bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between precocious puberty and obesity: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Chang , Zhang Yunting , Sun Wanqi , Chen Yao , Jiang Yanrui , Song Yuanjin , Lin Qinmin , Zhu Lixia , Zhu Qi , Wang Xiumin , Liu Shijian , Jiang Fan
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Obesity is reported to be closely relevant to early sexual development but the relationship between sexual precocity and obesity or central obesity is still inconsistent, especially in boys. We aimed to investigate the relationship between precocious puberty and obesity as well as central obesity.

Design

A large population-based cross-sectional study using multistage, stratified cluster random sampling.

Setting

Data from the Shanghai Children’s Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation (SCHEDULE) study in June 2014.

Participants

17 620 Chinese children aged 6–12 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Obesity was defined by WHO Child Growth Standards. Central obesity was defined by sex-specific waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cut-offs (WHtR ≥0.48 for boys, WHtR ≥0.46 for girls). Precocious puberty was identified by Tanner stage of breast, pubic hair and testicle development. A χ2test was performed to compare rates. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between precocious puberty and general obesity and central obesity. Probit analysis was used for estimating the median age at entry into Tanner stage 2 or greater for breast, pubic hair and testicle development. Linear regression was utilised to compare the effects of WHtR and body mass index (BMI) on sex development indicators.

Results

25.98% and 38.58% of boys with precocious puberty were respectively accompanied by obesity (OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.31 to 3.50) or central obesity (OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.46 to 3.03); meanwhile, 13.86% and 29.42% of girls with precocious puberty were respectively accompanied by obesity (OR=9.00, 95% CI=5.60 to 14.46) or central obesity (OR=5.40, 95% CI=4.10 to 7.12). The median ages of breast, pubic hair and testicle development decreased with BMI increase and median ages of thelarche and testicular development rather than pubarche were earlier in children with central obesity.

Conclusions

Earlier pubertal development was positively associated with obesity and central obesity in Chinese children.
Quitting patient care and career break intentions among general practitioners in South West England: findings of a census survey of general practitioners
Authors: Fletcher Emily , Abel Gary A , Anderson Rob , Richards Suzanne H , Salisbury Chris , Dean Sarah Gerard , Sansom Anna , Warren Fiona C , Campbell John L
Published: April 2017

Objective

Given recent concerns regarding general practitioner (GP) workforce capacity, we aimed to describe GPs’ career intentions, especially those which might impact on GP workforce availability over the next 5 years.

Design

Census survey, conducted between April and June 2016 using postal and online responses , of all GPs on the National Health Service performers list and eligible to practise in primary care. Two reminders were used as necessary.

Setting

South West England (population 3.5  million), a region with low overall socioeconomic deprivation.

Participants

Eligible GPs were 2248 out of 3370 (67 % response rate).

Main outcome measures

Reported likelihood of permanently leaving or reducing hours spent in direct patient care or of taking a career break within the next 5 years and present morale weighted for non-response.

Results

Responders included 217 7 GPs engaged in patient care. Of these, 863 (37% weighted, 95%  CI 35 % to 39 %) reported a high likelihood of quitting direct patient care within the next 5 years. Overall, 1535 (70% weighted, 95%  CI 68 % to 72 %) respondents reported a career intention that would negatively impact GP workforce capacity over the next 5 years, through permanently leaving or reducing hours spent in direct patient care, or through taking a career break. GP age was an important predictor of career intentions; sharp increases in the proportion of GPs intending to quit patient care were evident from 52 years. Only 305 (14% weighted, 95%  CI 13 % to 16 %) reported high morale, while 1195 ( 54 % weighted, 95%  CI 52 % to 56 %) reported low morale. Low morale was particularly common among GP partners. Current morale strongly predicted GPs’ career intentions; those with very low morale were particularly likely to report intentions to quit patient care or to take a career break.

Conclusions

A substantial majority of GPs in South West England report low morale. Many are considering career intentions which, if implemented, would adversely impact GP workforce capacity within a short time period.

Study registration

NIHR HS&DR - 14/196/02, UKCRN ID 20700.
The diagnostic value of hyperammonaemia induced by the non-ischaemic forearm exercise test
Authors: Hogrel Jean-Yves , Janssen Jorien B E , Ledoux Isabelle , Ollivier Gwenn , Béhin Anthony , Stojkovic Tanya , Eymard Bruno , Voermans Nicol C , Laforet Pascal
Published: April 2017

Aims

The non-ischaemic forearm exercise test (NIFET) is used as a diagnostic tool for the screening of patients with exercise intolerance and for the diagnosis of various metabolic muscle disorders. The production of lactate and ammonia are generally analysed to guide the diagnosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the level of ammonia rise, which can be suggestive of a muscle disease.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 1440 patients who underwent NIFET. The clinical files of the patients with hyperammonaemia were methodically studied. Normal values were derived from 60 healthy controls.

