bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Point of View on New Education for Smart Citizenship
Authors: Martelli Cristina
Published: February 2017

Smart cities and intelligent communities have an ever-growing demand for specialized smart services, applications, and research-driven innovation. Knowledge of users’ proﬁles, behavior, and preferences are a potentially dangerous side effect of smart services. Citizens are usually not aware of the knowledge bases generated by the IT services they use: this dimension of the contemporary and digital era sheds new light on the elements concerning the concept of citizenship itself, as it affects dimensions like freedom and privacy. This paper addresses this issue from an education system perspective, and advances a non-technical methodology for being aware and recognizing knowledge bases generated by user-service interaction. Starting from narratives, developed in natural language by unskilled smart service users about their experience, the proposed method advances an original methodology, which is identiﬁed in the conceptual models derived from these narratives, a bridge towards a deeper understanding of the informative implications of their behavior. The proposal; which is iterative and scalable; has been tested on the ﬁeld and some examples of lesson contents are presented and discussed.
Representation of People’s Decisions in Health Information Systems
Authors: de Quiros Fernan Gonzalez Bernaldo , Dawidowski Adriana , Figar Silvana
Published: February 2017

Objectives: In this study, we aimed: 1) to conceptualize the theoretical challenges facing health information systems (HIS) to represent patients’ decisions about health and medical treatments in everyday life; 2) to suggest approaches for modeling these processes.

Methods: The conceptualization of the theoretical and methodological challenges was discussed in 2015 during a series of interdisciplinary meetings attended by health informatics staff, epidemiologists and health professionals working in quality management and primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, together with sociologists, anthropologists and e-health stakeholders.

Results: HIS are facing the need and challenge to represent social human processes based on constructive and complexity theories, which are the current frameworks of human sciences for understanding human learning and socio-cultural changes. Computer systems based on these theories can model processes of social construction of concrete and subjective entities and the interrelationships between them. These theories could be implemented, among other ways, through the mapping of health assets, analysis of social impact through community trials and modeling of complexity with system simulation tools.

Conclusions: This analysis suggested the need to complement the traditional linear causal explanations of disease onset (and treatments) that are the bases for models of analysis of HIS with constructive and complexity frameworks. Both may enlighten the complex interrelationships among patients, health services and the health system. The aim of this strategy is to clarify people’s decision making processes to improve the efficiency, quality and equity of the health services and the health system.
Quasars Probing Galaxies. I. Signatures of Gas Accretion at Redshift z ≈ 0.2∗

†
Authors: Ho Stephanie H. , Martin Crystal L. , Kacprzak Glenn G. , Churchill Christopher W.
Published: February 2017

We describe the kinematics of circumgalactic gas near the galactic plane, combining new measurements of galaxy rotation curves and spectroscopy of background quasars. The sightlines pass within 19–93 kpc of the target galaxy and generally detect Mg ii absorption. The Mg ii Doppler shifts have the same sign as the galactic rotation, so the cold gas co-rotates with the galaxy. Because the absorption spans a broader velocity range than disk rotation can explain, we explore simple models for the circumgalactic kinematics. Gas spiraling inwards (near the disk plane) offers a successful description of the observations. An appendix describes the addition of tangential and radial gas flows and illustrates how the sign of the disk inclination produces testable differences in the projected line-of-sight velocity range. This inflow interpretation implies that cold flow disks remain common down to redshift z ≈ 0.2 and prolong star formation by supplying gas to the disk.
Characteristics of Low-latitude Coronal Holes near the Maximum of Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Hofmeister Stefan J. , Veronig Astrid , Reiss Martin A. , Temmer Manuela , Vennerstrom Susanne , Vršnak Bojan , Heber Bernd
Published: February 2017

We investigate the statistics of 288 low-latitude coronal holes extracted from SDO/AIA-193 filtergrams over the time range of 2011 January 01–2013 December 31. We analyze the distribution of characteristic coronal hole properties, such as the areas, mean AIA-193 intensities, and mean magnetic field densities, the local distribution of the SDO/AIA-193 intensity and the magnetic field within the coronal holes, and the distribution of magnetic flux tubes in coronal holes. We find that the mean magnetic field density of all coronal holes under study is 3.0 ± 1.6 G, and the percentaged unbalanced magnetic flux is 49 ± 16%. The mean magnetic field density, the mean unsigned magnetic field density, and the percentaged unbalanced magnetic flux of coronal holes depend strongly pairwise on each other, with correlation coefficients cc > 0.92. Furthermore, we find that the unbalanced magnetic flux of the coronal holes is predominantly concentrated in magnetic flux tubes: 38% (81%) of the unbalanced magnetic flux of coronal holes arises from only 1% (10%) of the coronal hole area, clustered in magnetic flux tubes with field strengths >50 G (10 G). The average magnetic field density and the unbalanced magnetic flux derived from the magnetic flux tubes correlate with the mean magnetic field density and the unbalanced magnetic flux of the overall coronal hole (cc > 0.93). These findings give evidence that the overall magnetic characteristics of coronal holes are governed by the characteristics of the magnetic flux tubes.
Need for Improvement in Current Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: Study of an Outpatient Clinic Population
Authors: Michelsen Brigitte , Diamantopoulos Andreas P. , Høiberg Hege Kilander , Soldal Dag Magnar , Kavanaugh Arthur , Haugeberg Glenn
Published: February 2017

Objective.

