QBF with Soft Variables

QBF formulae are usually considered in prenex form, i.e. the quantifierblock is completely separated from the propositional part of the QBF.Among others, the semantics of the QBF is defined by the sequence ofthe variables within the prefix, where existentially quantifiedvariables depend on all universally quantified variables stated to theleft.In this paper we extend that classical definition and consider a newquantification type which we call soft variable. The idea is toallow a flexible position and quantifier type for these variables.Hence the type of quantifier of the soft variable can also bealtered. Based on this concept, we present an optimization problemseeking an optimal prefix as defined by user-given preferences. We statean algorithm based on MaxQBF, and present several applications – mainlyfrom verification area – which can be naturally translated into theoptimization problem for QBF with soft variables. We further implementeda prototype solver for this formalism, and compare our approach toprevious work, that differently from ours does not guarantee optimalityand completeness

Mediators and Cytokines in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis and Nonallergic Rhinitis with Eosinophilia Syndrome

Background: Patients with nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) show typical symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). The aim of the present study was to compare nasal cytokine patterns between NARES and PAR. Methods: Nasal secretions of 31 patients suffering from NARES, 20 patients with PAR to house dust mite and 21 healthy controls were collected using the cotton wool method and analyzed for interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1 beta) by Bio-Plex Cytokine Assay as well as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase by UniCAP-FEIA. Results: NARES and PAR presented elevated levels of tryptase, while ECP was markedly increased solely in NARES compared to both the controls and PAR. Elevated levels of IL-1 beta, IL-17, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 were found in NARES compared to the controls as well as PAR. MIP-1 beta was elevated in NARES and PAR, while IL-4, IL-6 and G-CSF showed increased levels in NARES, and IL-5 was elevated in PAR only. Conclusions: In patients with NARES and PAR, eosinophils and mast cells appear to be the pivotal cells of inflammation, reflected by high levels of tryptase and ECP as well as IL-5 and GM-CSF as factors for eosinophil migration and survival. The elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in NARES may indicate the chronic, self-perpetuating process of inflammation in NARES which seems to be more pronounced than in PAR. IL-17 might be a factor for neutrophilic infiltration or be responsible for remodeling processes in NARES. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base

Reaktionen im System Metall-Silicium-Chlor-Wasserstoff unter dem Gesichtspunkt der heterogenen Katalyse

Die Hydrodehalogenierung von Siliciumtetrachlorid zu Trichlorsilan läuft bei moderaten Temperaturen von 700°C bis 900°C nur in Gegenwart von Katalysatoren mit hinreichender Geschwindigkeit ab. Die 5d- ÜM- Silicide sowie die unter den Reaktionsbedingungen stabilen Chloride der Erdalkalimetalle katalysieren selektiv die Hydrierung von SiCl4 zu HSiCl3. Ein erweitertes Katalysemodell mit Elektronentransferschritten innerhalb der festen Reaktionsschicht wurde postuliert. Voraussetzung dafür ist eine elektrische Leitfähigkeit in der quaternären M- Si- Cl- H- Reaktionsschicht. Dazu wurde die heterogene Bildung von ÜM- Siliciden unter einer H2/SiCl4-Atmosphäre mittels Widerstandsmessungen verfolgt. Die Aktivierungsenergie der Bildungsreaktion korreliert mit der Metallbindungsstärke. Eine Klassifizierung der Wachstumsmechanismen der ersten Silicidphase bezüglich Insel- oder Schichtwachstum ist möglich. Weiterhin ist die Abscheidung und Lösung von Silicium aus einer H2/SiCl4-Gasphase durch eine Metallchloridmatrix untersucht und die quaternäre M- Si- Cl- H- Mischphase chemisch, strukturell und thermodynamisch charakterisiert worden

Fault Detection of Circulation Pumps on the Basis of Motor Current Evaluation

2021 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other work. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2021.3085697[EN] Motor current signature analysis (MCSA) for fault detection has found widespread application, especially for induction motors (IM). The basis of MCSA is the evaluation of a motor¿s current. This analysis is now also used for other motor types and can be used to detect faults of the coupled load. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether MCSA can be used to detect faults in a wet-rotor pump. A total of three faults are examined. The results show that, compared to a healthy pump, all faults could be detected. However, a detailed analysis of frequency components has to be carried out to differentiate the faults. A circulation pump with a maximum power consumption of 1.1 kW was used as the test item.This work was supported in part by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the framework "Entwicklung optimierter Regelungen hydraulischer Systeme in der Gebaudetechnik zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz von Heizungs-und Klimatisierungssystemen" under Grant 03ET1613B.Becker, V.; Schwamm, T.; Urschel, S.; Antonino-Daviu, J. (2021). Fault Detection of Circulation Pumps on the Basis of Motor Current Evaluation. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications. 57(5):4617-4624. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2021.30856974617462457

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool in human and veterinary helminthology: a systematic review

Background Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has become a widely used technique for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, mycobacteria and certain fungal pathogens in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Thus far, only few attempts have been made to apply the technique in clinical parasitology, particularly regarding helminth identification. Methods We systematically reviewed the scientific literature on studies pertaining to MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic technique for helminths (cestodes, nematodes and trematodes) of medical and veterinary importance. Readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched from inception to 10 October 2018, without restriction on year of publication or language. The titles and abstracts of studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were read in full and included in the systematic review. Results A total of 84 peer-reviewed articles were considered for the final analysis. Most papers reported on the application of MALDI-TOF for the study of Caenorhabditis elegans, and the technique was primarily used for identification of specific proteins rather than entire pathogens. Since 2015, a small number of studies documented the successful use of MALDI-TOF MS for species-specific identification of nematodes of human and veterinary importance, such as Trichinella spp. and Dirofilaria spp. However, the quality of available data and the number of examined helminth samples was low. Conclusions Data on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the diagnosis of helminths are scarce, but recent evidence suggests a potential role for a reliable identification of nematodes. Future research should explore the diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of (i) adult helminths, larvae and eggs shed in faecal samples; and (ii) helminth-related proteins that are detectable in serum or body fluids of infected individuals

