bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination and validation of peak fat oxidation in endurance‐trained men using an upper body graded exercise test
Authors: Hansen Mikkel Thunestvedt , Rømer Tue , Frandsen Jacob , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: July 2019

Peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and the intensity that elicits PFO (Fatmax) are commonly determined by a validated graded exercise test (GE) on a cycling ergometer with indirect calorimetry. However, for upper body exercise fat oxidation rates are not well elucidated and no protocol has been validated. Thus, our aim was to test validity and inter‐method reliability for determination of PFO and Fatmax in trained men using a GE protocol applying double poling on a ski‐ergometer. PFO and Fatmax were assessed during two identical GE tests (GE1 and GE2) and validated against separated short continuous exercise bouts (SCE) at 35%, 50%, and 65% of V̇O2peak on the ski‐ergometer in 10 endurance‐trained men (V̇O2peak: 65.1 ± 1.0 mL·min−1·kg−1, mean ± SEM). Between GE tests no differences were found in PFO (GE1: 0.42 ± 0.03; GE2: 0.45 ± 0.03 g·min−1, P = .256) or Fatmax (GE1: 41 ± 2%; GE2: 43 ± 3% of V̇O2peak, P = .457) and the intra‐individual coefficient of variation (CV) was 8 ± 2% and 11 ± 2% for PFO and Fatmax, respectively. Between GE and SCE tests, PFO (GEavg: 0.44 ± 0.03; SCE; 0.47 ± 0.06 g·min−1, P = .510) was not different, whereas a difference in Fatmax (GEavg: 42 ± 2%; SCE: 52 ± 4% of V̇O2peak, P = .030) was observed with a CV of 17 ± 4% and 15 ± 4% for PFO and Fatmax, respectively. In conclusion, GE has a high day‐to‐day reliability in determination of PFO and Fatmax in trained men, whereas it is unclear if PFO and Fatmax determined by GE reflect continuous exercise in general.
Do Charter School Students Outperform Public School Students on Standardized Tests in Michigan?
Authors: Murphy Kevin J. , Izraeli Oded
Published: July 2019

Objective

We compare academic achievement in charter schools versus two types of traditional public school in the State of Michigan over a 10‐year period. Charter schools serve as a reform measure for failing public schools, so the natural research question is: Do charter schools generate higher achievement levels than observationally comparable public schools?

Methods

We have assembled a longitudinal data set spanning academic years 2002/2003–2011/2012 containing proficiency rates on standardized math and reading tests for Grades 4, 7, and 11. Our set of control variables includes demographic measures, free lunch eligibility, school characteristics, funding per student, and locational measures. We model unobserved heterogeneity using random effects estimation.

Results

We find that Michigan charter schools significantly underperform traditional public schools in both subjects and in all three grade levels early in the study period. These gaps narrow considerably, and in some cases disappear, by the end of the period.

Conclusion

Michigan is noteworthy among states with charter schools for its deregulated and competitive charter environment. Our results suggest that Michigan charters nevertheless were doing about as well on the state's academic achievement tests as observationally comparable public schools by the end of the period.
Protonated Carbon Nitride Incorporated Polyamide Thin Film Nanocomposite for Reverse Osmosis Desalination
Authors: Abdul Aziz A. , Goh P. S. , Azali M. A. , Zainal Abidin M. N. , Abu Ba'dah M. H.
Published: July 2019

Protonated carbon nitride (pCN) prepared from acid treatment of carbon nitride (CN) was incorporated in the polysulfone (PSf) substrate and polyamide (PA) layer to produce thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane. The hydrophilicity of CN is expected to improve the surface hydrophilicity of the membrane and acid treatment of nanoparticle is aimed to further enhance the surface structure and prevent the agglomeration of nanomaterial from taking place. pCN loading used in the PSf substrate was 0.5% while in the PA layer was varied as 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15%. All the membrane prepared were characterized in terms of morphology, structural properties, and surface chemistry. Reverse osmosis dead-end filtration system was used to determine the water permeability and the salt rejection. It was observed that, all the membrane prepared could maintain the salt rejection with improvement of water permeability. However, the salt rejection was sacrificed when higher loading of 0.15% pCN was tested, although the water permeability of the membrane has reached approximately 0.5 LMHbar. This work demonstrates that the use of pCN in RO membrane can improve the water permeability without sacrificing the salt rejection.
New record and redescription of Mullederia sichuanensis Wang from evergreen forests in Japan, with remarks on morphological variations among world species of Mullederia Wood (Acari: Stigmaeidae)
Authors: Negm Mohamed W. , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: July 2019

The Mullederia Wood, 1964 (Acari: Stigmaeidae) is a species-limited genus with a geographic distribution so far restricted to eastern Palaearctic, Indomalaya and Australasia regions. Mullederia sichuanensis Wang, 1986 is newly recorded from Japan based on specimens collected from two different evergreen broad-leaved forests at Bōsō Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture (Honshu). Adult females, males and deutonymphs are redescribed and illustrated. Interspecific morphological variations among world species of Mullederia are provided. Also, stigmaeid mite species recorded from Japan are listed.
A method for estimating the amplitude response of smartphone built-in microphone sensors below 4 kHz
Authors: Asmar Karina , Garces Milton , Williams Brian
Published: July 2019

