bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning in Fine Wine Price Prediction
Authors: Yeo Michelle , Fletcher Tristan , Shawe-Taylor John 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAdvanced machine learning techniques like Gaussian process regression and multi-task learning are novel in the area of wine price prediction; previous research in this area being restricted to parametric linear regression models when predicting wine prices. Using historical price data of the 100 wines in the Liv-Ex 100 index, the main contributions of this paper to the field are, firstly, a clustering of the wines into two distinct clusters based on autocorrelation. Secondly, an implementation of Gaussian process regression on these wines with predictive accuracy surpassing both the trivial and simple ARMA and GARCH time series prediction benchmarks. Lastly, an implementation of an algorithm which performs multi-task feature learning with kernels on the wine returns as an extension to our optimal Gaussian process regression model. Using the optimal covariance kernel from Gaussian process regression, we achieve predictive results which are comparable to that of Gaussian process regression. Altogether, our research suggests that there is potential in using advanced machine learning techniques in wine price prediction. (JEL Classifications: C6, G12)
Antidepressant‐like effects of quercetin in diabetic rats are independent of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
Authors: Demir Enver Ahmet , Gergerlioglu Hasan Serdar , Oz Mehmet 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveQuercetin, one of the most potent flavonol in the family of flavonoids, has been shown to have benefits against diabetes and its complications. In the present study, we investigated effects of quercetin on depression-like behaviours and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in diabetic rats.MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by using streptozotocin, and either 50 or 100 mg/kg quercetin was intraperitoneally administered for 21 days. Following the last treatment, animals were subjected to the forced swim test, and subsequently, the blood was obtained by cardiac puncture to measure plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels.ResultsA significant increase of the total immobile time, accompanied by a decrease in the immobility latency, which suggests a depressive status, was observed in diabetic animals that was reversed by the treatment of 50 mg/kg quercetin. However, the higher dose of quercetin (100 mg/kg) was ineffective in alleviating depression-like behaviours. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, and total- and free-CORT were not affected by both doses of quercetin.ConclusionTherefore, we concluded that the antidepressant-like effects of quercetin in diabetes are independent of the HPA axis.
The Medieval Islamic Republic of Letters as World Model
Authors: al-Musawi Muhsin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMy argument in the two-part essay focuses on the dilemma of nahḍah as an unfinished mission; a transition as Țāhā Ḥusayn calls it. I join many scholars who are trying to see through its problematic nature, but I see it also in relation to the immediate past with which it has maintained an uneasy relationship. The recent premodern or medieval past, I argue, could have been read and approached differently to build up a better link with the masses that the nahḍah intellectual bypasses or disparages. The past as a significant period of constellations and knowledge construction could have helped the search for new paths that could also accommodate European knowledge. Other models, alluded to by my insightful respondents and interlocutors, confirm the validity of this proposal, despite the fact that the medieval Islamic republic of letters—as a blanket term for multidimensional efforts—offers more venues in knowledge construction that challenge Casanova’s one single model.
Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman in Comparative Frameworks
Authors: Quayson Ato 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis essay places Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman in various comparative contexts. These include the comparison with Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God, literary tragedy, and world literature. Setting out the difficulties in teaching African and minority literatures in the Euro-American classroom, the essay details the means by which such problems are negotiated and the ways in which the text is brought alive as a dramatic text that speaks to various themes and ideas.
Weathering the empire: meteorological research in the early British straits settlements
Authors: WILLIAMSON FIONA 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis article explores meteorological interest and experimentation in the early history of the Straits Settlements. It centres on the establishment of an observatory in 1840s Singapore and examines the channels that linked the observatory to a global community of scientists, colonial officers and a reading public. It will argue that, although the value of overseas meteorological investigation was recognized by the British government, investment was piecemeal and progress in the field often relied on the commitment and enthusiasm of individuals. In the Straits Settlements, as elsewhere, these individuals were drawn from military or medical backgrounds, rather than trained as dedicated scientists. Despite this, meteorology was increasingly recognized as of fundamental importance to imperial interests. Thus this article connects meteorology with the history of science and empire more fully and examines how research undertaken in British dependencies is revealing of the operation of transnational networks in the exchange of scientific knowledge.
Effect of increasing dietary calcium through supplements and dairy food on body weight and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Booth Alison O. , Huggins Catherine E. , Wattanapenpaiboon Naiyana , Nowson Caryl A. 
