bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of mogrol against Aβ1–42-induced memory impairment neuroinflammation and apoptosis in mice
Authors: Chen Gangling , Liu Caihong , Meng Guoliang , Zhang Chunteng , Chen Fang , Tang Susu , Hong Hao , Zhang Chaofeng
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is the main character of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study mainly focused on whether mogrol, a tetracyclic triterpenoids compound of Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle, can ameliorate the memory impairment induced by Aβ1–42.

Methods

Memory impairment mice model was made by stereotactic intra-hippocampal microinjection of Aβ1–42 (410 pm/mouse). Mogrol (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) was given to mice by intragastric administration at 3 days after Aβ1–42 injection for totally 3 weeks. Morris water maze test and Y-maze test were operated to evaluate the therapeutic effect of morgrol on Aβ1–42-induced memory impairments. Immunohistochemical analyses and Hoechst 33258 assay were used to evaluate effect of morgrol on Aβ1–42-induced microglia overactivation and apoptotic response in hippocampus of mice. Western blotting assay was used to evaluate effect of mogrol on the Aβ1–42-activated NF-κB signaling.

Key findings

Mogrol could significantly alleviate Aβ1–42-induced memory impairments, inhibit Aβ1–42-induced microglia overactivation and prevent Aβ1–42-triggered apoptotic response in the hippocampus. Mogrol also could suppress Aβ1–42-activated NF-κB signaling, reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

This study suggested that mogrol would ameliorate the memory impairment induced by Aβ1–42, which is involved in anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis in the brain.
Sleep well. Untangling the role of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in sleep
Authors: Gobbi Gabriella , Comai Stefano
Published: December 2018

The pharmacological potential of targeting selectively melatonin MT1 or MT2 receptors has not yet been exploited in medicine. Research using selective MT1/MT2 receptor ligands and MT1/MT2 receptor knockout mice has indicated that the activation of MT2 receptors selectively increases non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep whereas MT1 receptors seem mostly implicated in the regulation of REM sleep. Moreover, MT1 knockout mice show an increase in NREM sleep, while MT2 knockout a decrease, suggesting an opposite role of these two receptors. A recent paper in mice by Sharma et al (J Pineal Res, 2018, e12498) found that MT1 but not MT2 receptors are expressed on orexin neurons in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PFH). Moreover, after injecting melatonin or luzindole into the mouse PFH, the authors suggest that melatonin promotes NREM sleep because activates PFH MT1 receptors, which in turn inhibit orexin neurons that are important in promoting arousal and maintaining wakefulness. In this commentary, we have critically commented on some of these findings on the bases of previous literature. In addition, we highlighted the fact that no conclusions could be drawn on the melatonin receptor subtype mediating the effects of melatonin on sleep because the authors used the non‐selective MT1/MT2 receptors antagonist luzindole. More solid research should further characterize the pharmacological function of these two melatonin receptors in sleep.
Expanding Geographies of Deportability: How Immigration Enforcement at the Local Level Affects Undocumented and Mixed‐Status Families
Authors: Valdivia Carolina
Published: December 2018

This article examines the impact of policies and programs that have expanded immigration enforcement from the federal to the local level. Drawing from in‐depth interviews with over sixty individuals who are members of undocumented or mixed‐status families, I discuss how these initiatives have extended the geography of deportability from traditional sites that focus explicitly on immigration enforcement (e.g., the US–Mexico border) to more nontraditional sites in the public sphere (e.g., driving under the influence checkpoints or grocery stores). I demonstrate how this intensification of enforcement strains undocumented immigrants’ resources as well as their participation in school, work, and their communities.
Probabilistic updating of fishbone model for assessing seismic damage to beam–column connections in steel moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Kurata Masahiro
Published: December 2018

This article presents a probabilistic method of updating fishbone models for assessing seismic damage on beam–column connections in steel moment‐resisting frames. Fishbone models enable explicitly identifying the rotational stiffness of beams, which is not possible with a shear building model commonly used in Bayesian model updating approaches. Necessary formulations to utilize fishbone models for model updating with measured floor accelerations under small‐amplitude loadings including ambient excitations were first formulated. To accommodate the incompleteness of modal data to update unknown parameters of fishbone models, that is, the stiffness of rotational springs, a hierarchical Bayesian model updating algorithm is implemented. Seismic damage of beam–column connections are estimated by making a comparison of the identified rotational stiffness of springs in the fishbone models before and after earthquakes. The effectiveness of the proposed method is first examined with numerical simulations using a 10‐story building model. Then, the applicability to realistic beam damage, that is, not artificially introduced, is evaluated through a full‐scale steel frame test at the E‐Defense shaking table facility. The article also discusses coefficients of variation of the identified stiffness and influence of modeling error on estimation of realistic damage to check the credibility of the method for real‐life applications.
Multilab EcoFAB study shows highly reproducible physiology and depletion of soil metabolites by a model grass
Authors: Sasse Joelle , Kant Josefine , Cole Benjamin J. , Klein Andrew P. , Arsova Borjana , Schlaepfer Pascal , Gao Jian , Lewald Kyle , Zhalnina Kateryna , Kosina Suzanne , Bowen Benjamin P. , Treen Daniel , Vogel John , Visel Axel , Watt Michelle , Dangl Jeffery L. , Northen Trent R.
Published: December 2018

There is a dynamic reciprocity between plants and their environment: soil physiochemical properties influence plant morphology and metabolism, and root morphology and exudates shape the environment surrounding roots. Here, we investigate the reproducibility of plant trait changes in response to three growth environments.

