bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cheeger-Type Approximation for Sparsest
st
-Cut
Authors: Krauthgamer Robert , Wagner Tal
Published: November 2016

We introduce the
st
-cut version of the sparsest-cut problem, where the goal is to find a cut of minimum sparsity in a graph
G
(
V
,
E
) among those separating two distinguished vertices
s
,
t
∈
V
. Clearly, this problem is at least as hard as the usual (non-
st
) version. Our main result is a polynomial-time algorithm for the product-demands setting that produces a cut of sparsity
O
(√OPT), where OPT ⩽ 1 denotes the optimum when the total edge capacity and the total demand are assumed (by normalization) to be 1.

Our result generalizes the recent work of Trevisan [arXiv, 2013] for the non-
st
version of the same problem (sparsest cut with product demands), which in turn generalizes the bound achieved by the discrete Cheeger inequality, a cornerstone of Spectral Graph Theory that has numerous applications. Indeed, Cheeger’s inequality handles graph conductance, the special case of product demands that are proportional to the vertex (capacitated) degrees. Along the way, we obtain an
O
(log |
V
|) approximation for the general-demands setting of sparsest
st
-cut.
UniAD
Authors: Shi Xiaogang , Cui Bin , Dobbie Gillian , Ooi Beng Chin
Published: November 2016

Instead of constructing complex declarative queries, many users prefer to write their programs using procedural code embedded with simple queries. Since many users are not expert programmers or the programs are written in a rush, these programs usually exhibit poor performance in practice and it is a challenge to automatically and efficiently optimize these programs.

In this article, we present UniAD, which stands for
Uni
fied execution for
Ad
hoc Data processing, a system designed to simplify the programming of data processing tasks and provide efficient execution for user programs. We provide the background of program semantics and propose a novel intermediate representation, called Unified Intermediate Representation (UniIR), which utilizes a simple and expressive mechanism HOQ to describe the operations performed in programs. By combining both procedural and declarative logics with the proposed intermediate representation, we can perform various optimizations across the boundary between procedural and declarative code. We propose a transformation-based optimizer to automatically optimize programs and implement the UniAD system. The extensive experimental results on various benchmarks demonstrate that our techniques can significantly improve the performance of a wide range of data processing programs.
The role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the protection against lung injury
Authors: Zhao Hailin , Eguchi Shiori , Alam Azeem , Ma Daqing
Published: November 2016

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a ubiquitous master transcription factor that upregulates antioxidant response elements (AREs)-mediated expression of antioxidant enzyme and cytoprotective proteins. Activation of Nrf2 has been shown to be protective against lung injury. In the lung, diverse stimuli including environmental oxidants, medicinal agents, and pathogens can activate Nrf2. Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and binds to an ARE. Through transcriptional induction of ARE-bearing genes encoding antioxidant-detoxifying proteins, Nrf2 induces cellular rescue pathways against oxidative pulmonary injury, abnormal inflammatory and immune responses, and apoptosis. The Nrf2-antioxidant pathway has been shown to be important in the protection against various lung injuries including acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and allergy and was widely examined for new therapeutic targets. The present review explores the protective role of Nrf-2 against lung injury and the therapeutic potential in targeting Nrf-2.
Exploratory Methods for the Study of Incomplete and Intersecting Shape Boundaries from Landmark Data
Authors: Hamed Fathi M. O. , Aykroyd Robert G.
Published: November 2016

Structured spatial point patterns appear in many applications within the natural sciences. The points often record the location of key features, called landmarks, on continuous object boundaries, such as anatomical features on a human face. In other situations, the points may simply be arbitrarily spaced marks along a smooth curve, such as on handwritten numbers. This paper proposes novel exploratory methods for the identification of structure within point datasets. In particular, points are linked together to form curves which estimate the original shape from which the points are the only recorded information. Nonparametric regression methods are applied to polar coordinate variables obtained from the point locations and periodic modelling allows closed curves to be fitted even when data are available on only part of the boundary. Further, the model allows discontinuities to be identified to describe rapid changes in the curves. These generalizations are particularly important when the points represent shapes which are occluded or are intersecting. A range of real-data examples is used to motivate the modelling and to illustrate the flexibility of the approach. The method successfully identifies the underlying structure and its output could also be used as the basis for further analysis.
Axially Symmetric, Asymptotically Flat Vacuum Metric with a Naked Singularity and Closed Timelike Curves
Authors: Sarma Debojit , Ahmed Faizuddin , Patgiri Mahadev
Published: November 2016

We present an axially symmetric, asymptotically flat empty space solution of the Einstein field equations containing a naked singularity. The space-time is regular everywhere except on the symmetry axis where it possesses a true curvature singularity. The space-time is of type D in the Petrov classification scheme and is locally isometric to the metrics of case IV in the Kinnersley classification of type D vacuum metrics. Additionally, the space-time also shows the evolution of closed timelike curves (CTCs) from an initial hypersurface free from CTCs.
The Effect of Chirped Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses on the Argon Cluster
Authors: Ghaforyan H. , Sadighi-Bonabi R. , Irani E.
Published: November 2016