To explore the burden of skin, joint, and entheses manifestations in a representative psoriatic arthritis (PsA) outpatient cohort in the biologic treatment era.

Methods.

This was a cross-sectional study of 141 PsA outpatients fulfilling the ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria and examined between January 2013 and May 2014. Selected disease activity measures were explored including Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), Disease Activity Score for 28 joints (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), minimal disease activity (MDA), and remission criteria were assessed.

Results.

Median (range) DAPSA was 14.5 (0.1–76.4), CPDAI 5 (1–11), PASDAS 3.1 (2.1–4.2), DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 3.2 (0.6–6.4), SDAI 8.6 (0.1–39.5), PASI 1.2 (0.0–19.7), and DLQI 2.0 (0–17). The MDA criteria were fulfilled by 22.9% of the patients. DAPSA ≤ 4, CPDAI ≤ 2, PASDAS < 2.4, DAS28-ESR < 2.4, SDAI < 3.3, and Boolean’s remission criteria were fulfilled by 12.1, 9.3, 7.8, 26.2, 21.3, and 5.7% of patients, respectively. The number of satisfied patients was similar regardless of whether the group was treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

Conclusion.

Our real-life data indicate that there is still a need for improvement in today’s treatment of PsA. Musculoskeletal inflammatory involvement was more prominent than psoriatic skin involvement. Only a few patients fulfilled the DAPSA, PASDAS, and CPDAI remission criteria, and about a quarter fulfilled the MDA criteria. Considerably fewer patients fulfilled PsA-specific remission criteria versus non-PsA specific remission criteria. Still, patient satisfaction was good and PASI and DLQI were low.
Decoding the Historical Authenticity of Science Education and Policy in India
Authors: Mehta Prashant , Prakash Om
Published: February 2017

This chapter aims to dig deep into how science education and policy evolved during colonial India and how after independence the government made efforts to streamline the science education and initiated policy measures. The developments are categorized into four sections- evolution in the Ancient period; pre independence colonial period; post-independence till the era of liberalization; and post liberalization phase. The thinking does not only narrate the evolution and development of science education but also diagnoses the inherent issues and seeks to provide policy measures for the state and civil society to radically change the approaches in the existing system. The science policy studies can help in integrating various branches of science along with social sciences for a proper perspective of science. In developing science policy when social scientists are cooperating with scientist it helps develop a common language. Social scientist can also be an important link between the policy planners and scientist by persuading them to take the science and technology with a developmental perspective. A scientist having a policy oriented approach could create public awareness of the role of science and technology in society. Awareness could also involve consequences of such major decisions and their impact on man, society and environment. They could also be useful in pointing major gaps that exist in the area of research and development. Science and technology must not alienate tradition and culture. Science policy must integrate traditional values and culture with technology. This is possible through incorporating aspects of the traditional scientific and technological culture into current innovations for social development.
Construction of the Definite Integral Concept Using Open Source Software
Authors: Navarro-Ibarra Lizzeth Aurora , Cuevas-Salazar Omar , Robles-Aguilar Alan Daniel
Published: February 2017

The objective of the investigation is for university students to achieve the construction of the definite integral concept using open source software. The teaching activity encompasses everyday life problems where the constant, linear and the non-constant change rate functions are present. The accumulated change is approached using the geometric approximation of the area under the curve. A qualitative analysis was made to identify the level of understanding acquired, its development and the mathematical learning objects implemented during the lesson plan activities, using worksheets where the participants record their observations and answers. The level of comprehension was different for each student; participants who were able to visualize the relationship between the area under the curve and accumulated change were identified, applying the concept to solve a problem, although the majority of students had difficulty applying the concept.
Soledad Acosta de Samper y Emilia Pardo Bazán: dos pioneras del feminismo
Authors: Gómez-Ferrer Morant Guadalupe
Published: February 2017

Se comparan aquí dos trayectorias de mujer escritora, la colombiana Soledad Acosta de Samper y la española Emilia Pardo Bazán, contemporáneas y las dos convencidas de la capacidad de autonomía intelectual y social de las mujeres respecto al varón y de su potencial valor para contribuir a la regeneración nacional.
Condicionantes en la calidad de los contenidos de los cibermedios ecuatorianos: convergencia periodística, agenda temática e inmediatez
Authors: Odriozola Chené Javier , Aguirre Mayorga Consuelo , Bernal Suárez Juan David
Published: February 2017

