bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking susceptibility among youth alternate tobacco product users: implications of flavoured tobacco from a national cross-sectional Canadian sample (YSS 2012/2013)
Authors: Minaker Leia M , Shuh Alanna , Nguyen Nghia , Azagba Sunday , Manske Steve R
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Declines in cigarette smoking have been accompanied by increases in alternative tobacco product (ATP) use, particularly among youth. This study examines smoking susceptibility and ATP use in a national sample of Canadian youth.

Methods

Data from grades 9–12 students who participated in the 2012/2013 Youth Smoking Survey, a nationally generalisable sample of Canadian students (n=27 404) were used to examine cigarette smoking susceptibility among never smokers (n=17 396). Logistic regression models were used to examine differences in smoking susceptibility by use of flavoured and all ATPs and by sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Results

Overall, 30% of Canadian grades 9–12 never smokers were susceptible to cigarette smoking. Compared to never users, those who had ever tried ATPs (OR=1.96, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.42) and those who had ever tried flavoured ATPs (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.96) had significantly higher odds of being susceptible to cigarette smoking.

Conclusions

ATP use is associated with smoking susceptibility among youth never smokers. Findings from this study, along with existing evidence, can be used by policymakers to improve regulation around youth access to ATPs (particularly flavoured varieties).
A supported psychoeducational intervention to improve family mental health following discharge from paediatric intensive care: feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Als Lorraine C , Nadel Simon , Cooper Mehrengise , Vickers Bea , Garralda M Elena
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess feasibility and pilot a supported psychoeducational tool to improve parent and child mental health following discharge from a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), in preparation for a large randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Design

Feasibility assessment and single-centre, parallel group, pilot RCT. A concealed computer generated list was used to randomise participants, with an allocation of 2:1 in favour of the intervention.

Setting

A PICU in an acute care hospital in London, UK.

Participants

31 parents of children aged 4–16 years-old admitted to PICU.

Intervention

Parents received a psychoeducational tool supported by a telephone call. The psychoeducational tool outlined the possible psychological reactions in children and parents alongside management advice. The telephone call addressed each family's postdischarge experience, reinforced the psychoeducational material and encouraged parents to put into practice the advice given.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the number of feasibility criteria successfully met (linked to the intervention and the study design). Secondary outcomes were questionnaire data collected at 3–6-month follow-up assessing mental health in parents and children.

Results

31 parents were randomised (intervention n=22; treatment as usual, TAU n=9). 23 parents were included in the analysis of secondary outcomes (intervention n=17; TAU n=6). 3 (of 6) intervention and 1 (of 6) study design feasibility criteria were fully met. All unmet criteria could be addressed with minor or significant modifications to the protocol. At follow-up there was a tendency for parents who received the intervention to report lower post-traumatic stress symptoms in themselves and fewer emotional and behavioural difficulties in their children than TAU parents. This needs to be explored in a fully powered trial.

Conclusions

This feasibility and pilot RCT provided valuable information on the intervention and trial design for a full RCT.

Trials registration number

NCT01737021; Results.
Has the difference in mortality between percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting in people with heart disease and diabetes changed over the years? A systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Herbison Peter , Wong Cheuk-Kit
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To examine the difference in outcome between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), to see if it has changed over the years in diabetics deemed eligible for both treatments; and to contrast the long-term mortality findings with those in non-diabetics.

Design

Meta-analyses using data from randomised controlled trials found by searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, from their inception until March 2015.

Setting

Studies had to be randomised controlled trials comparing PCI with CABG.

Participants

Those taking part in the studies had to have multivessel cardiac or left main artery cardiac disease and be deemed eligible for both treatments.

Interventions

PCI or CABG.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was all cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were a composite of mortality, stroke and myocardial infarction; cardiovascular death; and MACCE (Major Adverse Cardiac or Cerebrovascular Event). The longest follow-up was used in the analysis.

Results

Among 14 studies (4868 diabetics) reported over three decades, meta-regression shows no relationship between the year of publication and the difference in long term all cause mortality between PCI and CABG. CABG has maintained an approximately 30% mortality advantage compared to PCI. The other outcomes used showed the same lack of change over the years. These findings held true among insulin-requiring and non-insulin-requiring diabetics. However, among non-diabetics included in the 14 studies, there was no difference in mortality outcome between PCI and CABG.

Conclusions

The difference in outcome between PCI and CABG in diabetics has not narrowed from the beginning—with balloon angioplasty to current PCI—with the second generation of drug eluting stents. In contrast to the non-diabetics, there is a persistent 30% benefit in all cause mortality favouring CABG in diabetics, and this should be a major factor in treatment recommendation.
High incidence of hospitalisation due to infectious gastroenteritis in older people associated with poor self-rated health
Authors: Chen Yingxi , Liu Bette C , Glass Kathryn , Kirk Martyn D
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To estimate the incidence and risk factors for gastroenteritis-related hospitalisations in older adults.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Participants

The 45 and Up Study is a large-scale Australian prospective study of adults aged ≥45 years (mean 62.7 years) at recruitment in 2006–2009. Self-reported demographic, health and dietary information at recruitment from 265 440 participants were linked to infectious gastroenteritis hospitalisation data.

