bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Advanced Stochastic Time‐Cost Tradeoff Analysis Based on a CPM‐Guided Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lee Hyung‐Guk , Yi Chang‐Yong , Lee Dong‐Eun , Arditi David 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article presents an advanced stochastic time‐cost tradeoff (ASTCT) method that performs time‐cost tradeoff analysis by identifying optimal set(s) of construction methods for activities, hence reducing the project completion time and cost simultaneously. ASTCT involves a stochastic time‐cost tradeoff analysis method based on a critical path method (CPM)‐guided genetic algorithm (GA). It makes use of CPM schedule data exported from a project management software, and alternative construction methods obtained from estimators (i.e., normal and accelerated durations and costs) for each activity. It simulates schedule networks, identifies an optimal set of GA parameters (i.e., population size, crossover rate, mutation rate, and stopping rule), implements several GA cycles, and computes near‐optimal solution(s) exhaustively. This study is of value to practitioners because ASTCT improves the computation time, reliability, and usability of existing GA‐based time‐cost tradeoff methods. The study is also of relevance to researchers because it facilitates experiments using different GA parameters expeditiously. Two test cases verify the usability and validity of the computational methods.
Forward‐Backward Approach for 3D Event Localization Using Commodity Smartphones for Ubiquitous Context‐Aware Applications in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
Authors: Yoon Hyungchul , Ham Youngjib , Golparvar‐Fard Mani , Spencer Billie F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAn inexpensive and robust 3D localization system for tracking the position of a user in GPS‐ or WLAN‐denied environments offers significant potential for improving decision‐making tasks for civil and infrastructure engineering applications. To this end, an infrastructure‐free approach for 3D event localization on commodity smartphones is presented. In the proposed method, the position of the user is continuously tracked based on the smartphone sensory data (the Forward approach) until the user reaches a certain event. Here, an event location refers to the 3D location of a user conducting value‐added activities such as tasks involved in emergency response and field reporting of operational issues. Once an event is observed, the motion trajectory of the user is backtracked from the postevent landmark to reestimate the location of the event (the Backward approach). By integrating probability distributions of the Forward and Backward approaches together, the proposed method derives the most‐likely location of the event. To validate the proposed approach, seven case studies are conducted in a multistory parking garage. The experimental results show that the probabilistic integration of the localization results from the Forward and Backward dead reckonings can produce more accurate 3D localization results when compared to a single best estimate from a one‐way dead reckoning process. Lessons learned from several real‐world case studies and open research challenges in improving localization accuracy are discussed in detail.
Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese population: An updated meta‐analysis and review
Authors: Xiong Xuan , Lin Xiao‐Kun , Xiao Xiao , Qin Dan‐Ping , Zhou Dao‐Yuan , Hu Jian‐Guang , Liu Yan , Zhong Xiao‐Shi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo clarify the effects of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Chinese population, an updated meta‐analysis was performed. Related studies were identified from PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid and Chinese Databases up to 24 February 2015. A total of 15 studies including 1227 DN cases, 586 healthy controls and 1277 diabetes mellitus (DM) controls were involved in this meta‐analysis. Overall, a significantly elevated risk of DN was associated with all variants of MTHFR C677T when compared with the healthy group (T vs C, odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.88–2.61; TT vs CC, OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 3.02–5.90; TT + CT vs CC, OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.07–3.31; TT vs CC + CT, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.08–3.81) or DM (T vs C, OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.59–2.00; TT vs CC, OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 2.33–3.73; TT + CT vs CC, OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.63–2.29; TT vs CC + CT, OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.87–2.84). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity and geographic areas, it revealed the significant results in Chinese Han, in North and South China. The risk conferred by MTHFR C677T polymorphism is higher in North China than in South China. This meta‐analysis showed that the MTHFR C677T variants may influence DN risk in Chinese, and further studies with gene–gene and gene–environment interactions are required for definite conclusions.
A novel association between COMT and BDNF gene polymorphisms and likelihood of symptomatic dysphagia in older people
Authors: Nimmons D. , Pendleton N. , Payton A. , Ollier W. , Horan M. , Wilkinson J. , Hamdy S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundCatechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are neuro‐modulatory proteins that have been demonstrated to affect cortical plasticity, which in turn has been shown to affect age‐related changes and neuronal functioning in humans. Here, we tested the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within COMT and BDNF genes are associated with dysphagia in older adults.MethodsA total of 800 community‐dwelling older individuals were sent the Sydney Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Questionnaire to identify swallowing difficulties. DNA from this population was available for study and used to genotype 18 COMT and 12 BDNF polymorphisms. Logistic regression statistical models were used to identify potential associations between dysphagia and the genotypes.Key ResultsA total of 638 individuals completed the questionnaire, giving an 80% response rate. Of these, 538 were genotyped for COMT and BDNF polymorphisms. Age was found to predict dysphagia (p = 0.018, OR = 1.08, CI = 1.01–1.14). The COMT polymorphism rs165599 and the BDNF polymorphism rs10835211 were found to predict dysphagia and have an interactive effect (p = 0.028), which varied according to the carrier status of the other. In the case of SNP rs10835211, the effect of heterozygosity was protective or harmful dependent on the respective status of rs165599.Conclusions & InferencesThese results suggest that certain interactions between plasticity genes contribute to the development of dysphagia with increasing age. This highlights a possible role for genetic factors in future monitoring and treating individuals affected by dysphagia.
Meiosis evolves: adaptation to external and internal environments
Authors: Bomblies Kirsten , Higgins James D. , Yant Levi 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMeiosis is essential for the fertility of most eukaryotes and its structures and progression are conserved across kingdoms. Yet many of its core proteins show evidence of rapid or adaptive evolution. What drives the evolution of meiosis proteins? How can constrained meiotic processes be modified in response to challenges without compromising their essential functions? In surveying the literature, we found evidence of two especially potent challenges to meiotic chromosome segregation that probably necessitate adaptive evolutionary responses: whole‐genome duplication and abiotic environment, especially temperature. Evolutionary solutions to both kinds of challenge are likely to involve modification of homologous recombination and synapsis, probably via adjustments of core structural components important in meiosis I. Synthesizing these findings with broader patterns of meiosis gene evolution suggests that the structural components of meiosis coevolve as adaptive modules that may change in primary sequence and function while maintaining three‐dimensional structures and protein interactions. The often sharp divergence of these genes among species probably reflects periodic modification of entire multiprotein complexes driven by genomic or environmental changes. We suggest that the pressures that cause meiosis to evolve to maintain fertility may cause pleiotropic alterations of global crossover rates. We highlight several important areas for future research.

