bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperamental markers in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Macari Suzanne L. , Koller Judah , Campbell Daniel J. , Chawarska Katarzyna
Published: March 2017

Background

Although temperament has been recognized as an important contributor to childhood psychopathology, its role in emergent autism spectrum phenotypes is not well understood. This study examined whether toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display temperamental vulnerabilities compared to toddlers with other developmental challenges, whether these characteristics are distinct from core autism symptoms, if they are stable over time, and if they contribute to social outcomes in preschool.

Methods

Parents of 165 toddlers with ASD, 58 nonverbal ability‐ and chronological age‐ (CA) matched developmentally delayed (DD) toddlers, and 92 CA‐matched typically developing (TD) toddlers completed the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire‐Supplemental (TBAQ‐S) at 26 months (SD = 6; Time 1). TBAQ‐S data were also available for a subset of toddlers with ASD (n = 126) at 43 months (SD = 9; Time 2).

Results

Compared to the DD and TD groups, toddlers with ASD exhibited vulnerabilities within the Effortful Control domain as well as the Surgency domain. They also displayed greater Negative Emotionality compared to TD peers. In the ASD group, temperamental characteristics were not concurrently related to autism severity or developmental level and individual differences were highly stable over time. Changes in Perceptual Sensitivity, Inhibitory Control, and Low‐Intensity Pleasure from age 2 to 3.5 uniquely predicted autism symptom severity and adaptive social skill level at Time 2.

Conclusions

Temperamental vulnerabilities in toddlers with ASD are stable over time and involve attentional and behavioral control as well as affective reactivity. They contribute uniquely to social outcomes in preschool and are likely to signal risk for developing later maladaptive attentional, affective, and behavioral symptoms. Considering biologically based dimensions may shed light on noncore facets of the early ASD phenotype that are potentially relevant to the emergence of comorbid conditions later in childhood.
Challenges to enabling and implementing Natural Flood Management in Scotland
Authors: Waylen K. A. , Holstead K. L. , Colley K. , Hopkins J.
Published: March 2017

We explore factors that constrain implementation of Natural Flood Management (NFM), based on qualitative analysis of interviews with those influencing and enabling flood risk management in Scotland.NFMentails collaboration by multiple individuals and organisations to plan and deliver measures such as re‐meandering or buffer strips. Our interviewees identified many interacting issues. They particularly focused on difficulties in securing resources, and evidence gaps and uncertainties associated withNFM. Co‐ordination was not simple, often requiring new types of skill, expertise, and resources.NFMis thus outside the ‘comfort zone’ of many leading or engaged with flood risk management. These experiences echo and elaborate on other studies of attempts to encourage sustainable flood management. To tackle these challenges, practitioners should reflect how pre‐existing ideas and practices may shape and constrain new approaches to managing floods, while research is needed on specific strategies that can assist in enabling change.
Comparative measurement of collagen bundle orientation by Fourier analysis and semiquantitative evaluation: reliability and agreement in Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius red and confocal microscopy techniques
Authors: MARCOS‐GARCÉS V. , HARVAT M. , MOLINA AGUILAR P. , FERRÁNDEZ IZQUIERDO A. , RUIZ‐SAURÍ A.
Published: March 2017

Measurement of collagen bundle orientation in histopathological samples is a widely used and useful technique in many research and clinical scenarios. Fourier analysis is the preferred method for performing this measurement, but the most appropriate staining and microscopy technique remains unclear. Some authors advocate the use of Haematoxylin‐Eosin (H&E) and confocal microscopy, but there are no studies comparing this technique with other classical collagen stainings. In our study, 46 human skin samples were collected, processed for histological analysis and stained with Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius red and H&E. Five microphotographs of the reticular dermis were taken with a 200× magnification with light microscopy, polarized microscopy and confocal microscopy, respectively. Two independent observers measured collagen bundle orientation with semiautomated Fourier analysis with the Image‐Pro Plus 7.0 software and three independent observers performed a semiquantitative evaluation of the same parameter. The average orientation for each case was calculated with the values of the five pictures. We analyzed the interrater reliability, the consistency between Fourier analysis and average semiquantitative evaluation and the consistency between measurements in Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius red and H&E‐confocal. Statistical analysis for reliability and agreement was performed with the SPSS 22.0 software and consisted of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland‐Altman plots and limits of agreement and coefficient of variation. Interrater reliability was almost perfect (ICC > 0.8) with all three histological and microscopy techniques and always superior in Fourier analysis than in average semiquantitative evaluation. Measurements were consistent between Fourier analysis by one observer and average semiquantitative evaluation by three observers, with an almost perfect agreement with Masson's trichrome and Picrosirius red techniques (ICC > 0.8) and a strong agreement with H&E‐confocal (0.7 < ICC < 0.8). Comparison of measurements between the three techniques for the same observer showed an almost perfect agreement (ICC > 0.8), better with Fourier analysis than with semiquantitative evaluation (single and average). These results in nonpathological skin samples were also confirmed in a preliminary analysis in eight scleroderma skin samples. Our results show that Masson's trichrome and Picrosirius red are consistent with H&E‐confocal for measuring collagen bundle orientation in histological samples and could thus be used indistinctly for this purpose. Fourier analysis is superior to average semiquantitative evaluation and should keep being used as the preferred method.
Two‐year follow‐up of patients with septic shock presenting with low HDL: the effect upon acute kidney injury, death and estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Roveran Genga K. , Lo C. , Cirstea M. , Zhou G. , Walley K. R. , Russell J. A. , Levin A. , Boyd J. H.
Published: March 2017