We utilized fabricated ecosystem (EcoFAB) devices to grow the model grass Brachypodium distachyon in three distinct media across four laboratories: phosphate‐sufficient and ‐deficient mineral media allowed assessment of the effects of phosphate starvation, and a complex, sterile soil extract represented a more natural environment with yet uncharacterized effects on plant growth and metabolism.

Tissue weight and phosphate content, total root length, and root tissue and exudate metabolic profiles were consistent across laboratories and distinct between experimental treatments. Plants grown in soil extract were morphologically and metabolically distinct, with root hairs four times longer than with other growth conditions. Further, plants depleted half of the metabolites investigated from the soil extract.

To interact with their environment, plants not only adapt morphology and release complex metabolite mixtures, but also selectively deplete a range of soil‐derived metabolites. The EcoFABs utilized here generated high interlaboratory reproducibility, demonstrating their value in standardized investigations of plant traits.
Differential regulation of TNL‐mediated immune signaling by redundant helper CNLs
Authors: Wu Zhongshou , Li Meng , Dong Oliver Xiaoou , Xia Shitou , Liang Wanwan , Bao Yongkang , Wasteneys Geoffrey , Li Xin
Published: December 2018

Higher plants utilize nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat domain proteins (NLRs) as intracellular immune receptors to recognize pathogen‐derived effectors and trigger a robust defense. The Activated Disease Resistance 1 (ADR1) family of coiled‐coil NLRs (CNLs) have evolved as helper NLRs that function downstream of many TIR‐type sensor NLRs (TNLs). Close homologs of ADR1s form the N REQUIREMENT GENE 1 (NRG1) family in Arabidopsis, the function of which is unclear.

Through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing methods, we discovered that the tandemly repeated NRG1A and NRG1B are functionally redundant and operate downstream of TNLs with differential strengths. Interestingly, ADR1s and NRG1s function in two distinct parallel pathways contributing to TNL‐specific immunity.

Synergistic effects on basal and TNL‐mediated defense were detected among ADR1s and NRG1s. An intact P‐loop of NRG1s is not required for mediating signals from sensor TNLs, whereas auto‐active NRG1A exhibits autoimmunity. Importantly, NRG1s localize to the cytosol and endomembrane network regardless of the presence of effectors, suggesting a cytosolic activation mechanism.

Taken together, different sensor TNLs differentially use two groups of helper NLRs, ADR1s and NRG1s, to transduce downstream defense signals.
How to avoid begging the question against evolutionary debunking arguments
Authors: Copp David
Published: December 2018

Evolutionary debunking arguments aim to undercut the epistemological status of our evaluative beliefs on the basis of the genesis of our belief‐forming tendencies. This paper addresses the issue whether responses to these arguments must be question‐begging. It argues for a pragmatic understanding of question‐beggingness, according to which whether an argument is question‐begging depends on the argumentative context. After laying out the debunking argument, the paper considers a variety of responses. It asks whether metaethical responses, such as Sharon Street’s response that relies on a version of antirealism, can avoid begging the question. It argues that so‐called ‘third‐factor’ responses, which rely on substantive evaluative views, are not question‐begging in all contexts. Similarly, it argues, my own ‘quasi‐tracking’ response is not question‐begging in all contexts. Finally, the paper asks whether responses to the debunking argument can avoid begging the question against someone who is convinced at the outset that the argument is sound.
Debunking leftward progress
Authors: Huemer Michael
Published: December 2018

In earlier work, I argued that observed changes in moral values over human history are best explained as cognitive progress: societies tend over the long term to move closer to the objective moral truth. It is also true that, in recent decades, liberal democracies have moved strongly in the direction of greater government regulation and wealth redistribution. Does this mean that extensive regulation and redistribution are objectively good? I argue that the answer is no; these recent trends are importantly different from earlier examples of moral progress in ways that enable them to be satisfyingly explained without adverting to objective moral correctness.
Demarcating depression
Authors: Tully Ian
Published: December 2018

How to draw the line between depression‐as‐disorder and non‐pathological depressive symptoms continues to be a contested issue in psychiatry. Relatively few philosophers have waded into this debate, but the tools of philosophical analysis are quite relevant to it. In this paper, I defend a particular answer to this question, theContextualapproach. On this view, depression is a disorder if and only if it is a disproportionate response to a justifying cause or else is unconnected to any justifying cause. I present four objections to this approach and then defend it from them. Along the way, I explain why it matters whether we get this question right.
Luteal vascularity and embryo dynamics in mares during early gestation: Effect of age and endometrial degeneration
Authors: Camargo Ferreira Jair , Linhares Boakari Yatta , Sousa Rocha Noeme , Saules Ignácio Fernanda , Barbosa da Costa Guilherme , de Meira Cezinande
Published: December 2018

