bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the global threat from Zika virus
Authors: Lessler Justin , Chaisson Lelia H. , Kucirka Lauren M. , Bi Qifang , Grantz Kyra , Salje Henrik , Carcelen Andrea C. , Ott Cassandra T. , Sheffield Jeanne S. , Ferguson Neil M. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel
Published: July 2016

Global spread of Zika virus

Zika virus was identified in Uganda in 1947; since then, it has enveloped the tropics, causing disease of varying severity. Lessler et al. review the historical literature to remind us that Zika's neurotropism was observed in mice even before clinical case reports in Nigeria in 1953. What determines the clinical manifestations; how local conditions, vectors, genetics, and wild hosts affect transmission and geographical spread; what the best control strategy is; and how to develop effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics are all critical questions that are begging for data.

Science
, this issue p.
663
Draft Genome Sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Widemarsh Strain CRJJGF_00058 (Phylum
Gammaproteobacteria
)
Authors: Gupta Sushim K. , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Jackson Charlene R. , Desai Prerak T. , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Hiott Lari M. , Humayoun Shaheen B. , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: July 2016

Here, we report a 4.73 Mbp draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Widemarsh strain CRJJGF_00058, isolated from eggs in 2008.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hyperthermophilic and Piezophilic Archeon
Thermococcus piezophilus
CDGS
T
, Able To Grow under Extreme Hydrostatic Pressures
Authors: Dalmasso Cécile , Oger Philippe , Courtine Damien , Georges Myriam , Takai Ken , Maignien Lois , Alain Karine
Published: July 2016

We report the genome sequence of
Thermococcus superprofundus
strain CDGS
T
, a new piezophilic and hyperthermophilic member of the order
Thermococcales
isolated from the world's deepest hydrothermal vents, at the Mid-Cayman Rise. The genome is consistent with a heterotrophic, anaerobic, and piezophilic lifestyle.
Genetic disorders of surfactant protein dysfunction: when to consider and how to investigate
Authors: Gupta Atul , Zheng Sean Lee
Published: July 2016

Genetic mutations affecting proteins required for normal surfactant protein function are a rare cause of respiratory disease. The genes identified that cause respiratory disease are surfactant protein B, surfactant protein C, ATP binding cassette number A3 and thyroid transcription factor-1. Surfactant protein dysfunction syndromes are highly variable in their onset and presentation, and are dependent on the genes involved and environmental factors. This heterogeneous group of conditions can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Presentation may be in a full-term neonate with acute and progressive respiratory distress with a high mortality or later in childhood or adulthood with signs and symptoms of interstitial lung disease. Genetic testing for these disorders is now available, providing a non-invasive diagnostic test. Other useful investigations include radiological imaging and lung biopsy. This review will provide an overview of the genetic and clinical features of surfactant protein dysfunction syndromes, and discuss when to suspect this diagnosis, how to investigate it and current treatment options.
How do training and competition workloads relate to injury? The workload—injury aetiology model
Authors: Windt Johann , Gabbett Tim J
Published: July 2016

Injury aetiology models that have evolved over the previous two decades highlight a number of factors which contribute to the causal mechanisms for athletic injuries. These models highlight the pathway to injury, including (1) internal risk factors (eg, age, neuromuscular control) which predispose athletes to injury, (2) exposure to external risk factors (eg, playing surface, equipment), and finally (3) an inciting event, wherein biomechanical breakdown and injury occurs. The most recent aetiological model proposed in 2007 was the first to detail the dynamic nature of injury risk, whereby participation may or may not result in injury, and participation itself alters injury risk through adaptation. However, although training and competition workloads are strongly associated with injury, existing aetiology models neither include them nor provide an explanation for how workloads alter injury risk. Therefore, we propose an updated injury aetiology model which includes the effects of workloads. Within this model, internal risk factors are differentiated into modifiable and non-modifiable factors, and workloads contribute to injury in three ways: (1) exposure to external risk factors and potential inciting events, (2) fatigue, or negative physiological effects, and (3) fitness, or positive physiological adaptations. Exposure is determined solely by total load, while positive and negative adaptations are controlled both by total workloads, as well as changes in load (eg, the acute:chronic workload ratio). Finally, we describe how this model explains the load—injury relationships for total workloads, acute:chronic workload ratios and the training load—injury paradox.
Retrospective review of percutaneous synovial cyst ruptures: increased thickness of the T2 hypointense rim on post-rupture MRI may be associated with need for subsequent surgery
Authors: Kwan Benjamin Y M , Salehi Fateme , Jia Sang , McGregor Stuart , Duggal Neil , Pelz David , Sharma Manas
Published: July 2016

Objective

To analyze MRI characteristics of lumbar facet synovial cysts and distinguish those requiring subsequent surgical management for recurrence, after percutaneous synovial cyst rupture.

