bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEK inhibitor trametinib does not prevent the growth of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–addicted neuroblastomas
Authors: Umapathy Ganesh , Guan Jikui , Gustafsson Dan E. , Javanmardi Niloufar , Cervantes-Madrid Diana , Djos Anna , Martinsson Tommy , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt
Published: November 2017

MEK inhibitors induce feedback AKT-mTORC2–mediated survival signaling in ALK-addicted neuroblastoma cells.
Arabidopsis
ATXR2 deposits H3K36me3 at the promoters of
LBD
genes to facilitate cellular dedifferentiation
Authors: Lee Kyounghee , Park Ok-Sun , Seo Pil Joon
Published: November 2017

The histone lysine methyltransferase ATXR2 promotes cellular dedifferentiation in
Arabidopsis thaliana
.
Transmembrane helix connectivity in Orai1 controls two gates for calcium-dependent transcription
Authors: Frischauf Irene , Litviňuková Monika , Schober Romana , Zayats Vasilina , Svobodová Barbora , Bonhenry Daniel , Lunz Victoria , Cappello Sabrina , Tociu Laura , Reha David , Stallinger Amrutha , Hochreiter Anna , Pammer Teresa , Butorac Carmen , Muik Martin , Groschner Klaus , Bogeski Ivan , Ettrich Rüdiger H. , Romanin Christoph , Schindl Rainer
Published: November 2017

Characterization of disease-associated Orai1 mutants reveals the multistep gating mechanism for the CRAC channel.
Opening the Orai1 gates
Authors: Muallem Shmuel , Jha Archana
Published: November 2017

Two gates and a transmembrane site are required to open the store-operated channel Orai1.
Understanding the resistance to creating safer ice hockey: essential points for injury prevention
Authors: Todd Ryan A , Soklaridis Sophie , Treen Alice K , Bhalerao Shree U , Cusimano Michael D
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Despite the known negative health outcomes of concussions in minor level boys’ hockey, there has been significant resistance to creating a safer game with less body checking.

Methods

To better understand cultural barriers that prevent making the sport safer for youth and adolescents, semistructured interviews, with 20 ice hockey stakeholders, were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Through this analysis, two primary concepts arose from respondents. The first concept is that body checking, despite the harm it can cause, should be done in a respectful sportsmanlike fashion. The second concept is the contradiction that the game of ice hockey is both dynamic and unchangeable.

Discussion

Using structural functionalist theory, we propose an argument that the unfortunate perpetuation of violence and body checking in youth ice hockey serves to maintain the social order of the game and its culture. Any strategies aimed at modifying and promoting healthy behaviour in the game should take these concepts into account.
Unintentional injury mortality among indigenous communities of Taiwan: trends from 2002 to 2013 and evaluation of a community-based intervention
Authors: Pan Stephen W , Chong Hiu Ha , Kao Hui-Chuan
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Indigenous communities in Taiwan shoulder a disproportionate burden of unintentional injury fatalities. We compare unintentional injury mortality rate trends among Taiwan’s indigenous communities and the general population from 2002 to 2013, and evaluate potential impact of a community-based injury prevention programme on indigenous unintentional injury death rates.

Methods

Standardised and crude unintentional injury mortality rates were obtained from Taiwan government reports. Segmented linear regression was used to estimate and compare unintentional injury mortality rate trends before and after the intervention.

Results

Between 2002 and 2013, unintentional injury mortality rates among Taiwan’s indigenous population significantly declined by about 4.5 deaths per 100 000 each year (p<0.0001). During that time, the unintentional injury mortality rate ratio between indigenous Taiwanese and the general population significantly decreased by approximately 1% each successive year (p=0.02). However, we were unable to detect evidence that the ‘Healthy and Safe Tribe’ programme was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the unintentional injury mortality rate trend among indigenous persons (p=0.81).

Conclusion

Taiwanese indigenous communities remain at significantly higher risk of unintentional injury death, though the gap may be slowly narrowing. We found no evidence that the ‘Healthy and Safe Tribe’ indigenous injury-prevention programme significantly contributed to the nationwide decline in unintentional injury mortality among indigenous Taiwanese communities from 2009 to 2013. Future interventions to address the disproportionate burden of unintentional injury fatalities among indigenous Taiwanese should consider interventions with wider coverage of the indigenous population, and complementing grass roots led community-based interventions with structural policy interventions as well.
Associations between objectively measured physical activity and later mental health outcomes in children: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Ahn Jane V , Sera Francesco , Cummins Steven , Flouri Eirini
Published: November 2017

Background

The beneficial effect of physical activity (PA) on mental health in adults is well established, but less is known about this relationship in children. We examine associations between objectively measured sedentary time, PA and mental health in 11-year-olds from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS).

