bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The α‐hydroxyketone LAI‐1 regulates motility, Lqs‐dependent phosphorylation signalling and gene expression of Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Schell Ursula , Simon Sylvia , Sahr Tobias , Hager Dominik , Albers Michael F. , Kessler Aline , Fahrnbauer Felix , Trauner Dirk , Hedberg Christian , Buchrieser Carmen , Hilbi Hubert
Published: November 2015

The causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, Legionella pneumophila, employs the autoinducer compound LAI‐1 (3‐hydroxypentadecane‐4‐one) for cell–cell communication. LAI‐1 is produced and detected by the Lqs (Legionella quorum sensing) system, comprising the autoinducer synthase LqsA, the sensor kinases LqsS and LqsT, as well as the response regulator LqsR. Lqs‐regulated processes include pathogen–host interactions, production of extracellular filaments and natural competence for DNA uptake. Here we show that synthetic LAI‐1 promotes the motility of L. pneumophila by signalling through LqsS/LqsT and LqsR. Upon addition of LAI‐1, autophosphorylation of LqsS/LqsT by [γ‐32P]‐ATP was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, the Vibrio cholerae autoinducer CAI‐1 (3‐hydroxytridecane‐4‐one) promoted the phosphorylation of LqsS (but not LqsT). LAI‐1 did neither affect the stability of phospho‐LqsS or phospho‐LqsT, nor the dephosphorylation by LqsR. Transcriptome analysis of L. pneumophila treated with LAI‐1 revealed that the compound positively regulates a number of genes, including the non‐coding RNAs rsmY and rsmZ, and negatively regulates the RNA‐binding global regulator crsA. Accordingly, LAI‐1 controls the switch from the replicative to the transmissive growth phase of L. pneumophila. In summary, the findings indicate that LAI‐1 regulates motility and the biphasic life style of L. pneumophila through LqsS‐ and LqsT‐dependent phosphorylation signalling.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelia turnover in a longleaf pine forest
Authors: Hendricks Joseph J. , Mitchell Robert J. , Kuehn Kevin A. , Pecot Stephen D.
Published: November 2015

Elucidation of the patterns and controls of carbon (C) flow and nitrogen (N) cycling in forests has been hindered by a poor understanding of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelia (EFM) dynamics.

In this study,EFMstanding biomass (based on soil ergosterol concentrations), production (based on ergosterol accrual in ingrowth cores), and turnover rate (the quotient of annual production and average standing biomass estimates) were assessed in a 25‐yr‐old longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) plantation where C flow was manipulated by foliar scorching and N fertilization for 5 yr before study initiation.

In the controls,EFMstanding biomass was 30 ± 7 g m−2, production was 279 ± 63 g m−2 yr−1, and turnover rate was 10 ± 3 times yr−1. The scorched × fertilized treatment had significantly higherEFMstanding biomass (38 ± 8 g m−2), significantly lower production (205 ± 28 g m−2 yr−1), and a trend of decreased turnover rate (6 ± 1 times yr−1).

TheEFMturnover estimates, which are among the first reported for natural systems, indicate thatEFMare a dynamic component of ecosystems, and that conventional assessments have probably underestimated the role ofEFMin C flow and nutrient cycling.
A systematic review of the implementation of recommended psychological interventions for schizophrenia: Rates, barriers, and improvement strategies
Authors: Ince Paul , Haddock Gillian , Tai Sara
Published: November 2015

Purpose

A systematic review of the literature exploring if the UK recommendations for psychological interventions for schizophrenia were being met was carried out. Rates of implementation for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family intervention (FI) were compared. The barriers against implementation and described strategies aimed at improving implementation were reviewed.

Methods

A literature search of electronic bibliography databases (Psychinfo, Medline, Pubmed, AMED, CINHAL, and EMBASE), reference and citation lists, the Evaluation and Review of NICE Implementation (ERNIE) database, a manual search of Clinical Psychology Forum, governmental reports, charity, and service user group reports was conducted.

Results

Twenty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria, 11 provided data on implementation rates, 13 explored the barriers to implementation, and 10 gave information about improvement strategies. Rates of implementation varied from 4% to 100% for CBT and 0% to 53% for FI, and studies varied in the methodology used and quality of the articles. Previously reported barriers to implementation were found, with organisational barriers being most commonly followed by barriers met by staff members and service users. Implementation strategies discovered included training packages for CBT, FI, and psychosocial interventions as well as empirical evidence suggesting methods for engagement with service users.

Conclusions

Rates of implementation for CBT and FI are still below recommended levels with wide variation of rates found. This suggests inequalities in the provision of psychological interventions for schizophrenia are still present. Previously identified barriers to implementation were confirmed. Attempted implementation strategies have been met with modest success.

Practitioner points

Inequalities in the provision of psychological therapies for schizophrenia persist.

Good quality cognitive behavioural therapy and FI training do not ensure implementation.

