bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐performance N‐thread software solutions for mutual exclusion
Authors: Buhr Peter A. , Dice David , Hesselink Wim H. 
Published: May 2014

SummarySoftware solutions for mutual exclusion developed over a 30‐year period, starting with complex ad hoc algorithms and progressing to simpler formal ones. While it is easy to dismiss software solutions for mutual exclusion, as this family of algorithms is antiquated and most platforms support atomic hardware instructions, there is still a need for these algorithms in threaded, embedded systems running on low‐cost processors lacking atomic instructions. While N‐thread solutions are usually short (10–25 lines of code), each is ingenious with exceptionally subtle aspects, often making it difficult to prove correctness or construct an implementation. This work examines correctness and performance of the implementations. An extensive survey of existing algorithms is presented, with explanations of the intuition behind the algorithms and how they work. Several errors were found and corrections made, as well as a few small improvements, in the existing algorithms; two new high‐performance algorithms were developed. Finally, a worst‐case high‐contention performance experiment is performed to compare the algorithms and contrast them with three common locks based on hardware atomic instructions. The results show our two new algorithms are highly competitive with an equivalent hardware lock (Mellor‐Crummey and Scott) over a range of 1–32 processors. Hence, threading is a viable alternative to event‐driven programming for complex embedded systems without atomic instructions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γδ T cells restrain extrathymic development of Foxp3+‐inducible regulatory T cells via IFN‐γ
Authors: Visperas Anabelle , Shen Bo , Min Booki 
Published: May 2014

Inducible Treg (iTreg) cells generated from Ag‐stimulated naïve CD4+ T cells in the periphery play an important role in regulating immune responses. TGF‐β is a key cytokine that promotes this conversion process; however, how this process is regulated in vivo remains unclear. Here, we report that γδ T cells play a crucial role in controlling iTreg generation and suppressor function. Ag‐induced iTreg generation was significantly enhanced in C57BL/6 mice in the absence of γδ T cells. Inhibition of iTreg conversion was mediated by IFN‐γ produced by activated γδ T cells but not by activated CD4+ T cells. BM chimera experiments further confirmed γδ‐derived IFN‐γ‐dependent mechanism in regulating iTreg generation in vivo. Lastly, human peripheral blood γδ T cells also interfere with iTreg conversion via IFN‐γ. Our results suggest a novel function of γδ T cells in limiting the generation of iTreg cells, potentially balancing immunity and tolerance.
An evaluation of fish early life stage tests for predicting reproductive and longer-term toxicity from plant protection product active substances
Authors: Wheeler James R. , Maynard Samuel K. , Crane Mark 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The chronic toxicity of chemicals to fish is routinely assessed by using fish early life stage (ELS) test results. Fish full life cycle (FLC) tests are generally required only when toxicity, bioaccumulation, and persistence triggers are met or when there is a suspicion of potential endocrine-disrupting properties. This regulatory approach is based on a relationship between the results of fish ELS and FLC studies first established more than 35 yrs ago. Recently, this relationship has been challenged by some regulatory authorities, and it has been recommended that more substances should undergo FLC testing. In addition, a project proposal has been submitted to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to develop a fish partial life cycle (PLC) test including a reproductive assessment. Both FLC and PLC tests are animal- and resource-intensive and technically challenging and should therefore be undertaken only if there is clear evidence that they are necessary for coming to a regulatory decision. The present study reports on an analysis of a database of paired fish ELS and FLC endpoints for plant protection product active substances from European Union draft assessment reports and the US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database. Analysis of this database shows a clear relationship between ELS and FLC responses, with similar median sensitivity across substances when no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) are compared. There was also no indication that classification of a substance as a mammalian reproductive toxicant leads to more sensitive effects in fish FLC tests than in ELS tests. Indeed, the response of the ELS tests was generally more sensitive than the most sensitive reproduction NOEC from a FLC test. This analysis indicates that current testing strategies and guidelines are fit for purpose and that there is no need for fish full or partial life cycle tests for most plant protection product active substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1874–1878. © 2014 SETAC