Background

Sepsis is associated with decreased levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL has anti‐inflammatory properties, and the use of Apo A‐I mimetic peptides is associated with renal function improvement in animal models of sepsis. However, it is not known whether decreased HDL level results in impaired renal function in human sepsis. We investigated whether low levels of HDL conferred an increased risk of sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI) or long‐term decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after sepsis.

Methods

HDL concentration (mg dL−1) was measured in plasma samples from 180 patients with septic shock at admission to the Emergency Department (ED). We divided the patients using median HDL as a cut‐off value and assessed the frequency of sepsis‐associated AKI and long‐term decreased eGFR after sepsis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Patients with low HDL had a significantly greater frequency of KDIGO 2 or 3 sepsis‐associated AKI [39/90 (43.3%) vs. 12/90 (13.3%), P < 0.001] and decreased long‐term eGFR [24/58 (41.4%) vs. 11/57 (19.3%), P = 0.018] compared to those with high HDL. The adjusted OR for sepsis‐associated AKI and decreased eGFR after sepsis in the lower HDL group was 2.80 (95% CI 1.08–7.25, P = 0.033) and 5.45 (95% CI 1.57–18.93, P = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusion

Low HDL levels during sepsis are associated with increased risk of sepsis‐associated AKI, and/or subsequent decreased eGFR. These results suggest that HDL may be involved and/or may be a marker of kidney injury during and after sepsis.
Rural Hospital Employment of Physicians and Use of Cesareans and Nonindicated Labor Induction
Authors: Prasad Shailendra , Hung Peiyin , Henning‐Smith Carrie , Casey Michelle , Kozhimannil Katy
Published: March 2017

Objective

Workforce issues constrain obstetric care services in rural US hospitals, and one strategy hospitals use is to employ physicians to provide obstetric care. However, little is known about the relationship between hospital employment of maternity care physicians and use of obstetric care procedures in rural hospitals. We examined the association between obstetric physician employment and use of cesareans and nonindicated labor induction.

Study Design

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of a telephone survey of all 306 rural hospitals providing obstetric care in 9 states from November 2013 to March 2014 and linked the survey data (N = 263, 86% response rate) to all‐payer childbirth data on maternity care utilization from 2013 Statewide Inpatient Database (SID) hospital discharge data.

Methods

Using logistic regression models, we assessed the proportion of a hospital's maternity care physicians employed by the hospital and estimated its association with utilization of low‐risk and nonindicated cesareans, and nonindicated labor induction.

Results

Rural hospitals that employed family physicians but not obstetricians had lower cesarean rates among low‐risk pregnancies. Rural hospitals that employed only obstetricians did not show a relationship between employment and procedure utilization. Across hospitals with both obstetricians and family physicians, a 10% higher proportion of obstetricians employed was associated with 4.6% higher low‐risk cesarean rates (4.6% [0.7%‐8.4%]), while no significant relationship was found for the proportion of family physicians employed by a hospital.

Conclusions

In rural US hospitals, associations between physician employment and obstetric procedure use differed by physician mix and the types of physicians employed.
Integrating postural and vestibular dimensions to depict impairment in moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients
Authors: Micarelli Alessandro , Liguori Claudio , Viziano Andrea , Izzi Francesca , Placidi Fabio , Alessandrini Marco
Published: March 2017

Vestibular dysfunction was linked to moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients in literature. However, due to a lack of knowledge among valid and recent implementations conceived to study postural control on static posturography (SP) and vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) gain under physiological conditions (video Head Impulse Test; vHIT), the aim of this work was to integrate (i) VOR changes via vHIT implementation, (ii) postural arrangement by studying both classical parameters and frequency spectra (PS) and (iii) correlation between these findings, polygraphic (PG) and subjective scores along Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Thus, 32 moderate‐to‐severe OSAS patients and 32 healthy subjects – studied by using PG, DHI and ESS – underwent vHIT and SP posturographic assessment. Analysis of variance was performed to disclose between‐group effects and correlation analysis was implemented between otoneurological, PG, DHI and ESS values. OSAS group demonstrated a significant decay of VOR gain and an increase in both frequency spectra PS values, especially within the low‐frequency interval, and in classical posturographic SP parameters. Further, positive and negative correlations between mean SaO2 and gain and low frequency interval spectra PS were found, respectively. Strengthening previous hypothesis related to brainstem chronic hypoxemia phenomena affecting vestibular network, implementation of these data could generate future attentions (i) for screening under physiological conditions postural and vestibular detriments in OSAS subjects, especially exposed at risk settings, and (ii) among PG parameters, such as mean SaO2, to propose further reliable tools in monitoring postural and vestibular decay in these patients demonstrating PG parameters detriments.
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in a Horse with Cervical Scoliosis and Meningomyelitis
Authors: Mittelman N.S. , Divers T.J. , Engiles J.B. , Gerhold R. , Ness S. , Scrivani P.V. , Southard T. , Johnson A.L.
Published: March 2017

