bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User-Generated Video Composition Based on Device Context Measurements
Authors: Stohr Denny , Toteva Iva , Wilk Stefan , Effelsberg Wolfgang , Steinmetz Ralf
Published: May 2017

Instant sharing of user-generated video recordings has become a widely used service on platforms such as YouNow, Facebook.Live or uStream. Yet, providing such services with a high QoE for viewers is still challenging, given that mobile upload speed and capacities are limited, and the recording quality on mobile devices greatly depends on the users’ capabilities. One proposed solution to address these issues is video composition. It allows to switch between multiple recorded video streams, selecting the best source at any given time, for composing a live video with a better overall quality for the viewers. Previous approaches have required an in-depth visual analysis of the video streams, which usually limited the scalability of these systems. In contrast, our work allows the stream selection to be realized solely on context information, based on video- and service-quality aspects from sensor and network measurements.

The implemented monitoring service for a context-aware upload of video streams is evaluated in different network conditions, with diverse user behavior, including camera shaking and user mobility. We have evaluated the system’s performance based on two studies. First, in a user study, we show that a higher efficiency for the video upload as well as a better QoE for viewers can be achieved when using our proposed system. Second, by examining the overall delay for the switching between streams based on sensor readings, we show that a composition view change can efficiently be achieved in approximately four seconds.
PMC
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Patel Hiren , Pellizzoni Rodolfo
Published: May 2017

We propose a novel approach to schedule memory requests in Mixed Criticality Systems (MCS). This approach supports an arbitrary number of criticality levels by enabling the MCS designer to specify memory requirements per task. It retains locality within large-size requests to satisfy memory requirements of all tasks. To achieve this target, we introduce a compact time-division-multiplexing scheduler, and a framework that constructs optimal schedules to manage requests to off-chip memory. We also present a static analysis that guarantees meeting requirements of all tasks. We compare the proposed controller against state-of-the-art memory controllers using both a case study and synthetic experiments.
Refining Cache Behavior Prediction Using Cache Miss Paths
Authors: Nagar Kartik , Srikant Y. N.
Published: May 2017

Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) is an important metric for programs running on real-time systems, and finding precise estimates of a program’s WCET is crucial to avoid wastage of hardware resources and to improve the schedulability of task sets. Caches have a major impact on a program’s execution time, and accurate estimation of a program’s cache behavior can lead to significant reduction in its estimated WCET. The traditional approach to cache analysis generally targets the worst-case cache behavior of individual cache accesses and provides a safe hit-miss classification for every individual access. In this work, we show that these classifications are not sufficient to precisely capture cache behavior, since they apply to individual accesses, and often, more precise predictions can be made about groups of accesses. Further, memory accesses inside loops may show the worst-case behavior only for a subset of the iteration space. In order to predict such behavior in a scalable fashion, we use the fact that the cache behavior of an access mostly depends only on the memory accesses made in the immediate vicinity, and hence we analyze a small, fixed-size neighborhood of every access with complete precision and summarize the resulting information in the form of cache miss paths. A variety of analyses are then performed on the cache miss paths to make precise predictions about cache behavior. We also demonstrate precision issues in Abstract Interpretation-based Must and Persistence cache analysis that can be easily solved using cache miss paths. Experimental results over a wide range of benchmarks demonstrate precision improvement in WCET of multipath programs over previous approaches, and we also show how to integrate our approach with other microarchitectural analysis such as pipeline analysis.
Analyzing and Optimizing Access Control Choice Architectures in Online Social Networks
Authors: Hirschprung Ron , Toch Eran , Schwartz-Chassidim Hadas , Mendel Tamir , Maimon Oded
Published: May 2017

The way users manage access to their information and computers has a tremendous effect on the overall security and privacy of individuals and organizations. Usually, access management is conducted using a
choice architecture
, a behavioral economics concept that describes the way decisions are framed to users. Studies have consistently shown that the design of choice architectures, mainly the selection of default options, has a strong effect on the final decisions users make by nudging them toward certain behaviors. In this article, we propose a method for optimizing access control choice architectures in online social networks. We empirically evaluate the methodology on Facebook, the world's largest online social network, by measuring how well the default options cover the existing user choices and preferences and toward which outcome the choice architecture nudges users. The evaluation includes two parts: (a) collecting access control decisions made by 266 users of Facebook for a period of 3 months; and (b) surveying 533 participants who were asked to express their preferences regarding default options. We demonstrate how optimal defaults can be algorithmically identified from users’ decisions and preferences, and we measure how existing defaults address users’ preferences compared with the optimal ones. We analyze how access control defaults can better serve existing users, and we discuss how our method can be used to establish a common measuring tool when examining the effects of default options.
Area, Throughput, and Power Trade-Offs for FPGA- and ASIC-Based Execution Stream Compression
Authors: Mera Maria Isabel , Caplan Jonah , Mozafari Seyyed Hasan , Meyer Brett H. , Milder Peter
Published: May 2017