Results

110 patients with hyperammonaemia were detected. They were classified as either having mild (between 94 and 141 µmol/L) or severe (more than 141 µmol/L) hyperammonaemia. Their diagnosis was studied with respect to the increase in lactate induced by the NIFET.

Conclusions

Severe postexercise hyperammonaemia, even in the presence of a normal lactate response, is strongly suggestive of a muscle glycogen storage disease. Mild hyperammonaemia in the absence of other abnormalities is most likely non-specific and not indicative of a muscle disease.
Utilisation of radiology rotations in ACGME-accredited general surgery programmes
Authors: Eid Joseph J , Macedo Francisco Igor , Mittal Vijay K
Published: April 2017

Background

General surgery (GS) residents are often required to provide immediate preliminary interpretations of radiological images, especially in critical situations. It is unclear whether residents in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited GS programmes receive sufficient radiological training to deliver adequate patient care.

Objectives

Determine the utilisation of radiology rotations (RR) during GS residency.

Methods

Between February and March 2015, a pilot voluntary 19-item survey was electronically distributed to GS programme directors (PDs) regarding the availability and value of a RR during GS training.

Results

A total of 234 PDs received the questionnaire and the response rate was 36.8% (n=86). Sixty-five (77.4%) PDs expected their trainees to interpret imaging studies in the acute setting; however, only 8.3% of programmes had a dedicated RR. RRs are more prevalent among community-based than university-based programmes (71.4% vs 27.9% p=0.003). The implementation of a RR may be limited due to insufficient number of GS residents in the department (p=0.002). 75.4% of PDs expect GS residents to confirm their findings with a radiologist. In those programmes with RR, most PDs (85.7%) believed that a dedicated rotation improved GS residents’ understanding of radiological imaging.

Conclusion

The majority of PDs are currently not confident that GS residents are capable of interpreting radiological imaging independently; however, the implementation of a mandatory RR in GS residency curriculum yet seems to be controversial. Given the expectation of PDs and the continued need to improve patient care, the integration of a dedicated RR in GS training should be encouraged.
Vulnerability to geomorphological hazards of an Arctic cliff-nesting raptor, the rough-legged hawk
Authors: Beardsell Andréanne , Gauthier Gilles , Fortier Daniel , Therrien Jean-François , Bêty Joël
Published: April 2017

Increase in temperature and precipitation associated with climate change may enhance the risk of destruction by geomorphological processes of nests or dens used by Arctic wildlife. We assessed nest vulnerability to mass movements and identified environmental factors associated with the persistence of nesting structures of rough-legged hawks (Buteo lagopus), a species that typically nests on steep slopes or cliffs. The study was conducted on Bylot Island (Nunavut) where 82 permanent hawk nesting structures, built mainly on sedimentary rocks, were monitored from 2007 to 2015. More than a quarter of known nests were destroyed during the course of the study and among those still intact, more than half were associated with a moderate to high risk of being destroyed. Nest survival analysis suggested a relatively short persistence of rough-legged hawk nesting structures on Bylot Island compared to other Arctic cliff-nesting species. Nest destruction probability increased for nests built on unconsolidated sediments, with heavy rainfall and temperature during the summer. The anticipated increase in precipitation and temperature due to climate change is likely to augment the exposure of hawk nests to mass movements, which could ultimately reduce the availability of suitable sites for the reproduction of this Arctic-nesting raptor.
Extensions of modules over the Heisenberg–Virasoro conformal algebra
Authors: Ling Kaijing , Yuan Lamei
Published: April 2017

In this paper, extensions between finite conformal modules over the Heisenberg–Virasoro conformal algebra are classified.
Quarto-quartic birational maps of ℙ3(ℂ)
Authors: Déserti Julie , Han Frédéric
Published: April 2017

We construct a determinantal family of quarto-quartic transformations of a complex projective space of dimension [Formula: see text] from trigonal curves of degree [Formula: see text] and genus [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we show that the variety of [Formula: see text]-birational maps of [Formula: see text] has at least four irreducible components and describe three of them.
Simulation optimizing of n-type HIT solar cells with AFORS-HET
Authors: Yao Yao , Xiao Shaoqing , Zhang Xiumei , Gu Xiaofeng
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a study of heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) solar cells based on n-type silicon substrates by a simulation software AFORS-HET. We have studied the influence of thickness, band gap of intrinsic layer and defect densities of every interface. Details in mechanisms are elaborated as well. The results show that the optimized efficiency reaches more than 23% which may give proper suggestions to practical preparation for HIT solar cells industry.
CTL-DNNet: Effective Circular Traffic Light Recognition with a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Wang Di , Bao Hong , Zhang Feifei
Published: April 2017