The interaction of intense femtosecond laser pulses with atomic Argon clusters has been investigated by using nanoplasma model. Based on the dynamic simulations, ionization process, heating, and expansion of a cluster after irradiation by femtosecond laser pulses at intensities up to 2×1017 Wcm−2are studied. The analytical calculation provides ionization rate for different mechanisms and time evolution of the density of electrons for different pulse shapes. In this approach, the strong dependence of laser intensity, pulse duration, and laser shape on the electron energy, the electron density, and the cluster size is presented using the intense chirped laser pulses. Based on the presented theoretical modifications, the effect of chirped laser pulse on the complex dynamical process of the interaction is studied. It is found that the energy of electrons and the radius of cluster for the negatively chirped pulses are improved up to 20% in comparison to the unchirped and positively chirped pulses.
Contact Loss beneath Track Slab Caused by Deteriorated Cement Emulsified Asphalt Mortar: Dynamic Characteristics of Vehicle-Slab Track System and Prototype Experiment
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Yu-feng , Ren Juan-juan , Yang Rong-shan , Liu Xue-yi
Published: November 2016

The contact loss beneath track slab caused by deteriorated cement emulsified asphalt mortar (CA mortar) has been one of the main diseases occurring in the CRTS- (China Railway Track System-) I Slab Track of high-speed railway in China. Based on the slab track design theory and the vehicle-track coupling vibration theory, a vehicle-track vertical coupling dynamic FEM model was established to analyze the influence of the contact loss length on the dynamic characteristics of vehicle and track subsystems at different train speeds. A prototype dynamic characteristic experimental test of CRTS-I Slab Track with CA mortar contact loss was conducted to verify the FEM model results. The train load was generated by the customized ZSS50 excitation car. The results showed that when the operation speed is less than 300 km/h, the contact loss with length smaller than 2.0 m barely affects the running smoothness ride safety of vehicle. The contact loss length effect on the dynamic characteristics of track subsystem is pronounced, especially on the track slab. Once the contact loss beneath the track slab occurs, the vibration displacement and the acceleration of the track slab increase rapidly, while it has little influence on the displacement and acceleration of the concrete roadbed.
Occurrence of Ticks in Cattle in the New Pastoral Farming Areas in Rufiji District, Tanzania
Authors: Mamiro Kamilius A. , Magwisha Henry B. , Rukambile Elpidius J. , Ruheta Martin R. , Kimboka Expery J. , Malulu Deusdedit J. , Malele Imna I.
Published: November 2016

Ticks and tick-borne diseases plus trypanosomosis are a constraint to cattle rearing in Tanzania. Rufiji district was not known for important ticks infesting cattle because inhabitants were not engaged in keeping livestock. Not only has settlement of pastoralists and cattle in Rufiji increased the number of cattle but also cattle have been the source of bringing in and spreading of ticks. This study investigated tick species that have been introduced and managed to establish themselves in the new livestock farming areas in cattle in Rufiji. Tick distribution study was undertaken in three villages of Chumbi ward seasonally in 2009, 2011, and 2012. The identified ticks were Amblyomma variegatum (56.10%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (10.25%), R. microplus (27.40%), and R. appendiculatus (6.19%) out of 12940 ticks. Results indicate that ticks are present in the new livestock settlement areas. The occurrence of ticks is correlated with the recent settlement of cattle in the district.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Italy: Epidemiology Data and Telemedicine Screening Programs
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Midena Edoardo
Published: November 2016

In Italy, the number of people living with diabetes is about 3.5 million (5.5% of the population), with an increase by about 60% in the last 20 years and with 1 person out of 3 older than 65 years. The Italian Health Service system estimates that 10 billion euros is spent annually on caring for patients with diabetes, a figure that increases yearly. No national data on prevalence and incidence of legal blindness in patients with diabetes and no national registry of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) are currently available. However, the available epidemiological data (in several locations throughout the country) are consistent with those reported in other European countries. The use of telemedicine for the screening of DR in Italy is confined to geographically limited locations. The available data in the literature on implementation and use of telematic screening proved to be successful from patient, caregiver, and authorities point of view. This review addresses the available epidemiological data on DR and telematic screening realities in Italy and thus may help in establishing a national screening program.
Optimal Harvest Control in a Singular Prey-Predator Fishery Model with Maturation Delay and Gestation Delay
Authors: Liu Chao , Yu Longfei , Zhang Qingling
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a singular prey-predator fishery model, where maturation delay for prey and gestation delay for predator are considered. Fishing efforts are introduced to harvest prey and predator population, which are developed as control instruments to investigate optimal utilization of fishery resource. By analyzing associated characteristic equation, local stability analysis is studied due to combined variations of double time delays. Furthermore, Pontryagin’s maximum principle is utilized to characterize optimal harvest control, and the optimality system is numerically solved based on an iterative method.
Does Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training Affect Pain Pressure Thresholds of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain? A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bobos Pavlos , Billis Evdokia , Papanikolaou Dimitra-Tania , Koutsojannis Constantinos , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: November 2016