A method for estimating the amplitude response of built-in smartphone microphone sensors is presented. The method is intended to be accessible to the general public, and comparison calibration measurements are performed in a non-isolated environment using conventional consumer products. A double reference sensor scheme is set up, consisting of a MB3 digital microbarometer (reference over the 0.5–2 Hz octave bands) and the iPrecisionMic smartphone microphone (reference above the 2 Hz octave band). The amplitude response of the iPrecisionMic sensor is first evaluated over the 1–2000 Hz octave bands. The amplitude response of three Samsung Galaxy S8 built-in smartphone microphone sensors is then measured over the 0.5–2000 Hz octave bands. The Redvox Infrasound Recorder application (app) for Android is used to measure acoustic signals with the built-in smartphone microphone sensors. Amplitude response models in terms of digital gain are estimated for the test sensors based on the results. Last, self-noise levels for the iPrecisionMic and Samsung Galaxy S8 microphones are estimated and compared to infrasound ambient noise models. Results show an experimental capability for estimating the amplitude response of built-in smartphone microphone sensors in a non-isolated environment with conventional consumer products.
How vitamin A protects the skin
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: July 2019

Retinoids protect the skin from infection by inducing the production of an endogenous antimicrobial protein.
Insights into the Metabolism of Oleaginous
Rhodococcus
spp
Authors: Alvarez Héctor M. , Herrero O. Marisa , Silva Roxana A. , Hernández Martín A. , Lanfranconi Mariana P. , Villalba Maria S.
Published: July 2019

Some species belonging to the
Rhodococcus
genus, such as
Rhodococcus opacus
,
R. jostii
, and
R. wratislaviensis
, are known to be oleaginous microorganisms, since they are able to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAG) at more than 20% of their weight (dry weight). Oleaginous rhodococci are promising microbial cell factories for the production of lipids to be used as fuels and chemicals.
A Cross-Reactive Protein Vaccine Combined with PCV-13 Prevents Streptococcus pneumoniae- and Haemophilus influenzae-Mediated Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Rowe Hannah M. , Mann Beth , Iverson Amy , Poole Aaron , Tuomanen Elaine , Rosch Jason W.
Published: July 2019

Acute otitis media is one of the most common childhood infections worldwide. Currently licensed vaccines against the common otopathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
target the bacterial capsular polysaccharide and confer no protection against nonencapsulated strains or capsular types outside vaccine coverage. Mucosal infections such as acute otitis media remain prevalent, even those caused by vaccine-covered serotypes.
A Human STAT1 Gain-of-Function Mutation Impairs CD8
+
T Cell Responses against Gammaherpesvirus 68
Authors: Qian Wei , Miner Cathrine A. , Ingle Harshad , Platt Derek J. , Baldridge Megan T. , Miner Jonathan J.
Published: July 2019

Mechanisms of immunodeficiency related to STAT1 gain of function have not been previously studied in an animal model of viral pathogenesis. Using virological and immunological techniques, we examined the immune response to γHV68 in heterozygous mice that have an autosomal dominant mutation in the STAT1 coiled-coil domain (STAT1 R274W). We observed impaired control of infection, which was associated with diminished production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), fewer effector CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells, and a reduction in the number of antigen-specific CD8
+
T cells. These findings indicate that a STAT1 gain-of-function mutation limits production of antiviral T cells, likely contributing to immunodeficiency against herpesviruses.
CD69 Targeting Enhances Anti-vaccinia Virus Immunity
Authors: Notario Laura , Redondo-Antón Jennifer , Alari-Pahissa Elisenda , Albentosa Almudena , Leiva Magdalena , Lopez Daniel , Sabio Guadalupe , Lauzurica Pilar
Published: July 2019

In this study, we demonstrate the influence of human and mouse anti-CD69 therapies on the immune response to VACV infection. We report that targeting CD69 increases the leukocyte numbers in the secondary lymphoid organs during infection and improves the capacity to clear the viral infection. Targeting CD69 increases the numbers of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-producing NK and T cells. In mice expressing human CD69, treatment with an anti-CD69 MAb produces increases in cytokine production, survival, and proliferation mediated in part by mTOR signaling. These results, together with the fact that we have mainly worked with a human-CD69 transgenic model, reveal CD69 as a treatment target to enhance vaccine protectiveness.
Late Cretaceous Neo-Tethyan slab roll-back: Evidence from zircon U-Pb-O and whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Fe isotopic data of adakitic plutons in the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin Changqing , Ou Jie , Long Xiaoping , Huang Fang , Zhang Jian , Li Shun , Wang Luojuan , Xia Xiaoping , He Xiaolan
Published: July 2019