El objetivo de este artículo es determinar los elementos que condicionan la calidad de los contenidos en los relatos ciberperiodísticos. Para ello, se analiza una muestra de quince cibermedios con diferente origen mediático. El estudio considera que la calidad en los contenidos, fundamentalmente, se ve influenciado por tres aspectos. En primer lugar, los procesos de convergencia que determinan la capacidad de adaptación al ciberperiodismo. En segundo lugar, la prominencia de determinados temas y su relación con el desarrollo de ciertas características asociadas a la calidad periodística. En tercer lugar, la inmediatez como elemento homogeneizador en todos los cibermedios. Por tanto, nos encontramos ante dos elementos que provocan un desarrollo heterogéneo de la profesión periodística en Internet y un tercer elemento que contribuye a la presentación homogénea de los relatos ciberperiodísticos.
ANÁLISE DA MINUTA DE PROJETO DE RESOLUÇÃO DE DIRETRIZES CURRICULARES NACIONAIS PARA O CURSO DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA E A QUESTÃO DA FORMAÇÃO PARA A DOCÊNCIA NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: Rodrigues Anegleyce Teodoro , Da Silva Adriane Corrêa , Bossle Fabiano , Gariglio José Angelo , Neira Marcos Garcia , Júnior Wilson Alviano
Published: February 2017

O objetivo desse artigo é analisar a proposta de unificação da formação de professores de Educação Física. A problematização questionou se a proposta do Conselho Nacional de Educação (CNE), de Minuta de Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para o curso de graduação em Educação Física, Licenciatura, de 2015, qualifica a formação para o magistério na Educação Básica. O método de investigação utilizado foi a análise de documentos, que comparou a Minuta com as DCN de Formação de Professores e com as DCN para os cursos de Graduação em Educação Física. Conclui-se que há divergências e contradições de finalidades e princípios entre os documentos quanto à integralidade, terminalidade e identidade própria no campo da formação de professores de Educação Física para a Educação Básica.
INSTABILIDADE JURÍDICA E OUTRAS DETERMINAÇÕES: O CNE E A PROPOSTA DE NOVAS DCNS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA
Authors: Furtado Roberto Pereira , Veloso Ventura Paulo Roberto , Marques Anes Rodrigo Roncato , Pedroza Reigler Siqueira , Ferraz Júnior Isaías Moreira
Published: February 2017

Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar a polêmica interpretativa sobre a abrangência do campo de atuação profissional de Licenciados em Educação Física, o posicionamento estabelecido por um grupo de pesquisadores, egressos e instituições do Estado de Goiás e o movimento político protagonizado a partir deste posicionamento, ampliando a análise da conjuntura em que o CNE apresentou Minuta de nova Resolução de Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para Graduação em Educação Física. Realizamos análise dos documentos que compõem o ordenamento legal desta questão. Concluímos que foi consolidado um cenário de grande instabilidade jurídica que deve ser compreendido como uma determinação fundamental da iniciativa do Conselho Nacional de Educação em reabrir a discussão com o campo.
Reglas generales de acentuación en octavo grado de Educación a Distancia en la comunidad Dipina, Waslala, 2016
Authors: Granados Gómez Eddlyn Antonia , Marín López Jiomar Antonio , Ruíz Calderón Angélica Leonor
Published: February 2017

La investigación se realizó en el centro escolar “Isabel Amador”, comunidad Dipina central de la Ciudad de Waslala, Región Autónoma Costa Caribe Norte (RACCN). Se ha diagnosticado la problemática que incide en la aplicación de reglas generales de acentuación en octavo grado de educación a distancia; el diseño de un plan de acción que facilite el aprendizaje, la aplicación de las reglas generales de acentuación e implementación de las estrategias metodológicas innovadoras. La población fue de 40 estudiantes más 2 investigadores y la muestra, 20 docentes. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron entrevistas y revisión documental de las diferentes estrategias implementadas: análisis y sopas de palabras, el pastel y círculos estudios. Se verificó los factores negativos que inciden en los aprendientes: falta de interés y hábitos de lectoescritura, por ende ausencia de la práctica de las reglas generales de acentuación. La población estudiantil, presentan dificultades en todos los ítems que se evaluaron y se relacionan con dificultades en la conceptualización de palabras agudas, graves, esdrújulas y sobreesdrújulas con un porcentaje de desaprobados del 90% al inicio (diagnóstico) y una disminución hasta el 15% al finalizar la investigación. En docentes se cotejó la ausencia del uso de estrategias innovadoras.
Reconstrucción del Machil en el Pwelmapu: saber y poder
Authors: Azpiroz Cleñan Verónica , Slavsky Leonor , Collipa Christian
Published: February 2017