Methods

Longitudinal data from MCS sweeps 4 (age 7) and 5 (age 11) were used (n=6153). Accelerometer data were collected at MCS4, and mental health was measured at MCS4 and MCS5 using subscales (peer, emotional, conduct, hyperactivity) of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Associations between mean daily PA minutes at different intensities (sedentary, light, moderate-to-vigorous) at MCS4 and SDQ outcomes at MCS5 (score range 0–10) were estimated using multiple linear regression models, adjusting for SDQ at MCS4 and individual and family characteristics, and stratified by gender.

Results

In fully adjusted models, increased PA at MCS4 was associated with fewer peer problems in boys and girls at MCS5. For each additional 15 min in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), peer problems decreased −0.077 points (95% CI −0.133 to –0.022) in boys. For girls, light PA was associated with decreased peer problems (−0.071 points/30 min, 95% CI −0.130 to –0.013). Greater sedentary time was associated with more peer problems and fewer hyperactivity symptoms in boys and girls. Increased MVPA was associated with more conduct and hyperactivity problems in boys and more hyperactivity in girls.

Conclusions

Increased sedentary time is associated with more peer problems in children, and PA, generally, is beneficial for peer relations in children aged 11.
Association between psychosocial work conditions and latent alcohol consumption trajectories among men and women over a 16-year period in a national Canadian sample
Authors: Dobson Kathleen G , Ibrahim Selahadin , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Mustard Cameron A , Smith Peter M
Published: November 2017

Background

It is unclear how psychosocial working conditions influence future alcohol consumption. Using group-based trajectory modelling, this study aimed to determine: the number of latent alcohol consumption trajectories over 16 years in a representative sample of the Canadian workforce; the association between psychosocial working conditions and longitudinal alcohol consumption; and if the association between psychosocial work factors and longitudinal alcohol consumption differed among men and women.

Methods

We included 5458 employed adults from the longitudinal Canadian National Population Health Survey. Average daily alcohol consumption was measured every 2 years from 1994 to 2010. Psychosocial work factors were measured in 1994 using the Job Content Questionnaire. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to derive the appropriate number of alcohol behaviour trajectories. The association between psychosocial work factors and alcohol trajectory membership was estimated using multinomial logistic regression. Models were stratified by sex to determine if these associations differed among men and women.

Results

Three alcohol consumption trajectories were present: non-drinkers, light drinkers (0.5–1 drinks/day) and moderate drinkers (2–3 drinks/day). Higher workplace physical exertion and lower social support levels were associated with membership in the moderate drinking trajectory. Among men, lower psychological demands and higher physical exertion levels were associated with membership in the moderate drinking trajectory. Among women, lower levels of physical exertion were associated with membership in the light drinking trajectory, and higher psychological demand levels were associated with membership in the moderate drinking trajectory.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that workplace physical exertion and psychological demands may be associated with different alcohol consumption trajectories among men and women.
Total workload and recovery in relation to worktime reduction: a randomised controlled intervention study with time-use data
Authors: Schiller Helena , Lekander Mats , Rajaleid Kristiina , Hellgren Carina , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Barck-Holst Peter , Kecklund Göran
Published: November 2017

Objectives

A 25% reduction of weekly work hours for full-time employees has been shown to improve sleep and alertness and reduce stress during both workdays and days off. The aim of the present study was to investigate how employees use their time during such an intervention: does total workload (paid and non-paid work) decrease, and recovery time increase, when work hours are reduced?

Methods

Full-time employees within the public sector (n=636; 75% women) were randomised into intervention group and control group. The intervention group (n=370) reduced worktime to 75% with preserved salary during 18 months. Data were collected at baseline, after 9 months and 18 months. Time-use was reported every half-hour daily between 06:00 and 01:00 during 1 week at each data collection. Data were analysed with multilevel mixed modelling.

Results

Compared with the control group, the intervention group increased the time spent on domestic work and relaxing hobby activities during workdays when worktime was reduced (P≤0.001). On days off, more time was spent in free-time activities (P=0.003). Total workload decreased (−65 min) and time spent in recovery activities increased on workdays (+53 min). The pattern of findings was similar in subgroups defined by gender, family status and job situation.

Conclusions

A worktime reduction of 25% for full-time workers resulted in decreased total workload and an increase of time spent in recovery activities, which is in line with the suggestion that worktime reduction may be beneficial for long-term health and stress.
Reassessing the importance of ‘lost pleasure’ associated with smoking cessation: implications for social welfare and policy
Authors: Pechacek Terry Frank , Nayak Pratibha , Slovic Paul , Weaver Scott R , Huang Jidong , Eriksen Michael P
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Benefit–cost analyses of tobacco regulations include estimates of the informed choice of smokers to continue smoking. Few studies have focused on subjective feelings associated with continued smoking. This study estimates how smoker discontent and regret relate to risk perceptions and health concerns.