Late Cretaceous (ca. 100–80 Ma) magmatism in southern Lhasa subterrane records critical geological events, which can provide important insights into the regional tectonic evolution and geodynamic process of South Tibet. This study presents new zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Fe and zircon U-Pb-O isotopic data for two dioritic plutons in the southern Lhasa subterrane. Secondary ion mass spectrometry U-Pb dating on magmatic zircons from these rocks yielded a consistent age at ca. 90 Ma. The rocks exhibit variable SiO2 contents (52–59 wt%), high Fe2O3T contents (7.1–10.0 wt%), and low K2O/Na2O ratios (0.18–0.48). Most samples have high Al2O3 (17.0–19.5 wt%) and Sr (493–678 ppm), but low Yb (0.9–2.4 ppm) and Y (9–25.2 ppm) concentrations, and thus high Sr/Y (23–74) ratios, typical of adakite-like geochemical features. The adakitic rocks have relatively uniform initial 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios (0.7043–0.7046) and εNd(t) values (+3.67 to +4.16), indicating derivation from similar parental magmas. The δ56Fe values of whole-rock samples vary from 0.011 to 0.091‰ with an average of 0.045 ± 0.046‰ (two standard deviations), reflecting a homogeneous Fe isotopic composition, which is associated with melt-mantle interaction. In addition, the rocks are characterized by relatively high zircon δ18O values of 5.72–7.19‰, indicating the involvement of an 18O-enriched component during magma formation. The calculation of Al-in-hornblende barometer indicates that the adakitic rocks were emplaced at pressures of 6.4–9.8 kbar. Therefore, it is proposed that the adakitic rocks were most likely generated by partial melting of mantle wedge that had been previously modified by slab-melts at a relatively shallow depth, followed by minor fractional crystallization of hornblende. Taking into account previously published data in the southern Lhasa subterrane, we suggest that the ca. 90 Ma magmatism could be related to a period of Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab roll-back, which can provide new insights into the revolution process of the Neo-Tethyan ocean realm and the accretion of the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau.
Simultaneous orthogonal shortening in the Afghan-Tajik Depression
Authors: McNab Fergus , Sloan R. Alastair , Walker Richard T.
Published: July 2019

The Afghan-Tajik Depression is a sedimentary basin in the Alpine-Himalayan mountain chain. It is traversed by series of north-south arcuate folds, suggesting that the basin is undergoing east-west compression. A second set of folds in the south of the depression runs east-west, crosscutting those trending north-south. We present results from teleseismic body waveform inversion and depth phase modeling for five recent earthquakes, and from detailed mapping of structures related to active faulting based on satellite imagery and topographic data. We argue that both sets of folds are active and that deformation is vertically partitioned, with north-south compression accommodated on east-west–trending thrust faults within the basement, and east-west compression accommodated on north-south–trending thrust faults above a detachment within the basin fill. The observation that orthogonal shortening can be accommodated simultaneously in this way has several important implications. Juxtaposed orthogonal fold systems identified in the geological record may not require temporally separate events, particularly in gravity-driven fold-and-thrust belts in foreland-basin settings. Pervasive detachment may limit the size of potential earthquakes by preventing single events from rupturing the entire seismogenic layer. However, it may also disguise geomorphic signatures of faulting and interseismic strain accumulation within the lower layer, hindering accurate seismic hazard assessment and regional tectonic interpretations.
Cenozoic tectono-thermal history of the southern Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska: Insights into a potentially alternating convergent and transform plate margin
Authors: Terhune Patrick J. , Benowitz Jeffrey A. , Trop Jeffrey M. , O’Sullivan Paul B. , Gillis Robert J. , Freymueller Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2019

The Mesozoic–Cenozoic convergent margin history of southern Alaska has been dominated by arc magmatism, terrane accretion, strike-slip fault systems, and possible spreading-ridge subduction. We apply 40Ar/39Ar, apatite fission-track (AFT), and apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe) geochronology and thermochronology to plutonic and volcanic rocks in the southern Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska to document regional magmatism, rock cooling, and inferred exhumation patterns as proxies for the region’s deformation history and to better delineate the overall tectonic history of southern Alaska. High-temperature 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology on muscovite, biotite, and K-feldspar from Jurassic granitoids indicates postemplacement (ca. 158–125 Ma) cooling and Paleocene (ca. 61 Ma) thermal resetting. 40Ar/39Ar whole-rock volcanic ages and 45 AFT cooling ages in the southern Talkeetna Mountains are predominantly Paleocene–Eocene, suggesting that the mountain range has a component of paleotopography that formed during an earlier tectonic setting. Miocene AHe cooling ages within ∼10 km of the Castle Mountain fault suggest ∼2–3 km of vertical displacement and that the Castle Mountain fault also contributed to topographic development in the Talkeetna Mountains, likely in response to the flat-slab subduction of the Yakutat microplate. Paleocene–Eocene volcanic and exhumation-related cooling ages across southern Alaska north of the Border Ranges fault system are similar and show no S-N or W-E progressions, suggesting a broadly synchronous and widespread volcanic and exhumation event that conflicts with the proposed diachronous subduction of an active west-east–sweeping spreading ridge beneath south-central Alaska. To reconcile this, we propose a new model for the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of southern Alaska. We infer that subparallel to the trench slab breakoff initiated at ca. 60 Ma and led to exhumation, and rock cooling synchronously across south-central Alaska, played a primary role in the development of the southern Talkeetna Mountains, and was potentially followed by a period of southern Alaska transform margin tectonics.
Early life undernutrition reduces maximum treadmill running capacity in adulthood in mice
Authors: Pendergrast Logan A. , Leszczynski Eric C. , Visker Joseph R. , Triplett Ashley N. , Ferguson David P.
Published: July 2019