Background. We need to understand more about how DNF performs in different contexts and whether it affects the pain threshold over myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Purpose. The objectives were to investigate the effect of neck muscles training on disability and pain and on pain threshold over MTrPs in people with chronic neck pain. Methods. Patients with chronic neck pain were eligible for participation with a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of over 5/50 and having at least one MTrP on either levator scapulae, upper trapezoid, or splenius capitis muscle. Patients were randomly assigned into either DNF training, superficial neck muscle exercise, or advice group. Generalized linear model (GLM) was used to detect differences in treatment groups over time. Results. Out of 67 participants, 60 (47 females, mean age: 39.45 ± 12.67) completed the study. Neck disability and neck pain were improved over time between and within groups (p<0.05). However, no differences were found within and between the therapeutic groups (p<0.05) in the tested muscles’ PPTs and in cervicothoracic angle over a 7-week period. Conclusion. All three groups improved over time. This infers that the pain pathways involved in the neck pain relief are not those involved in pain threshold.
On Hybrid Adaptive and Pinning Consensus for Multiagent Networks
Authors: Ji Lianghao , Tang Yi , Liu Qun
Published: November 2016

The consensus problems for both continuous-time and discrete-time multiagent networks are deeply investigated by adopting hybrid adaptive and pinning control laws, respectively. Particularly, the topology of the networks needs to neither be symmetric nor contain a directed spanning tree and some useful criteria are addressed analytically. Simultaneously, a comprehensive pinning scheme is proposed as well which shows that the nodes with zero in-degree need to be pinned primarily in order to guarantee the system to achieve consensus, and then the nodes whose out-degrees are bigger than their in-degrees can give priority to be pinned compared to other nodes for improving the convergence rate of the system, whereas it is also interesting to find out that the regular rule does not always hold, that is, the more nodes are selected to be pinned, the faster the system will converge. Finally, the validity of our theoretical findings is verified by several numerical examples.
Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Induce a MyD88-Dependent Stromal Response to Promote a Tumor-Tolerant Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Delitto Daniel , Delitto Andrea E. , DiVita Bayli B. , Pham Kien , Han Song , Hartlage Emily R. , Newby Brittney N. , Gerber Michael H. , Behrns Kevin E. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Thomas Ryan M. , George Thomas J. , Brusko Todd M. , Mathews Clayton E. , Liu Chen , Trevino Jose G. , Hughes Steven J. , Wallet Shannon M.
Published: November 2016

Cancer cells exert mastery over the local tumor-associated stroma (TAS) to configure protective immunity within the tumor microenvironment. The immunomodulatory character of pancreatic lysates of patients with cancer differs from those with pancreatitis. In this study, we evaluated the cross-talk between pancreatic cancer and its TAS in primary human cell culture models. Upon exposure of TAS to pancreatic cancer cell-conditioned media, we documented robust secretion of IL6 and IL8. This TAS response was MyD88-dependent and sufficient to directly suppress both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation, inducing Th17 polarization at the expense of Th1. We found that patients possessed a similar shift in circulating effector memory Th17:Th1 ratios compared with healthy controls. The TAS response also directly suppressed CD8+ T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity. Overall, our results demonstrate how TAS contributes to the production of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 77(3); 672–83. ©2016 AACR.
CBX4 Suppresses Metastasis via Recruitment of HDAC3 to the Runx2 Promoter in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Liping , Wu Yuanzhong , Zhang Ruhua , Zhang Meifang , Liao Dan , Wang Gang , Qin Ge , Xu Rui-hua , Kang Tiebang
Published: November 2016

Polycomb chromobox (CBX) proteins participate in the polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) that mediates epigenetic gene silencing and endows PRC1 with distinct oncogenic or tumor suppressor functions in a cell-type–dependent manner. In this study, we report that inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and metastasis in colorectal carcinoma requires CBX4-mediated repression of Runx2, a key transcription factor that promotes colorectal carcinoma metastasis. CBX4 inversely correlated with Runx2 expression in colorectal carcinoma tissues, and the combination of high CBX4 expression and low Runx2 expression significantly correlated with overall survival, more so than either CBX4 or Runx2 expression alone. Mechanistically, CBX4 maintained recruited histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to the Runx2 promoter, which maintained a deacetylated histone H3K27 state to suppress Runx2 expression. This function of CBX4 was dependent on its interaction with HDAC3, but not on its SUMO E3 ligase, its chromodomain, or the PRC1 complex. Disrupting the CBX4–HDAC3 interaction abolished Runx2 inhibition as well as the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Collectively, our data show that CBX4 may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal carcinoma, and strategies that stabilize the interaction of CBX4 with HDAC3 may benefit the colorectal carcinoma patients with metastases. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7277–89. ©2016 AACR.
Autoinflammatory Skin Disease: A Review of Concepts and Applications to General Dermatology
Authors: Murthy Aditi S. , Leslie Kieron
Published: November 2016