Methods and materials

Retrospective chart review conducted in patients undergoing percutaneous synovial cyst rupture between February 2012 and April 2015. Pre- and post-percutaneous rupture procedure MRI spine studies were serially reviewed. Synovial cyst sizes, T1 and T2 signal characteristics and changes therein, T2 hypointense (or ‘dark rim’) thickness and change, and changes in the complexity of cyst signals were compared. Operative notes for patients who underwent subsequent surgical removal of recurrent synovial cysts were reviewed.

Results

24 patients received 41 percutaneous synovial cyst rupture procedures, with a technical success rate of 82.9%. There was a significant difference in the mean increased thickness of the T2 hypointense rim on the first post-rupture MRI scan (p=0.0411) between patients requiring subsequent surgery and those who did not. There was a significant difference in the average sizes of synovial cysts before the procedure (p=0.0483) in those requiring subsequent surgery and those who did not. Five complications were noted (12.2%), mostly involving leg pain or weakness. Of the nine patients who underwent subsequent surgery post-synovial cyst rupture, six of the surgeries had recorded difficulty pertaining to scarring and/or adherence of the cyst to dura.

Conclusions

A larger increase in thickness of the T2 hypointense rim on the first post-rupture MRI scan and a larger synovial cyst size were associated with the need for subsequent surgical resection.
Control and eradication of tuberculosis in cattle: a systematic review of economic evidence
Authors: Caminiti A. , Pelone F. , LaTorre G. , De Giusti M. , Saulle R. , Mannocci A. , Sala M. , Della Marta U. , Scaramozzino P.
Published: July 2016

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of zoonotic importance for which control and eradication programmes have been carried out in many countries for decades. While the impact of these programmes on public health is still uncertain, the impact on trade is significant because of movement restrictions for animals, costs of testing and culling. The objective of this systematic review was to provide a contribution to the general debate over costs against benefits for the control and eradication of bovine TB in cattle. The search strategy was performed on four electronic databases following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. The selection process, data abstraction and quality appraisal were carried out according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The search identified 66 articles out of which eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The evidence gathered in this review by combining the conclusions of the most methodologically sound articles supports the idea that, when multiple cost and benefit components are taken into account, efforts to control or eradicate bovine TB may be effective in reducing disease prevalence, economically viable and worth doing.
A focus on small animals
Authors: Stewart Jeremy
Published: July 2016

After qualifying 25 years ago, Jeremy Stewart worked at the RSPCA's Harmsworth Hospital during the years it featured in the BBC television programme Animal Hospital. Having moved to a large group practice, his involvement in the charity sector is now as a trustee of the Blue Cross
Effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention on eating behaviour, food cravings, and 7-day energy intake and energy expenditure in inactive men
Authors: Rocha Joel , Paxman Jenny , Dalton Caroline , Winter Edward , Broom David R.
Published: July 2016

This study examined effects of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on eating behaviour, food cravings, and weekly energy intake and expenditure in inactive men. Eleven healthy men (mean ± SD: age, 26 ± 5 years; body mass index, 24.6 ± 3.8 kg·m−2; maximum oxygen uptake, 43.1 ± 7.4 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed the 12-week supervised exercise programme. Body composition, health markers (e.g., blood pressure), eating behaviour, food cravings, and weekly energy intake and expenditure were assessed before and after the exercise intervention. There were no intervention effects on weekly free-living energy intake (p = 0.326, d = −0.12) and expenditure (p = 0.799, d = 0.04) or uncontrolled eating and emotional eating scores (p > 0.05). However, there was a trend with a medium effect size (p = 0.058, d = 0.68) for cognitive restraint to be greater after the exercise intervention. Total food cravings (p = 0.009, d = −1.19) and specific cravings of high-fat foods (p = 0.023, d = −0.90), fast-food fats (p = 0.009, d = −0.71), and carbohydrates/starches (p = 0.009, d = −0.56) decreased from baseline to 12 weeks. Moreover, there was a trend with a large effect size for cravings of sweets (p = 0.052, d = −0.86) to be lower after the exercise intervention. In summary, 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise reduced food cravings and increased cognitive restraint, but these changes were not accompanied by changes in other eating behaviours or weekly energy intake and expenditure. The results indicate the importance of exercising for health improvements even when reductions in body mass are modest.
Stability of capillary hypersurfaces in a manifold with density
Authors: Li Haizhong , Xiong Changwei
Published: July 2016

We introduce capillary hypersurfaces and its stability in a manifold with density. We prove that stable [Formula: see text]-minimal hypersurfaces with free boundary in a geodesic ball in space form with suitable radial density must be totally geodesic. We also prove two criteria for instability of the capillary hypersurfaces in a Euclidean ball with suitable density. At last, we obtain a topological restriction on strongly stable capillary surfaces in a 3-manifold with density under certain conditions. These results generalize those in a manifold with constant density.
Can Mixer IP3 be Infinitely High?
Authors: Ladvánszky J. , Dortschy B.
Published: July 2016

