Antigen array for serological diagnosis and novel allergen identification in severe equine asthma

Abstract Severe equine asthma (sEA), which closely resembles human asthma, is a debilitating and performance-limiting allergic respiratory disorder which affects 14% of horses in the Northern Hemisphere and is associated with increased allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against a range of environmental proteins. A comprehensive microarray platform was developed to enable the simultaneous detection of allergen-specific equine IgE in serum against a wide range of putative allergenic proteins. The microarray revealed a plethora of novel pollen, bacteria, mould and arthropod proteins significant in the aetiology of sEA. Moreover, the analyses revealed an association between sEA-affected horses and IgE antibodies specific for proteins derived from latex, which has traditionally been ubiquitous to the horse’s environment in the form of riding surfaces and race tracks. Further work is required to establish the involvement of latex proteins in sEA as a potential risk factor. This work demonstrates a novel and rapid approach to sEA diagnosis, providing a platform for tailored management and the development of allergen-specific immunotherapy.

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AlgPred 2.0: an improved method for predicting allergenic proteins and mapping of IgE epitopes

Briefings in Bioinformatics ◽

10.1093/bib/bbaa294 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Neelam Sharma ◽

Sumeet Patiyal ◽

Anjali Dhall ◽

Akshara Pande ◽

Chakit Arora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prediction Models ◽

Immunoglobulin E ◽

Web Server ◽

Training Dataset ◽

Validation Dataset ◽

Local Alignment ◽

Blast Search ◽

Wide Range ◽

Allergenic Proteins ◽

Search Tool

Abstract AlgPred 2.0 is a web server developed for predicting allergenic proteins and allergenic regions in a protein. It is an updated version of AlgPred developed in 2006. The dataset used for training, testing and validation consists of 10 075 allergens and 10 075 non-allergens. In addition, 10 451 experimentally validated immunoglobulin E (IgE) epitopes were used to identify antigenic regions in a protein. All models were trained on 80% of data called training dataset, and the performance of models was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation technique. The performance of the final model trained on the training dataset was evaluated on 20% of data called validation dataset; no two proteins in any two sets have more than 40% similarity. First, a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search has been performed against the dataset, and allergens were predicted based on the level of similarity with known allergens. Second, IgE epitopes obtained from the IEDB database were searched in the dataset to predict allergens based on their presence in a protein. Third, motif-based approaches like multiple EM for motif elicitation/motif alignment and search tool have been used to predict allergens. Fourth, allergen prediction models have been developed using a wide range of machine learning techniques. Finally, the ensemble approach has been used for predicting allergenic protein by combining prediction scores of different approaches. Our best model achieved maximum performance in terms of area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.98 with Matthew’s correlation coefficient 0.85 on the validation dataset. A web server AlgPred 2.0 has been developed that allows the prediction of allergens, mapping of IgE epitope, motif search and BLAST search (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/algpred2/).

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Analysis of organic removal rates in the aerated submerged fixed film process

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1998.0809 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 38 (8-9) ◽

pp. 213-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mohamed F. Hamoda ◽

Ibrahim A. Al-Ghusain

Keyword(s):

Pilot Plant ◽

Removal Rate ◽

Domestic Wastewater ◽

Removal Rates ◽

Hydraulic Loading ◽

Organic Removal ◽

Wide Range ◽

Fixed Film ◽

Cod Removal Rate ◽

And Performance

Performance data from a pilot-plant employing the four-stage aerated submerged fixed film (ASFF) process treating domestic wastewater were analyzed to examine the organic removal rates. The process has shown high BOD removal efficiencies (> 90%) over a wide range of hydraulic loading rates (0.04 to 0.68 m3/m2·d). It could also cope with high hydraulic and organic loadings with minimal loss in efficiency due to the large amount of immobilized biomass attained. The organic (BOD and COD) removal rate was influenced by the hydraulic loadings applied, but organic removal rates of up to 104 kg BOD/ m2·d were obtained at a hydraulic loading rate of 0.68 m3/m2·d. A Semi-empirical model for the bio-oxidation of organics in the ASFF process has been formulated and rate constants were calculated based on statistical analysis of pilot-plant data. The relationships obtained are very useful for analyzing the design and performance of the ASFF process and a variety of attached growth processes.