Published: August 2015

This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessed the effect of Ca on body weight and body composition through supplementation or increasing dairy food intake. Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria (including fifty-one trial arms; thirty-one with dairy foods (n 2091), twenty with Ca supplements (n 2711). Ca intake was approximately 900 mg/d higher in the supplement groups compared with control. In the dairy group, Ca intake was approximately 1300 mg/d. Ca supplementation did not significantly affect body weight (mean change ( − 0·17, 95 % CI − 0·70, 0·37) kg) or body fat (mean change ( − 0·19, 95 % CI − 0·51, 0·13) kg) compared to control. Similarly, increased dairy food intake did not affect body weight ( − 0·06, 95 % CI − 0·54, 0·43) kg or body fat change ( − 0·36, 95 % CI − 0·80, 0·09) kg compared to control. Sub-analyses revealed that dairy supplementation resulted in no change in body weight (nineteen studies, n 1010) ( − 0·32, 95 % CI − 0·93, 0·30 kg, P= 0·31), but a greater reduction in body fat (thirteen studies, n 564) ( − 0·96, 95 % CI − 1·46, − 0·46 kg, P < 0·001) in the presence of energy restriction over a mean of 4 months compared to control. Increasing dietary Ca intake by 900 mg/d as supplements or increasing dairy intake to approximately 3 servings daily (approximately 1300 mg of Ca/d) is not an effective weight reduction strategy in adults. There is, however, an indication that approximately 3 servings of dairy may facilitate fat loss on weight reduction diets in the short term.
Effects of oral intake of plasmacytoid dendritic cells-stimulative lactic acid bacterial strain on pathogenesis of influenza-like illness and immunological response to influenza virus
Authors: Sugimura Tetsu , Takahashi Hitoshi , Jounai Kenta , Ohshio Konomi , Kanayama Masaya , Tazumi Kyoko , Tanihata Yoko , Miura Yutaka , Fujiwara Daisuke , Yamamoto Norio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLactococcus lactisssp.lactisJCM5805 has been shown to be a rare lactic acid bacterium that can activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells in both murine and human species. In this study, we carried out a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind experiment to evaluate its effect on the pathogenesis of influenza-like illness during the winter season. A total of 213 volunteers were divided into two groups, which received either yogurt made withL. lactisJCM5805 or a placebo beverage daily for 10 weeks. In the JCM5805 group, the cumulative incidence days of ‘cough’ and ‘feverishness’, which are defined as major symptoms of an influenza-like illness, were significantly decreased compared with the placebo group. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells prepared from volunteers were cultured in the presence of inactivated human influenza virus A/H1N1 (A/PR/8/34).IFN-αelicited by A/H1N1 tended to be higher in the JCM5805 group compared with the placebo group, and an IFN-α-inducible antiviral factor,interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15), elicited by A/H1N1 was significantly higher in the JCM5805 group compared with the placebo group after the intake period. These results suggest that intake of JCM5805 is able to prevent the pathogenesis of an influenza-like illness via enhancement of an IFN-α-mediated response to the influenza virus.
The Carnian Humid Episode of the late Triassic: a review
Authors: RUFFELL A. , SIMMS M. J. , WIGNALL P. B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFrom 1989 to 1994 a series of papers outlined evidence for a brief episode of climate change from arid to humid, and then back to arid, during the Carnian Stage of the late Triassic Epoch. This time of climate change was compared to marine and terrestrial biotic changes, mainly extinction and then radiation of flora and fauna. Subsequently termed, albeit incorrectly, the Carnian Pluvial Event (CPE) by successive authors, interest in this episode of climatic change has increased steadily, with new evidence being published as well as several challenges to the theory. The exact nature of this humid episode, whether reflecting widespread precipitation or more local effects, as well as its ultimate cause, remains equivocal. Bed-by-bed sampling of the Carnian in the Southern Alps (Dolomites) shows the episode began with a negative carbon isotope excursion that lasted for only part of one ammonoid zone (A. austriacum). However, that the Carnian Humid Episode represents a significantly longer period, both environmentally and biotically, is irrefutable. The evidence is strongest in the European, Middle Eastern, Himalayan, North American and Japanese successions, but not always so clear in South America, Antarctica and Australia. The eruption of the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province and global warming (causing increased evaporation in the Tethyan and Panthalassic oceans) are suggested as causes for the humid episode.
The present situation of echinococcoses in Mongolia
Authors: Ito A. , Budke C.M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis review presents the historical and current situation of echinococcoses in Mongolia. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Mongolia's health surveillance infrastructure has been very poor, especially as it pertains to chronic diseases, including neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs). Although there is anecdotal evidence of people dying from hepatic disease due to infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus spp., there are very few published reports. All confirmed cases of echinococcoses in Mongolia are from hospitals located in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Cases of cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by either Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto or Echinococcus canadensis are believed to be relatively common throughout Mongolia. In contrast, cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, are believed to be rare. Recent wild-animal surveys have revealed that wolves (Canis lupus) are the major definitive hosts of E. canadensis, whereas both wolves and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are the primary definitive hosts of E. multilocularis. Although wild-animal surveys have begun to elucidate the transmission of Echinococcus spp. in Mongolia, there have yet to be large-scale studies conducted in domestic dogs and livestock. Therefore, further epidemiological studies, in addition to education-based control campaigns, are needed to help combat this NZD.
