bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMAGERY AND GENDER IN CANADIAN ENGINEERING RECRUITMENT DOCUMENTS
Authors: D’Entremont Agnes , Greer Kerry , Lyon Katherine , Demmers Diana , Wamsteeker Kaitlyn
Published: April 2017

Gender imbalance is a persistent issueacross Canadian engineering programs. Efforts havebeen made to increase the enrolment of undergraduatewomen in engineering, but reaching gender parity inengineering has been an elusive goal. This researchexamines program recruitment images and videos from18 Canadian engineering university websites. Usingcontent analysis and thematic coding of videotranscriptions, we coded 440 unique images and 37recruitment videos. We find that women students areoverrepresented in images and in videos, at rates higherthan we expect given their proportion within programs.We compare the presentation of women and men acrossseveral dimensions and identify key differences inwomen’s representation in relevant settings, attire, andin the kinds of learning experiences they emphasize invideos. We conclude with suggestions for ways programscan present a more neutral portrayal of women inrecruitment materials.
ARGUMENTATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Authors: Garcia Adriano J. , Mazzotti Tarso B.
Published: April 2017

Many engineering courses are disproportionately focused on the rigorous reasoning inherent in math, while professional practice requires further skills and competencies. Improving the effectiveness of teaching-learning processes in engineering requires a change in the instructional approach, a switch from exposition to argumentation. Research about the application of argumentation in the instruction of mathematics, science and related disciplines indicates that the articulation of reasons and theories through argumentative interventions stimulates the development of the reasoning agility that is required to justify, explain, respond and eliminate contradictions. By connecting these results to engineering education weconclude that an educational process based in argumentation potentially provides the opportunity for students to build much needed professional competencies because it enables critical thinking, empowers decisionmaking among multiple possible solutions, and provides opportunities of presenting plausible justifications for chosen solutions.
Impacting the teaching culture: Role of the department and the software tools
Authors: Ha Minha R. , Amirfazli Alidad
Published: April 2017

Establishing a culture of teaching excellence among faculty with limited prior instructional training raises both practical and philosophical challenges. This paper argues that the departmental unit plays a critical role in setting the conditions necessary for faculty engagement, and that multiple strategies can be coordinated to target change in the teaching norms. The paper introduces the Integrated Course Design andDocumentation (ICDD) project at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University. The ICDD project demonstrates several of our approaches to effecting change in individual behaviour towards studentcentered pedagogy. They include: (1) making the solution easy for the faculty; (2) making the solution a stand-alone resource that the faculty themselves can develop over time; (3) speaking the language of the faculty (relevance, contextualization); and (4) providing the social, organizational, and practical support for faculty to make the transition. Overall, we argue that any effort to create and sustain change must be multi-faceted, and must include: enabling the instructors as the key agents of change; promoting collaboration among faculty; lowering practical barriers to change by developing technical, administrative, and educational resources that are fit to the local context.
THE USE OF A SERIES OF ONLINE MINI-LECTURES TO DELIVER FACTS IN FIRST YEAR PROGRAMMING
Authors: Hulls Carol , Rennick Chris
Published: April 2017

In the first year programming course given to ME and MTE students at uWaterloo, four hours of traditional classroom instruction have been replaced with a series of short online mini-lectures that deliver some of the basic facts necessary to be able to code programs. The students’ comprehension of this content is assessed online by quizzes and on the midterm exam. This approach was used in a course which was not otherwise delivered online. The goal was to front-load the course to make space for a design project later in the term. The online mini-lectures were designed to be “lecture-time neutral”. The accelerated start of term allowed threshold concepts to show up on assignments a week earlier than with the traditional approach, giving students an additional week of practice with these topics. This led to noticeable gains in understanding on the final exam. Survey data was collected, and focus groups were run, to capture student feedback on the approach; additionally, course grades were analyzed to assess impact on student knowledge of course material.
OBACIS: Outcome Based Analytics and Continuous Improvement System
Authors: Ismail Mohamed A.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, an integrated system for outcome-based assessment and continuous improvement is presented. The system is designed and implemented as a suite of three integrated Apps: An Excel-App for creating Auto Grading Sheets (AGSs); a Web-App for building assessmenttrees, updating server database(s), uploading associated documents, and conducting surveys; and a Win-App for program-wide and faculty-wide OBA data compilation, performance analysis, and data-informed continuousimprovement. The proposed system adopts a bottom-up approach for building assessment trees that define the structure and the smart logic embedded in AGSs. Some course assessment activities, possibly all, are mapped to graduate attributes, more precisely indicators, and course learning outcomes. The proposed system analyzes the collected datafrom three different views: 1) Categorical Analysis view (CAs), 2) Learning Outcomes Analysis view (LOAs), and 3) Graduate Attributes Analysis (GAAs) view. The paper presents some principles related to the proposed system, demonstrates its multiple user interfaces, and digs more intoOBA analytics and its proposed closed-loop continues improvement process. The objective of the proposed system and its underlying framework is to set new grounds for the accreditation process by making it more appealing, more economical, and more fruitful for all involved stakeholders.
TEAM MIDTERM IN AN INTRODUCTORY PROCESS DESIGN COURSE
Authors: Jamieson Marnie V. , Shaw John M.
Published: April 2017