Se ha indagado sobre el sistema de salud tradicional del pueblo mapuche llamado bawehtuwün, las características interculturales que tuvo el machil en el Pwelmapu, su desarrollo, transformación y desaparición. Se busca la reconstrucción de la memoria de las comunidades, las pijan kushe, los logko gijatufe y dirigentes políticos, en el fütal mapu, identidad territorial del este de la cordillera, llamada Pwelmapu. En dicho territorio, el rol de machi, la institución más importante religiosa y espiritual que tiene el pueblo mapuche, ha desaparecido desde hace 40 años.El enfoque etnográfico fue desde una perspectiva de investigador nativo del pueblo mapuche. Los instrumentos de recolección fueron entrevistas individuales semiestructurada, el pentukun, círculos de conocimientos, participación emocionante y para la transcripción se trabajó con interpretación sociolingüística.Los resultados reflejan que las manifestaciones de los machis, en la salud aún se practican. Los niños entre 9 y 12 años aun practican el habla, pero no viven en el área rural, sino en la ciudad y las familias no hablan mapuzungun, por lo cual el rol se está transformando. Otro resultado es que las autoridades espirituales, no han puesto como condición el habla del mapuzungun como característica propia cultural, sino que lo estiman como una capacidad que se puede aprenderse en el proceso de mapuchización, volver a hablar la lengua nativa. Pero sí, han priorizado como condición cultural el küpan y el tuwün. La castellanización y la evangelización han desgastado prácticas rituales, espirituales y sistema de creencias en el pueblo mapuche en el Pwelmapu; sin embargo, el llamado de machi puede darse en una persona que no habla mapuzungun, aunque en su proceso de formación deberá aprenderlo para ser legitimada socialmente.
Emotional Abuse among Syrian Refugee Women in Jordan
Authors: Al-Shdayfat Noha Mohammad
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a worldwide issue. Emotional abuse of women is the second most common form of abuse after physical abuse. Thus, this issue needs focus and attention especially among disadvantaged communities such as refugees.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of emotional abuse among Syrian refugee women in Jordan.METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample of 182 Syrian refugee women residing in Mafraq Governorate. Participants were recruited from Maternal & Child Health Centers (MCHC) across the governorate. A validated Arabic version of the NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (NORAQ) was used to collect data from the study participants.RESULTS: Participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 55 years, (mean age ± 30.2; SD ± 8.9 years). Forty four percent of the participants reported experiencing emotional abuse in the preceding year prior the evaluation. The lifetime prevalence of emotional abuse was 51.6%. About 21.4% of married refugees surveyed reported emotional abuse from their husbands. Thirteen percent of the married participant reported being emotionally abused by their brothers. Twelve of the unmarried participants reported that the perpetrators were family members (4 fathers, 7 brothers, and 1 mother). Logistic regression model revealed that Syrian refugee women who are married, live within large families, reside in urban areas, and have lower educational levels are more likely to suffer emotional abuse. A significant association was found between exposure to emotional abuse and poor mental health, including depression, insomnia and feelings of anguish.CONCLUSION: High prevalence rate of life time abuse was revealed by this study. Overall, findings suggest that improving socio-demographic circumstances (i e education) would reduce their vulnerability to emotional abuse. This study may guide both future research and current efforts to combat emotional violence amongst Syrian refugee women.
Assessing Student Understanding
Authors: Fernandes Anthony , Murray Natasha , Wyberg Terrence
Published: February 2017

In the current high–stakes testing environment, a mention of assessment is inevitably associated with large–scale summative assessments at the end of the school year. Although these assessments serve an important purpose, assessing students' learning is an ongoing process that takes place in the classroom on a regular basis. Effectively gathering information about student understanding is integral to all aspects of mathematics instruction. Formative assessments conducted in the classroom have the potential to provide important feedback about students' understanding, guide future instruction to improve student learning, and provide roadmaps for both teachers and students in the process of learning.
ТЕОРИЈСКА СХВАТАЊА И МОДЕЛИ ИНФОРМАТИЧКО-РАЗВИЈАЈУЋЕ НАСТАВЕ
Authors: Вилотијевић Младен
Published: February 2017

У педагошкој теорији и праксидруге половине двадесетог века по-степено је развијана и теоријски уо-бличавана концепција развијајуће на-ставе. Под снажним утицајем гло-бализацијских токова а посебно ин-форматиких концепција, развијајућанастава изграђује се, не само као ди-дактичка иновација, већ поприма икарактер нове педагошке парадигме.На теоријском али и терминолошкомплану преовладавају аргументи да сетаква настава означи као информа-тичко-развијајућа настава.У раду су презентована основнатеоријска схватања познатих дидак-тичара (Виготски, Елкоњин, Дави-дов, Занков, Шаталов), компаратив-ни преглед карактеристика репродук-тивне и информатичко-развијајућенаставе, те указано на моделе иструктурне елементе информатич-ко-развијајуће наставе.
SPECIFIČNOSTI METODA U NASTAVI LATINSKOG JEZIKA
Authors: Ljubišić Sanja
Published: February 2017

Ovaj rad pripada metodici nastavelatinskog jezika koja se razlikuje od metodikedrugih stranih jezika, jer latinskijezik je specifičan po tome što nije u govornojupotrebi. To se posebno odnosina metode koje se koriste u nastavnomprocesu latinskog jezika. U radu su naglašeneprednosti i nedostaci svake pojedineod navedenih metoda, kao i njihovaprimjenljivost u učenju latinskog jezika.Svaka pojedina metoda stavljena je uvremenski okvir kad se koristila i načinkako se primjenljivala. Spomenuti su iudžbenici latinskog jezika, način njihovekoncepcije za pojedine od navedenihmetoda. U radu su navedeni i osnovnimetodički principi kojima bi se trebalorukovoditi u nastavi latinskog jezika. Naosnovu svega izvedeni su određeni zaključcikoja metoda je najprimjenljivijau nastavi latinskog jezika.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewaters: A Review
Authors: Azimi Arezoo , Azari Ahmad , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Ansarpour Meisam
Published: February 2017