An emerging trend in safety-critical computer system design is the use of compression—for example, using cyclic redundancy check (CRC) or Fletcher checksum (FC)—to reduce the state that must be compared to verify correct redundant execution. We examine the costs and performance of CRC and FC as compression algorithms when implemented in hardware for embedded safety-critical systems. To do so, we have developed parameterizable hardware-generation tools targeting CRC and two novel FC implementations. We evaluate the resulting designs implemented for FPGA and ASIC and analyze their efficiency. While CRC is often best, FC dominates when high throughput is needed.
Ensuring the Consistency of Adaptation through Inter- and Intra-Component Dependency Analysis
Authors: Sadeghi Alireza , Esfahani Naeem , Malek Sam
Published: May 2017

Dynamic adaptation should not leave a software system in an inconsistent state, as it could lead to failure. Prior research has used inter-component dependency models of a system to determine a safe interval for the adaptation of its components, where the most important tradeoff is between disruption in the operations of the system and reachability of safe intervals. This article presents Savasana, which automatically analyzes a software system’s code to extract both inter- and intra-component dependencies. In this way, Savasana is able to obtain more fine-grained models compared to previous approaches. Savasana then uses the detailed models to find safe adaptation intervals that cannot be determined using techniques from prior research. This allows Savasana to achieve a better tradeoff between disruption and reachability. The article demonstrates how Savasana infers safe adaptation intervals for components of a software system under various use cases and conditions.
Climate Change and International Relations (After Kyoto)
Authors: Underdal Arild
Published: May 2017

This review “diagnoses” climate change as an international governance challenge and explores the political feasibility of alternative “cures.” Human activities’ growing effect on Earth's climate system is extremely challenging, characterized by, inter alia, very long time lags between mitigation measures (∼costs) and environmental effects (∼benefits) and by stark asymmetries between “guilt” in causing the problem and vulnerability to climate change. Two main cures have been suggested. Some analysts argue that because climate change is a global process, adequate solutions must likewise be global. Others shift attention from the challenge's format to the sources of human motivation, arguing that a decentralized (bottom-up) approach will more directly engage a wider spectrum of motivations and actors. These cures are neither mutually exclusive nor easily combined. IR research contributes more to the former cure than to the latter but can play a constructive role in linking them.
Transgenerational transmission of asthma risk after exposure to environmental particles during pregnancy
Authors: Gregory David J. , Kobzik Lester , Yang Zhiping , McGuire Connor C. , Fedulov Alexey V.
Published: May 2017

Exposure to environmental particles during pregnancy increases asthma susceptibility of the offspring. We tested the hypothesis that this transmission continues to F2 and F3 generations and occurs via epigenetic mechanisms. We compared allergic susceptibility of three generations of BALB/c offspring after a single maternal exposure during pregnancy to diesel exhaust particles or concentrated urban air particles. After pregnant dams received intranasal instillations of particle suspensions or control, their F1, F2, and F3 offspring were tested in a low-dose ovalbumin protocol for sensitivity to allergic asthma. We found that the elevated susceptibility after maternal exposure to particles during pregnancy persists into F2 and, with lesser magnitude, into F3 generations. This was evident from elevated eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histopathological changes of allergic airway disease, and increased BAL levels of IL-5 and IL-13. We have previously shown that dendritic cells (DCs) can mediate transmission of risk upon adoptive transfer. Therefore, we used an enhanced reduced representation bisulfite sequencing protocol to quantify DNA methylation in DCs from each generation. Distinct methylation changes were identified in F1, F2, and F3 DCs. The subset of altered loci shared across the three generations were not linked to known allergy genes or pathways but included a number of genes linked to chromatin modification, suggesting potential interaction with other epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., histone modifications). The data indicate that pregnancy airway exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) triggers a transgenerationally transmitted asthma susceptibility and suggests a mechanistic role for epigenetic alterations in DCs in this process.
TGF-β1 induces Fstl1 via the Smad3-c-Jun pathway in lung fibroblasts
Authors: Zheng Xiaohong , Qi Chao , Zhang Si , Fang Yinshan , Ning Wen
Published: May 2017

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has long been regarded as a central mediator of tissue fibrosis. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a crucial profibrotic glycoprotein that is upregulated in fibrotic lung tissues, and it promotes fibrogenesis via facilitating TGF-β signaling. Here we examined the signaling pathway by which TGF-β1 upregulates Fstl1 expression in mouse pulmonary fibroblasts. TGF-β1 regulated Fstl1 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Although TGF-β1 rapidly activated the Smad, MAPK, and Akt pathways in lung fibroblasts, only Smad2/3 inhibition eliminated TGF-β1−induced Fstl1 expression. Analysis of the luciferase reporter activity identified a functional c-Jun transcription site in the Fstl1 promoter. Our results suggested a critical role for the Smad3-c-Jun pathway in the regulation of Fstl1 expression by TGF-β1 during fibrogenesis.
Intermittent hypoxia training blunts cerebrocortical presenilin 1 overexpression and amyloid-β accumulation in ethanol-withdrawn rats
Authors: Ryou Myoung-Gwi , Mallet Robert T. , Metzger Daniel B. , Jung Marianna E.
Published: May 2017