Methods

We analysed data from a 2015 nationally representative, online survey of 1284 US adult current smokers. Information was collected on regret, intention to quit, perceived addiction, risk perceptions and health concerns. Multivariate logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographics and health status was used to examine factors associated with smoker discontent.

Results

More than 80% of current smokers report high (22.5%) or very high (59.8%) discontent due to inability to quit, perceived addiction and regret about having started to smoke. Higher levels of discontent did not vary significantly by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education or income (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) 0.5–1.2). Compared with the smokers expressing low (5.9%) or very low (3.6%) discontent, those expressing higher levels of discontent perceived their health status as fair/poor (AOR=2.3), worried most of the time about lung cancer (AOR=4.6) and felt they were more likely to develop lung cancer in the future (AOR=5.1).

Conclusion

The proportion of smokers who might be characterised as having a preference to continue smoking are greatly outnumbered by addicted, discontent and concerned smokers who want to quit and regret ever having started to smoke. These discontent smokers could have a substantial net welfare gain if new regulations helped them escape their concerns about the health effects from continuing smoking.
Efficacy of downhill running training for improving muscular and aerobic performances
Authors: Toyomura Junichi , Mori Hisashi , Tayashiki Kota , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Maeo Sumiaki
Published: November 2017

This study investigated effects of downhill (DR) versus level (LR) running training on various muscular and aerobic performances. Eighteen healthy young males conducted either DR (DR group (DRG), n = 10: –10% slope) or LR (LR group (LRG), n = 8) training at a target heart rate (HR) associated with lactate threshold (LT) for 20 min·session−1, 3 sessions·week−1, for 5 weeks. Before and after the interventions, the following variables were measured: knee extension torque (–150, –30, 0, 30, 150°·s−1), leg extension power (simultaneous hip and knee extension: 0.8 m·s−1), squat and countermovement jump height, rebound jump index (jump height·contact time−1), 20-m linear sprint and change-of-direction (Pro-agility and V-cut tests) time, and aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake, energy cost at LT, and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake and LT) on a level surface. Throughout the training sessions, HR during running did not differ between the groups (DRG: 77.7% ± 4.6% vs LRG: 76.4% ± 4.6% of maximal HR; average across all sessions), while velocity was significantly higher for DRG (14.5 ± 1.1 vs 12.0 ± 1.9 km·h−1). After the training, DRG significantly improved knee extension torque at all angular velocities (9%–24%) and change-of-direction time for both tests (2%–3%), with no changes in other parameters. LRG significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (5%), energy cost at LT (3%), and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (7%), without changes in others. These results suggest that DR training has a greater potential to improve the knee extension strength and change-of-direction ability, but has little effect on the aerobic capacity, compared with HR-matched LR training.
Stock structure analysis of the Arabian red shrimp (Aristeus alcockiRamadan, 1938) in the Indian coast with truss network morphometrics
Authors: Purushothaman P. , Chakraborty R.D. , Kuberan G. , Maheswarudu G. , Baby P.K. , Sreesanth L. , Ragesh N. , Pazhayamadom D.G.
Published: November 2017

The Arabian red shrimp (Aristeus alcocki Ramadan, 1938) is a deep-sea penaeoid shrimp that forms a major commercial fishery in the Indian coast. However, the spawning population of this species along the Indian coast is poorly known. To study this, stock structure of A. alcocki using truss morphometry was employed. A total of 1842 matured specimens were collected from five geographical locations (Tuticorin (SET), Chennai (SEC), Nagapattianam (SEN), Sakthikulangara (SWS), and Kalamuku (SWK)) along the Indian coast. Thirty-nine truss distances were extracted from each specimen and analyzed by multivariate methods (i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant functions (DF), and hierarchical cluster analysis). The results of the PCA indicated that the first two components cumulatively explained >70% (female: 72.1%; male: 71.5%) of the total morphometric variation. Stepwise DF analysis indicated that abdominal variables significantly discriminated the populations at different locations. The results clustered the five samples into a minimum of two groups: samples from SWK clustered in group I, whereas rest of the samples clustered in group II. Morphometric variation between the groups was significant for each sex. Significant differences between the groups may be attributed to geographical and environmental conditions, suggesting separate management strategies for resource sustainability.
A series solution of the Falkner–Skan equation using the crocco–wang transformation
Authors: Asaithambi Asai
Published: November 2017

