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Embedded processors are usually limited by silicon budget and power consumption, and utilizing limited resources to design an accurate branch predictor becomes an urgent issue. In this paper, we conduct design space explorations of TAGE predictor with ultra-small RAM for embedded processors. We first define the design space exploration problem, and then we propose PSO-based exploration framework to explore parameters of TAGE predictor. To conduct explorations with different purposes, we propose a composite metric which integrates prediction accuracy, area, and power consumption. For explorations only considering prediction accuracy, results show that compared with Bi-mode and GShare predictor, parameters explored by our method achieves better performance-area efficiency. For explorations considering the area and power consumption, results show that compared to accuracy-first exploration, area-first exploration achieves better performance-area and performance-power efficiency. In addition, area-first exploration and power-first exploration have similar results. We also study how training traces impact overall performance. Results show that the performance gap between different training traces is small and our method is insensitive to traces selected for exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) architecture is a promising and widely used avenue for enhancing performance. Most of current multicore systems adopt this technique in which each core is equipped with an SIMD engine. However, these SIMD engines are frequently underutilized in single-thread applications. A typical reason is that only one SIMD engine can be utilized for a single thread, even if other SIMD engines are idle, and abundant data-level parallelism (DLP) can be exploited. To address this problem, we propose SIMD Stealing , which is an architectural support for multicore systems that provide the capability of dynamically adjusting the number of SIMD engines during application execution. This approach includes hardware modification and compilation extension, which can improve SIMD efficiency significantly in DLP applications. Experiment results show that SIMD stealing achieves an energy-delay product (EDP) reduction of approximately 53% for kernels and an EDP reduction of 34% for applications on average, with a small area overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The need for scalable and efficient on-chip communication in future many-core architecture has resulted in the network-on-chip (NoC) design emerging as a popular solution. It is a common belief that packet-based NoC can provide high efficiency, high throughput, and low latency for future applications instead of conventional transaction-based bus. However, these superior features of NoCs are only applied to unicast (one-to-one) latency non-critical traffic. Their multi-hop feature and inefficient multicast (one-to-many) or broadcast (one-to-all) support have made it awkward when performing some kinds of communications including cache coherence protocol, global timing and control signals, and some latency critical communications. This paper presents VBON, a new architecture of incorporating buses into NoCs in order to take advantage of both NOCs and buses in a hierarchical way. The point-to-point links of conventional NoC designs can be used as bus transaction link dynamically for bus request. This can achieve low latency while sustain high throughput for both unicast and multicast communications at low cost. To reduce the latency of physical layout for the bus organization, the hierarchical redundant buses are used. Detailed network latency simulation and hardware characterization demonstrate that VBON can provide the ideal interconnect for a broad spectrum of unicast and multicast scenarios and achieve these benefits with inexpensive extensions to current NoC router. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A simple 8-way TTA coprocessor with cost-effective SIMD functional units can efficiently exploit ILP and DLP. [•] Long vector capabilities built upon existing SIMD hardware achieves better cost-performance tradeoff. [•] Unified scalar and vector approach eliminates the transformation overhead between them. [•] The implicit data permutation mechanism can address the conventional permutation limitations of SIMD architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) are the result of long-term accumulation, and there are no obvious clinical signs at the early stage. Specific metabolites in blood and urine can be used as biomarkers and become an important diagnostic indicator for DON poisoning monitoring. This study aimed to reveal the differences in DON-induced metabolites in the serum and urine of weaned rabbits. Thirty-two weaned rabbits were divided into two groups: control group and DON group. Both groups of rabbits were fed a basic diet. Rabbits in the DON group were administered 1.5 mg/kg b.w. DON by intraperitoneal injection on an empty stomach in the morning every two days. Rabbits in the control group were injected with the same amount of saline every two days in the same way. After the 25-day trial, serum and urine samples from different experimental periods were collected. The results based on the LC–MS/MS method showed that DON can be metabolized rapidly in blood, and urine is the main metabolic pathway for DON. Data based on metabolomics illustrated that underlying biomarkers in