bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As salas de recursos das redes públicas estadual e municipal de ensino em Itabaiana (se): realidade ou utopia?
Authors: Costa Edivaldo Da Silva
Published: December 2017

Este artigo teve como intuito sistematizar informaes a respeito de salas de recursos de escolas da redes pblicas estadual e municipal de ensino da cidade de Itabaiana (SE). As salas de recursos foram criadas a partir do paradigma da Educao Inclusiva tendo como o principal objetivo ampliar a oferta do Atendimento Educacional Especializado para alunos com deficincias que esto matriculadas na escola regular. Com base nos dados do MEC/SEESP, das 23 salas de recursos, 4 esto de fato locadas na rede pblica estadual de ensino de Itabaiana e 19 restantes ainda no possui registros de implementao. Conclui-se que a perspectiva da Educao Especial na Educao Bsica principalmente na rede municipal de ensino em Itabaiana ainda apresenta vrios desafios que requerem polticas pblicas educacionais mais efetivas e que viabilizem mecanismos que tangenciem de fato, a uma educao para todos, com todos e para cada um.
Formação de professores e inclusão de pessoas com deficiência na educação básica
Authors: Sousa Raimundo Expedito dos Santos
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em analisar o nvel de aptido dos professores de Educao Fsica para atuar com as pessoas com deficincia no Ensino Fundamental I da cidade de So Joo del-Rei. Para tanto, o estudo foi composto por uma amostra de nove professores da rede de Ensino Fundamental I, sendo trs professores atuantes na rede Municipal de ensino, trs na rede Estadual e trs na rede Particular. Quanto metodologia, adotou-se a pesquisa bibliogrfica e a pesquisa de campo, pautada na aplicao de questionrios semiestruturados. A anlise dos dados se pautou em um mtodo quantitativo mediante construo de grficos e tabelas seguida de anlise.
Reinventando Paulo Freire na educação de jovens e adultos surdos: um relato de experiência
Authors: Miranda Viviane Marques , Resende Dario Leite , Cordeiro Climéria Dos Santos
Published: December 2017

Em virtude da parcimnia de trabalhos pedaggicos calcados em uma perspectiva tnico-racial (Lei n 10.639/03) na educao de jovens e adultos de uma escola bilngue para surdos, na cidade de So Paulo, desenvolveu-se uma experincia pedaggica pautada na promoo e na valorizao da diversidade tnico-racial; em articulao com a temtica da surdez, dada a constituio bilngue da Unidade Escolar (Decreto Municipal n 52.785/11). Participaram do projeto trs turmas de Ensino Fundamental II do perodo noturno (8E, 9C e 9D, no total de 22 educandos). Em uma perspectiva freiriana, realizaram-se aes pedaggicas interdisciplinares empenhadas em garantir uma diversidade epistemolgica no-hegemnica com nfase para as categorias racialidade e surdez. A sensibilizao inicial apoiou-se no filme Estrelas Alm do Tempo (2016). O tempo de durao foi de um bimestre e envolveu as disciplinas de Cincias, Matemtica, Portugus e LIBRAS. Os resultados revelaram as baixas expectativas profissionais e escolares que os educandos mantm.
Coherence of personal strategy as determinant of enterprise development
Authors: Kroik Janusz , Malara Zbigniew , Zdunkiewicz Anna
Published: December 2017

In the paper a topic of strategy management of the workforce is being approach along a state-of-art method as a measurement of invariability of the strategy in an organization. A study is performed on a branch of an international organization based in Poland. The organization is applying uniform set of rules in the area of personnel management across all branches. Category of the workforce management strategy persistence is used to acquire characteristic of the HR department. Comparative analysis is conducted based on a questionnaire submitted to two groups of employees: HR and other employees. Outcome of the statistical test is showing that both groups impression of the strategic management of the workforce is resembling. In practice this can be extrapolated as the strategy being consistent in the organization. Moreover, the research confirmed usefulness of the state-of-art method as a valid approach to obtain and improve the level of before mentioned workforce management homogeneity.
Consumer’s position on the market based on PETER. Andreas Thiel’s “Creative Monopoly” Theory
Authors: Widera Wiktor
Published: December 2017

The aim of the article was to identify the consumer’s position in the market, where the exchange of products and services occurs, as described in the company competitiveness theory and Peter Thiel’s “creative monopoly” published in the book “Zero to one”. The author, however, derives his theory on his own economic experience, rather than on theories and scientific descriptions. Thiel critically refers to the phenomenon of competition, as a creative determinant of entrepreneurship development. Oppositely, he argues that it is the creative monopolistic behaviours that lead to development on the market. The content of the article is based on the analysis of literature sources, leading to the hypothesis that the monopolistic position of an enterprise, in addition to the many values of the product delivered, can limit the consumer’s rights and limit his freedom. This is exemplified by Google operations.
Development of a support system for managing the cyber protection of an information object
Authors: Lakhno Valeriy , Petrov Alexander , Nagorna Inna
Published: December 2017

