bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedra e Palavra: patrimônios culturais e formação de professores
Authors: França Cyntia Simioni , Cunha Nara Rubia de Carvalho , Prado Guilherme do Val Toledo
Published: May 2017

O presente texto apresenta duas pesquisas em nível de doutoramento que se desdobraram em pesquisas-ação de formação docente,compostas por professores de Educação Básica de escolas públicas de Londrina-PR e Ouro Preto-MG, nas quais foi tematizada a relação entre produção de conhecimentos histórico-educacionais e experiências vividas, tendo em vista a formação docente, abordando patrimônios culturais (O Canto da Odisseia e a cidade de Ouro Preto) como meios de reflexão. O referencial teórico-metodológico e a análise dos dados foram desenvolvidos no interior dos grupos e Kairós, sediados respectivamente na Faculdade de Educação e no Centro de Memória, ambos da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, em Campinas-SP.
Educação, patrimônio cultural e relações étnico-raciais: possibilidades para a decolonização dos saberes
Authors: Gil Carmem Zeli de Vargas , Meinerz Carla Beatriz
Published: May 2017

O texto articula a temática da educação das relações étnico-raciais com as abordagens das histórias e culturas indígenas, africanas e afro-brasileiras, analisando os usos de espaços de memória, monumentos, arquivos, museus e memoriais, problematizados a partir da capacidade ou não de proporcionarem visibilidade e positividade para negros e indígenas. Tem por base a perspectiva do pensamento decolonial (QUIJANO, 2005; MIGNOLO, 2003; WALSH, 2013). Aponta possibilidades de decolonização dos saberes em ações educativas vinculadas ao patrimônio cultural. Conecta-se com as experimentações de ensino, pesquisa e extensão das autoras, docentes responsáveis pela formação inicial e continuada, através do curso de História/UFRGS.
Formando professoras de ciências para o diálogo intercultural na pesquisa e no ensino a partir de um trabalho colaborativo
Authors: Baptista Geilsa Costa Santos , Gomes e Silva Dirlane
Published: May 2017

O objetivo do estudo qualitativo foi mapear a possibilidade de formação de duas professoras de ciências para o diálogo intercultural a partir de um trabalho colaborativo envolvendo intervenções pedagógicas em salas de biologia de uma escola do estado da Bahia. A metodologia incluiu vídeo-gravação, transcrição, mapas de eventos, seleção de episódios e análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam tentativas, mas não abordagens dialógicas durante as intervenções. O estudo permitiu repensar aspectos voltados para as interações dialógicas que ocorrem durante os processos de ensino e aprendizagem e na pesquisa científica com relação à formação inicial e continuada dos professores de ciências.
Improving IT project governance: A reflective analysis based on critical systems heuristics
Authors: Johnstone David , Tate Mary
Published: May 2017

IT project governance involves establishing authority structures, policies and mechanisms for IT projects. However, the way governance arrangements are implemented can sometimes exclude or marginalise important stakeholders. In this paper, we use critical systems thinking, and the notions of boundary critique and entrenched structural conflict, to inform a critical re-analysis of a case study where the governance proved relatively ineffective. We use the ‘twelve questions’ from the critical systems heuristics (CSH) approach to diagnose problems with governance arrangements and suggest solutions. Based on this, we suggest the CSH approach has theoretical and practical efficacy for improving IT project governance in general.
Development, Implementation, and Outcomes of an Acute Care Clinician Scientist Clinical Placement: Case Report
Authors: Wojkowski Sarah , Unger Janelle , McCaughan Magda , Cole Beverley , Kho Michelle E.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This article presents the development, implementation, and outcomes of an innovative clinician scientist (CS) placement for a 2nd-year, entry-level MSc(PT) student at McMaster University. Client Description: All physiotherapy students participating in the third 6-week clinical placement at McMaster University were eligible to apply for one CS placement. A placement description and expectations were developed collaboratively by the clinical site and the MSc(PT) programme before placement matching. Intervention: A shared supervisory model between one acute care physiotherapist and a critical care CS was developed to provide supervision in both clinical and research-related activities during the placement. Measures and Outcomes: The first CS clinical placement in the MSc(PT) Program at McMaster was completed between November and December 2015. The student was evaluated using the same process as a traditional student placement. Over 6 weeks, the student gained clinical experience in an acute care setting; accumulated more than 100 cardiorespiratory hours; participated in research activities for a randomized controlled trial, which led to a submission to Physiotherapy Practice; and applied for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health Professional Student Research Award. Implications: The CS is a developing role for Canadian physiotherapists. A CS placement gave the physiotherapy student the opportunity to apply traditional skills and knowledge as well as to develop advanced research skills. The success of this placement has established a foundation for future placements.
Reading Lessons: C.B. Macpherson's Immanent Critique
Authors: Carter Adam
Published: May 2017