serum were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and pentose and glucuronate interconversions, while those in urine samples were involved in caffeine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. Correlation analysis suggested that DON can induce changes in certain disease-related metabolites in serum and urine. In conclusion, the pathogenic mechanism of DON includes multiple levels, indicating that DON poisoning is caused by multiple factors acting on multiple links. [Display omitted] • LC-MS/MS was used to detect the concentration of DON in serum and urine at different time periods. • Differential metabolites in serum and urine were screened and analyzed based on metabolomics. • Weaned rabbits were utilized to analyze the metabolic pathway induced by DON. • Several differential metabolites induce by DON were associated with neurological diseases in the serum and urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eu(DBM)3Phen/PS (DBM = dibenzoylmethide; Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; PS = polystyrene), a novel fluorescent fiber, was synthesized through electrospinning technology. In order to analyze the fluorescent fiber Eu(DBM)3phen/PS, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve were measured. The optical transition intensity parameters Ω λ (λ =2, 4 and 6) were calculated according to the transition intensities of 5D0 → 7FJ (J=2, 4 and 6). The radiative transition properties of 5D0 level including transition rates, fluorescence branching ratios and radiative transition lifetime were also calculated. The evaluation of the results suggested that the novel fluorescent fiber Eu(DBM)3Phen/PS may be a potential efficient luminescent material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mono-dispersed microspheres of ternary complex Eu(DBM)3phen (DBM=dibenzoylmethide; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared through a facile process. The obtained sample was characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). And the luminescence properties of the Eu(DBM)3phen were investigated by the fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence decay. According to Judd–Ofelt theory, the optical transition intensity parameters Ω λ (λ=2, 4 and 6) were obtained to be 20.99×10−20, 0.98×10−20 and 1.79×10−20 cm2, respectively. The radiative transition properties of 5D0 level, including transition rates, branch ratios and radiative transition lifetime were calculated. As a potential material for microsphere lasers, the optical gain performance for 5D0→7F2 transition was also evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Hierarchically structured and coiled actuator is prepared from polyamide-6 nanofibers. • The actuator can reversibly rotate in response to various organic solvents. • The actuator can also be stimulated by heat due to the volume expansion upon heating. • NIR-light and water responsiveness can be further introduced by modifying the actuator with polydopamine. Actuators that can respond mechanically to external stimulus have attracted great interests because of their great potential in applications of artificial muscle, soft robot, sensor, power generator, and so on. However, the creation of low-cost and multi-responsive actuators from conventional materials is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a new kind of hierarchically structured and multi-responsive actuator by twisting electrospun polyamide-6 into coiled yarn (CPY). Due to the presence of microscale and nanoscale cavities, the CPY can reversibly rotate in response to various organic solvents, and the rotation speed is depended on the type of solvent. Capillary force driven shrinkage is suggested as the actuating mechanism of our CPY, which is different from all previously reported coiled yarns. The high coefficient of thermal expansion of polyamide-6 also makes the CPY heat responsive, as the CPY shows contraction upon heating due to the volume expansion induced untwisting. In addition, NIR light and water responsiveness can be further inserted into the CPY by modifying the non-woven with polydopamine prior to twisting as demonstrated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GyV3 induced persistent infection in both chickens and mice. • Bone marrow and cerebrum are GyV3 targets in chickens and mice. • Genetic diversity analysis showed that GyV3 can adapt to new hosts. • Adaptation occurs via rapid evolution in the hypervariable region of VP1. Gyrovirus 3 (GyV3) has been identified in humans and other hosts, suggesting its cross-species pathogenicity, which poses an increased public health risk. In the current study, we established chicken and mouse models of GyV3 infection. We found that GyV3 induced persistent infections, characterized by viremia, aplastic anemia, immunosuppression, and systematic lymphocytic inflammation, in both species. Kinetic viral loads and antigen expression demonstrated rapid viral replication and broad tissue tropism of GyV3 in both models. The highest viral loads and the strongest antigen immunostaining were present in bone marrow and cerebrum in both chickens and mice, indicating that these are target tissues for GyV3. Genetic diversity analysis of VP1 in infected chickens and mice showed that GyV3 adapts to new hosts via rapid evolution of the hypervariable region of the gene encoding the structural protein VP1. Overall, our results indicate that GyV3 is a cross-species pathogenic virus; therefore, more