We provide an up-to-date summary of important concepts of autoinflammation as well as describe important but rare monogenic autoinflammatory disorders that may present with cutaneous findings. Finally, of particular interest to a practicing general dermatology audience, we review concepts of autoinflammation as they apply to understanding the disease pathogenesis of common skin disorders.
Uveal Ganglioneuroma due to Germline PTEN Mutation (Cowden Syndrome) Presenting as Unilateral Infantile Glaucoma
Authors: DeParis Sarah W. , Bloomer Michele , Han Ying , Vagefi M. Reza , Shieh Joseph T.C. , Solomon David A. , Grenert James , de Alba Campomanes Alejandra G.
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Uveal ganglioneuroma is a rare tumor that usually occurs in association with neurofibromatosis type 1. Here, we present a rare case of a uveal ganglioneuroma leading to a diagnosis of the tumor predisposition condition Cowden syndrome. Procedures: A 5-year-old girl with unilateral refractory glaucoma secondary to diffuse iris and choroidal thickening developed a blind, painful eye. Enucleation was performed, and histopathology revealed infiltration of the entire uveal tract by neoplastic spindle cells containing admixed ganglion cells diagnostic of uveal ganglioneuroma. Targeted next-generation sequencing of 510 cancer-associated genes was performed on tumor tissue and peripheral blood. Results: A germline nonsense mutation in the PTEN gene was found, accompanied by loss of heterozygosity in the tumor. A diagnosis of Cowden syndrome was made, for which the family sought genetic counseling and initiated the recommended cancer screening. Conclusions: A novel association is found between uveal ganglioneuroma and Cowden syndrome, emphasizing the value of genetic tissue testing in managing patients with rare ocular tumors.
Hepatic Encephalopathy due to Congenital Multiple Intrahepatic Portosystemic Venous Shunts Successfully Treated by Percutaneous Transhepatic Obliteration
Authors: Takenaga Shinsuke , Narita Kenichi , Matsui Yo , Fukuda Kunihiko
Published: November 2016

Hepatic encephalopathy due to intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) in a non-cirrhotic condition is rare. Here we report a rare case of a patient with congenital multiple IPSVS successfully treated by percutaneous transhepatic obliteration. The patient was a 67-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with progressive episodes of consciousness disorder and vomiting. Laboratory tests revealed hyperammonemia (192.0 μg/dL), and computed tomography revealed multiple IPSVS in both lobes. There was no evidence of underlying liver disease or hepatic trauma. Transcatheter embolization for IPSVS was performed because conservative therapy was not sufficiently effective. After endovascular shunt closure, hepatic encephalopathy improved. The serum ammonia level normalized during the 5-year follow-up period. Thus, transcatheter embolization may be an effective therapy for patients with symptomatic and refractory IPSVS. Careful follow-up is necessary for portal hypertension-related complications after transcatheter embolization for IPSVS.
Work of Breathing in Fixed and Pressure Relief Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-Flex™): A post hoc Analysis
Authors: Jerrentrup Lukas , Canisius Sebastian , Wilhelm Susanne , Kesper Karl , Ploch Thomas , Vogelmeier Claus , Greulich Timm , Becker Heinrich F.
Published: November 2016

Background: Expiratory pressure relief continuous positive airway pressure (pressure relief CPAP; C-Flex™) causes increases in inspiratory duty cycle and shortening of expiratory time. It has been suggested that these changes are caused by an increase in work of breathing. Objectives: We studied the effects of C-Flex on work of breathing and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure as compared to fixed CPAP. Methods: Work of breathing was analyzed in 24 patients with obstructive sleep apnea during treatment with fixed CPAP and C-Flex with 3 different pressure relief settings in a randomized order during rapid-eye-movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. Work of breathing was assessed on a breath-by-breath basis using a piezoelectric esophageal pressure catheter and a pneumotachograph for measuring airflow. Results: We found there was no increase in inspiratory work of breathing observed using C-Flex compared to fixed CPAP. Instead, we found a linear decrease in inspiratory work of breathing with increasing pressure relief, with a mean difference of 1.22 J/min between CPAP and maximum pressure release (C-Flex 3; 90% of the value with nasal CPAP); however, the decrease was not statistically significant. The decrease in inspiratory work of breathing associated with C-Flex has a significant inverse correlation with BMI. Conclusions: The C-Flex technology does not change work of breathing but shows a tendency towards a reduction of inspiratory work of breathing in patients with a lower BMI using higher C-Flex. The effect is probably caused by diminishing airway resistance generated by the positive end-expiratory pressure. Our findings may lead to additional fields of application of the C-Flex technology, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or muscular dystrophy.
Two Cases of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Resection Combined with Dissection of the Circular Muscle Layer Using the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Technique
Authors: Honjo Kumpei , Kure Kazumasa , Ichikawa Ryosuke , Ro Hisashi , Takahashi Rina , Niwa Koichiro , Ishiyama Shun , Sugimoto Kiichi , Kamiyama Hirohiko , Takahashi Makoto , Kojima Yutaka , Goto Michitoshi , Tomiki Yuichi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Fukumura Yuki , Yao Takashi
Published: November 2016

