bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical‐ventilatory responses to peak and ventilation‐matched upper‐ versus lower‐body exercise in normal subjects
Authors: Tiller Nicholas B. , Campbell Ian G. , Romer Lee M.
Published: March 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

To what extent are the mechanical‐ventilatory responses to upper‐body exercise influenced by task‐specific locomotor mechanics?

What is the main finding and its importance?

When compared with lower‐body exercise performed at similar ventilations, upper‐body exercise was characterized by tidal volume constraint, dynamic lung hyperinflation and an increased propensity towards neuromechanical uncoupling of the respiratory system. Importantly, these responses were independent of respiratory dysfunction and flow limitation. Thus, the mechanical ventilatory responses to upper‐body exercise are attributable, in part, to task‐specific locomotor mechanics (i.e. non‐respiratory loading of the thorax).

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which the mechanical ventilatory responses to upper‐body exercise are influenced by task‐specific locomotor mechanics. Eight healthy men (mean ± SD: age, 24 ± 5 years; mass, 74 ± 11 kg; and stature, 1.79 ± 0.07 m) completed two maximal exercise tests, on separate days, comprising 4 min stepwise increments of 15 W during upper‐body exercise (arm‐cranking) or 30 W during lower‐body exercise (leg‐cycling). The tests were repeated at work rates calculated to elicit 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of the peak ventilation achieved during arm‐cranking (). Exercise measures included pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, oesophageal pressure‐derived indices of respiratory mechanics, operating lung volumes and expiratory flow limitation. Subjects exhibited normal resting pulmonary function. Arm‐crank exercise elicited significantly lower peak values for work rate, O2 uptake, CO2 output, minute ventilation and tidal volume (p < 0.05). At matched ventilations, arm‐crank exercise restricted tidal volume expansion relative to leg‐cycling exercise at 60% (1.74 ± 0.61 versus 2.27 ± 0.68 l, p < 0.001), 80% (2.07 ± 0.70 versus 2.52 ± 0.67 l, p < 0.001) and 100% (1.97 ± 0.85 versus 2.55 ± 0.72 l, p = 0.002). Despite minimal evidence of expiratory flow limitation, expiratory reserve volume was significantly higher during arm‐cranking versus leg‐cycling exercise at 100% (39 ± 8 versus 29 ± 8% of vital capacity, p = 0.002). At any given ventilation, arm‐cranking elicited greater inspiratory effort (oesophageal pressure) relative to thoracic displacement (tidal volume). Arm‐cranking exercise is sufficient to provoke respiratory mechanical derangements (restricted tidal volume expansion, dynamic hyperinflation and neuromechanical uncoupling) in subjects with normal pulmonary function and expiratory flow reserve. These responses are likely to be attributable to task‐specific locomotor mechanics (i.e. non‐respiratory loading of the thorax).
Blade Element Momentum Study of Rotor Aerodynamic Performance and Loading for Active and Passive Microjet Systems
Authors: Hurley Owen F. , Chow Raymond , Blaylock Myra L. , Cooperman Aubryn M. , van Dam C. P.
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the performance of microjets for load reduction on the NREL-5 MW wind turbine and identifies optimal system parameters. Microjets provide blowing normal to the blade surface and can rapidly increase or decrease lift on a blade section, enabling a wind turbine to respond to local, short-term changes in wind condition. As wind turbine rotors become larger, control methods that act on a single blade or blade section are increasingly necessary to reduce critical fatigue and extreme loads. However, microjets require power to operate, and thus, it is crucial that the fatigue reduction justifies any energy input to the system. To examine the potential for fatigue reduction of a range of potential microjet system configurations, a blade element momentum (BEM) code and a flow energy solver were used to estimate the energy input and the change in primary fatigue metrics. A parametric analysis was conducted to identify the optimal spanwise position and length of the microjets over a range of air mass flow rates. Both active and passive air supply methods were considered. A passive microjet system applied to the NREL 5-MW rotor produced a 3.7% reduction in the maximum flapwise root bending moment (FRBM). The reduction in the peak bending moment increased to 6.0% with a 5 kPa blower that consumes approximately 0.1% of the turbine output power. The most effective configurations placed microjets between the blade midspan to three-quarters span. Load reduction was achieved for both active and passive modes of air supply to the microjet system.
AAAS connects human rights groups with science experts
Authors: Korte Andrea
Published: March 2019

On-call Scientists consults on projects around the world
Bacteriophage trigger antiviral immunity and prevent clearance of bacterial infection
Authors: Sweere Johanna M. , Van Belleghem Jonas D. , Ishak Heather , Bach Michelle S. , Popescu Medeea , Sunkari Vivekananda , Kaber Gernot , Manasherob Robert , Suh Gina A. , Cao Xiou , de Vries Christiaan R. , Lam Dung N. , Marshall Payton L. , Birukova Maria , Katznelson Ethan , Lazzareschi Daniel V. , Balaji Swathi , Keswani Sundeep G. , Hawn Thomas R. , Secor Patrick R. , Bollyky Paul L.
Published: March 2019

