydrogel systems. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to understand the thermal events behind solvent effect on the properties of the hydrogel. Optical microscopy results suggest that these hydrogels possess a macroporous structure. Furthermore, dynamic viscoelastic analysis and axial compression tests have shown that the viscoelastic and mechanical compression properties of the hydrogels improved upon reinforcement with CNC. Overall, the hydrogel enjoys appealing properties as a synthetic biomaterial for soft tissue applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47044.
Thermoresponsive behavior of graft copolymers based on poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐diacetoneacrylamide) side chains
Authors: Guo Yongjun , Song Rutong , Feng Rusen , Dai Gang , Liang Yan , Pu Di , Zhang Xinmin , Ye Zhongbin
Published: September 2018

A thermoresponsive graft copolymer was synthesized through free radical copolymerization and a “graft onto” method in aqueous solution. The primary structure of the graft copolymer is constituted of a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) backbone and thermosensitive side chains [amino‐terminated poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐diacetone acrylamide) or P(DMA‐co‐DAAM)] with molecular weight around 105 g/mol. The 1H‐NMR spectra at various temperatures showed the temperature of thermoassociation (Tass) in the copolymer. At the same time, the pyrene fluorescence measurements demonstrated the formation of hydrophobic microdomains of P(DMA‐co‐DAAM) above Tass. The thermothickening behavior of the graft copolymers was studied by viscosity measurements, and the results suggested that in semidilute solutions, the Tass and the magnitude of thermothickening could be regulated by varying the hydrolysis degree of the backbone, the composition of side chains, and the addition of NaCl. The oscillatory shear experiments demonstrated that the copolymer can present a remarkable elasticity increase as the temerature increased to Tass. These thermoassociating copolymers with temperature‐tunable properties can have potential applications as smart materials in enhanced oil recovery. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 135, 47051.
Pedagogy in Counselor Education: 2011–2015 Update
Authors: Minton Casey A. Barrio , Morris Carrie Wachter , Bruner Sharon L.
Published: September 2018

This research update includes a quantitative content analysis of 133 peer‐reviewed articles regarding teaching and learning published in 21 journals of the American Counseling Association and its divisions between January 2011 and December 2015. The authors discuss the focus areas, pedagogical foundations, and methodologies of the articles in comparison with the findings of the original 2001–2010 study.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Difluoroalkylation of (Hetero)aryl Bromides with Unactivated 1‐Bromo‐1,1‐difluoroalkanes
Authors: He Xu , Gao Xing , Zhang Xingang
Published: September 2018

Although extensive efforts on fluoroalkylations have been made over the past decade, new and efficient methods to incorporate fluorinated groups into organic molecules remain highly desirable. Herein, we report an efficient method for catalytic synthesis of difluoroalkylated (hetero)arenes through nickel‐catalyzed reaction between readily accessible (hetero)aryl bromides and unactivated 1‐bromo‐1,1‐difluoroalkanes. The reaction exhibits high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope, providing a cost‐efficient and straightforward route for applications in medicinal chemistry.
Carbon‐Selective Difluoromethylation of Soft Carbon Nucleophiles with Difluoromethylated Sulfonium Ylide
Authors: Zhu Jiansheng , Zheng Hanliang , Xue Xiao‐Song , Xiao Yisa , Liu Yafei , Shen Qilong
Published: September 2018

A highly carbon‐selective difluoromethylation of soft carbon nucleophiles including β‐ketoesters, malonates, oxindoles, benzofuranones and ketene silyl acetals with a difluoromethylated sulfonium ylide under mild conditions was described. Mechanistic studies suggest that these difluoromethylating reactions proceed via a difluorocarbene pathway.
Cooperative storage by exploiting graph‐based data placement algorithm for edge computing environment
Authors: Jin Jiahui , Li Yunhao , Luo Junzhou
Published: September 2018

