bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and expression of FGF2 gene in pre‐implantation developmental stages of in vitro‐produced sheep embryos
Authors: Mor A , Mondal S , Reddy IJ , Nandi S , Gupta PSP
Published: April 2018

Contents

Early embryonic mortality is one of the main sources of reproductive loss in domestic ruminants including sheep. Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) is a member of FGFs family that mediates trophoblast activities and regulates embryonic development in various species. In this study, we have cloned, characterized sheep FGF2 cDNA (KU316368) and studied the expression in sheep embryos. Ovaries of non‐pregnant sheep were collected from local abattoir and matured in culture medium at 38.5ºC, 5% CO2, 95% humidity for 22–24 hr. The matured oocytes were inseminated with capacitated spermatozoa in Brackett and Oliphant medium and resulted embryos were cultured in CO2 incubator for 6–7 days to complete the developmental stages from two cells to blastocyst stage. Total RNA was extracted from immature oocytes (n = 100), mature oocytes (n = 100) and different stages of embryos such as 2 cell (n = 50), 4 cell (n = 25), 8 cell (n = 12), 16 cell (n = 6), morula (n = 5) and blastocyst (n = 3). The total RNA isolated from the oocytes and embryos was reverse transcribed and subjected to real‐time polymerase chain reaction using sequence‐specific primers and SYBR green as the DNA dye. On sequence analysis, the nucleotide sequence of sheep FGF2 exhibited highest sequence similarity with cattle (100%) and least with rat and mouse (69.2%). At the deduced amino acid level, a highest degree of similarity was noticed with cattle, buffalo, goat, pig, camel and horse (100%) and lowest degree of identity with rat, human and mouse (98.2%). The FGF2 mRNA expression was higher in immature and mature oocytes and gradually decreases from 2‐cell stage of embryo to the blastocyst stage. More over a significant differences in FGF2 mRNA expression (p < .05) were observed between immature oocytes and all pre‐implantation stages of embryo. It can be concluded that FGF‐2 plays a significant role in pre‐implantation and early development of embryos in sheep.
Impact of limb weakness on extubation failure after planned extubation in medical patients
Authors: Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Nam Jimyoung , Ko Myeong Gyun , Chung Chi Ryang , Suh Gee Young , Jeon Kyeongman
Published: April 2018

Background and objective

Limb muscle weakness is associated with difficult weaning. However, there are limited data on extubation failure. The objective of this cohort study was to evaluate the association between limb muscle weakness according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and extubation failure rates among patients in a medical intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

All consecutive medical ICU patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 24 h and who were weaned according to protocol were prospectively registered, and limb muscle weakness was assessed using the MRC scale on the day of planned extubation. Association of limb muscle weakness with extubation failure within 48 h following planned extubation was evaluated with logistic regression analysis.

Results

Over the study period, 377 consecutive patients underwent planned extubation through a standardized weaning process. Extubation failure occurred in 106 (28.1%) patients. Median scores on the MRC scale for four limbs were lower in patients with extubation failure (14, interquartile range (IQR) 12–16) than in patients without extubation failure (16, IQR 12–18; P = 0.024). In addition, extubation failure rates decreased significantly with increasing quartiles of MRC scores (P for trend <0.001). In multivariable analysis, MRC scores ≤10 points were independently associated with extubation failure within 48 h (adjusted OR 2.131, 95% CI: 1.071–4.240, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Limb muscle weakness assessed on the day of extubation was found to be independently associated with higher extubation failure rates within 48 h following planned extubation in medical patients.
Some mitochondrial genes perform better for damselfly phylogenetics: species‐ and population‐level analyses of four complete mitogenomes of Euphaea sibling species
Authors: Cheng Yun‐Chieh , Chen Ming‐Yu , Wang Jo‐Fan , Liang Ai‐Ping , Lin Chung‐Ping
Published: April 2018

Animal mitochondrial genes continue to provide an efficient and inexpensive assessment of genetic diversity. However, which mitochondrial genes should be selected to best estimate species phylogeny and population genealogy remains uncertain for most under‐sampled taxa. We analysed four complete mitochondrial genomes of sibling species of Euphaea damselflies, E. decorata, E. ornata, E. formosa and E. yayeyamana (Insecta, Odonata, Euphaeidae), to examine the patterns of selection and to evaluate the phylogenetic utility of the mitochondrial genes compared with nuclear genes. The results indicated that mitochondrial protein‐coding nad2 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2) and noncoding A + T‐rich (control region) genes have the highest mutation rates and more phylogenetic utility [higher parsimony‐informative sites; higher α (the shape parameter of gamma distribution); lower rates of heterogeneity among sites; and higher relative substitution rates] than all the other mitochondrial and nuclear genes analysed. In contrast, the animal DNA barcoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) had average values for all estimated parameters of phylogenetic performance and was sometimes outperformed by other mitochondrial genes. The majority of the mitochondrial and nuclear genes in Euphaea damselflies have experienced frequent purifying selection, except for two cases of potential positive selection in NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (nad3) and elongation factor 1α (EF1α), and all mitochondrial genes had experienced stronger purifying selection than nuclear genes. Our findings indicated that mitochondrial nad2 and the A + T‐rich region should be selected to provide efficient and high‐resolution phylogenetic markers for damselflies at the species and population level.
Reproducing kernel Hilbert space method for solutions of a coefficient inverse problem for the kinetic equation
Authors: Karatas Akgül Esra
Published: April 2018

