bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using radar interferometry and SBAS technique to detect surface subsidence relating to coal mining in Upper Silesia from 1993-2000 and 2003-2010
Authors: Nádudvari Ádám
Published: March 2016

In the presented research ERS1-2 and Envisat ASAR archive data were used for the periods 1993 – 2000 and 2003 – 2010. The radar images were acquired over Upper Silesia in southern Poland. DinSAR (Differential InSAR) and SBAS (Small Baseline Subset) methods were applied for the detection of the most subsided areas. The DinSAR images were layer stacked for an image using 26 interferometry pairs of ERS1-2 SAR and 16 pairs from Envisat ASAR images in an ascending-descending orbit combination. The stacking of these images showed the most subsided parts of these cities even under low coherent areas, but the results are less precise. In the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, intensive underground coal exploitation has resulted in several surface deformations under Bytom (~8-17 km2), Piekary Śląskie (~9-15 km2), Ruda Śląska (~32-42 km2) and Katowice (~20-23 km2) with 25-40 cm of subsidence (in general) in the studied time periods. The SBAS technique has also shown that coal mining caused subsidence in the cities of Bytom, Katowice, and Piekary Śląskie of 5-7 cm/yr. The presented SBAS method did not work for low coherent areas, e.g. dense forested areas. DInSAR data also pointed to several decreasingly less active mining areas, which relate to the mine closures in Bytom and Ruda Śląska, which is also verified by the time series analysis.
Metropolitan aspirations of cities in East Poland during the process of their development
Authors: Rodzoś Jolanta , Wesołowska Monika
Published: March 2016

Białystok, Lublin, and Rzeszów are the three largest cities in eastern Poland, and the capitals of their provinces. They each have metropolitan ambitions, and based on partner agreements with the authorities of their neighbouring districts they initiated the establishment of metropolitan areas where they became the main centres. This article undertakes an analysis of a number of elements of each of these metropolitan areas in order to compare their position, and to give an assessment of the development of their metropolitan functions. The analysis concerned their demographic, social, economic and cultural parameters. Results of this research show that none of these analysed cities has yet developed sufficient functions coherent with the European metropolitan network. Each of them is a strong regional centre of national importance. Statistical analysis of the data shows no strong leader among these three metropolitan areas. The weak position of the Białystok Metropolitan Area is evident due to its particularly disturbing demographic processes which offer no chance for population development in the area or growth of its social potential. The Rzeszów Metropolitan Area maintains the best social-demographic and economic indices and it is also the most compact, coherent area with the least distance to its metropolitan centre.
Do Strategic Alliances, Acquisitions, and R&D Investments Act as Complements or Substitutes?
Authors: Martynov Aleksey
Published: March 2016

This paper studies possible complementarities and substitution effects between such strategic choices as alliances, acquisitions and internal R&D investments. The findings indicate that a firm’s absorptive capacity affects the presence of complementarities and substitution effects among those strategic choices. Firms with high absorptive capacity exhibit substitution effects between alliances and acquisitions and between alliances and internal R&D investments. Firms with high absorptive capacity also exhibit complementarities between acquisitions and additional R&D investments. These results were obtained from panel data of large and medium U.S. companies spanning the years 1998-2009. The results are robust to the use of different measures of performance: profitability, market-to-book value, and sales growth. This paper contributes to our understanding of the role of absorptive capacity for the optimal choice of inter-organizational strategy vs. greater internal R&D investments.
Computational Intelligence for Estimating Cost of New Product Development
Authors: Relich Marcin
Published: March 2016

This paper is concerned with estimating cost of various new product development phases with the use of computational intelligence techniques such as neural networks and fuzzy neural system. Companies tend to develop many new products simultaneously and a limited project budget imposes the selection of the most promising new product development projects. The evaluation of new product projects requires cost estimation. The model of cost estimation contains product design, prototype manufacturing and testing, and it is specified in terms of a constraint satisfaction problem. The illustrative example presents comparative analysis of estimating product development cost using computational intelligence techniques and multiple regression model.
Summable Family in a Commutative Group
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: March 2016

Hölzl et al. showed that it was possible to build “a generic theory of limits based on filters” in Isabelle/HOL [22], [7]. In this paper we present our formalization of this theory in Mizar [6].

First, we compare the notions of the limit of a family indexed by a directed set, or a sequence, in a metric space [30], a real normed linear space [29] and a linear topological space [14] with the concept of the limit of an image filter [16].