This paper proposed an algorithm for a deep learning network for identifying circular traffic lights (CTL-DNNet). The sample labeling process uses translation to increase the number of positive samples, and the similarity is calculated to reduce the number of negative samples, thereby reducing overfitting. We use a dataset of approximately 370[Formula: see text]000 samples, with approximately 20[Formula: see text]000 positive samples and approximately 350[Formula: see text]000 negative samples. The datasets are generated from images taken at the Beijing Garden Expo. To obtain a very robust method for the detection of traffic lights, we use different layers, different cost functions and different activation functions of the depth neural network for training and comparison. Our algorithm has evaluated autonomous vehicles in varying illumination and gets the result with high accuracy and robustness. The experimental results show that CTL-DNNet is effective at recognizing road traffic lights in the Beijing Garden Expo area.
Mean-field sparse Jurdjevic–Quinn control
Authors: Caponigro Marco , Piccoli Benedetto , Rossi Francesco , Trélat Emmanuel
Published: April 2017

We consider nonlinear transport equations with non-local velocity describing the time-evolution of a measure. Such equations often appear when considering the mean-field limit of finite-dimensional systems modeling collective dynamics. We address the problem of controlling these equations by means of a time-varying bounded control action localized on a time-varying control subset of small Lebesgue measure. We first define dissipativity for nonlinear transport equations in terms of Lie derivatives of a Lyapunov function depending on the measure. Then, assuming that the uncontrolled system is dissipative, we provide an explicit construction of a control law steering the system to an invariant sublevel of the Lyapunov function. The control function and the control domain are designed in terms of the Lie derivatives of the Lyapunov function. In this sense the construction can be seen as an infinite-dimensional analogue of the well-known Jurdjevic–Quinn procedure. Moreover, the control law presents sparsity properties in the sense that the support of the control is small. Finally, we show that our result applies to a large class of kinetic equations modeling multi-agent dynamics.
On a structured multiscale model for acid-mediated tumor invasion: The effects of adhesion and proliferation
Authors: Engwer Christian , Stinner Christian , Surulescu Christina
Published: April 2017

We propose a multiscale model for tumor cell migration in a tissue network. The system of equations involves a structured population model for the tumor cell density, which besides time and position depends on a further variable characterizing the cellular state with respect to the amount of receptors bound to soluble and insoluble ligands. Moreover, this equation features pH-taxis and adhesion, along with an integral term describing proliferation conditioned by receptor binding. The interaction of tumor cells with their surroundings calls for two more equations for the evolution of tissue fibers and acidity (expressed via concentration of extracellular protons), respectively. The resulting ODE-PDE system is highly nonlinear. We prove the global existence of a solution and perform numerical simulations to illustrate its behavior, paying particular attention to the influence of the supplementary structure and of the adhesion.
Type Prediction in Noisy RDF Knowledge Bases Using Hierarchical Multilabel Classification with Graph and Latent Features
Authors: Melo Andre , Völker Johanna , Paulheim Heiko
Published: April 2017

Semantic Web knowledge bases, in particular large cross-domain data, are often noisy, incorrect, and incomplete with respect to type information. This incompleteness can be reduced, as previous work shows, with automatic type prediction methods. Most knowledge bases contain an ontology defining a type hierarchy, and, in general, entities are allowed to have multiple types (classes of an instance assigned with the rdf:type relation). In this paper, we exploit these characteristics and formulate the type prediction problem as hierarchical multi classification, where the labels are types. We evaluate different sets of features, including entity embeddings, which can be extracted from the knowledge graph exclusively. We propose SLCN, a modification of the local classifier per node approach, which performs feature selection, instance sampling, and class balancing for each local classifier with the objective of improving scalability. Furthermore, we explore different variants of creating features for the classifier, including both graph and latent features. We compare the performance of our proposed method with the state-of-the-art type prediction approach and popular hierarchical multilabel classifiers, and report on experiments with large-scale cross-domain RDF datasets.
A Hybrid Approach for Personalized News Recommendation in a Mobility Scenario Using Long-Short User Interest
Authors: Viana Paula , Soares Márcio
Published: April 2017

Access to information has been made easier in different domains that range from multimedia content, books, music, news, etc. To deal with the huge amount of alternatives, recommendation systems have been often used as a solution to filter the options and provide suggestions of items that might be of interest to an user. The news domain introduces additional challenges due not only to the large amount of new items produced daily but also due to their ephemeral timelife.