We show a mixer circuit that exhibits infinitely high third-order intercept point (IP3) over a range of RF input levels. It follows from this fact that IP3 is not adequate for characterizing mixers. The formula for calculating IP3 from fundamental- and third-order intermodulation products at a single RF input level is not valid for the mentioned mixer over an RF input power range. Instead of IP3, we suggest a replacement.
Synchronization and Partial Synchronization Experiments with Networks of Time-Delay Coupled Hindmarsh–Rose Neurons
Authors: Steur Erik , Murguia Carlos , Fey Rob H. B. , Nijmeijer Henk
Published: July 2016

We study experimentally synchronization and partial synchronization in networks of Hindmarsh–Rose model neurons that interact through linear time-delay couplings. Our experimental setup consists of electric circuit board realizations of the Hindmarsh–Rose model neuron and a coupling interface in which the interaction between the circuits is defined. With this experimental setup we test the predictive value of theoretical results about synchronization and partial synchronization in networks.
On the Influence of the Coupling Strength among Chua’s Circuits on the Structure of Their Hyper-Chaotic Attractors
Authors: Freud Sven , Plaga Rainer , Breithaupt Ralph
Published: July 2016

The hyper-chaotic strange attractor of systems of four Chua’s circuits that are mutually coupled by three strong and three weak couplings is studied, both experimentally and via simulation. A new metric to compare strange attractors is presented. It is found that the strength of the couplings between circuits have a complex and determining influence on the probability for the presence of a trajectory within their attractors. This influence is strictly local, i.e. the probability of the presence of the trajectories is determined by the coupling strength to the directly adjacent circuits and independent of the coupling strengths among other circuits. Fluctuations in the properties of Chua’s circuits due to random fluctuations during the production of its components have a significant influence on the probability of presence of the attractor’s trajectories that could be qualitatively, but not quantitatively, modeled by our simulation. The consequences of these results for the possibility to construct “physical unclonable functions” as networks of Chua’s circuits with a hyper-chaotic dynamics are discussed.
Emergence of Chimera in Multiplex Network
Authors: Ghosh Saptarshi , Jalan Sarika
Published: July 2016

Chimera is a relatively new emerging phenomenon where coexistence of synchronous and asynchronous states is observed in symmetrically coupled dynamical units. We report the observation of the chimera state in multiplex networks where individual layer is represented by 1-d lattice with nonlocal interactions. While, multiplexing does not change the type of the chimera state and retains the multi-chimera state displayed by the isolated networks, it changes the regions of the incoherence. We investigate the emergence of coherent–incoherent bifurcation upon varying the control parameters, namely, the coupling strength and the network size. Additionally, we investigate the effect of initial condition on the dynamics of the chimera state. Using a measure based on the differences between the neighboring nodes which distinguishes smooth and nonsmooth spatial profiles, we find the critical coupling strength for the transition to the chimera state. Observing chimera in a multiplex network with one-to-one inter layer coupling is important to gain insight to many real world complex systems which inherently posses multilayer architecture.
Chaotic Map Construction from Common Nonlinearities and Microcontroller Implementations
Authors: Ablay Günyaz
Published: July 2016

This work presents novel discrete-time chaotic systems with some known physical system nonlinearities. Dynamic behaviors of the models are examined with numerical methods and Arduino microcontroller-based experimental studies. Many new chaotic maps are generated in the form of [Formula: see text] and high-dimensional chaotic systems are obtained by weak coupling or cross-coupling the same or different chaotic maps. An application of the chaotic maps is realized with Arduino for chaotic pulse width modulation to drive electrical machines. It is expected that the new chaotic maps and their microcontroller implementations will facilitate practical chaos-based applications in different fields.
Guess-Work and Reasonings on Centennial Evolution of Surface Air Temperature in Russia. Part III: Where is the Joint Between Norms and Hazards from a Bifurcation Analysis Viewpoint?
Authors: Kolokolov Yury , Monovskaya Anna
Published: July 2016