Generally, lesions of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) 10 mm or smaller are less malignant and are indicated for endoscopic therapy. However, the vertical margin may remain positive after conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) because NETs develop in a way similar to submucosal tumors (SMTs). The usefulness of EMR with a ligation device, which is modified EMR, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was reported, but no standard treatment has been established. We encountered 2 patients in whom rectal NETs were completely resected by combined dissection and resection of the circular muscle layer using the ESD technique. Case 1 was an 8-mm NET of the lower rectum. Case 2 was NET of the lower rectum treated with additional resection for a positive vertical margin after EMR. In both cases, the circular muscle layer was dissected applying the conventional ESD technique, followed by en bloc resection while conserving the longitudinal muscle layer. No problems occurred in the postoperative course in either case. Rectal NETs are observed in the lower rectum in many cases, and it is less likely that intestinal perforation by endoscopic therapy causes peritonitis. The method employed in these cases, namely combined dissection and resection of the circular muscle layer using the ESD technique, can be performed relatively safely, and it is possible to ensure negativity of the vertical margin. In addition, it may also be useful for additional treatment of cases with a positive vertical margin after EMR.
Auswirkungen von automatischen Gedanken und psychologischer Flexibilität auf die depressive Symptomatik und Rückfallwahrscheinlichkeit remittiert Depressiver
Authors: Rojas Roberto , Ilg Tabea , Geissner Edgar , Hautzinger Martin
Published: November 2016

Hintergrund: Obwohl positive und negative automatische Gedanken (PAG, NAG) sowie die psychologische Flexibilität (PF) einen engen Zusammenhang mit der depressiven Symptomatik aufweisen, wurde die Rolle dieser Variablen bei einem depressiven Rückfall bisher nicht erforscht. Fragestellung: In dieser Studie wird untersucht, wie sich eine stationäre Intervention auf klinische Variablen (PAG, NAG und PF) auswirkt. Zudem wird der Verlauf von PAG, NAG und PF von Frührückfälligen in der Katamnesephase erforscht. Dabei geht es darum, inwiefern PAG, NAG und PF einen Rückfall vorhersagen. Methode: Bei 39 remittierten Depressiven sowie 45 gesunden Kontrollpersonen wurden die oben genannten Variablen erhoben. In der experimentellen Phase wurde bei den Probanden beider Gruppen eine traurige Stimmung induziert. Die remittiert depressiven Probanden wurden über eine 16-monatige Katamnesephase nachuntersucht. Ergebnisse: Nach der negativen Stimmungsinduktion riefen remittiert Depressive im Vergleich zu Gesunden weniger PAG ab. Zudem zeigten Frührückfällige während der Katamnesephase einen eingeschränkten Zugang zu PAG und eine niedrige PF. Weder PAG, NAG noch PF erwiesen sich als bedeutsame Prädiktoren eines depressiven Rückfalls. Schlussfolgerung: Remittiert Depressive und Frührückfällige zeigen einen eingeschränkten Zugang zu PAG. Die schwache Produktion von PAG stellt einen Risikofaktor für einen depressiven Rückfall dar.
Social Technology Application In Sanitation Extension Projects
Authors: Andreoli Fernando César
Published: November 2016

Este artigo tem o objetivo de obter diretrizes para a aplicação de tecnologia social em projetos de extensão em saneamento para pequenas comunidades, visando contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade vida e inclusão das minorias na sociedade. O trabalho foi realizado através de pesquisas sobre extensão em saneamento, sobre as principais características de tecnologia social e aplicação dessas características em projetos de extensão em saneamento. Com isso, foi observado que faltam projetos de extensão voltados ao saneamento, sendo os programas de extensão fundamentais para a construção de tecnologias sociais, além de que os projetos de extensão em saneamento necessitam da participação ativa da comunidade
Extension University Project Meeting Family Farmers and Rural Settlers
Authors: Martin José Guilherme Prado , Galli Bruno Domingues , Sturion Gilma Lucazechi , Porto Ernani
Published: November 2016

A extensão universitária representa um dos pilares básicos da Universidade, caracterizando-se como um tema bastante complexo, uma vez que perfaz uma extensa gama de ações que vão desde o atendimento direto à população até a oferta de cursos de especialização, convênios, dentre outros. O presente artigo relata brevemente uma experiência vivenciada por nossa equipe durante o desenvolvimento de um projeto de extensão universitária junto a pequenos produtores rurais, dentre os quais trabalhadores provenientes de assentamentos rurais do Estado de São Paulo. O projeto objetivou difundir conceitos relacionados à Tecnologia e Boas Práticas de Fabricação de Queijos entre pequenos produtores, capacitando-os para produção de alimentos que atendam às normas vigentes e que sejam seguros em termos de Saúde Pública. Identificamos um público-alvo carente de instrução básica e técnica, que permanece à margem do mercado legalizado de lácteos, e que tem na venda destes produtos sua única fonte de renda. Observamos, ainda, uma intenção dentre os produtores de se adequarem às normas legais, visando à formalização de suas produções. A experiência com assentados rurais evidenciou uma importante demanda por parte desse grupo, cuja reintegração à sociedade depende de grande esforço de diversos agentes, dentre os quais a Universidade Pública
O Conhecimento como Questão: o Papel da Epistemologia na Formação Superior
Authors: Albieri Sara
Published: November 2016