On the basis of a reproducing kernel Hilbert space, reproducing kernel functions for solving the coefficient inverse problem for the kinetic equation are given in this paper. Reproducing kernel functions found in the reproducing kernel Hilbert space imply that they can be considered for solving such inverse problems. We obtain approximate solutions by reproducing kernel functions. We show our results by a table. We prove the eciency of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method for solutions of a coefficient inverse problem for the kinetic equation.
HEx: A heterologous expression platform for the discovery of fungal natural products
Authors: Harvey Colin J. B. , Tang Mancheng , Schlecht Ulrich , Horecka Joe , Fischer Curt R. , Lin Hsiao-Ching , Li Jian , Naughton Brian , Cherry James , Miranda Molly , Li Yong Fuga , Chu Angela M. , Hennessy James R. , Vandova Gergana A. , Inglis Diane , Aiyar Raeka S. , Steinmetz Lars M. , Davis Ronald W. , Medema Marnix H. , Sattely Elizabeth , Khosla Chaitan , St. Onge Robert P. , Tang Yi , Hillenmeyer Maureen E.
Published: April 2018

We develop a novel synthetic biology platform for rapid, scalable expression of fungal biosynthetic genes and encoded metabolites.
Source of the Fitness Defect in Rifamycin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA Polymerase and the Mechanism of Compensation by Mutations in the β′ Subunit
Authors: Stefan Maxwell A. , Ugur Fatima S. , Garcia George A.
Published: April 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is a critical threat to human health due to the increased prevalence of rifampin resistance (RMP
r
). Fitness defects have been observed in RMP
r
mutants with amino acid substitutions in the β subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP). In clinical isolates, this fitness defect can be ameliorated by the presence of secondary mutations in the double-psi β-barrel (DPBB) domain of the β′ subunit of RNAP. To identify factors contributing to the fitness defects observed
in vivo
, several
in vitro
RNA transcription assays were utilized to probe initiation, elongation, termination, and 3′-RNA hydrolysis with the wild-type and RMP
r
M. tuberculosis
RNAPs. We found that the less prevalent RMP
r
mutants exhibit significantly poorer termination efficiencies relative to the wild type, an important factor for proper gene expression. We also found that several mechanistic aspects of transcription of the RMP
r
mutant RNAPs are impacted relative to the wild type. For the clinically most prevalent mutant, the βS450L mutant, these defects are mitigated by the presence of secondary/compensatory mutations in the DPBB domain of the β′ subunit.
Complete Coding Sequences of Dengue Virus Type 2 Strains from Febrile Patients Seen in Malindi District Hospital, Kenya, during the 2017 Dengue Fever Outbreak
Authors: Gathii Kimita , Nyataya Josphat N. , Mutai Beth K. , Awinda George , Waitumbi John N.
Published: April 2018

We report here 10 complete polyprotein-coding sequences of dengue virus type 2 strains isolated from febrile patients who presented at Malindi District Hospital, Kenya, during a recent dengue fever outbreak. Phylogenetically, all the strains belonged to clonal serotype 2 of the Cosmopolitan genotype.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Ochrobactrum spp. Isolated from Different Avian Hosts in Pakistan
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Killmaster Lindsay F. , Volkening Jeremy D. , Cardenas-Garcia Stivalis , Wajid Abdul , Rehmani Shafqat Fatima , Basharat Asma , Miller Patti J. , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: April 2018

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of three
Ochrobactrum
sp. strains with multidrug-resistant properties, isolated in 2015 from a pigeon and two chickens in Pakistan.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Clinical Legionella pneumophila Isolates from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Fortuna Alexander , Ramnarine Ricardo , Li Aimin , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Frantz Christine , Mallo Gustavo V.
Published: April 2018

Legionella pneumophila
outbreak investigations require the development of reliable typing methods to better understand the genetic relationships of the isolates involved. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of four clinical
Legionella pneumophila
isolates obtained between 2000 and 2012 in Ontario, Canada.
Dynamics of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Two-Long-Terminal-Repeat Circles in the Presence and Absence of CD8+Cells
Authors: Policicchio Benjamin B. , Cardozo Erwing Fabian , Sette Paola , Xu Cuiling , Haret-Richter George , Dunsmore Tammy , Apetrei Cristian , Pandrea Ivona , Ribeiro Ruy M.
Published: April 2018