Development of a regression model to predict copper toxicity to Daphnia magna and site-specific copper criteria across multiple surface-water drainages in an arid landscape
Authors: Fulton Barry A. , Meyer Joseph S. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The water effect ratio (WER) procedure developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency is commonly used to derive site-specific criteria for point-source metal discharges into perennial waters. However, experience is limited with this method in the ephemeral and intermittent systems typical of arid climates. The present study presents a regression model to develop WER-based site-specific criteria for a network of ephemeral and intermittent streams influenced by nonpoint sources of Cu in the southwestern United States. Acute (48-h) Cu toxicity tests were performed concurrently with Daphnia magna in site water samples and hardness-matched laboratory waters. Median effect concentrations (EC50s) for Cu in site water samples (n = 17) varied by more than 12-fold, and the range of calculated WER values was similar. Statistically significant (α = 0.05) univariate predictors of site-specific Cu toxicity included (in sequence of decreasing significance) dissolved organic carbon (DOC), hardness/alkalinity ratio, alkalinity, K, and total dissolved solids. A multiple-regression model developed from a combination of DOC and alkalinity explained 85% of the toxicity variability in site water samples, providing a strong predictive tool that can be used in the WER framework when site-specific criteria values are derived. The biotic ligand model (BLM) underpredicted toxicity in site waters by more than 2-fold. Adjustments to the default BLM parameters improved the model's performance but did not provide a better predictive tool compared with the regression model developed from DOC and alkalinity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1865–1873. © 2014 SETAC
On the Optimal Production Capacity for Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Forslid Rikard , Herzing Mathias 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThis paper analyzes the profit maximizing capacity choice of a monopolistic vaccine producer facing the uncertain event of a pandemic in a homogenous population of forward‐looking individuals. For any capacity level, the monopolist solves the intertemporal price discrimination problem within the dynamic setting generated by the standard mathematical epidemiological model of infectious diseases. Even though consumers are assumed to be identical, the monopolist will be able to exploit the ex post heterogeneity between infected and susceptible individuals by raising the price of vaccine in response to the increasing hazard rate. The monopolist thus bases its investment decision on the expected profits from the optimal price path given the infection dynamics. It is shown that the monopolist will always choose to invest in a lower production capacity than the social planner. Through numerical simulation, it is demonstrated how the loss to society of having a monopoly producer decreases with the speed of infection transmission. Moreover, it is illustrated how the monopolist's optimal vaccination rate increases as its discount rate rises for cost parameters based on Swedish data. However, the effect of the firm discount rate on its investment decision is sensitive to assumptions regarding the cost of production capacity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern separation of emotional information in hippocampal dentate and CA3
Authors: Leal Stephanie L. , Tighe Sarah K. , Jones Craig K. , Yassa Michael A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTEmotional arousal, mediated by the amygdala, is known to modulate episodic memories stored by the hippocampus, a region involved in pattern separation (the process by which similar representations are independently stored). While emotional modulation and pattern separation have been examined independently, this study attempts to link the two areas of research to propose an alternative account for how emotion modulates episodic memory. We used an emotional discrimination task designed to tax pattern separation of emotional information by concurrently varying emotional valence and similarity of stimuli. To examine emotional modulation of memory at the level of hippocampal subfields, we used high‐resolution fMRI (1.5 mm isotropic) of the medial temporal lobe. Consistent with prior reports, we observed engagement