Undernutrition during early life causes chronic disease with specific impairments to the heart and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of early life undernutrition on adult exercise capacity as a result of cardiac and skeletal muscle function. Pups were undernourished during gestation (GUN) or lactation (PUN) using a cross-fostering nutritive mouse model. At postnatal day 21, all mice were weaned and refed a control diet. At postnatal day 67, mice performed a maximal treadmill test. Echocardiography and Doppler blood flow analysis was performed at postnatal day 72, following which skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fiber type were determined. Maximal running capacity was reduced (diet: P = 0.0002) in GUN and PUN mice. Left ventricular mass (diet: P = 0.03) and posterior wall thickness during systole (diet × sex: P = 0.03) of GUN and PUN mice was reduced, causing PUN mice to have reduced (diet: P = 0.04) stroke volume. Heart rate of GUN mice showed a trend (diet: P = 0.07) towards greater resting values than other groups. PUN mice had greater CSA of soleus fibers. PUN had a reduced (diet: P = 0.03) proportion of type-IIX fibers in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and a greater (diet: P = 0.008) percentage of type-IIB fibers in the EDL. In conclusion, gestational and postnatal undernourishment impairs exercise capacity.
Probabilistic assessment of live load effects on continuous span bridges with regular and irregular configurations and its design implications
Authors: García-Soto A.D. , Hernández-Martínez A. , Valdés-Vázquez J.G.
Published: July 2019

Studies on live load effects reported in recent literature are based on simple span bridges or on a limited number of continuous span bridges and regular configurations. In this study, an extensive probabilistic assessment of live load effects on continuous bridges is carried out for regular and irregular span configurations using weigh-in-motion data. Single vehicle passage is considered, and live load effects are compared with those from a live load model developed for simple spans from the same database. Truck models from Canada are also used for comparison purposes. Discussion of the fitting of extreme distribution is included, and an optimization scheme for the fitting is proposed. The most important finding of the study is that the use of live load models developed from simple spans or a limited number of continuous spans may not be suitable for designing continuous bridges, especially those with irregular configurations and short spans.
Fringe visibility of exotic trajectories for matter waves in a double-slit experiment
Authors: Vieira C. H. S. , Costa H. A. S. , de Souza Gustavo , Sampaio Marcos , da Paz I. G.
Published: July 2019

We theoretically study the fringe visibility of exotic looped trajectories in double-slit experiments with matter waves. We consider the relative intensity at [Formula: see text] as a function of the time-of-flight from the double-slit to the screen inside the interferometer. This allows us to define a fringe visibility associated with the contribution to the interference pattern given by exotic looped trajectories. We demonstrate that the Sorkin parameter is given in terms of this visibility and of the axial phases which include the Gouy phase. Thus, the effect of exotic looped trajectories can be attested by measuring deviations from unity for the fringe visibility. We show that the effect of exotic trajectories can be increased by adjusting the parameters of the double-slit apparatus in the Fresnel regime.
A simple model for explaining muon-related anomalies and dark matter
Authors: Chiang Cheng-Wei , Okada Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

We propose a model to explain several muon-related experimental anomalies and the abundance of dark matter. We introduce a vector-like exotic lepton that form an iso-doublet and three right-handed Majorana fermions as an iso-singlet. A real/complex scalar field is added as a dark matter candidate. We impose a global [Formula: see text] symmetry under which fields associated with the SM muon are charged. To stabilize the dark matter, we impose a [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]) symmetry under which the exotic lepton doublet and the real (or complex) scalar field are charged. We find that the model can simultaneously explain the muon anomalous magnetic dipole moment and the dark matter relic density in no conflict with any lepton flavor-violating/conserving observables, with some details depending upon whether the scalar field is real or complex. Besides, we extend the framework to the quark sector in a way similar to the lepton sector, and find that the recent anomalies associated with the [Formula: see text] transition can also be accommodated while satisfying constraints such as the [Formula: see text] decays and neutral meson mixings.
Non-Isolated Resolving Number of Graph with Pendant Edges
Authors: ALFARISI RIDHO , DAFIK  , KRISTIANA ARIKA INDAH , AGUSTIN IKA HESTI
Published: July 2019

We consider V, E are respectively vertex and edge sets of a simple, nontrivial and connected graph G. For an ordered set W = {w1, w2, w3, …, wk} of vertices and a vertex v ∈ G, the ordered r(v|W) = (d(v, w1), d(v, w2), …, d(v, wk)) of k-vector is representations of v with respect to W, where d(v, w) is the distance between the vertices v and w. The set W is called a resolving set for G if distinct vertices of G have distinct representations with respect to W. The metric dimension, denoted by dim(G) is min of |W|. Furthermore, the resolving set W of graph G is called non-isolated resolving set if there is no ∀v ∈ W induced by non-isolated vertex. While a non-isolated resolving number, denoted by nr(G), is the minimum cardinality of non-isolated resolving set in graph. In this paper, we study the non isolated resolving number of graph with any pendant edges.
IGRED: An Improved Gentle Random Early Detection Method for Management of Congested Networks
Authors: ABDEL-JABER HUSSEIN , SHEHAB ABDULAZIZ , BARAKAT MOHAMED , RASHAD MAGDI
Published: July 2019