Edge computing is a new computing paradigm that performs data processing at the edge of the network (ie, edge servers) to lower data processing latency. Prior research significantly focused on offloading tasks from terminals to edge servers, yet most ignored how to store task's necessary data (such as databases and pretrained machine‐learning models) on edge servers. Today, as data‐intensive tasks such as deep learning and augmented reality become common, large data storage and powerful computation resources are needed. This is a cumbersome challenge, because many lightweight edge servers have limited resources. If an edge server does not have a task's necessary data, then it needs to offload the task to cloud datacenters or download the necessary data from the cloud. Either case could increase data processing latency. To address this problem, this paper proposes an edge‐side collaborative storage framework called Edge‐side Cooperative Storage (ECS). In ECS, edge servers collaboratively store and process data‐intensive tasks's necessary data. Here, we particularly focus on how to effectively place data on ECS, using an approach that differs from existing works (that model data placement problems as linear/integer programming problems). Our work models cooperative storage as a graph and solves the data placement problem by using a graph‐based iterative algorithm. This algorithm easily extends to a distributed version, so distributed ECSworks efficiently without a centralized scheduler. We also evaluate ECS's effectiveness and convergence through simulations. Simulation results show that ECSis 2× better than a traditional nonshared storage framework in terms of the cache hit rate.
DF‐DTM: Dynamic Task Memoization and reuse in dataflow
Authors: Rouberte Leandro , Sena Alexandre C. , Nery Alexandre S. , Marzulo Leandro A. J. , Alves Tiago A. O. , França Felipe M. G.
Published: September 2018

Instruction Reuse is a technique adopted in Von Neumann architectures that improves performance by avoiding redundant execution of instructions when the result to be produced can be obtained by searching an input/output memoization table for such instruction. Trace reuse can be applied to traces of instructions in a similar fashion. However, those techniques are yet to be studied in the context of the Dataflow model, which has been gaining traction in the high performance computing community due to its inherent parallelism. Dataflow programs are represented by directed graphs where nodes are instructions or tasks and edges denote data dependencies between tasks. This work presents Dataflow Dynamic Task Memoization (DF‐DTM), a technique that allows the reuse of both nodes and subgraphs in dataflow, which are analogous to instructions and traces, respectively. The potential of DF‐DTM is evaluated by a series of experiments that analyze the behavior of redundant tasks in five relevant benchmarks, where up to 99.70% of the instantiated tasks could be reused. Moreover, this paper evaluates how reuse rates can be affected by limiting subgraph size, memoization table size, task granularity, and problem size, showing that DF‐DTM can yield good reuse rates in more realistic environments.
Spectral imaging of FRET‐based sensors reveals sustained cAMP gradients in three spatial dimensions
Authors: Annamdevula Naga S. , Sweat Rachel , Griswold John R. , Trinh Kenny , Hoffman Chase , West Savannah , Deal Joshua , Britain Andrea L. , Jalink Kees , Rich Thomas C. , Leavesley Silas J.
Published: September 2018

Cyclic AMP is a ubiquitous second messenger that orchestrates a variety of cellular functions over different timescales. The mechanisms underlying specificity within this signaling pathway are still not well understood. Several lines of evidence suggest the existence of spatial cAMP gradients within cells, and that compartmentalization underlies specificity within the cAMP signaling pathway. However, to date, no studies have visualized cAMP gradients in three spatial dimensions (3D:x,y,z).This is in part due to the limitations of FRET‐based cAMP sensors, specifically the low signal‐to‐noise ratio intrinsic to all intracellular FRET probes. Here, we overcome this limitation, at least in part, by implementing spectral imaging approaches to estimate FRET efficiency when multiple fluorescent labels are used and when signals are measured from weakly expressed fluorescent proteins in the presence of background autofluorescence and stray light. Analysis of spectral image stacks in two spatial dimensions (2D) from single confocal slices indicates little or no cAMP gradients formed within pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) under baseline conditions or following 10 min treatment with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. However, analysis of spectral image stacks in 3D demonstrates marked cAMP gradients from the apical to basolateral face of PMVECs. Results demonstrate that spectral imaging approaches can be used to assess cAMP gradients—and in general gradients in fluorescence and FRET—within intact cells. Results also demonstrate that 2D imaging studies of localized fluorescence signals and, in particular, cAMP signals, whether using epifluorescence or confocal microscopy, may lead to erroneous conclusions about the existence and/or magnitude of gradients in either FRET or the underlying cAMP signals. Thus, with the exception of cellular structures that can be considered in one spatial dimension, such as neuronal processes, 3D measurements are required to assess mechanisms underlying compartmentalization and specificity within intracellular signaling pathways.
Characteristics of live parameters of the HS‐5 human bone marrow stromal cell line cocultured with the leukemia cells in hypoxia, for the studies of leukemia–stroma cross‐talk
Authors: Podszywalow‐Bartnicka Paulina , Kominek Agata , Wolczyk Magdalena , Kolba Marta D. , Swatler Julian , Piwocka Katarzyna
Published: September 2018