Abrupt cessation of chronic alcohol consumption triggers signaling cascades that harm vulnerable brain regions and produce neurobehavioral deficits. We have demonstrated that a program of intermittent, normobaric hypoxia training (IHT) in rats prevents brain damage and neurobehavioral impairment resulting from abrupt ethanol withdrawal (EW). Moreover, EW induced expression of stress-activated protein kinase p38 and presenilin 1 (PS1), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase that produces the neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42. We tested the hypotheses that 1) IHT limits EW-induced activation of the p38-PS1 axis, thereby attenuating γ-secretase activation and Aβ accumulation, and 2) EW disables heat shock protein 25 (HSP25), a p38 substrate, molecular chaperone, and antioxidant, and provokes protein carbonylation in a manner suppressed by IHT. Adult male rats completed two cycles of a 4-wk ethanol diet (6.5% wt/vol) and a 3-wk EW or an isocaloric, dextrin-based control diet. A 20-day IHT program (5–8 daily cycles of 5–10 min of 9.5–10% fractional inspired O2 + 4 min of 21% fractional inspired O2) was administered during the first EW phase. After the second EW phase, the brain was excised and the prefrontal cortex extracted. PS1, phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), and HSP25 were analyzed by immunoblot, PS1 messenger RNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, protein carbonyl content by spectrometry, and Aβ40 and Aβ42 contents by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IHT attenuated the EW-associated increases in PS1, p-p38, Aβ40, Aβ42, and protein carbonyl contents, but not that of PS1 messenger RNA, while preserving functionally competent HSP25 dimers in EW rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that IHT may attenuate EW-induced γ-secretase overactivation by suppressing activation of the p38-PS1 axis and by preventing oxidative protein damage.
Enhanced insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in young lambs with placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Camacho Leticia E. , Chen Xiaochuan , Hay William W. , Limesand Sean W.
Published: May 2017

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with persistent metabolic complications, but information is limited for IUGR infants. We determined glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and insulin sensitivity in young lambs with placental insufficiency-induced IUGR. Lambs with hyperthermia-induced IUGR ( n = 7) were compared with control lambs ( n = 8). GSIS was measured at 8 ± 1 days of age, and at 15 ± 1 days, body weight-specific glucose utilization rates were measured with radiolabeled d-glucose during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC). IUGR lambs weighed 23% less ( P < 0.05) than controls at birth. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were not different between IUGR and controls for either study. First-phase insulin secretion was enhanced 2.3-fold in IUGR lambs compared with controls. However, second-phase insulin concentrations, glucose-potentiated arginine-stimulated insulin secretion, and β-cell mass were not different, indicating that IUGR β-cells have an intrinsic enhancement in acute GSIS. Compared with controls, IUGR lambs had higher body weight-specific glucose utilization rates and greater insulin sensitivity at fasting (1.6-fold) and hyperinsulinemic periods (2.4-fold). Improved insulin sensitivity for glucose utilization was not due to differences in skeletal muscle insulin receptor and glucose transporters 1 and 4 concentrations. Plasma lactate concentrations during HEC were elevated in IUGR lambs compared with controls, but no differences were found for glycogen content or citrate synthase activity in liver and muscle. Greater insulin sensitivity for glucose utilization and enhanced acute GSIS in young lambs are predicted from fetal studies but may promote conditions that exaggerate glucose disposal and lead to episodes of hypoglycemia in IUGR infants.
Sedentary conditions and enhanced responses to GABA in the RVLM: role of the contralateral RVLM
Authors: Dombrowski Maryetta D. , Mueller Patrick J.
Published: May 2017

A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and both conditions are associated with overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Ongoing discharge of sympathetic nerves is regulated by the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), which in turn is modulated by the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters glutamate and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA), respectively. We reported previously that sedentary conditions enhance GABAergic modulation of sympathoexcitation in the RVLM, despite overall increased sympathoexcitation. Thus the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that sedentary conditions increase responsiveness to GABA in RVLM. Male Sprague-Dawley rats performed either chronic wheeling running or remained sedentary for 12–15 wk. Animals were instrumented to perform RVLM microinjections under Inactin anesthesia while mean arterial pressure (MAP) and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) were recorded. Unilateral microinjections of GABA (30 nl, 0.3–600 mM) into the RVLM produced dose-dependent decreases in MAP and SSNA; however, no group differences were observed. Inhibition of the contralateral RVLM (muscimol, 2 mM, 90 nl) caused decreases in MAP and SSNA that were not different between groups but enhanced decreases in SSNA to GABA in sedentary rats only. In sinoaortic denervated rats, GABA microinjections before or after inhibition of the contralateral RVLM caused decreases in MAP and SSNA that were not different between groups. Our results suggest that the contralateral RVLM plays an important role in buffering responses to inhibition of the ipsilateral RVLM under sedentary but not physically active conditions. Based on these studies and others, sedentary conditions appear to enhance both sympathoinhibitory and sympathoexcitatory mechanisms in the RVLM. Enhanced sympathoinhibition may act to reduce already elevated sympathetic nervous system activity following sedentary conditions.
Role of endothelial nitric oxide in control of peripheral vascular conductance during muscle metaboreflex activation
Authors: Senador Danielle , Kaur Jasdeep , Alvarez Alberto , Hanna Hanna W. , Krishnan Abhinav C. , Altamimi Yasir H. , O'Leary Donal S.
Published: May 2017

