bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of tree fecundity in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) refugial populations at the species’ southwestern range margin
Authors: Moracho E. , Jordano P. , Hampe A.
Published: May 2017

The current low latitudinal range margins of many extra‐tropical plant species consist of small and scattered populations that persist locally in microrefugia. It remains poorly understood how their refugial distribution affects mating patterns and reproductive success. Here we examine flower and acorn production and their determinants in refugial populations of the widespread European forest tree pedunculate oak (Quercus robur).

We monitored male flower, female flower and acorn production in 159 adult trees from 12 oak stands over 2 years. We related these and derived parameters to a series of ecological and genetic predictor variables extrinsic (stand size, density and isolation as well as elevation, topography and forest cover) or intrinsic (size, phenology and several genotypic measures) to the target tree.

Tree fertility was unrelated to extrinsic factors but determined by tree size, although we detected size‐independent variation in reproductive investment. Female flower number accurately predicted acorn crop size. Fruit set differed between years, evidencing the existence of pollen limitation at the landscape but not at the local scale. Fruit set also tended to increase with the number of mates of the target tree. We detected no other evidence for genetic constraints on mating.

Reproduction was triggered by a combination of small‐scale and landscape‐scale drivers. Although short‐distance mating prevailed, limited pollen flow did not appear to significantly constrain reproductive success. The high intrinsic ability of populations to maintain their reproductive capacity may help explain their successful long‐term persistence in an adverse broader environment.
Brain activities associated with learning of the Monty Hall Dilemma task
Authors: Hirao Takahiro , Murphy Timothy I. , Masaki Hiroaki
Published: May 2017

The Monty Hall Dilemma (MHD) poses a counterintuitive probabilistic problem to the players of this game. In the MHD task, a participant chooses one of three options where only one contains a reward. After one of the unchosen options (always no reward) is disclosed, the participant is asked to make a final decision: either change to the remaining option or stick with their first choice. Although the probability of winning if they change is higher (2/3) compared to sticking with their first choice (1/3), most people stick with their original selection and often lose. In accordance with previous research, repetitive exposure to the MHD task increases the change behavior without any obvious understanding of the mathematical reasons why changing increases their chance of being rewarded. We recorded the stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN), an ERP that might reflect the informative value of the feedback. In the second half of the task, feedback was predicted to be less informative because learning had taken place. Indeed, the SPN amplitude became smaller over the frontal region. Also, the SPN amplitude was larger for change than for stick trials. These results suggest that learning in the MHD might be manifest in affective‐motivational anticipation as indicated by the SPN.
Temporal dynamics of object location processing in allocentric reference frame
Authors: Török Ágoston , Kóbor Andrea , Persa György , Galambos Péter , Baranyi Péter , Csépe Valéria , Honbolygó Ferenc
Published: May 2017

The spatial location of objects is processed in egocentric and allocentric reference frames, the early temporal dynamics of which have remained relatively unexplored. Previous experiments focused on ERP components related only to egocentric navigation. Thus, we designed a virtual reality experiment to see whether allocentric reference frame‐related ERP modulations can also be registered. Participants collected reward objects at the end of the west and east alleys of a cross maze, and their ERPs to the feedback objects were measured. Participants made turn choices from either the south or the north alley randomly in each trial. In this way, we were able to discern place and response coding of object location. Behavioral results indicated a strong preference for using the allocentric reference frame and a preference for choosing the rewarded place in the next trial, suggesting that participants developed probabilistic expectations between places and rewards. We also found that the amplitude of the P1 was sensitive to the allocentric place of the reward object, independent of its value. We did not find evidence for egocentric response learning. These results show that early ERPs are sensitive to the location of objects during navigation in an allocentric reference frame.
Suppressing ABA uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (SlUGT75C1) alters fruit ripening and the stress response in tomato
Authors: Sun Yufei , Ji Kai , Liang Bin , Du Yangwei , Jiang Li , Wang Juan , Kai Wenbin , Zhang Yushu , Zhai Xiawan , Chen Pei , Wang Hongqing , Leng Ping
Published: May 2017