Contents

The present study characterized the luteal status and the dynamic of the conceptus during the first 20 days of gestation in mares with different ages and degrees of endometrial degeneration. Total area of the corpus luteum (CL), luteal vascularity, CL area with blood signals, progesterone concentrations (P4), embryonic vesicle diameter, number of embryonic location changes, embryonic fixation position and uterine contractility were evaluated. In Experiment 1, mares ≤6 years of age (Young group, 5.6 ± 0.2 years, n = 7 mares) and mares ≥15 years of age (Old group, 17.2 ± 0.9 years, n = 6 mares) were used to investigate the effect of age. In Experiment 2, the luteal and embryonic parameters were compared between mares with minimal (Mild group, endometrial category I, n = 9 mares) and severe (Severe group, endometrial category III, n = 7 mares) endometrial degeneration. The Old and Severe groups had greater (p ≤ 0.04) total CL area and reduced luteal vascularity (p ≤ 0.04) than the Young and Mild groups, respectively. However, P4 levels and CL area with blood signals were similar (p ≥ 0.8) between the groups. A negative effect of age (p < 0.01), but not of endometrial degeneration (p = 0.6), was found for the embryonic vesicle diameter. The conceptus mobility was high (p > 0.1) until day 14 of gestation in the Severe group, while a reduced number of changes of the embryo location was detected earlier (p < 0.05) in the Old group. In conclusion, the newly formed CL of aged mares and mares with severe endometrial degeneration suffered a structural remodelling to safeguard the local blood supply and the continuous P4 output during early gestation. Moreover, an earlier reduction of the embryonic mobility and a delayed development of the conceptus were associated with advanced age, regardless of the degree of endometrial degeneration.
Renewable Portfolio Standards and Policy Stringency: An Assessment of Implementation and Outcomes
Authors: Anguelov Nikolay , Dooley William F.
Published: December 2018

This research examines the impact of increasing the stringency of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) on the consumption of energy produced from renewable sources. Putting prior findings in the context of policy learning, first we focus on technological innovation, factor endowments, and economic energy dependence of American states to track how RPS have proliferated and strengthened. Next, we look at the net effect of this RPS evolution on state fossil fuel energy divestment. To evaluate the interplay between: a) the political desire to lower fossil fuel use, b) technological feasibility to do so, and c) the economic trade‐offs and risks, we focus on the industrial sector dependence on energy security and affordability. Our results indicate that energy security is a priority and even in light of increasing RPS stringency, states with relatively weak but mandatory RPS are leaders in aggregate renewable energy consumption. This fact is due to favoring biofuel and hydro generation rather than solar and wind because of lower deployment costs.
An oracle property of the Nadaraya–Watson kernel estimator for high‐dimensional nonparametric regression
Authors: Conn Daniel , Li Gang
Published: December 2018

The Nadaraya–Watson estimator is among the most studied nonparametric regression methods. A classical result is that its convergence rate depends on the number of covariates and deteriorates quickly as the dimension grows. This underscores the “curse of dimensionality” and has limited its use in high‐dimensional settings. In this paper, however, we show that the Nadaraya–Watson estimator has an oracle property such that when the true regression function is single‐ or multi‐index, it discovers the low‐rank dependence structure between the response and the covariates, mitigating the curse of dimensionality. Specifically, we prove that, using K‐fold cross‐validation and a positive‐semidefinite bandwidth matrix, the Nadaraya–Watson estimator has a convergence rate that depends on the number of indices rather than on the number of covariates. This result follows by allowing the bandwidths to diverge to infinity rather than restricting them all to converge to zero at certain rates, as in previous theoretical studies.
Establishing an early warning system for flash floods in Hoang Su Phi District, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thach Ngoc , Pham Canh Xuan , Nguyen Huy Quoc , Dang Toan Ngo Bao
Published: December 2018

Hoang Su Phi is a mountainous district in Ha Giang province, Vietnam. When the rainy season arrives in these parts, flash floods (besides landslides), frequently occur in many areas, seriously affecting the socio‐economic condition of the district. Therefore, in this paper, we have developed an early warning system for flash floods, established based on a geomorphological and hydrological approach. The basic principle underlying this system is the fact that flash floods will often occur where there is high potential risk with sufficient rainfall. In the model, eight parameters of the basin were used to build a potential flash flood map. Using the spatial processing module in an open source software, early predictions from automatic weather stations were interpolated and processed online to produce a potential risk map. Depending on the threshold of precipitation values, the results determined locations where flash flood may occur at various flash flood risk indices (FFRI). The system may be applied to support provision of early flash flood warning up to 1−6 days in advance in the district, allowing the local government ample time to make appropriate decisions on the prevention and/or mitigation of damages caused by flash flood hazards.
Development of physical fitness performance in young Swiss men from 2006 to 2015
Authors: Wyss Thomas , Roos Lilian , Studer Fabian , Mäder Urs , Beuchat Christiane , Staub Kaspar
Published: December 2018