Phage subverts immune response

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
Pa
) is a multidrug-resistant Gramnegative bacterium commonly found in health care settings.
Pa
infections frequently result in considerable morbidity and mortality. Sweere
et al.
found that a type of temperate filamentous bacteriophage that infects and integrates into
Pa
is associated with chronic human wound infections. Likewise, wounds in mice colonized with phage-infected
Pa
were more severe and longer-lasting than those colonized by
Pa
alone. Immune cell uptake of phage-infected
Pa
resulted in phage RNA production and inappropriate antiviral immune responses, impeding bacterial clearance. Both phage vaccination and transfer of antiphage antibodies were protective against
Pa
infection.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat9691
Chirally coupled nanomagnets
Authors: Luo Zhaochu , Dao Trong Phuong , Hrabec Aleš , Vijayakumar Jaianth , Kleibert Armin , Baumgartner Manuel , Kirk Eugenie , Cui Jizhai , Savchenko Tatiana , Krishnaswamy Gunasheel , Heyderman Laura J. , Gambardella Pietro
Published: March 2019

Magnetic building blocks in two dimensions

Artificial magnetic structures can offer a variety of functionalities in spintronics devices. Luo
et al.
engineered magnetic domains in Pt/Co/AlO

x

trilayers that had alternating in-plane and out-of-plane magnetizations. The regions interacted laterally through the so-called Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, which determined the relative sign and orientation of the magnetization in adjacent domains. Using the coupling between the domains, the researchers were able to engineer more-complex magnetic structures such as skyrmions and frustrated magnets.

Science
, this issue p.
1435
Natural, incidental, and engineered nanomaterials and their impacts on the Earth system
Authors: Hochella Michael F. , Mogk David W. , Ranville James , Allen Irving C. , Luther George W. , Marr Linsey C. , McGrail B. Peter , Murayama Mitsu , Qafoku Nikolla P. , Rosso Kevin M. , Sahai Nita , Schroeder Paul A. , Vikesland Peter , Westerhoff Paul , Yang Yi
Published: March 2019

Nanomaterials in the Earth system

Nanomaterials have been part of the Earth system for billions of years, but human activities are changing the nature and amounts of these materials. Hochella Jr.
et al.
review sources and impacts of natural nanomaterials, which are not created directly through human actions; incidental nanomaterials, which form unintentionally during human activities; and engineered nanomaterials, which are created for specific applications. Knowledge of the properties of all three types as they cycle through the Earth system is essential for understanding and mitigating their long-term impacts on the environment and human health.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau8299
New plant breeding technologies for food security
Authors: Zaidi Syed Shan-e-Ali , Vanderschuren Hervé , Qaim Matin , Mahfouz Magdy M. , Kohli Ajay , Mansoor Shahid , Tester Mark
Published: March 2019

Improved crops can contribute to a world without hunger, if properly managed
Slide-seq: A scalable technology for measuring genome-wide expression at high spatial resolution
Authors: Rodriques Samuel G. , Stickels Robert R. , Goeva Aleksandrina , Martin Carly A. , Murray Evan , Vanderburg Charles R. , Welch Joshua , Chen Linlin M. , Chen Fei , Macosko Evan Z.
Published: March 2019

Gene expression at fine scale

Mapping gene expression at the single-cell level within tissues remains a technical challenge. Rodriques
et al.
developed a method called Slide-seq, whereby RNA was spatially resolved from tissue sections by transfer onto a surface covered with DNA-barcoded beads. Applying Slide-seq to regions of a mouse brain revealed spatial gene expression patterns in the Purkinje layer of the cerebellum and axes of variation across Purkinje cell compartments. The authors used this method to dissect the temporal evolution of cell type–specific responses in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.

Science
, this issue p.
1463
Catalyst-controlled stereoselective cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers
Authors: Teator A. J. , Leibfarth F. A.
Published: March 2019

The right hand lines up vinyl ethers

Well-optimized catalysts produce vast quantities of isotactic polypropylene, in which the side chains all face the same way. Add an oxygen into the monomer, though, and that degree of uniformity becomes harder to enforce. Teator and Leibfarth report a general protocol to polymerize a variety of such vinyl ethers isotactically (see the Perspective by Foster and O'Reilly). They rely on a chiral phosphoric acid in combination with a titanium Lewis acid to bias the monomer orientation during cationic polymerization. The resulting polymers show promising adhesive properties.

Science
, this issue p.
1439
; see also p.
1394
Deconstructing the academic caste system
The Adjunct Underclass
Herb Childress
University of Chicago Press, 2019. 223 pp.
Authors: Scott Daniel
Published: March 2019

It's time to rethink universities' growing reliance on contingent faculty
Neural representations across species
Authors: Quiroga Rodrigo Quian
Published: March 2019

Nonspatial cognitive factors modulate the firing of spatially tuned neurons
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Activities of Zinc Linolenate, a Selective Antibacterial Agent against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Huang Yanqiang , Hang Xudong , Jiang Xueqing , Zeng Liping , Jia Jia , Xie Yong , Li Fei , Bi Hongkai
Published: March 2019

