bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stock Market Prediction Performance of Neural Networks: A Literature Review
Authors: Ican Özgür , Çelik Taha Bugra
Published: October 2017

In this paper, previous studies featuring an artificial neural networks based prediction model have been reviewed. The main purpose of this review is to examine studies which use directional prediction accuracy (also known as hit ratio) or profitability of the model as a benchmark since other forecast error measures - namely mean absolute deviation (MAD), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean squared error (MSE) - have been criticized for the argument that they are not able to actually show how useful the prediction model is, in terms of financial gains (i.e. for practical usage). In order to meet the publication selection criteria mentioned above, a large number of publications have been examined and 25 of papers satisfying the criteria are selected for comparison. Classification of the eligible papers are summarized in a table format for future studies.
The Determinants of Unemployment Rate in Jordan: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Alrabba Mohammad
Published: October 2017

This study aims to investigate the determinants of unemployment rate in Jordan during the period (1992-2015). The Augmented Dickey- Fuller test (ADF) was utilized to examine the stationarity of the variables of this study. The results have shown that the variables are stationary at different orders, I(0), I(1), and I(2). The Granger causality test found that there is a unidirectional causal relationship running from private investment to unemployment rate.Two tools of analysis were employed: impulse response function and variance decomposition through applying a vector autoregression (VAR) model. The final results have shown that private investment has a negative impact on unemployment rate in Jordan, which explains about 2.64% of the variations in the unemployment rate in the second period and (1.58%) in the fourth period. This percentage also tends to decline to a level at which the explanatory power of private investment for the forecast error in the unemployment rate can reach 1.34% in the ninth period.
Factors Affecting International Business of Service Sector Based Indian Public Sector Undertakings: A Preferential Analysis
Authors: Panwar Ankur , Malhotra Amarjeet
Published: October 2017

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India are the entities which have the status of being Government-owned companies. Internationalization of activities is unavoidable these days in order to sustain. There are number of decisions involved when a PSU decides to enter International market. Tackling factors affecting international business are the most crucial decisions which a PSU has to make. Studies have been carried out in the field of International business and PSUs however, there is an absolute dearth of studies regarding awareness about factors affecting international business of service sector based Indian PSUs. This paper analyzes various factors affecting International business for service sector based Indian PSUs. This paper encompasses the boundary of entire International market and effort has been made to cover all continent and prominent regions/ countries. Responses to our questionnaire are collected from employees of service sector based Indian PSUs, employees of International organizations and related experts in the field of international business. This research study is exploratory in nature. The judgemental or purposive sampling method is used in the study. The data collected from various sources is interpreted and analysed with the help of need based statistical techniques. The descriptive analysis of the responses obtained from them has been done in the study. In descriptive analysis the measure of central tendency (mean, median), dispersion (standard deviation), minimum and maximum scores are estimated. Preferential mapping has also been used in the study to know the preferences of the respondents. In this research paper various factors affecting international business for service sector based Indian PSUs, in various international regions e.g. Africa, Middle East, Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, Latin America & the Caribbean and preferred entry modes, promotional & operational strategies for most important factors have been found out through secondary data information and primary data analysis.
Influence of Maltodextrin on Physicochemical Characteristics of Lyophilized Mangaba Pulp
Authors: Barroso A. J. R. , Almeida F. A. C. , Silva L. M. M. , Castro D. S. , Neto A. Figueiredo
Published: October 2017

The use of lyophilization has increased because of the quality attributes exhibited by dehydrated products, which can be directly consumed or added in formulations of high nutritional value. The objective of this study was to obtain mangaba powder through the lyophilization of the formulations F1 - 0%, F2 - 10%, F3 - 20% and F4 - 30%, chosen based on the percentage of the carrier agent, for the characterization of its water content, titratable acidity, pH and color, represented by the parameters luminosity (L*), intensity of red (+a*) and intensity of yellow (+b*). The results showed that the addition of maltodextrin positively altered the characteristics of the product, favoring a reduction in the parameters of acidity (5.36 to 1.5), pH (3.71 to 4.13), water activity (0.230 to 0.075) and moisture (11.44 to 1.16), as well as an increase in luminosity L*, which varied from 52.16 to 72.5, and reduction in the chromaticity a* and b*, showing results that express a lower intensity of red and yellow colors, approaching zero for a* and b*, respectively, and also that the production of mangaba powder can be a viable alternative for its industrialization and a choice for the development of the crop with generation of employment and income to farmers.
Attitudes towards euthanasia in the context of fear of death among physiotherapists and caregivers of patients with paresis/ Postawy wobec eutanazj i w kontekście lęku przed śmiercią wśród fizjoterapeutów i opiekunów pacjentów z niedowładami
Authors: Głębocka Alicja
Published: October 2017