The information is being discussed and its characteristics in the system of enterprise management. The model of operational management information and cyber security (CS) object forms a rational set of remedies based on morphological approach. Unlike existing solutions, the model prepared on the basis of intelligent decision support, a morphological matrix for each facility’s perimeters of information protection, and can generate a set of options for remedies which take into account the compatibility of software and hardware. The choice of the optimal option set for that perimeter protection of information, implements an objective function that maximizes the ratio of the sum “security information” to the total rate “cost.”
Negotiations of resource allocation in the process of organization manufacturing system structure under condition of distributed resources
Authors: Czajka Kamil , Dudek Marek
Published: December 2017

This paper focuses on the problem of resources allocation in the process of shaping distributed structure of network manufacturing system. The aim of this paper is to show the proposal of the negotiation protocols, which are applicable in the process of organization network manufacturing system under condition of distributed resources. Negotiations protocols enable to negotiate the resources allocation according to the predefined assumptions.
The relation between the quality of building materials and customer preferences on the example of floor systems
Authors: Kisiołek Artur
Published: December 2017

The aim of the article is to analyse the factors affecting the quality as well as the most frequently encountered mistakes in the course of construction works as regards the selection of the building product, based on the examination of the Polish market of floor systems. The article was prepared on the basis of the available literature and quantitative research carried out in the period from Sept. 2015 to Feb. 2016. The research focused on the criteria of selection of floor systems. The obtained results allowed a more insightful overview of the problem of quality in the field of construction and the preferences of the buyers of floor systems. This, in turn, helped identify their needs and expectations with respect to this particular type of product.
Solid Phase Extraction of Thorium and Uranium and their Separation from Lanthanides using Humic Acid Silica Gel as a Low-Cost Adsorbent
Authors: Prasetyo Erik , Toyoda Kazuhiro
Published: December 2017

Solid phase extraction and separation of thorium (Th), uranium (U) and lanthanides were achieved using a humic acid-modified silica gel (Si-HA). Adsorption capacity, effect of contact time, pH, and adsorbent dose were examined at room temperature. The maximum adsorbent capacities (pH = 3) for Th and U were 28.0 and 31.3 mg g-1, respectively. The isotherm parameters denoted that the adsorption was favorable and optimum conditions were attained within 90 min. The kinetic data conformed well to pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion models. The distribution coefficients of U, Th and lanthanides in EDTA, citric acid and nitric acid media signify the possible separation of each element from the others. The salinity did not significantly affect the ability of Si-HA to extract Th and U. The adsorbent stability and reusability were also assessed through four-adsorption-desorption cycles. The simplicity of the proposed separation method along with the stability of the adsorbent and high regeneration efficiency under acidic conditions demonstrated the merit of using Si-HA as a low-cost adsorbent.
European Regulations for Labeling Requirements for Food Allergens and Substances Causing Intolerances: History and Future
Authors: Popping Bert , Diaz-Amigo Carmen
Published: December 2017

Food allergens and intolerances have been diagnosed by doctors for decades, but have received heightened attention in the last two decades because diagnosis and awareness have increased. Consequently, regulators in many jurisdictions have addressed this topic by introducing labeling requirements for substances causing allergies and intolerance reactions in affected individuals. Mandatory labeling of food allergens allows persons suffering from these to make informed choices. However, regulations in some geographic areas have resulted in significant problems for manufacturers as well as consumers. This has been mainly due to frequent changes and amendments, and it has been difficult for all stakeholders to follow and understand the status quo of legislation. The present paper describes the development of European directives and regulations for the labeling of food allergens and intolerances to substances like gluten over the past decades and provides an outlook of what can reasonably be expected to change in the coming years. It also identifies existing gaps, like a lack of threshold levels for adventitious contamination and consequently a proliferation of precautionary allergen labeling, which neither benefits the consumer nor the food industry in its current form.
Japanese Food Allergen Labeling Regulation: An Update
Authors: Shoji Masahiro , Adachi Reiko , Akiyama Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

The Japanese food allergen labeling regulation was designed to match real Japanese food allergy circumstances and also to be enforced effectively; thus, (1) regulated food allergens were selected by prevalence and seriousness according to food allergy surveys in Japan; (2) the detection criterion for ELISA monitoring, 10 μg food allergen protein/g (or mL) food, was set up as the threshold value to regulate commercial prepackaged foods; and (3) official food allergen analytical methods, which can determine the threshold value accurately, were developed. These three points are distinctive from other countries. Furthermore, as an on-going project, the regulation has been amended according to food allergy circumstances and requirements of society. This paper presents recent changes regarding the Japanese food allergen labeling regulation. To date, the Japanese food allergen labeling regulation has been enforced for more than 15 years and seems to be working effectively. Now would be an opportune time to review the regulation for its next level of development.
Challenges and Path Forward on Mandatory Allergen Labeling and Voluntary Precautionary Allergen Labeling for a Global Company
Authors: Yeung Jupiter , Robert Marie-Claude
Published: December 2017