Helicobacter pylori
is a major global pathogen, and its infection represents a key factor in the etiology of various gastric diseases, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric carcinoma. The efficacy of current standard treatment for
H. pylori
infection including two broad-spectrum antibiotics is compromised by toxicity toward the gut microbiota and the development of drug resistance, which will likely only be resolved through novel and selective antibacterial strategies.
Inactivation of Polymyxin by Hydrolytic Mechanism
Authors: Yin Jianhua , Wang Gang , Cheng Dan , Fu Jianv , Qiu Juanping , Yu Zhiliang
Published: March 2019

Polymyxins are nonribosomal peptide antibiotics used as the last-resort drug for treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, strains that are resistant to polymyxins have emerged in many countries.
Interferon Gamma Inhibits Varicella-Zoster Virus Replication in a Cell Line-Dependent Manner
Authors: Shakya Akhalesh K. , O’Callaghan Dennis J. , Kim Seong K.
Published: March 2019

Our results showed that IFN-γ significantly inhibited VZV replication in a cell line-dependent manner. IFN-γ inhibited VZV gene expression after the immediate early stage of infection and abrogated IE62-mediated transactivation. These results suggest that IFN-γ blocks VZV replication by inhibiting IE62 function in a cell line-dependent manner. Understanding the mechanisms by which IFN-γ plays a role in VZV gene programming may be important in determining the tissue restriction of VZV.
Retinal findings in carriers of monoallelic ABCC6 mutations
Authors: Gliem Martin , Wieg Isabel , Birtel Johannes , Müller Philipp L , Faust Isabel , Hendig Doris , Holz Frank G , Finger Robert P , Charbel Issa Peter
Published: March 2019

Aim

Biallelic ABCC6 mutations cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a systemic disease characterised by calcification of elastic tissue and a specific retinal phenotype. In this study, we investigated if monoallelic ABCC6 mutations are also associated with retinal alterations.

Methods

In this prospective, cross-sectional, monocentre case–control study, carriers of monoallelic ABCC6 mutations were investigated and compared with age-matched controls. The retinal phenotype was characterised using fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, confocal near-infrared reflectance imaging, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and in selected cases late-phase indocyanine green angiography.

Results

Thirty-eight subjects carrying monoallelic ABCC6 mutations (mean age 70.2 years, range 50–90, 26 female) were examined and compared with 77 age-matched controls (mean age 69.9 years, range 50–93, 43 female). Retinal alterations were more frequently found in carriers of monoallelic ABCC6 mutations compared with controls (50% vs 33.8%, p=0.107) with increasing prevalence at older age. Typical findings were peripapillary atrophy (37% vs 23%, p=0.184), pattern dystrophy-like changes (24% vs 12%, p=0.109), reticular pseudodrusen (21% vs 5%, p=0.019), small angioid streaks (8% vs 1%, p=0.105), choroidal neovascularisations and atrophic lesions (both 8% vs 0%, p=0.034). Late-phase indocyanine green angiography showed a reduced cyanescence centred to the posterior pole in 11 of 14 examined subjects with monoallelic ABCC6 mutations.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate a possible ocular ABCC6 haploinsufficiency phenotype. Due to its late-onset and phenotypic similarities, misinterpretation as age-related macular degeneration is possible.
Effects of an mHealth intervention for community health workers on maternal and child nutrition and health service delivery in India: protocol for a quasi-experimental mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Nimmagadda Sneha , Gopalakrishnan Lakshmi , Avula Rasmi , Dhar Diva , Diamond-Smith Nadia , Fernald Lia , Jain Anoop , Mani Sneha , Menon Purnima , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Park Hannah , Patil Sumeet R , Singh Prakarsh , Walker Dilys
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Millions of children in India still suffer from poor health and under-nutrition, despite substantial improvement over decades of public health programmes. The Anganwadi centres under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) provide a range of health and nutrition services to pregnant women, children <6 years and their mothers. However, major gaps exist in ICDS service delivery. The government is currently strengthening ICDS through an mHealth intervention called Common Application Software (ICDS-CAS) installed on smart phones, with accompanying multilevel data dashboards. This system is intended to be a job aid for frontline workers, supervisors and managers, aims to ensure better service delivery and supervision, and enable real-time monitoring and data-based decision-making. However, there is little to no evidence on the effectiveness of such large-scale mHealth interventions integrated with public health programmes in resource-constrained settings on the service delivery and subsequent health and nutrition outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This study uses a village-matched controlled design with repeated cross-sectional surveys to evaluate whether ICDS-CAS can enable more timely and appropriate services to pregnant women, children <12 months and their mothers, compared with the standard ICDS programme. The study will recruit approximately 1500 Anganwadi workers and 6000+ mother-child dyads from 400+ matched-pair villages in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The primary outcomes are the proportion of beneficiaries receiving (a) adequate number of home visits and (b) appropriate level of counselling by the Anganwadi workers. Secondary outcomes are related to improvements in other ICDS services, and knowledge and practices of the Anganwadi workers and beneficiaries.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical oversight is provided by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of California at Berkeley, and the Suraksha Independent Ethics Committee in India. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and analysis data will be made public.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN83902145
Rationale and design of a systematic review: effectiveness and acceptance of technology-based psychological interventions in different clinical phases of depression management
Authors: Köhnen Moritz , Kriston Levente , Härter Martin , Dirmaier Jörg , Liebherz Sarah
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Although many effective treatment options exist, depression is still undertreated indicating gaps in the healthcare system. The complementary provision of mental healthcare through technologies (eg, computer, smartphone) has the potential to fill treatment gaps and to overcome access barriers to mental healthcare. Until now, no systematic review integrates the evidence on different technology-based psychological interventions (TBIs) concerning their effectiveness and acceptance in different clinical phases of depression management (bridging waiting periods, acute treatment and aftercare). The aim of this project is to structure evidence on TBIs regarding different phases of depression management, and to determine effectiveness and acceptance for each clinical phase considering both active (eg, face-to-face treatment) and inactive (eg, waitlist) controls as comparators.