Outcome measures

We estimated the incidence of hospitalisation for infectious gastroenteritis, and calculated HRs using Cox regression, adjusting for sociodemographic, health and behavioural variables, with age as the underlying time variable.

Results

There were 6077 incident infectious gastroenteritis admissions over 1 111 000 person-years. Incidence increased exponentially with increasing age; from 2.4 per 1000 (95% CI 2.2 to 2.5) in individuals aged 45–54 years to 9.5 per 1000 (95% CI 9.2 to 9.8) in those aged 65+ years. After adjustment, hospitalisation due to infectious gastroenteritis was significantly more common in those reporting use of proton pump inhibitors (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 1.7), and those with poorer self-rated health (HR 4.2, 95% CI 3.6 to 4.9).

Conclusions

Infectious gastroenteritis results in hospitalisation of approximately 1% of people ≥65 years old each year. Early recognition and supportive treatment of diarrhoea in older patients with poorer self-rated health may prevent subsequent hospitalisation.
Assessing the impact of a Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention in palliative home care: a stepped wedge cluster trial
Authors: Grande Gunn Eli , Austin Lynn , Ewing Gail , O'Leary Neil , Roberts Chris
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To test the impact on family carers of a Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention to facilitate carer-led assessment and support during end of life care.

Method

Mixed method, part-randomised, stepped wedge cluster trial with 6 palliative home care services comparing carers receiving the intervention with those receiving standard care. Postal survey with carers 4–5 months postbereavement measured adequacy of end of life support, current mental and physical health (Short Form 12 Health Survey SF-12), level of grief (Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, TRIG) and distress (Distress Thermometer, DT), place of death and carer satisfaction with place of death.

Results

Surveys were sent to 3260 (76%) carers of 4311 deceased patients; 681 (21%) were returned (N=333 control, N=348 intervention). Compared with controls, intervention carers had significantly lower levels of early grief, better psychological and physical health, were more likely to feel the place of death was right, and patients were more likely to die at home. However, differences were small and process measures showed low level of implementation, indicating differences may partially relate to increased awareness of carer issues rather than a direct impact of the intervention.

Conclusions

Carers had better outcomes in the intervention condition, albeit modest. If this can be achieved through low level implementation and awareness raising of carers’ needs from implementation activities, substantial impact should be possible if the CSNAT intervention can be fully implemented with a majority of carers. The study illustrates challenges of implementing and testing a complex intervention in real-life practice and of achieving comprehensive carer assessment and support in line with government recommendations.
The role of parvovirus B19 in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and autoimmune disease
Authors: Kerr Jonathan R
Published: December 2015

Human parvovirus B19 is a single-stranded DNA virus which preferentially targets the erythroblasts in the bone marrow. B19 infection commonly causes erythema infectiosum, arthralgia, fetal death, transient aplastic crisis in patients with shortened red cell survival, and persistent infection in people who are immunocompromised. Less common clinical manifestations include atypical skin rashes, neurological syndromes, cardiac syndromes, and various cytopenias. B19 infection has also been associated with development of a variety of different autoimmune diseases, including rheumatological, neurological, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, haematological, nephrological and metabolic. Production of a variety of autoantibodies has been demonstrated to occur during B19 infection and these have been shown to be key to the pathogenesis of the particular disease process in a significant number of cases, for example, production of rheumatoid factor in cases of B19-associated rheumatoid arthritis and production of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in patients with B19-associated type 1 diabetes mellitus. B19 infection has also been associated with the development of multiple autoimmune diseases in 12 individuals. Documented mechanisms in B19-associated autoimmunity include molecular mimicry (IgG antibody to B19 proteins has been shown to cross react with a variety of recognised human autoantigens, including collagen II, keratin, angiotensin II type 1 receptor, myelin basic protein, cardiolipin, and platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa), B19-induced apoptosis with presentation of self-antigens to T lymphocytes, and the phospholipase activity of the B19 unique VP1 protein.
Veterinary engagement in the charity sector
Authors: Martin Nicola
Published: December 2015

Highlighting the importance of collaboration between charities and the veterinary profession to companion animal welfare in the UK, Nicola Martin reviews the role of vets in the charity sector, as part of Veterinary Record's series of articles discussing the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession.
Self-Stabilizing Algorithm for Minimal Dominating Set with Safe Convergence in an Arbitrary Graph
Authors: Ding Yihua , Wang James Z. , Srimani Pradip K.
Published: December 2015

In a graph or a network [Formula: see text], a set [Formula: see text] is a dominating set if each node in [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least one node in [Formula: see text]. A dominating set [Formula: see text] is called minimal when there does not exist a node [Formula: see text] such that the set [Formula: see text] is a dominating set. In this paper, we propose a new self-stabilizing algorithm for minimal dominating set. It has safe convergence property under synchronous daemon in the sense that starting from an arbitrary state, it quickly converges to a dominating set (a safe state) in two rounds, and then stabilizes in a minimal dominating set (the legitimate state) in [Formula: see text] rounds without breaking safety during the convergence interval, where n is the number of nodes. Space requirement at each node is [Formula: see text] bits.
Effect of high frequency modes of medium on an open quantum system
Authors: Dutta Nirupam , Chaudhuri A. K. , Panigrahi P. K.
Published: December 2015