The muscle metaboreflex is a powerful pressor reflex induced by the activation of chemically sensitive muscle afferents as a result of metabolite accumulation. During submaximal dynamic exercise, the rise in arterial pressure is primarily due to increases in cardiac output, since there is little systemic vasoconstriction. Indeed, in normal animals, we have often shown a small, but significant, peripheral vasodilation during metaboreflex activation, which is mediated, at least in part, by release of epinephrine and activation of vascular β2-receptors. We tested whether this vasodilation is in part due to increased release of nitric oxide caused by the rise in cardiac output eliciting endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation. The muscle metaboreflex was activated via graded reductions in hindlimb blood flow during mild exercise with and without nitric oxide synthesis blockade [ NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME); 5 mg/kg]. We assessed the role of increased cardiac output in mediating peripheral vasodilation via the slope of the relationship between the rise in nonischemic vascular conductance (conductance of all vascular beds excluding hindlimbs) vs. the rise in cardiac output. l-NAME increased mean arterial pressure at rest and during exercise. The metaboreflex-induced increases in mean arterial pressure were unaltered by l-NAME, whereas the increases in cardiac output and nonischemic vascular conductance were attenuated. However, the slope of the relationship between nonischemic vascular conductance and cardiac output was not affected by l-NAME, indicating that the rise in cardiac output did not elicit vasodilation via increased release of nitric oxide. Thus, although nitric oxide is intrinsic to the vascular tonus, endothelial-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation plays little role in the small peripheral vasodilation observed during muscle metaboreflex activation.
Effect of sodium nitrite on renal function and sodium and water excretion and brachial and central blood pressure in healthy subjects: a dose-response study
Authors: Rosenbaek Jeppe Bakkestroem , Al Therwani Safa , Jensen Janni Majgaard , Mose Frank Holden , Wandall-Frostholm Christine , Pedersen Erling Bjerregaard , Bech Jesper Noergaard
Published: May 2017

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is converted to nitric oxide (NO) in vivo and has vasodilatory and natriuretic effects. Our aim was to examine the effects of NaNO2on hemodynamics, sodium excretion, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In a single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we infused placebo (0.9% NaCl) or 0.58, 1.74, or 3.48 μmol NaNO2·kg−1·h−1for 2 h in 12 healthy subjects, after 4 days of a standard diet. Subjects were supine and water loaded. We measured brachial and central blood pressure (BP), plasma concentrations of renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, arginine vasopressin (P-AVP), and plasma nitrite (P-[Formula: see text]), GFR by Cr-EDTA clearance, fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) free water clearance (CH2O), and urinary excretion rate of guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (U-cGMP). The highest dose reduced brachial systolic BP (5.6 mmHg, P = 0.003), central systolic BP (5.6 mmHg, P = 0.035), and CH2O(maximum change from 3.79 to 1.27 ml/min, P = 0.031) and increased P-[Formula: see text] (from 0.065 to 0.766 μmol/l, P < 0.001), while reducing U-cGMP (from 444 to 247 pmol/min, P = 0.004). GFR, FENa, P-AVP, and the components in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system did not change significantly. In conclusion, intravenous NaNO2induced a dose-dependent reduction of brachial and central BP. The hemodynamic effect was not mediated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. NaNO2infusion resulted in a vasopressin-independent decrease in CH2Oand urine output but no change in urinary sodium excretion or GFR. The lack of increase in cGMP accompanying the increase in [Formula: see text] suggests a direct effect of nitrite or nitrate on the renal tubules and vascular bed with little or no systemic conversion to NO.
IL-6 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human peritoneal mesothelial cells possibly through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Jing , Gong Yanan , Chen Ying , Yu Dahai , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Xiaoxue , Dou Yanna , Liu Dong , Cheng Genyang , Lu Shan , Yuan Wenming , Li Yansheng , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: May 2017