Collaboration at all levels of healthcare is needed for effective implementation.
The Political Economy of Social Insurance: Towards a Fiscal‐Centred Framework
Authors: Koreh Michal
Published: November 2015

This article draws attention to social insurance (SI) as a revenue raising institution, and explores the potential merits of drawing on new fiscal sociology for studying the development of SI systems. This is done by revisiting previous research conducted in Germany, the USA, Finland and Israel and by offering a new reading of their findings. The reviewed cases support two interlocking claims drawn from new fiscal sociology to the study of SI. The first is that state actors may perceive SI as an extraction instrument and employ it to advance fiscal and/or economic interests other than covering the costs of SI schemes. The second is that the design and management of contribution policies for such purposes may have substantial ramifications for the development of SI schemes. In addition, while current understandings tend to associate fiscal concerns with welfare state retrenchment, this article shows that they can also play a major role in driving welfare state expansion.
Disenchanted Swiss Parliament? Electoral Strategies and Coalition Formation
Authors: Traber Denise
Published: November 2015

The Swiss party system has changed considerably since the 1990s. With the increasing electoral success of the right‐wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP), the simultaneous defeat of the center‐right and a relatively stable left, it has become more polarized. In what respect have these changes in the electoral arena affected legislative politics in parliament? This article studies the voting behavior of party groups in the Swiss lower house between 1996 and 2013 in six different policy fields. The findings point to a growing level of conflict in the Swiss parliament. Overall agreement among the government parties is reduced, especially at final voting stages of the parliamentary debate. Moreover, electoral politics have become more important for the parties' behavior in parliament: in policy areas that are at the center of their party program, the SP and the SVP are less willing to move away from their original policy stance, with the consequence of increasing isolation in parliamentary votes.
‘Next‐Generation’ Surveillance: An Epidemiologists’ Perspective on the Use of Molecular Information in Food Safety and Animal Health Decision‐Making
Authors: Muellner P. , Stärk K. D. C. , Dufour S. , Zadoks R. N.
Published: November 2015

Advances in the availability and affordability of molecular and genomic data are transforming human health care. Surveillance aimed at supporting and improving food safety and animal health is likely to undergo a similar transformation. We propose a definition of ‘molecular surveillance’ in this context and argue that molecular data are an adjunct to rather than a substitute for sound epidemiological study and surveillance design. Specific considerations with regard to sample collection are raised, as is the importance of the relation between the molecular clock speed of genetic markers and the spatiotemporal scale of the surveillance activity, which can be control‐ or strategy‐focused. Development of standards for study design and assessment of molecular surveillance system attributes is needed, together with development of an interdisciplinary skills base covering both molecular and epidemiological principles.
Confinement Effects on FKE-774 Critical Heat Flux in Buoyancy-Driven Microgap Channels
Authors: Geisler Karl J. L. , Natarajan Shweta
Published: November 2015

Critical heat flux (CHF) of the fluoroketone fluid FKE-774 in vertical microgap channels is explored, with a focus on submillimeter spacings. Experiments were conducted using a 20 mm × 20 mm heated aluminum surface. Microgap channel spacings were decreased down to 0.3 mm, providing channel aspect ratios (height/spacing) as high as 67. In the limit where channel spacing is large, CHF was found to be 140 kW/m2 for saturated boiling at atmospheric pressure. A reduction in CHF of 55% was observed for the largest channel aspect ratio investigated. Results for degradation of the CHF limit with decreasing microgap spacing are compared to a correlation available in the literature and show a roughly hyperbolic dependence on channel aspect ratio (height/spacing) for aspect ratios larger than 10.
Optimization of a Cemented Femoral Prosthesis Considering Bone Remodeling
Authors: Luis Corso Leandro , de Freitas Spinelli Leandro , Schnaid Fernando , Dossin Zanrosso Crisley , José Marczak Rogério
Published: November 2015

The study presents a numerical methodology for minimizing the bone loss in human femur submitted to total hip replacement (THR) procedure with focus on cemented femoral stem. Three-dimensional computational models were used to describe the femoral bone behavior. An optimization procedure using the genetic algorithm (GA) method was applied in order to minimize the bone loss, considering the geometry and the material of the prosthesis as well as the design of the stem. Internal and external bone remodeling were analyzed numerically. The numerical method proposed here showed that the bone mass loss could be reduced by 24%, changing the design parameters.
Measurements of Decompression Wave Speed in Pure Carbon Dioxide and Comparison With Predictions by Equation of State
Authors: Botros K. K. , Geerligs J. , Rothwell B. , Robinson T.
Published: November 2015