We present a method to calculate the real time effective propagator of a generic open quantum system, immersed in a medium using a wave function based framework. The medium is characterized by a set of harmonic oscillators having a continuous span of frequencies. This technique has been applied to the Caldeira–Leggett model showing that high frequency modes of the medium do not contribute towards decay of the population of states of the open system. In fact, they cause a Rabi-type oscillation. Moreover, our wave function based approach provides an excellent alternative to conventional formalisms involving the density matrix.
Effect of the charged Higgs bosons in the radiative leptonic decays of B− and D− mesons
Authors: Yang Ji-Chong , Yang Mao-Zhi
Published: December 2015

In this work, we study the radiative leptonic decays of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons in the Standard Model (SM) and two-Higgs-doublet-model (2HDM) Type II. The results are obtained using the factorization procedure, and the contribution of the order [Formula: see text] is included. The numerical results are calculated using the wave function obtained in relativistic potential model. As a result, the decay mode [Formula: see text] is found to be sensitive to the effect of the charged Higgs boson. Using the constraint on the free parameters of 2HDM given in previous works, we find the contribution of the charged Higgs boson in the decay mode [Formula: see text] can be as large as about 13%.
Higher-twist mechanism and inclusive gluon production in pion–proton collisions
Authors: Ahmadov A. I. , Aydin C. , Myrzakulov R. , Uzun O.
Published: December 2015

We calculate the contribution of the higher-twist Feynman diagrams to the large-[Formula: see text] inclusive gluon production cross-section in [Formula: see text] collisions in case of the running coupling and frozen coupling approaches within perturbative and holographic QCD. The structure of infrared renormalon singularities of the higher-twist subprocess cross-section is obtained and the resummed higher-twist cross-sections (Borel sum) with the ones obtained in the framework of the frozen coupling approach and leading-twist cross-section are compared and analyzed.
ATLAS diboson excesses as an evidence for a heavy WW resonance with the weak isospin 2
Authors: Arbuzov Boris A. , Zaitsev Ivan V.
Published: December 2015

Recently reported diboson excesses at LHC are interpreted as indications for heavy resonance with weak isospin 2 due to would-be anomalous interaction of the weak bosons, which is defined by a constant [Formula: see text]. In the framework of an approach to the spontaneous generation of such interaction, we obtain estimates for the effect, which qualitatively agrees with ATLAS data. Effects are predicted in inclusive production of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] resonances in the vicinity of [Formula: see text], which could be reliably checked at the upgraded LHC with [Formula: see text].
The dynamic magnetic behaviors of the Blume–Capel Ising bilayer system
Authors: Ertaş Mehmet
Published: December 2015

The dynamic magnetic behaviors of the spin-1 Blume–Capel Ising bilayer system (BCIS) are studied in an oscillating external magnetic field on a two-layer square lattice by utilizing the mean field theory (MFT) based on Glauber-type stochastic dynamics [dynamic mean field theory (DMFT)]. The dynamic equations describing the time-dependencies of the average magnetizations are obtained with the Master equation. The dynamic phases in this system are found by solving these dynamic equations. The temperature dependence of the dynamic order parameters is examined to characterize the nature (continuous or discontinuous) of the phase transitions and to obtain the dynamic phase transition (DPT) points. The dynamic phase diagrams (DPDs) are shown for ferromagnetic/ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interactions in the plane of the reduced temperature versus magnetic field amplitude and they display dynamic tricritical and re-entrant behavior as well as the dynamic triple point (tp).
Adaptive, Noise-Exclusive and Assessment-Based Fuzzy Switching Median Filter For High Intensity Impulse Noise
Authors: Meher Saroj K. , Singhawat Brijraj
Published: December 2015

The article proposes an adaptive, noise-exclusive and assessment-based fuzzy switching median filter for high intensity impulse noise. The filter adaptively changes the size of sliding window in accordance with noise intensity and noise-exclusive operation is performed only on noise-free pixels. These steps thus preserve the image details effectively. Judicious assessment of the previously restored pixels is made in order to use them in replacing the noisy pixels and further improve the efficiency of filter. With these possibilities, fuzzy switching median filter-based approach is also incorporated for improving the performance. Experimental results justified the efficacy of the proposed fuzzy-based filtering method qualitatively and quantitatively for twelve different highly corrupted noisy images, and showed significant improvement to existing algorithms.
Damage Detection of Beams by a Vibration Characteristic Tuning Technique Through an Optimal Design of Piezoelectric Layers
Authors: Zhao Shengjie , Wu Nan , Wang Quan
Published: December 2015