The introductory design course combines team and individual formative and summative assessment techniques. Individual summative midterm and final examinations were used to assess individual performance.Students were given the opportunity to increase their individual midterm examination marks by rewriting the same examination as a team following the individual summative assessment. This formative exercise providedstudents with a comparison of the efficacy and quality of teamwork versus individual work, and provided immediate feedback and correction for many conceptual and mechanical errors on the summative midterm  examination. This paper reports on the strategy and set up of the midterm examination, the results obtained by individual students and student teams, and learning outcomes (including anecdotal comments from students regarding the experience and reduced time spent reviewing examinations with students) based on two iterations of the course.
SUPPORTED LEARNING GROUPS (SLGS) IN A FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY COURSE
Authors: Jobidon Erin , Owen William , Robinson Mary , Prier Andrea
Published: April 2017

The Engineering Undergraduate Office at the University of Waterloo first started using Supplemental Instruction (SI) in a common first-year chemistry course, ChE102, in September 2013 and continued in September2014 and 2015. This paper shares the mechanics of how SI was implemented for 11 cohorts totaling approximately 3900 students over the past 3 fall terms. Findings suggest that students who attend SI after midterms have higher final grades in their CHE 102 course as well as a higher overall term average. As well, the academic standing of students (based on their midterm grades) can help to accurately predict which students will attend SI sessions.Similarly, attending SI after midterms can also help a certain type of student improve their marks in ChE 102 and also their term average.
Narrative as a Pedagogical Approach to Teaching Leadership and Engineering
Authors: Kinnear Penny , Simpson Annie
Published: April 2017

Making the link between theory and practice remains one of the most challenging tasks in engineering education. Leadership, as one of the desired educational outcomes, presents the same challenge: how to move from theory to practice or how to leverage theory and practice to develop leadership skills and attitudes.Simply learning about leadership does not guarantee a student can act as a leader effectively in a variety of situations. “The Power of Story: Discovering Your Leadership Narrative” uses narrative to link theory and practice. Narrative provides opportunities for students to learn about relational and authentic leadership as they examine, reflect on personal experiences and learn about themselves as leaders. Narrative is used both as a source of information about leadership and leadership practices,and as a tool for reflecting on and making meaning from experience, [2], and finally, as a means of sharing those meanings with others.This paper examines the design and development of a course grounded in narrative as both process and product of learning. Pedagogical decision made in the design of the course will be discussed. These include  decisions made to foster the trust and commitment to the class necessary to establish a safe space for personal exploration, the tension between the need to evaluate student subject knowledge and evaluating personal growth, the challenge moving students from learning as product to learning as process and product.
Understanding Barriers to Student Success: What Students Have to Say
Authors: Kuley Elizabeth , Maw Sean , Fonstad Terry
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on feedback received from a set of qualitative questions that were administered to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, as part of a larger mixed methods study. The larger study aims to identify what characteristics, if any, can predict or are related to student success; The “start-stop-continue” method was utilized to assess student perceptions about  their success in the college as a whole. The students were asked: Are there any specific things that you can think of that act/acted as barriers to your success in engineering (stop)? What could the college do/change to make first year more successful for engineering students (start)? Is there anything in your engineering degree so far that you feel is done well and helps students succeed (continue)? Students identified the quality of instruction early in their program as well as adjustment to college workloads and self-directed learning as the most significant barriers tostudent success.
Designing Rubrics to Assess Engineering Design, Professional Practice, and Communication Over Three Years of Study
Authors: Lanziner Natasha , Strong David
Published: April 2017

When using rubric-based assessment of students’ understanding of design process in project based courses, it is important to provide specific feedback for major design process elements while avoiding overly prescriptive descriptors [8]. This paper details the development process of a sequence of rubrics used for assessment in successive second, third and fourth year project-based courses. A major consideration in the rubric development process was to ensure the alignment of assessment with course learning outcomes that can be easily mapped to the CEAB graduate attribute accreditation requirements. In the second year course, the rubrics are used to provide students with directed feedback as they learn the basics of engineering design process. The third and fourth year rubrics progress from the second year analytic rubrics by employing elements of holistic assessment. The purpose of evolving these rubrics year over year is to find a balance between the students’ learning and development in design process whilst accommodating variation in projects. This ultimatelyprovides students with greater flexibility and encourages responsibility as they progress through their program.
UPDATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANALYTIC RUBRICS FOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT (DARCA)
Authors: Lesmond Gayle , Dawe Nikita , McCahan Susan , Romkey Lisa
Published: April 2017