Optimizing conservation policy: the importance of seasonal variation in hunting and meat consumption on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar
Authors: Borgerson Cortni 
Published: August 2015

AbstractStudying seasonal hunting patterns can be critical for developing sound actions for conservation and public health. As availability of funds to implement conservation policy is limited, it is essential to focus efforts during the most critical times of year. During July 2011–June 2012 I recorded direct observations of hunting of forest mammals, and conducted daily 24-hour recall surveys (2 weeks per month over 11 months: August 2011–June 2012), and interviews of all households in a focal village on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar to investigate (1) what drives seasonal hunting patterns and (2) how seasonal variation in consumption of wildlife and domestic meat affects native species and people. There is marked seasonal variation in hunting of forest mammals and in the consumption of fish and domesticated livestock on the Masoala Peninsula. Hunters target bushpigs Potamochoerus larvatus and tenrec and lemur species during the austral winter (March–August), whereas more native and introduced carnivorans, fish and domesticated livestock are consumed during the austral summer (September–February). The results suggest that seasonal variation in hunting patterns is driven by the physical and behavioural characteristics of prey rather than seasonal scarcity of alternative meat. Seasonal hunting and meat consumption on the Masoala Peninsula may amplify the negative impact of hunting on native carnivorans and tenrecs (which are hunted when they are pregnant and lactating), and the positive impact of consumption of lemurs, bushpigs and tenrecs on human health. This study highlights an important aspect of hunting on the Masoala: the decision whether or not to hunt is made independently of decisions regarding when to hunt particular species.
Economic evaluations of Internet interventions for mental health: a systematic review
Authors: Donker T. , Blankers M. , Hedman E. , Ljótsson B. , Petrie K. , Christensen H. 
Published: August 2015

Background.Internet interventions are assumed to be cost-effective. However, it is unclear how strong this evidence is, and what the quality of this evidence is.Method.A comprehensive literature search (1990–2014) in Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, NHS Economic Evaluations Database, NHS Health Technology Assessment Database, Office of Health Economics Evaluations Database, Compendex and Inspec was conducted. We included economic evaluations alongside randomized controlled trials of Internet interventions for a range of mental health symptoms compared to a control group, consisting of a psychological or pharmaceutical intervention, treatment-as-usual (TAU), wait-list or an attention control group.Results.Of the 6587 abstracts identified, 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies featured a societal perspective. Results demonstrated that guided Internet interventions for depression, anxiety, smoking cessation and alcohol consumption had favourable probabilities of being more cost-effective when compared to wait-list, TAU, group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBGT), attention control, telephone counselling or unguided Internet CBT. Unguided Internet interventions for suicide prevention, depression and smoking cessation demonstrated cost-effectiveness compared to TAU or attention control. In general, results from cost-utility analyses using more generic health outcomes (quality of life) were less favourable for unguided Internet interventions. Most studies adhered reasonably to economic guidelines.Conclusions.Results of guided Internet interventions being cost-effective are promising with most studies adhering to publication standards, but more economic evaluations are needed in order to determine cost-effectiveness of Internet interventions compared to the most cost-effective treatment currently available.
Perceived value of support for older adults coping with multi-morbidity: patient, informal care-giver and family physician perspectives
Authors: NAGANATHAN GAYATHRI , KULUSKI KERRY , GILL ASHLINDER , JAAKKIMAINEN LIISA , UPSHUR ROSS , WODCHIS WALTER P. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the perceived value of informal and formal supports for older adults with multi-morbidity from the perspectives of patients, care-givers and family physicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients, their informal care-givers and their family physicians in an urban academic family health team in Ontario. Analysis was conducted using a General Inductive Approach to facilitate identification of main themes and build a framework of perceived value of supports. Participant views converged on supports that facilitate patient independence and ease care-giver burden. However, important differences in participant perceptions arose regarding these priorities. Physicians and care-givers valued supports that facilitate health and safety while patients prioritised supports that enable self-efficacy and independence. While formal supports which eased care-giver burden were viewed positively by all members of the triad, many patients also rejected formal supports, citing that informal support from their care-giver was available. Such conflicts between patient, care-giver and physician-perceived value of supports may have important implications for consumer and care-giver willingness to accept formal supports when supports are available. These findings contribute to the broader literature on community-based care by incorporating the perspectives of patients, informal care-givers and family physicians to understand better the barriers and facilitators of uptake of supportive services that contribute to successful ageing at home.