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy results in functional and structural alteration of the peritoneal membrane, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a local pleiotropic cytokine, hypothesized to play an important role in EMT. This study was designed to investigate the role of IL-6 in EMT and peritoneal membrane dysfunction in long-term PD patients by assessing the level of IL-6 in dialysate and exploring the relationship between IL-6, the related signaling pathway JAK2/STAT3, and EMT, using in vitro cellular and molecular techniques. Plasma and dialysate levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in PD ultrafiltration failure patients compared with patients without ultrafiltration failure and were negatively correlated with measures of PD adequacy. In vitro IL-6 treatment changed human peritoneal mesothelial cell phenotype from a typical cobblestone-like to a fibroblast-like appearance and increased cell viability. IL-6 treatment increased α-smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression but decreased E-cadherin expression. IL-6 treatment activated the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. However, the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 prevented IL-6-induced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and EMT. We conclude that IL-6 promotes the EMT process, possibly by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. IL-6 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for preventing EMT, and preservation of the peritoneal membrane may arise from these studies.
The effects of angiotensin-(1–7) on the exchanger NHE3 and on [Ca2+]iin the proximal tubules of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Castelo-Branco Regiane Cardoso , Leite-Dellova Deise C. A. , Fernandes Fernanda Barrinha , Malnic Gerhard , de Mello-Aires Margarida
Published: May 2017

The acute effects of angiotensin-1–7 [ANG-(1–7)] on the reabsorptive bicarbonate flow (J[Formula: see text]) were evaluated using stationary microperfusion in vivo in the proximal tubules of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, using a microelectrode sensitive to H+. In WKY rats, the control J[Formula: see text] was 2.40 ± 0.10 nmol·cm−2·s−1( n = 120); losartan (10−7M) or A779 (10−6M, a specific Mas antagonist), alone or in combination with losartan, decreased the J[Formula: see text]. ANG-(1–7) had biphasic effects on J[Formula: see text]: at 10−9M, it inhibited, and at 10−6, it stimulated the flow. S3226 [10−6M, a specific Na+-H+exchanger 3 (NHE3) antagonist] decreased J[Formula: see text] and changed the stimulatory effect of ANG-(1–7) to an inhibitory one but did not alter the inhibitory action of ANG-(1–7). In SHR, the control J[Formula: see text] was 2.04 ± 0.13 nmol·cm−2·s−1( n = 56), and A779 and/or losartan reduced the flow. ANG-(1–7) at 10−9M increased J[Formula: see text], and ANG-(1–7) at 10−6M reduced it. The effects of A779, losartan, and S3226 on the J[Formula: see text] were similar to those found in WKY rats, which indicated that in SHR, the ANG-(1–7) action on the NHE3 was via Mas and ANG II type 1. The cytosolic calcium in the WKY or SHR rats was ~100 nM and was increased by ANG-(1–7) at 10−9or 10−6M. In hypertensive animals, a high plasma level of ANG-(1–7) inhibited NHE3 in the proximal tubule, which mitigated the hypertension caused by the high plasma level of ANG II.
Lower-body negative pressure decreases noninvasively measured intracranial pressure and internal jugular vein cross-sectional area during head-down tilt
Authors: Watkins William , Hargens Alan R. , Seidl Shannon , Clary Erika Marie , Macias Brandon R.
Published: May 2017

Long-term spaceflight induces a near visual acuity change in ~50% of astronauts. In some crew members, postflight cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressures by lumbar puncture are as high as 20.9 mmHg; these members demonstrated optic disc edema. CSF communicates through the cochlear aqueduct to affect perilymphatic pressure and tympanic membrane motion. We hypothesized that 50 mmHg of lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) during 15° head-down tilt (HDT) would mitigate elevations in internal jugular vein cross-sectional area (IJV CSA) and intracranial pressure (ICP). Fifteen healthy adult volunteers were positioned in sitting (5 min), supine (5 min), 15° HDT (5 min), and 15° HDT with LBNP (10 min) postures for data collection. Evoked tympanic membrane displacements (TMD) quantified ICP noninvasively. IJV CSA was measured using standard ultrasound techniques. ICP and IJV CSA increased significantly from the seated upright to the 15° HDT posture ( P < 0.05), and LBNP mitigated these increases. LBNP at 25 mmHg reduced ICP during HDT (TMD of 322.13 ± 419.17 nl) to 232.38 ± 445.85 nl, and at 50 mmHg ICP was reduced further to TMD of 199.76 ± 429.69 nl. In addition, 50 mmHg LBNP significantly reduced IJV CSA (1.50 ± 0.33 cm2) during 15° HDT to 0.83 ± 0.42 cm2. LBNP counteracts the headward fluid shift elevation of ICP and IJV CSA experienced during microgravity as simulated by15° HDT. These data provide quantitative evidence that LBNP shifts cephalic fluid to the lower body, reducing IJV CSA and ICP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study provides new evidence that 25 or 50 mmHg of lower body negative pressure reduces jugular venous pooling and intracranial pressure during simulated microgravity. Therefore, spaceflight countermeasures that sequester fluid to the lower body may mitigate cephalic venous congestion and vision impairment.
Treating fructose-induced metabolic changes in mice with high-intensity interval training: insights in the liver, white adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle
Authors: Motta Victor F. , Bargut Thereza L. , Aguila Marcia B. , Mandarim-de-Lacerda Carlos A.
Published: May 2017