In this paper, a news recommendation system which combines content-based and georeferenced techniques in a mobility scenario, is proposed. Taking into account the volatility of the information, short-term and long-term user profiles are considered and implicitly built. Besides tracking users’ clicks, the system infers different levels of interest an article has by tracking and weighting each action in the system and in social networks. Impact of the different fields that make up a news is also taken into account by following the inverted pyramid model that assumes different levels of importance to each paragraph of the article. The solution was tested with a population of volunteers and results indicate that the quality of the recommendation approach is acknowledged by the users.
Erdős–Rényi law of large numbers in the averaging setup
Authors: Kifer Yuri
Published: April 2017

We extend the Erdős–Rényi law of large numbers to the averaging setup both in discrete and continuous time cases. We consider both stochastic processes and dynamical systems as fast motions whenever they are fast mixing and satisfy large deviations estimates. In the continuous time case we consider flows with large deviations estimates which allow a suspension representation and it turns out that fast mixing of corresponding base transformations suffices for our results.
Divisibility and groups in one-generated semirings
Authors: Korbelář Miroslav
Published: April 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a semiring generated by one element. Let us denote this element by [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a polynomial. It has been proved that if [Formula: see text] contains at least two different monomials, then the elements of the form [Formula: see text] may possibly be contained in any countable commutative semigroup. In particular, divisibility of such elements does not imply their torsion. Let, on the other hand, [Formula: see text] consist of a single monomial (i.e. [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]). We show that in this case, the divisibility of [Formula: see text] by infinitely many primes implies that [Formula: see text] generates a group within [Formula: see text]. Further, an element [Formula: see text] is called an [Formula: see text]-fraction of an element [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We prove that “almost every” [Formula: see text]-fraction of [Formula: see text] can be expressed as [Formula: see text] for some polynomial [Formula: see text] of degree at most [Formula: see text].
Cohomology of model filiform Lie superalgebras
Authors: Liu Wende , Yang Yong
Published: April 2017

Suppose the ground field [Formula: see text] is an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. By means of spectral sequences, the computation of the first cohomology group of the model filiform Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] with coefficients in the adjoint module is reduced to the computation of the first cohomology group of an Abel ideal and a one-dimensional subalgebra. Then, by calculating the outer derivations, the algebra structure of the first cohomology group of [Formula: see text] is completely characterized.
Annihilator ideals of two-generated metabelian p-groups
Authors: Mayer Daniel C.
Published: April 2017

For certain metabelian [Formula: see text]-groups [Formula: see text] with two generators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the annihilator [Formula: see text] of the main commutator [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], as an ideal of bivariate polynomials with integer coefficients, is determined by means of a presentation for [Formula: see text]. It is proved that together with Schreier’s polynomials [Formula: see text], the annihilator [Formula: see text] identifies the group [Formula: see text] uniquely, and the Furtwängler isomorphism of the additive group underlying the residue class ring [Formula: see text] to the commutator subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] admits the calculation of the abelian type invariants of [Formula: see text]. The results are underpinned by class field theoretic realizations of the groups [Formula: see text] as Galois groups [Formula: see text] of second Hilbert [Formula: see text]-class fields [Formula: see text] over algebraic number fields [Formula: see text].
Rings with simple Lie rings of Lie and Jordan derivations
Authors: Khalaf Ahmad Al , Artemovych Orest D. , Taha Iman
Published: April 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative ring. We characterize rings [Formula: see text] with simple Lie ring [Formula: see text] of all Lie derivations, reduced noncommutative Noetherian ring [Formula: see text] with the simple Lie ring [Formula: see text] of all derivations and obtain some properties of [Formula: see text]-torsion-free rings [Formula: see text] with the simple Lie ring [Formula: see text] of all Jordan derivations.
Rational combinations of Betti diagrams of complete intersections
Authors: Annunziata Michael T. , Gibbons Courtney R. , Hawkins Cole , Sutherland Alexander J.
Published: April 2017

We investigate decompositions of Betti diagrams over a polynomial ring within the framework of Boij–Söderberg theory. That is, given a Betti diagram, we determine if it is possible to decompose it into the Betti diagrams of complete intersections. To do so, we determine the extremal rays of the cone generated by the diagrams of complete intersections and provide a factorial time algorithm for decomposition.
Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations with Nonlocal Mixed Boundary Values and their Analytic Approximate Solutions
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: April 2017

Partial differential equations of hyperbolic type when considered with mixed Dirichlet/Neumann constraints as well as nonlocal conservation conditions model many physical phenomena. The prime motivation of the current work is to apply the recently developed meshfree method to such differential equations. The scheme is built on series expansion of the solution via proper base functions akin to the Galerkin approach. In many cases, the simple polynomials are adequate to convert the hyperbolic partial differential equation and boundary conditions of nonlocal kind into easily treatable algebraic equations concerning the coefficients of the series. If the sought solutions are polynomials of any degree, then the method has the ability of resolving the equations in an exact manner. The validity, applicability, accuracy and performance of the method are illustrated on some well-analyzed hyperbolic equations available in the open literature.
Dynamics and bifurcations of a host–parasite model
Authors: Atabaigi Ali , Akrami Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2017