Background: The permissibility of euthanasia raises many moral dilemmas, dividing the general public on this
matter. Attitudes towards euthanasia depend on socio-cultural (age, beliefs) and individual factors (personality
traits or working in medical professions).
Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to establish attitudes towards euthanasia and the level of anxiety
before death among people in close contact with persons suffering from paresis. The hypotheses assumed that
contact with disabled patients, who require constant care, and the type of such contact, modify the perceived
fear of death and attitudes towards euthanasia.
Material and methods: Two clinical groups were involved in the study: physiotherapists dealing with stroke
rehabilitation, family caregivers permanently taking care of close relatives of cerebral stroke survivors. The
results of the two groups were compared to those of the control group, who were individuals with no personal
experience in the care of patients with paresis. Attitudes towards euthanasia were measured in three dimensions:
information support, liberal attitudes and conservative attitudes.
Results: The results showed no intergroup differences in two dimensions: liberal attitude and the fear of death.
Physiotherapists were the least conservative in their attitudes in comparison to other participants and they
appreciated the information support more than participants from the control group.
Conclusions: The results indicated that everyday contact with the patients suffering from paresis can increase
conservative attitudes toward euthanasia but only among caregivers.
The knowledge of students in Opole Medical School on honorary blood donation and transfusion medicine – analysis of own research/ Wiedza studentów Państwowej Medycznej Wyższej Szkoły Zawodowej w Opolu
dotycząca honorowego krwiodawstwa
i leczenia krwią – analiza badań własn ych
Authors: Czapla Sabina , Niechwiadowicz-Czapka Teresa
Published: October 2017

Background: The ultimate purpose of blood donation is to obtain blood from healthy donors for use by those
who require a blood transfusion. This becomes possible due to a solid base of blood donors. Oftentimes, students
are recruited as they represent a large potential pool of donors. The results of this survey indicate the areas that
require focus in order to promote voluntary blood donation.
Aim of the study: To determine the amount of knowledge that Opole Medical School students have concerning
blood donation and its treatment.
Material and methods: This research was performed using a diagnostic survey method. One hundred Opole
medical School students anonymously filled out a questionnaire concerning blood donation. Their answers were
analyzed in an “R” statistic and PSPP program. The answer content was assessed with consideration for collegiate
level, medical education, potential blood donation, and contact with blood donors.
Results: 85 % of students think that their knowledge is average. 82 % of students reported understanding that
blood donation is non habit- forming, while 65% were aware there is no risk of blood overproduction in the case
of regular donations. Approximately 22 % of respondents were aware that blood donation has minimal risk for
the donor, but half of the respondents had an incorrect understanding of donor privileges.
Conclusions: Students with medical education, senior level students and those who have contact with honor
blood donors, do not have greater knowledge than other respondents. The greatest knowledge of blood donation
and transfusion have these students who are actually honor blood donors.
Art therapy in nursing/ Terapia artystyczna w pielęgniarstwie
Authors: Avramova Gergana
Published: October 2017

Illness, emotions, art and therapy – is there a connection between them? Is there a significant bond between
nursing and art therapy and if there is one, how can we put it in practice?
The belief that the mind plays an important role in physical illness goes back to the earliest days of medicine.
New molecular and pharmacological tools have made it possible to identify the network that exists between the
immune system and the brain, and allows the two system to signal each other continuously and rapidly. Disruption
of this communication in any way exacerbates the diseases that the immune system guards against. It
is getting clear now for scientists how signals from the immune system can affect the brain and the emotional
and physical responses it controls: the molecular basis of feeling sick. In all this, the boundaries between mind
and body are beginning to blur.
The significance of these findings seems promising to extend the range of therapeutic treatments available for
various disorders.
Nursing, as identified with keeping care for the patients during the process of healing, is facing the challenge
to create and maintain a relationship with the patients. And this unity between nurses and patients should be
built on the base of commitment, compassion, good will and empathy. The art of nursing is the heart of caring.
It is obvious in recent years, that there are great benefits in asking patients to connect themselves in any kind of
art therapy. Artistic expression is an activity that involves the brain in ways that can be used to enhance therapeutic
treatment and evaluation.
This article is showing that there is a bond between illness and emotions, and that art therapeutic methods can
be used in nursing, in order to achieve better results in the process of healing.
Using art therapeutic methods in nursing practice gives a way to improve the well-being of the patients, to create
a relationship filled with empathy, courage and compassion.
Między Krzemieńcem a Warszawą. Związki Liceum Wołyńskiego Uniwersytetem Warszawskim 1816–1831
Authors: Buczek Katarzyna
Published: October 2017

The Volhynian Gymnasium (and since 1818 Lyceum) in Kremenets was one of the most important Polish schools of the first half of the 19th century. Raising it to the rank of a lyceum coincided with the creation of the University of Warsaw. The new school on academic level operating in the city of the Society of Friends of Science (Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Nauk) aroused interest among students in Kremenets. More than a dozen of them entered the University. Moreover, teachers of the school were invited to collaborate with the University of Warsaw. In 1830 a doctor from Kremenets, Karol Kaczkowski, became university professor and head of the clinic of internal medicine. He left memoirs in which he colourfully described professors of the medical faculty. On the other hand, Alojzy Feliński, who was offered professorship at the University of Warsaw, preferred a job in Kremenets. Besides scientific contacts there were also social relationships and family ties. Alojzy Osiński, brother of a University of Warsaw professor, Ludwik Osiński, taught Polish and Latin literature in Kremenets.
Zamknięcie Szkoły Głównej a rozwój samokształcenia na ziemiach polskich. Wybrane problemy
Authors: Poniatowska Izabela
Published: October 2017