Fructose-rich caloric sweeteners induce adverse changes in the metabolism of humans. The study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a fructose feeding model, focusing on the liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), skeletal muscle, and their interplay. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed for 18 wk one of the following diets: control (C; 5% of total energy from fructose) or fructose (F; 55% of total energy from fructose). In the 10th week, for an additional 8-wk period, the groups were divided into nontrained (NT) or HIIT groups, totaling four groups: C-NT, C-HIIT, F-NT, and F-HIIT. At the end of the experiment, fructose consumption in the F-NT group led to a high systolic blood pressure, high plasma triglycerides, insulin resistance with glucose intolerance, and lower insulin sensitivity. We also observed liver steatosis, adipocyte hypertrophy, and diminished gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α and fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5; irisin) in this F-NT group. These results were accompanied by decreased gene expressions of nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (markers of mitochondrial biogenesis), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (markers of β-oxidation). HIIT improved all of these data in the C-HIIT and F-HIIT groups. In conclusion, in mice fed a fructose diet, HIIT improved body mass, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and plasma triglycerides. Liver, WAT, and skeletal muscle were positively modulated by HIIT, indicating HIIT as a coadjutant treatment for diseases affecting these tissues.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in mice fed a fructose-rich diet and the resulting severe negative effect on the liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), and skeletal muscle, which reduced the expression of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5, irisin) and PGC1α and, consequently, affected markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and β-oxidation. Because HIIT may block these adverse effects in all of these three tissues, it might be suggested that it functions as a coadjutant treatment in combatting the alterations caused by high-fructose intake.
Population Aspects of Fishes in Geba and Sor Rivers, White Nile System in Ethiopia, East Africa
Authors: Melaku Simagegnew , Getahun Abebe , Wakjira Mulugeta
Published: May 2017

This study was carried out to assess the diversity, condition factor, length-weight relationship, and sex ratio of fishes in Geba and Sor Rivers located in Baro-Akobo Basin, White Nile system within Ethiopia. Fish samples were collected in one wet and one dry season. The length-weight relationships were fitted using power equation for the most abundant species. A total of 348 fish specimens were collected using gillnets and hooks. These were identified into eight species and one Garra sp. representing seven genera and four families. Family Cyprinidae was the most dominant with six species (66.7%). Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, and Labeo cylindricus were the most abundant fish species, respectively, with 60.72%, 16.83%, and 14.66% index of relative importance (IRI). The diversity index was higher for Geba River (H′ = 1.50) than for Sor River (H′ = 1.10). All the three most abundant species had negative allometric growth. Seasonal variations in the mean Fulton condition factor (FCF) were statistically significant for L. cylindricus (p<0.05). There was variation in the sex ratio with the females dominating in all the three most abundant species. Further investigation into the fish diversity, food, feeding, and reproductive behaviors of fish species especially in the tributaries of these rivers and their socioeconomic aspects is recommended.
Assessing Cognitive Ability and Simulator-Based Driving Performance in Poststroke Adults
Authors: Blane Alison , Lee Hoe C. , Falkmer Torbjörn , Willstrand Tania Dukic
Published: May 2017

Driving is an important activity of daily living, which is increasingly relied upon as the population ages. It has been well-established that cognitive processes decline following a stroke and these processes may influence driving performance. There is much debate on the use of off-road neurological assessments and driving simulators as tools to predict driving performance; however, the majority of research uses unlicensed poststroke drivers, making the comparability of poststroke adults to that of a control group difficult. It stands to reason that in order to determine whether simulators and cognitive assessments can accurately assess driving performance, the baseline should be set by licenced drivers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess differences in cognitive ability and driving simulator performance in licensed community-dwelling poststroke drivers and controls. Two groups of licensed drivers (37 poststroke and 43 controls) were assessed using several cognitive tasks and using a driving simulator. The poststroke adults exhibited poorer cognitive ability; however, there were no differences in simulator performance between groups except that the poststroke drivers demonstrated less variability in driver headway. The application of these results as a prescreening toolbox for poststroke drivers is discussed.
Performance Evaluation and Optimal Management of Distance-Based Registration Using a Semi-Markov Process
Authors: Suh Jae Joon , Kim Kyeongtaek , Jang Hee-Seon , Baek Jang Hyun
Published: May 2017

We consider the distance-based registration (DBR) which is a kind of dynamic location registration scheme in a mobile communication network. In the DBR, the location of a mobile station (MS) is updated when it enters a base station more than or equal to a specified distance away from the base station where the location registration for the MS was done last. In this study, we first investigate the existing performance-evaluation methods on the DBR with implicit registration (DBIR) presented to improve the performance of the DBR and point out some problems of the evaluation methods. We propose a new performance-evaluation method for the DBIR scheme using a semi-Markov process (SMP) which can resolve the controversial issues of the existing methods. The numerical results obtained with the proposed SMP model are compared with those from previous models. It is shown that the SMP model should be considered to get an accurate performance of the DBIR scheme.
The Differential Method for Force Measurement Based on Electrostatic Force
Authors: Sun Peiyuan , Zhao Meirong , Jiang Jile , Zheng Yelong , Han Yaqian , Song Le
Published: May 2017