A direct series solution for the Falkner–Skan equation is obtained by first transforming the problem using the Crocco–Wang transformation. The transformation converts the third-order problem to a second-order two-point boundary value problem. The method first constructs a series involving the unknown skin-friction coefficient [Formula: see text]. Then, [Formula: see text] is determined by using the secant method or Newton’s method. The derivative needed for Newton’s method is also computed using a series derived from the transformed differential equation. The method is validated by solving the Falkner–Skan equation for several cases reported previously in the literature.
Impact of various reactant concentrations on the morphology and photoluminescence property of synthetic ZnO nanobelts
Authors: Qin Guoxuan , Wang Yanan , Mo Shentong , Fu Xing , Wang Hui , Xue Tao , Chen Xuejiao , Zou Qiang
Published: November 2017

In this paper, ZnO nanobelts have been partially high-quality synthesized employing diverse reactant mass ratios between zinc acetate [Zn(AC)2] and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) without any catalyst. The maximum temperature required for the whole reaction process is no more than 650[Formula: see text]C. The morphologies of ZnO nanomaterials fabricated from distinct reactant concentrations have been systematically investigated by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identifies that ZnO nanobelts exhibit a typical wurtzite structure. Through fluorescence spectrometer, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra generated by ZnO nanomaterials corresponding to different reactant concentrations have disparate peak intensities and luminescence wavelengths. This phenomenon indicates that novel-synthesized ZnO nanomaterial shows great potential in changing the optical properties of light-emitting devices. In addition, synthetic ZnO nanobelts exhibit excellent UV emission capability.
A Fast Hybrid Level Set Model for Image Segmentation Using Lattice Boltzmann Method and Sparse Field Constraint
Authors: Wang Dengwei
Published: November 2017

A novel hybrid-fitting energy-based active contours model in the level set framework is proposed. The method fuses the local image fitting term and the global image fitting term to drive the contour evolution, and a special extra term that penalizes the deviation of the level set function from a signed distance function is also included in our method, so the complex and costly reinitialization procedure is completely eliminated. Our model can efficiently segment the images with intensity inhomogeneity no matter where the initial curve is located in the image. In its numerical implementation, two efficient numerical schemes are used to ensure the sufficient efficiency of the evolution process, one is the Lattice Boltzmann Model (LBM), which is used for breaking the restrictions on time step, the other is the Sparse Field Method (SFM), which is introduced for fast local computation. Compared with the traditional schemes, these two strategies can further shorten the time consumption of the evolution process, this allows the level set to quickly reach the true target location. The extensive and promising experimental results on numerous synthetic and real images have shown that our method can efficiently improve the image segmentation performance, in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.
Pseudo CT Generation Based on 3D Group Feature Extraction and Alternative Regression Forest for MRI-Only Radiotherapy
Authors: Hu Yongsheng , Zhang Liyi
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has attracted attention in radiation therapy as the only modality. This nontrivial task requires the application of pseudo computed tomography (PCT) generation methods. On the one hand, the electron density information provided by the CT scan is critical for calculating the 3D dose distribution of tissues. On the other hand, the bone image provided by the CT is precise enough for the construction of a radiograph. Lately, the use of MRI/CT has combined all of the soft tissue contrast merits which are contributed by the MRI and the virtue of CT imaging. However, owing to the unbalance of voxel-intensities in the MRI and CT scan, the MRI/CT workflow also has shortcomings. Inspired by the random forest-based PCT estimation, this paper investigated the potential of the 3D group feature as the input of the random forest regression, which is based on the 3D block-matching method, taking the correlated central voxel as the target. Four types of features including the voxel level, sub-regional level, whole cubic level with adaptive weighted conjunction and compressed level were introduced to attain the robust features. The group-based random forest regression was then utilized to obtain the approximated PCT only from corresponding MRI, and the feature is extracted from the 3D cubic MRI patches and mapped to the 3D cubic CT patch, which helps in decreasing the computation difficulty, representing the MR patches into an anatomical feature space. The alternative regression forest was used in solving the regression task for enhancing the prediction power compared with the random forest. The proposed method could efficiently capture the correlation that is observable between the CT as well as the MR images on the basis of the alternative random forest (ARF) with cubic features, and the experimental results show the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the recent learning-based and atlas-based (AB) methods
Vulnerability Analyses of Structural Insulated Panels with OSB Skins Strengthened by Basalt Fiber Cloth Subjected to Windborne Debris Impact
Authors: Meng Qingfei , Chen Wensu , Hao Hong
Published: November 2017