From 1980 to 2000, physical fitness decreased and body mass index (BMI) increased in the population of many industrialized countries. Little is known about these trends after the year 2000. This study aimed to investigate physical fitness performance, physical activity (PA) behavior, and BMI of young, male Swiss adults between 2006 and 2015. For this purpose, results from the Swiss Armed Forces mandatory recruitment were used. A total of 306 746 male conscripts provided complete fitness test data, mean ± SD (range from 5th to 95th percentile): 20 ± 1 (18‐21) years, 178 ± 7 (168‐189) cm; 74 ± 13 (58‐97) kg, predicted maximal oxygen consumption of 49.9 ± 4.6 (41.8‐56.9) mL/kg/min (Conconi test), 125 ± 58 (43‐232) seconds in trunk muscle strength test (prone bridge), 2.31 ± 0.24 (1.90‐2.66) m in standing long jump, 6.46 ± 0.73 (5.30‐7.70) m in seated shot put (2 kg medical‐ball shot) and 45.6 ± 12.2 (29.9‐66.7) seconds in one‐leg standing test (sum of both legs; eyes closed after 10 seconds and head tilted back after 20 seconds). In the investigated population, 73.8% fulfilled basic PA recommendations, 46.2% were classified as regularly vigorously active. Performances in aerobic endurance and muscle power did not show secular changes over time. However, core stability performance and PA behavior increased, while balance ability decreased over this 10‐year period. Average BMI increased by 2.0% between 2006 and 2010 and did not change thereafter. Male Swiss adults are at least as physically fit as they were a decade ago. The secular trends of decreasing physical performances and increasing BMI have stopped, and self‐reported sport participation and leisure time PA have been increased in the observed population over the last 10 years.
Effects of compaction on soil hydraulic properties, penetration resistance and water flow patterns at the soil profile scale
Authors: Mossadeghi‐Björklund Mona , Jarvis Nicholas , Larsbo Mats , Forkman Johannes , Keller Thomas
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of compaction on water flow patterns at the soil profile scale. Control and trafficked plots were established in field trials at two sites. The trafficked treatment was created by four passes track‐by‐track with a three‐axle dumper with a maximum wheel load of 5.8 Mg. One year later, dye‐tracing experiments were performed and several soil mechanical, physical and hydraulic properties were measured to help explain the dye patterns. Penetration resistance was measured to 50 cm depth, with saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), bulk density, and macroporosity and mesoporosity being measured on undisturbed soil cores sampled from three depths (10, 30 and 50 cm). Significant effects of the traffic treatment on the structural pore space were found at 30 cm depth for large mesopores (0.3–0.06 mm diameter), but not small mesopores (0.06–0.03 mm) or macroporosity (pores > 0.3 mm). At one of the sites, ponding was observed during the dye‐tracing experiments, especially in the trafficked plots, because of the presence of a compacted layer at plough depth characterized by a larger bulk density and smaller structural porosity and Ks values. Ponding did not induce any preferential transport of the dye solution into the subsoil at this site. In contrast, despite the presence of a compacted layer at 25–30 cm depth, a better developed structural porosity in the subsoil was noted at the other site which allowed preferential flow to reach to at least 1 m depth in both treatments.
The Metaphysics of Words
Authors: Balletta Sandro
Published: December 2018

What are words? How should words be individuated? Such questions set the agenda for the metaphysics of words. Unfortunately, misunderstandings are piling up in this field. Although the discussion between Kaplan, Cappelen, Hawthorne, Lepore and others has given rise to interesting insights into many aspects of words, I contend that the debate is highly compromised by a lack of clarity about the questions in the first place. The purpose of this article is to partially clarify the debate on the metaphysics of words by examining the very nature of the questions to be addressed. I shall differentiate three inquiries about words and shall provide explanations of why misunderstandings can and do arise. I claim that, in so doing, we may put the debate back on solid footing in order to rethink the real nature of words.
How Communication Can Make Voters Choose Less Well
Authors: Hahn Ulrike , von Sydow Momme , Merdes Christoph
Published: December 2018

With the advent of social media, the last decade has seen profound changes to the way people receive information. This has fueled a debate about the ways (if any) changes to the nature of our information networks might be affecting voters’ beliefs about the world, voting results, and, ultimately, democracy. At the same time, much discussion in the public arena in recent years has concerned the notion that ill‐informed voters have been voting against their own self‐interest. The research reported here brings these two strands together: simulations involving agent‐based models, interpreted through the formal framework of Condorcet's (1785) jury theorem, demonstrate how changes to information networks may make voter error more likely, even though individual competence has largely remained unchanged.
Barriers to clinical research in trauma
Authors: Miskimins Richard , Pati Shibani , Schreiber Martin
Published: December 2018