Methods and analysis

We will include studies on adults with a formal diagnosis of unipolar depression. Treatments delivered by technologies based on scientific psychological theories will be considered as experimental interventions. The primary effectiveness outcome will be depressive symptoms at study endpoint measured by symptom severity rating scales, and the primary acceptance outcome will be dropping out of the study due to any reason. We will consider only randomised controlled trials, which will be identified by key database searches (including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, CINAHL) complemented through searches in clinical trial registries (eg, clinicaltrials.gov) and grey literature searches (eg, Open Grey). Two review authors will independently conduct study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of included studies (using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias). Meta-analyses applying random-effect models as well as subgroup, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this study, as we conduct research on secondary data. We will disseminate results via peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations on conferences and via plain language summaries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016050413; Pre-results.
How Chinese psychiatrists see and manage stigmatisation of psychiatric patients: a qualitative study in Hong Kong
Authors: Sun Kai Sing , Lam Tai Pong , Lo Tak Lam , Wu Dan
Published: March 2019

Background

Health professionals including psychiatrists were reported to have stigmatising opinions on psychiatric patients. Their views may be affected by clinical, social and cultural factors.

Objective

This study explored the views of Chinese psychiatrists on stigmatisation of psychiatric patients.

Methods

Focus group discussions with psychiatrists were conducted in Hong Kong. Their views towards stigmatisation of psychiatric patients and strategies to reduce stigmatisation were discussed.

Findings

The psychiatrists perceived the clinical needs to classify the patients according to the diagnoses and they did not see it as stigmatisation. They believed that some mental illnesses are characterised with violence or deviance, and were not completely curable. Instead of trying to eliminate stigma, they managed in ways that took social expectations into consideration. They might offer a relative vague diagnostic label to save the ‘face’ of the patients and secure greater acceptance for the illness from the public. They tended to accept family members to make decisions on behalf of the patients. Reconciling public interest and patients’ autonomy, they encouraged stable psychotic patients to live in the community but agreed to institutionalise those patients with violent behaviours.

Conclusion

While the psychiatrists argued that the diagnosis was not a form of stigma, they were sensitive enough and framed responses to patients in ways to minimise stigma. They tended to believe that stigma was inevitable given the nature of some psychotic disorders. Disguising the stigma appeared to be the common approach to deal with stigma in a Chinese context.

Clinical Implications

The psychiatrists, especially those practicing in a Chinese context, may consider a wider perspective of community mental health rehabilitation which is not limited to social stability but also social life.
Could a residential wood ash recycling programme be part of the solution to calcium decline in lakes and forests in Muskoka (Ontario, Canada)?
Authors: Azan Shakira S.E. , Yan Norman D. , Celis-Salgado Martha P. , Arnott Shelley E. , Rusak James A. , Sutey Peter
Published: March 2019

One possible solution to the recent decline of calcium (Ca) concentrations in Canadian Shield forests and lakes in eastern North America is the addition of Ca-rich wood ash to watersheds. We investigated the feasibility of using small, mainly residential sources of non-industrial wood ash (NIWA) for this purpose by quantifying concentrations of its major nutrients and metals, its toxicity to Daphnia in aqueous extracts, and estimating the amount of NIWA available in the District of Muskoka in central Ontario. Locally collected NIWA averaged 30% Ca, and also contained smaller but significant amounts of K, Mg, Na, and P. Of these, K was so soluble that it was toxic to Daphnia over 48 h in the concentrate and 10-fold dilution; however, sedimented ash was not toxic over 15 d. Most metal levels in NIWA were below targets permitting unrestricted land application. However, Cu and Zn were just above these targets, but well below those for conditional use. Muskoka residents generate about 235 000 kg of NIWA annually, not enough to treat all central Ontario areas affected; however, a NIWA recycling programme implemented across southern Ontario could generate enough ash to solve the Ca decline problem in Muskoka’s forests and lakes.
Gapped PVBS models for all species numbers and dimensions
Authors: Lemm Marius , Nachtergaele Bruno
Published: March 2019