Abscisic acid (ABA) glucose conjugation mediated by uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferases (UGTs) is an important pathway in regulating ABA homeostasis. In the present study, we investigated three tomato SlUGTs that are highly expressed in fruit during ripening, and these SlUGTs were localized to the cytoplasm and cell nucleus. Among these three UGTs, SlUGT75C1 catalyzes the glucosylation of both ABA and IAA in vitro; SlUGT76E1 can only catalyze the conjugation of ABA; and SlUGT73C4 cannot glycosylate either ABA or IAA. Therefore, SlUGT75C1 was selected for further investigation. SlUGT75C1 RNA interference significantly up‐regulated the expression level of SlCYP707A2, which encodes an ABA 8′‐hydroxylase but did not affect the expression of SlNCED1, which encodes a key enzyme in ABA biosynthesis. Suppression of SlUGT75C1 significantly accelerated fruit ripening by enhancing ABA levels and promoting the early release of ethylene. SlUGT75C1‐RNAi altered the expression of fruit ripening genes (genes involved in ethylene release and cell wall catabolism). SlUGT75C1‐RNAi seeds showed delayed germination and root growth compared with wild‐type as well as increased sensitivity to exogenous ABA. SlUGT75C1‐RNAi plants were also more resistant to drought stress. These results demonstrated that SlUGT75C1 plays a crucial role in ABA‐mediated fruit ripening, seed germination, and drought responses in tomato.
Leaf primordium size specifies leaf width and vein number among row‐type classes in barley
Authors: Thirulogachandar Venkatasubbu , Alqudah Ahmad M. , Koppolu Ravi , Rutten Twan , Graner Andreas , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Bräutigam Andrea , Sreenivasulu Nese , Schnurbusch Thorsten , Kuhlmann Markus
Published: May 2017

Exploring genes with impact on yield‐related phenotypes is the preceding step to accomplishing crop improvements while facing a growing world population. A genome‐wide association scan on leaf blade area (LA) in a worldwide spring barley collection (Hordeum vulgare L.), including 125 two‐ and 93 six‐rowed accessions, identified a gene encoding the homeobox transcription factor, Six‐rowed spike 1 (VRS1). VRS1 was previously described as a key domestication gene affecting spike development. Its mutation converts two‐rowed (wild‐type VRS1, only central fertile spikelets) into six‐rowed spikes (mutant vrs1, fully developed fertile central and lateral spikelets). Phenotypic analyses of mutant and wild‐type leaves revealed that mutants had an increased leaf width with more longitudinal veins. The observed significant increase of LA and leaf nitrogen (%) during pre‐anthesis development in vrs1 mutants also implies a link between wider leaf and grain number, which was validated from the association of vrs1 locus with wider leaf and grain number. Histological and gene expression analyses indicated that VRS1 might influence the size of leaf primordia by affecting cell proliferation of leaf primordial cells. This finding was supported by the transcriptome analysis of mutant and wild‐type leaf primordia where in the mutant transcriptional activation of genes related to cell proliferation was detectable. Here we show that VRS1 has an independent role on barley leaf development which might influence the grain number.
Ophthalmic parameters in adult lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) raised in captivity
Authors: Balthazar da Silveira Camila P. , Lima Tiago B. , Crivelaro Roberta M. , de Lacerda Luciana C. C. , Pádua Ivan R. M. , Renzo Roberta , de Barros Sobrinho Alexandre A. F. , Oliveira Fabrício S. , Aldrovani Marcela , Laus José L.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate the ophthalmic parameters of lowland pacas, including the anatomic features, tear production, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and morphology of the corneal endothelium.

Animals studied

Thirteen adult, anesthetized Cuniculus paca.

Procedure

Eyes were evaluated using slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, the Schirmer tear test I, digital applanation tonometry, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and noncontact specular microscopy.

Results

The biomicroscopy findings showed blue/brown pigmented bulbar conjunctivae, well‐developed cilia (only in the upper eyelid margin), superior and inferior lacrimal puncta, brown irides, round pupils, and vestiges of the nictitating membrane. The results of the Schirmer tear test I revealed (mean ± SD) a lacrimation rate of 4.10 ± 0.44 mm/min. The intraocular pressure was 6.34 ± 0.43 mmHg. Central corneal thickness measured by specular microscopy was 0.35 ± 0.01 mm. The mean values of density, hexagonality, and the area of the endothelial cells were 2083.15 ± 42.47 cells/mm2, 67.07 ± 3.30%, and 486.30 ± 9.56 μm2, respectively.

Conclusions

The ocular parameters defined in this study may be used for reference in future studies and might also contribute to therapeutic approaches appropriate to this species.
The Effects of Service Learning and Volunteerism Activities on University Students in Turkey
Authors: Boru Nese
Published: May 2017

The general purpose of this study is to determine the awareness and acquisitions obtained with service activities by the students studying on undergraduate level in Eskişehir Anadolu University in 2016-2017 education year and involve in service learning and volunteerism activities. The study was designed according to qualitative research method and the case study was used. The data of the study was collected with semi-structured interview technique. Descriptive analysis method was used in analysing the data. Consequently, in this study, 4 main themes, 9 sub-themes and 3 categories were found in accordance with the purpose of the study. Being the first purpose of the study, “the reasons of students’ participation into service learning and volunteerism activities” was determined as the first theme of the study. The second purpose, “the effects of service learning and volunteerism activities on students’ occupational developments” was determined as the second theme of the study. The third purpose of the study “the effects of service learning and volunteerism activities on students’ personal development” was determined as the third theme. The fourth purpose “the effects of service learning and volunteerism activities on students’ view about disadvantageous people of the society” was determined as the fourth theme. Sub-themes and categories were classified according to the themes determined.
Functional fatigue of submicrometer NiTi shape memory alloy thin films
Authors: Hou Huilong , Tang Yuan , Hamilton Reginald F. , Horn Mark W.
Published: May 2017