For food manufacturers, the label on a food package is a tool meant to alert consumers to the presence of specific allergens, allowing consumers to make informed decisions and not unnecessarily limit their food choices. Mandatory allergen labeling is used when the allergen is an intentionally added ingredient, whereas voluntary allergen labeling is used when the presence of the allergen is unintentional and may be in the finished product as a result of cross-contact. In a globalized economy, ensuring food safety is a growing challenge for manufacturers. When ingredients and technologies are sourced worldwide from multiple business partners, complexity rises, which can increase the chance for errors, leading to potential harm. Threshold science, Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) reference doses, fit-for-purpose analytical technology, and common sense enable us to optimize allergen management for the benefit of allergic consumers. This is a good strategy because all stakeholders share the common goal of making foods safe and wholesome for all. Herein, we recommend that (1) senior management make science-based thresholds a priority for both regulatory authorities and the food industry; (2) VITAL 2.0 be adopted as a risk assessment and risk management tool for precautionary allergen labeling (PAL); (3) a standardized message for PAL, i.e., “may contain x,” be used to make it easily understandable to allergic consumers so they can make informed food choices; and (4) validated fit-for-purpose allergen methods be used to meet analytical needs. This is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice and demonstrate that food safety is not a competitive issue, but a shared responsibility. This approach could significantly improve allergic consumers’ lives.
Assessing Almond and Peanut Allergens Using Commercially Available Immunoanalytical Kits and LC-MS/MS: A Case Study
Authors: Daly Matthew , Ansari Parisa , Häubl Georg , Rogers Adrian , Brunner Kurt
Published: December 2017

With an ever-increasing allergic population and an emerging market for allergen-free foods, accurate detection of allergens in foods has never been more important. Although ELISA-based methods are the most widely used for detection of allergens in food, there is a need for the development of orthogonal approaches. A commercial ELISA detected a relatively high concentration of peanut and almond in an allergen-free product. However, another commercial ELISA declared a low peanut concentration and was negative for almond. Further testing using a commercial almond lateral-flow device confirmed the results from the second ELISA kit and demonstrated that the positive detection of almond was due to cross-reactivity. An MS method was used for final confirmation that the reported results were negative for both almond and peanut.
A Targeted LC-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Detection and Quantitation of Egg, Milk, and Peanut Allergens in Sugar Cookies
Authors: Boo Chelsea C , Parker Christine H , Jackson Lauren S
Published: December 2017

Food allergy is a growing public health concern, with many individuals reporting allergies to multiple food sources. Compliance with food labeling regulations and prevention of inadvertent cross-contact in manufacturing requires the use of reliable methods for the detection and quantitation of allergens in processed foods. In this work, a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multiple-reaction monitoring method for multiallergen detection and quantitation of egg, milk, and peanut was developed and evaluated in an allergen-incurred baked sugar cookie matrix. A systematic evaluation of method parameters, including sample extraction, concentration, and digestion, were optimized for candidate allergen peptide markers. The optimized method enabled the reliable detection and quantitation of egg, milk, and peanut allergens in sugar cookies, with allergen concentrations as low as 5 ppm allergen-incurred ingredient.
Highly Sensitive Matrix-Independent Quantification of Major Food Allergens Peanut and Soy by Competitive Real-Time PCR Targeting Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Ladenburger Eva-Maria , Dehmer Markus , Grünberg Ruben , Waiblinger Hans-Ulrich , Stoll Dieter , Bergemann Jörg
Published: December 2017

The development of two competitive real-time PCR assays for the quantitative detection of trace amounts of two major food allergens, peanut and soybean, is reported. In order to achieve very low detection levels for both allergens, we established PCR primers and probes targeting mitochondrial DNA sequences. We were able to demonstrate that this approach led to an increase in detection sensitivity in the range of at least 1 order of magnitude compared with published assays targeting nuclear DNA. Furthermore, we generated corresponding competitor molecules, which were used as internal standards to compete with matrix effects that are evident during DNA extraction and PCR amplification in heterogeneous analytical matrixes like food. According to the recently described competitive quantitative PCR method published by Holzhauser et al. (2014), we performed threshold calibration against milk powder spiked with 10 ppm peanut and soy. Matrix-independent quantitative determination of peanut and soy could be demonstrated for three different calibrated food matrix standards in a range between 1 and 100 ppm. The data presented indicate that both assay concepts are powerful analytical tools for the quantitative detection of trace amounts of peanut and soy in commercial food products.
Stakeholders’ Guidance Document for Consumer Analytical Devices with a Focus on Gluten and Food Allergens
Authors: Popping Bert , Allred Laura , Bourdichon François , Brunner Kurt , Diaz-Amigo Carmen , Galan-Malo Patricia , Lacorn Markus , North Jennifer , Parisi Salvatore , Rogers Adrian , Sealy-Voyksner Jennifer , Thompson Tricia , Yeung Jupiter
Published: December 2017