The article concerns selected problems associated with the development of self-study after
closing of the Main School in Warsaw in 1869. The need for self-study by the students of the
Main School was associated, among other things, with the lack of qualified teaching staff.
In connection with the development of the self-study movement in Poland, there evolved a type
of ‘private researcher’ who carried out research on the margins of paid work. In the circle of
former students and graduates of the School the best-known self-education initiatives were:
“The Flying University”, “A guide for the self-taught” initiated by Stanisław Michalski, and Kasa
im. Józefa Mianowskiego. In the article, reference is made, inter alia, to the pedagogical propositions
of Boleslaw Prus (who encouraged reading and self-study) and Adolf Dygasiński
(who wrote “How to learn and how to teach others” – a guide for self-study). The article also
discusses the less known self-education initiatives, such as the activity of Stanisław Kramsztyk,
Feliks Kucharzewski and Szymon Methal.
Tajna działalność Wydziału Lekarskiego Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego w latach 1939–1945
Authors: Szantiło Emilia
Published: October 2017

During the Second World War Nazi occupying forces closed down the University of Warsaw and other Polish academies. Secondary and higher level education was forbidden. In spite of interdictions and death penalty threat many professors were teaching in private apartments. That activity created a structure of secret studies, which became part of the Polish resistance. The Medical Faculty was the most active department of the University of Warsaw. Many young people wanted to start or continue medical studies, therefore the Medical Faculty Council decided to establish a secret two-year Medical College, (which later evolved into full Medical Faculty) and legal private vocational school known as Professor Zaorski’s School. Officially the school was educating medical help staff (nurses, paramedics) but unofficially they were future medical doctors, because the institution secretly carried out the program of the first two years of regular medical studies. Alumni of Prof. Zaorski’s School could continue their studies at the secret Medical Faculty during hospital practices. The secret Medical Faculty of the University of Warsaw completed its activity along with the beginning of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944.
Usage of piezoelectric instruments in larynx surgery
Authors: Jurek Olga , Wójtowicz Piotr , Krzeski Antoni
Published: October 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate usability of the piezoelectric knife in larynx surgery. Prove that the
piezoelectric staff can be used to do any different shape incision within the larynx cartilages.
Material and methods: 35 patients hospitalized in our Department in 2014–2016 were enrolled in our study. 24 patients
went vertical partial laryngectomy and 1 patient went horizontal partial laryngectomy because of larynx cancer.
5 patients went partial laryngectomy because of low stage of piriformis recess cancer. Piezoelectric staff was used to
do thyroidectomy and resection of thyroid cartilage suspected of carcinomatosis infiltration. The rest 4 patients had
done widening of larynx lumen due to larynx stenosis or slenderness. The piezoelectric tool was used to do different
incision or resection within the larynx cartilages in case of widening lumen of the larynx.
Results: The larynx cartilages, especially thyroid cartilage could be cut in different shapes using piezoelectric tools.
The usage of this equipment causes the minimal loss and small destruction of local healthy tissues.
Conclusions: The Piezoelectric instrument is useful instrument suit to operate within larynx cartilages. Exchangeable tip
available in different shapes enables different resections of cartilages. Using the piezoelectric staff we can remove
pathological tissue with minimal local destruction. Our observation shows that larynx operation with a usage of the piezoelectric knife is safe and effective. Current English literature does not describe usage piezoelectric tools in larynx surgery.
It is essential to do more observation about that type of operations.
Praktické aspekty stavění promlčecí doby při neplatné podnikatelské rozhodčí doložce
Authors: Bílek Stanislav , Vaníčková Radka
Published: October 2017