Heavy metals like arsenic, copper, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, lead, and mercury are major pollutants of fresh water reservoirs because of their toxic, non‐biodegradable, and persistent nature. The industrial growth is the major source of heavy metals introducing such pollutants into different segments of the environment including air, water, soil, and biosphere. Heavy metals are easily absorbed by fishes and vegetables due to their high solubility in the aquatic environments. Hence, they may accumulate in the human body by means of the food chain. Various methods have been developed and used for water and wastewater treatment to decrease heavy metal concentrations. These technologies include membrane filtration, ion‐exchange, adsorption, chemical precipitation, nanotechnology treatments, electrochemical and advanced oxidation processes. In this review, the methods as well as their mechanisms and efficiency are discussed.
Bumblebees require visual pollen stimuli to initiate and multimodal stimuli to complete a full behavioral sequence in close‐range flower orientation
Authors: Wilmsen Saskia , Gottlieb Robin , Junker Robert R. , Lunau Klaus
Published: February 2017

Flower visits are complex encounters, in which animals are attracted by floral signals, guided toward the site of the first physical contact with a flower, land, and finally take up floral rewards. At close range, signals of stamens and pollen play an important role to facilitate flower handling in bees, yet the pollen stimuli eliciting behavioral responses are poorly known. In this study, we test the response of flower‐naive bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) toward single and multimodal pollen stimuli as compared to natural dandelion pollen. As artificial pollen stimuli, we used the yellow flavonoid pigment quercetin, the scent compound eugenol, the amino acid proline, the monosaccharide glucose, and the texture of pollen‐grain‐sized glass pellets as a tactile stimulus. Three test stimuli, dandelion pollen, one out of various uni‐ and multimodal stimulus combinations, and a solvent control were presented simultaneously to individual bumblebees, whose response was recorded. The results indicate that bumblebees respond in an irreversible sequence of behavioral reactions. Bumblebees approached the visual stimulus quercetin as often as natural dandelion pollen. An additional olfactory stimulus resulted in slightly more frequent landings. The multimodal stimulus combinations including visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimuli elicited approaches, antennal contacts, and landings as often as natural pollen. Subsequent reactions like proboscis extension, mandible biting, and buzzing were more often but not regularly observed at dandelion pollen. Our study shows that visual signals of pollen are sufficient to trigger initial responses of bumblebees, whereas multimodal pollen stimuli elicit full behavioral response as compared to natural pollen. Our results suggest a major role of pollen cues for the attraction of bees toward flowers and also explain, why many floral guides mimic the visual signals of pollen and anthers, that is, the yellow and UV‐absorbing color, to direct bumblebees toward the site where they access the floral rewards.
Variations in soil nutrients and salinity caused by tamarisk in the coastal wetland of the Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: Liu Jingtao , Rong Qiangqiang , Zhao Yanyun
Published: February 2017

The nature of resource islands created by patchy distribution of plants remains controversial in arid, semi‐arid, and even some coastal ecosystems. This study explores these effects of isolated and clustered tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis Lour.) in coastal wetland of the Laizhou Bay. Soil samples were collected and analyzed from 0 to 30 cm depth near the trunks of isolated tamarisk plants, in clustered tamarisk communities, and in open land. The results showed that available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and soluble aqueous sodium (Na) concentrations of soil under the isolated and clustered tamarisk canopies were significantly higher than those from open land. The Na and electrical conductivity (EC) values of intra‐canopy in clustered tamarisk were higher than those in the inter‐canopy space, while Na and EC of intra‐ and inter‐canopy space were significantly lower than those under the isolated tamarisk. Soil nutrients under isolated and clustered tamarisk canopies in the coastal zone of the Laizhou Bay exhibited significant resource island effects. However, the size of this resource island effect was significantly lower under clustered tamarisk than that of isolated tamarisk, indicating that this effect will weaken following the vegetation restoration or the succession of plant community in the studied area.
Clarifying the role of coastal and marine systems in climate mitigation
Authors: Howard Jennifer , Sutton-Grier Ariana , Herr Dorothée , Kleypas Joan , Landis Emily , Mcleod Elizabeth , Pidgeon Emily , Simpson Stefanie
Published: February 2017

The international scientific community is increasingly recognizing the role of natural systems in climate‐change mitigation. While forests have historically been the primary focus of such efforts, coastal wetlands – particularly seagrasses, tidal marshes, and mangroves – are now considered important and effective long‐term carbon sinks. However, some members of the coastal and marine policy and management community have been interested in expanding climate mitigation strategies to include other components within coastal and marine systems, such as coral reefs, phytoplankton, kelp forests, and marine fauna. We analyze the scientific evidence regarding whether these marine ecosystems and ecosystem components are viable long‐term carbon sinks and whether they can be managed for climate mitigation. Our findings could assist decision makers and conservation practitioners in identifying which components of coastal and marine ecosystems should be prioritized in current climate mitigation strategies and policies.
Negligible microstructure in a class of porous nonlinear materials via variational bounds
Authors: Pérez‐Fernández Leslie D. , León‐Mecías Ángela M. , Bravo‐Castillero Julián
Published: February 2017