Controlling congested router buffers of a network has a crucial role in improving network’s performance. This paper proposes a novel Active Queue Management (AQM) method named Improved Gentle Random Early Detection (IGRED) that based on GRED algorithm, which counted as one of the popular AQM methods. The proposed is mainly developed to overcome the problems faced with classic GRED. The initial packet-dropping probability depends on several parameters such as the average queue length, maximum value of packet dropping probability, minimum and maximum thresholds, etc. IGRED reduces its reliance on the GRED’s parameters through shrinking these parameters. The results shows, when congestion is taken place, the proposed IGRED provides more satisfactory performance with reference to mean queue length, average queuing delay, and overflow packet loss probability.
Drenov Grič black limestone: a heritage stone from Slovenia
Authors: Kramar Sabina , Žbona Nina , Bedjanič Mojca , Mladenović Ana , Rožič Boštjan
Published: July 2019

Drenov Grič black limestone is considered to be one of the most beautiful Slovenian natural stones due to its black colour interwoven with white veins. Over the centuries, it has been extracted from two major quarries located west of Ljubljana. One of these quarries has been declared a valuable natural feature of national importance and is protected as a natural monument. This well-stratified, Triassic (Carnian) micritic limestone occurs in 10–80 cm thick beds with thin marl interlayers. The limestone occasionally contains abundant fossil bivalves, gastropods and ostracods. It is relatively rich in carbonaceous and bituminous organic matter, which is responsible for the black colour of the stone. The stone has been widely used in Slovenian monuments. Many indoor and outdoor architectural elements have been constructed using this limestone, particularly during the Baroque period, which was known for its extensive use of black limestones in other European countries as well. The most significant use of this limestone has been recorded in sculpted portals and altars. Some important buildings, which were decorated utilizing this stone, have been declared cultural monuments of local or national importance. Use of this limestone was also documented in other European countries (Italy, Austria, Serbia) and worldwide (USA). When exposed to climatic influences, chromatic and salt weathering are recognized as the main deterioration phenomena for this limestone when used in monuments.
Central Limit Model Checking
Authors: Bortolussi Luca , Cardelli Luca , Kwiatkowska Marta , Laurenti Luca
Published: July 2019

We consider probabilistic model checking for continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs) induced from Stochastic Reaction Networks against a fragment of Continuous Stochastic Logic (CSL) extended with reward operators. Classical numerical algorithms for CSL model checking based on uniformisation are limited to finite CTMCs and suffer from exponential growth of the state space with respect to the number of species. However, approximate techniques such as mean-field approximations and simulations combined with statistical inference are more scalable but can be time-consuming and do not support the full expressiveness of CSL. In this article, we employ a continuous-space approximation of the CTMC in terms of a Gaussian process based on the Central Limit Approximation, also known as the Linear Noise Approximation, whose solution requires solving a number of differential equations that is quadratic in the number of species and independent of the population size. We then develop efficient and scalable approximate model checking algorithms on the resulting Gaussian process, where we restrict the target regions for probabilistic reachability to convex polytopes. This allows us to derive an abstraction in terms of a time-inhomogeneous discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC), whose dimension is independent of the number of species, on which model checking is performed. Using results from probability theory, we prove the convergence in distribution of our algorithms to the corresponding measures on the original CTMC. We implement the techniques and, on a set of examples, demonstrate that they allow us to overcome the state space explosion problem, while still correctly characterizing the stochastic behaviour of the system. Our methods can be used for formal analysis of a wide range of distributed stochastic systems, including biochemical systems, sensor networks, and population protocols.
Analysis and Optimization of Task Granularity on the Java Virtual Machine
Authors: Rosà Andrea , Rosales Eduardo , Binder Walter
Published: July 2019

Task granularity, i.e., the amount of work performed by parallel tasks, is a key performance attribute of parallel applications. On the one hand, fine-grained tasks (i.e., small tasks carrying out few computations) may introduce considerable parallelization overheads. On the other hand, coarse-grained tasks (i.e., large tasks performing substantial computations) may not fully utilize the available CPU cores, leading to missed parallelization opportunities. In this article, we provide a better understanding of task granularity for task-parallel applications running on a single Java Virtual Machine in a shared-memory multicore. We present a new methodology to accurately and efficiently collect the granularity of each executed task, implemented in a novel profiler (available open-source) that collects carefully selected metrics from the whole system stack with low overhead, and helps developers locate performance and scalability problems. We analyze task granularity in the DaCapo, ScalaBench, and Spark Perf benchmark suites, revealing inefficiencies related to fine-grained and coarse-grained tasks in several applications. We demonstrate that the collected task-granularity profiles are actionable by optimizing task granularity in several applications, achieving speedups up to a factor of 5.90×. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing and optimizing task granularity on the Java Virtual Machine.
Directional Multifractal Analysis in the Lp Setting
Authors: Ben Slimane Mourad , Ben Omrane Ines , Ben Abid Moez , Halouani Borhen , Alshormani Farouq
Published: July 2019