The unique bone marrow microenvironment is created by stromal cells and such physical conditions as hypoxia. Both hypoxia and interactions with stromal cells have a significant impact on the biology of leukemia cells, changing their sensitivity to antileukemic therapies. Thus, it is crucial to introduce biological systems, which enable the investigation of leukemia–stroma cross‐talk and verification of novel therapies effectiveness under such bone marrow niche‐mimicking conditions. Here, we have established an experimental setup based on the hypoxic co‐culture of stromal cells with different cell lines derived from various leukemia patients. Flow cytometry enables simultaneous fluorescent tracking of viable cells and analysis of fundamental cellular processes, also to monitor the basal vital state of cells in the hypoxic co‐culture. This is critically important, as the stromal cells deliver a big variability of signals to protect leukemia cells and provide drug resistance. Therefore, keeping stromal cells at the healthy state is crucial during experimental procedures. In the proposed studies, viability, apoptosis, proliferation, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored in both cell types, which were separated on the basis of the fluorescence of a cell tracker. We have shown that the proposed hypoxic co‐culture conditions do not affect basal live parameters of stromal cells, indicating the relevance of proposed model. Finally, we utilized this experimental setup to monitor the stroma‐mediated protection of leukemia cells from the imatinib‐induced cell death, which contributes to the leukemia progression and development of therapy resistance. Altogether, we recommend such flow cytometric strategy as an elementary screen of the vital state of stromal cells, which should be performed when using the co‐culture hypoxic models. The proposed approach can also be broadly used for other studies of the leukemia–stroma cross‐talk and of the part played by the leukemic microenvironment in drug screening studies.
Gender differences in Egyptian patients hospitalized with heart failure: insights from the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry
Authors: Hassanein Mahmoud , Abdelhamid Magdy , Ibrahim Bassem , Sobhy Mohamed , Nasr Gamela , Aboleineen Mohamed Wafaie , Reda Ashraf , Farag Nabil , Elshazly Ahmed , Abdeldayem Tarek Khairy , Elmesseiry Fatma , Boshra Hesham , Sobhy Hesham , Elbahry Atef , Youssef Amr , Ashmawy Medhat , Abdelmoneim Ahmed , Saleh Ayman , Elrakshy Yahya , Ebeid Hamdy
Published: September 2018

Aims

This analysis evaluates gender differences in the Egyptian cohort of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry.

Methods and results

From April 2011 to September 2014, 1634 patients hospitalized with AHF were enrolled by 20 hospitals all over Egypt. Of these patients, 1112 (68%) patients were male and 522 (32%) were female. Women presented with a higher admission systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate. Compared with men, women had a higher body mass index (32.5 ± 9.0 vs. 29.3 ± 4.9, P < 0.001), more frequent atrial fibrillation (34.7% vs. 22.4%, P < 0.001), and anaemia defined by haemoglobin < 12 g/dL (83.1% vs. 58.4%, P < 0.001). Women were more likely to present with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (29.7% vs. 10.6%, P < 0.001). Women had more frequent diabetes mellitus (48.1% vs. 41.6%, P < 0.05) and hypertension (48.7% vs. 39.3%, P < 0.001) than had men, whereas smoking was rare among them (8.8% vs. 82.9%, P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the primary aetiology of heart failure between both sexes. ACE inhibitors, beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, antiplatelets, statins, and nitrates were less frequently prescribed to women, whereas they more often received digoxin, amiodarone, anticoagulants, and calcium channel blockers. There was no significant difference in in‐hospital (5.7% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.39) and 1 year mortality (27.9% vs. 25.9%, P = 0.48) between women and men, respectively.

Conclusions

Men and women with AHF differ significantly in baseline clinical characteristics and management but not in adverse outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized management and need for more comprehensive recruitment of women in clinical trials.
Sustained low consumption of fruit and vegetables in Australian children: Findings from the Australian National Health Surveys
Authors: Mihrshahi Seema , Myton Rimma , Partridge Stephanie R. , Esdaile Emma , Hardy Louise L. , Gale Joanne
Published: September 2018

Issue addressed

Intakes of fruit and vegetables in children are inadequate. Our purpose was to examine national data on the proportion of Australian children meeting the fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2011‐2012 and 2014‐2015, assessing changes over time and differences by age, sex and socio‐economic status (SES).

Methods

Secondary analysis of 2011‐2012 and 2014‐2015 Australian National Health Surveys of Australian children aged 2‐18 years. Percentages of children meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations by survey year, age group, sex and SES tertile were calculated using population weights supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression were used to test for the relative influence of each factor.