CD8+cells play a key role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, but their specific mechanism(s) of action in controlling the virus is unclear. Two-long-terminal-repeat (2-LTR) circles are extrachromosomal products generated upon failed integration of HIV/SIV. To understand the specific effects of CD8+cells on infected cells, we analyzed the dynamics of 2-LTR circles in SIVmac251-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) treated with an integrase inhibitor (INT). Twenty RMs underwent CD8+cell depletion and received raltegravir (RAL) monotherapy or a combination of both. Blood, lymph nodes (LNs), and gut biopsy specimens were routinely sampled. Plasma viral loads (pVLs) and 2-LTR circles from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and LN lymphocytes were measured with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). In the CD8 depletion group, an ∼1-log increase in pVLs and a slow increase in PBMC 2-LTRs occurred following depletion. In the INT group, a strong decline in pVLs upon treatment initiation and no change in 2-LTR levels were observed. In the INT and CD8+cell depletion group, an increase in pVLs following CD8 depletion similar to that in the CD8 depletion group was observed, with a modest decline following INT initiation, and 2-LTR circles significantly increased in PBMCs and LNs. Analyzing the 2-LTR data across all treatment groups with a mathematical model indicates that the data best support an effect of CD8+cells in killing cells prior to viral integration. Sensitivity analyses of these results confirm that effect but also allow for additional effects, which the data do not discriminate well. Overall, we show that INT does not significantly increase the levels of 2-LTR circles. However, CD8+cell depletion increases the 2-LTR levels, which are enhanced in the presence of an INT.

IMPORTANCECD8+T cells play an essential role in controlling HIV and SIV infection, but the specific mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Due to failed viral infection, HIV and SIV can form 2-LTR extrachromosomal circles that can be quantified. We present novel data on the dynamics of these 2-LTR forms in a SIV-infected macaque model under three different treatment conditions: depletion of CD8+cells, administration of the integrase inhibitor in a monotherapy, which favors the formation of 2-LTR circles, and a combination of the two treatments. We used a new mathematical model to help interpret the data, and the results suggest that CD8+cells exert a killing effect on infected cells prior to virus integration. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of CD8+cells in SIV infection. Confirmation of our results would be an important step in understanding immune control of HIV.
Femoral Nerve Block Intervention in Neck of Femur Fracture (FINOF): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rowlands Martin , Walt Gerrie van de , Bradley Jim , Mannings Alexa , Armstrong Sarah , Bedforth Nigel , Moppett Iain K , Sahota Opinder
Published: April 2018

Objective

Fractured neck of femur is a severely painful condition with significant mortality and morbidity. We investigated whether early and continuous use of femoral nerve block can improve pain on movement and mobility after surgery in older participants with fragility neck of femur fracture.

Design

Prospective single-centre, randomised controlled pragmatic trial.

Setting

Secondary care, acute National Health Service Trust, UK.

Participants

Participants admitted with a history and examination suggesting fractured neck of femur.

Intervention

Immediate continuous femoral nerve block via catheter or standard analgesia.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome measures were Cumulative Dynamic Pain score and Cumulated Ambulation Score from surgery until day 3 postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included pain scores at rest, cumulative side effects (nausea and constipation), quality of life (measured by EuroQOL 5 D instrument (EQ-5D) score) at day 3 and day 30, and rehabilitation outcome (measured by mobility score).

Results

141 participants were recruited, with 23 excluded. No significant difference was detected between Cumulative Dynamic Pain Score (standard care (n=56) vs intervention (n=55) 20 (IQR 15–24) vs 20 (15–23), p=0.51) or Cumulated Ambulation Score (standard care vs intervention 6 (5–9) vs 7 (5–10), p=0.76). There were no statistically different differences in secondary outcomes except cumulative pain at rest: 5 (0.5–6.5) in the standard care group and 2 (0–5) in the intervention group (p=0.043).

Conclusions

Early application of continuous femoral nerve block compared with standard systemic analgesia did not result in improved dynamic pain score or superior postoperative ambulation. This technique may provide superior pain relief at rest. Continuous femoral nerve block did not delay initial control of pain or mobilisation after surgery.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN92946117; Pre-results.
Minimum pupil in pupillary response to light and myopia affect disk halo size: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Feng , Han Tian , Chen Xun , Chen Zhi , Zheng Ke , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between pupillary response to light, myopia and disk halo size.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Single refractive surgery centre.

Participants

In this study, 197 right eyes of 197 patients between 20 and 35 years of age were evaluated for disk halo size and pupillary response to light with a vision monitor.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Halo radius, age, spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL), initial diameter, amplitude of contraction, latency of contraction, duration of contraction, velocity of contraction, latency of dilation, duration of dilation, velocity of dilation, maximum pupil, minimum pupil, average pupil and dark pupil.