Rozhodčí řízení představovalo zejména pro podnikatele, efektivní a hospodárnou alternativu vůči civilnímu soudnictví. K rozhodování majetkových sporů byly díky liberální legislativě využívány i soukromé rozhodčí společnosti, které neměly a stále nemají status rozhodčího soudu. V aplikační praxi obecných soudů rezonuje v posledních letech problematika rušení nicotných rozhodčích nálezů, vydávaných těmito soukromými rozhodci ve prospěch rozporu rozhodčích doložek, podle nichž byla pravomoc soukromých rozhodců založena zákonem č. 216/1994 Sb., o rozhodčím řízení o výkonu rozhodčích nálezů v platném znění, případně pro rozpor s jiným právním předpisem. Cílem příspěvku je poukázat na jednu z mnoha výkladových těžkostí v souvislosti s rušením rozhodčích nálezů vydaných na základě neplatných rozhodčích doložek, a to zda uplatněním nároku rozhodčí žalobou z neplatné rozhodčí doložky dochází ke stavení běhu promlčecí lhůty a za jakých podmínek. Dále uskutečnit stručnou analýzu aktuální soudní praxe v rušení nicotných rozhodčích nálezů a právní výklad důsledků tohoto přístupu obecných soudů v otázce promlčení majetkových práv zejména se zaměřením na právní vztahy mezi podnikateli. Účinky nicotného rozhodčího nálezu nelze vztahovat automaticky na akt podání rozhodčí žaloby s ohledem na princip právní jistoty jako základní předpoklad právního státu. Podání rozhodčí žaloby podle neplatné doložky dle názorů autorů příspěvku má v určitém rozsahu za následek stavení promlčecí lhůty. Autoři rozdělili příspěvek na dvě části. V první části podávají úvodní vysvětlení předmětné problematiky a zaujímají postoje k judikatuře týkající se neplatných podnikatelských doložek. V druhé části vymezují dopady judikatury soudů ve sledované oblasti ve vztahu k otázce stavění promlčecí lhůty a předkládají návrhy řešení v souladu s platnou legislativou.
Povinnosti správních orgánů ve vztahu k procesním právům účastníků správního řízení v procesu dokazování
Authors: Kliková Alena
Published: October 2017

Předkládaná stať  je věnována problematice povinností správních orgánů v procesu správního dokazování a jejich návaznosti na procesní práva účastníků správního řízení v rámci dokazování. Zabývá se otázkami vztahu porušení povinností správních orgánů a omezení procesních práv účastníků. Jednotlivé povinnosti správních orgánů budou vysvětleny a vymezeny jak z pohledu správního orgánu, tak ve vztahu k procesním právům účastníka. Řešena je také otázka, zda jednotlivé povinnosti správního orgánu v procesu dokazování vytváří s procesními právy účastníka určité dvojice, které musí spolu plně korespondovat, nebo zda mohou působit samostatně. Pozornost je zaměřena rovněž ze shora uvedených úhlů pohledu také na aktuální otázky vztahující se k institutu dokazování ve správním řízení. Vedle správněprávního přístupu bude zčásti uplatněn také přístup správněvědní, zaměřený na efektivnost příslušné právní úpravy, resp. její působení v praxi správních orgánů.
Representações sociais do processo de adoecimento dos pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos
Authors: Matos Michele Rodrigues , Muniz Rosani Manfrin , Barboza Michele Cristiene Nachtigall , Viegas Aline Da Costa , Rockembach Juliana Amaral , Lindemann Luiz Guilherme
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: conhecer as representações sociais do processo de adoecimento de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos no contexto domiciliar. Método: estudo exploratório, descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido com dez pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos, no período de maio a julho de 2015, utilizando-se da análise temática, a qual foi desenvolvida a partir da Teoria das Representações Sociais de Moscovici. Resultados: o processo de adoecimento trouxe consigo perdas, restrições referentes à vida diária e à capacidade laboral e para este enfrentamento a rede de apoio se fez presente na figura da família e da rede social, da espiritualidade e da equipe de saúde. Considerações finais: percebeu-se que adoecer por câncer em cuidados paliativos, pode causar restrições na vida diária e na capacidade produtiva, além de modificar a representação social que associa o câncer à morte, pois independente do estágio em que os pacientes encontram-se, estes apresentaram esperança da cura, associado ou não a fé.
Your responses guide me: Decreased attachment anxiety through an online relationship-building paradigm
Authors: Johnson Benjamin N. , Bliwise Nancy G.
Published: October 2017

This study aims to improve self-reported attachment anxiety and avoidance through an online relationship-building paradigm. Seventy-seven undergraduate participants completed an online attachment-focused paradigm in which they developed a relationship with a virtual partner, and fifty participants successfully completed a second laboratory-based phase of the study. During the online phase, all participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships―Revised questionnaire (ECR-R), the experimental group engaged in an interactive relationship-formation story with a virtual partner designed to enhance secure attachment, and control participants engaged in the program without guidance. Participants then visited the laboratory, were asked to recall the online interaction, and again completed the ECR-R. Overall, participants exhibited a significant decrease in their attachment anxiety, but not avoidance; however, change in attachment security did not differ based on study group. Change in the experimental condition was attributed to the secure focus of the guided interaction with the virtual partner. Change in the control condition, on the other hand, was attributed to general relationship practice and behavioral principles of operant conditioning. These results provide preliminary evidence for the effect of a virtual practice relationship on attitudes towards real-life attachments to significant others.
Begging in Geneva: Which Right to the City?
Authors: Colombo Annamaria , Reynaud Caroline , de Coulon Giada
Published: October 2017

Based on a study that we carried out in Geneva between 2013 and 2015, this paper suggests that the anti-begging law adopted by the Geneva High Council in 2007 can be understood a way of managing urban cohabitation with marginalized populations. In response to this “poverty management”, we argue that the continued occupation of the public space by the people wh o practice begging can be understood as them implementing their own “right to the city” anyway, in the subversive sense meant by Lefebvre.
Blogging in and about the workplace: a linguistic and discursive analysis of work psychology discourse and discourse communities
Authors: Roxanne Barbara Doerr
Published: October 2017