Then, following Bourbaki [9], [10] (TG.III, §5.1 Familles sommables dans un groupe commutatif), we conclude by defining the summable families in a commutative group (“additive notation” in [17]), using the notion of filters.
Construction of Measure from Semialgebra of Sets1
Authors: Endou Noboru
Published: March 2016

In our previous article [22], we showed complete additivity as a condition for extension of a measure. However, this condition premised the existence of a σ-field and the measure on it. In general, the existence of the measure on σ-field is not obvious. On the other hand, the proof of existence of a measure on a semialgebra is easier than in the case of a σ-field. Therefore, in this article we define a measure (pre-measure) on a semialgebra and extend it to a measure on a σ-field. Furthermore, we give a σ-measure as an extension of the measure on a σ-field. We follow [24], [10], and [31].
Bifurcation Analysis and Dynamic Behaviour of an Inverted Pendulum with Bounded Control
Authors: Nikolov Svetoslav , Nedev Valentin
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an investigation on the behaviour of con- ventional inverted pendulum with an inertia disk in its free extreme. The system is actuated by means of torques applied to the disk by a DC mo- tor, mounted on the pendulum’s arm. Thus, the system is underactuated since the pendulum can rotate freely around its pivot point. The dynam- ical model is given with three ordinary nonlinear differential equations. Using Poincare-Andronov-Hopf’s theory, we find a new analytical formula for the first Lyapunov’s value at the boundary of stability. It enables one to study in detail the bifurcation behaviour of the above dynamic system. We check the validity of our analytical results on the first Lyapunov’s value by numerical simulations. Hence, we find some new results.
The Chemokine CCL2 Mediates the Seizure-enhancing Effects of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Cerri Chiara , Genovesi Sacha , Allegra Manuela , Pistillo Francesco , Püntener Ursula , Guglielmotti Angelo , Perry V. Hugh , Bozzi Yuri , Caleo Matteo
Published: March 2016

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Brain inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for seizure precipitation, but the molecular mediators of such proconvulsant effects are only partly understood. The chemokine CCL2 is one of the most elevated inflammatory mediators in patients with pharmacoresistent epilepsy, but its contribution to seizure generation remains unexplored. Here, we show, for the first time, a crucial role for CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in seizure control. We imposed a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We found that LPS dramatically increased seizure frequency and upregulated the expression of many inflammatory proteins, including CCL2. To test the proconvulsant role of CCL2, we administered systemically either a CCL2 transcription inhibitor (bindarit) or a selective antagonist of the CCR2 receptor (RS102895). We found that interference with CCL2 signaling potently suppressed LPS-induced seizures. Intracerebral administration of anti-CCL2 antibodies also abrogated LPS-mediated seizure enhancement in chronically epileptic animals. Our results reveal that CCL2 is a key mediator in the molecular pathways that link peripheral inflammation with neuronal hyperexcitability.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSubstantial evidence points to a role for inflammation in epilepsy, but currently there is little insight as to how inflammatory pathways impact on seizure generation. Here, we examine the molecular mediators linking peripheral inflammation with seizure susceptibility in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We show that a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide administration potently enhances seizure frequency and upregulates the expression of the chemokine CCL2. Remarkably, selective pharmacological interference with CCL2 or its receptor CCR2 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced seizure enhancement. Thus, CCL2/CCR2 signaling plays a key role in linking systemic inflammation with seizure susceptibility.
Multiplexed Population Coding of Stimulus Properties by Leech Mechanosensory Cells
Authors: Pirschel Friederice , Kretzberg Jutta
Published: March 2016

Sensory coding has long been discussed in terms of a dichotomy between spike timing and rate coding. However, recent studies found that in primate mechanoperception and other sensory systems, spike rates and timing of cell populations complement each other. They simultaneously carry information about different stimulus properties in a multiplexed way. Here, we present evidence for multiplexed encoding of tactile skin stimulation in the tiny population of leech mechanoreceptors, consisting of only 10 cells of two types with overlapping receptive fields. Each mechanoreceptor neuron of the leech varies spike count and response latency to both touch intensity and location, leading to ambiguous responses to different stimuli. Nevertheless, three different stimulus estimation techniques consistently reveal that the neuronal population allows reliable decoding of both stimulus properties. For the two mechanoreceptor types, the transient responses of T (touch) cells and the sustained responses of P (pressure) cells, the relative timing of the first spikes of two mechanoreceptors encodes stimulus location, whereas summed spike counts represent touch intensity. Differences between the cell types become evident in responses to combined stimulus properties. The best estimation performance for stimulus location is obtained from the relative first spike timing of the faster and temporally more precise T cells. Simultaneously, the sustained responses of P cells indicate touch intensity by summed spike counts and stimulus duration by the duration of spike responses. The striking similarities of these results with previous findings on primate mechanosensory afferents suggest multiplexed population coding as a general principle of somatosensation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMultiplexing, the simultaneous encoding of different stimulus properties by distinct neuronal response features, has recently been suggested as a mechanism used in several sensory systems, including primate somatosensation. While a rigorous experimental verification of the multiplexing hypothesis is difficult to accomplish in a complex vertebrate system, it is feasible for a small population of individually characterized leech neurons. Monitoring the responses of all four mechanoreceptors innervating a patch of skin revealed striking similarities between touch encoding in the primate and the leech: summed spike counts represent stimulus intensity, whereas relative timing of first spikes encodes stimulus location. These findings suggest that multiplexed population coding is a general mechanism of touch encoding common to species as different as man and worm.
ABCA7 Deficiency Accelerates Amyloid-β Generation and Alzheimer's Neuronal Pathology
Authors: Sakae Nobutaka , Liu Chia-Chen , Shinohara Mitsuru , Frisch-Daiello Jessica , Ma Li , Yamazaki Yu , Tachibana Masaya , Younkin Linda , Kurti Aishe , Carrasquillo Minerva M. , Zou Fanggeng , Sevlever Daniel , Bisceglio Gina , Gan Ming , Fol Romain , Knight Patrick , Wang Miao , Han Xianlin , Fryer John D. , Fitzgerald Michael L. , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Younkin Steven G. , Bu Guojun , Kanekiyo Takahisa
Published: March 2016