Results

Significant associations were found between disk halo size and SE (r=−0.219, P=0.002), AL (r=0.152, P=0.033) and minimum pupil (r=0.149, P=0.037). There were no associations between disk halo size and initial diameter, amplitude of contraction, latency of contraction, duration of contraction, velocity of contraction, latency of dilation, duration of dilation, velocity of dilation, maximum pupil, average pupil, dark pupil and age (P>0.05). A significant difference in disk halo size was detected between the low-moderate and high myopia (SE< −6 D) groups (P=0.002) and between the small and large (minimum pupil≥4 mm) minimum pupil size groups (P=0.014).

Conclusions

Patients with a high SE and large minimum pupil size (minimum pupil ≥4 mm) suffered more disability glare than those with a low SE and small minimum pupil size.
Effect of intratracheal dexmedetomidine administration on recovery from general anaesthesia after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery: a randomised double-blinded study
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhong Haoxiang , Xie Xiaoyan , Sha Weiping , Li Caili , Li Zhenping , Huang Zhuomei , Chen Chaojin
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of intratracheal dexmedetomidine (Dex) injection for the prevention of the laryngeal response on emergence from general anaesthesia following gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.

Design

Prospective, randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial.

Setting

A general hospital, Guangdong Province, China.

Participants

All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, aged 18–60 years old, 40–80 kg in weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists class I–II were eligible. Patients were excluded if they had respiratory disease, heart disorders which might represent risk factors of potential complications of Dex such as bradycardia, heart block, coronary heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension or the long-term use of sedative drugs.

Intervention

Patients were randomly allocated to either receive intratracheal Dex (DT), intravenous Dex (DV) or intravenous saline (CON, n=30, respectively). In the DT and DV groups, Dex (0.5 µg/kg) was diluted and mixed in 1 or 20 mL of saline, respectively, and injected via the intratracheal or intravenous route 30 min before the completion of the surgery.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was the coughing extent among the three groups. Secondary outcomes included awareness time, extubation time, postoperative visual analogue scale and Steward recovery score.

Results

Compared with the CON group, the extent of coughing was significantly reduced in both the DV group and the DT group. Furthermore, the mean time to awareness (13.4 (4.3) vs 8.8 (2.9), p<0.001) and the extubation time (14.3 (4.3) vs 8.4 (3.6), p<0.001) were reduced in the DT group. Patients in the DT group also experienced better early recovery quality and less pain than those in the CON group. Furthermore, intratracheal Dex administration contributed to improved stability in haemodynamics with no significant side effects.

Conclusions

Intratracheal Dex administration may avoid untoward laryngeal responses for patients emerging from general anaesthesia after gynaecological laparoscopy.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-IOR-15007611.
Fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: protocol of the Dutch multicentre, longitudinal, observationalFAntasTIGUEstudy
Authors: Goërtz Yvonne M J , Looijmans Milou , Prins Judith B , Janssen Daisy J A , Thong Melissa S Y , Peters Jeannette B , Burtin Chris , Meertens-Kerris Yvonne , Coors Arnold , Muris Jean W M , Sprangers Mirjam A G , Wouters Emiel F M , Vercoulen Jan H , Spruit Martijn A
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Fatigue is the second most common symptom in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite its high prevalence, fatigue is often ignored in daily practice. For this reason, little is known about the underlying determinants of fatigue in patients with COPD. The primary objectives of this study are to chart the course of fatigue in patients with COPD, to identify the physical, systemic, psychological and behavioural factors that precipitate and perpetuate fatigue in patients with COPD, to evaluate the impact of exacerbation-related hospitalisations on fatigue and to better understand the association between fatigue and 2-year all-cause hospitalisation and mortality in patients with COPD. The secondary aim is to identify diurnal differences in fatigue by using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). This manuscript describes the protocol of theFAntasTIGUEstudy and gives an overview of the possible strengths, weaknesses and clinical implications.

Methods and analysis

A 2-year longitudinal, observational study, enrolling 400 patients with clinically stable COPD has been designed. Fatigue, the primary outcome, will be measured by the subjective fatigue subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-Fatigue). The secondary outcome is the day-to-day/diurnal fatigue, registered in a subsample (n=60) by EMA. CIS-Fatigue and EMA will be evaluated at baseline, and at 4, 8 and 12 months. The precipitating and perpetuating factors of fatigue (physical, psychological, behavioural and systemic) will be assessed at baseline and at 12 months. Additional assessments will be conducted following hospitalisation due to an exacerbation of COPD that occurs between baseline and 12 months. Finally, at 18 and 24 months the participants will be followed up on their fatigue, number of exacerbations, exacerbation-related hospitalisation and survival.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Medical research Ethics Committees United, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands (NL60484.100.17).