The classical Hölder regularity is restricted to locally bounded functions and takes only positive values. The local Lp regularity covers unbounded functions and negative values. Nevertheless, it has the same apparent regularity in all directions. In the present work, we study a recent notion of directional local Lp regularity introduced by Jaffard. We provide its characterization by a supremum of a wide range oriented anisotropic Triebel wavelet coefficients and leaders. In addition, we deduce estimates on the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points where the directional local Lp regularity does not exceed a given value. The obtained results are illustrated by some examples of self-affine cascade functions.
New Types of F-Contraction for Multivalued Mappings and Related Fixed Point Results in Abstract Spaces
Authors: Saleh Alshoraify Shaif , Shoaib Abdullah , Arshad Muhammad
Published: July 2019

In this article, we establish fixed point results for a pair of multivalued mappings satisfying generalized contraction on a sequence in dislocated b-quasi metric spaces and Fρs⁎ Khan type contraction on a sequence in b-quasi metric spaces. An example and an application have been discussed. Our results modify and generalize many existing results in literature.
Uterine Rupture on MRI Presenting as Nonspecific Abdominal Pain in a Primigravid Patient with 28-Week Twins Resulting in Normal Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at Age Two
Authors: Ponder Kathryn L. , Won Rosa , Clymer Laurel
Published: July 2019

Background. Uterine rupture is a rare occurrence that requires a high index of suspicion, particularly in a primigravid patient who presents prior to the onset of labor. Mortality rates are particularly high in primigravid patients.Case. A 36-year-old gravida 1, para 0 patient with dichorionic diamniotic twins presented at 28-weeks of gestation with abdominal pain. The pain was initially intermittent and felt to be musculoskeletal in origin. Ultrasound imaging after 3 days of worsening abdominal pain revealed extrauterine fluid, prompting an urgent MRI. MRI diagnosed the uterine rupture with hemoperitoneum and herniation of both amniotic sacs outside of the uterus, including one twin’s torso and extremities, prompting emergency cesarean section. The premature twins required 2-month hospitalizations and had no neurodevelopmental impairments at 2-year follow-up.Conclusion. We present a unique case of rupture of an unscarred uterus in a primigravid patient prior to the onset of labor. Multiple gestation is a risk factor. This report adds to a handful of cases in which a history of endometriosis or extrauterine pelvic surgery was also present. The use of ultrasound and MRI to evaluate nonspecific abdominal pain led to the diagnosis and survival of both the mother and her premature twins.
Three‐Dimensional Propagation Simulation and Parameter Analysis of Rock Joint with Displacement Discontinuity Method
Authors: Li Ke , Jiang Xinghong , Ding Hao , Hu Xuebing
Published: July 2019

Displacement discontinuities method (DDM) is convenient for and efficient at dealing with discontinuity problems such as fracture and fault. However, the known method of ease iteration is not available for nonlinear joint surface problems. This paper introduces Barton‐Bandis nonlinear joint deformation failure criterion, figures out the propagation model of joint through the maximum energy release rate theory of rock fracture mechanics, and establishes three‐dimensional nonlinear displacement discontinuity model for rock joint. This paper gives results of the joint propagation pattern and its distribution law under tension and compression with different parameters and side pressure coefficients via compiled program.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Mandibular Advancement Bite Block Decrease Hypoxic Events during Sedative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Teng Wei-Nung , Ting Chien‐Kun , Wang Yu-Tzu , Hou Ming-Chih , Chang Wen-Kuei , Tsou Mei-Yung , Chiang Huihua , Lin Chun-Li
Published: July 2019

During sedated endoscopic examinations, upper airway obstruction occurs. Nasal breathing often shifts to oral breathing during open mouth esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) which delivers humidified 100% oxygen at 30 L min−1 may prevent hypoxemia. A mandibular advancement (MA) bite block with oxygen inlet directed to both mouth and nose may prevent airway obstruction during sedated EGD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of these airway devices versus standard management. One hundred and eighty-nine patients were assessed for eligibility. One hundred and fifty-three were enrolled. This study randomly assigned eligible patients to three arms: the standard bite block and standard nasal cannula, HFNC, and MA bite block groups. EGD was performed after anaesthetic induction. The primary endpoint was the oxygen desaturation area under curve at 90% (AUCDesat). The secondary endpoints were percentage of patients with hypoxic, upper airway obstruction, and apnoeic and rescue events. One hundred and fifty-three patients were enrolled. AUCdesat was significantly lower for HFNC and MA bite blocks versus the standard management (p= 0.019). The HFNC reduced hypoxic events by 18% despite similar airway obstruction and apnoeic events as standard group. The MA bite block reduced hypoxic events by 12% and airway obstructions by 32%. The HFNC and MA groups both showed a 16% and 14% reduction in the number of patients who received rescue intervention, respectively, compared to the standard group. The HFNC and MA bite block may both reduce degree and duration of hypoxemia. HFNC may decrease hypoxemic events while maintaining nasal patency is crucial during sedative EGD. The MA bite block may prevent airway obstruction and decrease the need for rescue intervention.
A Conceptual Framework for Equipment Maintenance Automation under a Pyroprocessing Automation Framework
Authors: Han Jonghui , Ryu Dongseok , Kim Doyeon , Lee Jongkwang , Yu Seungnam , Shin Moonsoo
Published: July 2019