An advanced technique for damage detection in beam structures, using a vibration characteristic tuning procedure is developed by an optimal design of piezoelectric materials. Piezoelectric sensors and actuators are mounted on the surface of the host beam to generate excitations for the tuning via a feedback process. The excitations induced by the piezoelectric effect are used to magnify the effect of the damage in the vibration characteristics of the damaged structure to realize an effective damage detection process. To describe the detection process, theoretical models of the cantilevered beams with and without tuning induced by piezoelectric effect are built first, while the damage is represented by a crack at the fixed end. From the established models, the natural frequencies of the tuned beams with and without the crack are obtained to study the sensitivity of the proposed technique. As a result of the tuning process, more obvious changes on the natural frequencies due to the existence of a crack are observed. The results also indicate a shorter distance from the piezoelectric actuators to the crack leads to a higher detection sensitivity. An optimal length of the piezoelectric actuators is also obtained for better detection.
Quantum walk public-key cryptographic system
Authors: Vlachou C. , Rodrigues J. , Mateus P. , Paunković N. , Souto A.
Published: December 2015

Quantum Cryptography is a rapidly developing field of research that benefits from the properties of Quantum Mechanics in performing cryptographic tasks. Quantum walks are a powerful model for quantum computation and very promising for quantum information processing. In this paper, we present a quantum public-key cryptographic system based on quantum walks. In particular, in the proposed protocol the public-key is given by a quantum state generated by performing a quantum walk. We show that the protocol is secure and analyze the complexity of public key generation and encryption/decryption procedures.
DETECTION OF BAT CORONAVIRUS AND SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN CHESTNUT BAT (SCOTOPHILUS KUHLII) POPULATION IN CENTRAL TAIWAN
Authors: Su Bo-Gang , Chen Hong Chang , Cheng Hsi-Chi , Chen Yi-Ning
Published: December 2015

Bats can serve as natural reservoirs for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Investigating the prevalence of bat CoV is critical for assessing the risks of the outbreaks of emerging CoV. Chestnut bats (Scotophilus kuhlii) were captured in this study for detecting the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene in their feces through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibodies to the nucleocapsid (N) protein of bat CoV through western blotting (WB) analysis. Three recombinant N protein fragments (N1, N2, N3) of the isolated Scotophilus bat CoV/CYCU-S1/TW/2013 were expressed by Escherichia coli. WB analyses were performed with bat serum samples and the sera of a patient who recovered from a SARS-CoV infection. Fragment N2 contained a highly conserved motif among CoVs whereas N1 and N3 protein fragments were specific to the S. kuhlii bat CoV. A total of 32 fecal and 19 serum samples were collected in Changhua County and Yunlin County during 2013 and 2014. About 17 fecal samples tested positive for the RdRp gene with an overall prevalence of 53%. Sequences comparison showed that the Scotophilus bat CoV isolates in Taiwan belonged to the genus Alphacoronavirus and were closest to Scotophilus bat CoV/Hainan/China/2005 and Diliman1552G1/Philippines/2008, followed by porcine epidemic diarrhea coronavirus. Only one bat serum sample reacted positively to all 3[Formula: see text]N protein fragments. Cross-reactivity was observed between N2 protein fragment and the sera of a patient recovered from a SARS-CoV infection. The results indicated that Scotophilus bat CoV was circulating endemically in chestnut bat population in Taiwan.
CASE REPORT: HEMANGIOSARCOMA OF THE MESENTERY IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORUS FURO)
Authors: Lee Roh-Kyum , Tsai Yu-Lun , Wang Hui-Ju , Lin Cheng-Chung , Chang Shih-Chieh , Liao Jiunn-Wang
Published: December 2015

A three-year-old female intact albino ferret was presented with clinical signs of panting, hyperpnea, weakness in all four limbs, loss of the swallowing reflex, lockjaw and sudden paleness of the oral mucosa and extremities. An abdominal mass was discovered during palpation. The patient died suddenly after clinical signs were observed. At necropsy, hemoperitoneum was noted in the abdominal cavity and a [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm dark red moruloid mass was found in the mesentery of the ileum. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed multiple cavernous structures with significant blood accumulation. Oval to polygonal neoplastic cells with frequent mitotic figures were also noted. Furthermore, neoplastic cells were positively stained with antibodies of CD34 and Factor VIII, and had metastasized to the mesentery lymph nodes. The definitive diagnosis was visceral hemangiosarcoma in a ferret.
Static Deflection and Pull-In Instability of the Electrostatically Actuated Bilayer Microcantilever Beams
Authors: Mojahedi M. , Rahaeifard M.
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with the static behavior of an electrostatically actuated bilayered microswitch on the basis of the modified couple stress theory. The beam is modeled using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and equivalent elastic modulus and length scale parameter are presented for the bilayer beam. Static deflection and pull-in voltage of the beam is calculated using numerical and analytical methods. The numerical method is based on an iterative approach while the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is utilized for the analytical simulation. Results show that there is a very good agreement between these methods even in the vicinity of the pull-in instability. Moreover, the effects of different parameters such as thicknesses of layers and length scale parameter on the static deflection and instability of the microcantilever are studied. Results show that for the cases with the equivalent length scale parameter comparable to the thickness of beam, the size-dependency plays significant roles in the static behavior of the bilayer microcantilevers.
The New York City Operations Support Tool (OST): Managing Water for Millions of People in an Era of Changing Climate and Extreme Hydrological Events
Authors: Porter James H. , Matonse Adão H. , Frei Allan
Published: December 2015