Trial registration number

NTR6933; Pre-results.
Identifying the potential for cross-fishery spillovers: a network analysis of Alaskan permitting patterns
Authors: Addicott Ethan T. , Kroetz Kailin , Reimer Matthew N. , Sanchirico James N. , Lew Daniel K. , Huetteman Justine
Published: April 2018

Many fishers own a portfolio of permits across multiple fisheries, creating an opportunity for fishing effort to adjust across fisheries and enabling impacts from a policy change in one fishery to spill over into other fisheries. In regions with a large and diverse number of permits and fisheries, joint-permitting can result in a complex system, making it difficult to understand the potential for cross-fishery substitution. In this study, we construct a network representation of permit ownership to characterize interconnectedness among Alaska commercial fisheries due to cross-fishery permitting. The Alaska fisheries network is highly connected, suggesting that most fisheries are vulnerable to cross-fishery spillovers from network shocks, such as changes to policies or fish stocks. We find that fisheries with similar geographic proximity are more likely to be a part of a highly connected cluster of susceptible fisheries. We use a case study to show that preexisting network statistics can be useful for identifying the potential scope of policy-induced spillovers. Our results demonstrate that network analysis can improve our understanding of the potential for policy-induced cross-fishery spillovers.
On the Size of Two-Way Reasonable Automata for the Liveness Problem
Authors: Bianchi Maria Paola , Hromkovič Juraj , Kováč Ivan
Published: April 2018

The existence of a substantial gap between deterministic and nondeterministic two-way automata is one of the most famous open problems in automata theory. This problem is also related to the fundamental DLOG vs. NLOG question. An exponential gap between the number of states of two-way nondeterministic automata (2NFAS) and their deterministic counterparts (2DFAS) has been proved only for some restrictions of 2DFAS up to now. It seems that the hardness of this problem lies in the fact that, when trying to prove lower bounds, we must consider every possible automaton, without imposing any particular structure or meaning to the states, while when designing a specific automaton, we always assign an unambiguous interpretation to the states. In an attempt to capture the concept of meaning of states, a new model of two-way automata, namely reasonable automaton (RA), was introduced in [6]. In a RA, each state is associated with a logical formula expressing some properties of the input word, and transitions are designed to maintain consistency within this setting. In this paper we extend the study, started in [6], of the descriptional complexity of RAS solving the liveness problem, showing several lower and upper bounds with respect to the logic used for describing the meaning of the individual states.
Finite Automata Over Infinite Alphabets: Two Models with Transitions for Local Change
Authors: Czyba Christopher , Thomas Wolfgang , Spinrath Christopher
Published: April 2018

Two models of automata over infinite alphabets are presented, mainly with a focus on the alphabet [Formula: see text]. In the first model, transitions can refer to logic formulas that connect properties of successive letters. In the second, the letters are considered as columns of a labeled grid which an automaton traverses column by column. Thus, both models focus on the comparison of successive letters, i.e. “local changes”. We prove closure (and non-closure) properties, show the decidability of the respective non-emptiness problems, prove limits on decidability results for extended models, and discuss open issues in the development of a generalized theory.
Graph-Grammar-Based IP-Integration (GRIP)—An EDA Tool for Software-Defined SoCs
Authors: Jassi Munish , Hu Yong , Mueller-Gritschneder Daniel , Schlichtmann Ulf
Published: April 2018

In modern system-on-chip (SoC) designs, IP-reuse is considered a driving force to increase productivity. To support various designs, a huge amount of Intellectual Property (IP) hardware blocks have been developed. The integration of those IPs into an SoC may require significant effort—up to days or weeks depending on experience and complexity. This article presents a novel approach to significantly reduce the design effort to bring-up a working SoC design by automatic IP integration as part of a library-based Software-defined SoC flow. In detail, the IP-supplier prepares a HW-accelerated software library (HASL) for the SoC architect, who wants to use the IP in an SoC design. As a key point of our approach, integration knowledge is encoded in the library as a set of integration rules. These rules are defined in the machine-readable standardized IP-XACT format by the IP supplier, who has a good knowledge of the IP’s hardware details. The library preparation step on the IP supplier’s side is also partly automated in the proposed flow, including a partial generation of configurable HW drivers, schedulers, and the software library functions. For the SoC architect, we have developed the graph-grammar-based IP-integration (GRIP) tool. The software application is developed using the functions supplied in the HASL. According to the calls to the HASL functions, the GRIP tool automatically integrates IP-blocks using the rule information supplied with the library and runs a full Design Space Exploration. For this, the SoC architecture and rules are transformed into the graph domain to apply graph rewriting methods. The GRIP tool is model-driven and based on the Eclipse Modeling Framework. With code generation techniques, SoC candidate architectures can be transformed to hardware descriptions for the target platform. The HW/SW interfaces between SW library functions and IP blocks can be automatically generated for bare-metal or Linux-based applications.

