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Abstract: Due to polynomial time complexity, utilization based tests are desired for online feasibility analysis of periodic task systems. However, the associated disadvantage with these tests is that they propose a bound on system utilization, which trade processor utilization for performance. On the contrary, response time based tests share pseudo-polynomial time complexity, which are very expensive in terms of analysis time and therefore, impractical for analyzing feasibility of online systems. Realizing the advantage of utilization based tests over response time tests, attempts are being made to propose utilization based exact tests that achieve 100% CPU utilization for the system by modifying task parameters such as restricting task periods to be harmonic. We show that in systems where task deadlines are large, better results are obtained by making the task deadlines harmonic. The paper proposes a novel solution to feasibility problem of periodic task system under the assumption of composite deadline by providing a utilization based exact test with an upper bound of 1 and complexity . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims Testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the primary pathophysiological consequence of testicular torsion. Low-energy shock wave (LESW) is an effective treatment for certain diseases. The present study investigated whether LESW could improve on testicular IR injury in rats and examined the involved mechanism. Main methods Testicular reperfusion was induced in rats after 1-h ischemia. The first LESW treatment was performed 30 min prior to testicular reperfusion, and then every other day for another 3 applications. LY294002 was applied to investigate the involved mechanism. Testicular morphological changes and malonaldehyde (MDA) level were respectively assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot and thiobarbituric acid method. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the apoptosis, the activation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) level in the testis of rats. Key findings LESW improved testicular IR injury in rats. Moreover, LESW upregulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Also, it upregulated the levels of nuclear NRF2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1) in these rats. Nevertheless, LY294002 blocked these protective effects. LESW also upregulated VEGF-A level in rats with testicular IR injury. Significance This study demonstrated that LESW could ameliorate testicular IR injury in rats, which might be attributed to the activation of PI3K/AKT/NRF2 pathway. These findings suggested the potential of LESW in the treatment of testicular torsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between long-term exposure to SRF-EMR and the decline in male fertility is gradually receiving increasing attention from the medical society. While male reproductive organs are often exposed to SRF-EMR, little is currently known about the direct effects of long-term SRF-EMR exposure on the testes and its involvement in the suppression of male reproductive potential. The present study was designed to investigate this issue by using 4G SRF-EMR in rats. A unique exposure model using a 4G smartphone achieved localized exposure to the scrotum of the rats for 6 h each day (the smartphone was kept on active talk mode and received an external call for 1 min over 10 min intervals). Results showed that SRF-EMR exposure for 150 days decreased sperm quality and pup weight, accompanied by testicular injury. However, these adverse effects were not evident in rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 50 days or 100 days. Sequencing analysis and western blotting suggested Spock3 overexpression in the testes of rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 150 days. Inhibition of Spock3 overexpression improved sperm quality decline and alleviated testicular injury and BTB disorder in the exposed rats. Additionally, SRF-EMR exposure suppressed MMP2 activity, while increasing the activity of the MMP14–Spock3 complexes and decreasing MMP14–MMP2 complexes; these results were reversed by Spock3 inhibition. Thus, long-term exposure to 4G SRF-EMR diminished male fertility by directly disrupting the Spock3–MMP2–BTB axis in the testes of adult rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show direct toxicity of SRF-EMR on the testes emerging after long-term exposure. Unlabelled Image • Long-term exposure to smartphone RF-EMR suppressed male fertility. • Smartphone RF-EMR exposure directly impaired testes and upregulates testicular Spock3. • Inhibiting Spock3 overexpression restored sperm quality and alleviated testicular injury. • Smartphone RF-EMR directly impaired testes by regulating Spock3 – MMP2 – BTB axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]