With an average daily delivery of 1.1 billion gallons ([Formula: see text]) of drinking water to approximately nine million people in New York City (NYC) and four upstate counties, the NYC Water Supply is among the world’s largest unfiltered systems. In addition to reliably supplying water in terms of quantity and quality, the city has to fulfill other flow objectives to serve downstream communities. At times, such as during extreme hydrological events, water quality issues may restrict water usage from parts of the system; the city is proactively implementing a number of programs to monitor and minimize the impact. To help guide operations and planning, NYC has developed the Operations Support Tool (OST), a decision support system that utilizes ensemble forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast Service (HEFS). This paper provides an overview of OST and shows two operations case studies to illustrate how OST is used to support risk-based water supply management. As the modeling uncertainty is strongly impacted by the forecast skill, we also discuss how changes in patterns of hydrological extreme events elevate the challenge faced by water supply managers and the role of the scientific community to integrate non-stationarity approaches in hydrologic forecasting.
Fast 4D Sheared Filtering for Interactive Rendering of Distribution Effects
Authors: Yan Ling-Qi , Mehta Soham Uday , Ramamoorthi Ravi , Durand Fredo
Published: December 2015

Soft shadows, depth of field, and diffuse global illumination are common distribution effects, usually rendered by Monte Carlo ray tracing. Physically correct, noise-free images can require hundreds or thousands of ray samples per pixel, and take a long time to compute. Recent approaches have exploited sparse sampling and filtering; the filtering is either fast (axis-aligned), but requires more input samples, or needs fewer input samples but is very slow (sheared). We present a new approach for fast sheared filtering on the GPU. Our algorithm factors the 4D sheared filter into four 1D filters. We derive complexity bounds for our method, showing that the per-pixel complexity is reduced from
O
(
n
2
l
2
) to
O
(
nl
), where
n
is the linear filter width (filter size is
O
(
n
2
)) and
l
is the (usually very small) number of samples for each dimension of the light or lens per pixel (spp is
l
2
). We thus reduce sheared filtering overhead dramatically. We demonstrate rendering of depth of field, soft shadows and diffuse global illumination at interactive speeds. We reduce the number of samples needed by 5-8×, compared to axis-aligned filtering, and framerates are 4× faster for equal quality.
A Survey of Architectural Techniques for Near-Threshold Computing
Authors: Mittal Sparsh
Published: December 2015

Energy efficiency has now become the primary obstacle in scaling the performance of all classes of computing systems. Low-voltage computing, specifically, near-threshold voltage computing (NTC), which involves operating the transistor very close to and yet above its threshold voltage, holds the promise of providing many-fold improvement in energy efficiency. However, use of NTC also presents several challenges such as increased parametric variation, failure rate, and performance loss. This article surveys several recent techniques that aim to offset these challenges for fully leveraging the potential of NTC. By classifying these techniques along several dimensions, we also highlight their similarities and differences. It is hoped that this article will provide insights into state-of-the-art NTC techniques to researchers and system designers and inspire further research in this field.
Auctioning Time
Authors: Aumann Yonatan , Dombb Yair , Hassidim Avinatan
Published: December 2015

We consider the problem of auctioning time - a one-dimensional continuously-divisible heterogeneous good - among multiple agents. Applications include auctioning time for using a shared device, auctioning TV commercial slots, and more. Different agents may have different valuations for the different possible intervals; the goal is to maximize the aggregate utility. Agents are self-interested and may misrepresent their true valuation functions if this benefits them. Thus, we seek auctions that are
truthful
. Considering the case that each agent may obtain a single interval, the challenge is twofold, as we need to determine both where to slice the interval, and who gets what slice. We consider two settings: discrete and continuous. In the discrete setting, we are given a
sequence
of
m
indivisible elements (
e
1
, …,

e
m

), and the auction must allocate each agent a
consecutive subsequence
of the elements. In the continuous setting, we are given a continuous, infinitely divisible interval, and the auction must allocate each agent a subinterval. The agents’ valuations are nonatomic measures on the interval. We show that, for both settings, the associated computational problem is NP-complete even under very restrictive assumptions. Hence, we provide approximation algorithms. For the discrete case, we provide a truthful auctioning mechanism that approximates the optimal welfare to within a log
m
factor. The mechanism works for arbitrary monotone valuations. For the continuous setting, we provide a truthful auctioning mechanism that approximates the optimal welfare to within an
O
(log
n
) factor (where
n
is the number of agents). Additionally, we provide a truthful 2-approximation mechanism for the case that all pieces must be of some fixed size.
Accessibility for business and pleasure
Authors: Horton Sarah , Sloan David
Published: December 2015

This forum is dedicated to maximizing the success of HCI practitioners within the frenetic world of product and service design. It focuses on UX strategy approaches, leadership, management techniques, and above all the challenge of bringing HCI to peer-level status with longstanding business disciplines such as marketing and engineering. ---
Daniel Rosenberg, Editor
Biosignals in human-computer interaction
Authors: Schmidt Albrecht
Published: December 2015