The shift towards outcomes-based assessment in higher education has necessitated the exploration and development of valid measurement tools. Given this trend, the current project seeks to develop a set of generic analytic rubrics for the purpose of assessing learning outcomes in the core competency areas of design, communication, teamwork, problem analysis and investigation. This paper will provide an update on the original paper presented at CEEA 2015, in which the approach to rubric development for communication, design and teamwork was discussed. The current paper will detail the process of testing the communication, design and teamwork rubrics. In particular, it will report on the progress achieved in shadow testing, where teaching assistants and/or course instructors with grading experience (“assessors”) are asked to evaluate samples of student work using selected rows from the rubrics. The results of shadow testing will be presented.
Speed Marking: Can intuitive skill replace conscious analysis?
Authors: Lynch Denard
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses the results of an experiment to determine the efficacy and accuracy of evaluating report-based assignments using intuitive cues versus conscious analysis.The experiment involves the evaluation of typewritten reports an average of four pages in length. A conscious analysis requiring twelve to fifteen minutes was performed on each report. The reports were also evaluated using an intuitive technique averaging three to four minutes each. After normalizing, the grades were compared. The data show a moderate correlation (r = .47) between the intuitive and analytical assessments.The paper concludes that the while the efficiency is attractive, the accuracy is inadequate for practical application.Future work could include an investigation to determine ways to “train” intuition by utilizing identifiable cues
Lessons Learned from Teaching a Pilot Multidisciplinary Entrepreneurial 4th Year Capstone Design Course
Authors: Maw Sean
Published: April 2017

During the 2015/16 academic year, a pilot course at the University of Saskatchewan was offered to senior engineering students. The pilot course was meant to offer an entrepreneurial version of the standard 4th year capstone design course. It also created an opportunity for students to work with students from engineering disciplines other than their own. Two design groups, each consisting of four students, were formed. This paper describes the structure of the course, how the entrepreneurial content and multidisciplinary aspects were handled, and a variety of lessons that were learned that may be of value to other institutions considering similar ventures.The College’s capstone design courses had the weightings of two regular 3-credit courses, running from the start of the Fall term to the end of the Winter term. The most fundamental differences between this course and the standard 4th year capstone course were i) the students identified their own design problem, and ii) they formed multidisciplinary teams to solve their problem. Both of these differences created significant challenges in terms of organizing and running the course. Students from Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Engineering Physics were full participants in the course. Students from Mechanical Engineering were given the opportunity to participate on a one course credit basis i.e. they still had to take the standard 4th year design course in addition to the entrepreneurial version.Many lessons have been learned from the experience of developing and teaching this course. Issues that will be discussed in the paper include, but will not be limited to: integrating the different learning outcome needs of the different departments involved, managing the uncertainty of the design problems undertaken, integrating entrepreneurship into the design course, talking about design to students from different disciplines, managing “sub-contractor” students in capstone projects, evaluation, scheduling of classes, multidisciplinary supervision, client interaction and evaluation of student work, peer assessment, and student group dynamics.
Assessing Semester-Long Student Team Design Reports in Large Classes to Provide Individual Student Grades
Authors: Salustri Filippo A. , Neumann Patrick W.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a method and tool to achieve a trade-off between workload on assessors of semester-long team-based design projects in large classes, with the need for fair and comprehensive assessmentsof each student individually. Students “book time” throughout the semester, recording their level of input into each project element. They each provide totals for time spent on each element of their final reports. The instructor assesses each design report as if one person wrote it. These data are combined into a single rubric/ spreadsheet. The rubric scales report assessments to accommodate differences in team size, and generates a unique grade for each student in a team. Examples are given in the paper, as are details from the implementation of the method in a Fall 2015 introductory design course. There is anecdotal evidence that the method works, but there is always room for improvement. Several ideas for future modifications to method are discussed. All spreadsheets, documentation, and examples are freely available via the Web. Links are provided.
Introductory Fluid Mechanics taught using a carburetor
Authors: Trivett Andrew , Milne Andrew , Devaud Cecile , Gallant Tyler
Published: April 2017