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one of the technologies that have been proposed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. CCS will require the transportation of the CO2 from the “capture” locations to the “storage” locations via large-scale pipeline projects. One of the key requirements for the design and operation of pipelines in all jurisdictions is fracture control. Supercritical CO2 is a particularly challenging fluid from this point of view, because its thermodynamic characteristics are such that a very high driving force for fracture can be sustained for a long time. Even though CO2 is not flammable, it is an asphyxiating gas that is denser than air, and can collect in low-lying areas. Additionally, it is well known that any pipeline rupture, regardless of the nature of the fluid it is transporting, has a damaging reputational, commercial, logistic, and end user impact. Therefore, it is as important to control fracture in a CO2 pipeline as in one transporting a flammable fluid. With materials specified appropriately for the prevention of brittle failure, the key element is the control of propagating ductile (or tearing) fracture. The determination of the required toughness for the arrest of ductile fracture requires knowledge of the decompression behavior of the contained fluid, which in turn requires accurate knowledge of its thermodynamic characteristics along the decompression isentrope. While thermodynamic models based on appropriate EOS (equations of state) are available that will, in principle, allow determination of the decompression wave speed, they, in general, have not been fully validated for very rapid transients following a rupture. This paper presents experimental results of the decompression wave speed obtained from shock tube tests conducted on pure CO2 from different initial conditions, and comparison with predictions by models based on GERG-2008, Peng-Robinson, and BWRS equations of state (EOS). These tests were conducted as a baseline before introducing various impurities.
Single-cell biology: The power of one
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2015

Pick a paper, any paper. If it involves the protein, nucleic acid, or metabolite content of bacterial or eukaryotic cells, there's likely a section detailing how those cells were grown in culture. Cell culture is how researchers expand cells to harvest macromolecules or to interrogate their responses to changing conditions or chemical treatment. Inherent in such work is the assumption that all the cells in a dish are identical—by growing them in culture, the researcher is simply amplifying the signal. But that isn't always true. Subtle differences at the molecular level can yield significant variation in cellular behavior, but until recently researchers had no way to probe that variability. Today, they do.
Corticomotoneuronal cells are “functionally tuned”
Authors: Griffin Darcy M. , Hoffman Donna S. , Strick Peter L.
Published: November 2015

Generating complex movement patterns

What exactly does neuronal activity in the brain's motor cortex encode? In monkeys, Griffin
et al.
simultaneously recorded from a large number of muscles and from motor cortex cells that project directly to the motor neurons of the spinal cord. Even though the cortical cells had conventional directional tuning curves, different cortical cells were functionally connected to spinal cells with different muscle actions.

Science
, this issue p.
667
Dengue vaccines at a crossroad
Authors: Wilder-Smith Annelies , Gubler Duane J.
Published: November 2015

Despite modest efficacy, a newly developed vaccine may be key for controlling dengue
A new dawn for cataracts
Authors: Quinlan Roy A.
Published: November 2015

Sterols reverse protein aggregation in an eye lens paradigm

[Also see Report by

Makley
et al.

]
Eradicating polio
Authors: Adams Anthony , Salisbury David M.
Published: November 2015

On 20 September 2015, the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC) declared that type 2 wild poliovirus had been eradicated. The GCC examined reports from 189 of 195 countries around the world and studied separate data [held by the World Health Organization (WHO)] from the remaining countries. According to WHO, nearly 2 million appropriate clinical samples had been tested, and no type 2 wild polioviruses were found. The announcement is the first step toward eradicating all three wild poliovirus types. But this landmark will only be declared when the GCC is confident that there have been no wild virus cases of any type for 3 years.
Evaluation of the Biofire FilmArray BioThreat-E Test (v2.5) for Rapid Identification of Ebola Virus Disease in Heat-Treated Blood Samples Obtained in Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom
Authors: Weller Simon A. , Bailey Daniel , Matthews Steven , Lumley Sarah , Sweed Angela , Ready Derren , Eltringham Gary , Richards Jade , Vipond Richard , Lukaszewski Roman , Payne Phillippa M. , Aarons Emma , Simpson Andrew J. , Hutley Emma J. , Brooks Tim
Published: November 2015

Rapid Ebola virus (EBOV) detection is crucial for appropriate patient management and care. The performance of the FilmArray BioThreat-E test (v2.5) using whole-blood samples was evaluated in Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom and was compared with results generated by a real-time Ebola Zaire PCR reference method. Samples were tested in diagnostic laboratories upon availability, included successive samples from individual patients, and were heat treated to facilitate EBOV inactivation prior to PCR. The BioThreat-E test had a sensitivity of 84% (confidence interval [CI], 64% to 95%) and a specificity of 89% (CI, 73% to 97%) in Sierra Leone (
n
= 60; 44 patients) and a sensitivity of 75% (CI, 19% to 99%) and a specificity of 100% (CI, 97% to 100%) in the United Kingdom (
n
= 108; 70 patients) compared to the reference real-time PCR. Statistical analysis (Fisher's exact test) indicated there was no significant difference between the methods at the 99% confidence level in either country. In 9 discrepant results (5 real-time PCR positives and BioThreat-E test negatives and 4 real-time PCR negatives and BioThreat-E test positives), the majority (
n
= 8) were obtained from samples with an observed or probable low viral load. The FilmArray BioThreat-E test (v2.5) therefore provides an attractive option for laboratories (either in austere field settings or in countries with an advanced technological infrastructure) which do not routinely offer an EBOV diagnostic capability.
Induction of the Lytic Cycle Sensitizes Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected B Cells to NK Cell Killing That Is Counteracted by Virus-Mediated NK Cell Evasion Mechanisms in the Late Lytic Cycle
Authors: Williams Luke R. , Quinn Laura L. , Rowe Martin , Zuo Jianmin
Published: November 2015