Product vacua with boundary states (PVBS) are cousins of the Heisenberg XXZ spin model and feature [Formula: see text] particle species on [Formula: see text]. The PVBS models were originally introduced as toy models for the classification of ground state phases. A crucial ingredient for this classification is the existence of a spectral gap above the ground state sector. In this work, we derive a spectral gap for PVBS models at arbitrary species number [Formula: see text] and in arbitrary dimension [Formula: see text] in the perturbative regime of small anisotropy parameters. Instead of using the more common martingale method, the proof verifies a finite-size criterion in the spirit of Knabe.
Hénon-Like Families and Blender-Horseshoes at Nontransverse Heterodimensional Cycles
Authors: Díaz Lorenzo J. , Pérez Sebastian A.
Published: March 2019

In dimension three and under certain regularity assumptions, we construct a renormalization scheme at the heterodimensional tangency of a nontransverse heterodimensional cycle associated with a pair of saddle-foci whose limit dynamics is a center-unstable Hénon-like family displaying blender-horseshoes. As a consequence, the initial cycle can be approximated in higher regularity topologies by diffeomorphisms having blender-horseshoes.
Radiative Recombination in the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films Irradiated with Hydrogen Ions
Authors: Borodavchenko O. , Zhivulko V. , Yakushev M. , Sulimov M.
Published: March 2019

The irradiation-induced effects in Cu(In,Ca)Se2 thin films after irradiation with hydrogen ions with dose of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and different energies in the range of 2.5–10[Formula: see text]keV were studied. Irradiated and nonirradiated thin films were investigated by low-temperature (4.2[Formula: see text]K) photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation methods. The appearance of intense bands at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV and 0.77[Formula: see text]eV in the photoluminescence spectra may be related to radiative recombination on the irradiation-induced defects with deep energy levels in the bandgap of Cu(In,Ca)Se2 solid solutions. A possible nature of these defects and process of radiative recombination are discussed.
Electrostatic Force Microscopy: A Promising Diagnostic Tool to Measure Interphase Properties
Authors: Castellon J. , El Khoury D. , Arinero R.
Published: March 2019

There is currently no reliable method for studying interfacial regions within dielectric nanocomposites. The aim of this work was to develop experimental protocols and signal analysis involving Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM). Model samples made of spherical nanoparticles deposited on a metallic substrate and covered by two shells were designed and fabricated to simulate the presence of an interphase between a particle and a matrix. EFM performed either with DC or AC gradients detection method proved good sensitivity to certain sample configurations. A quantification of the dielectric permittivity of the intermediate layer was possible, thanks to correlation with finite element numerical simulations. Interfacial states between stacked layers, which can be attributed to film deposition processes, were also evidenced.
Sol–Gel Fabrication and Luminescence Properties of Multilayer Eu-Doped BaTiO3–SiO2 Xerogel Nanostructures
Authors: Karnilava Yu. D. , Kholov P. A. , Gaponenko N. V. , Raichenok T. F. , Tikhomirov S. A. , Martynov I. L. , Osipov E. V. , Chistyakov A. A. , Kargin N. I.
Published: March 2019

With the use of sol–gel method BaTiO3–SiO2 multilayer structures were fabricated on glass or fused silica substrates employing dipping or spinning procedure. The photonic stop band was observed in the reflection and transmission spectra of the multilayer structure annealed at [Formula: see text]C. It is redshifted with an increase of the thicknesses of BaTiO3 and SiO2 layers. For structures comprising Eu-doped BaTiO3 layers of different thicknesses photoluminescence with the main band at 614[Formula: see text]nm was detected. It is characterized with the double-exponential decay with the lifetimes of about 0.5[Formula: see text]ms and 1.1[Formula: see text]ms which do not depend significantly on the photonic stop band position.
Mapping of non-autonomous dynamical systems to autonomous ones
Authors: Momeni Davood , Channuie Phongpichit , Ajmi Mudhahir Al
Published: March 2019

Using a proper choice of the dynamical variables, we show that a non-autonomous dynamical system transforming to an autonomous dynamical system with a certain coordinate transformations can be obtained by solving a general nonlinear first-order partial differential equations. We examine some special cases and provide particular physical examples. Our framework constitutes general machineries in investigating other non-autonomous dynamical systems.
South Korea’s Politics 2018: Unpredictable External Relations and a Slowing Economy
Authors: CHOO Jaewoo
Published: March 2019

South Korea will face enormous challenges on two fronts for 2019. The country’s economic base will collapse because of the government’s inability to counter the trap it has laid on itself with a dramatic elevation of minimum wage and tax rates on property and housing. The government will be diplomatically isolated for its blind love towards North Korea, and confronted with rising friction with Japan over history issues and China on Terminal High Altitude Area Defence.
Geodynamic history and mantle evolution recorded in Cenozoic lavas of Sardinia
Authors: Gisbert G. , Cai Y. , Gimeno D.
Published: March 2019

Two Cenozoic magmatic cycles occurred in Sardinia separated by a 5 myr gap: Oligo-Miocene subduction-related calc-alkaline magmatism associated with Sardinia migrating from the European continental margin to its current location, and Plio-Pleistocene intraplate alkaline magmatism associated with the opening of the southern Tyrrhenian basin. Based on an integration of new and published geochemical data on the Cenozoic volcanic rocks of Sardinia, and regional tectonics, we propose that a northward propagating slab tear formed south of Sardinia at the end of the Oligo-Miocene cycle. This was responsible for the transition from subduction-controlled calc-alkaline to extension-controlled mildly alkaline to peralkaline magmatism in the Sulcis area (SW Sardinia), and for the end of the Oligo-Miocene magmatism. The inflow of hotter material from the European Asthenospheric Reservoir (EAR) through the slab window could have produced the minor EAR-type alkaline lavas that erupted at the end of the Oligo-Miocene cycle and at the beginning of the Plio-Pleistocene cycle. The dominant younger Plio-Pleistocene lavas with EMI-type compositions probably formed from decompression melting of a shallower lithospheric mantle with little influence from the EAR-forming event.