This article examines C.B. Macpherson's reading strategies and interpretive assumptions in critically engaging texts in the tradition of political theory in English, centrally in Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It reflects upon the parallels and contrasts between Macpherson's critical procedures and the “immanent method” theorized and practised by Theodor Adorno as well as the deconstructive reading strategies made influential in literary studies through Jacques Derrida and Paul de Man. It attempts to bring out how Macpherson's reading strategies are acutely attentive to the logical, rhetorical, historical, and unconscious dimensions of language in the texts he engages. In these respects, his rigorously close readings, the article argues, provide an exemplary model for politicized critical engagements, one that potentially bridges formalism, deconstruction, and historicism – approaches that are too often rent asunder in contemporary literary and cultural criticism.
Action oratoire et différences confessionnelles au dix-septième siècle
Authors: Drouin Sébastien
Published: May 2017

Cet article porte sur l'importance de l'action oratoire au dix-septième siècle et sur ses différentes acceptions dans les milieux catholiques et protestants. Alors que la théologie protestante se méfie d'une mise en scène trop détaillée du prêche, l'Église tridentine va au contraire magnifier les cérémonies de la parole en chaire. Cette survalorisation de l'actio donnera toutefois l'occasion à divers rhéteurs catholiques de préférer un geste éloquent plus naturel. Les libres penseurs du début du dix-huitième siècle tiendront le même discours en lui donnant un tour plus mordant. Au siècle des Lumières, l'éloquence de la chaire est devenue le théâtre des impostures sacerdotales.
Hundertwasser – Inspiration for Environmental Ethics: Reformulating the Ecological Self
Authors: Barak Nir
Published: May 2017

This article analyses and interprets the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928–2000) as a source of inspiration for environmental ethics and offers an extended model of the Ecological Self based on an interpretation of his works. Hundertwasser was a prominent Jewish-Austrian artist and environmental activist, yet despite his commitment to environmental issues, he has not received the attention he deserves from the environmental ethics community. His works and writings suggest a critique and reformulation of the well-known concept of the Ecological Self. This concept implies that humans are essentially embedded in the natural world – that the Self is porous and open rather than disengaged and atomistic. This article suggests an alternative, holistic and extended version of this concept. It assesses and incorporates additional layers found between humans and nature – clothing, architecture, urban environments, and social and political environments.
Human–Nature Relationships and Linkages to Environmental Behaviour
Authors: Braito Michael Thomas , Böck Kerstin , Flint Courtney , Muhar Andreas , Muhar Susanne , Penker Marianne
Published: May 2017

While many theories exist to explain the complexity of environmental behaviour, the role of individuals’ relationship with nature has not yet been fully clarified. This paper attempts to operationalise human-nature relationships. It expands upon a scale assessed by an iterative process of mixed methods in the US and Europe. This scale is then used to assess individuals’ relationship with nature, and whether such relationships correlate with environmental behaviour. The value scale of Schwartz's Theory of Basic Values is used to validate the results. The results verify that people hold multiple human-nature relationships, confirm strong correlations between human-nature relationships and values, and reveal that individuals’ behaviour is connected to the relationship they have with nature.
From the Desk of the Executive Editor Vol.7(2)
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2017

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2017; 7(2): 174
Influence of brick manufacturing on phosphorus and sulfur in different agro-ecological soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Reshma , Uddin Md Jamal , Hossain Md Faruque , Parveen Zakia
Published: May 2017

A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of brick manufacturing on phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) concentrations in soil and plant collected from different distances of brick kilns in four AEZs of Bangladesh. Forty eight composite soil samples (0 - 15 cm depth) were collected from 48 points in 12 different sites at 0 m, 300 m, 800 m and 1500 m from brick kilns, where most (site 2, site 3, site 5, site 6, site 7, site 9 and site 10) of the brick kilns used coal for brick burning purposes. Plant samples (rice straw and different vegetables) were also collected from the respective fields except 0 m distances. Significantly (p ? 0.05) lower organic matter, cation exchange capacity, clay content and soil pH were found at 0 m distances compared to other distances. Highest concentration of total P in soil were recorded at 0 m distances and these concentrations decreased with increasing distances from the brick kilns in most of the sites; whereas available P is significantly lower at 0 m distances than that of other distances. Total and available concentration of S in soil followed the trend 0 m>300 m>800 m>1500 m. Maximum accumulation of P (69.15 mg kg-1) and S (0.14%) in plant was found at 800 m away from the brick kiln.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 29(2): 123-131, December-2016
Uncanny Reversals: Paul Celan's CounterPoetics
Authors: Balzan Janice Sant
Published: May 2017