Until recently, analytical tests for food were performed primarily in laboratories, but technical developments now enable consumers to use devices to test their food at home or when dining out. Current consumer devices for food can determine nutritional values, freshness, and, most recently, the presence of food allergens and substances that cause food intolerances. The demand for such products is driven by an increase in the incidence of food allergies, as well as consumer desire for more information about what is in their food. The number and complexity of food matrixes creates an important need for properly validated testing devices with comprehensive user instructions (definitions of technical terms can be found in ISO 5725-1:1994 and the International Vocabulary of Metrology). This is especially important with food allergen determinations that can have life-threatening consequences. Stakeholders—including food regulators, food producers, and food testing kit and equipment manufacturers, as well as representatives from consumer advocacy groups—have worked to outline voluntary guidelines for consumer food allergen- and gluten-testing devices. These guidelines cover areas such as kit validation, user sampling instructions, kit performance, and interpretation of results. The recommendations are based on (1) current known technologies, (2) analytical expertise, and (3) standardized AOAC INTERNATIONAL allergen community guidance and best practices on the analysis of food allergens and gluten. The present guidance document is the first in a series of papers intended to provide general guidelines applicable to consumer devices for all food analytes. Future publications will give specific guidance and validation protocols for devices designed to detect individual allergens and gluten, as statistical analysis and review of any validation data, preferably from an independent third party, are necessary to establish a device’s fitness-for-purpose. Following the recommendations of these guidance documents will help ensure that consumers are equipped with sufficient information to make an informed decision based on an analytical result from a consumer device. However, the present guidance document emphasizes that consumer devices should not be used in isolation to make a determination as to whether a food is safe to eat. As advances are made in science and technology, these recommendations will be reevaluated and revised as appropriate.
El papel de Internet hacia un planeamiento territorial más participativo
Authors: Villa Avendaño Auribel
Published: December 2017

El presente artículo resalta la importancia de sacar el mayor provecho de los

recursos digitales, en específico el uso del Internet, como parte imprescindible del proceso de

adecuación de los instrumentos de planeamiento a uno de los nuevos paradigmas que se han

venido gestando a partir del inicio del siglo XXI; el de propiciar una mayor y mejor participación

ciudadana en las políticas territoriales.

Para ello se dibuja un panorama general sobre el uso del Internet y las nuevas tecnologías de

comunicación y su repercusión en la gestión pública.

Finalmente se analizan algunas páginas de Internet destinadas a la difusión de una nueva

generación de planes territoriales en Italia, Francia y Cataluña, con el objetivo de identificar

cuáles son las características específicas de Internet, entender la lógica de este nuevo medio

de comunicación y representación y sentar las bases que nos lleven a explotar todo su

potencial.

This paper emphasizes the importance of taking the best advantage from digital resources, specially the use of the Internet, as an essential part of the adjustment process of planning instruments to one of the new paradigms that have been developing from the beginning of XXI century: the improvement of citizen participation.

In order to reach this objective a general prospect about the use of the Internet and new technologies of communication and their repercussion in the public management is drawn. Finally some websites destined to the diffusion of a new generation of regional plans in Italy, France and Catalonia are analyzed aiming to identify which are the specific characteristics of internet, understand the logic of this new way of communication and graphical representation and set the foundations to explore their potential.

El present article ressalta la importància de treure el major profit dels recursos digitals, en concret l’ús d’Internet, com a part imprescindible del procés d’adequació dels instruments de planejament a un dels nous paradigmes que s’han anat gestant a partir del segle XXI; el de proporcionar una major i millor participació ciutadana en les polítiques territorials. Per això es dibuixa un panorama general sobre l’ús d’Internet i les noves tecnologies de comunicació i la seva repercussió en la gestió pública.

Finalment, s’analitzen algunes pàgines d’Internet destinades a la difusió d’una nova generació de plans territorials a Itàlia, França i Catalunya, amb l’objectiu d’identificar quines són les característiques específiques d’Internet, entendre la lògica d’aquest nou medi de comunicació i representació i assentar les bases que ens permetin explotar tot el seu potencial.
Morphology of two Mastogloia species (Bacillariophyta) from Lac de Guiers (Senegal) and comparison with the type material of M. braunii
Authors: Van de Vijver Bart , Fofana Cheikh Abdoul Kader , Sow El Hadji , Cocquyt Christine , Blanco Saúl , Ector Luc
Published: December 2017

Two Mastogloia Thwaites ex W.Sm. taxa were found during a survey of the diatom flora of Lac de Guiers, Senegal. Based on all currently available literature, one taxon could be identified as M. belaensis M.Voigt, a species formerly described from Pakistan. The second species showed some resemblance to M. braunii Grunow. Analysis of the type of M. braunii revealed, however, important morphologic differences, leading to the description of a new species from the Senegal population: M. senegalensis Van de Vijver, Fofana, Sow & Ector sp. nov. The present paper describes this new species and discusses and illustrates the morphology of M. belaensis and the type of M. braunii. All taxa are discussed with morphologically similar taxa.
Réappropriations mutuelles. Ayahuasca et néochamanisme péruvien internationalisé
Authors: Baud Sébastien
Published: December 2017