In this study, numerical simulations are conducted with a verified model to develop damage threshold curves for structural insulated panels (SIPs) with OSB skins strengthened by basalt fiber cloth subjected to windborne debris impact. Numerical models of the SIP with OSB skins strengthened by basalt fibre cloth at the front or back side are developed by using LS-DYNA. The accuracy of the numerical model is verified by comparing numerical results with laboratory testing data. Using the verified numerical model, intensive simulations are conducted to examine the influence of various parameters, including thickness of basalt fiber, location of basalt fiber layer, bonding strength between the basalt fiber cloth and the OSB skin, on the dynamic responses of the SIP. The debris penetration or fracture of the strengthened SIP that creates an opening is defined as failure of the panel in this study. Empirical formulae are derived on the basis of the numerical results to predict the thresholds of penetration velocity and projectile mass that lead to failure of the SIP. The empirical formulae can be straightforwardly used to assess the performance of the SIP with OSB skins strengthened by basalt fiber cloth subjected to windborne debris impact.
On the existence of the field line solutions of the Einstein–Maxwell equations
Authors: Vancea Ion V.
Published: November 2017

The main result of this paper is the proof that there are local electric and magnetic field configurations expressed in terms of field lines on an arbitrary hyperbolic manifold. This electromagnetic field is described by (dual) solutions of the Maxwell’s equations of the Einstein–Maxwell theory. These solutions have the following important properties: (i) they are general, in the sense that the knot solutions are particular cases of them and (ii) they reduce to the electromagnetic fields in the field line representation in the flat space-time. Also, we discuss briefly the real representation of these electromagnetic configurations and write down the corresponding Einstein equations.
Particle with a time-dependent mass in the Coulomb and the inverse quadratic potentials
Authors: Berrabah Badri , Bentag Baya , Bendjoudi Ahmida
Published: November 2017

The problem of a spineless charged particle with a time-dependent decaying mass interacting with a Coulomb and an inverse quadratic potentials is considered. The Green’s function is explicitly evaluated. The energy levels as well as the wave functions for the bound states are exactly determined.
Time will tell: temporal evolution of Martian gullies and palaeoclimatic implications
Authors: de Haas T. , Conway S. J. , Butcher F. E. G. , Levy J. , Grindrod P. M. , Goudge T. A. , Balme M. R.
Published: November 2017

To understand Martian palaeoclimatic conditions and the role of volatiles therein, the spatiotemporal evolution of gullies must be deciphered. While the spatial distribution of gullies has been extensively studied, their temporal evolution is poorly understood. We show that gully size is similar in very young and old craters. Gullies on the walls of very young impact craters (less than a few myr) typically cut into bedrock and are free of latitude-dependent mantle (LDM) and glacial deposits, while such deposits become increasingly evident in older craters. These observations suggest that gullies go through obliquity-driven degradation–accumulation cycles over time, controlled by: (1) LDM emplacement and degradation; and (2) glacial emplacement and removal. In glacially-influenced craters, the distribution of gullies on crater walls coincides with the extent of glacial deposits, which suggests that the melting of snow and ice played a role in the formation of these gullies. Yet, present-day activity is observed in some gullies on formerly glaciated crater walls. Moreover, in very young craters, extensive gullies have formed in the absence of LDM and glacial deposits, showing that gully formation can also be unrelated to these deposits. The Martian climate varied substantially over time, and the gully-forming mechanisms are likely to have varied accordingly.
The formation of gullies on Mars today
Authors: Dundas Colin M. , McEwen Alfred S. , Diniega Serina , Hansen Candice J. , Byrne Shane , McElwaine Jim N.
Published: November 2017

A decade of high-resolution monitoring has revealed extensive activity in fresh Martian gullies. Flows within the gullies are diverse: they can be relatively light, neutral or dark, colourful or bland, and range from superficial deposits to 10 m-scale topographic changes. We observed erosion and transport of material within gullies, new terraces, freshly eroded channel segments, migrating sinuous curves, channel abandonment, and lobate deposits. We also observed early stages of gully initiation, demonstrating that these processes are not merely modifying pre-existing landforms. The timing of activity closely correlates with the presence of seasonal CO
2
frost, so the current changes must be part of ongoing gully formation that is driven largely by its presence. We suggest that the cumulative effect of many flows erodes alcoves and channels, and builds lobate aprons, with no involvement of liquid water. Instead, flows may be fluidized by sublimation of entrained CO
2
ice or other mechanisms. The frequent activity is likely to have erased any features dating from high-obliquity periods, so fresh gully geomorphology at middle and high latitudes is not evidence for past liquid water. CO
2
ice-driven processes may have been important throughout Martian geological history and their deposits could exist in the rock record, perhaps resembling debris-flow sediments.
Cybersecurity, nuclear security, alan turing, and illogical logic
Authors: Hellman Martin E.
Published: November 2017

Cyber deterrence, like nuclear deterrence, depends on our adversaries being rational enough to be deterred by our threats but us not by theirs.
XML and JSON are like cardboard
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: November 2017

Cardboard surrounds and protects stuff as it crosses boundaries.
A theory of pricing private data
Authors: Li Chao , Li Daniel Yang , Miklau Gerome , Suciu Dan
Published: November 2017