Results

In 2011‐2012, 64.6%, 5.1% and 4.6% of children met the recommended intake for fruit, vegetable and fruit–vegetable combined, respectively. In 2014‐2015, 68.2%, 5.3% and 5.1% of all children met the recommended intake for fruit, vegetable and fruit–vegetable combined, respectively. There was a large reduction in proportions of children meeting both the fruit and vegetable recommendations between 3 and 4 years of age, which coincides with when most Australian children start pre‐school. There were consistent differences by sex for both fruit and vegetables, but we found little evidence that SES is a significant factor predicting the difference in meeting the vegetable recommendations.

Conclusion

The proportion of Australian children meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations are sub‐optimal across all SES groups which suggests that a national approach across demographic strata is warranted.

So what?

Future health promotion interventions should have a refocus on vegetables instead of “fruit and vegetables,” particularly in the key transition period when children start pre‐school.
Molecular Modeling, Ionic Liquid Cu(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 9‐(3‐Fluoro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐aryl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,8] Naphthyridines under Microwave Irradiation and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Sakram Boda , Ashok Kommakula , Rambabu Sirgamalla , Ravi Dharavath , Kurumanna Adem , Abbas Najlaa Khudhair
Published: September 2018

A highly efficient and simple procedure has been developed for the synthesis of 9‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐aryl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a][1,8] naphthyridines by ionic liquid Cu(II) oxidative cyclization of 2‐(2‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐methoxybenzylidene)hydrazinyl)‐3‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine under microwave irradiation. Synthesized compounds have been described by microanalysis, infrared, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Sixteen of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum. Results of the antimicrobial screening showed that the compounds 3b, 3g, and 3j have maximal zones of inhibition against the tested bacterial strains. Docking studies were carried out for the three most active compounds 3b, 3g, and 3j along with the inactive compound 3a.
Influence of balloon temperature and time to pulmonary vein isolation on acute pulmonary vein reconnection and clinical outcomes after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Watanabe Ryuta , Okumura Yasuo , Nagashima Koichi , Iso Kazuki , Takahashi Keiko , Arai Masaru , Wakamatsu Yuji , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Yoda Shunichi , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi , Sonoda Kazumasa , Tosaka Toshimasa
Published: September 2018

Background

Limited data exist on indicators of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether balloon temperature and time to PVI can be used to predict early PV reconduction (EPVR), including residual PV conduction and adenosine triphosphate‐induced dormant conduction and the relation between touch‐up ablation of EPVR sites and mid‐term recurrence of AF.

Methods

We obtained procedural and outcome data from the records of 130 consecutive patients who underwent CBA and followed up for 13.4 months.

Results

EPVR was identified in 86 (17%) PVs of 61 (47%) patients. Balloon temperatures during 30 seconds (−27 ± 5.7°C vs −31 ± 5.5°C), 60 seconds (−36 ± 5.6°C vs −41 ± 5.4°C), and at the nadir point (−41 ± 7.4°C vs −49 ± 7.0°C) were significantly higher, and the time to PVI was longer (90 ± 50 seconds vs 52 ± 29 seconds) in PVs with EPVR than in those without (P < 0.0001 for all). Among PVs without EPVR, the time to PVI was longer and balloon temperature was lower for the left superior pulmonary vein/ right inferior pulmonary vein (LSPV/RIPV) than for the right superior pulmonary vein/left inferior pulmonary vein (RSPV/LIPV) (time: 60 ± 25/73 ± 37 seconds vs 41 ± 31/45 ± 20 seconds, P < 0.0001) (temp: −39.2 ± 11.3/−39.4 ± 8.3°C vs −33.8 ± 10.6/−33.6 ± 6.8°C, P = 0.0023). AF recurrence rates were equivalent between patients with and without EPVR (13% [8/69] vs 15% [9/61], P = 0.845).

Conclusions

Cryoballoon temperature and time to PVI appear to be useful in predicting durable PVI, that is, prevention of EPVR, but the balloon temperature and time required for PVI differ between PVs. Although EPVR does not predict AF recurrence, high success rates can be expected when touch‐up ablation of EPVR sites is performed.
Entrapment and retrieval of a diagnostic electrophysiological catheter in the Chiari network
Authors: Chu Songyun , Solheim Eivind , Chen Jian , Hoff Per Ivar , Schuster Peter
Published: September 2018

