bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenium uptake and assessment of the biochemical changes inArthrospira(Spirulina)platensisbiomass during the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Zinicovscaia I. , Chiriac T. , Cepoi L. , Rudi L. , Culicov O. , Frontasyeva M. , Rudic V.
Published: August 2016

The process of selenium uptake by biomass of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis was investigated by neutron activation analysis at different selenium concentrations in solution and at different contact times. Experimental data showed good fit with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, with a regression coefficient value of 0.99. In terms of absorption dependence on time, the maximal selenium content was adsorbed in the first 5 min of interaction without significant further changes. It was also found that A. platensis biomass forms spherical selenium nanoparticles. Biochemical analysis was used to assess the changes in the main components of spirulina biomass (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and phycobilin) during nanoparticle formation.
Analyzing Network Coding (Gossip) Made Easy
Authors: Haeupler Bernhard
Published: August 2016

We introduce projection analysis—a new technique to analyze the stopping time of protocols that are based on random linear network coding (RLNC). Projection analysis drastically simplifies, extends, and strengthens previous results on RLNC gossip protocols. We analyze RLNC gossip in a general framework for network and communication models that encompasses and unifies the models used previously in this context. We show, in most settings for the first time, that the RLNC gossip converges with high probability in optimal time. Most stopping times are of the form
O
(
k
+
T
), where
k
is the number of messages to be distributed and
T
is the time it takes to disseminate one message. This means RLNC gossip achieves “perfect pipelining.”

Our analysis directly extends to highly dynamic networks in which the topology can change completely at any time. This remains true, even if the network dynamics are controlled by a fully adaptive adversary that knows the complete network state. Virtually nothing besides simple
O
(
kT
) sequential flooding protocols was previously known for such a setting.

While RLNC gossip works in this wide variety of networks our analysis remains the same and extremely simple. This contrasts with more complex proofs that were put forward to give less strong results for various special cases.
Learning executable semantic parsers for natural language understanding
Authors: Liang Percy
Published: August 2016

Semantic parsing is a rich fusion of the logical and the statistical worlds.
Helping conference attendees better understand research presentations
Authors: Katz-Bassett Ethan , Sherry Justine , Huang Te-Yuan , Kazandjieva Maria , Partridge Craig , Dogar Fahad
Published: August 2016

Sharing lessons learned from a lecture program for making technical material more accessible to conference attendees.
The Challenge of Improving Credibility of User-Generated Content in Online Social Networks
Authors: Haralabopoulos Giannis , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Zeadally Sherali
Published: August 2016

In every environment of information exchange, Information Quality (IQ) is considered one of the most important issues. Studies in Online Social Networks (OSNs) analyze a number of related subjects that span both theoretical and practical aspects, from data quality identification and simple attribute classification to quality assessment models for various social environments. Among several factors that affect information quality in online social networks is the credibility of user-generated content. To address this challenge, some proposed solutions include community-based evaluation and labeling of user-generated content in terms of accuracy, clarity, and timeliness, along with well-established real-time data mining techniques.
Introducing research for practice
Authors: Bailis Peter , Peter Simon , Sherry Justine
Published: August 2016

Expert-curated guides to the best of CS research.
Driving Profiles Computation and Monitoring for Car Insurance CRM
Authors: Nanni Mirco , Trasarti Roberto , Monreale Anna , Grossi Valerio , Pedreschi Dino
Published: August 2016

Customer segmentation
is one of the most traditional and valued tasks in customer relationship management (CRM). In this article, we explore the problem in the context of the car insurance industry, where the mobility behavior of customers plays a key role: Different mobility needs, driving habits, and skills imply also different requirements (level of coverage provided by the insurance) and risks (of accidents). In the present work, we describe a methodology to extract several indicators describing the
driving profile
of customers, and we provide a clustering-oriented instantiation of the segmentation problem based on such indicators. Then, we consider the availability of a continuous flow of fresh mobility data sent by the circulating vehicles, aiming at keeping our segments constantly up to date. We tackle a major scalability issue that emerges in this context when the number of customers is large—namely, the communication bottleneck—by proposing and implementing a sophisticated distributed monitoring solution that reduces communications between vehicles and company servers to the essential. We validate the framework on a large database of real mobility data coming from GPS devices on private cars. Finally, we analyze the privacy risks that the proposed approach might involve for the users, providing and evaluating a countermeasure based on data perturbation.
Progressive Visual Cryptography with Unexpanded Meaningful Shares
Authors: Shivani Shivendra , Agarwal Suneeta
Published: August 2016

