Temporal Text Mining: From Frequencies to Word Embeddings

The last decade has witnessed a tremendous growth in the amount of textual data available from web pages and social media posts, as well as from digitized sources, such as newspapers and books. However, as new data is continuously created to record the events of the moment, old data is archived day by day, for months, years, and decades. From this point of view, web archives play an important role not only as sources of data, but also as testimonials of history. In this respect, state-of-art machine learning models for word representations, namely word embeddings, are not able to capture the dynamic nature of semantics, since they represent a word as a single-state vector which do not consider different time spans of the corpus. Although diachronic word embeddings have started appearing in recent works, the very small literature leaves several open questions that must be addressed. Moreover, these works model language evolution from a strong linguistic perspective. We approach this problem from a slightly different perspective. In particular, we discuss temporal word embeddings models trained on highly evolving corpora, in order to model the knowledge that textual archives have accumulated over the years. This allow to discover semantic evolution of words, but also find temporal analogies and compute temporal translations. Moreover, we conducted experiments on word frequencies. The results of an in-depth temporal analysis of shifts in word semantics, in comparison to word frequencies, show that these two variations are related

Identificación de variantes zoonóticas de Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis y Enterocytozoon en terneros de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis, and Enterocytozoon are cosmopolitan microscopic parasites that can cause severe diarrheal disease in humans and animals, and can be lethal in immunocompromised individuals..Cattle can become a major source of infection of those zoonotic agents for humans if the development of the livestock industry is not accompanied by appropriate preventive measures for their manure management. \nDuring the period 2011-2013 a survey of Cryptosporidium, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis was conducted in dairy farms distributed in 12 municipalities of the Cuenca Mar y Sierras, Province of Buenos Aires. Fecal specimens of 209 calves less than 2 months of age were collected and analyzed by molecular methods to identify and molecularly characterize Cryptosporidium, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis .\nA nested PCR protocol for identification of 18S rRNA gene was used for the detection of Cryptosporidium. To detect C. parvum subtypes, a nested PCR for a genetic polymorphic marker ?surface glycoprotein GP60 gene- was used. \nFor E. bieneusi identification, a 400 bp fragment corresponding to the entire region of ITS region and flanking portions of both major and minor subunits rDNA was amplified by nested PCR. To identify Blastocystis, a PCR based on the detection of a fragment of SSU rDNA gene was performed.\nA total of 87 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium (41,62%). Cryptosporidium bovis was detected in a single sample while the rest were all C. parvum. Subtyping of the C. parvum isolates revealed a wide variety of zoonotic subtypes: IIaA16G1R1, IIaA18G1R1, IIaA19G1R1, IIaA20G1R1, IIaA21G1R1, IIaA22G1R1, IIaA23G1R1 were detected. Coinfections were detected in two samples with IIaA22G1R1 and IIaA21G1R1.\nE. bieneusi was detected in 10 samples (4.8%). Six genotypes were found with five of them being previously reported in humans. Genotypes D, I, J and BEB4, previously described in calves and humans, were identified. EbpC, which has been previously described in humans, was found for the first time in calves. A new genotype, BEB10, was identified in a calf. The most prevalent genotype was the J, followed by I. No mixed infections were detected.\nA total of 6 stool samples showed coinfection by Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi. The following associations were found: C. bovis with genotype J, C. parvum subtype IIaA18G1R1 with genotype I, IIaA20G1R1 with genotype D, IIaA20G1R1 with genotype J, IIaA21G1R1 with genotype BEB4 and IIaA22G1R1 with genotype J. \nBlastocystis was not detected.