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) persists for the lifetime of the infected host despite eliciting strong immune responses. This persistence requires a fine balance between the host immune system and EBV immune evasion. Accumulating evidence suggests an important role for natural killer (NK) cells in this balance. NK cells can kill EBV-infected cells undergoing lytic replication
in vitro
, and studies in both humans and mice with reconstituted human immune systems have shown that NK cells can limit EBV replication and prevent infectious mononucleosis. We now show that NK cells, via NKG2D and DNAM-1 interactions, recognize and kill EBV-infected cells undergoing lytic replication and that expression of a single EBV lytic gene, BZLF1, is sufficient to trigger sensitization to NK cell killing. We also present evidence suggesting the possibility of the existence of an as-yet-unidentified DNAM-1 ligand which may be particularly important for killing lytically infected normal B cells. Furthermore, while cells entering the lytic cycle become sensitized to NK cell killing, we observed that cells in the late lytic cycle are highly resistant. We identified expression of the vBcl-2 protein, BHRF1, as one effective mechanism by which EBV mediates this protection. Thus, contrary to the view expressed in some reports, EBV has evolved the ability to evade NK cell responses.

IMPORTANCE
This report extends our understanding of the interaction between EBV and host innate responses. It provides the first evidence that the susceptibility to NK cell lysis of EBV-infected B cells undergoing lytic replication is dependent upon the phase of the lytic cycle. Induction of the lytic cycle is associated with acquired sensitization to NK cell killing, while progress through the late lytic cycle is associated with acquired resistance to killing. We provide mechanistic explanations for this novel observation, indicating important roles for the BZLF1 immediate early transactivator, the BHRF1 vBcl-2 homologue, and a novel ligand for the DNAM-1 NK cell receptor.
Diseases Transmitted by Less Common House Pets
Authors: Chomel Bruno B.
Published: November 2015

Beside dogs and cats, the most common pets worldwide, an increasing number of pocket pets and exotic pets are making their way to more and more households, especially in North America and Europe. Although many of these animals make appropriate pets, they also can be a source of many zoonotic diseases, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Some of these diseases can be life threatening, such as rabies, rat bite fever, and plague. Some others are quite common, because of the frequency of the pathogens harbored by these species, such as salmonellosis in reptiles and amphibians. Appropriate knowledge of the zoonotic agents carried by these “new” pet species is strongly recommended prior to acquiring pocket or exotic pets. Furthermore, adopting wildlife as pets is strongly discouraged, because it is always a risky action that can lead to major health issues.
Diseases Transmitted by Man’s Worst Friend: the Rat
Authors: Fox James G.
Published: November 2015

Historically, the rat has been considered a scourge to mankind, for example, rats infected with the plague bacillus that caused the Black Death, which accounted for millions of deaths in Europe during the Middle Ages. At least three pandemics (in the 5th and 6th, 8th through 14th, and 19th through 21st centuries) of plague ravaged civilizations, and the disease undoubtedly plagued humankind prior to recorded history. Also, numerous other diseases are spread to humans by rats; thus, a quote from Hans Zinsser’s text
Rats, Lice, and History
, “Man and rat will always be pitted against each other as implacable enemies,” conveys the general revulsion that society holds for the wild rat.
Infections from Body Piercing and Tattoos
Authors: Patel Mukesh , Cobbs C. Glenn
Published: November 2015

The infectious complications of body piercing and tattooing are reviewed.
A qualitative study of self-evaluation of junior doctor performance: is perceived ‘safeness’ a more useful metric than confidence and competence?
Authors: Roland Damian , Matheson David , Coats Timothy , Martin Graham
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The terms confidence and competence have been poorly defined and are often misused by junior doctors. Given safe practice relies on healthcare professionals being aware of their own skill sets improving self-assessment of confidence and competence is important. The aim of this work was to explore junior doctors’ understanding of how they perceive their own performance in respect of managing feverish children in an emergency department.

Setting

A children's emergency department in a tertiary hospital in the East Midlands, UK.

Participants

22 Junior doctors volunteered to undertake focus groups via a meta-planning methodology over 2 years (14 participants in the first year and 8 in the second).

Results

Although doctors were aware of the difference between confidence and competence they were not able to distinguish between them in practical terms. The feeling of being ‘safe’ emerged as a term in which there was a shared understanding compared to reported confidence and competence.