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Fabrication and Compressive Behavior of a Micro-Lattice Composite by High Resolution DLP Stereolithography

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13050785 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 785

Author(s):

Chow Shing Shin ◽

Yu Chia Chang

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Lattice Structure ◽

Low Cost ◽

Hierarchical Structures ◽

Dip Coating ◽

Unit Cell ◽

Digital Light Processing ◽

Unit Cell Size ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

Lattice structures are superior to stochastic foams in mechanical properties and are finding increasing applications. Their properties can be tailored in a wide range through adjusting the design and dimensions of the unit cell, changing the constituent materials as well as forming into hierarchical structures. In order to achieve more levels of hierarchy, the dimensions of the fundamental lattice have to be small enough. Although lattice size of several microns can be fabricated using the two-photon polymerization technique, sophisticated and costly equipment is required. To balance cost and performance, a low-cost high resolution micro-stereolithographic system has been developed in this work based on a commercial digital light processing (DLP) projector. Unit cell lengths as small as 100 μm have been successfully fabricated. Decreasing the unit cell size from 150 to 100 μm increased the compressive stiffness by 26%. Different pretreatments to facilitate the electroless plating of nickel on the lattice structure have been attempted. A pretreatment of dip coating in a graphene suspension is the most successful and increased the strength and stiffness by 5.3 and 3.6 times, respectively. Even a very light and incomplete nickel plating in the interior has increase the structural stiffness and strength by more than twofold.

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BSAS Ethical Policy British Society of Animal Science Ethical guidelines for research in animal science

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200011571 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 2005 ◽

pp. 247-253 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Jarvis ◽

J.E.L. Day ◽

B. Reed

Keyword(s):

Ethical Issues ◽

Science Research ◽

British Society ◽

Ethical Guidelines ◽

Animal Science ◽

Ethical Implications ◽

Ethical Policy ◽

Physical Environments ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

Animal science research is important in relation to our understanding of animals, their function and performance, and their relationships with their social and physical environments. Animal science research covers a wide range of disciplines and so can lead to the use of a variety of experimental techniques on animals for many different purposes. This has the potential to lead to a multitude of diverse ethical issues. Members of the British Society of Animal Science and authors of papers submitted to the Society for publication come from countries around the world and therefore are subject to differences in legislative requirements and recommendations regarding animal experimentation. These legal requirements, along with the ethical implications of the research must be fully considered before any experimental work is undertaken.

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CFD Study of Nozzle Configurations for Ultra High Bypass Engines

Volume 3C: General ◽

10.1115/93-gt-389 ◽

1993 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

H. Zimmermann ◽

R. Gumucio ◽

K. Katheder ◽

A. Jula

Keyword(s):

Engine Performance ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Aerodynamic Design ◽

Thrust Coefficient ◽

Optimum Range ◽

Installation Effects ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance ◽

Aircraft Aerodynamics ◽

Bypass Ratio

Performance and aerodynamic aspects of ultra-high bypass ratio ducted engines have been investigated with an emphasis on nozzle aerodynamics. The interference with aircraft aerodynamics could not be covered. Numerical methods were used for aerodynamic investigations of geometrically different aft end configurations for bypass ratios between 12 and 18, this is the optimum range for long missions which will be important for future civil engine applications. Results are presented for a wide range of operating conditions and effects on engine performance are discussed. The limitations for higher bypass ratios than 12 to 18 do not come from nozzle aerodynamics but from installation effects. It is shown that using CFD and performance calculations an improved aerodynamic design can be achieved. Based on existing correlations, for thrust and mass-flow, or using aerodynamic tailoring by CFD and including performance investigations, it is possible to increase the thrust coefficient up to 1%.