The traditional
k
-out-of-
n
Visual Cryptography (VC) scheme is the conception of “all or nothing” for
n
participants to share a secret image. The original secret image can be visually revealed only when a subset of
k
or more shares are superimposed together, but if the number of stacked shares are less than
k
, nothing will be revealed. On the other hand, a Progressive Visual Cryptography (PVC) scheme differs from the traditional VC with respect to decoding. In PVC, clarity and contrast of the decoded secret image will be increased progressively with the number of stacked shares. Much of the existing state-of-the-art research on PVC has problems with pixel expansion and random pattern of the shares. In this article, a novel scheme of progressive visual cryptography with four or more number of unexpanded as well as meaningful shares has been proposed. For this, a novel and efficient Candidate Block Replacement preprocessing approach and a basis matrix creation algorithm have also been introduced. The proposed method also eliminates many unnecessary encryption constraints like a predefined codebook for encoding and decoding the secret image, restriction on the number of participants, and so on. From the experiments, it is observed that the reconstruction probability of black pixels in the decoded image corresponding to the black pixel in the secret image is always 1, whereas that of white pixels is 0.5 irrespective of the meaningful contents visible in the shares, thus ensuring the value of contrast to alwasys be 50%. Therefore, a reconstructed image can be easily identified by a human visual system without any computation.
News from the SIGs
Authors: Walker Ellen , Rodger Susan H. , Zilora Steve
Published: August 2016

This issue of News from the SIGs highlights SIGCSE with a final reflection from our reporter, Susan Rodger, who completed her term as SIGCSE Chair in June. Thank you, Susan, for your excellent service in this role! In addition, we present some interesting thoughts on assessment from SIGITE chair Steve Zilora.
Stochastic Performance Analysis of Global Software Development Teams
Authors: Czekster Ricardo M. , Fernandes Paulo , Lopes Lucelene , Sales Afonso , Santos Alan R. , Webber Thais
Published: August 2016

Measuring productivity in globally distributed projects is crucial to improve team performance. These measures often display information on whether a given project is moving forward or starts to demonstrate undesired behaviors. In this paper we are interested in showing how analytical models could deliver insights for the behavior of specific distributed software collaboration projects. We present a model for distributed projects using stochastic automata networks (SAN) formalism to estimate, for instance, the required level of coordination for specific project configurations. We focus our attention on the level of interaction among project participants and its close relation with team’s productivity. The models are parameterized for different scenarios and solved using numerical methods to obtain exact solutions. We vary the team’s expertise and support levels to measure the impact on the overall project performance. As results, we present our derived productivity index for all scenarios and we state implications found in order to analyze popular preconceptions in GSD area, confirming some, and refusing others. Finally, we foresee ways to extend the models to represent more intricate behaviors and communication patterns that are usually present in globally distributed software projects.
Information Systems in Distributed Environments 2015
Authors: Mishra Alok , Münch Jürgen , Mishra Deepti
Published: August 2016

This is a report from a one-day sixth international workshop on "Information Systems in Distributed Environments" (ISDE), which was organized in conjunction with the OnTheMove Federated Conferences & Workshops (OTM 2015) October 26-30, 2015, Rhodes, Greece. The main focus of this event was to provide a venue for the discussion of challenges related to the development, operation, and maintenance of distributed information systems, and their creation in the context of global development projects. Further dissemination of research results will lead to an improvement of distributed information system development and deployment across the globe.
'Just passing through'
Authors: Dee Marianne , Hanson Vicki L.
Published: August 2016

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision-making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, and coordination, among others. We look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges.
--- Gillian R. Hayes, Editor
Effects of Visual Latency on Vehicle Driving Behavior
Authors: Blissing Björn , Bruzelius Fredrik , Eriksson Olle
Published: August 2016

Using mixed reality in vehicles provides a potential alternative to using driving simulators when studying driver-vehicle interaction. However, virtual reality systems introduce latency in the visual system that may alter driving behavior, which, in turn, results in questionable validity. Previous studies have mainly focused on visual latency as a separate phenomenon. In this work, latency is studied from a task-dependent viewpoint to investigate how participants’ driving behavior changed with increased latency. In this study, the investigation was performed through experiments in which regular drivers were subjected to different levels of visual latency while performing a simple slalom driving task. The drivers’ performances were recorded and evaluated in both lateral and longitudinal directions along with self-assessment questionnaires regarding task performance and difficulty. All participants managed to complete the driving tasks successfully, even under high latency conditions, but were clearly affected by the increased visual latency. The results suggest that drivers compensate for longer latencies by steering more and increasing the safety margins but without reducing their speed.
Human augmentation
Authors: Fernandes Tony
Published: August 2016

This forum is dedicated to maximizing the success of HCI practitioners within the frenetic world of product and service design. It focuses on UX strategy approaches, leadership, management techniques, and above all the challenge of bringing HCI to peer-level status with longstanding business disciplines such as marketing and engineering.
--- Daniel Rosenberg, Editor
Jupiter rising
Authors: Singh Arjun , Ong Joon , Agarwal Amit , Anderson Glen , Armistead Ashby , Bannon Roy , Boving Seb , Desai Gaurav , Felderman Bob , Germano Paulie , Kanagala Anand , Liu Hong , Provost Jeff , Simmons Jason , Tanda Eiichi , Wanderer Jim , Hölzle Urs , Stuart Stephen , Vahdat Amin
Published: August 2016