Conclusions

A perception of ‘safeness’ is a concept that may aid self-evaluation and we present a matrix that might be used by supervisors and educators to examine this and its relationship with confidence and competence.
Effects of tempol on altered metabolism and renal vascular responsiveness in fructose-fed rats
Authors: Abdulla Mohammed H. , Sattar Munavvar A. , Johns Edward J.
Published: November 2015

This study investigated the effect of tempol (a superoxide dismutase mimetic) on renal vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II (Ang II) and adrenergic agonists in fructose-fed Sprague–Dawley rats (a model of metabolic syndrome). Rats were fed 20% fructose in drinking water (F) for 8 weeks. One fructose-fed group received tempol (FT) at 1 mmol·L–1 in drinking water for 8 weeks or as an infusion (1.5 mg·kg–1·min–1) intrarenally. At the end of the treatment regimen, the renal responses to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, and Ang II were determined. F rats exhibited hyperinsulinemia, hyperuricemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Tempol reduced blood glucose and insulin levels (all p < 0.05) in FT rats compared with their untreated counterparts. The vasoconstriction response to all agonists was lower in F rats than in control rats by about 35%–65% (all p < 0.05). Vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, and methoxamine but not Ang II were about 41%–75% higher in FT rats compared with F rats (all p < 0.05). Acute tempol infusion blunted responses to noradrenaline, methoxamine, and Ang II in control rats by 32%, 33%, and 62%, while it blunted responses to noradrenaline and Ang II in F rats by 26% and 32%, respectively (all p < 0.05), compared with their untreated counterparts. Superoxide radicals play a crucial role in controlling renal vascular responses to adrenergic agonists in insulin-resistant rats. Chronic but not acute tempol treatment enhances renal vascular responsiveness in fructose-fed rats.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Jet Measurements at the LHC
Authors: Dissertori Günther
Published: November 2015

I give a brief introduction to jet measurements at the Large Hadron Collider, the subject of this special issue of the International Journal of Modern Physics A.
Polarization angle independent metamaterial absorber based on circle-shaped resonators with interference theory
Authors: Dincer Furkan , Karaaslan Muharrrem , Akgol Oguzhan , Unal Emin , Sabah Cumali
Published: November 2015

We theoretically and numerically designed a perfect metamaterial absorber at microwave frequencies. The proposed design has a very simple geometry, wide band properties and provides perfect absorption for all polarization angles which is one of the most desired properties for an absorber structure to be used in the applications where the source polarization is unknown. In order to explain the absorption mechanism both numerical and theoretical analyses are carried out. Designed structure offers a perfect absorption at around 9.8 GHz. The resonance frequency does not change depending on the source wave polarization. In addition, it can be easily reconfigured for THz and infrared regimes for different applications such as sensors, defense systems and stealth technologies.
Self-propelled motion in a viscous compressible fluid — Unbounded domains
Authors: Mácha Václav , Nečasová Šárka
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we study the self-propelled motion of a single deformable body in a viscous compressible fluid which occupies whole three-dimensional Euclidean space. The considered governing system for the fluid is the isentropic compressible Navier–Stokes equation. The main result of this paper is the existence of a weak solution on a time interval [Formula: see text].
The Krull and global dimension of the tensor product of quantum tori
Authors: Gupta Ashish
Published: November 2015

An [Formula: see text]-dimensional quantum torus is defined as the [Formula: see text]-algebra generated by variables [Formula: see text] together with their inverses satisfying the relations [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. The Krull and global dimensions of this algebra are known to coincide and the common value is equal to the supremum of the rank of certain subgroups of [Formula: see text] that can be associated with this algebra. In this paper we study how these dimensions behave with respect to taking tensor products of quantum tori over the base field. We derive a best possible upper bound for the dimension of such a tensor product and from this special cases in which the dimension is additive with respect to tensoring.
Solving Dynamic Multi-Criteria Resource-Target Allocation Problem Under Uncertainty: A Comparison of Decomposition and Myopic Approaches
Authors: Frini Anissa , Guitouni Adel , Benaskeur Abderrezak
Published: November 2015

This paper is concerned with multi-criteria and dynamic resource allocation problem in a naval engagement context. The scenario under investigation considers air threats directed towards a ship that has to plan its engagement by efficiently allocating the available weapons against the threats to maximize its survivability. This dynamic and multi-criteria decision-making problem is modeled using a multi-criteria decision tree and solved with two approaches: the multi-criteria decomposition approach and the multi-criteria myopic approach. We propose a novel metric for comparing two strategies within a multi-criteria decision tree and have developed a testbed in order to simulate the engagements. The results show that, when sufficient decomposition conditions are verified, the decomposition approach produces superior decision-making strategies compared to the myopic approach. Conversely, when the multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) method does not satisfy the decomposition conditions (e.g., TOPSIS), there is no guarantee that decomposition will provide the best compromise strategies. From a military perspective, this work will help develop tactics, procedures and training packages for such a highly complex and dynamic decision-making problem. The plans generated by the approach presented here can also serve as a reference for assessment of the quality of the engagement plans yielded by real-time planning algorithms.
A Large Group Decision-Making Method Based on Fuzzy Preference Relation
Authors: Zhou Shenghai , Xu Xuanhua , Zhou Yanju , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