Dans cet article, je présente et analyse le paysage chamanique péruvien internationalisé et façonné par ce que j’appelle des « réappropriations chamaniques ». Ces dernières sont le fruit de rencontres entre nouvelles spiritualités européennes, sud et nord-américaines et néochamanismes locaux, entre celles et ceux qui voyagent à la rencontre de leurs chamanes et ces derniers. Ce paysage en devenir est attesté depuis une époque ancienne – je ne me hasarderai pas ici à donner une date –, comme en témoigne la circulation de plantes rituelles, médicinales et psychotropes et des noms qui les désignent. Autrement dit, ce que d’aucuns appellent le « tourisme chamanique » n’est pas à l’origine, mais participe d’un processus diffus. Pour le montrer, j’appuie mon propos sur une description de l’ayahuasca, cette plante psychotrope emblématique de ce paysage, puis celle du chamanisme awajun (famille linguistique jivaro, Pérou), peu familier, comparativement à d’autres, des « festivals chamaniques » et autres rituels « bricolés » organisés en Amérique ou en Europe. Enfin, j’aborde la rencontre et son intelligence, à travers un essai de compréhension de ce qui se joue dans l’expérience psychotrope des « modernes ».
Hyperespace dans le cyberespace : DMT et méta-ritualisation
Authors: St John Graham
Published: December 2017

La DMT (N,N-diméthyltryptamine) est une puissante tryptamine à effet de courte durée qui a gagné en popularité au cours de la dernière décennie, indépendamment de l’ayahuasca, un breuvage visionnaire d’Amazonie dont elle est un des principaux ingrédients actifs. Réputée pour sa capacité à déclencher des expériences extracorporelles et de profondes modifications de la perception sensorielle, de l’humeur et des pensées, elle est devenue l’inspiration de toute une communauté underground d’amateurs louant les vertus « enthéogènes » de la DMT et d’autres psychotropes. S’appuyant sur les témoignages des utilisateurs provenant de sites référentiels en ligne et d’autres sources, le présent article s’attarde à décrire l’évènement de percée (breakthrough event) ou l’hyperespace provoqué par la DMT. Dépeinte comme un évènement de gnose et parfois comparée à une expérience de mort imminente, l’expérience de la DMT est souvent associée à des contacts avec des entités et à des manifestations de communication visuelle. Les récits des voyages dans l’hyperespace mettent en lumière la manifestation fondamentale de la substance et nous aident à comprendre la phénoménologie liminale de la DMT et des autres tryptamines. Les comptes-rendus de ces voyages témoignent d’un processus transitionnel, interne et individualisé. Bien que la transe causée par la DMT soit privée, ses conditions ontologiques sont rapportées publiquement, généralement de manière anonyme, sur des sites comme Erowid et DMT-Nexus. Il s’agit aussi d’explorer ici le rôle d’Internet, moyen d’expression universel, dans la création d’une communauté mondiale d’usagers et d’amateurs de ce psychotrope. La navigation dans le cyberespace, sorte d’hyperespace numérique, s’apparente au phénomène de désincarnation propre au « voyage » dans l’hyperespace induit par la DMT. Or, l’ontologie liminale de cet hyperespace est bien plus qu’une simulation ou une réalité virtuelle. Les usagers la considèrent comme une expérience de transformation personnelle authentique. Par analogie, voyages, passages et transitions qui émaillent ces récits relèvent d’une rhétorique méta-ritualisée. Cet article se veut donc une discussion exploratoire sur ce phénomène peu documenté, et aborde l’hyperespace à partir des trois formes de transition qui caractérisent sa phénoménologie méta-ritualisée.
L’évolution de l’interprétation de la notion de moralité publique à l’Organisation mondiale du commerce à l’aune de la Convention de Vienne sur le droit des traités
Authors: Plouffe-Malette Kristine
Published: December 2017

La moralité publique se présente généralement sous la forme d’un motif d’exception commerciale aux accords multilatéraux. À ce titre, il est possible pour un Membre de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (omc) de soulever la nécessité de la protection de la moralité publique pour justifier l’adoption d’une mesure nationale en contradiction avec ses obligations. Cette nécessité a été soulevée et interprétée par les organes quasi-juridictionnels de l’omc à quelques reprises. La présente étude a pour but d’examiner l’évolution de l’interprétation de la notion de moralité publique par l’omc à l’aune des méthodes d’interprétation prévues à la Convention de Vienne sur le droit des traités, particulièrement à l’article 31 3) c). L’étude des conclusions des différends permettra, dans un premier temps, de souligner que l’interprétation retenue montre qu’une grande déférence dans la détermination du contenu de la moralité publique est accordée au Membre. Dans un deuxième temps, si le test de moralité publique proposé aux rapports sur les différends Communautés européennes – Mesures prohibant l’importation et la commercialisation de produits dérivés du phoque a d’abord semblé aider à clarifier le mode d’interprétation de la notion de moralité publique, l’application du test aux faits sème le doute quant aux réelles portées méthodologiques. Il semble donc que ce différend ait consisté en une occasion manquée de démontrer que le droit de l’omc n’évolue pas en vase clos.
Towards deep learning with segregated dendrites
Authors: Guerguiev Jordan , Lillicrap Timothy P , Richards Blake A
Published: December 2017