As with all areas of medicine, high‐quality clinical research is essential to improving the care of trauma patients. This research is crucial in developing evidence‐based treatments that decrease cost, decrease morbidity, and improve mortality. Trauma continues to extract a significant toll on society and is the single largest cause of years of life lost in the United States. The need to conduct high‐quality clinical research in trauma is not disputed. However, significant challenges and barriers unique to the field of trauma make performing this research more difficult. It is critical to be aware of these challenges and barriers to performing clinical research involving trauma patients so these challenges can be accounted for and solutions implemented to minimize their impact on research. This review will focus on the barriers and challenges that are encountered while performing clinical research in trauma.
Aggregating resistant Staphylococcus aureus induces hypocoagulability, hyperfibrinolysis, phagocytosis, and neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte binding in canine whole blood
Authors: Krogh Anne K. H. , Haaber Jakob , Bochsen Louise , Ingmer Hanne , Kristensen Annemarie T.
Published: December 2018

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen with the ability to form mobile planktonic aggregates during growth, in vitro. The in vivo pathophysiologic effects of S aureus aggregates on host responses are unknown. Knowledge of these could aid in combating infections.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing concentrations of two different aggregating S aureus strains on the hemostatic and inflammatory host responses in canine whole blood. The hypothesis was that aggregating bacteria would induce pronounced hemostatic and inflammatory responses.

Methods

Citrate‐stabilized whole blood from 10 healthy dogs was incubated with two strains of aggregating S aureus at three different concentrations. Each sample was analyzed using tissue factor‐thromboelastography (TF‐TEG) and the formed clot was investigated with electron microscopy. The plasma activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, and D‐dimer tests were measured. Bacteria‐leukocyte binding was evaluated with flow cytometry, and neutrophil phagocytosis was assessed using light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

The highest concentration of bacteria resulted in a significantly shortened TF‐TEG initiation time, decreased alpha, maximum amplitude, global strength, and increased lysis. In addition, significantly shortened PT, decreased fibrinogen, and increased D‐dimers were demonstrated at the highest concentration of bacteria. Lower concentrations of bacteria showed no differences in TF‐TEG when compared with controls. The findings were similar for both S aureus strains. Increased concentration‐dependent binding of bacteria and leukocytes and neutrophil bacterial phagocytosis was observed.

Conclusions

Two strains of S aureus induced alterations of clot formation in concentrations where bacterial aggregates were formed. A concentration‐dependent cellular inflammatory response was observed.
Sentinel lymph node mapping of the canine anal sac using lymphoscintigraphy: A pilot study
Authors: Linden Daniel S. , Cole Robert , Tillson D. Michael , Boothe Harry W. , Matz Brad M.
Published: December 2018

Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy are important parts of oncologic staging in human medicine. Sentinel lymph node mapping enables identification of the first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage while avoiding unnecessary lymph node dissection. Anal sac adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the canine perineal area. For dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma, lympadenectomy and metastasis to the iliosacral lymphocentrum are negative prognostics indicators. The objectives of this prospective, two by two, crossover pilot study were to establish the feasibility of lymphoscintigraphy using Technetium‐99 sulfur colloid of the canine anal sac of healthy dogs, compare two injection techniques, and the time for identification of sentinel lymph nodes using each technique. We hypothesized that both intramural and perimural injections of the canine anal sac would identify similar sentinel lymph node drainage. The sentinel lymph node was identified in all dogs using either technique. Intramural injection of the canine anal sac showed radiopharmaceutical uptake faster than perimural injection technique (P = 0.040). There was concordance between intramual and perimural techniques for the sentinel lymph node identified in 50% of cases. A sacral lymph node was identified as sentinel in three of eight dogs (37.5%). Lymphoscintigraphy of the canine anal sac is safe and feasible in normal dogs; however, the method of injection technique seems to have a significant effect on the sentinel lymph node identified.
Numerical simulation of baffle effect on the performance of sedimentation basin
Authors: Saeedi E. , Behnamtalab E. , Salehi Neyshabouri S. A. A.
Published: December 2018

Sedimentation basin is an important component of every water treatment process. In order to improve the sedimentation efficiency (SE) of rectangular sedimentation basins, many researchers have proposed various methods. Among the suggested methods, the change of the geometry with installation of baffle in the basin floor is simple and completely economic. In this research, the hydraulic characteristics of the flow with various baffle configurations in the basin floor have been evaluated and the best geometry of the baffle has been presented. The agreement between numerical and experimental results was good. The results showed that the flow in the sedimentation basin is strongly influenced by the baffle. Also, the baffles installed with lower height and closer to the basin inlet and baffles with high height and far from the basin inlet have the greatest effect on the SE.
Discordance between histologic and visual assessment of tissue viability in excised burn wound tissue
Authors: Karim Aos S. , Yan Amy , Ocotl Edgar , Bennett Daniel D. , Wang Ziyue , Kendziorski Christina , Gibson Angela L.F.
Published: December 2018