This article presents a reading of Paul Celan's Der Meridian speech that draws attention to its countertextual impulse. Celan's most sustained reflection on poetry begins by making a distinction between art, which he describes as ‘uncanny’, and poetry, which has the power to bear witness to the ‘presence of the human’. The development of Der Meridian, however, reveals that this stark distinction is untenable. Celan will go on to show that art and poetry are more intricately related than he first suggests. Whilst the uncanniness of art estranges and forgets the human, it also provides the necessary position from which to turn toward the human. Hence Celan's claim that poetry must tread the route of art if it is to bear witness to the human. This article locates the countertextual in the encounter between poetry and art, and argues that Celan's exploration of the ‘uncanny’ is central to his reflections on poetry.
Static and Dynamic Studies of Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Integration in a Demonstrator
Authors: Poncet Pauline , Casset Fabrice , Latour Antoine , Domingues Dos Santos Fabrice , Pawlak Sébastien , Gwoziecki Romain , Devos Arnaud , Emery Patrick , Fanget Stéphane
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, the haptic effect is used and developed for many applications—particularly in the automotive industry, where the mechanical feedback induced by a haptic system enables the user to receive information while their attention is kept on the road and on driving. This article presents the development of a vibrotactile button based on printed piezoelectric polymer actuation. Firstly, the characterization of the electro-active polymer used as the actuator and the development of a model able to predict the electromechanical behavior of this device are summarized. Then, the design of circular membranes and their dynamic characterization are presented. Finally, this work is concluded with the construction of a fully functional demonstrator, integrating haptic buttons leading to a clear haptic sensation for the user.
Weed Control Using Conventional Tillage, Reduced Tillage, No-Tillage, and Cover Crops in Organic Soybean
Authors: Weber Jonas , Kunz Christoph , Peteinatos Gerassimos , Zikeli Sabine , Gerhards Roland
Published: May 2017

Soybean field experiments were performed to investigate the weed-suppressing effects of different tillage systems and cover crop mulches at two locations in southwest Germany during 2014 and 2015. The influence of three different tillage systems on weed control efficacy, soybean plant density, and crop yield was determined. In the no-till system (NT), two different cover crops, (rye and barley), were treated by a roller-crimper before soybean sowing. For the reduced tillage system (RT), shallow soil cultivation (7.5 cm depth) using a cultivator after cover crop harvest was performed. The third system was conventional tillage (CT), which used a plow (25 cm depth) without any previous cover crop treatment. Finally, a CT system without weed control was used as a control treatment (C). Weed densities in the field experiments ranged from 1 to 164 plants m−2 with Chenopodium album (L.), Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., and Sonchus arvensis (L.) as the predominant weed species. No difference in weed suppression was found between the two cover crops. The highest cover crop soil coverage was measured in the NT treatment. The greatest weed density (164 plants m−2) was measured in the untreated control. CT, RT and NT reduced weed density up to 71%, 85%, and 61%, respectively, to C, across both locations and years. Soybean plant density was reduced in NT (−36%) and CT (−18%) based on aimed sown plant density. Highest crop yields up to 2.4 t ha−1 were observed in RT, while NT resulted in lower yields (1.1 t ha−1). Our work reveals the importance of cover crops for weed suppression in soybean cropping systems without herbicide application.
Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography: A Review of Technology and Applications
Authors: Baumann Bernhard
Published: May 2017

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is an imaging technique based on light scattering. PS-OCT performs rapid two- and three-dimensional imaging of transparent and translucent samples with micrometer scale resolution. PS-OCT provides image contrast based on the polarization state of backscattered light and has been applied in many biomedical fields as well as in non-medical fields. Thereby, the polarimetric approach enabled imaging with enhanced contrast compared to standard OCT and the quantitative assessment of sample polarization properties. In this article, the basic methodological principles, the state of the art of PS-OCT technologies, and important applications of the technique are reviewed in a concise yet comprehensive way.
Nonstandard Finite Difference Method Applied to a Linear Pharmacokinetics Model
Authors: Egbelowo Oluwaseun , Harley Charis , Jacobs Byron
Published: May 2017

We extend the nonstandard finite difference method of solution to the study of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic models. Pharmacokinetic (PK) models are commonly used to predict drug concentrations that drive controlled intravenous (I.V.) transfers (or infusion and oral transfers) while pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) interaction models are used to provide predictions of drug concentrations affecting the response of these clinical drugs. We structure a nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme for the relevant system of equations which models this pharamcokinetic process. We compare the results obtained to standard methods. The scheme is dynamically consistent and reliable in replicating complex dynamic properties of the relevant continuous models for varying step sizes. This study provides assistance in understanding the long-term behavior of the drug in the system, and validation of the efficiency of the nonstandard finite difference scheme as the method of choice.
Exploring Cluster Growth Using a Simple Domino Tiling
Authors: Goossens Darren
Published: May 2017

This paper and its deposited material explore clustering of 2 × 1 dimers (dominoes) subject to simple interactions and temperature. Much of the work in domino tilings has been statistical, combinatoric and thermodynamic in nature. Instead, here, the domino is used as a simple model of a non-spherical molecule to explore aggregation, rather as if the molecules were interacting in solution. As a result, the work does not look at how many ways there are to tile a plane, but at how the cluster evolves with different parameters in the potential that governs the clustering. These parameters include the rules used to select which of the many possible dominoes will be added to the cluster, and temperature. It is shown that qualitative changes in clustering behaviour occur with temperature, including affects on the shape of the cluster, vacancies and the domain structure.
Demonstration Study: A Protocol to Combine Online Tools and Databases for Identifying Potentially Repurposable Drugs
Authors: Chattopadhyay Aditi , Ganapathiraju Madhavi
Published: May 2017