We present our approach for overcoming the cost, operational complexity, and limited scale endemic to datacenter networks a decade ago. Three themes unify the five generations of datacenter networks detailed in this paper. First, multi-stage Clos topologies built from commodity switch silicon can support cost-effective deployment of building-scale networks. Second, much of the general, but complex, decentralized network routing and management protocols supporting arbitrary deployment scenarios were overkill for single-operator, pre-planned datacenter networks. We built a centralized control mechanism based on a global configuration pushed to all datacenter switches. Third, modular hardware design coupled with simple, robust software allowed our design to also support inter-cluster and wide-area networks. Our datacenter networks run at dozens of sites across the planet, scaling in capacity by 100x over 10 years to more than 1 Pbps of bisection bandwidth. A more detailed version of this paper is available at Ref.
Imaging the propagation of light through scenes at picosecond resolution
Authors: Velten Andreas , Wu Di , Masia Belen , Jarabo Adrian , Barsi Christopher , Joshi Chinmaya , Lawson Everett , Bawendi Moungi , Gutierrez Diego , Raskar Ramesh
Published: August 2016

We present a novel imaging technique, which we call
femto-photography
, to capture and visualize the propagation of light through table-top scenes with an effective exposure time of 1.85 ps per frame. This is equivalent to a resolution of about one half trillion frames per second; between frames, light travels approximately just 0.5 mm. Since cameras with such extreme shutter speed obviously do not exist, we first re-purpose modern imaging hardware to record an ensemble average of repeatable events that are synchronized to a streak sensor, in which the time of arrival of light from the scene is coded in one of the sensor's spatial dimensions. We then introduce reconstruction methods that allow us to visualize the propagation of femtosecond light pulses through the scenes. Given this fast resolution and the finite speed of light, we observe that the camera does not necessarily capture the events in the same order as they occur in reality: we thus introduce the notion of
time-unwarping
between the camera's and the world's space--time coordinate systems, to take this into account. We apply our femto-photography technique to visualizations of very different scenes, which allow us to observe the rich dynamics of time-resolved light transport effects, including scattering, specular reflections, diffuse interreflections, diffraction, caustics, and subsurface scattering. Our work has potential applications in artistic, educational, and scientific visualizations; industrial imaging to analyze material properties; and medical imaging to reconstruct subsurface elements. In addition, our time-resolved technique has already motivated new forms of computational photography, as well as novel algorithms for the analysis and synthesis of light transport.
What you look at is what you get
Authors: Jacob Rob , Stellmach Sophie
Published: August 2016

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design.
--- Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
Rethinking Randomness
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: August 2016

For more than 40 years, Jeffrey Buzen has been a leader in performance prediction of computer systems and networks. His first major contribution was an algorithm, known now as Buzen's Algorithm, that calculated the throughput and response time of any practical network of servers in a few seconds. Prior algorithms were useless because they would have taken months or years for the same calculations. Buzen's breakthrough opened a new industry of companies providing performance evaluation services, and laid scientific foundations for designing systems that meet performance objectives. Along the way, he became troubled by the fact that the real systems he was evaluating seriously violated his model's assumptions, and yet the faulty models predicted throughput to within 5 percent of the true value and response time to within 25 percent. He began puzzling over this anomaly and invented a new framework for building computer performance models, which he called operational analysis. Operational analysis produced the same formulas, but with assumptions that hold in most systems. As he continued to understand this puzzle, he formulated a more complete theory of randomness, which he calls observational stochastics, and he wrote a book Rethinking Randomness laying out his new theory. We talked with Jeff Buzen about his work.

Peter J. Denning

Editor in Chief
Anti-inflammatory effects ofBifidobacterium longum subsp infantissecretions on fetal human enterocytes are mediated by TLR-4 receptors
Authors: Meng Di , Zhu Weishu , Ganguli Kriston , Shi Hai Ning , Walker W. Allan
Published: August 2016

The therapeutic and preventive application of probiotics for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has been supported by more and more experimental and clinical evidence in which Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) exerts a significant role. In immune cells, probiotics not only regulate the expression of TLR-4 but also use the TLR-4 to modulate the immune response. Probiotics may also use the TLR-4 in immature enterocytes for anti-inflammation. Here we demonstrate that probiotic conditioned media (PCM) from Bifidobacterium longum supp infantis but not isolated organisms attenuates interleukin-6 (IL-6) induction in response to IL-1β by using TLR-4 in a human fetal small intestinal epithelial cell line (H4 cells), human fetal small intestinal xenografts, mouse fetal small intestinal organ culture tissues, and primary NEC enterocytes. Furthermore, we show that PCM, using TLR-4, downregulates the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK-2), a common adapter protein shared by IL-1β and TLR-4 signaling. PCM also reduces the phosphorylation of the activator-protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factors c-Jun and c-Fos in response to IL-1β stimulation in a TLR-4-dependent manner. This study suggests that PCM may use TLR-4 through IRAK-2 and via AP-1 to prevent IL-1β-induced IL-6 induction in immature enterocytes. Based on these observations, the combined use of probiotics and anti-TLR-4 therapy to prevent NEC may not be a good strategy.
Connective tissue regeneration in skeletal muscle after eccentric contraction-induced injury
Authors: Mackey Abigail L. , Kjaer Michael
Published: August 2016