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the accumulation and deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain is a central event. Aβ is cleaved from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase and γ-secretase mainly in neurons. Although mutations inAPP,PS1, orPS2cause early-onset familial AD,ABCA7encoding ATP-binding cassette transporter A7 is one of the susceptibility genes for late-onset AD (LOAD), in which itsloss-of-functionvariants increase the disease risk. ABCA7 is homologous to a major lipid transporter ABCA1 and is highly expressed in neurons and microglia in the brain. Here, we show that ABCA7 deficiency altered brain lipid profile and impaired memory in ABCA7 knock-out (Abca7−/−) mice. When bred to amyloid model APP/PS1 mice, plaque burden was exacerbated by ABCA7 deficit.In vivomicrodialysis studies indicated that the clearance rate of Aβ was unaltered. Interestingly, ABCA7 deletion facilitated the processing of APP to Aβ by increasing the levels of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) in primary neurons and mouse brains. Knock-down of ABCA7 expression in neurons caused endoplasmic reticulum stress highlighted by increased level of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). In the brains of APP/PS1;Abca7−/−mice, the level of phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) was also significantly elevated. Together, our results reveal novel pathways underlying the association of ABCA7 dysfunction and LOAD pathogenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGene variants inABCA7encoding ATP-binding cassette transporter A7 are associated with the increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Importantly, we found the altered brain lipid profile and impaired memory in ABCA7 knock-out mice. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides cleaved from amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain is a key event in AD pathogenesis and we also found that ABCA7 deficit exacerbated brain Aβ deposition in amyloid AD model APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistically, we found that ABCA7 deletion facilitated the processing of APP and Aβ production by increasing the levels of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) in primary neurons and mouse brains without affecting the Aβ clearance rate in APP/PS1 mice. Our study demonstrates a novel mechanism underlying how dysfunctions of ABCA7 contribute to the risk for AD.
Auditory Brainstem Response Latency in Noise as a Marker of Cochlear Synaptopathy
Authors: Mehraei Golbarg , Hickox Ann E. , Bharadwaj Hari M. , Goldberg Hannah , Verhulst Sarah , Liberman M. Charles , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara G.
Published: March 2016

Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that moderate acoustic exposure, causing only transient threshold elevation, can nonetheless cause “hidden hearing loss” that interferes with coding of suprathreshold sound. Such noise exposure destroys synaptic connections between cochlear hair cells and auditory nerve fibers; however, there is no clinical test of this synaptopathy in humans. In animals, synaptopathy reduces the amplitude of auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave-I. Unfortunately, ABR wave-I is difficult to measure in humans, limiting its clinical use. Here, using analogous measurements in humans and mice, we show that the effect of masking noise on the latency of the more robust ABR wave-V mirrors changes in ABR wave-I amplitude. Furthermore, in our human cohort, the effect of noise on wave-V latency predicts perceptual temporal sensitivity. Our results suggest that measures of the effects of noise on ABR wave-V latency can be used to diagnose cochlear synaptopathy in humans.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough there are suspicions that cochlear synaptopathy affects humans with normal hearing thresholds, no one has yet reported a clinical measure that is a reliable marker of such loss. By combining human and animal data, we demonstrate that the latency of auditory brainstem response wave-V in noise reflects auditory nerve loss. This is the first study of human listeners with normal hearing thresholds that links individual differences observed in behavior and auditory brainstem response timing to cochlear synaptopathy. These results can guide development of a clinical test to reveal this previously unknown form of noise-induced hearing loss in humans.
Respiratory Rate During the First 24 Hours of Life in Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Tveiten Lars , Diep Lien My , Halvorsen Thomas , Markestad Trond
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Abnormal respiratory rate (RR) is a key symptom of disease in the newborn. The aim of this study was to establish the reference range for RR during the first 24 hours of life in healthy infants born at term.