A two-parameter family of discrete models, consisting of two coupled nonlinear difference equations, describing a host–parasite interaction is considered. In particular, we prove that the model has at most one nontrivial interior fixed point which is stable for a certain range of parameter values and also undergoes a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation that produces an attracting invariant curve in some areas of the parameter.
A shifted Legendre method for solving a population model and delay linear Volterra integro-differential equations
Authors: Yüzbaşi Şuayip
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we propose a collocation method to obtain the approximate solutions of a population model and the delay linear Volterra integro-differential equations. The method is based on the shifted Legendre polynomials. By using the required matrix operations and collocation points, the delay linear Fredholm integro-differential equation is transformed into a matrix equation. The matrix equation corresponds to a system of linear algebraic equations. Also, an error estimation method for method and improvement of solutions is presented by using the residual function. Applications of population model and general delay integro-differential equation are given. The obtained results are compared with the known results.
Synthesis of rGO/PS compound with sandwich structure on Ni foam as binder-free electrode for supercapacitor
Authors: Luo Guangsheng , Huang Haifu , Cheng Zhenzhi , Lei Chenglong , Wu Xiaoshan , Tang Shaolong , Du Youwei
Published: April 2017

Here, we demonstrate the design of a binder-free reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polystyrene colloidal microsphere (PS) compound with rGO/PS/rGO sandwich structure and application for supercapacitors electrode. rGO and PS are alternately deposited into 3D Ni foam by a simple layer-by-layer assembly based on dip-coating. The interlayer space of rGO film expanded by PS microsphere and 3D structure of compound electrode can effectively shorten diffusion pathways of ions and accelerate the transport of ions into graphene sheets. The resulting rGO/PS compound electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance with 164.7[Formula: see text]F g[Formula: see text], and outstanding rate capability. It is found that the specific capacitance is dependent on the number of rGO film layers in rGO/PS compound electrode.
19、20世纪新加坡华人的身份认同与忠诚
Authors: 王 赓武
Published: April 2017

本文以历时性的视角探讨新加坡华人身份认同与忠诚的关系。本文不认同两者关系是理所当然的，而主张应该置于多个层面讨论。从早期到1870年代，作为中国 "国民" 的观点尚未产生，流行的是其他类型的忠诚。在第二个时期即从1870年代到1950年代，英属马来亚成为一个混合形式的殖民国家，上升的华人集体利益促使华人重新定义他们在这一殖民国家的位置。之后，一部分华人意识到英国最终将离开，这些集体利益促使华人为新的角色早做准备。在伴随着过去五十年变迁的第三个时期（从1950年代到20世纪末），新政体努力说服新加坡这一华人为主的社群：将一个多元社会建设成为一个民族国家最符合华人的利益。本文提出从来没有单一的华人认同，每个人都有多种认同，不同的认同可能要求不同层次的忠诚；有可能存在忠诚的等级系统，某些忠诚总是凌驾于其他类的忠诚。最后，本文也对新加坡华人构建一个整合性的、多面性的复合型认同的可能性进行了探讨。
Constacyclic additive codes over finite fields
Authors: Kaur Taranjot , Sharma Anuradha
Published: April 2017

Let [Formula: see text] denote the finite field of order [Formula: see text] and characteristic [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] be a positive integer coprime to [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be an integer. In this paper, we develop the theory of constacyclic additive codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] and provide a canonical form decomposition for these codes. By placing ordinary, Hermitian and ∗ trace bilinear forms on [Formula: see text] we determine some isodual constacyclic additive codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] Moreover, we explicitly determine basis sets of all self-orthogonal, self-dual and complementary-dual negacyclic additive codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and enumerate these three class of codes for any integer [Formula: see text] with respect to the aforementioned trace bilinear forms on [Formula: see text]
On Space Utilization Enhancement of File Systems for Embedded Storage Systems
Authors: Chen Tseng-Yi , Chang Yuan-Hao , Chen Shuo-Han , Hsu Nien-I , Wei Hsin-Wen , Shih Wei-Kuan
Published: April 2017