RSCA genotyping of MHC for high-throughput evolutionary studies in the model organism three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In all jawed vertebrates, highly polymorphic genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode antigen presenting molecules that play a key role in the adaptive immune response. Their polymorphism is composed of multiple copies of recently duplicated genes, each possessing many alleles within populations, as well as high nucleotide divergence between alleles of the same species. Experimental evidence is accumulating that MHC polymorphism is a result of balancing selection by parasites and pathogens. In order to describe MHC diversity and analyse the underlying mechanisms that maintain it, a reliable genotyping technique is required that is suitable for such highly variable genes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We present a genotyping protocol that uses Reference Strand-mediated Conformation Analysis (RSCA), optimised for recently duplicated MHC class IIB genes that are typical for many fish and bird species, including the three-spined stickleback, <it>Gasterosteus aculeatus</it>. In addition we use a comprehensive plasmid library of MHC class IIB alleles to determine the nucleotide sequence of alleles represented by RSCA allele peaks. Verification of the RSCA typing by cloning and sequencing demonstrates high congruency between both methods and provides new insight into the polymorphism of classical stickleback MHC genes. Analysis of the plasmid library additionally reveals the high resolution and reproducibility of the RSCA technique.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This new RSCA genotyping protocol offers a fast, but sensitive and reliable way to determine the MHC allele repertoire of three-spined sticklebacks. It therefore provides a valuable tool to employ this highly polymorphic and adaptive marker in future high-throughput studies of host-parasite co-evolution and ecological speciation in this emerging model organism.</p

Usefulness of component resolved analysis of cat allergy in routine clinical practice

Background: Cat allergy is of great importance, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Cat allergens and house dust mite allergens represent the major indoor allergens;however, they are ubiquitous. Cat sensitization and allergy are known risk factors for rhinitis, bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma. Thus, the diagnosis of sensitization to cats is important for any allergist. Methods: 70 patients with positive skin prick tests for cats were retrospectively compared regarding their skin prick test results, as well as their specific immunoglobulin E antibody profiles with regard to their responses to the native cat extract, rFel d 1, nFel d 2 and rFel d 4. 35 patients were allergic to cats, as determined by positive anamnesis and/or nasal provocation with cat allergens, and 35 patients exhibited clinically non-relevant sensitization, as indicated by negative anamnesis and/or a negative nasal allergen challenge. Results: Native cat extract serology testing detected 100% of patients who were allergic to cats but missed eight patients who showed sensitization in the skin prick test and did not have allergic symptoms. The median values of the skin prick test, as well as those of the specific immunoglobulin E antibodies against the native cat extract, were significantly higher for allergic patients than for patients with clinically non-relevant sensitization. Component based diagnostic testing to rFel d 1 was not as reliable. Sensitization to nFel d 2 and rFel d 4 was seen only in individual patients. Conclusion: Extract based diagnostic methods for identifying cat allergy and sensitization, such as the skin prick test and native cat extract serology, remain crucial in routine clinical practice. In our study, component based diagnostic testing could not replace these methods with regard to the detection of sensitization to cats and differentiation between allergy and sensitization without clinical relevance. However, component resolved allergy diagnostic tools have individual implications, and future studies may facilitate a better understanding of its use and subsequently may improve the clinical management of allergic patients

Epidemiologic, Phenotypic, and Structural Characterization of Aminoglycoside-Resistance Gene aac(3)-IV

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are powerful bactericidal therapeutics that are often used in the treatment of critical Gram-negative systemic infections. The emergence and global spread of antibiotic resistance, however, has compromised the clinical utility of aminoglycosides to an extent similar to that found for all other antibiotic-drug classes. Apramycin, a drug candidate currently in clinical development, was suggested as a next-generation aminoglycoside antibiotic with minimal cross-resistance to all other standard-of-care aminoglycosides. Here, we analyzed 591,140 pathogen genomes deposited in the NCBI National Database of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (NDARO) for annotations of apramycin-resistance genes, and compared them to the genotypic prevalence of carbapenem resistance and 16S-rRNA methyltransferase (RMTase) genes. The 3-N-acetyltransferase gene aac(3)-IV was found to be the only apramycin-resistance gene of clinical relevance, at an average prevalence of 0.7%, which was four-fold lower than that of RMTase genes. In the important subpopulation of carbapenemase-positive isolates, aac(3)-IV was nine-fold less prevalent than RMTase genes. The phenotypic profiling of selected clinical isolates and recombinant strains expressing the aac(3)-IV gene confirmed resistance to not only apramycin, but also gentamicin, tobramycin, and paromomycin. Probing the structure-activity relationship of such substrate promiscuity by site-directed mutagenesis of the aminoglycoside-binding pocket in the acetyltransferase AAC(3)-IV revealed the molecular contacts to His124, Glu185, and Asp187 to be equally critical in binding to apramycin and gentamicin, whereas Asp67 was found to be a discriminating contact. Our findings suggest that aminoglycoside cross-resistance to apramycin in clinical isolates is limited to the substrate promiscuity of a single gene, rendering apramycin best-in-class for the coverage of carbapenem- and aminoglycoside-resistant bacterial infections