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design. ---
Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
Taking the code for a walk
Authors: van Ditmar Delfina Fantini , Lockton Dan
Published: December 2015

We live in a world where everyday objects, digital services, and human beings are increasingly interconnected. This forum aims to offer and promote a rich discussion on the challenges of designing for a broader ecology of materials, artifacts, and practices. ---
Elisa Giaccardi, Editor
Everything said is said by an observer.
---Humberto Maturana (1972)
Incorporating Cyclic Task Behaviour into Ada Tasks
Authors: Bernardi Patrick
Published: December 2015

While Ada incorporates comprehensive support for real-time systems, it is missing a common programming abstraction used in the design of these systems: cyclic tasks. Without the abstraction, users resort to solutions that introduce unnecessary complexity into their programs -- making it harder to read and write what should be a simple primitive. The omission of a cyclic task abstraction appears due to an aversion to implementing a too higher-level abstraction within Ada, and the perceived complexity and limitations brought to the language as a result. This paper will demonstrate the aversion is unwarranted and present an extension to Ada's existing task type to provide support for a cyclic task abstraction. The extension will show an emphasis on clarity, structure and implementability, while minimising the impact on the existing language.
Fate of orally administered radioactive fatty acids in the late-pregnant rat
Authors: López-Luna Pilar , Ortega-Senovilla Henar , López-Soldado Iliana , Herrera Emilio
Published: December 2015

To investigate the biodisponibility of placental transfer of fatty acids, rats pregnant for 20 days were given tracer amounts of [14C]palmitic (PA), oleic (OA), linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (LNA), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) orally and euthanized at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 8.0 h thereafter. Maternal plasma radioactivity in lipids initially increased only to decline at later times. Most of the label appeared first as triacylglycerols (TAG); later, the proportion in phospholipids (PhL) increased. The percentage of label in placental lipids was also always highest shortly after administration and declined later; again, PhL increased with time. Fetal plasma radioactivity increased with time, with its highest value at 8.0 h after DHA or LNA administration. DHA initially appeared primarily in the nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and PA, OA, LA, and LNA as TAG followed by NEFA; in all cases, there was an increase in PhL at later times. Measurement of fatty acid concentrations allowed calculation of specific (radio)activities, and the ratio (fetal/maternal) of these in the plasmas gave an index of placental transfer activity, which was LNA > LA > DHA = OA > PA. It is proposed that a considerable proportion of most fatty acids transferred through the placenta are released into the fetal circulation in the form of TAG.
Postnatal neonatal myocardial adaptation is associated with loss of tolerance to tachycardia: a simultaneous invasive and noninvasive assessment
Authors: Fortin-Pellerin Etienne , Khoo Nee S. , Mills Lindsay , Coe James Y. , Serrano-Lomelin Jesus , Cheung Po-Yin , Hornberger Lisa K.
Published: December 2015

Doppler studies at rest suggest left ventricular (LV) diastolic function rapidly improves from the neonate to infant. Whether this translates to its response to hemodynamic challenges is uncertain. We sought to explore the impact of early LV maturation on its ability to tolerate atrial tachycardia. As tachycardia reduces filling time, we hypothesized that the neonatal LV would be less tolerant of atrial tachycardia. Landrace cross piglets of two age groups (1–3 days; NPs; 14–17 days, YPs; n = 7/group) were instrumented for an atrial pacing protocol (from 200 to 300 beats/min) and assessed by invasive monitoring and echocardiography. NPs maintained their LV output and blood pressure, whereas YPs did not. Although negative dP/d t in NPs at baseline was lower than that of YPs (−1,599 ± 83 vs. −2,470 ± 226 mmHg/s, respectively, P = 0.007), with increasing tachycardia negative dP/d t converged between groups and was not different. Both groups had similar preload reduction during tachycardia; however, NPs maintained shortening fraction while YPs decreased (NPs: 35.4 ± 1.4 vs. 31.8 ± 2.2%, P = 0.35; YPs: 31.4 ± 0.8 vs. 22.9 ± 0.8%, P < 0.001). Contractility measures did not differ between groups. Peak LV twist and untwisting rate also did not differ; however, NPs tended to augment LV twist through increased apical rotation and YPs through increasing basal rotation ( P = 0.009). The NPs appear more tolerant of atrial tachycardia than the YPs. They have at least similar diastolic performance, enhanced systolic performance, and different LV twist mechanics, which may contribute to improved tachycardia tolerance of NPs.
Taking into account circadian rhythm when conducting experiments on animals
Authors: Gumz Michelle L.
Published: December 2015

Do your kidneys know what time it is? Mounting evidence from human studies and animal models strongly suggests that the answer to this question is yes. The time has come to start reporting the time of day at which renal physiology studies are performed.
A putative low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet elicits mild nutritional ketosis but does not impair the acute or chronic hypertrophic responses to resistance exercise in rodents
Authors: Roberts Michael D. , Holland A. Maleah , Kephart Wesley C. , Mobley C. Brooks , Mumford Petey W. , Lowery Ryan P. , Fox Carlton D. , McCloskey Anna E. , Shake Joshua J. , Mesquita Paulo , Patel Romil K. , Martin Jeffrey S. , Young Kaelin C. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: December 2015