of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 during accurate discrimination of highly similar items (behavioral correlate of pattern separation). Furthermore, we observed an emotional modulation of this signal (negative > neutral) specific to trials on which participants accurately discriminated similar emotional items. The amygdala was also modulated by emotion, regardless of the accuracy of discrimination. Additionally, we found aberrant amygdala‐hippocampal network activity in a sample of adults with depressive symptoms. In this sample, amygdala activation was enhanced and DG/CA3 activation was diminished during emotional discrimination compared to those without depressive symptoms. Depressive symptom severity was also negatively correlated with DG/CA3 activity. This study suggests a novel mechanistic account for how emotional information is processed by hippocampal subfields as well as how this network may be altered in mood disorders. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vegetation pattern as an indicator of saturated areas in a Czech headwater catchment
Authors: Kulasova Alena , Blazkova Sarka , Beven Keith , Rezacova Daniela , Cajthaml Jiri 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTo test whether models give a good description of hydrological processes, some spatial mapping of the characteristics of wetness in the catchment is needed. One way is the observation of dynamic saturated areas, which in many small catchments, will be strongly related to the generation of fast run‐off. Areas that are frequently saturated are also often strongly related to vegetation types. In this contribution, we describe mapping based on the vegetation patterns in a small catchment at the foothills of the Jizera Mountains in the Czech Republic. A Monte Carlo method is used to compare the vegetation pattern with saturation mapping using a boot method, mapping based on piezometer levels, and with the pattern of a topographic index. In the Smrzovsky Brook catchment, the vegetation communities are well correlated with the topographic index. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventive Effect of CuCl2on Behavioral Alterations and Mercury Accumulation in Central Nervous System Induced by HgCl2in Newborn Rats
Authors: Moraes‐Silva L. , Siqueira L. F. , Oliveira V. A. , Oliveira C. S. , Ineu R. P. , Pedroso T. F. , Fonseca M. M. , Pereira M. E. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the benefits of Cu preexposition on Hg effects on behavioral tests, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and Hg, and essential metal contents in the cerebrum and cerebellum of neonate rats. Wistar rats received (subcutaneous) saline or CuCl2·2H2O (6.9 mg/kg/day) when they were 3 to 7 days old and saline or HgCl2(5.0 mg/kg/day) when they were 8 to 12 days old. Mercury exposure reduced the performance of rats in the negative geotaxis (3–13 days) and beaker test (17–20 days), inhibited cerebellum AChE activity (13 days), increased cerebrum and cerebellum Hg (13 days), cerebrum Cu (13 days), and cerebrum and cerebellum Zn levels (33 days). The performance of rats in the tail immersion and rotarod tests as well as Fe and Mg levels were not altered by treatments. Copper prevented all alterations induced by mercury. These results are important to open a new perspective of prevention and/or therapy for mercury exposure.
Soluble l‐Selectin as an Independent Biomarker of Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Nadi Ebrahim , Hajilooi Mehrdad , Pajouhan Saeed , Haidari Mehran 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundWe sought to determine the association of plasma level of soluble l‐selectin (sL‐selectin) and F206L polymorphism of l‐selectin with asthma.MethodsA total of 90 asthmatic patients and 90 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. The plasma level of sl‐selectin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. An amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect F206L polymorphism of l‐selectin.ResultsThe mean plasma levels of sl‐selectin was significantly higher in the patients with asthma than the controls (2113 ± 466 vs. 1664 ± 322 ng/ml, P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index demonstrated that plasma levels of sl‐selectin are an independent biomarkers for asthma (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.42–2.24). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for sl‐selectin was 0.792, 95% CI (0.732–0.862), P = 0.0001. Individuals with the minor homozygote of F206L polymorphism of l‐selectin demonstrated a higher level of sl‐selectin than the major homozygous (2319 ± 732 vs. 1917 ± 453 ng/ml, P = 0.02). No association was found between F206L polymorphism of l‐selectin with asthma.ConclusionOur study suggests that plasma level of sl‐selectin is an independent biomarker for asthma.
