What Can We Learn from FGF-2 Isoform-Specific Mouse Mutants? Differential Insights into FGF-2 Physiology In Vivo

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), ubiquitously expressed in humans and mice, is functionally involved in cell growth, migration and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Based on the same mRNA, an 18-kilo Dalton (kDa) FGF-2 isoform named FGF-2 low molecular weight (FGF-2LMW) isoform is translated in humans and rodents. Additionally, two larger isoforms weighing 21 and 22 kDa also exist, summarized as the FGF-2 high molecular weight (FGF-2HMW) isoform. Meanwhile, the human FGF-2HMW comprises a 22, 23, 24 and 34 kDa protein. Independent studies verified a specific intracellular localization, mode of action and tissue-specific spatiotemporal expression of the FGF-2 isoforms, increasing the complexity of their physiological and pathophysiological roles. In order to analyze their spectrum of effects, FGF-2LMW knock out (ko) and FGF-2HMWko mice have been generated, as well as mice specifically overexpressing either FGF-2LMW or FGF-2HMW. So far, the development and functionality of the cardiovascular system, bone formation and regeneration as well as their impact on the central nervous system including disease models of neurodegeneration, have been examined. This review provides a summary of the studies characterizing the in vivo effects modulated by the FGF-2 isoforms and, thus, offers a comprehensive overview of its actions in the aforementioned organ systems.     

Western Canadian dairy farmers' perspectives on the provision of outdoor access for dairy cows and on the perceptions of other stakeholders

The provision of pasture and outdoor access for dairy cattle differs around the globe. For example, in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, dairy farms are largely pasture based, whereas dairy farms in the United States and Canada are largely confinement based. There is a high level of public support for pasture and outdoor access for dairy cows, and the available evidence shows that dairy cattle are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night. The decision as to whether to provide outdoor access is typically made by farmers, but little is known about dairy farmers' perspectives on this topic. We investigated perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on outdoor access, as well as how they believe different stakeholders (i.e., the dairy industry, the dairy cows, and the general public) regard outdoor access for dairy cows. Data were collected via (1) 11 focus group discussions with a total of 50 Western Canadian dairy farmers, and (2) semi-structured individual interviews with an additional 6 dairy farmers of Hutterite colonies. Data were analyzed using template analysis. Although most participants in this study did not provide outdoor access on their farms, or only provided outdoor access to certain cow groups, participants generally mentioned that they enjoyed seeing cows on pasture or outdoors. However, participants shared that the Canadian supply management system (including processors) required a consistent flow of production, which was thought to be easier and more economically realized with indoor housing of lactating cows. Participants believed that pasture or outdoor access for dairy cows was desired by the public. Some participants believed that dairy cows prefer to spend time outside under favorable weather conditions, but others felt that cows preferred to stay indoors in modern, ventilated freestall barns. The results of this study describe the perspectives of dairy farmers regarding the views of dairy industry stakeholders as they relate to outdoor access, helping to inform conversations around the provision of outdoor access for dairy cattle.     

Autonomic Nervous System in Obesity and Insulin-Resistance—The Complex Interplay between Leptin and Central Nervous System

The role of the autonomic nervous system in obesity and insulin-resistant conditions has been largely explored. However, the exact mechanisms involved in this relation have not been completely elucidated yet, since most of these mechanisms display a bi-directional effect. Insulin-resistance, for instance, can be caused by sympathetic activation, but, in turn, the associated hyperinsulinemia can activate the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. The picture is made even more complex by the implicated neural, hormonal and nutritional mechanisms. Among them, leptin plays a pivotal role, being involved not only in appetite regulation and glucose homeostasis but also in energy expenditure. The purpose of this review is to offer a comprehensive view of the complex interplay between leptin and the central nervous system, providing further insights on the impact of autonomic nervous system balance on adipose tissue and insulin-resistance. Furthermore, the link between the circadian clock and leptin and its effect on metabolism and energy balance will be evaluated.     

西湖凹陷中部西斜坡地区超压成因机制

沉积盆地超压成因研究已取得了重要进展，关于超压主要成因的认识也发生了重要变化，以往一些被普遍认为属于典型不均衡压实成因的超压已被部分或完全否定，生烃作用作为超压成因的普遍性得到愈来愈多的证实。西湖凹陷多个构造带的不同层位均发育超压，目前认为超压的形成仍然离不开不均衡压实（欠压实作用）的贡献。根据异常压力形成的基本地质条件和异常压力产生的地质、地球物理效应两方面因素，利用测井曲线组合分析法、鲍尔斯法（加载-卸载曲线法）、声波速度-密度交会图法、孔隙度对比法、压力计算反推法以及综合分析法系统解剖分析了西湖凹陷中部西斜坡地区平湖组不同岩性异常压力成因。研究结果表明：西湖凹陷中部西斜坡泥岩中烃源岩超压主要为自源生烃增压，非烃源岩超压为邻源压力传导成因。储层中至少存在常压-超压型和常压-超压-常压型两种压力结构类型，异常压力自南向北顶界面逐渐变深，主要为油气在生烃增压驱动下向储层运移过程中的压力传导所致。     