Submicrometer NiTi alloy thin films prepared using biased target ion beam deposition (BTIBD) recently revealed ultranarrow thermal hysteresis and a B2 ⇌ R-phase transformation path. Here, the authors investigate the influence of thermal cycles on the phase transformation characteristics of near-equiatomic NiTi alloy films with 800 nm thicknesses deposited using BTIBD. Evolution of transformation temperatures, thermal hysteresis, and recovery stress over thermal cycles is tracked using the wafer curvature method, and changes in atomic crystal structures are detected using x-ray diffraction. The authors find that the submicrometer thin films exhibit stabilized transformation temperatures, consistent recovery stresses, and reproducible narrow thermal hysteresis over up to 100 cycles although Ni49.7Ti50.3 films undergo two-stage phase transformation B2 → R-phase → B19′ while Ni50.3Ti49.7 films have one-stage transformation between the B2 and R-phases. The inherent deposition mechanism and transformation-path-related lattice distortion can be responsible for the reduced fatigue of functional characteristics in submicrometer NiTi alloy thin films.
Preparation and effects of O2 flow on the electrical characteristics of Li doped MgZnO thin film transistors
Authors: Tian Longjie , Gao Song , Ma Yaobin , Wang Qi , Zhou Dongzhan , Li Ran , Zhang Xiqing , Wang Yongsheng
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the authors attempt to fabricate thin film transistors using Li doped MgZnO (MgZnO:Li) as the active layer. The MgZnO:Li films were deposited by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature. As the ideal active layer thickness is controlled at 35 nm, the mechanism on the electrical characteristic transition induced by Ar/O2 mixed plasma treatment was discussed. The results confirm that the appropriate sputtering Ar/O2 gas flow ratio (30/3) could compensate for the intrinsic defects in the channel, which is beneficial to MgZnO:Li thin film transistors. In addition, the fabricated device exhibited the best performance with a saturation mobility of 12.9 cm2/V s, a threshold voltage of −15 V, and a large on/off current ratio of 2.5 × 107.
BRASS: Cross-match of atomic repositories and spectral line blending investigations
Authors: Laverick M. , Lobel A. , Royer P. , Martayan C. , Merle T.
Published: May 2017

The Belgian repository of fundamental atomic data and stellar spectra (BRASS) aims to critically evaluate atomic data, from publicly available repositories, by comparing state-of-the-art synthetic spectra against high-quality benchmark stellar spectra. In preparation for our assessment we have cross-matched atomic line transitions from several different databases. Our investigation revealed significant updates in log(gf) values, sometimes as large as 2–4 dex, that fully justify the need for systematic quality assessments of the atomic data. We have also investigated the spectral line blending of an initial subset of 2647 atomic lines using spectral synthesis calculations, for the spectral types BAFGK.
Nuclear quadrupolar spin-lattice relaxation with realistic phonon density of states in alkali halides
Authors: Chandoul Ali
Published: May 2017

The nuclear quadrupolar spin-lattice relaxation times T1 have been calculated in alkali halides, whereby the phonon densities of states have been extracted from the shell model lattice dynamics. The calculations at room temperature were performed on 79Br in KBr, NaBr, and RbBr; 23Na in NaI, NaCl, and NaBr; 35Cl in NaCl and KCl; and 127I in NaI and KI. The obtained values of relaxation time T1 are an order of magnitude smaller than those calculated with the Debye-model phonon density of states and agree well with experiments. The temperature dependence of acoustic and optical phonon contributions to the nuclear relaxation rate (first-order Raman phonon process) are carried out in the temperature range 20 to 300 K for 23Na and 127I in NaI. The role of optical phonons becomes important from 77 K on; the temperature dependence of T1 agrees with experimental data throughout most of the temperature range studied (77–300 K), while differing quantitatively from the predictions obtained on the basis of the Debye model.
Geodesic motion around regular magnetic black hole in non-minimal Einstein–Yang–Mills theory
Authors: Azam M. , Abbas G. , Sumera S.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study the geodesic motion around a regular magnetic black hole in non-minimal Einstein–Yang–Mills theory with cosmological constant. For this purpose, we derive the equations of motion for massive and photon-like particles. Also, we plot these equations to compare the time–distance and proper-time–distance behavior for both the particles. To clarify the position and the turning points of the particles, effective potential has been plotted for massive and photon-like particles.
Abundances from emission lines in ionized nebulae
Authors: Stasińska G.
Published: May 2017