METHODS:

Infants were included at the hospital postnatal ward when time permitted. During sleep or a defined quiet state, RR was counted at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours by placing the bell of a stethoscope in front of the nostrils and mouth for 60 seconds. Data on maternal health, pregnancies, and births were obtained from medical records and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

RESULTS:

The study included 953 infants. Median RRs were 46 breaths/minute at 2 hours, thereafter 42 to 44 breaths/minute. The 95th percentile was 65 breaths/minute at 2 hours, thereafter 58 to 60 breaths/minute. The fifth percentile was 30 to 32 breaths/minute. Within these limits, the intraindividual variation was wide. The overall mean RR was 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7 to 5.7, P < .001) breaths/minute higher while awake than during sleep, 3.1 (95% CI, 1.5 to 4.8, P < .001) breaths/minute higher after heavy meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.8 to 2.4, P < .001) breaths/minute higher in boys than girls. RR did not differ for infants born after vaginal versus cesarean deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS:

The RR percentiles established from this study allow for a scientifically based use of RR when assessing newborn infants born at term.
Epidendrum lasiostachyum (Orchidaceae): a new Colombian species of the Epidendrum macrostachyum group
Authors: Hágsater Eric , Santiago Ayala Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Martínez Lizeth
Published: March 2016

En Epidendrum, siendo considerado un género monofilético, se pueden reconocer diversos grupos de especies con características vegetativas y florales similares. La revisión de uno de estos grupos, el grupo macrostachyum, el cual se reconoce por su hábito monopodial con ramificaciones subapicales, inflorescencia apical, erecta y flores no resupinadas, carnosas con el labelo entero abrazando la columna y pubescente por lo menos en la base, ha permitido la descripción de varias especies nuevas, entre ellas la nueva especie que se describe y se ilustra aquí. Es una especie colombiana similar a Epidendrum microrigidiflorum Hágsater, sin embargo difiere por la inflorescencia (dística, 6 flores vs. racemosa, 8-16 flores), en la forma (trulado vs. anchamente rómbico) y ornamentación del labelo (densamente seríceo vs. diminutamente papiloso) y en la ausencia de callos en el disco del mismo (ecalloso vs. bicalloso). Se presenta además una clave de las 41 especies del grupo.
Attentional bias in excessive Internet gamers: Experimental investigations using an addiction Stroop and a visual probe
Authors: Jeromin Franziska , Nyenhuis Nele , Barke Antonia
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Internet Gaming Disorder is included in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition) as a disorder that merits further research. The diagnostic criteria are based on those for Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder. Excessive gamblers and persons with Substance Use Disorder show attentional biases towards stimuli related to their addictions. We investigated whether excessive Internet gamers show a similar attentional bias, by using two established experimental paradigms.

Methods

We measured reaction times of excessive Internet gamers and non-gamers (N = 51, 23.7 ± 2.7 years) by using an addiction Stroop with computer-related and neutral words, as well as a visual probe with computer-related and neutral pictures. Mixed design analyses of variance with the between-subjects factor group (gamer/non-gamer) and the within-subjects factor stimulus type (computer-related/neutral) were calculated for the reaction times as well as for valence and familiarity ratings of the stimulus material.

Results

In the addiction Stroop, an interaction for group × word type was found: Only gamers showed longer reaction times to computer-related words compared to neutral words, thus exhibiting an attentional bias. In the visual probe, no differences in reaction time between computer-related and neutral pictures were found in either group, but the gamers were faster overall.

Conclusions

An attentional bias towards computer-related stimuli was found in excessive Internet gamers, by using an addiction Stroop but not by using a visual probe. A possible explanation for the discrepancy could lie in the fact that the visual probe may have been too easy for the gamers.
Online and live regular poker players: Do they differ in impulsive sensation seeking and gambling practice?
Authors: Barrault Servane , Varescon Isabelle
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Online gambling appears to have special features, such as anonymity, speed of play and permanent availability, which may contribute to the facilitation and increase in gambling practice, potentially leading to problem gambling. The aims of this study were to assess sociodemographic characteristics, gambling practice and impulsive sensation seeking among a population of regular poker players with different levels of gambling intensity and to compare online and live players.

Methods

245 regular poker players (180 online players and 65 live players) completed online self-report scales assessing sociodemographic data, pathological gambling (SOGS), gambling practice (poker questionnaire) and impulsive sensation seeking (ImpSS). We used SOGS scores to rank players according to the intensity of their gambling practice (non-pathological gamblers, problem gamblers and pathological gamblers).

Results

All poker players displayed a particular sociodemographic profile: they were more likely to be young men, executives or students, mostly single and working full-time. Online players played significantly more often whereas live players reported significantly longer gambling sessions. Sensation seeking was high across all groups, whereas impulsivity significantly distinguished players according to the intensity of gambling.

Discussion

Our results show the specific profile of poker players. Both impulsivity and sensation seeking seem to be involved in pathological gambling, but playing different roles. Sensation seeking may determine interest in poker whereas impulsivity may be involved in pathological gambling development and maintenance.