Work psychology focuses on how people think and behave at work by applying psychological concepts and methods to reflect on work, the workplace and the workforce. Its relevance has increased and changed in the light of globalization, as well as the dematerialization and mobilization of the workplace and the development of new sectors, services and media. Moreover, the use of social and new media for the dissemination of knowledge regarding recent changes in employment trends and procedures have led to an open and democratizing shift in power of and over workplace discourse, allowing hitherto marginalized professional figures to voice their needs and experience to objective peers and advisors. This opening and sharing of discourse within a perpetually connected worldwide community has raised questions about where a workplace’s boundaries lie and the contexts in which a worker may be considered an employee or an individual communicating online in and out of the office. The present preliminary study therefore analyzes a significant and adaptable online genre, i.e. work psychology blogs, to observe and consider how experts on workplace mentality apply rhetorical devices and discursive and linguistic strategies to inform, encourage and influence the perception of employees within online discourse communities.
Munnstell og munnhygiene til medisinske pasienter. En kartlegging blant sykepleiere i medisinsk avdeling
Authors: Karlsen Nina , Brunborg Birgit
Published: October 2017

Oral care and oral hygiene in hospitalized patients. A survey of nurses in medical ward In this study, we assessed whether an educational program for nurses in a medical ward could enhance their knowledge, attitude and documentation level of oral care procedures. We collected quantitative data before and after the educational program, using a questionnaire. The findings indicate an increase in the nurses’ assessment of the elderly’s oral status and need for oral care. The nurses became more conscious about common oral practice, and the need for proper equipment. Nurses’ attention to oral care was low when workload was high, and their documentation of oral case was generally insufficient. The study concludes that improving nurses’ oral care practice would be beneficial for patients, and that nurses’ knowledge, attitude and documentation can be influenced through educational programs. Based on these findings, we recommend that mouth care programs be developed and followed up by quality assurance processes and scientific studies.
Aspekter ved samarbeidsrelasjoner mellom erfaringsmedarbeidere og brukere i psykisk helse- og rustjenester: En kvalitativ studie.
Authors: Karlsson Bengt Eirik , Borg Marit , Ogundipe Esther , Sjåfjell Tommy Lunde , Bjørlykhaug Knut Ivar
Published: October 2017

Aspects of collaboration and relationships between peer support workers and service users in mental health and substance abuse services – A qualitative study.Studies have shown that service users report their encounter with peer supporters as positive. However, little is known about service users’ experiences with developing a relationship, working together and collaborate, with peer supporter workers. The aim of this study was therefore, to explore and describe service users’ experiences with peer support relationships, support and collaboration. Twenty-six service users with mental health problems and/or substance abuse voluntarily participated in the study. Data was collected through five focus groups interviews in different areas in Norway. The data was analyzed using a hermeneutic content analysis and resulted in three master themes. Overall, these findings reveal that service users deem their relationship and collaboration with peer supporter workers as positive. Furthermore, these findings offers a critical evaluation of peer support, by highlighting challenges related to peer support relationships and collaboration.
How to normalize metatranscriptomic count data for differential expression analysis
Authors: Klingenberg Heiner , Meinicke Peter
Published: October 2017

Background

Differential expression analysis on the basis of RNA-Seq count data has become a standard tool in transcriptomics. Several studies have shown that prior normalization of the data is crucial for a reliable detection of transcriptional differences. Until now it has not been clear whether and how the transcriptomic approach can be used for differential expression analysis in metatranscriptomics.

Methods

We propose a model for differential expression in metatranscriptomics that explicitly accounts for variations in the taxonomic composition of transcripts across different samples. As a main consequence the correct normalization of metatranscriptomic count data under this model requires the taxonomic separation of the data into organism-specific bins. Then the taxon-specific scaling of organism profiles yields a valid normalization and allows us to recombine the scaled profiles into a metatranscriptomic count matrix. This matrix can then be analyzed with statistical tools for transcriptomic count data. For taxon-specific scaling and recombination of scaled counts we provide a simple R script.

Results

When applying transcriptomic tools for differential expression analysis directly to metatranscriptomic data with an organism-independent (global) scaling of counts the resulting differences may be difficult to interpret. The differences may correspond to changing functional profiles of the contributing organisms but may also result from a variation of taxonomic abundances. Taxon-specific scaling eliminates this variation and therefore the resulting differences actually reflect a different behavior of organisms under changing conditions. In simulation studies we show that the divergence between results from global and taxon-specific scaling can be drastic. In particular, the variation of organism abundances can imply a considerable increase of significant differences with global scaling. Also, on real metatranscriptomic data, the predictions from taxon-specific and global scaling can differ widely. Our studies indicate that in real data applications performed with global scaling it might be impossible to distinguish between differential expression in terms of transcriptomic changes and differential composition in terms of changing taxonomic proportions.