Supplementary material:
A summary of Sulcis rocks petrography, representative whole-rock analysis of Sulcis rocks, Sr, Nd and Pb isotope analytical methods and results, a list of sources of whole-rock geochemical data from the literature and complementary diagrams are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4447802
The engineering geology of concrete in hot drylands
Authors: Fookes P. G. , Lee E. M.
Published: March 2019

In hot drylands the main causes of concrete deterioration are physical salt attack by aggressive evaporite salts, reinforcement corrosion (e.g. carbonation, chloride ingress) and aggregate unsoundness. The manufacture of concrete presents more problems than in temperate countries due to the higher ambient temperatures and drying winds, plus windblown salts (mainly chlorides and sulphates). However, it is not just aridity that is significant to concrete in hot drylands, but also the availability of moisture and the duration of moist conditions. This paper draws upon the lifetime's experience gained by the lead author (PGF) and aims to provide a basic introduction to the ‘engineering geology of concrete' for hot drylands. The focus is on the Middle East and North Africa, but the general messages have broader applicability.
Practical Privacy-preserving High-order Bi-Lanczos in Integrated Edge-Fog-Cloud Architecture for Cyber-Physical-Social Systems
Authors: Feng Jun , Yang Laurence T. , Zhang Ronghao
Published: March 2019

Smart environments, also referred to as cyber-physical-social systems (CPSSs), are expected to significantly benefit from the integration of edge, fog, and cloud for intelligence service flexibility, efficiency, and cost saving. High-order Bi-Lanczos method has emerged as a powerful tool serving as multi-dimensional data processing, such as prevailing feature extraction, classification, and clustering of high-order data, in CPSSs. However, integrated edge-fog-cloud architecture is open and users have very limited control; how to carry out big data processing without compromising the security and privacy is a challenging issue in edge-fog-cloud-assisted smart applications. In this work, we propose a novel and practical privacy-preserving high-order Bi-Lanczos scheme in integrated edge-fog-cloud architectural paradigm for smart environments. More precisely, we first propose a privacy-preserving big data processing model using the synergy of edge, fog, and cloud. The proposed model enables edge, fog, and cloud to cooperatively complete big data processing without compromising users’ privacy for large-scale tensor data in CPSSs. Subsequently, making use of the model, we present a privacy-preserving high-order Bi-Lanczos scheme. Finally, we theoretically and empirically analyze the security and efficiency of the proposed privacy-preserving high-order Bi-Lanczos scheme based on an intelligent surveillance system case study. And the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme provides a privacy-preserving and efficient way of computations in integrated edge-fog-cloud paradigm for smart environments.
A Fog-Based Application for Human Activity Recognition Using Personal Smart Devices
Authors: Concone Federico , Re Giuseppe Lo , Morana Marco
Published: March 2019

The diffusion of heterogeneous smart devices capable of capturing and analysing data about users, and/or the environment, has encouraged the growth of novel sensing methodologies. One of the most attractive scenarios in which such devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, or activity trackers, can be exploited to infer relevant information is human activity recognition (HAR). Even though some simple HAR techniques can be directly implemented on mobile devices, in some cases, such as when complex activities need to be analysed timely, users’ smart devices can operate as part of a more complex architecture. In this article, we propose a multi-device HAR framework that exploits the fog computing paradigm to move heavy computation from the sensing layer to intermediate devices and then to the cloud. As compared to traditional cloud-based solutions, this choice allows to overcome processing and storage limitations of wearable devices while also reducing the overall bandwidth consumption. Experimental analysis aims to evaluate the performance of the entire platform in terms of accuracy of the recognition process while also highlighting the benefits it might bring in smart environments.
A Survey on Multithreading Alternatives for Soft Error Fault Tolerance
Authors: Oz Isil , Arslan Sanem
Published: March 2019

Smaller transistor sizes and reduction in voltage levels in modern microprocessors induce higher soft error rates. This trend makes reliability a primary design constraint for computer systems. Redundant multithreading (RMT) makes use of parallelism in modern systems by employing thread-level time redundancy for fault detection and recovery. RMT can detect faults by running identical copies of the program as separate threads in parallel execution units with identical inputs and comparing their outputs. In this article, we present a survey of RMT implementations at different architectural levels with several design considerations. We explain the implementations in seminal papers and their extensions and discuss the design choices employed by the techniques. We review both hardware and software approaches by presenting the main characteristics and analyze the studies with different design choices regarding their strengths and weaknesses. We also present a classification to help potential users find a suitable method for their requirement and to guide researchers planning to work on this area by providing insights into the future trend.
FPGA Implementation of the ECC Over GF(2
m
) for Small Embedded Applications
Authors: Harb Salah , Jarrah Moath
Published: March 2019