Human skeletal muscle has the potential to regenerate completely after injury induced under controlled experimental conditions. The events inside the myofibers as they undergo necrosis, followed closely by satellite cell-mediated myogenesis, have been mapped in detail. Much less is known about the adaptation throughout this process of both the connective tissue structures surrounding the myofibers and the fibroblasts, the cells responsible for synthesizing this connective tissue. However, the few studies investigating muscle connective tissue remodeling demonstrate a strong response that appears to be sustained for a long time after the major myofiber responses have subsided. While the use of electrical stimulation to induce eccentric contractions vs. voluntary eccentric contractions appears to lead to a greater extent of myofiber necrosis and regenerative response, this difference is not apparent when the muscle connective tissue responses are compared, although further work is required to confirm this. Pharmacological agents (growth hormone and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers) are considered in the context of accelerating the muscle connective tissue adaptation to loading. Cautioning against this, however, is the association between muscle matrix protein remodeling and protection against reinjury, which suggests that a (so far undefined) period of vulnerability to reinjury may exist during the remodeling phases. The role of individual muscle matrix components and their spatial interaction during adaptation to eccentric contractions is an unexplored field in human skeletal muscle and may provide insight into the optimal timing of rest vs. return to activity after muscle injury.
HLA and Delayed Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity
Authors: Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Correia Cláudia , Gomes Lídia , Gil-Mata Sara , Araújo Luís , Correia Osvaldo , Delgado Luís
Published: August 2016

Delayed drug allergy reactions (DDAR) are potentially fatal. Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles have been associated with delayed allergy reactions following the administration of particular drugs. Examples are HLA-B*57:01 (abacavir), HLA-B*15:02/HLA-A*31:01 (carbamazepine), and HLA-B*58:01 (allopurinol). Based on the identification of these associations, it may now be possible to prevent certain allergy reactions that were, until recently, considered unpredictable. In this review, we will focus on the pharmacogenetics of the best-studied associations between specific HLA alleles and delayed allergy reactions and describe the pathogenesis models proposed so far. Finally, we will evaluate the genetic screening strategies available and discuss the clinical relevance of a better understanding of the immunogenetics and mechanisms involved in DDAR.
Prognostic Significance of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Cystatin C in Patients with Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: You Shoujiang , Shi Luyao , Zhong Chongke , Xu Jiaping , Han Qiao , Zhang Xia , Liu Huihui , Zhang Yanlin , Shi Jijun , Huang Zhichao , Cao Yongjun , Liu Chunfeng
Published: August 2016

Background: The effects of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and cystatin C on clinical outcomes on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remain unclear. We investigated the associations of eGFR and cystatin C with 3-month functional outcome and all-cause mortality in acute ICH patients. Methods: A total of 365 patients with acute ICH were enrolled. Serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured within 24 h of admission. Outcomes at 3-month were evaluated by interviews with patients or their family members. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≥3. Results: During the 3-month follow-up, 154 patients experienced poor functional outcome, and 48 patients died from all causes. Low eGFR level was associated with poor outcome (adjusted OR 8.95; 95% CI 2.13-37.66; p-trend = 0.045) and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio (HR) 5.10; 95% CI 2.00-13.03; p-trend = 0.001). Additionally, a high cystatin C level was also found to be associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 4.01; 95% CI 1.09-14.72; p-trend = 0.015). However, no significant association between cystatin C and poor functional outcome was observed (p-trend = 0.615). Conclusions: Low eGFR at baseline predicts poor functional outcome and all-cause mortality at 3-month in acute ICH patients. Also, high cystatin C was associated with increased risk of mortality but not with poor functional outcome.
Flow Cytometry of Nonhematopoietic Neoplasms
Authors: Pillai Vinodh , Dorfman David M.
Published: August 2016

Many epithelial neoplasms can be analyzed by flow cytometry (FC), particularly from serous cavity effusion samples, using EpCAM, a cell adhesion molecule expressed on most normal epithelial cells and expressed at a higher level in most epithelial neoplasms. A simple 3-color flow cytometric panel can provide a high sensitivity and specificity compared to cytomorphology. FC provides more rapid immunophenotyping than conventional immunohistochemical staining, can identify rare malignant cells that could be missed by a cytological exam alone, and can be utilized to evaluate limited samples such as cerebrospinal fluid or fine-needle aspiration samples. Flow cytometric analysis for epithelial antigens can be combined with DNA ploidy analysis or assessment of the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. Panels of flow cytometric markers are useful for the assessment of pediatric nonhematopoietic neoplasms, including neuroblastomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumors, Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcomas, germ cell tumors, and hemangiopericytomas, as well as small-round-blue-cell tumors in adults, including small-cell carcinomas.
New Insight into Atherosclerosis in Hemodialysis Patients: Overexpression of Scavenger Receptor and Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Genes
Authors: Nishida Miki , Ando Minoru , Iwamoto Yusuke , Tsuchiya Ken , Nitta Kosaku
Published: August 2016