There are reports of horses with acute onset acquired cervical scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia. The underlying dorsal gray column myelitis that produces these neurologic signs has been only presumptively attributed to migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis within the spinal cord. Despite previous confirmation brain by polymerase chain reaction testing, of P. tenuis within the brain of horses by polymerase chain reaction testing, genetic testing has failed to definitively identify the presence of this parasite in cases of equine myelitis. This case report provides molecular confirmation via polymerase chain reaction of P. tenuis within the cervical spinal cord of a horse with scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia.
RFID Enabled Knowledge‐Based Precast Construction Supply Chain
Authors: Wang Zhaojing , Hu Hao , Zhou Wei
Published: March 2017

Radio frequency identification (RFID) helps improve supply chain efficiency by providing item‐level identification and real‐time information. Today, barcode continues to be the main identification technology for precast construction applications. In this research, we investigate the data‐driven mechanisms and benefits of utilizing RFID in knowledge‐based precast construction supply chains. With computer‐aided self‐learning capability, we simulate three models for manual‐, barcode‐, and RFID‐enabled precast construction supply chain. The results of 100 precast wall‐panel construction in a two‐echelon precast construction supply chain reveal that the knowledge‐based RFID system could generate 62.0% saving of operational costs, which is 29.0% higher than that of a barcode‐based system. As a result, the computer‐aided adaptive learning mechanism based on RFID is verifiable to improve the overall operational performance by reducing lead time, operational errors, and costs. Due to the lack of existing literature of data technology utilization in the precast construction industry, our findings in this research could improve the decision making regarding technology selection, as well as help with the operationalization of RFID and transformation to intelligent precast construction management in big data environment.
Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Turning Behavior in Potential Conflict Area of Mixed‐Flow Intersections
Authors: Ma Zian , Xie Jianbo , Qi Xiao , Xu Yiming , Sun Jian
Published: March 2017

The potential conflict area of intersection is the space where conflicting traffic flows pass through in the same signal phase. At this area, turning vehicles interact with most traffic flows, which introduce complex features including variation of trajectories and shared‐priority phenomenon. The traditional one‐dimensional simulation oversimplifies these features with lane‐based assumption. This study integrates the modified social force model with behavior decision and movement constraints to reproduce the two‐dimensional turning process. The method is framed into a three‐layered mathematical model. First, the decision layer dynamically makes decision for turning patterns. Then the operation layer uses the modified social force model to initially generate vehicle movements. Finally, the constraint layer modifies the vehicular motion with vehicle dynamics constraints, boundary of intersection and the collision avoidance rule. The proposed model is validated using trajectories of left‐turn vehicles at a real‐world mixed‐flow intersection with nonprotected signal phases, resulting in a more realistic simulation than previous methods. The distributions of decision points and travel time in simulation are compared with the empirical data in statistics. Moreover, the spatial distribution of simulated trajectories is also satisfactory.
The transporter SynPAM71 is located in the plasma membrane and thylakoids, and mediates manganese tolerance in Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Gandini Chiara , Schmidt Sidsel Birkelund , Husted Søren , Schneider Anja , Leister Dario
Published: March 2017

Manganese (Mn) is an essential constituent of photosystem II (PSII) and therefore indispensable for oxygenic photosynthesis. Very little is known about how Mn is transported, delivered and retained in photosynthetic cells. Recently, the thylakoid‐localized transporter PAM71 has been linked to chloroplast Mn homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we characterize the function of its homolog in Synechocystis (SynPAM71).

We used a loss‐of‐function line (ΔSynPAM71), wild‐type (WT) cells exposed to Mn stress and strains expressing a tagged variant of SynPAM71 to characterize the role of SynPAM71 in cyanobacterial Mn homeostasis.

The ΔSynPAM71 strain displays an Mn‐sensitive phenotype with reduced levels of chlorophyll and PSI accumulation, defects in PSII photochemistry and intracellular Mn enrichment, particularly in the thylakoid membranes. These effects are attributable to Mn toxicity, as very similar symptoms were observed in WT cells exposed to excess Mn. Moreover, CyanoP, which is involved in the early steps of PSII assembly, is massively upregulated in ΔSynPAM71. SynPAM71 was detected in both the plasma membrane and, to a lesser extent, the thylakoid membranes.