The approach is demonstrated with two case-studies on the Xilinx Zynq-based ZedBoard evaluation board using a HASL for computer vision. It can yield 10×-150× performance improvement for the bare-metal application versions and 4×--7× performance improvement for the Linux-based application versions, when executed on an optimized HW-accelerated SoC architecture compared to a non HW-accelerated SoC. The effort for IP integration is comparable to using a software library, hence, providing a significant advantage over a manual IP integration.
An Experimental Performance Evaluation of Autoscalers for Complex Workflows
Authors: Ilyushkin Alexey , Ali-Eldin Ahmed , Herbst Nikolas , Bauer André , Papadopoulos Alessandro V. , Epema Dick , Iosup Alexandru
Published: April 2018

Elasticity is one of the main features of cloud computing allowing customers to scale their resources based on the workload. Many autoscalers have been proposed in the past decade to decide on behalf of cloud customers when and how to provision resources to a cloud application based on the workload utilizing cloud elasticity features. However, in prior work, when a new policy is proposed, it is seldom compared to the state-of-the-art, and is often compared only to static provisioning using a predefined quality of service target. This reduces the ability of cloud customers and of cloud operators to choose and deploy an autoscaling policy, as there is seldom enough analysis on the performance of the autoscalers in different operating conditions and with different applications. In our work, we conduct an
experimental
performance evaluation of autoscaling policies, using as application model workflows, a popular formalism for automating resource management for applications with well-defined yet complex structures. We present a detailed comparative study of general state-of-the-art autoscaling policies, along with two new workflow-specific policies. To understand the performance differences between the seven policies, we conduct various experiments and compare their performance in both pairwise and group comparisons. We report both individual and aggregated metrics. As many workflows have deadline requirements on the tasks, we study the effect of autoscaling on workflow deadlines. Additionally, we look into the effect of autoscaling on the accounted and hourly based charged costs, and we evaluate performance variability caused by the autoscaler selection for each group of workflow sizes. Our results highlight the trade-offs between the suggested policies, how they can impact meeting the deadlines, and how they perform in different operating conditions, thus enabling a better understanding of the current state-of-the-art.
The Effects of Peripheral Vision and Light Stimulation on Distance Judgments Through HMDs
Authors: Li Bochao , Walker James , Kuhl Scott A.
Published: April 2018

Egocentric distances are often underestimated in virtual environments through head-mounted displays (HMDs). Previous studies suggest that peripheral vision can influence distance perception. Specifically, light in the periphery may improve distance judgments in HMDs. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments with varied peripheral treatments around the viewport. First, we found that the peripheral brightness significantly influences distance judgments when the periphery is brighter than a certain threshold, and found a possible range where the threshold was in. Second, we extended our previous research by changing the size of the peripheral treatment. A larger visual field (field of view of the HMD) resulted in significantly more accurate distance judgments compared to our original experiments with black peripheral treatment. Last, we found that applying a pixelated peripheral treatment can also improve distance judgments. The result implies that augmenting peripheral vision with secondary low-resolution displays may improve distance judgments in HMDs.
Natural Walking in Virtual Reality
Authors: Nilsson Niels Christian , Serafin Stefania , Steinicke Frank , Nordahl Rolf
Published: April 2018

Recent technological developments have finally brought virtual reality (VR) out of the laboratory and into the hands of developers and consumers. However, a number of challenges remain. Virtual travel is one of the most common and universal tasks performed inside virtual environments, yet enabling users to navigate virtual environments is not a trivial challenge—especially if the user is walking. In this article, we initially provide an overview of the numerous virtual travel techniques that have been proposed prior to the commercialization of VR. Then we turn to the mode of travel that is the most difficult to facilitate, that is, walking. The challenge of providing users with natural walking experiences in VR can be divided into two separate, albeit related, challenges: (1) enabling unconstrained walking in virtual worlds that are larger than the tracked physical space and (2) providing users with appropriate multisensory stimuli in response to their interaction with the virtual environment. In regard to the first challenge, we present walking techniques falling into three general categories: repositioning systems, locomotion based on proxy gestures, and redirected walking. With respect to multimodal stimuli, we focus on how to provide three types of information: external sensory information (visual, auditory, and cutaneous), internal sensory information (vestibular and kinesthetic/proprioceptive), and efferent information. Finally, we discuss how the different categories of walking techniques compare and discuss the challenges still facing the research community.
Microkinetic Analysis and Scaling Relations for Catalyst Design
Authors: Motagamwala Ali Hussain , Ball Madelyn R. , Dumesic James A.
Published: April 2018

Microkinetic analysis plays an important role in catalyst design because it provides insight into the fundamental surface chemistry that controls catalyst performance. In this review, we summarize the development of microkinetic models and the inclusion of scaling relationships in these models. We discuss the importance of achieving stoichiometric and thermodynamic consistency in developing microkinetic models. We also outline how analysis of the maximum rates of elementary steps can be used to determine which transition states and adsorbed intermediates are kinetically significant, allowing the derivation of general reaction kinetics rate expressions in terms of changes in binding energies of the relevant transition states and intermediates. Through these analyses, we present how to predict optimal surface coverages and binding energies of adsorbed species, as well as the extent of potential rate improvement for a catalytic system. For systems in which the extent of potential rate improvement is small because of limitations imposed by scaling relations, different approaches, including the addition of promoters and formation of catalysts containing multiple functionalities, can be used to break the scaling relations and obtain further rate enhancement.
Advances in Evaluating Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs
Authors: Gillingham Kenneth , Keyes Amelia , Palmer Karen
Published: April 2018