Deep learning has led to significant advances in artificial intelligence, in part, by adopting strategies motivated by neurophysiology. However, it is unclear whether deep learning could occur in the real brain. Here, we show that a deep learning algorithm that utilizes multi-compartment neurons might help us to understand how the neocortex optimizes cost functions. Like neocortical pyramidal neurons, neurons in our model receive sensory information and higher-order feedback in electrotonically segregated compartments. Thanks to this segregation, neurons in different layers of the network can coordinate synaptic weight updates. As a result, the network learns to categorize images better than a single layer network. Furthermore, we show that our algorithm takes advantage of multilayer architectures to identify useful higher-order representations—the hallmark of deep learning. This work demonstrates that deep learning can be achieved using segregated dendritic compartments, which may help to explain the morphology of neocortical pyramidal neurons.
Conformational dynamics in TRPV1 channels reported by an encoded coumarin amino acid
Authors: Steinberg Ximena , Kasimova Marina A , Cabezas-Bratesco Deny , Galpin Jason D , Ladron-de-Guevara Ernesto , Villa Federica , Carnevale Vincenzo , Islas Leon , Ahern Christopher A , Brauchi Sebastian E
Published: December 2017

TRPV1 channels support the detection of noxious and nociceptive input. Currently available functional and structural data suggest that TRPV1 channels have two gates within their permeation pathway: one formed by a ′bundle-crossing′ at the intracellular entrance and a second constriction at the selectivity filter. To describe conformational changes associated with channel gating, the fluorescent non-canonical amino acid coumarin-tyrosine was genetically encoded at Y671, a residue proximal to the selectivity filter. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy was performed to image the conformational dynamics of the channels in live cells. Photon counts and optical fluctuations from coumarin encoded within TRPV1 tetramers correlates with channel activation by capsaicin, providing an optical marker of conformational dynamics at the selectivity filter. In agreement with the fluorescence data, molecular dynamics simulations display alternating solvent exposure of Y671 in the closed and open states. Overall, the data point to a dynamic selectivity filter that may serve as a gate for permeation.
Serotonin enhances excitability and gamma frequency temporal integration in mouse prefrontal fast-spiking interneurons
Authors: Athilingam Jegath C , Ben-Shalom Roy , Keeshen Caroline M , Sohal Vikaas S , Bender Kevin J
Published: December 2017

The medial prefrontal cortex plays a key role in higher order cognitive functions like decision making and social cognition. These complex behaviors emerge from the coordinated firing of prefrontal neurons. Fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) control the timing of excitatory neuron firing via somatic inhibition and generate gamma (30–100 Hz) oscillations. Therefore, factors that regulate how FSIs respond to gamma-frequency input could affect both prefrontal circuit activity and behavior. Here, we show that serotonin (5HT), which is known to regulate gamma power, acts via 5HT2A receptors to suppress an inward-rectifying potassium conductance in FSIs. This leads to depolarization, increased input resistance, enhanced spiking, and slowed decay of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs). Notably, we found that slowed EPSP decay preferentially enhanced temporal summation and firing elicited by gamma frequency inputs. These findings show how changes in passive membrane properties can affect not only neuronal excitability but also the temporal filtering of synaptic inputs.
Interpopulational and seasonal variation in the chemical signals of the lizardGallotia galloti
Authors: García-Roa Roberto , Megía-Palma Rodrigo , Ortega Jesús , Jara Manuel , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: December 2017

Communicative traits are strikingly diverse and may vary among populations of the same species. Within a population, these traits may also display seasonal variation. Chemical signals play a key role in the communication of many taxa. However, we still know far too little about chemical communication in some vertebrate groups. In lizards, only a few studies have examined interpopulational variation in the composition of chemical cues and signals and only one study has explored the seasonal effects. Here we sampled three subspecies of the Tenerife lizards (Gallotia galloti) and analyze the lipophilic fraction of their femoral gland secretions to characterize the potential interpopulational variation in the chemical signals. In addition, we assessed whether composition of these secretions differed between the reproductive and the non-reproductive season. We analyzed variations in both the overall chemical profile and the abundance of the two main compounds (cholesterol and vitamin E). Our results show interpopulational and seasonal differences inG. gallotiachemical profiles. These findings are in accordance with the high interpopulational variability of compounds observed in lizard chemical signals and show that their composition is not only shaped by selective factors linked to reproductive season.
A microbial survey of the International Space Station (ISS)
Authors: Lang Jenna M. , Coil David A. , Neches Russell Y. , Brown Wendy E. , Cavalier Darlene , Severance Mark , Hampton-Marcell Jarrad T. , Gilbert Jack A. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Modern advances in sequencing technology have enabled the census of microbial members of many natural ecosystems. Recently, attention is increasingly being paid to the microbial residents of human-made, built ecosystems, both private (homes) and public (subways, office buildings, and hospitals). Here, we report results of the characterization of the microbial ecology of a singular built environment, the International Space Station (ISS). This ISS sampling involved the collection and microbial analysis (via 16S rDNA PCR) of 15 surfaces sampled by swabs onboard the ISS. This sampling was a component of Project MERCCURI (Microbial Ecology Research Combining Citizen and University Researchers on ISS). Learning more about the microbial inhabitants of the “buildings” in which we travel through space will take on increasing importance, as plans for human exploration continue, with the possibility of colonization of other planets and moons.