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Design, implementation, and evaluation of an XG-PON module for the ns-3 network simulator

SIMULATION ◽

10.1177/0037549716682093 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 93 (5) ◽

pp. 409-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jerome A Arokkiam ◽

Pedro Alvarez ◽

Xiuchao Wu ◽

Kenneth N Brown ◽

Cormac J Sreenan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Network ◽

Future Internet ◽

Access Networks ◽

Passive Optical Network ◽

Network Simulator ◽

Optical Access Networks ◽

Research Topics ◽

Extensive Evaluation ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

10-gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (XG-PON), one of the latest standards of optical access networks, is regarded as one of the key technologies for future Internet access networks. This paper presents the design and evaluation of our XG-PON module for the ns-3 network simulator. This module is designed and implemented with the aim to provide a standards-compliant, configurable, and extensible module that can simulate XG-PON with reasonable speed and support a wide range of research topics. These include analyzing and improving the performance of XG-PON, studying the interactions between XG-PON and the upper-layer protocols, and investigating its integration with various wireless networks. In this paper, we discuss its design principles, describe the implementation details, and present an extensive evaluation on both functionality and performance.

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Use of simulation model for measurement of MilkRun system performance

Open Engineering ◽

10.1515/eng-2019-0067 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 600-605 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gabriel Fedorko ◽

Martin Vasil ◽

Michaela Bartosova

Keyword(s):

Simulation Model ◽

Production Systems ◽

Operational Performance ◽

Transport Systems ◽

Indirect Methods ◽

Operational Characteristics ◽

Wide Range ◽

Effective Operation ◽

And Performance ◽

Plant Simulation

AbstractIntra-plant transport systems within their operation directly impact on the performance of production systems. For their effective operation, it is, therefore, necessary to realize evaluation of operational performance and effectivity. For the realization of this type of evaluation, in addition to a wide range of sensors that can be difficult for installation and operation, we can also use indirect methods that are equally able to provide reliable operational characteristics. Indirect analytical methods are presented above all by the approach which is based on the use of simulation methods. The method of computer simulation provides a wide range of options for the evaluation of efficiency and performance. The paper describes the use of a simulation model created in the program Tecnomatix Plant Simulation for analyzing the supply of production workplaces within the MilkRun system.

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Dynamics and Performance of a Harmonically Excited Vertical Impact Damper

Journal of Vibration and Acoustics ◽

10.1115/1.2827364 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 130 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sanjiv Ramachandran ◽

George Lesieutre

Keyword(s):

Loss Factor ◽

Vertical Direction ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Coefficient Of Restitution ◽

Numerical Continuation ◽

Particle Impact ◽

Impact Damper ◽

High Loss ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

Particle impact dampers (PIDs) have been shown to be effective in vibration damping. However, our understanding of such dampers is still limited, based on the theoretical models existing today. Predicting the performance of the PID is an important problem, which needs to be investigated more thoroughly. This research seeks to understand the dynamics of a PID as well as those parameters which govern its behavior. The system investigated is a particle impact damper with a ceiling, under the influence of gravity. The base is harmonically excited in the vertical direction. A two-dimensional discrete map is obtained, wherein the variables at one impact uniquely dictate the variables at the next impact. This map is solved using a numerical continuation procedure. Periodic impact motions and “irregular” motions are observed. The effects of various parameters such as the gap clearance, coefficient of restitution, and the base acceleration are analyzed. The dependence of the effective damping loss factor on these parameters is also studied. The loss factor results indicate peak damping for certain combinations of parameters. These combinations of parameters correspond to a region in parameter space where two-impacts-per-cycle motions are observed over a wide range of nondimensional base accelerations. The value of the nondimensional acceleration at which the onset of two-impacts-per-cycle solutions occurs depends on the nondimensional gap clearance and the coefficient of restitution. The range of nondimensional gap clearances over which two-impacts-per-cycle solutions are observed increases as the coefficient of restitution increases. In the regime of two-impacts-per-cycle solutions, the value of nondimensional base acceleration corresponding to onset of these solutions initially decreases and then increases with increasing nondimensional gap clearance. As the two-impacts-per-cycle solutions are associated with high loss factors that are relatively insensitive to changing conditions, they are of great interest to the designer.