Aiming at the large group decision-making problem in which every decision maker compares pairwise alternatives with fuzzy preference relations, this paper proposes a fuzzy preference relation decision-making method of large group based on conflicts. Firstly, priority should be given to the preference difference under complex large group environment, so we define the conflict degree of two fuzzy preference relations, which contributes to cluster analysis on preferences of the decision maker and thus forms several different clusters. Based on this, we simulate and analyze the threshold of conflict degree. Then we develop the entropy weight method to get the relevant weight of each cluster, and use the weight to aggregate the cluster preferences in order to attain the large group preference based on fuzzy preference relation. Next, an iteration algorithm is introduced to find a solution which could acquire the group alternatives fuzzy preference relation of a certain conflict level and obtain the ranking result of alternatives. Finally, a case analysis is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method proposed.
Dynamics of a non-autonomous density-dependent predator–prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis type
Authors: Li Haiyin , She Zhikun
Published: November 2015

The goal of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of a non-autonomous density-dependent predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response, where not only the prey density dependence but also the predator density dependence are considered, such that the studied predator–prey system conforms to the realistically biological environment. We firstly introduce a sufficient condition for the permanence of the system and then use a specific set to obtain a weaker sufficient condition. Afterward, we provide corresponding conditions for the extinction of the system and the existence of boundary periodical solutions, respectively. Further, we get a sufficient condition for global attractiveness of the boundary periodic solution by constructing a Lyapunov function, arriving at the uniqueness of boundary periodic solutions since the uniqueness of boundary periodic solutions can be ensured by global attractiveness. Finally, based on the existence of positive periodic solutions, which can be ensured by the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, we provide a sufficient condition for the uniqueness of positive periodic solutions.
Qualitative analysis of a parabolic–elliptic attraction–repulsion chemotaxis model with logistic source
Authors: Li Haiyan , Gao Jianguo
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we focus on the qualitative analysis of a parabolic–elliptic attraction–repulsion chemotaxis model with logistic source. Applying a fixed point argument, [Formula: see text]-estimate technique and Moser’s iteration, we derive that the model admits a unique global solution provided the initial cell mass satisfying [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] While for [Formula: see text], there are no restrictions on the initial cell mass and the result still holds.
The largest expected earthquake magnitudes in Central Asia: statistical inference from an earthquake catalogue with uncertain magnitudes
Authors: Zöller Gert , Ullah Shahid , Bindi Dino , Parolai Stefano , Mikhailova Natalya
Published: November 2015

The knowledge of the largest expected earthquake magnitude in a region is one of the key issues in probabilistic seismic hazard calculations and the estimation of worst-case scenarios. Earthquake catalogues are the most informative source of information for the inference of earthquake magnitudes. We analysed the earthquake catalogue for Central Asia with respect to the largest expected magnitudes
m
T
in a pre-defined time horizon
T
f
using a recently developed statistical methodology, extended by the explicit probabilistic consideration of magnitude errors. For this aim, we assumed broad error distributions for historical events, whereas the magnitudes of recently recorded instrumental earthquakes had smaller errors. The results indicate high probabilities for the occurrence of large events (M≥8), even in short time intervals of a few decades. The expected magnitudes relative to the assumed maximum possible magnitude are generally higher for intermediate-depth earthquakes (51–300 km) than for shallow events (0–50 km). For long future time horizons, for example, a few hundred years, earthquakes with M≥8.5 have to be taken into account, although, apart from the 1889 Chilik earthquake, it is probable that no such event occurred during the observation period of the catalogue.
Pleistocene glaciation in Mediterranean Slovenia
Authors: Ferk Mateja , Gabrovec Matej , Komac Blaž , Zorn Matija , Stepišnik Uroš
Published: November 2015

Geomorphological research on glacial features in Slovenia has a long tradition; the first studies were published in the late nineteenth century by Brückner. Evidence of glacial erosion and deposition is preserved in the Slovenian Alps and on the highest plateaus of the Dinaric Mountains, including traces of ice fields and ice caps with outlet glaciers on the edges and some valley glaciers. The prevailing bedrock in all the glaciated areas is limestone, forming complex glacio-karst morphological systems. Modern glacial reconstruction techniques have been applied in the last few years, focusing on the interpretation of palaeoglacial topography and local equilibrium-line altitudes. Both past and present studies, however, lack precise chronological frameworks for the glacial advances, which should be the main goal of future research on glaciation in Slovenia.
Multiway K-Clustered Tensor Approximation
Authors: Tsai Yu-Ting
Published: November 2015