For most of the remote maintenance activities of equipment in a hot cell, replacing breakdown modules is preferred over in situ repair because of insufficient space in the cell and the limited operability of remote handling tools. In such cases, the maintenance operation can be decomposed into transport of the new modules to the failed equipment, replacement of the broken modules with new ones, and then transport of the broken parts to the reserved space for further repair or disposal. In this respect, transfer is the most basic operation during remote maintenance, which is also true for the maintenance of pyroprocessing equipment. Hence, this paper proposes a maintenance automation framework for automated pyroprocessing equipment from the standpoint of module transfer. For the maintenance automation framework, maintenance-related functions and events are defined, and they are integrated with the pyroprocess automation framework. The proposed framework is verified by a case study on the maintenance of a large module through a hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
Neural Network Identification and Sliding Mode Control for Hysteresis Nonlinear System with Backlash‐Like Model
Authors: Liu Ruiguo , Gao Xuehui
Published: July 2019

A new neural network sliding mode control (NNSMC) is proposed for backlash‐like hysteresis nonlinear system in this paper. Firstly, only one neural network is designed to estimate the unknown system states and hysteresis section instead of multiscale neural network at former researches since that can save computation and simplify the controller design. Secondly, a new NNSMC is proposed for the hysteresis nonlinearity where it does not need tracking error transformation. Finally, the Lyapunov functions are adopted to guarantee the stabilities of the identification and control strategies semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Two cases simulations are proved the effectiveness of the presented identification approach and the performance of the NNSMC.
Weighted Estimates for Rough Maximal Functions with Applications to Angular Integrability
Authors: Liu Feng , Xu Fangfang
Published: July 2019

In this note we establish certain weighted estimates for a class of maximal functions with rough kernels along “polynomial curves” on Rn. As applications, we obtain the bounds of the above operators on the mixed radial-angular spaces, on the vector-valued mixed radial-angular spaces, and on the vector-valued function spaces. Particularly, the above bounds are independent of the coefficients of the polynomials in the definition of the operators.
The Mechanical Interpretation of Ocular Response Analyzer Parameters
Authors: Qin Xiao , Yu Mengyao , Zhang Haixia , Chen Xinyan , Li Lin
Published: July 2019

Purpose. Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) is one of the most widely used devices in clinic, while the mechanical interpretations of parameters obtained from ORA have not been understood completely. The aim of this research is to explore the mechanical interpretation of ORA parameters. Methods. Rabbits aged 3-24 months were measured with ORA in vivo and corneal strips uniaxial tensile tests to get ORA parameters and corneal biomechanical parameters (corneal elastic modulus, relaxation time, and relaxation limit). The mechanical interpretation of ORA parameters was cognized preliminarily by analyzing the correlation between ORA parameters and corneal biomechanical parameters. On the other hand, finite element method was applied to simulate ORA measurements with different corneal biomechanical parameters to obtain quantitative relationship between ORA parameters and corneal biomechanical parameters further. Results. Biomechanical experimental results showed that Corneal Resistance Factor (CRF) was correlated with corneal elastic modulus and relaxation limit significantly, while the significant correlations between Corneal Hysteresis (CH) and corneal biomechanical parameters were not observed. Results of finite element analysis showed that both CH and CRF were correlated with corneal elastic modulus, relaxation limit, and relaxation time significantly. Besides, corneal elastic modulus was positively correlated with upslop1 and upslop2 and negatively correlated with w2. Conclusions. For all ORA parameters, CH, CRF, the upslope, and the width of the peaks are parameters which may reflect corneal elastic properties. It is viable to cognize mechanical interpretation of ORA parameters by the comparisons of the data from ORA and biomechanical tests of rabbits with different ages and the simulations of ORA based on finite element methods. Further studies are needed to confirm the mechanical interpretation.
Hierarchical Evolution Model of Command and Control Network Based on Hypernetwork
Authors: Wang Yunming , Chen Bo , Chen Xiaoshuang , Pan Chengsheng
Published: July 2019

According to the hierarchical structure of command and control network and the characteristics of hypernetwork such as heterogeneous nodes and multiple links, a hierarchical evolution model of command and control network based on hypernetwork is established. Considering the nonuniqueness of the number and frequency of new joining nodes in different layers, a different number of new joining nodes are set in different layers, and the frequency of new joining nodes in each layer is set. A K(Mn+1) strategy of hierarchical joining of nodes is proposed. The theoretical derivation and simulation prove that the network model has scale-free characteristics. The simulation analysis of different measurement indicators shows that the hierarchical command and control hypernetwork has higher command efficiency, better connectivity between nodes, and stronger reliability of organizational structure.
Research on Defensive Strategy of Real-Time Price Attack Based on Multiperson Zero-Determinant
Authors: Xia Zhuoqun , Fang Zhenwei , Zou Fengfei , Wang Jin , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: July 2019