The small force measurement is very important with development of the technology. The electrostatic force is adopted, in which a pair of coaxial cylindrical capacitors generate the electrostatic force when a voltage is applied across the inner and outer electrodes. However, the measured force will be covered by noise (creep, ground vibration, and air flow) and could not be measured accurately. In this paper, we introduce the differential method to reduce the effect of noise. Two identical parallelogram mechanisms (PM) serve as the mechanical spring. One of the PM serves as the reference and another serves as the force sensor. The common signal will be offset, and the difference signal will serve as output. In this way, the effect of the creep will be reduced. The measurement system of the electrostatic force was characterized by applying mechanical forces of known magnitude via loading weights of calibrated masses. The uncertainty from voltage, laser interferometer, and capacitance gradient was estimated. For the measured force, the relative uncertainty is less than 4% (kp=2).
Characteristic Evaluation of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Prepared with Stamp Printing Technique
Authors: Chittawanij Apisit , Locharoenrat Kitsakorn
Published: May 2017

We have reported on a stamp printing technique that uses PET release film as a printing stamp to deposit TPBi thin film served as the electron transport layer of the organic light-emitting diodes. TPBi thin film was printed with a good uniformity and resolution. Effect of deposition conditions on optical and electrical properties and surface roughness of TPBi thin film have been studied under spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. It is found that characteristic of TPBi thin film is improved via controlled stamp temperature and time. Since TPBi thin film exhibits the surface morphology comparable to that of conventional spin-coating thin film, our findings suggest that PET release film-based stamp printing approach is possible to use as an alternative deposition of the organic thin film as compared with a traditional one.
Monitoring and Forecasting Air Pollution Levels by Exploiting Satellite, Ground-Based, and Synoptic Data, Elaborated with Regression Models
Authors: Michaelides Silas , Paronis Dimitris , Retalis Adrianos , Tymvios Filippos
Published: May 2017

This paper presents some of the results of a project that aimed at the design and implementation of a system for the spatial mapping and forecasting the temporal evolution of air pollution from dust transport from the Sahara Desert into the eastern Mediterranean and secondarily from anthropogenic sources, focusing over Cyprus. Monitoring air pollution (aerosols) in near real-time is accomplished by using spaceborne and in situ platforms. The results of the development of a system for forecasting pollution levels in terms of particulate matter concentrations are presented. The aim of the present study is to utilize the recorded PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm) ground measurements, Aerosol Optical Depth retrievals from satellite, and the prevailing synoptic conditions established by Artificial Neural Networks, in order to develop regression models that will be able to predict the spatial and temporal variability of PM10 in Cyprus. The core of the forecasting system comprises an appropriately designed neural classification system which clusters synoptic maps, Aerosol Optical Depth data from the Aqua satellite, and ground measurements of particulate matter. By exploiting the above resources, statistical models for forecasting pollution levels were developed.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Deficiency Attenuates Experimental Colitis-Induced Adipose Tissue Lipolysis
Authors: Liu Liming , Zhao Cuiqing , Yang Ying , Kong Xiaoxia , Shao Tuo , Ren Li , Zhuang Xinyu , Yin Baishuang , Dryden Gerald , McClain Craig , Luan Weimin , Feng Wenke
Published: May 2017

Aims. Nutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Adipose tissue plays a critical role in regulating energy balance. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important endocrine metabolic regulator with emerging beneficial roles in lipid homeostasis. We investigated the impact of FGF21 in experimental colitis-induced epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) lipolysis. Methods. Mice were given 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) ad libitum for 7 days to induce colitis. The role of FGF21 was investigated using antibody neutralization or knockout (KO) mice. Lipolysis index and adipose lipolytic enzymes were determined. In addition, 3T3-L1 cells were pretreated with IL-6, followed by recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) treatment; lipolysis was assessed. Results. DSS markedly decreased eWAT/body weight ratio and increased serum concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol, indicating increased adipose tissue lipolysis. eWAT intracellular lipolytic enzyme expression/activation was significantly increased. These alterations were significantly attenuated in FGF21 KO mice and by circulating FGF21 neutralization. Moreover, DSS treatment markedly increased serum IL-6 and FGF21 levels. IL-6 pretreatment was necessary for the stimulatory effect of FGF21 on adipose lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that experimental colitis induces eWAT lipolysis via an IL-6/FGF21-mediated signaling pathway.
The Use of Adaptive Traffic Signal Systems Based on Floating Car Data
Authors: Astarita Vittorio , Giofrè Vincenzo Pasquale , Guido Giuseppe , Vitale Alessandro
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a simple concept which has not been, up to now, thoroughly explored in scientific research: the use of information coming from the network of Internet connected mobile devices (on vehicles) to regulate traffic light systems. Three large-scale changes are going to shape the future of transportation and could lead to the regulation of traffic signal system based on floating car data (FCD): (i) the implementation of Internet connected cars with global navigation satellite (GNSS) system receivers and the autonomous car revolution; (ii) the spreading of mobile cooperative Web 2.0 and the extension to connected vehicles; (iii) an increasing need for sustainability of transportation in terms of energy efficiency, traffic safety, and environmental issues. Up to now, the concept of floating car data (FCD) has only been extensively used to obtain traffic information and estimate traffic parameters. Traffic lights regulation based on FCD technology has not been fully researched since the implementation requires new ideas and algorithms. This paper intends to provide a seminal insight into the important issue of adaptive traffic light based on FCD by presenting ideas that can be useful to researchers and engineers in the long-term task of developing new algorithms and systems that may revolutionize the way traffic lights are regulated.
Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Mycobacterium avium-Infected Macrophages Comparing with Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Yang Dongjun , Fu Xin , He Shiyi , Ning Xueping , Ling Min
Published: May 2017