Conclusions

This study opens up new research perspectives and insights into preventive and treatment actions for pathological poker players.
Life adverse experiences in relation with obesity and binge eating disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Palmisano Giovanni Luca , Innamorati Marco , Vanderlinden Johan
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Several studies report a positive association between adverse life experiences and adult obesity. Despite the high comorbidity between binge eating disorder (BED) and obesity, few authors have studied the link between trauma and BED. In this review the association between exposure to adverse life experiences and a risk for the development of obesity and BED in adulthood is explored.

Methods

Based on a scientific literature review in Medline, PubMed and PsycInfo databases, the results of 70 studies (N = 306,583 participants) were evaluated including 53 studies on relationship between adverse life experiences and obesity, 7 studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in relation to obesity, and 10 studies on the association between adverse life experiences and BED. In addition, mediating factors between the association of adverse life experiences, obesity and BED were examined.

Results

The majority of studies (87%) report that adverse life experiences are a risk factor for developing obesity and BED. More precisely a positive association between traumatic experiences and obesity and PTSD and obesity were found, respectively, in 85% and 86% of studies. Finally, the great majority of studies (90%) between trauma and the development of BED in adulthood strongly support this association. Meanwhile, different factors mediating between the trauma and obesity link were identified.

Discussion and conclusions

Although research data show a strong association between life adverse experiences and the development of obesity and BED, more research is needed to explain this association.
Wpływ nowych podmiotów na światową gospodarkę – próba oceny na przykładzie krajów grupy BRICS
Authors: Czech Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

The evolution of the global economy has led to the emergence of new, important entities on the international arena, among which, undoubtedly, are the BRICS countries. The growth of their importance is reflected, inter alia, in the increase of their share of global revenue and the value of their currency reserves.For several years, the BRICS countries have sought a more formal recognition of their growing importance in the global economy, which has led to the establishment of their joint development bank and their own reserve funds. This study assesses the significance of the BRICS group as a subject of the global economy in the early years of the 21st century, in comparison to traditional economic powers. It contains descriptive and comparative analysis, as well as a systematisation of statistical information and observations. The analysis shows that the BRICS countries will continue contributing to the changes occurring in the global economy in the coming years. The study also looks at problems that may hinder the rapid development of these countries, including, environmental issues, international conflict, disease and terrorism.
Źródła przewagi konkurencyjnej małej gospodarki otwartej w dobie powiązań globalnych – Singapur w latach 2007–2012
Authors: Żmuda Małgorzata
Published: March 2016

Assuming that the competitive advantage of a small open economy does not have to rely solely on favourable domestic conditions, but can be generated as a result of its inclusion in the network of international connections, the article investigates the role of international economic interdependencies in shaping the long-term competitiveness of Singapore. An attempt has been made to determine whether internationalisation remains the main driving force for Singapore’s economy, or whether together with socio-economic development, the country has expanded its domestic competitive potential. In order to show the impact of the financial and economic crisis on the changes to domestic sources of Singapore’s competitive advantage, the study was conducted for the period 2007–2012, employing a generalised double diamond model.In light of the results of the analysis, it was found that thanks to the precisely executed strategy of strong international integration, a small economy has a chance to overcome its natural development constraints. However, it has to be stressed that in order to remain on the growth path, it is necessary for a strongly globalised economy to gradually expand the domestic pillars of national competitiveness, mainly by improving efficiency and stimulating innovation. These changes additionally enhance national long-term competitiveness by increasing the attractiveness of the location for inflows of high-tech foreign direct investment.
Effects of Idiosyncratic Volatility in Asset Pricing
Authors: Leite André Luís , Pinto Antonio Carlos Figueiredo , Klotzle Marcelo Cabus
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of the aggregate market volatility components - average volatility and average correlation - on the pricing of portfolios sorted by idiosyncratic volatility, using Brazilian data. The study investigates whether portfolios with high and low idiosyncratic volatility - in relation to the Fama and French model (1996) - have different exposures to innovations in average market volatility, and consequently, different expectations for return. The results are in line with those found for US data, although they portray the Brazilian reality. Decomposition of volatility allows the average volatility component, without the disturbance generated by the average correlation component, to better price the effects of a worsening or an improvement in the investment environment. This result is also identical to that found for US data. Average variance should thus command a risk premium. For US data, this premium is negative. According to Chen and Petkova (2012), the main reason for this negative sign is the high level of investment in research and development recorded by companies with high idiosyncratic volatility. As in Brazil this type of investment is significantly lower than in the US, it was expected that a result with the opposite sign would be found, which is in fact what occurred.
Photo-identification as a technique for recognition of individual fish: a test with the freshwater armored catfish Rineloricaria aequalicuspis Reis & Cardoso, 2001 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Dala-Corte Renato B. , Moschetta Júlia B. , Becker Fernando G.
Published: March 2016