The Chiari networks are reticulated fibers of embryological remnant venous valves in the right atrium. In patients with this congenital variation, manipulation of diagnostic catheters can be difficult, and there is a substantial risk of entrapment during electrophysiological studies. We report a case of successful retraction of a diagnostic catheter entangled in the Chiari network with the use of a lead extraction tool during a scheduled atrial fibrillation ablation. Rescheduled cryoablation was performed without complication and provided a good outcome.
The impact of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in heart failure
Authors: Moschonas Konstantinos , Nabeebaccus Adam , Okonko Darlington O. , McDonagh Theresa A. , Murgatroyd Francis D. , Dhillon Para , Scott Paul A.
Published: September 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co‐exists with systolic heart failure (SHF) and its presence is associated with a worse prognosis. Despite this, a rhythm control approach using antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) to reduce AF burden has demonstrated no prognostic benefit. Catheter ablation (AFA) is more effective than AADs at reducing AF burden. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the impact of AFA on outcomes in SHF. Electronic databases were systematically searched. We included only randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of AFA on clinical outcomes in patients with SHF (LVEF <50%). We included studies with any ablation strategy that incorporated pulmonary vein isolation and any control group. Seven studies (n = 858) were included with a mean follow‐up of 6‐38 months. In comparison to controls, AFA was associated with significant reductions in all‐cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.52, P = 0.0009) and unplanned or heart failure hospitalization (RR 0.58, P < 0.00001). Compared to controls, AFA was also associated with significant improvements in LVEF (mean difference 6.30%, P < 0.00001), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score (mean difference 9.58, P = 0.0003), 6‐minute walk distance (mean difference 31.78 m, P = 0.003) and VO2 max (mean difference 3.17, P = 0.003). However, major procedure‐related complications occurred in 2.4%‐15% of ablation patients. In patients with AF and SHF, catheter ablation has significant benefits. Further work is needed to establish the role of ablation in the routine treatment of SHF patients with AF.
Promoting effective tendon healing and remodeling
Authors: Andarawis‐Puri Nelly , Flatow Evan L.
Published: September 2018

Daily activities subject our tendons to accumulation of sub‐rupture fatigue injury which can lead to tendon rupture. Consequently, tendinopathies account for over 30% of musculoskeletal consultations. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to determine the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy and impaired healing of ruptured tendons. We have been investigating three main areas: (i) the pathogenesis of tendon degeneration; (ii) approaches to promoting remodeling of sub‐rupture fatigue injuries; and the (iii) role of the ECM in promoting scarless tendon healing. In this Kappa Delta Young Investigator award paper, we describe the key discoveries made in each of our three research areas of focus. Briefly, we discovered that sub‐rupture fatigue damage can accumulate from just one bout of fatigue loading. Furthermore, any attempt to repair the fatigue damage diminishes as the severity of induced damage increases. We have utilized exercise to develop animal models of exercise‐led degeneration and exercise‐led repair of sub‐rupture fatigue damage injuries, wherein underlying mechanisms can be uncovered, thereby overcoming a major hurdle to development of therapeutics. Since damage accumulation ultimately leads to rupture that is characterized by formation of a mechanically inferior scar, we have used the MRL/MpJ mouse to evaluate the role of the systemic environment and the local tendon environment in driving regeneration to identify new therapeutic pathways to promote scarless healing. Our data suggests that the therapeutic potential of the MRL/MpJ provisional ECM should be further explored as it may harness biological and structural mechanisms to promote scarless healing. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3115–3124, 2018.
Targeting anti‐chondrogenic factors for the stimulation of chondrogenesis: A new paradigm in cartilage repair
Authors: Lolli Andrea , Colella Fabio , De Bari Cosimo , van Osch Gerjo J. V. M.
Published: September 2018

Trauma and age‐related cartilage disorders represent a major global cause of morbidity, resulting in chronic pain and disability in patients. A lack of effective therapies, together with a rapidly aging population, creates an impressive clinical and economic burden on healthcare systems. In this scenario, experimental therapies based on transplantation or in situ stimulation of skeletal Mesenchymal Stem/progenitor Cells (MSCs) have raised great interest for cartilage repair. Nevertheless, the challenge of guiding MSC differentiation and preventing cartilage hypertrophy and calcification still needs to be overcome. While research has mostly focused on the stimulation of cartilage anabolism using growth factors, several issues remain unresolved prompting the field to search for novel solutions. Recently, inhibition of anti‐chondrogenic regulators has emerged as an intriguing opportunity. Anti‐chondrogenic regulators include extracellular proteins as well as intracellular transcription factors and microRNAs that act as potent inhibitors of pro‐chondrogenic signals. Suppression of these inhibitors can enhance MSC chondrogenesis and production of cartilage matrix. We here review the current knowledge concerning different types of anti‐chondrogenic regulators. We aim to highlight novel therapeutic targets for cartilage repair and discuss suitable tools for suppressing their anti‐chondrogenic functions. Further effort is needed to unveil the therapeutic perspectives of this approach and pave the way for effective treatment of cartilage injuries in patients. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res