Mycobacterium avium (MA) belongs to the intracellular parasitic bacteria. To better understand how MA survives within macrophages and the different pathogenic mechanisms of MA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), tandem mass tag (TMT) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis have been used to determine the proteins which are differentially expressed in MA-infected and MTB-infected macrophages. 369 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in MA-infected cells but not in MTB-infected cells. By using certain bioinformatics methods, we found the 369 proteins were involved in molecular function, biological process, and cellular component including binding, catalytic activity, metabolic process, cellular process, and cell part. In addition, some identified proteins were involved in multiple signaling pathways. These results suggest that MA probably survive within macrophages by affecting the expression of some crucial proteins.
A Formal Approach to Verify Parameterized Protocols in Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Zhang Long , Hu Wenyan , Qu Wanxia , Guo Yang , Li Sikun
Published: May 2017

Mobile cyber-physical systems (CPSs) are very hard to verify, because of asynchronous communication and the arbitrary number of components. Verification via model checking typically becomes impracticable due to the state space explosion caused by the system parameters and concurrency. In this paper, we propose a formal approach to verify the safety properties of parameterized protocols in mobile CPS. By using counter abstraction, the protocol is modeled as a Petri net. Then, a novel algorithm, which uses IC3 (the state-of-the-art model checking algorithm) as the back-end engine, is presented to verify the Petri net model. The experimental results show that our new approach can greatly scale the verification capabilities compared favorably against several recently published approaches. In addition to solving the instances fast, our method is significant for its lower memory consumption.
Molecular Cloning, Expression Profiling, and Marker Validation of the Chicken Myoz3 Gene
Authors: Ye Maosen , Ye Fei , He Liutao , Liu Yiping , Zhao Xiaoling , Yin Huadong , Li Diyan , Xu Hengyong , Zhu Qing , Wang Yan
Published: May 2017

Myozenin3 (Myoz3) has been reported to bind multiple Z-disc proteins and hence play a key role in signal transduction and muscle fiber type differentiation. The purpose of current study is to better understand the basic characteristics of Myoz3. Firstly, we cloned the ORF (open reading frame) of the Myoz3 gene. AA (amino acid) sequence analysis revealed that the Myoz3 gene encodes a 26 kDa protein which have 97% identities with that of turkey. Expression profiling showed that Myoz3 mRNA is mainly expressed in leg muscle and breast muscle. Furthermore, we investigated Myoz3 gene polymorphisms in two broiler breeds, the Yellow Bantam (YB) and the Avian. Five SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified in the YB breed and 3 were identified in the Avian breed. Genotypes and haplotype were constructed and their associations with carcass traits were analyzed. In the YB breed, c.516 C>T had a strong effect on both shank bone length and the L⁎ value of breast muscle, and the H1H3 diplotype had the highest FC compared to other diplotypes. The markers identified in this study may serve as useful targets for the marker-assisted selection (MAS) of growth and meat quality traits in chickens.
Brain Multimodality Monitoring: A New Tool in Neurocritical Care of Comatose Patients
Authors: Tasneem Nudrat , Samaniego Edgar A. , Pieper Connie , Leira Enrique C. , Adams Harold P. , Hasan David , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: May 2017

Neurocritical care patients are at risk of developing secondary brain injury from inflammation, ischemia, and edema that follows the primary insult. Recognizing clinical deterioration due to secondary injury is frequently challenging in comatose patients. Multimodality monitoring (MMM) encompasses various tools to monitor cerebral metabolism, perfusion, and oxygenation aimed at detecting these changes to help modify therapies before irreversible injury sets in. These tools include intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors, transcranial Doppler (TCD), Hemedex™ (thermal diffusion probe used to measure regional cerebral blood flow), microdialysis catheter (used to measure cerebral metabolism), Licox™ (probe used to measure regional brain tissue oxygen tension), and continuous electroencephalography. Although further research is needed to demonstrate their impact on improving clinical outcomes, their contribution to illuminate the black box of the brain in comatose patients is indisputable. In this review, we further elaborate on commonly used MMM parameters, tools used to measure them, and the indications for monitoring per current consensus guidelines.