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SYSTEMC IMPLEMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A DECOUPLED GENERAL-PURPOSE MATRIX PROCESSOR

Parallel Processing Letters ◽

10.1142/s0129626410000090 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (02) ◽

pp. 103-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

MOSTAFA I. SOLIMAN ◽

ABDULMAJID F. Al-JUNAID

Keyword(s):

Performance Evaluation ◽

Matrix Multiplication ◽

General Purpose ◽

System Level ◽

Memory Latency ◽

Single Chip ◽

Wide Range ◽

Matrix Unit ◽

And Performance ◽

Vector Matrix

Technological advances in IC manufacturing provide us with the capability to integrate more and more functionality into a single chip. Today's modern processors have nearly one billion transistors on a single chip. With the increasing complexity of today's system, the designs have to be modeled at a high-level of abstraction before partitioning into hardware and software components for final implementation. This paper explains in detail the implementation and performance evaluation of a matrix processor called Mat-Core with SystemC (system level modeling language). Mat-Core is a research processor aiming at exploiting the increasingly number of transistors per IC to improve the performance of a wide range of applications. It extends a general-purpose scalar processor with a matrix unit. To hide memory latency, the extended matrix unit is decoupled into two components: address generation and data computation, which communicate through data queues. Like vector architectures, the data computation unit is organized in parallel lanes. However, on parallel lanes, Mat-Core can execute matrix-scalar, matrix-vector, and matrix-matrix instructions in addition to vector-scalar and vector-vector instructions. For controlling the execution of vector/matrix instructions on the matrix core, this paper extends the well known scoreboard technique. Furthermore, the performance of Mat-Core is evaluated on vector and matrix kernels. Our results show that the performance of four lanes Mat-Core with matrix registers of size 4 × 4 or 16 elements each, queues size of 10, start up time of 6 clock cycles, and memory latency of 10 clock cycles is about 0.94, 1.3, 2.3, 1.6, 2.3, and 5.5 FLOPs per clock cycle; achieved on scalar-vector multiplication, SAXPY, Givens, rank-1 update, vector-matrix multiplication, and matrix-matrix multiplication, respectively.

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A virtual test environment for validating spacecraft optical navigation

The Aeronautical Journal ◽

10.1017/s000192400000871x ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 117 (1197) ◽

pp. 1075-1101 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. M. Parkes ◽

I. Martin ◽

M. N. Dunstan ◽

N. Rowell ◽

O. Dubois-Matra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Body ◽

European Space Agency ◽

Ground Truth ◽

Camera Motion ◽

Test Environment ◽

Space Applications ◽

Vision Guidance ◽

Space Agency ◽

Wide Range ◽

And Performance

Abstract The use of machine vision to guide robotic spacecraft is being considered for a wide range of missions, such as planetary approach and landing, asteroid and small body sampling operations and in-orbit rendezvous and docking. Numerical simulation plays an essential role in the development and testing of such systems, which in the context of vision-guidance means that realistic sequences of navigation images are required, together with knowledge of the ground-truth camera motion. Computer generated imagery (CGI) offers a variety of benefits over real images, such as availability, cost, flexibility and knowledge of the ground truth camera motion to high precision. However, standard CGI methods developed for terrestrial applications lack the realism, fidelity and performance required for engineering simulations. In this paper, we present the results of our ongoing work to develop a suitable CGI-based test environment for spacecraft vision guidance systems. We focus on the various issues involved with image simulation, including the selection of standard CGI techniques and the adaptations required for use in space applications. We also describe our approach to integration with high-fidelity end-to-end mission simulators, and summarise a variety of European Space Agency research and development projects that used our test environment.

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