Background: Scavenger receptors (SRs) play a pivotal role in atherogenesis. The mechanism of atherosclerosis, which is specific to hemodialysis (HD) patients, was studied on the basis of SR gene expressions. Methods: The gene expressions of SR type A (SR-A) and CD36 were studied in peripheral monocytes by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were compared between HD (n = 30) and age-matched control subjects (n = 10). Serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test its role in SR expression. The statistical differences and associations between two continuous variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: The relative quantities of SR mRNAs were significantly greater in HD patients than in controls [median (interquartile range): SR-A, 1.67 (0.96-2.76) vs. 0.90 (0.60-1.04), p = 0.0060; CD36, 1.09 (0.88-1.74) vs. 0.74 (0.64-0.99), p = 0.0255]. The serum concentration of M-CSF was significantly higher in HD patients than in controls [1,121 (999-1,342) vs. 176 (155-202) pg/ml, p < 0.0001]. In addition, the relative quantity of M-CSF mRNA was significantly greater in HD patients than in controls [0.79 (0.42-1.53) vs. 0.42 (0.28-0.66), p = 0.0392]. The serum M-CSF levels were positively correlated with both the relative quantity of SR-A mRNA (r2 = 0.1681, p = 0.0086) and that of CD36 mRNA (r2 = 0.1202, p = 0.0284) in all subjects (n = 40). Conclusion: HD patients are predisposed to atherosclerosis as a consequence of their enhanced monocyte SR expressions. SRs and M-CSF are potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis in this high-risk population.
Characterization of Clinical and Radiological Features of Quasi-Moyamoya Disease among European Caucasians Including Surgical Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Acker Güliz , Goerdes Susanne , Schmiedek Peter , Czabanka Marcus , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: August 2016

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) associated with a potentially underlying disease, such as genetic disorders or other coexisting hematological pathologies, is called quasi-MMD. This very rare disease has been characterized mainly in Asian countries, so far. As MMD reveals several significant ethnic differences, the question is raised whether characteristics of quasi-MMD would also vary among different ethnic backgrounds. Here, we report a series of 61 patients with quasi-MMD and highlight the specific clinical features of this rare disease among European Caucasians. Methods: We retrospectively identified 61 European Caucasians with quasi-MMD who were treated in our institution between 1997 and 2014. We analyzed demographic data, clinical symptoms, associated diseases, angiographic characteristics and functional hemodynamic studies. Results: Thirty-three percent of our patients were juvenile. We observed an overall female predominance of 2.8:1. Seventy-nine percent presented with a typical quasi-MMD with more pronounced unilateral and atypical quasi-MMD in pediatric population (unilateral/atypical: pediatric patients 20/15%, adults 7/7%). We identified a wide range of associated diseases. Overall, 84 and 8% of our cohort presented initially with ischemic and hemorrhagic manifestation, respectively. The hemorrhagic manifestation of quasi-MMD occurred however only in adults. Angiographic analysis revealed steno-occlusive involvement of the posterior circulation (in addition to the anterior circulation) in 31% with a higher involvement in pediatric patients (40%) compared to adults (27%). Conclusions: The characterization of our European Caucasian cohort reveals several differences when compared to reported Asian quasi-MMD cohorts and also compared to European Caucasian MMD cohort. We conclude that quasi-MMD represents a distinct disease with different ethnic clinical features.
Long Term Treatment with Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Patients with Fabry Disease
Authors: Oder Daniel , Nordbeck Peter , Wanner Christoph
Published: August 2016

Anderson-Fabry disease is a potentially life-threatening hereditary lysosomal storage disorder taking origin in over 1,000 known pathogenic mutations in the alpha-galactosidase A encoding gene. Over the past 15 years, intravenous replacement therapy of the deficient alpha agalsidase A enzyme has been well-established retarding the progression of a multisystemic disease and organ involvement. Despite this innovative treatment approach, premature deaths still do occur. The response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) varies considerably and appears to depend on gender, genotype (classic or later onset/non-classic), stage of disease or age and agalsidase inhibition by anti-agalsidase antibodies. Early ERT treatment at young age, a personalized approach, and adjunctive therapies for specific disease manifestations appear to impact on prognosis and are currently favored with the expectance of more effective intravenous and oral treatments in the short future.
Associations between Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels and Both Severity and Early Outcome of Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Delpont Benoit , Aboa-Eboulé Corine , Durier Jérôme , Petit Jean-Michel , Daumas Anaïs , Legris Nicolas , Daubail Benoit , Giroud Maurice , Béjot Yannick
Published: August 2016