This contribution, presented at the 2016 conference on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas (ASOS12), shows how atomic physics contributes to the interpretation of emission-line spectra observed in astronomical nebulae, and discusses a few unsolved issues where atomic physics may play a role, although other possible explanations are indeed possible. It is limited to the determinations of chemical abundances, the most sought-after information derived from emission lines.
Stability and interacting f(T, T ) gravity with modified Chaplygin gas
Authors: Rezaei T. Mirzaei , Amani Alireza
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the model of interaction is studied between f(T, [Formula: see text]) gravity and modified Chaplygin gas in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW)-flat metric. We obtain the Friedmann equations in the framework of teleparallel gravity by vierbein field. We consider that the Universe is dominated by components of cold matter, dark energy, and modified Chaplygin gas. In what follows we separately write the corresponding continuity equations for components of the Universe. Also, dark energy equation of state (EoS) and effective EoS are obtained with respect to redshift, thereinafter the corresponding cosmological parameters are plotted in terms of redshift, thereinafter the accelerated expansion of the Universe is investigated. Finally, the stability of the model is discussed in phase plane analysis.
Neural Oscillation Correlates Chemistry Decision-Making
Authors: Huang Li-Yu , She Hsiao-Ching , Jung Tzyy-Ping
Published: May 2017

This study explored the electroencephalography (EEG) dynamics during a chemistry-related decision-making task and further examined whether the correctness of the decision-making performance could be reflected by EEG activity. A total of 66 undergraduate students’ EEG were collected while they participated in a chemistry-related decision-making task in which they had to retrieve the relevant chemistry concepts in order to make correct decisions for each task item. The results showed that it was only in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) cluster that distinct patterns in EEG dynamics were displayed for the correct and incorrect responses. The logistic regression results indicated that ACC theta power from 300[Formula: see text]ms to 250[Formula: see text]ms before stimulus onset was the most informative factor for estimating the likelihood of making correct decisions in the chemistry-related decision-making task, while it was the ACC low beta power from 150[Formula: see text]ms to 250[Formula: see text]ms after stimulus onset. The results suggested that the ACC theta augmentation before the stimulus onset serves to actively maintain the relevant information for retrieval from long-term memory, while the ACC low beta augmentation after the stimulus onset may serve the function of mapping the encoded stimulus onto the relevant criteria that the given participant has held within his or her mind to guide the decision-making responses.
Extended Nambu models: Their relation to gauge theories
Authors: Escobar C. A. , Urrutia L. F.
Published: May 2017

Yang–Mills theories supplemented by an additional coordinate constraint, which is solved and substituted in the original Lagrangian, provide examples of the so-called Nambu models, in the case where such constraints arise from spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking. Some explicit calculations have shown that, after additional conditions are imposed, Nambu models are capable of reproducing the original gauge theories, thus making Lorentz violation unobservable and allowing the interpretation of the corresponding massless gauge bosons as the Goldstone bosons arising from the spontaneous symmetry breaking. A natural question posed by this approach in the realm of gauge theories is to determine under which conditions the recovery of an arbitrary gauge theory from the corresponding Nambu model, defined by a general constraint over the coordinates, becomes possible. We refer to these theories as extended Nambu models (ENM) and emphasize the fact that the defining coordinate constraint is not treated as a standard gauge fixing term. At this level, the mechanism for generating the constraint is irrelevant and the case of spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking is taken only as a motivation, which naturally bring this problem under consideration. Using a nonperturbative Hamiltonian analysis we prove that the ENM yields the original gauge theory after we demand current conservation for all time, together with the imposition of the Gauss laws constraints as initial conditions upon the dynamics of the ENM. The Nambu models yielding electrodynamics, Yang–Mills theories and linearized gravity are particular examples of our general approach.
EEG Signals Classification Based on Time Frequency Analysis
Authors: Ridouh Abdelhakim , Boutana Daoud , Bourennane Salah
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a method to characterize, identify and classify some pathological Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. We use some Time Frequency Distributions (TFDs) to analyze its nonstationarity. The analysis is conducted by the spectrogram (SP), the Choi–Williams Distribution (CWD) and the Smoothed Pseudo Wigner Ville Distribution (SPWVD). The studies are carried on some real EEG signals collected from a known database. The estimation of the best value of parameters for each distribution is achieved using the Rényi entropy (RE). The time-frequency results have permitted to characterize some pathological EEG signals. In addition, the Rényi Marginal Entropy (RME) is used for the purpose of detecting the peak seizures and discriminates between normal and pathological EEG signals. The frequency bands are evaluated using the Marginal Frequency (MF). The EEG signal classification of two sets A and E containing normal and pathologic EEG signals, respectively, is performed using our proposed method based on energy extraction of signals from time-frequency plane. Also, the Moving Average (MA) is used as a tool to obtain better classification results. The results conducted on real-life EEG signals illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the Network Analysis of the State Space of Discrete Dynamical Systems
Authors: Xu Cheng , Li Chengqing , Lü Jinhu , Shu Shi
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses the letter entitled “Network analysis of the state space of discrete dynamical systems” by A. Shreim et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 198701 (2007)]. We found that some theoretical analyses are wrong and the proposed indicators based on two parameters of the state-mapping network cannot discriminate the dynamical complexity of the discrete dynamical systems composed of a 1D cellular automata.
The effects of spatial curvature on cosmic evolution
Authors: Farrugia Christine R. , Sultana Joseph
Published: May 2017