Our results suggest that SynPAM71 is involved in the maintenance of Mn homeostasis through the export of Mn from the cytoplasm into the periplasmic and luminal compartments, where it can be stored without interfering with cytoplasmic metabolic processes.
Fossilization processes of graptolites: insights from the experimental decay of Rhabdopleura sp. (Pterobranchia)
Authors: Beli Elena , Piraino Stefano , Cameron Christopher B.
Published: March 2017

Laboratory experiments documenting the decomposition pattern of extant organisms are used to reconstruct the anatomy and taphonomy of fossil taxa. The subclass Graptolithina (Hemichordata: Pterobranchia) is a significant fossil taxon of the Palaeozoic era, represented by just one modern genus, Rhabdopleura. The rich graptolite fossil record is characterized by an almost total absence of fossil zooids. Here we investigated the temporal decay pattern of Rhabdopleura sp. tubes, stolons and single zooids removed from the tubarium. Tubes showed decay after four days, when fuselli began to separate from the tube walls. This rapid loss may explain the absence of fuselli from some graptolite fossils. The black stolon did not show decay until day 155. One day after their removal, zooids quickly decomposed in the following temporal sequence: (1) tentacles; (2) ectoderm; (3) arms; (4) gut; (5) cephalic shield, leading to complete disappearance of recognizable body parts in the majority of experimental zooids within 64–104 h. The most resistant zooid features to decay (61 days) were black‐pigmented granules. These results indicate that tubes and the black stolon would persist for weeks across death, transport and burial, whereas a complete decay of zooid features occurs in few days, providing an explanation for the overall poor record of fossil graptolite zooids and suggesting that recorded silhouettes of fossil zooids may be attributed to fossil decay‐resistant pigments.
Efficacy and Safety of Targeted High‐Intensity Medium‐Band (304–312 nm) Ultraviolet B Light in Pediatric Vitiligo
Authors: Dong Da‐Ke , Pan Zhan‐Yan , Zhang Juan , Lu Xue‐Fen , Jin Cheng , Tao Shi‐Qin , Yang Li‐Jia
Published: March 2017

Background/Objectives

Phototherapy is a commonly used treatment for vitiligo that has demonstrated safety and efficacy. High‐intensity targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) light (304–312 nm) delivered using a phototherapy device is a useful therapeutic option because it can induce repigmentation in a short time without global exposure to radiation, but information regarding this device in children is limited.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 95 patches of vitiligo in 27 children treated using a targeted phototherapy device. Phototherapy was administered twice a week.

Results

After the first 10 treatment sessions, 82 (86.3%) patches demonstrated some repigmentation and 36.8% achieved 50% or more repigmentation. After a mean of 20.4 treatment sessions, 86 patches (90%) demonstrated some repigmentation and 53.7% achieved 50% or more repigmentation. Responses varied depending on the anatomic location of the lesions. Better responses were usually observed on the face and trunk, whereas the extremities typically showed little response. Repigmentation was better in patients with active vitiligo than in those with stable vitiligo, with responses better with a disease duration of 1 year or less than in those with a duration of more than 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference in repigmentation between those with segmental and generalized vitiligo. The only short‐term local side effect was mild erythema that required a decrease in dosage in six patients.

Conclusion

Targeted high‐intensity medium‐band UVB phototherapy alone can produce clinical improvement in pediatric vitiligo and is well tolerated.
Introducing Enterprise Risk Management Into the University Classroom: A Case Study
Authors: Bruhn Aaron , Whiting Bronwen , Browne Bridget , Higgins Timothy , Tan Chong It
Published: March 2017

This article reports on the challenges faced when enterprise risk management courses (commonly studied by practitioners after several years of actuarial practice) were introduced into a postgraduate coursework degree, and taught concurrently with Actuarial Control Cycle (Part II) units. A small sample of students were interviewed, and the information gleaned from these interviews combined with the reflections provided by teaching staff is used to argue that although not problem‐free, the overall gain to students makes the project worthwhile. Assessment structure and use of class time in particular are examined as key features of the class, and potential improvements are suggested.
The Relation between Ethnic and Civic Views on Citizenship, Attitudes towards Immigrants and Sympathy for Welfare Recipients
Authors: Vandoninck Joost , Meeusen Cecil , Dejaeghere Yves
Published: March 2017

In this study we investigate the relationship between different definitions of national citizenship, sympathy for welfare recipients, and how this relation is mediated by attitudes towards immigrants. We make use of the 2008 wave of the Belgian Political Panel Survey 2006–11, in which over 4,800 18‐year‐old adolescents were questioned. The results demonstrate that an agreement with both ethnic and civic definitions of national citizenship is related to reduced sympathy for welfare recipients, although the association with an ethnic view on citizenship is clearly dominant. Furthermore, these relations are almost entirely of an indirect nature: ethnic and civic citizenship attitudes are associated with negative views on immigrants, which, in turn, is the key variable that is associated with reduced sympathy for welfare recipients.
Geographies of Local Government Stress after the Great Recession
Authors: Kim Yunji , Warner Mildred E.
Published: March 2017