Since the mid-2000s, mobile/embedded computing systems conventionally have limited computing power, Random Access Memory (RAM) space, and storage capacity due to the consideration of their cost, energy consumption, and physical size. Recently, some of these systems, such as mobile phone and embedded consumer electronics, have more powerful computing capability, so they manage their data in small flash storage devices (e.g., Embedded Multi Media Card (eMMC) and Secure Digital (SD) cards) with a simple file system. However, the existing file systems usually have low space utilization for managing small files and the tail data of large files. In this work, we thus propose a dynamic tail packing scheme to enhance the space utilization of file systems over flash storage devices in embedded computing systems by dynamically aggregating/packing the tail data of (small) files together. To evaluate the benefits and overheads of the proposed scheme, we theoretically formulate analysis equations for obtaining the best settings in the dynamic tail packing scheme. Additionally, the proposed scheme was implemented in the file system of Linux operating systems to evaluate its capability. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme could significantly improve the space utilization of existing file systems.
DMS-Based Energy Optimizations for Clustered WSNs
Authors: Bandari Maryam , Simon Robert , Aydin Hakan
Published: April 2017

In this article, we consider clustered wireless sensor networks where the nodes harvest energy from the environment. We target performance-sensitive applications that have to collectively send their information to a cluster head by a predefined deadline. The nodes are equipped with Dynamic Modulation Scaling (DMS)-capable wireless radios. DMS provides a tuning knob, allowing us to trade off communication latency with energy consumption. We consider two optimization objectives, maximizing total energy reserves and maximizing the minimum energy level across all nodes. For both objectives, we show that optimal solutions can be obtained by solving Mixed Integer Linear Programming problems. We also develop several fast heuristics that are shown to provide approximate solutions experimentally.
Fault-Tolerant Preemptive Aperiodic RT Scheduling by Supervisory Control of TDES on Multiprocessors
Authors: Devaraj Rajesh , Sarkar Arnab , Biswas Santosh
Published: April 2017

Safety-critical real-time systems must meet stringent timing and fault-tolerance requirements. This article proposes a methodology for synthesizing an optimal preemptive multiprocessor aperiodic task scheduler using a formal supervisory control framework. The scheduler can tolerate single/multiple permanent processor faults. Further, the synthesis framework has been empowered with a novel BDD-based symbolic computation mechanism to control the exponential state-space complexity of the optimal exhaustive enumeration-oriented synthesis methodology.
Topology Management-Based Distributed Camera Actuation in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Mali Goutam , Misra Sudip
Published: April 2017

Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) involving camera and Scalar Sensor (SS) nodes provide precise information of events occurring in the monitored region by transmitting video packets. In WMSNs, it is necessary to provide coverage of events occurring in the monitored region for longer durations of time. The Camera Sensor (CS) nodes provide the coverage of an event and transmit the video data to the Base Station (BS), when these nodes are actuated by the associated SS nodes on occurring of an event. Therefore, in the existing pieces of work, distributed actuation focuses on the coverage of an event and prolongation of the lifetime of the CS nodes. However, for distributed actuation of the CS nodes, the SS nodes play a vital role. When the data sent by the associated SS nodes in an event area exceed the preconfigured threshold, the CS nodes start sensing the event and send the video data to the BS. Therefore, in addition to the lifetime of the CS nodes, the lifetime of the SS nodes and their data reporting latencies are important aspects for distributed actuation of the CS nodes, while sending both the video and scalar data to the BS. In this work, we propose a topology management-based distributed camera actuation scheme, named TADA, to prolong the lifetime of SS nodes, and decrease the data reporting latency in event area only. The increased lifetime of the SS nodes, in turn, increases the event coverage and packet delivery ratio. To increase the lifetime of the SS nodes in an event area, the SS nodes with the most residual energies are selected as the packet aggregators. In addition, the transmission range of these nodes is decreased, and in-network packet aggregation is performed, while reporting the happening of an event to the associated CS nodes. The aggregator selection mechanism helps in balancing energy consumption of the SS nodes. Similarly, the decrease in transmission range and aggregation mechanism help in decreasing energy consumption of these nodes. The transmission range of the SS nodes is decreased using social network analysis and Coalition Formation Game (CFG). CFG also helps in decreasing the data reporting latency of an event by the SS nodes to their associated CS nodes. Performance evaluation results show that the proposed scheme, TADA, which is based on the distributed topology management protocol named T-Must, achieves high performance in terms of the lifetime of the SS nodes, data reporting latency, coverage ratio of the event, event reporting credibility index, and packet delivery ratio in an environment affected by shadow fading.
Systematic Review of Software Behavioral Model Consistency Checking
Authors: Muram Faiz ul , Tran Huy , Zdun Uwe
Published: April 2017