When the analysis of individuals' personal information has value to an institution, but it compromises privacy, should individuals be compensated? We describe the foundations of a market in which those seeking access to data must pay for it and individuals are compensated for the loss of privacy they may suffer.
Interview with Leslie Carr
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: November 2017

Professor Leslie Carr is Head of the Web and Internet Science research group and a Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton where he researches the impact of network technologies on our lives and economy, and in particular on the research and knowledge industries. Professor Carr runs the EPrints Services business that supports Open Access repositories for scientific information. He is the programme leader for Masters courses in Web Technology and Web Science, and has been the Director of the Web Science Centre for Doctoral Training, responsible for pioneering interdisciplinary training for a hundred postgraduate students researching the impact of the Web on society.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: November 2017

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably and now sponsors seven annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Parallel computational thinking
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: November 2017

Applications must be programmed to process instructions in parallel to take full advantage of the new multicore processors.
The death of big software
Authors: Andriole Stephen J.
Published: November 2017

We are past the tipping point in the transition away from 20
th
-century big software architectures.
An inclusive educational game usable via screen reader on a touch-screen
Authors: Leporini Barbara , Palmucci Eleonora
Published: November 2017

Serious games are increasingly used for supporting education and many other activities via entertainment. Unfortunately, they are not accessible to visually-impaired people who have a very limited selection for games, especially in the mobile context. Usually they can only rely on specific games. Our aim is to investigate how to overcome this gap for visually-impaired people. For this, we are presenting a mobile educational game accessible also via screen reader on a touch-screen. Through the app we investigated: (1) a gesture-based interaction modality to perform exercises on a touch-screen when a screen reader is running; (2) an equal opportunity in enjoying perception also by those who cannot see the user interface. A pilot test confirmed a positive impact of the first prototype on the end-users.
Teachable machines for accessibility
Authors: Kacorri Hernisa
Published: November 2017

How can accessibility research leverage advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence with limited data?
In this article, we argue that teachable machines can empower accessibility research by enabling individuals with disabilities to personalize a data-driven assistive technology. By significantly constraining the conditions of the machine learning task to a specific user and their environment, these technologies can achieve higher robustness in real world scenarios. In contrast to automatic personalization, the end user is called to consciously provide training examples and actively interact with the machine learning algorithm to increase its accuracy. We demonstrate this concept with a concrete example: teachable object recognizers trained by and for blind users. Furthermore, we discuss open challenges in designing and building teachable machines with a focus on accessibility.
Endotoxin-initiated inflammation reduces testosterone production in men of reproductive age
Authors: Tremellen Kelton , McPhee Natalie , Pearce Karma , Benson Sven , Schedlowski Manfred , Engler Harald
Published: November 2017

Inflammation, both acute and chronic, is associated with testosterone deficiency, raising the possibility of a direct causal link. One potential trigger for inflammation in obese men is the passage of intestinal bacteria into the circulation due to a breakdown in mucosal barrier integrity. Recently, we hypothesized that this endotoxin exposure may cause androgen deficiency in obese men. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the relationship between serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), an indirect measure of endotoxin exposure, against male reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and adiposity in 75 men. Adiposity was positively correlated with endotoxin exposure (LBP) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, IL-6) and negatively correlated with testosterone. Furthermore, endotoxemia (LBP) was negatively correlated with serum testosterone but positively correlated with IL-6. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant, negative correlation between serum IL-6 and free testosterone. In a second interventional study, low-dose endotoxin challenge in lean men produced a transient inflammatory response that was followed by a decline in serum testosterone, without changes in LH or FSH, providing further evidence that endotoxin-driven inflammation may result in impaired Leydig cell function.
A Modified Harmony Search Algorithm for Solving the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Chen Shifeng , Chen Rong , Gao Jian
Published: November 2017

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is a classical combinatorial optimization problem. It is usually modelled in a static fashion; however, in practice, new requests by customers arrive after the initial workday plan is in progress. In this case, routes must be replanned dynamically. This paper investigates the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (DVRPTW) in which customers’ requests either can be known at the beginning of working day or occur dynamically over time. We propose a hybrid heuristic algorithm that combines the harmony search (HS) algorithm and the Variable Neighbourhood Descent (VND) algorithm. It uses the HS to provide global exploration capabilities and uses the VND for its local search capability. In order to prevent premature convergence of the solution, we evaluate the population diversity by using entropy. Computational results on the Lackner benchmark problems show that the proposed algorithm is competitive with the best existing algorithms from the literature.
Extramural Venous Invasion as Prognostic Factor of Recurrence in Stage 1 and 2 Colon Cancer
Authors: van Eeghen E. E. , Flens M. J. , Mulder M. M. R. , Loffeld R. J. L. F.
Published: November 2017