Weighted preliminary-summation-based principal component analysis for non-Gaussian processes

For industrial chemical process, preliminary-summation-based principal component analysis (PS-PCA), an amended PCA method was recently provided for coping with both Gaussian and non-Gaussian characteristics. By summing the training and monitoring data respectively, PS-PCA is capable of resolving the issue of non-Gaussian processes and achieves higher fault detection rate than the traditional PCA. However, in the PS-PCA summation operation, all data samples are regarded as the same weight, which results in the fault information of newly-samples may be diluted, leading to significant detection delays. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a novel weighted PS-PCA (WPS-PCA) method that employs an exponential weighting scheme to put more emphasis on recent information. Subsequently, a mathematical argument demonstrates that when the number of variables is enough plentiful, the obtained summation combined with the generalized central limit theorem conforms to approximately a Gaussian distribution. The kurtosis relationships indicate this conversion will bring out well-pleasing feasibility for conventional PCA. Ultimately, the proposed technique verifies detection performance using the Tennessee Eastman process, which is compared with the existing PCA and PS-PCA schemes, in terms of the fault detection time and fault detection rate. The simulation studies reveal that the proposed method is efficient and superior.     

基于多视图立体视觉的沙堆三维尺寸测量研究

利用从运动中恢复结构方法(SFM),提出了一种基于多视图立体视觉的沙堆三维重建及三维尺寸测量方法。首先根据SFM方法的求解不稳定特点,结合光束平差法对SFM求解过程进行分析及优化;其次针对SFM重建结果为稀疏点云的问题,利用基于面片的稠密重建算法重新生成稠密的三维点云,再利用泊松算法对密集点云进行三维曲面重建;最后获得模型的三维尺寸信息。对某建筑工地的沙堆进行了三维尺寸的测量实验,实验结果验证了该方法的有效及可行性,提高了重建能力及精度,同时考虑了目标实际测量误差与重建误差,能够满足实际智能测量的应用需求。     

从中西色彩观差异看中西方设计色彩的异与同

目的对中西方设计色彩差异进行理论分析。方法以中西色彩表达的文化差异为基础,通过对中西方色彩观的文化渊源进行比较分析,提炼出对中西传统色彩观的文化特点概括。结论通过对色彩在中西方建筑、服饰、装饰等设计中的运用案例进行分析,把握传统色彩观在历史空间中的演进与中西融合趋势,以求对21世纪全球语境下的现代设计色彩发展,提供基于中西传统色彩观特点比较分析基础上的把握。     

基于街景地图数据的北京市东城区 街道绿色空间正义评估研究

绿色空间正义是城市空间正义的典型代表，意为在人群中公平分配维护绿色空间的责任和享有绿色空间的权益。根据其定义，以北京市东城区为例，从责任和权益2个角度着眼，一方面基于百度街景地图数据提炼街道空间绿视率的空间分布特点，表征街道绿色空间的客观可感知水平；另一方面将街道绿视率和实时人口热力叠加，探讨街道绿色空间的实际被感知程度，从而完成对北京市东城区街道绿色空间维护和享有情况的评估。发现邻近使用者维护街道绿色空间的责任对绿化客观可感知水平的重要性，以及合理的道路断面设计对同时提升街道空间活力和绿视率即绿化实际被感知程度的有效性。由此总结出2点街道绿色空间规划设计建议，即明晰权责边界并保证公共权益优先级，以及加强落地性设计导则中对绿色空间正义问题的关注，并对未来研究提出展望。     

Social licence: power imbalances and levels of consciousness – two case studies

ABSTRACT

Social licence to operate (SLO) is a term that is finding increasing acceptance in a number of industries. Like all new terms, its precise meaning and implications are still being investigated. Using data from previous studies, this paper offers an analysis of the SLO of two case studies with each study being viewed separately through the grid of a distinct theoretical framework. Case study 1 looks at the development of differential social licence negotiated in the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, as a result of an impact and benefit agreement negotiated between Tahera Diamond Corp. and the Kitikmeot Inuit Organisation in 2004. The study demonstrates that general acceptance of resource development can be uneven and reflect an unequal distribution of decision-making power. In case study 2, stakeholders of a failed mineral development project were queried across time about the specifics of the proposed mine development and were queried about resource development across different levels of consciousness. Perhaps, SLO is variable across different levels of consciousness. The paper concludes with observations about the variable nature of SLO acceptance across populations and across levels of consciousness within individuals. Perhaps, the concept of SLO is, in fact, complex, difficult to define and measure and, at this point, of limited utility as a measure of resource development acceptance.