As evidenced by a great number of works in the literature, it is common practice to assume that the universe is flat. However, the majority of studies which make use of observational data to constrain the curvature density parameter are premised on the [Formula: see text]CDM cosmology, or extensions thereof. On the other hand, when data is fitted to models with a time-varying dark energy equation-of-state, it turns out that such models may accommodate a non-flat universe. Several authors caution that if the assumption of spatial flatness is wrong, it could greatly hinder our understanding of dark energy, even if the curvature is in reality very small. We thus consider a number of different dynamical dark energy models that represent the complete cosmological scenario, and investigate the effects of spatial curvature on the evolution. We find that for a closed universe, the transition to the epoch of decelerated expansion would be delayed with respect to the flat case. So would the start of the current dark energy-dominated era. This would be accompanied by a larger inflationary acceleration, as well as a larger subsequent deceleration. The opposite behavior is observed if the universe is open.
Cosmological consequences and statefinder diagnosis of a noninteracting generalized Chaplygin gas in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Shabani Hamid
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate cosmological consequences as well as statefinder diagnosis of a scenario for recently reported accelerated expansion of the universe in the framework of [Formula: see text] gravity theories. In these models, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the Ricci curvature scalar and the trace of the energy–momentum tensor (EMT), respectively. Our scenario assumes that the generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) along with the baryonic matter are responsible for this observed phenomenon. We consider three classes of Chaplygin gas models which include three different forms of [Formula: see text] function; those models which employ the standard CG (SCG), models which use GCG in the high pressure regimes and finally, the third case is devoted to investigating high density regimes in the presence of GCG. We also test these models using recent Hubble parameter as well as type Ia supernova data. Finally, we compare the predicted present values of the statefinder parameters by these models to the astronomical data.
Intellectual Capital, Innovation and Firm Performance of Pharmaceuticals: A Study of the London Stock Exchange
Authors: Amin Shahid , Aslam Shoaib
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study is to explore the empirical structural links among intellectual capital (IC), innovation and firm’s financial performance, furthermore, the impact of IC and innovation on firm’s financial performance has also been measured. Value added intellectual coefficient model (VAIC) has been used for the measurement of IC. Innovation is measured through research and development (R&D), products development and products in pipeline, whereas, financial performance is measured through traditional financial measures such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), earnings per share (EPS), assets turnover ratio (ATO) and market-to-book ratio (MB). The study was based on secondary data, and it has been collected from the published annual reports of listed pharmaceutical firms in London Stock Exchange. The research was carried for the three year period of 2012–2014 and our sample consists of 207 firm-year observations. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique is used to address cause–effect relationships among endogenous and exogenous constructs. Empirical results of SEM analysis support that IC and its components have positive and significant impact on innovation and firms’ financial performance. Moreover, innovation also has significant impact on firms’ financial performance. The study is valuable for the manager, decision makers and policy makers to recognise the value of IC and its philosophy to obtain and sustain competitive advantage through innovation.
An improvement for the foreground recognition method using shadow removal technique for indoor environments
Authors: Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Whangbo Taeg Keun
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present an efficient and simple shadow detection algorithm for indoor environments, as well as give a brief description on the advantages of this method. In this method, we use three types of approaches: image enhancement, chromaticity consistency, and gradient features. Multiple shadow direction is becoming an increasingly challenging task for many moving shadow detection algorithms because some objects have large self-shadows. Our system is able to achieve good performance solving spread shadow problems in indoor scenes, leading to improved foreground segmentation in surveillance scenarios. The image enhancement approach is first employed to input images to generate high-quality images for artificial light source indoor areas. Afterwards, the chromaticity information is utilized to create a mask of possible candidate shadow pixels. Subsequently, gradient features are applied to remove foreground pixels that have been incorrectly included in the mask. In comparison with existing algorithms, the proposed method can correctly detect and remove shadow pixels to identify original foreground shapes without distortion for delivering object recognition and tracking tasks.
Generalized Fermi–Walker derivative and non-rotating frame
Authors: Uçar Ayşenur , Karakuş Fatma , Yaylı Yusuf
Published: May 2017

In this paper, generalized Fermi–Walker derivative, generalized Fermi–Walker parallelism and generalized non-rotating frame concepts are given for Frenet frame, Darboux frame and Bishop frame for any curve in Euclidean space. Being generalized, non-rotating frame conditions are analyzed for each frames along the curve. Then we show that Frenet and Darboux frames are generalized non-rotating frames along all curves and also Bishop frame is generalized non-rotating frame along planar curves in Euclidean space.
Value and Misinformation in Collaborative Investing Platforms
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Wang Gang , Wang Bolun , Sambasivan Divya , Zhang Zengbin , Li Xing , Zheng Haitao , Zhao Ben Y.
Published: May 2017

It is often difficult to separate the highly capable “experts” from the average worker in crowdsourced systems. This is especially true for challenge application domains that require extensive domain knowledge. The problem of stock analysis is one such domain, where even the highly paid, well-educated domain experts are prone to make mistakes. As an extremely challenging problem space, the “wisdom of the crowds” property that many crowdsourced applications rely on may not hold.