We examined whether acute and/or chronic skeletal muscle anabolism is impaired with a low-carbohydrate diet formulated to elicit ketosis (LCKD) vs. a mixed macronutrient Western diet (WD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (9-10 wk of age, 300–325 g) were provided isoenergetic amounts of a LCKD or a WD for 6 wk. In AIM 1, basal serum and gastrocnemius assessments were performed. In AIM 2, rats were resistance exercised for one bout and were euthanized 90–270 min following exercise for gastrocnemius analyses. In AIM 3, rats voluntarily exercised daily with resistance-loaded running wheels, and hind limb muscles were analyzed for hypertrophy markers at the end of the 6-wk protocol. In AIM 1, basal levels of gastrocnemius phosphorylated (p)-rps6, p-4EBP1, and p-AMPKα were similar between diets, although serum insulin ( P < 0.01), serum glucose ( P < 0.001), and several essential amino acid levels ( P < 0.05) were lower in LCKD-fed rats. In AIM 2, LCKD- and WD-fed rats exhibited increased postexercise muscle protein synthesis levels ( P < 0.0125), but no diet effect was observed ( P = 0.59). In AIM 3, chronically exercise-trained LCKD- and WD-fed rats presented similar increases in relative hind limb muscle masses compared with their sedentary counterparts (12–24%, P < 0.05), but there was no between-diet effects. Importantly, the LCKD induced “mild” nutritional ketosis, as the LCKD-fed rats in AIM 2 exhibited ∼1.5-fold greater serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels relative to WD-fed rats (diet effect P = 0.003). This study demonstrates that the tested LCKD in rodents, while only eliciting mild nutritional ketosis, does not impair the acute or chronic skeletal muscle hypertrophic responses to resistance exercise.
Efficient Rooting System for Apple “M.9” Rootstock Using Rice Seed Coat and Smocked Rice Seed Coat
Authors: Akbari Matiullah , Maejima Tsutomu , Otagaki Shungo , Shiratake Katsuhiro , Matsumoto Shogo
Published: December 2015

“M.9” rootstock is considered as one of the most useful apple (MalusxdomesticaBorkh.) rootstocks; it produces dwarfing trees efficiently. As “M.9” rootstock shows a poor, brittle, and shallow roots system, we grafted “M.9” rootstocks onto “Marubakaidou” (M. prunifoliaBorkh. var. ringo Asami Mo 84-A). We then propagated them by mound layering to establish a high-density root system. It was found that covering the roots with rice seed coat (RSC), RSC + smoked rice seed coat (SRSC), and vermiculite during mound layering was effective for the initiation of rooting. Utilizing RSC and SRSC seemed especially effective for producing “M.9” roots efficiently.
Placenta Accreta in a Woman withEscherichia coliChorioamnionitis with Intact Membranes
Authors: Montelongo Emma M. , Blue Nathan R. , Lee Richard H.
Published: December 2015

Background.Escherichia coli(E. coli) associated intrauterine infections with intact membranes are extremely rare.Case. A 30-year-old multiparous female presented at 26 weeks’ gestation with clinical signs of chorioamnionitis but physical examination suggested intact membranes. Her dietary history was concerned with Listeriosis. An amniocentesis was performed. Shortly thereafter, the mother developed septic shock and an urgent Cesarean delivery was performed. The patient required a peripartum hysterectomy for placenta accreta. Amniotic fluid cultures grewE. coli.
4‐Isopropyl‐2,6‐bis(1‐phenylethyl)aniline 1, an Analogue of KTH‐13 Isolated from Cordyceps bassiana, Inhibits the NF‐κB‐Mediated Inflammatory Response
Authors: Yang Woo Seok , Ratan Zubair Ahmed , Kim Gihyeon , Lee Yunmi , Kim Mi-Yeon , Kim Jong-Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: December 2015

The Cordyceps species has been a good source of compounds with anticancer and anti‐inflammatory activities. Recently, we reported a novel compound (4‐isopropyl‐2,6‐bis(1‐phenylethyl)phenol, KTH‐13) with anticancer activity isolated from Cordyceps bassiana and created several derivatives to increase its pharmacological activity. In this study, we tested one of the KTH‐013 derivatives, 4‐isopropyl‐2,6‐bis(1‐phenylethyl)aniline 1 (KTH‐13‐AD1), with regard to anti‐inflammatory activity under macrophage‐mediated inflammatory conditions. KTH‐13‐AD1 clearly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sodium nitroprusside‐ (SNP‐) treated macrophage‐like cells (RAW264.7 cells). Similarly, this compound also reduced mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), as analyzed by RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR. Interestingly, KTH‐13‐AD1 strongly diminished NF‐κB‐mediated luciferase activities and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB family proteins. In accordance, KTH‐13‐AD1 suppressed the upstream signaling pathway of NF‐κB activation, including IκBα, IKKα/β, AKT, p85/PI3K, and Src in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The autophosphorylation of Src and NF‐κB observed during the overexpression of Src was also suppressed by KTH‐13‐AD1. These results strongly suggest that KTH‐13‐AD1 has strong anti‐inflammatory features mediated by suppression of the Src/NF‐κB regulatory loop.
Hybrid Multiple Soft-Sensor Models of Grinding Granularity Based on Cuckoo Searching Algorithm and Hysteresis Switching Strategy
Authors: Wang Jie-Sheng , Shen Na-Na
Published: December 2015