Results

Sterile swabs were used to sample 15 surfaces onboard the ISS. The sites sampled were designed to be analogous to samples collected for (1) the Wildlife of Our Homes project and (2) a study of cell phones and shoes that were concurrently being collected for another component of Project MERCCURI. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA genes amplified from DNA extracted from each swab was used to produce a census of the microbes present on each surface sampled. We compared the microbes found on the ISS swabs to those from both homes on Earth and data from the Human Microbiome Project.

Conclusions

While significantly different from homes on Earth and the Human Microbiome Project samples analyzed here, the microbial community composition on the ISS was more similar to home surfaces than to the human microbiome samples. The ISS surfaces are species-rich with 1,036–4,294 operational taxonomic units (OTUs per sample). There was no discernible biogeography of microbes on the 15 ISS surfaces, although this may be a reflection of the small sample size we were able to obtain.
Comparative analyses of putative toxin gene homologs from an Old World viper,Daboia russelii
Authors: Krishnan Neeraja M. , Panda Binay
Published: December 2017

Availability of snake genome sequences has opened up exciting areas of research on comparative genomics and gene diversity. One of the challenges in studying snake genomes is the acquisition of biological material from live animals, especially from the venomous ones, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming. Here, we report comparative sequence analyses of putative toxin gene homologs from Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) using whole-genome sequencing data obtained from shed skin. When compared with the major venom proteins in Russell’s viper studied previously, we found 45–100% sequence similarity between the venom proteins and their putative homologs in the skin. Additionally, comparative analyses of 20 putative toxin gene family homologs provided evidence of unique sequence motifs in nerve growth factor (NGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), Kunitz/Bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz BPTI), cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, andpathogenesis-related1 proteins (CAP) and cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP). In those derived proteins, we identified V11 and T35 in the NGF domain; F23 and A29 in the PDGF domain; N69, K2 and A5 in the CAP domain; and Q17 in the CRISP domain to be responsible for differences in the largest pockets across the protein domain structures in crotalines, viperines and elapids from thein silicostructure-based analysis. Similarly, residues F10, Y11 and E20 appear to play an important role in the protein structures across the kunitz protein domain of viperids and elapids. Our study highlights the usefulness of shed skin in obtaining good quality high-molecular weight DNA for comparative genomic studies, and provides evidence towards the unique features and evolution of putative venom gene homologs in vipers.
Skin temperature and reproductive condition in wild female chimpanzees
Authors: Dezecache Guillaume , Wilke Claudia , Richi Nathalie , Neumann Christof , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: December 2017

Infrared thermal imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, in particular for evaluating reproductive processes. Here, we explored differences in skin temperature of twenty female chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Uganda, four of which were pregnant during data collection. Based on previous literature in other mammals, we predicted increased skin temperature of maximally swollen reproductive organs of non-pregnant females when approaching peak fertility. For pregnant females, we made the same prediction because it has been argued that female chimpanzees have evolved mechanisms to conceal pregnancy, including swellings of the reproductive organs, conspicuous copulation calling, and solicitation of male mating behaviour, to decrease the infanticidal tendencies of resident males by confusing paternity. For non-pregnant females, we found slight temperature increases towards the end of the swelling cycles but no significant change between the fertile and non-fertile phases. Despite their different reproductive state, pregnant females had very similar skin temperature patterns compared to non-pregnant females, suggesting little potential for males to use skin temperature to recognise pregnancies, especially during maximal swelling, when ovulation is most likely to occur in non-pregnant females. We discuss this pattern in light of the concealment hypothesis, i.e., that female chimpanzees have evolved physiological means to conceal their reproductive state during pregnancy.
Changes of arthropod diversity across an altitudinal ecoregional zonation in Northwestern Argentina
Authors: González-Reyes Andrea X. , Corronca Jose A. , Rodriguez-Artigas Sandra M.
Published: December 2017