The typical fluid mechanics introduction in mechanical engineering covers basic fluid statics, forces on submerged bodies, control volumes, continuity, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, Reynolds' transport theorem, internal and external flows. Students often struggle with the basic concepts and how they might apply to a real system.In the winter of 2015, a new set of open-ended labs were created for  mechanical engineering students. Teams of 3 or 4 students in a third-year class of 110 were each given a small engine, and removed the carburetors. The series of labs had them discover some of the principles within the  small carburetor from a single-cylinder 4-stroke gasoline engine. Students were asked to explore and explain how the carburetor worked, and then progressed through a set of hands-on labs culminating with a design modification and performance measurement of a real carburetor. At each stage, the students applied principles of fluid statics, control volumes,  internal flow losses, and external flow drag to the physical device.The paper will describe the specific activities, and track the evolution of refinements to the experience through three implementations of the same course by three different instructors. Student feedback and measured evidence of learning will be reported to help justify the evolution of the  activity. The scalability of the activity will be discussed.
DESIGN OF MASTERY-BASED TUTORIAL IN THE BRIGHTSPACE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR A FIRST YEAR THERMODYNAMICS COURSE
Authors: Valencerina Joyce , Ruth Douglas , Seniuk Cicek Jillian
Published: April 2017

University level studies can be a daunting experience for students in their first year, especially for students pursuing engineering. Not only are students expected to adapt to a new and intense learning environment, they need to develop a critical thinking approach for their coursework, which is essential in solving engineering problems. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba uses the Brightspace Learning Environment by D2L Corporation (UM Learn) as a primary means for delivering course content, communicating with students, and assessing student performance. Of interest are the assessment tools, which can be adapted to enforce good problem solving habits and check students’ learning progress. This paper discusses the design of a mastery-based tutorial for a first year thermodynamics course that provides supplementary formative assessments to ensure students have mastered course content. A survey was distributed to evaluate the online tutorial in which students expressed mixed responses to its usefulness, although many agreed that it supported learning.
Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E and Allergic Rhinitis Severity
Authors: Corsico Angelo G. , De Amici Mara , Ronzoni Vanessa , Giunta Vania , Mennitti Maria Chiara , Viscardi Arianna , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: April 2017

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder. The diagnosis is based on the concordance between allergy sensitization and history. Serum allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) assessment allows characterization of the relevant sensitizing allergens. Presently, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification subdivides AR based on symptoms severity and duration. However, the relationship between sIgE levels and symptom severity is still a matter of debate.

Objective

Therefore, this study aimed at relating sIgE levels with symptom severity assessed by ARIA classification in a group of patients with AR.

Methods

We enrolled 217 patients with AR (123 women; median age, 39.5 years). The sIgE levels (expressed in kUA/L) to house-dust mite were detected by the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay in peripheral blood samples. The IgE calibrators were traceable to the second international reference preparation 75/502 of human serum IgE from the World Health Organization. Symptom severity was assessed by ARIA classification.

Results

We found a significant difference in sIgE levels in patients with mild intermittent versus mild persistent symptoms (p < 0.05), mild intermittent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.001), moderate-to-severe intermittent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.01), and mild persistent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Analysis of these findings indicated that the sIgE level to house-dust mite might be a reliable biomarker for symptom severity in patients with AR. This outcome might be clinically relevant, particularly in candidates for immunotherapy.
Relationship between Signal Intensity Change of the Spinal Cord on MRI and Motor Myelopathic Severity in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Zahan Kanij Fatema Ishrat , Hossain M Afzal , Barua Kanak Kanti , Hossain ATM Mosharef , Khair Abul , Hoque M Mozammel
Published: April 2017

Background: Diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be challenging due to subtle symptoms and insidious onset; however, there is a relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Objective: The purpose of this present study was to find out the relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and motor myelopathic severity in patients with CSM.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from October, 2011 to March, 2013 for a period of one and half year. All patients presented with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were included in this study. MRI of cervical spine was performed to all patients.Results: A total number of 36 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were included in this study. Among the 36 study patients, all had normal intensity in the spinal cord on sagittal T1WI of MRI; however, there was variable intensity on sagittal T2WI of MRI. Low Nurick score was found in 24(66.6%) patients who had type 0 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. High Nurick score was found in 3(8.3%) patients who had type 0 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. Low Nurick score was found in 2(5.5%) patients who had type 1 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. High Nurick score was found in 6(16.6%) patients who had type 1 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI. Only 1 patient (2.7%) having high Nurick score (3-5) had type-2 signal intensity on (T2WI) MRI (p<0.001).Conclusion: There is a direct relationship between signal intensity change of the spinal cord on MRI and motor myelopathic severity in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2015;1(2): 37-40
A Giant Soft Tissue Fibrosarcoma of Posterior Head and Neck: A Case Report
Authors: Arman DM , Ekramullah SM , Mukherjee SK
Published: April 2017