The paper continues the application of the bifurcation analysis in the research on local climate dynamics based on processing the historically observed data on the daily average land surface air temperature. Since the analyzed data are from instrumental measurements, we are doing the experimental bifurcation analysis. In particular, we focus on the discussion where is the joint between the normal dynamics of local climate systems (norms) and situations with the potential to create damages (hazards)? We illustrate that, perhaps, the criteria for hazards (or violent and unfavorable weather factors) relate mainly to empirical considerations from human opinion, but not to the natural qualitative changes of climate dynamics. To build the bifurcation diagrams, we base on the unconventional conceptual model (HDS-model) which originates from the hysteresis regulator with double synchronization. The HDS-model is characterized by a variable structure with the competition between the amplitude quantization and the time quantization. Then the intermittency between three periodical processes is considered as the typical behavior of local climate systems instead of both chaos and quasi-periodicity in order to excuse the variety of local climate dynamics. From the known specific regularities of the HDS-model dynamics, we try to find a way to decompose the local behaviors into homogeneous units within the time sections with homogeneous dynamics. Here, we present the first results of such decomposition, where the quasi-homogeneous sections (QHS) are determined on the basis of the modified bifurcation diagrams, and the units are reconstructed within the limits connected with the problem of shape defects. Nevertheless, the proposed analysis of the local climate dynamics (QHS-analysis) allows to exhibit how the comparatively modest temperature differences between the mentioned units in an annual scale can step-by-step expand into the great temperature differences of the daily variability at a centennial scale. Then the norms and the hazards relate to the fundamentally different viewpoints, where the time sections of months and, especially, seasons distort the causal effects of natural dynamical processes. The specific circumstances to realize the qualitative changes of the local climate dynamics are summarized by the notion of a likely periodicity. That, in particular, allows to explain why [Formula: see text]-year averaging remains the most common rule so far, but the decadal averaging begins to substitute that rule. We believe that the QHS-analysis can be considered as the joint between the norms and the hazards from a bifurcation analysis viewpoint, where the causal effects of the local climate dynamics are projected into the customary timescale only at the last step. We believe that the results could be interesting to develop the fields connected with climatic change and risk assessment.
The homological content of the Jones representations at q = −1
Authors: Egsgaard Jens Kristian , Jørgensen Søren Fuglede
Published: July 2016

We generalize a discovery of Kasahara and show that the Jones representations of braid groups, when evaluated at [Formula: see text], are related to the action on homology of a branched double cover of the underlying punctured disk. As an application, we prove for a large family of pseudo-Anosov mapping classes a conjecture put forward by Andersen, Masbaum, and Ueno [Topological quantum field theory and the Nielsen–Thurston classification of [Formula: see text], Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 141(3) (2006) 477–488] by extending their original argument for the sphere with four marked points to our more general case.
The Tait conjecture in S1 × S2
Authors: Carrega Alessio
Published: July 2016

The Tait conjecture states that reduced alternating diagrams of links in [Formula: see text] have the minimal number of crossings. It has been proved in 1987 by M. Thistlethwaite, L. H. Kauffman and K. Murasugi studying the Jones polynomial. In this paper, we prove an analogous result for alternating links in [Formula: see text] giving a complete answer to this problem. In [Formula: see text] we find a dichotomy: the appropriate version of the statement is true for [Formula: see text]-homologically trivial links, and our proof also uses the Jones polynomial. On the other hand, the statement is false for [Formula: see text]-homologically non-trivial links, for which the Jones polynomial vanishes.
Numerical relativity and high energy physics: Recent developments
Authors: Berti Emanuele , Cardoso Vitor , Crispino Luis C. B. , Gualtieri Leonardo , Herdeiro Carlos , Sperhake Ulrich
Published: July 2016

We review recent progress in the application of numerical relativity techniques to astrophysics and high-energy physics. We focus on recent developments regarding the spin evolution in black hole binaries, high-energy black hole collisions, compact object solutions in scalar–tensor gravity, superradiant instabilities, hairy black hole solutions in Einstein’s gravity coupled to fundamental fields, and the possibility to gain insight into these phenomena using analog gravity models.
Spacelike gravitational radiation extraction from rotating binary black holes
Authors: Imbiriba Breno C. O.
Published: July 2016

We introduce an alternate method for gravitational radiation extraction for binary black hole mergers where we do not use a single extraction radius at the intermediate field region but instead use a whole spherical shell of three-dimensional (3D) data and continue its evolution using the linearized (Teukolsky) evolution to a final distant radiation extraction radius. We implement this using the Hahndol code for the 3D evolution, and use the “Lazarus” procedure to convert the numerical data into the linearized data. The final waveform is compatible with the ones obtained from the full 3D evolutions with some minor variations that require further study. In the process, we tested the “Lazarus” method with our numerical 3D implementation and gauges showing that even with the advanced gauges suitable for 3D rotating binary evolutions, we recover the same type of limited results obtained in the original work.
Quadratic gravity: From weak to strong
Authors: Holdom Bob , Ren Jing
Published: July 2016

More than three decades ago quadratic gravity was found to present a perturbative, renormalizable and asymptotically free theory of quantum gravity. Unfortunately, the theory appeared to have problems with a spin-2 ghost. In this essay, we revisit quadratic gravity in a different light by considering the case that the asymptotically free interaction flows to a strongly interacting regime. This occurs when the coefficient of the Einstein–Hilbert term is smaller than the scale [Formula: see text] where the quadratic couplings grow strong. Here quantum chromodynamics (QCD) provides some useful insights. By pushing the analogy with QCD, we conjecture that the nonperturbative effects can remove the naive spin-2 ghost and lead to the emergence of general relativity (GR) in the IR.
A Feature-Based Reputation Model for Product Evaluation
Authors: Farooq Umar , Nongaillard Antoine , Ouzrout Yacine , Qadir Muhammad Abdul
Published: July 2016

Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a product is very important for manufacturers and customers to make decisions. Several sentiment analysis systems are proposed to determine the opinions of customers about products and product features. However, the aggregation methods used are not able to estimate a true reputation value and to reflect the recent opinions quickly. Most of these systems are based on single source and therefore suffer from availability and susceptibility issues. In this paper, we propose a multi-source reputation model where several aggregation methods are introduced in order to evaluate product based on features. In addition, we also propose a method which uses four parameters in order to rank the reputability of each rating before considering it for reputation values. The results show that the proposed model estimates good reputation values even in the presence of biased behaviors, robust to false ratings and reflects the newest opinions about product rapidly.
On global stability analysis for SEIRS models in epidemiology with nonlinear incidence rate function
Authors: Zheng Lifei , Yang Xiuxiang , Zhang Liang
Published: July 2016

We study an SEIRS epidemic model with an isolation and nonlinear incidence rate function. We have obtained a threshold value [Formula: see text] and shown that there is only a disease-free equilibrium point, when [Formula: see text] and an endemic equilibrium point if [Formula: see text]. We have shown that both disease-free and endemic equilibrium point are globally stable.
Analysis of a hepatitis B viral infection model with immune response delay
Authors: Pang Jianhua , Cui Jing-An
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a hepatitis B viral infection model with a density-dependent proliferation rate of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells and immune response delay is investigated. By analyzing the model, we show that the virus-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, if the basic reproductive ratio is less than one and an endemic equilibrium exists if the basic reproductive ratio is greater than one. By using the stability switches criterion in the delay-differential system with delay-dependent parameters, we present that the stability of endemic equilibrium changes and eventually become stable as time delay increases. This means majority of hepatitis B infection would eventually become a chronic infection due to the immune response time delay is fairly long. Numerical simulations are carried out to explain the mathematical conclusions and biological implications.
Global dissipativity of stochastic Lotka–Volterra system with feedback controls
Authors: Zhang Qimin , Zhang Xinjing , Yang Hongfu
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a class of stochastic Lotka–Volterra system with feedback controls is considered. The purpose is to establish some criteria to ensure the system is globally dissipative in the mean square. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functions as well as combining with Jensen inequality and It[Formula: see text] formula, the sufficient conditions are established and they are expressed in terms of the feasibility to a couple linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the main results are illustrated by examples.
On SIR epidemic models with generally distributed infectious periods: Number of secondary cases and probability of infection
Authors: Gómez-Corral A. , López-García M.
Published: July 2016

Recently, Clancy [SIR epidemic models with general infectious period distribution, Statist. Prob. Lett. 85 (2014) 1–5] has shown how SIR epidemics in which individuals’ infection periods are not necessarily exponentially distributed may be modeled in terms of a piecewise-deterministic Markov process (PDMP). In this paper, we present a more detailed description of the underlying PDMP, from which we analyze the population transmission number and the infection probability of a certain susceptible individual.
Aerodynamic characteristic of a canard guided rocket
Authors: Chen Yong-Chao , Gao Xin-Bao , Gao Min , Lv Hui-Miao
Published: July 2016

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation was used to investigate the aerodynamic characteristic of a canard guided rocket based on the technology of high quality point-to-point multi-block structured grid. The results of numerical simulation and experiments showed that the method is highly credible, and the method could be used to the rockets with semblable configurations. The canard guided rocket was designed with different noses, canards and fins. The N-S equations were solved numerically by the finite volume method, and the multi-grid method was adopted to accelerate the convergence. With these strategies the aerodynamic characteristics of rocket, nose, canard and fin were educed, and the change law was summarized. The results will provide the support for the optimization of anard guided rocket in engineering design.
Using Scalable Data Mining for Predicting Flight Delays
Authors: Belcastro Loris , Marozzo Fabrizio , Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo
Published: July 2016

Flight delays are frequent all over the world (about 20% of airline flights arrive more than 15min late) and they are estimated to have an annual cost of billions of dollars. This scenario makes the prediction of flight delays a primary issue for airlines and travelers. The main goal of this work is to implement a predictor of the arrival delay of a scheduled flight due to weather conditions. The predicted arrival delay takes into consideration both flight information (origin airport, destination airport, scheduled departure and arrival time) and weather conditions at origin airport and destination airport according to the flight timetable. Airline flight and weather observation datasets have been analyzed and mined using parallel algorithms implemented as MapReduce programs executed on a Cloud platform. The results show a high accuracy in predicting delays above a given threshold. For instance, with a delay threshold of 15min, we achieve an accuracy of 74.2% and 71.8% recall on delayed flights, while with a threshold of 60min, the accuracy is 85.8% and the delay recall is 86.9%. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrate the predictor scalability that can be achieved performing data preparation and mining tasks as MapReduce applications on the Cloud.
Using the Crowd to Improve Search Result Ranking and the Search Experience
Authors: Kim Yubin , Collins-Thompson Kevyn , Teevan Jaime
Published: July 2016