Developing and Evaluating the HRM Technique for Identifying Cytochrome P450 2D6 Polymorphisms
Authors: Lu Hsiu‐Chin , Chang Ya‐Sian , Chang Chun‐Chi , Lin Ching‐Hsiung , Chang Jan‐Gowth 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundCytochrome P450 2D6 is one of the important enzymes involved in the metabolism of many widely used drugs. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 can affect its activity. Therefore, an efficient method for identifying CYP2D6 polymorphisms is clinically important.MethodsWe developed a high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis to investigate CYP2D6 polymorphisms. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from 71 healthy individuals. All nine exons of the CYP2D6 gene were sequenced before screening by HRM analysis. This method can detect the most genotypes (*1, *2, *4, *10, *14, *21 *39, and *41) of CYP2D6 in Chinese.ResultsAll samples were successfully genotyped. The four most common mutant CYP2D6 alleles (*1, *2, *10, and *41) can be genotyped. The single nucleotides polymorphism (SNP) frequencies of 100C > T (rs1065852), 1039C > T (rs1081003), 1661G > C (rs1058164), 2663G > A (rs28371722), 2850C > T (rs16947), 2988G > A (rs28371725), 3181A > G, and 4180G > C (rs1135840) were 58%, 61%, 73%, 1%, 13%, 3%, 1%, 73%, respectively. We identified 100% of all heterozygotes without any errors. The two homozygous genotypes (1661G > C and 4180G > C) can be distinguished by mixing with a known genotype sample to generate an artificial heterozygote for HRM analysis. Therefore, all samples could be identified using our HRM method, and the results of HRM analysis are identical to those obtained by sequencing. Our method achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value and negative prediction value.ConclusionHRM analysis is a nongel resolution method that is faster and less expensive than direct sequencing. Our study shows that it is an efficient tool for typing CYP2D6 polymorphisms.
A case study of a pilot high rate algal pond for the treatment of fish farm and domestic wastewaters
Authors: Posadas Esther , Muñoz Adriana , García‐González Mari‐Cruz , Muñoz Raul , García‐Encina Pedro Antonio 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMicroalgae‐based technologies have emerged as a promising approach for simultaneous wastewater treatment and fish food production able to overcome the main limitations in the aquaculture sector. The current study focused on the mechanisms of carbon and nutrient removal from fish farm and domestic wastewaters in a 180 L outdoors pilot high rate algal pond (HRAP) at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) considering water evaporation losses.RESULTSMaximum chemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies of 77 ± 9%, 83 ± 10% and 94 ± 6%, respectively, were recorded during the treatment of fish farm wastewater at 10 d of HRT. Carbon and nitrogen were removed by assimilation into biomass (52 ± 12% and 74 ± 22%, respectively) and stripping, while phosphorus was mainly assimilated into biomass (69 ± 23%). Carbon stripping, along with the low carbon and nutrient loading rates supplied, resulted in low biomass productivities (maximum of 5 g m−2 d−1). A successful solids removal was achieved in the settler (82 ± 18%), which entailed effluent solid concentrations below the maximum permissible discharge limit.CONCLUSIONDespite the successful wastewater treatment supported by the HRAP, the high water evaporation losses (up of 15 L m−2 d−1) could compromise the technical and environmental viability of this green wastewater treatment technology. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Double papillary fibroelastoma: Beautiful, innocent flowers in the left heart
Authors: Floria Mariana , Gerard Marina , Louagie Yves , Weynand Birgit , Schroeder Erwin 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPapillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign tumor, and multiple papillary fibroelastomas are even more uncommon. In an asymptomatic patient scheduled for carotid endarterectomy, transthoracic echocardiography discovered a fibroelastoma on the mitral valve. Then, transesophageal echocardiography showed another fibroelastoma on the aortic valve. Because he also needed a right coronary artery bypass, the patient underwent surgical excision of both masses. Fibroelastomas are not always as innocent as they seem, and surgical excision is necessary because of their potential for systemic or coronary embolization. Transoesophageal echocardiography may improve the diagnosis of multiple papillary fibroelastomas. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:574–575, 2014
Free‐breathing 3D late gadolinium enhancement imaging of the left ventricle using a stack of spirals at 3T
Authors: Pierce Iain T. , Keegan Jennifer , Drivas Peter , Gatehouse Peter D. , Firmin David N. 