Traditional methods for discovery and development of new drugs can be very time-consuming and expensive processes because they include several stages, such as compound identification, pre-clinical and clinical trials before the drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, drug repurposing, namely using currently FDA-approved drugs as therapeutics for other diseases than what they are originally prescribed for, is emerging to be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to current drug discovery methods. In this paper, we have described a three-step in silico protocol for analyzing transcriptomics data using online databases and bioinformatics tools for identifying potentially repurposable drugs. The efficacy of this protocol was evaluated by comparing its predictions with the findings of two case studies of recently reported repurposed drugs: HIV treating drug zidovudine for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration and the antidepressant imipramine for small-cell lung carcinoma. The proposed protocol successfully identified the published findings, thus demonstrating the efficacy of this method. In addition, it also yielded several novel predictions that have not yet been published, including the finding that imipramine could potentially treat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a disease that currently does not have any treatment or vaccine. Since this in silico protocol is simple to use and does not require advanced computer skills, we believe any motivated participant with access to these databases and tools would be able to apply it to large datasets to identify other potentially repurposable drugs in the future.
Ensemble Averages, Soliton Dynamics and Influence of Haptotaxis in a Model of Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Bonilla Luis , Carretero Manuel , Terragni Filippo
Published: May 2017

In this work, we present a numerical study of the influence of matrix degrading enzyme (MDE) dynamics and haptotaxis on the development of vessel networks in tumor-induced angiogenesis. Avascular tumors produce growth factors that induce nearby blood vessels to emit sprouts formed by endothelial cells. These capillary sprouts advance toward the tumor by chemotaxis (gradients of growth factor) and haptotaxis (adhesion to the tissue matrix outside blood vessels). The motion of the capillaries in this constrained space is modelled by stochastic processes (Langevin equations, branching and merging of sprouts) coupled to continuum equations for concentrations of involved substances. There is a complementary deterministic description in terms of the density of actively moving tips of vessel sprouts. The latter forms a stable soliton-like wave whose motion is influenced by the different taxis mechanisms. We show the delaying effect of haptotaxis on the advance of the angiogenic vessel network by direct numerical simulations of the stochastic process and by a study of the soliton motion.
Experimental Assessment of a Helical Coil Heat Exchanger Operating at Subcritical and Supercritical Conditions in a Small-Scale Solar Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Lazova Marija , Kaya Alihan , Billiet Marijn , Lecompte Steven , Manolakos Dimitris , De Paepe Michel
Published: May 2017

In this study, the performance of a helical coil heat exchanger operating at subcritical and supercritical conditions is analysed. The counter-current heat exchanger was specially designed to operate at a maximal pressure and temperature of 42 bar and 200 °C, respectively. The small-scale solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) installation has a net power output of 3 kWe. The first tests were done in a laboratory where an electrical heater was used instead of the concentrated photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) collectors. The inlet heating fluid temperature of the water was 95 °C. The effects of different parameters on the heat transfer rate in the heat exchanger were investigated. Particularly, the performance analysis was elaborated considering the changes of the mass flow rate of the working fluid (R-404A) in the range of 0.20–0.33 kg/s and the inlet pressure varying from 18 bar up to 41 bar. Hence, the variation of the heat flux was in the range of 5–9 kW/m2. The results show that the working fluid’s mass flow rate has significant influence on the heat transfer rate rather than the operational pressure. Furthermore, from the comparison between the experimental results with the heat transfer correlations from the literature, the experimental results fall within the uncertainty range for the supercritical analysis but there is a deviation of the investigated subcritical correlations.
Optimal Allocation of Energy Storage System Considering Multi-Correlated Wind Farms
Authors: Wen Shuli , Lan Hai , Fu Qiang , Yu David , Hong Ying-Yi , Cheng Peng
Published: May 2017