Despite technological advances, algorithmic search systems still have difficulty with complex or subtle information needs. For example, scenarios requiring deep semantic interpretation are a challenge for computers. People, on the other hand, are well suited to solving such problems. As a result, there is an opportunity for humans and computers to collaborate during the course of a search in a way that takes advantage of the unique abilities of each. While search tools that rely on human intervention will never be able to respond as quickly as current search engines do, recent research suggests that there are scenarios where a search engine could take more time if it resulted in a much better experience. This article explores how crowdsourcing can be used at query time to augment key stages of the search pipeline. We first explore the use of crowdsourcing to improve search result ranking. When the crowd is used to replace or augment traditional retrieval components such as query expansion and relevance scoring, we find that we can increase robustness against failure for query expansion and improve overall precision for results filtering. However, the gains that we observe are limited and unlikely to make up for the extra cost and time that the crowd requires. We then explore ways to incorporate the crowd into the search process that more drastically alter the overall experience. We find that using crowd workers to support rich query understanding and result processing appears to be a more worthwhile way to make use of the crowd during search. Our results confirm that crowdsourcing can positively impact the search experience but suggest that significant changes to the search process may be required for crowdsourcing to fulfill its potential in search systems.
Using Crowdsourcing for Scientific Analysis of Industrial Tomographic Images
Authors: Chen Chen , Woźniak Paweł W. , Romanowski Andrzej , Obaid Mohammad , Jaworski Tomasz , Kucharski Jacek , Grudzień Krzysztof , Zhao Shengdong , Fjeld Morten
Published: July 2016

In this article, we present a novel application domain for human computation, specifically for crowdsourcing, which can help in understanding particle-tracking problems. Through an interdisciplinary inquiry, we built a crowdsourcing system designed to detect tracer particles in industrial tomographic images, and applied it to the problem of bulk solid flow in silos. As images from silo-sensing systems cannot be adequately analyzed using the currently available computational methods, human intelligence is required. However, limited availability of experts, as well as their high cost, motivates employing additional nonexperts. We report on the results of a study that assesses the task completion time and accuracy of employing nonexpert workers to process large datasets of images in order to generate data for bulk flow research. We prove the feasibility of this approach by comparing results from a user study with data generated from a computational algorithm. The study shows that the crowd is more scalable and more economical than an automatic solution. The system can help analyze and understand the physics of flow phenomena to better inform the future design of silos, and is generalized enough to be applicable to other domains.
Constraints on the Use of Executors in Real-time Systems
Authors: Michell Stephen , Moore Brad , Pinho Luis Miguel , Taft Tucker
Published: July 2016

Previous work proposed the inclusion of parallelism in Ada to improve the use of multicore processors. This work proposed a model of Tasklets to carry the expressions of parallelism, and introduced the notion of executors to map the execution of Tasklets on hardware. In developing the model, a number of choices arise that effect how well the model will accommodate real-time systems. These choices become constraints which are examined and reasonable choices proposed for adoption in Ada.
The Deadline Floor Protocol and Ada
Authors: Burns Alan , Wellings Andy
Published: July 2016

This short paper summarises the current status of the proposal to incorporate the Deadline Floor Protocol into the Ada Real-Time Annex. A Draft Ada Issue is given to help focus the discussion at the workshop.
Synchronous Task Control and Synchronous Barriers
Authors: Burns A. , Wellings A. J.
Published: July 2016

This paper looks at two features of Ada that support synchronisation between tasks. First, an ambiguity with Synchronous Task Control is outlined. Second, the question of whether Synchronous Barriers should be allowed in the Ravenscar profile is addressed.
Dietary omega-6 fatty acid replacement selectively impairs cardiac functional recovery after ischemia in female (but not male) rats
Authors: Ip Wendy T. K. , McAlindon Andrew , Miller Sarah E. , Bell James R. , Curl Claire L. , Huggins Catherine E. , Mellor Kimberley M. , Raaijmakers Antonia J. A. , Bienvenu Laura A. , McLennan Peter L. , Pepe Salvatore , Delbridge Lea M. D.
Published: July 2016