We aimed to investigate associations between serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and both severity and outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). A total of 731 patients consecutive IS patients were enrolled (mean age 69.4 ± 15.4, 61.6% men), and serum TSH levels were measured at admission and analyzed according to the tertiles of their distribution (<0.822 vs. 0.822-1.6 vs. >1.6 mUI/l). Associations between TSH and both severity at admission (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores <5 vs. ≥5) and functional outcome at discharge assessed by the modified Rankin Scale were analyzed using logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression models, respectively. High TSH levels were independently associated with both a decreased risk of NIHSS score ≥5 at admission (prevalence proportion ratio = 0.62; 95% CI 0.41-0.94, p = 0.024 for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1). In addition, patients with high TSH levels had a better functional outcome at discharge (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.30-0.60, p < 0.001 for tertile 2 vs. tertile 1; OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.27-0.56, p < 0.001 for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1). The mechanisms underlying these associations and their potential exploitation in terms of therapeutic strategies need to be explored.
Dos “novos novos” cidadãos aos “novos novos” movimentos sociais
Authors: Penteado Julia Dantas de Oliveira , Renó Denis Porto
Published: August 2016

Este artigo busca entender o impacto das mídias digitais interativas em movimentos sociais de moradores do complexo do Alemão, conjunto de comunidades do Rio de Janeiro. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de caso do jornal Voz das Comunidades e do coletivo Papo Reto, duas mídias independentes do complexo.
Das manifestações artísiticas à problemática social: a cultura no discurso jornalístico de prosa
Authors: Reginato Gisele Dotto , Gadret Debora Lapa
Published: August 2016

Este artigo debate o conceito de cultura no discurso jornalístico de Prosa, suplemento cultural semanal do jornal O Globo. Realizamos uma análise de subgêneros, autores e temas veiculados pelo caderno em um corpus composto por 100 textos de cinco edições de 2012 e analisamos o enquadramento nas reportagens de capa. Concluímos que, apesar de Prosa apresentar a noção de cultura atrelada a manifestações artísticas, também amplia o conceito ao trazer reportagens e artigos com problemáticas que a ultrapassam e entende que cultura é aquilo que permeia a vida social.
MST e a Cidade: Comunicação e socialização política entre trabalhadores rurais e urbanos
Authors: Bastos Pablo Nabarrete
Published: August 2016

Este artigo apresenta resultados de tese de doutorado desenvolvida, entre 2010 e 2015, sobre a formação política do MST. O objetivo é compreender como se desenvolve historicamente a relação e articulação política entre o MST e a cidade, entre trabalhadores rurais e urbanos na luta pela hegemonia popular. O que implica compreender a capacidade dialógica do MST, a disposição e intencionalidade pedagógica e comunicativa para as alianças políticas e de classe com o trabalhador urbano e suas instâncias de organização. O foco deste artigo é o nível de luta pela hegemonia da/na comunicação, com base na evolução da comunicação e socialização política entre trabalhadores rurais e urbanos desde a criação das Ligas Camponesas, em 1955, até o VI Congresso Nacional do MST, realizado em 2014. A pesquisa utiliza o método dialético e são aplicadas técnicas qualitativas, entrevistas semiestruturadas, com os dirigentes e militantes, e pesquisa documental a partir de edições do Jornal Sem Terra (JST).
A Amazônia em jogo: notas sobre a representação em jogos digitais
Authors: Macedo Tarcízio
Published: August 2016

Este trabalho procura compreender os mecanismos pelos quais os jogos digitais criam significações e processos representacionais. Portanto, buscamos perceber e propor uma classificação das formas de representação em jogos digitais, utilizando como exemplo jogos que fazem alusão à Amazônia brasileira.
Cultura e cidadania: políticas culturais de base comunitária
Authors: Santos Emilena Sousa dos
Published: August 2016

O artigo discute possíveis zonas de abrangência das políticas culturais, contextualiza conceitos de política de cultura na contemporaneidade e debate temas a serem abarcados pela noção. Por esta razão, reitero o recorte sobre o qual a investigação se debruça e destaco concepções que servem como horizonte teórico deste trabalho: cultura, políticas culturais, democracia, cidadania cultural e tradições populares. Este trabalho está dividido em dois subtemas: 1) políticas culturais de intervenção comunitária e 2) conceitos e práticas das políticas culturais e democracia cultural – levando em consideração aspectos relacionados ao reconhecimento e cidadania cultural.
The Physician in the 21st Century
Authors: Wartman Steven A.
Published: August 2016

From Hippocrates to Osler, the sacrosanct physician-patient relationship has been paramount. Hippocrates is best remembered for the Oath that bears his name(1), often recited at medical school graduations, which places the patient first and foremost in the physician encounter. More than two thousand years later, William Osler, the renowned professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Oxford, wrote that the premier quality of a good physician is “aequanimitas”, meaning calmness and patience(2). The foundational idea of the personal, caring relationship between physicians and patients has clearly withstood the test of time. Perhaps it can serve as a guidepost for the enormous changes coming in medical care in the 21st century. Indeed, across the ages of advances in scientific discovery, the special nature of the physician-patient relationship, exemplified by compassion, has been the mainstay of medicine.[...]
Rare disease research requires (and benefits from) global collaboration: three examples from the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network
Authors: Williamson Hayley , Mitchell Grant , Zhen Emily , Enciso Auryn , Newman Samantha Kass , Ahagon Deise , Croglio Michael , Ruth Jason , Jayanthan Raj , Liu Amy Yutong , Suarez Alexander , Fajgenbaum David
Published: August 2016