In this article, we propose a compact elliptic curve cryptographic core over GF(2
m
). The proposed architecture is based on the Lopez-Dahab projective point arithmetic operations. To achieve efficiency in resources usage, an iterative method that uses a ROM-based state machine is developed for the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) point doubling and addition operations. The compact ECC core has been implemented using Virtex FPGA devices. The number of the required slices is 2,102 at 321MHz and 6,738 slices at 262MHz for different GF(2
m
). Extensive experiments were conducted to compare our solution to existing methods in the literature. Our compact core consumes less area than all previously proposed methods. It also provides an excellent performance for scalar multiplication. In addition, the ECC core is implemented in ASIC 0.18μm CMOS technology, and the results show excellent performance. Therefore, our proposed ECC core method provides a balance in terms of speed, area, and power consumption. This makes the proposed design the right choice for cryptosystems in limited-resource devices such as cell phones, IP cores of SoCs, and smart cards. Moreover, side-channel attack resistance is implemented to prevent power analysis.
FXR agonist GW4064 improves liver and intestinal pathology and alters bile acid metabolism in rats undergoing small intestinal resection
Authors: Cao Yi , Xiao Yongtao , Zhou KeJun , Yan Junkai , Wang Panliang , Yan Weihui , Cai Wei
Published: March 2019

Mortality associated with liver disease has been observed in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS); however, its mechanism remains unclear, but bile acid (BA) dysmetabolism has been proposed as a possible cause. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the key regulator of BA synthesis. Here, we showed that, in a rat model of short bowel resection associated with liver disease (SBR-ALD), the BA composition of hepatic tissues reflected a larger proportion of primary and secondary unconjugated BAs, whereas that of the colon contents and serum showed an increased ratio of secondary unconjugated BAs. Both hepatic and intestinal regulation of BA synthesis was characterized by a blunted hepatic FXR activation response. The mRNA expression levels of cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase ( CYP7A1), sterol 12a-hydroxylase ( CYP8B1), and sterol 27 hydroxylase ( CYP27A1), the key enzymes in BA synthesis, were upregulated. After intervention with the FXR agonist GW4064, both the liver histology and serum transaminase activity were improved, which demonstrated the attenuation of SBR-ALD. The BA compositions of hepatic tissue, the colon contents, and serum recovered and were closer to those of the sham group. The expression levels of hepatic FXR increased, and its target genes were activated. Consistent with this, the expression levels of CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 were downregulated. Ileum tissue FXR and its target genes were slightly elevated. This study showed that the FXR agonist GW4064 could correct BA dysmetabolism to alleviate hepatotoxicity in SBR animals. GW4064 intervention resulted in a decrease in fecal bile excretion and elevated plasma/hepatic conjugated BA levels. GW4064 increased the reabsorption of conjugated BAs by inducing apical sodium-dependent bile salt transporter expression in the ileum. Concomitantly, FXR activation in the presence of GW4064 decreased BA production by repressing the expression of key synthetases, including CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1. These findings provide a clinical research direction for the prevention of liver disease in patients with SBS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study assessed the impact of treatment with GW4064, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, on the development of short bowel resection (SBR) associated with liver disease in a rat model of SBR. GW4064 was able to correct bile acid dysmetabolism and alleviate hepatotoxicity in SBR animals.
Differential action of TGR5 agonists on GLP-2 secretion and promotion of intestinal adaptation in a piglet short bowel model
Authors: Lin Sen , Stoll Barbara , Robinson Jason , Pastor Jose J. , Marini Juan C. , Ipharraguerre Ignacio R. , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Cruz Stephanie , Lau Patricio , Olutoye Oluyinka , Fang Zhengfeng , Burrin Douglas G.
Published: March 2019