With the increasing penetration of wind power, not only the uncertainties but also the correlation among the wind farms should be considered in the power system analysis. In this paper, Clayton-Copula method is developed to model the multiple correlated wind distribution and a new point estimation method (PEM) is proposed to discretize the multi-correlated wind distribution. Furthermore, combining the proposed modeling and discretizing method with Hybrid Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (HMOPSO), a comprehensive algorithm is explored to minimize the power system cost and the emissions by searching the best placements and sizes of energy storage system (ESS) considering wind power uncertainties in multi-correlated wind farms. In addition, the variations of load are also taken into account. The IEEE 57-bus system is adopted to perform case studies using the proposed approach. The results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in determining the optimal storage allocations considering multi-correlated wind farms.
Quality Assessment of Biodiesel Blends Proposed by the New Mexican Policy Framework
Authors: Coronado Marcos , Montero Gisela , García Conrado , Valdez Benjamín , Ayala Ramón , Pérez Armando
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, biodiesel is being promoted worldwide as a sustainable and alternative to diesel fuel. However, there is still a lack of a biodiesel market in Mexico. Hence, a new initiative to reform the Mexican biofuels framework by decree includes the production and use of biodiesel. This regulation can ensure and contribute to the development of the biodiesel market in Mexico. The initiative proposes to start from the B5.8 blend by the end of 2017 and reach the B10 by 2020. Therefore, the objective of the present work was the quality assessment of biodiesel blends proposed by the new Mexican policy framework. The techniques applied were Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis, viscosity, higher heating value, thermogravimetric analysis, refractive index, acid number, specific gravity, flash point, and copper strip corrosion based on ASTM standards. The results indicate that the biodiesel and its blends B5.8 and B10 fulfilled relevant quality specifications established in the ASTM D6751 and EN14214 standards for fuels. However, the fuel blends presented a higher heating value (HHV) diminution. The experimental HHV percentages decrease for the mandatory mixtures compared to diesel were 2.29% (B10), and 0.29% (B5.8).
The Effects of Shade, Fertilizer, and Pruning on Eastern Hemlock Trees and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Authors: McAvoy Thomas , Mays Ryan , Johnson Nels , Salom Scott
Published: May 2017

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand, an invasive insect native to the Pacific Northwest and Asia, is responsible for widespread health decline and mortality of native hemlocks (Tsuga spp.) in the eastern United States. Shading and fertilizer has been found to affect the survival and health of both HWA and hemlocks. These abiotic factors have been studied separately but not in combination. In this three year study, eastern hemlock trees (1–2 m tall) were treated with pruning, fertilizer, and shade to determine their effects on hemlock tree health and HWA survival and density. Shade cloths were erected over individual trees, granulated fertilizer was applied, and trees were pruned annually. The total number of HWA were counted during the sistens and progrediens adult stages on the low, mid, and high branches on the north, east, south, and west sides of each tree for three years. Survival of aestivating sistens was recorded in artificially, naturally, and unshaded hemlocks. The mean of percent tips alive, branches alive, and foliage density was used to calculate a hemlock health index (scale of 0–100). Shade cloth reduced solar radiation to the trees to levels similar to a naturally-forested hemlock canopy, but did not alter temperature. Trees exposed to shade alone and shade plus fertilizer maintained the greatest HWA density. On unshaded trees, branches on the west side of the tree had lower HWA densities and branches high on the tree had the lowest HWA densities. Pruning plus fertilizer and shading plus fertilizer reduced tree health. Shaded trees had reduced branchlet new growth length. Survival of summer aestivating sistens was nearly twice the survival under artificially- and naturally-shaded trees compared to unshaded trees. There was an inverse density-dependent survival response for aestivating HWA under artificially-shaded and unshaded trees but not naturally-shaded trees. Unshaded hemlock trees had lower HWA densities due to increased mortality of summer aestivating sistens. Unshaded trees had better health and longer new growth branchlets due to increased exposure to solar radiation and lower HWA densities. Silvicultural thinning of hemlocks in forest stands could increase direct sunlight reaching the trees and help decrease HWA densities and improve hemlock health.
Linear Stability Analysis of Penetrative Convection via Internal Heating in a Ferrofluid Saturated Porous Layer
Authors: Mahajan Amit , Sunil  , Sharma Mahesh
Published: May 2017

Penetrative convection due to purely internal heating in a horizontal ferrofluid-saturated porous layer is examined by performing linear stability analysis. Four different types of heat supply functions are considered. The Darcy model is used to incorporate the effect of the porous medium. Numerical solutions are obtained by using the Chebyshev pseudospectral method, and the results are discussed for all three boundary conditions: when both boundaries are impermeable and conducting; when both boundaries are conducting with lower boundary impermeable and free upper boundary; and when both boundaries are impermeable with lower boundary conducting and upper with constant heat flux. The effect of the Langevin parameter, width of ferrofluid layer, permeability parameter, and nonlinearity of the fluid magnetization has been observed at the onset of penetrative convection for water- and ester-based ferrofluids. It is seen that the Langevin parameter, width of ferrofluid layer, and permeability parameter have stabilizing effects on the onset of convection, while the nonlinearity of the fluid magnetization advances the onset of convection.
A Genetic Population Isolate in The Netherlands Showing Extensive Haplotype Sharing and Long Regions of Homozygosity
Authors: Somers Metten , Olde Loohuis Loes , Aukes Maartje , Pasaniuc Bogdan , De Visser Kees , Kahn René , Sommer Iris , Ophoff Roel
Published: May 2017