Castleman disease (CD) describes a heterogeneous group of rare and poorly understood lymphoproliferative disorders that can involve flu-like symptoms, multiple organ system dysfunction, and even death. Prior to 2012, the limited and disparate resources, including clinical data, tissue samples, and research funding, prevented the medical community from making positive strides towards understanding the pathogenesis of CD. The Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) was created in 2012 to accelerate research and drug development for CD by facilitating global collaboration, strategically investing in high impact research, and engaging patients throughout the research process. The CDCN’s global collaborative network has been crucial for accelerating the understanding of CD. Together, the CDCN has already helped establish a uniform terminology system and a new model of pathogenesis. With the CDCN’s network in place and an ambitious international research agenda, further breakthroughs for CD are on the horizon. In this paper, we report three examples of how global collaboration has helped to advance CD research, which we believe can serve as models for other research networks and international investigators.
Medical Education at the University of São Paulo Medical School
Authors: Auler Jr José Otávio Costa , Baracat Edmund Chada , Vieira Joaquim Edson
Published: August 2016

The University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP) started in 2015 a new undergraduate medical curriculum. This model reduces the time allotted to lectures and increases the time devoted to tutored discussions and to clinical reasoning, without neglecting the need to acquire information and scientific foundations that guide the practice of medicine, always grounded by the best evidence. The proposal is anchored in principles resulting from Medical Education research, and as a result of large and numerous meetings with teachers and students, besides international experts support.[...]
The future of medical education: areas that should receive increased focus in the 21st Century
Authors: Heisler Michele
Published: August 2016

What is fundamental for medical students to learn in the 21st Century? Many medical educators understandably focus on the explosion of new medical knowledge and technology that will be essential for medical students to master in the 21st Century. These include advances in molecular medicine, genomics, a plethora of new pharmacological approaches, among other stunning discoveries in medicine. Moreover, there will be a continued need to ensure that medical students acquire the highest level of professional ethics, leadership skills, empathy, and communication and patient-centered counseling skills. All of these have been a core focus of medical educators over the past decade and will continue to be a priority. In thinking about the 21st Century, there are several key additional areas of content knowledge and skills that will be essential for future physicians that to date have not received sufficient attention in medical skill curricula.[...]
Academic Global Health
Authors: Flahault Antoine
Published: August 2016

Health globally faces a variety of challenges and barriers that need to be tackled. Global Health is a new discipline which considers (i) health of people in all nations worldwide as a consequence of globalisation (horizontal issues) and (ii) the complex influences of social determinants of health as comparable for all people (vertical issues). Academic global health approach recognises that interdependencies are increasingly relevant, while territorial boundaries become increasingly irrelevant, and that to understand both health challenges and needed solutions, the complexity of globalisation influences that transcend, or are oblivious to, territorial boundaries are beyond the capacity of individual nation states’ domestic institutions to address[...]
Reimagining Medical Education at “Faculdade de Medicina da Universidad de Sao Paulo”
Authors: Prober Charles G.
Published: August 2016

I recently had the privilege to discuss medical education reform with the Dean and other senior administrators, basic science and clinical faculty members involved with medical education, and a number of medical students from Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FMUSP). I learned that the new curriculum at FMUSP aims to enhance ntegration by means of adopting an organ and systems-based approach to teaching during the preclinical years followed by a predominantly clinical focus during the final years. I also was pleased to learn that there is a strong desire, among faculty and students, to make the preclinical instruction more interactive and engaging rather than relying predominantly on lecture-based teaching.[...]
Mediação da informação e mediação pedagógica na pesquisa escolar
Authors: Ferreira Edson Silva , Santos Neto João Arlindo Dos
Published: August 2016

Apresenta conceitos e definições sobre mediação da informação e mediação pedagógica, a partir de um referencial teórico. Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir a relação entre a mediação da informação e a mediação pedagógica na biblioteca escolar. A pesquisa buscou analisar como ocorrem essas mediações com os alunos do ensino médio. Seu desenvolvimento foi por meio da pesquisa básica e exploratória, com abordagem quali-quantitativa. Foi aplicado um questionário aos alunos e aos professores de uma escola estadual no interior do Paraná. Acredita-se que professor e bibliotecário, em igual nível de importância, podem contribuir com a pesquisa escolar dos alunos. Revela que estes profissionais apesar de terem consciência de que o trabalho em conjunto contribui de forma significativa para o ensino e educação, ainda deixam a desejar. Conclui que apesar do discurso existente entre os profissionais e o presente na literatura sobre a importância de mediação e o trabalho em conjunto na biblioteca escolar e, especificamente, na pesquisa escolar, ainda não é o que acontece na maioria dos espaços.
O mediador e a mediação de literatura para crianças surdas
Authors: Pereira Ana Paula , Bortolin Sueli
Published: August 2016