Conclusions

As in transcriptomics, a proper normalization of count data is also essential for differential expression analysis in metatranscriptomics. Our model implies a taxon-specific scaling of counts for normalization of the data. The application of taxon-specific scaling consequently removes taxonomic composition variations from functional profiles and therefore provides a clear interpretation of the observed functional differences.
MGST2andWNT2are candidate genes for comitant strabismus susceptibility in Japanese patients
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Matsuo Toshihiko
Published: October 2017

Background/Aim

Strabismus is a common condition with misalignment between two eyes that may lead to decrease of visual acuity, lack of binocularity, and diplopia. It is caused by heterogeneous environmental and genetic risk factors. Our previous research has identified new chromosomal susceptibility loci in 4q28.3 and 7q31.2 regions for comitant strabismus in Japanese families. We conducted a verification study by linkage analysis to narrow the chromosomal loci down to a single gene.

Methods

From Japanese and U.S. databases, 24 rsSNPs and 233 rsSNPs were chosen from the 4q28.3 and 7q31.2 region, respectively, and were typed in 108 affected subjects and 96 unaffected subjects of 58 families with primary and non-syndromic comitant strabismus. Three major analytical methods were used: transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), TDT allowing for errors (TDTae), and linkage analysis under dominant and recessive inheritance.

Results

The SNPs with significantPvalues in TDT and TDTae were located solely at the gene, microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 (MGST2), on chromosome 4q28.3 locus. In contrast, significant SNPs were dispersed in a few genes, containing wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2 (WNT2), on chromosome 7q31.2 locus. The distribution of significant SNPs on the 7q31.2 locus showed that only theST7toWNT2region in the same big haplotype block contained significant SNPs for all three methods of linkage analysis.

Conclusions

This study suggests thatMGST2andWNT2are potential candidates for comitant strabismus in Japanese population.
Using Detrital Zircon Geochronology to Constrain Paleogene Provenance and Its Relationship to Rifting in the Zhu 1 Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Wei , Ye Jiaren , Bidgoli Tandis , Yang Xianghua , Shi Hesheng , Shu Yu
Published: October 2017

Paleogene syn‐rift successions in the South China Sea are poorly understood and systematic provenance analysis, which could provide clues to their history, is lacking. Here we report 409 new concordant U‐Pb ages from detrital zircons separated from the Paleogene Wenchang, Enping, and Zhuhai formations in the Zhu 1 depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin. The new data, combined with the published age data from the region, document changes in the provenance of syn‐rift successions. Detrital zircons from the Eocene Wenchang Formation are unimodal, with Jurassic‐Cretaceous (180–80 Ma) ages making up >80% of grains. The ages are consistent with the geochronology of intrabasinal highs, dominated by igneous rocks emplaced during the Yanshanian orogeny, and suggest local provenance. By contrast, detrital zircons from the upper Eocene to lower Oligocene Enping Formation form three well‐recognized age‐clusters, with peaks at 150, 254, and 438 Ma that match documented tectonomagmatism in South China Block (SCB). Combined with increasing numbers of Precambrian zircons, the data suggest increasing influence of regional provenance of the SCB. Similar age peaks are also recognized from the limited number of zircons analyzed from the upper Oligocene Zhuhai Formation and comparability with modern shelf and river sediment indicates the unit was mainly sourced from the SCB and likely transported by a paleo‐Pearl River. We infer that the change in provenance, from local uplifts within the Zhu 1 to the SCB, is related to distinct phases of PRMB rift development; however, later changes are best explained by SCB drainage evolution.
The Transient Response of Ice Volume to Orbital Forcing During the Warm Late Pliocene
Authors: de Boer Bas , Haywood Alan M. , Dolan Aisling M. , Hunter Stephen J. , Prescott Caroline L.
Published: October 2017

Examining the nature of ice sheet and sea level response to past episodes of enhanced greenhouse gas forcing may help constrain future sea level change. Here, for the first time, we present the transient nature of ice sheets and sea level during the late Pliocene. The transient ice sheet predictions are forced by multiple climate snapshots derived from a climate model set up with late Pliocene boundary conditions, forced with different orbital forcing scenarios appropriate to two Marine Isotope Stages (MISs), MIS KM5c, and K1. Our results indicate that during MIS KM5c both the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets contributed to sea level rise relative to present and were relatively stable. Insolation forcing between the hemispheres was out of phase during MIS K1 and led to an asynchronous response of ice volume globally. Therefore, when variations of precession were high, inferring the behavior of ice sheets from benthic isotope or sea level records is complex.
Theoretical Solution and Applications of Ocean Bottom Pressure Induced by Seismic Seafloor Motion
Authors: An Chao , Cai Chen , Zheng Yong , Meng Lingsen , Liu Philip
Published: October 2017