Sarcomas are malignant neoplasms originating from mesodermal tissues that constitute connective tissues of the body. This seven years old girl was born after an uncomplicated full term pregnancy. Her physical status at birth was unremarkable. Her younger sister is healthy. At age of one and a half year she developed swelling over posterior head and neck region that was gradually increasing. The rate of growth was more rapid from October 2014. She was admitted in National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS). Local examination showed a giant swelling 22X17X21 cm in size over posterior head and neck region, fixed to the sub-occipital bone, firm in consistency. Her general and neurological examination revealed no abnormalities.The authors present a case of a giant soft tissue fibrosarcoma of posterior head and neck of a seven years old girl. The case has been discussed.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh 2015;1(2): 65-68
Meningioma mimicking Haemangiopericytoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Alamgir Md. Abdullah , Abadin Md. Jainul
Published: April 2017

A wide spectrum of dural lesions occurs which is mimicking meningioma. The meningeal haemangiopericytoma is a rare tumor of meninges that is difficult to distinguish from meningioma; however both are treated similarly with surgical resection with or without radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Macroscopically many haemangiopericytoma resemble to meningioma but are distinct histologically. These tumors show more aggressive natural history. Vascular nature of tumor suggests a different therapeutic approach thus fore warning a surgeon to a potentially more challenging resection.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh 2015;1(2): 69-71
Cover Crop-Based, Organic Rotational No-Till Corn and Soybean Production Systems in the Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Wallace John , Williams Alwyn , Liebert Jeffrey , Ackroyd Victoria , Vann Rachel , Curran William , Keene Clair , VanGessel Mark , Ryan Matthew , Mirsky Steven
Published: April 2017

Cover crop-based, organic rotational no-till (CCORNT) corn and soybean production is becoming a viable strategy for reducing tillage in organic annual grain systems in the mid-Atlantic, United States. This strategy relies on mechanical termination of cover crops with a roller-crimper and no-till planting corn and soybean into cover crop mulches. Here, we report on recent research that focuses on integrated approaches for crop, nutrient and pest management in CCORNT systems that consider system and regional constraints for adoption in the mid-Atlantic. Our research suggests that no-till planting soybean into roller-crimped cereal rye can produce consistent yields. However, constraints to fertility management have produced less consistent no-till corn yields. Our research shows that grass-legume mixtures can improve N-release synchrony with corn demand and also improve weed suppression. Integration of high-residue inter-row cultivation improves weed control consistency and may reduce reliance on optimizing cover crop biomass accumulation for weed suppression. System-specific strategies are needed to address volunteer cover crops in later rotational phases, which result from incomplete cover crop termination with the roller crimper. The paucity of adequate machinery for optimizing establishment of cash crops into thick residue mulch remains a major constraint on CCORNT adoption. Similarly, breeding efforts are needed to improve cover crop germplasm and develop regionally-adapted varieties.
Comparative Study of Online Open Circuit Voltage Estimation Techniques for State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chaoui Hicham , Mandalapu Sravanthi
Published: April 2017

Online estimation techniques are extensively used to determine the parameters of various uncertain dynamic systems. In this paper, online estimation of the open-circuit voltage (OCV) of lithium-ion batteries is proposed by two different adaptive filtering methods (i.e., recursive least square, RLS, and least mean square, LMS), along with an adaptive observer. The proposed techniques use the battery’s terminal voltage and current to estimate the OCV, which is correlated to the state of charge (SOC). Experimental results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methods in online estimation at different charge/discharge conditions and temperatures. The comparative study illustrates the advantages and limitations of each online estimation method.
High-Fidelity Battery Model for Model Predictive Control Implemented into a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Sockeel Nicolas , Shahverdi Masood , Mazzola Michael , Meadows William
Published: April 2017

Power management strategies have impacts on fuel economy, greenhouse gasses (GHG) emission, as well as effects on the durability of power-train components. This is why different off-line and real-time optimal control approaches are being developed. However, real-time control seems to be more attractive than off-line control because it can be directly implemented for managing power and energy flows inside an actual vehicle. One interesting illustration of these power management strategies is the model predictive control (MPC) based algorithm. Inside a MPC, a cost function is optimized while system constraints are validated in real time. The MPC algorithm relies on dynamic models of the vehicle and the battery. The complexity and accuracy of the battery model are usually neglected to benefit the development of new cost functions or better MPC algorithms. The contribution of this manuscript consists of developing and evaluating a high-fidelity battery model of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that has been used for MPC. Via empirical work and simulation, the impact of a high-fidelity battery model has been evaluated and compared to a simpler model in the context of MPC. It is proven that the new battery model reduces the absolute voltage, state of charge (SoC), and battery power loss error by a factor of 3.2, 1.9 and 2.1 on average respectively, compared to the simpler battery model.
The Role of HIV Infection in Neurologic Injury
Authors: Scutari Rossana , Alteri Claudia , Perno Carlo , Svicher Valentina , Aquaro Stefano
Published: April 2017