Local governments in the USA are facing increased levels of fiscal stress after the Great Recession. We conducted a national survey in 2012 to assess differences in sources of stress and service delivery responses (privatization, inter‐municipal co‐operation, and public delivery) across places. Our discriminant analysis on 1,889 US cities and counties contributes to the literature on state rescaling. We differentiate three types of stress: fiscal, housing market decline and demographic. Fiscal stress and demographic stress are linked and highest in metro core and rural places, while housing market decline is associated with population density and revenue diversification. Diverse revenue sources can ameliorate some of the fiscal challenges brought on by housing market decline. Regarding service delivery, we find privatization and co‐operation are higher in suburbs. State aid dependence is highest in rural and metro core areas with greater need, but decrease in state aid is highest in the South and West, where fiscal stress is also highest. Decentralization has exacerbated spatial inequality in the wake of the Great Recession challenging the efficiency claims of fiscal federalism. More redistributive state policies are needed.
Identification of a novel allele, HLA‐B*15:01:23, in a platelet donor by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Li J.‐P. , Li X.‐F. , Zhang X. , Lin F.‐Q. , Zhang K.‐L.
Published: March 2017

HLA‐B*15:01:23 has 1 synonymous nucleotide change from HLA‐B*15:01:01:01 at nucleotide 393 (codon 107 glycine).
Mouthing of Soil Contaminated Objects is Associated with Environmental Enteropathy in Young Children
Authors: Morita Tomohiko , Perin Jamie , Oldja Lauren , Biswas Shwapon , Sack R. Bradley , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Haque Rashidul , Bhuiyan Nurul Amin , Parvin Tahmina , Bhuyian Sazzadul Islam , Akter Mahmuda , Talukder Kaisar A. , Shahnaij Mohammad , Faruque Abu G. , George Christine Marie
Published: March 2017

Objective

To characterise childhood mouthing behaviours and to investigate the association between object‐to‐mouth and food‐to‐mouth contacts, diarrhoea prevalence and environmental enteropathy.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted of 216 children ≤30 months of age in rural Bangladesh. Mouthing contacts with soil and food and objects with visible soil were assessed by 5‐h structured observation. Stool was analysed for four faecal markers of intestinal inflammation: alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, myeloperoxidase, neopterin and calprotectin.

Results

Overall 82% of children were observed mouthing soil, objects with visible soil, or food with visible soil during the structured observation period. Sixty two percent of children were observed mouthing objects with visible soil, 63% were observed mouthing food with visible soil, and 18% were observed mouthing soil only. Children observed mouthing objects with visible soil had significantly elevated faecal calprotectin concentrations (206.81 μg/g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.27, 407.36). There was also a marginally significant association between Escherichia coli counts in soil from a child's play space and the prevalence rate of diarrhoea (diarrhoea prevalence ratio: 2.03, 95% CI 0.97, 4.25).

Conclusion

These findings provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that childhood mouthing behaviour in environments with faecal contamination can lead to environmental enteropathy in susceptible paediatric populations. Furthermore, these findings suggest that young children mouthing objects with soil, which occurred more frequently than soil directly (60% vs. 18%), was an important exposure route to faecal pathogens and a risk factor for environmental enteropathy.
The effects of cryopreservation on the expression of canine regulatory T‐cell markers
Authors: Tarpataki Noemi , Wawrzyniak Marcin , Akdis Cezmi A. , Rückert Beate , Meli Marina L. , Fischer Nina M. , Favrot Claude , Rostaher Ana
Published: March 2017

Background

Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been described as key regulators in various immunological processes and are of growing interest in veterinary allergy. Cryopreservation of immune cells is performed routinely in human basic science research and in clinical studies. As such, it allows batch testing of collected samples at a single time point, resulting in a significant reduction in sample variability. Data which describe the effects of cryopreservation on Treg cell frequency and functionality in the canine species are important to inform future research.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish a robust freeze/thaw procedure and flow cytometric staining protocol for canine Treg cells, and to compare the frequencies of different canine Treg cell phenotypes before and after cryopreservation.

Animals

Nine privately owned dogs.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and Treg cells stained and analysed by flow cytometry, before and after three months of cryopreservation. The recovery percentages and the corresponding correlations (fresh versus cryopreserved) for CD4+CD25+, CD4+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cell populations were calculated.