In software development, models are often used to represent multiple views of the same system. Such models need to be properly related to each other in order to provide a consistent description of the developed system. Models may contain contradictory system specifications, for instance, when they evolve independently. Therefore, it is very crucial to ensure that models conform to each other. In this context, we focus on consistency checking of behavior models. Several techniques and approaches have been proposed in the existing literature to support behavioral model consistency checking. This article presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) that was carried out to obtain an overview of the various consistency concepts, problems, and solutions proposed regarding behavior models. In our study, the identification and selection of the primary studies was based on a well-planned search strategy. The search process identified a total of 1770 studies, out of which 96 have been thoroughly analyzed according to our predefined SLR protocol. The SLR aims to highlight the state-of-the-art of software behavior model consistency checking and identify potential gaps for future research. Based on research topics in selected studies, we have identified seven main categories: targeted software models, types of consistency checking, consistency checking techniques, inconsistency handling, type of study and evaluation, automation support, and practical impact. The findings of the systematic review also reveal suggestions for future research, such as improving the quality of study design and conducting evaluations, and application of research outcomes in industrial settings. For this purpose, appropriate strategy for inconsistency handling, better tool support for consistency checking and/or development tool integration should be considered in future studies.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Team Sports
Authors: Gudmundsson Joachim , Horton Michael
Published: April 2017

Team-basedinvasion sportssuch as football, basketball, and hockey are similar in the sense that the players are able to move freely around the playing area and that player and team performance cannot be fully analysed without considering the movements and interactions of all players as a group. State-of-the-art object tracking systems now producespatio-temporaltraces of player trajectories with high definition and high frequency, and this, in turn, has facilitated a variety of research efforts, across many disciplines, to extract insight from the trajectories. We survey recent research efforts that use spatio-temporal data from team sports as input and involve non-trivial computation. This article categorises the research efforts in a coherent framework and identifies a number of open research questions.
A Survey and Comparative Study of Hard and Soft Real-Time Dynamic Resource Allocation Strategies for Multi-/Many-Core Systems
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Dziurzanski Piotr , Mendis Hashan Roshantha , Indrusiak Leandro Soares
Published: April 2017

Multi-/many-core systems are envisioned to satisfy the ever-increasing performance requirements of complex applications in various domains such as embedded and high-performance computing. Such systems need to cater to increasingly dynamic workloads, requiring efficient dynamic resource allocation strategies to satisfy hard or soft real-time constraints. This article provides an extensive survey of hard and soft real-time dynamic resource allocation strategies proposed since the mid-1990s and highlights the emerging trends for multi-/many-core systems. The survey covers a taxonomy of the resource allocation strategies and considers their various optimization objectives, which have been used to provide comprehensive comparison. The strategies employ various principles, such as market and biological concepts, to perform the optimizations. The trend followed by the resource allocation strategies, open research challenges, and likely emerging research directions have also been provided.
Exploring DIY Practices of Complex Home Technologies
Authors: Sas Corina , Neustaedter Carman
Published: April 2017

We are surrounded by increasingly complex networks of smart objects, yet our understanding and attachment to them is rather limited. One way to support stronger end users’ engagement with such complex technologies is by involving them in the design process and, with the advent of Arduino prototyping platform, even in their making. While DIY practice offers the potential for stronger user engagement with physical artifacts, we know little about end users’ DIY practice of making complex electronic technologies and their potential to ensure engagement with such devices. In this article, we report on interviews with 18 participants from two green communities who built and used an open source DIY energy monitor, with the aim to explore the end users DIY practices of making such complex electronic devices. Findings indicate four key qualities of DIY monitors: transparent modularity, open-endedness, heirloom, and disruptiveness, and how they contribute to more meaningful engagement with the DIY monitors, elevating them from the status of unremarkable objects to that of
things
. We conclude with three implications for design for supporting end user development of complex electronic DIY: designing transparent open hardware technologies, standardizing communication protocols for the current and future DIY of IoT, and deliberately calling for personal investment and labor in the assembling of DIY kits.
Cyclic GMP–AMP as an Endogenous Second Messenger in Innate Immune Signaling by Cytosolic DNA
Authors: Kato Kazuki , Omura Hiroki , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Nureki Osamu
Published: April 2017

The innate immune system functions as the first line of defense against invading bacteria and viruses. In this context, the cGAS/STING [cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)–adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthase/STING] signaling axis perceives the nonself DNA associated with bacterial and viral infections, as well as the leakage of self DNA by cellular dysfunction and stresses, to elicit the host's immune responses. In this pathway, the noncanonical cyclic dinucleotide 2′,3′-cyclic GMP–AMP (2′,3′-cGAMP) functions as a second messenger for signal transduction: 2′,3′-cGAMP is produced by the enzyme cGAS upon its recognition of double-stranded DNA, and then the 2′,3′-cGAMP is recognized by the receptor STING to induce the phosphorylation of downstream factors, including TBK1 (TANK binding kinase 1) and IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3). Numerous crystal structures of the components of this cGAS/STING signaling axis have been reported and these clarify the structural basis for their signal transduction mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in the structural dissection of this signaling pathway and indicate possible directions of forthcoming research.
Set Identification, Moment Restrictions, and Inference
Authors: Bontemps Christian , Magnac Thierry
Published: April 2017