No ensino escolar, o conhecimento científico é apresentado de forma dogmática, como um saber estabelecido que é preciso adquirir de um modo mais instrumental do que refletido. O aprofundamento exigido na formação superior depende de uma compreensão mais ampla da natureza do conhecimento a ser produzido. A introdução a noções relevantes de Epistemologia nos primeiros períodos da graduação pode suprir essa carência. A questão do conhecimento pode constituir com sucesso uma plataforma crítica comum para as diferentes áreas de investigação na universidade
Efeito do Ensino Médio no Ensino Universitário Brasileiro do Século XXI
Authors: Santos Bianca Maria Alves dos
Published: November 2016

O presente artigo aborda dois aspectos do ensino, no Brasil, associados ao ingresso de estudantes do nível médio nas universidades e à sua formação profissional. Inicialmente foram enfocados os critérios de ensino, avaliação e seleção adotados nas escolas de nível médio, com o objetivo de possibilitar o ingresso do maior número de estudantes nas universidades públicas. Na abordagem posterior, foram avaliados os estudantes ingressantes nas universidades e suas dificuldades na progressão ao longo do curso universitário, resultantes de deficiências de conhecimento básico sólido. Em consequência disso, enfocou-se a necessidade de mudanças dos recursos docentes nas universidades para suprir a estagnação estudantil decorrente de formação prévia deficiente e evitar a evasão universitária
Avaliação da Satisfação de Formandos de um Curso de Graduação em Administração de uma Faculdade Pública Paulista
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Manzan , Santos Valquíria Monteiro dos , Costa André Lucirton
Published: November 2016

Esta pesquisa buscou investigar a satisfação dos alunos formandos de um curso de graduação em Administração de uma universidade pública do Estado de São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo quali-quantitativo com dados coletados por meio de questionário aplicado a alunos. Os formandos respondentes avaliaram que os professores, em geral, têm um domínio alto do conteúdo das disciplinas e abrem espaço para discussão; ressaltaram, porém, que, para muitos, faltam didática e estratégias inovadoras. Na média, o envolvimento de docentes com o aluno é considerado baixo. A pesquisa abordou a contribuição para a formação pessoal e profissional dos discentes, a melhoria da capacidade analítica dos alunos durante o curso, bem como a interdisciplinaridade. A importância do relacionamento entre professores e estudantes para o desenvolvimento do curso também foi abordada e, diante de alguns aspectos contraproducentes apontados pelos formandos, verificou-se a necessidade de criação de novas estratégias de ensino e ações de melhoria que contribuam para a qualidade do curso
Material Didático para o Ensino do Italiano a Brasileiros sob o Ponto de Vista da Comunicação Intercultural
Authors: Baccin Paola
Published: November 2016

O material didático para o ensino de línguas estrangeiras produzido pelas grandes editoras internacionais não contempla aspectos linguísticos e, principalmente, culturais dos alunos que estão inseridos em um contexto estrangeiro de aprendizagem. O aluno brasileiro que aprende italiano no Brasil é beneficiado quando pode entrar em contato com os aspectos linguísticos e sobretudo com aqueles relativos à comunicação intercultural apresentados em um material didático especificamente desenhado para as suas necessidades. O ensino e a aprendizagem assumem, desse modo, uma significação mais concreta
Formação de Professores de Ciências em Licenciatura Semipresencial
Authors: Picazzio Enos , Castellar Sonia Maria Vanzella
Published: November 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um relato a respeito do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências na modalidade EaD, bem como discutir o sentido da formação de professores para o ensino de Ciências. A concepção desse curso tem como desafio promover a perspectiva integrada e interdisciplinar no currículo da graduação. A estrutura curricular modular foi organizada a partir de blocos de conteúdos e atividades, contemplando vários aspectos da formação docente. Esta experiência mostra que a modalidade EaD pode ser tão boa quanto os cursos presenciais e produzir um vasto acervo de material didático
Um Sistema Curricular no Departamento de Artes Cênicas: Proposta Pedagógica Processual (ECA/USP)
Authors: Martins José Batista Dal Farra
Published: November 2016

Este artigo visa a apresentar as principais componentes de um Sistema Curricular, nova proposta pedagógica do Departamento de Artes Cênicas (CAC-ECA-USP), baseada na articulação dinâmica de quatro Modos de Operação, quais sejam: disciplinas, ateliês, laboratórios e estágios. A proposição postula a imbricação constante entre os cursos de licenciatura e bacharelado, inter-relação que aponta para o artista-pesquisador-pedagogo como horizonte, e permitirá a dupla diplomação do aluno, ao cabo de doze semestres. Em síntese, no diálogo com poéticas contemporâneas, e suas dimensões estéticas, éticas e políticas, a proposta do Sistema Curricular visa a contribuir para a formação, no âmbito do bacharelado, de artistas teatrais que atuem como pesquisadores e pedagogos, e, no âmbito da licenciatura, pedagogos que atuem como pesquisadores e artistas
Development and Evolution of a Hierarchical Clinical Composite End Point for the Evaluation of Drugs and Devices for Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: November 2016