Rate of tuberculosis infection in children and adolescents with household contact with adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis as assessed by tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays
Authors: FERRARINI M. A. G. , SPINA F. G. , WECKX L. Y. , LEDERMAN H. M. , De MORAES-PINTO M. I. 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYTuberculosis (TB) infection was evaluated in Brazilian immunocompetent children and adolescents exposed and unexposed (control group) to adults with active pulmonary TB. Both groups were analysed by clinical and radiological assessment, TST, QFT-IT and T-SPOT.TB. The three tests were repeated after 8 weeks in the TB-exposed group if results were initially negative. Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) were treated and tests were repeated after treatment. Fifty-nine TB-exposed and 42 controls were evaluated. Rate of infection was 69·5% and 9·5% for the exposed and control groups, respectively. The exposed group infection rate was 61% assessed by TST, 57·6% by T-SPOT.TB, and 59·3%, by QFT-IT. No active TB was diagnosed. Agreement between the three tests was 83·1% and 92·8% in the exposed and control groups, respectively. In the exposed group, T-SPOT.TB added four TB diagnoses [16%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·6–30·4] and QFT-IT added three TB diagnoses (12%, 95% CI 0–24·7) in 25 individuals with negative tuberculin skin test (TST). Risk factors associated to TB infection were contact with an adult with active TB [0–60 days: odds ratio (OR) 6·9; >60 days: OR 27·0] and sleeping in the same room as an adult with active TB (OR 5·2). In Brazilian immunocompetent children and adolescents, TST had a similar performance to interferon-gamma release assays and detected a high rate of LTBI.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of Dental Root Resorption Associated With Granuloma
Authors: Chieruzzi Manila , Pagano Stefano , De Carolis Carlo , Eramo Stefano , Kenny José M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe inflammatory resorption of dental root apex (i.e., the process of removal of cementum and/or dentine through the activity of resorbing cells) may show different configurations and damage the apical root structure. As knowing the morphology of resorption areas of human teeth is essential for the success of endodontic treatments, we investigated the apical resorption by scanning electron microscopy, focusing on roots with granulomas. A total of 30 teeth (with penetrating carious lesions and chronic periapical lesions) were examined, the apical third of the roots were removed and analyzed to estimate periforaminal and foraminal resorption, shape and morphology of foramen resorption, centering of the periforaminal resorption area, and diameters of each apical foramen. Periforaminal resorption was present in all samples, whereas foraminal resorption was present in 92% of cases (mainly funnel shaped). Lacunae were observed in the foraminal resorption area with an average diameter of 35±14 μm. The major and minor diameters of the foramina in teeth with resorption were 443 and 313 μm, respectively (higher than in healthy teeth). This result indicates an expansion of the apical diameters caused by the pathology, which could encourage a different clinical instrumentation for these teeth.
Provision of water by halite deliquescence forNostoc communebiofilms under Mars relevant surface conditions
Authors: Jänchen Jochen , Feyh Nina , Szewzyk Ulrich , de Vera Jean-Pierre P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMotivated by findings of new mineral related water sources for organisms under extremely dry conditions on Earth we studied in an interdisciplinary approach the water sorption behaviour of halite, soil component and terrestrialNostoc communebiofilm under Mars relevant environmental conditions. Physicochemical methods served for the determination of water sorption equilibrium data and survival of heterotrophic bacteria in biofilm samples with different water contents was assured by recultivation. Deliquescence of halite provides liquid water at temperatures <273 K and may serve as water source on Mars during the morning stabilized by the CO2atmosphere for a few hours. The protecting biofilm ofN. communeis rather hygroscopic and tends to store water at lower humidity values. Survival tests showed that a large proportion of the Alphaproteobacteria dominated microbiota associated toN. communeis very desiccation tolerant and water uptake from saturated NaCl solutions (either by direct uptake of brine or adsorption of humidity) did not enhance recultivability in long-time desiccated samples. Still, a minor part can grow under highly saline conditions. However, the salinity level, although unfavourable for the host organism, might be for parts of the heterotrophic microbiota no serious hindrance for growing in salty Mars-like environments.
Confirmation of the cookiecutter shark, Isistius brasiliensis, from the eastern North Pacific Ocean (Squaliformes: Dalatiidae)
Authors: Ebert David A. , Pien Catarina , Kamikawa Daniel J. 
Published: August 2015

The cookiecutter shark,Isistius brasiliensis, is confirmed for the first time from the eastern North Pacific Ocean. The shark, a female 432 mm in total length, was caught in a sablefish pot at a depth of 1132 m off San Nicolas Island, California, USA (32°59′05″N 120°25′99″W).