For the past 10 years, the topic of set identification has been much studied in the econometric literature. Classical inference methods have been generalized to the case in which moment inequalities and equalities define a set instead of a point. We review several instances of partial identification by focusing on examples in which the underlying economic restrictions are expressed as linear moments. This setting illustrates the fact that convex analysis helps not only for characterizing the identified set but also for inference. From this perspective, we review inference methods using convex analysis or inversion of tests and detail how geometric characterizations can be useful.
Visualization of Atomic-Scale Motions in Materials via Femtosecond X-Ray Scattering Techniques
Authors: Lindenberg Aaron M. , Johnson Steven L. , Reis David A.
Published: April 2017

We review current progress with respect to ultrafast, atomic-scale resolution X-ray scattering studies of materials. In the last decade, advances in sources and techniques have opened up new possibilities for probing the dynamics of how materials change in situ and in real time. These developments have enabled direct measurements of the first primary steps in how complex/functional materials transform and the flow of energy between different degrees of freedom. Unique insight into the mechanisms underlying how materials function is obtained through these studies. An outlook on future developments and new opportunities is also presented.
Control of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances in Metal Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Agrawal Ankit , Johns Robert W. , Milliron Delia J.
Published: April 2017

Metal oxides, when electronically doped with oxygen vacancies, aliovalent dopants, or interstitial dopants, can exhibit metallic behavior due to the stabilization of a substantial charge carrier concentration within the material. As a result, localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) occur in nanocrystals of conducting metal oxides. Through deliberate choice of both the host material and the defect, these resonances can be tuned across the entirety of the near- and mid-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Optical modeling has revealed that the defects present have profound impacts on charge carrier mobility and electronic structure, and in some cases, choosing one dopant over another is an important trade-off for optimizing plasmonic performance. These materials are distinct from classical metals in that one can tune their LSPR in energy and intensity through their elemental composition independently of any particular size or nanocrystal morphology. In addition, the LSPR in these materials is highly modulable through external stimuli over substantial spectral windows. As a result, these materials uniquely provide a responsive plasmonic material that can offer optimal nanocrystal arrangements and morphology without compromising the intended resonance frequency for light concentration at any infrared wavelength.
Effects of face/head and whole body cooling during passive heat stress on human somatosensory processing
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Namba Mari , Kakigi Ryusuke , Shibasaki Manabu
Published: April 2017

We herein investigated the effects of face/head and whole body cooling during passive heat stress on human somatosensory processing recorded by somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) at C4′ and Fz electrodes. Fourteen healthy subjects received a median nerve stimulation at the left wrist. SEPs were recorded at normothermic baseline (Rest), when esophageal temperature had increased by ~1.2°C (heat stress: HS) during passive heating, face/head cooling during passive heating (face/head cooling: FHC), and after HS (whole body cooling: WBC). The latencies and amplitudes of P14, N20, P25, N35, P45, and N60 at C4′ and P14, N18, P22, and N30 at Fz were evaluated. Latency indicated speed of the subcortical and cortical somatosensory processing, while amplitude reflected the strength of neural activity. Blood flow in the internal and common carotid arteries (ICA and CCA, respectively) and psychological comfort were recorded in each session. Increases in esophageal temperature due to HS significantly decreased the amplitude of N60, psychological comfort, and ICA blood flow in the HS session, and also shortened the latencies of SEPs (all, P < 0.05). While esophageal temperature remained elevated, FHC recovered the peak amplitude of N60, psychological comfort, and ICA blood flow toward preheat baseline levels as well as WBC. However, the latencies of SEPs did not recover in the FHC and WBC sessions. These results suggest that impaired neural activity in cortical somatosensory processing during passive HS was recovered by FHC, whereas conduction velocity in the ascending somatosensory input was accelerated by increases in body temperature.
Inflammatory cytokines regulate renal sodium transporters: how, where, and why?
Authors: Norlander Allison E. , Madhur Meena S.
Published: April 2017

Hypertension is growing in epidemic proportions worldwide and is now the leading preventable cause of premature death. For over a century, we have known that the kidney plays a critical role in blood pressure regulation. Specifically, abnormalities in renal sodium transport appear to be a final common pathway that gives rise to elevated blood pressure regardless of the nature of the initial hypertensive stimulus. However, it is only in the past decade that we have come to realize that inflammatory cytokines secreted by innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as renal epithelial cells, can modulate the expression and activity of sodium transporters all along the nephron, leading to alterations in pressure natriuresis, sodium and water balance, and ultimately hypertension. This mini-review highlights specific cytokines and the transporters that they regulate and discusses why inflammatory cytokines may have evolved to serve this function.