Published: May 2014

PurposeTo develop navigator‐gated free‐breathing 3D spiral late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging of the left ventricle at 3T and compare it with conventional breath‐hold 2D Cartesian imaging.Materials and MethodsEquivalent slices from 3D spiral and multislice 2D Cartesian acquisitions were compared in 15 subjects in terms of image quality (1, nondiagnostic to 5, excellent), sharpness (1–3), and presence of artifacts (0–2). Blood signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), blood/myocardium contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and quantitative sharpness were also compared.ResultsAll 3D spiral scans were completed faster than an equivalent 2D Cartesian short‐axis stack (85 vs. 230 sec, P < 0.001). Image quality was significantly higher for 2D Cartesian images than 3D spiral images (3.7 ± 0.87 vs. 3.4 ± 1.05, P = 0.03) but not for mid or apical slices specifically. There were no significant differences in qualitative and quantitative sharpness (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91 ± 0.67 vs. 1.93 ± 0.69, P = 0.83 and 95% CI: 0.41 ± 0.07 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09, P = 0.25, respectively), artifact scores (95% CI: 0.16 ± 0.37 vs. 0.40 ± 0.58, P = 0.16), SNR (95% CI: 121.5 ± 55.3 vs. 136.4 ± 77.9, P = 0.13), and CNR (95% CI: 101.6 ± 48.4 vs. 102.7 ± 61.8, P = 0.98). Similar enhancement ratios (0.65 vs. 0.62) and volumes (13.8 vs. 14.1cm3) were measured from scar regions of three patients.ConclusioNavigator‐gated 3D spiral LGE imaging can be performed in significantly and substantially shorter acquisition durations, although with some reduced image quality, than multiple breath‐hold 2D Cartesian imaging while providing higher resolution and contiguous coverage. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1030–1037. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microstructural brain abnormalities of children of idiopathic generalized epilepsy with generalized tonic‐clonic seizure: A voxel‐based diffusional kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Gao Junling , Feng Shi‐Ting , Wu Bangxian , Gong Nanjie , Lu Minhua , Wu Po‐Man , Wang He , He Xiaoming , Huang Bingsheng 
Published: May 2014

The above article, published online on 3 May 2014 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to errors in the results of the published article. The authors stated in the Methods section that ‘. . . only clusters with a false discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected P‐value less than 0.05 were included.’ However, it was subsequently discovered that the FDG‐correction had not been performed correctly. Had this been carried out in the right way, the difference between the case group and the control group in most of the presented regions would have been insignificant.REFERENCE1. Gao J, Feng S‐T, Wu B, Gong N, Lu M, Wu P‐M, Wang H, He X, and Huang B. Microstructural Brain Abnormalities of Children of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy With Generalized Tonic‐Clonic Seizure: A Voxel‐Based Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging Study J mag res. 2014 May 3. doi: 10.1002/jmri.24647 [epub ahead of print]
Electrically induced torque decrease reflects more than muscle fatigue
Authors: Papaiordanidou Maria , Stevenot Jean‐Damien , Mustacchi Valerie , Vanoncini Michele , Martin Alain 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to compare the fatigue induced by different electrical stimulation (ES) protocols. The triceps surae muscle of 8 healthy subjects was fatigued with 4 protocols (30 Hz−500 μs, 30 Hz−1 ms, 100 Hz−1 ms, and 100 Hz−500 μs), composed of 60 trains (4 s on–6 s off), delivered at an intensity evoking 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Fatigue was quantified by ES and MVC torque decreases. The amplitude of the twitch delivered at the intensity and pulse width used in each fatiguing protocol (twitch at Istim) was analyzed. All parameters decreased significantly after all protocols. The ES torque decrease correlated positively with the twitch decrease elicited at Istim only for the 30‐Hz protocols. Results show that, during the 100‐Hz protocols, phenomena not related to the fatigue of the solicited motor units may occur, including changes in the excitability threshold of the axonal terminal branches. Muscle Nerve 50: 604–606, 2014