In this article, we study the problem of evaluating and identifying experts in the context of SeekingAlpha and StockTwits, two crowdsourced investment services that have recently begun to encroach on a space dominated for decades by large investment banks. We seek to understand the quality and impact of content on collaborative investment platforms, by empirically analyzing complete datasets of SeekingAlpha articles (9 years) and StockTwits messages (4 years). We develop sentiment analysis tools and correlate contributed content to the historical performance of relevant stocks. While SeekingAlpha articles and StockTwits messages provide minimal correlation to stock performance in aggregate, a subset of experts contribute more valuable (predictive) content. We show that these authors can be easily identified by user interactions, and investments based on their analysis significantly outperform broader markets. This effectively shows that even in challenging application domains, there is a
secondary or indirect
wisdom of the crowds.

Finally, we conduct a user survey that sheds light on users’ views of SeekingAlpha content and stock manipulation. We also devote efforts to identify potential manipulation of stocks by detecting authors controlling multiple identities.
A Posteriori
Typing for Model-Driven Engineering
Authors: Lara Juan De , Guerra Esther
Published: May 2017

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is founded on the ability to create and process models conforming to a meta-model. In this context, classes in a meta-model are used in two ways: as templates to create objects and as (static) classifiers for them. These two aspects are inherently tied in most meta-modelling approaches, which results in unnecessarily rigid systems and hinders reusability of MDE artefacts.

In this work, we discuss the benefits of decoupling object creation from typing in MDE. Thus, we rely on standard mechanisms for object creation, and propose
a posteriori
typing as a means to retype objects and enable multiple, partial, dynamic typings. This approach enhances flexibility; permits unanticipated reuse, as model management operations defined for a meta-model can be reused with other models once they get reclassified; and enables bidirectional model transformation by reclassification. In particular, we propose two mechanisms to realise model retyping and show their underlying theory and analysis methods. We show the feasibility of the approach by an implementation atop our meta-modelling tool M
eta
D
epth
and present several applications of retypings (transformations, reuse, and dynamicity).
Graph Logics with Rational Relations
Authors: Barceló Pablo , Muñoz Pablo
Published: May 2017

Graph databases make use of logics that combine traditional first-order features with navigation on paths, in the same way logics for model checking do. However, modern applications of graph databases impose a new requirement on the expressiveness of the logics: they need comparing labels of paths based on word relations (such as prefix, subword, or subsequence). This has led to the study of logics that extend basic graph languages with features for comparing labels of paths based on regular relations or the strictly more powerful rational relations. The evaluation problem for the former logic is decidable (and even tractable in data complexity), but already extending this logic with such a common rational relation as subword or suffix makes evaluation undecidable. In practice, however, it is rare to have the need for such powerful logics. Therefore, it is more realistic to study the complexity of less expressive logics that still allow comparing paths based on practically motivated rational relations. Here we concentrate on the most basic languages, which extend graph pattern logics with path comparisons based only on suffix, subword, or subsequence. We pinpoint the complexity of evaluation for each one of these logics, which shows that all of them are decidable in elementary time (P
space
or NE
xptime
). Furthermore, the extension with suffix is even tractable in data complexity (but the other two are not). In order to obtain our results we establish a link between the evaluation problem for graph logics and two important problems in word combinatorics: word equations with regular constraints and longest common subsequence.
A Techno-Economic Approach for Broadband Deployment in Underserved Areas
Authors: Durairajan Ramakrishnan , Barford Paul
Published: May 2017

A large body of economic research has shown the strong correlation between broadband connectivity and economic productivity. These findings motivate government agencies such as the FCC in the US to provide incentives to services providers to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas. In this paper, we describe a framework for identifying target areas for network infrastructure deployment. Our approach considers (i) infrastructure availability, (ii) user demographics, and (iii) deployment costs. We use multi-objective optimization to identify geographic areas that have the highest concentrations of un/underserved users and that can be upgraded at the lowest cost. To demonstrate the efficacy of our framework, we consider physical infrastructure and demographic data from the US and two different deployment cost models. Our results identify a list of counties that would be attractive targets for broadband deployment from both cost and impact perspectives. We conclude with discussion on the implications and broader applications of our framework.
Mobile crowdsourcing of occupant feedback in smart buildings
Authors: Lazarova-Molnar Sanja , Logason Halldór þór , Andersen Peter Grønbæk , Kjærgaard Mikkel Baun
Published: May 2017