A definitive understanding of the role of dietary lipids in determining cardioprotection (or cardiodetriment) has been elusive. Randomized trial findings have been variable and sex specificity of dietary interventions has not been determined. In this investigation the sex-selective cardiac functional effects of three diets enriched by omega-3 or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or enriched to an equivalent extent in saturated fatty acid components were examined in rats after an 8-wk treatment period. In females the myocardial membrane omega-6:omega-3 PUFA ratio was twofold higher than males in the omega-6 diet replacement group. In diets specified to be high in omega-3 PUFA or in saturated fat, this sex difference was not apparent. Isolated cardiomyocyte and heart Langendorff perfusion experiments were performed, and molecular measures of cell viability were assessed. Under basal conditions the contractile performance of omega-6 fed female cardiomyocytes and hearts was reduced compared with males. Omega-6 fed females exhibited impaired systolic resilience after ischemic insult. This response was associated with increased postischemia necrotic cell damage evaluated by coronary lactate dehydrogenase during reperfusion in omega-6 fed females. Cardiac and myocyte functional parameters were not different between omega-3 and saturated fat dietary groups and within these groups there were no discernible sex differences. Our data provide evidence at both the cardiac and cardiomyocyte levels that dietary saturated fatty acid intake replacement with an omega-6 (but not omega-3) enriched diet has selective adverse cardiac effect in females. This finding has potential relevance in relation to women, cardiac risk, and dietary management.
Elevation of iron storage in humans attenuates the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia
Authors: Bart Nicole K. , Curtis M. Kate , Cheng Hung-Yuan , Hungerford Sara L. , McLaren Ross , Petousi Nayia , Dorrington Keith L. , Robbins Peter A.
Published: July 2016

Sustained hypoxia over several hours induces a progressive rise in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Administration of intravenous iron immediately prior to the hypoxia exposure abrogates this effect, suggesting that manipulation of iron stores may modify hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Iron (ferric carboxymaltose) administered intravenously has a plasma half-life of 7-12 h. Thus any therapeutic use of intravenous iron would require its effect on PASP to persist long after the iron-sugar complex has been cleared from the blood. To examine this, we studied PASP during sustained (6 h) hypoxia on 4 separate days ( days 0, 1, 8, and 43) in 22 participants. On day 0, the rise in PASP with hypoxia was well matched between the iron and saline groups. On day 1, each participant received either 1 g of ferric carboxymaltose or saline in a double-blind manner. After administration of intravenous iron, the rise in PASP with hypoxia was attenuated by ∼50%, and this response remained suppressed on both days 8 and 43 ( P < 0.001). Following administration of intravenous iron, values for ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation, and hepcidin concentration rose significantly ( P < 0.001, P < 0.005, and P < 0.001, respectively), and values for transferrin concentration fell significantly ( P < 0.001). These changes remained significant at day 43. We conclude that the attenuation of the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia by elevation of iron stores persists long after the artificial iron-sugar complex has been eliminated from the blood. The persistence of this effect suggests that intravenous iron may be of benefit in some forms of pulmonary hypertension.
Passive heat therapy improves cutaneous microvascular function in sedentary humans via improved nitric oxide-dependent dilation
Authors: Brunt Vienna E. , Eymann Taylor M. , Francisco Michael A. , Howard Matthew J. , Minson Christopher T.
Published: July 2016

Passive heat therapy (repeated hot tub or sauna use) reduces cardiovascular risk, but its effects on the mechanisms underlying improvements in microvascular function have yet to be studied. We investigated the effects of heat therapy on microvascular function and whether improvements were related to changes in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability using cutaneous microdialysis. Eighteen young, sedentary, otherwise healthy subjects participated in 8 wk of heat therapy (hot water immersion to maintain rectal temperature ≥38.5°C for 60 min/session; n = 9) or thermoneutral water immersion (sham, n = 9), and participated in experiments before and after the 8-wk intervention in which forearm cutaneous hyperemia to 39°C local heating was assessed at three microdialysis sites receiving 1) Lactated Ringer's (Control), 2) Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA; nonspecific NO synthase inhibitor), and 3) 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempol), a superoxide dismutase mimetic. The arm used for microdialysis experiments remained out of the water at all times. Data are means ± SE cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC = laser Doppler flux/mean arterial pressure), presented as percent maximal CVC (% CVCmax). Heat therapy increased local heating plateau from 42 ± 6 to 53 ± 6% CVCmax( P < 0.001) and increased NO-dependent dilation (difference in plateau between Control and l-NNA sites) from 26 ± 6 to 38 ± 4% CVCmax( P < 0.01), while no changes were observed in the sham group. When data were pooled across all subjects at 0 wk, Tempol had no effect on the local heating response ( P = 0.53 vs. Control). There were no changes at the Tempol site across interventions ( P = 0.58). Passive heat therapy improves cutaneous microvascular function by improving NO-dependent dilation, which may have clinical implications.
Body Mass Index and Survival in a Prospective Randomized Trial of Localized High-Risk Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Donin Nicholas M. , Pantuck Allan , Klöpfer Pia , Bevan Paul , Fall Barbara , Said Jonathan , Belldegrun Arie S. , Chamie Karim
Published: July 2016

Background: The relationship between adiposity and renal cell carcinoma is poorly understood. Prior studies have suggested body mass index (BMI) may be associated with indolent disease.

Methods: We reviewed the clinicopathologic records of 845 patients across 14 countries who were enrolled in a prospective, placebo-controlled study of adjuvant girentuximab treatment for high-risk renal cell carcinoma. Clinical features analyzed included age, gender, race, BMI, and performance status. BMI was stratified into <25 kg/m2, 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, and ≥35 kg/m2. We examined the association of BMI with stage and survival using logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively.