The smart grid solves the growing load demand of electrical customers through two-way real-time communication of electricity supply and demand sides and home energy management system (HEMS). However, these technical features also bring network security risks to the real-time price signal of the smart grid. The real-time price attack (RTPA) can maliciously raise the real-time price in smart meter, resulting in an increase in electrical customers load demand, causing the extensive damage to the power transmission lines due to overload. In this paper, we based on the behavioral relationship between load demand of electrical customers and real-time price of electricity suppliers (ES), defined the game relationship between RTPA, ES, and electrical customers, established a price elasticity of electricity demand (PEED) model, and proposed a defensive strategy of real-time price attack based on multiperson zero-determinant strategy (MPZDS). The experimental results show that the combination of MPZDS to some extent cut the expected load demand of electrical customers and protect the safety of power transmission lines.
Primary Gliosarcoma of the Cerebellum in a Young Pregnant Woman: Management Challenges and Immunohistochemical Features
Authors: Meloni Marco , Serra Salvatore , Bellisano Giulia , Syrmos Nikolaos , Jeyaretna Sanjeeva , Ganau Mario
Published: July 2019

Background. Gliosarcoma (GS) represents a rare, high-grade (WHO Grade IV), central nervous system neoplasm, characterized by a very poor prognosis. Similar to other high-grade gliomas, GS affects mainly adults in the 5th-7thdecade of life and presents a higher incidence in males. The most reported locations of GS are the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe, while only eight cases of GS originating from the posterior cranial fossa are reported in the literature.Case Description. We report the first case occurring during pregnancy in a 33-year-old patient. Diagnosis was obtained on the 15thweek of gestation when patient presented with signs and symptoms of life-threatening raised intracranial pressure. Surgical excision was followed by early recurrence and eventually disease progression because the patient refused adjuvant treatment to save her fetus.Conclusions. GS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior cranial fossa tumors with radiological features of meningioma or glioblastoma, even in young patients. To this regard, sarcomas, solitary fibrous tumors, and even metastases should be considered, especially in light of the tendency of GS to give rise to extracranial localizations. Whenever an aggressive management with radical excision and adjuvant treatment is not safely achievable, disease progression is likely to be unavoidable.
Electromagnetic Model of a SPR Sensor Coupled to Array of Nanoparticles by Periodic Green’s Function
Authors: Cruz André , Dmitriev Victor , Del Rosso Tommaso , Costa Karlo
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we present a theoretical study of a Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor in the Surface Plasmon Coupled Emission (SPCE) configuration. A periodic planar array of core-shell gold nanoparticles (AuNps), chemically functionalized to aggregate fluorescent molecules, is coupled to the sensor structure. These nanoparticles, characterized as target particles, are modeled as equivalent nanodipoles. The electromagnetic modeling of the device was performed using the spectral representation of the magnetic potential by Periodic Green’s Function (PGF). Parametric results of spatial electric and magnetic fields are presented at wavelength 632.8nm. We also present a spectral analysis of the magnetic potential, where we verify the appearance of the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves. To validate the analytical method, we compared the limit case of small concentration of nanoparticles with published works. We also present a convergence analysis of the solution as a function of the concentration of nanoparticles in the periodic array. The results show that the theoretical method of PFG can be efficiently used as a tool for design of this sensing device.
Cox-2 Negatively Affects the Protective Role of Propofol against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Induced Cardiomyocytes Apoptosis through Suppressing Akt Signaling
Authors: Ma Kangmu , Qiu Jiapei , Zhou Mi , Yang Yang , Ye Xiaofeng
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, the prevention of severe myocardium injury resulting from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) has been recognized as an important subject in the field of ischemic heart disease. In this study, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to cycles of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to mimic myocardial I/R injury. Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR were performed to detect the expression of Cox-2, Akt and p-Akt. Cell viability, LDH release and activity of Caspase-3 were assessed to determine the protective effect of propofol. The results proved that the protective effect of propofol for H/R challenged cardiomyocytes was associated with Akt phosphorylation. We also revealed that treatment of propofol suppressed the expression of Cox-2 in cardiomyocytes which was up-regulated after H/R treatment. Conversely, the over-expression of Cox-2 inhibited Akt phosphorylation while enhancing cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Interestingly, Akt activator exhibited similar protective effect with propofol and could diminish the influences brought by over-expression of Cox-2. Thus, it could be concluded that Cox-2 negatively affects the protective effect of propofol against hypoxia/reoxygenation induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by suppressing Akt phosphorylation.
Dual-Drug-Loaded Silk Fibroin/PLGA Scaffolds for Potential Bone Regeneration Applications
Authors: Yao Jihang , Wang Yilong , Ma Wendi , Dong Wenying , Zhang Mei , Sun Dahui
Published: July 2019

Developing scaffold materials with excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and controlled drug release properties is vital to tissue engineering. In this study, we fabricated silk fibroin (SF)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanofiber scaffolds containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) and dexamethasone (DXM) via coaxial electrospinning, which were used in in vitro bone formation with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). An in vitro drug release study was adopted to evaluate the sustained release potential of the core-shell structured nanofibers. Furthermore, we detected the potential of the SF/PLGA nanofiber membrane in vitro. In vitro studies showed that rhBMP2 still remained active on the nanofiber membrane. In addition, the dual-drug-loaded nanofiber membrane showed an early burst release of DXM and late sustained release of rhBMP2. rhBMP2 and DXM exhibited strong osteogenic differentiation potential when they acted on rBMSCs. Therefore, the SF/PLGA nanofiber membrane loaded with rhBMP2 and DXM has great potential for the enhancement of bone regeneration.