Aim. Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is a prognostic indicator in patients with colorectal cancer. However, its additional value in patients with stage 1 and 2 colorectal cancer is uncertain. In the present study, the incidence of EMVI and the hazard ratio for recurrence in patients with stage 1 and 2 colon cancer were studied. Methods. 184 patients treated for stage 1 and 2 colon cancer were included with a follow-up of at least 5 years. Chart review was performed and EMVI was assessed by two separate pathologists. EMVI was scored with additional caldesmon staining on the resection specimen. Primary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) measured through the Cox regression analysis and prevalence of EMVI. Results. There were 10 cases of EMVI and 3 cases of intramural venous invasion (IMVI) all occurring in patients with stage 2 disease corresponding to a prevalence of 9%. Thirty-one percent of the patients with venous invasion experienced recurrence versus 14% in patients without, corresponding with a hazard ratio of 2.39 (p=0.11). Conclusion. The present study demonstrates a trend towards an increased risk of recurrence in patients with stage 2 colon cancer with venous invasion. This warrants consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy despite the lack of lymph node metastases.
Deformable Models for Segmentation Based on Local Analysis
Authors: Olveres Jimena , Carbajal-Degante Erik , Escalante-Ramírez Boris , Vallejo Enrique , García-Moreno Carla María
Published: November 2017

Segmentation tasks in medical imaging represent an exhaustive challenge for scientists since the image acquisition nature yields issues that hamper the correct reconstruction and visualization processes. Depending on the specific image modality, we have to consider limitations such as the presence of noise, vanished edges, or high intensity differences, known, in most cases, as inhomogeneities. New algorithms in segmentation are required to provide a better performance. This paper presents a new unified approach to improve traditional segmentation methods as Active Shape Models and Chan‐Vese model based on level set. The approach introduces a combination of local analysis implementations with classic segmentation algorithms that incorporates local texture information given by the Hermite transform and Local Binary Patterns. The mixture of both region‐based methods and local descriptors highlights relevant regions by considering extra information which is helpful to delimit structures. We performed segmentation experiments on 2D images including midbrain in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and heart’s left ventricle endocardium in Computed Tomography. Quantitative evaluation was obtained with Dice coefficient and Hausdorff distance measures. Results display a substantial advantage over the original methods when we include our characterization schemes. We propose further research validation on different organ structures with promising results.
Low-Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland in a Teenaged Patient
Authors: Gedar Totuk Ozgun Melike , Demir Mustafa Kemal , Yapicier Ozlem , Mestanoglu Mert
Published: November 2017

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant, locally invasive tumour of the salivary glands and accounts for approximately 35% of all malignancies of the major and minor salivary glands. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma that originated from the lacrimal gland is exceedingly rare in teenage patients, with only a few cases reported. Herein, we report clinical and radiological findings of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising from the lacrimal gland in a 15-year-old boy. We suggest that since preoperative imaging findings are not diagnostic for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, histopathologic examination should be performed for definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for low-grade lacrimal gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Behavioural and Autonomic Regulation of Response to Sensory Stimuli among Children: A Systematic Review of Relationship and Methodology
Authors: Gomez Ivan Neil , Lai Cynthia Y. Y. , Morato-Espino Paulin Grace , Chan Chetwyn C. H. , Tsang Hector W. H.
Published: November 2017

Background. Previous studies have explored the correlates of behavioural and autonomic regulation of response to sensory stimuli in children; however, a comprehensive review of such relationship is lacking. This systematic review was performed to critically appraise the current evidence on such relationship and describe the methods used in these studies. Methods. Online databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed, full-text articles in the English language between 1999 and 2016, initially screened by title and abstract, and appraised and synthesized by two independent review authors. Results. Fourteen Level III-3 cross-sectional studies were included for systematic review, among which six studies explored the relationship between behaviour and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli. Three studies reported significant positive weak correlations among ASD children; however, no correlations were found in typically developing children. Methodological differences related to individual differences among participants, measures used, and varied laboratory experimental setting were noted. Conclusion. This review suggests inconclusive evidence supporting the relationship between behavioural and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli among children. Methodological differences may likely have confounded the results of the current evidence. We present methodological recommendations to address this matter for future researches. This trial is registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42016043887.
Effect of Endogenous Arginine-Vasopressin Arising from the Paraventricular Nucleus on Learning and Memory Functions in Vascular Dementia Model Rats
Authors: Li Chun-Ying , Zhang Lei , Li Jing , Qi Chun-Li , Li Dong-Ying , Liu Xu , Qu Xian
Published: November 2017