Genetic isolated populations have features that may facilitate genetic analyses and can be leveraged to improve power of mapping genes to complex traits. Our aim was to test the extent to which a population with a former history of geographic isolation and religious endogamy, and currently with one of the highest fertility rates in The Netherlands, shows signs of genetic isolation. For this purpose, genome-wide genotype data was collected of 72 unrelated individuals from this population as well as in a sample of 104 random control subjects from The Netherlands. Additional reference data from different populations and population isolates was available through HapMap and the Human Genome Diversity Project. We performed a number of analyses to compare the genetic structure between these populations: we calculated the pairwise genetic distance between populations, examined the extent of identical-by-descent (IBD) sharing and estimated the effective population size. Genetic analysis of this population showed consistent patterns of a population isolate at all levels tested. We confirmed that this population is most closely related to the Dutch control subjects, and detected high levels of IBD sharing and runs of homozygosity at equal or even higher levels than observed in previously described population isolates. The effective population size of this population was estimated to be several orders of magnitude smaller than that of the Dutch control sample. We conclude that the geographic isolation of this population combined with rapid population growth has resulted in a genetic isolate with great potential value for future genetic studies.
The Australian National Pollutant Inventory Fails to Fulfil Its Legislated Goals
Authors: Cooper Nathan , Green Donna , Meissner Katrin
Published: May 2017

Publically accessible pollution databases, such as the Australian National Pollutant Inventory, contain information on chemical emissions released by industrial facility and diffuse sources. They are meant to enable public scrutiny of industrial activity, which in turn, is meant to lead to industries reducing their pollution. In Australia, however, concerns have been consistently raised that this process is not occurring. To assess whether Australia’s National Pollutant Inventory is fulfilling its legislated goals, we examined the accuracy and consistency of the largest facility and diffuse source of airborne lead, a major pollutant of concern for public health. Our analysis found that the emissions estimates provided by the Inventory were not accurate and were not consistent with other sources of emissions within the Inventory, potentially distorting any user interpretation of emissions estimates provided by the National Pollutant Inventory. We conclude that for at least these important public health pollution sources, the Inventory does not fulfil its legislated goals.
Design of a Model Base Framework for Model Environment Construction in a Virtual Geographic Environment (VGE)
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Ai Gang , Zheng Xinqi , Fang Kun , Li Jiayang
Published: May 2017

The model environment is a key component that enables a virtual geographic environment (VGE) to meet the scientific requirements for simulating dynamic phenomena and performing analyses. Considering the comprehensiveness of geographic processes and the requirements for the replication of model-based research, this paper proposes a model base framework for a model environment of a VGE that supports both model construction and modelling management, resulting in improved reproducibility. In this framework, model management includes model metadata, creation, deposition, encapsulation, integration, and adaptation; while modelling management focuses on invoking the model, model computation, and runtime control of the model. Based on this framework, to consider the problem of ever-worsening air quality, we applied the Linux-Apache-MySQL-Perl stack plus Supervisor to implement the model base to support a VGE prototype using professional meteorological and air quality models. Using this VGE prototype, we simulated a typical air pollution case for January 2010. The prototype not only illustrates how a VGE application can be built on the proposed model base, but also facilitates air quality simulations and emergency management.
Galectin-3 in Peripheral Artery Disease. Relationships with Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Fort-Gallifa Isabel , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , García-Heredia Anabel , Cabré Noemí , Luciano-Mateo Fedra , Simó Josep , Martín-Paredero Vicente , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: May 2017

Galectin-3 is a modulator of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrogenesis involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. The present study sought to characterize, in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), the localization of galectin-3 in arterial tissue, and to analyze the relationships between the circulating levels of galectin-3 and oxidative stress and inflammation. It also sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of galectin-3 with that of other biochemical markers of this disease. We analyzed femoral or popliteal arteries from 50 PAD patients, and four control arteries. Plasma from 86 patients was compared with that from 72 control subjects. We observed differences in the expression of galectin-3 in normal arteries, and arteries from patients with PAD, with a displacement of the expression from the adventitia to the media, and the intima. In addition, plasma galectin-3 concentration was increased in PAD patients, and correlated with serologic markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes), and inflammation [chemokine (C−C motif) ligand 2, C-reactive protein, β-2-microglobulin]. We conclude that the determination of galectin-3 has good diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of PAD and compares well with other analytical parameters currently in use.
miR-365 Ameliorates Dexamethasone-Induced Suppression of Osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 Cells by Targeting HDAC4
Authors: Xu Daohua , Gao Yun , Hu Nan , Wu Longhuo , Chen Qian
Published: May 2017