Traditional approaches to the assessment of new treatments for heart failure have generally evaluated individual components of the syndrome at fixed points in time or have relied on surrogate physiological measures that are poorly correlated with the clinical status of patients. Conventional time-to-event trials that focus on morbidity and mortality represent an important methodological advance, but they generally assign undue weight to clinical events of less importance and are insensitive to difference in functional capacity among individuals who do not experience a clinical event during follow-up. Twenty years ago, a hierarchical clinical composite was developed to address these limitations; it aims to assess the clinical course of patients as a physician would in practice by combining a symptomatic assessment of the patient at each visit with an evaluation of the clinical stability of the patient between visits. The composite does not generate a numeric score by summing arbitrarily assigned weights to certain symptoms or events; instead, the composite ranks relevant measures and outcomes according to clinical priority. In doing so, the clinical composite minimizes the biases created by noncompleting patients in the assessment of symptoms or exercise tolerance while expanding the range of patients who contribute to the treatment difference in a typical morbidity and mortality trial. When applied appropriately, the hierarchical clinical composite end point has reliably distinguished effective from ineffective treatments. The composite may have particular advantages in the evaluation of new devices and transcatheter interventions in chronic heart failure and of new drugs for acute heart failure. Recent modifications enhance its discriminant characteristics and its ability to accurately assess the efficacy of novel interventions for heart failure.
Social Circus: The Cultural Politics of Embodying “Social Transformation”
Authors: Spiegel Jennifer Beth
Published: November 2016

Collapsing “capitalist” pyramids, generating a Wonderland of hula-hooping, stiltwalking, and gender-bending Alices, Montréal’s social circus organization Cirque Hors Piste fosters relational practices of trust and play. Targeting youth with marginalized life paths, polyphonic expression is emphasized as a pivotal element shaping the pedagogy and dramaturgy of the social circus collective creation process.
Theatre, Community, and Development: The Performance Activism of the Castillo Theatre
Authors: Friedman Dan
Published: November 2016

The Castillo Theatre’s three decades of making theatre as part of an ongoing politically progressive community-building project in New York City is a new concept/practice of political theatre. Its radical statement is located not primarily in what’s presented onstage, but with those who make the theatre collaboratively, approaching social change activism performatively rather than ideologically.
Social Performance Training in China: Moving from a Monologue Culture to a Dialogue Culture
Authors: Peng Yongwen
Published: November 2016

Social performance studies and the practices it generates are playing a constructive role in converting Chinese society from a monologue culture to a dialogue culture. In the past decade or so, the team from the Shanghai Theatre Academy has led social performance training in various fields and industries to help professionals improve their ability to interact with others and exchange ideas.
Opera and the Folds of Time in the Prototype Festival
Authors: Bell Gelsey
Published: November 2016

The Prototype Festival, which takes place every January in New York City, focuses on contemporary chamber opera and music. The works in Prototype 2016 paint a vision for contemporary opera that is politically motivated and story-centric. How do these qualities interact with opera’s unique relationship to time and its ability to stop, elongate, or rapidly flip our sense of temporality?
The Population Tracking Model: A Simple, Scalable Statistical Model for Neural Population Data
Authors: O’Donnell Cian , Gonçalves J. Tiago , Whiteley Nick , Portera-Cailliau Carlos , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: November 2016

Our understanding of neural population coding has been limited by a lack of analysis methods to characterize spiking data from large populations. The biggest challenge comes from the fact that the number of possible network activity patterns scales exponentially with the number of neurons recorded ([Formula: see text]). Here we introduce a new statistical method for characterizing neural population activity that requires semi-independent fitting of only as many parameters as the square of the number of neurons, requiring drastically smaller data sets and minimal computation time. The model works by matching the population rate (the number of neurons synchronously active) and the probability that each individual neuron fires given the population rate. We found that this model can accurately fit synthetic data from up to 1000 neurons. We also found that the model could rapidly decode visual stimuli from neural population data from macaque primary visual cortex about 65 ms after stimulus onset. Finally, we used the model to estimate the entropy of neural population activity in developing mouse somatosensory cortex and, surprisingly, found that it first increases, and then decreases during development. This statistical model opens new options for interrogating neural population data and can bolster the use of modern large-scale in vivo Ca[Formula: see text] and voltage imaging tools.
Energy Model of Neuron Activation
Authors: Romanyshyn Yuriy , Smerdov Andriy , Petrytska Svitlana
Published: November 2016

On the basis of the neurophysiological strength-duration (amplitude-duration) curve of neuron activation (which relates the threshold amplitude of a rectangular current pulse of neuron activation to the pulse duration), as well as with the use of activation energy constraint (the threshold curve corresponds to the energy threshold of neuron activation by a rectangular current pulse), an energy model of neuron activation by a single current pulse has been constructed. The constructed model of activation, which determines its spectral properties, is a bandpass filter. Under the condition of minimum-phase feature of the neuron activation model, on the basis of Hilbert transform, the possibilities of phase-frequency response calculation from its amplitude-frequency response have been considered. Approximation to the amplitude-frequency response by the response of the Butterworth filter of the first order, as well as obtaining the pulse response corresponding to this approximation, give us the possibility of analyzing the efficiency of activating current pulses of various shapes, including analysis in accordance with the energy constraint.
Neural Circuits Trained with Standard Reinforcement Learning Can Accumulate Probabilistic Information during Decision Making
Authors: Kurzawa Nils , Summerfield Christopher , Bogacz Rafal
Published: November 2016