Results: 845 patients were included for analysis. The majority (72%) were overweight/obese. There was an inverse relationship between BMI and lymph node involvement (P = 0.04). Obesity was associated with improved disease-free and overall survival (log rank <0.01 for both). When compared with normal weight subjects, those with a BMI 30–34.9 [HR 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.81] and BMI ≥35 (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09–0.60) had significantly improved overall survival. A trend towards improved disease-free survival was found among subjects with BMI 30–34.9 (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.56–1.05) and ≥35 (HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48–1.15).

Conclusions: In a prospective cohort of nephrectomized patients with high-risk disease, obesity is associated with lower risk of lymphatic spread and improved overall survival.

Impact: This is the first study utilizing data from a prospective randomized trial reporting an association between obesity and improved overall survival for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(9); 1326–32. ©2016 AACR.
Comparison between Urine and Cervical Samples for HPV DNA Detection and Typing in Young Women in Colombia
Authors: Cómbita Alba Lucía , Gheit Tarik , González Paula , Puerto Devi , Murillo Raúl Hernando , Montoya Luisa , Vorsters Alex , Van Keer Severien , Van Damme Pierre , Tommasino Massimo , Hernández-Suárez Gustavo , Sánchez Laura , Herrero Rolando , Wiesner Carolina
Published: July 2016

Urine sampling for HPV DNA detection has been proposed as an effective method for monitoring the impact of HPV vaccination programs; however, conflicting results have been reported. The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of optimized urine HPV DNA testing in women aged 19 to 25 years. Optimization process included the use of first void urine, immediate mixing of urine with DNA preservative, and the concentration of all HPV DNA, including cell-free DNA fragments. Urine and cervical samples were collected from 535 young women attending cervical screening at health centers from two Colombian cities. HPV DNA detection and genotyping was performed using an HPV type-specific multiplex genotyping assay, which combines multiplex polymerase chain reaction with bead-based Luminex technology. Concordance between HPV DNA detection in urine and cervical samples was determined using kappa statistics and McNemar tests. The accuracy of HPV DNA testing in urine samples was evaluated measuring sensitivity and specificity using as reference the results obtained from cervical samples. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA11.2 software. The findings revealed an overall HPV prevalence of 60.00% in cervical samples and 64.72% in urine samples, HPV-16 being the most frequent HPV type detected in both specimens. Moreover, our results indicate that detection of HPV DNA in first void urine provides similar results to those obtained with cervical samples and can be used to monitor HPV vaccination trials and programs as evidenced by the substantial concordance found for the detection of the four vaccine types. Cancer Prev Res; 9(9); 766–71. ©2016 AACR.
By Changing Dimensionality, Sequential Culturing of Midbrain Cells, rather than Two-Dimensional Culture, Generates a Neuron-Glia Ratio Closer to in vivo Adult Midbrain
Authors: Ganapathy Kavina , Sowmithra Sowmithra , Bhonde Ramesh , Datta Indrani
Published: July 2016

The neuron-glia ratio is of prime importance for maintaining the physiological homeostasis of neuronal and glial cells, and especially crucial for dopaminergic neurons because a reduction in glial density has been reported in postmortem reports of brains affected by Parkinson's disease. We thus aimed at developing an in vitro midbrain culture which would replicate a similar neuron-glia ratio to that in in vivo adult midbrain while containing a similar number of dopaminergic neurons. A sequential culture technique was adopted to achieve this. Neural progenitors (NPs) were generated by the hanging-drop method and propagated as 3D neurospheres followed by the derivation of outgrowth from these neurospheres on a chosen extracellular matrix. The highest proliferation was observed in neurospheres from day in vitro (DIV) 5 through MTT and FACS analysis of Ki67 expression. FACS analysis using annexin/propidium iodide showed an increase in the apoptotic population from DIV 8. DIV 5 neurospheres were therefore selected for deriving the differentiated outgrowth of midbrain on a poly-L-lysine-coated surface. Quantitative RT-PCR showed comparable gene expressions of the mature neuronal marker β-tubulin III, glial marker GFAP and dopaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as compared to in vivo adult rat midbrain. The FACS analysis showed a similar neuron-glia ratio obtained by the sequential culture in comparison to adult rat midbrain. The yield of β-tubulin III and TH was distinctly higher in the sequential culture in comparison to 2D culture, which showed a higher yield of GFAP immunopositive cells. Functional characterization indicated that both the constitutive and inducible (KCl and ATP) release of dopamine was distinctly higher in the sequential culture than the 2D culture. Thus, the sequential culture technique succeeded in the initial enrichment of NPs in 3D neurospheres, which in turn resulted in an optimal attainment of the neuron-glia ratio on outgrowth culture from these neurospheres.