\nThese results show a wide genetic diversity of C. parvum and E. bieneusi with zoonotic genotypes and subtypes in calves in Buenos Aires province. The presence of these microorganisms in calves suggests that these animals could represent a risk to public health through contamination of drinking water and fresh produce. For a better understanding of zoonotic transmission of these agents it is essential to carry out molecular studies of isolates from humans who live with or are in contact with these animals.Fil: Del Coco, Valeria Fernanda. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaCryptosporidium, Blastocystis y Enterocytozoon son parásitos cosmopolitas que pueden causar cuadros clínicos gastrointestinales en humanos y animales y en algunos casos puede ser letal en personas inmunocomprometidas. El ganado vacuno puede llegar a ser una fuente importante de infección de estos agentes zoonóticos si el desarrollo de la industria ganadera no se acompaña de medidas preventivas adecuadas para el manejo de los desechos provenientes de estos animales.\nDurante el período 2011-2013 se realizó un relevamiento de Cryptosporidium, Enterocytozoon bieneusi y Blastocystis en establecimientos lecheros distribuidos en 12 municipios de la Cuenca Mar y Sierras, Provincia de Buenos Aires. Se obtuvieron muestras fecales de 209 terneros de menos de 2 meses de edad las cuales se analizaron por métodos moleculares para identificar y caracterizar molecularmente a dichos microorganismos. \nPara la detección de Cryptosporidium se efectuó un protocolo de PCR anidada para la identificación del gen 18S rRNA. La detección de subtipos de C. parvum, se realizó una PCR anidada que identifica al gen de la glicoproteína de superficie GP60.\nEn el caso de E. bieneusi, se amplificó mediante PCR anidada un fragmento de 400 pb correspondiente a toda la region ITS y las porciones flanqueantes tanto de la subunidad menor como mayor del rADN. Para identificar Blastocystis, se efectuó una PCR para detectar un fragmento del gen SSU rDNA. \nUn total de 87 muestras resultaron positivas para Cryptosporidium (41,62%). Cryptosporidium bovis se detectó en una sola muestra, mientras que el resto fueron positivas para C. parvum. La subtipificación de las muestras positivas para C. parvum reveló una amplia variedad de subtipos zoonóticos: IIaA16G1R1, IIaA18G1R1, IIaA19G1R1, IIaA20G1R1, IIaA21G1R1, IIaA22G1R1, IIaA23G1R1. Se detectaron coinfecciones en dos muestras con los subtipos IIaA21G1R1 y IIaA22G1R1. \nE. bieneusi se detectó en 10 muestras (4,8%). Seis genotipos fueron encontrados de los cuales cinco de ellos fueron detectados con anterioridad en humanos. Los genotipos D, I, J y BEB4, descrito previamente en terneros los seres humanos fueron identificados. EbpC, que ha sido descrito previamente en los seres humanos, se encontró por primera vez en los terneros. Un nuevo genotipo, BEB10, fue identificado en un ternero. El genotipo más frecuente fue el J, seguido por I. No se detectaron infecciones mixtas.\nUn total de 6 muestras de heces mostraron coinfección por Cryptosporidium y E. bieneusi. Se encontraron las siguientes asociaciones: C. bovis con genotipo J, C. parvum subtipo IIaA18G1R1 con genotipo I, IIaA20G1R1 con el genotipo D, IIaA20G1R1 con el genotipo J, IIaA21G1R1 con genotipo BEB4 y IIaA22G1R1 con el genotipo J.\nBlastocystis no fue detectado en ninguna muestra.\nEstos resultados indican una amplia diversidad genética de subtipos y genotipos zoonóticos de C. parvum y E. bieneusi respectivamente, en terneros en la provincia de Buenos Aires. La presencia de estos microorganismos en terneros sugiere que estos animales podrían representar un riesgo para la salud pública a través de la contaminación del agua potable y productos frescos. Para una mejor comprensión de la transmisión zoonótica de estos agentes es esencial llevar a cabo estudios moleculares de muestras provenientes de seres humanos que viven o están en contacto con estos animales

A study on different experimental configurations for age, race, and gender estimation problems

This paper presents a detailed study about different algorithmic configurations for estimating soft biometric traits. In particular, a recently introduced common framework is the starting point of the study: it includes an initial facial detection, the subsequent facial traits description, the data reduction step, and the final classification step. The algorithmic configurations are featured by different descriptors and different strategies to build the training dataset and to scale the data in input to the classifier. Experimental proofs have been carried out on both publicly available datasets and image sequences specifically acquired in order to evaluate the performance even under real-world conditions, i.e., in the presence of scaling and rotation