This paper reviews the recent evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency interventions. After a brief review of explanations for the energy efficiency gap, we explore key issues in energy efficiency evaluation, including the use of randomized controlled trials and incentives faced by those performing evaluations. We provide a summary table of energy savings results by type of efficiency intervention. We also develop an updated aggregate estimate of 2.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of net savings from utility energy efficiency programs but note that this estimate is based on aggregate utility-reported energy savings. Our review of the economics literature suggests that energy savings are often smaller than implied by utility-reported results, but some interventions appear to be cost-effective relative to the marginal cost of electricity supply.
Environmental Inequality: The Social Causes and Consequences of Lead Exposure
Authors: Muller Christopher , Sampson Robert J. , Winter Alix S.
Published: April 2018

In this article, we review evidence from the social and medical sciences on the causes and effects of lead exposure. We argue that lead exposure is an important subject for sociological analysis because it is socially stratified and has important social consequences—consequences that themselves depend in part on children's social environments. We present a model of environmental inequality over the life course to guide an agenda for future research. We conclude with a call for deeper exchange between urban sociology, environmental sociology, and public health, and for more collaboration between scholars and local communities in the pursuit of independent science for the common good.
Systemic IL-6 regulation of eccentric contraction-induced muscle protein synthesis
Authors: Hardee Justin P. , Fix Dennis K. , Wang Xuewen , Goldsmith Edie C. , Koh Ho-Jin , Carson James A.
Published: April 2018

Systemic cytokines and contractile activity are established regulators of muscle protein turnover. Paradoxically, the IL-6 cytokine family, which shares the ubiquitously expressed membrane gp130 receptor, has been implicated in skeletal muscle’s response to both contractions and cancer-induced wasting. Although we have reported that tumor-derived cachectic factors could suppress stretch-induced protein synthesis in cultured myotubes, the ability of systemic cytokines to disrupt in vivo eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis has not been established. Therefore, we examined whether systemic IL-6 regulates basal and eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis through muscle gp130 signaling. Systemic IL-6 overexpression was performed for 2 wk, and we then examined basal and eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in tibialis anterior muscle of male wild-type, muscle-specific gp130 receptor knockout, and tumor-bearing ApcMin/+ mice. Systemic IL-6 overexpression suppressed basal protein synthesis and mTORC1 signaling independently of IL-6 level, which was rescued by muscle gp130 loss. Interestingly, only high systemic IL-6 levels suppressed eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis. Systemic IL-6 overexpression in precachectic tumor-bearing ApcMin/+ mice accelerated cachexia development, which coincided with suppressed basal and eccentric contraction-induced muscle protein synthesis. The suppression of eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis by IL-6 occurred independently of mTORC1 activation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that basal protein synthesis suppression was more sensitive to circulating IL-6 compared with the induction of protein synthesis by eccentric contraction. However, systemic IL-6 can interact with the cancer environment to suppress eccentric contraction-induced protein synthesis independently of mTORC1 activation.
Asymmetric interference between cognitive task components and concurrent sensorimotor coordination
Authors: Baker Joshua , Castro Antonio , Dunn Andrew K. , Mitra Suvobrata
Published: April 2018

Everyday cognitive tasks are frequently performed under dual-task conditions alongside continuous sensorimotor coordinations (CSCs) such as driving, walking, or balancing. Observed interference in these dual-task settings is commonly attributed to demands on executive function or attentional resources, but the time course and reciprocity of interference are not well understood at the level of information-processing components. Here we used electrophysiology to study the detailed chronometry of dual-task interference between a visual oddball task and a continuous visuomanual tracking task. The oddball task’s electrophysiological components were linked to underlying cognitive processes, and the tracking task served as a proxy for the continuous cycle of state monitoring and adjustment inherent to CSCs. Dual-tasking interfered with the oddball task’s accuracy and attentional processes (attenuated P2 and P3b magnitude and parietal alpha-band event-related desynchronization), but errors in tracking due to dual-tasking accrued at a later timescale and only in trials in which the target stimulus appeared and its tally had to be incremented. Interference between cognitive tasks and CSCs can be asymmetric in terms of timing as well as affected information-processing components.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Interference between cognitive tasks and continuous sensorimotor coordination (CSC) has been widely reported, but this is the first demonstration that the cognitive operation that is impaired by concurrent CSC may not be the one that impairs the CSC. Also demonstrated is that interference between such tasks can be temporally asymmetric. The asynchronicity of this interference has significant implications for understanding and mitigating loss of mobility in old age, and for rehabilitation for neurological impairments.
Multisensory enhancement of burst activity in an insect auditory neuron
Authors: Someya Makoto , Ogawa Hiroto
Published: April 2018