Glucocorticoid administration is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is associated with glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and that HDAC4 dependent bone loss can be ameliorated by miRNA-365. Our previous studies showed that miR-365 mediates mechanical stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation by targeting HDAC4. However, it is not clear whether miR-365 has an effect on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. We have shown that, in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, dexamethasone (DEX) treatment decreased the expression of miR-365, which is accompanied by the decrease of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Transfection of miR-365 ameliorated DEX-induced inhibition of MC3T3-E1 cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity, and attenuated the suppressive effect of DEX on runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and collagen 1a1 (Col1a1) osteogenic gene expression. In addition, miR-365 decreased the expression of HDAC4 mRNA and protein by direct targeting the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of HDAC4 mRNA in osteoblasts. MiR-365 increased Runx2 expression and such stimulatory effect could be reversed by HDAC4 over-expression in osteoblasts. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-365 ameliorates DEX-induced suppression of cell viability and osteogenesis by regulating the expression of HDAC4 in osteoblasts, suggesting miR-365 might be a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Nanomedicine Strategies to Target Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Binnemars-Postma Karin , Storm Gert , Prakash Jai
Published: May 2017

In recent years, the influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on cancer progression has been better understood. Macrophages, one of the most important cell types in the TME, exist in different subtypes, each of which has a different function. While classically activated M1 macrophages are involved in inflammatory and malignant processes, activated M2 macrophages are more involved in the wound-healing processes occurring in tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) display M2 macrophage characteristics and support tumor growth and metastasis by matrix remodeling, neo-angiogenesis, and suppressing local immunity. Due to their detrimental role in tumor growth and metastasis, selective targeting of TAM for the treatment of cancer may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Due to the plastic nature of macrophages, their activities may be altered to inhibit tumor growth. In this review, we will discuss the therapeutic options for the modulation and targeting of TAM. Different therapeutic strategies to deplete, inhibit recruitment of, or re-educate TAM will be discussed. Current strategies for the targeting of TAM using nanomedicine are reviewed. Passive targeting using different nanoparticle systems is described. Since TAM display a number of upregulated surface proteins compared to non-TAM, specific targeting using targeting ligands coupled to nanoparticles is discussed in detail.
Subtraction and Division Operations of Simplified Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Ye Jun
Published: May 2017

A simplified neutrosophic set is characterized by a truth-membership function, an indeterminacy-membership function, and a falsity-membership function, which is a subclass of the neutrosophic set and contains the concepts of an interval neutrosophic set and a single valued neutrosophic set. It is a powerful structure in expressing indeterminate and inconsistent information. However, there has only been one paper until now—to the best of my knowledge—on the subtraction and division operators in the basic operational laws of neutrosophic single-valued numbers defined in existing literature. Therefore, this paper proposes subtraction operation and division operation for simplified neutrosophic sets, including single valued neutrosophic sets and interval neutrosophic sets respectively, under some constrained conditions to form the integral theoretical framework of simplified neutrosophic sets. In addition, we give numerical examples to illustrate the defined operations. The subtraction and division operations are very important in many practical applications, such as decision making and image processing.
Breast Cancer Clinical Trial of Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab: Potential Tool to Identify Cardiac Modifying Variants of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Serie Daniel , Crook Julia , Necela Brian , Axenfeld Bianca , Dockter Travis , Colon-Otero Gerardo , Perez Edith , Thompson E. , Norton Nadine
Published: May 2017

Doxorubicin and the ERBB2 targeted therapy, trastuzumab, are routinely used in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. In mouse models, doxorubicin is known to cause cardiomyopathy and conditional cardiac knock out of Erbb2 results in dilated cardiomyopathy and increased sensitivity to doxorubicin-induced cell death. In humans, these drugs also result in cardiac phenotypes, but severity and reversibility is highly variable. We examined the association of decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 15,204 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 72 cardiomyopathy genes, in 800 breast cancer patients who received doxorubicin and trastuzumab. For 7033 common SNPs (minor allele frequency (MAF) > 0.01) we performed single marker linear regression. For all SNPs, we performed gene-based testing with SNP-set (Sequence) Kernel Association Tests: SKAT, SKAT-O and SKAT-common/rare under rare variant non-burden; rare variant optimized burden and non-burden tests; and a combination of rare and common variants respectively. Single marker analyses identified seven missense variants in OBSCN (p = 0.0045–0.0009, MAF = 0.18–0.50) and two in TTN (both p = 0.04, MAF = 0.22). Gene-based rare variant analyses, SKAT and SKAT-O, performed very similarly (ILK, TCAP, DSC2, VCL, FXN, DSP and KCNQ1, p = 0.042–0.006). Gene-based tests of rare/common variants were significant at the nominal 5% level for OBSCN as well as TCAP, DSC2, VCL, NEXN, KCNJ2 and DMD (p = 0.044–0.008). Our results suggest that rare and common variants in OBSCN, as well as in other genes, could have modifying effects in cardiomyopathy.
Role of Autoantibodies in the Diagnosis of Connective-Tissue Disease ILD (CTD-ILD) and Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF)
Authors: Jee Adelle , Adelstein Stephen , Bleasel Jane , Keir Gregory , Nguyen MaiAnh , Sahhar Joanne , Youssef Peter , Corte Tamera
Published: May 2017