Energy consumption of buildings represents roughly 40% of the overall energy consumption. Most of the national agendas include rigorous measures aimed at reducing the energy consumption and, thereby, the carbon footprint. Timely and accurate Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) in Building Management Systems (BMS) have the potential to reduce energy consumption cost by approximately 15--30%. Most FDD methods are data-based, meaning that their performance is tightly linked to the quality and availability of relevant data about faults and related events. Based on our experience, such data is very sparse and inadequate, mostly because of the difficulty and lack of incentive to collect such data in a structured manner. In this article we introduce the idea of using crowdsourcing to support FDD-related data collection, and illustrate the concept through a mobile application that has been implemented for this purpose. Furthermore, we describe our experience from using the mobile application in a university building and propose a strategy of how to successfully deploy the application in new buildings.
The Antigastric Cancer Activity of San Leng Powder Extract Induces Apoptosis in Balb/C Bearing‐SGC‐7901 Mice
Authors: Yu Chen , Ji Ai-Jun , Lu Jian-Wei , Liu Shi-Jia , Sun Yu
Published: May 2017

San Leng powder extract has been used as medicinal compound for the prevention and treatment of cancers. The antitumor activity of SLPE was determined by treating BALB/C mice harboring a human gastric cancer xenograft with SPLE for 17 days. Mice were also treated with fluorouracil (5‐Fu, 25 mg/kg) or a combination of SLPE and 5‐Fu. Our results indicate that the inhibition of tumor growth by SLPE might be due to a block in the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that SLPE might be useful in the treatment of gastric cancer.
A Cancer Gene Selection Algorithm Based on the K-S Test and CFS
Authors: Su Qiang , Wang Yina , Jiang Xiaobing , Chen Fuxue , Lu Wen-cong
Published: May 2017

Background. To address the challenging problem of selecting distinguished genes from cancer gene expression datasets, this paper presents a gene subset selection algorithm based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and correlation-based feature selection (CFS) principles. The algorithm selects distinguished genes first using the K-S test, and then, it uses CFS to select genes from those selected by the K-S test. Results. We adopted support vector machines (SVM) as the classification tool and used the criteria of accuracy to evaluate the performance of the classifiers on the selected gene subsets. This approach compared the proposed gene subset selection algorithm with the K-S test, CFS, minimum-redundancy maximum-relevancy (mRMR), and ReliefF algorithms. The average experimental results of the aforementioned gene selection algorithms for 5 gene expression datasets demonstrate that, based on accuracy, the performance of the new K-S and CFS-based algorithm is better than those of the K-S test, CFS, mRMR, and ReliefF algorithms. Conclusions. The experimental results show that the K-S test-CFS gene selection algorithm is a very effective and promising approach compared to the K-S test, CFS, mRMR, and ReliefF algorithms.
A Trace Data-Based Approach for an Accurate Estimation of Precise Utilization Maps in LTE
Authors: Sánchez Almudena , Acedo-Hernández Rocío , Toril Matías , Luna-Ramírez Salvador , Úbeda Carlos
Published: May 2017

For network planning and optimization purposes, mobile operators make use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), computed from Performance Measurements (PMs), to determine whether network performance needs to be improved. In current networks, PMs, and therefore KPIs, suffer from lack of precision due to an insufficient temporal and/or spatial granularity. In this work, an automatic method, based on data traces, is proposed to improve the accuracy of radio network utilization measurements collected in a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. The method’s output is an accurate estimate of the spatial and temporal distribution for the cell utilization ratio that can be extended to other indicators. The method can be used to improve automatic network planning and optimization algorithms in a centralized Self-Organizing Network (SON) entity, since potential issues can be more precisely detected and located inside a cell thanks to temporal and spatial precision. The proposed method is tested with real connection traces gathered in a large geographical area of a live LTE network and considers overload problems due to trace file size limitations, which is a key consideration when analysing a large network. Results show how these distributions provide a very detailed information of network utilization, compared to cell based statistics.
Therapeutic Hypothermia in Asphyxiated Neonates: Experience from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of University Hospital of Marrakech
Authors: Maoulainine F. M. R. , Elbaz M. , Elfaiq S. , Boufrioua G. , Elalouani F. Z. , Barkane M. , El Idrissi Slitine Nadia
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is now recommended for the treatment neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This treatment protocol is applied in our department since June 2012. The aim of this study is to report the first experience with head cooling in asphyxiated neonates in Morocco. Patients and Methods. Prospective study of newborns admitted for HIE from July 18, 2012, to May 15, 2014, in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Mohamed VI University Hospital. The results were studied by comparing a newborn group who received hypothermia to a control group. Results. Seventy-two cases of neonates with perinatal asphyxia were admitted in the unit. According to inclusion criteria thirty-eight cases were eligible for the study. Only 19 cases have received the hypothermia protocol for different reason; the arrival beyond six hours of life was the main cause accounting for 41%. Complications of asphyxia were comparable in both groups with greater pulmonary hypertension recorded in the control group. The long-term follow-up of protocol group was normal in almost half of cases. Conclusion. Our first experience with the controlled TH supports its beneficial effect in newborns with HIE. This treatment must be available in all the centers involved in the neonatal care in Morocco.
Barley Seedling Extracts Inhibit RANKL‐Induced Differentiation, Fusion, and Maturation of Osteoclasts in the Early‐to‐Late Stages of Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Choi Sik-Won , Kim Shin-Hye , Lee Kwang-Sik , Kang Hyeon Jung , Lee Mi Ja , Park Kie-In , Lee Jin Hwan , Park Ki Do , Seo Woo Duck
Published: May 2017