Video monitoring of Sparidae temporal rhythms: three-year study by OBSEA cabled observatory

The abundance and composition of fish assemblages varies at different temporal scales as a product of diel and annual rhythms. In this study, we used a video-wired observatory (OBSEA, www.obsea.es) to monitor annual rhythms in a coastal fish assemblage with a 3-year data set (2012-2014). The photographs were acquired at 30 min frequency. Five species of the family Sparidae were studied (i.e. Dentex dentex, Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris, Diplodus annularis and Diplodus puntazzo) together with water temperature and daylength. The results of the annual rhythmicity analysis indicated that most of the peaks of abundance occured in the autumn months. Results suggest differentially temporal use of the reproductive or trophic niche.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Blastocystis spp.: avances, controversias y desafíos futuros

Blastocystis spp. es el protista intracelular que se detecta con mayor frecuencia en muestras de materia fecal humana; las tasas de infección pueden superar el 20% en países en vías de desarrollo. El hallazgo de este parásito en heces de diversas especies animales sugiere su potencial zoonótico. La relevancia clínica y el papel patógeno de Blastocystis spp. en el tracto intestinal son inciertos. Varias son las publicaciones que lo reconocen como agente etiológico de desórdenes intestinales como diarrea, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y colitis ulcerosa, aunque la patogenicidad de este parásito no ha sido probada. Este amplio rango de respuestas a la infección podría estar relacionado con la diversidad genética de los aislamientos provenientes de hospedadores infectados.In developing countries, infection rates are higher than 20%. The presence of this parasite in the feces of several host species suggests its zoonotic potential. The clinical relevance and the pathogenic role of Blastocystis spp. in the intestinal tract remain unclear. There are several clinical reports that recognize it as the etiologic agent of several intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, although the pathogenicity of this parasite has not been proved yet. This wide range of clinical manifestations could be related to the genetic diversity exhibited by this parasite

Influencing factors in the occurrence of injured coliforms in the drinking water distribution system in the city of La Plata, Argentina

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influencing factors in the occurrence of coliforms in the drinking water in La Plata (Argentina) from June 1999 to June 2001. A total of 180 samples were collected from Rio de La Plata (102 samples) and Puelche Aquifer (78 samples); 45 samples were collected for each of the four seasons. The membrane filter procedure was used for isolating bacteria, and each sample was tested for chlorine and pH. The highest percentage of samples positive for coliforms in the two tested media was obtained in summer while the highest percentage of negative samples was obtained in winter. No Escherichia coli was isolated. The percentage of injured coliforms fluctuated between 70 and 100%. The most frequently isolated bacteria was Enterobacter cloacae in summer, Enterobacter agglomerans in autumn and Klebsiella oxytoca in winter and spring. Significant correlations were observed between coliforms and the distance from the initial treatment point, and with the level of free chlorine. We conclude that drinking water contamination in La Plata occurs in the distribution system due to increased temperatures and reduced disinfectant levels, which result in bacterial regrowth.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121® (firmicutes): una alternativa bioterapéutica en el control de la infección por Cryptosporidium parvum (apicomplexa)

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de EfCECT7121® sobre la viabilidad e infectividad de Cryptosporidium parvum en modelo murino sometido a inmunosupresión química. Se desarrolló un modelo murino de infección por C. parvum en el que se estudiaron parámetros clínicos e histopatológicos reportándose hallazgos nunca descriptos sobre la dinámica infección-apoptosis en cada sector intestinal. La presencia de EfCECT7121® a nivel intestinal puso de manifiesto su interferencia sobre el ciclo intestinal de C. parvum in vivo, logrando reducir su capacidad infectiva en los animales desafiados. Esto motiva el uso individual o combinado de EfCECT7121® con otros agentes terapéuticos, tanto en esta como en otras infecciones intestinales.Asociación Parasitológica Argentin