Abstract Photo-identification allows individual recognition of animal species based on natural marks, being an alternative to other more stressful artificial tagging/marking techniques. An increasing number of studies with different animal groups has shown that photo-identification can successfully be used in several situations, but its feasibility to study freshwater fishes is yet to be explored. We demonstrate the potential use of photo-identification for intraspecific recognition of individuals in the stream-dwelling loricariid Rineloricaria aequalicuspis . We tested photo-identification in laboratory and field conditions based on the interindividual variability in abdominal bony plates. Our test yielded high correct matches in both laboratory (100%) and field conditions (> 97%), comparable to other reliable techniques and to studies that successfully used photo-identification in other animals. In field conditions, the number of correct matches did not differ statistically between computer-assisted and naked-eye identification. However, the average time expended to conclude computer-assisted photo evaluations was about half of the time expended to conclude naked-eye evaluations. This result may be exacerbated when using database with large number of images. Our results indicate that photo-identification can be a feasible alternative technique to study freshwater fish species, allowing for a wider use of mark-recapture in ecological and behavioral studies.
THOMAS KUHN E A NOVA HISTORIOGRAFIA DA CIÊNCIA
Authors: Oliveira Bernardo Jefferson de , Condé Mauro Lúcio Leitão
Published: March 2016

Esse artigo procura mostrar a crítica de Thomas Kuhn a algumas concepções da historiografia da ciência contemporânea que radicalizaram muitas das posições formuladas inicialmente pelo próprio Kuhn. Pretende-se ainda mostrar que um reposicionamento de Kuhn, a partir de sua crítica a seus sucessores, o aproxima mais de suas influências iniciais, em especial, de Ludwig Wittgenstein e Ludwik Fleck.
Nodulation, Growth and Soybean Yield in Response to Seed Coating and Split Application of Phosphorus
Authors: Soares Marcos Morais , Sediyama Tuneo , Neves Júlio César Lima , Santos Júnior Hamilton Carvalho dos , Silva Laércio Junio da
Published: March 2016

Abstract: Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for soybeans, but it presents a complex dynamic in the soil and can become unavailable. The split and localized application of this nutrient can be an effective approach to increase its availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a split phosphorus dose applied to the soil and the seed coating with monobasic sodium phosphate on nodulation, growth and yield components of soybean cultivar BRS Valiosa RR. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design in a 2x5x3 factorial arrangement, i.e., coating or not the seeds; five doses of phosphorus applied to the soil; and three times of splitting phosphate fertilizer. Phosphorus content in the index leaf (IL), dry matter of shoots, roots and nodules, yield components, and plant height were evaluated. There was an increase in nodulation and growth of plants with increased levels of phosphorus applied to the soil. In smaller doses, the seed coating and the splitting of phosphorus fertilizer increased nodulation, growth and yield components of plants. Thus, the splitting of the phosphorus dose, combined with seed coating, is indicated for increasing the yield components of soybean plants.
Conyza spp.: From Ugly Duckling to Agriculture's Fittest Swan - Brief Review
Authors: CONCENÇO G. , CONCENÇO S.E.
Published: March 2016

Conyza spp. are widely responsible for yield losses in agriculture due to its worldwide occurrence, resistance to herbicides and other traits which turn these species into first grade weeds. Since the 1980's, these species started to be cited on books both related to the ecology and the weed science, being usually classified as ruderals. Occurrence of Conyza in crops shows that these species are highly adaptable due to its recent evolutionary origin and occur in environments prone concomitantly to a moderate set of competition, disturbance and stress. There are also limitations in Grime's theory which may lead us to mistakes about the behavior of Conyza. Thus, simple and isolated recommendations certainly will not solve the problem of Conyza. Neither soil tillage nor tolerant crops to 2,4-D will free the agriculture from this weed, being necessary an integrated approach to solve this problem which demands qualified human resources in weed science and planning.
Crianças na educação infantil: a escola como lugar de experiência social
Authors: Santos Sandro Vinicius Sales dos , Oliveira e Silva Isabel de
Published: March 2016

Resumo O artigo apresenta uma análise das experiências de crianças de 4 e 5 anos na instituição de educação infantil. A categoria experiência foi tomada das teorias de François Dubet (1996), Walter Benjamin (1984, 2011a, 2011b) e dos estudos sociais da infância (SARMENTO 2002, 2008; CORSARO 2002, 2009, 2011, dentre outros/as). O estudo de caso foi desenvolvido em uma instituição pública de educação infantil, contou com a participação de dezoito crianças e duas professoras, e utilizou registros em caderno de campo e registros audiovisuais como forma de captar as ações das crianças. Desse modo, identificou-se que as crianças na instituição articulam diversas lógicas de ação nas relações que estabelecem entre si e com os adultos, baseadas nas dimensões integradora, de estratégica e de subjetivação – essenciais à noção de experiência social. O texto discute a necessidade de considerar as crianças no contexto de relações reguladas pelos adultos ao se utilizarem as categorias da ação social para o estudo das experiências vividas pelas crianças nessa instituição escolar. As análises apresentam leitura interpretativa de tais experiências, expressas por meio tanto da linguagem verbal como do que aparece nos corpos dos meninos e das meninas. Verificou-se ainda que, ao vivenciar as experiências na instituição, as crianças o fazem articulando-as a outras experiências de suas vidas, imprimindo-lhes o caráter de continuidade.
Desenvolvimento de um aplicativo android para a análise do circuito de Chua-Matsumoto
Authors: Martins Tiago Carvalho
Published: March 2016