The number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing worldwide, and a decrease in bone mass is a main risk factor for fracture. The prevention of bone loss is critical for improving the quality of life for patients. However, the long‐term use of antiosteoporotic agents is limited due to their side effects. Barley has been traditionally ingested for thousands of years as a safe, natural food with pharmaceutical properties, and its seedling can enhance the biological activity of the medicinal components found in food. This study aimed to clarify the antiresorptive activity of barley seedling and its mode of action. Barley seedling extracts (BSE) dose‐dependently inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation with alteration of IκB degradation, c‐Fos, and NFATc1 molecules in the early‐to‐middle stages of osteoclastogenesis. In the late phase of osteoclastogenesis, BSE also prevented DC‐STAMP and cathepsin K, which are required for cell fusion and bone degradation, such as osteoclast function. In conclusion, barley seedling from natural foods may provide long‐term safety and be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoclast‐mediated bone metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Associated Myocarditis Requiring Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Milas Anamaria , Shah Aditya , Anand Neesha , Saunders-Kurban Meghan , Patel Samir
Published: May 2017

Severe fulminant myocarditis causing cardiogenic shock can be a rapidly progressing, life threatening condition. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very rare infectious culprit infrequently described in medical literature as a cause of myocarditis, particularly in adults. We present a case of acute fulminant myocarditis in a patient with PCR positive RSV infection requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).
Risk Factors for the Mortality of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients Who Required Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Kotani Toru , Katayama Shinshu , Miyazaki Yuya , Fukuda Satoshi , Sato Yoko , Ohsugi Koichi
Published: May 2017

Background. The risk factors for the mortality rate of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) who required mechanical ventilation (MV) remained unknown. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed of all PCP patients admitted to our intensive care unit and treated for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure to assess the risk factors for the high mortality. Results. Twenty patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection required mechanical ventilation; 19 received noninvasive ventilation; and 11 were intubated. PEEP was incrementally increased and titrated to maintain FIO2 as low as possible. No mandatory ventilation was used. Sixteen patients (80%) survived. Pneumothorax developed in one patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Median PEEP level in the first 5 days was 10.0 cmH2O and not associated with death. Multivariate analysis showed the association of incidence of interstitial lung disease and increase in serum KL-6 with 90-day mortality. Conclusions. We found MV strategies to prevent pneumothorax including liberal use of noninvasive ventilation, and PEEP titration and disuse of mandatory ventilation may improve mortality in this setting. Underlying disease of interstitial lung disease was a risk factor and KL-6 may be a useful predictor associated with mortality in patients with RA. These findings will need to be validated in larger studies.
Effect of Naringenin, Quercetin, and Sesamin on Xenobiotica-Metabolizing CYP1A and CYP3A in Mice Offspring after Maternal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Pilipenko Nadezhda , Ropstad Erik , Halsne Ruth , Zamaratskaia Galia
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro effects of dietary phytochemicals naringenin, quercetin, and sesamin on the activities of ethoxy- (EROD; CYP1A) and benzyloxy- (BROD; CYP3A) resorufin O-dealkylases after the exposure to the cocktail of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). CD-1 mice were exposed from weaning, through gestation and lactation to a defined mixture of POPs. Hepatic microsomes were prepared from their female offspring at postnatal day 42. Hepatic EROD and BROD activity were evaluated in the presence of quercetin, naringenin, and sesamin at nine concentrations from 5 to 100000 nM. EROD activity was strongly inhibited by quercetin with Ki values from 1.7 to 2.6 μM. BROD activity was inhibited by quercetin with Ki values from 64.9 to 75.3 μM and naringenin with Ki values from 39.3 to 45.8 μM. The IC50 and Ki values did not differ between the groups of mice with different levels of POPs exposure in any of the experimental sets. Sesamin did not inhibit either EROD or BROD. We concluded that the interactions of quercetin and naringenin with CYP1A and CYP3A in mice liver were not affected by the levels of POPs exposure.