Enteroendocrine L cells and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) secretion are activated in the intestinal adaptation process following bowel resection in patients with short bowel syndrome. We hypothesized that enteral activation of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), expressed in enteroendocrine L cells, could augment endogenous GLP-2 secretion and the intestinal adaptation response. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of different TGR5 agonists to stimulate GLP-2 secretion and intestinal adaptation in a piglet short-bowel model. In study 1, parenterally fed neonatal pigs ( n = 6/group) were gavaged with vehicle, olive extract (OE; 10 or 50 mg/kg), or ursolic acid (UA; 10 mg/kg), and plasma GLP-2 was measured for 6 h. In study 2, neonatal pigs ( n = 6–8/group) were subjected to transection or 80% mid-small intestine resection and, after 2 days, assigned to treatments for 10 days as follows: 1) transection + vehicle (sham), 2) resection + vehicle (SBS), 3) resection + 30 mg UA (SBS + UA), and 4) resection + 180 mg/kg OE (SBS + OE). We measured plasma GLP-2, intestinal histology, cell proliferation, and gene expression, as well as whole body citrulline-arginine kinetics and bile acid profiles. In study 1, GLP-2 secretion was increased by UA and tended to be increased by OE. In study 2, SBS alone, but not additional treatment with either TGR5 agonist, resulted in increased mucosal thickness and crypt cell proliferation in remnant jejunum and ileum sections. SBS increased biliary and ileal concentration of bile acids and expression of inflammatory and farnesoid X receptor target genes, but these measures were suppressed by UA treatment. In conclusion, UA is an effective oral GLP-2 secretagogue in parenterally fed pigs but is not capable of augmenting GLP-2 secretion or the intestinal adaptation response after massive small bowel resection.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Therapeutic activation of endogenous glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) secretion is a promising strategy to improve intestinal adaptation in patients with short bowel syndrome. This study in neonatal pigs showed that oral supplementation with a selective Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonist is an effective approach to increase GLP-2 secretion. The results warrant further study to establish a more potent oral TGR5 agonist that can effectively improve intestinal adaptation in pediatric patients with SBS.
Intestinal serine protease inhibition increases FGF21 and improves metabolism in obese mice
Authors: Albarazanji Kamal , Jennis Matthew , Cavanaugh Cassandre R. , Lang Wensheng , Singh Bhanu , Lanter James C. , Lenhard James M. , Hornby Pamela J.
Published: March 2019

Trypsin is the major serine protease responsible for intestinal protein digestion. An inhibitor, camostat (CS), reduced weight gain, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia in obese rats; however, the mechanisms for these are largely unknown. We reasoned that CS creates an apparent dietary protein restriction, which is known to increase hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Therefore, metabolic responses to CS and a gut-restricted CS metabolite, FOY-251, were measured in mice. Food intake, body weight, blood glucose, branched-chain amino acids (LC/MS), hormone levels (ELISA), liver pathology (histology), and transcriptional changes (qRT-PCR) were measured in ob/ob, lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice. In ob/ob mice, CS in chow (9–69 mg/kg) or FOY-251 (46 mg/kg) reduced food intake and body weight gain to a similar extent as pair-fed mice. CS decreased blood glucose, liver weight, and lipidosis and increased FGF21 gene transcription and plasma levels. In lean mice, CS increased liver FGF21 mRNA and plasma levels. Relative to pair feeding, FOY-251 also increased plasma FGF21 and induced liver FGF21 and integrated stress response (ISR) transcription. In DIO mice, FOY-251 (100 mg/kg po) did not alter peak glucose levels but reduced the AUC of the glucose excursion in response to an oral glucose challenge. FOY-251 increased plasma FGF21 levels. In addition to previously reported satiety-dependent (cholecystokinin-mediated) actions, intestinal trypsin inhibition engages non-satiety-related pathways in both leptin-deficient and DIO mice. This novel mechanism improves metabolism by a liver-integrated stress response and increased FGF21 expression levels in mice.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Trypsin inhibitors, including plant-based consumer products, have long been associated with metabolic improvements. Studies in the 1980s and 1990s suggested this was due to satiety hormones and caloric wasting by loss of protein and fatty acids in feces. This work suggests an entirely new mechanism based on the lower amounts of digested protein available in the gut. This apparent protein reduction may cause beneficial metabolic adaptation by the intestinal-liver axis to perceived nutrient stress.
Sound-evoked vestibular projections to the splenius capitis in humans: comparison with the sternocleidomastoid muscle
Authors: Rosengren Sally M. , Weber Konrad P. , Govender Sendhil , Welgampola Miriam S. , Dennis Danielle L. , Colebatch James G.
Published: March 2019

The short-latency vestibulo-collic reflex in humans is well defined for only the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) neck muscle. However, other neck muscles also receive input from the balance organs and participate in neck stabilization. We therefore investigated the sound-evoked vestibular projection to the splenius capitis (SC) muscles by comparing surface and single motor unit responses in the SC and SCM muscles in 10 normal volunteers. We also recorded surface responses in patients with unilateral vestibular loss but preserved hearing and hearing loss but preserved vestibular function. The single motor unit responses were predominantly inhibitory, and the strongest responses were recorded in the contralateral SC and ipsilateral SCM. In both cases there was a significant decrease or gap in single motor unit activity, in SC at 11.7 ms for 46/66 units and in SCM at 12.7 ms for 51/58 motor units. There were fewer significant responses in the ipsilateral SC and contralateral SCM muscles, and they consisted primarily of weak increases in activity. Surface responses recorded over the contralateral SC were positive-negative during neck rotation, similar to the ipsilateral cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential in SCM. Responses in SC were present in the patients with hearing loss and absent in the patient with vestibular loss, confirming their vestibular origin. The results describe a pattern of inhibition consistent with the synergistic relationship between these muscles for axial head rotation, with the crossed vestibular projection to the contralateral SC being weaker than the ipsilateral projection to the SCM.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used acoustic vestibular stimulation to investigate the saccular projections to the splenius capitis (SC) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles in humans. Single motor unit recordings from within the muscles demonstrated strong inhibitory projections to the contralateral SC and ipsilateral SCM muscles and weak excitatory projections to the opposite muscle pair. This synergistic pattern of activation is consistent with a role for the reflex in axial rotation of the head.