Results

A high recovery rate of 97.2 (r = 0.94, P < 0.0001), 93.9 (r = 0.77, P < 0.01) and 101.7% (r = 0.99, P < 0.0001) for CD4+CD25+, CD4+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cell populations, respectively, was observed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an optimized protocol for freezing, thawing and quantifying canine Treg cells. These results indicate that cryopreservation does not substantially affect the expression of surface and intracellular markers of canine Treg cells; however, additional studies will be necessary to assess whether functionality of the cells is also maintained.
Effects of Fuel Quantity on Soot Formation Process for Biomass-Based Renewable Diesel Fuel Combustion
Authors: Jing Wei , Wu Zengyang , Roberts William L. , Fang Tiegang
Published: March 2017

Soot formation process was investigated for biomass-based renewable diesel fuel, such as biomass to liquid (BTL), and conventional diesel combustion under varied fuel quantities injected into a constant volume combustion chamber. Soot measurement was implemented by two-color pyrometry under quiescent type diesel engine conditions (1000 K and 21% O2 concentration). Different fuel quantities, which correspond to different injection widths from 0.5 ms to 2 ms under constant injection pressure (1000 bar), were used to simulate different loads in engines. For a given fuel, soot temperature and KL factor show a different trend at initial stage for different fuel quantities, where a higher soot temperature can be found in a small fuel quantity case. but a higher KL factor is observed in a large fuel quantity case generally. Another difference occurs at the end of combustion due to the termination of fuel injection. Additionally, BTL flame has a lower soot temperature, especially under a larger fuel quantity (2 ms injection width). Meanwhile, average soot level is lower for BTL flame, especially under a lower fuel quantity (0.5 ms injection width). BTL shows an overall low sooting behavior with low soot temperature compared to diesel; however, trade-off between soot level and soot temperature needs to be carefully selected when different loads are used.
Gynandromorphism and local morphological abnormalities in Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Pfeffer Martin
Published: March 2017

Morphological abnormalities in ticks seem to be very rare phenomena. In this paper, we describe interesting anomalies in adult Dermacentor reticulatus collected as questing ticks by flagging as part of a tick-borne encephalitis program in Battaune, Federal State of Saxony, Germany, at the end of September 2016. The observed anomalies in the three D. reticulatus adults were: general anomalies (gynandromorphism) and local anomalies (malformation of capitulum and abnormalities of appendages). One D. reticulatus specimen displayed gynandromorphism, the presence of both male and female features within the same organism. One female showed abnormal morphology of right palp, while also missing the right porose area, and multiple atrophied extremities: i.e. of the right leg IV and of the left legs III and IV. The third specimen, a male, presented an atrophied extremity of the right leg III (meiomely). This is the first report of complete mosaic type gynandromorphism in a flagged D. reticulatus and the first report of morphological abnormalities in D. reticulatus in Germany.
Sampling the sound field in auditoria using large natural-scale array measurements
Authors: Witew Ingo B. , Vorländer Michael , Xiang Ning
Published: March 2017

Suitable data for spatial wave field analyses in concert halls need to satisfy the sampling theorem and hence requires densely spaced measurement positions over extended regions. The described measurement apparatus is capable of automatically sampling the sound field in auditoria over a surface of 5.30 m × 8.00 m to any appointed resolutions. In addition to discussing design features, a case study based on measured impulse responses is presented. The experimental data allow wave field animations demonstrating how sound propagating at grazing incidence over theater seating is scattered from rows of chairs (seat-dip effect). The visualized data of reflections and scattering from an auditorium's boundaries give insights and opportunities for advanced analyses.
Amelioration of oxidative stress by dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) seeds is potentiated by onion (Allium cepaL.) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pradeep Seetur R. , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: March 2017

Oxidative stress has a crucial role in the progression of diabetes and its complications. Soluble fibre-rich fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) are understood to have a beneficial effect in the management of diabetes. Previously, we have shown that the amelioration of diabetic hyperglycemia and related metabolic abnormalities was potentiated by onion (Allium cepa L.) in experimental rats. The present study evaluated the additive beneficial effect of dietary fenugreek seeds (10%) and onion (3%) on oxidative stress in diabetic rats. These dietary interventions lowered oxidative stress, the combination producing a higher beneficial effect (p < 0.05), although not additive. Dietary fenugreek, onion, or fenugreek+onion countered hypercholesterolemia (p < 0.05), especially from low-density lipoprotein−associated fraction by 43%, 35%, and 54%, respectively. Elevated concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and heart under diabetic conditions were significantly counteracted by these dietary interventions, with the additive combination resulting in greater effect. These findings were also corroborated by restoration of histopathological abnormalities of heart and liver tissues along with lowered heart and liver weights. It is inferred that an alleviation of oxidative stress contributes further to the antidiabetic influence and this nutraceutical potential of fenugreek seeds and onion was higher when consumed together.
Load-transfer platform behaviour in embankments supported on semi-rigid columns: implications of the ground reaction curve
Authors: King Daniel J. , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Gniel Joel R. , Rowe R. Kerry , Bui Ha H.
Published: March 2017