This study examined arthropod community patterns over an altitudinal ecoregional zonation that extended through three ecoregions (Yungas, Monte de Sierras y Bolsones, and Puna) and two ecotones (Yungas-Monte and Prepuna) of Northwestern Argentina (altitudinal range of 2,500 m), and evaluated the abiotic and biotic factors and the geographical distance that could influence them. Pitfall trap and suction samples were taken seasonally in 15 sampling sites (1,500–4,000 m a.s.l) during one year. In addition to climatic variables, several soil and vegetation variables were measured in the field. Values obtained for species richness between ecoregions and ecotones and by sampling sites were compared statistically and by interpolation–extrapolation analysis based on individuals at the same sample coverage level. Effects of predictor variables and the similarity of arthropods were shown using non-metric multidimensional scaling, and the resulting groups were evaluated using a multi-response permutation procedure. Polynomial regression was used to evaluate the relationship between altitude with total species richness and those of hyperdiverse/abundant higher taxa and the latter taxa with each predictor variable. The species richness pattern displayed a decrease in species diversity as the elevation increased at the bottom wet part (Yungas) of our altitudinal zonation until the Monte, and a unimodal pattern of diversity in the top dry part (Monte, Puna). Each ecoregion and ecotonal zone evidenced a particular species richness and assemblage of arthropods, but the latter ones displayed a high percentage of species shared with the adjacent ecoregions. The arthropod elevational pattern and the changes of the assemblages were explained by the environmental gradient (especially the climate) in addition to a geographic gradient (the distance of decay of similarity), demonstrating that the species turnover is important to explain the beta diversity along the elevational gradient. This suggests that patterns of diversity and distribution of arthropods are regulated by the dissimilarity of ecoregional environments that establish a wide range of geographic and environmental barriers, coupled with a limitation of species dispersal. Therefore, the arthropods of higher taxa respond differently to the altitudinal ecoregional zonation.
Microcos magnifica (Sparrmanniaceae) a new species of cloudforest tree from Cameroon
Authors: Cheek Martin
Published: December 2017

Background

Although many new species to science have been discovered from thousands of specimens resulting from botanical inventories to support conservation management in Cameroon in recent years, additional species remain to be formally evaluated taxonomically and described. These include species from genera which have been taxonomically neglected for many decades in Africa, such as Microcos.

Methods

This study is based mainly on herbarium specimens and field observations made in Cameroon during a series of botanical surveys. Herbarium material was examined with a Leica Wild M8 dissecting binocular microscope fitted with an eyepiece graticule.

Principal Findings

Microcos magnifica Cheek (Malvaceae-Grewioideae or Sparrmanniaceae) is described as an Endangered (EN B2 ab(iii)) new tree species from the submontane forests of Cameroon. It is illustrated and described, and its conservation status and taxonomic affinities are assessed. It is the first new Microcos described from Africa in more than 90 years and is unique on the continent in having sculptured fruits.

Discussion

A systematic revision, with a molecular phylogenetic study, of Microcos Burm. ex L. in Africa is necessary if the affinities of the species, including M. magnifica, are to be reliably established.
Effect of Rhodopseudomonas palustris G5 on seedling growth and some physiological and biochemical characteristics of cucumber under cadmium stress
Authors: Ge Honglian , Liu Zhonghua , Zhang Fuli
Published: December 2017

At present, we investigated whether Rhodopseudomonas palustris G5 strain treatments diminished the damage on cucumber seedlings caused by cadmium (Cd) stress. Growth and physiological parameters of cucumber seedlings were determinated at laboratory after co-treating seedlings with Rhodopseudomonas palustris G5 strain and different concentrations of Cd (50, 100, 150, 200, 300 mg L-1). The results indicated that Cd stress significantly reduced shoot height, root length, total chlorophyll content, root activity, but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In addition, lower concentrations of Cd stress increased soluble sugar and soluble protein contents, and improved the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC: 1.15.1.1) and peroxidase (POD; EC: 1.11.1.7), but higher concentrations of Cd decreased the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents, and inhibited SOD and POD activities. G5 strain application markedly reduced the toxic effects of Cd on cucumber seedlings. In sum, G5 strain treatment significantly alleviated damage on cucumber seedlings caused by Cd, and increased shoot height, root length, total chlorophyll content, root activity, the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein, as well as the activities of SOD and POD, but decreased MDA content compared with non- treating plants.
The antioxidant activity of date seed: preliminary results of a preclinical in vivo study
Authors: Al meqbaali Fatima Theyab , Habib Hosam , Othman Aws , Al-Marzooqi Saeda , Al-Bawardi Alia , Pathan Javed Yasin , Hilary Serene , Souka Usama , Al-Hammadi Suleiman , Ibrahim Wissam , Platat Carine
Published: December 2017

Chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer), are by far the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the underlying mechanism in the development and enhancement of chronic diseases. Polyphenols are particularly abundant in date seeds and can contribute in the progress of chronic diseases due to antioxidant properties. The present work studies the effects of date seeds and examines the oxidative stress status on serum and organs of Male Wistar rats after feeding them with basal diet comprising 0, 2, 4 or 8 g/kg date seed powder (DSP) for a period of 13 weeks. Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were subjected to all the four groups. Antioxidant status, protein and lipid oxidative biomarkers were measured in the serum and organs and histopathology was done. The results showed that DSP suggestively (P < 0.05) elevated the antioxidant defense system of the serum and organs. DSP decreased protein and lipid oxidative damages in the liver, muscle and brain. In addition, DSP did not alter the organs’ function based on the analysis of biochemical markers. The results indicate that oxidative stress-related diseases could be possibly prevented by the DSP bioactive antioxidants.