Contents

Summary
306

I.
Introduction
306

II.
Whole‐genome duplication and the evolutionary adjustment of meiosis
307

III.
Environment as a driver of meiotic evolution
312

IV.
Broader evolutionary dynamics
317

V.
Summary and conclusions
318

Acknowledgements
319

References
319
Two‐Dimensional Modal Meinongianism
Authors: Barz Wolfgang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to show that Priest's (2005) modal Meinongianism might benefit from joining forces with two‐dimensionalism. For this purpose, I propose a two‐dimensional solution to a problem for modal Meinongianism that is posed by Beall (2006), Sauchelli (2012), and Milne (2013), and show that, by taking recourse to two‐dimensionalism, divergent intuitions about the question of whether fictional characters might exist can be reconciled. Moreover, two‐dimensionalism helps to rebut Kroon's (2012) argument to the conclusion that modal Meinongianism cannot rule out the odd claim that some non‐existent objects have existence‐entailing properties at the actual world.
The Welfare State and the Life Course: Examining the Interrelationship between Welfare Arrangements and Inequality Dynamics
Authors: de Graaf Willibrord , Maier Robert 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe transformation of welfare state arrangements in European countries during the last two decades can not only be described as realizing an activating welfare state, but also as centred on specific life course transitions which are considered as critical. A number of new welfare arrangements have been set up or older ones have been modified taking into account the critical phases of the life course. These new welfare arrangements attribute new rights over resources to well‐specified groups in terms of their life course events. The article first presents a selective overview of new welfare arrangements which are (in explicit or implicit ways) linked to specific phases and transitions of the life course in the different European countries; and, second, it analyzes the consequences of these new welfare arrangements on inequality. These arrangements establish (mostly implicitly) norms, which appear to define a role of an active, responsible and ‘able’ employee and citizen for everybody. However, the general starting positions of various groups of the population (such as women) and the existing welfare provisions constitute an obstacle to providing equal starting positions and an equal opportunity for pursuing one's life course according to the established norms. Therefore, the effects of these new welfare arrangements can have significant impacts on outcomes, and can therefore transform substantially the existing picture of inequalities.
Minimum donation intervals should be reconsidered to decrease low hemoglobin deferral in whole blood donors: an observational study
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , van den Hurk Katja , de Kort Wim L.A.M. 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDMost donor deferrals are due to low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Previously measured Hb levels and donation intervals are known to be associated with Hb deferral. However, this relationship has never been quantified. In this study, we related the prevalence of Hb deferral to previously measured Hb levels and donation intervals.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 220,946 whole blood donors were categorized into groups based on their Hb level at the previous donation and on the time interval since the previous donation. For each group, the prevalence of Hb deferral was assessed.RESULTSHb deferral rates were higher when Hb levels at the previous donation were lower and donation intervals were shorter. With a donation interval shorter than 3 months, the prevalence of Hb deferral was below the 10% threshold only when the previous Hb level was at least 0.3 mmol/L above the cutoff level for donation.CONCLUSIONTo maintain appropriate Hb levels, the minimum donation interval of 56 days is only sufficient for donors with Hb levels far above the cutoff level for donation. Protocols for minimum donation intervals should be reconsidered and may be based on previously measured Hb levels. This may result in a decrease of low Hb deferral.
The effect of blood usage protocol on the age of packed red blood cell transfusions administered at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Musulin Sarah E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundControversy exists regarding the optimal duration of storage of units of canine packed red blood cells (PRBC) prior to transfusion, resulting in different blood usage strategies between hospitals. Two hospitals were studied: At North Carolina State University (NCSU), usage protocol dictates that the oldest units of PRBC (stored the longest) are prioritized for transfusion; whereas, at Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), units of PRBC are sorted according to age (days after collection) and PRBC are selected for transfusion according to clinician or technician discretion, such that PRBC could be administered after any storage duration, with no preference given to older units.ObjectiveTo evaluate differences in the age of PRBC administered to dogs at 2 veterinary hospitals with different age‐related PRBC usage protocols during a 1‐year period (2010–2011).Key FindingsThe average age of units of PRBC administered at NCSU was older than that at OVC (P < 0.001). Additionally, a higher number of PRBC units older than 14 days old were transfused at NCSU (P < 0.001), and the age of the oldest administered PRBC unit was also older at NCSU (P < 0.001). NCSU discarded approximately 15 expired PRBC units, whereas OVC discarded 96 expired PRBC units during the study period.SignificanceA standardized protocol for the priority administration of the oldest stored PRBC resulted in the administration of significantly older PRBC, but fewer expired units of PRBC were discarded.
Modeling and simulation of the spread of H1N1 flu with periodic vaccination
Authors: Moneim Islam A. 
Published: June 2015