Post-construction data from an instrumented geosynthetic reinforced column supported embankment (GRCSE) on drilled displacement columns in Melbourne, Australia, show the time-dependent development of arching over the 2 year monitoring period and a strong relationship between the development of arching stresses and subsoil settlement. A ground reaction curve is adopted to describe the development of arching stresses and good agreement is found for the period observed thus far. Predictions of arching stresses and load-transfer platform behaviour are presented for the remaining design life. Four phases of arching stress development (initial, maximum, load-recovery, and creep strain phases) are shown to describe the time-dependent, and subsoil-dependent, development of arching stresses that can be expected to occur in many field embankments. Of the four phases, the load-recovery phase is the most important with respect to load-transfer platform design, as it predicts the breakdown of arching stresses in the long term due to increasing subsoil settlement. This has important implications in assessing the appropriate design stress for the geosynthetic reinforcement layers, but also the deformation of the load-transfer platform in the long term.
On the expanding phase of a singular bounce and intermediate inflation: The modified gravity description
Authors: Oikonomou V. K.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that the intermediate inflation scenario is a singular inflation cosmology, with the singularity at the origin t = 0 being a pressure and energy density singularity and particularly a Type III singularity. Also, we show that the expanding phase of a singular bounce can be identical to the intermediate inflation scenario, if the singular bounce has a Type III singularity at the origin. For the intermediate inflation scenario we examine the cosmological implications on the power spectrum in the context of various forms of modified gravity. Particularly, we calculate the power spectrum in the context of F(R), F(G) Gauss–Bonnet gravity and also for F(T) gravity and we discuss the viability of each scenario by comparing the resulting spectral index with the latest observational data.
Polarization states of gravitational waves in modified theories
Authors: Kausar Hafiza Rizwana
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present polarization states of gravitational waves in modified theories. Particularly, we consider scalar–tensor theory and evaluate the extra polarization modes which appear other than the theory of general relativity. It is found that these metric theories present two extra states of polarization, the breathing massless transverse and massive longitudinal mode in the direction of propagation.
General relativity tests with space clocks in highly elliptic orbits
Authors: Jetzer Philippe
Published: March 2017

The test of the Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP) is of crucial importance as a deviation from it could hint to quantum effects in gravity or to unification with the other fundamental forces. One aspect of EEP is the local position invariance (LPI), which can be tested by measuring the gravitational red-shift. As an example of a possible space mission which could test the EEP, we will discuss a recently proposed satellite experiment, Einstein Gravitational RedShift Probe (E-GRIP), with the aim to test LPI using an hydrogen maser atomic clock on a highly elliptic orbit around Earth and compare the on-board clock to clocks located on Earth via a microwave link.
Global solutions to a nonlinear wave system arising from cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Hu Yanbo
Published: March 2017

We investigate a one-dimensional nonlinear wave system which is the Euler–Lagrange equations of a variational principle modeling a type of cholesteric liquid crystals. Due to the chiral effect, the Lagrangian density of the variational principle includes linear terms as well as quadratic terms in derivatives of the field, which is different from the nematic liquid crystals. Moreover, the linear terms and zero term in derivatives of the field might cause the energy to be negative in some cases. By using the method of energy-dependent coordinates and the Young measure theory, we establish the global existence of weak solutions to its Cauchy problem under some conditions on the coefficients.
Real-Time SoC Security against Passive Threats Using Crypsis Behavior of Geckos
Authors: Guha Krishnendu , Saha Debasri , Chakrabarti Amlan
Published: March 2017

The rapid evolution of the embedded era has witnessed globalization for the design of SoC architectures in the semiconductor design industry. Though issues of cost and stringent marketing deadlines have been resolved in such a methodology, yet the root of hardware trust has been evicted. Malicious circuitry, a.k.a. Hardware Trojan Horse (HTH), is inserted by adversaries in the less trusted phases of design. A HTH remains dormant during testing but gets triggered at runtime to cause sudden active and passive attacks. In this work, we focus on the runtime passive threats based on the parameter delay. Nature-inspired algorithms offer an alternative to the conventional techniques for solving complex problems in the domain of computer science. However, most are optimization techniques and none is dedicated to security. We seek refuge to the crypsis behavior exhibited by geckos in nature to generate a runtime security technique for SoC architectures, which can bypass runtime passive threats of a HTH. An adaptive security intellectual property (IP) that works on the proposed security principles is designed. Embedded timing analysis is used for experimental validation. Low area and power overhead of our proposed security IP over standard benchmarks and practical crypto SoC architectures as obtained in experimental results supports its applicability for practical implementations.
GECCO 2016 in numbers
Authors: Friedrich Tobias
Published: March 2017

Overall 381 papers were submitted to 15 different tracks by 948 authors from 393 different institutions from more than 55 countries. 30 track chairs and 647 reviewers wrote 1740 reviews to select 143 full papers (8 pages in the proceedings) and 75 poster papers (2 pages in the companion).
SIGEVO plenary lecture in memory of John Holland
Authors: Forrest Stephanie
Published: March 2017