Harvest year effects on Apulian EVOOs evaluated by (1)H NMR based metabolomics

none5noNine hundred extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) were extracted from individual olive trees of four olive cultivars (Coratina, Cima di Mola, Ogliarola, Peranzana), originating from the provinces of Bari and Foggia (Apulia region, Southern Italy) and collected during two consecutive harvesting seasons (2013/14 and 2014/15). Following genetic identification of individual olive trees, a detailed Apulian EVOO NMR database was built using 900 oils samples obtained from 900 cultivar certified single trees. A study on the olive oil lipid profile was carried out by statistical multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA, Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis, PLS-DA, Orthogonal Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis, OPLS-DA). Influence of cultivar and weather conditions, such as the summer rainfall, on the oil metabolic profile have been evaluated. Mahalanobis distances and J2 criterion have been measured to assess the quality of resulting scores clusters for each cultivar in the two harvesting campaigns. The four studied cultivars showed non homogeneous behavior. Notwithstanding the geographical spread and the wide number of samples, Coratina showed a consistent behavior of its metabolic profile in the two considered harvests. Among the other three Peranzana showed the second more consistent behavior, while Cima di Mola and Ogliarola having the biggest change over the two years.Girelli, Chiara R; Del Coco, Laura; Papadia, Paride; De Pascali, Sandra A; Fanizzi, Francesco PGirelli, CHIARA ROBERTA; DEL COCO, Laura; Papadia, Paride; DE PASCALI, SANDRA ANGELICA; Fanizzi, Francesco Paol

1H NMR Spectroscopy and MVA Analysis of Diplodus sargus Eating the Exotic Pest Caulerpa cylindracea

6noThe green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is a non-autochthonous and invasive species that is severely affecting the native communities in the Mediterranean Sea. Recent researches show that the native edible fish Diplodus sargus actively feeds on this alga and cellular and physiological alterations have been related to the novel alimentary habits. The complex effects of such a trophic exposure to the invasive pest are still poorly understood. Here we report on the metabolic profiles of plasma from D. sargus individuals exposed to C. cylindracea along the southern Italian coast, using 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA, Orthogonal Partial Least Square, PLS, and Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis, OPLS-DA). Fish were sampled in two seasonal periods from three different locations, each characterized by a different degree of algal abundance. The levels of the algal bisindole alkaloid caulerpin, which is accumulated in the fish tissues, was used as an indicator of the trophic exposure to the seaweed and related to the plasma metabolic profiles. The profiles appeared clearly influenced by the sampling period beside the content of caulerpin, while the analyses also supported a moderate alteration of lipid and choline metabolism related to the Caulerpa-based diet.openopenS. A. De Pascali; L. Del Coco; S. Felline; E. Mollo; A. Terlizzi; F. P. FanizziS. A., De Pascali; L., Del Coco; S., Felline; E., Mollo; Terlizzi, Antonio; F. P., Fanizz

The response of the algae Fucus virsoides (Fucales, Ochrophyta) to Roundup® solution exposure: A metabolomics approach

8noGlyphosate, as a broad-spectrum herbicide, is frequently detected in water and several studies have investigated its effects on several freshwater aquatic organisms. Yet, only few investigations have been performed on marine macroalgae. Here, we studied both the metabolomics responses and the effect on primary production in the endemic brown algae Fucus virsoides exposed to different concentration (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mg L−1) of a commercial glyphosate-based herbicide, namely Roundup®. Our results show that Roundup® significantly reduced quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) and caused alteration in the metabolomic profiles of exposed thalli compared to controls. Together with the decrease in the aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), an increase in shikimate content was detected. The branched-amino acids differently varied according to levels of herbicide exposure, as well as observed for the content of choline, formate, glucose, malonate and fumarate. Our results suggest that marine primary producers could be largely affected by the agricultural land use, this asking for further studies addressing the ecosystem-level effects of glyphosate-based herbicides in coastal waters.partially_openopenFelline, Serena; Del Coco, Laura; Kaleb, Sara; Guarnieri, Giuseppe; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Terlizzi, Antonio; Fanizzi, Francesco Paolo; Falace, AnnalisaFelline, Serena; Del Coco, Laura; Kaleb, Sara; Guarnieri, Giuseppe; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Terlizzi, Antonio; Fanizzi, Francesco Paolo; Falace, Annalis