The regenerative capacity of burn wounds, and the need for surgical intervention, depends on wound depth. Clinical visual assessment is considered the gold standard for burn depth assessment but it remains a subjective and inaccurate method for tissue evaluation. The purpose of this study was to compare visual assessment with microscopic and molecular techniques for human burn depth determination, and illustrate differences in the evaluation of tissue for potential regenerative capacity. Using intraoperative visual assessment, patients were identified as having deep partial thickness or full thickness burn wounds. Tangential excisions of burn tissue were processed with hematoxylin and eosin to visualize tissue morphology, lactate dehydrogenase assay to ascertain cellular viability, and Keratin‐15 and Ki67 to identify epidermal progenitor cells and proliferative capacity, respectively. RNA from deep partial and full thickness burn tissue as well as normal tissue controls were submitted for RNA sequencing. Lactate dehydrogenase, Keratin‐15, and Ki67 were found throughout the excised burn wound tissue in both deep partial thickness burn tissues and in the second tangential excision of full thickness burn tissues. RNA sequencing demonstrated regenerative capacity in both deep partial and full thickness burn tissue, however a greater capacity for regeneration was present in deep partial thickness compared with full thickness burn tissues. In this study, we highlight the discordance that exists between the intraoperative clinical identification of burn injury depth, and microscopic and molecular determination of viability and regenerative capacity. Current methods utilizing visual assessment for depth of injury are imprecise, and can lead to removal of viable tissue. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin microscopic analysis should not be used as the sole method in research or clinical determination of depth, as there are no differences in staining between viable and nonviable tissue.
On factorized Lax pairs for classical many-body integrable systems
Authors: Vasilyev M. , Zotov A.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study the factorization formulae for the Lax matrices of the classical Ruijsenaars–Schneider and Calogero–Moser models. We review the already known results and discuss their possible origins. The first origin comes from the IRF-Vertex relations and the properties of the intertwining matrices. The second origin is based on the Schlesinger transformations generated by modifications of underlying vector bundles. We show that both approaches provide explicit formulae for [Formula: see text]-matrices of the integrable systems in terms of the intertwining matrices (and/or modification matrices). In the end, we discuss the Calogero–Moser models related to classical root systems. The factorization formulae are proposed for a number of special cases.
Bianchi type III cosmological model with hybrid scale factor in the presence of Van der Waals fluid in Lyra manifold
Authors: Singh Kangujam Priyokumar , Mollah Mahbubur Rahman
Published: December 2018

The search for the existence of Lyra manifold in a hybrid universe interacting with Van der Waals fluid using Bianchi type III metric is presented in this paper. To find the exact cosmological solutions, we use certain physical relations between the metric potentials and the average scale factor is assumed to be [Formula: see text] (see Ref. 1) describing the hybrid character of scale factor with the generation of a model of transitioning phase from early decelerating to the present accelerating universe. In this model, when we investigate further about the role of the Van der Waals fluid with Lyra geometry, interestingly, we found that this universe behaves as one containing with dark energy and at the late stage a part of the dark energy behaves as phantom type. This part being generated by the Lyra manifold itself may be taken as a source of dark energy. Some physical as well as geometrical aspects of the model universe are also presented.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF METAL JUNCTION FORMED WITH PURE AND POLYANILINE-BLENDED POLY(SCHIFF BASE) POLYMER
Authors: GUL ASGHARI , TABASSAM LUBNA , BHATTI ARSHAD SALEEM
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we demonstrate the formation of Schottky contact formed by Al with a new class of synthesized conjugated pure poly(Schiff base) (PSB) and its blend with varied concentrations of polyaniline (PANI). The Schottky behavior was transformed into Ohmic in the blended polymer. PSB was synthesized from the solution of polycondensation of terephthaloyl chloride (T) and 4-(4-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenol (SB). The polymer showed good thermal stability with [Formula: see text] of 312∘C as determined by thermal gravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry TGA–DSC and high molecular weight [Formula: see text] (g/mol) with coiled conformation as determined by laser light scattering. PBS was blended with various weight percentage ratios of PANI (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 percent by weight of the pristine polymer). The metal contact (Au) was formed and studied in the temperature range of 293–373[Formula: see text]K, which showed that Schottky behavior in the intrinsic polymer with an ideality factor was close to 2 and then reduced to 1.0–1.2 in the blended polymers. In blended polymers, the conduction across the junction was characterized by Schottky emission at low field and Poole–Frenkel emission at high field. The Schottky barrier height showed a small increase with temperature, which was attributed to reduction in the built up of image charge. The Schottky and Poole–Frenkel emission coefficients were also determined and Schottky emission coefficient agreed with the theoretical value, while Poole–Frenkel emission coefficient was small. In short, the metal–semiconductor junction was affected by the blending, while conduction within the polymer remained independent of PANI concentration.
Jauch–Piron states on quantum logics
Authors: Hroch Michal , Pták Pavel
Published: December 2018