The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires meticulous evaluation for an underlying connective tissue disease (CTD), with major implications for prognosis and management. CTD associated ILD (CTD-ILD) occurs most commonly in the context of an established CTD, but can be the first and/or only manifestation of an occult CTD or occur in patients who have features suggestive of an autoimmune process, but not meeting diagnostic criteria for a defined CTD—recently defined as “interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features” (IPAF). The detection of specific autoantibodies serves a critical role in the diagnosis of CTD-ILD, but there remains a lack of data to guide clinical practice including which autoantibodies should be tested on initial assessment and when or in whom serial testing should be performed. The implications of detecting autoantibodies in patients with IPAF on disease behaviour and management remain unknown. The evaluation of CTD-ILD is challenging due to the heterogeneity of presentations and types of CTD and ILD that may be encountered, and thus it is imperative that immunologic tests are interpreted in conjunction with a detailed rheumatologic history and examination and multidisciplinary collaboration between respiratory physicians, rheumatologists, immunologists, radiologists and pathologists.
Mitochondrial Deficiencies in the Predisposition to Paraganglioma
Authors: Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Buffet Alexandre , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Favier Judith
Published: May 2017

Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours with a very strong genetic component. It is estimated that around 40% of all cases are caused by a germline mutation in one of the 13 predisposing genes identified so far. Half of these inherited cases are intriguingly caused by mutations in genes encoding tricarboxylic acid enzymes, namely SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, and SDHAF2 genes, encoding succinate dehydrogenase and its assembly protein, FH encoding fumarate hydratase, and MDH2 encoding malate dehydrogenase. These mutations may also predispose to other type of cancers, such as renal cancer, leiomyomas, or gastro-intestinal stromal tumours. SDH, which is also the complex II of the oxidative respiratory chain, was the first mitochondrial enzyme to be identified having tumour suppressor functions, demonstrating that 80 years after his initial proposal, Otto Warburg may have actually been right when he hypothesized that low mitochondrial respiration was the origin of cancer. This review reports the current view on how such metabolic deficiencies may lead to cancer predisposition and shows that the recent data may lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and establish precision medicine approaches for the management of patients affected by these rare diseases.
Fabrication of Mesoscale Channel by Scanning Micro Electrochemical Flow Cell (SMEFC)
Authors: Guo Cheng , Qian Jun , Reynaerts Dominiek
Published: May 2017

A unique micro electrochemical machining (ECM) method based on a scanning micro electrochemical flow cell (SMEFC), in which the electrolyte is confined beneath the tool electrode instead of spreading on the workpiece surface, has been developed and its feasibility for fabricating mesoscale channels has been investigated. The effects of the surface conditions, the applied current, the feed rate, the concentration of the electrolyte and several geometrical parameters on the machining performance have been investigated through a series of experiments. The cross-sectional profile of the channels, the roughness of the channel bottom, the width and depth of the channel, the microstructures on the machined surface and the morphologies of the moving droplet have been analyzed and compared under different machining conditions. Furthermore, experiments with different overlaps of the electrolyte droplet traces have also been conducted, in which the SMEFC acts as a “milling tool”. The influences of the electrode offset distance (EOD), the current and the feed rate on the machining performance have also been examined through the comparison of the corresponding cross-sectional profiles and microstructures. The results indicate that, in addition to machining individual channels, the SMEFC system is also capable of generating shallow cavities with a suitable superimposed motion of the tool electrode.
Design, Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of 2-Substituted Phenyl-2-oxo-, 2-Hydroxy- and 2-Acyloxyethylsulfonamides
Authors: Wang Minlong , Rui Peng , Liu Caixiu , Du Ying , Qin Peiwen , Qi Zhiqiu , Ji Mingshan , Li Xinghai , Cui Zining
Published: May 2017

Sulfonyl-containing compounds, which exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, comprise a substantial proportion of and play a vital role, not only in medicines but also in agrochemicals. As a result increasing attention has been paid to the research and development of sulfonyl derivatives. A series of thirty-eight 2-substituted phenyl-2-oxo- III, 2-hydroxy- IV and 2-acyloxyethylsulfonamides V were obtained and their structures confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, and elemental analysis. The in vitro and in vivo bioactivities against two Botrytis cinerea strains, DL-11 and HLD-15, which differ in their sensitivity to procymidone, were evaluated. The in vitro activity results showed that the EC50 values of compounds V-1 and V-9 were 0.10, 0.01 mg L−1 against the sensitive strain DL-11 and 3.32, 7.72 mg L−1 against the resistant strain HLD-15, respectively. For in vivo activity against B. cinerea, compound V-13 and V-14 showed better control effect than the commercial fungicides procymidone and pyrimethanil. The further in vitro bioassay showed that compounds III, IV and V had broad fungicidal spectra against different phytopathogenic fungi. Most of the title compounds showed high fungicidal activities, which could be used as lead compounds for further developing novel fungicidal compounds against Botrytis cinerea.