This article presents a generalized sparse multilinear model, namely
multiway K-clustered tensor approximation
(MK-CTA), for synthesizing photorealistic 3D images from large-scale multidimensional visual datasets. MK-CTA extends previous tensor approximation algorithms, particularly
K-clustered tensor approximation
(K-CTA) [Tsai and Shih 2012], to partition a multidimensional dataset along more than one dimension into overlapped clusters. On the contrary, K-CTA only sparsely clusters a dataset along just one dimension and often fails to efficiently approximate other unclustered dimensions. By generalizing K-CTA with multiway sparse clustering, MK-CTA can be regarded as a novel sparse tensor-based model that simultaneously exploits the intra- and inter-cluster coherence among different dimensions of an input dataset. Our experiments demonstrate that MK-CTA can accurately and compactly represent various multidimensional datasets with complex and sharp visual features, including
bidirectional texture functions
(BTFs) [Dana et al. 1999],
time-varying light fields
(TVLFs) [Bando et al. 2013], and
time-varying volume data
(TVVD) [Wang et al. 2010], while easily achieving high rendering rates in practical graphics applications.
Interview with Jamie Blustein
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: November 2015

Jamie is an Associate Professor (of Computer Science and Information Management) and director of the HAIKU (Hypertext Augmenting Intelligent Knowledge Use) research group at Dalhousie University. Jamie co-authored the ACM's first-ever hypertext-format conference article outside of the Hypertext conference.
SIGWEB annual report
Authors: Harper Simon
Published: November 2015

Welcome to my last report as Chair. It's been a pleasure but now it's time for others to take over. However, I'm happy to say that the SIG as exhibiting increasing impact and influence, increasing funds, and increasing member benefits.

While the conferences we run and the research we publish are increasingly relevant to the community (seen by increasing conference attendance and therefore revenue, and increasing digital library downloads, again increasing revenue) we can also see an increase in membership.

In reality this is a similar picture to last year. Funds are increasing, conferences are making money, we are giving away more to students, members with childcare/care needs, and those on low income. This year differs because Membership is rising slightly.

In short SIGWEB has successfully expanded its range of conference sponsorships, is working hard on membership and volunteer development and benefits, and is financially healthy with a solid leadership.
European Option Based R&D Investment Decision Making under Uncertainties
Authors: Miao Qing , Cao Boyang , Jiang Minghui
Published: November 2015

This paper establishes the payoff models of the European option for research and development (R&D) projects with two enterprises in a research joint venture (RJV). The models are used to assess the timing and payoffs of the R&D project investment under quantified uncertainties. After the option game, the two enterprises can make optimal investment decision for the R&D project investment in the RJV.
Multifocal Osteonecrosis Secondary to Chronic Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Matsumoto Kazu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: November 2015

Multifocal osteonecrosis is a relatively rare disorder with an estimated incidence of around 3% among patients diagnosed as having osteonecrosis. Multifocal osteonecrosis is caused by the several conditions including corticosteroid treatment, coagulation disorders, connective tissue disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory bowel disease, renal transplantation, and underlying malignancies. Alcohol abuse is one of the risk factors for osteonecrosis, and alcohol-induced osteonecrosis is 5% among all the osteonecrosis. Furthermore, the overall incidence of alcohol-induced multifocal osteonecrosis was approximately 6% among all the osteonecrosis induced by the alcohol. Therefore, here, we report an extremely rare case of alcohol-induced multifocal osteonecrosis involving three joints (two knees and one hip) and review the related literature.
Weekly Intramuscular Injection of Levothyroxine following Myxoedema: A Practical Solution to an Old Crisis
Authors: Taylor Peter N. , Tabasum Arshiya , Sanki Gina , Burberry David , Tennant Brian P. , White James , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Aldridge Andrew , Das Gautam
Published: November 2015

An 82-year-old female with known hypothyroidism was admitted to hospital after being found on the floor. On examination, she was unkempt, confused, bradycardic, hypothermic, and barely arousable. Initial biochemistry revealed a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of >100 mU/L and free thyroxine (FT4) level of 1.5 pmol/L which supported a diagnosis of myxoedema coma. She was resuscitated and commenced on liothyronine, levothyroxine, and hydrocortisone and some improvement was made. It became apparent that she was hiding and spitting out her oral levothyroxine including levothyroxine elixir. Given the need for prompt alternative control, we sought advice from international experts where intramuscular levothyroxine was recommended. She was managed from day 50 onwards with intramuscular levothyroxine 200 mcg once a week, which was subsequently increased to 500 mcg. Thyroid function normalized and she made continual cognitive and physical progress and was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital. Her intramuscular levothyroxine was stopped and she was subsequently restarted on oral levothyroxine, with a plan for on-going close monitoring of her thyroid function. This report highlights the potential to use intramuscular levothyroxine in individuals with severe hypothyroidism arising from poor compliance with levothyroxine treatment or other potential causes such as impaired absorption.
Tuberculous Abscess of the Chest Wall Simulate Pyogenic Abscess
Authors: Sonhaye Lantam , Amadou Abdoulatif , Gnandi-Piou Faré , Assih Kouméabalo , Tchaou Mazamaesso , Kolou Bérésa , Adambounou Kokou , N’Timon Bidamin , Agoda-Koussema Lama , Adjenou Komlavi , N’Dakena Koffi
Published: November 2015