We show in this note that if [Formula: see text] is a Boolean subalgebra of the lattice quantum logic [Formula: see text], then each state on [Formula: see text] can be extended over [Formula: see text] as a Jauch–Piron state provided [Formula: see text] is Jauch–Piron unital with respect to [Formula: see text] (i.e. for each nonzero [Formula: see text], there is a Jauch–Piron state [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]). We then discuss this result for the case of [Formula: see text] being the Hilbert space logic [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being a set-representable logic.
Semi-supervised learning using autodidactic interpolation on sparse representation-based multiple one-dimensional embedding
Authors: Deng Hao , Ma Chao , Shen Lijun , Yang Chuanwu
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we present a novel semi-supervised classification method based on sparse representation (SR) and multiple one-dimensional embedding-based adaptive interpolation (M1DEI). The main idea of M1DEI is to embed the data into multiple one-dimensional (1D) manifolds satisfying that the connected samples have shortest distance. In this way, the problem of high-dimensional data classification is transformed into a 1D classification problem. By alternating interpolation and averaging on the multiple 1D manifolds, the labeled sample set of the data can enlarge gradually. Obviously, proper metric facilitates more accurate embedding and further helps improve the classification performance. We develop a SR-based metric, which measures the affinity between samples more accurately than the common Euclidean distance. The experimental results on several databases show the effectiveness of the improvement.
Commutators in semiprime gamma rings
Authors: Al Khalaf Ahmad , Taha Iman , Artemovych Orest D.
Published: December 2018

We characterize connections between associative, Lie and Jordan structures of semiprime gamma rings.
Magnetic Properties of Chromite ACr2S4 (A=Zn, Cd and Hg) Spinels: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: El Maazouzi A. , Masrour R. , Jabar A. , Hamedoun M.
Published: December 2018

The magnetic properties of chromite ACr2S4 ([Formula: see text]n, Cd and Hg) spinels have been investigated. The first, second and the third nearest-neighbor exchange interactions are included into a Metropolis-based Monte Carlo calculation for the three-dimensional Ising model. Transition temperatures have been deduced from the variation of magnetizations and magnetic susceptibilities for three spinel systems. The magnetic hysteresis cycles have been deduced for three systems. Critical exponents associated with the magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat have been determined. Superparamagnetism behavior has been obtained below the transition temperature. The results of our simulations are in good agreement with other results.
Multiple change-points detection in high dimension
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Zou Changliang , Wang Zhaojun , Yin Guosheng
Published: December 2018

Change-point detection is an integral component of statistical modeling and estimation. For high-dimensional data, classical methods based on the Mahalanobis distance are typically inapplicable. We propose a novel testing statistic by combining a modified Euclidean distance and an extreme statistic, and its null distribution is asymptotically normal. The new method naturally strikes a balance between the detection abilities for both dense and sparse changes, which gives itself an edge to potentially outperform existing methods. Furthermore, the number of change-points is determined by a new Schwarz’s information criterion together with a pre-screening procedure, and the locations of the change-points can be estimated via the dynamic programming algorithm in conjunction with the intrinsic order structure of the objective function. Under some mild conditions, we show that the new method provides consistent estimation with an almost optimal rate. Simulation studies show that the proposed method has satisfactory performance of identifying multiple change-points in terms of power and estimation accuracy, and two real data examples are used for illustration.
Quantifying Data Locality in Dynamic Parallelism in GPUs
Authors: Tang Xulong , Pattnaik Ashutosh , Kayiran Onur , Jog Adwait , Kandemir Mahmut Taylan , Das Chita
Published: December 2018

GPUs are becoming prevalent in various domains of computing and are widely used for streaming (regular) applications. However, they are highly inefficient when executing irregular applications with unstructured inputs due to load imbalance. Dynamic parallelism (DP) is a new feature of emerging GPUs that allows new kernels to be generated and scheduled from the device-side (GPU) without the host-side (CPU) intervention to increase parallelism. To efficiently support DP, one of the major challenges is to saturate the GPU processing elements and provide them with the required data in a timely fashion. There have been considerable efforts focusing on exploiting data locality in GPUs. However, there is a lack of quantitative analysis of how irregular applications using dynamic parallelism behave in terms of data reuse. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze the data reuse of dynamic applications in three different granularities of schedulable units: kernel, work-group, and wavefront. We observe that, for DP applications, data reuse is highly irregular and is heavily dependent on the application and its input. Thus, existing techniques cannot exploit data reuse effectively for DP applications. To this end, we first conduct a limit study on the performance improvements that can be achieved by hardware schedulers that are provided with accurate data reuse information. This limit study shows that, on an average, the performance improves by 19.4% over the baseline scheduler. Based on the key observations from the quantitative analysis of our DP applications, we next propose LASER, a Locality-Aware SchedulER, where the hardware schedulers employ data reuse monitors to help make scheduling decisions to improve data locality at runtime. Our experimental results on 16 benchmarks show that LASER, on an average, can improve performance by 11.3%.
Heavy-traffic Delay Optimality in Pull-based Load Balancing Systems
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Tan Jian , Shroff Ness
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we consider a load balancing system under a general pull-based policy. In particular, each arrival is randomly dispatched to one of the servers with queue length below a threshold; if none exists, this arrival is randomly dispatched to one of the entire set of servers. We are interested in the fundamental relationship between the threshold and the delay performance of the system in heavy traffic. To this end, we first establish the following necessary condition to guarantee heavy-traffic delay optimality: the threshold will grow to infinity as the exogenous arrival rate approaches the boundary of the capacity region (i.e., the load intensity approaches one) but the growth rate should be slower than a polynomial function of the mean number of tasks in the system. As a special case of this result, we directly show that the delay performance of the popular pull-based policy Join-Idle-Queue (JIQ) lies strictly between that of any heavy-traffic delay optimal policy and that of random routing. We further show that a sufficient condition for heavy-traffic delay optimality is that the threshold grows logarithmically with the mean number of tasks in the system. This result directly resolves a generalized version of the conjecture by Kelly and Laws.
Lessons from working with researchers and practitioners in healthcare
Authors: Blandford Ann
Published: December 2018