Discute a mediação da leitura e da literatura infantil como fator de inclusão e de acessibilidade para as crianças surdas. Aborda como a mediação pode contribuir na valorização da autonomia e dignidade das crianças surdas. Destaca o papel do mediador de leitura como facilitador da relação entre o leitor e o texto, salientando que ler é um direito de todos. Elenca as possibilidades da literatura infantil, da descoberta dos significados a partir do olhar, das percepções e experiências do leitor. Afirma que a mediação com livros de imagem pode propiciar o interesse e o gosto pelos livros e pela literatura. Por intermédio de um estudo de campo e da entrevista gerativa de narrativa objetivou-se evidenciar a mediação por meio de livros de imagem como incentivo à leitura para crianças surdas, além de mencionar as dificuldades que as crianças surdas enfrentam no universo da leitura; identificar as atividades que propiciam a apropriação da leitura pelas crianças surdas; elencar as estratégias e habilidades do mediador para propiciar a leitura para as crianças surdas e apresentar os livros de imagem como possibilidade de mediação para as crianças surdas. Parte do princípio de que os mediadores enfrentam dificuldades na inserção das crianças surdas no universo da leitura e de que o livro de imagem seria uma possibilidade de superá-las. Enfatiza que a responsabilidade do mediador em favorecer o desenvolvimento das crianças surdas de maneira crítica, consciente e ética é possível e, também, necessária. Conclui que a mediação com livros de imagem pode se constituir em ação de incentivo à leitura para crianças surdas.
On the Behaviour, abundance, habitat use and potential threats of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica in southern West Bengal, India
Authors: Chowdhury Mahua Roy , Mitra Sangita , Sen Saswati
Published: August 2016

The Ganga River Dolphin Platanista gangetica Roxburgh, 1801 is a globally endangered cetacean found in the River system of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna in Bangladesh and India.  A survey and research were conducted from 2012–2014 to explore the behaviour, abundance, habitat use and potential threats of the Dolphin in the lower, middle and upper stretches of the river Ganga and its tributaries in southern West Bengal.  The study recorded different types of surfacing patterns with respect to their age class as well as on diurnal activity pattern of the individual. The adults and sub-adults were found to have different types of surfacing during different hours of the day.  The morning and afternoon were observed to be feeding hours of the Dolphin.  Multiple potential threats were encountered during the present study such as destructive fishing gears, dumping of solid and municipal waste, industrial effluents, agricultural run-off, construction of water structures, water extraction and reduction of river depth attributed to siltation.  These factors contributed to the present study of the river dolphins in the Ganga, which are localised at certain pockets in good number.
Effect of vehicular traffic on wild animals in Sigur Plateau, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Samson A. , Ramakrishnan B. , Veeramani A. , Santhoshkumar P. , Karthick S. , Sivasubramanian G. , Ilakkia M. , Chitheena A. , Princy J. Leona , Ravi P.
Published: August 2016

The construction of a road, directly and indirectly, impacts on the ecosystems where the road is built.  Highways passing through national reserves/wildlife sanctuaries have an adverse impact on wild animals.  The present survey was conducted to estimate the road kills on the state highways passing through the Nilgiri north territorial forest division (19km) and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (15km) in Sigur Plateau, Tamil Nadu, India.  The road kills were monitored three times a month between July 2013 and December 2013 (six months) and a total of 176 road kills belonging to 30 species were recorded.  Reptiles were the most affected taxa (39%), followed by mammals (33%) and birds (21%).  Amphibians were least affected by vehicular traffic and comprised 7% of the total kills.  According to road stretch category, the overall road kill was N=135 in the forested area and N=41 in human habitations.  A total of 812 food materials were encounterd  612km with average of  1.32 food materials / km. Conservation and management implications are essential to prevent the local extinction of wildlife.
Two additions to the flora of the Palni Hills, southern India
Authors: Soosairaj S. , Raja P. , Balaguru B. , Dons T.
Published: August 2016

Hiptage parvifolia Wight & Arn. (Malpighiaceae) and Kalanchoe olivacea Dalz. & Gibs. (Crassulaceae) are collected and reported for the first time from the Palni hills of Western Ghats from Tamil Nadu, India. This paper provided a detailed taxonomic description, distribution, illustrations and photographs for their easy identification.
Notes on three species of Palaearctic satyrinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from northwestern Himalaya, India
Authors: Singh Arun P.
Published: August 2016

Observations are presented on local abundance, habitat and distribution of three species of lesser known Satyrinae butterflies in India, namely the Oriental Meadowbrown Hyponephele cheena Moore, 1865 from Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, the Yellow Wall Kirinia eversmanni cashmierensis Moore, 1874 from Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir and the  comparison of the Tawny Meadowbrown, Hyponephele pulchella Felder & Felder, 1867  from Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir with its congeners (Hyonephele pulchra, H.astorica, H. Baroghila, H.sylvia & H. coenonympha).