This work is devoted to the estimation of the effective energy density of porous nonlinear materials by means of variational bounds. Because of the unavailability of an improved upper bound, attention is turned to the improved bound obtained by considering constant nonzero polarization fields in the formal lower bound, which follows from the generalization to nonlinear behavior of the Hashin–Shtrikman variational principles. A particular class of nonlinearity is considered which is relevant in different physical situations. Also, 11 different microstructures are considered. Several computational experiments performed show that the elementary upper bound and the improved lower bound are indistinguishable, suggesting that nonlinearity dominates over the microstructural effects. In other words, at least for the nonlinearity considered here, the influence of microstructure on the effective behavior is negligible. So, in this case, there is no need to search for an improved upper bound, as the elementary one provides a simple but accurate estimate of the effective energy density. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coaggregation of κ‐Casein and β‐Lactoglobulin Produces Morphologically Distinct Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Raynes Jared K. , Day Li , Crepin Pauline , Horrocks Mathew H. , Carver John A.
Published: February 2017

The unfolding, misfolding, and aggregation of proteins lead to a variety of structural species. One form is the amyloid fibril, a highly aligned, stable, nanofibrillar structure composed of β‐sheets running perpendicular to the fibril axis. β‐Lactoglobulin (β‐Lg) and κ‐casein (κ‐CN) are two milk proteins that not only individually form amyloid fibrillar aggregates, but can also coaggregate under environmental stress conditions such as elevated temperature. The aggregation between β‐Lg and κ‐CN is proposed to proceed via disulfide bond formation leading to amorphous aggregates, although the exact mechanism is not known. Herein, using a range of biophysical techniques, it is shown that β‐Lg and κ‐CN coaggregate to form morphologically distinct co‐amyloid fibrillar structures, a phenomenon previously limited to protein isoforms from different species or different peptide sequences from an individual protein. A new mechanism of aggregation is proposed whereby β‐Lg and κ‐CN not only form disulfide‐linked aggregates, but also amyloid fibrillar coaggregates. The coaggregation of two structurally unrelated proteins into cofibrils suggests that the mechanism can be a generic feature of protein aggregation as long as the prerequisites for sequence similarity are met.
Serotonin-dependent kinetics of feeding bursts underlie a graded response to food availability in C. elegans
Authors: Lee Kyung Suk , Iwanir Shachar , Kopito Ronen B. , Scholz Monika , Calarco John A. , Biron David , Levine Erel
Published: February 2017

Animals integrate physiological and environmental signals to modulate their food uptake. The nematode C. elegans, whose food uptake consists of pumping bacteria from the environment into the gut, provides excellent opportunities for discovering principles of conserved regulatory mechanisms. Here we show that worms implement a graded feeding response to the concentration of environmental bacteria by modulating a commitment to bursts of fast pumping. Using long-term, high-resolution, longitudinal recordings of feeding dynamics under defined conditions, we find that the frequency and duration of pumping bursts increase and the duration of long pauses diminishes in environments richer in bacteria. The bioamine serotonin is required for food-dependent induction of bursts as well as for maintaining their high rate of pumping through two distinct mechanisms. We identify the differential roles of distinct families of serotonin receptors in this process and propose that regulation of bursts is a conserved mechanism of behaviour and motor control.
Dysfunction of ventrolateral striatal dopamine receptor type 2-expressing medium spiny neurons impairs instrumental motivation
Authors: Tsutsui-Kimura Iku , Takiue Hiroyuki , Yoshida Keitaro , Xu Ming , Yano Ryutaro , Ohta Hiroyuki , Nishida Hiroshi , Bouchekioua Youcef , Okano Hideyuki , Uchigashima Motokazu , Watanabe Masahiko , Takata Norio , Drew Michael R. , Sano Hiromi , Mimura Masaru , Tanaka Kenji F.
Published: February 2017

Impaired motivation is present in a variety of neurological disorders, suggesting that decreased motivation is caused by broad dysfunction of the nervous system across a variety of circuits. Based on evidence that impaired motivation is a major symptom in the early stages of Huntington’s disease, when dopamine receptor type 2-expressing striatal medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) are particularly affected, we hypothesize that degeneration of these neurons would be a key node regulating motivational status. Using a progressive, time-controllable, diphtheria toxin-mediated cell ablation/dysfunction technique, we find that loss-of-function of D2-MSNs within ventrolateral striatum (VLS) is sufficient to reduce goal-directed behaviours without impairing reward preference or spontaneous behaviour. Moreover, optogenetic inhibition and ablation of VLS D2-MSNs causes, respectively, transient and chronic reductions of goal-directed behaviours. Our data demonstrate that the circuitry containing VLS D2-MSNs control motivated behaviours and that VLS D2-MSN loss-of-function is a possible cause of motivation deficits in neurodegenerative diseases.
Diffraction-free light droplets for axially-resolved volume imaging
Authors: Antonacci G. , Domenico G. Di , Silvestri S. , DelRe E. , Ruocco G.
Published: February 2017