attention needs to be paid to high levels of GyV3-induced neurotropism and aplastic anemia as a public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zearalenone (ZEA) contamination of feed affects animal husbandry and the human health. Currently, the molecular mechanism underlying small intestine-related diseases caused by ZEA-induced oxidative stress is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanisms involved in ZEA (0.5–1.5 mg/kg)-induced oxidative stress in the ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and the role of the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1)–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in post-weaning gilts. Forty post-weaning gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) with an average body weight of 14.01 ± 0.86 kg were randomly allocated to four groups and fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet supplemented with < 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg ZEA. The results showed that the activity of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased (p < 0.05) linearly and quadratically and that the content of malondialdehyde increased (p < 0.05) quadratically in the ileum and MLNs with increasing ZEA in the diet. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) immunoreactive proteins in the ileum and MLNs were significantly enhanced with increasing ZEA. The relative mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 , Gpx1 , quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), hemeoxygenase 1 (Ho1), modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gclm), and catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gclc) increased (p < 0.05) linearly and quadratically, and the relative mRNA and protein expression of Keap1 decreased (p < 0.05) linearly and quadratically in the ileum with increasing ZEA concentrations in the diet. Further, the relative mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and Gpx1 increased (p < 0.05) linearly and quadratically, and the relative mRNA and protein expression of Nqo1 , Ho1 , and Gclm decreased (p < 0.05) quadratically in the MLNs as ZEA concentrations increased in the diet. Our results provide valuable genetic information on ZEA-induced oxidative stress in the ileum and MLNs of post-weaning gilts and have elucidated the key regulatory genes involved in the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathway. Results indicated that the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathway might be a key target to further prevent and treat ZEA-induced injury to the ileum in post-weaning gilts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypervariable antigenicity and immunosuppressive features of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) has led to great challenges to develop effective vaccines. Epitope vaccine will be a perspective trend. Previously, we identified a variant antigenic neutralizing epitope in hypervariable region 1 (hr1) of ALV-J, N-LRDFI A/E/T KWK S/G DD L/H LIRPYVNQS-C. BLAST analysis showed that the mutation of A, E, T and H in this epitope cover 79% of all ALV-J strains. Base on this data, we designed a multi-variant epitope ensemble vaccine comprising the four mutation variants linked with glycine and serine. The recombinant multi-variant epitope gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The expressed protein of the variant multi-variant epitope gene can react with positive sera and monoclonal antibodies of ALV-J, while cannot react with ALV-J negative sera. The multi-variant epitope vaccine that conjugated Freund's adjuvant complete/incomplete showed high immunogenicity that reached the titer of 1:64,000 at 42 days post immunization and maintained the immune period for at least 126 days in SPF chickens. Further, we demonstrated that the antibody induced by the variant multi-variant ensemble epitope vaccine recognized and neutralized different ALV-J strains (NX0101, TA1, WS1, BZ1224 and BZ4). Protection experiment that was evaluated by clinical symptom, viral shedding, weight gain, gross and histopathology showed 100% chickens that inoculated the multi-epitope vaccine were well protected against ALV-J challenge. The result shows a promising multi-variant epitope ensemble vaccine against hypervariable viruses in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous reports have provided evidence that zearalenone (ZEN) can increase the weight of genital organs. These findings have been confirmed by many studies in which the ghrelin gene was expressed in the ovary and was implicated in the control of cells in reproductive tissues. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an important marker of cell proliferation. The present study investigates the effects of a ZEN-treated diet on the development of ovaries in post-weaning piglets by the detection of ghrelin and PCNA protein and relative abundance of mRNA using optical microscopy, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR). A total of 20 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned at 28 d, with an average body weight of 8.74 ± 0.26 kg ( P = 0.919) were used in this study. Piglets in the control group ( n = 10) were fed a normal basal diet, and those in the treatment group ( n = 10) were fed a diet containing ZEN (1.04 mg/kg), for 35 d. The proportion of growing follicles and diameter of the largest growing follicle in ovaries were greater in piglets fed the diet with ZEN. The