Detecting predators is crucial for survival. In insects, a few sensory interneurons receiving sensory input from a distinct receptive organ extract specific features informing the animal about approaching predators and mediate avoidance behaviors. Although integration of multiple sensory cues relevant to the predator enhances sensitivity and precision, it has not been established whether the sensory interneurons that act as predator detectors integrate multiple modalities of sensory inputs elicited by predators. Using intracellular recording techniques, we found that the cricket auditory neuron AN2, which is sensitive to the ultrasound-like echolocation calls of bats, responds to airflow stimuli transduced by the cercal organ, a mechanoreceptor in the abdomen. AN2 enhanced spike outputs in response to cross-modal stimuli combining sound with airflow, and the linearity of the summation of multisensory integration depended on the magnitude of the evoked response. The enhanced AN2 activity contained bursts, triggering avoidance behavior. Moreover, cross-modal stimuli elicited larger and longer lasting excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) than unimodal stimuli, which would result from a sublinear summation of EPSPs evoked respectively by sound or airflow. The persistence of EPSPs was correlated with the occurrence and structure of burst activity. Our findings indicate that AN2 integrates bimodal signals and that multisensory integration rather than unimodal stimulation alone more reliably generates bursting activity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Crickets detect ultrasound with their tympanum and airflow with their cercal organ and process them as alert signals of predators. These sensory signals are integrated by auditory neuron AN2 in the early stages of sensory processing. Multisensory inputs from different sensory channels enhanced excitatory postsynaptic potentials to facilitate burst firing, which could trigger avoidance steering in flying crickets. Our results highlight the cellular basis of multisensory integration in AN2 and possible effects on escape behavior.
Epiploic Appendagitis Mimicking Recurrent Diverticulitis
Authors: Plummer R. , Sekigami Y. , Chen Lilian , Yoo James
Published: April 2018

Here, we report a case in which a patient with an extensive history of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon presented with left lower quadrant abdominal pain similar to her previous episodes of diverticulitis. An initial diagnosis of diverticulitis was made based on her history and exam, intravenous antibiotics were given, and an elective surgical resection was considered. However, a subsequent CT scan revealed epiploic appendagitis with no evidence of diverticulitis. Though uncommon, in patients with a history of recurrent diverticulitis, alternative causes of left lower quadrant abdominal pain such as epiploic appendagitis should be considered as this may alter future treatment decisions.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: From Discovery to Manufacturing and Commercialization
Authors: Mizukami Amanda , Swiech Kamilla
Published: April 2018

Over the last decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been the focus of intense research by academia and industry due to their unique features. MSC can be easily isolated and expanded through in vitro culture by taking full advantage of their self-renewing capacity. In addition, MSC exert immunomodulatory effects and can be differentiated into various lineages, which makes them highly attractive for clinical applications in cell-based therapies. In this review, we attempt to provide a brief historical overview of MSC discovery, characterization, and the first clinical studies conducted. The current MSC manufacturing platforms are reviewed with special attention regarding the use of bioreactors for the production of GMP-compliant clinically relevant cell numbers. The first commercial MSC-based products are also addressed, as well as the remaining challenges to the widespread use of MSC-derived products.
Tag7 (PGLYRP1) Can Induce an Emergence of the CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127+ Cells with Antitumor Activity
Authors: Sharapova T. N. , Romanova E. A. , Sashchenko L. P. , Yashin D. V.
Published: April 2018

We have shown that in the human peripheral blood cells, the innate immunity protein Tag7 can activate a subpopulation of CD3+CD4+CD25+ cells, which have antitumor activity. These cells can induce lysis of HLA-negative tumor cell lines. The Hsp70 stress molecule on the surface of the tumor cells is used as a recognition target, while the Tag7 protein on the lymphocyte membrane acts as a receptor for Hsp70. We have also demonstrated that this subpopulation of the CD4+CD25+ cells is CD127 positive and hence is not the Treg cells. Our data suggest that this subpopulation of cells is identical to the CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes, which are activated in the leukocyte pool by the IL-2 cytokine.
A Rapid Detection Method for Morphological Characteristics of Biological Cells Based on Phase Imaging
Authors: Tang Wen-Bo , Ji Ying , Zhang Ming-Ming , Chen Zhi-Ya , Xu Yuan-Yuan , Wang Ya-Wei
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a rapid label-free method for the identification of morphological characteristics of biological cells. Based on quantitative phase microscopy as well as the connotation of phase value, the gradient operator of phase and the associated analytic processing are employed to determine the edge of different parts of the samples. A heterogeneous biological cell model is established by simulation to show the mechanism of this method and a polystyrene bead is selected as a sample to confirm its validity by optical experiment. The result agrees well with the actual situation and this approach is proved to have good antinoise ability. Furthermore, a neutrophil is investigated by this method. Based on the optical experiment and the related analysis, the basic structure characteristics of the cell are obtained. It is indicated that the method presented in this paper could be applied to rapid identification and classification of living cells.