An ideal direct imaging system entails a method to illuminate on command a single diffraction-limited region in a generally thick and turbid volume. The best approximation to this is the use of large-aperture lenses that focus light into a spot. This strategy fails for regions that are embedded deep into the sample, where diffraction and scattering prevail. Airy beams and Bessel beams are solutions of the Helmholtz Equation that are both non-diffracting and self-healing, features that make them naturally able to outdo the effects of distance into the volume but intrinsically do not allow resolution along the propagation axis. Here, we demonstrate diffraction-free self-healing three-dimensional monochromatic light spots able to penetrate deep into the volume of a sample, resist against deflection in turbid environments, and offer axial resolution comparable to that of Gaussian beams. The fields, formed from coherent mixtures of Bessel beams, manifest a more than ten-fold increase in their undistorted penetration, even in turbid milk solutions, compared to diffraction-limited beams. In a fluorescence imaging scheme, we find a ten-fold increase in image contrast compared to diffraction-limited illuminations, and a constant axial resolution even after four Rayleigh lengths. Results pave the way to new opportunities in three-dimensional microscopy.
Triplet p-wave pairing correlation in low-doped zigzag graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Ma Tianxing , Yang Fan , Huang Zhongbing , Lin Hai-Qing
Published: February 2017

We reveal an edge spin triplet p-wave superconducting pairing correlation in slightly doped zigzag graphene nanoribbons. By employing a method that combines random-phase approximation, the finite-temperature determinant quantum Monte Carlo approach, and the ground-state constrained-path quantum Monte Carlo method, it is shown that such a spin-triplet pairing is mediated by the ferromagnetic fluctuations caused by the flat band at the edge. The spin susceptibility and effective pairing interactions at the edge strongly increase as the on-site Coulomb interaction increases, indicating the importance of electron-electron correlations. It is also found that the doping-dependent ground-state p-wave pairing correlation bears some similarity to the famous superconducting dome in the phase diagram of a high-temperature superconductor, while the spin correlation at the edge is weakened as the system is doped away from half filling.
Eddy covariance and biometric measurements show that a savanna ecosystem in Southwest China is a carbon sink
Authors: Fei Xuehai , Jin Yanqiang , Zhang Yiping , Sha Liqing , Liu Yuntong , Song Qinghai , Zhou Wenjun , Liang Naishen , Yu Guirui , Zhang Leiming , Zhou Ruiwu , Li Jing , Zhang Shubin , Li Peiguang
Published: February 2017

Savanna ecosystems play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. However, there is a gap in our understanding of carbon fluxes in the savanna ecosystems of Southeast Asia. In this study, the eddy covariance technique (EC) and the biometric-based method (BM) were used to determine carbon exchange in a savanna ecosystem in Southwest China. The BM-based net ecosystem production (NEP) was 0.96 tC ha−1 yr−1. The EC-based estimates of the average annual gross primary productivity (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Reco), and net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) were 6.84, 5.54, and −1.30 tC ha−1 yr−1, respectively, from May 2013 to December 2015, indicating that this savanna ecosystem acted as an appreciable carbon sink. The ecosystem was more efficient during the wet season than the dry season, so that it represented a small carbon sink of 0.16 tC ha−1 yr−1 in the dry season and a considerable carbon sink of 1.14 tC ha−1 yr−1 in the wet season. However, it is noteworthy that the carbon sink capacity may decline in the future under rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Consequently, further studies should assess how environmental factors and climate change will influence carbon-water fluxes.
A magnetically recoverable photocatalyst prepared by supporting TiO2nanoparticles on a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocluster core@fibrous silica shell nanocomposite
Authors: Seo Bokyung , Lee Chaedong , Yoo Donggeon , Kofinas Peter , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: February 2017

A magnetically recoverable photocatalyst was prepared by supporting TiO2nanoparticles on a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocluster core@fibrous silica shell nanocomposite.
Correlation between serum S100β protein levels and cognitive dysfunction in patients with cerebral small vessel disease: a case–control study
Authors: Wang Fei , Zou Zhi-Rong , Yuan Dong , Gong Yi , Zhang Li , Chen Xun , Sun Tao , Yu Hua-Lin
Published: February 2017

The present study was designed to explore the correlation between serum S100β levels and cognitive dysfunction in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). A total of 172 SVD patients participated in the study, and they were assigned to patients with no cognitive impairment (NCI group) and those with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND group). In total, 105 people were recruited into the normal control group. Serum S100β protein level was detected by ELISA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed for the predictive value of serum S100β in diagnosing SVD with cognitive dysfunction. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the association of S100β level with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and the association of S100β levels with hypertension. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of SVD. The serum S100β levels in the VCIND group were higher than those in the NCI and normal control groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high serum S100β protein level, hypertension, and high low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level were the independent risk factors for SVD. In addition, hypertension patients showed higher S100β levels than those with normal blood pressure and the normal control group, and there was a positive correlation between S100β level and blood pressure. The concentration of serum S100β level was related to impairment of cognition function of VCIND patients, therefore, early detection of serum S100β was of great value for diagnosis of SVD.
Sensitivity of photoelectron diffraction to conformational changes of adsorbed molecules: Tetra-tert-butyl-azobenzene/Au(111)
Authors: Schuler A. , Greif M. , Seitsonen A. P. , Mette G. , Castiglioni L. , Osterwalder J. , Hengsberger M.
Published: February 2017