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, and coordination, among others. We look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges.
--- Yunan Chen, Editor
Toward responsible AI for the next billion users
Authors: Sambasivan Nithya , Holbrook Jess
Published: December 2018

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for communities marginalized by economics, social status, infrastructure, or policies. It will discuss design methods, theoretical and conceptual contributions, and methodological engagements for underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Effect of Metallic Inclusions on the Compressive Strength of Cement‐Based Materials
Authors: Ficker Tomáš
Published: December 2018

In the concrete foundations, materials come into contact with bedrocks. The surfaces of bedrocks are often covered by sharp protrusions called asperities. Although geotechnical engineers have developed a reliable theory for assessing the mechanical stability of rocky terrains, the stability of transition zones between concrete and sharp asperities remains unsolved. Due to the large pressures that exist in these transition zones, the invasive influence of sharp asperities on the integrity of the concrete raises a question about possible changes of the mechanical properties of concrete materials used in foundations. These circumstances have inspired experiments in which metallic needles of various lengths have been embedded into cement‐based materials to assess the influence of the needles on the compressive strength. This influence has been quantified, and the critical limits identifying the changes of material integrity have been determined. It has been conjectured that sharp rock asperities or needle‐like rods of steel reinforcement in concrete may cause similar changes of material integrity as the metallic needles used in the experiments performed.
A Dual-Observer Design for Nonlinear Suspension System Based on Feedback Linearization
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhao Yuzhuang , Chen Sizhong
Published: December 2018

A novel approach to estimate suspension state information and payload condition was developed in this article. A nonlinear quarter car model with air spring and damper was built. After verification of system observability and solvability, a certain coordinate transform was built to transform the nonlinear system into a linear one. Then a Kalman filter observer was applied. A sprung mass observer, which works cooperatively with suspension state information observer, was also designed. Designed dual-observer was verified under typical road profile and sprung mass disturbance. Compared with extended Kalman filter, the dual-observer showed better accuracy and robustness.
Effects of a Meal Replacement on Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters among Subjects with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Xu Yifan , He Hairong , Cai Hao , Zhang Jianfen , Li Yibin , Yan Xinyu , Zhang Man , Zhang Na , Maddela Rolando L. , Nicodemus-Johnson Jessie , Ma Guansheng
Published: December 2018

Meal replacement plans are effective tools for weight loss and improvement of various clinical characteristics but not sustainable due to the severe energy restriction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of meal replacement, specifically 388 kcal in total energy, on body composition and metabolic parameters in individuals with overweight and obesity from a Chinese population. A parallel, randomized controlled trial was performed with 174 participants (ChiCTR-OOC-17012000). The intervention group (N=86) was provided with a dinner meal replacement, and the control group (N=88) continued their routine diet as before. Body composition and blood parameters were assessed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. A post hoc analysis (least significant difference (LSD) test), repeated measurements, and pairedT-test were used to compare each variable within and between groups. Significant (p<0.001) improvements in body composition components were observed among the intervention group, including body weight (−4.3 ± 3.3%), body mass index (−4.3 ± 3.3%), waist circumference (−4.3 ± 4.4%), fat-free mass (−1.8 ± 2.9%), and body fat mass (−5.3 ± 8.8%). Body composition improvements corresponded with significant metabolic improvements of blood glucose (−4.7 ± 9.8%). Further improvements in visceral fat area (−7.7 ± 10.1%), accompanying with improvements in systolic (−3.7 ± 6.9%) and diastolic (−5.3 ± 7.7%) blood pressure, were only found in male subjects. To conclude, meal replacement intake with 388 kcal in total energy at dinner time for 12 weeks contributed to improvement in body composition and clinically significant metabolic parameters in both male and female participants with overweight/obesity. Additionally, glucose and blood pressure reduction were gender-specific highlighting the importance of gender stratification for design of nutritional intervention studies for improvement of health.