Seismic signals captured by ocean bottom pressure sensors, which are designed to record tsunami waves, are largely ignored. In this paper, we derive a simple theoretical solution of the ocean bottom pressure as a function of prescribed seafloor motion. All the assumptions are clearly stated and analyzed. The solution is checked by comparing the seafloor displacement and pressure from three M7+ earthquakes, recorded by ocean bottom seismometers and pressure gauges located off the Japanese coast. We then show two applications. First, using the seafloor displacement data recorded by an ocean bottom seismometer, the pressure amplitude recorded by the associated pressure gauge is corrected, and vice versa. Second, pressure recordings from Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake are converted to seafloor displacements, which are then utilized to estimate the earthquake focal mechanism. Thus, we demonstrate that seismic signals recorded by pressure sensors have great potential for fast estimate of earthquake source parameters.
Restoration of Static JPEG Images and RGB Video Frames by Means of Nonlinear Filtering in Conditions of Gaussian and Non‐Gaussian Noise
Authors: Sokolov R. I. , Abdullin R. R.
Published: October 2017

The use of nonlinear Markov process filtering makes it possible to restore both video stream frames and static photos at the stage of preprocessing. The present paper reflects the results of research in comparison of these types image filtering quality by means of special algorithm when Gaussian or non‐Gaussian noises acting. Examples of filter operation at different values of signal‐to‐noise ratio are presented. A comparative analysis has been performed, and the best filtered kind of noise has been defined. It has been shown the quality of developed algorithm is much better than quality of adaptive one for RGB signal filtering at the same a priori information about the signal. Also, an advantage over median filter takes a place when both fluctuation and pulse noise filtering.
Understanding the Role of Climate Characteristics in Drought Propagation
Authors: Apurv Tushar , Sivapalan Murugesu , Cai Ximing
Published: October 2017

In this study, we use numerical experiments with a simple water balance model to understand the roles of key climate characteristics in hydrologic drought propagation and the consequence of human responses to drought events under different climates. The experiments use climate inputs from a range of places with a hypothetical catchment of fixed properties to study drought propagation under different climates. Three drought propagation mechanisms are identified that produce hydrologic droughts with differing characteristics. The first mechanism involves seasonal groundwater recharge cycles, which persist during low rainfall periods, resulting in shorter hydrologic droughts compared to meteorological droughts. The second is characterized by seasonal groundwater recharge cycles that are suppressed during low rainfall periods, resulting in longer hydrologic droughts than meteorological droughts. The third is exemplified by a lack of seasonality in groundwater recharge and a strong control of precipitation over groundwater recharge, resulting in hydrologic droughts of similar duration as meteorological droughts. The roles of seasonality, climate aridity, and timing of precipitation in producing these different drought propagation mechanisms are studied. The timing of precipitation is found to have the most significant impact. Furthermore, modeling experiments are performed to understand the role of climate in the interaction between short and long time‐scale human activities in response to droughts and the effect of the common practice of groundwater pumping during drought events on long‐term groundwater depletion. Interestingly, climates with high interannual variability of precipitation are found to be associated with less groundwater depletion than the climates with low interannual variability.
Does Overgeneralized Autobiographical Memory Facilitate or Inhibit Intrusive Images? Its Relation to Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Matsumoto Noboru , Sensui Toshihiko , Mochizuki Satoshi
Published: October 2017

People with high levels of depressive symptoms experience overgeneralized autobiographical memory (OGM) in voluntary recall and intrusive images in involuntary recall. The present study examined the relationship between OGM and intrusive images and the influence of depressive symptoms on this relationship over 1 week. Fifty‐three students completed self‐report questionnaires, autobiographical memory test, and the trauma film paradigm. Subsequently, they reported intrusive images from the trauma film in a diary for 1 week. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that individuals with higher levels of depressive symptoms experienced more intrusive images than did individuals with low depressive symptoms. An interaction effect between negative memory specificity and depressive symptoms revealed that number of intrusive images was related to high negative memory specificity (i.e. low OGM) in individuals with higher levels of depressive symptoms. These results support the functional avoidance strategy of OGM in analogue trauma stimuli, especially in individuals with higher depressive symptoms.Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output‐feedback H∞quadratic tracking control of linear systems using reinforcement learning
Authors: Moghadam Rohollah , Lewis Frank L.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an online learning algorithm based on integral reinforcement learning (IRL) to design an output‐feedback (OPFB) H∞tracking controller for partially unknown linear continuous‐time systems. Although reinforcement learning techniques have been successfully applied to find optimal state‐feedback controllers, in most control applications, it is not practical to measure the full system states. Therefore, it is desired to design OPFB controllers. To this end, a general boundedL2‐gain tracking problem with a discounted performance function is used for the OPFB H∞tracking. A tracking game algebraic Riccati equation is then developed that gives a Nash equilibrium solution to the associated min‐max optimization problem. An IRL algorithm is then developed to solve the game algebraic Riccati equation online without requiring complete knowledge of the system dynamics. The proposed IRL‐based algorithm solves an IRL Bellman equation in each iteration online in real time to evaluate an OPFB policy and updates the OPFB gain using the information given by the evaluated policy. An adaptive observer is used to provide the knowledge of the full states for the IRL Bellman equation during learning. However, the observer is not needed after the learning process is finished. A simulation example is provided to verify the convergence of the proposed algorithm to a suboptimal OPFB solution and the performance of the proposed method.
Nature‐Inspired Lightweight Cellular Co‐Continuous Composites with Architected Periodic Gyroidal Structures
Authors: Al‐Ketan Oraib , Soliman Ahmad , AlQubaisi Ayesha M. , Abu Al‐Rub Rashid K.
Published: October 2017