Electron diffraction is a standard tool to investigate the atomic structure of surfaces, interfaces, and adsorbate systems. In particular, photoelectron diffraction is a promising candidate for real-time studies of structural dynamics combining the ultimate time resolution of optical pulses and the high scattering cross-sections for electrons. In view of future time-resolved experiments from molecular layers, we studied the sensitivity of photoelectron diffraction to conformational changes of only a small fraction of molecules in a monolayer adsorbed on a metallic substrate. 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-azobenzene served as test case. This molecule can be switched between two isomers, trans and cis, by absorption of ultraviolet light. X-ray photoelectron diffraction patterns were recorded from tetra-tert-butyl-azobenzene/Au(111) in thermal equilibrium at room temperature and compared to patterns taken in the photostationary state obtained by exposing the surface to radiation from a high-intensity helium discharge lamp. Difference patterns were simulated by means of multiple-scattering calculations, which allowed us to determine the fraction of molecules that underwent isomerization.
Optimal timing of oral fosfomycin administration for pre-prostate biopsy prophylaxis
Authors: Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Gardiner Bradley J. , Neely Michael N. , Grayson M. Lindsay , Ellis Andrew G. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Frauman Albert G. , Maxwell Kelly M. , Zembower Teresa R. , Scheetz Marc H.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

As the optimal administration time for fosfomycin peri-procedural prophylaxis is unclear, we sought to determine optimal administration times for fosfomycin peri-procedural prophylaxis.

Methods

Plasma, peripheral zone and transition zone fosfomycin concentrations were obtained from 26 subjects undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), following a single oral dose of 3 g of fosfomycin. Population pharmacokinetic modelling was completed with the Nonparametric Adaptive Grid (NPAG) algorithm (Pmetrics package for R), with a four-compartment model. Plasma and tissue concentrations were simulated during the first 24 h post-dose, comparing these with EUCAST susceptibility breakpoints for Escherichia coli, a common uropathogen.

Results

Non-compartmental-determined pharmacokinetic values in our population were similar to those reported in the package insert. Predicted plasma concentrations rapidly increased after the first hour, giving more than 90% population coverage for organisms with an MIC ≤4 mg/L over the first 12 h post-dose. Organisms with higher MICs fared much worse, with organisms at the EUCAST breakpoint being covered for <10% of the population at any time. Transitional zone prostate concentrations exceeded 4 mg/L for 90% of the population between hours 1 and 9. Peripheral zone prostate concentrations were much lower and only exceeded 4 mg/L for 70% of the population between hours 1 and 4.

Conclusions

Until more precise plasma and tissue data are available, we recommend that fosfomycin prophylaxis be given 1–4 h prior to prostate biopsy. We do not recommend fosfomycin prophylaxis for subjects with known organisms with MICs >4 mg/L.
First-in-Human Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 gag Vaccine (HVTN 090)
Authors: Fuchs Jonathan D. , Frank Ian , Elizaga Marnie L. , Allen Mary , Frahm Nicole , Kochar Nidhi , Li Sue , Edupuganti Srilatha , Kalams Spyros A. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Sheets Rebecca , Pensiero Michael , Tremblay Marc A. , Higgins Terry J. , Latham Theresa , Egan Michael A. , Clarke David K. , Eldridge John H. ,   for the HVTN 090 Study Group and the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Mulligan Mark , Rouphael Nadine , Estep Scharla , Rybczyk Kyle , Dunbar Deb , Buchbinder Susan , Wagner Theresa , Isbell Reese , Chinnell Victoria , Bae Jin , Escamilla Gina , Tseng Jenny , Fair Ramey , Ramirez Shelly , Broder Gail , Briesemeister Liz , Ferrara Adi
Published: February 2017

Background.  We report the first-in-human safety and immunogenicity evaluation of a highly attenuated, replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 vaccine.

Methods.  Sixty healthy, HIV-1-uninfected adults were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study. Groups of 12 participants received rVSV HIV-1 gag vaccine at 5 dose levels (4.6 × 103 to 3.4 × 107 particle forming units) (N = 10/group) or placebo (N = 2/group), delivered intramuscularly as bilateral injections at 0 and 2 months. Safety monitoring included VSV cultures from blood, urine, saliva, and swabs of oral lesions. Vesicular stomatitis virus-neutralizing antibodies, T-cell immunogenicity, and HIV-1 specific binding antibodies were assessed.

Results.  Local and systemic reactogenicity symptoms were mild to moderate and increased with dose. No severe reactogenicity or product-related serious adverse events were reported, and all rVSV cultures were negative. All vaccine recipients became seropositive for VSV after 2 vaccinations. gag-specific T-cell responses were detected in 63% of participants by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot at the highest dose post boost.

Conclusions.  An attenuated replication-competent rVSV gag vaccine has an acceptable safety profile in healthy adults. This rVSV vector is a promising new vaccine platform for the development of vaccines to combat HIV-1 and other serious human diseases.