The hippocampus is a key structure for encoding and processing memory and for spatial orientation, which are among the cognitive functions most sensitive to cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, and vascular dementia (VD). Since hippocampal formation is one of the principle forebrain targets for arginine-vasopressin (AVP) innervations arising in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), we explored the contributions of AVP to VD pathogenesis. To this end, we randomly assigned pathogen-free, male Wistar rats to one of seven groups in a VD model and tested AVP treatment effects on spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze. We also measured the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in brain samples and monitored the expression of AVP-positive neurons in the hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. The VD model with repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury evoked impairment of cognitive function and reduced cerebral concentrations of the antioxidation markers. Lesioning the rat PVN showed a similar effect on learning and memory and reduced antioxidation markers in the brain tissue. However, AVP injection into the PVN improved cognitive performance in VD rats, while enhancing/rectifying the changes in antioxidation markers. We conclude that our VD model may decrease AVP secretion in the PVN and subsequently reduce antioxidant capacity in the hippocampus, leading to impaired cognitive function.
Coupled Finite Volume Methods and Extended Finite Element Methods for the Dynamic Crack Propagation Modelling with the Pressurized Crack Surfaces
Authors: Jiang Shouyan , Du Chengbin
Published: November 2017

We model the fluid flow within the crack as one-dimensional flow and assume that the flow is laminar; the fluid is incompressible and accounts for the time-dependent rate of crack opening. Here, we discretise the flow equation by finite volume methods. The extended finite element methods are used for solving solid medium with crack under dynamic loads. Having constructed the approximation of dynamic extended finite element methods, the derivation of governing equation for dynamic extended finite element methods is presented. The implicit time algorithm is elaborated for the time descritisation of dominant equation. In addition, the interaction integral method is given for evaluating stress intensity factors. Then, the coupling model for modelling hydraulic fracture can be established by the extended finite element methods and the finite volume methods. We compare our present numerical results with our experimental results for verifying the proposed model. Finally, we investigate the water pressure distribution along crack surface and the effect of water pressure distribution on the fracture property.
Mechanical and Metallurgical Properties of Various Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments
Authors: Shim Kyu-Sang , Oh Soram , Kum KeeYeon , Kim Yu-Chan , Jee Kwang-Koo , Chang Seok Woo
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermomechanical treatment on mechanical and metallurgical properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments. Eight kinds of NiTi rotary instruments with sizes of ISO #25 were selected: ProFile, K3, and One Shape for the conventional alloy; ProTaper NEXT, Reciproc, and WaveOne for the M-wire alloy; HyFlex CM for the controlled memory- (CM-) wire; and TF for the R-phase alloy. Torsional fracture and cyclic fatigue fracture tests were performed. Products underwent a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The CM-wire and R-phase groups had the lowest elastic modulus, followed by the M-wire group. The maximum torque of the M-wire instrument was comparable to that of a conventional instrument, while those of the CM-wire and R-phase instruments were lower. The angular displacement at failure (ADF) for the CM-wire and R-phase instruments was higher than that of conventional instruments, and ADF of the M-wire instruments was lower. The cyclic fatigue resistance of the thermomechanically treated NiTi instruments was higher. DSC plots revealed that NiTi instruments made with the conventional alloy were primarily composed of austenite at room temperature; stable martensite and R-phase were found in thermomechanically treated instruments.
Time-Resolved Three-Dimensional Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Patients with Chronic Expanding and Stable Aortic Dissections
Authors: Trojan Michael , Rengier Fabian , Kotelis Drosos , Müller-Eschner Matthias , Partovi Sasan , Fink Christian , Karmonik Christof , Böckler Dittmar , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik
Published: November 2017

Objective. To prospectively evaluate our hypothesis that three-dimensional time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (TR-MRA) is able to detect hemodynamic alterations in patients with chronic expanding aortic dissection compared to stable aortic dissections. Materials and Methods. 20 patients with chronic or residual aortic dissection in the descending aorta and patent false lumen underwent TR-MRA of the aorta at 1.5 T and repeated follow-up imaging (mean follow-up 5.4 years). 7 patients showed chronic aortic expansion and 13 patients had stable aortic diameters. Regions of interest were placed in the nondissected ascending aorta and the false lumen of the descending aorta at the level of the diaphragm (FL-diaphragm level) resulting in respective time-intensity curves. Results. For the FL-diaphragm level, time-to-peak intensity and full width at half maximum were significantly shorter in the expansion group compared to the stable group (p=0.027 and p=0.003), and upward and downward slopes of time-intensity curves were significantly steeper (p=0.015 and p=0.005). The delay of peak intensity in the FL-diaphragm level compared to the nondissected ascending aorta was significantly shorter in the expansion group compared to the stable group (p=0.01). Conclusions. 3D TR-MRA detects significant alterations of hemodynamics within the patent false lumen of chronic expanding aortic dissections compared to stable aortic dissections.