Biological design principles can potentially change the way we study, engineer, maintain, and develop large dynamic software systems. For example, computer programmers like to think of software as the product of intelligent design, carefully crafted to meet well-specified goals. In reality, large software systems evolve inadvertently through the actions of many individual programmers, often leading to unanticipated consequences. Because software is subject to constraints similar to those faced by evolving biological systems, we have much to gain by viewing software through the lens of biology. The talk will highlight how abstractions of biological processes can lead to new computational algorithms and engineering principles using examples from my own research. Specifically, it will show how the biological concepts of Darwinian evolution and immunology can be applied to problems such as repairing software bugs and cybersecurity.
Bullwhips & beer
Authors: Phelan Michael
Published: March 2017

Over the last 30 years, the field of supply chain management has received widespread attention from researchers and practitioners across a broad range of disciplines. During this time companies have moved from centrally controlled supply chains towards the outsourcing of non-core functions, requiring new and innovative approaches to how these supply chains are optimised.
Evolutionary computation, Winter 2016, vol. 24
Authors: Chicano Francisco , Blum Christian , Ochoa Gabriela
Published: March 2017

In combinatorial optimization, the goal is to find an optimal solution, according to some objective function, from a discrete search space. These problems arise widely in industry and academia and, unfortunately, many of them are NP-hard and no polynomial time algorithm can guarantee their solution to a certified optimality unless P=NP. Therefore, in the last decades researchers have investigated the use of stochastic search algorithms to find near optimal solutions to these problems. In particular, great research efforts have been devoted to the development and application of metaheuristic algorithms to solve combinatorial optimization problems

This special issue contains six high-quality articles addressing practical applications and theoretical developments of metaheuristic algorithms in the context of combinatorial optimization problems. The articles in this issue have been selected from among 23 submissions after a thorough peer review process. Their contents, outlined in the next paragraphs, reflect the diversity of the application domains and the methods applied to solve the problems.
The genesis of genetic programming
Authors: Forsyth Richard S.
Published: March 2017

This article takes a participant-observer's look back at the genealogy of the computational method now known as Genetic Programming (GP for short). In so doing, it treats GP as a case study for elucidating the process of technical innovation. Working on the assumption that the contrast between sudden Eureka and stepwise improvement is a polarity rather than a sharp dichotomy, it introduces a simple technique for identifying the main steps in the march of GP from margin to mainstream. It is argued that this approach could be applied more widely to other areas of scientific or technological advance - possibly even offering the prospect of resolution to some of the more belligerent academic- priority disputes.
PPSN 2016
Authors: Esparcia Anna
Published: March 2017

The 14th International Conference on Parallel Problem Solving from Nature was held in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, from September 17th to the 21st. PPSN is a medium-sized conference (152 registered participants) where emphasis is on exchange of ideas among participants; this is achieved by the poster sessions, in which authors and their audiences can interact in an open and informal manner.
Towards analyzing multimodality of multiobjective landscapes
Authors: Kerschke Pascal , Wang Hao , Preuss Mike , Grimme Christian , Deutz André , Trautmann Heike , Emmerich Michael
Published: March 2017

This paper formally defines multimodality in multiobjective optimization (MO). We introduce a test-bed in which multimodal MO problems with known properties can be constructed as well as numerical characteristics of the resulting landscape. Gradient- and local search based strategies are compared on exemplary problems together with specific performance indicators in the multimodal MO setting. By this means the foundation for Exploratory Landscape Analysis in MO is provided.
Problem features vs. algorithm performance on rugged multi-objective combinatorial fitness landscapes
Authors: Daolio Fabio , Liefooghe Arnaud , Verel Sébastien , Aguirre Hernán , Tanaka Kiyoshi
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we attempt to understand and to contrast the impact of performance of randomized search heuristics for black-box multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems. At first, we measure the performance of two conventional dominance-based approaches with unbounded archive on a benchmark of enumerable binary optimization problems with tunable ruggedness, objective space dimension, and objective correlation (ρMNK-landscapes). Precisely, we investigate the expected runtime required by a global evolutionary optimization algorithm with an ergodic variation operator (GSEMO) and by a neighborhood-based local search heuristic (PLS), to identify a -approximation of the Pareto set. Then, we define a number of problem features characterizing the fitness landscape, and we study their intercorrelation and their association with algorithm runtime on the benchmark instances. At last, with a mixed-effects multi-linear regression we assess the individual and joint effect of problem features on the performance of both algorithms, within and across the instance classes defined by benchmark parameters. Our analysis reveals further insights into the importance of ruggedness and multi-modality to characterize instance hardness for this family of multi-objective optimization problems and algorithms.
Online genetic improvement on the java virtual machine with ECSELR
Authors: Yeboah-Antwi Kwaku , Baudry Benoit
Published: March 2017

Online Genetic Improvement embeds the ability to evolve and adapt inside a target software system enabling it to improve at runtime without any external dependencies or human intervention. We recently developed a general purpose tool enabling Online Genetic Improvement in software systems running on the java virtual machine. This tool, dubbed ECSELR, is embedded inside extant software systems at runtime, enabling such systems to self-improve and adapt autonomously online. We present this tool, describing its architecture and focusing on its design choices and possible uses.