Influenza H1N1 has been found to exhibit oscillatory levels of incidence in large populations. Clear peaks for influenza H1N1 are observed in several countries including Vietnam each year [M. F. Boni, B. H. Manh, P. Q. Thai, J. Farrar, T. Hien, N. T. Hien, N. Van Kinh and P. Horby, Modelling the progression of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Vietnam and the opportunities for reassortment with other influenza viruses, BMC Med. 7 (2009) 43, Doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-7-43]. So it is important to study seasonal forces and factors which can affect the transmission of this disease. This paper studies an SIRS epidemic model with seasonal vaccination rate. This SIRS model has a unique disease-free solution (DFS). The value R0, the basic reproduction number is obtained when the vaccination is a periodic function. Stability results for the DFS are obtained when R0 < 1. The disease persists in the population and remains endemic if R0 > 1. Also when R0 > 1 existence of a nonzero periodic solution is proved. These results obtained for our model when the vaccination strategy is a non-constant time-dependent function.
Estrogen Receptor Expression in 21-Gene Recurrence Score Predicts Increased Late Recurrence for Estrogen-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dowsett Mitch , Sestak Ivana , Buus Richard , Lopez-Knowles Elena , Mallon Elizabeth , Howell Anthony , Forbes John F. , Buzdar Aman , Cuzick Jack 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Purpose: To identify the individual genes or gene modules that lead to the OncoptypeDx 21-gene recurrence score's reduced performance after 5 years and thereby identify indices of residual risk that may guide selection of patients for extended adjuvant therapy.
Experimental Design: We conducted a retrospective assessment of the relationship between (i) the individual genes and gene modules of the Recurrence Score and (ii) early (0–5 years) and late (5–10 years) recurrence rates in 1,125 postmenopausal patients with primary estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer treated with anastrozole or tamoxifen in the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or Combined (ATAC) randomized clinical trial.
Results: In the HER2-negative population (n = 1,009), estimates of recurrence risk were similar between years 0–5 and 5–10 for proliferation and invasion modules but markedly different for the estrogen module and genes within it (all split at the median): for low estrogen module, annual recurrence rates were similar across the two time windows (2.06% vs. 2.46%, respectively); for high estrogen module, annual rates were 1.14% versus 2.72%, respectively (Pinteraction = 0.004). Estrogen receptor transcript levels showed inverse prediction across the time windows: HR, 0.88 (0.73–1.07) and 1.19 (0.99–1.43), respectively (Pinteraction = 0.03). Similar time-, module-, and estrogen-dependent relationships were seen for distant recurrence.
Conclusions: Patients with tumors with high estrogen receptor transcript levels benefit most from 5 years' endocrine therapy but show increased recurrence rates after 5 years and may benefit from extended therapy. Improved prognostic profiles may be created by considering period of treatment and follow-up time. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2763–70. ©2015 AACR.
HPV Serum Antibodies as Predictors of Survival and Disease Progression in Patients with HPV-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
Authors: Dahlstrom Kristina R. , Anderson Karen S. , Cheng Julia N. , Chowell Diego , Li Guojun , Posner Marshall , Sturgis Erich M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Oropharyngeal carcinoma positive for human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) has a significantly better prognosis than oropharyngeal carcinoma unrelated to HPV. Within HPV16-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma, biomarkers of prognosis are urgently needed to individualize care. We hypothesized that serum antibodies specific to HPV16, the major HPV type causing oropharyngeal carcinoma, have biologic relevance and are potential biomarkers for improved prognosis among patients with HPV16-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma.
Experimental Design: IgG antibodies to the HPV16 antigens E1, E4-E7, L1, L2, and the N-terminal and C-terminal fragments of E2 (NE2, CE2) were quantified using a custom programmable enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera were obtained at diagnosis from 209 oropharyngeal carcinoma patients (96 HPV16-positive). The ratios of median fluorescent intensity (MFI) for each antigen to MFI for control GST protein were determined. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to determine survival differences between groups. ROC curves were used to determine the best combination of E antibodies to predict disease recurrence.
Results: E1, NE2, and E6 antibody positivity were all strongly associated with improved overall and progression-free survival in the entire cohort and in patients with known HPV16-positive tumors (P &lt; 0.05). For both overall and progression-free survival among HPV-positive patients, hazard ratios were 0.2 for NE2, 0.3 for E1, and 0.3 for E6 antibody positivity.
Conclusions: We identified three HPV16-specific antibodies that are associated with improved overall and progression-free survival in patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma. These results suggest that differential serologic responses in patients may reflect differential biologic processes within the host and tumor and may have prognostic value. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2861–9. ©2015 AACR.
Sphaeralcea bonariensis (Malvaceae): A newly recorded introduced species in the flora of the United Arab Emirate
Authors: Gairola Sanjay , Mahmoud Tamer , El-Keblawy Ali 
Published: June 2015