The central nervous system (CNS) is a very challenging HIV-1 sanctuary, in which HIV-1 replication is established early on during acute infection and can persist despite potent antiretroviral treatments. HIV-1 infected macrophages play a pivotal role acting as vehicles for HIV-1 to spread into the brain, and can be the major contributor of an early compartmentalization. HIV-1 infection in CNS may lead to a broad spectrum of neurological syndromes, such as dementia, mild neurocognitive disorders, and asymptomatic impairment. These clinical manifestations are caused by the release of neurotoxins from infected cells (mainly macrophages), and also by several HIV-1 proteins, able to activate cell-signaling involved in the control of cellular survival and apoptosis. This review is aimed at highlighting the virological aspects associated with the onset of neurocognitive disorders and at addressing the novel therapeutic approaches to stop HIV-1 replication in this critical sanctuary.
Consistent Estimation of Partition Markov Models
Authors: García Jesús , González-López Verónica
Published: April 2017

The Partition Markov Model characterizes the process by a partition L of the state space, where the elements in each part of L share the same transition probability to an arbitrary element in the alphabet. This model aims to answer the following questions: what is the minimal number of parameters needed to specify a Markov chain and how to estimate these parameters. In order to answer these questions, we build a consistent strategy for model selection which consist of: giving a size n realization of the process, finding a model within the Partition Markov class, with a minimal number of parts to represent the process law. From the strategy, we derive a measure that establishes a metric in the state space. In addition, we show that if the law of the process is Markovian, then, eventually, when n goes to infinity, L will be retrieved. We show an application to model internet navigation patterns.
Heat Transfer and Flow of Nanofluids in a Y-Type Intersection Channel with Multiple Pulsations: A Numerical Study
Authors: Wu Wei-Tao , Massoudi Mehrdad , Yan Hongbin
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we study pulsed flow and heat transfer in water-Al2O3 nanofluids in a Y-type intersection channel with two inlets and one outlet. At the two inlets, two sinusoidal velocities with a phase difference of π are applied. We assume that the shear viscosity and the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids depend on the nanoparticles concentration. The motion of the nanoparticles is modeled by a convention-diffusion equation, where the effects of the Brownian motion, thermophoretic diffusion, etc., are included. The effects of pulse frequency, pulse amplitude and nanoparticles concentration on the heat transfer are explored numerically at various Reynolds numbers. The results show that the application of the pulsed flow improves the heat transfer efficiency (Nusselt number) for most of the cases studied. Amongst the four factors considered, the effect of the frequency seems to be the most important.
SCF/C-Kit/JNK/AP-1 Signaling Pathway Promotes Claudin-3 Expression in Colonic Epithelium and Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yaxi , Sun Tingyi , Sun Haimei , Yang Shu , Li Dandan , Zhou Deshan
Published: April 2017

Claudin-3 is a major protein of tight junctions (TJs) in the intestinal epithelium and is critical for maintaining cell-cell adhesion, barrier function, and epithelium polarity. Recent studies have shown high claudin-3 levels in several solid tumors, but the regulation mechanism of claudin-3 expression remains poorly understood. In the present study, colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, HT-29 and DLD-1 CRC cell lines, CRC murine model (C57BL/6 mice) and c-kit loss-of-function mutant mice were used. We demonstrated that elevated claudin-3 levels were positively correlated with highly expressed c-kit in CRC tissues based upon analysis of protein expression. In vitro, claudin-3 expression was clearly increased in CRC cells by overexpressed c-kit or stimulated by exogenous recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF), while significantly decreased by the treatment with c-kit or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay showed that SCF/c-kit signaling significantly promoted activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding with CLDN-3 promoter and enhanced its transcription activity. Furthermore, decreased expression of claudin-3 was obtained in the colonic epithelium from the c-Kit loss-of-function mutant mice. In conclusion, SCF/c-kit-JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway significantly promoted claudin-3 expression in colonic epithelium and CRC, which could contribute to epithelial barrier function maintenance and to CRC development.
Molecular Drivers of Pancreatic Cancer Pathogenesis: Looking Inward to Move Forward
Authors: Khan Mohammad , Azim Shafquat , Zubair Haseeb , Bhardwaj Arun , Patel Girijesh , Khushman Moh’d , Singh Seema , Singh Ajay
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic cancer (PC) continues to rank among the most lethal cancers. The consistent increase in incidence and mortality has made it the seventh leading cause of cancer-associated deaths globally and the third in the United States. The biggest challenge in combating PC is our insufficient understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying its complex biology. Studies during the last several years have helped identify several putative factors and events, both genetic and epigenetic, as well as some deregulated signaling pathways, with implications in PC onset and progression. In this review article, we make an effort to summarize our current understanding of molecular and cellular events involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatic malignancy. Specifically, we provide up-to-date information on the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during the initiation and progression of PC and their functional involvement in the pathogenic processes. We also discuss the impact of the tumor microenvironment on the molecular landscape of PC and its role in aggressive disease progression. It is envisioned that a better understanding of these molecular factors and the mechanisms of their actions can help unravel novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and can also be exploited for future targeted therapies.
Self-Referential Encoding on Modules of Anticodon Pairs—Roots of the Biological Flow System
Authors: Cardoso Guimarães Romeu
Published: April 2017