Um aplicativo Android para a análise do circuito de Chua-Matsumoto foi desenvolvido. Este aplicativo fornece a trajetória de solução para o sistema dinâmico do circuito com condição inicial (x0,y0,z0). O sistema de equações diferenciais não-lineares é resolvido pelo método de Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg. O aplicativo possui três telas de entrada de dados: uma para as condições iniciais (x0,y0,z0), uma para os parâmetros do sistema (α, β,a,b), e uma para os parâmetros do método (tmax,hmax,hmin,tol). Há uma tela utilizada para traçar as curvas das coordenadasx,y e z como funções do tempo. Também, há uma tela utilizada para traçar as projeções da trajetória nos planosxy, xz e yz e para exportar todos os dados para um arquivo txt. Além disso, há uma tela utilizada para exibir os expoentes de Lyapunov calculados pelo aplicativo.
Introdução à cinemática via cálculo de Lagrange: Discutindo os conceitos de velocidades média e instantânea
Authors: Jardim Wagner T. , Otoya Victor J. Vasquez , Souza José Rogério de
Published: March 2016

Este trabalho visa introduzir ideias elementares no estudo da cinemática sob o ponto de vista do cálculo algébrico descrito por Lagrange. Pretendemos demostrar que esta seria uma alternativa ao caminho usualmente adotado no qual se utiliza o cálculo diferencial como base para discutir conceitos como "velocidade instantânea" e "velocidade média".
SEPARAÇÃO DE TEMPERATURA E EMISSIVIDADE A PARTIR DE IMAGENS DO INFRAVERMELHO TERMAL: ANÁLISE DE SUAS APLICAÇÕES/RESTRIÇÕES
Authors: Grondona Atilio , Rolim Silvia Beatriz Alves
Published: March 2016

O infravermelho termal (TIR - ThermalInfraRed) é uma porção do espectro eletromagnético com várias aplicações no Sensoriamento Remoto, tais como: geologia, climatologia, análises de processos biológicos, análises geofísicos, avaliação de desastres e detecção de mudanças, entre outras. No TIR a emissão de radiação dos alvos é dominante, comparado com a reflexão, e esta radiação é uma função de duas variáveis, a emissividade e a temperatura do alvo. Para estudos no TIR é necessário estimar com precisão a temperatura e/ou a emissividade a partir da radiação medida, e isto é um problema devido a relação não linear existente entre estas variáveis e a radiação medida. Por isso, nos últimos 40 anos vários pesquisadores têm desenvolvido métodos visando minimizar este problema, porém, todos estes métodos possuem restrições em suas aplicações. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo revisar os principais métodos propostosna literaturafacilitando a sua compreensão, reprodução, além de criar umasínteseque permitaráo leitor a escolha do método mais adequado a determinadas situações
FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Whose Tumors Express Programmed Death-Ligand 1
Authors: Sul Joohee , Blumenthal Gideon M. , Jiang Xiaoping , He Kun , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: March 2016

On October 2, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for pembrolizumab, a breakthrough therapy-designated drug, for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), as determined by an FDA-approved test, and who have disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy or targeted therapy against anaplastic lymphoma kinase or epidermal growth factor receptor, if appropriate. This indication was approved concurrently with the PD-L1 immunohistochemistry 22C3 pharmDx, a companion diagnostic test for patient selection based on PD-L1 tumor expression. The accelerated approval was granted based on durable objective response rate (ORR) and an acceptable toxicity profile demonstrated in a multicenter, open-label trial enrolling 550 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The efficacy population comprised 61 patients with tumors identified as strongly positive for PD-L1, and the confirmed ORR as determined by blinded independent central review was 41% (95% confidence interval: 28.6%, 54.3%); all were partial responses. At the time of the analysis, responses were ongoing in 21 of 25 patients (84%), with 11 patients (44%) having response duration of ≥6 months. The most commonly occurring (≥20%) adverse reactions included fatigue, decreased appetite, dyspnea, and cough. The most frequent (≥2%) serious adverse drug reactions were pleural effusion, pneumonia, dyspnea, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonitis. Immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in 13% of patients and included pneumonitis, colitis, hypophysitis, and thyroid disorders. The accelerated approval regulations describe approval of drugs and biologic products for serious and life-threatening illnesses based on a surrogate endpoint likely to predict clinical benefit. Under these regulations, a confirmatory trial or trials is required to verify and describe the benefit of pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic NSCLC.
Effect of water and salinity on soil behaviour under lightning
Authors: Rao Pingping , Chen Qingsheng , Nimbalkar Sanjay , Liu Yang
Published: March 2016