Much experimental evidence suggests that during decision making, neural circuits accumulate evidence supporting alternative options. A computational model well describing this accumulation for choices between two options assumes that the brain integrates the log ratios of the likelihoods of the sensory inputs given the two options. Several models have been proposed for how neural circuits can learn these log-likelihood ratios from experience, but all of these models introduced novel and specially dedicated synaptic plasticity rules. Here we show that for a certain wide class of tasks, the log-likelihood ratios are approximately linearly proportional to the expected rewards for selecting actions. Therefore, a simple model based on standard reinforcement learning rules is able to estimate the log-likelihood ratios from experience and on each trial accumulate the log-likelihood ratios associated with presented stimuli while selecting an action. The simulations of the model replicate experimental data on both behavior and neural activity in tasks requiring accumulation of probabilistic cues. Our results suggest that there is no need for the brain to support dedicated plasticity rules, as the standard mechanisms proposed to describe reinforcement learning can enable the neural circuits to perform efficient probabilistic inference.
Antipredator response of Eurycea nana to a nocturnal and a diurnal predator: avoidance is not affected by circadian cycles of predators
Authors: Zabierek Kristina , Epp Kristen
Published: November 2016

Both predators and prey exhibit cyclic shifts in activity throughout the day, which should cause the threat posed by predators to change in a recurrent pattern. If the threat posed by a predator is dependent on their circadian foraging cycle, prey may respond more or less intensely to predators at different times of day, thereby maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of avoidance behaviors. We examined whether predator-naïveEurycea nana, a federally threatened neotenic salamander, exhibits a different antipredator response to chemical cues of a diurnal predator, the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and a nocturnal predator, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We predicted thatE. nanawould show more intense antipredator responses (reduced activity) to a diurnal predator during the day and to a nocturnal predator at night. We found that, although there was significant antipredator behavior ofE. nanatoward sunfish, there was no detectable response to crayfish and no effect of time of day on responses to either predator, suggesting that eitherE. nanadoes not innately exhibit circadian patterns in avoidance of these species or that those patterns were undetectable in this study. Future studies should examine whether experience with predators may cause these salamanders to be more sensitive to the diel variation in threat, as has been found with some other amphibians and fish. Due to the threatened nature of this species, understanding the factors that influence antipredator behavior are crucial for management.
Body size and age structure of the endangered Clark’s lizard (Darevskia clarkorum) populations from two different altitudes in Turkey
Authors: Bülbül Ufuk , Kurnaz Muammer , Eroğlu Ali İhsan , Koç Halime , Kutrup Bilal
Published: November 2016

We investigated age structure, body size and longevity in two breeding populations ofDarevskia clarkoruminhabiting altitudes ranging from 450 m a.s.l. (Kamilet) to 2250 m a.s.l. (Başyayla) in Turkey by skeletochronology performed on the phalanges. The mean age was found to be 6 years in the Kamilet population and 7 years in the Başyayla population. The maximum life span was 10 years in the lowland population while it was 12 years in the highland population. Age at sexual maturity of both males and females was 1-2 years in the lowland population while it was 2-3 for both sexes in the highland population. Both age and SVL of specimens from the Kamilet population were significantly different between the sexes while age and SVL did not differ significantly between the sexes in Başyayla population. As a conclusion, we observed that the mean age, longevity and age at maturity were increased by altitude while there was a decrease based on the mean SVL in the highland population ofD. clarkorum. Our data on body size, longevity and age at sexual maturity may contribute to conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Microphysical Properties of Ice Crystal Precipitation and Surface-Generated Ice Crystals in a High Alpine Environment in Switzerland
Authors: Schlenczek Oliver , Fugal Jacob P. , Lloyd Gary , Bower Keith N. , Choularton Thomas W. , Flynn Michael , Crosier Jonathan , Borrmann Stephan
Published: November 2016

During the Cloud and Aerosol Characterization Experiment (CLACE) 2013 field campaign at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, optically thin pure ice clouds and ice crystal precipitation were measured using holographic and other in situ particle instruments. For cloud particles, particle images, positions in space, concentrations, and size distributions were obtained, allowing one to extract size distributions classified by ice crystal habit. Small ice crystals occurring under conditions with a vertically thin cloud layer above and a stratocumulus layer approximately 1 km below exhibit similar properties in size and crystal habits as Antarctic/Arctic diamond dust. Also, ice crystal precipitation stemming from midlevel clouds subsequent to the diamond dust event was observed with a larger fraction of ice crystal aggregates when compared with the diamond dust. In another event, particle size distributions could be derived from mostly irregular ice crystals and aggregates, which likely originated from surface processes. These particles show a high spatial and temporal variability, and it is noted that size and habit distributions have only a weak dependence on the particle number concentration. Larger ice crystal aggregates and rosette shapes of some hundred microns in maximum dimension could be sampled as a precipitating cirrostratus cloud passed the site. The individual size distributions for each habit agree well with lognormal distributions. Fitted parameters to the size distributions are presented along with the area-derived ice water content, and the size distributions are compared with other measurements of pure ice clouds made in the Arctic and Antarctic.