The proposal that the genetic code was formed on the basis of (proto)tRNA Dimer-Directed Protein Synthesis is reviewed and updated. The tRNAs paired through the anticodon loops are an indication on the process. Dimers are considered mimics of the ribosomes—structures that hold tRNAs together and facilitate the transferase reaction, and of the translation process—anticodons are at the same time codons for each other. The primitive protein synthesis system gets stabilized when the product peptides are stable and apt to bind the producers therewith establishing a self-stimulating production cycle. The chronology of amino acid encoding starts with Glycine and Serine, indicating the metabolic support of the Glycine-Serine C1-assimilation pathway, which is also consistent with evidence on origins of bioenergetics mechanisms. Since it is not possible to reach for substrates simpler than C1 and compounds in the identified pathway are apt for generating the other central metabolic routes, it is considered that protein synthesis is the beginning and center of a succession of sink-effective mechanisms that drive the formation and evolution of the metabolic flow system. Plasticity and diversification of proteins construct the cellular system following the orientation given by the flow and implementing it. Nucleic acid monomers participate in bioenergetics and the polymers are conservative memory systems for the synthesis of proteins. Protoplasmic fission is the final sink-effective mechanism, part of cell reproduction, guaranteeing that proteins don’t accumulate to saturation, which would trigger inhibition.
ABC Transport Proteins in Cardiovascular Disease—A Brief Summary
Authors: Schumacher Toni , Benndorf Ralf A.
Published: April 2017

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases due to their involvement in cholesterol homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, endothelial function, vascular inflammation, as well as platelet production and aggregation. In this regard, ABC transporters, such as ABCA1, ABCG5 and ABCG8, were initially found to be responsible for genetically-inherited syndromes like Tangier diseases and sitosterolemia. These findings led to the understanding of those transporter’s function in cellular cholesterol efflux and thereby also linked them to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Subsequently, further ABC transporters, i.e., ABCG1, ABCG4, ABCB6, ABCC1, ABCC6 or ABCC9, have been shown to directly or indirectly affect cellular cholesterol efflux, the inflammatory response in macrophages, megakaryocyte proliferation and thrombus formation, as well as vascular function and blood pressure, and may thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD and its complications. Furthermore, ABC transporters, such as ABCB1, ABCC2 or ABCG2, may affect the safety and efficacy of several drug classes currently in use for CVD treatment. This review will give a brief overview of ABC transporters involved in the process of atherogenesis and CVD pathology. It also aims to briefly summarize the role of ABC transporters in the pharmacokinetics and disposition of drugs frequently used to treat CVD and CVD-related complications.
Breakthrough to Non-Vacuum Deposition of Single-Crystal, Ultra-Thin, Homogeneous Nanoparticle Layers: A Better Alternative to Chemical Bath Deposition and Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Liao Yu-Kuang , Liu Yung-Tsung , Hsieh Dan-Hua , Shen Tien-Lin , Hsieh Ming-Yang , Tzou An-Jye , Chen Shih-Chen , Tsai Yu-Lin , Lin Wei-Sheng , Chan Sheng-Wen , Shen Yen-Ping , Cheng Shun-Jen , Chen Chyong-Hua , Wu Kaung-Hsiung , Chen Hao-Ming , Kuo Shou-Yi , Charlton Martin , Hsieh Tung-Po , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: April 2017

Most thin-film techniques require a multiple vacuum process, and cannot produce high-coverage continuous thin films with the thickness of a few nanometers on rough surfaces. We present a new ”paradigm shift” non-vacuum process to deposit high-quality, ultra-thin, single-crystal layers of coalesced sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable thickness down to a few nanometers, based on thermal decomposition. This provides high-coverage, homogeneous thickness, and large-area deposition over a rough surface, with little material loss or liquid chemical waste, and deposition rates of 10 nm/min. This technique can potentially replace conventional thin-film deposition methods, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical bath deposition (CBD) as used by the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cell industry for decades. We demonstrate 32% improvement of CIGS thin-film solar cell efficiency in comparison to reference devices prepared by conventional CBD deposition method by depositing the ZnS NPs buffer layer using the new process. The new ZnS NPs layer allows reduction of an intrinsic ZnO layer, which can lead to severe shunt leakage in case of a CBD buffer layer. This leads to a 65% relative efficiency increase.
Transitioning from a Conventional to a ‘Mega’ Journal: A Bibliometric Case Study of the Journal Medicine
Authors: Wakeling Simon , Willett Peter , Creaser Claire , Fry Jenny , Pinfield Stephen , Spezi Valerie
Published: April 2017