The chest wall tuberculosis abscesses is rare. We present a case of a 27-year-old immunocompetent male who presented chest wall abscesses. Imaging (chest radiographic, ultrasound, and computed tomography) and Ziehl-Neelsen staining demonstrated chest wall tuberculosis abscesses.
Repeat Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement for Recurrent Mitral Stenosis after OMC in Patients Who Decline Blood Product Transfusion for Religious Reasons
Authors: Ito Yujiro , Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Tagusari Osamu , Yoshida Shigehiko
Published: November 2015

Cardiac surgery for Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients is considered to be high risk because of patients’ refusal to receive blood transfusion. We report a successful mitral valve replacement for recurrent mitral stenosis after OMC with minimally invasive right thoracotomy, without any transfusion of allogeneic blood or blood products. This minimally invasive mitral valve replacement through right thoracotomy was an excellent approach for JW patients.
Design of Digital IIR Filter with Conflicting Objectives Using Hybrid Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Sidhu D. S. , Dhillon J. S. , Kaur Dalvir
Published: November 2015

In the recent years, the digital IIR filter design as a single objective optimization problem using evolutionary algorithms has gained much attention. In this paper, the digital IIR filter design is treated as a multiobjective problem by minimizing the magnitude response error, linear phase response error and optimal order simultaneously along with meeting the stability criterion. Hybrid gravitational search algorithm (HGSA) has been applied to design the digital IIR filter. GSA technique is hybridized with binary successive approximation (BSA) based evolutionary search method for exploring the search space locally. The relative performance of GSA and hybrid GSA has been evaluated by applying these techniques to standard mathematical test functions. The above proposed hybrid search techniques have been applied effectively to solve the multiparameter and multiobjective optimization problem of low-pass (LP), high-pass (HP), band-pass (BP), and band-stop (BS) digital IIR filter design. The obtained results reveal that the proposed technique performs better than other algorithms applied by other researchers for the design of digital IIR filter with conflicting objectives.
Hydrologic Responses to Land Use Change in the Loess Plateau: Case Study in the Upper Fenhe River Watershed
Authors: Lu Zhixiang , Zou Songbing , Qin Zuodong , Yang Yonggang , Xiao Honglang , Wei Yongping , Zhang Kai , Xie Jiali
Published: November 2015

We applied an integrated approach to investigate the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on hydrology at different scales in the Loess Plateau of China. Hydrological modeling was conducted for the LULC maps from remote sensing images at two times in the Upper Fenhe River watershed using the SWAT model. The main LULC changes in this watershed from 1995 to 2010 were the transformation of farmland into forests, grassland, and built-up land. The simulation results showed that forested land contributed more than any other LULC class to water yield, but built-up land had most impact due to small initial loss and infiltration. At basin scale, a comparison of the simulated hydrological components of two LULC maps showed that there were slight increases in average annual potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, and water yield, but soil water decreased, between the two intervals. In subbasins, obvious LULC changes did not have clear impacts on hydrology, and the impacts may be affected by precipitation conditions. By linking a hydrological model to remote sensing image analysis, our approach of quantifying the impacts of LULC changes on hydrology at different scales provide quantitative information for stakeholders in making decisions for land and water resource management.
CT Findings of Patients Treated with Irreversible Electroporation for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Akinwande Olaguoke , Ahmad Shakeeb S. , Van Meter Tracy , Schulz Brittany , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. In patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), IRE has been shown to be safe for local disease control and palliation. As IRE continues to gain acceptance it is important to characterize the expected imaging findings.Materials and Methods. A review of our prospective soft tissue ablation registry from July 2010 to June 2013 was performed on patients who had undergone IRE for LAPC. Five masses treated with intraoperative IRE ablation for pancreatic tumors that underwent CT imaging before and after ablation were reviewed.Results and Discussion. Following IRE, the postablation bed is larger than the original ablated tumor. This ablation zone may get smaller in size (due to decreased edema and hyperemia) in the following months and more importantly remains stable provided there is no recurrence. In cases of recurrent disease there is increased size of the ablation bed, mass effect, and new or worsening vascular encasement or occlusion.Conclusion. CT imaging remains the best current imaging modality to assess post-IRE ablation changes. Serial imaging over at least 2–6 months must be employed to detect recurrence by comparing with prior studies in conjunction with clinical and serum studies. Larger imaging studies are underway to evaluate a more ideal imaging modality for this unique patient population.
Ischemic Retinal Vasculitis Associated with Cataract Surgery and Intracameral Vancomycin
Authors: Lenci Lucas T. , Chin Eric K. , Carter Christi , Russell Stephen R. , Almeida David R. P.
Published: November 2015

Recently, there have been reports suggesting that intracameral vancomycin has been associated with retinal vasculitis; some have described this phenomenon as postoperative hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis. We present a case of a 65-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation followed by intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis. Unlike prior reports, this report demonstrates a case of mild visual reduction and minimal inflammation with subtle but complete unilateral peripheral retinal ischemia associated with cataract surgery and intracameral vancomycin, suggesting a spectrum of toxicity that may be underrecognized.