Shell‐core cellular composites are a unique class of cellular materials, where the base constituent is made of a composite material such that the best distinctive physical and/or mechanical properties of each phase of the composite are employed. In this work, the authors demonstrate the additive manufacturing of a nature inspired cellular three‐dimensional (3D), periodic, co‐continuous, and complex composite materials made of a hard‐shell and soft‐core system. The architecture of these composites is based on the Schoen's single Gyroidal triply periodic minimal surface. Results of mechanical testing show the possibility of having a wide range of mechanical properties by tuning the composition, volume fraction of core, shell thickness, and internal architecture of the cellular composites. Moreover, a change in deformation and failure mechanism is observed when employing a shell‐core composite system, as compared to the pure stiff polymeric standalone cellular material. This shell‐core configuration and Gyroidal topology allowed for accessing toughness values that are not realized by the constituent materials independently, showing the suitability of this cellular composite for mechanical energy absorption applications.
Using Post‐Deformation Annealing to Optimize the Properties of a ZK60 Magnesium Alloy Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Torbati‐Sarraf Seyed A. , Sabbaghianrad Shima , Langdon Terence G.
Published: October 2017

A ZK60 magnesium alloy with an initial grain size of ≈10 µm is processed by high‐pressure torsion (HPT) through 5 revolutions under a constant compressive pressure of 2.0 GPa with a rotation speed of 1 rpm. An average grain size of ≈700 nm is achieved after HPT with a high fraction of high‐angle grain boundaries. Tensile experiments at room temperature show poor ductility. However, a combination of reasonable ductility and good strength is achieved with post‐HPT annealing by subjecting samples to high temperatures in the range of 473–548 K for 10 or 20 min. The grain size and texture changes are also examined by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and the results compared to long‐term annealing for 2500 min at 450 K. The results of this study suggest that a post‐HPT annealing for a short period of time may be effective in achieving a reasonable combination of strength and ductility.
Fabricating MnO2 Nanozymes as Intracellular Catalytic DNA Circuit Generators for Versatile Imaging of Base‐Excision Repair in Living Cells
Authors: Chen Feng , Bai Min , Cao Ke , Zhao Yue , Wei Jing , Zhao Yongxi
Published: October 2017

Nanomaterial/DNA integrated systems have become an emerging tool for intracellular imaging. However, intracellular catalytic DNA circuit is rarely explored. Commonly used nanosystems neglect intracellular DNA assembly, conformation folding and catalytic efficiency, all demanding appropriate metal ion conditions. Herein, MnO2 nanosheet/DNAzyme (nanozyme) is fabricated as intracellular catalytic DNA circuit generator for high signal amplification, and its operation is reported for monitoring DNA base‐excision repair (BER) in living cells with improved performance. MnO2 nanosheet works as not only DNA nanocarrier but also as DNAzyme cofactor supplier. The nanozyme is constructed by adsorbing DNA probes on MnO2 nanosheets, facilitating cellular uptake of DNA. They are rapidly released in cellular environments by reducing MnO2 nanosheets to Mn2+ as DNAzyme cofactor. After repair enzyme activation, nanozymes are properly assembled with active folded conformation and hold sustained catalytic efficiency over many cycles. It offers at least 40‐fold amplified signals for the monitoring of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease‐initiated and DNA glycosylase‐initiated BER pathways. Multiplex imaging can be allowed by integrating several sets of probes with per MnO2 nanosheet. The MnO2 nanozyme opens up exciting opportunities for imaging low‐abundance biomarkers and relevant biological pathways in living cells.
High Performance PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells by Employing Solution‐Processed CdS Thin Films from a Single‐Source Precursor as the Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Hu Long , Patterson Robert J. , Hu Yicong , Chen Weijian , Zhang Zhilong , Yuan Lin , Chen Zihan , Conibeer Gavin J. , Wang Gang , Huang Shujuan
Published: October 2017

CdS thin films are a promising electron transport layer in PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaic devices. Some traditional deposition techniques, such as chemical bath deposition and RF (radio frequency) magnetron sputtering, have been employed to fabricate CdS films and CdS/PbS CQD heterojunction photovoltaic devices. However, their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are moderate compared with ZnO/PbS and TiO2/PbS heterojunction CQD solar cells. Here, efficiencies have been improved substantially by employing solution‐processed CdS thin films from a single‐source precursor. The CdS film is deposited by a straightforward spin‐coating and annealing process, which is a simple, low‐cost, and high‐material‐usage fabrication process compared to chemical bath deposition and RF magnetron sputtering. The best CdS/PbS CQD heterojunction solar cell is fabricated using an optimized deposition and air‐annealing process achieved over 8% PCE, demonstrating the great potential of CdS thin films fabricated by the single‐source precursor for PbS CQDs solar cells.