According to the characteristics of grinding process and accuracy requirements of technical indicators, a hybrid multiple soft-sensor modeling method of grinding granularity is proposed based on cuckoo searching (CS) algorithm and hysteresis switching (HS) strategy. Firstly, a mechanism soft-sensor model of grinding granularity is deduced based on the technique characteristics and a lot of experimental data of grinding process. Meanwhile, the BP neural network soft-sensor model and wavelet neural network (WNN) soft-sensor model are set up. Then, the hybrid multiple soft-sensor model based on the hysteresis switching strategy is realized. That is to say, the optimum model is selected as the current predictive model according to the switching performance index at each sampling instant. Finally the cuckoo searching algorithm is adopted to optimize the performance parameters of hysteresis switching strategy. Simulation results show that the proposed model has better generalization results and prediction precision, which can satisfy the real-time control requirements of grinding classification process.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator Once Monthly versus Epoetin Thrice Weekly for Anaemia Management in Chronic Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Maoujoud Omar , Ahid Samir , Dkhissi Hocein , Oualim Zouhair , Cherrah Yahia
Published: December 2015

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) once monthly to epoetin beta (EpoB) thrice weekly to maintain haemoglobin (Hb) within the range 10.5–12 g/dL.Methods. Prospective cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis. Chronic haemodialysis patients (CHP), being treated with EpoB, were selected for two periods of follow-up: period 1, maintaining prior treatment with EpoB, and period 2, conversion to CERA once monthly. Hb concentrations and costs were measured monthly. Health care payer perspective for one year was adopted.Results. 75 CHP completed the study, with a mean age of52.9±14.3years. Baseline Hb was11.14±1.18 g/dL in EpoB phase and11.46±0.79 g/dL in CERA phase; we observed a significant increase in the proportion of patients successfully treated (Hb within the recommended range), 65.3% versus 70.7%,p: 0.008, and in the average effectiveness by 4% (0.55 versus 0.59). Average cost-effectiveness ratios were 6013.86 and 5173.64$, with an ICER CERA to EpoB at −6457.5$.Conclusion. Our health economic evaluation of ESA use in haemodialysis patients suggests that the use of CERA is cost-effective compared with EpoB.
Cyclic GMP‐AMP Synthase Is Required for Cell Proliferation and Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synoviocytes
Authors: Wang Yan , Su Guo-Hua , Zhang Fang , Chu Jing-Xue , Wang Yun-Shan
Published: December 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) invasive proliferation, and joint destruction. Cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that induces immune activation. In this study, we examined whether cGAS plays a role in RA FLS. In this study, cGAS was overexpressed in RA‐FLS compared with OA FLS. TNFα stimulation induced cGAS expression in RA FLS. Overexpression of cGAS promoted the proliferation and knockdown of cGAS inhibited the proliferation of RA FLS. cGAS overexpression enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as AKT and ERK phosphorylation in TNFα‐stimulated FLS. In contrast, cGAS silencing inhibited production of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as AKT and ERK phosphorylation in TNFα‐stimulated FLS. These results suggest that cGAS activates the AKT and ERK pathways to promote the inflammatory response of RA FLS, and the development of strategies targeting cGAS may have therapeutic potential for human RA.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Carotenoids in Four Species ofTrentepohlia(Trentepohliales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Kharkongor Diana , Ramanujam Papiya
Published: December 2015

TrentepohliaMartius, a dominant green subaerial alga, grows abundantly in Shillong and imparts the yellow, red, and orange colours to most of the tree barks, walls, rocks, and electric poles because of high accumulation of carotenoids in their filaments. This study emphasised the seasonal changes in carotenoid content amongst four different species ofTrentepohlia, that is,T. diffracta,T. arborum,T. umbrina, andT. abietina, collected from four different substrata, that is, wall, rock, electric pole, and three types of tree bark (smooth, fissured, and rough). Quantitative estimation of different carotenoids, namely,β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, andβ-carotene, from HPLC chromatogram peak showed a significant seasonal variation in all of the four species andβ-carotene was threefold more in winter compared to summer. Amongst the selected species,T. diffractacollected from wall contained the highest amount ofβ-carotene both in summer and in winter, followed byT. arborumfrom rock andT. abietinafrom bark, and least amount was inT. umbrinacollected from electric pole. Comparing the carotenoid content inTrentepohlia abietinagrowing in different types of barks, sample from smooth bark had the highest amount of carotenoids both in summer and in winter, followed by the sample from rough bark, and lowest amount was noted in fissured bark.