The east coast of China, in particular Shanghai, is frequently exposed to lightning, and the resulting annual loss approaches US$30 million. All kinds of protection devices transfer the lightning current and the energy into the ground. In this study, the characteristics of the typical soft soil in Shanghai with different values of water content and salinity under the action of lightning shock have been analysed by an impulse current generator and a self-designed test equipment. The test results show that the current waveform from the impact of lightning in soils has a steep rise and a slow fall. At the same lightning intensity, higher water content or salinity leads to (a) shorter peak time, (b) larger peak current waveform, (c) quicker release speed and (d) larger lightning impulse response. The test results are valuable in guiding the design and the reformation of lightning protection and grounding systems.
TWEAK-Fn14 Signaling Activates Myofibroblasts to Drive Progression of Fibrotic Kidney Disease
Authors: Gomez Ivan G. , Roach Allie M. , Nakagawa Naoki , Amatucci Aldo , Johnson Bryce G. , Dunn Kadeshia , Kelly Mark C. , Karaca Gamze , Zheng Timothy S. , Szak Suzanne , Peppiatt-Wildman Claire M. , Burkly Linda C. , Duffield Jeremy S.
Published: March 2016

The identification of the cellular origins of myofibroblasts has led to the discovery of novel pathways that potentially drive myofibroblast perpetuation in disease. Here, we further investigated the role of innate immune signaling pathways in this process. In mice, renal injury-induced activation of pericytes, which are myofibroblast precursors attached to endothelial cells, led to upregulated expression of TNF receptor superfamily member 12a, also known as fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), by these cells. In live rat kidney slices, administration of the Fn14 ligand, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), promoted pericyte-dependent vasoconstriction followed by pericyte detachment from capillaries. In vitro, administration of TWEAK activated and differentiated pericytes into cytokine-producing myofibroblasts, and further activated established myofibroblasts in a manner requiring canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways. Deficiency of Fn14 protected mouse kidneys from fibrogenesis, inflammation, and associated vascular instability after in vivo injury, and was associated with loss of NF-κB signaling. In a genetic model of spontaneous CKD, therapeutic delivery of anti-TWEAK blocking antibodies attenuated disease progression, preserved organ function, and increased survival. These results identify the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling pathway as an important factor in myofibroblast perpetuation, fibrogenesis, and chronic disease progression.
Enhancing climate governance through indigenous knowledge: Case in sustainability science
Authors: Chanza Nelson , De Wit Anton
Published: March 2016

The current tempo of climate change strategies puts the notion of sustainability in question. In this philosophy, mitigation and adaptation strategies ought to be appropriate to the sectors and communities that are targeted. There is a growing realisation that the effectiveness of both strategies hinges on climate governance, which also informs their sustainability. The application of the climate governance concept by the technocratic divide (policymakers and climate practitioners) to communities facing climate change impacts, however, is still a poorly developed field, despite extensive treatment by academia. By drawing heavily from conceptual and analytical review of scholarship on the utility of indigenous knowledge (IK) in climate science, these authors argue that IK can be deployed in the practice of climate governance. It reveals that the merits of such a deployment lie in the understanding that the tenets of IK and climate governance overlap and are complementary. This is exhibited by examining the conceptual, empirical and sustainability strands of the climate governance-IK nexus. In the milieu of climate change problems, it is argued that the basic elements of climate governance, where actions are informed by the principles of decentralisation and autonomy; accountability and transparency; responsiveness and flexibility; and participation and inclusion, can be pragmatic particularly to communities who have been religiously observing changes in their environment. Therefore, it becomes necessary to invigorate the participation of communities, with their IK, in designing climate change interventions, which in this view can be a means to attain the objectives of climate governance.
Treatment technology for brewery wastewater in a water-scarce country: A review
Authors: Jaiyeola Adesoji T. , Bwapwa Joseph K.
Published: March 2016

Water is a scarce resource in many parts of the world; consequently the application of innovative strategies to treat wastewater for reuse is a priority. The brewery industry is one of the largest industrial users of water, but its effluent is characterised by high levels of organic contaminants which require remediation before reuse. Various conventional treatment methods such as anaerobic and aerobic systems, which are effective options because of their high removal efficiencies, are discussed in this study. Other methods such as membrane based technologies, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, electrochemical methods, algal ponds and constructed wetlands are also analysed. Their efficiency as well as advantages and disadvantages are highlighted and evaluated. Combinations of various treatment processes to improve the quality of the final effluent are discussed.