total integrated optical densities of protein and mRNA of ghrelin and PCNA were greater with the feeding of the ZEN-treatment diet. The results suggested that 1.04 mg/kg ZEN could promote the autocrine action or expression of the ghrelin gene in piglet ovary, and further accelerate the development of ovaries (follicles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we examined the ovarian development and its relationship with steroid hormone receptors levels and the precocious puberty in JiNing Gray goats by using optical microscopy, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. We found that in the ovaries of neonatal kids, high level of receptors for estrogen (ERα and ERβ) and progesterone (PR) and their mRNA were observed along with growing follicles. From 0 to 30 days of age, the weight and volume of ovaries increased significantly and the boundary between the inner and outer cortex disappeared, while the expression of ERα, ERβ and PR and their mRNA decreased sharply. When 60 days old, the animals began to ovulate; the expression of ERα, ERβ and PR and their mRNA significantly increased, and the animals reached puberty. On day 90, the animals manifested sexual maturity with biggest mature follicles 6.18 mm in diameter, the expression of ERβ and PR protein and their mRNA was maintained at a high level, with decreased expression of ERα and its mRNA. Before puberty, the expression of ovarian ERα (prepubertal dominant receptor) and it's mRNA was significantly higher than that of ERβ (dominant receptor after sexual maturity). The results showed that JiNing Grey goats' ovaries had fast development and early maturation, and ERα, ERβ and PR protein and mRNA expression in the ovary had distinct specificity for time and space, which may be closely related to the strain's progenitive characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Flower-like Y2(MoO4)3:Dy3+ phosphors have been synthesized via a co-precipitation approach with the aid of β-cyclodextrin. The crystal structure and morphology of the phosphors were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction) and FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), respectively. The excitation and emission properties of the phosphors were examined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The dependence of color coordinates on the Dy3+ doping concentration was analyzed. The energy transfer mechanism between Dy3+ ions was studied based on the Huang''s theory, I-H and Van Uitert''s models. It was concluded simultaneously from these three routes that the electric dipole–dipole interaction between Dy3+ ions is the main physical mechanism for the energy transfers between Dy3+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of α-Gd2(MoO4)3 phosphors with various Dy3+ concentrations was synthesized by solid state reaction method. The crystal structure and morphology of the phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The luminescence properties of Dy3+ in α-Gd2(MoO4)3 were systematically studied. The electric dipole–dipole interaction between Dy3+ ions was identified as the main mechanism for luminescence quenching, according to the analysis of concentration quenching and the fluorescent dynamics. The chromatic nature of the phosphors was also analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Y2(MoO4)3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors with fixed (varied) Er3+ and varied (fixed) Yb3+ concentrations were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of the phosphors was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). Upon 980nm excitation, very weak blue emission, and strong green and red upconversion emissions centered at 485, 525, 545 and 656nm were observed. The two-photon process was confirmed to be responsible for both the green and red upconversion emissions. The effects of green upconversion emission intensity ratio (2H11/2→4I15/2 versus 4S3/2→4I15/2) and the integrated upconversion emission intensity on the Yb3+ and Er3+ concentrations were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inspired by fast and selective water transport in natural Aquaporin (AQP), imidazole-quartet water channels (IQWC) constructed by imidazole-ureido (IU) molecular scaffolds, are excellent candidates to design membranes with fast and selective water transport properties. In this work, a water binding IU bola-amphiphile-imidazole compound was embedded with the hydrophilic and laminated graphene oxide (GO) to prepare IU-GO membrane. H NMR, TG, XRD, SEM, AFM and FTIR were conducted to characterize physicochemical properties of IU and IU-GO membrane. It was demonstrated that IU could well interact with GO to generate a robust membrane structure. The resulting IU-GO membranes were applied for pervaporation dehydration of n -butanol-water. The total flux and the separation factor of the optimized IU-GO membrane were 3506 g·m-2·h-1 and 4454 respectively when the membrane was measured at 343 K with butanol content of 80 wt%. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited good stability and separation performance during 120 h continuous operation test, showing great potential in application of solvent dehydration. • Imidazole-ureido (IU) was embedded into graphene oxide (GO) laminate. • IU-GO membrane was applied for n -butanol dehydration via pervaporation. • The membrane exhibited high flux and separation factor for n -butanol dehydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]