Open-Access Mega-Journals (OAMJs) are a relatively new and increasingly important publishing phenomenon. The journal Medicine is in the unique position of having transitioned in 2014 from being a ‘traditional’ highly-selective journal to the OAMJ model. This study compares the bibliometric profile of the journal Medicine before and after its transition to the OAMJ model. Three standard modes of bibliometric analysis are employed, based on data from Web of Science: journal output volume, author characteristics, and citation analysis. The journal’s article output is seen to have grown hugely since its conversion to an OAMJ, a rise driven in large part by authors from China. Articles published since 2015 have fewer citations, and are cited by lower impact journals than articles published before the OAMJ transition. The adoption of the OAMJ model has completely changed the bibliometric profile of the journal, raising questions about the impact of OAMJ peer-review practices. In many respects, the post-2014 version of Medicine is best viewed as a new journal rather than a continuation of the original title.
High and Medium Resolution Satellite Imagery to Evaluate Late Holocene Human–Environment Interactions in Arid Lands: A Case Study from the Central Sahara
Authors: Biagetti Stefano , Merlo Stefania , Adam Elhadi , Lobo Augustin , Conesa Francesc C. , Knight Jasper , Bekrani Hayette , Crema Enrico R. , Alcaina-Mateos Jonas , Madella Marco
Published: April 2017

We present preliminary results of an Earth observation approach for the study of past human occupation and landscape reconstruction in the Central Sahara. This region includes a variety of geomorphological features such as palaeo-oases, dried river beds, alluvial fans and upland plateaux whose geomorphological characteristics, in combination with climate changes, have influenced patterns of human dispersal and sociocultural activities during the late Holocene. In this paper, we discuss the use of medium- and high-resolution remotely sensed data for the mapping of anthropogenic features and paleo- and contemporary hydrology and vegetation. In the absence of field inspection in this inaccessible region, we use different remote sensing methods to first identify and classify archaeological features, and then explore the geomorphological factors that might have influenced their spatial distribution.
Refractive Index Sensor Based on Fano Resonances in Metal-Insulator-Metal Waveguides Coupled with Resonators
Authors: Tang Yue , Zhang Zhidong , Wang Ruibing , Hai Zhenyin , Xue Chenyang , Zhang Wendong , Yan Shubin
Published: April 2017

A surface plasmon polariton refractive index sensor based on Fano resonances in metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguides coupled with rectangular and ring resonators is proposed and numerically investigated using a finite element method. Fano resonances are observed in the transmission spectra, which result from the coupling between the narrow-band spectral response in the ring resonator and the broadband spectral response in the rectangular resonator. Results are analyzed using coupled-mode theory based on transmission line theory. The coupled mode theory is employed to explain the Fano resonance effect, and the analytical result is in good agreement with the simulation result. The results show that with an increase in the refractive index of the fill dielectric material in the slot of the system, the Fano resonance peak exhibits a remarkable red shift, and the highest value of sensitivity (S) is 1125 nm/RIU, RIU means refractive index unit. Furthermore, the coupled MIM waveguide structure can be integrated with other photonic devices at the chip scale. The results can provide a guide for future applications of this structure.
Nouvelles données pour Triplax collaris(Schaller) et T. aeneaen Rhône-Alpes (France) (Coleoptera, Erotylidae)
Authors: Dodelin Benoît , Saurat Rémy
Published: April 2017

Triplax collaris et T. aenea sont deux Erotylidae rares en France. Deux nouvelles stations pour ces espèces ont été récemment confirmées en région Rhône-Alpes à l'occasion d'inventaires réalisés pour des sites protégés respectivement en Isère, sur le bord du fleuve Rhône et en Savoie en hêtraie-sapinière.
Combinaisons nouvelles concernant 3 colchiques du sud-ouest méditerranéen
Authors: Fridlender Alain
Published: April 2017

La découverte de différentes populations de l'endémique méconnu C. aetnense sur les flancs de l'Etna, l'étude des C. longifolium var. micranthum du Haut Atlas ainsi que celle du C. autumnale var. gibraltaricum d'Andalousie nous conduisent à revoir la position taxonomique de ces trois colchiques. Ils ont respectivement été rapprochés de C. alpinum, C. neapolitanum et C. lusitanum. On considère ici que les plantes du Maroc et de Sicile sont des sous-espèces du C. multiflorum tandis que l'endémique de Gibraltar serait une sous-espèce du C. fharii.