This article reports the presence of the alien species Sphaeralcea bonariensis (Cav.) Griseb. for the first time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Voucher specimens are deposited in the Her­barium of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and in the herbarium of the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium (SSBH) laboratory, UAE. This report emphasizes the importance of monitoring and regular reporting of emerging threats of introduced species, to avoid any possible negative impacts on native biodiversity in the future. The Arabian Gulf flora, including that of the UAE, has yet to be comprehensively investigated, and the chance of introductions of exotic plants is high, due to the large proportion of agricultural materials being imported from other countries.
Prognostic Residual Mean Flow in an Ocean General Circulation Model and its Relation to Prognostic Eulerian Mean Flow
Authors: Saenz Juan A. , Chen Qingshan , Ringler Todd 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRecent work has shown that taking the thickness-weighted average (TWA) of the Boussinesq equations in buoyancy coordinates results in exact equations governing the prognostic residual mean flow where eddy–mean flow interactions appear in the horizontal momentum equations as the divergence of the Eliassen–Palm flux tensor (EPFT). It has been proposed that, given the mathematical tractability of the TWA equations, the physical interpretation of the EPFT, and its relation to potential vorticity fluxes, the TWA is an appropriate framework for modeling ocean circulation with parameterized eddies. The authors test the feasibility of this proposition and investigate the connections between the TWA framework and the conventional framework used in models, where Eulerian mean flow prognostic variables are solved for. Using the TWA framework as a starting point, this study explores the well-known connections between vertical transfer of horizontal momentum by eddy form drag and eddy overturning by the bolus velocity, used by Greatbatch and Lamb and Gent and McWilliams to parameterize eddies. After implementing the TWA framework in an ocean general circulation model, the analysis is verified by comparing the flows in an idealized Southern Ocean configuration simulated using the TWA and conventional frameworks with the same mesoscale eddy parameterization.
Forecasting Tropical Cyclones in the Western North Pacific Basin Using the NCEP Operational HWRF: Real-Time Implementation in 2012
Authors: Tallapragada Vijay , Kieu Chanh , Trahan Samuel , Zhang Zhan , Liu Qingfu , Wang Weiguo , Tong Mingjing , Zhang Banglin , Strahl Brian 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This study documents the recent efforts of the hurricane modeling team at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s (NCEP) Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) in implementing the operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF) for real-time tropical cyclone (TC) forecast guidance in the western North Pacific basin (WPAC) from May to December 2012 in support of the operational forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). Evaluation of model performance for the WPAC in 2012 reveals that the model has promising skill with the 3-, 4-, and 5-day track errors being 125, 220, and 290 nautical miles (n mi; 1 n mi = 1.852 km), respectively. Intensity forecasts also show good performance, with the most significant intensity error reduction achieved during the first 24 h. Stratification of the track and intensity forecast errors based on storm initial intensity reveals that HWRF tends to underestimate storm intensity for weak storms and overestimate storm intensity for strong storms. Further analysis of the horizontal distribution of track and intensity forecast errors over the WPAC suggests that HWRF possesses a systematic negative intensity bias, slower movement, and a rightward bias in the lower latitudes. At higher latitudes near the East China Sea, HWRF shows a positive intensity bias and faster storm movement. This appears to be related to underestimation of the dominant large-scale system associated with the western Pacific subtropical high, which renders weaker steering flows in this basin.